bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibrinogen and von Willebrand Factor and Susceptibility Vessel Sign on T2*-Weighted Gradient Echo Imaging
Authors: Farghali Ahmed , Hanss Michel , Berthiller Julien , Derex Laurent , Mechtouff Laura , Ritzenthaler Thomas , Cho Tae-Hee , Berthezene Yves , Schott Anne Marie , Ffrench Patrick , Nighoghossian Norbert
Published: October 2014

Background: We investigated the relationship between von Willebrand factor (vWF), fibrin monomers (FM), fibrinogen baseline levels and the presence of susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) on T2*-weighted gradient echo imaging in acute ischemic stroke. Methods: SVS was assessed at admission using T2*-weighted GRE. Plasmatic levels of vWF, FM and fibrinogen were evaluated before the initiation of intravenous thrombolysis. Results: Forty-four patients were enrolled in this study. SVS was noted in 26 patients. Univariate analysis revealed that vWF >160% (p = 0.02) and fibrinogen >4 g/l (p = 0.03) were associated with a significant decrease in the likelihood of SVS. Multivariate analysis confirmed that higher levels of vWF or fibrinogen predicted the absence of SVS. Conclusions: The increased activity of vWF may promote a fibrin-platelet recruitment mainly contributing to the absence of (SVS).
Fascism without Borders
Authors: Salvador Alessandro
Published: October 2014

This conference, organized by Arnd Bauerkämper, Grzegorz Rossoliński-Liebe, Anna Lena Kocks and Silvia Madotto, and supported by the Fritz Thyssen Stiftung für Wissenschaftsförderung and Freie Universität Berlin, offered important insights into various aspects of the study of transnational fascism and diverse forms of connections and co-operation between fascist movements and regimes in Europe between 1918 and 1945. It fostered the concept of fascism as a border-crossing phenomenon albeit with strong national and local roots. The conference made clear that even without an institutionalized ‘Fascist international,’ fascism was a transnational phenomenon, which affected national societies and non-national groups. By widening the perspective on different forms of European fascism, the participants of the conference managed to highlight connections, interactions and entanglements not considered by the previous historical research. The conference demonstrated how this methodological approach proves useful for a more comprehensive understanding of the complex phenomenon of fascism and the numerous interactions between fascist activists, groups, parties, movements and regimes.
Early Identification of Reading Comprehension Difficulties
Authors: Catts Hugh W. , Nielsen Diane Corcoran , Bridges Mindy Sittner , Liu Yi-Syuan
Published: October 2014

Most research on early identification of reading disabilities has focused on word reading problems and little attention has been given to reading comprehension difficulties. In this study, we investigated whether measures of language ability and/or response to language intervention in kindergarten uniquely predicted reading comprehension difficulties in third grade. A total of 366 children were administered a battery of screening measures at the beginning of kindergarten and progress monitoring probes across the school year. A subset of children also received a 26-week Tier 2 language intervention. Participants’ achievement in word reading was assessed at the end of second grade, and their performance in reading comprehension was measured as the end of third grade. Results showed that measures of language ability in kindergarten significantly added to the prediction of reading comprehension difficulties over and above kindergarten word reading predictors and direct measures of word reading in second grade. Response to language intervention also proved to be a unique predictor of reading comprehension outcomes. Findings are discussed in terms of their relevance for the early identification of reading disabilities.
War experiences and psychotic symptoms among former child soldiers in Northern Uganda: the mediating role of post-war hardships – the WAYS Study
Authors: Amone-P’Olak Kennedy , Otim Balaam Nyeko , Opio George , Ovuga Emilio , Meiser-Stedman Richard
Published: October 2014

Psychotic symptoms have been associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and war experiences. However, the relationships between types of war experiences, the onset and course of psychotic symptoms, and post-war hardships in child soldiers have not been investigated. This study assessed whether various types of war experiences contribute to psychotic symptoms differently and whether post-war hardships mediated the relationship between war experiences and later psychotic symptoms. In an ongoing longitudinal cohort study (the War-Affected Youths Survey), 539 (61% male) former child soldiers were assessed for psychotic symptoms, post-war hardships, and previous war experiences. Regression analyses were used to assess the contribution of different types of war experiences on psychotic symptoms and the mediating role of post-war hardships in the relations between previous war experiences and psychotic symptoms. The findings yielded ‘witnessing violence’, ‘deaths and bereavement’, ‘involvement in hostilities’, and ‘sexual abuse’ as types of war experiences that significantly and independently predict psychotic symptoms. Exposure to war experiences was related to psychotic symptoms through post-war hardships (β = .18, 95% confidence interval = [0.10, 0.25]) accounting for 50% of the variance in their relationship. The direct relation between previous war experiences and psychotic symptoms attenuated but remained significant (β = .18, 95% confidence interval = [0.12, 0.26]). Types of war experiences should be considered when evaluating risks for psychotic symptoms in the course of providing emergency humanitarian services in post-conflict settings. Interventions should consider post-war hardships as key determinants of psychotic symptoms among war-affected youths.
Tell Me the Gossip
Authors: Martinescu Elena , Janssen Onne , Nijstad Bernard A.
Published: October 2014

We investigate the self-evaluative function of competence-related gossip for individuals who receive it. Using the Self-Concept Enhancing Tactician (SCENT) model, we propose that individuals use evaluative information about others (i.e., gossip) to improve, promote, and protect themselves. Results of a critical incident study and an experimental study showed that positive gossip had higher self-improvement value than negative gossip, whereas negative gossip had higher self-promotion value and raised higher self-protection concerns than positive gossip. Self-promotion mediated the relationship between gossip valence and pride, while self-protection mediated the relationship between gossip valence and fear, although the latter mediated relationship emerged for receivers with mastery goals rather than performance goals. These results suggest that gossip serves self-evaluative functions for gossip receivers and triggers self-conscious emotions.
Surgical Fires in Laser Laryngeal Surgery: Are We Safe Enough?
Authors: Roy Soham , Smith Lee P.
Published: October 2014

Objective

Laser surgery of the larynx and airway remains high risk for the formation of operating room fire. Traditional methods of fire prevention have included use of “laser safe” tubes, inflation of a protective cuff with saline, and wet pledgets to protect the endotracheal tube from laser strikes. We tested a mechanical model of laser laryngeal surgery to evaluate the fire risk.

Study Design

Mechanical model.

Setting

Laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

An intubation mannequin was positioned for suspension microlaryngoscopy. A Laser‐Shield II cuffed endotracheal tube was placed through the larynx and the cuff inflated using saline. Wet pledgets covered the inflated cuff. A CO2 laser created an inadvertent cuff strike at varying oxygen concentrations. Risk reduction measures were implemented to discern any notable change in the outcome after fire.

Results

At 100% FiO2 an immediate fire with sustained flame was created and at 40% FiO2 a near immediate sustained flame was created. At 29% FiO2, a small nonsustained flame was noted. At room air, no fire was created. There was no discernible difference in the severity of laryngeal damage after the fire occurred whether the tube was immediately pulled from the mannequin or if saline was poured down the airway as a first response.

Conclusions

While “laser safe” tubes provide a layer of protection against fires, they are not fire proof. Inadvertent cuff perforation may result in fire formation in low‐level oxygen enriched environments. Placement of wet pledgets do not provide absolute protection. Endotracheal tube (ETT) cuffs should be placed distally well away from an inadvertent laser strike while maintaining the minimum supplemental oxygen necessary.
Body Movement Selectively Shapes the Neural Representation of Musical Rhythms
Authors: Chemin Baptiste , Mouraux André , Nozaradan Sylvie
Published: October 2014

It is increasingly recognized that motor routines dynamically shape the processing of sensory inflow (e.g., when hand movements are used to feel a texture or identify an object). In the present research, we captured the shaping of auditory perception by movement in humans by taking advantage of a specific context: music. Participants listened to a repeated rhythmical sequence before and after moving their bodies to this rhythm in a specific meter. We found that the brain responses to the rhythm (as recorded with electroencephalography) after body movement were significantly enhanced at frequencies related to the meter to which the participants had moved. These results provide evidence that body movement can selectively shape the subsequent internal representation of auditory rhythms.
Ten-year follow-up of the ‘minimal MRI lesion’ subgroup from the original CHAMPS Multiple Sclerosis Prevention Trial
Authors: Simon JH , Kinkel RP , Kollman C , O’Connor P , Fisher E , You X , Hyde R ,   for the CHAMPIONS Investigators Group
Published: October 2014

Background:

Patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions are at high risk for multiple sclerosis (MS). However, patients with a minimal MRI lesion burden (a low T2-hyperintense [low T2] lesion count) may have borderline formal diagnostic criteria, presenting a clinical management challenge.

Objective:

Compare the 10-year disease progression of patients with low and higher T2 lesion counts treated over most intervals.

Methods:

CIS patients from the original CHAMPS MS trial were retrospectively assigned to low-T2 (first quartile; 2–8 lesions) or higher-T2 (second through fourth quartiles; ≥ 9 lesions) groups using baseline T2 lesion counts. The 5- and 10-year open-label extension of CHAMPS (CHAMPIONS) evaluated conversion to clinically definite MS (CDMS), MRI activity, relapses, and disability.

Results:

The vast majority of patients showed new disease activity by MRI and/or clinical criteria at 10 years (low-T2 86%; higher-T2 98%). Fewer low-T2 than higher-T2 patients developed CDMS (40% vs. 63%; p = 0.013); low-T2 patients also had fewer new brain lesions, less brain volume loss, and less disability progression.

Conclusion:

CIS patients with low T2 lesion counts show continued disease activity. However, all assessments of disease progression over 10 years indicated a significantly less severe disease course for low-T2 patients.
An Empirical Analysis of Sustainability Disclosure Practices: Evidence from India and China
Authors: Bhatia Aparna , Tuli Siya
Published: October 2014

The present study seeks to access and compare the sustainability reporting practices in two major economies, that is, India and China. Index developed under global reporting initiative (GRI) guidelines is used. Content analysis is employed as a data collection tool. A total of 17 companies from BSE-30 (India) and 19 companies from SSE 50 (China), producing sustainability reports within the time period 2006–2007 to 2010–2011, comprise the sample set. Independent sample t test is used to compare the disclosure practices of India and China. Also, Kruskal–Wallis H test is applied for inter-category and inter-industry comparison of both countries. The results reveal that the sustainability disclosure scores are higher with respect to Indian companies as compared to Chinese companies. The results of independent sample t test are also significant at 1 per cent level of significance. However, Kruskal–Wallis H test suggests insignificant differences in the category-wise and industry-wise disclosure scores of both countries, that is, India and China. It is strongly recommended that China should strive more for sustainability practices in order to keep pace with its counterpart, that is, India.
Thrombospondin 1 requires von Willebrand factor to modulate arterial thrombosis in mice
Authors: Prakash Prem , Kulkarni Paresh P. , Chauhan Anil K.
Published: October 2014

Key Points

Thrombospondin 1 requires the presence of VWF to modulate arterial thrombosis. Platelet thrombospondin 1 contributes to arterial thrombosis.
Gimme that old time religion: the influence of the healthcare belief system of chiropractic's early leaders on the development of x-ray imaging in the profession
Authors: Young Kenneth John
Published: October 2014

Background

Chiropractic technique systems have been historically documented to advocate overutilization of radiography. Various rationales for this have been explored in the literature. However, little consideration has been given to the possibility that the healthcare belief system of prominent early chiropractors may have influenced the use of the diagnostic modality through the years. The original rationale was the visualisation of chiropractic subluxations, defined as bones slightly out of place, pressing on nerves, and ultimately causing disease. This paradigm of radiography has survived in parts of the chiropractic profession, despite lacking evidence of clinical validity. The purpose of this paper is to compare the characteristics of the chiropractic technique systems that have utilised radiography for subluxation detection with the characteristics of religion, and to discover potential historical links that may have facilitated the development of those characteristics.

Discussion

Twenty-three currently or previously existing technique systems requiring radiography for subluxation analysis were found using a search of the internet, books and consultation with experts. Evidence of religiosity from the early founders' writings was compared with textbooks, published papers, and websites of subsequently developed systems. Six criteria denoting religious thinking were developed using definitions from various sources. They are: supernatural concepts, claims of supremacy, rules and rituals, sacred artefacts, sacred stories, and special language. All of these were found to a greater or lesser degree in the publicly available documents of all the subluxation-based chiropractic x-ray systems.

The founders and early pioneers of chiropractic did not benefit from the current understanding of science and research, and therefore substituted deductive and inductive reasoning to arrive at conclusions about health and disease in the human body. Some of this thinking and rationalisation demonstrably followed a religion-like pattern, including BJ Palmer's use of radiography. Although access to scientific methods and research education became much advanced and more accessible during the past few decades, the publicly available documents of technique systems that used radiography for chiropractic subluxation detection examined in this paper employed a historically derived paradigm for radiography that displayed characteristics in common with religion.
A review of J. R. Martin (ed.), Interviews with M.A.K. Halliday: Language Turned Back on Himself. London: Bloomsbury Academic, 2013. xiv + 288 pp. £70.00 (hbk), £22.99 (pbk)
Authors: Chang Chenguang
Published: October 2014

This book review provides a chapter-by-chapter overview of a collection of interviews with M.A.K. Halliday, the founder of systemic functional linguistics (SFL), and comments on its special features and relevance to linguists and students in the field.
In vitro conversion of glycerol to lactate with thermophilic enzymes
Authors: Jaturapaktrarak Chalisa , Napathorn Suchada Chanprateep , Cheng Maria , Okano Kenji , Ohtake Hisao , Honda Kohsuke
Published: October 2014

Background

In vitro reconstitution of an artificial metabolic pathway has emerged as an alternative approach to conventional in vivo fermentation-based bioproduction. Particularly, employment of thermophilic and hyperthermophilic enzymes enables us a simple preparation of highly stable and selective biocatalytic modules and the construction of in vitro metabolic pathways with an excellent operational stability. In this study, we designed and constructed an artificial in vitro metabolic pathway consisting of nine (hyper)thermophilic enzymes and applied it to the conversion of glycerol to lactate. We also assessed the compatibility of the in vitro bioconversion system with methanol, which is a major impurity in crude glycerol released from biodiesel production processes.

Results

The in vitro artificial pathway was designed to balance the intrapathway consumption and regeneration of energy and redox cofactors. All enzymes involved in the in vitro pathway exhibited an acceptable level of stability at high temperature (60°C), and their stability was not markedly affected by the co-existing of up to 100 mM methanol. The one-pot conversion of glycerol to lactate through the in vitro pathway could be achieved in an almost stoichiometric manner, and 14.7 mM lactate could be produced in 7 h. Furthermore, the in vitro bioconversion system exerted almost identical performance in the presence of methanol.

Conclusions

Many thermophilic enzymes exhibit higher stability not only at high temperatures but also in the presence of denaturants such as detergents and organic solvents than their mesophilic counterparts. In this study, compatibilities of thermophilic enzymes with methanol were demonstrated, indicating the potential applicability of in vitro bioconversion systems with thermophilic enzymes in the conversion of crude glycerol to value-added chemicals.
Syndecan defines precise spindle orientation by modulating Wnt signaling in C. elegans
Authors: Dejima Katsufumi , Kang Sukryool , Mitani Shohei , Cosman Pamela C. , Chisholm Andrew D.
Published: October 2014

Wnt signals orient mitotic spindles in development, but it remains unclear how Wnt signaling is spatially controlled to achieve precise spindle orientation. Here, we show that C. elegans syndecan (SDN-1) is required for precise orientation of a mitotic spindle in response to a Wnt cue. We find that SDN-1 is the predominant heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycan in the early C. elegans embryo, and that loss of HS biosynthesis or of the SDN-1 core protein results in misorientation of the spindle of the ABar blastomere. The ABar and EMS spindles both reorient in response to Wnt signals, but only ABar spindle reorientation is dependent on a new cell contact and on HS and SDN-1. SDN-1 transiently accumulates on the ABar surface as it contacts C, and is required for local concentration of Dishevelled (MIG-5) in the ABar cortex adjacent to C. These findings establish a new role for syndecan in Wnt-dependent spindle orientation.
On the Selection of Arbitrators
Authors: de Clippel Geoffroy , Eliaz Kfir , Knight Brian
Published: October 2014

A key feature of arbitration is the possibility for conflicting parties to participate in the selection of the arbitrator, the individual who will rule the case. We analyze this problem of the selection of arbitrators from the perspective of implementation theory. In particular, theoretical analyses document problems with veto-rank—a simultaneous procedure commonly used in practice—and develop a new sequential procedure—shortlisting—with better properties. Experimental results are consistent with the theoretical predictions, highlighting both the disadvantages associated with the veto-rank procedure and the advantages associated with the shortlisting procedure. (JEL D71, D72)
A Biological Theory of Social Discounting
Authors: Robson Arthur J. , Szentes Balázs
Published: October 2014

We consider a growth model in which intergenerational transfers are made via stocks of private and public capital. Private capital is the outcome of individuals' private savings while decisions regarding public capital are made collectively. We hypothesize that private saving choices evolve through individual selection while public saving decisions are the result of group selection. The main result of the paper is that the equilibrium rate of return to private capital is at least 2–3 percent more than the rate of return to public capital. In other words, social choices involving intertemporal trade-offs exhibit much more patience than individual choices do. (JEL D11, D71, D91, H43)
Mismatch Unemployment
Authors: Şahin Ayşegül , Song Joseph , Topa Giorgio , Violante Giovanni L.
Published: October 2014

We develop a framework where mismatch between vacancies and job seekers across sectors translates into higher unemployment by lowering the aggregate job-finding rate. We use this framework to measure the contribution of mismatch to the recent rise in US unemployment by exploiting two sources of cross-sectional data on vacancies, JOLTS and HWOL. Our calculations indicate that mismatch, across industries and three-digit occupations, explains at most one-third of the total observed increase in the unemployment rate. Occupational mismatch has become especially more severe for college graduates, and in the West of the United States. Geographical mismatch unemployment plays no apparent role. (JEL E24, J22, J24, J41, J63)
miRNAome analysis of the mammalian neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene family
Authors: Hogan Eric M. , Casserly Alison P. , Scofield Michael D. , Mou Zhongming , Zhao-Shea Rubing , Johnson Chris W. , Tapper Andrew R. , Gardner Paul D.
Published: October 2014

Nicotine binds to and activates a family of ligand-gated ion channels, neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Chronic nicotine exposure alters the expression of various nAChR subtypes, which likely contributes to nicotine dependence; however, the underlying mechanisms regulating these changes remain unclear. A growing body of evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) may be involved in nAChR regulation. Using bioinformatics, miRNA library screening, site-directed mutagenesis, and gene expression analysis, we have identified a limited number of miRNAs that functionally interact with the 3′-untranslated regions (3′ UTRs) of mammalian neuronal nAChR subunit genes. In silico analyses revealed specific, evolutionarily conserved sites within the 3′ UTRs through which the miRNAs regulate gene expression. Mutating these sites disrupted miRNA regulation confirming the in silico predictions. In addition, the miRNAs that target nAChR 3′ UTRs are expressed in mouse brain and are regulated by chronic nicotine exposure. Furthermore, we show that expression of one of these miRNAs, miR-542-3p, is modulated by nicotine within the mesocorticolimbic reward pathway. Importantly, overexpression of miR-542-3p led to a decrease in the protein levels of its target, the nAChR β2 subunit. Bioinformatic analysis suggests that a number of the miRNAs play a general role in regulating cholinergic signaling. Our results provide evidence for a novel mode of nicotine-mediated regulation of the mammalian nAChR gene family.
Rice (Oryza) hemoglobins
Authors: Arredondo-Peter Raúl , Moran Jose F. , Sarath Gautam
Published: October 2014

Hemoglobins (Hbs) corresponding to non-symbiotic (nsHb) and truncated (tHb) Hbs have been identified in rice (Oryza). This review discusses the major findings from the current studies on rice Hbs. At the molecular level, a family of thenshbgenes, consisting ofhb1,hb2,hb3,hb4andhb5, and a single copy of thethbgene exist inOryza sativavar. indica andO.sativavar. japonica, Hb transcripts coexist in rice organs and Hb polypeptides exist in rice embryonic and vegetative organs and in the cytoplasm of differentiating cells. At the structural level, the crystal structure of rice Hb1 has been elucidated, and the structures of the other rice Hbs have been modeled. Kinetic analysis indicated that rice Hb1 and 2, and possibly rice Hb3 and 4, exhibit an extremely high affinity for O2, whereas rice Hb5 and tHb possibly exhibit a low to moderate affinity for O2. Based on the accumulated information on the properties of rice Hbs and data from the analysis of other plant and non-plant Hbs, it is likely that Hbs play a variety of roles in rice organs, including O2-transport, O2-sensing, NO-scavenging and redox-signaling. From an evolutionary perspective, an outline for the evolution of rice Hbs is available. Ricenshbandthbgenes vertically evolved through different lineages, rice nsHbs evolved into clade I and clade II lineages and ricenshbs andthbs evolved under the effect of neutral selection. This review also reveals lacunae in our ability to completely understand rice Hbs. Primary lacunae are the absence of experimental information about the precise functions of rice Hbs, the properties of modeled rice Hbs and thecis-elements andtrans-acting factors that regulate the expression of ricehbgenes, and the partial understanding of the evolution of rice Hbs.
Malignant pleural effusions and the role of talc poudrage and talc slurry: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mummadi Srinivas , Kumbam Anusha , Hahn Peter Y.
Published: October 2014

Background:Malignant Pleural Effusion (MPE) is common with advanced malignancy. Palliative care with minimal adverse events is the cornerstone of management. Although talc pleurodesis plays an important role in treatment, the best modality of talc application remains controversial.  

Objective:To compare recurrence rates, rates of respiratory and non-respiratory complications between thoracoscopic talc insufflation/poudrage (TTI) and talc slurry (TS). 

Data sources and study selection:MEDLINE (PubMed, OVID),  EBM Reviews (Cochrane database of Systematic Reviews, ACP Journal Club, DARE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Methodology Register, Health Technology Assessment and NHS Economic Evaluation Database), EMBASE and Scopus. Randomized controlled trials published between 01/01/1980 - 10/1/2014 and comparing the two strategies were selected. 

Results:Twenty-eight potential studies were identified of which 24 studies were further excluded, leaving four studies. No statistically significant difference in the risk of recurrent pleural effusions was observed between TS and TTI groups (RR 0.72; 95 % CI 0.50-1.05; Q statistic, 3.58). There was a higher risk of post procedural respiratory complications in the TTI group compared to the TS group (RR 1.91, 95% CI= 1.24-2.93, Q statistic 3.15). No statistically significant difference in the incidence of non-respiratory complications between the TTI group and the TS group was observed (RR 0.88, 95% CI= 0.72-1.07, Q statistic 4.61).

Conclusions:There is no difference in MPE recurrence based on patient centered outcomes between talc poudrage and talc slurry treatments.  Respiratory complications are more common with talc poudrage via thoracoscopy.
Caring inside the lines: connecting within professional boundaries
Authors: Mendes Aysha
Published: October 2014

In this monthly column, Aysha Mendes explores the many aspects of psychology interwoven into nursing practice. This month, she discusses the importance of delivering compassionate care, while at the same time respecting professional boundaries
The use of 8 cm midlines in community IV therapy
Authors: Owen Kate
Published: October 2014

There is limited published literature on the use of 8 cm centimetre midlines for vascular access. This clinical audit was undertaken to provide a local evidence base for the insertion of midlines in patients receiving non-vesicant intravenous antibiotic therapy in the community setting over the medium term. The findings show their use has clear advantages for patients and clinicians. Although conducted in the community setting, the audit could be replicated in any community or hospital environment where medium-term intravenous therapy of non-vesicant fluids is administered.
Plant species diversity among ecological species groups in the Caspian Sea coastal sand dune; Case study: Guilan Province, North of Iran
Authors: RAVANBAKHSH MOKARRAM , AMINI TAYYEBEH , HOSSEINI SAYED MOHSEN NASSAJ
Published: October 2014

Ravanbakhsh M, Amini T, Hosseini SMN. 2015. Plant species diversity among ecological species groups in the Caspian Sea coastal sand dune; Case study: Guilan Province, North of Iran. Biodiversitas 16: 16-21. Biodiversity is often discussed in terms of species diversity is concentrated. Species diversity is one of the important characteristics of biological communities and its as a functionof the number and size represent populations of species in a special geographic region.The aim of this study was to identification ofecological species groups and investigates the diversity among ecological species groups. The research area comprises a coastal dunesystem in northern of Guilan Province, Iran. Vegetation sampling was carried out along 22 shore perpendicular transects, approximately500-m long. A total of 62 plot of 25 square meters were taken in transects. In each sampled plot, the cover percentage value of eachspecies was estimated using Bran-Blanquet scales. Vegetation classified using Two-Way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN). Thecomparison of diversity indices among groups were performed with ANOVA test. The results revealed that there were 232 plant taxaand 8 ecological species group in the region. Results of analysis of variance in species diversity indices showed significant differencesamong the groups in terms of biodiversity indices. The survey of variation in the groups showed that groups 5 and 6 had the highest andgroups 1, 2, 3, and 7 had the lowest indices. Checking of the group's position with high diversity in comparison with other groups in thiscoastal area indicates that the group settled on the coastal land with stabilized soil and proper distance from the sea had higher diversityindices.
A personal perspective on controversies in the surgical management of oesophageal cancer
Authors: McK Manson J , Beasley WD
Published: October 2014

Significant disagreement and debate persist regarding several aspects of the optimal surgical management of oesophageal cancer. We address some of these issues based on our consecutive series of 165 patients undergoing oesophageal resection (reported in full elsewhere) and the available literature. The areas considered are controversial but we argue in favour of a ‘traditional’ two-stage open approach (Ivor–Lewis), leaving the pylorus alone, making no attempt to perform a radical lymphadenectomy and fashioning a hand sewn anastomosis.
Distal radius triplane fracture
Authors: Parkar AAH , Marya S , Auplish S
Published: October 2014

A triplane fracture is so named because of the three planes traversed by the fracture line. These are physeal fractures that result from injury during the final phase of maturation and cessation of growth. This fracture pattern typically involves the distal tibia. We present a rare case of a triplane fracture involving the distal radius.
Fatal herpes simplex virus hepatitis following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and anterior resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Toomey DP , Dhadda AS , Sanni LA , Cooke JP , Hartley JE
Published: October 2014

We describe the case of a young patient who contracted fatal herpes simplex virus hepatitis following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and anterior resection for rectal cancer. The rarity and non-specific presentation of this treatable disease, which masqueraded as the sequelae of postoperative sepsis, resulted in a diagnosis following death. Features that should prompt inclusion of herpes simplex virus hepatitis in the differential diagnoses are suggested and the case is a reminder of how neoadjuvant therapy may subtly alter a patient’s immunocompetency.
An innovative repair for a re-recurrence of an incarcerated inguinal hernia
Authors: Merali N , Verma A , Davies T
Published: October 2014

A patient presented with a recurrent incarcerated inguinoscrotal hernia requiring urgent surgery. The defect was through the gap in the mesh left originally for the cord structures. As a result, a modified funnel repair was performed. An innovative approach was adopted that was best suited to tackling and reducing the risk of recurrence.
Iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula of the breast as a complication of core needle biopsy
Authors: Haider MHR , Satpathy A , Abou-Samra W
Published: October 2014

Ultrasonography guided core biopsy has become the standard of care in the assessment of breast cancer. Although the procedure is associated with low rates of complications, we present a case report of a rare complication of the procedure that has been reported only once previously in the medical literature.
A double mobility acetabular implant for primary hip arthroplasty in patients at high risk of dislocation
Authors: Vasukutty NL , Middleton RG , Young P , Uzoigwe C , Barkham B , Yusoff S , Minhas THA
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Dislocation following total hip replacement continues to be a problem for which no completely satisfactory solution has been found. Several methods have been proposed to reduce the incidence of hip dislocations with varying degrees of success, including elevated rim liners, constrained liners and large diameter bearings. We present our experience with the double mobility acetabular component in patients at high risk of instability.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of 65 primary total hip arthroplasties in 55 patients (15 men, 40 women), performed between October 2005 and November 2009. The majority (80%) of patients had at least two and 26% had at least three risk factors for instability. The mean age was 76 years (range: 44–92 years). The patients were followed up for a mean duration of 60 months (range: 36–85 months).

Results

Fourteen patients died and one was lost to follow-up, leaving fifty hips for final assessment. Until the final follow-up appointment, no patients had dislocation and none required revision surgery. The mean Oxford hip score improved from 45.0 to 26.5 (p<0.0001). The mean Merle d’Aubigné pain score improved from 1.4 to 4.9 (p<0.0001), the walking score from 2.3 to 3.1 (p<0.07) and the absolute hip function score from 5.4 to 10.8 (p<0.0001). There were no clinical or radiographic signs of loosening.

Conclusions

The double mobility acetabular component was successful at preventing dislocation during early to medium-term follow-up. However, as data are still lacking with regard to polyethylene wear rates at the additional bearing surface, it would be prudent to restrict the use of this implant to selected patients at high risk of instability.
An audit of the complications of intercostal chest drain insertion in a high volume trauma service in South Africa
Authors: Kong VY , Oosthuizen GV , Sartorius B , Keene C , Clarke DL
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Intercostal chest drain (ICD) insertion is a commonly performed procedure in trauma and may be associated with significant morbidity.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of ICD complications in a major trauma service in South Africa over a four-year period from January 2010 to December 2013.

Results

A total of 1,050 ICDs were inserted in 1,006 patients, of which 91% were male. The median patient age was 24 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 20–29 years). There were 962 patients with unilateral ICDs and 44 with bilateral ICDs. Seventy-five per cent (758/1,006) sustained penetrating trauma and the remaining 25% (248/1006) sustained blunt trauma. Indications for ICD insertion were: haemopneumothorax (n=338), haemothorax (n=314), simple pneumothorax (n=265), tension pneumothorax (n=79) and open pneumothorax (n=54). Overall, 203 ICDs (19%) were associated with complications: 18% (36/203) were kinked, 18% (36/203) were inserted subcutaneously, 13% (27/203) were too shallow and in 7% (14/203) there was inadequate fixation resulting in dislodgement. Four patients (2%) sustained visceral injuries and two sustained vascular injuries. Forty-one per cent (83/203) were inserted outside the ‘triangle of safety’ but without visceral or vascular injuries. One patient had the ICD inserted on the wrong side. Junior doctors inserted 798 ICDs (76%) while senior doctors inserted 252 (24%). Junior doctors had a significantly higher complication rate (24%) compared with senior doctors (5%) (p<0.001). There was no mortality as a direct result of ICD insertion.

Conclusions

ICD insertion is associated with a high rate of complications. These complications are significantly higher when junior doctors perform the procedure. A multifaceted quality improvement programme is needed to improve the situation.
Appendicectomies performed >48 hours after admission to a dedicated acute general surgical unit
Authors: March B , Gillies D , Gani J
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Acute general surgical units (AGSUs) are changing the way in which acute appendicitis is managed. In the AGSU at John Hunter Hospital, some patients wait more than 48 hours from admission to undergo an appendicectomy, usually because they are not unwell enough to precipitate an operation before that time. We analysed this subgroup of appendicectomy patients to determine how effectively they are being managed and how this might be improved.

Methods

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was conducted of all patients who received an appendicectomy while admitted under the AGSU at John Hunter Hospital in the five years between January 2009 and December 2013.

Results

A total of 1,039 appendicectomies were performed in the study period, with 81 patients (7.8%) waiting >48 hours for their operation (delayed appendicectomy group). Overall, the negative appendicectomy (NA) rate was 21.6%; the NA rate in delayed appendicectomies was 50.62% and a non-therapeutic operation occurred in 47% of this group (n=38). No significant difference was found in the incidence of perforation/gangrenous appendicitis between patients having surgery in <48 hours and the delayed appendicectomy groups (11.2% vs 9.9%, p=0.85). A combination of negative diagnostic imaging result, a normal white cell count and normal C-reactive protein (ie a negative ‘triple test’) was the best predictor of a negative appendicectomy (p=0.0158, negative predictive value: 0.91, 95% confidence interval: 0.59–0.99), in the delayed appendicectomy group.

Conclusions

In the delayed appendicectomy group, the incidence of perforation/gangrenous appendicitis was not significantly different from that found in patients having appendicectomy performed sooner. However, the NA and non-therapeutic operation rates were unacceptably high. An appendix triple test can improve diagnostic accuracy significantly without an unacceptable rise in the rates of perforation/gangrenous appendicitis.
Parental perception of acute scrotal pain in children
Authors: Ubee SS , Hopkinson V , Srirangam SJ
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Acute scrotal pain (ASP) remains one of the more common urological emergencies in the paediatric age group. Acute testicular torsion is the only true urological emergency, where delay in presentation or management can lead to loss of the affected testicle. Since prompt presentation, diagnosis and treatment are critical for testicular salvage, multiple patient and hospital specific factors may influence orchidectomy rates. Parental awareness of the sequelae of ASP may be a significant factor in delayed presentation of children to hospital. We examine the awareness among parents of the implications of ASP in this snapshot study.

Methods

A prospective study was planned, and all boys between the ages of 2 and 16 years presenting to the unit with ASP and undergoing emergency scrotal exploration were considered for inclusion in the study. The accompanying parents/guardians of all these boys were asked to complete a questionnaire assessing their awareness of ASP and its potential consequences.

Results

Over a period of 26 months (July 2010 to September 2012), 76 boys were eligible for the study. The response rate was 81.6%. Only a third (30%) presented to hospital within six hours of onset of pain and just under a quarter (22%) of the cohort attended the emergency department directly. Parents overwhelmingly (96%) felt that there ought to be increased public awareness of the condition. The majority of parents questioned (n=41, 66%) did not fully appreciate the implications of ASP.

Conclusions

This is a first snapshot study demonstrating the apparent lack of awareness among parents about the implications of ASP, which could influence the rate of testicular salvage.
Performance improvement challenges for managing abdominal trauma at a New Major Trauma Centre
Authors: Macgoey P , Lamb C , Tai NR , Cotton BA , Brooks AJ
Published: October 2014

A number of reports spanning more than two decades have highlighted significant deficiencies in UK trauma care. 1–4 data suggest that seriously injured patients in england and wales endure in-hospital mortality rates that are 20% higher than their counterparts in the us. 5 more than 30 years ago, improved outcomes for major trauma patients were demonstrated by provision of an organised system of trauma care that included the resources of a trauma centre. 6 Trauma care throughout england and wales has recently been reorganised into regional trauma networks. 7
Inheritance of basic density and microfibril angle and their variations among full-sib families and their parental clones in Picea glehnii
Authors: Tanabe Jun , Tamura Akira , Ishiguri Futoshi , Takashima Yuya , Iizuka Kazuya , Yokota Shinso
Published: October 2014

Picea glehnii is one of the most important plantation species in Hokkaido, Japan. Basic density (BD) and microfibril angle (MFA) of the S2 layer in latewood tracheid in 16 full-sib families and their six parental clones planted in Hokkaido were examined to clarify among-family and clonal variations of wood properties and their inheritance from parents to offspring. Mean values of BD and MFA in full-sib families and parental clones were 0.36 and 0.35 g cm-3 and 16.1° and 10.7°, respectively. Estimated repeatabilities of BD and MFA in juvenile wood (jW) were higher than those in mature wood. In addition, larger genetic coefficient of variation was detected for jW, indicating that improvement of jW properties is important to Hokkaido’s tree breeding program. Parent-offspring correlation coefficients were positive and significant in all properties. These results suggest that the influence of parental clones on wood properties is inheritable to offspring. Moreover, there were no significant differences between reciprocal crosses of wood properties, suggesting that plus-tree clones with good wood properties can be used as either female or male parents for producing offspring. There is a possibility of improving wood properties in P. glehnii by crossing clones with desirable properties.
Reacted copper(II) concentrations in earlywood and latewood of micronized copper-treated Canadian softwood species
Authors: Xue Wei , Kennepohl Pierre , Ruddick John N.R.
Published: October 2014

Electron paramagnetic resonance was used in conjunction with X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to quantify total copper and reacted copper retentions in MCQ and MCA treated Canadian red pine sapwood and western hemlock heartwood. Total copper retentions were distinctly different between earlywood and latewood of both softwood species examined. Earlywood of red pine sapwood had higher total copper content than the latewood, while western hemlock heartwood had higher total copper contents in latewood than earlywood. The reacted copper concentrations were similar in earlywood and latewood, reflecting a similar capacity of each to solubilize and complex the reacted copper.
Chemical and ultrastructural changes of ash wood thermally modified (TMW) using the thermo-vacuum process: II. Immunocytochemical study of the distribution of noncellulosic polysaccharides
Authors: Kim Jong Sik , Gao Jie , Terziev Nasko , Allegretti Ottaviano , Daniel Geoffrey
Published: October 2014

Following structural and cytochemical studies (Part I) on thermally modified ash wood (TMW) by the thermo-vacuum (Termovuoto) process, changes in the distribution of noncellulosic polysaccharides have been investigated in TMW treated for 3 h at 220°C (TMW3 h, 220°C) by means of immunogold localization methods. Pectins (homogalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonan-I) and xyloglucan were significantly degraded in compound middle lamella (CML), including the middle lamella cell corner regions (CMLcc), of all xylem cells after thermal modification. Xylan and mannan degradation were also visible in fiber cell walls. In particular, degradation of mannan was very significant and showed variation between cell wall regions even within the same cell wall. The degradation of pectins was more significant than that of hemicelluloses. In summary, results suggest that each noncellulosic polysaccharide may have a different degradation process in ash TMWs.
An Integrated Methodology for the Emergency Logistics Centers Location Selection Problem and its Application for the Turkey Case
Authors: Tuzkaya Umut Rifat , Yilmazer Kadriye Busra , Tuzkaya Gulfem
Published: October 2014

Urgent response is vitally important after unpredictable disasters and it is highly dependent to the location of the emergency centers. Considering this importance degree, in this study, a location selection methodology for emergency logistics centers (ELCs) is proposed. There are various influencing factors or criteria to choose the most convenient locations for ELCs. However, we focused on some of the most important and prior criteria to obtain a more feasible approach and less calculation intensity. The main point is ranking and weighting the convenient locations or cities for constructing an ELC in a region or country. The alternative locations are chosen through the mostly natural disaster-prone cities. Decision criteria are determined according to the expert opinions. Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and Analytic Network Process (ANP) methods are integrated to determine the convenient locations considering the relations between criteria and alternative locations. Afterwards, a real life application of the proposed methodology is realized for the Turkey case. Finally, results are examined and analyzed in terms of their sensitivity on the criteria weight changes.
First and second thermodynamic law analyses applied to a solar dish collector
Authors: Madadi Vahid , Tavakoli Touraj , Rahimi Amir
Published: October 2014

The energy and exergy performance of a parabolic dish collector is
investigated experimentally and theoretically. The effect of receiver type,
inlet temperature and mass flow rate of heat transfer fluid (HTF), receiver
temperature, receiver aspect ratio and solar radiation are investigated. To
evaluate the effect of the receiver aperture area on the system performance, three
aperture diameters are considered. It is deduced that the fully opened
receivers have the greatest exergy and thermal efficiency. The cylindrical
receiver has greater energy and exergy efficiency than the conical one due
to less exergy destruction. It is found that the highest exergy destruction
is due to heat transfer between the sun and the receivers and counts for
35 % to 60 % of the total wasted exergy. For three selected receiver
aperture diameters, the exergy efficiency is minimum for a specified HTF
mass flow rate. High solar radiation allows the system to work at higher HTF
inlet temperatures. To use this system in applications that need high
temperatures, in cylindrical and conical receivers, the HTF mass flow rates
lower than 0.05 and 0.09 kg/s are suggested, respectively. For
applications that need higher amounts of energy content, higher HTF mass
flow rates than the above mentioned values are recommended.