bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Mandibular Bone Mineral Densities in Dentate and Edentulous Patients
Authors: Buyukkaplan U. Sebnem , Tonguc Mine Ozturk , Guldag M. Ustun , Yildiz Mustafa , Gumus Burcin Askim
Published: September 2012

Purpose: In contemporary implant dentistry, bone mineral density (BMD) of the jaws is a patient‐associated prognostic factor. The aim of this study was to compare the mandibular body BMD of dentate and edentulous patients using the dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) technique.

Materials and Methods: A total of 39 patients, 20 dentate and 19 edentulous, were included in this cross‐sectional study. Mandibular body BMD was measured using the DXA technique. The variables were normally distributed; thus, the independent samples t‐test was used for the determination of statistical significance between the dentate and edentulous groups (age, body mass index [BMI], DXA). Chi‐square test was performed for identification of the gender differences between the groups. The Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between age, BMI, and mandibular body BMD. Note that p < 0.01 was accepted as the significance level.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the dentate and edentulous groups in matching variables (age, BMI, and gender) (p > 0.01). There was a statistically significant difference regarding the mandibular body BMD in the dentate and edentulous group (p < 0.01) controlling for age, gender, and BMI. The edentulous group patients had higher mandibular body BMD values (1.27 ± 0.31 g/cm2) than those in the dentate group (0.94 ± 0.22 g/cm2).

Conclusion: Comparison of the mandibular body BMD revealed that dentate patients had less dense bone than the edentulous patients. Further investigations are needed to determine the BMD of the jaws in different regions and for different systemic conditions.
Nasoalveolar Molding with Active Columellar Lengthening in Severe Bilateral Cleft Lip/Palate: A Clinical Report
Authors: Patil Pravinkumar G. , Patil Smita P. , Sarin Soumil
Published: September 2012

Severe bilateral cleft‐lip/palate patients are difficult to manage even if nasoalveolar molding therapy is advocated before surgical repair. A 5‐day‐old male infant with bilateral cleft‐lip‐palate was managed with the nasoalveolar molding technique. Periodic adjustments of the appliance were continued every week to mold the nasoalveolar complex into the desired shape for the 5 months of infancy. The cleft width of 12 mm on the right and 14 mm on the left side was completely reduced, and the absent columella was lengthened to 6 mm with the active molding appliance. The horizontal bar of the nasal stent of the appliance was modified by adding an additional 1 mm layer of resilient liner on the tissue surface to achieve rapid columellar lengthening. In severe bilateral cleft‐lip/palate cases, simple modifications in the appliance can achieve rapid results.
The Efficacy of Gabapentin versus Stabilization Splint in Management of Sleep Bruxism
Authors: Sadat Madani Azam , Abdollahian Ebrahim , Azangoo Khiavi Hasan , Radvar Mehrdad , Foroughipour Mohsen , Asadpour Hadi , Hasanzadeh Nadia
Published: September 2012

Purpose: This study aimed to determine if the use of gabapentin is more efficacious than a stabilization splint with regard to the intensity of masseter muscle contractions and/or sleep quality for patients experiencing sleep bruxism (SB).

Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with SB participated in this clinical study. They were randomly divided into two treatment groups: stabilization splint group (n = 10) and gabapentin group (n = 10). The first polysomnographic examination was performed before the beginning of the experiment for all the participants. At the end of a 2‐month period of stabilization splint therapy or gabapentin usage, a second polysomnographic recording was made.

Results: Statistically significant reductions in the number of SB episodes per hour and per night, bruxism time index, total duration of SB episodes per night and number of SB episodes in stages NR I and NR II (p < 0.05) were observed in both groups after treatment. Both treatments significantly reduced the mean intensity of masseter muscle contractions during SB episodes. Moreover, the participants treated with gabapentin showed a significant improvement in total sleep time, slow wave sleep (stage III), and sleep efficiency (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Gabapentin could be an effective treatment modality in SBs, especially in those with poor sleep quality.
Start–Up Social Ventures: Blending Fine–Grained Behaviors from Two Institutions for Entrepreneurial Success
Authors: Katre Aparna , Salipante Paul
Published: September 2012

Social entrepreneurs develop market–driven ventures to produce social change; some succeed while others fail. This research advances our understanding of start–up behaviors of ventures that span nonprofit and for–profit institutional boundaries. A rigorous qualitative study of 23 social ventures reveals that entrepreneurs employ a blend of nonprofit and business venture behaviors, suggesting the importance of contextual factors. Only selective behaviors from each institution differentiate the successful from the struggling ventures. But while the higher level organizing tasks and activities of successful and struggling ventures may appear similar, fine–grained analyses of their behaviors show stark differences, emphasizing the need for such analyses.
Sudden Cardiac Death in Brazil: Study Based on Physicians’ Perceptions of the Public Health Care System
Authors: MARTINELLI MARTINO , SIQUEIRA SÉRGIO F. DE , ZIMERMAN LEANDRO I. , NETO VICENTE Á. , MORAES ANTÔNIO V. , FENELON GUILHERME
Published: September 2012

Background: There are no available statistical data about sudden cardiac death in Brazil. Therefore, this study has been conducted to evaluate the incidence of sudden cardiac death in our population and its implications.

Methods: The research methodology was based on Thurstone's Law of Comparative Judgment, whose premise is that the more an A stimulus differs from a B stimulus, the greater will be the number of people who will perceive this difference. This technique allows an estimation of actual occurrences from subjective perceptions, when compared to official statistics. Data were collected through telephone interviews conducted with Primary and Secondary Care physicians of the Public Health Service in the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo (MASP).

Results: In the period from October 19, 2009, to October 28, 2009, 196 interviews were conducted. The incidence of 21,270 cases of sudden cardiac death per year was estimated by linear regression analysis of the physicians’ responses and data from the Mortality Information System of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, with the following correlation and determination coefficients: r = 0.98 and r2= 0.95 (95% confidence interval 0.8–1.0, P < 0.05). The lack of waiting list for specialized care and socioadministrative problems were considered the main barriers to tertiary care access.

Conclusions: The incidence of sudden cardiac death in the MASP is high, and it was estimated as being higher than all other causes of deaths; the extrapolation technique based on the physicians’ perceptions was validated; and the most important bureaucratic barriers to patient referral to tertiary care have been identified. (PACE 2012; 35:1326–1331)
Shock Anxiety among Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Recipients with Recent Tachyarrhythmia
Authors: MORKEN INGVILD M. , ISAKSEN KJETIL , KARLSEN BJØRG , NOREKVÅL TONE M. , BRU EDVIN , LARSEN ALF INGE
Published: September 2012

Background: Shock anxiety has been documented irrespective of shock exposure in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients. The presence of tachyarrhythmia may lead to an anticipation of receiving a shock and thereby give rise to shock anxiety. The aims were to assess: (1) the level of shock anxiety in a sample of ICD recipients, (2) the relationship between such anxiety and shock exposure, and (3) the relationship between recent tachyarrhythmia and shock anxiety.

Methods: ICD recipients (n = 167) completed the Florida Shock Anxiety Scale measure of shock anxiety. The recipients were divided into three groups: (1) Recipients with no documented tachyarrhythmia over the previous 12 months (n = 56), (2) recipients with documented tachyarrhythmia over the previous twelve months (n = 54), and (3) recipients with any history of shocks (n = 57).

Results: Of the recipients, 44% experienced some form of shock anxiety, whereas 15% reported general shock anxiety. Analyses of covariance revealed that recipients with recent tachyarrhythmia (F = 7.675 df = 9/100, P = 0.007) as well as recipients with a shock history (F = 9.976, df = 9/103, P = 0.002) reported higher levels of shock anxiety than recipients with no recent tachyarrhythmia.

Conclusion: This study indicates that although a substantial proportion of the ICD recipients experienced some form of shock anxiety, only a relatively small proportion reported general shock anxiety. ICD recipients with recent tachyarrhythmia, in addition to recipients with shock history, appear to be at greater risk for development of shock anxiety. This implies that these recipients may profit from clinical‐based strategies and interventions targeting shock anxiety (PACE 2012; 35:1369–1376)
Thermogenic Supplement Use Does Not Alter Characteristics of Sudden Death in the Young
Authors: APPEL DAVID A. , MCNEAR JENNIFER A. , SHRY ERIC A. , GENTLESK PHILIP J. , REICH STEPHEN S. , ECKART ROBERT E. ,   for the Department of Defense Cardiovascular Death Registry Group
Published: September 2012

Background: To evaluate supplement use, most notably ephedra, which has been temporally associated with sudden death. Animal models suggest increased myocardial irritability may predispose to primary arrhythmic death.

Methods: Clinical, pathological, and investigative records from the Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner's Cardiovascular Death Registry were reviewed. Forty‐eight cases of those with known supplement use were compared to 144 age‐, gender‐, and socioeconomic‐matched controls in a 1:3 case:control manner.

Results: Of the 48 sudden deaths temporally associated with supplement use, the mean age was 34.2 ± 10.0 years and predominantly male (n = 44, 91.7%). The underlying cause of death was fatal atherosclerotic coronary disease in 18 (37.5%), sudden unexplained death in 16 (33.3%), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in six (12.5%). Compared with controls, there were no statistically significant differences in adjudicated cause of death. On autopsy, there were no differences in cardiac mass, ventricular wall thickness, or presence of atherosclerosis in those known to be taking identified supplements compared to a control population. In the subject ≥35 years, and known to be taking supplements, there was a significant increase in causality of death as due to sudden unexplained death (relative risk = 5.1 [95% confidence interval, 1.4–18.7]).

Conclusions: Active surveillance of mortality in an autopsy‐derived series of young adults finds atherosclerotic coronary disease and idiopathic sudden death are common etiologies of death when taking supplements, but no cardiac structural or histologic mechanism to suggest different pathologic process than a matched control population. (PACE 2012; 35:1332–1337)
Children Apply Principles of Physical Ownership to Ideas
Authors: Shaw Alex , Li Vivian , Olson Kristina R.
Published: September 2012

Adults apply ownership not only to objects but also to ideas. But do people come to apply principles of ownership to ideas because of being taught about intellectual property and copyrights? Here, we investigate whether children apply rules from physical property ownership to ideas. Studies 1a and 1b show that children (6–8 years old) determine ownership of both objects and ideas based on who first establishes possession of the object or idea. Study 2 shows that children use another principle of object ownership, control of permission—an ability to restrict others’ access to the entity in question—to determine idea ownership. In Study 3, we replicate these findings with different idea types. In Study 4, we determine that children will not apply ownership to every entity, demonstrating that they do not apply ownership to a common word. Taken together, these results suggest that, like adults, children as young as 6 years old apply rules from ownership not only to objects but to ideas as well.
The Climate‐Change Dilemma: Examining the Association Between Parental Status and Political Party Support1
Authors: Milfont Taciano L. , Harré Niki , Sibley Chris G. , Duckitt John
Published: September 2012

Determining when, and for whom, positive attitudes toward climate‐change actions translate into actual behavior is critically important in promoting pro‐environmental behavior. An important way climate change can be tackled is through changes to social policy at the governmental level, which, in turn, depends on individual voting behavior in democratic nations. The present study examined this issue with regard to political party support in New Zealand, and demonstrated—using a large general population sample of voters—that support for climate‐change actions predict differential support for center‐left and center‐right political parties only for people who have children. Parental status moderated the link between support for climate‐change actions and voting intentions. Practical and theoretical implications of the findings are discussed.
Infection of human pericytes by HIV‐1 disrupts the integrity of the blood–brain barrier
Authors: Nakagawa Shinsuke , Castro Victor , Toborek Michal
Published: September 2012

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) infection of the central nervous system (CNS) affects cross‐talk between the individual cell types of the neurovascular unit, which then contributes to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and the development of neurological dysfunctions. Although the toxicity of HIV‐1 on neurons, astrocytes and brain endothelial cells has been widely studied, there are no reports addressing the influence of HIV‐1 on pericytes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate whether or not pericytes can be infected with HIV‐1 and how such an infection affects the barrier function of brain endothelial cells. Our results indicate that human brain pericytes express the major HIV‐1 receptor CD4 and co‐receptors CXCR4 and CCR5. We also determined that HIV‐1 can replicate, although at a low level, in human brain pericytes as detected by HIV‐1 p24 ELISA. Pericytes were susceptible to infection with both the X4‐tropic NL4‐3 and R5‐tropic JR‐CSF HIV‐1 strains. Moreover, HIV‐1 infection of pericytes resulted in compromised integrity of an in vitro model of the BBB. These findings indicate that human brain pericytes can be infected with HIV‐1 and suggest that infected pericytes are involved in the progression of HIV‐1‐induced CNS damage.
Spinal cord injury causes bone loss through peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ and Wnt signalling
Authors: Yan Jun , Li Bo , Chen Jiang‐Wei , Jiang Sheng‐Dan , Jiang Lei‐Sheng
Published: September 2012

It has long been recognized that spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to a loss of bone mineral. However, the mechanisms of bone loss after SCI remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate whether SCI causes a shift in skeletal balance between osteoblastogenesis and adipogenesis. Eighty male Sprague‐Dawley rats at 6 weeks of age were randomly divided into two groups: sham‐operated (SHAM) group and SCI group. The rats were killed after 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months, and their femora, tibiae and humeri were collected for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) culture, bone mineral density (BMD) measurement, RNA analysis and Western Blot analysis. Osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential of MSCs from SCI rats and SHAM rats was evaluated. We found increased marrow adiposity in sublesional tibiae of SCI rats. SCI caused increased peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ) expression and diminished Wnt signalling in sublesional tibiae. Interestingly, in MSCs from SCI rats treated with the PPARγ inhibitor GW9662, the ratios of RANKL to OPG expression were significantly decreased. On the contrary, in MSCs from SCI rats treated with the PPARγ ligand troglitazone, the ratios of RANKL to OPG expression in SCI rats were significantly increased. High expression of PPARγ may lead to increased bone resorption through the RANKL/OPG axis after SCI. In addition, high expression also results in the suppression of osteogenesis and enhancement of adipogenesis in SCI rats. SCI causes a shift in skeletal balance between osteoblastogenesis and adipogenesis, thus leading to bone loss after SCI.
Expression profile of telomere‐associated genes in multiple myeloma
Authors: de la Guardia Rafael Díaz , Catalina Purificación , Panero Julieta , Elosua Carolina , Pulgarin Andrés , López María Belén , Ayllón Verónica , Ligero Gertrudis , Slavutsky Irma , Leone Paola E.
Published: September 2012

To further contribute to the understanding of multiple myeloma, we have focused our research interests on the mechanisms by which tumour plasma cells have a higher survival rate than normal plasma cells. In this article, we study the expression profile of genes involved in the regulation and protection of telomere length, telomerase activity and apoptosis in samples from patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, smouldering multiple myeloma, multiple myeloma (MM) and plasma cell leukaemia (PCL), as well as several human myeloma cell lines (HMCLs). Using conventional cytogenetic and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies, we identified a high number of telomeric associations (TAs). Moreover, telomere length measurements by terminal restriction fragment (TRF) assay showed a shorter mean TRF peak value, with a consistent correlation with the number of TAs. Using gene expression arrays and quantitative PCR we identified the hTERT gene together with 16 other genes directly involved in telomere length maintenance: HSPA9, KRAS, RB1, members of the Small nucleolar ribonucleoproteins family, A/B subfamily of ubiquitously expressed heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins, and 14‐3‐3 family. The expression levels of these genes were even higher than those in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which have unlimited proliferation capacity. In conclusion, the gene signature suggests that MM tumour cells are able to maintain stable short telomere lengths without exceeding the short critical length, allowing cell divisions to continue. We propose that this could be a mechanism contributing to MM tumour cells expansion in the bone marrow (BM).
Discovering online learning barriers: survey of health educational stakeholders in dentistry
Authors: Schönwetter D. , Reynolds P.
Published: September 2012

Objectives

Given the exponential explosion of online learning tools and the challenge to harness their influence in dental education, there is a need to determine the current status of online learning tools being adopted at dental schools, the barriers that thwart the potential of adopting these and to capture this information from each of the various stakeholders involved in dental online learning (administrators, instructors, students and software/hardware technicians). The aims of this exploratory study are threefold: first, to understand which online learning tools are currently being adopted at dental schools; second, to determine the barriers in adopting online learning in dental education; and third, to identify a way of better preparing stakeholders in their quest to encourage others at their institutions to adopt online learning tools.

Methods

Seventy‐two participants representing eight countries and 13 stakeholder groups in dentistry were invited to complete the online Survey of Barriers in Online Learning Education in Health Professional Schools. The survey was created for this study but generic to all healthcare education domains. Twenty participants completed the survey.

Results

demonstrated that many online learning tools are being successfully adopted at dental schools, but computer‐based assessment tools are the least successful. Added to this are challenges of support and resources for online learning tools. Participants offered suggestions of creating a blended (online and face‐to‐face) tutorial aimed at assisting stakeholders to help their dental schools in adopting online learning tools

Conclusion

The information from this study is essential in helping us to better prepare the next generation of dental providers in terms of adopting online learning tools. This paper will not only provide strategies of how best to proceed, but also inspire participants with the necessary tools to move forward as they assist their clients with adopting and sustaining online learning tools and models.
Which factors predict the behavior of ventricular extrasystoles in athletes over time?
Authors: Caselli L. , Pieragnoli P. , Ricciardi G. , Filice G. , Ristalli F. , Nieri M. , Padeletti L. , Galanti G. , Michelucci A.
Published: September 2012

Spontaneous behavior of ventricular extrasystoles (VE) was analysed. From a database containing 578 athletes with VE, 84 males and 11 females (29.9 ± 18.1 years) having ≥ 100 VE or repetitive VE [ventricular couplets (VC) or ventricular tachycardias (VT)] at first 24‐hour Holter electrocardiographic monitoring (24‐h‐HM) (baseline) and at least 1‐year of follow‐up (3.1 ± 2.2 years) over the past 10 years were selected. The baseline was compared with the last 24‐h‐HM to establish DVE (VE reduction of at least 98%/24 h in the absence of VC or VT). SDVE was calculated as standard deviation of the number of VE on serial 24‐h‐HMs. DVE and SDVE were considered as dependent variables. Independent variables were: age, sex, type of sport, symptoms, baseline VE rate (BVE), baseline VC and VT, VE morphology, VE behavior during the baseline training session, disqualification from competitive sports, echocardiographic abnormalities. DVE occurred in 32 athletes (34%). SDVE varied from 0 to 12 658 VE/24 h (1916 ± 2649.9). Disappearance of VE during the baseline training session (DVET) correlated to DVE (P = 0.0319). BVE directly correlated to SDVE (P = 0.0008). Athletes' VE are highly variable over time, their variability depending on BVE, and they not infrequently tend to disappear. The only useful variable for predicting DVE is DVET.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Divorced Mothers' Experiences With Coparenting
Authors: Markham Melinda Stafford , Coleman Marilyn
Published: September 2012

This study produces a grounded theory of how 20 predominantly White, well‐educated women experienced sharing physical custody of their children with their former partners after divorce or separation. Three patterns of coparenting were identified in the data: continuously contentious, always amicable, and bad to better. Five negative factors and three positive factors that influenced mothers' coparenting relationships were identified. The type of relationship women had with their ex‐partners was related to how they shared custody of their children (e.g., how they exchanged their children). The findings of this study suggest that shared physical custody relationships are dynamic and can vary greatly.
How Are Self‐Efficacy and Family Involvement Associated With Less Sexual Risk Taking Among Ethnic Minority Adolescents?
Authors: Van Campen Kali S. , Romero Andrea J.
Published: September 2012

The current study investigates the protective influences of family involvement (i.e., parental monitoring, communication, closeness, and family proximity) and sexual self‐efficacy on the risky sexual behavior of ethnic minority (predominantly Mexican‐origin) adolescents in the southwestern United States (N = 122). Results indicate that whereas sexual self‐efficacy was associated with intentions to have safe sex in the next 3 months, family involvement predicted being less likely to have ever had sex and to intend to have sex in the next 3 months and fewer lifetime sexual partners, beyond the variance predicted by sexual self‐efficacy. Sexual self‐efficacy continues to be an important predictor of adolescent risky sexual behavior and intentions; however, family involvement (monitoring, communication, closeness, and proximity) impacts certain positive preventive behaviors above and beyond self‐efficacy. Family involvement is an important factor to consider in prevention and intervention with ethnic minority adolescents.
New Directions in Dipterocarp Biology and Conservation: A Synthesis
Authors: Kettle Chris J. , Maycock Colin R. , Burslem David
Published: September 2012

The Dipterocarpaceae is an ecologically and economically important tree family in Southeast Asia. In this article, we synthesize the contributions to our understanding of the population genetics, ecology, and conservation of the family presented in this Special Section, and discuss their implications for mechanisms of dipterocarp species coexistence in natural and disturbed forests. We highlight the need for research to address how the processes that give rise to dipterocarp diversity are maintained in landscapes modified by anthropogenic activity.
Transcriptional Regulation of Plant Secondary MetabolismF
Authors: Yang Chang‐Qing , Fang Xin , Wu Xiu‐Ming , Mao Ying‐Bo , Wang Ling‐Jian , Chen Xiao‐Ya
Published: September 2012

Plant secondary metabolites play critical roles in plant‐environment interactions. They are synthesized in different organs or tissues at particular developmental stages, and in response to various environmental stimuli, both biotic and abiotic. Accordingly, corresponding genes are regulated at the transcriptional level by multiple transcription factors. Several families of transcription factors have been identified to participate in controlling the biosynthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites. These regulators integrate internal (often developmental) and external signals, bind to corresponding cis‐elements — which are often in the promoter regions — to activate or repress the expression of enzyme‐coding genes, and some of them interact with other transcription factors to form a complex. In this review, we summarize recent research in these areas, with an emphasis on newly‐identified transcription factors and their functions in metabolism regulation.

image

[ Xiao‐Ya Chen (Corresponding author)]
Optimal Field Approaches for Electrokinetic In Situ Oxidation Remediation
Authors: Wu Ming Zhi , Reynolds David A. , Fourie Andy , Thomas David G.
Published: September 2012

Numerical simulations were used to identify and evaluate optimum electrode configurations and approaches for electrokinetic in situ chemical oxidation (EK‐ISCO) remediation of low‐permeability sediments. A newly developed groundwater and EK flow and reactive transport numerical model was used to conduct two‐dimensional scenario simulations of the coverage of an injected oxidant, permanganate, and the oxidation of a typical organic contaminant (tetrachloroethene, PCE). For linear configurations of vertical electrodes, the spacing of same‐polarity electrodes is recommended to be about one‐third to one‐quarter of the anode–cathode spacing. Greater coverage could also be achieved by locating additional oxidant injection wells at the divergence of the electric field in linear electrode configurations. Horizontal electrodes allowed greater contact between the injected permanganate and PCE and resulted in faster degradation of PCE compared to vertical electrodes. Pulsed oxidant injection, closer electrode spacing, and electric field reversal also resulted in faster EK‐ISCO remediation.
A geostatistical approach for groundwater head monitoring network optimisation: case of the Sfax superficial aquifer (Tunisia)
Authors: Triki Ibtissem , Zairi Moncef , Ben Dhia Hamed
Published: September 2012

In many developing countries, the groundwater monitoring network is randomly designed, and consequently needs to be revised and optimised to reduce operation time and cost, remove redundant piezometric data, and strengthen sparseness data zone with supplementary observation well. The geostatistical approach used in this work is based on the universal kriging variance combined with cross‐validation test. Hence, a rational interpolation of water table elevations was performed to evaluate the accuracy of data employed in the piezometric head modelling. In this study, the groundwater monitoring network of the Sfax superficial aquifer in the south east of Tunisia was optimised. The elimination of five observation wells induces the invariability in the variance of estimate due to their less contribution in interpretations of the groundwater level behaviour. However, 38 wells were added at areas of high variance of the kriging in order to ameliorate the spatial coverage of the monitoring network.
The Comparative Effectiveness of Hydrochlorothiazide and Chlorthalidone in an Observational Cohort of Veterans
Authors: Lund Brian C. , Ernst Michael E.
Published: September 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012; 14:623–629. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Indirect evidence suggests that chlorthalidone may be more effective than hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), but direct comparisons are lacking. Using national Veterans Administrative pharmacy data from 2003 to 2008, the authors performed a retrospective cohort study examining the effectiveness of chlorthalidone and HCTZ among new thiazide users. For 1 year following the thiazide start, rates of persistence of thiazide use, adequacy of response (defined as the absence of additional new antihypertensive medications following thiazide initiation), and an overall composite of treatment effectiveness incorporating both outcomes were examined. In this cohort of >125,000 individuals, persistence of thiazide use was higher for HCTZ than chlorthalidone (72.0% vs 62.0%; P<.001), but among thiazide‐persistent users, more HCTZ users had additional antihypertensives added compared with chlorthalidone (76.4% vs 70.1%; P<.001). The overall composite treatment response (thiazide persistence and no antihypertensive additions) revealed a slight advantage for HCTZ over chlorthalidone (50.7% vs 47.4%; P=.002). These findings remained consistent after adjustment using multivariable logistic regression. This study provides real‐world clinical data supporting a potential efficacy advantage of chlorthalidone among patients who tolerate the drug and remain persistent with treatment; however, strategies to optimize the way chlorthalidone is prescribed in clinical practice are necessary to increase its overall effectiveness relative to HCTZ.
Urbanisation effect onOrthoptera: which scale matters?
Authors: Penone Caterina , Kerbiriou Christian , Julien Jean‐François , Julliard Romain , Machon Nathalie , Le Viol Isabelle
Published: September 2012

The characteristics of communities are determined by dispersal processes that are driven by landscape structure and species characteristics (traits). Understanding these processes requires a better assessment of the spatial scales that matter to species, based on their traits. This can be particularly addressed in an urban context where habitats are highly fragmented.

We assessed the effects of urbanisation intensity on Orthoptera at different spatial scales and focused on two species traits: dispersal ability and habitat specialisation.

We recordedTettiigonidaesounds from running trains along 209 km of five railway lines. As an urbanisation measure, the percentage of impervious surfaces around the railway edges was calculated at 11 spatial scales around the railways. We then tested the effect of urbanisation on species richness, abundance, and traits and determined at which spatial scale the relationship was strongest.

Urbanisation had a negative effect on total species richness, abundance and community specialisation. This pattern was stronger at larger spatial scales, and the results differed according to the species' functional traits: mobile species were more sensitive to urbanisation at larger scales than sedentary species, and no scale effect on specialisation was detected.

We conclude that insects may respond to landscapes over a broad set of spatial scales and that considering their specific traits is essential in spatial scales studies. Finally, we argue that railway edges can play a role in insect conservation in urban landscapes.
Microbial urate catabolism: characterization of HpyO, a non‐homologous isofunctional isoform of the flavoprotein urate hydroxylase HpxO
Authors: Michiel Magalie , Perchat Nadia , Perret Alain , Tricot Sabine , Papeil Aude , Besnard Marielle , de Berardinis Véronique , Salanoubat Marcel , Fischer Cécile
Published: September 2012

In aerobic cells, urate is oxidized to 5‐hydroxyisourate by two distinct enzymes: a coenzyme‐independent urate oxidase (EC 1.7.3.3) found in eukaryotes and bacteria like Bacillus subtilis and a prokaryotic flavoprotein urate hydroxylase (HpxO) originally found in some Klebsiella species. More cases of analogous or non‐homologous isofunctional enzymes (NISE) for urate catabolism have been hypothesized by inspecting bacterial genomes. Here, we used a functional complementation approach in which a candidate gene for urate oxidation is integrated by homologous recombination in the Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1 genome at the locus of its original hpxO gene. Catabolism of urate was restored in A. baylyi ADP1 expressing a FAD‐dependent protein from Xanthomonas campestris, representing a new urate hydroxylase family that we called HpyO. This enzyme was kinetically characterized and compared with other HpxO enzymes. In contrast to the latter, HpyO is a typical Michaelian enzyme. This work provides the first experimental evidences for the function of HpyO in bacterial urate catabolism and establishes it as a NISE of HpxO.
Microbial community composition controls the effects of climate change on methane emission from rice paddies
Authors: Liu Guang Cheng , Tokida Takesi , Matsunami Toshinori , Nakamura Hirofumi , Okada Masumi , Sameshima Ryoji , Hasegawa Toshihiro , Sugiyama Shu‐ichi
Published: September 2012

Rice paddies are one of the most important sources of CH4 emission from the terrestrial ecosystem. A Free‐air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiment, which included a soil warming treatment, was conducted in a rice paddy at Shizukuishi, Japan. In this study, the changes in CH4 emission from a rice paddy, caused by global climate change, were explored in relation to the structural changes that have occurred in the methanogenic archaeal communities found in the soil and roots. The composition of the archaeal community was examined by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) using the 16S rRNA gene, while its abundance was measured by real‐time PCR using the methyl coenzyme M reductase (mcrA) gene. The archaeal community in the roots showed considerable change, characterized by the dominance of hydrogenotrophic methanogens and a corresponding decrease in acetoclastic methanogens. Seasonal changes in CH4 flux were closely related to the changes in methanogen abundance in the roots. Elevated CO2 caused an increase in root mass, which increased the abundance of methanogens leading to a rise in CH4 emissions. However, soil warming stimulated CH4 emissions by increasing CH4 production per individual methanogen. These results demonstrated that climate warming stimulates CH4 emission in a rice paddy by altering the abundance and activity of methanogenic archaea in the roots.
Reliability of the Traditional Classification Systems for Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries by Radiography
Authors: Ng Chye Yew , Smith Emma Kate , Funk Lennard
Published: September 2012

Background

The present study aimed to examine the reliability of the radiographic classification systems for acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries.

Methods

We initially polled 47 orthopaedic surgeons regarding what common technique they used for applying the Rockwood and the Tossy and Allman classification systems. All used a single standard AC joint view (Zanca view). We then presented 24 Zanca view radiographs of patients who had sustained AC joint injuries to 19 specialist shoulder surgeons and asked each of them to classify the injuries using the Rockwood and the Tossy and Allman classification systems. We then altered the order of radiographs and repeated the survey with the same group of surgeons 1 month later.

Results

The mean inter-observer agreement and the corresponding weighted kappa for the Rockwood and the Tossy and Allman classification system were 64.6% and 0.258; and 68.1% and 0.309, respectively. The mean intra-observer agreement and the corresponding weighted kappa for the systems were 59.4% and 0.150; and 67.4% and 0.113, respectively.

Conclusions

We conclude that the classification of AC joint injuries using a radiograph alone has limited reliability and consistency in clinical practice.
Iron replacement options: oral and intravenous formulations
Authors: CANÇADO RODOLFO D. , MUÑOZ MANUEL
Published: September 2012

Lack of iron is one of the main causes of anemia in the general population and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Treatment of iron deficiency with oral iron supplements is a simple and inexpensive, but oral iron is a less‐than‐ideal treatment because of gastrointestinal side‐effects and long treatment times needed to resolve anemia and replenish body iron stores. Nonadherence is common, and even in compliant patients poor intestinal absorption fails to compensate for the iron need in the presence of ongoing blood losses or inflammatory conditions. Modern intravenous (IV) iron formulations have emerged as safe and effective alternatives to oral iron for the treatment of IDA. Given their demonstrated effectiveness and favorable safety profile in a broad spectrum of diseases associated with IDA, the current paradigm that oral iron is first‐line therapy should be reconsidered. In the past few years, three new IV iron compounds (ferric carboxymaltose, ferumoxytol and iron isomaltoside 1000) have been released for clinical use in patients with IDA. These new preparations with more favorable administration regimens have the potential to improve the convenience and cost‐effectiveness of IV iron therapy.
Efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma in the caudate lobe of the liver
Authors: Nishigaki Youichi , Tomita Eiichi , Hayashi Hideki , Suzuki Yusuke , Iritani Soichi , Kato Tomohiro , Yamada Tetsuya
Published: September 2012

Aim

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a promising alternative to hepatic resection for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) located in the caudate lobe. We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy and safety of RFA for HCC located in the caudate lobe compared with HCC located elsewhere in the liver.

Methods

Overall, 555 consecutive patients treated by RFA for a single HCC tumor of less than 3 cm diameter, were enrolled in this study, including 20 patients with HCC located in the caudate lobe. Among these 20 patients, HCC was located in the Spiegel lobe in eight patients, in the paracaval portion in another 10 and in the caudate process in two. We evaluated differences in the local recurrence rate and the incidence of complications associated with RFA between the caudate and the non‐caudate groups.

Results

The 4‐year cumulative local recurrence rate after RFA in the caudate group and the non‐caudate group was 22.3% and 4.5%, respectively (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis of factors affecting local recurrence demonstrated that tumor size and tumor location (caudate or non‐caudate) were independent significant factors. No postoperative complications were observed in the caudate group, whereas 15 patients (2.8%) in the non‐caudate group experienced complications related to RFA.

Conclusion

We were able to safely treat HCC located in the caudate lobe by RFA. However, there was a high incidence of local recurrence, presumably because of the heat sink effect of the inferior vena cava and the restricted puncture approach. We should pursue a revised method to reduce local recurrence.
Prevalence of Overconditioning in Mature Horses in Southwest Virginia during the Summer
Authors: Thatcher C.D. , Pleasant R.S. , Geor R.J. , Elvinger F.
Published: September 2012

Background

The prevalence of obesity in horses in the eastern United States is not well documented.

Objective

To determine body condition and risk factors for obesity in horses in Southwest Virginia during summer.

Animals

A sample of 300 mature (4–20 years old), light breed horses (140 mares, 151 geldings, and 9 stallions) from the VMRCVM Equine Field Service practice equine database. The horses were from 114 farms and 138 owners.

Methods

Horses were evaluated over a 60‐day period in this cross‐sectional, prospective study. A questionnaire was completed for each horse. Body condition score (BCS) was assigned using a scale of 1 (emaciated) to 9 (obese) by 2 independent scorers. Morphometric measurements included average neck circumference (ANC), girth, body length, and height at the withers. Horses were categorized based on BCS as underconditioned (BCS < 4), optimal condition (BCS 4–6), overconditioned (BCS 7), and obese condition (BCS 8–9).

Results

Five horses (1.7%) were underconditioned, 142 horses (47.3%) were optimally conditioned, 97 horses (32.3%) were overconditioned, and 56 (18.7%) were obese. Estimated body weight (EBW) (r = 0.14, P = .015), body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.46, P < .001), and neck circumference to height ratio (NCHR) (r = 0.50, P = .001) increased with increasing BCS.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The prevalence of overconditioned and obese horses in this population was higher than reported in previous studies and indicates that obesity might be an emerging problem in horses.
Concurrent Ivermectin and Solanum spp. Toxicosis in a Herd of Horses
Authors: Norman T.E. , Chaffin M.K. , Norton P.L. , Coleman M.C. , Stoughton W.B. , Mays T.
Published: September 2012

Background

Representatives from a herd of horses with acute onset of neurologic signs after administration of ivermectin presented for evaluation and treatment.

Objectives

Describe clinical signs of horses intoxicated by ingestion of Solanum sp. and administered ivermectin.

Animals

Six of 11 affected unrelated horses presented for evaluation and treatment. The remaining 5 affected horses were treated at the farm. Four additional horses, housed separately, were unaffected.

Methods

Case series is presented. Serum ivermectin concentrations were evaluated in the 6 hospitalized horses. The remnants of the tubes of ivermectin paste were analyzed for ivermectin concentration. The hay fed to the affected horses was analyzed for the presence of toxic plants.

Results

Serum ivermectin concentrations were higher than expected, given the dosage of ivermectin administered. The ivermectin concentration remaining in the administration tubes did not exceed specifications. The hay was heavily contaminated by 2 Solanum species. All horses returned to normal neurologic function with supportive care.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Horses might exhibit signs of ivermectin toxicity after appropriate dosing of the drug if they concurrently consume toxic plants of the Solanum family.
Equine keratomycoses in California from 1987 to 2010 (47 cases)
Authors: Reed Z. , Thomasy S. M. , Good K. L. , Maggs D. J. , Magdesian K. G. , Pusterla N. , Hollingsworth S. R.
Published: September 2012

Reasons for performing study:Equine keratomycosis in the western USA has received little study, probably owing to its low prevalence.

Objectives:To determine clinical features, predominant fungal isolates, treatment modalities and outcomes of horses with keratomycosis in California and compare these with results from different geographic regions.

Methods:Records of horses presented to the University of California‐Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (UCD‐VMTH) with confirmed keratomycosis between 1987 and 2010 were reviewed for this retrospective study. Information retrieved from the record included background, ophthalmic examination findings, treatment prior to and following presentation, visual outcome, and ocular survival.

Results:A total of 48 eyes in 47 horses met the inclusion criteria and comprised 2% of cases presented to the UCD‐VMTH ophthalmology service. Prior to presentation, 20 horses (43%) received at least one topically administered anti‐inflammatory medication. Keratomycosis was confirmed by fungal culture in 38 horses (81%), by histopathology in 2 horses (4%) and by cytology in 7 horses (15%). Forty‐four isolates were identified in the 38 horses cultured;Aspergilluswas the most common isolate (64%) and a novel isolate,Papulospora,was identified in 2 horses. Treatment consisted of medication only (73%), medical and surgical treatment (25%), or immediate enucleation (2%). Globe retention was 77% and vision retention was 53%.Corneal perforation was significantly associated with loss of vision (P<0.001).

Conclusions:Keratomycosis is relatively uncommon in horses presented for ophthalmic conditions at UCD‐VMTH. Corneal perforation was a negative prognostic indicator for vision in this population of northern Californian horses.
A retrospective study of horses investigated for weight loss despite a good appetite (2002–2011)
Authors: Metcalfe L. V. A. , More S. J. , Duggan V. , Katz L. M.
Published: September 2012

Reasons for performing study: Weight loss despite a good appetite is a frequent diagnostic challenge for equine veterinarians; however, there are few objective reports and little descriptive information regarding risk factors and prognostic indicators.

Objectives: To provide a descriptive epidemiological analysis of horses evaluated for weight loss despite a good appetite and evaluate relationships between historical and clinicopathological findings and final outcome (survival vs. nonsurvival) to identify risk factors and prognostic indicators.

Methods: Medical records of horses referred for investigation of weight loss despite a good appetite were reviewed. Data collated included history, case details, clinical and diagnostic findings, diagnoses and outcome. Univariable associations were evaluated with a Mann–Whitney U test (continuous data), Fisher's exact test (categorical or binary data) or Pearson's rank correlation (continuous data), with P≤0.05 significant.

Results: Forty cases met the inclusion criteria. Total protein (P = 0.004) and albumin concentrations (P = 0.0008) at admission were higher in survivors than nonsurvivors, with total protein (r2= 0.31; P = 0.002) and albumin (r2= 0.36; P = 0.0002) positively correlated with outcome. Hypoproteinaemic (P = 0.008, odds ratio (OR) = 12, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.99–72.4) and hypoalbuminaemic (P = 0.0009, OR = 28, 95% CI = 2.94–266.6) animals were at greater odds for nonsurvival. Body condition score was positively correlated with total protein (r2= 0.16; P = 0.05) and albumin (r2= 0.53; P<0.0001) concentrations at admission and duration of clinical signs (r2= 0.19; P = 0.03).

Conclusions: The severity of hypoproteinaemia and hypoalbuminaemia were related with nonsurvival. Body condition score and albumin concentration could potentially be used as prognostic indicators for survival.

Potential relevance: These findings highlight the importance of body condition assessment in conjunction with clinicopathological evaluation in horses with weight loss despite a good appetite.