bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond Lactate: Is There a Role for Serum Lactate Measurement in Diagnosing Acute Mesenteric Ischemia?
Authors: Demir Ihsan Ekin , Ceyhan Güralp O. , Friess Helmut
Published: June 2012

Background/Aims: Measurement of serum lactate remains the most frequently applied laboratory investigation to diagnose acute mesenteric (intestinal) ischemia. The present review aims at critically questioning the widespread measurement of serum lactate to diagnose acute mesenteric ischemia in clinical practice and at drawing attention to more novel markers of intestinal ischemia. Methods: An electronic search of multiple databases was performed with the key words ‘lactate’, ‘marker’, ‘mesenteric’, ‘intestinal’ and ‘ischemia’ to detect all relevant studies. Additionally, the references of published articles were also reviewed. Results: Serum lactate is an unspecific marker of tissue hypoperfusion and undergoes significant elevation only after advanced mesenteric damage. While L-lactate is the routinely measured stereoisomer of lactate, the other stereoisomer, D-lactate, has been shown to bear a somewhat higher specificity, which is still not comparable to the extremely specific nature of ischemia markers from other organs (e.g. cardiac ischemia). Larger studies are currently lacking to reliably advocate the routine clinical usage of novel markers like mucosal damage markers such as intestinal fatty acid-binding protein. Conclusion: Based on current evidence, the level of no single serum marker, including serum lactate, is elevated early and specifically enough in the serum to diagnose acute mesenteric ischemia.
Error Reduction with Routine Checklist Use during Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
Authors: Kramer Daniel R. , Halpern Casey H. , Connolly Patrick J. , Jaggi Jurg L. , Baltuch Gordon H.
Published: June 2012

Background: The use of checklists to reduce error rates in procedural literature has led our group to employ this strategy during deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. Objectives: We sought to examine the improvement in the number of errors made during DBS surgery after long-term use of a checklist. Methods: Our checklist has been used for all DBS cases at our institution since the beginning of this study’s enrollment in 2008. The number of cases in which errors were detected after 1 year of routine use (group B, n = 11) was compared in one cohort of DBS subjects to that of an earlier cohort of patients (group A, n = 17), which underwent DBS exactly 1 year prior. Results: Eleven of the 14 cases where major errors were detected occurred in group A; 6 of the 9 cases where only minor errors were detected were also in group A; of the patients without any error, all 5 were in group B. We found a significant difference in these proportions between group A and group B [χ2(2) = 9.73; p < 0.008]. Conclusions: After 1 year of checklist use, the total number of major and minor errors made was reduced, indicating an improvement in error rate after long-term routine incorporation of this checklist.
Perfusion MRI as a Neurosurgical Tool for Improved Targeting in Stereotactic Tumor Biopsies
Authors: Lefranc M. , Monet P. , Desenclos C. , Peltier J. , Fichten A. , Toussaint P. , Sevestre H. , Deramond H. , Le Gars D.
Published: June 2012

Objective: Stereotactic biopsies are subject to sampling errors (essentially due to target selection). The presence of contrast enhancement is not a reliable marker of malignancy. The goal of the present study was to determine whether perfusion-weighted imaging can improve target selection in stereotactic biopsies. Methods: We studied 21 consecutive stereotactic biopsies between June 2009 and March 2010. Perfusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was integrated into our neuronavigator. Perfusion-weighted imaging was used as an adjunct to conventional MRI data for target determination. Conventional MRI alone was used to determine the trajectory. Results: We found a linear correlation between regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and vessel density (number of vessels per mm2; R = 0.64; p < 0.001). Perfusion-weighted imaging facilitated target determination in 11 cases (52.4%), all of which were histopathologically diagnosed as glial tumors. For glial tumors, which presented with contrast enhancement, perfusion-weighted imaging identified a more precisely delimited target in 9 cases, a different target in 1 case, and exactly the same target in 1 other case. In all cases, perfusion-selected sampling provided information on cellular features and tumor grading. rCBV was significantly associated with grading (p < 0.01), endothelial proliferation (p < 0.01), and vessel density (p < 0.01). For lesions with rCBV values ≤1, perfusion-weighted MRI did not help to determine the target but was useful for surgical management. Conclusions: For stereotactic biopsies, targeting based on perfusion-weighted imaging is a feasible method for reducing the sampling error and improving target selection in the histopathological diagnosis of tumors with high rCBVs.
Primary Effusion Lymphoma with Central Nervous System Involvement in an HIV-Negative Homosexual Male
Authors: Kabiawu-Ajise Oluyomi E. , Harris Jonathan , Ismaili Naima , Amorosi Edward , Ibrahim Sherif
Published: June 2012

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that presents with body cavity effusions. It occurs chiefly in immunodeficient HIV-positive patients. The tumor cells generally express gene sequences of human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Tumor cells of HIV-negative patients usually express HHV-8 gene sequences, but rarely those of EBV. We report a novel case of PEL in an HIV-negative homosexual male whose tumor cells expressed both HHV-8 and EBV gene sequences and who developed evidence of central nervous system involvement.
Relationship between Myeloid-Related Protein 8/14 and Survival of Chinese Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Poon Peter Yam-Kau , Szeto Cheuk-Chun , Kwan Bonnie Ching-Ha , Chow Kai-Ming , Leung Chi-Bon , Li Philip Kam-Tao
Published: June 2012

Background: Myeloid-related protein 8/14 (MRP8/14) is released by cells of myeloid lineage upon inflammatory challenges. Experimental data suggested that MRP8/14 is important in the initiation and progression of inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. We examined the relation between serum MRP8/14 level and cardiovascular disease in Chinese peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods: We studied 102 new PD patients (58 males, mean age 57.3 ± 11.9 years). Baseline serum MRP8/14 was determined and grouped to quartiles for analysis. All patients were then followed for an average of 23.9 ± 6.9 months. Results: There was a trend of lower 3-year cardiovascular event-free survival for patient quartiles with high serum MRP8/14 levels (log-rank test, p = 0.064). The 3-year actuarial survival was significantly lower for quartile groups with higher MRP8/14 levels (96.0, 94.7, 72.9, and 62.5% for quartiles 1–4, respectively, p = 0.003). Cox regression analysis showed that serum MRP8/14 level and Kt/V were independent predictors of actuarial survival; in this model, every 1 µg/ml increase in serum MRP8/14 level confers a 25.1% increase in risk of death (95% confidence interval, 1.3–54.4%, p = 0.037). There was no significant difference in technique survival between the MRP8/14 quartile groups. Conclusion: A high baseline serum MRP8/14 level was associated with a lower actuarial survival in Chinese PD patients. The pathogenic role of MRP8/14 in the cardiovascular disease of PD patients needs further investigation.
Formalehyde in Personal Care Products
Authors: Jackson E.M.
Published: June 2012

Personal care products reported to cause allergic contact dermatitis from the presence of formaldehyde need to be re-examined in light of recent chemical developments in our understanding of the film former, toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde resin, the preservatives diazolidinyl urea and imidazolidinyl urea, and formalin. This paper will elucidate these chemistries as well as review how formaldehyde is used in personal care products in raw materials and formaldehyde donor preservatives.
Visual Distraction: An Altered Aiming Spatial Response in Dementia
Authors: Galletta Elizabeth E. , Lequerica Anthony H. , Pekrul Scott R. , Eslinger Paul J. , Barrett Anna M.
Published: June 2012

Background/Aims: Healthy individuals demonstrate leftward bias on visuospatial tasks such as line bisection, which has been attributed to right brain dominance. We investigated whether this asymmetry occurred in patients with probable dementia of the Alzheimer type (pAD) which is associated with neurodegenerative changes affecting temporoparietal regions. Methods: Subjects with pAD and matched controls performed a line bisection task in near and far space under conditions of no distraction, left-sided visual distraction and right-sided visual distraction. Results: Participants with pAD manifested different motor-preparatory ‘aiming’ spatial bias than matched controls. There were significantly greater rightward ‘aiming’ motor-intentional errors both without distraction and with right-sided distraction. Conclusion: ‘Aiming’ motor-preparatory brain activity may be induced by distraction in pAD subjects as compared to typical visual-motor function in controls.
Moderate Unconjugated Hyperbilirubinemia Causes a Transient but Delayed Suppression of Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalographic Activity in Preterm Infants
Authors: ter Horst Hendrik J. , Bos Arend F. , Duijvendijk Jildou , Hulzebos Christian V.
Published: June 2012

Background: Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia occurs frequently in preterm infants and may result in bilirubin encephalopathy. Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) is used to evaluate brain function in newborns. Objectives: To investigate the influence of total serum bilirubin (TSB) on the aEEG amplitude of preterm infants and to evaluate aEEG as a noninvasive method to identify acute bilirubin encephalopathy. Methods: We performed a prospective observational study of 34 infants with a gestational age (GA) of 26–31 6/7 weeks. Infants had aEEG recordings on the 1st–5th, 8th and 15th day after birth. Infants with asphyxia, intraventricular hemorrhage >grade I or circulatory insufficiency were excluded. aEEG was evaluated by calculating the mean 5th, 50th and 95th centiles of the aEEG amplitudes. Results: TSB peaked on the 4th day after birth. There was no synchronous relationship between TSB and aEEG amplitudes. The 5th, 50th, and 95th aEEG amplitude centiles on the 8th day correlated negatively with the TSB peak value (r = –0.37, p = 0.048; r = –0.60, p = 0.001; r = –0.44, p = 0.017, respectively), irrespective of GA. The 5th and 50th aEEG amplitude centiles increased with increasing GA (r = 0.45, p < 0.001, and r = 0.26, p < 0.001, respectively) and postnatal age (r = 0.25, p < 0.001, and r = 0.16, p = 0.023, respectively). Conclusions: TSB had no direct effect on aEEG amplitudes in preterm infants. There is, however, a delayed effect on electrocerebral activity in the 2nd week after birth.
Therapies Used in Prostate Cancer Patients by European Urologists: Data on Indication with a Focus on Expectations, Perceived Barriers and Guideline Compliance Related to the Use of Bisphosphonates
Authors: Heidenreich Axel , Witjes Wim P.J. , Bjerklund-Johansen Truls E. , Patel Anup ,   for the EAU Research Foundation
Published: June 2012

Introduction: The aim of our survey was to evaluate the usage and indications of various metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) therapies, and to identify barriers to usage of bisphosphonates (BPs). Materials and Methods: Between March and June 2009, an internet-based survey was performed among board-certified urologists of the EAU who treated ≥10 patients with metastatic PCa annually. Results: Questionnaires completed by 200 urologists from 12 European countries including 27,442 PCa patients were used for analyses. On average, 22% of the patients presented in stage IV, 15% had bone metastases and 10% received BPs. In most countries, BPs were used to the same extent in hormone-naïve and castration-resistant PCa (CRPC). A total of 23% of urologists prescribed chemotherapy in patients with hormone-sensitive PCa, and 55% of the urologists did not administer androgen deprivation maintenance therapy in patients with CRPC. Conclusions: BPs were frequently used in PCa with bone metastases, although current guidelines recommend their use only in CRPC. Standardized multidisciplinary educational programs should be developed in order to prevent non-indicated early chemotherapy in hormone-sensitive patients and to stimulate maintenance of androgen deprivation therapy in CRPC patients. Also, programs facilitating home infusions for patients who need intravenous BPs are needed in specific countries to optimize treatment of CRPC.
The Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Cannabinoids: Focus on Motility
Authors: Abalo Raquel , Vera Gema , López-Pérez Ana Esther , Martínez-Villaluenga María , Martín-Fontelles María Isabel
Published: June 2012

The marijuana plant Cannabis sp. and its derivatives and analogues, known as cannabinoids (CBs), induce many effects throughout the whole body. Herein we briefly review the gastrointestinal (GI) pharmacology of CBs, with special focus on motor function. Some drugs are available to treat nausea and emesis, and evidences in humans and animal models suggest that other GI motility alterations (gastro-oesophageal reflux, inflammatory bowel conditions or paralytic ileus) might benefit from modifications of the CB tone throughout the gut. However, central and peripheral (including GI) side effects may occur upon acute and chronic CB administration. Hopefully, the ongoing worldwide intense research on CBs will soon provide new, safer CB-based medicines.
Genistein Attenuates Advanced Glycation End Product-Induced Expression of Fibronectin and Connective Tissue Growth Factor
Authors: Tong Mengli , Wang Yuhui , Wang Yongjun , Chen Hongyu , Wang Chengda , Yang Luchun , Axelsson Jonas , Lindholm Bengt
Published: June 2012

Objective: To investigate the effect of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and fibronectin (FN) in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC). To observe the effect of genistein (Gen) on the expression of CTGF and FN in HPMC induced by AGEs. Methods: First, HPMC were stimulated with different concentrations of AGEs (0, 200, 600 and 1,000 mg/l) for 48 h; the expression of FN was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Second, HPMC were divided into the following groups: (1) control group, (2) AGE-treated group (600 mg/l AGEs) and (3) Gen-treated groups with 600 mg/l AGEs and 25, 50 and 100 µMGen, respectively. The expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) for FN and CTGF was measured by RT-PCR; the expression of FN and CTGF protein was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after 48 h. Results: The expression of FN mRNA in HPMC increased in a dose-dependent manner after induction with AGEs. Compared with controls, 600 mg/l AGEs markedly promoted the expression of mRNA and protein for FN and CTGF. Compared with the AGE-treated group (600 mg/l), 25, 50, and 100 µM Gen significantly inhibited the expression of mRNA and protein for FN and CTGF. Conclusion: AGEs can markedly increase the expression of mRNA and protein for FN and CTGF; however, Gen can inhibit the expression of FN and CTGF mRNA and protein stimulated by AGEs, which implies that Gen probably decreases the accumulation of extracellular matrix through inhibiting the expression of CTGF, and it may play a role in anti-peritoneal fibrosis.
Percutaneous Transluminal Revascularization following an Angiotensin Receptor Blocker: Successful Treatment for Flash Pulmonary Edema and Hyponatremic Hypertensive Syndrome
Authors: Shao Leping , Gao Yanxia , Xu Yan , Lang Yanhua
Published: June 2012

Either flash pulmonary edema or hyponatremic hypertensive syndrome has been described in renal artery stenosis. However, coexistence of these two disorders has never been previously reported. We describe a patient who presented with flash pulmonary edema and hyponatremic hypertensive syndrome associated with bilateral renal artery disease (one complete occlusion, one highly critical renal artery stenosis, the equivalent of unilateral stenosis of a solitary functioning kidney). His blood pressure, hyponatremia, and symptoms of acute heart failure were much improved by an angiotensin receptor blocker. After the procedure of percutaneous transluminal revascularization, his stenotic kidney function and serum sodium levels were completely restored.
Safety and Efficiency of Interventional Pulmonologists Performing Percutaneous Tracheostomy
Authors: Yarmus Lonny , Pandian Vinciya , Gilbert Christopher , Schiavi Adam , Haider Adil , Chi Albert , Morad Athir , Miller Christina , Efron David , Stevens Kent , Gangidi Shravani , Vaswani Ravi , Haut Elliott , Mirski Marek , Bhatti Nasir , Feller-Kopman David
Published: June 2012

Background: The steady rise in the number of critically ill patients in the USA has led to an increase in the need for tracheostomies in patients requiring chronic ventilatory support. There is a matched need for experienced operators to safely and efficiently perform these procedures. Objectives: We evaluated the effects on procedural outcomes and efficiency of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) placement in the medical intensive care unit (MICU) by the surgical team (ST) or interventional pulmonologists (IP). The IP team joined the PDT team in September 2007 and became primarily responsible for all PDT in the MICU. Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients who received PDT in the MICU by ST and IP from September 2007 to August 2010 was made. Outcomes including safety, efficacy, and procedural efficiency were compared. Results: One hundred seven patients underwent bedside PDT in the MICU during this period. Forty-three procedures (40.2%) were performed by the ST and 64 procedures (59.8%) were performed by IP. There was no statistical difference between the incidence of airway injury and infection between the two procedural groups. There were no deaths related to the performance of PDT in our series. PDT was completed within 48 h of request in 100% of IP patients and 95% of ST patients (p = 0.08). Conclusions: There were no statistical differences in PDT between the ST and IP groups when comparing complications. There was a trend towards an increased efficiency in time to PDT after consultation within the IP PDT group. Trained IP can safely and effectively perform PDT.
Comparison of Substrate Oxidation during Walking and Running in Normal-Weight and Overweight/Obese Men
Authors: Balcı Şükrü Serdar
Published: June 2012

Objective: The aim of the present study is to examine the differences in fat and carbohydrate (CHO) oxidation during walking and running between normal-weight and overweight/obese young adult men. Methods: 19 healthy, normal-weight (age = 21.9 ± 0.7 years, BMI = 22.6 ± 0.4 kg, n = 10) and overweight (age = 21.4 ± 0.6 years, BMI = 31.6 ± 1.1, n = 9) young men volunteered to participate in this study. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance. Maximal oxygen uptake and maximal fat oxidation rate were determined with indirect calorimetry by using an incremental exercise test on a motor-driven treadmill. The participants’ individual preferred transition speeds between walking and running were determined. Indirect calorimetry was used to calculate fat and CHO oxidation during the resting, walking and running tests. Results: Maximal fat oxidation rates during the graded exercise test were not significantly different between the groups. Changes in CHO and fat oxidation in the resting, walking and running tests were similar in the normal-weight and overweight groups. Conclusion: The study results suggest that with regard to changes in CHO and fat oxidation, normal-weight and overweight/obese individuals have similar responses to walking and running at preferred speeds, despite significant differences in oxygen uptake during activity and body composition.
Increased Energy Expenditure in Gastric Bypass Rats Is Not Caused by Activated Brown Adipose Tissue
Authors: Hankir Mohammed , Bueter Marco , Gsell Willy , Seyfried Florian , Khalil Magdy , Smith Kirsty L. , Bloom Steve R. , Bell Jimmy D. , le Roux Carel W.
Published: June 2012

Objective: To investigate whether gastric bypass induces a higher activity of brown adipose tissue and greater levels of the brown adipose tissue-specific protein uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) in rats. Methods: Gastric bypass rats and sham-operated controls (each n = 8) underwent whole body 1H-MR spectroscopy for analysis of body composition and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) imaging for measurement of the metabolic activity of brown adipose tissue. Brown adipose tissue was harvested and weighed, and UCP-1 mRNA content was measured by Northern Blot technique. Results: Gastric bypass rats had a significantly lower percentage of whole body adipose tissue mass compared to sham-operated rats (p = 0.001). There was no difference in brown adipose tissue activity between the two groups (standardised uptake value sham 2.81 ± 0.58 vs. bypass 2.56 ± 0.46 ; p = 0.73). Furthermore, there was no difference in the UCP-1 mRNA content of brown adipose tissue between the two groups (sham 49.5 ± 13.2 vs. bypass 43.7 ± 13.1; p = 0.77). Conclusion: Gastric bypass does not increase the activity of brown adipose tissue in rats suggesting that other mechanisms are involved to explain the increased energy expenditure after bypass surgery. Our results cannot justify the radiation dose of 18F-FDG PET/CT studies in humans to determine potential changes in brown adipose tissue after gastric bypass surgery.
Validation of 6-Minute Walk Distance as a Surrogate End Point in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Trials
Authors: Gabler Nicole B. , French Benjamin , Strom Brian L. , Palevsky Harold I. , Taichman Darren B. , Kawut Steven M. , Halpern Scott D.
Published: June 2012

Background—

Nearly all available treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension have been approved based on change in 6-minute walk distance (Δ6MWD) as a clinically important end point, but its validity as a surrogate end point has never been shown. We aimed to validate the difference in Δ6MWD against the probability of a clinical event in pulmonary arterial hypertension trials.

Methods and Results—

First, to determine whether Δ6MWD between baseline and 12 weeks mediated the relationship between treatment assignment and development of clinical events, we conducted a pooled analysis of patient-level data from the 10 randomized placebo-controlled trials previously submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (n=2404 patients). Second, to identify a threshold effect for the Δ6MWD that indicated a statistically significant reduction in clinical events, we conducted a meta-regression among 21 drug/dose-level combinations. Δ6MWD accounted for 22.1% (95% confidence interval, 12.1%– 31.1%) of the treatment effect (
P
<0.001). The meta-analysis showed an average difference in Δ6MWD of 22.4 m (95% confidence interval, 17.4–27.5 m), favoring active treatment over placebo. Active treatment decreased the probability of a clinical event (summary odds ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.33–0.57). The meta-regression revealed a significant threshold effect of 41.8 m.

Conclusions—

Our results suggest that Δ6MWD does not explain a large proportion of the treatment effect, has only modest validity as a surrogate end point for clinical events, and may not be a sufficient surrogate end point. Further research is necessary to determine whether the threshold value of 41.8 m is valid for long-term outcomes or whether it differs among trials using background therapy or lacking placebo controls entirely.
Spatial Superposition Method via Model Coupling for Urban Heat Island Albedo Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Silva Humberto , Golden Jay S.
Published: June 2012

A spatial superposition design is presented that couples the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5) with the National Center of Excellence (NCE) lumped urban thermal model for application to the city of Phoenix, Arizona. This technique utilizes an approach similar to Reynolds decomposition from turbulence theory. The presented decomposition takes the NCE model prediction from a mitigated strategy as the mean temperature and the difference between the NCE and MM5 predictions without mitigation strategy as the perturbed temperature. The goal of this coupled model is to provide spatial variability when simulating mitigation strategies for the urban heat island effect, as compared with the spatially invariant lumped model. A validation analysis was performed incorporating a maximum 35% change from the baseline albedo value for the urban environment. It is shown that the coupled model differs by up to 0.39°C with comparable average surface temperature predictions from MM5. The coupled model was also used to perform analysis of three different albedo-driven spatial mitigation schemes. This resulted in the identification that having a lesser number of mitigated points on a square urban grid in Phoenix with the same average albedo leads to a greater reduction in average hourly temperature.
The Relationship of Rainfall Variability in Western Equatorial Africa to the Tropical Oceans and Atmospheric Circulation. Part II: The Boreal Autumn
Authors: Dezfuli Amin K. , Nicholson Sharon E.
Published: June 2012

This paper examines the mechanisms controlling the year-to-year variability of rainfall over western equatorial Africa during the rainy season of October–December. Five regions with distinct behavior are analyzed separately. Only two show strong associations with the ocean and atmospheric features in the global tropics. These two regions, in the east (the eastern Zaire basin) and west (Angolan coast) of the study area, respectively, demonstrate strikingly opposite relationships with the anomalies of sea surface temperatures (SSTs), sea level pressure (SLP), and east–west atmospheric circulation. The wet (dry) conditions in the eastern Zaire basin are associated with El Niño(La Niña)–like phases. The inverse pattern is apparent for the Angolan coast. The other three regions, lying between these two poles of variability, represent a transition zone with a weak linear relationship to the circulation features.

The vital impact of the east–west circulation cells on rainfall variability results in a stronger association with zonal wind than with SSTs or SLP. In addition to the zonal shift, changes in intensity of the zonal cells also play a crucial role. Variability in both magnitude and location of the circulation cells appear to be modulated by the remote forcing from the Pacific via an atmospheric bridge. However, the eastern sector is impacted mainly when synchronous changes occur in the Indian Ocean, and the western sector is impacted mainly when synchronous changes occur in the Atlantic Ocean.
A Geostrophic Adjustment Model of Two Buoyant Fluids
Authors: Cenedese Claudia , Lerczak James A. , Bartone Giuseppe
Published: June 2012

A combination of analytical calculations and laboratory experiments has been used to investigate the geostrophic adjustment of two buoyant fluids having different densities in a third denser ambient fluid. The frontal position, the depth profile, and the horizontal and vertical alignments of the two buoyant fluids at the final equilibrium state are determined by the ratio of the baroclinic Rossby radii of deformation Γ1 = λ31/λ21 and Γ2 = λ32/λ21 and the Burger numbers B1 = λ31/L1 and B2 = λ32/L2 of the two buoyant fluids, where is the baroclinic Rossby radius of deformation between fluids i and j. The buoyant fluids 1 and 2 have densities ρ1 and ρ2 (ρ1 < ρ2), respectively; the ambient denser fluid has density ρ3; g′ is the reduced gravity; H and L are the buoyant fluids’ initial depth and width, respectively; and f is the Coriolis parameter. Laboratory rotating experiments confirmed the analytical prediction of the location of the two fronts. After reaching geostrophic equilibrium, the two buoyant currents align mainly horizontally when the extent of the fronts between fluids 1 and 3 and between fluids 2 and 3 is large compared to the extent of the front between fluids 1 and 2: that is, large values of λ31 and λ32 compared to λ21 or equivalently Γ1 ≫ 1 and Γ2 ≫ 1. Alternatively, if the extent of the fronts between the three fluids is similar (i.e., Γ1 ≈ Γ2 ≈ 1), the buoyant currents align mainly vertically. Furthermore, the Burger number of the lightest fluid B1 controls the distance of the inner front from the coast, while B2 controls the offshore extent of the outer front.
Evolution of African Easterly Waves in Potential Vorticity Fields
Authors: Tyner Bryce , Aiyyer Anantha
Published: June 2012

The evolution of African easterly waves (AEWs) leading to tropical cyclones (TCs) in the Atlantic during 2000–08 is examined from isentropic potential vorticity (PV) and Lagrangian streamline perspectives. Tropical cyclone formation is commonly preceded by axisymmetrization of PV, scale contraction of the wave, and formation of a closed circulation within the wave. In these cases, PV associated with the synoptic-scale wave is irreversibly deformed and subsumed within the developing vortex. Less commonly, filamentation of the PV leads to separation and independent propagation of the wave and the TC vortex. In an example presented here, the remnant wave with a closed circulation persisted for several days after separation from the TC. A second TC did not result, consistent with several past studies that show that a midtropospheric closed gyre is not sufficient for TC genesis. Sometimes, an AEW and a weak TC remain coupled for a few days, followed by the dissipation of the TC and the continued propagation of the wave. Merger of tropical and extratropical PV anomalies is also often observed and likely helps maintain some waves. The results of this study are broadly consistent with recent Lagrangian analyses of AEW evolution during TC genesis.
Weather, Climate, and Worldviews: The Sources and Consequences of Public Perceptions of Changes in Local Weather Patterns*
Authors: Goebbert Kevin , Jenkins-Smith Hank C. , Klockow Kim , Nowlin Matthew C. , Silva Carol L.
Published: June 2012

This paper analyzes the changes Americans perceive to be taking place in their local weather and tests a series of hypotheses about why they hold these perceptions. Using data from annual nationwide surveys of the American public taken from 2008 to 2011, coupled with geographically specific measures of temperature and precipitation changes over that same period, the authors evaluate the relationship between perceptions of weather changes and actual changes in local weather. In addition, the survey data include measures of individual-level characteristics (age, education level, gender, and income) as well as cultural worldview and political ideology. Rival hypotheses about the origins of Americans’ perceptions of weather change are tested, and it is found that actual weather changes are less predictive of perceived changes in local temperatures, but better predictors of perceived flooding and droughts. Cultural biases and political ideology also shape perceptions of changes in local weather. Overall, the analysis herein indicates that beliefs about changes in local temperatures have been more heavily politicized than is true for beliefs about local precipitation patterns. Therefore, risk communications linking changes in local patterns of precipitation to broader changes in the climate are more likely to penetrate identity-protective cognitions about climate.
Searching for a Mate
Authors: Rosenfeld Michael J. , Thomas Reuben J.
Published: June 2012

This article explores how the efficiency of Internet search is changing the way Americans find romantic partners. We use a new data source, the How Couples Meet and Stay Together survey. Results show that for 60 years, family and grade school have been steadily declining in their influence over the dating market. In the past 15 years, the rise of the Internet has partly displaced not only family and school, but also neighborhood, friends, and the workplace as venues for meeting partners. The Internet increasingly allows Americans to meet and form relationships with perfect strangers, that is, people with whom they had no previous social tie. Individuals who face a thin market for potential partners, such as gays, lesbians, and middle-aged heterosexuals, are especially likely to meet partners online. One result of the increasing importance of the Internet in meeting partners is that adults with Internet access at home are substantially more likely to have partners, even after controlling for other factors. Partnership rate has increased during the Internet era (consistent with Internet efficiency of search) for same-sex couples, but the heterosexual partnership rate has been flat.
Somatic presentations of distress in China
Authors: Zaroff Charles M , Davis J Mark , Chio Pit Hoi , Madhavan Deepak
Published: June 2012

Objective:

Somatic presentations of distress are common cross-culturally and are thought to predominate in Asian cultures such as that of China. From an etic perspective, researchers utilizing empirically validated standardized assessment measures find that somatic symptoms are no more common in individuals of Chinese descent than they are in individuals of European descent. In contrast, patient presentations are heavily influenced by culture and are associated with patterns of illness behavior. The objective of the current review is to determine the culture-specific factors contributing to somatic presentations and descriptions of distress in China.

Method:

The current review was based on a literature search of PubMed and PsychInfo using the terms ‘China,’ ‘Asia,’ ‘somatoform,’ ‘somatization,’ and ‘psychogenic.’

Results:

Factors contributing to somatic presentations of distress in China include stigma and help-seeking behavior, and assessment approaches that ignore culture-specific patterns of symptom reporting, fail to incorporate somatic metaphor and Chinese conceptualizations of distress that emphasize bodily sensation, and ignore the role that culture-specific normative data and culture specific response patterns may produce on assessment results.

Conclusions:

From an emic perspective, there are numerous factors contributing to the appearance of a predominantly somatic presentation of distress in China. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.
Assessing the cost of early intervention in psychosis: A systematic review
Authors: Amos Andrew
Published: June 2012

Objective:

Early-intervention units have proliferated over the last decade, justified in terms of cost as well as treatment effect. Strong claims for extension of these programmes on economic grounds motivate a systematic review of economic evaluations of early-intervention programmes.

Method:

Searches were undertaken in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO with keywords including ‘early intervention’, ‘ultra-high risk’, ‘prodrome’, ‘cost-effectiveness’, ‘psychosis’, ‘economic’, and ‘at-risk mental state’. Relevant journals, editorials, and the references of retrieved articles were hand-searched for appropriate research.

Results:

Eleven articles were included in the review. The more rigorous research (two randomized control trials and two quasi-experimental studies) suggested no difference in resource utilization or costs between early-intervention and treatment-as-usual groups. One small case-control study with evidence of significant bias concluded annual early-intervention costs were one-third of treatment-as-usual costs. Modelling studies projected reduced costs of early intervention but were based on assumptions since definitively revised. Cost-effectiveness analyses did not strongly support the cost-effectiveness of early intervention. No studies appropriately valued outpatient costs or addressed the feasibility of realizing reduced hospitalization in reduced costs.

Conclusions:

The published literature does not support the contention that early intervention for psychosis reduces costs or achieves cost-effectiveness. Past failed attempts to reduce health costs by reducing hospitalization, and increased outpatient costs in early-intervention programmes suggest such programmes may increase costs. Future economic evaluation of early-intervention programmes would need to correctly value outpatient costs and accommodate uncertainty regarding reduced hospitalization costs, perhaps by sensitivity analysis. The current research hints that cost differences may be greater early in treatment and in patients with more severe illness.
Probation Supervision and the Control of Crime Opportunities
Authors: Miller Joel
Published: June 2012

Mainstream accounts of community corrections supervision emphasize rehabilitation on the one hand, and surveillance and control on the other.This article, however, examines whether probation supervision is used to reduce the exposure of offenders to crime opportunities. Using data from a national community corrections survey, it finds that opportunity-focused supervision (OFS) practices are, to varying degrees, common. Most OFS activities coalesce around a distinct strategy that involves harnessing efforts of potential handlers, place managers, and capable guardians to help steer offenders away from crime opportunities, deployed somewhat independently of conventional supervision strategies. Predictors of the OFS strategy are different from other supervision approaches, and include low caseloads, juvenile supervision, and working in an office serving a rural area.
What do the flyers say? Embedded ‘Orientalist’ constructions in social work study abroad programs in the United States
Authors: Mukherjee Dhrubodhi , Chowdhury Dalia
Published: June 2012

We conducted qualitative content analysis, using the theoretical lens of Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism, of nine study abroad flyers to India and Egypt sponsored by social work schools in the United States. We show that the promotional content of these flyers cater to Orientalist biases; we recommend measures to amend it.
Strategies for critical reflection in international contexts for social work students
Authors: Das Chaitali , Anand Janet Carter
Published: June 2012

International contexts provide social work students with the opportunity to develop knowledge of international social work, global citizenship and cultural competency. While these contexts are powerful sites of learning, there is a need to ensure that this occurs within a critical framework. The paradigm of critical reflection is used to facilitate this and has been popular in international programs. In this article, we develop this further by describing critically-reflective techniques and providing examples used in a pilot exchange program between a social work school in the UK and in India. The potential implications of these strategies for social work education are discussed.
Effects of Xylitol Wipes on Cariogenic Bacteria and Caries in Young Children
Authors: Zhan L. , Cheng J. , Chang P. , Ngo M. , DenBesten P.K. , Hoover C.I. , Featherstone J.D.B.
Published: June 2012

The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of the use of xylitol-containing tooth-wipes in preventing dental caries in young children. In a double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial, 44 mothers with active caries and their 6- to 35-month-old children were randomized to xylitol-wipe or placebo-wipe groups. The children’s caries scores were recorded at baseline and 1 year. Salivary levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli were enumerated at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Data were analyzed by intent-to-treat modeling with imputation for caries lesions and a linear mixed-effect model for bacterial levels. Significantly fewer children in the xylitol-wipe group had new caries lesions at 1 year compared with those in the placebo-wipe group (P < 0.05). No significant differences between the two groups were observed in levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli at all time-points. Daily xylitol-wipe application significantly reduced the caries incidence in young children as compared with wipes without xylitol, suggesting that the use of xylitol wipes may be a useful adjunct for caries control in infants ( Clinicaltrials.gov registration number CT01468727).
Pulsed Nd: YAG Laser Induces Pulpal Analgesia
Authors: Chan A. , Armati P. , Moorthy A.P.
Published: June 2012

This double-blind, randomized, clinical trial investigated the effectiveness and underlying mechanism of neural inhibition of pulsed Nd:YAG laser induction of pulpal analgesia compared with 5% EMLA anesthetic cream. Forty-four paired premolars from 44 orthodontic patients requiring bilateral premolar extraction from either dental arch were randomly assigned to the ‘Laser plus Sham-EMLA’ or ‘EMLA plus Sham-Laser’ treatment group. Analgesia was tested by an Electric Pulp Tester (EPT) and the cutting of a standardized cavity, which was terminated when participants reported sensitivity, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and numbness were recorded. Statistical analyses were done by paired t test, McNemar’s test, and a chi-squared test (p < 0.05). Sixty-eight percent of laser- and 59% of EMLA-treated teeth had completed cavities with statistically significant EPT increases above baseline. No significant within-patient differences were found for either group. No laser-treated participants reported numbness. The trial confirmed that the pulsed Nd:YAG laser effectively induced pulpal analgesia, by suppression of intradental nerve responses to electrical and mechanical stimuli. Such a laser provides an alternative for dental pain management (ANZ-Clinical Trial Registry: N12611001099910).
Inequalities in Dental Attendance throughout the Life-course
Authors: Listl S.
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this study was to identify socio-economic inequalities in regular dental attendance throughout the life-course. The analyses relied on data from SHARE (waves 1 to 3 of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe), which includes retrospective information on life-course dental attendance of 26,525 persons currently aged 50 years or greater from 13 European countries (Austria, Poland, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, the Czech Republic, France, Denmark, Switzerland, Germany, and Sweden). Inequalities in dental attendance were assessed by means of Concentration Indices. Socio-economic disparities in regular dental attendance were identified as early as childhood. Moreover, higher educational attainment resulted in increased probabilities of regular dental attendance throughout subsequent life-years in all nations. In most countries, inequality levels remained relatively inelastic throughout the life-course. These findings suggest that a considerable proportion of inequalities in dental care use is already established at childhood and persists throughout the life-course.
Randomized Clinical Trial of Interceptive and Comprehensive Orthodontics
Authors: King G.J. , Spiekerman C.F. , Greenlee G.M. , Huang G.J.
Published: June 2012

Focusing public insurance programs on interceptive orthodontics (IO) may increase access for low-income children. This report presents outcomes from a randomized clinical trial (RCT) comparing IO with comprehensive orthodontics (CO) in Medicaid patients.

One hundred seventy pre-adolescents with Medicaid-eligible malocclusions were randomized to IO (n = 86) followed by observation (OBS) or OBS followed by CO (n = 84). One hundred thirty-four completed the trial. Models at pre-treatment (baseline) and following ≤ 2 years of intervention and 2 years of OBS (48 mos) were scored by calibrated examiners using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) and Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON). Overall outcomes and clinically meaningful categorical ICON data on need/acceptability, complexity, and improvement were compared.

At baseline, groups were balanced by age, gender, ethnicity, and PAR/ICON scores. Most were minorities. Most (77%) were rated as difficult-to-very difficult. Scores improved significantly for both groups, but CO more than IO (PAR, 18.6 [95%CI 15.1, 22.1] vs.10.1 [95%CI 6.7, 13.4]; ICON, 44.8 [95% CI 39.7, 49.9] vs. 35.2 [95%CI 29.7, 40.6], respectively).

On average, IO is effective at reducing malocclusions in Medicaid patients, but less than CO. (ClinicalTrials.gov number CT00067379)
Personalized Medicine
Authors: Kornman K.S. , Duff G.W.
Published: June 2012

Human differences in disease phenotype and treatment responses are well documented. Technological advances now allow healthcare providers to improve the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases by stratifying patient populations. Although personalized medicine has great promise, it has, so far, been primarily applied in oncology. Wider adoption requires changes in the healthcare system and in clinical decision-making, and early applications of personalized medicine appear to require strong clinical utility and sufficient value to drive adoption. Personalized medicine is likely to enter dentistry as patients start to demand it and as new drugs are developed for pathways common to oral diseases.
Modelling Socioeconomic Neighbourhood Change due to Internal Migration in England
Authors: Jivraj Stephen
Published: June 2012

In England, deprived neighbourhoods were the focus of a number of policy initiatives constructed by the previous Labour government. The evaluations of these programmes and other earlier interventions have shown that attempts to improve neighbourhood socioeconomic outcomes might be affected by people selectively moving in and out of targeted areas. Nonetheless, there is very little evidence that provides an appreciation of this effect. This paper examines the effect of internal migration on the concentration of low-income families in neighbourhoods in England during 2002–07 using a multilevel growth curve model. Explanatory variables in the model include the regional area and district type of a neighbourhood as well as whether the neighbourhood is ranked within the 20 per cent most deprived in England. The findings suggest that deprived neighbourhoods increase their concentration of poor families at a faster rate than all other neighbourhoods. However, the increase is marginal.
Long-term Neighbourhood Effects on Education, Income and Employment among Adolescents in Oslo
Authors: Brattbakk Ingar , Wessel Terje
Published: June 2012

The study of neighbourhood effects has spread within Europe over the past decade. This article extends previous European research by focusing on Oslo, Norway. The main question relates to individual development among adolescents: does the social composition of the neighbourhood affect the socioeconomic status later in life? The study applies a multilevel approach and utilises longitudinal register-based data. The results reveal small but significant effects of neighbourhood deprivation on educational achievement and, even less pronounced, on income. Some effects on unemployment are also observed, but only in the short run. The strongest associations obtain for concentration of welfare recipients in the neighbourhood, which emphasises the importance of social value and social participation. A crude comparison suggests that neighbourhood effects in Oslo are slightly smaller/larger than similar effects in Swedish/UK cities.