bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recognition and management of childhood overweight and obesity by clinicians
Authors: Spurrier Nicola J , Magarey Anthea , Wong Catherine
Published: July 2006

Aim:  (i) To determine the ability of general practitioners (GPs) and paediatricians to correctly identify children as overweight or obese by visual cues alone; (ii) to describe the current management practices of overweight and obese children by these practitioners; and (iii) to compare these with National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Methods:  Forty‐four GPs and 29 paediatricians participated in the study. Respondents completed a questionnaire based on a series of body images, rating the size of the child as acceptable weight, overweight or obese and indicating the likelihood of carrying out a series of management options.

Results:  There was considerable variation in ability to rate images correctly with the total number of correct responses being 72% and 68%, respectively, for GPs and paediatricians. There were statistically significant differences in management between GPs and paediatricians in terms of conducting appropriate anthropometry and screening for co‐morbidities, with paediatricians performing closer to the NHMRC Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Conclusion:  GPs and paediatricians have the opportunity to screen children for overweight and obesity during their everyday practice. Accurate determination of weight status cannot be performed by visualisation alone and all children should have height and weight measured and correctly interpreted. Some areas of current GP and paediatrician management of overweight and obese children fall short of the NHMRC clinical guidelines and areas for improvement are highlighted in this paper.
Broad‐range polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of Bartonella henselae endocarditis
Authors: Walls Tony , Moshal Karyn , Trounce John , Hartley John , Harris Kathryn , Davies Graham
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  We present a case of subacute bacterial endocarditis in a 10‐year‐old girl with Di‐George syndrome, congenital heart disease, and mild immunodeficiency. She was afebrile at initial presentation but was found to have massive splenomegaly, and signs of congestive heart failure. No causative organism could be identified on routine blood and tissue cultures. A detailed clinical history revealed a history that she had been scratched by a cat and developed intermittant fevers over 3 months. Bartonella henselae was identified by broad‐range 16S r‐DNA polymerase chain reaction on valvular tissue specimens.
Aorta coarctation presenting with intracranial aneurysm rupture
Authors: Hüdaoğlu Orkide , Kurul Semra , Cakmakcı Handan , Men Süleyman , Yiş Uluç , Dirik Eray
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Most vascular diseases have a tendency to affect both heart and the brain. Intracranial aneurysms are more often found in patients with aorta coarctation than in general population, and aneurysm rupture occurs much earlier in these patients. Here, we report a case of aorta coarctation which was diagnosed with its cerebrovascular complications. Before presenting with cerebrovascular complications, the disease can easily be diagnosed with physical examination and non‐invasive radiological investigations like echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
Heterogeneous hyperactivity and distribution of ischemic lesions after focal cerebral ischemia in Mongolian gerbils
Authors: Katsumata Noriko , Kuroiwa Toshihiko , Ishibashi Satoru , Li Shihong , Endo Shu , Ohno Kikuo
Published: July 2006

Various types of poststroke hyperactivity exist in humans, but studies of each mechanism using animal models are scarce. We aimed to analyze the heterogeneity of postischemic hyperlocomotion and to identify the ischemic lesions responsible for postischemic hyperlocomotion in rodent models of focal ischemia. Mongolian gerbils underwent right common carotid artery occlusion (CCAO) for 10 or 20 min. At 24 h, 2 days, and 7 days postischemia, we performed quantitative and qualitative locomotor analysis and correlated these results with the extent of ischemic lesions. Intermittent explosive hyperlocomotion was induced transiently in a 10‐min CCAO group at 24 h after ischemia and continual unexplosive hyperlocomotion persisted for 7 days in the 20‐min CCAO animals. Selective neuronal death, confined to the hippocampal cornu ammonis 1 (CA1), was observed in the 10‐min CCAO group and widespread cortical and basal ganglia infarction was observed in the 20‐min CCAO group. Amyloid precursor protein was transiently observed in the hippocampus at 24 h postischemia in the 10‐min CCAO animals, while it was widely distributed over the ischemic regions throughout the 7 days postischemia in the 20‐min CCAO animals. Incidence maps and correlation analysis revealed hippocampal neuronal death of the CA1 sector and widespread hemispheric infarction, including the cortex, as the region responsible for the 10‐min and 20‐min CCAO‐induced hyperactivity, respectively. Two distinct types of locomotor hyperactivity were observed that varied with regard to the distribution of the ischemic lesion, that is, hippocampal neuronal death and widespread infarction involving the cortex. These two types of locomotor hyperactivity appear to be models of the different types of poststroke hyperactivity seen in stroke patients.
Interleukin‐18 and transforming growth factor‐beta 1 plasma levels in Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia
Authors: Malaguarnera Lucia , Motta Massimo , Di Rosa Michelino , Anzaldi Massimiliano , Malaguarnera Mariano
Published: July 2006

Inflammation has been involved in the development of dementia in cerebrovascular diseases. To investigate the cellular activation of the peripheral immune system in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD), we determined the presence of IL‐18 and TGF‐β1 in the plasma by using ELISA. The levels of IL‐18 and TGF‐β1 were significantly elevated in patients with AD and VaD compared to non‐demented, age‐matched subjects. We found an inverse correlation between the levels of IL‐18 and TGF‐β1 in AD patients. In VaD patients, the correlation between IL‐18 and TGF‐β1 reached a borderline positive value. Whereas, in the non‐demented, age‐matched subjects, a positive correlation between IL‐18 and TGF‐β1 levels was observed. These findings indicate that IL‐18 and TGF‐β1 elevation is associated with AD and VaD patients, confirming that the immune system might exert a remarkable role in the development and progression of neurodegenerative disorders. Moreover, as different modifications were detected in the patients affected by AD and VaD, we propose that IL‐18 and TGF‐ β1 plasma levels might represent possible differential biomarkers.
Continuous SvO2 measurement in infants undergoing congenital heart surgery – first clinical experiences with a new fiberoptic probe
Authors: MÜLLER MATTHIAS , LÖHR TOBIAS , SCHOLZ STEFAN , THUL JOSEF , AKINTÜRK HAKAN , HEMPELMANN GUNTER
Published: July 2006

Background:  SvO2‐guided therapy, using fiberoptic oximetric catheters can help to improve the outcome after complex congenital heart surgery especially in infants undergoing the Stage 1‐Norwood‐Procedure. So far, fiberoptic catheters have to be placed transthoracically by the surgeon into the vena cava or the pulmonary artery putting the infant at an additional risk of bleeding at the time of catheter removal.

Methods:  We used a new percutaneously applicable fiberoptic probe for continuous monitoring of central venous saturation in three infants undergoing modifications of the Stage 1‐Norwood‐Procedure (reconstruction of the aortic arch), two in combination with a bidirectional cavopulmonary connection (Glenn shunt), the third with reconstruction of the pulmonary arteries (biventricular repair). The approved clinical monitoring system consisted of a small (2 F) fiberoptic probe and a bed‐side‐monitor. The probe was inserted via the routine central venous access for such a case.

Results:  Continuous SvO2 measurement is feasible in infants using the CeVOX system in combination with routine central venous access, and the advantages of continuous monitoring are discussed.

Conclusions:  We believe that compared with transthoracically inserted oximetric catheter, the presented percutaneous technique avoids additional risks at the time of catheter removal (i.e. bleeding) and has become part of our standard management.
Tramadol infusion for the pain management in sickle cell disease: a case report
Authors: ERHAN ELVAN , INAL MEHMET T. , AYDINOK YESIM , BALKAN CAN , YEGUL IBRAHIM
Published: July 2006

We present the analgesic management of a 4‐year‐old child who suffered from severe abdominal and leg pain during his first vaso‐occlusive crisis with sickle cell disease, diagnosed as β/S disease when he was 1 year old. His mother and father were carriers of β‐thalassemia and hemoglobin S, respectively. He had an upper respiratory tract infection in which a vaso‐occlusive crisis was precipitated. On admission to hospital, fever, severe abdominal and leg pain were noted. Hemoglobin was 4 g·dl−1 with accompanying prominent reticulocytosis and acute spleen enlargement. These findings indicated a sequestration crisis as well as vaso‐occlusive disease. He was transfused with packed red cells. Paracetamol (40–60 mg·kg−1·day−1) and ibuprofen (20 mg·kg−1·day−1) were administered to relieve pain. The child experienced moderate to severe pain (Oucher score 60–80) despite nonopioid analgesics, so a tramadol infusion (0.25 mg·kg−1·h−1) was started. During the tramadol infusion no morphine was required, the intensity of pain gradually decreased (Oucher score 20) and the child was able to move his legs. At the end of 3 days splenomegaly regressed, no fever and pain were observed and the infusion was stopped. In conclusion, tramadol infusion i.v. (0.25 mg·kg−1·h−1) combined with nonopioids was effective to relieve moderate to severe pain due to vaso‐occlusive crisis and can be recommended before using morphine in a pediatric sickle cell crisis.
Plant–soil feedbacks and invasive spread
Authors: Levine Jonathan M. , Pachepsky Elizaveta , Kendall Bruce E. , Yelenik Stephanie G. , Lambers Janneke Hille Ris
Published: July 2006

Plant invaders have been suggested to change soil microbial communities and biogeochemical cycling in ways that can feedback to benefit themselves. In this paper, we ask when do these feedbacks influence the spread of exotic plants. Because answering this question is empirically challenging, we show how ecological theory on ‘pushed’ and ‘pulled’ invasions can be used to examine the problem. We incorporate soil feedbacks into annual plant invasion models, derive the conditions under which such feedbacks affect spread, and support our approach with simulations. We show that in homogeneous landscapes, strong positive feedbacks can influence spreading velocity for annual invaders, but that empirically documented feedbacks are not strong enough to do so. Moreover, to influence spread, invaders must modify the soil environment over a spatial scale larger than is biologically realistic. Though unimportant for annual invader spread in our models, feedbacks do affect invader density and potential impact. We discuss how future research might consider the way landscape structure, dispersal patterns, and the time scales over which plant–soil feedbacks develop regulate the effects of such feedbacks on invader spread.
Preferences, Technology, and the Environment: Understanding the Environmental Kuznets Curve Hypothesis
Authors: Plassmann Florenz , Khanna Neha
Published: July 2006

We derive a simple expression for the income‐pollution path using the standard static model of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC). This expression makes it straightforward to identify the general characteristics of utility and pollution functions that lead to such a curve. We show that suitable preferences can always lead to an EKC while there is no technology that yields an EKC for all types of preferences, and we derive a sufficient condition for technology that leads to an EKC for almost all types of preferences. Our results hold for a model with multiple goods with different pollution intensities and for a production economy with nonconstant relative price of consumption and environmental effort. We derive our results without assuming specific functional forms and we encompass several other models as special cases.
The Potential Impact of Tobacco Biopharming: The Case of Human Serum Albumin
Authors: Kostandini Genti , Mills Bradford F. , Norton George W.
Published: July 2006

Biopharming stands to significantly expand the uses of many agricultural crops. This article examines the potential size and distribution of welfare gains from biopharming transgenic tobacco as a source of human serum albumin (HSA) using an economic surplus model under imperfect competition. The results suggest that HSA from transgenic tobacco will generate annual profits for the innovating firm of between $25 million and $49 million. On the other hand, consumers are unlikely to benefit during the patent life of the product given the innovator's market power.
Livestock in China: Commodity‐Specific Total Factor Productivity Decomposition Using New Panel Data
Authors: Rae Allan N. , Ma Hengyun , Huang Jikun , Rozelle Scott
Published: July 2006

Studies of total factor productivity (TFP) in livestock production are rare, but when available provide useful information especially in the context of developing countries such as China where livestock is becoming more important in the domestic agricultural economy. We estimate TFP for four major livestock products in China employing the stochastic frontier approach, and decompose productivity growth into its technical efficiency (TE) and technical progress components. Efforts are made to adjust and augment the available livestock statistics. The results show that growth in TFP and its components varied between the 1980s and the 1990s as well as over production structures. While there is evidence of considerable technical innovation in China's livestock sector, TE improvement has been relatively slow.
Rivalry in Price and Variety among Supermarket Retailers
Authors: Richards Timothy J. , Hamilton Stephen F.
Published: July 2006

Recent theoretical models of retail competition suggest that product heterogeneity is critical to retail price and variety strategies. This article provides empirical evidence on supermarket retailers' price and variety strategies using a nested constant elasticity of substitution (NCES) modeling framework. The model is estimated using chain‐level scanner data for four major grocery chains in a large, urban West Coast market. The results show that retailers compete for market share using both price and variety. While they all tend to follow moderately cooperative pricing strategies, the extent to which they follow cooperative strategies in variety is less homogeneous.
A Sample Selection Approach to Censored Demand Systems
Authors: Yen Steven T. , Lin Biing-Hwan
Published: July 2006

The multivariate sample selection model is extended to a nonlinear equation system with partial selection and applied to household meat consumption in China. Elasticity estimates differ from those obtained from conventional maximum likelihood and Tobit estimates. Chinese meat products are gross complements while net substitution also exists in some cases.
Poverty Reduction: The Missing Piece of Pension Reform in Latin America
Authors: Barrientos Armando
Published: July 2006

Employment‐based pension plans constitute the main form of pension provision in Latin America. Although recent pension reform in the region has focused on strengthening these, old‐age poverty remains high in most countries in the region, with older people over‐represented among the poor. The article argues that ensuring old‐age support for poor and vulnerable groups involves a different set of priorities and options for pension reform, namely a strong focus on tax‐financed public cash transfer programmes. Cash transfer programmes focused on poor older people are the missing piece of pension reform in the region. The article examines the experience of the handful of countries with such programmes in place, and draws the lessons for the future of social policy in the region.
Equality and Income Security in Market Economies: What's Wrong with Insurance?
Authors: Haagh Louise
Published: July 2006

This article critically assesses the marketization of income security, and identifies links between equality, self‐reliance and welfare reform. Marketization in emergent economies is distinguished by a strong separation between the use of insurance for the mainstream economy and relief for the poor. The impact of this model on the shaping of working lives and on market rigidity is discussed through a review of implications in the areas of subsistence, integrity interests and employment transitions. The broad faith in insurance solutions is argued to derive from a highly abstract approach to welfare reform and to result in a lack of attention to uneven and unstable markets, and to self‐government as a motive to work. Evidence of this emerges from a comparison of insurance in its more ideal form (in Chile) with modified models (Brazil and Korea). In the last two cases a developmental orientation has aided in the provision of broad‐based security. Other factors that appear to enhance the importance of direct assistance are also discussed, including aspects of state administration and labour services that limit work opportunity and individual autonomy in uneven economies. The segregated dual approach to income security is argued to be broadly deficient, but not because insurance is inherently wrong. Countries as diverse as Barbados and Denmark show that more cohesive economies are a better foundation for integrating insurance with general welfare and for income security and individual enterprise broadly conceived.
Mothers at the Service of the New Poverty Agenda: Progresa/Oportunidades, Mexico's Conditional Transfer Programme
Authors: Molyneux Maxine
Published: July 2006

This article considers some of the changes and continuities in social protection in Latin America through a focus on the ways in which motherhood is positioned as key to the success of the new anti‐poverty programmes that have followed structural reform. It examines a flagship cash transfer programme known as Progresa/Oportunidades (Opportunities) established in Mexico in 1997 and now being widely adopted in the region. Characterized by some commentators as a quintessentially neo‐liberal programme, it is argued that Oportunidades represents a novel combination of earlier maternalist social policy approaches with the conditional, co‐responsibility models associated with the recent approaches to social welfare and poverty relief endorsed by international policy actors. In the first section, the gendered assumptions that have governed Latin American social policy are described; the second outlines social policy provision in Latin America and identifies the key elements of the new approaches to poverty; and the third critically examines the broader implications of the Mexican programme's selective and gendered construction of social need premised, as it is, on re‐traditionalizing gendered roles and responsibilities.
Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid hypovolaemia: a therapeutic dilemma?
Authors: Nowak D. A. , Takano B. , Topka H.
Published: July 2006

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is characterized by orthostatic headaches in conjunction with reduced cerebrospinal fluid volume(CSF) and characteristic imaging findings. We report the clinical course of six consecutive patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension who were followed between 4 months and 2.5 years. The characteristic orthostatic headaches were present in five patients. Diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was evident in all cases. CSF detected elevated protein content in three of six patients. In only two of our six patients a first epidural blood patch resulted in complete symptom resolution lasting 4 months and 1 year. Four patients received a second epidural blood patch and one patient also received a third. In four patients, follow‐up brain MRI revealed re‐occurrence of the typical MRI features and all of them suffered from orthostatic symptoms at this time. Only four patients are free of complaints after an average follow‐up period of 10 months. Symptom relief within 7 days from an epidural blood patch is accepted to be diagnostic for spontaneous intracranial hypotension. However, our data illustrate that the clinical course of the syndrome is very unstable and the epidural blood patch is less effective than widely accepted.
The Croydon Assessment of Learning Study: Prevalence and educational identification of mild mental retardation
Authors: Simonoff Emily , Pickles Andrew , Chadwick Oliver , Gringras Paul , Wood Nicky , Higgins Siobhan , Maney Julie‐Ann , Karia Nisha , Iqbal Huma , Moore Anne
Published: July 2006

Background:  Mild mental retardation is an enduring and impairing condition. Its prevalence has varied widely across different studies from .5 to over 8%, with higher rates in completely ascertained samples. The current study estimates the prevalence of low IQ in the mental retardation range (intellectual disability) in a population sample and examines the factors that relate to educational identification.

Method:  A total of 2,730 children in school years 8 and 9 attending local authority schools were assessed in school with the group‐administered Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT). A sample of 304 pupils at high, moderate and low risk of mild mental retardation was selected for in‐depth study. This included the individually measured full‐scale IQ (WISC‐IIIUK), the Wechsler Quicktest of attainments, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire from parents and teachers and an abbreviated version of the Social Communication Questionnaire.

Results:  Of those selected for the in‐depth study, 204 (67%) participated, with a greater proportion from the low risk group. A range of prevalence estimates were calculated using different imputation methods and assumptions about individuals not screened. Rates of pupils with WISC IQ < 70 varied from 5.8% to 10.6%. There were no significant gender differences. In contrast to the high prevalence estimates using the WISC, the proportion of pupils scoring in the lowest stanine on the CAT was as expected. Only 15% of those with IQ < 70 had a statement of special educational needs or attended a school for moderate learning difficulties. Behaviour, particularly social communication problems, predicted educational identification.

Conclusions:  The current study produced a high estimate of the prevalence of mild intellectual disability based on the WISC but not on the CAT. The findings highlight that the majority of mild intellectual disability in the UK would not be detected using registers. Cases that are detected by registers are more behaviourally disturbed than others.
Genetically solving a zoological mystery: was the kouprey (Bos sauveli) a feral hybrid?
Authors: Galbreath G. J. , Mordacq J. C. , Weiler F. H.
Published: July 2006

A famous zoological discovery of the 20th century was that of the kouprey Bos sauveli, a medium‐sized ox inhabiting Cambodian forests. The kouprey was suspiciously intermediate between banteng oxen and domestic zebu cattle in its structure. Mitochondrial DNA sequences of mainland banteng are compared here with a published kouprey sequence, and the comparison demonstrates a close relationship. Either the kouprey derives partly from banteng or (less likely) these particular banteng acquired kouprey DNA via recent genetic introgression. The kouprey may have been a feral hybrid form, a descendant of domestic oxen, rather than a natural species.
Sex differences in the hemodynamic responses to mental stress: Effect of caffeine consumption
Authors: Farag Noha H. , Vincent Andrea S. , McKey Barbara S. , Al'Absi Mustafa , Whitsett Thomas L. , Lovallo William R.
Published: July 2006

The effect of caffeine on stress responses was compared in 25 men and 22 women in a 2‐week placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, randomized crossover trial. On each week, participants abstained from all dietary sources of caffeine before undergoing a 6‐h laboratory protocol under placebo or caffeine exposure followed by a 30‐min mental stressor with blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular hemodynamic assessments. On the placebo session, men and women showed a significant BP increase to stress, although women had significant cardiac responses whereas men had vascular responses. Caffeine ingestion before stress caused both men and women to have enhanced hemodynamic responses to the stressor associated with an increase in cardiac index and a drop in the peripheral resistance index. Caffeine enhances the cardiovascular fight‐or‐flight response pattern to stress in men and women.
Development of 25 gene‐associated microsatellite markers of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.)
Authors: STENVIK JØRGEN , WESMAJERVI METTE SERINE , FJALESTAD KJERSTI TURID , DAMSGÅRD BØRGE , DELGHANDI MADJID
Published: July 2006

Microsatellites were identified by screening 2294 GenBank entries available for Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.), mainly representing expressed sequence tags and cDNA sequences. Ninety‐two novel microsatellite loci (tetra‐, tri‐ and dinucleotides) were characterized on 96 individuals. This strategy yielded 25 gene‐associated polymorphic microsatellite markers (11 tri‐ and 14 dinucleotides) with two to 20 alleles and an average heterozygosity of 0.48 in the population studied (range 0.02–0.89). One marker exhibited significant homozygote excess, and one of the primer pairs amplified two linked markers. The gene identity was determined at nine of the loci, confirming the associated microsatellites as type I markers.
Beyond the New Indian History: Recent Trends in the Historiography on the Native Peoples of North America
Authors: Rosenthal Nicolas G.
Published: July 2006

Since its emergence over thirty years ago, the New Indian history has had a tremendous impact on studies of Native peoples in North America. Nonetheless, in crucial ways and for various reasons, scholarship on American Indians often remains isolated from larger currents of North American history. Just over the last decade, a handful of works have built on the foundations of the New Indian history and more consciously put American Indians into wide ranging conversations about North American culture and society. It is this current wave of scholarship that holds the most promise for moving the study of American Indians beyond the New Indian history and into an even more fruitful period where the connections between the experiences of American Indians and those of other North Americans draw increasing interest and examination.
Prioritization for Conservation of Northern European Cattle Breeds Based on Analysis of Microsatellite Data
Authors: TAPIO I. , VÄRV S. , BENNEWITZ J. , MALEVICIUTE J. , FIMLAND E. , GRISLIS Z. , MEUWISSEN T.H.E. , MICEIKIENE I. , OLSAKER I. , VIINALASS H. , VILKKI J. , KANTANEN J.
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Northern European indigenous cattle breeds are currently endangered and at a risk of becoming extinct. We analyzed variation at 20 microsatellite loci in 23 indigenous, 3 old imported, and 9 modern commercial cattle breeds that are presently distributed in northern Europe. We measured the breeds' allelic richness and heterozygosity, and studied their genetic relationships with a neighbor‐joining tree based on the Chord genetic distance matrix. We used the Weitzman approach and the core set diversity measure of Eding et al. (2002) to quantify the contribution of each breed to the maximum amount of genetic diversity and to identify breeds important for the conservation of genetic diversity. We defined 11 breeds as a “safe set” of breeds (not endangered) and estimated a reduction in genetic diversity if all nonsafe (endangered) breeds were lost. We then calculated the increase in genetic diversity by adding one by one each of the nonsafe breeds to the safe set (the safe‐set‐plus‐one approach). The neighbor‐joining tree grouped the northern European cattle breeds into Black‐and‐White type, Baltic Red, and Nordic cattle groups. Väne cattle, Bohus Poll, and Danish Jersey had the highest relative contribution to the maximum amount of genetic diversity when the diversity was quantified by the Weitzman diversity measure. These breeds not only showed phylogenetic distinctiveness but also low within‐population variation. When the Eding et al. method was applied, Eastern Finncattle and Lithuanian White Backed cattle contributed most of the genetic variation. If the loss of the nonsafe set of breeds happens, the reduction in genetic diversity would be substantial (72%) based on the Weitzman approach, but relatively small (1.81%) based on the Eding et al. method. The safe set contained only 66% of the observed microsatellite alleles. The safe‐set‐plus‐one approach indicated that Bohus Poll and Väne cattle contributed most to the Weitzman diversity, whereas the Eastern Finncattle contribution was the highest according to the Eding et al. method. Our results indicate that both methods of Weitzman and Eding et al. recognize the importance of local populations as a valuable resource of genetic variation.
Assessing Habitat Quality for a Migratory Songbird Wintering in Natural and Agricultural Habitats
Authors: JOHNSON MATTHEW D. , SHERRY THOMAS W. , HOLMES RICHARD T. , MARRA PETER P.
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  As tropical forests are cleared, a greater proportion of migratory songbirds are forced to winter in agricultural and disturbed habitats, which, if poorer in quality than natural forests, could contribute to population declines. We compared demographic indicators of habitat quality for a focal species, the American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla), wintering in Jamaican citrus orchards and shade coffee plantations with those in four natural habitats: mangrove, coastal scrub, coastal palm, and dry limestone forests. Demographic measures of habitat quality included density, age and sex ratio, apparent survival, and changes in body mass. Measures of habitat quality for redstarts in citrus and coffee habitats were generally intermediate between the highest (mangrove) and lowest (dry limestone) measurements from natural habitats. The decline in mean body mass over the winter period was a strong predictor of annual survival rate among habitats, and we suggest that measures of body condition coupled with survival data provide the best measures of habitat quality for nonbreeding songbirds. Density, which is far easier to estimate, was correlated with these more labor‐intensive measures, particularly in the late winter when food is likely most limiting. Thus, local density may be useful as an approximation of habitat quality for wintering migrant warblers. Our findings bolster those of previous studies based on bird abundance that suggest arboreal agricultural habitats in the tropics can be useful for the conservation of generalist, insectivorous birds, including many migratory passerines such as redstarts.
Conservation Value of Clustered Housing Developments
Authors: LENTH BUFFY A. , KNIGHT RICHARD L. , GILGERT WENDELL C.
Published: July 2006

Abstract: Traditionally, exurban lands in Colorado have been subdivided into a grid of parcels ranging from 2 to 16 ha. From an ecological perspective, this dispersed pattern of development effectively maximizes the individual influence of each home on the land. Clustered housing developments, designed to maximize open space, are assumed to benefit plant and wildlife communities of conservation interest. They have become a popular alternative for rural development despite the lack of empirical evidence demonstrating their conservation benefits. To better inform rural land‐use planning, we evaluated clustered housing developments by comparing their spatial pattern with that of dispersed housing developments and by comparing their conservation value with that of both dispersed housing developments and undeveloped areas in Boulder County, Colorado. We used four indicators to assess conservation value: (1) densities of songbirds, (2) nest density and survival of ground‐nesting birds, (3) presence of mammals, and (4) percent cover and proportion of native and non‐native plant species. Clustered and dispersed housing developments did not differ on the majority of variables we examined. Both types of housing development had significantly higher densities of non‐native and human‐commensal species and significantly lower densities of native and human‐sensitive species than undeveloped areas. More rigorous ecological guidelines and planning on a regional scale may help create clustered developments with higher conservation value.
Temozolomide Treatment of Refractory Epilepsy in a Patient with an Oligodendroglioma
Authors: Ngo Ly , Nei Maromi , Glass Jon
Published: July 2006

Summary:  A 40‐year‐old man with a left frontotemporal grade II oligodendroglioma developed seizures that were refractory to 14 antiepileptic medications, the ketogenic diet, and epilepsy surgery. With temozolomide therapy, his seizure frequency gradually changed from 30 partial seizures per day to a single simple partial seizure in 6 months. No additional therapeutic measures were introduced during this time. This reduction in seizure frequency appears attributable solely to temozolomide therapy.
Technology‐Based New Product Development Partnerships*
Authors: Ettlie John E. , Pavlou Paul A.
Published: July 2006

Hypotheses were developed to capture the dynamic capabilities that result from interfirm partnerships during the joint new product development (NPD) process—the ability to build, integrate, and reconfigure existing resources to adapt to rapidly changing environments. These capabilities, in turn, were proposed to have a positive impact on NPD performance outcomes: (a) proportion of new product success and (b) superior new product commercialization. In contexts where the locus of innovation is rapidly changing, the impact of interfirm NPD dynamic capabilities was hypothesized to be diminished in high‐technology contexts, especially for buyers (original equipment manufacturers) and to a lesser extent for suppliers. Still, technology‐based interfirm NPD partnerships were predicted to ultimately outperform low‐technology ones in both NPD performance outcomes. Finally, information technology (IT) support for NPD was hypothesized to influence the interfirm NPD partnership's dynamic capabilities. Using survey data from 72 auto company managers and their suppliers, the proposed model in which IT support for NPD influences the success of interfirm NPD partnerships through the mediating role of interfirm NPD partnership dynamic capabilities in high‐ and low‐technology contexts was generally supported. The results shed light on the nature of technology‐based interfirm NPD partnerships and have implications for their success. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
NIKE: a new clinical tool for establishing levels of indications for cataract surgery
Authors: Lundström Mats , Albrecht Susanne , Håkansson Ingemar , Lorefors Ragnhild , Ohlsson Sven , Polland Werner , Schmid Andrea , Svensson Göran , Wendel Eva
Published: July 2006

Purpose:  The purpose of this study was to construct a new clinical tool for establishing levels of indications for cataract surgery, and to validate this tool.

Methods:  Teams from nine eye clinics reached an agreement about the need to develop a clinical tool for setting levels of indications for cataract surgery and about the items that should be included in the tool. The tool was to be called ‘NIKE’ (Nationell Indikationsmodell för Kataraktextraktion). The Canadian Cataract Priority Criteria Tool served as a model for the NIKE tool, which was modified for Swedish conditions. Items included in the tool were visual acuity of both eyes, patients' perceived difficulties in day‐to‐day life, cataract symptoms, the ability to live independently, and medical/ophthalmic reasons for surgery. The tool was validated and tested in 343 cataract surgery patients. Validity, stability and reliability were tested and the outcome of surgery was studied in relation to the indication setting.

Results:  Four indication groups (IGs) were suggested. The group with the greatest indications for surgery was named group 1 and that with the lowest, group 4. Validity was proved to be good. Surgery had the greatest impact on the group with the highest indications for surgery. Test‐retest reliability test and interexaminer tests of indication settings showed statistically significant intraclass correlations (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs] 0.526 and 0.923, respectively).

Conclusions:  A new clinical tool for indication setting in cataract surgery is presented. This tool, the NIKE, takes into account both visual acuity and the patient's perceived problems in day‐to‐day life because of cataract. The tool seems to be stable and reliable and neutral towards different examiners.
Vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone or thalidomide plus dexamethasone for newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma?
Authors: Jimenez‐Zepeda Víctor Hugo , Domínguez‐Martínez Virginia Jeanet
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell tumor that is distributed at multiple sites within the bone marrow compartments. High‐dose dexamethasone regimens [including vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (VAD) chemotherapy] induce rapid responses, and have resulted in improved survival for many patients when followed by intensive therapy with autologous stem cell support early in the disease course. However, VAD have several disadvantages including the need for an intravenous indwelling catheter, which predisposes patients to catheter‐related sepsis and thrombosis; most of the activity of VAD was from high‐dose dexamethasone component. We enrolled all patients who fulfilled entire criteria for MM during the period between January 1997 and December 2005. The present study is a descriptive, retrospective, longitudinal, and observational one. The frequency of response (CR, VGPR/NCR, and PR) in the group of thalidomide and dexamethasone was 84.3% (CR 18.75% VGPR/NCR 18.75%, and PR 46.8%) being higher than VAD, 55% (CR 16%, VGPR/NCR 5%, and PR 34%). P = 0.0005. In summary, we conclude Thal/dex is an effective therapy in newly diagnosed MM inducing objective responses in over 84.3%.
Serum‐soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (sTNF‐R2) level determines clinical outcome in patients with aggressive non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Goto Naoe , Tsurumi Hisashi , Takemura Masao , Hara Takeshi , Sawada Michio , Kasahara Senji , Kanemura Nobuhiro , Yamada Toshiki , Shimizu Masahito , Takahashi Takeshi , Tomita Eiichi , Seishima Mitsuru , Takami Tsuyoshi , Moriwaki Hisataka
Published: July 2006

Abstract: Background: Recently investigators have worked to identify prognostic factors in non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) so an appropriate therapeutic plan can be put in action. The aim of the present study was to assess the prognostic significance of serum soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNF‐R) 2 in aggressive NHL.Methods: One hundred and ten consecutive patients with aggressive NHL who were previously untreated (diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma; 94, peripheral T‐cell lymphoma; 16) were prospectively enrolled in this study between 1997 and 2002. The patients were treated with 6–8 cycles of CHOP or THP‐COP regimens.Results: High serum sTNF‐Rs level was associated with some poor prognostic factors and low complete remission rate. Patients with high sTNF‐R1 (4 ng/mL and over) and sTNF‐R2 (15 ng/mL and over) at onset had significantly lower survival rates (5 yr: 19%, 19%) than those with low sTNF‐R1 (under 4 ng/mL) and sTNF‐R2 (under 15 ng/mL) (62% and 69%), respectively (P < 0.0005 and 0.0001). Multivariate analysis employing sTNF‐R2 and some conventional prognostic factors demonstrated that a combination of sTNF‐R2 and performance status, and that of sTNF‐R2, sIL‐2R, and LDH were significant prognostic factors for poor overall survival and for poor event‐free survival, respectively. In addition, we attempted to use sTNF‐R2 in combination with the international prognostic index (IPI). The patients in the high risk group and those with high sTNF‐R2 in the low‐intermediate (LI)/high‐intermediate (HI) risk group had significantly lower survival rates than the patients in the low risk group and those with low sTNF‐R2 in LI/HI risk group (P < 0.0001).Conclusions: The results suggest that a high serum sTNF‐R2 level predicts a poor prognosis in aggressive NHL and may be a useful biomarker for selecting appropriate treatment when used in combination with the IPI.
Efficacy of liposomal daunorubicin and cytarabine as reinduction chemotherapy in relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia despite expression of multidrug resistance‐related proteins
Authors: Candoni Anna , Michelutti Angela , Simeone Erica , Damiani Daniela , Baccarani Michele , Fanin Renato
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  The treatment of relapsed adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is frequently unsuccessful with current chemotherapy regimens, and often there is an overexpression of multidrug resistance (MDR)‐related proteins. Liposomal encapsulation makes daunorubicin (DNR) less sensitive to the efflux effect of P‐glycoprotein (PGP), and in vitro data indicate that liposomal‐encapsulated DNR (Daunoxome‐DNX) is more toxic than DNR against ALL cell lines. In this study, we assessed the in vivo and in vitro efficacy and toxicity of DNX plus cytarabine (Ara‐C) as reinduction chemotherapy in 25 relapsed ALL patients (pts). The expression of MDR‐related proteins (PGP, MRP1 and LRP) was also analysed. Of the 25 pts, 12 were males and 13 females; median age was 32 yr (range 18–58). Six cases were ALL T and 19 ALL B; eight pts were Ph+ (32%), and nine Bcr‐Abl+ (36%). The expression of MDR‐related proteins, and DNR and DNX retention and induction of apoptosis in leukaemic cells were evaluated in all cases. Seventeen of 25 (68%) pts were at first relapse and eight (32%) at second or subsequent relapse. The DNX was given in a dose of 80 mg/m2/d (days 1–3) in 11/25 pts (44%) and in a dose of 100 mg/m2/d (days 1–3) in 14/25 pts (66%). In all pts, Ara‐C was administered in a dose of 2 g/m2 (days 1–5). Twenty pts (80%) achieved a complete remission (CR) and two (8%) entered a partial remission (PR) for an overall response (OR) rate of 88% (22/25), with a tolerable toxicity and without significant cardiotoxicity. Before the start of DNX therapy, 18/25 (72%) cases overexpressed at least one MDR‐related protein compared with 9/25 (36%) cases with MDR overexpression at diagnosis (P = 0.01). Taking into account the small number of cases, the response rate was not affected by MDR expression and the in vitro results also showed a higher uptake and apoptotic cell death by DNX compared with DNR. Twelve pts subsequently underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (11 unrelated donor BMT, and one sibling BMT). The overall survival was 39% after 12 months. These data show the efficacy (OR rate 88% and CR rate 80%) of DNX plus Ara‐C as reinduction therapy in very poor‐risk ALL pts and the response rate seems not to be affected by MDR overexpression. Moreover, the high rate of remissions and the good clinical tolerance in heavily pretreated pts suggest a promising role of DNX in ALL chemotherapy regimens.
Rapid infusion of rituximab with or without steroid‐containing chemotherapy: 1‐yr experience in a single institution
Authors: Salar Antonio , Casao Dolors , Cervera Marta , Pedro Carmen , Calafell Montserrat , Abella Eugenia , Alvarez‐Larrán Alberto , Besses Carlos
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  We assessed the feasibility of a rapid infusion of rituximab with or without steroid‐containing chemotherapy. Inclusion criteria: previous infusion of rituximab without grade 3 or 4 toxicity, lymphoid cells <5 × 109/L and rituximab dose of 375 mg/m2. Seventy patients were treated with a total of 319 rapid rituximab infusions [126 (40%) with and 193 (60%) without steroids]. Overall, rapid infusion of rituximab was well tolerated – there were no grade 3 or 4 adverse events. Only, three patients developed symptoms, all grade 1. In conclusion, rituximab administration in a 90‐min infusion schedule is well tolerated and safe, both in patients who are administered steroids and in patients who are not.
Acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura in infants: associated factors, clinical features, treatment and long‐term outcome
Authors: Wang Jiaan‐Der , Huang Fang‐Liang , Chen Po‐Yen , Wang Teh‐Ming , Chi Ching‐Shiang , Chang Te‐Kau
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  The natural course of acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in infants is poorly described in the literature. A retrospective study of 17 consecutive patients <1 yr of age admitted and treated for acute ITP between 1996 and 2005 was conducted. We investigated their demographics, vaccination history, clinical features, laboratory examinations, response to treatment and long‐term outcome. There were 11 male and six female infants. Their ages ranged from 24 d to 12 months with a median of 3 months. All infants presented with petechiae and/or ecchymoses. Fourteen cases had platelet counts below 20 × 109/L at the time of admission. They all had good response to a single course of treatment (14/17) or multiple courses of treatment (3/17). None had progressed into chronic ITP. Seven infants had a causal relationship with immunization, five associated with hepatitis B, one diphtheria–pertussis–tetanus, one diphtheria–tetanus–acellular pertussis‐inactivated poliovirus vaccine‐conjugated Haemophilus influenza vaccines. These seven infants responded to treatment within 3–9 d after therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin, high‐dose methylprednisolone or oral steroids. Re‐boosters with vaccines revealed no recurrence of the disease in all of these seven patients. The study suggests that further immunization is not contraindicated in infants experiencing acute ITP associated with vaccines.
Use of MTA and intracanal post reinforcement in a horizontally fractured tooth: a case report
Authors: Bramante Clóvis M. , Menezes Renato , Moraes Ivaldo G. , Bernardinelli Norberti , Garcia Roberto B. , Letra Ariadne
Published: July 2006

Abstract –  Root fracture is one of the consequences of dental traumatisms. The possibility of saving the fractured tooth depends on the level of the fracture and also on pulp vitality. This case report describes the use of MTA in association to an intracanal post to reinforce a maxillary central incisor with horizontal root fracture in its cervical third.
Chemokine receptor expression in HIV‐positive persons with oropharyngeal candidiasis
Authors: Lilly EA , Leigh JE , McNulty KM , Joseph SH , Mercante DE , Fidel PL
Published: July 2006

Objective:  In HIV+ persons with reduced CD4+ T cells, oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is often associated with the accumulation of CD8+ T cells at the epithelial/lamina propria interface within the lesion together with increased tissue‐associated cytokines and chemokines. Despite this reactivity, a dysfunction in the ability of the CD8+ cells to reach the organism at the outer epithelium is postulated. The purpose of this study was to examine chemokine receptors present in the OPC lesions for a potential role in susceptibility to infection.

Methods:  Biopsies taken from buccal mucosa of HIV− persons, healthy mucosa of HIV+ OPC− persons, and OPC lesions were processed for protein immunohistochemical staining or RNA analysis by real‐time PCR and Superarray.

Results:  There was little change in expression of chemokine receptors at the protein or RNA level between OPC+ and OPC− tissue. At the protein level, increases occurred in OPC+ persons only if associated with CD8 cells. In the Superarray, of the 22 chemokine receptor mRNAs expressed, c. 90% remained unchanged (<1.0‐fold change) between HIV− and HIV+ tissue and between HIV+ OPC− and HIV+ OPC+ tissue.

Conclusion:  Tissue‐associated chemokine receptor expression does not appear to contribute to the dysfunction in cellular migration associated with susceptibility to OPC.