bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulated Patient Studies: An Ethical Analysis
Authors: RHODES KARIN V. , MILLER FRANKLIN G.
Published: December 2012

Context: In connection with health care reform, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services commissioned a “mystery shopper,” or simulated patient study, to measure access to primary care. But the study was shelved because of public controversy over “government spying” on doctors. Opponents of the study also raised ethical concerns about the use of deception with human subjects without soliciting their informed consent.

Methods: We undertook an ethical analysis of the use of simulated patient techniques in health services research, with a particular focus on research measuring access to care. Using a case study, we explored relevant methodological considerations and ethical principles relating to deceptive research without informed consent, as well as U.S. federal regulations permitting exceptions to consent.

Findings: Several relevant considerations both favor and oppose soliciting consent for simulated patient studies. Making research participation conditional on informed consent protects the autonomy of research subjects and shields them from unreasonable exposure to research risks. However, scientific validity is also an important ethical principle of human subjects research, as the net risks to subjects must be justified by the value to society of the knowledge to be gained. The use of simulated patients to monitor access is a naturalistic and scientifically sound experimental design that can answer important policy‐relevant questions, with minimal risks to human subjects. As interaction between researchers and subjects increases, however, so does the need for consent.

Conclusions: As long as adequate protections of confidentiality of research data are in place, minimally intrusive simulated patient research that gathers policy‐relevant data on the health system without the consent of individuals working in that system can be ethically justified when the risks and burdens to research subjects are minimal and the research has the potential to generate socially valuable knowledge.
National Newspaper Portrayal of U.S. Nursing Homes: Periodic Treatment of Topic and Tone
Authors: MILLER EDWARD ALAN , TYLER DENISE A. , ROZANOVA JULIA , MOR VINCENT
Published: December 2012

Context: Although observers have long highlighted the relationship of public distrust, government regulation, and media depictions of nursing‐home scandals, no study has systematically analyzed the way in which nursing homes have been portrayed in the national media. This study examines how nursing homes were depicted in four leading national newspapers—the New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and Los Angeles Times—from 1999 to 2008.

Methods: We used keyword searches of the LexisNexis database to identify 1,704 articles pertaining to nursing homes. We then analyzed the content of each article and assessed its tone, themes, prominence, and central actor. We used basic frequencies and descriptive statistics to examine the articles’ content, both cross‐sectionally and over time.

Findings: Approximately one‐third of the articles were published in 1999/2000, and a comparatively high percentage (12.4%) appeared in 2005. Most were news stories (89.8%), and about one‐quarter were on the front page of the newspaper or section. Most focused on government (42.3%) or industry (39.2%) interests, with very few on residents/family (13.3%) and community (5.3%) concerns. Most were negative (45.1%) or neutral (37.0%) in tone, and very few were positive (9.6%) or mixed (8.3%). Common themes were quality (57.0%), financing (33.4%), and negligence/fraud (28.1%). Both tone and themes varied across newspapers and years.

Conclusions: Overall, our findings highlight the longitudinal variation in the four widely read newspapers’ framing of nursing‐home coverage, regarding not only tone but also shifts in media attention from one aspect of this complex policy area to another. The predominantly negative media reports contribute to the poor public opinion of nursing homes and, in turn, of the people who live and work in them. These reports also place nursing homes at a competitive disadvantage and may pose challenges to health delivery reform, including care integration across settings.
The Use of Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis for Pediatric Immunization in Developing Countries
Authors: GAUVREAU CINDY LOW , UNGAR WENDY J. , KÖHLER JILLIAN CLARE , ZLOTKIN STANLEY
Published: December 2012

Context: Developing countries face critical choices for introducing needed, effective, but expensive new vaccines, especially given the accelerated need to decrease the mortality of children under age five and the increased immunization resources available from international donors. Cost‐effectiveness analysis (CEA) is a tool that decision makers can use for efficiently allocating expanding resources. Its use in developing countries, however, lags behind that in industrialized countries.

Methods: We explored how CEA could be made more relevant to immunization policymaking in developing countries by identifying the limitations for using CEA in developing countries and the impact of donor funding on the CEA estimation. We conducted a comprehensive literature search using formal search protocols and hand searching indexed and gray literature sources. We then systematically summarized the application of CEA in industrialized and developing countries through thematic analysis, focusing on pediatric immunization and methodological and contextual issues relevant to developing countries.

Findings: Industrialized and developing countries use CEA differently. The use of the Disability‐Adjusted Life Year (DALY) outcome measure and an alternative generalized cost‐effectiveness analysis approach is restricted to developing countries. In pediatric CEAs, the paucity of evaluations and the lack of attention to overcoming the methodological limitations pertinent to children's cognitive and development distinctiveness, such as discounting and preference characterization, means that pediatric interventions may be systematically understudied and undervalued. The ability to generate high‐quality CEA evidence in child health is further threatened by an inadequate consideration of the impact of donor funding (such as GAVI immunization funding) on measurement uncertainty and the determination of opportunity cost.

Conclusions: Greater attention to pediatric interventions and donor funding in the conduct of CEA could lead to better policies and thus more worthwhile and good‐value programs to benefit children's health in developing countries.
Perceptual reversals of Necker stimuli during intermittent presentation with limited attentional resources
Authors: Intaitė Monika , Koivisto Mika , Revonsuo Antti
Published: December 2012

During prolonged viewing of ambiguous stimuli, such as Necker cubes, sudden perceptual reversals occur from one perceptual interpretation to another. The role of attention in such reversals is not clear. We tested whether perceptual reversals depend on attentional resources by manipulating perceptual load and recording event‐related potentials (ERPs) during intermittent presentation of Necker stimuli. The results did not reveal any influence for perceptual load on the frequency of reversals. The ERPs showed that perceptual load influenced electrophysiological activity over parieto‐central areas in the P1 time window (110–140 ms), but load did not modify the early enhancements of positivity (30–140 ms), which correlated with perceptual reversals at occipito‐temporal sites. We conclude that disambiguation of ambiguous figures is based on early mechanisms that can work efficiently with only a minimal amount of attentional resources.
Do Charitable Solicitations Matter? A Comparative Analysis of Fundraising Methods*
Authors: Yörük Bariş K.
Published: December 2012

The existing literature either treats fundraising as an aggregate variable by ignoring the existence of several different fundraising methods through which charitable contributions are generated or focuses on the effectiveness of a particular fundraising method without making any comparison with alternative methods. Using biennial household surveys of charitable giving in the United States conducted from 1988 to 1999, which contain detailed questions on several fundraising methods, I first document that people are more responsive to certain fundraising methods. Next, I investigate the factors associated with donors' responsiveness to alternative fundraising techniques. The results show that several observable characteristics of charitable donors are associated with some people being more responsive to particular fundraising techniques than others are.
Evaluation of trends in marijuana toxicosis in dogs living in a state with legalized medical marijuana: 125 dogs (2005–2010)
Authors: Meola Stacy D. , Tearney Caitlin C. , Haas Sharlee A. , Hackett Timothy B. , Mazzaferro Elisa M.
Published: December 2012

Objective

To report a correlation between the increased number of medical marijuana licenses and marijuana toxicosis in dogs in a state with legalized marijuana for medical use.

Design

Retrospective case series from January 1, 2005 to October 1, 2010.

Setting

Private specialty referral hospital and a university teaching hospital.

Animals

A total of 125 client‐owned dogs presenting for known or suspected marijuana toxicosis with or without a urine drug screening test (UDST).

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

During the study period, 125 dogs were evaluated including 76 dogs with known marijuana exposure or a positive UDST (group 1), 6 dogs with known marijuana ingestion and a negative UDST (group 2), and 43 dogs with known marijuana ingestion that were not tested (group 3). The incidence of marijuana toxicosis presenting to both hospitals increased 4‐fold, while the number of people registered for medical marijuana in the state increased 146‐fold in the last 5 years. A significant positive correlation was detected between the increase in known/suspected marijuana toxicosis in dogs (groups 1–3) and the increased number of medical marijuana licenses (correlation R coefficient = 0.959, P = 0.002). Two dogs that ingested butter made with medical grade marijuana in baked products died.

Conclusions

A significant correlation was found between the number of medical marijuana licenses and marijuana toxicosis cases seen in 2 veterinary hospitals in Colorado. Ingestion of baked goods made with medical grade tetrahydrocannabinol butter resulted in 2 deaths. UDST may be unreliable for the detection of marijuana toxicosis in dogs.
Sonoclot evaluation of whole blood coagulation in healthy adult dogs
Authors: Babski Danielle M. , Brainard Benjamin M. , Krimer Paula M. , Ralph Alan G. , Pittman Jennifer R. , Koenig Amie
Published: December 2012

Objective

To establish a standard protocol for analysis of canine whole blood and generate reference intervals for healthy dogs using the Sonoclot analyzer, and to compare Sonoclot values to standard and viscoelastic coagulation tests.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Veterinary University research facility and teaching hospital.

Animals

Twelve healthy random source dogs and 52 healthy dogs from the general veterinary school population. Interventions: Blood sampling for viscoelastic coagulation testing.

Measurements and Main Results

Blood was collected from 12 healthy adult dogs by jugular venipuncture. After a rest period at room temperature of 30, 60, or 120 minutes, 340 μL of citrated blood was added to 20 μL of 0.2 M CaCl2 in 1 of 2 cuvette types warmed to 37° C. Cuvettes contained a magnetic stir‐bar with glass beads (gbACT+) or only a magnetic stir‐bar (nonACT). Reference interval samples were collected from 52 healthy adult dogs and analyzed in duplicate. The ACT, CR, and PF were not affected by duration of rest period for either cuvette type. ACT variability was decreased when using gbACT+ cuvettes (P < 0.05). In normal dogs reference intervals (mean ± 2 SD) using gbACT+ cuvettes were: ACT 56.0–154.0 seconds, CR 14.85–46.0, and PF 2.1–4.05. ACT correlated to TEG R‐time, K‐time, and angle, while CR correlated with all TEG parameters. Fibrinogen correlated with ACT, CR, and PF. Sonoclot did not correlate with other common coagulation tests.

Conclusions

Sonoclot provides viscoelastic evaluation of canine whole blood coagulation and correlated to several TEG parameters and fibrinogen. A standard protocol and reference intervals were established.
Enhanced Pain Expectation in Migraine:EEG‐Based Evidence for Impaired Prefrontal Function
Authors: Lev Rina , Granovsky Yelena , Yarnitsky David
Published: December 2012

Background

Dysexcitability characterizes the interictal migraineous brain. The main central expressions of this dysexcitability are decreased habituation and enhanced anticipation and attention to pain and other external sensory stimuli.

Objective

This study evaluates the effects of anticipation on pain modulation and their neural correlates in migraine.

Methods

In 39 migraineurs (20 migraine with aura [MWA] and 19 migraine without aura [MOA]) and 22 healthy controls, cortical responses to 2 successive trains of noxious contact‐heat stimuli, presented in either predicted or unpredicted manner, were analyzed using standardized low‐resolution electromagnetic tomography key.

Results

A lack of habituation to repeated predicted pain was associated with significantly increased pain‐evoked potential amplitudes inMWAs(increase of 3.9 μV) and unchanged ones inMOAs(1.1 μV) but not in controls (decrease of 5 μV). Repeated unpredicted pain resulted in enhanced pain‐evoked potential amplitudes in bothMWAandMOAgroups (increase of 5.5 μVand 4.4 μV, respectively) compared with controls (decrease of 0.2 μV). Source localization revealed reduced activations in the anterior‐medial prefrontal cortices and subsequent increased somatosensory activity in migraineurs (P < .05). The prefrontal‐somatosensory dysfunction positively correlated with lifetime headache duration (P < .05) and concern of upcoming migraine attacks (P < .05) inMWAs, and with frequency of migraine attacks inMOAs(P < .05).

Conclusions

Our findings of impaired modulation of anticipated pain in migraine suggest a heightened state of anticipatory readiness combined with ineffective recruitment of prefrontal inhibitory pathways during experience of pain; the latter might account for the former, at least partially. In line, less efficient inhibitory capability is a plausible mechanistic explanation for patients' high concern about their upcoming migraine attacks.
QT Prolongation, Torsade de Pointes, Myocardial Ischemia From Coronary Vasospasm, and Headache Medications. Part 2: Review of Headache Medications, Drug–Drug Interactions, QTc Prolongation, and Other Arrhythmias
Authors: Stillman Mark J. , Tepper Deborah E. , Tepper Stewart J. , Cho Leslie
Published: December 2012

Serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine)1B/1D agonists can vasoconstrict coronary and cerebral arteries. Chest, jaw, and arm discomfort, so‐called “triptan sensations,” are often felt to be noncardiac. In Part 1 of this review, the relationship of triptans, coronary artery narrowing, and spasm was discussed, along with a case of a 53‐year‐old woman without cardiac risk factors who developed polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and cardiac ischemia with acquired corrected QT (QTc) interval prolongation following oral sumatriptan.

In Part 2 of this review, headache medications, drug–drug interactions, QTc prolongation, and cardiac arrhythmias are appraised and discussed. Triptans, cardiac arrhythmias, and ischemia by prescribing information are summarized. The reader is provided tables on QTc prolongation by medication.

The problem of QTc prolongation with a variety of headache medications at conventional doses, including triptans, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), other antidepressants, antihistamines, and antinauseants should lead to proactively obtaining electrocardiograms and more vigilant surveillance of headache patients. This may be the place to start in protecting patients from these cardiac adverse events.
In vitroEvaluation of the Torsional Strength Reduction of Neonate Calf Metatarsal Bones with Bicortical Defects Resulting from the Removal of External Fixation Implants
Authors: Brianza Stefano , Vogel Susan , Rothstock Stephan , Desrochers Andrè , Boure Ludovic
Published: December 2012

Objective

To compare the torsional strength of calf metatarsal bones with defects produced by removal of 2 different implants.

Study Design

In vitromechanical comparison of paired bones with bicortical defects resulting from the implantation of 2 different external fixation systems: the transfixation pin (TP) and the pin sleeve system (PS).

Sample Population

Neonatal calf metatarsal bones (n = 6 pairs).

Methods

From each pair, 1 bone was surgically instrumented with 2 PS implants and the contralateral bone with 2 TP implants. Implants were removed immediately leaving bicortical defects at identical locations between paired metatarsi. Each bone was tested in torque until failure. The mechanical variables statistically compared were the torsional stiffness, the torque and angle at failure, and work to failure.

Results

For TP and PS constructs, respectively, there were no significant differences between construct types for any of the variables tested. Mean ± SD torsional stiffness: 5.50 ± 2.68 and 5.35 ± 1.79 (Nm/°),P= .75; torque: 57.42 ± 14.84 and 53.43 ± 10.16 (Nm);P= .34; angle at failure: 14.76 ± 4.33 and 15.45 ± 4.84 (°),P= .69; and work to failure 7.45 ± 3.19 and 8.89 ± 3.79 (J),P= .17).

Conclusions

Bicortical defects resulting from the removal of PS and TP implants equally affect the investigated mechanical properties of neonate calf metatarsal bones.
Comparative Biomechanical Evaluation of a Pin‐Sleeve Transfixation System in Cadaveric Calf Metacarpal Bones
Authors: Brianza Stefano , Vogel Susan , Rothstock Stephan , Thalhauser Martin , Desrochers Andrè , Boure Ludovic
Published: December 2012

Objective

To compare proximal fragment displacement and the peri‐implant strain using a pin‐sleeve cast (PSC) system and a transfixation pin cast (TPC) system on a cadaveric calf metacarpal bone fracture model.

Study Design

Experimental.

Sample Population

Cadaveric calf metacarpal bones (n = 6 pairs).

Methods

Paired samples were instrumented with either the TPC or the PSC systems. Strain gauges were applied proximal to the transfixation implants and the bones encased in cast material. The distal part of the construct was removed to mimic an unstable distal comminuted fracture. Constructs were fixed to the material testing machine and initially loaded in axial compression in their elastic range to determine construct stiffness. Constructs were loaded cyclically with a sinusoidal curve that increased until failure. Variables compared statistically between constructs were the initial construct stiffness and, at given load points, the mean metacarpal axial displacement in loading and unloading condition and mean axial strain.

Results

Initial construct mean ± SD axial stiffness was not significantly different between constructs (PSC: 689 ± 258; TPC: 879 ± 306 N/mm). There was no significant difference between either investigated displacements of metacarpal bones transfixed with PSC and those transfixed with TPC at all load points. The PSC constructs had a significant decrease in the recorded mean strain (502 ± 340 μstrain) compared to the TPC construct (1738 ± 2218 μstrain).

Conclusions

The PSC significantly reduced peri‐implant strain with comparable axial displacement to the TPC in cadaveric calf metacarpal bones.
Adult Multipotent Stromal Cell Technology for Bone Regeneration: A Review
Authors: Lopez Mandi J. , Daigle Patrick R.
Published: December 2012

Since the discovery of bone marrow derived stromal cell osteogenesis in the 1960s, tissue engineering with adult multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) has evolved as a promising approach to restore structure and function of bone compromised by injury or disease. To date, accelerated bone formation with MSCs has been demonstrated with a variety of tissue engineering strategies. Though MSC bone tissue engineering has advanced over the last few decades, limitations to clinical translation remain. A current review of this promising field is presented with a specific focus on equine investigations.
Use of Physiologic and Arterial Blood Gas Variables to Predict Short‐Term Survival in Horses with Large Colon Volvulus
Authors: Kelleher Maureen E. , Brosnan Robert J. , Kass Philip H. , le Jeune Sarah S.
Published: December 2012

Objective

To determine if preoperative physical examination and blood work values, intraoperative physiologic variables, and intraoperative treatments can be correlated with survival to anesthetic recovery and short‐term survival to hospital discharge in horses that undergo exploratory celiotomy for large colon volvulus (LCV) with and without colon resection.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Horses (n = 156) undergoing exploratory celiotomy for correction of LCV ≥ 360ο.

Methods

Medical records (January 2000–December 2009) of horses that had surgical correction of LCV ≥ 360οwere reviewed. Data collection included signalment, preoperative physical examination variables and hematologic values as well as intraoperative physiologic variables, intraoperative treatments, and arterial blood gas values. Risk factors for survival to anesthetic recovery and hospital discharge were determined using exact logistic regression.

Results

High preoperative heart rate and packed cell volume were associated with not surviving to anesthetic recovery or hospital discharge. A low intraoperative total serum protein concentration was associated with not surviving to anesthetic recovery or to hospital discharge. Intraoperative tachycardia and hypercapnia were associated with not surviving to hospital discharge. Intraoperative hypotension was a negative predictor of survival to anesthetic recovery. There was no increase in death for horses in which a resection and anastomosis was performed compared with those having manual correction.

Conclusions

Several hematologic and cardiorespiratory variables that are easily measured preoperatively and intraoperatively show good correlation with postanesthetic survival in horses undergoing surgical correction of LCV. These measurements might be useful for prognosticating survival in horses admitted for correction of LCV ≥ 360ο.
Acknowledgment to Guest Editors and Reviewers (2012)
Authors: Vakharia Asoo J
Published: December 2012

Decision Sciences (DSJ) formally thanks the consulting associate editors and reviewers who have provided expert direction and advice on a voluntary basis. Through their efforts, the journal is able to provide submitting authors with well‐articulated, constructive, and prompt reviews.

The following list acknowledges those who served from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. On behalf of the editorial board and the submitting authors, we acknowledge their service to the journal and gratefully appreciate their contributions to our profession.
Social and Political Consequences of Administrative Corruption: A Study of Public Perceptions in Spain
Authors: Villoria Manuel , Van Ryzin Gregg G. , Lavena Cecilia F.
Published: December 2012

Spain experienced an outbreak of public sector corruption—much of it related to the involvement of regional and local administrators and politicians in the country's urban development boom—that angered the public and sparked calls for government reform. Using data from a 2009 survey that followed these events, the authors examine the association between perceived corruption and the attitudes and behaviors of citizens, including satisfaction with government and democracy, social and institutional trust, and rule‐breaking behaviors. The findings suggest that perceptions of administrative as well as political corruption are associated with less satisfaction, lower levels of social and institutional trust, and a greater willingness to break rules. Although these survey results cannot prove causation, they are consistent with the notion that administrative and political corruption damages the legitimacy of government in the eyes of citizens and weakens the social fabric of democratic society.
Internal versus External Social Capital and the Success of Community Initiatives: A Case of Self‐Organizing Collaborative Governance in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Manoj K.
Published: December 2012

Most research examining the relationship between social capital and outcomes focuses on either internal social capital or external social capital. This article examines the impact of both internal and external social capital on the success of self‐organizing community initiatives. A study of community water projects in a developing country, Nepal, shows that communities that enjoy less internal conflict and more external partnerships are more likely to be successful in securing agency funds for their projects. Also, communities face trade‐offs between internal and external social capital. These dimensions of social capital are not perfect substitutes, and communities that maintain a strategic balance between the two maximize gains from a trade‐off. Moreover, such an optimal choice is dependent on the level of internal and external social capital that these communities hold.
Local E‐Government in the United States: Transformation or Incremental Change?
Authors: Norris Donald F. , Reddick Christopher G.
Published: December 2012

In this article, the authors address the recent trajectory of local e‐government in the United States and compare it with the predictions of early e‐government writings, using empirical data from two nationwide surveys of e‐government among American local governments. The authors find that local e‐government has not produced the results that those writings predicted. Instead, its development has largely been incremental, and local e‐government is mainly about delivering information and services online, followed by a few transactions and limited interactivity. Local e‐government is also mainly one way, from government to citizens, and there is little or no evidence that it is transformative in any way. This disparity between early predictions and actual results is partly attributable to the incremental nature of American public administration. Other reasons include a lack of attention by early writers to the history of information technology in government and the influence of technological determinism on those writings.
Overview of Breast Cancer Treatment and Reconstruction for Primary Care Providers
Authors: Carlson Nicole , King Joyce
Published: December 2012

More women are diagnosed and treated for breast cancer today than at any time in the past. New technologies in the treatment of breast cancer and breast reconstruction are changing morbidity and mortality realities for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Primary care providers in women's health care can provide valuable support, education, and advocacy for their clients who are dealing with breast cancer. This article reviews current breast cancer treatment guidelines, information on breast reconstruction after cancer, and primary care recommendations for post‐breast cancer care.
Extended and Continuous Combined Contraceptive Regimens for Menstrual Suppression
Authors: Jacobson Janet C. , Likis Frances E. , Murphy Patricia Aikins
Published: December 2012

Many women have medical indications for menstrual suppression or a personal preference to reduce or eliminate monthly bleeding, which can be achieved with extended and continuous regimens of combined estrogen and progestin contraceptives. Combined contraceptives are traditionally administered in a 28‐day cycle, with 21 days of a contraceptive pill, vaginal ring, or transdermal patch followed by a hormone‐free interval that is usually 7 days. During the hormone‐free interval, women either take a placebo pill or do not use their combined contraceptive method. Hormone‐related symptoms are significantly worse during the hormone‐free interval than the days when the contraceptive is used. Alterations of the standard 28‐day cyclic regimen for menstrual suppression include decreasing the frequency of the hormone‐free interval, thus extending the time between withdrawal bleeding episodes (extended use), and eliminating the hormone‐free interval altogether (continuous use). This article reviews menstrual suppression indications and physiology. Research demonstrating that the effectiveness, safety, and side effects of oral, vaginal, and transdermal extended and continuous regimens are comparable to cyclic regimens is summarized. Findings from studies of women's and health care providers’ attitudes toward menstrual suppression also are reviewed. Important topics to include in evidence‐based counseling for extended and continuous combined contraceptive use are presented.
Creeping Tiger, Soaring Dragon: India, China and Competition in Information Technologies
Authors: Chaudhuri Anindya
Published: December 2012

Although conventional international economic wisdom holds China's hardware and India's software industries to be equipotential, little attempt has been made to compare their information industries in an overarching dynamic framework. Using a schema that links intellectual to financial value creation, it is found that China has systematically moved ahead in creating a self‐supporting industrial and innovation ecosystem. Hardware enjoys higher barriers to entry, which the Chinese companies are increasingly reinforcing with intellectual property investments. In addition to being better integrated with the global economy, they are also buttressed by the huge domestic market. The overdependence of Indian firms on selling low‐value services to a few countries and insulation from domestic demand make them vulnerable to emerging competition and international economic ill‐winds. The two countries provide a study in contrast on the effects of divergent industrial strategies.
Provincial Output Spillovers in China: Global Vector Autoregressive Approach
Authors: Peng Hui , Kim Bonghan
Published: December 2012

The paper uses a global vector autoregressive model to examine provincial output spillover effects in China. We find that there are effective output spillovers from Guangdong, Liaoning and Zhejiang to other provinces in China, but trivial effects from Shanghai, Shandong, Sichuan and Xinjiang, and negative effects from Beijing. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Guangdong and Liaoning is the main channel for creating provincial output spillovers, compared with domestic investment and exports. However, FDI spillovers tend to decrease, with spillovers from exports and domestic investment rising over time, so that the spillover effects in Guangdong and Liaoning are non‐persistent and highly volatile. Other channels of output spillover, such as domestic investment, should be enhanced. Impacts of shock from government expenditure on GDP vary significantly across time and provinces; inland and western provinces are most negatively affected. The heterogeneous spillover structure shows that regional policies might achieve better results than nationwide policies in reducing regional disparity.
Comparative assessment of dentition status among poliomyelitis children in Udaipur, India
Authors: Nagarajappa Ramesh , Tak Mridula , Sharda Archana J. , Asawa Kailash , Ramesh Gayathri , Sandesh Nagarajappa
Published: December 2012

To determine and compare the dental caries experience and treatment needs of children with Poliomyelitis at Udaipur, India. Total sample comprised of 344 children with Poliomyelitis (upper limb disability: 33.4%; lower limb disability: 33.7%; both upper and lower limb disability: 32.8%) in the age group of 12–15 years. Clinical examination included recording Dentition Status and Treatment Needs. Chi‐square test, Analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple logistic and stepwise linear regressions were used for statistical analysis. The mean decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) score (4.47 ± 3.09) was found to be highest among children with Poliomyelitis having both upper and lower limb impairment (p < .05). Stepwise and logistic regression analysis showed that the best predictors for dental caries were disability, socioeconomic status and snacks in between meals. A significant relationship of dental caries with limb involved in impairment draws immediate attention for a planned approach in improving the oral health.
Restoration of root surface caries in vulnerable elderly patients: a review of the literature
Authors: Amer R. S. , Kolker J.L.
Published: December 2012

The authors conducted a review to evaluate the current literature addressing root surface caries treatment in the vulnerable elderly, to identify any gaps in the literature that will need to be addressed in the future. The authors conducted a literature search of the electronic databases using MEDLINE, PubMed, to identify original clinical research articles regarding treatment of root caries lesions, with emphasis on research focused on the vulnerable elderly. Five articles were clinical studies of root caries restorations. Only one was conducted on a vulnerable elderly population. The results of the literature review show that there is a need for further studies addressing the restorative needs of the vulnerable elderly. With the aging of the American population, more research is needed to provide adequate care to this population. At this time, glass ionomers are a good treatment option.
Effect of low level laser therapy in the reduction of oral complications in patients with cancer of the head and neck submitted to radiotherapy
Authors: Oton‐Leite Angélica Ferreira , Elias Larissa Santana Arantes , Morais Marília Oliveira , Pinezi Juliana Castro Dourado , Leles Claudio Rodrigues , Silva Maria Alves Garcia Santos , Mendonça Elismauro Francisco
Published: December 2012

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of low level laser therapy on reducing the occurrence and severity of oral complications in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Sixty head and neck cancer outpatients from a cancer hospital receiving radiotherapy were selected and randomly assigned into two groups. The laser group was irradiated with an InGaAlP laser and the control received sham laser. The assessment of complications (oral mucositis, pain) was carried out one week after starting radiotherapy, and at the fifteenth and thirtieth sessions of radiotherapy. All patients from both groups showed some degree of oral mucositis. Better outcomes were observed in the laser group when compared with the control in the follow‐up sessions, indicating lower degrees of oral mucositis, pain and higher salivary flow (p < .05). These findings support the use of laser therapy as an adjuvant treatment for the control of oral complications.
Public sector performance and decentralization of decision rights
Authors: Aubert Benoit A. , Bourdeau Simon
Published: December 2012

In recent years, governments have introduced several reforms, often adopting management mechanisms traditionally associated with the private sector. This article looks specifically at the impact of decision‐rights decentralization, along with accountability mechanisms, on performance. Twenty public sector organizations, experiencing a shift from rule‐based to outcome‐based control mechanisms and benefiting from different levels of autonomy and decision margins, were studied. Results show a link between the degree of power delegation and increased organizational performance. The units benefiting from greater freedom with respect to financial and human resources decisions experienced the greatest margin of performance increase. These findings underline the importance of considering the level at which measures are defined and the elements included in the measurement mechanisms (outcomes or rules).
The Trans‐Pacific Partnership: Can the United States Lead the Way in Asia–Pacific Integration?
Authors: Solís Mireya
Published: December 2012

High stakes are involved in the Trans‐Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade negotiations: the United States seems to be on the verge of redirecting Asian regionalism towards an Asia–Pacific trade grouping that proclaims will not tolerate sectoral exclusions and will tackle head on non‐tariff barriers (long considered glaring deficiencies of most free trade agreements). However, US domestic politics may prevent the realization of these lofty objectives. The influence of internal political constraints is evident in three areas: (i) the United States has pushed for a hybrid approach on market access negotiations that clouds the prospects of TPP adhering to the no‐carve‐out mantra; (ii) US trade negotiators have ramped up their negotiation objectives into a so‐called platinum standard that could impose heavy preconditions on accession for new members and diminish the chances of growing the TPP membership; and (iii) the protracted ratification process and lack of trade promotion authority undermines the credibility of the United States in the eyes of prospective trade partners.
Democracy and War inEastAsia
Authors: Kivimäki Timo
Published: December 2012

This article will explore the relationship between democracy and conflict inEastAsia (including currentASEANcountries,China,Japan, theKoreas,EastTimor andMongolia). It will shortly discuss the existing research on the relationship between conflict and peace in East Asia and explain why democracy, as a possible cause of peace, has been hiding from the eye of observers. It will look at developments afterWorldWar II, but will pay special attention to the emergence of relative peace inEastAsia after 1979.

The main conclusions of the article are the following:

Democracy is associated with peace in a two‐way relationship.

This association is neither very systematic nor linear.

Countries tend to be more peaceful if they have a Polity2 score above 0 (while in previous studies a more demanding threshold has been found useful).

For autocratic regimes the relationship between autocracy and conflict is curvilinear. The most autocratic and the least autocratic autocracies are the least belligerent, while the “murder is in the middle.”
Determining the Crystal Volume Fraction of BS2 Glass by Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Optical Microscopy
Authors: Silva Leidiane A. , Mercury José M. R. , Cabral Aluisio A.
Published: December 2012

In this work, the crystal volume fraction, α(t), of a barium disilicate (BS2) glass‐ceramic was carefully investigated by optical microscopy (OM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). X‐ray diffraction experiment revealed that the reflected peaks of the glass‐ceramic, which was prepared by heat treatment at 1000°C for 12 h, were indexed as the low‐temperature orthorhombic sanbornite mineral phase. This result was confirmed by the refinement of the crystal structure parameters. Bulk samples were then heat‐treated in the range of 760°C to 830°C. In each case, the α(t) values obtained by DSC were higher than those determined by OM due to surface crystallization and the formation of new nuclei during the heating/cooling steps in the DSC experiments. OM and DSC techniques were also used to estimate the number of preexisting nuclei, Nq, in a set of samples heat‐treated at 790°C directly in the DSC furnace. At this temperature, it was found that the Nq obtained directly by OM measurements were in reasonable agreement with those calculated from the combination of overall crystallization with crystal growth kinetics.
Knowledge of sexually transmitted HPV infection, genitoanal warts, cancer and their prevention among young females after vaccine introduction in Germany
Authors: Kuznetsov A.V. , Müller R.A. , Ruzicka T. , Herzinger T. , Kuznetsov L.
Published: December 2012

Background  Sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) high‐risk types cause carcinoma and low‐risk types lead to warts of genitoanal area. Since the HPV vaccine has been introduced, awareness of HPV infection, prevention and health‐related behaviour have not been studied in a large sample of young women in Germany.

Objectives  Assessment of awareness and health‐related behaviour regarding HPV infection and prevention among young German females.

Methods  In 2010, a postal cross‐sectional survey was conducted with a random representative sample size (n = 2000) of females aged 19–35 attending Germany’s largest (comprehensive) university, which was designed to obtain data about socio‐demographics, the awareness of sexually transmitted HPV, genitoanal neoplasms and their prevention, HPV vaccine, immunisation and cervical cancer screening.

Results  Of the 547 (27.3%) participants, 69.1% had heard of HPV, 62.5% were aware of the vaccine, 14.4% were vaccinated and 6.9% reported a history of sexually transmitted infection, including HPV (2.7%). The HPV‐related knowledge among those who had heard of it was high (75.1–99.7%), except of that HPV affects men (52.9%) and HPV’s causative role in genital (54.2%) and anal (35.6%) warts, and smoking (11.3%) as an HPV risk factor. The lower HPV knowledge score (<median = 12, ranged 1–17) was predicted by studying social sciences/humanities (OR = 3.68, 95% CI 1.99–6.79) and non‐participation in cervical cancer screening (OR = 2.04, 95% CI 1.02–4.07).

Conclusion  This survey reveals an insufficient HPV awareness and low vaccination prevalence among young German women, underscoring the urgent need for HPV‐related education aimed at reducing the burden of HPV‐induced genitoanal neoplasms.
Decreased abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in the gut microbiota of Crohn's disease
Authors: Fujimoto Takehide , Imaeda Hirotsugu , Takahashi Kenichiro , Kasumi Eiji , Bamba Shigeki , Fujiyama Yoshihide , Andoh Akira
Published: December 2012

Background and Aims

Dysbiosis is thought to be relevant to the etiology and pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD). In this study, we investigated the abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, as well as Bilophila wadsworthia, in the gut microbiota of Japanese CD patients.

Methods

Forty‐seven CD patients and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. Abundance of F. prausnitzii in fecal samples was quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The gut microbiota profile was evaluated by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms.

Results

The abundance of F. prausnitzii significantly decreased in CD patients compared with healthy subjects. B. wadsworthia was scarcely detected in the same samples. Among CD patients, the Crohn's Disease Activity Index, C‐reactive protein levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were significantly lower, and serum albumin levels were significantly higher in the high F. prausnitzii group compared with the low group. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms analysis showed that fecal bacterial communities of CD patients differed from those of healthy individuals. The changes in simulated bacterial composition indicated that class Clostridia, including genus Faecalibacterium, was significantly less abundant in CD patients as compared with healthy individuals. The bacterial diversity measured by the Shannon Diversity Index was significantly reduced in CD patients compared with healthy individuals.

Conclusion

The decreased abundance of class Clostridia, including F. prausnitzii, may translate into a reduction of commensal bacteria‐mediated, anti‐inflammatory activities in the mucosa, which are relevant to the pathophysiology of CD. In contrast, the role of B. wadsworthia was suspected to be minimal.
Protective effect of heme oxygenase‐1 on hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion injury through inhibition of platelet adhesion to the sinusoids
Authors: Tamura Takafumi , Kondo Tadashi , Ogawa Koichi , Fukunaga Kiyoshi , Ohkohchi Nobuhiro
Published: December 2012

Background and Aim

Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) acts as a protector against hepatic inflammatory injury. HO‐1 catalyzes the conversion of heme protein to biliverdin, free iron, and carbon monoxide. Pro‐inflammatory responses play critical roles in hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury, and carbon monoxide effectively downregulates I/R injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanism by which HO‐1 reduces warm I/R injury.

Methods

Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into two groups: the 20‐min ischemia group (control group; n = 6) and the 20‐min ischemia with cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP group; n = 6). CoPP is an inducer of HO‐1 in the sinusoids. Kupffer cells were labeled using the liposome entrapment method, and platelets were labeled with rhodamine‐6G. The adherent platelets were observed for up to 120 min after reperfusion by intravital microscopy.

Results

In the control group, the number of adherent platelets significantly increased than in the CoPP group. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling‐positive cells were observed after 120 min of reperfusion in the control group. They were not observed in the CoPP group. In the CoPP group, serum alanine transaminase and interleukin‐6 levels reduced after reperfusion. Moreover, the flow velocity of platelets in the hepatic sinusoid markedly increased.

Conclusions

This study suggests that HO‐1 inhibits platelet adhesion to sinusoids. Such inhibition leads to the prevention of hepatic I/R injury.
Des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin identified by P‐11 and P‐16 antibodies reflects prognosis for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Takeji Satoru , Hirooka Masashi , Koizumi Yohei , Tokumoto Yoshio , Abe Masanori , Ikeda Yoshio , Nadano Seijin , Hiasa Yoichi , Onji Morikazu
Published: December 2012

Background and Aims

Serum des‐γ‐carboxy prothrombin (DCP) is an established tumor marker in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which can be identified by using MU‐3 antibody. The MU‐3 antibody mainly reacts with the 9–10 glutamic acid residues of DCP (conventional DCP). Since other variants of DCP with fewer glutamic acid residues can be detected using P‐11 and P‐16 antibodies (code name: NX‐PVKA), we examined the clinical characteristics associated with NX‐PVKA, and whether NX‐PVKA is a useful measure in HCC patients.

Methods

Participants comprised 197 HCC patients admitted to our hospital between 2001 and 2010. NX‐PVKA, conventional DCP, alpha‐fetoprotein, and L3 fraction of alpha‐fetoprotein were measured prior to initiation of HCC treatment.

Results

Of the tumor markers assessed, NX‐PVKA was the only significant predictor of prognosis (hazard ratio, 81.32; P < 0.0001). Patients with NX‐PVKA level ≥ 100 mAU/mL showed significantly lower survival rates (P < 0.0001). NX‐PVKA level was also significantly associated with platelet count, prothrombin time, C‐reactive protein, sex, maximum tumor size, number of nodules, and portal venous invasion by HCC. Finally, using NX‐PVKA level and other clinical parameters, we established a prognostic model to estimate patient survival time.

Conclusions

NX‐PVKA offers the best marker of tumor prognosis among HCC patients, and is strongly associated with tumor factors and hepatic functional reserve. NX‐PVKA could be useful for clinical evaluation of tumor severity, as well as the estimated duration of survival among patients with HCC.