bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unemployment Protection and Family Policy at the Turn of the 21st Century: A Dynamic Approach to Welfare Regime Theory
Authors: Ferragina Emanuele , Seeleib‐Kaiser Martin , Tomlinson Mark
Published: August 2012

This article contributes to the welfare state regime literature from a substantive and methodological perspective. At a very abstract level we confirm the relevance of the welfare state regime theory and stability for the period from 1971 to the end of the 1990s. However, by analyzing family policy and unemployment protection, we observe a dual transformation of the welfare state, consisting of a trend towards a ‘socialization’ of family policies and a retrenchment in unemployment insurance benefits. Our Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) of the two policy domains captures the multi‐dimensionality of the decommodification and defamilialization concepts and visualizes welfare state developments over time in a Cartesian space. This dynamic analysis provides us with a nuanced understanding of welfare state regime stability and change.
Linguistic knowledge, fluency and meta‐cognitive knowledge as components of reading comprehension in adolescent low achievers: differences between monolinguals and bilinguals
Authors: Trapman Mirjam , van Gelderen Amos , van Steensel Roel , van Schooten Erik , Hulstijn Jan
Published: August 2012

In this study we investigate the role of linguistic knowledge, fluency and meta‐cognitive knowledge in Dutch reading comprehension of monolingual and bilingual adolescent academic low achievers in the Netherlands. Results show that these components are substantially associated with reading comprehension. However, their role appears to be different for the monolingual and bilingual low achievers. There are interactions between knowledge and fluency components with membership of the monolingual or bilingual group of low achievers, indicating that knowledge is more important in explaining reading comprehension of bilinguals, whereas fluency is more important in explaining the monolinguals’ reading comprehension. Explanations of this difference between monolingual and bilingual low achievers are discussed.
Negotiating Gender Relations: Muslim Women and Formal Employment in Pakistan's Rural Development Sector
Authors: Grünenfelder Julia
Published: August 2012

Drawing on evidence from qualitative field research, this article explores how Pakistani female development practitioners experience their work situations as they are shaped both by local sociocultural norms and globalized development agendas. In this context, policies at global and national levels demand that more female development practitioners work in remote rural places in Pakistan, thus creating new employment opportunities for some Pakistani women. This article argues that, in this work environment, these women are exposed to different expectations about their gender behaviour and that they therefore develop physical strategies on the one hand and discursive strategies on the other in order to negotiate gender relations in a way that allows them to engage in formal employment. This article adds to under‐researched debates on gender and work in Muslim countries as well as to debates in critical development and gender studies.
Lawyers’ Professional Careers: Increasing Women's Inclusion in the Partnership of Law Firms
Authors: Pinnington Ashly H. , Sandberg Jörgen
Published: August 2012

Despite a huge increase in the number of women lawyers employed in professional service firms (PSFs) over the last four decades, the proportion of women at partnership level has changed at a much slower rate. This article investigates men's and women's understandings of women's careers and promotion to equity partner. The findings show that one reason why few women advance to equity partner level is that both men and women understand this role as requiring them to privilege work considerations over family. We recommend that PSF researchers and practitioners reflect more on the management of diversity and alternative work arrangements and organization.
Infant brain structures, executive function, and attention deficit/hyperactivity problems at preschool age. A prospective study
Authors: Ghassabian Akhgar , Herba Catherine M. , Roza Sabine J. , Govaert Paul , Schenk Jacqueline J. , Jaddoe Vincent W. , Hofman Albert , White Tonya , Verhulst Frank C. , Tiemeier Henning
Published: August 2012

Background:  Neuroimaging findings have provided evidence for a relation between variations in brain structures and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, longitudinal neuroimaging studies are typically confined to children who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. In a population‐based study, we aimed to characterize the prospective association between brain structures measured during infancy and executive function and attention deficit/hyperactivity problems assessed at preschool age.

Methods:  In the Generation R Study, the corpus callosum length, the gangliothalamic ovoid diameter (encompassing the basal ganglia and thalamus), and the ventricular volume were measured in 784 6‐week‐old children using cranial postnatal ultrasounds. Parents rated executive functioning at 4 years using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function‐Preschool Version in five dimensions: inhibition, shifting, emotional control, working memory, and planning/organizing. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Problems were assessed at ages 3 and 5 years using the Child Behavior Checklist.

Results:  A smaller corpus callosum length during infancy was associated with greater deficits in executive functioning at 4 years. This was accounted for by higher problem scores on inhibition and emotional control. The corpus callosum length during infancy did not predict Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Problem at 3 and 5 years, when controlling for the confounders. We did not find any relation between gangliothalamic ovoid diameter and executive function or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Problem.

Conclusions:  Variations in brain structures detectible in infants predicted subtle impairments in inhibition and emotional control. However, in this population‐based study, we could not demonstrate that early structural brain variations precede symptoms of ADHD.
ATP1A3 mutations in infants: a new rapid‐onset dystonia–Parkinsonism phenotype characterized by motor delay and ataxia
Authors: BRASHEAR ALLISON , MINK JONATHAN W , HILL DEBORAH F , BOGGS NIKI , MCCALL W VAUGHN , STACY MARK A , SNIVELY BEVERLY , LIGHT LANEY S , SWEADNER KATHLEEN J , OZELIUS LAURIE J , MORRISON LESLIE
Published: August 2012

We report new clinical features of delayed motor development, hypotonia, and ataxia in two young children with mutations (R756H and D923N) in the ATP1A3 gene. In adults, mutations in ATP1A3 cause rapid‐onset dystonia–Parkinsonism (RDP, DYT12) with abrupt onset of fixed dystonia. The parents and children were examined and videotaped, and samples were collected for mutation analysis. Case 1 presented with fluctuating spells of hypotonia, dysphagia, mutism, dystonia, and ataxia at 9 months. After three episodes of hypotonia, she developed ataxia, inability to speak or swallow, and eventual seizures. Case 2 presented with hypotonia at 14 months and pre‐existing motor delay. At age 4 years, he had episodic slurred speech, followed by ataxia, drooling, and dysarthria. He remains mute. Both children had ATP1A3 gene mutations. To our knowledge, these are the earliest presentations of RDP, both with fluctuating features. Both children were initially misdiagnosed. RDP should be considered in children with discoordinated gait, and speech and swallowing difficulties.
Retracted: Ethanol disrupts axon outgrowth stimulated by netrin‐1, GDNF, and L1 by blocking their convergent activation of Src family kinase signaling
Authors: Chen Suzhen , Charness Michael E.
Published: August 2012

Pre‐natal alcohol exposure causes fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), the most common, preventable cause of developmental disability. The developing cerebellum is particularly vulnerable to the effects of ethanol. We reported that ethanol inhibits the stimulation of axon outgrowth in cerebellar granule neurons (CGN) by NAP, an active motif of activity‐dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), by blocking NAP activation of Fyn kinase and its downstream signaling molecule, the scaffolding protein Cas. Here, we asked whether ethanol inhibits the stimulation of axon outgrowth by diverse axon guidance molecules through a common action on the Src family kinases (SFK). We first demonstrated that netrin‐1, glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and neural cell adhesion molecule L1 stimulate axon outgrowth in CGNs by activating SFK, Cas, and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). The specific SFK inhibitor, PP2, blocked the stimulation of axon outgrowth and the activation of the SFK‐Cas‐ERK1/2 signaling pathway by each of these axon‐guidance molecules. In contrast, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) stimulated axon outgrowth and activated ERK1/2 without first activating SFK or Cas. Clinically relevant concentrations of ethanol inhibited axon outgrowth and the activation of the SFK‐Cas‐ERK1/2 pathway by netrin‐1, GDNF, and L1, but did not disrupt BDNF‐induced axon outgrowth or ERK1/2 activation. These results indicate that SFK, but not ERK1/2, is a primary target for ethanol inhibition of axon outgrowth. The ability of ethanol to block the convergent activation of the SFK‐Cas‐ERK1/2 pathway by netrin‐1, GDNF, L1, and ADNP could contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of FASD.
Molecular determinants of A2AR–D2R allosterism: role of the intracellular loop 3 of the D2R
Authors: Fernández‐Dueñas Víctor , Gómez‐Soler Maricel , Jacobson Kenneth A. , Kumar Santhosh T. , Fuxe Kjell , Borroto‐Escuela Dasiel O. , Ciruela Francisco
Published: August 2012

In the CNS, an antagonistic interaction has been shown between adenosine A2A and dopamine D2 receptors (A2ARs and D2Rs) that may be relevant both in normal and pathological conditions (i.e., Parkinson's disease). Thus, the molecular determinants mediating this receptor–receptor interaction have recently been explored, as the fine tuning of this target (namely the A2AR/D2R oligomer) could possibly improve the treatment of certain CNS diseases. Here, we used a fluorescence resonance energy transfer‐based approach to examine the allosteric modulation of the D2R within the A2AR/D2R oligomer and the dependence of this receptor–receptor interaction on two regions rich in positive charges on intracellular loop 3 of the D2R. Interestingly, we observed a negative allosteric effect of the D2R agonist quinpirole on A2AR ligand binding and activation. However, these allosteric effects were abolished upon mutation of specific arginine residues (217–222 and 267–269) on intracellular loop 3 of the D2R, thus demonstrating a major role of these positively charged residues in mediating the observed receptor–receptor interaction. Overall, these results provide structural insights to better understand the functioning of the A2AR/D2R oligomer in living cells.
A review of the role of excess soil moisture conditions in constraining farm practices under Atlantic conditions
Authors: Schulte R. P. O. , Fealy R. , Creamer R. E. , Towers W. , Harty T. , Jones R. J. A.
Published: August 2012

The Less Favoured Area (LFA) scheme is a major element of the EU Rural Development Policy, aimed at supporting farming in areas with natural handicaps or low soil productivity. It has been in place since 1975 and accounts for 14% of total Community funding. In 2003, the European Court of Auditors recommended that the socio‐economic criteria on which the current scheme is based be replaced by biophysical criteria. Reviews of the proposals suggest that in Atlantic climates of Northwest Europe, the new criteria do not delineate adequately areas where agricultural productivity is constrained by the biophysical environment and that such areas are instead demarcated by the occurrence of excess soil moisture conditions. In this paper, we review the impact of excess soil moisture conditions on the sustainability of farming systems and their role in constraining strategic and tactical farm management practices. In particular, we review the scientific evidence on the impact of excess soil moisture conditions on herbage growth, herbage utilization, farm operations and environmental sustainability. On the basis of this, we propose an additional biophysical criterion for the new delineation of LFAs, namely the length of time that soil water is in excess of field capacity (‘field capacity days’). While there is no clear threshold for field capacity days above which agricultural sustainability is acutely constrained, the evidence reviewed in this paper suggests that the sustainability of intensive livestock farming and tillage systems is particularly challenging in scenarios where the 80 percentile of field capacity days exceeds 220–230 days.
New spatial media, new knowledge politics
Authors: Elwood Sarah , Leszczynski Agnieszka
Published: August 2012

New spatial media – the informational artefacts and mediating technologies of the geoweb – represent new opportunities for activist, civic, grassroots, indigenous and other groups to leverage web‐based geographic information technologies in their efforts to effect social change. Drawing upon evidence from an inductive analysis of five online initiatives that engage new spatial media in activism and civic engagement, we explore new dimensions of the knowledge politics advanced through new spatial media and the mechanisms through which they emerge. ‘Knowledge politics’ refers to the use of particular information content, forms of representation or ways of analysing and manipulating information to try to establish the authority or legitimacy of knowledge claims. The five new spatial media initiatives we analyse here introduce new dimensions to the modes of collecting, validating and representing information, when considered against practices of many activist/civic encounters with other kinds of geographic information technologies, such as GIS. The significance of these practices is not in their (arguable) newness, but rather their role in advancing different epistemological strategies for establishing the legitimacy and authority of knowledge claims. Specifically, these new knowledge politics entail a deployment of geovisual artefacts to structure a visual experience; a prioritisation of individualised interactive/exploratory ways of knowing; hyper‐granular, highly immediate, experiential cartographic representations de‐coupled from conventional practices of cartographic abstraction; and approaches to asserting credibility through witnessing, peer verification and transparency.
Interest group–party linkage in the twenty‐first century: Evidence from Denmark, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom
Authors: Rasmussen Anne , Lindeboom Gert‐Jan
Published: August 2012

This article systematically investigates interest group–party interactions in the Netherlands, Denmark and the United Kingdom based on cross‐national surveys with responses from 1,225 interest groups. The findings show that interest groups and parties still interact in the beginning of the twenty‐first century, but that the vast majority of their interaction involves a low degree of institutionalisation. Using fractional logit analysis, it is demonstrated that the strength of interest group–party linkage is primarily affected by systematic differences in state–society structures and organisational group characteristics. Moreover, differences are found in what conditions different types of interaction. Whereas historical legacies and partisan origin influence an interest group's structural party links, group resources make interactions of a less institutionalised, ad hoc nature more likely.
NF‐κB‐dependent IL‐8 induction by prostaglandin E2 receptors EP1 and EP4
Authors: Neuschäfer‐Rube F , Pathe‐Neuschäfer‐Rube A , Hippenstiel S , Kracht M , Püschel GP
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose

Recent studies suggested a role for PGE2 in the expression of the chemokine IL‐8. PGE2 signals via four different GPCRs, EP1‐EP4. The role of EP1 and EP4 receptors for IL‐8 induction was studied in HEK293 cells, overexpressing EP1 (HEK‐EP1), EP4 (HEK‐EP4) or both receptors (HEK‐EP1 + EP4).

Experimental Approach

IL‐8 mRNA and protein induction and IL‐8 promoter and NF‐κB activation were assessed in EP expressing HEK cells.

Key Results

In HEK‐EP1 and HEK‐EP1 + EP4 but not HEK or HEK‐EP4 cells, PGE2 activated the IL‐8 promoter and induced IL‐8 mRNA and protein synthesis. Stimulation of HEK‐EP1 + EP4 cells with an EP1‐specific agonist activated IL‐8 promoter and induced IL‐8 mRNA and protein, whereas a specific EP4 agonist neither activated the IL‐8 promoter nor induced IL‐8 mRNA and protein synthesis. Simultaneous stimulation of HEK‐ EP1 + EP4 cells with both agonists activated IL‐8 promoter and induced IL‐8 mRNA to the same extent as PGE2. In HEK‐EP1 + EP4 cells, PGE2‐mediated IL‐8 promoter activation and IL‐8 mRNA induction were blunted by inhibition of IκB kinase. PGE2 activated NF‐κB in HEK‐EP1, HEK‐EP4 and HEK‐EP1 + EP4 cells. In HEK‐EP1 + EP4 cells, simultaneous activation of both receptors was needed for maximal PGE2‐induced NF‐κB activation. PGE2‐stimulated NF‐κB activation by EP1 was blocked by inhibitors of PLC, calcium‐signalling and Src‐kinase, whereas that induced by EP4 was only blunted by Src‐kinase inhibition.

Conclusions and Implications

These findings suggest that PGE2‐mediated NF‐κB activation by simultaneous stimulation of EP1 and EP4 receptors induces maximal IL‐8 promoter activation and IL‐8 mRNA and protein induction.
Eradication of Helicobacter pylori Infection by the Probiotic Strains Lactobacillus johnsonii MH‐68 and L. salivarius ssp. salicinius AP‐32
Authors: Hsieh Pei‐Shan , Tsai Yi‐Chun , Chen Yi‐Chun , Teh Su‐Fen , Ou Chung‐Mou , King V. An‐Erl
Published: August 2012

Background

The current therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection includes antimicrobial agents and proton pump inhibitors. We have examined the ability of Lactobacillus spp. to inhibit H. pylori infection.

Materials and Methods

Probiotic strains isolated from samples of adult feces, infant feces, breast milk, and vaginal swab collected from healthy volunteers in Taiwan and commercially available strains were screened for antagonism toward H. pylori. Inhibition liquid culture assay was used to screen potential anti‐H. pylori activity. Then, we performed agar plate inhibition assay, and assays to determine the capacity of probiotics for adhesion, and inhibition and killing of H. pylori, and measured the levels of IL‐8 and IL‐10. Using animal models, we studied regulation of gastric acid and histopathological changes accompanying anti‐H. pylori activity.

Results

We found that six of the tested strains suppressed urease activity of H. pylori: Lactobacillus acidophilus TYCA08, L. acidophilus TYCA15, L. johnsonii MH‐68, and L. salivarius subsp. salicinius AP‐32 were more effective than the others. In vivo, L. johnsonii MH‐68 and L. salivarius subsp. salicinius AP‐32 alone or in combination, reduced the H. pylori load in the gastric mucosa, and also reduced inflammatory chemokine expression and lymphocyte infiltration.

Conclusions

Lactobacillus johnsonii MH‐68 and L. salivarius subsp. salicinius AP‐32 effectively suppress H. pylori viability, and when used as probiotics, they may help decrease the occurrence of gastritis, and even reduce the risk of H. pylori infection.
Multiple partial melting events in the Sulu UHP terrane: zircon U–Pb dating of granitic leucosomes within amphibolite and gneiss
Authors: LIU F. L. , ROBINSON P. T. , LIU P. H.
Published: August 2012

Thin layers and lenses of granitic leucosome are widely distributed within amphibolites, paragneisses and orthogneisses of the Sulu UHP terrane. They are parallel to, or cross‐cut, foliations in the host rocks at different scales and show evidence of coalescence and migration to form centimetre‐ to decimetre‐scale segregations. Variously migmatized rocks extend at least 350 km from SW Sulu (Maobei) to NE Sulu (Weihai), in a band at least 50 km wide. A combined study of mineral inclusions, cathoduluminescence (CL) images, U–Pb LA‐ICP‐MS dates, and in‐situ trace element compositions of zircon provide clear evidence on the nature and timing of partial melting in these UHP rocks. Most zircon from the granitic leucosomes occurs as distinct overgrowths around inherited (igneous or metamorphic) cores or as new, euhedral crystals. The overgrowths and new crystals commonly show perfectly euhedral shapes, have pronounced oscillatory zoning and contain felsic mineral inclusions, such as Kfs + Pl + Qtz ± Ilm ± monazite (Mon). In contrast, the inherited igneous or metamorphic cores are rounded or irregular, contain low‐P or UHP mineral inclusions and show clear dissolution textures. These data suggest that the new zircon is anatectic in origin and that it grew during partial melting of the UHP rocks. The REE patterns of the anatectic zircon show steep slopes from the HREE to LREE with strongly to moderately negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.31–0.72) and pronounced positive Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce* = 6.8–26.5). Abundant U–Pb spot analyses of the anatectic zircon reveal two discrete and meaningful ages of partial melting within the Sulu UHP terrane. Anatectic zircon from 12 granitic leucosomes within amphibolites, paragneisses, and orthogneisses from Sulu UHP slices II and III yields consistent mean U–Pb ages of 219.0 ± 1.2 to 218.3 ± 1.6 Ma, 218.8 ± 2.0 to 217.3 ± 1.7 Ma and 218.2 ± 1.4 to 215.0 ± 1.5 Ma, respectively. In contrast, anatectic zircon from six granitic leucosomes within paragneisses and orthogneisses from Sulu UHP slice III records younger mean U–Pb ages of 151.9 ± 1.3 to 151.1 ± 1.8 Ma and 155.9 ± 1.8 to 153.7 ± 1.7 Ma, respectively. These data imply that the Sulu UHP terrane experienced two Mesozoic partial melting events. The first partial melting event (219–215 Ma) was probably associated with a Late Triassic granulite facies stage of ‘hot’ exhumation, whereas the second (156–151 Ma) is interpreted as the result of Middle‐Late Jurassic extension and thinning of the previously thickened crust of the Sulu UHP terrane. Both partial melting events induced extensive retrograde metamorphism of the eclogites and their country rocks.
Porphyra (Bangiophyceae) Transcriptomes Provide Insights Into Red Algal Development And Metabolism
Authors: Chan Cheong Xin , Blouin Nicolas A. , Zhuang Yunyun , Zäuner Simone , Prochnik Simon E. , Lindquist Erika , Lin Senjie , Benning Christoph , Lohr Martin , Yarish Charles , Gantt Elisabeth , Grossman Arthur R. , Lu Shan , Müller Kirsten , W. Stiller John , Brawley Susan H. , Bhattacharya Debashish
Published: August 2012

The red seaweed Porphyra (Bangiophyceae) and related Bangiales have global economic importance. Here, we report the analysis of a comprehensive transcriptome comprising ca. 4.7 million expressed sequence tag (EST) reads from P. umbilicalis (L.) J. Agardh and P. purpurea (Roth) C. Agardh (ca. 980 Mbp of data generated using 454 FLX pyrosequencing). These ESTs were isolated from the haploid gametophyte (blades from both species) and diploid conchocelis stage (from P. purpurea). In a bioinformatic analysis, only 20% of the contigs were found to encode proteins of known biological function. Comparative analysis of predicted protein functions in mesophilic (including Porphyra) and extremophilic red algae suggest that the former has more putative functions related to signaling, membrane transport processes, and establishment of protein complexes. These enhanced functions may reflect general mesophilic adaptations. A near‐complete repertoire of genes encoding histones and ribosomal proteins was identified, with some differentially regulated between the blade and conchocelis stage in P. purpurea. This finding may reflect specific regulatory processes associated with these distinct phases of the life history. Fatty acid desaturation patterns, in combination with gene expression profiles, demonstrate differences from seed plants with respect to the transport of fatty acid/lipid among subcellular compartments and the molecular machinery of lipid assembly. We also recovered a near‐complete gene repertoire for enzymes involved in the formation of sterols and carotenoids, including candidate genes for the biosynthesis of lutein. Our findings provide key insights into the evolution, development, and biology of Porphyra, an important lineage of red algae.
Evaluation of the Retention Force of Double Conical Crowns Used in Combination with a Galvanoforming and Casting Fabrication Technique
Authors: Gurbulak Aysegul G. , Kilic Kerem , Eroğlu Zekiye , Gercekcioglu Eyup , Kesim Bulent
Published: August 2012

Purpose: The aim of this study was to measure the in vitro retention force of double conical crowns fabricated using primary galvanoforming and secondary casting techniques and those fabricated using primary casting and secondary galvanoforming techniques under simulated clinical conditions before and after a wear test.

Materials and Methods: Primary galvanoformed crowns (n = 10) with non‐noble secondary crowns (n = 10; group A) and primary non‐noble crowns (n = 10) with secondary galvanoformed crowns (n = 10; group B) were fabricated. Each primary and secondary crown was embedded in acrylic resin and weighed with a digital balance. Retention forces were then measured using a universal testing device. To simulate wear, specimens were inserted and separated horizonatally 3285 times in wear equipment with artificial saliva. Retention forces and weights of the double crowns were then remeasured. Data were analyzed using paired t‐tests and Wilcoxon tests, and the groups were compared using Mann–Whitney U‐tests.

Results: In group A, the wear test had a significant influence on the retentive force (p < 0.05), but wear produced no significant difference in weight (p > 0.05). In group B, the wear test had a significant influence on the retentive force (p < 0.05), and wear produced a significant difference in weight (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that the use of different combinations of galvanoforming and casting techniques in the fabrication of conical crowns significantly affected retention force.
Transcranial Doppler with Bubble Study as a Method to Detect Extracardiac Right‐to‐Left Shunts in Patients with Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Goutman Stephen A. , Katzan Irene L. , Gupta Rishi
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Paradoxical embolism through extracardiac right‐to‐left shunts (ECRLS) may represent an under‐detected stroke mechanism. Stroke patients without evidence of cardiac right‐to‐left shunt (RLS) on echocardiogram may benefit from transcranial Doppler with bubble study (TCD‐b) to aid in recognition of stroke etiology. This study assesses the usefulness of TCD‐b in the stroke evaluation.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing TCD‐b performed in our neurovascular laboratory from February 2005 to August 2009. Echocardiography results were reviewed in patients with positive TCD‐b. Detailed medical record review was performed on patients with positive TCD‐b and negative echocardiogram findings for RLS.

RESULTS

Of 502 patients undergoing TCD‐b, 48.4% (n = 243) had a positive study suggesting the presence of RLS. Of these, 59.2% (n = 144) had an echocardiogram demonstrating a cardiac RLS, 26% (n = 63) had echocardiograms without evidence of cardiac RLS, and 14.8% (n = 36) had no echocardiogram. Data on the evaluation to determine source of potential shunting in patients with discrepant findings was available in 11(17.5%). Of these, 63.6% (7/11) had potential mechanisms for positive TCD‐b: one pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (AVM), one arteriovenous fistula thrombus, one parietal AVM, and four had malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

TCD‐bubble studies may prove useful in uncovering treatable causes of stroke.
Influence of implant neck design and implant–abutment connection type on peri‐implant health. Radiological study
Authors: Peñarrocha‐Diago M. A. , Flichy‐Fernández A. J. , Alonso‐González R. , Peñarrocha‐Oltra D. , Balaguer‐Martínez J. , Peñarrocha‐Diago M.
Published: August 2012

Objective

To carry out a comparative study of two implants with different neck features and prostheses platform connection (machined with external connection and rough‐surfaced with switching platform) upon peri‐implant marginal bone loss, before and after functional loading.

Material and methods

A randomized, prospective radiological study was made. Eighteen totally edentulous patients were selected. Subjects were divided into two groups according to the type of implant neck used: (a) Osseous®, with machined surface, without microthreads, external connection, and without platform switching; and (b) Inhex®, with treated surface, microthreads, internal connection, and platform switching. Mesial and distal marginal bone loss was measured. Implant success was assessed according to the criteria of Buser. Control timepoints were as follows: (a) at implant placement; (b) at prosthesis placement; (c) 6 months after loading; (d) 12 months after loading.

Results

Fifteen patients that received 120 dental implants were included: 47% Osseous® group and 53% Inhex® group. Global mean marginal bone loss with Osseous® was 0.27 ± 0.43 mm and 0.38 ± 0.51 mm as determined 6 and 12 months after prosthetic loading, respectively, whereas in the case of Inhex® was 0.07 ± 0.13 and 0.12 ± 0.17 mm. These differences were statistically significant (P = 0.047). Difference between Osseous® and Inhex® in maxilla (P = 0.272) and mandibular (P = 0.462) bone loss were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Bone loss after 6 and 12 months proved statistically significant between two groups, with comparatively greater loss in the case of Osseous® implants vs. Inhex® implants. Regardless the heterogeneity of the two groups (neck shape, microthreads, surface texture), the implant–abutment connection appears to be a significant factor on peri‐implant crestal bone levels. Anyway, in both groups, the values obtained were within normal ranges described in the literature.
Immunomodulation of dendritic cells differentiated in the presence of nicotine with lipopolysaccharide from Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Yanagita Manabu , Mori Kenta , Kobayashi Ryohei , Kojima Yuko , Kubota Mikiko , Miki Koji , Yamada Satoru , Kitamura Masahiro , Murakami Shinya
Published: August 2012

Tobacco smoking is a significant risk factor for periodontal diseases. Nicotine, one of the most studied constituents in cigarette smoke, is thought to modify immune responses. Dendritic cells (DCs), which are key mediators between innate and adaptive immunity, stimulate naive T cells to differentiate to effector T‐cell subsets that may be actively involved in the immunopathogenesis of periodontal diseases. In this study, we evaluated the effects of nicotine and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas gingivalis, alone and in combination, on the functions of human monocyte‐derived DCs to elucidate the mechanism of tissue destruction of smoking‐associated periodontal diseases. P. gingivalis LPS‐stimulated DCs differentiated with nicotine (NiDCs) induced lower T‐cell proliferation and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DR expression, but elevated expression of programmed cell death ligand 1. Additionally, NiDCs impaired interferon‐γ production but maintained interleukin (IL)‐5 and IL‐10 production in co‐cultured T cells. Furthermore, NiDCs produced lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines compared with DCs differentiated in the absence of nicotine. Interestingly, NiDCs preferentially produced the T helper 2 (Th2)‐type chemokines macrophage chemotactic protein‐1 and macrophage‐derived chemokine. These results suggest that the presence of nicotine during differentiation of DCs modulates the immunoregulatory functions of P. gingivalis LPS‐stimulated DCs.
Family history interview of a broad phenotype in specific language impairment and matched controls
Authors: Kalnak N. , Peyrard‐Janvid M. , Sahlén B. , Forssberg H.
Published: August 2012

The aim was to study a broader phenotype of language‐related diagnoses and problems in three generations of relatives of children with specific language impairment (SLI). Our study is based on a family history interview of the parents of 59 children with SLI and of 100 matched control children, exploring the prevalence of problems related to language, reading, attention, school achievement and social communication as well as diagnoses such as attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, Asperger syndrome, dyslexia, mental retardation, cleft palate and stuttering. The results show a spectrum of language‐related problems in families of SLI children. In all three generations of SLI relatives, we found significantly higher prevalence rates of language, literacy and social communication problems. The risk of one or both parents having language‐related diagnoses or problems was approximately six times higher for the children with SLI (85%) than for the control children (13%) (odds ratio = 37.2). We did not find a significantly higher prevalence of the diagnoses ADHD, autism or Asperger syndrome in the relatives of the children with SLI. However, significantly more parents of the children with SLI had problems with attention/hyperactivity when compared with the parents of controls. Our findings suggest common underlying mechanisms for problems with language, literacy and social communication, and possibly also for attention/hyperactivity symptoms.
Community neonatal practices and its association with skilled birth attendance in rural Haryana, India
Authors: Upadhyay Ravi P , Rai Sanjay K , Anand Krishnan
Published: August 2012

Aim:  The study aimed to document home‐based neonatal care practices and their association with type of birth attendance.

Methods:  This study was conducted in rural Haryana on mothers who had delivered a live baby one to 2 months prior to interview. The study instrument, administered through home visits, had questions related to cord care, breastfeeding, thermal care, baby handling and healthcare seeking. Logistic regression was performed to test for association [OR; 95% CI] of key newborn care practices with skilled birth attendance.

Results:  Of the 415 mothers interviewed, 26.7% applied nothing on umbilicus; 15% were kept in skin‐to‐skin contact with mother; 20.2% were exclusively breastfed in first month. Seeking care in private sector and cost incurred in the treatment for a neonatal illness was significantly higher for male babies. Delivery by skilled birth attendant (68.5%) was associated with applying nothing on the cord [1.8; 1.01–3.25], in skin‐to‐skin contact with mother for ≥6 h a day [2.21; 1.18–4.13], bathing the baby after third day [14.63; 6.85–31.21] and exclusive breastfeeding [8.84; 3.42–22.8].

Conclusion:  The results of this study call for not only upscaling skilled birth attendance but also improving the quality of care currently provided.
Analysis and impact of delays in ambulance to emergency department handovers
Authors: Cone David C , Middleton Paul M , Marashi Pour Sadaf
Published: August 2012

Objectives

Delays in the clinical handover of patient care from emergency medical services (EMS) to the ED because of ED crowding are a substantial problem for many EMS systems. This study was conducted to quantify handover delays experienced by the Ambulance Service of New South Wales (ASNSW), and to investigate patient and system factors associated with handover delay.

Methods

A retrospective study of EMS dispatch and ambulance patient care records was conducted for all patients transported by ASNSW in January/April/July/October 2009. Patient characteristics and time intervals were summarised using descriptive statistics, with handover delay categorised as <30 min, 30–60 min and ≥60 min. Times are reported as HH:MM:SS. Partial proportional odds models were used to investigate factors associated with delays.

Results

Of 141 381 transports, 12.5% of patients experienced a handover delay of 30–60 min, and 5% a delay of ≥60 min. The median handover interval was 00:15:46 (IQR 00:08:58–00:24:52, maximum 08:43:13). Patients transported to large hospitals were more likely to experience a delay of ≥30 min (odds ratio [OR] 14.57, 95% CI 11.41–18.60) or ≥60 min (OR 15.75, 95% CI 12.27–20.23) than those transported to small hospitals. Patients in major cities were more likely to experience delays than those in other areas, and patients ≥65 years were more likely to experience delays than those <16 years. Delays were most likely in winter. Cardiac and major trauma patients had the lowest likelihood of experiencing delays.

Conclusions

Handover delays are relatively common at the EMS/ED interface in New South Wales, and are most pronounced at large hospitals, in urban areas and during winter.
Morbidity associated with amphetamine‐related presentations to an emergency department: A record linkage study
Authors: Fatovich Daniel M , Davis Geoff , Bartu Anne
Published: August 2012

Objective

Amphetamine use is a global public health problem. We examined hospitalisations in a cohort of 138 patients who presented with an amphetamine‐related problem to an ED in 2005.

Methods

A record linkage study, using the morbidity, ED and mortality databases in the Data Linkage Unit of the Department of Health, Western Australia. The main outcome measures were hospital separations and length of stay (LOS) 5 years before and 4 years after entry into the cohort.

Results

One hundred and thirty patients (94%) with an amphetamine‐related presentation had a link with the hospital morbidity dataset. The most common diagnosis before and after cohort entry was mental disorders (before: F00‐F99; 405 separations, total LOS 2570 days; after: 309 separations, total LOS 3671 days). Injury and poisoning was the next most common in both time periods. Men had an increased relative risk (RR) for all days of psychiatric care (RR 2.12, 95% CI 1.04–4.35). After adjusting for age and sex, the highest risks of increased LOS occurred within 1 year before (RR 2.22, 95% CI 1.01–4.91) and 2 years post entry into the cohort (RR 4.21, 95% CI 1.87–9.46 and RR 2.82, 95% CI 1.25–6.34). There were four (2.9%, 95% CI 0.9–7.7%) deaths, which occurred within 2 years post cohort entry.

Conclusion

Amphetamine‐related presentations to the ED are associated with a significant cluster of hospitalisations around that episode. This is most prominent for psychiatric diagnoses, with a large increase in the total LOS in the year following cohort entry. Counselling less risky behaviour might decrease the burden of illness.
Expression of genes involved in susceptibility to multifactorial autoimmune diseases: estimating genotype effects
Authors: de Almeida E. Rocha Amazonas , Petzl‐Erler M. L.
Published: August 2012

Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, but the mechanisms responsible for the associations are poorly understood. To test the hypothesis that the variation of the basal levels of the gene products is significantly influenced by genetic polymorphism, we investigated whether SNPs in genes CD40, CD28, CTLA4, CD80, CD86, BAFF and IL6 are affecting mRNA or protein expression. The surface expression of the proteins on unstimulated monocytes, B cells, NK cells, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells, as well as the mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was compared among healthy volunteers with different genotypes. Despite the low basal expression level and large interindividual variation, average BAFF expression was significantly higher in carriers of genotype C/C of the BAFF‐871C>T SNP (rs9514828) when compared with carriers of the C/T and T/T genotypes. Genotype C/C carriers presented higher levels of the protein on CD8+ T cells, monocytes and NK cells and of mRNA in PBMC. Moreover, carriers of T allele of CTLA4‐318C>T (rs5742909) showed a significantly increased expression of CTLA‐4 on CD8+ T cells. No significant variation among genotypes was found in the protein or mRNA levels of other investigated genes.
STRoke Adverse Outcome is Associated with NoSocomial Infections (STRAWINSKI): Procalcitonin Ultrasensitive-Guided Antibacterial Therapy in Severe Ischaemic Stroke Patients – Rationale and Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ulm Lena , Ohlraun Stephanie , Harms Hendrik , Hoffmann Sarah , Klehmet Juliane , Ebmeyer Stefan , Hartmann Oliver , Meisel Christian , Anker Stefan D. , Meisel Andreas
Published: August 2012

Rationale

Stroke-associated pneumonia is one of the most common causes of poor outcome in stroke patients. Clinical signs and laboratory parameters of stroke-associated infections are often inconclusive. Biomarkers may help to identify stroke patients at high risk for pneumonia and to guide physicians in an early antibiotic treatment, thereby improving stroke outcome.

Aim

The aim of the present study is to investigate whether procalcitonin ultrasensitive-guided antibiotic treatment improves functional outcome after severe ischaemic stroke by early treatment of pneumonia.

Design

STRAWINSKI is an investigator-initiated, multicentre, randomized, controlled trial with blinded assessment of outcome comparing procalcitonin ultrasensitive-guided antibiotic treatment with standard care.

Study

200 patients with ischaemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory and a score >9 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale will be included and randomly assigned to two groups. One group will receive procalcitonin-based antibiotic therapy guidance; the other group will receive standard stroke unit care.

Outcomes

The primary endpoint is functional outcome at day 90 after stroke on the modified Rankin Scale, dichotomized as favourable (0–4) or unfavourable outcome ( 5 ,– 6 ). Secondary endpoints are time to first event of death, rehospitalization, or recurrent stroke; death rate, infection rate, and days with fever up to day 7; length of hospital stay and hospital discharge disposition; shift analysis of the modified Rankin Scale; Barthel Index and days alive and out of hospital at day 90; use of antibiotics until day 90; and modified Rankin Scale, Barthel Index, and infarct volume at day 180.
Hector's dolphin diet: The species, sizes and relative importance of prey eaten by Cephalorhynchus hectori, investigated using stomach content analysis
Authors: Miller Elanor , Lalas Chris , Dawson Steve , Ratz Hiltrun , Slooten Elisabeth
Published: August 2012

Stomach contents of 63 Hector's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori) were collected between 1984 and 2006 from throughout New Zealand to provide the first quantitative assessment of prey composition. Twenty‐nine taxa were identified. Those most commonly consumed were red cod (Pseudophycis bachus), ahuru (Auchenoceros punctatus), arrow squid (Nototodarus sp.), sprat (Sprattus sp.), sole (Peltorhamphus sp.), and stargazer (Crapatalus sp.). By mass, these six species contributed 77% of total diet. Red cod contributed the most in terms of mass (37%), while ahuru and Hector's lanternfish (Lampanyctodes hectoris) were consumed in large numbers. Prey ranged from <1 cm to >60 cm in total length, but the majority of prey items were <10 cm long, indicating that for some species, juveniles were targeted. Diets of dolphins from South Island east and west coasts were significantly different, due largely to javelinfish (Lepidorhynchus denticulatus) being of greater importance in west coast stomachs, and a greater consumption of demersal prey species in the east. The feeding ecology of Hector's dolphin is broadly similar to that of other Cephalorhynchus species. Hector's dolphin is shown to feed on species from throughout the water column, and differences in diet between populations are thought to reflect prey availability.
An evidence‐based approach to the 12‐min consultation for a child with Down’s syndrome
Authors: Malik V. , Verma R.U. , Joshi V. , Sheehan P.Z.
Published: August 2012

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2012, 37, 291–296

Background:  Down’s syndrome is the commonest genetic condition. ENT problems are common in these children and can affect their development and quality of life.

Method:  English literature review and experience of the senior author in managing ENT problems in children and adults with Down’s syndrome.

Search strategy:  We carried out a Medline search on 31/03/2012 of English language publications using the following keywords: Down/Down’s syndrome, hearing loss, ear infections, sleep apnoea, thyroid.

Results:  The prevalence, presenting features and management of many common ENT conditions are significantly different in children who have Down’s syndrome. This is particularly true of otitis media with effusion and sleep‐disordered breathing.

Conclusion:  The outpatient consultation for a child with Down’s syndrome should assess a range of specific ENT problems affecting this patient group including hearing issues, sleep‐disordered breathing, recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, as well as other health conditions like hypothyroidism, atlantoaxial instability and cardiac issues, which can potentially affect the management of the patient.
Accuracy of computed tomography detection of superior canal dehiscence
Authors: Sequeira S.M. , Whiting B.R. , Shimony J.S. , Vo K.D. , Hullar T.E.
Published: August 2012

Citation: Sequeira SM, Whiting BR, Shimony JS, Vo KD, Hullar TE. Accuracy of computed tomography detection of superior canal dehiscence. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 9. pp. 1500–1505. DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0b013e318238280c.

Hypothesis  High‐resolution temporal bone computed tomography (CT) may erroneously demonstrate a superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) where none exists and inaccurately display the size of a dehiscence.

Background  CT is an integral component of the diagnosis of SSCD. The prevalence of dehiscence as measured on computed tomographic scan is approximately eightfold higher than that on histologic studies, suggesting that CT may have a relatively low specificity for identifying canal dehiscence. This, in turn, can lead to an inappropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Methods  We quantified the accuracy of CT in identifying a dehiscence of the superior semicircular canal in a cadaver model using microCT as a gold standard. The superior canals of 11 cadaver heads were blue lined. Twelve of the 22 ears were further drilled to create fenestrations of varying sizes. Heads were imaged using medical CT, followed by microCT scans of the temporal bones at 18‐μm resolution. Diagnosis of dehiscence and measurements of dehiscence size were performed on clinical CT and compared with that of microCT.

Results  Clinical CT identified 7 of 8 intact canals as dehiscent and tended to overestimate the size of smaller fenestrations, particularly those surrounded by thin bone.

Conclusion  These findings confirm that medical CT cannot be used as the exclusive gold standard for SSCD and that, particularly for small dehiscences on CT, clinical symptoms must be clearly indicative of a dehiscence before surgical treatment is undertaken. Preoperative counselling for small dehiscences may need to include the possibility that no dehiscence may be found despite radiologic evidence for it.