bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel early intervention for preschool depression: findings from a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Luby Joan , Lenze Shannon , Tillman Rebecca
Published: October 2011

Background:  Validation for depression in preschool children has been established; however, to date no empirical investigations of interventions for the early onset disorder have been conducted. Based on this and the modest efficacy of available treatments for childhood depression, the need for novel early interventions has been emphasized. Large effect sizes (ES) for preschool psychotherapies for several Axis I disorders suggest that earlier intervention in depression may also be promising. Therefore, a novel form of treatment for preschool depression, Parent–Child Interaction Therapy Emotion Development (PCIT‐ED) was developed and tested.

Methods:  A preliminary randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted comparing PCIT‐ED to psycho‐education in depressed 3‐ to 7‐year‐olds and their caregivers. A total of 54 patients met symptom criteria for DSM–IV major depressive disorder and were randomized, 19 patients completed the active treatment (n = 8 dropouts) and 10 completed psycho‐education (n = 17 dropouts).

Results:  Both groups showed significant improvement in several domains, with PCIT‐ED showing significance in a greater number of domains. An intent‐to‐treat analysis suggested that PCIT‐ED was significantly more effective than psycho‐education on executive functioning (p = .011, ES = 0.12) and emotion recognition skills (p = .002, ES = 0.83).

Conclusions:  The RCT proved feasible and suggests an individual control condition should be used in future trials to minimize differential dropout. These pilot data, although limited by power, suggest that PCIT‐ED may be a promising early intervention for depression. Larger scale randomized controlled trials of PCIT‐ED for depressed preschoolers are now warranted.
The use of carbon dioxide in the processing and packaging of milk and dairy products: A review
Authors: SINGH PREETI , WANI ALI ABAS , KARIM A A , LANGOWSKI HORST‐CHRISTIAN
Published: October 2011

The upswing in consumer demand for fresh and high quality preservative‐free foods has led to the development of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Increasingly, MAP is being used with high carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration as well as CO2/N2 gas mixes. Modified atmosphere packaging or ‘gas flushing’ as it is also known is an increasingly popular technique used to extend the shelf life (both quality and safety) of a number of dairy products. Carbon dioxide is an active constituent of MAP, naturally present in freshly drawn raw milk. Addition of CO2 to raw milk or flushing the package headspace has proved to be a simple and cost‐effective method, depending upon the initial microbiological quality of the food product. Carbon dioxide addition through MAP or direct injection as an economically affordable shelf life extension strategy is used commercially worldwide for some dairy products. The development of food packaging machines with integrated gas flushing capabilities and the supply of ‘food grade’ gases allow dairy foods manufacturers to enhance the quality of their products. This review presents a broad spectrum of current research and the current trends with respect to CO2 as a natural microbial hurdle with special focus on its precise mechanism and its role in quality improvement of dairy products.
Making something of the sacrifice: gender, migration and Mexican children's educational aspirations
Authors: DREBY JOANNA , STUTZ LINDSAY
Published: October 2011

Transnational families often use international migration as a strategy not only for survival, but also for social mobility. Migrant parents hope their sacrifices via migration will translate into educational benefits for non‐migrant children. In this article, we use mixed methods to explore the success of parents' efforts by considering the relationship between gender, family migration patterns and the educational aspirations of children in the Mixteca region of Mexico. Analysis of surveys collected from 1273 students show that mothers' migrations affect children's educational goals in different ways depending on whether they migrate alone or with their husbands. Fathers' lone migrations have no significant impact on children's educational aspirations. Interviews with 51 children of migrants suggest that children of unmarried migrant mothers are motivated academically because they invest in their mothers' migrations as a sacrifice, whereas the emotional consequences of parental absences lower the educational aspirations of children with both parents in the USA.
Scale, networks, and information strategies: exploring indigenous peoples' refusal of a protected area in Suriname
Authors: HAALBOOM BETHANY J. , CAMPBELL LISA M.
Published: October 2011

In this article, we examine the response of three indigenous communities in western Suriname to the proposed establishment of a protected area on their traditional lands. In particular, we focus on how the transnational, national and sub‐national networks associated with indigenous rights and protected areas influenced the decision the communities made to reject the protected area. Central to the analysis are the concepts of scale, networks and information; we explore how a national indigenous rights organization used scale and networks to relay information strategically and empower communities in their decision‐making. However, while scale was an empowering political tool, it has also served to disempower indigenous peoples in Suriname through the continuing importance of the state in protected area implementation and legal claims to lands and resources.
Medical simulation for professional development—science and practice
Authors: Fox R , Walker JJ , Draycott TJ
Published: October 2011

Please cite this paper as: Fox R, Walker J. Draycott T. Medical simulation for professional development—science and practice. BJOG 2011;118 (Suppl. 3): 1–4.

From the earliest days of medical practice, when surgeons used cadavers to explore the possibilities of surgical intervention, simulation has been employed to advance the practice of health care. In the last 10 years, technological advances have allowed for a wider availability and greater realism of simulation, and this has encouraged a great expansion in its use. Simulation aims to create a virtuous cycle of professional development to improve patient outcomes. Although it seems eminently logical to believe that simulation will result in better outcomes, there is a need to test these new training interventions rigorously to be sure of their worth and to understand any limitations. The purpose of this BJOG supplement is to examine in depth several paradigms of medical simulation within maternity care and gynaecology, in different settings, looking at what can be achieved and how. In this opening review, we look at the potential use of medical simulation in broad terms and describe the types of evidence that can be employed to support its use.
Practical simulation training for maternity care—where we are and where next
Authors: Crofts JF , Winter C , Sowter MC
Published: October 2011

Please cite this paper as: Crofts J, Winter C, Sowter M. Practical simulation training for maternity care—where we are and where next. BJOG 2011; 118 (Suppl. 3): 11–16.

Improving maternal and perinatal care is a global priority. Practical simulation training for maternity care might prevent many of these deaths. There have been numerous evaluation studies published on the effectiveness of simulation training for obstetric emergencies, with increasing evidence that it is associated with improvement in clinical outcomes. Evidence has begun to move from subjective assessment of participants’ experiences towards objective assessment of clinical outcomes. However, the results are not entirely consistent and, at present, all of the evidence associating training with improvements in clinical outcomes relates to neonatal outcomes. This review summarises recent progress in the evaluation of the effectiveness of simulation training for maternity care in both high‐ and low‐resource settings, and presents a vision for ensuring that practical simulation training for maternity care can become an effective tool to reduce global maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.
Reduced neuronal expression of ribose‐5‐phosphate isomerase enhances tolerance to oxidative stress, extends lifespan, and attenuates polyglutamine toxicity in Drosophila
Authors: Wang Ching‐Tzu , Chen Yi‐Chun , Wang Yi‐Yun , Huang Ming‐Hao , Yen Tzu‐Li , Li Hsun , Liang Cyong‐Jhih , Sang Tzu‐Kang , Ciou Shih‐Ci , Yuh Chiou‐Hwa , Wang Chao‐Yung , Brummel Theodore J. , Wang Horng‐Dar
Published: October 2011

Aging and age‐related diseases can be viewed as the result of the lifelong accumulation of stress insults. The identification of mutant strains and genes that are responsive to stress and can alter longevity profiles provides new therapeutic targets for age‐related diseases. Here we reported that a Drosophila strain with reduced expression of ribose‐5‐phosphate isomerase (rpi), EP2456, exhibits increased resistance to oxidative stress and enhanced lifespan. In addition, the strain also displays higher levels of NADPH. The knockdown of rpi in neurons by double‐stranded RNA interference recapitulated the lifespan extension and oxidative stress resistance in Drosophila. This manipulation was also found to ameliorate the effects of genetic manipulations aimed at creating a model for studying Huntington’s disease by overexpression of polyglutamine in the eye, suggesting that modulating rpi levels could serve as a treatment for normal aging as well as for polyglutamine neurotoxicity.
Unsettling responsibility: postcolonial interventions
Authors: Noxolo Pat , Raghuram Parvati , Madge Clare
Published: October 2011

This paper contributes to debates about geographies of responsibility. In contrast to much of the previous literature in this field, which has concentrated on teasing out the intimate interconnections between different people, places and spaces, in this paper we highlight the limits to such connections, focusing on more unsettled versions of responsibility. Our critique draws on postcolonial readings to highlight two limitations of responsibility: its availability as an ethical gesture that can be ascribed even where it is not practised; and its imputed agency that makes it possible for responsible agency to be usurped by the global North. This starts to muddy the water of responsibility, showing how it may involve refusal, denial, withdrawal and contamination. More problematised enigmatic and risky versions of responsibility arise from these critiques. In particular, we argue that in considering responsibility as practice, a recognition of the provisional, contaminated and complex myriad of power relations involved may signal a move towards more ambivalent versions and visions that acknowledge the vulnerabilities and disconnections involved in geographies of responsibility.
Flow cytometric techniques for detection of candidate cancer stem cell subpopulations in canine tumour models
Authors: Blacking T. M. , Waterfall M. , Samuel K. , Argyle D. J.
Published: October 2011

The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis proposes that tumour growth is maintained by a distinct subpopulation of ‘CSC’. This study applied flow cytometric methods, reported to detect CSC in both primary and cultured cancer cells of other species, to identify candidate canine subpopulations. Cell lines representing diverse canine malignancies, and cells derived from spontaneous canine tumours, were evaluated for expression of stem cell‐associated surface markers (CD34, CD44, CD117 and CD133) and functional properties [Hoecsht 33342 efflux, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity]. No discrete marker‐defined subsets were identified within established cell lines; cells derived directly from spontaneous tumours demonstrated more heterogeneity, although this diminished uponin vitroculture. Functional assays produced variable results, suggesting context‐dependency. Flow cytometric methods may be adopted to identify putative canine CSC. Whilst cell lines are valuable in assay development, primary cells may provide a more rewarding model for studying tumour heterogeneity in the context of CSC. However, it will be essential to fully characterize any candidate subpopulations to ensure that they meet CSC criteria.
Sphingosine kinase 1 promotes tumour cell migration and invasion via the S1P/EDG1 axis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Bao Meiyan , Chen Zhiao , Xu Yongfen , Zhao Yingjun , Zha Ruopeng , Huang Shenglin , Liu Li , Chen Taoyang , Li Jinjun , Tu Hong , He Xianghuo
Published: October 2011

Background/Aims

Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1), which phosphorylates sphingosine to sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P), is overexpressed in various types of cancers, and may act as an oncogene in tumorigenesis. However, little is known about the precise role of the SphK1/S1P pathway in human liver cancer, especially regarding the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials and methods

The expression of SphK1 was detected by quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR. In addition, transwell cell migration and invasion assay were carried out for functional analysis. Furthermore, the level of S1P was quantified by ELISA and Rac1/Cdc42 GTPase activation was assessed by western blot analysis.

Results

The levels of SphK1 mRNA are commonly up‐regulated in HCC patients and human liver cancer cell migration and invasion can be promoted by the overexpression of SphK1. In addition, inhibition of SphK1 with either a SphK1 inhibitor or siRNA reduced human liver cancer cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, overexpression of SphK1 increased S1P levels, and the exogenous addition of S1P increased liver cell migration and invasion through the EDG1 receptor.

Discussion and conclusion

The results from this study provide strong evidence of a role for the SphK1/S1P/EDG1 pathway in liver metastasis, thus making it an attractive therapeutic target for the development of new anti‐HCC drugs.
Cognitive Functioning Predicts Driver Safety on Road Tests 1 and 2 Years Later
Authors: Aksan Nazan , Anderson Steven W. , Dawson Jeffrey D. , Johnson Amy M. , Uc Ergun Y. , Rizzo Matthew
Published: October 2011

Objectives

To describe longitudinal changes in mean level and evaluate rank‐order stability in potential predictors of driving safety (visual sensory, motor, visual attention, and cognitive functioning) and safety errors during an 18‐mile on‐road driving test in older adults and to evaluate the relative predictive power of earlier visual sensory, motor, visual attention, and cognitive functioning on future safety errors, controlling for earlier driving capacity.

Design

Three‐year longitudinal observational study.

Setting

Large teaching hospital in the Midwest.

Participants

One hundred eleven neurologically normal older adults (60–89 at baseline).

Measurements

Safety errors based on video review of a standard 18‐mile on‐road driving test served as the outcome measure. A comprehensive battery of tests on the predictor side included visual sensory functioning, motor functioning, cognitive functioning, and a measure of useful field of view.

Results

Longitudinal changes in mean levels of safety errors and cognitive functioning were small from year to year. Relative rank‐order stability between consecutive assessments was moderate in overall safety errors and moderate to strong in visual attention and cognitive functioning. Although prospective bivariate correlations between safety errors and predictors ranged from fair to moderate, only functioning in the cognitive domain predicted future driver performance 1 and 2 years later in multivariate analyses.

Conclusion

Normative aging‐related declines in driver performance as assessed using on‐road tests emerge slowly. Even in the presence of conservative controls, such as previous driving ability, age, and visual sensory and motor functioning, cognitive functioning predicted future on‐road driving performance 1 and 2 years later.
Fatigue and Fracture Resistance of Zirconia Crowns Prepared with Different Finish Line Designs
Authors: Aboushelib Moustafa N.
Published: October 2011

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of finish line design on the fatigue, fracture resistance, and failure type of veneered zirconia restorations.

Materials and Methods: A CAD/CAM system (Cercon) was used to prepare zirconia frameworks (0.5 mm thick) for a maxillary central incisor. Three finish line designs were evaluated: a complete narrow chamfer, a narrow chamfer with a lingual ledge, and a complete ledge. The prepared frameworks were veneered using a press‐on ceramic (Ceram Press) and were cemented on the corresponding prepared teeth using a resin cement (Panavia F2.0). The cemented specimens were thermocycled, subjected to dynamic fatigue, and finally loaded till fracture. Fractured specimens were examined under a scanning electron microscope to assess fracture type. One‐way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used to analyze the data (α= 0.05).

Results: The finish line design did not have any significant statistical influence on the fracture resistance (F = 1.9, p= 0.346) or on the failure type of the tested specimens. Adjusted R squared value (R = 0.049) indicated a weak correlation between finish line design and fracture load of the tested specimens. All specimens failed due to cracking and fracture of the veneer ceramic. Meanwhile, the framework remained entirely intact. Three narrow chamfer finish line specimens demonstrated adhesive fracture of the veneer ceramic during dynamic fatigue testing, related to overextension of the veneer ceramic during the layering procedure.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the finish line design did not influence the fatigue or the fracture resistance of veneered zirconia crowns. Selection of any of the finish line designs should be based on the clinical condition of the restored tooth.
Disinfection of Bacterially Contaminated Hydrophilic PVS Impression Materials
Authors: Estafanous Emad Wadie , Palenik Charles John , Platt Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2011

Purpose: This study evaluated disinfection of bacterially contaminated hydrophilic polyvinylsiloxane (PVS) and polyether impressions.

Materials and Methods: Four light‐bodied PVS (Examix, Genie, Take 1, Aquasil) and one polyether (Impregum) impression materials were evaluated using three disinfectants (EcoTru [EnviroSystems], ProSpray [Certol], and bleach [diluted 1:9]) as spray and immersion disinfections for 10‐minute exposures. Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442, Salmonella choleraesius ATCC 10708, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 was the microbial challenge. Test specimens were prepared using aluminum molds with ten tapered cones. Mucin covered each cone, followed by 0.01 mL of each bacterium. Impressions were made using low viscosity impression material that was injected over the cones and filled custom trays. One‐half of the impressions were spray disinfected, while the others underwent immersion disinfection. Trays that were contaminated but not disinfected served as positive controls, while those not bacterially contaminated or disinfected served as negative controls. The impressions were poured with Silky Rock Die Stone, and after setting, two cones were placed within a sterile capsule and triturated into powder. Four milliliters of TRIS buffer (0.05 M, pH 7.0) containing sodium thiosulfate (0.0055% w/v) were poured in each tube. After mixing, the solution was serially diluted and spread‐plated onto selective agars. After incubation, colony counting occurred.

Results: No viable bacteria transferred to casts from either spray‐ or immersion‐disinfected impressions. Negative controls produced no microbial colonies. Positive controls produced on average 3.35 × 105 bacterial cells.

Conclusion: Results suggest the methods used could disinfect contaminated impression materials. Microbial transfer from nondisinfected impressions to cones approached 33.5%.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Prosthodontic Stent in Determining the Position of Dental Implants
Authors: Talwar Naina , Chand Pooran , Singh Balendra Pratap , Rao Jitendra , Pal U. S. , Ram Hari
Published: October 2011

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of a dual purpose (diagnostic and surgical) acrylic resin stent with gutta percha marker used in conjunction with 3D imaging in determination of the position and inclination of dental implants.

Materials and Methods: This study was performed as a case control study. A total of 41 implants, of which 20 had been placed without the use of stents and 3D imaging (control group) and 21 were placed using stents and 3D imaging (study group), were studied. A diagnostic and surgical stent with radio‐opaque indicator (gutta percha) was fabricated to determine the planned prosthetic position and inclination of the implant. Computed tomography images were obtained and were analyzed using Denta Scan software. The position of the implant was analyzed in mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions in terms of both position and angulation. SPSS v15.0 was used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant).

Results: The study group demonstrated an overall 98.9% efficacy of the test technique being used in the study. On qualitative assessment, the results obtained were within the defined ideal threshold level for four of five parameters (distance from buccal and lingual cortical plate, inter‐implant distance, and buccolingual angulation of the implant relative to underlying alveolar bone). For mesiodistal distance from adjacent teeth, the observation was not above threshold value for only one case. For the control group, the overall efficacy was 66.9%.

Conclusion: The technique of combined use of a prosthodontic stent and 3D imaging is an efficacious and better technique in achieving an ideal position of dental implants as compared to conventional techniques using periapical and panoramic radiographs and a cast.
Prospective Observation of a New Bioactive Luting Cement: 2‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Jefferies Steven R. , Pameijer Cornelis H. , Appleby David C. , Boston Daniel , Galbraith Colin , Lööf Jesper , Glantz Per‐Olof
Published: October 2011

Purpose: A pilot study was conducted to determine the 2‐year clinical performance of a new bioactive dental cement (Ceramir C&B, formerly XeraCem) for permanent cementation.

Materials and Methods: The cement used in this study is a new formulation class, a hybrid material comprising calcium aluminate and glass ionomer. Thirty‐eight crowns and fixed partial denture (FPD) abutments were cemented in 17 patients. Thirty‐one of the abutment teeth were vital, 7 nonvital. Six reconstructions were FPDs comprising 14 abutment teeth (12 vital/2 nonvital). A two‐unit fixed splint was also included. Preparation parameters and cement characteristics (dispensing, working time, seating characteristics, ease of cement removal) were recorded. Baseline and postcementation data were recorded for marginal integrity, marginal discoloration, secondary caries, retention, and gingival inflammation. Tooth sensitivity was assessed at pre‐ and postcementation time points using categorical and visual analogue scale (VAS) assessment measures.

Results: Mixing of the cement was reported as “easy.” Clinical working time for this cement was deemed acceptable. Assessment of seating characteristics indicated all restorations were seated completely after cementation. Cement removal was determined to be “easy.” Fifteen of 17 subjects were available for 1‐year recall examination; 13 patients were available for the 2‐year recall examination. Restorations at 2‐year recall examination included 17 single‐unit, full‐coverage crown restorations, four 3‐unit FPDs comprising 8 abutments, and one 2‐unit splint. No retentive failures or sensitivity were recorded at 2‐year recall. Marginal integrities of all restorations/abutments at 2 years were rated in the “alpha” category. Average VAS score for tooth sensitivity decreased from 7.63 mm at baseline to 0.44 mm at 6‐month recall, 0.20 mm at 1‐year recall, and 0.00 mm at 2‐year recall. The average gingival index score for gingival inflammation decreased from 0.56 at baseline to 0.11 at 6‐month recall, then 0.16 at 1‐year recall, and 0.21 at 2‐year recall.

Conclusions: Two‐year recall data yielded no loss of retention, no secondary caries, no marginal discolorations, and no subjective sensitivity. All restorations rated “alpha” for marginal integrity at the 2‐year recall. After periodic recalls up to 2 years, the new bioactive cement tested thus far has performed favorably as a luting agent for permanent cementation.
Detection of Articular Pathology of the Distal Aspect of the Third Metacarpal Bone in Thoroughbred Racehorses: Comparison of Radiography, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: O'Brien Thomas , Baker Theresa A. , Brounts Sabrina H. , Sample Susannah J. , Markel Mark D. , Scollay Mary C. , Marquis Patricia , Muir Peter
Published: October 2011

Objective

To compare digital radiography (DR), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detection of pathology of the distal aspect of the third metacarpal bone (MC3) and to assess whether arthrography would improve detection of articular cartilage or subchondral bone cracking.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Sample Population

Limb specimens from 17Thoroughbred horses after catastrophic injury and 4 age‐matched control horses.

Methods

StandardDR,CT, andMRIimages of the metacarpophalangeal joint were acquired before and after iohexol injection. Pathologic features detected with imaging and on visual inspection of cartilage and subchondral bone of the distal aspect ofMC3 were graded. Imaging observations were compared with pathologic abnormalities.

Results

Inspection revealed obvious changes in the cartilage and subchondral bone surfaces inThoroughbreds. BothCTandMRIwere superior toDRfor detection of subchondral bone pathology. Cracking of cartilage was not detected by any imaging modality. Signal changes associated with cartilage loss and development of repair tissue were evident on MRI in 9/19 cases. There was significant correlation (P< .05) between subchondral bone pathology detected on bothCTandMRI, and cartilage pathology on gross examination. Contrast arthrography did not improve the detection of articular cartilage or subchondral plate cracking.

Conclusion

BothCTandMRIare superior toDRfor detection of subchondral bone pathology, but underestimate the extent of joint adaptation and pathologic damage.MRIwas able to detect cartilage degeneration.
Computed Tomographic Documentation of the Natural Progression of Humeral Intracondylar Fissure in a Cocker Spaniel
Authors: Farrell Michael , Trevail Tim , Marshall William , Yeadon Russell , Carmichael Stuart
Published: October 2011

Objective

To report the computed tomographic (CT) documentation of humeral intracondylar fissure (HIF) developing after complete ossification of the humeral condyle (HC).

Study Design

Clinical report.

Animals

Male 3 year old working (English)CockerSpaniel.

Methods

SequentialCTscreening (659‐day interval between analyses).

Results

A sagittal hypodense fissure typical of incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC) was identified ∼22 months after screeningCTexamination documented a normal elbow joint.

Conclusion

Even in dogs with clinical features typical of the condition most commonly termedIOHC, fissure formation and propagation can occur after ossification is complete.
Quantifying Experts’ Uncertainty About the Future Cost of Exotic Diseases
Authors: Gosling John Paul , Hart Andy , Mouat David C. , Sabirovic Mirzet , Scanlan Simon , Simmons Alick
Published: October 2011

Since the foot‐and‐mouth disease outbreak of 2001 in the United Kingdom, there has been debate about the sharing, between government and industry, both the costs of livestock disease outbreaks and responsibility for the decisions that give rise to them. As part of a consultation into the formation of a new body to manage livestock diseases, government veterinarians and economists produced estimates of the average annual costs for a number of exotic infectious diseases. In this article, we demonstrate how the government experts were helped to quantify their uncertainties about the cost estimates using formal expert elicitation techniques. This has enabled the decisionmakers to have a greater appreciation of government experts’ uncertainty in this policy area.
Borrowing Strength with Nonexchangeable Priors over Subpopulations
Authors: Leon‐Novelo L. G. , Bekele B. Nebiyou , Müller P. , Quintana F. , Wathen K.
Published: October 2011

Summary We introduce a nonparametric Bayesian model for a phase II clinical trial with patients presenting different subtypes of the disease under study. The objective is to estimate the success probability of an experimental therapy for each subtype. We consider the case when small sample sizes require extensive borrowing of information across subtypes, but the subtypes are not a priori exchangeable. The lack of a priori exchangeability hinders the straightforward use of traditional hierarchical models to implement borrowing of strength across disease subtypes. We introduce instead a random partition model for the set of disease subtypes. This is a variation of the product partition model that allows us to model a nonexchangeable prior structure. Like a hierarchical model, the proposed clustering approach considers all observations, across all disease subtypes, to estimate individual success probabilities. But in contrast to standard hierarchical models, the model considers disease subtypes a priori nonexchangeable. This implies that when assessing the success probability for a particular type our model borrows more information from the outcome of the patients sharing the same prognosis than from the others. Our data arise from a phase II clinical trial of patients with sarcoma, a rare type of cancer affecting connective or supportive tissues and soft tissue (e.g., cartilage and fat). Each patient presents one subtype of the disease and subtypes are grouped by good, intermediate, and poor prognosis. The prior model should respect the varying prognosis across disease subtypes. The practical motivation for the proposed approach is that the number of accrued patients within each disease subtype is small. Thus it is not possible to carry out a clinical study of possible new therapies for rare conditions, because it would be impossible to plan for sufficiently large sample size to achieve the desired power. We carry out a simulation study to compare the proposed model with a model that assumes similar success probabilities for all subtypes with the same prognosis, i.e., a fixed partition of subtypes by prognosis. When the assumption is satisfied the two models perform comparably. But the proposed model outperforms the competing model when the assumption is incorrect.
Bayesian Adaptive Approach to Estimating Sample Sizes for Seizures of Illicit Drugs*,†
Authors: Moroni Rossana , Aalberg Laura , Reinikainen Tapani , Corander Jukka
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  A considerable amount of discussion can be found in the forensics literature about the issue of using statistical sampling to obtain for chemical analyses an appropriate subset of units from a police seizure suspected to contain illicit material. Use of the Bayesian paradigm has been suggested as the most suitable statistical approach to solving the question of how large a sample needs to be to ensure legally and practically acceptable purposes. Here, we introduce a hypergeometric sampling model combined with a specific prior distribution for the homogeneity of the seizure, where a parameter for the analyst’s expectation of homogeneity (α) is included. Our results show how an adaptive approach to sampling can minimize the practical efforts needed in the laboratory analyses, as the model allows the scientist to decide sequentially how to proceed, while maintaining a sufficiently high confidence in the conclusions.
The Configuration of Cervical Spinous Processes in Black and White South African Skeletal Samples
Authors: Asvat Riaze
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  The present study investigates the frequency of bifidity/nonbifidity in the black and white South African populations. Four‐hundred skeletons of known race, sex, and tribal group were examined. Spinous processes were classified as bifid (bifurcate and cleft subtypes) and nonbifid (obtuse, pediculate, acinate, and clavate subtypes). Statistical analysis using the chi‐squared probability test (p < 0.05) was carried out. Bifid spinous processes were present significantly more frequently in the white sample (58.9%) than in the black (31.6%). A bifid spinous process occurred most commonly in C2 (89%) followed by C5 (83%), C4 (79%), C3 (59.4%), and C6 (41.7%) in the white sample. A similar order of decrease in bifidity occurred in the black sample. C2 most commonly displayed the bifurcate subtype of spinous process, while the clavate subtype of nonbifid spinous process was the most common in both populations. The significantly higher frequency of bifidity in the white South African sample when compared to the black sample may suggest a population difference.
Metallographic Analysis and Fire Dynamics Simulation for Electrical Fire Scene Reconstruction
Authors: Chi Jen‐Hao
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  This study demonstrated the use of metallographic analysis and NIST’s Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) program to identify the cause of an actual electrical fire. A severely carbonized steel plate and a cable with a bead were found inside a damaged switchboard from the debris of a factory fire. By metallographic analysis, the copper spatter on the steel plate was found to imply a short circuit has occurred and that this was the probable ignition source of the fire was supported by the presence of a small amount of copper oxide and by the cavities with the tree‐like grain microstructures in the bead. The heat estimated to have been released per unit area of the switchboard in question (approximately 236.29 MJ/m2) served as key input data for applying the FDS simulation of the blaze. The simulation indicated that thermal insulation polyethylene (PE) played an important role in the rapid fire spread.
Welfare impacts of maize–pigeonpea intensification in Tanzania
Authors: Amare Mulubrhan , Asfaw Solomon , Shiferaw Bekele
Published: October 2011

This article examines the driving forces behind farmers’ decisions to adopt improved pigeonpea and maize and estimates the causal impact of technology adoption on household welfare using data obtained from a random cross‐section sample of 613 small‐scale farmers in Tanzania. We use seemingly unrelated and recursive bivariate probit regressions to test the endogeneity and joint decision making of pigeonpea–maize production. A double hurdle model is used to analyze the determinants of the intensity of technology adoption conditional on overcoming seed access constraints. To address the impact of adoption on welfare, the article employs both propensity score matching and switching regression techniques. Results from bivariate probit models show that unobservable factors cause both decisions to be correlated but the finding does not support the conjecture that both decisions are made jointly. Overall the analysis of the determinants of adoption identifies inadequate local supply of seed, access to information, human capital, and access to private productive asset as key constraints for pigeonpea technology adoption. The causal impact estimation from both the propensity score matching and switching regression suggests that maize/pigeonpea adoption has a positive and significant impact on income and consumption expenditure among sample households.
Health care expenditures of self‐employed farm households in the United States
Authors: Mishra Ashok K. , El‐Osta Hisham S. , Ahearn Mary C.
Published: October 2011

For self‐employed individuals and their families, purchases of health care services and health insurance policies have the potential to impact their health status, as well as the financial viability of their businesses. Most people in the United States receive health insurance coverage through employer‐sponsored programs. Self‐employed individuals and their households, such as farm households, may face a greater challenge in getting affordable health insurance. Using a large cross‐sectional farm household level dataset, we estimate the impact of the source of health insurance on health care expenditures of farm households in the United States. Results suggest that farm households purchasing individual health insurance directly from vendors are likely to spend more on health care than those with other sources of health insurance. After controlling for a variety of personal and local area characteristics, having health insurance was negatively related to total health care expenditures. Age and income, not surprisingly, were also found to be significant in explaining health care expenditures.
Periodontitis could be related factors on metabolic syndrome among Koreans: a case–control study
Authors: Han Dong‐Hun , Lim Sinye , Paek Domyung , Kim Hyun‐Duck
Published: October 2011

Aim:

Several studies have suggested that metabolic disorders are related to periodontitis. The objective of this study is to assess whether periodontitis is associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Koreans.

Material and Methods

This case–control study was performed among 167 cases with MetS and 166 healthy controls from Shiwha‐Banwol Environmental Health Cohort (N = 1853). The community periodontal index (CPI) was used to assess periodontitis (CPI 3–4). MetS was an outcome variable and periodontitis was a main explanatory variable. Age–gender‐matched conditional logistic regression models were applied. Monthly household income, smoking, drinking, physical activity and diabetes mellitus were factored as confounders. We also performed stratified analyses according to confounders.

Results

Those with periodontitis are more likely to be patients with MetS than those without periodontitis. The adjusted odds ratio of periodontitis for MetS was 1.76. There was no significant dose–effect response on the relationship between the number of sextants with periodontitis and MetS. Links became higher in adults aged 45–60 years and adults without diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

These results suggest that periodontitis could be an independently related factor on MetS. Hence, dentists and physicians should be aware of the importance of periodontitis as a potential source of inflammatory burden.
Novel biomarkers for the detection of wound infection by wound fluid RT‐PCR in rats
Authors: Asada Mayumi , Nakagami Gojiro , Minematsu Takeo , Nagase Takashi , Akase Tomoko , Huang Lijuan , Yoshimura Kotaro , Sanada Hiromi
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  Wound infection is a form of host damage resulting from an imbalance in pathogen virulence and the host immune response. However, at present, diagnosis is based solely on bacterial numbers or inflammatory signs and is therefore not precise. Thus, infection diagnosis requires indicators of both of these factors. We focused on wound fluid because it includes both bacteria and host cells. The purpose of this study was to establish biomarkers that reflect both bacterial and host factors using the reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction method on the centrifugal precipitation of wound fluids (wound fluid RT‐PCR). We created full thickness wounds in animal models of the three groups: control, colonization and infection, which were conditioned by administration of different concentrations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa dispersion. Messenger RNA expression in bacteria and host cells was analysed. Expression of bacterial housekeeping genes was detected in the samples in the colonization and infection groups. Expression of host housekeeping genes was detected in all samples from the three groups. Expression of toxA, encoding the virulence factor exotoxin A, was detected in 90% of samples in the infection group only. Expression of Foxp3, encoding the transcription factor forkhead box P3, was detected in 100% of samples only in the colonization group. These results revealed that wound fluid RT‐PCR analysis reflected both bacterial virulence and the host immune status, and we determined the combination of novel biomarkers that can discriminate these three groups. We anticipate that wound fluid RT‐PCR could be applied in the future to diagnose wound infection.
Asymptomatic Achilles, patellar, and quadriceps tendinopathy: A longitudinal clinical and ultrasonographic study in elite fencers
Authors: Giombini A. , Dragoni S. , Di Cesare A. , Di Cesare M. , Del Buono A. , Maffulli N.
Published: October 2011

Lower limb tendon changes detected at imaging are common among asymptomatic athletes. We aimed to prospectively assess the clinical status, tendon structure, and vascularity of lower limb tendons of elite fencers, and predict the risk of developing symptoms over time. Clinical examination, changes at ultrasonography (US), and Power Doppler (PD) flow of both the Achilles, patellar, and quadriceps tendon were assessed in 37 elite fencers in January 2007 and 3 years after. Two hundred and twenty‐two tendons were examined. At the last appointment, patellar tendons diagnosed as abnormal at baseline were more likely to develop symptoms than those normal at baseline (P < 0.05, Fisher's exact test), while US and PD abnormalities on Achilles and quadriceps tendons were no predictive for development of symptoms over years. A very low percentage of tendons diagnosed as normal at baseline (1.45%) showed US abnormalities at 3‐year follow‐up. In asymptomatic elite fencers, structural changes are relatively common at US and PD assessment of Achilles, quadriceps, and patellar tendons. It seems unlikely that additional PD investigations provide further information or change prognosis in patients with US diagnosis of tendinopathy.
Mechanical stability of the femoral fixation for single‐ and double‐bundle ACL reconstruction in an in vitro experimental model
Authors: Bohn M. B. , Vestergaard R. , Dalstra M. , Jakobsen B. W. , Søballe K. , Lind M.
Published: October 2011

Anterior cruciate ligament ACL reconstruction using the double‐bundle (DB) technique is gaining popularity. A possible weak link in the DB technique could be that two tendon grafts of smaller diameters are used. The purpose of this study was to test different femoral fixation methods and graft diameters representing single‐bundle (SB) and DB ACL reconstructions and compare their biomechanical properties. We hypothesized that SB 6‐mm graft constructs had inferior biomechanical properties than SB 9‐mm grafts or DB 2 × 6‐mm grafts. Furthermore, we hypothesized that interference (IF) screw fixation would demonstrate less elongation and a higher stiffness than Endobutton (Smith & Nephew®, Inc., Andover, Massachusetts, USA) fixation (EBF). We performed an in vitro study using porcine knees and extensor tendons. The mechanical test consisted of a cyclic test followed by a load‐to‐failure test. We found that 6‐mm graft constructs had an ultimate failure load that was up to 40% less than both the 9‐mm and 2 × 6‐mm graft constructs, despite the fixation method (P‐values ≥ 0.004). Comparing fixation methods, EBF was superior to IF concerning maximum load to failure (P < 0.001); IF resulted in a higher stiffness of the femur/graft complex than the EBF (P < 0.001) but no significant difference in elongation between fixation methods. Since the two graft strands are subjected to different loads in different knee flexion angles, the reduced strength of the individual graft strands in DB ACL reconstruction could be a concern.
Pulmonary and hepatic nodular lesions precede the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease in an 8‐year‐old girl: a case study and review of the literature
Authors: Pain‐Prado Eloïse , Rais Azza , Madhi Fouad , Orzechowski Christine , Dubern Beatrice , Epaud Ralph
Published: October 2011

Aim:  To describe a novel clinical observation and to provide a review the literature about lung involvement in children with Crohn disease (CD).

Methods:  An 8‐year‐old girl presented with pulmonary and hepatic granulomatous lesions, followed 6 months later by abdominal and general symptoms, resulting in the diagnosis of CD. Differential diagnosis between CD and sarcoidosis and a review of the literature about lung lesions in children with CD are discussed.

Results:  Crohn disease can be associated with pulmonary lesions, developing before, at the same time or after occurrence of digestive symptoms.

Conclusions:  This report highlights not only the importance of looking for lung lesions in CD but also underscores the necessity of considering the diagnosis of CD in incomplete presentation evoking sarcoidosis.
Forest microhabitats differentially influence seedling phenology of two co‐existing Mediterranean oak species
Authors: Monnier Yogan , Prévosto Bernard , Ripert Christian , Corbani Aude C. , Fernandez Catherine
Published: October 2011

Question

How do forest microhabitats impact seasonal microclimate conditions and phenological seedling strategies in two co‐occurring Mediterranean Quercus species with different leaf habits?

Location

Pinus halepensis woodlands, Provence, SE France.

Methods

Ninety sets of three acorns of Quercus ilex (evergreen) or Quercus pubescens (winter‐deciduous) were sown under various P. halepensis canopy cover conditions. Canopy cover and litter depth were measured at each sowing point, and soil moisture and temperature were measured twice monthly. Seedling phenology and aerial development were monitored during the second growing season under different microhabitats.

Results

During rainy periods, soil moisture was higher under open canopy and thinner litter layers, whereas during summer drought soil moisture was higher under dense canopy and thicker litter layers. Quercus pubescens seedlings had higher growth activity than Q. ilex before summer drought, whereas the pattern reversed during autumnal growth. Dense canopy cover strongly delayed budburst and decreased foliar development in Q. pubescens, which was more affected than Q. ilex. Depending on species phenology, litter thickness can influence height growth of flushes during early summer.

Conclusions

Quercus pubescens has a phenological strategy to allow development of maximal foliar area before summer drought, a typical growth strategy of Mediterranean winter‐deciduous species. In contrast, later phenological activity of evergreen Q. ilex enables it to cope with the dry period and capitalize on autumnal precipitation events. Dense cover acts as shelter in the dry season but can reduce soil moisture during wetter seasons. In contrast to Q. ilex, Q. pubescens appeared strongly dependent on canopy cover, suggesting that Q. ilex has a larger regeneration niche in Aleppo pine woodlands. In the context of global change, this ‘microhabitat effect’ on species‐specific phenological strategy underlines the need to consider effects of local environmental conditions on regenerating species.