bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calcitonin ameliorates enhanced arterial contractility after chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve in rats
Authors: Yoshimura Takeshi , Ito Akitoshi , Saito Shin‐ya , Takeda Mineko , Kuriyama Hiroshi , Ishikawa Tomohisa
Published: March 2011

In addition to its regulatory effect on bone mass, calcitonin has been shown to relieve pain and alleviate peripheral circulatory disturbance in patients with Raynaud’s syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome. In the present study, we investigated whether calcitonin ameliorates diminished blood flow and enhanced arterial contraction in response to noradrenaline in chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in rats. Following surgically induced CCI, laser Doppler flowmetry studies showed a significant decrease in plantar skin blood flow of the ipsilateral hind paw compared to the contralateral side. A subcutaneous bolus injection of elcatonin (20 U/kg), a synthetic derivative of eel calcitonin, significantly improved decreased skin blood flow in the ipsilateral side. In vitro analysis of plantar arteries isolated from the ipsilateral hind paw 7–13 days after the CCI procedure showed higher sensitivity to noradrenaline than the plantar arteries from the contralateral side. Elcatonin (0.1–10 nm) significantly reduced noradrenaline‐induced contraction in the arteries of the ipsilateral side, whereas it had little effect on those of the contralateral side. These results suggest that calcitonin selectively ameliorates enhanced arterial contractility in CCI neuropathic rats, thus leading to its alleviating effect on peripheral circulatory disturbance.
The peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha agonist fenofibrate decreases airway reactivity to methacholine and increases endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation in mouse lung
Authors: Becker Julien , Delayre‐Orthez Carine , Frossard Nelly , Pons Françoise
Published: March 2011

In the present study, we have investigated the effect of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) agonist fenofibrate on airway reactivity and the role of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)/NO pathway in this effect. Airway reactivity to methacholine was assessed in C57BL/6 mice treated or not with fenofibrate by whole‐body plethysmography. In some experiments, animals were administered with the NOS inhibitor L‐NAME, one hour before airway reactivity measurement. Expression and phosphorylation of eNOS were evaluated in lung homogenates from fenofibrate and control animals using Western blotting. Fenofibrate dose and time dependently decreased airway reactivity to methacholine in mice. A statistically significant (P < 0.05) reduction was observed after a treatment of 10 days with a dose of 3 or 15 mg/day fenofibrate. Mice treated with fenofibrate and administered with l‐NAME exhibited similar reactivity to methacholine than vehicle‐treated mice administered with the NOS inhibitor, suggesting that NO mediates fenofibrate‐induced decrease in airway reactivity. eNOS levels remained unchanged in the lung from mice treated with fenofibrate, but phosphorylation of the enzyme at Ser‐1177 was increased by 118% (P < 0.05). Taken together, our data demonstrate that fenofibrate downregulates airway reactivity to methacholine in the mouse and suggest that this effect could involve an increase in NO generation through an enhanced eNOS phosphorylation.
Investigating the role of endogenous opioids and KATP channels in glycerol‐induced acute renal failure
Authors: Sauriyal Dharmraj Singh , Jaggi Amteshwar Singh , Singh Nirmal , Muthuraman Arunachalam
Published: March 2011

The present study was designed to investigate the possible role of endogenous opioids and KATP channels in glycerol‐induced acute renal failure (ARF) in rats. The rats were subjected to rhabdomyolytic ARF by single intramuscular injection of hypertonic glycerol (50% v/v; 8 mL/kg), and the animals were sacrificed after 24 h of glycerol injection. The plasma creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine clearance, and histopathological studies were performed to assess the degree of renal injury. Naltrexone (2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg s.c.), glibenclamide (5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg i.p.), and minoxidil (25 and 50 mg/kg) were employed to explore the role of endogenous opioids and KATP channels in rhabdomyolysis‐induced ARF. Pretreatment with naltrexone and glibenclamide attenuated hypertonic glycerol‐induced renal dysfunction in a dose‐dependent manner, suggesting the role of endogenous opioids and KATP channels in the pathogenesis of myoglobuniric renal failure. However, the simultaneous pretreatment with naltrexone (10 mg/kg s.c.) and glibenclamide (10 mg/kg i.p.) did not enhance the reno‐protective effects of individual drugs, suggesting that release of endogenous opioids and opening of KATP channels constitute a single pathway in acute renal injury triggered by hypertonic glycerol‐induced rhabdomyolysis. Furthermore, administration of minoxidil abolished the attenuating effects of naltrexone in glycerol‐induced renal failure, suggesting that opening of KATP channels is downstream to opioid receptor activation. It is concluded that hypertonic glycerol‐induced rhabdomyolysis may involve release of endogenous opioids that in turn modulate KATP channels to contribute in the pathogenesis of ARF.
THAT'S AMORE: brand names in the Italian food market
Authors: Zilg Antje
Published: March 2011

Brand name analysis is a very promising field in linguistics. This examination of the formal structure and the meaning of Italian brand names is based on a corpus comprising 950 units referring to the food industry. The utmost aim of this analysis is to draw up a typology that can serve as a model for the creation of further brand names. The inductive approach focuses on graphic, phonetic, morphologic, semantic, and lexical aspects. The investigation will reveal that far‐reaching results can be achieved when aspects of Applied Linguistics are dealt with in an interdisciplinary framework.

Für die linguistische Forschung gelten Markennamen als wesentliche Bereicherung. Die Untersuchung der Bildung und Bedeutung italienischer Markennamen basiert auf einem Korpus, das aus 950 Namen des Lebensmittelmarktes besteht. Das Ziel der Analyse besteht in der Erstellung einer Typologie, die Bildungsmodelle für die Kreation zukünftiger Namen enthält. Im Vordergrund der Untersuchung, die einem induktiven Ansatz folgt, stehen graphische, lautliche, morphologische, semantische und lexikalische Aspekte. Es wird deutlich, das weiterführende Ergebnisse erzielt werden können, wenn Aspekte der Angewandten Linguistik in einem interdisziplinären Rahmen behandelt werden.
Metalinguistic explanations and self‐reports as triangulation data for interpreting second language sociolinguistic performance
Authors: van Compernolle Rémi A. , Williams Lawrence
Published: March 2011

The study reported here explores the use of learners' metalinguistic explanations and self‐reports of variable language production as triangulation data for interpreting second language (L2) sociolinguistic performance, focusing on the variable retention versus omission of the negative morpheme ne. Our central argument is that performance data alone are not sufficient for evaluating how L2 learners perceive social and stylistic variation in the language they are studying. To this end, an analysis of data from a variety of sources is presented. The results illustrate how multiple data sources can provide a multidimensional view of sociolinguistic performance that is not necessarily revealed when performance data alone are considered as a single source of analysis.

Nous explorons l'utilisation d'explications métalinguistiques et d'auto‐rapports de production langagière variable d'apprenants en tant que données de triangulation pour l'interprétation de la performance sociolinguistique en langue seconde, tout en nous concentrant sur la rétention et l'omission du morphème de négation ne. Nous proposons que les données de performance ne sont pas suffisantes pour évaluer la compréhension de la variation sociale et stylistique de la part des étudiants dans la langue qu'ils apprennent. À cette fin, une analyse de données provenant de diverses sources est présentée. Les résultats montrent comment plusieurs sources de données peuvent fournir une perspective multidimensionnelle de la performance sociolinguistique, une perspective qui n'aurait pas été révélée si nous n'avions considéré que les données de performance.
Gifting, service, and performance: three eras in minority‐language media policy and practice
Authors: Pietikäinen Sari , Kelly‐Holmes Helen
Published: March 2011

Adapting Tom Ricento's (2006) three‐era framework in language policy to the case of the Sámi in Finland and Irish in the Republic of Ireland, we identify three key eras in the development of minority‐language media: the gifting era, the service era, and the performance era. Each era has its own particular logic and normativities in relation to the value and functions allocated to minority‐language media, the key actors involved in these media, and concepts of languages and speakers. Although we observe a chronology in the evolution of these eras, previous eras do not simply disappear with this evolution. We argue instead that they are embedded in any single moment of media engagement in relation to minority languages and with implications for speakers.

Soveltaen Tom Ricenton (2006) kolmen aikakauden viitekehystä, tarkastelemme tässä artikkelissa vähemmistökielisen median kehittymisen kolmea keskeistä aikakautta: lahjan aikakautta, palvelun aikakautta ja performanssin aikakautta. Tapaustutkimuksemme liittyvät saamenkieliseen mediaan Suomessa ja iirinkieliseen mediaan Irlannissa. Tuomme artikkelissamme esille, kuinka jokaisella aikakaudella on oma logiikkansa ja normatiivisuutensa, jotka organisoivat vähemmistökieliin liittyviä arvostuksia ja toiminnallisuutta, keskeisiä mediatoimijoita sekä käsityksiä kielistä ja niiden puhujista. Vaikka näiden aikakausien kehittymisessä voidaan huomata tiettyä kronologisuutta, aikaisemmat aikakaudet eivät yksinkertaisesti häviä tässä kehitysprosessissa. Jokainen aikakausi on mukana puhuttaessa median suhteesta vähemmistökieliin ja tällä puolestaan on vaikutuksia kielten puhujiin.
Accents of English as a lingua franca: a study of Finnish textbooks
Authors: Kopperoinen Anne
Published: March 2011

English as a lingua franca entails the ability to understand non‐native accents, and learners of English would therefore benefit from being exposed to accent variation during their schooling. The present study looks into two English textbook series used in Finnish upper secondary schools to see if they expose students to non‐native accents of English. The analysis is mainly quantitative (the amount of non‐native speech has been calculated) but also qualitative (the contexts where non‐native accents occur are briefly looked into). The results show that the majority of the audio material consists of native accents, while only 1 per cent in the first (Culture Café) and 3 per cent in the second textbook series (In Touch) are non‐native accents.

Kansainvälisen englannin (English as a lingua franca) tutkijat painottavat kykyä ymmärtää vierasperäisiä aksentteja, joten englannin kielen opiskelijoiden olisi hyödyllistä kuulla eri maiden aksentteja englannin tunneilla. Tutkimuksen tarkoituksena oli selvittää sisältävätkö kaksi lukion englannin oppikirjasarjaa vierasperäisiä aksentteja. Analyysi on pääosin kvantitatiivinen (vierasperäisten aksenttien määrä on laskettu), mutta myös kvalitatiivinen (vierasperäisten aksenttien konteksteja esitellään lyhyesti). Tutkimus osoitti, että suurin osa nauhoitetusta materiaalista on natiivien puhumaa englantia; ensimmäinen kirjasarja (Culture Café) sisältää vain 3 prosenttia ja toinen (In Touch) 1 prosentin vierasperäisiä aksentteja.
Long Deck Suspension Bridge Monitoring: The Vision System Calibration Problem
Authors: Santos C. A. , Costa C. O. , Batista J. P.
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Structural Health Monitoring is an emergent powerful diagnostic tool that can be used to identify and to prevent possible failures of the various components that comprise an infrastructure. In the particular case of a suspension bridge, the measurement of the vertical and transversal displacements plays an important role for its safety evaluation. Taking into account the restrictions usually found on these structures, an enhanced solution comprises a non‐contact vision‐based measurement system with dynamic response, accuracy and amplitude range well suited to the physical phenomenon to measure. The paper describes a methodology to perform the vision system calibration that can be carried out in‐situ, while the deck is moving, requiring little effort and a minimum set of information. Specifically, only a set of active targets fixed on the deck and the knowledge about the distances between them is required. Results related to the performance evaluation, obtained by numerical simulation and by real experiments with a reduced structure model, are presented and they show that, even in an environment severely affected by disturbance noise, it is possible to measure the vertical and transversal displacements with a standard accuracy better than 10 mm.
Public Investment and Fiscal Performance in the New EU Member States*
Authors: Hanousek Jan , Kočenda Evžen
Published: March 2011

In this paper, we analyse the dynamics of public investment and public finance in the new members of the European Union, and also how they were affected by changes in economic freedom and corruption. We find that improvements in economic freedom tend to be associated with increases in public investment, while reductions in corruption produce effects going in both directions. Similarly, we show that increases in public investment are often linked with decreases as well as increases in corruption. In terms of the public finances, we detect mostly improvements in debt when there is less economic regulation, while results for the deficit are less conclusive. On the other hand, improvements in the corruption environment are mostly associated with decreases in the deficit as well as debt. As a general rule that follows from our results, steps aimed at reducing corruption and the degree of economic regulation should lead towards improvements in the fiscal position of most of the new EU countries.
Shadow Wages for the EU Regions*
Authors: Del Bo Chiara , Fiorio Carlo , Florio Massimo
Published: March 2011

According to cost–benefit analysis theory, the shadow wage rate (SWR) is the social opportunity cost of labour. After reviewing earlier theoretical and empirical literature, we define the SWR under four labour market conditions: fairly socially efficient (FSE), quasi‐Keynesian unemployment (QKU), urban labour dualism (ULD) and rural labour dualism (RLD). We offer, for the first time, a short‐cut empirical estimation of the shadow wages for the European Union (EU) at the regional (NUTS2) level. Our estimated values are in the form of conversion factors, i.e. coefficients that translate actual observed real wages into shadow wages, as required by the evaluation of public investment projects under the Structural Funds of the EU. Our results are obtained with an empirical strategy that is easy to implement with aggregate regional data, differently from traditional micro‐data‐based approaches to the estimation of the SWR, which are costly, project specific and often difficult to apply because of lack of information.
Cost–Benefit Indicators and Transport Programming*
Authors: Quinet Emile
Published: March 2011

The methodology of investment appraisal through cost–benefit analysis has received a lot of attention in the economics literature. However, the major part of the work has focused on the evaluation of yearly benefits and their components. Most guidelines list some indicators, such as the internal rate of return, the net present value per euro spent or the first‐year benefit–cost ratio, but with no clear indication of how and in which cases they should be used. Building on the transport case, this paper aims to fill this gap. It recalls the teachings of economic analysis for project prioritisation, based on the principle of maximising the net present value. Through simulations, it examines how the various indicators perform, considering two situations, with and without budget constraints. It turns out that the various indicators perform roughly the same as long as the projects under comparison have similar benefit patterns over time, and using them does not induce losses that are too large, though the order of implementation is rather different from the optimal one. However, the indicators lead to huge under‐optimisations when the projects have different patterns. The conclusion is that rigorous programme optimisation should be preferred to the use of indicators, and would encourage a wider use of cost–benefit analysis, which is presently too often limited to checking projects one by one.
Abdominal Migraine: An Under‐Diagnosed Cause of Recurrent Abdominal Pain in Children
Authors: Carson Laura , Lewis Donald , Tsou Marc , McGuire Erin , Surran Brooke , Miller Crystal , Vu Thuy‐Anh
Published: March 2011

(Headache 2011;51:707‐712)

Objective.— Our objective was to demonstrate that, despite recognition by both the gastroenterology and headache communities, abdominal migraine (AM) is an under‐diagnosed cause of chronic, recurrent, abdominal pain in childhood in the USA.

Background.— Chronic, recurrent abdominal pain occurs in 9‐15% of all children and adolescents. After exclusion of anatomic, infectious, inflammatory, or other metabolic causes, “functional abdominal pain” is the most common diagnosis of chronic, idiopathic, abdominal pain in childhood. Functional abdominal pain is typically categorized into one, or a combination of, the following 4 groups: functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, AM, or functional abdominal pain syndrome.

International Classification of Headache Disorders—(ICHD‐2) defines AM as an idiopathic disorder characterized by attacks of midline, moderate to severe abdominal pain lasting 1‐72 hours with vasomotor symptoms, nausea and vomiting, and included AM among the “periodic syndromes of childhood that are precursors for migraine.” Rome III Gastroenterology criteria (2006) separately established diagnostic criteria and confirmed AM as a well‐defined cause of recurrent abdominal pain.

Methods.— Following institutional review board approval, a retrospective chart review was conducted on patients referred to an academic pediatric gastroenterology practice with the clinical complaint of recurrent abdominal pain. ICHD‐2 criteria were applied to identify the subset of children fulfilling criteria for AM. Demographics, diagnostic evaluation, treatment regimen and outcomes were collected.

Results.— From an initial cohort of 600 children (ages 1‐21 years; 59% females) with recurrent abdominal pain, 142 (24%) were excluded on the basis of their ultimate diagnosis. Of the 458 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 1824 total patient office visits were reviewed. Three hundred eighty‐eight (84.6%) did not meet criteria for AM, 20 (4.4%) met ICHD‐2 formal criteria for AM and another 50 (11%) had documentation lacking at least 1 criterion, but were otherwise consistent with AM (probable AM). During the observation period, no children seen in this gastroenterology practice had received a diagnosis of AM.

Conclusion.— Among children with chronic, idiopathic, recurrent abdominal pain, AM represents about 4‐15%. Given the spectrum of treatment modalities now available for pediatric migraine, increased awareness of cardinal features of AM by pediatricians and pediatric gastroenterologists may result in improved diagnostic accuracy and early institution of both acute and preventative migraine‐specific treatments.
Warfarin for Refractory Chronic Cluster Headache: A Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Hakim Sameh M.
Published: March 2011

(Headache2011;51:713‐725)

Objective.—To investigate the effect of low‐intensity anticoagulation with warfarin on chronic cluster headache refractory to pharmacological management.

Background.—Isolated case reports on induction of remission in patients with intractable chronic cluster headache upon institution of oral anticoagulant therapy do exist. Nonetheless, evidence from randomized controlled trials on the role of oral anticoagulants in cluster headache is lacking.

Methods.—Thirty‐four patients with refractory chronic cluster headache were randomized to receive warfarin or placebo for 12 weeks. Warfarin was administered to achieve an international normalized ratio between 1.5 and 1.9. After a washout period of 2 weeks, patients were crossed over from 1 treatment to the other. Status of cluster headache was assessed during both treatment periods. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of remission lasting ≥4 weeks.

Results.—Seventeen (50%) patients underwent remission for ≥4 weeks during the warfarin period vs 4 (11.8%) patients during the placebo period (P = .004). This was associated with absolute risk reduction of 0.38 (95% CI = 0.18‐0.58), and number needed to treat of 2.6 (95% CI = 1.7‐5.5). The Kaplan–Meier curves for occurrence of remission had a hazard ratio of 5.26 (95% CI = 2.13‐13.03,P = .0003). Frequency, duration, and intensity of cluster attacks were all significantly lower during treatment with warfarin (P < .01).

Conclusion.—In patients with refractory chronic cluster headache, low‐intensity anticoagulation with warfarin was associated with significantly higher incidence of remission and less impact of headache on patients' lives compared with placebo.
No Association Between Bipolar Disorder Risk Polymorphisms in ANK3 and CACNA1C and Common Migraine
Authors: Wöber‐Bingöl Çiçek , Tropeano Maria , Karwautz Andreas , Wagner Gudrun , Campos‐de‐Sousa Sara , Zesch Heidi E. , Kienbacher Christian , Natriashvili Sofia , Kanbur Incifer , Ray Munni , Wöber Christian , Collier David A.
Published: March 2011

(Headache 2011;51:713‐725)

Background.— Migraine and bipolar disorder are characterized by a high level of co‐morbidity, and a common familial–genetic basis has recently been hypothesized for the 2 disorders. Genome‐wide association studies have reported strong evidence of association between the polymorphisms rs10994336[T] in the ANK3 gene and rs1006737[A] in the CACNA1C gene and risk of bipolar disorder.

Objective.— The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis of a genetic linkage between migraine and bipolar disorder by investigating the familial transmission of the 2 bipolar disorder risk polymorphisms, in a sample of family trios with probands with childhood migraine, and unrelated controls.

Methods.— Our sample comprised 192 family trios, each with a proband with childhood migraine (137 migraine without aura, 44 migraine with aura) and 228 unrelated controls. The markers rs10994336 and rs1006737 were genotyped using a TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphism Genotyping Assay. The transmission disequilibrium test analysis for the family trios and the case–control analysis were performed using the program UNPHASED.

Results.— The allelic and genotypic transmission disequilibrium test analysis did not show any evidence of transmission distortion of the 2 markers in both migraine overall (rs10994336: OR = 1.61, P = .11; rs1006737: OR = 1.12, P = .49) and in the migraine without aura and migraine with aura subgroups. Likewise, the case–control analysis of alleles and genotypes frequencies did not show any evidence of association.

Conclusion.— In the present study, we did not find evidence for association between the bipolar disorder risk polymorphisms rs10994336 in the ANK3 gene and rs1006737 in the CACNA1C gene in migraine. However, as these are variants that have a small effect on the risk of bipolar disorder (OR < 1.5), we cannot exclude a similar small effect on migraine susceptibility with the present sample size.
Surgical Repair of a Complete Endocardial Cushion Defect in a Dog
Authors: Yamano Shigeki , Uechi Masami , Tanaka Katsuyuki , Hori Yasutomo , Ebisawa Takashi , Harada Kayoko , Mizukoshi Takahiro
Published: March 2011

Objective:To describe surgical repair of a complete endocardial cushion defect (ECD) in a dog.

Study Design:Clinical report.

Animal:A 5‐month‐old, 9.2 kg male Shetland sheepdog.

Methods:Echocardiographic examination revealed an ostium primum atrial septal defect (ASD), an inlet ventricular septal defect (VSD), mitral regurgitation (MR) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR), and a complete ECD was diagnosed. Surgical correction was performed using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) via right atriotomy. A polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) patch was secured along the margin of the inlet VSD using simple continuous suture, then the cleft in the septal mitral leaflet was sutured. Similarly, the cleft in the septal tricuspid leaflets was sutured. To complete inlet VSD closure, the VSD patch was secured to these sutured leaflets by simple continuous suture. Another PTFE patch was used to close the ostium primum ASD.

Result:After surgery, MR, TR, and interventricular shunting were decreased. The dog was alive 6 years and 5 months after the surgery with no evidence of an interventricular shunt, TR, or other clinical signs.

Conclusions:Complete ECD in a dog was corrected using a 2‐patch technique under CPB.
Lingual Arch Bar Application for Treatment of Rostral Mandibular Body Fractures in Cats
Authors: Çetinkaya Mehmet Alper , Yardimci Cenk , Kaya Umit
Published: March 2011

Objective: To describe a lingual arch bar technique for fixation of rostral mandibular body fractures and report outcome in 16 cats.

Study Design: Original study.

Animals: Cats (n=16) with rostral mandibular body fracture (10 bilateral, 6 unilateral) just caudal to the canine teeth.

Methods: Orthodontic wire (Dentaurum®; 0.9 mm) was used as a lingual arch bar by contouring it to the shape of the lingual side of the alveolar margin, and secured by circum‐mandibular wires passed interproximal to teeth. Stability of fixation, occlusion, tolerance to the lingual arch bar, degree of secondary gingivitis/periodontitis, and ability to eat were evaluated clinically, and fracture union was assessed radiographically.

Results: The lingual arch bar was well tolerated. Eleven cats without a feeding tube were able to eat within 24 hours. Time to fracture union and appliance removal ranged from 28 to 64 days (mean, 42.5 days). Malocclusion of the rostral part of the fracture occurred in 5 cats; however only 1 required correction.

Conclusions: Intraoral stabilization of rostral mandibular fractures using a lingual arch bar is a simple and effective method for the treatment of rostral mandibular fractures just caudal to the canine teeth.
Partial Ostectomy of the Dens to Correct Atlantoaxial Subluxation in a Pony
Authors: Cillán‐Garcia Eugenio , Taylor Sarah E. , Townsend Neil , Licka Theresia
Published: March 2011

Objective: To report a surgical technique that allows decompression and anatomic re‐alignment for management of subluxation of the atlantoaxial articulation.

Study Design: Clinical report.

Animals: Four‐year‐old Welsh Section B pony gelding.

Methods: Attempts at closed reduction of subluxation of the atlantoaxial articulation under general anesthesia were unsuccessful, so a ventral surgical approach allowing partial ostectomy of the dens of the axis was used to facilitate reduction.

Result: Recovery from surgery was uneventful and the pony remained comfortable without neurologic deficits. Both neck stiffness and ataxia resolved. Radiographic examination at 5 days and 6 months postoperatively showed normal anatomic position of the dens of the axis and stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint.

Conclusion: Partial ostectomy of the dens using a ventral approach can be used to facilitate reduction of atlantoaxial subluxation.
A Method for Computing the Damage Level Due to the Exposure to an Airborne Chemical with a Time‐Varying Concentration
Authors: Acquesta Alejandro D. , Sánchez Erica Yanina , Porta Andres , Jacovkis Pablo M.
Published: March 2011

The calculation of damage level due to the exposure to a toxic cloud is usually not included in most popular software, or it is included using techniques that do not take into account the variation in concentration over a period of time. In this work, a method is introduced for calculating the temporal evolution of the potential damage level and to obtain a more precise and descriptive estimation of this level. The proposed goal is:

to estimate the maximum and minimum damage level experienced by a population due to the exposure to an airborne chemical with a time‐varying concentration;

to be able to assess the damage level experienced in a progressive way, as the exposure to the airborne chemical occurs.

The method relies on transformations of time‐concentration pairs on a continuum of damage level curves based on the available guideline levels, obtaining maximum and minimum approximations of the expected damage level for any exposure duration. Consequently, applying this method to transport model output data and demographic information, damage evolution in relation to time and space can be predicted, as well as its effect on the local population, which enables the determination of threat zones. The comparison between the proposed method and the current (Spanish and ALOHA) ones showed that the former can offer a more precise estimation and a more descriptive approach of the potential damage level. This method can be used by atmospheric dispersion models to compute damage level and graphically display the regions exposed to each guideline level on area maps.
Phototherapy of mycosis fungoides
Authors: Trautinger Franz
Published: March 2011

Background/purpose: Among the primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas, mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common disease entity. Recently, an improved understanding of the pathology, clinical presentation, and prognosis of MF has lead to the development of new and practically useful classification and staging systems. In most patients, MF presents with patches and plaques and remains confined to the skin for years and decades, making it an ideal target for phototherapy. However, treatment schedules vary widely and this review describes the current knowledge about phototherapy of MF focusing mainly on narrow‐ and broadband UVB and 8‐methoxypsoralen plus UVA, its indications, practical aspects, and clinical outcome.

Methods: Review and summary of the pertinent literature.

Results and conclusions: Since 1976, when the first report on phototherapy for MF was published, sufficient evidence has accumulated to make narrowband UVB and PUVA safe and effective treatment options for early stages of the disease. In refractory cases or more advanced stages, combination of phototherapy with systemic treatments including mainly interferons and retinoids might be valuable. Additional research is required to further define the optimal treatment schedules and the role of maintenance.
Trichrome vitiligo in segmental type
Authors: Lee Dong‐Youn , Kim Cho‐Rok , Lee Joo‐Heung
Published: March 2011

Trichrome vitiligo consists of an intermediate zone of hypopigmentation located between the depigmentation center and the normal unaffected skin. Previously, trichrome vitiligo was described in non‐segmental vitiligo. Here, we report two cases of trichrome vitiligo that showed a poor response to phototherapy or systemic steroid. These findings suggest that trichrome vitiligo in segmental type seems to be an active lesion resistant to medical treatment.
Characterization of cutaneous photosensitivity in healthy volunteers receiving talaporfin sodium
Authors: Bromley Elizabeth , Briggs Brittany , Keltner Llew , Wang Sy‐Shi
Published: March 2011

Purpose: Historically, cutaneous photosensitivity has been the most common side effect of treatment with light‐activated drugs. Talaporfin sodium is a water soluble photosensitizer in commercial use and clinical development that is cleared from the body relatively rapidly. This trial was conducted to determine the period of skin photosensitivity in healthy subjects given talaporfin sodium and to determine the correlation between photosensitivity and plasma levels of talaporfin sodium.

Methods: Twenty healthy volunteers were dosed with 0.25–1.0 mg/kg talaporfin sodium and exposed at successive timepoints to a solar simulator applied to a small patch of skin on the back. Photosensitivity was assessed at these sites 24 h later. Duration of photosensitivity and correlation with plasma drug concentration were analyzed.

Results: Skin reactions were generally mild and were classified most commonly as asymptomatic erythema. Photosensitivity subsided in each subject between 1 and 3 weeks after dosing. Subjects no longer exhibited photosensitivity at plasma drug levels between 600 and 2900 ng/ml in each subject. Two subjects in the lowest dose group did not exhibit photosensitivity despite plasma drug levels as high as 4000 ng/ml.

Conclusions: These results indicate that a clinically effective dose of talaporfin sodium was well‐tolerated and that cutaneous photosensitivity was mild and resolved relatively rapidly.
Vaccination with photodynamic therapy‐treated macrophages induces highly suppressive T‐regulatory cells
Authors: Akilov Oleg E. , Wu Mei X. , Jin Yongzhu , Zhou Zhuoyan , Geskin Larisa J. , Falo Louis D. , Hasan Tayyaba
Published: March 2011

Background/purpose: The present study explores whether photodynamic therapy (PDT)‐induced apoptosis can increase the number of tolerogenic regulatory T cells (Treg) and limit collateral tissue damage.

Methods: BALB/c mice were vaccinated subcutaneously three times with PDT‐induced apoptotic or thaw‐frozen, necrotic non‐infected autologous macrophages (MΦ). Two weeks after the last vaccination, mice were infected intradermally with 106 promastigotes of Leishmania major.

Results: Mice that received PDT‐induced apoptotic MΦ had fewer parasites and higher numbers of Treg than mice vaccinated with thaw‐frozen necrotic MΦ or phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). Interleukin (IL)‐4 and IL‐6 were significantly suppressed, while IL‐10 was increased in mice that received the PDT‐induced apoptotic MΦ. The role of Treg in this process was confirmed through Treg transfer from vaccinated to naïve mice. Mice receiving CD4+CD25+ cells from mice vaccinated with PDT‐induced apoptotic MΦ showed smaller lesions 3 weeks after infection and lower parasitic burdens than mice that received Tregs from mice of thaw‐frozen necrotic MΦ or PBS groups. These changes were mediated by the depletion of CD3+CD8+ and NKT cells and increased levels of IL‐12p70 and interferon‐γ, IL‐10, and TGF‐β in the cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions.

Conclusion: Vaccination with apoptotic MΦ‐induced tolerogenic Treg cells that limited collateral tissue damage and diminished parasitic burden.
Incidence of adverse events associated with percutaneous muscular biopsy among healthy and diseased subjects
Authors: Neves, Jr M. , Barreto G. , Boobis L. , Harris R. , Roschel H. , Tricoli V. , Ugrinowitsch C. , Negrão C. , Gualano B.
Published: March 2011

The development of the percutaneous muscle biopsy technique is recognized as one of the most important scientific contributions in advancing our understanding of skeletal muscle physiology. However, a concern that this procedure may be associated with adverse events still exists. We reported the incidence of adverse outcomes associated with percutaneous muscle biopsy in healthy and diseased subjects. Medical records of 274 volunteers (496 muscle biopsies) were reviewed. This included 168 healthy subjects (330 muscle biopsies) as well as 106 chronically ill patients (166 muscle biopsies). This latter group encompassed patients with type II diabetes (n=28), osteoarthritis (n=39), inclusion body myositis (n=4), polymyositis (n=4), and chronic heart failure (n=31). The most common occurrences were pain (1.27%), erythema (1.27%), and ecchymosis (1.27%). Panic episode, bleeding, and edema were also reported (0.21%, 0.42%, and 0.84%, respectively), while infection, hematoma, inflammation, denervation, numbness, atrophy, and abnormal scarring were not verified. The percent of incidents did not differ between healthy and ill individuals. In conclusion, the incidence of complications associated with percutaneous muscle biopsy is scarce and of minor clinical relevance. Additionally, the rate of adverse events is comparable between healthy and chronically ill subjects.
How the ankle joint angle alters the antagonist and agonist torques during maximal efforts in dorsi‐ and plantar flexion
Authors: Billot M. , Simoneau E. M. , Ballay Y. , Van Hoecke J. , Martin A.
Published: March 2011

The aim of this study was to assess, via an EMG bio‐feedback method, the ankle joint angle effect on the agonist and antagonist torques in plantar‐ (PF) and dorsi‐flexion (DF). The isometric PF and DF maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) torques were measured simultaneously with surface EMG activity of triceps surae (TS) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles in 12 young adults (mean age 27) at five different ankle joint angles. Our results showed that: (i) The coactivation level does not properly reflect the mechanical effect of the antagonist muscle, (ii) TS antagonist torque significantly altered the DF MVC–angle relationship, whereas TA antagonist torque did not influence this MVC–angle relationship in PF. The alteration of the MVC with angular position was due, in part, to the coactivation phenomenon in DF, but not in PF. Thenceforth, when investigating the torque at the ankle joint, it is necessary to take into account both agonist and antagonist torque modifications with ankle joint angle.
Health and doping in elite‐level cycling
Authors: Lentillon‐Kaestner V. , Hagger M. S. , Hardcastle S.
Published: March 2011

The protection of the health of athletes is one of the three criteria taken into account when registering a substance in the World Anti‐Doping Agency prohibited list. Nevertheless, in elite‐level cycling, banned substance use is widespread. The present research adopted a psychological approach to examine how or whether perceived health risks influence elite‐level cyclists' decisions to use banned substances. Sixteen semi‐structured interviews were conducted with cyclists hoping to join a professional team (n=6), neo‐professional cyclists (n=2), and former professional cyclists (n=8). Although an evolution was observed in the organization of doping and perceptions of doping over the last decade, the perceived health hazards did not influence, most of the time, decisions to use banned substances among the sample of cyclists. There was a systematization of exogenous substance use in the cycling environment and a trivialization of the side effects of the banned substances. Finally, younger cyclists were not concerned about the long‐term health consequences of banned substances; they were more focused on the short‐term performance‐enhancing benefits. There is a need to implement more effective preventive programs to change athletes' attitudes toward doping and its health risks.
Value of β2‐Microglobulin in the Serum of Healthy Subjects Older Than 40 Years
Authors: Matoković Damir , Hašpl Miroslav , Petrić Petar , Škorvaga Sanja , Rajić Marijana Tomić
Published: March 2011

The aim of this research was to determine if the age of healthy subjects older than 40 years of age has an influence on the concentration of β2‐microglobulin in the serum of subjects of different populations. We examined the values of β2‐microglobulin in the serum of 51 healthy subjects aged 40–86 years using the microparticle enzyme immunoassay AxSYM β2‐microglobulin test. The reference values of β2‐microglobulin according to the nonparametric statistical method is 0.95–2.73 mg/L. A correlation was found between β2‐microglobulin and age: 40–50 years (0.94–1.54 mg/L), 51–65 years (0.96–2.62 mg/L), and >65 years (1.13–2.84 mg/L). There was no significant statistical difference of β2‐microglobulin between genders (P > 0.05); however, there was a statistically significant difference between the concentration of β2‐microglobulin and the subjects' age. (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient ρ = 0.66; P < 0.01). A direct correlation between age and the concentration of β2‐microglobulin was observed. This research is a contribution to determining reference values of β2‐microglobulin in subjects of different populations.
Farmers’ Concerns: A Qualitative Assessment to Plan Rural Medical Education
Authors: Anderson Brittney T. , Johnson Gwendolyn J. , Wheat John R. , Wofford Amina S. , Wiggins O. Sam , Downey Laura H.
Published: March 2011

Abstract  Context: Limited research suggests that translational approaches are needed to decrease the distance, physical and cultural, between farmers and health care.

Purpose: This study seeks to identify special concerns of farmers in Alabama and explore the need for a medical education program tailored to prepare physicians to address those concerns.

Methods: We conducted 2 focus groups with 20 farmers from diverse communities, backgrounds, and farming operations. The sessions were audio‐recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed for determined patterns.

Findings: The following categories were developed as areas of importance to farmers: the need for physicians to understand the culture of farming, occupational exposures in farming, and recommendations for improving the health of farmers.

Conclusion: Findings suggest that to adequately serve farmers, medical students interested in entering practice in rural areas should have or develop a relevant and adequate understanding of farming practices.
Adoption and Perceived Effectiveness of Financial Improvement Strategies in Critical Access Hospitals
Authors: Holmes George M. , Pink George H.
Published: March 2011

Purpose: To ascertain the use and perceived success of strategies to improve the financial performance of Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs).

Methods: Information about the use and perceived effectiveness of 44 specific strategies to improve financial performance was collected from an online survey of 291 CAH Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officers. Responses were merged with financial and operational characteristics of the respondents’ hospitals obtained from Medicare cost reports. Use rates and perceived success and failure were calculated for each strategy. A cluster analysis was applied to classify strategies based on their use and success. Finally, CAH characteristics were examined to predict the use of individual strategies.

Findings: Financial improvement strategies are pervasive among CAHs. The administrators who responded to the survey in this study reported using an average of 17.0 of the maximum 44 strategies listed in the survey questionnaire. Revenue/cost, human resource, and capital strategies were more frequently used than service expansion and reduction strategies. Overall, CAH characteristics did not explain the use or perceived success of specific strategies, but they did partially predict the number of strategies attempted.

Conclusions: CAH administrators have used multiple strategies to improve financial performance with a wide variety of reported success. More research into the effectiveness of specific interventions is needed to help administrators select evidence‐based strategies.
Scaling local abundance determinants in mediterranean dung beetles
Authors: NUMA CATHERINE , LOBO JORGE M. , VERDÚ JOSÉ R.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. 1. We study the factors that contribute to the variation in the local abundance of dung beetle species inhabiting Cabañeros National Park, a Mediterranean reserve in Central Spain. The relative roles of five different groups of explanatory variables (climatic, local‐scale vegetation, landscape‐scale vegetation, landscape connectivity and trophic resources) were assessed for 27 sampling sites established by a nested hierarchical sampling design that considered three regional landscapes (woodland, scrubland, grassland) and three local habitat types (forest, scrub, pasture) within each landscape.

2. Connectivity variables related to the spatial configuration of closed vegetation and distance to patches of open or closed vegetation were the best predictors of the species abundance. Precipitation was the most important climatic variable, whereas grassland area at the local‐ or landscape‐scale and woodland area at the landscape‐scale were the most important vegetation variables. Dung resources variables had the lowest explanatory ability.

3. More than 60% of the models explained more than 70% of the total variability. Observed and predicted abundance were highly and positively correlated and the mean percentage of absolute predictive errors was approximately 50%. Low‐abundance observations had higher predictive errors and model accuracies seemed to be lower for species with narrow distributional ranges and presence in a high number of sampling localities.

4. Mediterranean ecosystems contain a diverse assemblage of dung beetle species whose composition and abundance are influenced by a variety of factors operating across different spatial scales. The most important variables are the spatial configuration and the habitat connectivity around each locality.
Testing a new adaptive grid‐based shallow flow model for different types of flood simulations
Authors: Wang J.‐P. , Liang Q.
Published: March 2011

This work aims to test a robust numerical tool for modelling different types of floods, e.g. rapid‐varying dam breaks or slow‐evolving inundations. Based on a novel adaptive grid system, the model solves the 2D shallow water equations using a first‐order accurate Godunov‐type scheme to approximate the flood hydrodynamics. The grid dynamically adapts to local topographic features, moving wet–dry interfaces and other flow features. High‐resolution mesh is only generated to those areas of interests. Therefore, it facilitates the accurate prediction of flood fronts and routs and meanwhile maintains efficient simulation. Results are presented for an analytical case of surge reflecting from a standing wall, a laboratory‐scale rapidly varying dam‐break flow and a prototypical case of slowly evolving flood inundation in the 36 km2 floodplain at Thamesmead. To produce results with a similar resolution, the adaptive grid‐based model is found to be considerably more efficient than its uniform grid‐based counterpart.
Lectotypification of the nameEpipactis leptochila(Orchidaceae)
Authors: Pedersen Henrik Ærenlund
Published: March 2011

It is argued that an alleged lectotype of the nameEpipactis leptochila(designated in 1981) is actually a neotype, as the published plate in question did not appear in print until 14 years after the protologue. A herbarium specimen at BM represents original material that was used by Godfery when describing theE. leptochila, and in all probability the same is true for the original watercolour painting (now deposited at the Natural History Museum, London) from which the published plate was eventually reproduced. Therefore, a part of the herbarium specimen is designated as lectotype.