bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral DNA damage in active pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Selek Sahbettin , Aslan Mehmet , Horoz Mehmet , Celik Hakim , Cosar Niyet , Gunak Faruk , Kocyigit Abdurrahim
Published: February 2011

In pulmonary tuberculosis patients, little is known about peripheral DNA damage, although increased oxidative stress is a well documented entity. Therefore, we aimed to investigate DNA damage along with oxidative status parameters in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Twenty‐seven pulmonary tuberculosis patients and 26 controls were included. DNA damage was assessed by comet assay. Total oxidant and antioxidant status, and oxidative stress index were determined. DNA damage, total oxidant status and oxidative stress index were higher in pulmonary tuberculosis patients than controls (all P < 0.05), while total antioxidant status was lower (P < 0.05). DNA damage was correlated with total oxidant and antioxidant status, and oxidative stress index (r = 0.69, P < 0.05; r = 0.48, P < 0.05, r = −0.47, P < 0.05; respectively) in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Oxidative stress and DNA damage are increased in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Increased oxidative stress associated DNA damage may be one of the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the disorders suggested to be associated with pulmonary tuberculosis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
On restoring of the pre‐stressed state in elastic bodies
Authors: Dudarev V.V. , Vatulyan A.O.
Published: February 2011

This research is devoted to the development of theoretical foundations for identification of an essentially inhomogeneous prestressed state by analyzing the gain‐frequency characteristic of boundary points of the body. The proposed scheme to the reconstruction of inhomogeneous prestresses is constructed on the iterative processes. It includes the finite element solution of the direct problem and the regularizing procedure to solve the Fredholm integral equation of the first kind in the inverse problem. In the series of one‐dimensional model examples it was shown that this scheme is effective.
Surgeon‐patient barrier efficiency monitored with an electronic device in three surgical settings
Authors: Hentz Vincent R. , Stephanides Michael , Boraldi Attilio , Tessari Renato , Isani Riccardo , Cadossi Ruggero , Biscione Roberto , Massari Leo , Traina GianCarlo
Published: February 2011

Blood‐borne viral pathogens are an occupational threat to health care workers (HCWs), particularly those in the operating room. A major risk is posed by accidental penetrating injury, but skin contamination with body fluids from an infected patient, with prolonged intimate cutaneous contact, is a frequent occurrence during surgery, carrying further risk of transdermal infection. We have monitored barrier failure in three surgical settings (microsurgery, orthopedic surgery, general surgery) by means of an electronic surveillance device. A total of 111 surgical procedures were monitored: 67 microsurgeries, 22 orthopedic surgeries, and 22 general surgeries. Of the 278 electronic alarms signaling barrier failure, 44 (15.8%) were associated with glove perforation, 39 of which (88.6%) were not perceived by the operator. In 16 of those, the skin was visibly stained with the patient’s blood. Altogether, 76 of the alarms (27.3%) were consequent to contacts caused by soaked gowns/sleeves, and 121 (43.5%) were attributed to hydration of latex porosities; 37 alarms (13.4%) were unexplained false positives. On only one occasion did a surgeon observe blood stains on his hands without a previous alarm; this event was classified as a device failure due to incorrect wiring. Doublegloving offered satisfactory protection against skin contamination during microsurgery but not during orthopedic surgery. The data presented here indicate that electronic monitoring of the surgical barrier enables prompt detection of barrier failure, especially at the level of the gloves, thereby limiting skin contamination with patients’ body fluids during surgery.
Mycotic aneurysm of common carotid artery induced byStaphylococcus bureus infection after cervical reoperation
Authors: Machens Andreas , Dralle Henning
Published: February 2011

The objective of this study was to define a novel type of mycotic aneurysm of the carotid artery arising after cervical reoperation. We retrospectively analyzed all staphylococcal mycotic aneurysms of the common carotid artery. These aneurysms had developed after reoperative thyroid or parathyroid surgery, including resection of the central lymph node compartment and cervical reexploration. Mycotic aneurysms were found in three patients, with an incidence of 0.77% (2/261) and 0.62% (1/161) for thyroid and parathyroid reoperations, respectively. Postoperatively, a lymphatic fistula and cervical hematoma emerged in all patients, as did cervical wound infections on days 3, 4, and 6. Deep wound infections were noted on surgical revision. Cultures grew exclusivelyStaphylococcus aureus, which was resistant to methicillin (MRSA) in one patient. Mycotic aneurysms were identified 1 week after cervical reoperation. One aneurysm was discovered incidentally on planned lavage. The other two aneurysms presented as severe arterial hemorrhages, resulting in exsanguination in one patient. The other two patients had their aneurysms replaced by saphenous venous autografts. There seems to be accelerated arterial media destruction with formation of mycotic aneurysms in staphylococcal wound infections after cervical reoperation. It is important to recognize this novel type of mycotic aneurysm, as it must be repaired immediately to anticipate imminent rupture.
Prognostic significance of synchronous and metachronous bilateral breast cancer
Authors: Kollias James , Ellis Ian O. , Elston Christopher W. , Blamey Roger W.
Published: February 2011

Women previously treated for primary operable breast cancer are at increased risk of developing cancer in the contralateral breast, but the clinical significance of this development is unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of synchronous bilateral breast cancer or the development of a metachronous contralateral breast primary on the prognosis. In a series of 3210 women age ≤70 years treated between 1975 and 1995 for primary operable breast cancer, 106 were identified to have bilateral breast cancer. Of these women, 26 were noted to have synchronous bilateral breast primaries (0.8%), and 80 developed a contralateral breast cancer after treatment for an initial primary breast cancer. Using life‐tables analysis, there was a significant difference in survival between women with unilateral breast cancer, those with synchronous bilateral breast cancers, and those with metachronous contralateral breast with survivals at 16 years of 53.8%, 42.4%, and 60.1%, respectively (p<0.0001), from the date of the diagnosis of the first primary tumor. There was no difference in survival seen between the three groups when survival was calculated from the date of diagnosis of the second primary in cases of metachronous contralateral breast cancer (p=0.31). When contralateral breast cancer was incorporated as a time‐dependent covariate in a Cox multivariate model together with the three factors used to determine the Nottingham Prognostic Index (invasive tumor size, grade, and lymph node stage), contralateral breast cancer continued to be a significant prognostic determinant (p=0.02). The survival of women with synchronous bilateral breast cancer or metachronous breast cancers diagnosed within 2 years of the original primary was worse than those with unilateral disease. However, the time duration to metachronous contralateral breast cancer did not have prognostic significance in a multivariate model compared with the prognostic features of the original primary.
Lesser curvature lymph node metastases with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Implications for gastroplasty
Authors: Schröder Wolfgang , Baldus Stefan E. , Mönig Stefan P. , Zirbes Thomas K. , Beckurts Tobias K. E. , Hölscher Arnulf H.
Published: February 2011

The creation of a gastric tube after subtotal esophagectomy includes resection of the lesser curvature and abdominal lymph nodes. The fundus rotation gastroplasty has been recently proposed as an alternative technique of reconstruction that preserves the vascular arcade of the lesser curvature. This study investigates the number of resected and metastatic lymph nodes associated with abdominal lymphadenectomy to assess the oncologic radicality of fundus rotation gastroplasty. In this prospective clinical trial a two‐field lymphadenectomy was performed in 39 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. The abdominal lymphadenectomy included partial resection of compartment I (lymph node groups 1, 2, and 3) and compartment II (lymph node groups 7, 8, 9, and 11). A meticulous workup of the specimen allowed an exact classification of specific lymph node groups and their metastatic status. After two‐field lymphadenectomy a total of 1170 lymph nodes (average 30.0) including 690 abdominal lymph nodes with an average of 17.7 per patient were resected. Metastatic disease was found in 27 of 39 patients (pN1 69.2%), with metastatic growth in 116 of 867 resected lymph nodes (13.4%). Of the 27 pN1 patients, 21 had abdominal lymph node metastases. Metastatic lymph nodes at the lesser curvature (groups 1, 3, and 7) were detected in 11.7%, 16.7%, and 29.7% of the resected lymph nodes, respectively. Of the 21 patients (85.7%) with abdominal lymph node metastases, 18 had positive lymph nodes at the lesser curvature. Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus is associated with a high rate of lymph node metastases at the lesser curvature and the left gastric artery. Therefore preservation of the lesser curvature and the left gastric artery for gastroplasty reduces the radicality regarding lymph node metastases.
Analysis of predictive factors for recurrence after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Yamada Hidehisa , Kondo Satoshi , Okushiba Shunichi , Morikawa Toshiaki , Katoh Hiroyuki
Published: February 2011

Hepatectomy for liver metastases from colorectal cancer has recently received general acceptance as a safe, potentially curative treatment. Most patients, however, die of recurrent disease after hepatectomy. The predictive factors for recurrence after first resection of liver metastases have not yet been clarified. The authors aimed to determine the factors that can predict recurrence, especially hepatic‐only recurrence after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases. Seventy‐six patients who underwent liver resection of colorectal metastases were studied retrospectively. Forty‐seven (61.8%) of the patients had a recurrence. The patients’ disease‐free survival after first hepatectomy and the second recurrence sites were univariately and multivariately analyzed using 16 clinicopathologic variables. Wall invasion, lymph node metastases, lymphatic invasion, venous invasion of the primary tumor, 24 months or longer disease‐free interval after resection of the primary colorectal cancer, and bilateral liver metastases significantly influenced the disease‐free survival (log‐rank test:p<0.05). The multivariate analysis revealed that venous invasion of the primary tumor and bilateral hepatic metastases were independent risk factors for recurrence after hepatectomy. The liver was the only site of second recurrence in 23 patients. Patients with lymph node metastases and venous invasion of the primary tumor had a significant difference between hepatic‐only and extrahepatic recurrence after first hepatectomy (chi‐square test or Fishers’ exact test:p<0.05). Recurrence after hepatectomy was influenced more by factors associated with the primary colorectal cancer than factors surrounding the first liver metastases. Venous invasion of the primary colorectal cancer was the most important predictable factor for hepatic‐only second recurrence.
Incidence of gastrointestinal complications in cardiopulmonary bypass patients
Authors: Byhahn Christian , Strouhal Ulrich , Martens Sven , Mierdl Stephan , Kessler Paul , Westphal Klaus
Published: February 2011

Gastrointestinal complications after cardiac surgery are associated with a high mortality rate. Because of the absence of early specific clinical signs, diagnosis is often delayed. The present study seeks to determine predictive risk factors for subsequent gastrointestinal complications after cardiosurgical procedures. Within a 1‐year period, a total of 1116 patients who had undergone open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were prospectively studied for gastrointestinal complications. To determine predictive factors, all case histories of the patients were analyzed. Of the 1116 patients, 23 (2.1%) had gastrointestinal complications during the postoperative period, 10 of whom had to undergo subsequent abdominal surgery. Of these 23 patients, 20 died. Early gastrointestinal complications, which occurred mostly on postoperative days 6 or 7, consisted of bowel ischemia or hepatic failure. Late complications were gastrointestinal bleeding, pseudomembranous colitis, cholecystitis, and septic rupture of a spleen. The relative risk for abdominal complications after cardiopulmonary bypass was highly increased in association with (1) a cardiac index less than 2.0 l/min−1/(m2)−1, (2) postoperative onset of atrial fibrillation, (3) emergency surgery, (4) need for vasopressors, (5) need for intraaortic balloon counterpulsation, and (6) need for early redo thoracotomy due to surgical complications. All patients with necrotic bowel disease had elevated serum lactate levels. Furthermore, cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping times were significantly prolonged in patients who developed gastrointestinal complications. A number of predictive factors contribute to the development of gastrointestinal complications after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Knowledge of these factors may lead to earlier identification of patients at increased risk and may allow more efficient and earlier interventions to reduce mortality.
Hemithyroidectomy: Long‐term effects on parathyroid function—preliminary report
Authors: Lindblom Pia , Westerdahl Johan , Bergenfelz Anders
Published: February 2011

Early hypocalcemia after thyroid surgery has frequently been reported, whereas data regarding long‐term effects on calcium homeostasis are scarce. We have previously studied patients after hemithyroidectomy with an oral calcium load test and found normal parathyroid hormone (PTH) suppression. However, the 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D concentration was decreased and the phosphate concentration increased, implying parathyroid insufficiency. We therefore proceeded to investigate PTH secretion and suppression in 10 euthyroid patients subjected to hemithyroidectomy due to benign thyroid disease before and at 1 year after surgery. In addition, biochemical variables known to influence calcium homeostasis were analyzed. Basal, maximal, and total PTH secretion were unaltered 1 year postoperatively. However, maximal PTH secretion was reached at a lower serum level of ionized calcium, and there was a tendency toward increased parathyroid sensitivity to ionized calcium. Furthermore, compared to preoperatively, total serum calcium, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D, and free thyroxine (T4) concentrations were decreased at follow‐up. Total serum calcium and 1,25‐dihydoxyvitamin D concentrations were decreased 1 year after hemithyroidectomy. These changes were not due to parathyroid insufficiency. Instead, our results imply increased parathyroid sensitivity to calcium and possibly reduced peripheral sensitivity to PTH.
Cross‐sectional analysis of speech and cognitive performance in 32 patients with classic galactosemia
Authors: Hoffmann Björn , Wendel Udo , Schweitzer‐Krantz Susanne
Published: February 2011

Background

Long‐term outcome in classic galactosemia is disappointing with impaired IQ, reduced bone mineral density, and fertility problems. Moreover, speech impairment is common with conflicting reports regarding frequency, pattern, and relation to IQ.

Objective

To evaluate speech and cognitive performance in patients with galactosemia.

Methods

Speech performance was evaluated by means of the Hierarchische Wortlisten, a German word‐repetition test for the diagnosis of apraxia of speech, using real words and pseudo‐words. Cognitive performance was evaluated by use of age‐appropriate German versions of the Wechsler Scales.

Results

In a cohort of 32 patients (12 females, 20 males; mean age 21.2 ± 7.2 years) with classic galactosemia, the mean IQ was 76.2 ± 14.8. Eighty‐four percent of the patients passed the speech test with errors. Speech errors were much more related to pseudo‐words than real words and were predominantly observed in words with three and four syllables. The performance in producing words was correlated to the IQ scores.

Conclusion

Impairment of speech affects a significant number of patients with galactosemia, appears in early childhood, and persists into adulthood. The pattern of speech impairment may allow labeling as apraxia of speech. In many cases impaired speech is related to decreased IQ.
Changes in the Content of Phenolic Compounds in Flaxseed Oil During Development
Authors: Herchi Wahid , Sakouhi Faouzi , Arráez‐Román David , Segura‐Carretero Antonio , Boukhchina Sadok , Kallel Habib , Fernández‐Gutierrez Alberto
Published: February 2011

The phenolic fraction of flaxseed oil was quantified during the development of three varieties (H52, O116 and P129). Seed samples were collected at regular intervals from 7 to 56 days after flowering (DAF). During oilseed processing, less polar compounds are co‐extracted with oil. The methanolic extracts were obtained by solid phase extraction. Separation of phenolic compounds was conducted by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The main phenolic compounds detected during maturation were: diphyllin, pinoresinol, matairesinol, secoisolariciresinol, vanillic acid, ferulic acid and vanillin. The highest amount of lignans (6.74 mg of analyte/kg of flaxseed oil) was detected at 7 DAF in P129 variety. The maximum level of phenolic acids (2.57 mg of analyte/kg of flaxseed oil) was reached at 7 DAF in P129 which had also the highest content of simple phenols (1.37 mg of analyte/kg of flaxseed oil) at the same date after flowering. At full maturity, the content of phenolic compounds in three varieties ranged from 0.26 to 0.36 mg of analyte/kg of flaxseed oil. The highest content of total phenolic compounds using the Folin–Ciocalteu method was detected in P129 variety (196.42 mg CAEs/kg of flaxseed oil) at 7 DAF. Results of this study indicate that flaxseed oils contain different amounts of phenolic compounds using different methods.
Review: Electrical spinal cord stimulation in painful diabetic polyneuropathy, a systematic review on treatment efficacy and safety
Authors: Pluijmsl Wouter A. , Slangenl Rachel , Joostenl Elbert A. , Kesselsl Alfons G. , Merkiesl Ingemar S.J. , Schaperl Nico C. , Faberl Catharina G. , van Kleefl Maarten
Published: February 2011

Introduction: Painful diabetic polyneuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. Drug therapies are ineffective in many patients. Therefore other treatment modalities should be considered, including spinal cord stimulation. We performed a systematic review to evaluate treatment efficacy and safety of spinal cord stimulation in painful diabetic polyneuropathy.

Search strategy and selection criteria: A systematic search with reference tracing was conducted in Pubmed and Embase from January 1980 to March 2010 to determine possible eligible articles. Reports were identified using the following keywords: (1) “diabetic neuropathies” AND “electric stimulation”; (2) “diabetic neuropathies” AND “spinal cord” and (3) “pain” AND “electric stimulation” AND “spinal cord”. Subsequently, data were recruited on the efficacy and safety of spinal cord stimulation in this disorder.

Data collection and analysis: The search strategy was designed by one reviewer. Study selection and data extraction were performed by two reviewers. Data for individual studies was reported and pooled data analysis was performed if appropriate.

Results: Three prospective case series and one retrospective cohort study were identified (including 25 patients). At 1 year spinal cord stimulation resulted in ≥50% pain relief in 63% of patients. After 1 year analgesics usage was reduced in most SCS‐treated patients with complete withdrawal in 60%. No major adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: Available literature shows promising results for the pain‐relieving effect of spinal cord stimulation in painful diabetic polyneuropathy. The outcome of a randomized clinical trial is needed before spinal cord stimulation can be considered to be integrated in the standardized treatment algorithm.
Distribution of signs and symptoms of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type I in patients meeting the diagnostic criteria of the International Association for the Study of Pain
Authors: de Boerl Remco D.H. , Marinusl Johan , van Hiltenl Jacobus J. , Huygenl Frank J. , van Eijsl Frank , van Kleefl Maarten , Bauerl Martin C.R. , van Gestell Miriam , Zuurmondl Wouter W.A. , Perezl Roberto S.G.M.
Published: February 2011

The aim of the present study was to describe the occurrence of signs and symptoms in CRPS I patients meeting the IASP (Orlando) criteria, assess the occurrence of signs and symptoms in relation to disease duration and compare these to historical data based on a different diagnostic criteria set.

Six hundred and ninety‐two ambulatory patients meeting the IASP criteria for CRPS I referred to the outpatient clinics of five participating centers were included in this cross‐sectional study.

Characteristics were recorded in a standardized fashion and categorized according to the factor structure proposed by Bruehl/Harden. Subgroups were classified according to the duration of complaints and compared to historical data as described by Veldman et al. The Chi‐square test corrected for multiple comparisons was used for statistical analysis.

The prevalence of sensory signs was higher in patients with longer disease duration, especially for the allodynia's and hyperalgesia (all p <0.001). Signs in vasomotor (color difference; p =0.0007) and sudomotor (edema; p <0.0001) subgroups were less frequently present in patients with longer disease duration (i.e. >6 months). Prevalences of signs in the motor subgroup were all higher (p <0.0001) in patients with longer disease duration, except for limited range of motion. Occurrence of signs was significantly lower (<0.001) than those reported by Veldman et al., except for hyperesthesia and dystonia. Occurrence rates may vary at different time points after onset of CRPS, which may be of influence for diagnosing patients with novel derived diagnostic criteria. We argue for a mechanism based description of CRPS I based on one set of uniform generally accepted diagnostic criteria in future studies.
Epidemiologic evidence of barometric pressure changes inducing increased reporting of oral pain
Authors: Kloss‐Brandstätterl Anita , Hächll Oliver , Leitgebl Philip C. , Buchnerl Andreas , Coassinl Stefan , Rassel Michael , Kronenbergl Florian , Klossl Frank R.
Published: February 2011

Background and objective: The daily patient flow at dental emergency departments is subject to fluctuations. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether meteorological parameters were associated with the number of patients reporting acute pain in the oral cavity.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all patients presenting with acute oro‐dental pain (n =1090) at the dental outpatient clinic in Innsbruck, Austria from January to March 2005. In addition, local weather data were supplied by the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics Austria. After exponential smoothing of both series of observations, linear regression on the number of patients was performed.

Results: Statistical analysis revealed that the acute pain symptoms are not related to the air pressure itself but to the deviation of air pressure. The stronger the daily deviation from the average atmospheric pressure was, the more patients presented with acute pain at the dental emergency department (p =4.2×10−14). Our findings implicate that the association of air pressure deviation with variation in patient flow at dental clinics is a consequence of barometric pressure‐related oral pain.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that changes in barometric pressure were the reason for the observed initiation and/or exacerbation of the various oral pains observed in the emergency room setting. This association has been considered to be rare, with most reports suggesting this phenomenon primarily affects divers and aircraft personnel. Our data suggests otherwise, by providing clear evidence that atmospheric pressure changes commonly influences painful oral conditions.
Development of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to feline interferon (fIFN)-γ as tools to evaluate cellular immune responses to feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV)
Authors: Satoh Ryoichi , Kaku Ayumi , Satomura Megumi , Kohori Michiyo , Noura Kanako , Furukawa Tomoko , Kotake Masako , Takano Tomomi , Hohdatsu Tsutomu
Published: February 2011

Feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) can cause a lethal disease in cats, feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). The antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of FIPV infection has been recognised in experimentally infected cats, and cellular immunity is considered to play an important role in preventing the onset of FIP. To evaluate the importance of cellular immunity for FIPV infection, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against feline interferon (fIFN)-γ were first created to establish fIFN-γ detection systems using the MAbs. Six anti-fIFN-γ MAbs were created. Then, the difference in epitope which those MAbs recognise was demonstrated by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and IFN-γ neutralisation tests. Detection systems for fIFN-γ (sandwich ELISA, ELISpot assay, and two-colour flow cytometry) were established using anti-fIFN-γ MAbs that recognise different epitopes. In all tests, fIFN-γ production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from cats experimentally infected with an FIPV isolate that did not develop the disease was significantly increased by heat-inactivated FIPV stimulation in comparison with medium alone. Especially, CD8+fIFN-γ+ cells, but not CD4+fIFN-γ+ cells, were increased. In contrast, fIFN-γ production from PBMCs isolated from cats that had developed FIP and specific pathogen-free (SPF) cats was not increased by heat-inactivated FIPV stimulation. These results suggest that cellular immunity plays an important role in preventing the development of FIP. Measurement of fIFN-γ production with the anti-fIFN-γ MAbs created in this study appeared to be useful in evaluating cellular immunity in cats.
Electromyographic endotracheal tube placement during thyroid surgery in neuromonitoring of recurrent laryngeal nerve
Authors: Tsai Cheng‐Jing , Tseng Kuang‐Yi , Wang Fu‐Yuan , Lu I‐Cheng , Wang Hsun‐Mo , Wu Che‐Wei , Chiang Hui‐Ching , Chiang Feng‐Yu
Published: February 2011

Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) is widely used in thyroid surgery. This study aimed to investigate the influence of neck extension on electromyographic (EMG) endotracheal tube displacement and to determine the necessity of routinely checking the final electrode position after the patient had been fully positioned. A consecutive 220 patients undergoing thyroidectomy were enrolled. All patients were intubated with the EMG endotracheal tube under direct laryngoscopy. The electrode position and tube displacement were routinely checked and measured by laryngofiberoscopy before and after patient positioning. The patients were divided into two groups. In Group I (n = 110), the EMG tube was taped and fixed to the right mouth angle before full neck extension. In Group II (n = 110), the EMG tube was disconnected from the circuit tube and was not taped until full neck extension. In all patients, we ensured that the final electrode position was the optimal position with laryngofiberoscopic examination. The tube displacement after neck extension ranged from 16 mm upward to 4 mm downward in Group I and from 12 mm upward to 5 mm downward in Group II. The rate of tube displacement greater than 10 mm was 12.7% in Group I and 3.6% in Group II. Successful monitoring was achieved in all patients after the final optimal position of electrodes was ensured routinely. The electrode position can be severely displaced after the patient has been fully positioned. Verification of ideal position of electrodes before the beginning of the operation is a necessary step to guarantee functional intraoperative neuromonitoring.
Variation of glucoraphanin metabolismin vivoandex vivoby human gut bacteria
Authors: Li Fei , Hullar Meredith A. J. , Beresford Shirley A. A. , Lampe Johanna W.
Published: February 2011

Glucosinolates, phytochemicals found in cruciferous vegetables, are metabolised to bioactive isothiocyanates (ITC) by certain bacteria in the human gut. Substantial individual variation in urinary ITC excretion has been observed in previous cruciferous vegetable-feeding studies. We hypothesised that individual differences in gut microbial community contribute to the observed variation in glucosinolate metabolism, i.e. gut microbiota composition between high- and low-ITC excreters differs. We recruited twenty-three healthy individuals and fed them a standardised meal containing 200 g of cooked broccoli. After the meal, 24 h urinary ITC excretion was measured. Study participants with the highest (n5) and lowest (n5) ITC excretion provided faecal samples forex vivobacterial cultivation with 50 μm-glucoraphanin, the major glucosinolate found in broccoli. When grownex vivo,faecal bacteria from the selected high-ITC excreters were able to degrade more glucoraphanin than those from the low-ITC excreters (P = 0·05). However, bacterial fingerprints of faecal andex vivoculture microbiota revealed no statistically significant differences between the high- and low-ITC excreters in terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene. In conclusion, glucosinolate degradation by faecal bacteriaex vivomay be associated within vivobacterial glucosinolate metabolism capacity, but no direct link to specific bacterial species could be established, possibly due to the complexity and functional redundancy of the gut microbiota.
The Commercialization of Emotions in Zhang Ailing's Fiction
Authors: Zou Lin
Published: February 2011

This article examines the principle of commercialization evoked in Zhang Ailing's writing and explores how it frames the subjective value of emotions—particularly desolation—in her fiction. Human relationship in Zhang's world is essentially commercial, in the sense that it is dominated by interest calculation and exchange. This relationship is driven by desires that are relentless and cannot find meaning in any goal. Behind this human relationship is a commercial framework of value that turns any form of subjectivity assuming natural value into a commodity for consumption. This is the mechanism through which desolation in Zhang's fiction is commercialized. By exploring the affective structure of desolation, the author argues desolation assumes natural value by building fatalism into its structure as a natural principle. In doing so, Zhang's aesthetics of desolation presents itself as a petty bourgeois construction for consumption.
Taqiyyaand Identity in a South Asian Community
Authors: Virani Shafique N.
Published: February 2011

The Guptīs of Bhavnagar, India, represent an unexplored case oftaqiyya, or precautionary dissimulation, and challenge traditional categories of religious identity in South Asia.Taqiyyais normally practiced by minority or otherwise disadvantaged groups of Muslims who fear negative repercussions should their real faith become known. Historically, the Shī‘a, whether Ithnā-‘asharī or Ismaili, have commonly dissimulated as Sunnīs, who form the dominant community. However, the Guptīs, who are followers of the Ismaili imam, and whose name means “secret” or “hidden ones,” dissimulate not as Sunnī Muslims, but as Hindus. The Guptī practice oftaqiyyais exceptional for another reason: Hinduism is not simply a veil used to avoid harmful consequences, but forms an integral part of the Guptīs’ belief system and identity, and the basis of their conviction in the Aga Khan, not only as the imam, but as theavatāraof the current age.
Mapping a Colonial Borderland: Objectifying the Geo-Body of India's Northeast
Authors: Zou David Vumlallian , Kumar M. Satish
Published: February 2011

India's Northeast frontier is at the margins of three study areas: South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. This paper attempts a history of “mapping” in its broader sense as a cultural universal over a relatively long period. It is not a history of cartography, but focuses on the interface between cartography and cosmography, which were, in turn, shaped by imperial power and geographical knowledge. This approach offers a high-altitude view of this Asian borderland as the imperial frontier of both the Mughals and the British, and the national fringe of Republican India. The authors argue that imperial geographical discourses invested the colonial Northeast (British Assam) with a new kind of territorial identity. Surveyors and mapmakers objectified the “geo-body” of this borderland in a spatial fix and visualized it as a Northeast-on-the-map. Cartographic territoriality naturalized traditional frontiers into colonial borderlands, which, in turn, forged national boundaries.
Translating the Past: RethinkingRajataranginiNarratives in Colonial India
Authors: Zutshi Chitralekha
Published: February 2011

The status of Kalhana's poemRajataranginiwas mediated in colonial India in part through its English translations. However, the intent of the translations has been insufficiently analyzed in the context of the interrelationship between Orientalist and nationalist projects and the historical and literary ideas that informed them. The translators ofRajataranginiframed the text as more than a solitary example of Indian historical writing; rather, they engaged with it on multiple levels, drawing out, debating, and rethinking the definitions of literature and history and the relative significance of and relationship between them in capturing the identity of the nation and its regions. This article examines two translations of the text—one “Orientalist” and the other “nationalist”—with the purpose of interrogating these categories, by drawing out the complex engagement between European and indigenous ideas, and the dialogue between past and present that informed their production.
Political Competition and Unequal Social Rights
Authors: Mätzke Margitta
Published: February 2011

Major social reforms affect the extent to which social rights are granted widely and equally or selectively and in a manner re-enforcing social stratification. Thus, they affect the amount of institutionally sanctioned inequality in a welfare state. This paper seeks to explain the politics of making decisions about unequal social rights. It emphasizes the importance of studying the substantive contents of the policy changes that are on the reform agenda; the kind of actors involved in reform controversies; and the kind of demands they raise. Which actors involved prevail in these controversies, however, is a function of the dynamic of political competition at the time of legislative decision-making. That dynamic tends to be centrifugal; it empowers groups at strategic positions in the political constellation. The paper develops analytical categories for capturing both typological distinctions of substantive policy contents and the empowering dynamic. It demonstrates the significance of this model by analyzing four instances of major welfare reform in Germany.
What Drives the Diffusion of Privatization Policy? Evidence from the Telecommunications Sector
Authors: Schmitt Carina
Published: February 2011

This paper examines the extent to which diffusion mechanisms have been important for the privatization of telecommunications in the OECD world. It analyzes a panel dataset for 18 OECD countries between 1980 and 2007 using spatial econometric techniques. The sample includes 18 OECD countries between 1980 and 2007. The empirical findings strongly suggest that spatial interdependencies are significant for privatization policies. First, closely related countries from a geographical or economic perspective influence each other to a greater extent than non-related countries. Second, there is no evidence that governments adopt policies of countries with a similar cultural background or the policies of those countries where privatization has been shown to lead to the intended economic results at the company level. Third, the importance of diffusion is highly influenced by national characteristics such the openness of the economy.
The virology, epidemiology, and clinical impact of West Nile virus: a decade of advancements in research since its introduction into the Western Hemisphere
Authors: MURRAY K. O. , WALKER C. , GOULD E.
Published: February 2011

West Nile virus (WNV) is now endemic in the USA. After the widespread surge of virus activity across the USA, research has flourished, and our knowledge base has significantly expanded over the past 10 years since WNV was first recognized in New York City. This article provides a review of the virology of WNV, history, epidemiology, clinical features, pathology of infection, the innate and adaptive immune response, host risk factors for developing severe disease, clinical sequelae following severe disease, chronic infection, and the future of prevention.
Coping with hunger? Visions of a global food system, 1930–1960
Authors: Jachertz Ruth , Nützenadel Alexander
Published: February 2011

The 1930s and 1940s saw the rise of a new model of global food politics. This model was strongly moulded by the experiences of the Great Depression and the two world wars, all of which had brought hunger and malnutrition back to Europe. Whereas until the nineteenth century famines and food shortages had commonly been interpreted as regional Malthusian crises, they were now attributed to global economic disturbances and imbalances. This article explores how the far-reaching plans of a World Food Board, advocated by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization under John Boyd Orr, were abandoned and supplanted by a new approach that focused on technical aid and the distribution of surpluses. Moreover, the problems of hunger and malnutrition were embedded in a larger discourse on world population and economic development.
Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 16 interacts with α-tectorin and is mutated in autosomal dominant hearing loss (DFNA4)
Authors: Zheng Jing , Miller Katharine K. , Yang Tao , Hildebrand Michael S. , Shearer A. Eliot , DeLuca Adam P. , Scheetz Todd E. , Drummond Jennifer , Scherer Steve E. , Legan P. Kevin , Goodyear Richard J. , Richardson Guy P. , Cheatham Mary Ann , Smith Richard J. , Dallos Peter
Published: February 2011

We report on a secreted protein found in mammalian cochlear outer hair cells (OHC) that is a member of the carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule (CEACAM) family of adhesion proteins.
Ceacam16
mRNA is expressed in OHC, and its protein product localizes to the tips of the tallest stereocilia and the tectorial membrane (TM). This specific localization suggests a role in maintaining the integrity of the TM as well as in the connection between the OHC stereocilia and TM, a linkage essential for mechanical amplification. In agreement with this role, CEACAM16 colocalizes and coimmunoprecipitates with the TM protein α-tectorin. In addition, we show that mutation of
CEACAM16
leads to autosomal dominant nonsyndromic deafness (ADNSHL) at the autosomal dominant hearing loss (DFNA4) locus. In aggregate, these data identify CEACAM16 as an α-tectorin–interacting protein that concentrates at the point of attachment of the TM to the stereocilia and, when mutated, results in ADNSHL at the DFNA4 locus.
Ammonia oxidation coupled to CO
2
fixation by archaea and bacteria in an agricultural soil
Authors: Pratscher Jennifer , Dumont Marc G. , Conrad Ralf
Published: February 2011

Ammonia oxidation is an essential part of the global nitrogen cycling and was long thought to be driven only by bacteria. Recent findings expanded this pathway also to the archaea. However, most questions concerning the metabolism of ammonia-oxidizing archaea, such as ammonia oxidation and potential CO
2
fixation, remain open, especially for terrestrial environments. Here, we investigated the activity of ammonia-oxidizing archaea and bacteria in an agricultural soil by comparison of RNA- and DNA-stable isotope probing (SIP). RNA-SIP demonstrated a highly dynamic and diverse community involved in CO
2
fixation and carbon assimilation coupled to ammonia oxidation. DNA-SIP showed growth of the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria but not of archaea. Furthermore, the analysis of labeled RNA found transcripts of the archaeal acetyl-CoA/propionyl-CoA carboxylase (
accA
/
pccB
) to be expressed and labeled. These findings strongly suggest that ammonia-oxidizing archaeal groups in soil autotrophically fix CO
2
using the 3-hydroxypropionate–4-hydroxybutyrate cycle, one of the two pathways recently identified for CO
2
fixation in
Crenarchaeota
. Catalyzed reporter deposition (CARD)-FISH targeting the gene encoding subunit A of ammonia monooxygenase (
amoA
) mRNA and 16S rRNA of archaea also revealed ammonia-oxidizing archaea to be numerically relevant among the archaea in this soil. Our results demonstrate a diverse and dynamic contribution of ammonia-oxidizing archaea in soil to nitrification and CO
2
assimilation and that their importance to the overall archaeal community might be larger than previously thought.
Soil rotifer communities are extremely diverse globally but spatially autocorrelated locally
Authors: Robeson Michael S. , King Andrew J. , Freeman Kristen R. , Birky C. William , Martin Andrew P. , Schmidt Steven K.
Published: February 2011

Bdelloid rotifers are important contributors to biogeochemical cycling and trophic dynamics of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, but little is known about their biogeographic distribution and community structure in terrestrial environments. This lack of knowledge stems from a lack of phylogenetic information and assumptions that microbial eukaryotes are globally distributed and have very limited diversity across vast geographic distances. However, these assumptions have been based more on assessments of their morphology than any measure of their true genetic diversity and biogeographic distribution. We developed specific primers for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene of bdelloid rotifers and amplified and cloned sequences using a nested sampling scheme that represented local (0–10 m) to global (up to 10,000 km) scales. Using phylogenetic community analyses (UniFrac) and geospatial statistics (semivariograms, mantel tests), we were able to reject the hypothesis that communities of rotifers are the same across even fairly small geographic distances. Bdelloid communities showed highly significant spatial structuring with spatial autocorrelation ranges of 54–133 m, but beyond that distance communities were extremely dissimilar. Furthermore, we show that these spatial patterns are driven not only by changes in relative abundance of phylotypes but also by absolute changes in phylotype occurrence (richness). There is almost no overlap in phylotype [or operational taxonomic unit (OTU)] occurrence between communities at distances beyond the autocorrelation range (~133 m). Such small species ranges, combined with their ubiquity in soils, make it increasingly clear that the biodiversity of bdelloid rotifers (and other less easily dispersed microbes) is much higher than previously thought.
Recent warming by latitude associated with increased length of ragweed pollen season in central North America
Authors: Ziska Lewis , Knowlton Kim , Rogers Christine , Dalan Dan , Tierney Nicole , Elder Mary Ann , Filley Warren , Shropshire Jeanne , Ford Linda B. , Hedberg Curtis , Fleetwood Pamela , Hovanky Kim T. , Kavanaugh Tony , Fulford George , Vrtis Rose F. , Patz Jonathan A. , Portnoy Jay , Coates Frances , Bielory Leonard , Frenz David
Published: February 2011

A fundamental aspect of climate change is the potential shifts in flowering phenology and pollen initiation associated with milder winters and warmer seasonal air temperature. Earlier floral anthesis has been suggested, in turn, to have a role in human disease by increasing time of exposure to pollen that causes allergic rhinitis and related asthma. However, earlier floral initiation does not necessarily alter the temporal duration of the pollen season, and, to date, no consistent continental trend in pollen season length has been demonstrated. Here we report that duration of the ragweed (
Ambrosia
spp.
)
pollen season has been increasing in recent decades as a function of latitude in North America. Latitudinal effects on increasing season length were associated primarily with a delay in first frost of the fall season and lengthening of the frost free period. Overall, these data indicate a significant increase in the length of the ragweed pollen season by as much as 13–27 d at latitudes above ~44°N since 1995. This is consistent with recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projections regarding enhanced warming as a function of latitude. If similar warming trends accompany long-term climate change, greater exposure times to seasonal allergens may occur with subsequent effects on public health.
Temperature-sensitive
ipl1-2/Aurora
B mutation is suppressed by mutations in TOR complex 1 via the Glc7/PP1 phosphatase
Authors: Tatchell Kelly , Makrantoni Vasso , Stark Michael J. R. , Robinson Lucy C.
Published: February 2011

Ipl1/Aurora B is the catalytic subunit of a complex that is required for chromosome segregation and nuclear division. Before anaphase, Ipl1 localizes to kinetochores, where it is required to establish proper kinetochore–microtubule associations and regulate the spindle assembly checkpoint. The protein phosphatase Glc7/PP1 opposes Ipl1 for some of these activities. To more thoroughly characterize the Glc7 phosphatase that opposes Ipl1, we have identified mutations that suppress the thermosensitivity of an
ipl1-2
mutant. In addition to mutations in genes previously associated with
ipl1
suppression, we recovered a null mutant in
TCO89
, which encodes a subunit of the TOR complex 1 (TORC1), the conserved rapamycin-sensitive kinase activity that regulates cell growth in response to nutritional status. The temperature sensitivity of
ipl1-2
can also be suppressed by null mutation of
TOR1
or by administration of pharmacological TORC1 inhibitors, indicating that reduced TORC1 activity is responsible for the suppression. Suppression of the
ipl1-2
growth defect is accompanied by increased fidelity of chromosome segregation and increased phosphorylation of the Ipl1 substrates histone H3 and Dam1. Nuclear Glc7 levels are reduced in a
tco89
mutant, suggesting that TORC1 activity is required for the nuclear accumulation of Glc7. In addition, several mutant
GLC7
alleles that suppress the temperature sensitivity of
ipl1-2
exhibit negative synthetic genetic interactions with TORC1 mutants. Together, our results suggest that TORC1 positively regulates the Glc7 activity that opposes Ipl1 and provide a mechanism to tie nutritional status with mitotic regulation.