bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intercorrelations between serum, salivary, and hair cortisol and child‐reported estimates of stress in elementary school girls
Authors: Vanaelst Barbara , Huybrechts Inge , Bammann Karin , Michels Nathalie , de Vriendt Tineke , Vyncke Krishna , Sioen Isabelle , Iacoviello Licia , Günther Kathrin , Molnar Denes , Lissner Lauren , Rivet Noellie , Raul Jean‐Sebastien , de Henauw Stefaan
Published: June 2012

To evaluate the impact of stress on children's well‐being, it is important to have valid and reliable stress assessment methods. Nevertheless, selection of an appropriate method for a particular research question may not be straightforward, as there is currently no consensus on a reference method to measure stress in children. This article examined to what extent childhood stress can be estimated accurately by stressor questionnaires (i.e., Coddington Life Events Scale) and biological markers (serum, salivary, and hair cortisol) using the Triads (a triangulation) method in 272 elementary school girls. Salivary cortisol was shown to most accurately indicate true childhood stress for short periods in the past (i.e., last 3 months), whereas hair cortisol may be preferred above salivary measurements for periods more distant and thus for chronic stress assessment. However, applicability should be confirmed in larger and more heterogeneous populations.
Perception of effort reflects central motor command during movement execution
Authors: de Morree Helma M. , Klein Christoph , Marcora Samuele M.
Published: June 2012

It is thought that perception of effort during physical tasks is the conscious awareness of the central motor command sent to the active muscles. The aim of this study was to directly test this hypothesis by experimentally varying perception of effort and measuring movement‐related cortical potential (MRCP). Sixteen healthy, recreationally active men made unilateral dynamic elbow flexions to lift a light (20% one repetition maximum, 1RM) and a heavier (35% 1RM) weight with a fatigued arm and a nonfatigued arm while rating of perceived effort (RPE), biceps brachii electromyogram (EMG), and MRCP were recorded. RPE, EMG amplitude, and MRCP amplitude at Cz during weight raising increased with weight and with muscle fatigue. There was a significant correlation between RPE and MRCP amplitude at the vertex during the weight raising epoch. This study provides direct neurophysiological evidence that perception of effort correlates with central motor command during movement execution.
Nitrospira‐dominated biofilm within a thermal artesian spring: a case for nitrification‐driven primary production in a geothermal setting
Authors: Marks C. R. , Stevenson B. S. , Rudd S. , Lawson P. A.
Published: June 2012

Water chemistry, energetic modeling, and molecular analyses were combined to investigate the microbial ecology of a biofilm growing in a thermal artesian spring within Hot Springs National Park, AR. This unique fresh water spring has a low dissolved chemical load and is isolated from both light and direct terrestrial carbon input – resulting in an oligotrophic ecosystem limited for fixed carbon and electron donors. Evaluation of energy yields of lithotrophic reactions putatively linked to autotrophy identified the aerobic oxidation of methane, hydrogen, sulfide, ammonia, and nitrite as the most exergonic. Small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene libraries from biofilm revealed a low‐diversity microbial assemblage populated by bacteria and archaea at a gene copy ratio of 45:1. Members of the bacterial family ‘Nitrospiraceae’, known for their autotrophic nitrite oxidation, dominated the bacterial SSU rRNA gene library (approximately 45%). Members of the Thaumarchaeota ThAOA/HWCGIII (>96%) and Thaumarchaeota Group I.1b (2.5%), which both contain confirmed autotrophic ammonia oxidizers, dominated the archaeal SSU rRNA library. Archaea appear to dominate among the ammonia oxidizers, as only ammonia monooxygenase subunit A (amoA) genes belonging to members of the Thaumarchaeota were detected. The geochemical, phylogenetic, and genetic data support a model that describes a novel thermophilic biofilm built largely by an autotrophic nitrifying microbial assemblage. This is also the first observation of ‘Nitrospiraceae’ as the dominant organisms within a geothermal environment.
The relationship between introduced European Starlings and the reproductive activities of Mountain Bluebirds and Tree Swallows in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: KOCH AMELIA J. , MARTIN KATHY , AITKEN KATHRYN E. H.
Published: June 2012

The European Starling Sturnus vulgaris is an introduced species in North America and is an aggressive competitor for tree cavity nest‐sites. Starlings are commonly considered to influence nest‐site selection and reproductive success of native cavity‐nesting species negatively. We examined the relationship between Starling nest density and the fecundity of two native secondary cavity‐using passerines, Mountain Bluebird Sialia currucoides and Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor. We monitored a total of 622 nests (approximately equal numbers for each of the three species) in woodpecker‐excavated and naturally occurring cavities in 29 small forest groves in central British Columbia, Canada, between 2000 and 2009. The dimensions of cavities used and the timing of nest initiation overlapped for all species, although Starlings initiated clutches earliest. Mixed‐effects models were used to assess whether nest abundance, clutch size or nest success were affected directly by Starling nest abundance, or indirectly via a shift in cavity selection or timing of breeding. Starlings and Mountain Bluebirds showed inverse trends in nest abundance. Mountain Bluebird clutch sizes were smaller if they were initiated later in the breeding season. There was weak evidence that Tree Swallow clutch size decreased with cavity depth when Starling nests were abundant, and increased with cavity depth where there were few Starling nests. We conclude that despite the aggressive nature of this exotic cavity‐nester, the influence of Starlings on native secondary cavity‐nesting passerines is modest where cavities are abundant.
Nuclear DNA from a 180‐year‐old study skin reveals the phylogenetic position of the Kinglet Calyptura Calyptura cristata (Passeriformes: Tyrannides)
Authors: OHLSON JAN. I. , IRESTEDT MARTIN , FJELDSÅ JON , ERICSON PER G. P.
Published: June 2012

The Kinglet Calyptura Calyptura cristata is one of the most enigmatic bird species in South America, known only from specimens collected in the 19th century and a few recent observations. Knowledge of its biology is scanty and its systematic position is obscure. Traditionally, Calyptura was placed in the Cotingidae, but associated with genera that are now known to fall outside the Cotingidae. In an attempt to clarify its phylogenetic position, sequence data from four nuclear markers were obtained from a 180‐year‐old museum study skin of Calyptura, and incorporated into a comprehensive dataset of tyrant flycatchers, cotingas, manakins and allies. Our analyses demonstrate that Calyptura is most closely related to Platyrinchus and Neopipo and that these three genera constitute a deep branch in the clade containing the Rhynchocyclidae (tody‐tyrants and flatbills) and Tyrannidae (typical tyrant flycatchers). The Calyptura specimen is one of the oldest avian museum specimens from which a substantial amount of nuclear DNA sequence data have been obtained, and highlights the immense value of museum collections for DNA‐based phylogenetic studies.
Effects of re‐breeding rates on population size estimation of biennial breeders: results from a model based on albatrosses
Authors: BONNEVIE BO T. , CONNAN MAËLLE , MCQUAID CHRISTOPHER D.
Published: June 2012

Estimating total breeding populations (I) for species that exhibit biennial breeding is generally done from counts of individuals that breed in each year (N), but can be complicated by the fact that the proportion of individuals breeding varies from year to year. Partly, this reflects the proportion of individuals that re‐breed in successive years (re‐breeding rate, p), which is largely, although not exclusively, governed by reproductive failure. Here we show that variation in counts of breeding individuals not only reflects changes in total breeding population but can be sensitive to and powerfully driven by variation in p. A simulation of annual field counts of a bird exhibiting biennial breeding was constructed to explore the effect of re‐breeding attempts on estimations of the total breeding population. The model was used to simulate the consequences of adult mortality and different annual patterns of nesting failures on total breeding population estimates, and to explore the consequences of variation in p on N, when total breeding population remains constant. N is shown to be very sensitive to variations in p, so that even short‐term fluctuations in p can cause changes in N that oscillate for many years ahead. We compare our modelled results with real data for Grey‐headed Albatrosses Thalassarche chrysostoma and demonstrate that, when I is held constant in the model, actual counts may be simulated by variations in p only. Normally, I is unknown and is extrapolated from N on the assumption that N mirrors changes in the size of the total population. Consequently, applying average values of p can result in misleading estimates of total breeding population. We recommend that annual counts of breeding individuals are supplemented with annual estimates of p. Field protocols that aim to estimate annual breeding population size from counts of breeding individuals should be complemented by independent measures of rates of re‐breeding and nest failure.
Gradients in N‐cycling attributes along forestry and agricultural land‐use systems are indicative of soil capacity for N supply
Authors: FAGOTTI D. S. L. , MIYAUCHI M. Y. H. , OLIVEIRA A. G. , SANTINONI I. A. , EBERHARDT D. N. , NIMTZ A. , RIBEIRO R. A. , PAULA A. M. , QUEIROZ C. A. S. , ANDRADE G. , ZANGARO W. , NOGUEIRA M. A.
Published: June 2012

Indicators of soil quality associated with N‐cycling were assessed under different land‐use systems (native forest – NAT, reforestation with Araucaria angustifolia or Pinus taeda and agricultural use – AGR) to appraise the effects on the soil potential for N supply. The soil total N ranged from 2 to 4 g/kg (AGR and NAT, respectively), and the microbial biomass N ranged from 80 to 250 mg/kg, being higher in NAT and A. angustifolia, and lower in P. taeda and AGR sites. Activities of asparaginase (ca. 50–200 mg NH4+‐N/kg per h), glutaminase (ca. 200–800 mg NH4+‐N/kg per h) and urease (ca. 80–200 mg NH4+‐N/kg/h) were also more intense in the NAT and A. angustifolia‐reforested soils, indicating greater capacity for N mineralization. The NAT and AGR soils showed the highest and the lowest ammonification rate, respectively (ca. 1 and 0.4 mg NH4+‐N/kg per day), but the inverse for nitrification rate (ca. 12 and 26%), indicating a low capacity for N supply, in addition to higher risks of N losses in the AGR soil. A multivariate analysis indicated more similarity between NAT and A. angustifolia‐reforested sites, whilst the AGR soil was different and associated with a higher nitrification rate. In general, reforestation with the native species A. angustifolia had less impact than reforestation with the exogenous species P. taeda, considering the soil capacity for N supply. However, AGR use caused more changes, generally decrease in indicators of N‐cycling, showing a negative soil management effect on the sustainability of this agroecosystem.
Collective Efficacy and Crime in Los Angeles Neighborhoods: Implications for the Latino Paradox*
Authors: Burchfield Keri B. , Silver Eric
Published: June 2012

We use data from the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Study (LAFANS) to examine the degree to which social ties and collective efficacy influence neighborhood levels of crime, net of neighborhood structural characteristics. Results indicate that residential instability and collective efficacy were each associated with lower log odds of robbery victimization, while social ties had a positive effect on robbery victimization. Further, collective efficacy mediated 77 percent of the association between concentrated disadvantage and robbery victimization, while social ties had no mediating effect. The mediation effect for concentrated disadvantage, however, was substantially weaker in the Latino neighborhoods (where it was 52%) than in the non‐Latino neighborhoods (where it was 82%), suggesting that a “Latino paradox” may be present in which crime rates in Latino neighborhoods appear to have less to do with local levels of collective efficacy than in non‐Latino neighborhoods. Implications for future research bearing on both the Latino paradox and the systemic model of social control are discussed.
Effect of Medicare Part D Benzodiazepine Exclusion on Psychotropic Use in Benzodiazepine Users
Authors: Ong Michael K. , Xu Haiyong , Zhang Lily , Azocar Francisca , Ettner Susan L.
Published: June 2012

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of the Medicare benzodiazepine coverage exclusion on psychotropic use of benzodiazepine users.

Design

Pre–post design with concurrent control group.

Setting

General community.

Participants

Intervention and comparison cohorts of individuals drawn from the same insurer who were prescribed benzodiazepines through the end of 2005. Intervention participants (n = 19,339) were elderly adults from a large, national Medicare Advantage plan subject to benzodiazepine exclusion as a result of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA). Comparison participants (n = 3,488) were near‐elderly individuals enrolled in a managed care plan not subject to the MMA benzodiazepine exclusion.

Measurements

Any psychotropic drug use and expenditures.

Results

In the intervention cohort, benzodiazepine use and expenditures significantly declined from 100% and $134 in 2005 to 74.8% and $59, respectively, in 2007. Nonbenzodiazepine psychotropic drug use and expenditures significantly increased from 35.8% and $163 in 2005 to 39.5% and $207, respectively, in 2007. In the comparison cohort, benzodiazepine use and expenditures also significantly declined from 100% and $173 in 2005 to 57.5% and $105, respectively, in 2007, but nonbenzodiazepine psychotropic drug use and expenditures significantly declined from 55.4% and $647 in 2005 to 45.1% and $572, respectively, in 2007. Changes in antidepressant and anxiolytic use were the primary cause of changes in nonbenzodiazepine psychotropic drugs in both cohorts.

Conclusion

Use of benzodiazepines continued in elderly adults despite negative financial incentives, possibly because of the low costs of such medications. Although some substitution occurred with antidepressants and anxiolytics, the magnitude of this increase did not fully offset the reduction in benzodiazepine use.
Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Use by Older Adults Is Associated with Greater Functional Responses to Exercise
Authors: Buford Thomas W. , Manini Todd M. , Hsu Fang‐Chi , Cesari Matteo , Anton Stephen D. , Nayfield Susan , Stafford Randall S. , Church Timothy S. , Pahor Marco , Carter Christy S.
Published: June 2012

Objectives

To assess the association between angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) and improvements in the physical function of older adults in response to chronic exercise training.

Design

Secondary analysis of the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Pilot (LIFE‐P) study, a multisite randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effects of chronic exercise on the physical function of older adults at risk for mobility disability.

Setting

Four academic research centers within the United States.

Participants

Four hundred twenty‐four individuals aged 70 to 89 with mild to moderate functional impairments categorized for this analysis as ACEi users, users of other antihypertensive drugs, or antihypertensive nonusers.

Intervention

A 12‐month intervention of structured physical activity (PA) or health education promoting successful aging (SA).

Measurements

Change in walking speed during a 400‐m test and performance on a battery of short‐duration mobility tasks (Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)).

Results

Physical activity significantly improved the adjusted walking speed of ACEi users (P < .001) but did not of nonusers. PA improved the adjusted SPPB score of ACEi users (P < .001) and of persons who used other antihypertensive drugs (P = .005) but not of antihypertensive nonusers (P = .91).The percentage of ACEi users deriving clinically significant benefit from exercise training for walking speed (30%) and SPPB score (48%) was dramatically higher than for nonusers (14% and 12%, respectively).

Conclusion

For older adults at risk for disability, exercise‐derived improvements in physical function were greater for ACEi users than users of other antihypertensive drugs and antihypertensive nonusers.
Kidney Function and Mortality in Octogenarians: Cardiovascular Health Study All Stars
Authors: Shastri Shani , Katz Ronit , Rifkin Dena E. , Fried Linda F. , Odden Michelle C. , Peralta Carmen A. , Chonchol Michel , Siscovick David , Shlipak Michael G. , Newman Anne B. , Sarnak Mark J.
Published: June 2012

Objectives

To examine the association between kidney function and all‐cause mortality in octogenarians.

Design

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

Setting

Community.

Participants

Serum creatinine and cystatin C were measured in 1,053 Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) All Stars participants.

Measurements

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was determined using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine (eGFRCR) and cystatin C one‐variable (eGFRCYS) equations. The association between quintiles of kidney function and all‐cause mortality was analyzed using unadjusted and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Mean age of the participants was 85, 64% were female, 66% had hypertension, 14% had diabetes mellitus, and 39% had prevalent cardiovascular disease. There were 154 deaths over a median follow‐up of 2.6 years. The association between eGFRCR and all‐cause mortality was U‐shaped. In comparison with the reference quintile (64–75 mL/min per 1.73 m2), the highest (≥75 mL/min per 1.73 m2) and lowest (≤43 mL/min per 1.73 m2) quintiles of eGFRCR were independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.36–4.55; HR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.26–4.10, respectively). The association between eGFRCYS and all‐cause mortality was linear in those with eGFRCYS of less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2, and in the multivariate analyses, the lowest quintile of eGFRCYS (<52 mL/min per 1.73 m2) was significantly associated with mortality (HR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.12–3.71) compared with the highest quintile (>0.88 mL/min per 1.73 m2).

Conclusion

Moderate reduction in kidney function is a risk factor for all‐cause mortality in octogenarians. The association between eGFRCR and all‐cause mortality differed from that observed with eGFRCYS; the relationship was U‐shaped for eGFRCR, whereas the risk was primarily present in the lowest quintile for eGFRCYS.
Hiring and Screening Practices of Agencies Supplying Paid Caregivers to Older Adults
Authors: Lindquist Lee A. , Cameron Kenzie A. , Messerges‐Bernstein Joanne , Friesema Elisha , Zickuhr Lisa , Baker David W. , Wolf Michael
Published: June 2012

Objectives

To assess what screening practices agencies use in hiring caregivers and how caregiver competency is measured before assigning responsibilities in caring for older adults.

Design

One‐to‐one phone interviews in which interviewers posed as prospective clients seeking a caregiver for an older adult relative.

Setting

Cross‐sectional cohort of agencies supplying paid caregivers to older adults in Illinois, California, Florida, Colorado, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Indiana.

Participants

Four hundred sixty‐two home care agencies were contacted, of which 84 were no longer in service, 165 offered only nursing care, and 33 were excluded; 180 agencies completed interviews.

Measurements

Agencies were surveyed about their hiring methods, screening measures, training practices, skill competencies assessments, and supervision. Two coders qualitatively analyzed open‐ended responses.

Results

To recruit caregivers, agencies primarily used print and Internet (e.g., Craigslist.com) advertising (n = 69, 39.2%) and word‐of‐mouth referrals (n = 49, 27.8%). In hiring, agencies required prior “life experiences” (n = 121, 68.8%) few of which (n = 33, 27.2%) were specific to caregiving. Screening measures included federal criminal background checks (n = 96, 55.8%) and drug testing (n = 56, 31.8%). Agencies stated that the paid caregiver could perform skills, such as medication reminding (n = 169, 96.0%). Skill competency was assessed according to caregiver self‐report (n = 103, 58.5%), testing (n = 62, 35.2%), and client feedback (n = 62, 35.2%). General caregiver training length ranged from 0 to 7 days. Supervision ranged from none to weekly and included home visits, telephone calls, and caregivers visiting the central office.

Conclusion

Using an agency to hire paid caregivers may give older adults and their families a false sense of security regarding the background and skill set of the caregiver.
Mandibular Molar Rehabilitation Using Orthodontic Extrusion Associated with Odontoplasty
Authors: Cesar‐Neto João Batista , Martos Josué , Artifon Luciano , Silveira Luiz Fernando Machado , Michelon Douver , Masotti Alexandre Severo , Silva José Carlos Maciel
Published: June 2012

The aim of this clinical report is to describe the successful treatment of a mandibular first molar presenting an extensive fracture at the buccal aspect in a young patient. The extension of the fracture was a negative prognostic factor for tooth maintenance. An alternative clinical treatment was proposed since the patient was young and presented with good oral hygiene and periodontal health. The treatment was based on orthodontic forced eruption associated with odontoplasty. A 3‐year follow‐up after the surgical procedure demonstrated the maintenance of periodontal health and good plaque control. It can be concluded that orthodontic forced eruption associated with odontoplasty promoted favorable conditions for prosthetic rehabilitation and is a feasible procedure in the treatment of tooth fracture extended below the cementoenamel junction.
The Effect of Removable Partial Dentures on Alveolar Bone Resorption: A Retrospective Study with Cone‐Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Ozan Oguz , Orhan Kaan , Aksoy Secil , Icen Murat , Bilecenoglu Burak , Sakul Bayram Ufuk
Published: June 2012

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare vertical and horizontal mandibular alveolar bone resorption by measuring bone morphological variation in Kennedy Class II removable partial denture (RPD) wearers and non‐wearers using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and Methods: In total, 124 sites in the CBCT scans of 62 (29 RPD non‐wearers, 33 RPD wearers) Kennedy Class II patients were analyzed retrospectively. Three‐dimensional representations of the mandible with superimposed cross‐sectional slices were developed with the CBCT scans to evaluate the mandibular alveolar height and width by measuring distances between the mandibular canal, mylohyoid ridge, alveolar crest, and lower border of the mandible in four regions (eight sites) of Kennedy Class II non‐wearers and wearers of RPDs.

Results: Mandibular alveolar bone height and width were significantly lower in edentulous sites when compared with dentate sites in both Kennedy Class II non‐wearers and wearers of RPDs (p < 0.05). Additionally, mean vertical and horizontal mandibular bone resorption was significantly higher in RPD wearers than in non‐wearers (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Vertical and horizontal alveolar bone resorption was found to be higher in the RPD wearing patients when comparing the dentate and edentulous sites.
A Review of Duloxetine 60 mg Once‐Daily Dosing for the Management of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain, Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Due to Chronic Osteoarthritis Pain and Low Back Pain
Authors: Pergolizzi Joseph V. , Raffa Robert B. , Taylor Robert , Rodriguez Gabriel , Nalamachu Srinivas , Langley Paul
Published: June 2012

Background:  Duloxetine is a selective dual neuronal serotonin (5‐Hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI). It is indicated in the United States for treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and several chronic pain conditions, including management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain due to chronic osteoarthritis (OA) pain and chronic low back pain (LBP). Its use for antidepressant and anxiolytic actions has been extensively reviewed previously. We here review the evidence for the efficacy of 60 mg once‐daily dosing of duloxetine for chronic pain conditions.

Method:  The literature was searched for clinical trials in humans conducted in the past 10 years involving duloxetine.

Results:  There were 199 results in the initial search. Studies not in the English language were excluded. We then included only studies of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain (OA and LBP). Studies of painful symptoms reported in mental health studies were excluded. This resulted in 32 studies. Articles that did not include a 60 mg/day daily dose as a study arm were excluded. This resulted in 30 studies, broken down as follows: 12 for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, 9 for fibromyalgia, 6 for LBP, and 3 for OA pain.

Conclusions:  The studies reviewed report that duloxetine 60 mg once‐daily dosing is an effective option for the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain due to chronic OA pain and chronic LBP. As these pains are often comorbid with MDD or GAD, duloxetine might possess the pharmacologic properties to be a versatile agent able to address several symptoms in these patients. With adequate attention to FDA prescribing guidance regarding safety and drug–drug interactions, duloxetine 60 mg once‐daily dosing appears to be an effective option in the appropriate pain patient population.
Administrative Law Judges in Fair Housing Enforcement: Attitudes, Case Facts, and Political Control
Authors: Seabrook Nicholas R. , Wilk Eric M. , Lamb Charles M.
Published: June 2012

Objective

This study investigates the effect of attitudes, case facts, and political control on the fair housing decisions made by administrative law judges (ALJs) at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Methods

Based on data obtained from HUD under a Freedom of Information Act request, we use Probit regression to model the outcomes of every housing discrimination case decided by the entire population of ALJs between 1989 and 2003.

Results

We discover significant variation in the likelihood of a pro‐complainant outcome and the amount of actual damages awarded in fair housing disputes.

Conclusion

The attitudinal model of judicial decision making appears to apply to ALJ behavior in housing discrimination cases. At the same time, case facts, bureaucratic oversight, and other legal factors constrain ALJs.
From Despair to Resistance: Maya Workers in the Maquilas of Guatemala
Authors: Goldín Liliana
Published: June 2012

Based on ethnographic research among industrial workers in the export processing plants of highland Guatemala, this article explores the meanings given to the high incidence of labor turnover. The sample is composed of mostly young workers between the ages of 16 and 25, the age of the majority of maquila workers. The study shows that turnover exemplifies worker agency, specifically in resistance to oppressive forms of production in global capitalism. Global processes in this study are illustrated through the eyes and words of local participants.
Paid Agroindustrial Work and Unpaid Caregiving for Dependents: The Gendered Dialectics between Structure and Agency in Colombia
Authors: Friedemann‐Sánchez Greta
Published: June 2012

Export‐oriented industries, such as floriculture, have long been promoted as tools for international development and economic growth. In addition, women's employment has been promoted as key to improving gender equity and alleviating poverty. Indeed, the floriculture industry in Colombia has been a source of empowerment and security for women, given the absence of employment alternatives and a sociocultural milieu that had proscribed participation by rural women in the formal labor sector. Yet, after three decades of floriculture production, the industry is at a crossroads in terms of worker turnover. The claims of job insecurity still leveled against the industry by labor advocates are quite the opposite in that worker turnover might be compromising the industry's future. Why do workers, in particular women, leave one farm after a few months or 1 or 2 years of working there? This article explores the dialectic of structure and agency issues between the floriculture industry and its workers.
Fabrication of Hollow Tetrapod‐Like TiN Nanostructures and Its Electrochemical Property
Authors: Cao Guangxiu , Li Yaogang , Zhang Qinghong , Wang Hongzhi
Published: June 2012

The facile synthesis of tetrapod‐like TiN nanocrystals with a hollow and porous structure is described. The nanocrystals were prepared by nitridation of a ZnO/TiO2 core/shell structure consisting of a thin shell of tiny TiO2 nanoparticles deposited onto a tetrapod‐like ZnO core by a vapor‐hydrolysis process. The ZnO core was then removed by vaporization during the nitridation step. The resulting hollow and porous TiN particles were with a crystallite size of 24 nm, and the shape of the tetrapod‐like ZnO template preserved. The combination of the hollow and porous structure and novel morphology enhanced the electrochemical activity.
Down‐Shifting and Up‐Conversion Spectroscopic Properties of (Ca,Mg)3(VO4)2:Yb3+,Eu3+ Phosphors
Authors: Lin Han‐Yu , Chu Sheng‐Yuan
Published: June 2012

We found that substitution of not only a larger ion like Ba2+ [J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 93, 138 (2010)] but also a smaller one like Mg2+ (this paper) replacing no >14.9% Ca2+ ions could enhance integrated down‐shifting (DS) emission intensity of red phosphor Ca3(VO4)2:0.12Eu3+, indicating that both lattice expansion and contraction can decrease the site symmetry of Eu3+ in Ca3(VO4)2:0.12Eu3+ phosphor. This finding is anticipated to improve the Eu3+ emission intensity of other Eu3+–doped phosphors. To further investigate Eu3+ up‐conversion (UC) behaviors, Yb3+ ion was used as a sensitizer. Interestingly, 5D1 → 7F3,4,6 transitions of Eu3+, which were barely detectable under DS excitation, exhibited strong intensity under UC excitation. A “recycling” process, arising from the 5D1 → 7F3 transition of Eu3+ and cross‐relaxation Eu3+ (7F3) + Eu3+ (5D0) → Eu3+ (7F0) + Eu3+ (5D1), is presumably the leading mechanism of such inconsistency.
Clinical interventions for women with schizophrenia: pregnancy
Authors: Seeman M. V.
Published: June 2012

Objective:  A comprehensive treatment program for schizophrenia needs to include services to women of childbearing age that address contraception, pregnancy, and postpartum issues, as well as safe and effective parenting. To update knowledge in these areas, a summary of the recent qualitative and quantitative literature was undertaken.

Method:  The search terms ‘sexuality,’‘contraception,’‘pregnancy,’‘postpartum,’‘custody,’ and ‘parenting’ were entered into PubMed, PsycINFO, and SOCINDEX along with the terms ‘schizophrenia’ and ‘antipsychotic.’ Publications in English for all years subsequent to 2000 were retrieved and their reference lists further searched in an attempt to arrive at a distillation of useful clinical recommendations.

Results:  The main recommendations to care providers are as follows: take a sexual history and initiate discussion about intimate relationships and contraception with all women diagnosed with schizophrenia. During pregnancy, adjust antipsychotic dose to clinical status, link the patient with prenatal care services, and help her prepare for childbirth. There are pros and cons to breastfeeding while on medication, and these need thorough discussion. During the postpartum period, mental health home visits should be provided. Parenting support is critical.

Conclusion:  The comprehensive treatment of schizophrenia in women means remembering that all women of childbearing age are potential new mothers.
An audit of dermatopathology requisitions: hand written vs. electronic medical record data entry accuracy
Authors: Kinonen Christopher L. , Watkin William G. , Gleason Briana C. , Johnson Charnell E. J. , Thomas Antoinette B. , Cibull Thomas L.
Published: June 2012

Background

At our institution, dermatopathology case requisitions are received in hand written form or via electronic medical record (EMR). Categories for requisition data entry include patient demographics, physician name and procedure site/date. Systematic data entry problems potentially cause considerable documentation error, propagate inaccurate patient information and potentially delay billing/revenue collection.

Method

We compared dermatopathology data entry errors on hand written requisitions to data entry errors using the EMR. A total of 11,475 requisitions (8545 hand written and 2930 EMR) were included in the study (the time frame was 4/1/2011‐9/30/2011).

Results

For hand written requisitions, there were 258 data entry errors on 8545 specimens (3.0%). For requisitions entered via EMR, there were 113 errors on 2930 specimens (3.9%). Container labeling, which is a hand written process with both requisition methods, was the most common source of error.

Conclusions

Currently, even with an EMR, containers are at least partially hand labeled and 96% of EMR errors occurred during this process. Other EMR data entry errors are extremely uncommon (4/2930 cases). This suggests introduction of a labeling process entirely linked to EMR data entry could nearly eliminate data entry errors. Although this study focused solely on dermatopathology cases, the findings can be extrapolated to all types of specimens.
Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor‐C in primary cutaneous melanoma predicts sentinel lymph node positivity
Authors: Cianfarani Francesca , Mastroeni Simona , Odorisio Teresa , Passarelli Francesca , Cattani Caterina , Mannooranparampil Thomas J. , Fortes Cristina , Failla Cristina M.
Published: June 2012

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor‐C (VEGF‐C), a lymphatic vessel growth factor, has been involved in the formation of lymph nodal metastases in different tumor types. Early evidences indicate that VEGF‐C expression in human primary melanoma could be predictive of lymph nodal metastases, whereas the role of lymphangiogenesis is still controversial.

Methods

By immunohistochemical analysis, we investigated VEGF‐C or CC chemokine receptor 7 expression, together with the lymphatic and blood vessel network, in 36 patients with primary skin melanomas and metastases at the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLN‐positive), and 26 melanoma patients with negative SLN biopsy (SLN‐negative).

Results

We found that VEGF‐C expression in primary melanoma specimens was significantly associated with SLN‐positive (p < 0.001), particularly in thin melanomas. An association between augmented peritumoral lymphatic vessel area and SLN‐positive (p < 0.02) was also seen. Conversely, no association between either expression of the CC chemokine receptor 7 in the primary tumor, or intratumoral lymphatic vessel or peritumoral and intratumoral blood vessel area, and SLN‐positive was found.

Conclusions

Our results, taking into account the expression of either VEGF‐C or related histopathological markers, indicated the possibility to use VEGF‐C immunohistochemistry as a marker of metastatic progression, especially in thin cutaneous melanomas.
Mechanisms regulating regional localization of inflammation during CNS autoimmunity
Authors: Pierson Emily , Simmons Sarah B. , Castelli Luca , Goverman Joan M.
Published: June 2012

Summary:  Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by inflammatory, demyelinating lesions localized in the brain and spinal cord. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model of MS that is induced by activating myelin‐specific T cells and exhibits immune cell infiltrates in the CNS similar to those seen in MS. Both MS and EAE exhibit disease heterogeneity, reflecting variations in clinical course and localization of lesions within the CNS. Collectively, the differences seen in MS and EAE suggest that the brain and spinal cord function as unique microenvironments that respond differently to infiltrating immune cells. This review addresses the roles of the cytokines interferon‐γ and interleukin‐17 in determining the localization of inflammation to the brain or spinal cord in EAE.
Janus‐like effects of type I interferon in autoimmune diseases
Authors: Axtell Robert C. , Raman Chander
Published: June 2012

Summary:  In multiple sclerosis, type I interferon (IFN) is considered immune‐modulatory, and recombinant forms of IFN‐β are the most prescribed treatment for this disease. This is in contrast to most other autoimmune disorders, because type I IFN contributes to the pathologies. Even within the relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) population, 30–50% of MS patients are non‐responsive to this treatment, and it consistently worsens neuromyelitis optica, a disease similar to RRMS. In this article, we discuss the recent advances in the field of autoimmunity and introduce the theory explain how type I IFNs can be pro‐inflammatory in disease that is predominantly driven by a Th17 response and are therapeutic when disease is predominantly Th1.
Systemic sclerosis: an ultrasonographic study of skin and subcutaneous tissue in relation to clinical findings
Authors: Sedky Manal Mohamed , Fawzy Samar Mohamed , Baki Noha Abd El , Eishi Nermine Hamdi El , Bohy Abo El Magd Mohamed El
Published: June 2012

Background

Skin thickening and tightness are characteristic manifestations of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and the only major diagnostic criterion. The aim of this study is to compare the results of high frequency ultrasound of skin and subcutaneous tissue (SC) in SSc patients and healthy control subjects and also to correlate our patientsâ€™ US findings with the severity score and with different clinical parameters.

Methods

Skin thickness and subcutaneous thickness were measured by high frequency (12‐5 MHz) ultrasound at five different anatomical sites in 40 patients with SSc and 40 healthy control subjects. Results were compared with modified Rodnan skin score (mRss), with the severity score and with different clinical parameters.

Results

Patients with SSc had thicker skin than control subjects. Ultrasound measurements correlated with the mRss as well as the severity score of the disease. The degree of skin thickening tended to diminish with longer disease duration. Also, SSc patients had thinner SC fat thickness than control subjects.

Conclusion

Ultrasound technique is a reliable noninvasive tool that gives reproducible results for the evaluation of skin and SC tissue involvement in SSc patients, adding a separate dimension to the assessment of disease severity and may be used to identify different phases of skin involvement.
Influence of gravity on the skin thermal behavior: experimental study using dynamic infrared thermography
Authors: Ratovoson Domoina , Jourdan Franck , Huon Vincent
Published: June 2012

Background/aim

To better understand the thermomechanical behavior of the skin and its direct environment, we present an experimental study using dynamic infrared thermography. This experimental study aims to highlight quantitatively some effects of blood flow on the heat diffusion.

Methods

The originality of this research was to change the blood flow by using effects of gravity and to quantify the temperature changes. The experimental step consists of putting a cylindrical steel bar cooled or warmed on the skin of a human forearm and to measure the change of the temperature using an infrared camera. Measures have been recorded for different positions of the forearm.

Result and conclusion

We noted very clearly the influence of blood circulation in the veins on the diffusion of the temperature. The return to thermal balance is faster when the arm is in a horizontal position. Moreover, a comparative study of experimental cooling and warming showed a symmetrical thermal behavior for the skin under this type of thermal solicitations. This work provided to build a database that can be used for the validation of predictive thermal models of human skin.
The influence of malocclusion on the diagnostic value of the orthopantomogram in the maxillary labial segment
Authors: Hayes M. L. , Johal A.
Published: June 2012

Hayes M. L., Johal A. The influence of malocclusion on the diagnostic value of the orthopantomogram in the maxillary labial segment  Orthod Craniofac Res 2012;15:169–177. © John Wiley & Sons A/S

Structured Abstract

Objective –  To investigate the effect of malocclusion and incisor inclination on the diagnostic value of the orthopantomogram in the maxillary labial segment.

Setting –  The Department of Orthodontics at The Royal London Hospital.

Material and Method –  A literature review identified seven key features of an ideal radiograph of the upper labial segment. This provided the ‘Gold Standard’. Four previously extracted maxillary incisors were set‐up with a complementary acrylic dentition in a dry human skull. The maxillary base was modified to facilitate the movement of the upper jaw to simulate a total of nine malocclusions, based on skeletal I, II with III patterns with varying upper incisor inclination. A lateral cephalogram was taken to quantify the upper incisor inclination. An orthopantomogram (OPG), upper standard occlusal (USO) and four long‐cone periapical radiographs (PA) were also taken. Each radiograph was scored against the Gold Standard. In addition, a clinical audit involving 100 new orthodontic patients was carried out to determine whether in vivo findings mirrored the in vitro results.

Results –  The orthopantomogram provides low levels of diagnostic value in the maxillary incisor region. The diagnostic value for the skeletal I skull set‐up ranged from 57 per cent for the OPG, 71 per cent for the USO and 86 per cent for the PA view.

Conclusion –  The orthopantomogram showed poor diagnostic value in relation to the upper incisor teeth. Long‐cone periapicals are recommended as the supplementary view of choice in the maxillary incisor region.
Spectrum of chronic lung disease in a population of newborns with extremely low gestational age
Authors: Hjalmarson O , Brynjarsson H , Nilsson S , Sandberg KL
Published: June 2012

Aims:  To determine how the ability to oxygenate the blood develops after birth in infants of extremely low gestational age (ELGANs) and to find risk factors for chronic lung disease.

Method:  A prospective, population‐based, cohort study was undertaken in one tertiary‐care centre. The alveolar–arterial oxygen pressure difference (AaDO2) was monitored.

Results:  Of 41 survivors, 21 had a period of normal lung function in the first week of life, after which oxygenation deteriorated. Low gestational age and low Apgar score at 5 min were found to be strong and independent predictors of AaDO2 in the first month of life. Mechanical ventilation did not appear as a risk factor. Lung function at 36 weeks of gestation and duration of oxygen treatment could be better predicted by the severity of lung disease in the first month than by gestational age at birth.

Conclusions:  Difficulty in oxygenation was a general observation in ELGANs and not only a particular subset. Gestational age and Apgar score were independent predictors of the degree of difficulty over the first month of life. As oxygenation failure often developed after a few days, the process may be possible to treat or prevent once the pathogenesis is known.
Spatial predictions of land‐use transitions and associated threats to biodiversity: the case of forest regrowth in mountain grasslands
Authors: Pellissier Loïc , Anzini Maruska , Maiorano Luigi , Dubuis Anne , Pottier Julien , Vittoz Pascal , Guisan Antoine
Published: June 2012

Question

Can we predict where forest regrowth caused by abandonment of agricultural activities is likely to occur? Can we assess how it may conflict with grassland diversity hotspots?

Location

Western Swiss Alps (400–3210 m a.s.l.).

Methods

We used statistical models to predict the location of land abandonment by farmers that is followed by forest regrowth in semi‐natural grasslands of the Western Swiss Alps. Six modelling methods (GAM, GBM, GLM, RF, MDA, MARS) allowing binomial distribution were tested on two successive transitions occurring between three time periods. Models were calibrated using data on land‐use change occurring between 1979 and 1992 as response, and environmental, accessibility and socio‐economic variables as predictors, and these were validated for their capacity to predict the changes observed from 1992 to 2004. Projected probabilities of land‐use change from an ensemble forecast of the six models were combined with a model of plant species richness based on a field inventory, allowing identification of critical grassland areas for the preservation of biodiversity.

Results

Models calibrated over the first land‐use transition period predicted the second transition with reasonable accuracy. Forest regrowth occurs where cultivation costs are high and yield potential is low, i.e. on steeper slopes and at higher elevations. Overlaying species richness with land‐use change predictions, we identified priority areas for the management and conservation of biodiversity at intermediate elevations.

Conclusions

Combining land‐use change and biodiversity projections, we propose applied management measures for targeted/identified locations to limit the loss of biodiversity that could otherwise occur through loss of open habitats. The same approach could be applied to other types of land‐use changes occurring in other ecosystems.
Black tea polyphenols induce human leukemic cell cycle arrest by inhibiting Akt signaling
Authors: Halder Babli , Das Gupta Shubho , Gomes Aparna
Published: June 2012

Tea polyphenols have potent biological activities against human cancer cells. A major causative factor in malignancies is disregulation of cell‐cycle kinetics. In this study, we observed that black tea polyphenols, theaflavins (TF) and thearubigins (TR) induced cell‐cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in human leukemic U937 and K562 cells. Our objective was to understand the underlying molecular mechanism of cell‐cycle inhibition by TF and TR. During elucidation, we observed that both TF and TR treatment augmented expression of p19, p21 and p27, while ablating cylcin‐dependant kinase (CDK)2, CDK4, CDK6 and cyclin D1 levels. Our experimental results further determined that Akt signaling suppression by TF and TR played a major role in this process. Moreover, suppression of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β, β‐catenin and amplification of forkhead transcription factor 1 (FOXO1) expression were associated with regulation of certain key components of the cell‐cycle machinery. In addition, depletion of heat shock protein (Hsp) 90 by TF and TR also had a pivotal role in cell‐cycle arrest. More specifically, inhibition of Akt signaling by TF and TR correlated with the depletion of its downstream targets like Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, cyclin D1 and increase of FOXO1, p27 levels. Inhibition of upstream Hsp90 by TF and TR consequently attenuated Akt signaling and reduced the level of CDK2. These results suggest possible mechanisms for the chemopreventive effect of TF and TR on human leukemic cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such a detailed molecular mechanism for TF and the less‐investigated polyphenol TR‐mediated cell‐cycle inhibition in human leukemic U937 and K562 cells.