bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fracture of mobile unicompartmental knee bearings: A parametric finite element study
Authors: Pegg Elise C , Murray David W , Pandit Hemant G , O’Connor John J , Gill Harinderjit S
Published: August 2013

Cases of fractured mobile unicompartmental knee bearings have recently been reported. The purpose of this study was to understand the mechanics behind these fractures and to examine the influence of different design modifications. A parametric finite element model was used to examine the influence of different geometrical factors on the stresses within the bearing. Crack initiation occurred clinically in the centre of the bearing; this correlated with the position of the maximum von Mises stress. Tensile stresses, thought to propagate the fatigue crack, were maximal at the medial–lateral sides of the bearing, and the tensile vectors were normal to the fracture direction observed clinically. Fully congruent femoral articulation on the bearing, use of a thicker bearing size, and minimising wear of the component reduced the risk of fracture. For example, an unworn 6.5-mm-thick bearing (no clinical fractures reported) had 21.6% lower medial–lateral tensile stress compared to an unworn 3.5 mm bearing (five clinical fractures reported). In turn, an unworn 3.5 mm bearing had 34.3% lower tensile stress compared to a 3.5 mm bearing after 1.9 mm wear (average linear wear reported for clinically fractured bearings). The fracture risk was also reduced when the radio-opaque marker wire was positioned further from the centre of the bearing, and when marker balls were used instead of marker wires (19% reduction in tensile stress in some regions). These results indicate the importance of minimising component wear; the data also support the current component design which uses posterior marker balls instead of marker wires, and the continuing use of a congruous femoral component.
Synecdoche – an underestimated macrofigure?
Authors: Chrzanowska-Kluczewska Elżbieta
Published: August 2013

This article analyses the constructive potential of synecdoche as a text-building mechanism. All too often not properly distinguished from its close and better-known relative, metonymy, synecdoche deserves to be treated as a separate figure, with its own individual function to perform. In this capacity it has already been mentioned by Giambattista Vico (1984 [1744]) as the trope of essentiality, pointing to outstanding features that pertain to individuals and objects. Synecdoche has retained its unique status among Kenneth Burke’s (1962 [1945]) master tropes and among Hayden White’s (1973, 1985a [1978], 1985b [1978], 1999a, 1999b) basic tropes, which organize various forms of narrative discourse. Synecdoche as a microfigure is usually confined to phrases or, at most, clauses but its genuinely discursive function becomes visible when it acts as a macrofigure, forming synecdochical chains that structure larger stretches of texts. Following the cognitivist claim about the predominance of the experience related to our own bodies over other types of perception, I turn my attention to one of frequent types of synecdoche that represents living organisms through their body parts. The chains of body parts synecdoches will be examined, drawn from Marcel Proust’s prose, as well as from a set of poems by Sylvia Plath and a set of poetic works by Czesław Miłosz. The structuring force of synecdoche becomes visible in the texts’ overall cohesion. Finally, an important theoretical aspect of the application of macrosynecdoche is its smooth transition into a megafigure, a tacit rhetorical strategy that underlies the entire text and influences its ultimate interpretation.
Evidence-Based Practice
Authors: Rice Michael J.
Published: August 2013

Health care reform authorized by the Affordable Care Act is based on the belief that evidence-based practice (EBP) generates cost savings due to the delivery of more effective care. Published meta-analyses and systematic reviews provide clear, unbiased evidence on the effectiveness of specific interventions. Yet translating the interventions into the practice setting requires additional clinical skills and judgments extending beyond the scientific assessment of the EBP literature. Effective use of EBP interventions requires clinicians effectively answering an additional set of questions specific to the case and clinical context. These questions focus on correctly identifying the problem and increased level of specificity for any given situation. Using a clinical application of the PICO model, the clinician and the patient should be able to achieve a higher level of clinical outcomes.
The urban now: Theorising cities beyond the new
Authors: Robinson Jennifer
Published: August 2013

Urban studies has aligned cities closely with modernity, with strong implications for their conceptualisation. Through the 20th century the founding analyses of urban studies drew on a specific (western) version of urban modernity to define universal accounts of urbanity, excluding many cities from contributing to broader theorisations of the urban. In addition, urban theory has often been inspired by the modernity of cities, identifying ‘the new’ as the basis for distinctive approaches to understanding cities. In the wake of the move towards a more global urban studies, the extent to which traditions of thinking cities through the inherited analytical lens of urban modernity persist needs to be considered. To counter the continuing effects of theorising from the idea of modernity, or the new, the analytical device of the ‘urban now’ is developed from Walter Benjamin’s analysis of modernity to propose new geographies of theorising the urban.
The principles of non-operative management of penetrating abdominal injury
Authors: Wohlgemut Jared M , Jansen Jan O
Published: August 2013

The selective non-operative management of penetrating abdominal injury is gaining increasing acceptance. Recognition of the morbidity, mortality, and cost associated with non-therapeutic exploration has provided the impetus for selective management. This review describes the principles of, and evidence for, this strategy. Selective management is widely accepted for the treatment of stab wounds, but the selective management of ballistic injuries, particularly in the military setting, remains contentious. As a result, there are marked variations in the application of this practice. Computed tomography is a prerequisite for the selective management of ballistic injuries, and possibly also stab wounds. Failure of non-operative management, following stab wounds or gunshot wounds, is invariably apparent within 24 hours.
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection With a Novel Traction Method Using a Steerable Grasper
Authors: Chung Hyunsoo , Dhumane Parag , Liu Keng-Hao , Donatelli Gianfranco , Dallemagne Bernard , Marescaux Jacques
Published: August 2013

Introduction. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a technically challenging procedure in which complications and operative times depend on the operator’s expertise as well as on the location and size of the lesion. Good visualization of the submucosal dissection plane is essential to perform a safe and effective ESD. Objectives. To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of a novel traction method using an over-the-scope steerable grasper to improve the exposure of the dissection plane during gastric ESD. Results. A total of 24 ESDs were performed without any complications in various locations of porcine stomachs, including antrum, gastric body, and cardia. En bloc complete resections were achieved in all cases. The mean specimen size was 44.92 ± 8.30 mm, mean total procedure time was 29.17 ± 11.27 minutes, and mean dissection time was 15.08 ± 7.21 minutes. The optimal dissection plane could be obtained by controlling the grasper in all cases. Conclusions. Technical feasibility, efficacy, and safety of the over-the-scope steerable grasper technique were demonstrated in order to provide dynamic and controlled traction during ESD at different locations of porcine stomachs.
An ecological approach to seeking and utilising the views of young people with intellectual disabilities in transition planning
Authors: Small Neil , Raghavan Raghu , Pawson Nicole
Published: August 2013

Transition planning using a person-centred approach has, in the main, failed to shape service provision. We offer an alternative based on an ecological understanding of human development linked to public health approaches that prioritise whole system planning.

A total of 43 young people with intellectual disabilities, in Bradford, England, who were approaching transition from school or college were recruited to a qualitative study. Their ethnic breakdown was as follows: 16 white British, 24 Pakistani, 2 Bangladeshi and 1 Black African. Each young person was interviewed twice, at recruitment and a year later, to observe any changes in their social networks during transition. Interviews were undertaken with a semi-structured interview schedule and with the pictorial approach of Talking Mats.

Both the networks the young people live within, and their sense of what the future might hold for them, are described and linked to Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model of human development. The importance of the family and school is emphasised, as is the absence of engagement in leisure activities and work.

Transition planning needs to start with mapping the systems individuals live within, areas of strength should be supported and parts of the system, which are not fit for purpose for these young people, should be prioritised for interventions.
C-reactive protein to predict the need for surgical intervention in acute renal colic
Authors: McSorley ST , Drury M , Majumdar P , Halsall A , Nalagatla SK
Published: August 2013

Objectives:

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a serum marker of systemic inflammation which has been suggested to predict need for emergent surgical intervention in patients with acute renal colic at a value of > 28 mg/l on admission.1 We aimed to determine if this applied to our patients.

Patients and methods:

We prospectively collected data from all patients admitted with symptomatic urolithiasis, confirmed by CT-KUB, over three months. Fifty-nine patients were included; however, four were excluded because of co-morbidites which could influence CRP, or recent urological surgery, giving N = 55, age 50.0±14.6 years (mean±SD), M:F 40:15. The decision to proceed to intervention was made by each patient’s clinical team and not by the authors; however, there was no blinding to CRP.

Results:

A total of 24 of 55 patients required intervention on their index admission (22 retrograde ureteric stent, one nephrostomy, one ureteroscopic stone extraction), and 31 were managed conservatively. Those undergoing intervention had higher CRP on admission (mean 16.3 vs 9.4 mg/l, p = 0.06) and higher maximum CRP (mean 94.7 vs 25.7 mg/l, p < 0.001) than those managed conservatively. Nineteen (79%) of those requiring intervention had CRP < 28 mg/l on admission. There were no deaths, no intensive care admissions and all were discharged to outpatient follow-up.

Conclusion:

Rising CRP during admission is a strong predictor of the need for emergency surgical intervention in patients with acute renal colic; however, CRP at admission is less useful.
Altered Cognitive Development in the Siblings of Individuals With Schizophrenia
Authors: Barch Deanna M. , Cohen Rachel , Csernansky John G.
Published: August 2013

Our goal in the current study was to further investigate the late neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia by examining cross-sectional, age-related changes in cognitive function among young adult (a) siblings of individuals with schizophrenia ( n = 66), (b) healthy control subjects ( n = 77), and (c) the siblings of healthy control subjects ( n = 77). All subjects participated in a battery of tasks in four domains: verbal IQ, working memory, episodic memory, and executive function. We found significant group differences in the relationships between age and performance in working memory and episodic memory, with similar patterns for executive function and verbal IQ. The siblings of individuals with schizophrenia showed impaired performance in working memory, episodic memory, and executive function. In addition, healthy control subjects and their siblings showed age-related improvements in all four cognitive domains, whereas the siblings of individuals with schizophrenia showed this result for verbal IQ only.
GentrepidV2.0: a web server for candidate disease gene prediction
Authors: Ballouz Sara , Liu Jason Y , George Richard A , Bains Naresh , Liu Arthur , Oti Martin , Gaeta Bruno , Fatkin Diane , Wouters Merridee A
Published: August 2013

Background

Candidate disease gene prediction is a rapidly developing area of bioinformatics research with the potential to deliver great benefits to human health. As experimental studies detecting associations between genetic intervals and disease proliferate, better bioinformatic techniques that can expand and exploit the data are required.

Description

Gentrepid is a web resource which predicts and prioritizes candidate disease genes for both Mendelian and complex diseases. The system can take input from linkage analysis of single genetic intervals or multiple marker loci from genome-wide association studies. The underlying database of the Gentrepid tool sources data from numerous gene and protein resources, taking advantage of the wealth of biological information available. Using known disease gene information from OMIM, the system predicts and prioritizes disease gene candidates that participate in the same protein pathways or share similar protein domains. Alternatively, using an ab initio approach, the system can detect enrichment of these protein annotations without prior knowledge of the phenotype.

Conclusions

The system aims to integrate the wealth of protein information currently available with known and novel phenotype/genotype information to acquire knowledge of biological mechanisms underpinning disease. We have updated the system to facilitate analysis of GWAS data and the study of complex diseases. Application of the system to GWAS data on hypertension using the ICBP data is provided as an example. An interesting prediction is a ZIP transporter additional to the one found by the ICBP analysis. The webserver URL is https://www.gentrepid.org/.
SNP-revealed genetic diversity in wild emmer wheat correlates with ecological factors
Authors: Ren Jing , Chen Liang , Sun Daokun , You Frank M , Wang Jirui , Peng Yunliang , Nevo Eviatar , Beiles Avigdor , Sun Dongfa , Luo Ming-Cheng , Peng Junhua
Published: August 2013

Background

Patterns of genetic diversity between and within natural plant populations and their driving forces are of great interest in evolutionary biology. However, few studies have been performed on the genetic structure and population divergence in wild emmer wheat using a large number of EST-related single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers.

Results

In the present study, twenty-five natural wild emmer wheat populations representing a wide range of ecological conditions in Israel and Turkey were used. Genetic diversity and genetic structure were investigated using over 1,000 SNP markers. A moderate level of genetic diversity was detected due to the biallelic property of SNP markers. Clustering based on Bayesian model showed that grouping pattern is related to the geographical distribution of the wild emmer wheat. However, genetic differentiation between populations was not necessarily dependent on the geographical distances. A total of 33 outlier loci under positive selection were identified using aFST-outlier method. Significant correlations between loci and ecogeographical factors were observed.

Conclusions

Natural selection appears to play a major role in generating adaptive structures in wild emmer wheat. SNP markers are appropriate for detecting selectively-channeled adaptive genetic diversity in natural populations of wild emmer wheat.This adaptive genetic diversity is significantly associated with ecological factors.
Transcriptional analysis of abdominal fat in genetically fat and lean chickens reveals adipokines, lipogenic genes and a link between hemostasis and leanness
Authors: Resnyk Christopher W , Carré Wilfrid , Wang Xiaofei , Porter Tom E , Simon Jean , Le Bihan-Duval Elisabeth , Duclos Michael J , Aggrey Sam E , Cogburn Larry A
Published: August 2013

Background

This descriptive study of the abdominal fat transcriptome takes advantage of two experimental lines of meat-type chickens (Gallus domesticus), which were selected over seven generations for a large difference in abdominal (visceral) fatness. At the age of selection (9 wk), the fat line (FL) and lean line (LL) chickens exhibit a 2.5-fold difference in abdominal fat weight, while their feed intake and body weight are similar. These unique avian models were originally created to unravel genetic and endocrine regulation of adiposity and lipogenesis in meat-type chickens. The Del-Mar 14K Chicken Integrated Systems microarray was used for a time-course analysis of gene expression in abdominal fat of FL and LL chickens during juvenile development (1–11 weeks of age).

Results

Microarray analysis of abdominal fat in FL and LL chickens revealed 131 differentially expressed (DE) genes (FDR≤0.05) as the main effect of genotype, 254 DE genes as an interaction of age and genotype and 3,195 DE genes (FDR≤0.01) as the main effect of age. The most notable discoveries in the abdominal fat transcriptome were higher expression of many genes involved in blood coagulation in the LL and up-regulation of numerous adipogenic and lipogenic genes in FL chickens. Many of these DE genes belong to pathways controlling the synthesis, metabolism and transport of lipids or endocrine signaling pathways activated by adipokines, retinoid and thyroid hormones.

Conclusions

The present study provides a dynamic view of differential gene transcription in abdominal fat of chickens genetically selected for fatness (FL) or leanness (LL). Remarkably, the LL chickens over-express a large number of hemostatic genes that could be involved in proteolytic processing of adipokines and endocrine factors, which contribute to their higher lipolysis and export of stored lipids. Some of these changes are already present at 1 week of age before the divergence in fatness. In contrast, the FL chickens have enhanced expression of numerous lipogenic genes mainly after onset of divergence, presumably directed by multiple transcription factors. This transcriptional analysis shows that abdominal fat of the chicken serves a dual function as both an endocrine organ and an active metabolic tissue, which could play a more significant role in lipogenesis than previously thought.
Evaluation of the need for routine clinical testing of PALB2 c.1592delT mutation in BRCA negative Northern Finnish breast cancer families
Authors: Haanpää Maria , Pylkäs Katri , Moilanen Jukka S , Winqvist Robert
Published: August 2013

Background

Testing for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes among high-risk breast cancer patients has become a routine practice among clinical geneticists. Unfortunately, however, the genetic background of a majority of the cases coming to the clinics remains currently unexplained, making genetic counseling rather challenging. In recent years it has become evident world-wide that also women carrying a heterozygous germline mutation in PALB2 are at significantly increased risk of getting breast cancer. We have previously studied the clinical as well as biological impact of the PALB2 c.1592delT founder mutation occurring in about 1% of Finnish breast cancer patients unselected for their family history of disease, and our results demonstrated a 40% increased breast cancer risk by age 70 for female mutation carriers. Thus, this relatively common mutation in PALB2 is associated with a high risk of developing breast cancer. The aim of the current study was to analyze whether female index individuals of breast cancer families who had tested negative for germline mutations in BRCA1/BRCA2 as part of genetic counseling services should be offered mutation testing for PALB2 c.1592delT.

Methods

The study cohort consisted of altogether 223 individuals who had contacted the Department of Clinical Genetics at the Oulu University Hospital in Finland between the years 1997 and 2011 for counseling on hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer risk. 101 of them met our inclusion criteria. Of these, 10 persons were now deceased, but 6 of them had participated in one of our previous studies on PALB2. Seventy (77%) of the remaining 91 persons responded positively to our study invitation. Chart review of updated pedigree data led to the exclusion of 14 further individuals not meeting the selection criteria.

Result

Of the 56 alive affected female individuals screened for PALB2 c.1592delT, altogether two (3.6%) tested positive for this mutation. In addition, of the previously tested but now deceased 6 persons eligible for the current study, one more mutation carrier was observed. Therefore, overall 4.8% (3/62) of the tested individuals belonging to the Northern Finnish 1997–2011 study cohort turned out to be carriers of the PALB2 c.1592delT allele.

Conclusions

Given the potential benefits versus harms of this testing, the result of our study suggest that PALB2 c.1592delT should be a routine part of the genetic counseling protocol for Finnish high-risk breast cancer cases tested negative for mutations in BRCA1/BRCA2.
Impaired renal function impacts negatively on vascular stiffness in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Rossi Sabrina H , McQuarrie Emily P , Miller William H , Mackenzie Ruth M , Dymott Jane A , Moreno María U , Taurino Chiara , Miller Ashley M , Neisius Ulf , Berg Geoffrey A , Valuckiene Zivile , Hannay Jonathan A , Dominiczak Anna F , Delles Christian
Published: August 2013

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are independently associated with increased vascular stiffness. We examined whether renal function contributes to vascular stiffness independently of CAD status.

Methods

We studied 160 patients with CAD and 169 subjects without CAD. The 4-variable MDRD formula was used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR); impaired renal function was defined as eGFR <60 mL/min. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured with the SphygmoCor® device. Circulating biomarkers were assessed in plasma using xMAP® multiplexing technology.

Results

Patients with CAD and impaired renal function had greater PWV compared to those with CAD and normal renal function (10.2 [9.1;11.2] vs 7.3 [6.9;7.7] m/s; P < 0.001). In all patients, PWV was a function of eGFR (β = −0.293; P < 0.001) even after adjustment for age, sex, systolic blood pressure, body mass index and presence or absence of CAD. Patients with CAD and impaired renal function had higher levels of adhesion and inflammatory molecules including E-selectin and osteopontin (all P < 0.05) compared to those with CAD alone, but had similar levels of markers of oxidative stress.

Conclusions

Renal function is a determinant of vascular stiffness even in patients with severe atherosclerotic disease. This was paralleled by differences in markers of cell adhesion and inflammation. Increased vascular stiffness may therefore be linked to inflammatory remodeling of the vasculature in people with impaired renal function, irrespective of concomitant atherosclerotic disease.
Short and long-term career plans of final year dental students in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Rashid Hazim H , Ghotane Swapnil G , Abufanas Salem H , Gallagher Jennifer E
Published: August 2013

Background

New dental schools have been established to train dentists in many parts of the world. This study examines the future dental workforce from the first dental school in the United Arab Emirates [UAE]; the aim of this study was to explore the short and long-term career aspirations of the final year dental students in the UAE in relation to their demography.

Method

Final year dental students of the Ajman University’s College of Dentistry (n=87) were invited to participate in a self-completion questionnaire survey. Descriptive analysis, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression analysis were carried out on career aspirations using SPSS v20.

Results

Eighty-two percent of students (n=71) responded, the majority of whom were female (65%; n=46). Ethnicity was reported as: ‘other Arab’ (61%; n=43), ‘Emirati’ (17%, n=12), and ‘Other’ (21%, n=15). In the short-term, 41% (n=29) expressed a desire to work in government training centres, with Emirati students significantly more likely to do so (p=0.002). ‘Financial stability’ (80%; n=57) and ‘gaining professional experience’ (76%; n=54) emerged as the most important influences on their short-term career plans. The vast majority of students wished to specialise in dentistry (92%; n=65) in the longer term; logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of specialising in the most popular specialties of Orthodontics and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery were less for the ‘Other’ ethnic group when compared with ‘Emirati’ students (0.26; 95% CI 0.068-0.989; p=0.04). Almost three-quarters of the students overall (72%; n=51) intended to work full-time. ‘High income/financial security’ (97%; n=69), ‘standard of living’ (97%; n=69), ‘work/life balance’ (94%; n=67), and ‘professional fulfilment’ (87%; n=62) were reported by the students as the most influential items affecting their long-term professional career choices.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that students aspire to make a long-term contribution to the profession and there is a high level of interest in specialisation with a desire to achieve financial stability and quality of life.
Application of loop analysis for the qualitative assessment of surveillance and control in veterinary epidemiology
Authors: Collineau Lucie , Duboz Raphaël , Paul Mathilde , Peyre Marisa , Goutard Flavie , Holl Sinel , Roger François
Published: August 2013

Background

Systems for animal disease mitigation involve both surveillance activities and interventions to control the disease. They are complex organizations that are described by partial or imprecise data, making it difficult to evaluate them or make decisions to improve them. A mathematical method, called loop analysis, can be used to model qualitatively the structure and the behavior of dynamic systems; it relies on the study of the sign of the interactions between the components of the system. This method, currently widely used by ecologists, has to our knowledge never been applied in the context of animal disease mitigation systems. The objective of the study was to assess whether loop analysis could be applied to this new context. We first developed a generic model that restricted the applicability of the method to event-based surveillance systems of endemic diseases, excluding the emergence and eradication phases. Then we chose the mitigation system of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in Cambodia as an example of such system to study the application of loop analysis to a real disease mitigation system.

Results

Breaking down the generic model, we constructed a 6-variables model to represent the HPAI H5N1 mitigation system in Cambodia. This construction work improved our understanding of this system, highlighting the link between surveillance and control which is unclear in traditional representations of this system. Then we analyzed the effect of the perturbations to this HPAI H5N1 mitigation system that we interpreted in terms of investment in a given compartment. This study suggested that increasing intervention at a local level can optimize the system’s efficiency. Indeed, this perturbation both decreases surveillance and intervention costs and reduces the disease’s occurrence.

Conclusion

Loop analysis can be applied to disease mitigation systems. Its main strength is that it is easy to design, focusing on the signs of the interactions. It is a simple and flexible tool that could be used as a precursor to large-scale quantitative studies, to support reflection about disease mitigation systems structure and functioning.
Use of dexmedetomidine for prophylactic analgesia and sedation in delayed extubation patients after craniotomy: a study protocol and statistical analysis plan for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhao Li-Hong , Shi Zhong-Hua , Yin Ning-Ning , Zhou Jian-Xin
Published: August 2013

Background

Pain and agitation are common in patients after craniotomy. They can result in tachycardia, hypertension, immunosuppression, increased catecholamine production and increased oxygen consumption. Dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 agonist, provides adequate sedation without respiratory depression, while facilitating frequent neurological evaluation.

Methods/design

The study is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled, parallel-group design. Consecutive patients are randomly assigned to one of the two treatment study groups, labeled ‘Dex group’ or ‘Saline group.’ Dexmedetomidine group patients receive a continuous infusion of 0.6 μg/kg/h (10 ug/ml). Placebo group patients receive a maintenance infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride for injection at a volume and rate equal to that of dexmedetomidine. The mean percentages of time in optimal sedation, vital signs, various and adverse events, the percentage of patients requiring propofol for rescue to achieve/maintain targeted sedation (Sedation-Agitation Scale, SAS 3 to 4) and total dose of propofol required throughout the study drug infusion are collected. The percentage of patients requiring fentanyl for additional rescue to analgesia and total dose of fentanyl required are recorded. The effects of dexmedetomidine on hemodynamic and recovery responses during extubation are measured. Intensive care unit and hospital length of stay also are collected. Plasma levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, cortisol, neuron-specific enolase and S100-B are measured before infusion (T1), at two hours (T2), four hours (T3) and eight hours (T4) after infusion and at the end of infusion (T5) in 20 patients in each group.

Discussion

The study has been initiated as planned in July 2012. One interim analysis advised continuation of the trial. The study will be completed in July 2013.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials (NCT):ChiCTR-PRC-12002903.
Interspecies protein-protein interaction network construction for characterization of host-pathogen interactions: a Candida albicans-zebrafish interaction study
Authors: Wang Yu-Chao , Lin Che , Chuang Ming-Ta , Hsieh Wen-Ping , Lan Chung-Yu , Chuang Yung-Jen , Chen Bor-Sen
Published: August 2013

Background

Despite clinical research and development in the last decades, infectious diseases remain a top global problem in public health today, being responsible for millions of morbidities and mortalities each year. Therefore, many studies have sought to investigate host-pathogen interactions from various viewpoints in attempts to understand pathogenic and defensive mechanisms, which could help control pathogenic infections. However, most of these efforts have focused predominately on the host or the pathogen individually rather than on a simultaneous analysis of both interaction partners.

Results

In this study, with the help of simultaneously quantified time-course Candida albicans-zebrafish interaction transcriptomics and other omics data, a computational framework was developed to construct the interspecies protein-protein interaction (PPI) network for C. albicans-zebrafish interactions based on the inference of ortholog-based PPIs and the dynamic modeling of regulatory responses. The identified C. albicans-zebrafish interspecies PPI network highlights the association between C. albicans pathogenesis and the zebrafish redox process, indicating that redox status is critical in the battle between the host and pathogen.

Conclusions

Advancing from the single-species network construction method, the interspecies network construction approach allows further characterization and elucidation of the host-pathogen interactions. With continued accumulation of interspecies transcriptomics data, the proposed method could be used to explore progressive network rewiring over time, which could benefit the development of network medicine for infectious diseases.
Project Connect Online: Randomized Trial of an Internet-Based Program to Chronicle the Cancer Experience and Facilitate Communication
Authors: Stanton Annette L. , Thompson Elizabeth H. , Crespi Catherine M. , Link John S. , Waisman James R.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Evidence suggests that expressing emotions related to cancer and receiving interpersonal support can promote psychological and physical health in women diagnosed with breast cancer. However, adaptive expression of feelings and communication with one's social network can pose challenges for patients with cancer. We report on a randomized controlled trial of an intervention, Project Connect Online, for patients with breast cancer to create personal Web sites to chronicle their experience and communicate with their social network.

Patients and Methods

Women (N = 88) diagnosed with breast cancer (any stage, any interval since diagnosis) were randomly assigned to participate in a 3-hour workshop for hands-on creation of personal Web sites with a follow-up call to facilitate Web site use, or to a waiting-list control. Assessed before randomization and 6 months after the intervention, dependent variables included depressive symptoms, positive and negative mood, cancer-related intrusive thoughts, and perceived cancer-related benefits in life appreciation and strengthened relationships.

Results

Relative to control participants, women randomly assigned to Project Connect Online evidenced significant benefit 6 months later on depressive symptoms, positive mood, and life appreciation, but not negative mood, perceived strengthened relationships, or intrusive thoughts. Treatment status moderated the intervention effects, such that women currently undergoing medical treatment for cancer benefitted significantly more from the intervention on depressive symptoms and positive mood than did women not receiving treatment.

Conclusion

Findings suggest the promise of an intervention to facilitate the ability of women diagnosed with breast cancer to chronicle their experience and communicate with their social network via the Internet.
Definitive Results of a Phase III Adjuvant Trial Comparing Three Chemotherapy Regimens in Women With Operable, Node-Positive Breast Cancer: The NSABP B-38 Trial
Authors: Swain Sandra M. , Tang Gong , Geyer Charles E. , Rastogi Priya , Atkins James N. , Donnellan Paul P. , Fehrenbacher Louis , Azar Catherine A. , Robidoux André , Polikoff Jonathan A. , Brufsky Adam M. , Biggs David D. , Levine Edward A. , Zapas John L. , Provencher Louise , Northfelt Donald W. , Paik Soonmyung , Costantino Joseph P. , Mamounas Eleftherios P. , Wolmark Norman
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Anthracycline- and taxane-based three-drug chemotherapy regimens have proven benefit as adjuvant therapy for early-stage breast cancer. This trial (NSABP B-38; Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Women Who Have Undergone Surgery for Node-Positive Breast Cancer) asked whether the incorporation of a fourth drug could improve outcomes relative to two standard regimens and provided a direct comparison of those two regimens.

Patients and Methods

We randomly assigned 4,894 women with node-positive early-stage breast cancer to six cycles of docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (TAC), four cycles of dose-dense (DD) doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by four cycles of DD paclitaxel (P; DD AC→P), or DD AC→P with four cycles of gemcitabine (G) added to the DD paclitaxel (DD AC→PG). Primary granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support was required; erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) were used at the investigator's discretion.

Results

There were no significant differences in 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) between DD AC→PG and DD AC→P (80.6% v 82.2%; HR, 1.07; P = .41), between DD AC→PG and TAC (80.6% v 80.1%; HR, 0.93; P = .39), in 5-year overall survival (OS) between DD AC→PG and DD AC→P (90.8% v 89.1%; HR, 0.85; P = .13), between DD AC→PG and TAC (90.8% v 89.6%; HR, 0.86; P = .17), or between DD AC→P versus TAC for DFS (HR, 0.87; P = .07) and OS (HR, 1.01; P = .96). Grade 3 to 4 toxicities for TAC, DD AC→P, and DD AC→PG, respectively, were febrile neutropenia (9%, 3%, 3%; P < .001), sensory neuropathy (< 1%, 7%, 6%; P < .001), and diarrhea (7%, 2%, 2%; P < .001). Exploratory analyses for ESAs showed no association with DFS events (HR, 1.02; P = .95).

Conclusion

Adding G to DD AC→P did not improve outcomes. No significant differences in efficacy were identified between DD AC→P and TAC, although toxicity profiles differed.
Risk-Directed Treatment Intensification Significantly Reduces the Risk of Relapse Among Children and Adolescents With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Intrachromosomal Amplification of Chromosome 21: A Comparison of the MRC ALL97/99 and UKALL2003 Trials
Authors: Moorman Anthony V. , Robinson Hazel , Schwab Claire , Richards Sue M. , Hancock Jeremy , Mitchell Christopher D. , Goulden Nicholas , Vora Ajay , Harrison Christine J.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

To evaluate the effect on outcome of intensifying therapy for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and an intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21 (iAMP21).

Patients and Methods

We report two cohorts of patients treated on Medical Research Council ALL97 or United Kingdom (UK) ALL2003. iAMP21 was identified retrospectively in ALL97 and was not used to guide therapy. However, in UKALL2003, iAMP21 was determined prospectively, and patients were allocated to the most intensive treatment arm (regimen C), which included augmented Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster consolidation, escalating Capizzi maintenance, double delayed intensification, and an option for first remission transplantation. The presence of iAMP21 was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization using probes specific for the RUNX1 gene.

Results

iAMP21 was identified in 2% of patients with B-cell precursor ALL treated on UKALL2003 and ALL97. The event-free survival, relapse, and overall survival rates at 5 years for iAMP21 patients treated on ALL97 and UKALL2003 were 29% and 78%, 70% and 16%, and 67% and 89%, respectively (all P < .01). Patients treated on ALL97 had an increased risk of relapse compared with patients treated on UKALL2003 (hazard ratio, 7.2; 95% CI, 2.91 to 17.87; P < .001).

Conclusion

iAMP21 patients with ALL benefitted from receiving more intensive therapy in UKALL2003. In UKALL2011, they will continue to be treated as cytogenetic high risk, receive intensive chemotherapy (regimen C), and will only be recommended for transplantation if they do not achieve a complete remission by the end of induction therapy. This study illustrates how the discovery and characterization of disease-specific genetic aberrations can be used to tailor therapy more precisely.
A Just Measure of Death?
Authors: Sarkar Tanika
Published: August 2013

Sarkar’s article looks at the Hindu ritual of widow immolation, which colonial law abolished in 1830. It explores the administration of the ritual before abolition and how, in the process of governance, the widow’s consent emerged as a prominent keyword in colonial bureaucratic discourses. It shows the ramifications of the concept of consent, the problem of establishing it, and the consequences of applying it.
Pax7 is regulated by cMyb during early neural crest development through a novel enhancer
Authors: Vadasz Stephanie , Marquez Jonathan , Tulloch Maria , Shylo Natalia A. , García-Castro Martín I.
Published: August 2013

The neural crest (NC) is a migratory population of cells unique to vertebrates that generates many diverse derivatives. NC cells arise during gastrulation at the neural plate border (NPB), which is later elevated as the neural folds (NFs) form and fuse in the dorsal region of the closed neural tube, from where NC cells emigrate. In chick embryos, Pax7 is an early marker, and necessary component of NC development. Unlike other early NPB markers, which are co-expressed in lateral ectoderm, medial neural plate or posterior-lateral mesoderm, Pax7 early expression seems more restricted to the NPB. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling early Pax7 expression remain poorly understood. Here, we identify a novel enhancer of Pax7 in avian embryos that replicates the expression of Pax7 associated with early NC development. Expression from this enhancer is found in early NPB, NFs and early emigrating NC, but unlike Pax7, which is also expressed in mesodermal derivatives, this enhancer is not active in somites. Further analysis demonstrates that cMyb is able to interact with this enhancer and modulates reporter and endogenous early Pax7 expression; thus, cMyb is identified as a novel regulator of Pax7 in early NC development.
Regulation of PDGFC signalling and extracellular matrix composition by FREM1 in mice
Authors: Wiradjaja Fenny , Cottle Denny L. , Jones Lynelle , Smyth Ian
Published: August 2013

Fras1-related extracellular matrix protein 1 (FREM1) is required for epidermal adhesion during embryogenesis, and mice lacking the gene develop fetal skin blisters and a range of other developmental defects. Mutations in members of the FRAS/FREM gene family cause diseases of the Fraser syndrome spectrum. Embryonic epidermal blistering is also observed in mice lacking PdgfC and its receptor, PDGFRα. In this article, we show that FREM1 binds to PDGFC and that this interaction regulates signalling downstream of PDGFRα. Fibroblasts from Frem1-mutant mice respond to PDGFC stimulation, but with a shorter duration and amplitude than do wild-type cells. Significantly, PDGFC-stimulated expression of the metalloproteinase inhibitor Timp1 is reduced in cells with Frem1 mutations, leading to reduced basement membrane collagen I deposition. These results show that the physical interaction of FREM1 with PDGFC can regulate remodelling of the extracellular matrix downstream of PDGFRα. We propose that loss of FREM1 function promotes epidermal blistering in Fraser syndrome as a consequence of reduced PDGFC activity, in addition to its stabilising role in the basement membrane.
Key role of national mentality in international communication process
Authors: Шепелева  , Shepeleva I.
Published: August 2013

The author overviews the main factors concerning human conscience: both individual and collective conscience of the national group concerning the communicative function. Particular reference is being made to priority of national pictures of the world in the process of intercultural communication and need to consider this phenomenon in order to raise the efficiency of international relations on all levels.
Peculiarities of cross-cultural adaptation in forming the communicative space of integrated societal unions
Authors: Балинченко  , Balinchenko C.
Published: August 2013

The article reveals the factors having impact on common space creation as well as on social-cultural codes correlation during integration of societies. There have also been analyzed the mythologemes that define integration processes and lead to forming a monic communicative subject out of the societal union. Different situations of communicative space creation are viewed through the realization of otherness categories.
Professional training of translators and interpreters
Authors: Нижнёва  , Нижнева-Ксенофонтова  , Nizhneva-Ksenofontova N.
Published: August 2013

The article addresses the problem of professional linguistic training of interpreters and translators. The author analyses the changes in the functions of interpreters/translators as specialists in cross-cultural communication and their increasingly important role and responsibility in providing adequate communication between representatives of different cultures and various fields of activities. The author describes the problems of professional linguistic training of translators/interpreters and presents the results of research studies aimed at improving the effectiveness of training.
Visualization of symbols in branding communication
Authors: Кошлякова  , Koshlyakova Mariya
Published: August 2013

The article is devoted to the problem of creating effective branding message. The method of visualization suggested by us is based on the assumption that a human mind using some complicated signs created on one sensor modality will generate new analogue signs of another physical nature of expression plan. Visual instinctive images accumulate personal and collective cultural stereotypes which help revealing some key content meanings and create verbal signs with a more precise expression plan

corresponding with the characteristics of the target brand audience.
Communication components of management and organizational culture of the company
Authors: Рябова  , Ryabova I.
Published: August 2013

The article describes the communication components of the corporate culture. Characterized by specific corporate messages, allowing the management of the company to build a coherent system of business communications with various community groups. Described as important for the formation of organizational and management culture of enterprise concepts such as «mission», «vision», «corporate philosophy,» provides specific examples of their use in business communications.
Wear-out Effect of Construction Equipment and Hand Tools on Workers’ Labor Conditions
Authors: Каверзнева  , Kaverzneva T. , Смирнова  , Smirnova O.
Published: August 2013

The need to assess the impact of construction equipment and hand tool wear and tear on worker’s labor conditions in the construction industry as the most traumatic economic activity has been identified and justified in this paper. The cause-and-effect relationship between the three main types of wear and tear and the labor conditions has been considered and the probability of accident risks due to equipment and tool wear and tear has been characterized as well. It has been proved that physical wear and tear to be the main reason for injuries.
Equipment Reliability Management at Waste Treatment Enterprises
Authors: Мурашов  , Murashov V. , Гонопольский  , Gonopolskiy A. , Федорова  , Fedorova A.
Published: August 2013

The algorithm for program control related to reliability of equipment used at enterprises of waste treatment system is considered in this paper. The problem is solved by means of the software related to a choice of technological, operational and other equipment parameters providing the minimum stream of refusals with a set productivity.
Method activation end date in the past. direction:re
Authors: Новиков  , Novikov A. , Новиков  , Novikov V. , Новиков  , Novikov S.
Published: August 2013

With introduction of new technologies for drinking water disinfecting the need for liquid chlorine disappeared, however, nobody was engaged in the problem related to utilization of its remains in vessels (cylinders, containers). The technology of emergency vessel bleeding and chlorine neutralization by a chemical method is offered.
New forms of institutions as a means of public sector transformation of Russia
Authors: Басовский  , Basovskiy Leonid , Панин  , Panin Vladimir
Published: August 2013

Changing forms of state and local government agencies led to the transformation of the public sector. Economic independence of institutions changed their economic behavior. The study revealed that the economic goals of institutions are growth and profit. The economic behavior of institutions can be described in terms of managerial models of firms. Approximate the behavior of institutions in the markets can be produced using the neoclassical theory of the firm. To achieve its goals of the institution may use planning based on marginal approach. Using the theory of the firm predicts the behavior of institutions. Using the theory of the firm predicts the behavior of institutions. Establishments can use for achievement of the purposes planning on the basis of marginal approach. This suggests an increase in the variety of services and changes in pricing policy. Pricing policy will focus on the demand of consumers and rising prices. It is necessary to expect increase in norms of work of the personnel that can be interfaced to decrease in quality of services.