bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased circulating Th17 frequencies and serum IL‐22 levels in patients with acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis
Authors: Kabashima R , Sugita K , Sawada Y , Hino R , Nakamura M , Tokura Y
Published: June 2010

Background/Objective  Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a diffuse pustular disorder that usually begins in intertriginous folds with widespread erythema. The causes in the majority of the cases are drugs. T cells and interleukin (IL)‐8 play roles in the development of AGEP, but the mechanism remains to be elucidated. We investigated the involvement of Th17 cells and their cytokine IL‐22 in the pathogenesis.

Methods  Three patients with AGEP were enrolled in this study. The percentages of IL‐17+ Th17 cells, interferon γ+ T cells and IL‐4+ T cells were measured in the patients’ peripheral blood lymphocytes by intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry. The concentration of IL‐22 in the sera was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results  The percentages of Th17 cells were markedly higher in all three patients than healthy control individuals. The frequencies of interferon γ+ T cells were slightly high in the patients compared with the control, and there was no definite tendency in IL‐4+ T‐cell frequencies. The concentration of IL‐22 was remarkably high in all patients when compared with normal subjects with levels under detection.

Conclusion  Th17 cells and their produced cytokine IL‐22 were elevated in the peripheral blood of patients with AGEP. As IL‐17 and IL‐22 cooperatively stimulate keratinocytes to produce IL‐8, IL‐8 may contribute to the accumulation of neutrophils in the lesional epidermis of AGEP.
New insights into the relationship between suture closure and craniofacial dysmorphology in sagittal nonsyndromic craniosynostosis
Authors: Heuzé Yann , Boyadjiev Simeon A. , Marsh Jeffrey L. , Kane Alex A. , Cherkez Elijah , Boggan James E. , Richtsmeier Joan T.
Published: June 2010

Premature closure of the sagittal suture occurs as an isolated (nonsyndromic) birth defect or as a syndromic anomaly in combination with other congenital dysmorphologies. The genetic causes of sagittal nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (NSC) remain unknown. Although variation of the dysmorphic (scaphocephaly) skull shape of sagittal NSC cases has been acknowledged, this variation has not been quantitatively studied three‐dimensionally (3D). We have analyzed the computed tomography skull images of 43 infants (aged 0.9–9 months) with sagittal NSC using anatomical landmarks and semilandmarks to quantify and characterize the within‐sample phenotypic variation. Suture closure patterns were defined by dividing the sagittal suture into three sections (anterior, central, posterior) and coding each section as ‘closed’ or ‘fused’. Principal components analysis of the Procrustes shape coordinates representing the skull shape of 43 cases of NSC did not separate individuals by sex, chronological age, or dental stages of the deciduous maxillary first molar. However, analysis of suture closure pattern allowed separation of these data. The central section of the sagittal suture appears to be the first to fuse. Then, at least two different developmental paths towards complete fusion of the sagittal suture exist; either the anterior section or the posterior section is the second to fuse. Results indicate that according to the sequence of sagittal suture closure patterns, different craniofacial complex shapes are observed. The relationship between craniofacial shape and suture closure indicates not only which suture fused prematurely (in our case the sagittal suture), but also the pattern of the suture closure. Whether these patterns indicate differences in etiology cannot be determined with our data and requires analysis of longitudinal data, most appropriately of animal models where prenatal conditions can be monitored.
Survival with Rett syndrome: comparing Rett’s original sample with data from the Australian Rett Syndrome Database
Authors: FREILINGER MICHAEL , BEBBINGTON AMI , LANATOR INES , De KLERK NICK , DUNKLER DANIELA , SEIDL RAINER , LEONARD HELEN , RONEN GABRIEL M
Published: June 2010

Aim  Rett syndrome is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder that typically affects females. Little is known about the natural history and survival time of these females.

Method  We compared the survival of all Austrian female participants from Rett’s historical cohort (1966) with that of affected females registered in the Australian Rett Syndrome Database. The analysis included both Kaplan–Meier analysis and a log‐rank test for equality of survivor functions.

Results  Of females in the original Austrian group, three are still alive. The median age at death was 13 years 4.8 months. The probability of survival up to the age of 25 years was 21%, compared with 71% in the Australian cohort (p<0.001). We found no practical or statistically significant differences in survival between the various birth year groups within the Australian cohort.

Interpretation  Our data indicate that survival of females with Rett syndrome has improved since the late 1960s but that there has been shown no change in survival over the last 30 years, possibly because the follow‐up time has been too short.
Cerebral sinus venous thrombosis in Swiss children
Authors: GRUNT SEBASTIAN , WINGEIER KEVIN , WEHRLI EDITH , BOLTSHAUSER EUGEN , CAPONE ANDREA , FLUSS JOEL , GUBSER‐MERCATI DANIELLE , JEANNET PIERRE‐YVES , KELLER ELMAR , MARCOZ JEAN‐PIERRE , SCHMITT‐MECHELKE THOMAS , WEBER PETER , WEISSERT MARKUS , STEINLIN MAJA ,   for the Swiss Neuropaediatric Stroke Registry
Published: June 2010

Aim  To describe the characteristics of paediatric cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CSVT) in Switzerland.

Method  Data on clinical features, neuroimaging, risk factors, and treatment were collected for all children in Switzerland younger than 16 years of age who had CSVT between January 2000 and December 2008. A follow‐up examination and a cognitive assessment were performed (mean follow‐up period 26mo). Differences between neonates and children (patients older than 28d) were assessed and predictors of outcome were determined.

Results  Twenty‐one neonates (14 males, seven females; mean age 9d, SD 8d) and 44 children (30 males, 14 females; mean age 8y 7mo, SD 4y 5mo) were reported. The incidence of paediatric CSVT in Switzerland was 0.558 per 100 000 per year. In neonates, the deep venous system was more often involved and parenchymal injuries were more common. The strongest predictor of poor outcome was neonatal age (odds ratio 17.8, 95% confidence interval 0.847–372.353). Most children showed global cognitive abilities within the normal range, but impairments in single cognitive subdomains were frequent.

Interpretation  Paediatric CSVT is rare. Its outcome is poor in neonates. Most children have good neurological outcomes, but some patients have individual neuropsychological impairments.
Maternal uniparental isodisomy is responsible for serious molybdenum cofactor deficiency
Authors: GÜMÜŞ HAKAN , GHESQUIERE STIJN , PER HÜSEYIN , KONDOLOT MEDA , ICHIDA KIMIYOSHI , POYRAZOĞLU GAMZE , KUMANDAŞ SEFER , ENGELEN JOHN , DUNDAR MUNIS , ÇAĞLAYAN AHMET OKAY
Published: June 2010

Molybdenum cofactor (MoCo) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive inherited metabolic disorder resulting in the combined deficiency of aldehyde oxidase, xanthine dehydrogenase, and sulfite oxidase. We report a male infant with MoCo deficiency whose clinical findings consisted of microcephaly, intractable seizures soon after birth, feeding difficulties, and developmental delay. Sequencing of MOCS1, MOCS2, and GEPH genes, and single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping array analysis showed, to our knowledge, unusual inheritance of MoCo deficiency/maternal uniparental isodisomy for the first time in the literature. At 10 months of age, he now has microcephaly and developmental delay, and his seizures are controlled with phenobarbital, clonozepam, and vigabatrin therapy.
A mock terrorism application of the P300‐based concealed information test
Authors: Meixner John B. , Rosenfeld J. Peter
Published: June 2010

Previous studies examining the P300‐based concealed information test typically tested for mock crime or autobiographical details, but no studies have used this test in a counterterrorism scenario. Subjects in the present study covertly planned a mock terrorist attack on a major city. They were then given three separate blocks of concealed information testing, examining for knowledge of the location, method, and date of the planned terrorist attack, using the Complex Trial Protocol (Rosenfeld et al., 2008). With prior knowledge of the probe items, we detected 12/12 guilty subjects as having knowledge of the planned terrorist attack with no false positives among 12 innocent subjects. Additionally, we were able to identify 10/12 subjects and among them 20/30 crime‐related details with no false positives using restricted a priori knowledge of the crime details, suggesting that the protocol could potentially identify future terrorist activity.
N‐acetylcysteine‐induced headache in hospitalized patients with acute acetaminophen overdose
Authors: Zyoud Sa’ed H. , Awang Rahmat , Syed Sulaiman Syed Azhar , Al‐Jabi Samah W.
Published: June 2010

Intravenous N‐acetylcysteine (IV‐NAC) is usually regarded as a safe antidote to acetaminophen overdose. However, during infusion of the loading dose, adverse drug reactions such as a headache may occur. The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of headache in patients presenting to hospital after acetaminophen overdose and to determine which clinical findings are most predictive of headache among these patients. This is a retrospective cohort study of hospital admissions for acute acetaminophen overdose that was conducted over a period of 4 years from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2008. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and predictors of headache were analyzed. spss 15 was used for data analysis. Two‐hundred and fifty‐five patients were studied; their mean age was 23.1 ± 1.6; 83.9% of them were women and 14.9% had a headache during hospitalization. Headache among patients was significantly associated with IV‐NAC administration (P = 0.001), intentional ingestion of drug (P = 0.04), acetaminophen concentration above ‘possible toxicity’ treatment line (P = 0.04), a high acetaminophen concentration (P = 0.04), and a long hospital stay (P = 0.03). Multiple logistic regression showed a significant risk factor for headache in patients administered IV‐NAC (P = 0.04). We recorded a high frequency of headache in patients with acute acetaminophen overdose in our geographical area. This study suggests that among those patients, the use of IV‐NAC is associated with an increased risk of headache.
Gender‐specific aspects of treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in primary and secondary prevention
Authors: Lombardi Mariaelena , Mercuro Giuseppe , Fini Massimo , Rosano Giuseppe M.C.
Published: June 2010

In men, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) increase steadily by the age of 35 years and reach a plateau in the 7th decade of life, whereas in women few years after the menopause, from about 50 years, the incidence of cardio‐cerebro‐vascular diseases progressively increases, becoming the leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Because of the greater incidence of CVD in men until the early 1980s, the information on cardiovascular risk factors has been gathered mainly from men and then translated in women. But sex steroid milieu has a different impact on cardiovascular risk profile, as cardiovascular risk factors have a different importance in determining future cardiovascular events in the two sexes and therapeutic strategies have a different impact on reducing cardiovascular risk in the two sexes. Aim of this study is to review the gender‐specific aspects influencing the development of cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular preventative strategies both in primary and in secondary prevention.
Mechanisms of hypokalemia‐induced ventricular arrhythmogenicity
Authors: Osadchii Oleg E.
Published: June 2010

Hypokalemia is a common biochemical finding in cardiac patients and may represent a side effect of diuretic therapy or result from endogenous activation of renin–angiotensin system and high adrenergic tone. Hypokalemia is independent risk factor contributing to reduced survival of cardiac patients and increased incidence of arrhythmic death. Animal studies demonstrate that hypokalemia‐induced arrhythmogenicity is attributed to prolonged ventricular repolarization, slowed conduction, and abnormal pacemaker activity. The prolongation of ventricular repolarization in hypokalemic setting is caused by inhibition of outward potassium currents and often associated with increased propensity for early afterdepolarizations. Slowed conduction is attributed to membrane hyperpolarization and increased excitation threshold. Abnormal pacemaker activity is attributed to increased slope of diastolic depolarization in Purkinje fibers, as well as delayed afterdepolarizations caused by Ca2+overload secondary to inhibition of Na+–K+pump and stimulation of the reverse mode of the Na+–Ca2+exchange. Hypokalemia effect on repolarization is not uniform at distinct ventricular sites thereby contributing to amplified spatial repolarization gradients which promote unidirectional conduction block. In hypokalemic heart preparations, the prolongation of action potential may be associated with shortening of effective refractory period, thus increasing the propensity for ventricular re‐excitation over late phase of repolarization. Shortened refractoriness and slowed conduction contribute to reduced excitation wavelength thereby facilitating re‐entry. The interplay of triggering factors (early and delayed afterdepolarizations, oscillatory prepotentials in Purkinje fibers) and a favorable electrophysiological substrate (unidirectional conduction block, reduced excitation wavelength, increased critical interval for ventricular re‐excitation) may account for the mechanism of life‐threatening tachyarrhythmias in hypokalemic patients.
Role of catecholamine oxidation in sudden cardiac death
Authors: Dhalla Naranjan S. , Adameova Adriana , Kaur Meera
Published: June 2010

Although sudden cardiac death is a leading cause of mortality, the mechanisms for its pathogenesis are poorly understood. Because overactivation of sympathetic nervous system is invariably seen in subjects with high risk for sudden cardiac death, elevated levels of circulating catecholamine levels are considered to result in lethal ventricular arrhythmias and subsequent sudden cardiac death. Such arrhythmogenic effects of catecholamines are generally believed to occur by their actions on α‐adrenoceptors in coronary arteries for inducing coronary spasm and subsequent myocardial ischemia as well as on β‐adrenoceptors in cardiomyocytes for increasing the concentration of cyclic AMP excessively and producing defects in intracellular Ca2+‐handling. Experimental evidence from our laboratory has revealed that excessive amounts of circulating catecholamines are oxidized to aminochromes, which are highly reactive quinine compounds. The oxidation products of catecholamines have been demonstrated to produce subcellular alterations, intracellular Ca2+‐overload, coronary spasm, myocardial cell damage, depletion of high energy stores, and ventricular arrhythmias. In addition, oxyradicals, which are known to generate oxidative stress and produce cardiotoxic effects, including arrhythmias, are formed during the oxidation of catecholamines. Accordingly, it is proposed that oxidation of catecholamines and the generation of oxidative stress under stressful conditions may play a critical role in the genesis of ventricular arrhythmias that may result in sudden cardiac death.
Neuropharmacological effects of lipoic acid and ubiquinone on δ‐aminolevulinic dehydratase, Na+, K+‐ATPase, and Mg2+‐ATPase activities in rat hippocampus after pilocarpine‐induced seizures
Authors: de Freitas Rivelilson Mendes , Feng Dejiang , Jordán Joaquín
Published: June 2010

In this study, we investigated the effects of lipoic acid (LA) in the hippocampus oxidative stress caused by pilocarpine‐induced seizures in adult rats. Wistar rats were treated with 0.9% saline (i.p., control group), LA (10 mg/kg, i.p., LA group), ubiquinone [20 mg/kg, i.p., ubiquinone (UQ) group], pilocarpine (400 mg/kg, i.p., P400 group), and the association of LA (10 mg/kg, i.p.) plus pilocarpine (400 mg/kg, i.p.) or UQ (20 mg/kg, i.p.) plus pilocarpine (400 mg/kg, i.p.), 30 min before of administration of P400 (LA plus P400 group and UQ plus P400 group, respectively). After the treatments, all groups were observed for 1 h. The enzyme activities (δ‐aminolevulinic dehydratase (δ‐ALA‐D), Mg2+‐ATPase, and Na+, K+‐ATPase) were measured using spectrophotometric methods, and the results compared to values obtained from saline and pilocarpine‐treated animals. Protective effects of LA and UQ were also evaluated on the same parameters. We reported here for the first time that Na+, K+‐ATPase and δ‐ALA‐D activities inhibition and Mg2+‐ATPase stimulation in the pilocarpine model are probably attributed to the oxidative stress caused by seizures in the rat hippocampus. The addition of the antioxidants LA and UQ may reverses the previously mentioned Na+, K+‐ATPase and δ‐ALA‐D inhibitions and Mg2+‐ATPase stimulation. Conclusions: The oxidative stress plays an important signaling role in pilocarpine‐induced seizures, and antioxidant drugs might be considered as therapeutical tools in this pathology.
Effects of Mass Media Coverage on Timing and Annual Receipt of Influenza Vaccination among Medicare Elderly
Authors: Yoo Byung‐Kwang , Holland Margaret L. , Bhattacharya Jay , Phelps Charles E. , Szilagyi Peter G.
Published: June 2010

Objective. To measure the association between mass media coverage on flu‐related topics and influenza vaccination, regarding timing and annual vaccination rates, among the nationally representative community‐dwelling elderly.

Data Source. Years 1999, 2000, and 2001 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey.

Study Design. Cross‐sectional survival analyses during each of three influenza vaccination seasons between September 1999 and December 2001. The outcome variable was daily vaccine receipt. We measured daily media coverage by counting the number of television program transcripts and newspaper/wire service articles, including keywords of influenza/flu and vaccine/shot shortage/delay. All models' covariates included three types of media, vaccine supply, and regional/individual factors.

Principal Findings. Influenza‐related reports in all three media sources had a positive association with earlier vaccination timing and annual vaccination rate. Four television networks' reports had most consistent positive effects in all models, for example, shifting the mean vaccination timing earlier by 1.8–4.1 days (p<.001) or increasing the annual vaccination rate by 2.3–7.9 percentage points (p<.001). These effects tended to be greater when reported in a headline rather than in text only and if including additional keywords, for example, vaccine shortage/delay.

Conclusions. Timing and annual receipt of influenza vaccination appear to be influenced by media coverage, particularly by headlines and specific reports on shortage/delay.
A Randomized Trial Comparing Mail versus In‐Office Distribution of the CAHPS Clinician and Group Survey
Authors: Anastario Michael P. , Rodriguez Hector P. , Gallagher Patricia M. , Cleary Paul D. , Shaller Dale , Rogers William H. , Bogen Karen , Safran Dana Gelb
Published: June 2010

Objective. To assess the effect of survey distribution protocol (mail versus handout) on data quality and measurement of patient care experiences.

Data Sources/Study Setting. Multisite randomized trial of survey distribution protocols. Analytic sample included 2,477 patients of 15 clinicians at three practice sites in New York State.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods. Mail and handout distribution modes were alternated weekly at each site for 6 weeks.

Principal Findings. Handout protocols yielded an incomplete distribution rate (74 percent) and lower overall response rates (40 percent versus 58 percent) compared with mail. Handout distribution rates decreased over time and resulted in more favorable survey scores compared with mailed surveys. There were significant mode–physician interaction effects, indicating that data cannot simply be pooled and adjusted for mode.

Conclusions. In‐office survey distribution has the potential to bias measurement and comparison of physicians and sites on patient care experiences. Incomplete distribution rates observed in‐office, together with between‐office differences in distribution rates and declining rates over time suggest staff may be burdened by the process and selective in their choice of patients. Further testing with a larger physician and site sample is important to definitively establish the potential role for in‐office distribution in obtaining reliable, valid assessment of patient care experiences.
The Hospital Compare Mortality Model and the Volume–Outcome Relationship
Authors: Silber Jeffrey H. , Rosenbaum Paul R. , Brachet Tanguy J. , Ross Richard N. , Bressler Laura J. , Even‐Shoshan Orit , Lorch Scott A. , Volpp Kevin G.
Published: June 2010

Objective. We ask whether Medicare's Hospital Compare random effects model correctly assesses acute myocardial infarction (AMI) hospital mortality rates when there is a volume–outcome relationship.

Data Sources/Study Setting. Medicare claims on 208,157 AMI patients admitted in 3,629 acute care hospitals throughout the United States.

Study Design. We compared average‐adjusted mortality using logistic regression with average adjusted mortality based on the Hospital Compare random effects model. We then fit random effects models with the same patient variables as in Medicare's Hospital Compare mortality model but also included terms for hospital Medicare AMI volume and another model that additionally included other hospital characteristics.

Principal Findings. Hospital Compare's average adjusted mortality significantly underestimates average observed death rates in small volume hospitals. Placing hospital volume in the Hospital Compare model significantly improved predictions.

Conclusions. The Hospital Compare random effects model underestimates the typically poorer performance of low‐volume hospitals. Placing hospital volume in the Hospital Compare model, and possibly other important hospital characteristics, appears indicated when using a random effects model to predict outcomes. Care must be taken to insure the proper method of reporting such models, especially if hospital characteristics are included in the random effects model.
Original Study: Determination of normal intra‐abdominal pressure using urinary bladder catheterization in clinically healthy cats
Authors: Rader Rebecca A. , Johnson Justine A.
Published: June 2010

Objective
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To establish a reference interval for intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP) measured by urinary bladder catheterization in normal cats and determine if IAP is affected by observer variation, volume of saline instillation before measurement, or subject variables of gender, positioning, body condition score, and sedation.

Design
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Prospective experimental study.

Setting
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Private referral center.

Animals
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Twenty healthy adult cats.

Interventions
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Sedation with butorphanol, midazolam, and propofol for catheterization of the urinary bladder and measurement of IAP.

Measurements and Main Results
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A 5‐Fr red rubber urinary catheter was placed under sedation, and IAP was determined using a water manometer with the cats in right lateral and sternal recumbency. Three readings were taken in each position by 2 observers. The cats were allowed to recover with the urinary catheter in place, and IAP was measured in each cat while they were awake in right lateral and sternal recumbency.

Conclusions
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In this population of clinically healthy cats, median (interquartile range) IAP taken over all measurements was 7.00 cm H2O (5.23–8.83 cm H2O). There was no statistical difference between observers or subject gender. Factors associated with a statistically significant increase in IAP were right lateral compared with sternal recumbency (P=0.002), being awake compared with sedated (P<0.001), having a higher body condition score (P=0.01 and 0.001), instillation of a higher volume of saline into the bladder for measurement (P<0.001), and struggling during awake measurements (P<0.001).
Estimation of the dissociation rate of unlabelled ligand–receptor complexes by a ‘two‐step’ competition binding approach
Authors: Packeu A , Wennerberg M , Balendran A , Vauquelin G
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEBecause thein vivoeffectiveness of ligands may also be determined by the rate by which they dissociate from their target receptors, drug candidates are being increasingly screened for this kinetic property. The dissociation rate of unlabelled ligand–receptor complexes can be estimated indirectly from their ability to slow the association of subsequently added radioligand molecules.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHWe used the ‘two‐step competition’ binding approach consisting of pre‐incubating the receptor preparation with a wide range of ligand concentrations, washing off free ligand molecules, adding radioligand and monitoring its receptor binding after a fixed time. Based on the rationale that binding of both ligands is mutually exclusive and that they bind according to the law of mass action to a single class of sites, the unlabelled ligand's disociation rate can be estimated from the upward shift that the competition curve experiences after washing.

KEY RESULTSThe relevance of the ‘two‐step competition’ approach was explored by computer simulations and by comparing the dissociation behaviour of unlabelled D2dopamine and CB1cannabinoid receptor antagonists in this and alternative approaches. Besides providing satisfactory estimations of dissociation rates, the method also detects the ability of the unlabelled ligand molecules to be released from ‘sinks’ such as the cell membrane.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSAs the ‘two‐step competition’ requires rapid intermediate washing steps and needs radioligand binding to be measured at only one time point, this approach is particularly suited for binding studies on intact plated cells.

LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed section on Analytical Receptor Pharmacology in Drug Discovery. To view the other articles in this section visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2010.161.issue‐6
Control of vascular tone by purines and pyrimidines
Authors: Burnstock Geoffrey
Published: June 2010

In this Commentary, the roles of uridine adenosine tetraphosphate as an endothelium‐derived contracting or relaxing factor described in the paper by Tölle et al. are considered and put into the wider context of the mechanisms of control of vascular tone by purinergic signalling via receptors located on both smooth muscle and endothelial cells.
Regional Myocardial Function in Children with Chronic Aortic Regurgitation
Authors: Goebel Björn , Poerner Tudor , Gorenflo Matthias , Lauten Alexander , Jung Christian , Grohmann Jochen , Figulla Hans , Arnold Raoul
Published: June 2010

Aim: To determine the influence of volume overload on regional myocardial function in children with aortic regurgitation (AR) using tissue Doppler echocardiography and strain rate imaging (TDE/SRI). Methods: Thirty children with AR (median age 14 years (range 3–28 years)) were divided into three groups: mild (n = 6), moderate (n = 15), and severe AR (n = 9). Patients and 30 matched healthy controls underwent echocardiography with TDE/SRI. Cineloops were acquired from parasternal long‐ and short‐axis and from apical four‐ and two‐chamber views. The following parameters were extracted: peak systolic (VS) and diastolic (VE) velocities, peak systolic strain (S), peak systolic (SRS), and early diastolic strain rate (SRE). To quantify longitudinal LV function, VS and VE were obtained as peak values in the basal segments, whereas S, SRS, and SRE were expressed as mean values between basal and midwall segments. Results: Compared to the control group, patients showed a significant reduction in VE in the longitudinal direction (−91 ± 30 mm/sec for patients vs. 119 ± 20 mm/sec for control group). In patients with severe AR, longitudinal SRE was significantly reduced. On the other hand, we noted no differences between patients and controls with regard to S and SRS values. Conclusion: Children with AR presented with significantly reduced longitudinal diastolic function (VE). Severe AR leads to a decrease in diastolic myocardial deformation (SRE). Due to the short duration of AR in this group of patients, systolic function (SRS) is still preserved. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1021‐1027)
Local Food, Local Engagement: Community‐Supported Agriculture in Eastern Iowa
Authors: Janssen Brandi
Published: June 2010

This paper examines some of the daily realities of operating a Community‐Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm in eastern Iowa and addresses the concept of community among growers. Popular depictions of local foods systems often emphasize the close relationships that develop between producers and consumers. This picture, however, may gloss over the necessary complexities of a healthy local food system. CSA has been promoted as a direct marketing strategy for small‐scale growers and touted as a way of developing positive relationships between producers and consumers. Nevertheless, it is also important to understand that successful CSA initiatives are often reliant on a broad network of support that includes more than just growers and eaters. Ethnographic descriptions of CSA farms presented here show how involvement by media and other organizations contribute to successful CSAs as well as an overall concept of “civic agriculture.” These descriptions also show that access to affordable, reliable labor tends to be among the greatest challenges for CSA growers.
The Changing Face of Community‐Supported Agriculture
Authors: Lang K. Brandon
Published: June 2010

Community‐supported agriculture (CSA) establishes a direct connection between producers and consumers of locally grown produce. Members typically pay a seasonal fee in advance of the growing season in return for weekly shares of produce throughout the course of the growing season. This paper is based upon survey and interview data collected among members of From the Ground Up, a CSA located in Maryland. The main purpose of this paper is to answer two major research questions. “How has From the Ground Up CSA evolved?” and “Why have these changes occurred?”
Archeological Evidence for Dietary Use of Bigfoot Leopard Frog (Lithobates megapoda) in Postclassic and Colonial Central Mexico
Authors: Porcasi Judith F.
Published: June 2010

Analysis of archaeofaunal remains recovered from several geographically and culturally linked postclassic sites in the Laguna de Magdalena Basin, Jalisco, Mexico, reveals that indigenous agrarian people of this area incorporated substantial quantities of the robust bigfoot leopard frog (Lithobates megapoda) (Taylor 1942) in their diet during both prehispanic and colonial occupations. Even though residents of this area combined hunting and fishing with cultivation of both native and colonially introduced flora and fauna, more frog remains were recovered than any other small species. Furthermore, it appears that exploitation of the frog was most intensive during the colonial occupation. As in modern cuisine, the hindlimbs were the preferred portion. Mortuary frog effigies suggest that the frog may also have had iconic value.
Clinical evaluation of particulate allogeneic with and without autogenous bone grafts and resorbable collagen membranes for bone augmentation of atrophic alveolar ridges
Authors: Beitlitum Ilan , Artzi Zvi , Nemcovsky Carlos E.
Published: June 2010

Objectives: The evaluate the clinical outcome of bone augmentation with the use of particulate mineralized freeze‐dried bone allograft (FDBA) with or without the addition of autogeneous bone chips, applied in a bi‐layered (BL) technique, covered by a resorbable cross‐linked collagen membrane.

Material and methods: Fifty patients presenting with a vertical and/or lateral ridge deficiency of at least 3 mm were included: Group FDBA, N=27 patients, particulate FDBA was the only graft; and Group BL, N=23 patients, a BL bone grafting procedure where autogenous bone chips were the inner layer and FDBA the outer. Bone graft was covered with a ribose cross‐linked collagen barrier membrane. Ridge dimensions were clinically or radiographically (computerized tomography scan) measured at the time of the bone augmentation procedure and at implant placement or uncovering and the maximum linear vertical or horizontal calcified tissue gain was calculated. Statistical analysis consisted of linear regression analysis, with maximum bone gain being the dependent variable.

Results: In the FDBA group, mean vertical bone gain was 3.47 mm (SD 1.25) and the horizontal, 5 mm (SD 1.28), while in the BL values were 3.5 mm (SD 1.2) and 3.6 mm (SD 1.72), respectively. Addition of autogenous bone does not appear to statistically significantly enhance the results. Spontaneous membrane exposure occurred in 24% of the cases and was the only variant that significantly influenced results (P<0.001).

Conclusions: Large vertical and/or horizontal ridge deficiencies may be treated with FDBA and ribose cross‐linked collagen barrier membranes with good clinical outcome. No added effect of the application of a layer of autogenous bone in these bone augmentation procedures could be demonstrated.

Spontaneous membrane exposure was the only parameter to affect the degree of new calcified tissue formation.

To cite this article:
 Beitlitum I, Artzi Z, Nemcovsky CE. Clinical evaluation of particulate allogeneic with and without autogenous bone grafts and resorbable collagen membranes for bone augmentation of atrophic alveolar ridges. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 1242–1250. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.01936.x
Neuro‐developmental outcome and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor level in relation to feeding practice in early infancy
Authors: Nassar May Fouad , Younis Neveen Tawakol , El‐Arab Soha Ezz , Fawzi Fatma Asaad
Published: June 2010

This study was designed to assess brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a possible candidate for enhanced cognition in breastfed infants. The study was conducted on 42 infants, 4–6 months old, who were classified according to their feeding pattern into breastfed group, formula‐fed group and mixed‐feeding group. Each infant was subjected to history taking, clinical examination, estimation of the level of BDNF by Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique and assessment by Bayley scale of infant development‐second edition (BSID‐II). The current study revealed that breastfed group had higher BSID‐II scores followed by mixed‐fed group then formula‐fed one, yet these results reached statistical significance only in total behaviour rating scale (TBRS) and Motor Quality Percentile rank values. Additionally, breastfed infants had significantly higher values of BDNF when compared to those receiving formula milk. Negative correlations between BDNF and both weight for age and weight for length scores were detected. Furthermore, significant positive correlation was detected between BDNF and TBRS. Regression analysis studies revealed that breastfeeding is the most determinant factor for BDNF, TBRS and Motor Quality Percentile rank values. Serum BDNF levels are significantly higher in breastfed infants and shows positive correlations with the results of BSID‐II. Given that simultaneous increase in brain BDNF occurs due to onsite production, transport from the periphery or both, it is prudent to hypothesize that BDNF could be one of the factors responsible for the enhanced cognition detected in breastfed infants.
High dietary ratio of omega‐6 to omega‐3 polyunsaturated acids during pregnancy and prevalence of post‐partum depression
Authors: da Rocha Camilla M.M. , Kac Gilberto
Published: June 2010

Observational studies suggest association between low concentrations of omega‐3 family fatty acids and greater risk for post‐partum depression (PPD). The objective was to investigate the effect of unbalanced dietary intake of omega‐6/omega‐3 ratio >9:1 in the prevalence for PPD. The study comprises a prospective cohort with four waves of follow‐up during pregnancy and one following delivery. PPD was evaluated according to the Edinburgh Post‐partum Depression Scale (PPD ≥ 11) in 106 puerperae between 2005 and 2007, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Independent variables included socio‐demographic, obstetric, pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and dietary intake data, which were obtained by means of a food frequency questionnaire in the first trimester of pregnancy. Statistical analysis involved calculation of PPD prevalence and multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance. PPD prevalence amounted to 26.4% [n = 28; confidence interval (CI) 95%: 18.0–34.8], and higher prevalences of PPD were observed in women who consumed an omega‐6/omega‐3 ratio >9:1 (60.0%) and in those with pre‐pregnancy BMI <18.5 kg/m2 (66.7%). These variables held as factors associated to PPD in the multivariate model, elevating the chances of occurrence of the outcome in 2.50 (CI 95%: 1.21–5.14) and 4.01 times (CI 95%: 1.96–8.20), respectively. Analyses were adjusted for age, schooling, pre‐pregnancy BMI, lipids consumption and time elapsed since delivery. It verified an association between omega‐6/omega‐3 ratio above 9:1, the levels recommended by the Institute of Medicine, and the prevalence of PPD. These results add to the evidence regarding the importance of omega‐6 and omega‐3 fatty acids in the regulation of mental health mechanisms.
Stockholder and Bondholder Wealth Effects of CEO Incentive Grants
Authors: Billett Matthew T. , Mauer David C. , Zhang Yilei
Published: June 2010

We examine stock and bond price reactions to CEOs’ first stock option and/or restricted stock grants that appear on ExecuComp. We find positive stock price and negative bond price reactions. Changes in CEO pay‐performance (delta) and stock volatility (vega) sensitivities relate to the reactions. Stock reactions decrease with the change in delta and increase with the change in vega. Bond reactions are the opposite and depend on the CEO's prior equity ownership. Stockholder and bondholder wealth effects are negatively correlated for grants that cause a large change in the vega of CEO wealth, consistent with aggravated risk‐shifting incentives.
Ratings Changes, Ratings Levels, and the Predictive Value of Analysts’ Recommendations
Authors: Barber Brad M. , Lehavy Reuven , Trueman Brett
Published: June 2010

We show that abnormal returns to analysts’ recommendations stem from both the ratings levels assigned and the changes in those ratings. Conditional on the ratings change, buy and strong buy recommendations have greater returns than do holds, sells, and strong sells. Conditional on the ratings level, upgrades earn the highest returns and downgrades the lowest. We also find that both ratings levels and changes predict future unexpected earnings and the associated market reaction. Our results imply that 1) investment returns may be enhanced by conditioning on both recommendation levels and changes; 2) the predictive power of analysts’ recommendations reflects, at least partially, analysts’ ability to generate valuable private information; and 3) some inconsistency exists between analysts’ ratings and the formal ratings definitions issued by securities firms.
The First Analyst Coverage of Neglected Stocks
Authors: Demiroglu Cem , Ryngaert Michael
Published: June 2010

We examine the first analyst coverage of 549 “neglected” stocks that publicly traded at least one year without research coverage. The stocks experience a +4.86% abnormal return at initiation announcement. Positive returns are driven by positive coverage and not the mere introduction of coverage. Initiations from investment banks elicit lower announcement returns if the bank had a prior business relationship with the covered firm. Research firms paid by the covered company to provide coverage elicit announcement returns that are not significantly different from other analysts. Announcement returns are also influenced by liquidity increases and factors consistent with downward‐sloping demand curves.
The Quality and Price of Investment Banks’ Service: Evidence from the PIPE Market
Authors: Dai Na , Jo Hoje , Schatzberg John D.
Published: June 2010

We investigate the market structure and the pricing by placement agents of private investments in public equities (PIPEs). Our findings indicate that more reputable agents are associated with larger offers and with firms possessing lower risk. Agent reputation is positively associated with lower discounts and an enhanced post‐PIPE trading environment. Issuers pay a higher dollar fee for these benefits, although more reputable agents charge a lower percentage fee. The evidence suggests that it is the quality of the issuing firm, and the pricing and reputational concern of the placement agent, that drives the equilibrium in the PIPE market.
Speed of Issuance, Lender Specialization, and the Rise of the 144A Debt Market
Authors: Huang Rongbing , Ramírez Gabriel G.
Published: June 2010

Using a large sample of convertible and straight debt issues in the public, 144A, and bank loan markets from 1991 to 2004, we find that the 144A market has risen largely at the expense of the nonshelf public market, the overwhelming majority of the 144A issues are subsequently registered, and straight debt issuers with the highest credit quality and transparency tend to use the shelf public market. Our findings suggest that firms’ preference for speed of issuance drives the growth of the 144A market, and banks and qualified institutional buyers have advantages over public lenders in handling credit risk and information asymmetry.
An Empirical Comparison of Convertible Bond Valuation Models
Authors: Zabolotnyuk Yuriy , Jones Robert , Veld Chris
Published: June 2010

This paper empirically compares three convertible bond valuation models. We use an innovative approach where all model parameters are estimated by the Marquardt algorithm using a subsample of convertible bond prices. The model parameters are then used for out‐of‐sample forecasts of convertible bond prices. The mean absolute deviation is 1.86% for the Ayache‐Forsyth‐Vetzal model, 1.94% for the Tsiveriotis‐Fernandes model, and 3.73% for the Brennan‐Schwartz model. For this and other measures of fit, the Ayache‐Forsyth‐Vetzal and Tsiveriotis‐Fernandes models outperform the Brennan‐Schwartz model.
How Do Firm Characteristics Influence the Relationship between R&D and Firm Value?
Authors: Pindado Julio , De Queiroz Valdoceu , De La Torre Chabela
Published: June 2010

This paper focuses on how a firm's characteristics affect the market valuation of its research and development (R&D) spending. We derive a valuation model based on the capital market arbitrage condition. Using the generalized method of moments and data from the Eurozone countries to estimate this model yields interesting results. Several firm characteristics (size, firm growth, and market share) positively affect the relationship between firm value and R&D spending, while others (free cash flow, dependence on external finance, labor intensity, and capital intensity) exert a negative effect. Therefore, we conclude that the effectiveness of R&D spending depends on firm characteristics.
Net Operating Working Capital Behavior: A First Look
Authors: Hill Matthew D. , Kelly G. Wayne , Highfield Michael J.
Published: June 2010

Net operating working capital captures multiple dimensions of firms’ adjustments to operating and financial conditions. Sales growth, uncertainty of sales, costly external financing, and financial distress encourage firms to pursue more aggressive working capital strategies. Firms with greater internal financing capacity and superior capital market access employ more conservative working capital policies. Results are robust to unobserved heterogeneity and industry effects. The evidence suggests that operating and financing conditions should be considered when evaluating working capital behavior, not just industry averages. Additionally, industry concentration magnifies the effect of sales growth.
Peer Effects in the Trading Decisions of Individual Investors
Authors: Ng Lilian , Wu Fei
Published: June 2010

This study examines for evidence of peer effects in the trading decisions of individual investors from Mainland China, a country whose cultural and social structures are vastly different from those of Western countries. Cultural differences, as widely documented, play a significant role in social interactions and word‐of‐mouth behavior. In contrast to US studies, we find robust evidence that the trading decisions of Chinese investors are influenced, via word of mouth, by those of their peers who maintain brokerage accounts at the same branch, but not by those whose accounts are maintained at another branch located in the same city.
Market Misvaluation, Managerial Horizon, and Acquisitions
Authors: Gao Huasheng
Published: June 2010

This paper analyzes the impact of managerial horizon on mergers and acquisitions activity. The main predication is that acquiring firms managed by short‐horizon executives have higher abnormal returns at acquisition announcements, less likelihood of using equity to pay for the transactions, and inferior postmerger stock performance in the long run. I construct two proxies for managerial horizon based on the CEO's career concern and compensation scheme, and provide empirical evidence supporting the above prediction. Moreover, I also demonstrate that long‐horizon managers are more likely to initiate acquisitions in response to high stock market valuation.
Public versus expert opinions regarding public involvement processes used in resource and wildlife management
Authors: Decker Stephen E. , Bath Alistair J.
Published: June 2010

Successful public involvement efforts can reduce conflict and build trust between resource managers and the public. Differences of opinion between the public and wildlife managers regarding the importance of various characteristics and methods of public involvement have implications for managers wishing to design effective public involvement processes. We compared and contrasted the preferences of German public and European experts in large mammal management regarding characteristics and methods of public involvement. Expert participants attributed high levels of importance to including scientific information in decision making while general public respondents attributed high levels of importance to the cost effectiveness and representativeness of the public involvement effort. Differences were also observed regarding public involvement methods. Experts preferred task forces and advisory groups while the general public preferred information materials and public meetings. We discuss the likely causes of similarities and differences between these two groups and examine the consequent implications for managers.
Incorporating local tenure in the systematic design of marine protected area networks
Authors: Weeks Rebecca , Russ Garry R. , Bucol Abner A. , Alcala Angel C.
Published: June 2010

Although the importance of socioeconomic factors in conservation planning is increasingly recognized, there are few examples demonstrating how such factors can be practically incorporated into the design of protected area networks. Here, we illustrate how spatial zoning software can be used to consider local marine tenure explicitly in the design of marine protected area (MPA) networks, using a case study from the Philippines. By stipulating the minimum area of fishing grounds that must remain open to each local fishing community, we were able to design MPA networks that impacted local resource users more equitably and were therefore more likely to be socioeconomically viable. MPA networks that considered local tenure boundaries had a greater overall area and cost than those that sought to minimize costs to small‐scale fishers as a single stakeholder group. However, in this context, established concepts of “efficiency” in conservation planning are likely to be less important than minimizing costs to each fishing community individually.