bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple Cystatin C Formula Compared to Sophisticated CKD‐EPI Formulas for Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate in the Elderly
Authors: Bevc Sebastjan , Hojs Radovan , Ekart Robert , Gorenjak Maksimiljan , Puklavec Ludvik
Published: June 2011

Despite the fact that the serum creatinine level is notoriously unreliable for the estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the elderly, the serum creatinine concentration and serum creatinine‐based formulas, such as the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study equation (MDRD) are the most commonly used markers to estimate GFR. Recently, serum cystatin C‐based formulas, the newer creatinine formula (the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula (CKD‐EPI creatinine formula), and an equation that uses both serum creatinine and cystatin C (CKD‐EPI creatinine and cystatin formula) were proposed as new GFR markers. The aim of our study was to compare the MDRD formula, CKD‐EPI creatinine formula, CKD‐EPI creatinine and cystatin formula, and simple cystatin C formula (100/serum cystatin C) against 51Cr‐EDTA clearance in the elderly. A total of 317 adult Caucasian patients aged >65 years were enrolled. In each patient, 51Cr‐EDTA clearance, serum creatinine, and serum cystatin C were determined, and the GFR was calculated using the MDRD formula, CKD‐EPI formulas, and simple cystatin C formula. Statistically significant correlations between 51Cr‐EDTA clearance and all formulas were found. In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis with a cut‐off of GFR 45 mL/min/1.73 m2, a higher diagnostic accuracy was achieved with the equation that uses both serum creatinine and cystatin C (CKD‐EPI creatinine and cystatin formula) than the MDRD formula (P < 0.013) or CKD‐EPI creatinine formula (P < 0.01), but it was not higher than that achieved for the simple cystatin C formula (P = 0.335). Bland and Altman analysis for the same cut‐off value showed that the creatinine formulas underestimated and the simple cystatin C formula overestimated measured GFR. All equations lacked precision. The accuracy within 30% of estimated 51Cr‐EDTA clearance values differ according to the stage of CKD. Analysis of the ability to correctly predict GFR below and above 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 showed a high prediction for all formulas. Our results indicate that the simple cystatin C formula, which requires just one variable (serum cystatin C concentration), is a reliable marker of GFR in the elderly and comparable to the creatinine formulas, including the CKD‐EPI formulas.
High Cut‐Off Membrane Hemodiafiltration in Myoglobinuric Acute Renal Failure: A Case Series
Authors: Premru Vladimir , Kovač Janko , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Ponikvar Rafael
Published: June 2011

Acute renal failure is a major complication of rhabdomyolysis. New membranes for hemodialysis have been developed with a high cut‐off pore size allowing efficient removal of myoglobin. We report on six patients treated by hemodiafiltration with a high cut‐off membrane (HCO‐HDF) for myoglobinuric acute renal failure. Rhabdomyolysis was caused by infection in two patients, by a statin in one patient and a non‐traumatic crush in another, and followed cardiovascular surgery in two others. Ten HCO‐HDF procedures were performed. A high cut‐off hemofilter was used, with citrate anticoagulation and postdilutional fluid substitution of 2–3 L/h, dialysate flow 500 mL/min, and blood flow within 250–300 mL/min. Albumin losses were replaced by infusion of human albumin solution, and the mean myoglobin reduction ratio was 77% (range, 62–89%). An excellent clearance of 81 mL/min (range 42–131 mL/min) was achieved. Nearly 5 g of myoglobin was removed into the dialysate collected in one of the procedures. A high rebound in serum myoglobin, on average to 244% of the post‐procedure myoglobin level, was observed. The four patients alive at the time remained anuric for a week. Slow myoglobin elimination with a mean half‐time of 39 h (range 19–59 h) was observed in that period. Highly efficient myoglobin removal by high cut‐off membrane hemodiafiltration was demonstrated in our patients. Rapid redistribution from the extracellular fluid and sustained myoglobin release were suggested by the high rebound observed. Elimination of myoglobin within the body was shown in our study to occur slowly during the period of anuria.
Reliability and Validity of Bookmark‐Based Methods for Standard Setting: Comparisons to Angoff‐Based Methods in the National Assessment of Educational Progress
Authors: Peterson Christina Hamme , Schulz E. Matthew , Engelhard Jr. George
Published: June 2011

Historically, Angoff‐based methods were used to establish cut scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). In 2005, the National Assessment Governing Board oversaw multiple studies aimed at evaluating the reliability and validity of Bookmark‐based methods via a comparison to Angoff‐based methods. As the Board considered adoption of Bookmark‐based methods, it considered several criteria, including reliability of the cut scores, validity of the cut scores as evidenced by comparability of results to those from Angoff, and procedural validity as evidenced by panelist understanding of the method tasks and instructions and confidence in the results. As a result of their review, a Bookmark‐based method was adopted for NAEP, and has been used since that time. This article goes beyond the Governing Board's initial evaluations to conduct a systematic review of 27 studies in NAEP research conducted over 15 years. This research is used to evaluate Bookmark‐based methods on key criteria originally considered by the Governing Board. Findings suggest that Bookmark‐based methods have comparable reliability, resulting cut scores, and panelist evaluations to Angoff. Given that Bookmark‐based methods are shorter in duration and less costly, Bookmark‐based methods may be preferable to Angoff for NAEP standard setting.
Psychometric Properties of Raw and Scale Scores on Mixed‐Format Tests
Authors: Kolen Michael J. , Lee Won‐Chan
Published: June 2011

This paper illustrates that the psychometric properties of scores and scales that are used with mixed‐format educational tests can impact the use and interpretation of the scores that are reported to examinees. Psychometric properties that include reliability and conditional standard errors of measurement are considered in this paper. The focus is on mixed‐format tests in situations for which raw scores are integer‐weighted sums of item scores. Four associated real‐data examples include (a) effects of weights associated with each item type on reliability, (b) comparison of psychometric properties of different scale scores, (c) evaluation of the equity property of equating, and (d) comparison of the use of unidimensional and multidimensional procedures for evaluating psychometric properties. Throughout the paper, and especially in the conclusion section, the examples are related to issues associated with test interpretation and test use.
The Unusual and Large Drawdown Response of Buried‐Valley Aquifers to Pumping
Authors: van der Kamp Garth , Maathuis Harm
Published: June 2011

The buried‐valley aquifers that are common in the glacial deposits of the northern hemisphere are a typical case of the strip aquifers that occur in many parts of the world. Pumping from a narrow strip aquifer leads to much greater drawdown and much more distant drawdown effects then would occur in a sheet aquifer with a similar transmissivity and storage coefficient. Widely used theories for radial flow to wells, such as the Theis equation, are not appropriate for narrow strip aquifers. Previously published theory for flow to wells in semiconfined strip aquifers is reviewed and a practical format of the type curves for pumping‐test analysis is described. The drawdown response of strip aquifers to pumping tests is distinctive, especially for observation wells near the pumped well. A case study is presented, based on extensive pumping test experience for the Estevan Valley Aquifer in southern Saskatchewan, Canada. Evaluation of groundwater resources in such buried‐valley aquifers needs to take into account the unusually large drawdowns in response to pumping.
GANG MEMBERSHIP AS A TURNING POINT IN THE LIFE COURSE*
Authors: MELDE CHRIS , ESBENSEN FINN‐AAGE
Published: June 2011

Gang‐involved youth are disproportionately involved in criminal behavior, especially violence. The processes accounting for this enhanced illegal activity, however, remain speculative. Employing a life‐course perspective, we propose that gang membership can be conceptualized as a turning point in the lives of youth and is thus associated with changes in emotions, attitudes, and routine activities, which, in turn, increase illegal activity. Using prospective data from a multisite sample of more than 1,400 youth, the findings suggest that the onset of gang membership is associated with a substantial change in emotions, attitudes, and social controls conducive to delinquency and partially mediate the impact of gang membership on delinquent activity. Desistance from gangs, however, was not associated with similar systematic changes in these constructs, including delinquent involvement.
Expanding the understanding of how parenting influences the dietary intake and weight status of children: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: MARSHALL Sarah , GOLLEY Rebecca , HENDRIE Gilly
Published: June 2011

Aim:  The present study explored whether existing tools measuring parenting could be combined to assess an expanded parenting definition, specifically to include co‐participation in food‐related activities and teaching children about nutrition. The relationships between parenting, child dietary intake and weight outcomes were explored.

Methods:  The sample included 93 children aged 4–13 years and their parent/caregiver. Child outcomes were dietary intake and body mass index z‐score. Parent measures included demographics, nutrition knowledge and parenting practices. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify underlying dimensions of parenting. Hierarchical linear regression was used to investigate the independent effects of parenting on child outcomes (body mass index z‐score, fruit and vegetable, fibre, saturated and total fat) after adjustment for covariates.

Results:  Five factors were extracted, accounting for 44% of the total variance (α= 0.77–0.87). The regression model for kilojoules explained 31% of the variance (P= 0.001), with a significant independent contribution from construct ‘guide and reward’ (β=−0.249, P= 0.027). For child body mass index z‐score, the model explained 25% of variance, and parenting constructs ‘guide and reward’ (β= 0.274, P= 0.015) and ‘concern about intake’ (β=−0.273, P= 0.008) made significant contributions.

Conclusions:  The present study adds to our understanding of parenting influences on children's dietary intake and weight status. Results support the inclusion of parenting strategies in obesity prevention interventions. Future research should explore the range of ways parenting influences children's diet and risk of obesity, preferably longitudinally.
Trends in purchasing patterns of sugar‐sweetened water‐based beverages in a remote Aboriginal community store following the implementation of a community‐developed store nutrition policy
Authors: BUTLER Rosalind , TAPSELL Linda , LYONS‐WALL Philippa
Published: June 2011

Aim:  Aboriginal people living in remote communities experience high levels of chronic illness partly as a result of diet‐related body mass index above 25 kg/m2. Remote stores are typically the only source of food and store nutrition policies are effective in enabling better health for community residents by changing product lines. The aim of the present study was to examine trends in purchasing patterns of sugar‐sweetened water‐based beverages in a remote Aboriginal community store following the implementation of a community‐developed store nutrition policy.

Methods:  Documents outlining the objectives and strategies of the store policy were examined. Store sales data were quantified to determine changes in purchasing patterns, volume of beverages sold, sugar and energy purchased before and after the withdrawal of the three highest selling sugar‐sweetened water‐based beverages.

Results:  The community‐developed policy was effective in implementing changes to product lines sold in the remote Aboriginal store. The withdrawal of the three top selling sugar‐sweetened water‐based beverages did not affect the total volume of all beverages sold but a shift in purchasing trends towards beverages with lower or zero sugar content resulted in a reduction in sugar and kilojoules consumed through water‐based beverages.

Conclusion:  The approach of a community‐driven store nutrition policy described here was successful and could be applied to other products in store that provide excess kilojoules with minimal nutritional benefit. The policy and aspects of implementation could also be applied in other remote Aboriginal communities.
Population groups at risk of zinc deficiency in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: GIBSON Rosalind , HEATH Anne‐Louise
Published: June 2011

Aim:  Although the adverse health consequences of zinc deficiency are becoming increasingly well known internationally, few studies have investigated zinc status in Australia and New Zealand. The aim of this review was to identify which population groups, if any, in Australia and New Zealand are likely to be at risk of zinc deficiency.

Methods:  A literature review was conducted to identify papers on zinc status in Australasia using electronic databases (MEDLINE, BIOSIS Previews, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Knowledge, ProQuest and Cochrane Library). Government databases and reference lists from peer‐reviewed journal articles were also accessed.

Results:  Thirty‐one Australasian studies that measured dietary zinc intake and/or serum zinc were identified. Many were based on a small number of self‐selected subjects, and did not use the recommended procedures for evaluating the prevalence of inadequate zinc intakes and low serum zinc concentrations. Existing data suggest that at‐risk groups in Australasia are toddlers, adolescents (especially those of Pacific and Aboriginal ethnicities), institutionalised elderly and possibly people with diabetes.

Conclusions:  Data on the zinc status of selected population groups in Australasia are limited. Randomised controlled zinc supplementation trials that include the recommended indicators and other clinical outcomes are needed to confirm the existence of zinc‐related health outcomes among the at‐risk groups identified.
Use of Engineered Unique Cysteine Residues to Facilitate Oriented Coupling of Proteins Directly to a Gold Substrate
Authors: Magis Gerhard J. , Olsen John D. , Reynolds Nicholas P. , Leggett Graham J. , Hunter C. Neil , Aartsma Thijs J. , Frese Raoul N.
Published: June 2011

A prerequisite for any “lab on a chip” device that utilizes an electrical signal from the sensor protein is the ability to attach the protein in a specific orientation onto a conducting substrate. Here, we demonstrate the covalent attachment to a gold surface of light‐harvesting membrane proteins, from Rhodobacter sphaeroides, via cysteine (Cys) residues engineered on either the cytoplasmic or periplasmic face. This simple directed attachment is superior in its ability to retain light‐harvesting complex (LHC) function, when compared to a similar attachment procedure utilizing a self‐assembled monolayer on gold. LH 1 has previously been observed to have superior photostability over LH 2 (Magis et al. [2010] Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1798, 637–645); this characteristic is maintained even with the introduction of Cys residues.
A Screening Technique Useful for Testing the Effectiveness of Novel “Self‐Cleaning” Photocatalytic Surfaces
Authors: Finn Shane T. , Strnad Jessica A. , Barreto Patricia D. , Fox Megan E. , Torres Jorge , Sweeney James D. , Barreto José C.
Published: June 2011

We describe a screening methodology that can be used to quickly determine the effectiveness of newly synthesized photocatalysts. We were particularly interested in measuring the destruction of organic molecules painted onto a photocatalytic surface by spraying, with destruction proceeding in ambient air (as a model for airborne toxin destruction). Our method can utilize photocatalysts that are synthesized as powders (such as doped and undoped titanium oxide) and which are then calcined onto a glass substrate disk at 600°C. Herein, we used UV illumination of Aeroxide P‐25 TiO2, but the method is general and can accommodate any region of the light spectrum.
Sol‐Gel Low‐temperature Synthesis of Stable Anatase‐type TiO2 Nanoparticles Under Different Conditions and its Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Behnajady Mohammad A. , Eskandarloo Hamed , Modirshahla Nasser , Shokri Mohammad
Published: June 2011

In this work, TiO2 nanoparticles in anatase phase was prepared by sol‐gel low temperature method from titanium tetra‐isopropoxide (TTIP) as titanium precursor in the presence of acetic acid (AcOH). The effects of synthesis parameters such as AcOH and water ratios, sol formation time, synthesis and calcination temperature on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles were evaluated. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, UV–Vis reflectance spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller techniques. Photocatalytic activity of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles determined in the removal of C. I. Acid Red 27 (AR27) under UV light irradiation. Results indicate that with increasing AcOH/TTIP molar ratio from 1 to 10, sol formation time from 1 to 3 h and synthesis temperature from 0 to 25°C, increases crystallite size of synthesized nanoparticles. It was found that optimal conditions for low temperature preparation of anatase‐type TiO2 nanoparticles with high photocatalytic activity were as follows: TTIP:AcOH:water molar ratio 1:1:200, sol formation time 1 h, synthesis temperature 0°C and calcination temperature 450°C.
‘Our Diagnoses, Our Selves’: The Rise of the Technoscientific Illness Identity
Authors: Sulik Gayle A.
Published: June 2011

Biomedicine situates the definitions, practices, and controls of the medical system within the field oftechnoscience, which relies on new knowledge, high technology, and biomedical health and risk surveillance. Since the middle of the 20th century technoscientific efforts to understand human phenomena at the microbiological level have secured the place of the biomedical model of disease and the technology used to understand and manage human bodies, selves, and socialities. Specifically, high technology has provoked a paradigm shift from controlling disease and finding cures (medicalization) to transforming bodies and managing risk through technoscientific means (biomedicalization). Though there has been a major shift in the role of the medical consumer since the 1970s and a general recognition of patients’ rights to meaningful information about their health and illness conditions, biomedicine holds significant authority over peoples’ lives to the degree that biomedicalization now involves the production of individual and collective identities that are constructed through technoscientific means. Thetechnoscientific identityhas even become a type ofillness identitythat involves applying biomedical information and characteristics to a person’s sense of self in the face of illness.
Juvenile Courts and Competency to Stand Trial
Authors: Harvey Angela
Published: June 2011

This article reviews the recent development of juvenile competency to stand trial (CST) policies across the United States in light of the inherent contradiction of this due process procedure in a separate juvenile court that is premised on the incompetence of youth. The article draws on existing CST legal doctrine and psycho‐legal research to demonstrate the need for sociolegal research to better understand who gains access to the CST process, CST decisions, and how CST may influence subsequent case processing decisions. Utilizing CST as an adopted formal policy from criminal court and an exploratory case study, I demonstrate the difficulties facing how court actors manage the role of youthfulness and culpability for CST decision‐making in contemporary juvenile courts. Overall, both quantitative and qualitative research is needed to examine whether court actors’ practice of CST serves to further deconstruct or reinforce the juvenile court’s rehabilitative ideal.
Trends in the Research and Practice of Health Communication Campaigns
Authors: Noar Seth M. , Head Katharine J.
Published: June 2011

A compelling communication tool that can potentially impact health‐related outcomes and indicators across numerous health problems among a diversity of audiences is the health communication campaign. The purpose of the current article is to discuss trends in the research and practice of health communication campaigns. First, we discuss the issue of campaign effects and discuss a framework that encompasses key principles of effective campaigns. Next, we discuss four trends in health communication campaigns: (a) the increased application of marketing principles in campaigns; (b) the greater use of rigorous outcome evaluation designs in campaign research; (c) the increased use of cost effectiveness analysis in campaigns; and (d) the increased use of new media technologies in campaigns. Finally, we conclude the article with thoughts about the future of health communication campaign research and practice in relation to these trends.
The Interaction between Prosody and Meaning in Second Language Speech Production1
Authors: Jackson Carrie N. , O'Brien Mary Grantham
Published: June 2011

Research has shown that English and German native speakers use prosodic cues during speech production to convey the intended meaning of an utterance. However, little is known about whether American L2 learners of German also use such cues during L2 production. The present study shows that inter‐mediate‐level L2 learners of German (English L1) use prosodic cues to disambiguate syntactically ambiguous German sentences during a contextualized sentence production task. These results highlight the interaction between prosody and meaning in L2 speech, suggesting ways in which prosodic training is important not only for L2 pronunciation, but also L2 listening and reading comprehension.
Community Building: Study Abroad and the Small German Program
Authors: Cagle Len
Published: June 2011

Study abroad is often treated in terms of individual student outcomes, and has recently been discussed as potentially detrimental to smaller language programs—in that student participation in semester‐ or year‐long programs subtracts from enrollments in upper‐level courses. In this article, the promotion of study abroad in a small German program is presented as community‐building that can help to enhance and sustain small college programs by strengthening the community of German‐speakers and others interested in German on campus and abroad.
Interkulturelles Lernen mit Fatih Akins Gegen die Wand (2004)
Authors: Lee Tessa C.
Published: June 2011

This article explores the didactic possibilities of Fatih Akin's Gegen die Wand (2004) at multiple levels in the German classroom, from beginning language courses to advanced seminars, with particular attention to the intercultural perspective promoted by the film's own aesthetic vision. Provocative and challenging, this film offers students more than a simple text for listening comprehension, rather an invitation to intercultural engagement, enhanced by emotionally loaded imagery and an eclectic musical soundtrack, all of which will ensure a high level of student motivation. As such, this film offers itself as an excellent resource for advancement of students' understanding of the German language as well as contemporary German culture. In the appendices, various lesson plan samples and exercises are offered that are de‐signed to deepen students' lexical, grammatical, and cultural insights.
Activities Using Process‐Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) in the Foreign Language Classroom
Authors: Johnson Catherine
Published: June 2011

Process‐Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) is a method that requires students to work in small groups, view models or diagrams, and answer carefully designed questions that guide them to an understanding of the subject matter on their own, with minimal direction from the instructor. Several studies show that the method has been highly effective in teaching high school and university math and science students. This paper shows that the method is also effective in the foreign language classroom, and explains its main features and implementation.
Dynamic regulation of quality
Authors: Auray Stéphane , Mariotti Thomas , Moizeau Fabien
Published: June 2011

We develop a dynamic regulation model of quality provision where maintenance efforts and quality shocks have a durable impact. When the regulator contracts with a sequence of agents, asymmetric information can lead to overprovision of quality, reflecting a dynamic rent extraction effect. When the regulator contracts with a single agent, the efficiency of their relationship depends on the regulator’s ability to transfer rents across periods. Hiring a single agent with unlimited liability is socially preferable to hiring a sequence of agents, even when no commitment is feasible. By contrast, shorter franchises are socially preferable if the agent has limited liability.
Automobile replacement: a dynamic structural approach
Authors: Schiraldi Pasquale
Published: June 2011

This article specifies and estimates a structural dynamic model of consumer demand for new and used durable goods. Its primary contribution is to provide an explicit estimation procedure for transaction costs. Identification of transaction costs is achieved from the variation in the share of consumers choosing to hold a given car type each period, and from the share of consumers choosing to purchase the same car type that period. Specifically, I estimate a random‐coefficient discrete‐choice model that incorporates a dynamic optimal stopping problem. I apply this model to evaluate the impact of scrappage subsidies on the Italian automobile market.
Auctions with heterogeneous entry costs
Authors: Moreno Diego , Wooders John
Published: June 2011

If bidders have independent private values and homogeneous entry costs, a first‐ or second‐price auction with a reserve price equal to the seller’s value maximizes social surplus and seller revenue. We show that if entry costs are heterogeneous and private information, then the revenue‐maximizing reserve price is above the seller’s value, a positive admission fee (and a reserve price equal to the seller’s value) generates more revenue, and an entry cap combined with an admission fee generates even more revenue. Social surplus and seller revenue may either increase or decrease in the number of bidders, but they coincide asymptotically.
MicroRNA provides insight into understanding esophageal cancer
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Wainscott Caitlin , Xi Yaguang
Published: June 2011

Esophageal cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death worldwide with a distinct geographical distribution. Although the molecular genetics and evolution of this disease have been widely studied over past years, the molecular mechanism of esophageal carcinogenesis is still not well understood. MicroRNAs are now being implicated as playing an important role in the multi‐stage progression of tumorigenesis. A number of recent studies have reported that microRNAs shed new light on the pathology of esophageal cancer and herald the potential for exploring novel biomarkers for both diagnosis and treatment of this disease. In this review, we focus on the role of microRNAs in esophageal cancer, as both oncogenes and tumor suppressors, and their clinical potency as biomarkers for diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Augmentation of linear facial anthropometrics through modern morphometrics: a facial convexity example
Authors: Wei R , Claes P , Walters M , Wholley C , Clement JG
Published: June 2011

Background:  The facial region has traditionally been quantified using linear anthropometrics. These are well established in dentistry, but require expertise to be used effectively. The aim of this study was to augment the utility of linear anthropometrics by applying them in conjunction with modern 3‐D morphometrics.

Methods:  Facial images of 75 males and 94 females aged 18–25 years with self‐reported Caucasian ancestry were used. An anthropometric mask was applied to establish corresponding quasi‐landmarks on the images in the dataset. A statistical face‐space, encoding shape covariation, was established. The facial median plane was extracted facilitating both manual and automated indication of commonly used midline landmarks. From both indications, facial convexity angles were calculated and compared. The angles were related to the face‐space using a regression based pathway enabling the visualization of facial form associated with convexity variation.

Results:  Good agreement between the manual and automated angles was found (Pearson correlation: 0.9478–0.9474, Dahlberg root mean squared error: 1.15°–1.24°). The population mean angle was 166.59°–166.29° (SD 5.09°–5.2°) for males–females. The angle‐pathway provided valuable feedback.

Conclusions:  Linear facial anthropometrics can be extended when used in combination with a face‐space derived from 3‐D scans and the exploration of property pathways inferred in a statistically verifiable way.
Severe adverse reactions to dental local anaesthetics: prolonged mandibular and lingual nerve anaesthesia
Authors: Sambrook PJ , Goss AN
Published: June 2011

Background:  Prolonged anaesthesia may occur following dental local anaesthetic blocks. This paper reviews the possible mechanisms of injury. Direct injury to the nerve by the needle, although commonly thought to be the mechanism, is unlikely. It is much more likely that the injury is from neurotoxicity and/or interference with the vascularization of the nerve.

Methods:  Estimation of the frequency of injury was complicated by the fact that although local anaesthetics are prescription‐only (S4) drugs, they are supplied without prescription by dental supply houses. Unlike all other S4 drugs, there is no statutory requirement to record supply. The pharmaceutical and supply houses relied on that and ‘commercial confidentiality’ to not supply information.

Results:  An informed estimate of 1 in 27 415 was made but this figure has wide confidence limits. Management of cases of prolonged anaesthesia following local anaesthetic injection is discussed.

Conclusions:  Patients who suffer this uncommon complication suffer considerable distress and feel injured, so care must be exhibited in their management. Specialist referral is recommended.
Prevention of enamel demineralization after tooth bleaching by bioactive glass incorporated into toothpaste
Authors: Gjorgievska E , Nicholson JW
Published: June 2011

Background:  The aim of this study was to determine the effects of bleaching on the structure of the enamel layer of teeth and the potential of the commercial bioactive glass NovaMin® in two different toothpastes to remineralize such regions of the enamel. Three aspects were considered: the extent and nature of the alterations in the enamel after application of the bleaching agents; the extent of remineralization after application of two commercial toothpastes containing bioactive glass; and whether or not there were differences between the toothpastes in terms of their effectiveness in promoting remineralization.

Methods:  Bleaching agent based on 16% carbamide peroxide was applied to the enamel surface of freshly extracted human molars for 8 minutes, once a day for 7 days. After the bleaching cycles, the enamel surface was analysed by SEM and EDX.

Results:  The results obtained in the study lead to the conclusion that application of 16% carbamide peroxide causes distinct morphological changes to the enamel surface which vary from mild to severe. Subsequent treatment with either of the toothpastes containing the bioactive glass NovaMin® resulted in the formation of a protective layer on the enamel surface, consisting of bioactive glass deposits, with only slight differences between the two brands. Application of these dentifrices also caused increases in the Ca and P content of the enamel layer, returning it to that of undamaged enamel.

Conclusions:  Remineralizing toothpastes should be used after bleaching, in order to repair any damage to the mineral tissue caused by these procedures.
Appearances, Rationality, and Justified Belief
Authors: JACKSON ALEXANDER
Published: June 2011

One might think that its seeming to you that p makes you justified in believing that p. After all, when you have no defeating beliefs, it would be irrational to have it seem to you that p but not believe it. That view is plausible for perceptual justification, problematic in the case of memory, and clearly wrong for inferential justification. I propose a view of rationality and justified belief that deals happily with inference and memory. Appearances are to be evaluated as ‘sound’ or ‘unsound.’ Only a sound appearance can give rise to a justified belief, yet even an unsound appearance can ‘rationally require’ the subject to form the belief. Some of our intuitions mistake that rational requirement for the belief’s being justified. The resulting picture makes it plausible that there are also unsound perceptual appearances. I suggest that to have a sound perceptually basic appearance that p, one must see that p.
Comparison of Polymerase Chain Reaction with Bacterial 16s Primers to Blood Culture to Identify Bacteremia in Dogs with Suspected Bacterial Endocarditis
Authors: Meurs K.M. , Heaney A.M. , Atkins C.E. , DeFrancesco T.C. , Fox P.R. , Keene B.W. , Kellihan H.B. , Miller M.W. , Oyama M.A. , Oaks J.L.
Published: June 2011

Background: Identification of the bacterial organism in dogs with endocarditis is challenging. Human studies have reported the utility of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify and identify bacterial nucleic acid from infected valvular tissue and blood.

Hypothesis/Objectives: We hypothesized that PCR using primers designed to amplify the bacterial 16s gene would identify circulating bacteria in dogs with suspected bacterial endocarditis more consistently than standard blood culture techniques.

Animals: Eighteen dogs with suspected bacterial endocarditis based upon clinical and echocardiographic findings. Fifteen clinically normal dogs served as negative controls.

Methods: Prospective study of dogs evaluated for suspect endocarditis at 6 veterinary hospitals. A blood sample was drawn from all dogs and evaluated with both a single‐sample PCR and standard 3‐sample blood culture techniques.

Results: Blood culture identified noncontaminant bacteria in 6/18 study animals (33%) and 1 control dog; PCR identified noncontaminant bacteria in 7/18 study animals (39%). There were no study animals in which the 2 tests identified different bacteria (κ= 1.0). However, bacteria were identified by both techniques in only 2/18 study animals. When results from both PCR and blood culture were considered together, a noncontaminant bacterial organism was identified in 11/18 study animals (61%).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance: The results of this study suggest that although single sample PCR with 16s primers was not more sensitive than blood culture for detection of bacteremia in dogs with suspect endocarditis, performing both techniques simultaneously did increase the likelihood of identification of bacteria in blood.
The Holy Grail of Design Measurement
Authors: Mrazek Deborah , Lucente Sam , Wakid Katherine , Sato Steve , Wai Conrad , Menter Adam , Hartley Philip
Published: June 2011

HP and Jump Associates have been collaborating on a philosophy that will help quantify, and therefore value, the business impact of design. Even more important, they're working toward a system that can be used by product development teams.
Inspiring Design—Informed by Metrics
Authors: Petersen Søren , Phillips Peter L.
Published: June 2011

The design brief is a venerable and time‐tested feature of new product development. Too bad, say these authors, that as a tool for launching the development of a new product, it is not particularly useful. This article explains why, and offers some guidelines for making a design brief the inspiration it should be.
The effect of Strongylus vulgaris larvae on equine intestinal myoelectrical activity
Authors: Lester G. D. , Bolton J. R. , Cambridge H. , Thurgate S.
Published: June 2011

The myoelectrical activity of the ileum, caecum and large colon was monitored from Ag‐AgCl bipolar recording electrodes in four conscious ‘parasite‐naive’ weanling foals. All foals were inoculated with 1000 infective 3rd‐stage Strongylus vulgaris larvae and alterations to the myoelectrical activity observed. The frequencies of caecal and colonic spike bursts increased significantly in all post infection periods coinciding with assumed larval penetration into the intestinal mucosa and migration through the vasculature. Peaks in caecal and colonic activity occurred at Days 1 to 5 post infection. In the caecum, peaks occurred again at Days 15 and 31 post infection, preceding similar rises in colonic spike burst frequency at Days 19 and 35. Longer term changes indicated a return towards pre‐infection levels of activity suggesting smooth muscle adaptation to decreased blood flow. The analysis of caecal and colonic spike burst propagation indicated that the increases in burst frequency were not attributable to an increase in the propagation of spike bursts in any particular direction, but rather to proportional increases in all directions of activity. There was a slight decrease in the simple ileal spike burst frequency immediately post‐infection. None of the experimental animals exhibited signs of abdominal pain during the trial, and there was no evidence of bowel infarction at post mortem examination despite the presence of severe parasite‐induced arterial lesions. The results suggest that increased caecal and colonic motility is an important host response in susceptible foals exposed to S. vulgaris larvae.
Plasma thromboxane B2 levels in horses experimentally infected with Strongylus vulgaris
Authors: CAMBRIDGE H. , REYNOLDSON J. A. , DUNSMORE J. D.
Published: June 2011

Plasma thromboxane B2 (TXB2) the stable inactive metabolite of thromboxane A2 (TXA2), was measured daily by specific radioimmunoassay in three groups of animals before and after experimental infection with Strongylus vulgaris. Infection of four ‘parasite naive’ foals produced a typical acute syndrome with intermittent but statistically insignificant rises in TXB2 levels. Interpretation of results was complicated by the presence of a non‐septic peritonitis associated with implantation of the foals with electrodes for recording myoelectrical activity. In two foals of similar age, with some natural exposure to S. vulgaris, there was little or no clinical response to infection and increases in TXB2 were absent. Baseline levels were also much lower, indicating that the peritonitis may have affected the results obtained in the first group of foals. Severe mesenteric arteritis was confirmed at necropsy in all six foals. A third group of yearling horses, all with natural exposure to the parasite, were generally resistant to infection. One animal developed arteritis with clinical signs of diarrhoea and mild colic, and also showed intermittent increases in TXB2. The mean plasma TXB2 level after infection was significantly higher than in the control period, although absolute levels were lower than those recorded in the ‘parasite naive’ foals. Other animals in this group had low TXB2 levels and minimal arteritis was found at necropsy. These results indicate that although infection appears to have an effect on plasma TXB2, the changes are inconsistent and not reliable indicators of the presence of verminous arteritis. The results also confirm the difficulty in establishing infection and the variability of the response in animals with previous exposure.
Serological response of experimental ponies orally infected with Ehrlichia risticii
Authors: PALMER J. E. , BENSON C. E. , LOTZ G. W.
Published: June 2011

Ten healthy, mature ponies were orally infected with Ehrlichia risticii using Ehrlichia‐infected P388D1 mouse monocyte tissue culture cells. Seven developed signs of equine ehrlichial colitis including fever, depression, anorexia, reduced borborygmi, increased abdominal hyperresonance, and diarrhoea. Three remained clinically normal apart from early fever in one. Indirect fluorescent antibody titres were detected in the clinically affected ponies by Days 12 to 17 post infection and increased rapidly to high levels (1:640 to 1:5120) which were maintained until the end of the observation period (Day 28 post infection). Mean antibody titres significantly increased from Days 12 to 14 and from Days 14 to 17 post infection. The rapid increase in antibody titre which occurs close to first appearance of clinical signs may explain the insignificant rise in antibody titres in many naturally occurring cases.
Castor‐oil induced diarrhoea in ponies: a model for acute colitis
Authors: ROBERTS M. C. , CLARKE L. L. , JOHNSON C. M.
Published: June 2011

A reproducible, reversible model of colitis induced in ponie by administering castor oil (2.5 ml/kg bodyweight [bwt] per os) was characterised by abdominal pain, fever, watery diarrhoea, dehydration, hypovolaemia, toxaemia, leucopenia, decreased serum Cl, Na and K levels and metabolic acidosis. The signs were most severe between 24 and 48 h post induction, stabilisation was frequently observed after 72 h, although diarrhoea could persist beyond 96 h. Morphological and in vitro transport studies (right ventral colon) were conducted on tissues from animals destroyed at 24, 48 and 72 h. In the caecum and colon, surface epithelial disruption and exfoliation from the basement membrane occurred between 24 and 48 h. Early signs of recovery were evident by replenishment of denuded areas with columnar epithelium at 72 h. The crypt epithelium was unaffected throughout the intestinal tract. In vitro transport studies were consistent with the morphological findings. Decreased Na‐Cl absorption and normal Cl secretion indicated an impaired surface epithelium coincident with an undamaged cryptal epithelium. Increased mucosal permeability was demonstrated by high ionic conductance and large unidirectional isotopic fluxes. Tissue conductance improved during in vitro incubation suggesting epithelial repair after removal of castor oil. Changes in the population and proportion of bacteria in the faeces as diarrhoea ensued were confirmed at necropsy with a predominance of E. coli and Enterobacter/Klebsiella sp in the large bowel. The experimental induction of castor oil colitis showed many similarities to intestinal endotoxaemia and the secretory type diarrhoea encountered in naturally occurring acute colitis syndromes in horses. The model could prove applicable in studying the pathophysiological mechanisms precipitating such life‐threatening disorders.
Treatment of gastric ulcers in horses with histamine type 2 receptor antagonists
Authors: FURR M. O. , MURRAY M. J.
Published: June 2011

Of 55 horses treated with histamine type 2 (H2) receptor antagonists for gastric ulcers, 32 were examined by gastroendoscopy before and after treatment. Distribution and severity of lesions in the squamous fundus (sf), margo plicatus (mp), glandular fundus (gf), lesser curvature (lc) and cardia (car) were recorded. Severity of the lesions was scored 0–4 (0=no lesions, 4=most severe). On initial examination, lesions were most frequently observed at the mp (28/32) and least frequently observed in the gf (5/32). There was endoscopic confirmation of improvement in lesion scores in each region, although the magnitude of improvement and duration of treatment required to affect total healing varied by region. The mean (± sd) changes in lesion scores in each region of the stomach after treatment were: −1.92 ± 1.43 (sf), −2.27 ± 0.98 (mp), −1.60 ± 0.80 (gf), −1.20 ± 1.81 (lc), and −2.00 ± 1.85 (car). Clinical improvement was noted in 54 of 55 animals, as indicated by decreased frequency of colic episodes, weight gains, and improved appetite. It was concluded that H2 antagonists are an effective treatment of gastric ulcers in horses, as determined by endoscopic and clinical improvement.
The effect of low dose heparin therapy on complication and survival rates in horses following exploratory celiotomy
Authors: YOUNG D. R. , RICHARDSON D. W. , MARKEL M. D.
Published: June 2011

A randomised, blind prospective study was performed to evaluate effects of low dose heparin therapy on complication and survival rates in 33 horses following exploratory celiotomy. Four horses had non‐strangulating lesions and seven had strangulating lesions of the small intestine, 19 had non‐strangulating lesions of the large intestine, and three had duodenitis‐proximal jejunitis. Eighteen required an enterotomy or intestinal resection and anastomosis. Sixteen received heparin subcutaneously (66 iu/kg every 12 h) post operatively and 17 received a saline placebo for a mean of 3.7 days. There was a significant (P<0.01) mean decrease in PCV (29.1 per cent) in the heparin group. No significant differences in complication or survival rates were seen between groups. Long term follow‐up was obtained for 10 horses in each group. There were no significant differences between groups.
A device and technique for gastrointestinal lavage in the horse
Authors: BEROZA G. A.
Published: June 2011

A device and technique for intra‐operative gastro‐intestinal lavage was developed to remove ingesta from the stomach, large intestine and caecum of horses. The Gastro‐Intestinal Lavage System (GILS) is composed of a nozzle connected to both water under pressure and suction. Water jets across an intake portal in the nozzle, breaks up food and debris within the nozzle and is evacuated under negative pressure into the aspirating tube which is connected to a collection drum. The GILS nozzle was introduced at the pelvic flexure through a sterile enterotomy cuff and plastic sleeve. Water was first added through the GILS nozzle to mix intestinal ingesta to form a slurry and then the effluent was evacuated into the storage container by engaging the vacuum. Comparisons of this technique were made with the standard garden hose lavage technique. The GILS enables removal of 8.1 kg of large intestinal ingesta in less than 20 mins. Cleansing of the large bowel with the GILS was rapid, complete and a contamination free procedure which should prove applicable and beneficial for surgical treatment of small colonic, caecal, rectal and gastric impactions as well as sand colic and colonic torsions.