bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous Lead and System Extraction in Patients with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) Devices and Coronary Sinus Leads
Authors: WILLIAMS STEVEN E. , ARUJUNA ARUNA , WHITAKER JOHN , SHETTY ANOOP K , BOSTOCK JULIAN , PATEL NIKHIL , MOBB MARGARET , COOKLIN MIKE , GILL JASWINDER , BLAUTH CHRISTOPHER , BUCKNALL CLIFF , HAMID SHOAIB , RINALDI C. ALDO.
Published: June 2011

Background:
 Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device and coronary sinus (CS) lead extraction is required due to the occurrence of system infection, malfunction, or upgrade. Published series of CS lead extraction are limited by small sample sizes. We present a 10‐year experience of CRT device and CS lead extraction.

Methods:
 All lead extractions between 2000 and 2010 were entered into a computer database. From these, a cohort of 71 cases involving a CRT device or CS lead was analyzed for procedural method, success, and complications.

Results:
 Sixty coronary sinus leads were extracted in 71 cases (median age 71 years; 90% male) by manual traction/locking stylets (n = 54) or using a laser sheath (n = 6). Procedural success was achieved in 98% of CS leads. A total of 143 non‐CS leads were extracted, with laser required in 46% of cases. The mean duration of lead implantation was 35.8 months (range 1–116 months) and 2.86 ± 1.07 leads were extracted per case. CRT extraction case load increased significantly over time. Minor complications occurred in four (5.6%) cases and major complications in one (1.4%) case. There were no intraprocedural deaths, but two deaths occurred within 30 days of extraction.

Conclusions:
 Our 10‐year experience confirms that percutaneous removal of CS leads can be achieved with high procedural success. Our recorded complication rates are no higher than those of non‐CS lead extraction series, and should be taken in the context of the frail nature of CRT patients. Ongoing audit of procedure success and complications will be required to further guide best practice in CS lead extraction. (PACE 2011; 34:1209–1216)
False Tendon‐Related Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: BETSUYAKU TETSUO , MUTO HARUTATSU , SUGIYAMA EITARO , MINOSHIMA AKIHO , SATO MINORU
Published: June 2011

A 39‐year‐old woman showed nonsustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT) during light physical activity. Cardiac multidetector row computed tomography demonstrated false tendons, one of which proved to be the focus triggering premature ventricular contraction (PVC) in electrophysiological studies. The triggered PVC arose during the diastolic period, which might have caused tension in the false tendon. Radiofrequency catheter ablation targeting the triggered PVC by pace mapping was performed and proved partially effective against PVT. (PACE 2012;35:e341–e344)
Does Occlusion Duration Influence Procedural and Clinical Outcome of Patients Who Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Chronic Total Occlusion?
Authors: TOMASELLO SALVATORE D. , COSTANZO LUCA , CAMPISANO MARIA B. , BARRANO GIOMBATTISTA , CAPODANNO DAVIDE , TAMBURINO CORRADO , GALASSI ALFREDO R.
Published: June 2011

Background:
 Previous studies have reported that the indeterminable aging and long‐duration occlusion are associated with procedural failure and adverse long‐term outcome. We aimed to investigate the clinical impact of occlusion duration in a consecutive series of patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions.

Methods and Results:
 From October 2005 to June 2009, a total of 303 patients with 328 CTO lesions were consecutively treated achieving a success rate of 86.3%. The average of occlusion duration estimated in 62.5% of cases (known occlusion duration [KOD] patients, n = 188) was 29.8 ± 41.3 months. In the remaining 37.5% of cases, the occlusion duration was indeterminate (indetermination of occlusion duration [IOD] patients, n = 115). No influence of duration in procedural outcome was observed. Moreover, no differences of 1‐year major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were observed between KOD and IOD patients. The multivariate COX regression analysis identified diabetes mellitus and multivessel coronary disease as independent predictors of 12‐month MACE (HR 5.023; 95% CI 0.164–9.653; P = 0.025 and HR 0.801; 95% CI 0.109–0.909, P = 0.033). The analysis did not show any influence of IOD and long occlusion duration in the occurrence of MACE. Predictors of angiographic failure recognized with multivariate binary logistic were vessel diameter <2.5 mm (OR 5.3; 95% CI 1.19–8.91; P = 0.02), CTO length >20 mm (OR 6.3; 95% CI 1.22–9.54; P = 0.02), and severe calcification (OR 3.2; 95% CI 1.62–5.51; P = 0.03).

Conclusion:
 IOD and long duration of CTO do not affect procedural and clinical outcome of patients who underwent CTO PCI. This marks the importance of considering PCI treatment, a reliable strategy in cases of IOD or long occlusion duration. (J Interven Cardiol 2011;24:223–231)
Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Education Division Competition 2010 Winner: The Organic Price Tag
Authors: Lam Angie Che Yan
Published: June 2011

Abstract:  One of the core competencies in the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Education standards is for students to achieve competency in communication skills (that is, oral and written communication, listening, interviewing, and so on). According to the IFT guidelines, by the time students graduate, they should not only be able to search for and condense information, but also be able to “communicate technical information to a nontechnical audience.” The Education Division of IFT sponsors a writing competition for undergraduate students to bring attention to and promote the development of communication skills. It has been shown that employees/entry‐level scientists who can communicate technical and nontechnical concepts succinctly will be in a better position to achieve management status after entering the work force. Monetary prizes are awarded to the authors of the top three papers. A revised version of the winning entry is published in the Journal of Food Science Education for dissemination to a world‐wide audience.
Sol–Gel Processing and Characterizations of a Ba0.75Sr0.25Ti 0.95Zr0.05O3 Ceramic
Authors: Chen Ching‐Fong , Reagor David W. , Russell Steven J. , Marksteiner Quinn R. , Earley Lawrence M. , Dalmas Dale A. , Volz Heather M. , Guidry Dennis R. , Papin Pallas A. , Yang Pin
Published: June 2011

A Ba0.75Sr0.25Ti0.95Zr0.05O3 ceramic was developed for use in nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) applications. The sol–gel process was used to synthesize Ba0.75Sr0.25Ti0.95Zr0.05O3 nanoparticles to achieve a uniform composition and a high surface area. Simultaneous thermal gravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) was used to identify the decomposition sequence as a function of temperature for the as‐synthesized powders. The phase transformation was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The calcined nanoparticles were hot‐pressed at 1300°C to achieve a high density. Microstructures were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Several dielectric properties were measured and are reported.
High Temperature Infrared Properties of YSZ Electrolyte Ceramics for SOFCs: Experimental Determination and Theoretical Modeling
Authors: Dombrovsky Leonid A. , Rousseau Benoit , Echegut Patrick , Randrianalisoa Jaona H. , Baillis Dominique
Published: June 2011

Infrared radiative properties of 8‐mol%‐yttria‐stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) ceramics of porosity 3% as applied as electrolyte for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) were studied at room and elevated temperatures in the wavelength range from 2 to 20 μm. The room‐temperature directional‐hemispherical measurements of reflectance and transmittance for thin samples were combined with normal emittance measurements at several temperatures up to 1700 K. The use of the radiation transfer theory in a region of semi‐transparency enabled identification of absorption and scattering properties of the material. Both a detailed numerical procedure using the known discrete ordinates method and a novel iterative analytical solution were employed. An analysis based on the Mie theory confirms volumetric scattering by sub‐micron size polydisperse pores in the ceramics. It is shown that the absorption coefficient of 8YSZ increases considerably with temperature. This effect should be taken into account in combined heat transfer calculations for SOFCs.
Effect of the Addition of CaZrO3 and LiNbO3 on the Phase Transitions and Piezoelectric Properties of K0.5Na0.5NbO3 Lead‐Free Ceramics
Authors: Liang Wenfeng , Wu Wenjuan , Xiao Dingquan , Zhu Jianguo
Published: June 2011

The (1‐x‐y)K0.5Na0.5NbO3‐xCaZrO3‐yLiNbO3 (KNLNCZ‐x‐y) lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics were fabricated by conventional technique, and the effect of the addition of CaZrO3 and LiNbO3 on the phase transitions and piezoelectric properties of the KNN‐based ceramics was investigated. The addition of CaZrO3 will shift the orthorhombic‐rhombohedral transition temperature of the ceramics to above room temperature, and with the increase of the CaZrO3 additives, a dielectric peak rises up near the orthorhombic‐tetragonal phase transition of the ceramics resulting in the spread of the ferroelectric‐paraelectric phase transition over a rather wide temperature range due to polar nanoregions arising from composition fluctuation. For x = 0.05, the addition of LiNbO3 is effective to shift the TR‐O and TO‐T downward and TC upward in KNLNCZ‐0.05‐y ceramics. Optimum piezoelectric properties (d33 = 216 pC/N and kp = 42.9%) were obtained for the KNLNCZ‐x‐y ceramics with x = 0.05 and y = 0.07 due to the decrease of TO‐T to be around room temperature.
Strength of Highly Porous Ceramic Electrodes
Authors: Liu Xiaoxing , Martin Christrophe L. , Bouvard Didier , Di Iorio Stéphane , Laurencin Jérome , Delette Gérard
Published: June 2011

Highly porous ceramics are critical components of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. Nevertheless, their mechanical properties are poor and not fully understood. Herein, Discrete Element simulations are used to quantitatively assess the relation between the particulate microstructure of highly porous ceramics and their mechanical properties. Partially sintered ceramics are numerically generated with complex microstructures including pore formers and bilayers. These microstructures are then tested in tension and compression to obtain their elastic and fracture behavior. Compiling experimental data from the literature and simulations results, an Orowan–Petch type relation between strength and particle size is proposed for highly porous ceramics. It is based on the local fracture model at the length scale of solid bonds between sintered particles.
3 In the Beginning: The Experience of Residential Burial in Prehispanic Honduras
Authors: Joyce Rosemary A.
Published: June 2011

This paper treats residential subfloor burial as a practice with a history. At Puerto Escondido, Honduras, this history includes placement of jewelry and pottery vessels in buildings under construction, and the disarticulation of figurines and monumental sculpture depicting human subjects and their burial in different places. Residential burial brings together already‐existing practices of incorporation of materials into constructed spaces, disjunction or separation of parts of things and their deliberate placement in different locations, and commemoration or the creation of a place intended to evoke memory. The earlier histories of these practices motivated their coordination in residential burial.
6 Residential Burial, Gender Roles, and Political Development in Late Prehistoric and Early Cherokee Cultures of the Southern Appalachians
Authors: Sullivan Lynne P. , Rodning Christopher B.
Published: June 2011

Native people in the southern Appalachians began placing graves in and around residences in the 13thcentury C.E. Burials previously were placed in specialized burial mounds that likely belonged to individual kin groups. For several centuries, the practice of residential burial was contemporaneous with burial in or near public buildings that sometimes were built on platform mounds. During this time, residential versus ‘public’ burial became related to spatial symbolism of gender and leadership roles. These changes suggest a developmental trajectory that distinguishes southern Appalachian societies from their contemporaries elsewhere in the southeastern U.S.
7 Inside and Outside: Residential Burial at Formative Period Chalcatzingo, Mexico
Authors: Gillespie Susan D.
Published: June 2011

At Chalcatzingo, Mexico, an early regional center, the common location for burials was under house floors, but some high‐status burials occurred in more open spaces. These latter were also residential burials, interred within the landed domain of social units. Although both “inside” and “outside” burials drew on claims of ancestral continuity, it is important to explore the differences they entailed. Investigating how repeated mortuary practices at Chalcatzingo evoked referential networks—endowing those practices with intelligibility and enabling identity formation over time—can broaden understandings of residential burial practices and bridge various classificatory separations imposed by archaeologists, including those between public and private mortuary spaces.
8 A Family Affair: The Use of Intramural Funerary Chambers in Mesopotamia during the Late Third and Early Second Millennia B.C.E.
Authors: Laneri Nicola
Published: June 2011

Among ancient and modern societies, the transformation in funerary customs can represent a clear indicator of changes in the social fabric of a given society. It is within this perspective that archaeologists should thus correlate the information available from the “world of the living” with those recognizable in funerary contexts. For the purpose of reaching this target, the focus of this paper is on the residential graves found in Mesopotamian contexts of the late third and early second millennia BCE, and on the relationship between changes in funerary customs, socioeconomic transformations and the emergence of new social groups among Mesopotamian communities during this specific period.
9 Practices of Place‐Making, Ancestralizing, and Re‐animation within Memory Communities
Authors: McAnany Patricia A.
Published: June 2011

Place‐making, ancestralizing, and re‐animation within memory communities are key features of residential burial. The history and ethical responsibilities of this archaeological study are considered within the discipline, particularly when control of the past has been alienated from descendant peoples. Residential burial practices create or modify a built environment, speak to the vitality of the house and community, but often minimize the message of social difference that is redolent in monumental mortuary shrines. Consideration is given to the notion that ancestralizing practices signal inalienable wealth (including the relicts of ancestors) and that such actions likely also signal a commitment to an ethos of hereditary wealth transmission.
Upregulation and nuclear localization of TNF‐like Cytokine 1A (TL1A) and its receptors DR3 and DcR3 in psoriatic skin lesions
Authors: Bamias Giorgos , Evangelou Kostas , Vergou Theognosia , Tsimaratou Katerina , Kaltsa Garyfallia , Antoniou Christina , Kotsinas Athanasios , Kim Sungee , Gorgoulis Vassilis , Stratigos Alexander J. , Sfikakis Petros P.
Published: June 2011

Abstract:  TNF is critically involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. TL1A is a TNF‐like cytokine, which, after binding to death domain receptor DR3, provides costimulatory signals to lymphocytes, amplifies Th1‐ and Th17‐mediated immune responses and induces apoptotic cell death. These functions are inhibited when TL1A associates to decoy receptor DcR3. In the present study, we investigated the expression profiles for TL1A, DR3 and DcR3 in the normal skin and in psoriatic skin lesions. By use of immunohistochemistry, we were able to demonstrate constitutive cutaneous expression of DR3 and DcR3 but not of TL1A in healthy skin. On the other hand, in patients with active psoriasis, we observed abundant immunostaining for TL1A and significant upregulation of its receptors (P < 0.05 in comparison to healthy skin). TL1A, DR3 and DcR3 proteins, as well as mRNA transcripts reflecting in situ production of TL1A and DcR3, were also specifically increased in lesional as compared to non‐lesional skin from patients with psoriasis (P < 0.05). These proteins were upregulated in cell populations that are critically involved in the pathogenesis of chronic skin inflammation, such as keratinocytes, macrophages in deep dermis and cells at the perivascular/endothelial area. Finally, we provide evidence for the existence of nuclear localization of TL1A in inflammatory cells from psoriatic lesions. This was also observed in inflamed synovia from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but not in neoplastic TL1A‐expressing cell lines. We conclude that interactions between TL1A and its two receptors may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic skin inflammation that takes place in psoriasis.
Furfurals in chlorhexidine‐discolored pellicle
Authors: NORDBÖ H. , SÖRENSEN R. , SÖNJU T.
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT— The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possible presence of furfurals in chlorhexidine‐discolored pellicle. Pellicle material was scraped off teeth and hydrolyzed in sulfuric acid and the hydrolysate then extracted with ether and examined by thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The presence of furaldehyde in discolored pellicle was demonstrated by these methods. There were also indications of hydroxymethyl furfuraldehyde in the thin layer chromatograms.
The in vitro phagocytic function of neutrophil leukocytes in patients with severe Candida‐induced denture stomatitis
Authors: BERGENDAL TOM A. , HAST ROBERT , SLOTTE MARGARETA
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT— Ten patients with severe Candida albicans induced denture stomatitis were tested for qualitative defects in their neutrophilic leukocyte phagocytic function. All patients showed normal phagocytic indices in vitro. Our results support the view that local factors are of utmost importance for the development of Candida‐induced denture stomatitis.
Dissolution and uptake of cadmium from dental gold solder alloy implants
Authors: BERGMAN B. , BERGMAN M. , SÖREMARK R.
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT— Pure metallic cadmium was irradiated by means of thermal neutrons. The irradiated cadmium (115Cd) was placed in bags of gold foil and the bags were implanted subcutaneously in the neck region of mice. Two and 3 d respectively alter implantation the mice were killed, the bags removed and the animals subjected to whole‐body autoradiography. The autoradiograms revealed an uptake of 115Cd in liver and kidney. In another experiment specimens of a cadmium‐containing dental gold solder alloy, a cadmium‐free dental casting gold alloy and soldered assemblies made of these two alloys were implanted subcutaneously in the neck region of mice. The animals were killed after 6 mouths; cadmium analysis showed significant increases in the cadmium concentration in liver and kidney of those mice which had been given implants of gold solder alloy. The study clearly shows that due to electrochemical corrosion cadmium can be released from implants and accumulated in the kidneys and the liver.
Fatigue is mediated by cholinoceptors within the ventromedial hypothalamus independent of changes in core temperature
Authors: Guimarães J. B. , Wanner S. P. , Machado S. C. , Lima M. R. M. , Cordeiro L. M. S. , Pires W. , La Guardia R. B. , Silami‐Garcia E. , Rodrigues L. O. C. , Lima N. R. V.
Published: June 2011

We investigated brain mechanisms modulating fatigue during prolonged physical exercise in cold environments. In a first set of studies, each rat was subjected to three running trials in different ambient temperatures (Ta). At 8 °C and 15 °C, core body temperature (Tcore) decreased and increased, respectively, whereas at 12 °C, the Tcore did not change throughout the exercise. In another set of experiments, rats were randomly assigned to receive bilateral 0.2 μL injections of 2.5 × 10−2 M methylatropine or 0.15 M NaCl solution into the ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei (VMH). Immediately after the injections, treadmill exercise was started. Each animal was subjected to two experimental trials at one of the following Ta: 5 °C, 12 °C or 15 °C. Muscarinic blockade of the VMH reduced the time to fatigue (TF) in cold environments by 35–37%. In all Ta studied, methylatropine‐treated rats did not present alterations in Tcore and tail skin temperature compared with controls. These results indicate that, below the zone of thermoneutrality, muscarinic blockade of the VMH decreases the TF, independent of changes in Tcore. In conclusion, our data suggest that VMH muscarinic transmission modulates physical performance, even when the effects of thermoregulatory adjustments on fatigue are minimal.
Marathon of eponyms: 19 Sjögren syndrome
Authors: Scully C , Langdon J , Evans J
Published: June 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 538–540

The use of eponyms has long been contentious, but many remain in common use, as discussed elsewhere (Editorial: Oral Diseases. 2009: 15; 185). The use of eponyms in diseases of the head and neck is found mainly in specialties dealing with medically compromised individuals (paediatric dentistry, special care dentistry, oral and maxillofacial medicine, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology and oral and maxillofacial surgery) and particularly by hospital‐centred practitioners. This series has selected some of the more recognized relevant eponymous conditions and presents them alphabetically. The information is based largely on data available from MEDLINE and a number of internet websites as noted below: the authors would welcome any corrections. This document summarizes data about Sjögren syndrome.
Disinfection of the root canal system during root canal re‐treatment
Authors: ZEHNDER MATTHIAS , PAQUÉ FRANK
Published: June 2011

In this narrative review, the differences between primary root canal treatments and re‐treatments are explored in view of optimal disinfection of the root canal system. A critical appraisal of the literature raises doubt as to whether the microbiota found in re‐treatment cases per se is more resistant to antiseptics than the counterpart found in primary infections. In reality, primary, refractory, and persisting endodontic infections are all biofilm‐related; their microbial composition is dictated by local ecological factors rather than treatment history. Furthermore, their resistance to antimicrobials is most likely similar. The true difficulty in disinfecting root canal systems during re‐treatment cases is to achieve access to the infected areas. Iatrogenic alterations in canal anatomy and the presence of root filling material hamper the diffusion of disinfectants to these target areas. Consequently, cleaning the canal systems of foreign material and creating a canal shape that can properly be disinfected should be the initial aims. Ways of achieving these goals are discussed. Subsequently, the disinfection regimen can be similar to that in primary root canal infections. However, time is a crucial factor in re‐treatments, and thus a multiple‐visit approach is preferable in more complex cases in order to ensure more complete disinfection has been achieved.
Vitamin D deficiency and prevention: Turkish experience
Authors: Hatun Şükrü , Ozkan Behzat , Bereket Abdullah
Published: June 2011

A nationwide ‘vitamin D prophylaxis augmentation programme’ initiated in 2005 in Turkey reduced the prevalence of rickets from 6% in 1998 to 0.1% in 2008 in children under 3 years of age. The programme included free distribution of vitamin D drops to all newborns and infants (0–12 months) visiting primary health stations throughout the country. Free disposal of vitamin D to infants is an effective strategy for preventing vitamin D‐deficient rickets.
Respiratory disease and early serum S100A12 changes in very premature infants
Authors: Loughran‐Fowlds Alison , Leach Steven , Lin Jianwei , Oei Julee , Henry Richard , Day Andrew S , Lui Kei
Published: June 2011

Aim:  The role of granulocyte‐specific S100A12, a marker for inflammatory disorders, in newborn lung disease is unknown. We compared postnatal blood S100A12 concentrations against respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Methods:  Blood samples from 92 newborns were collected on admission, 12 h, day 1, day 3–4 and day 7, and analysed for S100A12. IL‐8 and IL‐6 were assayed in 52 infants.

Results:  Infants with RDS were significantly more premature (median 27 vs. 34 weeks), more likely to receive antenatal corticosteroids (84% vs. 26%) and have lower neutrophil counts (median 2.4 vs. 3.8 × 109/L) at admission. S100A12 levels peaked during the first day and were significantly lower in preterm infants with RDS compared to those without (median 250 vs. 616 ng/mL at 12 h, 281 vs. 828 ng/mL day 1, respectively). S100A12 levels were low among the 35 very preterm infants (24–29 week gestation) regardless of the presence of BPD (285 vs. 288 ng/mL on day 1). In comparison, IL‐8 and IL‐6 levels were not different between groups.

Conclusion:  Plasma S100A12 is low in infants with RDS, possibly because of gestationally related differences in neutrophil response or to the effects of antenatal corticosteroids. It is therefore not a useful marker of BPD development.
Enzyme replacement therapy for mucopolysaccharidosis II from 3 months of age: a 3‐year follow‐up
Authors: Tylki‐ Szymanska A , Jurecka A , Zuber Z , Rozdzynska A , Marucha J , Czartoryska B
Published: June 2011

Aim:  We present a 3‐year follow‐up of a boy with mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) who had idursulfase therapy initiated at the age of 3 months and compare his clinical course to his healthy twin brother.

Methods:  Detailed anthropometric features, ultrasound studies of liver and spleen volumes, echocardiography and audiological examinations, psychological tests, joint range of motion (ROM) and skeletal radiographs were monitored.

Results:  After 3 years of treatment, the patient has not developed any clinical manifestations of MPS II. He did not develop coarse facial features, joint disease, or organomegaly, and his cardiac function remained normal. There were no pronounced signs of dysostosis multiplex on radiographs. The only difference when compared with his healthy twin brother was lower IQ (Termann‐Merrill 98 vs. 118) and mild deformity of one vertebrae.

Conclusion:  Our study suggests that early initiation of enzyme replacement therapy may significantly slow or prevent the development of irreversible disease manifestations and therefore modify the natural history of MPS II.
Analysis of methanogenic archaeal communities of rumen fluid and rumen particles from Korean black goats
Authors: GU Min‐Jung , ALAM Md. Jahangir , KIM Seon‐Ho , JEON Che‐Ok , CHANG Moon‐Baek , OH Young‐Kyoon , LEE Sang‐Cheol , LEE Sang‐Suk
Published: June 2011

Molecular diversity of methanogens in the rumen of Korean black goats was investigated with 16S rRNA gene clone libraries using methanogen‐specific primers. The libraries were composed of rumen fluid‐associated methanogens (FAM) and rumen particle‐associated methanogens (PAM) from rumen‐fistulated Korean black goats. Among the 141 clones of the FAM library, the sequences were mostly related to two phyla, the Methanobacteriaceae family (77.3%) and the Thermoplasmatales family (22.7%); and among the 68 clones of the PAM library, sequences were also mainly clustered in the two phyla, the Thermoplasmatales family (63.24%) and the Methanobacteriaceae family (35.29%). Most of the sequenced clones in the two libraries were closely related to uncultured methanogenic archaeon. Quantitative real‐time PCR revealed that PAM (8.97 log 10) had significantly higher (P < 0.01) density of methanogens by the methanogenic 16S rRNA gene copies than FAM (7.57 log 10). The two clone libraries also showed difference in Shannon index (FAM library 1.70 and PAM library 1.59) and Chao 1 estimator (FAM library 18 and PAM library 17 operational taxonomic units). Apparent differences found in the microbial community from the two 16S rRNA gene libraries could be a result of such factors as the chemical and physical nature of the target material surface, types or component of diets, the interaction between the methanogens and other microbes, and age of the experimental goats.
The Extreme Future of Megacities
Authors: Canton James
Published: June 2011

Like it or not, the megacity is coming, says James Canton. Will it be urban dystopia, or ordered, smart, green and secure? As a billion rural dwellers vote with their feet, will numbers overwhelm us?
The Ungreen City – or the Polluting Countryside?
Authors: Smaje Chris
Published: June 2011

City-dwellers have public transport, efficient buildings and services, everything near at hand; their country cousins travel by car and their services have to be brought long distances. City living damages the planet less. So says the new orthodoxy – but is it true? Chris Smaje asks if cities are really greener.
EXPORTING LABOR RELATIONS ACROSS THE ATLANTIC? INSIGHTS ON LABOR RELATIONS POLICIES OF GERMAN CORPORATIONS IN THE U.S.1
Authors: Fichter Michael
Published: June 2011

The essay disentangles the intricate relationship between the actions and stated policies of multinational corporations ostensibly aimed at protecting the rights of workers and labor standards on a global basis. The essay demonstrates the stark differences between practices and stated intentions in the global South and global North.
CHALLENGING THE GLOBALIZED AGRO‐FOOD COMPLEX: FARMING COOPERATIVES AND THE EMERGING SOLIDARITY ECONOMY ALTERNATIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Satgar Vishwas
Published: June 2011

In the global South, 850 million people remain food insecure, that is, unable to meet daily food requirements. Meanwhile global food value chains are increasingly controlled by a few transnational corporations. The food production and consumption pattern engendered by the globalized agro‐food complex is worsening food insecurity and ultimately increasing hunger among millions of people. Post‐apartheid South Africa has not escaped this pattern of development. Actually, the neoliberalization of the post‐apartheid political economy has deepened the externalization of South African agriculture from an internationalized agro‐food complex to a globalized model, exacerbating food insecurity. This essay highlights how the apartheid era agro‐food complex was restructured and globalized. It points to the neoliberal reforms that have shaped the pattern of development of the agro‐food complex, which historically was mainly structured around “white controlled cooperatives,” but has been locked into the search for “competitive advantage” as opposed to meeting people's needs.
RIGHT‐TO‐WORK LAWS AND FATALITIES IN CONSTRUCTION
Authors: Zullo Roland
Published: June 2011

Using state‐level data, 2001 through 2009, I test whether union density and right‐to‐work (RTW) laws predict worker fatalities in either the construction industry or in construction occupations. For both indices, higher levels of unionization equate with lower fatality rates. Right‐to‐work laws show no direct association with fatality rates. However, the interaction between RTW laws and unionization suggests that unions are less effective at protecting member safety in right‐to‐work states. Overall the findings support the hypothesis that RTW laws result in the underfunding of union safety training or accident prevention programs.
Mediators of Sexual Functions in Women with Diabetes
Authors: Nowosielski Krzysztof , Skrzypulec-Plinta Violetta
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Sexual disorders in women with diabetes mellitus (DM) may not necessarily have only the biological etiology.

Aims

To establish the mediators of sexual functions in the population of women with DM.

Methods

Five hundred seventeen females, aged 18–55 years old, were included in a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study. This is the second part of the study on sexual functions in females with DM where only females with DM (n = 242) were analyzed. Sexual functions were compared between women with type 1 (n = 109) and type 2 DM (N = 133).

Main Outcome Measures

To assess reported female sexual functions by using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in women with type 1 and type 2 DM. To establish the risk factors of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in women with DM by using multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

Sexual dysfunction was diagnosed in 32.65% (n = 64) of women with DM. Women with type 2 DM had a significantly lower number of points scored in all FSFI domains except pain compared to type 1 respondents. The only variables associated with DM significantly influencing sexual functioning were: type 2 diabetes in desire, arousal, as well as in global FSD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.40; 2.70 and 3.31, respectively), the presence of retinopathy in lubrication (OR = 7.8), and treatment with insulin in satisfaction domain (OR = 0.29). Neither the presence of comorbidities, the duration of diabetes, the presence of diabetes complications nor the glycemic control was a moderator of FSD. The strongest significant predictors of FSD were: the presence of depressive symptoms, the importance of sex to the respondent, and satisfaction with the partner as a lover.

Conclusions

Women with DM, especially type 2, are at risk of sexual dysfunctions. Diabetes-related factors have little impact on sexual functions in women with DM. Depressive symptoms, partner-related factors, and individual perception of sexuality should be evaluated when counseling females with DM.
Predictors of Contraceptive Methods Among Adolescents and Young Women Residing in Spain
Authors: Carrasco-Garrido Pilar , López de Andrés Ana , Hernández Barrera Valentin , Jiménez-Trujillo Isabel , Santos-Sancho Juana , Jiménez-García Rodrigo
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Preventing unwanted pregnancy is considered one of the main preventive measures of a developed health system.

Aims

The aim of the study were to determine the prevalence of contraceptive methods and identify factors associated with the use of contraception by adolescents and young women residents in Spain.

Methods

Descriptive cross-sectional epidemiologic study on the factors determining use of a contraceptive method among sexually active adolescents and young women aged 16–29 years, living in Spain. As the dependent variable, we took the answer to the questions “During the last 12 months, what contraceptive method have you generally used in your sexual relations?” Independent variables were socio-demographic factors, sexual habits, and variables associated with perception of sexual health. Using logistic multivariate regression models, we have estimated the independent effect of each of these variables on the contraceptive methods use.

Main Outcome Measures

We used secondary individualized data drawn from the first National Sexual Health Survey conducted in Spain.

Results

The male condom seems to be the most widely used (56.7%). The likelihood of using a condom is greater to those who have more than two sexual partners (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72–5.60). Predictors of use of oral contraceptives as the only method are age and having a positive view of one's sexual health (AOR = 2.65; 95% CI, 1.28–5.45). Young women with two or more sexual partners were three times likelier to use the double method (AOR = 3.83; 95% CI, 1.52–9.65).

Conclusions

The number of sexual partners, information on and importance of sexuality in one's life predicted the use of the condom as the only method. The factors associated with use of oral contraceptives were having a stable sexual partner and good perception of sexual health. The variable most strongly associated with use of the double method was number of sexual partners.
Association of Pretransplant Renal Replacement Therapy Duration With Outcome in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Prevalent Cohort Study in Slovenia
Authors: Arnol Miha , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Kandus Aljoša
Published: June 2011

The effect of renal replacement therapy (RRT) duration on kidney transplant outcome is controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between pretransplant RRT duration versus patient and graft survival. The study cohort included 445 recipients of a deceased‐donor kidney transplant between January 2000 and December 2009. Pretransplant RRT duration as a continuous variable and divided into time categories was the risk factor of interest. Patient and death‐censored graft survival were the outcomes. Survival since the onset of RRT was calculated to avoid lead‐time bias. Median pretransplant RRT duration was 4.7 years. The duration of RRT was longer in 33 patients who died (median 6.8 vs. 4.6 years; P = 0.022) and 56 patients who lost their graft (5.7 vs. 4.6 years; P = 0.035). Pretransplant RRT duration, as a continuous variable, was associated with a non‐significant increase in the risk of recipient death (hazard ratio [HR] 1.01 per year of RRT; P = 0.09) and death‐censored graft loss (HR 1.02; P = 0.12). When RRT was studied as a categorical variable, the mortality risk reached statistical significance when the patient had been on RRT for more than 4.7 years (HR 2.12; P = 0.042). Pretransplant RRT duration was not associated with an increased risk for recipient death if patient survival was calculated since the onset of RRT (HR 0.98 per year; P = 0.21). This study suggests that a longer RRT duration negatively impacts on post‐transplant patient and graft survival; however, when pretransplant patient survival is accounted for, RRT duration has no significant effect on patient outcome.
Partial Remission of Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome After Oral Galactose Therapy
Authors: Kopač Matjaž , Meglič Anamarija , Rus Rina R
Published: June 2011

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is sometimes associated with a circulating permeability factor. It was proposed that this factor interacts with the sugars of the glycocalyx, and its high affinity for galactose was shown on the basis of chromatographic studies. Galactose inactivates it and seems to lead to its clearance from plasma. A toddler with a nephrotic syndrome resistant to corticosteroids was admitted. A renal biopsy revealed minimal change disease with deposition of immunoglobulin M. Immunosuppressive therapy with pulses of cyclophosphamide, low‐dose combination immunosuppressive therapy, and later with mycophenolate mofetil failed to induce remission. A renal biopsy six years later showed transformation to FSGS. After unsuccessful treatment with monthly pulses of cyclophosphamide, we began therapy with tacrolimus, which showed no effect. After two months, we added oral galactose to tacrolimus for one month, after which proteinuria decreased by 50%. Seven months later, galactose was again added for six months, after which proteinuria remained below 2 g/24 h and the plasma albumin and cholesterol concentrations normalized. An adolescent girl with a nephrotic syndrome resistant to corticosteroids was admitted. A renal biopsy revealed mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis with C1q nephropathy. Therapy with tacrolimus failed to induce remission. After six months, we added galactose for three months, which reduced proteinuria to 0.76 g/24 h. After the discontinuation of galactose therapy, proteinuria increased to 2.48 g/24 h, despite further treatment with tacrolimus. It seems that oral galactose at a dose of 0.2 g/kg twice a day could be a promising new and nontoxic therapy for the treatment of resistant nephrotic syndrome.
Vascular Access in Children on Chronic Hemodialysis: A Slovenian Experience
Authors: Rus Rina R , Novljan Gregor , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Kovač Janko , Premru Vladimir , Ponikvar Rafael
Published: June 2011

The aim of our study was to report our experience with arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and non‐cuffed central venous catheters (CVCs) in children and adolescents with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis (HD). The children with ESRD (18 years or younger) who were hemodialyzed at the Center of Dialysis and Transplantation, Children's Hospital, Ljubljana, in the period between December 1998 and December 2010 were included in our retrospective study. We recorded the data considering the CVCs and AVFs used for HD. Thirty‐one children (13 females, 18 males) with ESRD received HD treatment. The mean patient age when HD was started was 13.3 ± 3.4 years. Altogether, 35 AVFs were created, and the primary failure rate was 25.7% (9/35). The time to maturation was 4.0 ± 2.5 months. The mean patency of the AVF was 42.5 ± 51.9 months. Seventy‐seven CVCs (non‐cuffed) were inserted in the observation period; 89.6% of the CVCs were inserted in the jugular vein, and citrate locking was used in the interdialysis period. The CVCs were removed after 0.1–17.4 months (3.6 ± 3.7 months). The incidence of bacteremia was 0.9 episodes per 1000 catheter days. The preferred vascular accesses for pediatric hemodialysis are native AVFs; however, a single lumen, non‐cuffed, citrate‐locked CVC placed in a jugular vein can be acceptable as a long‐term vascular access when AVF cannot be constructed or used.
Low-resolution sodium D absorption is a bad proxy for extinction
Authors: Poznanski Dovi , Ganeshalingam Mohan , Silverman Jeffrey M. , Filippenko Alexei V.
Published: June 2011

Dust extinction is generally the least tractable systematic uncertainty in astronomy, and particularly in supernova science. Often in the past, studies have used the equivalent width of Na i D absorption measured from low-resolution spectra as proxies for extinction, based on tentative correlations that were drawn from limited data sets. We show here, based on 443 low-resolution spectra of 172 Type Ia supernovae for which we have measured the dust extinction as well as the equivalent width of Na i D, that the two barely correlate. We briefly examine the causes for this large scatter that effectively prevents one from inferring extinction using this method.
EFFECT OF SUSPECT RACE ON OFFICERS’ ARREST DECISIONS*
Authors: KOCHEL TAMMY RINEHART , WILSON DAVID B. , MASTROFSKI STEPHEN D.
Published: June 2011

Many respondents to opinion surveys say that the citizen's race influences how police officers treat the public, yet recent expert social‐science panels have declared that research findings are too contradictory to form a conclusion on whether American police are biased against racial minorities. We perform a meta‐analysis of quantitative research that estimates the effect of race on the police decision to arrest. Screening nearly 4,500 potential sources, we analyze the results based on 27 independent data sets that generated 40 research reports (both published and unpublished) that permitted an estimate of the effect size of the suspect's race on the probability of arrest. The meta‐analysis shows with strong consistency that minority suspects are more likely to be arrested than White suspects. Depending on the method of estimation, the effect size of race varied between 1.32 and 1.52. Converting the race effect size to probabilities shows that compared with the average probability in these studies of a White being arrested (.20), the average probability for a non‐White was calculated at .26. The significant race effect persists when taking into account the studies’ variations in research methods and the nature of explanatory models used in the studies. Implications for future research are presented.
Vitamin B12 status, dietary protein intake and proton pump inhibitor use in geriatric rehabilitation subjects
Authors: O'LEARY Fiona , WAI Joseph , WORMALD Lucy , ELLIS Jodie , PETOCZ Peter , FLOOD Victoria , SAMMAN Samir
Published: June 2011

Aim:  To compare the dietary intake and nutritional status of users and non‐users of proton pump inhibitor medications.

Methods:  Cross‐sectional study of subacute rehabilitation inpatients. Forty‐nine patients (nine men and 40 women) without dementia fulfilled the study criteria. Information was collected on admission and included medical history, duration of proton pump inhibitor medication use, nutritional status and cognitive scores. Dietary data were collected by food frequency questionnaire and blood samples were analysed for vitamin B12, homocysteine and methylmalonic acid concentrations.

Results:  Age was 80.4 ± 7.7 (mean ± SD) years and body mass index was 26 ± 6.7 kg/m2. Twenty‐one (of 49) subjects had subclinical vitamin B12 deficiency, which was defined as serum vitamin B12 <148 pmol/L or 148–258 pmol/L and methylmalonic acid >0.30 µmol/L or tHcy >13 µmol/L (women) and >15 µmol/L (men). Subjects were stratified according to proton pump inhibitor use and vitamin B12 status. The presence of subclinical deficiency was similar between the groups (χ2‐test P= 0.17). Proton pump inhibitor users had higher dietary protein and calcium intakes (but not supplement calcium intakes) compared with non‐users (93 vs 81 g/day, P= 0.002 and 968 vs 742 mg/day, P= 0.038, respectively).

Conclusions:  Subjects using proton pump inhibitor medications did not have lower vitamin B12 status, but had higher dietary protein intakes suggesting higher intakes of meats, eggs and dairy foods may reduce the risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency whilst taking proton pump inhibitor medications.
Is an online healthy lifestyles program acceptable for parents of preschool children?
Authors: JONES Rachel , WELLS Michelle , OKELY Anthony , LOCKYER Lori , WALTON Karen
Published: June 2011

Aims:  To assess the acceptability and potential efficacy of an online healthy lifestyles program for parents of overweight, or at risk of overweight, preschool‐aged children.

Methods:  A pilot trial was conducted within a regional area of New South Wales, Australia. Two cohorts totalling 47 dyads were recruited. Primary outcomes were parental self‐reported perceived knowledge and parental proxy‐reported behaviour of their child. Data analysis was completed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (v 16).

Results:  At follow up (10 weeks) parents reported high acceptability of the program. Changes in the hypothesised direction were reported for all parental perceived knowledge and parental and child behavioural outcomes.

Conclusion:  This is the first study to describe the acceptability and potential efficacy of an online healthy lifestyles program for parents of preschool children. The Time2bHealthy Program offers a viable option for parental involvement in obesity prevention programs targeting young children. Given the online nature of the program it has the capacity to be utilised within metropolitan, regional and rural areas of Australia.