bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent gut barrier damage and commensal bacterial influx following eradication of Giardia infection in mice
Authors: Chen Tzu-Ling , Chen Shin , Wu Hsiu-Wei , Lee Tsung-Chun , Lu Yen-Zhen , Wu Li-Ling , Ni Yen-Hsuan , Sun Chin-Hung , Yu Wei-Hsuan , Buret Andre G , Yu Linda Chia-Hui
Published: August 2013

Background

Recent studies ofGiardia lambliaoutbreaks have indicated that 40–80% of infected patients experience long-lasting functional gastrointestinal disorders after parasitic clearance. Our aim was to assess changes in the intestinal barrier and spatial distribution of commensal bacteria in the post-clearance phase ofGiardiainfection.

Methods

Mice were orogastrically inoculated withG. lambliatrophozoites (strain GS/M) or pair-fed with saline and were sacrificed on post-infective (PI) days 7 (colonization phase) and 35 (post-clearance phase). Gut epithelial barrier function was assessed by Western blotting for occludin cleavage and luminal-to-serosal macromolecular permeability. Gut-associated, superficial adherent, and mucosal endocytosed bacteria were measured by agar culturing and were examined by fluorescencein situhybridization. Intracellular bacteria cultured from isolated mucosal cells were characterized by 16S rDNA sequencing. Neutrophil-specific esterase staining, a myeloperoxidase activity assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for cytokine concentrations were used to verify intestinal tissue inflammation.

Results

Tight junctional damage was detected in the intestinal mucosa ofGiardia-infected mice on PI days 7 and 35. Although intestinal bacterial overgrowth was evident only during parasite colonization (PI day 7), enhanced mucosal adherence and endocytosis of bacteria were observed on PI days 7 and 35. Multiple bacterial strains, includingBacillus,Lactobacillus,Staphylococcus, andPhenylobacterium, penetrated the gut mucosa in the post-infective phase. The mucosal influx of bacteria coincided with increases in neutrophil infiltration and myeloperoxidase activity on PI days 7 and 35. Elevated intestinal IFNγ, TNFα, and IL-1β levels also were detected on PI day 35.

Conclusions

Giardia-infected mice showed persistent tight junctional damage and bacterial penetration, accompanied by mucosal inflammation, after parasite clearance. These novel findings suggest that the host’s unresolved immune reactions toward its own microbiota, due to an impaired epithelial barrier, may partly contribute to the development of post-infective gut disorders.
Functional DNA quantification guides accurate next-generation sequencing mutation detection in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor biopsies
Authors: Sah Sachin , Chen Liangjing , Houghton Jeffrey , Kemppainen Jon , Marko Adam C , Zeigler Robert , Latham Gary J
Published: August 2013

The formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsy is a challenging sample for molecular assays such as targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS). We compared three methods for FFPE DNA quantification, including a novel PCR assay (‘QFI-PCR’) that measures the absolute copy number of amplifiable DNA, across 165 residual clinical specimens. The results reveal the limitations of commonly used approaches, and demonstrate the value of an integrated workflow using QFI-PCR to improve the accuracy of NGS mutation detection and guide changes in input that can rescue low quality FFPE DNA. These findings address a growing need for improved quality measures in NGS-based patient testing.
Partial Flexibility in Routeing and Scheduling
Authors: Akgun Osman T. , Righter Rhonda , Wolff Ronald
Published: August 2013

We consider partial customer flexibility in service systems under two different designs. In the first design, flexible customers have their own queue and each server has its own queue of dedicated customers. Under this model, the problem is a scheduling problem and we show under various settings that the dedicated customers first (DCF) policy is optimal. In the second design, flexible customers are not queued separately and must be routed to one of the server's dedicated queues upon arrival. We extend earlier results about the ‘join the smallest work (JSW)’ policy to systems with dedicated as well as flexible arrivals. We compare these models to a routeing model in which only the queue length is available in terms of both efficiency and fairness and argue that the overall best approach for call centers is JSW routeing. We also discuss how this can be implemented in call centers even when work is unknown.
Conditional Distributions and Waiting Times in Multitype Branching Processes
Authors: Alexander H. K.
Published: August 2013

In this paper we present novel results for discrete-time and Markovian continuous-time multitype branching processes. As a population develops, we are interested in the waiting time until a particular type of interest (such as an escape mutant) appears, and in how the distribution of individuals depends on whether this type has yet appeared. Specifically, both forward and backward equations for the distribution of type-specific population sizes over time, conditioned on the nonappearance of one or more particular types, are derived. In tandem, equations for the probability that one or more particular types have not yet appeared are also derived. Brief examples illustrate numerical methods and potential applications of these results in evolutionary biology and epidemiology.
Synthetic versus plaster of Paris casts in the treatment of fractures of the forearm in children
Authors: Inglis M. , McClelland B. , Sutherland L. M. , Cundy P. J.
Published: August 2013

Fractures of the forearm (radius or ulna or both) in children have traditionally been immobilised in plaster of Paris (POP) but synthetic cast materials are becoming more popular. There have been no randomised studies comparing the efficacy of these two materials. The aim of this study was to investigate which cast material is superior for the management of these fractures. We undertook a single-centre prospective randomised trial involving 199 patients with acute fractures of the forearm requiring general anaesthesia for reduction. Patients were randomised by sealed envelope into either a POP or synthetic group and then underwent routine closed reduction and immobilisation in a cast. The patients were reviewed at one and six weeks. A satisfaction questionnaire was completed following the removal of the cast. All clinical complications were recorded and the cast indices were calculated. There was an increase in complications in the POP group. These complications included soft areas of POP requiring revision and loss of reduction with some requiring re-manipulation. There was an increased mean padding index in the fractures that lost reduction. Synthetic casts were preferred by the patients.

This study indicates that the clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction are superior using synthetic casts with no reduction in safety.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1285–9.
The outcome of tibial diaphyseal fractures in the elderly
Authors: Clement N. D. , Beauchamp N. J. F. , Duckworth A. D. , McQueen M. M. , Court-Brown C. M.
Published: August 2013

We describe the outcome of tibial diaphyseal fractures in the elderly (≥ 65 years of age). We prospectively followed 233 fractures in 225 elderly patients over a minimum ten-year period. Demographic and descriptive data were acquired from a prospective trauma database. Mortality status was obtained from the General Register Office database for Scotland. Diaphyseal fractures of the tibia in the elderly occurred predominantly in women (73%) and after a fall (61%). During the study period the incidence of these fractures decreased, nearly halving in number. The 120-day and one-year unadjusted mortality rates were 17% and 27%, respectively, and were significantly greater in patients with an open fracture (p < 0.001). The overall standardised mortality ratio (SMR) was significantly increased (SMR 4.4, p < 0.001) relative to the population at risk, and was greatest for elderly women (SMR 8.1, p < 0.001). These frailer patients had more severe injuries, with an increased rate of open fractures (30%), and suffered a greater rate of nonunion (10%).

Tibial diaphyseal fractures in the elderly are most common in women after a fall, are more likely to be open than in the rest of the population, and are associated with a high incidence of nonunion and mortality.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1255–62.
The relationship between sagittal spinopelvic parameters and the degree of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration in young adult patients with low-grade spondylolytic spondylolisthesis
Authors: Oh Y-M. , Eun J-P.
Published: August 2013

We investigated the relationship between spinopelvic parameters and disc degeneration in young adult patients with spondylolytic spondylolisthesis. A total of 229 men with a mean age of 21 years (18 to 26) with spondylolytic spondylolisthesis were identified. All radiological measurements, including pelvic incidence, sacral slope, pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis, sacral inclination, lumbosacral angle (LSA), and sacrofemoral distance, were calculated from standing lateral lumbosacral radiographs. The degree of intervertebral disc degeneration was classified using a modified Pfirrmann scale. We analysed the spinopelvic parameters according to disc level, degree of slip and disc degeneration.

There were significant positive correlations between the degree of slip and pelvic incidence (p = 0.009), sacral slope (p = 0.003) and lumbar lordosis (p = 0.010). The degree of slip and the LSA were correlated with disc degeneration (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). There was also a significant difference between the degree of slip (p < 0.001) and LSA (p = 0.006) according to the segmental level of disc degeneration.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1239–43.
Changes in the pattern of fractures of the hip in patients 60 years of age and older between 2001 and 2010
Authors: Lakstein D. , Hendel D. , Haimovich Y. , Feldbrin Z.
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this study was to identify changing trends in the pattern of distribution of the type and demographics of fractures of the hip in the elderly between 2001 and 2010. A retrospective cross-sectional comparison was conducted between 179 fractures of the hip treated in 2001, 357 treated in 2006 and 454 treated in 2010. Patients aged < 60 years and those with pathological and peri-prosthetic fractures were excluded. Fractures were classified as stable extracapsular, unstable extracapsular or intracapsular fractures.

The mean age of the 179 patients (132 women (73.7%)) treated in 2001 was 80.8 years (60 to 96), 81.8 years (61 to 101) in the 357 patients (251 women (70.3%)) treated in 2006 and 82.0 years (61 to 102) in the 454 patients (321 women (70.1%)) treated in 2010 (p = 0.17). There was no difference in the gender distribution between the three study years (p = 0.68).

The main finding was a steep rise in the proportion of unstable peritrochanteric fractures. The proportion of unstable extracapsular fractures was 32% (n = 57) in 2001, 35% (n = 125) in 2006 and 45% (n = 204) in 2010 (p < 0.001). This increase was not significant in patients aged between 60 and 69 years (p = 0.84), marginally significant in those aged between 70 and 79 years (p = 0.04) and very significant in those aged > 80 years (p < 0.001). The proportion of intracapsular fractures did not change (p = 0.94).

At present, we face not only an increasing number of fractures of the hip, but more demanding and complex fractures in older patients than a decade ago. This study does not provide an explanation for this change.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1250–4.
An exploratory review of the role of research mediators in social science
Authors: Sebba Judy
Published: August 2013

The need to justify public expenditure has increased the emphasis on impact of research. Identifying ways to maximise impact is a requirement of research funders and a concern of governments internationally. Researchers are expected to communicate findings clearly, make use of the media and influence politicians and administrators. Through an exploratory review of the social science literature, the role undertaken by research mediators who translate findings and use networks to influence policy and practice is identified. Definitions of research mediators, their functions, methods, influence on decision making and implications for increasing the impact of research evidence in policy making are discussed.
Knowledge exchange between academia and the third sector
Authors: Murdock Alex , Shariff Razia , Wilding Karl
Published: August 2013

This paper considers the different approaches to undertake knowledge exchange between academia and the third sector from three practitioner perspectives. London South Bank University (LSBU), as part of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and Third Sector Research Centre (TSRC) Social Enterprise Capacity Building Cluster (CBC), has been involved in a number of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) and other capacity building projects. TSRC has developed an approach that offers a step change in the way academic institutions can integrate knowledge exchange as part of a more participatory research process. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) produces research-based evidence that aims to be responsive to, and help inform and shape, public policy and practice. The paper concludes with an analysis of the different approaches.
Ecocinema in Senegalese documentary film
Authors: Sow Moussa
Published: August 2013

In this article, I argue that the Senegalese cinema of the last two decades has embodied many aspects of today’s much-discussed ecocinema. It is particularly in documentary film that the ecological conundrum that Africa faces is revealed in the most subtle and compelling way. How does Global consumer culture affect the lives of African local artists and craftsmen in African cities? Samba Felix Ndiaye’s films Trésors des poubelles/The Treasures from the Trash (1989), and Ngor, l’esprit des lieux/Ngor, the Spirit of the Place (1994), provide an ecological focus on fast changing Dakar. These films address the social and economic effects of global consumerism from a unique perspective anchored in trash and its second life, as well as the spiritual resistance of small communities towards globalization. Ndiaye’s documentaries focus closely on the different economic and social processes of resistance to the spectral disappearance of the local culture.
The Emerging Doctor of Education (EdD) in Instructional Leadership for Nurse Educators
Authors: Graves Barbara A. , Tomlinson Stephen , Handley Marilyn , Oliver JoAnn S. , Carter-Templeton Heather , Gaskins Susan , Adams Marsha H. , Wood Felecia
Published: August 2013

The nursing faculty shortage is directly related to the ongoing shortage of nurses. As a result of many nursing faculty retiring, the discipline of nursing is losing its most experienced educators. The need is great for programs that will increase access and prepare nurse educators. Doctorate degrees for nurses have evolved in myriad ways. Discussions over the nature of doctoral education for the preparation of nurse educators are at the forefront of debates in nursing education. In response to National League for Nursing (2007; Core competencies of nurse educators,http://www.nln.org/profdev/corecompletter.htm) and Institute of Medicine (2010; The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. Washington, DC: National Academies Press,http://thefutureofnursing.org/IOM-Report) calls to increase the number of nursing faculty, the colleges of nursing and education at a major university have combined to establish a collaborative doctoral program. This article describes the historical evolution of the nursing doctorate degrees and the development and implementation of the EdD in Instructional Leadership for Nurse Educators.
Preparation of poly(sebacic anhydride) and polylactic acid pills used as drug carrier for levofloxacin controlled release
Authors: Zhang Zhuan , Chen Liao-Bing , Gao Jie , Bao Feng , Yin Jing , Chen Biao , Wang Hui , Chen Yun , Shang Liang
Published: August 2013

A biodegradable local drug release system consisting of poly(sebacic anhydride) and polylactic acid was developed for the purpose of osteomyelitis therapy. Five kinds of poly(sebacic anhydride) with different molecular weights were synthesized, and levofloxacin was chosen as a model antibacterial drug in the in vitro release within 38 days. As the molecular weight of poly(sebacic anhydride) increased, the melting point (Tm) of the matrices increased and the surface morphology became smoother. Consequently, the initial burst effect was reduced and the release rate significantly decreased. In addition, the kinetics of pills containing poly(sebacic anhydride) (Mw=13,000) were close to zero order release. The release profile reveals that the thermodynamic properties and morphology of these matrices, which are affected by the molecular weight, are essential for developing controllable delivery systems. The drug release rate could be easily controlled by the molecular weight of the poly(sebacic anhydride). Finally, these prospective results allow the biodegradable controlled release systems to be employed as carriers for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis, as well as for other medical applications.
Stakeholders' perspectives towards bus quality indicators
Authors: Mahmoud Moataz , Hine Julian , Kashyap Anil
Published: August 2013

The bus quality-management process continues to be a key area of investigation for all stakeholders. There is a clear imperative for developing comprehensive quality-monitoring schemes in order to improve service quality with sufficient appeal to attract more users and reduce car dependency. However, one of the main obstacles in the quality-management process is the identification of a concise set of quality indicators that captures the multidimensionality of the service quality (subjective and objective) and considers the perspectives of all stakeholders. Therefore, this paper develops an integrated set of bus quality indicators that considers the perspectives of all stakeholders and combines both subjective and objective parameters of the service quality. The paper uses the data of 456 questionnaires distributed across the UK, and the final list of quality indicators is derived through multi-perspective analysis of the perspectives of academics, local authorities, operators, current users and potential users towards the relevance to application of a wide range of indicators. The results of the paper provide policy makers and operators with clear indications for the desired quality indicators that can readily be implemented for quality monitoring and benchmarking.
Diabetes in First-Degree Family Members: A Predictor of Type 2 Diabetes in 159 Nonscreening Alabama Hemochromatosis Probands With HFE C282Y Homozygosity
Authors: Barton James C. , Barton J. Clayborn , Acton Ronald T.
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE

We sought to identify predictors of diabetes diagnosed before hemochromatosis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied these 16 variables in 159 nonscreening hemochromatosis probands with HFE C282Y homozygosity: age; sex; BMI; diabetes reports in first-degree family members (dichotomous); heavy ethanol consumption; cigarette smoking; elevated serum alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase levels; nonalcoholic fatty liver; chronic viral hepatitis; cirrhosis; hand arthropathy; iron removed by phlebotomy; and positivity for HLA-A*01, B*08; A*03, B*07; and A*03, B*14 haplotypes. We performed univariable and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

Twenty-three probands (14.5%) had diabetes; 19 were men. Each of the 23 probands had type 2 diabetes. Mean BMI was greater in probands with diabetes (31.7 ± 8.5 [SD] kg/m2 vs. 27.6 ± 5.1 kg/m2; P = 0.032). Reports of any first-degree family member with diabetes were more prevalent in probands with than in probands without diabetes (69.6 vs. 17.6%; P < 0.0001). In probands with diabetes, the odds ratio (OR) of maternal diabetes was 6.7 (95% CI 2.3–19.7; P = 0.0005) and of sibling diabetes was 11.7 (3.0–45.5; P = 0.0004). In a logistic regression model, predictors of diabetes at hemochromatosis diagnosis in 159 probands were diabetes reports in family members (OR 8.5 [95% CI 2.9–24.8]; P < 0.0001) and BMI (1.1 [1.0–1.2]; P = 0.049). This model explained 26.0% of total deviance contributing to diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

In nonscreening hemochromatosis probands with HFE C282Y homozygosity, a heritable factor(s) increases the risk of diabetes diagnosed before hemochromatosis.
Adverse Outcomes After Noncardiac Surgery in Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Yeh Chun-Chieh , Liao Chien-Chang , Chang Yi-Cheng , Jeng Long-Bin , Yang Horng-Ren , Shih Chun-Chuan , Chen Ta-Liang
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether diabetes affects perioperative complications or mortality and to gauge its impact on medical expenditures for noncardiac surgeries.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

With the use of reimbursement claims from the Taiwan National Health Insurance system, we performed a population-based cohort study of patients with and without diabetes undergoing noncardiac surgeries. Outcomes of postoperative complications, mortality, hospital stay, and medical expenditures were compared between patients with and without diabetes.

RESULTS

Diabetes increased 30-day postoperative mortality (odds ratio 1.84 [95% CI 1.46–2.32]), particularly among patients with type 1 diabetes or uncontrolled diabetes and patients with preoperative diabetes-related comorbidities, such as eye involvement, peripheral circulatory disorders, ketoacidosis, renal manifestations, and coma. Compared with nondiabetic control patients, coexisting medical conditions, such as renal dialysis (5.17 [3.68–7.28]), liver cirrhosis (3.59 [2.19–5.88]), stroke (2.87 [1.95–4.22]), mental disorders (2.35 [1.71–3.24]), ischemic heart disease (2.08 [1.45–2.99]), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1.96 [1.29–2.97]), and hyperlipidemia (1.94 [1.01–3.76]) were associated with mortality for patients with diabetes undergoing noncardiac surgery. Patients with diabetes faced a higher risk of postoperative acute renal failure (3.59 [2.88–4.48]) and acute myocardial infarction (3.65 [2.43–5.49]). Furthermore, diabetes was associated with prolonged hospital stay (2.30 [2.16–2.44]) and increased medical expenditures (1.32 [1.25–1.40]).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes increases postoperative 30-day mortality, complications, and medical expenditures in patients undergoing in-hospital noncardiac surgeries.
In vitro investigations on the biological control of Xiphinema index with Trichoderma species
Authors: Daragó Á. , Szabó M. , Hrács K. , Takács A. , Nagy P.
Published: August 2013

The application of Trichoderma spp. for the suppression of plant-parasitic nematode populations is a promising tool in biological control. Sixteen strains of six Trichoderma species (T. atroviride, T. harzianum, T. rossicum, T. tomentosum, T. virens and T. asperellum) were tested in vitro in order to identify the most appropriate strains to control the dagger nematode Xiphinema index. Mortality assays revealed that the strains of the widely investigated T. harzianum species have caused significant reduction of X. index populations, although T. harzianum strains were not the most efficient among all the tested fungi. Certain T. virens and T. atroviride strains and T. rossicum have triggered faster and higher mortality. Generally, our data indicate that Trichoderma species have innate ability to decrease X. index population. Furthermore, as we had difficulties with maintaining X. index in vitro, we successfully used a newly developed method to keep X. index specimens viable during the experiments.
Preliminary Data on Occurrence of Zooplanktons of Fresh Water Lentic Ecosystem - A Case Study of Dakor Sacred Wetland, Central Gujarat, India
Authors: Soni Hiren B , Thomas Sheju
Published: August 2013

The aim of the present study was to depict the preliminary data on occurrence of zooplanktons of Dakor Sacred Wetland (DSW) Central Gujarat, India. The samples of zooplanktons were collected from three permanent sampling stations for one year (June 2012 to May 2013) at 15 days interval. The zooplankton population was represented by a total of 36 genera and 39 species dispersed amongst Ciliophora (16 species), followed by Zooflagellata, Rhizopoda and Rotifera (6 species), Cladocera (3 species) while Copepoda and Ostracoda (1 species). Species such as Thecamooeba verrucosa Ehrenberg, Placus luciae Kahl, Spasmostoma viride Kahl, Cyclops sp., Daphnia lumholtzi G.O. Sars, were found abundant in all the study sites, while some chunk of species were classified as rare 43.5% (n=17) and the remaining were recorded as common. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v1i1.8527   International Journal of Environment Vol.1(1) 2013: 46-55
Status of Soil Fertility in a Community Forest of Nepal
Authors: KC Anup , Bhandari Govinda , Wagle Subigya Prabhat , Banjade Yubraj
Published: August 2013

Soil is a complex mixture of mineral nutrients, organic matter, water, air and living organisms. The primary nutrients for plant growth are organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In order to find the status of pH, organic matter (C), total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P) and available potassium (K) in forest soil, the study was conducted in Ghwangkhola Sapaude Babiyabhir Community Forest in Putali Bazaar Municipality-8, Syangja, Nepal. Soil parameters are analyzed through different standard methods followed worldwide by many soil scientists. Soil pH of sample in all three strata was slightly acidic and varies from 5.7 to 7.18. The carbon percentage was high and varies from 0.65% to 2.39%. The total nitrogen in soil was medium and varies from 0.09% to 0.12%. The concentration of available phosphorus in soil was high and varies from 73.71 kg/ha-93.23 kg/ha. The concentration of available potassium on soil was quiet low and varies from 2.54 kg/ha-4.23 kg/ha. Higher organic matter in the forest land indicate low activities of nitrogen losing process, which is due to the closed nutrient cycling and minimal disturbance in the natural forest system. So, addition of fertilizer rich in potassium and increasing pH is recommended to maintain potassium fertility and neutral pH in the forest soil. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v1i1.8528 International Journal of Environment Vol.1(1) 2013: 56-67
Cingulotomy for medically refractory cancer pain
Authors: Viswanathan Ashwin , Harsh Viraat , Pereira Erlick A. C. , Aziz Tipu Z.
Published: August 2013

Object

Cingulotomy has been reported in the literature as a potential treatment option for refractory cancer-related pain. However, the optimal candidates for this intervention and the outcomes are not well characterized. The goal of this study was to review the available literature on cingulotomy, specifically for cancer-related pain.

Methods

A search of PubMed, PubMed Central, the Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE was performed to identify all articles discussing cingulotomy for cancer pain. The text strings “cingul*” and “pain” were separated by the Boolean AND operator, and used to perform the query on PubMed. Only studies in which a stereotactic technique was used, as opposed to an open technique, and specifically detailing outcomes for cancer pain were included. For centers with multiple publications, care was taken not to double-count individual patients.

Results

The literature review revealed only 8 unique studies describing outcomes of stereotactic cingulotomy for cancer pain. Between 32% and 83% of patients had meaningful pain relief. The location of the lesion was variable, ranging between 1 cm and 4 cm posterior to the tip of the anterior horn. Although serious adverse events are rare, a decline in focused attention can been seen in the early postoperative period, along with apathy and decreased activity.

Conclusions

For patients with cancer pain with diffuse pain syndromes, head and neck malignancies, and significant emotional distress, cingulotomy may be a safe treatment option with minimal cognitive changes.
Cordotomy for treatment of cancer-related pain: patient selection and intervention timing
Authors: Viswanathan Ashwin , Bruera Eduardo
Published: August 2013

Many neurosurgical interventions for the management of cancer-related pain have been tried, but their role in today's advanced supportive and palliative care is not well described. The authors discuss the current knowledge gaps that prevent successful integration of neurosurgical interventions and patients with cancer-related pain.

Two patients underwent percutaneous CT-guided cordotomy for refractory cancer-related pain: one patient had melanoma and the other had ovarian carcinoma. Both patients seemed to have unilateral, somatic, nociceptive cancer-related pain.

Cordotomy was effective for only 1 patient.

Percutaneous CT-guided cordotomy is a low-risk intervention that can benefit carefully selected patients with cancer-related pain. There is a clear need for prospective controlled studies to evaluate the effectiveness of cordotomy for patients receiving optimal medical treatment. A multidisciplinary study design could help to identify factors correlated with a positive outcome.
Peripheral trigeminal nerve field stimulation
Authors: Feletti Alberto , Santi Giannantonio Zanata , Sammartino Francesco , Bevilacqua Marzio , Cisotto Piero , Longatti Pierluigi
Published: August 2013

Object

Peripheral nerve field stimulation has been successfully used for many neuropathic syndromes. However, it has been reported as a treatment for trigeminal neuropathic pain or persistent idiopathic facial pain only in the recent years.

Methods

The authors present a review of the literature and their own series of 6 patients who were treated with peripheral nerve stimulation for facial neuropathic pain, reporting excellent pain relief and subsequent better social relations and quality of life.

Results

On average, pain scores in these patients decreased from 10 to 2.7 on the visual analog scale during a 17-month follow-up (range 0–32 months). The authors also observed the ability to decrease trigeminal pain with occipital nerve stimulation, clinically confirming the previously reported existence of a close anatomical connection between the trigeminal and occipital nerves (trigeminocervical nucleus).

Conclusions

Peripheral nerve field stimulation of the trigeminal and occipital nerves is a safe and effective treatment for trigeminal neuropathic pain and persistent idiopathic facial pain, when patients are strictly selected and electrodes are correctly placed under the hyperalgesia strip at the periphery of the allodynia region.
Hypertension in patients with cranial nerve vascular compression syndromes and comparison with a population-based cohort
Authors: Sandell Tiril , Holmen Jostein , Eide Per Kristian
Published: August 2013

Object

Although essential arterial hypertension (AH) represents a major health issue, its underlying causes remain unknown. An intriguing hypothesis is that AH in some cases may be caused by vascular compression of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Because hemifacial spasms (HFSs) are caused by vascular compression of the seventh cranial nerve in close proximity to the RVLM, one would, if this hypothesis is correct, expect to find a positive association between the occurrence of AH and chronic HFSs. Such a positive association would not be expected in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN), since TN is caused by vascular compression of the fifth cranial nerve, which is not close to the RVLM.

Methods

In view of this background, the authors conducted a retrospective population-based study to investigate how the occurrence of AH in patients with either HFSs or TN compares with the prevalence of AH in the general population, when adjusted for sex and age. The general population was represented by participants of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study 3 (HUNT3).

Results

The prevalence of AH in the authors' patients with HFSs was significantly higher than in a sex- and age-adjusted sample from the general population; this was not true for the patients with TN.

Conclusions

The authors suggest that the data provide supporting evidence to the theory that compression of the RVLM may be one cause of AH.
Implication of Negative Entropy Flow for Local Rainfall
Authors: Liu Ying , Liu Chongjian , Li Zhaohui
Published: August 2013

The relation between the atmospheric entropy flow field and local rainfall is examined in terms of the theory of dissipative structures. In this paper, the entropy balance equation in a form suitable for describing the entropy budget of the Earth’s atmosphere is derived starting from the Gibbs relation, and, as examples, the entropy flows of the two severe weather events associated with the development of an extratropical cyclone and a tropical storm are calculated, respectively. The results show that negative entropy flow (NEF) has a significant effect on the precipitation intensity and scope with an apparent matching of the NEF’s pattern with the rainfall distribution revealed and, that the diagnosis of NEF is able to provide a good indicator for precipitation forecasting.
Green Leaf Volatiles: A Plant’s Multifunctional Weapon against Herbivores and Pathogens
Authors: Scala Alessandra , Allmann Silke , Mirabella Rossana , Haring Michel , Schuurink Robert
Published: August 2013

Plants cannot avoid being attacked by an almost infinite number of microorganisms and insects. Consequently, they arm themselves with molecular weapons against their attackers. Plant defense responses are the result of a complex signaling network, in which the hormones jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA) and ethylene (ET) are the usual suspects under the magnifying glass when researchers investigate host-pest interactions. However, Green Leaf Volatiles (GLVs), C6 molecules, which are very quickly produced and/or emitted upon herbivory or pathogen infection by almost every green plant, also play an important role in plant defenses. GLVs are semiochemicals used by insects to find their food or their conspecifics. They have also been reported to be fundamental in indirect defenses and to have a direct effect on pests, but these are not the only roles of GLVs. These volatiles, being probably one of the fastest weapons exploited, are also able to directly elicit or prime plant defense responses. Moreover, GLVs, via crosstalk with phytohormones, mostly JA, can influence the outcome of the plant’s defense response against pathogens. For all these reasons GLVs should be considered as co-protagonists in the play between plants and their attackers.
Ensemble-Based Interpretations of NMR Structural Data to Describe Protein Internal Dynamics
Authors: F. Ángyán Annamária , Gáspári Zoltán
Published: August 2013

NMR spectroscopy is the leading technique to characterize protein internal dynamics at the atomic level and on multiple time scales. However, the structural interpretation of the observables obtained by various measurements is not always straightforward and in many cases dynamics-related parameters are only used to “decorate” static structural models without offering explicit description of conformational heterogeneity. To overcome such limitations, several computational techniques have been developed to generate ensemble-based representations of protein structure and dynamics with the use of NMR-derived data. An important common aspect of the methods is that NMR observables and derived parameters are interpreted as properties of the ensemble instead of individual conformers. The resulting ensembles reflect the experimentally determined internal mobility of proteins at a given time scale and can be used to understand the role of internal motions in biological processes at atomic detail. In this review we provide an overview of the calculation methods currently available and examples of biological insights obtained by the ensemble-based models of the proteins investigated.
Une motte castrale du Razès : Couges (Aude)
Authors: Dauzat Michel
Published: August 2013

Found in 1981, the motte of Couges on the civil parish of Mazerolles-du-Razès looks like a natural mound whose flanks were scarped down. Its création might be connected with the System of roads : 120 m away from the old track Connecting Carcassonne with Mirepoix and near the crossing of this track with the track Connecting Bellegarde with Mazerolles.

In 1981, the climatic conditions of the early summer permitted to reconstitute in part the topography of this site owing to aerial photography . The basis of this motte is surrounded with a wide ditch, the bailey is bounded by a polygonal enclosure whose form is partially visible on the présent parcellary. Then, the vestiges of the track of access to the motte are clearly visible on the land registry. In october 1981, some works of agricultural levellings necessited to intervene on this site for an urgent rescue exploration. Nine pits eut in the rocky substratum could be excavated on the platform, situated on the top ofthis motte. They were fui! of an abundant material dated from the 13 th to the 15 theenturies (cooking-pots, jugs, metallic intruments, glass, food waste, building materials). The study of this material permitted to conclude in favour of a relatively late occupation of this motte. This study also permitted to find an assumption of work concerning the evolution of the common mediaeval ceramics.
L'apparition de la céramique glaçurée médiévale dans le sud du Tarn
Authors: Pousthomis Bernard
Published: August 2013

La région concernée par cette étude est située à l'Est de Toulouse et constitue une partie du Lauragais.

Les poteries glaçurées étudiées sont le fruit de fouilles archéologiques dont le contexte a permis une datation de la fin du XIIIe siècle pour les plus anciennes et de la fin du XIVe siècle pour les plus récentes.

Après plusieurs siècles d'une production traditionnelle, aux formes et aux techniques qui ont évolué avec une extrême lenteur, apparaît dans la seconde moitié du XIIIe siècle une distinction entre la vaisselle de cuisine, épaisse, en céramique grise, et la vaisselle de table, plus fine, décorée et glaçurée. Celle-ci présente des formes peu nombreuses qui se détachent mal des habitudes domestiques traditionnelles. Plus tard, à la fin du XIVe siècle, les formes ouvertes apparaissent, préfigurant les plats des siècles suivants.

Les innovations techniques résident dans l'emploi du tour, dans le glaçurage utilisé dans un souci plus matériel qu'esthétique, et dans un mode de cuisson qui nécessite l'emploi de fours d'un type nouveau.
Une fouille de sauvetage au quartier de la treille à Auch (Gers)
Authors: Lapart Jacques , Lafaurie Jean , Crubezy Éric
Published: August 2013

Au mois d'août 1982, des travaux d'urbanisme ont amené la découverte de vestiges archéologiques nécessitant l'organisation immédiate d'une fouille de sauvetage. Organisée grâce à la compréhension de la mairie d'Auch et du Conseil Général du département du Gers, la fouille a permis d'étudier une nécropole du Bas Empire installée entre les murs d'un grand bâtiment orienté Est-Ouest. Elle se caractérise par la présence de sarcophages de calcaire à cuve parallélépipédique, de sépultures en amphore et en terre libre. Plus à l'ouest furent découverts des bâtiments, quelques sépultures réutilisant des sarcophages et de nombreux silos que l'on peut dater du bas Moyen Age et de l'époque moderne.
Fouilles de sauvetage 1982-1983 à Surieu (Isère)
Authors: Jannet-Vallat Monique
Published: August 2013

St-Romain de Surieu, la chapelle de Surieu, Surieu... Un prieuré roman et l'installation d'un moulin dans la vallée au XIIIe siècle, une nouvelle paroisse créée de la fin de l'époque médiévale et une chapelle romane oubliée par la mémoire collective.

Surieu, un site pour tourisme du dimanche où l'aménagement d'un parking après restauration de la vieille chapelle et l'installation future d'une communauté de Carmélites vont bouleverser le silence de cet ancien castrum.

Une «opération exemplaire» qui en sauvetage va permettre de découvrir un four et son chargement de la fin de l'époque médiévale, la première année. Une étude historique menée en parallèle avec une analyse topographique de l'ancien mandement qui va mieux cerner l'année suivante la complexité stratigraphique des occupations succès1 sives du promontoire. Une exposition-animation sur les lieux qui aura pour but d'expliquer le sens d'une recherche archéologique avec écoles et avec habitants de la proche région.

Depuis, Surieu, a retrouvé son silence vaillamment gardé par sa tour et ses remparts.
Essai de restitution de l'autel érigé par Saint-Benoît dans l'abbatiale d'Aniane
Authors: Feuillebois René
Published: August 2013

The aim of this textual study is to put forward a new interpretation of a passage from the life of Saint Benoit, written in the 19 th century by Ardon. This fragment, which describes the major altar of the Aniane Abbey, has already been translated by several writers. Unfortunately, the différences between the best known versions discourage ail efforts at reconstruction,

This document, despite its brevity, (only 15 lines in the Migne latin Patrology), takes on a capital importance since there are no surviving traces of the original church.

The proposed interprétation establishes a hypothesis which does not daim to settle the question conclusively, and even less to set up a précise picture down to the last détail of the Aniane altar. It is only one rendering among others, but hopes to be both close to the letter of the text and faithful to its spirit, while remaining perfectly respectful of liturgical demands.
Géographie historique du Pays de Sault au Moyen Age (Aude)
Authors: Sarret Jean-Pierre
Published: August 2013

An investigation in the former Pays de Sault territory enabled us to make an inventory of fifty-nine médiéval sites and to locate ail but five of therri. On the basis of this work, the geography of châteaux and villages has been sketched out by analysing the distribution, seulement and progressive drain of the population. This inventory complètes similar work carried out on thefrench side ofthe Pyrénées andfits in with a wider approach to the geography of the Pyrenean châteaux.
Nécropole et site de Saint-Cloud à Lachapelle (Lot-et-Garonne) (VIe - XVIIIe siècles)
Authors: Lapart Jacques , Noldin Jean-Paul
Published: August 2013

Des travaux agricoles profonds effectués sur le site de Saint-Cloud (commune de Lachapelle, Lot-et-Garonne) ont amené la découverte de plusieurs objets cassés appartenant aux VIe et VIIe siècles. Une fouille de sauvetage organisée rapidement a permis de mieux connaître la chronologie du site

- tombes des VIe et VIIe siècles,

- sépultures anthropomorphes associées à des silos et un fond de cabane,

- tombes récentes datées de l'époque moderne par des monnaies.

L'église citée par les textes médiévaux n'a pas été rencontrée lors de ces fouilles qui apportent néanmoins de nombreuses informations sur les rites funéraires et la vie rurale de cette petite région pendant le haut Moyen Age.
Les fours de potiers médiévaux de Cézérac, commune de Montayral (Lot-et-Garonne)
Authors: Lacombe Claude , Morala André
Published: August 2013

La découverte fortuite à l'occasion de travaux d'urbanisme, au lieu-dit Cézérac, commune de Montayral, de deux fours de potier permet d'étudier autant les fours que la production de cet atelier.

Deux types de sole ont pu être reconnus sur les fours qui se sont succédés sur le site. Le catalogue typologique de la production n'est constitué que de pots à fond plat et de « pégaux ». L'étude anthracologique permet, pour la première fois dans la région, de préciser le combustible utilisé, bûches de chêne et fagots de bois divers.

La datation proposée est dans une fourchette chronologique allant du XIe au XIIe siècle avec une plus forte probabilité pour le XIIe siècle.
Les céramiques de l'antiquité tardive au XIe siècle dans les fouilles de la place Jean-Jaurès à Apt (Vaucluse). Premières études
Authors: Kauffmann André , Pelletier Jean-Pierre , Rigoir Jacqueline , Rigoir Yves
Published: August 2013

En 1981, un sondage rapide fut effectué au centre ville d'Apt et a livré de nombreuses poteries communes et DS.P. De 1981 à 1984, cinq sondages méthodiques furent poursuivis. Les céramiques dominantes permettent de distinguer trois phases d'occupation : phase A : Dérivées-des-Sigillées Paléochrétiennes, phase B : commune grise à décor lisse, phase C : postérieure à l'utilisation de la céramique à décor lissé.

Les DS.P. recueillies dans le premier sondage attestent par leur originalité de l'existence d'un atelier dans cette région : cinq formes nouvelles apparaissent, plus un type inconnu : les coupes. Les décors, parmi lesquels on remarque un chris- me de très beau dessin, sont tous inédits.

Un des apports de la fouille est de permettre d'observer l'évolution de la céramique commune à pâte grise qui demeurera pratiquement exclusive pour les productions locales et régionales pendant plus de huit siècles. Au travers des quelques séquences étudiées ici, on constate la diversité des vaisselles de l'Antiquité tardive, puis l'utilisation d'un seul type, les pots, de la période carolingienne jusqu'au-delà de l'An Mil.
A propos d'une aiguière en bronze « copte » trouvée dans une incinération à Palaminy (Haute-Garonne)
Authors: Boube Jean
Published: August 2013

The cremation tomb discovered in 1967 at Palaminy (Haute-Garonne) contains, as well as a large bronze basin and other various remains, a bronze ewer holding the funerary deposit. Dated by its finder as being from the 3rd century A.D., this vase, newly examined, has been ascribed to the series of vases called Coptic ; quite a few of them appear in the 7th century in Lombard tombs in Northern Italy, in Alamanic cemeteries in Baden- Wurtemberg and in the Rhine valley and in Visigothic Spain. Their origin, in turn ascribed to Coptic Egypt, to Italo- Byzantine workshops and to the Eastern Mediterranean Basin, remains vague. Whatever it may be, their chronology is henceforth well established and is situated in the late 6 th and in the 7th centuries. The vase of Palaminy is the first of its kind found in France for which the conditions of its discovery can be specified (a similar one was found during the 19th century at Penne d'Albigeois). Both of them allow our country to figure from now on upon maps showing the diffusion of these late disches. In addition, the Palaminy ever poses the problem of the survival of cremation at such a late date in an already largely christianized region (even though we lack a precise analysis ofits content).
Fouilles de Toulon. Quartier de Besagne : périodes médivale et moderne (Bouches-du-Rhône)
Authors: Pasqualini Michel , Vallauri Lucy
Published: August 2013

Emergency archaeological investigations carried out recently in Toulon (Besagne quarter), permit to state precisily its antique topography and habitation site on the one hand ; and on the other hand to provide new data concerning as the mediaeval Bourg Saint-Michel as the modern quarter. The fillings of several wells and pits delivered a batch ofceramics of the XVIth century. Thus, one could grasp, the supply of ceramics of the Bourg: supply from various horizons from rather long way off/for instance culinary cer amies from Uzège and eastern Provence. The abundance of ealeareous clay ware, originate from Fréjus, reflects perfectly the output of those local workshops, the productions and diffusion of which, all over the coast, are corroborated by documentary and archaeological testimonies.
L'occupation du sol au Moyen Age sur le Piémont nord de la Montagne Noire (Tarn)
Authors: Campech Sylvie
Published: August 2013

Les recherches sur l'occupation du sol sur le piémont nord de la Montagne Noire étaient jusqu'à présent de caractère monographique. Depuis 1988, nous tentons de rassembler et de lier entre elles toutes ces recherches dans un travail de synthèse archéologique.

Cet article se propose de présenter à la fois un état de la documentation disponible et un bilan des connaissances que l'on a pu en tirer. Cette première approche permet d'avancer les grandes lignes de l'occupation du sol depuis l'Antiquité jusqu'au Bas Moyen Age.