bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in the Aggressiveness of End-of-Life Cancer Care in the Universal Health Care System of Ontario, Canada
Authors: Ho Thi H. , Barbera Lisa , Saskin Refik , Lu Hong , Neville Bridget A. , Earle Craig C.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

To describe trends in the aggressiveness of end-of-life (EOL) cancer care in a universal health care system in Ontario, Canada, between 1993 and 2004, and to compare with findings reported in the United States.

Methods

A population-based, retrospective, cohort study that used administrative data linked to registry data. Aggressiveness of EOL care was defined as the occurrence of at least one of the following indicators: last dose of chemotherapy received within 14 days of death; more than one emergency department (ED) visit within 30 days of death; more than one hospitalization within 30 days of death; or at least one intensive care unit (ICU) admission within 30 days of death.

Results

Among 227,161 patients, 22.4% experienced at least one incident of potentially aggressive EOL cancer care. Multivariable analyses showed that with each successive year, patients were significantly more likely to encounter some aggressive intervention (odds ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.02). Multiple emergency department (ED) visits, ICU admissions, and chemotherapy use increased significantly over time, whereas multiple hospital admissions declined (P < .05). Patients were more likely to receive aggressive EOL care if they were men, were younger, lived in rural regions, had a higher level of comorbidity, or had breast, lung, or hematologic malignancies. Chemotherapy and ICU utilization were lower in Ontario than in the United States.

Conclusion

Aggressiveness of cancer care near the EOL is increasing over time in Ontario, Canada, although overall rates were lower than in the United States. Health system characteristics and patient or physician cultural factors may play a role in the observed differences.
Declining Incidence of Contralateral Breast Cancer in the United States From 1975 to 2006
Authors: Nichols Hazel B. , de González Amy Berrington , Lacey James V. , Rosenberg Philip S. , Anderson William F.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

Contralateral breast cancer (CBC) is the most frequent new malignancy among women diagnosed with a first breast cancer. Although temporal trends for first breast cancers have been well studied, trends for CBC are not so well established.

Patients and Methods

We examined temporal trends in CBC incidence using US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (1975 to 2006). Data were stratified by estrogen receptor (ER) status of the first breast cancer for the available time period (1990+). We estimated the annual percent change (EAPC) in CBC rates using Poisson regression models adjusted for the age at and time since first breast cancer diagnosis.

Results

Before 1985, CBC incidence rates were stable (EAPC, 0.27% per year; 95% CI, −0.4 to 0.9), after which they declined with an EAPC of −3.07% per year (95% CI, −3.5 to −2.7). From 1990 forward, the declines were restricted to CBC after an ER-positive cancer (EAPC, −3.18%; 95% CI, −4.2 to −2.2) with no clear decreases after an ER-negative cancer. Estimated current age-specific CBC rates (per 100/year) after an ER-positive first cancer were: 0.45 for first cancers diagnosed before age 30 years and 0.25 to 0.37 for age 30 years or older. Rates after an ER-negative cancer were higher: 1.26 before age 30 years, 0.85 for age 30 to 35 years, and 0.45 to 0.65 for age 40 or older.

Conclusion

Results show a favorable decrease of 3% per year for CBC incidence in the United States since 1985. This overall trend was driven by declining CBC rates after an ER-positive cancer, possibly because of the widespread usage of adjuvant hormone therapies, after the results of the Nolvadex Adjuvant Trial Organisation were published in 1983, and/or other adjuvant treatments.
Successful Treatment of Postchemotherapy Azoospermia With Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction: The Weill Cornell Experience
Authors: Hsiao Wayland , Stahl Peter J. , Osterberg E. Charles , Nejat Edward , Palermo Gianpiero D. , Rosenwaks Zev , Schlegel Peter N.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

Advances in chemotherapy have led to greater longevity and paternity may be an important consideration for postchemotherapy survivors of childhood cancers. While traditionally considered sterile, men who are azoospermic after chemotherapy can be treated with microdissection testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Patients and Methods

Oncologic data, pretreatment hormone profiles, testicular histology, and outcomes of microdissection TESE-ICSI were reviewed. ICSI was performed in a programmed in vitro fertilization cycle using fresh spermatozoa. Embryos were transferred into the uterine cavity on the third day after microinjection.

Results

Eighty-four microdissection TESE procedures were performed in 73 patients. The mean time elapsed since chemotherapy was 18.6 years (range, 1 to 34 years). Spermatozoa were retrieved in 37% of patients and in 42.9% of overall procedures. A 57.1% fertilization rate (per injected oocyte) was achieved with ICSI allowing a 50% clinical pregnancy rate with a live birth rate of 42% overall. There were 15 deliveries, with a total of 20 children born. Hypospermatogenesis seen on preoperative biopsy was associated with 100% sperm retrieval while exposure to alkylating agents resulted in a significantly lower sperm retrieval rate. Patients with testicular cancer had the highest sperm retrieval rates while patients previously treated for sarcoma had the lowest retrieval rates.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this represents the largest series of postchemotherapy microdissection TESE-ICSI to date. Sperm were retrieved in 37% of patients despite a prevalence of Sertoli cell–only pattern on preoperative biopsy. Although prechemotherapy sperm cryopreservation is recommended, treatment with microdissection TESE and ICSI are effective treatment options for many azoospermic men after chemotherapy.
Off-Label Use of Rituximab in a Multipayer Insurance System
Authors: Van Allen Eliezer M. , Miyake Todd , Gunn Nathan , Behler Caroline M. , Kohlwes Jeff
Published: March 2011

The frequent use of rituximab for off-label indications should lead to improved postapproval FDA surveillance of biologics so that use can be adequately studied, and will also facilitate improved regulatory mechanisms to ensure evidence-based use.
Ontario Protocol Assessment Level: Clinical Trial Complexity Rating Tool for Workload Planning in Oncology Clinical Trials
Authors: Smuck Bobbi , Bettello Phyllis , Berghout Koralee , Hanna Tracie , Kowaleski Brenda , Phippard Lynda , Au Diana , Friel Kay
Published: March 2011

The Ontario Protocol Assessment Level (OPAL) protocol complexity rating scale provides a method of quantifying clinical trial activity on the basis of study protocol complexity and the resulting increase in workload. With consistent application of OPAL, sites can manage staffing objectively.
A Copay Foundation Assistance Support Program for Patients Receiving Intravenous Cancer Therapy
Authors: Rajurkar Swapnil P. , Presant Cary A. , Bosserman Linda D. , McNatt Wendy J.
Published: March 2011

Copay for chemotherapy drugs is a financial hardship for many patients with cancer. The authors have developed a support program to work closely with copay assistance foundations to secure financial assistance for appropriate treatment.
Survivorship Programs and Care Plans in Practice: Variations on a Theme
Authors: Hahn Erin E. , Ganz Patricia A.
Published: March 2011

This study looks at four Los Angeles–based cancer survivorship programs and finds that the Institute of Medicine–recommended survivorship care plan document can be successfully adapted for use in varied settings to inform and educate both patients and providers.
Clinical Investigator Responsibilities
Authors: Baer Allison R. , Devine Susan , Beardmore Chris David , Catalano Robert
Published: March 2011

When conducting a clinical trial, it is important that clinical investigators successfully meet all research expectations, including regulatory requirements and the Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice.
Extremal behavior of Archimedean copulas
Authors: Larsson Martin , Nešlehová Johanna
Published: March 2011

We show how the extremal behavior of d-variate Archimedean copulas can be deduced from their stochastic representation as the survival dependence structure of an ℓ1-symmetric distribution (see McNeil and Nešlehová (2009)). We show that the extremal behavior of the radial part of the representation is determined by its Williamson d-transform. This leads in turn to simple proofs and extensions of recent results characterizing the domain of attraction of Archimedean copulas, their upper and lower tail-dependence indices, as well as their associated threshold copulas. We outline some of the practical implications of their results for the construction of Archimedean models with specific tail behavior and give counterexamples of Archimedean copulas whose coefficient of lower tail dependence does not exist.
Extreme residual dependence for random vectors and processes
Authors: De Haan Laurens , Zhou Chen
Published: March 2011

A two-dimensional random vector in the domain of attraction of an extreme value distribution G is said to be asymptotically independent (i.e. in the tail) if G is the product of its marginal distribution functions. Ledford and Tawn (1996) discussed a form of residual dependence in this case. In this paper we give a characterization of this phenomenon (see also Ramos and Ledford (2009)), and offer extensions to higher-dimensional spaces and stochastic processes. Systemic risk in the banking system is treated in a similar framework.
Hazard Rate Properties of a General Counting Process Stopped at an Independent Random Time
Authors: Badia F. G.
Published: March 2011

In this work we provide sufficient conditions under which a general counting process stopped at a random time independent from the process belongs to the reliability decreasing reversed hazard rate (DRHR) or increasing failure rate (IFR) class. We also give some applications of these results in generalized renewal and trend renewal processes stopped at a random time.
On the Return Time for a Reflected Fractional Brownian Motion Process on the Positive Orthant
Authors: Lee Chihoon
Published: March 2011

We consider a d-dimensional reflected fractional Brownian motion (RFBM) process on the positive orthant S = R+d, with drift r0 ∈ Rd and Hurst parameter H ∈ (½, 1). Under a natural stability condition on the drift vector r0 and reflection directions, we establish a return time result for the RFBM process Z; that is, for some δ, κ > 0, supx∈BEx[τB(δ)] < ∞, where B = {x ∈ S : |x| ≤ κ} and τB(δ) = inf{t ≥ δ : Z(t) ∈ B}. Similar results are known for reflected processes driven by standard Brownian motions, and our result can be viewed as their FBM counterpart. Our motivation for this study is that RFBM appears as a limiting workload process for fluid queueing network models fed by a large number of heavy-tailed ON/OFF sources in heavy traffic.
Successful sanitation of an EDIM-infected mouse colony by breeding cessation
Authors: Held N , Hedrich H J , Bleich A
Published: March 2011

Despite decreasing prevalence, rotavirus infections still rank among the most important viral infections in colonies of laboratory mice. Although the disease is characterized by low mortality and a relatively short and mild clinical period, the infection has the potential to alter the outcome of experiments substantially. For animal facilities, it is therefore essential to eradicate the virus. Here we report a successful sanitation of a rotavirus-infected mouse colony in an animal facility. Despite a high ratio of transgenic and partially immunodeficient strains, a permanent eradication of the virus was achieved by euthanasia of highly susceptible mice, a prolonged breeding cessation in areas containing immunocompromised mice and a strict hygienic management. The management of a rotavirus infection reported here is a feasible and inexpensive opportunity for sanitation that benefits from maintaining most of the animal population, even in today's mouse colonies comprising mainly transgenic mice with unknown or compromised immune status.
Shilling Attack Detection—A New Approach for a Trustworthy Recommender System
Authors: Lee Jong-Seok , Zhu Dan
Published: March 2011

Recommender systems rely on the opinions of many users to predict the preferences of potential customers. These systems have been broadly used to make quality recommendations to increase sales. However, recommender systems are vulnerable to even small data inputs of malicious information. Inappropriate products can be offered to users by injecting a few unscrupulous “shilling” profiles into the recommender system. This research proposes to identify a cluster of profiles by focusing on “filler” ratings. We examine a number of properties of such profiles, followed by empirical evidence and detailed analysis of various characteristics of the shilling attacks. We then propose a hybrid two-phase procedure for shilling attack detection. First, a multidimensional scaling approach is adopted to identify distinct behaviors that help to detect and secure the recommendation activities. Clustering-based methods are subsequently proposed to discriminate attack users. Experimental studies are conducted to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Midweight Method to Measure Attitudes Toward Risk and Ambiguity
Authors: van de Kuilen Gijs , Wakker Peter P.
Published: March 2011

This paper introduces a parameter-free method for measuring the weighting functions of prospect theory and rank-dependent utility. These weighting functions capture risk attitudes, subjective beliefs, and ambiguity attitudes. Our method, called the midweight method, is based on a convenient way to obtain midpoints in the weighting function scale. It can be used both for risk (known probabilities) and for uncertainty (unknown probabilities). The resulting integrated treatment of risk and uncertainty is particularly useful for measuring ambiguity, i.e., the difference between uncertainty and risk. Compared to existing methods to measure weighting functions and attitudes toward uncertainty and ambiguity, our method is more efficient and can accommodate violations of expected utility under risk. An experiment demonstrates the tractability of our method, yielding plausible results such as ambiguity aversion for moderate and high likelihoods but ambiguity seeking for low likelihoods, as predicted by Ellsberg.

This paper was accepted by George Wu, decision analysis.
Simultaneous Determination of 6 l-Arginine Metabolites in Human and Mouse Plasma by Using Hydrophilic-Interaction Chromatography and Electrospray Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Brown Candice M , Becker Jessica O , Wise Phyllis M , Hoofnagle Andrew N
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND

Macrophages and related cells are important cellular mediators of the innate immune system and play important roles in wound healing and fibrosis. Flux through different l-arginine metabolic pathways partially defines the functional behavior of macrophages. Methods to measure metabolites within the nitric oxide synthase/arginase pathways could provide insights into local and systemic inflammatory processes.

METHODS

A targeted metabolomics approach was developed by using hydrophilic-interaction liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry to simultaneously measure l-arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine, symmetric dimethylarginine, l-citrulline, l-ornithine, and l-proline in plasma from humans and mice.

RESULTS

All analytes were quantifiable in human and mouse plasma with a small volume (25 μL), minimal sample preparation, and no derivatization. Patients with high plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein and mice with acute inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide had significant reductions of arginine metabolites in plasma compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

This new assay uses plasma metabolomic measurements to help provide new insights into metabolic changes coupled to the innate immune response. We identified significant changes in arginine metabolism in both humans and mice following an inflammatory stimulus. These changes were associated with decreased plasma arginine metabolite concentrations and increased methylated arginine concentrations.
Renal pro-apoptotic proteins are reduced by growth hormone resistance but not by visceral fat removal
Authors: Gesing Adam , Bartke Andrzej , Wang Feiya , Karbownik-Lewinska Malgorzata , Masternak Michal M.
Published: March 2011

Growth hormone (GH) receptor knockout (GHRKO) mice are highly insulin sensitive and long-lived. Surgical visceral fat removal (VFR) improves insulin signaling in normal mice and rats and extends longevity in rats. We have previously demonstrated decreased expression of certain pro-apoptotic genes in kidneys of GHRKO mice and suggested that this could contribute to the increased longevity of these animals. The aim of the present study was to examine the level of the following proteins: caspase-3, caspase-9, caspase-8, bax, bad, phospho-bad, bcl-2, Smac/DIABLO, Apaf-1, phospho-p53 (pp53) and cytochrome c in male GHRKO and normal (N) mice subjected to VFR or sham surgery, at approximately six months of age. The kidneys were collected two months after VFR. Caspase-3, caspase-8, bax, bad, Smac/DIABLO, Apaf-1 and pp53 levels were decreased in GHRKO mice as compared to N animals. VFR did not change the level of any of the examined proteins. The decreased renal levels of pro-apoptotic proteins could contribute to the extended life-span caused by targeted disruption of the GH receptor gene but are apparently not involved in mediating the effects of VFR.
Evaluation of four commercial biuret reagent kits of serum total protein by the American Association for Clinical Chemistry reference measurement procedure
Authors: He Meilin , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2011

Background: In China, the traceability of clinical chemistry methods is still immature. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a reference measurement procedure and evaluate commercial reagent kits using such established procedures.

Methods: We reproduced the reference measurement procedure for serum total protein, as recommended by the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC). We evaluated the performance by Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guidelines EP15-A and EP6-A. Subsequently, four commercial reagent kits were evaluated by the reproduced reference procedure following CLSI guideline EP9-A2.

Results: The performance of the reproduced reference procedure was as follows: CVs ranged from 0.47% to 0.85% at medical decision levels (Xc) of 45 g/L, 60 g/L and 80 g/L. Linearity was Y=1.0022X–0.2121 (r=0.9999), and recovery ranged from 100.2% to 102.4%. The External Quality Assessment Scheme for Reference Laboratories in Laboratory Medicine (RELA) was applied, and the result was within the limit of equivalence. The linear relationships of four commercial reagent kits, Merit Choice, KHB, Leadman, and Olympus, were, respectively: Y=0.9922X+0.5776 (r=0.9961); Y=0.9936X+0.4316 (r=0.9992); Y=0.9949X+0.9129 (r=0.9987) and Y=0.9923X+0.8876 (r=0.9989). KHB showed slight negative bias, and the mean±SD was –0.03±0.60 g/L. Merit Choice, Leadman, and Olympus all showed positive bias, and the mean±SDs were 0.02±0.63 g/L, 0.55±0.77 g/L and 0.34±0.71 g/L, respectively.

Conclusions: The correlation and bias of four commercial reagent kits for serum total protein were found to be acceptable. Thus, these reagent kits can be used reliably in China.
La Crosse Virus Encephalitis Preceding Neurosarcoidosis Diagnosed by Brain Biopsy
Authors: Kobayashi Daisuke , Rouster-Stevens Kelly , Harper Amy
Published: March 2011

Childhood neurosarcoidosis is rare, and its etiology is unknown. La Crosse virus is one of the most common causes of encephalitis in North America. We report the case of a 12-year-old boy who had La Crosse virus encephalitis and subsequently developed imaging and pathologic findings suggestive of neurosarcoidosis. He presented with acute onset of transient aphasia 4 months after an episode of encephalitis; serology results at the time of aphasia were positive for La Crosse virus. Brain MRI revealed diffuse subcortical nodular lesions. His serum angiotensin-converting enzyme level was elevated, and brain biopsy revealed noncaseating granuloma. It is interesting to note that he has had no recurrence of aphasia; repeat MRI showed significant improvement of nodular lesions without therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first case of La Crosse virus encephalitis associated with neurosarcoid findings.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Infancy and Social Emotional Development in Preschool-Aged Chinese Children
Authors: Chang Suying , Wang Li , Wang Yuying , Brouwer Inge D. , Kok Frans J. , Lozoff Betsy , Chen Chunming
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:

We aimed to compare affect and behavior of 3 groups of nonanemic 4-year-old children: children with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) in infancy whose anemia was not corrected before 24 months (chronic IDA) (n = 27); children with IDA in infancy whose anemia was corrected before 24 months (corrected IDA) (n = 70); and children who were nonanemic in infancy and at 24 months (n = 64).

METHOD:

Mother and child dyads were invited to a local clinic room. Children's social referencing, wariness, frustration-tolerance behavior, and affect were observed during a set of situations encountered in the laboratory, including free play, stranger approach, novel toy, and delay of gratification. The whole procedure was videotaped. The children's affective and behavioral displays were coded by using a time-sampling (5-second segments) code scheme. Iron status of children was determined on the basis of hemoglobin concentration measured with the cyanomethemoglobin method in blood samples obtained by fingerstick in infancy and at the ages of 24 months and 4 years.

RESULTS:

Children who had chronic IDA in infancy displayed less positive affect, less frustration tolerance, more passive behavior, and more physical self-soothing in the stranger approach and delay of gratification. In contrast, the behavior and affect of children whose anemia was corrected before the age of 24 months were comparable to those of children who were nonanemic throughout infancy.

CONCLUSION:

The results point to the potential benefits of preventing iron deficiency in infancy and treating it before it becomes chronic or severe.
Hepatic Failure Despite Early Acetylcysteine Following Large Acetaminophen-Diphenhydramine Overdose
Authors: Wang George S. , Monte Andrew , Bagdure Dayanand , Heard Kennon
Published: March 2011

We describe the case of a patient with massive acetaminophen-diphenhydramine overdose and a 4-hour serum acetaminophen concentration of 653 μg/mL. The patient was treated with acetylcysteine 5 hours after ingestion. Because of a persistently elevated serum acetaminophen level of 413 μg/mL 45 hours after ingestion, a medical toxicologist recommended that the patient be treated with a second bolus of acetylcysteine (150 mg/kg followed by 12.5 mg/kg per hour for 4 hours, then 6.25 mg/kg per hour). On hospital day 3, she developed hepatic failure despite early treatment. Her transaminase levels and hepatic synthetic function began to improve on hospital day 6, and acetylcysteine was discontinued on hospital day 10. In cases of massive acetaminophen overdose, standard acetylcysteine dosing may not be adequate. We suggest that elevated serum acetaminophen concentrations at the end of a standard 20-hour acetylcysteine infusion should be discussed with the local poison center.
Increased Odds of Necrotizing Enterocolitis After Transfusion of Red Blood Cells in Premature Infants
Authors: Paul David A. , Mackley Amy , Novitsky Alexandra , Zhao Yong , Brooks Alison , Locke Robert G.
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVES:

To determine if infants with very low birth weight who receive packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions have increased odds of developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), to determine the rate of NEC after PRBC transfusion, and to characterize the blood transfused preceding the onset of NEC.

STUDY DESIGN:

A retrospective cohort design was used. The study population included infants with a birth weight of <1500 g who were from a single center. NEC after transfusion was defined as NEC that occurred in the 48 hours after initiation of PRBC transfusion. Statistical analysis included unadjusted and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS:

The study sample included 2311 infants. A total of 122 infants (5.3%) developed NEC, and 33 (27%) of 122 NEC cases occurred after transfusion. NEC occurred after 33 (1.4%) of 2315 total transfusions. Infants who received a transfusion had increased adjusted odds (odds ratio: 2.3 [95% confidence interval: 1.2–4.2]) of developing NEC compared with infants who did not receive a transfusion. PRBCs transfused before NEC were predominantly (83%) from male donors and were a median of 5 days old.

CONCLUSIONS:

In our study sample, PRBC transfusion was associated with increased odds of NEC. The rate of NEC after transfusion was 1.4%. From our data we could not determine if PRBC transfusions were part of the causal pathway for NEC or were indicative of other factors that may be causal for NEC.
Environmental change and declining resource availability for small‐mammal communities in the Great Basin
Authors: Rowe Rebecca J. , Terry Rebecca C. , Rickart Eric A.
Published: March 2011

Changes in climate and land use can impact natural systems across all levels of ecological organization. Most documented and anticipated effects consider species' properties, including phenologies, geographic distributions, and abundances. Responses of higher‐level aggregate community or ecosystem properties have not been considered as they are assumed to be relatively stable due to compensatory dynamics and diversity–stability relationships. However, this assumption may not be as fundamental as previously thought. Here we assess stability in the aggregate properties of total abundance, biomass, and energy consumption for small‐mammal communities in the Great Basin, using paired historical and modern survey data spanning nearly a century of environmental change. Results show marked declines in each aggregate property independent of spatial scale, elevation, or habitat type, and a reallocation of available biomass and energy favoring diet and habitat generalists. Because aggregate properties directly reflect resource availability, our findings indicate a regionwide decline in resources of ∼50% over the past century, which may signal a resource crisis. This work illustrates the power of using aggregate properties as indicators of ecological conditions and environmental change at broad spatial and temporal scales.
Effectiveness of China's nature reserves in representing ecological diversity
Authors: Wu Ruidong , Zhang Shuang , Yu Douglas W , Zhao Peng , Li Xinhai , Wang Longzhu , Yu Qian , Ma Jian , Chen Ai , Long Yongcheng
Published: March 2011

Mainland China has 2538 nature reserves, covering approximately 15% of its total land area. However, little is known of their effectiveness in capturing the country's ecological diversity. We calculated the degree of representation of terrestrial ecoregions, biodiversity priority areas, and vegetation types within 2217 of these reserves for which spatial data were available. Of the total area set aside as nature reserves, almost 56% was concentrated in the three western provinces of Tibet, Qinghai, and Xinjiang. Of the 53 ecoregions found in China, 29 had over 10% of their land protected through the reserve system; in addition, most (81%) of China's natural vegetation communities were represented in at least one nature reserve. On the basis of these findings, we recommend that China should (1) conduct a nationwide ecoregional biodiversity assessment; (2) establish a georeferenced (spatially referenced) database of nature reserves and other types of protected areas; (3) increase efforts to improve international cooperation regarding management of cross‐border ecoregions; and (4) create or expand reserves in eastern and southern China, with a focus on protecting ecosystem services to help sustain local communities' economies.
Clinical Periodontal and Microbiologic Parameters in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ziebolz Dirk , Pabel Sven O. , Lange Katharina , Krohn‐Grimberghe Berndt , Hornecker Else , Mausberg Rainer F.
Published: March 2011

Background: A limited number of studies suggest a prevalence of periodontal pathogens in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, results are inconsistent. The aim of this study is to investigate clinical periodontal and microbiologic parameters in patients with RA.

Methods: Sixty‐six patients with RA, aged 49.5 ± 8.4 years, participated in the study. The periodontal classification was assessed with the periodontal screening index (PSR/PSI) allocated to the following parameters: 1) healthy; 2) gingivitis (PSR/PSI score 0 to 2, maximum one sextant score; 3) moderate periodontitis (>1 sextant PSR/PSI score 3, maximum one sextant score; or, 4) severe periodontitis (>1 sextant PSR/PSI score 4). Pool samples were taken for microbiologic (polymerase chain reaction) analysis for the presence of 11 periodontal pathogens. Statistical analysis was by non‐parametric analysis of covariance.

Results: No patients were periodontally healthy: 24 patients were classified as having gingivitis; 18 patients had moderate periodontitis; 23 patients had severe periodontitis; and one patient was toothless. For most patients, Fusobacterium nucleatum (98%), Eikenella corrodens (91%), and Parvimonas micra (previously Peptostreptococcus micros; 88%) were above the detection threshold. Strong periodontal pathogens were less frequently detected: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, 16%); Porphyromonas gingivalis (58%); and Tannerella forsythia (previously T. forsythensis, 78%). Statistical analysis showed no significant influence of rheumatic factor (P = 0.33) on periodontal classification and on microbiologic parameters (P >0.05). Only smoking showed a significant influence (P = 0.0004) on the periodontal classification and in the case of E. corrodens (P = 0.02).

Conclusions: Most patients with RA in this study showed moderate‐to‐severe periodontitis and the presence of periodontal pathogens. No association was found between rheumatic factor on periodontal classification and microbiologic parameters.
Effect of Simulated Microgravity on Salivary and Serum Oxidants, Antioxidants, and Periodontal Status
Authors: Rai Balwant , Kaur Jasdeep , Catalina Maria , Anand S.C. , Jacobs Reinhilde , Teughels Wim
Published: March 2011

Background: Microgravity is associated with an increase in peroxidative damage. The effect is more pronounced after long‐duration space flights and can even last for several weeks after landing. The objective of the study is to determine the influence of simulated microgravity on the periodontal status and salivary and serum oxidant/antioxidant status of the body in simulated microgravity (−6° head‐down‐tilt [HDT) bed rest).

Methods: Twenty healthy male volunteers were studied before and after 60 days of simulated microgravity (−6° HDT bed rest). We measured salivary and serum oxidative markers, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), 8‐oxo‐7,8 dihydro‐2 deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), and vitamins C and E, and clinical periodontal parameters (probing depth [PD] and clinical attachment level [CAL]).

Results: Serum and salivary vitamin C and E concentrations were significantly decreased, whereas MDA and 8‐OHdG levels were significantly increased after 60 days of simulated microgravity. Serum and salivary markers showed a strong and significant correlation. CAL and PD were higher but not statistically significant in simulated microgravity.

Conclusions: This study suggests that oxidative stress in the microgravity environment was increased but did not significantly influence periodontal parameters after 2 months. Also, this study indicates the possibility that the findings may have a broader clinical relevance to patients on bed rest or who are physically inactive. Studies on larger patient samples and follow‐up for a longer time are required to verify the relationship between antioxidant status in the space microgravity condition and periodontal health.
Effects of Streptolysin O on Extracellular Matrix Gene Expression in Normal Human Epidermal Keratinocytes
Authors: Mamber Stephen W. , Gurel Volkan , Rhodes Ryan G. , McMichael John
Published: March 2011

ML-05 is a non-hemolytic form of streptolysin O, the membrane-damaging extracellular toxin produced by certain streptococci. ML-05 stimulates keratinocyte migration and proliferation in wound-healing scratch assays and promotes wound healing in a human skin organ culture wound model. Pathway-focused DNA microarrays were used to elucidate ML-05's mechanism of action in wound healing processes. Normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) were treated with varying concentrations of ML-05 for 24 hours, followed by RNA extraction and cRNA production. Gene expression profiling utilized microarrays containing nucleic acid probes for 113 extracellular matrix (ECM) genes. Microarrays yielded 6 upregulated and 4 downregulated genes with ≥2-fold changes and p<0.05 in t-tests. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (qPCR) were used to verify gene regulation. Upregulated genes of interest were VCAN (formerly CSPG2, encoding versican), CD44 (encoding hyaluronan receptor), ICAM1 (encoding intercellular adhesion molecule-1) and CTGF (encoding connective tissue growth factor). All four upregulated genes encode proteins involved in promoting keratinocyte migration and proliferation. Downregulated genes of interest were MMP9 (encoding matrix metalloproteinase 9) and SPP1 (encoding osteopontin). ML-05 may enhance wound healing through the expression of specific genes encoding proteins capable of promoting keratinocyte migration, proliferation, and other activities related to maintaining ECM structure and function.
Chronic Kidney Disease as a Coronary Disease Equivalent—A Comparison with Diabetes over a Decade
Authors: Debella Yalew T. , Giduma Habtamu D. , Light Robert P. , Agarwal Rajiv
Published: March 2011

Background and objectives

Whether chronic kidney disease (CKD) should also be considered a coronary disease equivalent like diabetes is not clear.

Design, setting, participants, & methods

Veterans with and without diabetes and with and without CKD were prospectively recruited. A competing Cox regression model was used to describe the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in the two groups (CKD and diabetes) over a decade of follow-up.

Results

The incidence rate of MI in those without CKD was 0.047/yr and in those with CKD was 0.206/yr. Multivariate adjustment revealed the incident rate ratio for MI in CKD as 3.5 and for diabetes mellitus as 2.5. The cumulative incidence for MI was influenced by CKD and diabetes. CKD was associated with a subhazard ratio for MI of 3.74; in contrast, diabetes was associated with a subhazard ratio for MI of 2.6. For the outcome of all-cause mortality, after multivariate adjustment, CKD was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.86, which was similar to the HR of 2.27 for prevalent coronary artery disease. The HR for diabetes was NS at 1.35.

Conclusions

CKD is associated with a risk of death similar to that of established coronary artery disease and higher than that of diabetes mellitus. CKD is associated with a risk of MI that is at least as much as that from diabetes mellitus. Among veterans, CKD appears to be a coronary disease equivalent.
Fifteen Years of Data and Information Quality Literature: Developing a Research Agenda for Accounting
Authors: Neely M. Pamela , Cook Jack S.
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT: This paper provides a framework for guiding accounting-related Data and Information Quality (DIQ) research, based on four major research strands: people and decision-making, governance, operations, and technology (PGOT). The last three have been broken down further into three subtopics each, a total of ten subcategories. With people connecting the four strands, the resulting PGOT framework provides a structure to create DIQ research questions. DIQ-related articles published between the years of 1994 and 2008 were identified, the predominant research focus and method were determined. The coding identified research areas that need further exploration. Traditionally, DIQ research has been pursued by non-accountants. Accounting-oriented DIQ literature tends to concentrate on the decision aspects of the PGOT. With an increased emphasis on compliance, CobiT, and internal controls the accounting discipline can make a substantial contribution to the DIQ field, particularly with respect to the decision-making context within the relevant environment.

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Interdog household aggression: 38 cases (2006–2007)
Authors: Wrubel Kathryn M. , Moon-Fanelli Alice A. , Maranda Louise S. , Dodman Nicholas H.
Published: March 2011

Objective—To analyze factors associated with interdog household aggression and determine treatment outcomes.

Design—Retrospective case series and survey.

Animals—38 pairs of dogs with interdog household aggression. Each pair of dogs was considered 1 case.

Procedures—Records of dogs with interdog household aggression that were examined during initial or follow-up consultations at a veterinary teaching hospital from December 5, 2006, to December 5, 2007, were analyzed for clinical features. Data regarding outcome, owner compliance, and efficacy of recommended treatments obtained by use of a follow-up survey were evaluated.

Results—Most cases (30/38 [79%]) of interdog household aggression involved same-sex pairs; 26 of 38 (68%) cases involved 1 female or a pair of females. Instigators and recipients of aggression were clearly identified in 27 of 38 (71%) cases; most instigators were the younger of the pair (20/27 [74%]) or were newer additions to the household (19/27 [70%]). Fight-eliciting triggers included owner attention, food, excitement, and found items. Some dogs had risk factors for behavior problems such as a history of living in multiple households (21/51 [41%]), adoption after 12 weeks of age (20/51 [39%]), or being acquired from a shelter (17/51 [33%]). Effective treatment recommendations included implementing a so-called nothing-in-life-is-free program, giving 1 dog priority access to resources, and administering psychotropic medication. Frequency and severity of fighting were significantly reduced after consultation. Owners reported a 69% overall improvement following treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Most treatment strategies were considered effective. Consistency and predictability of social interactions are essential in resolving interdog household aggression.
Physical, behavioral, endocrinologic, and cytogenetic evaluation of two Standardbred racehorses competing as mares with an intersex condition and high postrace serum testosterone concentrations
Authors: Knobbe Marc G. , Maenhoudt Cindy , Turner Regina M. , McDonnell Sue M.
Published: March 2011

Case Description—2 Standardbred racehorses that had been winning races while competing as mares underwent postrace drug testing and had serum testosterone concentrations above the acceptable limit for female racehorses.

Clinical Findings—Initial physical examinations by the referring veterinarian revealed ambiguous external genitalia and suspected intra-abdominally located testes leading to a preliminary diagnosis of male pseudohermaphroditism. Horses were referred for further evaluation of sex. Physical examination of the external genitalia confirmed the findings of the referring veterinarian. Transrectal palpation and ultrasonography revealed gonads with an ultrasonographic appearance of testes. On cytogenetic analysis, both horses were determined to have a 64,XY karyotype and 8 intact Y chromosome markers and 5 SRY gene markers, which were indicative of a genetic male and confirmed an intersex condition. Additionally, both horses had some male-type behavior and endocrinologic findings consistent with those of sexually intact males.

Treatment and Outcome—Taken together, these findings confirmed that both horses were male pseudohermaphrodites. Both horses returned to racing competition as males.

Clinical Relevance—As of October 1, 2008, the Pennsylvania Horse and Harness Racing Commissions implemented a postrace drug testing policy that included analysis of blood samples for anabolic and androgenic steroids and set maximum allowable concentrations of testosterone for racing geldings and females. Within 8 months of initiation of this drug testing policy, the 2 horses of this report were identified as having an intersex condition. This raises the possibility that intersex conditions may be more common in racing Standardbreds than was previously suspected.
Zoonotic pathogens isolated from wild animals and environmental samples at two California wildlife hospitals
Authors: Siembieda Jennifer L. , Miller Woutrina A. , Byrne Barbara A. , Ziccardi Michael H. , Anderson Nancy , Chouicha Nadira , Sandrock Christian E. , Johnson Christine K.
Published: March 2011

Objective—To determine types and estimate prevalence of potentially zoonotic enteric pathogens shed by wild animals admitted to either of 2 wildlife hospitals and to characterize distribution of these pathogens and of aerobic bacteria in a hospital environment.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Sample—Fecal samples from 338 animals in 2 wildlife hospitals and environmental samples from 1 wildlife hospital.

Procedures—Fecal samples were collected within 24 hours of hospital admission. Environmental samples were collected from air and surfaces. Samples were tested for zoonotic pathogens via culture techniques and biochemical analyses. Prevalence of pathogen shedding was compared among species groups, ages, sexes, and seasons. Bacterial counts were determined for environmental samples.

Results—Campylobacter spp, Vibrio spp, Salmonella spp, Giardia spp, and Cryptosporidium spp (alone or in combination) were detected in 105 of 338 (31%) fecal samples. Campylobacter spp were isolated only from birds. Juvenile passerines were more likely to shed Campylobacter spp than were adults; prevalence increased among juvenile passerines during summer. Non-O1 serotypes of Vibrio cholerae were isolated from birds; during an oil-spill response, 9 of 10 seabirds screened were shedding this pathogen, which was also detected in environmental samples. Salmonella spp and Giardia spp were isolated from birds and mammals; Cryptosporidium spp were isolated from mammals only. Floors of animal rooms had higher bacterial counts than did floors with only human traffic.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Potentially zoonotic enteric pathogens were identified in samples from several species admitted to wildlife hospitals, indicating potential for transmission if prevention is not practiced.
Determining Risk Factors and Demographic Patterns of Suicide in Tehran
Authors: Farhangdoost Yosef
Published: March 2011

Determining Risk Factors and Demographic Patterns of Suicide in Tehran

Suicide refers to the death of a person that is primarily achieved by self-harm. Today, it is considered one of the major public health issues. One of the important risk factors associated with attempted suicide is social relations. This study is a descriptive and analytical study that aims to identify the suicide rate, the risk factors in suicide, and the methods of suicide. The findings show that there is a significant relationship between suicide and demographic variables that include age, sex, educational level, adherence to religion, and occupation. This research also shows the psychological factors that lead to suicide include depression, addiction, lack of social activities, and mental disorders caused by chronic disease.
Americanization: The Problem of Measurement
Authors: MALLOCH ARCHIE , TRENTMAN JOHN
Published: March 2011

While sharing the alarm recently expressed by a number of our colleagues over the apparently rapid Americanization of Canadian universities, we are bound to point out that in one respect at least the exposition of the problem has been unacceptably crude. The statistics offered by Profes­sors Mathews, Steele, Dudek and MacLennan are cast in terms of "Canadians," "Americans,' and "others." Now it may be that in order to call public attention to the present danger, it is necessary to use such gross units of measurement, but when Professor MacLennan's quota plan is carried into effect, Canadian universities must in all honesty use a more precise instrument of measurement. The day is fast approaching when directors of personnel in Canadian universities will have to deter­mine the national identity of each of the many hundreds of academic personnel on campus. What will they do with the man who was born in Newfoundland prior to 1949, did his undergraduate work at Dal­housie, did his graduate work at Columbia, taught for three years in Pennsylvania and has now been teaching at McGill for two years? A simple determination that such a man is or is not a Canadian cannot do justice to the complexities of his being, and we submit that no uni­versity teacher conscious of his responsibility to maintain high standards of intellectual discrimination will be content to have the question resolved in so procrustean a manner. We propose therefore that follow­ing the precedent created some years ago by the Board of Broadcast Governors, a serious effort be made to determine the Canadian content of each member of the teaching staff in our universities. We envisage a reliable formula - ultimately a computer programme - that could handle all the relevant items of information. The devising of such a formula rests with colleagues in the mathematical sciences, whose help we now earnestly solicit. What we offer here is a brief survey of what seem to us to be obvious topics or categories for inclusion, together with our estimate of the relative importance of each. Within each cate­gory there are subtle questions that we cannot pretend to have answered fully, but it seems worthwhile, nevertheless, to describe some of them and to indicate possible solutions.
Canadian Graduate Studies in American Literature: A Bibliography of Theses and Dissertations, 1921-1968
Authors: JONES LAWRENCE W.
Published: March 2011

Fortunately, in spite of the passionate movement toward 'Canadianiza-tion' of our universities, no one has yet been radical enough to suggest a toning-down or abolition of the study of American literature from our curricula. On the contrary, there seems to be an upsurge of interest in the field in Canada, just as there has been a corresponding upsurge of interest in Canadian literature in the larger universities of the United States. These are hopeful trends, I think, for where else than in a healthy study — particularly at the graduate level — of each other's literary culture can we better come to grips with common problems or understand our significant differences?
Faulkner, Mailer, and Yogi Bear
Authors: MAUD RALPH
Published: March 2011

When an Indian boy of the Omaha tribe was "old enough to know sor- row" he undertook a ritual which gained for him a share in the powers of nature and a place among the adult men using such powers for the survival of the tribe: Four days and nights the youth was to fast and pray. ... No matter how hungry he became, he was forbidden to use the bow and arrows put into his hands by his father. ----When he fell into a sleep or a trance, if he saw or heard anything, that thing was to become a special medium through which the youth could receive supernatural aid.