bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autonomía en la gestión hospitalaria en Chile: los desafíos para el recurso humano en salud
Authors: Méndez Claudio A , Torres A M Cristina
Published: March 2010

En América Latina destacan experiencias de reforma sanitaria en donde se ha dado paso a la implementación de hospitales autónomos. En Chile, el sistema de salud implementa una reforma que introduce los Establecimientos de Autogestión en Red. Estos serán centros de alta complejidad que involucrarán una mayor diversidad técnica, centros de costos y mecanismos de evaluación de la satisfacción de los usuarios. Para el recurso humano en salud, la implementación de estos centros plantea desafíos en la planificación para la provisión de servicios, así como en la transición de la gestión clásica de los equipos a una basada en redes. Estos desafíos involucran la estimación de brechas de especialidades médicas, así como de otras profesiones del sector. Para el éxito de la autogestión en Chile, se deben establecer políticas globales y locales que aborden temas de formación y de organización de la provisión de servicios de salud en estas instituciones.
Anafilaxia associada à vacina contra sarampo, caxumba e rubéola
Authors: Novadzki Iolanda Maria , Rosario Filho Nelson
Published: March 2010

Estudo do tipo caso-controle cujo objetivo foi descrever os casos e as causas de anafilaxia associada à vacina contra sarampo, caxumba e rubéola. Foram estudados 22 casos notificados em crianças de Curitiba, PR, durante Campanha Nacional de Vacinação de 2004, que apresentaram manifestações mucocutâneas. Para o controle, foram selecionadas 66 crianças vizinhas dos casos, que não apresentaram sintomatologia após a aplicação vacinal. Foram realizadas dosagens séricas de anticorpos para os antígenos vacinais, IgE total e específicas para diversos alérgenos, e testes cutâneos. A resposta vacinal foi adequada, a dosagem de IgE específica e os testes cutâneos mostraram que os alérgenos potenciais constituintes da vacina e a atopia não foram relacionados às reações anafiláticas. Os testes cutâneos com a vacina e o dextrano foram positivos somente nos casos, sugerindo sensibilização por algum componente residual da vacina e possível reação cruzada com o dextrano.
Understanding the Rapid Increase in Life Expectancy in South Korea
Authors: Yang Seungmi , Khang Young-Ho , Harper Sam , Davey Smith George , Leon David A. , Lynch John
Published: March 2010

Objectives. We assessed life expectancy increases in the past several decades in South Korea by age and specific causes of death.

Methods. We applied Arriaga's decomposition method to life table data (1970–2005) and mortality statistics (1983–2005) to estimate age- and cause-specific contributions to changes in life expectancy.

Results. Reductions in infant mortality made the largest age-group contribution to the life expectancy increase. Reductions in cardiovascular diseases (particularly stroke and hypertensive diseases) contributed most to longer life expectancy between 1983 and 2005 (30% in males and 28% in females). Lower rates of stomach cancer, liver disease, tuberculosis, and external-cause mortality accounted for 30% of the male and 20% of the female increase in longevity. However, higher mortality from ischemic heart disease, lung and bronchial cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, diabetes, and suicide offset gains by 10% in both genders.

Conclusions. Rapid increases in life expectancy in South Korea were mostly achieved by reductions in infant mortality and in diseases related to infections and blood pressure.
Morbidity Risk at Birth for Asian Indian Small for Gestational Age Infants
Authors: Lee Henry Chong , Ramachandran Pramela , Madan Ashima
Published: March 2010

Whether the traditional definition of small for gestational age (SGA) is an appropriate marker of risk for populations that have relatively lower birthweight is unclear. We determined proportions of White and Asian Indian SGA infants and those admitted to the special care nursery. Compared with White infants, Asian Indian infants were more likely to be SGA (14.5% versus 2.7%) and more likely to be admitted to the special care nursery (20.7% versus 3.7%), suggesting that traditional definitions of SGA may be applicable as a marker of risk.
The Forgotten Treasure: Bilingualism and Asian Children's Emotional and Behavioral Health
Authors: Han Wen-Jui , Huang Chien-Chung
Published: March 2010

Objectives. We investigated the relation between the language status of children and their behavioral and emotional well-being during their early school years.

Methods. Behavioral and emotional well-being were drawn from teacher-reported data and included externalizing and internalizing behaviors. Three-level growth curve analyses were conducted on a subsample (n = 12 586) of children from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, kindergarten cohort, who originated from Asian countries. US-born, non-Hispanic White children served as the comparison group.

Results. All children started with a similar level of internalizing and externalizing behaviors at kindergarten entry. The growth rate of problem behaviors was slowest in fluent bilingual and non–English-dominant bilingual children compared with White English-monolingual children. By contrast, problem behaviors increased at a significantly faster rate in non–English-monolingual children, who had the highest level of problem behaviors among all children by fifth grade.

Conclusions. By fifth grade, fluent bilingual and non–English-dominant bilingual children had the lowest levels of internalizing and externalizing behaviors, whereas non–English-monolingual children had the highest levels of both behavior problems. Our data suggest emotional and behavioral benefits of being bilingual.
Perception of Barriers to Immunization Among Parents of Hmong Origin in California
Authors: Baker Dian L. , Dang Michelle T. , Ly May Ying , Diaz Rafael
Published: March 2010

Objectives. We explored factors associated with perception of barriers to immunization among parents of Hmong origin in California, whose children experience persistent immunization inequities even with health insurance.

Methods. A partnership of academic researchers and members of the Hmong community conducted a community-based participatory research project. We collected data in naturalistic settings with a standardized instrument. We analyzed responses from 417 parents and caregivers and created a structural equation model to determine factors that contributed to perceived barriers.

Results. Of 3 potential contributing factors to perceived barriers—nativity, socioeconomic position, and use of traditional Hmong health care (i.e., consulting shamans and herbalists)—the latter 2 significantly predicted higher perceived barriers to immunization. Nativity, indicated by years in the United States, age of arrival in the United States, and English language fluency, did not predict perceived barriers.

Conclusions. Interventions aimed at reducing immunization inequities should consider distinct sociocultural factors that affect immunization rates among different refugee and immigrant groups.
Disparities in Breast Cancer Survival Among Asian Women by Ethnicity and Immigrant Status: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Gomez Scarlett Lin , Clarke Christina A. , Shema Sarah J. , Chang Ellen T. , Keegan Theresa H. M. , Glaser Sally L.
Published: March 2010

Objectives. We investigated heterogeneity in ethnic composition and immigrant status among US Asians as an explanation for disparities in breast cancer survival.

Methods. We enhanced data from the California Cancer Registry and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program through linkage and imputation to examine the effect of immigrant status, neighborhood socioeconomic status, and ethnic enclave on mortality among Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, South Asian, and Vietnamese women diagnosed with breast cancer from 1988 to 2005 and followed through 2007.

Results. US-born women had similar mortality rates in all Asian ethnic groups except the Vietnamese, who had lower mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.1, 0.9). Except for Japanese women, all foreign-born women had higher mortality than did US-born Japanese, the reference group. HRs ranged from 1.4 (95% CI = 1.2, 1.7) among Koreans to 1.8 (95% CI = 1.5, 2.2) among South Asians and Vietnamese. Little of this variation was explained by differences in disease characteristics.

Conclusions. Survival after breast cancer is poorer among foreign- than US-born Asians. Research on underlying factors is needed, along with increased awareness and targeted cancer control.
Improving effectiveness and efficiency in the water sector: institutions, infrastructure and indicators
Authors: Araral Eduardo
Published: March 2010

This special edition is devoted to the theme of water institutions, infrastructure and performance indicators and how they matter to the effectiveness and efficiency of the water sector. It explores many questions which have not been adequately addressed in the literature. For example, what do we know about institutional reforms in the water sector? Can regulation improve the performance of government-controlled water utilities? What explains the choices amongst governance mechanisms in the water sector? How do political institutions affect water sector performance? How do we construct an index of drinking water adequacy? Can the media influence the formation of beliefs about the “yuck” factor in water reuse? Empirical examples are drawn from various countries and regions around the world. Contributors include economists, sociologists, political scientists, consultants, water policy professionals and staff of donor agencies. The methodological approaches employed range from meta-analyses, comparative analyses, content analyses, statistical and econometric analyses, as well as single case studies.
Disparities in access to clean water and sanitation: institutional causes
Authors: Whitford Andrew B. , Smith Helen , Mandawat Anant
Published: March 2010

This paper uses cross-national data from 2002 and 2004 to assess the effects of key institutional variables on the improvement of access to safe water and sanitation. Two key variables of specific interest are a country's commitment to ‘quality regulation’ and the country's long-term development path. The evidence for the impact of those factors on expanding or contracting access to water and sanitation is mixed.
Community-driven development as a driver of change: water supply and sanitation projects in rural Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Padawangi Rita
Published: March 2010

This paper examines the question: how effective is a community driven development (CDD) approach to rural water supply? Some theoretical advantages of CDD approaches include: (1) community choices are more attuned to local needs; (2) sustainable O&M is more likely; (3) social capital is built; (4) more participation yields better oversight and less corruption; and (5) communities become active partners in development, itself a worthy objective. Using quantitative and qualitative data from a water supply and sanitation project in Punjab, Pakistan, the study finds that the CDD approach, consistent with expectations, has done well in extending water supply, drainage, and sanitation coverage to the poor rural communities, and demonstrated outcomes that are only achievable through CDD—including water tariff and cultural changes. The project was also effective in promoting local participation and ownership, particularly by women's groups, and is therefore likely to have sustainable operation and maintenance (O & M). This study uncovers two dimensions of CDD in water and sanitation as means to an end: political reform, by proposing implementation strategies of decentralisation; and cultural reform, by providing an approach to break cultural barriers.
Experimental Study on Energy Saving of Fluidized Bed Dryer with Self-Excited Mode Oscillating-Flow Heat Pipe Heat Exchanger
Authors: Chai Benyin , Li Xuanyou , Zhou Shenjie , Liu Dengying , Shao Min , Peng Lihua
Published: March 2010

This paper investigated experimentally the influences of gas flow type, position of heat source and gas flow rate on the properties of a heat exchanger with a Self-Excited Mode Oscillating-Flow Heat Pipe (SEMOFHP). The SEMOFHPs were made from copper with an inner diameter of 3mm. Distilled water was used as working liquid. The results showed that the heat exchange capability of the SEMOFHP heat exchanger is about 3 times higher than that of a common tube heat exchanger. The heat exchanger unit used in the experiments was operated under counterflow, bottom heat source and high gas flow rate conditions. However, it was found that the unit could also work well with a top heat source arrangement. The heat recovery efficiency of the heat exchanger is slightly increased with the increase of inlet air temperature. The SEMOFHP heat pipe works only when the hot gas temperature is higher than the initial temperature.
Critical Role of the Mesenteric Depot Versus Other Intra-abdominal Adipose Depots in the Development of Insulin Resistance in Young Rats
Authors: Catalano Karyn J. , Stefanovski Darko , Bergman Richard N.
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE

Age-associated insulin resistance may be caused by increased visceral adiposity and older animals appear to be more susceptible to obesity-related resistance than young animals. However, it is unclear to what extent the portally drained mesenteric fat depot influences this susceptibility.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Young high-fat–fed and old obese rats were subjected to 0, 2, 4, or 6 weeks of caloric restriction. Insulin sensitivity (SI) was assessed by hyperinsulinemic clamp and lean body mass (LBM) and total body fat were assessed by 18O-water administration.

RESULTS

Six weeks of caloric restriction caused a similar reduction in body weight in young and old animals (P = 0.748) that was not due to reduced subcutaneous fat or LBM, but rather preferential loss of abdominal fat (P < 0.05). Most notably, mesenteric fat was reduced equivalently in young and old rats after 6 weeks of caloric restriction (∼↓53%; P = 0.537). Despite similar visceral fat loss, SI improved less in old (↑32.76 ± 9.80%) than in young (↑82.91 ± 12.66%) rats versus week 0. In addition, there was significantly more reversal of fat accumulation in the liver in young (% reduction: 89 ± 2) versus old (64 ± 5) rats (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, in young rats, SI changed much more rapidly for a given change in mesenteric fat versus other abdominal depots (slope = 0.53 vs. ≤0.27 kg/min/mg per % fat).

CONCLUSIONS

Improved SI during caloric restriction correlated with a preferential abdominal fat loss. This improvement was refractory in older animals, likely because of slower liberation of hepatic lipid. Furthermore, mesenteric fat was a better predictor of SI than other abdominal depots in young but not old rats. These results suggest a singular role for mesenteric fat to determine insulin resistance. This role may be related to delivery of lipid to liver, and associated accumulation of liver fat.
TBC1D1 Regulates Insulin- and Contraction-Induced Glucose Transport in Mouse Skeletal Muscle
Authors: An Ding , Toyoda Taro , Taylor Eric B. , Yu Haiyan , Fujii Nobuharu , Hirshman Michael F. , Goodyear Laurie J.
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE

TBC1D1 is a member of the TBC1 Rab-GTPase family of proteins and is highly expressed in skeletal muscle. Insulin and contraction increase TBC1D1 phosphorylation on phospho-Akt substrate motifs (PASs), but the function of TBC1D1 in muscle is not known. Genetic linkage analyses show a TBC1D1 R125W missense variant confers risk for severe obesity in humans. The objective of this study was to determine whether TBC1D1 regulates glucose transport in skeletal muscle.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In vivo gene injection and electroporation were used to overexpress wild-type and several mutant TBC1D1 proteins in mouse tibialis anterior muscles, and glucose transport was measured in vivo.

RESULTS

Expression of the obesity-associated R125W mutant significantly decreased insulin-stimulated glucose transport in the absence of changes in TBC1D1 PAS phosphorylation. Simultaneous expression of an inactive Rab-GTPase (GAP) domain of TBC1D1 in the R125W mutant reversed this decrease in glucose transport caused by the R125W mutant. Surprisingly, expression of TBC1D1 mutated to Ala on four conserved Akt and/or AMP-activated protein kinase predicted phosphorylation sites (4P) had no effect on insulin-stimulated glucose transport. In contrast, expression of the TBC1D1 4P mutant decreased contraction-stimulated glucose transport, an effect prevented by concomitant disruption of TBC1D1 Rab-GAP activity. There was no effect of the R125W mutation on contraction-stimulated glucose transport.

CONCLUSIONS

TBC1D1 regulates both insulin- and contraction-stimulated glucose transport, and this occurs via distinct mechanisms. The R125W mutation of TBC1D1 impairs skeletal muscle glucose transport, which could be a mechanism for the obesity associated with this mutation.
Independent Metabolic Syndrome Variants Predict New-Onset Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Vaidya Dhananjay , Mathias Rasika A. , Kral Brian G. , Yanek Lisa R. , Becker Lewis C. , Becker Diane M.
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE

Any combination of metabolic abnormalities may constitute the metabolic syndrome (MetS), conferring coronary artery disease (CAD) risk, but the independent effect of different combinations on CAD onset remains unknown.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Healthy adult siblings (n = 987) of premature CAD (<60 years) case subjects were followed for 9.8 ± 3.8 years. Baseline MetS variables (insulin sensitivity index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides) were recombined into five principal components (PC1–5), and risk factor–adjusted proportional hazards for CAD onset of median-dichotomized PCs were estimated.

RESULTS

The significant hazard ratios were as follows: for PC1 (all abnormalities except blood pressure) 1.66 (P = 0.036), PC2 (high blood pressure levels, high HDL cholesterol) 1.71 (P = 0.016), and PC4 (low HDL cholesterol, high insulin sensitivity, low triglycerides) 2.0 (P = 0.001). Traditionally defined MetS had a hazard ratio of 1.32 (P = 0.18).

CONCLUSIONS

Independent MetS variants identified by PC analysis may explain metabolic mechanisms that increase CAD risk better than the presence of traditional MetS.
Ternary complexes of vanadium(IV) with 4-(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol (PAR) and ditetrazolium chlorides (DTC)
Authors: Genç Fatma , Gavazov Kiril , Türkyilmaz Murat
Published: March 2010

Complex formation and liquid-liquid extraction have been studied for ternary complexes of vanadium(IV) with 4-(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol (PAR) and ditetrazolium chlorides (DTC) in a water-chloroform medium. The specific ditetrazolium compounds investigated were i) 3,3′-(4,4′-biphenylene)-bis(2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium) chloride (Neotetrazolium chloride, NTC); ii) 3,3′-(3,3′-dimetoxy-4,4′-biphenylene)-bis(2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium) chloride (Blue Tetrazolium chloride, BTC); and iii) 3,3′-(3,3′-dimetoxy-4,4′-biphenylene)-bis[2-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyl-2H-tetrazolium] chloride (Nitro Blue Tetrazolium chloride, NBT). Molar absorptivity coefficients and the composition of the complexes have been calculated. Association constants (β) have also been obtained for the interactions between the vanadium(IV) — PAR anionic chelates [VO(PAR)2]2− (I) and [VO(OH)2(PAR)2]4− (II), and ditetrazolium cations (DT2+). Some special features of NBT as an extraction-spectrophotometric reagent for vanadium(IV) have been discussed. Unlike NTC and BTC which form complexes with both I and II, NBT associates only with II. The pH interval for complete extraction of (NBT2+)2[VO(OH)2(PAR)2] is broader and allows work at lower pH values the other ion-associates of V(IV,V)-PAR that were studied. NBT is -therefore the appropriate reagent both for direct V(IV) determination and for V(IV)/V(V) separation. Some additional characteristics for the V(IV)-PAR-NBT-water-chloroform system have been determined: extraction constant, distribution constant, recovery factor, limit of detection and limit of quantification. Beer’s law is valid up to 1.4 μg mL−1 vanadium(IV) with molar absorptivity coefficient of 3.55×104 L mol−1 cm−1 at λmax=559 nm.
Determination of ultra-trace amounts of inorganic selenium species in natural water by ion chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry coupled with nano-Al2O3 solid phase extraction
Authors: Liu Qingyang
Published: March 2010

This work presents a nano-Al2O3 solid phase extraction technique for the determination of ultra-trace amounts of inorganic selenium species in aqueous systems using ion chromatography inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (IC-ICP-MS). In this experiment, the inorganic selenium species were successfully extracted on a nano-Al2O3 solid phase column and then quantitative eluted with a 100 mmol L−1 NaOH solution. Extraction conditions such as solvent identity, solvent concentration, solvent volume, solvent pH and salt addition were optimized. Under the optimum extraction conditions (elute solvent: 100 mmol L−1 NaOH, solvent volume: 4 mL, pH: 7.0), low detection limits (Se (IV): 6 ng L−1, Se (VI): 11 ng L−1; RSD−1, R2 > 0.999) were obtained for all of the analytes. Good spiked recoveries over the range of 80–98% were obtained by applying the proposed method on real environmental water samples. These results indicated that this method is very sensitive and reliable when monitoring trace levels of inorganic selenium species in aqueous samples.
ZrOCl2 · 8H2O: An efficient catalyst for rapid one-pot synthesis of 3-carboxycoumarins under ultrasound irradiation in water
Authors: Bardajee Ghasem , Jafarpour Farnaz , Afsari Hamid
Published: March 2010

In this report, a rapid, efficient and environmental friendly synthesis of 3-carboxycoumarins under ultrasound irradiation in water media is described. The Knoevenagel condensation of Meldrum’s acid with substituted benzaldehydes in the presence of zirconium oxide chloride (ZrOCl2·8H2O) and ultrasonic irradiation in water gave the corresponding 3-carboxycoumarins in good to excellent yields.
Ion-exchange studies on poly-o-anisidine Sn(IV) phosphate nano composite and its application as Cd(II) ion-selective membrane electrode
Authors: Khan Asif , Khan Anish
Published: March 2010

An organic-inorganic composite, poly-o-anisidine Sn(IV) phosphate, was chemically synthesized by mixing ortho-anisidine into gels of Sn(IV) phosphate with different mixing volume ratios. Studies on the effect of eluant concentration, elution behavior and separation of metal ions were carried out to understand the ion-exchange capabilities. Due to Cd(II) selective nature of composite, revealed by distribution studies, Cd(II) ion selective membrane electrode was fabricated. The analytical utility of the electrode was established by employing it as an indicator electrode in electrometric titrations having fast response time, 3–5s, and long life span of six months. Some physical parameters like self-diffusion coefficient (D0), activation energy (Ea) and entropy of activation (ΔS0) have been evaluated under conditions favoring a particle diffusion-controlled mechanism by studying ion-exchange kinetics.
Nano-hydroxyapatite preparation from biogenic raw materials
Authors: Gergely Gréta , Wéber Ferenc , Lukács István , Illés Levente , Tóth Attila , Horváth Zsolt , Mihály Judit , Balázsi Csaba
Published: March 2010

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) was successfully produced from recycled eggshell, seashell and phosphoric acid. The phases obtained depended on the ratio of calcined eggshell/ seashell to phosphoric acid, the calcination temperature and the mechanochemical activation method (ball milling or attrition milling). The HAp structures were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microsopy and infrared spectroscopy. Attrition milling was more effective than ball milling, yielding nanosize, homogenous and pure Hap.
Analysis of thermal diffusivity data determined for selected organic topsoil layer
Authors: Gnatowski Tomasz
Published: March 2010

Analysis of thermal diffusivity data determined for selected organic topsoil layer

Thermal diffusivity (KT) is a very complex soil property. However, proper estimation of this parameter is very important for the study of thermal processes in the soil. Nevertheless, the thermal diffusivity of peat and organic soils is not well characterized. The purpose of this study was to evaluate different methods for the assessment of the thermal diffusivity of selected organic topsoil layer. The first group of methods included calculation procedures developed from analytical solution of the heat transfer equation. For the determination of thermal diffusivity the distribution of the soil temperature at two depths was required. The second group of methods was based on the classical definition of thermal diffusivity where the quantification of thermal conductivity and heat capacity is required. The measurements and calculations clearly suggest that methods based on the phase equation should be not considered as appropriate methods for thermal diffusivity determination for organic soils. The other methods considered lead to results which were comparable to the experimental KT data.
Gender perspective on quality of life, comparisons between groups 4–5.5 years after unsuccessful or successful IVF treatment
Authors: JOHANSSON MARIANNE , ADOLFSSON ANNSOFIE , BERG MARIE , FRANCIS JYNFIAF , HOGSTRÖM LARS , JANSON PER OLOF , SOGN JAN , HELLSTRÖM ANNA‐LENA
Published: March 2010

Objective. To describe and compare quality of life in men and women who had in vitro fertilization (IVF) within the Swedish public health system 4–5.5 years previously, either unsuccessfully and were subsequently living without children, or successfully, having children aged 4–5.5 years. These groups were compared to a control group of men and women with children born at the same time as in the successful group. Design. Cross‐sectional study. Setting. Reproductive Unit, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. Sample. Twenty‐six men and 37 women in the unsuccessful group, 135 men and 154 women in the successful group and 93 men and 118 women in the control group. Methods. Questionnaire study. The respective gender differences were studied in the control and study groups. Main outcome measures. Psychological general well‐being (PGWB), sense of coherence (SOC), experience of infertility, demographic‐socio‐economic, and health characteristics. Results. Men in the unsuccessful IVF group scored lower in total PGWB and SOC indices than the successful group men. They reported more depression, lower PGWB and lower SOC than the control group men. Women in the unsuccessful IVF group reported more anxiety, depression, and lower SOC than the successful group women and more depression and lower SOC indices than control group women. Men and women in the unsuccessful IVF group did not differ in any of the parameters. Men in the successful IVF group had higher PGWB, less signs of depression and more self‐confidence than women in that group. Conclusion. Quality of life in men seems more negatively affected by involuntary infertility than reported in earlier studies.
Psychopathology and Symptom Remission at Adolescence Among Children with Attention-Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Shur-Fen Gau Susan , Lin Yu-Ju , Tai-Ann Cheng Andrew , Chiu Yen-Nan , Tsai Wen-Che , Soong Wei-Tsuen
Published: March 2010

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine changes of attention-deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and psychiatric comorbidities at adolescence, and mother-child agreement on reports of ADHD symptoms among children with ADHD as compared to unaffected controls.

Methods: The participants included 93 patients (male, 82.8%) aged 11–16, who were clinically diagnosed with ADHD at the mean age of 7.3 ± 2.8 years, and 93 age-, sex-, and parental education-matched school controls. The participants and their mothers were frist interviewed separately for baseline psychopathology at childhood, followed by current psychopathology using the Chinese Kiddie Epidemiologic version of the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia.

Results: At adolescence, 46 patients (49.5%) met full DSM-IV ADHD criteria, 31 (33.3%) had subthreshold ADHD, and 16 (17.2%) had recovered from ADHD. We found a significant progressive decline in the three ADHD core symptoms for the ADHD group: hyperactivity had the greatest effect size, followed by inattention, and then impulsivity. Children with ADHD tended to report less severe ADHD symptoms at childhood and adolescence than their mothers. They were more likely than the controls to have oppositional defiant disorder (odds ratio (OR)=18.0; 95% confidence interval (CI)=8.3–38.9), conduct disorder (OR=23.1, 95%CI =5.3–100.2), mood disorders (OR=3.8, 95%CI = 1.5–9.4), bipolar disorders (Fisher's exact p < 0.001), and sleep disorders (OR=3.1, 95%CI = 1.6–6.0) at adolescence.

Conclusions: The present findings are similar to those of Western studies, regarding the patterns of comorbidity, stability of core symptoms, and mother–child differences on symptom reports.
Cigarette Smoking And Psychosis: Naturalistic Follow up 4 Years After an Intervention Trial
Authors: Baker Amanda , Richmond Robyn , Lewin Terry J. , Kay-Lambkin Frances
Published: March 2010

Objective: Cigarette smoking is very common among people with a psychotic disorder and is often not addressed by clinicians. Additionally, few studies have evaluated smoking interventions among this group. The present study reports findings from a naturalistic follow up 4 years after a smoking intervention trial.

Method: Longer-term smoking, symptomatology and functioning were examined among 247 participants (recruited in Sydney and Newcastle, Australia) who initially attended a 1 year follow up of an eight-session individually administered trial for regular smokers with a psychotic disorder. Variables profiled included continuous and point prevalence abstinence rates, smoking reduction status (no reduction, <50%, ≥50%, or abstinence) and changes in anxiety, depression and current functioning.

Results: Two-thirds of those who completed the 1 year assessment were followed up at 4 years (164/247, 66.4%), of whom 79.2% reported maintenance or improvement in their smoking reduction status relative to 1 year. Abstinence at 1 year was significantly associated with 4 year point prevalence abstinence. Lengthy periods of abstinence were also evident among those reporting 4 year point prevalence abstinence or at least a 50% reduction. No baseline or intervention status variables predicted smoking status at 4 years. Symptomatology and functioning also improved between baseline and 4 years.

Conclusions: Smokers with a psychotic disorder are capable of long-term change. It is recommended that clinicians address and monitor smoking during treatment of people with psychosis, emphasizing potential lifestyle and harm reduction benefits, with a view to eventual smoking cessation.
Vulnerability Factors for Disaster-Induced Child Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: The Case for Low Family Resilience and Previous Mental Illness
Authors: McDermott Brett M. , Cobham Vanessa E. , Berry Helen , Stallman Helen M.
Published: March 2010

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether parent report of family resilience predicted children's disaster-induced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and general emotional symptoms, independent of a broad range of variables including event-related factors, previous child mental illness and social connectedness.

Methods: A total of 568 children (mean age = 10.2 years, SD = 1.3) who attended public primary schools, were screened 3 months after Cyclone Larry devastated the Innisfail region of North Queensland. Measures included parent report on the Family Resilience Measure and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)–emotional subscale and child report on the PTSD Reaction Index, measures of event exposure and social connectedness.

Results: Sixty-four students (11.3%) were in the severe–very severe PTSD category and 53 families (28.6%) scored in the poor family resilience range. A lower family resilience score was associated with child emotional problems on the SDQ and longer duration of previous child mental health difficulties, but not disaster-induced child PTSD or child threat perception on either bivariate analysis, or as a main or moderator variable on multivariate analysis (main effect: adjusted odds ratio (ORadj) = 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.13–2.44). Similarly, previous mental illness was not a significant predictor of child PTSD in the multivariate model (ORadj = 0.75, 95%CI = 0.16–3.61).

Conclusion: In this post-disaster sample children with existing mental health problems and those of low-resilience families were not at elevated risk of PTSD. The possibility that the aetiological model of disaster-induced child PTSD may differ from usual child and adolescent conceptualizations is discussed.
Lay Perceptions of Child Pornography Offenders
Authors: Lam Anita , Mitchell Jennifer , Seto Michael C.
Published: March 2010

The present study examined how age and gender of the depicted minor (Study 1) and offender (Study 2) influenced university students' perceptions of the offence of possession of child pornography. A total of 492 participants rated perceived offence severity, appropriate sentence, probability of child pornography reoffence, probability of past and future sexual contact with a minor, and probability that the offender is a pedophile. In Study 1, the possession offence was rated as more severe if the depicted minor was younger, irrespective of the minor's gender. In Study 2, age and gender of the offender had no effect on perceptions of offence severity, but male offenders were considered to be at higher risk for committing a future child pornography offence. In both studies, participants rated the offence as more severe if they believed the offender was likely a pedophile. The study findings indicate a divergence between lay perceptions and the empirical evidence relating to child pornography offenders. We discuss potential implications on public policy, law, and research.
Prognostic significance of contrast-enhancing anaplastic astrocytomas in adults
Authors: Chaichana Kaisorn L. , Kosztowski Thomas , Niranjan Ashwini , Olivi Alessandro , Weingart Jon D. , Laterra John , Brem Henry , Quiñones-Hinojosa Alfredo
Published: March 2010

Object

Patients harboring anaplastic astrocytomas (AAs) typically have a poor prognosis, with median survival times of approximately 3 years following resection. However, a significant variability in individual outcomes remains, with some patients surviving for a few months and others for several years. The ability to predict patient outcomes based on preoperative variables would help prognosticate survival and may also guide treatment strategies. The prognostic implications of a preoperative contrast-enhancing AA remain poorly understood.

Methods

The medical records of all patients who underwent a craniotomy for a hemispheric AA from 1996 to 2006 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Multivariate proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify independent associations with recurrence and survival. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank analysis were used to plot and compare outcomes for patients with and without preoperative contrast enhancement.

Results

One hundred sixty-five patients were available for analysis. The AAs were contrast enhancing in 102 patients (62%), and nonenhancing in 63 patients (38%). There were no significant differences in clinical and treatment-related variables between patients with and without contrast enhancement. After multivariate analysis, contrast enhancement was independently associated with decreased survival (p = 0.02) and increased recurrence (p = 0.04). The 5-year overall survival rates for patients with contrast-enhancing versus nonenhancing tumors were 31 and 38.5%, respectively. The 3-year rates of progression-free survival for patients with contrast-enhancing versus nonenhancing tumors were 32 and 56%, respectively. Interestingly, heterogeneously enhancing tumors appear to result in poorer outcomes as compared with other types of enhancement (such as ring enhancing, nodular, and others). Among patients with contrast-enhancing AAs, gross-total resection significantly delayed recurrence (p = 0.05) but did not significantly prolong survival (p = 0.52).

Conclusions

This study may provide insights into risk-stratifying patients with AAs, and most specifically those with AAs that enhance with contrast administration.
Long-term Impact of Physician Encoding on Detail and Number of Recorded Diagnoses
Authors: Hasman A. , Prins H.
Published: March 2010

Objectives: To improve the recording of diagnostic discharge data, pediatricians encoded diagnostic information as part of discharge letter writing supported by a pediatric list of ICD-9-CM-based codes. We evaluated the effect of this new policy on level of detail and number of recorded diagnoses.

Methods: We compared proportions of specific principal diagnoses and numbers of secondary diagnoses of the four years before with the eight years after introduction.

Results: Immediately after introduction, half of the diagnoses for which both generic and specific codes existed was coded specific. In later years this proportion remained stable at 0.35 (p < 0.05). Diagnoses that fall under the pediatrician’s own subspecialty had more often a specific code than diagnoses that do not. The mean number of secondary diagnoses per admission increased from 0.7 before introduction to 1.4 in the third year after introduction (p < 0.05) but gradually fell back to 0.7. This increase and decrease was mainly due to diagnoses that did not fall under the pediatrician’s own subspecialty. The extra codes in individual discharge summaries had added informational value.

Conclusions: Discharge letter-linked encoding by pediatricians supported by a pediatric list of diseases leads initially to increased detail and number of diagnoses with added informational value. When attention diminishes, especially the level of detail and number of secondary diagnoses that do not fall under one’s own subspecialty decrease. The level of detail of principal diagnoses remains stable because of the advantage for pediatricians of having specific diagnostic codes falling under their own subspecialty.
Short-Term Outcome of Bimanual 23-Gauge Transconjunctival Sutureless Vitrectomy for Patients With Complicated Vitreoretinopathies
Authors: Park Kyu Hyung , Woo Se Joon , Hwang Jeong-Min , Kim Jeong Hun , Yu Young Suk , Chung Hum
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of bimanual 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy for patients with complicated vitreoretinopathies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Twenty-nine eyes of 27 patients that received bimanual 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy were prospectively enrolled. Fourteen eyes with diabetic tractional retinal detachment, 13 eyes with complicated rhegmatogeneous retinal detachment (including 3 traumatic retinal detachments), and 2 eyes with massive subretinal hemorrhage received 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy. The visual and anatomical outcomes and the complications were measured.

RESULTS:

Visual acuity improved from 2.15 ± 1.03 to 1.24 ± 1.33 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) in the complicated diabetic retinopathy group (
P
= .002) and from 2.07 ± 1.17 to 1.09 ± 1.15 LogMAR in the complicated retinal detachment group (
P
= .009). Anatomical success was achieved in 23 of 29 (79.3%) eyes after the first vitrectomy and in 27 of 29 (94.6%) eyes after the final procedure.

CONCLUSION:

The bimanual 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy was feasible and reproducible in patients with complicated vitreoretinal disease. This technique might provide a safe and effective alternative to the standard 20-gauge vitrectomy for severe complicated cases.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2010;41:207–214.]
Does Phacoemulsification Affect the Long-Term Success of Non-penetrating Deep Sclerectomy?
Authors: Guedes Ricardo Augusto Paletta , Guedes Vanessa Maria Paletta , Chaoubah Alfredo
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Phaco non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (PhacoNPDS) is an option to simultaneously treat cataract and glaucoma. The authors assessed tensional success of PhacoNPDS and NPDS up to 3 years of follow-up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A longitudinal consecutive retrospective study was conducted comparing 376 eyes undergoing NPDS (group 1) and 87 eyes undergoing PhacoNPDS (group 2). Success was defined as complete 1 (intraocular pressure [IOP] < 21 mm Hg without medication); complete 2 (at least a 20% reduction of preoperative IOP without medication), and qualified (IOP < 21 mm Hg with or without medication).

RESULTS:

Preoperative IOP and number of medications were 23.7 and 2.7 in group 1 and 23.1 and 2.6 in group 2, respectively. Postoperative IOP (3 years) was 13.1 mm Hg in group 1 and 13.4 mm Hg in group 2 (
P
= .000). Complete 1, complete 2, and qualified success in 3 years were 57.5%, 53.7%, and 94.5% in group 1 and 56.1%, 56.1%, and 100% in group 2, respectively (
P
= .861, .772, and .159). Final number of medications was 0.5 in group 1 and 0.3 in group 2.

CONCLUSION:

PhacoNPDS seems to achieve similar tensional results as NPDS alone up to 3 years of follow-up.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2010;41:228–235.]
A Computer Algorithm to Quantitatively Assess Quality of Digital Optic Disc Images
Authors: Moscaritolo Michele , Jampel Henry , Zimmer-Galler Ingrid , Knezevich Frederick , Zeimer Ran
Published: March 2010

Optic disc photography is used in the management and study of glaucoma. Quality assessment is needed at the time of acquisition and during review. A computerized algorithm for objective quality assessment was developed to mimic the procedure used by human observers. It was tested on film-based images obtained with mydriasis (40 normal and 46 glaucomatous eyes) and non-mydriatic digital images (30 normal and 38 glaucomatous eyes). The image sharpness was graded by six masked readers into four categories. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for identifying unreadable images was 1.0 for the digital and film-based images and 0.91 and 1.0 for differentiating between unreadable and mediocre images for digital and film-based images, respectively. This pilot study demonstrates that the algorithm can identify all unreadable images. Further studies are necessary to test whether it can be applied to images obtained in other locations on the fundus and with additional cameras.
[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2010;41:279–284.]
Retrospective Study of Salinomycin Toxicosis in 66 Cats
Authors: Pakozdy Akos , Challande-Kathman Iris , Doherr Marcus , Cizinauskas Sigitas , Wheeler Simon J. , Oevermann Anna , Jaggy Andre
Published: March 2010

We examined 66 cats with salinomycin intoxication. Salinomycin caused different LMN signs of varying degrees of severity in all cases. Changes in blood work were unspecific, with the most frequent being increased serum creatine kinase activity, leukocytosis, and increased liver enzymes. Pathological electrodiagnostic findings: fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves were detected in 10 cases, motor nerve conductance velocity was mildly decreased in 8/12 cats, and sensory nerve conductance velocity and repetitive nerve stimulation were normal in all examined cases. In five cases the peripheral neuropathy was confirmed by pathohistology. Fluid therapy and supportive care were used as therapy and 52 cats recovered completely. The probability for complete remission was significantly different between mildly and severely affected cases. It seems that the severity of clinical signs and prognosis correlate well with the amount of toxin ingested. We conclude that early recognition and decontamination combined with supportive care results in complete recovery.
Histological and Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Autologous Cultured Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Bone Marrow Mononucleated Cells in Collagenase-Induced Tendinitis of Equine Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon
Authors: Crovace Antonio , Lacitignola Luca , Rossi Giacomo , Francioso Edda
Published: March 2010

The aim of this study was to compare treatment with cultured bone marrow stromal cells (cBMSCs), bone marrow Mononucleated Cells (BMMNCs), and placebo to repair collagenase-induced tendinitis in horses. In six adult Standardbred horses, 4000 IU of collagenase were injected in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT). Three weeks after collagenase treatment, an average of either5.5×106cBMSCs or1.2×108BMMNCs, fibrin glue, and saline solution was injected intralesionally in random order. In cBMSC- and BMMNCS-treated tendons, a high expression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and type I collagen, but low levels of type III collagen were revealed by immunohistochemistry, with a normal longitudinally oriented fiber pattern. Placebo-treated tendons expressed very low quantities of COMP and type I collagen but large numbers of randomly oriented type III collagen fibers. Both cBMSC and BMMNCS grafts resulted in a qualitatively similar heling improvement of tendon extracellular matrix, in terms of the type I/III collagen ratio, fiber orientation, and COMP expression.
Acute Osteomyelitis of the Acetabulum Induced by Staphylococcus Capitis in a Young Athlete
Authors: Fukuda Seiji , Wada Keisuke , Yasuda Kenji , Iwasa Junji , Yamaguchi Seiji
Published: March 2010

Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHOM) of the acetabulum is a rare condition in children and usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus. We present an 11-year-old soccer athlete who suffered from acute osteomyelitis involving the acetabulum caused by S. capitis, a normal flora of the human skin but never reported in this condition. The disease was associated with repetitive skin injuries of the knee and potential osseous microtrauma of the hip joint by frequent rigorous exercise. This unusual case suggests that osseous microtrauma of the acetabulum, in addition to repetitive skin injuries, allowed normal skin flora to colonize to the ipsilateral acetabulum, which served as a favorable niche and subsequently led to AHOM.