bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AN ANALYSIS OF STIMULI THAT INFLUENCE COMPLIANCE DURING THE HIGH‐PROBABILITY INSTRUCTION SEQUENCE
Authors: Normand Matthew P. , Kestner Kathryn , Jessel Joshua
Published: June 2011

When we evaluated variables that influence the effectiveness of the high‐probability (high‐p) instruction sequence, the sequence was associated with a precipitous decrease in compliance with high‐p instructions for 1 participant, thereby precluding continued use of the sequence. We investigated the reasons for this decrease. Stimuli associated with the low‐p instruction were systematically added and removed in the context of the high‐p instructions, and results suggest that the stimuli associated with the low‐p instruction influenced compliance with the high‐p instructions.
COMPARISON OF BITE‐PRESENTATION METHODS IN THE TREATMENT OF FOOD REFUSAL
Authors: Sharp William G. , Harker Shelly , Jaquess David L.
Published: June 2011

The current study examined the rate of expulsions and mouth cleans across 3 presentation methods (upright spoon, flipped spoon, Nuk brush) for a 3‐year‐old girl with a feeding disorder. The participant expelled all bites presented on an upright spoon. Results showed reduced rates of expulsions and increased mouth cleans during the flipped spoon and Nuk brush presentation methods.
USING STIMULUS EQUIVALENCE TECHNOLOGY TO TEACH STATISTICAL INFERENCE IN A GROUP SETTING
Authors: Critchfield Thomas S. , Fienup Daniel M.
Published: June 2011

Computerized lessons employing stimulus equivalence technology, used previously under laboratory conditions to teach inferential statistics concepts to college students, were employed in a group setting for the first time. Students showed the same directly taught and emergent learning gains as in laboratory studies. A brief paper‐and‐pencil examination, suitable for classroom use, captured effects demonstrated previously through laboratory tests. The results support the extension of the lessons to more naturalistic settings.
AN EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT CONTINGENCIES FOR ADULT‐DELIVERED REPRIMANDS
Authors: Miller Jonathan R. , Lerman Dorothea C. , Fritz Jennifer N.
Published: June 2011

Seven adults participated in simulated teaching sessions with an experimenter who role played as a student with developmental disabilities. The experimenter engaged in problem behavior and either (a) terminated problem behavior contingent on participant reprimands (negative reinforcement) or (b) did not terminate problem behavior contingent on reprimands (extinction). Results suggested that reprimands were sensitive to negative reinforcement in the form of the immediate cessation of problem behavior. These preliminary findings support role play as a potentially viable laboratory model for analyzing behaviors of typical adults.
RECENT RESEARCH ON EMERGENT VERBAL BEHAVIOR: CLINICAL APPLICATIONS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Authors: Grow Laura L. , Kodak Tiffany
Published: June 2011

This paper describes recent studies that have evaluated the functional independence of verbal operants. Procedures that facilitate the emergence of untrained verbal operants and important areas of future research to increase efficiency of language programs for children diagnosed with developmental disabilities are discussed.
A Retrospective Analysis of Implants Immediately Placed in Sites With and Without Periapical Pathology in Sixty‐Four Patients
Authors: Fugazzotto Paul A.
Published: May 2011

Background: Many patients requiring implant therapy present with hopeless teeth exhibiting periapical pathology. The advisability of implant placement in such situations has not been conclusively determined.

Methods: Sixty‐four patients underwent therapy in their maxillary incisor region. Treatment consisted of immediate implant placement in a site demonstrating periapical pathology, and immediate implant placement in a “pristine” site, either during the same visit or during separate visits. The implants placed in the sites demonstrating periapical pathology were followed in function for ≤117 months, with a mean time in function of 64 months. The implants placed in pristine sites were followed in function for ≤120 months, with a mean time in function of 62 months.

Results: Two implants in the central incisor positions of one patient demonstrated 2 mm of buccal recession after ≈46 months in function. These implants were deemed esthetic failures, despite the absence of inflammation and continued clinical implant immobility, yielding cumulative survival rates of 98.1 and 98.2 for implants placed in sites with periapical pathology and implants placed in sites without periapical pathology, respectively, according to published criteria.

Conclusions: Implants immediately placed in sites demonstrating periapical pathology yielded results comparable to those immediately placed in pristine sites. The difference in survival rates was not statistically significant.
Immediate Loading of Mandibular Overdentures Supported by Unsplinted Direct Laser Metal‐Forming Implants: Results From a 1‐Year Prospective Study
Authors: Mangano Carlo , Mangano Francesco G. , Shibli Jamil A. , Ricci Massimiliano , Perrotti Vittoria , d'Avila Susana , Piattelli Adriano
Published: May 2011

Background:At present, only some studies have dealt with immediate loading of unsplinted implants supporting mandibular overdentures. The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate treatment outcomes of mandibular overdentures supported by four one‐piece, unsplinted, immediately loaded, direct laser metal‐forming (DLMF) implants by assessing implant survival rate, implant success, marginal bone loss, and prosthetic complications.

Methods:A total of 96 one‐piece DLMF implants were inserted in the edentulous mandible of 24 patients. Four implants were placed in each edentulous mandible. Immediately after implant placement, a mandibular overdenture was connected to the implants. At 1‐year follow‐up, clinical, radiographic, and prosthetic parameters were assessed. Success criteria included absence of pain, suppuration, and implant mobility; absence of continuous peri‐implant radiolucency; and distance between the implant shoulder and the first visible bone contact <1.5 mm.

Results:After a 1‐year loading time, the overall implant survival rate was 98.9%, with only one implant lost. Among the surviving 95 implants, two did not fulfill the success criteria; therefore, the implant success rate was 97.8%. The mean distance between the implant shoulder and the first visible bone contact was 0.28 ± 0.30 mm (95% confidence interval, 0.24 to 0.32). Some prosthetic complications were reported.

Conclusion:Based on the present results and within the limits of this study, the immediate loading of four unsplinted DLMF implants by means of ball attachment–supported mandibular overdentures seems to represent a safe and successful procedure.
Effect of Non‐Surgical Periodontal Therapy on C‐Reactive Protein, Oxidative Stress, and Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 and MMP‐2 Levels in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Koromantzos Panagiotis A. , Makrilakis Konstantinos , Dereka Xanthippi , Offenbacher Steven , Katsilambros Nicholas , Vrotsos Ioannis A. , Madianos Phoebus N.
Published: May 2011

Background: It is well accepted that glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is affected by systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. The effect of periodontal therapy on these systemic factors may be related to improvement on glycemic status. The aim of the present study is to assess over a period of 6 months the effect of non‐surgical periodontal therapy on serum levels of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), d‐8‐iso prostaglandin F2a (d‐8‐iso) as a marker of oxidative stress, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐9 on patients with type 2 DM.

Methods: Sixty participants with type 2 DM and moderate to severe periodontal disease were randomized into intervention (IG) and control (CG) groups. IG received scaling and root planing, whereas CG received supragingival cleaning at baseline and scaling and root planing at 6 months. Participants of both groups were evaluated at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months. Periodontal data recorded at each visit included probing depth, clinical attachment loss, bleeding on probing, and gingival index. Blood was collected at each visit for the assay of serum glycated hemoglobin A1c (A1c), hsCRP, d‐8‐iso, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9.

Results: Although there was a trend to a reduction in hsCRP, d‐8‐iso and MMP‐9 it did not reach statistical significance. MMP‐2 levels remained unchanged after periodontal treatment.

Conclusion: Effective non‐surgical periodontal treatment of participants with type 2 DM and moderate to severe periodontal disease improved significantly A1c levels but did not result in a statistically significant improvement in hsCRP, d‐8‐iso, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9 levels.
3D Similarity Search for Lead Compound Identification
Authors: Guyon Frederic , Tuffery Pierre
Published: June 2011

The search for new lead compounds when no sufficient structural information on the receptor binding
site, neither on the binding mechanism, are available is challenging, but it can be proceeded if biological activity
data are provided for at least one active compound towards the target under consideration. In the recent years,
traditional approaches with respect to this situation such as QSAR and pharmacophore techniques have been
supplemented by 3D similarity search techniques to mine large banks of compounds, searching for small
compounds similar to the bioactive ones. We introduce some of the concepts related to the latter techniques, and
we discuss briefly foreseen developments.
Receptor Flexibility in Ligand Docking and Virtual Screening
Authors: A. Miteva Maria , H. Robert Charles , Didier Marechal Jean , Perahia David
Published: June 2011

It is now well recognized that receptor flexibility plays an important role in protein-ligand binding. This
flexibility can concern not only the mobility and reorganization of side chains in the binding site but also
conformational changes of the whole molecule, which makes modeling of ligand docking more challenging. We
give here an overview of existing approaches to treating receptor flexibility in protein-ligand docking and virtual
screening that range from approximate to more accurate methods, including the use of normal modes in
accounting for global conformational changes of the receptor or the use of more precise force fields. In addition,
we describe recent successful applications of such approaches that have led to the design or discovery of new lead
compounds with therapeutic relevance. These new developments in protein-ligand docking and screening are
increasingly applied for better prediction of binding affinities. In view of the ever-increasing power of machine
computation, a better accounting of the flexibility of the receptor is justified in order to improve the prediction of
ligand binding in the search for new drug candidates by virtual screening.
Do Certification Seals Permit a Price Premium for Online Security and Privacy?
Authors: Hammock Michael R.
Published: June 2011

If some consumers care more about online privacy and security than others, and if providing privacy and security imposes opportunity costs on firms, then firms with more privacy and security measures should charge higher prices, and consumers who value these measures should be willing to pay higher prices. To test this hypothesis, data on the prices and certification seals of websites were collected. Examination of the data reveals moderate evidence that firms with a specific kind of security seal enjoy a price premium, and no evidence that sites displaying other seals enjoy a price premium. These findings suggest either that regulation may be unnecessary because markets are correctly pricing security and privacy, or that there is a market failure preventing privacy certification seals from providing credible signals to consumers.
Finding the Key Players in Online Child Exploitation Networks
Authors: Westlake Bryce G , Bouchard Martin , Frank Richard
Published: June 2011

The growth of the Internet has been paralleled with a similar growth in online child exploitation. Since completely shutting down child exploitation websites is difficult (or arguably impossible), the goal must be to find the most efficient way of identifying the key targets and then to apprehend them. Traditionally, online investigations have been manual and centered on images. However, we argue that target prioritization needs to take more than just images into consideration, and that the investigating process needs to become more systematic. Drawing from a web crawler we specifically designed for extracting child exploitation website networks, this study 1) examines the structure of ten child exploitation networks and compares it to a control group of sports‐related websites, and 2) provides a measure (network capital) that allows for identifying the most important targets for law enforcement purposes among our sample of websites. Results show that network capital — a combination between severity of content (images, videos, and text) and connectivity (links to other websites) — is a more reliable measure of target prioritization than more traditional measures of network centrality taken alone. Policy implications are discussed.
Teenage Folly or Child Abuse? State Responses to “Sexting” by Minors in the U.S. and Germany
Authors: Schmitz Sandra , Siry Lawrence
Published: June 2011

As the digital generation grows up, societies' norms are being challenged by changing views of what is acceptable communication. Young people live much of their lives online: texting and ‘sexting’ their thoughts and images to their intimates and strangers alike. These changes have challenged the legal structures committed to protecting society's youth. This paper explores the development of the law in the United States and Germany concerning sexualized text messages or ‘sexts’. It asks whether and under what conditions such communications are pornographic and represent a signal for prosecution or protection.
Accuracy of isoflurane, halothane, and sevoflurane vaporizers during high oxygen flow and at maximum vaporizer dial setting
Authors: Ambrisko Tamas D. , Klide Alan M.
Published: June 2011

Objective—To assess the accuracy of isoflurane, halothane, and sevoflurane vaporizers during high oxygen flow and at maximum dial settings at room temperature and to test sevoflurane vaporizers similarly during heating and at low-fill states.

Sample—5 isoflurane, 5 halothane, and 5 sevoflurane vaporizers.

Procedures—Vaporizers were tested at an oxygen flow of 10 L/min and maximum dial settings for 15 minutes under various conditions. All 3 vaporizer types were filled and tested at room temperature (21° to 23°C). Filled sevoflurane vaporizers were wrapped with circulating hot water (42°C) blankets for 2 hours and tested similarly, and near-empty sevoflurane vaporizers were tested similarly at room temperature. During each 15-minute test period, anesthetic agent concentration was measured at the common gas outlet with a portable refractometer and temperature of the vaporizer wall was measured with a thermistor.

Results—For each vaporizer type, anesthetic agent concentrations and vaporizer wall temperatures decreased during the 15-minute test period. Accuracy of isoflurane and halothane vaporizers remained within the recommended 20% (plus or minus) deviation from dial settings. Heated and room-temperature sevoflurane vaporizers were accurate to within 23% and 11.7% (plus or minus) of dial settings, respectively. Sevoflurane vaporizers at low-fill states performed similarly to vaporizers at full-fill states.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Under these study conditions, the isoflurane and halothane vaporizer models tested were accurate but the sevoflurane vaporizers were not. Sevoflurane vaporizer accuracy was not affected by fill state but may be improved with vaporizer heating; measurements of inspired anesthetic agent concentrations should be obtained during the use of heated vaporizers.
Effect of perzinfotel and a proprietary phospholipase A2 inhibitor on kinetic gait and subjective lameness scores in dogs with sodium urate-induced synovitis
Authors: Budsberg Steven C. , Torres Bryan T. , Zwijnenberg Raphael J. , Eppler C. Mark , Clark James D. , Cathcart Curtis J. , Reynolds Lisa R. , Al-Nadaf Sami
Published: June 2011

Objective—To investigate the ability of perzinfotel (an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist) and a proprietary phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitor to attenuate lameness in dogs with sodium urate (SU)–induced synovitis.

Animals—8 adult dogs.

Procedures—A blinded 4-way crossover study was performed. Dogs received perzinfotel (10 mg/kg), a proprietary PLA2 inhibitor (10 mg/kg), carprofen (4.4 mg/kg; positive control treatment), or no treatment (negative control treatment). On the fourth day after initiation of treatment, synovitis was induced via intra-articular injection of SU 1 hour before administration of the last treatment dose. Ground reaction forces were measured and clinical lameness evaluations were performed before (baseline [time 0]) and 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 25 hours after SU injection. There was a 21-day washout period between subsequent treatments. Data were analyzed via repeated-measures ANOVAs.

Results—Peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI) values for negative control and perzinfotel treatments were significantly lower at 2 and 4 hours, compared with baseline values. Values for PVF and VI for the PLA2 inhibitor and positive control treatments did not differ from baseline values at any time points. Between-treatment comparisons revealed significantly higher PVF and VI values for the positive control treatment than for the negative control and perzinfotel treatments at 2 and 4 hours. Values for VI were higher for PLA2 inhibitor treatment than for negative control treatment at 2 hours.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Perzinfotel did not significantly alter SU–induced lameness. The proprietary PLA2 inhibitor attenuated lameness but not as completely as did carprofen.
Shedding of chlamydiae in relation to titers of serum chlamydiae-specific antibodies and serum concentrations of two acute-phase proteins in cats without conjunctivitis
Authors: Ström Holst Bodil , Krook Linnéa , Englund Stina , Lagerstedt Anne-Sofie , Bölske Göran
Published: June 2011

Objective—To investigate shedding of chlamydiae from conjunctiva and genital tracts of cats without clinical signs of conjunctivitis or other infectious disease in relation to their titers of serum antibodies against chlamydiae and to serum amyloid A (SAA) and serum α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) concentrations.

Animals—62 healthy cats.

Procedures—Serum from each cat was analyzed for antibodies against chlamydiae and for SAA and AGP concentrations. Swab samples from the conjunctival sac and genital tract were analyzed with a real-time PCR assay for Chlamydiaceae.

Results—4 of 8 of cats with high antibody titers (ie, 1,600) shed chlamydiae, but only from the conjunctiva. Chlamydiae could not be detected in samples from cats with lower antibody titers nor from any genital tract samples. In cats with antibody titers of 1,600, mean ± SD SAA concentration was significantly higher when chlamydiae were detected in conjunctival swab samples (3.9 ± 1.0 mg/L) than when no chlamydiae were detected (1.4 ± 1.0 mg/L). However, SAA concentration was greater than the limit for an acute-phase response in only one of those cats. There was no significant difference in serum AGP concentrations between cats with high titers that were or were not shedding chlamydiae. Nine of 30 (30%) cats (5 with and 4 without detectable serum antibodies against chlamydiae) that had been mated developed reproductive disorders.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Clinically normal cats with high chlamydiae-specific antibody titers can shed and thus transmit chlamydiae. Venereal spread from cats without clinical signs of infection is likely not common.
Radiographic reference limits for cardiac width in peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus)
Authors: Lumeij Johannes T. , Shaik Muneer A. S. , Ali Mohammed
Published: June 2011

Objective—To determine radiographic reference limits for cardiac width (CW) in peregrine falcons.

Design—Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Animals—100 peregrine falcons.

Procedures—CW, thoracic width (TW), and sternal width (SW) were measured at the level of maximum CW on ventrodorsal radiographs of 64 falcons. Ratios of CW:TW and CW:SW were compared between positive pressure insufflation (PPI) radiographs and standard radiographs in 6 falcons. A hypothesis for the most accurate predictor of CW was formulated and validated in a new set of 36 falcons.

Results—PPI radiographs had a significantly lower CW:TW ratio than did standard radiographs. The CW:SW ratio was unaffected. The 95% confidence interval for a regression-based predicted CW was 19% larger for any given TW, compared with SW. The difference between predicted and measured CW was significantly smaller with SW, compared with TW. Validation of these findings in a new data set of 36 falcons confirmed that prediction of CW when SW was used as the independent variable in a regression equation was superior to use of the CW:SW ratio or the CW:TW ratio and was superior to prediction of CW when TW was used as the independent variable in a regression equation.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Of the variables examined, SW seemed to be the most precise and most accurate predictor for CW in peregrine falcons. Thoracic width seemed inferior as a predictor for CW because TW was influenced by respiratory movements. The following formula can be used to predict the 95% confidence interval for CW in peregrine falcons: CW = 0.83SW + 0.37 ± 0.16.
Association of histologic tumor characteristics and size of surgical margins with clinical outcome after surgical removal of cutaneous mast cell tumors in dogs
Authors: Schultheiss Patricia C. , Gardiner David W. , Rao Sangeeta , Olea-Popelka Francisco , Tuohy Joanne L.
Published: June 2011

Objective—To evaluate the relationship between width and depth of surgical margins, amount of edema within and around the tumor, and degree of demarcation between the tumor and surrounding tissues with the clinical outcome following surgical removal of cutaneous mast cell tumors (cMCTs) in dogs.

Design—Retrospective cohort study.

Animals—100 dogs with 115 resectable cMCTs.

Procedures—Information about the dogs' clinical outcomes following cMCT removal was obtained from primary care veterinarians. Histologic sections of excised tumors were assessed retrospectively for tumor grade and measurement of the narrowest lateral and deep margins of nonneoplastic tissue excised with the tumors; edema within the tumor and surrounding tissues was assessed as minimal, moderate, or severe. Tumors were classified as poorly, moderately, or well demarcated on the basis of the degree of mast cell infiltration into the adjoining connective tissue.

Results—Following tumor excision (with no additional postsurgery treatment), 96 dogs had no local recurrence or metastatic disease for 27 to 31 months; 4 metastatic disease–related deaths (dogs with grade II or III tumors) occurred within 3 to 9 months. Histologically, mean lateral and deep surgical margins around the tumors were 8.9 and 5.3 mm, respectively. No recurrence of tumor or metastatic disease developed following excision with lateral margins ≥ 10 mm and deep margins ≥ 4 mm. Edema and degree of demarcation were not correlated with outcome.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that most grade I and II cMCTs in dogs can be successfully treated by complete surgical removal with margins smaller than those currently recommended.
Multisystemic infection with an Acanthamoeba sp in a dog
Authors: Kent Marc , Platt Simon R. , Rech Raquel R. , Eagleson Joseph S. , Howerth Elizabeth W. , Shoff Megan , Fuerst Paul A. , Booton Greg , Visvesvara Govinda S. , Schatzberg Scott J.
Published: June 2011

Case Description—A 10-month-old Boxer was evaluated for fever and signs of cervical pain.

Clinical Findings—Physical examination revealed lethargy, fever, and mucopurulent ocular and preputial discharge. On neurologic examination, the gait was characterized by a short stride. The dog kept its head flexed and resisted movement of the neck, consistent with cervical pain. Clinicopathologic findings included neutrophilic leukocytosis, a left shift, and monocytosis. Cervical radiographs were unremarkable. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed neutrophilic pleocytosis and high total protein content. On the basis of signalment, history, and clinicopathologic data, a diagnosis of steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis was made.

Treatment and Outcome—The dog was treated with prednisone (3.2 mg/kg [1.45 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h), for 3 weeks with limited response. Consequently, azathioprine (2 mg/kg [0.9 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h) was administered. Three weeks later, the dog was evaluated for tachypnea and lethargy. Complete blood count revealed leukopenia, neutropenia, and a left shift. Thoracic radiography revealed a diffuse bronchointerstitial pattern. The dog subsequently went into respiratory arrest and died. On histologic evaluation, amoebic organisms were observed in the lungs, kidneys, and meninges of the brain and spinal cord. A unique Acanthamoeba sp was identified by use of PCR assay.

Clinical Relevance—This dog developed systemic amoebic infection presumed to be secondary to immunosuppression. The development of secondary infection should be considered in animals undergoing immunosuppression for immune-mediated disease that develop clinical signs unrelated to the primary disease. Although uncommon, amoebic infection may develop in immunosuppressed animals. Use of a PCR assay for identification of Acanthamoeba spp may provide an antemortem diagnosis.
Serial use of serologic assays and fecal PCR assays to aid in identification of subclinical Lawsonia intracellularis infection for targeted treatment of Thoroughbred foals and weanlings
Authors: Page Allen E. , Slovis Nathan M. , Gebhart Connie J. , Wolfsdorf Karen , Mapes Samantha M. , Pusterla Nicola
Published: June 2011

Objective—To assess the serial use of serum immunoperoxidase monolayer assays (IPMAs) and fecal PCR assays, combined with other diagnostic methods, to identify subclinical Lawsonia intracellularis infections for targeted treatment of Thoroughbred foals and weanlings at farms in which the pathogen was endemic or nonendemic.

Design—Evaluation study.

Animals—100 foals and weanlings (53 and 47 at farms in which L intracellularis was endemic and nonendemic, respectively).

Procedures—Serum was collected every 4 weeks and tested via IPMA, for antibodies against L intracellularis. Fecal samples were collected every 2 weeks and tested by use of an L intracellularis–specific PCR assay. When results for IPMAs or PCR assays were positive or clinical signs compatible with equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE) were detected, clinicopathologic testing was performed to determine treatment.

Results—No foals had positive results for the L intracellularis–specific IPMA until after weaning; 32 of 53 (60.4%) weanlings at the farm in which L intracellularis was endemic and 8 of 47 (170%) at the farm in which L intracellularis was nonendemic had positive IPMA results, whereas the number of weanlings that tested positive via fecal PCR assays at those farms was 6 and 0, respectively. Nineteen of 32 weanlings with positive IPMA results at the farm in which L intracellularis was endemic were treated for EPE; 5 of these had clinical signs of EPE. No weanlings at the nonendemic farm had clinical signs of or were treated for EPE.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—IPMA appeared to be a useful means of identifying weanlings exposed to L intracellularis.
A survey of larval digeneans in the commonest intertidal snails from Northern Patagonian coast, Argentina
Authors: Gilardoni Carmen , Etchegoin Jorge , Diaz Julia , Ituarte Cristián , Cremonte Florencia
Published: May 2011

Over a two-years period, a survey was carried out in order to increase the knowledge of digeneans parasitising the commonest intertidal gastropods on the Patagonian coast, Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. A total of 4,725 gastropods were examined. Six species of digenean parasitising four snail species were found; four of them were registered for first time: Maritrema sp. 1 (Microphallidae) in Crepidula dilatata (Calyptraeidae), Parorchis sp. (Philophtalmidae) and sporocyst of Renicolidae in Trophon geversianus (Muricidae), and Diphterostomum sp. (Zoogonidae) in Buccinanops globulosus (Nassariidae). Two other species were found in Siphonaria lessoni (Siphonariidae): Maritrema sp. 2 and Hemiuridae. One snail species, Tegula patagonica (Trochidae) was not parasitised. These gastropods act as first intermediate host, and C. dilatata, S. lessoni and B. globulosus also frequently host metacercariae within the sporocyst. Overall prevalences varied from 0.16% of Diphterostomum in the intertidal population of B. globulosus to 33.45% of Maritrema sp. 1 in C. dilatata.
First report of Trichinella britovi in Serbia
Authors: Cvetkovic Jelena , Teodorovic Vlado , Marucci Gianluca , Vasilev Dragan , Vasilev Sasa , Cirovic Dusko , Sofronic-Milosavljevic Ljiljana
Published: May 2011

In Europe, Serbia ranks among countries with a high prevalence of Trichinella infection in pigs, which continues to be a serious human health problem. While in some Balkan countries, more than one Trichinella species/genotype has been described in both the sylvatic and domestic cycles, these data are lacking for Serbia. To date, only a few Serbian isolates of Trichinella have been genetically specified, and all were classified as T. spiralis. Although transmission of Trichinella from domestic pigs to wildlife could be assumed, neither the infection status nor the species of Trichinella circulating among wildlife in Serbia has been investigated. This study shows the presence of two Trichinella species, T. spiralis and T. britovi, in wild animals originating from five districts in Serbia, where Trichinella infections in domestic pigs and humans have been recorded. Trichinella spiralis was detected in jackals (n = 3), red foxes (n = 2) and a wild cat (n = 1). We also established that wolves (n = 4) and red foxes (n = 2) serve as sylvatic reservoirs for T. britovi. This is the first report on the presence of T. britovi in Serbia.
Cavitation behaviours of low specyfic speed pump impellers designed according to the „tight inlet” rule
Authors: Misiewicz Andrzej , Skrzypacz Janusz
Published: May 2011

Cavitation is well-known phenomenon which occurs in the pump and may lead to the pump damage. Thus it is very important to predict cavitation parameters, during the design of the pomp elements. There are a lot of methods to estimate cavitation factor of the pump, but these methods are true only for elements designed in the “standard way” consisted algorithms, commonly known from the literature.

This project shows the influence of large angles of the inlet of impeller on the pump cavitation performance. The cavitations characteristics were determined experimentally during the test. The cavitation factor was determined in analytical approaches. The common analytical formulas described in the professional literature were examined and the numerical methods were applied (with and without two — phases model).

The analytical results were compared with the results from the performed experiment. In this paper, the best method to determine cavitation factor for non-standard impeller geometry was proposed.
Nonylphenol and 4-tert-octylphenol in the Gulf of Gdansk coastal zone
Authors: Staniszewska Marta , Falkowska Lucyna
Published: June 2011

The concentrations of nonylphenol and 4-tert-octylphenol were measured in surface waters in the Gulf of Gdansk coastal zone (summer 2010). The mean concentration in the samples of subsurface water were 34.49 ng dm−3 (nonylphenol) and 3.04 ng dm−3 (4-tert-octylphenol). The highest nonylphenol concentrations were detected in the samples of subsurface water collected from the Sea Boulevard (Gdynia) while the highest concentrations of 4-tert-octylphenol were found in the yacht harbor Marina Gdynia, and in the Kacza and Gizdebka rivers. A significant enrichment (13–45 times) of 4-tert-octylphenol was observed in the surface microlayer of water. These levels exceeded the predicted no effect concentration by 2–9 times.
Cystic Fibrous Dysplasia of the Humerus
Authors: Burns Ashley H. , Wilcox Reg B.
Published: June 2011

The patient was a 39-year-old woman with a 3-month history of worsening right distal humerus pain that was insidious in onset. At the time of the initial physical therapy visit, the patient complained of weakness and numbness throughout the entire right upper extremity, with an inability to perform daily activities. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed extensive bone marrow signal abnormalities extending from the proximal humeral epiphysis to the distal humeral diaphysis. Further evaluation with radiographs and computed tomography revealed multiple lytic lesions through the humerus. Tissue biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of cystic fibrous dysplasia.
Conflicting Dermatome Maps: Educational and Clinical Implications
Authors: Downs Mary Beth , Laporte Cindy
Published: June 2011

Synopsis

Sensory testing is a common noninvasive method of evaluating nerve function that relies on the knowledge of skin dermatomes and sensory fields of cutaneous nerves. Research to determine the extent of the dermatomes was conducted in Europe during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Experiments performed on cadavers, monkeys, and human patients prior to 1948 resulted in the creation of similar but somewhat different dermatome maps. A radically different map with long, swirling dermatomes was produced by Keegan and Garrett in 1948. This map was derived largely by examining compression of dorsal nerve roots by vertebral disc herniation. The maps appearing in textbooks are inconsistent. Some books show a version of the early maps, some show the Keegan and Garrett map, and others show maps that are not consistent with either. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the history of dermatome maps, including the experimental procedures by which each was obtained, and to relate the early maps to those found in textbooks commonly used in healthcare education programs. The paper discusses the significance of these maps as used for clinical diagnosis and the need for further research. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(6):427–434. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3506
Educating Language Minority Students and Affirming Their Equal Rights
Authors: Hakuta Kenji
Published: June 2011

This article describes one researcher’s journey as an experimental psycholinguist through changes in practice and policy in the education of English language learners in the United States from the 1970s to the present day. The development of key debates on issues such as bilingualism, language of instruction, and the inclusion of English language learners in reform movements are described from the perspective of a researcher, and future prospects for work are outlined.
Evidence-based review of primary and secondary ischemic stroke prevention in adults: a neurosurgical perspective
Authors: Manjila Sunil , Masri Tony , Shams Tanzila , Chowdhry Shakeel A. , Sila Cathy , Selman Warren R.
Published: June 2011

In this paper, the authors' aim is to provide an evidence-based review of primary and secondary ischemic stroke prevention guidelines covering most of the common risk factors and stroke etiologies for the practicing neurosurgeon. The key to stroke prevention is in the identification and treatment of the major risk factors for stroke. These include hypertension, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and tobacco smoking. An updated approach to secondary prevention of stroke in the setting of intracranial and extracranial large vessel atherosclerosis and cardioembolism is provided along with a brief overview of pertinent clinical trials. Novel pharmacological options for prevention of cardioembolic strokes, such as new alternatives to warfarin, are addressed with recommendations for interruption of therapy for elective surgical procedures. In addition, the authors have reviewed the anticoagulation guidelines and the risk of thromboembolic complications of such therapies in the perioperative period, which is an invaluable piece of information for neurosurgeons. Less common etiologies such as arterial dissections and patent foramen ovale are also briefly discussed. Finally, the authors have outlined the quality measures in the Medicare Physician Quality Reporting System and essential guidelines for Primary Stroke Center certification, which have implications for day-to-day neurosurgical practice.
State of the art in managing nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Dubourg Julie , Messerer Mahmoud
Published: June 2011

Nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage constitutes a major public health problem worldwide. Intracerebral hemorrhage leads to a high rate of morbidity and mortality. To date, no medical or surgical trials have clearly attested to the benefit of a particular therapy. The aim of this review was to summarize the best evidence for management decision-making in intracerebral hemorrhage.
The natural history of intracranial cavernous malformations
Authors: Gross Bradley A. , Lin Ning , Du Rose , Day Arthur L.
Published: June 2011

Literature reports on the natural history of cerebral cavernous malformations (CMs) are numerous, with considerable variability in lesion epidemiology, hemorrhage rates, and risk factors for hemorrhage. In this review, the authors performed a meta-analysis of 11 natural history studies. The overall male-to-female ratio was 1:1, and the mean age at presentation was 30.6 years. Overall, 37% of patients presented with seizures, 36% with hemorrhage, 23% with headaches, 22% with focal neurological deficits, and 10% were asymptomatic. Some patients had more than one symptom. Seizure presentation was most prevalent among supratentorial CMs, while focal neurological deficits were common in patients with infratentorial CMs. By location, CMs were in the cerebral hemispheres (66%), brainstem (18%), basal ganglia or thalamus (8%), cerebellum (6%), and other (2.5% [combined supra- and infratentorial, callosal or insular]). Overall, 19% of patients harbored multiple intracranial CMs, and 9% had radiographically apparent associated developmental venous anomalies. An overall annual hemorrhage rate of 2.4% per patient-year (range 1.6%–3.1%) was identified across 3 studies. Prior hemorrhage and female sex were risk factors for bleeding, while CM size and multiplicity did not affect hemorrhage rates. Although not impacting the hemorrhage rate itself, deep location was a risk factor for increased clinical aggressiveness.
Harvey Cushing and pediatric brain tumors at Johns Hopkins: the early stages of development
Authors: Pendleton Courtney , Ahn Edward S. , Quiñones-Hinojosa Alfredo
Published: June 2011

Object

Harvey Cushing, credited with pioneering the field of neurosurgery as a distinct surgical subspecialty in the US, was at the forefront of neurooncology, publishing seminal papers on the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric brain tumors during the latter part of his career. However, his contributions to the surgical treatment of these lesions during the early stages of his tenure at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, from 1896 to 1912, remain largely unknown.

Methods

After obtaining institutional review board approval, and through the courtesy of the Alan Mason Chesney Archives, the authors reviewed the Johns Hopkins Hospital surgical files from the years 1896 to 1912. Patients younger than 18 years of age, presenting with symptoms suspicious for an intracranial tumor, and undergoing surgical intervention by Cushing were selected for further analysis.

Results

Of the 40 pediatric patients undergoing surgery for suspected intracranial neoplasms, 26 were male. The mean age among the entire sample was 10.1 years. Cushing used three main operative approaches in the surgical treatment of pediatric intracranial neoplasms: infratentorial/suboccipital, subtemporal, and hemisphere flap. Twenty-three patients had negative findings following both the primary and subsequent surgical interventions conducted by Cushing. Postoperative conditions following the primary surgical intervention were improved in 24 patients. Twelve patients (30%) died during their inpatient stay for the primary intervention. The mean time to the last follow-up was 24.9 months; the mean time to death was 10.0 months.

Conclusions

Cushing strove to maximize exposure while minimizing blood loss in an attempt to increase his ability to successfully treat pediatric brain tumors. His early contributions to the field of pediatric neurooncology demonstrate his commitment to advancing the field of neurosurgery.
Tumor bleeding from a de novo aneurysm associated with optic glioma
Authors: Vogel Todd D. , Kulwin Charles G. , DeNardo Andrew J. , Payner Troy D. , Boaz Joel C. , Fulkerson Daniel H.
Published: June 2011

Aneurysms in children are rare and potentially devastating lesions. The authors report the case of a 16-year-old girl with a complicated medical history related to a chiasmal glioma diagnosed at 18 months of age. She had previously received multiple modalities of radiation treatment, including external beam, proton therapy, and Gamma Knife. She presented with hemorrhage centered in the tumor and extending into the ventricular space. There was no subarachnoid blood. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated the hemorrhage and tumor anatomy. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed an aneurysm at the internal carotid artery bifurcation, but the lesion was more clearly delineated on CT angiography. A comparison MR imaging study obtained 6 months earlier, even in retrospect, did not show evidence of an aneurysm. This case illustrates the salient point that the clinician must search for vascular lesions in the patient with spontaneous “tumor bleeding,” especially if that patient has risk factors for aneurysm formation. The authors also suggest that a CT angiogram is better at radiographically demonstrating an intratumoral aneurysm than an MR angiogram in this scenario.
Computed tomography perfusion–based selection of patients for endovascular recanalization
Authors: Amenta Peter S. , Ali Muhammad S. , Dumont Aaron S. , Gonzalez L. Fernando , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula I. , Hasan David , Rosenwasser Robert H. , Jabbour Pascal
Published: June 2011

Intravenous and intraarterial recombinant tissue plasminogen activator remains underutilized in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, largely due to strict adherence to the concept of the therapeutic time window for administration. Recent efforts to expand the number of patients eligible for thrombolysis have been mirrored by an evolution in endovascular recanalization technology and techniques. As a result, there is a growing need to establish efficient and reliable means by which to select candidates for endovascular intervention beyond the traditional criteria of time from symptom onset. Perfusion imaging techniques, particularly CT perfusion used in combination with CT angiography, represent an increasingly recognized means by which to identify those patients who stand to benefit most from endovascular recanalization. Additionally, CT perfusion and CT angiography appear to provide sufficient data by which to exclude patients in whom there is little chance of neurological recovery or a substantial risk of postprocedure symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. The authors review the current literature as it pertains to the limitations of time-based selection of patients for intervention, the increasing utilization of endovascular therapy, and the development of a CT perfusion-based selection of acute stroke patients for endovascular recanalization. Future endeavors must prospectively evaluate the utility and safety of CT perfusion-based selection of candidates for endovascular intervention.
Therapeutic hypothermia in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Groysman Leonid I. , Emanuel Benjamin A. , Kim-Tenser May A. , Sung Gene Y. , Mack William J.
Published: June 2011

Induced hypothermia has been used for neuroprotection in cardiac and neurovascular procedures. Experimental and translational studies provide evidence for its utility in the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Over the past decade, these principles have been applied to the clinical management of acute stroke. Varying induction methods, time windows, clinical indications, and adjuvant therapies have been studied. In this article the authors review the mechanisms and techniques for achieving therapeutic hypothermia in the setting of acute stroke, and they outline pertinent side effects and complications. The manuscript summarizes and examines the relevant clinical trials to date. Despite a reasonable amount of existing data, this review suggests that additional trials are warranted to define the optimal time window, temperature regimen, and precise clinical indications for induction of therapeutic hypothermia in the setting of acute stroke.
Vagal nerve stimulator infection: a lead-salvage protocol
Authors: Wozniak Susan E. , Thompson Eric M. , Selden Nathan R.
Published: June 2011

Object

Vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) hardware infections are fraught with difficult management decisions. As with most implanted medical device–related infections, standard practice traditionally involves complete hardware removal, systemic antibiotic therapy, and subsequent reimplantation of the device. To avoid the potential morbidity of 2 repeat left carotid sheath surgical dissections, the authors have implemented a clinical protocol for managing VNS infections that involves generator removal and antibiotic therapy without lead removal.

Methods

A prospective, single-surgeon database was compared with hospital billing records to identify patients who underwent primary implantation or reimplantation of a VNS lead, generator, or both, from January 2001 to May 2010, at Oregon Health & Science University. From these records, the authors identified patients with VNS hardware infections and characterized their management, using a lead salvage protocol.

Results

In their review, the authors found a matching cohort of 206 children (age 3 months–17 years) who met the inclusion criteria. These children underwent 258 operations (including, in some children, multiple operations for generator end of life and/or lead malfunction). Six children experienced a single postimplantation infection (2.3% of the 258 operative cases), and no child experienced repeated infection. A lead-salvage protocol was used in 4 of 6 infected patients and was successful in 3 (75%), with clinical follow-up ranging from 10 months to 7.5 years. The fourth patient subsequently underwent lead removal and later reimplantation in standard fashion, with no adverse sequelae.

Conclusions

Vagal nerve stimulator lead salvage is a safe and potentially advantageous strategy in the management of VNS-related infection. Further study is necessary to validate appropriate patient selection, success rates, and risks of this approach.