bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potentially Driver-Impairing (PDI) Medication Use in Medically Impaired Adults Referred for Driving Evaluation
Authors: Hetland Amanda J. , Carr David B. , Wallendorf Michael J. , Barco Peggy P.
Published: January 2014

Background: Potentially driver-impairing (PDI) medications have been associated with poorer driving performance and increased risk of motor vehicle collision. Objectives: To describe the frequency of medication use and to determine the association between routine use of PDI medications and performance on driving and cognitive tests. Methods: A total of 225 drivers with medical impairment (mean age 68 ± 12.8 years, 62.2% male) were referred to an occupational therapy–based driving evaluation clinic. Medication lists were reviewed to identify PDI drugs, as defined by a previous study examining medications and crash risk. Outcome variables included road testing on the modified Washington University Road Test and cognitive scores on Trail Making Test Parts A and B, Snellgrove Maze Task, Clock Drawing Task, Driving Health Inventory (DHI) Useful Field of View, DHI Motor Free Visual Perceptual Test, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Geriatric Depression Scale, and Functional Assessment Questionnaire. Results: PDI medication use was documented in 68.9% of the sample, with the average subject taking 1.4 PDI drugs. Drivers taking routine PDI medications had a mean ESS score of 7.8 compared to 6.0 in the control group, suggesting increased somnolence ( P = .007). Total number of routine medications, regardless of PDI designation, also correlated positively with ESS scores ( P = .023). Conclusions: Use of PDI medications was associated with informant ratings of daytime drowsiness on the ESS, which has been linked to motor vehicle crash risk. Further investigation of individual drug classes is warranted using larger sample sizes and a high-powered study design.
Medications and Impaired Driving
Authors: Hetland Amanda , Carr David B.
Published: January 2014

Objective: To describe the association of specific medication classes with driving outcomes and provide clinical recommendations. Data Sources: The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for articles published from January 1973 to June 2013 on classes of medications associated with driving impairment. The search included outcome terms such as automobile driving, motor vehicle crash, driving simulator, and road tests. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Only English-language articles that contained findings from observational or interventional designs with ≥ 10 participants were included in this review. Cross-sectional studies, case series, and case reports were excluded. Data Synthesis: Driving is an important task and activity for the majority of adults. Some commonly prescribed medications have been associated with driving impairment measured by road performance, driving simulation, and/or motor vehicle crashes. This review of 30 studies identified findings with barbiturates, benzodiazepines, hypnotics, antidepressants, opioid and nonsteroidal analgesics, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antiparkinsonian agents, skeletal muscle relaxants, antihistamines, anticholinergic medications, and hypoglycemic agents. Additional studies of medication impact on sedation, sleep latency, and psychomotor function, as well as the role of alcohol, are also discussed. Conclusions: Psychotropic agents and those with central nervous system side effects were associated with measures of impaired driving performance. It is difficult to determine if such associations are actually a result of medication use or the medical diagnosis itself. Regardless, clinicians should be aware of the increased risk of impaired driving with specific classes of medications, educate their patients, and/or consider safer alternatives.
Peritoneal Malignant Mesothelioma Metastatic to Supraclavicular Lymph Nodes
Authors: Zannella Stefano , Testi Maria Adele , Cattoretti Giorgio , Pelosi Giuseppe , Zucchini Nicola
Published: January 2014

Distinguishing between malignant mesothelioma and reactive mesothelial hyperplasia is often inestimable, but may be a challenging gauntlet for pathologists. A 62-year-old man underwent appendectomy after the identification of a peritoneal mass and the histological examination showed mesothelial proliferation along the appendix surface with no clear images of infiltration. After a few months the patient developed mediastinal and supraclavicular lymphadenopathies, and a nodal biopsy showed mesothelial cell proliferation invading lymphatic sinuses, consistent with the cells seen in the abdominal cavity. Since overt morphologic criteria for malignancy were lacking and reactive mesothelial cell deposits have been documented in lymph nodes, a molecular investigation of the CDKN2A (henceforth simply p16) gene status via fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed, which showed homozygous deletion in 100% tumor cells. These data ruled out the hypothesis of reactive mesothelial cells inclusion in lymph nodes, thus confirming the diagnosis of epithelioid malignant mesothelioma.
The Impact of Globalization on Food and Agriculture: The Case of the Diet Convergence
Authors: Brunelle Thierry , Dumas Patrice , Souty François
Published: January 2014

Globalization drives a process of diet convergence among developing and developed countries that challenges the predictions about future patterns of food consumption. To address this issue, the objective of this article is to map the range of the possible future diet changes and to explore their impact on agriculture using the Nexus Land-Use model. This model computes agricultural intensification in the crop and livestock sectors at the global scale, based on an architecture accounting for the different types of food calories. By considering four scenarios built on distinct assumptions regarding diet convergence, this article sheds light on the pivotal role of diet changes as drivers of tensions on agriculture and land use and shows the uncertainty associated with processes of diet convergence for foresight exercises on food and agriculture. Finally, the interactions between food production and the other land-use patterns are explored by testing the sensitivity of our results to assumptions regarding biofuel production, deforestation, potential crop yields, and nutrient-use efficiency.
Who Pays Indirect Taxes in Greece? From EU Entry to the Fiscal Crisis
Authors: Kaplanoglou Georgia
Published: January 2014

The article applies microsimulation modeling techniques exploiting five waves of Household Expenditure Survey (HES) data in order to study how the distributional impact of indirect taxes in Greece has changed over the last twenty-five years (1988–2011). It turns out that the radical simplification of the tax system, primarily induced by European Union (EU) membership, was achieved at a small cost in terms of equity. The recent successive fiscal consolidation packages, adopted in response to the fiscal crisis, involved major indirect tax hikes that significantly increased the indirect tax burden for Greek households. The 2011 indirect tax system appears as the most regressive along the period studied, both in terms of its effect on inequality and in terms of unfavorably targeting distributionally sensitive commodities. The impact of the reforms was particularly adverse for vulnerable population groups like families with children (especially the poorest ones) and the unemployed. For austerity not to further challenge social cohesion, policy measures have to be planned in a more informed manner.
Conditioned Pain Modulation in Women With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Jarrett Monica E. , Shulman Robert J. , Cain Kevin C. , Deechakawan Wimon , Smith Lynne T. , Richebé Philippe , Eugenio Margaret , Heitkemper Margaret M.
Published: January 2014

Evidence suggests that patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are more vigilant to pain-associated stimuli. The aims of this study were to compare women with IBS ( n = 20) to healthy control (HC, n = 20) women on pain sensitivity, conditioned pain modulation (CPM) efficiency, and salivary cortisol levels before and after the CPM test and to examine the relationship of CPM efficiency with gastrointestinal pain, somatic pain, psychological distress symptoms, and salivary cortisol levels in each group. Women, aged 20–42 years, gave consent, completed questionnaires, and kept a symptom diary for 2 weeks. CPM efficiency was tested with a heat test stimulus and cold water condition stimulus in a laboratory between 8 and 10 a.m. on a follicular phase day. Salivary cortisol samples were collected just before and after the experimental testing. Compared to the HC group, women with IBS reported more days with gastrointestinal and somatic pain/discomfort, psychological distress, fatigue, and feeling stressed. During the CPM baseline testing, women with IBS reported greater pain sensitivity compared to the HC group. There was no significant group difference in salivary cortisol levels nor in CPM efficiency, though a post-hoc analysis showed a higher prevalence of impaired CPM efficiency among IBS subjects with more severe lower-GI symptoms. In the IBS group, reduced CPM efficiency was associated with daily abdominal pain/discomfort and psychological distress. Overall, women with IBS exhibited an increased sensitivity to thermal stimuli. Impaired CPM was present in a subset of women with IBS.
On applying the knock sensor for injector calibration
Authors: Christ Konrad , Back Kristine , Kieweler Thomas , Kiencke Uwe , Puente León Fernando
Published: January 2014

This article investigates the possibility of utilizing the standard knock sensor for an in situ injector calibration. The goal is to estimate the actual injection duration by means of the structure-borne sound emission during the injection process. Since the sound signals are highly nonstationary and contain various transients, a time–frequency analysis is applied. Based on the findings of the signal analysis, a method is presented for detecting the beginning and the end of injection by applying the theory of the change-point problem.
Turning commodities into presents
Authors: Chevalier Sophie
Published: January 2014

Mauss’s intention in writing The Gift was to refute the strong ideological opposition between gifts and market contracts which would have the one free, generous and social, the other obligatory, self-interested and individualistic. The ease and frequency with which purchased commodities in Western societies are converted into presents supports his view that the two forms overlap and are permeable, each combining freedom and obligation, individual personality and social constraint. Mass-produced commodities are used to build up the material culture of a private domestic universe in a social process of appropriation. Presents are compared here with inherited objects, purchased items and immaterial donations such as money, gift vouchers and wedding list subscriptions. In light of this comparison of ethnographic observations made in France and Britain, the distinction between gifts and commodities seems to blur and the boundary between them is easily crossed.
The pleasure of expense: Mauss and The Gift in contemporary art
Authors: Sansi Roger
Published: January 2014

Mauss’s The Gift has captured the imagination of generations of artists. As artistic practice shifted from the production of objects to the mediation of situations of social exchange, Mauss’s focus on the ‘pleasure of expense’ has been central, from Bataille and the situationists to relational aesthetics. In most of these cases, Mauss’s arguments were used to question the market economy in ways rather more radical than he himself would have done. However, my objective in this article is not to criticize how Mauss has been misunderstood, but to show how his work has opened a field of new possibilities in art theory and practice.
The teller-focused interview: Interviewing as a relational practice
Authors: Hydén Margareta
Published: January 2014

This article traces its origin to 25 years of qualitative study of men’s violence towards women in close relationships. Major methodological concerns have involved finding ways to facilitate and support the research participants – women, men and children – in formulating themselves in as genuine and multifaceted a narrative as possible. Over the years, the approach ‘the teller-focused interview’ has emerged, with its theoretical and methodological base in feminist research, narrative theory and methodology, and a dialectical way of thinking about the relationship between interviewer and interviewee. It views them as partners with different tasks and responsibilities in the research process. This dialectic is referred to as a ‘relational practice’. It is argued that the methodological concerns brought up are not limited to the area of violence towards women but are also applicable in studies of various types of human experience that are complex, sensitive, and difficult to bring up. Indications for the use of the approach will be addressed, and basic aspects of the relational practice of tellerfocused interviewing will be presented. Some remarks on the relationship between qualitative research and psychotherapy will also be included.
Serum potassium is an age-dependent risk factor for pre-diabetes and diabetes in the Israeli population
Authors: Doenyas-Barak Keren , Beberashvili Ilia , Vinker Shlomo
Published: January 2014

Objective:

We analysed the association between serum potassium, within the normal range, and early signs of diabetes in an Israeli population.

Research design and methods:

A computerized database of the Clalit Health Services was used for obtaining information regarding patients’ baseline serum potassium levels. The main study outcome was dysglycaemia, defined as fasting glucose > 100 mg/dL, HbA1C > 6.5 gr% (48 mmol/mol) or a new diagnosis of diabetes. A secondary outcome was overt diabetes.

Results:

Included in the study were 71,597 patients, mean age 40.8 ± 13.4 years. After a mean follow-up period of 5.3 ± 2.2 years, dysglycaemia decreased [odds ratio (OR) = 0.95; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.906–0.997; p = 0.038], as did the incidence of overt diabetes (OR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.793–0.934; p = 0.0001), for every 1 mmol/L elevation in serum potassium in the normal range. But analysis of subpopulation reveals that when elevated serum potassium was associated with low adjusted ORs for predicting dysglycaemia (OR = 0.904 with a 95% CI of 0.849–0.963; p = 0.002), the opposite effect was demonstrated over the age of 41 years (OR = 1.113 with a 95% CI of 1.048–1.104; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates age-related association between serum potassium and the risk of dysglycaemia.
Coaching Scales
Authors: Hagen Marcia S. , Peterson Shari L.
Published: January 2014

The Problem

Given the relevance of scales for selecting managers, Peterson and Little called for an examination of scales used to measure coaching. However, there are few options from which to select validated scales used to measure coaching. Consequently, there appears to be a knowledge gap—little is known about the coaching scales that are available and how they have been validated and tested.

The Solution

A proposed solution to the issue is to (a) present a comprehensive review of the literature, identifying coaching scales; (b) analyze those scales, providing information on scale item development, reliability, and validation of available scales; and (c) compare and clarify the efficacy of those scales.

The Stakeholders

This literature review will benefit academic scholars, practitioners, and scholar-practitioners by supporting and encouraging their research. Identification and clarification of the existing scales, their focus, and validation processes can bridge the research/theory–practice gap.
A Novel Presenilin 1 Mutation in Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease With Prominent Frontal Features
Authors: Nygaard Haakon B. , Lippa Carol F. , Mehdi Djekidel , Baehring Joachim M.
Published: January 2014

Familial Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a rare disorder involving known autosomal dominant mutations in the amyloid precursor protein and presenilin (PSEN) 1 and 2. Here, we present a case of early-onset AD with prominent frontal features associated with a novel deletion of codon 40 in the PSEN1 gene. Serial brain magnetic resonance imaging and 18F florbetapir imaging show prominent involvement of the frontal lobes, corresponding with the clinical presentation. This case report illustrates a possible link between a novel PSEN1 mutation and frontal variant AD.
Collagenase clostridium histolyticum in patients with Dupuytren’s contracture: results from POINT X, an open-label study of clinical and patient-reported outcomes
Authors: Warwick D. , Arner M. , Pajardi G. , Reichert B. , Szabo Z. , Masmejean E. H. , Fores J. , Chapman D. S. , Gerber R. A. , Huard F. , Seghouani A. , Szczypa P. P. ,   on behalf of the POINT X Investigators
Published: January 2014

In POINT X, a study designed to reflect clinical practice and patient treatment choices, 254 European patients received open-label collagenase for Dupuytren’s contracture. The most severely affected joint was treated first in 74% of patients. In total, 52%, 41%, 7%, and 1% of patients selected the little, ring, middle, and index finger, respectively; 79% had one or two joints treated. Only 9% of patients ( n = 24) received 4 or 5 injections. The mean improvement in total passive extension deficit (TPED) was 34° on day 1, improving further by day 7 to 42°. This secondary improvement was maintained by day 90 and month 6. The mean number of injections/joint was 1.2 for the metacarpophalangeal joint and 1.25 for the proximal interphalangeal joint. Median time to recovery was 4 days; the mean improvement in hand function was clinically relevant as measured by the Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) score. In total, 87% and 86% of patients and physicians, respectively, were very satisfied or satisfied with treatment at month 6, although correlation between TPED and patient satisfaction was weak (Spearman −0.18, 95% CI −0.32 to −0.06). Collagenase was well tolerated, with 10 (3.9%) patients experiencing severe adverse events. As a real-world study, the POINT X findings can be generalized to the at-large population.
Predicting female ureteral length: a mathematical model
Authors: Bozzini Giorgio , Casellato Stefano , Viganò Alberto , Maruccia Serena , Picozzi Stefano , Carmignani Luca
Published: January 2014

Aim:

Ureteral double J stent placement is a common urological procedure. A stent placement is performed for multiple conditions but some of them are contraindicated, mainly in pregnant female patients, because of X-rays. This work aims to suggest a mathematical model to predict female ureteral length by finding a link among different physical data.

Materials and methods:

Between June 2007 and July 2009, 100 female patients who had undergone ureteral stent placement were enrolled in the present study with the exception of those with septic conditions, history or evidence of TCC, congenital and acquired kidney or ureteral malformations, and previous ureteral surgery. The physical data of each patient were collected (mean age 55.8 years, range 18–89 SD 15.27, mean height 173 cm, range 160–182 SD 6.31, mean weight 75.33 kg, range 62–94 SD 8.81). A previous ureteral retrograde pyelography was performed during the procedure to individualise the pyeloureteral junction. Ureteral length was estimated through a graduated ureteral catheter with a final result between 24 and 27 cm. The length was read in cystoscopy examining the ureteral orifice while the catheter tip reached the pyeloureteral junction. The collected data were then analysed.

Results:

A link between the female patients’ ureteral length and height was observed. The following mathematical model can predict female ureteral length starting from the patient’s height: Result: y = 0.151712487 (height expressed in cm) ± 0.12; correlation coefficient: r = 0,973, residual sum of squares: rss = 5.285. No link was found between ureteral length and patients’ age and weight.

Conclusions:

A good estimation of the length of the ureter to be cannulated enables us to choose in advance the proper one to use. Female patient height correlates with ureteral length. A cost reduction can also be obtained, avoiding an intra-operative X-ray control. An X-ray-free ureteral stenting procedure can be described simply through an ultrasound control mainly in pregnant women. Further studies are needed to obtain a similar mathematical model for male patients.
Problem solving in the Anthropocene
Authors: Barnosky Anthony D , Hadly Elizabeth A
Published: January 2014

Despite the technological advances that characterize the Anthropocene, it will be necessary to address and solve some key environmental problems in order to mitigate societal risks and avoid undesirable impacts. Success will require more effective interactions between scientists, policy makers, the business community, technological innovators, thought leaders and the public-at-large about the key issues – climate change, extinctions, ecosystem loss, pollution and population overgrowth – and their practical solutions. Here we introduce one example of how such interactions can begin.
Evaluation of tensile properties of austenitic stainless steel 316L with linear hardening by modified indentation method
Authors: Wu S. B. , Guan K. S.
Published: January 2014

The instrumented indentation test has been widely used for the non-destructive evaluation of the tensile properties of metal materials. The true stress–strain curve, yield strength and tensile strength can be obtained by this method. In the present study, a new modified indentation algorithm was used to determine the tensile properties of austenitic stainless steel 316L by taking into account its linear hardening characteristic. As received 316L was solution treated at four different temperatures in the range of 1223–1473K for 2 h followed by water quenching. The effect of solution treatment temperature on the tensile properties of 316L was investigated by the instrumented indentation test using the modified indentation algorithm. Results reveal that the new modified indentation algorithm can be used to estimate the tensile properties of austenitic stainless steel with linear hardening.
Ornidazole containing sterculia gum based hydrogels for use in drug delivery
Authors: Singh B. , Vashishtha M.
Published: January 2014

The present study deals with the modification of sterculia gum with 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate and acrylic acid via network formation meant for the drug delivery system using ammonium persulphate as initiator and N, N′-methylenebisacrylamide as cross-linker. Polymeric networks (hydrogels) were characterised with SEMs, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and swelling studies. This paper discusses the swelling of the hydrogels and release dynamics of antidiarrhoea model drug ornidazole from the hydrogels for the evaluation of swelling and drug release mechanism. The diffusion of drug occurred through the non-Fickian diffusion mechanism from the hydrogels. This dietary fibre based drug delivery system after degradation of hydrogels and release of drug in gastrointestinal tract may exert the synergic effect, and the present drug delivery system may act with double potential to cure diarrhoea.
Opening previously impossible avenues for phase transformation in innovative steels by atom probe tomography
Authors: Caballero F. G. , Miller M. K. , Garcia-Mateo C.
Published: January 2014

After decades of debate on the mechanism for the formation of bainite, it is accepted that bainite grows via a displacive mechanism, i.e. as plate shaped transformation products exhibiting an invariant plane strain surface relief effect. But there is still much discussion on the diffusion or diffusionless nature of bainite. The purpose of this atom probe tomography study was to track the atom distributions during the bainite reaction in steels with different carbon and silicon contents. The steels were transformed over a wide range of temperatures (200–525°C) to elucidate the role of reaction rate and diffusion in the formation of bainite with and without cementite precipitation.
Low density steel 1·2C–1·5Cr–5Al designed for bearings
Authors: Yi H. L. , Cai H. L. , Hou Z. Y. , Pang J. C. , Wu D. , Wang G. D.
Published: January 2014

A novel alloy design, designated as 1·2C–1·5Cr–5Al, has been proposed with high aluminium(∼5 wt-) and more carbon(∼1·2 wt-) addition into the classical 1C–1·5Cr bearing steel for lowering density and improving performance simultaneously, which is approximate 8 wt- lighter than convention. In order to understand preliminarily the suitability of the novel alloy for bearing application, the martensite starting temperature and hardness, related to microstructure evolution and mechanical properties, respectively, after partial austenitisation treatment with undissolved carbides have been investigated carefully. The martensite starting temperature is comparable with conventional 1C–1·5Cr alloy. The hardness of 860±3 HV20 achieved is much higher than convention.
How I treat isolated distal deep vein thrombosis (IDDVT)
Authors: Palareti Gualtiero
Published: January 2014

Thromboses limited to infrapopliteal leg deep veins (isolated distal deep vein thrombosis [IDDVT]) are frequently diagnosed in subjects with suspected pulmonary embolism or DVT and account for one-fourth to one-half of all diagnosed leg DVTs. Despite their frequency, the natural history of IDDVTs and their real risk of thromboembolic complications are still uncertain because of the scarcity of prospective, blind, nonintervention studies. Therefore it is still debated whether they warrant diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis is based on ultrasonographic examination, which is more operator dependent and less sensitive in distal than in proximal veins. The available data seem to support the view that most IDDVTs are self-limiting and inconsequential for patients, though in some cases they can be associated with complications and warrant diagnosis and treatment. The available guidelines for treatment of IDDVTs give different indications ranging from serial imaging of the deep veins for 2 weeks to detect and treat only in case of proximal extension, to giving oral anticoagulation in all IDDVT patients for 3 months. I review this issue, focusing on possible and suggested treatments in symptomatic IDDVT patients, and describe our current therapeutic approach to these patients.
Targeting CXCR4 with CTCE-9908 inhibits prostate tumor metastasis
Authors: Wong Donald , Kandagatla Pridvi , Korz Walter , Chinni Sreenivasa R
Published: January 2014

Background

CXCL12/CXCR4 transactivation of epidermal growth factor family receptors in lipid raft membrane microdomains on cell surface is thought to mediate tumor growth and subsequent development of metastatic disease. CTCE-9908 is a known inhibitor of CXCR4. Herein, we tested the efficacy of CTCE-9908 in inhibiting prostate cancer cell growth, invasion, and metastasis.

Methods

We used a panel of in vitro assays utilizing human prostate cancer cell lines and an in vivo orthotopic prostate cancer model to assess the anti-tumoral activity of CTCE-9908.

Results

We demonstrated that (a) CTCE-9908 treatment resulted in no significant change in the growth of PC-3 and C4-2B cells; (b) 50 μg/ml of CTCE-9908 inhibited the invasive properties of PC-3 cells; (c) 25 mg/kg of CTCE-9908 did not alter primary tumor growth but it did significantly reduce total tumor burden in the animal including the growth of prostate and soft tissue metastases to lymph node and distant organ tissues. Histological analysis showed that CTCE-9908 treatment resulted in tumor necrosis in primary prostate tumors and no significant change in proliferation of tumor cells as measured by Ki-67 staining; (d) CTCE-9908 inhibited the tumor angiogenesis as measured by CD34 positive vessels in tumors.

Conclusions

These data suggest that CXCR4 inhibition by CTCE-9908 decreases the invasion potential in vitro, which then translated to a reduction of tumor spread with associated reduction in angiogenesis. Hence, CTCE-9908 may prove to be an efficacious novel agent to prevent and treat the spread of metastatic prostate cancer.
Treatment of hemopericardium caused by mitral balloon valvuloplasty with activated factor VII: a case report
Authors: Steele Jeremy , Mamkin Igor , Worku Berhane , Gulkarov Iosif
Published: January 2014

Introduction

The use of mitral balloon valvuloplasty as a percutaneous intervention for mitral stenosis has been shown to be efficacious. Cardiac tamponade is a rare but serious complication of this procedure. Despite the low incidence of this event, cardiac tamponade is well-reported in the literature. The management strategy of this complication involves pericardial drainage and correction of coagulopathy, followed by surgical exploration if these interventions fail. With this case report, we demonstrate the successful application of activated factor VII in the management of bleeding after balloon valvuloplasty that persisted despite the standard treatments described above.

Case presentation

Our patient was a 31-year-old Yemenite man with no significant past medical history, who presented with progressively worsening dyspnea on exertion and limited functional capacity over the last few years. A transesophageal echocardiogram revealed severe mitral stenosis, which was treated with a mitral valve valvuloplasty. The procedure was complicated by significant mediastinal bleeding that did not respond to routine maneuvers, which included pericardiocentesis and correction of coagulopathy. Our patient was evaluated for surgical intervention but responded to treatment with activated factor VII.

Conclusion

Factor VII may be used in the treatment of refractory mediastinal bleeding secondary to mitral valvuloplasty prior to attempting surgical repair, and therefore may spare the patient the morbidity associated with surgery.
Management of locally advanced laryngeal cancer
Authors: Karatzanis Alexander D , Psychogios Georgios , Waldfahrer Frank , Kapsreiter Markus , Zenk Johannes , Velegrakis George A , Iro Heinrich
Published: January 2014

Background

Management of advanced laryngeal cancer is complex and ideal strategy is yet to be defined. This study evaluates the experience of a single head and neck oncologic centre in the management of T4 laryngeal cancer.

Methods

Retrospective assessment of cases primarily treated for T4a squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, between 1980 and 2007, at a tertiary referral center.

Results

A total of 384 cases were studied. Five-year disease specific survival was 56.2% and local control 87.4%. Regional and distal control estimates were 90.3% and 88.3% respectively. Prognosis was significantly superior for cases treated with primary surgery compared to cases solely managed with non-surgical modalities. Positive surgical margins and regional disease worsened prognosis.

Conclusion

This study suggests that primary surgery remains a key element in the treatment of advanced laryngeal cancer. The need for well-designed, prospective, randomised studies in order to further evaluate the remaining role of primary surgery in the modern management of locally advanced laryngeal lesions is emphasized.
Validation of 1-hour post-thyroidectomy parathyroid hormone level in predicting hypocalcemia
Authors: Le Trung N , Kerr Paul D , Sutherland Donna E , Lambert Pascal
Published: January 2014

Background

Prior work by our group suggested that a single one hour post-thyroidectomy parathyroid hormone (1 hr PTH) level could accurately stratify patients into high and low risk groups for the development of hypocalcemia. This study looks to validate the safety and efficacy of a protocol based on a 1 hr PTH threshold of 12 pg/ml.

Study design

Retrospective analysis of consecutive cohort treated with standardized protocol.

Methods

One hundred and twenty five consecutive patients underwent total or completion thyroidectomy and their PTH level was drawn 1-hour post operatively. Based on our previous work, patients were stratified into either a low risk group (PTH < 12 pg/ml) or a high risk group (PTH ≥ 12 pg/ml). Patients in the high risk group were immediately started on prophylactic calcium carbonate (5–10 g/d) and calcitriol (0.5-1.0 mcg/d). The outcomes were then reviewed focusing mainly on how many low risk patients developed hypocalcemia (false negative rate), and how many high risk patients failed prophylactic therapy.

Results

Thirty one patients (25%) were stratified as high risk, and 94 (75%) as low risk. Five (16%) of the high risk patients became hypocalcemic despite prophylactic therapy. Two of the low risk group became hypocalcemic, (negative predictive value = 98%). None of the hypocalcemic patients had anything more than mild symptoms.

Conclusions

A single 1-hour post-thyroidectomy PTH level is a very useful way to stratify thyroidectomy patients into high and low risk groups for development of hypocalcemia. Early implementation of oral prophylactic calcium and vitamin D in the high risk patients is a very effective way to prevent serious hypocalcemia. Complex protocols requiring multiple calcium and PTH measurements are not required to guide post-thyroidectomy management.
Assessing students approaches to learning using a matrix framework in a Malaysian public university
Authors: Teoh Hee Chong , Abdullah Maria Chong , Roslan Samsilah , Mohd Daud Shaffe
Published: January 2014

This study aims to evaluate the learning characteristics of students using a matrix framework of learning approaches (MFLA) in a Malaysian public university. A survey form based on Biggs’s study process questionnaire (SPQ) was distributed to a total of 350 students. This study employed a descriptive correlation research design to address the research objectives. The findings revealed that Malaysian students are prone to applying the achieving approach in their studies. The achieving approach is the most preferable learning characteristic. The results also indicated that four of the nine hypothetical learning approaches exist, two of which are positive in nature. As a result, a proposed teaching method based on the MFLA was introduced to suit the needs of these major learning characteristics among students.
Amyloid-beta 42 adsorption following serial tube transfer
Authors: Toombs Jamie , Paterson Ross W , Schott Jonathan M , Zetterberg Henrik
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid-beta 38 (Aβ38), 40 (Aβ40), 42 (Aβ42) and total tau (T-tau) are finding increasing utility as biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The purpose of this study was to determine whether measured CSF biomarker concentrations were affected by transfer of CSF between tubes, and whether addition of a non-ionic surfactant mitigates any observed effects.

Methods

AD and control CSF was transferred consecutively between polypropylene tubes. Aβ peptides and T-tau were measured with and without addition of Tween 20 (0.05%).

Results

Measured concentrations of Aβ42 decreased by approximately 25% with each consecutive transfer. Measured concentrations of Aβ38 and Aβ40 were also observed to decrease significantly with each consecutive transfer (approximately 16% loss per transfer). Measured concentrations of T-tau also decreased significantly, but at much smaller magnitude than the Aβ peptides (approximately 4% loss per transfer). The addition of Tween 20 mitigated this effect in all samples.

Conclusions

Consecutive CSF transfer between tubes has a significant impact on the measured concentration of all Aβ peptides, and significant effect of lesser magnitude on T-tau. This would be sufficient to alter biomarker ratios enough to mislead diagnosis. The introduction of Tween 20 at the initial aliquoting stage was observed to significantly mitigate this effect.
Fucosyltransferase 1 mediates angiogenesis, cell adhesion and rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue fibroblast proliferation
Authors: Isozaki Takeo , Ruth Jeffrey H , Amin Mohammad A , Campbell Phillip L , Tsou Pei-Suen , Ha Christine M , Haines G Kenneth , Edhayan Gautam , Koch Alisa E
Published: January 2014

Introduction

We previously reported that sialyl Lewisy, synthesized by fucosyltransferases, is involved in angiogenesis. Fucosyltransferase 1 (fut1) is an α(1,2)-fucosyltransferase responsible for synthesis of the H blood group and Lewisy antigens. However, the angiogenic involvement of fut 1 in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue (RA ST) has not been clearly defined.

Methods

Assay of α(1,2)-linked fucosylated proteins in RA was performed by enzyme-linked lectin assay. Fut1 expression was determined in RA ST samples by immunohistological staining. We performed angiogenic Matrigel assays using a co-culture system of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) and fut1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfected RA synovial fibroblasts. To determine if fut1 played a role in leukocyte retention and cell proliferation in the RA synovium, myeloid THP-1 cell adhesion assays and fut1 siRNA transfected RA synovial fibroblast proliferation assays were performed.

Results

Total α(1,2)-linked fucosylated proteins in RA ST were significantly higher compared to normal (NL) ST. Fut1 expression on RA ST lining cells positively correlated with ST inflammation. HMVECs from a co-culture system with fut1 siRNA transfected RA synovial fibroblasts exhibited decreased endothelial cell tube formation compared to control siRNA transfected RA synovial fibroblasts. Fut1 siRNA also inhibited myeloid THP-1 adhesion to RA synovial fibroblasts and RA synovial fibroblast proliferation.

Conclusions

These data show that α(1,2)-linked fucosylated proteins are upregulated in RA ST compared to NL ST. We also show that fut1 in RA synovial fibroblasts is important in angiogenesis, leukocyte-synovial fibroblast adhesion, and synovial fibroblast proliferation, all key processes in the pathogenesis of RA.
Identification of evolutionarily meaningful information within the mammalian RNA editing landscape
Authors: Savva Yiannis A , Reenan Robert A
Published: January 2014

A large comparative genomic sequence study has determined the extent of conservation between RNA editing sites within the mammalian evolutionary tree.

See related research by Pinto et al., http://genomebiology.com/2014/15/1/R5
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Liver Fibrosis, and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adolescence: A Cross-Sectional Study of 1874 General Population Adolescents
Authors: Lawlor Debbie A. , Callaway Mark , Macdonald-Wallis Corrie , Anderson Emma , Fraser Abigail , Howe Laura D. , Day Chris , Sattar Naveed
Published: January 2014

Context:

The impact of adolescent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on health, independent of fat mass, is unclear.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to determine the independent (of total body fat) association of ultrasound scan (USS)-determined NAFLD with liver fibrosis, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia among healthy adolescents.

Design:

This was a cross-sectional analysis in participants from a UK birth cohort.

Participants:

One thousand eight hundred seventy-four (1059 female) individuals of a mean age of 17.9 years participated in the study.

Main Outcomes:

USS assessed liver stiffness (shear velocity, an indicator of fibrosis) and volume, fasting glucose, insulin, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, γ-glutamyltransferase, and haptoglobin.

Results:

The prevalence of NAFLD was 2.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8–3.3] and was the same in females and males. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry determined total body fat mass was strongly associated with USS NAFLD: odds ratio 3.15 (95% CI 2.44–4.07) per 1 SD (∼10 kg) fat mass. Those with NAFLD had larger liver volumes and greater shear velocity. They also had higher fasting glucose, insulin, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, γ-glutamyltransferase, and haptoglobin and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Most associations were independent of total body fat. For example, after adjustment for fat mass and other confounders, hepatic shear velocity [mean difference 22.8% (95% CI 15.6–30.5)], triglyceride levels [23.6% (95% CI 6.0–44.2)], and insulin [39.4% (95% CI 10.7–75.5)] were greater in those with NAFLD compared with those without NAFLD.

Conclusion:

In healthy European adolescents, 2.5% have USS-defined NAFLD. Even after accounting for total body fat, those with NAFLD have more adverse levels of liver fibrosis and cardiometabolic risk factors.
Solute–Solvent Interactions of Benzonitrile in Solutions Studied by Sub-Picosecond Infrared Pump–Probe Spectroscopy
Authors: Banno Motohiro , Kotani Ayumi , Ohta Kaoru , Tominaga Keisuke
Published: January 2014

The vibrational energy relaxation of the CN stretching mode of benzonitrile (BN) in solution has been investigated by infrared (IR) pump–probe spectroscopy. The peak wavenumber, line shape, and cross section of the ground state absorption band due to the CN stretching mode depend on the solvent and concentration. From the experimental results of IR spectroscopy and calculations with density functional theory, the structures of solute–solute or solute–solvent complexes are suggested. In hexane, BN exists as a monomer or a dimer in which the two CN groups are arranged antiparallel. In ethanol (EtOH), it is suggested that BN forms the antiparallel dimer and a BN–EtOH hydrogen-bonded complex. In dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), BN probably forms a solute–solvent complex. From the results of IR pump–probe spectroscopy, the decay time constant of the pump–probe signal shows a probe wavenumber dependence in hexane and DMSO, which indicates inhomogeneity of the microscopic environment around BN in these solvents. In EtOH, the wavenumber dependence was not observed. This suggests that the VER processes for the BN dimer and the BN–EtOH complex are accelerated from that for the monomer, and the VER times are almost identical among the two structures.
Substituent R-Effects on Intermolecular Resonance-Assisted Hydrogen (H) Bonds: Theoretical Analysis of Double H-Bonded Dimers of Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Tabayashi Kiyohiko , Takahashi Osamu
Published: January 2014

Substituent dependence of geometries and binding energies calculated for a number of carboxylic acid dimers with R-substituents using 2nd-order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory and Gaussian 4 level quantum mechanical method, is analyzed to characterize intrinsic substituent effects. Charge distribution and charge-transfer interaction of reaction centers are examined to evaluate π-electron delocalization and individual H-bond structures using natural bond orbital analysis. For (RCOOH)2 homodimers, parametric substituent-treatment by Taft and Topsom revealed that π-donor substitution increases the π-electron delocalization of conjugated C=O/C–O frames of carboxylic acids and cooperatively stabilizes the equivalent H-bonds depending on the potentiality |σR+| of π-resonance effect, i.e., substituent-enhanced RAHBs (resonance-assisted H-bonds). In contrast, π-accepting substituents are found actually inactive in these electron deficient C=O/C–O fields yielding the minimum available RAHBs similar to the reference (HCOOH)2. In (R1–COOH)(R2–COOH) heterodimers, the π-accepting substituent can only be activated under the presence of π-donor potentiality from the counter molecule, generating a cooperative substituent push–pull interaction through the corresponding H-bond. Out of two H-bonds generated, one is significantly strengthened while the other being quenched due to the substituent effects in the opposite direction. The intermolecular electron push–pull interaction is quantitatively interpreted in terms of the charge-transfer of each H-bond influenced by the π-resonance substituent effects.
Amblyomma tapirellum (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from tropical forest canopy
Authors: Loaiza Jose R , Miller Matthew J , Bermingham Eldredge , Sanjur Oris I , Jansen Patrick A , Rovira Jose R , Alvarez Eric , Rodriguez Eric , Davis Philip , Dutari Larissa C , Pecor James , Foley Desmond , Radtke Meghan , Pongsiri Montira J
Published: January 2014

Free-ranging ticks are widely known to be restricted to the ground level of vegetation. Here, we document the capture of the tick species Amblyomma tapirellum in light traps placed in the forest canopy of Barro Colorado Island, central Panama. A total of forty eight adults and three nymphs were removed from carbon dioxide–octenol baited CDC light traps suspended 20 meters above the ground during surveys for forest canopy mosquitoes. To our knowledge, this represents the first report of questing ticks from the canopy of tropical forests. Our finding suggests a novel ecological relationship between A. tapirellum and arboreal mammals, perhaps monkeys that come to the ground to drink or to feed on fallen fruits.
Supercuspidal L -packets via isocrystals
Authors: Kaletha Tasho
Published: January 2014

In a recent paper, DeBacker and Reeder construct and parameterize L -packets on pure inner forms of unramified p -adic groups, that consist of depth zero supercuspidal representations. We generalize their work to non-pure inner forms, by providing an alternative construction based on the theory of isocrystals with additional structure due to Kottwitz. Furthermore, we show the stability and endoscopic transfer for these L -packets.
Twisted relative trace formulae with a view towards unitary groups
Authors: Getz Jayce R. , Wambach Eric
Published: January 2014

We introduce a twisted relative trace formula which simultaneously generalizes the
twisted trace formula of Langlands et.~al.~(in the quadratic case) and the relative
trace formula of Jacquet and Lai. Certain matching statements relating this twisted
relative trace formula to a relative trace formula are also proven (including the
relevant fundamental lemma in the ``biquadratic case''). Using recent work of Jacquet,
Lapid and their collaborators and the Rankin-Selberg integral representation of the
Asai $L$-function (obtained by Flicker using the theory of Jacquet, Piatetskii-Shapiro,
and Shalika), we give the following application: Let $E/F$ be a totally real quadratic
extension with $\langle\sigma\rangle={\rm Gal}(E/F)$, let $U^{\sigma}$ be a quasi-split unitary
group with respect to a CM extension $M/F$, and let $U:={\rm Res}_{E/F}U^{\sigma}$. Under suitable
local hypotheses, we show that a cuspidal cohomological automorphic representation $\pi$ of
$U$ whose Asai $L$-function has a pole at the edge of the critical strip is nearly equivalent to
a cuspidal cohomological automorphic representation $\pi'$ of $U$ that is $U^{\sigma}$-distinguished
in the sense that there is a form in the space of $\pi'$ admitting a nonzero period over $U^{\sigma}$.
This provides cohomologically nontrivial cycles of middle dimension on unitary Shimura varieties
analogous to those on Hilbert modular surfaces studied by Harder, Langlands, and Rapoport.
The Lee-Yang and Pólya-Schur programs. III. Zero-preservers on Bargmann-Fock spaces
Authors: Brändén Petter
Published: January 2014

We characterize linear operators preserving zero-restrictions on entire functions in weighted Bargmann-Fock spaces. This extends the characterization of linear operators on polynomials preserving stability (due to Borcea and the author) to the realm of entire functions, and translates into an optimal, albeit formal, Lee-Yang theorem.
Noncommutative motives, numerical equivalence, and semi-simplicity
Authors: Marcolli Matilde , Tabuada Gonçalo
Published: January 2014

Making use of Hochschild homology, we introduce the correct category ${\rm NNum}(k)_F$ of
noncommutative {\it numerical} motives (over a base ring $k$ and with coefficients in a field $F$).
We prove that ${\rm NNum}(k)_F$ is abelian semi-simple and that Grothendieck's category
${\rm Num}(k)_{\Bbb{Q}}$ of numerical motives embeds into ${\rm NNum}(k)_{\Bbb{Q}}$ after being
factored out by the action of the Tate object. As an application we obtain an
alternative proof of Jannsen's celebrate semi-simplicity result, which uses the
noncommutative world instead of a classical Weil cohomology.