bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salivary Immunoglobulin Classes in Nigerians with Periodontitis
Authors: Olayanju OA , Rahamon SK , Joseph IO , Arinola OG
Published: May 2012

Aim

To provide information on the usefulness of salivary immunoglobulin classes in the diagnosis of periodontitis.

Materials and methods

About 5 ml of unstimulated saliva was collected from 25 newly diagnosed subjects with periodontitis and 21 sex/age-matched apparently healthy individuals into plain sample bottles. The samples were collected between 9 am and 11 am at least, 1 hour after eating or washing of mouth and levels of salivary immunoglobulin classes (IgA, IgG, IgE and IgM) were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Only the mean level of IgA was significantly raised (p = 0.05) in the saliva of periodontitis patients compared with controls. The mean levels of IgG, IgM and IgE were not significantly elevated in patients with periodontitis, when compared with controls (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study showed that elevated salivary levels of IgA could be used as a screening tool for periodontitis.

Clinical significance

Identification of patients at risk and the diagnosis of active phases of periodontal disease remains a challenge due to lack of laboratory test routinely employed in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with periodontal disease. This study showed that elevated salivary levels of immunoglobulin classes especially, IgA could be used as a screening tool for periodontitis.

How to cite this article

Olayanju OA, Rahamon SK, Joseph IO, Arinola OG. Salivary Immunoglobulin Classes in Nigerians with Periodontitis. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(2):163-166.
Lip Dimensions of an Adult Nigerian Population with Normal Occlusion
Authors: Isiekwe Gerald Ikenna , daCosta Oluranti Olatokunbo , Isiekwe Michael Chukwudi
Published: May 2012

Introduction

The soft tissue paradigm is placing greater emphasis on the importance of the soft tissue profile to orthodontic treatment planning. The purpose of this study was to determine the lip dimensions of a Nigerian adult population; compare the male and female values and to compare the values obtained for Nigerians with those reported for other population.

Methodology

Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 100 students (44 males and 56 females) of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, aged 18 to 25 years were taken. Selected subjects were of Nigerian ancestry with normal occlusion and a harmonious facial appearance. The radiographs were manually traced and the upper and lower lip length and thickness of each subject was measured. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS, while the male and female values were compared using student's t-tests.

Results

Mean values for the lip dimensions were computed for the entire sample. Marked sexual dimorphism was observed with the males having thicker and longer upper and lower lips than the females. The Nigerian sample also had a longer upper lip and a thicker and shorter lower lip than that reported for Caucasians. However, both population had a similar upper lip thickness.

Conclusion

Cephalometric norms were developed for the lip dimensions of a Nigerian population. Marked sexual dimorphism was observed in the Nigerian population studied with the males having longer and thicker lips than the females. The lip dimensions of the Nigerian population studied differed from that reported for Caucasians and other racial groups.

Clinical significance

The lip dimensions established in this study would aid in orthodontic and orthognathic surgery treatment planning for Nigerians. Furthermore, due to the marked sexual dimorphism observed in the Nigerian population studied, gender specific and not generalized norms should be used.

How to cite this article

Isiekwe GI, daCosta OO, Isiekwe MC. Lip Dimensions of an Adult Nigerian Population with Normal Occlusion. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(2):188-193.
Orbital Trauma: Keep an Eye for the Details!
Authors: Kumar VV Harish , Kumar KP Manoj , Varma Sujatha
Published: May 2012

Orbital injuries are often missed out when they occur concomitantly with other facial bone fractures. Clinical examination and plain radiographic findings alone may prove inadequate in the detection of orbital floor fractures. Refined imaging techniques like CT scans and MRI are immensely helpful in the diagnosis of orbital blowout fractures. A case of ‘impure’ orbital blowout fracture which went undetected at the time of initial examination and its secondary surgical reconstruction is reported here. This case report emphasizes the importance of careful clinical and radiologic evaluation in orbital injuries.

How to cite this article

Kumar KPM, Kumar VVH, Varma S. Orbital Trauma: Keep an Eye for the Details! J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(2):232-235.
Effect of Occupation- and Activity-Based Interventions on Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Performance Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Orellano Elsa , Colón Wanda I. , Arbesman Marian
Published: May 2012

This systematic review examines the effectiveness of occupation- and activity-based interventions on community-dwelling older adults’ performance of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). It was conducted as part of the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Evidence-Based Practice Project. Forty studies met the inclusion criteria and were critically appraised and synthesized. Within occupation-based and client-centered interventions, the evidence that multicomponent interventions improve and maintain IADL performance in community-dwelling older adults is strong. The results also indicate that client-centered, occupation-based interventions can be effective in improving and maintaining IADL performance. The evidence is moderate for functional task exercise programs and limited for simulated IADL interventions to improve IADL performance. In the area of performance skills, the evidence related to physical activity and cognitive skills training is mixed, and the evidence that vision rehabilitation interventions improve IADL performance in older adults with low vision is moderate. Implications for practice, education, and research are also discussed.
Effect of Imagery Perspective on Occupational Performance After Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nilsen Dawn M. , Gillen Glen , DiRusso Theresa , Gordon Andrew M.
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE. This preliminary study sought to determine whether the imagery perspective used during mental practice (MP) differentially influenced performance outcomes after stroke.

METHOD. Nineteen participants with unilateral subacute stroke (9 men and 10 women, ages 28–77) were randomly allocated to one of three groups. All groups received 30-min occupational therapy sessions 2×/wk for 6 wk. Experimental groups received MP training in functional tasks using either an internal or an external perspective; the control group received relaxation imagery training. Participants were pre- and posttested using the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA), the Jebsen–Taylor Test of Hand Function (JTTHF), and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).

RESULTS. At posttest, the internal and external experimental groups showed statistically similar improvements on the FMA and JTTHF (p < .05). All groups improved on the COPM (p < .05).

CONCLUSION. MP combined with occupational therapy improves upper-extremity recovery after stroke. MP does not appear to enhance self-perception of performance. This preliminary study suggests that imagery perspective may not be an important variable in MP interventions.
Qigong Massage for Motor Skills in Young Children With Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome
Authors: Silva Louisa M. T. , Schalock Mark , Garberg Jodi , Smith Cynthia Lammers
Published: May 2012

In this article, we present a small randomized controlled study evaluating the effect of a dual parent- and trainer-delivered qigong massage methodology on motor skills and sensory responses in 28 children under age 4 with developmental delay and motor tone abnormalities. Fourteen children had high motor tone as a result of cerebral palsy (CP), and 14 children had low motor tone as a result of Down syndrome. Multivariate analysis and post hoc analysis of variance showed large effect-size improvements in Peabody Gross Motor Scale (PGMS) Object Manipulation scores (p < .01) and large effect-size improvements in overall PGMS scores (p < .04) in treatment versus control groups after 5 mo intervention. Follow-up evaluation 10 mo from the start indicated continued improvement. Sensory responses showed no treatment effect. The results suggest further investigation of qigong massage as a promising avenue for research to improve motor skills in young children with CP and Down syndrome.
Post-Operative Radiographic Factors and Patient-Reported Outcome after Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Wylde Vikki , Maclean Angus , Blom Ashley W.
Published: May 2012

Although total hip replacement (THR) is considered a very successful surgical intervention, a proportion of patients experience persistent pain or disability, and/or dissatisfaction with the outcome of surgery. Our aim was to determine whether post-operative radiographic variables were predictive of patient-reported pain, function and satisfaction after primary THR.

At 1-3 years after surgery patients completed the WOMAC Pain scale, WOMAC Function scale and a validated measure of satisfaction with the outcome of surgery. Post-operative radiographs taken prior to discharge were graded for the restoration of offset, restoration of leg length, anteroposterior (AP) alignment of the femoral stem and AP acetabular inclination. Binary logistic regression was used to identify whether radiographic variables were significant predictors of patient-reported outcome scores.

Radiographic and patient-reported outcomes data were available for 452 THR patients. No radiographic predictors were found to be significant predictors of patient reported pain, function or satisfaction at 1–3 years after THR.

This highlights that patients with continuing problems after THR may benefit from a thorough multi-disciplinary assessment to diagnose the underlying cause of the problems.
Results of Conserve Plus® Metal-On-Metal Hip Resurfacing for Post-Traumatic Arthritis and Osteonecrosis
Authors: Woon Regina P. , Johnson Alicia J. , Amstutz Harlan C.
Published: May 2012

The safety and efficacy of metal-on-metal surface arthroplasty in post-traumatic arthritis and post-traumatic osteonecrosis (PT OA and PT ON) cases has not previously been thoroughly investigated. This study compared the outcomes of metal-on-metal hip resurfacing (HR) in patients performed for an indication of OA secondary to trauma to compared to PT ON. Metal-on-metal resurfacing arthroplasties were performed on 62 hips, 43 with PT OA and 19 with PT ON with secondary osteoarthritis. There were 51 males and 11 females. All patients were followed up clinically and radiographically with a mean follow-up of 87.2 months. Clinical outcome scores, survivorship, and radiographs were compared between the PT OA and PT ON group. The clinical outcomes for the PT ON and PT OA groups were similar with a survival rate of 95% (95% CI 82.1% to 98.8%) for the PT OA group alone at 8 years and 91% for those with PT OA with ON at 8 years (95% CI 50.8%-98.7%). The Kaplan-Meier survivorship curves for the cohorts of PT OA and PT ON patients were not statistically significantly different (Log rank, p=0.6036). Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing appears to be a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of both post-traumatic osteoarthritis and osteonecrosis.
Bone Remodelling around A Cementless Straight Tha Stem: A Prospective Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Study
Authors: Stukenborg-Colsman Christina M. , von der Haar-Tran Annelene , Windhagen Henning , Bouguecha Anas , Wefstaedt Patrick , Lerch Matthias
Published: May 2012

The design of the Bicontact® stem (BBraun, Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany) and the implantation technique have undergone no major alterations in the last 20 years leading, and good clinical results have been reported. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the implant encourages beneficial bone remodelling.

Twenty-four patients were included in a prospective dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) study of this stem, after appropriate statistical power analysis. Preoperative and postoperative (1 week, 6 months, and 12 months) clinical and DEXA examinations were performed.

The Harris Hip Score increased significantly by 39 points. The strongest decreases in BMD were observed in the greater trochanter region (–11%) and the calcar (–12%). In the second half of the study period the bone mineral density recovered slightly and even returned to baseline values in the lesser trochanter region. Therefore, proximal load transfer and physiological bone remodelling around the Bicontact® stem appeared to be achieved.
The Surgical Anatomy of Intra-Abdominal Prosthetic Dislocation during Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Sandiford Nemandra A. , Jack Christopher M. , Rajaratnam Samuel , Weitzel Stefan , Tsitskaris Konstantinos , Lawrence-Watt Diana J.
Published: May 2012

Hip replacement surgery remains one of the most successful and common operations in modern orthopaedics. Many surgical approaches to the hip have been described. A potential anatomical weakness exists between the hip joint and the retroperitoneal space. We describe this potential space, which lies superficial to iliopsoas and its importance in hip replacement surgery. The clinical relevance of this space is illustrated by 2 cases of retro-peritoneal migration of prosthetic femoral heads and the consequences of these.
Prevalence of Dementia in Elderly Patients with Hip Fracture
Authors: Yiannopoulou Konstantina G. , Anastasiou Ioannis P. , Ganetsos Theodore K. , Efthimiopoulos Petros , Papageorgiou Sokratis G.
Published: May 2012

Hip fractures occur commonly and are a cause of disability for older adults and lead to increased dependence and requirements for social support. Dementia is one of the possible risk factors for falling and hip fracture, a potential source for complications during surgery and during the postoperative period, difficulties in rehabilitation and a risk factor for hip fracture reccurence.

However, in previous studies of hip fracture patients, cognitive status has not been formally assessed during the inpatient stay and diagnosis was based only on previous history. Additionally, no previous studies have compared prevalence of dementia between elderly patients with hip fracture and patients with other surgical pathology.

Our aim was to define whether dementia was more prevalent in older subjects with hip fracture than in other elderly patients undergoing surgery.

In this study, we prospectively assessed all patients aged 68 and older admitted to our hospital for hip fracture surgery during a one year period and compared them with age and gender matched patients attending other surgical departments. 80 hip fracture patients and 80 controls were assessed for dementia.

Dementia was common in both groups, presumably reflecting the advanced mean age of both groups and cognitive deterioration due to hospitalization-status. Dementia was significantly higher in the hip fracture group (85%) compared to the control group (61.5%; p=0.002).

Dementia is very common in older patients admitted for surgery to a general hospital and extremely common in those with hip fracture. It seems that dementia is under diagnosed in elderly hospitalised patients. Our data confirm that dementia is a major risk factor for hip fracture in the elderly.
Long-Term Patient-Reported Outcomes after Total Hip Replacement: Comparison to the General Population
Authors: Gould Virginia C. , Blom Ashley W. , Wylde Vikki
Published: May 2012

Hip replacement is one of the most common elective procedures performed in the NHS, with patients generally reporting good mid-term outcomes. However, patient-reported long-term outcomes have been less well studied. The aim of this study was to explore the extent of variation in long-term patient reported outcomes after total hip replacement (THR), and to compare outcomes to a control population without THR.

All patients who had undergone primary THR at one centre 12–16 years ago and who had previously completed an Oxford hip score (OHS) 5–8 years post-operatively were invited to complete a postal OHS. Participants in the control group who had not undergone hip or knee replacement also completed an OHS.

The Oxford hip score (OHS) was completed by 407 THR patients and 927 controls. The median score of 18 for the THR patients was significantly worse than the median score of 12 for the control group (p <0.001). Similar results were found when comparisons were stratified by age. There was considerable variation in change in OHS from 5–8 years to 12–16 years post-operatively, although a significant worsening in outcome was found only in patients over 80 years old.

Patients continue to report good functional outcomes at 12–16 years after THR, although function is signficantly worse than the general population who have not undergone THR.
Bilateral Subtrochanteric Fractures in Tumour-Induced Osteomalacia Caused by a Nasal Haemangiopericytoma
Authors: Burnand Henry , Samuels Abigail , Hagan Ian , Sawant Nitin , Mutimer Jonathan
Published: May 2012

Bilateral insufficiency fractures of the proximal femur often have a pathological basis. Diagnosis of rare causes of insufficiency fractures can be challenging. Tumour-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome of mesenchymal tumours which leads to hypophosphataemia and osteomalacia. Suspected pathological fractures should be investigated thoroughly including a fasting serum phosphate level. Further investigations should include serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) which is a peptide hormone secreted by mesenchymal tumours. Available imaging modalities include Octreotide scanning which detects somatostatin receptors commonly expressed on mesenchymal tumours. After localisation and resection of the tumour, a full recovery from TIO is achievable.
Zero discharge desalination technology: A new twist on conventional desalination techniques
Authors: Davis Tom , Biagini Brad
Published: May 2012

New technology offers a high product water recovery rate from brackish water sources, alleviating or eliminating the necessity for brine disposal.
Morphological Assessment of Neurite Outgrowth in Hippocampal Neuron‐Astrocyte Co‐Cultures
Authors: Giordano Gennaro , Costa Lucio G.
Published: May 2012

Neurite outgrowth is a fundamental event in brain development, as well as in regeneration of damaged neurons. Astrocytes play a major role in neuritogenesis, by expressing and releasing factors that facilitate neurite outgrowth, such as extracellular matrix proteins, and factors that can inhibit neuritogenesis, such as the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan neurocan. In this unit we describe a noncontact co‐culture system of hippocampal neurons and cortical (or hippocampal) astrocytes for measurement of neurite outgrowth. Hippocampal pyramidal neurons are plated on glass coverslips, which are inverted onto an astrocyte feeder layer, allowing exposure of neurons to astrocyte‐derived factors without direct contact between these two cell types. After co‐culture, neurons are stained and photographed, and processes are assessed morphologically using Metamorph software. This method allows exposing astrocytes to various agents before co‐culture in order to assess how these exposures may influence the ability of astrocytes to foster neurite outgrowth. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 52:11.16.1‐11.16.26. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Measuring Altered Disposition of Xenobiotics in Experimental Models of Liver Disease
Authors: Hardwick Rhiannon N. , Cherrington Nathan J.
Published: May 2012

Understanding the metabolic pathway and excretion mechanisms governing the disposition of a compound is essential to the safe use of pharmaceutical agents. Because the liver is the primary organ responsible for the metabolism and elimination of xenobiotics, chronic liver disease can have a significant effect on the disposition of many xenobiotics due to changes in the expression or function of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters. Liver disease can result in increased retention of a xenobiotic within the body, causing greater exposure of the individual to a potentially harmful compound, which may lead to toxicity. On the other hand, liver disease may also up‐regulate the elimination processes of a xenobiotic, accelerating its removal from the body. With regard to a pharmaceutical agent, enhanced elimination may result in a decreased pharmacologic effect. Such alterations may necessitate dosage adjustments to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 52:23.1.1‐23.1.17. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Use of Zinc Finger Nuclease Technology to Knock Out Efflux Transporters in C2BBe1 Cells
Authors: Pratt Jennifer , Venkatraman Neetu , Brinker Amanda , Xiao Yongling , Blasberg Jim , Thompson David C. , Bourner Maureen
Published: May 2012

A limitation of the traditional Caco‐2 cell assay for measuring transporter‐mediated efflux of a given substrate is that it is not possible to determine which specific transporter is involved. The methods in this unit describe an approach for generating specific transporter knockout cell lines that can be used to test efflux with any desired substrates. In this approach, human C2BBe1 cells (a subclone of Caco‐2 cells) are nucleofected with specific zinc finger nucleases (ZFN), which can be designed to target any gene of interest and generate a double‐stranded break. The cell's normal repair mechanisms can then generate targeted deletions (or integrations). A single ZFN can be used to generate a single transporter knockout, or multiple ZFNs can be used to knock out more than one transporter. This unit provides all methods needed to design the required plasmids, generate and identify transporter knockout cell lines, verify their membrane integrity, and test them with functional transport assays. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 52:23.2.1‐23.2.22. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Fischer Elizabeth R. , Hansen Bryan T. , Nair Vinod , Hoyt Forrest H. , Dorward David W.
Published: May 2012

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) remains distinct in its ability to allow topographical visualization of structures. Key elements to consider for successful examination of biological specimens include appropriate preparative and imaging techniques. Chemical processing induces structural artifacts during specimen preparation, and several factors need to be considered when selecting fixation protocols to reduce these effects while retaining structures of interest. Particular care for proper dehydration of specimens is essential to minimize shrinkage and is necessary for placement under the high‐vacuum environment required for routine operation of standard SEMs. Choice of substrate for mounting and coating specimens can reduce artifacts known as charging, and a basic understanding of microscope settings can optimize parameters to achieve desired results. This unit describes fundamental techniques and tips for routine specimen preparation for a variety of biological specimens, preservation of labile or fragile structures, immune‐labeling strategies, and microscope imaging parameters for optimal examination by SEM. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 25:2B.2.1‐2B.2.47. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Genetic Manipulation of Agrobacterium
Authors: Morton Elise R. , Fuqua Clay
Published: May 2012

Agrobacterium species are plant‐associated relatives of the rhizobia. Several species cause plant diseases such as crown gall and hairy root, although there are also avirulent species. A. tumefaciens is the most intensively studied species and causes crown gall, a neoplastic disease that occurs on a variety of plants. Virulence is specified by large plasmids, and in the case of A. tumefaciens, this is called the Ti (tumor‐inducing) plasmid. During pathogenesis virulent agrobacteria copy a segment of the Ti plasmid and transfer it to the plant, where it subsequently integrates into the plant genome, and expresses genes that result in the disease symptoms. A. tumefaciens has been used extensively as a plant genetic engineering tool and is also a model microorganism that has been well studied for host‐microbe associations, horizontal gene transfer, cell‐cell communication, and biofilm formation. This unit describes standard protocols for genetic manipulation of A. tumefaciens. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 25:3D.2.1‐3D.2.15. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Growth and Laboratory Maintenance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: LaBauve Annette E. , Wargo Matthew J.
Published: May 2012

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common, free‐living, Gram‐negative bacterium that can cause significant disease as an opportunistic pathogen. Rapid growth, facile genetics, and a large suite of virulence‐related phenotypes make P. aeruginosa a common model organism to study Gram‐negative opportunistic pathogens and basic microbiology. This unit describes the basic laboratory growth and maintenance of P. aeruginosa. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 25:6E.1.1‐6E.1.8. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Separation and Isolation of BTV dsRNA Segments and Viral Proteins
Authors: Li Joseph K.‐K. , Huang I‐Jen , Hayama Emiko
Published: May 2012

Bluetongue virus (BTV) genome contains ten double‐stranded RNA segments. The sequence of the plus strand of each of the BTV genomic double‐stranded RNAs is the same as that of its mRNA, which encodes for a single viral protein, except the smallest S4 segment which can encode for two nonstructural proteins, primarily for the release assistance of the viral progeny. The separation and isolation of each BTV dsRNA segment and viral protein have provided extensive data related to its viral infection, pathology, suppression of host cellular functions, and eventual apoptosis of the infected host cells. This cytoplasmic virus is also an animal killer that costs the U.S. livestock industry at least $125 million yearly. However, this virus has no known effect on humans. Thus, it is very safe to carry out investigation with the virus, preferably in a BSL‐2 laboratory. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 25:15C.5.1‐15C.5.22. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Interaction of antimicrobial peptides, BP100 and pepR, with model membrane systems as explored by brownian dynamics simulations on a coarse‐grained model
Authors: Alves Carla S. , Kairys Visvaldas , Castanho Miguel A. R. B. , Fernandes Miguel X.
Published: May 2012

This work focuses on the conformational and dynamic properties of the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), BP100 and pepR, when confined within model membrane systems. Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations of a coarse‐grained model of each respective peptide in an environment reproducing the phospholipid bilayer were carried out. Simple mean‐field potentials were used to reproduce three physically different model phosphatidylcholine (PC) membrane systems. Based on the simplicity of the peptide‐membrane models used, 1 μs simulations were performed. With the appropriate choice of parameters, the structure and dynamics of each peptide were recovered from each of the simulated BD trajectories. BP100 was observed to adopt a α‐helical conformation when confined in each PC membrane. For pepR under the same conditions, the formation of an N‐terminal α‐helix was detected, whereas the C‐terminus appeared to be less ordered. The dynamic properties of each peptide were characterized in terms of local and global motions. BP100 tended to localize with no preferred orientation approximately halfway across each membrane leaflet, whereas pepR localized near the membrane core with no preferred orientation. Overall, the peptide dynamics were found to vary according to the size of the peptide, as well as the width of the membrane environment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 98: 294–312, 2012.
Cytological diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis: A report of four cases
Authors: de Souza Vianna Leonora Maciel , Pirani Carneiro Fabiana , Calvalca Tavares Alexandre , Soares Takano Gustavo Henrique , Silva Guerra Eliete Neves , de Melo Nilce Santos
Published: May 2012

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a common deep mycosis in South America caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, a dimorphic fungus. Biopsy is the most frequent diagnostic method. The aim of this article is reporting four cases of PCM, in which intraoral involvement simulated squamous‐cell carcinoma and was diagnosed by exfoliative cytology. We highlight this diagnostic tool as a simple, low cost, painless, noninvasive, and fast diagnostic method for PCM. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:374–376. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An investigation of the pineapple express phenomenon via bivariate extreme value theory
Authors: Weller Grant B. , Cooley Daniel S. , Sain Stephan R.
Published: May 2012

The pineapple express (PE) phenomenon is responsible for producing extreme winter precipitation events on the west coast of the United States and Canada. We study regional climate models’ ability to reproduce these events by defining a quantity that captures the spatial extent and intensity of PE events. We use bivariate extreme value theory to model the tail dependence of this quantity as seen in observational data and the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) regional climate model driven by reanalysis, and we find tail dependence between the two. To link to synoptic‐scale processes, we use daily mean sea‐level pressure fields from the reanalysis product to develop a daily “PE index” for extreme precipitation that exhibits tail dependence with our observational quantity. Other models from the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program ensemble are used to estimate the future marginal distributions of reanalysis‐driven WRF output and observational precipitation. Finally, we employ the fitted tail dependence model to simulate observational precipitation measurements in the future, given output from a future run of WRF. We find evidence of a change in the tail behavior of precipitation from current to future climates, and examination of PE index values of simulated events suggests increases in frequency and intensity of PE precipitation in the future scenario. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: Chandler T. J.
Published: May 2012

Book reviewed in this article:

WORLD CLIMATE, THE WEATHER, THE ENVIRONMENT AND MAN. By T. F. Gaskell and M. Morris
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: McConnell Anita
Published: May 2012

Book reviewed in this article:

FROM TIME BALL TO ATOMIC CLOCK. By Anthony Dyson
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Hamilton M. G.
Published: May 2012

Book reviewed in this article:

KARNATAKA WEATHER GUIDE by D. Krishna Rao
WEEKEND FIELD COURSE
Authors: George John
Published: May 2012

Book reviewed in this article:

UNDERSTANDING MOUNTAIN WEATHER 24–26 OCTOBER 1986. CO‐SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE SPORTS COUNCIL, HELD AT THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES, PLAS Y BRENIN, CAPEL CURIG, GWYNEDD
Readers' Forum
Authors: Brown Paul
Published: May 2012

Readers are invited to contribute short questions on any meteorological topic. We will endeavour to obtain answers to all submitted questions.
Readers' Forum
Authors: Newton B. P.
Published: May 2012

Readers are invited to contribute short questions on any meteorological topic. We will endeavour to obtain answers to all submitted questions.
Eye size variation reflects habitat and daily activity patterns in colubrid snakes
Authors: Liu Yang , Ding Li , Lei Juan , Zhao Ermi , Tang Yezhong
Published: May 2012

The functioning of the vertebrate eye depends on its absolute size, which is presumably adapted to specific needs. Eye size variation in lidless and spectacled colubrid snakes was investigated, including 839 specimens belonging to 49 genera, 66 species and subspecies. Variations of adult eye diameters (EDs) in both absolute and relative terms between species were correlated with parameters reflecting behavioral ecology. In absolute terms, eye of arboreal species was larger than in terrestrial and semiaquatic species. For diurnal species, EDs of terrestrial species do not differ from semiaquatic species; for nocturnal species the ED of terrestrial species is larger than fossorial species but not different from semiaquatic species. In relative terms, ED did not differ significantly by habitat for diurnal species. Although the ED of terrestrial species is larger than fossorial species there were no differences for nocturnal species between semiaquatic and fossorial snakes. In contrast to other vertebrates studied to date, colubrid EDs in absolute and relative terms are larger in diurnal than in nocturnal species. These observations suggest that among colubrid snakes, eye size variation reflects adaptation to specific habitats, foraging strategies and daily activities, independently of phylogeny. J. Morphol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parental caregiving of children prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Rodday Angie Mae , Pedowitz Elizabeth J. , Mayer Deborah K. , Ratichek Sara J. , Given Charles W. , Parsons Susan K. ,   on behalf of the HSCT‐CHESS Study
Published: May 2012

Using the Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA), we assessed positive reactions and burdens of the caregiving experience among parental caregivers (n = 189) of children scheduled to undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Although widely used in non‐parental caregivers, the CRA has not been used in parents of pediatric patients. Reliability (Cronbach's alpha: .72–.81 vs. .63) and concurrent validity (correlation: .41–.61 vs. .28) were higher for negatively framed than positively framed subscales. Results indicate that the caregiving experience is complex. The parents experienced high caregiver's esteem and moderate family support, but also negative impacts on finances and schedule, and to a lesser degree, health. Compared to non‐parental caregivers, parental caregivers experienced higher esteem and more impact on finances and schedule. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 35:328–339, 2012
Crystallization and morphology of polyamide 1010/single‐walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites under elevated pressure
Authors: Wang Biao , Wan Tong , Zeng Wei , Zhou Xiaoming , Zhang Xuequan
Published: May 2012

Polyamide 1010/single‐walled carbon nanotube (PA1010/SWNT) nanocomposites prepared by melt compounding were treated under a pressure of 2.0 GPa and at three different temperatures (250, 300 and 350 °C) for 30 min. Then, all the samples were naturally cooled to room temperature from the melt prior to release of the applied pressure. The melting temperature and crystallinity of high pressure crystallized samples were shifted to a high value after the treatment temperatures under pressure. The infrared spectrum of the high pressure crystallized samples showed a considerable improvement of crystalline order, a closer packing of the polymer chains due to the shorter NC bond length, and the presence of a large proportion of free NH groups resulting from antiparallel chains in flat zigzag conformation. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction measurements indicated that the high pressure gave rise to an increase in crystallite dimensions as well as to a decrease of the distance between the crystal planes bonded by the hydrogen bond (100) planes and by the van der Waals force (010) planes. Scanning electron microscope images showed that denser texture, thicker covering layers on the tubes and regular cubic sugar‐like crystals with a lateral length of about 1.5 µm could be detected on the fracture surface of PA1010/SWNT nanocomposites crystallized under pressure. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Management Strategy for Symptomatic Bisphosphonate-Associated Incomplete Atypical Femoral Fractures
Authors: Saleh Anas , Hegde Vishal V. , Potty Anish G. , Schneider Robert , Cornell Charles N. , Lane Joseph M.
Published: May 2012

Background

Long-term bisphosphonate use has often been associated with atypical femoral fractures. These fractures evolve from incomplete femoral fractures. A previous study demonstrated that the presence of a radiolucent line in an incomplete fracture can indicate a high risk of progression to complete fracture.

Questions/Purposes

The aim of this study is to present a management strategy for symptomatic bisphosphonate-associated incomplete atypical femoral fractures. Specific study questions include the following: (1) Is there a difference in the prognosis of these fractures based on the presence or absence of a radiolucent fracture line? (2) Can treatment with teriparatide assist in clinical/radiographic healing of these incomplete fractures? (3) Is there a characteristic biochemical profile in these patients?

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively examined all femur radiographs ordered by the metabolic bone disease service at our hospital between July 1, 2006 and July 1, 2011 and identified 10 patients with a total of 14 incomplete fractures. Nine patients received bisphosphonates for a mean duration of 10 ± 5 years (range, 4–17). The mean follow-up since the time of diagnosis was 20 ± 11 months (range, 6–36 months).

Results

Five fractures did not have a radiolucent fracture line and were treated conservatively with partial weight-bearing restrictions and pharmacologic therapy. All five of these fractures healed with conservative management. Nine fractures had a radiolucent fracture line, and only two of these were treated successfully with conservative management including teriparatide. Six of the eight patients with a radiolucent line elected for surgical prophylaxis after 3 months of conservative management, whereas one patient underwent surgical prophylaxis without a trial of conservative management. Regarding the biochemical profiles, bone turnover markers for our patient cohort were in the lower quartile.

Conclusions

Fractures without a radiolucent line appear to respond to conservative management and not require surgical prophylaxis. Teriparatide treatment may hold promise in promoting healing of these fractures.
The pollution of pristine material in compressible turbulence
Authors: Pan Liubin , Scannapieco Evan , Scalo John
Published: May 2012

The first generation of stars had very different properties than later stellar generations, as they formed from a ‘pristine’ gas that was completely free of heavy elements. Normal star formation took place only after the first stars had polluted the surrounding turbulent interstellar gas, increasing its local heavy-element mass concentration, $Z$, beyond a ‘critical’ threshold value, ${Z}_{c} $ ($1{0}^{\ensuremath{-} 8} \lesssim {Z}_{c} \lesssim 1{0}^{\ensuremath{-} 5} $). Motivated by this astrophysical problem, we investigate the fundamental physics of the pollution of pristine fluid elements in statistically homogeneous and isotropic compressible turbulence. Turbulence stretches the pollutants, produces concentration structures at small scales, and brings the pollutants and the unpolluted flow in closer contact. The pristine material is polluted when exposed to the pollutant sources or the fluid elements polluted by previous mixing events. Our theoretical approach employs the probability distribution function (p.d.f.) method for turbulent mixing, as the fraction of pristine mass corresponds to the low tail of the density-weighted concentration p.d.f. We adopt a number of p.d.f. closure models and derive evolution equations for the pristine fraction from the models. To test and constrain the prediction of theoretical models, we conduct numerical simulations for decaying passive scalars in isothermal turbulent flows with Mach numbers of 0.9 and 6.2, and compute the mass fraction, $P({Z}_{c} , t)$, of the flow with $Z\leq {Z}_{c} $. In the Mach 0.9 flow, the evolution of $P({Z}_{c} , t)$ is well-described by a continuous convolution model and goes as $\dot {P} ({Z}_{c} , t)= P({Z}_{c} , t)\ln [P({Z}_{c} , t)] / {\tau }_{\mathit{con}} $, if the mass fraction of the polluted flow is larger than ${\approx }0. 1. $ If the initial pollutant fraction is smaller than ${\approx }0. 1, $ an early phase exists during which the pristine fraction follows an equation derived from a nonlinear integral model: $\dot {P} ({Z}_{c} , t)= P({Z}_{c} , t)[P({Z}_{c} , t)\ensuremath{-} 1] / {\tau }_{\mathit{int}} $. The time scales ${\tau }_{\mathit{con}} $ and ${\tau }_{\mathit{int}} $ are measured from our simulations. When normalized to the flow dynamical time, the decay of $P({Z}_{c} , t)$ in the Mach 6.2 flow is slower than at Mach 0.9 because the time scale for scalar variance decay is slightly larger and the low tail of the concentration p.d.f. broadens with increasing Mach number. We show that $P({Z}_{c} , t)$ in the Mach 6.2 flow can be well fitted using a formula from a generalized version of the self-convolution model.
PLATINUM CITY AND THE NEW SOUTH AFRICAN DREAM
Authors: Rajak Dinah
Published: May 2012

Much has been written about the persistence of economic apartheid, inscribed in the geography of South Africa's cities, producing spatial configurations that are reminiscent of the old order of segregation while simultaneously embodying the particular inequities and divisions of the new neo-liberal order (Turok 2001; Harrison 2006). Through an ethnographic study of Rustenburg, the urban hub of South Africa's platinum belt (once labelled the ‘fastest growing city in Africa’ after Cairo), I explore how the failure of urban integration maps onto the failure of the promise of market inclusion. What is particular about mid-range towns such as Rustenburg is that the opportunities of ‘empowerment through enterprise’ are seen, or believed, to be all the more attainable than in large cities. Here the extended supply chains of the mining industry and the expanding secondary economy appear to offer limitless possibilities to share in the boons of the platinum boom. Yet as this account shows, the disjuncture and friction between corporate authority and local government have given rise to increasing fragmentation and exclusion, as only a very few are able to grasp the long-anticipated rewards of the new South African dream.
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY OF CHILDREN'S RIDDLING IN ETHIOPIA
Authors: Jirata Tadesse Jaleta
Published: May 2012

Although the educational value of African oral traditions, particularly folktales, has been discussed widely in social studies of children, education and folklore, riddling is not commonly investigated as a part of children's everyday social practice. In this article, I present riddling as a part of children's expressive culture, through which they play together and learn about their local environment. I generated the data through ten months of ethnographic fieldwork among Guji people in southern Ethiopia. Based on analyses of the times and locations of this activity, as well as the social interaction involved, I argue that children perform riddling in order to entertain themselves and to learn from their immediate social and natural environment through discrete peer networks.
HOW DEBT BECAME CARE: CHILD PAWNING AND ITS TRANSFORMATIONS IN AKUAPEM, THE GOLD COAST, 1874–1929
Authors: Coe Cati
Published: May 2012

Studies of slavery in Africa have noted the persistence of those relations in different forms, such as pawning, that allow social changes in power, status and wealth to be weathered more gradually. As pawning itself became less frequent, did other kinds of relationship take its place? Some scholars have argued that pawning was folded into marriage and fatherhood; others that there are continuities with fosterage and domestic servant arrangements today. This article examines the question of pawning's transformations in Akuapem, a region in south-eastern Ghana involved in forms of commercial agriculture that were heavily dependent on slave labour and the capital raised by pawning. Ultimately, it argues that debt became key to fatherhood and fosterage relations between children and adults, changing from a short-term exchange to more lifelong reciprocal relations of care.
Voting Behaviour among the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Electorate
Authors: Perrella Andrea M.L. , Brown Steven D. , Kay Barry J.
Published: May 2012

Abstract.The gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) population is a good example of a demographic group that has been understudied because it is difficult to develop a subsample of sufficient size from typical national samples. Here we exploit the extraordinary size of a 2006 online election day survey (with about 35,000 respondents) to examine how the GLBT community behaves politically. While it will surprise no one that this community bestowed little support on Stephen Harper's Conservative party in the 2006 federal election, the factors behind such a consistent vote pattern are not adequately understood. In order to shed more light on the voting behaviour of the GLBT electorate, we develop a socio-demographic profile of the group, and explore three explanatory angles: 1) salience of issue campaign dynamics, given that the same-sex marriage issue was prominent in 2006; 2) ideological and attitudinal proclivities; and 3) strategic considerations.

Résumé.La population gaie, lesbiennes, bisexuels et transgenres (GLBT) est un exemple d'un groupe démographique qui a été peu étudié, car il est difficile de développer un sous-échantillon de taille suffisante à partir d'échantillons nationaux. Ici, nous exploitons la taille extraordinaire d'une enquête enligne du jour du scrutin fédérale du 2006 (avec environ 35.000 répondants) d'examiner comment la communauté GLBT se comporte politiquement. Bien qu'il ne surprendra personne que cette communauté accordé peu d'appui sur Parti conservateur de Stephen Harper lors de l'élection fédérale de 2006, les facteurs qui expliquent un tel motif ne sont pas bien compris. Afin de jeter plus de lumière sur le comportement de vote de l'électorat GLBT, nous développons un profil sociodémographique de cette groupe, et d'explorer trois angles explicatives: 1) pertinence de la question du mariage de même sexe, 2) tendances idéologiques, et 3) des considérations stratégiques.