bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review and Meta-analysis of Colorectal Cancer Utilities
Authors: Djalalov Sandjar , Rabeneck Linda , Tomlinson George , Bremner Karen E. , Hilsden Robert , Hoch Jeffrey S.
Published: June 2014

Objective. To perform a systematic review of utility weights for colorectal cancer (CRC) health states reported in the scientific literature and to determine the effects of disease factors, patient characteristics, and utility methods on utility values. Methods. We identified 26 articles written in English and published from January 1980 to January 2013, providing 351 unique utilities for CRC health states elicited from 6546 unique respondents. The CRC utility data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models with CRC type, stage, time to or from initial care, utility measurement instrument, and administration method as independent variables. Results. In the base case model, the estimated utility for a patient with stage I to III CRC more than 1 year after surgery, rated using a self-administered time tradeoff instrument, was 0.90. Stage, time to or from initial care, and utility measurement instrument were associated with statistically significant utility differences ranging from −0.19 to 0.02. Utilities for patients with stage IV cancer were 0.19 lower (P < 0.001) than for those with stage I to III cancer. Utilities elicited at more than 1 year after surgery were 0.05 higher than those elicited at 3 months after surgery (P = 0.008). Estimates of differences between utility measurement instruments were sensitive to how repeated scores in the same patient group were treated, and other findings were sensitive to how the disease stage was modeled and method of administration. Conclusions. Variations in reported utilities are associated with factors such as cancer stage, time to or from initial care, and utility measurement instrument. More research is needed to study why apparently similar patients report different quality of life.
Psychophysiological reactions to music in male coronary patients and healthy controls
Authors: Gupta Uma , Gupta B. S.
Published: June 2014

The study aimed to present a comparative account of psychophysiological responses to music-listening in male coronary patients and healthy controls. The stimulus material was a slow-paced, taped rāga Desi-Todi played on a flute. The participants listened to music for 30 minutes a day for 20 days. Pre- and post-treatment procedure was adopted for assessment on psychophysiological measures. The study supports the following conclusions: (1) music-listening produces significant decreases in the blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic) and heart rate of coronary patients but has no significant effect in healthy controls; (2) music-listening reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, enhances life satisfaction, optimism and hope, and makes life more meaningful in both coronary patients and healthy controls; (3) the effects of music listening, that is, reduction in negative affect, enhancement of positive affect, and decrease in blood pressure and heart rate, are more intense in coronary patients than healthy controls.
Looking Beyond Prevalence
Authors: Ballan Michelle S. , Freyer Molly Burke , Marti C. Nathan , Perkel Jules , Webb Katie A. , Romanelli Meghan
Published: June 2014

The abuse of individuals with disabilities is a widespread problem that has received minimal attention in scholarly research on intimate partner violence (IPV). As a result, the literature offers neither a general demographic profile of IPV survivors with disabilities nor an examination of the relationships between IPV and individuals with specific types of disabilities. This article addresses these gaps by reporting the results of a retrospective case study review of 886 client files, covering an 8-year service period in a non-residential domestic violence disability program. The study examined key demographics along with familial, social, and contextual aspects of IPV among women with disabilities, and provides crucial information for service providers who must understand the multifaceted and unique needs of survivors. Findings are discussed in terms of their relevance to abuse-related outcomes and corresponding best practices with this population.
Design of an induction heating coil coupled with magnetic flux concentrators for barrel heating of an injection molding machine
Authors: Bui Huy-Tien , Hwang Sheng-Jye
Published: June 2014

In an injection molding machine, the conventional barrel heating system which uses resistance heating method (RH) has some drawbacks such as low heating rate, long heating time, and energy loss. With induction heating (IH) technique, the barrel can better handle almost all of these disadvantages. However, non-uniform temperature distribution on inside surface of a barrel is the main drawback of induction heaters. A working coil coupled with magnetic flux concentrators via adjustment of magnetic flux concentrator spacing to achieve uniformity of magnetic flux and temperature distribution on the inside surface of a barrel was proposed and experimented. Results showed that, when barrel was heated by induction heating method with the proposed induction heating coil, heating time to reach a specific temperature could be reduced, and heating rate increased compared to resistance heating method. With 8 mm pitch of magnetic flux concentrators on a coil, the temperature distribution was the most uniform.
Leakage analysis and ground tests of the O-type rubber ring seal applied in lunar sample return devices
Authors: Zhang Bin , Yu Min , Yang Huayong
Published: June 2014

O-type rubber rings were applied as the exterior seal in many lunar sample return programs, including the U.S. Apollo and Soviet Luna missions; however, most of them failed due to the extreme environment on the lunar surface. In this paper, the feasibility of the O-type rubber ring seal was explored through theoretical analysis and ground tests. For the sealing mechanism, mathematical models based on “Roth” leakage theory were developed to describe rubbers’ leakage variability. The influencing factors of the leak rate were discussed as well, including rubber installation, rubber aging, ambient temperature alternation, and gas permeation through rubber’s capillary pores. For the ground tests, leakage detection for the rubber seal was carried out through helium mass spectrometer. Different rubber materials, including fluorine, silicone and nitrile, were chosen to test and verify their elastic resilience in alternating temperatures and different installations. According to the results, different rubber materials performed different elastic resilience after experiencing temperature alternation, which might affect the sealing performance of the lunar samples container in the return flight. The nitrile rubber was considered more suitable than the other two, with a number of influencing factors examined. Moreover, the leak rate variation of the O-type rings in radial installation lagged behind those in axial due to rubber shrinking directions.
Research of a fuzzy global sliding mode control scheme: A stability control scheme for anti-aircraft missile with swing nozzle thrust vector control
Authors: Liu Xiaodong , Zhang Yu , Huang Wanwei , Wang Jianmin
Published: June 2014

In order to suppress the high-frequency chattering at control input in the premise of keeping robust against system uncertainties, a novel fuzzy global sliding mode controller (FGSMC) is proposed. A nonlinear switching function is designed in order that system trajectory can be set on sliding mode surface at initial time. A fuzzy decision maker, which can adaptively obtain the gain of signum term according to novel fuzzy logic, is proposed and introduced to guarantee the comprehensive properties with respect to the reachability of sliding mode and the smoothness of control input. Moreover, it possesses simple fuzzy inference rules and is easy to be realized in application. The FGSMC is employed to construct the stability control scheme for anti-aircraft missile with swing nozzle thrust vector control. Simulation results on researched anti-aircraft missile present that, in the existence of sustained disturbances, the proposed FGSMC scheme not only possesses better convergent performance, but also suppresses high-frequency chattering to a large extent, compared with conventional sliding mode control scheme.
Design, fabrication and test of qualification model of wire thermal cutting based non-explosive separation device for a small satellite
Authors: Choi Junwoo , Lee Dongkyu , Hwang Hyun-Su , Kim Byungkyu
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we address the design, fabrication and test of a qualification model of a wire thermal cutting based non-explosive actuation (NEA) device for a small satellite. The important design parameters such as maximum allowable preload and release time are investigated through theoretical analysis. After it is fabricated based on theoretical results, we implemented the mechanical performance tests to assure operability and reliability for the compact size NEA device. From the result of the mechanical performance tests such as maximum preload, shock level and release time tests, we found that the proposed NEA device can be operated under a preload of 1000 kgf within 550 ms stably and it generates a low shock of 58.57 G. The margin calculation shows that the proposed NEA device can hold a solar panel of 20 kg with a margin of safety ( MS) of +0.32. In addition, we carried out the environment tests such as the vibration test and thermal vacuum test to qualify the proposed NEA device. From the vibration test, we found the resonant shapes after sine and random vibration were the same which means the proposed NEA device was successfully designed to have a stable structure. From the result of the thermal vacuum test, in addition, the proposed NEA device was well operated in a space environment condition.
Life, death, and ontology: More on aspiration and exaggeration
Authors: Williams Richard N. , Gantt Edwin E.
Published: June 2014

This article is a response to Fowers, Ainsley, and Lefevor, who offer a critique of a previously published article of ours that explored the problems of grounding aspiration and virtue in any ontology that does not allow for the possibility of an eternal soul. In this article, we argue that Fowers et al. have seriously misunderstood the nature and intent of our original argument and, therefore, fail to adequately respond to what we take to be a central concern that limits the viability of any approach to virtue and aspiration grounded in a naturalistic ontology for addressing the “Wherefore” question that lies at the heart of virtue and aspiration.
Middle to late Holocene relative sea level rise, climate variability and environmental change along the Colombian Caribbean coast
Authors: Velez Maria I , Escobar Jaime , Brenner Mark , Rangel Orlando , Betancourt Alejandra , Jaramillo Alexis J , Curtis Jason H , Moreno Jessica L
Published: June 2014

We analyzed diatoms, lithology, and stable isotopes in a sediment core from the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta lagoon to reveal the history of late Holocene relative sea level rise and the ontogeny of the lagoon on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. At ~5300 cal. yr BP, the area was characterized by shallow, freshwater ponds that were prone to seasonal flooding. From ~4250 to ~2060 cal. yr BP, these ponds became brackish as relative sea level began to rise, and since ~2060 cal. yr BP, marine conditions have prevailed. In addition to tracking relative sea level rise, we also investigated periods of greater and lesser precipitation during times of brackish and marine conditions, respectively, as indicated by diatom-inferred changes in water salinity and shifts in the source of sediment organic matter. Comparisons with other regional paleoenvironmental records suggest that humid climate conditions prevailed in the Caribbean until about 4000 cal. yr BP. After that time, climate became more variable, with drier conditions registered from ~ 4000 to 2000 cal. yr BP. Wetter conditions returned after ~2000 cal. yr BP.
Surfing USA
Authors: Mikal Jude P. , Yang Junhong , Lewis Amy
Published: June 2014

Campuses across the United States continue to welcome a record number of Chinese students coming in pursuit of both academic and cultural goals. Yet, high levels of acculturative stress coupled with difficulties integrating into life abroad jeopardize accomplishing these goals. In this study, we examine Chinese students’ Internet use both prior to and during study abroad, and its effects on stress, integration, and learning while abroad. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 undergraduate and graduate students from China currently studying in the United States. Findings indicate that although online media and resources provide valuable information to Chinese students, they may also set the stage for entry into established, cohesive co-national peer groups, thereby discouraging integration.
Adherence to imatinib among patients attending Saskatchewan Cancer Agency Pharmacies
Authors: Dicus Melissa , Lyons Barry , Olson Colleen , Tran David A , Blackburn David F
Published: June 2014

Rationale

Chronic use of imatinib confers an important survival benefit for individuals with chronic myeloid leukemia. In Saskatchewan, the provincial cancer agency addresses important barriers to adherence by providing imatinib at no cost through specialized cancer centers.

Objective

To describe adherence to imatinib dispensed through the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.

Study design and methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of electronic pharmacy dispensation records from the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. All dispensations for imatinib classified for hematologic malignancies were electronically abstracted by cancer center personnel and securely forwarded to investigators with all meaningful patient identifiers removed. All subjects receiving a new dispensation (i.e. using a 6-month washout period) for imatinib between 1 June 2004 and 31 December 2011 were included. The primary endpoint was optimal adherence to imatinib during the first year of therapy, defined as a medication possession ratio ≥ 80%.

Results

Ninety-one subjects were started on imatinib during the observation period. During the first year of therapy, 82.4% (75/91) maintained a medication possession ratio ≥ 80%. The percentage of individuals maintaining optimal adherence decreased only slightly when the observation period was extended to 2 (78.4%) or 3 years (78.8%).

Conclusions

Non-adherence to imatinib is relatively infrequent when provided by the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.
Transient mixed non-Newtonian thermo-elastohydrodynamics of vehicle differential hypoid gears with starved partial counter-flow inlet boundary
Authors: Mohammadpour Mahdi , Theodossiades Stephanos , Rahnejat Homer
Published: June 2014

The paper presents solutions for transient mixed thermo-elastohydrodynamics of meshing differential hypoid gears of a vehicle under low speed urban driving and high speed cruising. Realistic gear meshing conditions, such as contact load including inertial effects are used, in line with engine power torque and wheel traction. This constitutes simultaneous solution of gear pair dynamics, non-Newtonian elastohydrodynamics as well as vehicle longitudinal inertial dynamics, an approach not hitherto reported in the literature. The important link between contact tribology and vehicle gearing dynamics is highlighted. It is also shown that gear teeth pairs are subjected to a starved inlet boundary condition, represented by realistic inlet flow analysis. These conditions lead to the formation of a thin lubricant film with non-Newtonian shear and with modest boundary interactions.
Attention during visual search: The benefit of bilingualism
Authors: Friesen Deanna C. , Latman Vered , Calvo Alejandra , Bialystok Ellen
Published: June 2014

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research Questions:

Following reports showing bilingual advantages in executive control (EC) performance, the current study investigated the role of selective attention as a foundational skill that might underlie these advantages.

Design/Methodology/Approach:

Bilingual and monolingual young adults performed a visual search task by determining whether a target shape was present amid distractor shapes. Task difficulty was manipulated by search type (feature or conjunction) and by the number and discriminability of the distractors. In feature searches, the target (e.g., green triangle) differed on a single dimension (e.g., color) from the distractors (e.g., yellow triangles); in conjunction searches, two types of distractors (e.g., pink circles and turquoise squares) each differed from the target (e.g., turquoise circle) on a single but different dimension (e.g., color or shape).

Data and Analysis:

Reaction time and accuracy data from 109 young adults (53 monolinguals and 56 bilinguals) were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance. Group membership, search type, number and discriminability of distractors were the independent variables.

Findings/Conclusions:

Participants identified the target more quickly in the feature searches, when the target was highly discriminable from the distractors and when there were fewer distractors. Importantly, although monolinguals and bilinguals performed equivalently on the feature searches, bilinguals were significantly faster than monolinguals in identifying the target in the more difficult conjunction search, providing evidence for better control of visual attention in bilinguals.

Originality:

Unlike previous studies on bilingual visual attention, the current study found a bilingual attention advantage in a paradigm that did not include a Stroop-like manipulation to set up false expectations.

Significance/Implications:

Thus, our findings indicate that the need to resolve explicit conflict or overcome false expectations is unnecessary for observing a bilingual advantage in selective attention. Observing this advantage in a fundamental skill suggests that it may underlie higher order bilingual advantages in EC.
Networked communication and the Arab Spring: Linking broadcast and social media
Authors: Hänska Ahy Maximillian
Published: June 2014

A plethora of media platforms were involved in communicating recent protests across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), though it remains unclear exactly how these interacted. This qualitative article, based primarily on interviews with British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) newsworkers, explores the networked linkages between social and broadcast media, asking how social media content moved into broadcast news, which standards shaped the interface between the two and how these standards were defined. It finds that a set of normative and practical standards caused significant friction at the interface, which is reduced as content assimilates these standards. Standards are shaped mainly in response to broadcast imperatives, but also through the mainstreaming of social media and more efficacious and practicable networked communicative practices, indicating how power may shift in the networked age. Responding to the optimistic view that networked multimedia environments enable unencumbered communication, it argues that the scope and limits of communicative affordances depend on these standards.
Brief Communication: Copper suppression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 is involved in the regression of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy
Authors: Wang Tao , Li Rui , Lin Chen , Sun Miao , Kang Y James
Published: June 2014

Previous studies revealed that copper (Cu)-induced regression of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy is associated with enhanced activity in the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) signaling pathway. The mechanism by which Cu enhances the activity of VEGFR-1 pathway remains to be defined. The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that Cu enhances the VEGFR-1 signaling pathway via suppression of the VEGFR-2 signaling pathway. Primary cultures of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were exposed to phenylephrine (PE) at a final concentration of 100 µM in cultures for 48 h to induce cell hypertrophy. The hypertrophic cardiomyocytes were exposed to copper sulfate at a final concentration of 5 µM Cu in cultures for 24 h. Western blot analysis showed that PE increased the protein levels of both VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. Cu supplementation significantly reduced the increase in VEGFR-2, but had no effect on the elevation of VEGFR-1. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis found no difference in the mRNA levels between the VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 under the conditions defined above. This study thus demonstrated that Cu selectively suppressed PE-elevated VEGFR-2 levels likely via post-translational regulation, leading to the VEGFR-1 signaling pathway becoming dominant and thereby regressing cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.
Systems-level view of cocaine addiction: The interconnection of the immune and nervous systems
Authors: Marasco Christina C , Goodwin Cody R , Winder Danny G , Schramm-Sapyta Nicole L , McLean John A , Wikswo John P
Published: June 2014

The human body is a complex assembly of physiological systems designed to manage the multidirectional transport of both information and nutrients. An intricate interplay between the nervous, circulatory, and secretory systems is therefore necessary to sustain life, allow delivery of nutrients and therapeutic drugs, and eliminate metabolic waste products and toxins. These systems also provide vulnerable routes for modification by substances of abuse. Addictive substances are, by definition, neurologically active, but as they and their metabolites are spread throughout the body via the nervous, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems, there is abundant opportunity for interaction with numerous cell and tissue types. Cocaine is one such substance that exerts a broad physiological effect. While a great deal of the research concerning addiction has addressed the neurological effects of cocaine use, only a few studies have been aimed at delineating the role that cocaine plays in various body systems. In this paper, we probe the current research regarding cocaine and the immune system, and map a systems-level view to outline a broader perspective of the biological response to cocaine. Specifically, our overview of the neurological and immunomodulatory effects of the drug will allow a broader perspective of the biological response to cocaine. The focus of this review is on the connection between the nervous and immune systems and the role this connection plays in the long-term complications of cocaine use. By describing the multiplicity of these connections, we hope to inspire detailed investigations into the immunological interplay in cocaine addiction.
D-Shape Asymmetric Excision of Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Sinus With Primary Closure, Suction Drain, and Subcuticular Skin Closure
Authors: Brusciano Luigi , Limongelli Paolo , del Genio Gianmattia , Tolone Salvatore , Amoroso Vincenzo , Docimo Giovanni , Docimo Ludovico
Published: June 2014

Background. Few studies have reported long-term recurrence rates after asymmetric excision with primary closure in the treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease. Methods. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of 550 surgical excisions performed for sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease between 1988 and 2005 was performed. Results. A total of 550 patients with a diagnosis of pilonidal sinus underwent surgical excision over a period of 17 years. Thirty-eight out of the 550 patients (3.5%) were lost at follow-up. At a mean follow up of 11.2 ± 5.3 years, median 11 years (range = 3-22), the recurrence rate was 8.9%. Actuarial 1-, 5-, 10-, and 20-year disease-free survival rates were 98%, 94%, 92%, and 83%, respectively, with a median overall disease-free survival of 10 years (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3-15). When patients were stratified according to several variables known to influence recurrence, an age of less or ≥22 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.5, 95% CI = 0.3-7.5, P = .001), a family history of sinus (OR = 5.9, 95% CI = 2.7-12, P = .0001), and intraoperative methylene blue use (OR = 6.3, 95% CI = 1.2-31, P = .024) were indicated as independent predictors of disease-free survival rates. Conclusions. D-shape asymmetric excision and scar lateralization, with primary multilayer subcuticular closure, suction drain insertion, and skin closure in patients with sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease is a safe and adequate surgical treatment offering an effective healing rate as well as low recurrence. Several features are likely to predict a better or a worse long-term recurrence rate in patients undergoing surgery for sinus pilonidalis.
First Experience on Laparoscopic Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of Hepatic Uveal Melanoma Metastases Using Indocyanine Green
Authors: Tummers Quirijn R. J.G. , Verbeek Floris P. R. , Prevoo Hendrica A. J.M. , Braat Andries E. , Baeten Coen I. M. , Frangioni John V. , van de Velde Cornelis J. H. , Vahrmeijer Alexander L.
Published: June 2014

Background. Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults, and up to 50% of patients will develop liver metastases. Complete surgical resection of these metastases can improve 5-year survival, but only a few patients are eligible for radical surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to introduce a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence laparoscope during minimally invasive surgery for intraoperative identification of uveal melanoma hepatic metastases and to use it to provide guidance during resection. Methods. Three patients diagnosed with one solitary liver metastasis from uveal melanoma are presented. Patients received 10 mg indocyanine green (ICG) intravenously 24 hours before surgery. A NIR fluorescence laparoscope was used to detect malignant liver lesions. Results. In all 3 patients, laparoscopic NIR fluorescence imaging using ICG successfully identified uveal melanoma metastases. In 2 patients, multiple additional lesions were identified by inspection and NIR fluorescence imaging, which were not identified by preoperative conventional imaging. In one patient, one additional lesion, not identified by computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, laparoscopic ultrasonography, and inspection, was observed with NIR fluorescence imaging only. Importantly, NIR fluorescence imaging provided guidance during resection of these metastases. Conclusions. We describe the successful use of laparoscopic identification and resection of uveal melanoma liver metastases using NIR fluorescence imaging and ICG. This procedure is minimally invasive and should be used as complementary to conventional techniques for the detection and resection of liver metastases.
Systematic Review of Cyanoacrylate Embolization for Refractory Gastrointestinal Fistulae
Authors: López Julio , Rodriguez Karime , Targarona Eduardo M. , Guzman Heber , Corral Iván , Gameros Rene , Reyes Arturo
Published: June 2014

Background. Surgical management of gastrointestinal fistulae has been reported to carry a 30-day morbidity rate up to 82% and a mortality rate ranging from 2% to 4.8%; thus nonoperative alternatives are required. The aim of the present study was to assess the current experience on the use of cyanoacrylates in the management of these fistulae. Methods. A systematic review was carried out on Medline, Embase, The Cochrane database, Academic Search Complete, MedicLatina, and SciELO for English, Spanish, and Portuguese articles dealing with refractory fistulae by means of cyanoacrylate embolization therapy. Publication dates were restricted from 1969 to present. Outcome parameters were study design, number of participants, etiology of the fistula, approach, material used, success rate, complications, and mortality. Results. Electronic search yielded a total of 377 articles. After a meticulous screening, only 14 studies dealing with foregut/midgut fistulae and 6 addressing hindgut fistulae were included. All the included articles were prospective and retrospective case series. Cumulative success rate was 81% (range 0% to 100%) and 3 out of 203 patients (1%) developed minor complications. Conclusion. Cyanoacrylate embolization of nearly all types of refractory gastrointestinal fistulae is a feasible and harmless technique. Prospective controlled studies are required to support the available evidence.
Mitigating the Consequences of Anastomotic Leakage After Laparoscopic Rectal Cancer Resection
Authors: Yang Qingqiang , Tang Chunyan , Qi Xiaolong , Yi Guoping , Xu Liang
Published: June 2014

Background. With regard to laparoscopic low anterior resection, anastomotic leakage still remains a challenge and continues to account for approximately 30% of postoperative deaths. This study was designed to evaluate whether the intracolonic and perineal drainage is associated with a decreased risk for anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery without stool diversion. Patients and Methods. Prospective data were collected from 337 patients with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic resection without defunctioning stoma. Results. A total of 157 patients underwent laparoscopic rectal resection, followed by the placement of intracolonic and perineal drainage, while 180 underwent laparoscopic surgery routinely. No difference in clinically significant leakage was observed between the intracolonic and perineal drainage and the control groups (3.8% vs 8.3%, P = .0874). However, reoperation was underwent at a significantly lower rate after the placement of intracolonic and perineal drainage (intracolonic and perineal drainage: 1 of 6 [16.7%] vs control: 14 of 15 [93.3%]; P < .01). In multivariate analysis, extraperitoneal tumor location and operation duration ≥180 minutes were independently associated with anastomotic leakage. Conclusions. Significant risk factors of anastomotic leakage include extraperitoneal tumor location and operation duration ≥180 minutes. The placement of intracolonic and perineal drainage was not found to be significantly associated with anastomotic leakage, but this method could mitigate the clinical consequences of leakage and decrease the rate of reoperation and transverse colostomy after laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal cancer.
Virtual Digital Defogging Technology Improves Laparoscopic Imaging Quality
Authors: Gu Lei , Liu Peilin , Jiang Chunhui , Luo Meng , Xu Qing
Published: June 2014

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a newly developed digital defogging (DD) system on imaging quality in laparoscopic surgery. Lens fogging instantly degrades image quality and interrupts the flow of surgical maneuvers during laparoscopic surgery. To address this problem, we developed a DD system based on the dark channel prior. Methods. Two hundred patients with gallstones or right colon cancer were enrolled in this study. Of the 100 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 50 used a regular monitor (group A) while the other 50 used a DD monitor (group B). Of the 100 patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy, the regular monitor was used for 50 (group C) and the DD monitor was used for the other 50 (group D). The clarity of images, the ratio of lens-cleaned time to operative time, and the subjective anxiety of the surgeons were evaluated for all cases. Results. There were significant differences ( P < .05) in the clarity of images between groups C (2.68 ± 1.19) and D (1.98 ± 1.00) and the ratio of lens-cleaned time to operative time between groups C (5.22 ± 0.89) and D (4.14 ± 0.85). Moreover, the DD system significantly reduced the subjective anxiety of the surgeons ( P < .001) in colectomy procedures, compared with the regular monitor. Conclusions. The DD system can export a dynamic stable image to the monitor during laparoscopic surgery, which can result in shorter operative time with less surgeon anxiety.
Endovascular exclusion of a large spontaneous aortocaval fistula in a patient with a ruptured aortic aneurysm
Authors: Janczak Dariusz , Chabowski Mariusz , Szydelko Tomasz , Garcarek Jerzy
Published: June 2014

A primary aortocaval fistula (ACF) is present in less than 1% of all abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). The case of a 62-year-old patient with a ruptured AAA and ACF was reported. A stent-graft was implanted into the abdominal aorta. An inferior vena cava filter was inserted to prevent pulmonary embolism. The patient made a smooth recovery. The follow-up computed tomographic scan three months later did not reveal any evidence of endoleaks or that the fistula was still present. Hemodynamic changes with regard to transient acute liver impairment were discovered (renal and liver parameters were presented). Endovascular exclusion appears to be an effective option in the treatment of an aortocaval fistula in comparison to conventional open repair.
Urgent carotid endarterectomy in patients with acute neurological ischemic events within six hours after symptoms onset
Authors: Gajin P , Radak Dj , Tanaskovic S , Babic S , Nenezic D
Published: June 2014

To analyze the outcome of urgent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) performed within less than six hours in patients with crescendo transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke in progression. From January 1998 to December 2008, 58 urgent CEAs were done for acute neurological ischemic events – 46 patients with crescendo TIA and 12 patients with stroke in progression. Brain computed tomography (CT) was done prior and after the surgery. Disability level was assessed prior to and after urgent CEA using modified Rankin scale. Median follow-up was 42.1 ± 16.6 months. In the early postoperative period stroke rate was 0% for the patients in crescendo TIA group while in patients with stroke in progression group 3 patients (25%) had positive postoperative brain CT, yet neurological status significantly improved. Mid-term stroke rate was 2.2% in crescendo TIA group and 8.3% in stroke in progression group. In the early postoperative period there were no lethal outcomes, mid-term mortality was 8.3% in stroke in progression while in crescendo TIA group lethal outcomes were not observed. In conclusion, based on our results urgent CEA is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with crescendo TIA and stroke in progression with acceptable rate of postoperative complications.
Late renal artery occlusion following endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm: a possible complication of mural thrombus formation within aortic endografts
Authors: Katsargyris Athanasios , Chatziioannou Achilleas , Lioudaki Stella , Papapetrou Anastasios , Klonaris Chris
Published: June 2014

Mural thrombus formation within aortic endoprostheses has been described to occur in up to one-third of aortic endografts depending on the device type. Data regarding the clinical significance of such a phenomenon are scarce, but in most cases it is considered to be clinically innocent. The authors describe a rare case of late renal artery occlusion due to intraprosthetic thrombus formation and extension into the right renal orifice 30 months after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Additionally, a brief literature review regarding the incidence and natural history of mural thrombotic deposits within aortic endografts is also conducted.
Bilateral reperfusion injury after carotid endarterectomy with contralateral carotid occlusion
Authors: Ullery Brant W , Kalapatapu Venkat
Published: June 2014

Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome represents a clinical spectrum characterized by severe unilateral headache, acute changes in mental status, vomiting, seizures, focal neurologic deficits, and, in its most severe form, intracranial hemorrhage. With the exception of one early case report, reperfusion injury to the brain following carotid endarterectomy has been reported only ipsilateral to the side of surgery. We report the unique case of a patient with symptomatic severe right internal carotid artery stenosis and contralateral carotid occlusion who underwent carotid endarterectomy complicated by cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome and associated bilateral intracranial hemorrhage.
Blinding strategies in the conduct and reporting of a randomized placebo-controlled device trial
Authors: Houweling Adrielle H , Shapiro Stan , Cohen Jacqueline M , Kahn Susan R
Published: June 2014

Background:

Blinding is a fundamental design strengthening feature in randomized clinical trials. Blinding is particularly important in trials whose outcome measures include subjective assessment of signs and symptoms, such as trials investigating the post-thrombotic syndrome, a frequent chronic complication of deep vein thrombosis.

Purpose:

To determine whether strategies used to blind site investigators, research coordinators and patients were successful in a specific device trial, a multicenter trial of active versus placebo elastic compression stockings worn for 2 years to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome in patients with a first deep vein thrombosis (the SOX Trial).

Methods:

Patients were randomized to the active or placebo stocking intervention, which were indistinguishable in appearance at baseline. Replacement stockings were shipped directly to patients’ homes and were not worn to any of the study visits during the study. Guesstimates of treatment group assignment were completed by site investigators, research coordinators and patients at the end of study follow-up. Statistical assessments of blinding were performed using the James and Bang blinding indices.

Results:

Overall rates of correct responses were 10.4% for site investigators, 17.8% for research coordinators and 29.4% for patients. James blinding index values suggest that blinding was achieved for site investigators, research coordinators and patients. The treatment specific Bang blinding index values suggest that blinding was achieved for site investigators and research coordinators, but detected possible unblinding and opposite guess for patients in the active and placebo elastic compression stocking groups, respectively.

Limitations:

Post-study assessment of blinding, as was done for the SOX Trial, cannot distinguish between degree of blinding and hunches about an intervention’s efficacy. However, as rates of post-thrombotic syndrome along with adverse events in the SOX Trial were similar between treatment groups, it is unlikely that hunches would have interfered with our end-of-trial assessment for blinding.

Conclusion:

Blinding strategies used in our trial were successful overall and appeared to be most effective for site investigators and research coordinators. For patients, there may have been some degree of unblinding in the active stocking group. However, as the trial results were negative with active elastic compression stocking showing no benefit over placebo elastic compression stocking, this potential unblinding has minimal impact on the overall conclusions of the trial.
Are missing data adequately handled in cluster randomised trials? A systematic review and guidelines
Authors: Díaz-Ordaz Karla , Kenward Michael G , Cohen Abie , Coleman Claire L , Eldridge Sandra
Published: June 2014

Background

Missing data are a potential source of bias, and their handling in the statistical analysis can have an important impact on both the likelihood and degree of such bias. Inadequate handling of the missing data may also result in invalid variance estimation. The handling of missing values is more complex in cluster randomised trials, but there are no reviews of practice in this field.

Objectives

A systematic review of published trials was conducted to examine how missing data are reported and handled in cluster randomised trials.

Methods

We systematically identified cluster randomised trials, published in English in 2011, using the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE) via PubMed. Non-randomised and pilot/feasibility trials were excluded, as were reports of secondary analyses, interim analyses, and economic evaluations and those where no data were at the individual level. We extracted information on missing data and the statistical methods used to deal with them from a random sample of the identified studies.

Results

We included 132 trials. There was evidence of missing data in 95 (72%). Only 32 trials reported handling missing data, 22 of them using a variety of single imputation techniques, 8 using multiple imputation without accommodating the clustering and 2 stating that their likelihood-based complete case analysis accounted for missing values because the data were assumed Missing-at-Random.

Limitations

The results presented in this study are based on a large random sample of cluster randomised trials published in 2011, identified in electronic searches and therefore possibly missing some trials, most likely of poorer quality. Also, our results are based on information in the main publication for each trial. These reports may omit some important information on the presence of, and reasons for, missing data and on the statistical methods used to handle them. Our extraction methods, based on published reports, could not distinguish between missing data in outcomes and missing data in covariates. This distinction may be important in determining the assumptions about the missing data mechanism necessary for complete case analyses to be valid.

Conclusions

Missing data are present in the majority of cluster randomised trials. However, they are poorly reported, and most authors give little consideration to the assumptions under which their analysis will be valid. The majority of the methods currently used are valid under very strong assumptions about the missing data, whose plausibility is rarely discussed in the corresponding reports. This may have important consequences for the validity of inferences in some trials. Methods which result in valid inferences under general Missing-at-Random assumptions are available and should be made more accessible.
Remaking the Record: Emigrant Fiction and Restorative Justice in the Former Yugoslavia
Authors: Golden Audrey J.
Published: June 2014

As the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) nears its end, questions about victimhood and restorative justice remain salient. Can the law adequately attend to victim trauma? Focusing on the remedial notion of “making whole” a victim of atrocity, this article looks to Aleksandar Hemon’s first novel, The Question of Bruno (2000), to illuminate legal limitations to facilitating human recovery. Hemon is a Bosnian immigrant who departed Sarajevo in 1992 and began writing in English several years later. Exhibiting the fragmentation typical in postmodern fiction, Hemon’s work can be situated in a distinct literary moment. Yet the novel also creates new narrative forms that incorporate the reader in a restorative task. While considering the gaps in the remedial procedures at the ICTY, I argue that The Question of Bruno implores its reader to reconstruct a new kind of historical record that heals, while acknowledging the liminal spaces from which many victims speak and write.
Whose Education Matters More? Mothers’ and Fathers’ Education and the Cultural Participation of Adolescents
Authors: Willekens Mart , Daenekindt Stijn , Lievens John
Published: June 2014

This article examines the effects of parental educational levels on the art/heritage and pop/rock participation of adolescents. We use a subset of adolescents from the survey ‘Cultural Participation in Flanders 2003–2004’ (N = 1030) to test the relative effects of the educational levels of the mother and father. Using diagonal reference models, we find that the parent with the highest educational level – regardless of whether it is the father or mother – has the largest influence on the cultural participation of their children, which can be interpreted as a status maximization effect. However, we also find that a lower educated mother still has an influence on art and heritage participation and a lower educated father still has an influence on pop and rock participation. These results highlight the need to reassess the influence of the mother in the Bourdieusian framework. Furthermore, they have important implications for the conceptualization and operationalization of the social status position of families.
Vaccines against drugs of abuse: where are we now?
Authors: Kinsey Berma
Published: June 2014

Drug addiction is a serious problem worldwide. One therapy being investigated is vaccines against drugs of abuse. The antibodies elicited against the drug can take up the drug and prevent it from reaching the reward centers in the brain. Few such vaccines have entered clinical trials, but research is going on apace. Many studies are very promising and more clinical trials should be coming out in the near future.
Big Data, new epistemologies and paradigm shifts
Authors: Kitchin Rob
Published: June 2014

This article examines how the availability of Big Data, coupled with new data analytics, challenges established epistemologies across the sciences, social sciences and humanities, and assesses the extent to which they are engendering paradigm shifts across multiple disciplines. In particular, it critically explores new forms of empiricism that declare ‘the end of theory’, the creation of data-driven rather than knowledge-driven science, and the development of digital humanities and computational social sciences that propose radically different ways to make sense of culture, history, economy and society. It is argued that: (1) Big Data and new data analytics are disruptive innovations which are reconfiguring in many instances how research is conducted; and (2) there is an urgent need for wider critical reflection within the academy on the epistemological implications of the unfolding data revolution, a task that has barely begun to be tackled despite the rapid changes in research practices presently taking place. After critically reviewing emerging epistemological positions, it is contended that a potentially fruitful approach would be the development of a situated, reflexive and contextually nuanced epistemology.
Big Data, social physics, and spatial analysis: The early years
Authors: Barnes Trevor J , Wilson Matthew W
Published: June 2014

This paper examines one of the historical antecedents of Big Data, the social physics movement. Its origins are in the scientific revolution of the 17th century in Western Europe. But it is not named as such until the middle of the 19th century, and not formally institutionalized until another hundred years later when it is associated with work by George Zipf and John Stewart. Social physics is marked by the belief that large-scale statistical measurement of social variables reveals underlying relational patterns that can be explained by theories and laws found in natural science, and physics in particular. This larger epistemological position is known as monism, the idea that there is only one set of principles that applies to the explanation of both natural and social worlds. Social physics entered geography through the work of the mid-20th-century geographer William Warntz, who developed his own spatial version called “macrogeography.” It involved the computation of large data sets, made ever easier with the contemporaneous development of the computer, joined with the gravitational potential model. Our argument is that Warntz's concerns with numeracy, large data sets, machine-based computing power, relatively simple mathematical formulas drawn from natural science, and an isomorphism between natural and social worlds became grounds on which Big Data later staked its claim to knowledge; it is a past that has not yet passed.
Low-back pain, lassitude and loss of appetite
Authors: Schattner Ami , Adi Meital , Ben-Galim Peleg
Published: June 2014

Lesson

White blood cells, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein are sensitive tools to discover rare, but potentially serious pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis, a disease whose incidence is increasing.