bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Characterization of the cobas Human Papillomavirus Test
Authors: Rao Arundhati , Young Stephen , Erlich Henry , Boyle Sean , Krevolin Mark , Sun Rita , Apple Raymond , Behrens Catherine
Published: February 2013

The cobas human papillomavirus (HPV) test, approved by the FDA in April 2011, is a fully automated assay for the detection of 14 high-risk (hr) HPV genotypes from cervical specimens collected in liquid-based cytology medium using real-time PCR amplification of the L1 gene and TaqMan probes. Results are simultaneously reported as positive or negative for the pooled 12 oncogenic HPV types (HPV31, -33, -35, -39, -45, -51, -52, -56, -58, -59, -66, and -68) from channel 1, with HPV16 and HPV18 genotypes read individually from channels 2 and 3. A fourth channel detects the human β-globin gene as a control for sample adequacy and assay inhibition. To optimize clinical sensitivity and specificity, cutoff values (cycle thresholds [

C
T

]) were established for each channel based on the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2) or greater (≥CIN2). For women aged ≥21 years with cytology results indicating atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US),

C
T

values provided a sensitivity of 90% (95% confidence interval [CI], 81.5% to 94.8%) for the detection of ≥CIN2 and a specificity of 70.5% (95% CI, 68.1% to 72.7%). The analytic sensitivity (limit of detection) ranged from 150 to 2,400 copies/ml, depending on genotype. The analytic specificity, evaluated by comparing the HPV result with a combined comparator of Sanger sequencing and the Qiagen digene HC2 high-risk HPV DNA test (hc2), demonstrated overall positive agreement of 96.3% for 14 hrHPV types in women with ASC-US cytology results who were aged ≥21 years and 86.1% in women with NLIM (negative for intraepithelial neoplasia or malignancy) cytology who were aged ≥30 years. These and other performance validation studies demonstrate that the cobas HPV test is a fully automated and clinically validated robust test.
Kingella kingae Keratitis
Authors: Muñoz-Egea María-Carmen , García-Pedrazuela María , González-Pallarés Iris , Martínez-Pérez Marta , Fernández-Roblas Ricardo , Esteban Jaime
Published: February 2013

We present the first two cases of
Kingella kingae
keratitis in adults. This species is a rare isolate from ophthalmic samples for which final identification was obtained with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry. One of the patients recovered uneventfully with topical therapy. Results from the second patient cannot be confirmed as he was lost to follow-up.
Clinical study reports of randomised controlled trials: an exploratory review of previously confidential industry reports
Authors: Doshi Peter , Jefferson Tom
Published: February 2013

Objective

To explore the structure and content of a non-random sample of clinical study reports (CSRs) to guide clinicians and systematic reviewers.

Search strategy

We searched public sources and lodged Freedom of Information requests for previously confidential CSRs primarily written by the industry for regulators.

Selection criteria

CSRs reporting sufficient information for extraction (‘adequate’).

Primary outcome measures

Presence and length of essential elements of trial design and reporting and compression factor (ratio of page length for CSRs compared to its published counterpart in a scientific journal).

Data extraction

Data were extracted on standard forms and crosschecked for accuracy.

Results

We assembled a population of 78 CSRs (covering 90 randomised controlled trials; 144 610 pages total) dated 1991–2011 of 14 pharmaceuticals. Report synopses had a median length of 5 pages, efficacy evaluation 13.5 pages, safety evaluation 17 pages, attached tables 337 pages, trial protocol 62 pages, statistical analysis plan 15 pages and individual efficacy and safety listings had a median length of 447 and 109.5 pages, respectively. While 16 (21%) of CSRs contained completed case report forms, these were accessible to us in only one case (765 pages representing 16 individuals). Compression factors ranged between 1 and 8805.

Conclusions

Clinical study reports represent a hitherto mostly hidden and untapped source of detailed and exhaustive data on each trial. They should be consulted by independent parties interested in a detailed record of a clinical trial, and should form the basic unit for evidence synthesis as their use is likely to minimise the problem of reporting bias. We cannot say whether our sample is representative and whether our conclusions are generalisable to an undefined and undefinable population of CSRs.
AN INVESTIGATION FOR THE TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCIES OF THE DEFECT FORMATION PARAMETERS
Authors: DOLOGLOU ELIZABETH
Published: February 2013

Recent microscopic calculations for the vacancy formation in α- Zr show that both the vacancy formation enthalpy and entropy increase differently upon increasing the temperature. An explanation of this difference is forwarded by making use of the physical significance of the Anderson–Gruneisen parameter.
SELF-TRAPPING TRANSITION OF ACOUSTIC POLARON IN SLAB
Authors: HOU JUNHUA , DONG XIAOMING , DUAN XIAOFENG
Published: February 2013

Self-trapping transition of the acoustic polaron in slab is researched by calculating the polaron ground state energy and the first derivative of the ground state energy with respect to the electron–phonon coupling. It is indicated that the possibility of self-trapping transition for acoustic polaron in slab fall in between 3D and 2D systems. The electron may be self-trapped in slab systems of GaN , AlN and alkali halides, if the slab systems are thinner than one over ten of the length unit ℏ/mc.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF Mn SUBSTITUTED ZnO NANOPARTICLES
Authors: MOTE V. D. , SHAH S. S. , DOLE B. N. , PURUSHOTHAM Y.
Published: February 2013

The aim of the work is to synthesize Mn substituted ZnO nanoparticles by co-precipitation method with chemical formula Zn 1-x Mn x O , where x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 and to characterize its structural, morphological and magnetic properties. X-ray diffraction studies confirm the presence of wurtzite (hexagonal) crystal structure for doped samples similar to un doped ZnO , indicating that doped Mn replacing Zn . Lattice parameters and unit cell volume were found to increase with increasing Mn concentration, indicating the homogeneous substitution of Mn2+ for Zn2+ . TEM analysis shows the average diameter of the nanoparticles in the range of 20–50 nm. Room temperature magnetic measurements indicate the existence of ferromagnetism in x = 0.00 and 0.05 nanoparticles and co-existence of ferro, para magnetism in x = 0.10 and 0.15 nanoparticles.
V1 mechanisms underlying chromatic contrast detection
Authors: Hass Charles A. , Horwitz Gregory D.
Published: February 2013

To elucidate the cortical mechanisms of color vision, we recorded from individual primary visual cortex (V1) neurons in macaque monkeys performing a chromatic detection task. Roughly 30% of the neurons that we encountered were unresponsive at the monkeys' psychophysical detection threshold (PT). The other 70% were responsive at threshold but on average, were slightly less sensitive than the monkey. For these neurons, the relationship between neurometric threshold (NT) and PT was consistent across the four isoluminant color directions tested. A corollary of this result is that NTs were roughly four times lower for stimuli that modulated the long- and middle-wavelength sensitive cones out of phase. Nearly one-half of the neurons that responded to chromatic stimuli at the monkeys' detection threshold also responded to high-contrast luminance modulations, suggesting a role for neurons that are jointly tuned to color and luminance in chromatic detection. Analysis of neuronal contrast-response functions and signal-to-noise ratios yielded no evidence for a special set of “cardinal color directions,” for which V1 neurons are particularly sensitive. We conclude that at detection threshold—as shown previously with high-contrast stimuli—V1 neurons are tuned for a diverse set of color directions and do not segregate naturally into red–green and blue–yellow categories.
Neural integrators for decision making: a favorable tradeoff between robustness and sensitivity
Authors: Cain Nicholas , Barreiro Andrea K. , Shadlen Michael , Shea-Brown Eric
Published: February 2013

A key step in many perceptual decision tasks is the integration of sensory inputs over time, but a fundamental questions remain about how this is accomplished in neural circuits. One possibility is to balance decay modes of membranes and synapses with recurrent excitation. To allow integration over long timescales, however, this balance must be exceedingly precise. The need for fine tuning can be overcome via a “robust integrator” mechanism in which momentary inputs must be above a preset limit to be registered by the circuit. The degree of this limiting embodies a tradeoff between sensitivity to the input stream and robustness against parameter mistuning. Here, we analyze the consequences of this tradeoff for decision-making performance. For concreteness, we focus on the well-studied random dot motion discrimination task and constrain stimulus parameters by experimental data. We show that mistuning feedback in an integrator circuit decreases decision performance but that the robust integrator mechanism can limit this loss. Intriguingly, even for perfectly tuned circuits with no immediate need for a robustness mechanism, including one often does not impose a substantial penalty for decision-making performance. The implication is that robust integrators may be well suited to subserve the basic function of evidence integration in many cognitive tasks. We develop these ideas using simulations of coupled neural units and the mathematics of sequential analysis.
Spleen Rupture Associated with Septic Emboli and Endocarditis in a Hemodialysis Patient
Authors: Kovacic Vedran , Ljutic Dragan , Jelicic Ivo , Sain Milenka , Radic Josipa , Radic Mislav
Published: February 2013

We present an uremic patient on chronic hemodialysis with splenic septic emboli associated with active infective endocarditis and anaerobic bacteremia complicated by ruptured spleen. A 62-year-old female patient was admitted because of fever and pain in the left upper abdomen and swelling and hematoma around the left brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed mobile hyperechoic mass (vegetation) on the anterior mitral valve. Abdominal ultrasound scan showed multiple hypoechoic lesions of the enlarged spleen, described as possible necroses or abscesses, and computed tomography showed low-density inhomogeneous lesions in the enlarged spleen with large perisplenic hematoma, with spleen rupture. Blood culture revealed anaerobic Gram-negative bacilli (Bacteroides spp.), ampicillin resistant. This is the first report of splenic rupture associated with anaerobic bacteremia and splenic septic emboli in a uremic patient on chronic hemodialysis. Splenic septic emboli with abscess/infarction in hemodialysis patients are a rare disorder but could be a consequence of dialysis access site infection and might predispose to splenic rupture. Ultrasound scan of abdomen is fast, inexpensive and easy to perform. As mortality is high, early surgical intervention on vascular access is mandatory.
Taurine Enhances the Growth of Neural Precursors Derived from Fetal Human Brain and Promotes Neuronal Specification
Authors: Hernández-Benítez Reyna , Vangipuram Sharada D. , Ramos-Mandujano Gerardo , Lyman William D. , Pasantes-Morales Herminia
Published: February 2013

Taurine is present at high concentrations in the fetal brain and is required for optimal brain development. Recent studies have reported that taurine causes increased proliferation of neural stem/progenitor neural cells (neural precursor cells, NPCs) obtained from embryonic and adult rodent brain. The present study is the first to show that taurine markedly increases cell numbers in cultures and neuronal generation from human NPCs (hNPCs). hNPCs obtained from 3 fetal brains (14-15 weeks of gestation) were cultured and expanded as neurospheres, which contained 76.3% nestin-positive cells. Taurine (5-20 mM) increased the number of hNPCs in culture, with maximal effect found at 10 mM and 4 days of culture. The taurine-induced increase ranged from 57 to 188% in the 3 brains examined. Taurine significantly enhanced the percentage of neurons formed from hNPCs under differentiating conditions, with increases ranging from 172 to 480% over controls without taurine. Taurine also increased the cell number and neuronal generation in cultures of the immortalized human cell line ReNcell VM. These results suggest that taurine has a positive influence on hNPC growth and neuronal formation.
How to Handle a Rejection
Authors: Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Hennerici Michael G.
Published: February 2013

The rejection rate by scientific journals may be rather high, sometimes up to 70-90%. On receipt of notification of rejection, one may experience various stages of the Kübler-Ross grief cycle - denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance, with an initial shock and an intermediate ‘testing' stage. A paper may be rejected because of several reasons, such as the following: (1) it was submitted to an inappropriate journal, (2) journal format was not followed, (3) reading was not interesting or scientific/clinically sound, (4) topic was not current, (5) research was not novel, (6) low publication priority despite the absence of major flaws, (7) poor En-glish/writing style, (8) poor methods and statistics, (9) unbelievable results that were not properly discussed and (10) ‘recycled' paper. Plagiarism is not tolerated. Simultaneous submission to 2 or more journals is not allowed. Outright rejection sometimes occurs in 70-80%; for 10-15%, the editor rejects without sending the paper to reviewers for obvious reasons as mentioned. For the majority, reviewers give feedback that leads to the editor rejecting the paper. On receiving notification of rejection, one should read the feedback and consider its contents prior to rewriting and submitting the paper to another journal (sometimes reviewers may see the same manuscript several times if asked by different editors). An invitation to resubmit ‘de novo' occurs in only 1-5% of submissions; it requires substantial revision before resubmission. Being rejected but invited to resubmit a revised version occurs in 5-20% of submissions - it indicates a good chance of acceptance; one should carefully read the feedback and respond/comply with all suggestions. Papers rejected repeatedly may have ‘fatal flaws' and are best abandoned.
Retrieval of Consolidated Spatial Memory in the Water Maze Is Correlated with Expression of pCREB and Egr1 in the Hippocampus of Aged Mice
Authors: Zhou GuoXia , Xiong WanXia , Zhang XiaoGuang , Ge ShengJin
Published: February 2013

Objective: To study the relationship of the expression of phosphorylated cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (pCREB) and early growth response protein 1 (Egr1) in the hippocampus of aged mice with retrieval of consolidated spatial memory in a water maze. Methods: Twenty-four aged mice were allocated into no training or probe test (naïve), no training but exposed to the same probe test (NTPRT), received training and probe test (PRT), and received training but no probe test (NPRT) groups. Twelve mice were trained in a water maze over 14 days. After the final probe trial on day 15, all mice were anesthetized and the brains were removed. pCREB immunoreactivity (pCREB-ir) and Egr1 immunoreactivity (Egr1-ir) in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas were examined. Results: pCREB-ir and Egr1-ir in the CA1 and CA3 areas of the NPRT and PRT groups were significantly higher than those of the naïve and NTPRT groups, and those in the PRT group were significantly higher than in the NPRT group. In all groups, pCREB-ir was significantly higher in the CA3 area compared to the CA1 area, while Egr1-ir was significantly higher in the CA1 area compared to the CA3 area. Conclusion: Retrieval, as well as formation, of consolidated spatial memory in the water maze is correlated with expression of pCREB and Egr1 in the hippocampus of aged mice.
Discovery and Characterization of Alamandine
Authors: Lautner Roberto Queiroga , Villela Daniel C. , Fraga-Silva Rodrigo A. , Silva Neiva , Verano-Braga Thiago , Costa-Fraga Fabiana , Jankowski Joachim , Jankowski Vera , Sousa Frederico , Alzamora Andreia , Soares Everton , Barbosa Claudiane , Kjeldsen Frank , Oliveira Aline , Braga Janaina , Savergnini Silvia , Maia Gisele , Peluso Antonio Bastos , Passos-Silva Danielle , Ferreira Anderson , Alves Fabiana , Martins Almir , Raizada Mohan , Paula Renata , Motta-Santos Daisy , Kemplin Friederike , Pimenta Adriano , Alenina Natalia , Sinisterra Ruben , Bader Michael , Campagnole-Santos Maria Jose , Santos Robson A.S.
Published: February 2013

Rationale:

The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is a key regulator of the cardiovascular system, electrolyte, and water balance. Here, we report identification and characterization of alamandine, a new heptapeptide generated by catalytic action of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 angiotensin A or directly from angiotensin-(1–7).

Objective:

To characterize a novel component of the RAS, alamandine.

Methods and Results:

Using mass spectrometry we observed that alamandine circulates in human blood and can be formed from angiotensin-(1–7) in the heart. Alamandine produces several physiological actions that resemble those produced by angiotensin-(1–7), including vasodilation, antifibrosis, antihypertensive, and central effects. Interestingly, our data reveal that its actions are independent of the known vasodilator receptors of the RAS, Mas, and angiotensin II type 2 receptor. Rather, we demonstrate that alamandine acts through the Mas-related G-protein–coupled receptor, member D. Binding of alamandine to Mas-related G-protein–coupled receptor, member D is blocked by D-Pro
7
-angiotensin-(1–7), the Mas-related G-protein–coupled receptor, member D ligand β-alanine and PD123319, but not by the Mas antagonist A-779. In addition, oral administration of an inclusion compound of alamandine/β-hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin produced a long-term antihypertensive effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats and antifibrotic effects in isoproterenol-treated rats. Alamandine had no noticeable proliferative or antiproliferative effect in human tumoral cell lines.

Conclusions:

The identification of these 2 novel components of the RAS, alamandine and its receptor, provides new insights for the understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological role of the RAS and may help to develop new therapeutic strategies for treating human cardiovascular diseases and other related disorders.
Hemopexin Therapy Improves Cardiovascular Function by Preventing Heme-Induced Endothelial Toxicity in Mouse Models of Hemolytic Diseases
Authors: Vinchi Francesca , De Franceschi Lucia , Ghigo Alessandra , Townes Tim , Cimino James , Silengo Lorenzo , Hirsch Emilio , Altruda Fiorella , Tolosano Emanuela
Published: February 2013

Background—

Hemolytic diseases are characterized by enhanced intravascular hemolysis resulting in heme-catalyzed reactive oxygen species generation, which leads to endothelial dysfunction and oxidative damage. Hemopexin (Hx) is a plasma heme scavenger able to prevent endothelial damage and tissue congestion in a model of heme overload. Here, we tested whether Hx could be used as a therapeutic tool to counteract heme toxic effects on the cardiovascular system in hemolytic diseases.

Methods and Results—

By using a model of heme overload in Hx-null mice, we demonstrated that heme excess in plasma, if not bound to Hx, promoted the production of reactive oxygen species and the induction of adhesion molecules and caused the reduction of nitric oxide availability. Then, we used β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease mice as models of hemolytic diseases to evaluate the efficacy of an Hx-based therapy in the treatment of vascular dysfunction related to heme overload. Our data demonstrated that Hx prevented heme-iron loading in the cardiovascular system, thus limiting the production of reactive oxygen species, the induction of adhesion molecules, and the oxidative inactivation of nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide, and promoted heme recovery and detoxification by the liver mainly through the induction of heme oxygenase activity. Moreover, we showed that in sickle cell disease mice, endothelial activation and oxidation were associated with increased blood pressure and altered cardiac function, and the administration of exogenous Hx was found to almost completely normalize these parameters.

Conclusions—

Hemopexin treatment is a promising novel therapy to protect against heme-induced cardiovascular dysfunction in hemolytic disorders.
The Evolution of Grain Policy: The Ottoman Experience
Authors: Ağir Seven
Published: February 2013

Ottoman reformers' re-organization of the grain trade during the second half of the eighteenth century had two components—the creation of a centralized institution to supervise transactions and the replacement of the fixed price system with a more flexible one. These changes were not only a response to strains on the old system of provisioning, driven by new geopolitical conditions, but also a consequence of an increased willingness among the Ottoman elite to emulate the economic policies of successful rival states. Thus, the centralized bureaucracy and political economy of the Ottoman Empire at the time had remarkable parallels with those in such European states as France and Spain.
The Interplay between Hatred and Political Correctness: the Privatisation of Homosexuality in Slovenia
Authors: Kuhar Roman , Kuhar Roman , Švab Alenka
Published: February 2013

The article deals with the question of homophobia in Slovenia, focusing on the process of the privatisation of homosexuality. Taking three homophobic incidents that took place in Slovenia in three different time periods (the end of the 1980s, the mid-1990s and the beginning of the new millennium) as examples, the authors strive to illustrate how tolerance towards homosexuals in Slovenia is conditioned by their public non-recognition. The privatisation of homosexuality is seen as a social and political (neo-liberal) context in which homosexuality is understood to be the private matter of a citizen. As such, privatisation goes hand in hand with the process of “othering,” leaving the heteronormative structure of society intact. For that reason, homophobia in Slovenian society can be best explained by the concept of a public “transparent closet.” The authors conclude that the tolerance towards homosexuality in Slovenia is a fictitious one, as it functions only on the surface (in public opinion polls and, increasingly, in the positive media representations of homosexuality), while in the reality of everyday life it turns into more or less visible forms of violent discipline over gays and lesbians.
Liolaemus carlosgarini and Liolaemus riodamas (Squamata: Liolaemidae), two new species of lizards lacking precloacal pores, from Andean areas of central Chile
Authors: ESQUERRÉ DAMIEN , NÚÑEZ HERMAN , SCOLARO JOSÉ ALEJANDRO
Published: February 2013

Most of the lizards of the Liolaemus genus present precloacal pores in males, with few exceptions in species of the lineomaculatus and neuquensis groups, and in the elongatus-kriegi complex. The elongatus-kriegi complex, belonging to the Liolaemus (sensu stricto) subgenus, is composed of medium sized, saxicolous, viviparous and insectivorous or omnivorous lizards, distributed between the Andean and Patagonian zones of Chile and Argentina. We reviewed the taxonomic history of this group, and we describe two new species, Liolaemus carlosgarini, found in the vicinity of the Maule Lagoon, in the Maule Region, Chile, and Liolaemus riodamas, described from the population that was originally designated as Liolaemus cf. ceii, from Las Damas River, near the Termas del Flaco locality, in the Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins Region, thereby based on this research L. ceii is eliminated from the species belonging to Chile.Both species have as a diagnostic character the absence of precloacal pores, and we suggest here their presumptive systematic relationships in Liolaemus. We analyzed ten species of Liolaemus, in order to perform a phylogenetic analysis based on external morphology, using mostly squamation and morphometric characters. The analysis was performed using PAUP, with the Maximum Parsimony criterion. In addition, through diaphanisation, we studied and described the osteology of the new species. We conclude that species lacking precloacal pores do not form a monophyletic group, and that constructing a phylogeny using only external morphology, at least for this group of reptiles, is insufficient to establish solid phyletic relationships. Other sort of characters should complement the morphological ones.
Which Middle School Model Works Best? Evidence From the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study
Authors: Carolan Brian V. , Weiss Christopher C. , Matthews Jamaal S.
Published: February 2013

There are few areas of school organization that reflect more dissatisfaction than how to structure the education of adolescents in the middle grades. This study uses multilevel models on nationally representative data provided by the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study to investigate the relationship between schools’ middle-level grade span and students’ math achievement. Classroom quality was considered as an explanation for any relationships between grade span and achievement. Also examined was whether gender and family structure moderated this relationship. Results indicate that there is no generalizable relationship between grade span configuration and math achievement, but that measures of classroom quality predicted math achievement. The results should give reflective pause to reformers considering whole-scale changes to the ways in which grade spans are organized and sharpen the policy focus on classroom quality.
Psychological and educational recommendations for working with young people with Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Chacón-López Helena , López-Justicia Maria D. , Vervloed Mathijs P.J.
Published: February 2013

This article reviews the consequences of Retinitis Pigmentosa, a retinal degenerative disease with progressive reduction of the visual field, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and night blindness. Retinitis Pigmentosa is addressed from both a psychological and an educational standpoint, focusing on the impact on learning, emotional well-being, and the social relationships of young people and adolescents. We examine problems affected people have to face and offer suggestions and strategies to professionals working with individuals and family members.
Comparison of Supination External Rotation Type IV Ankle Fractures in Geriatric Versus Nongeriatric Populations
Authors: Little Milton T. M. , Berkes Marschall B. , Lazaro Lionel E. , Sculco Peter K. , Cymerman Rachel M. , Pardee Nadine , Helfet David L. , Lorich Dean G.
Published: February 2013

Background:

Geriatric patients’ (defined as those older than 65 years old) inherent comorbidities, functional limitations, and bone quality present obstacles to successful clinical outcomes for operatively treated supination external rotation (SER) ankle fractures. We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively collected series of SER injuries between 2004 and 2010. This is a comparison of the radiographic and clinical outcomes of our geriatric (27 patients) and nongeriatric (81 patients) populations. We hypothesized that geriatric patients would have worse outcomes when compared to nongeriatric patients.

Methods:

All SER ankle fractures (176) treated by a single surgeon were enrolled in a prospective database. All patients fulfilled inclusion criteria (108) consisting of 1 year of having clinical follow-up, postoperative radiographs, and Foot & Ankle Outcome Scores (FAOS). The primary outcome evaluated was functional outcome as exhibited by the FAOS. The secondary outcomes included adequacy of reduction, loss of reduction, postoperative complications (wound complications, infection, pain-driven hardware removal), and range of motion.

Results:

Despite significantly higher rates of diabetes ( P < .001) and peripheral vascular disease ( P < .001), there were statistically significantly better FAOS outcomes in the symptoms subcategory among the geriatric population. There was no significant difference in the articular reduction, syndesmotic reduction, wound complications, postoperative infections, or range of motion between these groups.

Conclusion:

Geriatric patients exhibited equivalent complication rates, radiographic outcomes, and functional outcomes compared to nongeriatric patients in this series. Anatomic fixation and soft tissue management counter the inherent risks of operative intervention in geriatric populations that report higher rates of comorbidities. This study supports aggressive fracture- and ligament-specific operative intervention in geriatric patients presenting with unstable SER injuries.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective case control study of prospectively collected data.
Performance analysis of multi-leaf oil lubricated foil bearing
Authors: Hu Liguo , Zhang Guanghui , Liu Zhansheng , Ma Ruixian , Wang Yu , Zhang Jinfeng
Published: February 2013

The traditional bearing applied in the turbo-pump for the hydraulic servo system is rolling element bearing. To satisfy the demand of the high rotating speed for turbo-pump, the oil lubricated foil bearing can be employed in the rotor system. For the working liquid of the servo system is oil and the rotor for the turbo pump is submerged in the hydraulic oil, the bearing has to operate in an oil-rich environment, where the air bearing cannot be employed. The theoretical analysis and numerical simulation are carried out in this study to investigate the static and dynamic characteristics of multi-leaf oil lubricated foil bearing. For the structure form of the multi-leaf foil bearing with five symmetrical arrangements, the foil deformation equation and the Reynolds equation are solved coupled by successive over relaxation method, where the Reynolds boundary condition is employed. Then the load capacity, lift-off speed and static equilibrium position are acquired. By deriving the dynamic deformation equation of the foil, the dynamic stiffness coefficients and damping coefficients are obtained based on the perturbation method. The effect of the rotating speed and perturbation frequency on dynamic characteristics is analyzed. It indicates that the load capacity of the multi-leaf foil bearing is smaller than that of the fixed geometry oil bearing without foil deformation, whereas the stability of the bearing is increased.
Conversion From Cephalic Vein to External Jugular Vein
Authors: Lin Chien-Hua , Yu Jyh-Cherng , Lee Yueh-Tsung , Wu Hurng-Sheng
Published: February 2013

Background. Totally implantable access ports (Port-A) can be inserted using 2 techniques: cut-down and percutaneous. The cut-down method is safer than the percutaneous method. However, the cut-down method has a higher failure rate. We report an alternative method to decrease the failure rate of the cut-down method. Patients and Methods. In all, 758 cases of Port-A implantation with cephalic vein cut-down were tried, and 56 cases failed. Of the 56 cases, 29 cases were converted to the percutaneous subclavian method (group A), and 27 cases were converted to the external jugular vein cut-down method (group B). The patient’s characteristics, causes of failure of cephalic vein cut-down, operating time, and complications were compared. Results. The failure rate of cephalic vein cut-down was 7.4%. The causes of failure of cephalic vein cut-down are described. There were 4 complications in group A, including one pneumothorax (1/29), one fracture of the catheter (1/29), one embolization of the catheter (1/29), and one hematoma formation in the port site (1/29); 2 complications occurred in group B, including one embolization of the catheter (1/27) and one hematoma in the port site (1/27). The total complications were 17.7%. Conclusion. Conversion to external jugular vein cut-down is safely and easily applied in cases of cephalic vein cut-down failure. This method did not take more time than the percutaneous subclavian method. However, placement of the port should be made more carefully to prevent angulation of the catheter. We provide an alternative method to deal with failure of cephalic vein cut-down.
Harmful Drinking and Experiences of Alcohol-Related Violence in Australian Male Construction Industry Apprentices
Authors: du Plessis Karin , Corney Tim , Burnside Lewis
Published: February 2013

This study sought to understand the prevalence of harmful alcohol use in a sample of Australian male construction industry apprentices and also examine alcohol-related violence. Although previous Australian research indicated that 45% of construction industry apprentices had Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores indicative of harmful drinking, the current study identified that 66% of construction industry apprentices were drinking at harmful levels. It also identified positive correlations between harmful drinking behavior and alcohol-related violence (and precursors of violence such as verbal abuse). The article notes the role of masculine identity in alcohol consumption, particularly as it relates to the male-dominated construction industry. The article concludes by making recommendations for implementation of preventative education campaigns in apprentices’ workplaces (or in training colleges), as it provides opportune settings to focus on high-risk groups, which are otherwise often difficult to access.
Building a Community of Research Practice
Authors: Hemmings Annette , Beckett Gulbahar , Kennerly Susan , Yap Tracey
Published: February 2013

This article explicates the intragroup social dynamics and work of a nursing and education research team as a community of research practice interested in organizational cultures and occupational subcultures. Dynamics were characterized by processes of socialization through reeducation and group social identity formation that enabled members to cross discipline-bordered traditions and produce interdisciplinary mixed methods combinations. Combinations were achieved at the paradigm level through the generation of a shared viewing position and theoretical model. At methods and technique levels, such achievements were accomplished through methodological capitalization and prioritization and the development of a quantitative culture assessment tool that can be used in combination with complementary qualitative observation and interview protocols. Recommendations for other teams are provided.
Gut microbiota in children with type 1 diabetes differs from that in healthy children: a case-control study
Authors: Murri Mora , Leiva Isabel , Gomez-Zumaquero Juan Miguel , Tinahones Francisco J , Cardona Fernando , Soriguer Federico , Queipo-Ortuño María Isabel
Published: February 2013

Background

A recent study using a rat model found significant differences at the time of diabetes onset in the bacterial communities responsible for type 1 diabetes modulation. We hypothesized that type 1 diabetes in humans could also be linked to a specific gut microbiota. Our aim was to quantify and evaluate the difference in the composition of gut microbiota between children with type 1 diabetes and healthy children and to determine the possible relationship of the gut microbiota of children with type 1 diabetes with the glycemic level.

Methods

A case-control study was carried out with 16 children with type 1 diabetes and 16 healthy children. The fecal bacteria composition was investigated by polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The mean similarity index was 47.39% for the healthy children and 37.56% for the children with diabetes, whereas the intergroup similarity index was 26.69%. In the children with diabetes, the bacterial number of Actinobacteria and Firmicutes, and the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio were all significantly decreased, with the quantity of Bacteroidetes significantly increased with respect to healthy children. At the genus level, we found a significant increase in the number of Clostridium, Bacteroides and Veillonella and a significant decrease in the number of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Blautia coccoides/Eubacterium rectale group and Prevotella in the children with diabetes. We also found that the number of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio correlated negatively and significantly with the plasma glucose level while the quantity of Clostridium correlated positively and significantly with the plasma glucose level in the diabetes group.

Conclusions

This is the first study showing that type 1 diabetes is associated with compositional changes in gut microbiota. The significant differences in the number of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Clostridium and in the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio observed between the two groups could be related to the glycemic level in the group with diabetes. Moreover, the quantity of bacteria essential to maintain gut integrity was significantly lower in the children with diabetes than the healthy children. These findings could be useful for developing strategies to control the development of type 1 diabetes by modifying the gut microbiota.
Identification of mouse colony-forming endothelial progenitor cells for postnatal neovascularization: a novel insight highlighted by new mouse colony-forming assay
Authors: Tsukada Shizu , Kwon Sang-Mo , Matsuda Takenori , Jung Seok-Yun , Lee Jun-Hee , Lee Sang-Hun , Masuda Haruchika , Asahara Takayuki
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a critical role in restoration of ischemic diseases. However, the actual status of EPC development and the mechanisms of EPC dysfunctions in patients with various ischemic diseases remain unknown.

Methods

To investigate the detailed function of EPCs in experimental murine models, we have established an EPC colony forming assay (EPC-CFA) in murine EPCs. The abilities of murine EPCs in differentiation, adhesive capacity, proliferative potency, and transplantation in vitro and in vivo were then examined.

Results

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PB-MNCs), bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) or bone marrow c-Kit+/Sca-1+ lineage negative (BM-KSL) cells differentiated into two types of EPC colony forming units (EPC-CFUs), large sized EPC (large-EPC)-CFUs and small sized EPC (small-EPC)-CFUs. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that both EPC-CFU-derived cells expressed eNOS, Flk-1 and VE-cadherin, markers of endothelial cells (ECs), although the small-EPCs derived from small-EPC-CFU were higher in number and showed more immature features (higher population of KSL cells). Functionally, the large-EPCs derived from large-EPC-CFU had higher adhesive capacity but lower proliferative potency than small-EPCs, showing improved tubular forming capacity and incorporation potency into primary EC-derived tube formation. Importantly, hindlimb ischemia increased the frequencies of large-EPC-CFUs differentiated from PB-MNCs and bone marrow. Actually, transplantation of large-EPCs into ischemic hindlimb enhanced neovascularization in hindlimb ischemia model, although small-EPCs or murine ECs did not, suggesting that large-EPC-CFUs might play an important role in restoration of ischemic diseases.

Conclusions

We demonstrated, using a murine ischemia model, that the EPC-CFA could be a useful way to investigate the differentiation levels of murine EPCs, further providing a crucial clue that large-EPC-CFU status may be more functional or effective EPCs to promote neovascularization.
Sŏ In-sik's Communism and the East Asian Community (1937 – 40)
Authors: Workman Travis
Published: February 2013

This article discusses the philosophical works of Sŏ In-sik, who published mainly between 1937 and 1940, following his five-year imprisonment as a member of the M-L (Marxist-Leninist) group and the Korean Communist Party. While it recognizes a major shift in his thinking in 1938, this article questions the assertion that the “preconversion” and “postconversion” works can be strictly separated in terms of their content. Rather than making an immediately political argument, it examines the contemporaneity of Japanese and Korean philosophy of the 1930s and 1940s, through close readings that open up the conceptual and practical problems of imperial nationalism, Marxist historicism, and universality. The first part discusses Sŏ's early work on the contradictory character of the intellect under capitalism and his idealization of the laboring human. The second part addresses Sŏ's so-called “conversion” to supporting the Japanese empire, through textual analysis that highlights the continuities and discontinuities between his earlier Hegelian-Marxist philosophy of history and his later concerns with cultural crisis and Kyoto School dialectics. The third part looks more specifically at Sŏ's “disguising” of his Marxist view of history behind a Hegelian logic of nation-state formation and discusses the problem of mimesis and representation in the inversion of Hegel.
Outcome of arthrodesis of the hindfoot as a salvage procedure for complex ankle pathology using the Ilizarov technique
Authors: Kugan R. , Aslam N. , Bose D. , McNally M. A.
Published: February 2013

Achieving arthrodesis of the ankle can be difficult in the presence of infection, deformity, poor soft tissues and bone loss. We present a series of 48 patients with complex ankle pathology, treated with the Ilizarov technique. Infection was present in 30 patients and 30 had significant deformity before surgery. Outcome was assessed clinically and with patient-reported outcome measures (Modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (MAOFAS) scale and the Short-Form (SF-36)).

Arthrodesis was achieved in 40 patients with the Ilizarov technique alone and in six further patients with additional surgery. Infection was eradicated in all patients at a mean follow-up of 46.6 months (13 to 162). Successful arthrodesis was less likely in those with comorbidities and in tibiocalcaneal fusion compared with tibiotalar fusion.

These patients had poor general health scores compared with the normal population before surgery. The mean MAOFAS score improved significantly from 24.3 (0 to 90) pre-operatively to 56.2 (30 to 90) post-operatively, but there was only a modest improvement in general health; the mean SF-36 improved from 44.8 (19 to 66) to 50.1 (21 to 76). There was a major benefit in terms of pain relief.

Arthrodesis using the Ilizarov technique is an effective treatment for complex ankle pathology, with good clinical outcomes and eradication of infection. However, even after successful arthrodesis general health scores remain limited.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:371–7.
The use of ceramic-on-ceramic bearings in isolated revision of the acetabular component
Authors: Jack C. M. , Molloy D. O. , Walter W. L. , Zicat B. A. , Walter W. K.
Published: February 2013

The practice of removing a well-fixed cementless femoral component is associated with high morbidity. Ceramic bearing couples are low wearing and their use minimises the risk of subsequent further revision due to the production of wear debris. A total of 165 revision hip replacements were performed, in which a polyethylene-lined acetabular component was revised to a new acetabular component with a ceramic liner, while retaining the well-fixed femoral component. A titanium sleeve was placed over the used femoral trunnion, to which a ceramic head was added. There were 100 alumina and 65 Delta bearing couples inserted.

The mean Harris hip score improved significantly from 71.3 (9.0 to 100.0) pre-operatively to 91.0 (41.0 to 100.0) at a mean follow up of 4.8 years (2.1 to 12.5) (p < 0.001). No patients reported squeaking of the hip.

There were two fractures of the ceramic head, both in alumina bearings. No liners were seen to fracture. No fractures were observed in components made of Delta ceramic. At 8.3 years post-operatively the survival with any cause of failure as the endpoint was 96.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 85.7 to 99.3) for the acetabular component and 94.0% (95% CI 82.1 to 98.4) for the femoral component.

The technique of revising the acetabular component in the presence of a well-fixed femoral component with a ceramic head placed on a titanium sleeve over the used trunnion is a useful adjunct in revision hip practice. The use of Delta ceramic is recommended.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:333–8.
Single-stage revision for peri-prosthetic shoulder infection
Authors: Klatte T. O. , Junghans K. , Al-Khateeb H. , Rueger J. M. , Gehrke T. , Kendoff D. , Neumann J.
Published: February 2013

There have been only a few small studies of patients with an infected shoulder replacement treated with a single-stage exchange procedure. We retrospectively reviewed 35 patients (19 men and 16 women) with a peri-prosthetic infection of the shoulder who were treated in this way. A total of 26 were available for clinical examination; three had died, two were lost to follow-up and four patients had undergone revision surgery. The mean follow-up time was 4.7 years (1.1 to 13.25), with an infection-free survival of 94%.

The organisms most commonly isolated intra-operatively were Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes; two patients developed a recurrent infection. Three different types of prosthesis were used: a hemiarthroplasty, a hemiarthroplasty with a bipolar head and reverse prosthesis. The mean Constant-Murley score at final follow-up was 43.3 (14 to 90) for patients with a hemiarthroplasty, 56 (40 to 88) for those with a hemiarthroplasty with a bipolar head and 61 (7 to 90) for those with a reverse prosthesis. The mean hospital stay was 10.6 days (5 to 29).

Single-stage exchange is a successful and practical treatment for patients with peri-prosthetic infection of the shoulder.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:391–5.
Diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis (diffuse-type giant cell tumour) of the foot and ankle
Authors: Stevenson J. D. , Jaiswal A. , Gregory J. J. , Mangham D. C. , Cribb G. , Cool P.
Published: February 2013

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare benign disease of the synovium of joints and tendon sheaths, which may be locally aggressive. We present 18 patients with diffuse-type PVNS of the foot and ankle followed for a mean of 5.1 years (2 to 11.8). There were seven men and 11 women, with a mean age of 42 years (18 to 73). A total of 13 patients underwent open or arthroscopic synovectomy, without post-operative radiotherapy. One had surgery at the referring unit before presentation with residual tibiotalar PVNS. The four patients who were managed non-operatively remain symptomatically controlled and under clinical and radiological surveillance. At final follow-up the mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society score was 93.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 85 to 100), the mean Toronto Extremity Salvage Score was 92 (95% CI 82 to 100) and the mean American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons foot and ankle score was 89 (95% CI 79 to 100). The lesion in the patient with residual PVNS resolved radiologically without further intervention six years after surgery. Targeted synovectomy without adjuvant radiotherapy can result in excellent outcomes, without recurrence. Asymptomatic patients can be successfully managed non-operatively. This is the first series to report clinical outcome scores for patients with diffuse-type PVNS of the foot and ankle.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:384–90.