bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial profiling and searches: Did the politics of racial profiling change police behavior?*
Authors: Warren Patricia Y. , Tomaskovic‐Devey Donald
Published: June 2009

Research Summary

Scholarly research has documented repeatedly that minority citizens are disproportionately stopped, searched, and arrested relative to their baseline populations. In recent years, policymakers have brought increased attention to this issue as law‐enforcement agencies across the United States have faced allegations of racial profiling. In the 1990s, the politics generated by accounts of racially biased policing placed heightened pressure on law‐enforcement agencies. However, to date, few studies have explored whether the increased social and political scrutiny placed on police organizations influenced or changed their general pattern of enforcement among black and white citizens. Using data in the search and citation file from the North Carolina Highway Traffic Study, this research specifically examined whether the politics generated by the media coverage of racial profiling and racial profiling legislation in North Carolina influenced the search practices of officers of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol's drug interdiction team. The findings suggest that media accounts and the passage of new legislation were particularly powerful influences, which thereby reduced racial disparity in searches. Declines in the use of consent searches and an increased probability of finding contraband also were influenced by the politics of racial profiling.

Policy Implications

The results of this study suggest several important policy recommendations. First, law‐enforcement agencies must monitor the policing practices of their officers because such supervision can influence officer compliance with fair and unbiased policing policies. Next, supervisors need to familiarize themselves with enforcement data to identify potential problem officers and organizational practices. By doing so, police organizations will not only increase officer accountability but also will potentially improve communication with their local communities. Such communication can empower community members to file charges against officers who violate their civil rights. Next, the media and political effects documented in this study suggest that external oversight can be particularly influential on police practices. Therefore, police agencies should consider developing a citizen complaint board, which is an external oversight board that would be responsible for investigating allegations against officers who engage in racial profiling or other racially biased enforcement practices. Such a board could assist police administrators in identifying problem officers as well as in making recommendations for corrective action. Finally, external social and political pressure must continually be placed on police forces to improve equity in police behavior. These external forces can assist in creating opportunities for police to increase the overall quality and efficacy of policing.
QSAR Studies on Antiepileptic and Locomotorin vivoActivities of 4,5‐diphenyl‐1H‐Imidazoles
Authors: Puratchikody Ayarivan , Doble Mukesh
Published: June 2009

This paper describes the pharmacological evaluation pertaining toin vivoantiepileptic and locomotor activities, and subsequent QSAR studies on 4,5‐diphenyl‐1H‐imidazole analogues. These two activities on albino mice were determined based on electroshock method and by using actophotometer respectively. Compounds with 4‐fluorophenyl, 4‐dimethylaminophenyl, 4‐hydroxyphenyl and 4‐methoxyphenyl substitutions exhibit the highest activity. Compounds with phenyl and 2‐nitrophenyl substitutions exhibit the lowest activity in both the cases. Data are divided into training and test/validation sets, the former is used for developing the QSAR and the latter is used for determining the predictive capability of the developed models. The three‐parameter model for the antiepileptic activity fits the data well and has a good predictive capability (For training set:R 2 = 0.77,R 2adj = 0.72,q 2 = 0.64,R 2mod= 0.66, for test set:R 2 = 0.75). Total polar and solvent‐accessible surface areas of the molecule are the descriptors in the model. A three parameter model and a four‐parameter model for the locomotor activity fit the data well and have good predictive capability (For training set:R 2 = 0.8–0.89,R 2adj = 0.76–0.77,q 2 = 0.7–0.86,R 2mod= 0.64–0.85, for test set:R 2 = 0.79–0.9). Molecule shape, solvent‐accessible surface area, LUMO and polar surface area are the significant descriptors. The first principal component is ?51% and 50% correlated to locomotor and antiepileptic activities respectively.
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors: Inhibition of Cytosolic Carbonic Anhydrase Isozymes II and VII with Simple Aromatic Sulfonamides and Some Azo Dyes
Authors: Carta Fabrizio , Pothen Blessy , Maresca Alfonso , Tiwari Meena , Singh Vineet , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: June 2009

Several substituted benzenesulfonamides were synthesized by various pathways starting from sulfanilamide. The sulfanilamide diazonium salt was reacted with copper (I) halides, potassium iodide and/or aromatic derivatives, leading to 4‐halogeno‐, and 4‐hydroxy‐benzenesulfonamides as well as diazo dyes incorporating sulfamoyl moieties. These sulfonamides were assayed as inhibitors of two physiologically relevant isoforms of the zinc enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1), i.e., the cytosolic CA II (ubiquitous), and CA VII (brain‐specific enzyme). Good CA inhibitory activity was detected for some of these derivatives, with inhibition constants (Ki) in the range of 17.5–863 nm against CA II; and 30–4200 nm against CA VII.
QSPR Study on the Estimation of Solubility of Drug‐like Organic Compounds: A Case of Barbiturates
Authors: Louis Bruno , Singh Jyoti , Shaik Basheerulla , Agrawal Vijay K. , Khadikar Padmakar V.
Published: June 2009

The paper describes a method for the estimation of solubility (log S) of a series of 45 barbiturates employing 26 molecular descriptors. The molecular descriptors used being distance‐based topological indices, information indices, valence connectivity index, shape indices, first‐order Randic index. In addition, an indicator parameter was also used. The regression analysis has shown that an R2 value of 0.885 was obtained in multi‐parametric regression analysis. The results are discussed critically using a variety of statistical parameters. The predictive powers of the models were discussed by using the method of cross‐validation. We observed that results obtained using spss and ncss software are identical.
The Imperative to Rebuild: Assessing the Normative Case for Postconflict Reconstruction
Authors: Gheciu Alexandra , Welsh Jennifer
Published: June 2009

The past two decades have witnessed the proliferation of comprehensive international missions of peacebuilding and reconstruction, aimed not simply at bringing conflict to an end but also at preventing its recurrence. Recent missions, ranging from relatively modest involvement to highly complex international administrations, have generated a debate about the rights and duties of international actors to reconstruct postconflict states. In view of the recent growth of such missions, and the serious challenges and crises that have plagued them, we seek in this article to address some of the gaps in the current literature and engage in a critical analysis of the moral purposes and dilemmas of reconstruction. More specifically, we construct a map for understanding and evaluating the different ethical imperatives advanced by those who attempt to rebuild war-torn societies. In our view, such a mapping exercise is a necessary step in any attempt to build a normative defence of postconflict reconstruction. The article proceeds in two stages: first, we present the various rationales for reconstruction offered by international actors, and systematize these into four different “logics”; second, we evaluate the implications and normative dilemmas generated by each logic.
Moral Responsibilities and the Conflicting Demands ofJus Post Bellum
Authors: Evans Mark
Published: June 2009

Recently, strong arguments have been offered for the inclusion ofjus post bellumin just war theory. If this addition is indeed justified, it is plain that, due to the variety in types of post-conflict situation, the content ofjus post bellumwill necessarily vary. One instance when it looks as if it should become “extended” in its scope, ranging well beyond (for example) issues of “just peace terms,” is when occupation of a defeated enemy is necessary. In this situation, this article argues that an engagement byjus post bellumwith the morality of post-conflict reconstruction is unavoidable. However, the resulting extension ofjus post bellum's stipulations threatens to generate conflict with another tenet that it would surely wish to endorse with respect to “just occupation,” namely, that sovereignty or self-determination should be restored to the occupied people as soon as is reasonably possible. Hence, the action-guiding objective of the theory could become significantly problematized. The article concludes by considering whether this problem supports the claim that the addition ofjus post bellumto just war theory is actually more problematic than its supporters have realized.
Just and Unjust Postwar Reconstruction: How Much External Interference Can Be Justified?
Authors: Recchia Stefano
Published: June 2009

This article seeks to reconcile a fundamental normative tension that underlies most international reconstruction efforts in war-torn societies: on the one hand, substantial outside interference in the domestic affairs of such societies may seem desirable to secure political stability, set up inclusive governance structures, and protect basic human rights; on the other hand, such interference is inherently paternalistic—and thus problematic—since it limits the policy options and broader freedom of maneuver of domestic political actors. I argue that for paternalistic interference in foreign countries to be justified, it needs to be strictly proportional to domestic impediments to self-government and basic rights protection. Based on this claim, I model different degrees of interference that are admissible at particular stages of the postwar reconstruction process. Extrapolating from John Rawls'sLaw of Peoples, I suggest that full-scale international trusteeship can be justified only so long as conditions on the ground remain “outlaw”—that is, so long as security remains volatile and basic rights, including the right to life, are systematically threatened. Once basic security has been reestablished, a lower degree of interference continues to be justified, until new domestic governance structures become entirely self-sustaining. During this second phase of postwar reconstruction, external actors ideally ought toshare responsibilityfor law-enforcement and administration with domestic authorities, which implies in practice that domestic and international officials should jointly approve all major decisions. I discuss various approximations of such shared responsibility in recent international peace operations and speculate about how best to ensure a timely transition toward full domestic ownership.
The Norms and Politics of Exit: Ending Postconflict Transitional Administrations
Authors: Zaum Dominik
Published: June 2009

While the impact of norms on post-conflict statebuilding operations has been well-explored in the literature, the ways in which the same normative frameworks affect the exit practices of such operations has so far remained unaddressed. To fill this gap, this paper examines the impact of the liberal-democratic norms governing statebuilding operations on the timing and process of exit of post-conflict international transitional administrations. To that end, it first examines the concept of exit, arguing that exit is best considered as a process rather than an event. The second section outlines the normative framework that has shaped postconflict statebuilding activities since the end of the cold war, and proposes three ways in which norms can affect exit: first, that norms act as blueprints for statebuilding and can thereby shape benchmarks for exit; second, that norms create “zones of permissibility” that explicitly commit statebuilders to a transitional presence and make exit central to the legitimacy of statebuilding operations; and third, that local actors strategically use norms, in particular those of self-determination and the taboo of permanent control of a territory, to push for an early exit of statebuilding operations. The third section explores both the scope and limitations of the three functions of norms with regard to exit in the context of a brief case study of UNMIK's exit from Kosovo. The article concludes with some observations about the impact of the findings for exit strategies of international actors from statebuilding operations.
Rural Health Clinics and Diabetes‐Related Primary Care for Medicaid Beneficiaries in Oregon
Authors: Kirkbride Kelly , Wallace Neal
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT: 
Background: This study assessed whether Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) were associated with higher rates of recommended primary care services for adult beneficiaries diagnosed with diabetes in Oregon's Medicaid program, the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Methods: OHP claims data from 2002 to 2003 were used to assess quality of diabetic care for beneficiaries residing in urban areas or rural areas with or without at least 1 RHC. Study subjects included Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) or disabled beneficiaries, aged 18‐64, who were enrolled in the OHP for 12 months per study year and had at least 1 claim with a diabetes diagnosis (n = 6,267). Diabetes‐related primary care was measured by the proportion of patients receiving each of 3 recommended tests at least once during the calendar year: hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), lipid profile, and eye exam. Logistic regression models were used to identify differences in testing rates across the geographic areas, after controlling for individual differences including age, race, sex, and health status. Results: Rural areas with no RHC had significantly lower rates of HbA1c testing, lipid profiles, and eye exams than urban areas (P < .01). Rural areas with at least 1 RHC had significantly higher rates for lipid profiles and eye exams than other rural areas (P < .05). No significant differences were detected in testing rates between rural areas with an RHC present and urban areas. Conclusions: RHCs in rural Oregon were associated with higher rates of recommended primary care for diabetes, consistent with the intent of the policy intervention.
Practical and Policy Implications of Using Different Rural‐Urban Classification Systems: A Case Study of Inpatient Service Utilization Among Veterans Administration Users
Authors: Berke Ethan M. , West Alan N. , Wallace Amy E. , Weeks William B.
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT: 
Context: Several classification systems exist for defining rural areas, which may lead to different interpretations of rural health services data. Purpose: To compare rural classification systems on their implications for estimating Veterans Administration (VA) utilization. Methods: Using 7 classification systems, we counted VA health care enrollees who lived in each category, and number admitted to VA hospitals or non‐VA hospitals under Medicare. For dual VA‐Medicare enrollees over age 65, we compared VA and private sector hospitalizations on numbers of admissions and bed‐days of care. We compared VA enrollees’ relative proportions across rural to urban categories for each classification system and evaluated discordance between systems at the veterans‐integrated service networks (VISN) level. Findings: Enrollment and inpatient utilization counts for rural veterans vary considerably from one classification system to another, though the systems generally agree that admission rates, length of stay, and reliance on the VA for care are lower for rural veterans. Among older dual VA and Medicare enrollees, rural residents rely on non‐VA facilities more, though this effect also varies widely depending on the classification scheme. VISNs vary greatly in the proportions of patients who are rural residents, and in the degree to which classification systems are discordant in designating patients as rural. Conclusions: Decisions about allocating VA health care resources to target “rural” patients may be affected greatly by the rural classification system chosen, and the impact of this choice will affect some hospital networks much more than others.
Pharmacy Characteristics Associated With the Provision of Drug Therapy Services in Nonmetropolitan Community Pharmacies
Authors: Gadkari Abhijit S. , Mott David A. , Kreling David H. , Bonnarens Joseph K.
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT: Context:Higher prevalence of chronic diseases and reduced access to other health professionals in rural areas suggest that rural Medicare enrollees will benefit from pharmacist‐provided drug therapy services (DTS).Purpose:The purpose of this study was to describe non‐metropolitan community pharmacy sites in Wisconsin, the provision of DTS at these sites, and to identify factors associated with provision of DTS.Methods:A cross‐sectional, descriptive survey design was used to collect primary data in 2005. The manager/owner listed for each of the 279 non‐metropolitan community pharmacy sites in Wisconsin was surveyed using an 8‐page instrument. The 7 drug therapy services that key informants were asked to report on included 6 disease state management (DSM) programs and medication therapy management services (MTMS). Descriptive statistics were calculated for variables describing the pharmacy sites and how DTS were provided. Logistic regression was performed, with any drug therapy service provision as the dependent variable and 8 independent variables.Findings:The response rate to the survey was 44%. Overall, 31% of the respondent pharmacies offered MTMS and 31% offered DSM programs. Higher service orientation, location in a more rural area, and lower workload per pharmacist were significantly positively related to provision of any DTS.Conclusions:Conducted 4 months prior to the implementation of Medicare Part D, the results serve as a baseline against which the effects of Part D on MTMS provision may be evaluated. The negative association of pharmacist workload with pharmacy provision of DTS, coupled with the current pharmacist shortage, has important implications for patients' access to these services in rural areas.
UV‐B Action Spectrum for UVR8‐Mediated HY5 Transcript Accumulation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Brown Bobby A. , Headland Lauren R. , Jenkins Gareth I.
Published: June 2009

Arabidopsis thalianaUV RESISTANCE LOCUS8 (UVR8) is a UV‐B‐specific signaling component that mediates low fluence, photomorphogenic responses to UV‐B. It is required for UV‐B‐induced expression of the gene encoding the ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5) transcription factor. HY5 is a key effector of responses mediated by UVR8. In mature leaf tissue, HY5 transcript accumulation occurred rapidly in response to a brief UV‐B treatment and no induction was observed in a uvr8 mutant over a broad range of UV wavelengths. In response to monochromatic light, maximal transcript accumulation occurred in wild‐type plants at wavelengths 280–300 nm. HY5 transcript accumulation showed reciprocity between the fluence rate and duration of UV‐B exposure, and on this basis conditions were chosen to generate an action spectrum for the UVR8 signaling pathway. Dose–response curves were produced for a range of UV wavelengths using 20 min exposure to UV and harvesting tissue 2 h after the start of illumination. Experiments using mutants defective in sinapate ester and flavonoid biosynthesis indicated that the presence of UV‐absorbing compounds did not affect the construction of an action spectrum under the conditions employed. The action spectrum for the induction of HY5 by the UVR8 pathway showed a main peak at 280 nm with a smaller peak at 300 nm. The data are discussed in relation to the proposed mechanisms of UV‐B photoreception.
Laser Selection Significantly Affects Cell Viability Following Single‐Cell Nanosurgery
Authors: Zeigler Maxwell B. , Chiu Daniel T.
Published: June 2009

This paper compares the viability of over 700 NG108 cells after membrane disruption either with a single 3 ns pulse at 337 nm or with a 5 ms train of 110 fs pulses (80 MHz) at 770 nm. Cell viability was monitored over a period of 12 h so as to understand the effect of laser ablation‐induced cell apoptosis. The use of one‐photon membrane disruption with the UV–laser resulted in ∼36% cell viability after 12 h while the use of two‐photon ablation with the femtosecond laser resulted in a much higher viability of ∼79% after 12 h, which was the same within error of the ∼79% viability of cells in the control group. Changing the laser power to achieve a 90% probability of membrane disruption (PMD) from 50% PMD did not change the percentage of viable cells after 12 h, regardless of whether one‐ or two‐photon ablation was employed. A systematic comparison between different methods of cellular ablation and their effect upon the viability of single cells has not been done before over such a long time frame. These results show the importance of laser choice when cell viability postsurgery is a concern.
Disclosure Control of Business Microdata: A Density‐Based Approach
Authors: Ichim Daniela
Published: June 2009

For continuous key variables, a measure of the individual risk of disclosure is proposed. This risk measure, the local outlier factor, estimates the density around a unit. A selective masking method based on the nearest‐neighbour principle and microaggregation is also introduced. Some results of an application to the Italian sample of the Community Innovation Survey are presented.
Using Multiple Imputation to Integrate and Disseminate Confidential Microdata
Authors: Reiter Jerome P.
Published: June 2009

In data integration contexts, two statistical agencies seek to merge their separate databases into one file. The agencies also may seek to disseminate data to the public based on the integrated file. These goals may be complicated by the agencies' need to protect the confidentiality of database subjects, which could be at risk during the integration or dissemination stage. This article proposes several approaches based on multiple imputation for disclosure limitation, usually called synthetic data, that could be used to facilitate data integration and dissemination while protecting data confidentiality. It reviews existing methods for obtaining inferences from synthetic data and points out where new methods are needed to implement the data integration proposals.
Advances in the field of high‐molecular‐weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation by bacteria
Authors: Kanaly Robert A. , Harayama Shigeaki
Published: June 2009

Interest in understanding prokaryotic biotransformation of high‐molecular‐weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HMW PAHs) has continued to grow and the scientific literature shows that studies in this field are originating from research groups from many different locations throughout the world. In the last 10 years, research in regard to HMW PAH biodegradation by bacteria has been further advanced through the documentation of new isolates that represent diverse bacterial types that have been isolated from different environments and that possess different metabolic capabilities. This has occurred in addition to the continuation of in‐depth comprehensive characterizations of previously isolated organisms, such as Mycobacterium vanbaalenii PYR‐1. New metabolites derived from prokaryotic biodegradation of four‐ and five‐ring PAHs have been characterized, our knowledge of the enzymes involved in these transformations has been advanced and HMW PAH biodegradation pathways have been further developed, expanded upon and refined. At the same time, investigation of prokaryotic consortia has furthered our understanding of the capabilities of microorganisms functioning as communities during HMW PAH biodegradation.
Divorce in Research vs. Divorce in Media
Authors: Rutter Virginia E.
Published: June 2009

What is the case for divorce? Researchers in the sociology of family tend to find that divorce's impact depends on what the comparison is: compared to a distressed marriage, divorce has its benefits. Meanwhile, policy makers and general audiences alike get much of their information about divorce research via the news media, where the negative consequences of divorce tend to be exaggerated, especially when comparisons, selection bias, or other research issues are neglected. Over the past 20 years, U.S. news coverage of divorce illustrates two key, intertwined topics: moral entrepreneurship using divorce as an issue and divorce research using (or not) careful methods of comparison. Three cases discussed below (in 1988–1989, 2002–2004, and 2008) illustrate these two themes. The underlying research on the health and mental health effects (including by gender) of divorce on children and adults reviewed in this article makes a case for divorce. The overlay of media reporting on divorce research illuminates the purpose for offering a case for divorce.
Meaningful Performances: Considering the Contributions of the Dramaturgical Approach to Studying Family
Authors: Collett Jessica L. , Childs Ellen
Published: June 2009

This article highlights the contributions of Erving Goffman's dramaturgical approach to both understanding and researching family. With its interest in the performative nature of human interaction and the active construction of social reality, the dramaturgical perspective is particularly well‐suited to study a dynamic social institution like the family. This article offers a brief introduction to the dramaturgical study of family by addressing important components of dramaturgy and contrasting it with other approaches to the sociology of family. The authors then demonstrate this approach in action by introducing two research areas that currently employ dramaturgical analyses – work on ‘doing family’ and the social construction of motherhood – and another that might benefit from such analyses, research on blended families. The article closes with further suggestions for future research attending to the performative aspects of family life.
The Sociology of Mental Health: A Brief Review of Major Approaches
Authors: Warner Joanne
Published: June 2009

The article emphasises the importance of making sense of the theoretical debate in the sociology of mental health in order to ‘position’ the wide range of studies that have contributed to this field within three main approaches. The article indicates ways in which various studies have proved highly influential and continue to form the basis for research, policy and practice. Sociological concepts such as stigma continue to resonate as they highlight the sense in which negative social attitudes often make life harder for those who are already experiencing distress. The politics of risk in mental health, which has become a particularly powerful force in recent years, has made the prevailing climate more and not less stigmatising for those identified with ‘mental illness’. The article concludes by arguing that the sociology of mental health continues to offer the conceptual and theoretical foundation from which negative associations can be challenged and overturned.
Media and Sport: The Cultural Dynamics of Global Games
Authors: Rowe David
Published: June 2009

The institutions of media and sport have increasingly converged over the last century, forming a media sports cultural complex of global proportions. This development has raised concerns over whether sport has become ‘mediatised’ and, conversely, that the media are increasingly ‘sportised’. The media sports cultural complex generates a vast array of representations of sport and the societies of which it is a part. It is important, therefore, to analyse the ways in which media sport texts reproduce or challenge prevailing ideologies of socio‐cultural power in such key areas as gender, ‘race’, ethnicity, and sexuality. Media sport texts are especially instrumental in representing national identities and international relations in an era of intensified globalisation. In covering events of national cultural significance, they are also implicated in issues surrounding ‘cultural citizenship’ and in attempts by sport fan communities to exercise greater control over a fluid, dynamic and highly contested media sport environment.
Resources influence dispersal and population structure in an endangered butterfly
Authors: FRED MARIANNE S. , BROMMER JON E.
Published: June 2009

Abstract.  1. The degree of dispersal between patches in a population partly determines its structure. Mark–release–recapture (MRR) studies of an archipelago population of the endangered apollo butterfly (Parnassius apollo, L 1758) revealed that most (79%) adult individuals remained within the patch where they were marked.

2. Emigration out of a patch was female‐biased and decreased with the amount of (adult) nectar resources on a patch, but increased with greater proximity to nectar on other patches. Local population numbers positively correlated with total numbers of both emigrants and immigrants. Host‐plant abundance (larval resource) did not influence dispersal.

3. The dispersal and population structure of this archipelago population differs pronouncedly from that of a previously studied mainland population where between‐patch dispersal is more frequent even when correcting for differences in habitat structure between the populations, and consequently the population structure is more patchy or open.

4. The most prominent environmental factor affecting emigration is nectar resources. Both local patch conditions in terms of nectar on the patch and nectar availability on surrounding patches are important.

5. The most important implications for conservation are that resource distribution affects dispersal and hence population‐level processes such as structure, and that emigration and immigration should be viewed as separate processes potentially governed by different environmental factors.
Fourteen‐year‐old girl with endobronchial carcinoid tumour presenting with asthma and lobar emphysema
Authors: Andersen Julie Bjerglund , Mortensen Jann , Damgaard Karen , Skov Marianne , Sparup Jørgen , Petersen Bodil Laub , Rechnitzer Catherine , Borgwardt Lise
Published: June 2009

Introduction:  Bronchial carcinoid tumours seldom occur in children, and represent a rare cause of pulmonary obstruction. Because of low clinical suspicion and the variable ways of presentation, diagnosis may be delayed.

Objectives:  We report on a patient with this tumour. It is hoped that increased awareness of the tumour can lead to earlier diagnosis.

Methods:  Report of a case.

Results:  This case describes a 14‐year‐old previously healthy girl, presenting with asthma‐like symptoms throughout 2 years, decreased lung function and emphysema in left lower lobe on chest x‐ray. Computerized tomography (CT) showed an intraluminal process in the left main bronchus and emphysema in both the upper and lower left lobe and showed no signs of metastasis or spread to lung tissue. Bronchoscopy showed an inflammatory polyp. Surgical resection demonstrated a typical carcinoid tumour. Later control biopsy revealed no persisting malignant tissue. The asthma symptoms returned and a new bronchoscopy showed scarring and narrowing of the left bronchus. Treatment comprised of dilatation by bronchoscopy plus daily combination corticosteroids and beta‐2‐agonist inhalation and the symptoms improved. No signs of relapse 16 months postdiagnosis.

Conclusions:  The case clearly shows the delay, which is common in the diagnosis of children with bronchial carcinoid tumours. Symptoms of the obstructive nature of the tumour are variable and might present as emphysema seen on x‐ray and CT. Carcinoid tumour should be considered in children with longstanding pulmonary symptoms with no response to conventional treatment. Prognosis is good but long‐term follow up is needed.

Please cite this paper as: Andersen JB, Mortensen J, Damgaard K, Skov M, Sparup J, Petersen BL, Rechnitzer C and Borgwardt L. Fourteen‐year‐old girl with endobronchial carcinoid tumour presenting with asthma and lobar emphysema. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2010; 4: 120–124.
Levels of cysteinyl‐leukotrienes in exhaled breath condensate are not due to saliva contamination
Authors: Tufvesson Ellen , Van Weele Linda Jacqueline , Ekedahl Henrik , Bjermer Leif
Published: June 2009

Background and Aims:  Saliva contamination has been suggested to be a major contributor to levels of cysteinyl leukotrienes in exhaled breath condensate (EBC). The aim of this study was to compare the levels of cysteinyl‐leukotrienes (CysLT) and α‐amylase activity in EBC to induced sputum and saliva collected from the same subjects (asthmatics and control). We thereby aimed to find out whether saliva contamination could be a plausible explanation to the levels found in EBC or not.

Methods:  EBC, saliva and induced sputum were collected from 11 asthmatic and 19 healthy adults. These samples were analyzed for CysLT concentration and α‐amylase activity.

Results:  No significant correlation was found between CysLT concentration and α‐amylase activity in EBC, saliva or sputum. In addition, we show that the saliva contamination (measured as α‐amylase activity) was negligible, as the relative amount of saliva CysLT was only 0.6% of that found in EBC. The amount of CysLT correlated between all three compartments (EBC, saliva and sputum), but no similar correlation was seen for the α‐amylase activity in EBC compared to saliva and sputum. The levels of CysLT were higher in asthmatic patients compared to healthy controls in EBC, saliva and sputum.

Conclusion:  We conclude that the amount of CysLT in EBC cannot be explained by saliva contamination.

Please cite this paper as: Tufvesson E, van Weele LJ, Ekedahl H and Bjermer L. Levels of cysteinyl‐leukotrienes in exhaled breath condensate are not due to saliva contamination. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2010; 4: 83–88.
Dental Care Visits among Dentate Adults with Diabetes and Periodontitis
Authors: Macek Mark D. , Tomar Scott L.
Published: June 2009

Objectives: Two national surveys have shown that dentate adults with diabetes are less likely to visit a dentist than are those without diabetes; one survey showed this association only among women. We hypothesize that periodontal health among those with diabetes could explain this disparity. This report investigates the influence of periodontitis on the association between diabetes and dental care visits. It also tests whether disparities are limited to women. Methods: Data from the 1999‐2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used. Covariates included age, sex, race/ethnicity, poverty status, education level, dental insurance, and periodontitis status. Weighted analyses were limited to dentate adults aged ≥25 years. Results: Overall, 56.8 percent of dentate adults with diabetes reported having a dental care visit in the preceding year compared with 64.7 percent for those without diabetes. In a multivariable model, diabetes status was significantly associated with having a dental care visit, independent of periodontitis status and covariates. Neither periodontitis status nor sex served as effect modifiers for the association between diabetes status and dental care visits. Conclusions: These data revealed that dental care visits for dentate adults with diabetes were unrelated to their periodontal health, suggesting that fear of periodontal therapy did not influence visit patterns. These data also showed that dental care visit disparities existed for all adults with diabetes, not just women. Future research should investigate whether factors that are indirectly related to diabetes status, such as competing costs, attitudes, and knowledge, are influencing dental care visit patterns among dentate adults with diabetes.
Effects of human aging on periodontal tissues
Authors: Huttner Eder Abreu , Machado Denise Cantarelli , De Oliveira Rogério Belle , Antunes André Gustavo Freitas , Hebling Eduardo
Published: June 2009

Loss of teeth is frequently associated with periodontal disease in older adults. The aim of this review was to present the effects of aging on the periodontal tissues. Aging alone does not lead to critical loss of periodontal attachment in healthy elderly persons. The effects of aging on periodontal tissues are based on molecular changes in the periodontal cells, which intensify bone loss in elderly patients with periodontitis. These effects may be associated with (1) alterations in differentiation and proliferation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts; (2) an increase in periodontal cell response to the oral microbiota and mechanical stress leading to the secretion of cytokines involved in osseous resorption; and (3) systemic endocrine alterations in the elderly people.
Effect of an oral health assessment education program on nurses’ knowledge and patient care practices in skilled nursing facilities
Authors: Munoz Nancy , Touger‐Decker Riva , Byham‐Gray Laura , Maillet Julie O'Sullivan
Published: June 2009

This pilot intervention study measured the impact of an oral health education intervention on nurses’ knowledge and patient care practices in regard to oral assessments of institutionalized elders. Two 1‐hour education sessions were completed over a 3‐week period; a pretest and a posttest were administered immediately preceding the first session and immediately following the second session. Medical records were reviewed prior to and after the intervention to assess practices including completeness of oral health assessment and congruency with the Minimum Data Set 2.0 (MDS).

Nine nurses attended the education intervention. Retrospectively, 176 records were reviewed preintervention and 80 postintervention. There was no significant change in knowledge from the pre‐ to posttest (p= .262). Completeness of all oral health assessment variables increased significantly (p= .001) as did the congruency of data between the nursing assessment (NA) and MDS assessments (p= .002).

Providing nurses with education on oral health assessments in skilled nursing facilities has a positive impact on completeness of data and congruency between the NA and the MDS.
Parental perception of oral health status of children in mainstream and special education classrooms
Authors: Butani Yogita , Gansky Stuart A , Weintraub Jane A.
Published: June 2009

The aim of this study was to compare parental perceptions of oral health status and access to dental services by children in 34 special education and 16 mainstream public elementary school classes in San Mateo County, California. A self‐administered parental survey was utilized and included questions about demographics, oral health, and dental utilization. The overall response rate was 58.8%. After adjusting for age and gender of the child, compared to mainstream, parents of students in special education classes were significantly more likely to report their children to have worse oral health (OR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.54, 3.67), be lacking a past year dental visit (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.01, 3.84), and have missed school days due to dental reasons (OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.55, 4.17). Both groups rated their children's oral health inferior to the overall health rating (p < .001). The authors concluded that disparities exist between the two groups in parental perceptions of their children's oral health status and dental service utilization.
Tissue segregation of mitochondrial haplotypes in heteroplasmic Hawaiian bees: implications for DNA barcoding
Authors: MAGNACCA KARL N. , BROWN MARK J. F.
Published: June 2009

The issue of mitochondrial heteroplasmy has been cited as a theoretical problem for DNA barcoding but is only beginning to be examined in natural systems. We sequenced multiple DNA extractions from 20 individuals of four Hawaiian Hylaeus bee species known to be heteroplasmic. All species showed strong differences at polymorphic sites between abdominal and muscle tissue in most individuals, and only two individuals had no obvious segregation. Two specimens produced completely clean sequences from abdominal DNA. The fact that these differences are clearly visible by direct sequencing indicates that substantial intra‐individual mtDNA diversity may be overlooked when DNA is taken from small tissue fragments. At the same time, differences in haplotype distribution among individuals may result in incorrect recognition of cryptic species. Because DNA barcoding studies typically use only a small fragment of an organism, they are particularly vulnerable to sequencing bias where heteroplasmy and haplotype segregation are present. It is important to anticipate this possibility prior to undertaking large‐scale barcoding projects to reduce the likelihood of haplotype segregation confounding the results.
Cross‐species amplification of 92 microsatellites of Medicago truncatula
Authors: CHU H‐J. , YAN J. , HU Y. , WANG H‐C. , LI J‐Q.
Published: June 2009

Medicago species are important genetic sources for forage crops and nitrogen sources for various ecosystems. The ongoing genome sequencing of the model legume, Medicago truncatula, provides a wealth of genetic markers potentially useful for characterizing the population genetic structure and evolutionary history, and the potential of the wild Medicago species. Here we tested the PCR amplification of 92 microsatellites developed from M. truncatula in six other Medicago species, and found that the cross‐species transferability, ranging from 53.26% to 61.96%, is comparable with those reported in other angiosperm genera. This article thus reports a number of microsatellites that are potentially useful for large‐scale ecological and evolutionary genetic studies of wild Medicago species.
Early changes in clear cornea incision after phacoemulsification: an anterior segment optical coherence tomography study
Authors: Xia Yuanling , Liu Xialin , Luo Lixia , Zeng Yangfa , Cai Xiaoyu , Zeng Mingbing , Liu Yizhi
Published: June 2009

Purpose:  We aimed to investigate the ultrastructures of clear corneal incisions 24 hours after phacoemulsification using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS‐OCT).

Methods:  Sixty eyes of 60 patients scheduled for cataract surgery were randomly selected. All eyes underwent the same phacoemulsification procedure carried out by one experienced surgeon. Two‐plane temporal clear corneal tunnel incisions were performed. The same types of intraocular lens and implant system were used in all patients. Images of the ultrastructures of the corneal incisions were taken using AS‐OCT before and 1 day after surgery.

Results:  Corneal thickness increased at the incision site after surgery in all eyes (p < 0.001). Epithelial bulla in the incision region was seen in two eyes (3%). Gaping at the internal aspect of the corneal wound was seen in 42 eyes (70%). Eyes with gaping had thicker localized cornea (p = 0.002). Descemet’s membrane detachment was seen in 49 eyes (82%); this seemed to be associated with lower preoperative intraocular pressure (p = 0.01).

Conclusions:  Anterior segment OCT provides sensitive and detailed measurements of the ultrastructures in clear corneal incision.
Reduced endothelial progenitor cells and brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation as evidence of endothelial dysfunction in ocular hypertension and primary open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Fadini Gian Paolo , Pagano Claudio , Baesso Ilenia , Kotsafti Olympia , Doro Daniele , De Kreutzenberg Saula V. , Avogaro Angelo , Agostini Carlo , Dorigo Maria T.
Published: June 2009

Purpose:  This study aimed to assess vascular endothelial function in patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) or primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) by measuring: (a) endothelium‐dependent flow‐mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, and (b) circulating endothelial progenitor cells, which are believed to support the integrity of the vascular endothelium.

Methods:  We enrolled 25 patients with OHT, 23 with POAG and 26 control subjects, all of whom were aged < 65 years and had no medical history of cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors. All subjects underwent a complete ophthalmological examination, biochemistry study, assessment of cardiovascular parameters, brachial artery ultrasound assessment of endothelium‐dependent FMD, generic circulating progenitor cell (CPC) and circulating endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) count with the use of flow cytometry.

Results:  Flow‐mediated vasodilation values differed significantly in OHT (4.5 ± 1.1%; p = 0.021) and POAG (4.0 ± 0.9%; p = 0.003) patients compared with controls (7.7 ± 0.8%). The CD34+ KDR+ EPC count was markedly lower in OHT (28.0 ± 5.0; p < 0.001) and POAG (24.3 ± 3.4; p < 0.001) patients compared with controls (73.1 ± 8.1). Neither FMD not EPCs differed significantly between OHT and POAG patients. No significant differences in CPC count or cardiovascular parameters were found among OHT or POAG patients and controls. The levels of CD34+ KDR+ EPCs were directly correlated (p = 0.043) with FMD, and inversely correlated (p = 0.032) with baseline intraocular pressure in OHT and POAG patients.

Conclusions:  Both OHT and POAG patients without cardiovascular risk factors have previously unreported severely reduced circulating EPCs and reduced FMD, both of which are indicators of endothelial dysfunction and increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Complications of presumed ocular tuberculosis
Authors: Hamade Issam H. , Tabbara Khalid F.
Published: June 2009

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 905–909

Purpose:  To determine the effect of steroid treatment on visual outcome and ocular complications in patients with presumed ocular tuberculosis.

Methods:  Retrospective review of patients with presumptive ocular tuberculosis. The clinical diagnosis was made based on ocular findings, positive purified protein derivative (PPD) testing of more than 15 mm induration, exclusion of other causes of uveitis and positive ocular response to anti‐tuberculous therapy (ATT) within 4 weeks. Group 1 included patients who had received oral prednisone or subtenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide prior to ATT. Group 2 included patients who did not receive corticosteroid therapy prior to administration of ATT.

Results:  Among 500 consecutive new cases of uveitis encountered in 1997–2007 there were 49 (10%) patients with presumed ocular tuberculosis. These comprised 28 (57%) male and 21 (43%) female patients with a mean age of 45 years (range 12–76 years). Four (20%) patients in group 1 had initial visual acuity of 20/40 or better, in comparison to eight (28%) patients in group 2. At 1‐year follow‐up, six (30%) patients in group 1 had a visual acuity of 20/40 or better compared with 20 (69%) patients in group 2 (p = 0.007). Of 20 eyes (26%) in group 1 that had visual acuity of < 20/50 at 1‐year follow up, 14 (70%) eyes developed severe chorioretinal lesion (p = 0.019).

Conclusion:  Early administration of corticosteroids without anti‐tuberculous therapy in presumed ocular tuberculosis may lead to poor visual outcome compared with patients who did not receive corticosteroids prior to presentation. Furthermore, the severity of chorioretinitis lesion in the group of patients given corticosteroid prior to ATT may account for the poor visual outcome.