bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Visuospatial Ability Predict Performance and Learning Curves on a Robotic Surgery Simulator?
Authors: Suozzi Brent A. , O’Sullivan David M. , Finnegan Kyle T. , Steinberg Adam C.
Published: June 2013

Objective

This study aimed to examine the correlation between visuospatial ability, measured with the Perceptual Ability Test (PAT), and da Vinci robot simulator performance on the da Vinci Skills Simulator.

Methods

Twenty-five consenting medical students naive to both the PAT and the da Vinci robot completed the PAT and then performed a single simulation (Ring-walk 2) 10 consecutive times. Raw PAT scores were compared with composite simulator scores for all subjects. Participants were divided into those with high and low visuospatial ability based on whether they scored above or below (or equal) to the median on the PAT. We compared the mean composite simulator scores and the time to complete each exercise between the high and the low PAT performers.

Results

The mean (SD) raw PAT score (out of 90) was 45.5 (18.3) (median, 43.0). The mean composite simulator score was 65.5 (24.1) (median, 72.2). The high (n = 12) and low (n = 13) PAT performers had a mean (SD) (median) simulator score of 79.1 (9.8) (80.3) and 53.0 (26.7) (65.9), respectively. On average, the high PAT performers scored 26.1 points (95% confidence interval, 9.2–43.0, P = 0.005), or 49.2%, higher on the simulation than the low PAT performers. The high PAT performers completed the exercise in 96.5 seconds (95% confidence interval, 26.0–167.0; P = 0.009), or 36.2%, faster than the low PAT performers.

Conclusions

Better visuospatial ability relates to improved performance on a robotic surgery simulator.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Betschart Cornelia , Mol Suzanne E. , Lütolf-Keller Béatrice , Fink Daniel , Perucchini Daniele , Scheiner David
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Previous studies examining the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for urinary incontinence in premenopausal and postmenopausal women have shown ambiguous results. The aim of this study was to compare subjective PFMT outcome in premenopausal versus postmenopausal women.

Methods

This is a retrospective study including premenopausal and postmenopausal women after PFMT for urodynamically proven stress urinary incontinence, mixed urinary incontinence, or urgency urinary incontinence from January 2003 to December 2008, with assessment of the need of an incontinence surgery in a follow-up time of least 24 months. Patients evaluated the change of their urinary incontinence on a 4-point Likert scale (1, no improvement; 2, slightly better; 3, no relevant incontinence; 4, excellent outcome; no incontinence at all) and their goal attainment on a 3-point Likert scale (1, less than expected; 2, as expected; and 3, more than expected).

Results

Successful outcome was reported by 59% of the premenopausal patients and 70% of the postmenopausal patients (P = 0.16), the attainment of the subjective goal by 68% and 81% (P = 0.09), and the need of an incontinence operation in a follow-up of 30 to 102 months by 15% and 14% (P = 1.0), respectively. None of the outcome parameters reached significance.

Conclusions

In comparing premenopausal to postmenopausal women, we could not detect any statistically significant difference with regard to patients’ satisfaction for the outcome of PFMT.
Robotic Versus Vaginal Urogynecologic Surgery
Authors: Robinson Barbara L. , Parnell Brent A. , Sandbulte Jennifer T. , Geller Elizabeth J. , Connolly AnnaMarie , Matthews Catherine A.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

The primary objective was to compare perioperative complications after robotic surgery (RS) versus vaginal surgery (VS) for apical prolapse repair in elderly women. The secondary objectives were to (1) assess whether tools designed to predict surgical morbidity, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), are useful in the elderly urogynecologic population and (2) to classify complications during urogynecologic apical procedures using the Dindo classification system.

Methods

We reviewed medical records of women 65 years or older who underwent RS or VS between March 2006 and April 2011. Procedures included robotic sacrocolpopexy and sacrocervicopexy, vaginal uterosacral ligament suspension, sacrospinous ligament suspension, colpocleisis, and Uphold vaginal mesh placement. We assessed preoperative risks using ASA and CCI classification and complications using Dindo grade.

Results

There were 136 eligible cases (RS, 70; and VS, 66) during the 5-year study period. Women who underwent RS were younger (70 vs 74 years; P < 0.001). Vaginal surgery had more severe comorbidities as measured by the CCI (P = 0.012) but similar ASA profiles (P = 0.10). Robotic surgery had longer operative times (P < 0.001) but a lower estimated blood loss (P < 0.001). There were fewer postoperative complications in RS (P = 0.005). However, complication severity based on Dindo grade was similar between RS and VS, with most surgeries having no complications.

Conclusions

In the elderly women, RS was associated with fewer postoperative complications than VS. Overall, all procedures were associated with few complications, and either route may be reasonable in the elderly population.
The Blind Photographer. Observations on the Bewildering Nature of Feigned Vision Loss
Authors: Margo Curtis E. , Harman Lynn E. , Drucker Mitchell
Published: June 2013

The diagnosis of feigned vision loss in adults taxes the doctor–patient relationship because the relationship should be based on trust, honesty, and the mutual desire to improve the medical condition. Even under ideal circumstances, physicians rarely have a complete understanding of the factors that lead patients to simulate disease they do not have. We describe the historical figure of John Howard Griffin (1920–1980) who likely perpetuated feigned vision loss for a decade. His writings provide a unique perspective on motivation (or inspiration) behind factitious disease.
New serovars of Leptospira isolated from patients in Costa Rica: implications for public health
Authors: Valverde Ma. de los A. , Goris M. G. A. , González V. , Anchia M. E. , Díaz P. , Ahmed A. , Hartskeerl R. A.
Published: June 2013

Leptospira strains JICH 05 and INCIENSA 04 were isolated from hospitalized leptospirosis patients in the province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. The isolates produced agglutination titres notably against members of serogroups Pyrogenes and Tarassovi, respectively, but appeared serologically unique in the cross agglutinin absorption test (CAAT). Therefore, JICH 05 and INCIENSA 04 were considered to represent two new serovars, designated Corredores and Costa Rica of the serogroups Pyrogenes and Tarassovi, respectively. Multilocus sequence genotyping revealed that both strain INCIENSA 04 and strain JICH 05 belong to Leptospira santarosai. These two new serovars are in addition to various other recently identified highly virulent serovars, including the new L. santarosai, serovar Arenal. Considering the fact that isolation and typing of leptospires from patients has only recently been introduced in Costa Rica, these findings suggest that various known and unknown virulent serovars of Leptospira are circulating in this country and probably beyond, thus posing a severe threat to public and probably veterinary health in the region.
Comparative analysis of 16S RNA nucleotide sequences of Anaplasma phagocytophilum detected in the blood of horses from various parts of Europe
Authors: Dzięgiel Beata , Adaszek Lukasz , Winiarczyk Mateusz , García-Bocanegra Ignacio , Carbonero Alfonso , Dębiak Piotr , Winiarczyk Stanisław
Published: June 2013

The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene fragment nucleotide sequences for Anaplasma phagocytophilum strains detected in the blood of horses from various parts of Europe. The study comprised 234 horses that had had contact with ticks. Using PCR, the genetic material of A. phagocytophilum was identified in the blood of 42 animals. The sequences of the 16S RNA gene amplicons that were obtained from our A. phagocytophilum isolates had 100 % similarity with each other and 96.4–100 % similarity with Anaplasma spp. sequences selected from those available in GenBank. Nucleotide substitutions at positions 248 and 249 were demonstrated in all the 16S RNA gene sequences of Anaplasma obtained in our study. This may indicate the emergence of a new rickettsial genotype that is the cause of equine granulocytic anaplasmosis in southern and eastern Europe. These results add new information on the epidemiology and genetic diversity of A. phagocytophilum detected in the blood of horses from southern and eastern Europe.
Immune complex binding Streptococcus pyogenes type M12/emm12 in experimental glomerulonephritis
Authors: Burova Larissa , Pigarevsky Peter , Duplik Nadezhda , Snegova Vlada , Suvorov Alexander , Schalen Claes , Totolian Artem
Published: June 2013

In a rabbit model, we have previously reported evidence for a pathogenic role of streptococcal IgG Fc-binding proteins (IgGFcBP) in poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN). These proteins, of the M protein family, were shown to trigger anti-IgG production and enhance renal deposition of IgG and/or immune complexes (ICs), with resulting activation of complement and cytokine cascades. In the present study, type M12/emm12, group A streptococci (GAS) were found often to bind artificial ICs, viz. peroxidase–anti-peroxidase rabbit IgG (PAP) or tetanus toxoid–anti-tetanus human IgG (TAT), rather than monomeric IgG. Animals injected with each of four IC binding clinical isolates (from patients with scarlet fever or PSGN) showed pronounced inflammatory and degenerative glomerular changes, morphologically similar to human PSGN, with membrane thickening and IgG and complement C3 deposition, as well as secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α by mesangial and endothelial cells. In contrast, non-binding strains (two from asymptomatic carriers and one from a PSGN case) failed to trigger any renal changes. Only the IC binding strains induced elevated titres of anti-IgG. Though the streptococcal binding component(s) has not been demonstrated, the selective binding of ICs by type M12/emm12 strains appears important for the well-known, marked nephritogenic potential of this GAS type.
Salmonella enterica serovar Minnesota urosepsis in a patient with Crohn’s disease in the absence of recent or current gastrointestinal symptoms
Authors: Steinebrunner Niels , Sandig Catharina , Zimmermann Stefan , Stremmel Wolfgang , Eisenbach Christoph , Mischnik Alexander
Published: June 2013

Salmonella enterica serovar Minnesota is a rarely isolated organism in clinical samples mainly grown from stool cultures. Sepsis due to Salmonella is known in severely immunocompromised patients, but so far urosepsis due to S. enterica serovar Minnesota has not been described. We report a case of a 31-year-old patient suffering from Crohn’s disease treated with infliximab and azathioprine, in whom was implanted a double-J ureteric catheter for urolithiasis. The patient presented with urinary tract infection and severe sepsis. S. enterica serovar Minnesota was grown from urine and blood cultures. After empiric antimicrobial treatment with meropenem and vancomycin, treatment was changed to ceftriaxone. Antimicrobial treatment was continued for a total of 3 weeks without evidence of Salmonella recurrence on follow-up visits. Salmonella spp. rarely cause urinary tract infection and sepsis. However, in immunocompromised patients, non-typhoidal salmonellosis merits a thorough clinical and microbiological evaluation.
Clostridium difficile infections in South East Scotland: mortality and recurrence in a region without PCR ribotype 027
Authors: Taori Surabhi K. , Wroe Allison , Poxton Ian R.
Published: June 2013

Three hundred and thirty-five patients with laboratory-confirmed Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) were studied for epidemiological features, clinical presentation and laboratory markers. They were followed up for 1 year to determine recurrence and mortality. Four hundred and thirty-two episodes were recorded. One year mortality was 41.8 % of which CDI was listed on 20 % of the death certificates. One year recurrence rate was 22.9 %. PCR ribotype 001 was the commonest epidemiological type and ribotype 027 was not detected. High total leucocyte count and low albumin were significantly associated with mortality, as was the absence of a GI-invasive procedure in the 12 weeks preceding CDI diagnosis, probably due to patients being unfit for the procedure. No association with acid suppressants, deletion in the tdcC anti-sigma factor or vancomycin-resistant enterococcus/methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus co-infection was detected. One year mortality was higher in patients who developed recurrent infections (P<0.001). Differences in ribotype were observed in 2.3 %, 11.11 %, 20 % and 32.4 % isolates with time intervals between sampling of 0–20, 21–40, 41–60 and >60 days, respectively, suggesting that the arbitrary cut-off of 28 days to call a repeat infection a reinfection may not be correct in some cases.
Ordered stacking of crystals with adjustable curvatures for hard X- and γ-ray broadband focusing
Authors: Neri Ilaria , Camattari Riccardo , Bellucci Valerio , Guidi Vincenzo , Bastie Pierre
Published: June 2013

A stack of plate-like curved crystals is proposed as an optical element for X- and γ-ray focusing. Si mono-crystal plates have been bent by surface grooving and positioned one over the other to form a stack. The relative alignment of the curved diffracting planes in the stack has been tested by hard X-ray diffractometry using a polychromatic and divergent beam. The stack exhibited a single and well defined spot under X-ray diffraction, highlighting that the plates are sufficiently aligned to behave as a single crystal. The curvature of the plates in the stack can be precisely set by tightly controlling the experimental parameters of grooving. Once set, the curvature is self-standing, i.e. it is maintained without any need for an external bender. Thanks to the stacking, it would be possible to realize optical elements with arbitrarily large size. This achievement has important implications for the realization of satellite-borne experiments in astrophysics and instruments for nuclear medicine with superior resolution.
Unidirectional growth and characterization of L-tartaric acid single crystals
Authors: Moovendaran K. , Natarajan S.
Published: June 2013

Single crystals of L-tartaric acid (LTA), an organic nonlinear optical material, have been grown using a home-built crystal growth setup (the Moovendaran–Kalyanasundar–Natarajan setup). Crystals of LTA were also grown by the slow evaporation solution technique. These single crystals were characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, high-resolution X-ray diffraction, and IR and UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy. In addition, measurements of Vickers microhardness, laser damage threshold value and second harmonic generation efficiency are reported. Thermal, dielectric and photoluminescence studies were also carried out.
Cost of capital in SMEs
Authors: Britzelmaier Bernd , Kraus Patrick , Häberle Michael , Mayer Benjamin , Beck Valentin
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the applicability of value based management (VBM) concepts for small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and to identify obstacles for its implementation. Estimating cost of capital is central to all VBM concepts, it is hence intended to critically analyse approaches that allow estimating cost of capital for non‐publicly traded firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on literature review and a case study approach. A case study on estimating the cost of capital has been conducted with a single manufacturing firm in Germany.

Findings

VBM may provide useful management concepts for SMEs. Estimating the cost of capital has been found to be a critical element of implementing VBM concepts. Due to the absence of capital market data, cost of equity in SMEs has to be derived by means of alternative procedures. Results of a case study implicate that a combination of different methods may provide reasonable results in practice.

Research limitations/implications

The applied research approach and the heterogeneity of the SME sector do not allow generalizing the results of this research.

Originality/value

The paper addresses a major barrier for implementing VBM in SMEs. It proposes a combination of analogy and qualitative approaches for estimating the cost of equity in SMEs.
Impact of host nutritional status on infection dynamics and parasite virulence in a bird‐malaria system
Authors: Cornet Stéphane , Bichet Coraline , Larcombe Stephen , Faivre Bruno , Sorci Gabriele
Published: June 2013

Host resources can drive the optimal parasite exploitation strategy by offering a good or a poor environment to pathogens. Hosts living in resource‐rich habitats might offer a favourable environment to developing parasites because they provide a wealth of resources. However, hosts living in resource‐rich habitats might afford a higher investment into costly immune defences providing an effective barrier against infection. Understanding how parasites can adapt to hosts living in habitats of different quality is a major challenge in the light of the current human‐driven environmental changes.

We studied the role of nutritional resources as a source of phenotypic variation in host exploitation by the avian malaria parasite Plasmodium relictum. We investigated how the nutritional status of birds altered parasite within‐host dynamics and virulence, and how the interaction between past and current environments experienced by the parasite accounts for the variation in the infection dynamics. Experimentally infected canaries were allocated to control or supplemented diets. Plasmodium parasites experiencing the two different environments were subsequently transmitted in a full‐factorial design to new hosts reared under similar control or supplemented diets.

Food supplementation was effective since supplemented hosts gained body mass during a 15‐day period that preceded the infection. Host nutrition had strong effects on infection dynamics and parasite virulence. Overall, parasites were more successful in control nonsupplemented birds, reaching larger population sizes and producing more sexual (transmissible) stages. However, supplemented hosts paid a higher cost of infection, and when keeping parasitaemia constant, they had lower haematocrit than control hosts.

Parasites grown on control hosts were better able to exploit the subsequent hosts since they reached higher parasitaemia than parasites originating from supplemented hosts. They were also more virulent since they induced higher mass and haematocrit loss.

Our study highlights that parasite virulence can be shaped by the host nutritional status and that parasite can adapt to the environment provided by their hosts, possibly through genetic selection.
Role of the LysR‐type transcriptional regulator PecT and DNA supercoiling in the thermoregulation of pel genes, the major virulence factors in Dickeya dadantii
Authors: Hérault Elodie , Reverchon Sylvie , Nasser William
Published: June 2013

Bacteria are colonizers of various environments and host organisms, and they are often subjected to drastic temperature variations. Dickeya dadantii is a pathogen infecting a wide range of plant species. Soft rot, the visible symptom, is mainly due to the production of pectate lyases (Pels) that destroy plant cell walls. The production of Pels is controlled by a complex regulation system that responds to various stimuli, such as the presence of pectin, growth phase and temperature. Despite numerous regulatory studies, the thermoregulation mechanism of Pel production remains unexplained. Here, we show that PecT, a previously identified repressor, modulates pel gene expression in a temperature‐dependent manner, and we demonstrate that PecT binding on pel promoters increases concomitantly with temperature. High temperatures relax the DNA in D. dadantii, and remarkably, artificial relaxation of DNA at low temperatures increases PecT binding to DNA. Deletion of pecT augmented the capacity of D. dadantii to initiate soft‐rot symptoms at high temperatures. These results reveal that DNA topology and PecT act in concert to fine‐tune D. dadantii virulence in response to temperature. This novel combination between DNA topology and a conventional transcriptional regulator extends our understanding of the thermoregulation mechanisms involved in bacterial virulence.
Rates of subsequent surgery following endometrial ablation among English women with menorrhagia: population‐based cohort study
Authors: Bansi‐Matharu L , Gurol‐Urganci I , Mahmood TA , Templeton A , van der Meulen JH , Cromwell DA
Published: June 2013

Objective

To assess the risk of further surgery amongst women who had an initial endometrial ablation (EA) for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB).

Design

A retrospective cohort study using a national administrative database.

Setting

Population‐based study of hospital care in the English National Health Service.

Population

A cohort of 114 910 women who had EA for HMB between January 2000 and December 2011.

Methods

Multiple Cox regressions were performed to identify the risks of a further procedure, adjusted for age, social deprivation, year and type of initial EA, and presence of fibroids/polyps.

Main outcome measures

Time to repeat EA or hysterectomy after initial surgery.

Results

Of 114 910 women undergoing EA, 16.7% had at least one subsequent procedure within 5 years. Higher rates of subsequent surgery were associated with younger age at initial EA, with women aged under 35 years having an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.83 (95% CI 2.67–2.99), compared with women aged over 45 years. Women who had radiofrequency ablation were less likely to have subsequent surgery as compared with first‐generation techniques (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.63–0.76). The rate of a subsequent hysterectomy within 5 years was 13.5%. Younger women (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.51–0.69) and those who had balloon, microwave, or radiofrequency ablation were less likely to have a second EA procedure, rather than a hysterectomy.

Conclusions

One in six women have further surgery after EA for HMB, which is a higher rate than reported in clinical trials. This risk of further surgery decreases with age.
Standard‐ or high‐dose oxytocin for nulliparous women with confirmed delay in labour: quantitative and qualitative results from a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kenyon S , Armstrong N , Johnston T , Walkinshaw S , Petrou S , Howman A , Cheed V , Markham C , McNicol S , Willars J , Waugh J ,   The HOLDS Collaborative Group
Published: June 2013

Objective

Evidence suggests that a high dose of oxytocin for nulliparous women at 37–42 weeks of gestation with confirmed delay in labour increases spontaneous vaginal birth. We undertook a pilot study to test the feasibility of this treatment.

Design

Pilot double‐blind randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Three teaching hospitals in the UK.

Population

A total of 94 consenting nulliparous women at term with confirmed delay in labour were recruited, and 18 were interviewed.

Methods

Women were assigned to either a standard (2 mU/min, increasing every 30 minutes to 32 mU/minute) or a high‐dose regimen (4 mU/minute, increasing every 30 minutes to 64 mU/minutes) oxytocin by computer‐generated randomisation. Simple descriptive statistics were used, as the sample size was insufficient to evaluate clinical outcomes. The constant comparative method was used to analyse the interviews.

Main outcomes measures

The main outcome measures: number of women eligible; maternal and neonatal birth; safety; maternal psychological outcomes and experiences; health‐related quality of life outcomes using validated tools and data on health service resource use; incidence of suspected delay of labour (cervical dilatation of <2 cm after 4 hours, once labour is established); and incidence of confirmed delay of labour (progress of <1 cm on repeat vaginal examination after a period of 2 hours).

Results

We successfully developed systems to recruit eligible women in labour and to collect data. Rates of spontaneous vaginal birth (10/47 versus 12/47, RR 1.2, 95% CI 0.6–2.5) and caesarean section (15/47 versus 17/47, RR 1.1, 95% CI 0.6–2.0) were increased, and rates of instrumental birth were reduced (21/47 versus 17/47, RR 0.8, 95% CI 0.5–1.3). No evidence of increased harm for either mother or baby was found. The incidences of suspected delay (14%) and confirmed delay (11%) in labour were less than anticipated. Of those who did not go on to have delayed labour confirmed, all except one woman gave birth vaginally.

Conclusions

A pilot trial assessing the efficacy of high‐dose oxytocin was feasible, but uncertainty remains, highlighting the need for a large definitive trial. The implementation of national guidance of suspected and confirmed delay in labour is likely to reduce intervention.
Intimate partner violence during pregnancy: victim or perpetrator? Does it make a difference?
Authors: Shneyderman Y , Kiely M
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To differentiate between forms of intimate partner violence (IPV) (victim only, perpetrator only, or participating in reciprocal violence) and examine risk profiles and pregnancy outcomes.

Design

Prospective.

Setting

Washington, DC, July 2001 to October 2003.

Sample

A total of 1044 high‐risk African‐American pregnant women who participated in a randomised controlled trial to address IPV, depression, smoking and environmental tobacco smoke exposure.

Methods

Multivariable linear and logistic regression.

Main outcome measures

Low and very low birthweight, preterm and very preterm birth.

Results

Five percent of women were victims only, 12% were perpetrators only, 27% participated in reciprocal violence and 55% reported no IPV. Women reporting reciprocal violence in the past year were more likely to drink, use illicit drugs and experience environmental tobacco smoke exposure and were less likely to be very happy about their pregnancies. Women reporting any type of IPV were more likely to be depressed than those reporting no IPV. Women experiencing reciprocal violence reported the highest levels of depression. Women who were victims of IPV were more likely to give birth prematurely and deliver low‐birthweight and very‐low‐birthweight infants.

Conclusions

We conclude that women were at highest risk for pregnancy risk factors when they participated in reciprocal violence and so might be at higher risk for long‐term consequences, but women who were victims of IPV were more likely to show proximal negative outcomes like preterm birth and low birthweight infants. Different types of interventions may be needed for these two forms of IPV.
Job Mismatches and Labour Market Outcomes: Panel Evidence on University Graduates
Authors: Mavromaras Kostas , McGuinness Seamus , O'Leary Nigel , Sloane Peter , Wei Zhang
Published: June 2013

The interpretation of graduate mismatch manifested either as over‐education or as over‐skilling remains problematical. This article analyses the relationship of educational and skills mismatch with pay, job satisfaction and job mobility using unique data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey. Over‐education and over‐skilling are found to be distinct phenomena and their combination results in the most severe negative labour market outcomes. Using panel methodology reduces strongly the size of many relevant coefficients, questioning previous cross‐sectional results in the literature. The article shows that the relationship between mismatch and labour market outcomes is strongly influenced by unobserved heterogeneity.
THE CODE OF THE STREET AND INMATE VIOLENCE: INVESTIGATING THE SALIENCE OF IMPORTED BELIEF SYSTEMS
Authors: MEARS DANIEL P. , STEWART ERIC A. , SIENNICK SONJA E. , SIMONS RONALD L.
Published: June 2013

Scholars have long argued that inmate behaviors stem in part from cultural belief systems that they “import” with them into incarcerative settings. Even so, few empirical assessments have tested this argument directly. Drawing on theoretical accounts of one such set of beliefs—the code of the street—and on importation theory, we hypothesize that individuals who adhere more strongly to the street code will be more likely, once incarcerated, to engage in violent behavior and that this effect will be amplified by such incarceration experiences as disciplinary sanctions and gang involvement, as well as the lack of educational programming, religious programming, and family support. We test these hypotheses using unique data that include measures of the street code belief system and incarceration experiences. The results support the argument that the code of the street belief system affects inmate violence and that the effect is more pronounced among inmates who lack family support, experience disciplinary sanctions, and are gang involved. Implications of these findings are discussed.
VULNERABLE VICTIMS, MONSTROUS OFFENDERS, AND UNMANAGEABLE RISK: EXPLAINING PUBLIC OPINION ON THE SOCIAL CONTROL OF SEX CRIME
Authors: PICKETT JUSTIN T. , MANCINI CHRISTINA , MEARS DANIEL P.
Published: June 2013

With the possible exception of terrorists, sex offenders in the United States experience a greater degree of punishment and restriction than any other offender group, nonviolent or violent. Members of the public overwhelmingly support “get tough” sex crime policies and display an intense hostility toward persons labeled “sex criminals.” The theoretical literature has identified three models potentially explaining public opinion on the social control of sex crime: the victim‐oriented concerns model, the sex offender stereotypes model, and the risk‐management concerns model. However, empirical work that directly tests these models is absent. This article addresses that gap by analyzing national survey data that includes measures of the key concepts outlined in the different theoretical models and items gauging support for punitive sex crime laws as well as support for sex offender treatment. The findings provide partial support for all three models but suggest that extant theories can better explain support for punitive sex crime policies than views about sex offender treatment.
An After‐School Snack of Raisins Lowers Cumulative Food Intake in Young Children
Authors: Patel Barkha P. , Bellissimo Nick , Luhovyy Bohdan , Bennett Lorianne J. , Hurton Evelyn , Painter James E. , Anderson G. Harvey
Published: June 2013

Snacks are an important part of children's dietary intake, but the role of dried fruit on energy intake in children is unknown. Therefore, the effect of ad libitum consumption of an after‐school snack of raisins, grapes, potato chips, and chocolate chip cookies on appetite and energy intake in twenty‐six 8‐ to 11‐y‐old normal‐weight (15th to 85th percentile) children was examined. On 4 separate weekdays, 1 wk apart, children (11 M, 15 F) were given a standardized breakfast, morning snack (apple), and a standardized lunch. After school, children randomly received 1 of 4 ad libitum snacks and were instructed to eat until “comfortably full.” Appetite was measured before and 15, 30, and 45 min after snack consumption. Children consumed the least calories from raisins and grapes and the most from cookies (P < 0.001). However, weight of raisins consumed was similar to potato chips (about 75 g) and lower compared to grapes and cookies (P < 0.009). Raisins and grapes led to lower cumulative food intake (breakfast + morning snack + lunch + after‐school snack) (P < 0.001), while the cookies increased cumulative food intake (P < 0.001) compared to the other snacks. Grapes lowered appetite compared to all other snacks (P < 0.001) when expressed as a change in appetite per kilocalorie of the snack. Ad libitum consumption of raisins has potential as an after‐school snack to achieve low snack intake prior to dinner, similar to grapes, compared to potato chips, and cookies in children 8 to 11 y old.
Raisin Consumption by Humans: Effects on Glycemia and Insulinemia and Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Anderson James W. , Waters Ashley R.
Published: June 2013

Raisins are widely recommended as good foods and preferred snacks because of their nutrient content. They are rich in dietary fiber, potassium, and many health‐promoting phytonutrients and antioxidants. Raisins have a high dietary fiber score. Laboratory studies document that raisins rank in the upper quartile of foods for antioxidant content. Clinical research related to the potential health benefits of raisins has intensified over the past 10 y. Much of this research has focused on blood glucose and insulin responses to raisins compared to other foods or snacks. Meal studies indicate that raisins have a low to moderate glycemic index and a low insulinemic index. Longer term studies suggest that customary intake of raisins is associated with lower postprandial blood glucose values than with equicaloric control foods. Cross‐sectional studies suggest that higher levels of dried fruit consumption are associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure than seen with minimal dried fruit use. One clinical study documents that raisin intake over 12 wk is accompanied by a significant reduction in blood pressure. Preliminary results indicate that raisins are associated with increased satiety and decreased food consumption over an 8‐h period, but the potential benefits of raisins for weight loss have not been assessed. Raisin intake is accompanied by reductions in serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and oxidized low‐density cholesterol values. Thus, raisins have the potential to significantly reduce the risk for developing diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
The importance of small colonies in sustaining Microcystis population exposed to mixing conditions: an exploration through colony size, genotypic composition and toxic potential
Authors: Sabart Marion , Misson Benjamin , Descroix Aurélie , Duffaud Emilie , Combourieu Bruno , Salençon Marie‐José , Latour Delphine
Published: June 2013

Microcystis is a toxic colony‐forming cyanobacterium, which can bloom in a wide range of freshwater ecosystems. Despite the ecological advantage of the colonial form, few studies have paid attention to the size of Microcystis colonies in the field. With the aim of evaluating the impact of a fluctuating physical environment on the colony size, the genotypic composition and the toxic potential of a Microcystis population, we investigated five different colony size classes of a Microcystis bloom in the Grangent reservoir (France). By sequencing the internal transcribed spacer of the ribosomal operon, we evidenced changes in the genetic structure among size classes in response to environmental change. While similar genotypes were seen in every size class in stable conditions, new dominant genotypes appeared in the smallest colonies (< 160 μm) concomitantly with mixing conditions, strongly suggesting the importance of these colonies in response to disturbances. Moreover, these small colonies played a major role in microcystin production during this bloom, since very high microcystin contents (> 1 pg.cell.−1) were found in their cells. These findings indicate that the colony size distribution of a Microcystis population in response to disturbance could be an adaptive strategy that may explain its ecological success in freshwater ecosystems.
The effects of prolonged inspiratory time during one‐lung ventilation: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lee S. M. , Kim W. H. , Ahn H. J. , Kim J. A. , Yang M. K. , Lee C. H. , Lee J. H. , Kim Y. R. , Choi J. W.
Published: June 2013

We evaluated the effects of a prolonged inspiratory time on gas exchange in subjects undergoing one‐lung ventilation for thoracic surgery. One hundred patients were randomly assigned to Group I:E = 1:2 or Group I:E = 1:1. Arterial blood gas analysis and respiratory mechanics measurements were performed 10 min after anaesthesia induction, 30 and 60 min after initiation of one‐lung ventilation, and 15 min after restoration of conventional two‐lung ventilation. The mean (SD) ratio of the partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen after 60 min of one‐lung ventilation was significantly lower in Group I:E = 1:2 compared with Group I:E = 1:1 (27.7 (13.2) kPa vs 35.2 (22.1) kPa, respectively, p = 0.043). Mean (SD) physiological dead space‐to‐tidal volume ratio after 60 min of one‐lung ventilation was significantly higher in Group I:E = 1:2 compared with Group I:E = 1:1 (0.46 (0.04) vs 0.43 (0.04), respectively, p = 0.008). Median (IQR [range]) peak inspiratory pressure was higher in Group I:E = 1:2 compared with Group I:E = 1:1 after 60 min of one‐lung ventilation (23 (22–25 [18–29]) cmH2O vs 20 (18–21 [16–27]) cmH2O, respectively, p < 0.001) and median (IQR [range]) mean airway pressure was lower in Group I:E = 1:2 compared with Group I:E = 1:1 (10 (8–11 [5–15]) cmH2O vs 11 (10–13 [5–16]) cmH2O, respectively, p < 0.001). We conclude that, compared with an I:E ratio of 1:2, an I:E ratio of 1:1 resulted in a modest improvement in oxygenation and decreased shunt fraction during one‐lung ventilation.
The future is now: early life events preset adult behaviour
Authors: Patchev A. V. , Rodrigues A. J. , Sousa N. , Spengler D. , Almeida O. F. X.
Published: June 2013

To consider the evidence that human and animal behaviours are epigenetically programmed by lifetime experiences. Extensive PubMed searches were carried out to gain a broad view of the topic, in particular from the perspective of human psychopathologies such as mood and anxiety disorders. The selected literature cited is complemented by previously unpublished data from the authors' laboratories. Evidence that physiological and behavioural functions are particularly sensitive to the programming effects of environmental factors such as stress and nutrition during early life, and perhaps at later stages of life, is reviewed and extended. Definition of stimulus‐ and function‐specific critical periods of programmability together with deeper understanding of the molecular basis of epigenetic regulation will deliver greater appreciation of the full potential of the brain's plasticity while providing evidence‐based social, psychological and pharmacological interventions to promote lifetime well‐being.
Survival and cure of acute myeloid leukaemia in England, 1971‐2006: a population–based study
Authors: Shah Anjali , Andersson Therese M.‐L. , Rachet Bernard , Björkholm Magnus , Lambert Paul C.
Published: June 2013

The 5‐year relative survival of adults diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) was less than 10% during the 1970s and 1980s in England. This population‐based study estimated the 5‐year relative survival and ‘cure’ for 48 380 adult patients diagnosed with AML in England during 1971–2006. Relative survival and cure mixture models were used to produce estimates of 5‐year relative survival and the percentage ‘cured’. ‘Cure’ was defined as the proportion of a group of survivors for whom there is no excess mortality compared with the general population. The 5‐year relative survival and the percentage ‘cured’ increased for patients aged under 70 years at diagnosis during 1971–2006, but advancing age was associated with poorer outcome. During the study period a dramatic increase in 5‐year relative survival occurred in those aged 15–24 years, from 7% to 53%. The percentage ‘cured’ was less than 10% for all ages in 1975, but increased to 45% for those aged 15–24 years in 2000. Cure could not be estimated for patients over 70 years, because survival was consistently low (<5%). The long‐term outcome of patients with AML has improved substantially, particularly in younger patients. The potential exists for further increasing levels of ‘cure’.
A UK national audit of hereditary and acquired angioedema
Authors: Jolles S , Williams P , Carne E , Mian H , Huissoon A , Wong G , Hackett S , Lortan J , Platts V , Longhurst H , Grigoriadou S , Dempster J , Deacock S , Khan S , Darroch J , Simon C , Thomas M , Pavaladurai V , Alachkar H , Herwadkar A , Abinun M , Arkwright P , Tarzi M , Helbert M , Bangs C , Pastacaldi C , Phillips C , Bennett H , El-Shanawany T
Published: June 2013

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) and acquired angioedema (AAE) are rare life-threatening conditions caused by deficiency of C1 inhibitor (C1INH). Both are characterized by recurrent unpredictable episodes of mucosal swelling involving three main areas: the skin, gastrointestinal tract and larynx. Swelling in the gastrointestinal tract results in abdominal pain and vomiting, while swelling in the larynx may be fatal. There are limited UK data on these patients to help improve practice and understand more clearly the burden of disease. An audit tool was designed, informed by the published UK consensus document and clinical practice, and sent to clinicians involved in the care of HAE patients through a number of national organizations. Data sets on 376 patients were received from 14 centres in England, Scotland and Wales. There were 55 deaths from HAE in 33 families, emphasizing the potentially lethal nature of this disease. These data also show that there is a significant diagnostic delay of on average 10 years for type I HAE, 18 years for type II HAE and 5 years for AAE. For HAE the average annual frequency of swellings per patient affecting the periphery was eight, abdomen 5 and airway 0·5, with wide individual variation. The impact on quality of life was rated as moderate or severe by 37% of adult patients. The audit has helped to define the burden of disease in the UK and has aided planning new treatments for UK patients.
50 years of the Hungarian Congenital Abnormality Registry
Authors: Czeizel Andrew E. , Métneki Julia , Béres Judit
Published: June 2013

The mandatory notification of patients (“cases”) with different congenital abnormalities (CAs) diagnosed from birth until the end of the first postnatal year by medical doctors was ordered by the Ministry of Health in Hungary in 1962 and this CA‐registry was continued as the Hungarian Congenital Abnormality Registry (HCAR) based on the international recommendation from 1970. The primary objective of the HCAR has been to determine the baseline birth prevalence rate of different CAs as reliably as possible, with three secondary objectives: (i) to detect temporal and/or spatial clusters of CAs; (ii) to evaluate increasing or decreasing time trends of CAs; and (iii) to assist in the planning of medical and social services for children and families affected by CA so that appropriate resources are allocated efficiently and effectively. This paper summarizes the activities and the evolution of the HCAR over the past 50 years (1962–2011) including the Hungarian Case‐Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities for postmarketing surveillance of drug teratogenicity and prevention of CAs; the special evaluation of unidentified multiple CAs; the Hungarian Surveillance of Germinal Mutations and several international collaborations. In conclusion, Hungary enjoyed optimal conditions for the HCAR due to a centralized state health system; all deliveries took place in inpatient clinics; the quality of pediatric care was high and pediatricians notified most CAs. Autopsy was mandatory in infant death, the staff of the HCAR did not consider this CA‐registry only as a statistical system but the Hungarian Center for Congenital Anomaly Control and the Hungarian Case‐Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities based on the HCAR worked with close collaboration with the parents in order to promote the possible good quality of life of their affected children and to prevent their risk of recurrence.
Dental care providers' decision making regarding maintenance of compromised teeth and implant therapy indication: an analysis of gender and enrollment in teaching positions
Authors: Junges R. , Zitzmann N. U. , Walter C. , Rösing C. K.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate Brazilian dentists' decision making regarding periodontally involved teeth and implant therapy indications as well as possible modifying factors such as gender, enrollment in teaching positions, and area of specialization.

Material and methods

This cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based study was conducted among Brazilian dentists between June and November 2012. The questionnaire comprised 27 questions divided into four different sections: socio‐demographic characteristics, questions about their clinical practice toward implant therapy, decision making in four clinical cases, and agreement with different statements regarding endodontic, periodontal, and implant therapy.

Results

A total of 155 dentists answered the questionnaire with an average age of 35.5 years. Fifty‐one percent were male, and 44.5% were involved in teaching positions. One hundred and thirty‐six (87.7%) respondents had already pursued a post‐graduation program or were currently involved in one. 33.5% placed dental implants, 42% provided implant maintenance care to their patients, while 30% performed treatment of peri‐implant diseases themselves. Dental faculty and dentists who had not followed any further training program, preferred the use of regenerative therapies more frequently. As opposed, dentists not involved in teaching positions, and periodontists were more prone to select resective therapies.

Conclusion

Results suggest that dentists' decision making did not follow the latest external evidence, which might be related to factors as professional expertise and patients' preferences. Considering the difficulties faced by professionals when handling complex cases, there is an urgent need to establish international protocols and guidelines to help the clinician identify this particular treatment option, which corresponds with their internal evidence and is based on good external evidence.
Non‐HDL cholesterol vs. Apo B for risk of coronary heart disease in healthy individuals: the EPIC‐Norfolk prospective population study
Authors: Sondermeijer Brigitte M. , Rana Jamal S. , Arsenault Benoit J. , Shah Prediman K. , Kastelein John J.P. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Boekholdt S. Matthijs , Khaw Kay‐Tee
Published: June 2013

Background

There is an ongoing debate about the performance of non–high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (non‐HDL‐C) compared with apolipoprotein B (apo B) in the prediction of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Therefore, we compared the associations between non‐HDL‐C and apo B in regard to CHD among apparently healthy Western European individuals.

Design

In the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)‐Norfolk prospective population study, 25 639 men and women aged 45–79 years were followed for 11·4 ± 2·8 years. Those with diabetes or prevalent CHD at baseline were excluded. A total of 2066 (12·1%) participants developed CHD during 195 692 person‐years follow‐up.

Results

The multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio [HR] of future CHD per one standard deviation increase was 1·22 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1·17–1·27] for LDL‐C, 1·26 (95% CI 1·20–1·31) for non‐HDL‐C and 1·19 (95% CI 1·14–1·24) for apo B, respectively. The multivariable‐adjusted HR of future CHD in the highest quartile LDL‐C was 1·67 (95% CI: 1·47–1·91). For non‐HDL‐C and apo B, these respective HRs were 1·87 (95% CI: 1·62–2·15) and 1·56 (95% CI: 1·36–1·78). Kaplan–Meier survival analyses showed that there was incremental and comparable increase in risk of CHD with increasing quartiles of both non‐HDL‐C and apo B.

Conclusions

In this prospective study, non‐HDL‐C and apo B were comparable in their ability to predict risk of future CHD.