bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implication of Gender Differences in Heroin‐Assisted Treatment: Results from the German Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Eiroá‐Orosa Francisco José , Verthein Uwe , Kuhn Silke , Lindemann Christina , Karow Anne , Haasen Christian , Reimer Jens
Published: May 2010

Despite a lower prevalence of opioid dependence among females, drug‐related problems and risk factors such as prostitution have a negative effect for women in treatment. This study was conducted with the purpose of analyzing gender differences in the German trial on heroin‐assisted treatment (HAT), which compared HAT with methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Significant baseline gender differences were found, with females showing a greater extent of mental distress. Differences in retention and outcome were significant for male patients, but no differences between treatment options were found for female patients. Ongoing prostitution was found to influence drug use outcomes. Other outcome criteria may need to be stressed when assessing the effect of HAT for women. (Am J Addict 2010;00:1–7)
Use of Clergy Services among Individuals Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Use Problems
Authors: Bohnert Amy S.B. , Perron Brian E. , Jarman Christopher N. , Vaughn Michael G. , Chatters Linda M. , Taylor Robert Joseph
Published: May 2010

This study examined the prevalence and characteristics of adults with an alcohol use‐related problem who receive clergy services. Data come from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Among persons who sought any services for alcohol‐related problems (n = 1,910), 14.7% reported using clergy services. In a multivariable logistic regression model, factors associated with increased likelihood of service use included being Black, aged 35–54 years, a lifetime history of alcohol dependence, major depressive disorder, and personality disorder. Clergy may benefit from training to identify alcohol use problems and serve an important role in making treatment referrals. (Am J Addict 2010;00:1–7)
A Tobacco Reconceptualization in Psychiatry: Toward the Development of Tobacco‐Free Psychiatric Facilities
Authors: Moss Taryn G. , Weinberger Andrea H. , Vessicchio Jennifer C. , Mancuso Vincenza , Cushing Sandra J. , Pett Michael , Kitchen Kate , Selby Peter , George Tony P.
Published: May 2010

Tobacco dependence is the leading cause of death in persons with psychiatric and substance use disorders. This has lead to interest in the development of pharmacological and behavioral treatments for tobacco dependence in this subset of smokers. However, there has been little attention paid to the development of tobacco‐free environments in psychiatric institutions despite the creation of smoke‐free psychiatric hospitals mandated by the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Health Organizations (JCAHO) in 1992. This review article addresses the reasons why tobacco should be excluded from psychiatric and addictions treatment settings, and strategies that can be employed to initiate and maintain tobacco‐free psychiatric settings. Finally, questions for further research in this field are delineated. This Tobacco Reconceptualization in Psychiatry is long overdue, given the clear and compelling benefits of tobacco‐free environments in psychiatric institutions. (Am J Addict 2010;00:1–19)
Club Drug Use in Hispanic College Students
Authors: Resor Michelle R. , Cooper Theodore V.
Published: May 2010

Club drug use and correlates were examined among 251 Hispanic college students on the Texas—México border. Participants completed questionnaires on substance use, club drug attitudes and beliefs, sexual risk‐taking behaviors, depressive symptoms, and acculturation. One‐quarter of participants reported club drug use. Regression analyses demonstrated that frequency and history of lifetime use were consistently associated with more permissive drug attitudes and other substance use but not sexual risk‐taking, depression symptoms, or acculturation. Acculturation was negatively associated with frequency of club drug use, yet positively associated with use of other illicit substances. Avenues for future studies are suggested. (Am J Addict 2010;00:1–6)
Psychosocial Stress and Its Relationship to Gambling Urges in Individuals with Pathological Gambling
Authors: Elman Igor , Tschibelu Evelyne , Borsook David
Published: May 2010

We sought to explore a potential link between psychosocial stress exposure and pathological gambling (PG). Patients with PG displayed significantly higher scores on the daily stress inventory (DSI) than did healthy subjects. PG patients also displayed other heightened measures of stress, including the profile of mood states, the Spielberger state‐trait anxiety inventory, the Hamilton rating scale for depression and the Beck depression inventory. Multiple regression analysis revealed that only the DSI impact score was an independent predictor of gambling urges. These findings support the role of psychosocial stress in the course of PG and suggest that the former association with the urge to gamble is relatively specific to stressful events assessed with the DSI. (Am J Addict 2010;00:1–8)
Two stages of granulite facies metamorphism in the eastern Himalayan syntaxis, south Tibet: petrology, zircon geochronology and implications for the subduction of Neo‐Tethys and the Indian continent beneath Asia
Authors: ZHANG Z. M. , ZHAO G. C. , SANTOSH M. , WANG J. L. , DONG X. , LIOU J. G.
Published: May 2010

The eastern Himalayan syntaxis in southeastern Tibet consists of the Lhasa terrane, High Himalayan rocks and Indus‐Tsangpo suture zone. The Lhasa terrane constitutes the hangingwall of a subduction zone, whereas the High Himalayan rocks represent the subducted Indian continent. Our petrological and geochronological data reveal that the Lhasa terrane has undergone two stages of medium‐P metamorphism: an early granulite facies event at c. 90 Ma and a late amphibolite facies event at 36–33 Ma. However, the High Himalayan rocks experienced only a single high‐P granulite facies metamorphic event at 37–32 Ma. It is inferred that the Late Cretaceous (c. 90 Ma) medium‐P metamorphism of the southern Lhasa terrane resulted from a northward subduction of the Neo‐Tethyan ocean, and that the Oligocene (37–32 Ma) high‐P (1.8–1.4 GPa) rocks of the High Himalayan and coeval medium‐P (0.8–1.1 GPa) rocks of the Lhasa terrane represent paired metamorphic belts that resulted from the northward subduction of the Indian continent beneath Asia. Our results provide robust constraints on the Mesozoic and Cenozoic tectonic evolution of south Tibet.
Terrestrial Insect Communities and the Restoration of an Industrially Perturbed Landscape: Assessing Success and Surrogacy
Authors: Babin‐Fenske Jennifer , Anand Madhur
Published: May 2010

Restoration has been acknowledged to be a major pathway by which humans can repair damaged ecosystems. Most of the work to date on terrestrial systems has focused on restoring plant communities, with an assumption that the conditions that lead to more diverse plant communities will also lead to a restoration of insect communities. This, however, has not been proven to be true. Here, we examine the recovery of terrestrial insect communities in naturally recovering and restored sites in response to severe historic pollution in the region of Sudbury, Ontario. We find that the insect communities have not recovered to the same degree as the plant communities. Furthermore, we present directions on how cross‐taxa surrogacy can be useful to further aid the use of insects as indicators of restoration success.
Planning for Implementation: Landscape‐Level Restoration Planning in an Agricultural Setting
Authors: Thompson Bill A.
Published: May 2010

The conservation of biodiversity in highly fragmented landscapes often requires large‐scale habitat restoration in addition to traditional biological conservation techniques. The selection of priority restoration sites to support long‐term persistence of biodiversity within landscape‐scale projects however remains a challenge for many restoration practitioners. Techniques developed under the paradigm of systematic conservation planning may provide a template for resolving these challenges. Systematic conservation planning requires the identification of conservation objectives, the establishment of quantitative targets for each objective, and the identification of areas which, if conserved, would contribute to meeting those targets. A metric developed by systematic conservation planners termed “irreplaceability” allows for analysis and prioritization of such conservation options, and allows for the display of analysis results in a way that can engage private landowners and other decision makers. The process of systematic conservation planning was modified to address landscape‐level restoration prioritization in southern Ontario. A series of recent and locally relevant landscape ecology studies allowed the identification of restoration objectives and quantitative targets, and a simple algorithm was developed to identify and prioritize potential restoration projects. The application of an irreplaceability analysis to landscape‐level restoration planning allowed the identification of varying needs throughout the planning region, resulting from underlying differences in topography and settlement patterns, and allowed the effective prioritization of potential restoration projects. Engagement with rural landowners and agricultural commodity groups, as well as the irreplaceability maps developed, ultimately resulted in a substantial increase in the number and total area of habitat restoration projects in the planning region.
Restoration of an Ecosystem Function to Revegetation Communities: The Role of Invertebrate Macropores in Enhancing Soil Water Infiltration
Authors: Colloff Matthew J. , Pullen Kimberi R. , Cunningham Saul A.
Published: May 2010

Guidelines for revegetation in agricultural landscapes may not address restoration of ecosystem functions because management is focused on the replanting stage, although certain functions are delivered by organisms that colonize revegetation months or years later. We investigated the ecosystem function of water infiltration to tree root zones and channels, delivered by invertebrates that form soil macropores. We measured macropore density and infiltration rates at revegetation sites established on retired grazing land, in relation to site age, tree species composition, and geographical location, compared with adjacent matched pastures. Revegetated sites had significantly more macropores than pastures, and revegetation sites aged 11–20 years had more macropores than sites aged 3–5 and 6–10 years. Tree species had a marginal effect, with more macropores in sites withAcaciaspp. andEucalyptusspp. than those withEucalyptusspp. only. Besides ants, the main groups of soil burrowers were mygalomorph and lycosid spiders and also ground‐nesting native bees. Infiltration rates in revegetation sites aged 11–20 years were double those of pastures and of 3–5 and 6–10 year sites. This is the first study to quantify the rate of recovery of an invertebrate‐driven soil hydrological ecosystem function following revegetation.
Biosolids Application and Long‐Term Noxious Weed Dominance in the Western United States
Authors: Borden Richard K. , Black Rick
Published: May 2010

Vegetation characteristics were assessed on three sets of 10‐year‐old test plots and one set of 5‐year‐old plots that received 0, 34, 45, and 67 tons/ha (0, 15, 20, and 30 short tons/acre) of biosolids at a semiarid mine reclamation site in Utah. On average, noxious weed species such as Bromus tectorum L. (cheatgrass) provided two‐thirds of the cover on the biosolids test plots, but only one‐tenth of the cover on adjacent control plots that received no biosolids. Cheatgrass provided more than half of the total cover on every biosolids test plot. Seeded species provided about two times more cover at the control plots than at the biosolids plots. Surfaces treated with 45 tons/ha composted biosolids (one part biosolids and two parts wood chips) had a much lower percentage of noxious weed cover compared to biosolids alone. The relatively heavy initial nitrogen load associated with biosolids application may have promoted cheatgrass dominance. Although the available nitrogen eventually declines, once cheatgrass is established it may maintain its dominance indefinitely. Given the risk of weed invasion, heavy biosolids applications should be used with caution for reclamation projects in semiarid climates if perennial species establishment is desired. Consideration should instead be given to light applications (<45 tons/ha) of biosolids/wood chip compost or forgoing the use of biosolids entirely. The underapplication of nutrients may provide a slower, but ultimately more reliable, strategy for the establishment of a healthy, native perennial vegetation community.
Impacts of Channel Reconstruction on Invertebrate Assemblages in a Restored River
Authors: Albertson Lindsey K. , Cardinale Bradley J. , Zeug Steven C. , Harrison Lee R. , Lenihan Hunter S. , Wydzga M. Aleksandra
Published: May 2010

Ecosystem restoration often aims to recreate the physical habitat needed to support a particular life‐stage of a focal species. For example, river channel reconstruction, a common restoration practice along the Pacific coast, is typically used to enhance spawning habitat for adult Chinook salmon, a species experiencing large population declines. These restoration efforts rarely consider, however, that altering spawning habitat could have indirect effects on other life‐stages, such as juveniles, which might occur if, e.g. reconstruction alters the benthic food web. To determine how channel reconstruction impacts benthic macroinvertebrates, juvenile Chinook's primary prey, we conducted two studies at a restoration site in the Merced River, California. We asked (1) has gravel enhancement altered invertebrate assemblages in the restored reach compared with an unrestored reach? and, if so, (2) can shifts in the invertebrate community be explained by increased substrate mobility and by reduced heterogeneity that results from restoration? We show that invertebrate abundance and biomass were lower in the restored reach and that these changes were accompanied by a shift from dominance by filter‐feeding caddisflies (Hydropsyche) in the unrestored reach to grazing mayflies (Baetis) in the restored reach. Using an in situ manipulation, we demonstrated that this trend was driven by increased substrate mobility that reduces the abundance of Hydropsyche and by decreased substrate heterogeneity that reduces the abundance of Baetis. Our studies suggest that geomorphic changes typical of reconstructed rivers can alter food webs in ways that may have important implications for supporting the focal species of restoration efforts.
Linking Glycemic Control and Executive Function in Rural Older Adults with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Nguyen Ha T. , Grzywacz Joseph G. , Arcury Thomas A. , Chapman Christine , Kirk Julienne K. , Ip Edward H. , Bell Ronny A. , Quandt Sara A.
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between glycemic control and the executive functioning domain of cognition and to identify risk factors for inadequate glycemic control that may explain this relationship.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study.

SETTING: In‐person interviews conducted in participants' homes.

PARTICIPANTS: Ninety‐five rural older African Americans, American Indians, and whites with diabetes mellitus (DM) from three counties in south‐central North Carolina.

MEASUREMENTS: Participants underwent uniform evaluations. Glycemic control was measured using a validated method, and executive function was assessed using a previously established set of measures and scoring procedure. Information pertaining to medication for treatment of DM, knowledge of DM, and DM self‐care behaviors were obtained.

RESULTS: In linear regression models adjusting for sex, age, education, ethnicity, duration of DM, and depressive symptoms, executive function was significantly associated with glycemic control. A 1‐point higher executive function score was associated with a 0.47 lower glycosylated hemoglobin value (P=.01). The association between glycemic control and executive function became nonsignificant (P=.08) when controlling for several glycemic control risk factors, including use of DM medication and DM knowledge.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that poor glycemic control is associated with impairments in performance on composite measures of executive function and that modifiable risk factors for glycemic control such as use of DM medication and DM knowledge may explain this relationship.
Renin Angiotensin System Gene Polymorphisms Modify Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitors' Effect on Cognitive Function: The Health, Aging and Body Composition Study
Authors: Hajjar Ihab , Kritchevsky Stephen , Newman Anne B. , Li Rongling , Yaffe Kristine , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Lipsitz Lewis A. ,   for the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of polymorphisms in renin angiotensin system genes on the association between angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) exposure and global and executive cognitive function in the Health, Aging and Body Composition study.

DESIGN: Cohort study.

SETTING: Community.

PARTICIPANTS: Three thousand seventy‐five participants: mean age 73.6, 58% Caucasian, 52% female, 15% taking ACE‐Is, 8 years of follow‐up.

MEASUREMENTS: The outcomes were longitudinal change in Executive Clock Drawing Test‐1 (CLOX1), the Digit Symbol Substitution test, and the Modified Mini‐Mental State Examination. The genetic polymorphisms included angiotensin‐converting enzyme insertion deletion (ACEID) in the ACE gene and the M235T and 6AG polymorphisms in the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene.

RESULTS: For the CLOX1 outcome, there was significant interaction between 6AG and M235T polymorphisms in the AGT gene and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE‐Is) in Caucasian participants (P=.01 for both polymorphisms) independent of blood pressure levels. Specifically, ACE‐I exposure was protective against CLOX1 score decline in carriers of the AA genotype of the 6AG and the CC genotype of the M235T (for the ACE‐I vs non‐ACE‐I groups, P=.01 for 6AG and P=.005 for M235T) but not the other genotypes. These associations were not significant with other cognitive tests, with ACEID, or in African Americans.

CONCLUSION: ACE‐Is may provide a protective effect on executive function in Caucasians with AGT gene polymorphisms known to be associated with greater renin angiotensin system activity. If confirmed in a pharmacogenetic trial, ACE‐Is may be found to have additional cognitive protection in a select group of elderly individuals.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Diagnosis and Management in Older Adults
Authors: Gooneratne Nalaka S. , Patel Nirav P. , Corcoran Amy
Published: May 2010

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in older adults is a complex disorder with several unique age‐related aspects. Underlying changes in pulmonary lung function and poor sensitivity to bronchoconstriction and hypoxia with advancing age can place older adults at greater risk of mortality or other complications from COPD. The establishment of the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease criteria, which can be effectively applied to older adults, has more rigorously defined the diagnosis and management of COPD. An important component of this approach is the use of spirometry for disease staging, a procedure that can be performed in most older adults. The management of COPD includes smoking cessation, influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations, and the use of short‐ and long‐acting bronchodilators. Unlike with asthma, corticosteroid inhalers represent a third‐line option for COPD. Combination therapy is frequently required. When using various inhaler designs, it is important to note that older adults, especially those with more‐severe disease, may have inadequate inspiratory force for some dry‐powder inhalers, although many older adults find the dry‐powder inhalers easier to use than metered‐dose inhalers. Other important treatment options include pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, noninvasive positive airway pressure, and depression and osteopenia screening. Clinicians caring for older adults with an acute COPD exacerbation should also guard against prognostic pessimism. Although COPD is associated with significant disability, there is a growing range of treatment options to assist patients.
Hearing Impairment Affects Older People's Ability to Drive in the Presence of Distracters
Authors: Hickson Louise , Wood Joanne , Chaparro Alex , Lacherez Philippe , Marszalek Ralph
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of hearing impairment and distractibility on older people's driving ability, assessed under real‐world conditions.

DESIGN: Experimental cross‐sectional study.

SETTING: University laboratory setting and an on‐road driving test.

PARTICIPANTS: One hundred seven community‐living adults aged 62 to 88. Fifty‐five percent had normal hearing, 26% had a mild hearing impairment, and 19% had a moderate or greater impairment.

MEASUREMENTS: Hearing was assessed using objective impairment measures (pure‐tone audiometry, speech perception testing) and a self‐report measure (Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly). Driving was assessed on a closed road circuit under three conditions: no distracters, auditory distracters, and visual distracters.

RESULTS: There was a significant interaction between hearing impairment and distracters, such that people with moderate to severe hearing impairment had significantly poorer driving performance in the presence of distracters than those with normal or mild hearing impairment.

CONCLUSION: Older adults with poor hearing have greater difficulty with driving in the presence of distracters than older adults with good hearing.
Two‐Year Effects of Interdisciplinary Intervention for Hip Fracture in Older Taiwanese
Authors: Shyu Yea‐Ing L. , Liang Jersey , Wu Chi‐Chuan , Su Juin‐Yih , Cheng Huey‐Shinn , Chou Shih‐Wei , Chen Min‐Chi , Yang Ching‐Tzu , Tseng Ming‐Yueh
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVES: To explore the 2‐year outcomes of an interdisciplinary intervention for elderly patients with hip fracture.

DESIGN: Randomized experimental design.

SETTING: A 3,000‐bed medical center in northern Taiwan.

PARTICIPANTS: Patients with hip fracture (N=162): 80 in the intervention group and 82 in the usual care control group.

INTERVENTION: An interdisciplinary program of geriatric consultation, continuous rehabilitation, and discharge planning.

MEASUREMENTS: Outcomes (clinical outcomes, self‐care ability, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), service utilization, and depressive symptoms) were assessed 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after discharge. Self‐care ability (ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs)) was measured using the Chinese Barthel Index. HRQoL was measured using the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short Form Survey, Taiwan version (SF‐36). Depressive symptoms were measured using the Chinese Geriatric Depression Scale, short form.

RESULTS: Subjects in the intervention group had significantly better ratios of hip flexion (β=5.43, P<.001), better performance on ADLs (β=9.22, P<.001), better recovery of walking ability (odds ratio (OR)=2.23, P<.001), fewer falls (OR=0.56, P=.03), fewer depressive symptoms (β=−1.31, P=.005), and better SF‐36 physical summary scores (β=6.08, P<.001) than the control group during the first 24 months after discharge. The intervention did not affect the peak force of the fractured limb's quadriceps, mortality, service utilization, or SF‐36 mental summary score.

CONCLUSION: The interdisciplinary intervention for hip fracture benefited elderly persons with hip fracture by improving clinical outcomes, self‐care ability, and physical health–related outcomes and by decreasing depressive symptoms during the first 24 months after hospital discharge.
Comparative Effectiveness Research Priorities at Federal Agencies: The View from the Department of Veterans Affairs, National Institute on Aging, and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Authors: O'Leary Timothy J. , Slutsky Jean R. , Bernard Marie A.
Published: May 2010

In the last year, attention has been focused on translating federally sponsored health research into better health for Americans. Since the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) on February 17, 2009, ARRA funds to support Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) have increased this focus. A large proportion of topical areas of interest in CER affects the older segment of the population. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the National Institute on Aging (NIA), and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) have supported robust research portfolios focused on aging populations that meet the varying definitions of CER. This short article briefly describes the research missions of the AHRQ, NIA, and VA. The various definitions of CER as the Congressional Budget Office, the Institute of Medicine, and the ARRA‐established Federal Coordinating Council have put forward, as well as important topics for which CER is particularly needed, are then reviewed. Finally, approaches in which the three agencies support CER involving the aging population are set forth and opportunities for future CER research outlined.
Developmental Trajectories for Mother–Infant Coregulation in the Second Year of Life
Authors: Aureli Tiziana , Presaghi Fabio
Published: May 2010

Ten dyads were observed biweekly from 10 to 24 months of infant age while playing together at home with a set of toys. The aim was to examine whether mother–infant coregulation changes over the second year of the infant’s life and whether there are individual differences in that process. Normative trends as well as variability between and within dyads were tested using a multilevel modeling technique. We found that unilateral coregulation, in which only the mother was actively involved in play, largely prevailed at the beginning of the year and then decreased linearly, while symmetrical patterns, implying that the infant was also involved, were for the most part absent at the beginning but then increased rapidly, overtaking unilateral from the middle of the year on and becoming predominant by the end. In particular, symmetrical episodes of shared affect and shared action increased first and then decreased, being replaced by shared language. Variability in data was significant between the dyads, with some dyads advancing toward symmetrical coregulation at an earlier age and more rapidly than the others. It was also significant within the dyads, as the increase in symmetrical coregulation unfolded in a quite irregular manner across the sessions, unlike the decrease in unilateral. Results are discussed with reference to a view of joint attention development as a gradual and complex process.
Age of blood as a limitation for transfusion: potential impact on blood inventory and availability
Authors: Fontaine Magali J. , Chung Yenho T. , Erhun Feryal , Goodnough Lawrence T.
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: Evolving concerns about storage lesions for red blood cells (RBCs) have led to ongoing trials evaluating the benefits of transfusing fresher blood to acutely ill patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We evaluated several RBC maximum shelf lives (MSLs) and their impact on RBC availability and outdate rate. First, we determined the mean age of the RBC units in our inventory by analyzing the data set of 18,987 nonirradiated RBC units transfused at our institution from April 2008 to March 2009. Second, we determined the feasibility of issuing RBC units of a designated age to patients using the same data set. We defined six scenarios where RBC units have different MSLs: Scenarios 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 used a MSL of 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days, respectively. Scenario 6 used a combination of different MSLs depending on the category of patients.

RESULTS: RBC units spent on average 8.6 days on the shelf with a mean age of 10.2 days at delivery and 18.8 days at issue for transfusion. Using the original 18,987 data points, we observed a shortfall in the availability of RBC units, decreased by 51, 20, 10, 4, 1, and 0% and an increase in the outdate rate to 3.2, 2.2, 1.0, 0.6, 0.4, and 4.5% for Scenarios 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively, compared to baseline.

CONCLUSION: Changing the MSL for RBC units would require novel approaches to RBC inventory management to meet hospital demands with acceptable outdate rates.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of apheresis platelets stored for 5 days in 65% platelet additive solution/35% plasma
Authors: Vassallo Ralph R. , Adamson John W. , Gottschall Jerome L. , Snyder Edward L. , Lee Wanda , Houghton Jaime , Elfath M. Dean
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: In the United States, apheresis platelets (PLTs) are suspended in autologous plasma. PLT additive solutions, long used in Europe, decrease recipient allergic reactions and may reduce the risk of transfusion‐related acute lung injury. We evaluated Amicus‐collected PLTs stored in platelet additive solution (PAS) III (InterSol) for 5 days.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In Study 1, 71 subjects donated two products on a single day—one each stored in 100% plasma or 65% PAS III/35% plasma. Products underwent standard in vitro testing on Days 1 and 5. In Study 2, 43 additional subjects provided Amicus products stored for 5 days in 65% PAS III/35% plasma for in vivo radiolabeled recovery and survival determinations. The effect of approximately 2500 cGy Day 1 gamma irradiation was evaluated in a subset of products.

RESULTS: PAS III PLTs (n = 70) had a median Day 5 pH22°C of 7.2 (lower 95%, 95% tolerance limit, 6.9). Mean Day 5 recovery and survival of radiolabeled PAS III PLTs (n = 33) were, respectively, 80.5 and 72.1%, of fresh autologous PLTs. With 95% confidence, these values were at least 66% of fresh PLT recovery and 58% of survival. All in vitro variables remained within ranges seen in licensed products for irradiated and nonirradiated PAS III PLTs.

CONCLUSION: Leukoreduced Amicus PLTs stored in 65% PAS III/35% plasma in PL‐2410 containers maintained pH ≥ 6.9 throughout 5 days' storage. Radiolabeled PLT recovery and survival values met US Food and Drug Administration statistical criteria. Gamma‐irradiated PAS III PLTs demonstrated no significant adverse effects due to irradiation in in vitro testing.
An improved red blood cell additive solution maintains 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate and adenosine triphosphate levels by an enhancing effect on phosphofructokinase activity during cold storage
Authors: Burger Patrick , Korsten Herbert , De Korte Dirk , Rombout Eva , Van Bruggen Robin , Verhoeven Arthur J.
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: Current additive solutions (ASs) for red blood cells (RBCs) do not maintain constant 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate (DPG) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels during cold storage. We have previously shown that with a new AS called phosphate‐adenine‐glucose‐guanosine‐gluconate‐mannitol (PAGGGM), both 2,3‐DPG and ATP could be maintained throughout storage for 35 days.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In this study, the mechanism underlying the effect of PAGGGM on RBC storage was studied in more detail. By using double‐erythrocytapheresis units (leukoreduced), a direct comparison could be made between the current AS saline‐adenine‐glucose‐mannitol (SAGM) and the experimental solution PAGGGM. During cold storage, several in vitro characteristics were analyzed.

RESULTS: In agreement with our previous findings with single RBCs, PAGGGM maintained 2,3‐DPG and ATP levels for 35 days of cold storage. Furthermore, glucose consumption and lactate production were higher in PAGGGM units during the first 21 days of cold storage. Fructose‐1,6‐diphophate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate levels were also increased during the first 21 days of storage in PAGGGM units.

CONCLUSION: These results indicate that it is likely that phosphofructokinase (PFK) activity is enhanced in PAGGGM units relative to SAGM units. After 21 days, PFK activity also decreases in PAGGGM units, but sufficient metabolic reserve in these units prevents depletion of 2,3‐DPG and ATP.
Epitope‐based matching for HLA‐alloimmunized platelet refractoriness in patients with hematologic diseases
Authors: Pai Shun‐Chung , Lo Shyh‐Chyi , Lin Tsai Su‐Jen , Chang Ji‐Sheng , Lin Dong‐Tsamn , Lin Kuo‐Sin , Lin Liang‐In
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: For HLA‐alloimmunized patients, platelet (PLT) concentrations are provided either at matched HLA‐A and HLA‐B loci or by serologic cross‐reactivity groups (CREG) matching strategy. However, this method has some limitations.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In this study, the epitope‐based matching (EBM) method was evaluated for selecting proper HLA‐typed PLTs for patients with PLT transfusion refractoriness. Bead‐based single‐antigen HLA antibody detection method and HLAMatchmaker software were used to define the epitopes recognized by HLA‐specific antibodies and to select compatible PLTs for nine patients with alloimmunized refractoriness. Corrected count increments (CCIs) were prospectively determined to compare successful transfusion rates among different matching methods in 142 PLT transfusions. In addition, HLA antibodies were serially detected to see whether any emerging antibodies appeared after receiving the EBM‐matched PLTs.

RESULTS: The transfusion success rates evaluated with 1‐hour CCIs for perfect matching or lacking any mismatching at HLA‐A and ‐B locus (A/BU)‐matched, CREG‐matched, and EBM‐matched PLTs were 85.2, 63.2, and 83.7%, respectively. Compared to CREG‐matched PLTs, EBM‐matched PLTs showed better transfusion results (p = 0.035). In the follow‐up study (7 months; range, 3‐13 months), no emerging HLA‐specific antibodies were detected after receiving EBM‐matched PLTs.

CONCLUSIONS: EBM performed on the basis of bead‐based single‐antigen HLA antibody detection coupled with the HLAMatchmaker program is recommended in choosing proper PLTs for refractory patients when A/BU‐matched PLTs were not available.
The cost‐effectiveness of pathogen reduction technology as assessed using a multiple risk reduction model
Authors: Custer Brian , Agapova Maria , Martinez Rebecca Havlir
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: Pathogen reduction technology (PRT) for labile blood components has the potential to reduce the risk of many adverse events associated with transfusion. Because of the potential broad‐spectrum risk reduction capability of PRT, the health economics of PRT could be an important consideration in decision making for this technology.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Decision analytic models comparing current blood safety screens and interventions to riboflavin‐based whole blood PRT (currently in development) and separately to platelets (PLTs)‐and‐plasma PRT from the health care system perspective in Canada were used to assess the cost‐utility of PRT in reducing the following adverse events: human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human T‐lymphotropic virus, syphilis, West Nile virus, bacteria, Chikungunya virus, cytomegalovirus, Trypanosoma cruzi, graft‐versus‐host disease, febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions, and transfusion‐related immunomodulation. PRT was modeled as an addition to rather than a replacement for current interventions. The potential of PRT to reduce the risk of an unknown pathogen was not assessed.

RESULTS: Whole blood PRT was estimated to have a cost‐effectiveness of $1,276,000/quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY; 95% confidence interval [CI] approximation, 600,000‐3,313,000) compared to current screens and interventions. PLTs‐and‐plasma PRT was estimated to have a cost‐effectiveness of $1,423,000/QALY (95% CI approximation, 834,000‐2,818,000) on an all‐transfusions basis.

CONCLUSIONS: Because of the complexity of transfusion risks and practices, the cost‐effectiveness of whole blood or PLTs‐and‐plasma PRT can be modeled provided that assumptions and simplifications are made. Uncertainty remains with respect to the risk reduction that can be achieved for some adverse events. Nevertheless, the results of this cost‐effectiveness analysis can be used to inform policy decisions regarding PRT technology in the context of other initiatives designed to improve transfusion safety.
Nonlethal, attenuated, transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease in an immunocompromised child: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Neves João F. , Marques António , Valente Rosalina , Barata Deolinda
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: Transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease (TA‐GVHD) is a rare complication of transfusion of nonirradiated blood components. It usually affects children in high‐risk groups, including those who have primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs). It usually presents with skin, hepatic, digestive, and hematologic involvement and is normally fatal.

CASE REPORT: We report the case of a nonlethal, attenuated, TA‐GVHD in a 7‐month‐old boy. The disease was marked by the presence of a severe rash but lacked all the other usual manifestations. We speculate that the unusually benign course of this disease, which has normally a fulminant course, was due to the fact that this child was under high‐dose corticotherapy at the time of the engraftment. This fortunate coincidence led to the survival of this child and allowed the diagnosis of a combined immunodeficiency.

CONCLUSION: A high index of suspicion is required for the diagnosis and proper management of PID. The administration of nonirradiated blood components in the first year of life, sometimes before the clinical suspicion of a PID, is of great concern. TA‐GVHD may be more prevalent than reported in the literature and it is possibly a nonidentified cause of death in recipients with unexplained death and nondiagnosed PID.
The Dynamics of Language Learning Attitudes and Motivation: Lessons From an Interview Study of Dyslexic Language Learners
Authors: CSIZÉR KATA , KORMOS JUDIT , SARKADI ÁGNES
Published: May 2010

The aim of our study was to provide an insider's account of the dynamics of language learning motivation in Hungarian students with dyslexia. For this purpose, we conducted qualitative interviews with 15 students who studied foreign languages in a variety of educational settings. In this article, we drew up a dynamic model of language learning motivation based on our interview data with dyslexic learners. We argued that goals, attitudes, and motivated behavior form a closely interrelated coadaptive system, in which change in one of these motivational constructs also brings about change in the other related constructs. We placed these motivational factors within the system of learner internal factors that, for our group of participants, included self‐perceptions and cognitive factors such as dyslexia. The learner was then situated in 2 interrelated external systems: milieu and the instructional setting. In our research, we pointed out how influences stemming from the learners’ immediate environment as well as from the instructional setting might affect learning goals, attitudes, and motivated behavior. Finally, we argued that the general social context is the largest system into which all the previously mentioned subsystems need to be placed.
¿Está adoptando Asia la «flexiseguridad»?
Authors: VANDENBERG Paul
Published: May 2010

Incitados por la competencia mundial, muchos países están adaptando la reglamentación laboral al principio de la «flexiseguridad», que da a las empresas más flexibilidad para contratar y despedir a los trabajadores, al tiempo que ampara a éstos cuando deben pasar de un empleo a otro. El presente estudio de seis países asiáticos indica que China y República de Corea han promulgado reformas de este género; Singapur y Malasia han implantado algunos elementos de «flexiseguridad», pero no un seguro de desempleo, y la India y Sri Lanka han hecho pocas reformas y mantienen un modelo anticuado en el que la protección depende de la empresa. Para prestar apoyo a los trabajadores del sector informal, China, India y Sri Lanka se valen de obras públicas y de programas de fomento del trabajo por cuenta propia y de formación profesional.
Los efectos de la inestabilidad laboral en el trabajador y la dependencia del empleo
Authors: SORA Beatriz , CABALLER Amparo , PEIRÓ José María
Published: May 2010

La globalización y el avance de la competencia internacional van acompañados de unos regímenes de contratación más flexibles y un aumento de la inestabilidad del empleo. Los autores estudian los efectos de la inseguridad laboral que sienten los trabajadores en sus propias actitudes e intenciones en el trabajo. Tras pasar revista a las investigaciones realizadas acerca de la teoría del estrés y las consecuencias de la inestabilidad laboral, ponen a prueba dos hipótesis en 942 trabajadores españoles. La primera es que la inestabilidad disminuye la satisfacción con el trabajo y la entrega a la empresa, a la vez que alienta la intención de abandonar ésta. La segunda es que la sensación de inseguridad, la necesidad económica y la «empleabilidad» están interrelacionadas e influyen en la actitud del trabajador.
Agricultural extension and imperfect supervision in contract farming: evidence from Madagascar
Authors: Bellemare Marc F.
Published: May 2010

This article tests whether agricultural extension and imperfect supervision—conflated here into the number of visits by a technical assistant—increase productivity in a sample of contract farming arrangements between a processing firm and small agricultural producers in Madagascar. Production functions are estimated which treat the number of visits by a technical assistant as an input and which exploit the variation in the number of visits between the contracted crops grown on a given plot by a specific grower, thereby accounting for district‐, grower‐, and plot‐level unobserved heterogeneity. Results indicate that the elasticity of yield with respect to the number of visits lies between 1.3 and 1.7.
Exchange rate uncertainty and agricultural trade: panel cointegration analysis for Turkey
Authors: Erdem Ekrem , Nazlioglu Saban , Erdem Cumhur
Published: May 2010

This study addresses the impact of exchange rate levels and uncertainty on bilateral agricultural trade between Turkey and 20 major trading partners, using panel cointegration analysis for annual data covering the period 1980–2005. Results show that (i) the exchange rate level is less robustly linked to trade volumes than is exchange rate uncertainty, (ii) exchange rate uncertainty is associated with smaller trade volumes in both directions, but more so for imports than for exports, and (iii) income growth in Turkey is associated with greater imports, just as income growth among trading partners is associated with greater exports. These findings provide some clues for understanding the recent patterns of Turkish agricultural trade, and suggest directions for future research.
Histological, histomorphometrical, and radiological evaluation of an experimental implant design with a high insertion torque
Authors: Duyck Joke , Corpas Livía , Vermeiren Stephanie , Ogawa Toru , Quirynen Marc , Vandamme Katleen , Jacobs Reinhilde , Naert Ignace
Published: May 2010

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare bone behaviour around an experimental implant design with a high insertion torque with the Astra‐Tech© implant (control).

Materials and methods: In ten 18‐month‐old male minipigs, the last premolars and first molars were extracted to provide space for two implants in each quadrant. A first set of 40 implants were placed 3 months after the extraction and 40 additional implants were installed another 2 months later. The animals were sacrificed 3 months after the first implant installation so that half of the implants had healed for 1 month and the other half for 3 months. Radiological evaluation was performed at baseline, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after implant installation. Bone defect depth and area, bone level changes, bone‐to‐implant contact density, and peri‐implant bone fraction were measured histomorphometrically.

Results: Radiological analyses revealed a significantly higher bone loss around the experimental implants. Histomorphometric analyses confirmed significantly more bone loss, larger marginal bone defects, and a lower overall peri‐implant bone fraction around the experimental implants.

Conclusion: The experimental implant design caused significantly more peri‐implant bone loss compared with the control implant. As strain gauge measurements indicate excessive marginal strains around the experimental implants, osseocompression might have played a role in the observed marginal bone loss.

To cite this article:
 Duyck J, Corpas L, Vermeiren S, Ogawa T, Quirynen M, Vandamme K, Jacobs R, Naert I. Histological, histomorphometrical, and radiological evaluation of an experimental implant design with a high insertion torque. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 877–884.
Discomfort experienced after immediate implant placement associated with three different regenerative techniques
Authors: Urban Thomas , Wenzel Ann
Published: May 2010

Objectives: To assess patient discomfort in terms of pain, swelling and bleeding following immediate implant placement in molar regions using one of three regenerative techniques.

Methods: Ninety‐two patients (44 women and 48 men; mean age 50 years [range 23–77], 35 smokers and 57 non‐smokers) in need of a single implant crown to replace a molar were included. After placing the implant large periimplant defects were present. These defects were treated either with autologous bone (AB) chips, Ossix membrane (OM) or a combination of AB chips and OM. The postoperative course was recorded on 100 mm visual analogue scales (VAS) with extreme end points for the level of pain on the day of surgery, 1, 2 and 3 days postoperatively (no/extreme pain); swelling on the day of surgery, 1, 2 and 3 days postoperatively (no/severe swelling); and bleeding from the wound on the day of surgery, 1, 2 and 3 days postoperatively (no/severe bleeding).

Results: Pain peaked 5–6 h postoperatively (mean VAS=25). Swelling (mean VAS=62) and oozing from the wound (mean VAS=13) peaked 1 day postoperatively. There were no significant differences in the perception of pain, swelling or oozing from the wound between the three regenerative groups. The VAS score for pain was higher for smokers than for non‐smokers at all times; a significant difference was found from 1 day until 3 days postoperatively (0.011<P<0.048). All pain scores, except the score for the day of the operation, were significantly higher in younger (<50 years) than in older patients (≥50 years) (0.002≤P≤0.49).

Conclusions: Patients experienced little to moderate pain in combination with marginally severe swelling and mild oozing after immediate implant placement in molar regions involving regenerative techniques. Being a smoker was associated with more pain in contrast to being >50 years, which was associated with less pain.

To cite this article:
 Urban T, Wenzel A. Discomfort experienced after immediate implant placement associated with three different regenerative techniques. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 1271–1277. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.01943.x