bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trichostrongylidosis
Authors: Nolan T. J.
Published: January 2012

Trichostrongylidosis is an infection involving nematodes of the superfamily Trichostrongyloidea, mainly those of the genus Trichostrongylus. Infections are usually asymptomatic, but when heavy, a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain and diarrhea, can be present. Infections are initiated by the ingestion of third-stage larvae. There is no parenteral migration and the adults are usually found in the mucosa of the duodenum. Eggs pass out with the faeces, hatch in about one day and the larvae develop to the infective stage in 4 to 6 days. Human infections with Trichostrongylus spp. have been reported worldwide, and are particularly common in southern Asia. Infections respond well to anthelmintics and periodic dosing of livestock is the chief method of control.
The Myiases
Authors: Abo-Shehada Mahmoud N.
Published: January 2012

Human myiases can be caused by over 50 species of dipteran larvae. The numbers of human clinical myiasis reports, reflect their relative importance in the following order; cutaneous, ophthalmomyiases, nasal, oral, intestinal, ear, urogenital, and cerebral myiases. Myiasis producing flies are distributed worldwide, but most reported cases are from warm and developing countries. Molecular techniques have been applied to myiasis fly identification and classification, especially ostrids and calliphorines. Successful elimination programs have been carried out against Hypoderma spp. in the UK and Cochliomyia hominivorax in the USA, Mexico, Central America, Libya and the Caribbean Islands and another is ongoing against Crysomya bezziana in the Middle East. A beneficial myissis “Biosurgery or maggot therapy” is the intentional use of Lucilia sericata larvae applied in specially designed dressings to chronic and MRSA infected wounds. The growing larvae execration/secretion facilitate wound debridement and successfully treated leg and pressure ulcers, wounds associated with diabetes, and many other types of infected wounds in a shorter time compared to conventional treatment. Now knowledge of myiases producing flies is accepted in many countries as a forensic tool.
The Shinto religion and suicide in Japan
Authors: Kaneko Yoshihiro , Yamasaki Akiko , Arai Kiminori
Published: January 2012

The Shinto religion profoundly influences many Japanese. It is their emotional mainstay, although it has neither common commandments nor scriptures. Over time, the Shinto religion became involved in the state activities, which led to the development of shrines where the gods are worshipped.

Shinto coexists with Buddhism and a mixed practice of these two religions is common. According to Shinto, human beings are part of nature and can live only because nature is our parent. Mankind should live in the ‘way of the gods’. The worship of ancestors is an important value in Shinto.

The Shinto attitude towards suicide is somewhat ambivalent. Shinto believes that humans return to nature after death, suicide does not constitute an exception, and suicide as a sacrificial act is condoned. On the other hand, believing that life is given by nature and ancestors implies that suicide is wrong.

The increasing number of suicides during recent years, mainly for socio-economic reasons, has deeply affected Japanese society and also its attitudes towards suicide. This has resulted in many suicide-prevention activities in which religion can also play an important role.
Suicide attempts in South and Central America
Authors: Botega Neury J , Stefanello Sabrina
Published: January 2012

Data on suicidal behaviour in Central and South America has derived from mortality statistics. Suicide rates in most countries of Central and South America are considerably lower than in North America and Europe. The recent increase in suicide rates particularly afflicts young people. An increase in suicide rates have also been reported among indigenous groups, and seem to be related to extreme pressure exerted by Western society, self-devaluation and alcohol misuse. A WHO worldwide initiative for the prevention of suicide (SUPRE-MISS) multi-centre study estimated the life prevalence of suicidal behaviour in a large Brazilian city at 17.1 per cent for suicidal ideation, 4.8 per cent for plans and 2.8 per cent for suicide attempts. Urban violence and high homicide rates have overshadowed the problem of suicidal behaviour in Latin American countries. It is only recently that awareness of suicidal behaviour among adolescents and young adults, as well as violence (including suicide) and prevention policies have received government attention. Apart from Brazil, most countries in that part of the world lack national suicide prevention programmes, however actions are underway in Chile and Argentina.
Psychological theories of suicidal behaviour
Authors: Rudd M David , Trotter David RM , Williams Ben
Published: January 2012

In this chapter a review of the most prominent and influential psychological theories of suicide and suicidal behaviour is presented. Most, if not all, of these theories have had direct and important implications for both the assessment and treatment of suicidality, with cognitive approaches at the forefront over the last decade. Many have been tied to treatment paradigms and programmes, with some emerging directly from therapeutic practice. As has been evidenced elsewhere in this text, the majority of more recent theoretical efforts have revolved around cognitively (and behaviourally) oriented approaches, with natural integration of social and related contextual elements.
Neurobiology and the genetics of suicide
Authors: Wasserman Danuta , Marcus Sokolowski , Wasserman Jerzy , Rujescu Dan
Published: January 2012

Besides serotonin dysfunction, which was the main focus for about three decades, many other aspects of brain neurobiology have now been shown to be involved in the causality of suicidal behaviour. This chapter attempts to provide a broad overview of the entire range of studies performed in the area of neurobiology of suicide. The investigated involvement of genetics in each presently known neurobiological alteration is likewise presented. Although, the complexities and challenges in this field may sometimes seem overwhelming, this overview shows that the knowledge in this area is constantly being increased and refined in its details, and small breakthroughs occur constantly. Thus, it appears that if sufficient time and resources are dedicated to this problem, a critical mass of understanding will be reached, enabling the development of entirely novel tools for prevention of suicide.
Suicide study and suicide prevention in mainland China
Authors: Shuiyuan Xiao
Published: January 2012

Detailed descriptions of suicide can be found in Chinese historical writing, novels, and poetry, yet empirical suicide research has only developed in the past decade in China. Rigorous statistics on suicide have not been available until recently, and the systematic study of suicide is still at its preliminary stages. In this chapter, existing epidemiological data of suicide in mainland China is reviewed, ensued by a brief discussion about cultural views on suicide. Subsequently, there is an analysis of the possible influences of socio-economic and sociocultural changes leading to transitions in public health and suicidal behaviour. The available suicide statistics reveal certain dissimilarities to other statistics across the world: China is the only country with statistics showing an equal amount or more of female suicides. Furthermore, about one-third of the persons who commit suicide have no diagnosis of mental illness. In China, the suicide rate among rural residents is three to five times higher than that of urban residents. The high suicide rates among rural residents are strongly linked to the most frequent suicide method, which is the consumption of poisons, especially pesticides. The final section of the chapter is a discussion of the implications of available suicide studies on suicide prevention.
Suicide in military settings
Authors: Rozanov Vsevolod , Mehlum Lars , Stiliha Richard
Published: January 2012

Suicide rates in military units are lower than in civilian populations and differ considerably from nation to nation. The processes that may influence suicide rates within the armed forces can be different from that of the civilian life, especially when armed forces are under reformation, downsizing and economic pressure.

Risk factors vary between groups and settings, such as active duty versus reservist/veteran or war versus peacekeeping mission. However, common risk factors are: easy access to firearms, exposure to traumatic stress, lack of social support, and the military life style with frequent relocations. Two subgroups are considered as equally important to target for suicide prevention: young conscripts and war veterans. In the first case, screening and crisis intervention are in focus, and in the second, treatments for post-traumatic stress syndrome, depression and substance abuse. Leadership interventions and changes in fi rearm regulations are other preventive measures.
Somatic diseases and suicidal behaviour
Authors: Stenager Elsebeth , Stenager Egon
Published: January 2012

The association between chronic somatic disorders and the risk of suicide has been examined in many studies. Common features in the studies are a large variation in quality and choice of study method. The studies performed, in more recent decades, have substantially improved knowledge not only on the extent of risk, but also on factors influencing the risk. Most of the studies on completed suicides have been made in European countries, the United States of America and Australia, one single study is from Japan (Whitlock 1985; Allgulander and Fisher 1990; Stenager and Stenager 1992; Harris and Barraclough 1994; Stenager and Stenager 1997; Ruzicka et al. 2005).

The majority of studies on the association between chronic somatic disorders and suicidal behaviour, including suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, studies have demonstrated a correlation. The studies have been performed in Europe (DeLeo et al. 1999; Pajonk et al. 2002), the US (Druss and Pincuss 2000) and Australia (Lawrence et al. 2000).

This chapter is a review on present knowledge on suicide and suicidal behaviour in selected somatic disorders and pain syndromes, with focus on studies from different parts of the world, and whether or not this refl ects variation in the estimated risk of suicidal behaviour.
Recognizing a suicide crisis in psychiatric patients
Authors: Hendin Herbert
Published: January 2012

Data from therapists who were treating patients when they committed suicide were examined. Comparable information was obtained on depressed, non-suicidal patients treated by the same therapists. Three factors were identified as markers of a suicide crisis: precipitating events, changes in behaviour, and intense affective states. Of these, intense affective states appeared to be the most significant. The suicide patients had a significantly greater number of intense affects than did the comparison patients. The affect that most distinguished the two groups was desperation, which was intense in 30 of 36 (83 per cent) of the suicide patients but in none of the comparison patients. The study permitted us to develop a scaled Affective States Questionnaire (ASQ) which is being tested prospectively.
Post-mortem studies of serotonin in suicide
Authors: Bach-Mizrachi Hélène , Underwood Mark D , Mann J John , Arango Victoria
Published: January 2012

Abnormalities of the serotonergic system have been implicated in suicide. Post-mortem brain studies of suicides have begun to elucidate the underlying molecular changes in the brain serotonergic system that may provide an understanding of the biology of suicide. There is evidence for alterations in the presynaptic serotonin transporter and serotonergic receptors in both the serotonin-synthesizing neurons in the brainstem and their targets in the prefrontal cortex. Some of these changes may represent primary pathophysiology, while other changes may reflect homeostatic regulatory responses to low serotonin or even maladaptive nonspecific stress responses. We review the post-mortem studies of suicides and discuss a model of homeostatic plasticity in the human brain in a serotonin-deficient environment.
Cognitive treatment of suicidal adults
Authors: Beskow Jan , Salkovskis Paul , Palm Beskow Astrid
Published: January 2012

The progress of cognitive psychotherapy is accounted for by a systematic use of phenomenology, theory, laboratory research, and clinical studies. Effect studies of problem-solving, interpersonal therapy (which has many traits in common with cognitive psychotherapy), treatment of depression for suicide prevention and a cognitive psychotherapy method especially for treatment of suicide attempters are reviewed. The use of metaphors opens new possibilities. Step by step the researchers approach the suicidal individual’s own formulations about their suicidality, developing the language of suicidality. Generally increased problem-solving capacity, more intensive outreach activities, an invitation to the patient to participate more actively in the analysis of their own problems and efforts to ameliorate the feelings of shame and guilt are all efforts to deal with painful interpersonal problems. A growing amount of evidence links these cognitions, emotions and behaviours to attachment problems in early life.
Dialectical behaviour therapy for suicidal individual
Authors: Stanley Barbara , Brodsky Beth S
Published: January 2012

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is an outpatient, cognitive behavioural treatment shown to reduce self-injury and suicidal behaviour in individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). In this chapter, we review the basic principles of the DBT approach to the treatment of suicidal individuals, and the status of DBT treatment and research from an international perspective. The diagnostic criteria for BPD (developed and validated in the US) have been found to be applicable to and prevalent among various populations worldwide. The efficacy of DBT in reducing suicidal behaviour in individuals with BPD has led to its widespread adaptation in clinical settings all over the world. International clinical research teams are conducting randomized clinical trials to further test DBT’s efficacy in reducing suicidal behaviour and associated symptomatology in borderline populations.
Physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia
Authors: Hendin Herbert
Published: January 2012

Until relatively recently it did not seem possible to relieve much of the suffering associated with serious or terminal illness. Depression associated with physical illness was assumed to be its natural and inevitable consequence. This mixture of assumptions and facts provided the impetus for the Dutch to begin to sanction assisted suicide and euthanasia more than a decade before the advances in palliative care of the last fifteen years.

This chapter examines the practice of assisted suicide and euthanasia in the Netherlands from a medical and psychological perspective: the Netherlands is the only country to have had extensive experience in giving legal sanction to both practices. From the same perspective, the chapter examines assisted suicide in the state of Oregon, which has had a decade of experience with legalized assisted suicide, and is the only state in the United States to have legalized the practice. The experience of Belgium and Switzerland, the two other countries that have given legal sanction to assisted suicide (Switzerland) or euthanasia (Belgium) is discussed briefly. Both countries appear to have been stimulated, at least in part, by the experience of the Netherlands and Oregon.
Suicide prevention by education and the moulding of attitudes
Authors: Titelman David
Published: January 2012

In this chapter the challenge of influencing the attitudes to suicide prevention in key individuals or gatekeepers, such as clinicians, school personnel, social planners, and researchers in mental health and suicide prevention, is addressed. Based on experiences from several training programmes, the importance of a psychological perspective on suicidality is seen as relevant, even in population-based research and prevention. One focus in the discussion is on the distinction between having an immediate impact on conscious attitudes and the more difficult challenge of influencing less conscious, individual and cultural ambivalent attitudes to suicide prevention. In light of the universal stigma of and taboo against the topic of suicide, the ability of prevention specialists to withhold judgement and reflect on their own emotional responses to self-destructiveness is considered as an aspect of a scientific attitude. In addition, an anthropological elucidation of mental ill-health and suicide is called for as a supplement to the biopsychosocial, stress–vulnerability paradigm in suicide-preventive training programmes.
The role of mass-media in suicide prevention
Authors: Westerlund Michael , Schaller Sylvia , Schmidtke Armin
Published: January 2012

Although disputed, most researchers in the field of suicide and mass media agree that the studies carried out to date have substantiated the existence, under certain circumstances, of genuine suicidal ‘contagion’ from suicide reports in the media. The fact that many studies have demonstrated an association between media reporting of suicide and actual suicidal behaviour has also prompted the issue of various types of recommendations on how the media should report on the subject of suicide to avoid imitative behaviour. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss and identify the problems associated with research on suicide and the media, with a number of seminal articles published over the years serving as examples.
The role of the Internet in suicide prevention
Authors: Westerlund Michael
Published: January 2012

Among websites relating to suicide, approximately 40 per cent represent a suicide-preventive view. However, research shows that pro-suicide sites usually rank higher on search results pages, and are more frequently searched for. These pro-suicide sites and other forms of online pro-suicide communication have tried to spread a view of suicide as an acceptable solution to life’s problems. They have also increased access to potent suicide methods, through the long lists they contain. They have added to persuasion and group pressure to fulfil suicide plans, glorifying those who have committed suicide, and given rise to a new form of suicide pact— ‘net suicides’.

This chapter also discusses the scope for statutory prohibition and regulation of pro-suicide websites, and ways in which Internet-based systems are used as suicide-preventive support.
Representations of suicide in cinema
Authors: Camy Gérard
Published: January 2012

In this chapter, representations of suicide in fiction film from the United States, Europe and South East Asia will be presented. Cinematic representations are helpful in addressing discourses on suicide worldwide. Typically, the sufferings of the characters that consider suicide or take their lives occupy a minor part of the plot in scenarios that highlight action, cultural and social reflection, or existential interrogations. In typical Hollywood dramas, redemption, punishment, lost love and solitude are the prime reasons for suicides; often as a consequence of genuine injustice. In the European films discussed, suicides on screen often attempt to open the screenplay to comments and reflections on the various tragic circumstances that bring the protagonists to such extremities. Refusal to recognize oneself in and by society appears to be an important reason for suicide. Another recurring theme is the wish to understand the motives behind the voluntary death of a peer. Much South East Asian cinema reflects the malaise of a society, its interiorized violence, fascination with death and the distress of a youth lacking excitement.
Suicidal behaviour in children and adolescents in different clinical settings
Authors: Klomek Anat Brunstein , Krispin Orit , Apter Alan
Published: January 2012

This chapter reviews the various clinical settings in which suicidal behaviours occur among children and adolescents. The chapter focuses on primary care settings (family or paediatric practices), emergency rooms, intensive care units, mental health outpatient departments and inpatient units. The authors discuss the need for early screening of suicidality and its risk factors, management of these high-risk children and adolescents and the different clinical interventions that are available. These interventions include psychosocial and medication treatments that have varying rates of success and still need more studies. In all clinical settings a multidisciplinary approach to treatment is recommended. The importance of risk assessment and continuity of care are highlighted.
Individual therapy techniques with suicidal adolescents
Authors: Spirito Anthony , Esposito-Smythers Christianne
Published: January 2012

This chapter provides a brief summary of the literature on individual therapy with suicidal adolescents. The primary focus is on the treatment of adolescents who have attempted suicide. Therapy techniques specific to cognitive, emotional/affective, interpersonal, and intrapsychic factors are reviewed. Techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy are described. An approach to psychoeducation regarding suicidality is also presented.
Innovative psychosocial rehabilitation of suicidal young people
Authors: Malone Kevin , Yap Su Yin
Published: January 2012

This chapter examines current service provision and research in the area of youth suicide from the perspective of psychosocial rehabilitation. We examine culturally tailored programmes for suicide prevention and emphasize that adopting a community-based and culturally tailored approach is crucial in meeting the needs of suicidal young people. Gaps in the research into youth suicide are highlighted, including psychosis and substance misuse. Using these two examples, we attempt to show how the research has neglected key areas pertaining to youth suicide.

The second part of the chapter looks at service provision for suicidal young people. Gaps in the services are highlighted, namely the need to consult young people in service provision. We examine some promising areas of research that may be incorporated into tailoring services for suicidal young people. The use of Internet therapy is briefly examined and proposed as a means of tailoring services to young people by adopting their preferred technologies of communication.

We conclude by summarizing key recommendations for future research and service provision for suicidal young people.
The role of volunteer organizations in suicide prevention
Authors: Andriessen Karl
Published: January 2012

Contemporary suicide prevention emerged, to a large extent, as a result of groundwork conducted by volunteers. This chapter focuses on the involvement of volunteers in suicide prevention organizations throughout history and across the world, without forgetting the involvement of volunteers in suicide bereavement support. The characteristics of volunteers and volunteer organizations are presented. The question regarding the effectiveness of volunteer organizations is addressed, e.g. the available evidence regarding the positive effects of telephone crisis lines, online chat, and ‘befriending’ in rural areas are discussed. However, further research is needed given the shortage of studies. The chapter concludes with a plea for increased cooperation between volunteer and professional organizations, and integration of volunteer work in national suicide prevention policies in order to provide optimal care to the people in need.
Suicide prevention in Uganda
Authors: Ovuga Emilio , Boardman Jed
Published: January 2012

Suicide is a global public health problem across the world: about 1 million people kill themselves each year and rates have increased over the past 50 years (World Health Organization 2001). Significant increases have been seen in young people (Wasserman et al. 2005) and suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among youth. Yet for many countries there are no reliable suicide statistics (Khan 2005). This is the case in sub-Saharan Africa where few published studies exist (e.g. Dong and Simon 2001; Nwosu and Odesanmi 2001; Kinyanda et al. 2004; Ndosi et al. 2004; Kinyanda et al. 2005; Ovuga et al. 2005a). Given the poverty, military unrest, psychological trauma, burden of neuropsychiatric disorders, alcoholism and AIDS, and the rapid rate of social change, these global trends are likely to be present in Africa.

In this chapter we examine briefly a background model and factors linked to suicide and a public health approach to its prevention. An example of efforts to tackle suicide in one district of Uganda is provided.
Suicide prevention in India
Authors: Vijayakumar Lakshmi
Published: January 2012

India is the seventh largest country in the world and the largest democracy. The population of India is 1.08 billion, which means that one in every six human beings are Indian. There are twenty-eight states and seven Union Territories, eighteen official languages and eight hundred dialects. India is truly a multicultural, multilingual, multi-religious melting pot.

India is now emerging as an economic power. The software and IT sector, modernization of telecommunications and increased pace of privatization, has brought about a paradigm shift in the lifestyle of the urban Indian. However, the growth is not equitable, and the urban/rural divide is wide. There is also a huge disparity in the availability of infrastructure and resources, not only between the different states of India, but also within a state. As an illustration, there are only 60 doctors per 100,000 population, but there are 50 Internet users per 1000 population. Suicide is an important issue in this emerging Indian context.
Suicide prevention in Italy
Authors: Sarchiapone Marco
Published: January 2012

National statistics on suicide deaths in Italy have been collected systematically from 1950 to 2003, which shows that the overall suicide rate has increased from 6 to 7 suicides per 100,000, with a slight gender imbalance, i.e. the female rate has decreased instead. In 2004, 3265 persons died due to suicide in Italy (Preti and Cascio 2006; ISTAT 2008).

According to the most recent available data, in Italy, the age and gender group with the highest rates of completed suicides are males aged 18–64. Completed suicides appear to be associated primarily to psychiatric disorders, and secondarily to physical illness; while if controlling for marital status, unmarried individuals carry higher rates of suicide (De Risio and Sarchiapone 2002).

Evidence from worldwide experience shows that national government plans often result in effective suicide prevention. Nevertheless, national prevention strategies have not been developed in Italy, and suicide prevention is delegated to nongovernmental organizations, such as private agencies or associations, psychiatric associations and universities. Therefore, to date several initiatives which address specific topics in suicide prevention exist, albeit they may not attain the comprehensiveness of a national prevention strategy.

Reasons for failed governmental support to suicide prevention may be the seemingly low suicide statistics compared to other European countries, but also the moral stigma of suicide that has been often associated with strong Catholic beliefs, reinforced in Italy by the presence of the Holy See within the State Capitol.
The ‘golden rules’ of percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Stables Rod H.
Published: January 2012

In the practice of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the usual aim is to deliver maximum clinical gain—at the lowest possible risk—achievable in that specific clinical setting. Most interventionists will accept that PCI has established limitations. The enthusiasm to recommend and perform this form of therapy should be tempered in the light of this reality. Clinical gain can be real but is often modest. Performance can be associated with morbidity and mortality. Alternative therapeutic options exist and are effective.

Other chapters in this textbook will seek to guide on case selection, to refine technique, and to provide an appreciation of available technologies and pharmacotherapy. I believe, however, that substantial improvements in both elements of the ‘risk:benefit’ ratio can be achieved with a re-examination and more universal application of some core, fundamental principles underpinning optimal PCI practice. A talk describing my ‘golden rules of PCI’ has been well-received, by trainees and experienced operators alike, at educational meetings over the last decade and most recipients come to accept my assertion that almost all procedure-related adverse events or suboptimal outcomes can be traced back to a breach of these core concepts.
Stable coronary artery disease: medical therapy versus percutaneous coronary intervention versus surgery
Authors: Garg Scot , Wykrzykowska Joanna J. , Serruys Patrick W.
Published: January 2012

Coronary artery disease (CAD) represents a wide spectrum of underlying anatomical disease ranging from near normal, minor single-vessel disease (SVD), to extensive triple-vessel disease. Its presentation is similarly variable, from a single episode of chest pain to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or even death. The aim of treatment in CAD is to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life, reduce cardiovascular (CV) events, and prolong survival. There have been vast improvements in management over the years, following a greater understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, the identification and appropriate management of risk factors, development of new medication, and advances in revascularization techniques, both percutaneous and surgical. These developments have resulted in a move towards an anatomic treatment for CAD even though it is the minor lesion, so-called vulnerable plaque, which is suggested as the most likely culprit for mortality. Nevertheless, in those patients presenting with ACS or ST-elevation myocardial infarction the long-term benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have been confirmed in multiple randomized trials; however, debate surrounds the ideal management of the majority of patients who have angina, and who have not experienced any previous CV events or had an interventional procedure, so-called stable CAD.
Percutaneous coronary intervention in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Mahmoudi Michael , Curzen Nick
Published: January 2012

Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) accounts for 30% of all deaths in men and 25% of all deaths in women in England and Wales. IHD also remains the commonest cause of death in many industrialized countries. The current global impact of IHD is one of marked contrasts. Many countries with previously high rates of IHD, including the United Kingdom, United States, and Finland, are experiencing declines whereas the rates of IHD are rising in many countries such as central and eastern Europe where the rates were previously ‘low’. The annual incidence of non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) has been estimated at approximately three per 1000 populations. Hospital mortality is greater than in those patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (7% vs. 5%), although at 6 months, the mortality rates become similar.
No-reflow
Authors: Strange Julian , Baumbach Andreas
Published: January 2012

The no-reflow phenomenon is associated with significant cardiac consequences: poor functional recovery, ongoing or recurrent ischaemia, and increased short-term mortality. It occurs rarely in elective percutaneous interventions, but far more frequently in patients who present with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It is in these patients, where primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) has become the gold standard that has most recently highlighted the phenomenon as it is commonly visualized in real time by the interventional cardiologist.
Coronary artery perforation
Authors: Gunning Mark , Thomas Martyn
Published: January 2012

There are few scenarios in the cardiac catheterization laboratory quite as dramatic as a coronary artery perforation. While some instances of this mishap are subtle, others are quite dramatic. Fortunately this occurrence is rare, but carries with it a significant risk of serious adverse events. The potential for harm may be reduced by the brisk identification of the problem within the catheter laboratory, together with early implementation of treatment.
Cutting balloons and AngioSculpt®
Authors: Seddon Mike , Curzen Nick
Published: January 2012

Although percutaneous coronary intervention has revolutionized the treatment of coronary artery disease, it has been limited by acute ischaemic complications and restenosis. It is well recognized that elastic recoil, negative remodelling, and neointimal hyperplasia are the underlying mechanisms of restenosis, with a clear association between the extent of vascular injury sustained and subsequent intimal hyperplasia. The search for a method to dilate an obstructive coronary lesion without invoking this proportional injury response led to the development of a variety of devices designed to excise or modify plaque in order to limit intimal injury. In 1991, Barath and colleagues developed a noncompliant cutting balloon with three or four microblades fixed radially to it. It was hypothesized that the discrete longitudinal incisions created during balloon inflation might improve the success of conventional balloon angioplasty by reducing elastic recoil and minimizing intimal injury, thereby minimizing the subsequent neointimal proliferative response. Theoretically, this effect would allow cutting balloon angioplasty to achieve and maintain a larger lumen diameter using lower balloon inflation pressures and durations than conventional balloon angioplasty. Technology has since progressed rapidly through several stages, with the introduction of intracoronary stents, advances in adjunctive antiplatelet therapies, and the advent of drug-eluting stents. However, the Cutting Balloon®, and the recently approved AngioSculpt® scoring balloon, remain in the armamentarium of the interventional cardiologist today. This chapter summarizes the clinical experience with these devices to date and their place in the current era.
Effect of the Timing of Fungicide Application on Fusarium Head Blight and Mycotoxin Contamination in Wheat
Authors: Yoshida Megumi , Nakajima Takashi , Tomimura Kenta , Suzuki Fumihiko , Arai Michiyoshi , Miyasaka Atsushi
Published: January 2012

Fungicide application to control Fusarium head blight (FHB) and accompanying mycotoxin contamination in wheat is generally performed at anthesis because wheat is most susceptible to FHB around this stage. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the timing of fungicide application on FHB and mycotoxin (deoxynivalenol and nivalenol) accumulation in wheat based on our previous finding that the late period of grain development (beyond 20 days after anthesis [DAA]) is important to determine the final toxin contamination level in wheat. Thiophanate-methyl fungicide was tested under artificial inoculation conditions in which moisture and inoculum spores were provided throughout the testing period. Eight treatments differing in application timing (anthesis, 10, 20, and 30 DAA) and in the number of applications (0 to 2) were tested for 2 years. The results indicated that fungicide application timing differentially affects FHB (disease) and mycotoxin concentration. Fungicide application at 20 DAA reduced mycotoxin concentration in matured grain without reducing FHB severity, whereas application at anthesis was crucial for reducing FHB. These results and our previous findings suggest that around 20 DAA (late milk stage) is a potentially critical timing for mycotoxin control in wheat.
Algal evolution in relation to atmospheric CO
2
: carboxylases, carbon-concentrating mechanisms and carbon oxidation cycles
Authors: Raven John A. , Giordano Mario , Beardall John , Maberly Stephen C.
Published: January 2012

Oxygenic photosynthesis evolved at least 2.4 Ga; all oxygenic organisms use the ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco)–photosynthetic carbon reduction cycle (PCRC) rather than one of the five other known pathways of autotrophic CO
2
assimilation. The high CO
2
and (initially) O
2
-free conditions permitted the use of a Rubisco with a high maximum specific reaction rate. As CO
2
decreased and O
2
increased, Rubisco oxygenase activity increased and 2-phosphoglycolate was produced, with the evolution of pathways recycling this inhibitory product to sugar phosphates. Changed atmospheric composition also selected for Rubiscos with higher CO
2
affinity and CO
2
/O
2
selectivity correlated with decreased CO
2
-saturated catalytic capacity and/or for CO
2
-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs). These changes increase the energy, nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, zinc and manganese cost of producing and operating Rubisco–PCRC, while biosphere oxygenation decreased the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus and iron. The majority of algae today have CCMs; the timing of their origins is unclear. If CCMs evolved in a low-CO
2
episode followed by one or more lengthy high-CO
2
episodes, CCM retention could involve a combination of environmental factors known to favour CCM retention in extant organisms that also occur in a warmer high-CO
2
ocean. More investigations, including studies of genetic adaptation, are needed.
Genetic manipulation of stomatal density influences stomatal size, plant growth and tolerance to restricted water supply across a growth carbon dioxide gradient
Authors: Doheny-Adams Timothy , Hunt Lee , Franks Peter J. , Beerling David J. , Gray Julie E.
Published: January 2012

To investigate the impact of manipulating stomatal density, a collection of
Arabidopsis
epidermal patterning factor (EPF) mutants with an approximately 16-fold range of stomatal densities (approx. 20–325% of that of control plants) were grown at three atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO
2
) concentrations (200, 450 and 1000 ppm), and 30 per cent or 70 per cent soil water content. A strong negative correlation between stomatal size (
S
) and stomatal density (
D
) was observed, suggesting that factors that control
D
also affect
S
. Under some but not all conditions, mutant plants exhibited abnormal stomatal density responses to CO
2
concentration, suggesting that the EPF signalling pathway may play a role in the environmental adjustment of
D
. In response to reduced water availability, maximal stomatal conductance was adjusted through reductions in
S
, rather than
D
. Plant size negatively correlated with
D
. For example, at 450 ppm CO
2
EPF2-overexpressing plants, with reduced
D
, had larger leaves and increased dry weight in comparison with controls. The growth of these plants was also less adversely affected by reduced water availability than plants with higher
D
, indicating that plants with low
D
may be well suited to growth under predicted future atmospheric CO
2
environments and/or water-scarce environments.
Poly[[μ2-1,3-bis(pyridin-4-yl)propane](μ3-1,4-phenylenediacetato)cadmium]
Authors: Liu Dong
Published: January 2012

Solvothermal reaction between Cd(NO3)2, 1,4-phenylenediacetate (1,4-PDA) and 1,3-bis(pyridin-4-yl)propane (bpp) afforded the title complex, [Cd(C10H8O4)(C13H14N2)]n. Adjacent carboxylate-bridged CdIIions are related by an inversion centre. The 1,4-PDA ligands adopt acisconformation and connect the CdIIions to form a one-dimensional chain extending along thecaxis. These chains are in turn linked into a two-dimensional network through bpp bridges. The bpp ligands adopt ananti–gaucheconformation. From a topological point of view, each bpp ligand and each pair of 1,4-PDA ligands can be considered as linkers, while the dinuclear CdIIunit can be regarded as a 6-connecting node. Thus, the structure can be simplified to a two-dimensional 6-connected network.
Scale and pattern of broadnose sevengill shark Notorynchus cepedianus movement in estuarine embayments
Authors: Williams G. D. , Andrews K. S. , Katz S. L. , Moser M. L. , Tolimieri N. , Farrer D. A. , Levin P. S.
Published: January 2012

The detailed movements of 32 acoustically tagged broadnose sevengill shark Notorynchus cepedianus were documented in and around north‐east Pacific Ocean estuarine embayments from 2005 to 2007. Arrangements of passive acoustic receivers allowed analysis of movement at several spatial scales, with sex and size examined as possible factors influencing the pattern and timing of these movements. Notorynchus cepedianus exhibited a distinctly seasonal pattern of estuary use over three consecutive years, entering Willapa Bay in the spring, residing therein for extended periods of time during the summer and dispersing into nearshore coastal habitats and over the continental shelf during the autumn. Notorynchus cepedianus within Willapa Bay showed spatio‐temporal patterns of segregation by size and sex, with males and small females using peripheral southern estuary channels early in the season before joining large females, who remained concentrated in central estuary channels for the entire season. Individuals displayed a high degree of fidelity not only to Willapa Bay (63% were documented returning over three consecutive seasons), but also to specific areas within the estuary, showing consistent patterns of site use from year to year. Cross‐estuary movement was common during the summer, with most fish also moving into an adjacent estuarine embayment for some extent of time. Most winter and autumn coastal detections of N. cepedianus were made over the continental shelf near Oregon and Washington, U.S.A., but there were also examples of individuals moving into nearshore coastal habitats further south into California, suggesting the feasibility of broad‐scale coastal movements to known birthing and nursery grounds for the species. These findings contribute to a better understanding of N. cepedianus movement ecology, which can be used to improve the holistic management of this highly mobile apex predator in regional ecosystems.
Decreased plasma sRAGE levels in COPD: influence of oxygen therapy
Authors: Gopal Poornima , Rutten Erica P. A. , Dentener Mieke A. , Wouters Emiel F. M. , Reynaert Niki L.
Published: January 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012

Background  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Nε‐(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML), an advanced glycation end product (AGE) and the soluble decoy receptor, sRAGE, are exciting new molecules linked to oxidative stress and inflammation. Here the levels of plasma sRAGE and CML were determined and their variation in relation to lung function, external long‐term oxygen therapy (LTOT) and plasma levels of inflammatory molecules in COPD evaluated.

Methods  Plasma sRAGE and CML levels were measured by ELISA in 146 patients with stable COPD and 81 healthy subjects, subgrouped from a larger case–control study and matched for age, gender and pack‐years smoked.

Results  Decreased levels of plasma sRAGE and no significant difference in levels of plasma CML were found in patients with COPD in comparison with controls. In the total group, plasma sRAGE was positively associated with FEV1 and forced vital capacity and negatively with pack‐years smoked. In patients receiving LTOT, levels of plasma sRAGE were lower compared with those without LTOT. Only in controls, a weak correlation was found between plasma sRAGE and CML. sRAGE did not correlate with measured inflammatory markers, whereas CML was negatively correlated with fibrinogen.

Conclusion  Plasma sRAGE levels are lower in patients with COPD compared with healthy control subjects, and even lower levels in patients receiving LTOT. Because sRAGE correlated with lung function only in the whole group, sRAGE can be considered a marker of COPD, but not of disease severity. A lack of clear association between sRAGE, CML and systemic inflammation is furthermore evident.
High‐accuracy practical spline‐based 3D and 2D integral transformations in potential‐field geophysics
Authors: Wang Bingzhu , Gao Stephen S. , Liu Kelly H. , Krebes Edward S.
Published: January 2012

Potential, potential field and potential‐field gradient data are supplemental to each other for resolving sources of interest in both exploration and solid Earth studies. We propose flexible high‐accuracy practical techniques to perform 3D and 2D integral transformations from potential field components to potential and from potential‐field gradient components to potential field components in the space domain using cubic B‐splines. The spline techniques are applicable to either uniform or non‐uniform rectangular grids for the 3D case, and applicable to either regular or irregular grids for the 2D case. The spline‐based indefinite integrations can be computed at any point in the computational domain. In our synthetic 3D gravity and magnetic transformation examples, we show that the spline techniques are substantially more accurate than the Fourier transform techniques, and demonstrate that harmonicity is confirmed substantially better for the spline method than the Fourier transform method and that spline‐based integration and differentiation are invertible. The cost of the increase in accuracy is an increase in computing time. Our real data examples of 3D transformations show that the spline‐based results agree substantially better or better with the observed data than do the Fourier‐based results. The spline techniques would therefore be very useful for data quality control through comparisons of the computed and observed components. If certain desired components of the potential field or gradient data are not measured, they can be obtained using the spline‐based transformations as alternatives to the Fourier transform techniques.
Parallel phylogeographic structure in ecologically similar sympatric sister taxa
Authors: DAWSON MICHAEL N
Published: January 2012

Present‐day phylogeographic patterns have been shaped by the dual histories of lineages and places, producing a diversity of relationships that may challenge discovery of general rules. For example, the predicted positive correlation between dispersal ability and gene flow has been supported inconsistently, suggesting unaccounted complexity in theory or the comparative framework. Here, I extend the sympatric sister‐species approach, in which variance between lineages and places is minimized, to sister clades and test a fundamental assumption of comparative genetic studies of dispersal: that taxa which evolved at the same time and in the same place will, if they have similar life histories and ecologies, have essentially the same phylogeographic structure. Phylogenetic analyses of 197 Stigmatopora pipefishes using two nuclear (creatine kinase intron 6, α‐tropomyosin) and two mitochondrial (16S, noncoding region) loci revealed largely synchronous parallel diversification of sister clades that are codistributed from Western Australia to New Zealand, supporting the null hypothesis. Only one comparison, however, yielded a sympatric sister‐species pair (the two stem species), so I also explored the potential for extant species sharing a substantial proportion of their evolutionary histories in sympatry to substitute for sister taxon comparisons. In eastern Australia, where strong environmental structure is lacking, phylogeographic differences between species that have been codistributed for ∼85% of their evolutionary histories were consistent with tendencies favoured by their modest life‐history differences, that is the larger, rarer species had lower genetic diversity. In contrast, in New Zealand, two species codistributed for ∼70% of their evolutionary histories were both structured similarly by a strong biogeographic filter despite differences in life history. Rigorously quantifying the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on phylogeographic structure may advance most efficiently through meta‐analyses of contemporaneously codistributed taxa, including but not limited to sympatric sister species.