bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of lifestyles and food knowledge on the food patterns of German children
Authors: Von Normann Konstantin
Published: June 2009

The German youth is relatively well informed about healthy eating, but does not act in accordance with this knowledge. It is also known from empirical studies that there is an association between lifestyles, food knowledge and the eating patterns of older teenagers. However, is there a similar correlation in regard to younger children? This article shows results of a study addressing this issue by empirically investigating leisure time activities, food intake and food knowledge.

The study conducted with 907 children, on average 12 years old, out of an urban region in northwest Germany using a written questionnaire, implies that food patterns and food knowledge have to be improved because they are – on average – only marginally acceptable. On this level, they are not in line with a healthy future.

For the first time in Germany, food patterns and food knowledge of seventh grade pupils were analysed in relation to their lifestyles. The study revealed four lifestyles. One family‐oriented lifestyle and three non‐family oriented lifestyles: outdoor and sociable youth, culture‐oriented youth, and multimedia kids. The family‐oriented lifestyle influences the children's food patterns in a positive way; the three found non‐family‐oriented lifestyles lead to less preferable food patterns.

The results imply that there is a phase of unhealthy food patterns at the beginning of the second life decade, which seems to be linked to the detachment from the parents and the gained independency, expressed by the first self‐chosen lifestyles.

As lifestyles have such a vital influence on healthy eating, and family is no longer the place where children get their everyday competencies, school has to enable pupils to make healthier food and lifestyle choices.
Ease of reading of mandatory information on Canadian food product labels
Authors: Mackey Mary Alton , Metz Marilyn
Published: June 2009

Food product labels present individual product information, safety, nutrition, electronic inventory, container and environmental information, in various formats, languages and images. Some information is mandatory; much is promotional. The food label is an essential tool for regulators of safe food handling, nutrition policy and fair competition. Mandatory information on food labels in Canada is required to be presented in both English and French, readily discernable, prominently displayed and legible. This study examines the ease of finding and reading of mandatory label components on selected Canadian food products. A validated typographical scoring system assessed the lists of ingredients on a purposive sample of 100 food labels representing foods in all groups in Canada's Food Guide. Seven percent of the ingredient lists were easy to read; 26% were difficult to read and 67% were very difficult to read. Well‐educated resourceful readers in consumer focus groups examined food labels for key elements that influence ease of finding and reading information. Focus groups and typographical scoring identified: colour contrast, case, print style, print size, space between the lines, reverse print, organization, justification, type of surface, hyphenation and print reproduction as factors that affect ease of reading. Print that curves around a container, lack of paragraphing or point form organization make reading difficult; text blocks at right angles to each other make comparisons difficult; separation of the nutrition facts table from the list of ingredients makes decision making tedious. Inadequate spacing between lines of print creates problems for readers of English and exacerbates problems for readers of French. Words placed over illustrations, busy backgrounds or watermarks increase reading difficulty. Hazard statements, instructions and storage information imbedded in other information without added space or appropriate heading is difficult to find and read. Canadian consumers echo consumers in 28 European countries who find label information difficult to find and to read and want clear guidelines/regulations on the placement and the typography of mandatory food label components
Gum chewing stimulates early return of bowel motility after caesarean section
Authors: Abd‐El‐Maeboud KHI , Ibrahim MI , Shalaby DAA , Fikry MF
Published: June 2009

Objective  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of postoperative gum chewing on the recovery of bowel motility after caesarean section.

Design  A randomised controlled study.

Setting  Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Egypt.

Population  A total of 200 pregnant women delivered by elective caesarean section (CS) under general anaesthesia.

Methods  Women were randomised into two groups; group A (93 women) who received one stick of sugarless gum for 15 minutes every 2 hours after surgery, and group B (107 women) had traditional management (oral intake of clear fluids allowed after passage of flatus and regular diet with the passage of bowel movement).

Main outcome measures  Time to first hearing of normal intestinal sounds, time to first flatus, time to first bowel movement and length of hospital stay.

Results  The mean duration of surgery was longer in group A (41.3 ± 7.5 versus 38.4 ± 8.1 minutes, P < 0.05). The mean postoperative time interval to first hearing of normal intestinal sounds (10.9 ± 2.7 versus 15.6 ± 3.7 hours), passage of flatus (17.9 ± 4.6 versus 24.4 ± 7.1 hours), defecation (21.1 ± 4.7 versus 30 ± 8.2 hours) and discharge from the hospital (40.8 ± 10.6 versus 50.5 ± 8.9 hours) were significantly shorter in group A (P < 0.001). Severe ileus occurred only in one woman belonging to group B. All patients in group A tolerated gum chewing beginning on the first postoperative day.

Conclusion  Gum chewing after CS is safe, well tolerated, and associated with rapid resumption of intestinal motility and shorter hospital stay; with potential impact on reducing the overall healthcare costs in case of routine implementation.
The HDAC inhibitor, sodium butyrate, stimulates neurogenesis in the ischemic brain
Authors: Kim Hyeon Ju , Leeds Peter , Chuang De‐Maw
Published: June 2009

In the healthy adult brain, neurogenesis normally occurs in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). Cerebral ischemia enhances neurogenesis in neurogenic and non‐neurogenic regions of the ischemic brain of adult rodents. This study demonstrated that post‐insult treatment with a histone deacetylase inhibitor, sodium butyrate (SB), stimulated the incorporation of bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) in the SVZ, DG, striatum, and frontal cortex in the ischemic brain of rats subjected to permanent cerebral ischemia. SB treatment also increased the number of cells expressing polysialic acid–neural cell adhesion molecule, nestin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, phospho‐cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB), and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in various brain regions after cerebral ischemia. Furthermore, extensive co‐localization of BrdU and polysialic acid–neural cell adhesion molecule was observed in multiple regions after ischemia, and SB treatment up‐regulated protein levels of BDNF, phospho‐CREB, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Intraventricular injection of K252a, a tyrosine kinase B receptor antagonist, markedly reduced SB‐induced cell proliferation detected by BrdU and Ki67 in the ipsilateral SVZ, DG, and other brain regions, blocked SB‐induced nestin expression and CREB activation, and attenuated the long‐lasting behavioral benefits of SB. Together, these results suggest that histone deacetylase inhibitor‐induced cell proliferation, migration and differentiation require BDNF–tyrosine kinase B signaling and may contribute to long‐term beneficial effects of SB after ischemic injury.
Circadian regulation of ion channels and their functions
Authors: Ko Gladys Y.‐P. , Shi Liheng , Ko Michael L.
Published: June 2009

Ion channels are the gatekeepers to neuronal excitability. Retinal neurons of vertebrates and invertebrates, neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of vertebrates, and pinealocytes of non‐mammalian vertebrates display daily rhythms in their activities. The interlocking transcription–translation feedback loops with specific post‐translational modulations within individual cells form the molecular clock, the basic mechanism that maintains the autonomic ∼24‐h rhythm. The molecular clock regulates downstream output signaling pathways that further modulate activities of various ion channels. Ultimately, it is the circadian regulation of ion channel properties that govern excitability and behavior output of these neurons. In this review, we focus on the recent development of research in circadian neurobiology mainly from 1980 forward. We will emphasize the circadian regulation of various ion channels, including cGMP‐gated cation channels, various voltage‐gated calcium and potassium channels, Na+/K+‐ATPase, and a long‐opening cation channel. The cellular mechanisms underlying the circadian regulation of these ion channels and their functions in various tissues and organisms will also be discussed. Despite the magnitude of chronobiological studies in recent years, the circadian regulation of ion channels still remains largely unexplored. Through more investigation and understanding of the circadian regulation of ion channels, the future development of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of sleep disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and other illnesses linked to circadian misalignment will benefit.
Endoscopic posterior nasal neurectomy: an alternative to Vidian neurectomy
Authors: Kanaya T. , Kikawada T.
Published: June 2009

Although Vidian neurectomy is very effective as a means of alleviating symptoms of chronic rhinitis (allergic rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis), it is presently seldom used because of a high incidence of complications such as disturbed lacrimal secretion and sensory disorders of the cheek and gum. In 1997, Kikawada succeeded in endoscopically cutting the posterior nasal nerve (a ramus of the Vidian nerve) at the level of the sphenopalatine foramen under clear vision. This technique has since been improved into one that allows safe and rapid completion of the operation using a bipolar device. This new technique of endoscopic posterior nasal neurectomy with a bipolar device will be presented in this paper.
Quality‐of‐life prediction after various therapeutic interventions
Authors: Mandai T.
Published: June 2009

We believe that this century will be the century of quality of life (QOL). Both medical prediction and QOL prediction are indispensable in clinical practice. Therefore, we investigated how to predict QOL outcomes after various therapeutic interventions using our customized questionnaire. Seventy‐four cataractus patients treated with day surgery (S1), 106 undergoing renal transplantation (S2), 30 with pacemaker treatment (S3), and 36 elderly persons supported by government‐mandatory nursing/healthcare service for persons aged >65 years (S4) participated in this study. Our self‐administered questionnaires and the Life Satisfaction Index (LSI) were at first compared. Pearson's correlation coefficients between our questionnaires and LSI were S1, r=0.92 (P<0.05); S2, r=0.69 (P<0.01); and S3, r=0.87 (P<0.01). Cronbach's α coefficients of our questionnaires were high enough for acceptance for clinical use. Our questionnaires contained 11 (S1), 11 (S2), 9 (S3), and 12 (S4) main factors and the cumulative contributions were 0.82, 0.77, 0.85, and 0.81, respectively. Whereas all patients whose baseline QOL was low before interventions exhibited improved total QOL after interventions, most patients whose total QOL was high before interventions underwent impaired total QOL thereafter. Divergent points were identified for QOL improvement or deterioration after therapeutic interventions according to each disorder investigated. Significant negative correlations were noted between baseline QOL and QOL changes. Our QOL prediction theory may be helpful when discussing interventions with individual patients in a range of therapeutic settings.
Post‐Soviet steppe management causes pronounced synanthropy in the globally threatened Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius
Authors: KAMP JOHANNES , SHELDON ROBERT D. , KOSHKIN MAXIM A. , DONALD PAUL F. , BIEDERMANN ROBERT
Published: June 2009

Habitat associations and distribution of breeding Sociable Lapwings were examined in 2004–2008 in central Kazakhstan to develop and assess hypotheses relating to the species’ decline and high conservation threat status. At a landscape scale, breeding colonies were strongly positively associated with villages and rivers. Habitat suitability models had very high predictive power and suggested that only 6.6–8.0% of the 30 000‐km2 study area was potentially suitable for Sociable Lapwings. Models developed to describe the spatial distribution of nests in one region of Kazakhstan in one year predicted well the distribution of nests in another region, suggesting good generality. At a colony scale, nests were most likely to be found in the most heavily grazed areas, with a high cover of animal dung and bare ground. Despite the low density of human settlements in the study area, most Sociable Lapwing nests were < 2 km from a village. Patterns of grazing were assessed by fitting GPS loggers to cattle. There was a strong positive correlation around villages between grazing intensity and the density of Sociable Lapwing nests, with clear evidence of a threshold of grazing density that needs to be reached before birds will breed. This high degree of synanthropy, perhaps unique in a critically endangered bird, is likely to result from post‐Soviet changes in steppe management and offers both threats and opportunities to the species’ conservation.
THE DISCOVERY OF AN ANGLO‐SAXON GRUBENHAUS AT NEW BEWICK, NORTHERN UK USING ELECTRICAL SURVEYING AND PREDICTIVE DECONVOLUTION
Authors: GLOVER P. W. J.
Published: June 2009

Twin‐probe and 33‐fold multiplexed Wenner electrical resistivity surveys were carried out at New Bewick, northern UK to examine the extent of crop marks and potential Grubenhäuser (sunken‐featured buildings, sunken‐floored buildings or SFBs). The twin‐probe method was faster, but provided data with a lower spatial resolution. However, the Wenner array data was affected by characteristic ‘M’‐ or ‘W’‐shaped responses over filled excavations such as those expected to represent a Grubenhaus. The raw Wenner array data have been analysed using one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional predictive deconvolution in order to remove these artefacts. The deconvolution was carried out using an inverse matrix element method. The filtered results indicate the presence of anomalies consistent with the presence of at least six Grubenhäuser and other anomalies concurrent with the linear crop‐marks. One particular anomaly measured about 5 m by 4 m and with a pit depth of 0.6 m below 0.3 m of topsoil. This anomaly was subsequently excavated and a Grubenhaus was discovered at the site. The excavated Grubenhaus measured 4.7 m by 3.9 m with a pit depth of 0.5 m below the base of the topsoil, confirming the electrical survey results.
Phillips Curve and the Equilibrium Unemployment Rate*
Authors: LIM G.C. , DIXON ROBERT , TSIAPLIAS SARANTIS
Published: June 2009

A time‐varying Phillips Curve was estimated as a means to examine the changing nature of the relationship between wage inflation and the unemployment rate in Australia. The implied time‐varying equilibrium unemployment rate was generated and the analysis showed the important role played by variations in the slope of the Phillips Curve in changing the equilibrium unemployment rate. The deviations of actual unemployment rates from the estimated equilibrium unemployment rates also performed remarkably well as measures of inflationary pressure.
Can antenatal education influence how women push in labour?
Authors: PHIPPS Hala , CHARLTON Sarah , DIETZ Hans Peter
Published: June 2009

Background:  Antenatal education on the physiology of second stage of labour and effective pushing has not been studied in the literature. Anecdotal observation seems to indicate that some nulliparous women are (at least initially) unable to push effectively. A large proportion seem to reflexly contract the levator ani muscle when asked to push which may have the effect of slowing the progress of labour.

Aims:  To test the effectiveness of structured antenatal education for pushing in the second stage of labour versus normal care and its impact on delivery outcome.

Methods: One hundred nulliparous women between 35 and 37 weeks gestation were randomised. Intervention: Two 15‐min structured education sessions, one week apart, utilising observation of the perineum and a vaginal examination to teach correct technique for relaxing the levator ani muscle and effective pushing.

Results:  In both groups, 31 of 50 women (62%) delivered vaginally. Instrumental delivery and caesarean section rates did not differ between the two groups (P = 0.78, relative risk = 1). The mean duration of active second stage for the control group was 53.96 min compared with 57.26 min for the intervention group. This difference of 3.3 min was not statistically significant (P = 0.56). Knowledge of women in the intervention group was increased and the majority of women found the educational sessions helpful.

Conclusion:  Antenatal teaching to ensure effective maternal pushing in labour did not result in altered obstetric outcomes relative to the control group. However, there was a measurable qualitative effect from the intervention in that women clearly felt the education sessions to be helpful.
Participant evaluation of the RANZCOG Fetal Surveillance Education Program
Authors: KROUSHEV Annie , BEAVES Mark , JENKINS Valerie , WALLACE Euan M.
Published: June 2009

After a ‘needs assessment’, in 2004 the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists developed and introduced the Fetal Surveillance Education Program (FSEP) to provide high quality education to all clinicians caring for labouring women in Australia and New Zealand. A formal evaluation of the program was planned from the inception of FSEP. We report here the participant feedback from the first 4439 participants in 2004–2006. Overall, FSEP was considered a high quality resource, rated equally well by midwives and obstetricians. This is the first large‐scale evaluation to be reported for any fetal surveillance education program.
Characteristics and practices of birth centres in Australia
Authors: LAWS Paula J. , LIM Carylyn , TRACY Sally , SULLIVAN Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2009

Background: Around 2% of women who give birth in Australia each year give birth in a birth centre. There is currently no standard definition of a birth centre in Australia.

Aims: This study aimed to locate all birth centres nationally, describe their characteristics and procedures, and develop a definition.

Methods: Surveys were sent to 23 birth centres. Questions included: types of procedures, equipment and pain relief available, staffing, funding, philosophies, physical characteristics and transfer procedures. Of the birth centres, 19 satisfied the inclusion criteria and 16 completed surveys.

Results: Three constructs of a birth centre were identified. A ‘commitment to normality of pregnancy and birth’ was most commonly reported as the most important philosophy (44%). The predominant model of care was group practice/caseload midwifery (63%).

Thirteen birth centres were located within/attached to a hospital, two were on a hospital campus and one was freestanding. The distance to the nearest labour ward ranged from 2 m to 15 km. Reported intrapartum transfer rates ranged from 7% to 29%. Thirteen centres had a special care nursery or neonatal intensive care unit onsite, or both.

Eight centres undertook artificial rupture of membranes for induction of labour, while two administered oxytocin or prostaglandins. All centres offered nitrous oxide and local anaesthetic. Twelve centres had systemic opioids available and one offered pudendal analgesia. Fetal monitoring was used in all birth centres. Only three centres conducted instrumental deliveries, while 15 performed episiotomies.

Conclusion: Birth centres vary in their philosophies, characteristics and service delivery.
Pregnancy and neonatal characteristics of opioid‐dependent Indigenous Australians: A rural and metropolitan comparison
Authors: TETSTALL Emma , LIU Anthony Jun Wing , AN Ethan Ikhyun , CANALESE Joe , NANAN Ralph
Published: June 2009

Aims: To identify maternal, obstetric and neonatal characteristics of opioid‐dependent Indigenous Australians in rural and metropolitan settings.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 232 metropolitan and 67 rural infants born to mothers maintained on methadone throughout pregnancy for the treatment of opiate dependency, between January 2000 and December 2006. Medical records of identified mother/infant dyads were reviewed by evaluating 20 different maternal, obstetric and neonatal parameters.

Results: The number of infants of opiate‐dependent mothers (IODMs) identified to be of Aboriginal ethnicity was 47 in the rural and 50 in the metropolitan setting. This reflected a significantly higher proportion in the rural versus metropolitan areas (70.1% vs 21.6%, P < 0.05). The effect of rurality was independent of ethnicity with significantly lower rates of neonatal withdrawal requiring treatment (P < 0.001), antenatal consultations (P < 0.01), department of community services (DoCS) involvement (P < 0.001) and shorter infant lengths of stay (P < 0.001). There was a non‐significant trend towards more intrauterine growth restriction in Aboriginal infants. There were no significant differences in parameters in rural Indigenous versus rural non‐Indigenous infants.

Conclusions: Significant differences exist between rural and metropolitan IODMs in terms of less attendance at antenatal consultations, less neonatal withdrawal requiring treatment, shorter average length of hospital stay for the infant and less documented DoCS involvement. These differences maybe a reflection of a different diagnostic and management approach. Ethnicity had no major clinical impact in either the rural or the metropolitan settings. Future research comparing the long‐term outcomes would be of interest.
Anti–von Willebrand factor aptamer ARC1779 for refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Knöbl Paul , Jilma Bernd , Gilbert James C. , Hutabarat Renta M. , Wagner Patricia G. , Jilma‐Stohlawetz Petra
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: Plasma exchange is the main therapy for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). No treatments other than plasma exchange have been documented to be effective nor are approved for treatment of TTP. The anti–von Willebrand factor (VWF) aptamer ARC1779 effectively inhibits VWF activity in plasma samples of TTP patients and thus shear‐dependent platelet (PLT) function as measured by the PLT function analyzer PFA‐100 (Dade Behring). It was hypothesized that ARC1779 would offer a potentially effective treatment option for a critically ill patient, refractory to standard care.

CASE REPORT: A 39‐year‐old male patient with idiopathic TTP, refractory to daily plasma exchange, rituximab, steroids, and splenectomy, was additionally treated with a continuous infusion of the anti–von Willebrand factor (VWF) aptamer ARC1779 for 3 weeks.

RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of approximately 10 µg/mL ARC1779 decreased VWF activity by more than 96%. Plasma exchange treatment acutely decreased the plasma concentrations of ARC1779 by a mean of 47% (range, 40%‐61%). Thus, additional minibolus infusions of ARC1779 were given after each plasma exchange to rapidly restore steady‐state concentrations. ARC1779 resulted in an increase of PLT counts as long as ARC1779 was given. On three occasions the infusion was stopped, each accompanied by a decrease in PLT counts and worsening of microangiopathy. No serious adverse effects were observed during the treatment with ARC1779.

CONCLUSION: ARC1779 caused a clear and reproducible increase in PLT counts in an otherwise refractory TTP case. These clinical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic data provide a rational basis for clinical trials with ARC1779 in TTP.
The relative safety of automated two‐unit red blood cell procedures and manual whole‐blood collection in young donors
Authors: Benjamin Richard J. , Dy Beth A. , Kennedy Jean M. , Notari IV Edward P. , Eder Anne F.
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: Automated red blood cell (RBC) apheresis offers the advantage of collecting 2 units of RBCs (2RBC) from one donation, but may expose donors to procedure‐related risks. This study evaluated the relative safety of 2RBC compared to whole‐blood (WB) donation with a focus on young donors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Adverse reactions recorded at the collection site or requiring outside medical care were compared after 4,348,686 WB and 206,570 2RBC donations in 26 regional blood centers.

RESULTS: 2RBC donors were more likely than WB donors to be male (91.6% vs. 50.3%) and repeat donors (84.0% vs. 81.0%). The overall complication rate was higher for 2RBC than WB collections (627.9 vs. 435.1 per 10,000; odds ratio [OR], 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41‐1.47), but more than 96% of all reactions were minor in severity. For donors younger than 20 years, adverse events were equally or less common after 2RBC than after WB donation, but were more common after 2RBC for donors 20 years or older. The rate of major systemic complications was significantly lower for 2RBC than WB donations in all age groups (10.2 vs. 14.3 per 10,000 collections; OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.62‐0.82). Overall, the need for outside medical care was similar for 2RBC and WB collections (3.4 vs. 4.2 per 10,000 donations, respectively), but significantly less likely after 2RBC donation for donors less than 20 years old (3.8 vs. 7.0. per 10,000 donations; OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.32‐0.89).

CONCLUSION: 2RBC collection procedures, as currently performed in the American Red Cross, are associated with fewer immediate adverse reactions in young donors and have a comparable safety profile in older donors. These data support the collection of 2RBC from young donors.
A Microscopic Model of Interface‐Reaction‐Controlled Sintering of Spherical Particles of Different Phases
Authors: Wakai Fumihiro , Louzguine‐Luzgin Dmitri V. , Kuroda Toshio
Published: June 2009

A microscopic model is presented, which describes the sintering of equal‐sized spherical particles that differ in phase. A wetting phase diagram of sintering was developed that classifies the equilibrium shapes that can arise during sintering of two spheres with different surface energies. The formation and growth of the interface between the dissimilar phases was studied from the point of view of solid‐state wetting. The three‐dimensional computer simulation of interface‐reaction‐controlled sintering was conducted using the Surface Evolver program. The deviation of dynamic contact angle from its equilibrium value was proportional to the contact line velocity and inversely proportional to the triple junction mobility. The stability of particle cluster configuration in equilibrium was also examined using Cahn's concept on grain‐boundary energy ratios in two‐phase materials.
Grain‐Size Effects in YSZ Thin‐Film Electrolytes
Authors: Peters Christoph , Weber André , Butz Benjamin , Gerthsen Dagmar , Ivers‐Tiffée Ellen
Published: June 2009

The transport properties of oxygen‐ion conducting yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ)—featuring mean grain sizes from a few nm up to the μm regime—were studied with regard to grain‐size effects. Chemically homogeneous, 8.3 mol% YSZ thin films (thickness approximately 400 nm) were processed on single‐crystal sapphire substrates by a sol–gel method. The mean grain size d of the thin films was systematically adjusted to 5 nm≤d≤782 nm by (i) a rapid thermal annealing step for conversion into the oxide phase and (ii) a consecutive calcination step at 650°C≤Tcal (24 h) ≤1400°C for grain growth. The quality of the thin films was examined with respect to chemical homogeneity, crystal structure, grain‐size, and grain‐boundary properties. Total and specific conductivities of the thin films were characterized by means of electrical impedance spectroscopy at 200°≤T≤400°C in ambient air, where a complex nonlinear least‐squares approximation was applied to determine the bulk conductivity and the grain‐boundary conductivity. Despite grain boundaries being free of second phases, oxygen transport was observed to be impeded by the grain boundaries as the specific grain‐boundary conductivity was determined to be two orders of magnitude below the bulk conductivity for thin films with d>36 nm. The transport properties of nanoscaled YSZ thin films (5 nm≤d≤36 nm) were modeled by application of the brick‐layer model indicating the absence of beneficial grain‐size effects at the nanoscale.
The Crystal Structure of LaAlO3‐Stabilized La2/3TiO3 Ceramics: An HRTEM Investigation
Authors: Azough Feridoon , Wang Wenjin , Freer Robert
Published: June 2009

LaAlO3‐stabilized La2/3TiO3 (LT) ceramics were prepared by the conventional mixed oxide route. Small amounts of manganese oxide were added to eliminate Ti4+ reduction. The powders were calcined at 1150°C and sintered at 1400°–1500°C for 4 h and cooled at rates of 900°–15°C/h. The products were high density and single phase, with an average grain size of 6 μm. The LaAlO3‐stabilized LT ceramics exhibited a relative permittivity (ɛr) of 64, a positive temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) of 84, and dielectric Q value × resonant frequency (Q×f) values of 16 400 GHz. The crystal structure and microstructures have been investigated using high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) in conjunction with X‐ray diffraction (XRD). One candidate crystal structure, a≈2ap (where ap is the lattice parameter of the high‐temperature form of the cubic perovskite), b≈2ap, and c≈2ap with a space group Cmmm (65), has been confirmed by XRD, electron diffraction, and lattice imaging techniques. Microtwins, with twin boundaries parallel to the {100} planes, were observed in the microstructures.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications of Water‐Soluble Tantalum Carboxylate Precursors via a Flux Method
Authors: Li Ai‐Dong , Kong Ji‐Zhou , Zhai Hai‐Fa , Cheng Jin‐Bo , Li Hui , Wu Di
Published: June 2009

A novel, simple, and feasible route for synthesizing air‐stable, water‐soluble tantalum precursors has been developed using moisture‐insensitive Ta2O5 as a starting source of the Ta element, based on the conventional basic flux method. Various analytical techniques have been used to characterize the formation mechanism, purity, and thermal decomposition features of these Ta precursors including tantalum oxalate, tantalum peroxo‐tartarate, and tantalum peroxo‐citrate. These Ta precursor solutions have a higher Ta ion purity over 99.0 wt% and a lone shelf life. Using home‐made Ta precursors, photocatalyst powders of 1 mol% Ta‐doped ZnO and ferroelectric films of SrBi2Ta2O9 on Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si substrates have been prepared by a modified polymerizable complex (PC) route. Ta‐doped ZnO powders from polymeric precursors show hexagonal wurtzite structures with uniform smaller grain sizes of 25 nm and a larger specific surface area of 32 m2/g. Moreover, they exhibit excellent photocatalytical activity under visible light irradiation compared with pure ZnO powders. PC‐derived SrBi2Ta2O9 films also show comparable ferroelectric and dielectric properties with those from the metalorganic decomposition method. All these qualities indicate that water‐soluble Ta precursors are potential and competitive candidates for photocatalyst and ferroelectric applications.
Weekly E‐mail Reminders Influence Emergency Physician Behavior: A Case Study Using the Joint Commission and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Pneumonia Guidelines
Authors: Weiner Scott G. , Brown Sanford F. , Goetz Jessica D. , Webber Cheryl A.
Published: June 2009

Objectives:  Improving physician compliance with evidence‐based guidelines is challenging. The authors wanted to determine if weekly e‐mail reminders to emergency department (ED) staff increase compliance with Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) community‐acquired pneumonia quality measures.

Methods:  One nurse administrator reviewed records on a weekly basis for all adult patients admitted to the hospital from the ED with a working diagnosis of pneumonia. An e‐mail was then sent to all ED staff indicating the percentage of patients with antibiotic timing less than 4 hours from arrival. The names of individuals who administered antibiotics in less than 1 hour were highlighted. This study compared the time to antibiotics for 11 months before and 11 months after commencing this intervention.

Results:  There were 281 patients in the control cohort, and 37 met exclusion criteria, leaving 244 for analysis. There were 342 patients in the intervention cohort, and 40 met exclusion criteria, leaving 302 for analysis. The median time from arrival to chest radiograph order decreased significantly from 61 to 47 minutes (p < 0.001). The median time interval from chest radiograph order to antibiotic administration did not change significantly (92 to 88 minutes, p = 0.294). The overall median time from arrival to antibiotic administration decreased significantly from 162 to 146 minutes (p = 0.018). The percentage of patients with antibiotic administration within 4 hours increased from 77.5% to 86.1% (p = 0.009).

Conclusions:  Weekly e‐mail reminders listing performance on antibiotic administration recommendations are associated with increased compliance with a clinical guideline.
Cross‐talk between calcineurin/NFAT and Jak/STAT signalling induces cardioprotective αB‐crystallin gene expression in response to hypertrophic stimuli
Authors: Manukyan Irena , Galatioto Josephine , Mascareno Eduardo , Bhaduri Sikha , Siddiqui M.A.Q.
Published: June 2009

Among the stress proteins that are up‐regulated in the heart due to imposed biomechanical stress, αB‐crystallin (CryAB) is the most abundant and pivotal in rendering protection against stress‐induced cell damage. Cardiomyocyte‐specific expression of the CryAB gene was shown to be dependent upon an intact αBE4 cis‐element located in the CryAB enhancer. To date, there is no evidence on the identity of regulatory proteins and associated signalling molecules that control CryAB expression in cardiomyocytes. In this study, we define a mechanism by which the calcineurin/NFAT and Jak/STAT pathways regulate CryAB gene expression in response to a hypertrophic agonist endothelin‐1 (En‐1), in hypertrophic hearts of mice with pressure overload (TAC) and in heart‐targeted calcineurin over‐expressing mice (MHC‐CnA). We observed that in response to various hypertrophic stimuli the transcription factors NFAT, Nished and STAT3 form a dynamic ternary complex and interact with the αBE4 promoter element of the CryAB gene. Both dominant negative NFAT and AG490, an inhibitor of the Jak2 phosphorylation, inhibited CryAB gene transcription in transient transfection assays. AG490 was also effective in blocking the nuclear translocation of NFAT and STAT3 in cardiomyocytes treated with En‐1. We observed a marked increase in CryAB gene expression in MHC‐CnA mouse hearts accompanied with increased phosphorylation of STAT3. We conclude that hypertrophy‐dependent CryAB gene expression can be attributed to a functional linkage between the Jak/STAT and calcineurin/NFAT signalling pathways, each of which are otherwise known to be involved independently in the deleterious outcome in cardiac hypertrophy.
Anti‐arthritis activity of cationic materials
Authors: Dong Lei , Xia Suhua , Chen Huan , Chen Jiangning , Zhang Junfeng
Published: June 2009

Cationic materials exhibit remarkable anti‐inflammatory activity in experimental arthritis models. Our aim was to confirm this character of cationic materials and investigate its possible mechanism. Adjuvant‐induced arthritis (AIA) models were used to test cationic materials for their anti‐inflammatory activity. Cationic dextran (C‐dextran) with different cationic degrees was used to investigate the influence of the cationic elements of materials on their anti‐inflammatory ability. Peritoneal macrophages and spleen cells were used to test the expression of cytokines stimulated by cationic materials. Interferon (IFN)‐γ receptor‐deficient mice and macrophage‐depleted rats were used to examine the possible mechanisms of the anti‐inflammatory activity of cationic materials. In AIA models, different cationic materials shared similar anti‐inflammatory characters. The anti‐inflammatory activity of C‐dextran increased with as the cationic degree increased. Cationic materials stimulated interleukin (IL)‐12 expression in peritoneal macrophages, and strong stimulation of IFN‐γ secretion was subsequently observed in spleen cells. In vivo experiments revealed that circulating IL‐12 and IFN‐γ were enhanced by the cationic materials. Using IFN‐γ receptor knockout mice and macrophage‐depleted rats, we found that IFN‐γ and macrophages played key roles in the anti‐inflammatory activity of the materials towards cells. We also found that neutrophil infiltration at inflammatory sites was reduced when AIA animals were treated with C‐dextran. We propose that cationic signals act through an unknown receptor on macrophages to induce IL‐12 secretion, and that IL‐12 promotes the expression of IFN‐γ by natural killer cells (or T cells). The resulting elevated systemic levels of IFN‐γ inhibit arthritis development by preventing neutrophil recruitment to inflammatory sites.
Immunohistochemical, tomographic and histological study on onlay bone graft remodeling. Part II: calvarial bone
Authors: Pedrosa Wagner Fernandes , Okamoto Roberta , Faria Paulo Esteves Pinto , Arnez Maya Fernanda Manfrin , Xavier Samuel Porfírio , Salata Luiz Antonio
Published: June 2009

Objectives: Little information is available on the molecular events that occur during graft incorporation over time. The calvarial bone (Cb) grafts have been reported to produce greater responses compared with other donor regions in maxillofacial reconstructions, but the scientific evidences for this are still lacking. The objectives of this study are (1) to study the morphological pattern of Cb onlay bone grafts and compare them with the biological events through immunohistochemical responses and (2) to establish the effects of perforations in maintaining the volume and bone density of the receptor bed.

Material and methods: Sixty New Zealand White rabbits were submitted to Cb onlay bone grafts on the mandible. In 30 rabbits, the receptor bed was perforated (perforated group), while for the remaining animals the bed was kept intact (non‐perforated group). Six animals from each group were sacrificed at 5, 7, 10, 20 and 60 days after surgery. Histological sections from the grafted area were prepared for immunohistochemical and histological analyses. Immuno‐labeling was found for proteins Osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κβ ligand (RANKL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteopontin (OPN), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), Type I collagen (COL I) and osteocalcin (OC). The tomography examination [computerized tomography (CT) scan] was conducted just after surgery and at the sacrifice.

Results: The histological findings revealed that the perforations contributed to higher bone deposition during the initial stages at the graft–receptor bed interface, accelerating the graft incorporation process. The results of the CT scan showed lower resorption for the perforated group (P≤0.05), and both groups showed high bone density rates at 60 days. This set of evidences is corroborated by the immunohistochemical outcomes indicating that proteins associated with revascularization and osteogenesis (VEGF, OPN, TRAP and ALP) were found in higher levels in the perforated group.

Conclusions: These findings indicate that the bone volume of calvarial grafts is better maintained when the receptor bed is perforated, probably resulting from more effective graft revascularization and greater bone deposition. The process of bone resorption peaked between 20 and 60 days post‐operatively in both groups although significantly less in the perforated group.
Increased bone formation around coated implants
Authors: Stadlinger Bernd , Bierbaum Susanne , Grimmer Silke , Schulz Matthias C. , Kuhlisch Eberhard , Scharnweber Dieter , Eckelt Uwe , Mai Ronald
Published: June 2009

Aim: We hypothesized that coating threaded, sandblasted acid‐etched titanium implants with collagen and chondroitin sulphate (CS) increases bone formation and implant stability, compared with uncoated controls.

Materials and Methods: Three different implant surface conditions were applied: (1) sandblasted acid‐etched (control), (2) collagen/chondroitin sulphate (low‐dose – CS1), (3) collagen/chondroitin sulphate (high‐dose – CS2). Sixty 9.5 mm experimental implants were placed in the mandible of 20 minipigs. Bone–implant contact (BIC) and relative peri‐implant bone‐volume density (rBVD – relation to bone‐volume density of the host bone) were assessed after 1 and 2 months of submerged healing. Implant stability was measured by resonance frequency analysis (RFA).

Results: After 1 month, coated implants had significantly more BIC compared with controls (CS1: 68%, p<0.0001, CS2: 63%, p=0.009, control: 52%). The rBVD was lower for all surface conditions, compared with the hostbone. After 2 months, BIC increased for all surfaces. No significant differences were measured (CS1: 71%, p=0.016, CS2: 68%, p=0.67, control: 63%). The rBVD was increased for coated implants. RFA values were 71–77 at implantation, 67–73 after 1 month and 74–75 after 2 months. Differences in rBVD and RFA were not statistically significant.

Conclusions: Data analysis suggests that collagen/CS has a positive influence on bone formation after 1 month of endosseous healing.
The impact of cytogenetic abnormalities on the prognosis of primary myelofibrosis: a prospective survey of 202 cases in Japan
Authors: Hidaka Tomonori , Shide Kotaro , Shimoda Haruko , Kameda Takurou , Toyama Keiko , Katayose Keiko , Kubuki Youko , Nagata Kenji , Takenaka Katsuto , Akashi Koichi , Okamura Takashi , Niho Yoshiyuki , Mizoguchi Hideaki , Omine Mitsuhiro , Ozawa Keiya , Harada Mine , Shimoda Kazuya
Published: June 2009

Cytogenetic abnormalities were often observed in primary myelofibrosis patients. The presence of specific cytogenetic abnormalities, such as sole abnormalities of chromosome 13q−, 20q−, or −7/7q−, is reported to have the influence on the prognosis of primary myelofibrosis. We analyzed the data from the prospective survey of Japanese primary myelofibrosis patients which was conducted from 1999 to clarify the impact of cytogenetic abnormalities on the prognosis of primary myelofibrosis. A total of 202 primary myelofibrosis patients had the cytogenetic and the prognostic data. Eighty (40%) out of 202 cases had cytogenetic abnormalities, and an association was evident for platelet counts. Although the presence of an abnormal karyotype did not affect the prognosis, primary myelofibrosis patients with cytogenetic abnormalities other than 13q− and 20q− showed an inferior prognosis compared to patients with a normal karyotype or sole 13q− or 20q− abnormalities. Patients with an unfavorable cytogenetic profile (abnormal cytogenetics other than 13q− or 20q−) also had a greater tendency to transform to leukemia than patients with a favorable cytogenetic profile (normal cytogenetics, sole abnormalities of either chromosome 13q−, or 20q−). Abnormal cytogenetics other than 13q− or 20q− in primary myelofibrosis patients has the poor prognostic effect for both survival and the risk of leukemic transformation.
Melatonin inhibits human fibroblast‐like synoviocyte proliferation via extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase/P21CIP1/P27KIP1 pathways
Authors: Nah Seong‐Su , Won Hye‐Jin , Park Hae Jeong , Ha Eunyoung , Chung Joo‐Ho , Cho Hong Yon , Baik Hyung Hwan
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  The excessive proliferation and migration of synoviocytes are well‐characterized phenomena that play key roles in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Melatonin has been shown to have potent anti‐proliferative effect in various cancer cells such as breast and prostate cancer cells. In this study, we examined the role of melatonin on synoviocyte proliferation in primary cultured human fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLSs) by analyzing protein expression of P21CIP1 (P21) and P27KIP1 (P27), the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors that are important in cell cycle control, and the phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs). RA‐FLS proliferation was determined by a [3H]‐thymidine incorporation assay. Western blot analysis was applied to examine the underlying mechanisms of melatonin’s effect. Melatonin inhibited RA‐FLS proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner. It reduced proliferation of passage 2 FLSs by 25% at 10 μm and by nearly 40% at 100 μm concentrations. The inhibitory effect of melatonin on RA‐FLS proliferation was also observed in passages 4 and 6. Melatonin upregulated the expression levels of P21 and P27 dose‐dependently (24 hr), induced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (ERK) time‐dependently (10 μm), but did not affect phosphorylation of P38 in RA‐FLSs. In addition, the expression of P21 and P27 triggered by melatonin was inhibited by the pretreatment of the ERK inhibitor, PD98059 (10 μm). The anti‐proliferative action of melatonin in RA‐FLSs was also blocked by PD98059. Taken together, these results suggest that melatonin exerts the inhibitory effect of the proliferation of RA‐FLSs through the activation of P21 and P27 mediated by ERK. Hence we suggest that melatonin could be used as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of RA.
ICF‐CY: A Universal Tool for Documentation of Disability
Authors: Simeonsson Rune J.
Published: June 2009

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health—ICF (ICF‐CY) conceptual framework offers a new paradigm and taxonomy of human functioning disability, which can be used to guide holistic and interdisciplinary approaches to assessment and intervention. In settings serving children, youth, or adults with disabilities, the ICF‐CY can provide comprehensive documentation of its involvement in special education and rehabilitation. Implementation of the ICF‐CY in early intervention, special education, and habilitation settings should build on the adoption of the dimensional framework for practice and corresponding applications in assessment and intervention practices. An important priority in such applications is the identification and development of instruments and assessment tools that can provide evidence for assigning severity levels to ICF‐CY codes.