bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mosquirix (RTS,S): A Novel Vaccine for the Prevention of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria
Authors: Wilby Kyle J , Lau Tim TY , Gilchrist Samuel E , Ensom Mary HH
Published: March 2012

Objective:

To summarize and evaluate the literature for Mosquirix (RTS,S) and provide insight into the therapeutic and economic controversies of this novel malaria vaccine candidate.

Data Sources:

A systematic literature search was performed using the terms Mosquirix; RTS.S; malaria; vaccine; and Plasmodium in MEDLINE (1948–November 2011), EMBASE (1980–November 2011), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-November 2011), Google, and Google Scholar.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Clinical trials describing vaccine development, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety were reviewed. For efficacy, clinical trials were reviewed that reported acquisition of malarial disease. Information regarding study design, population, study period, baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes, results, and assessors of quality was extracted.

Data Synthesis:

Five randomized controlled trials and 4 follow-up extension studies were identified. In Phase 2 trials, vaccine efficacy rates were 33–65% in infants and 30–53% in children for preventing the first episode of clinic a) disease. In Phase 3 trials, vaccine efficacy was 56% in children aged 5–17 months. RTS,S reduced (he number of clinical malaria episodes and prevented severe malaria in several studies. The follow-up period for vaccine efficacy ranged from 6 to 45 months. RTS,S 25 μg is administered intramuscularly as 3 injections given 1 month apart for infants and children. RTS,S appears to be generally well tolerated. A few cases of meningitis and seizures (within 7 days of vaccination) have been reported.

Conclusions:

RTS,S has demonstrated efficacy and safety in Phase 1, 2, and 3 trials, and has the potential to decrease morbidity and mortality from malaria worldwide. Major challenges include determination of the duration of immunity, assessment of its cost-effectiveness, its use in special populations, and its dissemination in endemic regions. Pending further studies, RTS,S has the potential to become the benchmark as the first effective vaccine against malaria.
CouchSurfing and network hospitality: 'It's not just about the furniture'
Authors: Molz Jennie Germann
Published: March 2012

This article introduces a collection of ethnographies that develop innovative theoretical and methodological approaches to CouchSurfing.com, a free online hospitality exchange network. The growing popularity of CouchSurfing poses significant questions about the way hospitality is performed
in an era of digital communications, online social networking and alternative travel. The studies in this issue bring fresh insights to the sociological and cultural significance of hospitality in a networked world by offering detailed accounts of the new possibilities and new problems that
emerge when complete strangers encounter one another online and accommodate one another offline. This article introduces the concept of 'network hospitality' to highlight some of the features that make CouchSurfing and similar social networking sites such a compelling topic of research for
critical hospitality studies.
Hospitality, secrecy and gossip in Morocco: Hosting CouchSurfers against great odds
Authors: Buchberger Sonja
Published: March 2012

Online hospitality exchange networks whose members offer and request free overnight stays at other members' homes have been founded in the 'West', but the increasing number of members in non-western societies poses challenging questions about issues of reciprocity and the assumed equality
of members worldwide. In addition to limited access to international leisure travel and the role of the 'guest' in hospitality exchange, being a 'host' also faces great odds in various societies. An ethnographic study on the practice of CouchSurfing in Marrakech (February–July 2010)
shows that several Moroccan members, who live with their parents, express the wish to host but their participation is actually limited to showing people around. Departing from the observation that hosting, both at the home of members' parents or in single households, causes considerable gossip
and speculative contemplation among neighbours, this article explores CouchSurfing's entanglement with (other) local forms of hospitality and discrepancies with cultural conventions regarding what people view as appropriate reception of guests. The conflict and gossip crystallize around moral
concerns about sexual relations between Moroccan men and 'western' women on the one hand, and expected reciprocity and assumed financial remuneration on the other.
REVIEWS
Authors: Marlin Demelza , Conway Jay , Yun Ohsoon
Published: March 2012

HOSTING THE STRANGER: BETWEEN RELIGIONS, RICHARD KEARNEY AND JAMES TAYLOR(EDS) (2011) London and New York: Continuum Press, 196 pp., ISBN: 9781441158086 (pbk), £16.99

POLITICS OF THE GIFT: EXCHANGES IN POSTSRUCTURALISM, GERALD MOORE (2011) Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press,
224 pp., ISBN: 978-0-7486-4202 (hbk), £65.00

COFFEE CULTURE, DESTINATIONS AND TOURISM, LEE JOLIFFE (2010) Bristol: Channel View Publications, x+235 pp., ISBN 978 1 845411428, p/bk, £24.95
Editorial – Iraq and human rights
Authors: Strawson John , Collins Barry
Published: March 2012

Human rights and democracy are the products of the active participation of people building their own societies. From the perspective of the Arab Spring the US-led war to enforce democratic regime change from the outside appears all the more arrogant and colonial. The involvement of
the United Nations in giving legitimacy to the process is highly problematic especially as its own recent report assesses the human rights situation in Iraq as 'fragile'. It will be Iraqi citizens drawing on their own resources who will create an authentic human rights culture.
Identifying and recording every casualty of armed conflict
Authors: Breau Susan C. , Joyce Rachel
Published: March 2012

This article discusses the international legal obligation to identify and record every casualty of armed conflict that finds its basis in the treaties and customs of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The article applies the various facets of the legal
obligation to the armed conflicts in Iraq and Sri Lanka and argues that the parties in these conflicts failed in their international legal responsibility to civilians.
Human rights imperialism: Extra-territorial jurisdiction and the Al Skeini case
Authors: Collins Barry
Published: March 2012

In the 2007 case of R (Al-Skeini) v. Secretary of State for Defence (2007), the United Kingdom refused to extend rights under the European Convention on Human Rights to civilians shot by British troops who were at that time in occupation of the Iraqi city of Basra. It justified this
refusal on the grounds that it would constitute 'human rights imperialism' to apply European human rights norms to Iraq. This article examines some of the historical resonances of this decision, analysing the reasoning of the House of Lords in the context of Britain's former relationship to
its colonial possessions and its historical scepticism of European Human Rights Institutions.
Die kognitive Struktur von Hoffnung. Zwei mittelalterliche Erklärungsmodelle
Authors: Perler Dominik
Published: March 2012

Medieval philosophers took hope to be an emotion with a cognitive content. It is precisely this content, they argued, that makes it an intentional phenomenon. But how is its specific content to be characterized? How is it to be distinguished from the content of other emotions? And what kind of cognitive activities are required to produce it? This paper discusses these questions, focusing on Thomas Aquinas’ and William of Ockham’s explanatory models. It pays particular attention to the role these authors ascribed to intellect and will, the two rational faculties. While Aquinas defended an intellectualist view, claiming that it is the intellect alone that fixes the cognitive content and brings about hope, Ockham subscribed to a voluntarist view, affirming that the will always needs to give its assent to the content presented by the intellect. Given this disagreement, they gave different accounts of the responsibility we have for rational as well as irrational forms of hope.
Die Kunst des guten Hoffens
Authors: McGeer Victoria
Published: March 2012

What is hope? Though variously characterized as a cognitive attitude, an emotion, a disposition, and even a process or activity, I argue that it is, more deeply, a unifying and grounding force of human agency. Since we cannot live a human life without hope, questions about the rationality of hope are properly recast as questions about what it means to hope well. This thesis is defended and elaborated in four parts. In the first two sections, I argue that hope is an essential and distinctive feature of human agency, both conceptually and developmentally. I then explore a number of dimensions of agency that are critically implicated in the art of hoping well, drawing on several examples from George Eliot’s Middlemarch. I conclude with a short section that suggests how hoping well in an individual context may be extended to hope at the collective level.
Logik in der philosophischen Lehre
Authors: Fuhrmann André
Published: March 2012

Ansgar Beckermann: Einführung in die Logik. Verlag Walter de Gruyter, 3. Aufl., Berlin 2011, 382 S.

Franz von Kutschera/Alfred Breitkopf: Einführung in die moderne Logik. Verlag Karl Alber, 8. Aufl., Freiburg 2007, 220 S.

Winfried Löffler: Einführung in die Logik. Verlag W. Kohlhammer, Stuttgart 2008, 273 S.

Graham Priest: Einführung in die nicht-klassische Logik. Mentis Verlag, Paderborn 2008, 320 S.

Wolfgang Rautenberg: Einführung in die Mathematische Logik. Vieweg+Teubner Verlag, 3. Aufl., Wiesbaden 2008, 249 S.

Sven Rosenkranz: Einführung in die Logik. J. B. Metzler Verlag, Stuttgart 2006, 236 S .

Niko Strobach: Einführung in die Logik. Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft, Darmstadt 2005, 159 S.

Michael Wolff: Einführung in die Logik. Verlag C. H. Beck, München 2006, 195 S.

Thomas Zoglauer: Einführung in die formale Logik für Philosophen, Verlag Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht/UTB, 4. Aufl., Göttingen 2010, 187 S.
Wie gemeinsames Handeln unseren guten Ruf rettet
Authors: Bratu Christine
Published: March 2012

Hans Bernard Schmid: Moralische Integrität. Kritik eines Konstrukts, Suhrkamp Verlag, Berlin 2011, 307 S.
Concordância entre informações do Cartão da Gestante e da memória materna sobre assistência pré-natal
Authors: Santos Neto Edson Theodoro dos , Leal Maria do Carmo , Oliveira Adauto Emmerich , Zandonade Eliana , Gama Silvana Granado Nogueira da
Published: March 2012

Este estudo seccional objetivou verificar a concordância entre as informações prestadas por puérperas e as registradas nos cartões das gestantes sobre assistência pré-natal no Sistema Único de Saúde da Região Metropolitana da Grande Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil. Considerou-se uma população de estudo de 1.035 puérperas, entrevistadas em oito maternidades, onde os cartões foram copiados. A representatividade da amostra foi garantida pela estratificação segundo a proporção de nascidos vivos. Informações foram coletadas, processadas e submetidas aos testes de kappa e McNemar. Os níveis de concordância sobre assistência pré-natal foram predominantemente ruins (kappa < 0,20). Puérperas tendem a superestimar a quantidade de consultas pré-natais (McNemar = 51,73; valor de p = 0,001), afirmar doenças gestacionais, como diabetes, anemia, hipertensão e infecções urinárias, relatar a execução de exames laboratoriais e clínicos. Os resultados sugerem uma reflexão sobre dados utilizados para o planejamento de políticas em saúde pública materno-infantil, visto que há variação conforme a fonte de informação.
Risco de suicídio e comportamentos de risco à saúde em jovens de 18 a 24 anos: um estudo descritivo
Authors: Ores Liliane da Costa , Quevedo Luciana de Avila , Jansen Karen , Carvalho Adriana Bezerra de , Cardoso Taiane Azevedo , Souza Luciano Dias de Mattos , Pinheiro Ricardo Tavares , Silva Ricardo Azevedo da
Published: March 2012

O objetivo foi avaliar risco de suicídio e comportamentos de risco em jovens. Estudo transversal na zona urbana de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, realizado por amostragem sistemática. Foram incluídos jovens de 18 a 24 anos, com capacidade cognitiva e que assinaram termo de consentimento. Foram aferidos risco de suicídio (MINI); comportamentos de risco (YRBSS); abuso/dependência de substâncias (ASSIST); e nível socioeconômico (ABEP). Os dados foram analisados no programa SPSS. A amostra constituiu-se de 1560 jovens e a prevalência de risco de suicídio foi de 8,6%. O risco de suicídio foi associado com: ter sofrido acidente com necessidade de ir ao pronto-socorro (p = 0,011), ter entrado em briga com agressão física (p = 0,016), ter carregado arma branca (p = 0,001) e arma de fogo (p < 0,001), ter abuso/dependência de substâncias (p < 0,001), não ter utilizado preservativo na última relação sexual (p = 0,025), não ter parceiro fixo (p < 0,001) e ter relação sexual com cinco ou mais pessoas (p = 0,018). Jovens com comportamentos de risco também demonstram indícios de risco de suicídio.
Automedicação em idosos residentes em Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil: prevalência e fatores associados
Authors: Oliveira Marcelo Antunes de , Francisco Priscila Maria Stolses Bergamo , Costa Karen Sarmento , Barros Marilisa Berti de Azevedo
Published: March 2012

O objetivo foi avaliar a prevalência e fatores associados à automedicação em idosos e identificar os principais fármacos consumidos sem prescrição. Estudo transversal de base populacional, com amostra estratificada por conglomerados e em dois estágios realizado em Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil, em 2008-2009. Dos 1.515 idosos, 80,4% referiram uso de ao menos um medicamento nos três dias anteriores à pesquisa. Desses, 91,1% relataram consumo exclusivo de medicamentos prescritos e o restante (8,9%), uso simultâneo de prescritos e não prescritos. Após ajuste, idade > 80 anos, hipertensão arterial, presença de doenças crônicas, uso de serviços de saúde, realização de consultas odontológicas e filiação a plano médico de saúde estiveram associadas negativamente, e renda per capita, positivamente à automedicação. Os fármacos sem prescrição mais consumidos foram dipirona, AAS, diclofenaco, Ginkgo biloba, paracetamol e homeopáticos. Sobretudo entre idosos, a assistência farmacêutica deve ser priorizada para evitar o uso incorreto de medicamentos e garantir o acesso aos fármacos necessários ao tratamento.
Yo-Yo IR2 test e teste de margaria: validade, confiabilidade e obtenção da frequência cardíaca máxima em jogadores jovens de futebol
Authors: Silva Cristiano Diniz da , Natali Antônio José , Lima Jorge Roberto Perrout de , Bara Filho Maurício Gattás , Garcia Emerson Silami , Marins João Carlos Bouzas
Published: March 2012

Os objetivos do presente estudo foram: i) avaliar a validade de constructo do Yo-Yo Intermittente Recovery Test Level 2 (Yo-Yo IR2) e do teste de Margaria (TM) com o desempenho em alta intensidade de exercício durante jogos oficiais em jogadores de futebol; ii) verificar a confiabilidade (teste-reteste) dos dois testes; iii) comparar os valores da frequência cardíaca máxima (FCM) obtida nesses protocolos e em jogo. Dezoito jogadores (média ± DP; idade 14 ± 0,8 anos, estatura 172 ± 9cm, peso 64,3 ± 8,5kg) pertencentes à mesma equipe foram avaliados em teste-reteste nos referidos protocolos e no percentual de tempo de permanência acima de 85% da FCM individual (PTP>85%FCM) em dois jogos oficiais do Campeonato Mineiro Infantil. Uma alta correlação foi encontrada entre o desempenho no Yo-Yo IR2 e PTP>85%FCM (rs = 0,71; p < 0,05). Não houve correlação estatisticamente significante entre o desempenho no TM e PTP>85%FCM (rs = 0,44; p = 0,06). O Yo-Yo IR2 se mostrou mais variável e menos reprodutível (CV = 11%; CCI [95% IC] = 0,38) do que TM (CV = 1%; CCI [95% IC] = 0,93). O maior valor de FCM (p < 0,001) ocorreu no jogo (202 ± 8bpm). A FCM no Yo-Yo IR2 (194 ± 4bpm) foi menor (p < 0,006) do que TM (197 ± 6bpm). Conclui-se que o Yo-Yo IR2 pode ser considerado mais válido para predizer a manutenção de alta intensidade de exercício em jogo que é uma importante medida de desempenho no futebol. Porém, há necessidade de padronização rigorosa entre os procedimentos de avaliação para estabilidade da medida. A FCM deve ser observada em diversas situações, principalmente competitiva, para possibilitar que ocorra o maior valor individual.
Resposta da taxa metabólica de repouso após 16 semanas de treinamento com pesos em mulheres na pós-menopausa
Authors: Bonganha Valéria , Conceição Miguel Soares , Chacon-Mikahil Mara Patrícia Traina , Madruga Vera Aparecida
Published: March 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: As alterações corporais provenientes da menopausa como a diminuição da massa magra (MM), aumento e redistribuição da gordura corporal e diminuição do gasto energético de repouso, colaboram para o aumento nas dimensões corporais e subsequente aumento da massa corporal total. Nesse sentido, os benefícios reconhecidos do treinamento com pesos (TP) não estão atrelados apenas ao aumento da força e hipertrofia muscular, mas também à composição corporal e, consequentemente, na taxa metabólica de repouso (RMR). OBJETIVO: Avaliar a resposta da RMR após 16 semanas de TP em mulheres na pós-menopausa. MÉTODOS: Participaram 28 voluntárias, subdivididas em dois grupos: treinamento (GT n = 17) e controle (GC n = 11). O programa de TP foi realizado em três sessões semanais, em dias alternados e com duração de aproximadamente 60 min/sessão, por 16 semanas. A intensidade da carga foi determinada por meio de zona alvo de repetições máximas (RM), com reajuste semanal de carga. O consumo de oxigênio (O2) e da produção de gás carbônico (CO2), por meio de calorimetria indireta de circuito aberto, foi utilizado para cálculo da RMR segundo equação de Weir (1949). ANÁLISE ESTATÍSTICA: Foi utilizado pacote estatístico Bioestat na versão 5.0, com nível de significância de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Houve aumento significante dos valores de MM e força muscular, somente no GT. Não foram encontradas diferenças significantes para os valores da RMR após a intervenção para ambos os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: O programa de TP de 16 semanas foi eficiente para promover alterações na composição corporal e força muscular de mulheres na pós-menopausa; entretanto, não houve alteração da RMR após a intervenção.
Mechanisms mediating plant distributions across estuarine landscapes in a low‐latitude tidal estuary
Authors: Guo Hongyu , Pennings Steven C.
Published: March 2012

Understanding of how plant communities are organized and will respond to global changes requires an understanding of how plant species respond to multiple environmental gradients. We examined the mechanisms mediating the distribution patterns of tidal marsh plants along an estuarine gradient in Georgia (USA) using a combination of field transplant experiments and monitoring. Our results could not be fully explained by the “competition‐to‐stress hypothesis” (the current paradigm explaining plant distributions across estuarine landscapes). This hypothesis states that the upstream limits of plant distributions are determined by competition, and the downstream limits by abiotic stress. We found that competition was generally strong in freshwater and brackish marshes, and that conditions in brackish and salt marshes were stressful to freshwater marsh plants, results consistent with the competition‐to‐stress hypothesis. Four other aspects of our results, however, were not explained by the competition‐to‐stress hypothesis. First, several halophytes found the freshwater habitat stressful and performed best (in the absence of competition) in brackish or salt marshes. Second, the upstream distribution of one species was determined by the combination of both abiotic and biotic (competition) factors. Third, marsh productivity (estimated by standing biomass) was a better predictor of relative biotic interaction intensity (RII) than was salinity or flooding, suggesting that productivity is a better indicator of plant stress than salinity or flooding gradients. Fourth, facilitation played a role in mediating the distribution patterns of some plants. Our results illustrate that even apparently simple abiotic gradients can encompass surprisingly complex processes mediating plant distributions.
Species diversity reduces parasite infection through cross‐generational effects on host abundance
Authors: Johnson Pieter T. J. , Preston Daniel L. , Hoverman Jason T. , Henderson Jeremy S. , Paull Sara H. , Richgels Katherine L. D. , Redmond Miranda D.
Published: March 2012

With growing interest in the effects of biodiversity on disease, there is a critical need for studies that empirically identify the mechanisms underlying the diversity–disease relationship. Here, we combined wetland surveys of host community structure with mechanistic experiments involving a multi‐host parasite to evaluate competing explanations for the dilution effect. Sampling of 320 wetlands in California indicated that snail host communities were strongly nested, with competent hosts for the trematodeRibeiroia ondatraepredominating in low‐richness assemblages and unsuitable hosts increasingly present in more diverse communities. Moreover, competent host density was negatively associated with increases in snail species richness. These patterns in host community assembly support a key prerequisite underlying the dilution effect. Results of multigenerational mesocosm experiments designed to mimic field‐observed community assemblages allowed us to evaluate the relative importance of host density and diversity in influencing parasite infection success. Increases in snail species richness (from one to four species) had sharply negative effects on the density of infected hosts (∼90% reduction). However, this effect was indirect; competition associated with non‐host species led to a 95% reduction in host density (susceptible host regulation), owing primarily to a reduction in host reproduction. Among susceptible hosts, there were no differences in infection prevalence as a function of community structure, indicating a lack of support for a direct effect of diversity on infection (encounter reduction). In monospecific conditions, higher initial host densities increased infection among adult hosts; however, compensatory reproduction in the low‐density treatments equalized the final number of infected hosts by the next generation, underscoring the relevance of multigenerational studies in understanding the dilution effect. These findings highlight the role of interspecific competition in mediating the relationship between species richness and parasite infection and emphasize the importance of field‐informed experimental research in understanding mechanisms underlying the diversity–disease relationship.
Annual tree growth, mortality, physical condition, and microsite in an old‐growth tropical rain forest, 1983–2010
Authors: Clark David B. , Clark Deborah A.
Published: March 2012

Tree species richness in a tropical rain forest typically exceeds several hundred species over mesoscale landscapes. There is no generally accepted ecological theory that accounts for the coexistence of so many species with the same general morphologies and the same basic requirements of light, nutrients, water, and physical space. In part this lack of theory rests on the lack of understanding of the post‐establishment ecology for the vast majority of tropical tree species. Of even more immediate concern is the lack of data on tree performance in relation to climate; such data are critical to project effects of global climate change on tropical forests.

Here we present data on the post‐establishment ecology of 10 species of tropical wet forest trees selected to span a range of predicted life history patterns. The study site was terra firme old‐growth tropical wet forest at the La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. Particular emphasis has been placed on evaluating the precision of measurements, metadata development, and annual measurements of all individuals; the annual time step is a temporal interval that captures the scale of climate and microhabitat variations and the responses of trees to this variation in tropical rain forest.

We present data on survivorship, growth, and microhabitat for 4027 individuals from established seedling to canopy‐level individuals measured annually between 1983 and 2010 (the study is ongoing and complete through 2011), thus adding 10 years' data and >600 new individuals to the data set we published in Ecological Archives in 2006. The data set is unique in its scope (number of years of continuous annual measurements, number of monitored individuals) as well as in the degree of metadata documentation and unrestricted access to the raw data (data sets published in 2000, 2006, and this paper). The data have been used to study life history patterns, relations with microhabitats including edaphic factors and crown light environments, relations among ecophysiology, morphology, and performance, the relation of tree performance to climate variation both at local and global scales, and in a variety of remote‐sensing studies.

The complete data sets corresponding to abstracts published in the Data Papers section of the journal are published electronically in Ecological Archives at 〈http://esapubs.org/archive〉. (The accession number for each Data Paper is given directly beneath the title.)
Simulation and Comparison Between Mid-Holocene and Preindustrial Indian Summer Monsoon Circulation Using a Regional Climate Model
Authors: Polanski Stefan , Rinke Annette , Dethloff Klaus , J. Lorenz Stephan , Wang Yongbo , Herzschuh Ulrike
Published: March 2012

The regional climate model HIRHAM has been applied over the Asian continent from 0°N to 50°N and 42°E to 110°E to simulate the Indian monsoon circulation under past and present-day conditions. The model is driven at the lateral and lower boundaries by the atmospheric output fields of the global coupled Earth system model ECHAM5- JSBACH/MPIOM for 44-years-long time slices during the mid-Holocene and the preindustrial present-day climate. Simulations with a horizontal resolution of 50 km are carried out to analyze the regional monsoon patterns under different external solar forcing and climatic conditions. The focus is on the investigation of the HIRHAM simulated summer monsoon circulation and the comparison of the regional atmospheric circulation and precipitation patterns between the paleo- and the preindustrial climate. Due to mid-Holocene changes in the atmospheric circulation with a reduced and southward shifted monsoonal flow across Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, an increase of summer rainfall at the windward
slopes of western and southern Himalayas as well as over southern India and decreased rainfall over central India appear which is in agreement with proxy-derived precipitation reconstructions. During the mid-Holocene as well as for the present-day climate the same driving mechanisms for the summer monsoon in extreme wet monsoon years related to regional SST anomalies in the Indian Ocean and convective processes can be verified. Positive (negative) SST anomalies in the northern Indian Ocean enhance (inhibit) the local convection associated with a deepening (weakening) of the low pressure and trigger wet (dry) rainfall anomalies.
Unusually High Intra-abdominal Opening Pressure Confirmed by
Simultaneous Gastric Pressure Measurement during Laparoscopy
Authors: Matulewicz Richard , R. Gargiulo Antonio , H. Loring Stephen , Ferrigno Massimo
Published: March 2012

A 28 year-old obese woman was scheduled for robot-assisted bilateral tubal re-anastomosis under general
anesthesia and neuromuscular blockade. As part of a respiratory mechanics study, gastric pressure (Pga) was measured. At
the beginning of the operation, the surgeon repeatedly inserted a Veress needle consistently measuring an unusually high
opening pressure of 15 mmHg, at a time when Pga was 12.5 mmHg. Based on the elevated Pga values, we inferred that
the high opening pressure was a valid intra-peritoneal pressure, rather than a sign of incorrect needle placement; therefore,
the surgeon proceeded with uneventful insufflation of the peritoneal cavity. This patient exhibited an unusually high
opening intra-abdominal pressure that likely reflected her high degree of central obesity. Simultaneous Pga determination
proved valuable in confirming intra-peritoneal location of the tip of Veress needle and may be a viable method of
corroborating high opening pressures despite safe needle positions in laparoscopic cases.
Non-Anatomic Proximal Realignment for Recurrent Patellar Dislocation Does Not Sufficiently Prevent Redislocation
Authors: Efe Turgay , Seibold Julia , Geßlein Markus , Schüttler Karl , Schmitt Jan , Schofer Markus D , Fuchs-Winkelmann Susanne , Heyse Thomas J
Published: March 2012

Several operative techniques have been described for recurrent patellar dislocation. Clinical results vary depending on the procedure and indication. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcome of Insall’s proximal realignment for recurrent patellar dislocation at mid-term follow-up. Forty-five patients were reviewed with a mean follow-up period of 49 months after having undergone Insall’s procedure. Outcome measures included reports of redislocations, complications, patient-reported outcome scores (Kujala, Tegner activity scale) and subjective assessment. No statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) in patient-reported outcome measures were noted. Sixteen patients (35%) had poor to fair results using the Kujala score. Subjective assessment revealed that 12 patients (27%) were dissatisfied with the outcome of their surgery and would not undergo the same procedure. Ten patients (22%) had suffered from redislocation at the latest follow-up. In 4 cases (9%), intra-articular knee hematoma occurred which required arthroscopic intervention. The overall mid-term outcome of the present study shows low patient satisfaction. Non-anatomic realignment for recurrent patellar dislocation does not adequately prevent redislocation.
Case Report: “Spina Ventosa” Tuberculous Dactylitis in a 2 Year Old Boy - A Very Rare Disease
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Ranadeb , Mukherjee Arindam , Mondal Rajib Kumar
Published: March 2012

Tuberculous infection of metacarpals, metatarsals and phalanges is known as tuberculous dactylitis. There is a spindle shaped expansion of the short tubular bones due to tuberculous granuloma. Hence it is also known as spina ventosa. In our case, a two year old boy with a swelling in the metacarpal was provisionally diagnosed as enchondromata while the possibility of spina ventosa was kept in mind. He was posted for excision of the metacarpal followed by bone grafting. Histopathological examination report confirmed it as spina ventosa.
Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Kidney Disease
Authors: Fabrizi Fabrizio , Martin Paul , Dixit Vivek , Messa Piergiorgio
Published: March 2012

Background and objectives

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and kidney disease are both highly prevalent diseases. The association between HCV and GN has been supported by previous research but little is known about the relationship between HCV and kidney disease.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

A systematic review of the published medical literature was conducted to determine if HCV is associated with increased likelihood of kidney disease in the general population. A random-effects model was used to generate a summary estimate of the relative risk for kidney disease, defined as an estimated GFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 or proteinuria, with HCV across the published studies.

Results

Nine clinical studies (817,917 unique individuals) were identified. Pooling of study results demonstrated the absence of a relationship between HCV seropositive status and reduced estimated GFR (adjusted relative risk, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.91, 1.38; P=0.28) according to the random-effects model. HCV seropositive serology was an independent and significant risk factor for proteinuria (defined by urine dipstick test or spot urine albumin/creatinine ratio) in the general population, with a summary estimate for adjusted relative risk of 1.47 (95% confidence interval, 1.12, 1.94; P=0.006). Significant heterogeneity was observed between studies (Ri=0.82; P value by Q test, <0.001).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis shows that HCV is independently associated with proteinuria but not with reduced GFR in the general population. Substantial heterogeneity occurred.
Differential Diagnosis of Nongap Metabolic Acidosis
Authors: Kraut Jeffrey A. , Madias Nicolaos E.
Published: March 2012

Nongap metabolic acidosis is a common form of both acute and chronic metabolic acidosis. Because derangements in renal acid-base regulation are a common cause of nongap metabolic acidosis, studies to evaluate renal acidification often serve as the mainstay of differential diagnosis. However, in many cases, information obtained from the history and physical examination, evaluation of the electrolyte pattern (to determine if a nongap acidosis alone or a combined nongap and high anion gap metabolic acidosis is present), and examination of the serum potassium concentration (to characterize the disorder as hyperkalemic or hypokalemic in nature) is sufficient to make a presumptive diagnosis without more sophisticated studies. If this information proves insufficient, indirect estimates or direct measurement of urinary NH4
+ concentration, measurement of urine pH, and assessment of urinary HCO3
− excretion can help in establishing the diagnosis. This review summarizes current information concerning the pathophysiology of this electrolyte pattern and the value and limitations of all of the diagnostic studies available. It also provides a systematic and cost-effective approach to the differential diagnosis of nongap metabolic acidosis.
Changes in Monetary Income for People Aged Seventy and Over in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Hsiang Ping , Lee Mei Lin , Lin Chia Ching
Published: March 2012

We analyzed the changes in, and sources of, income for the elderly from 1989 to 1999 using data from The Survey of the Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan (Bureau of Health Promotion, 2009). Monthly monetary income was higher in 1999 than 1989, and was higher for males
than females. Approximately half of the females stated that money from private income was their main source of income and their income from employment, savings, and investments was lower than that of males. The number of elderly whose main source of income was a government allowance, in the
form of social security, increased in the 10-year period with twice as many females being dependent on this source of income as males. The results suggest that there is a connection between low monetary income and so-called affection income as the main source for the elderly. Those receiving
financial support from sources including private income and other relatives, had much lower monetary income than those who relied on employment, retirement pension, or savings.
Experiences of Extra Care Housing Residents Aged Fifty-Five and Over with Home-Based Technology
Authors: Matlabi Hossein , Parker Stuart G. , McKee Kevin
Published: March 2012

Technological interventions could help older people live independently. In this study with 160 people aged 55 and over who were living in extra care housing in England we aimed to explore awareness of, access to, attitudes towards availability, and use of home-based technological (HBT)
devices, and factors that influence the use of devices. A quantitatively designed and structured questionnaire was developed for this study. The majority of new HBT devices were not available in living units or schemes. Moreover, most basic appliances and emergency call systems were used in
the living units. We found that in order to increase the use of technological devices among the elderly, their perceptions, capabilities, attitudes, and needs should be assessed in the designing, planning, and supplying process.
Emotional Expressivity, Emotion Regulation, and Mood in College Students: A Cross-Ethnic Study
Authors: Lü Wei , Wang Zhenhong
Published: March 2012

Differences in emotional expressivity, emotion regulation, and mood among ethnic minorities college students in China were examined. Three questionnaires were administered to 370 college students representing Hui (15%), Uighur (14%), Mongolian (14%), Tibetan (17%) ethnic groups, and
Han (40%). Tibetan students were found to have higher levels of negative emotional expressivity in comparison to Han, Uighur, Hui, and Mongolian students. Han students reported a higher level of emotion regulation than students from ethnic groups. Minority students, especially those of Tibetan
ethnicity, reported a significantly higher level of negative mood than Han students. Together, these findings suggest that minority students experience more negative emotion and are less likely to adopt emotion regulation strategies than Han students. Among these ethnic groups, Tibetan students
both express and experience more negative emotion than their counterparts.
Transforming growth factor β1, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and its tissue inhibitor in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma/syndrome
Authors: Djordjevic-Jocic Jasmina , Zlatanovic Gordana , Veselinovic Dragan , Jovanovic Predrag , Djordjevic Vidosava , Zvezdanovic Lilika , Stankovic-Babic Gordana , Vujanovic Milena , Cekic Sonja , Zenkel Matthias , Schlotzer-Schrehardt Ursula
Published: March 2012

Background/Aim. Transforming growth factor-b1 (TGF-b1), oxidative stress and
imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue
inhibitors (TIMPs) may play an important role in pathogenesis of
pseudoexfoliation syndrome/glaucoma (PEX Sy/Gl). The aim of the study was to
measure concentrations of TGF- b1, MMP-2, TIMP-2 in the aqueous humor in the
examined group, as well as to compare the biochemical findings with the
following clinical parameters: degree of chamber angle pigmantation, presence
of pseudoexfoliation and the value of intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods.
Aqueous samples from 30 patients with cataract, 30 patients with PEX Sy, 36
patients with PEX Gl, and 42 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG)
were collected during phacoemulsification cataract surgery. TGF b1, MMP-2,
TIMP-2 Fluotokine Multi Analyze Profiling kits and Luminex technology were
used to simultaneously measure TGF b1, MMP-2 and TIMP-2. Results. TGF- ?1,
MMP-2, TIMP-2 were detected in human aqueous from all the groups with the
highest level in the group with PEX Gl. Statistically, a significant
correlation between the levels of TGF b1, MMP-2, TIMP-2 in the aqueous humor
of the patients with PEX Gl and the IOP value was confirmed (p < 0.05). In
this group, the positive correlations between the TGF b1 concentration in the
aqueous humor and the presence of pseudoexfoliation (p < 0.01), on the one
hand, and between the TIMP-2 level and the presence of pseudoexfoliation (p <
0.05), on the other, were reported. A statistically significant positive
correlation of TGF-b1 and MMP-2, and the degree of chamber angle pigmentation
in the PEX Gl group was confirmed (p < 0.05). In the POAG group, TIMP-2
values were in a negative correlation with the degree of pigmentation (p <
0.05), and the IOP value (p < 0.05). Conclusion. TGF b1 and MMP-2 affect the
degree of chamber angle pigmentation and the degree of pseudoexfoliation in
patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma.
Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone in relation to bone mineral density in postmenopausal women
Authors: Vuceljic Marina , Ilic-Stojanovic Olivera , Lazovic Milica , Grajic Mirko
Published: March 2012

Background/Aim. Despite vitamin D insufficiency being widely reported, in
Serbia the epidemiological data lack information regarding vitamin D status
in the sera of postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to establish
the prevalence of inadequate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]
concentrations in postmenopausal Serbian women with seasonal variations of
25(OH)D, in relation to parathyroid hormone (PTH) and bone mineral density
(BMD). Methods. A total of 95 postmenopausal women, mean age 65.1 ? 9.08
years, were examined. Measurements of 25(OH)D and PTH were performed both in
the winter and the summer period, using electrochemiluminiscence
immunoassays. BMD (g/cm2) was measured by the dualenergy x-Ray absortimetry
(DXA) method on the spine and hip areas. Results. A decreased value of
vitamin D (< 75 nmol/L) in 88.4% of postmenopausal women and an elevated
level of PTH (> 65 pg/mL) in 25.3% of the cases were found. Elevated PTH
varied individually, but was mostly increased if 25(OH)D was equal or lower
than 37.6 nmol/L. 25(OH)D insufficiency was found in winter in 94.5% and in
summer in 80% of the cases (p < 0.01). The mean of the PTH was higher (p <
0.05) in winter than in summer. A significant negative correlation between
25(OH)D and PTH (p < 0.001) was proved. Correlation between 25(OH)D and PTH
with BMD at lumbar spine was established in the whole group, but at the
femoral neck in women aged over 65 years (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Our results
showed a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (88.4%) among
postmenopausal women. The levels of 25(OH)D and PTH changed significantly
according to the season.
Evaluation of the patients with Grave’s ophthalmopathy after the corticosteroids treatment
Authors: Janicijevic-Petrovic Mirjana , Sarenac Tatjana , Sreckovic Suncica , Petrovic Marko , Vulovic Dejan , Janicijevic Katarina
Published: March 2012

Background/Aim. Graves? ophthalmopthy is one of the most common causes of
exophthalmos as well as the most common manifestation of Graves? disease. The
treatment of Graves? ophthalmopathy includes ophthalmological and
endocrinological therapy. The aim of this study was to clinically evaluate
the patients with Graves? ophthalmopathy treated with corticosteroids.
Methods. Evaluation of 21 patients was performed in the Ophthalmology Clinic
and Endocrinology Clinic, Clinical Centre Kragujevac, in the period from 2009
to 2010. They were treated with pulse doses of intravenous corticosteroids.
They were referred to ophthalmologist by endocrinologist in euthyroid
condition in the active phase of Graves? ophthalmopathy (ultrasonography of
orbit findings and positive findings of antithyroid stimulating hormone
receptor antibody - anti-TSH R Ab). The clinical activity score (CAS) and NO
SPECS classification for evaluation of disease severity were used.
Ophthalmological examination includes: best corrected visual acuity,
slit-lamp exam, Hertels? test, direct ophthalmoscopy and ultrasonography of
the orbit. Results. According to our results 76.19% of the patients were
female; mean age of the patients was 35.2 ? 5.6 years. According to CAS
classification after 6 months of the treatment recovery was shown in 23.81%
of the patients, partial amelioration in 47.62% and no clinical amelioration
in 28.57% of the patients. We achieved better results with male, young
patients with high clinical activity score. Good results were observed after
the first dose of corticosteroids, much better CAS after the third dose,
which maintained until 6 months after the first treatment. Conclusion. Our
results signify that intravenous pulse dose of corticosteroids treatment of
the patients with Graves? ophthalmopthy is safe, comfortable, clinically
justified and accessible for the clinicians and patients. Positive results
are achieved after the first dose with increasing trend up to the third dose,
which was maintained for the next three months.
Urodynamic characteristics of the modified orthotopic ileal neobladder
Authors: Kosevic Branko , Aleksic Predrag , Milovic Novak , Bancevic Vladimir , Stamenkovic Dusica , Nikolic Ivica , Jovanovic Mirko , Milosevic Radovan
Published: March 2012

Background/Aim. Radical cystectomy is the method of choice in management of
muscle invasive, organ-confined tumors of the bladder (?2-?4, N0-Nx). The
most frequent continent orthotopic urinary diversion after radical cystectomy
is the ileal neobladder. A modified technique consists of using a shorter
segment of the terminal ileum than the standard technique, around 30 cm. The
aim of this study was to determine the urodynamic characteristics of the
orthotopic ileal neobladder created by a modified technique. Methods. In this
prospective clinical study we analyzed the urodynamic parameters of 24
patients who had underwent radical cystectomy with orthotopic urinary
diversion by ileal neobladder created using a modified technique. In all the
patients we performed invasive and noninvasive urodynamic investigations 12
months after the operation. The urethral pressure profile parameters analyzed
were maximal urethral pressure, maximal urethral closure pressure and the
functional urethral profile length. Results. The average age of the patients
was 63 (49-73) years, 90% were males and 10% were females. The median length
of the shorter segment of the terminal ileum was 28 (range 22-35) cm. Prior
to enterocystometry and uroflowmetry postvoid residual (PVR) urine was
measured by a urethral catheter. The median PVR was 16.7 (0-140) mL. The
median enterocystometric capacity was 396 (range 372-532) mL. The median end
filling pouch pressure was 27.6 (range 20-70) cmH20. The median maximal flow
of urine was 22.1 (range 9.7- 39.5) mL/s and the average flow of urine was
9.61 (range 3.6-17.6) mL/s. Flow time in the analyzed group was 47.5 (range
22-119) s. The median maximal urethral pressure was 54 (range 12-101) cmH2O,
maximal urethral closure pressure 36.6 (range 6-91) cmH2O. Functional
urethral profile length was 14.9 (range 4-37) mm. Conclusion. An ileal
orthotopic pouch created by a modified technique using a shorter segment of
the terminal ileum after 12 months presents with urodynamic characteristics
similar to the native bladder.
Conceptual framework for communicating health and illness across cultures
Authors: Bakic-Miric Natasa , Gogic Aleksandra , Bakic Nikola
Published: March 2012

nema
Major changes in the European resuscitation council guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation 2010 in the field of adult basic and advanced life support
Authors: Jevdjic Jasna , Surbatovic Maja , Stankovic Nebojsa , Raffay Violetta , Fiser Zlatko , Jovanovic Dusko
Published: March 2012

nema
Intracranial yolk sac tumor in an adult patient: MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging and 1H MR spectroscopy features
Authors: Macvanski Marija , Ristic-Balos Dragana , Vasic Brankica , Lavrnic Slobodan , Gavrilovic Svetlana , Milicevic Mihajlo , Milenkovic Sanja , Stosic-Opincal Tatjana
Published: March 2012

Introduction. Yolk sac tumors represent only 5%-7% of intracranial germ cell
tumors, which comprise about 1% of all primary brain tumors in adults.
Literature data about nonspecific imaging characteristics of these tumors are
scant. We presented magnetic resonance imaging findings with
diffusion-weighted imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of this
rare type of tumor in an adult patient. Case report. A 55-year-old man with
progressive left side weakness, headache, dizziness and ataxia, underwent
preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging and
proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. After surgical resection and
histological analysis, the final diagnosis of yolk sac tumor was established.
Retrospective imaging analysis were performed in order to determine imaging
and biochemical parameters that could be useful in the diagnostic evaluation
of this tumor type. Conclusion. Though the imaging features of yolk sac tumor
are not specific, morphoanatomical and metabolic imaging could offer the
information that provides new insights into this tumor that may facilitate
further therapeutic decision process and potentially provides better
information regarding the disease prognosis.