bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A randomized study of sodium hypochlorite versus formocresol pulpotomy in primary molar teeth
Authors: RUBY JOHN D. , COX CHARLES F. , MITCHELL STEPHEN C. , MAKHIJA SONIA , CHOMPU‐INWAI PAPIMON , JACKSON JANICE
Published: April 2012

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2013; 23: 145–152

Background.  Alternatives to vital pulpotomy treatment in primary teeth are being sought because of the high formaldehyde content of traditional formocresol (FC) pulpotomy medicaments.

Aim.  The aim was to compare the clinical and radiographic success of vital pulpotomy treatment in primary molars using 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) versus a 1 : 5 dilution of Buckley’s FC.

Design.  Pulpotomies were performed in primary molars of healthy children between 3 and 10 years old. Sixty‐five primary teeth were randomized into two groups that were evaluated for treatment outcomes. Following treatment, the pulp chamber was filled with zinc oxide eugenol (ZnOE) and restored with a stainless steel crown cemented with glass ionomer cement. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were recorded at 6 and 12 months.

Results.  The control (FC) and experimental (NaOCl) groups demonstrated 100% clinical success at 6 and 12 months. The NaOCl group had 86% (19/22) radiographic success at 6 months and 80% (12/15) at 12 months. The FC group had 84% (21/25) radiographic success at 6 months and 90% (9/10) at 12 months. No significant differences were found in the radiographic outcomes between the two groups at 6 and 12 months (Fisher’s exact test; P = 0.574 and P = 0.468, respectively).

Conclusion.  NaOCl demonstrated clinical and radiographic success comparable to FC.
GABRA2 markers moderate the subjective effects of alcohol
Authors: Uhart Magdalena , Weerts Elise M. , McCaul Mary E. , Guo Xiuqing , Yan Xiaofei , Kranzler Henry R. , Li Ning , Wand Gary S.
Published: April 2012

Individual differences in subjective responses (SRs) to alcohol are moderated by genetic variants and may be risk factors for the development of alcohol use disorders. Variation in the GABAAα2 receptor subunit gene (GABRA2) has been associated with alcohol dependence (AD). Therefore, we examined whether individual differences in SRs, which reflect sensitivity to the effects of alcohol, are associated with variation in GABRA2. Sixty‐nine healthy subjects (21–30 years) underwent a laboratory‐based within‐session cumulative oral alcohol dosing procedure, achieving a mean peak blood alcohol level of 100.4 mg/dl (standard error = 2.5). Subjective assessments were obtained throughout the session, including ascending and descending limbs of the alcohol curve. We genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the chromosome 4 region spanning GABRA2 and analyzed the effect of genotype and haplotypes on subjective responses to alcohol. Population substructure was characterized through the use of ancestry informative markers. Individual SNP analysis demonstrated that carriers of the minor alleles for SNPs rs279858, rs279844, rs279845, rs279826, rs279828 and rs279836 had lower ‘Negative’ alcohol effects scores than individuals homozygous for the common allele at each SNP (P = 0.0060, P = 0.0035, P = 0.0045, P = 0.0043, P = 0.0037 and P = 0.0061, respectively). Haplotype effects of block 1 showed concordant results with SNPs in this block (P = 0.0492 and P = 0.0150 for haplotypes 1 and 4, respectively). The minor alleles for several of these SNPs have previously been associated with AD. Our findings provide further evidence that variation within GABRA2 is associated with attenuated negative responses to alcohol, a known risk factor for vulnerability to alcohol use disorders.
Xenotransplantation‐associated infectious risk: a WHO consultation
Authors: Fishman Jay A. , Scobie Linda , Takeuchi Yasuhiro
Published: April 2012

Fishman JA, Scobie L, Takeuchi Y. Xenotransplantation‐associated infectious risk: a WHO consultation. Xenotransplantation 2012; 19: 72–81. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Xenotransplantation carries the potential risk of the transmission of infection with the cells or tissues of the graft. The degree of risk is unknown in the absence of clinical trials. The clinical application of xenotransplantation has important implications for infectious disease surveillance, both at the national and international levels. Preclinical data indicate that infectious disease events associated with clinical xenotransplantation from swine, should they occur, will be rare; data in human trials are limited but have demonstrated no transmission of porcine microorganisms including porcine endogenous retrovirus. Xenotransplantation will necessitate the development of surveillance programs to detect known infectious agents and, potentially, previously unknown or unexpected pathogens. The development of surveillance and safety programs for clinical trials in xenotransplantation is guided by a “Precautionary Principle,” with the deployment of appropriate screening procedures and assays for source animals and xenograft recipients even in the absence of data suggesting infectious risk. All assays require training, standardization and validation, and sharing of laboratory methods and expertise to optimize the quality of the surveillance and diagnostic testing. Investigation of suspected xenogeneic infection events (xenosis, xenozoonosis) should be performed in collaboration with an expert data safety review panel and the appropriate public health and competent authorities. It should be considered an obligation of performance of xenotransplantation trials to report outcomes, including any infectious disease transmissions, in the scientific literature. Repositories of samples from source animals and from recipients prior to, and following xenograft transplantation are essential to the investigation of possible infectious disease events. Concerns over any potential hazards associated with xenotransplantation may overshadow potential benefits. Careful microbiological screening of source animals used as xenotransplant donors may enhance the safety of transplantation beyond that of allotransplant procedures. Xenogeneic tissues may be relatively resistant to infection by some human pathogens. Moreover, xenotransplantation may be made available at the time when patients require organ replacement on a clinical basis. Insights gained in studies of the microbiology and immunology of xenotransplantation will benefit transplant recipients in the future. This document summarizes approaches to disease surveillance in individual recipients of nonhuman tissues.
Upper limit of normal serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase levels in Korea
Authors: Sohn Won , Jun Dae Won , Kwak Min Jung , Park Quehn , Lee Kang Nyeong , Lee Hang Lak , Lee Oh Young , Yoon Byung Chul , Choi Ho Soon
Published: April 2012

Background and Aim:  The widely accepted range of upper limits of normal (ULN) alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (ULN < 40 U/L) was recently challenged by several reports. Both ALT and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are commonly used as surrogate markers of liver disease, but almost all studies of aminotransferase activity were conducted on ALT. We investigated not only ULN of ALT but also AST activity and to identify factors modulating them in healthy Korean.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study of 411 240 registered blood donors in all nationwide blood banks belonging to the Korean Red Cross were conducted. ULN of ALT and AST was evaluated adjusting their age according to the national population census database. “Decision tree model” was used to identify the affecting factors of ALT and AST and optimal cut‐off points of affecting factors.

Results:  “ULN of ALT” was 34 U/L in men and 24 U/L in women and “ULN of AST” was 32 U/L in men and 26 U/L in women in the blood donor database. Decision tree analysis showed that ALT levels were mostly influenced by body mass index level and its critical two cut‐off points were 23.5 kg/m2 and 25.8 kg/m2, respectively. The most affecting factor of AST was gender.

Conclusion:  Upper limits of normal of ALT and AST in Koreans were lower than conventional accepted values (< 40 U/L) but higher than recently suggested values (male < 30 U/L and female < 19 U/L). Body mass index was the most determining factor for ALT and gender was the most influencing factor for AST activity.
Antiviral efficacy of lamivudine versus entecavir in patients with hepatitis B virus‐related advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shin Hye Sun , Kim Seung Up , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Chon Chae Yoon , Baatarkhuu Oidov , Ahn Sang Hoon
Published: April 2012

Background and Aim:  Little information is available about the antiviral efficacy of lamivudine (LAM) and entecavir (ETV) in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, we compared the antiviral efficacy of LAM and ETV in these patients.

Methods:  The medical records of 134 antiviral therapy‐naïve patients with HBV‐related advanced HCC (modified Union for International Cancer Control [UICC] Tumor, Nodes, and Metastases [TNM] stages III–IV) treated between January 2005 and September 2009 were reviewed. After HCC diagnosis, 87 (64.9%) and 47 (35.1%) patients received LAM and ETV, respectively.

Results:  The mean age of patients (115 men, 19 women) was 53 years. Sixty‐five (48.5%) and 69 (51.5%) patients had TNM stages III and IV HCC, respectively. Treatment outcomes during follow‐up, including virologic, biochemical, and serologic responses and appearance of antiviral resistance, were similar in the LAM and ETV groups (all P > 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified Child–Pugh class, α‐fetoprotein, and TNM stage as independent predictors of overall survival (all P < 0.05). Antiviral agent type (LAM vs ETV) did not influence overall survival (median 9.6 months in LAM vs 13.6 months in ETV group; P = 0.493). HCC treatment was not interrupted due to HBV flare up in any patient.

Conclusions:  The antiviral efficacy of LAM and ETV was similar and the type of antiviral agent did not influence overall survival in patients with HBV‐related advanced HCC. Thus, LAM, which is less expensive than ETV in Korea, might be sufficient to control HBV in these patients.
Non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension in HIV mono‐infected patients
Authors: Jackson Belinda D , Doyle Joseph S , Hoy Jennifer F , Roberts Stuart K , Colman John , Hellard Margaret E , Sasadeusz Joseph J , Iser David M
Published: April 2012

Background and Aim:  Unexplained liver injury including fibrosis and portal hypertension has rarely been reported among patients with HIV in the absence of co‐infection with hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV). We describe a series of HIV mono‐infected patients with evidence of non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension.

Methods:  HIV‐infected patients with evidence of portal hypertension who were anti‐HBV and anti‐HCV negative and HBV and HCV RNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) negative were identified from patients managed by the Victorian statewide HIV referral service located at The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne. Portal hypertension was defined as either radiological or endoscopic evidence of varices, portal vein flow obstruction, or elevated hepatic venous pressure gradient (HPVG).

Results:  Five patients were found to have portal hypertension. These patients were male, aged 41 to 65 years, with known duration of HIV infection between 11 to 25 years. All had been treated with antiretroviral therapy, including didanosine. Tests for metabolic, autoimmune, and hereditary causes of liver disease failed to establish an etiology for the liver injury. All had radiological or endoscopic findings of varices, and four patients had radiological features of portal vein obstruction or flow reversal. Only one patient underwent HPVG measurement, which was elevated. Non‐invasive fibrosis assessment revealed increased liver stiffness in three (out of four) patients, and no cirrhotic features were found on those who underwent liver biopsy.

Conclusions:  To our knowledge, this is the largest published series of non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension in HIV mono‐infected patients in Australia. Further research is needed to understand what relationship, if any, HIV or its treatments might have on liver injury over time.
Gallbladder and gastric motility in obese newborns, pre‐adolescents and adults
Authors: Di Ciaula Agostino , Wang David Q‐H , Portincasa Piero
Published: April 2012

Background and Aim:  Impaired gallbladder and gastric motility have been associated with obesity in adults. The timing of appearance of this dysfunction, however, is unclear.

Methods:  Lean and obese subjects from three different age groups were studied noninvasively: 50 newborns (1–12 months old, six obese), 18 pre‐adolescents (7–8 years old, seven obese), and 99 adults (22–80 years old, 32 obese) classified according to standard normal tables and body mass index. Changes of fasting/postprandial gallbladder and gastric motility were assessed simultaneously by functional ultrasonography in response to milk (newborns and pre‐adolescents) and to a liquid test meal (adults).

Results:  In newborns, fasting and postprandial gallbladder volumes and gastric emptying were similar between obese and lean subjects. In pre‐adolescents, obese subjects had a larger fasting gallbladder volume, with slower postprandial gastric emptying than lean subjects. In obese adults, the most evident dysfunction emerged, with larger fasting and postprandial residual gallbladder volume, and slower postprandial gastric emptying than lean subjects.

Conclusions:  Obese subjects display abnormal gallbladder and gastric motility patterns, which first appear in pre‐adolescents and deteriorate in adults. Such abnormalities are absent in obese newborns. Functional ultrasonography can detect altered cholecysto‐gastric motility at the earliest stage. Our findings suggest an age‐related decline of motility, probably secondary to excessive fat and insulin‐resistance.
Atypical fractures associated with bisphosphonate use post‐renal transplantation
Authors: BURKE MICHAEL T , HOLLETT PETER R , GRAY NICHOLAS A
Published: April 2012

Bone disease is a major cause of morbidity post renal transplantation. The authors present a case of adynamic bone disease and atypical fractures associated with the use of bisphosphonates following renal transplantation. The uncertain role of parathyroidectomy and bone mineral density scans is also reviewed.
Disseminated microsporidiosis with Encephalitozoon species in a renal transplant recipient
Authors: GEORGE BIBIN , COATES TOBY , MCDONALD STEPHEN , RUSS GRAEME , CHERIAN SAJIV , NOLAN JAMES , BREALEY JOHN
Published: April 2012

To our knowledge, 5 cases of disseminated microsporidiosis with Encephalitozoon species have been reported worldwide in transplant recipients. George et al. present the first such case in Australia, to be reported and treated with good clinical recovery.
Hidden perils in a highly sensitized kidney transplant recipient
Authors: FORD SHARON , SUMMERS SHAUN , CANTWELL LINDA , MULLEY WILLIAM
Published: April 2012

Highly sensitised patients are at increased risk for antibody mediated rejection (AMR) and reduced graft survival. Highly sensitive assays for detecting recipient preformed anti‐HLA antibodies have been developed and identify high immunological risk donors. A 62yo male with end stage renal failure secondary to glomerulonephritis received a T‐cell crossmatch negative, deceased donor, renal transplant mismatched at 3 of 6 HLA loci. A donor specific antibody (DSAb) to DR17 (MFI 2073) was present. Given his advancing age, multiple medical comorbidities and broad HLA sensitisation the transplant was accepted, however, shortly before transplantation two atypical results were made available. Firstly a B‐cell crossmatch was performed and found to be negative in current serum but strongly positive in peak serum, secondly a further potential DSAb was predicted based on linkage disequilibrium with known donor HLA typing. The donor HLA typing would not be clarified until after the transplant. Despite the increased risk of AMR the transplant proceeded with pre‐emptive plasma exchange. The patient developed severe AMR requiring extensive therapy. Incomplete prospective donor HLA typing can generate uncertainty in the interpretation of the virtual crossmatch performed for deceased donor transplants. This may result in clinically relevant sequelae. Advances in antibody detection techniques need to be matched by timely donor HLA typing for its full benefit to be realised.
Flowering habit of two bamboo species, Phyllostachys meyeri and Shibataea chinensis, analyzed with flowering gene expression
Authors: HISAMOTO YOKO , KOBAYASHI MIKIO
Published: April 2012

Two bamboo species, Phyllostachys meyeri McClure and Shibataea chinensis Nakai, which each originated from one clone cultivated in the Fuji Bamboo Garden, Japan, exhibited single‐genet flowering and temporal changes in flowering and the regeneration process were investigated from 2004 to 2008 and from 2004 to 2011 in P. meyeri and S. chinensis, respectively. The clump of P. meyeri flowered when most mother culms were dead, followed by recovery with seedlings and survived rhizome system and a few culms continued to flower during 5 years, whereas S. chinensis flowered with mother culms alive, and most of the culms continued flowering in each spring until 2011. These processes were analyzed using expression levels of flowering promoting gene FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) homologues and flowering repressing gene TERMINAL FLOWER 1/CENTRORADIALIS (TFL1/CEN) homologues by the quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method. The expression level of FT homologues was highest in the leaves during full bloom in both species, decreased gradually over the next 2 years and vanished in 5 years in P. meyeri, but remained high for 3 years in S. chinensis. These results suggest that the expression level of FT homologues was related to flowering, irrespective of flowering behavior. Simultaneous expression of both genes was detected only in the inflorescences. The relationship between expression balance and flowering habit and inflorescence architecture is discussed.
Seasonal patterns of leaf production in co‐occurring trees with contrasting leaf phenology: time and quantitative divergences
Authors: ROSSATTO DAVI R.
Published: April 2012

Neotropical savannas (‘cerrados’) of Central Brazil are characterized by the coexistence of a large diversity of tree species with divergent phenological behaviors, which reflect a great diversity in growth strategies. In the present study time behavior and quantitative aspects of shoot growth, shoot mortality, and leaf longevity and production were analyzed in 12 woody species of contrasting leaf phenology, adopting a functional group approach where 12 species were categorized into three functional groups: evergreen, decidous and brevideciduous, according to their leaf phenology. Shoot growth and leaf production were seasonal for the three functional groups, differing in their time of occurrence, but being concentrated during the last months of the dry season. Shoot growth differed between evergreens and deciduous, as well leaf production. Evergreens had higher rates of shoot growth, produced a higher number of leaves and had longer leaf longevity (around 500 days against 300 days in deciduous and brevideciduous). Leaf longevity was associated with patterns of leaf production when accounting for all phenological groups studied. It was possible to identify different patterns of aerial growth in savanna phenological groups, providing evidence of great functional variability amongst the groups studied.
Primary central nervous system lymphoma masquerading as bilateral vitreous floaters
Authors: Tsanaktsidis G. , McNeill O. , Katelaris C.
Published: April 2012

A 72‐year‐old female presented with a 6‐month history of bilateral floaters and visual blurring. Clinically, the posterior vitreous was cellular bilaterally, with no signs of subretinal infiltrates, retinal vasculitis, disc oedema or macula oedema. A vitreous biopsy and vitrectomy were scheduled following left cataract surgery because of the presence of a dense cataract. One month after cataract surgery, the patient developed signs of florid left arteritis involving the first‐order branches of the central retinal artery. A 23‐gauge vitreous biopsy and vitrectomy were performed, and preservative‐free triamcinolone was injected. Cytology of the biopsy demonstrated benign T‐lymphocytes and histiocytes suggestive of mild chronic inflammation only. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was normal as was lumbar puncture. Subsequently, the patient developed right upper motor neuron facial nerve palsy. MRI imaging on this occasion demonstrated multiple hyper‐intense white matter lesions. A third MRI was subsequently obtained due to new neurological deficits and demonstrated enlargement of the pre‐existing lesions. Brain biopsy confirmed the presence of primary cerebral lymphoma. The present case highlights the role of various tissue biopsies, including vitreous, cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue, to establish an elusive diagnosis of primary central nervous system lymphoma presenting as benign vitreous floaters.
Coexistence of renal malakoplakia and myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Kayembe B. , Sohawon S. , Duttmann R. , Oboy G. , Malarme M. , Noordally S. O.
Published: April 2012

Malakoplakia is a protean systemic chronic granulomatous disease that usually targets the genito‐urinary system and most particularly the bladder. Only in rare occasions do the kidneys get involved. Myelodysplastic syndrome is a heterogeneous clonal haematopoietic disorder characterised by either a hyper‐ or hypocellular bone marrow dysmyelopoiesis and peripheral blood pancytopenia. The synchronous association of these two unrelated disorders has never been reported. We report a 62‐year‐old woman who initially developed vague, relapsing gastrointestinal symptoms synchronous with renal malakoplakia and myelodysplastic syndrome.
When should iron chelation therapy be considered in patients with myelodysplasia and other bone marrow failure syndromes with iron overload?
Authors: Bird R. J. , Kenealy M. , Forsyth C. , Wellwood J. , Leahy M. F. , Seymour J. F. , To L. B.
Published: April 2012

Despite the absence of a robust evidence base, there is growing consensus that effective treatment of iron overload leads to decreased morbidity and premature mortality in patients with good prognosis myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs). Furthermore, new treatment modalities, including disease‐modifying therapies (lenalidamide and azacytidine) and reduced intensity conditioning therapies for allogeneic blood stem cell transplants, are offering the prospect of longer survival for patients with traditionally less favourable prognosis MDS, who might also benefit from iron chelation. This article proposes assessment of patients with MDS and related bone marrow failure syndromes to determine suitability for iron chelation. Iron chelation therapy options and monitoring are discussed.
Role of nitrogen fixation in the autecology of Polaromonas naphthalenivorans in contaminated sediments
Authors: Hanson Buck T. , Yagi Jane M. , Jeon Che Ok , Madsen Eugene M.
Published: April 2012

Polaromonas naphthalenivorans strain CJ2 is a Gram‐negative betaproteobacterium that was identified, using stable isotope probing in 2003, as a dominant in situ degrader of naphthalene in coal tar‐contaminated sediments. The sequenced genome of strain CJ2 revealed several genes conferring nitrogen fixation within a 65.6 kb region of strain CJ2's chromosome that is absent in the genome of its closest sequenced relative Polaromonas sp. strain JS666. Laboratory growth and nitrogenase assays verified that these genes are functional, providing an alternative source of nitrogen in N‐free media when using naphthalene or pyruvate as carbon sources. Knowing this, we investigated if nitrogen‐fixation activity could be detected in microcosms containing sediments from the field site where strain CJ2 was isolated. Inducing nitrogen limitation with the addition of glucose or naphthalene stimulated nitrogenase activity in amended sediments, as detected using the acetylene reduction assay. With the use of fluorescence microscopy, we screened the microcosm sediments for the presence of active strain CJ2 cells using a dual‐labelling approach. When we examined the carbon‐amended microcosm sediments stained with both a strain CJ2‐specific fluorescent in situ hybridization probe and a polyclonal fluorescently tagged antibody, we were able to detect dual‐labelled active cells. In contrast, in sediments that received no carbon addition (showing no nitrogenase activity), no dual‐labelled cells were detected. Furthermore, the naphthalene amendment enhanced the proportion of active strain CJ2 cells in the sediment relative to a glucose amendment. Field experiments performed in sediments where strain CJ2 was isolated showed nitrogenase activity in response to dosing with naphthalene. Dual‐label fluorescence staining of these sediments showed a fivefold increase in active strain CJ2 in the sediments dosed with naphthalene over those dosed with deionized water. These experiments show that nitrogen fixation may play an important role in naphthalene biodegradation by strain CJ2 and contribute to its ecological success.
Extraocular lymphoma in the horse
Authors: Schnoke Allison T. , Brooks Dennis E. , Wilkie David A. , Dwyer Ann E. , Matthews Andrew G. , Gilger Brian C. , Hendrix Diane V. H. , Pickett Phillip , Grauwels Magda , Monroe Christine , Plummer Caryn E.
Published: April 2012

Objective To describe the clinical findings and prognosis for extraocular lymphoma in the horse.

Procedures Retrospective medical records study of horses diagnosed with third eyelid, corneoscleral, conjunctival, and/or eyelid lymphoma from multiple academic and private veterinary institutions. Data collected from the medical records included signalment, clinical descriptions of the extraocular lesions, treatment, and treatment outcomes. Nonparametric statistical analysis was performed with Fischer’s exact tests.

Results Extraocular lymphoma involving the eyelid, third eyelid, cornea, sclera, and/or conjunctiva was diagnosed in 26 horses. Differences in signalment, unilateral vs. bilateral extraocular involvement, and single vs. multiple extraocular lesion locations held no significance in terms of outcome.

Animals studied Horses with lesions localized to the eyelid or other nonextraocular cutaneous locations had a significantly higher chance of negative outcome when compared to the horses with no eyelid or cutaneous involvement (P = 0.019). Lesions to the third eyelid, corneosclera, and conjunctiva were either nodular or diffuse in nature. Nodular lesions when compared to diffuse lesions were associated with a higher chance of a positive outcome (P = 0.007). Surgical resection of the extraocular lesions as part of the treatment produced a statistically higher chance of a positive outcome when compared to horses where resection was not performed (P = 0.03).

Conclusions The prognosis for clinical remission in horses with extraocular lymphoma is generally fair to good, as long as the affected tissues are completely excised, and there is no eyelid or cutaneous involvement. Horses diagnosed with the nodular form of extraocular lymphoma seem to have the best prognosis with complete excision.
Prospective clinical trial to compare standard colon‐reflecting with transmesocolic laparoscopic pyeloplasty
Authors: Shadpour Pejman , Nayyeri Reza Kaffash , Daneshvar Reza , Salimi Hormoz , Radfar Hadi
Published: April 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty has replaced open pyeloplasty as the new standard of care and we, among others, have even proven its applicability to redo surgery. The focus is now on limiting morbidity. One technical modification to this end is transmesocolic (TM) exposure of the PUJ.

This randomized study pinpoints the objective benefits of TM exposure of the PUJ compared with standard colon reflection, and its results showed a 23% conservation in operating time.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of colon‐reflecting (CR) and transmesocolic (TM) laparoscopic pyeloplasty approaches in a prospective randomized non‐selective setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Excluding only those patients with a history of abdominal surgery, all consenting patients scheduled for laparoscopic pyeloplasty of left‐sided pelvi‐ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction between December 2004 and November 2007 were randomized into one of two groups: laparoscopic pyeloplasty using the standard CR approach or laparoscopic pyeloplasty through the TM aperture.

All patients underwent dismembered repair by a single expert and were followed by diuretic renogram and urography at 4 months postoperatively and by annual diuretic renogram thereafter.

Four discrete task phases were timed for comparison: trochar to PUJ, dismembering and spatulation, stenting and anastomosis.

RESULTS

Sixty‐four patients were randomized into two groups, TM or CR, with 32 patients in each.

The groups were similar, with no significant difference in sex, age, initial renal function or body mass index. Forty‐seven patients were ≤15 years old.

The mean (sd) operating time was 23% shorter in the TM group, owing mostly to the much shorter trochar to PUJ phase (5.0 [3.2] min in the TM group vs 35.8 [10.3] in the CR group; P < 0.001). The mean hospitalization time was shorter in the TM group than in the CR group (2.9 vs 3.6 days; P < 0.001).

Thirty‐one of 32 patients in each group (96.9%) achieved a durable cure.

CONCLUSION

Transmesocolic exposure of left‐sided PUJ obstruction is superior to standard CR exposure, in that it saves anaesthesia time, hospitalization time and has lower morbidity with no compromise in efficiency, and could be considered as the new standard approach.
Combined 18F‐fluorocholine and 18F‐fluoride positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging for staging of high‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Kjölhede Henrik , Ahlgren Göran , Almquist Helen , Liedberg Fredrik , Lyttkens Kerstin , Ohlsson Tomas , Bratt Ola
Published: April 2012

Study Type – Diagnosis (cohort)

Level of Evidence 2a

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with choline and fluoride for the detection of metastases in patients with prostate cancer have each been evaluated, with mixed results. Choline PET/CT has been evaluated against pelvic lymphadenectomy, generally with a low sensitivity but a high specificity; however, the study populations have been heterogenous. Fluoride PET/CT has been evaluated against other imaging methods, such as bone scan, single photon emission CT and MRI, and has been shown to have high specificity as well as sensitivity for bone metastases, but there are no studies with biopsy verification.

This is the first study that evaluates the clinical use of both choline and fluoride PET/CT on the same patients in a well‐defined population of patients with high‐risk prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate how often positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scans, with both 18F‐fluorocholine and 18F‐fluoride as markers, add clinically relevant information for patients with prostate cancer who have high‐risk tumours and a normal or inconclusive planar bone scan.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with prostate cancer with prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels between 20 and 99 ng/mL and/or Gleason score 8–10 tumours, planned for treatment with curative intent based on routine staging with a negative or inconclusive bone scan, were further investigated with a 18F‐fluorocholine and a 18F‐fluoride PET/CT.

None of the patients received hormonal therapy before the staging procedures were completed.

RESULTS

For 50 of the 90 included patients (56%) one or both PET/CT scans indicated metastases.

18F‐fluorocholine PET/CT indicated lymph node metastases and/or bone metastases in 35 patients (39%).

18F‐fluoride PET/CT was suggestive for bone metastases in 37 patients (41%).

In 18 patients (20%) the PET/CT scans indicated widespread metastases, leading to a change in therapy intent from curative to non‐curative.

Of the patients with positive scans, 74% had Gleason score 8–10 tumours. Of the patients with Gleason score 8–10 tumours, 64% had positive scans.

CONCLUSIONS

PET/CT scans with 18F‐fluorocholine and 18F‐fluoride commonly detect metastases in patients with high‐risk prostate cancer and a negative or inconclusive bone scan.

For 20% of the patients the results of the PET/CT scans changed the treatment plan.
Iranian nursing staff's self‐reported general and mental health related to working conditions and family situation
Authors: Arsalani N. , Fallahi‐Khoshknab M. , Josephson M. , Lagerstrom M.
Published: April 2012

ARSALANI N., FALLAHI‐KHOSHKNAB M., JOSEPHSON M. & LAGERSTROM M. (2012) Iranian nursing staff's self‐reported general and mental health related to working conditions and family situation. International Nursing Review59, 416–423

Background:  There is increasing global evidence that today's work environment results in higher risk of adverse health among nursing staff than among other professions.

Aim:  To investigate self‐reported general and mental health among Iranian nursing staff, and associations with organizational, physical and psychosocial working conditions and family situation.

Methods:  520 nursing personnel from 10 university hospitals in Tehran participated in this cross‐sectional study. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire in the Persian language, containing the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, physical items from the Nurse Early eXit Study and two scales relating to general health and mental health from the Short Form‐36. The Chi‐square test with P < 0.05 and logistic regression were used to analyse data.

Results:  Three out of four nursing staff reported overtime work. The self‐reported general and mental health rates of participants were poor/fair (38%, 41%), good (44%, 39%) and very good/excellent (18%, 20%), respectively. Family demands were associated with general health but were not associated with mental health. Adverse physical and psychosocial work conditions gave an elevated odds ratio for poor health.

Conclusion:  Poor general and mental health was associated with adverse working conditions and family demands. Physical and psychosocial working conditions of nursing personnel should be improved. Social facilities such as daycare for children and care for the elderly should be available during work shifts to help Iranian nurses play their family roles.
A DYNAMIC ENTRY AND PRICE GAME WITH CAPACITY INDIVISIBILITY
Authors: De Francesco Massimo A.
Published: April 2012

Strategic market interaction is here modelled as a two‐stage game in which potential entrants choose capacities and next active firms compete in prices. Due to capital indivisibility, the capacity choice is made from a finite grid and there are economies of scale. In the simplest version of the model with a single production technique, the equilibrium turns out to depend on the ratio between the level of total output at the long‐run competitive equilibrium and the firm's minimum efficient scale: if that ratio is sufficiently large (the market is sufficiently ‘large’), then the competitive price emerges at a subgame‐perfect equilibrium of the capacity and price game; if not, then the firms randomize in prices on the equilibrium path. The role of the market size for the competitive outcome is shown to be even more important if there are several available production techniques.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE HIGH‐FREQUENCY VERSIONS OF A STANDARD NEW‐KEYNESIAN MODEL
Authors: Franke Reiner , Sacht Stephen
Published: April 2012

In a small‐scale New‐Keynesian model with a hybrid Phillips curve and IS equation, the paper is concerned with an arbitrary frequency of the agents’ synchronized decision making. It investigates the validity of a fundamental methodological precept according to which no substantive prediction or explanation of a well‐defined macroeconomic period model should depend on the real time length of the period. While this principle is basically satisfied as the period goes to zero, the impulse – response functions of the high‐frequency versions can qualitatively as well as quantitatively be fairly dissimilar from their quarterly counterpart. The result proves to be robust under variations of the degree of price stickiness. The main conclusion is that DSGE modelling may be more sensitive to its choice of the agents’ decision interval.
FEMALE LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION AND RELIGION: A CROSS‐COUNTRY ANALYSIS
Authors: Bayanpourtehrani Ghazal , Sylwester Kevin
Published: April 2012

This paper empirically examines whether female labour force participation (FLFP) in a cross‐section of countries between 1985 and 2005 varies depending upon the religion practised in these countries. Using a cross‐sectional empirical specification, we initially find that FLFP is lower in Muslim countries. However, the association between Islam and FLFP greatly diminishes once other controls are included in the regression, suggesting that Islam might not diminish FLFP as some have argued. Moreover, once these additional controls are included, the association between Islam and FLFP is similar to that between Catholicism and FLFP. Countries where Protestantism is prevalent or where no religion is practised have higher FLFP. Finally, we find some evidence that the association between FLFP and religion is weakening over time.
Web Geoservices and Ancient Cadastral Maps: The Web C.A.R.T.E. Project
Authors: Brovelli Maria A. , Minghini Marco , Giori Gianluca , Beretta Michele
Published: April 2012

In the State Archive of Como, Northern Italy, about 15,000 historical maps belonging to different national cadastral productions are preserved. The Web C.A.R.T.E. project was started to enhance the accessibility of this valuable cartographic heritage using FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) technologies. The system, which implements specific web geoservices for cataloguing and visualization, should assist the State Archive of Como in the digital management of its cartographic resources and related information. After the high‐resolution digitization step, maps undergo a georeferencing operation. A special statistical procedure for choosing the best mathematical model was developed, verifying also strengths and weaknesses of georeferencing with a common free and Open Source GIS. Next, metadata consistent with current Italian standards were added to the georeferenced maps using an ad hoc localized version of GeoNetwork Opensource (recently provided as the official Italian version of the software). A dedicated WebGIS system was built for publishing the georeferenced cadastral maps. This system is capable of navigating large raster data in a georeferenced framework and easily retrieving their metadata. The WebGIS system for the State Archive of Como is an important contribution for the preservation of the original historical paper maps and also a great modernization and simplification of the end user's access to this archive.
Modeling of Landslide‐Generated Tsunamis with GRASS
Authors: Cannata Massimiliano , Marzocchi Roberto , Molinari Monia Elisa
Published: April 2012

The following research aims to enhance and spread the capacity of assessing risk due to landslide‐generated tsunamis by fostering the use of a GIS (Geographic Information System), and in this particular instance, an Open Source GIS (where “Open Source” can be loosely defined as freely available source code). For this purpose, we tested a procedure to be spatially implemented in the Open Source GRASS GIS through developing a module named r.impact.tsunami that simulates landslide‐generated tsunami. In this article we present its application in a case study performed on Como Lake (Lago di Como) in northern Italy. The review of the results identified sources of uncertainties while the model sensitivity outlined the influence of the parameters governing the model. Moreover, in order to verify the model validity, we implemented a new module (r.swe), that simulates the tsunami propagation and run‐up with the shallow water equations, and compared the results. Notwithstanding non‐negligible differences, the two models produced results of the same magnitude; this confirmed the validity of both models, although a rigorous validation of the models could not be performed due to the lack of observed data.
Earth Observation Scientific Workflows in a Distributed Computing Environment
Authors: van Zyl Terence L , Vahed Anwar , McFerren Graeme , Hohls Derek
Published: April 2012

Geospatially Enabled Scientific Workflows offer a promising toolset to help researchers in the earth observation domain with many aspects of the scientific process. One such aspect is that of access to distributed earth observation data and computing resources. Earth observation research often utilizes large datasets requiring extensive CPU and memory resources in their processing. These resource intensive processes can be chained; the sequence of processes (and their provenance) makes up a scientific workflow. Despite the exponential growth in capacity of desktop computers, their resources are often insufficient for the scientific workflow processing tasks at hand. By integrating distributed computing capabilities into a geospatially enabled scientific workflow environment, it is possible to provide researchers with a mechanism to overcome the limitations of the desktop computer. Most of the effort on extending scientific workflows with distributed computing capabilities has focused on the web services approach, as exemplified by the OGC's Web Processing Service and by GRID computing. The approach to leveraging distributed computing resources described in this article uses instead remote objects via RPyC and the dynamic properties of the Python programming language. The Vistrails environment has been extended to allow for geospatial processing through the EO4Vistrails package (http://code.google.com/p/eo4vistrails/). In order to allow these geospatial processes to be seamlessly executed on distributed resources such as cloud computing nodes, the Vistrails environment has been extended with both multi‐tasking capabilities and distributed processing capabilities. The multi‐tasking capabilities are required in order to allow Vistrails to run side‐by‐side processes, a capability it does not currently have. The distributed processing capabilities are achieved through the use of remote objects and mobile code through RPyC.
Supporting Accessibility for Blind and Vision‐impaired People With a Localized Gazetteer and Open Source Geotechnology
Authors: Rice Matthew T. , Aburizaiza Ahmad O. , Jacobson R. Daniel , Shore Brandon M. , Paez Fabiana I.
Published: April 2012

Disabled people, especially the blind and vision‐impaired, are challenged by many transitory hazards in urban environments such as construction barricades, temporary fencing across walkways, and obstacles along curbs. These hazards present a problem for navigation, because they typically appear in an unplanned manner and are seldom included in databases used for accessibility mapping. Tactile maps are a traditional tool used by blind and vision‐impaired people for navigation through urban environments, but such maps are not automatically updated with transitory hazards. As an alternative approach to static content on tactile maps, we use volunteered geographic information (VGI) and an Open Source system to provide updates of local infrastructure. These VGI updates, contributed via voice, text message, and e‐mail, use geographic descriptions containing place names to describe changes to the local environment. After they have been contributed and stored in a database, we georeference VGI updates with a detailed gazetteer of local place names including buildings, administrative offices, landmarks, roadways, and dormitories. We publish maps and alerts showing transitory hazards, including location‐based alerts delivered to mobile devices. Our system is built with several technologies including PHP, JavaScript, AJAX, Google Maps API, PostgreSQL, an Open Source database, and PostGIS, the PostgreSQL's spatial extension. This article provides insight into the integration of user‐contributed geospatial information into a comprehensive system for use by the blind and vision‐impaired, focusing on currently developed methods for geoparsing and georeferencing using a gazetteer.
Differential Audit Quality, Propensity Score Matching and Rosenbaum Bounds for Confounding Variables
Authors: Peel Michael J. , Makepeace Gerald H.
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  Via propensity score matching (PSM) and Rosenbaum Bounds (RB), this paper reports new evidence on the premiums charged by big 4 and the top 4 mid‐tier (mid 4) auditors relative to their smaller counterparts in the private corporate market. The results demonstrate that big 4 and mid 4 premiums are in accord with theoretical predictions on auditor quality differences; and that these premiums are relatively insensitive to potential hidden bias when gauged by the RB method for appraising confounding variables under bounded uncertainty. Given the limitations of conventional methods, PSM is being increasingly adopted in accounting studies to estimate treatment effects. Employing paired and simultaneous multi‐sample PSM premium estimates, we provide a comprehensive evaluation and illustration of the RB method, together with the advantages and limitations of PSM, on which RB is predicated, when compared to alternative estimators. We demonstrate that PSM, when coupled with RB, provide novel empirical evidence for premiums estimated across three different matched audit quality tiers, to those estimated in prior studies which employ Heckman methods, to hidden bias equivalents and to the sensitivity of the bounds parameters to the omission of covariates employed in the study. New evidence on premiums across size quartiles, and quantile regression estimates over audit fee percentiles, support the PSM findings.
Beginners and equals: political subjectivity in Arendt and Rancière
Authors: Dikeç Mustafa
Published: April 2012

This article explores the idea of political subjectivity in Hannah Arendt and Jacques Rancière, both of whom I see as thinkers of ruptural and inaugurative politics with a particularly spatial conceptualisation of politics. I start by distinguishing between three strands of thinking about the nature of political subjectification, and I situate Arendt and Rancière’s conceptualisations in relation to these. After an examination of their idea of political subjectivity, I offer an interpretation of the movement of sans papiers as it relates to political subjectification. This interpretation also brings out the similarities and differences between Arendt’s and Rancière’s understanding of politics.