bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tpeak‐Tend Interval in 12‐Lead Electrocardiogram of Healthy Children and Adolescents Tpeak‐Tend Interval in Childhood
Authors: Bieganowska Katarzyna , Sawicka‐Parobczyk Małgorzata , Bieganowski Maciej , Piskorski Jarosław
Published: January 2013

Background

Tpeak (Tp) to the Tend (Te) interval is an index of transmural dispersion of repolarization. Prolongation of this interval predisposes to life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias in long QT syndrome, polymorphic catecholaminergic ventricular tachycardia, Brugada syndrome and short QT syndrome and may be an indicator of increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Very little is known about TpTe interval in children and adolescents.

Methods

In 131 healthy children (64 girls) aged from 2.3 to 18.5 years (mean 9.1 years) the RR, QT, JT and TpTe intervals were measured manually in all leads of resting electrocardiogram (ECG). The statistical analysis were performed.

Results

TpTe intervals vary significantly (P < 0.0001) between individual leads—the longest were in lead V3, the shortest ones in leads III and V1. Boys had longer TpTe intervals, with statistically significant differences in leads I, aVR and precordial V2–V6. Greater values were also observed in older children. TpTe dispersion varied from 6 to 80 ms (mean 38.6 ms ± 14.6 ms, median 40 ms) with no gender differences and greater values in older subjects (P = 0.003). In most leads, higher TpTe/QT and TpTe/JT ratios were seen in boys regardless of age. The TpTe intervals lengthens with lowering heart rate.

Conclusions

In healthy children and adolescents, TpTe intervals vary between individual leads of ECG, with the longest in lead V3. The TpTe interval is longer in boys and in older children and prolongs as heart rate decelerates. TpTe/QT and TpTe/JT ratios are higher in boys. TpTe interval should be measured in precordial leads.
Do LQTS Gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Alter QTc Intervals at Rest and during Exercise Stress Testing?
Authors: Aziz Peter F. , Wieand Tammy S. , Ganley Jamie , Henderson Jacqueline , McBride Michael , Shah Maully J.
Published: January 2013

Background

The impact of harboring, genetic variants or single nucleotide polymorphisms (LQT‐PM) on the repolarization response during exercise and recovery is unknown.

Objective

To assess the QTc interval adaptation during exercise stress testing (EST) in children with LQT polymorphisms compared to a group of age and gender matched normal controls.

Methods

One hundred forty‐eight patients were age and gender matched into two groups: LQT‐PM and control. Each patient underwent a uniform exercise protocol employing a cycle ergometer followed by a 9 minute recovery phase with continuous 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring. Intervals (RR, QT and QTc) at rest (supine), peak exercise and in recovery (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 minutes) were measured.

Results

Forty‐three patients were positive for LQT‐PM and the control group consisted of 105 patients. A total of 83 SNPs were identified: SCN5A n = 31 (37%), KCNE1 n = 29 (35%), KCNH2 n = 20 (24%), KCNQ1 n = 2 (2%) and KCNE2 n = 1 (1%). The QTc interval measurements of the LQT‐PM were longer at rest, peak exercise and all phases of recovery when compared to the control group. Neither group demonstrated abnormal QTc interval adaptation in response to exercise. Patients with homozygous SNPs had longer resting QTc intervals when compared to patients with only heterozygous SNPs (435 ± 23 ms vs. 415 ± 20 ms, respectively, P value <0.006).

Conclusions

Individuals with LQT‐PM may have longer QTc intervals at rest as well as at peak exercise and all phases of the recovery period compared to normal controls. Additionally, subjects with homozygous SNPs had longer resting QTc intervals when compared to those with only heterozygous SNPs.
Ventricular Fibrillation Complicating Endomyocardial Biopsy of Transplanted Heart
Authors: Rozmus Grzegorz , Patel Hamang , Rosero Spencer , Alexis Jeffrey D.
Published: January 2013

Life‐threatening arrhythmia is an unusual complication of endomyocardial biopsy in transplanted heart. Herein we described a case of VF during endomyocardial biopsy. The possibility of VF during a biopsy necessitates immediate access to defibrillation during endomyocardial biopsy.
The Amplitude of Fibrillatory Waves on Leads aVF and V1 Predicting the Recurrence of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Patients Who Underwent Catheter Ablation
Authors: Cheng Zhongwei , Deng Hua , Cheng Kang'an , Chen Taibo , Gao Peng , Yu Min , Fang Quan
Published: January 2013

Objective

To evaluate whether the amplitude of fibrillatory wave (F wave) on electrocardiography could predict the recurrence in persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) patients who underwent catheter ablation.

Methods

All consecutive persistent AF patients who underwent catheter ablation at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between November 2006 and February 2012, were enrolled. The amplitude of F wave was measured on three orthogonal leads (leads I, V1 and aVF) on the Prucka CardioLab recording system. The primary end point was the recurrence after catheter ablation.

Results

A total of 54 persistent AF patients were enrolled. Fifty patients (age: 58 ± 11years, 72% male) constituted the study population after excluding four patients lost of follow‐up. The duration of AF was 9 ± 7 (2–18) months. Twenty‐four patients (48%) recurred during the follow‐up of 25 ± 19 months, constituted recurrence group. The remaining 26 patients constituted control group. The F‐wave amplitude in recurrence group was significantly lower than control group (lead aVF, 0.085 ± 0.018 vs. 0.111 ± 0.036mV, P = 0.002; lead V1, 0.116 ± 0.031 vs. 0.148 ± 0.047mV, P = 0.008). The amplitudes of leads aVF (P = 0.023) and V1 (P = 0.031) were the independent predictors of AF recurrence. The sensitivity and specificity of F‐wave amplitude of lead aVF < 0.093mV or V1 < 0.123mV to predict the recurrence were 75% and 73%, 68% and 64%, respectively.

Conclusion

The low amplitudes of F wave in leads aVF and V1 could predict the recurrence of patients with persistent AF who underwent catheter ablation.
Dangerous prey and daring predators: a review
Authors: Mukherjee Shomen , Heithaus Michael R.
Published: January 2013

How foragers balance risks during foraging is a central focus of optimal foraging studies. While diverse theoretical and empirical work has revealed how foragers should and do manage food and safety from predators, little attention has been given to the risks posed by dangerous prey. This is a potentially important oversight because risk of injury can give rise to foraging costs similar to those arising from the risk of predation, and with similar consequences. Here, we synthesize the literature on how foragers manage risks associated with dangerous prey and adapt previous theory to make the first steps towards a framework for future studies. Though rarely documented, it appears that in some systems predators are frequently injured while hunting and risk of injury can be an important foraging cost. Fitness costs of foraging injuries, which can be fatal, likely vary widely but have rarely been studied and should be the subject of future research. Like other types of risk‐taking behaviour, it appears that there is individual variation in the willingness to take risks, which can be driven by social factors, experience and foraging abilities, or differences in body condition. Because of ongoing modifications to natural communities, including changes in prey availability and relative abundance as well as the introduction of potentially dangerous prey to numerous ecosystems, understanding the prevalence and consequences of hunting dangerous prey should be a priority for behavioural ecologists.
With a little help from my assistant: buffering the negative effects of emotional dissonance on dentist performance
Authors: Rodríguez‐Sánchez Alma M. , Hakanen Jari J. , Perhoniemi Riku , Salanova Marisa
Published: January 2013

Objective

In this study, we hypothesized that dentist' interpersonal resources (good cooperation with one's assistant) together with their personal resources (optimism) buffer the negative effects of emotional dissonance (a demand that occurs when there is a difference between felt and displayed emotions) on job performance (in‐role and extra‐role performance) over time.

Method

We carried out Hierarchical Regression Modeling on a sample of 1954 Finnish dentists who participated in a two‐wave 4‐year longitudinal study.

Results

Results showed that good cooperation with dental assistants buffered the negative effects of emotional dissonance on both in‐role and extra‐role performance among the dentists in the long term. However, unexpectedly, dentists' high optimism did not buffer their in‐role nor extra‐role performance over time under conditions of experiencing high emotional dissonance.

Conclusions

We conclude that interpersonal job resources such as good cooperation with one's colleagues may buffer the negative effect of emotional dissonance on dentists' job performance even in the long term, whereas the role of personal resources (e.g., optimism) may be less important for maintaining high job performance under conditions of emotional dissonance. The study novelties include the test of the negative effects of emotional dissonance on long‐term performance in dentistry and the identification of the job rather than personal resources as the buffers against the negative effects of emotional dissonance on long‐term performance.
Incidence and predictors of glaucoma following surgery for congenital cataract in the first year of life in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Ruddle Jonathan B , Staffieri Sandra E , Crowston Jonathan G , Sherwin Justin C , Mackey David A
Published: January 2013

Aim

To determine the incidence and predictors of glaucoma following surgery for congenital and infantile cataract in an Australian population.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Participants

Infants (<12 months) having had lens extraction between January 1992 and May 2006, from two tertiary referral centres.

Methods

Children with uveitis, anterior segment dysgenesis, aniridia, retinopathy of prematurity, and lens subluxation were excluded. Potential predictors of incident glaucoma were examined using Cox proportional hazards regression with adjustment for clustering between eyes.

Main Outcome Measures

Incidence and predictors of secondary glaucoma.

Results

One hundred and forty‐seven eyes of 101 patients (46 bilateral cataract; 55 unilateral cataract) were included, with median follow‐up of 9.9 years (range 1.2–18.9 years). Cumulative incidence of glaucoma was 32.0% for eyes (n = 47) and 30.7% (n = 31) for subjects. Incidence was higher in children with bilateral cataract (38.9 vs. 17.1%, p = 0.004). There were 3.9 cases of glaucoma per 100 person years of follow‐up, the incidence rate being highest for surgery performed in the first month of life. Children with glaucoma had longer median follow‐up (11.8 vs. 9.3 years, p = 0.005). Risk of glaucoma decreased with increasing months of age at operation: hazard ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.69–0.91, p = 0.001. Median visual acuity was worse in children with unilateral cataract (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We identified an increased risk of glaucoma when cataract surgery was performed in younger infants, and in those with bilateral cataract. As glaucoma may develop over a decade following lens extraction, life‐long surveillance is needed to prevent glaucoma‐associated vision loss.
Wnt11 expression in rat dental pulp and promotional effects of Wnt signaling on odontoblast differentiation
Authors: Koizumi Yu , Kawashima Nobuyuki , Yamamoto Mioko , Takimoto Koyo , Zhou Mengyu , Suzuki Noriyuki , Saito Masahiro , Harada Hidemitsu , Suda Hideaki
Published: January 2013

Congenital anomalies of wingless‐type mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) integration site family (Wnt) are frequently accompanied with tooth and dentin abnormality. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Wnt signaling on odontoblast differentiation of mouse dental papilla cells (MDPs). Mouse dental papilla cells were cultured in α‐modified minimum essential medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum and antibiotics. Odontoblast differentiation was induced by bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2), and the expression of odontoblast‐specific markers and Wnt‐related signaling molecules was analyzed by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Odontoblast differentiation was evaluated by dentin sialophosphoprotein (Dspp) and dentin matrix protein (DMP) 1 expression. Localization of β‐catenin in MDPs was detected by immunocytochemistry using an anti‐β‐catenin antibody. Dspp expression in MDPs was upregulated in the presence of BMP2. Wnt5a, Wnt11, Lef1 and Tcf4 expression was upregulated in BMP2‐treated MDPs. Wnt11 expression was detected in rat dental pulp in vivo, and particularly strong expression of Wnt11 was detected in odontoblasts. Enhanced Dspp and DMP1 expression and alkaline phosphatase activity induced by BMP2 were completely negated by the Wnt antagonist: IWR‐1‐endo treatment. Nuclear translocation of β‐catenin observed in BMP2‐treated MDPs was also negated by IWR‐1‐endo treatment. These results indicate that Wnt signaling upregulates odontoblast marker expression in MDPs, suggesting a promoting effect of Wnt signaling on odontoblast differentiation.
OHRQoL, masticatory performance and crestal bone loss with single‐implant, magnet‐retained mandibular overdentures with conventional and shortened dental arch
Authors: Grover Manita , Vaidyanathan Anand Kumar , Veeravalli Padmanabhan Thallam
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the use of single implant–supported, magnet‐retained mandibular overdentures to improve the oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) and masticatory performance of patients wearing conventional complete dentures. The study also aimed at comparing the OHRQoL, masticatory performance, and crestal bone loss with two different types of overdenture prosthesis.

Materials and methods

Ten completely edentulous patients with atrophic mandibular residual alveolar ridges and having difficulty coping with technically adequate mandibular dentures were selected for implant‐supported overdentures (ISOD). To assess the success of the implant fixture clinically, a crossover study design was followed, and the patients were divided into two groups. Group A received ISOD with conventional complete dental arch, and group B received ISOD with a shortened dental arch for the first 3 months and vice versa for the next 3 months. The OHRQoL was measured with the OHIP‐49 questionnaire, and masticatory performance was assessed with the sieve method using peanuts as test food. Peri‐apical radiographs were taken to evaluate the crestal bone loss.

Results

A significant improvement was seen both subjectively and objectively when conventional complete dentures were modified to implant‐supported prosthesis. When comparing the implant overdenture prosthesis, patients were more satisfied with conventional arch than with the shortened dental arch. In the first 3 months following implant placement, less bone loss was seen with the shortened dental arch overdenture (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Single implant–supported, magnet‐retained mandibular overdentures significantly improve the OHRQoL of completely edentulous patients.
Additive effects of non‐invasive ventilation to hyperoxia on cerebral oxygenation in COPD patients with exercise‐related O2 desaturation
Authors: Rodrigues Miguel K. , Oliveira Mayron F. , Soares Aline , Treptow Erika , Neder J Alberto
Published: January 2013

Background

It is currently unknown whether potential haemodynamic improvements induced by non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) would positively impact upon cerebral oxygenation (COx) in patients with moderate‐to‐severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Objective

To investigate the effects of NIV on exercise COx in COPD patients presenting with exercise‐related O2 desaturation.

Methods

On a double‐blind trial, 13 males (FEV1 = 48·8 ± 15·1% predicted) were randomly assigned to NIV (16 cmH2O IPS and 5 cmH2O PEEP) plus HOx (FiO2 =  0·4) or sham NIV (7 cmH2O IPS and 5 cmH2O PEEP to overcome breathing circuit resistance) plus HOx during ramp‐incremental exercise performed on different days. Near‐infrared spectroscopy and impedance cardiography assessed changes (Δ) in COx and cardiac output (QT), respectively.

Results

There were no significant between‐intervention differences in peak work rate, ventilation and reported symptoms (P>0·05). Peripheral oxyhaemoglobin saturation remained above 98% throughout the tests. NIV + HOx was associated with larger increases in Δ COx, Δ QT and Δ stroke volume at maximal and submaximal exercise (P<0·05). Increases in the area under the curve (to an iso‐work rate) of Δ COx under NIV + HOx were significantly (P<0·01) correlated with improvements in Δ QT (r = 0·82) and Δ stroke volume (r = 0·87). There was, however, no significant correlation between enhancement in these physiological responses with changes in peak work rate with NIV + HOx (P>0·05).

Conclusions

NIV added benefit to HOx in improving central haemodynamics and COx in O2 ‘desaturators’ with COPD. The clinical relevance of such beneficial effects on exercise tolerance, however, remains to be demonstrated.
Hartmann Stahelin (1925–2011) and the contested history of cyclosporin A
Authors: Cheng Myra
Published: January 2013

The aims of this study are twofold: (i) to pay tribute to Hartmann Stahelin for his scientific research on cyclosporin A; and (ii) to consider possible lessons for future pharmacological innovation by revisiting Stahelin's personal struggles to obtain fair recognition for his contribution to transplantation medicine.
Diagnostic and prognostic significance of image cytometric DNA ploidy measurement in cytological samples of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions
Authors: Demirel D. , Akyürek N. , Ramzy I.
Published: January 2013

D. Demirel, N. Akyürek and I. Ramzy  Diagnostic and prognostic significance of image cytometric DNA ploidy measurement in cytological samples of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions

Objective:  To study the DNA ploidy pattern of uterine cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) and its diagnostic and prognostic significance.

Methods:  The study included 31 cases of SIL: 11 low‐grade (LSIL) and 20 high‐grade (HSIL). Feulgen–pararosaniline staining was performed on previously Papanicolaou‐stained smears and a DNA image cytometric study was performed. An internal reference was used to calibrate the samples.

Results:  All 31 cases of SIL, either LSIL or HSIL, were non‐diploid. Of the 11 cases of LSIL, four were tetraploid and seven were aneuploid, whereas, of the 20 cases of HSIL, four were tetraploid and 16 were aneuploid. Stemline aneuploidy was not a significant discriminator between LSIL and HSIL (P = 0.32). Based on single‐cell analysis, HSIL cases had significantly higher DNA content than LSIL cases (P < 0.01). When a mean of 30% or more was used for the 6c‐exceeding event (6cEE) value, the sensitivity and specificity to indicate HSIL were 83% and 64%, respectively, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 81% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 65%. All HSIL cases were cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) on biopsy. In addition, cases which showed recurrence had more DNA content by single‐cell analysis than those with an indolent clinical behaviour: P = 0.04 and P = 0.03 for LSIL and HSIL, respectively.

Conclusions:  Image cytometric DNA analysis is a useful technique for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in uterine cervical SIL when appropriate ‘c’ values are used in single‐cell analysis. We propose that a >6c DNA content of 30% is useful as a cut‐off level for predicting cases with CIN2+ in DNA image cytometry of cervical smears.
Development of the marsupial shoulder girdle complex: a case study in Monodelphis domestica
Authors: Hübler Merla , Molineaux Anna C. , Keyte Anna , Schecker Teresa , Sears Karen E.
Published: January 2013

During their embryogenesis, marsupials transiently develop a unique structure, the shoulder arch, which provides the structural support and muscle‐attachments necessary for the newborn's crawl to the teat. One of the most pronounced and functionally important aspects of the shoulder arch is an enlarged coracoid. The goal of this study is to determine the molecular basis of shoulder arch formation in marsupials. To achieve this goal, this study investigates the relative expression of several genes with known roles in shoulder girdle morphogenesis in a marsupial—the opossum, Monodelphis domestica—and a placental, the mouse, Mus musculus. Results indicate that Hoxc6, a gene involved in coracoid patterning, is expressed for a longer period of time and at higher levels in opossum relative to mouse. Functional manipulation suggests that these differences in Hoxc6 expression are independent of documented differences in retinoic acid signaling in opossum and mouse forelimbs. Results also indicate that Emx2, a gene involved in scapular blade condensation, is upregulated in opossum relative to mouse. However, several other genes involved in shoulder girdle patterning (e.g., Gli3, Pax1, Pbx1, Tbx15) are comparably expressed in these species. These findings suggest that the upregulation of Hoxc6 and Emx2 occurs through independent genetic modifications in opossum relative to mouse. In summary, this study documents a correlation between gene expression and the divergent shoulder girdle morphogenesis of marsupial (i.e., opossum) and placental (i.e., mouse) mammals, and thereby provides a foundation for future research into the genetic basis of shoulder girdle morphogenesis in marsupials. Furthermore, this study supports the hypothesis that the mammalian shoulder girdle is a highly modular structure whose elements are relatively free to evolve independently.
Evolution and development of the tetrapod auditory system: an organ of Corti‐centric perspective
Authors: Fritzsch Bernd , Pan Ning , Jahan Israt , Duncan Jeremy S. , Kopecky Benjamin J. , Elliott Karen L. , Kersigo Jennifer , Yang Tian
Published: January 2013

The tetrapod auditory system transmits sound through the outer and middle ear to the organ of Corti or other sound pressure receivers of the inner ear where specialized hair cells translate vibrations of the basilar membrane into electrical potential changes that are conducted by the spiral ganglion neurons to the auditory nuclei. In other systems, notably the vertebrate limb, a detailed connection between the evolutionary variations in adaptive morphology and the underlying alterations in the genetic basis of development has been partially elucidated. In this review, we attempt to correlate evolutionary and partially characterized molecular data into a cohesive perspective of the evolution of the mammalian organ of Corti out of the tetrapod basilar papilla. We propose a stepwise, molecularly partially characterized transformation of the ancestral, vestibular developmental program of the vertebrate ear. This review provides a framework to decipher both discrete steps in development and the evolution of unique functional adaptations of the auditory system. The combined analysis of evolution and development establishes a powerful cross‐correlation where conclusions derived from either approach become more meaningful in a larger context which is not possible through exclusively evolution or development centered perspectives.

Selection may explain the survival of the fittest auditory system, but only developmental genetics can explain the arrival of the fittest auditory system.

[Modified after (Wagner 2011)]
Healing responses following transverse root fracture: a historical review and case reports showing healing with (a) calcified tissue and (b) dense fibrous connective tissue
Authors: Heithersay AO Geoffrey S. , Kahler Bill
Published: January 2013

Background

The understanding and management of transverse intra‐alveolar root fractures has evolved to its current high level of sophistication and clinical success from foundations laid down by histological studies as early as the mid‐nineteenth century.

Significance

The aim of the review was to highlight those earlier histological reports and studies that have contributed to the current understanding of the biological processes involved in the healing of transverse root fractures. Healing of a transverse root fracture by calcified tissue was demonstrated histologically by Howe in 1926, while Boulger in 1928 showed the two other patterns of root fracture healing, namely the interposition of fibrous connective tissue and the interposition of bone and periodontal ligament around both fractured segments. Other major histological reports around that time came from members of the so‐called ‘The Vienna group of Illinois’, who had a significant influence in the development of oral biology worldwide. Other important reports and an experimental study emanated from Germany and Switzerland in the late 30s and early 40s, followed in the 1950s and early 1960s by histological material principally from Sweden, Denmark, France, the USA and Britain. Jens Andreasen and Erik Hjörting‐Hansen's landmark paper in 1967 included new histological reports and a classification of healing responses following transverse root fractures. The expansion of knowledge related to root fractures since that time has been exponential, with major contributions from Scandinavia and several other countries.

Case reports

Accompanying the historical review are two case reports with histology of root fracture healing by (a) calcified tissue and (b) dense fibrous connective tissue. The role of the pulp and the periodontal ligament in the repair process is described and the clinical significance discussed with particular emphasis to diagnosis and orthodontic management.
Using kinematic analysis of movement to predict the time occurrence of an evoked potential associated with a motor command
Authors: O'Reilly Christian , Plamondon Réjean , Landou Mohamed K. , Stemmer Brigitte
Published: January 2013

This article presents an exploratory study investigating the possibility of predicting the time occurrence of a motor event related potential (ERP) from a kinematic analysis of human movements. Although the response‐locked motor potential may link the ERP components to the recorded response, to our knowledge no previous attempt has been made to predict a priori (i.e. before any contact with the electroencephalographic data) the time occurrence of an ERP component based only on the modeling of an overt response. The proposed analysis relies on the delta‐lognormal modeling of velocity, as proposed by the kinematic theory of rapid human movement used in several studies of motor control. Although some methodological aspects of this technique still need to be fine‐tuned, the initial results showed that the model‐based kinematic analysis allowed the prediction of the time occurrence of a motor command ERP in most participants in the experiment. The average map of the motor command ERPs showed that this signal was stronger in electrodes close to the contra‐lateral motor area (Fz, FCz, FC1, and FC3). These results seem to support the claims made by the kinematic theory that a motor command is emitted at time t0, the time reference parameter of the model. This article proposes a new time marker directly associated with a cerebral event (i.e. the emission of a motor command) that can be used for the development of new data analysis methodologies and for the elaboration of new experimental protocols based on ERP.
High‐fat diet acutely affects circadian organisation and eating behavior
Authors: Pendergast Julie S. , Branecky Katrina L. , Yang William , Ellacott Kate L. J. , Niswender Kevin D. , Yamazaki Shin
Published: January 2013

The organisation of timing in mammalian circadian clocks optimally coordinates behavior and physiology with daily environmental cycles. Chronic consumption of a high‐fat diet alters circadian rhythms, but the acute effects on circadian organisation are unknown. To investigate the proximate effects of a high‐fat diet on circadian physiology, we examined the phase relationship between central and peripheral clocks in mice fed a high‐fat diet for 1 week. By 7 days, the phase of the liver rhythm was markedly advanced (by 5 h), whereas rhythms in other tissues were not affected. In addition, immediately upon consumption of a high‐fat diet, the daily rhythm of eating behavior was altered. As the tissue rhythm of the suprachiasmatic nucleus was not affected by 1 week of high‐fat diet consumption, the brain nuclei mediating the effect of a high‐fat diet on eating behavior are likely to be downstream of the suprachiasmatic nucleus.
An equivalent soil mass procedure for monitoring soil organic carbon in multiple soil layers
Authors: Wendt J. W. , Hauser S.
Published: January 2013

Soil carbon stocks are commonly quantified at fixed depths as the product of soil bulk density, depth and organic carbon (OC) concentration. However, this method systematically overestimates OC stocks in treatments with greater bulk densities such as minimum tillage, exaggerating their benefits. Its use has compromised estimates of OC change where bulk densities differed between treatments or over time periods. We argue that its use should be discontinued and a considerable body of past research re‐evaluated. Accurate OC estimations must be based on quantification in equivalent soil masses (ESMs). The objective of this publication is to encourage accurate quantification of changes in OC stocks and other soil properties using ESM procedures by developing a simple procedure to quantify OC in multiple soil layers. We explain errors inherent in fixed depth procedures and show how these errors are eliminated using ESM methods. We describe a new ESM procedure for calculating OC stocks in multiple soil layers and show that it can be implemented without bulk density sampling, which reduces sampling time and facilitates evaluations at greater depths, where bulk density sampling is difficult. A spreadsheet has been developed to facilitate calculations. A sample adjustment procedure is described to facilitate OC quantification in a single equivalent soil mass layer from the surface, when multiple‐layer quantification is not necessary.
Nitrogen mineralization in sub‐tropical paddy soils in relation to soil mineralogy, management, pH, carbon, nitrogen and iron contents
Authors: Kader M. A. , Sleutel S. , Begum S. A. , Moslehuddin A. Z. M. , De neve S.
Published: January 2013

The nitrogen (N) requirement for paddy rice cultivated in Bangladesh amounts to approximately 80 kg N ha−1. Lack of knowledge on N mineralization from soil organic matter leads farmers to meet this N requirement exclusively by costly mineral fertilizers, which have typically an efficiency of less than 40%. We assessed to what extent routinely analysed soil properties (N and carbon (C), texture, pH, extractable iron (Fe), aluminium (Al) and manganese (Mn), soil mineralogy and length of the annual inundation period) are able to predict net aerobic and anaerobic N mineralization in paddy soils. Both soil N and C correlated positively with the aerobic but not with the anaerobic N mineralization rate. Instead, relative anaerobic N mineralization showed a significant negative correlation with soil N content. We observed no significant influence of clay mineralogy on soil N mineralization. Aerobic but not anaerobic N mineralization increased with length of the annual inundation period while the proportion of the soil N that was mineralized during 120 days decreased. The large clay content of fields that are inundated for 9–10 months annually explains the co‐occurrence of large soil N contents and relatively small N mineralization rates in these fields. However, variation in texture did not explain variation in N mineralization of soils with inundation periods of 3–8 months. Instead, the anaerobic N mineralization correlated positively with Na pyrophosphate‐extractable Fe and negatively with pH (both at P < 0.01). Thus, pH and Fe content, rather than soil N content, clay mineralogy or texture, explained the substantial variation in anaerobic N mineralization of paddy soils in Bangladesh inundated for 3–8 months. It is not known if these relationships between net evolution of ammonium in soil and pH and Fe content are causal or indirect. Elucidation of these mechanisms would greatly further our comprehension of the biochemistry of the young ‘floodplain soils' with relatively low content of pedogenic oxides throughout southeast Asia.
Physical performance measures as a useful indicator of multiple geriatric syndromes in women aged 75 years and older
Authors: Seino Satoshi , Yabushita Noriko , Kim Mi‐ji , Nemoto Miyuki , Jung Songee , Osuka Yosuke , Okubo Yoshiro , Figueroa Rafael , Matsuo Tomoaki , Tanaka Kiyoji
Published: January 2013

Aim

To identify whether individual physical performance measures or a combination of measures is a better indicator of multiple geriatric syndromes (MGS) defined as the concomitant presence of more than one geriatric syndrome in an individual.

Methods

We carried out cross‐sectional analyses on data from 340 community‐dwelling women aged 75 years and older (mean 80.0 years). We examined the following geriatric syndromes: urinary incontinence, falls, underweight, depression and functional decline. Trained testers measured usual gait speed (UGS), hand‐grip strength and lower extremity performance (LEP) score derived from four LEP measures: tandem stance, chair stand test, alternate step and timed up‐and‐go (TUG). We categorized UGS to distinguish high‐ and low‐performing participants using the established 1.0 m/s cut‐off point. Applying the same population percentile (35.8%), we determined cut‐off points for all individual measures and the LEP score.

Results

The UGS, TUG and LEP score had similar discriminating powers for MGS (each with area under receiver–operator curves [AUC] of 0.80), which were more significant than the discriminating powers of other individual measures (AUC = 0.69–0.76) when considered as continuous variables. A slow UGS, especially less than 1.0 m/s, was more strongly associated with MGS (odds ratio [OR] = 7.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.6–15.9) than the same percentiles for TUG (OR = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.9–7.8) and LEP score (OR = 5.2, 95% CI = 2.5–10.6).

Conclusion

The UGS test alone might be sufficient in detecting MGS in women aged 75 years and older compared with a more comprehensive test battery. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 901–910.
Promoting direct patient care services at community pharmacies through advanced pharmacy practice experiences
Authors: Kassam Rosemin , Kwong Mona , Collins John B
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To determine the relative benefits of three different models of advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) in successfully integrating the delivery of direct patient care into students' final year community pharmacy clerkships.

Methods

All fourth-year pharmacy students at the University of British Columbia were divided into one of three study arms for their community APPE: a 2 × 4-week rotation in a traditional format, a 1 × 8-week rotation where their preceptors had experienced a 2-day education course and a 1 × 8-week rotation with both preceptor education plus a 5-day pre-APPE in-store orientation and peer debriefing.

Key findings

All 123 students conducted patient consultations and documented their care. Students in the pre-APPE + preceptor education arm provided nearly double the number of direct patient consultations than did students in the preceptor-education-only arm or the traditional 2 × 4-week arm. Numbers of drug-related problems identified and interventions performed per patient consult did not differ across study arms.

Conclusions

Pre-APPE orientation activities provided an enhanced learning environment, promoted greater student engagement, provided care to more patients, increased preceptor preparedness and enhanced in-store patient-centred care practice. Certain of these learning activities can also form part of third- and fourth-year introductory pharmacy practice experiences to prepare students for their final-year APPE.
Estimating age‐specific cumulative incidence for the 2009 influenza pandemic: a meta‐analysis of A(H1N1)pdm09 serological studies from 19 countries
Authors: Van Kerkhove Maria D. , Hirve Siddhivinayak , Koukounari Artemis , Mounts Anthony W. ,   for the H1N1pdm serology working group
Published: January 2013

Background

The global impact of the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic (H1N1pdm) is not well understood.

Objectives

We estimate overall and age‐specific prevalence of cross‐reactive antibodies to H1N1pdm virus and rates of H1N1pdm infection during the first year of the pandemic using data from published and unpublished H1N1pdm seroepidemiological studies.

Methods

Primary aggregate H1N1pdm serologic data from each study were stratified in standardized age groups and evaluated based on when sera were collected in relation to national or subnational peak H1N1pdm activity. Seropositivity was assessed using well‐described and standardized hemagglutination inhibition (HI titers ≥32 or ≥40) and microneutralization (MN ≥ 40) laboratory assays. The prevalence of cross‐reactive antibodies to the H1N1pdm virus was estimated for studies using sera collected prior to the start of the pandemic (between 2004 and April 2009); H1N1pdm cumulative incidence was estimated for studies in which collected both pre‐ and post‐pandemic sera; and H1N1pdm seropositivity was calculated from studies with post‐pandemic sera only (collected between December 2009–June 2010).

Results

Data from 27 published/unpublished studies from 19 countries/administrative regions – Australia, Canada, China, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Reunion Island, Singapore, United Kingdom, United States, and Vietnam – were eligible for inclusion. The overall age‐standardized pre‐pandemic prevalence of cross‐reactive antibodies was 5% (95%CI 3–7%) and varied significantly by age with the highest rates among persons ≥65 years old (14% 95%CI 8–24%). Overall age‐standardized H1N1pdm cumulative incidence was 24% (95%CI 20–27%) and varied significantly by age with the highest in children 5–19 (47% 95%CI 39–55%) and 0–4 years old (36% 95%CI 30–43%).

Conclusions

Our results offer unique insight into the global impact of the H1N1 pandemic and highlight the need for standardization of seroepidemiological studies and for their inclusion in pre‐pandemic preparedness plans. Our results taken together with recent global pandemic respiratory‐associated mortality estimates suggest that the case fatality ratio of the pandemic virus was approximately 0·02%.
Ocular findings in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Kilic Berna , Dogan Umit , Parlak Ali Haydar , Goksugur Nadir , Polat Mualla , Serin Didem , Ozmen Sedat
Published: January 2013

Background  Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting skin, nails, and joints. Although there are not many reports in the literature, ocular findings occur in approximately 10% of patients, in mostly those who have psoriatic arthritis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate eye involvement in psoriasis patients.

Methods  This study was performed on a total of 100 psoriasis patients and a group of 100 healthy individuals. History was taken from all study and control subjects, and dermatological, systemic, and ophthalmological examinations were performed and Schirmer and BUT values were measured. Constant variables were compared using the t‐test, and categorical variables were compared using chi‐square test. Relationship between ocular findings and sex, age, duration of psoriasis, PASI score, presence of psoriatic plaques on the eyelid, nail involvement, and psoriatic arthritis was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Statistical analyses were performed individually for both right and left eyes.

Results  The number of ocular findings in both eyes in the patient group was found to be statistically higher than that in the control group. Schirmer and BUT values were statistically lower in the patient group than those in the control group.

Conclusions  Although results of our study support the necessity of routine ophthalmological examination of psoriasis patients for early diagnosis and treatment, we believe that further studies are required on the etiopathogenesis of ocular involvement in psoriasis patients.
Lichen planus pemphigoides: four new cases and a review of the literature
Authors: Zaraa Ines , Mahfoudh Anis , Sellami Myriam Kallel , Chelly Ines , El Euch Dalenda , Zitouna Mohamed , Mokni Mourad , Makni Sondes , Osman Amel Ben
Published: January 2013

Lichen planus pemphigoides (LPP) is a rare autoimmune blistering disease. It appears to be combination of lichen planus and bullous pemphigoid. We describe four new cases of LPP and discuss the epidemiological, clinical, pathological, and therapeutic features of this singular association through a review of the 74 published cases within the English literature. We report four cases of LPP (three women aged respectively 47, 51, and 53 years old, and a 53‐year‐old man). All patients presented with bullae on lichenoid and normal skin, predominately on the extremities. The diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistological findings. Our patients were treated with oral corticosteroids with a good response. Our review of the literature of 78 cases of LPP (65 adults and 13 children) showed that it involved adults (mean age: 54 years), with a slight female preponderance. A mean lag time between LP and the development of LPP was 8.3 months. LPP is characterized by developing blisters on lichenoid lesions and on uninvolved skin with more acral distribution of bullous lesions. Involvement of palms and soles was more frequent in children. The diagnosis is based on pathological and immunological confrontation. LPP is usually idiopathic, but some cases were reported in association with various drugs. There have also been reports of association with internal malignancy. Most cases of LPP are successfully treated with systemic corticosteroids. In most cases, the prognosis was good.
Changes in heart rate variability during TOVA testing in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Shen Tsu‐Wang , Liu Fang‐Chih , Chen Shaw‐Ji , Chen Shao‐Tsu
Published: January 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify major depressive disorder (MDD) based on heart rate variability (HRV) during tests of variables of attention (TOVA).

Method

Forty‐five MDD patients without cardiovascular disease and 45 controls matched by age and gender participated in this study.

Results

Compared to the controls, the MDD group had lower resting HRV parameters, more omissions and variability and longer response times on TOVA, and failure of attention employment to decrease HRV.

Conclusions

The resting HRV parameters may provide easily measured, clinically useful ways to identify patients with MDD and to monitor their progress in treatment.
Canine Justice: An Associative Account
Authors: Valentini Laura
Published: January 2013

A prominent view in contemporary political theory, the ‘associative view’, says that duties of justice are triggered by particular cooperative relations between morally significant agents, and that ‘therefore’ principles of justice apply only among fellow citizens. This view has been challenged by advocates of global justice, who point to the existence of a worldwide cooperative network to which principles of justice apply. Call this the challenge from geographical extension. In this article, I pose a structurally similar challenge to the associative view: the challenge from species extension. This says that the existing network of cooperation extends beyond the human species, to encompass some non-human animals, particularly domesticated dogs. In light of this, if one believes that (1) certain non-human animals are morally significant (i.e. objects of moral concern), and that (2) justice applies to fellow cooperators, one should also hold that domesticated dogs are owed justice in much the same way that our human fellow citizens are. I conclude by considering the implications of this argument for the associative view, and animal rights theory.
Price Clustering in the U.S. Dollar/Taiwan Dollar Swap Market
Authors: Liu Hao‐Chen , Witte Mark David
Published: January 2013

Price clustering in financial markets is pervasive. Using transaction‐level data from the world's largest financial market, this study is the first to examine price clustering behavior in the foreign exchange swap market. In addition to existing hypotheses, we investigate new determinants of price clustering including the expected return, contract liquidity, and trader's identity. The results support both negotiation and price resolution hypotheses. We find a positive effect from the level of expected return on price clustering. Markets with greater liquidity experience reduced clustering. Transactions involving domestic banks have less clustering suggesting an information advantage over foreign banks.
A self‐determination model of childhood exposure, perceived prevalence, justification, and perpetration of intimate partner violence
Authors: Neighbors Clayton , Walker Denise D. , Mbilinyi Lyungai F. , Zegree Joan , Foster Dawn W. , Roffman Roger A.
Published: January 2013

The present research was designed to evaluate self‐determination theory as a framework for integrating factors associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. The proposed model suggests that childhood exposure to parental violence may influence global motivational orientations which, in turn, results in greater cognitive biases (overestimating the prevalence of IPV and justification of IPV) which, in turn, contribute to an individual's decision to use abusive behavior. Participants included 124 men who had engaged in abusive behavior toward an intimate partner. Results provided reasonable support for the proposed model and stronger support for a revised model suggesting that controlled orientation, rather than autonomy orientation, appears to play a stronger role in the association between childhood exposure to parental violence and cognitive biases associated with abusive behavior.