bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of the function of a repaired canaliculus after monocanalicular injury by placing a punctal plug in the non‐involved punctum on the affected side
Authors: Rosser Paul M , Burt Ben , Osborne Sarah F
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Background:  To determine whether repair of a monocanalicular laceration using a Mini‐Monoka stent provides a functioning system.

Methods:  This prospective study included patients who underwent repair of a monocanalicular laceration with placement of a Mini‐Monoka stent. Silicone punctal plugs were placed in the unaffected punctum on the side that had sustained the injury and in the same punctum on the fellow eye. The plug was left in place for between 7 and 17 days. The patient was questioned after placement regarding symptoms of epiphora.

Results:  Eight patients were included in the study; five injuries involved the lower canaliculus, two the upper, and one the upper and lower but only the lower was repaired. Of injuries, 50% were as a result of assault. Seven out of eight patients had no epiphora from the repaired eye during plug placement. One patient complained of significant epiphora from the repaired eye during the time the plugs were placed; this patient had a partial nasolacrimal duct obstruction and no canalicular stenosis. Of patients, 88% had an anatomically patent canaliculus and 100% were tearing‐free when no plug was placed.

Conclusions:  In this study, a repaired monocanalicular injury provided a functioning system in 88% of cases. In previous studies, it has been shown that many patients are symptom‐free with just one functioning canaliculus. However, a fully functioning canalicular system may help to prevent tearing under stress conditions, and will provide a viable system if the other canaliculus is irreparably damaged in the future. Therefore, repair is recommended.
Fenestrations and preferential flow routes in the prelaminar optic nerve through wet scanning electron microscope and perfusion of tracers
Authors: Carreras F Javier , Porcel David , Guerra‐Tschuschke Isabel , Carreras Ignacio
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Purpose:  We study the vitreous interface of the optic disc to delimit the passages for the flow of fluids through the prelaminar tissue of porcine eyes.

Methods:  Wet scanning electron microscope (SEM), conventional SEM and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to explore the surface of the optic nerve of the pig. The vitreous cavity was perfused with a fluorescent marker and colloidal gold at controlled pressure. Samples of perfused optic nerve head were cryosectioned and observed with the confocal laser microscope (lectin) or resin embedded and observed under TEM (gold).

Results:  Fenestrations were present under the SEM in all three regions of the vitreous interface. SEM results were confirmed at the TEM level and under the wet‐SEM. Perfusion experiments traced the flow of a fluorescent molecule delineating routes of preferential flow with origin in the fenestrations. Colloidal gold marked the site of entrance in the prelaminar tissue identifying major fenestrations in the basal membrane.

Conclusions:  Interchange of fluid between the optic nerve and the vitreous cavity in the pig is facilitated by fenestrations of varied sizes in the basal membrane and preferential flow routes through the prelaminar tissue. Preferential flow routes exist in the extracellular spaces of Elschnig and Kuhn’ astrocytes and give a sharply distinct image when compared with flow through zones in which astrocytes envelope axons. Escape routes may be instrumental in preventing oedemas of the optic nerve head, but they could also serve as entrance doors for fluids from the vitreous and aqueous and play a pathogenic role in ageing and glaucoma.
Hybrid experimental and computational studies: combined compression‐bending fracture of edge‐cracked polypropylene specimens
Authors: YAN J. , SUTTON M.A. , WEI Z. , DENG X. , ZAVATTIERI P.
Published: May 2010

A four‐camera system is employed to measure three‐dimensional (3D) displacements on both the front and back surfaces of a single‐edge‐notched polypropylene plate undergoing combined compression and out‐of‐plane bending. A methodology was developed to ensure that both systems employed a common coordinate system for defining the deformations on the front and back surfaces.

 Using the image pairs obtained simultaneously by both stereo‐vision systems, the full 3D displacement and strain history on both sides of the specimen are measured during the loading process by using the 3D digital image correlation (DIC) technique, including the crack path, load‐surface crack extension curve, load versus actuator displacement curve, crack front profiles and 3D displacement and strain fields. It is found that crack growth only occurs on the front side of the specimen where tensile stresses are present; there is no crack growth on the back side where compression occurs. A computational model is also established to reconstruct the failure process based on a simplified geometry model and nodal release technique. Good agreements are reached on the measured and predicted results on deformation, strain fields, load‐crack extension curves.
Intranasal delivery of mouse [D‐Leu‐4]‐OB3, a synthetic peptide amide with leptin‐like activity, improves energy balance, glycaemic control, insulin sensitivity and bone formation in leptin‐resistant C57BLK/6‐m db/db mice
Authors: Waldrop M. A. , Leinung M. C. , Lee D. W. , Grasso P.
Published: May 2010

Background: We have recently shown that intranasal administration of mouse [D‐Leu‐4]‐OB3 reconstituted in Intravail® to male Swiss Webster mice resulted in significantly higher uptake and bioavailability when compared with commonly used injection methods of delivery.

Aim and Methods: In this study, we examined the effects of intranasal delivery of mouse [D‐Leu‐4]‐OB3 in Intravail® on energy balance, glucose regulation, insulin secretion and serum levels of osteocalcin, a specific and sensitive marker of bone formation. Genetically obese C57BLK/6‐m db/db mice were allowed food and water ad libitum and given either Intravail® alone or mouse [D‐Leu‐4]‐OB3 in Intravail® for 14 days by intranasal instillation.

Results: Mouse [D‐Leu‐4]‐OB3 reduced body weight gain, daily food intake, daily water intake and serum glucose by 11.5, 2.2, 4.0 and 61.9%, respectively. Serum insulin levels in db/db mice given mouse [D‐Leu‐4]‐OB3 were approximately threefold lower than those in mice receiving Intravail® alone. Mouse [D‐Leu‐4]‐OB3 elevated serum osteocalcin in db/db mice by 28.7% over Intravail® treated control mice.

Conclusions: The results of our study indicate that intranasal delivery of biologically active mouse [D‐Leu‐4]‐OB3 in Intravail® is feasible and has significant effects on regulating body weight gain, food and water intake, serum glucose, insulin sensitivity and bone formation in leptin‐resistant C57BLK/6‐m db/db mice.
Measurement of volatile terpene emissions in 70 dominant vascular plant species in Hawaii: aliens emit more than natives
Authors: Llusià Joan , Peñuelas Josep , Sardans Jordi , Owen Susan M. , Niinemets Ülo
Published: May 2010

Aim  Alien plant invasion is prominent in the Hawaiian Islands. There are many factors involved in invader success. To date, there is a general lack of information about one of them, which we aim to study here: the terpene emission capacity of both Hawaiian native and alien plants.

Location  Oahu (Hawaii).

Methods  We screened 35 alien and 35 native dominant plant species on Oahu Island for monoterpene emissions. The emission rates were measured from field‐grown plants under standardized conditions of temperature and quantum flux density in the laboratory.

Results  The emission rates of total terpenes ranged from 0 µg g−1 h−1 to 55 µg g−1 h−1, and altogether 15 different terpenes were emitted in detectable amounts by the overall set of species. A phylogenetic signal was observed for total terpene emissions. Total terpene emission rates were higher in aliens than in native species (12.8 ± 2.0 vs. 7.6 ± 1.9 µg g−1 h−1, respectively).

Main conclusions  The greater terpene emission capacity may confer protection against multiple stresses and may partly account for the success of the invasive species, and may make invasive species more competitive in response to new global change‐driven combined stresses. These results are consistent with aliens coming from very diverse ecosystems with generally higher biotic and abiotic stress pressures, and having higher nutrient concentrations. On the contrary, these results are not consistent with the ‘excess carbon’ hypotheses. These results indicate changes in vegetation terpene emissions brought about by alien plant invasions.
A Spectacular Eco‐Tour around the Historic Bloc: Theorising the Convergence of Biodiversity Conservation and Capitalist Expansion
Authors: Igoe Jim , Neves Katja , Brockington Dan
Published: May 2010

Abstract:  The simultaneous proliferation of protected areas for biodiversity conservation and neoliberal market expansion has sparked a growing body of work, which suggests that these are mutually reinforcing processes that reflect alliances between conservationist and capitalist agendas. Because this alliance is so counter intuitive to the ways in which biodiversity conservation is popularly understood, theoretical perspectives concerning these relationships have been slow in emerging. Drawing from Gramsci's ideas of hegemony and historic bloc, we propose a theoretical framework systematically to inform understandings and investigations of these transformations. We suggest that they are driven by the convergence of networks of interests, which work to resolve the apparent contradictions between demands for continued economic growth and growing concerns about what it portends for the future of our planet. These in turn rely on spectacular presentations of conservation interventions, conservation success stories, and their putative linkages to ecosystems and the global economy.
Shifting Environmental Governance in a Neoliberal World: US AID for Conservation
Authors: Corson Catherine
Published: May 2010

Abstract:  By exploring the shifting and uneven power relations among state, market and civil society organizations in US environmental foreign aid policy‐making, this article forges new ground in conversations about conservation and neoliberalism. Since the 1970s, an evolving group of non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) has lobbied the US Congress to support environmental foreign assistance. However, the 1980s and 1990s rise of neoliberalism laid the conditions for the formation of a dynamic alliance among representatives of the US Congress, the US Agency for International Development, environmental NGOs and the private sector around biodiversity conservation. In this alliance, idealized visions of NGOs as civil society and a countering force to corporations have underpinned their influence, despite their contemporary corporate partnerships. Furthermore, by focusing on international biodiversity conservation, the group has attracted a broad spectrum of political and corporate support to shape public policy and in the process create new spaces for capital expansion.
Making the Market: Specialty Coffee, Generational Pitches, and Papua New Guinea
Authors: West Paige
Published: May 2010

Abstract:  Today the commodity circuit for specialty coffee seems to be made up of socially conscious consumers, well‐meaning and politically engaged roasters and small companies, and poor yet ecologically noble producers who want to take part in the flows of global capital, while at the same time living in close harmony with the natural world. This paper examines how these actors are produced by changes in the global economy that are sometimes referred to as neoliberalism. It also shows how images of these actors are produced and what the material effects of those images are. It begins with a description of how generations are understood and made by marketers. Next it shows how coffee production in Papua New Guinea, especially Fair Trade and organic coffee production, is turned into marketing narratives meant to appeal to particular consumers. Finally, it assesses the success of the generational‐based marketing of Papua New Guinea‐origin, Fair Trade and organic coffees, three specialty coffee types that are marketed heavily to the “Millenial generation”, people born between 1983 and 2000.
Neoliberalising Nature? Elephant‐Back Tourism in Thailand and Botswana
Authors: Duffy Rosaleen , Moore Lorraine
Published: May 2010

Abstract: This paper examines the case of elephant‐back safaris in Thailand and Botswana; it argues that tourism has extended and deepened neoliberalism by targeting and opening up new frontiers in nature. In essence tourism redesigns and repackages nature for global consumption. Through a cross comparison of the same product (the use of captive/trained elephants) in two very different contexts (Thailand and Botswana) this paper analyses the variations in “actually existing neoliberalisms” (Brenner and Theodore 2002) and demonstrates that the effects are not unremittingly negative (Castree 2008b). It also draws out the ways that neoliberalism is challenged and reshaped by context specific processes and so it does not completely displace existing ways of approaching nature. Instead, existing approaches mix with neoliberalism to create new ways of valuing and conserving elephants.
The Influence of Individual Factors, Supervision and Work Environment on Creative Self‐Efficacy
Authors: Chong Eric , Ma Xiaofang
Published: May 2010

In highly competitive global markets, organizations have to distinguish themselves with creative and innovative solutions to satisfy discerning customers. Creativity, an important precursor for innovation, provides organizations with a competitive advantage in a reinforcing loop of improved customer service, increased staff morale, increased retention of quality staff and further improvements in service (Glisson & Durick, 1988; Anderson & College, 1992).

Creative output comes from the performance of individuals with particular cognitive and personality traits (Masten & Caldwell‐Colbert, 1987; Kirton, 1989) who are supported within a facilitative work environment (Scott & Bruce, 1994; Amabile et al., 1996; Rice, 2006). Confidence in one's own ability or one's self‐efficacy is an important cognitive and social trait determining and sustaining work performance. Appropriate behaviours and performance standards are defined within the work environment and the ability and support received in meeting performance expectations enhance the individual's self‐efficacy (Gist & Mitchell, 1992; Bandura, 1997).

Both creativity and self‐efficacy have been associated with particular individual traits and environmental conditions in the workplace. While much has been written on these two concepts separately, less has been done to explore them as a single construct. This paper addresses the gap in the literature by linking creativity at work and occupational self‐efficacy. It reviews the literature on antecedent concepts and current research into creative self‐efficacy. In doing this, it provides the basis for further empirical exploration of possible linkages between creative self‐efficacy and individual and work environment variables. The contribution this paper makes is in the identification of specific variables that are significantly related to creative self‐efficacy. A model is proposed showing significant linkages between the identified variables.
Information Sharing During Crisis Management in Hierarchical vs. Network Teams
Authors: Schraagen Jan Maarten , Veld Mirjam Huis in ‘t , De Koning Lisette
Published: May 2010

This study examines the differences between hierarchical and network teams in emergency management. A controlled experimental environment was created in which we could study teams that differed in decision rights, availability of information, information sharing, and task division. Thirty‐two teams of either two (network) or three (hierarchy) participants (N=80 in total) received messages about an incident in a tunnel with high‐ranking politicians possibly being present. Based on experimentally induced knowledge, teams had to decide as quickly and as accurately as possible what the likely cause of the incident was: an attack by Al Qaeda, by anti‐globalists, or an accident. The results showed that network teams were overall faster and more accurate in difficult scenarios than hierarchical teams. Network teams also shared more knowledge in the difficult scenarios, compared with the easier scenarios. The advantage of being able to share information that is inherent in network teams is thus contingent upon the type of situation encountered.
Chubby cheeks and climate change: childhood obesity as a sustainable development issue
Authors: Reisch Lucia A. , Gwozdz Wencke
Published: May 2010

The rise of obesity is one of today's biggest societal challenges. Indeed, the obesity epidemic is not only impairing individuals' lives, but also societies' sustainability, most notably with regard to the social, the cultural and the economic dimension. Thus, to halt obesity has become a goal in several political sustainability strategies. The focus is on children since their health behaviour is expected to have a strong impact on consumers in adulthood. To fight childhood obesity, the challenge is to develop the ‘right’ policy toolbox. One complicating aspect amongst others is the numerousness of actors involved. To find a policy mix and assess its consequences for all actors, it is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms – the impact of external and internal factors on children's health behaviour. Tools such as regulation, information and education appear to be insufficient to curb this unsustainable consumption behaviour. One promising avenue to strike a new path is to exploit the possibilities of choice architecture as proposed by behavioural economics. The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to develop the conceptual nexus between obesity and sustainable development against the backcloth of obesity and sustainability research; second, based on a human ecological model, to outline selected influencing factors of childhood obesity; and third, to sketch the options of market and consumer policy actors to curb the pandemic.
Neuronal regulation of photo‐induced pineal photoreceptor proteins in carp Catla catla
Authors: Seth Mohua , Maitra Saumen Kumar
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1049–1062.

In the present in vitro study on the pineal in carp Catla catla, specific agonist and antagonists of receptors for different neuronal signals and regulators of intra‐cellular Ca++ and cAMP were used to gather basic information on the neuronal signal transduction cascade mechanisms in the photo‐induced expression of rod‐like opsin and α‐transducin‐like proteins in any fish pineal. Western‐blot analysis followed by quantitative analysis of respective immunoblot data for both the proteins revealed that photo‐induced expression of each protein was stimulated by cholinergic (both nicotinic and muscarinic) agonists and a dopaminergic antagonist, inhibited by both cholinergic antagonists and a dopaminergic agonist, but not affected by any agonists or antagonists of adrenergic (α1, α2 and β1) receptors. Moreover, expression of each protein was stimulated by voltage gated L type calcium channel blocker, adenylate cyclase inhibitor and phosphodiesterase activator; but suppressed by the activators of both calcium channel and adenylate cyclase, and by phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Collectively, we report for the first time that both cholinergic and dopaminergic signals play an important, though antagonistic, role in the photo‐induced expression of photoreceptor proteins in the fish pineal through activation of a signal transduction pathway in which both calcium and cAMP may act as the intracellular messengers.
Compound K, a metabolite of ginsenosides, facilitates spontaneous GABA release onto CA3 pyramidal neurons
Authors: Bae Man‐Yeol , Cho Jin‐Hwa , Choi In‐Sun , Park Hye‐Mi , Lee Maan‐Gee , Kim Dong‐Hyun , Jang Il‐Sung
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 1085–1096.

Ginsenoside Rb1, a major ingredient of ginseng saponins, can affect various brain functions, including learning and memory. When ingested orally, ginsenoside Rb1 is not found in plasma as well as urine, but its metabolite compound K (ComK) reaches the systemic circulation in animals and human. Nevertheless, the pharmacological actions of ComK are still poorly known. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ComK on GABAergic spontaneous miniature inhibitory post‐synaptic currents (mIPSCs) in acutely isolated rat hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons using a conventional whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique. While ComK significantly increased mIPSC frequency in a concentration‐dependent manner, it had no effect on the current amplitude, suggesting that ComK acts pre‐synaptically to increase the probability of spontaneous GABA release. ComK still increased mIPSC frequency even in a Ca2+‐free external solution, suggesting that the ComK‐induced increase spontaneous GABA release is not related to Ca2+influx from the extracellular space. However, the ComK‐induced increase mIPSC frequency was significantly decreased after the blockade of either sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase or Ca2+release channels. These results strongly suggest that ComK enhances spontaneous GABA release by increasing intraterminal Ca2+concentration via Ca2+release from pre‐synaptic Ca2+stores. The ComK‐induced modulation of inhibitory transmission onto CA3 pyramidal neurons could have a broad impact on the excitability of CA3 pyramidal neurons and affect the physiological functions mediated by the hippocampus.
Caught between conduct and free choice ‐ a field study of an empowering programme in lifestyle change for obese patients
Authors: Knutsen Ingrid Ruud , Foss Christina
Published: May 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 126–133
 
Caught between conduct and free choice ‐ a field study of an empowering programme in lifestyle change for obese patients

The aim of this study was to investigate understandings and strategies of empowerment in Learning and Mastery Centres, in a course in lifestyle change for morbidly obese patients. A field study was conducted with nonparticipant observation, and data analysis was inspired by Foucauldian discourse analysis. The analysis revealed powerful discourses underlying the course, and the analysis showed how different discourses were set at play within the teaching strategies in the course. The course leaders balanced powerful aspects that involved directing the participants towards strategies promoting their autonomy. The analysis revealed how strategies to reduce the impression of direction and conduct are powerful actions. From a Foucauldian perspective of power, this analysis demonstrates how power is everywhere as a productive force. When creating programmes to empower patients to help them deal with their health, it seems vital that health professionals examine power. By accepting the presence of power, professionals can examine the truth motivation underlying an empowerment programme.
Testing agri‐environment delivery for farmland birds at the farm scale: the Hillesden experiment
Authors: HINSLEY SHELLEY A. , REDHEAD JOHN W. , BELLAMY PAUL E. , BROUGHTON RICHARD K. , HILL ROSS A. , HEARD MATTHEW S. , PYWELL RICHARD F.
Published: May 2010

The Hillesden experiment, established in 2005/2006 to test the delivery of biodiversity benefits under Environmental Stewardship, covers c. 1000 ha of arable farmland in central lowland England. It is a randomized block experiment with five replicates of three treatments: (1) CC: cross compliance, the control; (2) ELS: 1% of land removed from production for wildlife habitat provision; and (3) ELS‐X: 5% of land used for wildlife habitat, each treatment being applied to contiguous areas of 70–80 ha. Bird usage of winter food patches, comprising three different seed mixes, was monitored through the winter and was also related to seed yield. Winter and breeding season bird/territory abundance was recorded before and after the provision of the winter food patches. Bird use of the patches differed between seed mixes. There was large variation between individual patches in both seed yield and bird numbers and between individual bird species in their use of different seed mixes, suggesting that the availability of a range of patch types would be beneficial. Use of all patch types declined sharply in late January to February, indicating depletion and/or inability of birds to access shed seed. Winter bird abundance at a farm scale for all species combined, granivorous species and nine individual species increased for all monitored species when seed patches were available. At a treatment level, the increases tended to be greater in ELS‐X, where most of the patches were located. In the breeding season at a farm scale, the numbers of territories for all species combined and granivorous species increased significantly when seed patches had been available in the previous winter. There was little evidence of a treatment‐scale response. The provision of winter food appeared to increase winter bird abundance and to follow on into an overall increase in the breeding population, but if the latter effect is to be reflected elsewhere, this requires that sufficient breeding habitat is available to accommodate an increase.
Tissue‐specific dysregulation of DNA methylation in aging
Authors: Thompson Reid F. , Atzmon Gil , Gheorghe Ciprian , Liang Hong Qian , Lowes Christina , Greally John M. , Barzilai Nir
Published: May 2010

The normal aging process is a complex phenomenon associated with physiological alterations in the function of cells and organs over time. Although an attractive candidate for mediating transcriptional dysregulation, the contribution of epigenetic dysregulation to these progressive changes in cellular physiology remains unclear. In this study, we employed the genome‐wide HpaII tiny fragment enrichment by ligation‐mediated PCR assay to define patterns of cytosine methylation throughout the rat genome and the luminometric methylation analysis assay to measure global levels of DNA methylation in the same samples. We studied both liver and visceral adipose tissues and demonstrated significant differences in DNA methylation with age at > 5% of sites analyzed. Furthermore, we showed that epigenetic dysregulation with age is a highly tissue‐dependent phenomenon. The most distinctive loci were located at intergenic sequences and conserved noncoding elements, and not at promoters nor at CG‐dinucleotide‐dense loci. Despite this, we found that there was a subset of genes at which cytosine methylation and gene expression changes were concordant. Finally, we demonstrated that changes in methylation occur consistently near genes that are involved in metabolism and metabolic regulation, implicating their potential role in the pathogenesis of age‐related diseases. We conclude that different patterns of epigenetic dysregulation occur in each tissue over time and may cause some of the physiological changes associated with normal aging.
Experimental Characterisation of Tyre Indentation by Simulated Runway Debris
Authors: Nguyen S. , Greenhalgh E. S. , Iannucci L. , Longstaff S. , Olsson R. , Curtis P. T.
Published: May 2010

Abstract:  As part of an investigation to assess the impact threat posed to vehicles by tyre‐lofted runway debris, it is important to gain a quantitative understanding of the interaction between inflated tyres and foreign objects. In this paper, experiments involving indentation of an inflated tyre to represent over‐rolling of a foreign object were used to estimate the energy that could be transferred to the over‐rolled object. The maximum kinetic energy that a 24‐mm diameter spherical stone could potentially attain from such an indentation‐related loft mechanism by a tyre inflated to 0.34 MPa (50 psi) was 20 J.
Fatigue, Magnetic and Mechanical Hysteresis
Authors: Bao S. , Erber T. , Guralnick S. A. , Jin W. L.
Published: May 2010

Abstract:  The objective of this research is to explore correlations between piezomagnetic signals of initially unmagnetised ferromagnetic steel samples of AISI 1018 steel with progressive changes that take place during the fatigue process. A series of strain‐controlled fatigue tests were carried out to quantitatively study the piezomagnetic fields surrounding steel specimens by measuring magnetic field variations in the milligauss range resulting from the cyclic application of stress. It was observed that the piezomagnetic hysteresis traces change systematically with the progression of fatigue. The piezomagnetic hysteresis loop areas, when plotted as a function of the number of loading cycles, demonstrate the three principal stages of fatigue: initial accommodation, accretion of damage and terminal failure. The results derived from the piezomagnetic hysteresis traces are consistent with those obtained from mechanical hysteresis studies. However, when approaching failure, the piezomagnetic traces show more conspicuous changes than the corresponding mechanical stress–strain curves. It was also observed that the piezomagnetic field surrounding a specimen subjected to cyclic loading behaves approximately like that of a bar magnet. This study has demonstrated that the piezomagnetic effects can be exploited to evaluate the progress of fatigue in ferromagnetic steels.
Disparity Implications of Medicare Eligibility Criteria for Medication Therapy Management Services
Authors: Wang Junling , Mullins C. Daniel , Brown Lawrence M. , Shih Ya‐Chen Tina , Dagogo‐Jack Samuel , Hong Song Hee , Cushman William C.
Published: May 2010

Objective. To determine whether there would be racial and ethnic disparities in meeting eligibility criteria for medication therapy management (MTM) services implemented in 2006 for Medicare beneficiaries.

Data Sources/Study Setting. Secondary data analyses of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2004–2005).

Study Design. Logistic regression and recycled predictions were used to test the disparities in meeting eligibility criteria across racial and ethnic groups. The eligibility thresholds used by health plans in 2006 and new thresholds recommended for 2010 were examined. Racial and ethnic disparities were examined by comparing non‐Hispanic blacks (blacks) with non‐Hispanic whites (whites) and comparing Hispanics with whites, respectively. Disparities were also examined among individuals with severe health problems.

Principal Findings. According to 2006 thresholds, the adjusted odds ratios for meeting eligibility criteria for blacks and Hispanics to whites were 0.36–0.60 (p<.05) and 0.13–0.46 (p<.05), respectively. Blacks and Hispanics would be 21–34 and 32–38 percent, respectively, less likely to be eligible than whites according to recycled predictions. Similar patterns were found using the 2010 eligibility thresholds and among individuals with severe health problems.

Conclusions. There would be racial and ethnic disparities in meeting MTM eligibility criteria. Future research is warranted to confirm the findings using data after MTM implementation.
Correlates of Seeking Injection Assistance among Injection Drug Users in Tijuana, Mexico
Authors: Robertson Angela M. , Vera Alicia Y. , Gallardo Manuel , Pollini Robin A. , Patterson Thomas L. , Case Patricia , Nguyen Lucie , Strathdee Steffanie A.
Published: May 2010

Assisted injection among injection drug users (IDUs) remains understudied. We recruited 1,056 IDUs using respondent‐driven sampling in Tijuana, Mexico. Participants underwent HIV and syphilis testing and structured interviews. One‐quarter (25%) sought injection assistance in the past 6 months. Seeking injection assistance was independently associated with being female (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]= 2.59; 95% confidence interval [CI]= 1.73–3.90), being born outside Baja California (AOR = 1.75; CI = 1.26–2.42), having recent abscesses (AOR = 2.59; CI = 1.93–3.47), using syringes previously used by others in the past 6 months (AOR = 1.99; CI = 1.45–2.71), and ever being arrested for carrying sterile syringes (AOR = 1.55; CI = 1.15–2.09). (Am J Addict 2010;00:1–7)
Validation of a Short Version of the Revised Drug Use Screening Inventory in a Brazilian Sample of Adolescents
Authors: Fidalgo Thiago Marques , Tarter Ralph , Da Silveira Evelyn Doering , Kirisci Levent , Da Silveira Dartiu Xavier
Published: May 2010

The revised Drug Use Screening Inventory (DUSI‐R) is a self‐report questionnaire designed to quantify the severity of problems that are commonly associated with consumption of alcohol and other drugs. This study extends research conducted on the US population to determine whether the DUSI‐R's substance abuse scale discriminates Brazilian youths in treatment (n = 41) from a general population sample (n = 43). A Portuguese translation of the substance abuse scale was administered in paper and pencil format at the time of intake into treatment and to randomly selected youths in school. The mean score on the 15‐item substance abuse scale in the treatment group was 6.7 compared to 1.9 in the comparison group (t = 6.78; p < .001). The optimal cut‐off score of two positive endorsements has 85% sensitivity and 70% specificity. This study demonstrates that the DUSI‐R's substance abuse scale is valid for screening Brazilian youths who require treatment. (Am J Addict 2010;00:1–4)
Plant Pattern Development during Early Post‐Restoration Succession in Grasslands—A Case Study of Arabis nemorensis
Authors: Burmeier Sandra , Eckstein R. Lutz , Donath Tobias W. , Otte Annette
Published: May 2010

The main objective of this study was to analyze whether plant material transfer is a suitable approach for establishing plant populations with spatial patterns and population structures resembling those of remnant populations. We studied pattern formation and population characteristics in three remnant and two restored populations of the biennial plant species Arabis nemorensis in the upper Rhine valley in southwestern Germany over a period of 2 years. We investigated spatial patterns of seedlings, juveniles, and adults as well as the small‐scale horizontal and vertical distribution of seeds in the soil, followed the fate of individual plants and recorded structural habitat parameters such as vegetation and litter cover. Population dynamics differed between the study sites, but there was no pronounced difference between restored and remnant sites. Seedlings, juveniles, and adults as well as seeds in the seed bank showed aggregated spatial patterns on all study sites, with positive autocorrelation on a scale of 20–60 cm. Within sites, patterns remained approximately stable through time. Restored sites experienced rapid seed bank formation as a result of the restoration measures. Our results suggest that the restoration measures were not only successful in transferring the target species but also triggered rapid formation of spatially structured populations that, years after restoration, closely resembled those of remnant sites.
Keep on Track: A Volunteer‐Run Community‐Based Intervention to Lower Blood Pressure in Older Adults
Authors: Truncali Andrea , Dumanovsky Tamara , Stollman Harriet , Angell Sonia Y.
Published: May 2010

Uncontrolled hypertension in older adults is a common yet preventable threat to healthy aging. Improvements in blood pressure (BP) control and related health outcomes require innovative approaches that reach beyond the clinical environment. Keep on Track (KOT), a volunteer‐run, community‐based BP‐monitoring program that aims to lower BP of community‐dwelling older adults through senior center programming, is described and evaluated. KOT is based on a New York City (NYC) Department for the Aging program that has been in existence for more than 20 years and is evaluated in six senior centers in low‐ to middle‐income neighborhoods in NYC. Program design includes monitoring sessions every other week to measure and record participant BP. BP education is provided using low‐literacy materials, and medication adherence is encouraged. Over 6 months of observation, 244 participants enrolled (mean age 73). Of the 181 (74%) with hypertension at baseline, 92% were previously aware of their condition, 78% were treated, and 31% were controlled. BP control among the treated was 42%. Forty‐three percent of enrollees (n=105) were multiple‐visit participants who experienced on average a 3.9‐mmHg reduction in systolic BP (SBP) between the first and last program visit (95% confidence interval (CI)=−7.6 to −0.1, P=.04). Participants with an initial SBP greater than 160 mmHg (n=20) experienced on average a 20.9‐mmHg reduction in SBP (95% CI=−32.4 to −9.4, P<.001). Areas for program improvement include greater attention to peer counseling and timely communication with participants' healthcare providers. Volunteer‐run, community‐based BP monitoring in senior centers may provide an effective, replicable model for reducing BP in older adults.
Angioscopic Detection of Pulmonary Thromboemboli: with Special Reference to Comparison with Angiography, Intravascular Ultrasonography, and Computed Tomography Angiography
Authors: UCHIDA YASUMI , UCHIDA YASUTO , SHIRAI SEIICHIRO , OSHIMA TOMOMITSU , SHIMIZU KAZUHIRO , TOMARU TAKANOBU , SAKURAI TAKESHI , KANAI MASAHITO
Published: May 2010

Introduction:
 Pulmonary embolism (PE) is often fatal and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Detection of thromboemboli (TEi) is essential for a definitive diagnosis of PE. The detection of TEi using most imaging methods is low in patients clinically suspected of having PE. This study was carried out to detect TEi in the pulmonary arterial trees by angioscopy (AS); to classify TEi; and to compare the sensitivity of detection for TEi among AS, angiography (AG), intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS), and computed tomography angiography (CTA) in patients with clinically suspected PE.

Methods:
 After CTA, AG, and IVUS, the pulmonary arterial trees were surveyed by AS in 49 patients clinically suspected of having PE.

Results:
 TEi were found by AS, AG, IVUS, and CTA in 81.6%, 24.4%, 34.8%, and 22.5% of 49 patients, respectively. The 48 TEi classified by AS were globular (35%), mural (10%), cap‐like (8%), web‐like (4%), patchy (33%), and micro (18%). Cap‐like, patchy, and micro‐TEi were not detectable by AG, IVUS, and CTA in any subjects. TEi color was classified as red, white, yellow, and red‐and‐yellow in a mosaic pattern in 10%, 31%, 38%, and 18%, respectively. Red and white globular TEi were observed in acute, and red‐and‐yellow TEi in both acute and chronic PE patients. TEi other than globular were observed in both patient groups.

Conclusion:
 Although invasive, AS is superior to AG, IVUS, and CTA for the detection of TEi, and therefore is a helpful imaging method for the definitive diagnosis of PE. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:470–478)
Aortic Balloon Valvuloplasty: Is There Still a Role in High‐risk Patients in the Era of Percutaneous Aortic Valve Replacement?
Authors: HAMID TAHIR , EICHHÖFER JONAS , CLARKE BERNARD , MAHADEVAN VAIKOM S.
Published: May 2010

Objectives:
 To assess procedural and clinical outcomes in adults with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty (PABV), who are considered unsuitable on initial assessment for surgical aortic valve replacement or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Background:
 Surgical valve replacement provides better outcomes than conservative treatment for patients with severe symptomatic AS; however, patients with multiple comorbidities or hemodynamic instability carry a high operative risk. While TAVI offers an alternative to surgery, not all patients are suitable. This study looks at medium‐term outcomes in a series of high‐risk patients undergoing PABV.

Methods:
 Pre‐ and postprocedure aortic valve gradients were measured by catheterization and echocardiography. Patients were assessed for symptomatic benefit and clinical outcomes.

Results:
 Over 4 years, 42 patients underwent PABV. Mean clinical follow‐up was 8 ± 5.8 months and survival was 63%. Mean echocardiographic aortic valve gradient fell from 84.6 ± 27 mmHg to 51.3 ± 16 mmHg (p < 0.05). In 29% (12/42) patients, PABV was performed as a bridge to definitive AVR. Four had surgical AVR and six had TAVI. Two had successful noncardiac surgery. Four patients died in the periprocedural period and all were in cardiogenic shock. Patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV decreased from 60% to 5% postprocedure (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:
 PABV is useful as a palliation or bridge to definitive therapy for treatment of patients with severe AS unsuitable for surgery. It is associated with good medium‐term cardiac outcomes and enables some patients to receive definitive therapy. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:358–361)
Histological and histomorphometrical analyses of biopsies harvested 11 years after maxillary sinus floor augmentation with deproteinized bovine and autogenous bone
Authors: Mordenfeld Arne , Hallman Mats , Johansson Carina B. , Albrektsson Tomas
Published: May 2010

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to histologically and histomorphometrically evaluate the long‐term tissue response to deproteinized bovine bone (DPBB) particles used in association with autogenous bone and to compare particle size after 6 months and 11 years, in the same patients, in order to determine possible resorption.

Material and methods: Twenty consecutive patients (14 women and six men) with a mean age of 62 years (range 48–69 years) with severe atrophy of the posterior maxilla were included in this study. Thirty maxillary sinuses with <5 mm subantral alveolar bone were augmented with a mixture of 80% DPBB and 20% autogenous bone. Eleven years (mean 11.5 years) after augmentation, biopsies were taken from the grafted areas of the 11 patients who volunteered to participate in this new surgical intervention. The following histomorphometrical measurements were performed in these specimens: total bone area in percentage, total area of the DPBB, total area of marrow space, the degree of DPBB–bone contact (percentage of the total surface length for each particle), the length of all DPBB particles and the area of all DPBB particles. The length and the area of the particles were compared with samples harvested from the same patients at 6 months (nine samples) and pristine particles from the manufacturer.

Results: The biopsies consisted of 44.7±16.9% lamellar bone, 38±16.9% marrow space and 17.3±13.2% DPBB. The degree of DPBB to bone contact was 61.5±34%. There were no statistically significant differences between the length and area of the particles after 11 years compared with those measured after 6 months in the same patients or to pristine particles from the manufacturer.

Conclusion: DPBB particles were found to be well integrated in lamellar bone, after sinus floor augmentation in humans, showing no significant changes in particle size after 11 years.

To cite this article:
 Mordenfeld A, Hallman M, Johansson CB, Albrektsson T. Histological and histomorphometrical analyses of biopsies harvested 11 years after maxillary sinus floor augmentation with deproteinized bovine and autogenous bone. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 961–970. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.01939.x
Increased regulatory T‐cell frequencies in patients with advanced melanoma correlate with a generally impaired T‐cell responsiveness and are restored after dendritic cell‐based vaccination
Authors: Correll Anita , Tuettenberg Andrea , Becker Christian , Jonuleit Helmut
Published: May 2010

Please cite this paper as: Increased regulatory T‐cell frequencies in patients with advanced melanoma correlate with a generally impaired T‐cell responsiveness and are restored after dendritic cell‐based vaccination. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: e213–e221.

Abstract:  Naturally occurring CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T‐cell (Treg) activity is assumed to facilitate tumor development and progression. To elucidate the possible role of Tregs in the course of melanoma progression, we analysed the frequency of Tregs in the peripheral blood of patients at melanoma stages I–IV and in patients at melanoma stage IV that underwent dendritic cell (DC)‐based immunotherapy. Using CD25, Foxp3, CD127 and HLA‐DR as Treg associated markers, we observed increased Treg frequencies in patients at the late melanoma stage (stage IV) when compared to healthy donors. Accumulation of Tregs in patients with progressed melanoma correlated with a general reduction of T‐cell responsiveness to the recall antigens tetanus toxoid and tuberculin‐GT. However, DC‐based immunotherapy not only restored antigen‐specific immunity, but also decreased the frequency of Tregs in peripheral blood of patients with melanoma. These findings indicate that tumor progression in patients with melanoma result in general immunosuppression that is associated with Treg expansion in the periphery and can be overcome by DC‐based vaccination.
Acute fatigue impairs neuromuscular activity of anterior cruciate ligament‐agonist muscles in female team handball players
Authors: Zebis M. K. , Bencke J. , Andersen L. L. , Alkjær T. , Suetta C. , Mortensen P. , Kjær M. , Aagaard P.
Published: May 2010

In sports, like team handball, fatigue has been associated with an increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. While effects of fatigue on muscle function are commonly assessed during maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC), such measurements may not relate to the muscle function during match play. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of muscle fatigue induced by a simulated handball match on neuromuscular strategy during a functional sidecutting movement, associated with the incidence of ACL injury. Fourteen female team handball players were tested for neuromuscular activity [electromyography (EMG)] during a sidecutting maneuver on a force plate, pre and post a simulated handball match. MVC was obtained during maximal isometric quadriceps and hamstring contraction. The simulated handball match consisted of exercises mimicking handball match activity. Whereas the simulated handball match induced a decrease in MVC strength for both the quadriceps and hamstring muscles (P<0.05), a selective decrease in hamstring neuromuscular activity was seen during sidecutting (P<0.05). This study shows impaired ACL‐agonist muscle (i.e. hamstring) activity during sidecutting in response to acute fatigue induced by handball match play. Thus, screening procedures should involve functional movements to reveal specific fatigue‐induced deficits in ACL‐agonist muscle activation during high‐risk phases of match play.
Endogenous Retroviruses in Trophoblast Differentiation and Placental Development
Authors: Black Sarah G. , Arnaud Fredrick , Palmarini Massimo , Spencer Thomas E.
Published: May 2010

Citation Black SG, Arnaud F, Palmarini M, Spencer TE. Endogenous retroviruses in trophoblast differentiation and placental development. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are present in the genome of all vertebrates and originated from infections of the germline of the host by exogenous retroviruses. ERVs have coevolved with their hosts for millions of years and are recognized to contribute to genome plasticity, protect the host against infection of related pathogenic and exogenous retroviruses, and play a vital role in development of the placenta. Consequently, some ERVs have been positively selected and maintained in the host genome throughout evolution. This review will focus on the critical role of ERVs in development of the mammalian placenta and specifically highlight the biological role of sheep JSRV‐related endogenous betaretroviruses in conceptus (embryo and associated extraembryonic membranes) development.