bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Floating Arterial Thrombus Related Stroke Treated by Intravenous Thrombolysis
Authors: Vanacker P. , Cordier M. , Janbieh J. , Federau C. , Michel P.
Published: October 2014

Background: The effects of intravenous thrombolysis on floating thrombi in cervical and intracranial arteries of acute ischemic stroke patients are unknown. Similarly, the best prevention methods of early recurrences remain controversial. This study aimed to describe the clinical and radiological outcome of thrombolyzed strokes with floating thrombi. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all thrombolyzed stroke patients in our institution between 2003 and 2010 with floating thrombi on acute CT-angiography before the intravenous thrombolysis. The floating thrombus was diagnosed if an elongated thrombus of at least 5 mm length, completely surrounded by contrast on supra-aortic neck or intracerebral arteries, was present on CT-angiography. Demographics, vascular risk factors, and comorbidities were recorded and stroke etiology was determined after a standardized workup. Repeat arterial imaging was performed by CTA at 24 h or before if clinical worsening was noted and then by Doppler and MRA during the first week and at four months. Results: Of 409 thrombolyzed stroke patients undergoing acute CT Angiography, seven (1.7%) had a floating thrombus; of these seven, six had it in the anterior circulation. Demographics, risk factors and stroke severity of these patients were comparable to the other thrombolyzed patients. After intravenous thrombolysis, the floating thrombi resolved completely at 24 h in four of the patients, whereas one had an early recurrent stroke and one developed progressive worsening. One patient developed early occlusion of the carotid artery with floating thrombus and subsequently a TIA. The two patients with a stable floating thrombus had no clinical recurrences. In the literature, only one of four reported cases were found to have a thrombolysis-related early recurrence. Conclusions: Long-term outcome seemed similar in thrombolyzed patients with floating thrombus, despite a possible increase of very early recurrence. It remains to be established whether acute mechanical thrombectomy could be a safer and more effective treatment to prevent early recurrence. However, intravenous thrombolysis should not be withheld in eligible stroke patients.
Adjusting Hemodialysis Dose for Protein Catabolic Rate
Authors: Vartia Aarne J.
Published: October 2014

Background: Patients dialyzed with equal eKt/V may have huge variations in their urea concentrations. Methods: Urea generation rate, distribution volume and renal clearance were determined in 205 hemodialysis sessions of 33 patients with double pool urea kinetic modeling using dialyzer clearance from online monitoring. From these data, optimized prescriptions were computed. Results: In simulated dialysis sessions, the HEMO standard-dose equivalent clearance was not sufficient to keep time-averaged concentration (TAC) and average predialysis concentration (PAC) of urea below the defined upper limits (20 and 30 mmol/l), if normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) was greater than 1.3 g/kg/day. Protein catabolic rate was taken into account in the optimized prescription by cutting high urea concentrations. Conclusions: If patients having high urea concentrations with conventional clearance will benefit from higher dialysis dose - an unconfirmed hypothesis - this approach helps in identifying those who need more than three sessions per week.
Left Atrial Passive Emptying Function Is Preserved in Patients with Permanent Atrial Fibrillation - A 320-Slice Multidetector Computed Tomography Study
Authors: Agner Bue Fridolin Ross , Kühl Jørgen Tobias , Kofoed Klaus Fuglsang , Engstrøm Thomas , Jensen Gorm Boje , Dixen Ulrik
Published: October 2014

Objective: Left atrial (LA) mechanical function is thought to be virtually inexistent in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). Due to recent advances in multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) technology, it is now possible to acquire images of the entire heart in a single heartbeat. The objective of this study was to compare individual components of LA function assessed by MDCT in patients with permanent AF and patients in sinus rhythm (SR). Methods: 320-slice MDCT was performed in 30 patients with permanent AF. Measurements of LA volumes during the cardiac cycle were compared to 30 patients in SR, who were matched with respect to age, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction and body surface area. Results: LA volumes were significantly larger in patients with AF than SR patients at all times during the cardiac cycle (LA maximal volume; 82 vs. 55 ml/m2, p < 0.0001, LA minimal volume; 71 vs. 30 ml/m2, p < 0.0001). However, except for the absence of active LA emptying, the overall trend of the LA time-volume curve was similar in patients with AF and SR. Conclusion: Compared to SR patients, patients with permanent AF have significantly increased LA volumes throughout the cardiac cycle. Yet, a residual hemodynamic role of LA function may be maintained during permanent AF.
Classification of Intestinal Lymphangiectasia with Protein-Losing Enteropathy: White Villi Type and Non-White Villi Type
Authors: Ohmiya Naoki , Nakamura Masanao , Yamamura Takeshi , Yamada Koji , Nagura Asuka , Yoshimura Toru , Hirooka Yoshiki , Hirata Ichiro , Goto Hidemi
Published: October 2014

Background/Aims: We classified intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) into two categories, the white and non-white villi types, and evaluated their clinical characteristics and therapeutic responses. Methods: Of the 988 patients who underwent double-balloon enteroscopy, 14 consecutive patients (7 men and 7 women, median age at onset 34 years) were enrolled with immunohistochemically confirmed IL with protein-losing enteropathy. Results: Enteroscopically the white villi type (n = 8) showed white plaques and white-tipped villi were scattered in the small bowel, while non-white villi type (n = 6) showed that apparently normal but under more detailed observation, low and round villi with a normal color were diffused. The serum albumin levels and fecal E1-antitrypsin clearance before treatment were significantly worse in the non-white villi type (p = 0.017 and 0.039, respectively), whereas the serum immunoglobulin A and M levels were significantly lower in the white villi type (p = 0.010 and 0.046, respectively). At gastroscopy, a non-cirrhotic snakeskin appearance was significantly observed in the non-white villi type (p = 0.015). The corticosteroid response was better in the non-white villi type (p = 0.015). Conclusion: Two distinct subgroups were found in IL. This classification was useful in pathophysiological clustering and in predicting the therapeutic response. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Perioperative management of oral antiplatelet therapy and clinical outcomes in coronary stent patients undergoing surgery
Authors: Musumeci Giuseppe , Capodanno Davide , Lettieri Corrado , Limbruno Ugo , Tarantini Giuseppe , Russo Nicolina , Calabria Paolo , Romano Michele , Inashvili Ana , Sirbu Vasile , Guagliumi Giulio , Valsecchi Orazio , Senni Michele , Gavazzi Antonello , Angiolillo Dominick J. , Rossini Roberta
Published: October 2014

The aim was to investigate the perioperative risk of ischaemic and bleeding events in patients with coronary stents undergoing cardiac and non-cardiac surgery and how these outcomes are affected by the perioperative use of oral antiplatelet therapy. This was a multicentre, retrospective, observational study conducted in patients with coronary stent(s) undergoing cardiac or non-cardiac surgery. The primary efficacy endpoint was the 30-day incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as the composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke. The primary safety endpoint was the 30-day incidence of Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) bleeding ≥ 2. A total of 666 patients were included. Of these, 371 (55.7 %) discontinued their antiplatelet medication(s) (all or partly) before undergoing surgery. At 30 days, patients with perioperative discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy experienced a significantly higher incidence of MACE (7.5 % vs 0.3 %, p < 0.001), cardiac death (2.7 % vs 0.3 %, p=0.027), and MI (4.0 % vs 0 %, p < 0.001). After adjustment, peri-operative antiplatelet discontinuation was the strongest independent predictor of 30-day MACE (odds ratio [OR]=25.8, confidence interval [CI]=3.37–198, p=0.002). Perioperative aspirin (adjusted OR 0.27, 95 % CI 0.11–0.71, p=0.008) was significantly associated with a lower risk of MACE. The overall incidence of BARC ≥ 2 bleeding events at 30-days was significantly higher in patients who discontinued oral antiplatelet therapy (25.6 % vs 13.9 %, p < 0.001). However, after adjustment, antiplatelet discontinuation was not independently associated with BARC ≥ 2 bleeding. In conclusion antiplatelet discontinuation increases the 30-day risk of MACE, in patients with coronary stents undergoing cardiac and non-cardiac surgery, while not offering significant protection from BARC≥ 2 bleeding.
Role of protein S deficiency in children with venous thromboembolism
Authors: Kenet Gili , Kurnik Karin , Gelas Martine Alhenc , Finckh Ulrich , Junker Ralf , Heller Christine , Zieger Barbara , Knöfler Ralf , Holzhauer Susanne , Mesters Rolf , Krümpel Anne , Klostermeier Ulrich C. , Limperger Verena , Nowak-Göttl Ulrike
Published: October 2014

Venous thromboembolism [TE] is a multifactorial disease, and protein S deficiency [PSD] constitutes a major risk factor. In the present study the prevalence of PSD and the clinical presentation at TE onset in a cohort of children is reported. In 367 unselected paediatric patients with TE (age 0.1–18 years) recruited between July 1996 and December 2013, a comprehensive thrombophilia screening was performed along with recording of anamnestic data. Thirty of 367 paediatric patients (8.2 %) derived from 27 families had PSD. Mean age at first TE onset was 14.5 years (range 0.1 to 18). Thrombotic locations were cerebral veins (n=8), calf vein TE (n=3) deep veins (DVT) of the leg (n=12), DVT & pulmonary embolism (n=5) and intra-cardiac veins (n=1) or purpura fulminans (n=1). PSD co-occurred with the factor 5 mutation at rs6025 or the homozygous factor 2 susceptibility variant at rs1799963 in one case each. The Heerlen polymorphism detected in five children presented with milder PSD. In 18 patients (60 %) a concomitant risk factor for TE was identified. A second TE event within primarily healthy siblings occurred in three of 27 PSD families (11.0 %). In this cohort of children with symptomatic TE, the prevalence of PSD adjusted for family status was 7.4 %. Given its clinical implication for patients and family members, thrombophilia testing should be performed and the benefit of medical or educational interventions should be evaluated in this high-risk population.
Cognates of Old Chinese *-n, *-r, and *-j  in Tibetan and Burmese
Authors: Hill Nathan W.
Published: October 2014

Following a suggestion of Starostin (1989), Baxter & Sagart (2011) reconstruct *-n, *-j, and *-r as distinct finals in Old Chinese. These three finals have regular correspondences in Tibetan and Burmese. The Trans-Himalayan proto-language distinguished *-n, *-j, *-r, *-l, and *-rl. Burmese loses *-r and generally loses *-l, except after -u-, where it changes to -y. Tibetan loses *-y and changes *-rl to -l. Chinese changes *-rl to *-r. Because Burmese shows different reflexes for *aj (-ay) and *əj (> -i), the merger of *ə and *a in Tibetan and Burmese are independent innovations; and this merger does not confirm a ‘Tibeto-Burman’ subgroup (contra Handel 2008). These correspondences require confirmation through further research on evidence of *-r in the Min dialects and Han dynasty Buddhist transcriptions from Indic languages in Chinese characters.
Synaesthesia or Vivid Imagery? A Single Case fMRI Study of Visually Induced Olfactory Perception
Authors: Chan Jason S. , van den Bosch Jasper J. F. , Theves Stephanie , Hardt Stefanie , Pflanz Patrick , Lötsch Jörn , Kaiser Jochen , Naumer Marcus J.
Published: October 2014

The most common form of synaesthesia is grapheme–colour synaesthesia. However, rarer forms of synaesthesia also exist, such as word–gustatory and olfactory–gustatory synaesthesia, whereby a word or smell will induce a specific. In this study we describe a single individual (LJ) who experiences a concurrent olfactory stimulus when presented with congruent visual images. For some visual stimuli, he perceives a strong and automatic olfactory percept, which has existed throughout his life. In this study, we explore whether his experiences are a new form of synaesthesia or simply vivid imagery. Unlike other forms of synaesthesia, the concurrent odour is congruent to the visual inducer. For example, a photograph of dress shoes will elicit the smell of leather. We presented LJ and several control participants with 75 images of everyday objects. Their task was to indicate the strength of any perceived odours induced by the visual images. LJ rated several of the images as inducing a concurrent odour, while controls did not have any such percept. Images that LJ reported as inducing the strongest odours were used, along with colour-matched control images, in the context of an fMRI experiment. Participants were given a one-back task to maintain attention. A block-design odour localizer was presented to localize the piriform cortex (primary olfactory cortex). We found an increased BOLD response in the piriform cortex for the odour-inducing images compared to the control images in LJ. There was no difference in BOLD response between these two stimulus types in the control participants. A subsequent olfactory imagery task did not elicit enhanced activity in the piriform cortex in LJ, suggesting his perceptual experiences may not be based on olfactory imagery.
Modality Dependent Cross-Modal Functional Reorganization Following Congenital Visual Deprivation within Occipital Areas: A Meta-Analysis of Tactile and Auditory Studies
Authors: Ricciardi Emiliano , Tozzi Leonardo , Leo Andrea , Pietrini Pietro
Published: October 2014

Cross-modal responses in occipital areas appear to be essential for sensory processing in visually deprived subjects. However, it is yet unclear whether this functional recruitment might be dependent on the sensory channel conveying the information. In order to characterize brain areas showing task-independent, but sensory specific, cross-modal responses in blind individuals, we pooled together distinct brain functional studies in a single based meta-analysis according only to the modality conveying experimental stimuli (auditory or tactile).

Our approach revealed a specific functional cortical segregation according to the sensory modality conveying the non-visual information, irrespectively from the cognitive features of the tasks. In particular, dorsal and posterior subregions of occipital and superior parietal cortex showed a higher cross-modal recruitment across tactile tasks in blind as compared to sighted individuals. On the other hand, auditory stimuli activated more medial and ventral clusters within early visual areas, the lingual and inferior temporal cortex. These findings suggest a modality-specific functional modification of cross-modal responses within different portions of the occipital cortex of blind individuals. Cross-modal recruitment can thus be specifically influenced by the intrinsic features of sensory information.
Red Hot: The Crossmodal Effect of Color Intensity on Perceived Piquancy
Authors: Shermer Devin Z. , Levitan Carmel A.
Published: October 2014

Color cues can influence the experience of flavor, both by influencing identification and perceived intensity of foods. Previous research has largely focused on the crossmodal influence of vision upon taste or olfactory cues. It is plausible that color cues could also affect perceived trigeminal sensation; these studies demonstrate a crossmodal influence of color on piquancy. In our first two experiments, participants rated the spiciness of images of salsas that were adjusted to vary in color and intensity. We found that red was associated with significantly higher ratings of expected spice than blue, and that darker reds were expected to be spicier than lighter reds. In our third experiment, participants tasted and then rated the spiciness of each of four salsas (with two levels of color and of piquancy) when sighted and when blindfolded. Spiciness ratings were unaffected by differing colors when the salsa was mild, but when the piquancy was increased, a lack of increase in color corresponded to a depressed spiciness. These results can be explained using a model of assimilation and contrast. Taken together, our findings show that in our US sample, there is a crossmodal correspondence between visual and trigeminal senses that can influence perception of spiciness.
A tiny new species of leaf insect (Phasmatodea, Phylliidae) from New Guinea
Authors: KAMP THOMAS DE VAN , HENNEMANN FRANK H.
Published: October 2014

The female and egg of the new Papuan leaf insect Phyllium (Phyllium) riedeli n. sp. are described and illustrated. The species belongs in the siccifolium species-group of the subgenus Phyllium and, with a body length of 56.3 mm, represents the smallest leaf insect so far described for the genus. The type-specimens are stored in the State Museum of Natural History Karlsruhe, Germany (SMNK). A checklist and key is provided for the New Guinean representatives of Phyllium (Phyllium) Illiger, 1798.
Revalidation of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest dung beetle species Coprophanaeus (Metallophanaeus) machadoi (Pereira & d’Andretta, 1955) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Phanaeini) based on morphological and distributional evidence
Authors: Cupello Mario , VAZ-DE-MELLO FERNANDO Z.
Published: October 2014

Coprophanaeus machadoi, species described based on a single male from Minas Gerais, was recently synonymized with C. saphirinus (Sturm, 1826). In this work, based on examination of more than 500 specimens from Brazilian Atlantic Forest, we introduce new evidence supporting the validity of C. machadoi, including differences in male pronotal ornamentation, in the form of the parameres, and in distribution. We also describe for the first time the female of C. machadoi and discuss the intraspecific color variation of C. saphirinus.
The Effectiveness of a Rearview Camera and Parking Sensor System Alone and Combined for Preventing a Collision With an Unexpected Stationary or Moving Object
Authors: Kidd David G. , Hagoski Bradly K. , Tucker Tia G. , Chiang Dean P.
Published: October 2014

Objective:

This study measured the effectiveness of a parking sensor system, a rearview camera, and a sensor system combined with a camera for preventing a collision with a stationary or moving child-size object in the path of a backing vehicle.

Background:

An estimated 15,000 people are injured and 210 are killed every year in backover crashes involving light vehicles. Cameras and sensor systems may help prevent these crashes.

Method:

The sample included 111 drivers (55 men, 56 women), including 16 in the no-technology condition, 32 in the sensor condition, 32 in the camera condition, and 31 in the camera-plus-sensor condition. A stationary or moving child-size object was surreptitiously deployed in the path of participants backing out of a parking stall.

Results:

A significantly smaller proportion of participants in the camera condition hit the stationary object compared with participants in the no-technology condition; however, this benefit was greatly reduced when the stationary object was partially or completely in the shade. Significantly fewer participants hit the moving object than the stationary object. The percentage of participants in the sensor, camera, and camera-plus-sensor conditions who hit the moving object was not different from the no-technology condition.

Conclusion:

The camera was the only technology that was effective for preventing collisions with the stationary object. The variation in collision outcomes between the stationary- and moving-object conditions illustrates how the effectiveness of these technologies is dependent on the backing situation.

Application:

This research can help the selection and development of countermeasures to prevent backovers.
Rehabilitation Counseling Students Report on Training and Sexuality
Authors: Pebdani Roxanna N. , Johnson Kurt L.
Published: October 2014

Sexuality is an important topic in rehabilitation counseling. Nonetheless, little is known about the state of training on sexuality for rehabilitation counseling students. This study surveyed rehabilitation counseling students on how much training they received on sexuality during their education. Less than half of the sample reported receiving graduate-level training on sexuality. Implications for research, training, and practice are discussed.
The Double Confrontation of Grassroots Unionism in Argentina
Authors: Arias Cora Cecilia , Menéndez Nicolás Diana , Salgado Paula Dinorah
Published: October 2014

Social conflicts in Argentina over the past decade have retrieved the essence of the capitalist dispute: the struggle between capital and labor as situated in the workplace and no longer across urban space as it was in the 1990s. In this context, both institutionalized and alternative union expressions regained their centrality for analyzing social reality. The revitalization of collective bargaining and the consequent repositioning of unions on the labor and political scene activated grassroots dynamics that sometimes challenged existing union structures. Few experiences of resistance were able to alter the balance of power as much as the workers’ organization of the Buenos Aires subway. This organization was able to achieve such gains because of a combination of the strategic importance of the subway to the city’s production and reproduction, the fact that the privatization of the firm was a time-limited concession rather than a direct sale, the union tradition and workers’ awareness of lost rights, and the incorporation of new workers with a history of political militancy.

Los conflictos sociales en Argentina durante la última década han recuperado la esencia de la disputa capitalista: la lucha entre el capital y los trabajadores como situado en el lugar de trabajo y ya no a través del espacio urbano, como lo fue en la década de 1990. En este contexto, las dos expresiones sindicales institucionalizadas y alternativas recuperaron su centralidad para el análisis de la realidad social. La revitalización de la negociación colectiva y la consecuente reposición de los sindicatos sobre el escenario laboral y político activan dinámicas de base que a veces desafiaban las estructuras sindicales existentes. Pocas experiencias de resistencia fueron capaces de cambiar al equilibrio de poder tanto como la organización de trabajadores del metro de Buenos Aires. Esta organización fue capaz de lograr tales ganancias debido a una combinación de la importancia estratégica del metro para la producción y reproducción de la ciudad, el hecho de que la privatización de la empresa fue una concesión de tiempo limitado más bien que una venta directa, la tradición sindical y la conciencia de los trabajadores de los derechos perdidos, y la incorporación de nuevos trabajadores con antecedentes de militancia política.
Enteral Nutrition in Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation in a Prone Position
Authors: Saez de la Fuente Ignacio , Saez de la Fuente Javier , Quintana Estelles Maria Delicias , Garcia Gigorro Renata , Terceros Almanza Luis Juan , Sanchez Izquierdo Jose Angel , Montejo Gonzalez Juan Carlos
Published: October 2014

Background: Patients treated with mechanical ventilation in the prone position (PP) could have an increased risk for feeding intolerance. However, the available evidence supporting this hypothesis is limited and contradictory. Objective: To examine the feasibility and efficacy of enteral nutrition (EN) support and its associated complications in patients receiving mechanical ventilation in PP. Methods: Prospective observational study including 34 mechanically ventilated intensive care patients who were turned to the prone position over a 3‐year period. End points related to efficacy and safety of EN support were studied. Results: In total, more than 1200 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit over a period of 3 years. Of these, 34 received mechanical ventilation in PP. The mean days under EN were 24.7 ± 12.3. Mean days under EN in the supine position were significantly higher than in PP (21.1 vs 3.6; P < .001), but there were no significant differences in gastric residual volume adjusted per day of EN (126.6 vs 189.2; P = .054) as well as diet volume ratio (94.1% vs 92.8%; P = .21). No significant differences in high gastric residual events per day of EN (0.06 vs 0.09; P = .39), vomiting per day of EN (0.016 vs 0.03; P = .53), or diet regurgitation per day of EN (0 vs 0.04; P = .051) were found. Conclusions: EN in critically ill patients with severe hypoxemia receiving mechanical ventilation in PP is feasible, safe, and not associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal complications. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Characterization of Batracylin-induced Renal and Bladder Toxicity in Rats
Authors: Davis Myrtle , Bunin Deborah I. , Samuelsson Steven J. , Altera Kenneth P. , Kinders Robert J. , Lawrence Scott M. , Ji Jiuping , Ames Matthew M. , Buhrow Sarah A. , Walden Chad , Reid Joel M. , Rausch Linda L. , Parman Toufan
Published: October 2014

Batracylin (NSC-320846) is a dual inhibitor of DNA topoisomerases I and II. Batracylin advanced as an anticancer agent to Phase I clinical trials where dose limiting hemorrhagic cystitis (bladder inflammation and bleeding) was observed. To further investigate batracylin’s mechanism of toxicity, studies were conducted in Fischer 344 rats. Once daily oral administration of 16 or 32 mg/kg batracylin to rats for 4 days caused overt toxicity. Abnormal clinical observations and adverse effects on clinical pathology, urinalysis, and histology indicated acute renal damage and urothelial damage and bone marrow dysfunction. Scanning electron microscopy revealed sloughing of the superficial and intermediate urothelial layers. DNA damage was evident in kidney and bone marrow as indicated by histone γ-H2AX immunofluorescence. After a single oral administration of 16 or 32 mg/kg, the majority of batracylin was converted to N-acetylbatracylin (NAB) with a half-life of 4 hr to 11 hr. Mesna (Mesnex™), a drug known to reduce the incidence of hemorrhagic cystitis induced by ifosfamide or cyclophosphamide, was administered to rats prior to batracylin, but did not alleviate batracylin-induced bladder and renal toxicity. These findings suggest that batracylin results in DNA damage-based mechanisms of toxicity and not an acrolein-based mechanism of toxicity as occurs after ifosfamide or cyclophosphamide administration.
Nonanatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Double-Stranded Semitendinosus Grafts in Children With Open Physes
Authors: Demange Marco Kawamura , Camanho Gilberto Luis
Published: October 2014

Background:

Nonanatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) with double-stranded semitendinosus grafts in children with open physes has been described as a successful surgical technique in short-term follow-up clinical reports.

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of nonanatomic ACLR in children with open physes and a minimum of 15 years’ follow-up.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Twelve patients with an average age of 10.7 years (range, 8.3-12.4 years) underwent ACLR between 1991 and 1998. All patients were classified as Tanner development stage 2 or lower. The surgical technique involved transphyseal tibial tunnel drilling and over-the-top (OTT) femoral fixation using a double-stranded graft for all patients. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in terms of the manual Lachman test, pivot-shift test, return to sports activity, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score at the end of growth and at a minimum 15-year follow-up (range, 15-22 years).

Results:

No clinically significant growth disturbance was observed. Ten patients had a grade A IKDC score, and 2 patients had a grade B IKDC score at the end of growth. There was no progression of laxity or modification of knee stability with growth. Three patients (25%) had ACL reruptures during sports activities after growth plate closure. All patients with reruptured ACLs underwent additional reconstructive surgery.

Conclusion:

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the OTT technique in the femur and the transphyseal technique in the tibia produces good results with regard to growth plate closure but a high failure rate in adulthood.
The Unforeseen Costs of Extraordinary Experience
Authors: Cooney Gus , Gilbert Daniel T. , Wilson Timothy D.
Published: October 2014

People seek extraordinary experiences—from drinking rare wines and taking exotic vacations to jumping from airplanes and shaking hands with celebrities. But are such experiences worth having? We found that participants thoroughly enjoyed having experiences that were superior to those had by their peers, but that having had such experiences spoiled their subsequent social interactions and ultimately left them feeling worse than they would have felt if they had had an ordinary experience instead. Participants were able to predict the benefits of having an extraordinary experience but were unable to predict the costs. These studies suggest that people may pay a surprising price for the experiences they covet most.
The changing roles, responsibilities and skills of subject and learning support librarians in the Southern African Customs Union region
Authors: Chanetsa Bernadette , Ngulube Patrick
Published: October 2014

The study investigated, within the Southern African Customs Union region, the titles, roles, responsibilities, educational qualifications and skills of subject librarians. Semi-structured questionnaires were sent to 179 subject and other learning support librarians. The findings revealed that subject librarians performed many different tasks, emanating from the key responsibility areas of information literacy instruction, research support, faculty liaison, collection development and marketing. It found that changes had occurred in the profession over time, largely because of technological advances, and that these mainly affected the way tasks were performed, and resulted in subject librarians having to constantly update their skills in order to remain effective and relevant.
Migrating Diseases
Authors: Flick Uwe , Röhnsch Gundula
Published: October 2014

Understanding qualitative inquiry as a global endeavor and using it in a globalizing context leads to several challenges. Differences in concepts of what qualitative research is may become visible. Methods like interviews may have a different connotation in other cultures, where our interviewees come from. We may have to conduct and analyze interviews differently. These challenges are discussed here on the background of an ongoing project focused on migrants from former Soviet Union states living in Germany with drugs and alcohol addiction problems. For understanding how the help-seeking processes in this context work and what makes them more complicated, episodic interviews with the clients were conducted in German or Russian and triangulated with expert interviews with service providers.
Childminders, parents and policy: Testing the triangle of care
Authors: Brooker Liz
Published: October 2014

Childminders in England have historically been seen as marginal providers of childcare, fulfilling Bruner’s description of the service as an ‘accordion pleat’ in provision. This article outlines the history and current position of childminders in English early childhood policy, and then reports on the views on this role of childminders who participated in focus groups to discuss the statutory requirements for their role. The participants describe their feelings about their role, revealing tensions between the maternal and professional aspects of their practice, the ‘expert’ and ‘common-sense’ contributions they make, and the ways in which they perceive adherence to regulatory frameworks as undermining the relationships with parents, which form a core theme in their self-perception.
The pathogenesis of Kirner’s deformity: A clinical, radiological and histological study
Authors: Fairbank S. M. , Rozen W. M. , Coombs C. J.
Published: October 2014

The distal phalanx in Kirner’s disease is abnormal and recognizable both clinically and radiologically. Despite previous investigation, the cause of these abnormalities is not clear. The current study seeks to evaluate the abnormal physis in Kirner’s deformity using radiological investigation, intraoperative observation and histopathological assessment in three clinical cases. Similarities with clinodactyly are described. Three patients with Kirner’s deformity underwent plain-film radiography and magnetic resonance imaging. Intraoperative observations were recorded, and histologic assessment of anatomically abnormal tissue was performed in all three cases. All three modalities of investigation (plain-film X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging and histological findings) were consistent and supported the intraoperative observation of cartilage abnormally situated anterior to the diaphysis and deep to the flexor tendon. There is thus evidence for the presence of an incomplete volar bracket or L-shaped physis in Kirner’s deformity, analogous with the C-shaped bracket found in clinodactyly.

Level of Evidence: Aetiological Study; Level 4
Identity threat and stigma in cancer patients
Authors: Knapp Sarah , Marziliano Allison , Moyer Anne
Published: October 2014

Cancer stigma has undergone an important transformation in recent decades. In general, this disease no longer fits squarely into Goffman’s classic taxonomy of stigmatized conditions. This review will demonstrate that, with important adaptations, an identity-threat model of stigma can be used to organize cancer stigma research post-Goffman. This adapted model postulates that one’s personal attributions, responses to situational threat, and disease/treatment characteristics can be used to predict identity threat and well-being of individuals with cancer. Implications for further research and clinical practice are discussed.
Cognitive processing of cluster headache patients: evidence from event-related potentials
Authors: Wang Rongfei , Dong Zhao , Chen Xiaoyan , Liu Ruozhuo , Zhang Mingjie , Wu Jinglong , Yu Shengyuan
Published: October 2014

Background

The peripheral and central origins of pain in cluster headache (CH) have been a matter of much debate. The development and application of functional imaging techniques have provided more evidence supporting the hypothesis that CH is not a disorder exclusively peripheral in origin, and in fact central regions might be more important. Event-related potentials confer advantages in the functional evaluation of the cortex, but few studies thus far have employed this method in cluster headache.

Methods

Seventeen cluster patients (15 males; mean age = 35.4 years) and 15 age-matched healthy participants (13 males; mean age = 34.6 years) were recruited. A visual oddball paradigm was employed to analyze target processing using event-related potentials. We investigated the P3/P3d components in the experiment.

Results

P3/P3d amplitudes were decreased in CH patients (P3, 3.82 μV; P3d, 5.8 μV) compared with controls (P3, 7.28 μV; P3d, 8.95 μV), F(1,30) = 4.919, p < 0.05, η2 = 0.141 for P3 and F(1,30) = 8.514, p < 0.05, η2 = 0.221 for P3d, respectively). Moreover, the amplitudes of P3/P3d were no significantl difference in the side of pain as compared to contralateral one (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

These results provide evidence of dysfunction in the cognitive processing of CH patients, which may also contribute to the pathophysiology of CH.
Dose-intense capecitabine, oxaliplatin and bevacizumab as first line treatment for metastatic, unresectable colorectal cancer: a multi-centre phase II study
Authors: Jackson Christopher GCA , Sharples Katrina , Thompson Paul I , O’Donnell Anne , Robinson Bridget Anne , Perez David J , Adams Jacqui , Isaacs Richard , Deva Sanjeev , Hinder Victoria A , Findlay Michael P
Published: October 2014

Background

Dose intense chemotherapy may improve efficacy with acceptable toxicity. A phase II study was conducted to determine the feasibility of a dose-intense two weekly schedule of capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Methods

49 patients with previously untreated mCRC were recruited. Nineteen received capecitabine (1750 mg/m2 oral BD days 1–7)oxaliplatin (85 mg/m2i.v. day 1) and bevacizumab (5 mg/kg i.v. day 1) using a 14-day cycle (C1750). Following toxicity concerns capecitabine was reduced to 1500 mg/m2oral BD (C1500) and 30 further patients recruited.

Results

Over 80% of patients received at least 75% of planned chemotherapy doses over the first two cycles. At C1750 Grade 3 or higher toxicity occurred in 74% (95% CI 49% to 91%) and on C1500 in 70% (95% CI 51% to 85%). The median progression-free survival was 6.9 months (95% CI 4.7 to 8.7) for C1750 dose and 8.9 months (95% CI 4.1 to 12.4) for C1500. 3 treatment-related deaths occurred.

Conclusions

Dose intense capecitabine and oxaliplatin with bevacizumab does not show additional efficacy and has potentially significant toxicity. Its use outside of clinical trials is not recommended.

Trial registration

ISRCTN41540878
Unique and facile solvothermal synthesis of mesoporous WO3 using a solid precursor and a surfactant template as a photoanode for visible-light-driven water oxidation
Authors: Li Dong , Chandra Debraj , Saito Kenji , Yui Tatsuto , Yagi Masayuki
Published: October 2014

Mesoporous tungsten trioxide (WO3) was prepared from tungstic acid (H2WO4) as a tungsten precursor with dodecylamine (DDA) as a template to guide porosity of the nanostructure by a solvothermal technique. The WO3 sample (denoted as WO3-DDA) prepared with DDA was moulded on an electrode to yield efficient performance for visible-light-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) data of the WO3-DDA sample calcined at 400°C indicate a crystalline framework of the mesoporous structure with disordered arrangement of pores. N2 physisorption studies show a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area up to 57 m2 g-1 together with type IV isotherms and uniform distribution of a nanoscale pore size in the mesopore region. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images exhibit well-connected tiny spherical WO3 particles with a diameter of ca. 5 to 20 nm composing the mesoporous network. The WO3-DDA electrode generated photoanodic current density of 1.1 mA cm-2 at 1.0 V versus Ag/AgCl under visible light irradiation, which is about three times higher than that of the untemplated WO3. O2 (1.49 μmol; Faraday efficiency, 65.2%) was evolved during the 1-h photoelectrolysis for the WO3-DDA electrode under the conditions employed. The mesoporous electrode turned out to work more efficiently for visible-light-driven water oxidation relative to the untemplated WO3 electrode.
The effects of surface spin on magnetic properties of weak magnetic ZnLa0.02Fe1.98O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Xu Shitao , Ma Yongqing , Xu Yuanfeng , Sun Xiao , Geng Bingqian , Zheng Ganhong , Dai Zhenxiang
Published: October 2014

In order to prominently investigate the effects of the surface spin on the magnetic properties, the weak magnetic ZnLa0.02Fe1.98O4 nanoparticles were chosen as studying objects which benefit to reduce as possibly the effects of interparticle dipolar interaction and crystalline anisotropy energies. By annealing the undiluted and diluted ZnLa0.02Fe1.98O4 nanoparticles at different temperatures, we observed the rich variations of magnetic ordering states (superparamagnetism, weak ferromagnetism, and paramagnetism). The magnetic properties can be well understood by considering the effects of the surface spin of the magnetic nanoparticles. Our results indicate that in the nano-sized magnets with weak magnetism, the surface spin plays a crucial rule in the magnetic properties.
Phase-pure iron pyrite nanocrystals for low-cost photodetectors
Authors: Liu Shenting , Wu Jiang , Yu Peng , Ding Qinghua , Zhou Zhihua , Li Handong , Lai Chih-chung , Chueh Yu-Lun , Wang Zhiming M
Published: October 2014

Earth-abundant iron pyrite (FeS2) shows great potential as a light absorber for solar cells and photodetectors due to their high absorption coefficient (>105 cm-1). In this paper, high-quality phase-pure and single crystalline pyrite nanocrystals were synthesized via facile, low-cost, and environment friendly hydrothermal method. The molar ratio of sulphur to iron and the reaction time play a crucial role in determining the quality and morphology of FeS2 nanocrystals. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy confirm that phase-pure and single crystalline pyrite nanocrystals can be synthesized with high sulphur to iron molar ratio and sufficient reaction time. For the first time, a crystalline nanogap pyrite photodetector with promising photocurrent and UV-visible photoresponse has been fabricated. This work further demonstrates a facile route to synthesize high-quality FeS2 nanomaterials and their potential in optoelectronic applications.
α9-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Contribute to the Maintenance of Chronic Mechanical Hyperalgesia, but Not Thermal or Mechanical Allodynia
Authors: Mohammadi Sarasa , Christie Macdonald J
Published: October 2014

Background:

The current pharmacological treatments for chronic pain are limited. The first analgesic drug approved for clinical use in decades that has a novel molecular target is the synthetic version of a naturally occurring conotoxin. Several conotoxins that target ion channels have progressed to clinical trials for the relief of pain. Vc1.1 and RgIA are analgesic α-conotoxins that target α9-subunit-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α9-nAChR) as well as GABAB receptor mechanisms. However, the evidence for the involvement of α9-nAChRs in pain is controversial. In the present study, the role of the α9-nAChR in pain was assessed using a battery of behavioural pain tests and pain models in α9-nAChR knockout (KO) mice.

Results:

α9-nAChR KO mice showed normal responses to acute noxious thermal and mechanical stimuli, and developed normal chronic cold and mechanical allodynia in inflammatory and nerve injury pain models. However, KO animals developed mechanical hyperalgesia to a lesser extent than their wild type (WT) counterparts in both inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. Chronic neuropathic pain is sustained in WT mice for at least 21 days post injury, while KO mice show significant recovery by 14 days post injury. KO sham mice were also resistant to the repeated-measures effect of the noxious pain test that caused a gradual onset of mild mechanical hyperalgesia in WT sham animals.

Conclusions:

The α9-nAChR is not involved in acute pain perception or chronic thermal or mechanical allodynia or thermal hyperalgesia but does contribute to the intensity and duration of chronic mechanical hyperalgesia, suggesting that pain-relieving actions of antagonists that target this site may be restricted to high threshold mechanosensation. The α9-nAChR appears to be a valid target for pharmacological compounds that alleviate long-term mechanical hyperalgesia and may be of use as a prophylactic drug to prevent the development of some symptoms of chronic pain.
Isolation of deer tick virus (Powassan virus, lineage II) from Ixodes scapularis and detection of antibody in vertebrate hosts sampled in the Hudson Valley, New York State
Authors: Dupuis II Alan P , Peters Ryan J , Prusinski Melissa A , Falco Richard C , Ostfeld Richard S , Kramer Laura D
Published: October 2014

Background

Deer tick virus, DTV, is a genetically and ecologically distinct lineage of Powassan virus (POWV) also known as lineage II POWV. Human incidence of POW encephalitis has increased in the last 15 years potentially due to the emergence of DTV, particularly in the Hudson Valley of New York State. We initiated an extensive sampling campaign to determine whether POWV was extant throughout the Hudson Valley in tick vectors and/or vertebrate hosts.

Methods

More than 13,000 ticks were collected from hosts or vegetation and tested for the presence of DTV using molecular and virus isolation techniques. Vertebrate hosts of Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick) were trapped (mammals) or netted (birds) and blood samples analyzed for the presence of neutralizing antibodies to POWV. Maximum likelihood estimates (MLE) were calculated to determine infection rates in ticks at each study site.

Results

Evidence of DTV was identified each year from 2007 to 2012, in nymphal and adult I. scapularis collected from the Hudson Valley. 58 tick pools were positive for virus and/or RNA. Infection rates were higher in adult ticks collected from areas east of the Hudson River. MLE limits ranged from 0.2-6.0 infected adults per 100 at sites where DTV was detected. Virginia opossums, striped skunks and raccoons were the source of infected nymphal ticks collected as replete larvae. Serologic evidence of POWV infection was detected in woodchucks (4/6), an opossum (1/6), and birds (4/727). Lineage I, prototype POWV, was not detected.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate widespread enzootic transmission of DTV throughout the Hudson Valley, in particular areas east of the river. High infection rates were detected in counties where recent POW encephalitis cases have been identified, supporting the hypothesis that lineage II POWV, DTV, is responsible for these human infections.
Unbiased bootstrap error estimation for linear discriminant analysis
Authors: Vu Thang , Sima Chao , Braga-Neto Ulisses M , Dougherty Edward R
Published: October 2014

Convex bootstrap error estimation is a popular tool for classifier error estimation in gene expression studies. A basic question is how to determine the weight for the convex combination between the basic bootstrap estimator and the resubstitution estimator such that the resulting estimator is unbiased at finite sample sizes. The well-known 0.632 bootstrap error estimator uses asymptotic arguments to propose a fixed 0.632 weight, whereas the more recent 0.632+ bootstrap error estimator attempts to set the weight adaptively. In this paper, we study the finite sample problem in the case of linear discriminant analysis under Gaussian populations. We derive exact expressions for the weight that guarantee unbiasedness of the convex bootstrap error estimator in the univariate and multivariate cases, without making asymptotic simplifications. Using exact computation in the univariate case and an accurate approximation in the multivariate case, we obtain the required weight and show that it can deviate significantly from the constant 0.632 weight, depending on the sample size and Bayes error for the problem. The methodology is illustrated by application on data from a well-known cancer classification study.