bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geriatrics Attitudes and Knowledge Among Surgical and Medical Subspecialty House Officers
Authors: Krain Lewis P. , Fitzgerald J. Thomas , Halter Jeffrey B. , Williams Brent C.
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVES: To examine geriatrics knowledge and attitudes of non‐primary care house officers (HOs) before and after a multidisciplinary faculty development program.

DESIGN: Serial cross‐sectional surveys.

PARTICIPANTS: HOs.

SETTING: A large midwestern academic medical center.

INTERVENTION: Faculty from seven surgical and six medical subspecialties participated in weekly seminars for 9 months and implemented geriatrics curricula in their HO programs.

MEASUREMENTS: HO geriatrics attitudes and knowledge were measured using the University of California at Los Angeles Geriatrics Attitudes Scale (GAS; 14 items), two scales of the Maxwell Sullivan test (Therapeutic Potential and Time/Energy; six items each; lower scores denote more‐favorable attitudes), and the Geriatrics Clinical Knowledge Assessment (20 multiple choice items; range 0–100%). Repeat surveys were administered in seven disciplines after geriatrics curriculum implementation.

RESULTS: Baseline (n=175) geriatrics attitudes were favorable (e.g., 3.7 for GAS; 2.1 for Time/Energy), with more‐favorable attitudes among medical subspecialty than surgical HOs (e.g., mean GAS 3.8 and 3.6, respectively; P=.001), and with advanced training. Mean baseline knowledge scores were 65.1% among all HOs. No differences in attitudes or knowledge were observed between the first (n=100) and second (n=90) cohorts in the seven disciplines that administered subsequent tests.

CONCLUSION: Geriatrics attitudes of non‐primary care HOs are positive, and knowledge is moderate, suggesting need for and potential effect of geriatrics curricula. Demonstrating effects on learner outcomes of faculty development programs may require more than one faculty member per discipline and measures that are curriculum‐specific and detailed rather than general and brief.
A Systematic Review of Satisfaction with Care at the End of Life
Authors: Dy Sydney Morss , Shugarman Lisa R. , Lorenz Karl A. , Mularski Richard A. , Lynn Joanne ,   for the RAND—Southern California Evidence‐Based Practice Center
Published: November 2007

The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature to better understand the conceptualization of satisfaction with end‐of‐life care and the effectiveness of palliative care interventions on this outcome. Data sources included Medline and the Database of Reviews of Effects. The review included relevant qualitative studies and intervention studies using satisfaction as an outcome from 1990 to 2005. Reviewing 24,423 citations yielded 21 relevant qualitative studies, four systematic reviews, and eight additional intervention studies. The qualitative literature described the domains of accessibility and coordination; competence, including symptom management; communication and education; emotional support and personalization of care; and support of patients' decision‐making. For collaboration and consultation interventions, eight of 13 studies showed a significant effect on satisfaction. A meta‐analysis found that palliative care and hospice teams improved satisfaction, although most studies did not include satisfaction as an outcome. For other types of interventions, only two of six showed a significant effect. For heart failure coordination of care, only seven of 32 studies addressed this as an outcome; two of the three that compared satisfaction between groups showed a significant difference. Evaluations used many different measures, only one of which was designed for the end of life. In conclusion, researchers have conceptualized satisfaction in palliative care, and different types of palliative care interventions can improve satisfaction, but it is often not included as an outcome. More focus on these satisfaction elements might improve the effectiveness of end‐of‐life interventions and their evaluation.
Twice‐daily plasma exchange for patients with refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: the experience of the Oklahoma Registry, 1989 through 2006
Authors: Nguyen Loan , Li Xiaoning , Duvall Deanna , Terrell Deirdra R. , Vesely Sara K. , George James N.
Published: November 2007

BACKGROUND: Twice‐daily plasma exchange has been used for patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) who are unresponsive to treatment with daily plasma exchange for many years but with no clear evidence of effectiveness.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The 18 years' experience of The Oklahoma TTP‐HUS (hemolytic‐uremic syndrome) Registry, 1989 through 2006, with twice‐daily plasma exchange for 31 episodes of TTP in 28 patients is reported. A definite response to twice‐daily plasma exchange was defined a priori as a platelet (PLT) count increase after twice‐daily plasma exchange on two separate occasions during the treatment of a single episode of TTP, with no change of other treatments. A possible response was defined as a PLT count increase after initiation of twice‐daily plasma exchange only once with or without change of other treatments.

RESULTS: A definite response to twice‐daily plasma exchange occurred in 3 episodes (three patients), 27 episodes had a possible response, and 1 episode had no response. The three patients with a definite response had ADAMTS13 activities of 5, 6, and 12 percent and all had an inhibitor; the patient with no response was subsequently determined to have Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

CONCLUSION: Twice‐daily plasma exchange was typically considered in acutely ill patients who had initially responded but then severe thrombocytopenia recurred, often with new neurologic abnormalities, while continuing daily plasma exchange. In three patients, twice‐daily plasma exchange appeared to be beneficial. In most patients, a benefit of twice‐daily plasma exchange could not be clearly documented because other treatments were initiated or intensified.
Erythroid urea transporter deficiency due to novel JKnull alleles
Authors: Wester Elisabet S. , Johnson Susan T. , Copeland Tama , Malde Ranjan , Lee Edmond , Storry Jill R. , Olsson Martin L.
Published: November 2007

BACKGROUND: The Kidd blood group antigens Jka and Jkb are encoded by the red blood cell (RBC) urea transporter gene. Homozygosity for silent JK alleles results in the rare Jk(a–b–) phenotype. To date, seven JKnull alleles have been identified, and of these, two are more frequent in the Polynesians and Finns. This study reports the identification of other JKnull alleles in Jk(a–b–) individuals of different ethnic or geographic origins.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Nine Jk(a–b–) samples and a sample from a Jk(a–b+) mother of a Jk(a+b–) baby were investigated. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequence analysis of the JK gene was performed. Western blotting and urea lysis were used to confirm Jk(a–b–) RBCs.

RESULTS: Four novel alleles were identified: two different nonsense mutations, 202C>T (Gln68Stop) and 723delA (Ile262Stop) were identified on otherwise consensus JK*1 and JK*2 alleles, respectively. A missense mutation, 956C>T (Thr319Met), was identified in a JK*1 allele from an African‐American and a JK*2 allele in two people of subcontinental Indian descent. Immunoblotting and urea lysis confirmed absence of JK glycoprotein in RBC membranes from a sample carrying the 956C>T mutation. Other previously described JKnull mutations were found in samples of origins other than in which they were first identified.

CONCLUSION: The molecular bases of the Jk(a–b–) phenotype are diverse and this is the first report of JKnull alleles in individuals of African and subcontinental Indian descent. Although rare, these alleles should be taken into consideration when planning genotyping strategies for blood donors and patients.
Monetary Policy and Stock Prices in an Open Economy
Authors: DI GIORGIO GIORGIO , NISTICÒ SALVATORE
Published: November 2007

This paper studies monetary policy in a two‐country model where agents can invest their wealth in both stock and bond markets. In our economy the foreign country hosts the only active equity market where also residents of the home country can trade stocks of listed foreign firms. We show that, in order to achieve price stability, the Central Banks in both countries should grant a dedicated response to movements in stock prices driven by relative productivity shocks. Determinacy of rational expectations equilibria and approximation of the Wicksellian interest rate policy by simple monetary policy rules are also investigated.
Yesterday's Bad Times Are Today's Good Old Times: Retail Price Changes Are More Frequent Today Than in the 1890s
Authors: KACKMEISTER ALAN
Published: November 2007

This paper documents differences in the nominal rigidity of retail prices across two 28‐month periods: 1889–91 and 1997–99. The most striking finding is that prices changed much less frequently in 1889–91. In the late‐1800s when price changes did occur they were smaller on average and more narrowly distributed with fewer small or large price changes. Further, price changes were more permanent 100‐plus years ago. These differences are consistent with a high occurrence of temporary price shocks and a higher cost of changing prices in 1889–91 than in 1997–99.
Structural Error Correction Models: A System Method for Linear Rational Expectations Models and an Application to an Exchange Rate Model
Authors: KIM JAEBEOM , OGAKI MASAO , YANG MINSEOK
Published: November 2007

This paper develops a system instrumental variable method to estimate the speed of adjustment coefficient in the long‐run equilibrium of structural error correction models for a class of linear rational expectations models. This method is applied to an exchange rate model with sticky prices, in which the speed of adjustment coefficient governs the half‐life of the real exchange rate. Compared to single equation methods, the system method gives smaller half‐life estimates with sharper standard errors.
Why Inside Money Matters
Authors: SISSOKO CAROLYN
Published: November 2007

This note observes that in a simple infinite horizon economy with heterogeneous endowments and a cash‐in‐advance constraint fiat money can be used to implement a Pareto optimum only with type‐specific taxation. By contrast, if credit contracts are enforceable, the same allocation can be reached in equilibrium without type specific policy. We argue that the advantages of inside money and the fact that they depend on the capacity of the economy to enforce the repayment of debt direct us toward the study of the institutional infrastructure underlying self‐enforcing inside money equilibria.
Morality Influences How People Apply the Ignorance of the Law Defense
Authors: Alter Adam L. , Kernochan Julia , Darley John M.
Published: November 2007

In four empirical studies, we showed that laypeople apply the ignorance of the law defense differently depending on the perceived morality of the defendant's course of conduct at the time of the illegal act. Moral and neutral defendants who pled ignorance of the law were afforded leniency, whereas immoral defendants were sentenced as though they were not ignorant, even when defendants in all three conditions violated identical laws. These findings suggest that laypeople adopt a just deserts approach to criminal law, which influences their responsiveness to a criminal defendant's claim to be ignorant of the law. We discuss the implications of these findings for criminal law and argue that legal doctrine should reflect laypeople's moral intuitions.
Labor Regulation, Corporate Governance, and Legal Origin: A Case of Institutional Complementarity?
Authors: Ahlering Beth , Deakin Simon
Published: November 2007

We explore the influential claim that “legal origin”—the historical origin of a given national legal system in the common law or civil law—accounts for a significant degree of cross-national diversity in economic regulation and development. We show that the claim is undermined by problems in index construction and by a misreading of the implications of the common law/civil law divide for the respective roles of courts and legislatures in law making. We argue that a critical factor, instead, was the timing of industrialization in relation to the emergence of legal institutions associated with the modern business enterprise (the employment relationship and the joint stock company). We also show how distinctive “legal cultures” of the common law and civil law have played a part in setting national systems on separate pathways to economic development.
Conducting Research on Counties in the 21st Century: A New Agenda and Database Considerations
Authors: Benton J. Edwin , Byers Jacqueline , Cigler Beverly A. , Klase Kenneth A. , Menzel Donald C. , Salant Tanis J. , Streib Gregory , Svara James H. , Waugh William L.
Published: November 2007

Given local, regional, national, and global events of the last few years and the ever‐increasing service roles and expectations of county governments, American counties warrant greater scholarly attention. To guide researchers, the research agenda published in this journal 15 years ago has been refined and expanded. This 11‐point agenda includes fiscal capacity and responsibility; the role of structure, politics, and political participation; intergovernmental relations and networking; professionalism; service delivery; environmental issues; population changes; managing conflict and promoting integration; terrorism and security; information technology; and economic development. In addition, five database concerns and needs that pose significant challenges to researchers are identified and presented for consideration.
Personnel Management: Politics, Administration, and a Passion for Anonymity
Authors: Stivers Camilla , Hummel Ralph P.
Published: November 2007

Personnel management is vitally important to the maintenance and preservation of the administrative state and its democratic institutions. This reaction critically examines the personnel recommendations made by Floyd W. Reeves and Paul T. David in their study Personnel Administration in the Federal Service. It questions the degree to which there is a coherent set of political and constitutional expectations marking the progress of personnel policy that might enable us to forecast the future, both theoretically and practically. The authors highlight how and why the field should pay greater attention to the political ends that our personnel theories serve.
The Continuity of Change: Public Budgeting and Finance Reforms over 70 Years
Authors: Posner Paul L.
Published: November 2007

Fiscal management in the national government remains just as important to public administration in 2007 as it was in 1937. Arthur E. Buck and Harvey C. Mansfield’s critique of the fragmentation among congressional, bureaucratic, and presidential interests in budgeting and accountability is a classic for those who argue for stronger presidential power and capacity within American government. This analysis draws the field’s attention to what we can learn about the politics of management reform from the successes and limitations of this landmark study—lessons that will serve the field well as it confronts new issues and reform agendas in the future.
Critical Reflections on Hamiltonian Perspectives on Rule‐Making and Legislative Proposal Initiatives by the Chief Executive
Authors: Newbold Stephanie P. , Rosenbloom David H.
Published: November 2007

Reflecting on James Hart and Edwin Witte’s analysis affords the field a rare opportunity to observe the complexities of a separation‐of‐powers system in action. In making their case, they underscored the importance of the president having a substantial supervisory role in the way administrative agencies write rules and propose legislative measures. As a result, they ignored Congress’s constitutional responsibility to supervise, regulate, and guide these areas of administrative law. Their highly controversial arguments not only provide the field with a broader understanding of the overall mission of the Brownlow Committee, but also we can see how they influenced the development of the administrative state.
Rationale and Design of ATHENA: A Placebo‐Controlled, Double‐Blind, Parallel Arm Trial to Assess the Efficacy of Dronedarone 400 mg Bid for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Hospitalization or Death from Any Cause in PatiENts with Atrial Fibrillation/Atrial Flutter
Authors: HOHNLOSER STEFAN H. , CONNOLLY STUART J. , CRIJNS HARRY J.G.M. , PAGE RICHARD L. , SEIZ WERNER , TORP‐PETERSEN CHRISTIAN
Published: November 2007

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly encountered clinical arrhythmia, predominantly affecting elderly patients. There is a continued need for new antiarrhythmic drugs to treat the ever‐increasing number of patients with this arrhythmia. Dronedarone is a new antiarrhythmic compound currently being developed for treatment of AF.

Methods: The ATHENA trial (A placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, parallel arm Trial to assess the efficacy of dronedarone 400 mg bid for the prevention of cardiovascular Hospitalization or death from any cause in patiENts with Atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter) is the largest single antiarrhythmic drug trial ever conducted. More than 4,600 patients with a history of AF or atrial flutter (AFL) have been randomized to receive dronedarone 400 mg bid or matching placebo. The primary study endpoint is time to first cardiovascular hospitalization or death from any cause. The study has completed patient enrollment in December 2006 and is expected to end follow‐up 1 year later.

Conclusion: ATHENA will be the largest efficacy and safety trial of dronedarone, a multichannel blocker compound with properties from class I, II, III, and IV antiarrhythmic drugs developed to treat patients with AF.
Life‐Threatening Left Atrial Wall Hematoma Secondary to a Pulmonary Vein Laceration: An Unusual Complication of Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: ECHAHIDI NAJMEDDINE , PHILIPPON FRANÇOIS , O'HARA GILLES , CHAMPAGNE JEAN
Published: November 2007

Background: Several complications may occur during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). We report an unusual case of left atrial wall hematoma without pericardial effusion secondary to a right inferior pulmonary vein (PV) laceration. The use of real‐time transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during the procedure can be useful for early detection of this potentially lethal complication.

Case report: A 49‐year‐old woman was referred for AF ablation. Her past medical history included severe systemic lupus with chronic renal failure treated with immunosuppressive and steroid drugs. A TEE‐guided hybrid approach for AF ablation was performed with circular PV lesions and antrum and ostial electrical isolation. While performing the mitral isthmus line, the TEE showed a growing hematoma at the posterior left atrial wall. Rapidly, left atrium (LA) collapse associated with hemodynamic compromise occurred without any pericardial effusion. The patient was brought to the operating room. No pericardial effusion was seen at the time of surgery. The cardiac exploration showed a right inferior PV laceration. The visual inspection of the LA revealed thin and friable tissue. The patient survived. After 25 months of follow‐up, she is still free from symptomatic AF.

Conclusions: Left atrial wall hematoma without pericardial effusion is a rare and life‐threatening complication after catheter‐based AF ablation. TEE is a valuable monitoring tool to accurately diagnose several acute complications and prompt rapid intervention.
The Morphology Changes in Limb Leads after Ablation of Verapamil‐Sensitive Idiopathic Left Ventricular Tachycardia and Their Correlation with Recurrence
Authors: YAO SHU‐YUAN , CHU JIAN‐MIN , FANG PI‐HUA , ZHANG KUI‐JUN , MA JIAN , ZHANG SHU
Published: November 2007

Objectives: This study was designed to explore the morphology changes in limb leads of ECGs after successful ablation of verapamil sensitive idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) and their correlation with tachycardia recurrence.

Methods: Between January 2001 and December 2006, 116 patients who underwent successful ablation of ILVT were included in the study. Twelve‐lead surface ECG recordings during sinus rhythm were obtained in all patients before and after ablation to compare morphology changes in limb leads.

Results: The ECG morphology changes after ablation were divided into two categories: one with new or deepening Q wave in inferior leads and/or disappearance of Q wave in leads I and aVL, and the other without change. The changes in any Lead II, III, or aVF after ablation occurred significantly more in patients without recurrence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) (P < 0.0001, 0.002, and 0.0001, respectively). The patients with recurrence of VT tended to have no ECG changes, compared with those without recurrence of VT (P = 0.009). The sensitivity of leads II, III, and aVF changes in predicting nonrecurrence VT were 66.7%, 78.7%, and 79.6%, specificity were 100%, 75%, and 87.5%, and nonrecurrence predictive value of 100%, 97.7%, and 98.9%, respectively. When inferior leads changes were combined, they could predict all nonrecurrence patients with 100% specificity.

Conclusions: Successful radiofrequency ablation of ILVT could result in morphology changes in limb leads of ECG, especially in inferior leads. The combined changes in inferior leads can be used as an effective endpoint in ablation of this ILVT.
Variability in Post‐Pacing Intervals Predicts Global Atrial Activation Pattern During Tachycardia
Authors: COLOMBOWALA ILYAS K. , MASSUMI ALI , RASEKH ABDI , SAEED MOHAMMAD , CHENG JIE , FAKHRI BITA , SHURAIH MOSSAAB , RAZAVI MEHDI
Published: November 2007

Introduction:
Knowledge of the global atrial activation pattern is critical to ablation of an atrial arrhythmia. We hypothesized that the variability in post‐pacing intervals (PPIs) with pacing at different cycle lengths (CLs) from the same pacing site, regardless of distance to the circuit, can be used to identify atrial activation patterns during tachycardia.

Methods and Results:
Consecutive patients referred for ablation of organized atrial arrhythmias were included (n = 28, 31 total tachycardias). The variability in PPIs (PPIV) was calculated by comparing the difference in PPIs after overdrive pacing with 5‐second trains 10, 20, and 30 ms shorter than the tachycardia cycle length (TCL). The global activation pattern was defined as circuitous (macroreentrant atrial circuit) or centrifugal (focal origin with centrifugal radiation) by electroanatomic mapping. Except for one case, all pacing was performed from the proximal coronary sinus bipole. Circuitous tachycardias (n = 17, all macro‐reentrant) exhibited minimal variability with pacing at 10 ms and 30 ms shorter than TCL (6.0 ± 2.5 ms), whereas centrifugal tachycardias (n = 14, 8 microreentrant) displayed a high degree of variability (56.5 ± 20.6 ms). Rank sum analysis of PPIV suggests that the two groups are indeed distinct (P < 0.001). Using PPIV cutoffs of ≤10 ms and ≥30 ms, circuitous and centrifugal activation patterns could be distinguished with a high degree of sensitivity (94% circuitous, 92.8% centrifugal) and 100% specificity.

Conclusions:
Our data support the use of PPIV to rapidly and accurately predict the global activation pattern during atrial arrhythmia.
Heritability of QT Interval: How Much Is Explained by Genes for Resting Heart Rate?
Authors: DALAGEORGOU CHRYSOULA , GE DONGLIANG , JAMSHIDI YALDA , NOLTE ILJA M. , RIESE HARRIËTTE , SAVELIEVA IRINA , CARTER NICHOLAS D. , SPECTOR TIM D. , SNIEDER HAROLD
Published: November 2007

Introduction:
Objective of this study was to determine the optimal (most heritable) phenotype for gene finding studies of QT interval in the general population. We also studied the extent to which heritability of QT interval can be explained by genes that also influence resting heart rate.

Methods and Results:
Subjects in this classic twin study were 105 monozygotic and 256 dizygotic female twin pairs (mean age: 49.9 ± 11.5). ECG parameters were measured electronically using the Cardiofax ECG‐9020. Quantitative genetic modeling was performed with Mx software. Best‐fitting univariate models showed significant heritabilities for resting heart rate (0.55, 95% CI: 0.44–0.65), uncorrected QT interval (0.60, 95% CI: 0.49–0.69), and the Framingham QTc interval (0.50, 95% CI: 0.39–0.60). Familial resemblance of Bazett's QTc was best explained by shared environmental factors (0.34, 95% CI: 0.24–0.43) rather than genes. Simultaneously modeling heart rate and the uncorrected QT interval confirmed considerable heritabilities of 56% and 60%, respectively. Forty‐four percent of the variance in QT interval was due to genes in common with heart rate, whereas 16% was due to genes specific to QT interval. The heritability of QT interval after the removal of effects shared with heart rate within the bivariate model (cf. QTc) was 51%.

Conclusion:
About a quarter of the QT interval heritability is due to genes specific for QT interval, while the majority is shared with genes for heart rate. Differences in QTc heritability estimates indicate that use of correction formulae is best avoided in gene finding studies to avoid erroneous results.
Factors Affecting Allocation of Scarce Medical Resources Across Life‐Threatening Medical Conditions
Authors: Furnham Adrian , Ariffin Alicia , McClelland Alastair
Published: November 2007

This study aimed to determine whether participants used different criteria to allocate scarce medical resources depending on the medical condition. Allocations of HIV antiretroviral treatment and heart‐transplant surgery were examined. Participants completed 2 questionnaires requiring them to prioritize 16 hypothetical patients. Demographic data on hypothetical patients varied on 4 dimensions: age, gender, sexual orientation, and promiscuity. There were significant main effects of age, sexual orientation, and promiscuity in both medical conditions. Young people were favored over old, heterosexuals over homosexuals, and monogamous over promiscuous patients. Stronger effects of sexual orientation and promiscuity were found in the HIV treatment condition. Participants used a more utilitarian approach in their allocation decisions and demonstrated prejudice against homosexuals and promiscuous patients.
Dimensions and Categories Underlying Thinking About College Student Types1
Authors: Ashmore Richard D. , Griffo Robert , Green Raymond , Moreno Amanda H.
Published: November 2007

Previous work on implicit personality theory and the college student culture suggests that thinking about college student types should include academic involvement and social involvement dimensions. Further, positive and negative social, positive academic, and oppositional clusters of types were predicted based on studies of high school crowds. Using 85 college student type labels as stimuli, a free‐sorting method coupled with multidimensional scaling and hierarchical clustering analyses provided support for these hypotheses. Also, the results suggest convergence in the cognitive structure underlying perception of college student types across major demographic categories.
Charring does not affect wood infestation by subterranean termites
Authors: Peterson C.J. , Gerard P.D. , Wagner T.L.
Published: November 2007

Fire is an important part of forest ecosystems, as is the insect fauna. Changes in wood brought about by fire may alter the ability of termites to use the wood, interrupting the decay cycle of woody debris. The ability of termites to find, infest, and feed upon wood after it had been charred was evaluated in the laboratory and field. Eastern subterranean termites, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), fed on char from burned wood had significantly reduced numbers of protozoa compared to termites fed on pine shavings, but significantly more than starved termites. The ability of termites to find and infest wood was not affected by surface charring. In a laboratory choice test, there were no significant differences in the onset of feeding by termites between charred and non‐charred wood boards. Likewise in the field, no differences were observed in the time to initial attack by termites on charred and non‐charred wood boards or bolts. Because termites will likely survive fires of low to moderate intensity, in most cases, there should be no disruption of the termite contribution to forest nutrient and carbon cycles.
A Prospective Multicenter Study Using Two Different Surgical Approaches in the Mandible with Turned Brånemark Implants: Conventional Loading Using Fixed Prostheses
Authors: Becktor Jonas P. , Isaksson Sten , Billström Camilla
Published: November 2007

Background:  The use of a submerged implant system in a nonsubmerged surgical procedure has been reported to have promising results. At the time this study was initiated, no prospective, comparative studies with randomization between submerged and nonsubmerged surgical techniques had been published.

Purpose:  To evaluate the submerged and nonsubmerged surgical techniques when treating mandibular edentulism using a submerged implant system, with regard to implant survival and complications.

Materials and Methods:  A total of 77 patients were included and treated at nine clinics in Sweden and Norway. In total, 404 Brånemark System implants (standard and MkII implants) were inserted in the edentulous mandible; 198 implants according to the nonsubmerged protocol and 206 implants according to the traditional submerged procedure. The follow‐up period was up to 36 months after prosthesis insertion.

Results:  In the nonsubmerged group, 17 implants out of 198 implants (8.6%) were lost and in the submerged group, 5 out of 206 implants (2.4%) were lost. All implant failures occurred before the delivery of the final prosthesis. No major complications were reported during the implant surgery. However, at the clinical check‐up postoperatively and at the abutment connection surgery, 6 patients in the nonsubmerged group complained of pain at the implant sites, whereas there were no complaints of pain in the submerged group.

Conclusions:  The results of this study suggest that a turned Brånemark implant designed for a submerged implant placement procedure can be used in a nonsubmerged procedure and may be as predictable as the conventional submerged approach.
Regulation of ΔNp63α by tumor necrosis factor‐α in epithelial homeostasis
Authors: Lee Hae‐ock , Lee Jung‐Hwa , Kim Tae‐You , Lee Hyunsook
Published: November 2007

A dominant negative form of p63, ΔNp63α, is critical for maintaining the proliferative potential of epidermal stem cells and progenitor cells. The expression of ΔNp63α also confers a selective advantage for cancer cell survival, underscoring the importance of ΔNp63α in both normal and neoplastic stratified epithelia. Regulation of ΔNp63α can be achieved at the transcriptional and post‐translational levels, the latter being greatly influenced by external stimuli such as UV irradiation. In this study, we have found that tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), a multifunctional cytokine that has been implicated in epidermal homeostasis during normal and pathophysiologic conditions, also triggers the degradation of ΔNp63α in immortalized keratinocytes and cervical cancer cells. Conversely, downregulation of ΔNp63α sensitized cancer cells to TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis, suggesting a counteractive interaction between TNF‐α and ΔNp63α in the regulation of epithelial cell death. The degradation of ΔNp63α by TNF‐α was delayed when cells were treated with nuclear factor‐κB inhibitors, whereas the induction of apoptosis by TNF‐α was accompanied by the dramatic upregulation of the proapoptotic gene Puma. These observations further elucidate the relationship between TNF‐α and ΔNp63α, two well‐known mediators of epidermal homeostasis, and further suggest crosstalk between the two molecules in normal and pathophysiologic epidermis.
Structure–function relationship of novel X4 HIV‐1 entry inhibitors – L‐ and D‐arginine peptide‐aminoglycoside conjugates
Authors: Hegde Ravi , Borkow Gadi , Berchanski Alexander , Lapidot Aviva
Published: November 2007

We present the design, synthesis, anti‐HIV‐1 and mode of action of neomycin and neamine conjugated at specific sites to arginine 6‐ and 9‐mers d‐ and l‐arginine peptides (APACs). The d‐APACs inhibit the infectivity of X4 HIV‐1 strains by one or two orders of magnitude more potently than their respective l‐APACs. d‐arginine conjugates exhibit significantly higher affinity towards CXC chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) than their l‐arginine analogs, as determined by their inhibition of monoclonal anti‐CXCR4 mAb 12G5 binding to cells and of stromal cell‐derived factor 1α (SDF‐1α)/CXCL12 induced cell migration. These results indicate that APACs inhibit X4 HIV‐1 cell entry by interacting with CXCR4 residues common to glycoprotein 120 and monoclonal anti‐CXCR4 mAb 12G5 binding. d‐APACs readily concentrate in the nucleus, whereas the l‐APACs do not. 9‐mer‐d‐arginine analogues are more efficient inhibitors than the 6‐mer‐d‐arginine conjugates and the neomycin‐d‐polymers are better inhibitors than their respective neamine conjugates. This and further structure–function studies of APACs may provide new target(s) and lead compound(s) of more potent HIV‐1 cell entry inhibitors.
Structure–function analysis of the filamentous actin binding domain of the neuronal scaffolding protein spinophilin
Authors: Schüler Herwig , Peti Wolfgang
Published: November 2007

Spinophilin, a neuronal scaffolding protein, is essential for synaptic transmission, and functions to target protein phosphatase‐1 to distinct subcellular locations in dendritic spines. It is vital for the regulation of dendritic spine formation and motility, and functions by regulating glutamatergic receptors and binding to filamentous actin. To investigate its role in regulating actin cytoskeletal structure, we initiated structural studies of the actin binding domain of spinophilin. We demonstrate that the spinophilin actin binding domain is intrinsically unstructured, and that, with increasing C‐terminal length, the domain shows augmented secondary structure content. Further characterization confirmed the previously known crosslinking activity and uncovered a novel filamentous actin pointed‐end capping activity. Both of these functions seem to be fully contained within residues 1–154 of spinophilin.
Using Efficient Model Based Sum‐Scores for Conducting Skills Diagnoses
Authors: Henson Robert , Templin Jonathan , Douglas Jeffrey
Published: November 2007

Consider test data, a specified set of dichotomous skills measured by the test, and an IRT cognitive diagnosis model (ICDM). Statistical estimation of the data set using the ICDM can provide examinee estimates of mastery for these skills, referred to generally as attributes. With such detailed information about each examinee, future instruction can be tailored specifically for each student, often referred to as formative assessment. However, use of such cognitive diagnosis models to estimate skills in classrooms can require computationally intensive and complicated statistical estimation algorithms, which can diminish the breadth of applications of attribute level diagnosis. We explore the use of sum‐scores (each attribute measured by a sum‐score) combined with estimated model‐based sum‐score mastery/nonmastery cutoffs as an easy‐to‐use and intuitive method to estimate attribute mastery in classrooms and other settings where simple skills diagnostic approaches are desirable. Using a simulation study of skills diagnosis test settings and assuming a test consisting of a model‐based calibrated set of items, correct classification rates (CCRs) are compared among four model‐based approaches for estimating attribute mastery, namely using full model‐based estimation and three different methods of computing sum‐scores (simple sum‐scores, complex sum‐scores, and weighted complex sum‐scores) combined with model‐based mastery sum‐score cutoffs. In summary, the results suggest that model‐based sum‐scores and mastery cutoffs can be used to estimate examinee attribute mastery with only moderate reductions in CCRs in comparison with the full model‐based estimation approach. Certain topics are mentioned that are currently being investigated, especially applications in classroom and textbook settings.
OXIDATION OF FATS AND OILS IN INSTANT NOODLES STORED UNDER VARIOUS CONDITIONS
Authors: GOTOH NAOHIRO , IWASAWA AI , WATANABE HIROYUKI , OSATO REIKO , WADA SHUN
Published: November 2007

Changes in the peroxide value (PV) in instant noodles stored under various conditions were carefully analyzed to examine the oxidation of fat and oils in instant noodles and to evaluate the importance of the maximal 30 mequiv/kg PV standard value in the Food Sanitation Law in Japan from a food safety point of view. The changes in PV in instant noodles stored at 40 to 60C gradually increased and then rapidly increased after exceeding approximately 30 mequiv/kg, regardless of the oxidation temperature. This finding indicates that the PV standard value is meaningful for suppressing the oxidation‐induced formation of toxic compounds. The relationships among PV, acid value (AV, amount of free fatty acid) and p‐anisidine value (AnV, amount of secondary oxidized products in the oil) in oxidized instant noodles were investigated. There was no significant relationship between PV and AV, and AV and AnV. In contrast, there was a significant relationship between PV and AnV. These results indicate that PV measurements are useful for predicting the formation of toxic compounds, particularly the secondary oxidized products of the oil, and measurements of both PV and AV are very important to accurately determine food deterioration level.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In this study, changes in peroxide value (PV) in oxidized instant noodles under various conditions were investigated. The results showed that a sudden increase in PV occurred after PV exceeded 30 mequiv/kg in instant noodles. The oxidized fats and oils are toxic. Thus, suppressing the formation of oxidized compounds from fats and oils in food is an important matter in terms of toxicity. Acid value (AV) is used as a factor for monitoring the degree of oxidation in instant noodles in the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CODEX); however, AV does not directly indicate the amount of oxidized compound. Therefore, PV, which is deeply related to the formation of oxidized product must also be used. The results obtained in this experiment propose that PV must be adopted as the standard factor in the evaluation of oxidation of instant noodles, in CODEX, and the upper limit will be determined as 30 mequiv/kg.
INFLUENCE OF STEARIDONIC ACID ON LIPOPROTEIN SECRETION AND FATTY ACID COMPOSITION IN HEPG2 CELLS
Authors: PARK YEONHWA , ALBRIGHT KAREN J. , STORKSON JAYNE M. , LIU WEI , PARK YOOHEON , PARIZA MICHAEL W.
Published: November 2007

The health benefits of ω‐3 fatty acids, particularly fish oils, are well known. It is generally recommended to obtain ω‐3 fatty acids from fatty fish; however, the possible contaminants in fish products may deter this. Thus, supplements of ω‐3 fatty acids from plant‐originated lipids may be of interest. Among these, α‐linolenic acid (ALA) and stearidonic acid (SDA) have drawn attention. Thus, the purpose of this research was to test the possible conversion of these fatty acids, particularly SDA, to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) using a human hepatoma cell line, HepG2 cells. In addition, even though ω‐3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce hyperlipidemia, the effects on lipoprotein metabolism are relatively inconsistent. Thus, we also tested ω‐3 fatty acids along with SDA on apolipoprotein A and B (apo A and B) secretion from this cell line. The results obtained suggest that both ALA and SDA were converted to EPA and they increased apo B secretion, while having no effect on apo A secretion, similar to the effects of EPA and docosahexaenoic acid. Thus, it may be concluded that SDA can be a possible candidate for use as a precursor for EPA and its effect on lipoproteins was similar to that of EPA.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study suggests the possible use of stearidonic and α‐linolenic acids from plant‐originated fat as precursors for eicosapentaenoic acid, promoting health benefits as alternatives for fish consumption.
MAINTAINING POSTHARVEST QUALITY OF THE TOMATO FRUIT BY EMPLOYING METHYL JASMONATE AND ETHANOL VAPOR TREATMENT
Authors: TZORTZAKIS NIKOS G. , ECONOMAKIS COSTAS D.
Published: November 2007

The postharvest quality of tomato fruit (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) was evaluated after treatment with natural volatile compounds (methyl jasmonate [MJ] or ethanol) and storage at 13C during or following vapor exposure. The fruit treated with natural volatiles did not differ on fruit decay during vapor exposure, but following exposure and transfer to ambient air, the fruit had less decay at storage temperature. Volatile‐treated fruit tended to maintain firmness during exposure, and the effects were significant for ethanol‐treated fruit, following storage to ambient air. Sugar (i.e., fructose and glucose) concentration was stimulated in ethanol‐treated fruit following exposure and transfer to ambient air. Ascorbic acid concentration was stimulated in MJ‐treated fruit during exposure and persisted (including ethanol treatment) following transfer to ambient air. Total phenolics declined during vapor exposure and increased for MJ‐treated fruit after transfer to ambient air. Lycopene concentration did not differ during MJ exposure but increased following volatile exposure. The fruit samples treated with vapors had accelerated percentage weight loss compared with untreated fruit during ripening but without commercial interest, whereas citric acid content did not differ among the treatments. The results suggest that MJ and ethanol vapor may improve fruit quality‐related attributes on top of the well‐documented antimicrobial protection during fresh produce storage and transit.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The data presented in this work suggest that the use of natural volatiles is an innovative and useful tool as an alternative to the use of synthetic fungicides or other sanitation techniques in storage/packaging. Vapor enrichment may reduce disease development with a major contribution to limiting the spread of the pathogen by lowering the spore load (spore production) in the storage/transit atmospheres as well as the use of natural volatiles as an alternative food preservative. In addition to these, the improvement of fruit quality observed in the present work is of great market importance. The effects of natural compounds on individual microorganisms (fungi and bacteria), both responsible for spoilage and foodborne pathogens, as well as the minimum concentration to gain effectiveness without affecting fresh produce quality and storage deserve further research.
CAROTENOID RETENTION AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF SELECTED VEGETABLES PREPARED BY INDUCTION STIR‐FRYING*
Authors: RAJAGOPAL LAKSHMAN , GIRAUD DAVID W. , HAMOUZ FAYRENE L. , DRISKELL JUDY A.
Published: November 2007

The effects of induction stir‐frying on carotenoid retention and sensory characteristics of selected vegetables (carrot, green spring onion, red pepper, snow pea, white spring onion and yellow pepper) were investigated. Cooking times ranged from 4 to 6 min, and cooking yields from 70.9 to 92.0%. The stir‐fried vegetables retained (w/w) more than 85% (mean) of each of their carotenoids (β‐carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, α‐carotene, β‐cryptoxanthin and lycopene). Over three‐quarters of the 78 consumer panelists reported liking extremely/liking very much or liking moderately/liking slightly the appearance, color, flavor, texture and overall acceptability of carrot, green spring onion, red pepper, snow pea and yellow pepper; whereas, half to three‐quarters reported similarly for white spring onion. Few differences in attribute responses were observed by gender. Induction stir‐fried vegetables had excellent carotenoid retention, and the consumer panelists indicated liking them slightly to extremely.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study indicates that vegetables that are cooked by induction stir‐frying retained (w/w) over 85% of their carotenoid content and had sensory characteristics that the consumer panelists liked. Perhaps individuals, specifically college students, might be inclined to consume more cooked vegetables if they liked the appearance, color, flavor, texture and overall acceptability of the vegetables. Consuming vegetables containing higher amounts of the carotenoids may also be beneficial.
VARIETAL AROMA COMPOUNDS OF VITIS VINIFERA CV. KHAMRI GROWN IN TUNISIA
Authors: SOUID IMEN , HASSENE ZEMNI , PALOMO EVA SÁNCHEZ , PÉREZ‐COELLO MARIA SOLIDAD , GHORBEL ABDELWAHED
Published: November 2007

The aroma composition of the grape juice of Khamri, a native variety of Vitis vinifera grown in Tunisia, was investigated for the first time. A total of 27 free and 20 glycosidically bound compounds were identified by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. According to the obtained results, the aroma compounds were C6 alcohols, benzene compounds, terpenes, acids and norisoprenoids. On the basis of gas chromatography‐olfactometry, these compounds were grouped, according to volatiles exhibiting the identical odor quality, into 10 groups of the same character (aromatic series) as a way of establishing an aroma profile for the studied variety. The high glycosidically bound norisoprenoid concentrations and the absence of the bound form of the acids were a positive factor for the Khamri variety potential aroma.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This article aimed on the identification of the unknown Tunisian grapevine varieties that are very well adapted to the arid conditions and that could have a good quality. The discovery of unknown autochthonous grapevine varieties with good aroma and pomological characteristics could be of great importance for the agriculture sector all over the world especially the arid regions.
PREVALENCE OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESIDUES IN MILK AND DAIRY PRODUCTS IN THE STATE OF KUWAIT
Authors: ALOMIRAH HUSAM , AL‐MAZEEDI HANI , AL‐ZENKI SAMEER , AL‐AATI TAREQ , Al‐OTAIBI JAMLA , AL‐BATEL MAHA , SIDHU JIWAN
Published: November 2007

Approximately, 1,000 locally produced and imported milk and dairy product samples were collected at different seasonal periods from different farms and retail outlets in Kuwait, and screened for the presence of four antimicrobial residues (beta‐lactams, tetracyclines sulfonamides and chloramphenicol) using Charm II system. Results indicated that 29.1% of the analyzed local fresh milk samples were above the maximum residue level (MRL) for tested residues with tetracycline as predominant residue. The prevalence of antimicrobial residues in imported pasteurized milk samples (5.4%) was higher than that of local pasteurized milk samples (3.4%). No residues were detected in powdered and condensed milk samples imported from the European Union (EU) countries with the exception of tetracyclines. Results also showed that 9.4% of the analyzed imported cheese samples were above the MRL for tested residues, while tested ice cream samples were negative for antimicrobial residues. The significant presence of antimicrobial residues, particularly chloramphenicol, in raw and pasteurized milk, clearly implies the misuse of antimicrobial drugs in animal farms in Kuwait and neighboring countries, and implies the need for stricter regulations on antimicrobial drug usage in the dairy industry.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This article addresses the generation of a baseline data on the current presence of four antimicrobial residues in locally produced and imported milk and dairy products in the state of Kuwait. The outcome of this study will provide valuable baseline information for local governmental authorities for effective monitoring for the use and misuse of agricultural antimicrobial drugs. Such data will also be important for other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, because such countries share similar farming practices and import comparable foodstuffs.