bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells on Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts In Vitro
Authors: Inanç Bülend , Elçin A. Eser , Ünsal Evrim , Balos Köksal , Parlar Ates , Elçin Y. Murat
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are pluripotent cells with unlimited proliferation potential and differentiation capacity to all types of somatic cells. Periodontal tissue engineering based on in vitro expanded cells holds the promise to overcome the limitations associated with contemporary regenerative techniques. The aim of this study was to investigate the differentiation patterns of hESCs under the influence of periodontal ligament cells in vitro. hESCs (HUES‐9) were expanded and characterized for their pluripotency. Then they were transfected with green fluorescent protein‐carrying plasmid, and cocultured with human periodontal ligament fibroblastic cells for 21 days. Two experimental groups were established with different medium constituents. Specimens were fixed at days 7, 14, and 21 and were analyzed morphologically under inverted light microscope, and by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against collagen types I and III, fibronectin, fibroblast surface protein, vimentin, and pancytokeratin. Our results demonstrate different patterns of cell differentiation between groups, with about one‐fifth of cells in colonies acquiring characteristics similar to periodontal ligament fibroblastic progenitors while others proceed toward distinctive lineages. This indicates the feasibility to direct the differentiation of hESCs toward the periodontal ligament fibroblastic progenitors to some extent. These findings support the notion that hESCs may become a cell source with unlimited supply for periodontal tissue engineering applications.
Enhanced Oxygen Availability Improves Liver‐specific Functions of the AMC Bioartificial Liver
Authors: Poyck Paul P.C. , Mareels Guy , Hoekstra Ruurdtje , Van Wijk Albert C.W.A. , Van Der Hoeven Tessa V. , Van Gulik Thomas M. , Verdonck Pascal R. , Chamuleau Robert A.F.M.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Long‐term culturing of primary porcine hepatocytes (PPH) inside the Academic Medical Center (AMC)‐bioartificial liver is characterized by increased anaerobic glycolysis. Recommendations to increase oxygen availability were proposed in a previous numerical study and were experimentally evaluated in this study. Original bioreactors as well as new configuration bioreactors with 2.2‐fold thinner nonwoven matrix and 2‐fold more capillaries were loaded with PPHs and oxygenated with different gas oxygen pressures resulting in medium pO2 (pO2‐med) of either 135‐150 mm Hg or 235‐250 mm Hg. After 6 days culturing, new configuration bioreactors with pO2‐med of 250 mm Hg showed significantly reduced anaerobic glycolysis, 60% higher liver‐specific functions, and increased transcript levels of five liver‐specific genes compared to the standard bioreactor cultures. Changed bioreactor configuration and increasing pO2‐med contributed equally to these improvements. Histological examination demonstrated small differences in cell organization. In conclusion, higher metabolic stability and liver‐specific functionality was achieved by enhanced oxygen availability based on a prior modeling concept.
The Prevalence and Impact of Migraine on US Military Officer Trainees
Authors: Helseth Erek K. , Erickson Jay C.
Published: November 2007

Objective.— To determine the prevalence and impact of migraine in US Army officer trainees.

Background.— The prevalence of migraine in military officer trainees, frequency of diagnosis, pharmacologic management, and the impact of migraine on military training has not been previously determined. We sought to elucidate the above and also to identify trainee characteristics associated with impaired training performance because of the disabling effects of migraine.

Methods.— An anonymous voluntary migraine questionnaire was administered to 1389 consecutive US Army Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets upon completion of 5 weeks of military training. Headaches were classified as definite migraine or possible migraine. Migraine frequency, prior diagnosis, number of missed or suboptimal training days attributable to migraine, patterns of analgesic use, and trainee characteristics associated with impaired training performance were identified.

Results.— In total, 741 of 1389 (54%) officer trainees completed the migraine questionnaire, including 582 males and 159 females. The prevalence of definite migraine was 18% in all cadets including 14% in males and 31% in females. Migraines had been previously diagnosed in only 10% of trainees meeting criteria for definite or possible migraine. During training, male trainees experienced a mean of 0.70 migraines/month compared with female trainees at 1.4 migraines/month. Only 3% of trainees meeting criteria for definite or possible migriane had ever been prescribed triptans. Eight percent of cadets experienced impaired training performance because of migraine resulting in 63 days of suboptimal or missed training. Characteristics associated with impaired training performance included a prior diagnosis of migraine, screening positive for definite migraine vs possible migraine, and a higher baseline frequency of migraine.

Conclusions.— Migraine is common yet underdiagnosed and undertreated in US Army officer trainees and adversely impacts military training. We identified characteristics which place military trainees at risk for impaired training performance. We predict that improved diagnosis and treatment of migraine would result in improved training performance.
Body Mass Index and Nine‐Year Mortality in Disabled and Nondisabled Older U.S. Individuals
Authors: Kulminski Alexander M. , Arbeev Konstantin G. , Kulminskaya Irina V. , Ukraintseva Svetlana V. , Land Kenneth , Akushevich Igor , Yashin Anatoli I.
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and 9‐year mortality in older (≥65) Americans with and without disability.

DESIGN: Cohort study.

SETTING: The unique disability‐focused National Long Term Care Survey (NLTCS) data that assessed the health and well‐being of older individuals in 1994 were analyzed.

PARTICIPANTS: Four thousand seven hundred ninety‐one individuals in the 1994 survey.

MEASUREMENTS: BMI (kg/m2) was calculated from self‐ or proxy reports of height and weight. The analysis was adjusted for 1‐year change in BMI and demographic and health‐related factors, as well as reports by proxies, and death occurring during the first 2 years after the interview.

RESULTS: The relative risk of death as a function of BMI formed a nonsymmetric U‐shaped pattern, with larger risks associated with lower BMI (<22.0) and minimal risks for BMI of 25.0 to 34.9. (BMI 22.0–24.9 was the reference.) Adjustments for demographic and health‐related factors had little effect on this pattern. Nondisabled individuals exhibited a similar U‐shaped pattern but with lower risks associated with lower BMI. For disabled individuals, the mortality–risk pattern was higher for lower BMI (<22.0) and flat for higher BMI, thus exhibiting an inverse J shape. BMI patterns were age sensitive, with disability status affecting sensitivity.

CONCLUSION: Overweight or mild (grade 1) obesity was not a risk factor for 9‐year mortality in older Americans participating in the 1994 NLTCS. A flatter BMI pattern of the relative risk of death for disabled than for nondisabled individuals suggests that optimal body weight can be sensitive to age and health and well‐being.
Implant‐Retained Partial Overdenture with Resilient Attachments
Authors: Chikunov Igor , Doan Phuong , Vahidi Farhad
Published: November 2007

Management of partially edentulous patients can still be a prosthodontic challenge. Replacing the missing teeth with conventional removable partial dentures (RPDs) is the traditional method for the treatment of partial edentulism; however, there are many potential disadvantages associated with traditional RPDs. With the advent of osseointegrated dental implants, possibilities of prosthetic reconstruction for partial edentulism are endless. This article discusses the implant‐retained partial overdenture (IRPOD) with resilient attachments as a predictable and cost‐effective treatment for partially edentulous patients.
Structural epitope matching for HLA‐alloimmunized thrombocytopenic patients: a new strategy to provide more effective platelet transfusion support?
Authors: Duquesnoy Rene J.
Published: November 2007

BACKGROUND: During the past three decades, HLA matching for platelet (PLT) transfusion of refractory thrombocytopenic patients has been based on serologic cross‐reactivity between HLA‐A and HLA‐B antigens. Although many blood banks are using this matching strategy, the general experience is that such matched PLT transfusions are often ineffective.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This report describes a new HLA matching algorithm that considers structurally defined epitopes recognized by antibodies. HLAMatchmaker is a computer program that determines histocompatibility at the amino acid level initially designed as triplets (i.e., linear sequences of three residues in molecular surface–exposed positions) but now updated as eplets representing patches of antibody‐accessible polymorphic residues surrounded by residues within a 3‐Å radius. The eplet version of HLAMatchmaker is also useful in the analysis of HLA antibody reactivity patterns of alloimmunized patients so that acceptable mismatches can be identified.

CONCLUSION: An HLA epitope–based matching protocol is proposed that may permit a more effective PLT transfusion management of refractory patients. This protocol includes high‐resolution HLA‐A, ‐B, and ‐C typing of patients and donors, serum screening to identify acceptable mismatches, and the identification of suitable donors in a donor database that incorporates HLAMatchmaker as a search engine. HLAMatchmaker programs can be downloaded from the Web site http://tpis.upmc.edu/tpis/HLAMatchmaker/.
Bacterial contamination of random‐donor platelets in a university hospital in the midwestern region of Brazil
Authors: Cunha Geraldo , Leão Lara , Pimenta Fabiana
Published: November 2007

BACKGROUND: Bacterial blood contamination was probably the first recognized transfusion‐transmitted disease. Although the transfusion‐associated bacterial sepsis has been known for a long time, it remains an important health problem. At present it is the most frequently reported cause of infectious transfusion‐related fatalities. The aims of the study were to determine the prevalence of microbiologic contamination in random‐donor platelets (RDPs) and to identify the isolated microorganism obtained from a Brazilian university hemotherapy service.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 2000 RDPs were analyzed from November 2004 to June 2005. The time of storage of the platelet (PLT) concentrates studied ranged from the day of donation (Day 0) to the fifth day of storage (Day 5). The RDP cultures were initially performed in pools with bottles containing brain heart infusion (BHI) growth medium, and cultures were incubated aerobically at 37°C for up to 7 days and subcultured onto chocolate agar at 37°C for 48 hours under conditions of microaerophilia. In the cases of positivity of one pool, the culture was individually performed for all the samples of that pool.

RESULTS: Eight units (0.4%; 95% confidence interval, 0.31‐0.49) were found to be contaminated. Isolated microorganisms were three Acinetobacter lwoffii, one Enterobacter intermedium, one Serratia phymuthica, one Staphylococcus haemolyticus, one Staphylococcus hominis, and one Bacillus sp.

CONCLUSION: PLT concentrates were contaminated with bacteria in 0.4 percent of tested units, which represents a potential risk to patients and a public health problem. Regarding the contaminant microorganisms, a predominance of Gram‐negative agents was observed (62.5%).
Residual infectious disease risk in screened blood transfusion from a high‐prevalence population: Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Maresch Christina , Schluter Philip J. , Wilson Andrew D. , Sleigh Adrian
Published: November 2007

BACKGROUND: Infectious disease testing has improved but viral infection transmission through transfusion continues to occur. Residual risk, however, is now so low in some countries that it can only be estimated by mathematical modeling. With hierarchical Bayesian methods, this study estimates the residual risk of transfusion‐transmitted infections in Santa Catarina, Brazil.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data from the six state blood collection services covering Santa Catarina between 1998 and 2002 were used. Information was obtained on donor profiles, screening and confirmatory test results, and records of all allogeneic blood donations for repeat donors. Residual risk estimates of hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human T‐cell leukemia virus (HTLV) were separately derived from posterior distributions of incidence rates and preseroconversion window‐period lengths.

RESULTS: Estimated risks of a donation infectious for HBV and HIV entering the blood supply are 1:10,700 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1:4900‐1:28,200) and 1:26,200 (95% CI, 1:14,800‐1:64,100) donations, respectively. Estimated risks for HCV and HTLV were 1:19,300 (95% CI, 1:10,400‐1:44,800) and 1:116,300 (95% CI, 1:40,200‐1:1,000,000) donations, respectively. HBV risk is 1.8 times greater than HCV risk, 2.4 times greater than HIV risk, and 10.8 times that of HTLV. Actual risks would be lower due to immune recipients and subinfectious levels of undetected viremia.

CONCLUSION: The major factor contributing to risk differences between Santa Catarina and countries with similar testing regimes is the much higher source population diseases prevalence. Payoff for nucleic acid testing would be low, thus additional investment in safety should be based on studies of the cost‐effectiveness of different strategies to reduce overall transmission.
Human immunodeficiency virus‐1 infection correlates strongly with herpes simplex virus‐2 (genital herpes) seropositivity in South African and United States blood donations
Authors: Benjamin Richard J. , Busch Michael P. , Fang Chyang T. , Notari Edward P. , Puren Adrian , Schoub Barry D. , Tobler Leslie H. , Hogrefe Wayne , Du P. Heyns Anthon , Stramer Susan L. , Crookes Robert L.
Published: November 2007

BACKGROUND: In South Africa, human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1) infection correlates with herpes simplex virus‐2 (HSV‐2; genital herpes) seropositivity in genitourinary disease clinic attendees. HSV‐2 infection may be a marker for risk behavior and/or directly facilitate HIV‐1 transmission. The rate of HSV‐2 infection in HIV‐infected South African and US blood donations was assessed, and whether the infections were correlated in donors screened and found negative for high‐risk behavior by predonation interview was questioned.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 625 South African and 393 US HIV‐1–infected repository samples previously characterized for longstanding or recent HIV‐1 infection were tested with two commercially available HSV‐2–specific assays. The prevalence of HSV‐2 antibodies in South Africa was further assessed in 106 HIV‐1–infected and 106 HIV‐1–negative donors matched for sex, race, and donation history, as well as 200 random HIV‐1–negative donors.

RESULTS: A total of 52.2 percent of US and 69.3 percent of South African HIV‐1–infected donations were HSV‐2–seropositive. Age, race, and sex were independent risk factors for HSV‐2 antibody prevalence in HIV‐1–infected South African donors, who were more likely to be HSV‐2 antibody–reactive than random HIV‐1–negative donors (72.6% vs. 8.5%: odds ratio [OR], 28.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 14.5‐55) or matched donors (71.6% vs. 19.6%: OR, 10.3; 95% CI, 5.4‐19.8). HIV‐1 infection and HSV‐2 seropositivity correlated in white and black populations when analyzed by age group.

CONCLUSIONS: HIV‐1 infection correlates strongly with HSV‐2 seropositivity in US and South African blood donors. Our data describe the characteristics of HSV‐2 antibody testing as a surrogate marker for HIV‐1 infection and support a facilitating role for HSV‐2 infection in HIV‐1 transmission.
Heavy‐tailed Behavior of Commodity Price Distribution and Optimal Hedging Demand
Authors: Jin Hyun J.
Published: November 2007

Abstract

This study explores the importance of imposing a correct distributional hypothesis in a risk management strategy, by comparing hedge ratios under the restrictive normality assumption to those under the generalized stable distribution. Concepts are illustrated for the case of a representative Pennsylvania dairy farm manager who purchases corn as a feed input. The results show that time processes of corn prices and basis risk in five Pennsylvania regions do not correspond to the normal distribution, and they more correctly correspond to one of the stable distribution set. The estimated hedge ratios under the stable distribution are typically larger than those under the normal distribution. The difference would be a bias from imposing a wrong distributional assumption.
The Influence of Household Formation on Homeownership Rates Across Time and Race
Authors: Haurin Donald R. , Rosenthal Stuart S.
Published: November 2007

Homeownership rates equal the number of households that own homes divided by the number of households in the population. Differences in the propensity to form a household, therefore, may contribute to changes in homeownership rates over time in addition to long‐standing racial gaps in homeownership. We examine these issues on an age‐specific basis using data from the 1970 to 2000 public use microsamples of the decennial census. Results indicate that lower headship rates tend to reduce homeownership rates. This pattern is most notable for individuals in their early and mid 20s. For these individuals, declining headship rates between 1970 and 2000 reduced homeownership rates by three to five percentage points. Moreover, 2000 African American headship rates narrow white–black gaps in homeownership by roughly three percentage points, whereas 2000 Hispanic headship rates widen white–Hispanic gaps in homeownership by two to three percentage points. Thus, controlling for differences in headship behavior, white–black homeownership gaps are somewhat more severe than previously recognized, but the reverse is true for white–Hispanic gaps.
The Performance of Low‐Income and Minority Mortgages
Authors: Firestone Simon , Van Order Robert , Zorn Peter
Published: November 2007

This article analyzes the performance of low‐income and minority mortgages (LIMMs) from a large sample of fixed‐rate conventional conforming mortgages. We find that low‐income borrowers are less likely to prepay when it is optimal, whereas black and Hispanic borrowers prepay more slowly than other borrowers, regardless of the option's value. After controlling for equity, credit history and some other variables, LIMMs default slightly more frequently and have about the same loss severity as other loans. Our results suggest that, for most yield curve situations, differences in LIMM prepayment behavior have little effect on pricing.
The Variation of Homeowner Tax Preferences by Income, Age and Leverage
Authors: Ling David C. , McGill Gary A.
Published: November 2007

It is well known that owner‐occupied housing has long received favorable tax treatment in the U.S. federal income tax system relative to a system in which all income, regardless of its source, is subject to taxation. As a result, many economists have argued that the United States overinvests in owner‐occupied housing relative to the investment that would result from a neutral income tax system. In addition, the distribution of the subsidy is often viewed as inequitable because high‐income households receive the largest subsidy per dollar of housing. This article uses the 2005 American Housing Survey, conducted by the U.S. Department of Commerce, to perform a microlevel analysis of the current magnitude and distribution of homeowner tax preferences. We then assess how the magnitude and distribution of tax preferences would be altered by replacement of the mortgage interest deduction with a 15% credit.
Back from Beyond the Bid–Ask Spread: Estimating Liquidity in International Markets
Authors: Marcato Gianluca , Ward Charles
Published: November 2007

Research on the topic of liquidity has greatly benefited from the improved availability of data. Researchers have addressed questions regarding the factors that influence bid–ask spreads and the relationship between spreads and risk, return and liquidity. Intraday data have been used to measure the effective spread, and researchers have been able to refine the concepts of liquidity to include the price impact of transactions on a trade‐by‐trade analysis. The growth in the creation of tax‐transparent securities has greatly enhanced the visibility of securitized real estate, and has naturally led to the question of whether the increased visibility of real estate has caused market liquidity to change. Although the growth in the public market for securitized real estate has occurred in international markets, it has not been accompanied by universal publication of transaction data. Therefore, this article develops an aggregate daily data‐based test for liquidity and applies the test to U.S. data in order to check for consistency with the results of prior intraday analysis. If the two approaches produce similar results, we can apply the same technique to markets in which less detailed data are available and offer conclusions on the liquidity of a wider set of markets.
Valuing Retail Shopping Center Lease Contracts
Authors: Cho Hoon , Shilling James D.
Published: November 2007

In this article we set up a real option model of retail shopping center leases. The model incorporates the effects of stochastic sales externalities and the possibility of tenant default, and in the presence of these effects, we derive and solve a partial differential equation that can be used to price a lease transaction. The model then sums across all tenants to determine the value of the shopping center. The model generates a number of new predictions, including why a Jorgensonian user cost of capital may overestimate shopping center values, why the general industry practice is to ignore percentage rent payments and tenant default risk in commercial mortgage underwriting and why shopping center owners may not act opportunistically as most observers seem to think they do.
Incidence and Predictors of Sudden Cardiac Death in Patients with Diastolic Heart Failure
Authors: AL‐KHATIB SANA M. , SHAW LINDA K. , O'CONNOR CHRISTOPHER , KONG MELISSA , CALIFF ROBERT M.
Published: November 2007

Introduction: Although it is known that patients with diastolic heart failure are at an increased risk of death, their mode of death has not been clearly defined. We conducted this study to examine the incidence and predictors of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with isolated diastolic heart failure.

Methods and Results: Using the Duke Databank for Cardiovascular Disease, we identified patients with a history of congestive heart failure (CHF) and an ejection fraction of greater than 50% who were enrolled in the database from 1995 through 2004. Mode of death was adjudicated by two independent reviewers. Of the 1,941 patients who met our inclusion criteria, 548 (28%) died (40 were SCD). Using a Cox proportional hazards model, five variables were found to be independently associated with a significant increase in the risk of SCD. These variables include diabetes mellitus (P < 0.01), the presence of mild mitral regurgitation (P < 0.01), severity of CHF (P < 0.01), the occurrence of a myocardial infarction within 3 days prior to the date of the index cardiac catheterization (P = 0.01), and severity of coronary artery disease (P = 0.02).

Conclusions: SCD is not uncommon in patients with isolated diastolic heart failure. We identified some clinical variables that are associated with a significant increase in the risk of SCD and that may be used in the risk stratification of patients for SCD. Studies are needed to validate our findings.
Intraprocedural Volume Imaging of the Left Atrium and Pulmonary Veins with Rotational X‐Ray Angiography: Implications for Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: THIAGALINGAM ARAVINDA , MANZKE ROBERT , D'AVILA ANDRE , HO IVAN , LOCKE ANDREW H. , RUSKIN JEREMY N. , CHAN RAYMOND C. , REDDY VIVEK Y.
Published: November 2007

Introduction:
The use of preprocedural CT or MR imaging to generate patient‐specific cardiac anatomy greatly facilitates catheter ablation of the left atrium and pulmonary veins (LA‐PVs) to treat atrial fibrillation (AF). This report details the accuracy and utility of an intraprocedural means to generate 3‐D volumetric renderings of the LA‐PV anatomy: contrast‐enhanced rotational X‐ray angiography (3DRA).

Methods and Results:
Preprocedural CT or MR imaging and intraprocedural rotational angiography was performed in 42 patients undergoing AF ablation procedures. Initially, pulmonary artery (PA) bolus‐chase contrast injections were performed (20 mL, 20 mL/s) to establish pulmonary transit time and cardiac isocentering. Depending on cardiac size, either a single PA injection (80–100 mL, 20 mL/s) or two separate dedicated left/right PA branch injections were performed (60 mL each, 20 mL/s). For the latter, the two volumes of the left/right portions of the LA‐PVs were registered and fused. LA‐PV 3DRA images were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively in comparison with CT/MR images. The majority of the 3DRA acquisitions (71%) were deemed at least “useful” in delineating the LA‐PV anatomy. The LA appendage was delineated in 57% of the cases. A blinded quantitative comparison of PV ostial diameters resulted in an absolute difference of only 2.7 ± 2.3 mm, 2.2 ± 1.8 mm, 2.4 ± 2.2 mm, and 2.2 ± 2.3 mm for the left‐superior, left‐inferior, right‐superior, and right‐inferior PVs, respectively. The feasibility for registering the 3DRA image with real‐time electroanatomical mapping was also demonstrated.

Conclusion:
Intraprocedural contrast‐enhanced rotational angiography provides volumetric 3‐D images of the LA‐PVs of comparable diagnostic value to dedicated preprocedural CT/MR imaging.
New‐Onset Heart Failure After Permanent Right Ventricular Apical Pacing in Patients with Acquired High‐Grade Atrioventricular Block and Normal Left Ventricular Function
Authors: ZHANG XUE‐HUA , CHEN HUA , SIU CHUNG‐WAH , YIU KAI‐HANG , CHAN WING‐SZE , LEE KATHY L. , CHAN HON‐WAH , LEE STEPHEN W. , FU GUO‐SHENG , LAU CHU‐PAK , TSE HUNG‐FAT
Published: November 2007

Introduction:
Emerging data have suggested that right ventricular (RV) apical pacing results in progressive left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and contributes to the development of heart failure (HF). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical predictors for the development of new‐onset HF after long‐term RV apical pacing in patients with acquired atrioventricular (AV) block who require permanent pacing.

Methods:
We studied the clinical outcomes after long‐term RV apical pacing for acquired AV block in 304 patients without a prior history of HF. All patients had >90% ventricular pacing as determined by device diagnostic data.

Results:
After a median follow‐up of 7.8 years, 79 patients (26.0%) developed new‐onset HF after RV apical pacing. Univariate Cox‐regression analysis revealed that older age at the time of pacemaker implantation (P < 0.001), the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) (P < 0.001) or atrial fibrillation (P = 0.03), VVI pacemaker (P < 0.001), wider paced QRS duration (P < 0.001), and new‐onset myocardial infarction (P < 0.001) were predictors for HF. Multivariate analysis revealed that older age at implantation (Hazard ratio [HR] 1.06, 95% confidential interval [CI] 1.04–1.09, P < 0.001), CAD (HR 1.98, 95% CI 1.12–3.50, P < 0.05), and a wider paced QRS duration (HR 1.27 for each 10 ms increment, 95% CI 1.11–1.45, P = 0.001) were independent predictors of HF. Furthermore, cardiovascular mortality was significantly increased in those with HF (36.7% vs. 2.7%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
After a median follow‐up of 7.8 years, permanent RV apical pacing was associated with HF in 26% of patients. Elderly age at the time of implant, a wider paced QRS duration and the presence of CAD independently predicted new‐onset HF. More importantly, HF after RV apical pacing was associated with a higher cardiovascular mortality.
Nursing Research Priorities for Ireland
Authors: Drennan Jonathan , Meehan Therese , Kemple Mary , Johnson Maree , Treacy Margaret (Pearl) , Butler Michelle
Published: November 2007

Purpose:
The purpose of the study was to identify and rate clinical, managerial, and educational nursing research priorities in Ireland.

Design:
The study design was a three‐round, decision Delphi survey to identify and rate the importance of clinical, managerial, and educational research issues. A discussion group workshop was also undertaken to identify timeframes within which research on the issues identified should be conducted. A total of 1,695 nurses from all divisions of the nursing register in Ireland were initially surveyed. Response rates varied over the three rounds of the Delphi survey. A total of 122 nurses attended the discussion group workshop. This is the largest known survey of nurses to identify research priorities reported in the literature.

Results:
Twenty‐four nursing research priorities were identified. The five highest priorities were three clinical issues: outcomes of care delivery, staffing issues in practice, communication in clinical practice; and two managerial issues: recruitment and retention of nurses, and nursing input into health policy and decision‐making.

Conclusions:
These research priorities identified for nursing in Ireland indicate, to an extent, the nursing research priorities identified in other European countries and in North America. The research priorities identified in this survey indicate that outcomes of care and the need to make nursing visible are attaining a higher priority than seen in previous studies. Also evident is that nursing shortages and increasing skill‐mix in the clinical area have indicated a need for research into nurse recruitment, staff turnover, and staffing levels and how these issues affect patient outcomes. The priorities suggest research programmes that target the health service concerns identified in the national health agenda, such as the need to identify protocols and procedures that improve patient and client care outcomes and to examine and test solutions to workforce problems.
Using Geographic Information Systems in Injury Research
Authors: Edelman Linda S.
Published: November 2007

Purpose:
To provide an overview of geographic information systems (GIS) and to discuss current and future applications in injury and trauma research.

Design:
Literature review and discourse of GIS technology related to injury and trauma research.

Method:
A search of scientific literature databases, text books, and online resources was undertaken to describe the current and prospective uses of GIS in injury and trauma research.

Results:
Geographic information systems are computerized mapping systems that link information from different data sets spatially. The advantage of GIS is the capability to graphically display different attributes of an area in a way that is easily interpretable. Geographic information systems have been used to study injury rates, describe populations at risk for injury, examine access to trauma care, and develop and assess injury prevention programs.

Conclusions:
Geographic information systems are tools for injury researchers to analyze injury rates and risks and to describe their results with colorful maps and graphics that allow the public to see how injuries affect their communities.
A Systematic Review of Published Research Articles on Health Promotion at Retirement
Authors: Wilson Donna M. , Palha Pedro
Published: November 2007

Purpose: To determine the state of science and accumulated research evidence about health promotion at retirement.

Design: A comprehensive and repeated search for published research articles focused on health promotion immediately before or following retirement was undertaken through early 2007.

Methods: Twenty articles were systematically reviewed with qualitative content analysis methods.

Findings: Four themes in the literature are: (a) the considerable effect of retirement on retiring individuals and thus the need for support for more positive retirements, (b) identifying and overcoming barriers to health promotion at retirement, (c) evaluating the methods by which health promotion is introduced for positive and long‐term change, and (d) describing the short‐ and long‐term benefits of health promotion at retirement.

Conclusions: Although this literature review showed relatively minimal research to date on this topic, health promotion at retirement is of considerable importance for retirees, as well as to the political, social, and healthcare leaders responsible for drafting policies and programs to help improve health and wellness in older adults.
Women With High‐Risk Pregnancies, Problems, and APN Interventions
Authors: Brooten Dorothy , Youngblut JoAnne M. , Donahue Deborah , Hamilton Margaret , Hannan Jean , Felber Neff Donna
Published: November 2007

Purpose: To (a) describe women's prenatal and postpartum problems and advanced practice nurses (APN) interventions; and (b) determine if problems and APN interventions differed by women's medical diagnosis (diabetes, hypertension, preterm labor).

Design and Methods: Content analysis of 85 interaction logs created by APNs during a randomized clinical trial in which half of physician‐provided prenatal care was substituted with APN‐provided prenatal care in the women's homes. Patients' problems and APN interventions were classified with the Omaha Classification System.

Findings: A total of 212,835 health problems and 212,835 APN interventions were identified. The dominant antenatal problems were physiologic (59.2%) and health‐related behaviors (33.3%); postpartum were physiologic (44.0%) and psychosocial problems (31.6%). Antenatally, women with diabetes had significantly more health‐related behavior problems; women with preterm labor had more physiologic problems. APN surveillance interventions predominated antenatally (65.6%) and postpartum (66.0%), followed by health teaching, guidance, and counseling both antenatally (25.4%) and postpartum (28.1%). Women with chronic hypertension required significantly more case‐management interventions.

Conclusions: The categories of women's problems were largely similar across medical diagnostic groups. Interventions to address women's problems ranged from assessing maternal and fetal physiologic states to teaching interpersonal relationships and self‐care management to assisting with transportation and housing. Data show the range of APN knowledge and skills needed to improve maternal and infant outcomes and ultimately reduce healthcare costs in women with high‐risk pregnancies.
Nurse Practitioners' and Physicians' Views of NPs as Providers of Primary Care to Veterans
Authors: Fletcher Carol E. , Jill Baker S. , Copeland Laurel A. , Reeves Pamela J. , Lowery Julie C.
Published: November 2007

Purpose: To describe NPs' and MDs' perceptions of the role of NPs, the degree of collegiality between professions, and NPs' feeling of acceptance, three relationship components that may affect the acceptance of NPs as providers of primary care.

Design and Methods: A descriptive study including both closed‐ and open‐ended questions plus several Likert‐type questions conducted June‐August 2004. Our sample included all primary care NPs (87) and MDs (162) within a Midwestern Veterans Health Administration (VHA) region. Data were collected from 153 providers.

Findings: NPs saw their role as one of autonomous practice with physician back‐up as needed, while MD respondents envisioned a role akin to a physician extender. Most of the physician respondents did not think NPs could provide adequate primary care to veterans who tend to have many comorbid conditions. Yet both groups considered their relationships to be collegial and most NPs felt accepted by physicians. MDs particularly valued NPs' teaching and interpersonal skills leading to greater patient satisfaction.

Conclusions: To facilitate the teamwork of NPs and MDs while improving utilization of NPs as primary care providers, VHA officials should routinely clarify roles, monitor quality of care of both MDs and NPs, and provide feedback to all concerned.
Balanion masanensis n. sp. (Ciliophora: Prostomatea) from the Coastal Waters of Korea: Morphology and Small Subunit Ribosomal RNA Gene Sequence
Authors: KIM JAE SEONG , JEONG HAE JIN , LYNN DENIS H. , PARK JAE YEON , LIM YOUNG WOON , SHIN WOONGGHI
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT. The planktonic ciliate Balanion masanensis n. sp. is described from living cells, from cells prepared by quantitative protargol staining (QPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmitted electron microscopy (TEM) preparations, and the sequence of its nuclear small subunit rDNA (SSU rDNA) is reported. This species is almost ovoid with a flattened anterior oral region when the cells are alive and stained. The flattened anterior region of a living cell often forms a dome with the perimeter receded in a groove, and this region is easily inflated or depressed. In SEM photos, a brosse of six to nine monokinetids (or possibly three to five dikinetids) was observed inside the circumoral dikinetids. In TEM photos, circumoral microtubular ribbons were observed below the oral cilia, which along with the oral flaps were 8–16 μm in length. The cytostome is a slight funnel‐like central depression on the flattened anterior end. The morphological characteristics of this ciliate are identical to those of the genus Balanion (Order Prorodontida). The ranges (and mean±standard deviation) of cell length, cell width, and oral diameter of living cells (n=23–26) were 27–43 μm (35.2±4.6), 25–32 μm (28.6±2.3), and 25–30 μm (27.6±1.3), respectively, while those of the QPS‐stained specimens (n=70) were 23–37 μm (30.6±3.5), 26–35 μm (30.7±2.2), and 26–33 μm (29.5±1.5), respectively. Forty‐six to 55 somatic kineties (SKs) were equally spaced around the cell body and extended from the oral to near the posterior regions with 24–50 monokinetids per kinety. Each kinetid bore a cilium 2.8–7.2 μm long. A caudal cilium (ca 14 μm long) arose on the posterior end. The single ellipsoid macronucleus is 6.8–13.4 × 6.8–10.5 μm, accompanied by a single micronucleus (2.0–2.8 × 1.5–2.5 μm) visible only in QPS specimens. Because, the cell size, the number of SKs, and the number of kinetosomes per SK of this ciliate were much greater than those of Balanion comatum and Balanion planctonicum, the only two Balanion species so far reported, we have established B. masanensis n. sp. When properly aligned, the sequence of the SSU rDNA of B. masanensis n. sp. (GenBank Accession No. AM412525) was approximately 9% different from that of Coleps hirtus (Colepidae, Prorodontida) and 12% different from that of Prorodon teres (Prorodontidae, Prorodontida).
Prevalence of Perkinsus marinus (Dermo), Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX), and QPX in Bivalves of Delaware's Inland Bays and Quantitative, High‐Throughput Diagnosis of Dermo by QPCR
Authors: ULRICH PAUL N. , EWART JOHN W. , MARSH ADAM G.
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT. Restoration of oyster reef habitat in the Inland Bays of Delaware was accompanied by an effort to detect and determine relative abundance of the bivalve pathogens Perkinsus marinus, Haplosporidium nelsoni, and QPX. Both the oyster Crassostrea virginica and the clam Mercenaria mercenaria were sampled from the bays. In addition, oysters were deployed at eight sites around the bays as sentinels for the three parasites. Perkinsus marinus prevalence was measured with a real‐time, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology that enabled high‐throughput detection of as few as 31 copies of the ribosomal non‐transcribed spacer region in 500 ng oyster DNA. The other pathogens were assayed using PCR with species‐specific primers. Perkinsus marinus was identified in Indian River Bay at moderate prevalence (∼40%) in both an artificial reef and a wild oyster population whereas sentinel oysters were PCR‐negative after 3‐months exposure during summer and early fall. Haplosporidium nelsoni was restricted to one oyster deployed in Little Assawoman Bay. QPX and P. marinus were not detected among wild clams. While oysters in these bays have historically been under the greatest threat by MSX, it is apparent that P. marinus currently poses a greater threat to recovery of oyster aquaculture in Delaware's Inland Bays.
Variables Influencing Victim Selection in Genocide
Authors: Komar Debra A.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  While victims of racially motivated violence may be identified through observation of morphological features, those targeted because of their ethnic, religious, or national identity are not easily recognized. This study examines how perpetrators of genocide recognize their victims. Court documents, including indictments, witness statements, and testimony from the International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia (FY) detail the interactions between victim and assailant. A total of 6012 decedents were included in the study; only 20.8% had been positively identified. Variables influencing victim selection in Rwanda included location, segregation, incitement, and prior relationship, while significant factors in FY were segregation, location, age/gender, and social data. Additional contributing factors in both countries included self‐identification, victim behavior, linguistic or clothing evidence, and morphological features. Understanding the system of recognition used by perpetrators aids investigators tasked with establishing victim identity in such prosecutions.
Internal Validation of the AmpFlSTR Yfiler™ Amplification Kit for Use in Forensic Casework
Authors: Gross Ann Marie , Liberty Amy A. , Ulland Megan M. , Kuriger Jacquelyn K.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Y‐chromosomal short‐tandem repeat (Y‐STR) amplification has been used in forensic casework at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Forensic Science Laboratory since 2003. At that time, two separate amplifications were required to type the SWGDAM recommended loci (DYS19, DYS385a/b, DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS438, and DYS439). The Yfiler™ kit coamplifies these loci as well as DYS437, DYS448, DYS456, DYS458, DYS635, and Y GATA H4. The Yfiler™ kit was validated following the internal validations outlined in the SWGDAM revised validation guidelines. Our studies show that 0.125 ng of male DNA will generate a complete 17 locus profile and that as little as 0.06 ng of male DNA yields an average of nine loci. In the male–male mixtures, a complete profile from the minor component was detected up to 1:5 ratio; most of the alleles of the minor component were detected at a 1:10 ratio and more than half the alleles of the minor component were detected at a 1:20 ratio. Complete YSTR profiles were obtained when 500 pg male DNA was mixed with female DNA at ratios up to 1:1000. At ratios of 1:5000 and 1:10,000 (male DNA to female DNA) inhibition of the YSTR amplification was evident. The YSTR results obtained for the adjudicated case samples gave significantly more probative information than the autosomal results. Our studies demonstrate that the Yfiler™ kit is extremely sensitive, does not exhibit cross‐reactivity with female DNA, successfully types male DNA in the presence of overwhelming amounts of female DNA and is successful in typing actual forensic samples from adjudicated cases.
Characterization of 26 MiniSTR Loci for Improved Analysis of Degraded DNA Samples
Authors: Hill Carolyn R. , Kline Margaret C. , Coble Michael D. , Butler John M.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  An additional 20 novel mini‐short tandem repeat (miniSTR) loci have been developed and characterized beyond the six previously developed by our laboratory for a total of 26 non‐CODIS miniSTR markers. These new markers produce short PCR products in the target range of 50–150 base pairs (bp) by moving the primer sequences as close as possible—often directly next to the identified repeat region. These candidate loci were initially screened based on their small amplicon sizes and locations on chromosomes currently unoccupied by the 13 CODIS STR loci or at least 50 Mb away from them on the same chromosome. They were sequenced and evaluated across more than 600 samples, and their population statistics were determined. The heterozygosities of the new loci were compared with those of the 13 CODIS loci and all were found to be comparable. Only five of the new loci had lower values than the CODIS loci; however, all of these were much smaller in size. This data suggests that these 26 miniSTR loci will serve as useful complements to the CODIS loci to aid in the forensic analysis of degraded DNA, as well as missing persons work and parentage testing with limited next‐of‐kin reference samples.
Host‐related life history traits in interspecific hybrids of cactophilicDrosophila
Authors: Soto E. M. , Soto I. M. , Carreira V. P. , Fanara J. J. , Hasson E.
Published: November 2007

In the genusDrosophila(Diptera: Drosophilidae), interspecific hybridization is a rare phenomenon. However, recent evidence suggests a certain degree of introgression between the cactophilic siblingsDrosophila buzzatiiPatterson & Wheeler andDrosophila koepferaeFontdevila & Wasserman. In this article, we analyzed larval viability and developmental time of hybrids between males ofD. buzzatiiand females ofD. koepferae, raised in media prepared with fermenting tissues of natural host plants that these species utilize in nature as breeding sites. In all cases, developmental time and larval viability in hybrids was not significantly different from parental lines and, depending on the cross, hybrids developed faster than both parental species or than the slowest species. When data of wing length were included in a discriminant function analysis, we observed that both species can be clearly differentiated, while hybrids fell in two categories, one intermediate between parental species and the other consisting of extreme phenotypes. Thus, our results point out that hybrid fitness, as measured by developmental time and viability, is not lower than in the parental species.
Accuracy of body image perception and preferred weight loss strategies in schizophrenia: a controlled pilot study
Authors: Loh C. , Meyer J. M. , Leckband S. G.
Published: November 2007

Objective:  Obesity in severely mentally ill (SMI) populations is an increasing problem, but there is no controlled data regarding the relationship between SMI and weight perception.

Method:  Fifty patients with schizophrenia and 50 demographically matched control participants were recruited. Weight, height, and body image accuracy were assessed for all participants, and assessments of mood, psychotic symptom severity and anxiety, and preferred modes of weight loss were assessed for the schizophrenia sample.

Results:  Patients with schizophrenia were significantly more likely to be obese than controls (46% vs. 18%, P < 0.005), and most patients expressed an interest in losing weight. Obese participants with schizophrenia underestimated their body size (11.0%) more than controls (4.9%) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Patients with schizophrenia are more likely to underestimate their body size, independent of the effects of obesity. However, they also express concern about weight issues and willingness to participate in psychoeducational groups targeted at weight loss.