bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Small Farm Survival in Greece, Italy and Portugal
Authors: Salvioni Cristina , Papadopoulou Eleni , Santos Maria Dos 
Published: April 2014

SummaryUntil the end of the 20th century, farming in Greece, Italy and Portugal was characterised by inflexible land and labour markets and thus had persistently high proportions of small farms and aged holders. Over time, several policy interventions in these countries have aimed at increasing average farm size. Nevertheless, small farms still account for a very large percentage of all holdings, due to institutional, social and market factors. Small farms are mainly concentrated in two kinds of area. First, mountainous and economically depressed inland regions where outmigration has often resulted more in farmland abandonment rather than in land concentration. Second, peri‐urban areas and other economically diversified rural contexts where many small farms survive thanks to the adoption of household strategies based on pluriactivity and outsourcing. Although it is still difficult to predict the impact of the current recession on small farms, it is possible to distinguish two emerging trajectories. In one, reduced chances of off‐farm work may challenge the resilience of pluriactive small farms. Former pluriactive farmers may focus on scale economies in order to increase their farming incomes. On the other, small‐scale farming is increasingly relied on for household budgets and food security, and could cause a ‘return to the land’.
External evaluation of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group brachial plexus contouring protocol: Several issues identified
Authors: Min Myo , Roos Daniel , Keating Elly , Penniment Michael , Carruthers Scott , Zanchetta Lydia , Wong Karen , Shakeshaft John , Baxi Siddhartha 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIntroductionThe aims of the study were to evaluate interobserver variability in contouring the brachial plexus (BP) using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG)‐approved protocol and to analyse BP dosimetries.MethodsSeven outliners independently contoured the BPs of 15 consecutive patients. Interobserver variability was reviewed qualitatively (visually by using planning axial computed‐tomography images and anteroposterior digitally reconstructed radiographs) and quantitatively (by volumetric and statistical analyses). Dose–volume histograms of BPs were calculated and compared.ResultsWe found significant interobserver variability among outliners in both qualitative and quantitative analyses. These were most pronounced for the T1 nerve roots on visual inspection and for the BP volume on statistical analysis. The BP volumes were smaller than those described in the RTOG atlas paper, with a mean volume of 20.8 cc (range 11–40.7 cc) compared with 33 ± 4 cc (25.1–39.4 cc). The average values of mean dose, maximum dose, V60Gy, V66Gy and V70Gy for patients treated with conventional radiotherapy and IMRT were 42.2 Gy versus 44.8 Gy, 64.5 Gy versus 68.5 Gy, 6.1% versus 7.6%, 2.9% versus 2.4% and 0.6% versus 0.3%, respectively.ConclusionThis is the first independent external evaluation of the published protocol. We have identified several issues, including significant interobserver variation. Although radiation oncologists should contour BPs to avoid dose dumping, especially when using IMRT, the RTOG atlas should be used with caution. Because BPs are largely radiologically occult on CT, we propose the term brachial‐plexus regions (BPRs) to represent regions where BPs are likely to be present. Consequently, BPRs should in principle be contoured generously.
Bone complications after pelvic radiation therapy: Evaluation with MRI
Authors: Ugurluer Gamze , Akbas Tugana , Arpaci Taner , Ozcan Nazli , Serin Meltem 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIntroductionThe purpose of this study was to assess the incidence, distribution and MRI characteristics of pelvic bone complications after radiation therapy.MethodsThe medical charts of 345 patients who received pelvic radiation therapy were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 122 patients, 99 women and 23 men, with a mean age of 57 (range 32–87 years) were included in this study. The MR images were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists.ResultsFatty replacement of bone marrow was seen in all patients. Pelvic bone complications and focal red marrow changes were identified in a total of 38 patients (31.1%). Pelvic insufficiency fracture was diagnosed in 17 patients (13.9%, with a total of 64 lesions) and radiation osteitis was diagnosed in 5 patients (4.1%, with a total of 13 lesions). Avascular necrosis of the femoral head was detected in one patient (0.8%). Focal red bone marrow changes were seen in 15 patients (12.3%). The median time from the end of radiotherapy to the diagnosis of pelvic bone complications or changes was 25 months (range 2–45 months). The 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year cumulative incidences were 22%, 41% and 49%, respectively. The distribution of insufficiency fractures was as follows: sacral ala, sacral body, ilium, acetabulum, pubis and lumbar spinal vertebra. The distribution of radiation osteitis was as follows: sacral ala, ilium and pubis.ConclusionRadiation‐induced pelvic bone complications are not uncommon, and knowledge of characteristic imaging patterns is essential in order to rule out bone metastases and to avoid inaccurate or excessive treatment.
Alcohol Affordability and Alcohol Demand: Cross‐Country Trends and Panel Data Estimates, 1975 to 2008
Authors: Nelson Jon P. 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundRelatively little is known about cross‐country differences in alcohol affordability or factors that determine differences in affordability over time. This information is potentially important for alcohol policy, especially policies that focus on higher taxes or prices to reduce total alcohol consumption. This study estimates cross‐country alcohol consumption relationships using economic models incorporating income and prices and alternative models based on alcohol affordability. The data and analysis are restricted to higher income countries.MethodsData for alcohol consumption per capita (ages 15+) are analyzed for 2 samples: first, 17 countries in the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development for the period 1975 to 2000; second, 22 countries in the European Union for the period from 2000 to 2008. Panel data models are utilized, with country and time fixed‐effects to control for confounding influences. In economic demand models, covariates are real per capita income and real alcohol price indices. In affordability models, income is divided by prices to yield an index of alcohol affordability.ResultsAnalysis of data trends reveals that much of the increase in affordability is due to rising real incomes, and not falling real prices. Economic models of demand perform slightly better statistically, but differences are not substantial as income and affordability are highly correlated. For both samples, exogenous rates of growth of alcohol consumption are negative. Price and income elasticities, on average, are within the range of prior estimates. Affordability elasticities are between 0.21 and 0.25.ConclusionsAlthough alcohol affordability is a valid concept statistically, its use in policy discussions tends to hide underlying causes of changes in affordability. A better approach is a comparison and analysis of trends and cross‐country differences in real incomes and real alcohol prices together with the affordability index. Country‐level analysis of income and price elasticities also is required.
Lower limb linear morphoea in a pregnant woman with known Graves' disease and cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin M positivity
Authors: Wong Brittany , Piliouras Peter , Mortimore Rohan , Zonta Mark , Tucker Simon 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe report a case of linear morphoea in a 21‐year‐old woman with known Graves' disease who was also cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgM‐positive and in her early first trimester of pregnancy. The histopathology showed hyalinisation of the dermis with perivascular superficial and deep lymphocytic infiltrates extending into the septae of the subcutis and impinging on adjacent lobules; there was also fibrosis of the subcutis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed T2 high intensity of the subcutaneous tissue and intermuscular planes of the thigh and leg. It is well known that morphoea can follow pregnancy and thyroid disease and that CMV is postulated to contribute in some patients. This case highlights a combination of risk factors for this disease that have not been reported collectively in the literature to our knowledge.
‘Beware the lump in the foot!’: predictors of recurrence and survival in bone and soft‐tissue sarcomas of the foot and ankle
Authors: Salipas Andrew , Dowsey Michelle M. , May Deborah , Choong Peter F. M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundAlthough benign lumps around the foot and ankle are common, sarcomas in this area are frequently missed, and the consequences can be disastrous. Patients are often referred to tumour centres after suboptimal prior surgical excision. The predictors of local recurrence, metastasis and survival in this cohort have yet to be elucidated.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of 61 consecutive patients that were surgically treated for a bone (BS) or soft‐tissue sarcoma (STS) of the foot and ankle between 1996 and 2012 at a specialist tumour centre. Factors such as tumour versus non‐tumour centre surgery and BS versus STS were examined. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine which factors predicted local recurrence, metastasis and survival.ResultsThe overall 5‐year survival rates were 74% in the STS group and 90% in the BS group. Furthermore, 33 (54%) patients had STS. Non‐tumour centre surgery was performed in 23 (38%) patients. Overall local recurrence rate was 6.6%. Intra‐lesional margins predicted a local recurrence, whereas non‐tumour centre surgery was a predictor for developing a metastasis post‐treatment. Tumour size, STS, radical margins (i.e. entire anatomical compartment removed with tumour) and metastasis, either at the time of referral or post‐treatment, were associated with higher mortality.ConclusionSTSs of the foot and ankle appear to have a worse prognosis than BSs. Early referral to a specialist tumour centre before surgical intervention is recommended.
Prevalence of emotional, physical and sexual abuse among pregnant women in six European countries
Authors: Lukasse Mirjam , Schroll Anne‐Mette , Ryding Elsa Lena , Campbell Jacquelyn , Karro Helle , Kristjansdottir Hildur , Laanpere Made , Steingrimsdottir Thora , Tabor Ann , Temmerman Marleen , Van Parys An‐Sofie , Wangel Anne‐Marie , Schei Berit 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe primary objective was to investigate the prevalence of a history of abuse among women attending routine antenatal care in six northern European countries. Second, we explored current suffering from reported abuse.DesignA prospective cohort study.SettingRoutine antenatal care in Belgium, Iceland, Denmark, Estonia, Norway, and Sweden between March 2008 and August 2010.PopulationA total of 7174 pregnant women.MethodsA questionnaire including a validated instrument measuring emotional, physical and sexual abuse.Main outcome measureProportion of women reporting emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Severe current suffering defined as a Visual Analogue Scale score of ≥6.ResultsAn overall lifetime prevalence of any abuse was reported by 34.8% of the pregnant women. The ranges across the six countries of lifetime prevalence were 9.7–30.8% for physical abuse, 16.2–27.7% for emotional abuse, and 8.3–21.1% for sexual abuse. Few women reported current sexual abuse, 0.4% compared with 2.2% current physical abuse and 2.7% current emotional abuse. Current severe suffering was reported by 6.8% of the women who reported physical abuse, 9.8% of those who reported sexual abuse and 13.5% for emotional abuse.ConclusionA high proportion of pregnant women attending routine antenatal care report a history of abuse. About one in ten of them experiences severe current suffering from the reported abuse. In particular, these women might benefit from being identified in the antenatal care setting and being offered specialized care.
Numerical Estimation of Hemolysis From the Point of View of Signal and System
Authors: Li Huan , Ruan Xiaodong , Qian Wenwei , Fu Xin 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe power‐law based models for predicting shear‐induced hemolysis are widely used in the optimization design of blood‐contacting devices. However, this category of models has fallen short of accuracy when compared with the results of the in vitro experiments. The aim of this study is to develop an alternative model from the point of view of signal and system. Under the action of constant shear stress, the released hemoglobin was regarded as the output of system, and the system function that characterized the resistance to hemolysis was derived from the power‐law equation. Two state variables were introduced to adequately capture the history of the system. The proposed model takes into account another known empirical formula, the threshold equation, by setting a nonzero initial condition of the blood. By comparing the estimated results with the published experimental data, it showed that the accuracy of the proposed model was notably improved. Furthermore, the analysis in frequency domain indicated that the damage contribution of the time‐varying shear stress decreased with the increase of frequency. As the frequency domain analysis is important in many fields, it may play a role in the estimation of hemolysis in the future.
Direct Expansion of Chondrocytes in a Dynamic Three‐Dimensional Culture System: Overcoming Dedifferentiation Effects in Monolayer Culture
Authors: Gharravi Anneh Mohammad , Orazizadeh Mahmoud , Hashemitabar Mahmoud 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMaintenance of the chondrocyte phenotype during cell culture to successful transplantation of cartilage is highly challenging. However, the question of the optimal method of isolation and expansion of chondrocytes for tissue engineering has not previously been investigated in detail. The present study investigates the possibility of improved in vitro maturation of chondrocytes through a method of cell duplication that does not subject chondrocytes to dedifferentiation. The culture chamber of the bioreactor was designed with an internal geometry that mimicked that of a ball‐and‐socket joint. The shear stresses exerted on the surface of the bioreactor chamber wall by a peristaltic pump operating at flow rates of 2 mL/min were simulated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. Small pieces (5 mm) of calf nasal septum cartilage were prepared and exposed to trypsin and 0.2% collagenase type II in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM), which was then replaced with unsupplemented DMEM. The cells were harvested and then immediately seeded into alginate scaffolds. All cell‐seeded scaffolds were cultured for 3–5 days in flasks, then transferred to the bioreactor and dynamically cultured for 3–5 days under direct perfusion with 2 mL/min DMEM. After culture in the bioreactor, all cell‐seeded scaffolds were fixed in Bouin fixative, dehydrated, cleared, and then embedded in paraffin wax. Sections of 5–7 μm were cut and stained with several histochemical staining methods. The results of CFD modeling indicated peak velocity and maximum wall shear stress were 3.406 × 10−3 m/s and 0.0482 dyn/cm2 (1 Pa = 10 dyn/cm2), respectively. Histological examination of chondrocytes cultured in the bioreactor revealed evidence of cartilage‐like tissue with lacuna and chondron formation. The cartilage‐like matrix had accumulated within the lumen of clusters of round mature chondrocytes, with the cells surrounding the metachromatic territorial matrix‐staining strongly with toluidine blue. Sections stained with the hematoxylin/safranin O/fast green and Alcian blue/nuclear fast red methods show sulfated glycosaminoglycans in the matrix (produced by the chondrocytes) as intense red and blue, respectively. The findings of the present study indicate that incubation in DMEM supplemented with enzymes followed by explant isolation and culture in a bioreactor is the optimal method for the direct expansion of chondrocytes for cartilage tissue engineering.
Activation of Basophils Is a New and Sensitive Marker of Biocompatibility in Hemodialysis
Authors: Aljadi Zenib , Mansouri Ladan , Nopp Anna , Paulsson Josefin M. , Winqvist Ola , Russom Aman , Ståhl Mårten , Hylander Britta , Jacobson Stefan H. , Lundahl Joachim 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe hemodialysis procedure involves contact between peripheral blood and the surface of dialyzer membranes, which may lead to alterations in the pathways of innate and adaptive immunity. We aimed to study the effect of blood–membrane interaction on human peripheral basophils and neutrophils in hemodialysis with high‐ and low‐permeability polysulfone dialyzers. The surface expression of CD203c (basophil selection marker) and CD63 (activation marker) after activation by the bacterial peptide formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP) or anti‐Fcε receptor I (FcεRI) antibody and the absolute number of basophils was investigated before and after hemodialysis with each of the dialyzers. Moreover, the expression on neutrophils of CD11b, the CD11b active epitope, and CD88 was analyzed in the same groups of individuals. The expression of CD63 in basophils following activation by fMLP was significantly higher in the patient group compared with that in healthy controls, but no differences were observed after activation by anti‐FcεRI. During the hemodialysis procedure, the low‐flux membrane induced up‐regulation of CD63 expression on basophils, while passage through the high‐flux membrane did not significantly alter the responsiveness. In addition, the absolute number of basophils was unchanged after hemodialysis with either of the dialyzers and compared with healthy controls. We found no significant differences in the expression of the neutrophil activation markers (CD11b, the active epitope of CD11b, and CD88) comparing the two different dialyzers before and after dialysis and healthy controls. Together, these findings suggest that alterations in basophil activity may be a useful marker of membrane bioincompatibility in hemodialysis.
The Hemodynamic Effect of Phase Differences Between the BJUT‐II Ventricular Assist Device and Native Heart on the Cardiovascular System
Authors: Gu Kaiyun , Gao Bin , Chang Yu , Zeng Yi 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe BJUT‐II VAD (which was previously called the intra‐aorta pump) is a novel left ventricular assist device (LVAD) with a special structure and connection with the native heart. The hemodynamic effect of the phase difference of this pump on the cardiovascular system is still unclear. In this work, seven speed waveforms, whose phase differences vary from 0° to 180°, are used to evaluate the hemodynamic effect of change in phase difference on the cardiovascular system. The external work (EW), equivalent afterload (EAL), pulsatile ratio (PR), and mean aortic pressure during diastolic period (MAPD) are chosen to evaluate the hemodynamic state of the circulatory system. Mathematical study results show that the support levels generated by the BJUT‐II VAD under various phase differences are comparable. In contrast, EW, EAL, PR, and MAPD are significantly affected by change in phase difference. It is found that EW reaches its maximum value when the phase difference equals 30°. Similarly, EAL declines with increasing phase difference. PR reaches its maximum value when the phase difference is at 60°. In addition, MAPD decreases with increasing phase difference and then achieves its maximum value at 30°. To obtain comprehensive evaluation of the hemodynamic effects of phase difference on the cardiovascular system, a weight detection algorithm (WDA) whose output indicates the hemodynamic state of the circulatory system is also designed, with EW, PR, and MAPD chosen as the inputs. The minimum value of the output of the WDA indicates the optimal hemodynamic state and optimal phase difference for the BJUT‐II VAD. According to the output of the WDA, 30° is considered to be the optimal phase difference for the BJUT‐II VAD.
Platelet Function During Cardiopulmonary Bypass Using Multiple Electrode Aggregometry: Comparison of Centrifugal and Roller Pumps
Authors: Kehara Hiromu , Takano Tamaki , Ohashi Noburo , Terasaki Takamitsu , Amano Jun 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBlood trauma may be lower with centrifugal pumps (CPs) than with roller pumps (RPs) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), because, unlike RPs, CPs do not compress the tubing, and shear stress is considered lower in CPs than in RPs. However, relative platelet function remains unclear. Using multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA), we compared platelet function with CP and RP. Ten swine underwent CPB for 3 h, with five weaned off using CP and five using RP. Platelet function was measured using MEA, as were hemoglobin concentration and platelet count, before sternotomy, after heparin infusion, 30 min and 3 h after starting CPB, after protamine infusion, and 60 min after stopping CPB. Platelet activation was initiated with adenosine diphosphate (ADP), arachidonic acid (AA), and thrombin receptor‐activating protein 6 (TRAP). Fibrinogen, platelet factor 4 (PF4), and β‐thromboglobin (β‐TG) concentrations were measured before sternotomy and 60 min after stopping CPB. In the CP group and using ADP, aggregation was significantly reduced 30 min (P = 0.019) and 3 h (P = 0.027) after starting CPB, recovering to baseline 60 min after CPB was stopped. In the RP group, aggregation was significantly decreased 30 min (P = 0.007) and 3 h (P = 0.003) after starting CPB and after protamine administration (P = 0.028). With AA, aggregation significantly decreased 30 min after starting CPB in both the CP (P = 0.012) and RP (P = 0.016) groups, slightly increasing 3 h after starting CPB and after protamine infusion, and recovering to baseline 60 min after CPB cessation. With TRAP, aggregation in the CP and RP groups decreased 30 min after starting the pump, although changes were not significant; aggregation gradually recovered after 3 h and returned to baseline 60 min after the pumps were stopped. There were no significant differences at all sampling points of MEA. In both groups, fibrinogen, PF4, and β‐TG concentrations were similar 60 min after pump cessation and before sternotomy. Platelet function, evaluated with MEA, was lowest 30 min after CPB was started but did not decrease over time in either group. As assessed by MEA, platelet function using CP and RP did not differ significantly. Platelet dysfunction was caused mainly by initial contact with foreign materials and may not be dependent on type of pump.
Evaluation of Tunisian milk quality in dairy herds: Inter‐relationship between chemical, physical and hygienic criteria
Authors: Gargouri Ahmed , Hamed Houda , Ben Ali Besma , Elfeki Abdelfettah , Gdoura Radhouane 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe objective of this paper was to evaluate the global milk quality in Tunisian dairy herds. Samples of milk were analyzed for chemical, physical and hygienic parameters. Milk total solids, fat content and density were consistently correlated and one of them can be used as a chemical indicator of milk quality. The somatic cell count value of 689 × 103/mL was higher than the recommended threshold. All milk samples were positive for the major pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. These hygienic parameters were related more closely with chloride content, minerals and electrical conductivity, which allows them to be used as indicators of mammary gland infection. It was concluded that milk producers have at hand rapid and easy tools for assessing the overall quality of milk.