bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of atmospheric aerosols on precipitation from deep organized convection: A prescribed‐flow model study using double‐moment bulk microphysics
Authors: Slawinska Joanna , Grabowski Wojciech W. , Morrison Hugh
Published: August 2009

This note discusses the results of numerical simulations in which a prescribed‐flow model is merged with a double‐moment warm‐rain and ice microphysics scheme to investigate the impact of microphysical processes on precipitation from deep organized convection. The prescribed two‐dimensional flow mimics an idealized squall line, with a narrow region of strong convective updraft and much wider region of weak stratiform updraft overlaying a stratiform downdraft. To cover the broad range of conditions that are possible for a squall line as well as to explore precipitation dependence on different parameters, 25 pairs of simulations are performed. Simulated cases differ in the dynamics (e.g. changing the updraft strength or large‐scale shear), thermodynamics (e.g. changing the inflow sounding) or microphysics (e.g. changing the collision efficiencies). Each pair features cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) in either a pristine or polluted environment. Total surface precipitation and partitioning between convective and stratiform precipitation in each pair appears to be almost the same, with the difference being typically a few tenths of 1%. However, the dynamical and thermodynamical parameters do affect the precipitation significantly. It follows that the surface precipitation from organized convection can differ between pristine and polluted environments only through the feedback of CCN on cloud dynamics. In this feedback, small differences in the latent heating for the same flow pattern lead to different flow patterns in subsequent squall‐line evolution. Details of this feedback need to be investigated using a dynamical model. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Study of latent fingermarks by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry imaging of endogenous lipids
Authors: Wolstenholme Rosalind , Bradshaw Robert , Clench Malcolm R. , Francese Simona
Published: August 2009

Identification of suspects via fingermark analysis is one of the mainstays of forensic science. The success in matching fingermarks, using conventional fingermark scanning and database searching, strongly relies on the enhancement method adopted for fingermark recovery; this in turn depends on the components present in the fingermarks, which will change over time. This work aims to develop a robust methodology for improved analytical detection of the fingermark components. For the first time, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI) has been used to image endogenous lipids from fresh and aged, groomed and ungroomed fingermarks. The methodology was initially developed using oleic acid which was detected along with its degradation products over a 7‐day period, at three different temperatures in a time‐course experiment. The optimised methodology was then transferred to the imaging analysis of real fingermark samples. Fingermark patterns were reconstructed by retrieving the m/z values of oleic acid and its degradation products. This allowed the three aged fingermarks to be distinguished. In order to prove that MALDI‐MSI can be used in a non‐destructive way, a simple washing protocol was adopted which returned a fingermark that could be further investigated with classical forensic approaches. The work reported here proves the potential and the feasibility of MALDI‐MSI for the forensic analysis of fingermarks, thus making it competitive with other MSI techniques such as desorption electrospray ionisation (DESI)‐MS. The feasibility of using MALDI‐MSI in fingermark ageing studies is also demonstrated along with the potential to be integrated into routine fingermark forensic analysis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychophysiological characteristics of women suffering from stress‐related fatigue
Authors: Olsson Erik M. G. , Roth Walton T. , Melin Lennart
Published: August 2009

Stress‐related fatigue has been attributed to excessive sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activation, but findings have been equivocal as to whether the HPA axis or the autonomic nervous system (ANS) are affected in this condition and how. Whether task performance deficits are associated with this condition is also uncertain. The present study investigated possible differences between women with stress‐related fatigue and healthy women in heart rate variability (HRV) and other autonomic and respiratory measures, task performance and in salivary cortisol response to awakening. Thirty‐six women with stress‐related fatigue were compared with 19 female healthy controls matched in age. Four indices of HRV and other autonomic and respiratory measures were recorded during baseline, task performance and relaxation phases of a laboratory session. Saliva cortisol was measured four times during the hour after awakening. The fatigued group showed less HRV in three measures, higher temperature, lower O2 saturation at the surface of the finger, lower end‐tidal pCO2, and greater cortisol response. This group responded faster on the task but with more errors. Women with stress‐related fatigue show signs of hyperarousal on ANS, respiratory and HPA axis measures. The lower HRV may indicate greater cardiovascular risk. Results for task performance confirm subjectively reported deficits. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moderating effects of DRD2 on depression
Authors: Vaske Jamie , Beaver Kevin M. , Wright John Paul , Boisvert Danielle , Makarios Matthew
Published: August 2009

The current study examined whether a dopamine receptor gene (DRD2) TaqIA polymorphism and a serotonin transporter polymorphism (5HTTLPR) moderate the effects of stressful life events on depression, and whether these interaction effects vary by type of stressor. In addition, individuals' responses to stressful life circumstances might vary by genotype, gender, and/or race. A sample of 2,023 participants from waves II and III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) submitted buccal cells for genotyping and completed self‐report surveys that inquired about their victimization and depressive symptoms. Results showed that the DRD2 TaqI polymorphism interacts with specific types of stressful life circumstances, and these results vary across gender and race subgroups. More specifically, the DRD2 polymorphism interacts with witnessed violence to predict higher levels of depressive symptoms among African American females. The DRD2 polymorphism does not moderate the effects of stressful life circumstances on depressive symptoms for White females, White males, or African American males. 5HTTLPR does not moderate the effects of stressful life circumstances on depression in the current study for any of the gender–race subgroups. These findings suggested that the interactive effects of the DRD2 TaqI polymorphism and stressful life circumstances on depressive symptoms might vary by type of stressor, and by ethnicity and gender. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seasonal changes of the at‐sea distribution and food provisioning in rhinoceros auklets
Authors: Deguchi Tomohiro , Wada Akihiko , Watanuki Yutaka , Osa Yuichi
Published: August 2009

Central‐place foraging seabirds increase food‐loads and decrease meal frequency when they forage in areas that are distant from the breeding colony. In 2001–2002, we studied the seasonal changes in at‐sea distribution, food‐load mass, meal frequency, and fledging mass in rhinoceros auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata), which forage in coastal waters during the day and feed their chicks at night. In both years, greater numbers of auklets were observed flying in northern waters that are more distant from the colony in June (65 km) and July (65–66 km) than in May (38–47 km). In July of both years, many auklets flew northward across the transect set 65–120 km north of the colony at sunrise; the birds returned south again at sunset, indicating that they foraged in waters outside the study area. This seasonal northward movement of the foraging area may reflect the migration of their main prey item, the Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonicus), which move with the Tsushima Warm Current flowing from the southern Sea of Japan. Food‐load mass did not increase seasonally. In both years, the estimated daily meal frequency was lower in July than in May or June, partly because of the increased foraging distance in July. Late‐hatched chicks also displayed lighter fledging masses than early chicks in both years. We suggest that late breeders are required to forage at great distances for longer periods, which may result in decreased meal frequency and lighter fledging mass of their chicks.
The Relationship among African American Male Earnings, Employment, Incarceration and Immigration in the United States: A Time Series Approach
Authors: Stevans Lonnie K.
Published: August 2009

The advent of rising immigration has spurred research into a number of important issues insofar as the indigenous labor market is concerned. Some of these issues regarding the nature of the effect on native workers have been studied extensively. Others, like the interrelationships among immigration flows, African-American male earnings, employment, and incarceration rates have not been widely examined. In this paper, the association among these non-stationary variables is studied in the framework of a Vector Error Correction model and its associated cointegrating relationship. We find no statistically significant association among immigration, Black male employment rates, and Black male incarceration rates over the period 1961–2008, ceteris paribus.
Repeated ethanol exposure during adolescence alters the developmental trajectory of dopaminergic output from the nucleus accumbens septi
Authors: Philpot Rex M. , Wecker Lynn , Kirstein Cheryl L.
Published: August 2009

Individuals who begin using alcohol prior to 14 years of age are 4 times more likely to progress to addiction than those who do not initiate use until 21 years of age. The nucleus accumbens septi undergoes dramatic developmental transitions during the adolescent period, and dopaminergic activity within this region has been identified as a central neurochemical mediator of drug reward, addiction and dependence. Thus, alcohol‐induced neurochemical alterations in dopaminergic activity within this brain region likely mediate the heightened vulnerability to addiction observed in adolescent alcohol users. To investigate this idea, Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to intraperitoneal injections of either saline or ethanol (0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 g/kg) twice daily over four days beginning on postnatal day 21, 31, 41 or 56. Cannulas were implanted toward the nucleus accumbens septi, subsequent in vivo microdialysis was used to collect samples, and both basal and ethanol‐stimulated dopamine overflow was measured using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. A developmental transition in basal levels of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens septi was apparent with peak levels at postnatal day 45. An ethanol challenge produced unique responses across ages, with greater peak effects relative to baseline in younger animals (postnatal day 25 and 35). Following repeated exposure to ethanol, a significant increase in basal dopamine was apparent for all ages, and when these animals were challenged with ethanol, peak effects relative to baseline were decreased in younger animals, but unchanged in older animals (postnatal day 45 and 60). Results indicate that there is a key developmental transition in the ability of rats to adapt to the effects of repeated ethanol exposure, which occurs between postnatal day 35 and 45. This alteration may explain the increased addiction vulnerability observed in individuals who initiate alcohol use during early adolescence.
Weight Loss in the Elderly Cat: Appetite is Fine, and Everything Looks Normal …
Authors: Caney Sarah
Published: August 2009

Practical relevance Improvements in general health care and nutrition have meant that more cats are living to an advanced age. Weight loss is one of the most common presenting signs in the older cat. Many causes of weight loss in older cats are at least amenable to supportive care and some are curable.

Clinical challenges Weight loss is a non-specific change and, while often a sensitive indicator of ill health, does not readily point to the diagnosis. Careful history taking and physical examination may indicate a specific cause but, as discussed in this article, further tests are generally required to confirm the diagnosis. In those cats where common causes of weight loss have been eliminated by initial tests, it is often harder to reach a diagnosis. A logical approach to case-solving is required, making use of imaging and advanced laboratory tests. Occult gastrointestinal disease should be suspected and investigated in cats where another cause of weight loss cannot be found.

Patient group While the average lifespan of a pet cat is probably around 13–14 years, many will live longer than this if well cared for, and some considerably longer. Recently, the life stages have been redefined to help predict the changes that might be occurring in terms of a cat's physical and mental health. Cats are considered ‘senior’ at 11–14 years old and ‘geriatric’ at 15 years and above.

Audience Geriatric medicine is forming an increasing part of the case load of first opinion and many referral veterinarians. Weight loss is common in older cats and is often the result of several, sometimes interacting, conditions.
Intensive, Extensive, Expensive: Management of Distal Limb Shearing Injuries in Cats
Authors: Corr Sandra
Published: August 2009

Practical relevance Cats often present with distal limb shearing injuries as a result of road traffic accidents (RTAs). Many apparently unsalvageable limbs can be saved through intensive and appropriate early treatment if the basic principles of good wound management are followed.

Clinical challenges When a limb is crushed under the wheel of a car, the skin, soft tissues and bone can be injured in a variety of ways, and the wounds are invariably heavily contaminated. Management of such cases is intensive, extensive and expensive. As well as the client's financial constraints, the ethics of prolonged treatment versus the alternative of amputation should be carefully considered. This article reviews the priorities for managing these cases, and presents a logical approach for achieving optimal outcomes.

Patient group Any cat allowed access to the outdoors is potentially at risk of sustaining RTA injuries, young cats particularly so.

Evidence base Many textbooks and original articles have been published on aspects of managing soft tissue injuries and skin grafting. To the author's knowledge, only two peer-reviewed papers have dealt specifically with shearing injuries, both presenting a retrospective analysis of cases in dogs. The prognosis is rarely determined by the extent of superficial skin loss, but rather by the underlying soft tissue and bone damage.
Hyperaldosteronism and Hyperprogesteronism in a Cat
Authors: Briscoe Katherine , Barrs Vanessa R , Foster Darren F , Beatty Julia A
Published: August 2009

Clinical findings and investigations A 14-year-old female neutered domestic shorthair cat was referred for investigation of progressive hair loss, muscle wasting and hind limb weakness. Diabetes mellitus had been diagnosed 8 months earlier and was well controlled. Abnormalities on serum biochemistry included persistent mild azotaemia, hypochloridaemia, hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis and elevated creatine kinase. Physical examination revealed a pot-bellied appearance, with muscle wasting, marked thinning and fragility of the skin, bilaterally symmetrical alopecia, a gallop rhythm and systolic hypertension (173 mmHg). A large, lobulated left adrenal mass was identified using abdominal ultrasound.

Confirmation of diagnosis Primary hyperaldosteronism was diagnosed based on an elevated plasma aldosterone concentration and normal plasma renin activity. Hyperprogesteronism was confirmed by adrenocorticotrophic hormone stimulation test.

Practical relevance This is only the second reported case of hyperaldosteronism and hyperprogesteronism in the cat. Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of concurrent hyperaldosteronism and hyperprogesteronism in cats with adrenal tumours showing clinical signs referable to both conditions. The putative mechanism is either increased secretion of aldosterone and progesterone from neoplastic cells of the zona glomerulosa and fasciculata/reticularis, respectively, or increased production of progesterone, as an intermediate in the synthesis of aldosterone, from neoplastic cells of the zona glomerulosa alone.
American Association of Feline Practitioners: Senior Care Guidelines
Authors: Pittari Jeanne , RodaN Ilona , Beekman Gerard , Gunn-Moore Daniélle , Polzin David , Taboada Joseph , Tuzio Helen , Zoran Debra
Published: August 2009

Background Cats are the most popular pet in the United States and much of Northern Europe. Although 78% of owners consider their cats to be family members, many cats, particularly seniors, do not receive appropriate preventive care. 1 – 3 One of the main obstacles to owner compliance is the lack of a clear recommendation by the veterinary team. 4 Guidelines can help veterinarians to minimize this obstacle, strengthen the human-pet-veterinary bond, and improve the quality of life of cats.

Goals The goals of this article are to assist veterinarians to: Deliver consistent high-quality care to senior cats. Promote longevity and improve the quality of life of senior cats by: recognizing and controlling health risk factors; facilitating and promoting early detection of disease; improving or maintaining residual organ function; and delaying the progression of common conditions. Define aspects of screening, diagnosis, treatment and anesthesia of senior cats.
Failures in Stapedotomy for Otosclerosis
Authors: Babighian Gregorio G. , Albu Silviu
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE

To review the results of 78 revision stapedotomies, determining the causes of failure and the predictors of surgical success.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with chart review.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Seventy‐eight operations were performed in a tertiary referral center on 72 patients between 1995 and 2005. Indication for surgery was recurrent or persistent conductive hearing loss.

RESULTS

The most common causes of failure were prosthesis displacement, incus necrosis, and oval window fibrosis. Postoperative air‐bone gap was closed to within 10 dB in 54 percent of cases, and mean postoperative air‐bone gap was 13.6 dB. Over‐closure occurred in five percent of cases, sensorineural hearing loss in six percent of cases, and we had one postoperative dead ear. Success rates were higher in cases presenting prosthesis or ossicular malfunction than in cases with oval window problems. Hearing results did not differ if the prosthesis was crimped to either the malleus or the remnant of the long incudal process. Outcomes were similar for local or general anesthesia, and the nitinol piston did not significantly improve the hearing results.

CONCLUSION

Revision stapedotomy is less successful than primary procedure. Lessening the surgical trauma provides the most favorable results.
Differential Proteomic Analysis of Nasal Polyps, Chronic Sinusitis, and Normal Nasal Mucosa Tissues
Authors: Min‐man Wu , Hong Sun , Zhi‐qiang Xiao , Xue‐ping Feng , Chang‐qi Li , Dan Liu
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE

To compare protein expression in nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, and normal nasal mucosa tissues using proteomic technology.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional survey.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Proteins extracted from the three kinds of tissues (seven samples per group) were separated by immobilized pH4–7 gradient two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE). PDQuest software was used to analyze 2‐DE images, and the differentially expressed protein spots were identified with the use of both MALDI‐TOF‐MS and ESI‐Q‐TOF‐MS. Of the differentially expressed proteins, Cu/ZnSOD and PLUNC were validated with the use of immunohistochemical tests.

RESULTS

High‐resolution, reproducible 2‐DE patterns were obtained, and 30 differentially expressed protein spots were found. The intensity of Cu/ZnSOD and PLUNC differed significantly on immunohistochemical validation.

CONCLUSION

These differentially expressed proteins are involved in airway inflammatory reaction, immune response, oxidative stress, and metabolic reaction after exposure to irritants. In the future, several of these proteins may prove useful for exploring the pathogenesis of nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis or as objective biomarkers for quantitatively monitoring disease progression or response to therapy.
Regional Variations in Chronic Rhinosinusitis, 2003–2006
Authors: Smith Wendy M. , Davidson Terence M. , Murphy Claire
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVES

1. Characterize patient visits for chronic rhinosinusitis on the basis of age, gender, race, diagnostic services, and medication use. 2. Evaluate regional differences in patient visits for chronic rhinosinusitis.

STUDY DESIGN

Analysis of cross‐sectional survey data from two national databases of ambulatory medical encounters.

SETTING

Not applicable.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Four years (2003–2006) of data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were analyzed. Visits involving chronic rhinosinusitis were identified by using reported diagnostic codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision. They were weighted to provide national estimates of care. Data were analyzed with the Pearson χ2 test using the SPSS 16.2 Complex Samples Module, taking into account the complex survey design and multiple time periods.

RESULTS

A total of 4617 patient visits for chronic rhinosinusitis were identified, accounting for 1.95 percent of all visits. With the application of weights to this sample, these visits represent 91.2 million national visits. A significantly higher proportion of visits in the South involved African Americans (Pearson χ2 = 69.5, F = 6.7, df = 2.8, 2118, P < 0.01). Significantly fewer diagnostic services were provided or ordered in the Northeast (Pearson χ2 = 64.8, F = 4.0, df = 4.3, 3247, P < 0.01). Providers in the Northeast were also significantly less likely to order or renew more than three medications at the visit (Pearson χ2 = 54.0, F = 3.1, df = 2.6, 1930, P < 0.05). No regional differences were seen for age, gender, or setting type.

CONCLUSION

Significant regional variations exist for chronic rhinosinusitis in patient demographics, diagnosis, and management. Continuing research is needed to refine physician awareness, evaluation, and treatment of this disorder.
Sclerotherapy of Branchial Cleft Cysts Using OK‐432
Authors: Kim Myung‐Gu , Lee No‐Hee , Ban Jae‐Ho , Lee Kyung‐Chul , Jin Sung‐Min , Lee Sang‐Hyuk
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVES

OK‐432 has been widely used to treat lymphangioma and ranula; however, there are few studies for its use in treatment of branchial cleft cyst (BCC). We conducted this study to evaluate the effectiveness of sclerotherapy using OK‐432 in treatment of BCC.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Case series with planned data collection.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

From 2004 to 2007, we treated 23 patients with BCC using OK‐432 sclerotherapy. Of these 23 patients, 18 had unilocular cysts and five had multilocular cysts. The sizes of the BCCs were measured and compared before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 23 cases, 14 (60.8%) showed complete regression; all of these were unilocular cysts. Of the remaining individuals with unilocular cysts, only one patient failed to show any response. This individual subsequently underwent surgical excision. A total of five patients with multilocular cysts showed no or partial response and subsequently underwent surgical excision. Minor adverse effects including fever and local pain were reported by 13 (56.5%) patients.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that sclerotherapy using OK‐432 is an effective and safe treatment modality for BCC, especially for unilocular cysts. Sclerosing of unilocular BCC with OK‐432 should therefore be considered before surgical excision.
The Medial wall of the Jugular Foramen
Authors: Keles Bahar , Semaan Maroun T. , Fayad Jose N.
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE

To better understand the variable and complex anatomy of the jugular foramen (JF) and the relationship between the neurovascular structures in the medial wall of the jugular bulb (JB).

STUDY DESIGN

A temporal bone anatomic study.

SETTING

A temporal bone laboratory within a hearing research facility.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Twenty‐two temporal bones were dissected under the operating microscope. The JF anatomy was exposed by using the modified infratemporal fossa approach (no rerouting of the facial nerve). Pictures were taken at various intervals during the dissection. Distances between important structures were measured with two‐point calipers and transferred to a millimetric scale.

RESULTS

The right JF was found to be larger than the left side in 72.7 percent of the dissected temporal bones. A fibrous septum separated the glossopharyngeal (CN IX) from the vagus (CN X) and accessory (CN XI) nerves in 19 specimens (86.4%), and a complete bony septum was present in three specimens (13.6%). The CNs IX, X, and XI traveled anteromedially to the JB within the JF. The inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) drained into the medial wall of the JB at various locations by two or more channels. In most of the specimens (86.4%), the IPS separated CNs IX and X.

CONCLUSION

The lower cranial nerves have an intimate relationship to the medial wall of the JB. Within the JF, the neurovascular structures vary in size, shape, and location. To minimize surgical morbidity, the surgeon should be familiar with the complex anatomy of the JB and its variations.
A novel Split‐Thickness Skin Graft Donor Site
Authors: Ghanem Tamer A. , Wax Mark K.
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE

To eliminate morbidity of the thigh split‐thickness skin graft (STSG) donor site in forearm flaps, the feasibility of harvesting from an alternate site was assessed.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with planned data collection.

SETTING

A tertiary care academic setting.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Data were collected from patients undergoing forearm flap reconstruction over 13 months. The forearm flap harvesting procedure was modified to incorporate STSG harvest directly from the flap skin paddle.

RESULTS

There were 66 patients in this cohort, with mean age of 62.6 years. There were 58 fasciocutaneous radial forearm free flaps (RFFFs), three osteocutaneous RFFF, three ulnar flaps, and two reverse‐flow RFFFs. The majority of flaps were used for mucosal coverage (n = 54), but 12 flaps were used for external skin coverage. The mean forearm defect was 36.5 cm2 (12–77 cm2). Harvesting from the forearm skin paddle was successful in 64 patients (97%). Two patients required a thigh STSG; both patients were octogenarians with frail skin.

CONCLUSION

A thigh STSG donor site, with its associated morbidities, can be eliminated in 97 percent of patients undergoing forearm flaps. Older patients with frail skin may require a thigh donor site.
The Significance of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Benign Vocal Mucosal Lesions
Authors: Chung Jae Ho , Tae Kyung , Lee Yong Seop , Jeong Jin Hyeok , Cho Seok Hyun , Kim Kyung Rae , Park Chul Won , Han Dong Soo
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE

To determine the significance of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in benign vocal mucosal lesions.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A case‐control study at the tertiary referral medical center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

From April 2003 to December 2006, we studied 110 patients with benign vocal mucosal lesions who had undergone 24‐hour ambulatory double pH monitoring. The control group included 200 patients who had undergone ambulatory 24‐hour double‐probe pH monitoring due to laryngopharyngeal reflux‐related symptoms without specific findings of benign vocal mucosal lesions. Reflux symptom index and reflux finding score were measured. We compared the prevalence of pathologic laryngopharyngeal reflux and various parameters of the pH monitoring such as total reflux number, fraction time of pH below 4 in various positions, and DeMeester scores.

RESULTS

The prevalence of pathologic laryngopharyngeal reflux was 65 percent in the control group, 66 percent in vocal nodule group, 75 percent in the vocal polyp group, and 90 percent in the Reinke's edema group. Patients with Reinke's edema had a significantly higher prevalence of pathologic laryngopharyngeal reflux than controls (P = 0.016). LPR was associated with a significantly increased risk of Reinke's edema (odds ratio: 4.846, 95% confidence interval 1.093∼21.492). Total reflux number and DeMeester scores in the Reinke's edema group and fraction time of pH below 4 in the supine position in the vocal polyp group were significantly higher than those in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Laryngopharyngeal reflux might play a role as an etiologic factor in Reinke's edema and vocal polyps.
Outcomes of Sinus Surgery in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Khalid Ayesha N. , Mace Jess , Smith Timothy L.
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVES

Adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) represent a challenging subset of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). While data suggest that endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) may benefit pediatric CF patients, there remains a paucity of data regarding the impact of endoscopic sinus surgery on adult CF patients with CRS. Our purpose was to evaluate objective and quality‐of‐life measures in adult CF patients with CRS following ESS.

STUDY DESIGN

Nested case‐control study.

SETTING

Tertiary care center.

METHODS

Twenty patients with CF were evaluated and matched to 20 controls without concomitant CF. Preoperative CT and preoperative/postoperative endoscopic findings were recorded as objective measures. Changes in two disease‐specific quality‐of‐life (QoL) instruments were also evaluated both preoperatively and postoperatively.

RESULTS

Mean postoperative follow‐up was similar for cases and controls (13.1 ± 7.9 months vs 14.0 ± 6.0 months, respectively). Preoperative CT scores (16.9 ± 4.5 vs 10.9 ± 5.9, P = 0.001) and endoscopy scores (9.3 ± 5.8 vs 5.7 ± 4.6, P = 0.049) were significantly worse in CF patients. Postoperative endoscopy scores were significantly worse for CRS patients with CF (P = 0.001), although the degree of improvement on endoscopy within each group was no different (P = 0.071). Additionally, both groups experienced similar improvement in QoL after ESS (all P ≥ 0.134).

CONCLUSIONS

While baseline measures of disease severity are worse in the CF population, our data support objective and QoL improvements for adult patients with comorbid CF comparable to patients without CF.
Inequality and Democracy: Why Inequality Harms Consolidation but Does Not Affect Democratization
Authors: Houle Christian
Published: August 2009

Under what conditions do democracies emerge and consolidate? Recent theories suggest that inequality is among the leading determinants of both democratization and consolidation. By contrast, this article argues that inequality harms consolidation but has no net effect on democratization. The author shows that the existing theories that link inequality to democratization suffer from serious limitations: (1) they are useful only for understanding transitions from below and thus do not apply to many other transitions (that is, those from above); (2) even for democratization from below, their predictions are unlikely to hold, since inequality actually has two opposite effects; and (3) they ignore collective action problems, which reduces their explanatory power. However, these objections do not affect the relationship between inequality and consolidation. In particular, while inequality has two opposite effects on the probability of transition to democracy, it unambiguously increases the probability of transition away from democracy. This article conducts the most comprehensive empirical test to date of the relationship between inequality and democracy. It finds no support for the main democratization theories. Contrary to what they predict, estimation suggests neither a monotonic negative nor an inverted U-shaped relationship. Yet inequality increases the probability of backsliding from democracy to dictatorship.
National Design and State Building in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Thies Cameron G.
Published: August 2009

This article examines the political geography of state building in contemporary sub-Saharan Africa. The absence of interstate war has produced a unique situation for contemporary state builders in Africa—they have inherited states with relatively fixed borders encapsulating a variety of environmental and geographic conditions, compounded by varying distributions of population densities. The author examines the effects of a variety of strategies that African rulers have employed to enhance their state-building efforts given the type of national design they inhabit. These strategies include the allocation of citizenship, interventions in land tenure patterns, and the adoption and management of national currencies. The author tests the effects of these strategies on several dimensions of state capacity in sub-Saharan Africa from 1960 to 2004 using a variety of statistical analyses. The results indicate that the strategies currently adopted by African rulers have generally failed to substantially augment their capacity.
The Real but Limited Influence of Expert Ideas
Authors: Lindvall Johannes
Published: August 2009

A number of influential studies in political science argue that important economic policy changes in the rich democracies since the mid-1970s were caused by the introduction of new economic ideas. This article claims that while experts exert strong influence over the selection of policy instruments, their influence over the formulation of policy objectives is much weaker. In the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, the predominance of Keynesianism in Austria and Denmark did not lead Austrian and Danish governments to maintain low unemployment longer than Sweden, where Keynesianism was less strong. But it did lead them to regard fiscal policy as an instrument that can be used to control the level of activity in the economy, while their Swedish counterparts relied instead on exchange rate and monetary policy.
The Political Economy of Global Finance Capital
Authors: Deeg Richard , O'Sullivan Mary A.
Published: August 2009

The globalization of finance in recent years and the concurrent growth in the financial sector's influence, manifested most dramatically in the recent financial crisis, highlights the importance for political scientists of understanding the political economy of global finance. The authors review six important books that are representative of recent thinking by political scientists on the topic. They address the central questions that have been at the heart of the literature on global finance from its beginning in new and interesting ways. The most important developments highlighted in this article are the move from a predominant focus on state-centered patterns of regulation to the consideration of transnational governance regimes that mix public and private regulation; the effort to understand the causal forces that shape the political economy of global finance by allowing for an interaction among interests, institutions, and ideas; and giving increased attention to new sources of systemic risk in the global financial system, as well to the consequences for domestic politics of interactions with the global financial system. Notwithstanding the progress that has been made in coming to grips with the political economy of global finance, the authors highlight a number of questions that need to be addressed in future research. Although various nonstate actors have been recognized as important in the constitution of the rules of global finance, it is also necessary to understand the behavior of the actors who enact these rules. It is also important to generate evidence that forges some agreement on the causes of the globalization of finance, especially as the arguments made become more complex. Finally, there is a need for a more realistic assessment of the costs and benefits of financialization at the global and national levels. This last challenge is essential for a thorough understanding of the current global financial crisis.
Validation of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale in rural Tanzania
Authors: Knueppel Danielle , Demment Montague , Kaiser Lucia
Published: August 2009

Objective

The purpose of the present study was to test the construct validity, internal consistency and convergent validity of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) in measuring household food insecurity in rural Tanzania, and to determine socio-economic characteristics associated with household food insecurity.

Design

Key informant interviews and a cross-sectional survey were conducted in February and March 2008.

Setting

Rural Iringa, Tanzania.

Subjects

Key informant interviews were conducted with twenty-one purposively selected male and female village leaders. For the household surveys, a sample of 237 households with mothers (caregivers) and at least one child between 1 and 5 years of age were included.

Results

Approximately 20·7 % of the households were categorized as food-secure, 8·4 % as mildly food-insecure, 22·8 % as moderately food-secure and 48·1 % as severely food-insecure. Two main factors emerged from the rotated principal component factor analysis: (i) insufficient food quality; and (ii) insufficient food intake. Both factors explained 69 % of the total variance. The full food insecurity scale and the two subscales had good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0·83–0·90). Food security, as measured by HFIAS, was positively associated with maternal education, husband’s education, household wealth status, being of an agricultural rather than pastoral tribe and animal-source food consumption; it was negatively associated with maternal age and household size.

Conclusions

The HFIAS measurement instrument shows validity and reliability in measuring household food insecurity among poor households in rural Tanzania.
Validity and reliability of an FFQ for use with adolescents in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Hong Tang K , Dibley Michael J , Sibbritt David
Published: August 2009

Objective

The present study evaluates the reliability and validity of an FFQ designed for use with adolescents in urban Vietnam.

Design

A cohort study was conducted between December 2003 and June 2004. The FFQ was administered three times over a 6-month period (FFQ 1–3) and nutrient intakes were compared to those obtained from four 24 h recalls collected over the same period (24 h recalls 1–4) using crude, energy-adjusted and de-attenuated correlation coefficients. The level of agreement between the two measurements was also evaluated with Bland–Altman analysis. The percentage of nutrient intakes classified within one quintile, as well as quadratic-weighted kappa statistics, were calculated.

Setting

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Subjects

A total of 180 students were recruited in three junior high schools.

Results

Coefficients ranged from 0·22 for retinol to 0·78 for fibre for short-term reliability, and from 0·30 for retinol to 0·81 for zinc for long-term reliability. Coefficients for nutrient intakes between the mean of the three FFQ and mean of four 24 h recalls were mostly around 0·40, but higher for energy-adjusted nutrients. After allowing for within-person variation, the mean coefficient was 0·52 for macronutrients and 0·46 for micronutrients. There were a relatively high proportion of nutrient intakes classified within one quintile and a small number grossly misclassified. Kappa values shows ‘fair’ to ‘good’ agreement for all food/nutrient categories, while the Bland–Altman plots indicated that the FFQ is accurate in assessing nutrient intake at a group level.

Conclusions

This newly developed FFQ is a valid tool for measuring nutrient intake in adolescents in urban Vietnam.
Synergy of BMI and family history on diabetes: the Humboldt Study
Authors: Chen Yue , Rennie Donna C , Dosman James A
Published: August 2009

Objective

To examine the joint effect of family history and BMI on diabetes.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

A rural community in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Subjects

The analysis was based on data from 2081 adults, 18–79 years of age, who participated in the Humboldt Study conducted in 2003. Doctor-diagnosed diabetes and family history of diabetes of biological parents and siblings were self-reported. Body weight and height were objectively measured. The interaction of family history and BMI on diabetes was assessed on an additive scale.

Results

The prevalence of diabetes was 7·9 %, and BMI and history of diabetes were two important predictors. The adjusted prevalence ratios were 1·76 (95 % CI 1·37, 2·27) and 2·59 (95 % CI 2·05, 3·31) for those with a BMI of 25·0–29·9 kg/m2 and of at least 30 kg/m2, respectively, compared with a BMI of less than 25 kg/m2, and was 2·41 (95 % CI 2·08, 2·80) for those with a family history of diabetes v. those without. The data indicated an additive interaction of family history and BMI on diabetes.

Conclusions

When exposed to both family history and overweight/obesity, individuals would have an increased risk that was greater than the sum of their single effects. Reduction of BMI would also reduce the risk of diabetes associated family history.
Mass media nutrition information sources and associations with fruit and vegetable consumption among adolescents
Authors: Freisling Heinz , Haas Karin , Elmadfa Ibrahim
Published: August 2009

Objective

The objective of the present study was to examine associations between exposure to nutrition information as covered in mass media and daily fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption among adolescents.

Design

Cross-sectional nutrition survey.

Setting

Vocational schools in Vienna, Austria.

Subjects

A sample of 2949 ethnically diverse adolescents with mean age 17·3 (sd 1·7) years. An FFQ was used to assess usual FV consumption. Data on mass media exposure and sociodemographic characteristics were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to control for potentially confounding variables.

Results

Adolescents who reported exposure to nutrition information provided by booklets, the Internet or newspaper articles were more likely to eat FV daily. For example, the OR for daily fruit consumption (ORfru) was 1·6 (P < 0·001) when exposure to the Internet was reported after adjustment for age, gender, ethnicity, BMI and salary. No such associations were found for radio, television and magazines as sources of nutrition information. A negative impact on daily FV consumption was found for exposure to radio commercials (ORfru = 0·74, P = 0·04 and ORveg = 0·67, P = 0·03). Exposure to TV commercials had a negative impact on vegetable consumption (ORveg = 0·81, P = 0·05).

Conclusions

Newspaper articles, the Internet and booklets as a source of nutrition information are positively associated with daily FV consumption among adolescents, whereas radio commercials have a negative impact. Dissemination of ‘healthy eating’ slogans should make use of print media and the Internet.
Usefulness of the metabolic syndrome criteria as predictors of insulin resistance among obese Korean women
Authors: Lee Kayoung
Published: August 2009

Objective

To investigate the ability of each metabolic syndrome (MetS) criterion, defined by the International Diabetes Federation, to predict insulin resistance (IR).

Design

A cross-sectional study. IR was defined as homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) ≥3·04. The MetS criteria considered were TAG ≥ 1·69 mmol/l, HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) <1·29 mmol/l, blood pressure (BP) ≥130/85 mmHg and fasting glucose (FG) ≥5·6 mmol/l.

Setting

Busan, South Korea.

Subjects

Ninety-six apparently healthy Korean women (mean age 42 (sd 10·6) years) with abdominal obesity (waist circumference (WC) ≥80 cm) were studied.

Results

Of the ninety-six obese women, 11 % were insulin-resistant and 33 % fulfilled the criteria for IDF-defined MetS. Glucose and TAG were more likely to predict IR than BP and HDL-C when assessed using receiver-operating characteristic curves, multiple regression and multiple logistic regression analyses. Of the variation in HOMA-IR, TAG, FG, WC and age explained 42 %. High FG was independently associated with the presence of IR (OR = 8·6, 95 % CI 1·8, 41·8) even after adjusting for other components of MetS. The positive predictive value and positive likelihood ratio to detect IR were the highest for the FG criterion (33 % and 3·9, respectively), followed by TAG (28 %, 3·0), BP (19 %, 1·8) and HDL-C criteria (18 %, 1·7). The IDF definition of MetS exhibited a positive predictive value of 29 % and a positive likelihood ratio of 3·1.

Conclusions

Of the MetS criteria, high FG and high TAG seem to be more suitable for identifying obese women with IR than high BP and low HDL-C.
The HADES mission concept – astrobiological survey of Jupiter's icy moon Europa
Authors: Böttcher Thomas , Huber Liliane , Le Corre Lucille , Leitner Johannes , McCarthy David , Nilsson Ricky , Teixeira Carlos , Vaquer Araujo Sergi , Wilson Rebecca C. , Adjali Fatah , Altenburg Martin , Briani Giacomo , Buchas Peter , Le Postollec Aurélie , Meier Teresa
Published: August 2009

The HADES Europa mission concept aims to provide a framework for an astrobiological in-depth investigation of the Jupiter moon Europa, relying on existing technologies and feasibility. This mission study proposes a system consisting of an orbiter, lander and cryobot as a platform for detailed exploration of Europa. While the orbiter will investigate the presence of a liquid ocean and characterize Europa's internal structure, the lander will survey local dynamics of the ice layer and the surface environment. The lander releases a cryobot, that melts into the ice, will sample the pristine subsurface and is expected to provide data on organic and gaseous content and putative bio-signatures. In summary, we present the scientific objectives for an astrobiological investigation of Europa, resulting in a mission concept with a detailed evaluation of scientific instrumentation, mission sequences, basic design of the spacecraft, technology needs and cost estimations.
Chronische Depression
Authors: Petermann Franz , Rief Winfried
Published: August 2009

Bei der chronischen Depression handelt es sich um eine besonders häufige Erkrankung, die mit erheblichen Beeinträchtigungen und Kosten verbunden ist. Psychotherapeutische und pharmakologische Behandlungsansätze werden kritisch bewertet und Perspektiven aufgezeigt.
Chronische Depression
Authors: Mikoteit Thorsten , Hatzinger Martin
Published: August 2009

Depressionen gehören zu den häufigsten psychischen Krankheiten. Obwohl Depressionen als gut behandelbar gelten, zeichnet sich in 20 % der Fälle ein chronischer Verlauf ab. Chronische Depressionen können rein deskriptiv in verschiedene Subtypen eingeteilt werden, deren Relevanz aber umstritten ist. Chronische Depressionen unterscheiden sich von remittierenden depressiven Episoden durch eine Reihe klinischer, demographischer und psychosozialer Merkmale. Außerdem lassen sich Prädiktoren für einen chronischen Krankheitsverlauf benennen. Am häufigsten spielt dabei eine unzureichende Behandlung eine Rolle, seltener liegt eine echte Therapieresistenz vor. Die Psychopharmakotherapie einer chronischen Depression erfolgt nach den Prinzipien der Behandlung einer episodischen Depression. Dabei ist die Erhaltungs- und prophylaktische Therapie von besonderer Bedeutung. In den letzten Jahren wurden spezifische Psychotherapieformen entwickelt, die sich vor allem in der Kombinationstherapie bewährt haben und Remissionsgrad und Rückfallrate verbessern können.