bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Initial Experience in Laparoscopic Single-Port Appendectomy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Raakow Roland , Jacob Dietmar A.
Published: February 2011

Background: We describe our initial experience performing a single-port (SP) advanced laparoscopic appendectomy in comparison to the conventional port (CP) technique, which uses three ports. Methods: Between June and September 2009, 40 consecutive patients with acute appendicitis underwent laparoscopic appendectomy at Vivantes Klinikum Am Urban, Berlin, Germany. Twenty patients were operated on using the SP technique (SP group), and the data were compared to a control group of 20 patients operated on using the CP technique (CP group) during the same time period. Results: SP surgery was successfully performed on all patients without conversion to CP laparoscopic appendectomy or an open procedure. The mean age was 27.7 ± 8.3 years in the SP group and 31.7 ± 9.3 in the CP group (p = 0.32). Gender (p = 0.352), status of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (p = 0.765) and body mass index (p = 0.971) did not differ significantly between the two groups. The mean operating time was 48.0 ± 13.2 min in the SP group versus 49.0 ± 19.9 min in the CP group (p = 0.694). No patient in the SP group developed surgical complications. No patient in either group developed an incisional hernia or wound infection during the mean follow-up of 98.17 ± 38.56 days. Conclusion: Transumbilical SP appendectomy via a tri-port system with a single incision is a feasible and safe new approach for routine appendectomy. It is easy to perform and good training for more advanced SP surgery.
The Ability of Fluconazole to Penetrate into Ventilated, Healthy and Inflamed Lung Tissue in a Model of Severe Sepsis in Rats
Authors: Mauric Oliver , Thallinger Christiane , Kugler Sylvia A. , Joukhadar Samir M. , Kovar Florian M. , Konz Karl H. , Graninger Wolfgang , Joukhadar Christian
Published: February 2011

Background/Aims: We measured the extracellular concentrations of fluconazole in lung tissue of septic and healthy rats. Methods: A single intravenous dose of 6 mg/kg total body weight of fluconazole was administered intravenously to rats following insertion of microdialysis probes into lung tissue. Another probe was inserted into skeletal muscle and served as control. Results: The mean peak concentration (Cmax), time to Cmax, area under the concentration-versus-time curve from 0 to 6 h (fAUC0–6) and area under the concentration-versus-time curve from 0 to ∞ of unbound fluconazole for healthy lung were 11.0 ± 2.3 mg/l, 1.9 ± 1.5 h, 47.4 ± 8.6 mg·h/l and 233.7 ± 121.1 mg·h/l, respectively. The corresponding values for inflamed lung were 11.8 ± 1.7 mg/l, 1.5 ± 0.0 h, 52.9 ± 6.2 mg·h/l and 212.6 ± 79.7 mg·h/l, respectively. The mean apparent terminal elimination half-lives of fluconazole ranged from 12.3 to 22.4 h between compartments. The ratios of the fAUC0–6 for lung to the fAUC0–6 for plasma were 1.38 ± 0.39 and 1.32 ± 0.04 for healthy and inflamed lung, respectively. Conclusion: We provide evidence that free fluconazole levels in plasma, the extracellular space fluid of lung tissue and skeletal muscle are almost superimposable during inflammatory and normal conditions.
Expression of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Interleukin-1α, Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-10 in Chronic Otitis Media with Bone Osteolysis
Authors: Kuczkowski Jerzy , Sakowicz-Burkiewicz Monika , Iżycka-Świeszewska Ewa , Mikaszewski Bogusław , Pawełczyk Tadeusz
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of proinflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines in chronic otitis media. The expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-6 and IL-10 were determined by Western blot analysis of tissue samples obtained during ear surgery. The expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1α and IL-6 in cholesteatoma tissues were substantially higher compared to those determined in the granulation tissue. The highest levels of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 proteins were observed in patients with bone destruction. There were no significant differences in the expression of IL-10 levels in cholesteatoma and normal skin, but in the granulation tissue its level was substantially higher. The level of IL-10 in cholesteatoma tissues inversely correlated with the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, the degree of bone destruction and cholesteatoma invasion. Increased expressions of TNF-α, IL-1α and IL-6 in chronic otitis media and a strong positive correlation between these cytokine levels and the degree of bone destruction indicate the destructive behavior of cholesteatoma or granulation tissue.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Stroke Symptom Questions to Detect Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Sung Victor W. , Johnson Natasha , Granstaff U. Shanette , Jones William J. , Meschia James F. , Williams Linda S. , Safford Monika M.
Published: February 2011

Background/Aims: Undiagnosed stroke is a major public health problem. The Questionnaire for Verifying Stroke-Free Status (QVSS) includes eight items and was originally designed to detect stroke-free individuals. Its six symptom-related questions could potentially be used to screen for undiagnosed stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), but the sensitivity and specificity of just the six symptom-related questions are unknown. Methods: A research assistant administered the QVSS to outpatients from Veterans Administration stroke and general medicine clinics. Neurologists, blinded to QVSS scores, interviewed and examined all subjects to determine stroke status. Responses to the six symptom questions of the QVSS were compared against the neurologist-determined stroke/TIA status. Results: The sensitivity of the individual symptom questions ranged from 0.22 to 0.60, and the specificity ranged from 0.79 to 0.95. The sensitivity of any of the six symptom questions was 0.82, and the specificity was 0.62. Conclusion: The six symptom-related questions of the QVSS demonstrate a high sensitivity and moderate specificity for the diagnosis of stroke or TIA compared with neurological exam. Though these findings should be validated in a more representative general population, these questions have potential for meeting the public health objective of detecting clinically unrecognized but symptomatic stroke.
Docking Protein Gab1 Is an Essential Component of Postnatal Angiogenesis After Ischemia via HGF/c-Met Signaling
Authors: Shioyama Wataru , Nakaoka Yoshikazu , Higuchi Kaori , Minami Takashi , Taniyama Yoshiaki , Nishida Keigo , Kidoya Hiroyasu , Sonobe Takashi , Naito Hisamichi , Arita Yoh , Hashimoto Takahiro , Kuroda Tadashi , Fujio Yasushi , Shirai Mikiyasu , Takakura Nobuyuki , Morishita Ryuichi , Yamauchi-Takihara Keiko , Kodama Tatsuhiko , Hirano Toshio , Mochizuki Naoki , Komuro Issei
Published: February 2011

Rationale:

Grb2-associated binder (Gab) docking proteins, consisting of Gab1, Gab2, and Gab3, have crucial roles in growth factor–dependent signaling. Various proangiogenic growth factors regulate angiogenesis and endothelial function. However, the roles of Gab proteins in angiogenesis remain elusive.

Objective:

To elucidate the role of Gab proteins in postnatal angiogenesis.

Methods and Results:

Endothelium-specific Gab1 knockout (Gab1ECKO) mice were viable and showed no obvious defects in vascular development. Therefore, we analyzed a hindlimb ischemia (HLI) model of control, Gab1ECKO, or conventional Gab2 knockout (Gab2KO) mice. Intriguingly, impaired blood flow recovery and necrosis in the operated limb was observed in all of Gab1ECKO, but not in control or Gab2KO mice. Among several proangiogenic growth factors, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) induced the most prominent tyrosine phosphorylation of Gab1 and subsequent complex formation of Gab1 with SHP2 (Src homology-2–containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase subunit p85 in human endothelial cells (ECs). Gab1-SHP2 complex was required for HGF-induced migration and proliferation of ECs via extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 pathway and for HGF-induced stabilization of ECs via ERK5. In contrast, Gab1-p85 complex regulated activation of AKT and contributed partially to migration of ECs after HGF stimulation. Microarray analysis demonstrated that HGF upregulated angiogenesis-related genes such as
KLF2
(Krüppel-like factor 2) and
Egr1
(early growth response 1) via Gab1-SHP2 complex in human ECs. In Gab1ECKO mice, gene transfer of vascular endothelial growth factor, but not HGF, improved blood flow recovery and ameliorated limb necrosis after HLI.

Conclusion:

Gab1 is essential for postnatal angiogenesis after ischemia via HGF/c-Met signaling.
Diagnosis and Management of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Saposnik Gustavo , Barinagarrementeria Fernando , Brown Robert D. , Bushnell Cheryl D. , Cucchiara Brett , Cushman Mary , deVeber Gabrielle , Ferro Jose M. , Tsai Fong Y.
Published: February 2011

Background—

The purpose of this statement is to provide an overview of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and to provide recommendations for its diagnosis, management, and treatment. The intended audience is physicians and other healthcare providers who are responsible for the diagnosis and management of patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.

Methods and Results—

Members of the panel were appointed by the American Heart Association Stroke Council's Scientific Statement Oversight Committee and represent different areas of expertise. The panel reviewed the relevant literature with an emphasis on reports published since 1966 and used the American Heart Association levels-of-evidence grading algorithm to rate the evidence and to make recommendations. After approval of the statement by the panel, it underwent peer review and approval by the American Heart Association Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee.

Conclusions—

Evidence-based recommendations are provided for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of recurrence of cerebral venous thrombosis. Recommendations on the evaluation and management of cerebral venous thrombosis during pregnancy and in the pediatric population are provided. Considerations for the management of clinical complications (seizures, hydrocephalus, intracranial hypertension, and neurological deterioration) are also summarized. An algorithm for diagnosis and management of patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is described.
Influenza Virus Infection Aggravates Stroke Outcome
Authors: Muhammad Sajjad , Haasbach Emanuel , Kotchourko Maria , Strigli Anne , Krenz Antje , Ridder Dirk A. , Vogel Annette B. , Marti Hugo H. , Al-Abed Yousef , Planz Oliver , Schwaninger Markus
Published: February 2011

Background and Purpose—

Stroke is triggered by several risk factors, including influenza and other respiratory tract infections. However, it is unknown how and in which way influenza infection affects stroke outcome.

Methods—

We infected mice intranasally with human influenza A (H1N1) virus and occluded the middle cerebral artery to induce ischemic strokes. Infarct volume and intracerebral hemorrhage were determined by histology. To evaluate the integrity of the blood–brain barrier and inflammation, we measured various cytokines in vivo and in vitro and performed immunohistochemistry of leukocyte markers, collagen IV, immunoglobulins, and matrix metalloproteinase-9.

Results—

Influenza virus infection increased infarct size. Whereas changes in cardiovascular parameters did not explain this effect, we found evidence for an inflammatory mechanism. In influenza virus infection, the respiratory tract released cytokines into the blood, such as RANTES that induced macrophage inflammatory protein-2 and other inflammatory mediators in the ischemic brain. In infected mice, there was an increased number of neutrophils expressing the matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the ischemic brain. This was accompanied by severe disruption of the blood–brain barrier and an increased rate of intracerebral hemorrhages after tissue plasminogen activator treatment. To investigate the role of cytokines, we blocked cytokine release by using GTS-21, a selective agonist of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. GTS-21 ameliorated ischemic brain damage and improved survival.

Conclusions—

Influenza virus infection triggers a cytokine cascade that aggravates ischemic brain damage and increases the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage after tissue plasminogen activator treatment. Blockade of cytokine production by α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists is a novel therapeutic option to treat stroke in a proinflammatory context.
Incidence of Cerebral Microbleeds in the General Population
Authors: Poels Mariëlle M.F. , Ikram M. Arfan , van der Lugt Aad , Hofman Albert , Krestin Gabriel P. , Breteler Monique M.B. , Vernooij Meike W.
Published: February 2011

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral microbleeds are frequently seen in the general elderly population, but it is unknown at what rate they occur with aging and whether once present can disappear over time.

Methods—

As part of the Rotterdam Scan Study, 831 persons (mean age, 68.5 years) underwent repeated brain MRI with a mean interval of 3.4 years. We assessed determinants of incident microbleeds in relation to their location with multiple logistic regressions.

Results—

Overall prevalence of microbleeds increased from 24.4% at baseline to 28.0% at follow-up. Eighty-five persons (10.2%) developed new microbleeds. Microbleeds at baseline predicted development of new microbleeds (OR, 5.38; 95% CI, 3.34 to 8.67). In only 6 persons with microbleeds at baseline, fewer microbleeds were present at the follow-up examination. Cardiovascular risk factors, presence of lacunar infarcts, and larger white matter lesion volume at baseline were all associated with incident deep or infratentorial microbleeds, whereas people with the apolipoprotein E ϵ4/ϵ4 genotype or larger white matter lesion volume had a higher risk of incident strictly lobar microbleeds.

Conclusions—

Incidence of microbleeds in the general population over a 3-year interval was substantial and microbleeds rarely disappeared. Risk factors for incident microbleeds were similar to those for prevalent microbleeds and differed according to microbleed location. These results support the assessment of microbleeds on T2*-weighted MRI as a possible marker of both cerebral amyloid angiopathy and hypertensive vasculopathy progression.
Effects of Exercise on Quality of Life in Stroke Survivors
Authors: Chen Ming-De , Rimmer James H.
Published: February 2011

Background and Purpose—

One of the major consequences after stroke is the deterioration in health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Three previous systematic reviews indicated that exercise has limited to no effect in improving HRQOL in stroke survivors. The objective of this meta-analysis was to update the evidence on exercise and HRQOL in stroke survivors with additional new information on randomized controlled trials that have been published since these 3 previous reviews.

Methods—

MEDLINE, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, and SportsDiscus databases were searched for randomized controlled trials reporting the effects of exercise on HRQOL in stroke survivors from 1950 to March 2010. The methodological quality of each study was appraised using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Standardized mean difference was used to compute effect size and subgroup analysis was conducted to test the consistency of results across the subgroups with different characteristics.

Results—

A total of 1101 citations was identified and 9 studies met all criteria for a total sample of 426 stroke survivors. Eight studies were rated as good quality (ie, Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale ≥5). This meta-analysis provided evidence that exercise can have a small to medium effect on HRQOL outcomes (standardized mean difference, 0.32,
P
<0.01) at postintervention but not at follow-up after exercise was terminated (standardized mean difference, 0.17,
P
=0.12). No adverse events related to exercise were reported.

Conclusions—

The results provide moderate support for the use of exercise to improve HRQOL in stroke survivors. However, the challenge for researchers is identifying effective strategies for sustaining these effects postintervention.
Validation of the GRACE Risk Score for Hospital Mortality in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Arab Middle East
Authors: Yusufali Afzalhussein , Zubaid Mohammad , Al-Zakwani Ibrahim , Alsheikh-Ali Alawi A. , Al-Mallah Mouaz H. , Al Suwaidi Jassim , AlMahmeed Wael , Rashed Wafa , Sulaiman Kadhim , Amin Haitham
Published: February 2011

Our objective was to validate the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score for in-hospital mortality in a Middle Eastern acute coronary syndrome (ACS) population enrolled in the Gulf Registry of Acute Coronary Events (Gulf RACE). Out of 8176, unselected, consecutive patients with ACS, during 6 months in 2006 and 2007 from 63 hospitals in 6 Arab countries in the Middle East Gulf region, 7709 (94.3%) with available data were included. The main outcome measures were discriminatory performance (using C-index) and calibration of the GRACE risk score (in-hospital mortality predicted by GRACE risk score versus the actual mortality). In-hospital mortality in the Gulf RACE was 3.09% (n = 238). The discriminatory performance of the GRACE risk scores in the Gulf RACE was good overall (C-index = 0.86). Observed and predicted risk corresponded well in each stratum of risk of in-hospital mortality. This suggests its suitability for clinical use in this patient population.
Titanium Topography Controls FoxO/β-catenin Signaling
Authors: Galli C. , Macaluso G.M. , Piemontese M. , Passeri G.
Published: February 2011

Little is known about how surface topography can modulate mesenchymal cell responses to oxygen-related stress occurring with age, or during the early phases of wound healing or inflammation. To antagonize Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), cells resort to defense mechanisms, relying on β-catenin, a molecular switch between a TCF-mediated pathway, which promotes cells proliferation and commitment, and an alternative one controlled by FoxO, which induces quiescence and defenses against ROS. In the present study, we show that mesenchymal C2C12 cells are protected from H2O2-induced oxidative stress when they grow on rough (SLA) titanium surfaces. The expression of anti-ROS genes and FoxO/β-catenin signaling, as measured by a reporter assay, were increased on SLA surfaces. We also show that TCF-mediated transcription was inhibited by ROS in cells growing on either smooth or SLA titanium. Our results demonstrate that surface topography modulates cell resistance to ROS and the balance between the molecular pathways regulating cell growth and cell defense against oxidative stress.
Msx1 Mutations
Authors: Wang Y. , Kong H. , Mues G. , D’Souza R.
Published: February 2011

Mutations in the transcription factors PAX9 and MSX1 cause selective tooth agenesis in humans. In tooth bud mesenchyme of mice, both proteins are required for the expression of Bmp4, which is the key signaling factor for progression to the next step of tooth development. We have previously shown that Pax9 can transactivate a 2.4-kb Bmp4 promoter construct, and that most tooth-agenesis-causing PAX9 mutations impair DNA binding and Bmp4 promoter activation. We also found that Msx1 by itself represses transcription from this proximal Bmp4 promoter, and that, in combination with Pax9, it acts as a potentiator of Pax9-induced Bmp4 transactivation. This synergism of Msx1 with Pax9 is significant, because it is currently the only documented mechanism for Msx1-mediated activation of Bmp4. In this study, we investigated whether the 5 known tooth-agenesis-causing MSX1 missense mutations disrupt this Pax9-potentiation effect, or if they lead to deficiencies in protein stability, protein-protein interactions, nuclear translocation, and DNA-binding. We found that none of the studied molecular mechanisms yielded a satisfactory explanation for the pathogenic effects of the Msx1 mutations, calling for an entirely different approach to the investigation of this step of odontogenesis on the molecular level.
Comparing Bauman and Arendt: Three Important Differences
Authors: Bowring Finn
Published: February 2011

Hannah Arendt is a frequent reference point in Zygmunt Bauman’s writings. This article explains Arendt’s influence on Bauman, and then identifies three important differences in their work. The first is that Arendt’s account of totalitarianism departs from the Weberian theory of bureaucratic rationalization. The second is that Arendt believes sentiments of compassion are corrosive rather than productive of civilized public life. The third is that Arendt defines the moral conscience as a relationship with oneself rather than the other, and that this relationship is not a form of action. Arendt argued that the moral self is unpolitical because of this, but that in periods of social crisis the negative character of the moral conscience may become a precious source of political defiance. I conclude by suggesting that Arendt’s conception of morality could be a starting point for the kind of ‘ethics of self-limitation’ which Bauman believes is necessary to mitigate the destructive consequences of liquid modernity.
What Did the British Temperance Movement Accomplish? Attitudes to Alcohol, the Law and Moral Regulation
Authors: Yeomans Henry
Published: February 2011

Academics studying the British temperance movement tend to regard it as having had little effect. This article reframes the question of impact by drawing on the separation, inherent in moral regulation theory, of the law’s simple legal functions from its broader moral functions. This concentration on the discursive and persuasive faculties of the law allows an investigation of the subtler effects of different parts of the social movement. The methodology entails a longitudinal examination of developments in statutory law as well as an analysis of public discourse on alcohol in the Victorian and contemporary eras. The article concludes that particular strands of the British temperance movement had a significant, lasting impact on the legal, heuristic and moral frameworks which continue to surround drink.
‘It’s Not Just Them, It’s Whites as Well’: Whiteness, Class and BNP Support
Authors: Rhodes James
Published: February 2011

The emergence of the British National Party (BNP), primarily at the local level, has led to a proliferation of political, media and academic accounts seeking to explain its rise. These accounts have focused on a homogeneous, fixed construction of ‘the white working class’. This article, written during early 2010, seeks to challenge these assumptions by offering a more nuanced account of the nature of BNP support. It will be suggested that the data available on BNP supporters demonstrates that a focus on such simplistic conceptions of the ‘white working class’, ignores the heterogeneity that exists within this group, while simultaneously downplaying how BNP voters construct boundaries, drawing on both ‘racial’ and class distinctions. The article then draws on qualitative interviews conducted with BNP voters in Burnley between 2004 and 2005, exploring how notions of entitlement rest on particular, differentiated claims to whiteness — claims mediated by class and articulated through assertions of ‘respectability’ and ‘responsibility’.
Urban Regeneration Partnerships: A Figurational Critique of Governmentality Theory
Authors: Lever John
Published: February 2011

This article provides a critique of governmentally inspired accounts of urban regeneration and partnership working. Drawing on the work of Norbert Elias and prominent figurational sociologists, it discusses the changes taking place within and through the many partnerships set up by New Labour around the notion of ‘community safety’. Although recognizing the important insights provided by accounts of urban regeneration emerging through studies of governmentality, the article argues that such accounts fail to adequately consider the impact of partnership working on the individuals, communities and organizations involved. While urban regeneration partnerships have the potential to be the motor of the civilizing process in the manner identified by figurational sociologists, the article concludes that they are not currently living up to this civilizing potential.
Clinical Factors Associated with Bacterial Biofilm Formation in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Zhang Zi , Kofonow Jennifer M. , Finkelman Brian S. , Doghramji Laurel , Chiu Alexander G. , Kennedy David W. , Cohen Noam A. , Palmer James N.
Published: February 2011

Objectives

Bacterial biofilms appear to contribute to chronic rhinosinusitis. However, the mechanism behind biofilm formation in chronic rhinosinusitis remains poorly defined. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical factors that may be associated with bacterial biofilm formation in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Subjects and Methods

Five hundred eighteen patients with chronic rhinosinusitis were enrolled from 2007 to 2010. Samples were taken to evaluate for biofilm formation in vitro using a modified Calgary Biofilm Detection Assay. Clinical data were collected from chart review. Pearson’s χ2 and logistic regression were used for the analyses.

Results

Of the patients, 108 (20.9%) showed biofilm formation in vitro. Bacterial biofilm formation in vitro was not significantly associated with polyps, allergy, Samter’s triad, sleep apnea, smoking status, age, or gender. However, it was significantly associated with positive culture results (odds ratio [OR] = 3.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.85‐5.29; P <. 001), prior sinus surgeries (1.93; 1.01‐3.69; P =. 046), and nasal steroid use in the month prior to sample collection (2.09; 1.07‐4.08; P =. 030). Polymicrobial cultures, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus comprised most of the samples.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that the probability of bacterial biofilm formation is independent of many clinical factors considered to be risk factors for chronic rhinosinusitis. Further studies are needed to clarify the nature of the associations between prior sinus surgeries, nasal steroid use, and biofilm formation.
Pathologic Occult Neck Disease in Patients With Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma to the Parotid
Authors: Kirke Diana N. , Porceddu Sandro , Wallwork Benjamin D. , Panizza Benedict , Coman William B.
Published: February 2011

Objective

The aim of this study was to document the rate of pathologic neck disease in patients presenting with metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) to the parotid gland following parotidectomy and neck dissection in the clinically and radiologic negative neck.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

The study involved a retrospective chart review from 1999 to 2008 of patients presenting with metastatic CSCC to the parotid at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.

Results

Eighty‐one patients with metastatic parotid disease were identified. A total of 51 (63%) patients had no clinical or radiological evidence of cervical nodal disease. Forty‐five patients (88%) were male, median age was 69 (range, 42‐91) years, and the median follow‐up was 16 (interquartile range, 9‐44) months. Thirty‐four of these patients underwent a parotidectomy and neck dissection with/without postoperative radiotherapy (RT). Occult pathological cervical nodal disease was found in 5 (14.7%) patients. Of those who received a neck dissection, 3 patients relapsed in the parotid, 1 in the neck alone, and 1 distantly.

Conclusion

This series has shown that the rate of pathologically involved neck nodes in patients with metastatic CSCC to the parotid in the clinically node negative neck is low. Given many of these patients warrant postoperative RT to the parotid bed, an elective neck dissection may not be warranted as the parotid and neck may be treated in continuity with RT.
The welfare of now and the green (post) politics of the future
Authors: Catney Philip , Doyle Timothy
Published: February 2011

This paper examines how key differences in the very manner in which the environment/welfare nexus is experienced and understood in both the global North and the global South are managed in favour of the former over the latter. We show how in the case of the global North — the more affluent world, such as Britain — environmental issues have been usually construed as post-materialist and/or post-industrialist. We argue that predominantly Northern-based post-materialists see environmental welfare (largely through the rhetoric of sustainable development and ecological modernization) as either something separate from humans (for the welfare of the ‘rest of nature’) or for the welfare of unborn, future generations. We use the concept of the ‘post-political’ to interpret how the global North dominates debates on the environment and how it can be quite dismissive, and even negligent, of welfare issues in the global South. In the case of the majority world, green welfare policy agendas are littered with the consequences of environmental devastation incurred through centuries of Northern oppression and resource exploitation. In the global South green welfare goals concentrate on the alleviation of those more basic needs of survival — provision of shelter, water availability, air quality, food sovereignty, and energy security — for those humans actually living on the planet; rather than those who may at some time in the future. In short, issues of environmental debt are writ large, rather than those of an imagined environmental future.
Effectiveness of haloperidol, risperidone and olanzapine in the treatment of first-episode non-affective psychosis: results of a randomized, flexible-dose, open-label 1-year follow-up comparison
Authors: Crespo-Facorro Benedicto , Pérez-Iglesias Rocío , Mata Ignacio , Ramirez-Bonilla MariLuz , Martínez-Garcia Obdulia , Pardo-Garcia Gema , Caseiro Olalla , Pelayo-Terán Jose Maria , Vázquez-Barquero José L
Published: February 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effectiveness and efficacy of haloperidol, risperidone and olanzapine in first-episode schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. This was a prospective, randomized, open-label study. Data for the present investigation were obtained from a large epidemiological and 3-year longitudinal intervention programme of first-episode psychosis conducted at the University Hospital Marques de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain. One hundred and seventy-four patients were randomly assigned to haloperidol ( N = 56), olanzapine ( N = 55), or risperidone ( N = 63) and followed up for 1 year. The primary effectiveness measure was all causes of treatment discontinuation. Effectiveness analyses were based on intend-to-treat populations. In addition, an analysis based on per protocol populations was conducted in the analysis for clinical efficacy. The treatment discontinuation rate for any cause was higher with haloperidol than with risperidone and olanzapine (χ2 = 8.517; p = 0.014). The difference in discontinuation rate between risperidone and olanzapine was not significant (χ2 = 0.063; p = 0.802). There were no significant advantages of any of the three treatments in reducing the severity of psychopathology. Risperidone and olanzapine demonstrated higher effectiveness relative to haloperidol, but the three antipsychotics were equally effective in reducing the severity of psychopathology. Specific clinical programmes and the use of second-generation antipsychotics may enhance the effectiveness of antipsychotic treatments.
Resolving the Offender “Profiling Equations” and the Emergence of an Investigative Psychology
Authors: Canter David V.
Published: February 2011

Determining the characteristics of an unknown offender from details of a crime is at the heart of much crime fiction. Although it has roots in the inferences made by Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle never provided empirical evidence for Holmes' inferences, or models of how such inferences can be made. Yet it ought to be possible to utilize psychological theories to derive inferences about offenders. This possibility has become a significant aspect of the new domain known as investigative psychology, which among other things seeks to establish what are called “profiling equations.” Although these are not equations in the literal, mathematical sense, they serve to summarize the search for consistent associations between aspects of a crime and features of the criminal that will be useful to investigations. Some progress has been made in modeling the process for establishing these links, elucidating consistencies in human actions often ignored in studies of individual differences.
The Psychology of Trial Judging
Authors: Vidmar Neil
Published: February 2011

Trial court judges play a crucial role in the administration of justice for both criminal and civil matters. Although psychologists have studied juries for many decades, they have paid relatively little attention to judges. Recent writings, however, suggest that there is increasing interest in the psychology of judicial decision making. In this article, I review several selected areas of judicial behavior in which decisions appear to be influenced by psychological dispositions, but I caution that a mature psychology of judging field will need to consider the influence of the bureaucratic court setting in which judges are embedded, judges’ legal training, and the constraints of legal precedent.
Cheering as an indicator of social identity and self-regulation in Swedish ice hockey supporter groups
Authors: Granström Kjell
Published: February 2011

The aim of this study was to explore whether cheering could be a sign of the social identity of a supporter group, and further to investigate if cheers could serve a self-policing purpose. The matches included in this study were classified as ‘high risk matches’. The observational data made it possible to construct a ‘taxonomy of cheering’ based on the implicit meaning of the cheers. The observations proved that cheerleaders were able to break off aggressive and violent tendencies by introducing supportive cheers and thus enhancing a peaceful social identity among the supporters. In contrast to the Emergent Norm Theory ( Turner and Killian, 1972 , 1993 ), that states that group processes emerge without prior coordination and planning, this study demonstrates that collective actions can be influenced and controlled by the cheerleaders. The results indicate that self-policing seems to be more efficient, in order to secure order, than policing by force. The originality of this research is not primarily the taxonomy of cheers, although being an innovation, but the evidence for planned synchronicity and coordination as tools for breaking destructive collective actions.
Cultural Intelligence to Overcome Educational Exclusion
Authors: Oliver Esther , de Botton Lena , Soler Marta , Merrill Barbara
Published: February 2011

The critical communicative methodology (CCM) is based on the premise that each person, regardless of their educational, cultural, or socioeconomic background, possesses cultural intelligence. That is, they can analyze their experiences of being excluded and propose ways to reverse their situation. In this article, we explore the fact that everyone, regardless of background, can help to develop scientific knowledge, and this is essential in transforming the situation being studied. To illustrate this, we examine a case in which families from cultural minority groups become involved in transforming their neighborhood school. We also show how the CCM made it possible to include the knowledge and interpretations of these community members through egalitarian dialogue with researchers. The knowledge obtained from this dialogue calls into question the dominant discourse in Europe, which states that having high proportions of migrant students in schools will have a negative effect on both academic results and living together.
Energy bounds for a moving boundary initial boundary value problem for the semi-linear wave equation
Authors: Flavin James N
Published: February 2011

The context of the paper is an initial boundary value problem for the semi-linear wave equation in a straight-line region with assigned moving boundaries, upon which time-dependent Dirichlet conditions are specified. Assuming smooth solutions, bounds, in terms of data, are obtained for the energy when the boundary motions are suitably restricted, and their sharpness (in a technical sense) is established (i.e. circumstances in which the bounds become equalities are obtained). It is shown how point-wise, upper bounds for the solution follow in the case of upper bounds for the energy. The means by which a generalization of the energy bounds to a three-dimensional context may be obtained is outlined briefly.
Normal Adult Aging and the Contextual Influences Affecting Speech and Meaningful Sound Perception
Authors: Aydelott Jennifer , Leech Robert , Crinion Jennifer
Published: February 2011

It is widely accepted that hearing loss increases markedly with age, beginning in the fourth decade ISO 7029 (2000). Age-related hearing loss is typified by high-frequency threshold elevation and associated reductions in speech perception because speech sounds, especially consonants, become inaudible. Nevertheless, older adults often report additional and progressive difficulties in the perception and comprehension of speech, often highlighted in adverse listening conditions that exceed those reported by younger adults with a similar degree of high-frequency hearing loss (Dubno, Dirks, & Morgan) leading to communication difficulties and social isolation (Weinstein & Ventry). Some of the age-related decline in speech perception can be accounted for by peripheral sensory problems but cognitive aging can also be a contributing factor. In this article, we review findings from the psycholinguistic literature predominantly over the last four years and present a pilot study illustrating how normal age-related changes in cognition and the linguistic context can influence speech-processing difficulties in older adults. For significant progress in understanding and improving the auditory performance of aging listeners to be made, we discuss how future research will have to be much more specific not only about which interactions between auditory and cognitive abilities are critical but also how they are modulated in the brain.
Cerebrovascular Biomodeling for Aneurysm Surgery
Authors: Wurm Gabriele , Lehner Michael , Tomancok Berndt , Kleiser Raimund , Nussbaumer Karin
Published: February 2011

Objective: Opportunities for developing procedural skills are progressively rare. Therefore, sophisticated educational tools are highly warranted. Methods: This study compared stereolithography and 3-dimensional printing for simulating cerebral aneurysm surgery. The latter jets multiple materials simultaneously and thus has the ability to print assemblies of multiple materials with different features. The authors created the solid skull and the cerebral vessels in different materials to simulate the real aneurysm when clipped. Results: Precise plastic replicas of complex anatomical data provide intuitive tactile views that can be scrutinized from any perspective. Hollowed out vessel sections allow serial clipping efforts, evaluation of different clips, and clip positions. The models can be used for accurate prediction of vascular anatomy, for optimization of teaching surgical skills, for advanced procedural competency training, and for patient counseling. Conclusion: Simultaneous 3-dimensional printing is the most promising rapid prototyping technique to produce biomodels that meet the high demands of neurovascular surgery.
The Culdotomy Two U Procedure for Vaginal Ovarian Cystectomy
Authors: Tanaka Masaaki , Sagawa Tetsuya , Hashimoto Manabu , Mizumoto Yasunari , Yamazaki Rena , Myojo Subaru , Inoue Masaki
Published: February 2011

When transvaginal removal of ovarian cysts is performed successfully, the procedure compares favorably with laparoscopy in terms of invasiveness. However, the approach into peritoneal cavity has been laborious. The objective was to evaluate feasibility of an ultrasound-guided culdotomy using a newly developed umbrella needle. New culdotomy was performed on 36 patients with ovarian cysts. Each cyst was directly punctured by the needle from vagina under ultrasound guidance. The vaginal walls on both sides of the needle were incised with an electric scalpel. Through the wound, cyst was exteriorized and enucleated. Preoperative characteristics of patients, outcome, operating time, blood loss, complications, and cyst histology were analyzed. Culdotomy was performed successfully in all cases. Operating time was less than 10 minutes and blood loss was less than 10 mL. There were no culdotomy-associated complications. Culdotomy assisted by ultrasound imaging and an umbrella needle is a simple, safe, and reliable method for vaginal ovarian cystectomy.
Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy
Authors: Nath Jay , van Dellen David , Mellor Steve J. , Hamsho Ahmed , Inston Nicholas G. , Ready Andrew R.
Published: February 2011

Background. Hand port devices (HPD) are used routinely for hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery including hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN). However, the cost of such devices may prove prohibitive, particularly in centers with financial constraints. The authors aimed to identify any adverse effects of performing device-free HALDN. Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed of patients undergoing HALDN at the authors’ unit over a 3-year period (2007-2010). Eighty-four patients underwent device-free HALDN, whereas in 80 patients a HPD was used. The primary endpoint was duration of operation, with secondary endpoints including postoperative wound infections and incisional hernias. Results. here was no difference in duration of operation for the device free (98 minutes; range = 43-215 minutes) compared with the HPD group (94 minutes; range = 36-180 minutes; P = .37). A device was required in 3 (3.6%) patients in which a device-free approach was attempted. There was no difference in either group in terms of rates of postoperative wound infections (0% vs 2.5%, respectively; P = .24) or incisional hernia incidence (1.5% vs 1.4%, respectively; P = .50). Conclusion. Device-free HALDN can be performed with no discernable compromise in operating time or patient outcome. This has implications in both cost benefit and translation of this technique to developing units.
Impact of a Housing First Program on Health Utilization Outcomes Among Chronically Homeless Persons
Authors: DeSilva Malini B. , Manworren Julie , Targonski Paul
Published: February 2011

The authors examined the impact of a Housing First program on the use of specific health services, detoxification services, and criminal activity of long-term homeless individuals. The study sample consisted of eligible members of the inception cohort (18 enrollees) in the Single Adults Residential Assistance program (SARA) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Analyses examined participant housing stability after enrollment in SARA and compared the use of a county medical center, detoxification programs, and criminal activity in the 2 years before and after enrollment in SARA. Only 1 of the 18 enrollees studied experienced homelessness during the 2-year follow-up after enrollment in SARA. There was a significant reduction in the amount of criminal activity in the 2-year period after SARA enrollment. The direction of association observed for other service uses remained consistent with expectations in existing literature, but were not statistically significant. Supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals may be successful at decreasing homelessness among this fragile population and may help reduce criminal activity.
Tregs prevent GVHD and promote immune reconstitution in HLA-haploidentical transplantation
Authors: Di Ianni Mauro , Falzetti Franca , Carotti Alessandra , Terenzi Adelmo , Castellino Flora , Bonifacio Elisabetta , Del Papa Beatrice , Zei Tiziana , Ostini Roberta Iacucci , Cecchini Debora , Aloisi Teresa , Perruccio Katia , Ruggeri Loredana , Balucani Chiara , Pierini Antonio , Sportoletti Paolo , Aristei Cynthia , Falini Brunangelo , Reisner Yair , Velardi Andrea , Aversa Franco , Martelli Massimo F.
Published: February 2011

Hastening posttransplantation immune reconstitution is a key challenge in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–haploidentical hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). In experimental models of mismatched HSCT, T-regulatory cells (Tregs) when coinfused with conventional T cells (Tcons) favored posttransplantation immune reconstitution and prevented lethal graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In the present study, we evaluated the impact of early infusion of Tregs, followed by Tcons, on GVHD prevention and immunologic reconstitution in 28 patients with high-risk hematologic malignancies who underwent HLA-haploidentical HSCT. We show for the first time in humans that adoptive transfer of Tregs prevented GVHD in the absence of any posttransplantation immunosuppression, promoted lymphoid reconstitution, improved immunity to opportunistic pathogens, and did not weaken the graft-versus-leukemia effect. This study provides evidence that Tregs are a conserved mechanism in humans.
Whole-genome resequencing shows numerous genes with nonsynonymous SNPs in the Japanese native cattle Kuchinoshima-Ushi
Authors: Kawahara-Miki Ryouka , Tsuda Kaoru , Shiwa Yuh , Arai-Kichise Yuko , Matsumoto Takashi , Kanesaki Yu , Oda Sen-ichi , Ebihara Shizufumi , Yajima Shunsuke , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Kono Tomohiro
Published: February 2011

Background

Because the Japanese native cattle Kuchinoshima-Ushi have been isolated in a small island and their lineage has been intensely protected, it has been assumed to date that numerous and valuable genomic variations are conserved in this cattle breed.

Results

In this study, we evaluated genetic features of this breed, including single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) information, by whole-genome sequencing using a Genome Analyzer II. A total of 64.2 Gb of sequence was generated, of which 86% of the obtained reads were successfully mapped to the reference sequence (Btau 4.0) with BWA. On an average, 93% of the genome was covered by the reads and the number of mapped reads corresponded to 15.8-fold coverage across the covered region. From these data, we identified 6.3 million SNPs, of which more than 5.5 million (87%) were found to be new. Out of the SNPs annotated in the bovine sequence assembly, 20,432 were found in protein-coding regions containing 11,713 nonsynonymous SNPs in 4,643 genes. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis using sequence data from 10 genes (more than 10 kbp) showed that Kuchinoshima-Ushi is clearly distinct from European domestic breeds of cattle.

Conclusions

These results provide a framework for further genetic studies in the Kuchinoshima-Ushi population and research on functions of SNP-containing genes, which would aid in understanding the molecular basis underlying phenotypic variation of economically important traits in cattle and in improving intrinsic defects in domestic cattle breeds.