bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dose exposure in the ITALUNG trial of lung cancer screening with low-dose CT
Authors: Mascalchi M , Mazzoni L N , Falchini M , Belli G , Picozzi G , Merlini V , Vella A , Diciotti S , Falaschi F , Lopes Pegna A , Paci E
Published: February 2012

Few data are available on the effective dose received by participants in lung cancer screening programmes with low-dose CT (LDCT). We report the collective effective dose delivered to 1406 current or former smokers enrolled in the ITALUNG trial who completed 4 annual LDCT examinations and related further investigations including follow-up LDCT, 2-[18F]flu-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) or CT-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Using the air CT dose index and Monte Carlo simulations on an anthropomorphic phantom, the whole-body effective dose associated with LDCT was determined for the eight CT scanners used in the trial. A value of 7 mSv was assigned to FDG-PET while the measured mean effective dose of CT-guided FNAB was 1.5 mSv. The mean collective effective dose in the 1406 subjects ranged between 8.75 and 9.36 Sv and the mean effective dose to the single subject over 4 years was between 6.2 and 6.8 mSv (range 1.7–21.5 mSv) according to the cranial–caudal length of the LDCT volume. 77.4% of the dose was owing to annual LDCT and 22.6% to further investigations. Considering the nominal risk coefficients for stochastic effects after exposure to low-dose radiation according to the National Radiological Protection Board, International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) 60, ICRP103 and Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation VII, the mean number of radiation-induced cancers ranged between 0.12 and 0.33 per 1000 subjects. The individual effective dose to participants in a 4-year lung cancer screening programme with annual LDCT is very low and about one-third of the effective dose that is associated with natural background radiation and diagnostic radiology in the same time period.
More harm than good? The anatomy of misguided shielding of the ovaries
Authors: Fawcett S L , Gomez A C , Barter S J , Ditchfield M , Set P
Published: February 2012

Objective: Popular gonad shield designs aim to provide coverage of the true pelvis, which is presumed to be the probable location of the ovaries. Shields are frequently placed inaccurately, especially in children, obscuring important orthopaedic landmarks on pelvic radiographs. We aimed to identify the position of the ovaries and asses how this may vary with age and the degree of bladder filling. We aimed to identify the position of the ovaries and asses how this may vary with age and the degree of bladder filling.

Methods: Using MRI examinations of the pelvis in women and children, we located 594 ovaries in 306 female patients aged from birth to 59 years.

Results: This study provides new evidence that bladder filling affects ovary position. A lower than expected number of patients had both ovaries within the pelvis if the bladder contained more than a moderate volume of urine. Bladder emptying should be achieved wherever practical if a shield is used. In children under the age of 7 years, more than half (19/37) had at least one ovary outside the true pelvis. There was a significant association between age and ovary position, with the percentage of patients with one or both ovaries outside the true pelvis decreasing with age (χ  2, p<0.0001).

Conclusion: The embryological descent of the ovaries into the pelvis would appear to continue after birth, well into childhood. Current popular shield designs are therefore inappropriate for use in young children. Given the high risk of obscuring critical landmarks, coupled with the new evidence that even accurate placement will not necessarily protect the ovaries, the use of pelvic shields in girls should be reconsidered.
Caracterização de espécies diploides de Lotus em resposta à toxidez por alumínio
Authors: Santos Armando Martins dos , Dall'Agnol Miguel , Janke Aline , Bissani Carlos Alberto , Santos Luciana Carvalho dos , Leão Marcos Laux de
Published: February 2012

Objetivou-se com este trabalho caracterizar espécies diploides, inclusive a espécie modelo Lotus japonicus, e linhas endogâmicas recombinantes do gênero Lotus, quanto à tolerância ao alumínio (Al) tóxico utilizando-se solo ácido e solução nutritiva. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em casa-de-vegetação, sendo testadas três espécies diploides (L. japonicus MG-20 e GIFU, L. filicaulis e L. burtii) e 180 linhas endogâmicas recombinantes. Nos experimentos com espécies diploides, utilizou-se a alfafa como testemunha sensível e, nos experimentos com linhas endogâmicas recombinantes, utilizou-se a espécie modelo GIFU. Nos experimentos em solo, foram avaliadas características morfológicas da parte aérea e da raiz e, nos experimentos em solução nutritiva, apenas o comprimento e crescimento radicular. As espécies modelo MG-20 e GIFU foram, em geral, as mais produtivas. Os resultados em solução nutritiva seguiram padrão de resposta semelhante ao observado nas avaliações em solo ácido, sendo a espécie MG-20 superior às demais em todas as concentrações de alumínio testadas. Das 180 linhas endogâmicas recombinantes testadas, 24 foram superiores e 39 inferiores à espécie GIFU. A grande diversidade observada nas espécies modelo e nas linhas endogâmicas recombinantes pode auxiliar na futura seleção de genótipos cultivados (tetraploides), uma vez que essas espécies possuem um grupo de marcadores moleculares desenvolvidos que podem ser utilizados na identificação de regiões responsáveis pela maior ou menor tolerância à toxidez por alumínio.
Chemical composition and energy value of guava and tomato wastes for broilers chickens at different ages
Authors: Lira Rosa Cavalcante , Rabello Carlos Bôa-Viagem , Silva Edney Pereira da , Ferreira Paulo Vanderlei , Ludke Maria do Carmo Mohaupt Marques , Costa Edgenes Vital
Published: February 2012

The chemical composition and energy value of guava and tomato wastes for broilers at different ages were determined in this research. The metabolism assays were carried out by using the methodology of total excreta collection to calculate the chemical composition of wastes collected in different months. A total of 270 COBB broiler chicks was used: 150 in the period from 1 to 8 days of age (phase 1) and 120 chicks were used in the period from 10 to 17 days of age (phase 2). The trials were analyzed as completely randomized design with three treatments with five replications of 10 and 8 birds at the respective ages. The treatments consisted of different diets: one reference diet, one with 30% tomato meal and another with 20% guava meal, both partially replacing the reference diet. The values of the chemical composition of guava and tomato wastes varied according to the collection season. The chemical composition indicated that the wastes can be used in poultry feed, but with high crude fiber contents. The values of apparent metabolizable energy and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy and of gross energy metabolizability coefficient of guava waste was not affected by the birds age, different from the result observed for tomato waste, whose digestibility coefficients and apparent metabolizable energy values varied among growing phases. The apparent metabolizable energy values (AME) for broilers form 1 to 8 and from 10 to 17 days of age were 1,331 and 1,358 kcal/kg for guava waste and from 2,351 to 2,465 kcal/kg for tomato waste.
The Effect of Implant Size 5 × 8 mm on Crestal Bone Levels Around Single‐Tooth Implants
Authors: Urdaneta Rainier A. , Leary Joseph , Lubelski William , Emanuel Kimberly M. , Chuang Sung‐Kiang
Published: February 2012

Background: There is substantial evidence supporting the strain‐induced biologic response of bone to mechanical load. Stress‐related factors, such as implant size, have been associated with changes in crestal bone levels on dental implants. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of an implant size, specifically 5 mm wide × 8 mm long (5 × 8), on peri‐implant bone levels.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The cohort was composed of patients who had ≥1 plateau root–form implant. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate mixed‐effects regression models, adjusted for multiple implants in the same patient were used to evaluate the correlation between 5 × 8 implants and other clinically relevant factors on crestal bone levels after insertion of single‐tooth replacements.

Results: The cohort was composed of 81 individuals who received 326 implants. The average change in crestal bone levels (AvBL) for 5 × 8 maxillary and mandibular implants after 5.9 years of follow‐up were −0.36 and −0.04 mm, respectively. In contrast, AvBL for mandibular implants not measuring 5 × 8 was −0.51 mm. Of several different local and systemic factors evaluated, including 10 different implant sizes, 5 × 8 mandibular implants were found to be significantly less likely to lose bone when compared with mandibular implants not measuring 5 × 8 (P = 0.047).

Conclusions: Implants measuring 5 × 8 demonstrated statistically significantly less peri‐implant bone loss in the posterior mandible. This finding indicated that a specific implant size may be involved in mandibular bone preservation. However, prospective multicenter clinical trials are needed to validate these findings.
Cyclic conjugation in benzo- and benzocyclobutadieno-annelated terrylenes and higher rylenes
Authors: Markovic Marija , Djurdjevic Jelena , Gutman Ivan
Published: February 2012

The effect of benzo- and benzocyclobutadieno-annelation on cyclic conjugation
in terrylene and the higher members of the rylene homologous series is
examined. Some peculiar regularities are established, that could not be
observed in the case of perylene (the first member of the rylene series).
How Compatible are Communities of Inquiry and the Internet? Some Concerns about the Community of Inquiry Approach to E-learning
Authors: Bleazby Jennifer
Published: February 2012

There is an extensive body of literature which argues that the Internet supports student-centred learning, collaboration, community, higher-order thinking and the construction of meaning and knowledge. As such, many e-learning advocates have turned to the Community of Inquiry as an ideal pedagogy because it too shares these educational ideals. However, I argue that the Internet may actually conflict with many aspects of the Community of Inquiry, as described by Dewey and Lipman. In particular, the Internet can negate many of the attributes and skills it is assumed to promote, such as higher-order thinking, the construction of meaning and community. E-learning needs to respond to these potential problems in order to develop pedagogies and curricula that can counter them. The author suggests that Philosophy for Children may provide the basis for such a pedagogy and curriculum.
University Students and Ethics of Computer Technology Usage: Human Resource Development
Authors: Iyadat Waleed , Iyadat Yousef , Ashour Rateb , Khasawneh Samer
Published: February 2012

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the level of students' awareness about computer technology ethics at the Hashemite University in Jordan. A total of 180 university students participated in the study by completing the questionnaire designed by the researchers, named the Computer Technology Ethics Questionnaire (CTEQ). Results indicated that university students showed a medium level of awareness about computer technology ethics. Additionally, results indicated that there were no significant differences in participants' level of awareness based on the demographics of gender and academic level. Ethical violations included hacking into a computer system for illegal purposes; taking on a different personal identity on the Internet; illegal use and distribution of copyrighted materials; invasion of privacy; hate speech; and plagiarism. The study ends by suggesting a number of practical and theoretical recommendations for a number of stakeholders.
Marking Extended Essays on Screen: Exploring the Link between Marking Processes and Comprehension
Authors: Johnson Martin , Hopkin Rebecca , Shiell Hannah
Published: February 2012

Technological developments are impacting upon UK assessment practices in many ways. For qualification awarding bodies, a key example of such impact is the ongoing shift towards examiners marking digitally scanned copies of examination scripts on screen rather than the original paper documents. This digitisation process has obvious benefits, affording flexible information management and distribution. Digitisation can also lead readers to interact differently with texts, with readers' physical engagement with digital texts differing from traditional paper-based texts. More specifically, it appears that reader navigation and annotation behaviours are particularly influenced by a digital mode shift. A consequence of this is that it is possible that the mental workload involved in reading on screen is greater than when reading on paper. Moreover, it is theorised that this additional load can have an adverse affect on reader comprehension building. These findings prompt questions about whether the mode of marking might unduly influence marking outcomes when assessors read longer essay responses in a digital environment. In light of this concern, this article explores how marking mode influences examiner essay marking behaviours, which in turn might influence their comprehension building and their marking outcomes. This study gathers data from 12 experienced examiners working within a large UK-based awarding body to investigate how mode influences their navigation and annotation behaviours when marking extended essays on paper and on screen. These comparative data are then used to explore a model which suggests that manual marking behaviours, such as navigation and annotation, can influence examiners' comprehension whilst marking. The implications for future developments in digital essay-marking software are then discussed.
Online Advertising: Examining the Content and Messages within Websites Targeted at Children
Authors: Kervin Lisa , Jones Sandra C. , Mantei Jessica
Published: February 2012

It is recognised that from a young age children spend considerable portions of their leisure time on the Internet. In Australia a number of child-targeted magazines have associated websites, which have high and ever-increasing readership. We do not yet know the impact of this medium upon children. Overt advertising is evident on webpages, but so too are hidden advertisements in the written text, images and games. This material usually does not comply with existing broadcasting codes of practice for mainstream advertising. This article examines the instances of overt and covert advertisements for food within three websites monitored over a 12-month period. Across this time the authors found 13 examples of overt and 39 examples of covert food advertising. In this article they focus on three example advertisements as they analyse them in response to the following research questions: What examples of overt and covert advertising are evident within websites attached to children's magazines? What messages are presented? The authors discuss the implications this advertising presents for media literacy and the critical reading strategies required by young people as they navigate their way through and make meaning from these digital texts.
The National Educational Technology Plan: Continuing the Dialogue
Authors: Rose Raymond , Waks Leonard
Published: February 2012

The members of the working group on National Educational Technology Policy continue to base their formulations around entrenched conceptions of education, retaining the language of teachers, students, curriculum standards, specified objectives and the like. Several of those participating in the panel examining the policy report in an earlier issue (Volume 8 Number 2 2011) of E-Learning and Digital Media worried that these conceptions hamper imagination about new educational possibilities already bubbling up around the edges of conventional educational practice. The working group authors, in their rejoinder, have defended choosing and building on the older framework as a more practicable avenue for rapid change. Here Raymond Rose and Leonard Waks respond by (a) teasing out deep conflicts about this choice within the working group report, and (b) demonstrating the heavy costs of sticking with what Rose and Waks see as an outmoded approach to learning and education in the age of the Internet.
Effect of veterinarian-client-patient interactions on client adherence to dentistry and surgery recommendations in companion-animal practice
Authors: Kanji Noureen , Coe Jason B. , Adams Cindy L. , Shaw Jane R.
Published: February 2012

Objective—To explore the relationship between veterinarian-client-patient interactions and client adherence to dental and surgery recommendations and to test the a priori hypotheses that appointment-specific client satisfaction and relationship-centered care are positively associated with client adherence.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Sample—A subsample of 19 companion-animal veterinarians and 83 clients from a larger observational study consisting of 20 randomly recruited veterinarians and a convenience sample of 350 clients from eastern Ontario.

Procedures—Videotaped veterinarian-client-patient interactions containing a dentistry recommendation, surgery recommendation, or both were selected for inclusion from the larger sample of interactions coded with the Roter interaction analysis system. Client adherence was measured by evaluating each patient's medical record approximately 6 months after the videotaped interaction. The clarity of the recommendation, appointment-specific client-satisfaction score, and relationship-centered care score were compared between adhering and nonadhering clients.

Results—Among the 83 veterinarian-client-patient interactions, 25 (30%) clients adhered to a dentistry recommendation, surgery recommendation, or both. The odds for adherence were 7 times as great for clients who received a clear recommendation, compared with clients who received an ambiguous recommendation from their veterinarian. Moreover, adhering clients were significantly more satisfied as measured after the interview. Interactions resulting in client adherence also had higher scores for relationship-centered care than did interactions leading to nonadherence.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Veterinarian use of a relationship-centered care approach, characterized as a collaborative partnership between a veterinarian and a client with provision of clear recommendations and effective communication of the rationale for the recommendations, has positive implications for client adherence.
An efficient scattering model for PEC and penetrable nanowires on a dielectric substrate
Authors: Karamehmedović M. , Hansen P.-E. , Wriedt T.
Published: February 2012

An efficient forward scattering model, based on the Method of Auxiliary Sources, is formulated for perfectly electrically conducting (PEC) and penetrable nanowires on dielectric substrates. The accuracy of the model is investigated parametrically, with emphasis on future application in an inverse scattering scheme. The model is tested on families of PEC and silver nanowires on silicon substrate.
Tunable Raman fiber laser induced by Rayleigh back-scattering in an ultra-long cavity
Authors: Sarmani A. R. , Zamiri R. , Abu Bakar M. H. , Azmi B. Z. , Zaidan A. W. , Mahdi M. A.
Published: February 2012

We report an ultra-long Raman laser with a 46 km fiber length that behaved as a Rayleigh back-scattering–based optical feedback. The laser was tunable from 1550 nm to 1571 nm (3 dB bandwidth) with the insertion of an optical grating filter. Evaluations on the spectral evolution and power development were also performed from the results obtained. In fact, it was discovered that the spectral broadening effect between the modeless spectra resembled the same process that happens in a typical fiber cavity that has high reflectors at each cavity end. In addition, the output power showed a square-root development with respect to the input power.
Communic Acids: Occurrence, Properties and Use as Chirons for the Synthesis of Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Barrero Alejandro F. , Herrador M. Mar , Arteaga Pilar , Arteaga Jesús F. , Arteaga Alejandro F.
Published: February 2012

Communic acids are diterpenes with labdane skeletons found in many plant species, mainly conifers, predominating in the genus Juniperus (fam. Cupresaceae). In this review we briefly describe their distribution and different biological activities (anti- bacterial, antitumoral, hypolipidemic, relaxing smooth muscle, etc.). This paper also includes a detailed explanation of their use as chiral building blocks for the synthesis of bioactive natural products. Among other uses, communic acids have proven useful as chirons for the synthesis of quassinoids (formal), abietane antioxidants, ambrox and other perfume fixatives, podolactone herbicides, etc., featuring shorter and more efficient processes.
A Method of Hepatocyte Extraction Conjugated with HPLC is Established for Screening Potential Active Components in Chinese Medicines—Probing Herba Artemisiae Scopariae as an Exemplifying Approach
Authors: Hong Min , Ma Hong-Yu , Wu Xiang-Rui , Hua Yong-Qing , Zhu Quan , Fan Hong-Wei
Published: February 2012

In order to establish an effective and quick method for screening potential bioactive compounds in Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs), hepatocytes were employed for extracting either bifendate, a clinical medicine for liver diseases, or chemicals in Herba Artemisiae Scopariae (A. Scopariae), a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for remedying liver diseases such as hepatitis induced by viruses, chemicals or alcohol. After hepatocyte extraction the compounds were analyzed by HPLC, therefore this method was referrred to as hepatocyte extraction conjugated with HPLC (HE-HPLC). In the first part of this study, HE-HPLC showed that bifendate was extracted by hepatocytes and detected by HPLC-DAD which indicated the feasibility of this method. Then in the second part of the study, the potential active components in the A. scopariae extract were studied using HE-HPLC. Six chemicals in the A. scopariae extract, which could bind to hepatocytes in vitro, were detected by HPLC-DAD and three were identified as 7-hydroxy-coumarin (7-OH-C), capillartemisin A and 7-methoxy-coumarin, respectively. In vitro assays showed that 7-OH-C protected HL-7702 hepatocytes from H2O2 injury. The results indicated that these compounds could be extracted by hepatocytes, could be detected by HPLC and more importantly were bioactive. It is suggested that HE-HPLC is a useful method for screening potent active components in Chinese medicines used to treat liver diseases.
Satellite NDVI Assisted Monitoring of Vegetable Crop Evapotranspiration in California’s San Joaquin Valley
Authors: Johnson Lee F. , Trout Thomas J.
Published: February 2012

Reflective bands of Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper satellite imagery were used to facilitate the estimation of basal crop evapotranspiration (ETcb), or potential crop water use, in San Joaquin Valley fields during 2008. A ground-based digital camera measured green fractional cover (Fc) of 49 commercial fields planted to 18 different crop types (row crops, grains, orchard, vineyard) of varying maturity over 11 Landsat overpass dates. Landsat L1T terrain-corrected images were transformed to surface reflectance and converted to normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). A strong linear relationship between NDVI and Fc was observed (r2 = 0.96, RMSE = 0.062). The resulting regression equation was used to estimate Fc for crop cycles of broccoli, bellpepper, head lettuce, and garlic on nominal 7–9 day intervals for several study fields. Prior relationships developed by weighing lysimeter were used to transform Fc to fraction of reference evapotranspiration, also known as basal crop coefficient (Kcb). Measurements of grass reference evapotranspiration from the California Irrigation Management Information System were then used to calculate ETcb for each overpass date. Temporal profiles of Fc, Kcb, and ETcb were thus developed for the study fields, along with estimates of seasonal water use. Daily ETcb retrieval uncertainty resulting from error in satellite-based Fc estimation was < 0.5 mm/d, with seasonal uncertainty of 6–10%. Results were compared with FAO-56 irrigation guidelines and prior lysimeter observations for reference.
Pseudomonas fluorescens HK44: Lessons Learned from a Model Whole-Cell Bioreporter with a Broad Application History
Authors: Trögl Josef , Chauhan Archana , Ripp Steven , Layton Alice C. , Kuncová Gabriela , Sayler Gary S.
Published: February 2012

Initially described in 1990, Pseudomonas fluorescens HK44 served as the first whole-cell bioreporter genetically endowed with a bioluminescent (luxCDABE) phenotype directly linked to a catabolic (naphthalene degradative) pathway. HK44 was the first genetically engineered microorganism to be released in the field to monitor bioremediation potential. Subsequent to that release, strain HK44 had been introduced into other solids (soils, sands), liquid (water, wastewater), and volatile environments. In these matrices, it has functioned as one of the best characterized chemically-responsive environmental bioreporters and as a model organism for understanding bacterial colonization and transport, cell immobilization strategies, and the kinetics of cellular bioluminescent emission. This review summarizes the characteristics of P. fluorescens HK44 and the extensive range of its applications with special focus on the monitoring of bioremediation processes and biosensing of environmental pollution.
Cytoskeleton as an Emerging Target of Anthrax Toxins
Authors: Trescos Yannick , Tournier Jean-Nicolas
Published: February 2012

Bacillus anthracis, the agent of anthrax, has gained virulence through its exotoxins produced by vegetative bacilli and is composed of three components forming lethal toxin (LT) and edema toxin (ET). So far, little is known about the effects of these toxins on the eukaryotic cytoskeleton. Here, we provide an overview on the general effects of toxin upon the cytoskeleton architecture. Thus, we shall discuss how anthrax toxins interact with their receptors and may disrupt the interface between extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton. We then analyze what toxin molecular effects on cytoskeleton have been described, before discussing how the cytoskeleton may help the pathogen to corrupt general cell processes such as phagocytosis or vascular integrity.
Electron-beam patterned self-assembled monolayers as templates for Cu electrodeposition and lift-off
Authors: She Zhe , DiFalco Andrea , Hähner Georg , Buck Manfred
Published: February 2012

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of 4'-methylbiphenyl-4-thiol (MBP0) adsorbed on polycrystalline gold substrates served as templates to control electrochemical deposition of Cu structures from acidic solution, and enabled the subsequent lift-off of the metal structures by attachment to epoxy glue. By exploiting the negative-resist behaviour of MBP0, the SAM was patterned by means of electron-beam lithography. For high deposition contrast a two-step procedure was employed involving a nucleation phase around −0.7 V versus Cu2+/Cu and a growth phase at around −0.35 V versus Cu2+/Cu. Structures with features down to 100 nm were deposited and transferred with high fidelity. By using substrates with different surface morphologies, AFM measurements revealed that the roughness of the substrate is a crucial factor but not the only one determining the roughness of the copper surface that is exposed after lift-off.
Anterior Versus Posterior Approach in the Treatment of Chronic Thoracolumbar Fractures
Authors: Chen Zhi-wen , Ding Zhen-qi , Zhai Wen-liang , Lian Ke-jian , Kang Liang-qi , Guo Lin-xin , Liu Hui , Lin Bin
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this study was to compare the results of anterior approach vs posterior approach in the treatment of chronic thoracolumbar fractures. A total of 36 patients with chronic thoracolumbar fractures were divided into 2 groups. Group A was treated by an anterior approach and group B was treated by a posterior approach. During the minimum 24-month follow-up period (range, 24-62 months), all patients were prospectively evaluated for clinical and radiologic outcomes. Intraoperative blood loss, operative time, operative complications, pulmonary function, Frankel scale, and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score were used for clinical evaluation, and Cobb angle was examined for radiologic outcome.

All patients in this study achieved solid fusion, with significant neurologic improvement. Operative time, perioperative blood loss, ASIA score on admission and at final follow-up, and complications of respiratory tract infection and intercostal nerve pain were not significantly different between the 2 groups (
P
>.05), but complications of hemopneumothorax, abdominal distension, and constipation were fewer in group B (
P
<.05). Postoperative pulmonary function (
P
<.05) and correction of posttraumatic kyphosis were better in group B (
P
<.05).
¿Quiénes somos? Influencia de los padres en la identidad y la auto-estima de los jóvenes de segunda generación en España
Authors: Portes Alejandro , Celaya Adrienne , Vickstrom Erik , Aparicio Rosa
Published: February 2012

Examinamos la literatura sobre los determinantes de las auto-identificaciones étnicas y nacionales y la autoestima como paso previo para el análisis de tales resultados en una muestra numerosa y estadísticamente representativa de adolescentes de segunda generación en Madrid y Barcelona. A pesar de que estas variables psico-sociales son altamente maleables en la adolescencia, representan de todos modos dimensiones importantes del proceso de adaptación de los hijos de inmigrantes con consecuencias potencialmente significativas para su avance individual y movilizaciones colectivas. Las teorías existentes sobre el tema se basan fundamentalmente en estudios conducidos en Estados Unidos y otros países anglófonos. La existencia de una nueva muestra de la segunda generación española nos permite poner a prueba estas teorías en un contexto socio-cultural enteramente distinto. Además de incluir datos sobre cerca de 7.000 jóvenes de segunda generación, el estudio incluye también una muestra representativa de sus padres. Esto nos permite examinar directamente cómo las características de los padres afecta a la adaptación psico-social de sus hijos. Se examinan las implicaciones teóricas y prácticas de los resultados.
Maxillary First Molar with Two Palatal Roots Located Under Dental Operating Microscope
Authors: Shetty Prashant P. , Astekar Madhusudan S. , Jain Ankit , Pandya Mihir
Published: February 2012

An awareness and understanding of the presence of an additional root and unusual root canal morphology is essential as it determines the successful outcome of endodontic treatment. A thorough knowledge of basic root canal anatomy and its variation is necessary for successful completion of endodontic treatment. This report points to the importance of looking for additional roots and canals with the help of operating microscope. Finding additional roots and canals would enable clinician to successfully treat a case that would otherwise not be successful.
Breast Operative Technique for Single-Stage Reconstruction after Conservative Skin Sparing and Nipple Sparing Mastectomies: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Riggio Egidio , Ottolenghi Joseph , Nava Maurizio
Published: February 2012

The Authors present a novel technique of immediate breast reconstruction with definite implants after mastectomy conserving the nipple- areola complex and, less frequently, in skin-sparing mastectomy. The increase of indications for both oncologic and prophylactic nipple-sparing mastectomy has induced the research for a single-stage technique that could replace the two-stage reconstruction with expanders and/or autogenous reconstructions with flaps. The new techniques introduce modifications of the pocket coverage for the implants occurring in two ways: (i) autologous adaptation of muscle-fascia-fat-skin layers, (ii) application of alloplastic materials as the meshes. A series of 124 immediate reconstructions were performed from 2008 to 2011 using a continuous composite pocket made of pectoralis maior and serratus anterior muscle above, and skin-fat flap below. The innovation is represented by an extended electrosurgical scoring of the lower pole of the mammary pocket at two levels. The first is the deep-fascia and muscle layer; the second is the superfiacial fascial system. This operative technique represents an advancement of a prior procedure described by the Authors in 1998. This preliminary study would primarily describe the technique step by step. Discussion debates about alternative techniques in terms of either surgical details of technique or cosmetic results are still to be reached.
Compliance, Safety, and Effectiveness of Fixed-Dose Artesunate-Amodiaquine for Presumptive Treatment of Non-Severe Malaria in the Context of Home Management of Malaria in Madagascar
Authors: Ratsimbasoa Arsène , Ravony Harintsoa , Vonimpaisomihanta Jeanne-Aimée , Raherinjafy Rogelin , Jahevitra Martial , Rapelanoro Rabenja , Rakotomanga Jean De Dieu Marie , Malvy Denis , Millet Pascal , Ménard Didier
Published: February 2012

Home management of malaria is recommended for prompt, effective antimalarial treatment in children less than five years of age. Compliance, safety, and effectiveness of the new fixed-dose artesunate-amodiaquine regimen used to treat suspected malaria were assessed in febrile children enrolled in a 24-month cohort study in two settings in Madagascar. Children with fever were asked to visit community health workers. Presumptive antimalarial treatment was given and further visits were scheduled for follow-up. The primary endpoint was the risk of clinical/parasitologic treatment failure. Secondary outcomes included fever/parasite clearance, change in hemoglobin levels, and frequency of adverse events. The global clinical cure rate was 98.4% by day 28 and 97.9% by day 42. Reported compliance was 83.4%. No severe adverse effects were observed. This study provides comprehensive data concerning the clinical cure rate obtained with artesunate-amodiaquine and evidence supporting the scaling up of home management of malaria.
Systemic Antibody Responses to the Immunodominant p23 Antigen and p23 Polymorphisms in Children with Cryptosporidiosis in Bangladesh
Authors: Borad Anoli J. , Allison Geneve M. , Wang David , Ahmed Sabeena , Karim Mohammad M. , Kane Anne V. , Moy Joy , Hibberd Patricia L. , Rao Ajjampur Sitara Swarna , Kang Gagandeep , Calderwood Stephen B. , Ryan Edward T. , Naumova Elena , Khan Wasif A. , Ward Honorine D.
Published: February 2012

Cryptosporidium is a major cause of diarrhea in children in developing countries. However, there is no vaccine available and little is known about immune responses to protective antigens. We investigated antibody responses to p23, a putative vaccine candidate, in children in Bangladesh with cryptosporidiosis and diarrhea (cases) and uninfected children with diarrhea (controls), and p23 gene polymorphisms in infecting species. Serum IgM, IgG, and IgA responses to p23 were significantly greater in cases than controls after three weeks of follow-up. Cases with acute diarrhea had significantly greater serum IgA and IgM responses than those with persistent diarrhea, which suggested an association with protection from prolonged disease. The p23 sequences were relatively conserved among infecting species and subtype families. Although most children were infected with Cryptosporidium hominis, there was a cross-reactive antibody response to C. parvum antigen. These results support further development of p23 as a vaccine candidate.
Prediction of Child Health by Household Density and Asset-Based Indices in Impoverished Indigenous Villages in Rural Panamá
Authors: Halpenny Carli M. , Koski Kristine G. , Valdés Victoria E. , Scott Marilyn E.
Published: February 2012

Chronic infection over a 16-month period and stunting of preschool children were compared between more spatially dense versus dispersed households in rural Panamá. Chronic protozoan infection was associated with higher household density, lower household wealth index, poor household water quality, yard defecation, and the practice of not washing hands with soap before eating. Models for chronic diarrhea confirmed the importance of household wealth, water quality, sanitation, and hygiene practices. Furthermore, chronic protozoan infection was an important predictor for low height-for-age, along with low household wealth index scores, but not household density. Thus, despite better access to health related infrastructure in the more densely populated households, chronic protozoan infection was more common, and was associated with higher rates of child stunting, compared with more dispersed households.
Comparative Analysis of Severe Pediatric and Adult Leptospirosis in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Spichler Anne , Athanazio Daniel A. , Vilaça Pedro , Seguro Antonio , Vinetz Joseph , Leake John A. D.
Published: February 2012

Although leptospirosis may be fatal in childhood, the experience of many clinicians working in disease-endemic areas is that classic Weil's disease and death are less common among pediatric patients. The aim of the study was to ascertain disease spectrum and outcome differences in severe pediatric and adult leptospirosis in a large at-risk population. Epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained on hospitalized cases from São Paulo during 2004–2006. A total of 42 case-patients < 18 years of age and 328 case-patients ≥ 18 years of age were tested during the study. Compared with children, adults had higher rates of jaundice (P = 0.01), elevated serum bilirubin levels (P < 0.01), oliguria (P = 0.02), and elevated creatinine levels (P = 0.01) but not for thrombocytopenia or pulmonary involvement. The overall case-fatality rate was 27% (adult) versus 5% (pediatric) (P < 0.01). Severe pediatric leptospirosis may be less likely to show all classic features of Weil's disease and may be less fatal than in adults.
Predictors of Acute Bacterial Meningitis in Children from a Malaria-Endemic Area of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Laman Moses , Manning Laurens , Greenhill Andrew R. , Mare Trevor , Michael Audrey , Shem Silas , Vince John , Lagani William , Hwaiwhanje Ilomo , Siba Peter M. , Mueller Ivo , Davis Timothy M. E.
Published: February 2012

Predictors of acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) were assessed in 554 children in Papua New Guinea 0.2–10 years of age who were hospitalized with culture-proven meningitis, probable meningitis, or non-meningitic illness investigated by lumbar puncture. Forty-seven (8.5%) had proven meningitis and 36 (6.5%) had probable meningitis. Neck stiffness, Kernig’s and Brudzinski’s signs and, in children < 18 months of age, a bulging fontanel had positive likelihood ratios (LRs) ≥ 4.3 for proven/probable ABM. Multiple seizures and deep coma were less predictive (LR = 1.5–2.1). Single seizures and malaria parasitemia had low LRs (≤ 0.5). In logistic regression including clinical variables, Kernig’s sign and deep coma were positively associated with ABM, and a single seizure was negatively associated (P ≤ 0.01). In models including microscopy, neck stiffness and deep coma were positively associated with ABM and parasitemia was negatively associated with ABM (P ≤ 0.04). In young children, a bulging fontanel added to the model (P < 0.001). Simple clinical features predict ABM in children in Papua New Guinea but malaria microscopy augments diagnostic precision.
Evaluation of the Solar Water Disinfection Process (SODIS) Against Cryptosporidium parvum Using a 25-L Static Solar Reactor Fitted with a Compound Parabolic Collector (CPC)
Authors: Fontán-Sainz María , Gómez-Couso Hipólito , Fernández-Ibáñez Pilar , Ares-Mazás Elvira
Published: February 2012

Water samples of 0, 5, and 30 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) spiked with Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts were exposed to natural sunlight using a 25-L static solar reactor fitted with a compound parabolic collector (CPC). The global oocyst viability was calculated by the evaluation of the inclusion/exclusion of the fluorogenic vital dye propidium iodide and the spontaneous excystation. After an exposure time of 8 hours, the global oocyst viabilities were 21.8 ± 3.1%, 31.3 ± 12.9%, and 45.0 ± 10.0% for turbidity levels of 0, 5, and 30 NTU, respectively, and these values were significantly lower (P < 0.05) that the initial global viability of the isolate (92.1 ± 0.9%). The 25-L static solar reactor that was evaluated can be an alternative system to the conventional solar water disinfection process for improving the microbiological quality of drinking water on a household level, and moreover, it enables treatment of larger volumes of water (> 10 times).
Performance of Two Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests in Febrile Adult Patients with and without Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Infection in Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Chinkhumba Jobiba , Nyanda Monica , Skarbinski Jacek , Mathanga Don P.
Published: February 2012

The performance of two histidine-rich protein type-2–based malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) was examined in a rural area with a high prevalence of malaria and human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection in 113 and 445 febrile patients ≥ 15 years of age with and without HIV-1 infection, respectively. Patients were tested for HIV-1 infection by using a standard assay and for Plasmodium falciparum by using two mRDTs and microscopy. When microscopy was used as the gold standard, both mRDTs performed similarly in patients with and without HIV-1 infection: Bioline SD Malaria Antigen P.f, sensitivity 94.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 81.3–99.3%) versus 97.1% (95% CI:92.8–99.2%) and specificity 50.6% (95% CI: 39.0–62.2%) versus 47.2% (95% CI: 41.4–53.1%); and ICT diagnostics Malaria Pf, sensitivity 94.4% (95% CI: 81.3–99.3%) versus 97.1% (95% CI: 92.8–99.2%) and specificity 50.6% (95% CI:39.0–62.2%) versus 50.3% (95% CI: 44.4–56.1%). Infection with HIV-1 does not appear to affect the performance of these histidine-rich protein type-2 (HRP-2)-based mRDTs.
Different Patterns of pfcrt and pfmdr1 Polymorphisms in P. falciparum Isolates from Nigeria and Brazil: The Potential Role of Antimalarial Drug Selection Pressure
Authors: Gbotosho Grace O. , Folarin Onikepe A. , Bustamante Carolina , Pereira da Silva Luis Hildebrando , Mesquita Elieth , Sowunmi Akintunde , Zalis Mariano G. , Oduola Ayoade M. J. , Happi Christian T.
Published: February 2012

The effect of antimalarial drug selection on pfcrt and pfmdr1 polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from two distinct geographical locations was determined in 70 and 18 P. falciparum isolates from Nigeria and Brazil, respectively, using nested polymerase chain reaction and direct DNA sequencing approaches. All isolates from Brazil and 72% from Nigeria harbored the mutant SVMNT and CVIET pfcrt haplotype, respectively. The pfcrt CVMNT haplotype was also observed in (7%) of the Nigerian samples. One hundred percent (100%) and 54% of the parasites from Brazil and Nigeria, respectively, harbored wild-type pfmdr1Asn86. We provide first evidence of emergence of the CVMNT haplotype in West Africa. The high prevalence of pfcrt CVIET and SVMNT haplotypes in Nigeria and Brazil, respectively, is indicative of different selective pressure by chloroquine and amodiaquine. Continuous monitoring of pfcrt SVMNT haplotype is required in endemic areas of Africa, where artesunate-amodiaquine combination is used for treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria.
Saw-Scaled Viper Bites in Sri Lanka: Is It a Different Subspecies? Clinical Evidence from an Authenticated Case Series
Authors: Gnanathasan Ariaranee , Rodrigo Chaturaka , Peranantharajah Thambipillai , Coonghe Anthonia
Published: February 2012

The saw-scaled viper (SSV) (Echis carinatus) is considered to be a highly venomous snake in Sri Lanka despite any published clinical justification. Being a rarity, the clinical profile of SSV bites is not well established in Sri Lanka. We report a series of 48 (n-48) SSV bites from the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. The majority (65%) of victims had evidence of local envenoming at the site of the bite; however, 29% showed spontaneous bleeding and 71% had coagulopathy. There were no deaths in the series. The envenoming was mild in contrast to the mortality and significant morbidity associated with SSV bites in West Africa and some parts of India. These observations need to be further explored with laboratory studies to identify the venom components, study of morphological characteristics, and genetic profiling of the Sri Lankan SSV to see if it is different from the subspecies found elsewhere.
Relationship of Climate, Geography, and Geology to the Incidence of Rift Valley Fever in Kenya during the 2006–2007 Outbreak
Authors: Hightower Allen , Kinkade Carl , Nguku Patrick M. , Anyangu Amwayi , Mutonga David , Omolo Jared , Njenga M. Kariuki , Feikin Daniel R. , Schnabel David , Ombok Maurice , Breiman Robert F.
Published: February 2012

We estimated Rift Valley fever (RVF) incidence as a function of geological, geographical, and climatological factors during the 2006–2007 RVF epidemic in Kenya. Location information was obtained for 214 of 340 (63%) confirmed and probable RVF cases that occurred during an outbreak from November 1, 2006 to February 28, 2007. Locations with subtypes of solonetz, calcisols, solonchaks, and planosols soil types were highly associated with RVF occurrence during the outbreak period. Increased rainfall and higher greenness measures before the outbreak were associated with increased risk. RVF was more likely to occur on plains, in densely bushed areas, at lower elevations, and in the Somalia acacia ecological zone. Cases occurred in three spatial temporal clusters that differed by the date of associated rainfall, soil type, and land usage.
Unusual Presentations of Pediatric Neurobrucellosis
Authors: Budnik Isolda , Fuchs Inbal , Shelef Ilan , Krymko Hana , Greenberg David
Published: February 2012

Neurobrucellosis is an uncommon complication of pediatric brucellosis. Acute meningitis and encephalitis are the most common clinical manifestations, however symptoms may be protean and diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion in patients from endemic areas. Diagnosis is often based on neurological symptoms, serology, and suggestive brain imaging because cerebrospinal fluid culture yields are low. Two cases of pediatric neurobrucellosis with unusual clinical and radiologic findings are presented.
The Safety of Yellow Fever Vaccine 17D or 17DD in Children, Pregnant Women, HIV+ Individuals, and Older Persons: Systematic Review
Authors: Thomas Roger E. , Lorenzetti Diane L. , Spragins Wendy , Jackson Dave , Williamson Tyler
Published: February 2012

Yellow fever vaccine provides long-lasting immunity. Rare serious adverse events after vaccination include neurologic or viscerotropic syndromes or anaphylaxis. We conducted a systematic review of adverse events associated with yellow fever vaccination in vulnerable populations. Nine electronic bibliographic databases and reference lists of included articles were searched. Electronic databases identified 2,415 abstracts for review, and 32 abstracts were included in this review. We identified nine studies of adverse events in infants and children, eight studies of adverse events in pregnant women, nine studies of adverse events in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients, five studies of adverse events in persons 60 years and older, and one study of adverse events in individuals taking immunosuppressive medications. Two case studies of maternal–neonate transmission resulted in serious adverse events, and the five passive surveillance databases identified very small numbers of cases of yellow fever vaccine-associated viscerotropic disease, yellow fever vaccine-associated neurotropic disease, and anaphylaxis in persons ≥ 60 years. No other serious adverse events were identified in the other studies of vulnerable groups.