bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Tobacco Use by Cancer Patients and Facilitating Cessation: An American Association for Cancer Research Policy Statement
Authors: Toll Benjamin A. , Brandon Thomas H. , Gritz Ellen R. , Warren Graham W. , Herbst Roy S.
Published: April 2013

When diagnosed with cancer, patients can immediately make a meaningful positive impact on their health by stopping their tobacco use. Scientific evidence clearly shows that tobacco use in patients with cancer leads to poorer outcomes. The specific biological processes driving tobacco consumption's interference in cancer therapy are the subject of continuing research, but the evidence is clear that tobacco use in patients with cancer leads to decreased treatment efficacy and safety, decreased survival, decreased quality of life, increased treatment-related toxicity, and increased risk of cancer recurrence and second primary tumors. Data suggest that tobacco cessation can improve outcomes and survival in patients with cancer, yet full execution of evidence-based cessation interventions is infrequent in oncology settings. Therefore, both improved provision of cessation assistance to all patients with cancer who use tobacco or have recently quit and further study of the deleterious effects of tobacco use and benefits of tobacco cessation on cancer progression and treatment are needed and recommended by the American Association for Cancer Research. Progress on both fronts begins with universal assessment and documentation of tobacco use as a standard of quality cancer care regardless of treatment setting and will be further facilitated through the development of reliable, valid, and standard measures of tobacco use, incorporation of evidence-based procedures into quality and accreditation procedures, and the development of appropriate training, clinical infrastructure, and incentives for delivery of tobacco cessation interventions. Clin Cancer Res; 19(8); 1941–8. ©2013 AACR.
Rapid On-Site Evaluation Improves Needle Aspiration Sensitivity in the Diagnosis of Central Lung Cancers: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Mondoni Michele , Carlucci Paolo , Di Marco Fabiano , Rossi Stefania , Santus Pierachille , D'Adda Alice , Sferrazza Papa Giuseppe Francesco , Bulfamante Gaetano , Centanni Stefano
Published: April 2013

Background: Few prospective studies have evaluated the role of endobronchial needle aspiration in diagnosing central airways neoplasms. Rapid on-site evaluation has long been used in transbronchial needle aspiration of adenopathies and peripheral lesions, but its role in sampling central malignancies has not been substantiated yet. Objectives: In this study we evaluated if endobronchial needle aspiration may increase the sensitivity of bronchoscopy for diagnosing central airways neoplasms when added to conventional diagnostic methods (forceps biopsy, brushing and bronchial washing), and if rapid on-site evaluation may be beneficial in patients undergoing endobronchial needle aspiration. Methods: 125 patients (77% males, aged 70 ± 7 years; mean ± SD) with central lung cancers were randomized to undergo bronchoscopy including conventional diagnostic methods and needle aspiration, with or without rapid on-site evaluation, stratifying the patients on the basis of the neoplasm growth pattern (exophytic and submucosal/peribronchial disease). Results: Needle aspiration significantly increased the sensitivity of bronchoscopy when added to conventional methods (from 76 to 91%; p < 0.001), primarily resulting from differences in submucosal/peribronchial diseases (68 vs. 90%; p < 0.001) and independently from the presence of rapid on-site evaluation; needle aspiration guided by rapid on-site evaluation guaranteed a higher improvement in bronchoscopy sensitivity than conventional needle aspiration (98 vs. 84%, respectively; p = 0.004). Needle aspiration guided by rapid on-site evaluation showed a significantly higher sensitivity than the conventional method (97 vs. 76%, respectively; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Needle aspiration increases the sensitivity of bronchoscopy in diagnosing central airways malignancies when added to conventional diagnostic methods, with a further significant improvement when guided by rapid on-site evaluation.
Results From a Single-Blind, Randomized Study Comparing the Impact of Different Ablation Approaches on Long-Term Procedure Outcome in Coexistent Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter (APPROVAL)
Authors: Mohanty Sanghamitra , Mohanty Prasant , Di Biase Luigi , Bai Rong , Santangeli Pasquale , Casella Michela , Russo Antonio Dello , Tondo Claudio , Themistoclakis Sakis , Raviele Antonio , Rossillo Antonio , Corrado Andrea , Pelargonio Gemma , Forleo Giovanni , Natale Andrea
Published: April 2013

Background—

This study examined the impact of different ablation strategies on atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence and quality of life in coexistent AF and atrial flutter (AFL).

Methods and Results—

Three-hundred sixty enrolled patients with documented AF and AFL were blinded and randomized to group 1, AF±AFL ablation (n=182), or group 2, AFL ablation only (n=178). AF recurrence was evaluated with event recording and 7-day Holter at 3, 6, 9, and 12-month follow-ups. Quality of life was assessed at baseline and at the 12-month follow-up with 4 questionnaires: the Medical Outcome Study Short Form, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Of the 182 patients in group 1, 58 (age, 63±8 years; 78% male; left ventricular ejection fraction, 59±8%) had AF+AFL ablation and 124 (age, 61±11 years; 72% male; left ventricular ejection fraction, 59±7%) had AF ablation only. In group 2 (age, 62±9 years; 76% male; left ventricular ejection fraction, 58±10%), only AFL was ablated by achieving bidirectional isthmus conduction block. Baseline characteristics were not different across groups. At 21±9 months of follow-up, 117 in group 1 (64%) and 34 in group 2 (19%) were arrhythmia free (
P
<0.001). In group 1, scores on most quality-of-life subscales showed significant improvement at follow-up, whereas group 2 patients derived relatively minor benefit.

Conclusions—

In coexistent AF and AFL, lower recurrence rate and better quality of life are associated with AF ablation only or AF+AFL ablation than with lone AFL ablation. Furthermore, quality of life directly correlates with freedom from arrhythmia, as shown in this study for the first time in patients blinded to the procedure.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrial.gov/
. Unique identifier: NCT01439386.
Fairness in the Social Regulation of Labor Markets: Reasons for Hope?
Authors: Babones Salvatore , Babcicky Philipp , Guillen Pablo
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Over the past thirty years the spread of neoliberal ideology has put collective mechanisms for the social regulation of labor markets under severe stress. On the other hand, social norms of fairness, particularly with regard to rewards for work, are very strong. We argue that neoliberal practices have spread less widely and deeply than is commonly imagined. We use ICTWSS data for 34 OECD countries to construct an index of corporatism for each country and a cross-national average for countries in each of six welfare models. Over the period 1960–2010 corporatism declines dramatically in Anglo-Saxon countries but converges to the Continental European mean for the three main groups of European countries. This circumstantial evidence suggests that norms of fairness in the social regulation of labor markets are at least resilient to the encroachment of neoliberal labor market practices.
Social Class and Cultural Consumption: The Impact of Modernisation in a Comparative European Perspective
Authors: Gerhards Jürgen , Hans Silke , Mutz Michael
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Pierre Bourdieu’s work has argued that there is a homology of social classes on the one hand and cultural consumption on the other. In contrast, theories of individualisation posit that social class plays only a minor role in shaping lifestyle in contemporary societies. In this paper we examine a) how much contemporary highbrow lifestyles in 27 European countries are structured by class membership, b) the extent to which highbrow consumption varies according to the level of modernisation of a society and c) whether the explanatory power of social class in relation to highbrow consumption decreases in more modernised European countries. The findings show that highbrow lifestyles are strongly influenced by social class, and that highbrow consumption is more common in more modernised societies. Moreover, the findings confirm the hypothesis that the formative power of social class on lifestyle decreases in highly modernised societies, albeit without disappearing completely.
The Intergenerational Transmission of Divorce: A Fifteen-Country Study with the Fertility and Family Survey
Authors: Diekmann Andreas , Schmidheiny Kurt
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Studies mainly from the United States provide evidence that children of divorced parents face a higher risk of divorce in their own marriages. We estimate and analyze the effects of divorce transmission using comparative individual data from the United Nations for 13 eastern and western European countries as well as for Canada and the United States. We find substantial and highly statistically significant transmission effects in all samples. This shows that the intergenerational transmission of divorce is a widespread phenomenon observed without a single exception in our data covering a large number of countries with differing historical, institutional, and cultural contexts.
A taxonomic revision of the genus Platycranus Fieber, 1870 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Orthotylinae)
Authors: KNYSHOV ALEXANDER , KONSTANTINOV FEDOR V.
Published: April 2013

The Mediterranean orthotyline genus Platycranus is revised. Updated diagnoses and descriptions, data on distribution and hosts are provided for the genus and included species, and a key is presented to facilitate identification of species. Pictures of the dorsal habitus, scanning electron micrographs, and figures of genital structures are given. The following new syn-onymies are established: P. putoni Reuter, 1879 = P. eckerleini Wagner, 1962 = P. jordanicus Linnavuori, 1984; P. metri-orrhynchus Reuter 1883 = P. longicornis Wagner, 1955 = P. rumelicus Simov, 2006; P. remanei Wagner, 1955 = P. minutus Wagner, 1955 = P. orientalis Linnavuori, 1965 = P. jurineae Putshkov, 1985 = P. boreae Gogala, 2002. P. erberi Fieber, 1870 is for the first time reported from Syria, and P. remanei is reported as new to Portugal.
Description of the mature larva of Ampulicomorpha schajovskoyi De Santis & Vidal Sarmiento (Hymenoptera: Embolemidae)
Authors: GUGLIELMINO ADALGISA , BÜCKLE CHRISTOPH
Published: April 2013

The mature larva of Ampulicomorpha schajovskoyi De Santis & Vidal Sarmiento, 1977, is described and figured for the first time. Larval characters of Dryinidae and Embolemidae are discussed in regard to possible synapomorphies of each family and of both families together (Dryinidae + Embolemidae) as monophyletic groups. Some larval characters are com-pared with the corresponding conditions in other Chrysidoidea families.
Adoribatella, Ferolocella, Joelia and Ophidiotrichus (Acari, Oribatida, Oribatellidae) of North America
Authors: BEHAN-PELLETIER VALERIE M.
Published: April 2013

In North America, species diversity in the oribatid family Oribatellidae is primarily in the genus Oribatella Banks, but the genera Adoribatella Woolley, Ferolocella Grabowski, Joelia Oudemans and Ophidiotrichus Grandjean are also represented. I provide detailed diagnoses for these genera and the previously described species, Adoribatella punctata Woolley, known from Colorado and Oregon, USA, and Alberta, Canada, Ferolocella tessalata Berlese known from Missouri, Virginia, West Virginia, Georgia, Wisconsin, Ohio, Alabama, Arkansas and Texas, USA, and Ophidiotrichus exastus Woolley, known from North Carolina, Alabama, Missouri, Tennessee and Georgia, USA. I describe Joelia appalachia sp. nov., based on adult specimens, from West Virginia. A key is given to distinguish adults of these genera from those of Oribatella. Character states shared by adults of Oribatellidae are discussed, the synonymy of Gendzella Kuliev with Ferolocella is rejected, and arguments are presented for movement of Adoribatella from Oribatellidae to the Ceratozetoidea.
Larvae of Australian Buprestidae (Coleoptera). Part 4. Genus Julodimorpha
Authors: BÍLÝ SVATOPLUK , VOLKOVITSH MARK , PETERSON MAGNUS
Published: April 2013

The mature larva of the Australian buprestid genus Julodimorpha Gemminger and Harold, 1869 (J. saundersii Thomson, 1878) is fully described, illustrated and compared with the larvae of Julodinae, Polycestinae, Chrysochroinae, and Buprestinae. In situ observations confirm the soil inhabiting life-strategy of Julodimorpha larva. The comparative morphological study of the Julodimorpha larva proves its buprestine-chrysochroine affinities, while the superficial similarity of Julodimorpha and Julodinae adults, with their identical life-strategies, due to convergence.
A new fossil jewel beetle (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) from the Early Cretaceous of Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: YU YALI , ŚLIPIŃSKI ADAM , SHIH CHUNGKUN , PANG HONG , REN DONG
Published: April 2013

A new fossil buprestid, Trapezitergum grande Yu, Ślipiński et Shih, gen. et sp. nov., from the Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Liutiaogou Village, Tianyi County, Inner Mongolia, China, is described and placed in the subfamily Buprestinae.
The genus Leucophenga (Diptera, Drosophilidae), part I: the abbreviata species group from the Oriental region with morphological and molecular evidence
Authors: SU YIRUI , LU JINMING , CHEN HONGWEI
Published: April 2013

A new species group, the abbreviata group is established within the genus Leucophenga based on one known and three new species, all of which are endemic to the Oriental region: L. abbreviata (de Meijere, 1911), L. brevivena sp. nov., L. sujuanae sp. nov. and L. zhenfangae sp. nov. A key to four species of the abbreviata group and the DNA barcoding are provided. Twenty-three mtDNA COI sequences belonging to the above species are analyzed; the molecular data are used as interactive evidence to evaluate the species boundaries defined by the morphological data.
Depression Screening and Management Among Adolescents in Primary Care
Authors: Taliaferro Lindsay A. , Hetler Joel , Edwall Glenace , Wright Catherine , Edwards Anne R. , Borowsky Iris W.
Published: April 2013

Objective. To compare depression identification and management perceptions and practices between professions and disciplines in primary care and examine factors that increase the likelihood of administering a standardized depression screening instrument, asking about patients’ depressive symptoms, and using best practice when managing depressed adolescents. Methods. Data came from an online survey of clinicians in Minnesota (20% response rate). Analyses involved bivariate tests and linear regressions. Results. The analytic sample comprised 260 family medicine physicians, 127 pediatricians, 96 family nurse practitioners, and 54 pediatric nurse practitioners. Overall, few differences emerged between physicians and nurse practitioners or family and pediatric clinicians regarding addressing depression among adolescents. Two factors associated with administering a standardized instrument included having clear protocols for follow-up after depression screening and feeling better prepared to address depression among adolescents. Conclusions. Enhancing clinicians’ competence to address depression and developing postscreening protocols could help providers implement universal screening in primary care.
The effect of nano-hydroxyapatite on the microstructure and properties of Mg–3Zn–0.5Zr alloy
Authors: Sun Jin’e , Chen Minfang , Cao Genghua , Bi Yanze , Liu Debao , Wei Jun
Published: April 2013

In order to meet the clinical application requirements of biodegradable materials in orthopedic surgery field, novel Mg–3Zn–0.5Zr/ xHA ( x = 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 wt%) composites have been developed by melting under the mechanical stirring and the heat extrusion route. The thorough examination on the effect of nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) particles on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of Mg–3Zn–0.5Zr alloy was carried out. The results indicated that the gelatin-coated nano-HA particles could more uniformly distribute in the matrix and the grain size was refined to be approximately 10 µm. More non-basal dislocations presented in the composite with the increment of nano-HA particles. Compared with the Mg–3Zn–0.5Zr alloy, the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of the Mg–3Zn–0.5Zr/1.5HA composite had been improved and reached 302 MPa, 275 MPa and 20.9%, respectively. Furthermore, Mg–3Zn–0.5Zr/1HA composite showed the optimal degradation rate of 6.45 mm/yr in the in vitro corrosion tests. From the clinical application requirements of biodegradable materials point of view, the composite containing 1 wt% nano-HA particles could be evidently believed to be a promising bone fixation material for the application.
Acoustic and mechanical properties of recycled polyvinyl chloride/ground tyre rubber composites
Authors: Colom X , Cañavate J , Carrillo F , Lis MJ
Published: April 2013

In order to provide another way of reducing the stock of used tyres and polyvinyl chloride waste, a new material is developed and studied. Formulation includes a matrix constituted by a compound of recycled polyvinyl chloride with plasticized polyvinyl chloride and a reinforcement of ground tyre rubber. Acoustic and mechanical properties of different compositions of polyvinyl chloride/ground tyre rubber were tested in order to determine their suitability for applications fulfilling industry requirements. Sound absorption has been analyzed, showing interesting results at frequencies higher than 2500 Hz. The obtained values are found to be depending on the thickness of the sample, the content of the ground tyre rubber and the existence of gaps, pores and voids either between layers or in the interphase between the matrix and reinforcement. From the study of the mechanical properties, we may observe that the ground tyre rubber act as filler, improving stiffness of polyvinyl chloride/ground tyre rubber composites with an increase of Young Modulus. The tensile strength, elongation at break and toughness decrease slowly. The decrease of these mechanical properties is observed to be lower than in the case of composites made by using high-density polyethylene as a matrix.
Neurobiological Underpinnings of Math and Reading Learning Disabilities
Authors: Ashkenazi Sarit , Black Jessica M. , Abrams Daniel A. , Hoeft Fumiko , Menon Vinod
Published: April 2013

The primary goal of this review is to highlight current research and theories describing the neurobiological basis of math (MD), reading (RD), and comorbid math and reading disability (MD+RD). We first describe the unique brain and cognitive processes involved in acquisition of math and reading skills, emphasizing similarities and differences in each domain. Next we review functional imaging studies of MD and RD in children, integrating relevant theories from experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience to characterize the functional neuroanatomy of cognitive dysfunction in MD and RD. We then review recent research on the anatomical correlates of MD and RD. Converging evidence from morphometry and tractography studies are presented to highlight distinct patterns of white matter pathways which are disrupted in MD and RD. Finally, we examine how the intersection of MD and RD provides a unique opportunity to clarify the unique and shared brain systems which adversely impact learning and skill acquisition in MD and RD, and point out important areas for future work on comorbid learning disabilities.
A weakly supervised approach to Chinese sentiment classification using partitioned self-training
Authors: Zhang Pu , He Zhongshi
Published: April 2013

With the rapid evolution of documents on the World Wide Web which express opinions, there exists an increasing demand for developing such a sentiment analysis technique that can easily adapt to new domains with minimum supervision. This article introduces a novel weakly supervised approach for Chinese sentiment classification. The approach applies a variant of self-training algorithm on two partitions split from test dataset, and combines classification results of the two partitions into a pseudo-labelled training set and an unlabelled test set, then trains an initial classifier on the pseudo-labelled training set and adopts a standard self-learning cycle to obtain the overall classification results. Experiments on the four datasets from two domains show that our approach has competitive advantages over baseline approaches; it even outperforms the supervised approach in some of the datasets despite using no labelled documents.
A new approach to complex web site organization
Authors: Pisanski Jan , Pisanski Tomaž , Žumer Maja
Published: April 2013

The methodology presented in this paper is based on concept mapping, which is a technique for representing knowledge in graphs. Its applications are broader and cover, in addition to presentation of knowledge, the complex organization of systems such as web sites. The paper presents a method for reaching consensus from several organizations of data/web site independently produced by different people. A class of methods was initiated, considering a number of parameters that can be chosen in order to match closely any specific real-life application. Although the methodology can be fully automated in terms of a suitable computer program, it is meant to be mainly a useful tool for experts in web site organization.
Multi Small Index (MSI): A spatial indexing structure
Authors: Al-Badarneh Amer F. , Al-Alaj Abdullah S. , Mahafzah Basel A.
Published: April 2013

Most of the existing spatial indices are constructed using a single hierarchal index structure; hence a large number of index pages (nodes) are most likely to be inspected during spatial query execution. Since spatial queries usually fetch spatial objects based on their spatial position in the space, it is significant that spatial objects are clustered in such a way that pertinent objects to a query are fetched quickly. This paper presents a method for partitioning the whole space into set of small subspaces. Then, an index structure for each subspace (called the Multi Small Index) is built. This makes it is easy to quickly retrieve spatial objects that are relevant to the query in question using their corresponding small spatial index structures and ignoring other irrelevant indices. To evaluate our new approach, we conducted a set of experimental studies using a collection of real-life spatial datasets (TIGER data files) with diverse sizes and different object sizes, densities and distributions, as well as various query sizes. The results show that (using small query sizes) our proposed structure (Multi Small Index) outperforms the original R-tree (Single Big Index) structure, achieving nearly 50% saving in disk access.
Business coaching for information professionals
Authors: Trenner Lesley
Published: April 2013

Coaching is still a fairly young profession. Definitions of what constitutes business coaching are not universally agreed and there is little validated academic research about the benefits coaching provides. However, there is growing evidence that the use of business coaching is increasing and that coaching is now seen as a highly cost-effective way to enhance professional and personal development.

This article looks at what business coaching is, why its use is increasing and how introducing coaching provides hard and soft benefits both for individuals and for organizations. Like other professionals, those in the information industry need to develop skills in areas such as leadership, communication and customer focus. In addition they have some unique challenges: demand for their services is changing; there are more hurdles for career progression; information professionals need to ‘do more with less’, whilst still adding value to the business. More than ever, library, information and knowledge workers have to fight their corner, find new ways to apply information skills and ‘reinvent’ themselves. Coaching can help them to do this.

The article concludes with some ‘frequently asked questions’ about how coaching works within organizations. It concludes that, in the current economic climate, there appear to be a range of benefits that information professionals seeking to develop and motivate themselves and others would find it hard to ignore.
Exploring the factors influencing the usability of academic websites
Authors: Rahman Md Samsur , Ahmed SM Zabed
Published: April 2013

In this article the authors review the definitions of website usability from the 1990s to the present day and several approaches that have been used for the evaluation of university websites. Building on this experience they have developed a survey instrument to explore student views at their own institution, the University of Dhaka. The responses from the student population are analyzed by demographics, use, and the usefulness of the website. Only a small proportion of the survey population reported always finding what they needed. From the result, five factors are considered important for achieving usability: Interactivity and functionality; Navigation, searching and interface attractiveness; Accuracy, currency and authority of information; Accessibility, understandability, learnability and operability; Efficiency and reliability. Most students are not satisfied with the Dhaka University website and essential development is needed to improve content quality and accuracy.
The rehabilitation of library and information services and professional education in the post-Soviet Republics
Authors: Johnson Ian M.
Published: April 2013

This paper evolved from a project supported by the European Commission TEMPUS programme that provided technical assistance for developments in Armenia, Georgia and Uzbekistan. The project (NMPLIS) sought to underpin the modernization of library and information services by assisting the development of new Master’s Degree programmes in Librarianship and Information Studies. The paper addresses a wide range of issues that were encountered during the project, including the dissemination of research information as well as the state of publishing, bookselling, libraries, and information services in those countries. It draws attention to the relatively poor international and bilateral support for library development compared with that formerly received by the ‘developing’ countries, despite their economic similarities. It notes that the activities of international governmental and non-governmental agencies to offset the catastrophic effects of the disintegration of the centralized Soviet system have lacked coordination, and emphasizes the need for national governments to be encouraged to take a comprehensive, strategic approach to ensure more sustainable development of their library and information services, suggesting that this approach could be appropriate for the other post-Soviet Republics.
The use of ultrasound in the evaluation of the efficacy of calf muscle pump function in primary chronic venous disease
Authors: Crisóstomo R S S , Candeias M S , Armada-Da-Siva P A S
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To evaluate popliteal vein blood flow during calf muscle contraction in chronic venous disease (CVD) patients and healthy controls using ultrasound imaging and to investigate the relationship between venous blood flow and gastrocnemius muscle (GM) morphology.

Methods

Thirty-one subjects participated in this study (mean age: 40.3 [11.8] years), 15 healthy controls and 16 with CVD (clinical classification: C1–4). Popliteal vein cross-sectional area and venous blood flow velocity (FV) were evaluated by Doppler ultrasound at baseline and during three sets of 10 tip-toe movement repetitions. Muscle thickness, muscle fascicle length and pennation angle of both medial and lateral GM were measured by ultrasound. Measures were repeated a week later in 17 participants in order to assess reproducibility with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis.

Results

Peak FV was lower in CDV group compared with Control group for both first (40.6 [11.8] versus 62.4 (22.1) cm2/second; P = 0.021) and last (30.4 [9.1] versus 49.5 (22.7) cm2/second; P = 0.024) contraction. In CVD group, peak FV during first contraction increased with GM's muscle fascicle length ( r = 0.63; P = 0.041). Popliteal FV also increased with rising range of muscle fascicles pennation change between ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion ( r = 0.70; P = 0.025). No associations were found between haemodynamics and medial or lateral GM thickness. Calf muscular architecture was similar in both CVD and control participants. Test–retest reliability of FV measured in the same session was high (ICC≈0.70) for measures taken in the first contraction of the set but lowered when using the last contraction (ICC <0.50). Reproducibility of ultrasound evaluation of calf pump is acceptable within the same session but is unsatisfactory when testing in separate days.

Conclusion

Patients with moderate CVD have lower FV during calf muscles contraction but similar muscle anatomical characteristics compared with healthy controls. Changes in calf muscles flexibility and fatigue resistance may be investigated as possible causes of calf pump dysfunction.
Morphological characteristics of the walls of thrombophlebitic saphenous vein
Authors: Jian F-G , Chu H-B , Liu G-Z , Zhao J-H , Xu Y-B , Wang T , Sun H-J , Tang J-Y , Guo W-J , Wu H-J , Zhang S-M
Published: April 2013

Introduction: To investigate the morphological changes in the walls of thrombophlebitic saphenous veins.

Methods: Fifty-four specimens were made into slices for haematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome staining; ultrathin slices were also created. Slices were observed under light microscopy and electron microscopy.

Results: Under light microscopy, the tunica intima of venous wall in the thrombophlebitic saphenous veins group was obviously thickened and incomplete; intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia was observed. Hyperplasia of collagenous fibres in the tunica media was observed. Elastic fibres in the tunica externa became fewer, whereas nourishing vessels were significantly increased in number. Infiltration of many inflammatory cells was observed. Under electron microscopy, Auer bodies with high electron density and round granules could be seen in endothelial cells in the thrombophlebitic saphenous veins group. Smooth muscle cells had an irregular karyotype, with blurred cristae in some mitochondria. Myofilaments basically disappeared.

Conclusion: Thrombus formation might aggravate re-modelling of the walls of varicose veins.
Medical liability insurance claims after treatment of varicose veins
Authors: Dickhoff C , Cremers J E L , Legemate D A , Koelemay M J W
Published: April 2013

Objective:

Since insight into the reason for filing claims after treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremity might help prevent future claims, we determined the incidence of and reasons for medical liability insurance claims after such treatments in the Netherlands.

Method:

We performed a retrospective review of all medical liability insurance claims after varicose vein treatment handled by MediRisk between January 1993 and December 2007.

Results:

A total of 144 claims were filed of which 104 were closed by the end of the study period. Nerve injury ( n = 28), skin necrosis following sclerotherapy ( n = 17), deep vein injury ( n = 11) and insufficient communication ( n = 9) accounted for more than 60% of all claims. Claims were equally distributed among registrars and consultants. Some 41 of the 104 closed claims were accepted. In 27 of the accepted cases, the physician had obviously failed in providing the care as expected from a medical practitioner allowed to perform these treatments. The majority of these 27 claims were due to injury of nerves ( n = 11) or deep veins ( n = 9).

Conclusion:

The incidence of claims after treatment of varicose veins in the Netherlands is low. Proper knowledge of anatomy and adequate communication, along with the introduction of less invasive treatments might prevent future claims.
Haemostatic activation and Inflammatory response after three methods of treatment of great saphenous vein incompetence
Authors: Dzieciuchowicz L , Espinosa G , Páramo J A
Published: April 2013

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the activation of haemostasis and inflammatory response after three different methods of treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence.

Material and methods: Forty-five patients with GSV incompetence were assigned to one of the three types of treatment: high ligation and stripping (HL&S), radiofrequency ablation with ClosureFast (RFA) and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) with 810 nm diode laser with miniphlebectomy if required. Peripheral blood samples were obtained in the morning before the surgery and 24 hours and 10 days after the procedure. The concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1 + 2), antigen of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen and activity of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) were determined. The results were statistically analysed with SPSS for Windows 15.0.

Results: Thirty-eight patients completed the study: 13 from RFA, 14 from EVLA and 11 from HL&S group. The baseline data did not differ among groups. There was a significant increase of D-dimer in HL&S group after 24 hours ( P = 0.002). The changes in RFA and EVLA groups did not show statistical significance ( P = 0.092). PAI-1 decreased in RFA patients after 24 hours ( P = 0.02), did not change in EVLA patients, and tended to increase after HL&S (P = 0.08). The highest CRP increase was observed in HL&S group ( P = 0.003). No significant changes in F1 + 2, t-PA and vWF were observed in any group of patients at 24 hours. At 10 days, a further significant increase of D-dimer ( P = 0.04) and CRP ( P = 0.018) concentrations in HL&S but not RFA and EVLA patients was observed.

Conclusions: Endovenous thermal ablation is associated with significantly less activation of haemostasis and inflammatory response when compared with HL&S.
Pattern and types of non-saphenous vein reflux
Authors: Malgor R D , Labropoulos N
Published: April 2013

Venous reflux often originates from saphenous trunks and their tributaries. In about 10% of the patients reflux derived from non-saphenous veins (NSV) such as those located in the buttock, posterolateral thigh, vulva, lower posterior thigh, popliteal fossa, knee or along the peripheral nerves such as the tibial and sciatic nerve. It is also important to note that patients who had saphenous vein stripping or ablation have higher odds of presenting with NSV reflux. The majority of patients with NSV reflux have varicose veins and lower extremity oedema; however, about 10% of those patients present with skin damage. This paper analyses the patterns and types of NSV reflux for diagnosis and treatment purposes.
Indications for platelet aggregation inhibitors after venous stents
Authors: Meissner M H
Published: April 2013

Iliofemoral venous obstruction may arise from either primary compressive lesions or may be secondary to an episode of deep venous thrombosis. Regardless of aetiology, these lesions, either alone or in association with more distal reflux, may be responsible for lower extremity pain, swelling, and ulceration. Conventional surgical procedures for the treatment of iliofemoral venous obstruction have largely been supplanted by endovascular approaches relying on the deployment of venous stents. Large series have reported good technical and clinical results from venous stenting, particularly for primary lesions. However, early stent occlusions and late re-stenosis do occur. Although most of these appear related to technical factors, there is likely a role for pharmacological adjuncts in maintaining stent patency. The use of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents is largely based on the underlying pathophysiology and extrapolation from arterial interventions, which likely are significantly different with respect to their pathophysiology and natural history. Although lacking substantial evidence demonstrating efficacy, the use of adjunctive antiplatelet agents in stents placed for primary lesions and consideration of anticoagulation for high-risk post-thrombotic lesions appears to be reasonable.
Differential diagnosis of leg ulcers
Authors: Pannier F , Rabe E
Published: April 2013

Leg and foot ulcers are symptoms of very different diseases. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the differential diagnosis of leg ulcers. The majority of leg ulcers occur in the lower leg or foot. In non-venous ulcers the localization in the foot area is more frequent. The most frequent underlying disease is chronic venous disease. In 354 leg ulcers, Koerber found 75.25% venous leg ulcers, 3.66% arterial leg ulcers, 14.66% ulcers of mixed venous and arterial origin and 13.5% vasculitic ulcers. In the Swedish population of Skaraborg, Nelzen found a venous origin in 54% of the ulcer patients. Each leg ulcer needs a clinical and anamnestic evaluation. Duplex ultrasound is the basic diagnostic tool to exclude vascular anomalies especially chronic venous and arterial occlusive disease. Skin biopsies help to find a correct diagnosis in unclear or non-healing cases. In conclusion, chronic venous disease is the most frequent cause of leg ulcerations. Because 25% of the population have varicose veins or other chronic venous disease the coincidence of pathological venous findings and ulceration is very frequent even in non-venous ulcerations. Leg ulcers without the symptoms of chronic venous disease should be considered as non-venous.
Our early experience with iliofemoral vein stenting in patients with post-thrombotic syndrome
Authors: Sarici I S , Yanar F , Agcaoglu O , Ucar A , Poyanli A , Cakir S , Aksoy S M , Kurtoglu M
Published: April 2013

Introduction:

Venous balloon dilation and stent therapy have been proposed as effective treatments for chronic iliofemoral thrombosis. In this study, we report our experience and describe the one-year outcome and efficacy of balloon angioplasty and stenting for the treatment of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) in iliofemoral vein segments.

Methods:

From June 2011 to June 2012, 52 consecutive patients with chronic PTS (59 limbs; 75% women; median age 58 years; range: 23–76 years) referred to our unit for interventional assessment were included in the study. Treatment effects were assessed using Villalta scale, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire (CIVIQ)-20 for PTS, CEAP (clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological elements) grading and measurement of leg circumference, before and after intervention.

Results:

Stenting was successfully accomplished in all patients. Coagulation abnormality was identified in 21 subjects (40.3%). CEAP grades were as follows: C3 in 19 patients, C4 in 24 patients, C5 in one patient and C6 in eight patients. According to Villalta scores, three patients were mild, seven patients were moderate and 42 patients were severe PTS. VCSS, Villalta scale and CIVTQ-20 showed a significant decrease in the severity of PTS signs and symptoms ( P < 0.001). The calf and middle thigh circumferences decreased significantly on both sides ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Treatment of iliac venous obstruction with balloon angioplasty and stenting appears to be a minimally invasive and safe therapeutic approach in patients with PTS offering quick symptomatic relief, good patency and minimal morbidity.
Polidocanol foam stability in terms of its association with glycerin
Authors: Rial R , Hervas L S , Monux G , Galindo A , Martin A , Hernando M , Martinez I , Hernando A , Serrano F J
Published: April 2013

Objectives:

Foam sclerotherapy effectiveness mainly depends on the concentration of the sclerosing agent and foam stability. The objective of this study was to determine if the addition of glycerol at different concentrations contributes to the stability of polidocanol foam.

Materials and methods:

Control Group: 3% polidocanol. Group 1: polidocanol 3% + glycerin 1.66%. Group 2: polidocanol 3% + glycerin 3.3%. Group 3: polidocanol 3% + Glycerin 5%. Tessari standard method. Five recordings were made for each mixture. Early visual liquefaction time and half liquid time decay were recorded in seconds. Microscopic measurement of the foams. Mixtures surface tension measurement (N/m).

Results:

Early visual liquefaction: Control Group: 27 (± 3.11); Group 1: 67.8 (± 6.49); Group 2:48.6 (± 8.2); and Group 3: 35.8 (± 4.49). Half-liquid time: Control: 129.2 (± 11.00); Group 1: 260.4 (±18.99); Group 2: 224.6 (±13.03); and Group 3: 189.2 (±8.52). Bubbles/mm2–diameter–wall thickness: Control: 68–98 μm-7 μm; Group 1: 189–60 μm-9 μm; Group 2: 76–92 μm-12 μm; and Group 3: 49–112 μm-20 μm. Surface tension: Control = 5.54 N/m; Group 1 = 5.45 N/m; Group 2 = 5.35 N/m; and Group 3 = 5.21 N/m.

Conclusions:

Small amounts of glycerin highly increase the stability and quality of polidocanol foam. This simple chemical method is easily reproducible and applicable.
Tumescent, how do I do it?
Authors: Toonder I M , Lawson J A , Wittens C H A
Published: April 2013

Local perivenous anaesthesia has evolved from tumescent anaesthesia which has had a huge impact on liposuction procedures. Perivenous anaesthesia has had a similar effect on peripheral venous surgery. Safety during its application is further enhanced when combined with skilled ultrasound guidance and astute operator awareness.
Linguistic validation of the 20 item-chronic venous disease quality-of-life questionnaire (CIVIQ-20)
Authors: Launois R , Mansilha A , Lozano F
Published: April 2013

Our objective was to review the linguistic validation of the 20 item-ChronIc Venous dIsease quality-of-life Questionnaire (CIVIQ-20) in the countries that have used it since its publication in 1996. Seventeen linguistic versions of CIVIQ-20 were validated using forward/backward methodology in patients presenting with chronic venous disease, stages C0s to C4 of the CEAP (clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological) classification (patients with venous ulcers were excluded). Most obstacles in the cross-cultural validation of CIVIQ-20 related to content and semantic equivalence. Confirmation of cultural relevance by experts with the native language as their mother tongue and the use of forward/backward translation methodology partly resolved these difficulties. CIVIQ-20 is valid for the assessment of treatment effects in multinational studies.
Effect of material and structure of compression bandage on interface pressure variation over time
Authors: Kumar B , Das A , Alagirusamy R
Published: April 2013

Background

Compression bandage consists of fibrous materials which are viscoelastic in nature due to which the internal stress developed in the compression bandage under wrapped position may decay over time. The viscoelastic behaviour of a textile material depends on the fibre type as well as on its structure, and hence these factors could play a prominent role in interface pressure variation over time.

Objective

To explore the influence of different materials and varying structures on the interface pressure profile generated by the bandages over time during static state of the limb.

Method

The material and construction of several compression bandages were engineered first and based on that different knitted bandages were prepared using several yarns (cotton, viscose, polyethylene terephthalate [PET], cotton-Lycra and PET-Lycra) and varying thread density in the structure. Three important factors, namely the material type, the applied tension and the tightness of the structure, were selected to examine their influence on interface pressure variation over time. The interface pressure measurement over time was done using a leg-segment prototype, which allows continuous online measurement of interface pressure over a static mannequin leg.

Results

More than 40% reduction of interface pressure was obtained for bandages made of spun yarns (cotton or viscose) in eight hours. Reduction of interface pressure for these bandages was higher when wrapped at a higher tension level. Lower reduction of interface pressure was obtained for the sample having higher thread density as compared with lower thread density in the structure, for the same applied tension level during wrapping. Bandages containing elastomeric yarn in the structure showed good sustenance of pressure for longer period.

Conclusion

Bandages made up of elastic core spun yarns are effective for maintaining uniform interface pressure for longer period due to sustained compression developed by the elastic filament and tight structure of these bandages.
If All You Have Is A Hammer
Authors: Reese Laura A.
Published: April 2013

This research explores the relative effectiveness of a comprehensive set of local economic development incentives and focuses on two questions: What contributions do common development tools make to the economic health of municipalities?; and, Are there other types of local activities, not typically considered as development tools, that might be more effective in contributing to local economic prosperity? It finds that the factors most consistently and positively related to economic health are investments in the downtown, spending on basic local public services, and using no economic development incentives at all. These findings suggest one primary policy recommendation: the wisest course of action for most cities would be to eschew particularized development incentives, especially those that require tax expenditures.
Femoroacetabular impingement: presence of FAI-like features on conventional radiography in young patients presenting to primary care with hip pain
Authors: Sullivan Carl , Chakraverty Julian , Foley Kieran , Narayanaswamy Srikanth , Kamath Sridhar
Published: April 2013

Background

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a recognized major cause of early osteoarthritis in the hip and tends to present in young and active patients. The presence of morphological parameters associated with, or predisposing to FAI on radiographs can guide referral to a hip specialist for further assessment.

Purpose

To determine the presence of radiographic findings with a known association with FAI in young patients presenting to primary care with hip pain.

Material and Methods

Retrospective review of 223 consecutive patients presenting with hip pain (age range, 20–40 years) who underwent a pelvic radiograph in a 6-month period. Patients with pre-existing hip disease and/or technically inadequate radiographs were excluded from the study. Radiographs were analyzed for the presence of radiographic signs associated with FAI: acetabular cross-over sign; prominent posterior wall sign; coxa profunda; protrusio acetabula; acetabular index; lateral center edge angle; pistol grip deformity; and herniation pits.

Results

Of the initial 223 patients, 33 (17 women, 16 men; age range, 21–40 years; mean age, 33 years) were included in the study after strict application of exclusion criteria. Sixty-four of 66 joints (33/34 [97%] female joints and 31/32 [97%] male joints) had at least one abnormal finding associated with FAI. Forty-three of 66 joints (23/34 [68%] female joints and 20/32 [63%] male joints) had two or more parameters associated with FAI. All of these abnormal radiographs had initially been reported as normal.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates a high presence of FAI-like radiographic features in a young symptomatic population; these are often not mentioned in the radiology report.