bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly selective vagotomy and gastrojejunostomy in the treatment of peptic ulcer induced gastric outlet obstruction
Authors: Radovanovic Nebojsa , Simic Aleksandar , Skrobic Ognjan , Kotarac Milutin , Ivanovic Nenad
Published: October 2014

Background/Aim. The incidence of peptic ulcer-induced gastric outlet
obstruction is constantly declining. The aim of this study was to present our
results in the treatment of gastric outlet obstruction with highly selective
vagotomy and gastrojejunostomy. Methods. This retrospective clinical study
included 13 patients with peptic ulcer - induced gastric outlet obstruction
operated with higly selective vagotomy and gastrojejunostomy. A 3-year
follow-up was conducted including clinical interview and upper
gastrointestinal endoscopy on 1 and 3 years after the surgery. Results. The
most common preoperative symptom was vomiting (in 92.3% of patients). The
mean preoperative body mass index was 16.3 ? 3.1 kg/m2, with 9 patients
classified preoperatively as underweight. There were no intraoperative
complications, nor mortality. At a 3-year follow-up there was no ulcer
recurrence. Delayed gastric emptying was present in 1, bile reflux in 2, and
erosive gastritis in 1 patient. Two patients suffered from mild ?dumping?
syndrome. Conclusion. Higly selective vagotomy combined with
gastrojejunostomy is a safe and easily feasible surgical solution of gastric
outlet obstruction induced by peptic ulcer. Good functional results and low
rate of complications can be expected at a long-term follow-up.
Computer and experimental analyses of the stress state in the cement hip joint endoprosthesis body
Authors: Tabakovic Slobodan , Grujic Jovan , Zeljkovic Milan , Blagojevic Zoran , Radojevic Bojan , Popovic Zoran , Zivkovic Aleksandar , Stevanovic Vladan
Published: October 2014

Background/Aim. One of the possible complications after implantation of a
cement hip-joint endoprosthesis is fracture in the endoprosthesis body.
Fractures arise from overload or material fatigue of which an implant is
made. The purpose of this research was to define the intensity of maximum
stress and the positions of a critical cross-section in the endoprosthesis
body. Methods. Unilaterally changing forces which act on the hip joint during
walking as well as the loads result in flexible deformations of the
endoprosthesis body. Biomechanical analysis of the forces acting on the hip
joint determine their direction and intensity, whereas on the basis of
Gruen?s classification of the endoprosthesis body loosening the level of
fixation is established. The bodies of cement hip joint endoprosthesis are
made of cobalt-chromiummolybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy, suitable for vacuum
casting, are submitted to the analysis. Analysis of the critical stress in
the endoprosthesis body was performed on the endoprosthesis body by means of
the finite element method. The experimental verification of the obtained
results was carried out on the physical prototype under laboratory
conditions. Results. Computer analysis, by means of the finite element
method, determined the stress state by calculation of the maximum Von Mises
stress and critical cross-sections for different angles of the resultant
force action. The results obtained by the computer and experimental method
correlate and are comparable to the results of similar analyses conducted on
various endoprosthesis types. Conclusion. The analyses described in the paper
make the basis for improving the process designing of hip joint
endoprostheses and their customization to each individual patient (custom
made).
Syncope as initial symptom of ostial lesion of the left main coronary artery with cardiogenic shock
Authors: Petrovic Milovan , Ivanov Igor , Vujin Bojan , Ivanovic Vladimir , Redzek Aleksandar
Published: October 2014

Introduction. Syncope represents a relatively atypical symptom of acute
coronary syndrome. Syncope itself does not provide enough information to
indicate an acute coronary event, especially a lesion of the left main
coronary artery, without malignant rhythm and conduction disorders. Case
report. A male patient, aged 63, was admitted to the intensive cardiac care
unit because of a short loss of consciousness, in sinus tachycardia, with
signs of acute heart failure and being hypotensive. Electrocardiogram showed
a possible acute anterior myocardial infarction, followed by cardiogenic
shock and emergency coronary angiography (subocclusive ostial lesion of the
left main coronary artery) and primary percutaneous coronary intervention
with intraaortic balloon pump therapy was performed. A direct drug eluting
stent was implanted with the optimal primary result. Conclusion. The prompt
diagnosis, especially in such relatively atypical clinical presentation,
reperfusion therapy with primary percutaneous coronary intervention in acute
myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock, contribute to the
improvement in the survival rate and patient's quality of life. This case
report is clinically educative due to relatively atypical presentation and
performed interventions.
The first case of papillary thyroid carcinoma in an adolescent with congenital dyshormonogenetic hypothyroidism in Serbia
Authors: Eremija Jelena , Milenkovic Tatjana , Mitrovic Katarina , Todorovic Sladjana , Vukovic Rade , Plavsic Ljiljana
Published: October 2014

Introduction. Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is a rare childhood
malignancy, as it represents 0.3-0.4% of pediatric malignancies. Papillary
carcinoma is the most common type of pediatric DTC and it represents about
90% of all DTC patients. Although rare, DTC arising from dyshormonogenetic
goiter is the most serious complication of congenital hypothyroidism. Case
report. We presented the development of thyroid papillary carcinoma in a
15-year-old girl diagnosed with congenital dyshormonogenetic hypothyroidism
at neonatal age. Considering the early initiation and proper dosage of
hormonal substitution, normal levels of thyreotropin and thyroid hormones
were achieved quickly and maintained through a follow-up period. The girl
remained euthyroid and asymptomatic until 13.8 years of age, when she
presented with a large multinodular goiter. The patient underwent total
thyroidectomy. Pathological examination revealed intrathyroid microcarcinoma
in the right lobe. Conclusion. Although differentiated thyroid carcinoma is a
rare pediatric malignancy, it is of great importance to have a certain degree
of clinical caution and provide a multidisciplinary approach during the
follow-up of patients with dyshormonogenetic hypothyroidism.
Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in cervical cancer
Authors: Mandic Aljosa , Usaj-Knezevic Slavica , Ivkovic-Kapicl Tatjana , Nincic Dejan , Malenkovic Goran
Published: October 2014

Background/Aim. Cyclooxygenase (COX) or prostaglandin H2 synthase is the
first enzyme that catalyzes the first two steps in the biosynthesis of
prostaglandins from arachidonic acid. The aim of the study was to determine
the expression level of COX-2 in patients with cervical cancer and compare it
with that in the control group with no cervical pathology. Methods. The study
included 76 patients divided into two groups: the control group - 30 patients
without histopathological changes and the group A - 46 patients with cervical
cancer, FIGO stage IB-IIA. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses
were performed in these two groups of patients. Results. In the control
group, the expression of COX-2 was not confirmed compared to the group A of
26 (56.52%) patients. The expression of COX-2 showed a statistically
significant difference in the presence of lymphocytic stromal infiltration (p
= 0.0053). The expression of COX-2 was more pronounced in the stromal tissue
without lymphocytic infiltration (80% vs 20%). Conclusion. A higher
expression of COX-2 in cervical carcinoma without stromal lymphocytic
infiltration suggests a possible paradoxical effect of COX-2 in
immunosuppression. Frequent COX- 2 expression in the subgroup with poor
prognostic histological parameters in the group A indicates the importance of
COX-2 expression in the carcinogenesis of cervical cancer.
Parvovirus Infection: An Immunohistochemical Study Using Fetal and Placental Tissue
Authors: Li Jing Jing , Henwood Tony , Van Hal Sebastian , Charlton Amanda
Published: October 2014

Parvovirus B19 infection causes 5% to 15% of cases of nonimmune hydrops fetalis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the use of immunohistochemistry in diagnosing parvovirus infection in fetal and placental tissue during routine fetal and perinatal autopsies. Histology slides of 20 cases of confirmed parvovirus infection were reviewed, and immunohistochemistry was applied to selected blocks of fetal and placental tissue. Immunohistochemistry was positive in all 20 cases, and histologic viral inclusions were seen in 19 cases. Immunohistochemical staining was closely correlated with histology and was more sensitive than histology in detecting virally infected cells, especially in autolyzed tissue. All cases also had confirmatory evidence of parvovirus infection by polymerase chain reaction of fetal liver and positive maternal serology, where it was available. We conclude that parvovirus immunohistochemistry is a reliable method for diagnosing parvovirus infection, especially in autolyzed tissue where histologic assessment may be suboptimal.
Perspectives in Pediatric Pathology, Chapter 21. Testicular Pathology in Heritable Metabolic Disease
Authors: Nistal Manuel , Paniagua Ricardo , González-Peramato Pilar , Reyes-Múgica Miguel
Published: October 2014

Inborn errors of metabolism have wide and profound effects in many or all organs, and especially so in those with endocrine functions. The testes are greatly affected by systemic metabolic disorders, leading to specific histological findings that generally reveal the nature of the underlying disorder. Here we describe the main testicular changes seen in the setting of metabolic disease.
Searching for Climax
Authors: Lindsey Treva B. , Johnson Jessica Marie
Published: October 2014

In August 2013, the newly launched YouTube channel, All Def Digital, posted a video entitled “The Harriet Tubman Sextape.” Reactions to the tape were swift and overwhelmingly negative. Decrying the desecration of the iconic Tubman and the positing of sexual transactions as a liberatory tool for enslaved black women, responses to the digital short shed light upon uncomfortable and complicated interpretations of the role of sex, sexuality, sexual economies, and sexual violence played in black lives during chattel slavery. Situating Tubman at the center of these dialogues offers an opportunity to pose new questions about the erotic life of slavery.

This essay is a call to explore and a foundational excavation of the sexual lives of black women during slavery, and more specifically, historical narratives of pleasure. Grappling with the erotic lives of black women during slavery offers a new lens with which to comprehend the lived experience of chattel slavery. Uncovering sensation, intimate interiority, and erotic experiences challenges a historiographical approach rooted in a twentieth century black liberation ethos and demands that we take seriously the erotic subjectivities of black women during slavery as part of an emancipatory politics. Using “The Tubman Sextape” as a point of entry, this essay examines how to create erotic maps of Tubman, and black women during slavery more broadly by engaging the historiography of slavery, popular representations of bondage, and emergent theories and conceptualizations of erotics.
Under-Theorized and Under-Taught
Authors: May Vivian M.
Published: October 2014

Interpretive tools used to document and examine black women's insurgency can stifle as much as they reveal. Harriet Tubman is deservedly remembered for her sustained resistance to multiple forms of oppression. Yet, she is often portrayed in ways that misrecognize, distort, or flatten. Tubman is often discussed as an exceptional but lone figure or in ways that animate stereotypes of black women's unparalleled strength. Her life's work is also often fragmented, meaning that her varied activism and different forms of coalition-building remain undertheorized and under-recognized. Furthermore, via lenses of the maternal or salvific, Tubman's militancy is often softened, better to be embraced into the folds of the nation's progress narrative (a triumphal tale that erases the ongoing nature of many forms of systemic oppression she sought to transform). In short, Tubman is often made visible as a historical figure piecemeal, within narrow frames and in attenuated ways. Unfortunately, forms of “checking” Tubman's contributions have gone relatively “unchecked” in feminist scholarship: I conclude by discussing Tubman's relative absence in women's studies, though her life's work can readily be understood as pertinent to many of the field's analytics and themes. Tubman's contributions merit more than passing reference (if that) in feminist scholarship and curricula.
Between History and Fantasy
Authors: Hobson Janell
Published: October 2014

This essay explores representations of Harriet Tubman in African American art and contemporary popular culture. From art to children's literature to Hollywood films to public memorials, these works flatten the historical while hyperbolizing the fantastical elements of Tubman. Nonetheless, I argue for the importance of reconfiguring Tubman in the artistic and popular imaginary as an icon of resistance and a refutation of the national myths perpetuated in popular American history.
Frances Watkins (Harper), Harriet Tubman and the Rhetoric of Single Blessedness
Authors: Williams Andreá N.
Published: October 2014

Black activists Frances Ellen Watkins Harper and Harriet Tubman, during the height of their involvement in the antislavery movement, lived as unmarried women amid a mid-nineteenth-century culture that ostensibly devalued singleness. This essay examines nineteenth-century newspapers and William Still's social history The Underground Rail Road (1872) to reveal how antislavery culture wavered in its representation of single black women. On one hand, antislavery rhetoric emphasized black marriage as the epitome of civic freedom, while on the other hand admitting that women such as Tubman and Watkins Harper could lend their time and finances to abolitionism largely because they were not married. Eluding popular stereotypes of single black women as criminals and deviants, Tubman and Watkins Harper instead etched out more favorable reputations through the rhetoric of single blessedness, which considered single women's vocations and charity as indirectly supporting heteronormative marriage rather than challenging it. Reading through the lens of black feminist scholarship and recent research in singleness studies, this essay traces how the period of mid-life singleness for Tubman and Watkins Harper became a productive, but contested, stage of their public activism.
Importance of the authorship order and number of co authors in a Publication for Evaluation: A Necessary Enquiry
Authors: Sathian Brijesh , Simkhada Padam , Sreedharan Jayadevan
Published: October 2014

There is an increasing trend of multi author research papers in the medical and science journals. Multidisciplinary scientific collaboration indeed must be encouraged, but we need to avoid misinterpretations so that current and future scientific communities can evaluate author contributions. First author should know who should be eligible for the authorship.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i4.11207 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2014; 4(4):384-85
Single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion versus minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy for patients with cervical radiculopathy: a cost analysis
Authors: Mansfield Haley E. , Canar W. Jeffrey , Gerard Carter S. , O'Toole John E.
Published: November 2014

Object

Patients suffering from cervical radiculopathy in whom a course of nonoperative treatment has failed are often candidates for a single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF). The objective of this analysis was to identify any significant cost differences between these surgical methods by comparing direct costs to the hospital. Furthermore, patient-specific characteristics were also considered for their effect on component costs.

Methods

After obtaining approval from the medical center institutional review board, the authors conducted a retrospective cross-sectional comparative cohort study, with a sample of 101 patients diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy and who underwent an initial single-level ACDF or minimally invasive PCF during a 3-year period. Using these data, bivariate analyses were conducted to determine significant differences in direct total procedure and component costs between surgical techniques. Factorial ANOVAs were also conducted to determine any relationship between patient sex and smoking status to the component costs per surgery.

Results

The mean total direct cost for an ACDF was $8192, and the mean total direct cost for a PCF was $4320. There were significant differences in the cost components for direct costs and operating room supply costs. It was found that there was no statistically significant difference in component costs with regard to patient sex or smoking status.

Conclusions

In the management of single-level cervical radiculopathy, the present analysis has revealed that the average cost of an ACDF is 89% more than a PCF. This increased cost is largely due to the cost of surgical implants. These results do not appear to be dependent on patient sex or smoking status. When combined with results from previous studies highlighting the comparable patient outcomes for either procedure, the authors' findings suggest that from a health care economics standpoint, physicians should consider a minimally invasive PCF in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy.
Microsurgical treatment of arteriovenous malformations in pediatric patients: the Boston Children's Hospital experience
Authors: Gross Bradley A. , Storey Armide , Orbach Darren B. , Scott R. Michael , Smith Edward R.
Published: October 2014

OBJECT

Outcomes of microsurgical treatment of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in children are infrequently reported across large cohorts.

METHODS

The authors undertook a retrospective review of departmental and hospital databases to obtain the medical data of all patients up to 18 years of age who were diagnosed with cerebral AVMs. Demographic and AVM angioarchitectural characteristics were analyzed, and for the patients who underwent surgery, the authors also analyzed the estimated intraoperative blood loss, postoperative angiographically confirmed obliteration rates, and neurological complications and outcomes classified according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

RESULTS

Of 117 children with cerebral AVMs, 94 underwent microsurgical resection (80%). Twenty (21%) of these 94 patients underwent adjunctive preoperative embolization. The overall postoperative angiographically confirmed obliteration rate was 94%. As part of a new protocol, the last 50 patients in this series underwent immediate perioperative angiography, improving the subsequent obliteration rate from 86% to 100% (p = 0.01). No other factors, such as a hemorrhagic AVM, size of the AVM, location, drainage, or Spetzler-Martin grade, had a statistically significant impact on the obliteration rate. Perioperative neurological deficits occurred in 17% of the patients, but the vast majority of these (77%) were predictable visual field cuts. Arteriovenous malformations that were hemorrhagic or located in noneloquent regions were each associated with lower rates of postoperative neurological complications (p = 0.05 and 0.002, respectively). In total, 94% of the children had good functional outcomes (mRS Scores 0–2), and these outcomes were significantly influenced by the mRS score on presentation before surgery (p = 0.01). A review of 1- and 5-year follow-up data indicated an overall annual hemorrhage rate of 0.3% and a recurrence rate of 0.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

Microsurgical resection of AVMs in children is associated with high rates of angiographically confirmed obliteration and low rates of significant neurological complications. Implementation of a protocol using perioperative angiography in this series led to complete radiographically confirmed obliteration of all AVMs, with low annual repeat hemorrhage and recurrence rates.
A Redemptive Deleuze? Choked Passages or the Politics of Contraction
Authors: Bordeleau Erik
Published: October 2014

When they want to discredit the political relevance of Deleuze's thought, Hallward considers counter-effectuation as a ‘redemptive gesture’, and Rancière describes Deleuze's history of cinema as a ‘history of redemption’. Each time, redemption refers pejoratively to a break ‘out of this world’ and a form of apolitical passivity, in an attempt to reduce Deleuze to be a mere ‘spiritual’ thinker, simply renewing ‘that “Oriental intuition” which Hegel found at work in Spinoza's philosophy’ ( Hallward 2006 : 6). But is it all that simple? How should we envisage the relationship between creativity and redemption, politics and passivity in Deleuze's work? And in what way does that concern Deleuze's philosophy connection to the Non-West, and namely China?
Comprehensive and Comparative Metabolomic Profiling of Wheat, Barley, Oat and Rye Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Advanced Chemometrics
Authors: Khakimov Bekzod , Jespersen Birthe , Engelsen Søren
Published: October 2014

Beyond the main bulk components of cereals such as the polysaccharides and proteins, lower concentration secondary metabolites largely contribute to the nutritional value. This paper outlines a comprehensive protocol for GC-MS metabolomic profiling of phenolics and organic acids in grains, the performance of which is demonstrated through a comparison of the metabolite profiles of the main northern European cereal crops: wheat, barley, oat and rye. Phenolics and organic acids were extracted using acidic hydrolysis, trimethylsilylated using a new method based on trimethylsilyl cyanide and analyzed by GC-MS. In order to extract pure metabolite peaks, the raw chromatographic data were processed by a multi-way decomposition method, Parallel Factor Analysis 2. This approach lead to the semi-quantitative detection of a total of 247 analytes, out of which 89 were identified based on RI and EI-MS library match. The cereal metabolome included 32 phenolics, 30 organic acids, 10 fatty acids, 11 carbohydrates and 6 sterols. The metabolome of the four cereals were compared in detail, including low concentration phenolics and organic acids. Rye and oat displayed higher total concentration of phenolic acids, but ferulic, caffeic and sinapinic acids and their esters were found to be the main phenolics in all four cereals. Compared to the previously reported methods, the outlined protocol provided an efficient and high throughput analysis of the cereal metabolome and the acidic hydrolysis improved the detection of conjugated phenolics.
Hypoxic Signaling During Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Nauta Tessa , Van Hinsbergh Victor , Koolwijk Pieter
Published: October 2014

In patients with chronic wounds, autologous tissue repair is often not sufficient to heal the wound. These patients might benefit from regenerative medicine or the implantation of a tissue-engineered scaffold. Both wound healing and tissue engineering is dependent on the formation of a microvascular network. This process is highly regulated by hypoxia and the transcription factors hypoxia-inducible factors-1α (HIF-1α) and -2α (HIF-2α). Even though much is known about the function of HIF-1α in wound healing, knowledge about the function of HIF-2α in wound healing is lacking. This review focuses on the function of HIF-1α and HIF-2α in microvascular network formation, wound healing, and therapy strategies.
CA15.3 Serum Concentrations in Older Women with Infiltrating Ductal Carcinomas of the Breast
Authors: Ruibal Álvaro , Aguiar Pablo , Del Río María , Padín-Iruegas María , Arias José , Herranz Michel
Published: October 2014

Breast cancer is currently becoming a disease of the elderly. We have studied the relation between CA 15.3 serum concentrations and clinical-pathological parameters in 69 women with IDC aged over 70 years (76.3 ± 4.2; range: 71–88; median 76). A group of 205 women with the same tumor but aged <70 years (62.8 ± 4.0; range: 55–70; median 63) was also considered for comparison. Tumor size, axillary lymph node involvement, distant metastasis and histological grade were taken account. Serum CA 15.3 was determined by luminescence assay. CA 15.3 serum concentrations ranged between 6 and 85 U/mL (median 22.9 U/mL), and were higher only in patients with greater (qualitative and quantitative; p: 0.041) tumor size. Our results show that in women with IDCs, and aged over 70 years, serum CA 15.3 serum concentrations are associated exclusively with a greater tumor size, being these findings different to those described in women with the same subtype of tumor considered as a whole or with lower age.
MWCNTs-Reinforced Epoxidized Linseed Oil Plasticized Polylactic Acid Nanocomposite and Its Electroactive Shape Memory Behaviour
Authors: Alam Javed , Alam Manawwer , Raja Mohan , Abduljaleel Zainularifeen , Dass Lawrence
Published: October 2014

A novel electroactive shape memory polymer nanocomposite of epoxidized linseed oil plasticized polylactic acid and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was prepared by a combination of solution blending, solvent cast technique, and hydraulic hot press moulding. In this study, polylactic acid (PLA) was first plasticized by epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) in order to overcome the major limitations of PLA, such as high brittleness, low toughness, and low tensile elongation. Then, MWCNTs were incorporated into the ELO plasticized PLA matrix at three different loadings (2, 3 and 5 wt. %), with the aim of making the resulting nanocomposites electrically conductive. The addition of ELO decreased glass transition temperature, and increased the elongation and thermal degradability of PLA, as shown in the results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile test, and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to observe surface morphology, topography, and the dispersion of MWCNTs in the nanocomposite. Finally, the electroactive-shape memory effect (electroactive-SME) in the resulting nanocomposite was investigated by a fold-deploy “U”-shape bending test. As per the results, the addition of both ELO and MWCNTs to PLA matrix seemed to enhance its overall properties with a great deal of potential in improved shape memory. The 3 wt. % MWCNTs-reinforced nanocomposite system, which showed 95% shape recovery within 45 s at 40 DC voltage, is expected to be used as a preferential polymeric nanocomposite material in various actuators, sensors and deployable devices.
Particle Size-Specific Magnetic Measurements as a Tool for Enhancing Our Understanding of the Bulk Magnetic Properties of Sediments
Authors: Hatfield Robert
Published: October 2014

Bulk magnetic properties of soils and sediments are often sensitive proxies for environmental change but commonly require interpretation in terms of the different sources of magnetic minerals (or components) that combine to generate them. Discrimination of different components in the bulk magnetic record is often attempted through endmember unmixing and/or high resolution measurements that can require intensive measurement plans, assume linear additivity, and sometimes have difficulty in discriminating a large number of sources. As an alternative, magnetic measurements can be made on isolated sediment fractions that constitute the bulk sample. When these types of measurements are taken, heterogeneity is frequently observed between the magnetic properties of different fractions, suggesting different magnetic components often associate with different physical grain sizes. Using a particle size-specific methodology, individual components can be isolated and studied and bulk magnetic properties can be linked to, and isolated from, sedimentological variations. Deconvolving sedimentary and magnetic variability in this way has strong potential for increased understanding of how magnetic fragments are carried in natural systems, how they vary with different source(s), and allows for a better assessment of the effect environmental variability has in driving bulk magnetic properties. However, despite these benefits, very few studies exploit the information they can provide. Here, I present an overview of the different sources of magnetic minerals, why they might associate with different sediment fractions, how bulk magnetic measurements have been used to understand the contribution of different components to the bulk magnetic record, and outline how particle size-specific magnetic measurements can assist in their better understanding. Advantages and disadvantages of this methodology, their role alongside bulk magnetic measurements, and potential future directions of research are also discussed.
Synthesis and Anti-Tumor Activity of Novel Aminomethylated Derivatives of Isoliquiritigenin
Authors: Fu Haoran , Zhang Yuhang , Wang Xiqing , Han Yingzhi , Peng Xiao , Efferth Thomas , Fu Yujie
Published: October 2014

A series of new aminomethylated derivatives of isoliquiritigenin was synthesized. The structures of the compounds were confirmed by IR, MS, NMR, 13C-NMR and elemental analyses. Cytotoxic activities of these derivatives towards the human prostatic cell line PC-3, human mammary cancer cell line MCF-7 and human oophoroma cell line HO-8910 in vitro were tested. The IC50 values showed cytotoxic activities of some of these new derivatives were relatively strong. Furthermore, tumor growth inhibition in vivo of aminomethylated derivatives of isoliquiritigenin 15 was superior to that of isoliquritigenin and reached inhibition rates of 71.68%. The detailed synthesis, spectroscopic data, biological and pharmacologicalactivities of the synthesized compounds were provided.
Can China’s Industrial SO2 Emissions Trading Pilot Scheme Reduce Pollution Abatement Costs?
Authors: Tu Zhengge , Shen Renjun
Published: October 2014

This paper evaluates the effects of China’s industrial SO2 emissions trading pilot scheme (SETPS) on the pollution abatement costs (PAC) from the past and future perspective. We apply the kernel-based propensity score difference-in-difference method to examine the effects of SETPS on the average pollution abatement costs (APAC) and the marginal pollution abatement costs (MPAC) based on the environment data from the industrial sector of 29 provinces in China over the period of 1998 to 2011. Our findings are that SETPS failed to reduce PAC as a whole. During 2002 to 2011, SETPS increased APAC by 1310 RMB per ton on average and had an insignificant negative effect on MPAC. Nevertheless, the conclusions would be markedly different if we separately investigated the effects of SETPS each year of the pilot period. The positive effects of SETPS on PAC started to appear since 2009, and SETPS significantly reduced both APAC and MPAC, especially in 2009 and 2011.
Towards bottom-up nanopatterning of Prussian blue analogues
Authors: Trannoy Virgile , Faustini Marco , Grosso David , Mazerat Sandra , Brisset François , Dazzi Alexandre , Bleuzen Anne
Published: October 2014

Ordered nanoperforated TiO2 monolayers fabricated through sol–gel chemistry were used to grow isolated particles of Prussian blue analogues (PBA). The elaboration of the TiO2/CoFe PBA nanocomposites involves five steps. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) all along the synthesis process. Selected physico-chemical parameters have been varied in order to determine the key steps of the synthesis process and to optimize it. This study is an important step towards the full control of the fabrication process.
A Randomized Trial in Healthy Subjects to Assess the Bioequivalence of an Atazanavir/Cobicistat Fixed-Dose Combination Tablet versus Administration as Separate Agents
Authors: Sevinsky Heather , Tao Xiaolu , Wang Reena , Ravindran Palanikumar , Sims Karen , Xu Xiaohui , Jariwala Navin , Bertz Richard
Published: October 2014

Background

Cobicistat (COBI) is an alternative pharmacoenhancer to ritonavir. A fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablet containing atazanavir (ATV) and COBI has been developed for the treatment of HIV-1-infected patients.

Methods

This open-label, single-centre, single-dose, crossover study, randomized 64 healthy subjects to one of eight treatment sequences. Under light meal conditions, maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) to infinity (AUCINF) and AUC to the last measurable concentration (AUC0–T) for ATV and COBI administered as an FDC of ATV/ COBI (300/150 mg) were compared to those following administration as separate agents given together; bio-equivalence was concluded if the 90% CIs of the geometric mean ratios fell within the predetermined range of 0.80, 1.25. ATV and COBI pharmacokinetic parameters following administration as the FDC or as separate agents were also compared under fasted conditions. The effect of food (light and high-fat meals) on the pharmacokinetics of ATV and COBI for the FDC was also assessed.

Results

ATV and COBI administered in an FDC tablet were bioequivalent to the individual agents when given with a light meal. Under fasted conditions, pharmacokinetic parameters for ATV and COBI were similar for the individual components and the FDC. For the FDC, systemic exposure to ATV increased with a light meal compared to fasted conditions, and ATV concentration 24 h post-dose was similar with a light meal compared with a high-fat meal.

Conclusions

ATV/COBI (300/150 mg) FDC tablet was bio-equivalent to coadministration as separate agents with a light meal in healthy subjects. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01837719.
Systematic Review of Treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis: 2014 Update for the GRAPPA
Authors: Coates Laura C. , Kavanaugh Arthur , Ritchlin Christopher T. ,   for the GRAPPA Treatment Guideline Committee
Published: November 2014

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by the association of arthritis and periarticular inflammation in patients with psoriasis. In addition to a heterogeneous and variable clinical course, PsA is complex and multifaceted and may include prominent involvement in the peripheral and axial diarthrodial joints, the skin and nails, and in periarticular structures such as entheses. Simultaneous inflammation in the skin and musculoskeletal structures in a single patient, a relatively common scenario, often leads to marked decrease in function and quality of life. Thus, it is essential for the clinician to document the extent of disease involvement and craft a therapeutic plan that addresses the different domains of disease. In an effort to update previous treatment recommendations developed by the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA), several evidence-based, systemic reviews of therapies for PsA were completed, analyzed, and circulated for consensus.
Updated Guidelines for the Management of Axial Disease in Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Nash Peter , Lubrano Ennio , Cauli Alberto , Taylor William J. , Olivieri Ignazio , Gladman Dafna D.
Published: November 2014

Axial involvement in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) remains common and can be defined in terms of spinal disease alone or in combination with peripheral manifestations. Diagnosis is based upon inflammatory spinal symptoms or the presence of radiological sacroiliitis and other radiographic signs of spondylitis, or by criteria for axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) defined by ASAS (Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society). Although recent data are scarce for efficacy of traditional therapies for axial disease (e.g., nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, methotrexate, etc.), limited data are available for targeted biologics and novel agents. We identify and evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic interventions for treatment of axial disease in PsA. This review is an update of the axial PsA section of the treatment recommendations project by the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA).
Emerging Technology in Surgical Education: Combining Real-Time Augmented Reality and Wearable Computing Devices
Authors: Lindeque Bennie G.P. , Ponce Brent A. , Menendez Mariano E. , Oladeji Lasun O. , Fryberger Charles T. , Dantuluri Phani K.
Published: October 2014

The authors describe the first surgical case adopting the combination of real-time augmented reality and wearable computing devices such as Google Glass (Google Inc, Mountain View, California). A 66-year-old man presented to their institution for a total shoulder replacement after 5 years of progressive right shoulder pain and decreased range of motion. Throughout the surgical procedure, Google Glass was integrated with the Virtual Interactive Presence and Augmented Reality system (University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama), enabling the local surgeon to interact with the remote surgeon within the local surgical field. Surgery was well tolerated by the patient and early surgical results were encouraging, with an improvement of shoulder pain and greater range of motion. The combination of real-time augmented reality and wearable computing devices such as Google Glass holds much promise in the field of surgery. [
Orthopedics.
2014; 37(11):751–757.]
Hybrid Total Knee Arthroplasty: 10- to 16-Year Follow-up
Authors: McLaughlin Jeffrey R. , Lee Kyla R.
Published: October 2014

A cementless femoral component may allow for a smaller surgical incision when a minimally invasive approach is used during primary total knee arthroplasty. Fixation by cement is the gold standard for total knee arthroplasty. The results of cementless total knee arthroplasty are mixed. Cementless femoral components have done well. Although some tibial components have performed well at long-term follow-up, others have been plagued by high rates of loosening and revision. The question remains whether the results of hybrid total knee arthroplasty, consisting of an uncemented femoral component and a cemented tibial component, will equal those of total knee replacement fixed with cement at long-term follow-up. The authors reviewed 148 hybrid total knee arthroplasties performed by a single surgeon between 1993 and 1995. At a mean follow-up of 14 years (range, 10–16) 5 knees (4%) had undergone revision of both the femoral and tibial components. Only 1 knee required revision for aseptic loosening. Two knees were revised for sepsis; 1 knee had been revised for fracture and 1 for instability. No additional femoral or tibial components were loose by radiographic criteria. Mild focal femoral osteolysis was identified in 3 knees (2%), and minor tibial osteolysis was present in 2 knees (1%). The rate of survivorship with revision for aseptic loosening as the end point was 99% (95% confidence interval, 0.97–100) at 16 years for both the femoral and tibial components. In this series, hybrid total knee arthroplasty showed excellent fixation at 16 years.
Activity Levels and Functional Outcomes of Young Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Malcolm Tennison L. , Szubski Caleb R. , Nowacki Amy S. , Klika Alison K. , Iannotti Joseph P. , Barsoum Wael K.
Published: October 2014

The activity demands of young patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) have not been clearly defined. University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score, Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), Short Form-12 version 2 (SF-12v2), and Functional Comorbidity Index (FCI) questionnaires were administered to 70 young patients who had undergone THA (young THA group; ie, ≤30 years old), 158 general patients who had undergone THA (general THA group; ie, ≥31 years old), and 106 young, comorbidity-matched patients who had not undergone arthroplasty and had no significant hip disease (nonarthroplasty group). Mean postoperative UCLA activity scores were similar among groups (young THA group, 6.5; general THA group, 6.4; nonarthroplasty group, 6.6) before and after adjustment for comorbidity, sex, and race (
P
=.62 and
P
=.47, respectively). Adjusted analyses also found a negative association between postoperative activity and increases in comorbidity and female sex (
P
<.001). Patients in the young THA group reported higher expectations of postoperative activity (7.7) than those in the general THA group (7.1;
P
=.02). Postoperative HOOS results showed greater hip symptoms (
P
=.003) and poorer hip-related quality of life (
P
<.001) in the young THA group. Patient groups had similar postoperative SF-12v2 physical health scores (
P
=.31), although mental health scores were significantly higher in the general THA group (
P
<.001). The interesting finding of lower postoperative expectations, greater hip-related quality of life, and better mental health scores in the general THA group may indicate a need for better management of expectations in young patients undergoing THA, including a discussion of realistic gains in activity and potential comorbidity-related restrictions.
Incidence of Retear With Double-Row Versus Single-Row Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Shen Chong , Tang Zhi-Hong , Hu Jun-Zu , Zou Guo-Yao , Xiao Rong-Chi
Published: October 2014

Rotator cuff tears have a high recurrence rate, even after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Although some biomechanical evidence suggests the superiority of the double-row vs the single-row technique, clinical findings regarding these methods have been controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the double-row repair method results in a lower incidence of recurrent tearing compared with the single-row method. Electronic databases were systematically searched to identify reports of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) comparing single-row with double-row rotator cuff repair. The primary outcome assessed was retear of the repaired cuff. Secondary outcome measures were the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score, the Constant shoulder score, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score. Heterogeneity between the included studies was assessed. Six studies involving 428 patients were included in the review. Compared with single-row repair, double-row repair demonstrated a lower retear incidence (risk ratio [RR]=1.71 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18–2.49];
P
=.005;
I
2
=0%) and a reduced incidence of partial-thickness retears (RR=2.16 [95% CI, 1.26–3.71];
P
=.005;
I
2
=26%). Functional ASES, Constant, and UCLA scores showed no difference between single- and double-row cuff repairs. Use of the double-row technique decreased the incidence of retears, especially partial-thickness retears, compared with the single-row technique. The functional outcome was not significantly different between the 2 techniques. To improve the structural outcome of the repaired rotator cuff, surgeons should use the double-row technique. However, further long-term RCTs on this topic are needed.
Percutaneous S2 Alar Iliac Fixation for Pelvic Insufficiency Fracture
Authors: El Dafrawy Mostafa H. , Kebaish Khaled M.
Published: October 2014

Pelvic insufficiency fractures are fairly common in elderly patients and can be a source of major functional impairment, particularly when they involve the ilium. Early rehabilitation with adequate pain relief has been the traditional method of treatment. The recently developed S2 alar iliac technique involves placing pelvic fixation into the ilium through a pathway from the sacral ala. The bony channel between the second dorsal sacral foramen and the anterior inferior iliac spine is used to provide rigid sacropelvic fixation for adult and pediatric spine deformities. The authors describe a new minimally invasive approach that allows percutaneous stabilization of an iliac fracture with 2 S2 alar iliac screws. A 65-year-old woman with a history of rectal carcinoma that was treated with pelvic radiation had an iliac stress fracture that progressed to nonunion. Extensive nonoperative treatment was unsuccessful, and the patient continued to have symptoms 5 years after the initial diagnosis. An open approach vs a minimally invasive technique was debated. The S2 alar iliac screws were used to stabilize the fracture through a minimally invasive approach. Most of the symptoms resolved in 2 months, with radiographic evidence of union at 6 months. To the authors’ knowledge, this report is the first to describe a percutaneous approach for stabilizing iliac insufficiency fractures. This technique provides a safe surgical option for treating iliac stress fractures in some patients for whom nonoperative treatment fails while avoiding the complications and soft tissue compromise associated with open procedures. Longer follow-up and a larger series are needed to show the safety and efficacy of this technique.
Pericardioesophageal Fistula Following Left Atrial Ablation Procedure
Authors: Bailey Christopher William , Tallaksen Robert J
Published: November 2014

We present a case of pericardioesophageal fistula formation in a 40 year old male who 23 days after undergoing a repeat ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation developed chest pressure, chills and diaphoresis.  After initial labs and tests that demonstrated no evidence for acute myocardial ischemia, the patient underwent CT angiography of the chest.  The study revealed pneumopericardium and a pericardial effusion.  Suspicion was raised of perforation of the posterior left atrial myocardial wall with injury to adjacent esophagus.  Water soluble contrast with transition to barium sulfate esophagram subsequently performed identified a perforation further affirming the postulate of a fistulous communication between the esophagus and pericardium.  Transthoracic echocardiogram confirmed pericardial effusion but did not demonstrate myocardial defect.  Endoscopic management was preferred and an esophageal stent was placed.  Follow up esophagram showed an intact esophageal stent without evidence of extravasation.
Dynamic MRI in the Diagnosis and Post Surgical Evaluation of Wandering Spleen
Authors: Clark James , Gorman John , Lee Mike , Barbick Brian , Marks Robert
Published: November 2014

Wandering spleen is a rare but potentially clinically significant entity, and may be a cause for a patient presenting with acute abdomen.  Because wandering spleen may present with non-specific symptoms and presentation, it can be a difficult diagnosis to make clinically. This paper describes a case report of the use of dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in a young woman to confirm the diagnosis of wandering spleen pre-operatively.  The patient underwent a splenopexy and a post-operative MRI confirmed the successful surgical fixation of the patient's spleen.
Knowledge Management for the Development of a Smart Tourist Destination
Authors: Varra Lucia , Buzzigoli Lucia , Buzzigoli Chiara , Loro Roberta
Published: October 2014

This chapter presents, through a case analysis, the linking between knowledge management and the development of a smart tourist destination. The case here proposed, concerning the city of Prato, is an experimental project of the Region of Tuscany referring NECSTouR model (www.necstour.eu) for the implementation of a Tourism Observatory for competitiveness and sustainability of the destination. The aim of this chapter is to demonstrate how the Tourism Destination Observatory (TDO) is a knowledge management tool for the further development of tourism in this area, and how this could act as a driving force for the creation of a smart city. The methodology includes an original set of indicators on the sustainability and the competitiveness of tourist destinations, in a perspective of integrated and complementary measurements between tourist destination sustainability and city smartness. This may be a starting point for local government process.