bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are we missing mumps epididymo-orchitis?
Authors: Emerson C , Dinsmore W W , Quah S P
Published: May 2007

Mumps epididymo-orchitis has not been recorded as a cause of testicular symptoms without systemic features (including parotitis). The aim of the present study was to assess if we were missing cases in the genitourinary clinic during a previous outbreak of mumps in the community. During a prospective pilot study from November 2005 to February 2006, all patients presenting with symptoms or signs of epididymo-orchitis were studied. These patients were assessed for previous exposure to mumps virus or vaccine, and any current evidence of systemic illness. All patients included had a full sexual health screen (loop test, chlamydia polymerase chain reaction [PCR], gonorrhoea culture, HIV and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory [test]/ Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay), urinary tract infection excluded by urinalysis and mid-stream specimen of urine (MSSU) and mumps serology (Immunoglobulin M [IgM] and Immunoglobulin G [IgG]) performed.

Twenty-three patients met inclusion criteria. Their ages ranged from 16 to 50 years, average 30.8 years. All had symptoms of these, 18 had testicular pain, eight swelling, (four had both pain and swelling) and three also had dysuria. On examination, 12 had tenderness, seven swelling, (two both tenderness and swelling) and six had no signs. Seventeen denied history of mumps, one patient had a record of vaccination and five described fever. None had parotid swelling. Three patients were chlamydia PCR positive, two had candida cultured, three had non-specific urethritis (>10 polymorphonuclear leucocyte/high powered field) and 13 had negative sexually transmitted infection screen (one known HIV-positive). Three had positive IgM mumps serology and two were IgG-positive.

It is important to include mumps in the differential of epididymo-orchitis and to be aware of outbreaks in the community that may present with genital symptoms, as the management and partner notification will be different.
A comparison of two methods of partner notification for sexually transmitted infections in South Africa: patient-delivered partner medication and patient-based partner referral
Authors: Young T , de Kock A , Jones H , Altini L , Ferguson T , van de Wijgert J
Published: May 2007

The objective of this study was to determine acceptability and feasibility of patient-based partner referral (PBPR) and patient-delivered partner medication (PDPM) among female sexually transmitted infection (STI) patients in a community-based STI screening study. Women were randomized to STI screening at home or at a clinic. STI patients could choose between PBPR and PDPM. Six-week follow-up interviews, and in-depth interviews, were conducted. STI prevalence was high. Most of the 106 women with an STI chose PDPM, mainly because partners would not have time or would not want to attend a clinic, and to ensure that partners received treatment. Nearly all partners reportedly took medication (94; 89% took it in front of the woman) or went to a clinic for treatment (92%). No adverse events were reported. Good communication emerged as the key to successful partner notification. In conclusion, PDPM could be used as a strategy to improve STI treatment coverage.
Discontinuation of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based highly active antiretroviral therapy due to nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor-related metabolic toxicity
Authors: Haddow L J , Wood C W , Ainsworth J G
Published: May 2007

We aimed to evaluate the reasons for, and timing of, treatment changes in a cohort of treatment-naïve patients initiating non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-containing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). All 268 patients initiating these regimens between January 1998 and September 2003 were included. Median follow up was 103 weeks. The median baseline CD4 count was 150 cells/ μL. Seven patients (3%) died and 155 patients (58%) experienced a change in their HAART regimen. The reasons drugs were discontinued included toxicity in 106 patients (40%), virological failure in 21 (8%), other reasons in 23 (9%) and unknown reasons in five (2%). Fifty-one patients (19%) stopped NRTIs due to peripheral neuropathy, hyperlactataemia, lipoatrophy, lipodystrophy or myelosuppression, and these events were more likely in patients with baseline CD4 count below the median ( P = 0.039). The findings in this cohort show that discontinuation of HAART was commonly due to toxicity, especially metabolic or mitochondrial toxicity in those with lower baseline CD4 count.
Interrogative suggestibility, self‐esteem, and the influence of negative life‐events
Authors: Drake Kim E. , Bull Ray , Boon Julian C. W.
Published: May 2007

Purpose. Past research has frequently demonstrated the impact of life adversity on the behaviour and mindset of individuals. In terms of the formal police interview, the experience of negative life‐events may have an effect upon interviewee performance. This study, therefore, aims to investigate how negative life‐events may influence interviewee performance on the Gudjonsson suggestibility scale (GSS). Moreover, self‐esteem will also be investigated in relation to both the experience of negative life‐events and interrogative suggestibility.

Method. Sixty participants were administered the GSS1. In between the immediate and delayed recall phases, interviewees were asked to complete the culture‐free self‐esteem inventory, the life‐events questionnaire and the Eysenck personality questionnaire.

Results. Negative life‐events (NLEs) were significantly correlated with all of the GSS suggestibility scores (yield 1, yield 2, shift and total Suggestibility). Contrary to past research, however, self‐esteem scores were not significantly related to any of the GSS components or to NLE scores.

Conclusion. This paper is the first to show a link between the experience of NLEs and GSS scores. The findings suggest that interviewees reporting a high number of NLEs are significantly more susceptible to the leading questions, as well as to negative feedback, administered during the GSS interview. Erroneous reports and false confessions may thus be more likely with such interviewees, potentially classifying them as vulnerable witnesses.
Endogenous TrkB Ligands Suppress Functional Mechanosensory Plasticity in the Deafferented Spinal Cord
Authors: Ramer Leanne M. , McPhail Lowell T. , Borisoff Jaimie F. , Soril Lesley J. J. , Kaan Timothy K. Y. , Lee Jae H. T. , Saunders James W. T. , Hwi Lucy P. R. , Ramer Matt S.
Published: May 2007

Dorsal root injury (DRI) disrupts the flow of sensory information to the spinal cord. Although primary afferents do not regenerate to their original targets, spontaneous recovery can, by unknown mechanisms, occur after DRI. Here, we show that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), but not nerve growth factor or neurotrophin-4, are upregulated in the spinal gray matter after DRI. Because endognous BDNF and NT-3 have well established roles in synaptic and axonal plasticity, we hypothesized that they contributed to spontaneous recovery after DRI. We first developed a model of DRI-induced mechanosensory dysfunction: rat C7/8 DRI produced a deficit in low-threshold cutaneous mechanosensation that spontaneously improved within 10 d but did not recover completely. To determine the effects of endogenous BDNF and NT-3, we administered TrkB-Fc or TrkC-Fc fusion proteins throughout the recovery period. To our surprise, TrkB-Fc stimulated complete recovery of mechanosensation by 6 d after DRI. It also stimulated mechanosensory axon sprouting but prevented deafferentation-induced serotonergic sprouting. TrkC-Fc had no effect on low-threshold mechanosensory behavior or axonal plasticity. There was no mechanosensory improvement with single-bolus TrkB-Fc infusions at 10 d after DRI (despite significantly reducing rhizotomy-induced cold pain), indicating that neuromodulatory effects of BDNF did not underlie mechanosensory recovery. Continuous infusion of the pan-neurotrophin antagonist K252a also stimulated behavioral and anatomical plasticity, indicating that these effects of TrkB-Fc treatment occurred independent of signaling by other neurotrophins. These results illustrate a novel, plasticity-suppressing effect of endogenous TrkB ligands on mechanosensation and mechanosensory primary afferent axons after spinal deafferentation.
Unconscious Activation of the Cognitive Control System in the Human Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Lau Hakwan C. , Passingham Richard E.
Published: May 2007

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we tested whether unconscious information can influence the cognitive control system in the human prefrontal cortex. Volunteers had to prepare to perform either a phonological judgment or a semantic judgment on an upcoming word, based on the instruction given at the beginning of each trial. However, in some trials they were visually primed to prepare for the alternative (i.e., “wrong”) task, and this impaired their performance. This priming effect is taken to depend on unconscious processes because the effect was present even when the volunteers could only discriminate the identity of the primes at chance level. Furthermore, the effect was stronger when the visibility of the prime was near zero than when the visibility of the prime was significantly higher. When volunteers were unconsciously primed to perform the alternative task, there was also decreased neural activity in the brain areas relevant to the instructed task and increased neural activity in the brain areas relevant to the alternative task, which shows that the volunteers were actually engaged in the wrong task, instead of simply being distracted. Activity in the mid-dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was also found to be associated with this unconscious priming effect. These results suggest that the cognitive control system in the prefrontal cortex is not exclusively driven by conscious information, as has been believed previously.
Activation of Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors on Main Olfactory Bulb Granule Cells and Periglomerular Cells Enhances Synaptic Inhibition of Mitral Cells
Authors: Dong Hong-Wei , Hayar Abdallah , Ennis Matthew
Published: May 2007

Granule and periglomerular cells in the main olfactory bulb express group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). The group I mGluR agonist 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) increases GABAergic spontaneous IPSCs (sIPSCs) in mitral cells, yet the presynaptic mechanism(s) involved and source(s) of the IPSCs are unknown. We investigated the actions of DHPG on sIPSCs and TTX-insensitive miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs) recorded in mitral and external tufted cells in rat olfactory bulb slices. DHPG, acting at mGluR1 and mGluR5, increased the rate but not amplitude of sIPSCs and mIPSCs in both cell types. The increase in mIPSCs depended on voltage-gated Ca2+channels but persisted when ionotropic glutamate receptors and sodium spikes were blocked. Focal DHPG puffs onto granule cells or bath application after glomerular layer (GL) excision failed to increase mIPSCs in mitral cells. Additionally, GL excision reduced sIPSCs in mitral cells by 50%, suggesting that periglomerular cells exert strong tonic GABAergic inhibition of mitral cells. In contrast, GL DHPG puffs readily increased mIPSCs. These findings indicate that DHPG-evoked GABA release from granule cells requires spikes, whereas in the GL, DHPG facilitates periglomerular cell GABA release via both spike-dependent and spike-independent presynaptic mechanisms. We speculate that mGluRs amplify spike-driven lateral inhibition through the mitral-to-granule cell circuit, whereas GL mGluRs may play a more important role in amplifying intraglomerular inhibition after subthreshold input.
Wissensteilung und -handel auf elektronischen Marktplätzen (Knowledge Sharing and Trading on Electronic Marketplaces)
Authors: Müller Roland
Published: May 2007

Die oft mangelnde Motivation der Beteiligten zum Wissensaustausch gilt als eines der größten Probleme bei der Einführung von Wissensmanagementlösungen. Die Dissertation stellt zum einen eine Theorie der Wissensteilung vor, zum anderen wird ein Modell für elektronische Wissensmärkte entwickelt. Die Theorie der Wissensteilung zeigt mögliche Ursachen für opportunistisches Verhalten in einem Wissensmanagementsystem auf und liefert testbare Hypothesen für die Wirkung von Anreizsystemen und kulturellen Faktoren. Die Theorie wurde empirisch anhand des tatsächlichen Wissensteilungsverhaltens in einem multinationalen Unternehmen getestet. Das Modell für elektronische Wissensmärkte stellt die einzelnen Elemente eines Wissensmarktes aufeinander aufbauend in einem Rahmenwerk dar. Verschiedene Marktmechanismen wurden experimentell unter Laborbedingungen auf ihre Wirkung für den Wisssenstransfer getestet. Es wurde eine Webservice-basierte IT-Architektur für Wissensmärkte entwickelt und die Durchführbarkeit prototypisch demonstriert.
How Caviar Turned Out to Be Halal
Authors: chehabi h.e.
Published: May 2007

Caviar, the roe of sturgeon, was one of Iran's major export items before the Islamic revolution of 1979. But the consumption of sturgeon was considered forbidden (haram) under Shiite law because under that law only fishes with scales (and their roe) can be eaten, whereas the sturgeon lacked scales. As cans of caviar began piling up in the warehouses, the Iranian government asked a commission of clerics and zoologists to reexamine the matter. They found that the sturgeon does indeed have scales, but that these are of a special ('ganoid') variety. There being no rule as to what shape the scales of a permissible fish must take, the sturgeon was declared permitted (haram), opening the way for renewed exports of Iran's most famous delicacy.
The Medieval Spice Trade and the Diffusion of the Chile
Authors: wright clifford a.
Published: May 2007

The medieval spice trade between the eleventh and the sixteenth centuries made Europe wealthy. Black pepper was the most important spice in this trade, and if it was most important because of its piquancy, and the evidence indicates as much, then the discovery of the chile (Capsicum annuum and spp.) would have been an ideal substitute for expensive spices from the East. The medieval spice did in fact decline dramatically about the same time as the discovery and diffusion of the chile. The question arises: did the arrival of the chile in the Old World contribute to or cause the decline in the spice trade? By reviewing the spice trade before the discovery of the New World, the Venetian-Mamluke monopoly on that trade, the role of the Portuguese and Dutch in the spice trade, and the European diffusion of the chile after 1492 this article will argue that the chile played no role in the diminishing of the spice trade and that the chile's arrival in Europe and the decline of the East-West spice trade appear to be coincidental and not causal.
Rejoicing against Judaism in Handel's Messiah
Authors: MARISSEN MICHAEL
Published: May 2007

Scholars have too little investigated questions of religious meaning in Handel's Messiah, particularly the work's manifest theological anti-Judaism. Previously unknown historical sources for the work's libretto compiled and arranged by Charles Jennens (1700–73) reveal the text's implicit designs against Jewish religion. Handel's musical setting powerfully underscores these tendencies of Jennens's libretto and adds to them, reaching a euphoric climax in the Hallelujah chorus.

Within its arrangement of juxtaposed Old Testament prophecies and their New Testament fulfillment and with its matching musical styles, Handel's Messiah could hardly have expressed more powerfully its rejoicing against Judaism than by having the ferocious tenor aria “THOU [Jesus] shalt break THEM [the Jews] with a rod of iron” answered by the chorus “Hallelujah! for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” The aria is a setting of Psalm 2:9, a passage that was generally and unquestioningly believed among Christians in Handel's day to have foretold the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in the year 70. This horrible event was construed as a divine punishment of Judaism for its failure to accept Jesus as God's promised messiah. The Hallelujah chorus apparently sees cause for rejoicing in such vengeance. Further, this chorus quotes the melodies of several hymns whose texts concern the depiction in Matthew 25 of acceptance by a bridegroom of five wise virgins and his rejection of five foolish virgins. This parable was taken to symbolize the welcoming of Ecclesia, Christianity and Jesus as the messiah, and the rejection of Synagoga and Judaism.

In 18th-century England most Christians fervently believed that a choice between Judaism and Christianity was a choice between eternal damnation and eternal salvation. This would have represented motivation indeed for Messiah to project Christian theological contempt for its sibling religion.
Collaboration and Content in the Symphonie fantastique Transcription
Authors: KREGOR JONATHAN
Published: May 2007

Franz Liszt's transcription of Hector Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique has long been recognized for its innovative approach to musical reproduction—that is, its remarkable ability to recreate the sonic nuances of its model. However, the 1830s were a period of intense artistic and professional collaboration with Berlioz, and the genesis of the Symphonie fantastique transcription can thus also be interpreted as emblematic of this developing relationship. In particular, a gestural analysis of the work's content, as it can be recreated in part through Liszt's meticulous performance notation, indicates that the transcription served to reinforce a public perception of Berlioz as composer and Liszt as performer, whereby Liszt guides his audiences through Berlioz's enigmatic compositions by means of kinesic visual cues. Investigation of heretofore unknown manuscript materials suggests that this dynamic was further emphasized in Liszt's other renderings of Berlioz's orchestral works from the period.

For various reasons, the transcription's inherently collaborative nature failed to impress audiences outside of Paris. As Liszt embarked in earnest upon a solo career toward the end of the decade and his concert appearances with Berlioz became less frequent, interest in the work waned on the part of both arranger and audience. Moreover, it was in the late 1830s that Liszt began adding several new works to his public repertory, especially opera fantasies, Schubert song arrangements, and weighty compositions by German composers. This decision effectively removed his earlier material—including the all-too-French Symphonie fantastique—from on-stage circulation. Indeed, when Liszt revised the transcription in the 1870s, he eliminated many of extraordinary collaborative elements found in the 1834 version, thereby disassociating it from the arena for which it was created.
“Di una pretesa scuola napoletana”: Sowing the Seeds of the Ars nova at the Court of Robert of Anjou
Authors: VIVARELLI CARLA
Published: May 2007

The presence of two famous exponents of the French and Italian ars nova in Naples in 1318–respectively Petrus de Sancto Dionysio and Marchetto da Padova–substantiates Nino Pirrotta's hypothesis that the Angevin capital was an important center of musical culture in the early Trecento and a setting for avant-garde debates. It also aids in reconstructing the elusive biography of the Paduan musician and clarifies the much debated dating of his Pomerium. Pirrotta ultimately abandoned his Neapolitan hypothesis for lack of evidence, a difficulty caused and aggravated by the thorough destruction of Angevin chancery documents during the Second World War. Evidence has been found, however, in indirect sources, such as literary texts, works of local history, and documentary transcriptions and summaries that predate the archival losses. In addition to placing the two prominent musicians at the Angevin court in Naples, these sources confirm the presence there of minstrels (evidence for secular music within the court's recreational sphere), vouch for the continuity of the institution of the royal chapel (evidence for sacred music at court, clearly connected to the liturgy), and testify to Robert of Anjou's catalytic patronage of the arts and his passion for music in general. Thus Naples regains its status as a capital on the map of 14th-century music.
The Spectrum of Cardiac Anomalies in Noonan Syndrome as a Result of Mutations in the PTPN11 Gene
Authors: Sznajer Yves , Keren Boris , Baumann Clarisse , Pereira Sabrina , Alberti Corinne , Elion Jacques , Cavé Hélène , Verloes Alain
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE. Noonan syndrome is a clinically homogeneous but genetically heterogeneous condition. Type 1 Noonan syndrome is defined by the presence of a mutation in the PTPN11 gene, which is found in ∼40% of the cases. Phenotype descriptions and cardiac defects from cohorts with Noonan syndrome were delineated in the “pregenomic era.” We report the heart defects and links to gene dysfunction in cardiac development in a large cohort of patients with type 1 Noonan syndrome.

METHODS. This was a retrospective, multicenter study based on clinical history, pictures, and medical and cardiologic workup over time. Data were collected by referral geneticists. Mutation screening was performed by direct sequencing of exons 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 12, and 13 and their intron-exon boundaries, which harbor 98% of identified mutations the PTPN11 gene.

RESULTS. A PTPN11 gene mutation was identified in 104 (38.25%) of 274 patients with Noonan syndrome. Heart defect was present in 85%. The most prevalent congenital heart defects were pulmonary valve stenosis (60%), atrial septal defect, ostium secundum type (25%), and stenosis of the peripheral pulmonary arteries (in at least 15%). Pulmonary valve stenosis and atrial septal defect, ostium secundum type, were significantly associated with the identification of a mutation in the PTPN11 gene. Ventricular septal defect and most left-sided heart defects showed a trend toward overrepresentation in the group without a mutation.

CONCLUSION. We compared our data with previous series and integrated the comprehension of molecular PTPN11 gene dysfunction in heart development.
Auditory Brainstem Response Abnormalities and Hearing Loss in Children With Craniosynostosis
Authors: Church Michael W. , Parent-Jenkins Leslie , Rozzelle Arlene A. , Eldis Frances E. , Kazzi S. Nadya J.
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES. Craniosynostosis is a devastating disorder characterized by premature closure of the cranial plates before or shortly after birth. This results in an abnormally shaped skull, face, and brain. Little is known about hearing disorders in such patients, and nothing has been published about their auditory brainstem responses. Our objective was to evaluate such patients for auditory brainstem response and hearing disorders with the long-term goal of improving patient evaluation and management.

PATIENTS AND METHODS. We evaluated the auditory brainstem responses, hearing, and brain images of children with fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 craniosynostosis (n = 11).

RESULTS. Prolongation of the auditory brainstem response I-to-III interpeak latency was a frequent characteristic of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 craniosynostosis, occurring in 91% of our patients. Prolongation of the III-to-V interpeak latency was an occasional characteristic, occurring in 27% of our patients. Whenever the I-to-III interpeak latency was prolonged, wave II was always abnormal. Associated morbidities included sensorineural hearing loss (27%), recurrent otitis media (100%), and Arnold-Chiari malformation (27%). Cranial decompression improved the interpeak latencies of 2 children.

CONCLUSIONS. These previously undocumented auditory brainstem response abnormalities reflect abnormal neural transmission, which could cause peripheral and central auditory processing disorders. We speculate that the major pathogenic basis of the I-to-III interpeak latency and wave II abnormalities is compression of the auditory nerve as it passes through the internal auditory meatus and posterior fossa, which would explain the auditory nerve hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo that affect these children. Awareness of these abnormalities could lead to important advancements in the auditory and neurosurgical assessment and management of this overlooked patient group. We provide recommendations for the improved assessment and management of these patients. In particular, we recommend that auditory brainstem response diagnostics become standard clinical care for this patient group as the best way to detect auditory nerve compression.
Mitochondrial DNA and its mutations: novel fields in a new era
Authors: Sáfrány Enikő , Csöngei Veronika , Járomi Luca , Maász Anita , Magyari Lili , Sipeky Csilla , Melegh Béla
Published: May 2007

Az utóbbi két évtizedet tartják a klinikai mitokondriális DNS-kutatás aranykorának. Folyamatosan bővül a patológiás variánsok száma, amelyek betegséggel társulnak, illetve bővül az ismeretanyag azokról az entitásokról, melyek hátterében a mitokondriális DNS kóros elváltozásai állnak. A cirkuláris mitokondriális DNS öröklődése eltér a Mendel-féle szabályoktól, anyai öröklésmenetet mutat; számos vonatkozásban eltérő sajátosságokkal rendelkezik a nukleáris DNS-hez viszonyítva. A molekuláris biológiai módszerek terjedésével egyre több kórkép ismerhető fel, noha a diagnosztika manapság is komoly kihívást jelent. Napjainkban a mitokondriális medicina számos orvosi szubspecialitáshoz kapcsolódóan jelentős előrelépéseket mutatott; így körvonalazódott a mitokondriális gasztroenterológia, endokrinológia, otológia, oftalmológia, nefrológia, hematológia, onkológia, reproduktív medicina és pszichiátria, mintegy az adott szubspecialitás mitokondriális DNS-sel kapcsolatos, többé-kevésbé részleges önállósodással megjelenő territóriuma. A jelen összefoglaló közlemény a mitokondriális medicina rövid, általános összefoglalása mellett e fejezetekre próbál rátekintést nyújtani.
Coherence of Atlantic Cod Stock Dynamics in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Rothschild Brian J.
Published: May 2007

The stocks of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean declined in abundance from 1965 to 2003; the declines in spawning stock biomass (SSB) have been temporally coherent. A coherent, sharp increase in SSBs from 1975 to 1985 and a subsequent decrease from 1985 to 1992 are superimposed on the general decline. The coherence suggests that cod stock variability in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean is driven by a common set of causes or that the linkages among the nominal stocks are stronger than was previously thought. The coherent increases in cod SSB from the mid‐1970s to 1985 occurred under relatively low fishing mortalities. The declines in SSB beginning in 1985 began during a period of low fishing mortalities. During the 1985‐1992 period the declines in Atlantic cod abundance were coupled with greatly reduced growth rates, increased natural mortality rates, and a lack of response to reduced fishing mortality. This suggests that the 1985‐1992 decreases were driven by a strong negative environmental signal, implying that the environment had a stronger role in affecting cod abundance than had been previously thought. It appears that the decline in SSB over most of the range of the cod was coupled with a major perturbation in the forage available to cod. Inasmuch as this perturbation involved seemingly disparate groups, such as capelin Mallotus villosus, euphausids, and Atlantic herring Clupea harengus, it appears that the change in the environment was associated with the dynamics of the plankton.
Nonbacterial Thrombotic Endocarditis in Cancer Patients: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Authors: el-Shami Khaled , Griffiths Elizabeth , Streiff Michael
Published: May 2007

Learning Objectives

Enumerate procoagulant factors present in malignancy and the risk for thromboembolic events. Describe the morbidity associated with nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis. List the recommended evaluations and treatments for nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis.

CME Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com
How I survived as an overseas teacher of Japanese in Australia
Authors: Nakahara Masumi , Black Paul
Published: May 2007

Languages education, or what has been called the study of languages other than English (LOTE), seems to involve a paradox in Australia. It is supposed to promote cultural enrichment and intercultural understanding, and yet the process of becoming a qualified language teacher tends to be intolerant of the cultural differences of overseas born and educated speakers of these languages. This is clear from an increasing body of literature on the difficulties experienced by overseas educated language teachers, which we review in the first half of this paper. Since this raises questions on how such teachers survive in Australia, we then present an introspective study of the experiences of the first author, including the circumstances that brought her to Australia, the difficulties she faced in teacher training and as a newly employed teacher, and the factors that enabled her to cope and eventually succeed. Her experiences highlight the particular importance of supportive supervisors and colleagues, thus suggesting a valuable role for mentoring.
Upper Airway Dimensions in Class II Malocclusion
Authors: Kirjavainen Mirja , Kirjavainen Turkka
Published: May 2007

Objective: To study the effects of cervical headgear treatment of Class II division 1 malocclusion on upper airway structures in children.

Materials and Methods: Forty children aged 9.1 (7.2–11.5) years with Class II division 1 malocclusion were treated using a cervical headgear as the only treatment appliance. The headgear consisted of a long outer bow bent 15° upward and a large inner bow expanded 10 mm larger than the intermolar distance. Lateral cephalograms were taken before and after the treatment. Upper airway structures were estimated from the cephalograms. The results were compared to cross-sectional data of 80 age-matched controls with a Class I molar relationship.

Results: A Class I molar relationship was achieved in all treated children. The mean treatment time was 1.6 (0.3–3.1) years. The Class II malocclusion was accompanied by a similar or wider nasopharyngeal space than in the controls but narrower oro- and hypopharyngeal spaces. The retropalatal area was widened by the treatment (P < .05), whereas the rest of the oropharynx and hypopharynx remained narrower than in the controls. Before the treatment, the mandibular plane was in a more horizontal position than in the controls, but during the treatment, it rotated to a position similar to that of the controls.

Conclusion: Class II division 1 malocclusion is associated with a narrower upper airway structure even without retrognathia. Headgear treatment is associated with an increase in the retropalatal airway space.
Facial Profile Changes in Early Class II Correction with Cervical Headgear
Authors: Kirjavainen Mirja , Hurmerinta Kirsti , Kirjavainen Turkka
Published: May 2007

Objective: To characterize the effects of early cervical headgear treatment on the facial profile of children in Class II division 1 malocclusion.

Materials and Methods: Forty children aged 9.1 (7.2–11.5) years with Class II division 1 malocclusion were treated using a cervical headgear appliance. The headgear consisted of a long outer bow bent upward 15° and a large expanded inner bow. Lateral cephalograms were taken before and after treatment, and the facial profile was estimated from the cephalograms. The results were compared to an age- and sex-matched normal cohort of 644 Finnish children.

Results: Class I molar relationship was achieved in all treated children. The treatment time was 1.6 (0.3–3.1) years on average. Compared to the controls, the treatment restricted the forward growth of maxillary A-point, and the SNA angle decreased 1.4° ± 1.2° per year (P < .00001). Decreased maxillary prognathism was associated with decreased facial convexity, g-sn-pg (P = .02), and the ANB (P < .00001) angles decreased compared to the controls. Upper lip protrusion (distance ls to sn-pg; P < .00001) was decreased, and the nasolabial angle (cm-sn-ls) widened despite the increased facial inclination of the upper incisors (P = .0005). The treatment significantly decreased the gap between the lips (P = .0009) in their relaxed position.

Conclusion: Cervical headgear treatment in Class II correction is associated with a decreased facial convexity caused by the restriction of forward growth of the maxillary A-point, while the rest of the facial profile, including the mandible, continue to grow forward at a normal rate.
Effects of Potassium Nitrate and Oxalate Desensitizer Agents on Shear Bond Strengths of Orthodontic Brackets
Authors: Türkkahraman Hakan , Adanir Necdet
Published: May 2007

Objective: To evaluate the effects of potassium nitrate and oxalate desensitizer agents on shear bond strengths of orthodontic brackets.

Materials and Methods: Forty-five extracted human premolar teeth were randomly assigned to three groups of 15 each. UltraEZ potassium nitrate desensitizer was applied on teeth in the first group, while BisBlock oxalate desensitizer was applied on teeth in the second group. The third group served as a control. Orthodontic brackets were bonded with a light cure composite resin and cured with a halogen light. After bonding, the shear bond strength of the brackets was tested with a universal testing machine.

Results: The highest shear bond strengths were measured in Group III. The shear bond strength in Groups I and II was significantly lower than in Group III (P < .001). Significant difference was also found between Group I and Group II (P < .01).

Conclusions: Orthodontic brackets bonded to enamel treated with potassium nitrate and oxalate desensitizers showed significantly lower bond strengths than did brackets bonded to untreated enamel.
Transpalatal Distraction in a Patient with a Narrow Maxilla
Authors: Sarı Emel , Uçar Cihan , Ceylanoglu Cenk
Published: May 2007

An adult male patient who presented with an anterior open bite and a narrow maxilla was treated using a transpalatal distractor (TPD). Transpalatal distraction is a technique for orthopedic maxillary expansion, in which distraction osteogenesis is used. In this technique, the angulation and location of the TPD are critical because they may affect the ratio of skeletal/dental expansion. Any incorrect placement of a TPD may also damage the surrounding blood vessels and premolar roots. This case report introduces a new and easy method for the accurate placement of a TPD using the TPD transporter in an adult patient.
The effect of endoparasitism on the immune response to antirabies vaccination in puppies
Authors: Mojžišová Jana , Süli Judit , Goldová Mária , Bajová Viera , Švrček Štefan
Published: May 2007

The specific and non-specific immune response after antirabies vaccination was studied in young dogs with altered immune functions suffering from endoparasitoses and compared with those in healthy dogs. The degree of the immunosuppression was confirmed by functional test of phagocytes and proliferation activity test of lymphocytes. The study indicates an association between parasitized animals, and a depression in the immune responses. Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina and Trichuris vulpis were the most prevalent parasite species. During the experiment no anthelmintic treatment was applied. In puppies suffering from immunosuppression significantly lower specific antibody level after antirabies vaccination was demonstrated on day 28. In such case of known immunosuppression it is recommended to repeat antirabies vaccination; primovaccination does not provide satisfactory protection. Anthelmintic preventive treatment may be necessary to improve the immune responses to antirabies vaccination and provide effective protection.
Point Estimates and Confidence Intervals for Variable Importance in Multiple Linear Regression
Authors: Thomas D. Roland , Zhu PengCheng , Decady Yves J.
Published: May 2007

The topic of variable importance in linear regression is reviewed, and a measure first justified theoretically by Pratt (1987) is examined in detail. Asymptotic variance estimates are used to construct individual and simultaneous confidence intervals for these importance measures. A simulation study of their coverage properties is reported, and an example is provided.
Process Evaluation of Bringing Nutrition Screening to Seniors in Canada (BNSS)
Authors: Keller Heather H. , Haresign Helen , Brockest Beverly
Published: May 2007

Although nutrition risk is prevalent in Canadian older adults, the process of screening must be considered before nationwide programs can be recommended. A process evaluation of the Bringing Nutrition Screening to Seniors in Canada demonstration project was completed. Through the use of the 15-item Seniors in the Community: Risk Evaluation for Eating and Nutrition (SCREEN©) questionnaire, risk was identified in convenience samples of 1,196 community-living older adults recruited from five Canadian communities. All at-risk participants were offered referrals to community resources. Telephone follow-up of at-risk participants occurred after screening. Telephone interviews with screening administrators and older adults revealed screening benefits and challenges. Nutrition risk occurred in 38.9% of the sample. Most participants found screening helpful. Among the at-risk group (n=465), 39% accepted referrals for additional services. Older adults provided several reasons for refusing referrals, including denial of risk. Dietitian services were an identified gap, as were prevention-level resources. Nutrition risk is prevalent and older adults can benefit from screening. Training, ongoing support, and prioritization (policy, time, and money) are needed for sustainable screening programs. Before implementation of a nationwide screening program, sufficient and appropriate community resources are required, as is a national strategy for screening older adults.
Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide: “A Tool for the Times”
Authors: Bush Mary A.A. , Martineau Chantal , Pronk Janet A. , Brulé Danielle
Published: May 2007

This article outlines the processes undertaken to revise Canada's Food Guide and shares the updated science that underpins the dietary pattern. The Dietary Reference Intakes provide updated nutrient requirement values and better tools for dietary assessment and planning. Alignment with this updated science was an important component of defining and communicating accurate dietary guidance for Canada. Ensuring that stakeholders had access to the updated review of requirements led to the development of the text Dietary Reference Intakes: The Essential Guide to Nutrient Requirements. Equally important was ensuring that stakeholders were provided opportunity to influence the approach taken to giving dietary guidance, both content and the elements of the final package. A combination of research, consultation and expert advice guided the process to the release of Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide(2007).
Protein Content of Puréed Diets: Implications for Planning
Authors: Dahl Wendy J. , Whiting Susan J. , Tyler Robert T.
Published: May 2007

Purpose: Texture-modified diets offered in long-term care (LTC) facilities are often prepared from the regular menu, planned using Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating. The appropriateness of protein levels of puréed diets in LTC facilities was determined.

Methods: Protein content was measured in 29 duplicate diets, collected from 20 urban LTC facilities in Saskatchewan (SK) and Ontario (ON). Mealtime puréed food intakes of 20 LTC residents were assessed. The target protein levels were calculated as estimated average requirements plus one or two standard deviations of intake, thus allowing for moderate (16%) or low (2.5%) risk of inadequacy, respectively.

Results: The duplicate diets provided 57.9 ± 7.9 and 85.4 ± 31.1 g/day of protein in SK and ON, respectively. Protein intake of SK LTC residents consuming puréed food averaged 54 ± 19 g/day. Only 43% of the SK puréed diets provided more than 59 g/day of protein and none provided more than 78 g/day; in contrast, 87% and 40% of ON puréed diets provided more than 59 and 78 g/day of protein, respectively.

Conclusions: In-house prepared puréed diets do not consistently provide sufficient protein levels to ensure a low risk of inadequacy for the LTC residents consuming these diets.
Biologische weiche Materialien
Authors: Hamley Ian W. , Castelletto Valeria
Published: May 2007

Mit einer oder zwei Ausnahmen sind Biomaterialien “weich”, das bedeutet, sie verbinden visköse und elastische Eigenschaften. Dieses mechanische Verhalten wird durch die Bildung selbstorganisierter supramolekularer Strukturen hervorgerufen, die durch nichtkovalente Wechselwirkungen stabilisiert sind. Es ist eine grundlegende Herausforderung, die Selbstorganisation von Biomaterialien zu verstehen. In vielen Fällen können Konzepte aus der Physik und Chemie weicher Materie, die ursprünglich für Kolloide, Polymere, oberflächenaktive Substanzen, Flüssigkristalle und ähnliches entwickelt wurden, auf die Biologie übertragen werden. Mit diesem Ansatz ist es möglich, so verschiedene Phänomene wie die DNA‐Kondensation, die Fibrillenbildung durch Proteine und Peptide, die Trennung von Lipiden in Schollen, die Fusion oder die Knospung von Vesikeln aus einer neuen Perspektive zu betrachten.
Biological Soft Materials
Authors: Hamley Ian W. , Castelletto Valeria
Published: May 2007

With one or two exceptions, biological materials are “soft”, meaning that they combine viscous and elastic elements. This mechanical behavior results from self‐assembled supramolecular structures that are stabilized by noncovalent interactions. It is an ongoing and profound challenge to understand the self‐organization of biological materials. In many cases, concepts can be imported from soft‐matter physics and chemistry, which have traditionally focused on materials such as colloids, polymers, surfactants, and liquid crystals. Using these ideas, it is possible to gain a new perspective on phenomena as diverse as DNA condensation, protein and peptide fibrillization, lipid partitioning in rafts, vesicle fusion and budding, and others, as discussed in this selective review of recent highlights from the literature.
Recent advances in drying of biomaterials for superior quality bioproducts
Authors: Raghavan G. S. V. , Orsat V.
Published: May 2007

In drying, the removal of moisture prevents the growth and reproduction of decay‐causing microorganisms and minimizes many of the moisture‐driven deterioration reactions, targeting the retention the functional quality of bioproducts.

Several types of dryers and drying methods, each best suited for a particular situation, are commercially used to remove moisture from a wide variety of biological products including fruits and vegetables. This paper will present these methods along with the most recent developments in drying research and the resulting quality of the products. Industry must ensure that there are governing guidelines during drying to ensure the nutritional and functional activities of dried biological materials. Copyright © 2007 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Oriented Development of Antituberculotics (Part II): Halogenated 3‐(4‐Alkylphenyl)‐1,3‐benzoxazine‐2,4‐(3H)‐diones
Authors: Waisser Karel , Matyk Josef , Divišová Hana , Husáková Petra , Kuneš Jirí , Klimešová Vera , Palát Karel , Kaustová Jarmila
Published: May 2007

Based on our previous studies, 21 new halogenated 3‐(4‐alkylphenyl)‐1,3‐benzoxazine‐2,4‐(3H)‐diones were synthesized by the reaction of salicylanilides and methyl‐chloroformate. All compounds were screened in vitro against three different strains of mycobacterium, and Free‐Wilson method was used to establish structure‐activity relationships. 6‐Bromo‐3‐(4‐butylphenyl)‐1,3‐benzoxazine‐2,4‐(3H)‐dione 3b proved to be the most active compound of the series.
How should banks govern the environment? Challenging the construction of action versus veto
Authors: Coulson Andrea B.
Published: May 2007

Over the last two decades, banks have been developing environmental credit risk assessment policies and procedures. Today, even NGOs who had been at the forefront of campaigns naming and shaming bad practices acknowledge banks are taking environmental risk management seriously. Nonetheless, they now challenge banks to go further, advocating a ‘no harm’ approach based on a so‐called ‘veto’ of investments. The author draws a post‐structuralist position on risk perception to argue a characterization of environmental governance in terms of action and veto may mislead debate. Instead, the author proposes the starting point for debate on the part banks can play in governing the environment lies in mutual agreement on precautionary action. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Informed consent in mental health treatment: A sociological perspective
Authors: Lidz Charles W.
Published: May 2007

The rise in the mental health movement coincides with a decline in prestige and importance of criminal law. While this may, in part, reflect the greater effectiveness of mental health treatment in dealing with overlapping problems, it also reflects certain problems that criminal law has with the individualistic values of modern society and the value‐attractiveness of the mental health professions' commitment to helping the individual. However, many of the same value problems inherent in criminal punishment also apply to some aspects of mental health treatment, especially the paternalism of the doctor‐patient relationship and involuntary treatment. Informed consent can be seen as a response to these value conflicts as well as part of the general extension of citizenship rights to the less privileged members of the society. This paper analyzes some of the conflicts inherent in the application of informed consent to mental health treatment from the above perspective.
Senile dementia and informed consent
Authors: Stanley Barbara
Published: May 2007

Senile dementia in the elderly is a prevalent condition which requires ongoing medical treatment. This disease causes a deterioration of cognitive processes and, consequently, it is likely to impair the capacities required to give informed consent to needed medical care. However, a diagnosis of senile dementia does not necessarily indicate that the afflicted individual is incompetent. The means of assessing competency in dementia patients and their likely impairments according to five standards is described in this paper. Recommendations for obtaining consent from the competent dementia patient are made and mechanisms for providing special protection to the incompetent patient in the consent process are discussed.
Stress management training for law students: Cognitive‐behavioral intervention
Authors: Lawrence Janet S. St. , McGrath Melanie L. , Oakley Mark E. , Sult Susan C.
Published: May 2007

The practice of law has created chronic and, at times, severe psychological stress both in law school and subsequent practice. In the current study, students volunteered to participate in a six‐session seminar on personal stress management skills including self‐relaxation training, schedule planning, priority‐setting, leisure time planning, and cognitive modification techniques. Subjects showed pre‐ to posttreatment improvement on a variety of measures that included their knowledge about stress, personal ratings of stressful situations, and their daily activity schedules. In contrast, a control group showed no improvement and worsened in reported levels of personal stress. The importance of providing law students with personal stress management skills is discussed.
Uses of hypnosis in evaluating malingering and deception
Authors: Spiegel David , Spiegel Herbert
Published: May 2007

Hypnosis, as a method of detecting deception, is examined with respect to its forensic applications. The degree of hypnotizability and whether formal hypnotic procedures may be employed are discussed with both the relevant clinical and legal issues in mind. Finally, the use of hypnosis in determining the authenticity of psychosomatic conditions is addressed.