bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal and pathological pregnancy characteristics in customised birthweight centiles and identification of at‐risk small‐for‐gestational‐age infants: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Anderson NH , Sadler LC , Stewart AW , McCowan LME
Published: April 2012

Please cite this paper as: Anderson N, Sadler L, Stewart A, McCowan LE. Maternal and pathological pregnancy characteristics in customised birthweight centiles and identification of at‐risk small‐for‐gestational‐age infants: a retrospective cohort study. BJOG 2012;119:848–856.

Objective  To regenerate coefficients for the New Zealand customised birthweight centile calculator using an updated birth cohort, and compare the identification of at‐risk small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) infants between full customisation (including maternal characteristics) and an ultrasound‐based fetal weight and infant gender partial customisation.

Design  Retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected maternity data.

Setting  National Women’s Health Auckland, New Zealand.

Population  Singleton pregnancies in the period 2006–2009; n = 24 176.

Methods  Multiple linear regression analysis was performed for full customisation (adjusted for gestation, infant gender, maternal characteristics and pathological variables) and ultrasound‐and‐gender customisation (adjusted for gestation and infant gender).

Main outcome measures  Risks of SGA‐related perinatal death were compared between models.

Results  Changes occurred in some ethnicity coefficients, including Chinese (−135 g), Tongan (−101 g) and Samoan (−89 g), and ten ethnicities were added. Overall, full customisation identified SGA infants with higher odds of perinatal death (OR 5.6, 95% CI 3.6–8.7) than infants classed as SGA by ultrasound‐and‐gender customisation (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4–3.3) (P = 0.02). In subgroup analyses, infants classed as SGA by full but not ultrasound‐and‐gender customisation (n = 888, 3.4%) had an increased risk of perinatal death (RR 4.7, 95% CI 2.7–7.9); however, those identified as SGA by ultrasound‐and‐gender customisation alone were not at an increased risk (n = 676, 2.6%, RR 1.1, 95% CI 0.4–3.6). The population attributable risk (PAR) of SGA‐related perinatal death was higher for full (49.8%) than for ultrasound‐and‐gender (43.0%) customisation.

Conclusions  Updating the New Zealand customised birthweight centile calculator resulted in revised coefficients that better reflect a contemporary birth cohort. Inclusion of maternal characteristics in a birthweight customisation model increases the detection of SGA infants at risk of perinatal death.
The Impact of Insurance Coverage in Diminishing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Behavioral Health Services
Authors: Alegria Margarita , Lin Julia , Chen Chih‐Nan , Duan Naihua , Cook Benjamin , Meng Xiao‐Li
Published: April 2012

Objective

To estimate whether racial/ethnic behavioral health service disparities are likely to be reduced through insurance expansion coverage expected through the Affordable Health Care Act.

Data Sources

Pooled data from the nationally representative NIMH Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiological Studies (2001–2003).

Study Design

We employ a novel reweighting method to estimate service disparities in the presence and absence of insurance coverage.

Data Collection

Access to care was assessed by whether any behavioral health treatment was received in the past year. Need was determined by presence of prior year psychiatric disorder, psychiatric diagnoses, physical comorbidities, gender, and age.

Principal Findings

Improving patient education and availability of community clinics, combined with insurance coverage reduces service disparities across racial/ethnic groups.However, even with expanded insurance coverage, approximately 10 percent fewer African Americans with need for behavioral health services are likely to receive services compared to non‐Latino whites while Latinos show no measurable disparity.

Conclusions

Expansion of insurance coverage might have different effects for racial/ethnic groups, requiring additional interventions to reduce disparities for all groups.
Care Coordination for the Chronically Ill: Understanding the Patient's Perspective
Authors: Maeng Daniel D. , Martsolf Grant R. , Scanlon Dennis P. , Christianson Jon B.
Published: April 2012

Objective

To identify factors associated with perception of care coordination problems among chronically ill patients.

Methods

Patient‐level data were obtained from a random‐digit dial telephone survey of adults with chronic conditions. The survey measured respondents' self‐report of care coordination problems and level of patient activation, using the Patient Activation Measure (PAM‐13). Logistic regression was used to assess association between respondents' self‐report of care coordination problems and a set of patient characteristics.

Results

Respondents in the highest activation stage had roughly 30–40 percent lower odds of reporting care coordination problems compared to those in the lowest stage (p < .01). Respondents with multiple chronic conditions were significantly more likely to report coordination problems than those with hypertension only. Respondents' race/ethnicity, employment, insurance status, income, and length of illness were not significantly associated with self‐reported care coordination problems.

Conclusion

We conclude that patient activation and complexity of chronic illness are strongly associated with patients' self‐report of care coordination problems. Developing targeted strategies to improve care coordination around these patient characteristics may be an effective way to address the issue.
Composite Measures for Rating Hospital Quality with Major Surgery
Authors: Dimick Justin B. , Staiger Douglas O. , Osborne Nicholas H. , Nicholas Lauren H. , Birkmeyer John D.
Published: April 2012

Objective

To assess the value of a novel composite measure for identifying the best hospitals for major procedures.

Data Source

We used national Medicare data for patients undergoing five high‐risk surgical procedures between 2005 and 2008.

Study Design

For each procedure, we used empirical Bayes techniques to create a composite measure combining hospital volume, risk‐adjusted mortality with the procedure of interest, risk‐adjusted mortality with other related procedures, and other variables. Hospitals were ranked based on 2005–2006 data and placed in one of three groups: 1‐star (bottom 20 percent), 2‐star (middle 60 percent), and 3‐star (top 20 percent). We assessed how well these ratings forecasted risk‐adjusted mortality rates in the next 2 years (2007–2008), compared to other measures.

Principal Findings

For all five procedures, the composite measures based on 2005–2006 data performed well in predicting future hospital performance. Compared to 1‐star hospitals, risk‐adjusted mortality was much lower at 3‐star hospitals for esophagectomy (6.7 versus 14.4 percent), pancreatectomy (4.7 versus 9.2 percent), coronary artery bypass surgery (2.6 versus 5.0 percent), aortic valve replacement (4.5 versus 8.5 percent), and percutaneous coronary interventions (2.4 versus 4.1 percent). Compared to individual surgical quality measures, the composite measures were better at forecasting future risk‐adjusted mortality. These measures also outperformed the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare ratings.

Conclusion

Composite measures of surgical quality are very effective at predicting hospital mortality rates with major procedures. Such measures would be more informative than existing quality indicators in helping patients and payers identify high‐quality hospitals with specific procedures.
Can Wages Buy Honesty? The Relationship Between Relative Wages and Employee Theft
Authors: CHEN CLARA XIAOLING , SANDINO TATIANA
Published: April 2012

In this study, we examine whether, for a sample of retail chains, high levels of employee compensation can deter employee theft, an increasingly common type of fraudulent behavior. Specifically, we examine the extent to which relative wages (i.e., employee wages relative to the wages paid to comparable employees in competing stores) affect employee theft as measured by inventory shrinkage and cash shortage. Using two store‐level data sets from the convenience store industry, we find that relative wages are negatively associated with employee theft after we control for each store's employee characteristics, monitoring environment, and socio‐economic environment. Moreover, we find that relatively higher wages also promote social norms such that coworkers are less (more) likely to collude to steal inventory from their company when relative wages are higher (lower). Our research contributes to an emerging literature in management control that explores the effect of efficiency wages on employee behavior and social norms.
Retracted: Effects of flavocoxid, a dual inhibitor of COX and 5‐lipoxygenase enzymes, on benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Altavilla D , Minutoli L , Polito F , Irrera N , Arena S , Magno C , Rinaldi M , Burnett BP , Squadrito F , Bitto A
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Inflammation plays a key role in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Eicosanoids derived from the COX and 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LOX) pathways are elevated in the enlarging prostate. Flavocoxid is a novel flavonoid–based ‘dual inhibitor’ of the COX and 5‐LOX enzymes. This study evaluated the effects of flavocoxid in experimental BPH.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Rats were treated daily with testosterone propionate (3 mg·kg−1 s.c.) or its vehicle for 14 days to induce BPH. Animals receiving testosterone were randomized to receive vehicle (1 mL·kg−1, i.p.) or flavocoxid (20 mg·kg−1, i.p.) for 14 days. Histological changes, eicosanoid content and mRNA and protein levels for apoptosis‐related proteins and growth factors were assayed in prostate tissue. The effects of flavocoxid were also tested on human prostate carcinoma PC3 cells.

KEY RESULTS

Flavocoxid reduced prostate weight and hyperplasia, blunted inducible expression of COX‐2 and 5‐LOX as well as the increased production of PGE2 and leukotriene B4 (LTB4), enhanced pro‐apoptotic Bax and caspase‐9 and decreased the anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 mRNA. Flavocoxid also reduced EGF and VEGF expression. In PC3 cells, flavocoxid stimulated apoptosis and inhibited growth factor expression. Flavocoxid‐mediated induction of apoptosis was inhibited by the pan‐caspase inhibitor, Z‐VAD‐FMK, in PC3 cells, suggesting an essential role of caspases in flavocoxid‐mediated apoptosis during prostatic growth.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Our results show that a ‘dual inhibitor’ of the COX and 5‐LOX enzymes, such as flavocoxid, might represent a rational approach to reduce BPH through modulation of eicosanoid production and a caspase‐induced apoptotic mechanism.
Medieval Religious, Religions, Religion
Authors: Ames Christine Caldwell
Published: April 2012

This article sketches the most important shift in medieval religious history over the past few decades: the transition from “church history” to “the history of religious culture.” First, it surveys the field’s expansion of “the religious” beyond a clerical elite to a broad demographic of the faithful, and its interest in devotion and lived experience in ways that have produced more nuanced appreciation of the varieties of Christian orthodoxy. Second, it sketches how the religions falling under the aegis of medieval religious history have increased from Latin Christianity only to Judaism, Islam, Greek Christianity, and even to forms of religiosity identified as pagan. Third, it argues that regardless of the field’s many expansions and changes, scholars have tended not to make explicit the definitions of “religion” with which they work, and considers the ramifications and possible value of doing so.
Missionaries and Indigenous Education in the 19th‐Century British Empire. Part I: Church‐State Relations and Indigenous Actions and Reactions
Authors: Jensz Felicity
Published: April 2012

Missionaries were major providers of education in the colonial world, and in many cases were the initial and exclusive agents of education for Indigenous and non‐European people, whom they hoped could be converted to Christianity through religious schooling. However, by the end of the 19th century many governments in colonial lands were keen to take more active roles in providing secular education for their subjects, which, in turn, engendered tensions between missionary groups, governments, and the Indigenous communities for whom education was provided. Although the article of missions has received increasing attention in the last few decades, especially with the advent of postcolonial studies, there are still many aspects of missionary schooling that are understudied. This research overview examines the debates and research directions which are evident in the article of missionaries and their education of Indigenous and non‐European peoples in the 19th century, and focuses particularly upon major themes emerging from the literature: Two of these themes—Church‐State relations and Indigenous action and reaction will be examined in this article, whilst the themes of race, class, and gender will be examined in the second part.
The History of Ghosts in Early Modern Europe: Recent Research and Future Trajectories
Authors: Edwards Kathryn A.
Published: April 2012

Although some scholars in the 1970s and 1980s noted the frequent appearance of ghosts in early modern European society, only in the last fifteen years have ghosts received more systematic study and most synthetic works are products of the last five years. Beginning with a definition of “ghost” that considers the early modern context, this article examines ghostly apparitions in a wide variety of fields ranging from the history of crime, drama, and gender to the more expected realms of the history of death and demonology. It also describes how literary scholars have used the concept of the “spectral” or “ghostly” to deconstruct early modern genres and how folklorists have continued their traditional classifications of ghost stories and moved into interpretation of ghosts' generic and psychological roots. Following an analysis of the ghost’s role in modern understandings of demonology and witchcraft, this article concludes by arguing for the need to integrate manuscript, archival, and print material on ghosts and to attempt transnational and transconfessional analysis of European beliefs about apparitions.
C‐reactive protein and seizures in focal epilepsy: A video‐electroencephalographic study
Authors: Alapirtti Tiina , Waris Matti , Fallah Mahdi , Soilu‐Hänninen Merja , Mäkinen Riikka , Kharazmi Elham , Peltola Jukka
Published: April 2012

Purpose:  C‐reactive protein (CRP) has been studied extensively in many noninflammatory neurologic conditions, but there has been little study of CRP in the context of seizures or epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to examine CRP concentrations in patients with refractory focal epilepsy who were undergoing video‐electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring compared with healthy controls, and CRP change during 24 h after a seizure.

Methods:  CRP levels were measured in serum at the onset of video‐EEG recording (CRP‐0h) and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after index seizure (the first verified localized‐onset seizure) in 31 patients during inpatient video‐EEG monitoring by using high sensitivity measurement of CRP concentration. The patients were categorized into two groups: temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE; n = 15) and extratemporal lobe epilepsy (XLE; n = 16). Eighty healthy volunteers served as controls.

Key Findings:  CRP‐0h concentration was significantly higher in patients with refractory focal epilepsy than in controls (3.5 vs. 0.7 mg/ml, p < 0.001). All five patients with elevated CRP‐0h (>mean + 2 standard deviations in controls) had TLE (vs. none in XLE; p = 0.018). Index seizure type was associated with CRP increase from baseline to maximum level after index seizure (p = 0.005). The most important predictor of increase in CRP level was secondarily generalized tonic–clonic seizure (SGTCS; p = 0.030).

Significance:  The higher baseline levels in patients with epilepsy compared with healthy controls demonstrates that CRP concentrations are also affected in refractory epilepsy. Our data suggest that SGTCS stimulates CRP production. These results emphasize the association between inflammation and refractory epilepsy.
EFFECTS OF ETHYLENE ON TETRASPOROGENESIS IN PTEROCLADIELLA CAPILLACEA (RHODOPHYTA)1
Authors: García‐Jiménez Pilar , Robaina Rafael R.
Published: April 2012

The effects of ethylene (C2H4) on tetrasporogenesis of the red seaweed Pterocladiella capillacea (S. G. Gmelin) Bornet were investigated. Ethylene is a gaseous hormone that is involved in a variety of physiological processes (e.g., flowering, fruit abscission) in higher plants. To study the effects of ethylene on the reproduction of the red seaweed P. capillacea, immature tetrasporophytic thalli were exposed to a flow of ethylene for different time periods. Maximum maturation of tetrasporangia was observed at 7 d in thalli exposed to ethylene for 15 min. This maturation was accompanied by a significant increase in the free fraction of putrescine (Put) and a 5‐fold increase in the level of total RNA. These changes were specifically due to ethylene since they were blocked by the presence of the ethylene perception inhibitor silver thiosulphate (STS). Moreover, P. capillacea was determined to produce ethylene at a rate of 1.12 ± 0.06 nmol ethylene · h−1· g−1 fresh weight (fwt) with specific activities for 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐acrylic acid (ACC) synthase of 11.21 ± 1.19 nmol ethylene · h−1· mg−1 protein and for ACC oxidase (ACO) of 7.12 ± 0.11 nmol ethylene · h−1· mg−1 protein. We conclude that ethylene may indeed be a physiological regulator of tetrasporogenesis in this red seaweed.
Shyness‐Sensitivity, Aggression, and Adjustment in Urban Chinese Adolescents at Different Historical Times
Authors: Liu Junsheng , Chen Xinyin , Li Dan , French Doran
Published: April 2012

The market‐oriented economic reform in China over the past two decades has resulted in considerable changes in social attitudes regarding youth's behaviors. This study examined the relations of shyness and aggression to adjustment in Chinese adolescents at different historical times. Participants came from two cohorts (1994 and 2008) of adolescents in Shanghai (N = 540 and 728, respectively; M age = 13 years), and data were obtained from multiple sources. Although aggression was associated with adjustment problems in both cohorts, there were significant cross‐cohort differences in the relations between shyness and adjustment. In the 1994 cohort, shyness was positively associated with teacher‐rated competence, leadership, and academic achievement. In the 2008 cohort, however, shyness was negatively associated with peer preference and positively associated with loneliness.
Use of the Ligasure Vessel‐Sealing Device for Thoracoscopic Peripheral Lung Biopsy in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Mayhew Philipp D. , Culp William T.N. , Pascoe Peter J. , Arzi Natasha Vapniasky
Published: April 2012

Objective

To evaluate the use of a bipolar vessel‐sealing device for peripheral lung lobe biopsy in healthy dogs.

Study Design

Experimental study.

Animals

Mature female hound dogs (n = 6).

Methods

Thoracoscopic access was obtained by placement of a subxiphoid telescope portal with instrument portals at the right 4–6th intercostal spaces and the left 10th intercostal space. The 10‐mm Ligasure Atlas device was used to collect a biopsy specimen from the periphery of the left cranial lung lobe. Dogs were recovered from anesthesia. Histologic evaluation was used to characterize the effect of biopsy technique on pulmonary tissue. Thoracic radiography was performed at 1, 2, 4, and ∼180 days to evaluate for air leakage or other postoperative complications.

Results

Lung specimens were collected without complications. Postoperatively, 1 dog had some residual pneumothorax thought to be secondary to incomplete thoracic evacuation of air postoperatively. No evidence of air leakage was detected at any time point. Histologically, specimens had 3 distinct zones: a crush zone representing the tissue within the jaws of the device, a transition zone of thermally damaged parenchyma, and beyond that a viable zone of normal parenchyma.

Conclusion

From these limited data, it appears that the Ligasure Atlas vessel‐sealing device can be used for peripheral lung biopsy in healthy dogs. Further studies are required to evaluate the efficacy of the device in dogs with parenchymal disease.
Endoscopic‐Assisted Electrohydraulic Shockwave Lithotripsy in Standing Sedated Horses
Authors: Röcken Michael , Fürst Anton , Kummer Martin , Mosel Gesine , Tschanz Theo , Lischer Christoph J.
Published: April 2012

Objective

To report use of transendoscopic electrohydraulic shockwave lithotripsy for fragmentation of urinary calculi in horses.

Study Design

Case series.

Animals

Male horses (n = 21).

Methods

Fragmentation of cystic calculi (median, 6 cm diameter; range, 4–11 cm diameter) was achieved by transurethral endoscopy in standing sedated horses using an electrohydraulic shockwave fiber introduced through the biopsy channel of an endoscope. The fiber was advanced until it contacted the calculus. Repeated activation of the fiber was used to disrupt the calculus into fragments <1 cm diameter. Visibility within the bladder was maintained by repeated lavage with saline solution.

Results

Complete calculus removal was achieved in 20 horses (95%) with mean total surgical time of 168.6 minutes (range, 45–450). In the 20 horses with single calculi, 1–6 sessions were required to completely fragment the calculus. Except for 1 horse, in which perineal urethrotomy was eventually performed for complete fragment removal, fragments calculi were excreted via the urethra. Postoperative complications included hematuria because of severe mucosal erosion (n = 2), dysuria because of a trapped urethral fragment (2), small amount of urinary debris (1). One horse was euthanatized because of bladder rupture. Complete clearance of calculi and urinary debris was confirmed endoscopically 20 (3–45) days after the last session. Telephone follow‐up (mean, 18.8 months; range, 7–24 months) revealed that horses had returned to previous activity levels without recurrence of clinical signs.

Conclusions

Transendoscopic electrohydraulic lithotripsy appears to be an effective method for fragmentation of low‐density calcium carbonate cystic calculi in male horses.
The Use of Facebook in an Introductory MIS Course: Social Constructivist Learning Environment*
Authors: Ractham Peter , Kaewkitipong Laddawan , Firpo Daniel
Published: April 2012

The major objective of this article is to evaluate via a Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) the implementation of a Social Constructivist learning framework for an introductory Management Information System (MIS) course. Facebook was used as a learning artifact to build and foster a learning environment, and a series of features and activities using this artifact were conducted to utilize the social interactions amongst the system's users to foster constructivist learning. Various pedagogic strategies were used to integrate activities occurring both inside and outside of the classroom setting to achieve social learning. All features utilized were evaluated based upon activities and interactions amongst all users. The research findings show great potential for the implemented features, as well as the activities conducted to take advantage of these features, and suggest possible innovative features for use in similar future studies based on feedback from this study's sample group.
Efficient Estimation for Rank‐Based Regression with Clustered Data
Authors: Fu Liya , Wang You‐Gan
Published: April 2012

SummaryRank‐based inference is widely used because of its robustness. This article provides optimal rank‐based estimating functions in analysis of clustered data with random cluster effects. The extensive simulation studies carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed method demonstrate that it is robust to outliers and is highly efficient given the existence of strong cluster correlations. The performance of the proposed method is satisfactory even when the correlation structure is misspecified, or when heteroscedasticity in variance is present. Finally, a real dataset is analyzed for illustration.
What Does God Know? Supernatural Agents’ Access to Socially Strategic and Non‐Strategic Information
Authors: Purzycki Benjamin G. , Finkel Daniel N. , Shaver John , Wales Nathan , Cohen Adam B. , Sosis Richard
Published: April 2012

Current evolutionary and cognitive theories of religion posit that supernatural agent concepts emerge from cognitive systems such as theory of mind and social cognition. Some argue that these concepts evolved to maintain social order by minimizing antisocial behavior. If these theories are correct, then people should process information about supernatural agents’ socially strategic knowledge more quickly than non‐strategic knowledge. Furthermore, agents’ knowledge of immoral and uncooperative social behaviors should be especially accessible to people. To examine these hypotheses, we measured response‐times to questions about the knowledge attributed to four different agents—God, Santa Claus, a fictional surveillance government, and omniscient but non‐interfering aliens—that vary in their omniscience, moral concern, ability to punish, and how supernatural they are. As anticipated, participants respond more quickly to questions about agents’ socially strategic knowledge than non‐strategic knowledge, but only when agents are able to punish.
Fournier Gangrene and Unexpected Death
Authors: Bury Danielle , Byard Roger W.
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  Fournier gangrene represents a rare but progressive perineal infection that may result in rapid death. A 70‐year‐old man with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and alcohol abuse is reported who was found unexpectedly dead. He had last been contacted the night before his death. At autopsy, the most striking finding was deep necrotic ulceration of the scrotum with exposure of underlying deep muscles and testicles, with blood cultures positive for Escherichia coli. Death was, therefore, attributed to necrotic ulceration/gangrene of the perineum (Fournier gangrene) that was due to E. coli sepsis with underlying contributing factors of diabetes mellitus and alcoholism. In addition there was morbid obesity (body mass index 46.9), cirrhosis of the liver, and marked focal coronary artery atherosclerosis with significant cardiomegaly. Fournier gangrene may be an extremely aggressive condition that can result in rapid death, as was demonstrated by the rapid progression in the reported case.
The Association Between Body Mass Index and Pulmonary Thromboembolism in an Autopsy Population
Authors: Rosenfeld Hannah E. , Tsokos Michael , Byard Roger W.
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  To evaluate the association between obesity and pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in a forensic context, 160 autopsy cases of fatal PTE were compared with age‐ and gender‐matched controls. The mean age of cases was 66 years (range 26–98 years; M/F 74:86). The mean body mass index (BMI) of cases with PTE was 30.88 (range 14.95–79.51), which was significantly higher than in the controls (mean BMI = 25.33; range 12.49–61.84) (p < 0.0001). Comparing the group with PTE with controls showed that five (3.1%) compared to 20 (12.5%) were underweight, 39 (24.4%) compared to 67 (41.88%) were of normal weight, 49 (30.63%) compared to 43 (26.88%) were overweight, 43 (26.88%) compared to 24 (15%) were obese, and 24 (15.0%) compared to six (3.75%) were morbidly obese. In each category of above‐normal BMIs, there were significantly greater numbers in the groups with PTE: overweight (p < 0.01), obese (p < 0.001), and morbidly obese (p < 0.0001).
Rural credit and agricultural supply in Brazil
Authors: de Castro Eduardo Rodrigues , Teixeira Erly Cardoso
Published: April 2012

The objective of this study is to determine the financing impact of total expenditure on the use of agriculture inputs (fertilizers, labor, and pesticides), and the output of cotton, rice, beans, corn, soybean, and wheat in Brazil. We study the period 1976–2005. The analysis is based on duality applied to the production theory. The output supplies and conditioned input demands are estimated from a translog multi‐output, multi‐input restricted profit function, where the total production credit is used as proxy of the total expenditure. Farmer expectations with respect to crop prices are incorporated to the estimation based on the quasi‐rational expectation model. The output and input responses to the total expenditure are positive and statistically significant except for cotton, wheat, fertilizer, and pesticides. The short‐run output supply response to own prices is inelastic, except for wheat, which presents elastic response to its price. Acreage has a positive impact on the output supply and it is influenced by land productivity. The main conclusion is that farmers face budget restrictions to purchase inputs, and a government credit program might increase the agricultural supply.
Heat generation during implant placement in low‐density bone: effect of surgical technique, insertion torque and implant macro design
Authors: Marković Aleksa , Mišić Tijana , Miličić Biljana , Calvo‐Guirado Jose Luis , Aleksić Zoran , Đinić Ana
Published: April 2012

Objectives

The study aimed to investigate the effect of surgical technique, implant macrodesign and insertion torque on bone temperature changes during implant placement.

Material and methods

In the in vitro study, 144 self‐tapping (blueSKY® 4 × 10 mm; Bredent) and 144 non‐self‐tapping (Standard implant® 4.1 × 10 mm; Straumann) were placed in osteotomies prepared in pig ribs by lateral bone condensing or bone drilling techniques. The maximum insertion torque values of 30, 35 and 40 Ncm were used. Real‐time bone temperature measurement during implant placement was performed by three thermocouples positioned vertically, in tripod configuration around every osteotomy, at a distance of 5 mm from it and at depths of 1, 5 and 10 mm. Data were analysed using Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U‐tests and Regression analysis.

Results

Significant predictor of bone temperature at the osteotomy depth of 1 mm was insertion torque (P = 0.003) and at the depth of 10‐mm implant macrodesign (P = 0.029), while no significant predictor at depth of 5 mm was identified (P > 0.05). Higher insertion torque values as well as non‐self‐tapping implant macrodesign were related to higher temperatures. Implant placement in sites prepared by bone drilling induced significantly higher temperature increase (P = 0.021) compared with bone condensing sites at the depth of 5 mm, while no significant difference was recorded at other depths. Compared with 30 Ncm, insertion torque values of 35 and 40 Ncm produced significantly higher temperature increase (P = 0.005; P = 0.003, respectively) at the depth of 1 mm. There was no significant difference in temperature change induced by 35 and 40 Ncm, neither by implant macrodesign at all investigated depths (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Placement of self‐tapping implants with low insertion torque into sites prepared by lateral bone condensing technique might be advantageous in terms of thermal effect on bone.
The success rate of immediate implant placement of mandibular molars: a clinical and radiographic retrospective evaluation between 2 and 8 years
Authors: Hayacibara Roberto M. , Gonçalves Camila S. , Garcez‐Filho João , Magro‐Filho Osvaldo , Esper Helen , Hayacibara Mitsue F.
Published: April 2012

Background

Dental implants, indicated for re‐establishing both mastigatory and aesthetic functions, can be placed in the sockets immediately after tooth extraction. Most studies investigate the anterior and upper regions of the dental arch, whereas few examine longitudinal appraisal of immediate implant installation in the mandibular molar region.

Objective

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the success rate of immediate dental implants placement in mandibular molars within a follow‐up period as long as 8 years.

Materials and methods

Seventy‐four mandibular molar implants after non‐traumatic tooth extraction between 2002 and 2008 were examined in the study. All implants were evaluated radiographically immediately after prosthesis placement, 1 year after implantation, and by the end of the experimental period, in 2010. Clinical evaluation was done according to [Albrektsson et al. (1986) The International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, 1, 11–25] success criteria for marginal bone loss. The mean bone losses, calculated as the difference between the final evaluation measures and those taken by the end of the first year of implant, were compared using Kruskal–Wallis test with a significance level of 5%.

Results

All implants presented clinical and radiographic stable conditions, that is, 100% success rate. Significant bone loss was not found between final evaluation and that of the first functional year (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Immediate implant placement of mandibular molars proved to be a viable surgical treatment given the high success rate up to 8 years after implantation.
Bone physiology in human grafted and non‐grafted extraction sockets – an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Nahles Susanne , Nack Claudia , Gratecap Kerrin , Lage Hermann , Nelson John J. , Nelson Katja
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The aim of the present immunohistological investigation was to define and compare the osteogenic potential with the vascularization of the provisional matrix in grafted and ungrafted extraction sockets after 4 and 12 weeks of healing.

Methods

A total of 33 Patients (15 women, 18 men) with 65 extraction sites with a mean age of 54.4 years (30–73 years) participated in this study. After tooth extraction, the sockets were augmented with Bio‐Oss collagen or non‐augmented. At implant placement after 4 or 12 weeks bone biopsies were obtained. Within the specimens the osteogenic and endothelial potential of mesenchymal cells was analyzed in the provisional matrix using immunohistochemical analysis with three monoclonal antibodies Cbfa1/Runx2, Osteocalcin (OC), and CD31. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann–Whitney U‐test, Spearman's rank‐order correlation coefficient, and the two‐factorial analysis for repeated measurements.

Results

Of the 65 extraction sockets, 25 (13 non‐augmented, 12 augmented) sites after 4 weeks healing time and 40 (19 non‐augmented, 21 augmented) sites after 12 weeks healing time were involved in the study. No signs of acute or chronic inflammation were noted in any specimens. After 4 weeks, a median amount of 56% (10–85%) of Cbfa1 positive cells and a median amount of cells expressing OC of 21% (5–42%) were measured. A median CD31 score of 5 was observed. After 12 weeks, a median amount of 61% (19–90%) positive cells expressed by Cbfa1/Runx2 staining a median amount of OC positive cells of 9% (2–17%) was measured. The results at 12 weeks revealed a median score of CD31 positive cells of 3.

Discussion

Osteoblastic activity in the provisional matrix was highest after 4 weeks of healing period. The active zone of bone formation is found in the apical region of the extraction socket during the early healing phase, shifting to the coronal region after 12 weeks. A peak of osteoblast activity within the first weeks is followed by a reduction in mature osteoblasts with osteoblasts remaining in an inactive stage. The vascularity changed in likewise fashion to the maturation of osteoblasts within the observation period. The results have shown that with increasing age a decreasing endothelial potential was observed not after 4 weeks, but after 12 weeks, thus it suggests that angiogenesis is diminished in older patients in the later phase of healing in extraction sockets.
Experimental arthritis exacerbates Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans‐induced periodontitis in mice
Authors: Queiroz‐Junior Celso Martins , Madeira Mila Fernandes Moreira , Coelho Fernanda Matos , de Oliveira Camila Ribeiro , Cândido Luíza Castro Menezes , Garlet Gustavo Pompermaier , Teixeira Mauro Martins , de Souza Daniele da Glória , Silva Tarcília Aparecida da
Published: April 2012

Aim

This study aimed to investigate whether chronic antigen‐induced arthritis (AIA) influences infection‐induced periodontitis (PD) in mice and whether PD modifies the clinical course of AIA. The contribution of anti‐TNF‐α therapy was also evaluated.

Materials and methods

The PD was induced in C57BL/6 mice by oral infection with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. AIA was induced after infection. Anti‐TNF‐α and chlorhexidine therapies were used to investigate the role of TNF‐α and oral infection on PD and AIA interaction. Maxillae, knee joints, lymph nodes and serum samples were used for histomorphometric, immunoenzymatic and/or real time‐PCR analyses.

Results

Antigen‐induced arthritis exacerbated alveolar bone loss triggered by PD infection. In contrast, PD did not influence AIA in the evaluated time‐points. PD exacerbation was associated with enhanced production of IFN‐γ in maxillae and expression of the Th1 transcription factor tBET in submandibular lymph nodes. Increased serum levels of IL‐6 and C‐reactive protein were also detected. Anti‐TNF‐α and antiseptic therapies prevented the development and exacerbation of infectious‐PD. Anti‐TNF‐α therapy also resulted in reduced expression of IFN‐γ, TNF‐α and IL‐17 in maxillae.

Conclusions

Altogether, the current results indicate that the exacerbation of infection‐induced PD by arthritis is associated with an alteration in lymphocyte polarization pattern and increased systemic immunoreactivity. This process was ameliorated by anti‐TNF‐α and antiseptic therapies.
Comparison of GOHAI and OHIP‐14 measures in relation to objective values of oral function in elderly Japanese
Authors: Ikebe Kazunori , Hazeyama Tomohiro , Enoki Kaori , Murai Shunsuke , Okada Tadashi , Kagawa Ryosuke , Matsuda Ken‐ichi , Maeda Yoshinobu
Published: April 2012

Objectives

The aims of this study were to assess the correlations between the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14) and to examine which survey is more sensitive to objectively measured oral function in the Japanese elderly.

Methods

The subjects were 290 community‐dwelling, cognitively healthy, and independently living people over the age of 60 years (mean: 66.3 years). Measures included the GOHAI and OHIP‐14 questionnaires, as well as self‐rating of general and oral health, dry mouth, number of residual teeth, and objective values of occlusal force, masticatory performance, and salivary flow rate. Bivariate and linear regression analyses were used to identify which of these variables predicted GOHAI and OHIP‐14 scores.

Results

Spearman's correlation coefficient between the GOHAI and OHIP‐14 scores was 0.728 (P < 0.001), although the OHIP‐14 showed a greater number of 0 scores, suggesting a greater floor effect. At the bivariate level, self‐rating of general and oral health, dry mouth, number of residual teeth, occlusal force, and masticatory performance were associated with GOHAI and OHIP‐14 scores. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that after controlling for the other significant variables, both the occlusal force (standardized regression coefficient [β] = −0.164, P = 0.004) and masticatory performance (β = −0.125, P = 0.019) had significant associations with the GOHAI score, whereas this association was not found with the OHIP score.

Conclusions

Although the GOHAI and OHIP‐14 had a strong correlation, the GOHAI was more sensitive to the objective values of oral functions among independently living elderly persons in Japan.
Multiple myeloma in octogenarians: Clinical features and outcome in the novel agent era
Authors: Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Kastritis Efstathios , Delimpasi Sossana , Katodritou Eirini , Hatzimichael Eleftheria , Kyrtsonis Marie‐Christine , Repousis Panagiotis , Tsirogianni Maria , Kartasis Zafiris , Parcharidou Agapi , Michael Michalis , Michalis Eurydiki , Tsatalas Constantinos , Stefanoudaki Ekaterini , Hatjiharissi Eudoxia , Gika Dimitra , Symeonidis Argiris , Terpos Evangelos , Zervas Konstantinos ,   On behalf of the Greek Myeloma Study Group
Published: April 2012

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) affects mainly elderly persons and because the population of octogenarians increases, it is common to treat patients ≥80 years of age. These patients are often not included in clinical trials; thus, there is limited data on their characteristics and treatment outcome.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 682 consecutive, unselected patients with newly diagnosed symptomatic myeloma who started treatment between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2010.

Results

We identified 155 (23%) patients ≥ 80 years of age. Compared to patients <80 years, octogenarians had poorer performance status (P < 0.001), anemia (P = 0.006), low serum albumin (P = 0.001), and advanced ISS (P < 0.001). The median survival of patients ≥80 years was 22 months, and 14% died within 2 months from therapy initiation. The median survival of patients ≥80 years who received upfront novel agents was 26 vs. 17 months for those who did not. ECOG performance status ≤1 and frontline use of novel agents were independently associated with better survival. Response to first‐line therapy was associated with improved survival (29 vs. 16 months, P = 0.017).

Conclusions

Patients ≥80 years of age present with features of advanced myeloma and impaired performance status. The addition of novel agents may improve their outcome, but careful assessment and prospective clinical trials targeting the population of elderly patients are needed.
Circulating KITD816V mutation‐positive non‐mast cells in peripheral blood are characteristic of indolent systemic mastocytosis
Authors: Kristensen Thomas , Broesby‐Olsen Sigurd , Vestergaard Hanne , Bindslev‐Jensen Carsten , Møller Michael B. ,   on behalf of the Mastocytosis Centre Odense University Hospital (MastOUH)
Published: April 2012

It is presently accepted that the
KIT
D816V mutation is detectable in tissues with neoplastic mast cells in most patients with indolent systemic mastocytosis. In this study, neoplastic mast cells were detected in bone marrow, but not in peripheral blood, by flow cytometry in all 25 included cases of indolent systemic mastocytosis. However, the
KIT
D816V mutation was detected using mutation‐specific qPCR in both bone marrow and peripheral blood in all 25 cases, demonstrating for the first time that the
KIT
D816V mutation is consistently present in non‐mast cells in indolent systemic mastocytosis and that these cells are circulating in peripheral blood.
Predators alter the scaling of diversity in prey metacommunities
Authors: Ryberg Wade A. , Smith Kevin G. , Chase Jonathan M.
Published: April 2012

Although predator effects on the number of locally coexisting species are well understood, there are few formal predictions of how these local predator effects influence patterns of prey diversity at larger spatial scales. Building on the theory of island biogeography, we develop a simple model that describes how predators can alter the scaling of diversity in prey metacommunities and compares the effects of generalist and specialist predators on regional prey diversity. Generalist predators, which consume prey randomly with respect to species identity, are predicted to reduce α‐diversity and increase β‐diversity thereby maintaining regional diversity (γ‐diversity). Alternatively, specialist predators, which filter out prey species intolerant of predators, are predicted to reduce bothα‐diversity andβ‐diversity by causing the same prey species to be extirpated in each locality, resulting in regional prey species extinctions and lower γ‐diversity. These distinct effects of generalist and specialist predators on prey diversity at different spatial scales are uniquely shaped by the extent of predation within those metacommunities. Overall, our model results make general predictions for how different types of predators can differentially affect prey diversity across spatial scales, allowing a more complete understanding of the possible implications of predator eradications or introductions for biodiversity.
Assessing the influence of prey–predator ratio, prey age structure and packs size on wolf kill rates
Authors: Sand Håkan , Vucetich John A. , Zimmermann Barbara , Wabakken Petter , Wikenros Camilla , Pedersen Hans C. , Peterson Rolf O. , Liberg Olof
Published: April 2012

Traditional predation theory assumes that prey density is the primary determinant of kill rate. More recently, the ratio of prey‐to‐predator has been shown to be a better predictor of kill rate. However, the selective behavior of many predators also suggests that age structure of the prey population should be an important predictor of kill rate. We compared wolf–moose predation dynamics in two sites, south‐central Scandinavia (SCA) and Isle Royale, Lake Superior, North America (IR), where prey density was similar, but where prey age structure and prey‐to‐predator ratio differed. Per capita kill rates of wolves preying on moose in SCA are three times greater than on IR. Because SCA and IR have similar prey densities differences in kill rate cannot be explained by prey density. Instead, differences in kill rate are explained by differences in the ratio of prey‐to‐predator, pack size and age structure of the prey populations. Although ratio‐dependent functional responses was an important variable for explaining differences in kill rates between SCA and IR, kill rates tended to be higher when calves comprised a greater portion of wolves’ diet (p =0.05). Our study is the first to suggest how age structure of the prey population can affect kill rate for a mammalian predator. Differences in age structure of the SCA and IR prey populations are, in large part, the result of moose and forests being exploited in SCA, but not in IR. While predator conservation is largely motivated by restoring trophic cascades and other top–down influences, our results show how human enterprises can also alter predation through bottom–up processes.
Determining trophic niche width: an experimental test of the stable isotope approach
Authors: Fink Patrick , Reichwaldt Elke S. , Harrod Chris , Rossberg Axel G.
Published: April 2012

Determining the trophic niche width of an animal population and the relative degree to which a generalist population consists of dietary specialists are long‐standing problems of ecology. It has been proposed that the variance of stable isotope values in consumer tissues could be used to quantify trophic niche width of consumer populations. However, this promising idea has not yet been rigorously tested. By conducting controlled laboratory experiments using model consumer populations (Daphnia sp., Crustacea) with controlled diets, we investigated the effect of individual‐ and population‐level specialisation and generalism on consumer δ13C mean and variance values. While our experimental data follow general expectations, we extend current qualitative models to quantitative predictions of the dependence of isotopic variance on dietary correlation time, a measure for the typical time over which a consumer changes its diet. This quantitative approach allows us to pinpoint possible procedural pitfalls and critical sources of measurement uncertainty. Our results show that the stable isotope approach represents a powerful method for estimating trophic niche widths, especially when taking the quantitative concept of dietary correlation time into account.