bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Treatment with Osteoporosis Medications After Recent Fragility Fractures in a Multinational Cohort of Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Greenspan Susan L. , Wyman Allison , Hooven Frederick H. , Adami Silvano , Gehlbach Stephen , Anderson Jr, Frederick A , Boone Steven , Lacroix Andrea Z. , Lindsay Robert , Coen Netelenbos J. , Pfeilschifter Johannes , Silverman Stuart , Siris Ethel S. , Watts Nelson B.
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To determine the proportion of untreated women who reported receiving treatment after incident fracture and to identify factors that predict treatment across an international spectrum of individuals.

Design

Prospective observational study. Self‐administered questionnaires were mailed at baseline and 1 year.

Setting

Multinational cohort of noninstitutionalized women recruited from 723 primary physician practices in 10 countries.

Participants

Sixty thousand three hundred ninety‐three postmenopausal women aged 55 and older were recruited with a 2:1 oversampling of women aged 65 and older.

Measurements

Data collected included participant demographics, medical history, fracture occurrence, medications, and risk factors for fracture. Anti‐osteoporosis medications (AOMs) included estrogen, selective estrogen receptor modulators, bisphosphonates, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, and strontium.

Results

After the first year of follow‐up, 1,075 women reported an incident fracture. Of these, 17% had started AOM, including 15% of those with a single fracture and 35% with multiple fractures. Predictors of treatment included baseline calcium use (P = .01), baseline diagnosis of osteoporosis (P < .001), and fracture type (P < .001). In multivariable analysis, women taking calcium supplements at baseline (odds ratio (OR) = 1.67) and with a baseline diagnosis of osteoporosis (OR = 2.55) were more likely to be taking AOM. Hip fracture (OR = 2.61), spine fracture (OR = 6.61), and multiple fractures (OR = 3.79) were associated with AOM treatment. Age, global region, and use of high‐risk medications were not associated with treatment.

Conclusion

More than 80% of older women with new fractures were not treated, despite the availability of AOM. Important factors associated with treatment in this international cohort included diagnosis of osteoporosis before the incident fracture, spine fracture, and to a lesser degree, hip fracture.
Lifestyle Behavior Pattern Is Associated with Different levels of Risk for Incident Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: The Cache County Study
Authors: Norton Maria C. , Dew Jeffrey , Smith Heeyoung , Fauth Elizabeth , Piercy Kathleen W. , Breitner John C. S. , Tschanz JoAnn , Wengreen Heidi , Welsh‐Bohmer Kathleen ,   for the Cache County Investigators
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To identify distinct behavioral patterns of diet, exercise, social interaction, church attendance, alcohol consumption, and smoking and to examine their association with subsequent dementia risk.

Design

Longitudinal, population‐based dementia study.

Setting

Rural county in northern Utah, at‐home evaluations.

Participants

Two thousand four hundred ninety‐one participants without dementia (51% male, average age 73.0 ± 5,7; average education 13.7 ± 4.1 years) initially reported no problems in activities of daily living and no stroke or head injury within the past 5 years.

Measurements

Six dichotomized lifestyle behaviors were examined (diet: high ≥ median on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension scale; exercise: ≥5 h/wk of light activity and at least occasional moderate to vigorous activity; church attendance: attending church services at least weekly; social Interaction: spending time with family and friends at least twice weekly; alcohol: currently drinking alcoholic beverages ≥ 2 times/wk; nonsmoker: no current use or fewer than 100 cigarettes ever). Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify patterns among these behaviors. Proportional hazards regression modeled time to dementia onset as a function of behavioral class, age, sex, education, and apolipoprotein E status. Follow‐up averaged 6.3 ± 5.3 years, during which 278 cases of incident dementia (200 Alzheimer's disease (AD)) were diagnosed.

Results

LCA identified four distinct lifestyle classes. Unhealthy–religious (UH‐R; 11.5%), unhealthy–nonreligious (UH‐NR; 10.5%), healthy–moderately religious (H‐MR; 38.5%), and healthy–very religious (H‐VR; 39.5%). UH‐NR (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.54, P = .028), H‐MR (HR = 0.56, P = .003), and H‐VR (HR = 0.58, P = .005) had significantly lower dementia risk than UH‐R. Results were comparable for AD, except that UH‐NR was less definitive.

Conclusion

Functionally independent older adults appear to cluster into subpopulations with distinct patterns of lifestyle behaviors with different levels of risk for subsequent dementia and AD.
High Preoperative Plasma Neopterin Predicts Delirium After Cardiac Surgery in Older Adults
Authors: Osse Robert J. , Fekkes Durk , Tulen Joke H. M. , Wierdsma André I. , Bogers Ad J. J. C. , van der Mast Rose C. , Hengeveld Michiel W.
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To examine the association between plasma levels of pterins and amino acids and postoperative delirium.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Cardiothoracic service in an university hospital in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Participants

One hundred twenty‐five individuals aged 70 and older undergoing elective cardiac surgery.

Measurements

Plasma pterins and amino acids were measured pre‐ and postoperatively. Using multiple logistic regression analyses, the associations between pterins and amino acid levels and postoperative delirium were examined in relation to age, sex, comorbidity, cognitive functioning (Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score), and cardiac risk factors.

Results

Delirium incidence in the main study group was 31.3%. The preoperative measures associated with delirium were neopterin (odds ratio (OR) = 1.05,P = .009);MMSEscore less than 28 (OR= 4.39,P = .001); European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score greater than 6 (OR= 2.84,P = .03); and combined coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and aortic, mitral, or tricuspid valve surgery (OR= 4.32,P = .01). Postoperative measures associated with delirium were neopterin (OR= 3.84,P = .02), homovanillic acid (HVA,OR= 1.01,P = .04), and preoperativeMMSEscore less than 28 (OR= 3.32,P = .008).

Conclusion

Preoperatively high neopterin levels predicted delirium after cardiac surgery in older adults, in addition to the well‐known risk factors of poor cognitive function, high cardio‐surgical risk, and combinedCABGand valve surgery. Postoperative neopterin andHVAlevels were also found to be associated with delirium, together with preoperative cognitive functioning. Plasma neopterin may be a candidate biomarker for delirium after cardiac surgery in these older adults.
Association Between Visceral Obesity and Sarcopenia and Vitamin D Deficiency in Older Koreans: The Ansan Geriatric Study
Authors: Seo Ji A , Cho Hyunjoo , Eun Chai R. , Yoo Hye J. , Kim Sin G. , Choi Kyung M. , Baik Sei H. , Choi Dong S. , Park Moon H. , Han Changsu , Kim Nan H.
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To investigate whether vitamin D levels are independently associated with visceral obesity, sarcopenia, or sarcopenic obesity.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Population‐based sample of elderly adults living in Ansan, Korea.

Participants

Two hundred sixteen men and 268 women aged 65 and older.

Measurements

Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, visceral fat area (VFA) according to abdominal computed tomography scanning, and body composition (body fat percentage, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM)) using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Visceral obesity was defined as VFA of 100 cm2 or greater and sarcopenia as ASM/height2 more than 1 standard deviation (SD) below the sex‐specific mean of a young reference group.

Results

The adjusted 25(OH)D level for men was negatively associated with systolic blood pressure, VFA, and body fat percentage but positively associated with ASM. In women, waist circumference, triglyceride levels, and VFA were negatively correlated with 25(OH)D levels. In the joint regression model, VFA and ASM were independently associated with 25(OH)D levels (β = −0.078, P = .01 and β =  0.087, P = .02, respectively) per 1SD difference in VFA and ASM in men but not women. When participants were categorized according to four visceral obesity and sarcopenia categories, adjusted mean 25(OH)D level was lower in men with visceral obesity than in men without but was not affected by the presence or absence of sarcopenia.

Conclusion

Greater visceral fat and lower muscle mass were associated with lower 25(OH)D levels in elderly Korean men, suggesting that screening for vitamin D deficiency may be appropriate in older Koreans with visceral obesity or sarcopenia. Sarcopenic obesity as defined according to prespecified criteria did not have an additive association with 25(OH)D levels.
The Description of Population Vulnerability in Quantitative Risk Analysis
Authors: Bonvicini Sarah , Ganapini Sara , Spadoni Gigliola , Cozzani Valerio
Published: February 2012

The description of the distribution of population in the potential impact areas of accident scenarios is of utmost importance for the assessment of the final consequences of potential accidents. Vulnerability centers (i.e., sites where the simultaneous presence of a relevant number of persons in a narrow area is anticipated) may play an important role in this framework. In this study a method for the correct and detailed description of offsite target population in potential impact areas of major accidents is developed. The method is aimed at supporting quantitative risk analysis studies, emergency planning, and land‐use planning. An approach is suggested to define the population categories that should be taken into account and to provide criteria for indoor and outdoor population distribution in vulnerability centers. Case studies are also provided to understand the outcomes and the potentialities of the methodology.
What Do Lay People Want to Know About the Disposal of Nuclear Waste? A Mental Model Approach to the Design and Development of an Online Risk Communication
Authors: Skarlatidou A. , Cheng T. , Haklay M.
Published: February 2012

Public participation requires the involvement of lay people in the decision‐making processes of issues that concern them. It is currently practiced in a variety of domains, such as transport and environmental planning. Communicating risks can be a complex task, as there may be significant differences between the risk perceptions of experts and those of lay people. Among the plethora of problems that require public involvement is the site selection of a nuclear waste disposal site in the United Kingdom, which is discussed in this article. Previous ineffective attempts to locate a site provide evidence that the problem has a strong social dimension, and studies ascribe public opposition to a loss of public trust in governmental agencies and decisionmakers, and to a lack of public understanding of nuclear waste issues. Although the mental models approach has been successfully used in the effective communication of such risks as climate change, no attempt has been made to follow a prescriptive mental model approach to develop risk communication messages that inform lay people about nuclear waste disposal. After interviewing 20 lay people and 5 experts, we construct and compare their corresponding mental models to reveal any gaps and misconceptions. The mental models approach is further applied here to identify lay people's requirements regarding what they want to know about nuclear waste, and how this information should be presented so that it is easily understood. This article further describes how the mental models approach was used in the subsequent development of an online information system for the site selection of a nuclear waste repository in the United Kingdom, which is considered essential for the improvement of public understanding and the reestablishment of trust.
The Effects of Macroeconomic Factors on Pricing Mortgage Insurance Contracts
Authors: Chang Chia‐Chien , Wang Chou‐Wen , Yang Chih‐Yuan
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Numerous empirical studies, including Abraham and Hendershott (1996), Muellbauer and Murphy (1997), Leung (2004), and Oikarinen (2009), have identified a significant relationship between housing prices and macroeconomic factors. Using a linear regression on the comovement of macroeconomic factors and housing prices, this article employs an option‐pricing framework to price and hedge the fair premia of mortgage insurance (MI). Our model provides improved performance in terms of MI premium pricing, especially during periods that are characterized by high housing prices. Ignoring the impacts of macroeconomic factors on housing prices will lead to an underestimation of MI premia.
A History of the Term “Moral Hazard”
Authors: Rowell David , Connelly Luke B.
Published: February 2012

Abstract

The term “moral hazard” when interpreted literally has a strong rhetorical tone, which has been used by stakeholders to influence public attitudes to insurance. In contrast, economists have treated moral hazard as an idiom that has little, if anything, to do with morality. This article traces the genesis of moral hazard, by identifying salient changes in economic thought, which are identified within the medieval theological and probability literatures. The focus then shifts to compare and contrast the predominantly, normative conception of moral hazard found within the insurance‐industry literature with the largely positive interpretations found within the economic literature.
Early Mover Advantages: Evidence From the Long‐Term Care Insurance Market
Authors: McShane Michael K. , Cox Larry A. , Ge Yanling
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Researchers frequently question whether financial firms benefit by developing new products because barriers to entry common to other industries generally do not exist. Studies of early mover advantages for new financial products provide mixed evidence at best. We find evidence of early mover advantages in the relatively young market for long‐term care insurance (LTCI) using data that allow broad testing of financial performance. Product differentiation, individual lines exposure, firm size, and traditional health insurance experience also affect financial performance.
U.S. Monetary Policy Surprises and Mortgage Rates
Authors: Xu Pisun , Han Yufeng , Yang Jian
Published: February 2012

This article examines how the U.S. monetary policy surprises impact the mortgage rates in the nation and across five regions from 1990 to 2008. Regression analysis based on bootstrapping shows that surprises in the target federal funds rate (the target factor) have a significantly positive impact on the 1‐year adjustable‐rate mortgage (ARM) rate within the week of the Federal Open Market Committee announcements and the positive impact lasts up to 1 week after the announcements. Surprises in the future direction of the Federal Reserve monetary policy (the path factor) have significantly positive impacts on both the 1‐year ARM rate and the 30‐year fixed mortgage rates in the first week after the announcement. Furthermore, the responses of mortgage rates are asymmetric and affected by the size of monetary policy surprises, the stage of the business cycle and whether the monetary policy is tightening or loosening. There also exists heterogeneity in the mortgage rate pass‐through process across regions and monetary policy surprises have differential impacts on the regional mortgage rates. The cross‐region variations are mainly correlated with the regional housing market conditions, such as home vacancy and rental vacancy rates.
Dental practitioner concepts of efficiency related to the use of dental therapists
Authors: Harris Rebecca V. , Sun Ningwei
Published: February 2012

Harris RV, Sun N. Dental practitioner concepts of efficiency related to the use of dental therapists. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2012. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Objectives:  Efficiency is concerned with producing maximum output with the minimum input, although what constitutes inputs and outputs within an organization is not always clear. Labour substitution is one method of achieving efficiency gains, although cost savings are found to be context dependent and may not be achieved in some situations. Because dental therapists (DTs) in England are permitted to work in dental practices, we set out to investigate how efficiency with respect to the use of DTs is conceptualized by practitioners to deepen our understanding of the potential for substitution to realize efficiency gains in dental practice.

Methods:  Nine dental practices were selected using a purposive sampling methodology to give a range of practice size and DT employment arrangements. Semi‐structured interviews were held with 26 dentists. Transcripts were coded and analysed thematically.

Results:  Efficiency was perceived as optimum use of surgery time to generate intermediate outputs of (i) managing patient flow to give patient satisfaction and business cash flow and (ii) volume of work (procedures and numbers of patients). DT efficiency gains were evaluated according to whether lower labour costs were offset by a slower working pace and higher rate of failed appointments. Patient need and demand, and whether the practice had health improvement goals, influenced whether DTs were deemed to improve efficiency.

Conclusions:  Findings are in accord with skill mix reviews in wider health care that substitution may be effective in improving efficiency but this may be limited to particular situations where conditions are conducive. More studies are needed to explore these issues further in other dental practice contexts and with other groups of dental auxiliary.
Predictors of pain associated with routine procedures performed in general dental practice
Authors: Tickle Martin , Milsom Keith , Crawford Fiona I. J. , Aggarwal Vishal R.
Published: February 2012

Objectives

The objective of the study was to investigate factors that influence pain intensities associated with routine dental procedures.

Method

Four hundred and fifty‐one dental patients self‐reported pain experienced during the procedure immediately after undergoing a variety of common dental interventions and 1 day after the completion of the procedure. Pain character was measured using the McGill short‐form pain questionnaire and intensity using a numerical rating (NRS) scale. Information was collected on a number of factors that could influence pain: dental anxiety was measured using the Corah Dental Anxiety Scale to categorize patients into four domains (fearless, some unease, nervous and very anxious). Dentists provided information regarding the type(s) of procedure and use of local anaesthetic (LA).

Results

Seventy‐five percent of patients (339/451) reported no pain during their procedure when the data were collected immediately postoperatively (NRS score = 0). Univariate analyses showed that dental anxiety, LA use and type of procedure (extractions) were significant (P < 0.05) predictors of reported intra‐operative pain. However, when these factors were combined in a multivariate model, the strongest predictor of pain was dental anxiety [odds ratio (OR) = 4.98 (95% CI 1.42–17.44)] and LA use [OR = 2.79 (95% CI 1.39–5.61)]. Although the strongest predictor of postoperative pain on the next day was pain reported during the procedure [OR = 5.85 (95% CI 2.71–12.64)], LA remained a significant predictor of pain the day after the procedure [OR = 3.16 (95% CI 1.02–9.81)].

Conclusions

Dentists need to assess their patients both preoperatively for dental anxiety and intra‐operatively for signs of suboptimal local anaesthesia so as to effectively align patient management and clinical techniques to control dental anxiety and produce adequate anaesthesia.
Mast cell leukemia: identification of a new c‐Kit mutation, dup(501‐502), and response to masitinib, a c‐Kit tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Authors: Georgin‐Lavialle Sophie , Lhermitte Ludovic , Suarez Felipe , Yang Ying , Letard Sébastien , Hanssens Katia , Feger Frédéric , Renand Amédée , Brouze Chantal , Canioni Danielle , Asnafi Vahid , Chandesris Marie‐Olivia , Aouba Achille , Gineste Paul , Macintyre Elizabeth , Mansfield Colin D. , Moussy Alain , Lepelletier Yves , Dubreuil Patrice , Hermine Olivier
Published: February 2012

Objective:  Most patients with systemic mastocytosis bear mutations in the tyrosine kinase receptor gene c‐Kit. Limited treatment options exist for mast cell leukemia, a rare form of systemic mastocytosis associated with a dire prognosis. Our aim was to investigate c‐Kit mutations associated with mast cell leukemia and find new treatment for this severe form of mastocytosis.

Patient and methods:  We describe here a patient with mast cell leukemia characterized by 42% of circulating mast cells associated with a previously unidentified c‐Kit mutation in adult mastocytosis: dup(501‐502).

Main findings:  This patient was treated with masitinib, a novel c‐Kit tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with a dramatic response observed following 3 months of treatment, including clinical improvement, disappearance of circulating mast cells, and decrease in both serum histamine and tryptase levels. In vitro and ex vivo research was performed on the patient’s cells and revealed constitutive c‐Kit phosphorylation in mast cell leukemia.

Conclusions:  This case highlights the importance of sequencing all c‐Kit exons when the classical D816V c‐Kit mutation is not found, even in adults with SM. It also indicates that masitinib may be safe and effective for the treatment for some mast cell leukemia.
Long‐term management of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura using serial plasma ADAMTS13 measurements
Authors: Knovich Mary Ann , Farland Andrew , Owen John
Published: February 2012

Although significant advances in the understanding of TTP pathophysiology have been made in the last 15 yr, none have yet impacted the empiric treatment paradigm for this disease for which plasmapheresis is the mainstay. Laboratory assays for ADAMTS13 activity and inhibitors can be used to confirm a clinical diagnosis, but the assays are not routinely used to guide treatment. The routine availability of ADAMTS13 testing has allowed our group to tailor plasmapheresis and immunosuppressive therapy in patients under active treatment for TTP. In addition, the concept of establishing immune tolerance, similar to the eradication of a factor VIII inhibitor in patients with congenital or acquired hemophilia, has emerged as an important strategy to prevent early relapse of TTP. With the expected incorporation of recombinant ADAMTS13 into the treatment algorithm over the next several years, we anticipate that readily available ADAMTS13 testing will play an important role in individualized therapy that incorporates enzyme replacement and establishment of immune tolerance.
To Boldly and Safely Go: Biostatistics in Space
Authors: Ploutz-Snyder Robert
Published: February 2012

How can humans live and work in space? Ask one of NASA's biostatisticians. With the International Space Station, the prospect of a return to the moon and – who knows?– perhaps a manned voyage to Mars, ever-longer space missions must be planned for. Robert Ploutz-Snyder describes some of NASA's work to reduce the risk to astronauts.
Philip Woodward on Philip Woodward: Radar, Clocks and Coincidences
Authors: Woodward Philip
Published: February 2012

What happens when you Google your own name? We have all done it in moments of passing curiosity or vanity, and for most of us it produces little. But for Philip Woodward, statistician and editorial board member of this magazine, it turned up not just a namesake but a whole string of coincidences and another statistician – one whose life and achievements deserve to be chronicled here.
The new politics of male circumcision: HIV/AIDS, health law and social justice
Authors: Fox Marie , Thomson Michael
Published: February 2012

This paper engages with a changing politics of male circumcision. It suggests that various shifts which have occurred in how the issue is debated challenge legal constructions of the practice as a private familial issue. Although circumcision rates have declined in those Western nations which have traditionally practised it, the procedure is now being promoted as a medicalised response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Such initiatives propose a new biomedical rationale for the practice and have been difficult to confine to the African context or to adult bodies, prompting a resurgence of enthusiasm for neonatal male circumcision on the part of professional bodies in the USA and elsewhere. Although we have reservations about such public health policies, which we suggest downplay risks inherent in the procedure both for the individual and for the advancement of public health, we argue that such strategies have the potential to move debates about circumcision beyond the parameters of traditional ‘medical law’, with its focus on the doctor–patient nexus and the issue of who can validly consent to medical procedures. We suggest that, as with female genital cutting, male circumcision ought to be debated within a paradigm of social justice which gives adequate weighting to the interests of all affected parties (including women whose health may actually be compromised by the procedure) and which renders visible the socio-economic dimensions of the issue. In line with a social justice approach, we argue that public health initiatives must comply with international ethico-legal standards and be attentive to the emergence of an international human right to health. The shift in analytical frame that we propose has the potential not only to make us re-think our approach to the ethics and legality of male circumcision by challenging its construction as a familial decision but also to impact on the need for a broader conceptualisation of health law as rooted in social justice.
Psychache and Suicide Ideation among Men Who Are Homeless: A Test of Shneidman’s Model
Authors: Patterson Allisha A. , Holden Ronald R.
Published: February 2012

Suicide ideation among the homeless is 10 times more common than in the general population. Cognitive theories of depression and hopelessness propose to explain suicidality; however, as yet, none of these fully account for the phenomenon. Shneidman has suggested a theory of psychache or unbearable psychological pain to explain suicidality. This theory has found support among low‐risk populations but has not been extensively tested within a high‐risk population. The current research assessed the utility of psychache among men who are homeless (N = 97). In support of Shneidman’s theory, analyses revealed that psychache was a stronger predictor of suicide ideation than was depression, hopelessness, or life meaning.
Three Scales Assessing High School Students’ Attitudes and Perceived Norms About Seeking Adult Help for Distress and Suicide Concerns
Authors: Schmeelk‐Cone Karen , Pisani Anthony R. , Petrova Mariya , Wyman Peter A.
Published: February 2012

Validated measures that can be administered to school populations are needed to advance knowledge of help‐seeking processes and to evaluate suicide prevention programs that target help‐seeking. With 6,370 students from 22 high schools, we assessed the psychometric properties of three brief measures: Help‐Seeking Acceptability at School, Adult Help for Suicidal Youth, and Reject Codes of Silence. Internal consistency coefficients ranged from .64 to .84. In support of construct validity, lower scores on each scale were associated with more maladaptive coping norms; for each one unit increase on each scale, students were one third to one half as likely to report suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and elevated depression.
Effect of Alumina Source on the Rate of Melting Demonstrated with Nuclear Waste Glass Batch
Authors: Pierce David A. , Hrma Pavel , Marcial José , Riley Brian J. , Schweiger Michael J.
Published: February 2012

The selection of raw materials affects the rate of batch‐to‐glass conversion. In all‐electric melters, foam under the batch blanket limits the heat flux from the molten glass, thus slowing the rate of melting. Our study, in which we compare the melting behaviors of three batches formulated to vitrify high‐alumina high‐level waste, shows that a slowly dissolving refractory component can cause excessive foaming. Faster melting batches with gibbsite [Al(OH)3] or boehmite [AlO(OH)] as an alumina source produced substantially less foaming than a batch with corundum (Al2O3). Although gibbsite and boehmite dissolved below 500°C, corundum was still present in the batch up to 900°C; hence, the glass‐forming melt lacked alumina in the batch with corundum. The low viscosity of that batch caused the open pores to close prematurely at 660°C, trapping gases and expanding to foam. This would explain the literature‐reported slow melting rate of a batch with corundum, as compared to batches with gibbsite and boehmite.
Prevalence of gastric and duodenal ulceration in 691 nonsurviving foals (1995–2006)
Authors: ELFENBEIN J. R. , SANCHEZ L. C.
Published: February 2012

Reason for performing study:Gastric ulcer disease is reported to be a significant cause of morbidity in foals, but the prevalence of ulcers in this population has not recently been evaluated.

Objectives:To determine the prevalence of gastric and duodenal ulceration in nonsurviving foals, and the association of ulceration with the body system of primary diagnosis. Secondary objectives were to evaluate a potential association between age and ulcer prevalence and to evaluate the use of antacid medication in the neonatal hospital population during the study years.

Methods:Necropsy records were searched for all equine accessions from 1995 to 2006. Foals aged from one day to 6 months were included. Year, age, breed, sex, diagnosis and the presence of glandular, nonglandular and/or duodenal ulceration were recorded. Diagnoses were divided into groups based on the body system of primary diagnosis, with multiple diagnoses possible. A computerised database was searched for antacid treatment of all neonatal admissions.

Results:The overall prevalence of ulcers was 22%, with nonglandular ulcers predominating. Ulceration was significantly associated with gastrointestinal disease. There was no significant change in ulcer prevalence over time, although there was a significant decrease in the use of antacid medications in the later study years. Neonatal foals (<1 month) had a lower ulcer prevalence than older foals.

Conclusions:The prevalence of ulcers in foals, although low, has remained stable over time. Gastric or duodenal ulcers are associated with a primary diagnosis of gastrointestinal disease and are less prevalent in neonates.

Potential relevance:The prevalence of ulcers in nonsurviving foals is low. Foals with gastrointestinal disease are more likely to have ulcers than foals with other primary diagnoses, and older foals are more likely to have ulceration than neonates. The prevalence of ulceration did not appear to be related to hospital‐wide antacid medication use in neonates.
Factors influencing placental development and function in the mare
Authors: WILSHER S. , ALLEN W. R.
Published: February 2012

The development of the equine placenta involves a series of stage‐specific events which ensure that the fetus is nourished throughout its 11 months of gestation. Initially, placental exchange to the developing embryo is histotrophic, via the yolk sac but, as the allantochorion develops and microcotyledons form, haemotrophic nutrition plays the major role in sustaining the increasing demands of the growing fetus. This review describes the development of the allantochorionic placenta of the mare and discusses some of the factors that influence its growth, size and functions and, hence, its control of fetal growth and maturation.
Hospital treatment as a foal does not adversely affect future sales performance in Thoroughbred horses
Authors: CORLEY K. T. T. , CORLEY M. M. B.
Published: February 2012

Reasons for performing study:Many Thoroughbred foals are intended to be sold at public auction. The impact of disease conditions necessitating hospital treatment as a foal on future sales performance is unknown.

Objectives:To determine whether Thoroughbred horses that were treated in a hospital before age 125 days and presented to public auction sell for a different mean price than controls.

Methods:Foals aged <125 days, treated at a hospital in Ireland in 2007 or 2008 and presented for sale to a public auction recorded on a publicly accessible database were selected for inclusion in the study. The sales outcome of these subjects was compared to that of 6 controls for each subject, consisting of the 3 horses that were presented to the same sale immediately before and immediately after the subject. Results were controlled for the sale at which the animal presented and the sex of the subject and controls.

Results:Sixty‐three subjects were presented to public auction: 19 at the foal sales, 39 at the yearling sales and 5 at the 2‐year‐old sales. Forty‐five subjects were sold. There was no difference in the mean sales price (subjects €38,207; controls €35,026) or percentage of animals sold (subjects 71.4%; controls 66.4%) between subjects and controls.

Conclusions:If Thoroughbred horses are presented for public auction following hospital treatment as a foal, there is no impact on sales outcome.

Potential relevance:This information may help commercial breeders of Thoroughbred foals make informed decisions about treatment of their foals.
The importance of ultrasonographic pneumatosis intestinalis in equine neonatal gastrointestinal disease
Authors: NAVAS de SOLIS C. , PALMER J. E. , BOSTON R. C. , REEF V. B.
Published: February 2012

Reasons for performing study:Recognising the presence of a necrotising component of the gastrointestinal disease may be clinically useful in ill equine neonates.

Objectives:To study the importance of abdominal sonograms in neonatal foals suffering from gastrointestinal conditions and to describe the clinical features of necrotising gastrointestinal disease.

Hypothesis:There is a subgroup of neonates with sonographically detectable pneumatosis intestinalis (PI), reflecting a necrotising disease.

Methods:Records of foals aged ≤7 days hospitalised from 2005 to 2009 with signs of gastrointestinal disease were evaluated (n = 89). The association of sonographic, clinical and clinicopathological signs with necrotising gastrointestinal disease and outcome was determined.

Results:PI was imaged in 19 foals. Twenty‐seven foals were classified as having necrotising gastrointestinal disease based on the presence of gastrointestinal signs (colic, diarrhoea, gastric reflux or abdominal distension) and sonographic PI (n = 19), surgical (n = 2) or pathological (n = 6) evidence of gastrointestinal necrosis. There was a difference between survival rate in foals with and without necrotising disease (33.3 and 69.4%, respectively, P = 0.005) or foals with and without PI detected sonographically (36.8 and 72.1%, respectively, P = 0.023). PI was the only sonographic finding associated with outcome. Prematurity, the presence of blood in the faeces, gastric reflux, abdominal distension, abnormal echogenicity of the colon and the lowest white blood cell count during hospitalisation were associated with necrotising gastrointestinal disease (P<0.05).

Conclusions and potential relevance:Abdominal sonograms have prognostic value in neonatal gastrointestinal disease. PI and the presence of necrotising gastrointestinal disease were common and associated with a poor prognosis.
Comparing the pharmacokinetics of a fourth generation cephalosporin in three different age groups of New Forest ponies
Authors: SMIET E. , HARITOVA A. , HEIL B. A. , FINK‐GREMMELS J. , WIJNBERG I. D.
Published: February 2012

Reasons for performing study:To compare the pharmacokinetics of the fourth generation cephalosporin, cefquinome, in neonatal foals, 6‐week‐old foals and mature New Forest ponies in order to recommend appropriate dosage regimens for use of this drug.

Methods:Cefquinome was administered i.v. at 1 mg/kg bwt twice a day (q. 12 h), 1 mg/kg bwt 3 times a day (q. 8 h) or 4.5 mg/kg bwt q. 12 h to each age group (n = 6). Plasma cefquinome concentrations were analysed using high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry.

Results:Both foal age groups had comparable pharmacokinetic data except for the volume of distribution at a steady‐state (Vss), total body clearance (ClB) and mean residence time (MRT). Both ClBand MRT decreased as the age of the foals increased. Values of area under the curve increased, in a dose dependent manner, with significant increases for all age groups following administration of 4.5 mg/kg bwt q. 12 h. Total body clearance did not have comparable dose dependency.

Conclusions:Cefquinome can be given at a dose of 1 mg/kg bwt q. 12 h for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible pathogens with MIC<0.125 µg/ml. A higher dose of 4.5 mg/kg bwt q. 12 h is recommended for the treatment of bacterial pathogens with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) 0.125–0.5 µg/ml

Potential relevance:Commonly used dosing regimens should be critically evaluated in neonatal foals due to the higher volume of distribution of less lipophilic drugs in this age group.
Prostaglandins and the regulation of parturition in mares
Authors: OUSEY J. C. , FOWDEN A. L.
Published: February 2012

Prostaglandins play an essential role during the perinatal period in the mare. Prostaglandin concentrations are low for the majority of pregnancy due to the regulatory action of progestagens on those enzymes responsible for metabolism of prostaglandins. Towards term, prostaglandin concentrations gradually increase, closely associated with upregulation of the fetal hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenal axis, stimulation of the prostaglandin synthesising enzyme PGHS‐2 and changes in the ratio of progestagens and oestrogens. Recent evidence in the mare indicates that proinflammatory cytokines are key mediators of prostaglandin synthesis both at term parturition in healthy mares and at preterm parturition associated with placental infection. Prostaglandin concentrations rise substantially during active labour and decline after birth, associated with delivery of the placenta. During induced labour, prostaglandin concentrations are variable depending on the proximity to spontaneous parturition at term. Once the proinflammatory endocrine cascade is initiated, it is difficult to prevent active labour by administration of drugs that reduce prostaglandin concentrations in peripheral plasma. Further work is needed to establish the inter‐relationships between prostaglandin production and other endocrine changes associated with labour at term and preterm in the mare.
Self‐reported waist circumference: a screening tool for classifying children with overweight/obesity and cardiometabolic risk factor clustering
Authors: Chan N. P. T. , Choi K. C. , Nelson E. A. S. , Sung R. Y. T. , Chan J. C. N. , Kong A. P. S.
Published: February 2012

Objectives

The objectives of this study were twofold – (i) to assess the agreement between self‐reported waist circumference (SRWC) and assessor measured waist circumference (MWC) and (ii) to evaluate the diagnostic ability of SRWC for classifying (i) a clustering of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) and (ii) overweight/obese status in Hong Kong Chinese children aged 6–18 years.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study with cluster random sampling was conducted. A self‐administrated questionnaire, which included demographic data, body weight, body height and waist circumference, was given to children to bring home for completion. Children were asked to return the questionnaire and fast themselves for at least 8 h on the day of the survey. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were taken by trained research staff and fasting blood samples were collected for measurements of fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Results

A total of 515 boys and 711 girls were included in the data analysis. Agreement between SRWC and MWC was assessed by intra‐class correlation coefficient and it ranged from 0.77 to 0.87. The ability of sex‐specific SRWC values to classify children with a clustering of CMRFs and overweight/obesity exhibited moderately high to high sensitivity and specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristics ranged from acceptable to excellent (from 0.76 to 0.84).

Conclusions

SRWC has good agreement with MWC and could be used as a screening tool to classify children with a clustering of CMRFs and overweight/obesity status in Hong Kong Chinese children.
Association between socioeconomic status indicators and obesity in adolescent students in Botswana, an African country in rapid nutrition transition
Authors: Wrotniak B. H. , Malete L. , Maruapula S. D. , Jackson J. , Shaibu S. , Ratcliffe S. , Stettler N. , Compher C.
Published: February 2012

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine two separate socioeconomic status (SES) indicators of obesity in Botswana, an African country that has experienced rapid economic development and where the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome is high.

Methods

We conducted a nationally representative, cross‐sectional study of 707 adolescent secondary school students in Botswana. Measured height and weight were used to compute World Health Organization age‐ and sex‐specific body mass index z‐scores. SES was described by private vs. public school attendance and a survey of assets/facilities within the home.

Results

Overall, private school students and those with more assets had a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity than public school students (private: 27.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 20.4–34.5; public: 13.1%, 95% CI: 9.8–16.8) and those with fewer assets (more assets: 20.0%, 95% CI: 16.0–24.4; fewer assets: 11.2%, 95% CI: 6.6–16.9).

Conclusions

Public health interventions in developing countries may need to be targeted differently to low or high SES individuals in order to treat already high obesity rates in higher SES groups and to prevent the development of obesity in lower SES communities undergoing economic transition.
Serum protein N‐glycosylation in paediatric non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Blomme B. , Fitzpatrick E. , Quaglia A. , De Bruyne R. , Dhawan A. , Van Vlierberghe H.
Published: February 2012

Objective

We have previously shown the potential of glycomics to distinguish patients with steatosis from patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in an adult population. The pattern of disease in paediatric patients is distinct from adults. The objective of this study was to characterize the N
‐glycomic profile of children with varying degrees of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and identify potential biomarker profiles of disease.

Methods

Serum protein N‐glycosylation patterns of 51 paediatric NAFLD patients were assessed with deoxyribonucleic acid sequencer‐assisted fluorophore‐assisted capillary electrophoresis and compared with histology.

Results

Peak 1 (NGA2F) is the most significantly elevated N‐glycan in paediatric NASH patients with peak 5 (NA2) demonstrating the largest decrease. The logarithmically transformed ratio of peak 1 to peak 5 was −0.85 (standard deviation [SD] 0.22) in patients with steatosis and borderline NASH and −0.73 (SD 0.12) in NASH (P = 0.02). The biomarker correlated well with the amount of lobular inflammation with a consistent increase of marker score in ascending stage of lobular inflammation. There was also a trend in differentiating patients with significant fibrosis ≥F2; −0.74 (SD 0.13) from patients with no/minimal fibrosis <F2; −0.86 (SD 0.24), P = 0.06. Analysis of the N‐glycans on immunoglobulin G confirmed the undergalactosylation status typical for chronic inflammatory conditions.

Conclusions

This study is the first glycomic analysis performed in a paediatric NAFLD population. In agreement with the results obtained in adults, B cells play a dominant role in the N‐glycan alterations of paediatric NASH patients.
Energy Efficient Hydrodynamic Journal Bearings by Means of Closed-Loop Controlled Lubrication Flow
Authors: Albers A. , Nguyen H. T. , Burger W.
Published: February 2012

State of the art of hydrodynamic journal bearing lubrication is realized by a significant oversupply with lubricant, causing energy losses due to fluid film friction in the unloaded areas of the bearing. Reducing the lubricant flow however may lead to overheating or collapse of the load carrying fluid film, both resulting in a complete failure of the journal bearing. A new approach to safely reduce the lubricant flow is presented in this paper, by using a broadband piezoelectric acoustic emission sensor to detect ultrasonic structure-borne noise, usually caused by metal-to-metal contact at boundary conditions. The method of structure-borne noise analysis has proven to be suitable for detecting the occurrence of solid friction [1–4]. By combining structure-borne noise analysis with a closed loop control of a proportional flow control valve a condition dependent lubricant flow can be set. Thus lubricant friction in the bearing is reduced and additionally electrical energy in the peripheral devices, such as pumps can be saved.
Estimation of a Microscopic Wear for Two-Process Surfaces
Authors: Dunaevsky Valery Val
Published: February 2012

A method of a microscopic wear estimation which does not require measurement of the original surface texture and that was developed by the author for Gaussian surfaces is extended here to the non-Gaussian two-process surfaces.
1-Hexyl-3-Methylimidazolium Hexafluorophosphate as Oil Additive for the Lubrication of Steel-Steel Contacts and its Influence on the Running-In and Wear-In Periods
Authors: Gonzalez Rodriguez R. , Viesca Rodriguez J. L. , Hernandez Battez A. , Asedegbega E. , Higuera Garrido A. , Torres Perez A.
Published: February 2012

The effectiveness of ionic liquids as lubricants or additives has been recently studied for several tribological pairs: steel-steel, aluminium-steel and steel-titanium [1–2]. Likewise other materials used as engineering surfaces like nanocrystalline nickel coating [3], phosphor bronze [4], PVD coatings [5] and many others, have also been lubricated with ionic liquids in recent years. Most of these research studies are typically focused on the utilization of ionic liquids as neat lubricants. However, in economic terms, the use of ionic liquids as oil additives is more convenient because of its high cost.
Thermal Stability of Modified Perfluoropolyether Lubricants for Application in Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording
Authors: Rhew Jumin , Kim Hogap , Zheng Hao , Kang Ho-Jong , Talke Frank E.
Published: February 2012

Perfluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricants were chemically modified to maximize their thermal stability for application in heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR). Benzophenone (BP) was introduced to react with the hydroxyl end group in PFPE to act as a free radical stabilizer. Modification of the PFPE by benzophenone was confirmed by evaluation of the chemical shift and the area change of the hydroxyl peak in the 1H NMR spectra. The thermal stability of modified PFPE lubricants was studied using thermo-gravimetry. The improvement in the thermal stability was found to be a function of the amount of substituted hydroxyl groups in PFPE.