bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Long-Term Clinical Outcomes Following Autogenous Bone Grafting for Large-Volume Defects of the Knee
Authors: Johnson Lanny Leo , Delano Mark , Spector Myron , Pittsley Andrew , Gottschalk Alexander
Published: January 2014

Objective:

We report the long-term clinical outcomes of patients who underwent autogenous bone grafting of large-volume osteochondral defects of the knee due to osteochondritis dessicans (OCD) and osteonecrosis (ON). This is the companion report to one previous published on the biological response. We hypothesized that these grafts would integrate with host bone and the articular surface would form fibrocartilage providing an enduring clinical benefit.

Design:

Three groups (patients/knees) were studied: OCD without a fragment ( n = 12/13), OCD with a partial fragment ( n = 14/16), and ON ( n = 25/26). Twenty-five of 52 patients were available for clinical follow-up between 12 and 21 years. Electronic medical records provided comparison clinical information. In addition, there were plain film radiographs, MRIs, plus repeat arthroscopy and biopsy on 14 patients.

Results:

Autogenous bone grafts integrated with the host bone. MRI showed soft tissue covering all the grafts at long-term follow-up. Biopsy showed initial surface fibrocartilage that subsequently converted to fibrocartilage and hyaline cartilage at 20 years. OCD patients had better clinical outcomes than ON patients. No OCD patients were asymptomatic at anytime following surgery. Half of the ON patients came to total knee replacement within 10 years.

Conclusions:

Autogenous bone grafting provides an alternative biological matrix to fill large-volume defects in the knee as a singular solution integrating with host bone and providing an enduring articular cartilage surface. The procedure is best suited for those with OCD. The treatment for large-volume articular defects by this method remains salvage in nature and palliative in outcome.
Clinical impact of laboratory error on therapeutic drug monitoring of once-daily tobramycin in cystic fibrosis: Case series
Authors: Prescott William A , Mancuso Michelle A
Published: January 2014

Once-daily dosing intravenous tobramycin is commonly used to treat cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbations. Clinicians often utilize historical therapeutic drug monitoring data to individualize the dose among patients who have been treated with tobramycin previously. This case series involves three patients with cystic fibrosis who had supra-therapeutic tobramycin levels despite use of a once-daily dosing that produced therapeutic drug levels during a previous hospital admission, raising questions about the validity of these levels. Investigation into several potential sources of error led to the discovery of an analyzer error in the laboratory. Once the laboratory’s tobramycin analyzer was recalibrated, the reported levels were comparable to historical levels. This case series emphasizes the clinical importance of critically analyzing reported levels, and specifically, the importance of utilizing past therapeutic drug monitoring data, if available, for all patients treated with intravenous tobramycin. If a patient was therapeutic on a similar dose of tobramycin during a previous admission, a dose adjustment may not be necessary, and clinicians should consider repeating levels while pursuing alternative explanations for the discrepant serum levels.
Population health in the Anthropocene: Gains, losses and emerging trends
Authors: McMichael Anthony J
Published: January 2014

The health of human populations, measured by life expectancy, is at an historical high. Will this continue – or are we reaching Peak Health? The gains have been unequally shared, but the gap between low-income and high-income countries is narrowing. Meanwhile, there is clear evidence that levels of wealth per se do not predetermine population health, and that today’s depleting and disrupting of Earth’s biophysical, life-supporting, systems will sooner or later translate into a substantial decline in population health. It is likely, for example, that current trends in the late-stage Anthropocene, including continued population growth, will cause a crisis in food production, affordability and hence substantial health losses. There is a widespread misplaced assumption, reinforced by today’s pervasive neoliberalism, that the determinants of health reside largely in individual behaviours, genes and access to healthcare. But at population level and over the longer term the determinants of health and survival lie with nature’s life-supporting systems. Ultimately, without trade and aid, the profile of a population’s health reflects the underlying ecological, human–environment coupled, relationship. The adverse health impacts of climate change illustrate well the present and likely future health consequences of humankind’s overloading of nature’s capacities. Human-generated greenhouse gases are increasing the atmosphere’s capture of heat-energy; that heat accumulates, particularly in the oceans; and Earth is warming. A major moral (and geopolitically enlightened) task is for international assistance with social and economic development in poorer countries. That may seem to clash with the now-urgent need to curtail global non-renewable energy use and constrain ongoing exploitation of forests, aquifers, soils and coastal ecosystems, and nitrogenous fertiliser use. Yet integrating these two agendas, potentially mutually reinforcing, is technically possible. This would assist transition to a world of environmentally sustainable living, in which the universal norm is to remain healthy and survive into comfortable older age.
A sociometabolic reading of the Anthropocene: Modes of subsistence, population size and human impact on Earth
Authors: Fischer-Kowalski Marina , Krausmann Fridolin , Pallua Irene
Published: January 2014

We search for a valid and quantifiable description of how and when humans acquired the ability to dominate major features of the Earth System. While common approaches seek to quantify the human impact upon the carbon cycle by identifying the area of land cleared by humans, our point of departure is different human modes of subsistence, and we base our analysis on their social metabolism, in particular their energy metabolism. As a starting point, we use Ehrlich’s classical IPAT formula, and give it a specific interpretation: human impact on Earth = population size × affluence (interpreted as energy available per person) × technology – for each mode of subsistence. The overall impact (or rather human pressure) then equals the composite sum of these. We qualitatively describe the functional characteristics of hunter gatherers, agrarian and industrial modes of subsistence such as population dynamics, energy regime and the technologies by which they interact with their environment. In a ‘toy’ model, we translate these considerations into global numbers for the past millennia: we estimate the respective population sizes and affluence (energy), and finally also technology concerning its impact on the carbon cycle. We see a major historical dividing line around ad 1500: until then, human population growth and metabolic rates carry about equal weight in increasing human pressure on the environment approximately fivefold from the year ad 1 onwards. From then on, the overall pressure of humanity upon the Earth increases by one order of magnitude; energy intensity contributes to this rise by roughly tripling the impact of population growth. Technology, because it is based upon a shift from biomass to fossil fuels (and other ‘modern’ energy carriers), does not moderate this impact, but enhances it by a factor of 1.5.
Are There Differences in Ice Hockey Injuries Between Sexes?
Authors: MacCormick Lauren , Best Thomas M. , Flanigan David C.
Published: January 2014

Background:

Men’s ice hockey allows for body checking, and women’s ice hockey prohibits it. Studies have reported injury data on both sexes, but no systematic reviews have compared the injury patterns between male and female ice hockey players.

Hypothesis:

Men’s and women’s ice hockey would have different types of injuries, and this difference would extend across the different age groups and levels of play.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Three databases, 3 scientific journals, and selected bibliographies were searched to identify articles relevant to this study. Articles were further screened by the use of predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Twenty-two studies met these criteria and were subsequently reviewed.

Results:

Men sustained higher rates of injuries than women at all age levels, and both sexes sustained at least twice as many injuries in games than practices. Both sexes sustained most of their injuries from player contact. Men and women in college sustained most injuries to the head and face, and women suffered from higher percentages of concussion. At all ages and levels of play, men had higher rates of upper extremity injuries (shoulder), while women were found to sustain more injuries to the lower extremity (thigh, knee).

Conclusion:

Although findings showed men sustaining higher rates of injuries than women, the predominant mechanism of player contact was the same. The most common locations and types of injuries in female ice hockey players are comparable to other sports played by women, and similar interventions could offer protection against injury.

Clinical Relevance:

Further studies that report injury data for women playing ice hockey at all levels will assist in understanding what prevention strategies should be implemented.
Functional Performance Testing After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Abrams Geoffrey D. , Harris Joshua D. , Gupta Anil K. , McCormick Frank M. , Bush-Joseph Charles A. , Verma Nikhil N. , Cole Brian J. , Bach Bernard R.
Published: January 2014

Background:

When to allow an athlete to return to unrestricted sporting activity after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains controversial.

Purpose:

To report the results of functional performance testing reported in the literature for individuals at differing time points following ACL reconstruction and to examine differences between graft types.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review of Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed using PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were English-language studies that examined any functional rehabilitation test from 6 months to 2 years following ACL reconstruction. All patient-, limb-, and knee-specific demographics were extracted from included investigations. All functional rehabilitation tests were analyzed and compared when applicable.

Results:

The search term returned a total of 890 potential studies, with 88 meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 4927 patients were included, of which 66% were male. The mean patient age was 26.5 ± 3.4 years. The predominant graft choices for reconstruction were bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) autograft (59.8%) and hamstring autograft (37.9%). The most commonly reported functional tests were the hop tests. The results of these functional tests, as reported in the Limb Symmetry Index (LSI), improved with increasing time, with nearly all results greater than 90% at 1 year following primary ACL reconstruction. At 6 months postoperatively, a number of isokinetic strength measurements failed to reach 80% LSI, most commonly isokinetic knee extension testing in both BPTB and hamstring autograft groups. The knee flexion strength deficit was significantly less in the BPTB autograft group as compared with those having hamstring autograft at 1 year postoperatively, while no significant differences were found in isokinetic extension strength between the 2 groups.

Conclusion:

Hop testing was the most commonly reported functional test following ACL reconstruction. Increases in performance on functional tests were predictably seen as time increased following surgery. Those with hamstring autografts may experience increased strength deficits with knee flexion versus those having BPTB autograft. These data provide information that may assist providers in determining timing of return to unrestricted sporting activity.
Surface Replacement Arthroplasty of the Humeral Head in Young, Active Patients
Authors: Iagulli Nicholas D. , Field Larry D. , Hobgood E. Rhett , Hurt James A. , Charles Ryan , O’Brien Michael J. , Savoie Felix H.
Published: January 2014

Background:

The treatment of glenohumeral arthritis in young, active patients remains controversial. Standard total shoulder arthroplasty in this patient group has not obtained the same satisfaction rate as in older patients. One surgical option that has emerged is humeral resurfacing.

Hypothesis:

Humeral head surface replacement arthroplasty (SRA) would provide satisfactory clinical outcomes in active patients, allowing them to maintain their normal lifestyle without activity restrictions.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

From 2004 to 2007, all consecutive surface replacement arthroplasties of the humerus performed at the authors’ institution were identified and retrospectively reviewed, and 118 patients who underwent SRA during this time were identified. This study included patients younger than 60 years who wished to maintain an active lifestyle; 52 of the 118 patients met the inclusion criteria. University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder scores and subjective shoulder value (SSV) scores were used to measure clinical outcomes at an average follow-up of 6 years (range, 4-8 years). Of the 52 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 48 were contacted and examined for the study, with 4 patients lost to follow-up.

Results:

The mean postoperative UCLA score was 28.03, with 1 patient requiring revision because of pain and glenoid wear. The mean SSV was 92% (range, 0%-100%), with 3 patients restricting their activity because of the shoulder. Forty-seven of the 48 contacted patients stated that, given the option, they would have the same surgery again. One patient required revision surgery because of pain.

Conclusion:

Surface replacement arthroplasty provided reasonable results in patients younger than 60 years with high activity demands with a low rate of revision at midterm follow-up.
Electrospun, non-woven, nanofibrous membranes prepared from nano-diamond and multi-walled carbon nanotube-filled poly(azo-pyridine) and epoxy composites reinforced with these membranes
Authors: Kausar Ayesha , Ashraf Rozina
Published: January 2014

We have first prepared non-woven, nanofibrous membranes from nano-diamond (ND) particles and multi-walled carbon nanotube-filled poly(azo-pyridine) by electro-spinning. Then, these membranes were used to obtain epoxy composites reinforced with them. Friedel-Crafts acylation and in situ polymerization were adopted to graft polyamide on multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) surface to form MWCNT-PA using γ-Phenyl-ɛ-caprolactone. For the preparation of nanofiber, poly(azo-pyridine) (AP) was also synthesized in this work. MWCNT-PA was then electrospun with new AP and ND to yield two types of nanofibers, i.e. MWCNT/AP/PA and ND/MWCNT/AP/PA. Afterward, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA) matrix was reinforced with electrospun nanofiber to form two types of nanocomposites, with and with out ND. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed non-woven nanofibrous membranes of MWCNT/AP/PA/DGEBA and ND/MWCNT/AP/PA/DGEBA. Compared with MWCNT/AP/PA/DGEBA 3 (3 wt.% MWCNT/AP/PA nanofibers) in DGEBA (323.6 MPa), the tensile strength for ND/MWCNT/AP/PA/DGEBA film reinforced with 3 wt.% ND/MWCNT/AP/PA nanofiber (359.4 MPa) was found to increase. Thermal stability of ND/MWCNT/AP/PA nanofiber reinforced epoxy was higher with T10 537–552℃ and Tg 297–302℃ relative to MWCNT/AP/PA/DGEBA system. Inclusion of ND in the system also increased the electrical conductivity of nanofiber web ND/MWCNT/AP/PA/DGEBA composites from 3.8 to 6.2 S cm−1.
Stability of chitosan/montmorillonite nanohybrid towards enzymatic degradation on grafting with poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Depan D. , Pratheep Kumar A. , Singh R. P. , Misra R. D. K.
Published: January 2014

Enzymatic degradation of nanohybrid based on intercalation of chitosan (CS) within the galleries of montmorillonite (MMT) clay and grafted with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was studied using esterase enzyme in phosphate buffered solution. Chitosan was first intercalated between the galleries of natural unmodified sodium MMT clay and subsequently grafted with PLA to prepare nanohybrids of CS-g-PLA/MMT. The prepared membranes were characterised by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and NMR spectroscopy. The specimens were then subjected to enzymatic degradation to understand the effect of copolymerisation with PLA and the effect of incorporation of MMT in the CS matrix. The presence of MMT clay provided stability towards degradation of polymer matrix because of nanoscale dispersibility, thereby acting as a barrier towards the permeation of water molecules to induce hydrolysis of PLA. Similarly, the grafting of CS with crystalline PLA stabilised the CS matrix towards degradation, rendering it suitable for tissue engineering applications.
Enzymatic degradation of polymers: A brief review
Authors: Banerjee A. , Chatterjee K. , Madras G.
Published: January 2014

Recently, research on polymer has drawn much attention mainly due to the ever increasing application of these polymeric materials in several areas such as food packaging industry, agricultural industry and biomedical research. However, increasing industrial use of polymers has led to the environmentally critical issue of waste disposal. Further, the successful implication of polymeric materials in biomedical applications depends on the biodegradability of the concerned polymer. Various enzymes play an important role in the biodegradation of polymers. The present review describes the enzyme mediated biodegradation of various polymers including synthetic, natural and blends of these materials. Detailed examples of enzymatic degradation of polymers are illustrated from current scientific literature with the discussion on various factors that can influence the degradation. In addition, different techniques that are generally applied to assess the degradation process as well as degradation products have been described. Finally, a special emphasis is given to the investigation of the kinetics of polymer degradation by enzymes.
Downregulation of RUNX1/CBFβ by MLL fusion proteins enhances hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal
Authors: Zhao Xinghui , Chen Aili , Yan Xiaomei , Zhang Yue , He Fuhong , Hayashi Yoshihiro , Dong Yunzhu , Rao Yalan , Li Bo , Conway Rajeana M. , Maiques-Diaz Alba , Elf Shannon E. , Huang Nuomin , Zuber Johannes , Xiao Zhijian , Tse William , Tenen Daniel G. , Wang Qianfei , Chen Wei , Mulloy James C. , Nimer Stephen D. , Huang Gang
Published: January 2014

Key Points

MLL oncoproteins downregulate RUNX1/CBFβ by the CXXC domain and flanking region as a critical step in the development of MLL-related leukemias.
Perinucleolar relocalization and nucleolin as crucial events in the transcriptional activation of key genes in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Allinne Jeanne , Pichugin Andrei , Iarovaia Olga , Klibi Manel , Barat Ana , Zlotek-Zlotkiewicz Ewa , Markozashvili Diana , Petrova Natalia , Camara-Clayette Valérie , Ioudinkova Elena , Wiels Joëlle , Razin Sergey V. , Ribrag Vincent , Lipinski Marc , Vassetzky Yegor S.
Published: January 2014

Key Points

We propose a novel oncogenic mechanism linked to the perinucleolar relocalization of chromosomal segments resulting from the translocation. MCL and BL translocations result in new Ccnd1 and c-myc nuclear positioning, respectively, and nucleolin-dependent activation in both cases.
Differential contribution of FXa and thrombin to vascular inflammation in a mouse model of sickle cell disease
Authors: Sparkenbaugh Erica M. , Chantrathammachart Pichika , Mickelson Jacqueline , van Ryn Joanne , Hebbel Robert P. , Monroe Dougald M. , Mackman Nigel , Key Nigel S. , Pawlinski Rafal
Published: January 2014

Key Points

Inhibition of FXa or thrombin might be considered to reduce thrombotic complications and vascular inflammation in sickle cell patients. PAR-2 could be a potential target to inhibit vascular pathology associated with sickle cell disease.
B-cell receptors expressed by lymphomas of hepatitis C virus (HCV)–infected patients rarely react with the viral proteins
Authors: Ng Patrick P. , Kuo Chiung-Chi , Wang Stanley , Einav Shirit , Arcaini Luca , Paulli Marco , Portlock Carol S. , Marcotrigiano Joseph , Tarr Alexander , Ball Jonathan , Levy Ronald , Levy Shoshana
Published: January 2014

Key Points

We tested the hypothesis that B-cell lymphomas arising in HCV-infected patients express B-cell receptors specific to the virus. We analyzed the reactivity of these B-cell receptors with HCV proteins using several experimental approaches, none of which supported the hypothesis.
Gastrointestinal symptoms before and during menses in healthy women
Authors: Bernstein Matthew T , Graff Lesley A , Avery Lisa , Palatnick Carrie , Parnerowski Katie , Targownik Laura E
Published: January 2014

Background

Little is known as to the extent gastrointestinal (GI) complaints are reported by women around menses. We aimed to describe GI symptoms that occurred premenstrually and during menses in healthy women, and to specifically assess the relationship of emotional symptoms to GI symptoms around menses.

Methods

We recruited healthy, premenopausal adult women with no indication of GI, gynecologic, or psychiatric disease who were attending an outpatient gynecology clinic for well-woman care. They completed a survey that queried menstrual histories and the presence of GI and emotional symptoms. We compared the prevalence of primary GI symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting), as well as pelvic pain and bloating, in the 5 days preceding menses and during menses, and assessed whether emotional symptoms or other factors were associated with the occurrence of GI symptoms.

Results

Of 156 respondents, 73% experienced at least one of the primary GI symptoms either pre- or during menses, with abdominal pain (58% pre; 55% during) and diarrhea (24% pre; 28% during) being the most common. Those experiencing any emotional symptoms versus those without were more likely to report multiple (2 or more) primary GI symptoms, both premenstrually (depressed p = 0.006; anxiety p = 0.014) and during menses (depressed p < 0.001; anxiety p = 0.008). Fatigue was also very common (53% pre; 49% during), and was significantly associated with multiple GI symptoms in both menstrual cycle phases (pre p < 0.001; during p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Emotional symptoms occurring in conjunction with GI symptoms are common perimenstrually, and as such may reflect shared underlying processes that intersect brain, gut, and hormonal pathways.
Characteristics of sexual violence against adolescent girls and adult women
Authors: Blake Márcia de Toledo , Drezett Jefferson , Vertamatti Maria Auxiliadora , Adami Fernando , Valenti Vitor E , Paiva Adriana Costa , Viana Joseval Martins , Pedroso Daniela , de Abreu Luiz Carlos
Published: January 2014

Background

Sexual violence is considered a serious violation of human rights which affects mainly young women and adolescents. There is little information about the conditions under which sexual offences occur. We evaluated characteristics of sexual violence against adolescent girls and adult women.

Method

This is a quantitative, retrospective, descriptive study of sexual violence against adolescent girls and adult women. Analyses were carried out on data collected from 1118 women, 546 adolescents (10-19 years) and 572 adults (≥ 20 years), with a complaint of rape treated at Hospital Pérola Byington, São Paulo, between 1994 and 1999. The age limit of the adolescent sample met the World Health Organization’s (WHO) criteria. We analyzed the type of sexual contact, degree of intimidation, perpetrator and activity of the victim during the approach.

Results

Crimes without penetration were five times more frequent in adolescents and use of threats of death or intimidation was common in both groups. Mental illness was more prevalent in adult victims and the majority of adolescent victims were aged <14 years. Uncle and stepfather perpetrators were more frequent among adolescents and partners or former intimate partners in adult women. In most cases the approach occurred in public places, although sex crimes at the perpetrator’s residence were more frequent amongst adolescents.

Conclusions

Although children and adolescents require the same intervention measures and legal protection, a considerable proportion of adolescent sex offenders can face conditions similar to those of adult women.
Mathematical programming with multiple sets split monotone variational inclusion constraints
Authors: Yu Zenn-Tsun , Lin Lai-Jiu , Chuang Chih-Sheng
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we first study a hierarchical problem of Baillon’s type, and we study a strong convergence theorem of this problem. For the special case of this convergence theorem, we obtain a strong convergence theorem for the ergodic theorem of Baillon’s type. Our result of the ergodic theorem of Baillon’s type improves and generalizes many existence theorems of this type of problem. Two numerical examples are given to demonstrate our results.

As applications of our convergence theorem of the hierarchical problem, we study the unique solution for the following problems: mathematical programming with multiply sets split variational inclusion and fixed point set constraints; mathematical programming with multiple sets split variational inequalities and fixed point set constraints; the variational inequality problem with a system of mixed type equilibria and fixed point set constraints; the variational inequality problem with multiple sets split system of mixed type equilibria and fixed point set constraints; mathematical programming with a system of mixed type equilibria and fixed point set constraints. We give iteration processes for these types of problems and establish the strong convergence for the unique solution of these problems. For our special case, our results can be reduced to the following problems: the unique minimal norm solution of the multiply sets split monotonic variational inclusion problems; the minimum norm solutions for the multiple sets split system of mixed type equilibria problem; the minimum norm solution of the system of mixed type equilibria problem. Our results will have many applications in diverse fields of science.
Posttraumatic Stress and Psychological Growth in Children With Cancer: Has the Traumatic Impact of Cancer Been Overestimated?
Authors: Phipps Sean , Klosky James L. , Long Alanna , Hudson Melissa M. , Huang Qinlei , Zhang Hui , Noll Robert B.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To examine posttraumatic stress disorder and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSD/PTSS) in children with cancer using methods that minimize focusing effects and allow for direct comparison to peers without a history of cancer.

Patients and Methods

Children with cancer (n = 255) stratified by time since diagnosis, and demographically matched peers (n = 101) were assessed for PTSD using structured diagnostic interviews by both child and parent reports, and survey measures of PTSS and psychological benefit/growth by child report.

Results

Cancer was identified as a traumatic event by 52.6% of children with cancer, declining to 23.8% in those ≥ 5 years from diagnosis. By diagnostic interview, 0.4% of children with cancer met criteria for current PTSD, and 2.8% met lifetime criteria by self-report. By parent report, 1.6% of children with cancer met current criteria and 5.9% met lifetime criteria for PTSD. These rates did not differ from controls (all Ps >.1). PTSS levels were descriptively lower in children with cancer but did not differ from controls when all were referring to their most traumatic event (P = .067). However, when referring specifically to cancer-related events, PTSS in the cancer group were significantly lower than in controls (P = .002). In contrast, perceived growth was significantly higher in the cancer group when referring to cancer (P < .001).

Conclusion

These findings suggest no evidence of increased PTSD or PTSS in youths with cancer. Although childhood cancer remains a significant and challenging event, these findings highlight the capacity of children to adjust, and even thrive, in the face of such challenge.
Telehealth Personalized Cancer Risk Communication to Motivate Colonoscopy in Relatives of Patients With Colorectal Cancer: The Family CARE Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kinney Anita Y. , Boonyasiriwat Watcharaporn , Walters Scott T. , Pappas Lisa M. , Stroup Antoinette M. , Schwartz Marc D. , Edwards Sandra L. , Rogers Amy , Kohlmann Wendy K. , Boucher Kenneth M. , Vernon Sally W. , Simmons Rebecca G. , Lowery Jan T. , Flores Kristina , Wiggins Charles L. , Hill Deirdre A. , Burt Randall W. , Williams Marc S. , Higginbotham John C.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The rate of adherence to regular colonoscopy screening in individuals at increased familial risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) is suboptimal, especially among rural and other geographically underserved populations. Remote interventions may overcome geographic and system-level barriers. We compared the efficacy of a telehealth-based personalized risk assessment and communication intervention with a mailed educational brochure for improving colonoscopy screening among at-risk relatives of patients with CRC.

Methods

Eligible individuals age 30 to 74 years who were not up-to-date with risk-appropriate screening and were not candidates for genetic testing were recruited after contacting patients with CRC or their next of kin in five states. Enrollees were randomly assigned as family units to either an active, personalized intervention that incorporated evidence-based risk communication and behavior change techniques, or a mailed educational brochure. The primary outcome was medically verified colonoscopy within 9 months of the intervention.

Results

Of the 481 eligible and randomly assigned at-risk relatives, 79.8% completed the outcome assessments within 9 months; 35.4% of those in the personalized intervention group and 15.7% of those in the comparison group obtained a colonoscopy. In an intent-to-treat analysis, the telehealth group was almost three times as likely to get screened as the low-intensity comparison group (odds ratio, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.87 to 4.28; P < .001). Persons residing in rural areas and those with lower incomes benefitted at the same level as did urban residents.

Conclusion

Remote personalized interventions that consider family history and incorporate evidence-based risk communication and behavior change strategies may promote risk-appropriate screening in close relatives of patients with CRC.
Updated Prognostic Model for Predicting Overall Survival in First-Line Chemotherapy for Patients With Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Halabi Susan , Lin Chen-Yen , Kelly W. Kevin , Fizazi Karim S. , Moul Judd W. , Kaplan Ellen B. , Morris Michael J. , Small Eric J.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

Prognostic models for overall survival (OS) for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) are dated and do not reflect significant advances in treatment options available for these patients. This work developed and validated an updated prognostic model to predict OS in patients receiving first-line chemotherapy.

Methods

Data from a phase III trial of 1,050 patients with mCRPC were used (Cancer and Leukemia Group B CALGB-90401 [Alliance]). The data were randomly split into training and testing sets. A separate phase III trial served as an independent validation set. Adaptive least absolute shrinkage and selection operator selected eight factors prognostic for OS. A predictive score was computed from the regression coefficients and used to classify patients into low- and high-risk groups. The model was assessed for its predictive accuracy using the time-dependent area under the curve (tAUC).

Results

The model included Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, disease site, lactate dehydrogenase, opioid analgesic use, albumin, hemoglobin, prostate-specific antigen, and alkaline phosphatase. Median OS values in the high- and low-risk groups, respectively, in the testing set were 17 and 30 months (hazard ratio [HR], 2.2; P < .001); in the validation set they were 14 and 26 months (HR, 2.9; P < .001). The tAUCs were 0.73 (95% CI, 0.70 to 0.73) and 0.76 (95% CI, 0.72 to 0.76) in the testing and validation sets, respectively.

Conclusion

An updated prognostic model for OS in patients with mCRPC receiving first-line chemotherapy was developed and validated on an external set. This model can be used to predict OS, as well as to better select patients to participate in trials on the basis of their prognosis.
Near Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis of Hydrocarbon Contaminants in Soil with a Hand-Held Spectrometer
Authors: Altinpinar Sedakat , Sorak Damir , Siesler Heinz W.
Published: January 2014

The contamination of soil with hydrocarbons due to accidents or leakages is a wide-spread phenomenon with potential health risks. So far, no technique has been available for fast on-site identification and quantitative determination of the contaminant. This information, however, would be necessary for the assessment of decontamination measures to be taken for the area under consideration either by excavation or a biotechnical approach. All methods in current practice require a time-consuming retrieval and transportation of contaminated soil samples to the laboratory for further qualitative and quantitative analysis. Based on diffuse reflection measurements with a hand-held NIR spectrometer, in the present communication, results on the qualitative discrimination and on the quantitative determination of hydrocarbon contaminants (gasoline, diesel and oil) with standard errors of cross validation between 0.3% to 0.5% (w/w) in different types of soil are reported. The presented approach can serve as proof of concept to replace conventional methods in the case of hazardous incidents with high contamination concentrations by on-site investigations for a fast assessment of decontamination measures and an effective monitoring of their success. Furthermore, the method is not limited only to the characterisation of areal pollution, but can also be easily extended to depth-profiling measurements.
Comparing near and Mid-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy for Determining Properties of Malagasy Soils, Using Global or LOCAL Calibration
Authors: Rabenarivo Michel , Chapuis-Lardy Lydie , Brunet Didier , Chotte Jean-Luc , Rabeharisoa Lilia , Barthès Bernard G.
Published: January 2014

Nowadays, near infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared (mid-IR) reflectance spectroscopy are recognised useful approaches for quantifying soil properties, cost and time effectively. The aim of this work was to compare predictions of soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content, C/N ratio, substrate-induced respiration (SIR) and denitrifying enzyme activity (DEA) using NIR and mid-IR spectroscopy over a diverse set of 360 Malagasy topsoils. Partial least square regression was used for fitting NIR and mid-IR spectra to conventional data through procedures of calibration either global (one prediction model for all samples) or LOCAL (one prediction model per sample). Prediction accuracy was assessed according to validation ( r2), standard error of prediction ( SEP) in proportion to the mean and ratio of standard deviation to SEP ( RPD). Using both NIR and mid-IR spectroscopy, global calibration over the whole sample set yielded predictions that were excellent for C and N ( r2 > 0.9, SEP <20%, RPD ⩾ 3), good for C/N, acceptable for SIR, but poor for DEA. LOCAL calibration improved C/N and SIR predictions with both NIR and mid-IR spectroscopy, while DEA prediction became acceptable with NIR spectroscopy only. Additional improvement was achieved when LOCAL calibration was carried out over the fine-textured sub-set, especially for SIR ( r2 > 0.9, SEP < 20%, RPD > 3). In contrast, LOCAL calibration over the coarse-textured sub-set was clearly not useful for improving prediction accuracy. NIR outperformed mid-IR spectroscopy whatever the variable, the calibration procedure and the sample set (except for SIR over the coarse-textured sub-set, where both similar), suggesting its possible superiority for tropical soils.
Energy, Climate and Environmental Policy in China: Introduction to the Special Double Issue
Authors: Zhang ZhongXiang
Published: January 2014

China's rampant environmental pollution problems and rising greenhouse gas emissions and the resulting climate change are undermining its long-term economic growth. China, from its own perspective cannot afford to and, from an international perspective, is not meant to continue on the conventional path of encouraging economic growth at the expense of the environment. Clearly, balancing China's energy needs to fuel its economic growth with the resulting potential impacts of climate change presents an enormous climate policy dilemma, not simply for China but for the entire world. Dealing with such a challenging issue not only needs warm hearts, but even more importantly cool heads. It is in this spirit that, in this special double issue of Energy and Environment, leading scholars from China and their collaborators tackle a select set of key issues that China is facing, including China's energy price issues, energy and carbon mitigation policy and their distributional aspects and regional dimensions, and energy statistics. The insights from their analyses not only contribute to deepening our understanding of the key issues in China's energy, climate and environmental policy debate, but also help to formulate mutually supportive policies to facilitate China's transition to a low-carbon economy.
Elasticity Estimates of Urban Resident Demand for Electricity: A Case Study in Beijing
Authors: Jin Yana , Zhang Shiqiu
Published: January 2014

Based on the monthly micro-level data of Beijing urban households from 2002 to 2009, we estimate the price and income elasticities of residential electricity demand among income groups with both the almost-ideal-demand-system (AIDS) and the linear double-logarithmic (LDL) model specifications. The estimated price elasticity is close to unit elasticity and increases as income grows, and income elasticity is low and positive and approximates to zero as income increases. Thus, we conclude that it might be effective by using pricing policies for demand-side management to adjust the electricity consumption of high-income groups, while increasing price will severely hit low-income groups. In addition, low-income groups will consume more electricity if their income increases. This suggests that while tariff reform is necessary, supporting policies are needed. In this regard, either directly subsidizing low-income families or rationally setting the price levels of different tariff blocks can be helpful.
The Economic and Environmental Impact on China of Carbon Tariffs Based on Gage Model
Authors: Niu Yujing , Chen Wenying , Wu Zongxin
Published: January 2014

This paper analyzes the economic and environmental impact on China of carbon tariffs from the perspective of the taxed countries based on a static global multi-regional economy-energy-environment (3E) CGE model. The results show that carbon tariffs will severely depress China's exports to the Annex I countries, and then have negative impacts on China's macro-economy. In terms of environmental effects, carbon tariffs indeed will reduce carbon emissions of China slightly, while such emission reduction effects will be offset by the increased emissions of Annex I countries led to by carbon tariffs. Carbon tariffs have a serious negative economic impact and very weakly positive environmental impact on the countries imposed carbon tariffs, which should be an important consideration for the reasonability and feasibility of carbon tariffs.
Estimation of Coal-Related Co2 Emissions: The Case of China
Authors: Pan Ke-Xi , Zhu Han-Xiong , Chang Zheng , Wu Kuan-Hong , Shan Yu-Li , Liu Zhi-Xing
Published: January 2014

The differences in estimations of coal-related CO2 emissions in China among the main international energy research institutes are increasing over years. Inaccurate basic data and inappropriate estimation methods are the two main reasons for the variations. Taking into account process characteristics and ways of coal utilization, this paper uses data of coal flows between provinces in China to systematically analyze the data interrelations and linkages among the different using stages, namely production, washing, preparation, and end-use. We then show that the estimation inaccuracies result primarily from the coal consumption statistics system and the heating value test process. Reliable ways to obtain and represent these data are presented. Finally, an accurate method to estimate CO2 emissions in China is proposed and an updated flowchart of coal flows and related carbon flows is shown.
Regional Air Quality Management in China: A Case Study in the Pearl River Delta
Authors: Wang Qi , Liu Qiaoling , Shao Min , Zhang Yuanhang
Published: January 2014

The current jurisdiction-based environmental management paradigm is deficient to address China's growing regional air pollution problems. Based on the foreign management experiences, the “1+N” regional air quality management mode with Chinese characteristics is proposed, which combines the bottom-up and top-down management features among superior and local governments, to cope with the regional air pollution. Several crucial principles are discussed accordingly. In the case study in Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, the PRD Regional Air Quality Management Committee and the Center of Regional Atmospheric Science are carefully designed and are now serving as decision-making body and scientific support agency, respectively. The encouraging practice in the PRD region yields important hints for China's regional air pollution control policy making.
Multi-Objective Heuristic Computation Applied to Architectural and Structural Design: A Review
Authors: Moreno-De-Luca Leonardo , Carrillo Oscar Javier Begambre
Published: January 2014

Heuristic computation techniques have been used in a wide range of fields, demonstrating their capacity to solve highly complex optimization problems. This article presents the most common techniques and their extension into the multi-objective optimization field, and emphasizes in the application of them in structural and architectural design by presenting examples within topics like: topological, shape and dimensional optimization of truss structures, roof optimization for sunlight conditions and area minimization, grid structures, façade design, life cycle cost and environmental impact, energy efficiency and construction costs, morphogenetic structural optimization for shell structures, acoustical optimization, evolutionary architectural design, architectural layout design optimization, RC frames optimization, and land use zoning, within others. Finally, the conclusion leads to the recognition of heuristic computation not only as an optimization tool, but also as an important component of a design methodology for creating innovative, creative, efficient, well performing, and aesthetically pleasant architectural/engineering objects.
A Technical and Tactical Profile of the Double Olympic Judo Champion: A Case Study
Authors: Adam Marek , Smaruj Miroslaw , Laskowski Radoslaw
Published: January 2014

The technical and tactical analyses of judo competitions are frequently discussed in the literature, yet individual profiling is scarce. The aim of the study was to determine the technical and tactical profile of one of the world's best judokas in the history of judo. Waldemar Legień is a retired Polish judoka and winner of two Olympic gold medals in different weight classes (78 kg and 86 kg). The present research on his career spans the period of 1991 to 1992, during which he competed in 24 tournaments, both at home country and abroad. His outstanding winning record could potentially lie in the fact that he employed techniques from each group of throws. His repertoire of nineteen different techniques, including throws and grapplings, attests to his technical excellence. Our study suggests that one distinctive feature of Legień as a super elite judoka was his technical and tactical versatility.
NMR structure of the 5′ splice site in the group IIB intron Sc.ai5γ—conformational requirements for exon–intron recognition
Authors: Kruschel Daniela , Skilandat Miriam , Sigel Roland K.O.
Published: January 2014

A crucial step of the self-splicing reaction of group II intron ribozymes is the recognition of the 5′ exon by the intron. This recognition is achieved by two regions in domain 1 of the intron, the exon-binding sites EBS1 and EBS2 forming base pairs with the intron-binding sites IBS1 and IBS2 located at the end of the 5′ exon. The complementarity of the EBS1•IBS1 contact is most important for ensuring site-specific cleavage of the phosphodiester bond between the 5′ exon and the intron. Here, we present the NMR solution structures of the d3′ hairpin including EBS1 free in solution and bound to the IBS1 7-mer. In the unbound state, EBS1 is part of a flexible 11-nucleotide (nt) loop. Binding of IBS1 restructures and freezes the entire loop region. Mg2+ ions are bound near the termini of the EBS1•IBS1 helix, stabilizing the interaction. Formation of the 7-bp EBS1•IBS1 helix within a loop of only 11 nt forces the loop backbone to form a sharp turn opposite of the splice site, thereby presenting the scissile phosphate in a position that is structurally unique.
Fast-evolving microRNAs are highly expressed in the early embryo of Drosophila virilis
Authors: Ninova Maria , Ronshaugen Matthew , Griffiths-Jones Sam
Published: January 2014

MicroRNAs are short non-protein-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and are essential for the embryonic development of multicellular animals. Comparative genome-scale analyses have revealed that metazoan evolution is accompanied by the continuous acquisition of novel microRNA genes. This suggests that novel microRNAs may promote innovation and diversity in development. We determined the evolutionary origins of extant Drosophila microRNAs and estimated the sequence divergence between the 130 orthologous microRNAs in Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila virilis, separated by 63 million years of evolution. We then generated small RNA sequencing data sets covering D. virilis development and explored the relationship between microRNA conservation and expression in a developmental context. We find that late embryonic, larval, and adult stages are dominated by conserved microRNAs. This pattern, however, does not hold for the early embryo, where rapidly evolving microRNAs are uniquely present at high levels in both species. The group of fast-evolving microRNAs that are highly expressed in the early embryo belong to two Drosophilid lineage-specific clusters: mir-310∼313 and mir-309∼6. These clusters have particularly complex evolutionary histories of duplication, gain, and loss. Our analyses suggest that the early embryo is a more permissive environment for microRNA changes and innovations. Fast-evolving microRNAs, therefore, have the opportunity to become preferentially integrated in early developmental processes, and may impact the evolution of development. The relationship between microRNA conservation and expression throughout the development of Drosophila differs from that previously observed for protein-coding genes.