bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Teaching Site Does Not Affect Test Performance in an Emergency Medicine Clerkship
Authors: Bernard Aaron W. , Dubosh Nicole , O’Connell Michael , Adkins Justin , Khandelwal Sorabh , Hiestand Brian
Published: July 2011

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:741–744 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  Increasing the size of medical school classes has resulted in the use of community hospitals for emergency medicine (EM) clerkships. While differences in clinical experience are expected, it is unclear if they are significant. The authors set out to investigate whether or not clinical site affects student performance on a standard written exam as a measure of medical knowledge.

Methods:  This was a retrospective analysis of data from 2005 to 2009 for a mandatory fourth‐year EM clerkship at one institution that uses academic (EM residency), hybrid (residency training site but not EM), and community (no residency programs) hospitals as clerkship sites. Multiple variable linear regression was used to examine the relationship between clerkship site and end of clerkship written exam score. Additional covariates included were the time of year the rotation was completed (by 3‐ or 4‐month tertiles) and whether the student matched in EM. As test scores increased over the study period, a time factor was also included to account for this trend. A p‐value of <0.05 was required for variable retention in the model.

Results:  A total of 718 students completed the clerkship and had complete data for analysis. Thirty‐five students matched in EM. A total of 311 rotated at academic sites, 304 at hybrid sites, and 103 at community sites. After adjusting for covariates, clinical site was not a significant predictor of exam score (F2,691 = 0.42, p = 0.65). Factors associated with higher test score were student match in EM (beta coefficient = 3.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0 to 5.7) and rotation in July through September (beta coefficient = 1.8, 95% CI = 0.5 to 3.0, against a reference of January through April). No significant interaction terms or confounders were identified.

Conclusions:  This study found no evidence that clerkship site affected final exam score. Academic EM clerkships may consider partnering with other hospitals for clinical experiences without compromising education.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:1–4 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Associations between perception of wellness and health‐related quality of life, comorbidities, modifiable lifestyle factors and demographics in older Australians
Authors: Foottit Jenneke , Anderson Debra
Published: July 2011

Aim:  The associations between perceived wellness and health‐related quality of life, comorbidities and modifiable lifestyle factors in older adults were explored.

Methods:  Self‐administered questionnaires including the Perceived Wellness Survey and the 36‐Item Short Form of the Medical Outcomes Study version two were distributed to 328 community‐living adults aged 65 years and over.

Results:  Results showed positive associations between perception of wellness and health‐related quality of life. General health (r(249) = 0.66, P < 0.01), vitality (r(249) = 0.59, P < 0.01) and mental health (r(249) = 0.52, P < 0.01) had the strongest association with perceived wellness; and social functioning (r(249) = 0.3, P < 0.01) and pain (r(249) = 0.36, P < 0.01) the lowest. Perceived wellness was influenced by hearing, mobility, memory, chronic disease, exercise, gambling and single status.

Conclusion:  The study identified that perceived wellness in older adults is a multidimensional construct.
Rates of hospitalisations and mortality of older adults admitted with burn injuries in Western Australian from 1983 to 2008
Authors: Duke Janine , Wood Fiona , Semmens James , Edgar Dale W , Spilsbury Katrina , Willis Alwena , Hendrie Delia , Rea Suzanne
Published: July 2011

Aim:  To estimate temporal trends in burn injury hospitalisations, mortality and hospital stay, for older adults with a burn‐related hospitalisation.

Methods:  De‐identified data of all incident burn hospitalisations for adults 60 years and older in Western Australia from 1983–2008 were analysed. Poisson regression analyses were used to estimate temporal trends in hospital admissions and mortality. Zero truncated negative binomial regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with hospital stay.

Results:  Between 1983 and 2008, hospitalisation rates increased for scalds (incident rate ratio (IRR) 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02) and contact burns (IRR 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03–1.07) while a significant reduction in flame hospitalisation rates (IRR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.92–0.94) was estimated. No significant changes in length of stay or burn‐related mortality were estimated.

Conclusions:  Burn safety and prevention strategies that include first aid education need to be developed that target older adults living in their homes, to decrease their risk of sustaining burn injuries.
Media reports on dementia: Quality and type of messages in Australian media
Authors: Doyle Colleen J , Dunt David R , Pirkis Jane , Dare Andrew , Day Susan , Wijesundara Badrika S
Published: July 2011

Aim:  To analyse changes in the quantity and quality of media reporting about dementia in Australian media between two time periods.

Methods:  A media retrieval service collected all news items related to dementia. Quality ratings based on previously developed criteria were made for a stratified random sample of items – 1129 items for 2000/2001 and 1606 for 2006/2007. Nine items of quality were assessed. A summary score for quality was constructed. The content of the sampled media items was also coded.

Results:  Overall, the mean total quality score for dementia‐related items significantly improved over the study period. There were very large improvements in quality of reporting of ‘sensationalism’, ‘language’ and ‘provision of information about help services’ and some small deterioration in quality for ‘medical terminology’ and ‘illness versus person’.

Conclusions:  A very positive finding here is that generally the quality of reporting dementia has improved over the period studied.
Undertreatment of osteoporosis in regional Western Australia
Authors: Lai Michelle Mei Yee , Ang Wan Mei , McGuiness Marjory , Larke Amanda Barbara
Published: July 2011

Aim:  To identify the geographic differences in osteoporosis management.

Methods:  In this cross‐sectional study, osteoporosis treatments in older patients presented to a hip fracture unit from mid 2005–2009 were analysed. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of rural residency with osteoporosis treatments.

Results:  Among 1130 patients (20% rural, mean age 81.1 years), there was a low prescription rate for osteoporosis among rural patients. Rural patients were 65% less likely to use vitamin D, 60% less likely to use calcium and 46% less likely to use bisphosphonates before a hip fracture than their urban counterparts. Their compliance with vitamin D and calcium was also lower at 1 year but improved significantly over the study period, whereas compliance with bisphosphonate decreased in both regions.

Conclusion:  Undertreatment of osteoporosis was common in rural patients. These findings need to be confirmed by larger population‐based studies.
Rapid Analysis of 1,4‐Dioxane in Groundwater by Frozen Micro‐Extraction with Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Li Mengyan , Conlon Patrick , Fiorenza Stephanie , Vitale Rock J. , Alvarez Pedro J.J.
Published: July 2011

An innovative micro‐extraction of aqueous samples coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in selected ion‐monitoring mode (GC/MS‐SIM) was developed to selectively analyze for 1,4‐dioxane with low part‐per‐billion detection sensitivity. Recoveries of 1,4‐dioxane ranged from 93% to 117% for both spiked laboratory reagent water and natural groundwater matrices, the later having elevated organic carbon content (8.34 ± 0.31 mg/L as total organic carbon). We observed that freezing the aqueous sample along with the extraction solvent enhanced the extraction efficiency, minimized physical interferences, and improved sensitivity resulting in a limit of detection for 1,4‐dioxane to approximately 1.6 μg/L. This method substantially reduces the labor, time, reagents and cost, and uses instruments that are commonly found in analytical laboratories. This method requires a relatively small sample volume (200 μL), and can be considered a green analytical method as it minimizes the use of toxic solvents and the associated laboratory wastes.
A Simplified Dimensionless Model of the Passive Diffusion of Gases and Solutes in Groundwater Through Polymer Tubing
Authors: Dubé Jean‐Sébastien , Boudreault Jean‐Philippe
Published: July 2011

The dissolution of gases, such as oxygen, in groundwater is a means to provide electron acceptors required for the biological degradation of organic contaminants in aquifers. The use of polymeric emitters for passive gas diffusion in groundwater significantly increases the efficiency of oxygen transfer to the groundwater compared to conventional sparging. A critical parameter for the design of polymeric emitters is the diffusion coefficient (D) of the polymer tubing used to construct the emitters. Wilson and Mackay (1995) proposed a mathematical model (WM model) for the analysis of laboratory passive diffusion experiments aimed at characterizing D. Their analytical solution is obtained in Laplace space and its inversion requires the use of a numerical approximation technique. This article proposes an alternative to the WM model by simplifying it as a dimensionless ordinary differential equation (ODE) which is solved using simple integration. The validity of the dimensionless solution is discussed and the latter plotted into charts to provide easy‐to‐use analytical tools applicable to gas or solute diffusion in groundwater.
Behind the Mexican Mountains: Recent Developments and New Directions in Research on Uto‐Aztecan Languages
Authors: Caballero Gabriela
Published: July 2011

Featuring considerable diversity and one of the oldest and richest traditions of historical and descriptive research in the Americas, Uto‐Aztecan languages have played an important role in the development of general methods in linguistic classification and reconstruction and the development of typological and theoretical research. However, despite being one of the best‐studied language families in the Americas, there are still important gaps in our knowledge about these languages. The goal of this paper is twofold: (i) to survey some recent developments in the study of Uto‐Aztecan languages, and (ii) to outline some of the gaps in our knowledge and where new research on these languages is headed. This paper focuses on the Uto‐Aztecan languages of Northern Mexico: although these languages have received growing attention in recent years, they remain largely under‐described. And while they are still spoken by large and vibrant speech communities, the languages of this area are increasingly vulnerable to the escalating pressures imposed by the Spanish speaking population, making the task of carrying out deep and comprehensive language documentation both still possible and urgent. This paper argues that deepening our understanding of Uto‐Aztecan languages, especially those of Northern Mexico, will not only positively contribute to community‐based efforts of language maintenance, it will also provide crucial keys to linguistic typology, developing linguistic theories, as well as the reconstruction of the linguistic and cultural past of the Americas.
A Conceptual Framework for Promoting Linguistic and Educational Change
Authors: Mallinson Christine , Charity Hudley Anne , Strickling Laura Rutter , Figa Morgan
Published: July 2011

We provide a conceptual framework for promoting linguistic and educational change by describing partnerships that bring together linguists’ and educators’ views on language and school success. From fall 2008 through fall 2010, we held workshops based on the professional development principles of co‐constructed knowledge, experiential learning, and collaboration with approximately 200 educators. These workshops integrated sociolinguistic information into approaches to multicultural education with which educators were familiar. Fourteen educators participated in our study of how they integrated workshop material into their pedagogy and their views on language variation and education. Data collected from interviews with the participants, reflective essays, journal entries, and curricular materials revealed three themes. The educators expressed the need to view language as a key component of multicultural education, the need to bring the perspective on language awareness back to their schools and classrooms, and the realization that knowledge of language variation was critical to assessing linguistically and culturally diverse student populations. We advocate for building collaborative partnerships between educators and linguists that integrate cultural and linguistic knowledge. Such partnerships expand linguists’ and educators’ knowledge base about language and culture and enable linguists and educators to work more effectively to address educational issues facing culturally and linguistically diverse student populations.
Quantity of the Tetracycline Resistance Gene tet(M) Differs Substantially between Meat at Slaughterhouses and at Retail
Authors: Hölzel Christina Susanne , Huther Sabine Katharina , Schwaiger Karin , Kämpf Peter , Bauer Johann
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  Concentrations of the tetracycline resistance gene tet(M) per square centimeter were assessed in meat from the slaughterhouse (n = 100) and from retail (n = 100) by real‐time quantitative PCR. The study revealed a substantial contamination of retail meat with the tetracycline resistance gene tet(M), with a mean of 4.34 log copies per cm2 fasces in chicken and 5.58 log copies per cm2 fasces in pork. Quantitative resistance gene analysis provides an interesting tool for risk assessment and is becoming increasingly important. For both chicken and pork, tet(M) concentrations were significantly higher in meat at retail, compared to meat at slaughter. Cultural investigations revealed substantial differences in the prevalence of listeria and enterococci, and of E. coli and coliforms, between meat at slaughter (n = 500) and at retail (n = 500). However, the differences in the prevalence of 2 investigated groups of potential tet(M)‐carriers (enterococci, listeria) could not sufficiently explain the differences in tet(M) concentrations, since increasing concentrations of tet(M) were accompanied by decreasing prevalences of these potential tet(M)‐carriers. The percentage of tetracycline susceptible indicator bacteria (E. faecalis, E. coli) did not differ between meat at slaughter and meat at retail. Higher concentrations of tet(M) at retail might correlate with the proliferation of other genera than enterococci and listeria, but there is also a reason to discuss whether secondary contaminants might carry tet(M) more often than the primary flora of meat.

Practical Application:  We successfully applied the direct quantitative monitoring of resistance genes in meat, which generally might aid as a useful and rapid additional tool for risk assessment. We know that bacteria provide a large pool of resistance genes, which are widely shared between each other—the larger the pool is, the more genes might be exchanged. Thus, in terms of resistance gene monitoring, we should sometimes overcome the restricted view on single bacteria and look at the gene pool, instead.
Effects of Turmeric, Shallot Extracts, and Their Combination on Quality Characteristics of Vacuum‐Packaged Rainbow Trout Stored at 4 ± 1 °C
Authors: Pezeshk Samaneh , Rezaei Masoud , Hosseini Hedayat
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  The effects of turmeric extract (T), shallot extract (Sh), and their combination (T + Sh) on the quality of vacuum‐packaged rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were examined during refrigerated storage (4 ± 1 °C) over a period of 20 d. Fish samples were divided into 4 batches; 3 batches were treated by dipping for 30 min in aqueous solution of turmeric extract (1.5%; v/v), shallot extract (1.5%; v/v), or turmeric and shallot extract combination (1.5%+ 1.5% v/v), while the fourth batch was dipped in distilled water as a control sample. The control and the treated fish samples were analyzed periodically for microbiological (total viable count, psychrotrophic count), chemical (total volatile base nitrogen [TVB‐N], peroxide value [PV], and thiobarbituric acid [TBA] value), and sensory characteristics. The results indicated that the effect of the T, Sh, and T + Sh on the fish samples were to enable the good quality characteristics to be retained longer and to extend the shelf life during the refrigerated storage.
Activity of Citrus Essential Oils against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. and Effects on Beef Subprimal Cuts under Refrigeration
Authors: Pittman Curtis I. , Pendleton Sean , Bisha Bledar , O’Bryan Corliss A. , Belk Keith E. , Goodridge Lawrence , Crandall Philip G. , Ricke Steven C.
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. are bacterial pathogens often associated with beef, and cause many cases of foodborne illness each year in the United States. During beef slaughter and processing, these bacteria may spread from the hide or intestines to the carcass. The objective of this research was to investigate the use of naturally occurring compounds citrus essential oils (CEOs) extracted from orange peel to reduce or eliminate these pathogens at the chilling stage of processing, or during fabrication. Brisket flats (used to simulate beef subprimals) were spot inoculated with approximately 6 log of surrogate generic E. coli cocktail (previously shown to be identical in growth and survival parameters to E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp.). Following drying, CEOs were applied by spraying at concentrations of 3% and 6% to the surface of different pieces of meat. Treatments were applied using a custom built spray cabinet at 2.07 bar and applied at a rate of 3.79 L/min to replicate commercial practices. The CEOs significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the concentration of E. coli on the brisket flats in comparison to inoculated no spray or water sprayed controls over a period of 90 d, while causing an initial reduction of approximately 1.4 log units. Total aerobic bacteria and psychrotrophic counts were also reduced on uninoculated briskets following treatment. These results indicate that 3% cold‐pressed terpeneless Valencia orange oil could be used as an additional intervention against E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. at the refrigerated storage stage of processing.

Practical Application:  CEOs are natural compounds that have been designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). They can be used to control Salmonella spp. and E. coli O157:H7 on beef carcasses at the chilling stage.
Extrusion and Characterization of Thermoplastic Starch Sheets from “Macho” Banana
Authors: Alanís‐López P. , Pérez‐González J. , Rendón‐Villalobos R. , Jiménez‐Pérez A. , Solorza‐Feria J.
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  Starch isolated from macho banana was oxidized by using 2.5% and 3.5% (w/w) of sodium hypochlorite. Native and oxidized starches with glycerol were processed using a conical twin screw extruder to obtain thermoplastic laminates or sheets, which were partially characterized. Oxidized banana starches presented higher moisture and total starch but lower ash, protein, lipids, and apparent amylose content than the native starch. Micrographs of sheets from oxidized starches showed wrinkles and cavities presumably caused by the plasticizer, but with less free glycerol and unplasticized starch granules than those from native starch. Sheets from oxidized starch showed a notorious increase in all thermal parameters (To, Tp, and ΔH), mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break, and elasticity), and solubility. Banana starch X‐ray diffraction patterns corresponded to a mixture of the A‐ and B‐type polymorphs, with apparently slightly higher crystallinity in oxidized specimens than in native starch. A similar trend was observed in the corresponding sheets.

Practical Application:  Due to the pollution problem caused by the conventional plastics, there has been a renewed interest in biodegradable sheets, because they may have the potential to replace conventional packaging materials. Banana starch might be an interesting raw material to be used as edible sheet, coating or in food packaging, and preservation, because it is biodegradable, cheap, innocuous, and abundant.
Abrasive Stripping Square‐Wave Voltammetry of Blackberry, Raspberry, Strawberry, Pomegranate, and Sweet and Blue Potatoes
Authors: Komorsky‐Lovrić Šebojka , Novak Ivana
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  Electro‐oxidation potentials of 7 fruits and vegetables were determined by abrasive stripping voltammetry. The responses were characterized by 2 peaks with maxima at 0.45 and 0.55 V compared with Ag/AgCl, respectively. Both electrode reactions appear reversible at a frequency of 8 Hz. They can be ascribed to anthocyanidins and ellagic acid as electroactive compounds. By this method, an antioxidative capacity of a certain plant can be quickly estimated without extraction of active components.
Microbial Safety and Consumer Acceptability of High‐Pressure Processed Hard Clams (Mercenaria mercenaria)
Authors: Narwankar Shalaka P. , Flimlin George E. , Schaffner Donald W. , Tepper Beverly J. , Karwe Mukund V.
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  Littleneck hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) harvested from New Jersey coastal waters in the United States were high‐pressure processed (HPP) in their shells using a 10 L high‐pressure processing unit. A response surface (RS) methodology approach was used to optimize the pressure and time parameters for microbial inactivation caused by the high‐pressure application. The total surviving microbial load in the hard clams was enumerated after processing at each experimental condition. The results indicated that log reduction in total plate count (TPC) due to high‐pressure processing of hard clams was primarily a function of pressure. Pressure of at least 480 MPa was needed to achieve 1‐log reduction in TPC in hard clams harvested from special restricted waters. In a parallel study, a panel of 60 regular raw clams consumers tasted both raw and processed hard clams that were harvested from approved waters and HPP at 310 MPa for 3 min. The consumers showed equal preference for processed and raw hard clams. Two subgroups of hard clam consumers were revealed; 1 group preferred the plumpness of the HPP clam and the other group preferred aroma of the unprocessed clam. Thus, plumpness and aroma may influence consumer acceptance of HPP hard clams.

Practical Application:  High‐pressure processing has gained momentum as a processing technique that aids in retention of fresh appearance in foods. It holds promise as a method to process premium value food products while retaining quality attributes. Quantification of its impact on safety and consumer acceptance is critical for its acceptance and use in the food industry.
Improvement of Gel Strength and Melting Point of Fish Gelatin by Addition of Coenhancers Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Koli Jayappa M. , Basu Subrata , Nayak Binay B. , Kannuchamy Nagalakshmi , Gudipati Venkateshwarlu
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  Fish gelatin is a potential alternative to mammalian gelatin. However, poor gel strength and low melting point limit its applications. The study was aimed at improving these properties by adding coenhancers in the range obtained from response surface methodology (RSM) by using Box–Behnken design. Three different coenhancers, MgSO4, sucrose, and transglutaminase were used as the independent variables for improving the gel strength and melting point of gelatin extracted from Tiger‐toothed croaker (Otolithes ruber). Addition of coenhancers at different combinations resulted gel strength and melting point in the range of 150.5 to 240.5 g and 19.5 to 22.5 °C, respectively. The optimal concentrations of coenhancers for predicted maximum gel strength (242.8 g) obtained by RSM were 0.23 M MgSO4, 12.60% sucrose (w/v), and 5.92 mg/g transglutaminase and for predicted maximum melting point (22.57 °C), the values were 0.24M MgSO4, 10.44% sucrose (w/v), and 5.72 mg/g transglutaminase. By addition of coenhancers at these optimal concentrations in verification experiments, the gel strength and melting point were improved from 170 to 240.89 g and 20.3 to 22.7 °C, respectively. These experimental values agreed well with the predicted values demonstrating the fitness of the models. Results from the present study clearly revealed that the addition of coenhancers at a particular combination can improve the gel strength and melting point of fish gelatin to enhance its range of applications.

Practical Application:  There is a growing interest in the use of fish gelatin as an alternative to mammalian gelatin. However, poor gel strength and low melting point of fish gelatin have limited its commercial applications. The gel strength and melting point of fish gelatin can be increased by incorporation of coenhancers such as magnesium sulphate, sucrose, and transglutaminase. Results of this work help to produce the fish gelatin suitable for wide range of applications in the food industry.
Social cognition deficits and the ‘ultra high risk’ for psychosis population: a review of literature
Authors: Thompson Andrew D. , Bartholomeusz Cali , Yung Alison R.
Published: July 2011

Aim: A number of risk factors for developing a psychotic disorder have been investigated in the ‘ultra high risk’ (UHR) population, including neurocognitive abilities, social functioning and, more recently, social cognition. We aimed to review the literature on social cognition in the UHR population.

Methods: Literature was restricted to English articles and identified using Pubmed, Medline, PsychINFO and CINAHLplus, as well as the reference lists of published studies and reviews. Search terms included social cognition, theory of mind, emotion recognition, attributional style, social knowledge, social perception, ‘at risk mental state’, psychosis prodrome ‘clinical high risk’ and ‘ultra high risk’. Inclusion criteria were an outcome measure of a social cognition task and an UHR population defined by a structured validated instrument.

Results: Seven original research articles met the inclusion criteria, one of which was a conference abstract. One of the two studies that assessed theory of mind, two of the four studies that assessed emotion recognition and both the two studies that assessed social perception/knowledge found significant deficits in UHR patients. The single study that assessed attributional bias also reported differences in UHR patients compared with healthy controls.

Conclusions: There is limited published literature on social cognitive performance in the UHR population. Despite this, deficits in certain social cognitive abilities do appear to be present, but further research with more reliable cross‐cultural measures is needed. The characterization of social cognitive deficits in the UHR populations may aid in the identification of potential markers for development of a subsequent psychotic disorder, as well as targets for early intervention.
Modified anterior maxillary segmental osteotomy – a pilot study
Authors: Pasupathy S. , Yuvaraj V.
Published: July 2011

Aim:  A pilot study was done with 15 patients who underwent a modified anterior maxillary segmental osteotomy (AMO) surgical procedure in our hospital, and various advantages of this technique were appraised with emphasis on the vitality of teeth in the osteotomy segment evaluated after surgery.

Materials and methods:  A total of 15 patients who underwent the modified technique were included in the study. One patient who had non‐vital discoloured anterior teeth was excluded and the remaining 14 were included in the study. The vitality of all the six anterior maxillary teeth was done through thermal pulp testing after 1 week and 3 months post‐operatively, and recorded.

Results:  The vitality test done 1 week post‐surgically showed that all six anterior teeth responded immediately within 2 s in 12 patients with thermal stimulus; in two patients, the left maxillary canines were not responsive. The same test done after 3 months showed, in one of the affected two patients, an immediate response was regained in the left canine.

Conclusion:  The modified technique is a versatile and less time‐consuming method when compared to the conventional AMO procedures. The vitality of teeth were least affected when this technique is used and the nasal changes were also negligible.
In vitro antimicrobial effects of commercially available mouth‐wetting agents
Authors: Güneri Pelin , Alpöz Esin , Epstein Joel B. , Çankaya Hülya , Ates Mustafa
Published: July 2011

Products have been developed to provide palliation for persons with dry mouth. In addition to mouth‐wetting agents, some products incorporate antimicrobial constituents with the goal of improving oral microbial defenses. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the potential antimicrobial and antifungal effects of two commercially available saliva substitutes on Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Candida albicans by using the agar‐well diffusion method. Antimicrobial activity as measured by the size of the inhibition zone growth for S. mutans and L. acidophilus was observed only with Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse® and BioXtra® gel. The zone of inhibition of Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse was larger than that of BioXtra gel (p= 0.00, p < 0.01). No anticandidal effect was seen with any of the test products. The pH of the preparations, the variations between the amount of active ingredients within the products, and the potential antimicrobial effects of inactive ingredients should be investigated to determine the factors that impacted microbial inhibition.
Topical treatment for 1 week with latanoprost but not diclofenac reduces the diameter of dilated retinal arterioles in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and mild retinopathy
Authors: Tilma Kathrine Kleis , Bek Toke
Published: July 2011

Purpose:  Diabetic retinopathy is characterised by morphological lesions secondary to retinal vascular impairment, and it is assumed that changes in the diameter regulation of retinal arterioles are involved in the disease pathogenesis. It has previously been shown that prostaglandin F2α can constrict retinal arterioles in vitro. In the present study, we investigated whether a similar effect could be achieved by topical administration in diabetic patients with dilated retinal arterioles and retinopathy.

Methods:  Twenty‐two type 1 diabetic patients with mild retinopathy and twenty‐four matched normal controls were randomized to topical treatment with the prostaglandin F2α agonist latanoprost twice daily for 1 week, followed by similar treatment with the cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitor diclofenac, or to receive the two medications in the reverse order. The Dynamic Vessel Analyzer was used to assess the effect of the interventions on the resting diameter of retinal vessels and on the diameter response of retinal arterioles to increased blood pressure (BP) induced by isometric exercise and flicker stimulation.

Results:  Latanoprost reduced the resting diameter of retinal arterioles significantly in patients with diabetes (p = 0.01), but had no effect on normal persons. Diclofenac had no effect on the resting diameter of arterioles in either of the groups. The diameter responses to increased BP and flicker stimulation were not significantly changed by any of the treatments.

Conclusion:  Long‐term prospective studies are needed to study the effect of topical treatment with latanoprost on the consequences of retinal hyperperfusion in retinal vascular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy.
Combination Angiotensin Converting Enzyme and Direct Renin Inhibition in Heart Failure following Experimental Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Connelly K.A. , Advani A. , Advani S. , Zhang Y. , Thai K. , Thomas S. , Krum H. , Kelly D.J. , Gilbert R.E.
Published: July 2011

Aims: Diminishing the activity of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) plays a pivotal role in the treatment of heart failure. In addition to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin‐receptor blockers, direct renin inhibition has emerged as a potential adjunctive treatment to conventional RAS blockade. We sought to determine the effectiveness of this strategy after myocardial infarction (MI) in the setting of preexisting hypertension, a common premorbid condition in patients with ischemic heart disease.

Methods and Results: Ten‐week‐old female heterozygous hypertensive (mRen‐2)27 transgenic rats (Ren‐2), were randomized to one of five groups (n = 8 per group); sham, MI, MI + aliskiren, MI + lisinopril and MI + combination lisinopril and aliskiren. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and in vivo cardiac catheterization. Untreated MI animals developed heart failure with hypotension, dilation, reduced ejection fraction (EF), and raised left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP). Treatment with single agent treatment had only modest effect on cardiac function though combination therapy was associated with significant improvements in EF and LVEDP when compared to untreated MI animals (P < 0.05). Histologic analysis demonstrated increase extracellular matrix deposition and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in the noninfarct region of all MI groups when compared with sham operated animals (P < 0.05) that was reduced by ACE inhibitor monotherapy and combination treatment but not by aliskiren alone.

Conclusion: In a hypertensive rat model that underwent experimental MI, EF, and LVEDP, key functional indices of heart failure, were improved by treatment with combination ACE and direct renin inhibition when compared with either agent used alone.
Predictors of weight loss maintenance and attrition during a 6‐month dietary intervention period: results from the DiOGenes study
Authors: Handjieva‐Darlenska T. , Handjiev Sv. , Larsen T. M. , van Baak M. A. , Lindroos A. , Papadaki A. , Pfeiffer A. F. H. , Martinez J. A. , Kunesova M. , Holst C. , Saris W. H. M. , Astrup A.
Published: July 2011

There is a need to develop tools to predict individual weight loss maintenance and attrition prognosis. We aimed to identify predictors of weight loss maintenance outcome and attrition in subjects from eight European countries in the DiOGenes project. A total of 932 overweight/obese subjects (body mass index: 27–42 kg m−2) were enrolled in an 8‐week low‐calorie diet (LCD). The 776 subjects (83%) who achieved at least 8% reduction in their initial body weight were randomized into five dietary arms varying in protein content and glycemic index for a 6‐month weight maintenance period. Baseline characteristics, weight loss at weeks 1, 3 and 8 of LCD were assessed as predictors of weight loss maintenance and attrition using multivariate regression and correlation models. The multivariate model showed that the 6‐month weight loss maintenance was predicted by: 7.889 − 0.343 × weight loss at week 3 + 1.505 × weight loss at week 8 + 2.422 × gender (0 = male and 1 = female gender) (R2 = 51%, P = 0.0001). A greater weight loss at week 8 was associated with a lower attrition during the subsequent 6‐month dietary intervention period (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88–0.97, P = 0.001). Furthermore, the men showed an increased likelihood for attrition during the dietary intervention period (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.07–2.20, P = 0.02). A greater weight loss during 8 weeks of LCD and female gender predict better 6‐month weight maintenance of weight loss, whereas the baseline characteristics did not predict outcome. Attrition could be strongly predicted by gender and weight loss during LCD.
The patterns of outpatient off-label carbamazepine use and the potential impact of regulatory labelling process in Taiwan
Authors: Hsieh Chi-Feng , Chang Po-Ying , Lu Pei-Yu , Huang Weng-Foung
Published: July 2011

Background

Carbamazepine has been associated with severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (ADR). It is important for patients with these ADRs under off-label prescriptions are not eligible for drug injury relief in Taiwan. We conducted a study to depict the demography and possible factors related to the off-label carbamazepine use in Taiwan. We also explored the policy influence of carbamazepine use.

Methods

We used the dataset of one million randomly-sampled insured persons in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database for 2002 and 2006 to conduct a cross-sectional study. With the use of a computerized clinical information system, carbamazepine prescriptions were categorized into five groups (A, B, C, D and E) according to these indications: Group A, B were defined as on-label use; group C, D and E were defined as various levels of off-label use, depending on the strength of support from the literature. A logistic regression model was conducted to find the factors related to off-label use.

Results

Based on the one million representative samples, 6305 and 5703 patients received 31 146 and 27 579 carbamazepine prescriptions in 2002 and 2006 respectively. In both years, nearly 43% of total prescriptions were related to on-label uses. Prescriptions from primary clinics and departments of internal medicine and psychiatry, the physician's age, and the patient's age were factors associated with higher risk of off-label carbamazepine use.

Conclusions

Our study echoes the highly prevalent off-label use of carbamazepine in Taiwan and adds to the rare research on this subject in the East Asian population. The carbamazepine relabelling in 2004 did not change either prescription patterns or factors related to off-label use.
Changing the Guard? China and the Nuclear Nonproliferation Regime
Authors: Boutin J. D. Kenneth
Published: July 2011

China's profile in the nuclear nonproliferation regime is changing at a crucial time. The regime is under considerable internal and external strain as a result of eroding international support and trends in vertical and horizontal nuclear proliferation. While China's nonproliferation agenda and approach differ in some respects from those of other key actors, the gap separating China from the established drivers of efforts to address horizontal nuclear proliferation in terms of the objectives, institutions, and approach of the nonproliferation regime is diminishing, and there is considerable potential for China to contribute to the capacity of the regime to adapt to changing requirements. The Asia‐Pacific region features both as the area of greatest nonproliferation concern to China and as the area where proliferation concerns are most likely to spur the further qualitative development of Chinese nonproliferation policy.
Governance and Civil Society Action in Vietnam: Changing the Rules From Within—Potentials and Limits
Authors: Wischermann Jörg
Published: July 2011

Various contemporary studies suggest a gathering structural political crisis in Vietnam, asserting that thorough political transformation is inevitable and that this may well lead to regime change. This article takes issue with such perspectives. Using an alternative approach that understands civil society as a particular mode of action and interaction and not as a fixed entity, the results of three case studies of the potential for shifts in functional areas of governance (legitimate rule, security, and welfare) show that civil society action from within the state apparatus effects changes in governance. Those processes of change were initiated more or less simultaneously from above and below. Such possibilities for political change open the way to a far wider discussion on the nature of political progress under nondemocratic regimes, which invites comparison not only with a range of contemporary experiences, but also the political histories of many Western countries.
Are Liberal Regimes More Protective of Economic and Social Rights Than Authoritarian Regimes?
Authors: Adolf Robert George
Published: July 2011

The study uses a sample of six countries, three of them liberal democracies and the other three authoritarian or semi‐authoritarian autocracies, paired at similar World Bank income classifications. It shows that government spending on social programs (such as health and education) was independent of the nature of the political system. Moreover, the level of government spending on social programs, both as a percentage of gross domestic product and of total government spending, and increased access or public provision, did not necessarily lead to more favorable outcomes in terms of the Human Development Index. Countries get similar results with private or nongovernmental funding and/or provision of social programs. Thus, in terms of inputs (government spending) and outputs or outcomes (human development), liberal democracies were not necessarily superior to authoritarian or semi‐authoritarian countries in protecting economic and social rights, except in social security and social welfare programs, primarily for the poor and elderly.
Tracking migratory songbirds: accuracy of light‐level loggers (geolocators) in forest habitats
Authors: Fudickar Adam M. , Wikelski Martin , Partecke Jesko
Published: July 2011

1. Tracking return migrations in songbirds has been impossible until recently when miniaturization of light‐level loggers enabled observation of the first complete round trip. Although geolocators are extensively used on animals at sea, little is known about how accurate geolocators are for tracking terrestrial or forest‐dwelling migrants.

2. To test the accuracy of geolocators for tracking migratory songbirds living in forested habitat, we calibrated geolocators to a source population located in central Europe and collected location estimates based on the source population calibration from stationary geolocators deployed over an 800 km NE to SW gradient in Western Europe. Additionally, we fit non‐migratory songbirds (European blackbirds, Turdus merula) with geolocators for 12 months to compare known locations of individuals with locations estimated by geolocators.

3. We found an average error ±95% CI of 201 ± 43 km in latitude for stationary geolocators in forest habitat. Longitude error was considerably lower (12 ± 03 km). The most accurate geolocator was on average 23 km off target, the worst was on average 390 km off.

4. The winter latitude estimate error for geolocators deployed on sedentary birds was on average (±95% CI) 143 ± 62 km when geolocators were calibrated during the breeding season and 132 ± 75 km when they were calibrated during the winter. Longitude error for geolocators deployed on birds was on average (±95% CI) 50 ± 34 km.

5. Although we found error most likely due to seasonal changes in habitat and behaviour, our results indicate that geolocators can be used to reliably track long‐distance forest‐dwelling migrants. We also found that the low degree of error for longitude estimates attained from geolocators makes this technology suitable for identifying relatively short‐distance movements in longitude.
The Frightening Invitation of a Guestbook
Authors: Morris Bonnie J.
Published: July 2011

Abstract  This article examines the writing left in “comments” books at thought‐provoking museum exhibitions. What moves a visitor to share criticism, praise, political invective, or spiritual reflections in a public place where the writing is guaranteed to be seen by others? In a world transformed by text messaging and online communication, museum guestbooks are one of the few remaining opportunities to share hand‐written insights. Do visitors have a learning curve? Some leave inappropriate, even hateful remarks. By comparing the different moods of comments books at a variety of installations, this essay pays tribute to the legacies of public dialogue in museums, a medium of free speech made possible by a simple blank book.
The Cook, the Marquis, his Wife, and her Maids: The Use of Dramatic Characters in Peter Greenaway’sPeopling the Palacesas a Way of Interpreting Historic Buildings
Authors: Chittenden Tara
Published: July 2011

Abstract As curators endeavour to offer new opportunities to look again at museum collections and heritage sites, technological interventions such as Peter Greenaway’sPeopling the Palaces(2007–2010) demonstrate a powerful way of giving voice and emotional realism to historic spaces.Peopling the Palacesis a video installation of 500 characters created for the seventeenth‐century Italian Palace, La Venaria Reale. Characters are projected onto the walls, ceilings, and royal bed, bringing back “life” to the historic interiors. In this article I examine the different types of characters created by Greenaway, looking specifically at how their words could help visitors engage with the lived human past of the palace and acquire factual information about day‐to‐day processes. Drawing on such fundamentals of human nature as love, jealousy, and gossip, these character‐led performances suggest ways that dramatic techniques can help to engender imagined and empathetic connections with the past.
Planetarium of the Future
Authors: Lantz Ed
Published: July 2011

Abstract  Over the last decade, hundreds of planetariums worldwide have adopted digital “fulldome” projection as their primary projection and presentation medium. This trend has far‐reaching potential for science centers. Digital planetarium capabilities extend educational and cultural programming far beyond night‐sky astronomy. These “digital domes” are, in essence, immersive visualization environments capable of supporting art and live performances and reproducing archeological sites, as well as journeying audiences through the local cluster of galaxies. Their real‐time and rapid‐update capabilities set them apart from giant screen cinemas. Studies suggest that well‐designed immersive mediums communicate concepts better, create a greater interest in learning, and are more effective than a movie screen or television at conveying scientific concepts. This article introduces digital domes as a new medium, then discusses ways in which the potential of these environments might be tapped in the future to meet scientific and cultural needs in museums of all types.
Transformations in Cultural Communication: Social Media, Cultural Exchange, and Creative Connections
Authors: Russo Angelina
Published: July 2011

Abstract  Throughout the cultural institution sector, shifts in audience participation call for new ways to share knowledge and view partnerships both online and onsite. Increasingly, this “transformation in cultural communication” suggests that a new type of mutually beneficial exchange is required between audiences and museums; and that those acting as agents of cultural change must be cognizant of how a participatory culture will drive our future institutional missions. This paper offers two examples of how the implementation of strategic social media programs can drive online cultural exchange and create new connections with diverse communities. It presents a convergence of initiatives undertaken within the sector over the past five years while offering a frame through which to view future innovations. Based on research undertaken with multiple organizations, it recognizes that the time is right to merge existing innovations with strategically developed communication programs to achieve a demonstrable, verifiable basis for the value of our museums.