bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of Symptoms Assessment During Nasal Allergen Provocation in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Zetchi Akli , Rousseau Marie-Claire , LeBlanc Annie , Boulay Marie-Eve , Boulet Louis-Philippe
Published: February 2010

Background: Allergic rhinitis is the most prevalent allergic disease. Nasal provocation tests (NPTs) may be useful for its clinical diagnostic and therapy monitoring although they are mostly used in clinical research. However, the lack of standardisation in the symptoms assessed and the variety of instruments used make effective comparison between studies difficult. Objective: To review the published literature searching for instruments assessing nasal symptoms during NPTs for allergic rhinitis. Methods: Pubmed and Embase electronic databases were reviewed, looking for all methods including an instrument assessing symptoms during or following NPTs. Studies on animal models, pediatric subjects, and patients without allergic rhinitis were excluded. Studies were also excluded if they did not assess nasal symptoms during or following the NPT. Only NPT studies performed with allergen extracts or histamine were included. Results: A total of 520 studies were retrieved, from which 81 different instruments from 81 studies were included in the present analysis. There was no instrument reporting a validation process for the assessment of symptoms during NPTs. From the remaining instruments, the most common symptoms assessed were rhinorrhea (67), sneezing (70), congestion (67), and nasal pruritus (50). The most frequently used type of scales among those instruments was the four-point Likert scale (39), although different methods were used. Conclusions: This review illustrates the large variety of symptoms and methods used to assess the aforementioned NPTs. The lack of validation studies suggests the need to develop and validate a standardized instrument assessing symptoms following NPTs.
HLA Class II Antigen Presentation in Prostate Cancer Cells: A Novel Approach to Prostate Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Patrick Doonan Bently , Haque Azizul
Published: February 2010

Prostate cancer is a deadly disease that is in drastic need of new treatment strategies for late stage and metastatic prostate cancer. Immunotherapy has emerged as a viable option to fill this void. Clinical trials have been conducted that induce tumor clearance through cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activation, these studies have had mixed outcomes with the overlying problem being the lack of a complete immune response with sustained killing and the formation of tumor specific memory cells. To overcome this, we have outlined the need for activating the HLA class II pathway in inducing a sustained CD8+ T cell response and the development of effective memory. We have also discussed the ability of prostate cancer cells to express stable HLA class II molecules that can be manipulated for tumor antigen (Ag) processing and presentation. This review also sets to outline new directions that exist for the use of class II-restricted Ags/peptides in devising cancer vaccines as well as combined chemoimmunotherapy. A better understanding of these concepts will improve
future cancer vaccine studies and further the field of cancer immunobiology
Dynamic Fearful Expressions Enhance Gaze-Triggered Attention Orienting in High and Low Anxiety Individuals
Authors: Uono Shota , Sato Wataru , Toichi Motomi
Published: February 2010

In previous studies using static stimuli it has been shown that gaze-triggered attention orienting is facilitated by fearful expressions, moderated by high anxiety. However, uncertainty remains regarding the effect of anxiety on responses to dynamic stimuli. We investigated this using
dynamic fearful and neutral gaze as cues. Participants detected a peripheral target following the cue. Anxiety levels were measured after experiment (Experiment 1) or between anxiety manipulation and experiment (Experiment 2). We found a reaction time advantage for fearful vs. neutral gazes
in both high and low state/trait anxiety participants. The results showed that dynamic fearful expressions facilitate gaze-triggered attention orienting, without moderation by high anxiety.
Job Demand, Emotional Awareness, and Job Satisfaction in Internships: The Moderating Effect of Social Support
Authors: Chen Fei-Chuan , Ku Edward C. S. , Shyr Yi-Hwan , Chen Fei-Hung , Chou Shuo-Shiung
Published: February 2010

This study was aimed at determining how job demand and emotional awareness affect the job satisfaction of students. Internships are vital for hospitality students because they allow them to experience real job situations while they are in school, thus providing them with realistic expectations
about their careers. Participants were 632 Taiwanese undergraduates of hospitality internships who were recruited using a mailed questionnaire survey. The model and hypotheses were tested using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. Results indicated that emotional job demand and emotional
awareness were positively associated with emotional display rules, and emotional display rules were positively associated with job satisfaction, with social support playing a moderating role.
Effects of remifentanil on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane in dogs
Authors: Monteiro Eduardo R. , Teixeira-Neto Francisco J. , Campagnol Daniela , Alvaides Renata K. , Garofalo Natache A. , Matsubara Lídia M.
Published: February 2010

Objective—To evaluate the effects of remifentanil on isoflurane minimum alveolar concentration (ISOMAC) in dogs.

Animals—6 adult mixed-breed dogs.

Procedures—Dogs were anesthetized with isoflurane on 2 occasions. During the first set of experiments, ISOMAC was determined before remifentanil infusion (baseline), during constant rate infusion (CRI) of remifentanil (0.15, 0.30, 0.60, and 0.90 μg/kg/min), and 80 minutes after remifentanil infusion. After a 1-week washout period, dogs received a CRI of remifentanil (0.15 μg/kg/min) and ISOMAC was redetermined 2, 4, and 6 hours after commencing the infusion.

Results—Mean ± SD baseline ISOMAC was 1.24 ± 0.18%. Remifentanil infusion (0.15, 0.30, 0.60, and 0.90 μg/kg/min) decreased ISOMAC by 43 ± 10%, 59 ± 10%, 66 ± 9%, and 71 ± 9%, respectively. The ISOMAC values determined during the 0.30, 0.60, and 0.90 μg/kg/min infusion rates did not differ from each other, but these values were significantly lower, compared with the 0.15 μg/kg/min infusion rate. The ISOMAC recorded after remifentanil infusion (1.09 ± 0.18%) did not differ from baseline ISOMAC. There was no change in ISOMAC throughout the 6-hour period of a CRI of remifentanil.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Remifentanil decreased ISOMAC in a dose-related fashion; the reduction in ISOMAC was stable over the course of a prolonged CRI (6 hours). A dose of 0.30 μg of remifentanil/kg/min resulted in nearly maximal isoflurane-sparing effect in dogs; a ceiling effect was observed at higher infusion rates.
Evaluation of electric neurostimulation to confirm correct placement of lumbosacral epidural injections in dogs
Authors: Garcia-Pereira Fernando L. , Hauptman Joe , Shih Andre C. , Laird Sharon E. , Pease Anthony
Published: February 2010

Objective—To determine the minimal electric threshold (MET) of neurostimulation in and out of the lumbosacral epidural space necessary to cause muscle contraction of the hind limb or tail, determine an MET cutoff value that indicates epidural needle placement, and compare predictability of epidural needle placement attained by use of neurostimulation versus the standard technique that uses loss of resistance in dogs.

Animals—96 healthy Beagles.

Procedures—Dogs received nonionic contrast medium (90 mg/kg) either in or out of the epidural space. Correct placement of the needle was evaluated by use of neurostimulation and loss of resistance of injection and confirmed by use of epidurography.

Results—With the neurostimulator test, MET was significantly lower in dogs with needle placement in the epidural space (mean ± SEM, 0.30 ± 0.07 mA) than those with needle placement out of the epidural space (1.2 ± 0.13 mA). When an electric current cutoff of ≤ 0.28 mA for the neurostimulator test was used to suggest correct needle placement in the lumbosacral epidural space, sensitivity and specificity were 74% and 93%, respectively. The loss of resistance test had sensitivity of 63% and specificity of 90%. The combination of both tests yielded a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 83%.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Neurostimulation is a useful tool to suggest correct lumbosacral epidural needle placement in dogs.
Mapping and measuring disparities in welfare for cats across neighborhoods in a large US city
Authors: Patronek Gary J.
Published: February 2010

Objective—To determine whether disparities in health and welfare among cats are present within neighborhoods and across census tracts in a large US city, and to compare results with area-level human data.

Sample Population—17,587 cat intake records from 2 animal sheltering organizations serving Boston, and summary data from city animal control authorities for a 5-year period (2004 through 2008).

Procedures—Geocoded addresses (n = 15,285) were spatially joined to neighborhood and census tract polygons. Cat intakes and deaths were calculated per capita and compared with human demographic and death data. Poisson mixed-effects models were used to smooth mortality rates and calculate relative risks.

Results—Data from geocoded records indicated that annual rates of cat intakes and deaths ranged widely (0.85 to 10.3 cats/1,000 persons and 0.27 to 3.9 cats/1,000 persons, respectively) within 16 neighborhoods of Boston. The disparity across 156 census tracts that comprised these neighborhoods was even greater (0.10 to 22.1 cats/1,000 persons and 0.15 to 6.47 cats/1,000 persons for intakes and deaths, respectively). Cat deaths were significantly correlated with human premature deaths at the neighborhood level (R2 = 0.77). Overall, annual per capita city-wide shelter-associated mortality rate for cats (estimated at approx 2.6 cats/1,000 persons) was similar to rates in other progressive communities.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—By use of geospatial techniques, 14- to 40-fold gradients in cat deaths were detected across Boston neighborhoods and census tracts. Cat deaths were associated with human premature deaths and socioeconomic indicators reflecting deprivation. Targeted interventions may be effective in resolving these disparities.
Evaluation of two portable meters for determination of blood triglyceride concentration in dogs
Authors: Kluger Elissa K. , Dhand Navneet K. , Malik Richard , Ilkin William J. , Snow David H. , Govendir Merran
Published: February 2010

Objective—To evaluate agreement between 2 portable triglyceride meters and a veterinary laboratory for measurement of blood triglyceride concentrations in dogs and evaluate effects of Hct and blood volume analyzed.

Sample Population—97 blood samples collected from 60 dogs.

Procedures—Triglyceride concentrations were measured in blood by use of 2 meters and compared with serum triglyceride concentrations determined by a veterinary laboratory. Within- and between-day precision, accuracy, and effects of blood volume and Hct were analyzed.

Results—Accuracy of both meters varied with triglyceride concentration, although both accurately delineated dogs with triglyceride concentrations < 180 mg/dL versus ≥ 180 mg/dL. One meter had results with excellent overall correlation with results of the standard laboratory method, with a concordance correlation coefficient of 0.94 and mean difference of 20.3 mg/dL. The other meter had a good overall concordance correlation coefficient of 0.86 with a higher absolute mean difference of −27.7 mg/dL. Results were only affected by blood volume; triglyceride concentrations determined via both meters were significantly lower when 7 μL of EDTA-anticoagulated blood was used, compared with larger volumes.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—1 meter had greater accuracy in the range of 140 to 400 mg/dL and was therefore well suited to detect hypertriglyceridemia. The other meter was accurate with triglyceride values < 140 mg/dL and yielded results similar to those of the veterinary laboratory in the range of 140 to 400 mg/dL, therefore being suitable for determination of triglyceride concentrations in nonfed dogs and dogs with mildly high concentrations.
Assessment of criteria used by veterinary practitioners to diagnose hypothyroidism in sighthounds and investigation of serum thyroid hormone concentrations in healthy Salukis
Authors: Shiel Robert E. , Sist MaryDee , Nachreiner Raymond F. , Ehrlich Claire P. , Mooney Carmel T.
Published: February 2010

Objective—To assess use of serum thyroid hormone concentrations by veterinarians to diagnose hypothyroidism in sighthounds and to evaluate serum thyroid hormone concentrations in healthy Salukis.

Design—Retrospective case series and cross-sectional study.

Animals—398 sighthounds of various breeds with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism and 283 healthy Salukis.

Procedures—Pretreatment thyroid hormone assay results from sighthounds subsequently classified as hypothyroid by practitioners were retrieved from a laboratory database. In healthy Salukis, serum concentrations of total thyroxine (T4), free T4, total triiodothyronine (T3), free T3, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and antibodies against thyroglobulin and thyroid hormones were assayed.

Results—Records indicated hypothyroidism had been diagnosed in 303 (76.1%) sight-hounds on the basis of low serum thyroid hormone concentrations alone and in 30 (7.5%) others despite all thyroid hormone indices being within reference limits. Only 65 (16.3%) dogs had a high TSH concentration or positive thyroglobulin autoantibody result to support the diagnosis. In healthy Salukis, median (reference limits) serum concentrations of total T4, free T4, total T3, free T3, and TSH were 13.0 nmol/L (2.8 to 40.0 nmol/L), 12.0 pmol/L (2.0 to 30.3 pmol/L), 1.0 nmol/L (0.4 to 2.1 nmol/L), 4.0 pmol/L (1.6 to 7.7 pmol/L), and 0.18 ng/mL (0 to 0.86 ng/mL), respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Diagnosis of hypothyroidism by practitioners was most often made without adequate supportive laboratory evidence. Thyroid hormone values in healthy Salukis differed markedly from standard reference limits for some, but not all, thyroid hormone indices. Breed-specific reference limits should be used when interpreting thyroid hormone profiles of sighthounds.
Effects of general anesthesia on plasma colloid oncotic pressure in dogs
Authors: Dismukes David I. , Thomovsky Elizabeth J. , Mann F. A. , Middleton John R.
Published: February 2010

Objective—To determine the magnitude of the change in colloid oncotic pressure (COP) associated with general anesthesia in dogs undergoing a variety of elective procedures.

Design—Cohort study.

Animals—50 client-owned dogs.

Procedures—For each dog, preanesthetic and postanesthetic PCV, plasma total solids (TS) concentration, and COP were determined. The procedures requiring anesthesia, volume of crystalloid fluids administered IV, duration of anesthesia, age, weight, and sex were recorded.

Results—Postanesthetic PCV (mean ± SD, 41.8 ± 5.4%), TS concentration (6.3 ± 0.8 g/dL), and COP (19.4 ± 3.6 mm Hg) were significantly decreased, compared with preanesthetic values (48.8 ± 5.9%, 7.2 ± 0.7 g/dL, and 24.4 ± 4.2 mm Hg, respectively). None of the variables tested could be used to reliably predict changes in COP.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that COP in healthy dogs may decrease by 5 mm Hg on average after general anesthesia and that this decrease may not be reliably predicted by the volume of fluids administered IV during anesthesia or by the concurrent measured decrease in TS concentration.
Computed tomographic features of oral squamous cell carcinoma in cats: 18 cases (2002–2008)
Authors: Gendler Andrew , Lewis John R. , Reetz Jennifer A. , Schwarz Tobias
Published: February 2010

Objective—To describe the computed tomographic features of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in cats and identify imaging characteristics associated with survival time.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—18 cats with a diagnosis of oral SCC.

Procedures—Information on history; clinical, laboratory, and diagnostic imaging findings; treatment; and survival time was obtained from medical records of 18 cats with oral SCC. Computed tomography (CT) studies were examined to identify features associated with oral SCC. The association of CT features with survival time was evaluated.

Results—On CT images, SCC was centered at the following sites: sublingual or lingual region (n = 7), maxilla (5), buccal mucosa (4), mandible (4), pharyngeal mucosa (2), soft palate mucosa (1), and lip (1). These results were in agreement with the results of oral examination for all sites, except the soft palate (CT, 1 cat; oral examination, 4 cats). On CT images, extension of maxillary masses was most often observed to affect the orbit (5 cats). Heterogeneous contrast enhancement was most commonly identified (8/18). Osteolytic mass lesions were identified on CT images in 9 cats. None of the quantitative CT features that were identified, including mass size, attenuation, or lymph node width, were correlated with survival time.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Common CT features of oral SCC in cats included sublingual and maxillary locations, marked heterogeneous contrast enhancement, and osteolysis. Computed tomography may be used to determine mass extension and lymph node enlargement, but results did not correlate with survival time.
Serre Theorem for involutory Hopf algebras
Authors: Militaru Gigel
Published: February 2010

We call a monoidal category C a Serre category if for any C, D ∈ C such that C ⊗ D is semisimple, C and D are semisimple objects in C. Let H be an involutory Hopf algebra, M, N two H-(co)modules such that M ⊗ N is (co)semisimple as a H-(co)module. If N (resp. M) is a finitely generated projective k-module with invertible Hattory-Stallings rank in k then M (resp. N) is (co)semisimple as a H-(co)module. In particular, the full subcategory of all finite dimensional modules, comodules or Yetter-Drinfel’d modules over H the dimension of which are invertible in k are Serre categories.
Characterization of α1 and α2-matrices
Authors: Bru Rafael , Cvetković Ljiljana , Kostić Vladimir , Pedroche Francisco
Published: February 2010

This paper deals with some properties of α1-matrices and α2-matrices which are subclasses of nonsingular H-matrices. In particular, new characterizations of these two subclasses are given, and then used for proving algebraic properties related to subdirect sums and Hadamard products.
Points of continuity and quasicontinuity
Authors: Borsík Ján
Published: February 2010

Let C(f), Q(f), E(f) and A(f) be the sets of all continuity, quasicontinuity, upper and lower quasicontinuity and cliquishness points of a real function f: X → ℝ, respectively. The triplets (C(f),Q(f),A(f)), (C(f),E(f),A(f) and (Q(f),E(f),A(f)are characterized for functions defined on Baire metric spaces without isolated points.
Sums of SCD sets and their applications to SCD operators and narrow operators
Authors: Kadets Vladimir , Shepelska Varvara
Published: February 2010

We answer two open questions concerning the recently introduced notions of slicely countably determined (SCD) sets and SCD operators in Banach spaces. An application to narrow operators in spaces with the Daugavet property is given.
Solid suspension and gas dispersion in gas-solid-liquid agitated systems
Authors: Kiełbus-Rąpała Anna , Karcz Joanna
Published: February 2010

The aim of the research work was to investigate the effect of superficial gas velocity and solids concentration on the critical agitator speed, gas hold-up and averaged residence time of gas bubbles in an agitated gas-solid-liquid system. Experimental studies were conducted in a vessel of the inner diameter of 0.634 m. Different high-speed impellers: Rushton and Smith turbines, A 315 and HE 3 impellers, were used for agitation. The measurements were conducted in systems with different physical parameters of the continuous phase. Liquid phases were: distilled water (coalescing system) or aqueous solutions of NaCl (non-coalescing systems). The experiments were carried out at five different values of solids concentration and gas flow rate. Experimental analysis of the conditions of gas bubbles dispersion and particles suspension in the vessel with a flat bottom and four standard baffles showed that both gas and solid phases strongly affected the critical agitation speed necessary to produce a three-phase system. On the basis of experimental studies, the critical agitator speed for all agitators working in the gas-solid-liquid systems was found. An increase of superficial gas velocity caused a significant increase of the gas hold-up in both coalescing and non-coalescing three-phase systems. The type of the impeller strongly affected the parameters considered in this work. Low values of the critical impeller speed together with the relatively short average gas bubbles residence time tR in three phase systems were characteristic for the A 315 impeller. Radial flow Rushton and Smith turbines are high-energy consuming impellers but they enable to maintain longer gas bubbles residence time and to obtain higher values of the gas hold-up in the three-phase systems. Empirical correlations were proposed for the critical agitator speed, mean specific energy dissipated and the gas hold-up prediction. Its parameters were fitted using experimental data.
Survival on the Border: A Population Model to Evaluate Management Options for Norway's Wolves Canis lupus
Authors: Bull Joseph , Nilsen Erlend B. , Mysterud Atle , Milner‐Gulland E. J.
Published: February 2010

We present an individual‐based model of the Norwegian wolf Canis lupus population, which is used to evaluate the effectiveness of current and potential management policies in fulfilling the Norwegian Government's stated aim of maintaining three breeding packs within a designated wolf zone. The model estimates the ‘functional extinction rate’ of the population, defined as the proportion of years in which breeding wolf packs are absent. Under the current conditions according to estimates from Scandinavia, with observed values of natural survival rates (0.903) and unauthorised mortality (0.203) and allowing for immigration from Sweden, the model predicts that the probability of functional extinction is as low as 0.07. This output variable is highly sensitive to the demographic parameters, and if alternative estimates of natural survival rates (0.73 for cubs and 0.83 for adults) reported for wolves elsewhere and higher rates of unauthorised mortality (0.4) are utilised, the functional extinction rate is 0.67 ± 0.15, and the population is dependent on maintenance by immigration from Sweden. The main determinants of the functional extinction rate are the unauthorised mortality rate and the immigration rate from Sweden. The Scandinavian population as a whole shows a rapid non‐linear increase in probability of extinction at unauthorised mortality rates >0.10. Varying levels of the current management interventions (increasing the size of the wolf zone and target number of packs) are ineffective; only when the unauthorised mortality rate falls below 0.30 is a self‐sustaining population in Norway able to establish. An adaptive harvest policy with culls targeted only at dispersing animals, or taking place only when the population exceeds a threshold level, could be sustainable if the unauthorised mortality rate is reduced. The fact that the Norwegian Government has been explicit about its management strategy and objectives has allowed us to test the ability of this strategy to meet the objectives, and we have shown that it is dependant upon maintaining the current circumstances alongside a high adult survival rate to be able to do so. Given the potentially critical role of the Swedish population in sustaining Norway's wolves, there is a strong case for joint management of the Scandinavian population. These insights are likely to be relevant for the management of other species living across geopolitical boundaries.
Habitat Selection in a Low‐Density Badger Meles meles Population: A Comparison of Radio‐Tracking and Latrine Surveys
Authors: Balestrieri Alessandro , Remonti Luigi , Prigioni Claudio
Published: February 2010

Indirect methods such as faecal counts have been widely used for assessing the abundance and habitat preferences of many mammal species, although their reliability has been long debated. We tested the validity of this method for the Eurasian badger Meles meles in a low‐density population in northern Italy by comparing results obtained from radio‐tracking and latrine distribution. The pattern of habitat use extrapolated from each method was strikingly similar, with badgers selecting for patches of woodland and avoiding agricultural and urban areas. Latrines were mainly sited in the centre of activity of all individuals along man‐made linear features. Although our data need to be validated over a wider range of social groups, evidence suggests that latrines might be used to broadly infer habitat preferences of badgers at the landscape level in low‐density areas.
Impact of Reproductive Effort on Survival of Rio Grande Wild TurkeyMeleagris Gallop IntermediaHens in Texas
Authors: Collier Bret A. , Melton Kyle B. , Hardin Jason B. , Silvy Nova J. , Peterson Markus J.
Published: February 2010

The southeastern portion of the Edwards Plateau of Texas, historically a stronghold of Rio Grande wild turkeysMeleagris gallopavo intermedia, has seen the numbers of turkeys declining since the 1970s. Because hen survival is a key parameter affecting turkey population dynamics, we monitored radio‐tagged Rio Grande wild turkey hens on the Edwards Plateau during 2001–2007 to compare survival during the breeding season in areas where turkey abundance has declined vs areas with stable populations. Breeding season survival was best predicted by a model that allowed variation during different periods of the reproductive season (initial nesting during 25 March – 21 April, renesting during 22 April – 12 June and post‐nesting during 13 June – 2 July) and differences between stable and declining regions. Model‐averaged estimates of breeding season survival were higher in the stable region (0.88; 95% CI: 0.78–0.94) than in the declining region (0.67; 95% CI: 0.55–0.78). Data collected on nests and hens during the intensive monitoring part of the study conducted during 2005–2007 indicated that breeding season survival was negatively affected by the amount of reproductive effort each season, i.e. the number of days a hen spent incubating a nest. Breeding season (25 March – 2 July) survival (0.86) was higher for non‐nesting hens than for hens that nested (0.68; average of 15 days spent nesting). Our results suggest that differences in productivity between stable and declining Rio Grande wild turkey populations in the Edwards Plateau of Texas were associated with differences in breeding season survival due to variable reproductive effort, which, when combined with precipitation‐dependent boom‐bust dynamics common to galliforms in this region, could limit long‐term population productivity and maintenance.
Specific dermatologic features of the polycystic ovary syndrome and its association with biochemical markers of the metabolic syndrome and hyperandrogenism
Authors: ÖZDEMIR SUNA , ÖZDEMIR MUSTAFA , GÖRKEMLI HÜSEYIN , KIYICI AYSEL , BODUR SAIT
Published: February 2010

Objective. To investigate biochemical and metabolic abnormalities in relation with cutaneous features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design. Prospective descriptive analysis. Setting. University‐based tertiary care. Sample. One‐hundred and fifteen untreated consecutive women diagnosed as having PCOS. Methods. Each woman underwent an evaluation of body habitus, acne, hirsutism, seborrhea, androgenic alopecia and acanthosis nigricans. Associations between cutaneous features and hormonal and metabolic parameters were analyzed by means of multivariate logistic regression models. Main outcome measures. Prevalence of cutaneous features in PCOS and associations among the features and biochemical and metabolic parameters. Results. The prevalence of acne, hirsutism, seborrhea, androgenetic alopecia and acanthosis nigricans was 53%, 73.9%, 34.8%, 34.8% and 5.2%, respectively. Acne was not associated with the hormonal, metabolic and anthropometric variables. Hirsutism had positive associations with total testosterone, fasting glucose and total cholesterol, and a negative association with age. Seborrhea was found to be related with free testosterone, fasting glucose and insulin. A negative association was determined among androgenic alopecia and free testosterone, low‐density lipoprotein and insulin. Conclusions. Acne and androgenic alopecia are not good markers for the hyperandrogenism in PCOS. Hirsutism appears to be strongly related with hyperandrogenism and metabolic abnormalities in PCOS women.
Recognizing Problem Video Game Use
Authors: Porter Guy , Starcevic Vladan , Berle David , Fenech Pauline
Published: February 2010

Objectives: It has been increasingly recognized that some people develop problem video game use, defined here as excessive use of video games resulting in various negative psychosocial and/or physical consequences. The main objectives of the present study were to identify individuals with problem video game use and compare them with those without problem video game use on several variables.

Method: An international, anonymous online survey was conducted, using a questionnaire with provisional criteria for problem video game use, which the authors have developed. These criteria reflect the crucial features of problem video game use: preoccupation with and loss of control over playing video games and multiple adverse consequences of this activity.

Results: A total of 1945 survey participants completed the survey. Respondents who were identified as problem video game users (n = 156, 8.0%) differed significantly from others (n = 1789) on variables that provided independent, preliminary validation of the provisional criteria for problem video game use. They played longer than planned and with greater frequency, and more often played even though they did not want to and despite believing that they should not do it. Problem video game users were more likely to play certain online role-playing games, found it easier to meet people online, had fewer friends in real life, and more often reported excessive caffeine consumption.

Conclusions: People with problem video game use can be identified by means of a questionnaire and on the basis of the present provisional criteria, which require further validation. These findings have implications for recognition of problem video game users among individuals, especially adolescents, who present to mental health services. Mental health professionals need to acknowledge the public health significance of the multiple negative consequences of problem video game use.
Randomized Comparison of Group Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Group Psychoeducation in Acute Patients with Schizophrenia: Effects on Subjective Quality of Life
Authors: Bechdolf Andreas , Knost Bärbel , Nelson Barnaby , Schneider Nicola , Veith Verena , Yung Alison R , Pukrop Ralf
Published: February 2010

Objective: Although the clinical efficacy of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) has been established for patients with schizophrenia, the data on effects on quality of life (QoL) are lacking. The purpose of the present study was therefore to compare the effects of a brief group CBT and a group psychoeducational (PE) programme in patients with schizophrenia on QoL.

Method: A total of 88 inpatients with schizophrenia were randomized to receive a therapy envelope of 8 weeks including either 16 sessions of group CBT or eight sessions of group PE treatment. QoL was assessed using the Modular System for Quality of Life at baseline, post-treatment assessment and 6 month follow up.

Results: QoL improved significantly in both treatments in most QoL dimensions. Within-group effect sizes for general QoL at follow up were 0.25 for CBT and 0.29 for PE. No significant differences between CBT and PE were found at post-treatment and at 6 month follow up.

Conclusions: Both brief group CBT and group PE improve subjective QoL in patients with schizophrenia.
Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder in Postmenopausal Women: Prevalence, Clinical Features, and Comorbidity
Authors: Uguz Faruk , Sahingoz Mine , Gezginc Kazim , Karatayli Rengin
Published: February 2010

Objective: Studies about obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) during the postmenopausal period have been insufficient. The purpose of the current study was therefore to examine the prevalence rate, clinical characteristics, and comorbidity of OCD in postmenopausal women.

Methods: A total of 269 consecutive postmenopausal women admitted to a gynaecology outpatient clinic were included in the study. OCD and comorbid disorders was diagnosed by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. The Yale–Brown Obsessive– Compulsive Scale was used to determine the types of obsessions and compulsions.

Results: The prevalence rate of OCD was 7.1% in the sample. Two women (0.7%) reported that OCD developed during the postmenopausal period. The most common obsessions were contamination and symmetry/exactness, whereas the most common compulsions were cleaning/washing and checking. OCD was unrelated to variables examined in the present study. The comorbidity rate of other psychiatric disorders was 63.2% in OCD patients. The most common comorbid disorder was generalized anxiety disorder.

Conclusions: OCD was not rare in postmenopausal women admitted to a gynaecology outpatient clinic. In addition, OCD appears to be frequently comorbid with depressive or other anxiety disorders in the postmenopausal period.
Impact of Current and Past Intimate Partner Violence on Maternal Mental Health and Behaviour at 2 Years After Childbirth: Evidence from the Pacific Islands Families Study
Authors: Gao Wanzhen , Paterson Janis , Abbott Max , Carter Sarnia , Iusitini Leon , McDonald-Sundborn Gerhard
Published: February 2010

Objective: The present study examined the association between maternal intimate partner violence (IPV) at 6 weeks and 24 months postpartum and maternal health problems in a cohort of Pacific families with 2-year-old children in New Zealand.

Methods: Data were gathered from the Pacific Islands Families Study. Mothers of a cohort of Pacific infants born in Auckland, New Zealand during 2000 were interviewed when the children were 6 weeks and 24 months of age. There were 828 mothers cohabiting in married or de facto partnerships who completed measures of IPV, mental health, and health-related behaviour such as smoking and high-risk alcohol use at both data points. The main statistical method used was logistic regression analysis.

Results: Compared to mothers who did not experience physical violence at either data point, the odds of reporting psychological distress were 2.42 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07–5.44) for those experiencing physical violence at 6 weeks only, 3.47 (95%CI = 1.75–6.86) for those experiencing physical violence at 24 months only, and 3.84 (95%CI = 1.78–8.30) for those experiencing physical violence at both data points after controlling for sociodemographic factors. Mothers experiencing verbal aggression or physical violence at both data points were more likely to report smoking or high-risk alcohol use at 24 months than those who did not, but the associations were no longer significant after controlling for sociodemographic factors.

Conclusion: Being a victim of intimate partner physical violence at any time (past, recent and repeated) may contribute to an increase in maternal psychological distress. Health-related behaviours such as smoking and high-risk alcohol use at 24 months postpartum may to some degree be attributable to repeated victimization of physical violence and verbal aggression, but the relationships are not convincing and deserve further research in longitudinal studies.
Beginning to teach the end: the importance of including discharge from aphasia therapy in the curriculum
Authors: Hersh Deborah , Cruice Madeline
Published: February 2010

Background: Discharging clients with long‐term aphasia from therapy services constitutes a challenging dilemma for practising clinicians for a multitude of reasons. Although discharge was raised and discussed as a contentious issue in the field of aphasiology ten years ago, it remains an aspect of practice which is complex and underexplored. We are only a little more enlightened now than then on how to address this issue in relation to professional education and practice.

Aims: This paper draws on a single case study of a man with aphasia, his wife, and treating clinician, taken from a substantial research study, to highlight awareness of how communication, choice and differing perceptions of goals of therapy influence the experience of the discharge process. The case serves as the context for addressing a gap in the university curriculum around teaching about discharge practice in the context of long‐term aphasia.

Methods & Procedures: This paper describes how university and practice educators could include discharge issues in students' learning by teaching discharge in context, addressing it in formal university lessons as well as through work‐based learning opportunities in clinical placements, and by scaffolding learning using graduated learning outcomes over the different stages of the students' programme.

Main contribution: This paper provides practical suggestions to guide the inclusion of discharge in teaching about communication disorders generally, and specifically in relation to long‐term aphasia. Discharge needs to be appreciated within the context of the entire intervention process, with good practice modelled in both university and workplace settings. We propose that it is learned in association with stages of decision‐making, duty of care, documentation, goal setting, continuous therapy evaluation, clinical reasoning, professional communication with clients, ethical behaviour, and evidence‐based practice.

Conclusions & Implications: Bringing discharge practice from the realm of implicit knowledge to one that can be examined and discussed in an explicit manner should help reduce anxieties about discharge for new clinicians, help to clarify and improve the discharge approaches used by clinicians and lead to better discharge experiences for clients.
Surgical management of World Health Organization Grade II gliomas in eloquent areas: the necessity of preserving a margin around functional structures
Authors: Gil-Robles Santiago , Duffau Hugues
Published: February 2010

Object

Recent surgical studies have demonstrated that the extent of resection is significantly correlated with median survival in WHO Grade II gliomas. Consequently, thanks to advances in intraoperative functional mapping, the authors questioned whether it is actually necessary to leave a “security” margin around eloquent structures.

Methods

The authors first reviewed the classic literature, especially that based on epilepsy surgery and functional neuroimaging techniques, which led them to propose the rule of a security margin. Second, they detailed new developments in the field of intrasurgical electrical mapping, especially with regard to subcortical stimulation of the projection and long-distance association pathways. On the basis of these advances, the removal of gliomas according to functional boundaries has recently been suggested, with no margin around eloquent structures.

Results

Comparative results showed that the rate of permanent deficit was similar with or without a security margin, that is, < 2%. However, a higher rate of transient neurological worsening in the immediate postsurgical period was associated with the absence of a margin, with recovery following adapted rehabilitation. On the other hand, the extent of resection was in essence improved with no margin.

Conclusions

This no-margin technique, based on the subpial dissection, and the repetition of both cortical and subcortical stimulation to preserve eloquent cortex as well as the white matter tracts (U-fibers, projection pathways, and long-distance connectivity) allow optimization of the extent of resection while preserving the quality of life (despite transitory impairment) thanks to mechanisms of brain plasticity.
Intraoperative use of diffusion tensor imaging fiber tractography and subcortical mapping for resection of gliomas: technical considerations
Authors: Bello Lorenzo , Castellano Antonella , Fava Enrica , Casaceli Giuseppe , Riva Marco , Scotti Giuseppe , Gaini Sergio Maria , Falini Andrea
Published: February 2010

Resection of lesions involving motor or language areas or pathways requires the intraoperative identification of functional cortical and subcortical sites for effectively and safe guidance. Diffusion tensor (DT) imaging and fiber tractography are MR imaging techniques based on the concept of anisotropic water diffusion in myelinated fibers, which enable 3D reconstruction and visualization of white matter tracts and provide information about the relationship of these tracts to the tumor mass. The authors routinely used DT imaging fiber tractography to reconstruct various tracts involved in the motor and/or language system in a large series of patients with lesions involving the motor and/or language areas or pathways. The DT imaging fiber tractography data were loaded into the neuronavigational system and combined intraoperatively with those obtained from direct electrical stimulation applied at the subcortical level. In this paper the authors report the results of their experience, describing the findings for each tract and discussing technical aspects of the combined use as well as the pitfalls.
The role of functional magnetic resonance imaging in brain surgery
Authors: Rutten Geert-Jan , Ramsey Nick F.
Published: February 2010

New functional neuroimaging techniques are changing our understanding of the human brain, and there is now convincing evidence to move away from the classic and clinical static concepts of functional topography. In a modern neurocognitive view, functions are thought to be represented in dynamic large-scale networks. The authors review the current (limited) role of functional MR imaging in brain surgery and the possibilities of new functional MR imaging techniques for research and neurosurgical practice. A critique of current clinical gold standard techniques (electrocortical stimulation and the Wada test) is given.
Intraoperative stimulation techniques for functional pathway preservation and glioma resection
Authors: Sanai Nader , Berger Mitchel S.
Published: February 2010

Although a primary tenet of neurosurgical oncology is that survival can improve with greater tumor resection, this principle must be tempered by the potential for functional loss following a radical removal. Preoperative planning with functional and physiological imaging paradigms, combined with intraoperative strategies such as cortical and subcortical stimulation mapping, can effectively reduce the risks associated with operating in eloquent territory. In addition to identifying critical motor pathways, these techniques can be adapted to identify language function reliably. The authors review the technical nuances of intraoperative mapping for low- and high-grade gliomas, demonstrating their efficacy in optimizing resection even in patients with negative mapping data. Collectively, these surgical strategies represent the cornerstone for operating on gliomas in and around functional pathways.
Cerebral microdialysis and intracranial pressure monitoring in patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus: association with clinical response to extended lumbar drainage and shunt surgery
Authors: Eide Per K. , Stanisic Milo
Published: February 2010

Object

This study was performed in patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) to monitor cerebral metabolism with microdialysis (MD) and intracranial pressure (ICP) readings, and relate to the clinical responses to extended lumbar drainage (ELD) and shunt surgery.

Methods

The baseline levels of MD metabolites and ICP were monitored overnight in 40 consecutive patients with iNPH. In a subset of 28 patients, monitoring was continued during 3 days of ELD. Thirty-one patients received a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The clinical severity of iNPH was determined before and then 3 and 6–12 months after shunt surgery.

Results

Altered levels of MD markers (lactate, pyruvate, lactate/pyruvate ratio, glutamate, and/or glycerol) were seen in all patients at baseline; these improved during ELD. Despite normal static ICP (mean ICP), the pulsatile ICP (the ICP wave amplitude) was increased in 24 patients (60%). Only the level of the ICP wave amplitude differentiated the ELD and/or shunt responders from nonresponders.

Conclusions

The MD monitoring indicated low-grade cerebral ischemia in patients with iNPH; during ELD, cerebral metabolism improved. The pulsatile ICP (the ICP wave amplitude) was the only variable differentiating the clinical responders from the nonresponders. The authors suggest that the pulsatile ICP reflects the intracranial compliance and that CSF diversion improves the biophysical milieu of the nerve cells, which subsequently may improve their biochemical milieu.
Complete removal of vagus nerve stimulator generator and electrodes
Authors: Ortler Martin , Unterhofer Claudia , Dobesberger Judith , Haberlandt Edda , Trinka Eugen
Published: February 2010

Vagus nerve stimulation has become widely used in the palliative treatment of refractory epilepsy. Removal of a vagus nerve stimulator may be desirable or even necessary due to lack of efficacy, intolerable side effects, signs of infection, or failure of the device. Unless the lead or the helical electrodes are defective, only the generator is explanted and the electrodes are usually left behind for fear of damaging nerve or surrounding structures. The authors review their experience with complete removal of the stimulating electrodes and pacemaker-like generator device in 9 consecutive patients, 3 of whom were children.

Using microsurgical techniques, the authors were able to completely remove the stimulator, including electrodes in all patients. All nerves remained morphologically intact. One case of temporary and one of permanent clinically silent ipsilateral vocal cord paresis were observed.
Do baclofen pumps influence the development of scoliosis in children?
Authors: Burn Sasha C. , Zeller Reinhard , Drake James M.
Published: February 2010

Object

Intrathecal baclofen is an effective treatment for spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy. There has been increasing concern, however, that intrathecal baclofen may accelerate the development of scoliosis in this population. To this end, the authors reviewed their population of pediatric patients with baclofen pumps to assess the incidence of scoliosis.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart and radiology review of all pediatric patients with baclofen pumps. Cobb angles were measured preoperatively and on follow-up images.

Results

Of 38 patients identified, 32 had adequate data available for inclusion in the study (16 with cerebral palsy, 7 with dystonic cerebral palsy, 4 with head injury, and 5 with other diagnoses). The mean age at pump insertion was 10.6 years and the mean follow-up period was 31 months (range 1–118 months). The mean annual Cobb angle progression was 19° (range 0–68°, median 12°).

Conclusions

In the authors' group of patients there was notable development and progression of scoliosis at a greater than previously reported rate for the same patient population, and also greater than previously reported patients with intrathecal baclofen pumps. The largest possible confounding factor in this study was the insertion of the pump before skeletal maturity and therefore coinciding with the time when scoliosis may be developing naturally. A prospective study is recommended to gather further data on the development of scoliosis in this particular population with intrathecal baclofen pumps.