bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Borrower and Lender State Ownership and Accounting Conservatism
Authors: CHEN HANWEN , CHEN JEFF ZEYUN , LOBO GERALD J. , WANG YANYAN
Published: July 2010

We examine the association between borrower (firm) and lender (bank) state ownership and accounting conservatism for a sample of Chinese firms. We hypothesize that state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) adopt less conservative accounting than non‐state‐owned enterprises (NSOEs) because lenders are less concerned with downside risk for SOEs than for NSOEs. We also hypothesize a negative relation between conservatism and the fraction of total loans a firm borrows from state‐owned banks (SBs) because SBs have weaker demand for assurance of sufficient net assets to cover loan repayments than non‐state‐owned banks (NSBs). We find support for both hypotheses. Further analyses reveal that: (1) firms that borrow from commercial SBs exhibit more conservative accounting than firms that borrow from policy SBs and (2) firms adopt more conservative accounting as they get more loans from banks with foreign ownership or exclusively foreign banks. However, the results of these additional analyses are to some extent sensitive to alternative measures of accounting conservatism.
The Quality of Warfarin Prescribing and Monitoring in Veterans Affairs Nursing Homes
Authors: Aspinall Sherrie L. , Zhao Xinhua , Handler Steven M. , Stone Roslyn A. , Kosmoski Janine C. , Libby Elizabeth A. , Francis Susan Dove , Goodman David A. , Roman Rebecca D. , Bieber Heather L. , Voisine Jennifer M. , Jeffery Sean M. , Hepfinger Charley A. , Hagen Diane G. , Martin Micki M. , Hanlon Joseph T.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVES: To describe the quality of warfarin prescribing and monitoring in Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing homes and to assess the factors associated with maintaining a therapeutic international normalized ratio (INR).

DESIGN: Retrospective cohort.

SETTING: Five VA nursing homes.

PARTICIPANTS: All veterans who received warfarin between January 1 and June 30, 2008, at the nursing homes.

MEASUREMENTS: Using medical records, the percentage of person‐time spent in the target INR range, the proportion of patients with INRs in the therapeutic range on 50% or more of their person‐days, and the frequency of INR monitoring were estimated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with maintaining a therapeutic INR 50% or more of the time.

RESULTS: Over 6 months, 160 patients received 10,380 person‐days of warfarin. INRs were in the therapeutic range for 55% of the person‐days, and 99% of the INR tests were repeated within 4 weeks of the previous result. On an individual level, 49% of patients had INRs in the target range for 50% or more of their person‐days. Achieving this outcome was more likely in patients with prevalent warfarin use than with new use (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.86, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.06–7.72). Conversely, patients with a history of a stroke (AOR=0.38, 95% CI =0.18–0.80) were less likely to have therapeutic INRs for 50% or more of their days.

CONCLUSION: Warfarin appears to be prescribed and monitored effectively in VA nursing home patients. Future studies should focus on increasing time in therapeutic range in patients with poor INR control.
RAC Attack—Medicare Recovery Audit Contractors: What Geriatricians Need to Know
Authors: Robin Deborah W. , Gershwin Randy J.
Published: July 2010

Knowledge of Medicare policies and procedures is integral to the practice of geriatric medicine. Within the past several years, there has been a focus on Medicare fraud, abuse, and waste in healthcare spending. One program, Medicare Recovery Audit Contractors (RAC), has recently been launched to indentify improper payments by performing postpayment reviews of Medicare Part A and Part B claims. During the program pilot project in only three states, more than $1 billion in incorrect payments were identified, with the overwhelming majority being overpayments that had to be returned to the Medicare Trust Fund. In 2006, Congress mandated that the RAC program be rolled out nationwide, which is ongoing. The audit focuses on documentation of medical necessity for inpatient admission and the 3‐day qualifying stay for skilled nursing care, important concerns for geriatricians. This article describes the RAC program and target areas for payment recoupment, denials management, and provider preparation.
A Pooled Analysis of Two Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trials of Milnacipran Monotherapy in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia
Authors: Geisser Michael E. , Palmer Robert H. , Gendreau R. Michael , Wang Yong , Clauw Daniel J.
Published: July 2010

Milnacipran has been shown to significantly improve the pain, global well‐being, and physical function of fibromyalgia (FM), and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the management of this disorder. Post hoc analyses of data from two pivotal trials were conducted to further assess the clinical benefits of milnacipran, to determine the impact of baseline pain severity on treatment outcomes, and to confirm the safety and tolerability of this medication in patients with FM. Patients in these trials were randomized to placebo (n = 624), milnacipran 100 mg/day (n = 623), or milnacipran 200 mg/day (n = 837). Two different composite responder analyses were used to evaluate efficacy: a 2‐measure analysis, requiring ≥ 30% improvement from baseline visual analog scale 24‐hour recall pain scores and a Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) score of “very much improved” or “much improved”; and a 3‐measure analysis, requiring a ≥ 6‐point improvement from baseline in SF‐36 Physical Component Summary scores in addition to the pain and PGIC criteria. Additionally, a pooled analysis of mean changes from baseline pain scores was conducted in order to evaluate the efficacy of milnacipran over the entire course of treatment. At 3 months, composite responder rates were significantly higher in the milnacipran treatment groups than in the placebo group (2‐ and 3‐measure composite responder analyses: P ≤ 0.001, both doses vs. placebo). These improvements were not dependent on baseline pain severity. Similar composite responder results were observed in patients who continued treatment for up to 6 months. Significant improvements in mean pain scores were seen with both doses of milnacipran vs. placebo as early as 1 week after treatment initiation and were sustained for up to 6 months of milnacipran treatment. The most common adverse events associated with milnacipran were nausea, headache, and constipation.
Comparative Evaluation of Oxygen‐Ozone Therapy and Combined Use of Oxygen‐Ozone Therapy with Percutaneous Intradiscal Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation for the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Gautam Sujeet , Rastogi V. , Jain Ankur , Singh A. P.
Published: July 2010

Aim:  To compare the efficacy of oxygen‐ozone therapy and the combined use of oxygen‐ozone therapy with percutaneous intradiscal radiofrequency thermocoagulation (PIRFT) for the treatment of contained lumbar disc herniation.

Methods:  Ninety‐one adult patients with low back pain secondary to contained lumbar disc herniation were randomly assigned into two groups. Ozone group received intradiscal oxygen‐ozone therapy (4 to 7 mL of oxygen ozone mixture); ozone‐PIRFT group received a combination of oxygen‐ozone therapy with PIRFT (radiofrequency lesioning at 80°C for 360 s).

Outcome Measures:  Primary outcome measures included a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the Oswestry disability index (ODI). Secondary outcome measures included pain relief, reduction of analgesic consumption, and patient's satisfaction. Clinical assessment of these outcome measures was performed at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the procedure.

Results:  VAS scores and ODI were significantly decreased by both ozone and ozone‐PIRFT when compared with the baseline values at all points of follow‐up; however, ozone‐PIRFT produced a significant reduction in the VAS scores and ODI when compared to ozone at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year follow‐up. Ozone‐PIRFT also resulted in a significant change in all secondary measures at all points of follow‐up, as compared with the ozone group.

Conclusion:  Ozone‐PIRFT is more efficacious than ozone alone in reducing pain scores, analgesic consumption, improving functional outcome, and satisfaction of patients with contained lumbar disc herniation.
Prediction of Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Unprotected Left Main Trifurcation Lesions Treated by Drug‐Eluting Stents: Importance of 2‐Stent Technique and SYNTAX Score
Authors: CHEN SHAO‐LIANG , YE FEY , ZHANG JUN‐JIE , HU ZUO‐YING , TIAN NAI‐LIANG , ZHANG JUN‐XIA , KWAN TAK W.
Published: July 2010

Background:
 There were insufficient data on the prognosis of stenting for patients with trifurcated unprotected left main lesions (UPLMS).

Methods:
 From the SPEED (stents for percutaneous treatment of coronary artery disease) registry of all percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) for all types of UPLMS, data of 44 patients with trifurcated UPLMS were selected and analyzed.

Results:
 Patients were divided into one‐stent (N = 23) or 2‐stent (N = 21) groups. Clinical follow‐up was available for 100%, and angiographic follow‐up at 8 month was available for 91.3%. There were no differences in myocardial infarction, cardiac death, and stent thrombosis between groups. However, the target lesion revascularization (TLR) and target vessel revascularization (TVR) in the 1‐stent group was lower when compared to the 2‐stent group (13.0% vs. 23.8%, P = 0.004; 13.0% vs. 28.6%, P = 0.003, respectively). Cumulative survival free from major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in the 1‐stent group was higher than the 2‐stent group (65.2% vs. 57.1%, P = 0.033). Analysis of the receiver operator curve (ROC) of the Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score showed the area under the curve was 0.414 (standard error = 0.089, 95% CI 0.240–0.589, P = 0.348).

Conclusions:
 In patients with trifurcated UPLMS, higher TLR/TVR and lower cumulative survival from MACE were seen in the 2‐stent group when compared to the 1‐stent group. The SYNTAX scoring system had no predictive value of outcomes for patients with stenting of trifurcated UPLMS. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:352–357)
Distribution and Magnitude of Shear Stress after Coronary Bifurcation Lesions Stenting with the Classical Crush Technique: A New Predictor for In‐Stent Restenosis
Authors: HU ZUO‐YING , CHEN SHAO‐LIANG , ZHANG JUN‐JIE , SHAN SHOU‐JIE , LIU ZHI‐ZHONG , YE FEI , KAN JING , XU HAI‐MEI , NGUYEN KATRINA , KWAN TAK , NGUYEN THACH , HOANG THAI
Published: July 2010

Background:
 Wall shear stress (SS) plays an important role in the initiation and proliferation of coronary atherosclerosis, especially for bifurcations. Stenting in the coronary artery will cause many different changes in velocity, flow, cross‐sectional area, and especially the wall SS. However, it is still unknown how much wall SS distribution varies with stenting in coronary bifurcation.

Objective:
 The purpose of this study was to investigate the magnitude and distribution of wall SS after the classical crush stenting for bifurcation lesions.

Methods:
 Eleven patients with true coronary bifurcation stenting by the classical crush technique were included. We studied the difference of wall SS between restenosis and nonrestenosis groups in these patients. The differences in SS between preprocedure and postprocedure, as well as between immediately postprocedure and after an 8‐month follow‐up, were also analyzed. Diameter stenosis or minimal lumen diameter were measured by quantitative coronary analysis. The commercial CD STAR‐CCM+ was used to calculate the SS.

Results:
 At baseline, the SS in all the segments of all patients was high. The baseline SS of the restenosis group was 50% lower than the nonrestenosis group. Immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the SS in both areas decreased; however, the SS of the nonrestenosis group decreased to its lowest level possible while the SS of the restenosis group decreased moderately. Eight months later, the SS of all the segments of the nonrestenosis group remained persistently low at the same level of right after PCI. In contrary, the SS in the restenosis group returned to near its baseline level.

Conclusion:
 From our study, after a 2‐stent crush technique using drug‐eluting stents (DES), the degree of SS reduction appears to predict in‐stent restenosis (ISR). A SS decrease to its lowest level and remaining homogenously low is a prime condition to prevent ISR. A baseline low SS, which decreases minimally after PCI and recovers to around its baseline level, appears to be the setting for restenosis. These conditions can be evaluated as predictors of lesions that may need surveillance angiography and proper IVUS evaluation to prevent future in‐stent restenosis. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:330–340)
Contradictory Shear Stress Distribution Prevents Restenosis after Provisional Stenting for Bifurcation Lesions
Authors: ZHANG JUNE‐JIE , CHEN SHAO‐LIANG , HU ZUO‐YING , KAN JING , XU HAI‐MEI , SHAN SHOU‐JIE , LIU ZHI‐ZHONG , YE FEI , KWAN TAK W. , NGUYEN KATRINA , NANJUNDAPPA ARAVINDA , NGUYEN THACH
Published: July 2010

Background:
 Endothelial shear stress is one of the local hemodynamic factors suspected in the development of coronary atherosclerosis in bifurcation lesions. In patients with provisional stenting, the endothelial shear stress (SS) distribution is unknown.

Objective:
 The aim of this study was to investigate the magnitude and distribution of the SS of coronary bifurcation lesions stenting by the provisional approach.

Methods:
 Ten consecutive patients were included in this study. Quantitative coronary analysis, flow study, and three‐dimensional computational analysis with the aid of the commercial software CD STAR‐CCM+ were done before and after the provisional stenting procedure and also 8 months later.

Results:
 Clinical and angiographic follow‐up were available in all patients. No patient had a side branch (SB) stent. At the 8‐month follow‐up, no major adverse cardiac event (MACE) occurred. There was also no clinical and angiographic restenosis. Before PCI, the distal main vessel (MV)‐lateral, and the SB‐lateral subsegments had relative nonsignificant lower SS value (4.08 ± 2.78 Pa and 4.35 ± 5.04 Pa, respectively) when compared to other segments. After 8‐month follow‐up, sustained decreased SS value was shown in the distal MV‐lateral segment (4.08 ± 2.78–1.68 ± 1.65 Pa), when compared with significantly increased SS value in the SB‐lateral subsegment 4.35 ± 5.04–16.50 ± 40.45 Pa). The explanation is that after stenting in the MV, the flow was redistributed immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and reversed back to its original 8 months later. However, the growth of the fibrous tissue causing in‐stent restenosis (ISR) is prohibited by sirolimus on the stent struts. In contrast, in a branch opened up by plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA), the flow did not change much, the flow could even be worse because it is shifted to the MV after the cross‐sectional area of the MV improved by stenting. However, thanks to POBA, there is increased fibrous tissue formation, enough to increase the SS and prevent further accumulation of cell and cholesterol needed for more restenosis.

Conclusion:
 In the provisional approach, low endothelial SS correlated with no restenosis for patients who underwent stenting of the MV, while a contradictory combination of high SS and no restenosis was seen in the SB after only POBA. The mechanism of prevention of restenosis in the SB is by increasing the SS while in the MV, the mechanism of prevention of ISR is secondary to sirolimus on the stents struts. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:319–329)
Extension Distance Mismatch—An Unrecognized Factor for Suboptimal Side Branch Ostial Coverage in Bifurcation Lesion Stenting
Authors: VASSILEV DOBRIN , GIL ROBERT , KWAN TAK , NGUYEN THACH , NANJUNDAPPA ARAVINDA , DOGANOV ALEXANDER
Published: July 2010

Background:
 The unsatisfactory side branch (SB) ostial strut coverage remains a problem in coronary bifurcation stenting. Both the surplus and lack of struts at SB ostium may be the causative mechanism. We propose that the inability of available stents to cover the “extension distance” of the bifurcation region is the cause of in‐stent restenosis.

Methods:
 The extension distance (ED) is defined as the maximal distance at the carina tip, which must be covered by the stent struts to ensure optimal coverage of the main branch (MB) and SB openings. A mathematical model was created, representing the key factors that govern geometrical reconfigurations after stent implantation in bifurcations. There are two options—with and without bifurcation region deformation. The theoretical assumptions were tested on a bifurcation model (soft polyvinylchloride polymer tubes) permitting free wall deformations and the following parameters: Parent Vessel, MB, SB diameters of 3.5, 3.0, and 2.5 mm, respectively, with an angle of 45° between the MB and SB. After stenting, final KBI with 3.5 mm and 3.0 mm balloons was performed up to 20 atm.

Results:
 After the carina displacement, the ED, which has to be covered, is considerably smaller if the suboptimal result (DS >50%) at the SB ostium is acceptable. The maximal EDs from the bench test measurements are: Vision, Abbott Vascular – 5.62 mm ± 0.04; Liberte, Boston Scientific Corp. – 5.2 mm ± 0.03; Chopin2, Balton – 4.58 mm ± 0.05; Volo, Invatec – 4.41 mm ± 0.04; Driver, Medtronics – 4.39 mm ± 0.04; BxSonic, Cordis, J&J – 4.48 mm ± 0.05. The theoretical maximal ED of the model is 6.91 mm—28–62% larger than actually observed with different stents.

Conclusions:
 The achievement of perfect ostial coverage of the SB is unsatisfactory with most of the currently available stents, especially when poststenting excessive dilation of the ostium of the SB is performed. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:305–318)
Antimicrobial resistance 1979–2009 at Karolinska hospital, Sweden: normalized resistance interpretation during a 30‐year follow‐up on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli resistance development
Authors: KRONVALL GÖRAN
Published: July 2010

Kronvall G. Antimicrobial resistance 1979–2009 at Karolinska hospital, Sweden: normalized resistance interpretation during a 30‐year follow‐up on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli resistance development. APMIS 2010; 118: 621–39.

To utilize a material of inhibition zone diameter measurements from disc diffusion susceptibility tests between 1979 and 2009, an objective setting of epidemiological breakpoints was necessary because of methodological changes. Normalized resistance interpretation (NRI) met this need and was applied to zone diameter histograms for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli isolates. The results confirmed a slow resistance development as seen in Northern countries. The S. aureus resistance levels for erythromycin, clindamycin and fusidic acid in 2009 were 3.2%, 1.8% and 1.4% with denominator correction. A rise in resistance to four antimicrobials in 1983 was probably because of a spread of resistant Methicillin Susceptible Staphylococcus Aureus (MSSA). For E. coli, the denominator‐corrected resistance levels in 2009 were 27% for ampicillin, around 3% for third‐generation cephalosporins, 0.1% for imipenem, 2.5% for gentamicin, 19% for trimethoprim, 4.5% for co‐trimoxazole, 1.2% for nitrofurantoin and 9% for ciprofloxacin. The temporal trends showed a rise in fluoroquinolone resistance from 1993, a parallel increase in gentamicin resistance, a substantial increase in trimethoprim and sulphonamide resistance in spite of decreased consumption, and a steady rise in ampicillin resistance from a constant level before 1989. A short review of global resistance surveillance studies is included.
Early healing after elevation of the maxillary sinus floor applying a lateral access: a histological study in monkeys
Authors: Scala Alessandro , Botticelli Daniele , Rangel Idelmo Garcia , De Oliveira José Américo , Okamoto Roberta , Lang Niklaus Peter
Published: July 2010

Aim: To describe the early healing within the void obtained after the elevation of the sinus mucosa and simultaneous implant installation without the use of any grafting material in monkeys.

Material and methods: Implants were installed simultaneously with the elevation of the maxillary sinus using the lateral approach in eight monkeys without the use of grafting material. The healing after 4, 10, 20 and 30 days was evaluated in the area distal to the implants. Paraffin sections were prepared and analyzed using qualitative histological methods.

Results: The healing process was initiated by the formation of a coagulum and followed by a provisional matrix and woven bone. Subsequently, a parallel‐fiber bone replaced woven bone. The dimension of the elevated area shrank during the healing process. Sprouts of woven bone, present to a moderate extent after 4 days, were more numerous after 10 and 20 days. Newly formed bone originated from the sinus walls and septa, while there was no evidence of participation of the Schneiderian membrane in this process. After 30 days, the window access appeared to be closed by a layer of newly formed trabecular bone.

Conclusions: The coagulum that filled the void distal to the implant after simultaneous elevation of the sinus floor gave rise to newly formed bone. However, the void occupied by the coagulum shrank substantially. The Schneiderian membrane did not provide a basis for new bone formation in the early phase of healing.

To cite this article:
 Scala A, Botticelli D, Rangel IG Jr, de Oliveira JA, Okamoto R, Lang NP. Early healing after elevation of the maxillary sinus floor applying a lateral access: a histological study in monkeys. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 1320–1326. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01964.x
Emotional intelligence of dental students and patient satisfaction
Authors: Azimi S. , AsgharNejad Farid A. A. , Kharazi Fard M. J. , Khoei N.
Published: July 2010

The objective of this study was to determine the degree of correlation between emotional intelligence of dental students, patient satisfaction and related factors. A total of 123 senior students and their patients participated in the study. Students completed the 133 item Bar‐On Standardised Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQI) and patients completed a seven item satisfaction questionnaire. The mean score for EI of female students was 442 and 462 for male students, for an overall average score of 452 for all dental students. Male students significantly scored higher in stress control (P = 0.0), general mood (P = 0.011) and intrapersonal scales (P = 0.024). There was a statistically significant relationship between student gender and average EI score (P = 0.007). Married students scored higher in adaptability (P = 0.019) and general mood scales (P = 0.039). Significant relationships existed between students’ gender (P = 0.009), level of patient education (P = 0.0) and patient satisfaction levels. Not recording a significant relationship for the interpersonal scale (r = 0.134), there was a significant relationship amongst intrapersonal, stress control, adaptability, and general mood dimensions of the students and patient satisfaction reports. There was a statistically significant relationship between general emotional intelligence score of the students and patient satisfaction. Patients of the students with high general emotional intelligence scores were significantly more satisfied with treatment than patients of students with low EI.
Teaching and assessment of Professional attitudes in UK dental schools – Commentary
Authors: Field J. , Ellis J. , Abbas C. , Germain P.
Published: July 2010

The General Dental Council expects professionalism to be embedded and assessed through‐out the undergraduate dental programme. Curricula need therefore to accommodate these recommendations. A stroll poll of UK dental schools provided a basis for understanding the current methods of teaching and assessing professionalism. All respondent schools recognised the importance of professionalism and reported that this was taught and assessed within their curriculum. For most the methods involved were largely traditional, relying on lectures and seminars taught throughout the course. The most common form of assessment was by grading and providing formative feedback after a clinical encounter. Whilst clinical skills and knowledge can perhaps be readily taught and assessed using traditional methods, those involved in education are challenged to identify and implement effective methods of not only teaching, but also assessing professionalism. A variety of standalone methods need to be developed that assess professionalism and this will, in turn, allow the effectiveness of teaching methods to be assessed.
The structure of observed learning outcome (SOLO) taxonomy: a model to promote dental students’ learning
Authors: Lucander H. , Bondemark L. , Brown G. , Knutsson K.
Published: July 2010

Selective memorising of isolated facts or reproducing what is thought to be required – the surface approach to learning – is not the desired outcome for a dental student or a dentist in practice. The preferred outcome is a deep approach as defined by an intention to seek understanding, develop expertise and relate information and knowledge into a coherent whole. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the structure of observed learning outcome (SOLO) taxonomy could be used as a model to assist and promote the dental students to develop a deep approach to learning assessed as learning outcomes in a summative assessment. Thirty‐two students, participating in course eight in 2007 at the Faculty of Odontology at Malmö University, were introduced to the SOLO taxonomy and constituted the test group. The control group consisted of 35 students participating in course eight in 2006. The effect of the introduction was measured by evaluating responses to a question in the summative assessment by using the SOLO taxonomy. The evaluators consisted of two teachers who performed the assessment of learning outcomes independently and separately on the coded material. The SOLO taxonomy as a model for learning was found to improve the quality of learning. Compared to the control group significantly more strings and structured relations between these strings were present in the test group after the SOLO taxonomy had been introduced (P < 0.01, one tailed test for both results). The SOLO taxonomy is recommended as a model for promoting and developing a deeper approach to learning in dentistry.
Vincristine, an efficacious alternative for diffuse neonatal haemangiomatosis
Authors: Pérez‐Valle S , Peinador M , Herraiz P , Saénz P , Montoliu G , Vento M
Published: July 2010

Diffuse neonatal haemangiomatosis (DNH) is an uncommon condition characterized by multiple cutaneous and visceral haemangiomas frequently causing severe complications. Corticosteroids constitute the first therapeutic line; however, when they fail, other alternatives are available, provided possible side effects are closely monitored during and after treatment. We present a case of life‐threatening DNH, non‐responsive to corticosteroids, successfully treated with Vincristine with minor side effects. We conclude that Vincristine is a valid alternative in corticosteroid‐resistant DNH.
An unplanned delay between control visits influences the metabolic status in children with diabetes: an observational study
Authors: Kofoed P‐E , Thomsen J , Ammentorp J
Published: July 2010

Aim:  To evaluate whether the metabolic status had been influenced by the longer interval between visits because of a strike at the diabetes outpatient clinic.

Methods:  During the strike from April 16 to June 15, 2008 all routine visits were cancelled. The HbA1c values from the last two visits prior to and the first two visits after the strike were compared with the values from the same periods the previous year. Danish speaking patients answered a questionnaire.

Results:  For 155 children included, the mean HbA1c values before the strike were 8.1 and 8.1 (p = 0.39), while the value increased to 8.5 at the first visit (p < 0.0001) and 8.4 at the second visit following the strike (p = 0.14). No differences were found between any of the HbA1c values measured in 2007 (p > 0.05). Of the 152 questionnaires handed out, 113 (74.3%) were returned. Of these, 48 (42.5%) stated to have needed help, and 49 (43.3%) that their children’s diabetes had deteriorated because of the strike.

Conclusions:  In this unplanned study, the increase of 0.4% in mean HbA1c supports previous findings that the interval between visits at a diabetic clinic is important for ensuring an acceptable metabolic control in children with diabetes.
Transforming readers: teachers and children in the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education Power of Reading project
Authors: O'Sullivan Olivia , McGonigle Sue
Published: July 2010

This paper presents findings from a national project in England, The Power of Reading (Centre for Literacy in Primary Education), which has involved to date 41 projects over 5 years, in 16 Local Authorities nationally, with 900 schools and 1,350 teachers. The paper presents findings for the first 4 years. Our data demonstrate how professional development has increased teachers' knowledge of children's literature and developed their confidence in using a wide range of creative pedagogies based on texts. The paper draws on evidence to describe how the emotional power of texts can affect both teachers and children and change their engagement as readers. A range of evidence demonstrates children's responses to texts and their developing understanding through writing, talk, drawing and art work. We provide evidence to show how these factors have increased children's motivation and attainment as readers.
Images of childhood and the implied reader in young children's information books
Authors: Larkin‐Lieffers Patricia A.
Published: July 2010

Images of childhood are ideas and expectations of childhood and children, and are reflections of individual perception and cultural ideologies. In writing children's books, authors draw on their conscious and unconscious thoughts of childhood to create an implied reader. In this paper I investigate images of childhood through examination of the portrayal of the implied reader in a selection of information books, a genre that is often overlooked for beginning readers. Three books of various sub‐genres, topics and presentation styles were examined for images of childhood and the child in the text and illustrations. Some images include childhood in formal education, the child as a co‐constructor, the child as a cultural reproducer, and childhood as a time of innocence and play. The construct of the implied reader shapes the reader and the reading experience, and is thus an element of the power of the text; awareness of the implied reader and the real reader response can help in teaching young children to read both with and against the text. When selecting information books, attention to their images of childhood as well as to the quality of the information they provide, will help to optimise young children's early reading experiences.
SLCO1B1Polymorphism and Oral Antidiabetic Drugs
Authors: Kalliokoski Annikka , Neuvonen Pertti J. , Niemi Mikko
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Organic anion‐transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1; gene:SLCO1B1) is an influx transporter expressed on the sinusoidal membrane of human hepatocytes, where it mediates the uptake of its substrates from blood into liver.In vitro, theSLCO1B1c.521T > C (p.Val174Ala) single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been associated with reduced and the c.388A > G (p.Asn130Asp) SNP with both enhanced and reduced transport activity of OATP1B1.In vivoin humans, the c.521C allele (present inSLCO1B1*5and*15haplotypes) is associated with decreased hepatic uptake and increased plasma concentrations of several OATP1B1 substrates. TheSLCO1B1*1B(c.388G‐c.521T) haplotype is associated with enhanced hepatic uptake and decreased plasma concentrations of some OATP1B1 substrates. TheSLCO1B1c.521CC genotype has been associated with an about 60‐190% increased, and theSLCO1B1*1B/*1Bgenotype with an about 30% decreased area under the plasma concentration‐time curve of repaglinide. Moreover,SLCO1B1polymorphism can affect the extent of interaction between OATP1B1 inhibitors and repaglinide. Accordingly,SLCO1B1genotyping may help in choosing the optimal starting dose of repaglinide. In Chinese individuals, theSLCO1B1c.521C allele has been associated with increased plasma concentrations of nateglinide, but the association could not be replicated in Caucasians.SLCO1B1genotype has had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of rosiglitazone, pioglitazone or their metabolites. The hepatic uptake of metformin is mediated by organic cation transporters 1 and 3, and the liver is not important for the elimination or action of the dipeptidylpeptidase 4 inhibitors sitagliptin, vildagliptin and saxagliptin. Therefore,SLCO1B1polymorphism unlikely affects the response to these antidiabetics. Possible effects ofSLCO1B1polymorphism on sulfonylureas remain to be investigated.
Genomic structure and characterization of mRNA expression pattern of porcine interferon gamma receptor 1 gene
Authors: Xing F. , Jiang C. , Liang S. , Kang L. , Jiang Y.
Published: July 2010

Interferon gamma receptor (IFNGR) plays an important role in the biological effects of IFN‐γ. In this study, porcine IFNGR1 cDNA was cloned and two transcripts both having a coding region of 1413 bp were identified. Porcine IFNGR1 cDNA shares 62.95%, 63.73%, 72.90% and 81.10% identity in nucleotide sequence; and 45.64%, 46.69%, 58.04% and 72.55% homology in amino acid sequence to those of rat, mouse, human and cattle, respectively. The porcine IFNGR1 genomic structure consists of seven exons and six introns and is located on porcine chromosome 1. The mRNA expression of porcine IFNGR1 gene is detected in all tissues examined, with strong expression in spleen and liver tissues and weak expression in cerebrum, cerebellum and uterus tissues, respectively. A different developmental pattern in IFNGR1 mRNA expression between Laiwu and Duroc breeds was revealed by real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR: in Duroc pigs, a significantly higher expression was found in the tissues of heart (P < 0.05), liver (P < 0.01), kidney (P < 0.01) and skeletal muscle (P < 0.05) of adult pigs compared to piglets. In porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)‐infected Dapulian pigs, compared to the uninfected ones, the expression level of IFNGR1 mRNA in spleen was significantly up‐regulated (P < 0.05), whereas its expression in the lymph node was significantly down‐regulated (P < 0.05); in PRRSV‐infected Duroc × Yorkshire × Landrace commercial pigs, however, the differences both in spleen and lymph node tissues were not significant.
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Technology Status
Authors: Singh Prabhakar , Minh Nguyen Q.
Published: July 2010

In its most common configuration, a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) uses an oxygen‐ion conducting ceramic electrolyte membrane, perovskite cathode, and nickel cermet anode electrode. Cells operate in the 600–1000°C temperature range and utilize metallic or ceramic current collectors for cell‐to‐cell interconnection. Recent developments in engineered electrode architectures, component materials chemistry, cell and stack designs, and fabrication processes have led to significant improvements in the electrical performance and performance stability as well as reduction in the operating temperature of such cells. Large kW‐size power‐generation systems have been designed and field demonstrated. This paper reviews the status of SOFC power‐generation systems with emphasis on cell and stack component materials, electrode reactions, materials reactions, and corrosion processes.
The Agreement on Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights Flexibilities on Intellectual Property Enforcement: The World Trade Organization Panel Interpretation of China‐Intellectual Property Enforcement of Criminal Measures and Its Implications
Authors: Li Xuan
Published: July 2010

Criminal procedure is one of the three major points in the China‐Intellectual Property (IP) case brought about by the United States. A number of experts believed that United States failed on this point because of lack of sufficient evidence. However, the author is of the view that the Agreement on Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) text‐based interpretation of IP enforcement flexibility served as the core of the panel decision. This article starts with the criminal thresholds of China's criminal laws, and focuses on analysing the interpretation by the panel on the scope of responsibility and its limitations as enshrined in article 61, which led to the conclusion that the essence of the dispute is how to interpret and determine “IP enforcement flexibility”. On this basis, the article expounds the concept and content of the “IP enforcement flexibility” and highlights the implications of this concept on current international TRIPS‐plus initiatives. Some implications are given on how the World Trade Organization members can take advantage of the enforcement flexibility to serve the needs of innovation and development in their own countries.
Dietary fructose, salt absorption and hypertension in metabolic syndrome: towards a new paradigm
Authors: Soleimani M.
Published: July 2010

The worldwide increase in the incidence of metabolic syndrome correlates with marked increase in total fructose intake in the form of high‐fructose corn syrup, beverage and table sugar. Increased dietary fructose intake in rodents has been shown to recapitulate many aspects of metabolic syndrome by causing hypertension, insulin resistance and hyperlipidaemia. Recent studies demonstrated that increased dietary fructose intake stimulates salt absorption in the small intestine and kidney tubules, resulting in a state of salt overload and thus causing hypertension. The absorption of salt (sodium and chloride) in the small intestine is predominantly mediated via the chloride/base exchangers DRA (Down Regulated in Adenoma) (SLC26A3) and PAT1 (Putative Anion Transporter 1) (SLC26A6), and the Na+/H+ exchanger NHE3 (Sodium Hydrogen Exchanger3) (SLC9A3). PAT1 and NHE3 also co‐localize on the apical membrane of kidney proximal tubule. Luminal fructose stimulated salt absorption in the jejunum and kidney tubules, responses that were significantly diminished in PAT1 null mice. These studies further demonstrated that Glut5 (SLC2A5) is the major fructose‐absorbing transporter in the small intestine (and kidney proximal tubule) and plays an essential role in the systemic homeostasis of fructose. Increased dietary fructose intake for several weeks upregulated the expression of NHE3, PAT1 and Glut5 in the intestine and resulted in hypertension in wild‐type mice, a response that was almost abolished in PAT1 null mice and abrogated in Glut5 null mice. This article will discuss the interaction of Glut5 with salt‐absorbing transporters and review the role of dietary fructose in enhanced salt absorption in intestine and kidney as it relates to the pathogenesis of hypertension in metabolic syndrome.
Review of the literature regarding early intervention for children and adolescents aged 0–15 experiencing a first‐episode psychiatric disturbance
Authors: Leavey JoAnn Elizabeth , Flexhaug Monica , Ehmann Tom
Published: July 2010

Aim: The purpose of this review is to report on existing literature regarding children and adolescents younger than 16 years of age experiencing a first‐episode psychiatric disturbance. Rather than providing a comprehensive list of service implications, this paper identifies some of the gaps in knowledge and practice to encourage ongoing analysis regarding better practices for early intervention for children and adolescents experiencing a first‐episode psychiatric disturbance.

Methods: A search was conducted to identify key evidence‐based literature published from 1985 to 2007 discussing various aspects of child and youth mental health in Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. The review also included ‘grey’ literature. Categories of information include diagnoses, pharmacological and non‐pharmacological treatment, prevalence, environmental and other risk factors, and demographic variables.

Results: Understanding first‐episode psychiatric disturbance for patients under the age of 16 years is limited because of a scarcity of controlled studies focusing on this population. Programme evaluations are sparse, perhaps because of the small number of specialized units servicing this population. It may be helpful to enlist early intervention psychosis programmes that have been successful in assisting young people aged 16–24 in the development of better practices and care outcomes for younger age groups.

Conclusions: The authors highlight information that has the potential to assist in optimizing care for those youth younger than 16 years experiencing or exhibiting signs of a first‐episode psychiatric disturbance.
Adaptive management of pest resistance by Helicoverpa species (Noctuidae) in Australia to the Cry2Ab Bt toxin in Bollgard II® cotton
Authors: Downes Sharon , Mahon Rodney J. , Rossiter Louise , Kauter Greg , Leven Tracey , Fitt Gary , Baker Geoff
Published: July 2010

In Australia, monitoring Helicoverpa species for resistance to the Cry2Ab toxin in second generation Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton has precisely fulfilled its intended function: to warn of increases in resistance frequencies that may lead to field failures of the technology. Prior to the widespread adoption of two‐gene Bt cotton, the frequency of Cry2Ab resistance alleles was at least 0.001 in H. armigera and H. punctigera. In the 5 years hence, there has been a significant and apparently exponential increase in the frequency of alleles conferring Cry2Ab resistance in field populations of H. punctigera. Herein we review the history of deploying and managing resistance to Bt cotton in Australia, outline the characteristics of the isolated resistance that likely impact on resistance evolution, and use a simple model to predict likely imminent resistance frequencies. We then discuss potential strategies to mitigate further increases in resistance frequencies, until the release of a third generation product. These include mandating larger structured refuges, applying insecticide to crops late in the season, and restricting the area of Bollgard II® cotton. The area planted to Bt‐crops is anticipated to continue to rise worldwide; therefore the strategies being considered in Australia are likely to relate to other situations.
An Analytical/Computational Approach in Assessing Vortex-Induced Vibration of a Variable Tension Riser
Authors: Josefsson Per M. , Dalton Charles
Published: July 2010

The transverse vibratory response of a long, slender vertical top tension riser, subject to an ocean current, is studied. The problem is treated as a coupled fluid flow/vibration problem, which is solved numerically. The fluid flow part is represented by the 2D Navier–Stokes equations, with large-eddy simulation turbulence modeling and strip theory, which are solved numerically to obtain the flow field and determine the vortex-shedding behavior in the flow. The approach flow is a shear flow ranging in Reynolds number from 8000 to 10,000. Given the flow field and vortex-shedding behavior, the transverse fluid forcing function can be determined at a given instant, which becomes the input to the Euler–Bernoulli beam equation to calculate the displacement of the riser, using a technique that involves the Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) method and modal decomposition. The boundary conditions for the fluid flow equations are updated each time step as the cylinder moves. The natural frequency of the riser is tension dominated, not bending-stiffness dominated. With the decrease in tension with increasing depth, the natural frequency is affected. Therefore, the solution will be influenced by the depth-dependent tension. This study has indicated some interesting features regarding the vortex-induced vibration of a variable-tension riser. The vibrational response is greater for a variable-tension riser than for a constant-tension riser, when the variable-tension riser is assumed to have the same top tension as the constant-tension riser. Thus, this is one reason why it is important to take into account the variable tension when estimating fatigue failures of marine risers.
Numerical Analysis of the Flotation Ring of a Gravity-Type Fish Cage
Authors: Dong Guo-hai , Hao Shuang-hu , Zhao Yun-peng , Zong Zhi , Gui Fu-kun
Published: July 2010

The gravity-type fish cage is extensively applied with the increasing demand for fishery products. The flotation ring is its main load-bearing component and supports the whole cage. So it is essential to study the hydroelasticity of the flotation ring for the safety of a fish cage. An analytical method is proposed to study the elastic deformation of a simplified flotation ring subjected to water waves. The equations governing in-plane deformations are obtained according to curved beam theory, in which the modal superposition method is used to represent the in-plane deformation of an element of the ring. Then, the motion equations of the ring are built up coupled with deformation equations. The correlation between the predicted results and the experimental data is acceptable to validate the numerical modeling. Then the effect of Young’s module, radius of the ring, and wave conditions on elastic responses is discussed in terms of the prototype scale of a flotation ring. It is concluded that the deformations over the ring in the direction of waves’ propagation are the largest, and that the mooring point in the head-on direction of the waves is critical for reliability of the ring. Large deformations of the flotation ring may induce the failure of the fish cage when the storm covers it. So more attention to the hydroelasticity of the flotation ring should be paid in the design for a fish cage.