bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research Report
Authors: Ekendahl Mats
Published: November 2011

Social service and addiction treatment: rehabilitation or harm reduction?

AIM

This paper aims to depict and analyze how professionals in Swedish social services legitimize two ideologically controversial help interventions, methadone maintenance and coercive treatment. Should addiction treatment primarily rehabilitate clients, or should it be a short-term measure for harm reduction? This question has been less and less discussed in Sweden during the past few years, as it has been accepted that all help should be based on science, not ideology – irrespective of it being aimed at harm reduction or rehabilitation. However, there is a lack of research regarding how crucial players in addiction treatment relate to this development, especially when applied on socially vulnerable clients.

MATERIAL & METHOD

The empirical material consists of 33 qualitative interviews with social workers from Stockholm and its surrounding area. The interviews are analyzed through discourse analysis.

RESULT

When describing their work, the respondents’ discourse assumed and advocated progress in client case management.

CONCLUSION

By emphasizing concepts such as lifestyle change, client motivation, psychosocial support and aftercare the social workers could construct the two forms of treatment as less ideologically extreme, but also as undoubtedly aligned with the political goal of rehabilitation.
Client Characteristics and Therapist Style: A Combined Analysis of Impact on Retention and Effectiveness in Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment
Authors: Knuuttila Vesa , Kuusisto Katja , Saarnio Pekka
Published: November 2011

AIMS

To explore the effects of client and therapist characteristics along with percentage of days abstinent before admission on retention and effectiveness of outpatient substance abuse treatment.

DESIGN

The study was implemented with naturalistic principles and prospective design. The clients (N = 327) and the therapists (N = 33) were recruited from Finnish outpatient treatment units (N = 7).

Results

The client's low readiness to change, the therapist's low directiveness and low empathy predicted short duration of treatment. Client's past substance use frequency was likewise a significant predictor of retention in treatment; clients with low percentage of days abstinent at baseline dropped out much more easily. The client's high anger and low percentage of days abstinent at baseline was found to predict low percentage of days abstinent at follow-up. Greater satisfaction with support from therapist was predicted by client's high readiness to change and lower substance use frequency at baseline.

Conclusions

Retention in treatment was predicted by both client's and therapist's characteristics, while effectiveness in outpatient substance abuse treatment was more dependent on client's characteristics and earlier substance use.
In Vivo Calcium and Phosphate Iontophoresis for the Topical Treatment of Osteoporosis
Authors: Gomez Izabella , Szabó Andrea , Pap Lajos , Pap Lajos , Boda Krisztina , Szekanecz Zoltán
Published: November 2011

Background

In addition to systemic treatment, osteoporosis may be treated topically by incorporating calcium and phosphate into the bone.

Objective

This article describes the use of a recently developed, novel iontophoretic apparatus suitable for local ion delivery into bones. In this study, in vivo experiments were performed to compare the effects of local electrotherapy and those of systemic hormone replacement on bone.

Design

In this study, local iontophoresis was carried out in ovariectomized and control rats. Bone density, biomechanical, and elemental studies were performed.

Methods

Forty 12-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats received an ovariectomy (OVX) or were sham-operated (sham). Twenty-one weeks later, tibias of subgroups of sham-operated and OVX animals were subjected to serial local iontophoresis (IOP) treatments, received systemic subcutaneous 17β-estradiol (E2), or were treated with the combination of IOP and E2. Changes in bone density were detected by quantitative ultrasound densitometry and expressed as amplitude-dependent speed of sound (AD-SoS). Biomechanical studies and elemental analysis were performed at the end of the experiments.

Results

Osteopenia developed 21 weeks after OVX in the proximal tibial regions; the mean difference estimate (95% confidence intervals) of AD-SoS values between the sham-operated and OVX animals was 188.7 (140.4–237.1). Serial iontophoretic treatment resulted in an increase in bone density in both sham-operated and OVX animals (sham+IOP versus sham: 121.4 [73.01–169.7]; OVX+IOP versus OVX: 241.6 [193.2–289.9]). Similar changes in AD-SoS were detected after 17β-estradiol (E2) treatment; however, even greater changes occurred after OVX+E2+IOP versus OVX+E2 (123.4 [75.1–171.8]). Similar improvements also were evident regarding the biomechanical features of the tibias.

Limitations

A limitation of this study was the relatively small number of rats.

Conclusions

The efficacy of local IOP using calcium- and phosphate-donating microparticles is comparable to that of estrogen therapy as evidenced by steadily increasing bone density, restoration of the calcium and phosphate balance, and improvement in the biomechanical properties of the bone.
Direct Imprinting Using Magnetic Nickel Mold and Electromagnetism Assisted Pressure for Replication of Microstructures
Authors: Weng Y.-J.
Published: November 2011

This study proposes a simple technology using electromagnetism to control the direct hot imprint resist of a nickel mold. Combining the present gas-assisted hot imprint molding technology, electroforming technology, and self-designed heatable electromagnetic plate for even control and progressive pressuring technology, this study used electromagnetic nickel mold direct hot imprint to replicate microstructures, in order to make the molding technology and application of micro/nanoimprint more mature. This study first used gas-assisted hot embossing method to replicate structures on polycarbonate (PC), this PC film with microstructures is cast into nickel molds by electroforming. This nickel mold was used as the mold for magnetic embossing to imprint hot plastic polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). The result showed that through gas-assisted hot embossing molding and electroforming, molds with high costs and complicated production processes can be massively replicated, and the replication precision is good. Through electroforming, the casting duration of magnetic nickel molds can be shortened and costs can be effectively lowered. Moreover, an electromagnetic plate was used to evenly control the direct hot pressure imprint resist, which is an advantage of the production process for micro structures.
Flow Visualisation in Co-rotating Twin Screw Extruders: Positron Emission Particle Tracking and Numerical Particle Trajectories
Authors: Diemer J. , Chilles C. , Colbert J. , Miri T. , Ingram A. , David P. , Fard A. Sarhangi , Anderson P. D.
Published: November 2011

Co-rotating twin-screw extruders are widely used compounding machines. They are mainly configured based on extensive experience and iterative approaches to optimise output and composite quality. The visualisation technology developed in the EU-project PEPTFlow allows visualisation of composite flow in twin-screw extruders under realistic processing conditions by tracking radioactive tracer particles in the polymer melt, using a specially developed camera system. This new approach allows polymer flow to be studied in different screw elements and screw configurations under realistic compounding conditions at normal temperatures and melt pressures. The paper presents the latest developments in the camera systems as well as the different ways to use and interpret the results. Detailed analysis of residence times and residence time distributions for standard compound screw elements, like kneading discs, conveying elements and reverse elements are presented. In addition for a better understanding of the flow field inside twin-screw extruders, numerical particle tracking is done. The Stokes equation, using XFEM method, are solved and the numerical RTD's (residence time distribution) are compared for various screw designs.
Optimization of Injection Molding Process for SGF and PTFE Reinforced PC Composites Using Response Surface Methodology and Simulated Annealing Approach
Authors: Yang T. , Yang Y.-K. , Chen C.-Y.
Published: November 2011

This study is analyzed variations of ultimate strength, friction coefficient and wear mass loss that depend on the injection molding techniques during the blending of short glass fiber (SGF) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) reinforced polycarbonate (PC) composites. A hybrid method including response surface methodology (RSM) and back-propagation neural network (BPNN) integrating simulated annealing algorithm (SAA) are proposed to determine an optimal parameter setting of the injection molding process. The specimens are prepared under different injection molding processing conditions based on a Taguchi orthogonal array table. The results of eighteen experimental runs were utilized to train the BPNN predicting ultimate strength, friction coefficient and wear mass loss. Simultaneously, the RSM and SAA approaches were individually applied to search for an optimal setting. In addition, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was implemented to identify significant factors for the injection molding process parameters and the result of BPNN integrating SAA was also compared with RSM approach. The results of optimal parameters of injection molding process for the ultimate strength of x-direction and y-direction based on BPNN/SAA approach were increased 3.12%, and 6.18%, respectively.
Influence of Dicumyl Peroxide Content on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Polylactide
Authors: Rytlewski P. , Żenkiewicz M. , Malinowski R.
Published: November 2011

The aim of this article was to determine the effect of the dicumyl peroxide (DCP) content on thermal and mechanical properties of polylactide (PLA). Reactive extrusion of the PLA and DCP blends was performed. The DCP content varied from 0.2 to 1.0 wt.%. The extruded samples were characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), analyses of gel content and swelling degree, thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and tensile and impact strength tests. It was found that DCP caused crosslinking of PLA as well as contributed to formation of low-molecular weight products of decomposition and degradation processes. These products caused plasticization of PLA, which led to a decrease in the glass transition temperature. An increase in tensile strength and decrease in impact strength were observed as the DCP content increased.
Calculation of Average Residence Time in a Ko-kneader
Authors: Vergnes B.
Published: November 2011

We propose in this short note a rapid and efficient way to calculate the average residence time in a ko-kneader. Two experiments are enough to define the two parameters of the model. The proposed expression has been thoroughly validated by comparison with numerous experimental results obtained in various conditions of screw speed, feed rate and screw profile.
Numerical Analysis for Thermal Design of a Paraboloidal Solar Concentrating Collector
Authors: Hasnat A , Ahmed P , Rahman M , Khan KA
Published: November 2011

A paraboloidal solar concentrating collector in a non-planar configuration using reflecting materials of reflectance is 0.7 has been thermally designed and developed and at a 1metre focal distance in conjunction with a reverse flat plate absorber with black board paint (both selective and non selective coating) theoretically. To study optical and thermal performance tests like stagnation temperature (Tps), water temperature (Tw), plate temperature (Tp), thermal efficiency test (Xc), optical efficiency test (Xo), Heat transfer coefficient from surface to water (U), geometrical concentration ratio (C) and overall heat loss coefficient (U2) has been studied. The concentrator is placed such that all incident parallel rays of light intercepted by the concentrator aperture are reflected to a common focus. In this case the concentrator parabolic in shape. This communication presents the thermal design analysis of a CR- system. The results of some typical numerical calculations are shown graphically and their significance is discussed.Key words: Concentrating collector; mass flow rate; solar and thermal conversion.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v1i3.8824International Journal of Natural Sciences (2011), 1(3):68-74
Deliberation beyond Borders: The Public Reason of a Society of Peoples
Authors: Smith William
Published: November 2011

The aim of this article is to contribute to the elaboration of a deliberative approach to global institutional design. A deliberative approach aims to embed processes of mutual reason-giving at the heart of international relations and global decision-making. The theoretical framework that orientates this discussion is the liberal approach to international law developed by John Rawls. It may seem strange to invoke this model: after all, Rawls does not specifically discuss the issue of global institutional design and indeed has been widely criticized for neglecting this topic. In fact, in its account of global public reason, Rawls's approach can be shown to contain important and surprisingly neglected resources for constructing a dynamic and inclusive theory of global deliberative politics.
The Political Imaginary of Care: Generic versus Singular Futures
Authors: Groves Christopher
Published: November 2011

The impacts of the activities of technological societies extend further into the future than their capacity to predict and control these impacts. Some have argued that the repercussions of this deficiency of knowledge cause fatal difficulties for both consequentialist and deontological accounts of future oriented obligations. Increasingly, international politics encompasses issues where this problem looms large: the connection between energy production and consumption and climate change provides an excellent example. As the reach of technologically-mediated social action increases, it is necessary to ask whether a political imaginary that extends itself to match this reach requires new concepts, and how far they should displace traditional political concepts of obligation, based on reciprocity and harm avoidance. This paper draws on recent scholarship on the role of concepts of care in political philosophy, bringing together phenomenological and feminist concepts of care in contributing to a positive concept of non-reciprocal intergenerational obligation that defends a constitutive connection between care and justice.
Intricate variation patterns in the diploid‐polyploid complex of Alyssum montanum‐A. repens (Brassicaceae) in the Apennine Peninsula: Evidence for long‐term persistence and diversification
Authors: Španiel Stanislav , Marhold Karol , Passalacqua Nicodemo G. , Zozomová‐Lihová Judita
Published: November 2011

• Premise of the study: The Apennine Peninsula, one of the three peninsulas of the European Mediterranean, is an important hotspot of genetic and species diversity, but studies devoted to plant evolution are still very scarce in this region. We studied the diploid‐polyploid complex of Alyssum montanum‐A. repens, focusing on Apennine and adjacent southwestern Alpine populations from southeastern France, with the aim of examining their taxonomic position and evolutionary patterns.

• Methods: We employed AFLP markers and cpDNA sequences, along with cytotype determination using flow cytometry, and a multivariate morphometric approach.

• Key results: The Italian and French populations formed two well‐delimited groupings within the studied complex that were, in contrast to previous taxonomic treatments, clearly distinct from A. montanum. Populations from southeastern France represent A. orophilum, a previously described but abandoned species. Those from central and southern Italy correspond to A. diffusum, exhibiting high, geographically structured variation (central Apennines, Gargano, and southern Apennines/Calabria). This pattern coincides with hotspot refugial regions, in congruence with the “refugia‐within‐refugia” hypothesis, and is reflected here in the recognition of three subspecies within A. diffusum.

• Conclusions: We provide evidence for the presence of Mediterranean refugia for the studied Alyssum montanum‐A. repens complex located in central and southern Italy, which, however, did not contribute to the postglacial colonization of Central Europe. Past extinctions, genetic bottlenecks, and recent expansion were inferred in Central Europe, while long‐term accumulation of diversity as well as polyploidization occurred in the Apennines.
The Role of Adherence in Virological Suppression in Patients Receiving Anti-HBV Analogues
Authors: Sogni Philippe , Carrieri Maria Patrizia , Fontaine Hélène , Mallet Vincent , Vallet-Pichard Anaïs , Trabut Jean-Baptiste , Méritet Jean-François , Pol Stanislas
Published: November 2011

Background

Although adherence is of major importance in long-term treatments, few studies have been published regarding the use of anti-HBV analogues in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate adherence to anti-HBV analogues and associated virological suppression.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed between 1 January 2009 and 15 July 2009 in Cochin Hospital, Paris, France. It included all patients being treated with anti-HBV analogues for at least three months, who were without coinfection (HIV, HCV or HDV) and who had not received organ transplants. At the time of enrolment, HBV viral load, analogue regimen and self-reported adherence were collected prospectively. Patients were classified as non-adherent, or moderately or totally adherent using a score based on analysis of self-reports. Other data were obtained retrospectively.

Results

Among the 190 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 33% were initially hepatitis B e antigen-positive and 50% had extensive fibrosis or cirrhosis. Pretreatment viral load was 6.0 log IU/ml (median). The median duration of treatment was 52 months. At enrolment, 61%, 32% and 7% of patients were classified as totally adherent, moderately adherent and non-adherent, respectively. Complete virological suppression (HBV DNA<12 IU/ml) was observed in 83% of patients at enrolment. In the multivariate analysis, lack of virological suppression was associated with an increased pretreatment viral load, with no change in analogue regimen and is classified as non-adherent.

Conclusions

Adherence seems to be an independent factor associated with virological suppression during anti-HBV analogue treatment. Therapeutic education and a systematic evaluation of adherence using self-reports should be promoted to assure long-term anti-HBV analogue efficacy in clinical practice.
La régulation du rail en Belgique
Authors: Aubin David , Moyson Stéphane
Published: November 2011

La première ligne de chemin de fer belge a été inaugurée en 1835. Aujourd’hui, le réseau de la Belgique est l’un des plus denses au monde, avec quelque 3 500 kilomètres de voies. Afin notamment de garantir sa durabilité, il est indispensable qu’une telle infrastructure soit l’objet d’une stricte régulation. David Aubin et Stéphane Moyson retracent l’évolution des mesures de régulation, d’origine belge et internationale, en particulier européenne, depuis 1832. Ils distinguent cinq grandes phases : la création du réseau national (1832-1872), la prise en main du secteur par l’État (1873-1926), la création de la SNCB et son autonomisation (1926-1979), la rationalisation de l’activité ferroviaire et sa relance (1980-1996) et la libéralisation des chemins de fer (depuis 1997). Pour chacune d’entre elles, ils analysent les logiques qui sous-tendent les politiques publiques, les implications en termes de droits de propriété et les conséquences sur les fonctions et les acteurs concernés. Parmi les facteurs d’évolution, la volonté de lutter contre les déficits de gestion et d’exploitation du rail ressort nettement. Cette volonté est bien au cœur de la récente libéralisation du secteur ferroviaire européen (qui, contrairement aux apparences, ne constitue pas un réel retrait de l’État en faveur du secteur privé). Le plan d’économie récemment approuvé par la SNCB, visant à atteindre un équilibre financier d’ici 2015, s’inscrit dans ce mouvement.
Proximal Epiphysis of the Second Metatarsal: Normal Trait, Possible Contribution to Growth, and Clinical Implications
Authors: Pizones Javier , Gomez-Rice Alejandro , Pareja Jose , Fernandez-Camacho Javier
Published: November 2011

Analysis of 998 dorsoplantar foot radiographs of 231 patients was performed. Age ranged between 0.21 and 19.94 years. The authors proved the existence of a previously nondescribed additional proximal ossification center in the second metatarsal. This additional proximal center was seen in 78 of 998 radiographs, which corresponds with 7 of the 231 patients. If only 111 patients within the age range in which the additional proximal center appears are considered, the true prevalence of the additional proximal center was found in 7 (6.3%) patients. This additional proximal center was found to be bilateral in 4 (57.1%) of these 7 patients. The presence of the proximal center was more common in girls and was associated with index plus metatarsal type (
P
=.000) and foot pathology, especially flatfoot (
P
=.000). Age of appearance was 2.3±0.24 years and age of fusion was 5.5±2.2 years. Using a descriptive maturation scale, the authors classified the ossification stages of the additional proximal center in 4 stages: rudimentary, fully formed, partially fused, and fully fused. After creating a mathematical ratio, the authors could not prove that the presence of this additional proximal center increased the length of the second metatarsal or the complete second ray.
Outcomes of Modified 2-incision Technique With Use of Indomethicin in Treatment of Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture
Authors: Anakwenze Oke A. , Kancherla Vamsi K. , Warrender William , Abboud Joseph A.
Published: November 2011

Multiple surgical techniques for distal biceps tendon ruptures exist. Heterotopic ossification is an associated omplication of the 2-incision technique. The purpose of this study was to review the results of distal biceps tendon repairs via the modified 2-incision technique using indomethacin chemoprophylaxis. A retrospective review of 34 2-incision repairs of the distal biceps tendon was performed. All patients received 6 weeks of indomethacin treatment postoperatively to prophylax against heterotopic ossification. Outcome measures included disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scoring, incidence of heterotopic ossification, and forearm range of motion. Of the 34 elbows, 2 had minor complications that resolved within 6 weeks of presentation. The average DASH score at final follow-up was 3.8. No cases of heterotopic ossification, nerve palsies, reruptures, or radioulnar synostoses were observed. At final follow-up, no significant difference was noted in range of motion between the injured and uninjured extremity in all planes. The Morrey modification of the 2-incision technique can be safe and provide full functional recovery in patients with ruptured distal biceps tendons when performed in conjunction with indomethacin prophylaxis.
Infected Total Femoral Replacements: Evaluation of Limb Loss Risk Factors
Authors: Hwang John S. , Beebe Kathleen S. , Patterson Francis R. , Benevenia Joseph
Published: November 2011

A complication of total femoral replacement (TFR) is periprosthetic infection. Studies have shown that infected endoprostheses have a significant amputation rate, as high as 36.7%. This study examined possible risk factors that may attribute to unsalvageable TFRs following periprosthetic infections, including age, sex, primary vs secondary TFRs, number of irrigation and debridements, recent history of periprosthetic infection, early vs late infection, use of antibiotic cement, and the number of postoperative antibiotics. In a retrospective chart review, 10 patients who had periprosthetic infections of their TFRs were identified from our orthopedic surgical database between 2000 and 2010. Seven of 10 TFRs were unsalvageable due to infection. The 2 greatest risk factors that influenced unsalvageable TFR were age older than 50 years and recipients of secondary TFRs. All 6 patients older than 50 years had unsalvageable TFRs, whereas 1 of 4 patients younger than 50 years had an unsalvageable TFR (
P
<.05). Similarly, all 6 patients who received secondary TFRs had unsalvageable TFRs, whereas 1 of 4 patients who received a TFR as the primary method of treatment had an unsalvageable TFR (
P
<.05). No other risk factors showed statistical significance or could be identified as possible risk factors. Surgeons should educate patients who fall into high-risk categories about the benefits of early intervention, such as amputation, that could prevent additional surgeries and decrease the lengths of hospitalizations.
Randomized Prospective Evaluation of Injection Techniques for the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis
Authors: Bellapianta Joseph , Swartz Francesca , Lisella Jordan , Czajka John , Neff Ryan , Uhl Richard
Published: November 2011

Lateral epicondylitis is a commonly made diagnosis for general practitioners and orthopedic surgeons. Corticosteroid injection is a mainstay of early treatment. However, conflicting evidence exists to support the use of steroid injection, and no evidence in the literature supports an injection technique.

Nineteen patients diagnosed with acute lateral epicondylitis were evaluated to compare the peppered- and single-injection techniques using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, visual analog score (VAS), and grip strength. For elbows with a single injection, mean grip strength increased from 22.9 to 27.8 (
P
=.053), mean VAS pain score decreased from 4.8 to 3.6 (
P
=.604), and mean DASH score decreased from 2.6 to 1.8 points (
P
=.026). For elbows with peppered injections, mean grip strength increased from 28.7 to 32.8 (
P
=.336), mean VAS pain scores decreased from 3.7 to 2.3 (
P
=.386), and mean DASH score decreased from 2.6 to 1.3 (
P
=.008).

No studies have directly compared the peppered-injection technique to the single-injection technique. Our results suggest that patient outcome is improved with the single injection. The biomechanical or chemical reason for the distinction is yet unknown, but we postulate that the peppered technique may actually further damage the already compromised tendon. The theory that the peppered injection stimulates blood flow may be overestimated or false. Histochemical studies of the pathologic tissue must be performed to further delineate the reason for improved outcomes with the single-injection technique.
Lumbar Lordosis Restoration Following Single-level Instrumented Fusion Comparing 4 Commonly Used Techniques
Authors: Dimar John R. , Glassman Steven D. , Vemuri Venu M. , Esterberg Justin L. , Howard Jennifer M. , Carreon Leah Y.
Published: November 2011

A major sequelae of lumbar fusion is acceleration of adjacent-level degeneration due to decreased lumbar lordosis. We evaluated the effectiveness of 4 common fusion techniques in restoring lordosis: instrumented posterolateral fusion, translumbar interbody fusion, anteroposterior fusion with posterior instrumentation, and anterior interbody fusion with lordotic threaded (LT) cages (Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Memphis, Tennessee). Radiographs were measured preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and a minimum of 6 months postoperatively. Parameters measured included anterior and posterior disk space height, lumbar lordosis from L3 to S1, and surgical level lordosis.

No significant difference in demographics existed among the 4 groups. All preoperative parameters were similar among the 4 groups. Lumbar lordosis at final follow-up showed no difference between the anteroposterior fusion with posterior instrumentation, translumbar interbody fusion, and LT cage groups, although the posterolateral fusion group showed a significant loss of lordosis (−10°) (
P
<.001). Immediately postoperatively and at follow-up, the LT cage group had a significantly greater amount of lordosis and showed maintenance of anterior and posterior disk space height postoperatively compared with the other groups. Instrumented posterolateral fusion produces a greater loss of lordosis compared with anteroposterior fusion with posterior instrumentation, translumbar interbody fusion, and LT cages. Maintenance of lordosis and anterior and posterior disk space height is significantly better with anterior interbody fusion with LT cages.
Feasibility of Whole-body MRI for Detecting Metastatic Myxoid Liposarcoma: A Case Series
Authors: Seo Sung Wook , Kwon Jong Won , Jang Sung Won , Jang Seung Pil , Park Youn-Soo
Published: November 2011

No feasible method currently exists to evaluate systemic metastasis in patients with myxoid liposarcoma. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of performing whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect metastatic myxoid liposarcoma. From June 2008 to May 2010, all patients who were newly diagnosed with myxoid liposarcomas at our institution underwent whole-body MRI along with other conventional imaging methods. We divided the whole body into 38 sections (7 soft tissue sections and 31 bone tissue sections). In total, there were 570 regions (105 soft tissue regions and 465 bony regions) in 15 patients (10 men and 5 women) who underwent whole-body MRI.

Of 105 soft tissue regions, there were 4 true positives, 3 false positives, 1 false negative, and 97 true positives. Of 465 bone tissue regions, there were 11 true positives, 5 false positives, 2 false negatives, and 447 true negatives. In soft tissue, whole-body MRI for the detection of metastatic lesion showed a sensitivity of 80%, a specificity of 97.0%, a positive predictive value of 57.1%, and a negative predictive value of 99.0%. In bone tissue, whole-body MRI had a sensitivity of 84.6%, a specificity of 98.9%, a positive predictive value of 68.8%, and a negative predictive value of 99.6%.

Whole-body MRI is feasible and effective for detecting bone and soft tissue metastasis in patients with myxoid liposarcoma.
Twitter as a Communication Tool for Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Franko Orrin I.
Published: November 2011

Twitter is a social networking Web site that has changed the way information is communicated. This study involved identifying, categorizing, and reviewing orthopedic Twitter profiles. A total of 412 profiles were identified. Of those, 176 (50.3%) were surgeons; 89 (50.5%) were based in the United States and 77 (43.8%) were not (10 unclassified). Most surgeons were young; 66% of surgeons were board certified within the past 10 years. Only a small percentage of orthopedic surgeons and practices currently use Twitter, but the use of social networking for orthopedic communication is likely to play an increasing role in future clinical practice.
Percutaneous Vertebral Body Cement Augmentation for Back Pain Related to Occult Osteomyelitis/Diskitis
Authors: Buttermann Glenn R. , Mullin William J.
Published: November 2011

Although complications related to vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty are few, we treated 2 patients with vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty for pain, presumed to be due to vertebral compression fractures, which were subsequently found to be due to occult osteomyelitis/diskitis. The onset of their infections appeared to have preceded their vertebral body augmentation procedures and was possibly due to prior interventional procedures for histories of back pain.

An 86-year-old woman had had 3 prior kyphoplasty procedures for fractures at T10, T11, and L1. She reported continued severe pain, and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging was misinterpreted for another fracture at T12, resulting in her fourth kyphoplasty. She became septic and had some improvement with antibiotics, but she declined specialty care and died. A 74-year-old man with chronic back pain had recently undergone lumbar facet joint injections. Computed tomography and subsequent bone scan found uptake at both L2 and L3. Despite abnormal erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein level and normal radiographic vertebral height, he underwent a vertebroplasty. His pain increased, and subsequent workup found L2-3 diskitis. He recovered with antibiotics and specialty care. Similar to prior reports of spondylodiskitis, both patients had multiple medical comorbidities.

This article emphasizes the need for clinical reevaluation and scrutiny in the interpretation of imaging studies, including for infection in patients with continued pain after spinal procedures. The differential diagnosis of infectious etiology is an important consideration prior to vertebral cement augmentation for presumed fragility fracture.
Digital Flexion Contracture and Severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Due to Tophaceus Infiltration of Wrist Flexor Tendon: First Manifestation of Gout
Authors: Hernández-Cortés P. , Caba M. , Gómez-Sánchez R. , Gómez-Morales M.
Published: November 2011

The authors report an unusual case of flexor tenosynovitis, severe carpal tunnel syndrome, and triggering at the carpal tunnel as the first manifestation of gout. A 69-year-old man presented with digital flexion contracture and severe carpal tunnel syndrome of his right hand and was treated surgically. A flexor tenosynovectomy and a median nerve neurolysis were performed through an extended carpal tunnel approach. The sublimis and the profundus tendons were involved. Partial ruptures and multiple whitish lesions suggestive of tophacceous infiltration of the flexor tendons were seen. Macroscopically, the removed synovial tissue was involved by multiple whitish nodules that were milimetric in size and was suggestive of monosodium urate crystals deposits. By light microscopy examination, numerous nonnecrotizing granulomas of different sizes were observed that were compounded by large aggregations of acellular nonpolarized material, surrounded by epithelioid histiocytes, mononuclear cells, and foreign body multinucleated giant cells. Postoperatively, the patient recovered with resolution of the median nerve symptoms and a near-to-full range of motion of the affected digits.

To the authors’ knowledge, this patient is the first case report with flexor tendons tophacceous infiltration as the first clinical sign of gout. Gouty flexor tenosynovitis can occur in the absence of a long history of gout. A high index of suspicion is paramount to the initiation of proper management. Operative treatment of gouty flexor tenosynovitis is mandatory to debulk tophaceous deposits, improve tendon gliding, and decompress nerves. Routine uric acid determination could be helpful in the preoperative evaluation of patients with flexor tenosynovitis.
La historieta española de 1900 a 1951
Authors: Martín Antonio
Published: November 2011

El presente trabajo de investigación se inicia tras el nacimiento de la historieta española en la segunda mitad del XIX, nuevo medio de expresión que surge ligado a la prensa satírica y de humor, creada y realizada expresamente para un público lector adulto. Es ya desde la realidad del nuevo medio como se establecen las bases para el acercamiento a la historieta española durante los años 1900 a 1951, en los que tiene lugar su primer desarrollo, afianzamiento y conversión en un fenómeno de masas. Asimismo se analizan los inicios del tejido industrial que soporta la estructura editorial de la historieta, que se contextualiza respecto del conjunto de la sociedad española, en total dependencia no solo de la economía, sino también de los movimientos políticos y sociales que durante el medio siglo de estudio sacudieron España, en un flujo acelerado de acontecimientos que se concreta en los regímenes políticos que vertebraron el país: monarquía constitucional de Alfonso XIII, dictadura militar de Primo de Rivera, república parlamentaria, guerra civil y, finalmente, la dictadura personal del general Franco.
La industria del cómic en España: radiografía de ¿un mito o una realidad?
Authors: Pons Álvaro M.
Published: November 2011

A pesar de la importancia que revestiría para establecer estrategias editoriales y para un mejor conocimiento de la situación del cómic en España, no existen cifras fiables sobre títulos publicados y cifras de tiradas. En este artículo se proporcionan algunos datos aclaradores al respecto. Se ofrece una evolución de nuestro mercado desde 2001 a 2009. Se agrupan los diversos títulos por lugar de procedencia (Europa, Asia, Estados Unidos…), así como por formatos (álbum, libro, revista, comic-book…). De todo ello se desprenden líneas evolutivas, tendencias y perspectivas de futuro de una industria que, a pesar de su precariedad, conoce un aumento de las ventas y un progresivo asentamiento en el panorama de la edición española.
Human Th1 and Th17 Cells Exhibit Epigenetic Stability at Signature Cytokine and Transcription Factor Loci
Authors: Cohen Carla J. , Crome Sarah Q. , MacDonald Kate G. , Dai Elizabeth L. , Mager Dixie L. , Levings Megan K.
Published: November 2011

The linear model of Th cell lineage commitment is being revised due to reports that mature Th cells can trans-differentiate into alternate lineages. This ability of Th cells to reprogram is thought to be regulated by epigenetic mechanisms that control expression of transcription factors characteristic of opposing lineages. It is unclear, however, to what extent this new model of Th cell plasticity holds true in human Th cell subsets that develop under physiological conditions in vivo. We isolated in vivo-differentiated human Th1 and Th17 cells, as well as intermediate Th1/17 cells, and identified distinct epigenetic signatures at cytokine (IFNG and IL17A) and transcription factor (TBX21, RORC, and RORA) loci. We also examined the phenotypic and epigenetic stability of human Th17 cells exposed to Th1-polarizing conditions and found that although they could upregulate TBX21 and IFN-γ, this occurred without loss of IL-17 or RORC expression, and resulted in cells with a Th1/17 phenotype. Similarly, Th1 cells could upregulate IL-17 upon enforced expression of RORC2, but did not lose expression of IFN-γ or TBX21. Despite alterations in expression of these signature genes, epigenetic modifications were remarkably stable aside from the acquisition of active histone methylation marks at cytokine gene promoters. The limited capacity of human Th17 and Th1 cells to undergo complete lineage conversion suggests that the bipotent Th1/17 cells may arise from Th1 and/or Th17 cells. These data also question the broad applicability of the new model of Th cell lineage plasticity to in vivo-polarized human Th cell subsets.
Lineage−Sca1+c-Kit−CD25+ Cells Are IL-33–Responsive Type 2 Innate Cells in the Mouse Bone Marrow
Authors: Brickshawana Adipong , Shapiro Virginia Smith , Kita Hirohito , Pease Larry R.
Published: November 2011

IL-33 promotes type 2 immune responses, both protective and pathogenic. Recently, targets of IL-33, including several newly discovered type 2 innate cells, have been characterized in the periphery. In this study, we report that bone marrow cells from wild-type C57BL/6 mice responded with IL-5 and IL-13 production when cultured with IL-33. IL-33 cultures of bone marrow cells from Rag1 KO and KitW-sh/W-sh mice also responded similarly; hence, eliminating the possible contributions of T, B, and mast cells. Rather, intracellular staining revealed that the IL-5– and IL-13–positive cells display a marker profile consistent with the Lineage−Sca-1+c-Kit−CD25+ (LSK−CD25+) cells, a bone marrow cell population of previously unknown function. Freshly isolated LSK−CD25+ cells uniformly express ST2, the IL-33 receptor. In addition, culture of sorted LSK−CD25+ cells showed that they indeed produce IL-5 and IL-13 when cultured with IL-33 plus IL-2 and IL-33 plus IL-7. Furthermore, i.p. injections of IL-33 or IL-25 into mice induced LSK−CD25+ cells to expand, in both size and frequency, and to upregulate ST2 and α4β7 integrin, a mucosal homing marker. Thus, we identify the enigmatic bone marrow LSK−CD25+ cells as IL-33 responsive, both in vitro and in vivo, with attributes similar to other type 2 innate cells described in peripheral tissues.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Risk of Binge Drinking and Drunkenness in Middle-Aged Finnish Men
Authors: Kauhanen Laura , Leino Janne , Lakka Hanna-Maaria , Lynch John W. , Kauhanen Jussi
Published: November 2011

Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between adverse childhood experiences and binge drinking and drunkenness in adulthood using both historical and recalled data from childhood.Methods. Data on childhood adverse experiences were collected from school health records and questionnaires completed in adulthood. Adulthood data were obtained from the baseline examinations of the male participants (n=2682) in the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study (KIHD) in 1984–1989 from eastern Finland. School health records from the 1930s to 1950s were available for a subsample of KIHD men (n=952).Results. According to the school health records, men who had adverse childhood experiences had a 1.51-fold (95% CI 1.05 to 2.18) age- and examination-year adjusted odds of binge drinking in adulthood. After adjustment for socioeconomic position in adulthood or behavioural factors in adulthood, the association remained unchanged. Adjustment for socioeconomic position in childhood attenuated these effects. Also the recalled data showed associations with adverse childhood experiences and binge drinking with different beverages.Conclusions. Our findings suggest that childhood adversities are associated with increased risk of binge drinking in adulthood.
Circulating Reactive Oxidant Causes Apoptosis of Retinal Pigment Epithelium and Cone Photoreceptors in the Mouse Central Retina
Authors: Wang Wei , Noel Jennifer , Kaplan Henry J. , Dean Douglas C.
Published: November 2011

Reactive oxidants damage the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which is required for viability of overlying photoreceptors. Smoking which leads to chronic accumulation of reactive oxidants in the circulation is linked to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) where RPE death is seen along with photoreceptor loss in the central macular region of the retina. It is unclear why this damage is concentrated in the central retina. We asked whether circulating oxidant might specifically target the central retina. Mice were administered the classic reactive oxidant iodate through tail vein injection, and visual acuity was followed by optokinetic response. Histology and apoptosis was examined by H&E and immunostaining. Iodate indeed selectively damaged the central retina, and this damage was highlighted by early apoptosis of RPE in the central retina followed by apoptosis of photoreceptors adjacent to the region of RPE loss–-cones were lost preferentially. The pattern and extent of this damage was independent of exposure to light. We then conclude that circulating oxidant is sufficient to selectively damage the central retina highlighted by sequential apoptosis of RPE and photoreceptors, with cones being the most sensitivity to this RPE loss.
SeaFlow: A novel underway flow‐cytometer for continuous observations of phytoplankton in the ocean
Authors: Swalwell Jarred E , Ribalet Francois , Armbrust E. Virginia
Published: November 2011

Current automated flow cytometers primarily target the dynamics of phytoplankton communities in coastal environments and lack the sensitivity to resolve the spatial distribution of Prochlorococcus, the smallest phytoplankton that dominates the open ocean. Here we present SeaFlow, a novel flow cytometer developed for continuous real‐time observations of natural assemblages of small phytoplankton cells, including Prochlorococcus. Unlike other flow cytometers, SeaFlow does not use sheath fluid. Instead, a virtual‐core is used to determine the position of a particle in the stream of seawater. By eliminating sheath fluid, SeaFlow can continuously sample the seawater stream directly from a ship's intake system. Image analysis is used to automatically align the laser with the optical system and then monitor and correct for drift. SeaFlow performs rapid quantification (up to 24,000 cells per second) of multidimensional characteristics of phytoplankton cells in the pico‐ to nanophytoplankton size range (0.5‐20 µm) to analyze the equivalent of 480 traditional flow cytometry samples per day while on board a research vessel. Data analysis tools have been created to automatically cluster and count phytoplankton populations with geo‐referenced data visualization. SeaFlow makes it possible to explore surface phytoplankton dynamics at a spatial scale ranging from a few meters to thousands of kilometers. An example data set is presented from a 450‐km long transect near the Hawaiian Islands with the continuous data aggregated in 3 min intervals.
Analysis of vitamin B12 in seawater and marine sediment porewater using ELISA
Authors: Zhu Qingzhi , Aller Robert C. , Kaushik Aleya
Published: November 2011

Vitamin B12 (B12) is a set of closely related organocobalt compounds required by phytoplankton. A highly sensitive and specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the determination of B12 in seawater and marine sediment porewater. An antibody directed against B12 was coated on the surface of a 96‐well microtiter plate, and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was used as a labeling enzyme. In the indirect competitive immunoassay format, water samples or standards and a constant amount of HRP‐labeled B12 were added into the microtiter plate wells, HRP‐labeled and free B12 compete for binding to the plate‐bound antibody. After immunoreaction, the immunochemically adsorbed HRP‐B12 conjugate was determined by measuring the absorbance produced in a solution containing substrate tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and hydrogen peroxide. The calibration graph for B12 was linear over the range of 0.4–100 ng/mL (0.3–74 nM; higher concentrations were not evaluated) with a detection limit of 0.2 ng/mL (3s). Coupled with C‐18 column extraction–preconcentration, the method is readily applicable to seawater levels (~1–10 pM). No interferences from humic acids, total dissolved organic matter (DOM), and salinity were observed. ELISA determined B12 in coastal seawater and surface tidal flat porewater (0–2 cm) ranged from 4.5–38 pM and 12–47 pM, respectively.
Springtime carbon emission episodes at the Gosan background site revealed by total carbon, stable carbon isotopic composition, and thermal characteristics of carbonaceous particles
Authors: Jung J. , Kawamura K.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. In order to investigate the emission of carbonaceous aerosols at the Gosan background super-site (33.17° N, 126.10° E) in East Asia, total suspended particles (TSP) were collected during spring of 2007 and 2008 and analyzed for particulate organic carbon, elemental carbon, total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), and stable carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) of TC. The stable carbon isotopic composition of TC (δ13CTC) was found to be lowest during pollen emission episodes (range: −26.2‰ to −23.5‰, avg. −25.2 ± 0.9‰), approaching those of the airborne pollen (−28.0‰) collected at the Gosan site. Based on a carbon isotope mass balance equation, we found that ~42% of TC in the TSP samples during the pollen episodes was attributed to airborne pollen from Japanese cedar trees planted around tangerine farms in Jeju Island. A negative correlation between the citric acid-carbon/TC ratios and δ13CTC was obtained during the pollen episodes. These results suggest that citric acid emitted from tangerine fruit may be adsorbed on the airborne pollen and then transported to the Gosan site. Thermal evolution patterns of organic carbon during the pollen episodes were characterized by high OC evolution in the OC2 temperature step (450 °C). Since thermal evolution patterns of organic aerosols are highly influenced by their molecular weight, they can be used as additional information on the formation of secondary organic aerosols and the effect of aging of organic aerosols during the long-range atmospheric transport and sources of organic aerosols.