bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical Management for Malignant Tumors of the Thumb
Authors: Puhaindran Mark E. , Rothrock Corey P. , Athanasian Edward A. 
Published: July 2011

Background Malignant tumors of the thumb can be treated surgically with either wide local excision with reconstruction or amputation. Local excision of tumors in the thumb and hand often requires closer resection margin than at other sites, and there is also a need for tissue transfer from a donor site for reconstruction. Primary thumb amputation allows local tumor control while avoiding donor-site morbidity, but comes at great functional cost. We conducted this retrospective case review to assess the outcomes of thumb-sparing wide excisions and primary thumb amputations for malignant thumb tumors. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 23 patients who were surgically treated for malignant tumors of the thumb at our center from 1996 to 2005. We reviewed patient demographics, tumor pathology, extent of resection, postoperative margin status, adjuvant therapy, recurrence, and survival. Functional outcomes were scored using the Muscular Skeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) rating system. Results Twenty-three patients underwent definitive surgery: 14 thumb-sparing wide excisions and 9 amputations (five at the interphalangeal joint, three at the metacarpophalangeal joint, and one at the forearm). Median follow-up was 58 months (range, 5–156 months). All patients had negative margins. One patient developed a local tumor recurrence (following below-elbow amputation for a soft tissue sarcoma) while three patients developed distant metastases and died from their disease (two patients had melanomas and one had a soft tissue sarcoma). The median MSTS functional score was 28 (IQR, 27–29) for the entire cohort. Two patients that underwent amputation at the metcarpophalangeal joint without reconstruction had the lowest scores of 11 and 17. Conclusion There was a low incidence of local recurrence and distant metastasis in this study, and these events appeared to be related to the underlying disease rather than the surgery performed. Thumb-sparing wide excision and amputation at the interphalangeal joint both give acceptable functional outcomes, though reconstruction should be strongly considered for patients undergoing amputation at the metacarpophalangeal joint.
Contrasting settings of serpentinite bodies in the northwestern Zagros Suture Zone, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Authors: AZIZ NABAZ R. H. , ASWAD KHALID J. A. , KOYI HEMIN A. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractProtrusions and lenses of serpentinite–matrix mélanges occur at several places along the thrust faults of the Zagros Suture Zone. They separate the lower allochthonous thrust sheet, the ‘Lower Allochthon’ (i.e. Walash–Naopurdan nappe), of Paleocene–Eocene age from sediments of the Arabian platform and the upper thrust sheet of Mesozoic, ophiolite-bearing terranes termed the ‘Upper Allochthon’ (i.e. Gemo–Qandil nappe). The serpentinite–matrix mélanges occur mostly as stretched bodies (slices) on both sides of the Lower Allochthon (Hero, Halsho and Pushtashan (HHP) and Galalah, Qalander and Rayat (GQR)). Their overall chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns form two main groups. Group One exhibits enrichment in the total REEs (> 1 × chondrite) whereas the Group Two pattern shows depletion (i.e. < 1 × chondrite). Bulk-rock MORB-normalized profiles of Group Two are almost flat in the MREE–HREE region with flattening profiles in the Gd–Lu range (> 3 times the MORB composition). In comparison with Group One, Group Two has extremely high REE content and displays variable depletions in the moderately incompatible high-field-strength elements (HFSEs) (Zr, Hf, Y) relative to their adjacent REEs. The REEs in the GQR serpentinite–matrix mélanges have a noticeably high LREE content, and a positive Eu anomaly, and their HREE content never reaches more than 1 × chondrite (i.e. < 0.01 to 1 × chondrite). The latter indicates that the hemipelagic sedimentary, melt-like components (i.e. high LREE, U/La, La/Sm and low Ba/Th) control the geochemical peculiarities of this type of serpentinite. The HHP serpentinite–matrix mélanges, however, are either equally divided between the two REE pattern groups (e.g. Hero, Halsho) or inclined towards Group One (e.g. Pushtashan). Contrary to GQR serpentinites, the variation in HHP serpentinite–matrix mélanges spans a compositional spectrum from U/La-rich to more Ba/Th-rich. Such ratio variations reflect the large variation in these two subducted sedimentary components (i.e. carbonate and hemipelagic sediment mix). The obvious differences in the trace element signatures of the GQR and HHP serpentinite–matrix mélanges might be related to plate tectonic parameters such as convergence rate, subduction age and thickness and type of subducted slab. It is more likely that the influx of subducted components to the mantle wedge relied heavily on the composition of the sedimentary inputs. These vary considerably with time from the relatively deepwater hemipelagic sediments (Qulqula Radiolarite Formation) to platform carbonate sediments (Balambo limestone). The trace element signatures of the GQR and HHP serpentinite–matrix mélanges might suggest multi-staging of the allochthonous sheet emplacement on the Arabian platform sediments.
Quantification of left-to-right shunt through patent ductus arteriosus by colour Doppler in children admitted for a device closure
Authors: Harling Solweig , Jansson Tomas , El-Segaier Milad , Pesonen Erkki 
Published: July 2011

AbstractPurposeOur animal model suggests that quantification of ductal flow from colour Doppler pixels is possible. We aimed to clarify whether this method can be used to determine a clinically significant ductal shunt in children.MethodsWe retrospectively quantified ductal flow from saved images from 20 children who had been admitted for device occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus. Colour Doppler images over the main stem of the pulmonary artery were obtained in longitudinal cross-sections. The colour pixel percentages during diastole, representing ductal flow, were correlated with the documented shunt, measured invasively according to Fick's principle.ResultsThe ratio of pulmonary to systemic flow correlated best with the sum of the percentages of green colour pixels (r = 0.73, r2 = 0.54, p < 0.001). When the shunt was 1.5:1 or more, 12 out of 13 infants had 50% or more of the region of interest covered with green pixels – sensitivity 92%, specificity 71%. The correlation between ductal diameter and pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio was less significant (r = 0.6, r2 = 0.37, p < 0.03).ConclusionsWe conclude that clinically significant shunts with pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio over 1.5 can be diagnosed with this method where neither the size of the patient nor echocardiographic settings seem to be critical. The method could be used to provide an objective indication for ductal closure, but further prospective studies in children are needed to verify the power of the method.
Effect of nano‐ZnO‐coated active packaging on quality of fresh‐cut ‘Fuji’ apple
Authors: Li Xihong , Li Weili , Jiang Yunhong , Ding Yulong , Yun Juan , Tang Yao , Zhang Peipei 
Published: July 2011

SummaryA novel nanopackaging was synthesised by coating polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film with nano‐ZnO powder, and its effects on the preservation quality of fresh‐cut ‘Fuji’ apple were investigated at 4 °C for 12 days. Compared with the control (PVC film), nanopackaging significantly reduced the fruit decay rate (P < 0.05), as well as decreased the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) from 74.9 nmol g−1 in the control to 53.9 nmol g−1 in the nanopackaging. Cutting caused an increase in ethylene level, suggesting wound‐induced ethylene production, which was suppressed in nanopackaging. Both the polyphenoloxidase and pyrogallol peroxidase activities were decreased in nanopackaging fruit. The initial appearance of apple slices was retained, and the browning index was prevented in nanopackaging samples, which was only 23.9, much lower than the control of 31.7 on day 12. These results indicated that nano‐ZnO active packaging could be a viable alternative to common technologies for improving the shelf‐life properties of ‘Fuji’ apples as a fresh‐cut product.
Mapping an urban ecosystem service: quantifying above‐ground carbon storage at a city‐wide scale
Authors: Davies Zoe G. , Edmondson Jill L. , Heinemeyer Andreas , Leake Jonathan R. , Gaston Kevin J. 
Published: July 2011

Summary1. Despite urbanization being a major driver of land‐use change globally, there have been few attempts to quantify and map ecosystem service provision at a city‐wide scale. One service that is an increasingly important feature of climate change mitigation policies, and with other potential benefits, is biological carbon storage.2. We examine the quantities and spatial patterns of above‐ground carbon stored in a typical British city, Leicester, by surveying vegetation across the entire urban area. We also consider how carbon density differs in domestic gardens, indicative of bottom‐up management of private green spaces by householders, and public land, representing top‐down landscape policies by local authorities. Finally, we compare a national ecosystem service map with the estimated quantity and distribution of above‐ground carbon within our study city.3. An estimated 231 521 tonnes of carbon is stored within the above‐ground vegetation of Leicester, equating to 3·16 kg C m−2of urban area, with 97·3% of this carbon pool being associated with trees rather than herbaceous and woody vegetation.4. Domestic gardens store just 0·76 kg C m−2, which is not significantly different from herbaceous vegetation landcover (0·14 kg C m−2). The greatest above‐ground carbon density is 28·86 kg C m−2, which is associated with areas of tree cover on publicly owned/managed sites.5. Current national estimates of this ecosystem service undervalue Leicester’s contribution by an order of magnitude.6. Synthesis and applications. The UK government has recently set a target of an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, from 1990 levels, by 2050. Local authorities are central to national efforts to cut carbon emissions, although the reductions required at city‐wide scales are yet to be set. This has led to a need for reliable data to help establish and underpin realistic carbon emission targets and reduction trajectories, along with acceptable and robust policies for meeting these goals. Here, we illustrate the potential benefits of accounting for, mapping and appropriately managing above‐ground vegetation carbon stores, even within a typical densely urbanized European city.
Isolation of Phytophthora lateralis from Chamaecyparis foliage in Taiwan
Authors: Webber J. F. , Vettraino A. M. , Chang T. T. , Bellgard S.E. , Brasier C. M. , Vannini A. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryFollowing the discovery in 2008 of Phytophthora lateralis in forest soil under old‐growth yellow cedar (Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana) in north‐east Taiwan, further sampling was undertaken in the same region. Soil, root and symptomatic foliage samples were collected from five separate sites where C. obtusa was the dominant species in cloud forests at ca. 1800–2500 m. Soil and fine root samples were baited with cedar needles; both direct isolation and cedar needle baiting were used on foliage samples. Phytophthora lateralis was obtained from soil at three of the sites, but only from three of the 27 soil samples overall. Only one of 25 root samples yielded the pathogen, and this was associated with infested soil. Three foliage samples with symptoms visible as dark brown to black frond tips also yielded P. lateralis; these came from two different sites. This is the first record of P. lateralis infecting the foliage of C. obtusa. Moreover, when some of the symptomatic Chamaecyparis foliage segments were incubated, sporangia of P. lateralis formed on the necrotic tissues, sometimes in the axils of needle segments. The study provides evidence that P. lateralis has both a soil/root infecting phase and an aerial or foliar infecting phase in Taiwan, which is consistent with its unusual combination of water‐dispersed (non‐papillate) and aerially dispersed (caducous) sporangia. It also demonstrates the importance of investigating the biology, aetiology and ecological behaviour of Phytophthoras in their native, endemic environments.
Firm‐level Evidence on Gender Wage Discrimination in the Belgian Private Economy
Authors: Vandenberghe Vincent 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn this paper we explore a matched employer–employee data set to investigate the presence of gender wage discrimination in the Belgian private economy labour market. Contrary to many existing papers, we analyse gender wage discrimination using an independent productivity measure. Using firm‐level data, we are able to compare direct estimates of a gender productivity differential with those of a gender wage differential. We take advantage of the panel structure to identify gender‐related differences from within‐firm variation. Moreover, inspired by recent developments in the production function estimation literature, we address the problem of endogeneity of the gender mix using a structural production function estimator alongside instrumental variable‐general method of moments (IV‐GMM) methods where lagged value of labour inputs are used as instruments. Our results suggest that there is no gender wage discrimination inside private firms located in Belgium, on the contrary.
Assessment of Atrial Conduction Time in Patients with Coronary Artery Ectasia
Authors: SENGUL CIHAN , CEVIK CIHAN , OZVEREN OLCAY , SUNBUL AYSEGUL , KILICARSLAN FETHI , ODUNCU VECIH , CAN MEHMET , SEMIZ ENDER , DINDAR ISMET 
Published: July 2011

Background:
Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is associated with increased sympathetic activity, plasma levels of inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress. These factors can also cause arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Atrial conduction abnormalities in patients with CAE have not been investigated in terms of atrial electromechanical delay obtained by tissue Doppler echocardiography.
Methods:
Ninety patients with pure CAE (n = 30), nonobstructive coronary artery disease (NO‐CAD) (n = 30), and angiographically normal coronary arteries “controls” (n = 30) were compared in terms of electrocardiographic P‐wave measurements, echocardiographic atrial electromechanical coupling (AEC) parameters, and interatrial conduction delay.
Results:
The mean left atrium diameter in the CAE group was similar to the NO‐CAD group but significantly greater than the control group (3.62 ± 0.28 vs 3.46 ± 0.32 vs 3.41 ± 0.31 cm, P = 0.021). P maximum and P‐wave dispersion were significantly increased in the CAE group compared to the NO‐CAD group and the control group (108.6 ± 6.6 vs 97.9 ± 6.6 vs 93.5 ± 6.2, P = 0.0001; 34.4 ± 7.6 vs 23.2 ± 7.8 vs 19.4 ± 7.7 ms, P < 0.0001). Mitral AEC, septal AEC, and tricuspid AEC were significantly higher in the CAE group than the NO‐CAD group and the control group (68 ± 4.5 vs 57 ± 4.5 vs 53 ± 4.6 ms, P < 0.0001; 50.7 ± 7 vs 42.7 ± 7 vs 41.7 ± 7.2 ms, P = 0.0001; 47 ± 6.7 vs 39.1 ± 6.7 vs 38.1 ± 6.6 ms, P < 0.0001). Interatrial conduction delay was significantly increased in the CAE group compared to the NO‐CAD group and the control group (21 ± 5.5 vs 17.8 ± 5.6 vs 15 ± 5.6 ms, P < 0.0001).The correlation analysis demonstrated that the interatrial conduction delay and P‐wave dispersion (Pd) were positively correlated with number of ectatic segments (ESN) (r = 0.41, P = 0.024 vs r = 0.49, P = 0.006). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the ESN was the only independent determinants of interatrial conduction delay (P = 0.024).
Conclusion:
Pd and interatrial conduction delay are prolonged in patients with CAE compared to NO‐CAD patients and the healthy controls. (PACE 2011; 34:1468–1474)
The Effect of Maximum Bite Force, Implant Number, and Attachment Type on Marginal Bone Loss around Implants Supporting Mandibular Overdentures: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Geckili Onur , Mumcu Emre , Bilhan Hakan 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTBackground: There remains controversy regarding the clinical reasons for late‐implant bone loss, which is a critical factor in the long‐term success of implant‐supported overdentures.Purpose: Assessment of the effect of such factors as attachment type, number of implants, gender, age, and maximum bite force (MBF) on marginal bone loss (MBL) around implants supporting mandibular overdentures.Materials and Methods: Sixty‐two edentulous patients rehabilitated with two‐, three‐, or four‐implant‐supported mandibular overdentures at a university clinic between January 2006 and January 2007 and having a digital panoramic radiograph at the time of loading, were included in this study. All patients received digital panoramic radiographs, and MBL was measured by subtracting bone levels from the first radiograph. MBF was measured using a bite force transducer.Results: The amount of bone loss 48 months after loading was found to be unrelated to gender, age, implant number, attachment type, and splinting (p = .741, p = .953, p = .640, p = .763, p = .370, respectively). A significant correlation was observed between the MBF and the MBL of distal implants on the right side (p < .01, 79.9%) and the MBF and the MBL of distal implants on the left side (p = .011, 34.6%).Conclusions: MBL around implants supporting mandibular overdentures seems not to be affected by number of implants, attachment type, age, or gender; however, MBL is affected by MBF.
The tidal downsizing hypothesis for planet formation and the composition of Solar system comets
Authors: Nayakshin Sergei , Cha Seung-Hoon , Bridges John C. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Comets are believed to be born in the outer Solar system where the temperature is assumed to have never exceeded T ∼ 100 K. Surprisingly, observations and samples of cometary dust particles returned to Earth showed that they are in fact made of a mix of ices, as expected, but also of materials forged at high temperatures (T ∼ 1500 K). We propose a radically new view regarding the origin of the high-temperature processed materials in comets, based on the recent ‘tidal downsizing’ hypothesis for planet formation. In the latter, the outer protoplanetary disc is gravitationally unstable and forms massive giant planet embryos (GEs). These hot (T ∼ 100–2000 K) and dense regions, immersed in the background cold and low-density disc, are eventually disrupted. We propose that both planets and the high-temperature materials in comets are synthesized inside the GEs. Disruption of GEs separates planets and small solids as the latter are ‘frozen-in’ into gas and are peeled off together with it. These small solids are then mixed with the ambient cold disc containing ices before being incorporated into comets. Several predictions of this picture may be testable with future observations of the exoplanets.
Improved diagnostic yield with severity of bleeding
Authors: PARIKH Dhavan A , MITTAL Mohit , LEUNG Felix W , MANN Surinder K 
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE:  Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is an important tool for non‐invasive imaging of the small bowel. Whether there is a dose‐related effect of anemia severity on the diagnostic yield of VCE is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of anemia severity on VCE outcome measures.METHODS:  VCE studies from the Sacramento Veterans Affairs Medical Center for 300 consecutive patients were retrospectively screened. Those with anemia were selected. Patients were grouped as mildly, moderately or severely bleeding. Outcomes data including completion of study, diagnostic yield and further intervention were compared.RESULTS:  Of the 300 patients, 210 (70%) were found to have anemia. Overall 32 (15.24%) patients were mildly, 145 (69.05%) were moderately and 33 (15.71%) were severely bleeding. The diagnostic yield was significantly higher in severe (72.73%) relative to moderate (32.41%) and mild bleeding (12.50%); P = 0.0001. Significantly more angioectasias were detected in severely bleeding patients (42.42%) than in those bleeding moderately (14.48%) and mildly (0.00%), P = 0.0001. The ability of VCE to guide further intervention was significantly higher in patients bleeding severely (69.70%, P = 0.006).CONCLUSIONS:  Our data showed a significant increase in diagnostic yield with the increasing degree of anemia. Relative difference in hemoglobin rather than absolute values may be a better predictor. The ability of VCE to guide further intervention reached significance in severely bleeding patients. The hypothesis that use of VCE prior to esophagogastroduodenoscopy or colonoscopy in the severely bleeding group deserves to be evaluated.
Diving dentistry: a review of the dental implications of scuba diving
Authors: Zadik Y , Drucker S 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn light of the overwhelming popularity of self‐contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving, general dental practitioners should be prepared to address complications arising as a result of diving and to provide patients with accurate information. The aim of this article was to introduce the concepts of diving medicine and dentistry to the dentist, and to supply the dental practitioner with some diagnostic tools as well as treatment guidelines. The literature was reviewed to address diving barotrauma (pressure‐induced injury related to an air space) to the head, face and oral regions, as well as scuba mouthpiece‐related oral conditions. The relevant conditions for dentists who treat divers include diving‐associated headache (migraine, tension‐type headache), barosinusitis and barotitis‐media (sinus and middle ear barotrauma, respectively), neuropathy, trigeminal (CN V) or facial (CN VII) nerve baroparesis (pressure‐induced palsy), dental barotrauma (barometric‐related tooth injury), barodontalgia (barometric‐related dental pain), mouthpiece‐associated herpes infection, pharyngeal gag reflex and temporomandibular joint disorder (dysfunction). For each condition, a theoretical description is followed by practical recommendations for the dental practitioner for the prevention and management of the condition.