bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous analysis of ion and electron heat transport by power modulation in JET
Authors: Ryter F. , Angioni C. , Giroud C. , Peeters A.G. , Biewer T. , Bilato R. , Joffrin E. , Johnson T. , Leggate H. , Lerche E. , Madison G. , Mantica P. , Van Eester D. , Voitsekhovitch I.
Published: October 2011

Heating power modulation experiments using ion cyclotron resonance heating (ICRH) in the 3He minority scheme have been performed in the JET tokamak to investigate heat transport properties. This RF scheme provides a dominant localized ion heating, but also some electron heating, and therefore both ion and electron heat channels were modulated. This allows us to carry out a simultaneous transport analysis of ion and electron heat transport channels, including transient transport phenomena. This also provides an experimental assessment of the ICRH heat sources of the 3He scheme. The modulation approach, so far widely used for electron transport studies, has been validated for ion heat transport in these experiments and yields results on stiffness and threshold of the ion temperature gradient (ITG)-driven ion heat transport. The results for the electron channel demonstrate the importance of the ITG-driven, off-diagonal, contribution to electron heat transport in plasmas with significant ion heating.
Automatic rebuilding and optimization of crystallographic structures in the Protein Data Bank
Authors: Joosten Robbie P. , Joosten Krista , Cohen Serge X. , Vriend Gert , Perrakis Anastassis
Published: October 2011

Motivation: Macromolecular crystal structures in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) are a key source of structural insight into biological processes. These structures, some >30 years old, were constructed with methods of their era. With PDB_REDO, we aim to automatically optimize these structures to better fit their corresponding experimental data, passing the benefits of new methods in crystallography on to a wide base of non-crystallographer structure users.

Results: We developed new algorithms to allow automatic rebuilding and remodeling of main chain peptide bonds and side chains in crystallographic electron density maps, and incorporated these and further enhancements in the PDB_REDO procedure. Applying the updated PDB_REDO to the oldest, but also to some of the newest models in the PDB, corrects existing modeling errors and brings these models to a higher quality, as judged by standard validation methods.

Availability and Implementation: The PDB_REDO database and links to all software are available at http://www.cmbi.ru.nl/pdb_redo.

Contact:  r.joosten@nki.nl; a.perrakis@nki.nl

Supplementary Information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Simulation-based Assessment of Pediatric Anesthesia Skills
Authors: Fehr James J. , Boulet John R. , Waldrop William B. , Snider Rebecca , Brockel Megan , Murray David J.
Published: October 2011

Background

Assessment of pediatric anesthesia trainees is complicated by the random nature of adverse patient events and the vagaries of clinical exposure. However, assessment is critical to improve patient safety. In previous studies, a multiple scenario assessment provided reliable and valid measures of the abilities of anesthesia residents. The purpose of this study was to develop a set of relevant simulated pediatric perioperative scenarios and to determine their effectiveness in the assessment of anesthesia residents and pediatric anesthesia fellows.

Methods

Ten simulation scenarios were designed to reflect situations encountered in perioperative pediatric anesthesia care. Anesthesiology residents and fellows consented to participate and were debriefed after each scenario. Two pediatric anesthesiologists scored each scenario by key action checklist. The psychometric properties (reliability, validity) of the scores were studied.

Results

Thirty-five anesthesiology residents and pediatric anesthesia fellows participated. The participants with greater experience administering pediatric anesthetics generally outperformed those with less experience. Score variance attributable to raters was low, yielding a high interrater reliability.

Conclusions

A multiple-scenario, simulation-based assessment of pediatric perioperative care was designed and administered to residents and fellows. The scores obtained from the assessment indicated the content was relevant and that raters could reliably score the scenarios. Participants with more training achieved higher scores, but there was a wide range of ability among subjects. This method has the potential to contribute to pediatric anesthesia performance assessment, but additional measures of validity including correlations with more direct measures of clinical performance are needed to establish the utility of this approach.
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 Antagonism with Fenobam
Authors: Montana Michael C. , Conrardy Beth A. , Cavallone Laura F. , Kolber Benedict J. , Rao Lesley K. , Greco Suellen C. , Gereau Robert W.
Published: October 2011

Background

The metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 noncompetitive antagonist fenobam is analgesic in rodents. Future development of fenobam as an analgesic in humans will require a favorable long-term treatment profile and a lack of significant deleterious side effects. This study aimed to determine whether tolerance to fenobam's analgesic effects developed over 14 days and to assess for side effects in mice.

Methods

Mouse models of pain, locomotor behavior, and coordination were used. Fenobam or vehicle (n = 8 or 11 per group) was administered for 14 days, and analgesic tolerance to fenobam was assessed using the formalin test. Histopathologic examination, hematology, and clinical chemistry analysis after 14-day fenobam administration were also assessed (n = 12 or 9). The effects of fenobam on locomotor activity were assessed in the open field and elevated zero maze (n = 8 or 7). Coordination was assessed using ledge crossing and vertical pole descent tasks (n = 11 or 10).

Results

Tolerance to fenobam's analgesic effect did not develop after 14 days. Chronic fenobam administration resulted in statistically significantly less weight gain compared with vehicle control subjects, but did not cause any physiologically or statistically significant hematologic abnormalities, altered organ function, or abnormal histopathology of the liver, brain, or testes. Fenobam administration resulted in a metabotropic glutamate receptor 5-dependent increase in exploratory behavior but does not impair motor coordination at analgesic doses.

Conclusions

Analgesic tolerance to repeat fenobam dosing does not develop. Chronic dosing of up to 14 days is well tolerated. Fenobam represents a promising candidate for the treatment of human pain conditions.
Isozyme-specific Effects of Protein Kinase C in Pain Modulation
Authors: Zhao Chengshui , Leitges Michael , Gereau Robert W.
Published: October 2011

Background

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of serine/threonine kinases that contains more than 10 isozymes. Evidence suggests that PKC may play important roles in pain modulation, but the isozyme-specific effects of PKC on different aspects of pain modulation are not fully understood. We hypothesize that different PKC isozymes play different roles in different aspects of pain modulation.

Methods

The nociceptive behaviors of mice with deletion of PKCα, β, γ, or δ in multiple pain models were compared with their respective wild-type littermates. Also, morphine analgesia and the development of morphine tolerance in mice with deletion of PKCγ were compared with their respective wild-type littermates.

Results

Thermal hyperalgesia induced by complete Freund's adjuvant injection was significantly attenuated by the deletion of PKCβ, γ, or δ, but not PKCα. Deletion of PKCγ significantly attenuated neuropathic mechanical allodynia induced by spared nerve injury, whereas deletion of PKCα enhanced this allodynia. Baseline thermal and mechanical sensitivity, nociceptive behaviors induced by formalin, mechanical allodynia induced by complete Freund's adjuvant injection, were not altered by deletion of PKCα, β, γ, or δ. Finally, morphine analgesia and the development of morphine tolerance were not altered in PKCγ-deficient mice.

Conclusions

PKC has isozyme-specific effects in pain modulation.
Video-Assisted Implantation of a Left Ventricular Lead and Intrathoracic Tunneling to a Right-Sided CRT-D Device
Authors: Stoker Thijs , Klinkenberg Theo J. , Maass Alexander H. , Mariani Massimo A.
Published: October 2011

We describe two cases in which a biventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator for cardiac resynchronization therapy had to be placed on the right side due to unsuitability of the left subclavian vein. Endocardial implantation of a left ventricular lead through the coronary sinus was previously attempted but was unsuccessful. Implantation of the epicardial left ventricular pacing lead was performed through video-assisted thoracic surgery on the left side. The connector end of the left ventricular pacing lead was tunnelized through the anterior mediastinum into the right pleural space. The right-sided pocket was then opened. A tunnel was created from the pocket to the thoracic wall, and the pleural space was entered over the second rib. The lead was retrieved from the right pleural space and connected with the Cardiac resynchronization therapy-device (CRT-D). Both procedures and postoperative periods were uneventful. Intrathoracic left-to-right tunneling of an epicardial left ventricular lead by video-assisted thoracic surgery is feasible and safe. It provides an alternative to subcutaneous tunneling.
A Soybean Dual-Specificity Kinase, GmSARK, and Its Arabidopsis Homolog, AtSARK, Regulate Leaf Senescence through Synergistic Actions of Auxin and Ethylene
Authors: Xu Fan , Meng Tao , Li Pengli , Yu Yunqing , Cui Yanjiao , Wang Yaxin , Gong Qingqiu , Wang Ning Ning
Published: October 2011

As the last stage of leaf development, senescence is a fine-tuned process regulated by interplays of multiple signaling pathways. We have previously identified soybean (Glycine max) SENESCENCE-ASSOCIATED RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE (SARK), a leucine-rich repeat-receptor-like protein kinase from soybean, as a positive regulator of leaf senescence. Here, we report the elucidation of the molecular mechanism of GmSARK-mediated leaf senescence, especially its specific roles in senescence-inducing hormonal pathways. A glucocorticoid-inducible transcription system was used to produce transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants for inducible overexpression of GmSARK, which led to early leaf senescence, chloroplast destruction, and abnormal flower morphology in Arabidopsis. Transcript analyses of the GmSARK-overexpressing seedlings revealed a multitude of changes in phytohormone synthesis and signaling, specifically the repression of cytokinin functions and the induction of auxin and ethylene pathways. Inhibition of either auxin action or ethylene biosynthesis alleviated the senescence induced by GmSARK. Consistently, mutation of either AUXIN RESISTANT1 or ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE2 completely reversed the GmSARK-induced senescence. We further identified a homolog of GmSARK with a similar expression pattern in Arabidopsis and named it AtSARK. Inducible overexpression of AtSARK caused precocious senescence and abnormal floral organ development nearly identical to the GmSARK-overexpressing plants, whereas a T-DNA insertion mutant of AtSARK showed significantly delayed senescence. A kinase assay on recombinant catalytic domains of GmSARK and AtSARK revealed that these two leucine-rich repeat-receptor-like protein kinases autophosphorylate on both serine/threonine and tyrosine residues. We inferred that the SARK-mediated pathway may be a widespread mechanism in regulating leaf senescence.
VESTA 3for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data
Authors: Momma Koichi , Izumi Fujio
Published: October 2011

VESTAis a three-dimensional visualization system for crystallographic studies and electronic state calculations. It has been upgraded to the latest version,VESTA 3, implementing new features including drawing the external morphology of crystals; superimposing multiple structural models, volumetric data and crystal faces; calculation of electron and nuclear densities from structure parameters; calculation of Patterson functions from structure parameters or volumetric data; integration of electron and nuclear densities by Voronoi tessellation; visualization of isosurfaces with multiple levels; determination of the best plane for selected atoms; an extended bond-search algorithm to enable more sophisticated searches in complex molecules and cage-like structures; undo and redo in graphical user interface operations; and significant performance improvements in rendering isosurfaces and calculating slices.
A method to identify dislocations in a known crystal structure by transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Zhang Yudong , Wang Shiying , Esling Claude , Lecomte Jean-Sébastien , Schuman Christophe , Zhao Xiang , Zuo Liang
Published: October 2011

This paper proposes a method to identify the type and the Burgers vector of dislocations visualizedviatransmission electron microscopy (TEM). The first step is to determine experimentally the orientation, with respect to the sample holder, of a grain of known crystal structure whose dislocation slip systems have been previously reported. With this determined orientation of the grain, the method calculates the orientation of the projections of the possible dislocation line vectors in the transmission electron microscope screen coordinate system and then compares them with the observed dislocations to identify their type and the Burgers vector. The coordinate transformations underlying the method are outlined, and its validity is demonstrated using TEM measurements on a titanium sample. The method is expected to simplify the related TEM determination work.
Selective clinical and immune response of the oligoclonal autoreactive T cells in Omenn patients after cyclosporin A treatment
Authors: Lev A , Simon A J , Amariglio N , Rechavi G , Somech R
Published: October 2011

The immunological hallmark of Omenn syndrome (OS) is the expansion and activation of an oligoclonal population of autoreactive T cells. These cells should be controlled rapidly by immunosuppressive agents, such as cyclosporin A (CsA), to avoid tissue infiltration and to improve the general outcome of the patients. Here we studied the clinical and the immune response to CsA in two Omenn patients and also examined the gene expression profile associated with good clinical response to such therapy. T cell receptor diversity was studied in cells obtained from OS patients during CsA therapy. Characterization of gene expression in these cells was carried out by using the TaqMan low-density array. One patient showed complete resolution of his symptoms after CsA therapy. The other patient showed selective response of his oligoclonal T cell population and combination therapy was required to control his symptoms. Transcriptional profile associated with good clinical response to CsA therapy revealed significant changes in 26·6% of the tested genes when compared with the transcriptional profile of the cells before treatment. Different clinical response to CsA in two OS patients is correlated with their immunological response. Varying clonal expansions in OS patients can cause autoimmune features and can respond differently to immunosuppressive therapy; therefore, additional treatment is sometimes indicated. CsA for OS patients causes regulation of genes that are involved closely with self-tolerance and autoimmunity.
Galectin-3 in cord blood of term and preterm infants
Authors: Demmert M , Faust K , Bohlmann M K , Tröger B , Göpel W , Herting E , Härtel C
Published: October 2011

In recent years galectin-3 has gained attention as a signalling molecule, mainly in inflammatory diseases. Data on galectin-3 expression in neonates, however, are limited, and expression of this lectin in cord blood has not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to determine galectin-3 levels in cord blood of term and preterm neonates as well as galectin-3 levels in cord blood of term neonates after stimulation with the prevalent pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae. Cord blood samples were incubated for 24 h and galectin-3 levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There is a positive correlation between gestational age and galectin-3 levels in cord blood. Expression of galectin-3 is significantly higher in cord blood of small-for-gestational-age infants compared to appropriate-for-gestational-age infants. Stimulation with an invasive but not with a colonizing strain of S. agalactiae induced expression of galectin-3. Galectin-3 is expressed constitutively in cord blood of neonates and seems to play a role in the innate immunity of this population.
Up-regulation of small intestinal interleukin-17 immunity in untreated coeliac disease but not in potential coeliac disease or in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Lahdenperä A I , Hölttä V , Ruohtula T , Salo H M , Orivuori L , Westerholm-Ormio M , Savilahti E , Fälth-Magnusson K , Högberg L , Ludvigsson J , Vaarala O
Published: October 2011

Up-regulation of interleukin (IL)-17 in small intestinal mucosa has been reported in coeliac disease (CD) and in peripheral blood in type 1 diabetes (T1D). We explored mucosal IL-17 immunity in different stages of CD, including transglutaminase antibody (TGA)-positive children with potential CD, children with untreated and gluten-free diet-treated CD and in children with T1D. Immunohistochemistry was used for identification of IL-17 and forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)-positive cells and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for IL-17, FoxP3, retinoic acid-related orphan receptor (ROR)c and interferon (IFN)-γ transcripts. IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17 were studied in supernatants from biopsy cultures. Expression of the apoptotic markers BAX and bcl-2 was evaluated in IL-17-stimulated CaCo-2 cells. The mucosal expression of IL-17 and FoxP3 transcripts were elevated in individuals with untreated CD when compared with the TGA-negative reference children, children with potential CD or gluten-free diet-treated children with CD (P < 0·005 for all IL-17 comparisons and P < 0·01 for all FoxP3 comparisons). The numbers of IL-17-positive cells were higher in lamina propria in children with CD than in children with T1D (P < 0·05). In biopsy specimens from patients with untreated CD, enhanced spontaneous secretion of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17 was seen. Activation of anti-apoptotic bcl-2 in IL-17-treated CaCo-2 epithelial cells suggests that IL-17 might be involved in mucosal protection. Up-regulation of IL-17 could, however, serve as a biomarker for the development of villous atrophy and active CD.
Survey of caregiver opinions on the practicalities of family‐centred care in intensive care units
Authors: Soury‐Lavergne Aude , Hauchard Inès , Dray Sandrine , Baillot Marie‐Lou , Bertholet Emmanuelle , Clabault Karine , Jeune Sylvie , Ledroit Christelle , Lelias Isabelle , Lombardo Véronique , Maetens Yves , Meziani Ferhat , Reignier Jean , Souweine Bertrand , Tabah Alexis , Barrau Karine , Roch Antoine ,   the Société de Réanimation de Langue Française (SRLF)
Published: October 2011

Aims and objectives.  To determine caregiver opinion on their intensive care unit’s policies with regard to visiting hours, how families are informed and participate in patient care.

Background.  Benefits of improving family access to the intensive care unit, information delivery and participation of families in care have been suggested.

Design.  Survey of caregivers working in French‐speaking intensive care units.

Methods.  An e‐mail invitation to complete an online, closed‐ended questionnaire was issued to caregivers registered in the mailing list of the French society of intensive care.

Results.  Caregivers (n = 731) working in 222 adult and 41 paediatric intensive care units completed the questionnaire. Unlike in paediatric intensive care units, 58% of adult intensive care unit had restricted visiting hours (<4 hour). However, 63% of respondents would recommend extended visiting periods. A 24‐hour policy existed in 7% of adult intensive care units; 10% of respondents from these intensive care units thought reducing visiting periods would be very useful or essential; 81% thought that a 24‐hour policy contributed to improved relations with families; and only 9% thought that it was a hindrance to care. Over 90% of caregivers thought that families should be informed of patient progress in a designated room in the presence of the patient’s nurse and that patient records should report family meetings. This policy was only implemented in half of the cases. Family participation in care procedures was strongly encouraged in only 0·5% of adult intensive care units.

Conclusions.  Intensive care unit caregivers are in favour of longer visiting hours, increased use of designated rooms for, and nurse participation in, meetings with families. Although caregivers do not associate families with care procedures, they considered that their presence during most interventions should be authorised.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Our results could help in implementing intensive care unit policies concerning visiting hours, how families are informed and participate in patient care.
Small‐bowel capsule endoscopy in patients with gastrointestinal food allergy
Authors: Hagel A. F. , de Rossi T. M. , Zopf Y. , Lindner A. S. , Dauth W. , Neurath M. F. , Raithel M.
Published: October 2011

To cite this article: Hagel AF, de Rossi TM, Zopf Y, Lindner AS, Dauth W, Neurath MF, Raithel M. Small‐bowel capsule endoscopy in patients with gastrointestinal food allergy. Allergy 2012; 67: 286–292.

Background:  Food allergy may present with a plethora of gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, cardiocirculatory symptoms, cutaneous reactions, or rhinitis. Macropathological lesions like lymphofollicular hyperplasia and erosive or ulcerative lesions have seldom been described in gastroscopy and colonoscopy previously.

Methods:  Fifteen patients presenting with unspecific abdominal symptoms in which food allergy was detected in due course were included. During the examination process, those patients showed various indications for small‐bowel capsule endoscopy, such as weight loss and anemia.

Results:  Fourteen (93.3%) of the 15 small‐bowel capsule endoscopies could be assessed, showing nonerosive lesions such as erythema, swelling, and lymphoid hyperplasia in 8 patients (57.1%) and erosive lesions such as aphthoid lesions, erosions, and petechiae in 4 patients (28.6%) with food allergy.

Conclusion:  In 15 patients with confirmed food allergy and after exclusion of other diseases, 12 (85.7%) showed various unspecific nonerosive or erosive mucosal lesions within the small bowel, resulting, however, partially in grave consequences such as anemia. Lymphoid hyperplasia was the most prominent finding in 7 patients (50%), albeit infectious disease had been excluded. Anemia improved within 1 year after adequate antiallergic treatment.
Urology training: past, present and future
Authors: Gohil Rishma , Khan Reenam S. , Ahmed Kamran , Kumar Pardeep , Challacombe Ben , Khan Mohammed Shamim , Dasgupta Prokar
Published: October 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Dedicated training hours for surgeons are falling as the complexity of techniques and patient expectations are increasing. Urologists therefore need to train in more sophisticated and effective ways.

This article looks at past and current urological training and suggests emerging and innovative ways to teach the next generation of urologists.

Since 2004 the estimated available training time, for all doctors, has dropped from 30 000 h to ≈8000 h. By decreasing the initial stages of the learning curve, medical simulation has the potential to compensate for the reduced time available to train urologists. The current urological training pathway consists of 2 years of foundation year training, 2 years of core surgical training, followed by 5 years of specialty training. Training time pressures and the expansion of treatment techniques have led to a trend towards increased sub‐specialization in urology. To optimize patient care, training programmes must evolve, taking into account several key issues and in accordance with advances in urological care.
Image‐guided dose‐escalated intensity‐modulated radiation therapy for prostate cancer: treating to doses beyond 78 Gy
Authors: Eade Thomas N. , Guo Linxin , Forde Elizabeth , Vaux Ken , Vass Justin , Hunt Peter , Kneebone Andrew
Published: October 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

High doses of radiotherapy correspond to higher cure rates. Most radiation centers in the UK and Australia limit prescription doses to 74–78 Gy and do not use IGRT and IMRT for all patients.

The combination of IGRT and IMRT can limit the rectum and bladder to low doses allowing doses above 78 Gy to be delivered, including pelvic lymph node treatment, with low side effects. This paper provides a detailed guide of planning technique and expected toxicity to enable implementation of similar dose escalated prostate programmes in other radiotherapy centres.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the short‐term side‐effects of dose‐escalated image‐guided intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IG‐IMRT) for the definitive treatment of prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients were treated at doses >78 Gy and with definitive intent.

Patients from a prospective database with International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0 (CTCAE) toxicity were recorded weekly during treatment and at follow‐up.

RESULTS

In all, 101 patients were included, with doses ranging from 78.3 to 84 Gy (median = 79.3).

The median (range) age was 71 (46–83) years; 60% received concurrent androgen deprivation and 35% had pelvic lymph node treatment.

The median (range) IPSS at baseline, on treatment and at first follow‐up were 7 (0–35), 15 (1–34) and 6 (0–30), respectively.

The percentages of patients with grade 2 or higher toxicity during treatment, at 3 months and at 2 years were, respectively, 6.9%, 1% and 2% for gastrointestinal symptoms and 39%, 6.9% and 3% for genitourinary symptoms.

There was no significant difference in gastrointestinal toxicity during treatment (P= 0.860) or at 3 months (P= 0.334) between patients with and without lymph node treatment.

CONCLUSION

Doses >78 Gy delivered using daily image guidance and IMRT are well tolerated, and by 3 months short‐term side‐effects have normalized for the majority of patients.
Varicocoele and saphenofemoral reflux: are they coincidentally related?
Authors: Yazıcı Cenk Murat , Kayhan Arda , Malkoc Ercan , Verim Samet
Published: October 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

It has been proposed that there is a significant relation between varicocoele and saphenofemoral reflux.

Our results show that there is no statistically significant relation between varicocoele and saphenofemoral reflux.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a relation between varicocoele and venous insufficiency at the level of the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) is present.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 100 patients with varicocoele and 50 age‐matched controls seen in the outpatient urology clinic were included in our prospectively designed survey. Patients with a history of scrotal, inguinal or vascular surgery were excluded from the study.

Following a physical examination by the same urologist, coloured Doppler ultrasonography of the pampiniform plexus and the SFJ were performed by the same radiologist. Patients who had spermatic veins greater than 3.0 mm in diameter and reversed blood flow in Doppler ultrasonography were included in the study group.

The competence of the SFJ was evaluated and retrograde venous flow for longer than 0.5 s was noted as positive for saphenofemoral incompetence.

RESULTS

The mean age of varicocoele patients and the control group was 22.9 and 23.7 years, respectively. There were 83 patients with left varicocoele, five patients with right varicocoele and 12 patients with bilateral varicocoele.

In the varicocoele group, 36 (36%) patients had saphenofemoral reflux while 64 (64%) had no reflux, whereas corresponding figures for the control group were 13 (26%) and 37 (74%) respectively (P= 0.32).

There were 39 (46.9%) patients with a maximal vein diameter less than 3.6 mm (median 3.1 ± 0.3 mm) while there were 44 (53.1%) patients with a maximal vein diameter over 3.6 mm (median 4.1 ± 0.37 mm) (P= 0.20).

CONCLUSION

There is no statistically significant relation between varicocoele and SFJ insufficiency. Varicocoele may not be attributable to a systemic vascular insufficiency; however, further comprehensive series with larger populations are required
Comparison of percutaneous nephrolithotomy and retrograde flexible nephrolithotripsy for the management of 2–4 cm stones: a matched‐pair analysis
Authors: Akman Tolga , Binbay Murat , Ozgor Faruk , Ugurlu Mesut , Tekinarslan Erdem , Kezer Cem , Aslan Rahmi , Muslumanoglu Ahmet Yaser
Published: October 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case control)

Level of Evidence 3b

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Recently European Association of Urology 2011 guidelines on urolithiasis recommended retrograde intrarenal surgery as the second‐line therapy for the treatment of kidney stones <10 mm in diameter.

This study shows that retrograde intrarenal surgery may be an alternative therapy to percutaneous nephrolithotomy, with acceptable efficacy and low morbidity for 2–4 cm stones.

OBJECTIVE

Currently, the indications for retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) have been extended due to recent improvements in endoscopic technology. In this study, we compare the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and RIRS in the treatment of 2–4 cm kidney stones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between September 2008 and January 2011, 34 patients who had renal stones ranging from 2 to 4 cm in diameter were treated with RIRS. The outcomes of these patients were compared with patients who underwent PCNL using matched‐pair analysis (1:1 scenario).

The matching parameters were the size, number and location of the stones as well as age, gender, body mass index, solitary kidney, degree of hydronephrosis, presence of previous shock wave lithotripsy and open surgery.

Data were analysed using Fisher's exact test, Student's t test and the Mann–Whitney U test.

RESULTS

Stone‐free rates after one session were 73.5% and 91.2% for RIRS and PCNL respectively (P= 0.05). Stone‐free rate in the RIRS group improved to 88.2% after the second procedure.

Mean operation duration was 58.2 (±) 13.4 min in the RIRS group but 38.7 (±) 11.6 min in the PCNL group (P < 0.0001). Blood transfusions were required in two patients in the PCNL group.

Overall complication rates in the PCNL group were higher, but the differences were not statistically significant. Hospitalization time was significantly shorter in the RIRS group (30.0 + 37.4 vs 61.4 + 34.0 h, respectively; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Satisfactory outcomes can be achieved with multi‐session RIRS in the treatment of 2–4 cm renal stones. RIRS can be used as an alternative treatment to PCNL in selected cases with larger renal stones.
The Swedish Corporate Control Model: Convergence, Persistence or Decline?
Authors: Henrekson Magnus , Jakobsson Ulf
Published: October 2011

Manuscript Type: Perspective

Research Question/Issue: In the finance literature theoretical arguments have largely predicted a world‐wide convergence towards the Anglo‐American model of corporate control. Still, there are few signs that this convergence is underway. This paper explores the reasons for the persistence of the blockholder model by an in‐depth examination of a single country – Sweden – where blockholding always has been strong and where it still predominates among public firms. In spite of the fact that we explore the effects of deregulation, globalization and regulatory reform on corporate governance in a single country, a further aim is to shed some light on the wider issue of the world‐wide persistence of the blockholder model.

Research Findings/Insights: We find that globalization has undermined the traditional model of corporate control in Sweden. However, there is no sign of expansion of the Anglo‐American model of corporate control. A prerequisite for a well‐functioning model of dispersed ownership and management control is a certain degree of autonomy/entrenchment for management relative to owners. In Sweden this option is precluded by the corporate law and prevailing social norms. As a result, the Anglo‐American model is not viable and blockholder control still predominates among public firms. However, the importance of the stock exchange is declining and there is strong growth of control models outside the stock exchange, notably private equity and foreign ownership.

Theoretical/Academic Implications: In the theoretical argumentation for the inevitability of the Anglo‐American model in a mature economy too little attention has been given to the necessary conditions for the viability of management control in the case of dispersed ownership. A rigorous treatment of this question is needed if we want to formulate a relevant theory for the nature of endogenous adjustment of control models in response to globalization.

Practitioner/Policy Implications: Reforms in corporate finance implemented in the European Union are greatly inspired by the UK system. In traditional blockholder governance systems such reforms undermine the basis for blockholder control. If there are strong cultural and/or legal impediments to the emergence of firms with dispersed ownership and management control, institutional convergence could result in an erosion of national stock markets in Europe. The study also provides support for the argument that the efficiency of a particular corporate governance model hinges on the complementarity of several constitutive elements, and therefore an isolated change in a certain element leads to inconsistencies, making the model less efficient.
Neighbourhood effects on young people's future living conditions: Longitudinal findings from Sweden
Authors: Brännström Lars
Published: October 2011

Brännström L. Neighbourhood effects on young people's future living conditions: longitudinal findings from Sweden

Using extensive longitudinal data for three Swedish birth cohorts born in the late 1970s, this study asked whether the social characteristics of the neighbourhood affect future outcomes that are important for their living conditions (labour‐market participation, economic hardship and criminality). To assist decision‐making about the balance between area‐targeted policies and wider form of social interventions at the individual level, this study also assessed whether the estimated impact of neighbourhood context has any bearing on the effect of preventive interventions directed at distressed neighbourhoods. The overall findings suggest that there is no clear evidence that the impact of neighbourhood varies sufficiently between the different types of neighbourhoods when selection and other confounding factors have been taken into consideration. It is concluded that the estimated effect of neighbourhood on youth development does not underpin area‐targeted policies directed at distressed neighbourhoods.
How the People of Butembo (RDC) were Chosen to Embody ‘the New Congo’: Or What the Appearance of a Poster in a City's Public Places can Teach about its Social Tissue
Authors: GEENEN KRISTIEN
Published: October 2011

In this article, I translate local narratives about one particular event into a reading of a city as a whole. The city concerned is Butembo, a secondary city in the North Kivu province (DRC). The incident relates to the appearance of a foreign flower in the late 1950s. This water hyacinth — named ‘Congo ya Sika’, which means ‘the New Congo’— caused severe damage to the waterways of the Belgian Congo, and the colonial authorities mobilized the population in an effort to eradicate the plague. Pamphlets and posters were spread, with the request to destroy the pictured flower when spotted. People of Butembo reacted in a most particular way to the appearance of these posters in their city, ascribing the Congo ya Sika flower mythical proportions right from the start. In their interpretation, the appearance of the flower was a sign that ‘the new Congo’ would rise in their town, endowing their place exclusively with a particular force. I scrutinize the myth's origin and analyse its social meaning, in an effort to gain a better understanding of Butembo's society. Throughout my analysis, special attention is paid to (self) representation, and to noise stuck to colonial messages.

Ce travail part de récits locaux à propos d'un événement particulier pour restituer une lecture de toute une ville. Il s'agit de Butembo, une ville secondaire de la province congolaise du Nord‐Kivu. L'incident est liéà l'introduction d'une fleur étrangère à la fin des années 1950. Cette jacinthe d'eau appelée Congo ya Sika, qui signifie ‘Nouveau Congo’ a proliféré dangereusement dans les voies d'eau du Congo belge, incitant les autorités coloniales à mobiliser la population afin d'éradiquer la plante. Des brochures et affiches ont été diffusées, demandant de détruire la fleur représentée dès qu'elle était repérée. La population de Butembo a alors réagi d'une manière très singulière, donnant à la fleur Congo ya Sika une dimension mythique dès le début. Selon l'interprétation des habitants, l'apparition de la fleur était le signe que le ‘nouveau Congo’ naîtrait dans leur ville, conférant à ce site une force spécifique. Après avoir étudié l'origine du mythe, cet article analyse sa signification sociale afin d'appréhender au mieux la société de Butembo. Une attention particulière est accordée à l'(auto)représentation et aux signaux parasites qui se sont raccrochés au message des autorités coloniales.
Ceruloplasmin deficiency results in an anxiety phenotype involving deficits in hippocampal iron, serotonin, and BDNF
Authors: Texel Sarah J. , Camandola Simonetta , Ladenheim Bruce , Rothman Sarah M. , Mughal Mohamed R. , Unger Erica L. , Cadet Jean Lud , Mattson Mark P.
Published: October 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 125–134.

Ceruloplasmin (Cp) is a ferroxidase involved in iron metabolism by converting Fe2+ to Fe3+, and by regulating cellular iron efflux. In the ceruloplasmin knockout (CpKO) mouse, the deregulation of iron metabolism results in moderate liver and spleen hemosiderosis, but the impact of Cp deficiency on brain neurochemistry and behavior in this animal model is unknown. We found that in contrast to peripheral tissues, iron levels in the hippocampus are significantly reduced in CpKO mice. Although it does not cause any discernable deficits in motor function or learning and memory, Cp deficiency results in heightened anxiety‐like behavior in the open field and elevated plus maze tests. This anxiety phenotype is associated with elevated levels of plasma corticosterone. Previous studies provided evidence that anxiety disorders and long‐standing stress are associated with reductions in levels of serotonin (5HT) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. We found that levels of 5HT and norepinephrine (NE), and the expression of BDNF and its receptor trkB, are significantly reduced in the hippocampus of CpKO mice. Thus, Cp deficiency causes an anxiety phenotype by a mechanism that involves decreased levels of iron, 5HT, NE, and BDNF in the hippocampus.
Dendrimer‐mediated siRNA delivery knocks down Beclin 1 and potentiates NMDA‐mediated toxicity in rat cortical neurons
Authors: Pérez‐Carrión María D. , Pérez‐Martínez Francisco C. , Merino Sonia , Sánchez‐Verdú Prado , Martínez‐Hernández José , Luján Rafael , Ceña Valentín
Published: October 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 259–268.

Autophagy is an important process which plays a key role in cellular homeostasis by degrading cytoplasmic components in the lysosomes, which facilitates recycling. Alterations to normal autophagy have been linked to excitotoxicity, but the mechanisms governing its signal transduction remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the role of autophagy in neuronal excitotoxic death by delivering small interfering RNA (siRNA) to rat cortical neurons, using a dendrimer to silence the autophagy‐related gene 6 (beclin 1) and to determine the role of autophagy in excitotoxicity. We have found that the dendrimer is very efficient to deliver siRNA to rat cortical neurons, leading to almost complete removal of the target protein Beclin 1. In addition, NMDA increases autophagy markers, such as the protein levels of Beclin 1, the microtubule‐associated light chain 3 (LC3) B‐II/LC3B‐I ratio, and monodansylcadaverine (MDC) labeling in rat cortical neurons. Moreover, NMDA also increases the formation of autophagosomes observed under a transmission electron microscope. Silencing beclin 1 expression blocked NMDA‐induced autophagy. Moreover, Beclin 1 removal potentiated NMDA‐induced neuronal death indicating that autophagy plays a protective role during excitotoxicity and suggesting that targeting autophagy might be a helpful therapeutic strategy in neurodegenerative diseases.
The professional nursing practice environment and nurse‐reported job outcomes in two European countries: a survey of nurses in Finland and the Netherlands
Authors: Hinno Saima , Partanen Pirjo , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri
Published: October 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 133–143

The professional nursing practice environment and nurse‐reported job outcomes in two European countries: a survey of nurses in Finland and the Netherlands

The working environment of nurses is receiving international interest, because there is a growing consensus that identifying opportunities for improving working conditions in hospitals is essential to maintain adequate staffing, high‐quality care, nurses’ job satisfaction and hence their retention. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between nurse work environment characteristics and nurse‐reported job outcomes in hospital settings in Finland and the Netherlands and to compare these results. A comparative cross‐sectional nurse survey was conducted. Data were collected from the two countries randomly sampling the countries’ National Nurses Association’ membership databases. In this paper, the results from Registered Nurses working in hospital settings are used. In total, 869 hospital nurses participated: 535 from Finland and 334 from the Netherlands with the response rate of 44.9 and 33.4%, respectively. Fifty‐five items from the Nursing Work Index‐Revised were used as a main tool for the practice environment. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify a set of internally consistent subscales. Further, logistic regression analysis and T‐tests were used. Three practice environment characteristics were identified: adequacy of resources, supportiveness of management and assurance of care quality via collaborative relationships. Favourable evaluations of the adequacy of resources and supportiveness of management were positively correlated with nurse‐assessed quality of care and job‐related positive feelings and negatively correlated with intentions to leave a unit, organization or the entire profession. In neither of the participating countries were adverse incidents affecting nurses related to nurses’ evaluations of their current professional practice environment. Compared with Finland, in the Netherlands, RN appears to evaluate the majority of work environment characteristics more positively; nevertheless, to some extent, the results were uniform as adequacy of resources and supportiveness of management were main predictors for nurse‐reported job outcomes considered.
Can Cool Japan save Post‐Disaster Japan? On the Possibilities and Impossibilities of a Cool Japanology
Authors: ABEL JONATHAN E.
Published: October 2011

This article considers Cool Japan in light of catastrophe, first theoretically through a phenomenological analysis of Cool Japan and Cool Japanology, suggesting that the study of Cool Japan itself is way of uncooling the object of inquiry, itself a reaction to the apocalyptic realities of everyday life since the dawn of the modern world. The article finishes with a sociological reflection on current events through a détourner of the sekai kei genre in Summer Wars' inclusion of two sociological types in its rendition of catastrophe. This article then is intended as a preliminary step to understanding the specificity and commonalities of Japanese cool power through an understanding of the phenomenon of cool and the contents to which cool often refers.
The yin and yang of chemokine receptor activation
Authors: O'Boyle Graeme
Published: October 2011

Chemokines represent a class of cytokines that control the migration of leucocytes. The human chemokine system comprises 44 ligands and 21 receptors that have evolved to control leucocyte migration. Although chemokines are an attractive therapeutic target for anti‐inflammatory intervention, clinical trials of small molecule receptor antagonists have failed to demonstrate efficacy. One often cited explanation for this is the apparent redundancy within the chemokine system, wherein several ligands bind and activate each receptor. The work of Scholten et al. and Nedjai et al. reported in this issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology demonstrates that this redundancy does not exist at the molecular level and provides a powerful insight into the complex nature of chemokine receptor activation.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is a commentary on Scholten et al., pp. 898–911 of this issue and Nedjai et al., pp. 912–923 of this issue. To view Scholten et al. visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01648.x and to view Nedjai et al. visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01660.x
Assessment of uniformity of fibre coloration in Tencel woven fabrics dyed using reactive dyes
Authors: Syed Uzma , Wardman Roger H
Published: October 2011

Weave structure and fabric density has an influence on dye penetration. The uniformity of dyeing, expressed as the uniformity of fibre coloration, of Tencel woven fabrics comprised of different weave structures, was assessed. The fabrics were dyed by exhaust and continuous dyeing methods using selected reactive dyes. Cross‐sectional images were captured and then given a rating 1–5 with respect to the depth of the fibre filaments of the yarn of the woven fabric. The images were assessed both subjectively and objectively. The uniformity of fibre coloration was expressed in terms of the standard deviation, mean value and histogram analysis such as dispersion and bandwidth. Objective assessment of uniformity of fibre coloration is a more accurate and quicker method than visual assessment and can be used to assess the uniformity of fibre coloration of woven and knitted fabrics dyed by any class of dyes. Improvement of the uniformity of fibre coloration of Tencel fabrics of various weave structures by causticisation of the fabrics and by modification to the padding process was investigated.