bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weed management practices determine plant and arthropod diversity and seed predation in vineyards
Authors: SANGUANKEO P P , LEÓN R G
Published: March 2011

Sanguankeo PP & León RG (2011). Weed management practices determine plant and arthropod diversity and seed predation in vineyards. Weed Research51, 404–412.

In the Central Coast of California, USA, wine grape growers are making efforts to identify weed control practices that preserve biodiversity in their vineyards while maintaining yields. A field study was conducted in Paso Robles, California in 2006 and 2007 evaluating the effect on plant and ground dwelling arthropod communities of five weed control practices conducted under the vines within the row (berm): (i) flumioxazin, (ii) simazine, (iii) cultivation, (iv) cover crop and (v) untreated control. The cover crop, cultivation and untreated control had 4–50 times higher plant density and more than 15 times higher plant diversity compared with the herbicide treatments. The arthropod activity‐density differed among treatments only in 2007, being higher in the cover crop and untreated control. There was a positive relationship between plant and arthropod diversity (r2 = 0.42, P = 0.02 in 2006; r2 = 0.64, P < 0.001 in 2007). Laboratory seed predation tests of the two most frequently captured carabid beetles, Calathus ruficollis and Tanystoma maculicolle, indicated they predated more of the common weed species Brassica nigra and Capsella bursa‐pastoris, than other weed species tested. Under field conditions, treatments with higher plant diversity and density favoured arthropod seed predation of these weeds. Predation rates were 20–40% in the cover crop and untreated control, double that observed in the herbicide treatments. The cultivation treatment balanced the benefits of promoting diversity while minimising yield reductions caused by weed competition. The results indicate that weed management practices that promote higher plant diversity and density have the potential to yield ecological benefits within vineyards, for example, enhancing the activity of beneficial organisms.
Comparative effects of water level variations on growth characteristics of Myriophyllum aquaticum
Authors: WERSAL R M , MADSEN J D
Published: March 2011

Wersal RM & Madsen JD (2011). Comparative effects of water level variations on growth characteristics of Myriophyllum aquaticum. Weed Research 51, 386–393.

Myriophyllum aquaticum is a non‐native aquatic plant that has invaded a range of habitats in the United States and Europe. Myriophyllum aquaticum reduces native species richness at local scales, water quality, habitat quality for fish and wildlife and impacts on human uses. Despite the submersed leaf form, M. aquaticum is not typically a weed problem as water level increases, although little data exist describing basic biological and ecological mechanisms affecting growth. The objective of this study was to quantify changes in M. aquaticum growth as water levels increase from 0 (representing shoreline habitat) to 137 cm under controlled mesocosm conditions. Total biomass at 0 cm was 96% greater than plants grown at a depth of 137 cm. Biomass of emergent shoots, stolons and roots were also greater when M. aquaticum was grown at the 0 cm water level. Submersed shoot biomass was on average 99% greater between 37 and 77 cm. Submersed shoots comprised a small fraction, 0.1–12% of total biomass, depending on water level. Total plant length was 25% greater when plants were grown at water levels from 0 to 77 cm, compared with plants grown at 97, 117 or 137 cm. Nuisance growth is dependent upon plants emerging from the water column; as water levels increase, this becomes more difficult for plants, as a result of the reduced photosynthetic ability of submersed leaves. These results can be used to identify optimal areas for M. aquaticum growth and possibly predict areas of new infestations.
Ultraviolet irradiation induces accumulation of isoflavonoids and transcription of genes of enzymes involved in the calycosin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside pathway in Astragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao
Authors: Xu Rong‐Yan , Nan Peng , Yang Yixin , Pan Haiyun , Zhou Tongshui , Chen Jiakuan
Published: March 2011

Isoflavonoids are a group of phenolic secondary metabolites found almost exclusively in leguminous plants. Formononetin, calycosin and calycosin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside (CG) are isoflavonoid products in the CG pathway. Accumulation of the three isoflavonoids plus daidzein and expression of six genes of enzymes involved in the CG pathway were studied in Astragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Our results showed that (1) main isoflavonoids in roots, stems and leaves were CG, daidzein and calycosin, respectively; they accumulated significantly under the induction of UV irradiation during 8 days but their content declined later; (2) expression of six genes of enzymes involved in the CG pathway was inhibited slightly at early stage but the expression was increased greatly afterward; (3) chalcone synthase, chalcone reductase and chalcone isomerase were expressed to their individual maximum level within shorter hours than were cinnamate 4‐hydroxylase, isoflavone synthase (IFS) and isoflavone 3′‐hydroxylase and (4) more calycosin but less daidzein accumulated in leaves. IFS was highly expressed in leaves, which might lead to high accumulation of the common precursor of daidzein and 2,7‐dihydroxy‐4′‐O‐methoxy‐isoflavanone, the latter of which would be converted to formononetin, calycosin and CG via a series of reactions. Little daidzein accumulated in leaves, which suggested that rather than be converted to daidzein, the 2,7,4′‐trihydroxyisoflavanone was probably more easily caught by 2‐hydroxyisoflavanone 4′‐O‐methyltransferase and hence provided more precursors for formononetin. The findings were discussed in terms of the influence of UV irradiation in the accumulation of isoflavonoids.
Identification of two components of the female sex pheromone of the sugarcane‐borer Diatraea flavipennella (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)
Authors: Kalinová B. , Do Nascimento R. R. , Hoskovec M. , Mendonça A. L. , Silva E. L. , De Freitas M. R. T. , Cabral‐Jr C. R. , Silva C. E. , Sant’Ana A. E. G. , Svatoš A.
Published: March 2011

Analysis by gas chromatography with electroantennographic detection of extracts of pheromone glands derived from calling females of the sugarcane‐borer Diatraea flavipennella revealed two antennally active compounds. These components were identified as (Z)‐9‐hexadecenal (Z9–16:Ald) and (Z)‐11‐hexadecenal (Z11–16:Ald) by comparison of the retention times of the natural compounds and the synthetic compounds supported by two‐dimensional gas chromatography – time‐of‐flight mass spectrometric analysis and the positions of the double bounds in the chains were confirmed from the mass spectral fragmentation patterns of their dimethyldisulphide adducts. The analysis indicated that Z9–16:Ald and Z11–16:Ald were present in the sex pheromone in the proportions 25 : 75. Trace amounts of tetradecanal, hexadecanal, (Z)‐7‐hexadecenal (Z7–16:Ald), (Z)‐9‐hexadecen‐1‐ol and (Z)‐11‐hexadecen‐1‐ol were also found in the extract, but of these only Z9–16:Ald and Z11–16:Ald appeared to be antennally active. Behavioural bioassays demonstrated that a binary blend composed of Z9–16:Ald and Z11–16:Ald in the ratio of 25 : 75 induced a response in D. flavipennella virgin males similar to that elicited by live virgin females or by an hexane extract of the pheromone glands of calling females. Z9–16:Ald and Z11–16:Ald are, therefore, considered to be the major constituents of the female sex pheromone of D. flavipennella.
Role of intraguild predation in aphidophagous guilds
Authors: Hemptinne J.‐L. , Magro A. , Saladin C. , Dixon A. F. G.
Published: March 2011

The concept of intraguild predation (IGP) appeared in 1987–1989 to describe trophic interactions within a guild of arthropods inhabiting a sand dune desert: consumers B prey on consumers A and both of them prey on a common resource. Theory predicts that the two types of consumers should only coexist if consumer A is more efficient in the conversion of the common resource than B. As a consequence, this resource is more abundant in the presence than in the absence of intraguild predators. Such a theoretical prediction probably explains the vivid interest shown by ecologists involved in biological control for IGP. It is therefore not surprising that many papers report on IGP among natural enemies of aphids. A close examination of these reported cases indicates that they rarely fulfil the theoretical requirements for IGP. That is, guilds of aphidophagous insects are rarely the theatre of IGP but frequently of interspecific predation. This is confirmed by experimental assessment of the cost of attacking and eating intraguild prey instead of extraguild in ladybird beetles.
Mate choice by wild and mass‐reared females of the Mediterranean fruit fly
Authors: Shelly T. E.
Published: March 2011

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is used to control Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), but its effectiveness is limited by low sexual competitiveness of mass‐reared males. This study investigated whether wild and mass‐reared [from a temperature sensitive lethal (tsl) genetic sexing strain] females display similar mate preferences and thus exert similar selective forces on the evolution of male courtship behaviour. Wild females preferred wild males over tsl males, whereas tsl females mated indiscriminately. The probability that mounting resulted in copulation was related to the duration of pre‐mount courtship for wild females, and wild males performed longer courtships than tsl males. Copulation occurred independently of courtship duration in tsl females. Counter to the aim of the SIT, female choice by tsl females appears to promote the evolution of male behaviour disfavoured by wild females.
Generation of residual stress and plastic strain in a fracture mechanics specimen to study the formation of creep damage in type 316 stainless steel
Authors: HOSSAIN S. , TRUMAN C. E. , SMITH D. J.
Published: March 2011

Residual stresses are created in type 316H stainless steel fracture mechanics specimens using the process of local out‐of‐plane compression (LOPC). Three sets of LOPC tools are used to create different distributions of residual stress near to the crack tip. Also the tools create different levels of prior plastic strain. Residual stresses are measured using the neutron diffraction method and compared with the stress predictions obtained from finite element (FE) simulations of LOPC. The specimens are then subjected to thermal exposure at 550 °C for several thousand hours. A creep deformation and damage model is introduced into the FE analysis to predict the relaxation of stresses and creation of damage in the specimens. Neutron diffraction experiments are undertaken to measure the relaxed residual stresses and fractographic analysis of thermally exposed samples measured the extent of creep damage. A comparison between measured and simulated results demonstrates that the prior plastic strain has a significant effect on damage accumulation but this is not accounted for in the current creep damage models.
IS ECONOMIC GROWTH IN COTE D'IVOIRE PRO‐POOR? EVIDENCE FROM LSMS DATA: A NOTE
Authors: Jacques Esso Loesse
Published: March 2011

This paper analyses the impact of the economic growth in Cote d'Ivoire on the poor people. We use household data from two LSMS (1992 and 2002) led by the National Statistical Office of Côte d'Ivoire. We show that the situation in this country is characterized by a trickle‐down growth: the poverty growth curve and the growth incidence curve computed show that growth reduces poverty but the poor people receive proportionally fewer benefits than the non‐poor.
Optimization of joint maintenance strategy for safety‐critical systems with different reliability degrees
Authors: Jia Xujie , Cui Lirong
Published: March 2011

Abstract: In safety‐critical systems, components with high reliability are required. Once a component's reliability fails to meet the minimum safety requirements, either the component should be replaced or, transferred to another system which is allowed to operate on a lower reliability level. Safety standards are not only related to the cost of maintenance, but also to the system's (wear‐and‐tear) and repair degrees. In this paper, two different repair degrees are discussed, and the best safety virtual age criterion is studied in order to minimize financial cost. These results are supported by numerical examples.
Effect of chronic kidney disease on excessive daytime sleepiness in Parkinson disease
Authors: Baba Y. , Higuchi M.‐A. , Fukuyama K. , Abe H. , Uehara Y. , Inoue T. , Yamada T.
Published: March 2011

Background and purposes:  Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common sleep disorder in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). Non‐ergot dopamine agonists increase the risk of unanticipated sleep episodes.

Objective:  We aimed to assess the influence of renal function on EDS in patients with PD.

Methods:  Sixty‐two patients treated with ropinirole or pramipexole were recruited for this study. We evaluated the historical and clinical characteristics including the motor symptom rating scales, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). An ESS score of 10 or greater was defined as EDS. Participants with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 were determined to have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictive factors of EDS.

Results:  Chronic kidney disease was found to be a significant predictive factor for EDS in all patients (P = 0.014). We observed a negative correlation between the severity of daytime sleepiness and renal function in patients treated with pramipexole alone (rs = −0.637, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Chronic kidney disease may be a risk factor for EDS, especially in patients treated with pramipexole, which is directly excreted in the urine.
Long‐term satisfaction after neurological second opinions and tertiary referrals
Authors: Wieske L. , Richard E. , Wijers D. , Stam J. , Smets E. M. A. , Vergouwen M. D. I.
Published: March 2011

Background and purpose:  The number of second opinions (SO) and tertiary referrals (TR) in neurology is increasing. Previously, we showed that a day‐care admission for neurological SO’s and TR’s often results in a new diagnosis and/or treatment advice and increases patient satisfaction. However, long‐term satisfaction for these consultations has never been studied. The main purpose of this study was to investigate long‐term satisfaction in these groups of patients.

Methods:  A 2‐year follow‐up study in 300 patients who had attended a day‐care clinic for SO and TR. Long‐term satisfaction was assessed with a questionnaire using four Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) satisfaction items (ranging 0–10). Patients were asked if they had sought further consultations for the same problem after they had consulted the day‐care clinic. A model was constructed to assess predictors for seeking new consultations.

Results:  Overall satisfaction decreased 2.4 (SD 2.4) points during follow‐up to the same level as before the consultation. The decrease was similar in SO and TR patients. Twenty‐eight per cent of the patients consulted other health‐care workers. Greater satisfaction immediately after the consultation was the only predictor for not seeking additional consultations (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.61–0.99 for every point increase on VAS).

Conclusion:  Despite a high rate of new diagnoses and advised treatments, long‐term satisfaction decreased after 2 years to baseline levels. These results question the long‐term efficacy of a day‐care clinic to evaluate neurological second opinions and tertiary referrals.
Efficacy of blue light vs. red light in the treatment of psoriasis: a double‐blind, randomized comparative study
Authors: Kleinpenning M.M. , Otero M.E. , van Erp P.E.J. , Gerritsen M.J.P. , van de Kerkhof P.C.M.
Published: March 2011

Background  Protoporphyrin IX is present in psoriatic skin without the preceding application of aminolevulinic acid. Therefore, endogenous photosensitizers in psoriasis are a potential target for photodynamic treatment with high‐dose visible light.

Objectives  In the present pilot study, treatment with high‐dose blue and red light in psoriasis were analysed with respect to clinical improvement and potential side‐effects.

Methods  In 20 patients, two stable psoriatic plaques were treated with either blue or red light, three times weekly for four consecutive weeks. To remove scaling that could potentially interfere with penetration of the light into the skin, daily application of 10% salicylic acid in petrolatum was started at the screening visit and continued until the end of the study.

Results  Clinical improvement was seen after treatment with blue as well as after treatment with red light. With respect to scaling and induration, no major differences between both light sources were seen. Improvement of erythema, however, continued in blue light irradiated plaques throughout the whole study period, whereas after red light no significant improvement was seen after six illuminations.

Conclusions  The clinical improvement of psoriasis, with respect to erythema, in particular after blue light and to a lesser extent after red light indicates that visible light treatment could represent a treatment option for psoriasis.
Multiple familial and pigmented basal cell carcinomas in early childhood – Bazex–Dupré–Christol syndrome
Authors: Abuzahra F. , Parren L.J.M.T. , Frank J.
Published: March 2011

Background  Bazex–Dupré–Christol syndrome (BDCS) is an X‐linked dominantly inherited disorder affecting hair follicle structures. Currently, hypotrichosis, follicular atrophoderma and basal cell carcinomas are considered frequent symptoms of the disorder whereas milia are supposed to reflect infrequent clinical signs. Usually, basal cell carcinomas in this disease manifest from the second decade of life onwards.

Case report  Here, we studied a novel multigeneration family of German origin with BDCS. Interestingly, two family members developed pigmented basal cell carcinomas in early childhood, at the age of 3 and 5 years, respectively. The differentiation from other pigmented lesions was accomplished by both dermoscopy and histopathology. A thorough survey of the current literature revealed that milia were present in almost all patients with BDCS reported, as is the case in our family.

Conclusions  We suggest that milia should also be considered frequent symptoms in BDCS. For the first time, to the best of our knowledge, we describe the occurrence of pigmented basal cell carcinomas in BDCS during the first decade of life. Our observation emphasizes the importance of screening for cutaneous malignancies in this disorder already at young age.
Rapid, complete and large‐scale generation of post‐mitotic neurons from the human LUHMES cell line
Authors: Scholz Diana , Pöltl Dominik , Genewsky Andreas , Weng Matthias , Waldmann Tanja , Schildknecht Stefan , Leist Marcel
Published: March 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 957–971.

We characterized phenotype and function of a fetal human mesencephalic cell line (LUHMES, Lund human mesencephalic) as neuronal model system. Neurodevelopmental profiling of the proliferation stage (d0, day 0) of these conditionally‐immortalized cells revealed neuronal features, expressed simultaneously with some early neuroblast and stem cell markers. An optimized 2‐step differentiation procedure, triggered by shut‐down of the myc transgene, resulted in uniformly post‐mitotic neurons within 5 days (d5). This was associated with down‐regulation of some precursor markers and further up‐regulation of neuronal genes. Neurite network formation involved the outgrowth of 1–2, often > 500 μm long projections. They showed dynamic growth cone behavior, as evidenced by time‐lapse imaging of stably GFP‐over‐expressing cells. Voltage‐dependent sodium channels and spontaneous electrical activity of LUHMES continuously increased from d0 to d11, while levels of synaptic markers reached their maximum on d5. The developmental expression patterns of most genes and of the dopamine uptake‐ and release‐machinery appeared to be intrinsically predetermined, as the differentiation proceeded similarly when external factors such as dibutyryl‐cAMP and glial cell derived neurotrophic factor were omitted. Only tyrosine hydroxylase required the continuous presence of cAMP. In conclusion, LUHMES are a robust neuronal model with adaptable phenotype and high value for neurodevelopmental studies, disease modeling and neuropharmacology.
Current progress in DNA barcoding and future implications for entomology
Authors: JINBO Utsugi , KATO Toshihide , ITO Motomi
Published: March 2011

DNA barcoding is a technique for identifying organisms based on a short, standardized fragment of genomic DNA. The standardized sequence region is called a DNA barcode because it is like a barcode tag for each taxon. Since the proposition of this concept and the launch of a large project named the Barcode of Life, this simple technique has attracted attention from taxonomists, ecologists, conservation biologists, agriculturists, plant‐quarantine officers and others, and the number of studies using the DNA barcode has rapidly increased. The extreme diversity of insects and their economical, epidemiological and agricultural importance have made this group a major target of DNA barcoding. However, there is some controversy about the utility of DNA barcoding. In this review, we present an overview of DNA barcoding and its application to entomology. We also introduce current advances and future implications of this promising technique.
Perioperative Management of the Hemodialysis Patient
Authors: Trainor Dominic , Borthwick Emma , Ferguson Andrew
Published: March 2011

Dialysis‐dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an expanding problem for healthcare systems worldwide. The prevalence of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) has increased by 20% since 2000 and stands at 1699 per million people in the USA. ESRD is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular comorbidity, increased severity of cardiovascular disease, and an adjusted all‐cause mortality rate that is 6.4–7.8‐fold higher than the general population. These patients may present electively or emergently for surgery related to, or remote from, the CKD. In any perioperative setting, the patient with hemodialysis‐dependent CKD represents a significant clinical challenge, and successful management of these patients requires effective cooperation and communication between nephrology, anesthesia, and surgical staff. The ESRD patient’s nephrologist will have the best knowledge of their medical history, comorbidities, and future management goals and may have been the clinician who instigated the referral for the surgery, e.g., for parathyroidectomy, vascular access surgery, nephrectomy or renal transplantation. As such, they are in an ideal position to contribute to, or coordinate, early preoperative medical optimization of the patient and also to provide advice during postoperative recovery and rehabilitation. In this article, we provide an overview of some of the key aspects of managing these patients successfully during the perioperative period. We propose the integration of cardiopulmonary exercise testing and cardiovascular optimization into the care of these high‐risk patients and provide an overview of the importance of maintaining microvascular perfusion and the role of viscosity in preserving the capillary perfusion network.
Does Hemodialysis Hurt the Brain?
Authors: Madero Magdalena , Sarnak Mark J.
Published: March 2011

Dialysis patients have a high prevalence of both structural brain abnormalities and cognitive impairment. The pathogenesis of the structural brain abnormalities and cognitive impairment as well the relationship between the two is however less clear. In this editorial, we question whether the hemodialysis procedure itself may be partly responsible for the structural abnormalities noted on imaging studies as well as for the cognitive impairment. We invoke several mechanisms whereby the procedure itself may “hurt” the brain including rapid changes in blood pressure, microembolization, microbleeds, and cerebral edema. We then summarize research questions whose answers may help move the field forward.
MRSA Blistering Distal Dactylitis and Review of Reported Cases
Authors: Fretzayas Andrew , Moustaki Maria , Tsagris Vasilios , Brozou Triantafillia , Nicolaidou Polyxeni
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  We describe a 6‐month‐old infant with blistering distal dactylitis. Bacterial culture from the skin lesion grew methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. No carriage of this bacterial agent was identified in her family. She responded to vancomycin administration and incision and drainage of the lesion. This is the first reported case of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus‐associated blistering distal dactylitis in an infant.
Symmetric Aplasia Cutis Congenita Associated with Fetus Papyraceus: Report of Two Cases
Authors: KLEIN RHONDA QUAIN , ROBINSON DEANNE MRAZ , LIEBER COLETTE D. , ANTAYA RICHARD J.
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  We present two cases of neonates born with symmetric aplasia cutis congenita associated with intrauterine fetal demise of cotwins during the early second trimester. Fetus papyraceus resulting in aplasia cutis congenita is a rare association with many clinical presentations, including extratruncal symmetric lesions and small linear, arcuate, and triangular lesions when twin intrauterine demise occurs after the first trimester.
A Case of Congenital Pigmented Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (Bednar Tumor) in a Patient with Fanconi Anemia
Authors: LEE DEOK‐WOO , YANG JI‐HYE , WON CHONG‐HYUN , CHANG SUNG‐EUN , LEE MI‐WOO , CHOI JEE‐HO , MOON KEE‐CHAN
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Bednar tumor is a rare pigmented variation of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, present in 1 to 5% of all patients with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. No significant clinicopathologic differences exist between Bednar tumor and conventional dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans apart from the presence of scattered nonneoplastic pigmented dendritic cells in the former. Although most dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans occur in adults, they may be rarely present at birth. Fanconi anemia is a genetically heterogeneous chromosomal instability syndrome, characterized by multiple congenital anomalies, progressive bone marrow failure, and a predisposition to malignancy. We describe here a patient with Fanconi anemia who had a congenital Bednar tumor. To our knowledge, this is the first such patient described with both dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and Fanconi anemia.
Comorbidities Alone Do Not Explain the Undertreatment of Colorectal Cancer in Older Adults: A French Population‐Based Study
Authors: Quipourt Valérie , Jooste Valérie , Cottet Vanessa , Faivre Jean , Bouvier Anne‐Marie
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of comorbidities on treatment modalities of colorectal cancer according to the age of patients and French recommendations.

DESIGN: Population‐based study

SETTING: French Digestive Cancer Registry, Burgundy.

PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand nine hundred twenty‐one incident colorectal cancers diagnosed between 2004 and 2007.

MEASUREMENTS: The independent influence of comorbidities (recorded according to the Charlson index) on treatment was analyzed using multivariate logistic regressions controlling for age, sex, and their interaction.

RESULTS: The association between comorbidities and resection for cure was significant only in patients younger than 75 (P interaction=.008). For Stage III colon cancer, 40.4% of the patients aged 75 and older had adjuvant chemotherapy, versus 90.5% of those younger than 75 (P<.001). The association between comorbidities and adjuvant chemotherapy for Stage III colon cancer was significant only in patients younger than 75 (P interaction=.004). Patients aged 75 and older were less likely to receive chemotherapy, even when they had few or no comorbidities. Overall, 29.3% of patients aged 75 and older with advanced colorectal cancer had palliative chemotherapy, versus 77.1% of those younger than 75 (P<.001). Whatever the age, palliative chemotherapy was less frequent for a Charlson comorbidity index of 2 or greater (P interaction=.16). Radiotherapy was administered in 59.0% of patients aged 75 and older with rectal cancer, versus 85.3% of those younger than 75 (P<.001). Whatever the age, patients with a Charlson score of 2 or greater were less likely to receive radiotherapy for rectal cancer than were patients without comorbidities (P interaction=.86).

CONCLUSION: Further studies are warranted to identify more precisely the reasons for lower treatment rates for colorectal cancer in the older population.
Rural–Urban Distribution of the U.S. Geriatrics Physician Workforce
Authors: Peterson Lars E. , Bazemore Andrew , Bragg Elizabeth J. , Xierali Imam , Warshaw Gregg A.
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVES:To determine the distribution of geriatricians across the rural–urban continuum from 2000 to 2008 and to compare with primary care physicians in 2008.

DESIGN:County‐level analysis of physician data from the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile for 2000, 2004, and 2008 merged with U.S. Census data on the number of older (≥65) county residents. Descriptive statistics for each year were stratified according to 2003 Rural Urban Continuum Codes (RUCCs).

SETTING:United States.

PARTICIPANTS:Physicians in the United States.

MEASUREMENTS:Number of physicians per county elderly population.

RESULTS:The number of self‐identified geriatricians nationwide increased from 5,157 to 7,412 from 2000 to 2008. The number of geriatricians increased in each RUCC level, with nearly 90% of geriatricians residing in urban areas in all years. In 2008, the number of geriatricians per 10,000 older adults declined as rurality increased (from 1.48 in the most‐urban areas to 0.80 in the most rural). General internal medicine physicians are more plentiful in urban counties and declined as rurality increased (from 27.29 to 3.85 per 10,000 older adults in 2008). In contrast, family physicians were more evenly distributed with the elderly population across the rural–urban continuum (22.02 to 14.27 per 10,000 older adults in 2008).

CONCLUSION:Small numbers of geriatricians combined with a growing elderly population poses a challenge and an opportunity. Healthcare systems and policy‐makers will need to modify care models to better use the skill of geriatricians in concert with other providers to provide quality care for older rural and urban Americans.
Continuous Noninvasive Orthostatic Blood Pressure Measurements and Their Relationship with Orthostatic Intolerance, Falls, and Frailty in Older People
Authors: Romero‐Ortuno Roman , Cogan Lisa , Foran Tim , Kenny Rose Anne , Fan Chie Wei
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVES: To identify morphological orthostatic blood pressure (BP) phenotypes in older people and assess their correlation with orthostatic intolerance (OI), falls, and frailty and to compare the discriminatory performance of a morphological classification with two established orthostatic hypotension (OH) definitions: consensus (COH) and initial (IOH).

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.

SETTING: Geriatric research clinic.

PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred forty‐two participants (mean age 72, 72% female) without dementia or risk factors for autonomic neuropathy.

MEASUREMENTS: Active lying‐to‐standing test monitored using a continuous noninvasive BP monitor. For the morphological classification, four orthostatic systolic BP variables were extracted (delta (baseline – nadir) and maximum percentage of baseline recovered by 30 seconds and 1 and 2 minutes) using the 5‐second averages method and entered in K‐means cluster analysis (three clusters). Main outcomes were OI, falls (≥1 in past 6 months), and frailty (modified Fried criteria).

RESULTS: The morphological clusters were small drop, fast overrecovery (n=112); medium drop, slow recovery (n=238); and large drop, nonrecovery (n=92). Their characterization revealed an increasing OI gradient (17.9%, 27.5%, and 44.6% respectively, P<.001) but no significant gradients in falls or frailty. The COH definition failed to reveal clinical differences between COH+ (n=416) and COH− (n=26) participants. The IOH definition resulted in a clinically meaningful separation between IOH+ (n=85) and IOH− (n=357) subgroups, as assessed according to OI (100% vs 11.5%, P<.001), falls (24.7% vs 10.4%, P<.001), and frailty (14.1% vs 5.4%, P=.005).

CONCLUSION: It is recommended that the IOH definition be applied when taking continuous noninvasive orthostatic BP measurements in older people.
Digital Image Capture and Rapid Prototyping of the Maxillofacial Defect
Authors: Sabol Jennifer V. , Grant Gerald T. , Liacouras Peter , Rouse Stephen
Published: March 2011

In order to restore an extraoral maxillofacial defect, a moulage impression is commonly made with traditional impression materials. This technique has some disadvantages, including distortion of the site due to the weight of the impression material, changes in tissue location with modifications of the patient position, and the length of time and discomfort for the patient due to the impression procedure and materials used. The use of the commercially available 3dMDface™ System creates 3D images of soft tissues to form an anatomically accurate 3D surface image. Rapid prototyping converts the virtual designs from the 3dMDface™ System into a physical model by converting the data to a ZPrint (ZPR) CAD format file and a stereolithography (STL) file. The data, in conjunction with a Zprinter® 450 or a Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA), can be used to fabricate a model for prosthesis fabrication, without the disadvantages of the standard moulage technique. This article reviews this technique and how it can be applied to maxillofacial prosthetics.
The Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale Fails to Discriminate Pain or Anxiety in a Chronic Disabling Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorder Population
Authors: Brede Emily , Mayer Tom G. , Neblett Randy , Williams Mark , Gatchel Robert J.
Published: March 2011

Background:  The Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale (PASS) was developed to measure fear and anxiety responses to pain. Many studies have found associations between PASS scores and self‐report measures of pain, anxiety, and disability as well as among inhibited movement patterns and activity avoidance behaviors (eg, kinesophobia). This study aimed to identify clinically meaningful cut‐off points to identify high or low levels of pain anxiety and to determine if the PASS provides additional useful information in a functional restoration (FR) treatment program for chronic disabling occupational musculoskeletal disorder (CDOMD) patients.

Methods:  A consecutive cohort of 551 patients with CDOMD, who entered and completed a FR program, was administered a battery of psychosocial assessments, including the PASS, at admission and discharge. Socioeconomic outcomes were collected 1 year after discharge. After identifying clinical ranges for mild, moderate, and severe pain anxiety, the three groups were compared on self‐report measures of psychosocial distress, clinical diagnoses of psychosocial disorders, and 1‐year socioeconomic outcomes.

Results:  Correlations between the PASS and all measures of pain, anxiety, and disability were statistically significant. However, only the Pain Disability Questionnaire showed a large correlation coefficient (r > 0.5). Patients with the highest PASS scores were more likely to be diagnosed with a number of Axis I (depression, opioid dependence) or Axis II (Borderline Personality) psychiatric disorders. They were more likely to display treatment‐seeking behavior at 1 year after discharge. However, the PASS failed to differentiate between any other 1‐year outcomes.

Conclusions:  The PASS is elevated when other measures of psychosocial distress are also elevated. However, the PASS fails to discriminate between different indices of depression and anxiety and it is not highly related to 1‐year outcomes in a CDOMD cohort. If time and resources are limited, a different measure of psychosocial distress that does relate to socioeconomic outcomes might be a better option in a CDOMD evaluation process.
20. Meralgia Paresthetica
Authors: Patijn Jacob , Mekhail Nagy , Hayek Salim , Lataster Arno , van Kleef Maarten , Van Zundert Jan
Published: March 2011

Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is a neurological disorder of the nervus cutaneous femoris lateralis (lateral femoral cutaneous nerve) (LFCN) characterized by a localized area of paresthesia and numbness on the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. Medical history and neurological examination are essential in making the diagnosis. However, red flags such as tumor and lumbar disc herniations must be ruled out. While the diagnosis of MP is essentially a clinical diagnosis, sensory nerve conduction velocity studies are a useful additional diagnostic tool.

The first choice in management of MP is, besides treating the underlying cause, always a conservative approach. Simple measures such as losing weight and not wearing tight belts and/or trousers can be advised. Pharmacological therapy consists mainly of antineuropathic medication.

Anatomical variants of the LFCN occur in a quarter of patients and may be the reason for negative response to diagnostic blocks. For interventional treatment of MP, such as local injection with anesthetics and corticosteroids or pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the LFCN, the evidence is limited. In particular, pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the LFCN should only take place in a study context.
25. Ischemic Pain in the Extremities and Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Authors: Devulder Jacques , van Suijlekom Hans , van Dongen Robert , Diwan Sudhir , Mekhail Nagy , van Kleef Maarten , Huygen Frank
Published: March 2011

Two important groups of disorders result from an insufficient blood supply to the extremities: critical vascular disease and the Raynaud’s phenomenon. The latter can be subdivided into a primary and a secondary type. Critical ischemic disease is often caused by arteriosclerosis due to hypertension or diabetes. Primary Raynaud’s is idiopathic and will be diagnosed as such if underlying systemic pathology has been excluded. Secondary Raynaud’s is often a manifestation of a systemic disease. It is essential to try to establish a diagnosis as soon as possible in order to influence the evolution of the disease.

A sympathetic nerve block can be considered in patients with critical ischemic vascular disease after extensive conservative treatment, preferably in the context of a study (2B±). If this has insufficient effect, spinal cord stimulation can be considered in a selected patient group (2B±). In view of the degree of invasiveness and the costs involved, this treatment should preferably be applied in the context of a study and with the use of transcutaneous pO2 measurements.

In case of primary Raynaud’s, life style changes are the first step. Sympathectomy can be considered as a treatment of Raynaud’s phenomenon (2C+), but only after multidisciplinary evaluation of the patient and in close consultation with the patient’s rheumatologist, vascular surgeon or internist.
Ablation of Ventricular Fibrillation in an Orthotopic Heart Lung Transplant
Authors: LYNE JONATHAN , WONG TOM , BANNER NICHOLAS , MARKIDES VIAS
Published: March 2011

Arrhythmia is well described following cardiac transplantation. We report a case of recurrent ventricular fibrillation (VF) originating from an orthotopic cardiac allograft. VF was consistently initiated on each occasion by a relatively early‐coupled monomorphic ventricular ectopic. Antiarrhythmic agents failed to suppress the arrhythmia. Electrophysiological testing with noncontact mapping showed a high‐frequency potential at the earliest activation site. Radiofrequency ablation resulted in abolition of ventricular ectopy with no further VF recurrence. Although there is substantial experience with ablation of atrial tachycardias in this setting, experience with ablation for ventricular arrhythmias is limited and ablation of VF not described. PACE 2012; 35:e102–e104)
Multicenter Experience with Implantable Defibrillators Subject to Recall
Authors: PERROTTA LAURA , PIERAGNOLI PAOLO , RICCIARDI GIUSEPPE , SACCHI STEFANIA , MASCIA GIUSEPPE , PADELETTI MARGHERITA , BONGIORNI MARIA GRAZIA , CURNIS ANTONIO , BELLOCCI FULVIO , MICHELUCCI ANTONIO , PORCIANI MARIA CRISTINA , PADELETTI LUIGI
Published: March 2011

Background: The management of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) affected by advisories, which often include generator replacement, is complex and the risk of device failure needs to be carefully assessed for each patient.

Methods: We analyzed the response to the advisory communication in the Italian centers involved in the recall for the Prizm 1861 and Renewal (Boston Scientific–formerly Guidant—St. Paul, MN, USA) communication.

Results: One hundred and thirty‐nine of 843 Prizm (16.5%) and 458 of 2,342 Renewal devices (19.6%) were explanted. The total incidence over a 4‐year time frame of the failure event was equal to zero of 710 (0%) for Prizm ICDs and eight of 2,342 (0.34%) for Renewal ICDs. A limited percentage of devices affected by recall were definitely explanted following the indications stated by the advisory.

The failure rates that resulted from analysis of our data (0% for Prizm and 0.34% for Renewal) were inferior to those already found or projected along the device lifetime globally, as reported in the most recent Company Product Performance Report (0.72% for Prizm and 1.83% for Renewal).

Conclusions: In absence of underestimation of the events, a lower incidence than expected could resize the dimension of the problem, justifying the concept of a more frequent follow‐up of patient with respect to the choice of an immediate device explant. (PACE 2011; 34:998–1002)
Osseointegration of commercial microstructured titanium implants incorporating magnesium: a histomorphometric study in rabbit cancellous bone
Authors: Park Jin‐Woo , An Chang‐Hyeon , Jeong Seong‐Hwa , Suh Jo‐Young
Published: March 2011

Objective: Recent studies have suggested that magnesium (Mg) ions exert a beneficial effect on implant osseointegration. This study assessed the osseointegration of nanoporous titanium (Ti) surface incorporating the Mg produced by hydrothermal treatment in rabbit cancellous bone to determine whether this surface would further enhance bone healing of moderately rough‐surfaced implants in cancellous bone, and compared the result with commercially available micro‐arc oxidized Mg‐incorporated implants.

Material and methods: The Mg‐incorporated Ti surfaces (RBM/Mg) were obtained by hydrothermal treatment using an alkaline Mg‐containing solution on grit‐blasted moderately rough (RBM) implants. Untreated RBM and recently introduced Mg‐incorporated microporous Ti implants produced by micro‐arc oxidation (M) were used controls in this study. The surface characteristics were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and optical profilometry. Twenty‐four threaded implants with a length of 10 mm (eight RBM implants, eight RBM/Mg implants and eight M implants) were placed in the femoral condyles of 12 New Zealand White rabbits. Histomorphometric analysis was performed 4 weeks after implantation.

Results: Hydrothermally treated and untreated grit‐blasted implants displayed almost identical surface morphologies and Ra values at the micron‐scale. The RBM/Mg implants exhibited morphological differences compared with the RBM implants at the nano‐scale, which displayed nanoporous surface structures. The Mg‐incorporated implants (RBM/Mg and M) exhibited more continuous bone apposition and a higher degree of bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) than the untreated RBM implants in rabbit cancellous bone. The RBM/Mg implants displayed significantly greater BIC% than untreated RBM implants, both in terms of the all threads region and the total lateral length of implants (P<0.05), but no statistical differences were found between the RBM/Mg and M implants except BIC% values in total lateral length.

Conclusion: These results indicate that a nanoporous Mg‐incorporated surface may be effective in enhancing the osseointegration of moderately rough grit‐blasted implants by increasing the degree of bone−implant contact in areas of cancellous bone.

To cite this article: Park J‐W, An C‐H, Jeong S‐H, Suh J‐Y. Osseointegration of commercial microstructured titanium implants incorporating magnesium: a histomorphometric study in rabbit cancellous bone. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23, 2012; 294–300. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.02144.x
Early implant healing: promotion of platelet activation and cytokine release by topographical, chemical and biomimetical titanium surface modifications in vitro
Authors: Kämmerer P. W. , Gabriel M. , Al‐Nawas B. , Scholz T. , Kirchmaier C. M. , Klein M. O.
Published: March 2011

Objectives: Platelet releasate has been shown to promote osteogenetic cell proliferation and differentiation. Topography and chemistry of biomaterials have high impact on platelet activation. More specifically, the bioactive cell adhesive peptide sequence Arg–Gly–Asp (RGD) triggers platelet activation mediated by the αIIbβ3 integrin receptor. Accordingly, topographical, chemical and biomimetical (immobilized RGD peptide) modifications of titanium (Ti) surfaces may enhance early platelet activation and bony healing of implants. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate platelet activation with subsequent platelet‐derived cytokine release by accordingly modified Ti surfaces.

Materials and methods: Pre‐treated (PT; mean roughness [Ra]=0.04 μm, contact angle [CA]=91°), acid‐etched (A, Ra=0.83 μm, CA=106°), large grit‐sandblasted, acid‐etched (SLA, Ra=3.2 μm, CA=109°) as well as hydrophilically modified acid‐etched (modA, Ra=0.83 μm, CA=0) and modified large grit‐sandblasted, acid‐etched (modSLA, Ra=3.2 μm; CA=0°) titanium surfaces were investigated. Additionally, RGD peptides were chemically immobilized on PT, A and SLA surfaces (PT‐RGD [CA=18°], A‐RGD [CA=0°], SLA‐RGD [CA=0°]). The different Ti surfaces were incubated with platelet concentrate of three healthy volunteers at room temperature for 15 min and for 30 min. High thrombogenous collagen served as the control group. Out of the supernatant, platelet consumption was assessed via platelet count (PC). Cytokine release was quantified via the level of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Results:

After 15 min, especially the rough SLA surface showed a strong decrease in PC and a strong increase in VEGF and PDGF levels. After 30 min, high platelet consumption as well as high levels of VEGF and PDGF were measured for unspecifically modified (modA) and especially for biomimetic, specifically modified (PT‐RGD, A‐RGD) surfaces, indicating a delayed effect of the surface modifications on platelet activation.

Discussion: Modifications of surface roughness modifications appear to influence early platelet activation and cytokine release after 15 min whereas surface chemistry modifications with increased hydrophilic properties and surface modifications via RGD peptide on plainer surfaces lead to a further, more specific promotion of platelet activation and degranulation after 30 min. The observed effect could be valuable for critical clinical situations like compromised bone sites.

To cite this article: Kämmerer PW, Gabriel M, Al‐Nawas B, Scholz T, Kirchmaier CM, Klein MO. Early implant healing: promotion of platelet activation and cytokine release by topographical, chemical and biomimetical titanium surface modifications in vitro. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23, 2012 504–510. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2011.02153.x