bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Athletic Activity on Hormone Levels in High School Female Athletes
Authors: Wojtys Edward M. , Jannausch Mary L. , Kreinbrink Jennifer L. , Sowers Maryfran R.
Published: September 2013

Objectives:

Circulating endogenous hormone levels may affect the susceptibility of female athletes to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. This study tested the hypotheses that (1) the estradiol-progesterone profile of high school females participating in training, conditioning, and competition differs significantly from that of physically inactive age-matched females over a 3-month period; and (2) athletic training/conditioning alters body composition (muscle, bone), leading to an increasingly greater lean body mass to fat mass ratio and accompanying hormone change.

Methods:

One-hundred six women, ages 14-18 years, were prospectively monitored over a 13-week period with weekly physical activity assessments and 15 urine samples for estrogen (E1c), luteinizing hormone (LH) creatine (Cr), and progesterone (PdG) levels. Each underwent lower extremity strength tests and body composition measurements, both prior to and after the study period.

Results:

Seventy-four of the 98 women who completed the study classified themselves as athletes. Body-mass index, weight and fat measures remained stable over the course of the study. Seventeen women had no complete menstrual cycle during the observation period. Mean levels of log(E1c/Cr) were slightly higher in nonathletes in cycles <24 or >35 days. Mean log(PdG/Cr) levels in nonathletes were lower in the first half and higher in the second half of the cycle, but the differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

In this cohort of high school females, the level of athletic or physical activity did not influence urine concentrations of estrogen, progesterone or luteinizing hormones. A significant number (17%) of women in both groups were amenorrheic during the 3-month study period.
The Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Division I University Sports Medicine Program
Authors: Huston Kellen L. , Cutuk Adnan , Kaar Scott G.
Published: September 2013

Objectives:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is commonly used for examination of soft tissue and some bony injuries. MRIs are seemingly ordered more commonly and sooner after injury diagnosis in athletes than in the general population. There is no published data or guidelines regarding the use of MRI in this patient population. The purpose of this study was to prospectively document musculoskeletal MRI use and its effect on diagnosis, playing status and treatment of athletes at a division I university sports program. We hypothesized that MRI is commonly used early in the injury course and often has little or no effect on the diagnosis or treatment plan for most injuries.

Methods:

Data was collected of musculoskeletal MRI use in varsity student athletes for 2 full academic years from 2010-12 at a NCAA Division I institution. Data collected included timing of the injury and physician visit as well as pre and post-MRI diagnosis, playing status and treatment.

Results:

86 MRI’s were obtained during the 2 years studied. Average age was 19.9 (18-23). 45 percent of injuries occurred during competition season, 34% pre-season and 21% post-season. No statistically significant difference was seen with respect to pre-MRI vs post-MRI diagnosis, treatment or participation status (p>.05) With removal of the 15 MRI’s obtained for preoperative planning no significance was again seen with regards to pre-MRI post-MRI diagnosis, participation status or treatment (p>.05). There was a change in diagnosis in 13 athletes (only 1 led to surgery performed after completion of the season) and there was a change in participation status in 8 athletes (5 increased, 3 decreased). No athlete required surgery immediately following an MRI that wasn’t already being planned.

Conclusion:

The use of MRI in a division I sports medicine athletic program rarely changed diagnosis, treatment or playing status of an athlete. MRI did not demonstrate significant benefit over history and physical examination. The role of MRI in athletes is mainly for pre-surgical planning and reassurance of the athlete, athletic training.
Cost Benefit Analysis of Sports Medicine Team Coverage
Authors: Tjoumakaris Fotios P. , Eck Brandon , Freedman Kevin B. , Pepe Matthew D. , Austin Luke , Tucker Bradford S.
Published: September 2013

Objectives:

Coverage of high school athletic football by orthopaedic sports medicine specialists is considered standard of care in many localities. Taking time away from an orthopaedic practice to provide on field athletic care has potential advantages and disadvantages. Determining the economic viability of this endeavor has never been investigated. The purpose of the present investigation was to perform a cost/benefit risk analysis of local high school sports coverage by an orthopaedic sports medicine practice.

Methods:

From January 2010 to June 2012, a prospective injury report database was used to collect sports injuries from five high school athletic programs covered by a single orthopaedic sports medicine practice. Patients referred for orthopaedic care were then tracked to determine ultimate cost of care (potential revenue). Evaluation and management codes and current procedure terminology codes were obtained to determine the value of physician visits and surgical care rendered using standardized Medicare reimbursement rates. Total values were also analyzed in respect to visits and surgical treatments for the covering practice during this time period. Direct costs were estimated based on physician time required for team coverage and hourly reimbursement rates for orthopaedic surgeons, based on previously reported hourly reimbursement rates.

Results:

19,165 athletic trainer evaluations resulted in 473 (2.5%) physician referrals. 185 (39%) of these referrals were to an orthopaedic surgeon. Of the physician referrals, 26 (5.4%) required orthopaedic surgical treatment. The covering team practice handled 89/185 (48%) of the orthopaedic referrals, and handled 17/26 (65%) of the patients that required surgical treatment. The total cost of orthopaedic care for the athletes requiring treatment was $44,239.94 (total potential revenue). The total revenue collected by the covering team practice was $26,226.14 (actual revenue). The cost of a covering team physician for the required hours of coverage was $12,627.81 (overhead). Overall profit of orthopaedic visits and treatment during this period for the covering practice was $13,598.33 (actual revenue - overhead). Total possible profit during the treatment period was $31,612.13 (total potential revenue - overhead). Based on actual revenue collections, the hourly wage of the sports medicine surgeon was calculated to be $116.24.

Conclusion:

A potentially profitable and personally beneficial engagement with local athletes can lead to a symbiotic relationship between physicians and their local communities. The covering team practice handled 48% of the orthopaedic referrals, 65% of the surgical cases, and captured 43% of the potential profit. The hourly rate of reimbursement calculated based on this revenue for the covering team physician is only slightly higher to that found in a prior study.
Effect of incorporation of clay and zinc oxide nanoparticles on oxygen barrier properties of polypropylene sheet
Authors: Atayev Parahat , Oner Mualla
Published: September 2013

The oxygen permeation properties of polypropylene nanocomposites were examined to compare their oxygen-barrier performance as affected by temperature (25–50℃), relative humidity (0–50% RH), and nanoparticle contents. Polypropylene/clay, polypropylene/ZnO composites and polypropylene/clay/ZnO ternary nanocomposites were prepared with different compositions by melt compounding to determine the optimum amount of nanoparticles. The results showed that at low temperatures, the effect of both clay and ZnO nanoparticles on oxygen barrier properties of polypropylene was very low. The resulting PP nanocomposites showed increase in oxygen permeability as temperature increased, with an Arrhenius behavior, and activation energy of 43.9–44.7 kJ/mol. The differential scanning calorimetry results indicated that the addition of clay and ZnO nanoparticles in composites slightly decreased melting temperature ( Tm) and crystallinity ( Xc%). It was found that ternary nanocomposite prepared by incorporating 5 wt% of nanoclay and surface treated 1 wt% ZnO to polypropylene had the lowest gas permeability and its oxygen permeability was 24.5% lower than that of pristine polypropylene at 50℃.
Donor-derived CD19-targeted T cells cause regression of malignancy persisting after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Kochenderfer James N. , Dudley Mark E. , Carpenter Robert O. , Kassim Sadik H. , Rose Jeremy J. , Telford William G. , Hakim Frances T. , Halverson David C. , Fowler Daniel H. , Hardy Nancy M. , Mato Anthony R. , Hickstein Dennis D. , Gea-Banacloche Juan C. , Pavletic Steven Z. , Sportes Claude , Maric Irina , Feldman Steven A. , Hansen Brenna G. , Wilder Jennifer S. , Blacklock-Schuver Bazetta , Jena Bipulendu , Bishop Michael R. , Gress Ronald E. , Rosenberg Steven A.
Published: September 2013

Key Points

Donor-derived anti-CD19-CAR T cells cause regressions of refractory malignancies after allogeneic transplantation.
Glomerular C1q deposition and serum anti-C1q antibodies in anti-glomerular basement membrane disease
Authors: Hu Shui-yi , Jia Xiao-yu , Yang Xiao-wei , Yu Feng , Cui Zhao , Zhao Ming-hui
Published: September 2013

Background

Anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease is a well-known antibody-induced autoimmune disease. A few patients have glomerular C1q deposition, but it is usually absent on renal histopathology. The role of C1q deposition in kidney injury is unclear. Recently, anti-C1q antibodies are demonstrated to be pathogenic in the target organ damage of many autoimmune diseases, by facilitating C1q deposition and enhancing complement activation via classical pathway. In the current study, we investigated the associations between anti-C1q antibodies in sera and C1q deposition in kidney of patients with anti-GBM disease.

Results

It was shown that the severity of kidney injury was comparable between patients with and without C1q deposition, including the prevalence of oliguria/auria, the median percentage of crescents in glomeruli and the mean concentration of serum creatinine. Serum anti-C1q antibodies were detected in 15/25 (60%) patients with a low titer. The prevalence of C1q deposition in kidney was comparable between patients with and without serum anti-C1q antibodies (26.7% vs. 30.0%, p > 0.05). No association was found between anti-C1q antibodies and the severity of kidney injury.

Conclusions

The classical pathway of complement may not play a pathogenic role in the kidney injury of human anti-GBM disease. Anti-C1q antibodies could be detected in more than half of patients, which need further investigations.
Novel aspects of glutamine synthetase (GS) regulation revealed by a detailed expression analysis of the entire GS gene family of Medicago truncatulaunder different physiological conditions
Authors: Seabra Ana R , Silva Liliana S , Carvalho Helena G
Published: September 2013

Background

Glutamine Synthetase (GS, EC 6.3.1.2) is a central enzyme in nitrogen metabolism, and a key component of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and plant yield and thus it is extremely important to understand how it is regulated in plants. Medicago truncatula provides an excellent model system to study GS, as it contain a very simple GS gene family comprising only four expressed genes, MtGS1a and MtGS1b encoding cytosolic polypeptides, and MtGS2a and MtGS2b encoding plastid-located enzymes. To identify new regulatory mechanisms controlling GS activity, we performed a detailed expression analysis of the entire GS gene family of M. truncatula in the major organs of the plant, over a time course of nodule or seed development and during a diurnal cycle.

Results

Individual GS transcripts were quantified by qRT-PCR, and GS polypeptides and holoenzymes were evaluated by western blot and in-gel activity under native electrophoresis. These studies revealed that all four GS genes are differentially regulated in each organ of the plant, in a developmental manner, and identified new regulatory controls, which appear to be specific to certain metabolic contexts. Studies of the protein profiles showed that the GS polypeptides assemble into organ-specific protein complexes and suffer organ-specific post-translational modifications under defined physiological conditions. Our studies also reveal that GS expression and activity are modulated during a diurnal cycle. The biochemical properties of the four isoenzymes were determined and are discussed in relation to their function in the plant.

Conclusions

This work provides a comprehensive overview of GS expression and regulation in the model legume M. truncatula, contributing to a better understanding of the specific function of individual isoenzymes and to the identification of novel organ-specific post-translational mechanisms of GS regulation. We demonstrate that the GS proteins are modified and/or integrated into protein-complexes that assemble into a specific composition in particular organs of the plant. Taken together, the results presented here open new avenues to explore the regulatory mechanisms controlling GS activity in plants, a subject of major importance due to the crucial importance of the enzyme for plant growth and productivity.
Older adults with acquired brain injury: a population based study
Authors: Chan Vincy , Zagorski Brandon , Parsons Daria , Colantonio Angela
Published: September 2013

Background

Acquired brain injury (ABI), which includes traumatic (TBI) and non-traumatic brain injury (nTBI), is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The objective of this study was to examine the trends, characteristics, cause of brain injury, and discharge destination of hospitalized older adults aged 65 years and older with an ABI diagnosis in a population with universal access to hospital care. The profile of characteristics of patients with TBI and nTBI causes of injury was also compared.

Methods

A population based retrospective cohort study design with healthcare administrative databases was used. Data on acute care admissions were obtained from the Discharge Abstract Database and patients were identified using the International Classification of Diseases – Version 10 codes for Ontario, Canada from April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2010. Older adults were examined in three age groups – 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and 85+ years.

Results

From 2003/04 to 2009/10, there were 14,518 episodes of acute care associated with a TBI code and 51, 233 episodes with a nTBI code. Overall, the rate of hospitalized TBI and nTBI episodes increased with older age groups. From 2007/08 to 2009/10, the percentage of patients that stayed in acute care for 12 days or more and the percentage of patients with delayed discharge from acute care increased with age. The most common cause of TBI was falls while the most common type of nTBI was brain tumours. The percentage of patients discharged to long term care and complex continuing care increased with age and the percentage discharged home decreased with age. In-hospital mortality also increased with age. Older adults with TBI and nTBI differed significantly in demographic and clinical characteristics and discharge destination from acute care.

Conclusions

This study showed an increased rate of acute care admissions for both TBI and nTBI with age. It also provided additional support for falls prevention strategies to prevent injury leading to cognitive disability with costly human and economic consequences. Implications for increased numbers of people with ABI are discussed.
Bodyweight loss in predicting neonatal hyperbilirubinemia 72 hours after birth in term newborn infants
Authors: Yang Wen-Chieh , Zhao Lu-Lu , Li Yu-Cheng , Chen Chi-Hua , Chang Yu-Jun , Fu Yun-Ching , Wu Han-Ping
Published: September 2013

Background

Severe dehydration is generally believed to be a cause of significant hyperbilirubinemia in newborn babies. This study aimed to analyze the weight loss of healthy term newborn infants at 24, 48 and 72 hours after birth to predict significant hyperbilirubinemia at 72 hours.

Methods

From January 2007 to December 2008, we conducted this retrospective chart review by measuring total bilirubin (transcutaneous and serum) in 343 healthy, term newborns with a birth body weight of more than 2500 g. We then analyzed the association between body weight loss (BWL) and significant hyperbilirubinemia (total bilirubin more than 15 mg/dL) 72 hours after birth. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the appropriate cutoff BWL percentages on the first three days after birth for the prediction of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia 72 hours after birth.

Results

A total of 115 (33.5%) neonates presented with significant hyperbilirubinemia 72 hours after birth, and the percentages of BWL on the first three days were all higher than those in the non-significant hyperbilirubinemia group (allp < 0.05). Breastfeeding was not statistically correlated with significant hyperbilirubinemia (p=0.86). To predict significant hyperbilirubinemia 72 hours after birth, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the optimum cutoff BWL percentages were 4.48% on the first day of life (sensitivity: 43%, specificity: 70%, positive likelihood ratio [LR+]: 1.43, and negative likelihood ratio [LR-]: 0.82), 7.60% on day 2 (sensitivity: 47%, specificity: 74%, LR+: 1.81, LR-: 0.72), and 8.15% on day 3 (sensitivity: 57%, specificity: 70%, LR+: 1.92, LR-: 0.61) (allp < 0.05).

Conclusions

BWL on the first three days after birth may be a predisposing factor for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, and may also serve as a helpful clinical factor to prevent significant hyperbilirubinemia 72 hours after birth. The optimal BWL cutoff percentages on the first three days after birth presented in this study may predict hyperbilirubinemia and indicate the need for supplementary feeding.
Self-perceived sleepiness in emergency training physicians: prevalence and relationship with quality of life
Authors: Belayachi Jihane , Benjelloun Oumama , Madani Naoufel , Abidi Khalid , Dendane Tarek , Zeggwagh Amine Ali , Abouqal Redouane
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Sleep deprivation among training physicians is of growing concern; training physicians are susceptible due to their prolonged work hours and rotating work schedules. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of self-perceived sleepiness in emergency training physicians, and to establish a relationship between self-perceived sleepiness, and quality of life.

Methods

Prospective survey in Ibn Sina University hospital Center in Morocco from January to April 2011 was conducted. Questionnaires pertaining to socio-demographic, general, and sleep characteristics were completed by training physician who ensured emergency service during the month preceding the survey. They completed the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) which assessed the self-perceived sleepiness, and the EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) scale which assessed the general quality of life.

Results

Total 81 subjects (49 men and 32 women) were enrolled with mean age of 26.1 ± 3.4 years. No sleepiness was found in 24.7% (n = 20), excessive sleepiness 39.5% (n = 32), and severe sleepiness in 35.8% (n = 29) of training physicians. After adjusting for multiple confounding variables, four independent variables were associated with poorer quality of life index in training physician; unmarried (ß −0.2, 95% CI −0.36 to −0.02; P = 0.02), no physic exercise (ß −0.2, 95% CI −0.39 to 0.006; P = 0.04), shift-off sleep hour less than 6 hours (ß −0.13, 95% CI −0.24 to −0.02; P = 0.01), and severe sleep deprivation(ß −0.2, 95% CI −0.38 to −0.2; P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Nearly two third of training physicians had suffered from sleepiness. There is an association between poor quality of life and severe sleepiness in unmarried physicians, sleeping less than 6 hours in shift-off day, and doing no physical activity.
Toxoplasma gondii prevalence in food animals and rodents in different regions of China: isolation, genotyping and mouse pathogenicity
Authors: Wang Lin , Cheng Hua-Wei , Huang Kai-Quan , Xu Yuan-Hong , Li Yong-Nian , Du Jian , Yu Li , Luo Qing-Li , Wei Wei , Jiang Ling , Shen Ji-Long
Published: September 2013

Background

Recent studies of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from animals in different regions of China have shown a limited genetic diversity and type China 1 was the dominant genotype of T. gondii prevalent in Chinese animals. However, little has been known concerning the isolation and genotyping of T. gondii circulating in chickens, pigs and rodents in China. The aim of the study was to characterize samples of T. gondii isolates obtained from naturally infected cats, pigs and free-range chickens slaughtered for human consumption in China.

Methods

In the present study, brain tissues of 77 animals collected from different areas of China, including 24 free-range chickens (Gallus domesticus) , 13 voles (Rattus flavipectus), 23 pigs and 17 cats, were bioassayed in mice and viable T. gondii were isolated from the brains of eleven. These eleven T. gondii isolates were maintained in Kunming (KM) outbred mice and DNA isolated from tissues of infected mice was characterized using 11 PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) markers: SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, Apico, and CS3. Moreover, to determine mouse virulence of China 1 lineage of parasites, a TgCtgy5 genotype isolate was selected randomly and assessed in KM mice with different inoculation doses.

Results

Results of genotyping revealed that ten isolates were type China 1 (ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotype #9), and TgCksz1 was a new genotype that was reported for the first time designated here as ToxoDB PCR-RFLP #225. No clonal types I, II and III lineages were found. DNA sequencing of four introns (EF1, HP2, UPRT1 and UPRT7) and two genes (GRA6 and GRA7) from representative isolates confirmed the results of PCR-RFLP genotyping. The TgCtgy5 isolate was highly virulent in KM mice; all infected mice died of acute toxoplasmosis, irrespective of the inoculation dose. The results indicate that mouse virulent isolates of T. gondii are predominantly circulating in cats in China.

Conclusions

T. gondii isolated from chickens, pigs, cats and rodents in different locations in China were genotyped and the results reconfirmed the limited diversity of T. gondii in China and showed that type China 1 lineage was dominant in this country.
Muscle free amino acid profiles are related to differences in skeletal muscle growth between single and twin ovine fetuses near term
Authors: Sales Francisco , Pacheco David , Blair Hugh , Kenyon Paul , McCoard Sue
Published: September 2013

Twin sheep fetuses have reduced skeletal muscle weight near birth relative to singles as a result of restricted muscle hypertrophy. Intracellular free amino acids (FAA) are reported to regulate metabolic pathways which control muscle protein accretion, whereby reduced intracellular content of specific FAA may reduce their activation and therefore, muscle hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to determine whether differences in muscle weight between singleton and twin fetuses, under different maternal conditions is associated with reduced concentration of specific FAA. The FAA content in the semitendinosus muscle (ST) in singleton and twin fetuses (rank) at 140 days of gestation from heavy (H) or light (L) ewes fed ad libitum (A) or maintenance (M) level of nutrition was measured. Muscle weight was reduced in twin fetuses compared to singletons in all groups. Reduced concentrations of leucine, threonine and valine, but higher concentrations of methionine, ornithine, lysine and serine were found in twin fetuses compared to singletons. Maternal size and nutrition interaction with rank resulted in reduced glutamine in twins from HM-ewes (H-ewes under M nutrition) compared to their singleton counterparts. Maternal weight interaction with pregnancy rank reduced the concentration of arginine in twins, with a larger effect on H-ewes compared with L-ewes. Maternal size interaction with pregnancy rank resulted in twins from M-ewes to have lower alanine, while twins from A-ewes had lower aspartic acid concentration compared to singletons. The ST muscle weight was positively correlated only with arginine concentration after taking into account rank, size and nutrition. The present results indicate that reduced concentrations of specific intracellular FAA, such as arginine, leucine, valine, glutamine, which are known to play a role in muscle growth, could be acting as limiting factors for muscle hypertrophy in twin fetuses during late gestation. Ewe size and nutrition can influence the concentration of specific FAA in muscle and should be considered in any intervention plan to improve twin fetal muscle growth.
Circulating Irisin in Relation to Insulin Resistance and the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Hee Park Kyung , Zaichenko Lesya , Brinkoetter Mary , Thakkar Bindiya , Sahin-Efe Ayse , Joung Kyoung Eun , Tsoukas Michael A. , Geladari Eleni V. , Huh Joo Young , Dincer Fadime , Davis Cynthia R. , Crowell Judith A. , Mantzoros Christos S.
Published: September 2013

Context:

Irisin, a recently identified hormone, has been proposed to regulate energy homeostasis and obesity in mice. Whether irisin levels are associated with risk of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), cardiometabolic variables, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in humans remains unknown.

Objective:

Our objective was to assess the associations between baseline serum irisin levels and MetS, cardiometabolic variables, and CVD risk.

Design, Setting, and Subjects:

We conducted a comparative cross-sectional evaluation of baseline circulating levels of the novel hormone irisin and the established adipokine adiponectin with MetS, cardiometabolic variables, and CVD risk in a sample of 151 subjects.

Results:

Baseline irisin levels were significantly higher in subjects with MetS than in subjects without MetS. Irisin was associated negatively with adiponectin (r = −0.4, P < .001) and positively with body mass index (r = 0.22, P = .008), systolic (r = 0.17, P = .04) and diastolic (r = 0.27, P = .001) blood pressure, fasting glucose (r = 0.25, P = .002), triglycerides (r = 0.25, P = .003), and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (r = 0.33, P < .001). After adjustment for potential confounders, including body mass index, subjects in the highest tertile of irisin levels were more likely to have MetS (odds ratio [OR] = 9.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.66–33.44), elevated fasting blood glucose (OR = 5.80, 95% CI = 1.72–19.60), high triglycerides (OR = 3.89, 95% CI = 1.16–13.03), and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR = 3.30, 95% CI = 1.18–9.20). Irisin was independently associated with homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance and general Framingham risk profile in multiple linear regression analyses after adjustment for confounders. Adiponectin demonstrated the expected associations with outcomes.

Conclusions:

Irisin is associated with increased risk of MetS, cardiometabolic variables, and CVD in humans, indicating either increased secretion by adipose/muscle tissue and/or a compensatory increase of irisin to overcome an underlying irisin resistance in these subjects.
A medial approach for open redo groin surgery for varicose vein recurrence
Authors: Nelzén O.
Published: September 2013

Aims: To describe the technique of a medial approach for redo groin surgery for varicose vein recurrence and to report the one year prospective results for this procedure.

Method: The standardised technique employed is described. Prospective one year data regarding the effectiveness of this procedure was taken from a one year audit performed 2009–2010 at Skaraborg Hospital. Details regarding this patient cohort and the surgery performed were registered. The outcome was measured by using venous clinical severity score (VCSS) and the disease specific quality of life was measured with the Aberdeen varicose vein questionnaire (AVVQ). Venous duplex ultrasound scanning (DUS) was performed preoperatively, after 4–6 weeks and after one year.

Results: Out of 255 venous operations 34 regarded redo groin surgery and these were assessed. Females dominated 25/34 and the median age was 55 years (range 26–80). All patients had a probable stump according to DUS. CEAP C3-C4 dominated 28 patients/ legs and C5-C6 in 4 legs. The median operating time was 69 minutes (range 35–120) and the operating time was significantly correlated to the number of incisions (p<0.001). The complication rate was 15 %, including 2 wound infections but no DVT or lymph leakage. Both the VCSS and the AVVQ scores were significantly improved after one year (p<0.001). After one year DUS detected recurrence in the groin was observed in 19 %, mostly neovascularisation.

Conclusion: Redo groin surgery by a standardised medial approach is a safe and not an especially technically demanding technique that can be performed reasonably rapidly. The one year results are promising and the early DUS recurrence rate seems low.
Primary varicosis and venous malformation in the genital area
Authors: Faerber G. , Weber J. , Loose D. A.
Published: September 2013

Die Pathogenese der primären Varikose und besonders auch der congenitalen vaskulären Malformationen im Genitalbereich ist bestimmt durch hämodynamische und hormonelle Faktoren. Sowohl eine primäre Varikose als auch eine sekundäre Varikose bei Gonadalveneninsuffizienz können zu ausgedehnten Vulvavarikositäten mit erheblichen Stauungsbeschwerden führen (Pelvines Stauungssyndrom).

Congenitale venöse Malformationen im Genitalbereich treten sowohl isoliert als auch in Verbindung mit venösen Malformationen der benachbarten Regionen auf und sollten so früh wie möglich behandelt werden. Entsprechend sind in den vergangenen Jahren unterschiedliche Behandlungstaktiken erarbeitet worden, wobei aktuell nach der interventionell radiologischen Okklusionsbehandlung der Gonadalveneninsuffizienz die Sklerotherapie der Vulvavarikositäten primär oder in Ergänzung mit der gefäßchirurgischen Extirpation der Venektasien zu empfehlen ist. Das betrifft auch die venösen Malformationen im Genitalbereich.
40 Years of public management reform in UK central government – promises, promises …
Authors: Pollitt Christopher
Published: September 2013

Despite the UK’s leading role in public management reform, and decades of continuous change, little has been learned of the final outcomes. Our understandings of the impacts are fragmentary. A theoretical explanation has three elements. The first comprises the inherent technical and methodological difficulties of evaluating complex major organisational change over time. The second identifies reasons why it is unlikely that most executive politicians will invest energy in systematic evaluation. The third emphases specific institutional features of organisational reform in UK central government. Changes can be made and remade with (comparative) ease – tempting elites constantly to reinvent.
All tools are informational now: how information and persuasion define the tools of government
Authors: John Peter
Published: September 2013

The toolbox of governments increasingly resembles a set of informational cues and prompts. Governments and other public sector organisations realise that the traditional tools of government, such as law and finance, need a supportive informational context to be effective. Recent developments in British government show that the distinction between nudge-like interventions and the traditional policy instruments cannot be sustained. These informational resources have increased the capacity of government and they can help alleviate the problems of top-down forms of intervention. In short, an informational focus to the tools of government can enhance more traditional forms of intervention.
Toward policy coordination: alternatives to hierarchy
Authors: Peters B. Guy
Published: September 2013

Coordination has been a continuing challenge to governments. This paper examines the nature of those challenges, and proceeds to consider the possibilities for a theory of coordination. In particular the paper considers means of overcoming the collective action problems involved in coordination through means other than hierarchy. Several alternative mechanisms for producing greater coordination in policy are examined, and then situated in their broader political and organisational contexts.
Governing local partnerships: does external steering help local agencies address wicked problems?
Authors: Martin Steve , Guarneros-Meza Valeria
Published: September 2013

Partnerships have played an increasingly prominent role in local governance and there has been considerable debate about the impact which self-organising capacity and government intervention have on their effectiveness. This paper examines what kinds of self-steering local public service partnerships require in order to address intractable public policy problems, and whether external steering by government helps or hinders them. It concludes that ‘soft steering’ by government can be instrumental in establishing and mobilising partnerships. The type of self-steering they deploy depends on the context in which they operate and the kinds of collaborative activities they attempt.
Reflections on contemporary debates in policy studies
Authors: Ayres Sarah , Marsh Alex
Published: September 2013

This article offers reflections on contemporary debates in policy studies. It starts by mapping the contours of the terrain covered by Policy & Politics over the last 40 years. It does so under four headings: (1) theorising policy (2) evidence and the policy process (3) transforming structures and processes and (4) implementation and practice. It then uses these headings to draw out themes from the articles comprising this 40th anniversary special issue. We conclude by arguing for greater tolerance of diversity in theoretical and empirical enquiry and for continued reflection on the foundational assumptions of the field of policy studies.
Pulping-tailored fiber properties from a novel Brazilian Eucalyptus hybrid
Authors: Muguet Marcelo Coelho dos Santos , Gomes Fernando José Borges , Ruuttunen Kyösti , Johansson Leena-Sisko , Jääskeläinen Anna-Stiina , Colodette Jorge Luiz , Vuorinen Tapani
Published: September 2013

The chemical composition and morphology of pulp fibers have a significant impact on the properties of fiber products. Pulp samples from a novel unique Eucalyptus triple hybrid [Eucalyptus grandis × (Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus globulus)] were obtained by various pulping processes – kraft, soda-anthraquinone (NaOH-AQ), and thermomechanical pulping (TMP). The chemical composition of the fiber surfaces was evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surface lignin content of NaOH-AQ pulp fibers was lower than that of the kraft counterpart. However, kraft pulp handsheets showed better physical and mechanical properties. XPS data strongly suggests that together with the pulp bulk chemical composition the xylan is more abundant on the surface of kraft fibers, which is reflected on their better mechanical properties. Moreover, the relatively low surface lignin content in TMP pulp compared to wood suggests that defibration takes place in the secondary wall, where lignin is less concentrated.
Spiritual Narratives in Beethoven’s Quartet, Op. 132
Authors: Ito John Paul
Published: September 2013

This paper, taking its cue from the movement’s heading, reads the “Heiliger Dankgesang” from Beethoven’s String Quartet, op. 132, in terms of spirituality, divinity, and death, following a formal narrative understood in terms of Eastern-influenced conceptions of death and afterlife found in Beethoven’s Tagebuch. It has often been noted that the movements of op. 132 present extremely strong contrasts with one another, and this paper draws connections between the narrative shapes of the various movements and several of the quite varied spiritual perspectives explored by Beethoven. Viewed in this way, op. 132 synthesizes two of the areas in which Maynard Solomon has argued that Beethoven was open to multiple contrasting and even contradictory possibilities—the musical and the spiritual. The contrasts and conflicts among the movements and among the spiritual narratives that they suggest add new dimensions to inter-opus connections as well, giving new depth to the intertextual relationship between the String Quartet, op. 132, and the Ninth Symphony.
Faith Healing, Medical Regulation, and Public Religion in Progressive Era Chicago
Authors: Gloege Timothy E. W.
Published: September 2013

This essay examines a six-year campaign against the radical faith healer John Alexander Dowie mounted in the 1890s by Chicago doctors, public health officials, and their “respectable” middle-class allies. The incident demonstrates the important role of religion in the process of medical professionalization. Medical professionals established cultural authority by aligning themselves with a broader discourse of “orthodoxy”—an ill-defined set of beliefs and practices thought necessary to maintain social order. Protestants used this discourse both to exclude outsiders and unite elites across denominational lines. An initial attempt to prosecute Dowie based on legalistic claims of practicing medicine without a license led to a backlash against medical professionals by middle-class Protestants who believed it compromised the integrity of religious liberty. This suggests that the growing efficacy of medical advances was an insufficient basis of social authority. Only when medical professionals self-consciously aligned themselves with the Protestant establishment and portrayed themselves as defenders of the social order (focused especially on the integrity of the family) were they able to rally the middle classes to their cause. This shift in rhetoric was an important step in the process of creating a discourse of “orthodox” medicine. It helped grant medical professionals the right to oversee the public body just as elite Protestants superintended its soul.
Capacidade de combinação de genitores de batata para caracteres de aparência e rendimento de tubérculos
Authors: Silva Giovani Olegário da , Ney Vicenti Gonçalves , Terres Laerte Reis , Pereira Arione da Silva , Suinaga Fábio Akiyoshi
Published: September 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar as capacidades de combinação de genitores de batata, em gerações iniciais de seleção. Os experimentos foram realizados em Pelotas e Canoinhas. Foram estudadas 12 famílias, derivadas de dois grupos de genitores, cruzados em esquema dialelo parcial (3 x 4) 'Eliza', 'C-1730-7-94' e 'C-1742-8-95'; 'Shepody', 'Asterix', 'White Lady' e 'Caesar'. As famílias foram avaliadas, na geração de plântula e na primeira geração de campo, para caracteres componentes de aparência e rendimento de tubérculos. Os dados foram submetidos às análises de variância e dialélica parcial. No conjunto de caracteres avaliados, verificou-se superioridade de efeitos significativos para a capacidade geral de combinação, em relação à capacidade específica de combinação, indicando predominância de efeitos aditivos dos genes, no controle dos caracteres. Em relação à capacidade geral de combinação, 'White Lady' é o genitor mais destacado positivamente, contribuindo com genes de ação aditiva para a melhoria, tanto dos caracteres que compõem a aparência dos tubérculos, quanto dos caracteres de rendimento. Quanto à capacidade específica de combinação, o cruzamento ('C1730-7-94' x 'White Lady') é o mais indicado para a geração de famílias superiores quanto a caracteres de aparência e a caracteres componentes do rendimento de tubérculos.
Análise de crescimento e produtividade do pak choi cultivado sob diferentes doses de nitrogênio
Authors: Dartora Janaína , Guimarães Vandeir Francisco , Echer Márcia de Moraes , Pauletti Daiana Raquel , Marini Deniele
Published: September 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de diferentes doses de nitrogênio no crescimento e produtividade do pak choi. O experimento foi conduzido, em cultivo protegido, de outubro a novembro de 2007, em Marechal Cândido Rondon, PR. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos (0, 60, 105, 150 e 195 kg ha-1 de N) e quatro repetições. O nitrogênio foi aplicado em três diferentes épocas (transplantio, 7 e 14 dias após o transplantio). Foram realizadas cinco coletas das plantas, semanalmente, avaliando-se a produção de massa da matéria seca e área foliar, para obtenção das taxas de crescimento absoluto e relativo, taxa assimilatória líquida, razão de área foliar e área foliar específica. Na colheita, foram avaliados altura da planta, diâmetro e matéria fresca da parte aérea e produtividade. Incrementos na adubação nitrogenada até a dose de 195 kg ha-1 proporcionam incrementos no crescimento e produtividade do pak choi.
Severidade de doenças foliares e produtividade de genótipos de milho em resposta à adubação nitrogenada
Authors: Santos Gil Rodrigues dos , Gama Francismar Rodrigues , Gonçalves Clebson Gomes , Rodrigues Artenisa Cerqueira , Leão Evelynne Urzedo , Cardon Carlos Henrique , Bonifacio Aurenivia
Published: September 2013

As doenças foliares, principalmente, helmintosporiose (Bipolaris spp.), antracnose (Colletotrichum graminicola) e ferrugem (Puccinia spp.), podem ocasionar redução do rendimento da cultura do milho. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ocorrência e severidade de helmintosporiose, antracnose e ferrugem, bem como a produtividade de genótipos de milho, em resposta a doses crescentes de nitrogênio. Avaliou-se a severidade das doenças, utilizando-se escala de notas, em nove genótipos de milho (AG9040, AG7088, 30F35, 3F624, 1F583, 1F632, 1F557, 1F640 e ID219), submetidos a quatro doses de nitrogênio (67; 112; 157; e 202 kg ha-1), em duas safras (2009/2010 e 2010/2011). Para determinar a produtividade, utilizou-se a massa dos grãos coletados. Os graus de severidade da helmintosporiose, da antracnose e da ferrugem variaram em resposta às doses de nitrogênio e, entre os genótipos de milho avaliados durante as duas safras, entretanto, não houve relação clara entre as doses de nitrogênio aplicadas e a ocorrência das doenças nas duas safras. A ferrugem foi detectada apenas durante a safra I. Apesar da severidade das doenças foliares, elas, de modo geral, não afetaram significativamente a produtividade dos genótipos de milho avaliados. Desses, o genótipo de milho AG7088 pode ser considerado o mais produtivo e o mais resistente às doenças avaliadas.
Agronomic performance of 27 cocoa progenies and plant selection based on productivity, self-compatibility and disease resistance
Authors: Yamada Milton Macoto , Pires José Luis , Faleiro Fábio Gelape , Lopes Uilson Vanderlei , Macedo Mariosvaldo Morais
Published: September 2013

The objective of the present work was to evaluate 27 progenies of cocoa crosses considering the agronomic traits and select F1 plants within superior crosses. The experiment was installed in March 2005, in the Experimental Station Joaquim Bahiana (ESJOB), in Itajuipe, Bahia. The area of the experiment is of approximately 3 ha, with a total of 3240 plants. Thirteen evaluations of vegetative brooms, five of cushion brooms and 15 of number of pods per plant were accomplished. Thirty pollinations were made for each selected plant to test for self-compatibility. The production, based on the number of pods per plant, and resistance to witches´ broom indicated CEPEC 94 x CCN 10, RB 39 x CCN 51 and CCN 10 x VB 1151 as superior progenies. All selections tested were self-compatible. The analyses of progenies and individual tree data, associated to visual field observations, allowed the selection of 17 plants which were included in a network of regional tests to determine the phenotypic stability.
Crescimento e produção da bananeira 'Thap Maeo' (AAB) durante dois ciclos de produção no Vale do São Francisco
Authors: Silva Marlon Jocimar Rodrigues da , Gomes Ildenio dos Santos , Souza Evando Amparo de , Rios Élica Santos , Souza Almir Rogério Evangelista de , Ribeiro Valtemir Gonçalves
Published: September 2013

A avaliação de genótipos de bananeira, durante ciclos sucessivos de produção em diferentes ecossistemas, é essencial não só ao programa de melhoramento genético, mas, também, para indicar cultivares promissores para o sistema produtivo local. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o crescimento e a produção da bananeira 'Thap Maeo' (AAB), no Vale do São Francisco, durante o primeiro e o segundo ciclos de produção (da colheita da planta-mãe à colheita da planta-filha) e os atributos de qualidade de seus frutos. As mudas de 'Thap Maeo' foram produzidas pelo processo de cultura de tecidos e transplantadas ao campo aos seis meses de idade, em espaçamento 3,0 m x 3,0 m. As características avaliadas foram: ciclos de produção; em cada ciclo, a altura de planta, o perímetro do pseudocaule, o número de folhas por planta, o número de dias entre plantio e colheita, a massa da matéria fresca do cacho, o número de pencas e de frutos por cacho, a massa da matéria fresca da segunda penca; número, comprimento e diâmetro de frutos da segunda penca, relação polpa/casca, firmeza, pH, sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez titulável (AT) e relação SS/AT. A bananeira 'Thap Maeo' apresentou, no segundo ciclo, maior crescimento, melhor desempenho dos caracteres que expressam a produção e qualidade dos frutos em pós-colheita.
Comparação entre dois penetrômetros na avaliação da resistência mecânica do solo à penetração
Authors: Lima Renato Paiva de , León Maurício Javier De , Silva Anderson Rodrigo da
Published: September 2013

O penetrômetro é o instrumento usualmente indicado para avaliação da resistência mecânica do solo à penetração (RMP). O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar o desempenho de dois penetrômetros: um eletrônico e outro de impacto, na avaliação da RMP. O trabalho foi realizado na Fazenda Experimental Chã-de-Jardim, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, da Universidade Federal da Paraíba (CCA/UFPB), Areia-PB, em área de Latossolo Amarelo de dimensão 35 × 35 m. Os penetrômetros utilizados foram: um de impacto, modelo IAA/Planalsucar-Stolf, e um digital, Falker, modelo PenetroLOG - PLG 1020, com aptidão eletrônica para aquisição de dados em quatro profundidades. Dentro da área, 40 pontos foram amostrados, seguindo duas direções: Norte, para o penetrômetro eletrônico, e Sul, para o de impacto, com os pontos de coleta de cada penetrômetro espaçados em 0,1 m. Os dados foram analisados segundo o modelo de análise de variância de um experimento em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Os penetrômetros de impacto e Falker apresentaram médias de 1,75 MPa, sendo, portanto, semelhantes na avaliação da RMP em todas as profundidades analisadas, sugerindo que ambos modelos testados podem ser utilizados para solos com características texturais semelhantes as do solo deste estudo.
Uma análise exploratória do financiamento público à interação universidade-empresa no Brasil
Authors: Alves Alex da Silva , Pimenta-Bueno José-Antônio
Published: September 2013

O artigo explora o tema do financiamento do esforço de inovação das empresas por meio de parcerias com institutos de ciência e tecnologia, os quais, juntos, formam um importante indutor de políticas de fomento à inovação. No caso brasileiro, a combinação dos recursos de fomento federais e estaduais e a infraestrutura montada nas ICTs nas últimas décadas participam na consolidação desse esforço. O artigo traz reflexões sobre a interação universidade-empresa para a inovação a partir de uma survey realizada junto a ICTs e empresas participantes de um programa nacional de fomento entre 2002 e 2007, intitulado Coopera. Este artigo busca elucidar esses e outros aspectos da natureza da relação criada pelo Coopera. Embora se reconheçam os avanços alcançados, a análise sugere que o programa ainda não logrou estabelecer a qualidade e a periodicidade do relacionamento de que depende o esforço continuado de inovação no meio empresarial brasileiro.