bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of low to moderate alcohol consumption and binge drinking in early pregnancy on executive function in 5‐year‐old children
Authors: Skogerbø Å , Kesmodel US , Wimberley T , Støvring H , Bertrand J , Landrø NI , Mortensen EL
Published: June 2012

Please cite this paper as: SkogerbøÅ, Kesmodel U, Wimberley T, Støvring H, Bertrand J, Landrø N, Mortensen E. The effects of low to moderate alcohol consumption and binge drinking in early pregnancy on executive function in 5‐year‐old children. BJOG 2012;119:1201–1210.

Objective  To examine the effects of low to moderate maternal alcohol consumption and binge drinking in early pregnancy on children’s executive functions at the age of 5 years.

Design  Follow‐up study.

Setting  Neuropsychological testing in four Danish cities 2003–2008.

Population  A cohort of 1628 women and their children sampled from the Danish National Birth Cohort.

Methods  Participants were sampled based on maternal alcohol drinking patterns during early pregnancy. When the children were 5 years old, the parent and teacher forms of the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) were completed by the mothers and a preschool teacher. Parental education, maternal IQ, prenatal maternal smoking, the child’s age at testing, and the child’s gender were considered core confounding factors. The full model also included maternal binge drinking or low to moderate alcohol consumption, maternal age, parity, maternal marital status, family home environment, postnatal parental smoking, pre‐pregnancy maternal body mass index (BMI), and the health status of the child.

Main outcome measures  The BRIEF parent and teacher forms.

Results  Adjusted for all potential confounding factors, no statistically significant associations between maternal low to moderate average weekly consumption and BRIEF index scores were observed. In adjusted analyses, binge drinking in gestational week 9 or later was significantly associated with elevated Behavioural Regulation Index parent scores (OR 2.04, 95% CI 0.33–3.76), and with the risk of high scores on the Metacognitive Index assessed by the teacher (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.01–4.23).

Conclusions  This study did not observe significant effects of low to moderate alcohol consumption during pregnancy on executive functioning at the age of 5 years. Furthermore, only weak and no consistent associations between maternal binge drinking and executive functions were observed.
Acceptance and Perception of Nigerian Patients to Medical Photography
Authors: Adeyemo W.L. , Mofikoya B.O. , Akadiri O.A. , James O. , Fashina A.A.
Published: June 2012

The aim of the study was to determine the acceptance and perception of Nigerian patients to medical photography. A self‐administered questionnaire was distributed among Nigerian patients attending oral and maxillofacial surgery and plastic surgery clinics of 3 tertiary health institutions. Information requested included patients' opinion about consent process, capturing equipment, distribution and accessibility of medical photographs. The use of non‐identifiable medical photographs was more acceptable than identifiable to respondents for all purposes (P = 0.003). Most respondents were favourably disposed to photographs being taken for inclusion in the case note, but opposed to identifiable photographs being used for other purposes most especially in medical websites and medical journals. Female respondents preferred non‐identifiable medical photographs to identifiable ones (P = 0.001). Most respondents (78%) indicated that their consent be sought for each of the outline needs for medical photography. Half of the respondents indicated that identifiable photographs may have a negative effect on their persons; and the most commonly mentioned effects were social stigmatization, bad publicity and emotional/psychological effects. Most of the respondents preferred the use of hospital‐owned camera to personal camera/personal camera‐phone for their medical photographs. Most respondents (67.8%) indicated that they would like to be informed about the use of their photographs on every occasion, and 74% indicated that they would like to be informed of the specific journal in which their medical photographs are to be published. In conclusion, non‐identifiable rather than identifiable medical photography is acceptable to most patients in the studied Nigerian environment. The use of personal camera/personal camera‐phone should be discouraged as its acceptance by respondents is very low. Judicious use of medical photography is therefore advocated to avoid breach of principle of privacy and confidentiality in medical practice.
WHAT DO ISLAMIC INSTITUTIONAL FATWAS SAY ABOUT MEDICAL AND RESEARCH CONFIDENTIALITY AND BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY?
Authors: ALAHMAD GHIATH , DIERICKX KRIS
Published: June 2012

Protecting confidentiality is an essential value in all human relationships, no less in medical practice and research.1 Doctor‐patient and researcher‐participant relationships are built on trust and on the understanding those patients' secrets will not be disclosed.2 However, this confidentiality can be breached in some situations where it is necessary to meet a strong conflicting duty.3

Confidentiality, in a general sense, has received much interest in Islamic resources including the Qur'an, Sunnah and juristic writings. However, medical and research confidentiality have not been explored deeply. There are few fatwas about the issue, despite an increased effort by both individuals and Islamic medical organizations to use these institutional fatwas in their research.

Infringements on confidentiality make up a significant portion of institutional fatwas, yet they have never been thoroughly investigated. Moreover, the efforts of organizations and authors in this regard still require further exploration, especially on the issue of research confidentiality.

In this article, we explore medical and research confidentiality and potential conflicts with this practice as a result of fatwas released by international, regional, and national Islamic Sunni juristic councils. We discuss how these fatwas affect research and publication by Muslim doctors, researchers, and Islamic medical organizations.

We argue that more specialized fatwas are needed to clarify Islamic juristic views about medical and research confidentiality, especially the circumstances in which infringements on this confidentiality are justified.
Changes in biodiversity and vegetation composition in the central Swiss Alps during the transition from pristine forest to first farming
Authors: Colombaroli Daniele , Beckmann Madlena , van der Knaap Willem O. , Curdy Philippe , Tinner Willy
Published: June 2012

Aim

We investigate the response of vegetation composition and plant diversity to increasing land clearance, burning and agriculture at the Mesolithic–Neolithic transition (c. 6400–5000 bc) when first farming was introduced.

Location

The Valais, a dry alpine valley in Switzerland.

Methods

We combine high‐resolution pollen, microscopic charcoal and sedimentological data to reconstruct past vegetation, fire and land use. Pollen evenness, rarefaction‐based and accumulation‐based palynological richness analyses were used to reconstruct past trends in plant diversity.

Results

Our results show that from c. 5500 cal. yr bc, slash‐and‐burn activities created a more open landscape for agriculture, at the expense of Pinus and Betula forests. Land clearance by slash‐and‐burn promoted diverse grassland ecosystems, while on the long term it reduced woodland and forest diversity, affecting important tree species such as Ulmus and Tilia.

Main conclusions

Understanding the resilience of Alpine ecosystems to past disturbance variability is relevant for future nature conservation plans. Our study suggests that forecasted land abandonment in the Alps will lead to pre‐Neolithic conditions, with significant biodiversity losses in abandoned grassland ecosystems. Thus, management measures for biodiversity, such as ecological compensation areas, are needed in agricultural landscapes with a millennial history of human impact, such as the non‐boreal European lowlands. Our study supports the hypothesis that species coexistence is maximized at an intermediate level of disturbances. For instance, species richness decreased when fire exceeded the quasi‐natural variability observed during the Mesolithic times. Under a more natural disturbance regime, rather closed Pinus sylvestris and mixed oak forests would prevail.
Evaluating the performance of weed containment programmes
Authors: Dane Panetta F.
Published: June 2012

Aim

To develop approaches to the evaluation of programmes whose strategic objectives are to halt or slow weed spread.

Location

Australia.

Methods

Key aspects in the evaluation of weed containment programmes are considered. These include the relevance of models that predict the effects of management intervention on spread, the detection of spread, evidence for containment failure and metrics for absolute or partial containment. Case studies documenting either near‐absolute (Orobanche ramosaL., branched broomrape) or partial (Parthenium hysterophorus(L.) King and Robinson, parthenium) containment are presented.

Results

While useful for informing containment strategies, predictive models cannot be employed in containment programme evaluation owing to the highly stochastic nature of realized weed spread. The quality of observations is critical to the timely detection of weed spread. Effectiveness of surveillance and monitoring activities will be improved by utilizing information on habitat suitability and identification of sites from which spread could most compromise containment. Proof of containment failure may be difficult to obtain. The default option of assuming that a new detection represents containment failure could lead to an underestimate of containment success, the magnitude of which will depend on how often this assumption is made.

Main conclusions

Evaluation of weed containment programmes will be relatively straightforward if containment is either absolute or near‐absolute and may be based on total containment area and direct measures of containment failure, for example, levels of dispersal, establishment and reproduction beyond (but proximal to) the containment line. Where containment is only partial, other measures of containment effectiveness will be required. These may include changes in the rates of detection of new infestations following the institution of interventions designed to reduce dispersal, the degree of compliance with such interventions, and the effectiveness of tactics intended to reduce fecundity or other demographic drivers of spread.
The extreme longevity of Arctica islandica is associated with increased peroxidation resistance in mitochondrial membranes
Authors: Munro Daniel , Blier Pierre U.
Published: June 2012

The deleterious reactive carbonyls released upon oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in biological membranes are believed to foster cellular aging. Comparative studies in mammals and birds have shown that the susceptibility to peroxidation of membrane lipids peroxidation index (PI) is negatively correlated with longevity. Long‐living marine molluscs are increasingly studied as longevity models, and the presence of different types of lipids in the membranes of these organisms raises questions on the existence of a PI–longevity relationship. We address this question by comparing the longest living metazoan species, the mud clam Arctica islandica (maximum reported longevity = 507 year) to four other sympatric bivalve molluscs greatly differing in longevity (28, 37, 92, and 106 year). We contrasted the acyl and alkenyl chain composition of phospholipids from the mitochondrial membranes of these species. The analysis was reproduced in parallel for a mix of other cell membranes to investigate whether a different PI–longevity relationship would be found. The mitochondrial membrane PI was found to have an exponential decrease with increasing longevity among species and is significantly lower for A. islandica. The PI of other cell membranes showed a linear decrease with increasing longevity among species and was also significantly lower for A. islandica. These results clearly demonstrate that the PI also decreases with increasing longevity in marine bivalves and that it decreases faster in the mitochondrial membrane than in other membranes in general. Furthermore, the particularly low PI values for A. islandica can partly explain this species’ extreme longevity.
Influence of Helicobacter pylori Infection on Gastric Acid Secretion in Pre‐School Bangladeshi Children
Authors: Sarker Shafiqul A. , Sultana Shamima , Sattar Samima , Ahmed Tahmeed , Beglinger Christoph , Gyr Niklaus , Fuchs George J.
Published: June 2012

Background

The effect of
Helicobacter pylori (
H. pylori) infection on gastric acid secretion (GAS) is poorly defined in children.

Objective

To determine whether
H. pylori infection is associated with abnormal GAS in children.

Methods

We studied 30
H. pylori‐infected children (identified by a positive urea breath test) and 30 noninfected children of both sexes, aged 2–5 years. Gastric pH and GAS were measured before and 8 weeks after the completion of a 2‐week course of anti‐
H. pylori therapy (omeprazole, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin). Gastric acid output (GAO) was quantified during a 1‐h basal period (GAO‐B) (mmol/h) and a 1‐hour stimulated period (GAO‐S) (mmol/hour) following subcutaneous administration of pentagastrin (6 μg/kg).

Results

A significantly greater number of infected children had a high gastric pH (>4.0, p = 0.03) compared with the noninfected group. GAO‐B and GAO‐S in
H. pylori‐infected children were significantly lower, around 50%, compared with children without
H. pylori infection.
H. pylori‐eradication therapy resulted in a rise of both the mean GAO‐B (paired t‐test before vs. after therapy; 0.28 ± 0.40 vs. 0.62 ± 1.0, p = 0.12) and GAO‐S (before vs. after therapy; 2.0 ± 1.4 vs. 3.4 ± 2.5, p = 0.001), with values reaching equivalence to those in the
H. pylori‐negative children (0.71 ± 0.56 for BAO, 3.3 ± 2.0 for SAO, p = NS).

Conclusion

The results suggest that the gastric barrier is compromised in children with
H. pylori infection in Bangladesh. Improvement of GAO following anti‐
H. pylori therapy suggests a causal link between
H. pylori infection and depressed GAO in this population.
Finding a better drug for epilepsy: Preclinical screening strategies and experimental trial design
Authors: Simonato Michele , Löscher Wolfgang , Cole Andrew J. , Dudek F. Edward , Engel Jerome , Kaminski Rafal M. , Loeb Jeffrey A. , Scharfman Helen , Staley Kevin J. , Velíšek Libor , Klitgaard Henrik
Published: June 2012

The antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) introduced during the past two decades have provided several benefits: they offered new treatment options for symptomatic treatment of seizures, improved ease of use and tolerability, and lowered risk for hypersensitivity reactions and detrimental drug–drug interactions. These drugs, however, neither attenuated the problem of drug‐refractory epilepsy nor proved capable of preventing or curing the disease. Therefore, new preclinical screening strategies are needed to identify AEDs that target these unmet medical needs. New therapies may derive from novel targets identified on the basis of existing hypotheses for drug‐refractory epilepsy and the biology of epileptogenesis; from research on genetics, transcriptomics, and epigenetics; and from mechanisms relevant for other therapy areas. Novel targets should be explored using new preclinical screening strategies, and new technologies should be used to develop medium‐ to high‐throughput screening models. In vivo testing of novel drugs should be performed in models mimicking relevant aspects of drug refractory epilepsy and/or epileptogenesis. To minimize the high attrition rate associated with drug development, which arises mainly from a failure to demonstrate sufficient clinical efficacy of new treatments, it is important to define integrated strategies for preclinical screening and experimental trial design. An important tool will be the discovery and implementation of relevant biomarkers that will facilitate a continuum of proof‐of‐concept approaches during early clinical testing to rapidly confirm or reject preclinical findings, and thereby lower the risk of the overall development effort. In this review, we overview some of the issues related to these topics and provide examples of new approaches that we hope will be more successful than those used in the past.
Safety and tolerability of adjunctive lacosamide intravenous loading dose in lacosamide‐naive patients with partial‐onset seizures
Authors: Fountain Nathan B. , Krauss Gregory , Isojarvi Jouko , Dilley Deanne , Doty Pamela , Rudd G. David
Published: June 2012

Purpose:  To examine the safety and tolerability of rapidly initiating adjunctive lacosamide via a single intravenous loading dose followed by twice‐daily oral lacosamide in lacosamide‐naive adults with partial‐onset seizures.

Methods:  This open‐label, multicenter trial, enrolled patients with epilepsy who were taking 1–2 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in one of four sequential cohorts containing 25 subjects each. An intravenous lacosamide loading dose (200, 300, or 400 mg) was administered over 15 min followed 12 h later by initiation of oral dosing consisting of one‐half of the loading dose administered twice daily for 6.5 days. The first cohort was administered lacosamide 200 mg/day, followed by a cohort at 300 mg/day, and then a cohort at 400 mg/day. The results from each cohort were evaluated before enrolling the next highest dose level. The fourth cohort enrolled patients at the highest dose with clinically acceptable safety and tolerability results. Safety evaluations included treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs), patient withdrawals due to TEAEs, and changes in vital signs, 12‐lead electrocardiography (ECG) studies, laboratory parameters, and clinical examinations. Postinfusion lacosamide plasma concentrations were also evaluated.

Key Findings:  A total of 100 patients were enrolled, 25 in each cohort. The loading dose for the repeat cohort was 300 mg; therefore, 25 patients were enrolled at 200 mg/day, 50 at 300 mg/day, and 25 at 400 mg/day. Most TEAEs occurred within the first 4 h following infusion; dose‐related TEAEs (incidence ≥10%) during this timeframe included dizziness, somnolence, and nausea. Seven patients withdrew, all due to TEAEs: three (6%) from the combined 300 mg group and four (16%) from the 400 mg group; four of these patients discontinued within 4 h following infusion. The most common TEAEs leading to discontinuation (overall incidence >1%) were dizziness (6%), nausea (5%), and vomiting (3%). No clinically relevant pattern of changes from baseline ECG, clinical laboratory parameters, or vital signs were observed. Trough plasma concentrations suggested that near steady‐state lacosamide concentrations were achieved with a single intravenous loading dose.

Significance:  Intravenous loading doses of 200 and 300 mg lacosamide administered over 15 min followed by oral lacosamide were well tolerated in lacosamide‐naive patients. The 400‐mg loading dose was less well tolerated due to a higher frequency of dose‐related TEAEs. These results support the feasibility of rapid initiation of adjunctive lacosamide treatment.
Relationship between preoperative hypometabolism and surgical outcome in neocortical epilepsy surgery
Authors: Wong Chong H. , Bleasel Andrew , Wen Lingfeng , Eberl Stefan , Byth Karen , Fulham Michael , Somerville Ernest , Mohamed Armin
Published: June 2012

Purpose:  Fluorine‐18‐fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) hypometabolism has been used to localize the epileptogenic zone. However, glucose hypometabolism remote to the ictal focus is common and its relationship to surgical outcome has not been considered in many studies. We investigated the relationship between surgical outcome and FDG‐PET hypometabolism topography in a large cohort of patients with neocortical epilepsy.

Methods:  We identified all patients (n = 68) who had interictal FDG‐PET between 1994 and 2004 and who underwent resective epilepsy surgery with follow up for more than 2 years. The volumes of significant FDG‐PET hypometabolism involving the resected epileptic focus and its surrounding regions (perifocal hypometabolism) and those distant to and not contiguous with the perifocal hypometabolism (remote hypometabolism) were determined statistically using Statistical Parametric Mapping (voxel threshold p = 0.01, extent threshold ≥250 voxels, uncorrected cluster‐level significance p < 0.05) and were compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical and demographic variables using a multiple logistic regression model to identify independent predictors of seizure outcome.

Key Findings:  Remote hypometabolism was present in 39 patients. Seizure freedom was 49% (19 of 39 patients) in patients with glucose hypometabolism remote from the epileptogenic zone compared to 90% (26 of 29 patients) in patients without remote hypometabolism. In 43 patients with an MRI‐identified lesion, seizure freedom was 79% (34 of 43 patients). In patients with normal MRI, cortical dysplasia was the predominant pathologic substrate. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified a larger volume of significant remote hypometabolism (p < 0.005) and absence of a MRI‐localized lesion (p = 0.006) as independent predictors of continued seizures after surgery.

Significance:  In patients with widespread glucose hypometabolism that is statistically significant when compared to controls, epilepsy surgery may not result in complete seizure freedom despite complete removal of the MRI‐identified lesion. The volume of significant glucose hypometabolism remote to the ictal‐onset zone may be an independent predictor of the success of epilepsy surgery.
Human glioma cells induce hyperexcitability in cortical networks
Authors: Campbell Susan L. , Buckingham Susan C. , Sontheimer Harald
Published: June 2012

Purpose:  Patients with gliomas frequently present with seizures, but the factors associated with seizure development are still poorly understood. In this study, we assessed peritumoral synaptic network activity in a glioma animal model and tested the contribution of aberrant glutamate release from gliomas on glioma‐associated epileptic network activity.

Methods:  In vitro brain slices were made from glioma‐implanted mice. Using extracellular field recordings, we analyzed peritumoral epileptiform activity induced by Mg2+‐free medium in slices from tumor‐bearing animals and sham‐operated controls. We assessed the effect of sulfasalazine (SAS), a blocker of system and glutamate release, on spontaneous and evoked activity in tumor‐associated slices.

Key Findings:  Tumor‐associated cortical networks were hyperexcitable. The onset latency of Mg2+‐free–induced epileptiform activity was significantly shorter in tumor‐bearing slices, and the incidence of Mg2+‐free–induced ictal‐like events was higher. Block of glutamate release from system decreased the response area of evoked activity and completely blocked Mg2+‐free–induced ictal‐like, but not interictal‐like events.

Significance:  Control of seizures in patients with gliomas is an essential component of clinical management; therefore, understanding the origin of seizures is vital. This work provides evidence that peritumoral synaptic network activity is disrupted by tumor masses resulting in network excitability. We show that blocking glutamate release via system with SAS, a drug already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), can inhibit Mg2+‐free–induced ictal‐like epileptiform events similar to other chemicals used to decrease seizure activity. We, therefore, suggest that further studies should consider SAS a promising agent to aid in the treatment of seizures associated with gliomas.
BRASILONEMA ANGUSTATUM SP. NOV. (NOSTOCALES), A NEW FILAMENTOUS CYANOBACTERIAL SPECIES FROM THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS1
Authors: Vaccarino Melissa A. , Johansen Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2012

A new filamentous cyanobacterial species of the genus Brasilonema was isolated from the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The taxon is distinguished from the seven other species in the genus by attenuation of trichomes, and is here described as Brasilonema angustatum sp. nov. It possesses the cytoplasmic kerotimization and reddish‐brown coloration of several species in the genus. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence shows B. angustatum within a highly supported clade containing all sequenced Brasilonema species. We compared the secondary structure of the 16S–23S ITS regions for B. octagenarum and B. angustatum. The structurally conservative D1–D1′ and V3 helices show similar motifs between the two taxa, but differ structurally and in sequence, providing additional justification for erection of the new species. The Box‐B helix has identical secondary structure. The existence of tapering in a Brasilonema species is unique in this genus, and requires modification of the current concept of the genus Brasilonema, which was described as being unattenuated. Our phylogenetic evidence supports the hypothesis that tapering has developed repeatedly in separate cyanobacterial lineages and lacks the taxonomic significance once assumed by early workers.
Structured Partisan Competition: A Vote Shares Model of Party Alignments and Realignments*
Authors: Aistrup Joseph
Published: June 2012

Objective. This study develops and tests an aggregate “vote shares” model of party alignments and realignments, building a theoretical framework around “structured political composition” (Rabinowitz, Gurian, and Macdonald, 1984, p. 6). The vote shares model conceptualizes party alignments as latent class constructs, or factors, and changes in these latent class constructs as party realignments. Methods. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model with bias corrected bootstrap estimates and standard errors is used where the cases are counties and the variables are aggregate election outcomes. The data come from Kansas from 1900 to 2010. Results. Comparing the findings of the vote‐shares approach to those of Nardulli (2005) and Sundquist (1983) suggests that the vote shares model provides a greater depth of understanding and a more accurate portrait of the timing of realignments and the partisan bias of new alignments in Kansas. The vote shares model also overcomes the major problem of false positives associated with landslide elections, a problem that plagued most previous aggregate voting models. Conclusion. The vote‐shares model of party alignments and realignments provides a viable alternative for analyzing historic and current election returns where the votes are aggregated by a geographically defined government jurisdiction (parish, county, city, or district).
CYP2C29 Produces Superoxide in Response to Shear Stress
Authors: SUN DONG , OJAIMI CAROLINE , WU HONGYAN , KALEY GABOR , HUANG AN
Published: June 2012

Please cite this paper as: Sun D, Ojaimi C, Wu H, Kaley G, Huang A. CYP2C29 produces superoxide in response to shear stress. Microcirculation 19: 696–704, 2012.

Objective:  Activation of CYP2C29 releases superoxide during shear stress‐induced dilation (SSID).

Methods:  Mesenteric arteries isolated from female eNOS‐KO and WT mice were cannulated and pressurized. Vasodilation and superoxide production in response to shear stress were assessed.

Results:  Shear stress‐induced dilation was significantly attenuated in vessels of eNOS‐KO compared with WT mice, which was normalized by tempol and PEG‐Catalase, in a PPOH (inhibitor of CYP2C29)‐sensitive manner, but remained unaffected by VAS2870 and allopurinol, inhibitors of NADPH oxidase and xanthine oxidase, respectively. NaNO2‐induced dilation was comparable in both strains of mice. Confocal microscopy shows that SS‐stimulated superoxide was increased particularly in the endothelium of eNOS‐KO mice. HPLC analysis of 2‐EOH indicated an increase in SS‐stimulated superoxide in vessels of eNOS‐KO mice, a response that was sensitive to PPOH. Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase significantly enhanced SSID without affecting SS‐stimulated superoxide production. CYP2C29 and catalase were upregulated, and exogenous H2O2 caused vasoconstriction in vessels of eNOS‐KO mice.

Conclusions:  CYP2C29 synthesizes EETs to mediate SSID, and simultaneously releases superoxide and sequential H2O2, which in turn impair SSID.
AWARD ARTICLE: Microcirculatory Society Award for Excellence in Lymphatic ResearchTime Course of Myocardial Interstitial Edema Resolution and Associated Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Authors: DONGAONKAR RANJEET M. , STEWART RANDOLPH H. , QUICK CHRISTOPHER M. , URAY KAREN L. , COX CHARLES S. , LAINE GLEN A.
Published: June 2012

Please cite this paper as: Dongaonkar RM, Stewart RH, Quick CM, Uray KL, Cox CS, Laine GA. Time course of myocardial interstitial edema resolution and associated left ventricular dysfunction. Microcirculation 19: 714–722, 2012.

Objective:  Although the causal relationship between acute myocardial edema and cardiac dysfunction has been established, resolution of myocardial edema and subsequent recovery of cardiac function have not been established. The time to resolve myocardial edema and the degree that cardiac function is depressed after edema resolves are not known. We therefore characterized temporal changes in cardiac function as acute myocardial edema formed and resolved.

Methods:  Acute myocardial edema was induced in the canine model by elevating coronary sinus pressure for three hours. Myocardial water content and cardiac function were determined before and during coronary sinus pressure elevation, and after coronary sinus pressure restoration.

Results:  Although no change in systolic properties was detected, accumulation of water in myocardial interstitium was associated with increased diastolic stiffness. When coronary sinus pressure was relieved, myocardial edema resolved within 180 minutes. Diastolic stiffness, however, remained significantly elevated compared with baseline values, and cardiac function remained compromised.

Conclusions:  The present work suggests that the cardiac dysfunction caused by the formation of myocardial edema may persist after myocardial edema resolves. With the advent of new imaging techniques to quantify myocardial edema, this insight provides a new avenue for research to detect and treat a significant cause of cardiac dysfunction.
Studies on the Genus Mesodinium II. Ultrastructural and Molecular Investigations of Five Marine Species Help Clarifying the Taxonomy
Authors: Garcia‐Cuetos Lydia , Moestrup Øjvind , Hansen Per J.
Published: June 2012

We provide a detailed study of four marine Mesodinium species and compare the data to the companion article on Mesodinium chamaeleon and other available studies on Mesodinium, to shed some light on the taxonomy of the genus. Micrographs of two red phototrophic Mesodinium species, Mesodinium rubrum and Mesodinium major n. sp., as well as the first published micrographs of two heterotrophic species, M. pulex and M. pupula are presented in combination with molecular analyses based on the ribosomal genes. The main conclusion of this study is the invalidity of the genus Myrionecta based on the arrangements of the basal bodies forming the cirri and the separation of species formerly known as M. rubrum resulting in an emended description of M. rubrum and the description of a related new species M. major n. sp.
A Review of Rehydroxylation in Fired‐Clay Ceramics
Authors: Hamilton Andrea , Hall Christopher
Published: June 2012

Understanding the hygral reactivity of ceramic materials is essential to understanding the long‐term behavior of building materials and of archeological pottery, especially in relation to dating. We explore the literature on the expansion of fired‐clay ceramics, reviewing strain and mass measurements at the bulk scale, and rehydroxylation (RHX) and dehydroxylation (DHX) processes in clay minerals at the molecular level. We present open questions on the nature of ceramic rehydroxylation and its apparent adherence to a sub‐diffusive kinetic (time)1/4 power law. We discuss measurement of the RHX process through mass gain in relation to a proposed new dating method for archaeological ceramics.
Invasive treatment in complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies: indications and outcome of 120 consecutively treated pregnancies
Authors: SUNDBERG KARIN , SØGAARD KIRSTEN , JENSEN LISA NEERUP , SCHOU KATRINE VASEHUS , JØRGENSEN CONNIE
Published: June 2012

Objective. Monochorionic twin pregnancies are associated with increased risk of severe complications. Umbilical cord occlusion (UCO) and fetoscopic selective laser coagulation (FSLC) are used as invasive treatment. The study aim was to document treatment indications and pregnancy outcome where UCO and FSLC were used for treating fetal discrepancies and twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Design. Cohort study of all consecutively treated monochorionic twin pregnancies 2004–2010. Setting. Tertiary care center. Population. One hundred and twenty pregnancies treated by FSLC (55) or UCO (65). Umbilical cord occlusion was undertaken in 49 TTTS cases, in four cases with fetal abnormality and TTTS and in 12 cases because of fetal anomaly only. Main outcome measures. Overall survival per fetus, survival per pregnancy of at least one fetus and further survival according to the Quintero stages. Infant survival until at least one week after birth. Results. Of the pregnancies studied, 84% had TTTS, 13% had a fetal malformation and 3% had both. Of TTTS cases, 69% were Quintero stage 3 and 4. In the UCO group with TTTS, 87% were in stage 3 and 4. Survival in the UCO group was 82%. In the laser group, the survival of at least one fetus was 85%. Overall survival per fetus was 60%. Conclusions. By far the most common indication for invasive treatment was TTTS in Quintero stage 3. Outcome by means of survival after FSLC and UCO were similar to what has been reported elsewhere. Cord occlusion was an acceptable treatment alternative to fetoscopic selective laser coagulation in severe TTTS cases.
Quality of life after adopting compared with childbirth with or without assisted reproduction
Authors: HOGSTRÖM LARS , JOHANSSON MARIANNE , JANSON PER OLOF , BERG MARIE , FRANCIS JYNFIAF , SOGN JAN , HELLSTRÖM ANNA‐LENA , ADOLFSSON ANNSOFIE
Published: June 2012

Objective. This study compares quality of life among couples who had adopted a child 4–5.5 years previously with couples whose conception was spontaneous, as well as with couples who had successful or unsuccessful in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Design. Cross‐sectional study. Setting. Tertiary level university hospital. Sample. From the following groups, 979 responses were obtained: adoption; successful IVF; unsuccessful IVF–living with children; unsuccessful IVF–living without children; and childbirth after spontaneous conception (controls). Methods. Quality of life was studied with the Psychological General Well Being (PGWB) and Sense of Coherence (SOC) instruments. Demographic, socio‐economic and health data were obtained with additional questionnaires. Multiple variance analysis was applied. Main outcome measures. The PGWB and SOC scores. Results. After adjustment for seven confounders, the adoption group had higher PGWB scores than the unsuccessful IVF–living without children and the controls and higher SOC scores than all other groups. The unsuccessful IVF–living without children had lower PGWB and SOC scores than all other groups. The PGWB and SOC scores among controls did not differ from those with successful IVF or unsuccessful IVF–living with children. Conclusions. Adjusted PGWB and SOC scores revealed a high quality of life in the adoption group. However, the group unsuccessful IVF–living without children had low quality of life scores. Quality of life appears to be independent of the outcome of IVF treatment as long as there are children in the family.
Lamotrigine vs. lamotrigine plus divalproex in randomized, placebo‐controlled maintenance treatment for bipolar depression
Authors: Bowden C. L. , Singh V. , Weisler R. , Thompson P. , Chang X. , Quinones M. , Mintz J.
Published: June 2012

Bowden CL, Singh V, Weisler R, Thompson P, Chang X, Quinones M, Mintz J. Lamotrigine vs. lamotrigine plus divalproex in randomized, placebo‐controlled maintenance treatment for bipolar depression.

Objective:  To compare the maintenance efficacy of lamotrigine (Lam) to combination therapy of Lam + divalproex ER (Div) in recently depressed patients with bipolar disorder (BD).

Method:  We randomized 86 BD I or II patients in a major depressive episode to 8 months of double‐blind treatment with Lam + placebo or Lam + Div. To be eligible for randomization, patients had to achieve control of both depressive and manic symptoms during an open phase that included both Lam and Div.

Results:  Time to depressive episode did not differ significantly by Kaplan–Maier survival analysis (χ2 = 1.82, df = 1, P = 0.18). However, several secondary outcomes did show significant differences. The proportion of Lam + placebo patients who had at least one Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score ≥15 during the maintenance phase was 67% (30/45) compared with 44% (18/41) for the Lam + Div group (χ2 = 4.51, P = 0.03). Among BD I patients assigned to Lam + placebo, 71.4% (25/35) had at least one visit with MADRS score ≥15 compared with 36.7% (11/30) among Lam + Div patients (χ2 = 7.89, df = 1, P = 0.005).

Conclusion:  Lam + Div generally provided greater maintenance efficacy than Lam alone for depressive indices in recently depressed BD patients.
Bone loss biomarkers associated with peri‐implantitis. A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Rakic Mia , Lekovic Vojislav , Nikolic‐Jakoba Natasa , Vojvodic Danilo , Petkovic‐Curcin Aleksandra , Sanz Mariano
Published: June 2012

Aim

To investigate the levels of biomarkers associated with osteoclastogenesis in patients suffering peri‐implantitis and to compare them with levels in healthy peri‐implant sites and severe chronic periodontitis.

Material and methods

Peri‐implant/gingival crevicular fluid samples and clinical parameters including: bleeding on probing, modified Plaque Index (PlI), pocket depth and clinical attachment level were collected from 70 patients (23 with peri‐implantitis, 25 with healthy peri‐implant tissues and 22 with severe chronic periodontitis). The concentrations of sRANKL, RANK and OPG were evaluated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays; they were compared between the groups and correlated with the clinical findings.

Results

sRANKL (P = 0.01), RANK (P = 0.01) and OPG (P = 0.03) concentrations were significantly higher in peri‐implantitis sites when compared to those in healthy implant sites, although differences in the sRANKL/OPG ratio were not statistically significant. In these sites all three markers were significantly correlated with the clinical parameters, with exception of OPG/PI correlation that remained insignificant (P = 0.121). When comparing peri‐implantitis and periodontitis findings, RANK was significantly higher in peri‐implantitis sites whereas, sRANKL (P = 0.03) and sRANKL/OPG ratio (P = 0.004) were significantly higher in periodontitis sites. Among periodontitis and healthy implant sites the same differences have been observed for both sRANKL (P = 0.000) and sRANKL/OPG ratio (P = 0.000), furthermore RANK was higher in periodontitis sites as well (P = 0.010).

Conclusion

The findings of this preliminary study on a relatively small sample size suggest that the PICF levels of biomarkers sRANKL, RANK, and OPG are associated with peri‐implant tissue destruction and the pattern of these biomarkers differed when compared to periodontitis.
Prevalence of Candida spp. associated with bacteria species on complete dentures
Authors: Ribeiro Daniela G , Pavarina Ana C , Dovigo Lívia N , Machado Ana L , Giampaolo Eunice T , Vergani Carlos E
Published: June 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00578.x

Prevalence of Candida spp. associated with bacteria species on complete dentures

Objective:  This study evaluated the prevalence of Candida spp., Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from complete upper dentures.

Background:  Factors that may increase the number of microorganisms in the oral cavity include denture‐wearing and deficient denture hygiene.

Materials and Methods:  Ninety denture wearers participated in this study. Collection of biological material from each denture was performed on all denture surfaces. Conventional biochemical methods were used to identify the microorganisms. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on percentage data.

Results:  Candida spp. were the most frequent microorganisms found on dentures (65.5%), while Strep. mutans and Staph. aureus were present in 53.3 and 34.4%, respectively.

Conclusion:  Candida species were the most frequent microorganisms on dentures, followed by Strep. mutans and Staph. aureus.
Comparing salinity tolerance in embryonic and larval development of two species of water strider, Aquarius paludum and Gerris latiabdominis (Hemiptera: Gerridae)
Authors: Kishi Manabu , Harada Tetsuo , Fujisaki Kenji
Published: June 2012

Water strider Aquarius paludum (Fabricius) is a cosmopolitan species colonizes mainly freshwater but occasionally brackish habitats throughout the Palearctic and Oriental regions. Water strider Gerris latiabdominis (Miyamoto) is a common species in Japan lives in temporary habitats as freshwater paddy fields. These two species often occur syntopically. We investigated differences in the developmental response to brackish water during embryonic and larval stages between the two species. Eggs were exposed to 0–1.8% NaCl solutions within 24 h of oviposition. Larvae of G. latiabdominis were exposed to salinities of 0, 0.5%, and 0.9% from the first instar until adult emergence. Limits of NaCl concentration for hatching were 1.3% and 1.0% for A. paludum and G. latiabdominis, respectively. The hatching rate of G. latiabdominis was lower than that of A. paludum at salinities ≥0.9%. The period of embryonic development of G. latiabdominis was more prolonged than that of A. paludum at a given salinity. Although the salinity tolerance of G. latiabdominis was lower than that of A. paludum, our results suggest G. latiabdominis has the physiological capacity to expand into brackish waters. High and low salinity tolerances of A. paludum and G. latiabdominis, respectively, reflect the relatively wide range of habitat salinities utilized by A. paludum and the relatively restricted habitats preferred by G. latiabdominis. The high salinity tolerance of A. paludum could be an important factor contributing to their cosmopolitan distribution because high tolerance to salinity means the possibility of them to be dispersed via ocean or sea to other continents and islands.
Two mitochondrial haplotypes in Pterochloroides persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Lachninae) associated with different feeding sites
Authors: Lassaad Mdellel , Martínez‐Torres David , Monia Ben Halima Kamel
Published: June 2012

Pterochloroides persicae (Cholodkovsky) is an aphid species belonging to the subfamily Lachninae that uses different members of Rosaceae (specially Prunus spp.) as hosts. Partial sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) and the nuclear long‐wave opsin genes were obtained for approximately 100 P. persicae aphid individuals sampled from 34 colonies collected mainly in Tunisia and other Mediterranean locations. The variability found at the mitochondrial locus revealed the presence of two maternal haplotypes in the studied area that differed in a single nucleotide. The nuclear gene analyzed, however, failed to reveal any variability in this species. The variability found at the COI locus was related to the season of aphid sampling and with the site of feeding, with haplotype I mostly detected in samples collected in spring and summer on trunks and branches and haplotype II only detected in aphids collected in autumn on roots. The observed pattern of molecular variation suggests the presence of two clonal races of P. persicae coexisting in the studied area differentially adapted to conditions prevalent in the alternative seasons and/or to different feeding sites.
Developing Test Score Reports That Work: The Process and Best Practices for Effective Communication
Authors: Zenisky April L. , Hambleton Ronald K.
Published: June 2012

Test scores matter these days. Test‐takers want to understand how they performed, and test score reports, particularly those for individual examinees, are the vehicles by which most people get the bulk of this information. Historically, score reports have not always met the examinees’ information or usability needs, but this is clearly changing for the better due to recent, much‐needed additions to the psychometric literature as well as improved efforts in reporting practices. This paper provides an overview of score reports from a development perspective, focusing on current practices and emerging efforts in content of reports as well as the process by which reports are designed, evaluated, and ultimately used to communicate with the public.
Household's willingness to pay for improved water service: a case study in Shebedino District, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Behailu Sileshi , Kume Abera , Desalegn Biruck
Published: June 2012

Willingness to pay for basic water services is often high if the services are appropriate and affordable. This study was aimed at assessing the household's willingness to pay for improved water service in Shebedino District, Southern Ethiopia. The survey was administered to 635 participants from March 29 to April 26, 2008. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents (83.62%) were willing to pay 10 cents for 25 L of water. The average monthly expense of water was 2.36% of their average monthly income. Willingness of households to pay for improved water services was found to be better than the current expenditure.
Cognitive Anthropology Is a Cognitive Science
Authors: Boster James S.
Published: June 2012

Cognitive anthropology contributes to cognitive science as a complement to cognitive psychology. The chief threat to its survival has not been rejection by other cognitive scientists but by other cultural anthropologists. It will remain a part of cognitive science as long as cognitive anthropologists research, teach, and publish.
ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS OF PORT DEVELOPMENT ON THE SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMY
Authors: LEE TSUNG‐CHEN , LEE PAUL T‐W. , CHEN TAO
Published: June 2012

Ports have been regarded as economic infrastructure and catalysts for the economies they serve, and it is evident that the associated development would generate economic benefits. In this paper, the economy‐wide impacts of port development in South Africa are examined via a computable general equilibrium analysis. Central to the analysis is to make quantitative contributions to the understanding of the impacts of port investment and changes in freight costs on the national economy. The results support the economic significance of port development, as a means of promoting growth, trade and employment, in South Africa.