bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suspending re-offending? Comparing the effects of suspended prison sentences and short-term imprisonment on recidivism in the Netherlands
Authors: Aarten Pauline G.M. , Denkers Adriaan , Borgers Matthias J. , van der Laan Peter H.
Published: April 2014

In the Netherlands, suspended sentences are increasingly imposed as alternatives to short-term imprisonment in an attempt to reduce recidivism. However, little research has been done to examine recidivism outcomes after suspended sentences. This study used official data on adult offenders sentenced to either fully suspended prison sentences or short-term imprisonment in the court districts of Amsterdam and The Hague ( n = 2115). Using propensity score matching, no significant differences in the risk of reconviction between the two sentences were found. Regarding criminal history, first offenders given fully suspended prison sentences had a higher risk of being reconvicted than first offenders sentenced to short-term imprisonment. In contrast, recidivists sentenced to short-term imprisonment had a higher risk of being reconvicted.
Writing/Righting Images of the West
Authors: Alexander Bryant Keith
Published: April 2014

This short performative essay is a series of images and remembrances that offer an initial attempt at writing and righting the Black cowboy into the historiography of the West. Establishing a somewhat queer orientation to the West and Westerns, the essay situates a longstanding desire to be a cowboy.
Visual Analytics for cyber security and intelligence
Authors: Lavigne Valérie , Gouin Denis
Published: April 2014

In the context of modern defense and security operations, analysts are faced with a continuously growing set of information of different nature that causes significant information overload problems and prevents developing good situation awareness. Fortunately, Visual Analytics (VA) has emerged as an efficient way of handling and making sense of massive datasets by exploiting interactive visualization technologies and human cognitive abilities. Defence R&D Canada has conducted a review of the applicability of VA to support military and security operations. This paper is meant to provide someone new to this area with a quick overview of the current state of the art in VA. We introduce the important scientific visualization, interaction and reasoning concepts supporting VA, followed by VA advanced techniques. Then, we describe how VA can contribute to the cyber security and intelligence analysis application domains, along with promising research projects and commercial software. Finally, we discuss the future of VA research.
Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose
Authors: Schnell Oliver , Hanefeld Markolf , Monnier Louis
Published: April 2014

Evidence for the value of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) with regard to the achievement of treatment targets, detection of postprandial glucose excursions, and minimization of glycemic variability is increasing. In large clinical trials, SMBG is a key component for the optimization of diabetes treatment in insulin-treated diabetes. It also plays an essential role in outcome studies. However, details of SMBG use in both the methods and results sections of clinical articles are frequently scarce. Also, a discussion of the SMBG data and its impact on insulin therapy is valuable. In the recently completed Outcome Reduction with an Initial Glargine INtervention (ORIGIN) trial, SMBG was described in detail and insulin titration was largely driven by SMBG. Both aspects largely contributed to the fact that near-normal control was achieved over a long-term period.
The epidemiology of regional and widespread musculoskeletal pain in rural versus urban settings in those ≥55 years
Authors: Docking Rachael E , Beasley Marcus , Steinerowski Artur , Jones Elizabeth A , Farmer Jane , Macfarlane Gary J , Jones Gareth T
Published: April 2014

Objectives:

To examine whether the prevalence of regional and chronic widespread pain (CWP) varies with rurality and to determine the characteristics of persons in rural locations in whom pain is found to be in excess.

Methods:

Participants, aged ≥55 years, from participating general practices in seven different geographical locations in Scotland were sent a postal questionnaire. The 1-month prevalence of 10 regional pain conditions plus CWP was identified using body manikins. Differences in the prevalence of pain with differing rurality were examined using Chi2 test for trend. Thereafter, among the rural population, the relationships between pain and putative risk factors were examined using Poisson regression. Thus, results are described as risk ratios.

Results:

There was some evidence to suggest that the prevalence of CWP increased with increasing rurality, although the magnitude of this was slight. No large or significant differences were observed with any regional pain conditions. Factors associated with the reporting of CWP included poor general health, feeling downhearted most of the time and selected measures of social contact. Factors independently associated with CWP included female gender (risk ratio: 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.997–1.55), poor self-rated health (risk ratio: 3.50; 95% CI: 1.92–6.39) and low mood (risk ratio: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.07–2.20). Also, having fewer than 10 people to turn to in a crisis was associated with a decrease in the risk of CWP – risk ratio: 0.68 (95% CI: 0.50–0.93) and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.60–1.02) for those with 5–10 and <5 people, respectively.

Conclusions:

This study provides no evidence that the prevalence of regional musculoskeletal pain is increased in rural settings, although there is some evidence of a modest increase in CWP. Risk factors for CWP are similar to those seen in the urban setting, including markers of general health, mental health and also aspects of social contact. It may be, however, that social networks are more difficult to maintain in rural settings, and clinicians should be aware of the negative effect of perceived social isolation on pain in rural areas.
Expectancy, Self-Efficacy, and Placebo Effect of a Sham Supplement for Weight Loss in Obese Adults
Authors: Tippens Kimberly M. , Purnell Jonathan Q. , Gregory William L. , Connelly Erin , Hanes Douglas , Oken Barry , Calabrese Carlo
Published: April 2014

This study examined the role of expectancy in the placebo effect of a sham dietary supplement for weight loss in 114 obese adults with metabolic syndrome. All participants received lifestyle education and were randomized to 1 of 3 conditions: (1) a daily placebo capsule and told that they were taking an active weight loss supplement, (2) daily placebo and told they had a 50% random chance of receiving either the active or placebo, or (3) no capsules. At 12 weeks, weight loss and metabolic outcomes were similar among the 3 groups. Participants in both groups that took capsules showed decreased weight loss self-efficacy and increased expectations of benefit from dietary supplements. Participants not taking capsules showed the opposite. Adverse events were more frequently reported in groups taking capsules than those who were not. These findings suggest that supplements without weight loss effects may have nocebo effects through diminished self-efficacy.
An Exploratory Investigation Into Family Perspectives After the Family Employment Awareness Training
Authors: Francis Grace L. , Gross Judith M. S. , Turnbull Ann P. , Turnbull H. Rutherford
Published: April 2014

Competitive employment (i.e., employment in community settings among people without disabilities for minimum wage or higher) improves quality of life for people with disabilities who have individualized support needs (ISN). However, attaining competitive employment can be challenging for people with ISN. This study used a mixed methods design to evaluate the perspectives of 68 families who attended the Family Employment Awareness Training ( FEAT). Findings indicated that families who attended FEAT (a) accessed competitive employment resources following FEAT and (b) reported competitive employment outcomes for their family members with ISN following FEAT. We discuss implications of these findings and recommendations for future research.
Concussions From 9 Youth Organized Sports
Authors: Buzas David , Jacobson Nathan A. , Morawa Lawrence G.
Published: April 2014

Background:

Youth sports programs are extremely popular throughout the United States, with children starting formal sports participation as young as 4 years. This places children at greater risk for concussions and other trauma.

Purpose:

To describe the epidemiology of concussions sustained during participation in 9 organized sports prior to participation in high school athletics.

Methods:

Over an 11-year span from January 2002 to December 2012, the authors reviewed the concussions sustained by athletes aged 4 to 13 years while playing basketball, baseball, football, gymnastics, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and wrestling, as evaluated in emergency departments (EDs) in the United States and captured by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Results:

There were 4864 (national estimate [NE] = 117,845) youth athletes evaluated in NEISS EDs as sustaining concussions from 2002 to 2012. Except for the year 2007, concussion frequencies trended upward throughout the 11-year time frame as well as with increasing age. Loss of consciousness (LOC) occurred in 499 cases (NE, 12,129; 10%). Football had the highest frequency of concussions, with 2013 (NE, 51,220; 41%), followed by basketball, with 977 (NE, 22,099; 20%), and soccer, with 801 (NE, 18,916; 17%). The majority of concussions were treated in the outpatient setting, with 4444 (91.4%) patients being treated and released; 412 (9%) patients required admission and were found to have increased frequencies of LOC (n = 17; 18.0%) compared with LOC in the total group (n = 499, 10%). The total number of player-to-player injury mechanisms mirrored the total number of concussions by year, which increased throughout the 11-year span, except for the year 2007. Subgroup analysis of athletes aged 4 to 7 years demonstrated a difference in the mechanism of injury distribution, with a ball-to-head mechanism increase of 5% from 15% to 20% and a player-to–other object mechanism of injury increase by more than double to 13% compared with the entire cohort over the 11-year time frame.

Conclusion:

Within the 4- to 13-year age range, there were a significant number of young athletes who presented to EDs with concussion as a result of playing organized sports. The 4- to 7-year age group had a disproportionately higher player-to–other object mechanism of injury.

Clinical Relevance:

Younger children are more susceptible to long-term sequelae from head injuries, and therefore, improved systems of monitoring for these athletes are required to monitor the patterns of injury, identify risk factors, and develop evidence-based prevention programs.
Arthroscopic Hip Revision Surgery for Residual FAI
Authors: Larson Christopher M. , Giveans Russell , Bedi Asheesh , Samuelson Kathryn M. , Stone Rebecca M.
Published: April 2014

Objectives:

There is a steep surgical learning curve when managing femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and residual FAI can lead to continued pain and disability. There is very limited data reporting outcomes after revision arthroscopy for residual FAI.

Methods:

The records of patients that underwent arthroscopic hip revision surgery for residual FAI based on plain radiographs and 3D CT scans were reviewed. Pre and post-operative structural pathomorphology, intra-operative findings, and pre and post-operative outcomes measures using Modified Harris Hip Scoring (MHHS), SF-12 scoring, and pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS) were evaluated. Outcomes after revision arthroscopic FAI correction were compared to a cohort that underwent primary arthroscopic FAI correction.

Results:

59 patients (85 hips) underwent arthroscopic revision FAI correction (mean 20.8 months follow-up). There were 98 previous arthroscopic surgeries and 4 previous surgical dislocations. There were 39 males and 46 females with a mean age of 29.5 years (range 16 - 59). 80 hips had residual cam-type FAI, and 64 hips had residual pincer-type FAI and underwent femoral and rim resections, respectively. The labrum was debrided in 27 hips, repaired in 48 hips and reconstructed with allograft in 8 hips. Adhesions were excised for 54 hips. The results of revision arthroscopic FAI correction were compared to 154 patients (169 hips) that underwent primary arthroscopic FAI correction (mean 25.2 months follow-up). The mean improvement for outcomes scores after revision FAI correction was 18.9 points (MHHS, p<.01), 13.4 points (SF-12, p<.01), and 2.2 points (VAS, p<.01) compared to 23.7 points (MHHS, p<.01), 22.3 points (SF-12, p<.01), and 4.6 points (VAS, p<.01) after primary arthroscopic FAI correction. Most recent outcomes scores and mean improvement in outcome scores were significantly better after primary (81.1% good/ excellent results) compared to revision (69.8% good/excellent results) FAI correction (MHS (p>.05), SF-12 (p<.01), VAS (p<.01).

Conclusion:

With appropriate indications and expectations, arthroscopic hip revision surgery for residual FAI led to significantly improved outcome measures. Outcomes, however, were inferior to those after primary arthroscopic FAI corrective surgery.
A Prospective Outcome Evaluation of Humeral Avulsions of the Glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) Tears Repairs in an Active Population
Authors: Provencher Matthew , McCormick Frank , LeClere Lance E. , Dewing Christopher B. , Solomon Daniel J.
Published: April 2014

Objectives:

Humeral Avulsions of the Glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) are an infrequent and underappreciated cause of shoulder instability and dysfunction. The purposes of this study are to prospectively evaluate the presentation, clinical history and surgical outcomes of patients with HAGL tears.

Methods:

Over an eight-year period, patients with failed non-operative shoulder dysfunction with a confirmed HAGL tear on MR Arthrogram, who elected to undergo surgical treatment were prospectively investigated. Independent variables were patient demographics, clinical presentation, physical examination findings, and arthroscopic findings. The dependent variables assessed included return to work and activity rates, pre-operative and post-operative patient reported outcomes (ASES, SANE, WOSI scores) and independent physical examinations. Statistical analysis was via Student’s t-test and significance set at p <.05.

Results:

A total of 23 of 24 patients (96%) were evaluated at a mean of 32.1 months (Range 24-68 months). There were 11 females (48%) and 12 males (52%) at a mean age of 24.2 years (Range 18-33). Mechanism of injury was core training (cross-fit or equivalent) in 48%, pull-ups in 22%, and unknown in 30%. The primary complaint was pain in 82%; 20% of patients complained of instability symptoms. There were 12 patients with anterior HAGLs, 8 patients with reverse HAGLs and 3 with combined anterior and posterior lesions. 10 patients had both HAGL and labral tears, 13 with isolated HAGL. 9 patients underwent arthroscopic surgical repair and 14 underwent an open surgical repair. There was a clinically and statistically significant improvement in patient reported outcomes (WOSI=54%, SANE=50%) improved (WOSI=83%, SANE=87%, p<0.01). 21 of 23 (91%) patients returned demonstrated patient satisfaction and a return to full activity.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates patients with symptomatic HAGL tears present with pain and shoulder dysfunction, that anterior and reverse HAGL tears are nearly distributed equally. After surgery, patients demonstrated statistically and clinically significant improved outcomes, a predictable return to activity and patient satisfaction. Additional work is necessary to determine optimal treatments, especially with combined HAGL and labral tears.
Results of Latarjet Coracoid Transfer to Revise Failed Arthroscopic Instability Repairs
Authors: Nicholson Gregory P. , Rahman Zain , Verma Nikhil N. , Romeo Anthony A. , Cole Brian J. , Gupta Anil Kumar , Bruce Benjamin
Published: April 2014

Objectives:

Arthroscopic instability repair has supplanted open techniques to anatomically reconstruct anteroinferior instability pathology. Arthroscopic technique can fail for a variety of reasons. We have utilized the Latarjet as a revision option in failed arthroscopic instability repairs when there is altered surgical anatomy, capsular deficiency and/or glenoid bone compromise and recurrent glenohumeral instability.

Methods:

We reviewed 51 shoulders (40 ♀, 11♂) that underwent Latarjet coracoid transfer for the revision of failed previous arthroscopic instability repair. The avg. age was 32.6 yrs (16-58). All patients had recurrent symptomatic anterior instability after previous arthroscopic surgery, and avg. time from arthroscopic repair to Latarjet was 13 months (4-40 mn). All had either CT or MRI that revealed suture anchor material in the glenoid, labral and capsular stripping, and anteroinferior glenoid bone loss or erosion. Advanced bone loss percentage analysis was not performed for this study. We excluded all patients that had a previous open repair, a seizure disorder, or if the Latarjet was a primary procedure. Outcome scores pre-operatively avg: SST: 6.7 (1-12); VAS: 3 (0-8); ASES: 63 (32-89). Coracoid transfer was performed thru a subscapularis split in 38, and with tendon takedown in 13. The coracoid was osteotomized along its long axis parallel to the undersurface of the lateral aspect. This provided at least 2.5 to 3.5 cm of graft with the conjoined tendon attached. The coracoacromial (CA) ligament was incised leaving a 1 cm. stump. The transfer was affixed flush with the articular surface but not lateral to it, with two 3.5 mm cortical screws in lag fashion overdrilling the coracoid with the CA ligament directed laterally. The capsule was then repaired to the CA ligament to make the transfer extra-articular.

Results:

At avg. 4 yr (2-7 yrs) follow-up stability had been maintained in 51 (100%).without further instability surgery. There were no hardware, neurologic, or infection complications. No graft resorption or non-unions occurred. DJD developed in 3 patients and required eventual resurfacing hemiarthroplasty in 2, and TSA in 1 at an avg of 3 years post-Latarjet (2-5 yrs). Outcome scores post-operatively avg: SST:9.3 (6-12); VAS: 2 (0-6); ASES: 84 (64-92).

Conclusion:

A consecutive series of Latarjet coracoids transfers utilized for the revision of previous failed arthroscopic anteroinferior instability repairs achieved consistent stability. Progressive DJD was not due to hardware, but was encountered in 5%.
Primary Versus Revision Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair - An Analysis In 350 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Shamsudin Aminudin , Lam Patrick H. , Rubenis Imants , Peters Karin Siebrig , Murrell George A.C.
Published: April 2014

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of revision arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery when compared with primary arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery in a large cohort of patients.

Methods:

A consecutive series of 350 (300 primary and 50 revision) arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs performed by a single surgeon with a minimum of two years follow-up were retrospectively reviewed using prospectively collected data. With the 50 revision cases as a reference, three primary repair cases were chosen immediately before and three after each revision case. Standardized, patient-ranked outcomes, examiner determined assessments, and ultrasound determined rotator cuff integrity was assessed pre-operatively at six months and two years after surgery.

Results:

The revision group had a significantly larger pre-operative tear size (4.1 cm2 ± 0.5 cm2)(mean ± SEM) compared to the primary group (3.0 cm2 ± 0.2 cm2)(p < 0.05). The mean age of the revision group (63years, range 43-80) was older compared to the primary group (60years, range 18-88)(p < 0.05).The re-tear rate for primary rotator cuff repair was 16% at 6 months and 21% at two years; while the re-tear rate for revision repair was 28% at six months and deteriorated to 40% at two years (p < 0.05). Two years after surgery the primary group reported less pain at rest (p < 0.02), during sleep (p < 0.03) and with overhead activity (p < 0.01) compared to the revision group. The primary group had better forward flexion (+13 Degrees, p<0.03), abduction (+18 Degrees, p < 0.01) and internal rotation (+2 vertebral levels, p < 0.001) compared to the revision group at two years after surgery. The primary group also had significantly greater strength (+15 N, p < 0.0004), lift-off strength (+9.3 N, p < 0.02) and adduction strength (+22 N, p < 0.003) compared to the revision group at two years.

Conclusion:

The short term clinical outcomes of patients undergoing revision rotator cuff repair were similar to primary rotator cuff repair. However, these results did not persist and by two years patients who had revision rotator cuff repair were twice as likely to have re-torn compared to those undergoing primary repair. The increase re-tear rate in the revision group at two years was associated with increased pain and impaired overhead function.
Outcomes of Primary Biceps Sub-pectoral Tenodesis in an Active Population: A prospective Evaluation of 101 Patients
Authors: Provencher Matthew , McCormick Frank , LeClere Lance E. , Solomon Daniel J. , Dewing Christopher B.
Published: April 2014

Objectives:

SLAP tears and tendonitis disorders of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) remain a challenge to treat in an active population. The purpose of this study is to prospectively compare the surgical outcomes of a primary biceps tenodesis for SLAP tears and biceps tenosynovitis in a young active population.

Methods:

Over a 6-year period, 125 patients with mean age of 42.6 (range, 26.3 to 56.5) with a diagnosis of LHBT were prospectively evaluated. Inclusion criteria included patients with a clinical diagnosis of a type II SLAP or anterior shoulder pain who failed conservative management and underwent a diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy. Patients were excluded for full-thickness rotator cuff tears, AC joint pathology, and labral pathology outside of the SLAP lesion. Patients with an arthroscopically confirmed labral tear or biceps tendonopathy underwent a mini-open subpectoral tenodesis with interference screw and were independently evaluated with patient reported outcome measurements (SANE, WORC), and a biceps position examination. Statistical analysis was via Student’s t-test and significance set at p <.05.

Results:

101 of 125 patients (81%) completed the study requirements at a mean of 2.75 years (range 1.5 to 5.7 years). 50 Patients were diagnosed with SLAP II tears (40%) and 75 patients with biceps tendonitis (60%), 28 (22%) underwent a rotator cuff debridement for a concomitant low-grade partial rotator cuff tear and LHBT instability. There was a clinically and statistical improvement in patient outcomes scores: (WORC=54%, SANE=58) improved to (WORC=89%, SANE=89.5, p<0.01). 82% of patients returned to work and full activity at a mean of 4.1 months. The biceps muscle measured relative to the antecubital fossa of operative (mean 3.20 cm) versus non-operative (3.11 cm) was not clinically different (p=0.57), except in the 3 that failed tenodesis fixation. There was an 8% complication rate: 3 patients sustained failure of the LHBT tenodesis requiring revision; 2 superficial infections treated with antibiotics; and 3 transient musculoskeletal neruopraxias.

Conclusion:

A primary biceps tenodesis for pathology of the LHBT provides a clinical and statistically significant improvement in shoulder outcomes with a reliable and efficient return to previous activity level and low risk for surgical complications. However, additional work is necessary to define optimal primary treatment of LHB disorders.
Alternatively activated macrophages derived from monocytes and tissue macrophages are phenotypically and functionally distinct
Authors: Gundra Uma Mahesh , Girgis Natasha M. , Ruckerl Dominik , Jenkins Stephen , Ward Lauren N. , Kurtz Zachary D. , Wiens Kirsten E. , Tang Mei San , Basu-Roy Upal , Mansukhani Alka , Allen Judith E. , Loke P’ng
Published: April 2014

Key Points

Alternatively activated macrophages derived from monocytes and tissue macrophages have distinct transcriptional profiles and phenotypes. Monocyte-derived AAMs are more involved with immune regulation than tissue-derived AAMs.
MLL-AF6 fusion oncogene sequesters AF6 into the nucleus to trigger RAS activation in myeloid leukemia
Authors: Manara Elena , Baron Emma , Tregnago Claudia , Aveic Sanja , Bisio Valeria , Bresolin Silvia , Masetti Riccardo , Locatelli Franco , Basso Giuseppe , Pigazzi Martina
Published: April 2014

Key Points

MLL-AF6 leads to aberrant activation of RAS and its downstream targets. RAS targeting is a novel potential therapeutic strategy in AML patients carrying t(6;11).
Siglec-G–CD24 axis controls the severity of graft-versus-host disease in mice
Authors: Toubai Tomomi , Hou Guoqing , Mathewson Nathan , Liu Chen , Wang Ying , Oravecz-Wilson Katherine , Cummings Emily , Rossi Corinne , Evers Rebecca , Sun Yaping , Wu Julia , Choi Sung Won , Fang Dexing , Zheng Pan , Liu Yang , Reddy Pavan
Published: April 2014

Key Points

Demonstrates a role for negative regulator of innate immunity, Siglec-G, in controlling GVHD. Shows that enhancing the interaction between host Siglec-G and CD24 on donor T cells with a novel CD24 fusion protein mitigates GVHD.
Clinical highlights from the 2013 ERS Congress in Barcelona
Authors: Spruit Martijn A. , Marvisi Maurizio , Coolen Johan , Poletti Venerino , Gasparini Stefano , Ställberg Björn , Herth Felix J.F. , Clini Enrico M.
Published: April 2014

This article reviews a selection of scientific presentations in the area of clinical problems, which were presented at the 2013 European Respiratory Society Annual Congress in Barcelona, Spain. This article discusses the most relevant topics of interest in the field of clinical respiratory medicine, including breakthrough reports and studies of particular interest to the healthcare professionals. Topics are presented and discussed in the context of the most up-to-date literature, including basic science and translational research. In particular, the reviewed topics deal with the areas of complex chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma (even in the primary care setting), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (pathogenesis and therapy), advances in functional chest imaging, interventional pulmonology, pulmonary rehabilitation and chronic care.
Can infant lung function predict respiratory morbidity during the first year of life in preterm infants?
Authors: Proietti Elena , Riedel Thomas , Fuchs Oliver , Pramana Isabelle , Singer Florian , Schmidt Anne , Kuehni Claudia , Latzin Philipp , Frey Urs
Published: April 2014

Compared with term-born infants, preterm infants have increased respiratory morbidity in the first year of life. We investigated whether lung function tests performed near term predict subsequent respiratory morbidity during the first year of life and compared this to standard clinical parameters in preterms.

The prospective birth cohort included randomly selected preterm infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Lung function (tidal breathing and multiple-breath washout) was measured at 44 weeks post-menstrual age during natural sleep. We assessed respiratory morbidity (wheeze, hospitalisation, inhalation and home oxygen therapy) after 1 year using a standardised questionnaire. We first assessed the association between lung function and subsequent respiratory morbidity. Secondly, we compared the predictive power of standard clinical predictors with and without lung function data.

In 166 preterm infants, tidal volume, time to peak tidal expiratory flow/expiratory time ratio and respiratory rate were significantly associated with subsequent wheeze. In comparison with standard clinical predictors, lung function did not improve the prediction of later respiratory morbidity in an individual child.

Although associated with later wheeze, noninvasive infant lung function shows large physiological variability and does not add to clinically relevant risk prediction for subsequent respiratory morbidity in an individual preterm.
Disease progression in young patients with COPD: rethinking the Fletcher and Peto model
Authors: Sanchez-Salcedo Pablo , Divo Miguel , Casanova Ciro , Pinto-Plata Victor , de-Torres Juan P. , Cote Claudia , Cabrera Carlos , Zagaceta Jorge , Rodriguez-Roisin Roberto , Zulueta Javier J. , Marin Jose Maria , Celli Bartolome
Published: April 2014

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), although frequent in older individuals, can also occur at younger age; this latter population has not been well described.

We reviewed the functional progression of 1708 patients with COPD attending pulmonary clinics. Those with three or more annual spirometries were divided into those who, at enrolment, were ≤55 (n=103) or ≥65 (n=463) years of age (younger and older COPD, respectively). Baseline and annual changes in lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)) and BODE (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea, exercise capacity) score were recorded and compared between both groups.

Severity distribution by Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease and BODE scores were similar in both groups, except for mild obstruction, which was higher in the younger group. Mean FEV1decline was 38.8 and 40.6 mL·year−1, while BODE scores increased 0.19 and 0.23 units per year, for younger and older COPD, respectively. Both groups had similar proportion of FEV1rapid decliners (42% and 46%, respectively).

The severity distribution and progression of disease in younger patients with COPD is similar to that of patients of older age. This observation suggests that younger individuals presenting with COPD develop the disease from an already compromised pulmonary and systemic status, complementing the model of steeper decline of lung function proposed by Fletcher and Peto.
Photoinitiator concentration and modulated photoactivation: influence on polymerization characteristics of experimental composites
Authors: Alonso Roberta Caroline Bruschi , Brandt William Cunha , Souza-Junior Eduardo Jose Carvalho , Puppin-Rontani Regina Maria , Sinhoreti Mário Alexandre Coelho
Published: April 2014

This study determined the influence of photoinitiator concentration on polymerization characteristics of experimental composites photoactivated by different methods. Composites based on BisGMA/TEGDMA and 65% of filler were prepared with the concentration of camphorquinone/amine C1-0.5%, C2-1%, C3-1.5%, and photocured using 4 methods: High-intensity (HI), Low-intensity (LI), Soft-start (SS) and Pulse-delay (PD). Were determined the degree of conversion (DC), depth of cure (DCure) and crosslink density (CLD). Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). DC and DCure revealed that there were no differences among the photoactivation methods. C3 and C2 showed higher DC than C1. The CLD evaluation revealed considerable differences among the photoactivation methods. Photoinitiator concentration is a determinant factor in the polymerization characteristics of composites. Composite with low photoinitiator concentration show decreased DC and DCure, when compared with the composites with higher concentrations. Photoactivation methods had no effect on the DC and DCure. However, photoactivation methods showed differences when CLD was tested for composites with higher concentration of photoinitiators.
Predicting six-month mortality of patients with traumatic brain injury: usefulness of common intensive care severity scores
Authors: Raj Rahul , Skrifvars Markus Benedikt , Bendel Stepani , Selander Tuomas , Kivisaari Riku , Siironen Jari , Reinikainen Matti
Published: April 2014

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II), SAPS II (Simplified Acute Physiology Score II) and SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) scores compared to simpler models based on age and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in predicting long-term outcome of patients with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) treated in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

A national ICU database was screened for eligible TBI patients (age over 15 years, GCS 3–13) admitted in 2003–2012. Logistic regression was used for customization of APACHE II, SAPS II and SOFA score-based models for six-month mortality prediction. These models were compared to an adjusted SOFA-based model (including age) and a reference model (age and GCS). Internal validation was performed by a randomized split-sample technique. Prognostic performance was determined by assessing discrimination, calibration and precision.

Results

In total, 1,625 patients were included. The overall six-month mortality was 33%. The APACHE II and SAPS II-based models showed good discrimination (area under the curve (AUC) 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75 to 0.82; and 0.80, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.83, respectively), calibration (P > 0.05) and precision (Brier score 0.166 to 0.167). The SOFA-based model showed poor discrimination (AUC 0.68, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.72) and precision (Brier score 0.201) but good calibration (P > 0.05). The AUC of the SOFA-based model was significantly improved after the insertion of age and GCS (∆AUC +0.11, P < 0.001). The performance of the reference model was comparable to the APACHE II and SAPS II in terms of discrimination (AUC 0.77; compared to APACHE II, ΔAUC −0.02, P = 0.425; compared to SAPS II, ΔAUC −0.03, P = 0.218), calibration (P > 0.05) and precision (Brier score 0.181).

Conclusions

A simple prognostic model, based only on age and GCS, displayed a fairly good prognostic performance in predicting six-month mortality of ICU-treated patients with TBI. The use of the more complex scoring systems APACHE II, SAPS II and SOFA added little to the prognostic performance.
Leishmanial lipid suppresses the bacterial endotoxin-induced inflammatory response with attenuation of tissue injury in sepsis
Authors: Chatterjee Nabanita , Das Subhadip , Bose Dipayan , Banerjee Somenath , Jha Tarun , Das Saha Krishna
Published: April 2014

The use of live, attenuated, or genetically modified microbes or their cellular component(s) or metabolites has begun to emerge as a potential new approach in medicinal research to deliver biologically active entities. Thus, advancing our knowledge of such microbe-mediated therapy may suggest new avenues for therapeutic intervention in many diseases. We had earlier reported that the total lipid of attenuated Leishmania donovani suppressed the inflammatory responses in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Our present study reveals that the pLLD, isolated from pathogenic L. donovani, decreases the inflammatory level of bacterial endotoxin in stimulated mouse macrophages, as also in the in vivo murine system. It exerts the activity by reducing the level of different mediators, such as cytokine-chemokine(s). It also suppresses the expression of the ubiquitous transcription factor NF-κBp65 in stimulated macrophage cells, improves the endotoxin-associated liver damage, reduces the vascular permeability factors, such as VEGF, and suppresses the expression of cell adhesion molecules, including ICAM-1, VCAM-1, PECAM-1, P-selectin, and E-selectin, in liver of septic mice. These findings indicate that pLLD may prove to be a potential anti-inflammatory agent and protect from endotoxin-induced sepsis in hepatic impairment.
Multisite phosphorylation of C-Nap1 releases it from Cep135 to trigger centrosome disjunction
Authors: Hardy Tara , Lee Miseon , Hames Rebecca S. , Prosser Suzanna L. , Cheary Donna-Marie , Samant Mugdha D. , Schultz Francisca , Baxter Joanne E. , Rhee Kunsoo , Fry Andrew M.
Published: April 2014

During mitotic entry centrosomes separate to establish the bipolar spindle. Delays in centrosome separation can perturb chromosome segregation and promote genetic instability. However, interphase centrosomes are physically tethered by a proteinaceous linker composed of C-Nap1 and the filamentous protein, rootletin. Linker disassembly occurs at the onset of mitosis in a process known as centrosome disjunction and is triggered by the Nek2-dependent phosphorylation of C-Nap1. Yet the mechanistic consequences of C-Nap1 phosphorylation are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that Nek2 phosphorylates multiple residues within the C-terminal domain of C-Nap1, which collectively lead to loss of oligomerization and centrosome association. Mutations in non-phosphorylatable residues that make the domain more acidic are sufficient to release C-Nap1 from the centrosome arguing that it is an increase in overall negative charge that is required. Importantly, phosphorylation of C-Nap1 also perturbs interaction with the core centriolar protein, Cep135, and interaction of endogenous C-Nap1 and Cep135 proteins is specifically lost in mitosis. We therefore propose that multisite phosphorylation of C-Nap1 by Nek2 perturbs both oligomerization and Cep135 interaction and this precipitates centrosome disjunction at mitosis onset.
Pleiotrophin antagonizes Bromodomain-containing protein 2 (Brd2) during neuronal differentiation
Authors: Garcia-Gutierrez Pablo , Juarez-Vicente Francisco , Wolgemuth Debra J. , Garcia-Dominguez Mario
Published: April 2014

Bromodomain-containing protein 2 (Brd2) is a BET family chromatin adaptor required for expression of cell cycle associated genes and therefore involved in cell cycle progression. Brd2 is expressed in proliferating neuronal progenitors, displays cell cycle-stimulating activity and, when overexpressed, impairs neuronal differentiation. Paradoxically, Brd2 is also detected in differentiating neurons. To shed light on the role of Brd2 in the transition from cell proliferation to differentiation we have looked for Brd2 interacting proteins upon induction of neuronal differentiation. Surprisingly, we have identified the growth factor Pleiotrophin (Ptn). Ptn antagonizes the cell cycle-stimulating activity associated with Brd2, thus enhancing induced neuronal differentiation. Moreover, Ptn knockdown reduces neuronal differentiation. Ptn-mediated antagonism of Brd2 has been assessed in a cell differentiation model and in two embryonic processes associated with the neural tube: spinal cord neurogenesis and neural crest migration. Finally we have investigated the mechanisms of Ptn-mediated antagonism and determined that Ptn destabilizes Brd2 association with chromatin. Thus, Ptn-Brd2 antagonism emerges as a modulation system accounting for the balance between cell proliferation and differentiation in the vertebrate nervous system.
Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Racemic Allylic Alcohols via Hydrolase–Metal Combo Catalysis: An Effective Method for the Synthesis of Optically Active Compounds
Authors: Akai Shuji
Published: April 2014

This review focuses on the dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of racemic allylic alcohols to produce allylic esters in high chemical and optical yields, which was achieved by combining hydrolase-catalyzed kinetic resolution and in situ racemization of the remaining less reactive enantiomers. Two classes of racemization catalysts, e.g., Ru complexes and oxovanadium compounds, are mainly discussed. Typical examples of DKR are shown along with their application in the concise syntheses of optically active compounds as valuable synthetic intermediates. The domino process integrating DKR with the active use of the installed acyl moiety for subsequent intramolecular cyclization is also discussed, which has great potential for the asymmetric syntheses of optically active fused cyclic molecules possessing multiple stereogenic centers.
The HMO Research Network Virtual Data Warehouse: A Public Data Model to Support
Collaboration
Authors: Ross Tyler R. , Ng Daniel , Brown Jeffrey S. , Pardee Roy , Hornbrook Mark C. , Hart Gene , Steiner John F.
Published: April 2014

The HMO Research Network (HMORN) Virtual Data Warehouse (VDW) is a public,
non-proprietary, research-focused data model implemented at 17 health care systems
across theUnited States. The HMORN has created a governance structure and specified
policies concerning the VDW’s content, development, implementation, and quality
assurance. Data extracted from the VDW have been used by thousands of studies published
in peer-reviewed journal articles. Advances in software supporting care delivery and
claims processing and the availability of new data sources have greatly expanded the
data available for research, but substantially increased the complexity of data
management. The VDW data model incorporates software and data advances to ensure that
comprehensive, up-to-date data of known quality are available for research. VDW
governance works to accommodate new data and system complexities. This article
highlights the HMORN VDW data model, its governance principles, data content, and
quality assurance procedures. Our goal is to share the VDW data model and its operations
to those wishing to implement a distributed interoperable health care data
system.
The Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Treatment of Noncontiguous Spinal Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Study in 23 Cases
Authors: Huang Jia , Zhang Hongqi , Zeng Kefeng , Gao Qile
Published: April 2014

Study design

A retrospective clinical study.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the surgical treatment of noncontiguous spinal tuberculosis (NSTB), and to discuss its therapeutic strategies.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of clinical and radiographic data that were prospectively collected on 550 consecutive spinal tubercular patients including 27 patients who were diagnosed and treated as NSTB in our institution from June 2005 to June 2011. Apart from 4 patients being treated conservatively, the remainder received surgery by posterior transforaminal debridement, interbody fusion with instrumentation, posterior instrumentation and anterior debridement with fusion in a single or two-stage operation. The clinical outcomes were evaluated before and after treatment in terms of hematologic and radiographic examinations, bone fusion and neurologic status. The Oswestry Disability Index score was determined before treatment and at the last follow-up visit.

Results

23 patients (15 M/8F), averaged 44.6±14.2 years old (range, 19 to 70 yd), who received surgical treatment, were followed up after surgery for a mean of 52.5±19.5 months (range, 24 to 72 months). The kyphotic angle was changed significantly between pre- and postoperation (P<0.05). The mean amount of correction was 12.6±7.2 degrees, with a small loss of correction at last follow-up. All patients achieved solid bone fusion. No patients with neurological deficit deteriorated postoperatively. Neither mortalities nor any major complications were found. There was a significant difference of Oswestry Disability Index scores between preoperation and the final follow-up.

Conclusion

The outcomes of follow-up showed that posterior and posterior-anterior surgical treatment methods were both viable surgical options for NSTB. Posterior transforaminal debridement, interbody fusion and posterior instrumentation, as a less invasive technique, was feasible and effective to treat specific tubercular foci.
A diagram for co-participation
Authors: Tait Stuart
Published: April 2014

This article explores the roles of ‘collaborator’ and ‘participant’ in what might loosely be described as collective art practice. I propose that social roles, including those of artist, participant and collaborator, are altogether more flexible and permeable than conventionally thought. The article begins with Manuel DeLanda’s development of his ‘assemblage theory’ of society and the possibility of considering collaborations as assemblages. I then discuss Erving Goffman’s concept of ‘role adjustments’ in order to discuss the way participants change positions within a project as it is enacted; Pierre Bourdieu’s ‘Habitus’ highlights how participants and collaborators orientate themselves within the social; and finally, Gilles Deleuze’s ‘diagram’ outlines how a theory of collectivity can be multiple. The article argues for a synthesis of participation and collaboration, which allows for a reflexive and performative process of collective practice that produces a collective social space.
Private Romantik, öffentlicher Pragmatismus?
Authors: Müller Martin
Published: April 2014

Was ist der politische cash value von Richard Rortys Neopragmatismus? Dieses Buch wendet die pragmatische Methode auf Rortys Denken selbst an und fragt u.a.: Ist die Figur der liberalen Ironikerin, die eine pragmatisch-kommunitaristische Verabschiedung des Begründungsproblems verkörpert, überzeugend? In dieser ersten umfassenden deutschsprachigen Monografie zu Rortys Neopragmatismus rekonstruiert Martin Müller dessen Neubeschreibung des Liberalismus als spannungsreiche Verbindung von Romantik und Pragmatismus und arbeitet im Vergleich vor allem mit Habermas, Rawls und Walzer seinen - ethisch motivierten - transformativen Charakter heraus. Das Buch enthält zudem einen E-Mail-Austausch zwischen Richard Rorty und dem Autor.
Die Indigenenbewegung in Ecuador
Authors: Altmann Philipp
Published: April 2014

Die Indigenenbewegung ist trotz ihrer enormen Diversität ein wichtiger sozialer Akteur in der ecuadorianischen Gesellschaft. Seit einer Sattelzeit zwischen Mitte der 1970er und Mitte der 1980er Jahre hat sie einen Diskurs herausgebildet, der identitäre mit klassistischen Positionen verbindet und um die politischen Begriffe indigene Nationalität, Territorialität, Plurinationalität, Interkulturalität und Gutes Leben herum aufgebaut ist. Philipp Altmann zeigt, wie sich dieser Diskurs gegen die koloniale Strukturierung der Gesellschaft und ihre Auswirkungen - wie etwa Diskriminierung und Ungleichheit - wendet und daher dekolonial zu verstehen ist.
Zukunft am Ende
Authors: Lahusen Christiane
Published: April 2014

Alles Ostalgie? 1989 stellte für viele eine Zäsur dar - eine große Zahl an sogenannten Nachwende-Erinnerungstexten sind daraufhin entstanden, anhand derer sich die Auswirkungen der Wende auf die kulturellen Sinnsysteme analysieren lassen. Im Mittelpunkt dieses Buches stehen als Untergruppe solcher Texte die Autobiographien von DDR-Geisteswissenschaftlern. Christiane Lahusens Analyse zeigt, dass diese nicht als rückwirkende Verklärungen der DDR-Wirklichkeit abgetan werden können. Vielmehr ergibt sich ein wesentlich komplexeres Bild: Die Autobiographien sind weniger Vergangenheits- als Zukunftstexte, denn erst der Zusammenbruch des Staatssozialismus erlaubte den Autobiographen den Rückbezug auf eine politische Utopie, die ihnen zu DDR-Zeiten längst abhanden gekommen war.
Subjekt mit Körper
Authors: Läubli Martina
Published: April 2014

Wer bin ich? Um diese Frage dreht sich jedes autobiografische Schreiben - auch die literarische Selbsterforschung von Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Karl Philipp Moritz und W.G. Sebald. Erzählerisch radikal erforschen ihre Texte die Widersprüche moderner Subjektivität. Martina Läubli richtet den Blick auf die Verschränkung von Denk- und Körpererfahrungen und von Körper und Männlichkeit. Sie zeigt, wie die Aufklärer Rousseau und Moritz die philosophische Trennung von Körper und Geist in literarischer Form unterwandern - und wie Sebald am Ende des gewaltsamen 20. Jahrhunderts versucht, die Scherben moderner Subjektivität aufzusammeln.
Singular equivariant asymptotics and Weyl’s law. On the distribution of eigenvalues of an invariant elliptic operator
Authors: Ramacher Pablo
Published: April 2014

We study the spectrum of an invariant, elliptic, classical pseudodifferential operator on a closed Riemannian manifoldMcarrying an effective and isometric action of a compact, connected Lie groupG. Using resolution of singularities, we determine the asymptotic distribution of eigenvalues along the isotypic components, and relate it to the reduction of the corresponding Hamiltonian flow, proving that the reduced spectral counting function satisfies Weyl’s law, together with an estimate for the remainder.