bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of inhaled nitric oxide in the new born period: results from the European inhaled nitric oxide registry
Authors: Dewhurst Chris , Ibrahim Hafis , Göthberg Sylvia , Jónsson Baldvin , Subhedar Nimish ,   On behalf of the European inhaled nitric oxide registry
Published: March 2010

Aims:  The aim of this study was to present data relating to the use of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in newborn infants included in the European Inhaled Nitric Oxide Registry.

Methods:  Demographic, clinical and therapeutic data from seven European centres are reported. Univariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with acute response to iNO and survival without extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Results:  A total of 112 newborn infants received iNO, with 40% being less than 34 weeks gestational age. The commonest indication for iNO was secondary pulmonary hypertension. Acute response to iNO was more common in infants with a higher oxygenation index (median OI 32.7 vs 22.6, p = 0.040), although acute response did not predict survival without ECMO. Infants who survived without ECMO had a lower OI prior to therapy (median OI 24 vs 43, p = 0.009), were commenced on a higher starting dose (median dose 20 ppm vs 10 ppm p = 0.013) and received a lower maintenance dose (median dose 10 vs 17 ppm, p = 0.027) than those who died or received ECMO.

Conclusion:  Collating and reporting data about iNO therapy in neonates across a number of European centres using a web‐based system is feasible. These data may be used to monitor the clinical use of iNO, identify adverse effects, generate research hypotheses and promote high standards in the clinical use of iNO.
Health and the use of health care services in 5‐year‐old very‐low‐birth‐weight infants
Authors: Rautava L , Häkkinen U , Korvenranta E , Andersson S , Gissler M , Hallman M , Korvenranta H , Leipälä J , Peltola M , Tammela O , Lehtonen L ,   for PERFECT Preterm Infant Study Group
Published: March 2010

Aim:  We aimed to study the effect of prematurity, time of birth and level of birth hospital on morbidity and the use of health care services at age 5.

Methods: This national study included all very‐low‐birth‐weight infants (VLBWI, <32 gestational weeks or birth weight ≤1500 g) born in Finnish level II or III hospitals in 2001–2002 (n = 918), and full‐term controls (n = 381). Parental questionnaires and register data were used to compare morbidity, and the use of health care services between VLBWI and full‐term controls, and within VLBWI according to the time of birth and birth hospital level.

Results:  Cerebral palsy, retinopathy of prematurity, other ophthalmic problems, respiratory infections, asthma or chronic lung disease, and inguinal hernia were overrepresented in VLBWI compared with the controls. VLBWI had more outpatient and inpatient days than the controls. The time of birth and birth hospital level were not associated with the use of services or with prematurity‐related morbidity.

Conclusion:  Although morbidity and the use of health care services were increased in the surviving VLBWI, the average use of services was relatively small at age 5. In surviving VLBWI, the time of birth and the birth hospital level did not affect morbidity or the use of services.
Skin‐to‐skin contact of fullterm infants: an explorative study of promoting and hindering factors in two Nordic childbirth settings
Authors: Calais E , Dalbye R , Nyqvist KH , Berg M
Published: March 2010

Aim:  To explore factors that promote or hinder skin‐to‐skin contact (SSC) during the first days after birth between parents and healthy fullterm infants.

Methods:  A total of 117 postnatal mothers and 107 fathers/partners attending two childbirth settings, where Kangaroo mother care (KMC) was implemented as a standard routine of care, one in Sweden and one in Norway, were recruited consecutively and answered questionnaires two weeks postpartum.

Results:  Satisfaction with support for SSC in postnatal care and being a mother in the Swedish setting was found to promote SSC during the first day postpartum; previous knowledge about SSC increased the practice also during the 2nd and 3rd days. Receiving visitors apart from partner and siblings emerged as a hindering factor. SSC was known of and practised to a larger extent in the Swedish setting, whereas parents in the Norwegian setting received more visitors and were more satisfied with the received information and support for SSC in postnatal care.

Conclusions:  The results highlight the need for caregivers to give parents adequate support for practising SSC with their newborn healthy fullterm infants and indicate the importance of developing information routines during the antenatal period as well as in relation to the birth of the child, to effectively introduce and implement SSC.
Concurrent reactivation of latent EBV with hepatitis A can affect clinical feature of childhood hepatitis
Authors: Kim SY , Ryu IS , Baek SH , Chung KS , Koh H
Published: March 2010

Aims:  Some children with acute hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection have concurrent Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) reactivation serologically. We studied the frequency of EBV reactivation during HAV infection and determined whether simultaneous occurrence of EBV reactivation and HAV infection affected the clinical features of HAV infection.

Methods:  The medical records of patients under 19 years of age diagnosed with acute hepatitis A between January 1996 and June 2009 were reviewed.

Results:  Among 72 patients with acute hepatitis A, 22 patients (30.6%) had EBV reactivation. A markedly prolonged duration of full recovery from hepatitis was observed in reactivated group. The peak levels of AST and ALT in reactivated group were higher than non‐reactivated group (p = 0.012 and p < 0.001, respectively). Higher peak levels of AST and ALT in reactivated subgroups over 10 years old were observed compared to non‐reactivated subgroup (p = 0.027 and p = 0.001, respectively). Duration of recovery showed significant differences between two subgroups.

Conclusions:  Concurrent reactivation of latent EBV and HAV infections is common. EBV reactivation with HAV infection adversely affects the clinical feature of hepatitis. Therefore, we should keep in mind that the concurrence especially in older children may cause worse injury to the liver.
Growth, neurological and cognitive development in infants with a birthweight <501 g at age 5 years
Authors: Rieger‐Fackeldey E , Blank C , Dinger J , Steinmacher J , Bode H , Schulze A
Published: March 2010

Aim:  To determine growth, neurological and cognitive development at 5 years of preterm infants with birthweights <501 g born in three German tertiary perinatal centres between 1998 and 2001.

Methods:  Structured neurological examination, the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale and the Kaufman‐Assessment‐Battery Test for Children.

Results:  Of 107 infants, 48 received immediate life support (gestational age 25.2 weeks [21–30.7]; birth weight 435 g [290–500]) median [range]), 27 (56%) survived until follow‐up [95% CI 39–69%], 19 (70%) could be tested. In few infants had catch‐up growth taken place. Neurological test results were normal in five infants (26%) and mildly abnormal/severely abnormal in 11 (58%)/3 (16%) infants. Visual impairment was present in eight (42%), and hearing disability in three (16%). The mean mental processing composite (IQ) was 82 [50–104] (median [range]).

Conclusion:  Of all resuscitated infants with a birthweight <501 g, 56% survived to school age. Of these, composite outcome score showed normal development or mild disability in one‐half, and moderate or severe disability in the other half of them. Investigators should include such infants in studies and their reports should give specific information about them.
Men's Multiple Sexual Partnerships in 15 Sub‐Saharan African Countries: Sociodemographic Patterns and Implications
Authors: Bingenheimer Jeffrey B.
Published: March 2010

Men's multiple sexual partnerships contribute to the spread of HIV in sub‐Saharan Africa, but the social determinants of these relationships remain poorly understood. Prevailing wisdom suggests that men's institutionalized authority over women and their control of economic resources are key facilitators of multiple partnerships in this region. Men's exposure to or freedom from social control mechanisms embedded in family and village life may also play a role. This article provides insight into these issues by examining sociodemographic correlates of men's multiple sexual partnerships using data from recent Demographic and Health Surveys in 15 sub‐Saharan African countries. The prevalence of self‐reported multiple partnerships varies widely among countries. Sociodemographic patterns of such partnerships confirm the importance of men's control of economic resources and suggest that men's freedom from social control mechanisms may be more important than their authority over their wives.
Determinants of Condom Use in Zambia: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Benefo Kofi D.
Published: March 2010

Research on the determinants of condom use in sub‐Saharan Africa has focused on the personal characteristics of individuals and, more recently, on community characteristics such as levels of development and of contraceptive availability. Two additional community characteristics, however—the restraining influence exerted by social networks and traditional community institutions (both theorized to decline with population growth) and the degree of interpersonal communication concerning HIV/AIDS — should also be factored into research. This study uses data from the 2003 Zambia Sexual Behaviour Survey and other surveys to conduct multilevel analyses to assess the influence of each of these various characteristics on condom use in Zambia. The results show that condom use increases with interpersonal communication concerning HIV/AIDS, community infrastructural development, and access to condoms, and decreases with population growth rate and density. The findings suggest that condom‐promotion efforts should be attentive to community‐level social norms, population trends, and informal social relationships and interpersonal communication.
Effects of Rural–Urban Return Migration on Women's Family Planning and Reproductive Health Attitudes and Behavior in Rural China
Authors: Chen Jiajian , Liu Hongyan , Xie Zhenming
Published: March 2010

This study examines the effects of rural–urban return migration on women's family planning and reproductive health attitudes and behavior in the sending areas of rural China. Based on data from a survey of rural women aged 16–40 in Sichuan and Anhui Provinces in 2000, our study finds that migrant women returning from cities to the countryside, especially those who have been living in a large city, are more likely than nonmigrant women to adopt positive family planning and reproductive health attitudes and behavior in their rural communities of origin. We find, moreover, that living in a rural community where the prevalence of such return migrant women is higher is positively associated with new fertility and gender attitudes and with knowledge of self‐controllable contraceptives. The findings of significant rural‐urban return‐migration effects have important policy implications for shaping family planning and reproductive health attitudes and behaviors in rural China.
A Pharmacogenetics‐based Approach to Reduce Cardiovascular Mortality with the Prophylactic Use of Statins
Authors: Lacchini Riccardo , Silva Pamela S. , Tanus‐Santos Jose E.
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  Nitric oxide (NO) is the main endothelial‐derived relaxation factor and plays a major role in cardiovascular homeostasis. This key signalling molecule is synthesised by a family of nitric oxide synthases (NOS), and the endothelial isoform (eNOS) is the most important for nitric oxide formation in the cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular drugs including statins increase eNOS expression and up‐regulate NO formation, and this effect may be responsible for protective, pleiotropic effects produced by statins. However, the genetic background may also affect NO formation in the cardiovascular system, and recent studies have shown that genetic polymorphisms in the eNOS gene modify endogenous NO formation and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. For example, cases with the CC genotype for the T−786C polymorphism in the eNOS gene are at increased cardiovascular risk when compared with those with the TT genotype. Interestingly, pharmacogenetic studies have recently indicated that atorvastatin improves NO formation more clearly in these individuals. However, it is not known whether this polymorphism really increases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and whether atorvastatin or other statins attenuate the morbidity and mortality rates in cases with the CC genotype. If proved true, then statins‐induced up‐regulation of eNOS and increased NO formation could compensate for a genetic ‘disadvantage’ in cases with the CC genotype. This could be a significant advance in the prevention of cardiovascular events. It is necessary although to validate this hypothesis with clinical trials which will require a long follow‐up to assess relevant clinical events and not only surrogate biomarkers.
Hepatic Effects of Rosiglitazone in Rats with the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Ackerman Zvi , Oron‐Herman Mor , Pappo Orit , Peleg Edna , Safadi Rifaat , Schmilovitz‐Weiss Hemda , Grozovski Maria
Published: March 2010

Abstract: Rats given fructose‐enriched diet develop many characteristics of the human metabolic syndrome and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. In this study, we characterized the hepatic effects of rosiglitazone in fructose‐enriched diet rats. Rats were randomly divided into three groups. One group was maintained on standard rat chow diet for 6 weeks, whereas the other two groups were given fructose‐enriched diet for 6 weeks. Four weeks after the initiation of fructose‐enriched diet, one of the fructose‐enriched diet groups was also given rosiglitazone (10 mg/kg/day) for an additional 2 weeks. Rosiglitazone administration to the fructose‐enriched diet rats was associated with decreases in the following parameters: blood pressure (−17%), plasma triglycerides (−62%), hepatic total lipids (−19%), hepatic triglycerides (−61%), hepatic malondialdehyde (−88%), glutathione reductase activity (−84%). An increase in adiponectin plasma levels (+329%), hepatic phospholipids (+46%), hepatic α‐tocopherol concentrations (+24%) and hepatic paraoxonase activity (+68%) was observed. Rosiglitazone caused a decrease in hepatic macrovesicular steatosis score but no change in hepatic fibrosis. Administration of rosiglitazone, to rats with the metabolic syndrome has limited hepatic favourable effects: it improves hepatic lipid metabolism, decreases macrovesicular steatosis and improves some of the hepatic oxidative–anti‐oxidative milieu but has no effect on hepatic fibrosis.
Family Farming, Farm Labour and Rural Employment. Who Works Where? An International Comparison
Authors: Jean Bruno
Published: March 2010

Family farming provides employment but we are not seeing a trend toward more paid agricultural workers. However, family farming appears to be the best way of maintaining a dynamic rural milieu and helping to establish the preconditions for the development of rural employment. In addition, a family farming structure creates a demand for off‐farm (rural) employment for family members who want to use their time more profitably. Traditionally, rural communities were built around farming. Today, farming families depend upon employment in rural communities. The changing interdependent relationship may provide a new creative synergy.
The Transformation of Work on the Family Farm
Authors: Parent Diane
Published: March 2010

The family farm is not simply a structure — it is also an adjustment and negotiation process that has varying degrees of success. In our society, formal training is becoming a prerequisite — many believe one needs a diploma to become a competent farmer. However, the denigration of “on‐the‐job training” undermines an essential facet of learning to be a farmer and debases the acquired skills of many farmer “artisans”. With the strong swing to link formal training and identity, many farmers create negative identities for themselves because they feel forced to define themselves socially on the basis of their level of formal schooling. The challenge for the future is to recognize, to integrate and to valorize formal abstract knowledge and the know‐how that is acquired and passed to the next generation through practice.
The heavily polluted atmosphere of the DAZ white dwarf GALEX J193156.8+011745
Authors: Vennes S. , Kawka A. , Németh P.
Published: March 2010

We report on the discovery of a new heavily polluted white dwarf. The DAZ white dwarf GALEX J193156.8+011745 was identified in a joint Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX)/GSC survey of ultraviolet-excess objects. Optical spectra obtained at ESO New Technology Telescope show strong absorption lines of magnesium and silicon, and a detailed abundance analysis based on Very Large Telescope-Kueyen UVES spectra reveal super-solar abundances of silicon and magnesium and near-solar abundances of oxygen, calcium and iron. The overall abundance pattern bears the signature of on-going accretion on to the white dwarf atmosphere. The infrared spectral energy distribution shows an excess in the H and K bands likely associated with the accretion source.
SCREENING OF SPECIAL STARCHES FOR USE IN TEMPERATURE‐TOLERANT FISH PROTEIN GELS
Authors: HUNT A. , GETTY K.J. , PARK J.W.
Published: March 2010

Five newly developed starches (tapioca acetylated, phosphated distarch; waxy maize acetylated distarch; waxy maize hydroxypropylated, phosphated starch; and two tapioca hydroxypropylated, phosphated starches) were compared, respectively, with native cornstarch. Starches were added to surimi at 2, 4, 6 and 8%. Textural properties of surimi were evaluated at various test temperatures (5, 25, 40, 55C), during frozen storage (0, 3, 6 freeze/thaw cycles) and refrigerated storage (0, 3, 6 days). The interaction between starch type and percent addition contributed to significant (P < 0.05) difference in starch‐fish protein gel values for failure shear stress, puncture force, puncture deformation, L*(whiteness) and stickiness. For fracture shear strain, starch type had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on gel values, whereas percent addition did not have a significant (P > 0.05) effect. Lower concentration of starch addition (2–4%) generally contributed to improved gel textural properties compared with higher (8%) starch concentrations.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Tapioca acetylated, phosphated distarch (TAPDS) and waxy maize acetylated distarch (WADS) maintained higher (P < 0.05) fracture shear stress and shear strain values than native cornstarch (CS) at each test temperature (5, 25, 40, 55C). TAPDS and WADS also improved (P < 0.05) water retention ability (WRA) of starch‐fish protein gels during 6 freeze/thaw cycles (FT) compared with CS. Puncture force values of TAPDS starch‐fish protein gels were consistently maintained during 6 FT. Addition of TAPDS did not significantly (P < 0.05) increase gel stickiness values compared with native CS during 6 days refrigerated storage. Best performance (P < 0.05) of starch addition occurred at concentrations of 6% or less. Therefore, addition of modified starches, TAPDS and WADS, could be added to surimi seafood products at 2–6% concentration levels in order to minimize textural changes at either hot or cold serving temperatures and also to maintain gel properties (WRA and texture) during long‐term frozen storage.
EFFECT OF PACKAGING AND STORAGE TIME ON BEEF QUALITATIVE AND MICROBIAL TRAITS
Authors: D'AGATA MARIA , NUVOLONI ROBERTA , PEDONESE FRANCESCA , RUSSO CLAUDIA , D'ASCENZI CARLO , PREZIUSO GIOVANNA
Published: March 2010

The effect of polyvinyl chloride packaging (PP), vacuum packaging (VP) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (60% O2, 30% CO2, 10% N2) on some quality parameters and microbiological profile of beef was studied. Longissimus dorsi samples were examined at 7‐day intervals during storage at 4C ± 2C, until 21 days. pH of PP beef increased during storage, whereas in VP and MAP beef remained stable. Superficial color darkened for PP samples, remaining stable until 7 and 21 days for VP and MAP samples, respectively; internal color was not significantly influenced by either storage time and packaging methods. Water‐holding capacity was not affected by packaging methods, increasing from 7 to 21 days. VP showed lower lipid oxidation than MAP until 21 days and than PP until 14 days. Total mesophilic counts reached the threshold of 107 ufc/g after 7 days in PP and after 14 and 21 days in MAP and VP, respectively.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The results of this study confirmed that meat packaged in polyvinyl chloride packaging (PP) must be stored for few days to not fall into pH, color and microbiological alterations; meat packaged in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), even though maintained appreciable superficial colorimetric characteristics, showed a high microbiological growth from 14 days of storage; meat vacuum packaged (VP), although the worst colorimetric appearance, showed the best keeping properties in terms of microbiological profile and lipid oxidation lower than MAP until 21 days of storage. Nevertheless, the fact that the internal color of meat is similar among different packaging systems, independently from time of storage, may suggest that VP system may be useful for prolonged storage of big pieces of meat.
The effects of food waste disposers on the wastewater system: a practical study
Authors: Thomas Philip
Published: March 2010

Domestic food waste disposers (FWDs) have recently come to prominence as a possible alternative for disposal of organic waste, to reduce the quantities of this type of waste sent to landfill. There has been little research undertaken on the potential effects of food waste on the wastewater system, and it is believed no previous practical studies have been undertaken in the United Kingdom. In this study, food waste was ground in an FWD and analysed for chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), ammonia, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total suspended solids and rapidly settleable solids to determine their effects on the wastewater system. The largest impacts were on COD, BOD and suspended solids, compared with the amounts of these determinands that currently arrive at sewage treatment works (STW). Experiments using settled samples showed that a relatively high proportion of nitrogen, phosphorus, COD and BOD would pass through to secondary treatment at the STW.
Artificial ponds in a Mediterranean region (Andalusia, southern Spain): agricultural and environmental issues
Authors: Casas Jesús , Toja Julia , Bonachela Santiago , Fuentes Francisca , Gallego Irene , Juan Melchor , León David , Peñalver Patricio , Pérez Carmen , Sánchez Pedro
Published: March 2010

A total of 16 543 artificial ponds were inventoried. Ninety‐one per cent of the ponds were classified as for farming use. Generally, the fraction of farm land converted to pond structures was close to that predicted from the average annual precipitation in the region. However, in several areas, this fraction was remarkably higher than the value predicted, probably due to excessive groundwater extraction. Overall, the naturalisation stage of ponds was poor. However, ponds sited on natural substrate basins had more structured‐marginal vegetation, compared with ponds of artificial substrate basins. Furthermore, other factors related to pond management might seriously limit their naturalisation stage. Despite the high abundance of ponds in Andalusia, our results suggest that, in order to improve the potential for biodiversity conservation in these environments, substantial structural and management changes are required.
Water industry asset management in England and Wales: successes and challenges
Authors: Bridgeman John
Published: March 2010

This paper considers the structure, regulation and performance of the water industry in England and Wales in the postprivatisation period from 1989. The paper examines the improvements achieved in drinking water and wastewater effluent quality and in the overall performance. The challenges facing the industry in the areas of water resource planning, energy efficiency and chemical consumption, arising from climate change, are also considered. The paper considers how the industry's current approach and attitude towards research and development (R&D) will influence its ability to meet the latest challenges laid down by the regulators. The paper calls for increased emphasis on, and incentive for, R&D in the water industry to ensure sustainable solutions in both water and sewage treatment.
Crime Victimization in Latin America and Intentions to Migrate to the United States
Authors: Wood Charles H. , Gibson Chris L. , Ribeiro Ludmila , Hamsho-Diaz Paula
Published: March 2010

Among the challenges faced by Latin America at the onset of the 21st century is the increase in crime and violence that began in the mid-1980s, and which, to one degree or another, has afflicted most countries in the region. In this study we explore the potential implications of the upsurge in crime on migration by testing the hypothesis that crime victimization in Latin America increases the probability that people have given serious thought to the prospect of migrating with their families to the United States. Using Latinobarometro public opinion surveys of approximately 49,000 respondents residing in 17 countries in 2002, 2003, and 2004, the results of a Hierarchical Generalized Linear Model found that, net of individual and country-level control variables, the probability of seriously considering family migration to the United States was around 30 percent higher among respondents who reported that they or a member of their family was a victim of a crime sometime during the year prior to the survey. Evidence that victimization promotes the propensity to emigrate is a finding that contributes to an understanding of the transnational consequences of the increase in crime in Latin America, and adds a new variable to the inventory of factors that encourage people to migrate to the United States.
Sources of Negative Attitudes toward Immigrants in Europe: A Multi-Level Analysis
Authors: Rustenbach Elisa
Published: March 2010

In recent times, many nations are experiencing an increase in anti-immigrant attitudes on the part of natives. Most papers only explore one or two sources of anti-immigrant attitudes at a time, which provides an incomplete picture of the effects at work. This paper tests eight different explanations for anti-immigrant attitudes: cultural marginality theory, human capital theory, political affiliation, societal integration, neighborhood safety, contact theory, foreign investment, and economic competition. Analysis is conducted using combined data from the European Social Survey and Eurostat/OECD and individual-, regional-, and national-level predictors. Results indicate that key predictors of anti-immigrant attitudes are regional and national interpersonal trust, education level, foreign direct investment, and political variables.
Household Context, Generational Status, and English Proficiency among the Children of African Immigrants in the United States
Authors: Thomas Kevin J.A.
Published: March 2010

This study examines how household and parental-level determinants affect English proficiency among the children of African immigrants in the United States. Within immigrant families, the study finds that children's level of proficiency has a stronger positive association with the proficiency of their mothers than with that of their fathers. Children's level of English proficiency significantly increases as the number of other English-proficient children within their household increases. These impacts are stronger on the proficiency levels of first compared to second-generation children. Levels of proficiency are, however, lowest among children in families from Portuguese-speaking countries followed by their counterparts in families from countries where indigenous languages and Arabic are dominant. Although proficiency levels generally improve with increasing generational status, these improvements are smallest for children in families from Portuguese-speaking countries. Except for children in families from English-speaking countries, the largest improvements to proficiency with increasing generational status were observed among children in families from indigenous language backgrounds.
The Economic Returns of Immigrants’ Bonding and Bridging Social Capital: The Case of the Netherlands
Authors: Lancee Bram
Published: March 2010

This paper aims at explaining to what extent social capital can help immigrants in the Netherlands make headway on the labor market. Two forms of social capital are identified. Bonding refers to a dense network with thick trust and is measured as the strength of family ties and trust in the family. Bridging implies a crosscutting network with thin trust and is measured as inter-ethnic contacts and outward orientation. It is examined to what extent bonding and bridging for immigrants in the Netherlands can be associated with a higher likelihood of employment and higher income. Results show that (1) bridging networks are positively associated with both employment and income; (2) bonding networks do not affect economic outcomes; and (3) levels of trust (neither thick nor thin) cannot explain economic outcomes.
Overactive bladder and caffeine: comparing women with and without mental health diagnoses
Authors: Chakravarthy Vidyah , Tolbert Margaret , Garcia Caroline , Miller Janis
Published: March 2010

Caffeine is a stimulant thought to activate the pleasure centre in the brain, commonly used in the general public for purposeful attempt to alter mood, and also commonly perceived to be a bladder irritant with associated urgency and frequency symptoms. Mental health diagnosis, such as depression, is also associated with overactive bladder. Taken together, it is plausible that women with overactive bladder symptoms along with comorbid mental health symptoms may also show higher caffeine intake but no data exist. This pilot study's purpose was to determine in women with overactive bladder, if those with a mental health diagnosis (we included anxiety, depression, post‐traumatic stress disorder and bipolar diagnosis) consume a significantly higher amount of caffeine than those without any of these diagnoses. Secondary analysis was performed on data from women with overactive bladder recruited into a longitudinal parent study on beverage management. All parent study participants met criteria of urgency and voiding more than seven times per day. Each kept a detailed 3‐day diary of beverage intake. From the total parent study pool of 61, we identified 14 women with a comorbid mental health diagnosis as described above and 47 without when interviewed at baseline. Women with mental health diagnosis demonstrated higher median baseline caffeine intake per day than their counterparts without mental health diagnosis: 240·2 mg (range: 72·3–576·0 mg) versus 174·3 mg (range: 0–567·6 mg), which was marginally significant (p = · 053). Volume of caffeinated beverage intake did not differ significantly. In women with overactive bladder and comorbid mental health symptoms, higher caffeine intake may be a previously unrecognized link. Cause and effect is unknown between the three conditions of overactive bladder, mental health disorders and higher caffeine intake; but this initial data support the need for further research.
Nuclear matrix protein 22 is superior to voided urine cytology
Authors: Turner Bruce , Baithun Suhail , Grey Alistair , Pati Jhumur
Published: March 2010

Patients with microscopic and macroscopic haematuria undergo a series of investigations to assess the upper and lower urinary tracts. The authors recently demonstrated that urine cytology is an unnecessary expense in the evaluation of haematuria as it slows the patient pathway, is expensive and has a sensitivity of only 41%. The aim of this article is to evaluate the role of the nuclear matrix protein (NMP) 22 urine test as an alternative to urine cytology. The results of 219 patients who completed investigations for haematuria were evaluated: NMP 22 was positive in 26 patients. Cancer was confirmed in 17 of the 219 patients. NMP 22 was negative and cancer excluded in 188 patients. Of the 17 patients with cancer, 12 had a positive NMP 22 test and 5 had a negative NMP 22. Of the 26 patients with a positive NMP 22, 14 were found not to have cancer. This equates to an overall positive predictive value of 46·1%, negative predictive value of 97·4%, sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 93% which shows that NMP 22 is superior to urine cytology in the investigation of adult haematuria, particularly with a negative predictive value of 97%.
Assessing the power of informative subsets of loci for population assignment: standard methods are upwardly biased
Authors: ANDERSON E. C.
Published: March 2010

It is well known that statistical classification procedures should be assessed using data that are separate from those used to train the classifier. This principle is commonly overlooked when the classification procedure in question is population assignment using a set of genetic markers that were chosen specifically on the basis of their allele frequencies from amongst a larger number of candidate markers. This oversight leads to a systematic upward bias in the predicted accuracy of the chosen set of markers for population assignment. Three widely used software programs for selecting markers informative for population assignment suffer from this bias. The extent of this bias is documented through a small set of simulations. The relative effect of the bias is largest when screening many candidate loci from poorly differentiated populations. Simple unbiased methods are presented and their use encouraged.
An ounce of prevention: cost‐effectiveness of coral reef rehabilitation relative to enforcement
Authors: Haisfield Kelly M. , Fox Helen E. , Yen Sheen , Mangubhai Sangeeta , Mous Peter J.
Published: March 2010

Blast fishing has destroyed many coral reefs in Southeast Asia by creating large fields of dead coral rubble where new coral recruits settle but cannot survive and grow. Possible management responses include reef rehabilitation of damaged areas, and/or increased enforcement to protect still‐living ones. Here we show that in Komodo National Park, Indonesia, rehabilitation by installing locally‐quarried rocks on blasted rubble fields can be relatively low cost (∼US$4.80 per m2) and simple, but it is not economically viable at large scales. Although rehabilitation without enforcement is unlikely to be effective, we compared rehabilitation data (costs and coral growth over 8 years) and enforcement costs to conduct two economic analyses: cost‐per‐area calculations and a cost‐effectiveness model over 7 years, and found that rehabilitation costs ∼70 and ∼5‐times more, respectively, than marine patrols to enforce blast fishing bans. Hence, we recommend that marine protected area managers prioritize investment in achieving compliance with regulations above investment in rehabilitation to ensure that reefs continue to generate biodiversity and fisheries benefits and tourist revenues.
Wildlife‐friendly oil palm plantations fail to protect biodiversity effectively
Authors: Edwards David P. , Hodgson Jenny A. , Hamer Keith C. , Mitchell Simon L. , Ahmad Abdul H. , Cornell Stephen J. , Wilcove David S.
Published: March 2010

Expansion of agriculture is a principal driver of biodiversity losses in the tropics, prompting suggestions that plantations should be made more hospitable to wildlife. Such “wildlife‐friendly” practices contrast with the alternative “land sparing” strategy, which promotes separation of agricultural and conservation areas. Focusing on the wildlife‐friendly strategy of retaining fragments of forest within the agricultural matrix, here we report the abundance and diversity of birds within oil palm plantations, fragments, and contiguous forest. Abundances of imperiled bird species were 60 times lower in fragments and 200 times lower in oil palm than in contiguous forest. Forest fragments also did not increase bird abundances in adjacent oil palm, had lower species richness than contiguous forest, and had an avifaunal composition that was more similar to oil palm than to contiguous forest. Therefore, from a conservation perspective, any investment in the retention of fragments would be better directed toward the protection of contiguous forest.
Statins Decrease Adverse Outcomes in Coronary Artery Bypass for Extensive Coronary Artery Disease as well as Left Main Coronary Stenosis
Authors: Gan Hui‐Li , Zhang Jian‐Qun , Bo Ping , Wang Sheng‐Xun , Lu Chun‐Shang
Published: March 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of preoperative and postoperative statins on coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for extensive coronary artery disease as well as left main coronary stenosis (LMS). The data of 626 cases of extensive coronary artery disease as well as LMS patients in Anzhen Hospital between January 1998 and March 2008 for CABG procedure were retrospectively analyzed, and were classified as preoperative statin therapy group (Group A, n = 320) or preoperative no statin therapy group (Group B, n = 306). Propensity scores were estimated to determine the probability of inclusion into statin therapy group, resulting in the successful matching of 267 pairs. The incidence of in‐hospital death, and atrial fibrillation or flutter and disabling stroke was higher in Group B than in Group A. The actuarial freedom from late events at 5 yrs were 98.75%± 0.73% for the postoperative statin therapy group and 88.33%± 3.71% for the postoperative no statin therapy group respectively, P= 0.000. The logistic regression revealed that CRP (>5.0 mg/L), and elevated Troponin I, and emergent procedure, and preoperative IABP support, and EF < 40% were the independent risk factors, and preoperatively statins was the protective factor for the perioperative death; and the Cox proportional hazard also revealed that preoperative IABP support and preoperative cardiac arrest, and EF < 40% were independent risk factors, and postoperatively statins were the protective factor for the late cardiac events. Preoperative statin therapy could provide protective effect in the perioperative period. Postoperative statin usage could provide protective effect on the late cardiac events.
What Should Medical Practitioners Know about the Role of Alternative Medicines in Cardiovascular Disease Management?
Authors: Whayne, Jr Thomas F.
Published: March 2010

Alternative medications as a term call up many different meanings, significance, and perceptions to various medical practitioners. Some are good; others are bad. A wide range of alternative medications with relevance or connection to cardiovascular (CV) disease have been considered. While many are worthless, others have definite benefit, and at least one, chelation therapy, is associated with definite harm, significant risk, no benefit, and enrichment of the practitioners who prescribe it. The issues concerning alternative therapies will likely never be studied with randomized clinical trials due to the lack of a profit motive on the part of pharmaceutical companies—only rarely do other institutions, such as the National Institutes of Health, support medicinal studies. Basic knowledge of alternative therapies is essential for the CV specialist and other practicing physicians and other practitioners, since at least a few of their patients will take these medications regardless of medical advice. The result is that a number of these alternative medications will then interact with conventional CV medications, many times unfavorably.
The Carvedilol's Beta‐Blockade in Heart Failure and Exercise Training's Sympathetic Blockade in Healthy Athletes during the Rest and Peak Effort
Authors: Carvalho Vitor Oliveira , Bocchi Edimar Alcides , Guimarães Guilherme Veiga
Published: March 2010

In recent years, beta‐blocker therapy has become a primary pharmacologic intervention in patients with heart failure by blocking the sympathetic activity. To compare the exercise training's sympathetic blockade in healthy subjects (athletes) and the carvedilol's sympathetic blockade in sedentary heart failure patients by the evaluation of the heart rate dynamic during an exercise test. A total of 26 optimized and 49 nonoptimized heart failure patients in a stable condition (for, at least, 3 months), 15 healthy athletes and 17 sedentary healthy subjects were recruited to perform a cardiopulmonary exercise test. The heart rate dynamic (rest, reserve, peak and the peak heart rate in relation to the maximum predicted for age) was analyzed and compared between the four groups. The heart rate reserve was the same between optimized (48 ± 15) and nonoptimized (49 ± 18) heart failure patients (P < 0.0001). The athletes (188 ± 9) showed a larger heart rate reserve compared to sedentary healthy subjects (92 ± 10, P < 0.0001). Athletes and healthy sedentary reached the maximum age‐predicted heart ratefor their age, but none of the heart failure patients did. The carvedilol's sympathetic blockade occurred during the rest and during the peak effort in the same proportion, but the exercise training's sympathetic blockade in healthy subjects occurred mainly in the rest.
Is Target Dose of Beta‐Blocker More Important Than Achieved Heart Rate or Heart Rate Change in Patients with Systolic Chronic Heart Failure?
Authors: Porapakkham Pornwalee , Porapakkham Pramote , Krum Henry
Published: March 2010

Beta‐blockers (BBs) are mandatory therapy for patients with systolic chronic heart failure (CHF). However, it is uncertain whether target dose of these agents is more important than the achievement of target heart rate (HR) in maximizing the benefits of these agents. To test this, we obtained ECG absolute HR from patients with systolic CHF, together with consecutive left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) measures at least 3 months apart. Patients were divided into those who achieved target dose for beta‐blocker and/or target absolute HR of ≤ 60 beats per minute (bpm) and target change in HR (>10 bpm reduction) with increasing dose. Baseline ejection fraction (EF) was similar across all groups. Patients with absolute or change in HR at target achieved a greater change in EF than those not at target (P= 0.027 and P= 0.012, respectively). In contrast, those who achieved target dose did not achieve a significantly greater improvement in EF than those not at target dose (P= 0.81). Similarly for absolute EF, patients at target HR or target change in HR achieved a greater EF increase than those achieving target dose. Based on these data, target HR or change in HR appears to be more critical to improvement in EF than target dose in CHF patients. Therefore, achieving an absolute HR or change in HR with BBs may be more important than target dose in maximizing benefits of BBs in this setting.
The Prevalence of Migraine Headaches in an Anxiety Disorders Clinic Sample
Authors: Senaratne Rhandi , Van Ameringen Michael , Mancini Catherine , Patterson Beth , Bennett Mark
Published: March 2010

The association between migraine and psychiatric disorders has been reported in both clinical and epidemiological studies. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders has been found to be increased among individuals with migraine. Studies assessing migraine in psychiatric patients are limited and the majority of these studies have focused solely on examining patients with major depression. In the present study, we examined the prevalence and characteristics of migraine headache in an anxiety disorders clinic sample in order to better understand the relationship between these commonly associated conditions. We evaluated 206 consecutive outpatients to an Anxiety Disorders Clinic for the prevalence of migraine. The presence of migraine was established using International Headache Society Criteria. Subjects completed a modified self‐report version of the Headache Diagnostic Questionnaire. In order to assess the relationship between migraine and anxiety disorder symptom severity, subjects completed standardized measures of symptom severity. The prevalence of migraine in our anxiety disorder clinic sample was 67%. Anxiety disorder patients with migraine presented with a significantly greater number of comorbid psychiatric disorders than patients without migraine (P= 0.012). The prevalence of migraine was significantly higher in patients with a diagnosis of either panic disorder with agoraphobia (P= 0.048) or major depressive disorder/dysthymia (P= 0.008) compared to other psychiatric disorders. The severity of anxiety disorder symptoms was significantly higher in patients with migraine compared to patients without migraine. This study suggests that there is an increased prevalence of migraine headaches among anxiety disorder patients as compared to the general population. Migraine comorbidity may have important clinical implications, such that the treatment of one condition could potentially ameliorate the development or progression of the other. Further research is required to better understand the nature and implications of the association between migraine and psychiatric disorders.
Lipid peroxidation levels, total oxidant status and superoxide dismutase in serum, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid in chronic periodontitis patients before and after periodontal therapy
Authors: Wei D , Zhang X‐L , Wang Y‐Z , Yang C‐X , Chen G
Published: March 2010

Background:  Recent data have demonstrated increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels and oxidative stress in periodontitis. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) are both increased during oxidative stress. Furthermore, this study examined SOD concentration, total oxidative status (TOS) and MDA levels in periodontal patients and investigated the longitudinal effect of periodontal therapy on the index levels of chronic periodontitis (CP) patients.

Methods:  Serum, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were obtained from 48 CP patients and 35 healthy control subjects prior to, as well as after 16 weeks following non‐surgical post‐periodontal therapy. MDA, TOS and SOD and clinical parameters were determined pre‐ and post‐therapy.

Results:  The levels of TOS and SOD values were significantly higher in the CP group than in the control group (p < 0.05), but only MDA in GCF. Post‐periodontal therapy, serum, saliva and GCF TOS and SOD levels significantly decreased compared to basal levels (p < 0.05), but only MDA in GCF.

Conclusions:  LPO was higher in the periodontal region, with TOS and SOD increasing both locally and peripherally. Non‐surgical therapy can restore and control the subject antioxidant capacity by locally and systemically modifying the levels of MDA, TOS and SOD.