bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extending the role of Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) in rectal cancer
Authors: Hompes R. , Cunningham C. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIncreasingly it is becoming clear that there is a role for local excision of early rectal cancer by Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) as part of an organ‐preservation strategy. This role is based on careful preoperative assessment, thorough postoperative histopathological examination and standardized follow up, with recourse to completion or salvage radical surgery in the face of poor prognostic factors, or early concerns over recurrent disease. Additionally, TEM is also proposed in selected circumstances after neoadjuvant treatment for rectal cancer. This latter topic is even more controversial with clinical evidence still evolving, but specialist centres report impressive results that cannot be ignored in the modern management of rectal cancer.
Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) and colorectal cancer?
Authors: Morino M. , Verra M. , Famiglietti F. , Arezzo A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractSurgical techniques and technologies are rapidly evolving. In the field of colorectal surgery the transanal video‐assisted approach was introduced by Buess, 30 years ago, with transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). In more recent years different techniques and technologies have been proposed, including natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE), natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and single‐access surgery. Furthermore, a better understanding of the prognostic and risk factors of rectal cancer has allowed TEM to expand its indications to local resection of selected tumours, and more recently there have been proposals for sentinel node biopsy in colon and rectal cancer.
Extended resections for colorectal cancer ‐ indications for supraradical lymphadenectomy
Authors: Hohenberger P. , Du W. , Post S. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe laparoscopic approach to standard resections in colorectal cancer has proven that it may provide equal rates of R0 resections and adequate retrieval of lymph nodes as open procedures if performed by experienced hands. There might be difficulties in more advanced tumors or those with lymphatic spread beyond typical drainage areas and more extensive operations might be required. An atypical pattern of lymphatic spread often is associated with other adverse factors such as multifocality of primary cancers and adverse tumorbiological factors such as grade. Such patient subgroups may be defined beforehand and include particularly patients with underlying ulcerative colitis. Repetitively, extended lymph node dissection approaches have been advocated, however neither in randomised trails nor in meta‐analysis has a more favourable outcome of patients undergoing such extended lymphatic dissections been demonstrated. Sticking to the rules of classical dissection of lymphatic drainage basins with removal of adequate lymph node numbers is one corner stone for successful treatment of colorectal cancer. The other one refers to a detailed description of the procedure performed in order to make the surgical procedure trackable.
Laparoscopic lymphatic roadmapping with blue dye and radioisotope in colon cancer
Authors: Bianchi P. P. , Petz W. , Casali L. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractLymphatic mapping (LM) and sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification by blue dye in colon cancer is a procedure feasible during minimally invasive surgery, with good specificity, but still a low sensitivity (78% in our series). These results are in accordance with the literature and have limited more widespread diffusion of the method, both as a tool for upstaging and more controversially, as a potential roadmap to a tailored lymphadenectomy. It is possible to improve the results of LM with careful selection of patients and by the use of an intraoperative gamma camera. The preliminary results of intra‐operative lymphoscintigraphy are promising in a well‐selected small group of patients, with high levels of sensitivity and specificity. If these results are confirmed in further prospective analyses, it may be possible to undertake selected, tailored lymphadenectomy.
School‐performance indicators and subjective health complaints: are there gender differences?
Authors: Låftman Sara Brolin , Modin Bitte 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAlthough boys and girls are generally located in the same physical school environment, it may be experienced differently by, and have varying implications for, boys and girls. Girls like school more and achieve higher school marks, but they also perceive more school‐related pressure. Based on a total sample of 8456 ninth grade pupils in Stockholm in 2004, this study uses multilevel linear regression to analyse differences between boys and girls with regard to a number of school‐performance indicators (demands, motivation, teacher support and school marks) and their association with subjective health complaints. Results showed that girls perceive more demands, show greater academic motivation, perform better in school and report more emotional support from teachers than boys. In contrast, instrumental and appraisal support from teachers are more commonly reported by boys. Associations between school‐performance indicators and subjective health complaints were slightly stronger for girls than for boys. Contextual variation in health complaints, especially between classes, was found only for girls. High achievement motivation and emotional teacher support in the school class was associated with better pupil health, suggesting that a positive climate in terms of motivation and support favours class health as a whole.
Sex, price and preferences: accounting for unsafe sexual practices in prostitution markets
Authors: Adriaenssens Stef , Hendrickx Jef 
Published: November 2011

AbstractUnsafe sexual practices are persistent in prostitution interactions: one in four contacts can be called unsafe. The determinants of this are still matter for debate. We account for the roles played by clients’ preferences and the hypothetical price premium of unsafe sexual practices with the help of a large dataset of clients’ self‐reported commercial sexual transactions in Belgium and The Netherlands. Almost 25,000 reports were collected, representing the whole gamut of prostitution market segments. The first set of explanations consists of an analysis of the price‐fixing elements of paid sex. With the help of the so‐called hedonic pricing method we test for the existence of a price incentive for unsafe sex. In accordance with the results from studies in some prostitution markets in the developing world, the study replicates a significant wage penalty for condom use of an estimated 7.2 per cent, confirmed in both multilevel and fixed‐effects regressions. The second part of the analysis reconstructs the demand side basis of this wage penalty: the consistent preference of clients of prostitution for unsafe sex. This study is the first to document empirically clients’ preference for intercourse without a condom, with the help of a multilevel ordinal regression.
Sample Size Estimation for Alternating Logistic Regressions Analysis of Multilevel Randomized Community Trials of Under-Age Drinking
Authors: Reboussin Beth A. , Preisser John S. , Song Eun-Young , Wolfson Mark 
Published: November 2011

SummaryUnder-age drinking is an enormous public health issue in the USA. Evidence that community level structures may impact on under-age drinking has led to a proliferation of efforts to change the environment surrounding the use of alcohol. Although the focus of these efforts is to reduce drinking by individual youths, environmental interventions are typically implemented at the community level with entire communities randomized to the same intervention condition. A distinct feature of these trials is the tendency of the behaviours of individuals residing in the same community to be more alike than that of others residing in different communities, which is herein called ‘clustering’. Statistical analyses and sample size calculations must account for this clustering to avoid type I errors and to ensure an appropriately powered trial. Clustering itself may also be of scientific interest. We consider the alternating logistic regressions procedure within the population-averaged modelling framework to estimate the effect of a law enforcement intervention on the prevalence of under-age drinking behaviours while modelling the clustering at multiple levels, e.g. within communities and within neighbourhoods nested within communities, by using pairwise odds ratios. We then derive sample size formulae for estimating intervention effects when planning a post-test-only or repeated cross-sectional community-randomized trial using the alternating logistic regressions procedure.
Foreign Direct Investment and Total Factor Productivity in China: A Spatial Dynamic Panel Analysis*
Authors: Hong Eunsuk , Sun Laixiang 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis study develops a spatial dynamic model to assess the total‐factor‐productivity (TFP) effects of externalities generated by foreign direct investment (FDI). The model is capable of disentangling TFP effects from capital accumulation effects and introducing spatial interdependence based on theoretical derivation rather than spatial statistical tests. An application of this model to a panel dataset of China at the provincial level over 1980–2005 shows significantly positive impact of FDI externalities on TFP within and across regions. This finding is robust to a range of empirical specifications of our theoretical model, to different estimators, and to alternative proxies of FDI intensity variable.
Processing Trade, FDI and the Exports of Indigenous Firms: Firm‐Level Evidence from Technology‐Intensive Industries in China
Authors: Fu Xiaolan 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis study examines the impact of processing trade‐foreign direct investment (FDI) on the export competitiveness of indigenous firms using disaggregated firm‐level production data and product‐level trade data from China covering the 2000–07 period. The estimation results show that processing trade‐FDI has generated significant positive information spillover effect on the export performance of indigenous firms. However, its technology spillovers effect on the development of international competitiveness in indigenous firms is limited and in fact exerts a significant depressive effect on the propensity to export in these firms. Indigenous innovation, economies of scale and productivity are found to be the main drivers of export performance in indigenous firms.
Explaining Spatial Convergence of China's Industrial Productivity*
Authors: Deng Paul D. , Jefferson Gary H. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis article investigates the conditions that may auger a reversal of China's increasingly unequal levels of regional industrial productivity during China's first two decades of economic reform. Using international and Chinese firm and industry data over the period 1995–2004, we estimate a productivity growth–technology gap reaction function. We find that as China's coastal industry has closed the technology gap with the international frontier, labour productivity growth in the coastal region has begun to slow in relation to the interior. This may serve as an early indicator of China's initial movement towards reversing growth in spatial income inequality.
Mobilising resources for union learning: a strategy for revitalisation?
Authors: Heyes Jason , Rainbird Helen 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTThis article examines attempts by UNISON to embed a culture of learning within the workplace. The analysis, which is rooted in resource‐based mobilisation theory, shows how UNISON was able to draw on the Union Learning Fund to create new resources in the form of project workers. These project workers subsequently played a vital role in building support for learning at regional and branch levels. The article also examines ways in which UNISON activists were able to progress the learning agenda through proactive engagement with ‘opportunity structures’.
European works councils: the challenge for labour1
Authors: Waddington Jeremy 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTDrawing on survey evidence, this paper explores the quality of information and consultation at European works councils and developments in the support infrastructure available to representatives. The paper highlights that European works councils are an institution in process. As such, wide‐ranging developments have been implemented to improve their performance, but many of these will have to be extended in coverage if European work councils are to be exploited to better effect by labour.
Aesthetic evaluation after non‐invasive treatment for superficial basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Mosterd K. , Arits A.H.M.M. , Nelemans P.J. , Kelleners‐Smeets N.W.J. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground Cosmetic results following non‐invasive treatments are difficult to compare. Although qualified objective scar assessment scales are available, they are not used in dermatological studies. Usually a 4‐point scale is used in dermatological scars. The reproducibility of this method has never been evaluated. Moreover, significant specific scar characteristics are lacking. The patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) is a scale qualified for the assessments of surgical scars. It has proven to be as reliable as the widely used Vancouver Scar Scale, but has the advantage that it includes the patient’s opinion and specifies different scar characteristics.Objective Both methods were used to evaluate cosmetic results following non‐invasive treatments of superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC).Methods A total of 54 lesions following non‐invasive treatment for BCC in 54 patients were evaluated with the traditional 4‐point scale and the POSAS.Results The 4‐point scale showed the best reproducibility and had an intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.66 (95% CI: 0.52–0.77) for a single observer and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.77–0.91) for multiple observers. The ICC of the POSAS was 0.41 (95% CI: 0.21–0.58) for a single observer and 0.67 (95% CI: 0.45–0.81) for three observers. The scar characteristics, vascularity and pigmentation were most decisive for the overall opinion.Conclusion The use of the 4‐point scale is a valid method to compare scars of non‐invasive dermatological treatments. Supplementary registering vascularity and pigmentation can be useful in future studies.
Antibiotic‐resistant Propionibacterium acnes among acne patients in a regional skin centre in Hong Kong
Authors: Luk N.‐M.T. , Hui M. , Lee H.‐C.S. , Fu L.H. , Liu Z.H. , Lam L.Y. , Eastel M. , Chan Y.‐K.A. , Tang L.‐S.N. , Cheng T.‐S. , Siu F.‐Y.C. , Ng S.‐C. , Lai Y.‐K.D. , Ho K.‐M. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  There has been no study on antibiotic‐resistant Propionibacterium acnes in Hong Kong.Objective  We investigated the prevalence and pattern of antibiotic‐resistant P. acnes and to identify any associated factors for harbouring the resistant strains.Methods  Culture and sensitivity testing of P. acnes to commonly used antibiotics were performed. Resistance to tetracycline was defined at a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 μg/mL or more; erythromycin at an MIC of 0.5 μg/mL or more; clindamycin at an MIC of 0.25 μg/mL or more according to EUCAST. For breakpoints of doxycycline and minocycline, those with an MIC of 1 μg/mL or more were defined as resistant strains.Results  Among the 111 specimens collected from 111 patients, 86 strains of P. acnes were recovered, one from each specimen. Twenty‐five specimens had no growth. Forty‐seven (54.8%) strains were found to be resistant to one or more antibiotics. Forty‐six (53.5%), 18 (20.9%), 14 (16.3%), 14(16.3%) and 14 (16.3%) strains were resistant to clindamycin (CL), erythromycin (EM), tetracycline (TET), doxycycline (DOX) and minocycline (MR) respectively. Ten strains (11.6%) had cross resistance between the MLS antibiotics (erythromycin or clindamycin), one strain (1.2%) had cross resistance among the cyclines and 14 strains (16.4%) had cross resistance between the MLS and cycline antibiotics. Binary logistic regression showed an association between MLS antibiotic resistance with an increased age whereas cycline resistance was associated with the duration of treatment.Conclusions  Antibiotic‐resistant P. acnes is prevalent in Hong Kong. Dermatologists should be more vigilant in prescribing antibiotics for acne patients.
Cross‐functional E3 ligases Parkin and C‐terminus Hsp70‐interacting protein in neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Kumar Pravir , Pradhan Kaveri , Karunya R. , Ambasta Rashmi K. , Querfurth Henry W. 
Published: November 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 350–370.AbstractThe study of neurodegenerative disorders has had a major impact on our understanding of more fundamental mechanisms underlying neurobiology. Breakthroughs in the genetics of Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s diseases (PD) has resulted in new knowledge in the areas of axonal transport, energy metabolism, protein trafficking/clearance and synaptic physiology. The major neurodegenerative diseases have in common a regional or network pathology associated with abnormal protein accumulation(s) and various degrees of motor or cognitive decline. In AD, β‐amyloids are deposited in extracellular diffuse and compacted plaques as well as intracellularly. There is a major contribution to the disease by the co‐existence of an intraneuronal tauopathy. Additionally, PD‐like Lewy Bodies (LBs) bearing aggregated α‐synuclein is present in 40–60% of all AD cases, especially involving amygdala. Amyloid deposits can be degraded or cleared by several mechanisms, including immune‐mediated and transcytosis across the blood–brain barrier. Another avenue for disposal involves the lysosome pathway via autophagy. Enzymatic pathways include insulin degradative enzyme and neprilysin. Finally, the co‐operative actions of C‐terminus Hsp70 interacting protein (CHIP) and Parkin, components of a multiprotein E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, may be a portal to proteasome‐mediated degradation. Mutations in the Parkin gene are the most common genetic link to autosomal recessive Parkinson’s disease. Parkin catalyzes the post‐translational modification of proteins with polyubiquitin, targeting them to the 26S proteasome. Parkin reduces intracellular Aβ1–42 peptide levels, counteracts its effects on cell death, and reverses its effect to inhibit the proteasome. Additionally, Parkin has intrinsic cytoprotective activity to promote proteasome function and defend against oxidative stress to mitochondria. Parkin and CHIP are also active in amyloid clearance and cytoprotection in vivo. Parkin has cross‐functionality in additional neurodegenerative diseases, for instance, to eliminate polyglutamine‐expanded proteins, reducing their aggregation and toxicity and reinstate proteasome function. The dual actions of CHIP (molecular co‐chaperone and E3 ligase) and Parkin (as E3‐ubiquitin ligase and anti‐oxidant) may also play a role in suppressing inflammatory reactions in animal models of neurodegeneration. In this review, we focus on the significance of CHIP and Parkin as inducers of amyloid clearance, as cytoprotectants and in the suppression of reactive inflammation. A case is made for more effort to explore whether neurodegeneration associated with proteinopathies can be arrested at early stages by promoting their mutual action.
Mutual Fund Family Size and Mutual Fund Performance: The Role of Regulatory Changes
Authors: BHOJRAJ SANJEEV , JUN CHO YOUNG , YEHUDA NIR 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT We examine whether the previously documented positive association between fund family size and fund performance is affected by significant regulatory changes (i.e., Regulation Fair Disclosure (Reg FD), the Global Settlement (GS), and increased scrutiny as a result of trading scandals) that have occurred in the last decade. Using Reg FD as a beginning point for these structural changes, we find that, while fund family size was positively associated with fund performance in the period prior to the regulatory changes, this advantage is significantly weaker in the period subsequent to the regulatory changes. Consistent with the weakened advantage of fund family size in fund performance, we find that the greater stock‐picking skill of larger fund families, measured using the earnings announcement returns of the stocks they trade, also weakened subsequent to the regulatory changes. Using narrower event windows around the regulatory changes, we find that the previously documented superior return of large fund families was partly attributable to selective disclosure. We also find that fund families implicated in the trading scandals experienced a decline in their performance during the scandal period. Finally, we examine the role of large investment banks in providing an advantage to large fund families. Family size was positively associated with the extent to which funds traded in the same direction as forecast revisions by analysts from large investment banks in the period prior to Reg FD and the GS and this association declined significantly after the two regulatory events.
Family‐Based Association Study of Chromosome 6p12.2‐p21.1 Migraine Locus
Authors: Oterino Agustín , Toriello Maria , Castillo Jesus , González‐Quitanilla Vicente , Sánchez‐Velasco Pablo , Alonso Ana , Ruiz‐Lavilla Nuria , Pascual Julio 
Published: November 2011

Background.— One of the genome‐wide linkage studies performed in migraine has yielded a significant linkage of migraine (with and without aura) with markers located at 6p12.2‐21.1. This locus (named MIGR3) has not been replicated in the only genome‐wide association scan study performed to date or in previous genome‐wide linkage studies.Objective.— Our objective had been to replicate the MIGR3 locus performing a family‐based association study.Methods.— A sample of 594 subjects belonging to 134 migraine families of diverse complexity underwent genotyping for the markers previously published as linked at 6p12.2‐21.1 migraine locus. Family‐based association test, under different models of inheritance, and also the model‐free TDT analysis were performed.Results.— The best result was obtained with the D6S1650 marker under the additive model (rank [S observed] = 265.0; permuted P = .0006), using family‐based association test program (HBAT subprogram). Similar results were obtained with the model‐free TDTPHASE algorithm (P < .0001, corrected). Nominal significant P values were obtained for D6S1630, D6S452, and D6S257. After correction for multiple testing with the stratified false‐discovery rate, all markers showed significant association (P < .0001).Conclusion.— We corroborated that the MIGR3 locus at 6p12 is a genetic risk for migraine with and without aura.(Headache 2012;52:393‐399)
Attempted Medical Management of Suspected Ascending Colon Displacement in Horses
Authors: McGovern Kate F. , Bladon Bruce M. , Fraser Barny S.L. , Boston Raymond C. 
Published: November 2011

ObjectiveTo determine the success of medical management of suspected displacement of the ascending (large) colon in horses.Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsHorses (n = 127) with suspected large colon displacement.MethodsMedical records (January 1998–September 2008) of horses admitted for colic were reviewed. Suspected large colon displacement was diagnosed from clinical examination and in some cases, subsequent surgical examination. Medically managed horses were exercised and administered intravenous fluids and analgesia. Horses with suspected left dorsal displacement (LDD) of the large colon were also administered phenylephrine.ResultsMedical management had a high success rate for treatment of suspected right dorsal displacement (RDD) (64%) and LDD (76%) of the large colon; 4 horses died (1) or were euthanatized (3) and 36 horses had surgery. Of 127 horses treated medically or surgically for a colon displacement, 94% survived to hospital discharge.ConclusionsHorses with suspected RDD or LDD of the large colon may respond to medical management including exercise.