bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical relevance of anti‐exenatide antibodies: safety, efficacy and cross‐reactivity with long‐term treatment
Authors: Fineman M. S. , Mace K. F. , Diamant M. , Darsow T. , Cirincione B. B. , Booker Porter T. K. , Kinninger L. A. , Trautmann M. E.
Published: January 2012

Aims: Antibody formation to therapeutic peptides is common. This analysis characterizes the time‐course and cross‐reactivity of anti‐exenatide antibodies and potential effects on efficacy and safety.

Methods: Data from intent‐to‐treat patients in 12 controlled (n = 2225,12–52weeks) and 5 uncontrolled (n = 1538, up to 3 years) exenatide twice‐daily (BID) trials and 4 controlled (n = 653,24–30weeks) exenatide once weekly (QW) trials with 1 uncontrolled period (n = 128,52weeks) were analysed.

Results: Mean titres peaked early (6–22 weeks) and subsequently declined. At 30 weeks, 36.7% of exenatide BID patients were antibody‐positive; 31.7% exhibited low titres (≤125) and 5.0% had higher titres (≥625). Antibody incidence declined to 16.9% (1.4% higher titre) at 3 years. Similarly, 56.8% of exenatide QW patients were antibody‐positive (45.0% low/11.8% higher titre) at 24–30 weeks, declining to 45.4% positive (9.2% higher titre) at 52 weeks. Treatment‐emergent anti‐exenatide antibodies from a subset of patients tested did not cross‐react with human GLP‐1 or glucagon. Other than injection‐site reactions, adverse event rates in antibody‐positive and antibody‐negative patients were similar. Efficacy was robust in both antibody‐negative and antibody‐positive patients (mean HbA1c change: −1.0 and −0.9%, respectively, exenatide BID; −1.6% and −1.3% exenatide QW). No correlation between change in HbA1c and titre was observed for exenatide BID, although mean reductions were attenuated in the small subset of patients (5%) with higher titres. A significant correlation was observed for exenatide QW with no difference between antibody‐negative and low‐titre patients, but an attenuated mean reduction in the subset of patients (12%) with higher titres.

Conclusions: Low‐titre anti‐exenatide antibodies were common with exenatide treatment (32% exenatide BID, 45% exenatide QW patients), but had no apparent effect on efficacy. Higher‐titre antibodies were less common (5% exenatide BID, 12% exenatide QW) and within that titre group, increasing antibody titre was associated with reduced average efficacy that was statistically significant for exenatide QW. Other than injection‐site reactions, anti‐exenatide antibodies did not impact the safety of exenatide.
TIMBER MONUMENTS, LANDSCAPE ANDTHE ENVIRONMENT IN THE NITH VALLEY, DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY
Authors: MILLICAN KIRSTY
Published: January 2012

This paper considers the impact of landscape and environment upon monuments built during the Neolithic period. Taking a group of timber monuments of Neolithic date in the Nith Valley region, Dumfries and Galloway, it examines their relationship to the topography and environment and seeks to explain their uniquely linear nature, a feature of timber monuments built in this region. It discusses the importance of incorporating plough‐levelled sites into landscape approaches to monuments, the potential impact of vegetation upon visibility patterns, and the value of considering the immediate locations of monuments, arguing that monuments built upon a heightened awareness of landscape topography, arising out of a long‐term relationship with place.
THE RIVER HAS NEVER DIVIDED US: BRONZE AGE METALWORK DEPOSITION IN WESTERN BRITAIN
Authors: MULLIN DAVID
Published: January 2012

The significant quantities of Bronze Age metalwork recovered from the River Thames have focused archaeological attention on the presence of metalwork from riverine locations and led to the expectation that rivers should contain metalwork. Finds from bogs and marshes have also been considered to be part of this practice of deposition in ‘wet places’. Whilst rivers and bogs can indeed be thought of as ‘wet’, this overlooks the fundamental physical and cosmological differences between these two types of wetland. This paper will consider Bronze Age metalwork finds from rivers in the west of Britain, paying particular attention to Britain's longest river, the Severn. The finds will be compared to those from bogs and marshes, and an attempt will be made to explain these differences in terms of the opposing metaphorical qualities of flowing and standing water, and the landscapes in which these wet places are located.
Differences in acetabular morphology related to side and sex in a Chinese population
Authors: Zeng Yiming , Wang You , Zhu Zhenan , Tang Tingting , Dai Kerong , Qiu Shijing
Published: January 2012

The purpose of the present study was to determine the side and sex differences in acetabular dimension and orientation in normal Chinese adults, which are not known well but are important in hip joint replacement surgery. The acetabular parameters, including anteversion angle (AV.A), abduction angle (AB.A), center edge angle (CE.A), acetabular width (Ac.W) and acetabular depth (Ac.D), were measured on CT images in 100 healthy Chinese adults. The acetabular index of depth to width (Ac.D/Ac.W) was calculated by depth/width × 100. Percentage side difference (PSD) was calculated for each parameter. The absolute numbers of PSD (aPSD) were compared between the groups of right positive (right PSD > left PSD) and left positive (left PSD > right PSD) groups. There was no significant side difference in any of the parameters. Compared to men, a significant increase in AB.A (P = 0.001) and significant decreases in Ac.W (P < 0.001), Ac.D (P < 0.001) and Ac.D/Ac.W (P < 0.05) occurred in women. The differences in Ac.W and Ac.D became insignificant when adjusted for body height. aPSD did not show a significant difference between right and left positive groups in both sexes. In conclusion, the side differences in acetabular parameters in a normal individual are likely to be associated with measurement error. In addition, the larger acetabular dimension in men is attributed to greater body height independent of sex.
Variations in older persons’ descriptions of the burden of loneliness
Authors: Hauge Solveig , Kirkevold Marit
Published: January 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 553–560

Variations in older persons’ descriptions of the burden of loneliness

Research indicates that approximately one‐third of older people over the age of 65 years report loneliness, with even higher rates among those aged over 85. Loneliness is associated with a variety of health issues, such as depression, anxiety, physical impairment and social isolation. The purpose of this paper is to describe the characteristics of the burden of loneliness, and investigate the variability in how it is described by older. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 12 older people in autumn 2006 and spring 2007 in Norway. Participants aged from 70 to 97 years were recruited from a variety of backgrounds, and varied in health status and social status. The findings reported in this paper are based on hermeneutic analyses of the interviews. Our findings indicate that some of the participants experienced loneliness that they felt able to manage. They experienced a fluctuating loneliness that was linked to feeling valuable and having power and energy. However, another group described experiences of agonising loneliness. They felt a present and extensive loneliness, together with feeling less valuable and lacking in power and initiative. They seemed trapped in their loneliness, and unable to overcome their situation themselves. Our findings indicate that the burden of loneliness is experienced differently. For some older persons, the experience of loneliness is so severe that they urgently need help to manage their situation.
Returns to Education: Exploring the Link Between Legislators’ Public School Degrees and State Spending on Higher Education*
Authors: Thiele Megan , Shorette Kristen , Bolzendahl Catherine
Published: January 2012

The United States leads the world in public higher education, with a substantial amount of funding coming from state, rather than federal, government sources. Perhaps not surprisingly, the amount states contribute varies widely, leading researchers to explore the sources of such variation. While numerous factors have been shown to matter, the potential relevance of political representation remains unclear. To address this gap, the relationship between state legislators’ own educational backgrounds and state spending on higher education is tested. Utilizing a database of publicly available information on the educational backgrounds of 6,517 state senators and representatives, we find that states with a higher percentage of legislators who attended state colleges and/or universities invest more generously in public higher education than other state legislatures. Results support theories of representation, suggesting that legislators may be directly advocating for spending given their own educational profiles.
The Interpretability of Family History Reports of Alcoholism in General Community Samples: Findings in a Midwestern U.S. Twin Birth Cohort
Authors: Waldron Mary , Madden Pamela A. F. , Nelson Elliot C. , Knopik Valerie S. , Glowinski Anne L. , Grant Julia D. , Lynskey Michael T. , Jacob Theodore , Sher Kenneth J. , Bucholz Kathleen K. , Heath Andrew C.
Published: January 2012

Background:

Although there is a long tradition in alcoholism research of using family history ratings, the interpretability of family history reports of alcoholism from general community samples has yet to be established.

Methods:

Telephone interview data obtained from a large cohort of female like‐sex twins (N = 3,787, median age 22) and their biological parents (N = 2,928, assessed at twins’ median age 15) were analyzed to determine agreement between parent self‐report, parent ratings of coparent, and twin narrow (alcohol problems) and broad (problem or excessive drinking) ratings of each parent.

Results:

In European ancestry (EA) families, high tetrachoric correlations were observed between twin and cotwin ratings of parental alcohol problems, between twin and parent ratings of coparent alcohol problems using symptom‐based and single‐item assessments, as well as moderately high correlations between twin and both mother and father self‐reports. In African American (AA) families, inter‐rater agreement was substantially lower than for EA families, with no cases where father ratings of maternal alcohol problems agreed with either twin ratings or mother self‐report, and both cotwin agreement and mother–twin agreement were reduced. Differences between EA and AA families were not explained by differences in years of cohabitation with father or mother's education; however, underreporting of problems by AA parents may have contributed.

Conclusions:

Results support the use of family history ratings of parental alcoholism in general community surveys for EA families, but suggest that family history assessment in AA families requires improved methods.
Diabetes augments and inhaled nitric oxide prevents the adverse hemodynamic effects of transfusing syngeneic stored blood in mice
Authors: Yu Binglan , Lei Chong , Baron David M. , Steinbicker Andrea U. , Bloch Kenneth D. , Zapol Warren M.
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Stored red blood cells (RBCs) undergo progressive deleterious functional, biochemical, and structural changes. The mechanisms responsible for the adverse effects of transfusing stored RBCs remain incompletely elucidated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Awake wild‐type (WT) mice, WT mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD‐fed WT) for 4 to 6 weeks, and diabetic (db/db) mice were transfused with syngeneic leukoreduced RBCs or supernatant with or without oxidation (10% of total blood volume) after storage for not more than 24 hours (FRBCs) or 2 weeks (SRBCs). Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) at 80 parts per million was administered to a group of mice transfused with SRBCs. Blood and tissue samples were collected 2 hours after transfusion to measure iron and cytokine levels.

RESULTS: SRBCs had altered RBC morphology and a reduced P50. Transfusion of SRBCs into WT or HFD‐fed WT mice did not produce systemic hemodynamic changes. In contrast, transfusion of SRBCs or supernatant from SRBCs into db/db mice induced systemic hypertension that was prevented by concurrent inhalation of NO. Infusion of washed SRBCs or oxidized SRBC supernatant into db/db mice did not induce hypertension. Two hours after SRBC transfusion, plasma hemoglobin (Hb), interleukin‐6, and serum iron levels were increased.

CONCLUSION: Transfusion of syngeneic SRBCs or the supernatant from SRBCs produces systemic hypertension and vasoconstriction in db/db mice. It is likely that RBC storage, by causing in vitro hemolysis and posttransfusion hemoglobinemia, produces sustained NO scavenging and vasoconstriction in mice with endothelial dysfunction. Vasoconstriction is prevented by oxidizing the supernatant of SRBCs or breathing NO during SRBC transfusion.
Unmanipulated HLA‐mismatched/haploidentical peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for high‐risk hematologic malignancies
Authors: Huang Wenrong , Li Honghua , Gao Chunji , Bo Jian , Wang Qunshun , Zhao Yu , Jing Yu , Wang Shuhong , Zhu Haiyan , Dou Liping , Wang Lili , Yu Li
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been increasingly applied in high‐risk hematologic patients due to the absence of HLA‐matched donors. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of unmanipulated haploidentical allogeneic peripheral blood stem cells transplantation (PBSCT) for hematologic malignancies.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients who underwent unmanipulated HLA‐mismatched/haploidentical PBSCT from July 2007 to March 2010 with high‐risk hematologic malignancies were enrolled for retrospective analysis.

RESULTS: Twenty‐one patients with high‐risk hematologic malignancies underwent unmanipulated HLA‐mismatched/haploidentical PBSCT with myeloablative conditioning. The numbers of CD34+ cells infused at transplantation were 4.81 (range, 2.61‐11.47) × 106/kg. Patients achieved myeloid and platelet engraftment at a median of 16.5 and 20 days, respectively. The cumulative incidence of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) on Day 100 was 52.7 ± 10.7%, and the 2‐year cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 39.5 ± 10.6%. The cumulative incidences of cytomegalovirus antigenemia and hemorrhagic cystitis within 100 days after PBSCT were 59.5 ± 16.7 and 34.8 ± 13.3%, respectively. One hundred‐day transplantation‐related mortality (TRM) rate and the 2‐year cumulative TRM rate were 14.3 and 20.5 ± 7.8%, respectively. The 2‐year cumulative overall survival was 62.1 ± 11.4% and the probability of disease‐free survival at 2 years was 55.6 ± 10.7% with a 16‐month median follow‐up.

CONCLUSION: Unmanipulated PBSCT is a promising protocol in HLA‐mismatched/haploidentical transplant settings.
Discount Brokerage in Residential Real Estate Markets
Authors: Rutherford Ronald , Yavas Abdullah
Published: January 2012

Transaction costs are thought to affect asset prices and market liquidity, but the direction and magnitude of these effects continue to be the subject of debate. In the single‐family residential market, discount brokers offer to list a house for a lower price and thus reduce the transaction costs associated with obtaining a match. In this article we obtain empirical estimates of the price and liquidity impact of a seller selecting a discount broker to market a single‐family residential property. The unique data set allows for the identification of residential properties that were listed by a discount brokerage firm. The empirical results confirm the predictions of our theoretical model. Using a sample of 318,221 listings and 243,625 sales, we find that houses listed by discount brokers sell at prices similar to non‐discount brokerage listings, but are less likely to sell, and when they do sell, take approximately three days longer to sell. The results indicate that lower transaction costs do not impact housing prices in this market, but that they are related to asset liquidity.
Wetland assessment and impact mitigation decision support framework for linear development projects: The Louis Riel Trail, Highway 11 North project, Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Nielsen Jesse , Noble Bram , Hill Michael
Published: January 2012

Next to agriculture, road development is one of the most significant sources of stress to wetlands in Prairie Canada. However, there currently exists limited guidance for incorporating direct, indirect, and induced effects to wetlands in impact assessment and mitigation planning for small and often routine developments, including access roads or highway improvement initiatives. Based on the Louis Riel Trail, Highway 11 North twinning project in Saskatchewan, Canada, this article demonstrates a methodological approach and decision support framework for assessing and managing direct, indirect, and induced effects to wetlands from linear developments. No regulatory‐based environmental assessment was required for the highway project; effects were deemed to be insignificant under current wetland mitigation practices. However, our results show that 1115 ha of potentially affected wetlands are located within a 500 m impact zone on either side of the proposed highway. More than 50 percent of these wetlands are seasonal, less than 1 ha in size, and typically not included in mitigation planning. An expert‐based multi‐criteria evaluation of impact and mitigation options for wetlands in the study area indicated “no net loss” as a planning priority, and a preference for a spatially ambitious mitigation plan focused on direct, indirect, and potentially induced impacts. In practice, however, mitigation is often restrictive, focused on mitigating only direct impacts within the project's right‐of‐way, in this case less than 50 ha of wetlands, resulting in the potential for significant net loss of wetland habitat and function. If the risk to wetlands is to be given due consideration in project planning and development for roads and road improvement initiatives, then structured assessment methods and decision support frameworks should be sensitive to the time and resource constraints of small projects and screening‐type assessments. This requires also that wetland mitigation policies are developed and implementation plans formulated as part of project planning and assessment initiatives for linear developments.
Twenty‐Fold Difference in Evolutionary Rates between the Mitochondrial and Plastid Genomes of Species with Secondary Red Plastids
Authors: Smith David Roy , Keeling Patrick J.
Published: January 2012

Within plastid‐bearing species, the relative rates of evolution between mitochondrial and plastid genomes are poorly studied, but for the few lineages in which they have been explored, including land plants and green algae, the mitochondrial DNA mutation rate is nearly always estimated to be lower than or equal to that of the plastid DNA. Here, we show that in protists from three distinct lineages with secondary, red algal‐derived plastids, the opposite is true: their mitochondrial genomes are evolving 5–30 times faster than their plastid genomes, even when the plastid is nonphotosynthetic. These findings have implications for understanding the origins and evolution of organelle genome architecture and the genes they encode.
Characteristics of False Allegation Adult Crimes
Authors: McNamara James J. , McDonald Sean , Lawrence Jennifer M.
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  The purpose of this study was to identify common factors in false allegation adult crimes, by examining the dynamics involved in 30 confirmed false allegation cases. The authors conducted a comprehensive review of these adjudicated cases and then completed a collection instrument to capture offender demographics, offense characteristics, and motive. The results indicated that most false allegation crimes were committed by women (73.3%) and Caucasians (93.3%). Data indicated that more interpersonally violent allegations were primarily motivated by attention/sympathy needs (50.0%), whereas more impersonal offenses involved other motivations such as providing an alibi (16.7%) or profit (13.3%). Offenders tended to be younger, high school graduates with no higher education (43.3%). A total of 23.3% of offenders had a prior criminal history. Male offenders appeared as likely as women to be motivated by attention/sympathy; however, men tended to select more violent, nonsexual offenses (e.g., attempted murder) than women.
Validation of Powder X‐Ray Diffraction Following EN ISO/IEC 17025
Authors: Eckardt Regina , Krupicka Erik , Hofmeister Wolfgang
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) is used widely in forensic science laboratories with the main focus of qualitative phase identification. Little is found in literature referring to the topic of validation of PXRD in the field of forensic sciences. According to EN ISO/IEC 17025, the method has to be tested for several parameters. Trueness, specificity, and selectivity of PXRD were tested using certified reference materials or a combination thereof. All three tested parameters showed the secure performance of the method. Sample preparation errors were simulated to evaluate the robustness of the method. These errors were either easily detected by the operator or nonsignificant for phase identification. In case of the detection limit, a statistical evaluation of the signal‐to‐noise ratio showed that a peak criterion of three sigma is inadequate and recommendations for a more realistic peak criterion are given. Finally, the results of an international proficiency test showed the secure performance of PXRD.
Rapid Separation and Characterization of Cocaine and Cocaine Cutting Agents by Differential Mobility Spectrometry–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hall Adam B. , Coy Stephen L. , Nazarov Erkinjon G. , Vouros Paul
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Forensic drug laboratories are inundated with cases requiring time‐consuming GC‐ or LC‐based chromatographic separations of submitted samples. High‐throughput analytical methods would be of great practical utility within forensic drug analysis. Recently developed ion‐mobility‐based separation methods combined with mass spectrometry can often be used without chromatography, suppress chemical interferents of similar mass, and operate in seconds. We have evaluated differential mobility spectrometry–mass spectrometry (DMS‐MS) for performance on adulterated cocaine mixtures. The DMS interface is only a few centimeters in length, operates in seconds, and can be adapted to any MS system using atmospheric pressure ionization. Drug cutting agents, typical targets such as cocaine, and drug metabolites are rapidly separated by the DMS ion prefilter. Tests demonstrated characterization of complex mixtures, such as isolation of levamisole, an adulterant with alarming side effects, from a 13‐component mixture. DMS‐MS holds great potential for the analysis of drug samples submitted for forensic analysis.
Forensic Fluid Dynamics and the Indian Spring (1991) Cave Collapse Problem*
Authors: Nof Doron
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Nof and Paldor (Safety Sci 2010;48:607–14) suggested that resonance in the air pockets in the Indian Spring cavern might have contributed to the 1991 collapse. Here, we extend the resonance theory to one pocket in the cavern and a very broad basin that serves as the other branch of the U‐tube. Our methodology is to apply familiar fluid dynamics principles to the situation that occurred in the cave. We did so on the basis of our interviews with four of the five surviving cave divers. We dissected their testimonies to arrive at a physically plausible scenario determined on the basis of a fluid dynamics application to the natural flow in the cave, the flow induced by the compressed air released by the divers and the mudslide. We found that there was a temporary flow blocking during the collapse, but no total flow reversal within the cave.
Azathioprine‐induced EBV‐positive mucocutaneous ulcer
Authors: McGinness Jamie L. , Spicknall Kerith E. , Mutasim Diya F.
Published: January 2012

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐positive mucocutaneous ulcer was recently described as a clinicopathologic entity occurring secondary to iatrogenic or age‐related immune suppression. The histopathology of EBV‐positive mucocutaneous ulcer reveals a polymorphous infiltrate including atypical large B‐cells and Reed‐Sternberg‐like cells which are CD20‐positive, CD30‐positive and EBV‐positive. The disorder follows an indolent and self‐limited course. We report a case of EBV‐positive mucocutaneous ulcer secondary to prolonged use of azathioprine for the treatment of pemphigoid and highlight the need for recognition of this disorder by dermatopathologists and dermatologists.

McGinness JL, Spicknall KE, Mutasim DF. Azathioprine‐induced EBV‐positive mucocutaneous ulcer.
Comparison of two encapsulated curcumin particular systems contained in different formulations with regard to in vitro skin penetration
Authors: Suwannateep N. , Wanichwecharungruang S. , Fluhr J. , Patzelt A. , Lademann J. , Meinke M. C.
Published: January 2012

Background

Curcumin is known for its anti‐inflammatory, antioxidative, and anticarcinogenic properties. However, the strong lipophilic compound is not easily applicable, neither in water, nor directly in o/w formulations. So far, loading of nano or micro scaled carriers has enabled only an uptake up to 30% of curcumin.

Method

In the present article, curcumin was successfully encapsulated into two different safe and inexpensive polymers, ethyl cellulose and methyl cellulose blended ethyl cellulose with a loading capacity of ~ 46–48%. In addition, the in vitro skin penetration of the two curcumin encapsulated particular systems, which were applied each in three different formulations, an o/w, w/o lotion, and water suspension, was investigated on porcine ear skin using Laser scanning microscopy.

Results

It was found that in comparison to water suspensions, o/w and w/o lotions enhanced, especially the follicular penetration of the encapsulated curcumin particles into porcine skin, whereas the w/o enhanced the penetration better than the o/w lotion. Furthermore, the application of ethyl cellulose blended with methyl cellulose improved the penetration of curcumin in all formulations.

Conclusion

High loaded encapsulated curcumin systems, prepared from a simple and highly efficient encapsulation system can be used to transport curcumin effectively into the skin.
Gender‐dependent differences in degree of facial wrinkles
Authors: Tsukahara Kazue , Hotta Mitsuyuki , Osanai Osamu , Kawada Hiromitsu , Kitahara Takashi , Takema Yoshinori
Published: January 2012

Background/purpose

This study aimed to reveal gender‐dependent differences in the degree of facial wrinkles.

Methods

Subjects comprised 173 Japanese men and women, divided into four groups according to age. Photographs were taken from nine facial regions and used to classify the intensity of wrinkles into five grades. In addition, replicas were taken from five facial sites and used to measure surface roughness. Data were compared between men and women within each age group.

Results

In all age groups, men showed increased forehead wrinkles compared with women. In contrast, no gender‐dependent differences were found in upper eyelid wrinkles. Other facial wrinkles were greater in men than in women in all except the oldest group (age, 65–75 years), in which wrinkles in women were greater than or equal to those in men.

Conclusion

Our results showed that gender‐dependent differences exist in the degree of facial wrinkles. In general, men tend to have more severe wrinkles than women. This tendency disappeared or was reversed in some regions of the face and in individuals more than 60 years old.
Correlation of Platelet Growth Factor Release in Jawbone Defect Repair – A Study in the Dog Mandible
Authors: Thor Andreas LI , Hong Jaan , Kjeller Göran , Sennerby Lars , Rasmusson Lars
Published: January 2012

Background: Platelet concentrate/platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has been studied extensively in various experimental models and there is some agreement among workers to its early effect in bone regeneration and healing. We have earlier showed in vitro that titanium in whole blood activates the thrombogenic response to a higher degree than PRP and that a fluoridated test surface augmented the effect compared with control.

Purpose: We designed this study to evaluate the effect of PRP and whole blood on bone regeneration in a dog implant defect model and, in addition, the effect of a test surface modified in hydrofluoric acid. A correlation attempt between platelet count, release of growth factors, and bone regeneration was made.

Materials and Methods: Six dogs were used and simultaneously with the experimental surgery and implant installation, autologous PRP was prepared. Defects were prepared (6 mm in diameter and 5 mm deep), and implants were installed (TiO2 gritblasted and hydrofluoric acid treated [test] or TiO2 gritblasted [control], 5 mm in diameter and 9 mm long) in defects filled with either PRP or whole blood. Randomization of sides between PRP and whole blood, and sites for test and control implants were made. Blood samples were collected from PRP and whole blood. The dogs were killed after 5 weeks of healing, and samples with implants and surrounding bone were collected and processed for analysis. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assays were used for detection of growth factors in PRP.

Results: The mean increase of platelet count was 424% in PRP. A correlation for platelet counts and transforming growth factor β was found in each dog (r2 = 0.857). Approximately 50% of the region of interest (ROI) in the defects was filled with new bone after 5 weeks. No difference could be observed in ROI by using PRP or whole blood in the defects regarding new bone formation, bone in contact with implant, or distance to first bone contact. However, the fluoridated implants exhibited more new bone formation (p = .03) compared with control, regardless of comparing PRP or whole blood, and also displayed a shorter distance from first bone contact to the margin of the bone envelope (p = .05).

Conclusions: Platelet concentrate/PRP failed to show more new bone regeneration in a peri‐implant defect model compared with whole blood. Implants treated with hydrofluoric acid displayed higher percentages of bone fill in the defect.
Clinical Studies of Posts
Authors: BROWNING WILLIAM D. , SWIFT, JR. EDWARD J.
Published: January 2012

The literature on posts is dominated by nonclinical studies and practice‐based, nonrandomized clinical trials. The number of teeth studied in these trials is often, on its face, impressive. Less evident is the quality of the evidence provided. The present review seeks to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of several of these studies.
Variation in the Relationship Between Education and Marriage: Marriage Market Mismatch?
Authors: Musick Kelly , Brand Jennie E. , Davis Dwight
Published: January 2012

Educational expansion has led to greater diversity in the social backgrounds of college students. We ask how schooling interacts with this diversity to influence marriage formation among men and women. Relying on data from the 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (N = 3,208), we use a propensity score approach to group men and women into social strata and multilevel event history models to test differences in the effects of college attendance across strata. We find a statistically significant, positive trend in the effects of college attendance across strata, with the largest effects of college on first marriage among the more advantaged and the smallest—indeed, negative—effects among the least advantaged men and women. These findings appear consistent with a mismatch in the marriage market between individuals' education and their social backgrounds.
Domestic Work and the Wage Penalty for Motherhood in West Germany
Authors: Kühhirt Michael , Ludwig Volker
Published: January 2012

Previous research suggests that household tasks prohibit women from unfolding their full earning potential by depleting their work effort and limiting their time flexibility. The present study investigated whether this relationship can explain the wage gap between mothers and nonmothers in West Germany. The empirical analysis applied fixed‐effects models and used self‐reported information on time use and earnings as well as monthly family and work histories from the German Socio‐Economic Panel (1985–2007, N = 1,810; Wagner, Frick, & Schupp, 2007). The findings revealed that variation in reported time spent on child care and housework on a typical weekday explains part of the motherhood wage penalty, in particular for mothers of very young children. Furthermore, housework time incurred a significant wage penalty, but only for mothers. The authors concluded that policies designed to lighten women's domestic workload may aid mothers in following rewarding careers.
Patterns of early transmission of pandemic influenza in London – link with deprivation
Authors: Balasegaram Sooria , Ogilvie Flora , Glasswell Amy , Anderson Charlotte , Cleary Vivien , Turbitt Deborah , McCloskey Brian
Published: January 2012

Please cite this paper as: Balasegaram et al. (2012) Patterns of early transmission of pandemic influenza in London – link with deprivation. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(3), e35–e41.

Background  During the early containment phase in England from April to June 2009, the national strategy for H1N1 pandemic influenza involved case investigation and treatment, and tracing and prophylaxis of contacts.

Objective  To describe the relationship between early transmission of H1N1 pandemic influenza in London and age and socio‐economic status.

Methods  Epidemiological data on cases of pandemic flu in London reported to the London Flu Response Centre were analysed to determine patterns of transmission.

Results  There were 3487 reported cases (2202 confirmed, 1272 presumed and 14 probable) from 20 April to 28 June 2009, during the ‘containment’ period. The highest report rate of 206 per 100 000 (95% CI 195–218) was seen in primary school–age children (5−11 years) followed by 129 (95% CI 119–139) in secondary school–age children (12–18 years). Reports of cases were initially concentrated in affluent areas but overall showed a clear trend with deprivation and risk ratio of 2·32 (95% CI 1·94–2·78) between the most deprived and the least deprived.

Conclusion  Early transmissions were highest amongst school‐aged children but linked with socio‐economic deprivation across all age groups.
Craterispermum parvifolium and C. robbrechtianum spp. nov. (Rubiaceae) from west central Africa
Authors: Taedoumg H. , De Block P. , Hamon P. , Sonké B.
Published: January 2012

Craterispermum parvifolium and C. robbrechtianum spp. nov. are described from the Lower Guinea Domain. Detailed descriptions and distribution maps are provided for each species, their conservation status is assessed and their taxonomic affinities are discussed. An identification key for the Craterispermum species of the Lower Guinea Domain is given.
Steam Jet Condensation in a Pool: From Fundamental Understanding to Engineering Scale Analysis
Authors: Song Chul-Hwa , Cho Seok , Kang Hyung-Seok
Published: January 2012

The phenomena of direct contact condensation (DCC) of a steam jet submerged in a water pool occur because of the actuation of steam discharging devices in many industrial processes. There are practically two kinds of technical concerns to consider. The first is the thermal mixing in the water pool, and the other is the thermo-hydraulically induced mechanical loads acting on the structures of relevant systems. The two concerns are inter-related and can be well described only if the local behavior of the condensing steam jets and the resultant turbulent jet in a pool are well understood. In this paper, the DCC-related thermofluid dynamic features are discussed focusing on these two concerns. The fundamental characteristics of condensing steam jets are discussed, including the local behavior of condensing jets and the resultant turbulent jet, both of which importantly affect the macroscopic circulation in a pool. Then, a global analysis of thermal mixing in a pool from the viewpoints of the local hot spot and the thermal stratification are discussed with practical application to engineering design in mind.
Simultaneous Consideration of Scalable-Reconfigurable Manufacturing System Investment and Operating Costs
Authors: Carlo Hector J. , Patrick Spicer J. , Rivera-Silva Adamaris
Published: January 2012

The design of manufacturing systems is typically decoupled from ordering policy decisions. Traditionally, the system design decision is made to minimize the total investment cost given some system capacity requirements. Then, after the system is implemented, the ordering policy decisions are made. In this paper, a coupled approach is presented whereby the manufacturing system design is jointly developed with the ordering policy to minimize the total cost of inventory holding, setup, and equipment investment in a multiproduct system. The methodology is presented in the context of scalable-reconfigurable manufacturing systems (scalable-RMSs). First, a linear integer mathematical formulation to minimize investment cost in a single-product, multistage scalable-RMS is presented. The mathematical formulation is then extended to consider multiple products. Due to the nonlinear nature of the multiproduct formulation, an iterative algorithm is developed. Lastly, a mathematical formulation to simultaneously minimize the system investment and operating costs (i.e., the coupled approach) is presented. Given the complexity of the formulation, a genetic algorithm (GA)-based heuristic is proposed. Twenty four instances of the problem were generated to test the proposed methodologies. Experimental results indicate that the proposed GA-based heuristic is efficient in terms of solution quality and runtime. Further, experimental results indicate that the proposed coupled approach reduces the total costs by an average of 25% over the decoupled approach. It is concluded that the coupled approach (solved with the proposed GA-based heuristic) outperforms the decoupled approach (solved to optimality) in all instances considered.
Detection of 2-Hydroxyglutarate in
IDH
-Mutated Glioma Patients by In Vivo Spectral-Editing and 2D Correlation Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Andronesi Ovidiu C. , Kim Grace S. , Gerstner Elizabeth , Batchelor Tracy , Tzika Aria A. , Fantin Valeria R. , Vander Heiden Matthew G. , Sorensen A. Gregory
Published: January 2012

2-Hydroxyglutarate, a metabolite overproduced in
IDH
-mutated gliomas, can be detected noninvasively in patients with brain tumors by optimized magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Magnetic Resonance Metabolic Imaging of Glioma
Authors: Metellus Philippe , Figarella-Branger Dominique
Published: January 2012

Noninvasive spectroscopic imaging of mutated enzymes and their metabolites could represent a new paradigm in glial tumor management.
Building a Preventive Medicine Model with Genetic Scoring
Authors: Damani Samir
Published: January 2012

A new genetic risk score promises personalized risk prediction for cardiovascular disease in diabetics.
The Holy Grail of Hepatitis C Treatment
Authors: Lin Richard J.
Published: January 2012

A model predicts sustained virological response to hepatitis C treatment.
Measles Versus Melanoma
Authors: Skelly Christopher
Published: January 2012

A measles vaccine virus modulates the innate immune system and promotes virus-mediated death of malignant melanoma cells.
Promoting personal views in practice
Authors: Roger Paul
Published: January 2012

You own a successful small animal practice and have a good relationship with your clients. You are also keen to do what you can to promote all aspects of animal welfare. Your knowledge of farm animal welfare issues leads you to reject certain animal‐derived products when buying for yourself. Is it morally or professionally ethical for you to provide literature sympathetic to your viewpoint about farm animal welfare issues in your waiting room?
Comments on the dilemma in the November/December issue: ‘Owner access to isolation facility webcam images’
Authors: Hopper David
Published: January 2012

The dilemma in the November/December issue concerned a practice that had recently installed webcams to monitor its patients in an isolation facility where human and animal contact had to be kept to a minimum (In Practice, November/December 2011, volume 33, pages 558–559). Susana Silva discussed the issue of whether or not owners should be allowed access to such images. She argued that the relationship between humans and their animals had changed greatly over the past few decades and that, now, they were usually regarded as family members. As such, people tended to be very concerned about the welfare and quality of life of their pet when it was in an isolation facility. It was good practice to discuss with the owners what type of care was going to be provided so as not to give them false expectations, and to allow them to visit the facility before their pet was admitted. Allowing owners to view video footage of their pet in isolation could have variable outcomes. Some would feel reassured while others might become anxious about their pet's altered behaviour or about protocols that might be in place to keep human contact with the animal to a minimum. A compromise might be to allow the owner to see a short video of a couple of minutes per day, rather than a live stream, thus allowing the vet to decide which footage was most appropriate for which client. Although partial access had the potential for the owner to accuse the vet of censoring, vets were not currently legally obliged to allow access to such images.
Embracing the social media revolution
Authors: Samuel Susie
Published: January 2012

Over recent years, the use of social media has increased dramatically. If your veterinary practice chooses not to engage itself with the online community, it is missing a valuable opportunity to encourage recommendations, increase footfall and cement bonds with existing clients. Here, Susie Samuel describes how to set up profiles with some of the most popular social media platforms to facilitate practice marketing.
Intermediate catheter injections in closed segments during acute stroke intervention: a cautionary note
Authors: Hui Ferdinand K , Yim John , Spiotta Alejandro M , Hussain M Shazam , Toth Gabor
Published: January 2012

Objective and importance

In the setting of stroke intervention, there is typically an occlusion that limits angiographic visualization of patent vasculature distal to the embolus. Certain mechanical thrombectomy paradigms include angiography of the vasculature distal to the point of occlusion in preparation for thrombectomy, typically using a microcatheter. Injections using an intermediate catheter allows for higher volume of injection at a faster rate, resulting in radically different pressure gradients.

Clinical presentations

Two patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke were treated via mechanical thrombectomy using the Penumbra 054 system. The first was a tandem occlusion with a high grade narrowing and occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) origin and an ICA terminus thrombus. The second was a long segment, high volume thrombus extending from the cavernous segment to the ICA terminus.

Intervention

Conventional access techniques were utilized to position the Penumbra 054 catheter in the ICA in both cases. Intraprocedurally, angiography through the 054 catheter within the closed segment resulted in contrast extravasation adjacent to the tentorium, originating from the communicating segment of the ICA, both of which cleared within 48 h. Due to the extravasation, the interventions were both terminated, and the infarcts went on to complete.

Conclusion

During an acute stroke, flow within large vessels is abnormal, and rapid changes in volume may result in drastic changes in pressure which may lead to extravasation. The authors recommend never performing a contrast injection through a large lumen catheter when flow may be impeded proximally and distally. Closed segment injections of large volumes at a high rate are probably at high risk for vessel injury.
Seed size in lacustrine and riverine populations of wild rice in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin
Authors: Eule-Nashoba Amber R. , Biesboer David D. , Newman Raymond M.
Published: January 2012

Anecdotal information gathered from contemporary wild rice harvesters, traditional ecological knowledge of indigenous peoples, and biologists suggests that seeds produced by wild rice ( Zizania palustris L.) in riverine habitats are smaller than those produced in lacustrine habitats. To study the differences in the seed size of wild rice between lakes and rivers, four river and four lake pairs were sampled to measure and model the factors affecting seed size. We found mean seed mass to be quantitatively different between lacustrine and riverine environments; seed mass in lake populations was (41%) larger than that in river populations. When partitioned between water body type, regional population pairs, and individual populations, water body type accounted for 71.3% of the variance. Data collected on seed mass, plant morphology, sediment characteristics, and water depths were used to create a statistical model to quantify the effects of each factor on seed size. The two most important environmental factors contributing to seed size were sediment bulk density and water depth at seed collection. Important biological components were seed scar density, proportion of filled seed, and root biomass.
Histopathology of the endophytic system and aerial shoots of Arceuthobium americanum infected by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: Ramsfield T.D. , Shamoun S.F. , van der Kamp B.J.
Published: January 2012

Infection of the endophytic system of Arceuthobium americanum parasitizing Pinus contorta var. latifolia by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides was assessed on naturally infected and inoculated localized dwarf mistletoe plants. Two different techniques were utilized to attempt to inoculate C. gloeosporioides into the endophytic system: the fungus was applied as Stabileze formulated product onto cut A. americanum shoots and as a mycelial plug to wounded A. americanum infected host branches. The fungus was cultured from infected shoots and the basal cup region of naturally infected A. americanum, but not pine tissues that included the endophytic system. Following inoculation of cut shoots, the shoots were abscised from the dwarf mistletoe plant, and the fungus was not isolated 1 year after inoculation. The fungus was recovered from the wounded region of infections that were inoculated with a mycelial plug, but not outside of the wounded area. Hyphae with morphology that matched that of C. gloeosporioides were observed microscopically in the shoots and basal cup region of naturally infected A. americanum, but not in the samples from the inoculated treatments. Thus, we were unable to confirm that C. gloeosporioides infected the endophytic system of A. americanum parasitizing P. contorta var. latifolia, although xylem continuity between the aerial and endophytic systems was observed.