bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taking in the View From 30 000 Feet
Authors: Fritz Julie M.
Published: July 2011

The availability of population-based survey data provides a unique opportunity to understand issues related to access and utilization of physical therapy in the United States, and to better gauge public perceptions of the profession. In our day-to-day routine, we all tend to consider our work as physical therapists on a one-to-one level with the patients we serve. Examining data from national population-based surveys can elevate our daily, ground-level viewpoint to a 30 000-foot perspective on the profession. This vantage point allows certain things to come into focus that would otherwise be obscured, and the vision may not always comport with our expectations. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(7):465–466. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.0105
Coronoid Process Fracture
Authors: Hoppes Carrie W. , Bahr Robert J. , Potter Benjamin K.
Published: July 2011

The patient was a 23-year-old man currently serving in the military who presented to a direct access physical therapy clinic with a chief complaint of left elbow pain. Due to the traumatic mechanism of the injury and the patient's inability to fully extend his elbow, radiographs were ordered by the physical therapist. The lateral radiograph revealed a small triangular fracture fragment overlying the region of the coronoid process. The patient was referred to an orthopaedic surgeon who recommended conservative management. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(7):532. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.0414
Rathke cleft cyst presenting with hyponatremia: an unusual presentation
Authors: Sivakumar Walavan , Cole Chad D. , Couldwell William T.
Published: July 2011

The authors report a case of Rathke cleft cyst presenting with severe hyponatremia. A 33-year-old man suffered sudden severe headaches, visual changes, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and a metallic taste in his mouth. Initial laboratory values demonstrated severe hyponatremia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic lesion with questionable intracystic hemorrhage, concerning for pituitary apoplexy. Transsphenoidal decompression and drainage of the cyst confirmed the diagnosis of Rathke cleft cyst and resolved the symptoms. Postoperative follow-up studies at 6 months demonstrated normal endocrine function and no evidence of a cyst.
Preventing cerebrospinal fluid leak following transection of a tight filum terminale
Authors: Chern Joshua J. , Tubbs R. Shane , Patel Akash J. , Gordon Amber S. , Bandt S. Kathleen , Smyth Matthew D. , Jea Andrew , Oakes W. Jerry
Published: July 2011

Object

Tethered cord release for a tight filum terminale is a common pediatric operation associated with low morbidity and mortality rates. While almost all would agree that keeping patients lying flat after the operation will prevent a CSF leak, the optimal period of doing so has not been determined. In this study, the authors examined whether a longer length of stay in the hospital for the sole purpose of maintaining patients flat correlates with a decreased rate of CSF leakage.

Methods

Intraoperative and postoperative data were retrospectively collected in 222 cases of simple tethered cord release at 3 large children's hospitals. Risk factors for postoperative CSF leakage were identified.

Results

Thirty-eight patients were maintained lying flat for 24 hours, 86 for 48 hours, and 98 for 72 hours at the individual surgeon's discretion. A CSF leak occurred in 13 patients (5.9%) and pseudomeningocele developed in 9 patients (4.1%). In the univariate analysis, operating time, use of the microscope, use of dural sealant, and duration of remaining flat after surgery failed to correlate with the occurrence of complications.

Conclusions

A longer hospital stay for maintaining patients flat after a simple tethered cord release appears not to prevent CSF leakage. However, a larger patient cohort will be needed to detect small differences in complication rates.
Safety and utility of supplemental depth electrodes for localizing the ictal onset zone in pediatric neocortical epilepsy
Authors: Kim Hyunmi , Lee Catherine , Knowlton Robert , Rozzelle Curtis , Blount Jeffrey P.
Published: July 2011

Object

Depth electrodes provide a better sampling of sulci and regions of cortex that lie tangential to the plane of subdural electrodes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of supplemental depth electrodes in the surgical treatment of pediatric patients with neocortical epilepsy.

Methods

Cases involving 12 consecutive pediatric patients (mean age [SD] 10.9 ± 4.4 years) were reviewed. Focal resective surgery (in 9 cases) or functional hemispherectomy (in 3 cases) was performed after intracranial monitoring. The mean total number of electrodes was 118 ± 29; the mean numbers of grid, strip, and depth electrodes were 95 ± 27, 10 ± 6, and 13 ± 5, respectively The most common pathological condition was focal cortical dysplasia.

Results

In 4 cases, depth electrodes demonstrated the ictal onset zone in an area not easily accessible by grids or strips (in the basal temporal region in 3 cases and the upper opercular region in 1 case). In 3 of these 4 cases, the ictal onset zone was defined exclusively by the depth electrodes. In each of these 3 cases, the surface electrodes (on grids or strips) demonstrated early propagation but not ictal onset. In 9 cases, the depth electrodes also demonstrated the early propagation zone. The information about the ictal onset zone and the early propagation zone helped to provide additional information that affected the extent (in 7 cases) or depth (in 3 cases) of the resection. The proportion of the electrodes involved in resection relative to the total number of implanted electrodes was low (mean ± SD, 0.26 ± 0.09). Nine patients (75.0%) became seizure free (Engel class IA outcome) after surgery (mean duration of follow-up 25.7 ± 4.29 months). There were no surgical complications related to intracranial electroencephalography monitoring.

Conclusions

Most patients (75.0%) became seizure free after extensive monitoring and more limited resection of seizure-onset regions. Supplemental depth electrodes contribute to improved outcome by providing information about the ictal onset zone that is not accessible by grid or strip electrodes in some cases. The supplemental depth electrodes conferred an extra dimension of depth to the analysis, which allowed for successful outcome with more limited resection.
Giant syringobulbia associated with cerebellopontine angle arachnoid cyst and hydrocephalus
Authors: Muroi Ai , Syms Nigel Peter , Oi Shizuo
Published: July 2011

The aim in reporting this case was to discuss the pathophysiology and treatment issues in an infant with a giant syringobulbia associated with a right cerebellopontine angle (CPA) arachnoid cyst causing noncommunicating hydrocephalus. This 7-month-old infant presented to the hospital with a history of delayed milestones and an abnormal increase in head circumference. Magnetic resonance images and CT scans of the brain showed a large CSF cavity involving the entire brainstem and a right CPA arachnoid cyst causing obstruction of the fourth ventricle and dilation of the lateral and third ventricles. Cerebrospinal fluid diversion was performed by direct communication from the syringobulbia cavity to the left lateral ventricle and from the left lateral ventricle through another ventricular catheter; external ventricular drainage was performed temporarily for 5 days. Communication between the syrinx and arachnoid cyst was confirmed. Clinically, there was a reduction in head circumference, and serial MR imaging of the brain showed a decrease in the size of the syrinx cavity and the ventricle along with opening of the normal CSF pathways. The postoperative course was uneventful, and no further intervention was necessary. On follow-up of the child at 3 years, his developmental milestones were normal.

Surgical intervention for this condition is mandatory. The appropriate type of surgery should be performed on the basis of the pathophysiology of the developing syringobulbia.
Pediatric cerebellar pilomyxoid-spectrum astrocytomas
Authors: Forbes Jonathan A. , Mobley Bret C. , O'Lynnger Thomas M. , Cooper Calvin M. , Ghiassi Mahan , Hanif Rimal , Pearson Matthew M.
Published: July 2011

Object

Pediatric cerebellar astrocytomas with pilomyxoid features include classic pilomyxoid astrocytomas (PMAs) and intermediate pilomyxoid tumors (IPTs). Since the original description of PMA in 1999, most reports in the literature have described PMAs arising from the hypothalamic/chiasmatic region. To the authors' knowledge, PMAs arising from the posterior fossa have not been discussed in the neurosurgical literature. Intermediate pilomyxoid tumors, or tumors with pathological features of both pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) and PMA, have only recently been described. In this article, the authors present 2 cases that fall within the spectrum of pediatric cerebellar PMA—including a classic PMA and an intermediate pilomyxoid tumor. The authors compare the radiological presentation, surgical results, and postoperative course to findings in a cohort of 15 patients with cerebellar PAs.

Methods

Between 2003 and 2010, 2 patients with pilomyxoid-spectrum astrocytomas underwent treatment at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. One was a 22-month-old girl who presented with progressive gait disturbance and falls. The other was a 4-year-old girl who presented with ataxia and generalized weakness. In a retrospective review of pediatric cerebellar neoplasms resected by the senior author during this period, these tumors comprised 4% of cerebellar neoplasms and approximately 10% of cerebellar glial neoplasms.

Results

Both patients were treated with midline suboccipital craniotomy for resection. In both cases, tumor invasion anteriorly into the brainstem prevented gross-total resection. the patient in Case 1 was placed on chemotherapy following pathological diagnosis and later developed definitive evidence of leptomeningeal dissemination (LD) 3 years after the operation. The patient in Case 2 was placed on chemotherapy after exhibiting progressive evidence of local recurrence (findings were negative for LD) 12 months following resection.

Conclusions

Pediatric patients with cerebellar pilomyxoid-spectrum astrocytomas appear to suffer higher rates of local recurrence and LD than pediatric patients with cerebellar PAs.
Treatment for delayed presentation of sagittal synostosis: challenges pertaining to occult intracranial hypertension
Authors: Seruya Mitchel , Oh Albert K. , Boyajian Michael J. , Posnick Jeffrey C. , Keating Robert F.
Published: July 2011

Object

Patients with delayed presentation of isolated sagittal synostosis (ISS) pose unique surgical challenges. Intracranial hypertension can be missed in the absence of overt findings. Here, an algorithm is presented for the elucidation of intracranial hypertension and approaches to surgical treatment during calvarial reconstruction.

Methods

Patients with delayed presentation (age > 15 months) of ISS between 1997 and 2009 were identified. Symptoms, signs, and radiological evidence of intracranial hypertension were noted. Intraoperative management included calvarial reconstruction in conjunction with ventriculostomy for intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring and CSF drainage in the setting of suspected intracranial hypertension.

Results

Seventeen patients underwent calvarial reconstruction for delayed presentation of ISS. The mean surgical age was 40.5 months (16.2–82.9 months), and the average follow-up was 34.2 months (0.6–92.2 months). Eleven patients with subtle findings of intracranial hypertension underwent ICP monitoring during calvarial reconstruction. The mean opening ICP was 23.5 cm H2O (16.5–29.5 cm H2O), and the mean closing ICP was 7.0 cm H2O (3.5–17.0 cm H2O). Nine (81.8%) of 11 monitored patients demonstrated intracranial hypertension (ICP ≥ 20 cm H2O); the other 2 had borderline increased ICP. Perioperative morbidity was 5.9%, with 1 patient medically treated for transient, new-onset intracranial hypertension. The postoperative Whitaker category was I in 94.1% of patients, II in 5.9%, and III/IV in 0%. There were no reoperations or deaths.

Conclusions

In this consecutive series, 11 of 17 patients with delayed presentation of ISS underwent ICP monitoring during calvarial reconstruction as a result of subtle clinical findings of intracranial hypertension. Nine (81.8%) of 11 monitored patients demonstrated intracranial hypertension. Calvarial reshaping along with ICP monitoring and CSF drainage facilitated reconstruction and resulted in good outcomes and the resolution of intracranial hypertension.
Endoscopic treatment of suprasellar arachnoid cysts in children
Authors: El-Ghandour Nasser M. F.
Published: July 2011

Object

Suprasellar arachnoid cysts (SACs) are rare, comprising approximately 10% of all intracranial arachnoid cysts. Although neuroendoscopic management is emerging as a safe effective alternative to microsurgery, the type of endoscopic surgery whether ventriculocystostomy (VC) or ventriculocystocisternostomy (VCC) is still controversial. This study evaluates the role of endoscopy in the treatment of SACs in children. It compares VC and VCC to determine which procedure is superior in the long term.

Methods

Twenty-five children (14 boys and 11 girls; mean age 26 months) with symptomatic SACs associated with hydrocephalus are the subject of this study. According to the surgical procedure adopted, patients were divided into 2 groups. Patients in Group A (11 patients) underwent VC with a mean follow-up of 55 months, and those in Group B (14 patients) underwent VCC with a mean follow-up of 64.7 months.

Results

Both procedures proved to be effective clinically and radiologically. The incidence of improvement of hydrocephalus-related symptoms was 63.6% in Group A compared with 85.7% in Group B. Improvement in cyst size and hydrocephalus after VC was 81.8% and 63.6%, respectively, compared with 100% and 85.7%, respectively, after VCC. There were no deaths or permanent morbidity, and no patient was left with a permanent shunt. Recurrence occurred in 3 cases after VC (27.3%), whereas no recurrence (0%) was encountered after VCC. At a second endoscopic procedure, the fenestration was found to be closed in all 3 recurrent cases.

Conclusions

An endoscopic procedure is recommended in the treatment of SACs in children because it is simple, effective, minimally invasive, and associated with low morbidity and mortality rates. Both procedures, VC and VCC, proved to be almost equally effective clinically and radiologically. Nevertheless, because of the statistically significant difference between the incidence of recurrence after VC and VCC during long-term follow-up, the author concludes that VCC should be considered as the procedure of choice in the treatment of these cases. The important finding of reclosure of the VC fenestration in the recurrent cases underscores the significance of performing cystocisternostomy at initial surgery to guard against cyst recurrence.
Symptomatic Rathke cleft cysts: extent of resection and surgical complications
Authors: Higgins Dominique M. , Van Gompel Jamie J. , Nippoldt Todd B. , Meyer Fredric B.
Published: July 2011

Object

Rathke cleft cysts (RCCs) are benign masses arising from the embryological Rathke pouch, and are commonly treated by transsphenoidal surgery. The authors retrospectively compared RCC extent of resection—either gross-total resection (GTR) or decompression—to the primary outcome measure, which was recurrences resulting in repeat surgery, and the secondary outcome measure, which was complications.

Methods

Seventy-four patients presenting to the neurosurgical department with RCC were analyzed retrospectively. Sixty-eight patients had a total of 78 surgical procedures, with the diagnosis of RCC confirmed by histological investigation; of these, 61 patients had adequate operative notes for the authors to evaluate extent of resection. Groups were separated into GTR (32 patients) or decompression (subtotal resection or fenestration into the sphenoid sinus; 29 patients) based on operative notes and postoperative imaging. The mean follow-up duration was 60.5 ± 72.1 months (the mean is expressed ± SD throughout).

Results

The average age at the time of the initial surgery was 42.8 ± 17.4 years, and 70% of patients were female. The mean cyst diameter preoperatively was 16.9 ± 17.8 mm. Eight patients had repeat surgery, our primary outcome measure; 3 repeat operations occurred in the GTR group, and 5 in the decompression group. There was no significant difference in recurrence when comparing groups (GTR 9%, decompression 17%; p = 0.36). There were no major complications; however, analysis of postoperative minor complications revealed that 11 (34%) GTRs resulted in surgical complications, whereas the decompression cohort accounted for only 3 complications (10%) (p = 0.03), with diabetes insipidus (6) and CSF leaks (5) being the most common. Gross-total resection also resulted in an increase in postoperative hyperprolactinemia compared with decompression (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

It appears that RCCs require repeat surgery in 13% of cases, and attempted GTR does not appear to reduce the overall rate of recurrence. However, more aggressive resections are associated with more complications in this series.
Rathke cleft cysts: a review of clinical and surgical management
Authors: Zada Gabriel
Published: July 2011

The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of clinical, imaging, and histopathological features, as well as operative and nonoperative management strategies in patients with Rathke cleft cysts (RCCs).

A literature review was performed to identify previous articles that reported surgical and nonsurgical management of RCCs. Rathke cleft cysts are often incidental lesions found in the sellar and suprasellar regions and do not require surgical intervention in the majority of cases. In symptomatic RCCs, the typical clinical presentation includes headache, visual loss, and/or endocrine dysfunction. Visual field testing and endocrine laboratory studies may reveal more subtle deficiencies associated with RCCs. When indicated, the transsphenoidal approach typically offers the least invasive and safest method for treating these lesions. Various surgical strategies including cyst wall resection, intralesional alcohol injection, and sellar floor reconstruction are discussed. Although headache and visual symptoms frequently improve after surgical drainage of RCCs, hypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus are less likely to do so. A subset of more aggressive, atypical RCCs associated with pronounced clinical symptoms and higher recurrence rates is discussed, as well as the possible relationship of these lesions to craniopharyngiomas.

Rathke cleft cysts are typically benign, asymptomatic lesions that can be monitored. In selected patients, transsphenoidal surgery provides excellent rates of improvement in clinical symptoms and long-term cyst resolution. Complete cyst wall resection, intraoperative alcohol cauterization, and sellar floor reconstruction in the absence of a CSF leak are not routinely recommended.
Antitumor effect of aspirin in glioblastoma cells by modulation of β-catenin/T-cell factor–mediated transcriptional activity
Authors: Lan Fengming , Yue Xiao , Han Lei , Yuan Xubo , Shi Zhendong , Huang Kai , Yang Yang , Zou Jian , Zhang Junxia , Jiang Tao , Pu Peiyu , Kang Chunsheng
Published: July 2011

Object

The goal in this study was to investigate the antitumor effect of aspirin in glioblastoma cells and the molecular mechanism involved in its antineoplastic activities.

Methods

The authors used the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method, flow cytometry, the annexin V method, and Transwell cell invasion test to detect the proliferation and invasive activity of U87 and A172 glioma cells before and after being treated with aspirin. To determine the effects of aspirin on β-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF) transcription activity, reporter constructs containing 3 repeats of the wild-type (TOPflash) or mutant (FOPflash) TCF-binding sites were used. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses were used to detect the expression of multiple β-catenin/TCF target genes following aspirin treatment.

Results

The transcriptional activity of the β-catenin/TCF complex was strongly inhibited by aspirin. Increasing the concentration of aspirin resulted in decreased expression of c-myc, cyclin D1, and fra-1 mRNA and protein in U87 and A172 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Aspirin inhibited glioma cell proliferation and invasive ability, and induced apoptotic cell death.

Conclusions

The results suggest that aspirin is a potent antitumor agent, and that it exerts its antineoplastic action by inhibition of the β-catenin/TCF signaling pathway in glioma cells.
Neuroprotective effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and relationship to promotion of angiogenesis after spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Kawabe Junko , Koda Masao , Hashimoto Masayuki , Fujiyoshi Takayuki , Furuya Takeo , Endo Tomonori , Okawa Akihiko , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: July 2011

Object

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has neuroprotective effects on the CNS. The authors have previously demonstrated that G-CSF also exerts neuroprotective effects in experimental spinal cord injury (SCI) by enhancing migration of bone marrow–derived cells into the damaged spinal cord, increasing glial differentiation of bone marrow–derived cells, enhancing antiapoptotic effects on both neurons and oligodendrocytes, and by reducing demyelination and expression of inflammatory cytokines. Because the degree of angiogenesis in the subacute phase after SCI correlates with regenerative responses, it is possible that G-CSF's neuroprotective effects after SCI are due to enhancement of angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of G-CSF on the vascular system after SCI.

Methods

A contusive SCI rat model was used and the animals were randomly allocated to either a G-CSF–treated group or a control group. Integrity of the blood–spinal cord barrier was evaluated by measuring the degree of edema in the cord and the volume of extravasation. For histological evaluation, cryosections were immunostained with anti–von Willebrand factor and the number of vessels was counted to assess revascularization. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was performed to assess expression of angiogenic cytokines, and recovery of motor function was assessed with function tests.

Results

In the G-CSF–treated rats, the total number of vessels with a diameter > 20 μm was significantly larger and expression of angiogenic cytokines was significantly higher than those in the control group. The G-CSF–treated group showed significantly greater recovery of hindlimb function than the control group.

Conclusions

These results suggest that G-CSF exerts neuroprotective effects via promotion of angiogenesis after SCI.
Time course investigation of intervertebral disc degeneration produced by needle-stab injury of the rat caudal spine
Authors: Zhang Huina , Yang Sushan , Wang Lin , Park Paul , La Marca Frank , Hollister Scott J. , Lin Chia-Ying
Published: July 2011

Object

In this study, the authors' goal was to investigate the long-term progression of disc degeneration and the participating mechanisms induced by needle puncture in a rat caudal disc model .

Methods

The C5–6 and C7–8 intervertebral discs of the caudal spine in rats were stabbed laterally using 21-gauge hypodermic needles to a depth of 5 mm from the subcutaneous surface with the aid of fluoroscopy. Signs of degeneration in the disc of the tail were analyzed from Day 1 to Week 30 by in vivo MR imaging, histology, and biochemical and/or molecular analyses.

Results

Magnetic resonance imaging showed a progressive decrease in T2 density and MR imaging index throughout the entire investigation, starting at Day 1 after the needle puncture. However, histological scores revealed a bimodal pattern, showing that severity increased in the first 17 days, declined thereafter, and increased again by 30 weeks. Gene expression analysis showed a transient up-regulation in gene expression of aggrecan, type II collagen, and BMP-2, and inhibition of type I collagen. The MMP-3 mRNA levels were up-regulated at all tested time points within 6 weeks postinjury. Furthermore, the degenerated disc did not recover spontaneously, as shown by decreases in T2 density, MR imaging index, and sulfated glycosaminoglycan content in conjunction with increases in histological scores at 15 and 30 weeks postsurgery.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that needle puncture into a tail disc in the rat induces a rapid and progressive disc degeneration process without spontaneous recovery. Changes in gene expression profiles of the disc matrix molecules as well as anabolic and catabolic factors at early time points further delineate the mechanism of disc degeneration in this newly developed animal model.
Review of Transducer Principles for Label-Free Biomolecular Interaction Analysis
Authors: Nirschl Martin , Reuter Florian , Vörös Janos
Published: July 2011

Label-free biomolecular interaction analysis is an important technique to study the chemical binding between e.g., protein and protein or protein and small molecule in real-time. The parameters obtained with this technique, such as the affinity, are important for drug development. While the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) instruments are most widely used, new types of sensors are emerging. These developments are generally driven by the need for higher throughput, lower sample consumption or by the need of complimentary information to the SPR data. This review aims to give an overview about a wide range of sensor transducers, the working principles and the peculiarities of each technology, e.g., concerning the set-up, sensitivity, sensor size or required sample volume. Starting from optical technologies like the SPR and waveguide based sensors, acoustic sensors like the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and the film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR), calorimetric and electrochemical sensors are covered. Technologies long established in the market are presented together with those newly commercially available and with technologies in the early development stage. Finally, the commercially available instruments are summarized together with their sensitivity and the number of sensors usable in parallel and an outlook for potential future developments is given.
NMR and UV Studies of 4-Thio-2′-deoxyuridine and Its Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Xu Yao-Zhong
Published: July 2011

5-Substituted-4-thio-2’-deoxyuridine nucleosides have been chemically synthesized and studied by NMR and UV spectroscopy. The results have been analyzed and discussed in connection with the previous data. The imino proton signal and the carbon signal of the thiocarbonyl group in the 5-substituted-4-thio-2’-deoxyuridines were found to be at much lower field, offering a potential for monitoring these modified bases at the DNA level. All 4-thionucleosides have strong absorptions at around 340 nm and consequently would be useful as potential UVA-induced anticancer agents.
Effect of Coating on the Strain Transfer of Optical Fiber Sensors
Authors: Her Shiuh-Chuan , Huang Chih-Ying
Published: July 2011

Optical fiber strain sensors with light weight, small dimensions and immunity to electromagnetic interference are widely used in structural health monitoring devices. As a sensor, it is expected that the strains between the optical fiber and host structure are the same. However, due to the shear deformation of the protective coating, the optical fiber strain is different from that of host structure. To improve the measurement accuracy, the strain measured by the optical fiber needs to be modified to reflect the influence of the coating. In this investigation, a theoretical model of the strain transferred from the host material to the optical fiber is developed to evaluate the interaction between the host material and coating. The theoretical predictions are validated with a numerical analysis using the finite element method. Experimental tests are performed to reveal the differential strains between the optical fiber strain sensor and test specimen. The Mach-Zehnder interferometric type fiber-optic sensor is adopted to measure the strain. Experimental results show that the strain measured at the optical fiber is lower than the true strain in the test specimen. The percentage of strain in the test specimen actually transferred to the optical fiber is dependent on the bonded length of the optical fiber and the protective coating. The general trend of the strain transformation obtained from both experimental tests and theoretical predictions shows that the longer the bonded length and the stiffer the coating the more strain is transferred to the optical fiber.
Trichothecenes: From Simple to Complex Mycotoxins
Authors: McCormick Susan P. , Stanley April M. , Stover Nicholas A. , Alexander Nancy J.
Published: July 2011

As the world’s population grows, access to a safe food supply will continue to be a global priority. In recent years, the world has experienced an increase in mycotoxin contamination of grains due to climatic and agronomic changes that encourage fungal growth during cultivation. A number of the molds that are plant pathogens produce trichothecene mycotoxins, which are known to cause serious human and animal toxicoses. This review covers the types of trichothecenes, their complexity, and proposed biosynthetic pathways of trichothecenes.
Three-Dimensional Invasion of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition–Positive Human Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells into Collagen Gel is Promoted by the Concentration Gradient of Fibronectin
Authors: Yamaguchi Youhei , Ishigaki Tatsuya , Sano Koushi , Miyamoto Kei-Ichi , Nomura Shinsuke , Horiuchi Takashi
Published: July 2011

Background

In long-term peritoneal dialysis, myofibroblast-like cells found in the interstitium of the peritoneum are assumed to be a transformed type of mesothelial cell—epithelial-mesenchymal transition-positive [EMT(+)] human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs)—because they express a mesothelial marker, cytokeratin. However, no direct evidence about how these cells are able to invade from the mesothelium has yet been obtained.

Aim

In this study, we aimed to verify whether EMT(+) HPMCs would, in vitro, invade three-dimensionally along certain chemotactic factors.

Methods

We used reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to measure expression of Snail, E-cadherin, α5-integrin, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) messenger RNA (mRNA) in HPMCs exposed to 10 ng/mL transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and how that expression corresponds to cell motility, as represented by a video movie. We used the Transwell (12 μm pore diameter: Sigma-Aldrich, Tokyo, Japan) to construct a three-dimensional (3D) cell migration chamber. In the lower chamber, a concentration gradient of fibronectin (FN) or albumin(Alb) was formed in 0.1% type I collagen by diffusion ( C0 = 22 nmol/L; concentration gradient: C / C0 = 0.7). All cells beneath the membrane were counted 72 hours after 5x104 EMT(+) HPMCs (HPMCs after a 48-hour exposure to 10 ng/mL TGFβ1) had been spread in the upper chamber.

Results

After 72 hours, the increased motility of HPMCs resulting from their exposure to 10 ng/mL TGFβ1 had returned to baseline, but they retained an elongated morphology. Expression of Snail and MMP2 mRNA reached maximum at 24 hours. Expression of E-cadherin declined, and expression of α5-integrin increased continuously. In the 3D invasion study, significantly enhanced invasion by EMT(+) but not EMT(-) HPMCs was clearly seen in the presence of a FN concentration gradient ( p < 0.01), although invasion by EMT(+) and EMT(-) HPMCs in the absence of a FN concentration gradient was not statistically significantly different. Compared with the EMT(+) control (no concentration gradient), invasion by EMT(+) HPMCs was 2.1 ± 0.5 times (p < 0.05) and 1.4 ± 0.4 times (p = nonsignificant) higher along the FN and Alb concentration gradients respectively. Increased invasion along the FN concentration gradient was significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) when the HPMCs were pre-incubated with 5 μg/mL RGDS (a blocker for α5-integrin to FN).

Conclusions

We conclude that EMT(+) HPMCs invade collagen gel along the FN concentration gradient because of specific binding to RGDS receptors, which bind integrins such as α5-integrin, upregulating invasion-related gene expression associated with synthesis of the cytoskeleton protein α smooth muscle actin.
The role of silver additives in gold-mediated C–H functionalisation
Authors: Patrick Scott R , Boogaerts Ine I F , Gaillard Sylvain , Slawin Alexandra M Z , Nolan Steven P
Published: July 2011

The role of silver additives is examined in the context of gold-mediated functionalisation of aromatic C–H bonds. Doubt is cast on the commonly cited route of halide abstraction from gold and evidence of substrate activation is given.
Serum Urate in Chronic Gout — Will It Be the First Validated Soluble Biomarker in Rheumatology?
Authors: STAMP LISA K. , KHANNA PUJA P. , DALBETH NICOLA , BOERS MAARTEN , MAKSYMOWYCH WALTER P. , SCHUMACHER H. RALPH , BECKER MICHAEL A. , MacDONALD PATRICIA A. , EDWARDS N. LAWRENCE , SINGH JASVINDER A. , SIMON LEE S. , McQUEEN FIONA M. , NEOGI TUHINA , GAFFO ANGELO L. , STRAND VIBEKE , TAYLOR WILLIAM J.
Published: July 2011

Objective.

To summarize evidence for and endorsement of serum urate (SU) as having fulfilled the OMERACT filter as a soluble biomarker in chronic gout at the 2010 Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Meeting (OMERACT 10).

Methods.

Data were presented to support the use of SU as a soluble biomarker in chronic gout and specifically the ability to utilize it to predict future patient-reported outcomes.

Results.

SU was accepted as having fulfilled the OMERACT filter by 78% of voters. However, consensus was not obtained regarding its use as a soluble biomarker in chronic gout. Although the majority of the criteria for a soluble biomarker were fulfilled, the key criterion of association of the biomarker with outcomes was not agreed upon. It was agreed that the appropriate choice of endpoint must be linked to its clinical importance to the individual with the disorder and its temporal relationship to the intervention. Appropriate outcomes in chronic gout may therefore include gout flares, reduction in tophi, and patient-reported outcomes.

Conclusion.

SU is a critical outcome measure. It has the potential to fulfil criteria for a soluble biomarker. Further analyses of existing data from randomized controlled trials will be required to determine whether SU can predict future important outcomes, in particular disability.
Bringing It All Together: A Novel Approach to the Development of Response Criteria for Chronic Gout Clinical Trials
Authors: TAYLOR WILLIAM J. , SINGH JASVINDER A. , SAAG KENNETH G. , DALBETH NICOLA , MacDONALD PATRICIA A. , EDWARDS N. LAWRENCE , SIMON LEE S. , STAMP LISA K. , NEOGI TUHINA , GAFFO ANGELO L. , KHANNA PUJA P. , BECKER MICHAEL A. , SCHUMACHER H. RALPH
Published: July 2011

Objective.

To review a novel approach for constructing composite response criteria for use in chronic gout clinical trials that implements a method of multicriteria decision-making.

Methods.

Preliminary work with paper patient profiles led to a restricted set of core-set domains that were examined using 1000MindsTM by rheumatologists with an interest in gout, and (separately) by OMERACT registrants prior to OMERACT 10. These results and the 1000Minds approach were discussed during OMERACT 10 to help guide next steps in developing composite response criteria.

Results.

There were differences in how individual indicators of response were weighted between gout experts and OMERACT registrants. Gout experts placed more weight upon changes in uric acid levels, whereas OMERACT registrants placed more weight upon reducing flares. Discussion highlighted the need for a “pain” domain to be included, for “worsening” to be an additional level within each indicator, for a group process to determine the decision-making within a 1000Minds exercise, and for the value of patient involvement.

Conclusion.

Although there was not unanimous support for the 1000Minds approach to inform the construction of composite response criteria, there is sufficient interest to justify ongoing development of this methodology and its application to real clinical trial data.
The OMERACT Core Set of Outcome Measures for Use in Clinical Trials of ANCA-associated Vasculitis
Authors: MERKEL PETER A. , AYDIN SIBEL Z. , BOERS MAARTEN , DIRESKENELI HANER , HERLYN KAREN , SEO PHILIP , SUPPIAH RAVI , TOMASSON GUNNAR , LUQMANI RAASHID A.
Published: July 2011

There has been a marked increase in the past 15 years in the number and quality of clinical trials in the idiopathic inflammatory vasculitides, especially the small-vessel vasculitides known as antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis [AAV; granulomatosis, with polyangiitis (Wegener’s)]. These trials have been conducted by multicenter, international groups in Europe and the United States with financial support provided by government agencies and biopharmaceutical companies. This increased clinical trial activity in vasculitis has been accompanied by the development and validation of new outcome measures — a challenging process for these complex, multiorgan system diseases. The international OMERACT Vasculitis Working Group has developed and implemented an iterative research agenda that has utilized accumulated experience and datasets from several multicenter clinical trials and large cohort studies. This work has led to the development, evaluation, validation, and endorsement, through the OMERACT consensus and validation processes, of a “core set” of outcome measurements for use in clinical trials of AAV. The core set includes domains of disease activity, damage assessment, patient-reported outcomes, and mortality; there is at least one validated outcome measurement instrument available for each domain. This report reviews the domains of illness in AAV included in the OMERACT core set, describes the instruments validated to measure these domains, and presents the approved core set.
Toward Development of a Fibromyalgia Responder Index and Disease Activity Score: OMERACT Module Update
Authors: MEASE PHILIP J. , CLAUW DANIEL J. , CHRISTENSEN ROBIN , CROFFORD LESLIE J. , GENDREAU R. MICHAEL , MARTIN SUSAN A. , SIMON LEE S. , STRAND VIBEKE , WILLIAMS DAVID A. , ARNOLD LESLEY M. ,   the OMERACT Fibromyalgia Working Group
Published: July 2011

Following development of the core domain set for fibromyalgia (FM) in Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT) meetings 7 to 9, the FM working group has progressed toward the development of an FM responder index and a disease activity score based on these domains, utilizing outcome indices of these domains from archived randomized clinical trials in FM. Possible clinical domains that could be included in a responder index and disease activity score include pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive dysfunction, mood disturbance, tenderness, stiffness, and functional impairment. Outcome measures for these domains demonstrate good to adequate psychometric properties, although measures of cognitive dysfunction need to be further developed. The approach used in the development of responder indices and disease activity scores for rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis represents heuristic models for our work, but FM is challenging in that there is no clear algorithm of treatment that defines disease activity based on treatment decisions, nor are there objective markers that define thresholds of severity or response to treatment. The process of developing candidate dichotomous responder definitions and continuous quantitative disease activity measures is described, along with participant discussions from OMERACT 10. Final results of this work will be published in a separate report pending completion of analyses.
Developing Disease Activity and Response Criteria in Connective Tissue Disease-related Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: SAKETKOO LESLEY ANN , MATTESON ERIC L. , BROWN KEVIN K. , SEIBOLD JAMES R. , STRAND VIBEKE
Published: July 2011

The interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a group of heterogeneous diseases that exert significant morbidity and mortality in connective tissue diseases (CTD). There is no consensus on measures of disease activity or therapeutic responsiveness, which hampers effective drug development and regulatory evaluation of candidate therapies. The CTD-ILD Special Interest Group represents an international multidisciplinary effort to identify consensus on criteria to measure disease activity and therapeutic response in CTD-ILD. We summarize the design of the studies we are conducting and progress leading to the OMERACT 10 and 2010 EULAR meetings.
Devil's power's origin
Authors: Linde Reinhard
Published: July 2011

Résumé Martin Heidegger a caché ses intentions sociales-politiques jusqu’en 1933 sous des théorèmes philosophiques généraux qui furent pourtant révélés pendant la domination national-socialiste. L’interprétation, l’affirmation de Heidegger ainsi que la présentation académique de son enseignement esquivent l’éclairage posé par la recherche sur de nombreux « passages obscurs » dans ses textes. C’est la raison pour laquelle elle est basée sur une lecture heideggerienne éminemment mutilée. Son œuvre prétendument innocente politiquement est dissociée d’un prétendu gâchis politique durant la période nazie. Le discours fervent et systématique de Heidegger sur l’historicité est pourtant inhérent à la prétention d’être une force de retournement politique et réaliste qui est précisément celle de ses théorèmes. Il en démontra lui-même les orientations et applications sociales après 1933. La dépolitisation très répandue de la philosophie de Heidegger sert le plus souvent ses partisans pronazis. Néanmoins, ils dénient et minimisent ses véritables intentions parce qu’ils les connaissent et les approuvent. Ils croient pouvoir faire la promotion d’un prétendu « bon » nazisme en se fondant sur sa façon de penser apparemment dénuée de radicalité. L’analyse des théorèmes cardinaux heideggeriens comme le Dasein , « la précipitation dans la mort » et « l’élection du héros », montre qu’il n’accède absolument pas au niveau philosophique, sociopsychologique et théorico-politique qu’il croit avancer dans son argumentation. Il s’en sert pour doubler, grâce à une apparence ontologique, un « idéal ontique » qui est caractérisé par ce qui est « völkisch » , étatiquement mené par un Führer et guerrier.
Observer les mobilisations
Authors: Combes Hélène , Hmed Choukri , Mathieu Lilian , Siméant-Germanos Johanna , Sommier Isabelle
Published: July 2011

Résumé En quoi consiste aujourd’hui la pratique du chercheur étudiant les mouvements sociaux ? Comment stimuler l’imagination sociologique au moment où se manifeste une triple routinisation des objets, des schèmes d’interprétation et des arts de faire méthodologiques dans ce domaine des sciences sociales ? Il ne s’agit pas ici de céder à certaines formes de « méthodologisme » en proposant une méthode, ni a fortiori « la bonne méthode » d’étude des mobilisations, détachée des enjeux de connaissance propres à chaque recherche spécifique. Plutôt qu’un durcissement méthodologique ou la promotion d’un modèle standardisé d’approche empirique des mobilisations, l’article et le dossier appellent à un retour au principe d’unité des sciences sociales, seul moyen de ne pas se couper de pans entiers de la recherche en train de se faire et d’avoir quelque chance d’ouvrir de nouvelles questions. Penser et regarder autrement les mobilisations, c’est ce à quoi invitent donc les chercheurs réunis dans ce numéro, en suggérant en particulier de mieux prendre en compte l’inscription des mobilisations dans le temps, l’espace et l’ordre social.
Du « Pioupiou » au « Vieux Sarce » ou comment en être : ethnographie d'une socialisation chez les pompiers
Authors: Pudal Romain
Published: July 2011

Résumé Cet article vise à restituer les étapes d’une socialisation dite « secondaire » dans un milieu professionnel qui est celui des sapeurs-pompiers français. Il s’appuie sur une enquête ethnographique de près de neuf ans en tant qu’homme du rang à Paris et dans la grande couronne parisienne. Il se propose d’analyser la structuration processuelle d’un habitus spécifique en insistant sur l’apprentissage par corps, les modalités institutionnelles de l’inculcation de cet habitus ainsi que les codes, les rites et les représentations propres à cet univers social et professionnel.
Organizational learning model for sustainable innovation: elements for a new innovation approach in developing countries
Authors: Rivera Vargas Maria Isabel
Published: July 2011

Résumé La recherche en apprentissage organisationnel et sur la construction de capacités pour le développement technologique et l’innovation sont faibles dans les pays en développement. Ceci est paradoxal puisqu’il existe un besoin impérieux de modèles théoriques qui se saisissent de l’apprentissage organisationnel et du changement technologique dans ces pays en tant que pré-requis important pour comprendre le processus dynamique de construction de ces capacités ; il s’agit de concevoir et promouvoir des stratégies appropriées pour le développement industriel soutenable. L’objectif de cet article est par conséquent d’attirer l’attention sur la pertinence de l’apprentissage organisationnel pour la construction de telles capacités et de proposer une approche plus adéquate pour promouvoir et réussir l’innovation. A travers l’analyse d’un modèle d’apprentissage technologique qui a montré son efficacité sous d’autres latitudes, nous proposons tout d’abord le renforcement de la Production-Ingénierie, puis lors des étapes suivantes, le renforcement du Développement et de la Recherche-Innovation, respectivement (PI-D-RI) inversant ainsi le rapprochement orthodoxe Recherche, Développement, Ingénierie (R-D-I). Cette approche permet ainsi l’adaptation du modèle tant, d’un point de vue conceptuel, à la théorie du développement soutenable de Morin (1999), qu’aux circonstances et possibilités actuelles des petites et moyennes entreprises dans les pays en voie de développement, d’un point de vue plus opérationnel.
Mode projet et management des formes
Authors: Sallaberry Jean-Claude
Published: July 2011

Résumé Manager en mode projet suppose d’articuler, sans cesse, niveau individuel et niveau collectif. En utilisant la théorie des systèmes et la théorie de l’institution, il est possible de modéliser cette articulation, y compris dans son aspect complexe et paradoxal. La notion de forme apparaît alors opérationnelle pour caractériser le management en mode projet.