bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life Circumstances of Women Entering Sex Work in Nagaland, India
Authors: Bowen Kathryn J. , Dzuvichu Bernice , Rungsung Rachel , Devine Alexandra E. , Hocking Jane , Kermode Michelle
Published: December 2011

Background and objectives: The study objective was to enhance understanding of female sex workers’ lives in Nagaland, India (one of the country’s highest HIV prevalence states), to inform the development of interventions to reduce HIV transmission and assist women who want to leave sex work. Methods: A cross-sectional survey (n = 220) and semi-structured interviews (n = 30) were conducted with sex workers. Topics included the following: life situation currently and at time of initial engagement in sex work, circumstances of first sex work occasion, and current patterns of sex work. Results: Participants’ lives at time of entry into sex work were socio-culturally and economically vulnerable as evidenced by the early age of sexual debut, low levels of education, unemployment, absence of protective male partners, and poor relationships with families. Participants experienced high levels of mobility, insecure accommodation, the need to financially support family, and the demand to give a portion of their income to others. The use of alcohol and other drugs, including heroin, was widespread. Discussion and conclusions: For these women, sex work can be seen as a pragmatic option for earning sufficient income to live. The women’s lives would be improved by strategies to promote their health, ensure their safety, and protect their rights as long as they are engaging in sex work. This is likely to benefit not only the sex workers but also their children, their families, and the wider community. The development of alternative employment opportunities is vital to protect against entry into sex work and to support women who want to exit sex work.
Prevalent Change in Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents From 1995 to 2005 in Shandong, China
Authors: Zhang Yingxiu , Wang Shurong
Published: December 2011

Background: There is strong evidence of a positive secular trend in body mass index (BMI) and skinfold thickness (SFT) in most of the world over the past 10 years. However, no studies on this trend have been reported in Shandong Province, China. Aim: The present study assessed the decennial change in BMI and SFT in Shandong Province during the past 10 years and the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents. Subjects and methods: The BMI and SFT of adolescents aged 7 to 18 years was calculated using data from 2 national surveys on students’ constitution and health carried out by the government in 1995 and 2005 in Shandong Province, China. The distribution of BMI and SFT was reported, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity were obtained according to the screening criteria of overweight and obesity for Chinese students using BMI. Results: In the past 10 years, the P50 (50th percentile) of BMI and SFT increased rapidly. The average increments of BMI and SFT were 0.91 kg/m2, 7.99 mm for boys and 0.55 kg/m2, 7.13 mm for girls, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased rapidly: for overweight from 7.53% (boys), 4.89% (girls) in 1995 to 14.28% (boys), 8.75% (girls) in 2005; and for obesity from 2.92% (boys), 1.72% (girls) in 1995 to 10.78% (boys), 5.76% (girls) in 2005. Conclusion: The average value of BMI and SFT has increased over time; overweight and obesity among adolescents has become a serious public health problem. Comprehensive evidence-based strategies of intervention should be introduced, including periodic monitoring.
Hypertension, Hypertension Control, and Chronic Kidney Disease in a Malay Population in Singapore
Authors: Sabanayagam Charumathi , Shankar Anoop , Lim Su Chi , Tai E. Shyong , Wong Tien Yin
Published: December 2011

Studies conducted in Western populations demonstrate that blood pressure (BP) is a major risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). The authors examined the cross-sectional association between BP and CKD in 3280 adults of Malay ethnicity aged 40 to 80 years living in Singapore. CKD was defined as (1) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and (2) presence of microalbuminuria/macroalbuminuria. They observed a dose-dependent positive association between BP and CKD ( P trend < .0001). In multivariable-adjusted analysis, compared with participants with normal BP, the odds ratio (OR; 95% confidence interval [CI]) of eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was 1.85 (0.95-3.62), 2.95 (1.55-5.64), and 4.96 (2.63-9.37) for prehypertension, and stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension, respectively. Similar results were obtained for microalbuminuria/macroalbuminuria. Stage 2 hypertension had the greatest population-attributable risk of CKD (23%). The strong positive association of hypertension with CKD emphasizes the need to control BP in Asian populations to reduce the burden of kidney disease.
Concentrations and Size Distribution of Inhalable and Respirable Dust Among Sugar Industry Workers
Authors: Sakunkoo Pornpun , Chaiear Naesinee , Chaikittiporn Chalermchai , Sadhra Steven
Published: December 2011

There has been very limited information regarding bagasse exposure among workers in sugar industries as well as on health outcomes. The authors determined the occupational exposure of sugar industry workers in Khon Kaen to airborne bagasse dust. The size of the bagasse dust ranged from 0.08 to 9 µm with the highest size concentration of 2.1 to 4.7 µm. The most common size had a geometric mean diameter of 5.2 µm, with a mass concentration of 6.89 mg/m3/log µm. The highest mean values of inhalable and respirable dust were found to be 9.29 mg/m3 from February to April in bagasse storage, 5.12 mg/m3 from May to September, and 4.12 mg/m3 from October to January. Inhalable dust concentrations were 0.33, 0.47, and 0.41 mg/m3, respectively. Workers are likely to be exposed to high concentrations of bagasse dust and are at risk of respiratory diseases. Preventive measures, both in the form of engineering designs and personal protective devices, should be implemented.
All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Mortality in Kerala State of India
Authors: Soman C. R. , Kutty V. R. , Safraj S. , Vijayakumar K. , Rajamohanan K. , Ajayan K. ,   For the PROLIFE Study Group
Published: December 2011

Background and aim: In India, Kerala has the best health indicators, having experienced dramatic shifts in mortality and fertility. However, the mortality pattern in Kerala has not been studied. In this article, the authors analyze and report the pattern of mortality in the PROLIFE cohort (n = 161 942). Methods: Data on death were collected through regular home visits using a pretested, structured questionnaire. The data were validated by a physician. The deaths were grouped under disease categories using ICD 10. Results: Out of 4271 deaths recorded during 5 years, diseases of the circulatory system contributed 40%. Coronary heart disease was the leading cause of death in men (31.1%) and women (17.6%). Age-standardized cardiovascular disease (CVD) death rates were 490 for men and 231 for women per 100 000 person years. Conclusion: The burden of CVD deaths in this community now exceeds that of industrialized countries.
Cellular Network Based Drug Monitoring
Authors: Gaur Rajneesh K.
Published: December 2011

Pharmacovigilance is a resourceful process for monitoring adverse drug reactions. The lack of resources in developing countries makes it difficult to execute pharamcovigilance programs on a large scale. Therefore, the cellular technology based network, which has widespread access in the developing world, may be used as an inexpensive means of monitoring.
Factor Structure of the Korean Version of Wong and Law’s Emotional Intelligence Scale
Authors: Fukuda Eriko , Saklofske Donald H. , Tamaoka Katsuo , Lim Hyunjung
Published: December 2011

This study reports the factor structure of a Korean version of the 16-item Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS) for a sample of 161 Korean university students. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the four-factor model of the WLEIS: (1) self-emotional appraisal, (2) others’ emotional appraisal, (3) use of emotion, and (4) regulation of emotion. However, improvement of the model fit after removing three items suggests the need for future research on the cross-cultural measurement invariance of the WLEIS.
Evidence-Based Practice Principles
Authors: Rice Michael J.
Published: December 2011

Clinicians providing psychiatric care are often faced with selecting interventions in areas of care for which there is limited scientific support, such as the information on traumatic stress responses and integrated care interventions. If they adhere to the principles of evidence-based practice (EBP), the lack of scientific support should not hamper clinicians from implementing the best EBP intervention. EBP interventions can be drawn from the literature provided clinicians accurately appraise the level of existing scientific knowledge. Regardless of the level of evidence, clinicians must discuss the recommended intervention, risks, benefits, and alternatives to achieve the best EBP outcome.
Learning About Language Through Inquiry-Based Discussion
Authors: Chisholm James S. , Godley Amanda J.
Published: December 2011

The field of literacy studies has seen decades of calls for scholarship and instruction that address issues of dialect diversity, identity, and power but few empirical studies that document students’ engagement in classroom activities designed to address these issues. The goal of this article is to describe how three bidialectal African American high school students learned about language variation, identity, and power through their participation in a small-group, inquiry-based discussion. The authors’ description analyzes both the learning opportunities and limitations provided by the design of the inquiry-based discussion and also the content learning about the English language that was evidenced by the students’ talk. The findings suggest that inquiry-based discussions, when driven by carefully worded questions, can lead to robust student learning about language variation and can engage students in authentic disciplinary problem posing.
The Declining Number of Child Homicides in Finland, 1960-2009
Authors: Lehti Martti , Kääriäinen Juha , Kivivuori Janne
Published: December 2011

Since the 1960s, homicides against children have decreased dramatically in Finland. The article examines this decrease by disaggregating the trend in five child homicide types between 1960-1974 and 2003-2009. There were several factors reducing the motivation and opportunity to commit most child homicide types during the period. Some were results of active social policies, some were byproducts of the policies, and some were related to the change of the moral climate. Most of the factors were interdependent. However, one type of child homicide has been resistant to any of the factors and the decreasing general trend: maternal filicide-suicides.
Knowledge transfer across projects: Codification in creative, high-tech and engineering industries
Authors: Cacciatori Eugenia , Tamoschus David , Grabher Gernot
Published: December 2011

The use of codification to support knowledge transfer across projects has been explored in several recent, and mostly qualitative, studies. Building on that research, this article puts forward hypotheses about the antecedents of knowledge codification, and tests them on a sample of 540 inter-organizational projects carried out in the creative, high-tech and engineering industries. We find that the presence of strong industry norms governing the division of labour discourages knowledge transfer through codification, as suggested by the existing qualitative studies. The presence of a system integrator plays an important role in driving the use of codification for knowledge transfer, to some extent embodying an organizational memory in volatile project environments. Finally, the level of use of administrative control in the project is a robust predictor of attempts to transfer knowledge via codification. When these antecedents are taken into account, the novelty of products and services plays a smaller role than previously found in determining the use of codification.
Digital prefigurative participation: The entwinement of online communication and offline participation in protest events
Authors: Mercea Dan
Published: December 2011

This article reviews the main findings of a three-year empirical study that examined the possible contribution of computer-mediated communication (CMC) to participation in offline social movement protest events. Participation was examined as manifest in mobilization, identity building and organizational transformation. Digital prefigurative participation is a tentative construct that attempts to capture the CMC aspect of engagement in the three processes. The participatory processes were probed in the contrasting circumstances of high- and low-risk protest events. This distinction has revealed some important differences in the structural factors that foster participation, primary among which has been organizational affiliation. Yet, it has remained largely unexplored in studies of internet use in protest politics. Findings from two case studies of environmental protests in Romania and the UK suggest that digital prefigurative participation may be extensive among unaffiliated participants at a low-risk event and the affiliated at a high-risk one.
Development of a model-based transient calibration process for diesel engine electronic control module tables – Part 2: modelling and optimization
Authors: Brahma I , Chi J N
Published: December 2011

This is the second part of a study investigating a model-based transient calibration process for diesel engines. The first part addressed the data requirements and data processing required for empirical transient emission and torque models. The current work focuses on modelling and optimization. The unexpected result of this investigation is that when trained on transient data, simple regression models perform better than more powerful methods such as neural networks or localized regression. This result has been attributed to extrapolation over data that have estimated rather than measured transient air-handling parameters. The challenges of detecting and preventing extrapolation using statistical methods that work well with steady-state data have been explained. The concept of constraining the distribution of statistical leverage relative to the distribution of the starting solution to prevent extrapolation during the optimization process has been proposed and demonstrated. Separate from the issue of extrapolation is preventing the search from being quasi-static. Second-order linear dynamic constraint models have been proposed to prevent the search from returning solutions that are feasible if each point were run at steady state, but which are unrealistic in a transient sense. Dynamic constraint models translate commanded parameters to actually achieved parameters that then feed into the transient emission and torque models. Combined model inaccuracies have been used to adjust the optimized solutions. To frame the optimization problem within reasonable dimensionality, the coefficients of commanded surfaces that approximate engine tables are adjusted during search iterations, each of which involves simulating the entire transient cycle. The resulting strategy, different from the corresponding manual calibration strategy and resulting in lower emissions and efficiency, is intended to improve rather than replace the manual calibration process.
Women and Leadership in Higher Education
Authors: Madsen Susan R.
Published: December 2011

The Problem.

Postsecondary institutions are struggling more than ever before to find qualified, effective leaders to move into key administrative positions. One reason for the continued lack of prepared leaders is that there still remain few women in higher education positioned to take on such critical roles.

The Solution.

This Issue overview introduces the importance of and connections among HRD, leadership development, higher education, and leadership programs for women in higher education. It highlights the Issue’s overall problem, purpose, the approach used, and its relevance to practice. Concerns around the shortage of women in leadership positions in higher education settings are introduced, and the unique features of this particular Special Issue are outlined along with a brief introduction of each article.

The Stakeholders.

This Issue will provide researchers and practitioners in various fields of study with frameworks to use in developing, evaluating, and researching leadership programs for women in higher education and beyond.
Thinking About Workplace Engagement
Authors: Reio Thomas G. , Sanders-Reio Joanne
Published: December 2011

The Problem.

This study investigated the frequency with which employees (N = 272) in a computer sciences company in the United States were the target of supervisor and coworker incivility as well as the link between this incivility and worker engagement. Participants completed a paper-and-pencil survey consisting of the Workplace Engagement Scale (Shuck) and modified versions of the Workplace Incivility Scale (Cortina, Magley, Williams, & Langhout).

The Solution.

Results indicated that 78% of the participants had experienced supervisor incivility and 81% had experienced coworker incivility during the past year. MANOVA analysis revealed that females had experienced more coworker incivility and males had experienced more supervisor incivility. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that after controlling for gender and age, both incivility variables were negative predictors of safety and availability engagement. Specifically, coworker incivility more powerfully predicted safety engagement whereas supervisor incivility was more closely linked with availability engagement. Recommendations for HRD research and practice are discussed.

The Stakeholders.

Stakeholders include workplace supervisors/managers, HRD professionals, HR managers, organizational leaders, and employees.
Public Ideology and Political Dynamics in the United States
Authors: Ellis Christopher
Published: December 2011

This article explores the role that two theoretically distinct conceptions of mass “ideology”—operational and symbolic—play in shaping policy and electoral change in the United States. I consider both types of ideology as aggregate, dynamic concepts, and find that though the public’s operational and symbolic preferences change in broadly similar ways over time, there are consequential differences in how these two types of ideology respond to the political context and in how they intersect with important political and social outcomes. Changes in the public’s operational ideology—the dominant direction of public views on specific policy matters—react systematically to changes in the policy context and are strongly predictive of both electoral outcomes and federal policy change. Changes in the public’s symbolic ideology—the proportion of citizens who identify as liberals or conservatives—are essentially unconnected to changes in policy and only modestly predictive of electoral results.
Avoidance at School
Authors: Randa Ryan , Wilcox Pamela
Published: December 2011

Using data collected in 2007 from a national sample of nearly 3,500 students this study explores the utility of a more integrated approach to understanding student avoidance behavior. More specifically, the interactive influences of school disorder/incivilities and previous experiences with school-based victimization are assessed in estimating student avoidance behavior, via school fear. Results show that several of these interactions were significant in estimating student avoidance behavior. Such findings imply promise for an integrated, interactional approach to theoretical understanding of student fear-related avoidance.
Effects of the total replacement of fish-based diet with plant-based diet on the hepatic transcriptome of two European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) half-sibfamilies showing different growth rates with the plant-based diet
Authors: Geay Florian , Ferraresso Serena , Zambonino-Infante Jose L , Bargelloni Luca , Quentel Claire , Vandeputte Marc , Kaushik Sachi , Cahu Chantal L , Mazurais David
Published: December 2011

Background

Efforts towards utilisation of diets without fish meal (FM) or fish oil (FO) in finfish aquaculture have been being made for more than two decades. Metabolic responses to substitution of fishery products have been shown to impact growth performance and immune system of fish as well as their subsequent nutritional value, particularly in marine fish species, which exhibit low capacity for biosynthesis of long-chain poly-unsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). The main objective of the present study was to analyse the effects of a plant-based diet on the hepatic transcriptome of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax).

Results

We report the first results obtained using a transcriptomic approach on the liver of two half-sibfamilies of the European sea bass that exhibit similar growth rates when fed a fish-based diet (FD), but significantly different growth rates when fed an all-plant diet (VD). Overall gene expression was analysed using oligo DNA microarrays (GPL9663). Statistical analysis identified 582 unique annotated genes differentially expressed between groups of fish fed the two diets, 199 genes regulated by genetic factors, and 72 genes that exhibited diet-family interactions. The expression of several genes involved in the LC-PUFA and cholesterol biosynthetic pathways was found to be up-regulated in fish fed VD, suggesting a stimulation of the lipogenic pathways. No significant diet-family interaction for the regulation of LC-PUFA biosynthesis pathways could be detected by microarray analysis. This result was in agreement with LC-PUFA profiles, which were found to be similar in the flesh of the two half-sibfamilies. In addition, the combination of our transcriptomic data with an analysis of plasmatic immune parameters revealed a stimulation of complement activity associated with an immunodeficiency in the fish fed VD, and different inflammatory status between the two half-sibfamilies. Biological processes related to protein catabolism, amino acid transaminations, RNA splicing and blood coagulation were also found to be regulated by diet, while the expression of genes involved in protein and ATP synthesis differed between the half-sibfamilies.

Conclusions

Overall, the combined gene expression, compositional and biochemical studies demonstrated a large panel of metabolic and physiological effects induced by total substitution of both FM and FO in the diets of European sea bass and revealed physiological characteristics associated with the two half-sibfamilies.
Chromothripsis is a common mechanism driving genomic rearrangements in primary and metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Kloosterman Wigard P , Hoogstraat Marlous , Paling Oscar , Tavakoli-Yaraki Masoumeh , Renkens Ivo , Vermaat Joost S , van Roosmalen Markus J , van Lieshout Stef , Nijman Isaac J , Roessingh Wijnand , van 't Slot Ruben , van de Belt José , Guryev Victor , Koudijs Marco , Voest Emile , Cuppen Edwin
Published: December 2011

Background

Structural rearrangements form a major class of somatic variation in cancer genomes. Local chromosome shattering, termed chromothripsis, is a mechanism proposed to be the cause of clustered chromosomal rearrangements and was recently described to occur in a small percentage of tumors. The significance of these clusters for tumor development or metastatic spread is largely unclear.

Results

We used genome-wide long mate-pair sequencing and SNP array profiling to reveal that chromothripsis is a widespread phenomenon in primary colorectal cancer and metastases. We find large and small chromothripsis events in nearly every colorectal tumor sample and show that several breakpoints of chromothripsis clusters and isolated rearrangements affect cancer genes, including NOTCH2, EXO1 and MLL3. We complemented the structural variation studies by sequencing the coding regions of a cancer exome in all colorectal tumor samples and found somatic mutations in 24 genes, including APC, KRAS, SMAD4 and PIK3CA. A pairwise comparison of somatic variations in primary and metastatic samples indicated that many chromothripsis clusters, isolated rearrangements and point mutations are exclusively present in either the primary tumor or the metastasis and may affect cancer genes in a lesion-specific manner.

Conclusions

We conclude that chromothripsis is a prevalent mechanism driving structural rearrangements in colorectal cancer and show that a complex interplay between point mutations, simple copy number changes and chromothripsis events drive colorectal tumor development and metastasis.
Adipose Tissue Depot-Specific Differences in the Regulation of Hyaluronan Production of Relevance to Graves' Orbitopathy
Authors: Zhang Lei , Grennan-Jones Fiona , Lane Carol , Rees D. Aled , Dayan Colin M. , Ludgate Marian
Published: December 2011

Context:

Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is associated with Graves' disease, in which anti-TSH receptor (TSHR) autoantibodies (thyroid-stimulating antibodies) increase cAMP causing hyperthyroidism. Excess adipogenesis and hyaluronan (HA) overproduction [HA synthase 2 (HAS2) is the major source] expand the orbital contents causing GO. TSHR activation participates in both processes but an anti-TSHR monoclonal without TSAB activity also increased HA, suggesting the involvement of other cascades.

Objective and Patients Studied:

We investigated using in vitro models in which preadipocytes/fibroblasts from human orbital (n = 12) and sc (n = 10) adipose tissues were treated with IGF-I (to probe the pAkt pathway, recently identified as a positive regulator of HAS2), TSH, and/or various inhibitors. Changes in HA during in vitro-induced adipogenesis were also evaluated.

Main Outcome and Results:

Adipogenesis in orbital preadipocytes was accompanied by significantly increased HAS2 transcripts and HA accumulation in contrast to sc cells in which differentiation significantly decreased HAS2 mRNA and secreted HA. Surprisingly, IGF-I alone did not increase HAS2 levels, despite significantly increasing the ratio of phosphorylated to total Akt; furthermore, an Akt inhibitor increased orbital (but not sc) HAS2 transcripts. A stimulatory effect of IGF-I on HAS2 transcripts was revealed by addition of rapamycin in sc but by a MAPK kinase inhibitor in orbital fibroblasts.

Conclusions:

The results have several possible explanations including a phosphorylation-dependent repressor of HAS2 transcript accumulation, exclusively in the orbit. The difference in control of HAS2 expression allows the activation of one of the mechanisms underlying GO, adipogenesis, to be linked biologically with the second, HA overproduction.
3D isotropic turbo spin-echo intermediate-weighted sequence with refocusing control in knee imaging: comparison study with 3D isotropic fast-field echo sequence
Authors: Seo Jung Min , Yoon Young Cheol , Kwon Jong Won
Published: December 2011

Background

Three-dimensional (3D) turbo spin-echo (TSE) images have been used in imaging of the extremities and comparable diagnostic performance to two-dimensional (2D) TSE images has been reported in several studies. However, comparison of the 3D isotropic TSE intermediate-weighted sequence and 3D FFE sequence in terms of image quality has not been investigated.

Purpose

To compare the image quality of a 3D isotropic TSE intermediate-weighted sequence with refocusing control (volume isotropic turbo spin echo acquisition [VISTA]) and a 3D isotropic fast-field echo (FFE) sequence of the knee joint.

Material and Methods

3.0 T knee MRI with VISTA and 3D FFE sequences was performed in 10 healthy volunteers (3 men, 7 women; age range 26–30 years). Two radiologists with specialties in the musculoskeletal system assessed tissue contrast between the fluid-cruciate ligament (F-L), fluid-meniscus (F-M), and fluid-cartilage (F-C) based on a 4-point scale (1, poor; 2, fair; 3, good; and 4, excellent). Statistical analysis for inter-observer agreement and differences in grades in tissue contrast between VISTA and 3D FFE images (Wilcoxon signed-rank) were performed. For a quantitative analysis, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was obtained by imaging phantom and noise-only image. Image contrast ratios (CRs) were calculated between F-L, F-M, and F-C in volunteer images of VISTA and 3D FFE and compared statistically with a paired t-test.

Results

Based on qualitative analysis, VISTA had statistically superior grades of tissue contrast in F-L ( P < 0.001) and F-M ( P < 0.001). 3D FFE had superior but not statistically significant ( P = 0.317) grades in F-C. Based on quantitative analysis, the SNR of the phantom imaging was higher in VISTA than that in 3D FFE (28.18 vs. 14.90). VISTA had superior CRs in F-L ( P < 0.001) and F-M ( P < 0.001). 3D FFE had superior CR in F-C ( P = 0.038).

Conclusion

The VISTA sequence was superior in tissue contrast between F-M and F-L, and 3D FFE was superior in tissue contrast between F-C, subjectively and quantitatively.
A chaplain's perspective on body donation and thanksgiving
Authors: Wells Peter
Published: December 2011

All major religions accept that organ donation is an individual choice and the same is true when it comes to donating one's whole body to medical science. While religious groups have ‘official’ views, it is common, given the various denominations and subgroups within a religion, to have deviation from the official message. This paper provides some insight into the views of religious leaders from one local community in the UK on the act of body donation. The paper also demonstrates the importance that the Abrahamic religions place on providing opportunities for remembrance and thanksgiving for those who have died and how this is extended through the services of thanksgiving that are held by medical schools for those who have donated their bodies to medical science.
Clinical risk in paediatrics: Medicines
Authors: Anderson Mark
Published: December 2011

The risk to children's health from medicines both prescribed and unprescribed is not insignificant and is probably greater than for adults. It arises from a long standing, and only recently rectified, lack of investment of research into the area of medicines for children, combined with the greater susceptibility of this age group to the effects of human error. This article explores some of the issues that contribute to this risk.
High complication rate in reconstruction of Paprosky type IIIa acetabular defects using an oblong implant with modular side plates and a hook
Authors: Babis G. C. , Sakellariou V. I. , Chatziantoniou A. N. , Soucacos P. N. , Megas P.
Published: December 2011

We report the results of 62 hips in 62 patients (17 males, 45 females) with mean age of 62.4 years (37 to 81), who underwent revision of the acetabular component of a total hip replacement due to aseptic loosening between May 2003 and November 2007. All hips had a Paprosky type IIIa acetabular defect. Acetabular revision was undertaken using a Procotyl E cementless oblong implant with modular side plates and a hook combined with impaction allografting.

At a mean follow-up of 60.5 months (36 to 94) with no patients lost to follow-up and one died due to unrelated illness, the complication rate was 38.7%. Complications included aseptic loosening (19 hips), deep infection (3 hips), broken hook and side plate (one hip) and a femoral nerve palsy (one hip). Further revision of the acetabular component was required in 18 hips (29.0%) and a further four hips (6.4%) are currently loose and awaiting revision.

We observed unacceptably high rates of complication and failure in our group of patients and cannot recommend this implant or technique.
Host-Derived Pericytes and Sca-1+ Cells Predominate in the MART-1− Stroma Fraction of Experimentally Induced Melanoma
Authors: Treviño-Villarreal J. Humberto , Cotanche Douglas A. , Sepúlveda Rosalinda , Bortoni Magda E. , Manneberg Otto , Udagawa Taturo , Rogers Rick A.
Published: December 2011

Identification of cell types in tumor-associated stroma that are involved in the development of melanoma is hampered by their heterogeneity. The authors used flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry to demonstrate that anti–MART-1 antibodies can discriminate between melanoma and stroma cells. They investigated the cellular composition of the MART-1−, non-hematopoietic melanoma-associated stroma, finding it consisted mainly of Sca-1+ and CD146+ cells. These cell types were also observed in the skin and muscle adjacent to developing melanomas. The Sca-1+ cell population was observed distributed in the epidermis, hair follicle bulges, and tumor capsule. The CD146+ population was found distributed within the tumor, mainly associated with blood vessels in a perivascular location. In addition to a perivascular distribution, CD146+ cells expressed α-smooth muscle actin, lacked expression of endothelial markers CD31 and CD34, and were therefore identified as pericytes. Pericytes were found to be associated with CD31+ endothelial cells; however, some pericytes were also observed associated with CD31−, MART-1+ B16 melanoma cells that appeared to form blood vessel structures. Furthermore, the authors observed extensive nuclear expression of HIF-1α in melanoma and stroma cells, suggesting hypoxia is an important factor associated with the melanoma microenvironment and vascularization. The results suggest that pericytes and Sca-1+ stroma cells are important contributors to melanoma development.
Nerve Damage Assessment Following Implant Placement in Human Cadaver Jaws: An Ex Vivo Comparative Study
Authors: Murat Sema , Kamburoğlu Kıvanç , Kılıç Cenk , Ozen Tuncer , Gurbuz Ayhan
Published: December 2011

The present study compared the use of cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) images and intra-oral radiographs in the placement of final implant drills in terms of nerve damage to cadaver mandibles. Twelve cadaver hemimandibles obtained from 6 cadavers were used. Right hemimandibles were imaged using peri-apical radiography and left hemimandibles using CBCT, and the images obtained were used in treatment planning for the placement of implant drills (22 for each modality, for a total of 44 final drills). Specimens were dissected, and the distances between the apex of the final implant drill and the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle and incisive nerve were measured using a digital calliper. Nerves were assessed as damaged or not damaged, and the Chi-square test was used to compare nerve damage between modalities (P < 0.05). Nerve damage occurred with 7 final drills placed based on peri-apical radiography (31.8%) and 1 final drill placed using CBCT images (4.5%). The difference in nerve damage between imaging modalities was statistically significant (P = 0.023), with CBCT outperforming intraoral film in the placement of final implant drills ex vivo. In order to prevent nerve damage, CBCT is recommended as the principal imaging modality for pre-implant assessment.
The effect of progesterone in the prevention of the chemically induced experimental colitis in rats
Authors: Karatepe Oguzhan , Altiok Merih , Battal Muharrem , Kamali Gulcin , Kemik Ahu , Aydin Timucin , Karahan Servet
Published: December 2011

PURPOSE: To study the effects of progesterone on an experimental colitis model. METHODS: Wistar albino rats were treated subcutaneously with 2mg/kg once a day during seven days Colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of 5mg trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Disease activities, macroscopic and microscopic scores were evaluated. To determine the response provoked by progesterone we measured Colonic malondialdehyde (MDA), TNF alfa, IL-6 and Nitric oxide (NO) levels in addition to the MPO (Myeloperoxidase) and caspase-3 activities. RESULTS: Progesterone ameliorated significantly the macroscopic and microscopic scores. TNBS-induced colitis significantly increased the colonic MDA levels and caspase-3 activities in group 2 in comparison to the control group. The results of the study revealed a decline in MDA, NO, IL6 and TNF-α levels in the colon tissue and in blood due to progesterone therapy in group 3 when compared to the group 2, a significant improvement. Progesterone treatment was associated with decreased MDA, MPO, TNF alfa and caspase-3 activity. CONCLUSION: Progesterone therapy decreased oxidative damage in the colonic mucosa.
Role of Nitrogen Fertilization in Sustaining Organic Matter in Cultivated Soils
Authors: Ladha Jagdish K. , Reddy C. Kesava , Padre Agnes T. , van Kessel Chris
Published: December 2011

Soil organic matter (SOM) is essential for sustaining food production and maintaining ecosystem services and is a vital resource base for storing C and N. The impact of long‐term use of synthetic fertilizer N on SOM, however, has been questioned recently. Here we tested the hypothesis that long‐term application of N results in a decrease in SOM. We used data from 135 studies of 114 long‐term experiments located at 100 sites throughout the world over time scales of decades under a range of land‐management and climate regimes to quantify changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil organic nitrogen (SON). Published data of a total of 917 and 580 observations for SOC and SON, respectively, from control (unfertilized or zero N) and N‐fertilized treatments (synthetic, organic, and combination) were analyzed using the SAS mixed model and by meta‐analysis. Results demonstrate declines of 7 to 16% in SOC and 7 to 11% in SON with no N amendments. In soils receiving synthetic fertilizer N, the rate of SOM loss decreased. The time‐fertilizer response ratio, which is based on changes in the paired comparisons, showed average increases of 8 and 12% for SOC and SON, respectively, following the application of synthetic fertilizer N. Addition of organic matter (i.e., manure) increased SOM, on average, by 37%. When cropping systems fluctuated between flooding and drying, SOM decreased more than in continuous dryland or flooded systems. Flooded rice (Oryza sativa L.) soils show net accumulations of SOC and SON. This work shows a general decline in SOM for all long‐term sites, with and without synthetic fertilizer N. However, our analysis also demonstrates that in addition to its role in improving crop productivity, synthetic fertilizer N significantly reduces the rate at which SOM is declining in agricultural soils, worldwide.
Contributions of Overseeded Clovers to Bermudagrass Pastures in Several Environments
Authors: Han Kun‐Jun , Alison Montgomery W. , Pitman William D. , McCormick Michael E.
Published: December 2011

Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], a base forage in southeastern United States livestock production, often fails to meet nutrient requirements of some classes of livestock. Contributions of arrowleaf (Trifolium vesiculosum Savi), ball (Trifolium nigrescens Viv.), berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), crimson (Trifolium incarnatum L.), red (Trifolium pratense L.), and white (Trifolium repens L.) clovers to overseeded bermudagrass swards were compared with monoculture bermudagrass receiving 0, 112, or 225 kg ha−1 of N fertilizer on a range of sites. Berseem and crimson clovers produced up to 2.2 Mg ha−1 in March and early April, with berseem particularly reliable on fertile silt loam soils. Red clover was about 3 wk later with growth continuing until July most dependably at the more northern of the loam‐soil locations. Intermediate white clover, although not managed optimally for the species, was a productive late clover only at the southern location. All clovers overseeded on Darley fine sand were unsuccessful both years. Variable responses among clover species and sites from overseeded bermudagrass indicate that this clover production approach is very site specific in the lower southeastern United States.
Executive Function and Medical Non-Adherence: A Different Perspective
Authors: Brock Laura L. , Brock Clive D. , Thiedke C. Carolyn
Published: December 2011

Medical non-adherence is multifactorial: cost, convenience, side effect profile, and cognitive impairment are all implicated in medical non-adherence. We explore impaired executive function (EF) as a cause for medical non-adherence when other causes can be ruled out. EF describes the coordination and manipulation of higher-order cognitive processes involved in problem-solving, planning, and decision-making. EF has three components: working memory, mental flexibility, and inhibitory control. The latter, inhibitory control, when impaired will affect an individual's ability to make choices to produce long-term benefits, in favor of short-term gratification. When applied to adults with chronic diseases, like diabetes, that require lifestyle modification and, at times, complicated medical regimens to forestall long term complications, an intact EF has a role in adherence. EF development is protracted with behavioral corollaries observable from early childhood. Thus, teachers, family physicians, and pediatricians will be the professionals to first encounter and manage such individuals. We suggest screening tests for children in the doctor's office to detect impaired EF, and postulate a cognitive behavioral therapeutic approach for adults with uncontrolled DM and impaired EF.
What Do Primary Care Doctors Get Out of a Year-Long Postgraduate Course in Community Psychological Medicine?
Authors: Lam T. P. , Goldberg David , Tse Eileen Y. Y. , Lam K. F. , Mak K. Y. , Lam Edmund W. W.
Published: December 2011

Objective:

There are increasing expectations on primary care doctors to care for patients with common mental health problems. This study examines the outcomes of a postgraduate training course in psychological medicine for primary care doctors.

Methods:

A questionnaire developed by the research team was sent to the Course graduates (year 2003–2007). A retrospective design was adopted to compare their clinical practice characteristics before and after the Course. Differences in the ratings by the respondents before and after the Course were analyzed using the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results:

Sixty-nine graduates replied with a response rate of 58.5% (69/118). Most respondents were confident of diagnosing (96.9%) and managing (97.0%) common mental health problems after the Course, compared to 50.0% and 50.7%, respectively, before the Course. Most graduates had modified their approach, increased their attention and empathy to patients with mental health problems. The percentage of respondents having enough time to treat these patients had increased from 55.8% to 72.1%. The median number of patients with mental health problems seen per week was in the range of 3–6 before, and had increased to the range of 7–10 after the Course. The proportion of respondents being confident of making appropriate referrals had increased from 72.8% to 97.0%, while the number of referrals to psychiatrists had dropped significantly.

Conclusions:

The Course is effective in improving graduates' confidence, attitude, and skills in treating patients with common mental health problems. There are significant increases in the number of mental health patients handled, increased confidence in making referrals to psychiatrists, and decreased percentage of patients being referred.
Identifying Symptom Profiles of Depression and Anxiety in Patients with an Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Latent Class and Latent Transition Analysis
Authors: Tisminetzky Mayra , Bray Bethany C. , Miozzo Ruben , Aupont Onesky , McLaughlin Thomas J.
Published: December 2011

Objective:

To identify symptom profiles of depression and anxiety in patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), to examine changes in symptom profiles over time, and finally, to examine the effects of age and sex on patients' symptom profiles.

Methods:

One hundred ACS patients with mild to severe symptoms of depression and/or anxiety at 1 month post-hospital discharge were enrolled in a randomized trial of cognitive behavioral therapy. Latent class and latent transition analyses were used to identify symptom profiles and describe change over the time in profile membership.

Results:

A two-class solution was selected to describe depression and anxiety symptom profiles. Class I (76% of patients at baseline) was labeled “depression and some anxiety symptoms.” Class II (24% of patients at baseline) was labeled “anxiety and some depression symptoms.” Approximately 25% of patients in the treatment condition transitioned from the depression and some anxiety symptoms class to the anxiety and some depression symptoms class at follow-up compared to 10% of patients in the control condition at follow-up; nearly 50% of patients in the control condition showed worsening of symptoms as compared to 28% in the treatment condition. Results suggested age differences in the probabilities of transitioning between the classes; older patients were more likely to continue having depression and some anxiety symptoms at the time of follow-up.

Conclusions:

Identifying symptom profiles of depression and anxiety in patients with an ACS may improve diagnostic practices and help to design tailored interventions.
Challenges and Opportunities Implementing the WHO Global Strategy on Alcohol
Authors: Zeigler Donald W. , Babor Thomas F.
Published: December 2011

This article draws on publications and announcements of the World Health Organization, United Nations and national governments, recent professional medical and health policy journals, and nongovernmental organizations to summarize the background and implications of recent international public health initiatives on the topic of alcohol.
Generalizing Across Borders
Authors: Luke Allan
Published: December 2011

This essay is a critique of the scientific and policy rationales for transnational standardization. It analyzes two examples of policy export: early childhood standards in one of North America’s oldest Indigenous communities and the ongoing development of international standards for university teaching. It examines calls for American education to look to Finland, Canada, and Singapore for models of reform and innovation, focusing on the complex historical, cultural, and political settlements at work in these countries. The author addresses two affiliated challenges: first, the possibility of a principled understanding of evidence and policy in cultural and political-economic context, and second, the possibility of a mediative educational science that might guide policy formation.
Bacteriological and Physicochemical Analyses of the Raw and Treated Water of Saidabad Water Treatment Plant, Dhaka
Authors: Hossain M Alamgir , Begum Tahmina , Fakhruddin ANM , Khan Sirajul Islam
Published: December 2011

Bacteriological and physicochemical parameters of the raw and treated water of the Saidabad Water Treatment Plant were analysed during the period January through December 2004. It was found that during dry season Sitalakhya River water was adversely polluted and most of the bacteriological and physicochemical parameters increased to an alarming level. Total coliform and thermotolerant-coliform counts of raw water were highest in months of January through March and lowest during the months of April through November. Ammonia concentration of the raw water was very high (3.08-7.06 mg/l) during the dry months from January to April that coincided with high (2.57-6.08 mg/l) ammonia contamination in the treated water. The others physicochemical parameters like turbidity, conductivity, total dry solid (TDS), hardness and alkalinity were high during the dry months. The residual chlorine in treated water was always below 0.50 mg/l. The study clearly indicated that the load of coliform increased when the concentration of ammonia was high in raw water that, to some extent, influenced the aesthetic properties of the treated water like turbidity, colour, taste, odour, alkalinity, TDS, etc. In spit of that the treated water could be used for domestic and drinking purposes for most of the year. Keywords: Water quality, Total coliform, Thermotolerant-coliform, Ammonia, Physicochemical properties, Residual chlorine   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v23i2.878 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 23, Number 2, December 2006, pp 133-136