bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nifekalant Enlarged the Transmural Activation–Recovery Interval Difference as Well as the Peak‐to‐End Interval on Surface ECG in a Patient with Short‐QT Syndrome
Authors: CHINUSHI MASAOMI , SATO AKINORI , IZUMI DAISUKE , FURUSHIMA HIROSHI
Published: April 2012

Transmural ARI Dispersion in SQTS.  A 38‐year‐old woman with type 1 short‐QT syndrome (SQTS) was referred to our hospital. Her ECG showed short QT/QTc interval and peaked T wave. Activation–recovery intervals (ARIs) were calculated from the intracardiac endocardial and epicardial electrode catheters placed in the left ventricle (LV). Intravenous administration of nifekalant prolonged effective refractory period at multiple ventricular sites as well as the QT/QTc interval (from 260/300 to 364/419 ms) on the surface ECG. Nifekalant also enlarged the transmural ARI dispersion of the ventricular repolarization, which was measured by the difference between the longest endocardial ARI and the shortest epicardial ARI during atrial pacing at 90 bpm, from 73 to 103–105 ms. These values corresponded to the intervals between the peak and end of the T wave on the surface ECG. Nifekalant‐induced QT interval prolongation on the surface ECG may not indicate attenuation of the arrhythmogenic potential in the heart of SQTS patients. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 877‐880, August 2012)
Evaluation of Right Ventricular Regional Volume and Systolic Function in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Using Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography
Authors: Kong Dehong , Shu Xianhong , Pan Cuizhen , Cheng Leilei , Dong Lili , Yao Haohua , Zhou Daxin
Published: April 2012

Objective: To evaluate right ventricular (RV) regional volume and systolic function in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) using real time three‐dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE), and to explore the relationship between parameters measured by RT3DE and right heart catheterization (RHC). Methods: RT3DE images were acquired from 24 patients with PAH and 27 normal controls for evaluation and analysis to obtain RV regional end‐diastolic volume (EDV), end‐systolic volume (ESV), ejection fraction (EF) in three compartments (inflow, body, and outflow). Conventional echocardiographic parameters were calculated and recorded. RHC was performed in 17 patients to obtain pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Results: RV regional EDV and ESV were significantly higher while regional EF was significantly lower in the PAH patients when compared with controls (P < 0.001). In the PAH group, EDV was similar in the inflow and body compartment, both higher than that in the outflow compartment (P < 0.05); EF was the highest in the inflow compartment and the lowest in the body compartment (P < 0.05). RV regional EF in the inflow compartment and global EF were negatively correlated with PASP (r =–0.766, –0.816, P < 0.001) and PVR (r =–0.529, –0.656, P < 0.05). Conclusions: In patients with PAH, RV regional volume was enlarged and systolic function was impaired with distinct characteristics; regional EF in the inflow compartment and global EF were inversely correlated with PASP and PVR. Evaluation of RV regional systolic function using RT3DE may play a potential role in the noninvasive assessment of the severity of PAH. (Echocardiography 2012;29:706‐712)
Pseudo‐Pulmonic Stenosis in Non‐Hodgkin's Large B‐cell Lymphoma
Authors: Badheka Apurva , Marzouka George R. , Patel Nileshkumar J. , Esterson Joseph , Sequeira Rafael F.
Published: April 2012

There have only been a few cases reported of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction secondary to diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas. Mediastinal masses rarely cause extrinsic compression of the heart resulting in hemodynamically significant obstruction. We report a rare case of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction secondary to diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas. Echocardiography has been found to be a useful modality in the prompt identification of mediastinal masses and their effects on the otherwise healthy heart.
Thrombus at Ostium of Coronary Sinus Discovered during Evaluation for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Güvenç Tolga Sinan , Karakuş Gültekin , Karabağ Yavuz , Özen Kaya , Balcı Bahattin
Published: April 2012

A 50‐year‐old male patient with dilated cardiomyopathy was evaluated for cardiac resynchronization therapy. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a mass in close proximity to the coronary sinus ostium.The mass was considered to be a thrombus and found to have disappeared at the repeat echocardiogram performed following a month of anticoagulation therapy with warfarin. In this case report, we aim to emphasize the importance of coronary sinus imaging, especially during echocardiographic evaluation for cardiac asynchrony.
A Pilot Study of Systolic Dyssynchrony Index by Real Time Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography and Doppler Tissue Imaging Parameters Predicting the Hemodynamic Response to Biventricular Pacing in the Early Postoperative Period after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Straka Frantisek , Pirk Jan , Pindak Marian , Marek Tomas , Schornik David , Cihak Robert , Skibova Jelena
Published: April 2012

Objective: To evaluate systolic dyssynchrony index (SDI) measured by real time three‐dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) and Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) dyssynchrony parameters in predicting the hemodynamic response to biventricular (BIV) pacing in the early postoperative period after cardiac surgery. To compare right ventricular (RV) and BIV pacing using invasively measured hemodynamic values. Methods: A prospective randomized clinical study enrolling 11 patients with ischemic heart disease, concomitant valvular heart disease, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35% comparing preoperative SDI by RT3DE and DTI LV dyssynchrony parameters to hemodynamic values obtained during RV or BIV sequential (DDD) epicardial pacing in the first 72 hours after cardiac surgery. Results: BIV pacing produced a statistically significant higher cardiac output (CO) (6.27 ± 1.55 L/min) and cardiac index (CI) (3.44 ± 0.93 L/min per m2) than RV pacing (CO 5.44 ± 0.97 L/min, CI 3.03 ± 0.83 L/min per m2, P < 0.05). We found a statistically moderate correlation between preoperative SDI by RT3DE and CO (r = 0.596, P < 0.05) and a nonsignificant correlation to CI (r = 0.535, P < 0.10) during BIV pacing. No correlation was observed between DTI dyssynchrony parameters and measured hemodynamic values. BIV pacing reduced the ICU stay and inotropic support requirements of patients after heart surgery. Conclusions: SDI measured preoperatively using RT3DE can predict CO during BIV pacing in the early postoperative period after cardiac surgery. BIV pacing is more hemodynamically effective than RV pacing in patients with LV dysfunction after coronary artery bypass grafting with or without a valve procedure.
Two‐Dimensional Color Doppler Echocardiography for Left Ventricular Stroke Volume Assessment: A Comparison Study with Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography
Authors: Silva Cristina Da , Pedro Fátima , Deister Lizandra , Sahlén Anders , Manouras Aristomenis , Shahgaldi Kambiz
Published: April 2012

Aim: Whether measurement of left ventricular outflow tract diameter (LVOTd) using color Doppler (CD) in order to more accurately define LVOTd is more accurate for determination of stroke volume (SV) than gray scale and compare it with direct measurement of LVOT area (a) using three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) for SV determination. Methods and Results: Twenty‐one volunteers were examined. LVOTa was calculated by two‐dimensional echocardiography (2DE) using the following formula: π× (d/2)2, d = LVOT diameter by gray scale and CD, respectively. Planimetry of LVOTa was performed in parasternal long axis using 3DE. Eccentricity Index was calculated using the lateral and anterior‐posterior LVOTd. SV was obtained by four different methods: (1) 2D gray scale, (2) 2D color, (3) LVOTa × LVOT velocity time integral, and (4) SV by Simpson's biplane method. Gray scale LVOTd was significantly smaller compared to LVOTd obtained with CD (P < 0.05). Significant differences occurred between LVOTa gray scale and CD (3.29 ± 0.74 cm2 vs 3.67 ± 0.70 cm2, P < 0.05) and between LVOTa calculated by gray scale in comparison to 3DE planimetry; (3.29 ± 0.74 cm2 vs 3.61 ± 0.89 cm2, P = 0.011). Half of the subjects had at least 17% difference between the lateral and anterior‐posterior LVOTd. There were significant differences between SV by 2D gray scale and 2D CD (82.8 ± 17.1 mL vs 92.4 ± 16.8 mL, P < 0.05) and between 2D gray scale and 3DE planimetry (82.8 ± 17.1 mL vs 90.7 ± 19.8 mL, P = 0.025). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates LVOT being frequently elliptical. SV and LVOTa were found to be similar when comparing 2DE CD and 3DE planimetry and showed higher values in comparison to 2DE gray scale, which suggests 2DE CD to be an alternative approach for SV assessment.
Telling stories: Exploring research storytelling as a meaningful approach to knowledge mobilization with Indigenous research collaborators and diverse audiences in community‐based participatory research
Authors: Christensen Julia
Published: April 2012

A growing number of geographers seek to communicate their research to audiences beyond the academy. Community‐based and participatory action research models have been developed, in part, with this goal in mind. Yet despite many promising developments in the way research is conducted and disseminated, researchers continue to seek methods to better reflect the “culture and context” of the communities with whom they work. During my doctoral research on homelessness in the Northwest Territories, I encountered a significant disconnect between the emotive, personal narratives of homelessness that I was collecting and more conventional approaches to research dissemination. In search of a method of dissemination to engage more meaningfully with research collaborators as well as the broader public, I turned to my creative writing work. In this article, I draw from “The komatik lesson” to discuss my first effort at research storytelling. I suggest that research storytelling is particularly well suited to community‐based participatory research, as we explore methods to present findings in ways that are more culturally appropriate to the communities in which the research takes place. This is especially so in collaborative research with Indigenous communities, where storytelling and knowledge sharing are often one and the same. However, I also discuss the ways in which combining my creative writing interests with my doctoral research has been an uneasy fit, forcing me to question how to tell a good story while giving due diligence to the role that academic research has played in its development. Drawing on the outcomes and challenges I encountered, I offer an understanding of what research storytelling is, and how it might be used to advance community‐based participatory research with Indigenous communities.
Climate change vulnerability and adaptation research focusing on the Inuit subsistence sector in Canada: Directions for future research
Authors: Ford James D. , Pearce Tristan
Published: April 2012

The last decade has witnessed a proliferation of research into the human dimensions of climate change in the Arctic. Much of this work has examined impacts on subsistence hunting, fishing, and trapping among Canadian Inuit communities. This scholarship has developed a baseline understanding of vulnerability and adaptation, drawing upon interviews with community members and stakeholders to identify and characterize climatic risks and adaptive strategies. To further advance this baseline understanding, new methodologies are needed to complement existing research if we are to capture the dynamic nature of how climate change is experienced and responded to, and fully engage communities as equal partners. Longitudinal studies, community‐based monitoring, and targeted adaptation research offer significant promise to advance understanding. These methodologies provide a strong basis for developing meaningful partnerships with communities, the co‐production of knowledge, and empowerment for adaptation: essential components of community‐based participatory research.
Moving from research ON, to research WITH and FOR Indigenous communities: A critical reflection on community‐based participatory research
Authors: Koster Rhonda , Baccar Kirstine , Lemelin R. Harvey
Published: April 2012

Research projects conducted on Indigenous communities have largely been developed within a dominant Western research paradigm that values the researcher as knowledge holder and the community members as passive subjects. The consequences of such research have been marginalizing for Indigenous people globally, leading to calls for the decolonization of research through the development of Indigenous research paradigms. Based on a reflexive analysis of a five‐year partnership focused on developing capacity for tourism development in Lake Helen First Nation (Red Rock Indian Band), we offer a way of understanding the connection between Indigenous research paradigms and the western construct of community‐based participatory research as a philosophical and methodological approach to geography. Our analysis shows that researchers should continue to move away from methods that perpetuate the traditional ways of working ON Indigenous communities to methods that allow us to work WITH and FOR them, based on an ethic that respects and values the community as a full partner in the co‐creation of the research question and process, and shares in the acquisition, analysis, and dissemination of knowledge. Our reflection also shows that when research is conducted on a community, the main beneficiary is the researcher, when conducted with, both parties receive benefit, while research for the community may result in benefits mainly for the community. We further contend that any research conducted within a community, regardless of its purpose and methodology, should follow the general principles of Indigenous paradigms, and respect the community by engaging in active communication with them, seeking their permission not only to conduct and publish the research but also with respect to giving results of the research back in ways that adhere to community protocols and practices.
Understanding Policy Change Using a Critical Junctures Theory in Comparative Context: The Cases of Ireland and Sweden
Authors: Donnelly Paul , Hogan John
Published: April 2012

Utilizing a new theory for examining critical junctures, we seek to better understand the nature of industrial policy change in Ireland during the 1950s and macroeconomic policy change in Sweden in the 1980s. Did these policy changes constitute critical junctures, or something less, and if so why? The theory consists of three elements—economic crisis, ideational change, and the nature of the policy change—that must be identified for us to be able to declare with some certainty if a policy change constitutes a critical juncture. Herein, we will be examining the roles of a variety of change agents including the media, central banks, and politicians. Our findings will help explain why Irish industrial policy was transformed in the late 1950s, while Swedish macroeconomic policy underwent only minor change in the early 1980s.
Effect of Acculturation and Mutuality on Family Loyalty Among Mexican American Caregivers of Elders
Authors: Kao Hsueh‐Fen S. , An Kyungeh
Published: April 2012

Purpose: Informal family care for elders is conventional in Mexican American communities despite increasing intergenerational gaps in filial values. In our study, we explored whether acculturation and dyadic mutuality, as perceived by Mexican American family caregivers, explain the caregivers’ expectations of family loyalty toward elderly relatives.

Design: A nonexperimental, correlational design with convenience sampling was used in El Paso, Texas, from October 2007 to January 2008.

Methods: Three bilingual promotoras collected data from 193 Mexican American adult caregivers of community‐dwelling elders using three scales designed for Mexican Americans: the Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans II‐Short Form, the Mutuality Scale, and the Expectations of Family Loyalty of Children Toward Elderly Relatives Scale. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to analyze the data.

Findings: Acculturation had a marginal effect (r= .21, p < .05), but mutuality presented a strong correlation (r= .45, p < .001) with the expectations of family loyalty toward elderly relatives. There was no significant correlation between acculturation and mutuality (r= .05).

Conclusions: Although Mexican American caregivers with strong Mexican orientation may have high expectations of family loyalty toward elderly relatives, mutuality exhibits more significant effects on expectations. Among Mexican Americans, mutuality between the caregiving dyad, as perceived by caregivers, may be a better predictor of filial values than caregivers’ acculturation alone.

Clinical Relevance: It may be useful to incorporate the dual paradigm of acculturation and mutuality into immigrant family care for elderly relatives.
Photoelectron Properties of Nanocrystalline TiO2 Films Prepared by a Powerful Hydrothermal Technique
Authors: Feng Caihui , Zhang Haifeng , Wang Yu , Li Wei , Zhou Jingran , Chen Lihua , Yu Lianxiang , Ruan Shengping
Published: April 2012

In this article, nanocrystalline anatase TiO2 films were prepared using a powerful hydrothermal technique and characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS), and UV–vis absorption spectra. A metal–semiconductor–metal ultraviolet (UV) detector based on TiO2 films with Au electrodes was fabricated. The photoelectron properties of the TiO2 films, including current–voltage (I–V) curves under UV illumination, spectral response and response time were studied in detail. The results of the experiment demonstrate that the crystallinity of the TiO2 film was greatly improved by the hydrothermal technique: the atom ratio between Ti and O on the surface of TiO2 film is calculated to be 1.87:1, which indicates that the obtained TiO2 film has less oxygen vacancies. The improved crystallinity as well as the correspondingly decreased hole trap concentrations finally resulted in a short photoresponse decay time of 4.183 s. Meanwhile, a responsivity of 56.5 mA/W, a low dark current of 5.95 nA, a UV photo‐to‐dark current ratio of 103 were also obtained for the TiO2‐based detector, all of which suggest that the fabricated TiO2 films are very promising in UV detection applications.
Outcome analysis of cervical adenosquamous carcinoma compared with adenocarcinoma
Authors: CHEN JENNY LING‐YU , CHENG JASON CHIA‐HSIEN , KUO SUNG‐HSIN , CHEN CHI‐AN , LIN MING‐CHIEH , HUANG CHAO‐YUAN
Published: April 2012

Objective. To compare survival between patients with cervical adenocarcinoma (AC) and adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC). Design. Retrospective study. Setting. National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. Population. All patients with cervical AC or ASC who received definitive treatment from January 1995 to December 2009. Methods. Medical and histopathological record review. Main outcome measures. Overall and recurrence‐free survival. Results. A total of 170 women received a histological diagnosis of AC and 42 of ASC. The median follow‐up was 56.7 months. There were no significant differences in age, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, gravidity or treatment modality between women with AC and ASC. Patients with ASC had a higher percentage of poorly differentiated tumors than those with AC (33.3 vs. 15.3%, respectively; p= 0.014). Five year overall and recurrence‐free survival was 66.8 and 58.9%, respectively, for women with AC and 69.5 and 61.9%, respectively, for those with ASC (p= 0.795 and p= 0.892, respectively). Survival outcomes in patients with early or advanced stage disease did not differ between the histological groups. No differences in failure patterns were found between the two groups. The FIGO stage and treatment modality were factors which affected overall and recurrence‐free survival. Conclusions. We did not find evidence to suggest that ASC subtypes indicate worse outcome. Cervical ASC could be categorized as one subtype of AC. The FIGO stage and treatment modalities have greater influence on outcomes than histological subtype.
Dioxinodehydroeckol inhibits melanin synthesis through PI3K/Akt signalling pathway in α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone‐treated B16F10 cells
Authors: Lee Min‐Sup , Yoon Ho‐Dong , Kim Jae‐Il , Choi Jae‐Sue , Byun Dae‐Seok , Kim Hyeung‐Rak
Published: April 2012

Antimelanogenic activity has previously been reported in ethyl acetate fraction of Ecklonia stolonifera. In this study, using the isolated dioxinodehydroeckol from the fraction, we sought to investigate an antimelanogenic signalling pathway in α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH)–stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells. Treatment with dioxinodehydroeckol inhibited the cellular melanin contents and expression of melanogenesis‐related proteins, including microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase and tyrosinase‐related proteins TRP‐1 and TRP‐2. Moreover, dioxinodehydroeckol stimulated phosphorylation of Akt in a dose‐dependent manner without affecting phosphorylation of ERK. These data suggest that dioxinodehydroeckol reduces melanin synthesis through the MITF regulation dependent upon PI3K/Akt signalling pathway.
Role of free radicals and antioxidant defences in oral cavity‐related pathologies
Authors: Iannitti T. , Rottigni V. , Palmieri B.
Published: April 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 649–661

Free radicals play a key role in the development of several pathological conditions. Therefore, several methods have been developed to measure oxidative stress from bodily fluids including blood, urine and, more recently, saliva. Free radical and antioxidant defences within the oral cavity may play a key role in odontostomatological pathologies. This review provides an update of the literature concerning the association of oxidative stress with pathological conditions associated with the oral cavity. It focuses on the diagnostic and therapeutic importance of the tests based on saliva specimens in a preventive perspective.
Plasma lipid metabolites are associated with gestational age but not bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Rogers Lynette K , Young Christine M , Pennell Michael L , Tipple Trent E , Leonhart Karen L , Welty Stephen E
Published: April 2012

Aim:  To test the hypothesis that plasma lipid metabolite levels in premature infants are associated with the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The studies also tested a secondary hypothesis that plasma lipid metabolite levels were correlated with gestational age.

Methods:  Infants born <32 weeks’ gestation were enrolled during the first 72 h of life. Plasma samples were obtained and lipid levels were measured by LC‐MS/MS. Clinical data were collected to determine infant outcomes and BPD diagnosis.

Results:  Following adjustment for confounders, lipid levels were not associated with BPD; however, levels of specific lipid metabolites were correlated with gestational age.

Conclusion:  Immature lipid metabolism pathways in premature infants may contribute to the pathogenesis of BPD and other diseases.
Antenatal counselling for parents facing an extremely preterm birth: limitations of the medical evidence
Authors: Janvier Annie , Lorenz John M , Lantos John D
Published: April 2012

When physicians are asked for a consult for women in premature labour, they face a complex set of challenges. Policy statements recommend that women be given detailed information about the risks of various outcomes, including death, long‐term disability and various specific neonatal problems. Both personal narratives and studies suggest that parents also base their decisions on factors other than the probabilistic facts about expected outcomes. Statistics are difficult to understand at any time. Rational decision‐making may be difficult when taking life‐and‐death decisions. Furthermore, the role of emotions is not discussed in peri‐viability guidelines.

Conclusion:  We argue against trying to tell parents every fact that we think might be relevant to their decision. This may be overwhelming for many parents. Instead, doctors should try to discern, on a case‐by‐case basis, what particular parents want and need. Information and delivery of information should be personalized. Unfortunately, evidence in this area is limited.
Multicentre prospective observational study on professional wound care using honey (Medihoney™)
Authors: Biglari Bahram , Moghaddam Arash , Santos Kai , Blaser Gisela , Büchler Axel , Jansen Gisela , Längler Alfred , Graf Norbert , Weiler Ursula , Licht Verena , Strölin Anke , Keck Brigitta , Lauf Volker , Bode Udo , Swing Tyler , Hanano Ralph , Schwarz Nicolas T , Simon Arne
Published: April 2012

In recent years, the treatment of wounds with honey has received an increasing amount of attention from healthcare professionals in Germany and Austria. We conducted a prospective observational multicentre study using Medihoney™ dressings in 10 hospitals – nine in Germany and one in Austria. Wound‐associated parameters were monitored systematically at least three times in all patients. Data derived from the treatment of 121 wounds of various aetiologies over a period of 2 years were analysed. Almost half of the patients were younger than 18 years old, and 32% of the study population was oncology patients. Overall, wound size decreased significantly during the study period and many wounds healed after relatively short time periods. Similarly, perceived pain levels decreased significantly, and the wounds showed noticeably less slough/necrosis. In general, our findings show honey to be an effective and feasible treatment option for professional wound care. In addition, our study showed a relationship between pain and slough/necrosis at the time of recruitment and during wound healing. Future comparative trials are still needed to evaluate the extent to which the positive observations made in this and other studies can definitely be attributed to the effects of honey in wound care.
The influence of the HLA‐DRB, HLA‐DQB and polymorphic positions of the HLA‐DRβ1 and HLA‐DQβ1 molecules on risk of Iranian type 1 diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Sayad A. , Akbari M. T. , Pajouhi M. , Mostafavi F. , Zamani M.
Published: April 2012

Type 1 Diabetes mellitus (T1D) is an autoimmune and multifactorial disease. HLA‐DRB1 and DQB1 loci have the strongest association with T1D. This study aimed at investigating (i) susceptibility or protection of alleles, genotypes and haplotypes of HLA‐DRB1 and DQB1 loci; and (ii) highly polymorphic amino acid residues of HLA‐DRβ1 and DQβ1 in 105 Iranian T1D patients and 100 controls. The results indicated that DRB1*04:01, 03:01, DQB1*03:02, 02:01 alleles, DRB1*03:01/04:01, 03:01/13:03, DQB1*02:01/03:02 genotypes, DRB1*04:01‐DQB1*03:02, DRB1*03:01‐DQB1*02:01, DRB1*07:01‐DQB1*03:03 haplotypes had positive association with T1D. In contrast, HLA‐DRB1*15:01, 13:01, DQB1*03:01, 06:01 alleles, DRB1*11:01/15:01, DQB1*03:01/06:01, 03:01/05:01 genotypes and DRB1*15:01–DQB1*06:01, DRB1*11:01–DQB1*03:01 haplotypes had negative association with T1D. Analysis of amino acid sequence of HLA‐DRβ1 and DQβ1 revealed that DRβ1Lys71+ and DQβ1Asp57− were significantly more frequent in patients than in controls and had a positive effect in the development of T1D. Haplotype analysis demonstrated that HLA‐DRB1Lys71+ allele provided major susceptibility for T1D, and DQβ1Asp57− had an additive effect. We designed an allele‐specific primer to develop an easy, quick and cost‐benefit method to detect the DRβ1Lys71+. This method can identify all 114 DRB1 alleles encoding DRβ1Lys71+ by three PCR reactions. The PcPPV and PcNPV were also calculated to determine the impact of HLA genotype testing at amino acid positions. It showed that the DRβ1Lys71+/+ genotype carrier had 1% absolute risk of developing T1D.
Surveying Teens in School to Assess the Prevalence of Problematic Drug Use
Authors: Falck Russel S. , Nahhas Ramzi W. , Li Linna , Carlson Robert G.
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Illicit drug use by school‐aged teens can adversely affect their health and academic achievement. This study used a survey administered in schools to assess the prevalence of problematic drug use among teenagers in a Midwestern community.

METHODS: Self‐report data were collected from 11th‐ and 12th‐grade students (N = 3974) in 16 school districts in the Dayton, Ohio, area. Students responded to a drug use survey that also included CRAFFT, a brief substance abuse screening instrument. Binomial and zero‐inflated Poisson regressions were used to examine the association between CRAFFT scores and drug use practices, including abstinence.

RESULTS: More than one third of students had CRAFFT scores suggestive of problematic use. Of these, 14.1% had scores suggesting drug dependence. Although alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco were the drugs most commonly used, an array of other drugs including opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, hallucinogens, and dextromethorphan were also commonly used. Higher CRAFFT scores were associated with a greater number of drugs used (p < .0001). Proportionately more 12th graders than 11th graders had CRAFFT scores indicating problems (p < .0001). Among 12th graders, boys were more likely than girls to have CRAFFT scores indicating dependence (p = .01).

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that problematic drug use among high school students is more prevalent than has been recognized previously. CRAFFT can be used easily to assess the prevalence of problematic drug use among teenagers in school settings. CRAFFT results can also inform prevention and intervention activities, particularly if the CRAFFT instrument is paired with a drug use survey.
Educating Coaches About Concussion in Sports: Evaluation of the CDC's “Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports” Initiative
Authors: Covassin Tracey , Elbin R. J. , Sarmiento Kelly
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Concussions remain a serious public health concern. It is important that persons involved in youth sports, particularly coaches, be made aware and educated on the signs and symptoms of concussion. This study assessed the perceptions of youth sport coaches who have received the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) “Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports” materials in preventing, recognizing, and responding to concussions.

METHODS: A 22‐item survey was developed with questions pertaining to demographics, awareness of sports‐related concussion, and the usefulness of the CDC's “Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports” initiative and materials. A total of 340 youth sport coaches completed the survey, for a response rate of 34.0%.

RESULTS: All youth sport coaches reported having the “Heads Up” materials for approximately 6 months before completing the survey. Seventy‐seven percent of youth sports coaches reported being better able to identify athletes who may have a concussion, with 50% reported having learned something new about concussion after reviewing the materials. Sixty‐three percent of youth sport coaches viewed concussions as being more serious, while 72% of coaches reporting that they are now educating others on concussion.

CONCLUSION: The “Heads Up” materials demonstrated that youth sports coaches' were able to appropriately prevent, recognize, and respond to sports‐related concussions after reviewing the materials. Future studies should concentrate on evaluating the impact of concussion policies, laws and media coverage on coaches' awareness and prevention, recognition, and response to concussions using a rigorous design including a control group.
The Relationship Among State Laws, District Policies, and Elementary School‐Based Measurement of Children's Body Mass Index
Authors: Sandoval Anna , Turner Lindsey , Nicholson Lisa , Chriqui Jamie , Tortorelli Megan , Chaloupka Frank J.
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: School‐based measurement of children's body mass index (BMI) is a useful tool for tracking childhood obesity rates, and may be an effective intervention strategy for reducing the increasing trends in obesity. This article examines the relationship between state law, district policy, and school‐level BMI measurement practices.

METHODS: Data were collected during 3 school years (2006‐2007, 2007‐2008, 2008‐2009) as part of an annual study on health policies and practices in a nationally representative sample of US public elementary schools. Data collected included school‐level data via a mailed questionnaire, and district‐level policies and state laws from publicly available sources. We examined whether state laws and district policies were linked to school‐level BMI measurement, either directly, or via a mediation effect.

RESULTS: Schools were most likely to measure student BMI if there was a state law in place (65.0% of schools) than where there was not a state law regarding BMI measurement (38.4% of schools; χ2 = 120.91, p < .001). However, school‐level BMI measurement did not differ by whether the district had a relevant policy or not (49.8% vs. 49.2%, ns). These effects held up in multivariate logistic regression models controlling for relevant school‐level covariates (region, race/ethnicity, location, school size, and socioeconomic status). Schools in the south and those with a majority of White students were most likely to measure students' BMI.

CONCLUSION: State laws are associated with school‐level BMI measurement, and therefore may be a helpful tool in monitoring and addressing childhood obesity.
Synthesis and Potent In vitro Activity of Novel 1H‐Benzimidazoles as Anti‐MRSA Agents
Authors: Karataş Hacer , Alp Mehmet , Yıldız Sulhiye , Göker Hakan
Published: April 2012

A new class of 1H‐benzimidazolecarboxamidines was synthesized and evaluated for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities, including drug‐resistant bacterial strains. The most potent compound (32) has the same ratio of anti‐MRSA activity as Vancomycin (minimal inhibitory concentrations value 0.78 μg/mL). The mechanism of action for 1H‐benzimidazolecarboxamidine appears to be different from existing antibacterial agents. These compounds have potential for development as a new class of potent anti‐MRSA agent.
Agenda Setting in the States: How Politics and Policy Needs Shape Gubernatorial Agendas
Authors: HEIDBREDER BRIANNE
Published: April 2012

This article examines gubernatorial agenda attention to social welfare and health‐care policy, assessing the extent to which liberal agenda attention is a function of state politics and policy needs. Using data collected through content analysis of state of the state speeches from 2000 to 2007 across the 50 states, I show that gubernatorial agenda attention is a function of a number of policy demand indicators, including gubernatorial party identification, state legislative party control, and policy needs as measured using state environmental characteristics. The results also suggest that Democratic and Republican governors react differently to their environments when constructing their agendas. The models of gubernatorial agenda attention show that state‐level agenda setting is a complicated process driven by both demand for public policy, as well as constraints acting against a governor's desire to devote attention to specific policies.

Related Articles:“Issue Salience, Party Strength, and the Adoption of Health‐Care Expansion Efforts.” (2012) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00340.x/abstract“The Interpretive Process of Agenda‐Building: A Research Design for Public Policy.” (2002) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2002.tb00632.x/abstract“Agenda Setting at the State Level: The Neutralization of Entrepreneurial Politics in Virginia's Land Use Initiative.” (1994) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.1994.tb00343.x/abstract

Este artículo examina la atención de la agenda gubernamental a las políticas de seguridad social y cobertura médica, evaluando en qué medida la atención de la agenda liberal está en función de las necesidades de las políticas estatales. Usando datos recolectados mediante el análisis del contenido de discursos estatales del año 2000 al 2007 en los 50 estados, muestro como la atención de la agenda gubernamental está en función de un número de indicadores políticos, incluyendo partido gobernante, control legislativo del partido gobernante, y necesidades políticas tomando como medida el contexto político del estado. Los resultados también sugieren que los gobernadores Demócratas y Republicanos reaccionan de manera diferente al establecer sus agendas. Los modelos de atención gubernamental muestran que la creación de una agenda a nivel estatal es un proceso complicado impulsado por la demanda por políticas públicas, así como las restricciones que sobre los deseos de un gobernador de dedicar atención a políticas específicas.
Political Geography, Direct Democracy, and the Reasoning Voter: Spatial Proximity, Symbolic Politics, and Voting on California's Proposition 83
Authors: DYCK JOSHUA J. , HAGLEY ANNIKA
Published: April 2012

This article uses relatively novel techniques (geographic information systems, spatial regression) to provide counterevidence to the reasoning voter hypothesis in previous studies of direct democracy. We apply these methods to voting data in relation to the spatial implications of Proposition 83, a 2006 California ballot initiative that set residency restrictions upon felons convicted of sexual offenses to 2,000 feet beyond the boundaries of parks and schools. We apply a theoretical framework that argues that geographic/spatial awareness is often subject to affective responses. Our hypothesis suggests that, in the absence of clear costs/benefits and without explicit cues concerning the complexity of the spatial environment, voters' abilities to place self‐interested votes become more susceptible to affect and symbols. Our models support this idea: partisan, ideological, and affective determinants dominate the model, while geographic self‐interest is unrelated to voting behavior on Proposition 83.

Related Articles:“Citizen Trust, Political Corruption, and Voting Behavior.” (2010) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00267.x/abstract

“Community Policing, Trust, and Muslim Communities in Relation to “New Terrorism.” (2010)

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00258.x/abstract

“Moral Values and Vote Choice in the 2004 U.S. Presidential Election.” (2007)

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2007.00058.x/abstract

Related Media: Video Clip: “Jessica's Law Dilemma: Homeless Sex Offenders.” (ABC7News 2010) http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/iteam&id=7245220

Este artículo usa técnicas relativamente nuevas (SIG, regresión espacial) para proveer un contraargumento a la hipótesis del elector racional en estudios previos en democracia directa (e.g., Lupia 1994). Aplicamos estos métodos a información electoral en relación a las implicaciones espaciales de la Proposición 83, una iniciativa de California en 2006 que estableció restricciones de residencia para personas sentenciadas por delitos sexuales a mantener una distancia de 600 metros de los límites de parques y escuelas. Aplicamos un marco teórico donde argumentamos que la conciencia geográfica/espacial está sujeta a respuestas afectivas frecuentemente. Nuestra hipótesis sugiere que, en la ausencia de costos/beneficios explícitos y sin una indicación clara acerca de la complejidad espacial del entorno, la habilidad de los electores para votar en su propio interés se vuelve más susceptible a emociones y símbolos. Nuestros modelos apoyan esta idea: determinantes partidistas, ideológicos y afectivos dominan el modelo, mientras que interés individual geográfico no está relacionado al comportamiento electoral en la Proposición 83.
Presidential Power and the Judicialization of Politics as Determinants of Institutional Change in the Judiciary: The Supreme Court of Ecuador (1979‐2009)
Authors: BASABE‐SERRANO SANTIAGO
Published: April 2012

What explains institutional instability in national judicial institutions? Much extant research focuses on de facto institutional instability, emphasizing political motivations behind irregular changes to high court composition. In contrast, I consider the causes for de jure changes made to the Ecuadorian Supreme Court from 1979 to the present, drawing on qualitative and quantitative analyses. I contend that the judicialization of politics and presidential interest in stacking the courts are central explanatory factors, and that changes to the Supreme Court's institutional framework reflect implicit compromises and political arrangements negotiated by strategic political actors. As such, institutional reforms to national judicial institutions may be adopted to ameliorate conflict in the larger political sphere.

Related Articles:“Constitutional Jurisdiction and the Consolidation of Democracy.” (2009) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2008.00159.x/abstract

“Political and Economic Liberty in Latin America: Can They Coexist?” (2004) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2004.tb00179.x/abstract

“The Impact of Divided Government on the Supreme Court Appointment Process.” (2011) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00325.x/abstract

¿Qué factores explican la inestabilidad institucional en los Poderes Judiciales nacionales? Al respecto, la mayoría de investigaciones focalizan en la inestabilidad institucional de facto, enfatizando en las motivaciones políticas que llevan a cambios en la composición de las cortes. En contraste, y recurriendo a un análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo, este artículo analiza las causas de los cambios de jure realizados en la Corte Suprema de Justicia del Ecuador desde 1979 hasta la fecha. El artículo propone que la judicialización de la política y el interés de los presidentes por controlar las cortes son los factores clave que explican tales cambios institucionales y que dichas variaciones en la Corte Suprema reflejan compromisos implícitos y acuerdos negociados por actores políticos estratégicos. Por tanto, las reformas institucionales a las cortes se adoptan a fin de aminorar el conflicto político suscitado en una esfera política más amplia.
Aqui No Hay Oportunidades: Latino Segregation and the Keys to Political Participation
Authors: PEARSON‐MERKOWITZ SHANNA
Published: April 2012

For decades, political scientists, sociologists, and historians have tracked the perils of residential segregation in the African American community. The consensus is clear: segregation has hampered African American socioeconomic mobility and social integration. Given the strong relationship between socioeconomic status and political participation, segregation, therefore, is at least partially responsible for low levels of political participation within the black community. Over the last 20 years, Latinos have started to experience segregation rates similar to African Americans. I argue that the detriments of residential segregation are not isolated to the black community and present similar barriers to Latinos. This finding has important political implications, indicating that Latinos are unlikely to realize their full potential at the ballot box because of the socioeconomic barriers of segregation.

Related Articles:“English Proficiency and Latino Participation in U.S. Elections.” (2011) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00302.x/abstract“Racial Self‐Identification and Latino Political Engagement.” (2009) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2009.00220.x/abstract“Boosting Latino and Black Political Participation.” (2005) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2005.tb00803.x/abstract
Mixed Signals? Gender and the Media's Coverage of the 2008 Vice Presidential Candidates
Authors: BODE LETICIA , HENNINGS VALERIE M.
Published: April 2012

The 2008 presidential election was one of the most watched campaigns in American history, and prominently featured the vice presidential candidates, Governor Sarah Palin and Senator Joseph Biden. This election contest presents an exciting opportunity to expand and test our current understandings of the relationship between gender and media coverage. We examine this relationship using computer‐assisted content analysis of major newspapers, television news broadcasts, and political blogs. These three media are analyzed in terms of both quantity and substance of coverage received by Palin and Biden. Using a multiple medium perspective in our investigation of the contest between Palin and Biden, this article finds differences in volume of coverage (Governor Palin receives more), substance of coverage (roughly reflecting gender‐based stereotypes), and medium (with differences in volume and substance of coverage across newspapers, television, and blogs). Implications for future contests and for American politics in general are discussed.

Related Articles:“Women Candidates and the Media: 1992‐2000 Elections.” (2006)

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2006.00030.x/abstract

“The Influence of Female Candidates' Campaign Issues on Political Proselytizing.” (2008)

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2008.00093.x/abstract

“Incumbent Responsiveness to Female Challengers.” (2010)

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00271.x/full

Related Media:Blogs athttp://themoderatevoice.com/,http://committedtoromney.com/, andhttp://www.barackoblogger.com/

La elección presidencial del 2008 fue una de las campañas más vistas en la historia de los Estados Unidos, dando un lugar destacado a los candidatos para la vicepresidencia, la gobernadora Sarah Palin y el Senador Joseph Biden. Esta contienda electoral presenta una gran oportunidad para ampliar y poner a prueba nuestra comprensión actual de la relación entre el género y la cobertura de los medios de comunicación. Este artículo examina esta relación usando un análisis de contenido de los principales periódicos, programas de televisión y blogs políticos. Estos tres medios son analizados en términos de cantidad y sustancia de la cobertura recibida por Palin y Biden. Usando una perspectiva de múltiples medios en nuestra investigación de la competencia entre Palin y Biden, este estudio encuentra diferencias en el volumen de cobertura (la gobernadora Palin recibió más), sustancia de la cobertura (más o menos reflejando estereotipos de género), y de medio (con diferencias de volumen y sustancia de cobertura entre periódicos, televisión, y blogs). Las implicaciones para futuras contiendas y la política estadounidense en general son discutidas.