bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creativity and Working Memory in Gifted Students With and Without Characteristics of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
Authors: Fugate C. Matthew , Zentall Sydney S. , Gentry Marcia
Published: August 2013

There have been some behavioral indicators and some types of task performance that suggest greater creativity in students with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). This evidence would appear counterintuitive given that lower working memory (i.e., holding information in mind for novel recombinations) has often been documented in students with ADHD. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess working memory and creativity in two groups of gifted students (i.e., with characteristics of ADHD, n = 17, and without ADHD characteristics, n = 20), who were equivalent in fluid intelligence. Significant differences were found indicating that gifted students with ADHD characteristics had not only poorer working memory but also significantly greater creativity than those gifted students without these characteristics. These results were discussed in terms of creative potential, which could serve as an identifier and as a pathway to instruction.
Thoughts in Flight
Authors: Casner Stephen M. , Schooler Jonathan W.
Published: August 2013

Objective:

The objective was to examine the relationship between cockpit automation use and task-related and task-unrelated thought among airline pilots.

Background:

Studies find that cockpit automation can sometimes relieve pilots of tedious control tasks and afford them more time to think ahead. Paradoxically, automation has also been shown to lead to lesser awareness. These results prompt the question of what pilots think about while using automation.

Method:

A total of 18 airline pilots flew a Boeing 747-400 simulator while we recorded which of two levels of automation they used. As they worked, pilots were verbally probed about what they were thinking. Pilots were asked to categorize their thoughts as pertaining to (a) a specific task at hand, (b) higher-level flight-related thoughts (e.g., planning ahead), or (c) thoughts unrelated to the flight. Pilots’ performance was also measured.

Results:

Pilots reported a smaller percentage of task-at-hand thoughts (27% vs. 50%) and a greater percentage of higher-level flight-related thoughts (56% vs. 29%) when using the higher level of automation. However, when all was going according to plan, using either level of automation, pilots also reported a higher percentage of task-unrelated thoughts (21%) than they did when in the midst of an unsuccessful performance (7%). Task-unrelated thoughts peaked at 25% when pilots were not interacting with the automation.

Conclusion:

Although cockpit automation may provide pilots with more time to think, it may encourage pilots to reinvest only some of this mental free time in thinking flight-related thoughts.

Application:

This research informs the design of human–automation systems that more meaningfully engage the human operator.
A cross-national analysis of parental involvement and student literacy
Authors: Hampden-Thompson Gillian , Guzman Lina , Lippman Laura
Published: August 2013

Using data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), we examine the association between parental involvement and student literacy in 21 countries. We consider how the nature of the association between parental involvement and student literacy varies in direction and magnitude across national borders and across multiple dimensions of parental involvement and measures of literacy. Across the 21 countries, we observe that, in general, increased social and cultural communication with parents is associated with higher levels of student literacy, although the association is most consistent in the area of reading literacy. Specifically, for students residing in eight countries (Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Norway and the United Kingdom), there are consistent reading literacy benefits when their parents engage in various forms of social and cultural communication. Consistently across all 21 countries, students have significantly lower literacy scores the more frequently parents assist with homework. This finding provides robust cross-national support for the reactive hypothesis.
Transformation to an Equitable Socioeconomic Dispensation
Authors: Mangaliso Mzamo P. , Mangaliso Nomazengele A.
Published: August 2013

The corporate divestment movement is generally acknowledged as one of the catalysts that transformed South African society from apartheid rule to a democratic social order. However, the dream that the abolition of apartheid would bring prosperity to a majority of South Africans has proven to be elusive. Even though democracy has delivered the much-anticipated universal franchise to all, questions still linger about the redistribution of economic power, which still largely remains concentrated in the hands of those who had it before. What lessons can be learned from the experiences of sanctions and divestment from South Africa as an instrument for the socioeconomic transformation of the country? In this article, we discuss the merits of the divestment strategy, offer our observations about current disparities in postapartheid South Africa, comment on the initiatives by the new government to restore equity, and conclude with some final thoughts and reflections.
The Effects of Specific Practice Strategy Use on University String Players’ Performance
Authors: Sikes Paul L.
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of specific practice strategy use on university string players’ performance. Participants ( N = 40) volunteered for the study and were string players enrolled in orchestra at a major research university. Within a pretest–posttest designed study, participants were assigned to one of four treatment groups using stratified randomization: free practice, playing slowly then gradually speeding up, repeating small sections, and playing the excerpt multiple times. In a recorded session, participants were given 1 min to review the study music and then were asked to sight-read the excerpt. Participants then practiced using their assigned strategy for 10 min, rested for 1 min, and performed the excerpt again. The researcher discovered that each practice strategy significantly improved university string players’ performance. No differences were found among practice strategies with regard to pitch, rhythm, expression, or overall scores. Results of an additional analysis indicated that the results may have been affected by performance level of the participants, the study music, and the time involved in the practice session.
Accountability in Faith-Based Organizations in Nigeria
Authors: Olarinmoye Omobolaji Ololade
Published: August 2013

Faith-based organizations (FBOs) are important service providers in Nigeria, hence their attractiveness to international development actors. As service organizations, FBOs are accountable to their funder, domestic service regulators and their clients/beneficiaries who have at their disposal legal, financial, service provision oversight and peer regulation mechanisms for ensuring the accountability of FBOs. An assessment of these mechanisms shows that due to political and structural inadequacies born out of the weak nature of the Nigerian state and inconsistencies in the enabling legislations for each mechanism, these mechanisms are unable to ensure adequate internal accountability of funds released to FBOs by international agencies. This article examines the case of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the Christian Health Association on Nigeria to illustrate this.
Local economic strategy development under Regional Development Agencies and Local Enterprise Partnerships: Applying the lens of the multiple streams framework
Authors: Rossiter Will , Price Liz
Published: August 2013

Following the decision to abolish the Regional Development Agencies in England by the newly elected Coalition Government in 2010, Local Enterprise Partnerships were introduced to drive economic development at a local level. However, the limited government prescription as to both the form and function of Local Enterprise Partnerships has contributed to a fundamental ambiguity as to their roles and ‘legitimate spheres’ of activity. In the context of this ambiguity, this article uses Kingdon’s multiple streams framework to consider the challenges faced by Regional Development Agencies and Local Enterprise Partnerships in developing effective economic development strategies. With a focus on the East Midlands region of England, the article identifies the dimensions of strategic capability that Local Enterprise Partnerships must develop if they are to mature as effective agents of local economic development in England.
Utility of MRI and PET/CT after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients: correlation with pathological response grading system based on tumor cellularity
Authors: Kim Taehee , Kang Doo Kyoung , An Young-Sil , Yim Hyunee , Jung Yong Sik , Kim Ku Sang , Kang Seok Yun , Kim Tae Hee
Published: August 2013

Background

MRI and PET/CT are useful for assessing breast cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

Purpose

To investigate the utility of MRI and PET/CT in the prediction of pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy using Miller-Payne grading system in patients with breast cancer.

Material and Methods

From January 2008 to December 2010, 59 consecutive patients with pathologically proven breast cancer, who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery were retrospectively enrolled. The maximal diameter decrease rate and volume reduction rate by three-dimensional (3D) MRI and standardized uptake value (SUV) reduction rate by PET/CT were calculated and correlated with the Miller-Payne grading system using the Spearman rank correlation test. Patients with Miller-Payne grades 1 or 2 were classified into the non-responder group and patients with grades 3, 4, and 5 were in the responder group. To differentiate between responders and non-responders, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed.

Results

The volume reduction rate was 64.87 ± 46.95, diameter decrease rate was 48.09 ± 35.02, and SUV decrease rate was 62.10 ± 32.17. Among three parameters, the volume reduction rate was most correlated with histopathologic grades of regression (ρ = 0.755, P <0.0001) followed by diameter decrease rate (ρ = 0.660, P < 0.0001), and SUV decrease rate of primary breast mass (ρ = 0.561, P = 0.0002). The area under the ROC curve (Az) value was largest in the volume reduction rate (Az = 0.9), followed by SUV decrease rate (Az = 0.875), and diameter decrease rate (Az = 0.849). The best cut-offs for differentiating responders from non-responders in the ROC curve analysis were a 50% decrease in diameter, 68.9% decrease in volume, and 60.1% decrease in SUV after NAC.

Conclusion

Volumetric measurement using 3D MRI combined with conventional diameter measurement may be more accurate to evaluate pathologic response after NAC.
Effects of Mn-DPDP and manganese chloride on hemodynamics and glucose tolerance in anesthetized rats
Authors: Gao Xiang , Sandberg Monica , Quach My , Bodin Birgitta , Johansson Lars , Jansson Leif
Published: August 2013

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that magnetic resonance imaging may be a method of choice to visualize transplanted pancreatic islets. However, contrast agents may interfere with microcirculation and affect graft function.

Purpose

To evaluate the effects manganese-containing contrast media on regional blood flow and glucose tolerance.

Material and Methods

Anesthetized rats were injected intravenously with MnCl2 (10 µM/kg body weight) or Mn-DPDP (Teslascan™; 5 µM/kg body weight). Blood flow measurements were made with a microsphere technique 10 min later. In separate animals vascular arteriolar reactivity in isolated, perfused islets was examined. Furthermore, an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test was performed in separate rats.

Results

Glucose tolerance was unaffected by both agents. No changes in regional blood flow were seen after administration of Mn-DPDP, except for an increase in arterial liver blood flow. MnCl2 increased all blood flow values except that of the kidney. MnCl2, but not Mn-DPDP, caused a vasoconstriction in isolated rat islet arterioles but only at very high doses.

Conclusion

Mn-DPDP administration does not affect glucose tolerance or regional blood flow, besides an increase in arterial hepatic blood flow, and may therefore be suitable for visualization of islets.
Controlling pretension of silicone membranes on micro air vehicle wings
Authors: Abudaram Yaakov J , Ifju Peter G , Hubner James P , Ukeiley Lawrence
Published: August 2013

This study is concerned with a new method to apply consistent and known pretension to silicone rubber membranes intended for micro air vehicles. Pretension has a marked effect on the static and dynamic responses of membrane wings and controls the overall deflections, as such control and measurement of the membrane pretension are important. The technique developed employs thermal expansion to set the pretension and digital image correlation to assess the resulting spatial strain field. Two different frame geometries were fabricated to evaluate the technique. For open-cell frames, the pretension was not uniform, whereas it was for closed-cell frames. Results show developed full-field stress and strain fields as a function of membrane attachment temperature and frame geometry along with experimental iterations to prove repeatability. The membranes can be stretched to a specific pretension according to the temperature at which it adheres to frames.
Energy Expenditure During Barbiturate Coma
Authors: Ashcraft Christine M. , Frankenfield David C.
Published: August 2013

Background: Barbiturate coma may have a significant effect on metabolic rate, but the phenomenon is not extensively studied. The primary purpose of the current study was to compare the metabolic rate of general critical care patients with those requiring barbiturate coma. A secondary purpose was to evaluate the accuracy of the Penn State prediction equation between these 2 groups of patients. Materials and Methods: Indirect calorimetry was used to measure the resting metabolic rate of mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients in a barbiturate coma and those of similar height, weight, and age but not in a barbiturate coma. Measurements of resting metabolic rate were compared with predictions using the Penn State equation accounting for body size, body temperature, and minute ventilation. Results: The barbiturate coma group had a lower resting metabolic rate than the control group that remained lower even after adjustment for predicted healthy metabolic rate and maximum body temperature (1859 ± 290 vs 2037 ± 289 kcal/d, P = .020). When minute ventilation was also included in the analysis, the resting metabolic rate between the groups became statistically insignificant (1929 ± 229 vs 2023 ± 226 kcal/d, P = .142). The Penn State equation, which uses these variables, was accurate in 73% of the control patients and also the barbiturate coma patients. Conclusion: Resting metabolic rate is moderately reduced in barbiturate coma, but the decrease is out of proportion with changes in body temperature. However, if both body temperature and minute ventilation are considered, then the change is predictable.
Chinese SLE Treatment and Research group (CSTAR) registry: I. Major clinical characteristics of Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Li M , Zhang W , Leng X , Li Z , Ye Z , Li C , Li X , Zhu P , Wang Z , Zheng Y , Li X , Zhang M , Zhang F , Zhao Y , Zeng X ,   CSTAR co-authors
Published: August 2013

The Chinese systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treatment and research group (CSTAR) provides major clinical characteristics of SLE in China and establishes a platform to provide resources for future basic and clinical studies. CSTAR originated as a multicentre, consecutive, and prospective design. The data were collected online from 104 rheumatology centers, which covered 30 provinces in China. The registered patients were required to meet four or more of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for the classification of SLE. All CSTAR centers use the same protocol-directed methods to provide uniform evaluations, which included demographic data, clinical features, laboratory examinations, and disease activity evaluations. The patient samples, including DNA samples and sera, were also collected for further quality controls and additional studies. Preliminary analysis from 2104 baseline evaluations was available for this analysis. Of 1914 female and 190 male patients (F:M = 10.1), the mean age at onset was 29.2 y with confirmed diagnosis one year later at the age of 30.3 y. Eighty four (4.2%) of 2002 patients had a family history of rheumatic diseases, including 34 (1.7%) cases with SLE. In addition, one hundred and seven (5.2%) abnormal pregnancies were recorded among 2026 experiences. The characteristics of the CSTAR cohort were compared to similarly sized cohorts from other studies. We found that 56.1% of patients presented with concurrent hematological disorders compared to only 18.2% of European patients. Moreover, 47.4% of patients presented with nephropathy compared to 27.9% of European patients. Conversely, neurological manifestations were only seen in 4.8% of Chinese SLE patients compared to 19.4% of European patients, 12.1% of U.S. patients, 22.8% of Malaysian patients and 26.4% of Latin Americans. Pulmonary arterial hypertension and interstitial lung diseases were complications identified in 3.8% and 4.2% of Chinese lupus patients, respectively. The CSTAR registry has provided epidemiological data and phenotypes of Chinese patients with SLE, and has demonstrated several differences between ethnicities. Clinical data and biologic samples would be valuable resources for future translational studies with national and international collaboration.
Effect of Leptin Receptor Mutation on the Development of Chronic Bronchitis
Authors: Wang Boliang , Fu Enqing , Cao Yizhan , Zhong Yuexia , Fu Guoqiang , Tian Xiaoxi , Li Shanqu
Published: August 2013

To investigate the effect of serum leptin level and leptin receptor (Lepr) genetic mutation on chronic bronchitis, we measured the serum leptin levels of 236 patients with chronic bronchitis and 107 healthy controls by ELISA, the genotype distribution of Lepr gene containing Gln223Arg polymorphic sites by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method, the levels of inflammatory markers in serum, and the concentration of neutrophils. We found that the GG genotype distribution and G gene frequency of Lepr gene Gln223Arg site of the patient group were higher than that in the control group. The serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and neutrophil granulocyte levels of the patient group were higher than those of the control group. But the leptin concentrations of those with GG genotype were lower than those with AA+AG genotype ( P < .05). The mutation of Lepr gene Gln223Arg site may not directly influence the leptin level but could possibly advance the disease through inhibiting the biological effect of leptin.
More Than Just T4
Authors: Peterson Mark E
Published: August 2013

Clinical challenges:

In older cats presenting with clinical features of hyperthyroidism, confirmation of a diagnosis of thyroid disease is usually straightforward. However, the potential for false-negative and false-positive results exists with all thyroid function tests (especially in the context of routine screening of asymptomatic cats) and leads to clinical dilemmas. For example, a high serum T4 value may be found in a cat that lacks clinical signs of hyperthyroidism, or hyperthyroidism may be suspected in a cat with normal total T4 concentrations.

Practical relevance:

To avoid unnecessary treatment and potentially adverse effects in a euthyroid cat, thyroid function tests must always be interpreted in the light of the cat’s history, clinical signs, physical examination findings and other laboratory findings.

Evidence base:

In this article the author reviews the use of commonly recommended thyroid function tests, focusing on clinical scenarios that present diagnostic difficulties. In doing so, he draws on the veterinary and comparative literature, his own clinical experience, and data, unpublished to date, obtained from a series of 100 hyperthyroid cats consecutively diagnosed at his clinic.
Feline Non-Flea Induced Hypersensitivity Dermatitis
Authors: Favrot Claude
Published: August 2013

Practical relevance:

Hypersensitivity dermatitis (HD) is often suspected in cats and is mostly caused by insect bites, food or environmental allergens. Cats with non-flea induced HD are reported to present frequently with one or more of the following cutaneous reaction patterns: miliary dermatitis, eosinophilic dermatitis, self-induced symmetrical alopecia or head and neck excoriations/pruritus.

Clinical challenges:

None of the above patterns are, however, pathognomonic for non-flea induced HD and the diagnosis of this condition is based on exclusion of diseases presenting similarly and an adequate response to treatment. Therapeutic approaches to affected cats include use of immunomodulatory drugs (ciclosporin, glucocorticoids, antihistamines), hypoallergenic diets and allergen-specific immunotherapy.

Evidence base:

This review provides an update on the clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of feline non-flea induced HD. It draws on the findings of a recent large-scale study that described the clinical signs of numerous cats with non-flea HD and has proposed criteria to facilitate the diagnosis of the condition.
‘Technology, hormones, and stupidity’: The affective politics of teenage sexting
Authors: Angelides Steven
Published: August 2013

The last several years in Anglophone societies have seen an explosion of anxiety about teenage ‘sexting’. Legislators are racing to have laws designed that can keep pace with new technologies and the exchange of sexually explicit material. However, in the absence of laws crafted with sexting in mind, police, parents, and prosecutors in many jurisdictions are sometimes responding by charging some teenagers with child pornography, sexual harassment, and indecency offences. Some of these felonies, even when involving the consensual exchange of self-images to a sexual partner, have resulted in adolescents being mandated to register as sex offenders. This article considers the stakes of current socio-legal and pedagogical responses to the practice of consensual teenage sexting. It argues that, beyond an expression of concern with child protection from harm, a ‘sexting panic’ is being generated in part as a way of displacing the question of teenage sexual agency.
Doing the möbius strip: The politics of the Bailey Review
Authors: Duschinsky Robbie , Barker Meg
Published: August 2013

In media and policy discourses on sexualisation, there has been an apparent split. Some have constructed young women as innocent children, incapable of meaningful sexual and commercial choices; others have treated young women as neo-liberal adults, agentic and savvy choice-makers. We analyse how the Bailey Review on the Sexualisation and Commercialisation of Childhood (published by the UK Department of Education) attempts to manage the tensions associated with making both arguments at once. We theorise the split as ‘doing the möbius strip’, as both sides agree on the assumption that commercial and sexual choice is either present or absent for young women. In this way, they reframe the contradictions and inequalities that shape young women’s behaviours as a problem of propriety and decency.
Porn laid bare: Gay men, pornography and bareback sex
Authors: Mowlabocus Sharif , Harbottle Justin , Witzel Charlie
Published: August 2013

This article details the preliminary findings from Porn Laid Bare, a collaborative research project between the University of Sussex and the Terrence Higgins Trust, Brighton. We explore the multidimensional relationship that respondents identified as having formed with pornographic material, together with its role within gay male subculture. We then consider how interview respondents understood and conceptualised bareback pornography. Our findings reveal consistent contradictions between general discussions of gay pornography and specific discussions of bareback representations. Utilising Dean’s (2009) work on bareback subculture and the ‘ambivalent gift’, we develop a critical reading of these contradictions in order to identify the methods by which the anxieties and pleasures of bareback pornography were handled by respondents.
Odontoid peg and skull base osteomyelitis presenting as Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hakeem Lukman , Douglas John G , Laing Robert BS
Published: August 2013

Skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) is a severe infection that is most frequently seen in elderly patients with diabetes. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates despite intensive antibiotic therapy. This condition, which often has a subtle course and nonspecific symptoms, is difficult to diagnose clinically. Meningitis is a rare presentation of this uncommon infection. This case report describes a 65-year-old man with type 2 diabetes who presented acutely with Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis and was diagnosed with skull base osteomyelitis, retropharyngeal abscess, cervical spine osteomyelitis and discitis. The literature on SBO was reviewed and management discussed.
The tolerability and safety of DPP-4 inhibitors for the treatment of older people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: an observational study
Authors: Viljoen Adie , Meek Claire L , Gadsby Roger , Viljoen Sumarie , Langerman Haya , Sinclair Alan J
Published: August 2013

Aims/introduction:

Despite type 2 diabetes mellitus being up to five times more prevalent in patients aged ≥65 years compared with patients <65 years of age, this population is surprisingly less well studied. Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitor treatment is an option for this older patient group, but clinical practice data for this drug class are sparse in this population. The study examined the efficacy and tolerability of DPP-4 inhibitors in older patients with type 2 diabetes whilst focusing on particular pertinent aspects relevant to care of older persons.

Materials and methods:

The medical records of 431 randomly selected patients (median age 74 years) were reviewed and two cohorts (DPP-4-inhibitor-treated and non-DPP-4-inhibitors-treated) were compared.

Results:

Both groups had a similar duration of diabetes (8 years) and comparable glycated haemoglobin A1C concentrations (7.4% and 7.2%). Hypoglycaemia was less common in the DPP-4 inhibitor group (3%) compared with the medically treated non-DPP-4 inhibitor group (8%), p<0.02. Despite significantly more patients in the non-DPP-4 inhibitor group living in cared accommodation (9% vs. 2%) this group received significantly more insulin (30% vs. 7%).

Conclusion:

Clinicians need to consider the specific clinical issues relevant to older diabetic patients when taking complex treatment decisions.
Ascertaining cause of death among men in the Prostate Cancer Intervention Versus Observation Trial
Authors: Barry Michael J , Andriole Gerald L , Culkin Daniel J , Fox Steven H , Jones Karen M , Carlyle Maureen H , Wilt Timothy J
Published: August 2013

Background

The Prostate Cancer Intervention Versus Observation Trial (PIVOT) randomized 731 men with localized prostate cancer to radical prostatectomy or observation.

Purpose

We describe the methods and results for cause-of-death assignments in PIVOT, and compare them to alternative strategies for ascertaining prostate cancer–specific mortality, as well as to the methods and results in the similar Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Group Study 4 (SPCG-4) trial.

Methods

Three PIVOT Endpoints Committee members, blinded to randomized treatment assignments, reviewed medical records and death certificates when available to assign a cause of death using a primary and a secondary adjudication question. Initial disagreements were resolved through discussion. The level of initial agreement among committee members was examined, as well as guesses at randomized treatment assignments for a convenience sample of cases. Final cause of death determinations were compared to death certificates.

Results

Complete agreement on cause of death by all three committee members before any discussion was achieved in 200/354 (56%) cases on the primary and 209/354 (59%) cases on the secondary. However, complete agreement on the primary rose to 306/354 (86%) when ‘definite’ and ‘probably’ categories were collapsed, as planned a priori. The three committee members’ proportions of correct guesses of randomized treatment assignment were 82/121 (68%), 113/148 (76%), and 99/134 (74%). Using the committee’s final adjudications as a gold standard, death certificates had suboptimal sensitivities, specificities, or predictive values depending on how they were used to determine cause of death.

Limitations

There was no separate ‘gold standard’ by which to judge the accuracy of the final endpoints committee adjudications, and useful death certificates could not be obtained on about a third of PIVOT participants who died.

Conclusions

The low level of initial agreement on cause of death among endpoint committee members and the potential for biased determinations due to partial unblinding to treatment assignment raise methodologic concerns about using prostate cancer mortality as an endpoint in clinical trials like PIVOT.
Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Wilde Jeffrey , Bedi Asheesh , Altchek David W.
Published: August 2013

Context:

Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common surgical procedures, with more than 200,000 ACL tears occurring annually. Although primary ACL reconstruction is a successful operation, success rates still range from 75% to 97%. Consequently, several thousand revision ACL reconstructions are performed annually and are unfortunately associated with inferior clinical outcomes when compared with primary reconstructions.

Evidence Acquisition:

Data were obtained from peer-reviewed literature through a search of the PubMed database (1988-2013) as well as from textbook chapters and surgical technique papers.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

The clinical outcomes after revision ACL reconstruction are largely based on level IV case series. Much of the existing literature is heterogenous with regard to patient populations, primary and revision surgical techniques, concomitant ligamentous injuries, and additional procedures performed at the time of the revision, which limits generalizability. Nevertheless, there is a general consensus that the outcomes for revision ACL reconstruction are inferior to primary reconstruction.

Conclusion:

Excellent results can be achieved with regard to graft stability, return to play, and functional knee instability but are generally inferior to primary ACL reconstruction. A staged approach with autograft reconstruction is recommended in any circumstance in which a single-stage approach results in suboptimal graft selection, tunnel position, graft fixation, or biological milieu for tendon-bone healing.

Strength-of-Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT):

Good results may still be achieved with regard to graft stability, return to play, and functional knee instability, but results are generally inferior to primary ACL reconstruction: Level B.
Preferred HIV testing services and programme characteristics among clients of a rapid HIV testing programme
Authors: Hoyos Juan , Belza María José , Fernández-Balbuena Sonia , Rosales-Statkus María Elena , Pulido José , de la Fuente Luis ,   the Madrid Rapid HIV testing Group
Published: August 2013

Background

In the current context of diversity and coexistence of HIV testing approaches, limited information exists on test recipient’s views of HIV testing services and programme attributes that could ease the testing process and make it more appealing for at risk individuals who don’t know their HIV status. This study analyzed ratings given to different testing sites and programme characteristics that might facilitate testing.

Methods

We analyzed data from 3120 persons attending a mobile HIV testing programme located on a central street in the gay district of Madrid.

Results

64% were men (of which, 55% had had sex with other men), 59.5% were <30 years, 35.4% foreigners, 50.6% had a university degree,71.7% a regular employment, 59.3% reported multiple partners and inconsistent condom use and 56.5% had been tested for HIV. Non Governmental Organizations and specific HIV/STI centres received the maximum rating from over 60% of participants, followed by self-testing (38.9%). Pharmacies (20.8%) and hospital emergency departments (14.2%) were the worst valued testing sites. Over 80% gave the highest rating to having immediate test results, not needing a previous appointment, and free testing, while less than 50% gave the maximum rating to privacy and anonymity.

Conclusions

HIV testing services that don’t require an appointment, based on free tests with rapid results are most valued by a young, not socially marginalized but high risk sexual exposure population. On the contrary, issues traditionally highly valued by health care providers or AIDS social organizations (privacy and anonymity) are much less valued.
Identification of piggyBac-mediated insertions in Plasmodium berghei by next generation sequencing
Authors: Cao Yi , Rui Bing , Wellems Dianne L , Li Mingxing , Chen Biaobang , Zhang Dongmei , Pan Weiqing
Published: August 2013

Background

The piggyBac transposon system provides a powerful forward genetics tool to study gene function in Plasmodium parasites via random insertion mutagenesis and phenotypic screening. The identification of genotype of piggyBac mutants in the Plasmodium genome is thus an indispensable step in forward genetic analysis. Several PCR-based approaches have been used to identify the piggyBac insertion sites in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei, but all are tedious and inefficient. Next generation sequencing can produce large amounts of sequence data and is particularly suitable for genome-wide association studies. In this study, the Next generation sequencing technology was employed to efficiently identify piggyBac insertion sites in the genome of P. berghei.

Methods

Plasmodium berghei parasites were co-transfected with piggyBac donor and helper plasmids. Initially, the classical inverse PCR method was used to identify the existence of piggyBac insertions in the P. berghei genome. The whole genome of post-transfection parasites was subsequently sequenced with a PCR-free paired-end module using the Illumina HiSeq sequencing system. The two distinct methods (‘BLAST method’ and ‘SOAP method’) were employed to identify piggyBac insertion sites in the P. berghei genome with Illumina sequencing data. All the identified piggyBac insertions were further tested by half-nested PCR.

Results

The inverse PCR method resulted in a very low yield of ten individual insertions identified. Conversely, 47 piggyBac insertions were identified from about 1 Gb of Illumina sequencing data via the two distinct analysis methods. The majority of identified piggyBac insertions were confirmed by half-nested PCR. In addition, 1,850 single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified through alignment of the Illumina sequencing data of the P. berghei ANKA strain used in this study with the reference genome sequences.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that a high-throughput genome sequencing approach is an efficient tool for the identification of piggyBac-mediated insertions in Plasmodium parasites.
Serotonin: a novel bone mass controller may have implications for alveolar bone
Authors: Galli Carlo , Macaluso Guido , Passeri Giovanni
Published: August 2013

As recent studies highlight the importance of alternative mechanisms in the control of bone turnover, new therapeutic approaches can be envisaged for bone diseases and periodontitis-induced bone loss. Recently, it has been shown that Fluoxetine and Venlafaxine, serotonin re-uptake inhibitors commonly used as antidepressants, can positively or negatively affect bone loss in rat models of induced periodontitis. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that can be found within specific nuclei of the central nervous system, but can also be produced in the gut and be sequestered inside platelet granules. Although it is known to be mainly involved in the control of mood, sleep, and intestinal physiology, recent evidence has pointed at far reaching effects on bone metabolism, as a mediator of the effects of Lrp5, a membrane receptor commonly associated with Wnt canonical signaling and osteoblast differentiation. Deletion of Lrp5 in mice lead to increased expression of Tryptophan Hydroxylase 1, the gut isoform of the enzyme required for serotonin synthesis, thus increasing serum levels of serotonin. Serotonin, in turn, could bind to HTR1B receptors on osteoblasts and stop their proliferation by activating PKA and CREB.

Although different groups have reported controversial results on the existence of an Lrp5-serotonin axis and the action of serotonin in bone remodeling, there is convincing evidence that serotonin modulators such as SSRIs can affect bone turnover. Consequently, the effects of this drug family on periodontal physiology should be thoroughly explored.
Lateral drill holes decrease strength of the femur: an observational study using finite element and experimental analyses
Authors: Fox Melanie J , Scarvell Jennie M , Smith Paul N , Kalyanasundaram Shankar , Stachurski Zbigniew H
Published: August 2013

Background

Internal fixation of femoral fractures requires drilling holes through the cortical bone of the shaft of the femur. Intramedullary suction reduces the fat emboli produced by reaming and nailing femoral fractures but requires four suction portals to be drilled into the femoral shaft. This work investigated the effect of these additional holes on the strength of the femur.

Methods

Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to calculate compression, tension and load limits which were then compared to the results from mechanical testing. Models of intact femora and fractured femora internally fixed with intramedullary nailing were generated. In addition, four suction portals, lateral, anterior and posterior, were modelled. Stresses were used to calculate safety factors and predict fatigue. Physical testing on synthetic femora was carried out on a universal mechanical testing machine.

Results

The FEA model for stresses generated during walking showed tensile stresses in the lateral femur and compression stresses in the medial femur with a maximum sheer stress through the neck of the femur. The lateral suction portals produced tensile stresses up to over 300% greater than in the femur without suction portals. The anterior and posterior portals did not significantly increase stresses. The lateral suction portals had a safety factor of 0.7, while the anterior and posterior posts had safety factors of 2.4 times walking loads. Synthetic bone subjected to cyclical loading and load to failure showed similar results. On mechanical testing, all constructs failed at the neck of the femur.

Conclusions

The anterior suction portals produced minimal increases in stress to loading so are the preferred site should a femur require such drill holes for suction or internal fixation.
Chemical composition and tyrosinase inhibitory activity of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil
Authors: Chang Chen-Tien , Chang Wen-Lun , Hsu Jaw-Cherng , Shih Ying , Chou Su-Tze
Published: August 2013

Background

Essential oils extracted from aromatic plants exhibit important biological activities and have become increasingly important for scientific research. The essential oil extracted from Cinnamomum cassia Presl (CC-EO) has various functional properties, however, little information is available regarding the tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the chemical composition and tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the CC-EO.

Results

cis-2-methoxycinnamic acid (43.06%) and cinnamaldehyde (42.37%) were found to be the two major components of the CC-EO identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The inhibitory activities of CC-EO and its major constituents were further evaluated against mushroom tyrosinase. The results showed that CC-EO and cinnamaldehyde exhibited anti-tyrosinase activities with IC50 values of 6.16 ± 0.04 mg/mL and 4.04 ± 0.08 mg/mL, respectively. However, cis-2-methoxycinnamic acid did not show any anti-tyrosinase activity. The inhibition kinetics were analyzed by Lineweaver-Burk plots and second replots, which revealed that CC-EO and cinnamaldehyde were mixed-type inhibitors. The inhibition constants (Ki) for CC-EO and cinnamaldehyde were calculated to be 4.71 ± 0.09 mg/mL and 2.38 ± 0.09 mg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that CC-EO and its major component, cinnamaldehyde, possess potent anti-tyrosinase activities and may be a good source for skin-whitening agents.
Protocol for a double‐blind randomised controlled trial of low dose intradermal grass pollen immunotherapy versus a histamine control on symptoms and medication use in adults with seasonal allergic rhinitis (PollenLITE)
Authors: Slovick Anna , Douiri Abdel , Kelly Joanna , Guerra Andrea , Muir Rachel , Tsioulos Konstantinos , Murphy Caroline , Shamji Mohamed H , Ying Sun , Durham Stephen R , Till Stephen J
Published: August 2013

Background

Subcutaneous immunotherapy with high dose grass pollen (typically microgram quantities) was first described over 100 years ago. This treatment suppresses allergen‐induced cutaneous late responses, with lesser effects on early responses. We previously reported that repeated 2‐weekly intradermal injections of grass pollen ‐ containing approximately 7 ng of major allergen Phl p 5 – led to a progressive suppression of the allergen‐induced cutaneous response, and that by the sixth injection, this was inhibited by over 90%. The purpose of this trial is to investigate the clinical efficacy of intradermal desensitisation with low doses (i.e. nanogram quantities) of grass pollen allergen for seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Methods/design

The Pollen Low dose Intradermal therapy Evaluation (PollenLITE) is a single centre double‐blind randomised parallel group controlled trial of the efficacy and safety of intradermal grass pollen injections plus standard treatment, versus histamine injections plus standard treatment, in adults with moderate‐severe grass pollen‐induced allergic rhinitis (‘summer hay fever’). A minimum of ninety adults with a history of moderate‐severe persistent allergic rhinitis during the UK grass pollen season will be randomised into two equal groups to receive 7 or 8 intradermal injections of grass pollen extract (containing approximately 7 ng of major allergen Phl p 5) or histamine, before the grass pollen season. In the summer, participants will score their symptoms, medication requirements, visual analogue scores, and complete EuroQOL (EQ‐5D‐5 L) and mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaires. Global assessments will also be recorded at the end of the pollen season. Blood samples will be collected from all participants for mechanistic immune assays. Skin punch biopsies will also be collected in 40 participants selected at random from intradermal injection sites after the grass pollen season for mechanistic assays. Finally, to investigate if the desensitising effect of intradermal immunotherapy on cutaneous responses is long‐lasting, all participants will be randomised to receive a follow up intradermal injection after 3, 6 or 12 months with measurement of early and late response sizes.

Discussion

Randomisation began in February 2013 and the final participant will complete the trial protocol in August 2014.

Trial registration

ISRCTN78413121

EudraCT number 2012‐002193‐31.
Research on the modification of two traditional building materials in ancient China
Authors: Zuixiong Li , Linyi Zhao , Li Li , Jinua Wang
Published: August 2013

Silicate material is one of the most typical materials used in both traditional and modern buildings. This paper presents a comparative analysis of two silicate materials (ginger nut and Aga soil) used in ancient Chinese buildings. The research suggests that ginger nut and Aga soil have similar chemical compositions and physical properties. After they are burned at a temperature of 700°C ~ 1400°C, they will have a dual characteristic of hydraulicity and non-hydraulicity. As the temperature rises, the non-hydraulic constituent increases at first and then decreases, while the hydraulic constituent is increasing regularly. Their chemical composition and characteristics are similar to those of the “hydraulic lime” in Europe, and the modified ginger nut and Aga soil can be used for repairing and reinforcing the stone, earthen, brick and ceramic relics.
DNA methylation-mediated silencing of PU.1 in leukemia cells resistant to cell differentiation
Authors: Fernández-Nestosa María José , Monturus Estefanía , Sánchez Zunilda , Torres Francisco S , Fernández Agustín F , Fraga Mario F , Hernández Pablo , Schvartzman Jorge B , Krimer Dora B
Published: August 2013

In mice, the proviral integration of the Friend Spleen Focus Forming Virus (SFFV) within the PU.1 locus of erythroid precursors results in the development of erythroleukemia. SFFV integrates several kilobases upstream of the PU.1 transcription initiation start site leading to the constitutive activation of the gene which in turn results in a block of erythroid differentiation. In this study we have mapped and sequenced the exact location of the retroviral integration site. We have shown that SFFV integrates downstream of a previously described upstream regulatory element (URE), precisely 2,976 bp downstream of the URE-distal element. We have also found that SFFV persists integrated within the same location in resistant cell lines that have lost their differentiation capacity and in which case PU.1 remains silent. We have examined the methylation status of PU.1 and found that in resistant cells the nearby CpG islands remained methylated in contrast to a non-methylated status of the parental cell lines. Treatment with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine caused resistant cells to differentiate yet only when combined with HMBA. Altogether these results strongly suggest that methylation plays a crucial role with regard to PU.1 silencing. However, although demethylation is required, it is not sufficient to overcome the differentiation impasse. We have also showed that activation blockage of the Epo/Epo-R pathway remains despite of the absence of PU.1.