bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survey of UK practice for management of breast cancer metastases to the neck
Authors: Bisase B , Kerawala C 
Published: September 2012

INTRODUCTION Cervical metastases from breast carcinoma are rare and their management is controversial. Between 1987 and 2002 the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staged patients with supraclavicular fossa nodal disease as M1 but the subsequent demonstration that patients with regional stage IV disease had better outcomes than visceral stage IV disease led to a reclassification of the former to stage IIIC in 2003. The literature remains inconsistent regarding the fate of these patients. Despite the attendant morbidity of treatment and lack of knowledge regarding long-term survival, we hypothesised that current practice varies in the UK and a unified approach does not exist. The aim of this study was therefore to determine current practice and opinion of both head and neck specialists and breast cancer clinicians in the UK. METHODS Questionnaires were disseminated to 185 head and neck surgeons, breast surgeons and their oncology counterparts. These outlined a clinical scenario of a patient with a history of T3 primary breast cancer presenting with cervical and supraclavicular nodal metastases, with opinion being sought regarding the significance of this status and the individual’s practical approach to the problem. The extent of any proposed neck dissection was also explored. RESULTS Of the 117 respondents, a noticeable variation in opinion was evident. Contrary to the current AJCC staging, 61% of clinicians felt that both level V and III metastases represented stage IV disease. There was a tendency towards aggressive surgical treatment with a third recommending comprehensive neck dissection despite a lack of evidence base. A disparity was noted between adjuvant treatments offered and the final pN stage. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that at present there is widespread inconsistency in the management of breast carcinoma cervical metastases in the UK. There is a need to unify practice with an evidence base in order to improve informed multidisciplinary decision making and, ultimately, patient care. This study goes some way to supporting multicentre collaboration in order to achieve that aim.
Difficulties encountered removing locked plates
Authors: Raja S , Imbuldeniya AM , S Garg , Groom G 
Published: September 2012

INTRODUCTION Locked plates are commonly used to obtain fixation in periarticular and comminuted fractures. Their use has also gained popularity in repairing fractures in osteoporotic bone. These plates provide stable fixation and promote biological healing. Over the last 3 years, we have used over 150 locked plates with varying success to fix periarticular fractures involving mainly the knee and ankle. In this study, we report our clinical experience and the difficulties encountered when removing locked plates in adult patients with a variety of indications including implant failure, infection, non-union and a palpable symptomatic implant. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed of patients enrolled prospectively into a database. Included in the study were 36 consecutive adult patients who each underwent the procedure of locked plate removal in a single inner city level 1 trauma centre. Data collected included primary indication for fixation, indication for implant removal, time of the implant in situ, grade of operating surgeon and difficulties encountered during the procedure. RESULTS Implant removal was associated with a complication rate of 47%. The major problems encountered were difficulty in removing the locked screws and the implant itself. A total of ten cold welded screws were found in eight cases. Removal was facilitated by high speed metal cutting burrs and screw removal sets in all but one case, where a decision was made to leave the plate in situ. CONCLUSIONS The majority of studies investigating implant removal and problems encountered in doing so report a relatively high complication rate. With the advent of locking plates and their growing popularity, difficulties are now being seen intra-operatively when removing them. There is a paucity of data, however, specifically directed at locking plate removal. We recommend that surgeons should be aware of the potential complications while removing locked plates. Fluoroscopic control and all available extra equipment (mainly metal cutting burrs and screw removal sets) should be available in theatre.
Coress feedback
Authors: Smith Frank CT 
Published: September 2012

This issue highlights the importance of anatomical orientation, which can sometimes be difficult during bowel anastomosis and stoma formation. The need for good medical communication and an adequate handover, particularly at night and at weekends for patients with medical co-morbidities or following complex surgery, is emphasised in another case. We are grateful to the clinicians who have provided the material for these reports. The online reporting form is on our website, www.coress.org.uk , which also includes all previous feedback reports. Published contributions will be acknowledged by a ‘Certificate of Contribution’, which may be included in the contributor’s record of continuing professional development.
Regulating Unverifiable Quality by Fixed-Price Contracts
Authors: Cesi Berardino , Iozzi Alberto , Valentini Edilio 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
We apply the idea of relational contracting to a simple problem of regulating a single-product monopoly with unverifiable (then ex ante not contractible) quality. We model the interaction between the regulator and the firm as an infinitely repeated game; we observe that there exist self-enforcing contracts in which the regulator, using her discretionary power on the price (the contractible variable) can induce the firm to produce the required quality level by leaving it a positive rent. When players use grim trigger strategies, the optimal self-enforcing contract implies a distortion from the second best which is greater the more impatient is the firm and the larger is the effect of the price on the deviation profits. Whenever the equilibrium profits of the static game are strictly positive, even if the firm were infinitely patient, the optimal contract would not reach the second-best: it would ensure a quality-adjusted Ramsey condition and, at the same time, leave positive profits to the firm. We extend the model in a few ways: we find that when players use stick-and-carrot strategies, with an infinitely patient firm the second-best outcome is reached even if this implies to punish the deviating firm with negative profits. When instead the regulator is unable to perfectly monitor the firm's quality choice, the price/quality pair giving the highest payoff to the regulator does not directly depend on the firm's discount factor, which instead affects the probability of punishment. Our results suggest that, in fixed price regulatory contracts, the regulatory lag should be shorter the more relevant is the issue of unverifiability, in order to reduce the reward for opportunistic behavior by the firm.
Performance of wood treated with prospective organic surface protectants upon outdoor exposure: FTIR spectroscopic analysis of weathered surfaces
Authors: Schauwecker Christoph F. , McDonald Armando G. , Morrell Jeff J. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Visual appeal of wood is as important as its structural integrity in outdoor applications. Discoloration and checking of wood favor the utilization of alternative materials for outdoor cladding and decking. Lignin depolymerization is one of the critical processes leading to weathering. In the present paper, the potential of different classes of surface protection agents has been assessed on loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) impregnated with water repellents, organic UV inhibitors, and an organic biocide. The treated samples were exposed to predetermined doses of solar radiation in Eastern Oregon, and the chemical changes occurring on the surfaces were evaluated by FTIR spectroscopy. After 1-year exposure, lignin loss was complete on all surfaces; however, some treatments provided longer term protection than others. Organic UV light inhibitors were most effective in this regard. A petroleum-based water repellent with a melting point of 54–58°C also provided protection against lignin degradation.
Effect of silver nanoparticles on human primary keratinocytes
Authors: Szmyd Radoslaw , Goralczyk Anna Grazyna , Skalniak Lukasz , Cierniak Agnieszka , Lipert Barbara , Filon Francesca Larese , Crosera Matteo , Borowczyk Julia , Laczna Eliza , Drukala Justyna , Klein Andrzej , Jura Jolanta 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have many biological applications in biomedicine, biotechnology and other life sciences. Depending on the size, shape and the type of carrier, AgNPs demonstrate different physical and chemical properties. AgNPs have strong antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal activity, thus they are used extensively in a range of medical settings, particularly in wound dressings but also in cosmetics. This study was undertaken to examine the potential toxic effects of 15 nm polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated AgNPs on primary normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK). Cells were treated with different concentrations of AgNPs and then cell viability, metabolic activity and other biological and biochemical aspects of keratinocytes functioning were studied. We observed that AgNPs decrease keratinocyte viability, metabolism and also proliferatory and migratory potential of these cells. Moreover, longer exposure resulted in activation of caspase 3/7 and DNA damage. Our studies show for the first time, that AgNPs may present possible danger for primary keratinocytes, concerning activation of genotoxic and cytotoxic processes depending on the concentration.
Effects of cathepsin K deficiency on intercellular junction proteins, luminal mucus layers, and extracellular matrix constituents in the mouse colon
Authors: Arampatzidou Maria , Schütte André , Hansson Gunnar C. , Saftig Paul , Brix Klaudia 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Cathepsin K has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities in the mouse colon. To further elucidate its role, we used Ctsk
-/- mice and demonstrated that the absence of cathepsin K was accompanied by elevated protein levels of related cysteine cathepsins (cathepsins B, L, and X) in the colon. In principle, such changes could result in altered subcellular localization; however, the trafficking of cysteine cathepsins was not affected in the colon of Ctsk
-/- mice. However, cathepsin K deficiency affected the extracellular matrix constituents, as higher amounts of collagen IV and laminin were observed. Moreover, the localization pattern of the intercellular junction proteins E-cadherin and occludin was altered in the colon of Ctsk
-/- mice, suggesting potential impairment of the barrier function. Thus, we used an ex vivo method for assessing the mucus layers and showed that the absence of cathepsin K had no influence on mucus organization and growth. The data of this study support the notion that cathepsin K contributes to intestinal homeostasis and tissue architecture, but the lack of cathepsin K activity is not expected to affect the mucus-depending barrier functions of the mouse colon. These results are important with regard to oral administration of cathepsin K inhibitors that are currently under investigation in clinical trials.
Activation profiles of human kallikrein-related peptidases by matrix metalloproteinases
Authors: Yoon Hyesook , Blaber Sachiko I. , Li Wu , Scarisbrick Isobel A. , Blaber Michael 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The 15 human kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) are clinically important biomarkers and therapeutic targets of interest in inflammation, cancer, and neurodegenerative disease. KLKs are secreted as inactive pro-forms (pro-KLKs) that are activated extracellularly by specific proteolytic release of their amino-terminal pro-peptide, and this is a key step in their functional regulation. Physiologically relevant KLK regulatory cascades of activation have been described in skin desquamation and semen liquefaction, and work by a large number of investigators has elucidated pairwise and autolytic activation relationships among the KLKs with the potential for more extensive activation cascades. More recent work has asked whether functional intersection of KLKs with other types of regulatory proteases exists. Such studies show a capacity for members of the thrombostasis axis to act as broad activators of pro-KLKs. In the present report, we ask whether such functional intersection is possible between the KLKs and the members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family by evaluating the ability of the MMPs to activate pro-KLKs. The results identify MMP-20 as a broad activator of pro-KLKs, suggesting the potential for intersection of the KLK and MMP axes under pathological dysregulation of MMP-20 expression.
Shale Gas Reservoir Modeling: From Nanopores to Laboratory
Authors: Swami Vivek 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
It has been observed over the years that shale gas production modeled with conventional simulators/models is much lower than the actually observed field data. Generally reservoir and/or stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) parameters are modified (without much physical support) to match the production data. Instead of modifying the reservoir parameters without physical support, we aim to investigate the shale closely and see if we are missing some vital part in the flow physics.
Shale is a complex unconventional reservoir with a significant organic fraction. Traditionally, it is perceived that the gas is stored in pore space and adsorbed on pore surfaces. In this work, we postulate that significant amount of gas is also stored in the bulk of organic matter or kerogen. We show a conceptual model of one shale pore and model the flow behavior taking into account the free gas (stored in natural fractures and nanopores), adsorbed gas, and gas dissolved in kerogen. Therafter, we upscale the model to a laboratory scale sample. We propose a numerical model for the complex "quad" porosity system while also accounting for non Darcy flow in shale nanopores. We then calibrate the model against a laboratory experimental data. This laboratory scale model can be upscaled suitably for field scale simulation of shale reservoirs.
Role Analysis Technique in Job Descriptions
Authors: Dayal Ishwar 
Published: September 2012

The author suggests that job descriptions generally lack the reality of operating terms and ignore two important characteristics of industrial jobs—interdependence and the definition of discretion in performing the assigned task. To incorporate the missing essentials in the analysis of roles, the author helped develop a method termed Role Analysis Technique (RAT). A job in its dynamic form is seen as comprising its rationale, its prescribed and discretionary content, and mutual expectations with other roles in the role space. An illustration of the technique is provided.
Repeated anterior chamber fluorophotometric evaluation of the eyes of ophthalmologically normal dogs
Authors: Miller Victoria S. , Allbaugh Rachel A. , Roush James K. , Rankin Amy J. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Objective—To perform repeated anterior chamber fluorophotometry on both eyes of ophthalmologically normal dogs to measure fluorescein concentrations over a 5-day period and identify any change in the degree of anterior chamber fluorescence over time or difference between eyes.
Animals—9 healthy adult dogs (18 eyes).
Procedures—Each dog received an IV injection of 10% fluorescein solution, and anterior chamber fluorophotometry was performed 1 hour later on both eyes. This procedure was repeated at the same time each day for 5 consecutive days.
Results—A significant increase in fluorescein concentration was evident in the anterior chamber on day 5 in the right eye and days 2, 3, 4, and 5 in the left eye. There was no significant difference in concentration between the left and the right eyes on any day.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The increase in ocular fluorescein concentration in the study dogs was unlikely to be of clinical importance and is only pertinent for subsequent research studies. This is a limitation that should be considered when reporting fluorophotometry data as fluorescein concentration or as change in fluorescein concentration from baseline.
Comparison of transcoelomic, contrast transcoelomic, and transesophageal echocardiography in anesthetized red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis)
Authors: Beaufrère Hugues , Pariaut Romain , Rodriguez Daniel , Nevarez Javier G. , Tully Thomas N. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Objective—To assess the agreement and reliability of cardiac measurements obtained with 3 echocardiographic techniques in anesthetized red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis).
Animals—10 red-tailed hawks.
Procedures—Transcoelomic, contrast transcoelomic, and transesophageal echocardiographic evaluations of the hawks were performed, and cineloops of imaging planes were recorded. Three observers performed echocardiographic measurements of cardiac variables 3 times on 3 days. The order in which hawks were assessed and echocardiographic techniques were used was randomized. Results were analyzed with linear mixed modeling, agreement was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients, and variation was estimated with coefficients of variation.
Results—Significant differences were evident among the 3 echocardiographic methods for most measurements, and the agreement among findings was generally low. Interobserver agreement was generally low to medium. Intraobserver agreement was generally medium to high. Overall, better agreement was achieved for the left ventricular measurements and for the transesophageal approach than for other measurements and techniques.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Echocardiographic measurements in hawks were not reliable, except when the left ventricle was measured by the same observer. Furthermore, cardiac morphometric measurements may not be clinically important. When measurements are required, one needs to consider that follow-up measurements should be performed by the same echocardiographer and should show at least a 20% difference from initial measurements to be confident that any difference is genuine.
Ultrasonographic evaluation of preprandial and postprandial gallbladder volume in healthy cats
Authors: Diana Alessia , Guglielmini Carlo , Specchi Swan , Di Tommaso Morena , Pietra Marco , Baron Toaldo Marco , Cipone Mario 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Objective—To noninvasively assess the influence of ingestion of a standard meal on gallbladder volume (GBV) in healthy cats.
Animals—10 healthy adult domestic shorthair cats (4 neutered females, 5 neutered males, and 1 sexually intact male).
Procedures—Nonsedated cats were positioned in dorsal and left lateral recumbency to obtain ultrasonographic measurements of the gallbladder via the subcostal and right intercostal acoustic windows, respectively. Gallbladder volume was calculated from linear measurements by use of an ellipsoid formula (volume [mL] = length [mm] × height [mm] × width [mm] × 0.52). Measurements were recorded after food was withheld for 12 hours (0 minutes) and at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 120 minutes after cats were fed 50 g of a standard commercial diet (protein, 44.3%; fat, 30.3%; and carbohydrate, 15.6% [dry matter percentage]).
Results—Agreement between gallbladder linear measurements or GBV obtained from the subcostal and right intercostal windows was good. Feeding resulted in linear decreases in gallbladder linear measurements and GBV. Via the subcostal and intercostal windows, mean ± SD GBV was 2.47 ± 1.16 mL and 2.36 ± 0.96 mL, respectively, at 0 minutes and 0.88 ± 0.13 mL and 0.94 ± 0.25 mL, respectively, at 120 minutes. Gallbladder width most closely reflected postprandial modification of GBV.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that ultrasonographic assessment (via the subcostal or right intercostal acoustic window) of postprandial changes in GBV can be used to evaluate gallbladder contractility in cats. These data may help identify cats with abnormal gallbladder emptying.
Expression of microRNAs in urinary bladder samples obtained from dogs with grossly normal bladders, inflammatory bladder disease, or transitional cell carcinoma
Authors: Vinall Ruth L. , Kent Michael S. , deVere White Ralph W. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Objective—To determine expression of microRNA (miRNA) in urinary bladder samples obtained from dogs with grossly normal urinary bladders, inflammatory bladder disease, or transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and in cells of established canine TCC cell lines.
Sample—Samples of grossly normal bladders (n = 4) and bladders from dogs with inflammatory bladder disease (13) or TCC (18), and cells of 5 established canine TCC cell lines.
Procedures—Expression of 5 miRNAs (miR-34a, let-7c, miR-16, miR-103b, and miR-106b) that target p53, Rb, or Bcl-2 protein pathways was determined for bladder samples and cells via quantitative real-time PCR assay. Effects of cisplatin (5μM) on proliferation and miRNA expression of cells were determined.
Results—Expression of miR-34a and miR-106b was significantly higher in TCC samples than it was in samples of grossly normal bladders. Expression of miR-34a, miR-16, miR-103b, and miR-106b was higher in TCC samples than it was in bladder samples from dogs with inflammatory bladder disease. Cells of established canine TCC cell lines that had the lowest growth after cisplatin treatment had increased miR-34a expression after such treatment.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Findings of this study indicated results of miRNA expression assays can be used to distinguish between samples of grossly normal bladders and bladders of dogs with inflammatory bladder disease or TCC. This finding may have clinical relevance because currently available diagnostic tests cannot be used to differentiate these tissues, and inflammatory bladder disease and TCC are both prevalent in dogs. Validation of miRNA expression assays as diagnostic tests may be warranted.
Pharmacokinetics and tissue elimination of tulathromycin following subcutaneous administration in meat goats
Authors: Romanet Jessica , Smith Geof W. , Leavens Teresa L. , Baynes Ronald E. , Wetzlich Scott E. , Riviere Jim E. , Tell Lisa A. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Objective—To determine the tissue depletion profile of tulathromycin and determine an appropriate slaughter withdrawal interval in meat goats after multiple SC injections of the drug.
Animals—16 healthy Boer goats.
Procedures—All goats were administered tulathromycin (2.5 mg/kg, SC) twice, with a 7-day interval between doses. Blood samples were collected throughout the study, and goats were euthanized at 2, 5, 10, and 20 days after the second tulathromycin dose. Lung, liver, kidney, fat, and muscle tissues were collected. Concentrations of tulathromycin in plasma and the hydrolytic tulathromycin fragment CP-60,300 in tissue samples were determined with ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.
Results—The plasma profile of tulathromycin was biphasic. Absorption was very rapid, with maximum drug concentrations (1.00 ± 0.42 μg/mL and 2.09 ± 1.77 μg/mL following the first and second doses, respectively) detected within approximately 1 hour after injection. Plasma terminal elimination half-life of tulathromycin was 61.4 ± 14.1 hours after the second dose. Half-lives in tissue ranged from 2.4 days for muscle to 9.0 days for lung tissue; kidney tissue was used to determine the withdrawal interval for tulathromycin in goats because it is considered an edible tissue.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—On the basis of the tissue tolerance limit in cattle of 5 ppm (μg/g), the calculated withdrawal interval for tulathromycin would be 19 days following SC administration in goats. On the basis of the more stringent guidelines recommended by the FDA, the calculated meat withdrawal interval following tulathromycin administration in goats was 34 days.