bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of people with epilepsy who attend emergency departments: Prospective study of metropolitan hospital attendees
Authors: Noble Adam J. , Goldstein Laura H. , Seed Paul , Glucksman Ed , Ridsdale Leone
Published: July 2012

Purpose:  One fifth of people with established epilepsy attend hospital emergency departments (EDs) and one half are admitted each year. These ED visits are not necessarily required, and unplanned hospitalizations are costly. Reducing avoidable ED visits and admissions is a target in most health services. The development of interventions is, however, challenging. Policymakers lack information about users’ characteristics, factors associated with ED use, as well as quality of care. This study provides this information.

Methods:  We prospectively recruited patients attending three London EDs for seizures. They completed questionnaires on service use and psychosocial state.

Key Findings:  Eighty‐five patients were recruited. The mean age was 41; 53% were male. The average number of ED attendances in the prior year (mean 3.2; median 2) exceeded that of other ED users and those with most chronic conditions. ED use was not homogenous, with some patients attending frequently. Compared to the wider epilepsy population, ED attendees experienced more seizures, anxiety, had lower knowledge of epilepsy and its management and greater perceived epilepsy‐related stigma. In the previous 12 months, most patients’ epilepsy outpatient care was consistent with standard criteria for quality. In descending order, lower knowledge, higher perceived stigma, poorer self‐medication management, and seizure frequency were associated with more emergency visits.

Significance:  People with epilepsy presenting to EDs reattend frequently. Interventions aiming at reduced ED use by this population should address lower knowledge, stigma, suboptimal self‐management, and frequent seizures reported by patients.
The adverse event profile of lacosamide: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zaccara Gaetano , Perucca Piero , Loiacono Giulia , Giovannelli Fabio , Verrotti Alberto
Published: July 2012

Purpose: Defining the tolerability and safety profile of recently marketed antiepileptic drugs, such as lacosamide (LCM), is a prerequisite for their optimal utilization in clinical practice. We aimed to identify any adverse event (AE) associated with LCM treatment by conducting a systematic review and meta‐analysis of all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We also evaluated the association of serious AEs with LCM, the proportion of study withdrawals due to intolerable AEs at different LCM doses, and whether the tolerability profile of LCM differs according to the disorder in which it was investigated.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE and Cochrane CENTRAL to May 2011 for LCM RCTs. Additional studies were identified from reference lists of retrieved papers and from online clinical databases. We selected placebo‐controlled, double‐blind RCTs and investigated the therapeutic effects of oral LCM in adults with any condition. AEs were assessed for their association with LCM after identification/exclusion of synonyms, rare AEs, and non‐assessable AEs. We used risk differences to evaluate the association of any (99% confidence intervals [CIs]) or serious AEs (95% CIs) with LCM and to investigate dose–response relationships of identified AEs.

Key Findings: Ten RCTs (three in pharmacoresistant epilepsy, four in neuropathic pain, one in migraine, one in fibromyalgia, and one in knee osteoarthritis) were included in our study. Their duration varied from 12–18 weeks. The total number of patients included was 3,148. No serious AE was significantly associated with LCM treatment. Of 21 identified AEs, 11 (52%) were found to be significantly associated with LCM. The number of AEs significantly associated with LCM increased with increasing dose: one at 200 mg/day (dizziness); six at 400 mg/day (dizziness, vertigo, abnormal coordination, abnormal vision, nausea, and vomiting); nine at 600 mg/day (dizziness, vertigo, ataxia, balance disorder, diplopia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and tremor). The proportion of AE‐related study withdrawals also significantly increased with increasing dose. LCM AEs tended to occur more frequently in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy compared with patients with other disorders.

Significance: A range of AEs suggestive of vestibulocerebellar dysfunction is significantly associated with LCM treatment and their incidence increases with increasing doses.
Estimation of Lipid Hydroperoxide Levels in Tropical Marine Macroalgae
Authors: Kumari Puja , Singh Ravindra Pal , Bijo A. J. , Reddy C. R. K. , Jha Bhavanath
Published: July 2012

The incipient levels of lipid hydroperoxides (LHPOs) were determined in selected green, brown, and red macroalgae by the FOX assay using hydroperoxy HPLC mix. The LHPOs contents varied between the investigated species and showed relatively low values in this study. Among the greens, it varied from 12 ± 6.2 μg · g−1 (Codium sursum) to 31.5 ± 2.8 μg · g−1 (Ulva lactuca), whereas in reds, from 5.7 ± 1.6 μg · g−1 (Gracilaria corticata) to 46.2 ± 6 μg · g−1 (Sarconema filiforme), and in browns, from 4.6 ± 4.4 μg · g−1 (Dictyota bartayresiana) to 79 ± 5.0 μg · g−1 (Sargassum tenerrimum), on fresh weight basis. These hydroperoxides represented a minor fraction of total lipids and ranged from 0.04% (S. swartzii) to 1.1% (S. tenerrimum) despite being a rich source of highly unsaturated fatty acids. The susceptibility of peroxidation was assessed by specific lipid peroxidazibility (SLP) values for macroalgal tissues. The LHPO values were found to be independent of both the PUFAs contents and their degree of unsaturation (DBI), as evident from the PCA analysis. SLP values were positively correlated with the LHPOs and negatively with DBI. The FOX assay gave ≥20‐fold higher values for LHPOs as compared to the TBARS method for all the samples investigated in this study. Furthermore, U. lactuca cultured in artificial seawater (ASW) enriched with nutrients (N, P, and NP) showed a sharp decline in LHPOs contents relative to those cultured in ASW alone P ≤ 0.05. It is inferred from this study that the FOX assay is an efficient, rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive technique for detecting the incipient lipid peroxidation in macroalgal tissues.
Methodological Challenges in Volumetric and Impact‐Oriented Water Footprints
Authors: Berger Markus , Finkbeiner Matthias
Published: July 2012

This work identifies shortcomings in water footprinting and discusses whether the water footprint should be a volumetric or impact‐oriented index. A key challenge is the current definition of water consumption according to which evaporated water is regarded as lost for the originating watershed per se. Continental evaporation recycling rates of up to 100% within short time and length scales show that this definition is not generally valid. Also, the inclusion of land use effects on the hydrological balance is questionable, as land transformation often leads to higher water availability due to locally increased runoff. Unless potentially negative consequences, such as flooding or waterlogging, and adverse effects on the global water cycle are considered, water credits from land transformation seem unjustified. Most impact assessment methods use ratios of annual withdrawal or consumption to renewability rates to denote local water scarcity. As these ratios are influenced by two metrics—withdrawal and availability—arid regions can be regarded as uncritical if only small fractions of the limited renewable supplies are used. Besides neglecting sensitivities to additional water uses, such indicators consider neither ground nor surface water stocks, which can buffer water shortages temporally. Authors favoring volumetric indicators claim that global freshwater appropriation is more important than local impacts, easier to determine, and less error prone than putting complex ecological interaction into mathematical models. As shown in an example, volumetric water footprints can be misleading without additional interpretation because numerically smaller footprints can cause higher impacts.
Reasons for blood donation deferral in sub‐Saharan Africa: experience in Ivory Coast
Authors: Kouao Maxime Diane , Dembelé Bamory , N'Goran Landry Kouassi , Konaté Seidou , Bloch Evan , Murphy Edward L. , Lefrère Jean‐Jacques
Published: July 2012

INTRODUCTION: Blood donor selection is important to ensure the safety of both donors and recipients. There is a paucity of data on reasons for blood donor deferral in Ivory Coast. The aim of this study was to identify the reasons for predonation deferral at a blood collection site at General Hospital, Yopougon Attié in Abidjan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The investigators conducted a retrospective audit of data pertaining to donor deferral for blood donors that presented to the general hospital of Yopugon Attié from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2008.

RESULTS: A total of 10,694 prospective blood donors, presented over the study period, and 24,363 attempts to donate were registered. The majority were repeat blood donors (77.4%). A total of 2618 (10.8%) donors were deferred. The most frequent reason for deferral was a low hemoglobin level (42.5%), with females constituting the majority of those deferred. The second most frequent reason for deferral was a reported change of or new sexual partner (34.3%); male donors were predominant in this group. Additional reasons for deferral included short interdonation interval (4.6%) and reactivity for a screened biomarker (2.3%).

CONCLUSION: Although the rates for permanent and temporary deferral rates are similar between the Ivory Coast and high‐middle income countries, the causes and demographics differ. The reasons for exclusion are preventable through awareness and education of prospective blood donors.
Health care utilization of patients diagnosed with idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in a commercially insured population in the United States
Authors: Wahl Peter M. , Bohn Rhonda L. , Terrell Deirdra R. , George James N. , Ewenstein Bruce
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Incident idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is an uncommon, potentially fatal blood disorder for which there are little or no data on health care costs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients satisfying a validated claims‐based algorithm including an inpatient diagnosis of TTP and plasma exchange (PE) procedure during the period January 1, 2001 to May 31, 2008 were identified in the HealthCore Integrated Research Database. To characterize patterns of treatment and payments, a quantitative evaluation of comorbidities and treatments, health care utilization, and payments among this population of patients was conducted. All patients were followed until death, end of health plan enrollment, or 365 days after the TTP hospitalization, whichever occurred first.

RESULTS: One hundred fifty‐one patients met the claims coding algorithm. Mean total health care payments for the TTP hospitalization were $56,347 (standard deviation [SD] $80,230). Ten patients (6.6%) died during the hospitalization for TTP. Mean payments for PE services in the month following discharge were $9127 (SD $20,840). Several patients required prolonged PE during the acute TTP phase (up to 116 separate exchanges over a period of 365 days), prolonging required treatment and skewing payments and resource utilization during the 365‐day period following discharge from the index TTP hospitalization.

CONCLUSION: These data document the health care resource utilization by patients with idiopathic TTP, demonstrating that management of these patients is not only expensive but also skewed, with some patients requiring prolonged treatment. These data can contribute to cost‐effectiveness models when new treatments for TTP become available.
Relationship Between Job Satisfaction and Job Performance: Job Ambivalence as a Moderator
Authors: ZIEGLER RENÉ , HAGEN BRITTA , DIEHL MICHAEL
Published: July 2012

Based on research regarding the role of attitudinal ambivalence in the validity of attitudes in predicting behavior, we propose job ambivalence as a promising concept for job satisfaction research. In particular, we argue that job ambivalence (i.e., coexistence of positive and negative evaluations of one's job) may moderate the relationship between job satisfaction and job performance. Results of a study conducted with managers of an IT company show, as predicted, that job satisfaction is a better predictor of job performance (i.e., higher satisfaction related to higher performance) when individuals experience low job ambivalence, as compared to when individuals experience high job ambivalence. Implications for future research are discussed.
Behaviour of soft tissues healing around single bone‐level‐implants placed immediately after tooth extraction A 1 year prospective cohort study
Authors: Lops Diego , Romeo Eugenio , Chiapasco Matteo , Procopio Rosa M. , Oteri Giacomo
Published: July 2012

Aim

The aim of this study was to verify if the three‐dimensional implant position in fresh alveolar socket may influence the maintenance of stable gingival margins around single premolar restorations with immediate implant placement.

Methods

After 16 weeks of healing, implants were loaded with single crowns. Documentation consisted in peri‐apical radiographs taken: before treatment; at the time of implant placement; at the time of prosthetic rehabilitation and 12 months after the start of prosthetic function. Parameters assessed were: the presence/absence of inter‐proximal papilla; the inter‐implant–tooth distance (ITD); the distance from the base of the crown contact‐point to the inter‐dental bone crest (CPB); and the buccal‐gingival tissue modifications. ITD, CPB values and the modification of buccal‐gingival tissue were determined using an image processing software.

Results

Twenty‐one healthy patients with thick gingival biotype, with a total of 21 maxillary premolars scheduled for extractions were enrolled. Following extraction, implants were immediately positioned. A 100% of implant survival rate was observed after 12 months of function. The presence of the mesial papilla was significantly correlated with the mean mesial CPB value (P = 0.0519 by means of two‐tailed Mann–Whitney U‐test). No significant correlation was found between the mesial papilla presence and the mean mesial ITD score (P = 0.7722 by means of two‐tailed Mann–Whitney U‐test). Furthermore, the presence of the distal papilla was not significantly correlated with the mean distal ITD and CPB values: scores of 0.7195 and 0.8225 were calculated respectively.

Conclusion

In the premolar area, the relationship between the presence of a complete inter‐proximal papilla and ITD parameter was not significant (P > 0.05). The relationship between the presence of a complete inter‐proximal papilla and CPB parameter still remain unclear. Nevertheless, a more large sample size is required to confirm this trend. Moreover, it was observed that the buccal‐gingival tissue withdrew in the range 0–1 mm after 1 year of prosthetic function.
Late‐onset focal dermal elastosis: an uncommon mimicker of pseudoxanthoma elasticum
Authors: Wang Annie R. , Fonder Margaret A. , Telang Gladys H. , Bercovitch Lionel , Robinson‐Bostom Leslie
Published: July 2012

Late‐onset focal dermal elastosis is a rare disorder that presents clinically with the development of small white‐to‐yellow papules simulating pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) in otherwise healthy adults in the seventh through ninth decades. It is characterized histopathologically by foci of increased normal‐appearing elastic tissue in the reticular dermis. The disorder lacks any of the systemic complications of PXE and clinically resembles several other elastic tissue disorders that mimic PXE. We report two cases of late‐onset focal dermal elastosis. The first is of a 75‐year‐old female who presented with symmetrically distributed, 2–5 mm white‐to‐yellow, discrete and coalescing, non‐follicular papules on the posterolateral neck, anterior chest and axillae. The second case involves a 39‐year‐old female who presented with asymptomatic flesh‐colored lesions on the posterior neck, back, antecubital and popliteal fossae, thighs, forearms and wrists. Skin biopsies in each case revealed aggregates of elastic fibers in the reticular dermis without calcification. The differential diagnosis of clinical and histopathologic imitators of PXE is discussed.
Predator density and competition modify the benefits of group formation in a shoaling reef fish
Authors: Stier Adrian C. , Geange Shane W. , Bolker Benjamin M.
Published: July 2012

Synthesis

Predation risk experienced by individuals living in groups depends on the balance between predator dilution, competition for refuges, and predator interference or synergy. These interactions operate between prey species as well: the benefits of group living decline in the presence of an alternative prey species. We apply a novel model‐fitting approach to data from field experiments to distinguish among competing hypotheses about shifts in predator foraging behavior across a range of predator and prey densities. Our study provides novel analytical tools for analyzing predator foraging behavior and offers insight into the processes driving the dynamics of coral reef fish.

Studies of predator foraging behavior typically focus on single prey species and fixed predator densities, ignoring the potential importance of complexities such as predator dilution; predator‐mediated effects of alternative prey; heterospecific competition; or predator–predator interactions. Neglecting the effects of prey density is particularly problematic for prey species that live in mixed species groups, where the beneficial effects of predator dilution may swamp the negative effects of heterospecific competition. Here we use field experiments to investigate how the mortality rates of a shoaling coral reef fish (a wrasse: Thalassoma amblycephalum), change as a result of variation in: 1) conspecific density, 2) density of a predator (a hawkfish: Paracirrhites arcatus), and 3) presence of an alternative prey species that competes for space (a damselfish: Pomacentrus pavo). We quantify changes in prey mortality rates from the predator's perspective, examining the effects of added predators or a second prey species on the predator's functional response. Our analysis highlights a model‐fitting approach that discriminates amongst multiple hypotheses about predator foraging in a community context. Wrasse mortality decreased with increasing conspecific density (i.e. mortality was inversely density‐dependent). The addition of a second predator doubled prey mortality rates, without significantly changing attack rate or handling time – i.e. there was no evidence for predator interference. The presence of a second prey species increased wrasse mortality by 95%; we attribute this increase either to short‐term apparent competition (predator aggregation) or to a decrease in handling time of the predator (e.g. through decreased wrasse vigilance). In this system, 1) prey benefit from intraspecific group living though a reduced predation risk, and 2) the benefit of group living is reduced in the presence of an alternative prey species.
The Host Endocytic Pathway is Essential for Plasmodium berghei Late Liver Stage Development
Authors: Lopes da Silva Mafalda , Thieleke‐Matos Carolina , Cabrita‐Santos Laura , Ramalho José S. , Wavre‐Shapton Silène T. , Futter Clare E. , Barral Duarte C. , Seabra Miguel C.
Published: July 2012

The obligate intracellular liver stage of the Plasmodium parasite represents a bottleneck in the parasite life cycle and remains a promising target for therapeutic intervention. During this stage, parasites undergo dramatic morphological changes and achieve one of the fastest replication rates among eukaryotic species. Nevertheless, relatively little is known about the parasite interactions with the host hepatocyte. Using immunofluorescence, live cell imaging and electron microscopy, we show that Plasmodium berghei parasites are surrounded by vesicles from the host late endocytic pathway. We found that these vesicles are acidic and contain the membrane markers Rab7a, CD63 and LAMP1. When host cell vesicle acidification was disrupted using ammonium chloride or Concanamycin A during the late liver stage of infection, parasite survival was not affected, but schizont size was significantly decreased. Furthermore, when the host cell endocytic pathway was loaded with BSA‐gold, gold particles were found within the parasite cytoplasm, showing the transport of material from the host endocytic pathway toward the parasite interior. These observations reveal a novel Plasmodium–host interaction and suggest that vesicles from the host endolysosomal pathway could represent an important source of nutrients exploited by the fast‐growing late liver stage parasites.
In vitro synergistic effects of zoledronic acid and calcium on viability of human epithelial cells
Authors: Arai N , Inoue S , Tomihara K , Tsuno H , Noguchi M
Published: July 2012

Objective

Bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw is a common complication with defective wound healing of oral mucosa and frequently occurs in patients receiving zoledronic acid (ZA). The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate whether ZA has a cytotoxic effect at clinically relevant concentrations on epithelial cells when calcium conditions are altered.

Methods

HaCaT human keratinocyte cells were treated with ZA in the presence of various concentrations of calcium. The concentrations of ZA included submicromolar ones, which are comparable with those found in the plasma of patients. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed using MTT assay and annexin V flow cytometry.

Results

Under standard culture conditions, cell growth was inhibited at 1 μM of ZA or above, but was unaffected by lower concentrations. However, when calcium concentrations were moderately increased, cell viability was decreased and apoptosis was induced at 0.2–0.3 μM of ZA. Moreover, a 50% reduction in serum in the hypercalcemic medium resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability at a much lower concentration (0.05 μM).

Conclusion

These results suggest that clinically relevant concentrations of ZA, which alone have little effects, can be toxic to the epithelial cells depending on the conditions of extracellular calcium.
The dentin–pulp border: a dynamic interface between hard and soft tissues
Authors: Tjäderhane Leo , Haapasalo Markus
Published: July 2012

The dentin–pulp border is a dynamic interface where odontoblasts form the organic matrix and mineralize it to form dentin. Even though dentin and odontoblasts are often compared to other mineralized tissues (bone and osteoblasts), dentin is in many ways a unique tissue, and odontoblasts are unique cells with distinct morphological and functional differences from osteoblasts. Unlike osteoblasts, odontoblasts may remain vital for the person's lifetime. Dentin formation and mineralization is also in some ways different from the bone formation. Dentin contains dentinal tubules that may be patent all the way from the dentin–enamel junction to the dentin–pulp border, making dentin (and pulp tissue) theoretically accessible to oral microbes and other noxious stimuli during or immediately after the destruction of enamel or cementum covering dentin. Odontoblasts are the first cells facing the external milieu (oral cavity), and together with the pulp tissue they must be able and ready to react to external microbial or other irritations. Recent discoveries actually indicate that odontoblasts are better equipped to respond to external stimuli than previously believed. In addition to forming dentin, odontoblasts may have sensory functions, and they may also sense and respond to microbial antigens in much the same manner as immunological cells. Both of these functions indicate that odontoblasts are more active in the regulation of the defensive reactions of the dentin–pulp complex, including fine‐tuning pulp inflammatory reactions. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the current knowledge of the different aspects of dentinogenesis, as well as the potential roles of odontoblasts on other functions in the dentin–pulp complex.
Microstructure and mechanical behavior of radicular and coronal dentin
Authors: Arola Dwayne , Ivancik Juliana , Majd Hessam , Fouad Ashraf , Bajaj Devendra , Zhang Xiu‐Yin , Eidelman Naomi
Published: July 2012

Fracture of root‐filled teeth is not uncommon and appears to be a complex function of both the treatment and the patient's oral regimen. However, there have been few studies aimed at understanding the intrinsic mechanical behavior of dentin and its relevance to the incidence of these fractures. In addition, there has been some controversy over whether the fracture of root‐filled teeth is attributed primarily to loss of tooth structure or if there are other contributing factors. A comprehensive understanding of the structure and mechanical behavior of dentin is of substantial importance to the success of endodontic therapy. Specifically, the importance of fatigue on tooth fractures and the resistance of tissues to both the initiation and propagation of cracks have received scant attention. As well, regional variations in these properties and the contribution of changes in microstructure to the fatigue and fracture behavior are not well understood. This article reviews the importance of microstructure on the mechanical behavior of dentin and compares the mechanical properties of tissue from the root and crown. Also, the changes in microstructure with aging are discussed as well as their importance to the incidence of tooth fracture.
Dentin basic structure and composition—an overview
Authors: Tjäderhane Leo , Carrilho Marcela R. , Breschi Lorenzo , Tay Franklin R. , Pashley David H.
Published: July 2012

Dentin is the most voluminous structural component of human tooth. Dentin protects pulp tissue from microbial and other noxious stimuli. It also provides essential support to enamel and enables highly mineralized and thus fragile enamel to withstand occlusal and masticatory forces without fracturing. Furthermore, it is the first vital tissue to meet external irritation, and instead of being merely a passive mechanical barrier, dentin may in many ways participate in dentin–pulp complex defensive reactions. Even though dentin is usually considered as an entity, different parts of dentin may have special qualitative properties that help dentin to meet all of its required demands. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the basic structure and composition of dentin, including the collagenous components of the dentin organic matrix and minerals. We also describe the specific structural and functional features of the dentin–enamel junction (DEJ), mantle dentin, inter‐ and peritubular dentin, and pulp stones.
Dentin as a bonding substrate
Authors: Carvalho Ricardo M. , Tjäderhane Leo , Manso Adriana P. , Carrilho Marcela R. , Carvalho Carlos Augusto R.
Published: July 2012

Dentin comprises the largest dental structure available for bonding. Because of its inherent morphological and physiological characteristics, reliable and durable resin–dentin bonding remains a challenging accomplishment that is subjected to multi‐factorial interferences. Adhesive technology has evolved significantly over the past decade, resulting in improved predictability of resin–dentin bonds. This article reviews the present knowledge regarding resin–dentin bonding from the perspective of the dentin substrate. Since another article in the previous issue ofEndodonticTopicsalready covers dentin structure and composition, the intention is not to fully review these aspects. Instead, basic principles of current bonding strategies used by adhesive agents are presented. Specific attention is given to describing how the morphology and physiology of dentin affect existing bonding mechanisms, how some chemical treatments of dentin can affect its properties and bonding, and finally how bonding to root canal dentin is currently viewed and understood.
Lower Anterior Crowding Correction by a Convenient Lingual Method
Authors: Gkantidis Nikolaos , Sanoudos Matthaios
Published: July 2012

In recent years, the increased esthetic demands of patients seeking orthodontic treatment have led to the development of various esthetic appliances and techniques. Lingual orthodontics is a major expression of this necessity. Several techniques and appliances have been introduced during the years, but they usually require special equipment and manipulation to be applied to patients. In this report, we present an easy, convenient, and effective lingual method for the management of specific simple cases with mild‐to‐moderate lower anterior crowding using conventional orthodontic means.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

In selected cases, the presented method may provide a viable simple solution for correcting a common orthodontic problem, the lower anterior crowding, while satisfying patients' increased esthetic requirements.

(J Esthet Restor Dent ••:••–••, 2012)
Japanese consumer preferences for milk certified as good agricultural practice
Authors: AIZAKI Hideo , NANSEKI Teruaki , ZHOU Hui
Published: July 2012

This study examined Japanese consumers' valuation of a good agricultural practice (GAP) label on packaged milk and investigated the effect of detailed GAP information on valuation. A total of 624 Japanese consumers were asked to select their most preferred milk through an online survey. The milk was assumed to have three attributes: the GAP label, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points certification, and price. The results showed that consumers' valuation of GAP was significantly positive. Although providing additional GAP information to a respondent who was aware of GAP and what it means had a positive effect on the consumers' valuation of GAP, provision of this information had no effect if the respondent knew about GAP either moderately or slightly, and had a negative effect if the respondent did not know about GAP at all. To increase broad consumer awareness and valuation of GAP, it is important to provide GAP information according to the requirements of consumers.
“Thus Beholde the Fall of Sinne”: Punishing Helen of Troy in Elizabethan Verse
Authors: Heavey Katherine
Published: July 2012

This paper discusses the use of Helen of Troy in three Elizabethan works that approach her story in an unusual way, by placing their emphases not simply on her beauty or her notorious faithlessness, but on her punishment. In Richard Robinson’s Rewarde of Wickednesse (1574), and Thomas Proctor’s A Gorgeous Gallery of Gallant Inventions (1578) and The Triumph of Trueth (?1585–1595), a new authorial desire not merely to criticise Helen, but to punish her for her sins, may be discerned. I suggest that this interest in expanding on the classical and medieval Helen’s story can be linked to a growing Renaissance inventiveness with regards to the classics, but may also be related to Elizabethan Protestantism, and a desire to celebrate the chastity of the queen.
Midgut‐enriched receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP52F is required for Drosophila development during larva–pupa transition
Authors: Santhanam Abirami , Liang Suh‐Yuen , Chen Dong‐Yuan , Chen Guang‐Chao , Meng Tzu‐Ching
Published: July 2012

To date our understanding of Drosophila receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (R‐PTPs) in the regulation of signal transduction is limited. Of the seven R‐PTPs identified in flies, six are involved in the axon guidance that occurs during embryogenesis. However, whether and how R‐PTPs may control key steps of Drosophila development is not clear. In this study we investigated the potential role of Drosophila R‐PTPs in developmental processes outside the neuronal system and beyond the embryogenesis stage. Through systematic data mining of available microarray databases, we found the mRNA level of PTP52F to be highly enriched in the midgut of flies at the larva–pupa transition. This finding was confirmed by gut tissue staining with a specific antibody. The unique spatiotemporal expression of PTP52F suggests that it is possibly involved in regulating metamorphosis during the transformation from larva to pupa. To test this hypothesis, we employed RNA interference to examine the defects of transgenic flies. We found that ablation of endogenous PTP52F led to high lethality characterized by the pharate adult phenotype, occurring due to post pupal eclosion failure. These results show that PTP52F plays an indispensable role during the larva–pupa transition. We also found that PTP52F could be reclassified as a member of the subtype R3 PTPs instead of as an unclassified R‐PTP without a human ortholog, as suggested previously. Together, these findings suggest that Drosophila R‐PTPs may control metamorphosis and other biological processes beyond our current knowledge.
The effect of monochromatic infrared energy on diabetic wound healing
Authors: He Yayi , Yip Selina LY , Cheung Kwok‐Kuen , Huang Lin , Wang Shijie , Cheing Gladys LY
Published: July 2012

This study examined the effect of monochromatic infrared energy (MIRE) on diabetic wound healing. Fifteen diabetic rats were given MIRE intervention on their skin wounds located on the dorsum and compared with 15 control diabetic rats. Assessments were conducted for each group at weeks 1, 2 and 4 post wounding (five rats at each time point) by calculating the percentage of wound closures (WCs) and performing histological and immunohistochemical staining on sections of wound tissue. Evaluations of WCs and histological examinations of reepithelialisation, cellular content and granulation tissue formation showed no significant difference between the MIRE and the control group at each time point. Through semi‐quantitative immunohistochemical staining, the deposition of type I collagen in the MIRE group was found to have improved when compared with the control group at the end of week 2 (P = 0.05). No significant differences in the myofibroblast population were detected between the two groups. In conclusion, MIRE appeared to promote collagen deposition in the early stage of wound healing in diabetic rats, but the overall wound healing in the MIRE group was not significantly different from that of the control group.
Clinical and laboratory features of adult biphenotypic acute leukemia
Authors: Tong Haixia , Liu Zhuogang , Lu Chunwei , Wang Qiushi
Published: July 2012

Aim

To analyze the clinical and biological characteristics of adult BAL.

Methods

We identified 22 cases (4.4%) of BAL from 496 newly diagnosed acute leukemia patients and compared them with patients with acute myloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Results

CD34 positivity was higher in BAL (87%) than in ALL (60%, P = 0.04) and AML patients (63%, P = 0.05). The median age in the BAL group was greater than in ALL (43 vs 31 years, P = 0.04). Enlargement of liver, spleen and lymphonodes was more common in BAL (81.8%) than AML (46%, P = 0.003). Cytogenetic analysis revealed abnormal karyotypes in 56% of BAL patients. The overall completed remission rate in the BAL group (65%) was lower than in ALL (86%, P = 0.04).

Conclusion

BAL patients showed a much higher incidence of older age, CD34 antigen expression, presence of Philadelphia chromosome, liver, spleen and lymphonodes infiltration and resistance to therapy.
Malignant calcification is an important unfavorable prognostic factor in primary invasive breast cancer
Authors: Ling Hong , Liu Zhe‐Bin , Xu Ling‐Hui , Xu Xiao‐Li , Liu Guang‐Yu , Shao Zhi‐Min
Published: July 2012

Aims

To explore the clinical characteristics and prognostic value of malignant calcification in operable breast cancer.

Methods

A total of 721 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma were divided into two groups based on whether malignant calcifications were observed on mammograms. The association of calcification with pathological features and survival were evaluated. The relative importance of each of the potential prognostic variables was tested using a Cox regression analysis.

Results

Compared with tumors without calcification, those with calcification had a larger tumor size, more lymph node involvement, lower estrogen and progesterone receptor expression and higher human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 expression. The 8‐year relapse‐free survival was lower for patients with calcifications than for those without (77.5 vs 89.2%, P < 0.01). The 8‐year overall survival for patients with calcifications was 82.2% compared with 91.9% for those without (P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, node status, existence of calcification and tumor size were demonstrated to have a prognostic value for relapse‐free survival. The node status, existence of calcifications and estrogen receptor status were also prognostic factors for overall survival.

Conclusion

Mammographic calcification is a poor prognostic factor for patients with invasive ductal carcinoma. Its prognostic value is second only to axillary node status and greater than the other factors evaluated. Thus, breast cancers with calcifications should be regarded as high risk when determining adjuvant treatment.
High temperature determines the ups and downs of small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatellus population
Authors: Liu Xiang‐Dong , Zhang Ai‐Min
Published: July 2012

Small brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén) numbers usually drop sharply in the summer and revive quickly in the autumn. However, it is unclear whether and how the high temperature plays a role in this process. The effects of durations of heat exposure (33°C) on life‐history traits were examined here. Exposure of adults for 1 day during the oviposition stage led to a very low survival of nymphs. The average longevity of L. striatellus exposed for 1–31 days from oviposition was significantly longer than that of the control (27°C). Short‐term (1–5 days) heat exposure of the third instar nymphs did not significantly influence eclosion, but exposure of the fourth instar nymphs significantly increased eclosion. Lifespan from egg to adult was significantly lengthened when the third instar nymphs were exposed to heat for 2–15 days, or the fourth instar were exposed for 10 days. The preoviposition period was prolonged by heat exposure of the third or fourth instar nymphs. Short‐term heat exposure of less than 3 days of the third or fourth instar nymphs did not restrict fecundity, but when the exposure duration exceeded 5 days the total eggs per female and hatchability decreased. Exposure to high temperature increased the brachypter rate of adults. In summary, low survival and slowing development under heat exposure resulted in population decline in the summer, and the relatively high fecundity and brachypter rate led to quick revival in autumn. Temperature in the summer determines the rise and fall in numbers of L. striatellus.
Sexual dimorphism in immune response: Testing the hypothesis in an insect species with two male morphs
Authors: Ruiz‐Guzmán Gloria , Canales‐Lazcano Jorge , Jiménez‐Cortés Jesús Guillermo , Contreras‐Garduño Jorge
Published: July 2012

It has been proposed that given that males should invest in sexual traits at the expense of their investment in immune response, females are better immunocompetent than males. Typically, this idea has been tested in monomorphic species, but rarely has been evaluated in polymorphic male species. We used Paraphlebia zoe, a damselfly with two male morphs: the black‐winged morph (Black‐W) develop black spots as sexual traits and the hyaline‐winged morph (Hyaline‐W) resembles a female in size and wings color. We predicted that Black‐W should have a lower immune response than Hyaline‐W, but that the latter males should not differ from females in this respect. Nitric oxide (NO) and phenoloxidase (PO) production, as well as hemolymph protein content, were used as immune markers. Body size (wing length) was used as an indicator of the male condition. The results show that, as we predicted, females and Hyaline‐W had higher values of NO than Black‐W, corresponding to differences in size. However, the opposite was found in relation to PO production. Females had the highest levels of hemolymph protein content, whereas no differences were found between Black‐W and Hyaline‐W. These results partially support the sexual selection hypothesis and are discussed in the context of the life history of this species. Black‐W, Hyaline‐W, and females could express the immune markers that are prioritized by their particular condition, and probably neither of them could express all immune markers in an elevated manner, as this would result in an excessive accumulation of free radicals.
Microstructure of the tarsal attachment devices in the earwig Timomenus komarovi
Authors: Moon Myung‐Jin , Park Yong‐Ki , Yang Sung‐Chan , Yu Min‐Hee
Published: July 2012

The biological attachment device on the tarsal appendage of the earwig, Timomenus komarovi (Insecta: Dermaptera: Forficulidae) was investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy to reveal the fine structural characteristics of its biological attachment devices to move on smooth and rough surfaces. They attach to rough substrates using their pretarsal claws; however, attachment to smooth surfaces is achieved by means of two groups of hairy tarsal pads. This biological attachment device consists of fine hairy setae with various contact sizes. Three different groups of tenent setae were distinguished depending on the cuticular substructure of the endplates. Two groups of setae commonly had flattened surfaces, and they were covered with either spoon‐shaped or spatula‐shaped endplates, respectively. While the flattened tip setae were distributed at the central region, the pointed tip setae were characteristically found along the marginal region. There were no obvious gender‐specific differences between fibrillar adhesive pads in this insect mainly because the forceps‐like pincers are used during copulation to grasp the partner.
Bell’s palsy – the effect of prednisolone and/or valaciclovir versus placebo in relation to baseline severity in a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Axelsson S. , Berg T. , Jonsson L. , Engström M. , Kanerva M. , Stjernquist‐Desatnik A.
Published: July 2012

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2012, 37, 283–290

Objectives:  To evaluate the treatment effect of prednisolone and/or valaciclovir in Bell’s palsy patients with different baseline severity of palsy.

Design:  Patient data were collected from the Scandinavian Bell’s Palsy Study, a prospective, randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multi‐centre trial.

Setting:  Sixteen otorhinolaryngological centres in Sweden and one in Finland.

Participants:  Altogether, 829 patients aged 18–75 years were treated within 72 h of palsy onset. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment with prednisolone plus placebo (n = 210), valaciclovir plus placebo (n = 207), prednisolone plus valaciclovir (n = 206), placebo plus placebo (n = 206). Follow‐up was 12 months.

Main outcome measures:  Facial function was assessed using the Sunnybrook grading scale at baseline and at 12 months. Complete recovery was defined as Sunnybrook score = 100.

Results:  All patients, regardless of baseline severity, showed significantly higher complete recovery rates if treated with prednisolone compared with no prednisolone. In patients with severe palsy, recovery at 12 months was 51% with prednisolone treatment versus 31% without prednisolone (P = 0.02). Corresponding results were 68%versus 51% (P = 0.004) for moderate, and 83%versus 73% (P = 0.02) for mild palsy. In patient groups with moderate and mild palsy at baseline, significantly fewer prednisolone‐treated patients had synkinesis at 12 months (P = 0.04 and P < 0.0001, respectively). For patients with severe palsy at baseline, prednisolone versus no prednisolone made no significant difference regarding synkinesis at 12 months. Valaciclovir did not add any significant effect to prednisolone regarding recovery rate or synkinesis at 12 months.

Conclusion:  Prednisolone treatment resulted in higher complete recovery rates, regardless of severity at baseline. Prednisolone treatment should be considered in all patients irrespective of degree of palsy.
Prevalence of sinonasal outcome test (SNOT‐22) symptoms in patients undergoing surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis in the England and Wales National prospective audit
Authors: Abdalla S. , Alreefy H. , Hopkins C.
Published: July 2012

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2012, 37, 276–282

Objectives:  Review and evaluate the prevalence and severity of individual symptoms in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with or without nasal polyposis.

Design and Setting:  Retrospective analysis of data from the National Comparative Audit of Surgery for Nasal Polyposis and CRS, carried out across 87 hospitals in England and Wales between 2000 and 2001.

Participants:  A total of 2573 patients with CRS (1784 had CRS with nasal polyposis, 789 without nasal polyposis) who had undergone sinus surgery.

Main outcome measures:  Severity of clinical symptoms scores was graded on the Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test 22 questionnaire. Prevalence of these symptoms and mean symptom scores were calculated for each group of patients at baseline and 3 months after surgery.

Results:  In both groups, nasal blockage/congestion had the highest mean symptom score, followed by altered smell/taste and then the need to blow nose. These three symptoms were the most prevalent in the group with nasal polyposis. In the group without nasal polyposis, nasal blockage was also the most prevalent individual symptom (93.5%) followed by altered smell/taste (75.7%). The third most prevalent symptom was waking up tired (69.9%). The average test score preoperatively was 41.5 (group with nasal polyposis) and 44.4 (group without nasal polyposis). This decreased to 18.3 and 14.1, respectively, 3 months after surgery (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  The leading three symptoms were nasal blockage/congestion, altered taste/smell and the need to blow the nose in terms of severity and prevalence. The total Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test 22 and all individual symptom scores improved significantly after surgery.
Photophysical Properties of Sol–gel derived Luminescent Silicone Hybrids Synthesized via Facile Amino‐Ene Reaction
Authors: Yue Yuanzhi , Liang Yan , Wang Hua , Feng Linglong , Feng Shengyu , Lu Haifeng
Published: July 2012

Novel luminescent silicone hybrids (LSHs) containing lanthanide ions were prepared via different sol–gel processes. The precursor, dimethyl ester‐functionalized silane, was synthesized via a facile amino‐ene reaction. The coordinated assembly of the ester ligands and lanthanide ions (Eu3+, Tb3+ and Dy3+) occurred. The ester ligands were immobilized onto the Si‐O network backbone during the preparation of the silicone hybrid materials. The particle size can be controlled to ca 50 nm by adjusting the solvent ratio. The obtained materials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), 13C NMR, 28Si NMR, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, high‐resolution scanning electronic microscopy and luminescent (excitation and emission) spectroscopy. The coordination state and photophysical performance of the compounds were studied in detail. The terbium‐ and europium‐containing materials show sharp green and red emissions, respectively, which indicate that efficient intramolecular energy transfer took place in these LSHs.