bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Helicobacter pylori and Non‐malignant Diseases
Authors: Furuta Takahisa , Delchier Jean‐Charles
Published: August 2009

It is well known that Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with many nonmalignant disorders such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric polyp, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID)/aspirin‐induced gastric injury, and functional dyspepsia. In 2008, interesting articles on the association of H. pylori infection with these disorders were presented, some of which intended to reveal the mechanisms of inter‐individual differences in response to H. pylori infection, and have demonstrated that genetic differences in host and bacterial factors as well as environmental factors account for these differences. A decline in the occurrence of peptic ulcer related to H. pylori was confirmed. An inverse relationship between H. pylori infection and GERD was also confirmed but the impact of gastric atrophy on the prevention of GERD remained debatable. For NSAID‐induced gastric injury, eradication of H. pylori infection has been recommended. During this year, eradication of H. pylori infection was recommended for patients treated with antiplatelet therapy as well as aspirin and NSAID. It was also reported that for patients with functional dyspepsia, eradication of H. pylori offers a modest but significant benefit.
The Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori and Public Health Implications
Authors: Azevedo Nuno F. , Huntington Janis , Goodman Karen J.
Published: August 2009

This article presents a review of the literature on the epidemiology and public health implications of Helicobacter pylori infection published from April 2008 through to March 2009. The authors used MeSH terms “Helicobacter infections epidemiology,”“Helicobacter infections prevention and control” to search multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Cochrane Library, EBMR, BIOSIS), and independently searched PubMed using the term “Helicobacter” with “Epidemiology,”“Transmission,”“Prevalence” or “Environment.” Articles without topical relevance were excluded. Two additional papers known to the authors were added. The identified literature is summarized by subtopic: reviews; prevalence; incidence; transmission; risk factors; and public health policy.
Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: O'Connor Anthony , Gisbert Javier , O’Morain Colm
Published: August 2009

This article aims to examine current best practice in the field reference to first‐line, second‐line, rescue and emerging treatment regimens for Helicobater pylori eradication. The recommended first‐line treatment in published guidelines in Europe and North American is proton pump inhibitor combined with amoxicillin and clarithromycin being the favoured regimen. Rates of eradication with this regimen however are falling alarmingly due to a combination of antibiotic resistance and poor compliance with therapy. Bismuth based quadruple therapies and levofloxacin based regimes have been shown to be effective second line regimens. Third‐line options include regimes based on rifabutin or furazolidone, but susceptibility testing is the most rational option here, but is currently not used widely enough. Sequential therapy is promising but needs further study and validation outside of Italy. Although the success of first line treatments is falling, if compliance is good and a clear treatment paradigm adhered to, almost universal eradication rates can still be achieved. If compliance is not achievable, the problem of antibiotic resistance will continue to beset any combination of drugs used for H. pylori eradication.
Postictal Elevation of Prolactin Levels After Psychic Auras‐Evidence for Seizure Discharges Involving Mesolimbic Structures
Authors: Hara Sumio , Takei Shigeki , Yokoyama Naohiro , Hara Tsunekatsu
Published: August 2009

Purpose: The postictal elevation of prolactin (PRL) levels results from the spread of ictal discharges involving mesolimbic structures (amygdala and hippocampus), via the ventral amygdalofugal pathway to the hypothalamus. To determine whether the mesolimbic structures are involved, we measured postictal PRL levels after simple partial seizures (SPSs) with psychic symptoms (psychic auras), and compared them with those after complex partial seizures (CPSs), 80% of which have been reported to show significant postictal elevations of PRL.

Methods: Serum PRL levels were measured 15, 30, and 60 min after each ictus. Samples were obtained for the baseline values when patients had been seizure free for 12 h. We regarded motionless stares followed by automatisms as CPSs, and we depended on the patient's description for the occurrence of psychic auras.

Results: Seven patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (four men and three women; mean age, 41.4 years; range, 25–70 years; laterality of focus, right: left: bilateral = 4:1:2) were studied. Six CPSs (in five patients) and six SPSs (in three patients) were detected. In one patient, both types of seizures were analyzed on separate occasions. The CPSs observed were either gestural or oral automatisms. The described psychic auras consisted of types such as complex visual hallucinations (n = 4), ictal fear (n = 4), deja vu (n = 2), depersonalization (n = 2), macropsia (n = 1), and distortion of sense of time (n = 1). The total number of psychic aura types was greater than six (the number of SPSs with psychic symptoms) because any single episode had multiple types of auras. That is, the sequences of psychic aura types were as follows: ictal fear→depersonalization→complex visual hallucination; ictal fear→depersonalization; ictal fear→deja vu; deja vu→complex visual hallucination; macropsia→complex visual hallucination→distortion of time sense; and ictal fear‐complen visual hallucination. Postictal PRL levels invariably reached their peaks at 15 min. Mean 15‐min postictal PRL levels (for CPSs and SPSs with psychic symptoms, 45.6 and 46.7 ng/ml, respectively) were significantly higher than the mean baselines (9.6 and 9.9 ng/ml, respectively; p < 0.02. paired t test).

Conclusions: In this study, the mean 15–min postictal PRL levels for SPSs with psychic symptoms (4.9 times as high as the baseline) were significantly increased to the same extent as those for CPSs (4.6 times as high as the baseline). Although some investigators assert that ictal discharges confined to the temporal neocortical region can elicit psychic auras, our results are indicative of seizure discharges involving mesolimbic structures in the development of psychic auras.
Surgery for Intractable Epilepsy of Infantile Onset
Authors: Otsuki Taisuke , Asano Eishi , Ito Kenji , Takahashi Hirotatsu , Fukatsu Reiko , Nagano Chiyoko , Yoshimoto Takashi
Published: August 2009

Purpose: The clinical features and surgical outcome were analyzed in 11 consecutive cases of intractable epilepsy, the onset of which was within 12 months after birth.

Case Reports: The onset of epilepsy in the 11 patients, seven boys and four girls, was from day 0 to 3 months old in three cases, 3 to 6 months old in five cases, and 6 to 12 months old in three cases. The types of seizure at onset were nodding spasms in four cases, tonic seizures in five, motionless staring in three, and automatisms in two. Six cases showed temporary remission of seizures for 8 months to 16 years (mean, 5.8 years) and recurrence at ages from 1 to 19 years old (mean, 8.1 years). Five patients were initially diagnosed as having West syndrome and treated with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which resulted in temporary remission of seizures in four cases. Surgery was performed at ages from 4 weeks to 23 years (mean, 12.2 years). The types of seizures at the time of surgery were nodding spasms in one case, falling spells in three, tonic seizures in six, motionless staring in four, and automatisms in five. The pathological causes of the epilepsy were focal cortical dysplasia in five cases, tuberous sclerosis in two, hemimegalencephaly in two, ganglioglioma in one, and an unknown cause in one. The surgical methods were cortical resection in seven cases (temporal lobe in five and frontotemporal lobe in two), callosotomy in three, and hemispherotomy in one. The preoperative neuropsychological examination showed a moderate developmental delay in five cases, a slight delay in four, and normal development in one. The surgical outcome of the cortical resection was complete cessation of seizures in five cases, rare seizures in one, and a 50% improvement in one. A significant improvement in falling spells was observed in all three cases of callosotomy. Hemispherotomy resulted in cessation of seizures. Significant postoperative improvements in neuropsychological evaluation and development were observed in eight cases.

Conclusions: Surgical intervention in cases of intractable epilepsy of infantile onset, especially in patients with focal cortical dysplasia, resulted in a good outcome for both seizure remission and postoperative neuropsychological development.
An EEG Study of Patients with Unilateral Diffuse Cortical Dysplasia Who Underwent Hemispherectomy
Authors: Shigetomo Ritsuko , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Maehara Taketoshi , Kaito Nobuyoshi , Oda Masaya , Yagishita SAkira , Arai Nobutaka
Published: August 2009

Purpose: Functional hemispherectomy was performed for patients with intractable epilepsy with unilateral diffuse cortical dysplasia. We retrospectively studied interictal scalp EEGs recorded both preoperatively and postoperatively.

Methods: The cases were 12 (six male and six female) patients who had been definitively diagnosed as having unilateral cortical dysplasia by both neuropathologic and neuroradiologic findings. Five patients exhibited diffuse cortical dysplasia, and the other seven exhibited hemimegalencephaly. Their interictal scalp EEGs were classified into four groups based on the appearance of abnormal epileptiform discharges. The groups were focal, unilateral, bilaterally synchronous, and bilaterally nonsynchronous. We discussed the type of EEG, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and postoperative prognosis. Postoperative prognosis was made according to Engel's classification. The operation was functional hemispherectomy by disconnection.

Results: The age at the time of the operation was from 5 months to 8 years and 6 months. The mean age was 3 years and 8 months. The age at the onset of the first seizure was from 0 days to 1 year and 8 months. All patients had frequent partial motor seizures caused by the affected side of the brain. Eight patients were associated with secondarily generalized seizures, and two were associated with drop attacks. All cases had various degrees of hemiparesis caused by the affected brain. The patients with hemimegalencephaly had more frequent attacks, resulting in epilepsia partialis continua in three cases. It was also striking that the onset time of the first seizure in these patients tended to be earlier than that in the patients with diffuse cortical dysplasia. The EEGs were classified as (1) in two cases, (2) in one case, (3) in five cases, and (4) in four cases. All patients, including even EEG types (3) and (4). became seizure free after the operation. Two patients were able to discontinue their antiepileptic medication. After functional hemispherectomy, even in a seizure‐free state, abnormal epileptic discharges remained in 10 patients on the affected side of the brain.

Conclusions: We clarified the importance of the global assessment encompassing ictal symptoms, neuroradiologic findings, and EEG classification before the operation. The operative outcome was very excellent regardless of whether the EEG showed a unilateral or bilateral epileptiform discharge pattern. We concluded that the EEG type was not a conclusive factor. As stated previously, type (3) and (4) EEGs did not contraindicate hemispherectomy. Postoperative active epileptic discharges from the affected side of the brain indicated a viable state of the disconnected brain and are not related to the surgical outcome.
Children with Seizure Disorders After Administration of an Anti‐allergic Medicine
Authors: Yasuhara Akihiro , Ochi Ayako , Araki Atsushi , Kitamura Naoyuki , Harada Yoshiaki
Published: August 2009

Purpose: Histamine is a neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain, and the central histaminergic system is known to have an inhibitory effect on epileptic seizures. We found 19 children with seizure disorders and EEG abnormalities after the administration of an antiallergic medicine (Ketotifen). Ketotifen has been used for its antihistaminergic action for the treatment of severe allergic disorders such as atopic dermatitis and bronchial asthma.

Methods and Results: We classified the 19 patients into five groups as follows. Group A had two patients who had a previous history of seizures controlled by antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). They had convulsive disorders and EEG spikes after the administration of Ketotifen. After the cessation of Ketotifen, the seizures disappeared. Group B had two patients with a history of febrile convulsions. After the administration of Ketotifen for atopic dermatitis, they had nonfebrile convulsions. The seizures disappeared after discontinuance of Ketotifen. Group C had five patients who had nonepileptic symptoms, including premature birth or renal failure, and who showed spike discharges on the EEG after the administration of Ketotifen. The spike discharges disappeared after the discontinuance of Ketotifen. Group D had eight patients who had been treated with Ketotifen for atopic dermatitis or bronchial asthma, and who had febrile convulsions. The ages ranged between 10 months and 5 years. The prolonged convulsions lasted between 10 and 120 min, with a mean of 40 min. An abnormal EEG was recorded in seven of the eight patients. Group E had two patients with infantile spasms and hypsarrhythmia 8–10 days after the administration of Ketotifen at age 3 months. They were diagnosed as having West syndrome because of the tonic spasms, hypsarrhythmia, and developmental arrest.

Conclusions: Histamine has an anticonvulsive effect through the histamine H1 receptor in the brain. Ketotifen has been used as an anti‐allergic medicine and is known to be a histamine H1 antagonist. The central histaminergic system plays an important role in inhibiting convulsions in infants, before the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) system fully develops its inhibitory function. We analyzed the 19 patients with seizure disorders after Ketotifen administration and found that young children who were susceptible to seizures were triggered for seizures by this H1 antagonist. It is still unknown whether the administration of Ketotifen itself produces or triggers seizures during infancy.
Five Cases with Refractory Seizures Due to a Hypothalamic Hamartoma
Authors: Ohtsubo Toshiaki , Mihara Tadahiro , Inoue Yushi , Tanaka Masaki , Fukushima Katsuyuki , Kubota Yuko , Matsuda Kazumi , Tottori Takayasu , Yagi Kazuichi
Published: August 2009

Purpose: In five patients with refractory seizures due to a hypothalamic hamartoma recently examined in our institute, we analyzed the electroclinical and the neuroimaging findings in detail.

Methods: Three patients were men and two were women, and their ages at the time of the investigation ranged from 16 to 49 years (mean, 26 years). The age of seizure onset was <4 years, except for one patient in whom seizures began at 23 years. Seizures occurred daily in three patients and weekly in two patients. All patients received examinations for surgical candidates such as scalp‐recorded electroencephalography/closed‐circuit television (EEG/CCTV) monitoring, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single‐photon‐emission computed tomography (SPECT), and neuropsychological and endocrinological tests. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) was investigated in two patients.

Results: Gelastic seizures with facial expressions of laughter were manifested in all patients and were accompanied by a laughing voice in one patient. All patients had various kinds of psychomotor seizures. There were other seizure manifestations with lateralized signs, such as somatosensory sensation, facial twitching, and head/eye turning. No patient had precocious puberty or abnormal endocrinological test results. The interictal EEGs in four patients indicated unilateral or predominantly unilateral abnormalities in the frontal or frontotemporal areas, although the ictal EEG provided no information about side and site of seizure origin in three patients. MEG showed dipole clustering localized unilaterally in the temporal lobe in one patient. A unilateral hypoperfusion area in the temporal lobe on the interictal SPECT changed to hyperperfusion on the ictal SPECT in one patient. MRI or CT or both revealed a round isointensity mass buried in the hypothalamus near the mammillary body in all of the patients. The diameter was ∼1 cm in three patients and 2 cm in the other two patients. The direction of the tumor extension was toward the third ventricle in three patients and the basal cistern in the other two patients. The tumorous lesions were lateralized to the left side in four patients and to the right side in the other patient, and all were attached to the hypothalamus with a broad neck.

Conclusions: The patients with a hypothalamic hamartoma in this study had electroclinically lateralized abnormalities somewhat similar to those of temporal or frontal lobe epilepsy. Such patients, therefore, may receive inappropriate resective surgery if the lesion fails to be noticed. Gamma knife therapy or stereotactic radiofrequency thermo‐coagulation for this lesion is probably a more secure and effective treatment, compared with the direct resection of the lesion.
The Course of Children with Epilepsy Who Discontinued Treatment 2–3 Years After Their Last Seizure
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Taketomi Hiroya
Published: August 2009

Purpose: Anticonvulsant drugs (AEDs) have potential side effects, and therefore, discontinuation of administration at an early stage is preferable. The general policy for treatment in Japan depends greatly on the electroencephalographic (EEG) findings. In Europe and America, however, the general policy is to discontinue treatment if no epileptic seizures have occured within 2 years. We followed the latter policy, and in cases of intractable seizures, the medication was discontinued 3 years after the cessation of seizures. Some cases in which the medication was discontinued within 2 years after cessation of the seizures were also included in this report. The risk factors were examined as indicated later.

Methods: Between 1985 and 1996, the administration of AEDs was discontinued in 113 cases according to the aforementioned policy. After exclusion of six cases who could not be followed up and 15 cases who were observed for < 1 year after the discontinuation of medication, 92 patients were examined. The mean follow‐up period for the subjects who had no recurrence of seizures was 4.7 years (range, 1–10.5 years). The age when the first seizure occurred was younger than 1 year in 13 cases, 1–5 years in 42 cases, 6–12 years in 26 cases, and 13 years or older in six cases. Annual investigations were carried out either by telephone or mail since 1993. The results collected by December 1996 were analyzed. Kaplan‐Meier's method and the 2 test were used for statistical analysis.

Results: Discontinuation of administration was performed 100 times in the 92 cases, and recurrence of seizures occurred 20 times. Seven recurrent cases underwent discontinuation repeatedly (a total of eight times) with successful results. The significant risk factors were symptomatic epilepsy, cryptogenic epilepsy, and age at the onset of seizures of 2 12 years. Sex, EEG abnormalities, general/focal convulsions, febrile convulsions, duration between seizures of >3 years, 3 12 years of age at last seizure, status epilepticus, family history of epilepsy, and seizures during sleep were not considered risk factors. Regarding idiopathic epilepsy, there were no significant differences among the groups treated for <2 years, 2 years, or 3 years.

Conclusions: The risk factors were symptomatic epilepsy, cryptogenic epilepsy, and age at the onset of seizures of 312 years. In cases having such risk factors, drug discontinuation when recurrence has not occurred for 3 years is advisable. In children with idiopathic epilepsy, the policy of drug discontinuation when recurrence has not been observed for 2 years is fully acceptable, and further extension of the treatment period appears unnecessary. Even 1 year of absence of seizures may he sufficient for discontinuation of medication. Because EEG abnormalities are not considered risk factors, prognosis based on EEG observations should be abandoned.
Induction by Phenobarbital of Fetal and Neonatal Hepatic CYP2B1 and CYP3A2 in Rats
Authors: Asoh Masako , Yamamoto Hitoshi , Ohta Chikako , Murakami Hiroshi , Tateishi Tomonori , Kobayashi Shinichi
Published: August 2009

Purpose: Phenobarbital (PB), an inducer of the hepatic CYP2B and CYP3A enzyme families, is widely used for the treatment of epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy are often required continuously to take antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) including during periods of pregnancy, delivery, and breast feeding. In this study, we sought to determine the effects of PB delivered via placenta (study I) and breast milk (study II) on the induction of hepatic CYP enzymes in fetal and neonatal rats.

Methods: In study I, PB (80 mg/kg in saline) was administered intrapentoneally to pregnant rats once a day for 7 days just before delivery. The livers were removed from fetuses just before birth and from neonates 5, 10, 15, and 20 days after birth. In study II, pregnant rats were given free access to water containing PB (100 mg/ml) beginning 13 days before and for 3 weeks after delivery. The livers of the offspring were removed 3 and 4 weeks after birth, and microsomes were prepared for the analysis of CYP2B1 and CYP3A2 on Western blots. Pentoxyresorufin O‐deethylase (PROD) activity was also measured as an index of CYP2B1 activity and testosterone 6P‐hydroxylase activity was measured as an index of CYP3A2 activity.

Results: In study I, PB administered through the placenta had little effect on the expression of the CYP2B1 and CYP3A2 proteins in fetuses. CYP2B1 protein was increased by 77% in 5‐day‐old rats, but this induction had disappeared in 10‐day‐old or older rats. PROD activity was similarly increased by 80% in 5‐day‐old rats but was unchanged from controls in 10‐day‐old or older rats. In study II, PB administered through breast milk resulted in a 40% increase in CYP2B1 protein in 3‐week‐old rats, but this increase was absent in 4‐week‐old rats (I week after weaning). CYP3A2 protein and testosterone 6P‐hydroxylase activity were not altered at any age examined in study I or II.

Conclusions: These data demonstrate that PB administered through placenta or breast milk produces a transient induction of hepatic CYP2B1 in newborn rats. These observations suggest that unlike other stimulants (Pediatr Res 1994;35:255–9), PB does not produce an “imprinting” of the hepatic CYP enzymes that lasts into adulthood.
Functional Changes of the Brainstem Triggering Diffuse 3–Hz Spike‐and‐Wave Complexes
Authors: Kohsaka Shinobu , Sakai Taeko , Mizukami Susumu , Uetake Kimiaki , Kohsaka Masako
Published: August 2009

Purpose: We investigated the functional changes of the brainstem to evaluate the “centrencephalic system” hypothesis in human primary generalized epilepsy (PGE) with diffuse 3–Hz spike‐and‐wave complexes (SWCs).

Methods: In nine patients diagnosed with typical absence seizures, 3–HZ SWCs were recorded (six channel EEGs including Cz‐A1 and Cz‐A2) together with a binaural acoustic triggering signal (20 stimuli/s repetition rate). The EEG data were sampled (10 kHz for sampling frequency), and then brainstem auditory evoked potentials were analyzed sequentially (128 samples averaged) before and during the emergence of SWCs after trend‐subtraction in each sample. Sequential changes of four parameters (amplitude and area of both wave III and wave V) were tested for time course differences by one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures.

Results: The wave‐III amplitude showed biphasic changes (an increment between 11.2 ± 3.2 and 6.4 ± 3.2 s followed by an abrupt decrement) before the onset of SWCs while at the same time, the wave‐III area showed a gradual decrement. Both wave‐V amplitude and area showed no significant changes.

Conclusions: The results disclose the functional changes in the ventral part of the lower brainstem preceding the onset of 3–Hz SWCs. The results suggest that these changes of neuronal excitability trigger the SWCs and substantiate the centrencephalic system hypothesis for human PGE.
BLOOD DONORS AND BLOOD COLLECTION: Web interface–supported transmission risk assessment and cost‐effectiveness analysis of postdonation screening: a global model applied to Ghana, Thailand, and the Netherlands
Authors: Van Hulst Marinus , Hubben Gijs A.A. , Sagoe Kwamena W.C. , Promwong Charupon , Permpikul Parichart , Fongsatitkul Ladda , Glynn Diarmuid M. , Sibinga Cees T. Smit , Postma Maarten J.
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: The goal of our research was to actively involve decision makers in the economic assessment of screening strategies in their region. This study attempted to accomplish this by providing an easy‐to‐use Web interface at http://www.bloodsafety.info that allows decision makers to adapt this model to local conditions.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The cost‐effectiveness was compared of 1) adding antigen screening to antibody screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); 2) adding nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) on hepatitis B virus (HBV), HCV, and HIV in minipool (pool of 6 [MP6] and 24 [MP24]) to antibody screening and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) screening; and 3) individual‐donation NAT on HBV, HCV, and HIV to antibody screening and HBsAg screening for Ghana, Thailand, and the Netherlands.

RESULTS: The combination of HCV antibody‐antigen combination (combo) and HIV combo added to antibody screening in Ghana and Thailand was cost‐effective according to the WHO criteria. MP24‐NAT screening in Ghana was also cost‐effective. MP24‐NAT on HBV, HCV, and HIV was not cost‐effective compared to the other screening strategies evaluated for the Netherlands. Large regional differences in cost‐effectiveness were found for Thailand.

CONCLUSION: The young transfusion recipient population of Ghana in combination with a high risk of viral transmission yields better cost‐effectiveness for additional tests. The advanced age of the transfused population of the Netherlands and a small risk of viral transmission gives poor cost‐effectiveness for more sensitive screening techniques. It was demonstrated that a global health economic model combined with a Web interface can provide easy access to risk assessment and cost‐effectiveness analysis.
The Missing Organizational Dimension in Urban Sociology
Authors: McQuarrie Michael , Marwell Nicole P.
Published: August 2009

Our article takes issue with the treatment of organizations in much urban sociology. We argue that both Marxian political economists and Chicagoan ethnographers and quantitative analysts treat organizations as derivative rather than productive of urban social relations. This problem is not epistemological or methodological. Instead, it is rooted in the objects of analysis that urban sociologists choose. Drawing on key elements of structuration theory, we attempt to lay the groundwork for improving the treatment of organizations in urban sociology by flagging some of the key insights in the sociology of organizations. We do not view this intellectual borrowing as a one–way street, and we emphasize that urbanists have a contribution to make to sociological thinking about organizations. Correcting these problems is essential if we are to understand the link between contemporary institutional transformations and urban neighborhoods.
More than Bricks and Mortar: Neighborhood Frames, Social Processes, and the Mixed–Income Redevelopment of a Public Housing Project
Authors: Tach Laura M.
Published: August 2009

Policy initiatives to deconcentrate poverty through mixed–income redevelopment were motivated in part by the desire to reduce social isolation and social disorganization in high–poverty neighborhoods. This article examines whether the presence of higher–income neighbors decreased social isolation or improved social organization in a Boston public housing project that was redeveloped into a HOPE VI mixed–income community. Based on in–depth interviews and neighborhood observation, I find that it was the lower–income former public housing residents who were primarily involved in creating neighborhood–based social ties, providing and receiving social support, and enforcing social control within the neighborhood, rather than the higher–income newcomers. This variation in neighborhood engagement stemmed from the different ways that long–term and newer residents perceived and interpreted their neighborhood surroundings. These differences were generated by residents’ comparisons of current and past neighborhood environments and by neighborhood reputations. Residents’ perceptions of place may thus influence whether mixed–income redevelopment can reduce social isolation and improve social organization in high–poverty neighborhoods and, more generally, whether changes in neighborhood structural characteristics translate into changes in social dynamics.
Conservation as a Territorial Ideology
Authors: Lee Caroline W.
Published: August 2009

Growth machine theory has typically interpreted successful contemporary conservation efforts as rare victories of elite liberal factions to protect their own use values or, alternatively, as greenwashing for growth. By studying an elite coalition dedicated to land conservation in the South Carolina Lowcountry, I probe whether growth theory can be used to understand conservation as a territorial ideology in its own right. Intensive interviewing and qualitative content analysis reveal that the conservation coalition uses backstage networking to promote conservation as a homegrown civic virtue. Comparing newspaper coverage of conservation and development projects opposed by the coalition, I demonstrate that the conservation coalition's policing of conservation–related profiteering has occasionally put it at odds with the larger public and its own ideological framing. the conservation coalition's inversion of dominant cultural scripts of growth promotion demonstrates that growth theory can be productively applied to unusual cases.
A Critical Approach to the Subprime Mortgage Crisis in the United States: Rethinking the Public Sector in Housing
Authors: Marcuse Peter
Published: August 2009

The subprime crisis rests on three pillars: the dependence on profit–making in the provision of housing; the absence of adequate public regulation; and the myths of home ownership. Fourteen recommendations for remedial action are listed.
Scintillation from Eu2+ in Nanocrystallized Glass
Authors: Fu Jie , Kobayashi Masaaki , Sugimoto Shojiro , Parker John M.
Published: August 2009

A Eu2+‐doped SiO2–Al2O3–CaO–CaF2 glass was prepared and converted into a transparent glass ceramic by heat treatment. The crystalline phase and its size were determined by X‐ray diffraction and a transmission electron microscopy. The scintillation of Eu2+ ions in both glass and ceramic under X‐ray excitation was investigated and compared with that in a single‐crystal scintillator.
Proofs of the Coexistence of Two Magnetic Contributions in Pure and Doped CaCu3Ti4O12 Giant Dielectric Constant Ceramics
Authors: Fernández José Francisco , Leret Pilar , Romero Juan José , De Frutos José , De La Rubia Miguel Ángel , Martín‐González María Soledad , Costa‐Krämer José Luis , Fierro José Luis García , Quesada Adrián , García Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2009

Fe3+‐ or Nb5+‐doped CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) ceramics show higher values of both room‐temperature (RT) grain conductivity and dielectric constant than undoped ceramics. Microstructural and structural characterization combined with magnetic properties reveal the coexistence of two components that seem relevant for the dielectric behavior of the material. The grain possesses a nanostructure characterized by layered domains with thicknesses <80 nm. The formation of the layered domains is associated with the evidence of different chemical states as Cu2+/Cu+ and Ti4+/Ti3+ that are present in the material. The magnetic contribution is related to two coupled effects: the antiferromagnetic (AFM) response with TN=25 K ascribed to Cu2+, and a paramagnetic‐like contribution attributed to Ti3+ cations. The coexistence of two coupled magnetic contributions could explain the proposed unusual coupling of the AFM Cu2+ superexchange interaction through the nonmagnetic Ti4+ rather than via the usual oxygen coupling. The lower the paramagnetic‐like contribution at RT, the larger the conductivity and the dielectric constant of the material are. Below 150 K, the increase of the paramagnetic‐like contribution is correlated with the low transition temperature of the CCTO.
Resistance Degradation in Y(Cr,Mn)O3–Y2O3 Composite NTC Ceramics in Hostile Environments
Authors: Fujiwara Kazutaka , Lee Soonil , Donnelly Niall , Yamaguchi Takashi , Randall Clive A.
Published: August 2009

A series of composite, negative temperature coefficient (NTC) ceramics were carefully processed with compositions based on the Y(Cr,Mn)O3+Y2O3 system and these were investigated for resistance stability in hostile environments. This specific system is of interest for high‐temperature automobile thermistors, however either through the processing or in use of these, materials can be exposed to reducing atmospheres at temperatures around 900°–1000°C. The thermochemical processes at intermediate temperatures and low

<10−10atm can influence the resistance of the given ceramics. Through an impedance analysis it is determined that the resistance increase is associated primarily with a grain boundary resistance increase. The grain and grain boundary elements are modeled through parallel constant phase element and resistance equivalent circuits connected in series. Possible origins of the defect chemistry being controlled through high‐temperature processes at the sintering are partial Schottky reactions that are compensated through a superoxidation reaction on cooling and aging. The reduction process reversed the superoxidation reaction and transited the grain boundary surfaces to ionically compensated B‐site vacancies with oxygen vacancies.
Crystallization Kinetics and Dielectric Properties of Fresnoite BaO–TiO2–SiO2 Glass–Ceramics
Authors: Rangarajan Badri , Shrout Tom , Lanagan Michael
Published: August 2009

Nucleation and crystallization kinetics of fresnoite (Ba2TiSi2O8) crystals in BaO–TiO2–SiO2 glasses have been explored for dielectric applications. The volume fractions crystallized at different temperatures and times were tracked by XRD analysis. The activation energy of crystallization was estimated from DTA results to be about 528 kJ/mol, which is consistent with the value obtained by XRD results. The Avrami parameter values calculated at different temperatures from DTA results were found to be between 3.2 and 3.9, indicating that the growth is three dimensional and the mechanism of growth is interface‐controlled. Additionally, because of compositional similarities, the dielectric contrast between the glass (ɛr∼15) and the resulting glass–ceramic (ɛr∼18) was minimal.
Endodontic treatment of teeth induces retrograde peri‐implantitis
Authors: Zhou Wei , Han Chun , Li Dehua , Li Yunming , Song Yingliang , Zhao Yimin
Published: August 2009

Objectives: Some cases of retrograde peri‐implantitis arise from adjacent natural teeth that have peri‐radicular infection. The present study was designed to investigate the incidence of retrograde peri‐implantitis from adjacent teeth with endodontic treatment.

Materials and methods: One hundred and twenty‐eight patients of ages ranging from of 24–61 years were recruited for this study. A total of 128 ITI SLA implants with adjacent teeth that had received endodontic treatment at least 1 week before were placed in 128 patients. The date of endodontic therapy and the pulp status of the adjacent tooth before endodontic therapy were recorded. The distance between the implant and the adjacent tooth was determined using a radiograph. The stability of all implants was tested by OSSTELL and recorded at implant placement, after 4 and 12 weeks.

Results: The incidence of retrograde peri‐implantitis was 7.8%. The duration from endodontic‐treated adjacent teeth to implant placement was 12.15±10.1 weeks, and the distance between the implant and the adjacent teeth was 2.99±1.4 mm. Distance and time were found to be related to retrograde peri‐implantitis (P<0.05). The stability of implants with retrograde peri‐implantitis was less than that of the normal implants, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05).

Conclusions: The incidence of retrograde peri‐implantitis may reduce by increasing the distance between the implant and adjacent tooth, and/or the duration from endodontically treated adjacent tooth‐to‐implant placement. Although preliminary, these data might orient the practitioner to avoid retrograde peri‐implantitis.
Effect of surface topography of screw‐shaped titanium implants in humans on clinical and radiographic parameters: a 12‐year prospective study
Authors: Vroom Melle G. , Sipos Paul , De Lange Gert L. , Gründemann Lodewijk J. M. M. , Timmerman Mark F. , Loos Bruno G. , Van Der Velden Ubele
Published: August 2009

Objectives: Although implants with a roughened surface are widely used today, little is known about the long‐term effect of a roughened surface compared with the conventional machined surface on clinical and radiographic parameters. The purpose of this study is to investigate the long‐term differences between moderately rough (tioblasted) titanium implants and minimally rough machined/turned surfaces with respect to marginal bone resorption and the peri‐implant soft tissues in the same patient.

Material and methods: In 20 fully edentulous patients, with severely resorbed mandibles, a total of 80 Astra Tech dental implants were placed in the mandible to support a bar construction with a full overdenture. In each patient two minimally rough‐surfaced (turned) and two moderately rough‐surfaced (tioblast) implants were placed alternately. Clinical evaluation was carried out at base line (prosthetic installation), 6 months, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 12 years. Radiographic evaluation using standardized individual filmholders was carried out at base line (prosthetic installation), 6 months, 1, 5 and 12 years.

Results: In two patients, during the abutment surgery, one turned implant showed insufficient osseointegration and was replaced. One implant showed an abutment fracture after 9 years and was kept as a sleeper. From base line up to 12 years, no implant was lost. No significant differences were found between both implant surfaces concerning the clinical parameters such as plaque, calculus, bleeding and probing pocket depth. The mean (SD) marginal bone changes up to 12 years varied between –0.11 and +0.01 mm for the turned and −0.2 and +0.01 mm for the tioblast implants. No significant difference in marginal bone loss was found between both implant surfaces.

Conclusion: We conclude that after 12 years of follow‐up, no differences could be found between the turned and the tioblasted implants, both for soft and for hard tissue parameters.
Fluoxetine‐induced sleep bruxism in an adolescent treated with buspirone: a case report
Authors: Sabuncuoglu Osman , Ekıncı Ozalp , Berkem Meral
Published: August 2009

Sleep bruxism, the involuntary grinding and/or clenching of teeth during sleep, may occur in young children and may be secondary to medication use, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The mesocortical disinhibition produced by SSRIs may lead to dopamine depletion that manifests itself as nocturnal bruxism, a specific form of akathisia. This may be prevented by using buspirone, a 5‐HT1A agonist that reduces serotonergic activity and increases dopaminergic activity. This article reports on a case history of an adolescent with fluoxetine‐induced bruxism that was successfully treated with buspirone. As SSRI use is on the rise for treating childhood psychiatric disorders, this case report highlights the importance of recognizing SSRI‐induced bruxism and the possible related adverse dental side effects. Furthermore, this report supports the efficacy of a treatment strategy in adolescents, which has previously been reported only for adult patients.
Oral health outcomes in an adult dental population: the impact of payment systems
Authors: Durham Timothy M. , King Kenneth A. , Salama Fouad S. , Lange Brian M.
Published: August 2009

This study compared the effect of payment systems on recall visits and oral health outcomes for four patient payer groups. The authors reviewed recall audit data obtained over a 4‐year period. Dental payer groups in the study population differed with respect to dental outcomes. Patients who had recall visits at 1 year or longer had worse outcomes than patients seen more frequently. A Medicaid subgroup with the greatest number of risk factors displayed improved oral health outcomes when seen on a more frequent recall schedule. Study findings suggest that, given the increased risks to maintaining oral health, patients being supported by public‐funded programs would benefit from more frequent recalls. Such an emphasis would appear to provide the opportunity to improve outcomes in disadvantaged populations and increase the quality of care offered.
Improving oral healthcare: improving the quality of life for patients after a stroke
Authors: Tran Phuong , Mannen Jana
Published: August 2009

With the increase in the elderly population, the prevalence of systemic diseases such as strokes and heart attacks will also increase. Persons who have had a stroke will be more susceptible to mistreatment, neglect, abuse, and aspiration pneumonia. The expansion of the elderly population will make the training of professional healthcare workers and other auxiliaries extremely important. Quality of life can be maintained if poor oral health is reduced through better daily oral hygiene practices. Informing others about the known association between oral health and systemic diseases will increase the awareness of the need for good oral hygiene in order to reduce the risk of systemic diseases. Healthcare professionals must also be able to recognize, document, and report to Adult Protective Services suspected abuse such as physical and dental neglect. The networking of healthcare providers with Adult Protective Services and other professional disciplines will provide a collaborative approach to assure successful integration of healthcare protocols for the elderly population.
β‐Defensin 1 haplotype associated with postoperative endophthalmitis
Authors: Carter James G. , West Stephanie K. , Painter Sally , Haynes Richard J. , Churchill Amanda J.
Published: August 2009

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 786–790

Purpose:  Endophthalmitis is a rare but sight‐threatening complication of intraocular surgery. β‐Defensins are antimicrobial peptides that appear to be important components of the ocular immune response. We propose that variation in defensin genes may alter susceptibility to endophthalmitis.

Methods:  Post‐cataract endophthalmitis patients (n = 28) and post‐cataract controls (n = 75) were recruited and DNA samples extracted. The β‐defensin 1 gene (DEFB1) was screened for single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using bidirectional sequencing. Case–control statistical assessment was undertaken for both the individual polymorphic loci observed and combined haplotypes using PHASE software.

Results:  We identified 19 SNPs and observed strong linkage disequilibrium within the gene. We found that the three‐SNP haplotype −688C/−44C/−20A was associated strongly with endophthalmitis [odds ratio (OR) = 8.88 (1.74, 45.42), corrected p = 0.0095]. Furthermore, we uncovered several trends, including increased prevalence of the −44CC genotype in the endophthalmitis group.

Conclusion:  We have shown previously that the −44CC SNP genotype was present in a single case of bilateral endophthalmitis. In this study, we found this genotype to be more common in the endophthalmitis group and a mini‐haplotype including this SNP was associated strongly with endophthalmitis. There is functional evidence that this genetic profile decreases transcription of the β‐defensin 1 peptide and could therefore reduce the innate ocular immune defence.
Ocular blood flow and oxygen delivery to the retina in primary open‐angle glaucoma patients: the addition of dorzolamide to timolol monotherapy
Authors: Siesky Brent , Harris Alon , Kagemann Larry , Stefansson Einar , McCranor Lynne , Miller Brian , Bwatwa Jeremiah , Regev Guy , Ehrlich Rita
Published: August 2009

Purpose:  To assess the effects of adding dorzolamide to timolol monotherapy on ocular haemodynamics and retinal oxygen saturation in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods:  Twenty‐four patients (12 healthy, 12 with POAG) were treated with dorzolamide/timolol combination (DT) versus timolol maleate 0.5% twice daily in a randomized, crossover, double‐blind study conducted over a period of 18 months. Patients received each treatment for 8 months then crossed over to the other treatment after a 1‐month washout and second baseline. Goldmann applanation tonometry, Heidelberg retinal flowmetry (HRF), colour Doppler imaging (CDI) and retinal photographic oximetry were performed at each visit.

Results:  DT significantly reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) in both glaucomatous [right eye (OD) −13.15%, left eye (OS) −14.43%; p < 0.036] and non‐glaucomatous (OD −12.4%, OS −13.88%; p < 0.039) patients compared to timolol after 8 months of treatment. DT significantly reduced the number of zero blood flow pixels in the superior (−39.72%; p < 0.014) and inferior (−51.44%; p < 0.008) retina in the non‐glaucomatous group and inferior retina in the glaucomatous group (−55.38%, p < 0.006). The continuation of timolol monotherapy from baseline did not change (p < 0.05) any measured parameter and neither treatment had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on retinal oximetry or CDI parameters.

Conclusion:  The addition of dorzolamide to timolol monotherapy decreases IOP and increases retinal blood flow in the superficial retinal vasculature in both glaucomatous and healthy patients following 8 months of treatment. The combination of increased retinal blood flow with consistent oxygen saturation may potentially increase oxygen delivery to the retina.