bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The significance of serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, and hyaluronic acid in hepatocellular carcinoma of cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients
Authors: Sadik N A H , Ahmed A , Ahmed S
Published: January 2012

It is well established that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops in a multistep process, from chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis to HCC. Adipose tissue is not simply an energy storage organ but also a secretory organ, producing a variety of bioactive molecules known as adipokines, including adiponectin and leptin. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an extracellular matrix protein, often associated with a variety of human cancers. Our retrospective study determines serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, and HA in HCC of cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients and compares these levels to patients with cirrhosis and normal subjects. Noncirrhotic HCC ( n = 19), cirrhotic HCC ( n = 50), cirrhosis ( n = 36) patients and twenty one age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched normal healthy controls were subjected in the present study. Serum adiponectin, leptin, and HA levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Levels of serum adiponectin were significantly higher in the cirrhosis and cirrhotic HCC groups than in the normal subjects, whereas serum HA levels were found to significantly increase in all three patients groups. The elevation of serum leptin in our HCC patients, regardless of being cirrhotic or noncirrhotic, but not in the patients with cirrhosis, may shed some light on the significance of serum leptin level in HCC. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the prognostic value of serum leptin level in HCC.
Serotonin syndrome following overdose of a non-prescription slimming product containing sibutramine: A case report
Authors: Lam PK , Leung KS , Wong TW , Lee HHC , Tang MHY , Mak TWL
Published: January 2012

Introduction: Non-prescription slimming products are popular and can be easily purchased from the Internet. However, adulteration of these products with undeclared substances including prescription drugs is not uncommon. We report a case of serotonin syndrome after an overdose of a non-prescription product containing sibutramine. Case report: A 21-year-old woman presented with somnolence, sinus tachycardia, generalised increase in tone, hyper-reflexia and clonus more prominent in the lower limbs after an intentional overdose of a non-prescription slimming product obtained from the Internet. The product was later found to contain sibutramine and other substances such as animal thyroid tissues, caffeine and phenolphthalein. Quantitative analysis of patient’s serum on presentation revealed a sibutramine concentration of 112 ng/mL, which far exceeded the reported peak serum concentration after a single oral dose of 15 mg (the maximum daily recommended dose). No other culpable agent was identified. The overall clinical presentation was compatible with serotonin syndrome associated with sibutramine overdose. The patient made a full recovery after supportive management. Discussion and conclusion: This case highlighted the health threat posed by non-prescription slimming products sold over the Internet. Sibutramine overdose can result in serotonin syndrome, as in overdose of other serotonergic agents. Early recognition and timely supportive treatment are essential to ensure a good clinical outcome.
Levosimendan infusion improves cardiac output but not blood pressure in a rodent model of severe metoprolol toxicity
Authors: Kalam Y , Graudins A
Published: January 2012

Levosimendan (Levo) is an inodilator improving cardiac output (CO) and reducing afterload in heart failure. Previously, we reported that Levo improved CO but not blood pressure (BP) in a rodent model of verapamil poisoning. We theorised that Levo-induced vasodilation should not influence BP to a similar degree in metoprolol poisoning. Aim: To assess the effect of Levo on haemodynamics in a rodent model of metoprolol poisoning. Method: Anaesthetized male Wistar rats were infused metoprolol continuously. When the BP dropped to 50% of baseline (time 0) rats received 1 of the 4 treatments: (a) control (0.9% saline bolus + infusion); (b) Levo-l (Levo 36 μm/kg loading dose followed by 0.6 μm/kg/min); (c) Levo-I (Levo infusion only at 0.6 μm/kg/min); and (d) Epi (epinephrine 0.5 μm/kg/min). All groups received comparable fluid volumes. Haemodynamics were recorded every 10 min for 70 min. CO, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) of each group were compared to the control. Results: All groups had comparable baseline and time 0 HR, MAP and CO. Levo-L and Levo-I rats showed significantly greater CO at t = 10 min ( p > 0.02 and p > 0.04, respectively). CO was higher at all other time points for both Levo groups. This was not statistically significant. Levo did not improve MAP compared to control. Adrenaline increased MAP but not CO compared to control and Levo groups. Conclusion: Levo did not improve MAP but moderately improved CO compared to control in this model of metoprolol poisoning. The response was similar to that reported previously in verapamil-poisoned rats. The improvement in MAP seen with epinephrine was most likely vasoconstriction mediated.
8-Oxo-7, 8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine as a biomarker of DNA damage by mobile phone radiation
Authors: Khalil AM , Gagaa MH , Alshamali AM
Published: January 2012

We examined the effect of exposure to mobile phone 1800 MHz radio frequency radiation (RFR) upon the urinary excretion of 8-oxo-7, 8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), one major form of oxidative DNA damage, in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Twenty-four rats were used in three independent experiments (RFR exposed and control, 12 rats, each). The animals were exposed to RFR for 2 h from Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) signal generator with whole-body-specific absorption rate of 1.0 W/kg. Urine samples were collected from the rat while housed in a metabolic cage during the exposure period over a 4-h period at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 h from the beginning of exposure. In the control group, the signal generator was left in the turn-off position. The creatinine-standardized concentrations of 8-oxodG were measured. With the exception of the urine collected in the last half an hour of exposure, significant elevations were noticed in the levels of 8-oxodG in urine samples from rats exposed to RFR when compared to control animals. Significant differences were seen overall across time points of urine collection with a maximum at 1 h after exposure, suggesting repair of the DNA lesions leading to 8-oxodG formation.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the Sphynx cat: A retrospective evaluation of clinical presentation and heritable etiology
Authors: Silverman Sarah J , Stern Joshua A , Meurs Kathryn M
Published: January 2012

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an inherited disease in some feline breeds including the Maine Coon and Ragdoll. In these breeds, distinct causative genetic mutations have been identified. The two breeds appear to have slightly different clinical presentations, including age of diagnosis. The observation that these two breeds may have different clinical presentations, as well as different genetic mutations, suggests that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a diverse disease in the cat. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is poorly described in the Sphynx. The objective of this study was to phenotypically characterize Sphynx hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and to evaluate for a familial etiology. Records of 18 affected cats (11 female, seven male) were evaluated. Age of affected cats ranged from 0.5 to 7 years (median, 2 years). Four affected cats were from a single family and included an affected cat in each of four generations (three females, one male). Further studies are warranted to evaluate for a causative mutation and better classify the phenotypic expression.
Ischemic preconditioning reduces endoplasmic reticulum stress and upregulates hypoxia inducible factor-1α in ischemic kidney: the role of nitric oxide
Authors: Mahfoudh-Boussaid Asma , Zaouali Mohamed Amine , Hadj-Ayed Kaouther , Miled Abdel-Hédi , Saidane-Mosbahi Dalila , Rosello-Catafau Joan , Abdennebi Hassen Ben
Published: January 2012

Background

Although recent studies indicate that renal ischemic preconditioning (IPC) protects the kidney from ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, the precise protective mechanism remains unclear. In the current study, we investigated whether early IPC could upregulate hypoxia inducible transcription factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression and could reduce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress after renal I/R and whether pharmacological inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production would abolish these protective effects.

Methods

Kidneys of Wistar rats were subjected to 60 min of warm ischemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion (I/R group), or to 2 preceding cycles of 5 min ischemia and 5 min reperfusion (IPC group), or to intravenously injection of NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME, 5 mg/kg) 5 min before IPC (L-NAME+IPC group). The results of these experimental groups were compared to those of a sham-operated group. Sodium reabsorption rate, creatinine clearance, plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, tissues concentrations of malonedialdehyde (MDA), HIF-1α and nitrite/nitrate were determined. In addition, Western blot analyses were performed to identify the amounts of Akt, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and ER stress parameters.

Results

IPC decreased cytolysis, lipid peroxidation and improved renal function. Parallely, IPC enhanced Akt phosphorylation, eNOS, nitrite/nitrate and HIF-1α levels as compared to I/R group. Moreover, our results showed that IPC increased the relative amounts of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and decreased those of RNA activated protein kinase (PKR)-like ER kinase (PERK), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and TNF-receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) as judged to I/R group. However, pre treatment with L-NAME abolished these beneficial effects of IPC against renal I/R insults.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that early IPC protects kidney against renal I/R injury via reducing oxidative and ER stresses. These effects are associated with phosphorylation of Akt, eNOS activation and NO production contributing thus to HIF-1α stabilization. The beneficial impact of IPC was abolished when NO production is inhibited before IPC application.
Diagnosis of osteoporosis from dental panoramic radiographs using the support vector machine method in a computer-aided system
Authors: Kavitha M S , Asano Akira , Taguchi Akira , Kurita Takio , Sanada Mitsuhiro
Published: January 2012

Background

Early diagnosis of osteoporosis can potentially decrease the risk of fractures and improve the quality of life. Detection of thin inferior cortices of the mandible on dental panoramic radiographs could be useful for identifying postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density (BMD) or osteoporosis. The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic efficacy of using kernel-based support vector machine (SVM) learning regarding the cortical width of the mandible on dental panoramic radiographs to identify postmenopausal women with low BMD.

Methods

We employed our newly adopted SVM method for continuous measurement of the cortical width of the mandible on dental panoramic radiographs to identify women with low BMD or osteoporosis. The original X-ray image was enhanced, cortical boundaries were determined, distances among the upper and lower boundaries were evaluated and discrimination was performed by a radial basis function. We evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of this newly developed method for identifying women with low BMD (BMD T-score of -1.0 or less) at the lumbar spine and femoral neck in 100 postmenopausal women (≥50 years old) with no previous diagnosis of osteoporosis. Sixty women were used for system training, and 40 were used in testing.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity using RBF kernel-SVM method for identifying women with low BMD were 90.9% [95% confidence interval (CI), 85.3-96.5] and 83.8% (95% CI, 76.6-91.0), respectively at the lumbar spine and 90.0% (95% CI, 84.1-95.9) and 69.1% (95% CI, 60.1-78.6), respectively at the femoral neck. The sensitivity and specificity for identifying women with low BMD at either the lumbar spine or femoral neck were 90.6% (95% CI, 92.0-100) and 80.9% (95% CI, 71.0-86.9), respectively.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the newly developed system with the SVM method would be useful for identifying postmenopausal women with low skeletal BMD.
Prevalence of cardiovascular disease and risk factors in a rural district of Beijing, China: a population-based survey of 58,308 residents
Authors: He Liu , Tang Xun , Song Yan , Li Na , Li Jingrong , Zhang Zongxin , Liu Jianjiang , Yu Liping , Xu Haitao , Zhang Jianguo , Hu Yonghua
Published: January 2012

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of global disease burden. Although stroke was thought to be more prevalent than coronary heart disease (CHD) in Chinese, the epidemic pattern might have been changed in some rural areas nowadays. This study was to estimate up-to-date prevalence of CVD and its risk factors in rural communities of Fangshan District, Beijing, China.

Methods

A cross-sectional population survey was carried out by stratified cluster sampling. A total of 58,308 rural residents aged over 40 years were surveyed by face-to-face interview and physical examination during 2008 and 2010. The standardized prevalence was calculated according to adult sample data of China's 5th Population Census in 2000, and the adjusted prevalence odds ratio (POR) was calculated for the association of CHD/stroke with its cardiovascular risk factors in multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

Age- and sex-standardized prevalence was 5.6% for CHD (5.2% in males and 5.9% in females), higher than the counterpart of 3.7% (4.7% in males and 2.6% in females) for stroke. Compared with previous studies, higher prevalence of 7.7%, 47.2%, 53.3% in males and 8.2%, 44.8%, 60.7% in females for diabetes, hypertension and overweight/obesity were presented accordingly. Moreover, adjusted POR (95% confidence interval) of diabetes, obesity, stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension for CHD as 2.51 (2.29 to 2.75), 1.53 (1.38 to 1.70), 1.13 (1.02 to 1.26) and 1.35 (1.20 to 1.52), and for stroke as 2.24 (1.98 to 2.52), 1.25 (1.09 to 1.44), 1.44 (1.25 to 1.66) and 1.70 (1.46 to 1.98) were shown respectively in the multivariate logistic regression models.

Conclusions

High prevalence of CVD and probably changed epidemic pattern in rural communities of Beijing, together with the prevalent cardiovascular risk factors and population aging, might cause public health challenges in rural Chinese population.
Genotypes and serotype distribution of macrolide resistant invasive and non- invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from Lebanon
Authors: Taha Nedal , Araj George F , Wakim Rima H , Kanj Souha S , Kanafani Zeina A , Sabra Ahmad , Khairallah Marie-Therese , Nassar Farah J , Shehab Marwa , Baroud Maysa , Dbaibo Ghassan , Matar Ghassan M
Published: January 2012

Background

This study determined macrolide resistance genotypes in clinical isolates ofStreptococcus pneumoniaefrom multiple medical centers in Lebanon and assessed the serotype distribution in relation to these mechanism(s) of resistance and the source of isolate recovery.

Methods

Forty four macrolide resistant and 21 macrolide susceptibleS. pneumoniaeclinical isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility according to CLSI guidelines (2008) and underwent molecular characterization. Serotyping of these isolates was performed by Multiplex PCR-based serotype deduction using CDC protocols. PCR amplification of macrolide resistanterm(encoding methylase) andmef(encoding macrolide efflux pump protein) genes was carried out.

Results

Among 44 isolates resistant to erythromycin, 35 were resistant to penicillin and 18 to ceftriaxone. Examination of 44 macrolide resistant isolates by PCR showed that 16 isolates harbored theerm(B) gene, 8 isolates harbored themefgene, and 14 isolates harbored both theerm(B) andmefgenes. There was no amplification by PCR of theerm(B) ormefgenes in 6 isolates. Seven different capsular serotypes 2, 9V/9A,12F, 14,19A, 19F, and 23, were detected by multiplex PCR serotype deduction in 35 of 44 macrolide resistant isolates, with 19F being the most prevalent serotype. With the exception of serotype 2, all serotypes were invasive. Isolates belonging to the invasive serotypes 14 and 19F harbored botherm(B) andmefgenes. Nine of the 44 macrolide resistant isolates were non-serotypable by our protocols.

Conclusion

Macrolide resistance inS. pneumoniaein Lebanon is mainly through target site modification but is also mediated through efflux pumps, with serotype 19F having dual resistance and being the most prevalent and invasive.
Prolonged oral cannabinoid administration prevents neuroinflammation, lowers β-amyloid levels and improves cognitive performance in Tg APP 2576 mice
Authors: Martín-Moreno Ana María , Brera Begoña , Spuch Carlos , Carro Eva , García-García Luis , Delgado Mercedes , Pozo Miguel A , Innamorato Nadia G , Cuadrado Antonio , de Ceballos María L
Published: January 2012

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain shows an ongoing inflammatory condition and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories diminish the risk of suffering the neurologic disease. Cannabinoids are neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory agents with therapeutic potential.

Methods

We have studied the effects of prolonged oral administration of transgenic amyloid precursor protein (APP) mice with two pharmacologically different cannabinoids (WIN 55,212-2 and JWH-133, 0.2 mg/kg/day in the drinking water during 4 months) on inflammatory and cognitive parameters, and on 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose (18FDG) uptake by positron emission tomography (PET).

Results

Novel object recognition was significantly reduced in 11 month old Tg APP mice and 4 month administration of JWH was able to normalize this cognitive deficit, although WIN was ineffective. Wild type mice cognitive performance was unaltered by cannabinoid administration. Tg APP mice showed decreased 18FDG uptake in hippocampus and cortical regions, which was counteracted by oral JWH treatment. Hippocampal GFAP immunoreactivity and cortical protein expression was unaffected by genotype or treatment. In contrast, the density of Iba1 positive microglia was increased in Tg APP mice, and normalized following JWH chronic treatment. Both cannabinoids were effective at reducing the enhancement of COX-2 protein levels and TNF-α mRNA expression found in the AD model. Increased cortical β-amyloid (Aβ) levels were significantly reduced in the mouse model by both cannabinoids. Noteworthy both cannabinoids enhanced Aβ transport across choroid plexus cells in vitro.

Conclusions

In summary we have shown that chronically administered cannabinoid showed marked beneficial effects concomitant with inflammation reduction and increased Aβ clearance.
Listening to the patient as a possible route to cost-effective rehabilitation: a case report
Authors: Grandi Attilia , Mazzola Marcella , Angelini Lucia , Chiappedi Matteo
Published: January 2012

Introduction

Adolescents with cerebral palsy often do not need a specific rehabilitative treatment; however, when specific needs are expressed, clinicians should listen and try to answer them.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 17-year-old Italian male patient with hemiplegia who had received standard physiotherapy and, ultimately, after a period of adapted physical activity performed in a group, was under consideration for discharge. However, due to unsatisfactory hand control, he asked for help to reach a personal goal, the ability to drive a motorbike, without surgery. Functional taping showed efficacy, but was neither cost-effective nor practical for the patient and his family; by contrast, a dynamic orthosis associated with training in a real-life environment was instead successful.

Conclusion

The present case underlines the importance of considering solutions involving the motivation and compliance of the patient in order to improve his activity and participation.
Molecular epidemiology of livestock rabies viruses isolated in the northeastern Brazilian states of Paraíba and Pernambuco from 2003 - 2009
Authors: Mochizuki Nobuyuki , Kawasaki Hiroyuki , Silva Maria LCR , Afonso José AB , Itou Takuya , Ito Fumio H , Sakai Takeo
Published: January 2012

Background

Limited or no epidemiological information has been reported for rabies viruses (RABVs) isolated from livestock in the northeastern Brazilian states of Paraíba (PB) and Pernambuco (PE). The aim of this study was to clarify the molecular epidemiology of RABVs circulating in livestock, especially cattle, in these areas between 2003 and 2009.

Findings

Phylogenetic analysis based on 890 nt of the nucleoprotein (N) gene revealed that the 52 livestock-derived RABV isolates characterized here belonged to a single lineage. These isolates clustered with a vampire bat-related RABV lineage previously identified in other states in Brazil; within PB and PE, this lineage was divided between the previously characterized main lineage and a novel sub-lineage.

Conclusions

The occurrences of livestock rabies in PB and PE originated from vampire bat RABVs, and the causative RABV lineage has been circulating in this area of northeastern Brazil for at least 7 years. This distribution pattern may correlate to that of a vampire bat population isolated by geographic barriers.
My patient has no blood pressure: point-of-care ultrasound in the hypotensive patient – FAST and RELIABLE
Authors: Liteplo Andrew , Noble Vicki , Atkinson Paul
Published: January 2012

There is perhaps no greater challenge to the emergency and critical care physician than management of the hypotensive patient. A rapid, yet accurate, assessment is essential in this clinical setting. Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) has evolved to become an indispensable test in the critical care and emergency setting. This article addresses the use of ultrasound in the evaluation of the hypotensive patient and reviews some of the scanning protocols and algorithms that have been described. We use the mnemonic FAST and RELIABLE to describe key aspects of PoCUS for undifferentiated hypotension.
Metallomic study of selenium biomolecules metabolized by the microalgae Chlorella sorkiniana in the biotechnological production of functional foods enriched in selenium
Authors: Gómez-Jacinto Veronica , García-Barrera Tamara , Garbayo Ines , Vílchez Carlos , Gómez-Ariza José Luis
Published: January 2012

The optimization of culture conditions for selenium (Se) bioaccumulation in the microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana growth in a Na2SeO4-enriched medium was explored, in order to obtain a suitable approach for the biotechnological production of a Se-enriched food. Se concentration (as Na2SeO4) in the culture medium until 100 μg ml–1 allows the growth of algae colonies during long periods of time, until 300 h, but higher concentrations cause the collapse of the colony. The bioaccumulation process causes a concentration of Se in algae in the order of 3 μg g–1 in about 100 h. A metallomic analytical approach based in the coupling high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS), which uses two chromatographic switched columns (C-18 and chiral columns) with ICP-MS detection, has been applied to characterize the different Se metabolites, including chiral forms, in both the algae and culture medium. The results reveal that selenate present in the culture is biotransformed in selenocystine (SeCys2), selenomethylselenocysteine (SeMeSeCys), and mainly selenomethionine (SeMet) by the algae, although appreciable concentration of Se(VI) is also present in cells. When algae are cultured under sulfur (S) deficiency conditions, the accumulation of Se in the cell is enhanced owing to the great chemical similarity between S and Se that promotes the substitution of S by Se in the cell metabolism, therefore, SeMet concentration in the algae increases from about 7 to 15 μg g–1 and Se(VI) from 15 to 25 μg g–1, after 500 h of exposure.
Quality of life is impaired in association with the need for prolonged postoperative therapy by somatostatin analogs in patients with acromegaly
Authors: Postma Mark R , Netea-Maier Romana T , van den Berg Gerrit , Homan Jens , Sluiter Wim J , Wagenmakers Margreet A , van den Bergh Alfons C M , Wolffenbuttel Bruce H R , Hermus Ad R M M , van Beek André P
Published: January 2012

Objective

To assess the influence of long-acting somatostatin analogs (SSTA) after initial pituitary surgery on long-term health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in relation to disease control in patients with acromegaly.

Design

This is a cross-sectional study in two tertiary referral centers in The Netherlands.

Patients and methods

One hundred and eight patients with acromegaly, in whom transsphenoidal (n=101, 94%) or transcranial (n=7, 6%) surgery was performed. Subsequently, 46 (43%) received additional radiotherapy and 41 (38%) were on postoperative treatment with SSTA because of persistent or recurrent disease at the time of study. All subjects filled in standardized questionnaires measuring HR-QoL. Disease control at the time of study was assessed by local IGF1 SDS.

Results

IGF1 SDS were slightly higher in patients treated with SSTA in comparison with patients without use of SSTA (0.85±1.52 vs 0.25±1.21, P=0.026), but the percentage of patients with insufficient control (IGF1 SDS >2) was not different (17 vs 9%, P=0.208). Patients using SSTA reported poorer scores on most subscales of the RAND-36 and the acromegaly QoL and on all subscales of the multidimensional fatigue inventory-20. A subgroup analysis in patients with similar IGF1 levels (SSTA+, n=26, IGF1 SDS 0.44±0.72 vs SSTA−, n=44, IGF1 SDS 0.41±0.65) revealed worse scores on physical functioning, physical fatigue, reduced activity, vitality, and general health perception across all HR-QoL questionnaires in patients treated with SSTA.

Conclusion

QoL is impaired in association with the need for prolonged postoperative therapy by SSTA in patients with acromegaly despite similar IGF1 levels.
Comparison of the US and Australian Cystic Fibrosis Registries: The Impact of Newborn Screening
Authors: Martin Bradley , Schechter Michael S. , Jaffe Adam , Cooper Peter , Bell Scott C. , Ranganathan Sarath
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

National data registries for cystic fibrosis (CF) enable comparison of health statistics between countries. We examined the US and Australian CF data registries to compare demographics, clinical practice and outcome measures.

METHODS:

We compared the 2003 US and Australian registries. Differences in pulmonary and growth outcomes were assessed by creating models controlling for differences in age, gender, genotype, and diagnosis after newborn screening.

RESULTS:

Data on 12 994 US and 1220 Australian patients aged ≤18 years were analyzed. A significant difference was noted in the proportion who had been diagnosed after newborn screening (Australian 65.8% vs United States 7.2%; P < .001). Australian children had significantly greater mean height percentile (41.0 vs 32.6; P < .001) and weight percentile (43.5 vs 36.1; P = .028) than US children. Mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) percent predicted adjusted for age, gender, and genotype was similar in the 2 countries (P = .80). Patients diagnosed after newborn screening had higher mean FEV1 (5.3 [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.6–7.0]) percent predicted and BMI (0.26 [95% CI: 0.09–0.43]). Mean FEV1 of Australian patients diagnosed after newborn screening was lower by 5.2 (95% CI: 2.8–7.6) percent predicted compared with US children.

CONCLUSIONS:

Children diagnosed with CF after newborn screening benefited from better lung function and BMI than those diagnosed clinically. The benefit of newborn screening on lung function was significantly less in Australian children compared with US children. Statistical comparisons between CF registries are feasible and can contribute to benchmarking and improvements in care.
Cardiac Screening Prior to Stimulant Treatment of ADHD: A Survey of US-Based Pediatricians
Authors: Leslie Laurel K. , Rodday Angie Mae , Saunders Tully S. , Cohen Joshua T. , Wong John B. , Parsons Susan K.
Published: January 2012

OBJECTIVES:

To determine pediatricians’ attitudes, barriers, and practices regarding cardiac screening before initiating treatment with stimulants for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

METHODS:

A survey of 1600 randomly selected, practicing US pediatricians with American Academy of Pediatrics membership was conducted. Multivariate models were created for 3 screening practices: (1) performing an in-depth cardiac history and physical (H & P) examination, (2) discussing potential stimulant-related cardiac risks, and (3) ordering an electrocardiogram (ECG).

RESULTS:

Of 817 respondents (51%), 525 (64%) met eligibility criteria. Regarding attitudes, pediatricians agreed that both the risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) (24%) and legal liability (30%) were sufficiently high to warrant cardiac assessment; 75% agreed that physicians were responsible for informing families about SCD risk. When identifying cardiac disorders, few (18%) recognized performing an in-depth cardiac H & P as a barrier; in contrast, 71% recognized interpreting a pediatric ECG as a barrier. When asked about cardiac screening practices before initiating stimulant treatment for a recent patient, 93% completed a routine H & P, 48% completed an in-depth cardiac H & P, and 15% ordered an ECG. Almost half (46%) reported discussing stimulant-related cardiac risks. Multivariate modeling indicated that ≥1 of these screening practices were associated with physicians’ attitudes about SCD risk, legal liability, their responsibility to inform about risk, their ability to perform an in-depth cardiac H & P, and family concerns about risk.

CONCLUSIONS:

Variable pediatrician attitudes and cardiac screening practices reflect the limited evidence base and conflicting guidelines regarding cardiac screening. Barriers to identifying cardiac disorders influence practice.
Late Intravenous Immunoglobulin Treatment in Patients With Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Muta Hiromi , Ishii Masahiro , Yashiro Mayumi , Uehara Ritei , Nakamura Yosikazu
Published: January 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment of Kawasaki disease ≥10 days after illness onset.

METHODS:

We selected patients initially treated with IVIG on days 11 to 20 in the database of the 20th nationwide survey in Japan. We then selected pair-matched control subjects of the same gender and age, who were initially treated with IVIG on days 4 to 8 with the same dose at the same institutions. We compared the proportions of additional treatments and coronary artery lesions (CALs) between the groups. We also compared fractional changes in various laboratory data before and after IVIG. Fractional change was defined as follows: (Y − X)/X, in which X represents the data before treatment and Y the data after treatment.

RESULTS:

One hundred fifty patients (75 pairs) were studied. The proportion of patients who received additional treatments among those given initial IVIG after days 10 was slightly lower than those treated earlier (12% vs 16%). The fractional changes in the white blood cell count, % neutrophils, and C-reactive protein were similar. Among all patients, the proportions of CALs during the convalescent phase were significantly higher in the late than in the early group (27% vs 1%). Among patients who had not developed CALs before initial treatment, the proportions with CALs during the acute phase were similar (8% vs 8%).

CONCLUSIONS:

IVIG treatment ≥10 days after illness onset achieves resolution of inflammation but was found to be insufficient for preventing CALs.
Genetic Causes of Macroglossia: Diagnostic Approach
Authors: Prada Carlos E. , Zarate Yuri A. , Hopkin Robert J.
Published: January 2012

OBJECTIVE:

Evaluate the contribution of standard diagnostic tests for macroglossia when clinical features are not suggestive of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS).

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis of data from clinical, laboratory, and imaging information from children with macroglossia seen at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center between 1997 and 2010 was performed.

RESULTS:

One hundred thirty-five children with macroglossia were identified. Macroglossia was the main reason for consultation in 84 children. Patients were classified on initial examination as isolated macroglossia (n = 24), provisional BWS (n = 36), and syndromic (n = 24). A final diagnosis was reached in 74 patients, and in 10 patients the reason for macroglossia remained undetermined. Among the elucidated cases, BWS was the most common cause of macroglossia (39/84). Six of the 24 patients in the isolated macroglossia group had an abnormal molecular test for BWS (P = .006). Thirteen diagnostic conditions were confirmed in this study, and 42% of the population had a specific diagnosis that was not BWS (35/84).

CONCLUSIONS:

These results can be used to improve our strategy in the evaluation of macroglossia. Distinction between isolated macroglossia and BWS may be difficult when only taking into account clinical features. These findings suggest that all patients with apparently isolated macroglossia have at least initial evaluation with abdominal ultrasounds and molecular studies for BWS before a final diagnosis is given. BWS was the most common cause of macroglossia even in the absence of additional clinical findings.
Strain Analysis of Copper Films During Wet-Chemical Deposition.
Authors: Brüning Ralf , Perry Laura K. , Muir Bruce , Abuzir Alaaedeen , Bamberg Simon , Friz Wolfgang , Dambrowsky Nina , Brüning Frank
Published: January 2012

Electroless (chemical) copper deposition, followed by electrolytic (galvanic) copper deposition, is used to construct electrical interconnects for electronic components on insulating substrate materials. As smooth substrates, such as glass or flexible materials like polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate, are used increasingly, achieving the required level of adhesion becomes more difficult. The film strain is one key variable that influences film adhesion. Standard X-ray diffraction based strain analysis was adapted for in situ strain monitoring during and after wet-chemical copper deposition. The results show that adding nickel suppresses an initial compressive strain that frequently appears in Ni-free baths. Adding ruthenium complexes to a standardized electroless copper formulation gradually shifts the strain from tensile to compressive. Spontaneous recrystallization at room temperature was monitored in detail for films obtained by direct current galvanic copper plating.
Escalada tarifária e exportações brasileiras da agroindústria do café e da soja
Authors: Rodrigues Francine Rossi , Burnquist Heloisa Lee , Costa Cinthia Cabral da
Published: January 2012

A escalada tarifária, em que o emprego de tarifas de importação sobre componentes ou matéria-prima é mais baixo e aumenta progressivamente para bens semifinais ou finais, estimula a importação de produtos primários em detrimento dos processados. Este artigo mensura os ganhos para o Brasil com a eliminação da escalada tarifária para produtos do café na União Européia (UE), e da soja na China e na UE, comparando esses resultados com os de uma redução da escalada proposta na Rodada Doha da OMC (Organização Mundial do Comércio). Para tanto, foram simuladas reduções tarifárias e quantificados os impactos comerciais com uma modelagem de equilíbrio parcial. Os resultados indicam que as negociações sob a rodada Doha da OMC poderão reduzir a escalada tarifária que incide sobre produtos do café na UE e da soja na China e na UE, no entanto sem a eliminar, para o que seriam necessários cortes tarifários mais elevados. Os impactos comerciais se mostraram maiores na simulação de eliminação da escalada tarifária do que na de uma redução, conforme esperado. Quantificou-se o volume de comércio que o Brasil deixaria de ganhar no caso da adoção da proposta de Doha para corte da escalada. Na UE, o aumento das importações dos produtos brasileiros processados do café e da soja poderia ser 75,4% maior com a eliminação da escalada tarifária do que com a redução conforme Doha.
As múltiplas funções da agricultura familiar: um estudo no assentamento Monte Alegre, região de Araraquara (SP)
Authors: Gavioli Felipe Rosafa , Costa Manoel Baltasar Baptista
Published: January 2012

A partir da emergência da ideia de sustentabilidade, a agricultura adquiriu novas conotações, associadas não apenas ao aspecto produtivo, mas também à conservação dos recursos naturais e dos territórios rurais, em um reconhecimento de sua multifuncionalidade. Com base nesta noção, que valoriza as funções socioambientais desempenhadas pelas famílias rurais e pelas agriculturas praticadas, o presente artigo analisa um assentamento rural no estado de São Paulo, buscando identificar quais são e de que forma se expressam as funções para além da produção neste território particular. Por meio de uma metodologia de cunho quali-quantitativo, observou-se que, no assentamento em foco, a agricultura encerra em si questões de coesão territorial, manutenção da segurança alimentar, conservação da agrobiodiversidade e de fomento a outras atividades produtivas, sendo o elemento central da reconstrução de um modo de vida rural neste ambiente.
Previsões para o mercado de carnes
Authors: Souza Geraldo da Silva e , Souza Mirian Oliveira de , Marques Daniela Vieira , Gazzola Rosaura , Marra Renner
Published: January 2012

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar projeções brasileiras de produção, consumo, exportação e preço médio de exportação para as carnes (bovina, suína e frango). As projeções foram geradas com a utilização da representação markoviana (espaço de estados) e do modelo autorregressivo integrado de médias móveis (Arima). Taxas anuais de crescimento também foram calculadas. As séries foram observadas no período 1972-2009, e a análise das previsões visa o período 2010-2020. As projeções dos produtos estão bem ajustadas às observações. De acordo com os resultados, o Brasil mostrou tendência de crescimento em todas as séries analisadas. A partir dessa análise, conclui-se que o mercado brasileiro de carnes indica boas perspectivas de crescimento e fortalecimento em termos mundiais, em especial para a carne de frango.
Expansão canavieira e ocupação formal em empresas sucroalcooleiras do Centro-Sul do Brasil, entre 2007 e 2009
Authors: Baccarin José Giacomo , Gebara José Jorge , Borges Júnior Júlio Cesar
Published: January 2012

Considerando-se a região Centro-Sul do Brasil e com base nos dados do Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego e do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento, comparou-se a evoluçãoda produção sucroalcooleira comonúmero e tipos de pessoas formalmente ocupadas em empresas do setor, de 2007 a 2009. Nas empresas dedicadas ao cultivo da cana-de-açúcar, o número de pessoas ocupadas caiu nesses três anos, enquanto aumentava nas empresas dedicadas à produção de açúcareetanol.Quantoàscategoriasdeocupação,constatou-seaumentononúmero de pessoas ocupadas em atividades industriais, administrativas, de apoio ou não sucroalcooleiras, enquanto diminuíam as pessoas ocupadas na agricultura. Neste caso, houve redução dos trabalhadores canavieiros não qualificados e crescimento dos trabalhadores da mecanização agrícola, fatos associados à intensificação da adoção da colheita mecânica de cana-de-açúcar. Não ocorreu mudança expressiva na sazonalidade de emprego dos trabalhadores canavieiros não qualificados, que permaneceu muito alta. O aumento mais intenso da produção do que do número de pessoas ocupadas refletiu em indicadores de produtividade, com crescimento da relação da produção de cana-de-açúcar, tanto com o total de pessoas ocupadas, quanto com o número de trabalhadores canavieiros não qualificados. Também foi constatada redução significativa na relação desse grupo de trabalhadores com a área colhida com cana-de-açúcar.
Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of novel tetrabromo-α,α’-bis(substituted-benzyl)cycloalkanones
Authors: Motiur Rahman , Alam Sayed , Kadi Adnan
Published: January 2012

A series of novel tetrabromo-?,??-bis(substituted-benzyl)-cycloalkanones
have been synthesized through a rapid, simple, and efficient methodology in
an excellent isolated yield and characterized via IR, NMR (1H 13C NMR,
DEPT135, DEPT90) and Mass spectrometry. All compounds have been assayed for
in vitro antimicrobial activities against eight bacteria, e. g.
Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Listeria monocytogenes,
Salmonella enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes,
Salmonella typhimurium, and Escherichia coli and five fungi e.g. Botrytis
cinerea, Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Sclerotonia sclerotiorum,
and Phytophthora capsici. They showed strong antibacterial activity than
antifungal activities. Compounds 4c, 4d and 4i containing methoxy or chloro
substituent on the para or meta position of the phenyl ring showed comparable
MIC values to streptomycin and tetracycline standard antibiotics. Among all
the tested compounds 4i exhibited good to moderate antifungal activity
against all fungal strains used in the present study.
Experimental verification of stress-wave bands and negative phase velocity in layered media
Authors: Amirkhizi Alireza , Nemat-Nasser Sia
Published: January 2012

Based on a robust numerical method for calculation of band structure for
stress-waves in heterogeneous media, a layered composite was designed and
fabricated. It is shown that in the second pass band of this simple 2-phase
layered structure, the direction of the energy flow is opposite that of the
phase velocity. The ultrasonic stress-wave transmission through multiple
thicknesses of this structure was studied experimentally and various
quantities, such as band structure, phase velocity, group velocity, and a
representation of the velocity of energy propagation were measured and
compared with numerical predictions. The numerical calculations are based on
hybrid (mixed min-max) variational principles presented previously by
Nemat-Nasser and coworkers. In the cases where a closed form solution exists,
the numerical results of this method agree very accurately with the results
of the exact solution. Furthermore, the computational efficiency of the mixed
variational method renders it an excellent tool for design and analysis of
stress-wave propagation in heterogeneous media.
Finite elastic-plastic deformations: Beyond the plastic spin
Authors: Dafalias Yannis
Published: January 2012

One important aspect of finite elastic-plastic deformation constitutive
theories is addressed in this work, namely the appropriate embedding of
tensor-valued internal variables into the plastic deformation continuum
description, which has been called physico-geometrical coupling reflecting
the relation between geometry of deformation and the physical nature of an
internal variable. In the past it was assumed hat such embedding was
co-rotational with a material substructure, rotating independently from the
continuum, which required the introduction of the concepts of constitutive
and plastic spins for each internal variable. This assumption is now extended
to cases where the embedding is convected with the plastic deformation, and
it is possible to obtain a common formulation for both rotational and
convected embeddings. Explicit expressions are obtained for the plastic
multiplier (or loading index) from the consistency condition and the free
energy function, making use of certain analytical properties of isotropic
scalar and tensor valued functions of scalar and tensor-valued variables,
such isotropy arising from the need to satisfy objectivity.
Stochastic finite elements: Where is the physics?
Authors: Ostoja-Starzewski Martin
Published: January 2012

The micromechanics based on the Hill-Mandel condition indicates that the
majority of stochastic finite element methods hinge on random field (RF)
models of material properties (such as Hooke?s law) having no physical
content, or even at odds with physics. At the same time, that condition
allows one to set up the RFs of stiffness and compliance tensors in function
of the mesoscale and actual random microstructure of the given material. The
mesoscale is defined through a Statistical Volume Element (SVE), i.e. a
material domain below the Representative Volume Element (RVE) level. The
paper outlines a procedure for stochastic scale-dependent homogenization
leading to a determination of mesoscale one-point and two-point statistics
and, thus, a construction of analytical RF models.
Investors' Perceptions of Audit Quality: Effects of Regulatory Change
Authors: Smith Jason L.
Published: January 2012

In an experiment using M.B.A. students as proxies for individual investors, I examine the effects of two important regulatory changes on investors' perceptions of audit quality. The first change examined is from a bottom-up coverage-based approach for auditing internal controls to a more top-down risk-based approach. The second change is litigation reform further limiting auditor liability exposure following an alleged audit failure. I find that investors perceive a reduction in audit quality following each of the two regulatory changes. These observed effects are mediated by a perceived focus on efficiency for the new auditing standard and by a perceived change in the auditor's economic incentives following the proposed litigation reform. I also find that investors believe the perceived reduction in audit quality will lead management to invest fewer resources in internal controls.

Data Availability:  Contact the author.
Empowerment Through Knowledge of Accounting and Related Disciplines: Participatory Action Research in an African Village
Authors: Chung Janne O. Y. , Windsor Carolyn A.
Published: January 2012

Accounting scholars are challenged to discover ways to facilitate a broader engagement with the oppressed and poor toward a more just and fair world. This paper reports an interaction between an accounting educator and disadvantaged Kenyan villagers in an exploratory attempt to expand the reach of critical accounting research from the confines of academia to practice. In Africa, the end of colonialism left widespread poverty that was exacerbated by illiteracy and ignorance. At the same time, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) required newly independent African states to implement neo-liberal-inspired policies that weakened state social governance. This, in turn, led to the growth of religious and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) whose policies aimed to fill the gaps in government social services that alleviate inequities. Ignorance enslaves, but knowledge—including knowledge of accounting and financial systems—will empower the poor to evaluate the motives, desirability, and achievements of governmental and NGO services and programs introduced to ease poverty. The specific aim of this modest, grassroots intervention was to share financial knowledge with members of a church in Bungoma, a poor region in Northwestern Kenya. This participatory action research (PAR) intervention was carefully implemented to respect the values and culture of the village participants, and avoided Western values and praxis to maintain the villagers' status quo. Instead, the accounting educator introduced empathetic learning by relating accounting principles to the Christian values of the villagers. The paper concludes with a discussion on the outcomes and limitations of this intervention.