bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
National Trends in Visit Rates and Antibiotic Prescribing for Children With Acute Sinusitis
Authors: Shapiro Daniel J. , Gonzales Ralph , Cabana Michael D. , Hersh Adam L.
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVE:

The heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine contributed to a substantial decrease in the number of ambulatory visits attributable to acute otitis media (AOM) and amoxicillin use for AOM increased after publication of American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines regarding AOM. Our objective was to determine whether similar trends occurred for children with acute sinusitis.

METHODS:

We analyzed data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (1998–2007), which are nationally representative surveys of office and emergency department visits. For children younger than 18 years with diagnosed acute sinusitis (N = 538), we examined time trends in visit rates and antibiotic prescribing. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with narrow-spectrum antibiotic prescribing.

RESULTS:

Between 1998 and 2007, the annual visit rate for acute sinusitis remained stable, ranging from 11 to 14 visits per 1000 children (P = .67). No change occurred in the proportion of visits with receipt of an antibiotic (82%; P = .71); however, the proportion with receipt of amoxicillin increased from 19% to 58% during the study period (P < .01). Prescriptions for broader-spectrum agents, especially macrolides (18% overall), remained common.

CONCLUSIONS:

Unlike the visit rate for AOM, the visit rate for acute sinusitis among children did not decrease after introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Although prescriptions for amoxicillin increased in accordance with the guidelines, reducing unnecessary prescriptions for macrolides remains an important target for campaigns promoting judicious antibiotic use.
Health Supervision for Children With Prader-Willi Syndrome
Authors: McCandless Shawn E. ,   The Committee on Genetics
Published: December 2010

This set of guidelines was designed to assist the pediatrician in caring for children with Prader-Willi syndrome diagnosed by clinical features and confirmed by molecular testing. Prader-Willi syndrome provides an excellent example of how early diagnosis and management can improve the long-term outcome for some genetic disorders.
Bone Densitometry in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Bachrach Laura K. , Sills Irene N. ,   The Section on Endocrinology
Published: December 2010

This Clinical Report was revised. See https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-2398.

Concern for bone fragility in children and adolescents has led to increased interest in bone densitometry. Pediatric patients with genetic and acquired chronic diseases, immobility, and inadequate nutrition may fail to achieve the expected gains in bone size, mass, and strength, which leaves them vulnerable to fracture. In older adults, bone densitometry has been shown to predict fracture risk and reflect response to therapy. The role of densitometry in the management of children at risk of bone fragility is less certain. This clinical report summarizes the current knowledge about bone densitometry in the pediatric population, including indications for its use, interpretation of results, and its risks and costs. This report emphasizes consensus statements generated at the 2007 Pediatric Position Development Conference of the International Society of Clinical Densitometry by an international panel of bone experts. Some of these recommendations are evidence-based, and others reflect expert opinion, because the available data are inadequate. The statements from this and other expert panels have provided general guidance to the pediatrician, but decisions about ordering and interpreting bone densitometry still require clinical judgment. Ongoing studies will help to better define the indications and best methods for assessing bone strength in children and the clinical factors that contribute to fracture risk.
Correlation Between Occlusal Forces and Marginal Bone Levels Around Implant-Retained Restorations: A Clinico-Radiological Study
Authors: Nagpal Swati , Kamath Sujatha , Thakur Srinath , Kulkarni Sudhindra
Published: December 2010

The study measured the maximal occlusal forces (MOFs) and marginal bone levels (MBLs) around single implant-retained restorations over a period of 1 year and studied the correlation between them. Results showed that there was no change in MOFs at the end of 1 year and that the MBLs were stabilized by the end of 1 year. There was no statistically significant correlation between MOFs and MBLs.
Coupled Cycles of Dissolved Oxygen and Nitrous Oxide in Rivers along a Trophic Gradient in Southern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Rosamond Madeline S. , Thuss Simon J. , Schiff Sherry L. , Elgood Richard J.
Published: December 2010

Diel (24‐h) cycling of dissolved O2 (DO) in rivers is well documented, but evidence for coupled diel changes in DO and nitrogen cycling has only been demonstrated in hypereutrophic systems where DO approaches zero at night. Here, we show diel changes in N2O and DO concentration at several sites across a trophic gradient. Nitrous oxide concentration increased at night at all but one site in spring and summer, even when gas exchange was rapid and minimum water column DO was well above hypoxic conditions. Diel N2O curves were not mirror images of DO curves and were not symmetrical about the mean. Although inter‐ and intrasite variation was high, N2O peaked around the time of lowest DO at most of the sites. These results suggest that N2O must be measured several times per diel period to characterize curve shape and timing. Nitrous oxide concentration was not significantly correlated with NO3− concentration, contrary to studies in agricultural streams and to the current United Nations Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change protocols for N2O emission estimation. The strong negative correlation between N2O concentration and daily minimum DO concentration suggested that N2O production was limited by DO. This is consistent with N2O produced by nitrite reduction. The ubiquity of diel N2O cycling suggests that most DO and N2O sampling strategies used in rivers are insufficient to capture natural variability. Ecosystem‐level effects of microbial processes, such as denitrification, are sensitive to small changes in redox conditions in the water column even in low‐nutrient oxic rivers, suggesting diel cycling of redox‐sensitive compounds may exist in many aquatic systems.
Vegetation Succession and Impacts of Biointrusion on Covers Used to Limit Acid Mine Drainage
Authors: Smirnova Evgeniya , Bussière Bruno , Tremblay Francine , Bergeron Yves
Published: December 2010

A cover with capillary barrier effects (CCBE) was constructed in 1998 on the abandoned Lorraine mine tailings impoundment to limit the generation of acid mine drainage. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Fauna of Quebec (MRNF) is responsible for the site and for all restoration works on it, including CCBE construction. The CCBE is made up of three layers: a 0.3‐m layer of sand used as a support and capillary break layer; a moisture‐retaining layer with a thickness of 0.5 m (this layer is constructed of a nonplastic silt); and a 0.3‐m sand and gravel layer on top. The main objective of the CCBE is to maintain one (or more) of the layers at a high degree of water saturation to impede oxygen migration and acid generation. Vegetation succession on the Lorraine CCBE results in an improvement in soil conditions, leading to the installation of deep‐rooted species, which could represent a risk to CCBE long‐term performance. Hence, the characterization of vegetation succession is an important aspect of the monitoring strategy for the Lorraine CCBE. Species occurrence was documented, and depth of tree roots was measured by excavation on a regular basis. Eight functional groups of plants were identified; herbaceous plants were the most abundant ecological plant groups. Tree ring counts confirmed that tree colonization started the year of CCBE construction (1999). Of the 11 tree species identified, the most abundant were poplar (Populus spp.), paper birch (Betula payrifera Marsh.), black spruce (Picea mariana Mill.), and willow (Salix spp.). Significant differences in occurrence related to environmental conditions were observed for most functional groups. Root excavation showed that tree roots exceeded the depth of the protective layer and started to reach the moisture‐retaining layer; in 2008, root average depth was 0.4 m and the maximal root depth was 1.7 m.
Laboratory and Lysimeter Studies of Glyphosate and Aminomethylphosphonic Acid in a Sand and a Clay Soil
Authors: Bergström Lars , Börjesson Elisabet , Stenström John
Published: December 2010

Due to the increasing concern about the appearance of glyphosate [N‐(phosphonomethyl)glycine] and its major metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in natural waters, batch laboratory and lysimeter transport studies were performed to assess the potential for leaching of the compounds in two agricultural soils. Unlabeled and 14C‐labeled glyphosate were added at a rate corresponding to 1.54 kg a.i. ha−1 on undisturbed sand and clay columns. Leachate was sampled weekly during a period of 748 d for analyses of glyphosate, AMPA, total 14C, and particle‐bound residues. Topsoil and subsoil samples were used for determination of glyphosate adsorption, glyphosate degradation, and formation of AMPA and its degradation. The influence of adsorption on glyphosate degradation was confirmed, giving very slow degradation rate in the clay soil (half‐life 110–151 d). The kinetics of AMPA residues suggest that although AMPA is always more persistent than glyphosate when formed from glyphosate, its degradation rate can be faster than that of glyphosate. The kinetics also suggest that apart from glyphosate being transformed to AMPA, the sarcosine pathway can be just as significant. The long persistence of glyphosate was also confirmed in the lysimeter study, where glyphosate+AMPA residues constituted 59% of the initial amount of glyphosate added to the clay soil 748 d after application. Despite large amounts of precipitation in the autumn and winter after application, however, these residues were mainly located in the topsoil, and only 0.009 and 0.019% of the initial amount of glyphosate added leached during the whole study period in the sand and clay, respectively. No leaching of AMPA occurred in the sand, whereas 0.03 g ha−1 leached in the clay soil.
Spatial Distribution of Enhanced Atrazine Degradation across Northeastern Colorado Cropping Systems
Authors: Shaner Dale , Stromberger Mary , Khosla Raj , Helm Alan , Bosley Bruce , Hansen Neil
Published: December 2010

Reports of enhanced atrazine degradation and reduced residual weed control have increased in recent years, sparking interest in identifying factors contributing to enhanced atrazine degradation. The objectives of this study were to (i) assess the spatial distribution of enhanced atrazine degradation in 45 commercial farm fields in northeastern Colorado (Kit Carson, Larimer, Logan, Morgan, Phillips, and Yuma counties) where selected cultural management practices and soil bio‐chemo‐physical properties were quantified; (ii) utilize Classification and Regression Tree (CART) Analysis to identify cultural management practices and (or) soil bio‐chemo‐physical attributes that are associated with enhanced atrazine degradation; and (iii) translate our CART Analysis into a model that predicts relative atrazine degradation rate (rapid, moderate, or slow) as a function of known management practices and (or) soil properties. Enhanced atrazine degradation was widespread within a 300‐km radius across northeastern Colorado, with approximately 44% of the fields demonstrating rapid atrazine degradation activity (laboratory‐based dissipation time half‐life [DT50] < 3 d). The most rapid degradation rates occurred in fields that received the most frequent atrazine applications. Classification and Regression Tree Analysis resulted in a prediction model that correctly classified soils with rapid atrazine DT50 80% of the time and soils with slow degradation (DT50 > 8 d) 62.5% of the time. Significant factors were recent atrazine use history, soil pH, and organic matter content. The presence/absence of atzC polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product was not a significant predictor variable for atrazine DT50 In conclusion, enhanced atrazine degradation is widespread in northeastern Colorado. If producers know their atrazine use history, soil pH, and OM content, they should be able to identify fields exhibiting enhanced atrazine degradation using our CART Model.
Long‐Term Phosphorus Fertility in Wastewater‐Irrigated Cropland
Authors: Jaiswal D. , Elliott H. A.
Published: December 2010

Land treatment of municipal wastewater effluent is a proven method for augmenting freshwater resources and avoiding direct nutrient discharges to surface waters. We assessed changes in soil test phosphorus (P) of the Ap horizon of cropped fields continuously irrigated for 26 yr with secondary effluent from the Penn State University wastewater treatment plant. For annual P additions averaging 97 kg P ha−1, Mehlich‐3 P (M3P) response in the 0‐ to 20‐cm surface soil (initially <20 mg kg−1) was represented by two lines. For the first 12 yr of irrigation, soil test P increased, with 14.5 kg P ha−1 needed to increase M3P by 1 mg P kg−1 After the initial buildup, M3P maintained a quasi‐steady‐state value of ∼110 mg kg−1 Over time, the surface soil equilibrium P concentration at zero sorption increased markedly (from <1 to 5.5 mg P L−1), and extractable aluminum (Al) decreased significantly (P < 0.001). Speciation modeling using Visual MINTEQ suggests complexation of Al by dissolved organic carbon at site pH conditions. Loss of Al from the surface layer lowered its P‐sorbing capacity, causing added effluent‐P to move into the subsoil. Results suggest that current management practices can continue for many years without exceeding the surface soil M3P environmental threshold (200 mg kg−1) used in state P‐based nutrient policies.
Alternative Poultry Litter Storage for Improved Transportation and Use as a Soil Amendment
Authors: Penn Chad J. , Vitale Jeffery , Fine Scott , Payne Joshua , Warren Jason G. , Zhang Hailin , Eastman Margaret , Herron Sheri L.
Published: December 2010

Transportation of poultry litter out of nutrient limited watersheds such as the Illinois River basin (eastern Oklahoma) is a logical solution for minimizing phosphorus (P) losses from soils to surface waters. Transportation costs are based on mass of load and distance transported. This study investigated an alternative litter storage technique designed to promote carbon (C) degradation, thereby concentrating nutrients for the purpose of decreasing transportation costs through decreased mass. Poultry litter was stored in 0.90‐Mg conical piles under semipermeable tarps and adjusted to 40% moisture content, tested with and without addition of alum (aluminum sulfate). An additional study was conducted using 3.6‐Mg piles under the same conditions, except tested with and without use of aeration pipes. Samples were analyzed before and after (8 wk) storage. Litter mass degradation (i.e., loss in mass due to organic matter decomposition) was estimated on the basis of changes in litter total P contents. Additional characterization included pH, total nutrients, moisture content, total C, and degree of humification. Litter storage significantly decreased litter mass (16 to 27%), concentrated nutrients such as P and potassium (K) and increased proportion of fulvic and humic acids. The addition of aeration pipes increased mass degradation relative to piles without aeration pipes. Nitrogen volatilization losses were minimized with alum additions. Increases in P and K concentrations resulted in greater monetary value per unit mass compared with fresh litter. Such increases translate to increased litter shipping distance and cost savings of $17.2 million over 25 yr for litter movement out of eastern Oklahoma.
Identification and Quantitation of Volatile Organic Compounds Emitted from Dairy Silages and Other Feedstuffs
Authors: Malkina Irina L. , Kumar Anuj , Green Peter G. , Mitloehner Frank M.
Published: December 2010

High ground‐level ozone continues to be an important human, animal, and plant health impediment in the United States and especially in California's San Joaquin Valley (SJV). According to California state and regional air quality agencies, dairies are one of the major sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the SJV. A number of recently conducted studies reported emissions data from different dairy sources. However, limited data are currently available for silage and other feed storages on dairies, which could potentially contribute to ozone formation. Because the impact of different VOCs on ozone formation varies significantly from one molecular species to another, detailed characterization of VOC emissions is essential to include all the important contributors to atmospheric chemistry and especially atmospheric reactivity. The present research study identifies and quantifies the VOCs emitted from various silages and other feedstuffs. Experiments were conducted in an environmental chamber under controlled conditions. Almost 80 VOCs were identified and quantified from corn (Zea mays L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and cereal (wheat [Triticum aestivum L.] and oat [Avena sativa L.] grains) silages, total mixed ration (TMR), almond (Amygdalus communis L.) shells and hulls using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography. The results revealed high concentrations of emitted alcohols and other oxygenated species. Lower concentrations of highly reactive alkenes and aldehydes were also detected. Additional quantitation and monitoring of these emissions are essential for assessment of and response to the specific needs of the regional air quality in the SJV.
HZSM-5 and H-Ferrierite Acidity Modification by Silylation and Their Activities in n-Butene Isomerisation
Authors: Kilic Emre , Yilmaz Selahattin
Published: December 2010

H-ZSM5 and H-Ferrierite acidities were modified by chemical liquid deposition using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), silicontetratchloride (SiCl4) and triaminopropyltriethoxysilane (3-APTES). All depositions were carried out at room temperature for deposition times of 0.5 and 1 h. Reaction tests were performed in a tubular quartz fixed bed reactor at 375°C for weight hour space velocities of 22 h-1. Surface area and pore volume of the catalysts were decreased upon modifications. The least modification of acidity was achieved by TEOS. However, SiCl4 and 3-APTES deposition modification strongly decreased the number of Bronsted and Lewis acid sites. As the effect of the modification increased, total acidity of the SiCl4 modified catalyst decreased. The catalysts were tested in isomerization of n-butene. Modification decreased the activity of the catalysts, but improvement in selectivity was observed with TEOS deposition. TEOS deposition increased the selectivity of the catalysts; for synthesized H-ZSM5 from 57.95 to 63.74 percent, for commercial H-ZSM5-C from 26.78 to 32.52 percent, and for H-FER from 63.06 to 81.23 percent. However, modification with SiCl4 and 3-APTES decreased both conversion and selectivity of the parent catalysts.
Image-based creation and positioning of welds for accelerated prototyping
Authors: Stache N. C. , Dieckelmann J. , Gedicke J. , Olowinsky A. , Aach T.
Published: December 2010

In most laser welding applications the welding result is highly sensitive to the weld position. The initial determination of process parameters therefore requires time-consuming adjustments to be made. When manufacturing individual parts with low quantities, this is a significant cost driver. State-of-the-art computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing systems ease the creation of weld seams significantly, but position deviations resulting, e.g., from workpiece tolerances or displacement must still be compensated. Seam tracking systems are rather complicated to handle during process qualification as they require adjustment to a start position and are subject to be misguided by disturbances in the material. Besides, it is difficult to apply seam tracking to scanner-based microwelding operations, which are considered in this paper. Therefore, the authors developed a system that enables the user to position welds easily and accurately by marking the intended weld position in a calibrated live image of the workpiece, which serves as reference. Thereby, positioning errors are compensated. When executing the welding process it is also possible to observe it in the live image and to assess the geometrical properties of the weld surface immediately. Moreover, the paper describes how this idea is extended to a system for creating more complex weld paths and concludes with an approach for automated image-based path generation by extracting the joint geometry from the workpiece image.
Experimental study on edge effects in laser bending
Authors: Hu Jun , Cao Qianqian , Shen Hong
Published: December 2010

The phenomenon of edge effects in the laser bending process influences the accuracy of the bending metal sheet and limits the applications of laser bending in the field of high precision. In this paper, the experimental study of effects of the laser power, beam diameter, and scanning velocity on edge effects using Taguchi method is carried out. The results show that the most significant processing parameter on edge effects is beam diameter, and the combination of the laser power and scanning velocity has the greatest interaction effect on edge effects. A regression equation is obtained to predict the relative bending angle variation by the regression analysis, and of the processing parameters in laser bending can be optimized.
Effect of laser and laser hybrid welding on the corrosion performance of a lean duplex stainless steel
Authors: Westin Elin M. , Fellman Anna
Published: December 2010

The use of duplex stainless steel increases steadily worldwide and the fluctuations in nickel price the recent years have contributed to further growth. The lean duplex grade Outokumpu LDX 2101® (EN 1.4162, UNS S32101) has a low nickel content and is alloyed with nitrogen and manganese to give a balanced microstructure. It means that good austenite formation is obtained even when laser welding autogenously (without filler). This is in contrast to most other duplex grades, for which laser welding is normally associated with high ferrite fractions, known to reduce the ductility and corrosion performance. Nd:YAG, CO2 and fiber laser welding of LDX 2101® has been performed with and without filler wire and as laser hybrid welding with gas tungsten arc (GTA) and gas metal arc (GMA). The microstructure was evaluated and related to the corrosion performance, and the mechanical properties are presented. The austenite formation in autogenously laser welded LDX 2101® is not sufficient to completely avoid chromium nitride precipitation and the weld metal pitting resistance is consequently affected. This is particularly seen when fiber laser welding. The mechanical properties of all welds were on a similar level with those of the base metal, while the corrosion performance and ductility were marginally to significantly lower. Use of filler wire when Nd:YAG laser welding and Nd:YAG laser-GTA hybrid welding with and without filler wire, and nitrogen additions to the GTA shielding gas improved the austenite formation and hence the pitting resistance. CO2 laser and CO2 laser-GMA hybrid welding proved to result in most austenite and generally showed the highest pitting resistance of all laser welds.
Evaluation of Resistance of Corrugated Sheets under Bending by a Concentrated Loads from the Local Suspensions / Ocena Nosnosci Granicznej Blach Fałdowych Zginanych Siła Skupiona Od Lokalnych Podwieszen
Authors: Biegus A. , Czepizak D.
Published: December 2010

Th This paper presents a simple method of evaluating the load resistance and stiffness of corrugated sheets locally loaded with suspended technical fixtures. As a part of this research, parametric numerical analyses of corrugated sheets of different span, and with differently located concentrated forces, were carried out. Stress distributions in the individual folds in the elastic range and in the ultimate limit state were identified. On their basis, equivalent concentrated load factors for the individual folds in the sheet were determined. The load factors enable analyses of the load resistance and stiffness of corrugated sheets loaded with concentrated forces, which can be helpful in design practice
Permeability of Sand-Clay Mixtures
Authors: Kacprzak G. , Boutin C. , Doanh T.
Published: December 2010

This study deals with the behavior of composite blends constituted of rigid and impervious grains included in saturated clay paste of kaolin, considered as permeable and deformable. Permeability tests performed during standard oedometr tests (before each load step) highlight the key role of the original and actual state of the clay paste, and show the existence of a threshold of sand grain concentration above which a structuring effect influences its permeability. In the light of these experiments some usual homogenization methods (with simplifying assumptions to make the problem manageable) are considered in order to model the mixture permeability. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons with experimental data point out their respective domain of interest and limitations of such approaches
Fractal Dimension for the Characterization of the Porosity of Asphalt Concretes
Authors: Leonardi G.
Published: December 2010

In the design of asphalt mixtures for paving, the choice of components has a remarkable importance, as requirements of quality and durability must be assured in use, guaranteeing adequate standards of safety and comfort.

In this paper, an approach of analysis on the aggregate materials using fractal geometry is proposed. Following an analytical and an experimental approach, it was possible to find a correlation between characteristics of the asphalt concrete (specific gravity and porosity) and the fractal dimension of the aggregate mixtures.

The studies revealed that this approach allows to draw the optimal fractal dimension and, consequently, it can be used to choose an appropriate aggregate gradation for the specific application; once the appropriate initial physical parameters are finalized.

This fractal approach could be employed for predicting the porosity of mixed asphalt concretes, given as input the fractal characteristics of the aggregate mixtures of the concrete materials
Simple Prequalification Models
Authors: Plebankiewicz E.
Published: December 2010

The selection of a contractor is one of the most important among decisions made by the owner of a construction. The application of the prequalification procedure enables the selection of the most competent tenderers. Various mathematical models are helpful in carrying out prequalification procedure. In the paper, some selected mathematical models are briefly characterized and model based on the theory of fuzzy sets is offered. The applied model takes into consideration the owner’s various objectives, as well as different evaluation criteria. The results of the sensitivity analysis of the model are also presented. Part of a computer software applying an earlier presented prequalification mathematical model is described
GSTP1 Ile105Val Polymorphism in Serbian Patients with Pancreatic Diseases
Authors: Nikolić Aleksandra , Stanković Marija , Nišević Ivan , Lukić Snežana , Anđelić-Jelić Marina , Popović Dragan , Radojković Dragica
Published: December 2010

GSTP1 Ile105Val Polymorphism in Serbian Patients with Pancreatic Diseases

The aim of the current preliminary case-control study was to identify glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) Ile105Val allele and genotype frequency and to evaluate its impact on susceptibility to pancreatic diseases in a Serbian population. This study has encompassed 157 patients with three major types of chronic pancreatic pathology: 47 with pancreatic cancer, 50 with chronic pancreatitis and 60 with type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as 107 healthy individuals. The presence of GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism was analyzed using a PCR-RFLP method. Allele 105Val was less frequent in patients with pancreatic cancer (24.5%) and chronic pancreatitis (24.0%) and slightly more frequent in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (31.7%) in comparison to healthy individuals (29.9%), but the differences were not statistically significant. Distribution of Ile105Val polymorphism genotypes differed between the analyzed groups, but differences were also not statistically significant. There are only a few studies regarding the role of GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism in pancreatic diseases and their results are inconsistent. The significance of GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism for pancreatic pathology remains unclear and further studies are needed in order to elucidate its role in pancreatic diseases.
First Ray Mobility Increase in Patients With Metatarsalgia
Authors: Greisberg Justin , Prince Daniel , Sperber Lisa
Published: December 2010

Background: The significance and measurement of first metatarsal hypermobility has been difficult to quantify in relation to transfer metatarsalgia. We evaluated the hypothesis that dynamic elevation of the first metatarsal relative to the second metatarsal could be measured with a simple device and would be associated with transfer metatarsalgia. We also assessed intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the simple device. Materials and Methods: A series of 352 patients were prospectively measured for dynamic metatarsal elevation: 64 patients with transfer metatarsalgia and 288 patients without symptoms. Results: Those with metatarsalgia symptoms had significantly greater first ray mobility (9 mm versus 7 mm; p < 0.0002) and metatarsal elevation (5 mm versus 3 mm; p < 0.0002) than patients without symptoms. Conclusion: In this prospective series, the device was reliable for measuring dynamic first metatarsal elevation at different time points with different examiners. Patients with metatarsalgia had higher dynamic metatarsal elevation compared to patients without metatarsalgia, suggesting a mechanism by which load can be transferred from the first to lesser metatarsals.

Level of Evidence: III, Case Control Series
Over-The-Top Knot Placement Technique Enhances Tensile Stability of Tendon Repairs
Authors: Türker Mehmet , Çetik Özgür , Kiliçoĝlu Önder , Çirpar Meriç , Dirikolu Hüsnü , Kalaycioĝlu Bariş , Oztürk Latif
Published: December 2010

Background: Currently a major concern for the surgical treatment of Achilles tendon rupture repairs is the creation of stable enough fixation to allow early range of motion. It was documented that the weakest point in a suture loop is the knot. Thus, we hypothesized that moving the knot away from the repair junction (over-the-top Krackow technique) would increase the strength of the repair. Materials and Methods: Transected bovine tendons were repaired by the traditional Krackow and over-the-top Krackow techniques using four suture materials (Fiberwire Nos. 5 and 2, Ethibond Nos. 5 and 2). Tendons were cyclically tested at incremental loads beginning from 50 N until 5-mm gap formation. Then all tendons were loaded to failure. The number of cycles to 5-mm gapping, ultimate failure loads and knot slip were compared using t-test and Mann-Whitney tests (with Tukey corrections for multiple comparisons). Results: Mean number of cycles to 5-mm gapping did not reveal significant differences ( p = 0.113) between repair groups. Mean failure load of tendons repaired by over-the-top Krackow technique were significantly higher ( p < 0.0001) for all four paired groups than tendons repaired by traditional Krackow technique. Ethibond No. 5, No. 2, and Fiberwire No. 2 suture repairs with over-the-top configuration did not reveal any knot slip. Conclusion: Over-the-top Krackow technique increases the ultimate failure load of repaired tendons. But 5-mm gapping resistivity was not enhanced either by the technique or the suture material. Clinical Relevance: The knot itself is a stress-riser in the suture loop so we suggest that freeing it from tension by our modificiation may achieve more durable repairs.
Effect of Heel Lifts on Plantarflexor and Dorsiflexor Activity During Gait
Authors: Johanson Marie A. , Allen Jasmine C. , Matsumoto Miwa , Ueda Yumi , Wilcher Kevin M.
Published: December 2010

Background: Previous investigators have shown that high heels decrease the muscle activity of the gastrocnemius muscle during gait. However, it is not known whether commonly used in-shoe heel lifts of lower heights will demonstrate similar effects on muscle activity. The aim of this study was to determine whether heel lifts alter the muscle activity of the ankle plantarflexors and dorsiflexors during the stance phase of gait among individuals with limited gastrocnemius extensibility. Materials and Methods: This study used a repeated measures design. Twenty-four healthy volunteers (12 males and 12 females) with less than 5 degrees of passive ankle dorsiflexion with the knee extended participated in the study. Electromyography (EMG), computerized motion analysis, and a force plate were used to measure mean muscle activity of the lateral gastrocnemius, medial gastrocnemius, soleus and tibialis anterior muscles during the stance phase of gait across three walking conditions. Muscle activity was measured as participants ambulated at a self-selected speed in athletic shoes alone and with heel lifts of 6 mm and 9 mm inserted in athletic shoes. Results: Between heel-strike and heel-off, the mean EMG amplitude of the medial gastrocnemius increased with both 6 and 9 mm heel lifts and the amplitude of the tibialis anterior increased with 9 mm heel lifts compared to shoes alone. Between heel-strike and heel-off, there were no significant differences in mean EMG amplitude of the lateral gastrocnemius or soleus muscles walking in heel lifts compared to shoes alone. Between heel-off and toe-off, there were no significant differences in mean EMG amplitude of the lateral gastrocnemius, medial gastrocnemius, soleus, or tibialis anterior muscles when walking in heel lifts compared to shoes alone. Conclusion: Heel lifts increase muscle activity of the medial gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles between heel-strike and heel-off among individuals with limited gastrocnemius extensibility. Clinical Relevance: We were unable to confirm a decrease in muscle activity when using heel lifts.
Arthroscopic Fixation Technique for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus
Authors: Nakagawa Shuji , Hara Kunio , Minami Ginjiro , Arai Yuji , Kubo Toshikazu
Published: December 2010

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion
Total Ankle Arthroplasty Outcome Comparison for Post-Traumatic and Primary Osteoarthritis
Authors: Bai Long-Bin , Lee Keun-Bae , Song Eun Kyoo , Yoon Taek Rim , Seon Jong Keun
Published: December 2010

Background: Mobile-bearing total ankle arthroplasty designs have achieved good clinical results for the treatment of ankle osteoarthritis. However, no direct comparison of the outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty has been made between posttraumatic and primary osteoarthritis. The purpose of the present study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty in patients with posttraumatic and primary osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: The HINTEGRA total ankle arthroplasty was carried out in 65 patients (67 ankles) with symptomatic ankle osteoarthritis. Group A included 37 patients (37 ankles) with post-traumatic osteoarthritis, whereas Group B included 28 patients (30 ankles) with primary osteoarthritis. Patients were assessed clinically and radiographically at a mean followup of 38 months. Results: No significant differences were found between the two study groups in terms of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scales, range of motion, or radiographic values at final followup ( p > 0.05). The incidence of complications (38% in Group A, 27% in Group B) and additional procedures (54% in Group A, 27% in Group B) was significantly higher in Group A ( p = 0.014 for complications, p = 0.013 for additional procedures). One ankle was revised in Group A for a deep infection. Conclusion: The clinical and radiographic outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty for post-traumatic and primary osteoarthritis were comparable, although the incidence of complications after total ankle arthroplasty was higher in the post-traumatic osteoarthritis group. More preceding or concomitant surgeries were required in order to make the posttraumatic cases suitable for total ankle arthroplasty.

Level of Evidence: III, Retrospective Comparative Series
Surgical Management and Treatment Algorithm for the Subtle Cavovarus Foot
Authors: Maskill Michael P. , Maskill John D. , Pomeroy Gregory C.
Published: December 2010

Background: Subtle cavovarus foot is a condition that can lead to significant foot pain and disability. We review the results of our treatment algorithm at medium-term followup. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five consecutive patients with lateral based symptoms due to an underlying congenital subtle cavovarus foot type were surgically corrected. Various procedures were utilized, including some combination of the following: lateral displacement calcaneus osteotomy, peroneus longus to brevis transfer, dorsiflexion first metatarsal osteotomy, and Achilles tendon lengthening. Twenty-three patients, with 29 feet, returned for followup examination. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 43.4 years, and the mean followup to date was 4.4 years. Results: The mean AOFAS ankle hind-foot score preoperatively was 45, and postoperatively was 90. Radiographically, the medial cuneiform to floor height changed from 3.5 cm preoperatively to 3.0 cm postoperatively. The talo-first metatarsal angle improved 7.5 degrees postoperatively. There were no nonunions. No patients to date have gone on to fusions or revisions. Ten feet (34%) required hardware removal. All patients had resolution of their symptoms following hardware removal. Conclusion: The surgical management for the subtle cavovarus foot based on the proposed treatment algorithm provided symptomatic relief, longstanding correction, and high patient satisfaction.

Level of Evidence: III, Case Control Study
Ankle Taping Can Improve Proprioception in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Iris Miralles , Monterde Sónia , Salvador Montull , Salvat Isabel , Fernández-Ballart J. , Judith Beceiro
Published: December 2010

Background: Taping is a common technique to treat inversion ankle sprains, but the effects of tape on proprioception are still not clear. The purpose of this study was to establish whether proprioception would be modified by the use of ankle tape. To do so we studied joint position sense (JPS) in healthy volunteers using three-dimensional (3D) movement analysis systems. Material and Methods: Forty healthy volunteers (mean age and SD = 23.2 ± 4.2) were asked to actively reproduce four different ankle positions: 10 degrees of dorsiflexion, neutral, 10 degrees and 20 degrees of plantarflexion. The absolute difference between the estimated angle and the target angle was used to assess JPS. This difference was named Error. Subjects were randomly assigned to the control ( n = 21) or the intervention ( n = 19) groups. Members of the intervention group received ankle tape for a lateral ligament sprain in the non-dominant leg. A t-test was used to evaluate the results. Results: Tape significantly improved JPS for the dorsiflexion position ( p = 0.038). Neutral was the most accurately reproduced position, and the remaining positions were overestimated for both groups. Conclusion: Taping improved proprioception in healthy volunteers, and 3D movement analysis was a useful method to accurately quantify joint position sense. Clinical relevance: Because ankle proprioception is critical to the functional success of surgical and rehabilitation treatments, these results regarding proprioception are of particular importance because ankle taping is often used in preventing ankle sprains and it is a common treatment after ankle injuries.
Avascular Necrosis of the Talus in a HIV-Infected Patient
Authors: Gayton J. Christopher , Burleson Drew , Polenakovik Hari , Laughlin Richard T.
Published: December 2010

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion
Why Should Governmentality Matter for the Study of Pastoral Development?
Authors: Morton John
Published: December 2010

This article explores some of the ways in which analyses based around Foucault's concept of 'governmentality' might cast light on the ways in which pastoralists in Africa are and might be governed, given the persistence of poor policy, poor governance and hostile attitudes towards pastoralism by central and local government officials. Key concepts in the Foucauldian approach are briefly outlined: power (productive, multiple and bound up with knowledge), government ('the conduct of conduct') and governmentality (modes of thinking about government in general but also certain modes specific to the development of Western liberalism). Five reasons for using the approach in the study of pastoral development are identified: a commitment to specificity and contingency; an attention to multiple actors; an attention to diverse 'technologies of rule'; a focus on the interconnections of power, knowledge and discourse; and a record of studying marginalized groups. The argument is illustrated with examples drawn mainly from East Africa. Possible objections to a Foucauldian approach are discussed, and key questions for pastoralist research using the governmentality approach are set out.
Mycoplasmal Conjunctivitis in House Finches (Carpodacus Mexicanus) is More Severe in Left Eyes than Right
Authors: Davis Andrew K.
Published: December 2010

One of the most well-studied avian diseases is the annual outbreak of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) infections in house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) in North America. This is a bacterial disease that causes conjunctivitis in one or both eyes of the host. While studying this disease in a New York finch population, researchers observed that there was a tendency for the conjunctivitis to be more prominent in the left eye of infected birds, although the small sample size of that study made it difficult to draw conclusions regarding this unusual observation. Here, this idea is tested further using a larger data set from a 4-year trapping study of house finches in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, a location with a high prevalence of MG infections. The severity of conjunctivitis in each eye of infected birds was scored on a 0–3 scale, and these data were statistically examined to identify possible side-biases in severity. Out of 254 house finches with conjunctivitis, the eye scores of all left eyes were significantly higher than right eye scores. There was no evidence for differential effects of conjunctivitis in left-bias or right-biased infections, and the left-biased pattern was similar in both sexes and in adult and young birds. These results confirm the anecdotal observation from the New York population and suggest that this is a universal phenomenon in the house finch–MG system. The significance of the finding is unknown, although the possibility exists that house finches display a degree of ‘handedness’ that causes their left sides to be exposed more frequently to potential fomites (i.e. bird feeders).
Ileal and Caecal Microbial Populations in Broilers Given Specific Essential Oil Blends and Probiotics in two Consecutive Grow-Outs
Authors: Oviedo-Rondón Edgar O. , Hume Michael E. , Barbosa Nei A. , Sakomura Nilva K. , Weber Gilbert , Wilson Johnathan W.
Published: December 2010

Specific essential oil (EO) blends and probiotics used as feed additives have been shown to promote healthy digestive microbials resulting in improved poultry production. Two consecutive experiments were conducted with broilers fed cornsoybean meal diets to determine comparative effects of feed additives on ileal and caecal microbial populations (MP). Ross 708 broilers were placed in 84 pens with previously used litter and treatments maintained in the same pens for both experiments. Eight treatment groups were fed diets containing: Bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) as positive control (PC); no additives as negative control (NC); three probiotics: BC-30; BioPlus 2B (B2B); and Calsporin; and the essential oil blends Crina Poultry Plus (CPP) at 300 or 150 ppm in the first experiment; and CPP at 300 ppm and Crina Poultry AF at 100 ppm in experiment 2. Starter and grower diets contained the ionophore (Coban). Ileal and caecal samples were collected at 43 days of age from male broilers. The DNA of microbial populations was isolated from digesta samples and analysed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis to generate percentage similarity coefficients (%SC) from band pattern dendrograms. Differences were observed in ileal and caecal populations depending on treatment, respectively, and especially between experiments. Broilers fed diets with probiotics had very similar MP. The EO CPP at 300 ppm resulted in ileal MP similar to those observed in chickens fed probiotics. We concluded that antibiotic treatment affected ileal, but no caecal MP. More pronounced changes in ileal and caecal MP were seen in broilers at 43 days of age following probiotic and essential oil treatments.
Beta-Glucans as Immunomodulators in Poultry: Use and Potential Applications
Authors: Cox Chasity M. , Dalloul Rami A.
Published: December 2010

Escalating consumer concerns have placed the poultry industry under mounting pressure to reduce the use of chemotherapeutic agents as feed additives. One possible alternative receiving increased attention is the use of immunomodulators such as β-glucan. Beta-glucans belong to a group of physiologically active compounds termed biological response modifiers due to their ability to stimulate the immune system. Beta-glucans are structural components of the cell wall of many bacteria, fungi, algae and yeast as well as cereal grains. The effects of β-glucans as active immunomodulators in mammals have been well noted; however, research concerning their impact in poultry has only recently been published. This review will begin with an “avian immunology primer”, and will then discuss various effects on performance and immune responses elicited by β-glucans in poultry and their potential implications to the industry.
Enhancement in the Catalytic Activity of Pd/USY in the Heck Reaction Induced by H2 Bubbling
Authors: Okumura Kazu , Tomiyama Takuya , Moriyama Sayaka , Nakamichi Ayaka , Niwa Miki
Published: December 2010

Pd was loaded on ultra stable Y (USY) zeolites prepared by steaming NH4-Y zeolite under different conditions. Heck reactions were carried out over the prepared Pd/USY. We found that H2 bubbling was effective in improving not only the catalytic activity of Pd/USY, but also that of other supported Pd catalysts and Pd(OAc)2. Moreover, the catalytic activity of Pd/USY could be optimized by choosing appropriate steaming conditions for the preparation of the USY zeolites; Pd loaded on USY prepared at 873 K with 100% H2O gave the highest activity (TOF = 61,000 h−1), which was higher than that of Pd loaded on other kinds of supports. The prepared Pd/USY catalysts were applicable to the Heck reactions using various kinds of substrates including bromo- and chloro-substituted aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds. Characterization of the acid properties of the USY zeolites revealed that the strong acid site (OHstrong) generated as a result of steaming had a profound effect on the catalytic activity of Pd.