bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Thousand Consecutive Treated Orthodontic Cases—A Survey
Authors: Rose J. S.
Published: December 2014

An analysis of 1000 consecutive treated cases from a private orthodontic practice was made. Inter alia the results show: the male to female ratio was 4: 6; the mean age of first attendance was 10·7 years and the mean age at the start of active treatment was 11·6 years. 49 per cent of the cases were Angle Class I; 39 per cent Class II/1; 8 per cent Class II/2 and 4 per cent Class III. Over half the patients had an increased overbite. 21 per cent had an anterior crossbite and 11 per cent showed a posterior crossbite. Approximately 75 per cent of the cases showed crowding of the labial segments. There was crowding in 26 per cent of the upper buccal segments and in 49 per cent of the lower ones.

93 per cent of the patients received active treatment for the upper arch but only 4 per cent had appliances in the lower arch. A quarter of the cases were treated without upper extractions; in the lower arch the figure was 58 per cent. 94.1 per cent of the patients were treated with removable appliances requiring, on average, 1·5 appliances per case to complete treatment. 30 per cent of the cases received no retention. 54 per cent wore a retainer for less than 6 months.

88 per cent of the patients completed treatment and co-operation was satisfactory in 87 per cent. The mean treatment period for each patient was 13·1 months involving an average of 11·7 visits. The average active treatment time for each patients was 95 minutes. 74 per cent of the completed cases had a satisfactory result.

The discussion supports the case for relating the type of orthodontic treatment to the total dental need of the patient. This requires more knowledge of what is meant by “dental health”. A plea is made that orthodontists should not become rigid in their approach to treatment.
Janus kinase inhibition by ruxolitinib extends dasatinib- and dexamethasone-induced remissions in a mouse model of Ph+ ALL
Authors: Appelmann Iris , Rillahan Cory D. , de Stanchina Elisa , Carbonetti Gregory , Chen Chong , Lowe Scott W. , Sherr Charles J.
Published: December 2014

Key Points

In a Ph+ ALL mouse model, dasatinib inhibition of the BCR-ABL kinase resensitizes residual leukemic B cells to Janus kinase inhibition. Dasatinib, ruxolitinib, and dexamethasone together limit emergence of dasatinib-resistant BCR-ABL mutants and extend long-term survival.
Nebulised budesonide using a novel device in patients with oral steroid-dependent asthma
Authors: Vogelmeier Claus , Kardos Peter , Hofmann Thomas , Canisius Sebastian , Scheuch Gerhard , Muellinger Bernhard , Nocker Karlheinz , Menz Guenter , Rabe Klaus F.
Published: December 2014

This phase 2/3 randomised, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial investigated oral corticosteroid (OCS)-sparing efficacy, safety and tolerability of nebulised budesonide (Bud) administered with a novel computer-controlled, compressor-driven inhalation system (AKITA) as add-on therapy to Global Initiative for Asthma step 5.

Patients (18–65 years) with OCS-dependent asthma were randomised (2:1:1:1) to receive 18-week, twice-daily, double-blind treatment with AKITA inhaled corticosteroid (AICS)-Bud 1 mg, AICS-Bud 0.5 mg, AICS-placebo or open-label Bud 1 mg administered by conventional nebuliser (CN-Bud). OCS doses were tapered until week 14.

199 patients started treatment. More AICS-Bud 1 mg (80.0%) than placebo-treated (62.5%) patients had daily OCS doses reduced ≥50%, with clinical stability to week 18 (one-sided p=0.02; treatment difference: 17.5% (95% CI 0.1–34.9%), two-sided p=0.04). Mean±sdforced expiratory volume in 1 s improved (from baseline to week 18) for AICS-Bud 1 mg (239±460 mL, p<0.001) and AICS-Bud 0.5 mg (126±345 mL, p=0.01) but not placebo (93±419 mL, p=0.36) or CN-Bud (137±459 mL, p=0.18). Fewer AICS-Bud 1 mg-treated patients experienced asthma exacerbations (7.5%) compared with placebo (17.5%) or CN-Bud (22.5%). All treatments were well tolerated.

Budesonide applied with AKITA allowed significant meaningful OCS reduction in OCS-dependent asthma patients while improving pulmonary function and maintaining exacerbation control.
High‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Tsurikisawa Naomi , Saito Hiroshi , Oshikata Chiyako , Tsuburai Takahiro , Akiyama Kazuo
Published: December 2014

Background

Regulatory T (Treg) cells are implicated in the development and progression of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). We previously showed beneficial effects of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy combined with corticosteroid and immunosuppressant treatment on clinical symptoms, including mononeuritis multiplex and cardiac dysfunction, and Treg cell frequency, during EGPA. Whether the timing of administration (during initial treatment or at relapse after remission) or previous treatment affects the clinical and immunologic efficacy of IVIG is unknown. We evaluated whether the frequency of Treg cells varied depending on when IVIG was provided relative to the start of conventional therapy for EGPA.

Methods

The patient population for this retrospective analysis comprised 17 patients with severe mononeuritis multiplex or heart failure whose EGPA did not respond to corticosteroids combined with immunosuppressant therapy. Ten patients first received IVIG during initial treatment, whereas the remaining 7 patients first received IVIG on relapse after remission. We measured the percentage of Treg cells, defined as FOXP3+CD4+ T cells, present before the first round of IVIG and at 1 month after the last IVIG treatment.

Results

FOXP3+CD4+ T cells were increased in patients who required only a single course of IVIG to achieve remission compared with those who needed two or more courses. The dosage of prednisolone at initial IVIG was inversely correlated with the ratio of the number of FOXP3+CD4+ T cells before IVIG and that at 1 month thereafter.

Conclusion

Patients with severe EGPA who receive IVIG after nonresponse to high‐dose prednisolone during initial treatment may need multiple courses of IVIG to achieve remission. An increase in the frequency of Treg cells after IVIG may predict the need for additional IVIG in EGPA.
Fiber type composition of the human quadratus plantae muscle: a comparison of the lateral and medial heads
Authors: Schroeder Kristen L , Rosser Benjamin WC , Kim Soo Y
Published: December 2014

Background

The human quadratus plantae muscle has been attributed a variety of functions, however no consensus has been reached on its significance to foot functioning. The architecture of the human quadratus plantae consists of an evolutionarily conserved lateral head, and a medial head thought to be unique to Man. Surveys of human anatomy have demonstrated the absence of either the medial or lateral head in 20% of the population, which may have implications for foot functioning if each muscle head performs a discrete function.

Methods

We investigated the quadratus plantae from eleven formalin‐embalmed specimens with a mean age of 84 ± 9 years. Immunohistochemical methods were used to determine the percentage of Type I and Type II muscle fibers in the medial and lateral heads of the quadratus plantae from these specimens.

Results

Results showed striking homogeneity in fiber type composition within an individual, with an average difference in Type I fiber content of 4.1% between lateral and medial heads. Between individuals, however, the ratio of fiber types within the quadratus plantae was highly variable, with Type I fiber percentages ranging from 19.1% to 91.6% in the lateral head, and 20.4% to 97.0% within the medial head.

Conclusions

Our finding of similar fiber type composition of lateral and medial heads within an individual supports the hypothesis that the two heads have a singular function.
Amelioration of lipid peroxidation in vivo and in vitro by Satureja khozestanica essential oil in alloxan-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Ahmadvand Hassan , Tavafi Majid , Khosrowbeygi Ali , Shahsavari Gholamreza , Hormozi Maryam , Beyranvand Khadijeh , Bagheri Shahrokh , Abdolahpour Foad
Published: December 2014

Background

We examined possible protective effect of Satureja khozestanica essential oil (SKE) on in vivo and in vitro lipid peroxidation in alloxan-induced Type 1 diabetic rats.

Methods

Thirty Sprage-dawley male rats were divided into three groups randomly; group one as control, group two diabetic untreatment, and group three treatments with SKE by 500 ppm in drinking water, respectively. Diabetes was induced in the second and third groups by alloxan injection subcutaneously. After 8 weeks, animals were anaesthetized, livers and kidneys were then removed immediately and used fresh or kept frozen until their lipid peroxidation analysis. Lipid peroxidation was determined by measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Blood samples were also collected before killing to measure the levels of fasting blood suger (FBS) and lipid peroxidation.

Results

SKE significantly inhibited the levels of FBS, TBARS serum and kidney content in treated group compared with the diabetic untreated group. Also the levels of malonedialdehyde liver content unaltered in treated group. SKE significantly inhibited LDL oxidation in vitro.

Conclusions

The findings showed that SKE exerts beneficial effects on the lipid peroxidation in alloxan-induced Type 1 diabetic rats.
Mesenchymal properties of SJL mice-stem cells and their efficacy as autologous therapy in a relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis model
Authors: Marin-Bañasco Carmen , García Margarita Suardíaz , Guerrero Issac Hurtado , Sánchez Rafael Maldonado , Estivill-Torrús Guillermo , Fernández Laura Leyva , Fernández Oscar Fernández
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a multipotent population of adult stem cells, which may represent a promising therapeutic approach for neurological autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. The mouse is the most used species for obtaining and studying the characteristics of MSC and their potential as autologous transplants in pre-clinical models. However, conflicting data have been published disclosing intraspecies variations. The choice of the mouse strain and the tissue source appear, among others, as important factors in the experimental application of MSCs.

Methods

Adipose tissue-derived MSCs obtained from the SJL/JCrl mouse strain (SJL-AdMSC) have been cultured for a long time (from passage 0 up to 15) under controlled experimental conditions, and their growth rate, morphology, stromal and haematopoietic marker expression profiles and differentiation capacity towards adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes have been determined. Moreover, their preclinical efficacy has been assessed by autologous transplant in relapsing-remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomielitis (RR-EAE)-induced SJL mice (a well established mice model for the study of RR-multiple sclerosis).

Results

We demonstrate that SJL-AdMSCs show the same fibroblastic shape, growth rate, profile of markers expression and multipotency described for MSCs in every passage evaluated (up to passage 15). Additionally, SJL-AdMSCs ameliorate the RR-EAE course, suggesting that they could modulate disease progression. Moreover, their features studied are fully comparable with the standardized Ad-MSCs obtained from the C57BL/6 mouse strain, which strengthens their use in cell therapy.

Conclusion

SJL-AdMSCs might be a suitable source of Ad-MSCs for studies related to the properties of MSCs and their application as promising therapeutic tools in autologous transplants in experimental medicine.
Lifetime hypertension as a predictor of brain structure in older adults: cohort study with a 28-year follow-up
Authors: Allan Charlotte L. , Zsoldos Enikõ , Filippini Nicola , Sexton Claire E. , Topiwala Anya , Valkanova Vyara , Singh-Manoux Archana , Tabák Adam G. , Shipley Martin J. , Mackay Clare , Ebmeier Klaus P. , Kivimäki Mika
Published: December 2014

Background

Hypertension is associated with an increased risk of dementia and depression with uncertain longitudinal associations with brain structure.

Aims

To examine lifetime blood pressure as a predictor of brain structure in old age.

Method

A total of 190 participants (mean age 69.3 years) from the Whitehall II study were screened for hypertension six times (1985–2013). In 2012–2013, participants had a 3T-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan. Data from the MRI were analysed using automated and visual measures of global atrophy, hippocampal atrophy and white matter hyperintensities.

Results

Longitudinally, higher mean arterial pressure predicted increased automated white matter hyperintensities (P<0.002). Cross-sectionally, hypertensive participants had increased automated white matter hyperintensities and visually rated deep white matter hyperintensities. There was no significant association with global or hippocampal atrophy.

Conclusions

Long-term exposure to high blood pressure predicts hyperintensities, particularly in deep white matter. The greatest changes are seen in those with severe forms of hypertension, suggesting a dose–response pattern.
Farnesoid X Receptor Antagonizes JNK Signaling Pathway in Liver Carcinogenesis by Activating SOD3
Authors: Wang Yan-Dong , Chen Wei-Dong , Li Cunbao , Guo Cong , Li Yanyan , Qi Hui , Shen Hailing , Kong Jing , Long Xuecheng , Yuan Frank , Wang Xichun , Huang Wendong
Published: December 2014

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a key metabolic and homeostatic regulator in the liver. In the present work, we identify a novel role of FXR in antagonizing c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway in liver carcinogenesis by activating superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) transcription. Compared with wild-type mouse liver, FXR−/− mouse liver showed elevated JNK phosphorylation. JNK1 deletion suppressed the increase of diethylnitrosamine-induced tumor number in FXR−/− mice. These results suggest that JNK1 plays a key role in chemical-induced liver carcinogenesis in FXR−/− mice. We found that ligand-activated FXR was able to alleviate H2O2 or tetradecanoylphorbol acetate-induced JNK phosphorylation in human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells or mouse primary hepatocytes. FXR ligand decreased H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in wild-type but not FXR−/− mouse hepatocytes. FXR knockdown abolished the inhibition of 3-[2-[2-chloro-4-[[3-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-5-(1-methylethyl)-4-isoxazolyl]methoxy]phenyl]ethenyl]-Benzoic acid (GW4064) on JNK phosphorylation and ROS production induced by H2O2 in HepG2 cells. The gene expression of SOD3, an antioxidant defense enzyme, was increased by FXR activation in vitro and in vivo. An FXR-responsive element, inverted repeat separated by 1 nucleotide in SOD3 promoter, was identified by a combination of transcriptional reporter assays, EMSAs, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, which indicated that SOD3 could be a direct FXR target gene. SOD3 knockdown abolished the inhibition of GW4064 on JNK phosphorylation induced by H2O2 in HepG2 cells. In summary, FXR may regulate SOD3 expression to suppress ROS production, resulting in decreasing JNK activity. These results suggest that FXR, as a novel JNK suppressor, may be an attractive therapeutic target for liver cancer treatment.
Graphene-based Highly Efficient Micromotors
Authors: Feng Xiaomiao , Zhang Yu , Li Yi , Huang Zhendong , Chen Shufen , Ma Yanwen , Zhang Lei , Wang Lianhui , Yan Xiaohong
Published: December 2014

Graphene-based micromotors with an alveolate surface of MnO2 hydrogen peroxide propelled are described. The micromotors display powerful propulsion in a low fuel level (2.5%), with a speed of over 111 µm s−1, as well as efficient locomotion in biological media such as bovine serum. It has a good motion even in very low levels of the hydrogen peroxide fuel (down to 0.15%), which can compare favorably with Pt. The attractive properties of these new chemical-prepared micromotors hold great promise for biomedical applications.
Capacity Enhancement by the Formation of Embossing Primary Particles of 0.5Li2MnO3·0.5LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 Nanofibers
Authors: Kim Cheong , Yoo Gi Won , Son Jong Tae
Published: December 2014

Li-rich nanofibers embossing primary particles were successfully prepared by electrospinning. By electrospinning, many primary particles were observed at the nanofibers. It has a positive influenced on electrochemical properties at high temperature. To demonstrate this, we tested the electrochemical properties of the Li-rich nanofibers at 55 °C. The initial charge and discharge capacities of the Li-rich nanofibers were 305 and 276 mA h g−1, respectively. Indicating that embossing the primary particle enhanced the surface area, and thereby enhanced the electrochemical properties.
Regioselective Oxidative Oligomerization Reaction of 2-tert-Alkylpyrene and Isolation of Structurally Well-defined 1,3-Pyrenylenes
Authors: Yamashita Ken-ichi , Nakamura Akihiro , Sugiura Ken-ichi
Published: December 2014

Structurally well-defined pyrene oligomers were synthesized by reacting 2-tert-alkylpyrene with Cu(BF4)2·nH2O in butyronitrile. It was found that the dimer was formed selectively on treatment with 0.5 equiv of the Cu salt, and no higher oligomers were formed (corrected yield, c.y.: 81%). Even-numbered oligomers were prepared easily by repeated dimerization, i.e., the dimer formed the tetramer (c.y.: 51%) and the tetramer gave the octamer (c.y.: 38%).
Helix-sense-selective Polymerization of Achiral Phenylacetylenes by Using One-handed Helical Poly(phenylacetylene)s as Chiral Cocatalysts Prepared by Helix-sense-selective Polymerization of Achiral Phenylacetylenes
Authors: Zhang Geng , Liu Lijia , Aoki Toshiki , Teraguchi Masahiro , Kaneko Takashi
Published: December 2014

We found that the helix-sense-selective polymerization (HSSP) of achiral phenylacetylenes having two hydroxy groups was realized by using one-handed helical poly(phenylacetylene)s as chiral cocatalysts prepared by HSSP of the same or similar achiral phenylacetylenes having two hydroxy groups. In other words, the chirality caused only by the one-handed helical backbone was found to be able to work as a cocatalyst in the chiral catalytic system. In addition, the efficiency of the chiral induction was high and almost the same as that of the HSSP by using enatiomerically pure phenylethylamine as a cocatalyst.
Strategy in History and (versus?) in Economics: A Review of Lawrence Freedman's Strategy: A History
Authors: Dixit Avinash
Published: December 2014

This essay reviews Lawrence Freedman's book Strategy: A History. The main themes—definitions, strategies in war, business, politics, and revolutions—are overviewed. The value of game-theoretic thinking for practical strategy is assessed. A critical discussion of some concepts and dichotomies emphasized by Freedman, e.g., strategy is governed by the starting point, not the end point, and of the role of stories and scripts in strategy, follows. (JEL A11, A12, C70, D74)
What's the Future of Public Higher Education? A Review Essay on Gary C. Fethke and Andrew J. Policano's Public No More: A New Path to Excellence for America's Public Universities
Authors: Ehrenberg Ronald G.
Published: December 2014

Gary Fethke and Andrew Policano's book Public No More: A New Path to Excellence for America's Public Universities paints a picture of a future for public research universities that is very different than what many people will want to see. Their message is that the financial and governance models under which public universities have operated have broken down and that new models are required. While I do not always agree with their prescriptions, I argue that private research universities face many of the same issues as their public counterparts and that this book deserves to be widely read by all people concerned with the future of American higher education. (JEL H75, I22, I23, I28)
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study of ligand photodissociation and migration in inducible nitric oxide synthase
Authors: Horn Michael , Nienhaus Karin , Nienhaus Gerd Ulrich
Published: December 2014

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is a homodimeric heme enzyme that catalyzes the formation of nitric oxide (NO) from dioxygen and L-arginine (L-Arg) in a two-step process. The produced NO can either diffuse out of the heme pocket into the surroundings or it can rebind to the heme iron and inhibit enzyme action. Here we have employed Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) photolysis difference spectroscopy at cryogenic temperatures, using the carbon monoxide (CO) and NO stretching bands as local probes of the active site of iNOS. Characteristic changes were observed in the spectra of the heme-bound ligands upon binding of the cofactors. Unlike photolyzed CO, which becomes trapped in well-defined orientations, as indicated by sharp photoproduct bands, photoproduct bands of NO photodissociated from the ferric heme iron were not visible, indicating that NO does not reside in the protein interior in a well-defined location or orientation. This may be favorable for NO release from the enzyme during catalysis because it reduces self-inhibition. Moreover, we used temperature derivative spectroscopy (TDS) with FTIR monitoring to explore the dynamics of NO and carbon monoxide (CO) inside iNOS after photodissociation at cryogenic temperatures. Only a single kinetic photoproduct state was revealed, but no secondary docking sites as in hemoglobins. Interestingly, we observed that intense illumination of six-coordinate ferrous iNOSoxy-NO ruptures the bond between the heme iron and the proximal thiolate to yield five-coordinate ferric iNOSoxy-NO, demonstrating the strong trans effect of the heme-bound NO.
Marketing Activities �f Professional educational Organizations: Declarations �nd Realities
Authors: �����������  , Kuteynitsyna Tatyana , �������  , Alasheev Sergei
Published: December 2014

The article presents the results of a sociological survey, the purpose of which is to determine the place and role of marketing in the management of

professional educational organizations. Based on interviews with heads of organizations and documentary sources, it describes the organizational

form and governance structure of marketing activities, analyzed trends and results of marketing institutions. Researchers note that the majority of professional

educational organizations use elements of marketing in their activities in varying degrees. However the policy of sales of educational services

dominates over marketing policy of activity of the professional educational organizations. The article examines the goal-setting of managers and the

market orientation of professional educational organizations. The authors conclude that marketing is seen only as one of the areas of work, but doesn´t

act as way of management of establishment of secondary professional education.
School Teaching Success�s Pedagogical Forecasting System Development
Authors: ������  , Panova E.
Published: December 2014

The problem of increase of efficiency and quality related to pedagogical administrative activity in general education institutions is of special interest in

conditions of Russian Federation�s education system modernization.

Approaches to educational process management�s information and graphic models formation on the basis of integrated and generalized indexes and

creation of own structure of teaching success indicators� dynamics have been presented in this work. Possibilities related to creation of extrapolation

and phase models, allowing to build the operational, medium-term and long-term forecast related to success of quality management of teaching in

educational quarters, half-year, year and long-term dynamics in educational institution, to allocate and analyze inter-subject interrelations, to provide

motivation to training, efficiency of teaching programs� implementation and situational management functions realization have been described.

A school management�s technological model which will allow to correlate dynamically the received end results to the knowledge base about being updated

educational requirements and tasks, to build real forecasts, and to transfer a routine work on intra school progress control to creative process, that

will considerably strengthen the substantial party of teaching quality management in modern school�s conditions has been described.
Necrotising soft tissue infection in a UK metropolitan population
Authors: Glass GE , Sheil F , Ruston JC , Butler PEM
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Necrotising soft tissue infection (NSTI) is a rare but life threatening diagnosis. Geographic, economic and social variances influence presentation and prognosis. As the current literature does not reflect a UK metropolitan population, we conducted a retrospective chart review to establish pertinent features relevant to our practice.

Methods

Patients with histologically confirmed diagnoses of NSTI presenting to two London teaching hospitals between January 2007 and July 2013 were included in the study. Features of presentation, surgical and medical management, microbiological findings and outcome were evaluated.

Results

Twenty-four patients with histologically confirmed NSTI were included. Two age clusters were identified, with means of 46 years (standard deviation [SD]: 10 years) and 80 years (SD: 6 years). Pain, erythema and sepsis were common findings. Hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and type II diabetes mellitus were common co-morbidities. A third of younger patients had human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis C, with a quarter dependent on drugs and/or alcohol. The mean Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotising Fasciitis (LRINEC) score was 5.8 (SD: 3.3). The lower extremities, groin and perineum were common sites of infection. Fourteen patients required inotropic support and seventeen required transfusions. The median number of surgical procedures was 5 (range: 1–17). Group A Streptococcus was the most frequently identified pathogen. Five patients died. Being elderly, female sex and failure to use clindamycin as a first-line antibiotic were associated with significantly higher mortality.

Conclusions

In contrast to other recent series, group A streptococcal monomicrobial NSTI remains the most common presentation in our population. Survival is anticipated in young patients, regardless of premorbid status. Elderly patients have a poor prognosis. The negative predictive value of the LRINEC score is questioned. Use of clindamycin as a first-line antibiotic is supported.
Laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair in a district general hospital
Authors: Mann CD , Luther A , Hart C , Finch JG
Published: December 2014

Introduction

The laparoscopic approach to repairing ventral and incisional hernias has gained increasing popularity worldwide. We reviewed the experience of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair at a district general hospital in the UK with particular reference to patients with massive defects (diameter ≥15cm) and the morbidly obese.

Methods

A total of 144 patients underwent laparoscopic ventral (incisional or umbilical/paraumbilical) hernia repair between April 2007 and September 2012.

Results

The prevalence of conversion to open surgery was 2.8%. The prevalence of postoperative complications was 3.5%. Median postoperative follow-up was 30.2 months. A total of 5.6% cases suffered late complications and 2.8% developed recurrence. Thirty-four patients underwent repair of defects ≥10cm in diameter with a prevalence of recurrence of 5.6%. Sixteen patients underwent repair of ‘massive’ incisional hernia (diameter ≥15cm) with a prevalence of recurrence of 12.5%. Sixteen patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥40kg/m2 (range, 40–61kg/m2) underwent laparoscopic repair with a prevalence of recurrence of 6.3% (p>0.05 vs BMI <40kg/m2).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair can be carried out safely with a low prevalence of recurrence. It may have advantages in morbidly obese patients in whom open repair would represent a significant undertaking. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair may be used in cases of large and massive hernias, in which the risk of recurrence increases but is comparable with open repair and associated with low morbidity.
Dissections of regional lymph nodes for treatment of skin cancer: predicting annual caseloads that will optimise outcomes
Authors: Dickson JK , Davies A , Rahman S , Sethu C , Smith JRO , Orlando A , Ayers D
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Dissection of regional lymph nodes (RLNs) can lead to significant morbidity and a high prevalence of complications. Published guidance states that these procedures should be carried out by surgeons who are members of a specialist skin multidisciplinary team who carry out a combined minimum of 15 axillary/groin dissections per year. However, there is little evidence to guide this minimum figure of procedures. We report on the burden of service provision and prevalence of complications across the South West of England and Wales.

Methods

A 12-month review of dissections of RLNs for skin cancer was undertaken covering five Plastic Surgery Units with a collective catchment of 8.4 million people. Detailed data were collected on patient demographics, pathology, timing of surgery, and prevalence of complications.

Results

A total of 163 dissections were carried out. Forty-three per cent of patients experienced one or more complication. In that 12-month period, an average of 8 axillary/groin dissections was carried out per surgeon. A funnel plot demonstrated that the prevalence of complications for individual surgeons was within the limit of the plot but, in many cases, this was based only on a relatively small number of procedures per consultant. If surgeons carried out 10 procedures per year, the upper and lower limits on the plot were 73% and 11%, respectively.

Conclusions

Funnel plots can provide a useful guide as to whether the prevalence of complications for procedures for individual surgeons lies within acceptable limits. Based on these results, 10 procedures per consultant per year should be sufficient to enable meaningful assessment of the prevalence of complications.
Impact of Intraoperative Acetaminophen Administration on Postoperative Opioid Consumption in Patients Undergoing Hip or Knee Replacement
Authors: Raiff Doug , Vaughan Cathy , McGee Ann
Published: December 2014

Background

Opioid utilization for acute pain has been associated with numerous adverse events, potentially resulting in longer inpatient stays and increased costs.

Objective

To examine the effect of intravenous (IV) acetaminophen administered intraoperatively on postoperative opioid consumption in adult subjects who underwent hip or knee replacement.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study evaluated postoperative opioid consumption in 176 randomly selected adult subjects who underwent hip or knee replacement at Duke University Hospital (DUH). Eighty-eight subjects received a single, intraoperative, 1 g dose of IV acetaminophen. The other subjects did not receive any IV acetaminophen. This study evaluated mean opioid consumption (in oral morphine equivalents) during the 24-hour postoperative period in the 2 groups. Other endpoints included length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), incidence of oversedation, need for acute opioid reversal, and adjunctive analgesic utilization.

Results

Subjects who were given a single dose of intraoperative acetaminophen received an average of 149.3 mg of oral morphine equivalents during the 24 hours following surgery compared to 147.2 mg in participants who were not exposed to IV acetaminophen ( P = .904). The difference in average length of PACU stay between the IV acetaminophen group (163 minutes) and those subjects not exposed to IV acetaminophen (169 minutes) was not statistically significant ( P = .588). No subjects in the study experienced oversedation or required acute opioid reversal.

Conclusion

There was not a statistically significant difference in postoperative opioid consumption between patients receiving and not receiving IV acetaminophen intraoperatively.
Economic Impact of Converting from Pen and 10-mL Vial to 3-mL Vial for Insulin Delivery in a Hospital Setting
Authors: Elizabeth Eby , Smolen Lee , Pitts Amber , Krueger Linda A. , Grimm Doneen
Published: December 2014

Purpose

To compare the impact on acquisition cost and purchased volume of rapid- and short-acting insulins following conversion from 3-mL disposable pens and 10-mL vials to 3-mL vials for individual patient supply (IPS) in a hospital setting.

Methods

On February 1, 2010, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center of Dignity Health in Phoenix, Arizona, converted from pens to 3-mL vials for IPS subcutaneous (SC) injection and from 10-mL short-acting insulin vials to 3-mL vials for intravenous (IV) preparation. Pharmacy purchasing data were analyzed over 6-month periods before and after conversion (March 1 through August 31, 2009, and March 1 through August 31, 2010).

Results

Before conversion, acquisition costs were $27,866 for 5,335 mL of rapid-acting insulins and $53,336 for 26,310 mL of short-acting insulins. After conversion, insulin acquisition costs were $24,211 for 5,850 mL of rapid-acting insulins (13.1% decrease in costs, 9.7% rise in volume), with cost reduction attributable to the lower cost of 3-mL vials. Acquisition costs were $17,395 for 14,700 mL of short-acting insulins after conversion (67.4% decrease in costs, 44.1% reduction in volume), with cost reduction attributable to lower cost of 3-mL vials versus pens for IPS SC injections and 10-mL vials for IV preparation. The reduction in purchased volumes of short-acting insulins may be partly due to decreased insulin use in IV preparation.

Conclusion

Conversion from pens and 10-mL vials to 3-mL vials for rapid-and short-acting insulins resulted in reduced acquisition costs and decreased use of short-acting insulin in IV preparations.
Role of Pharmacy Residency Training in Career Planning: A Student's Perspective
Authors: McElhaney Ashley , Weber Robert J.
Published: December 2014

Pharmacy students typically become more focused on career planning and assessment in the final year of their PharmD training. Weighing career options in the advanced pharmacy practice experience year can be both exciting and stressful. The goal of this article is to provide a primer on how pharmacy students can assess how a residency can fit into career planning. This article will describe the various career paths available to graduating students, highlight ways in which a residency can complement career choices, review the current state of the job market for pharmacists, discuss the current and future plans for residency programs, and present thoughts from some current and former residents on why they chose to complete a residency. Most career paths require some additional training, and a residency provides appropriate experience very quickly compared to on-the-job training. Alternative plans to residency training must also be considered, as there are not enough residency positions for candidates. Directors of pharmacy must consider several factors when giving career advice on pharmacy residency training to pharmacy students; they should provide the students with an honest assessment of their work skills and their abilities to successfully complete a residency. This assessment will help the students to set a plan for improvement and give them a better chance at being matched to a pharmacy residency.
Time-specificity of performance
Authors: Wakefield Nik
Published: December 2014

This article develops a notion of time-specificity of performance. It begins by taking a temporal approach to performance through the philosophy of Henri Bergson. It looks at three artists/collectives: Tehching Hsieh; Every House Has a Door and Janez Janša, Janez Janša and Janez Janša. Their practices play with notions of the present, past and future, and by doing so set new terms for a temporal aesthetics of experience. Time-specificity opens up reconsiderations of pivotal notions within performance such as repetition, documentation and freedom.
The lion or dancing the linguistic animal
Authors: Theodoridou Danae
Published: December 2014

During the discussion on Dance and Politics at Southbank Center, London, in November 2010, Xavier Le Roy suggested that ‘We should look at him as we would look at the lion in the zoo, only of course the lion would not talk to us’. Later that evening he presented his work Low Pieces (2009–2011). Drawing on the particularity of Le Roy’s choreographic suggestion and on the ideas of Giorgio Agamben and Paolo Virno, this article attempts an analysis of the dramaturgical structure of Low Pieces in order to discuss connections drawn between the movement of the human animal and the way in which it uses language, between this movement and that of other animals and living organizations, but most importantly, between the human movement of the linguistic animal and current understandings of the relationship between dance and politics.
What is a transmitter?
Authors: Gardner Sally
Published: December 2014

This article discusses the approach that Yvonne Rainer has taken to conserving her Trio A, a work made originally in 1966 and which has been performed many times since, including now by custodians or ‘transmitters’ of the dance. The discussion is contextualized within the broader frame of the question of whether and how the legacy of modern and postmodern dance might be maintained for the benefit of future dancers and their capacity to develop contemporary dance art – particularly at a time when a generation of seminal artists who also voice their desire regarding these matters is passing away. I use the question ‘What is a transmitter?’ and an alternative notion of ‘translator’, drawing on philosopher Paul Ricoeur, to highlight the complex role of dancer-performers, not only in the creation and performance of work(s) but also in maintaining a repertoire.
Dancing horses and reflecting humans
Authors: Meyer-Dinkgräfe Daniel
Published: December 2014

In October 2012, German dancer and philosopher Aurelia Baumgartner presented her 90-minute production Tanzende Pferde: Spiegelungen im Raum/Dancing Horses: Reflections in Space. Set in an arena, with a raised stage and a projection screen in the background, it provided a performed anthology of the relationship between human and horse. In the article, Meyer-Dinkgräfe discusses the production based on viewing a 40-minute DVD edited by Baumgartner from footage from two cameras recorded during the two 90-minute performances. The author’s testimony is complemented by Baumgartner’s comments and the context of critical literature exploring the relation of performance and animals that has emerged over the past fifteen to twenty years.
Reviews
Authors: Cutajar Alexander , Elliott Victoria , Pike Graham , Timpson Nicholas
Published: December 2014

Case Studies on Diversity and Social Justice Education, Paul C. Gorski and Seema G. Pothini (2014) New York and London: Routledge and Frances, 160 pp., ISBN: 9780415658256, p/bk

Diversity in Youth Literature: Opening Doors through Reading, Jamie Campbell Naidoo and Sarah Park Dahlen (eds) (2013) Chicago: American Library Association, 219 pp., ISBN 9780838911433, p/bk, £43.50

Learner-Centred Education in International Perspective: Whose Pedagogy for Whose Development?, Michele Schweisfurth (2013) London: Routledge, 192 pp., ISBN: 9780415600729, h/bk, £85.00

G is for Genes, Kathryn Asbury and Robert Plomin (2014) Wiley, 197 pp., ISBN: 9781118482810, p/bk £60.00
East and west in citizenship education: Encounters in education for diversity and democracy
Authors: Mizuyama Mitsuharu , Davies Ian , Jho Daehoon , Kodama Shigeo , Parker Walter , Tudball Libby
Published: December 2014

This article is made up of a set of interrelated pieces of work that emerge from the 9th citizED conference that was held in Tokyo in 2013. A symposium at that conference was organized on the theme of ‘Comparative approaches on citizenship education: East and west’. We present here four individual contributions from Daehoon Jho, Shigeo Kodama, Walter Parker and Libby Tudball as well as an introduction and concluding remarks by Mitsuharu Mizuyama and Ian Davies. Throughout we have been keen not to present stereotypical reflections and are struck as much by the similarities and overlaps between authors as well as the differences. We hope that by sharing these ideas we will celebrate diversity and contribute to thinking and practice in specific countries, as well as raising the possibility of cross national collaboration and perhaps generating further reflections about the possibility of global standards for citizenship education.
The influence of film and experiential pedagogy on multicultural counseling self-efficacy and multicultural counseling competence
Authors: Greene Jennifer Helen , Barden Sejal Mehta , Richardson Edrica D , Hall Kristopher Gregory
Published: December 2014

Scholarly discourse has emphasized the need for culturally competent practices.  Additionally, multicultural self-efficacy has been found to be critical in working with clients from diverse backgrounds, however, there is a relative paucity of literature on how to teach counselor trainees to be culturally competent and self-efficacious (Kim & Lyons, 2003). The use of experiential education is one pedagogical tool that has been supported in effectively connecting multicultural theory to practice (Arthur & Achenbach, 2002; Coleman, 2006).  In this study, researchers investigated the influence of experiential pedagogical strategies with an emphasis on film on multicultural counseling competence (MCC) and multicultural counseling self-efficacy (MCSE). Results indicated that both MCC and MCSE increased as a result of one semester in a multicultural counseling class.  Additional findings and limitations are discussed.
Enhancing the impact of quality points in interteaching
Authors: Rosales Rocío , Soldner James L. , Crimando William
Published: December 2014

In prior analysis of interteaching with a quality points contingency no significant difference was reported in student exam scores when quality points were made available. In the present study, we employed an alternating treatments design to compare student performance on post-discussion quizzes when a quality points contingency was alternated across class sessions and feedback on quiz performance was provided immediately following the submission of each quiz. Results indicate average quiz performance was slightly higher following class sessions with the quality points contingency.
Spillover of Distrust from Domestic to Imported Brands in a Crisis-Sensitized Market
Authors: Gao Hongzhi , Zhang Hongxia , Zhang Xuan , Knight John G.
Published: December 2014

Spillover of distrust from domestic brands to foreign brands during an industry-wide scandal is an important but overlooked issue in the international marketing domain. Drawing on assimilation/contrast and attribution theories, the authors develop a general model of trust erosion in a multibrand product-harm crisis involving three brand categories: focal (domestic) brands, contrasting (imported) brands, and hybrid (manufactured domestically but with foreign brand names) brands. Assimilative associations in an epidemic-like crisis erode trust throughout the entire product category, whereas contrastive associations protect or even benefit a competing brand category from the brand damage. A survey of 2,156 consumers in nine metropolitan centers in China measured trust in brands of dairy products after the 2008 milk contamination crisis. This study reveals the roles of category distinctness, focal versus contrasting categories, category hybridity, brand prototypicality, perceived crisis severity, and perceived category typicality in moderating the assimilation/contrast effects in such a crisis. These findings have important managerial implications: international marketers should be wary of the risks in having their brand associated with products manufactured domestically in a market such as China.
“Natural” Claims in Food Advertising: Policy Implications of Filling the Regulatory Void with Consumer Class Action Lawsuits
Authors: Petty Ross D.
Published: December 2014

Many consumers find advertising and labeling claims that a food is natural to be both compelling and trustworthy. For this reason, both the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration have long considered taking regulatory action to define “natural” in the food advertising context to prevent deception. However, neither agency has taken definitive action. As a result, consumer class action attorneys have seized this opportunity of regulatory inaction to file numerous lawsuits against food marketers that advertise their products as natural. Unfortunately, the litigation to date has predominantly involved procedural issues such as class certification rather than policy issues regarding an appropriate definition of “natural” for food advertising. The piecemeal approach of litigation is unlikely to result in a consistent, well-reasoned definition of “natural” for the benefit of food advertisers and consumers alike. However, the litigation does demonstrate continued interest in this issue, and perhaps this interest will cause regulatory agencies to reconsider providing better guidance, if not formal regulation.
Dacryocytes are a common morphologic feature of autoimmune and microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia
Authors: Robier Christoph , Klescher Daniela , Reicht Gerhard , Amouzadeh-Ghadikolai Omid , Quehenberger Franz , Neubauer Manfred
Published: December 2014

Dacryocytes are teardrop-shaped erythrocytes which are most frequently observed in peripheral blood smears of patients with primary or secondary myelofibrosis as well as malignant infiltrative disorders of the bone marrow. Dacryocytes have rarely been described in blood smears of patients with autoimmune (AIHA) and microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia (MAHA). The clear prevalence of dacryocytes in AIHA and MAHA is unknown.

We compared the dacryocyte counts in blood smears stained according to the May-Grünwald-Giemsa technique between 20 subjects with AIHA and MAHA with those from 21 controls. The dacryocytes, defined as erythrocytes tapered to a point at one end, were counted as cells per 20 high power fields (HPF) at 630-fold magnification.

In AIHA, MAHA and controls, dacryocytes were found in 89%, 91% and 19% of the slides, respectively. The rate of dacryocyte positivity and the dacryocyte counts between haemolytic anaemias and controls differed statistically highly significant (p<0.0001).

The results of this study indicate that dacryocytes are commonly apparent in blood smears of patients with AIHA and MAHA. Knowledge of this frequent feature may be beneficial in clinical routine diagnosis.
Charging of the penis: an unusual method for sexual gratification
Authors: Pal Dilip Kumar
Published: December 2014

The presence of a foreign object in the bladder or urethra may cause a serious problem to the patient. Most of the cases are self-inserted as a result of sexual gratification. Here, we present a rare case of self introduction of the wire of a mobile charger within the bladder and urethra for sexual gratification. This case has yet to be reported in any previous work.