bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress and Blood Pressure in Kuna Amerinds
Authors: Hollenberg Norman K. , Mohres Erin , Meinking Terri , Preston Mack , Crespo Benny , Rivera Alicio , Jackson Lillian , Martinez Gregorio , Loken Won Mee
Published: May 2007

Is migration from isolated indigenous island communities to Panama City associated with an increase in stress? Individuals were randomly sampled from two Kuna communities: 325 individuals in Panama City and 133 on a Caribbean island. Stress was assessed through the Milcom questionnaire, which explores physical symptoms and symptoms relevant to mood and emotional state, and Cantril's ladder, which examines life satisfaction. Physical symptoms were more common in the urban community (p<0.001), and complaints reflecting mood were also significantly higher on the mainland (p<0.001); the two measures were highly correlated. While systolic and diastolic blood pressure was higher in the mainland community (p<0.001), there was no relation between blood pressure level and any index of stress. Despite unambiguous evidence of an increase in stress in migrants to the city, there was no indication that the stress contributed to the rise in blood pressure level. Migration to an urban setting is associated with an increase in physical symptoms and symptoms reflecting depressed mood, suggesting increased stress level. Life satisfaction is less influenced, possibly providing a measure of the degree of stress.
Changes in the Continuation of Antihypertensive Drug Use After ALLHAT
Authors: Xie Fagen , Petitti Diana B. , Handler Joel
Published: May 2007

An analysis was performed of the 1‐year continued use of various antihypertensive agents in a health maintenance organization following the 2002 publication of the Antihypertensive and Lipid‐Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT). Computer‐stored information was used from the health maintenance organization's prescription information system. Only patients newly started on antihypertensive medications in 2001 and the calendar year following the ALLHAT publication were analyzed. Patients were considered to be persistent with their first prescribed antihypertensive drug class if they obtained at least one refill for the same class of antihypertensive agents on or within 3 months of the end of the 1‐year follow‐up period. The overall 1‐year continuation rate decreased from 2001 to 2003. However, the continuation of thiazide‐type diuretic use after ALLHAT (2003) was higher than that before ALLHAT (2001) (p=0.004), whereas the continuation rate was lower for all other drug classes. We provide data to suggest that evidence from randomized trials is one factor influencing the continued use of antihypertensive medication.
A Drug Dose Model for Predicting Clinical Outcomes in Hypertensive Coronary Disease Patients
Authors: Elliott William J. , Hewkin Ann C. , Kupfer Stuart , Cooper‐DeHoff Rhonda , Pepine Carl J.
Published: May 2007

To understand the effects of single‐ and multiple‐drug combinations for hypertension on the risk of adverse clinical outcomes, the authors analyzed data from the International Verapamil SR/Trandolapril Study (INVEST). This trial randomized 22,576 hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease to sustained‐release verapamil or to atenolol as initial agents, followed by trandolapril or hydrochlorothiazide. Electronically collected prescription data from INVEST during 61,835 patient‐years were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model with nine covariates (randomization strategy, four average daily dose terms, two ratios measuring the proportion of time the first two drugs in the treatment arm were coprescribed, and two interaction terms). Increasing doses of atenolol and sustained‐release verapamil were associated with decreasing risk of the composite primary outcome (death, myocardial infarction, or stroke). Combination therapy with two drugs (verapamil/trandolapril or atenolol/ hydrochlorothiazide) reduced the risk of primary outcome compared with monotherapy (verapamil or atenolol), and triple therapy (verapamil/trandolapril/hydrochlorothiazide or atenolol/hydrochlorothiazide/trandolapril) further reduced the risk.
Use of an Olmesartan Medoxomil‐Based Treatment Algorithm for Hypertension Control
Authors: Neutel Joel M. , Smith David H.G. , Weber Micheal A. , Wang Antonia C. , Masonson Harvey N.
Published: May 2007

Hypertension guidelines recommend a steppedcare approach that starts with titration of the initial agent followed by the addition of other agents, as necessary, to achieve goal blood pressure. This study assessed the effectiveness of an antihypertensive treatment algorithm with olmesartan medoxomil as the initial agent. This was a 24‐week, open‐label trial in patients (N=201) with mean seated diastolic blood pressure of 90–109 mm Hg. Following placebo run‐in, all patients received olmesartan medoxomil 20 mg/d for 4 weeks. At subsequent 4‐week intervals, the regimen was modified in patients with blood pressure >130/85 mm Hg: up‐titration of olmesartan medoxomil to 40 mg/d; addition of hydrochlo‐rothiazide 12.5 mg/d; up‐titration of hydrochlo‐rothiazide to 25 mg/d; addition of amlodipine besylate 5 mg/d; and up‐titration of amlodipine besylate to 10 mg/d. Patients who achieved blood pressure ≤130/85 mm Hg at any point exited the study with no further follow‐up. At Week 24, reductions in blood pressure from baseline were 33.7/18.2 mm Hg. Altogether, 87.7% of patients reached the goal blood pressure of ≤130/85 mm Hg and 93.3% achieved a blood pressure of ≤140/90 mm Hg. Thus, an antihypertensive algorithm with olmesartan medoxomil as the initial agent controlled blood pressure in the majority of patients, but with >60% of patients also requiring the use of a thiazide diuretic or a thiazide and a calcium channel blocker.
ICD‐Antiarrhythmic Drug and ICD‐Pacemaker Interactions
Authors: BRODE SUSAN E. , SCHWARTZMAN DAVID , CALLANS DAVID J. , GOTTLIEB CHARLES D. , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS E.
Published: May 2007

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators. Antiarrhythmic drugs and separate bradycardia pacing systems are prescribed commonly in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Adverse effects of antiarrhythmic drugs on ICD function and adverse interactions between ICDs and pacemakers have been documented. The effect of antiarrhythmic drugs on the defibrillation threshold (DFT) in patients has not been well assessed. Most studies have been performed in animal models in which cardiac function was normal and drug doses were supraphysiologic. In addition, most studies have utilized monophasic defibrillation shock waveforms and epicardial lead systems. Despite the lack of clinical data applicable to current defibrillation systems, it appears that chronic amiodarone administration causes a significant DFT increase. In addition, antiarrhythmic drugs can influence antitachycardia pacing and tachycardia sensing. Defibrillation shocks can cause transient failure of pacemaker sensing and pacing, and cause spurious pacemaker reprogramming. Pacemaker function can result in ICD oversensing, leading to inappropriate therapy, or cause ICD undersensing, potentially resulting in failure to deliver therapy during ventricular fibrillation. The susceptibility of an ICD to undersensing appears related to the amplitude of the pacing stimulus artifact recorded by the ICD rate‐sensing circuit and to the characteristics of the fibrillation electrogram. Preliminary data suggest that undersensing of ventricular fibrillation by current ICDs is an unlikely event.
Cultural Perspectives of International Breast Health and Breast Cancer Education
Authors: Dow Meneses Karen , Yarbro Connie Henke
Published: May 2007

Purpose: To (a) describe teaching–learning strategies to foster cultural exchange among participants in the Train‐The‐Trainer (TTT) International Breast Health Program; (b) describe participants' perceptions of cultural influences on breast health and breast cancer; and (c) explore lessons learned about cultural influences on breast health TTT educational programs.

Organizing Construct: The TTT curriculum was grounded in the belief that nurses can effectively deliver breast health and breast cancer education, that educational programs must be culturally relevant and sensitive to the needs of the target population, and that an urgent need exists worldwide to reduce the burden of breast cancer.

Methods: A total of 32 nurses from 20 countries participated in three TTT programs held before the biennial meetings of the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC) since 2000, with follow‐up by E‐mail survey. Narrative descriptions of their perspectives and experiences are reported.

Results: Teaching–learning strategies incorporated cultural values into a TTT program to engage participants in sharing their individual and collective experiences about women with breast cancer.

Conclusions: Developing countries are increasingly multicultural. Developed countries have large immigrant populations that generally maintain the cultural values and practices about breast cancer from the country of origin. These “lessons learned" are important in planning other educational programs.
Reconceptualizing Adolescent Sexual Risk in a Parent‐Based Expansion of the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Katherine Hutchinson M. , Wood Elyssa B.
Published: May 2007

Purpose: To expand the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explicate the influence of parents on adolescent behaviors and describe its application to adolescent sexual risk behaviors.

Organizing Construct: Parents have repeatedly been shown to be among the most significant influences on adolescents' sexual risk‐related attitudes, intentions, and behaviors. However, many of the leading theoretical frameworks for understanding HIV‐related sexual risk behavior are individual‐level models that do not include important influences outside the individual, such as parents and families.

Findings and Conclusions: The proposed expansion of the TPB indicates the conceptual underpinnings for the design of family‐based prevention programs to reduce HIV‐related risk behaviors among adolescents. Additional research is needed to examine the predictive validity of the expanded model, and instrument development is needed for many of the expanded model constructs, most notably the parent constructs.
Developing a Parsimonious Model for Predicting Completion of Advance Directives
Authors: Judy Campbell Mary , Jo Edwards M. , Ward Karen S. , Weatherby Norman
Published: May 2007

Purpose

: To develop a theory‐based model to assist nurses in promoting self‐determination for completion of an advance directive (AD).

Design and Methods

: This descriptive study included data from a convenience sample of 118 community‐dwelling older adults in Tennessee, USA. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the influence of 15 factors and covariates on completion of an AD.

Findings

: The parsimonious model had three significant factors: receiving AD information; attitude index; and health literacy score. Participants were highly likely to complete ADs if they had positive attitudes toward ADs and had received information on ADs. As health literacy increased, the likelihood that participants completed ADs was reduced. This model explained 25% of the variation in AD completion. Chi‐square fit for the parsimonious model was highly significant.

Conclusions

: Of 15 factors and covariates that could influence completion of an AD, only receiving information about ADs, having positive attitudes toward ADs, and health literacy significantly affected the likelihood of participants completing ADs. More study is needed on this model and how nurses can assist patients with end‐of‐life decisions.
Perspectives of Elderly People on Advance Directives in Japan
Authors: Matsui Miho
Published: May 2007

Purpose

: To examine perspectives of Japanese elderly people on advance directives (ADs) and factors related to positive attitudes toward ADs.

Method

: The data were collected by a structured questionnaire from 313 of 565 older adult members of senior citizens' centers in two cities in Japan. Survey items pertained to demographic characteristics, terminal care preferences, and personal values, including autonomy, family function, and religious piety.

Findings

: Of the 313 elderly people who completed questionnaires, 72.9% had positive preferences for executing living wills. With regard to durable power of attorney for health care, 62.2% approved of it. The supporters of ADs were more likely to have had discussions about terminal care with family members or physicians, experience of a family member hospitalized for terminal illness or injury, preferences for life‐sustaining treatments that were self‐determined, and personal values such as religious piety. The relationship between positive preferences toward durable power of attorney for health care and sex, marital status, and living arrangements were significant.

Conclusions

: Most Japanese older adults in this study approved of ADs, and family structure was important to the acceptance of designating a proxy. Discussion about end‐of‐life care and respect for life‐sustaining treatment preferences are important decisions, about the end of life.
Toward a Theory of Self‐Reconciliation Following Mistakes in Nursing Practice
Authors: Crigger Nancy J. , Meek Vicki L.
Published: May 2007

Purpose: To explore nurses' responses to making mistakes in hospital‐based practice in the US.

Methods: A grounded theory approach was used to explore the process that occurs after nurses perceive that they have made mistakes in practice. Theoretical sampling was used and data were collected until saturation occurred. Ten participants, who were registered nurses, described 17 personal mistakes. The mistakes they described occurred in hospitals. All participants were practicing nursing either in hospitals or in other work settings.

Findings: A process of “Self‐Reconciliation After Making Mistakes in Hospital Practice” was identified, with four distinct categories: reality hitting, weighing in, acting, and reconciling. The core category was reconciliation of the self, personally and professionally.

Conclusions: This research was a first step toward the development of a theory of mistake making in nursing practice. This response to making mistakes is consistent with previous research and is related to cognitive dissonance theory. The responses to mistakes varied from less healthy responses of blaming and silence to healthier responses that included disclosure, apologizing, and making amends. Further research to develop the theory and to determine helpful interventions is suggested.
The Transition of Nurse Practitioners to Changes in Prescriptive Authority
Authors: Kaplan Louise , Brown Marie‐Annette
Published: May 2007

Purpose: To understand nurse practitioners' (NPs) decisions about whether to obtain prescriptive authority for controlled substances, to describe NPs' experiences with providing or prescribing controlled substances, and to describe the relationship between perceived autonomy and prescriptive authority for controlled substances.

Design and Methods: Twelve focus groups were conducted with approximately 100 NPs who attended continuing education conferences. Discussions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Grounded theory approaches were used for data collection and analysis.

Findings: A core category of Letting go and taking hold characterized Washington State NPs' experience of the transition to prescribing schedule II–IV medications. Three dimensions of the NPs' transition were Resisting change, Ambivalent about change, and Embracing change.

Conclusions: The core category, Letting go and taking hold, indicated how transition to a new scope of practice extended beyond successful passage of legislation, the importance of examining the nature of professional transition that accompanies successful legislative change, and role development as an ongoing process throughout one's career in response to changes in scope of practice. NPs need preparation for a new scope of practice long before legislation actually passes. Revealing and examining this process can facilitate the goal of achieving fully autonomous NP practice.
Relationships Between Change and Organizational Culture in Hospitals
Authors: Seren Seyda , Baykal Ulku
Published: May 2007

Purpose: To define organizational culture in hospitals that have received quality certificates and to identify attitudes of healthcare personnel toward change.

Methods: The population was all physicians and nurses (N=3,067) employed at four private hospitals that have received accreditation or the “ISO” certificate, and four public hospitals, all of which were located within Istanbul city limits. A proportional sample of 570 participants were selected from the eight hospitals. Data‐gathering tools were information form, culture scale, and Attitude Against Change Scale (AACS). Data were evaluated by using descriptive statistics, Cronbach alpha coefficient, Chi‐square test, and by t test for dependent groups, one‐way variance analysis (ANOVA), and Tukey test.

Findings: The lowest score averages on the AACS were found in those employed in public hospitals, in those who perceived top executives as autocrats, and in those who were unwilling to participate in quality studies. Participants in a power culture were least open to change.

Conclusions: A collaborative culture was the most evident culture in private hospitals, but in public hospitals the most dominant culture was a power culture.
Sexual Harassment Against Nurses in Turkey
Authors: Çelik Yusuf , Çelik Sevilay Şenol
Published: May 2007

Purpose: To identify the prevalence and sources of sexual harassment against nurses in Turkey, its consequences, and factors affecting harassment experiences.

Design: Descriptive survey. Participants (N=622) were selected from nurses working in eight Ministry of Health hospitals in Turkey.

Methods: Participants were surveyed with a Sexual Harassment Questionnaire, consisting of the sociodemographic characteristics of participants, types of sexual harassment, sources, feelings, ramifications, and ways to cope with sexual harassment behaviors. Frequency and percentage distributions, chi‐square, and logistic regression were used for data analysis.

Findings: The results showed 37.1% of participants had been harassed sexually. Physicians were identified as the primary instigators of sexual harassment. The most common reactions against harassers were anger and fear; frequently reported negative effects of sexual harassment were disturbed mental health function, decline in job performance, and headache. “Did nothing” was the coping method used most commonly by the nurses. About 80% of sexually harassed nurses did not report the incident of sexual harassment to hospital administration.

Conclusions: The lower working status and power of nurses in the workplace, poor working conditions in healthcare settings, and insufficient administrative mechanisms, including the present law and regulations against sexual harassers, were identified as important factors in the work environment in Turkey.
A Case of Multiple Assignments (Paternity/Maternity) in an Equine‐Out Breeding System*
Authors: Castagnasso Egle E. Villegas , Kienast Mariana E. , García Pilar Peral , Giovambattista Guillermo
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Recently, the use of DNA markers has provided a more accurate method of identifying individuals and verifying parentage. In this report, we describe foal assignment in a farm bred jumping horses (Silla argentino). Ten mares were freely served by two stallions, resulting in nine foals. Weaning occurred without registration of the mare of each offspring, resulting in a failure to identify either the mare or the sire of each foal. Animals were typed using 12 microsatellite systems and four biochemical polymorphisms in order to determine the paternity/maternity of each foal. We used the CERVUS program to evaluate the parentage of each offspring. It was possible to determine maternity in eight cases, and paternity in all of them. We concluded that this set of codominant markers analyzed following a likelihood‐based approach included in the CERVUS package, are useful tools to solve parentage assignments in domestic horses.
Does Hyperthyroidism Increase Risk of Death Due to the Ingestion of Ecstasy?
Authors: Martin Teri L. , Chiasson David A. , Kish Stephen J.
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Ecstasy (3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA) is a psychoactive amphetamine derivative widely used for recreational purposes. Deaths caused by acute drug intoxication with MDMA are rare but can often involve a severe hyperthermic episode. The factors underlying the increased risk of some ecstasy users to a fatal drug reaction are not known. We present a case report of a 24‐year‐old woman who developed fatal hyperthermia with multi‐organ complications following MDMA use and was found at autopsy to have diffuse thyroid hyperplasia (Graves’ disease). An antemortem blood MDMA concentration of 0.68 mg/L was measured in a sample obtained on admission to hospital. Although a cause and effect cannot be established, as the thyroid hormone is a major regulator of thermogenesis, we suggest that hyperthyroidism predisposed the subject to ecstasy‐induced hyperthermia and that a pre‐existing defect affecting temperature status could be one factor in explaining some ecstasy intoxication deaths.
Typeability of AmpFlSTR SGM Plus Loci in Brain and Thyroid Gland Tissue Samples Incubated in Different Environments*
Authors: Niemcunowicz‐Janica Anna , Pepinski Witold , Janica Jacek R. , Skawronska Malgorzata , J Jerzy Janica , Koc‐Zorawska Ewa
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Autolysis and putrefaction are crucial factors responsible for degradation of cells, tissues, and organs. Postmortem changes may assume different course depending on extrinsic and intrinsic conditions. The aim of the study was assessment of environmental effect on typeability of AmpFlSTR SGM Plus loci: D3S1358, VWA, D16S539, D2S1338, D81179, D21S11, D18S51, D19S433, TH01, FGA, and gender marker amelogenin. Brain and thyroid gland tissue specimens collected during autopsies of five persons aged 20–30 years were incubated at 21°C and 4°C in different environmental conditions. DNA was extracted by organic method from tissue samples collected in 7‐day intervals and subsequently typed using AmpFlSTR SGM Plus kit and ABI 310. A fast decrease in typeability rate was seen in specimens incubated in peat soil and in sand. Brain tissue samples were typeable in all AmpFlSTR SGM Plus loci within 126 days of incubation at 4°C. Faster DNA degradation was recorded in thyroid gland specimens. In samples with negative genotyping results, no DNA was found by fluorometric quantitiation.
Rodents as Taphonomic Agents: Bone Gnawing by Brown Rats and Gray Squirrels*
Authors: Klippel Walter E. , Synstelien Jennifer A.
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Passive infrared technology was used to film diurnal and nocturnal scavenging behavior of brown rats and gray squirrels at the University of Tennessee’s Anthropological Research Facility. This direct documentation demonstrated that brown rats modified fat‐laden cancellous bone while gray squirrels generally gnawed the thicker bone cortices only after fats had leached away. A case study placed in a shaded portion of the Facility indicated the postmortem interval for initial gnawing by gray squirrels was slightly over 30 months. An examination of 53 human skeletons in the William M. Bass Forensic Skeletal Collection revealed that 10 cases had gnaw marks consistent with those made by gray squirrels. One of the 10 cases had been gnawed within 16 months of time‐since‐death, while the remaining nine had postmortem intervals >30 months. Additional observed modifications made to nonhuman bone by gray squirrels indicate that squirrel gnaw marks on bone can serve as a minimal estimate of time‐since‐death in a temperate environment similar to that of East Tennessee.
Sexual conflicts, loss of flight, and fitness gains in locomotion of polymorphic water striders
Authors: Goodwyn Pablo Perez , Fujisaki Kenji
Published: May 2007

In insect wing polymorphism, morphs with fully developed, intermediate, and without wings are recognized. The morphs are interpreted as a trade‐off between flight and flightlessness; the benefits of flight are counterbalanced by the costs of development and the maintenance of wings and flight muscles. Such a trade‐off has been widely shown for reproductive and developmental parameters, and wing reduction is associated with species of stable habitats. However, in this context, the role of water locomotion performance has not been well explored. We chose seven water striders (Heteroptera: Gerridae) as a model to study this trade‐off and its relation to sexual conflicts, namely,Aquarius elongatus(Uhler),Aquarius paludum(Fabr.),Gerris insularis(Motschulsky),Gerris nepalensisDistant,Gerris latiabdominisMiyamoto,Metrocoris histrio(White), andRhagadotarsus kraepeliniBreddin. We estimated the locomotion performance as the legs’ stroke force, measured on tethered specimens placed on water with a force transducer attached to their backs. By dividing force by body weight, we made performance comparisons. We found a positive relationship between weight and force, and a negative one between weight and the force‐to‐weight ratio among species. The trade‐off between water and flight locomotion was manifested as differences in performance in terms of the force/weight ratio. However, the bias toward winged or wing‐reduced morphs was species dependent, and presumably related to habitat preference. Water strider species favouring a permanent habitat (G. nepalensis) showed higher performance in the apterous morph, but in those favouring temporary habitats (A. paludumandR. kraepelini) morphs’ performance did not differ significantly. Males had higher performance than females in all but three species studied (namely,A. elongatus,G. nepalensis, andR. kraepelini); these three have a type II mating strategy with minimized mating struggle. We hypothesized that in type I mating system, in which males must struggle strongly to subdue the female, males should outperform females to copulate successfully. This was not necessarily true among males of species with type II mating.
Virtual Colonoscopy
Authors: Andresen K. J.
Published: May 2007

Virtual colonoscopy (VC) is an emerging technique for colorectal polyp detection in a normal‐risk screening population, in patients who have undergone incomplete colonoscopy, or patients who cannot undergo optical colonoscopy. Improvements in technology since VC's description over a decade ago have improved sensitivity for polyp detection. The current recommendations for VC technique include cathartic bowel preparation and faecal tagging, scanning with multi‐detector computed tomography scanner, 2D and 3D interpretation on a dedicated viewing platform, a standardized system for reporting VC results [CT Colonography Reporting and Data System (C‐RADS)], and suggesting appropriate follow‐up. Given the significant learning curve for performing and interpreting VC, if this technique is to gain credibility, those who perform VC must be well‐trained and must understand the limitations of VC for detection of small lesions and extra‐colonic pathology. Institutional implementation of VC can be challenging. Using this less‐invasive technique to increase patient compliance with colorectal polyp screening (and ultimately the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer) is the goal.
Bone Response Inside Free‐Form Fabricated Macroporous Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds with and without an Open Microporosity
Authors: Malmström Johan , Adolfsson Erik , Arvidsson Anna , Thomsen Peter
Published: May 2007

Background:  The technique of free‐form fabrication enables the production of controlled macroporous geometry inside ceramic scaffolds. Using scaffolds with identical macropore design makes it possible to study a relevant biological response linked to other specific changes of the material.

Purpose:  This study investigates the role of open micropores in hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffold during early bone healing to quantitatively ascertain whether microporosity in otherwise identical macroporous HA scaffolds can influence the bone response in rabbit tibia and femur at 6 weeks.

Materials and Methods:  HA scaffolds (Ø: 3.8 mm) with and without microporosity were randomly installed in both cortical and trabecular bone sites of New Zealand White rabbits. The animals were sacrificed 6 weeks after surgery. Ground sections obtained from en bloc tissues containing scaffold and recipient bone were subjected to histological evaluation and histomorphometric analysis.

Results:  Microscopy showed elevated amounts of bone ingrowth and bone contact inside the microporous HA (mHA) group as compared with non‐mHA.

Conclusion:  The current study indicates that the presence of open scaffold microporosity in HA, as determined by the fabrication process, enhances the ability of ceramic scaffolds to promote bone ingrowth and bone contact.
Ultrastructure of the Interface Between Titanium and Surrounding Tissue in Rat Tibiae – A Comparison Study on Titanium‐Coated and ‐Uncoated Plastic Implants
Authors: Okamatsu Kae , Kido Hirofumi , Sato Atsuko , Watazu Akira , Matsuura Masaro
Published: May 2007

Purposes  The purposes of this study were to prepare experimental titanium‐coated plastic implants suitable for electron microscopy examination of the titanium‐bone interface and the response of tissue surrounding titanium, and to histologically compare surrounding tissue responses in coated and uncoated implants.

Materials and Methods  Experimental plastic implants were prepared from a plastic rod coated with a thin film of titanium. Plastic implants without coatings were used as controls. The implants were placed into tibiae of 10‐week‐old male rats. The specimens with implants were harvested 4 weeks after placement and observed under a light microscope, a transmission electron microscope, and a scanning electron microscope.

Results  In the transmission electron microscopy, the titanium layer of the experimental implant was a uniform layer that was approximately 150‐ to 250‐nm wide. The new bone formation was observed around both titanium‐coated implants and plastic implants. However, there was no direct bone contact with the plastic implant.

Discussion  The responses of tissue surrounding the experimental implants varied. Under an electron microscope, the following areas were observed: (1) an area with a direct contact between the titanium and bone, (2) an area at the interface where an amorphous layer was observed, (3) an area with progressing calcification in the surrounding tissue where the cells were adjacent to the titanium surface, and (4) an area in which bone resorption and apposition were observed and remodeling was thought to be occurring.

Conclusion  The experimental titanium was homogenous and was considered to be highly useful in observing the responses of the surrounding tissue to the titanium surface.
Survival of NobelDirect Implants: An Analysis of 550 Consecutively Placed Implants at 18 Different Clinical Centers
Authors: Albrektsson Tomas , Gottlow Jan , Meirelles Luiz , Östman Per‐Olov , Rocci Antonio , Sennerby Lars
Published: May 2007

Background:  A recently introduced implant, the NobelDirect (Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden), has previously been documented with substantial bone resorption in a large number of operated cases.

PurposeL  The aim of this study was to evaluate the failure rate of NobelDirect implants in a retrospective multicenter survey.

Materials and Methods:  A total of 550 NobelDirect implants consecutively placed in over 269 patients at 18 centers were evaluated with regard to failure rate after an average follow‐up of about 1 year.

Results:  The overall failure percentage was 10.9% (59 failures). The 58 implants not loaded directly showed only one failure (1.7%) versus 58 failures (11.8%) of those implants that were loaded directly. A chemical x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of an implant from the original batch showed up to 3.5% silicon at parts of the implants. A retrieval analysis of one implant removed at 2 years after placement demonstrated bone resorption down to the level of the fifth thread.

Conclusions:  It is concluded that the NobelDirect implant, if placed with a punch procedure, ground down in situ, and loaded directly, shows an unusually high failure rate at 1 year.
Low Interannual Variation of Mating System and Gene Flow of Symphonia globulifera in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Da Silva Carneiro Francimary , Magno Sebbenn Alexandre , Kanashiro Milton , Degen Bernd
Published: May 2007

Six microsatellite loci were used to compare the mating system and gene flow in two consecutive years of a natural, unlogged population of Symphonia globulifera in a 500 ha experimental plot in the Brazilian Amazon (Flona Tapajós). The species had a low density of reproductive trees per hectare (d= 0.46 trees/ha). We analyzed 205 trees and 261 and 487 open‐pollinated seeds from 26 and 30 mother‐trees in the years 2002 and 2003, respectively. A significant spatial genetic structure was detected for the adult trees for distances up to 100 m. We observed only small interannual differences in multilocus outcrossing rate (, ), biparental inbreeding (, ), and paternity correlation (, ). The number of pollen donors contributing to mating of each tree in both years was estimated to be low (). Using TwoGener analysis to calculate the density of reproductive trees and the distance of pollen dispersal for normal and exponential models, the lowest error was detected for exponential model. For this model, the estimated density of reproductive trees was lower in 2002 ( trees/ha) than 2003 ( trees/ha), resulting in a higher distance of pollen dispersal in 2002 ( m) than 2003 ( m), although these changes did not affect the outcrossing and correlated mating rates.
Species Dynamics During Early Secondary Forest Succession: Recruitment, Mortality and Species Turnover
Authors: Van Breugel Michiel , Bongers Frans , Martínez‐Ramos Miguel
Published: May 2007

The “Initial Floristic Composition” hypothesis is applied to secondary tropical rain forest succession in abandoned agricultural fields with light previous land‐use and close to seed sources. This hypothesis predicts that both pioneer and shade‐tolerant species colonize a site directly after abandonment, and as the canopy closes, the recruitment of pioneers sharply declines, while recruitment of shade‐tolerant species continues. It also predicts higher mortality among pioneers. Consequently, recruited and dead trees are expected to differ in species composition, with highest species richness for the recruits. During 18 mo, we monitored recruitment and mortality of trees with height ≥ 1.5 m in eight plots in abandoned cornfields with initial fallow age of 1–5 yr, in SE Mexico. Shade‐tolerant species established in the first years of succession, albeit in low numbers. As predicted, recruited and dead trees differed in species richness and composition, and in shade‐tolerant frequency. In contrast to our expectations, over 50 percent of recruits were from pioneer species, as high stand‐level mortality opened new opportunities for continued pioneer colonization. Species turnover starts very early in succession but is not always a gradual and continuous process, complicating prevailing succession models. The strong spatial and temporal variability of succession emphasizes the need to monitor these dynamics in permanent plots across a range of initial stand ages, with multiple plots in a given age class.
Forest Fragmentation Reduces Seed Dispersal of Duckeodendron cestroides, a Central Amazon Endemic
Authors: Cramer Jennifer M. , Mesquita Rita C. G. , Bentos Tony Vizcarra , Moser Barry , Williamson G. Bruce
Published: May 2007

Fragmentation that alters mutualistic relationships between plants and frugivorous animals may reduce the seed dispersal of trees. We examined the effects of forest fragmentation on the distributions of seeds and seedlings of a Central Amazon endemic tree, Duckeodendron cestroides. In the dry seasons of 2002–2004, seeds and first‐year seedlings were counted within wedge‐shaped transects centered around Duckeodendron adults in fragments and nearby continuous forests at the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragmentation Project. Analyses showed that fragmentation reduced seed dispersal quantity and quality. The percent and distance of dispersed seeds were both twice as great in continuous forest as in fragments. The distances of each tree's five furthest dispersed seeds were three times greater in continuous forest than fragments. Over the 3‐yr study, 20 times more seeds were dispersed more than 10 m from parent crowns in continuous forest than fragments. A regression analysis showed more dispersed seeds at all distances in continuous forest than fragments. Dispersal differences were strong in 2002 and 2004, years of large fruit crops, but weak or absent in 2003, when fruit production was low. As distance from parent crowns increased, the number of seedlings declined more rapidly in fragments than continuous forest. Distance‐dependent mortality between the seed and seedling stages appeared to be more important in continuous forest than fragments. This research provides ample, indirect evidence demonstrating that forest fragmentation can result in the breakdown of a seed dispersal mutualism, potentially jeopardizing the reproduction of a rare, tropical tree.
EFFECTS OF DIETARY POULTRY LITTER SUPPLEMENTATION ON BEEF STEAK RETAIL COLOR AND APPEARANCE1
Authors: JEREMIAH L. E. , GIBSON L. L.
Published: May 2007

Ten Holstein steers were fed conventional back grounding and finishing diets and 10 comparable steers were supplemented with poultry litter. At the end of the finishing period, all animals were harvested. After 144 h at 2C, the boneless M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscles were removed, cut into steaks (1.9 cm), vacuum packaged, and frozen. A steak adjacent to the thirteenth thoracic vertebra of alternate carcass sides was removed and thawed (4C for 24 h). All steaks were then over wrapped in oxygen permeable film, displayed for four days, and evaluated for retail properties and performance. Changes in visual properties and meat pigments during display clearly demonstrated samples from treated animals had an additional day of color stability over their untreated counterparts, resulting in an additional day of retail case‐life based upon visual properties.
FUNCTIONAL PROTEIN ISOLATES FROM MECHANICALLY DEBONED TURKEY BY ALKALINE SOLUBILIZATION WITH ISOELECTRIC PRECIPITATION
Authors: LIANG YONG , HULTIN HERBERT O.
Published: May 2007

Functional protein isolates were separated from coarsely and finely ground mechanically deboned (MDB) turkey using a combined alkaline solubilization with isoelectric precipitation method. Although the two types of MDB turkey were quite different in original composition, the compositions of the resultant protein isolates were very similar. Almost all of the fat, collagen and calcium originally present in the MDB turkey were removed during the processing. Gels made from the resultant protein isolates showed good textural properties and water retention ability with lighter color than the original MDB turkey.
FRESH AND PROCESSED QUALITIES OF COUNTRY‐STYLE CURED HAMS FROM PUREBRED DUROC AND GENETICALLY UNDEFINED MARKET HOGS
Authors: STALDER K. J. , MELTON C. C. , CONATSER G. E. , MELTON S. L. , PENFIELD M. J. , MOUNT J. R. , MURPHEY D. , GODDARD K. J.
Published: May 2007

The objective of this study was to determine country‐style processing differences between hams from purebred Duroc market hogs and market hogs of unknown genetic makeup. Genetically undefined hams purchased from commercial suppliers were sampled the same day as hams from Duroc market hogs. Processing and curing followed standard commercial procedures. After curing, hams were weighed and sliced using a band saw. Slices from the approximate center of the ham were utilized to evaluate cured objective color, moisture content, pH, and salt content. There were no significant differences in cured ham yield between Duroc and genetically undefined market hogs. Intramuscular fat content was greater (P< 0.05) in hams from Duroc market hogs when compared to the hams from genetically undefined pigs. Subjective color, marbling and firmness scores were higher (P< 0.05) in hams from Duroc pigs. Objective color evaluation of cured, center‐slices favored the hams from Duroc market hogs.
DEVELOPMENT OF PROTEIN CHIP BASED ON SURFACE PLASMON RESONANCE FOR THE DETECTION OF ACTINOBACILLUS PLEUROPNEUMONIAE ANTIBODY
Authors: KIM TAE JUNG , CHO HO SEONG , LEE JAE IL , PARK NAM YONG
Published: May 2007

A protein chip based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was developed for measuring the Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) antibody (Ab) titers using recombinant transferrin‐binding protein B (Tbp B) as an antigen. The diagnostic potential of this SPR assay for detecting the Ab titers to APP Tbp B was compared with that of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using 70 serum samples obtained from six pig farms. The SPR assay was found to be highly specific and sensitive. Moreover, there was a strong positive correlation between the SPR and ELISA titers (n = 70, r = 0.858, P < 0.01). In conclusion, the SPR, which is a label‐free method, is expected to be a valuable and reproducible tool in the serodiagnosis of an APP infection.
REVIEW OF MID‐INFRARED FOURIER TRANSFORM‐INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY APPLICATIONS FOR BACTERIAL DETECTION
Authors: BURGULA Y. , KHALI D. , KIM S. , KRISHNAN S.S. , COUSIN M.A. , GORE J.P. , REUHS B.L. , MAUER L.J.
Published: May 2007

Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) methods enable chemical discrimination of intact bacterial cells and produce complex whole‐organism biochemical fingerprints (spectra), which are reproducible and distinct for different bacteria. Numerous researchers indicate that there is great potential for using FT‐IR methods in combination with multivariate statistics (chemometrics) to detect and identify bacteria in water, culture media and foods. This article presents a review of the FT‐IR techniques, sample preparation procedures and experimental conditions used in these studies, as well as advantages, disadvantages and challenges that remain for the development of FT‐IR detection methods.
APPLICATION OF MULTIPLEX POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION TO THE DETECTION OF PATHOGENS IN FOOD
Authors: PERRY LYNDA , HEARD PRECIAUS , KANE MICHAEL , KIM HANYOUP , SAVIKHIN SERGEI , DOMÍNGUEZ WILFREDO , APPLEGATE BRUCE
Published: May 2007

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR), the simultaneous amplification of two or more polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products in the same reaction tube, can be applied to the rapid detection of pathogenic microorganisms in food matrices. mPCR can be used to test for multiple pathogens simultaneously or to test for multiple virulence factors associated with a single pathogen. Heterogeneous pathogens such as Escherichia coli cannot only be detected by mPCR but can also be differentiated by pathotype or serotype based on amplicon profiles. Sensitive detection of pathogens in food by mPCR (≤1 cfu/g) can be achieved if a high concentration of target DNA with minimal contamination by PCR inhibitors can be prepared. This process generally requires enrichment, which adds 6–24 h to the assay time. Even so, pathogens that grow slowly, are difficult to isolate or are difficult to identify can be detected more rapidly by mPCR than by culture‐based methods. This review covered methods and application of mPCR assays for detection of pathogens in the food production and distribution process.
Caring for the future: Strategies for promoting violence prevention in pediatric primary care
Authors: Notarianni Mary Ann , Clements Paul T. , Tillman Harry J.
Published: May 2007

Purpose: To identify strategies that will assist nurse practitioners (NPs) to incorporate universal youth violence screening and prevention strategies into their practices.

Data sources: Extensive reviews of the extant literature, clinical and anecdotal information, and professional experiences and encounters were utilized to explore and identify current practice recommendations related to youth violence prevention.

Conclusions: NPs’ expertise in health promotion makes them an important member of interdisciplinary team efforts to prevent youth violence. Knowledge of risk factors, appropriately focused assessment, and relevant intervention strategies can assist NPs to fulfill a valuable role in this critical endeavor.

Implications for practice: Recently, there has been an increased recognition of the role that healthcare providers at all levels can play in decreasing youth violence. A greater emphasis on strategies already employed by NPs to promote the development of healthy families can contribute greatly to reducing the problem of youth violence. Universal screening for warning signs and level of violence risk in youth, as well as utilizing appropriate interventions and referrals will provide NPs with the opportunity to contribute to this important goal.
Detection of Sulfur Mustard Adducts in Human Callus by Phage Antibodies
Authors: Bikker Floris J. , Mars‐Groenendijk Roos H. , Noort Daan , Fidder Alex , Van Der Schans Govert P.
Published: May 2007

As part of a research program to develop novel methods for diagnosis of sulfur mustard exposure in the human skin the suitability of phage display was explored. Phage display is a relative new method that enables researchers to quickly evaluate a huge range of potentially useful antibodies, thereby bypassing the more costly and time‐consuming hybridoma technique. The Tomlinson I and J phage libraries were used to select phage antibodies exhibiting affinity for sulfur mustard adducts on keratins, isolated from human callus. Two kinds of phage antibodies were obtained: antibodies recognizing keratin and antibodies recognizing keratin which was exposed to sulfur mustard. These phage antibodies retained activity after repeated culturing and culturing in larger volumes. For the first time antibody phage display was successfully applied for immunodiagnostics of a chemical warfare agent.
Incorporating children’s rights: the divergence in law and policy
Authors: Williams Jane
Published: May 2007

The paper examines conceptual barriers to incorporation of children’s rights – understood in the context of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms 1950, the Human Rights Act 1998 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 – in the law of England and Wales. It identifies traditions in law and policy on children and young people, and competing political imperatives which militate against effective implementation of children’s rights to protection and provision, but suggests that participative rights pose fewer problems. It argues that the scope for further judicial development is limited in the absence of substantial changes in the legislative framework. It then examines rights-based reasoning in administrative practice and considers the impact here of ideological differences between the UK Government and the Welsh Assembly Government. It considers the scope for differential implementation within the evolving devolution settlement, and the potential impact of such difference on child law and practice in the ‘single jurisdiction’ of England and Wales. It concludes by arguing for greater attention to executive as well as legislative and judicial functions, and to extra-judicial mechanisms, for promoting rights-based decision making.