bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short‐ and Long‐Term Prognostic Value of the TIMI Risk Score after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST‐segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: DAMMAN PETER , WOUDSTRA PIER , KUIJT WICHERT J. , KIKKERT WOUTER J. , HOEF TIM P. VAN DE , GRUNDEKEN MAIK J. , HARSKAMP RALF E. , HENRIQUES JOSE P.S. , PIEK JAN J. , TIJSSEN JAN G.P. , WINTER ROBBERT J. DE
Published: September 2012

Objectives

We investigated the short‐ and long‐term predictive value of the TIMI risk score regarding mortality for patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Background

Data on the long‐term predictive value of the TIMI risk score is sparse.

Methods

We used data from 3,609 STEMI patients undergoing PPCI in a high‐volume PCI center in The Netherlands. Cumulative event rates according to TIMI score variables were estimated with the Kaplan‐Meier method and compared with the log‐rank test. The original TIMI risk score was modified based on the availability of the data in the single center registry.

Results

Higher TIMI scores were associated with significantly higher mortality at short‐ and long‐term follow‐up (P < 0.001 for both). Age and Killip Class IV at presentation were significant predictors for both short‐ and long‐term mortality. Patients with an anterior MI, heart frequence >100 beats per minute, or systolic blood pressure <100 mmHG had a worse short‐term prognosis compared to those who had not. However, long‐term mortality was nonsignificantly different. The presence of a history of diabetes/hypertension and weight had only long‐term prognostic value. Time to PPCI did not have any prognostic value.

Conclusions

Our current report shows that the TIMI risk score has both short‐ and long‐term discriminative value. The different variables contained in the TIMI risk score predict short‐term prognosis, others predominantly long‐term mortality, whereas some are predictive for both. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:8–13)
Esquisses géographiques des récits cinématographiques Canadiens contemporains
Authors: Caquard Sébastien , Naud Daniel , Gonzalès Rodolphe
Published: September 2012

Les films sont porteurs d’un discours géographique original. Au‐delà de la vision d’un auteur, ils reflètent souvent le regard qu’une société pose sur les territoires. L’objectif de ce projet de recherche est d’étudier le discours géographique développé par le cinéma canadien à travers une analyse des lieux qui structurent ses récits. Cette analyse est basée sur l’étude systématisée d’une sélection de 46 films canadiens contemporains. Ces films ont été transformés en une base de données géographique de plus de 2200 lieux à l’aide d’une grille de lecture originale. L’analyse de ces lieux a permis de définir des espaces sous représentés et sur représentés par les films canadiens, ainsi que de circonscrire des espaces de consensus et de divergence pouvant exister entre différentes catégories de cinémas canadiens que sont le cinéma anglophone, québécois et hybride. Parmi les résultats intéressants, on peut noter un manque d’intérêt généralisé pour l’hémisphère sud—et notamment pour l’Amérique Latine—ainsi que pour les espaces nordiques (en dehors du cinéma des premières nations). On remarque aussi une absence quasi‐totale de Vancouver à l’écran, alors que Toronto et les États‐Unis apparaissent régulièrement. Mais le résultat le plus marquant concerne probablement la différence fondamentale de traitement dont fait l’objet le Québec et plus particulièrement Montréal. Montréal est en effet un espace de divergence par excellence : d’hyper‐utilisée dans les films québécois, la ville apparait totalement ignorée par le reste de la production cinématographique canadienne. Cette opposition extrêmement tranchée illustre l’importance que revêt le centre ville de Montréal comme espace symbolique de l’identité nationale québécoise.
Constructing “The Same Rights with the Same Names”: The Impact of Spanish Norm Diffusion on Marriage Equality in Argentina
Authors: Friedman Elisabeth Jay
Published: September 2012

This article argues that Spain has been the driving external force in the advancement of LGBT rights in Latin America, from marriage in Argentina to the regional recognition of “sexual diversity rights” as human rights. Acting as “norm entrepreneurs,” Spanish activists and organizations, relying on development aid, have promoted their perspectives through two approaches: strategic consulting and resource transfer. Their diffusion is illustrated primarily by the Argentine case. There, activists underwritten by Spanish resources have borrowed Spanish strategies to achieve “the same rights with the same names.” Besides broadening our understanding of the struggle for LGBT equality in Latin America, this article deepens the explanation of norm diffusion, focusing on emergence. In this stage, specific individuals and organizations deliberately select appropriate “targets” for and moments of intervention. But norm “receptors” must also be ready for action.
Existence of Erbium Hexaboride Nanowires
Authors: Gernhart Zane C. , Jacobberger Robert M. , Wang Lu , Brewer Joseph R. , Dar Mushtaq A. , Diercks David R. , Mei Wai Ning , Cheung Chin Li
Published: September 2012

The existence and stability of erbium hexaboride (ErB6) has been a controversial topic in literature due to cited failures in reproducing previous synthetic results. Here, we report our proof of the existence of ErB6 by demonstrating the synthesis of a mixture of ErB6 nanowires and erbium tetraboride (ErB4) nanoplatelets via palladium nanoparticle‐assisted chemical vapor deposition. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected‐area electron diffraction showed that both the ErB6 nanowires and ErB4 nanoplatelets were single crystalline with expected cubic and tetragonal crystal structures, respectively. The observed lattice constants compared well with the theoretical structures calculated using density functional theory.
Ferroelectric Photocurrent Effect in Polycrystalline Lead‐Free (K0.5Na0.5)(Mn0.005Nb0.995)O3 Thin Film
Authors: Park Jungmin , Won Sung Sik , Ahn Chang Won , Kim Ill Won
Published: September 2012

We deposited (K0.5Na0.5)(Mn0.005Nb0.995)O3 (KNMN) thin films on Pt(111)/TiO2/SiO2/Si(100) substrates with a top electrode of indium tin oxide and investigated photocurrent properties in the wavelength range of 300−400 nm. Before the photocurrent measurement, the KNMN film was poled by applying a DC voltage. The photocurrents strongly depend on the wavelength of the incident photon energy. The photocurrents of the first measurement with poling in the up (−5 V) and down (+5 V) states were 21 and 3.2 nA/cm2, respectively, at 344 nm. The difference in the photocurrents in both poling directions was explained by a space charge due to an asymmetric Schottky barrier height, which was caused by an internal electric field and polarization in the KNMN thin film.
Double Personality: The Relationship between Human and Animal Tono in Chautengo, Guerrero, Mexico in 2005
Authors: Phillips Wendy E.
Published: September 2012

After reading the research of Mexican anthropologists concerning the possible retention of traditional indigenous African beliefs in contemporary Mexican communities of African descent, I interviewed women of the region who migrated to Atlanta, Georgia about their spiritual beliefs and practices. I was surprised by the similarities in their reports to those recorded by Gonzalo Aguirre Beltran, who worked in Mexico over 60 years ago. I traveled to the town of Chautengo in coastal Guerrero state in 2005 to talk with women about their beliefs, especially those that relate to the existence of a relationship between humans and animal‐tonos. The human–animal‐tono relationship exemplifies a belief in an intimate relationship between humans and totem animals. The well‐being of the human partner depends upon the well‐being of the animal. Keeping the human–animal relationship balanced is key in the conceptualization of illness and informs related healing practices. I present an interview with a woman from Chautengo with an interpretation that exemplifies the persistence of ideas related to human–animal relationships that are possibly informed by traditional indigenous African cosmologies, brought by enslaved Africans over 500 years ago, and have been archetypally preserved in isolated communities along the Pacific coast of Mexico.
Presence of arginine catabolic mobile element among community‐acquired meticillin‐resistant staphylococcus aureus is linked to a specific genetic background
Authors: Hedlund Linda , Hellmark Bengt , Söderquist Bo
Published: September 2012

The prevalence of arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME) among diverse and heterogeneous community‐associated methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus community‐associated Methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (CA‐MRSA) (n = 114) in a low‐endemic area, i.e. Sweden, was investigated. Among the CA‐MRSA, represented by 47 different spa types, ACME was only found in 10 isolates with a common genetic background [t008, SCCmec type IV, Panton‐Valentine leukocidin (PVL) positive, and indistinguishable or closely related pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE)‐patterns] corresponding to USA300. This strain does not seem to be established in our area as most of the patients contracted the CA‐MRSA abroad. Presence of ACME does not seem to be associated with colonization, long‐term carriership, or intra‐familiar transmission in a higher extent than CA‐MRSA in general.
Influence of the quantity of sunscreen applied on the ability to protect against ultraviolet‐induced polymorphous light eruption
Authors: Bissonnette Robert , Nigen Simon , Bolduc Chantal
Published: September 2012

Background/Purpose

Despite the fact that most people apply less sunscreen than the 2 mg/cm2 required to measure sun protection factor (SPF), there is a lack of clinical data on the protection afforded from lower applied quantities. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of sunscreens to protect against UV‐induced polymorphous light eruption (PLE) when applied at 2 mg/cm2 and 1 mg/cm2.

Methods

Two SPF 45 sunscreens (one with a high level and one with a low level of UVA protection) were applied at 2 mg/cm2 and 1 mg/cm2 to four randomized 6 × 6 cm areas on the upper thorax of 15 female patients with a typical history of PLE. The areas were exposed daily to increasing UVA–UVB radiation until a PLE reaction was detected or a maximum of five consecutive days.

Results

The proportion of patients who developed a PLE reaction with the high UVA‐protection sunscreen was significantly lower (0%) than with the low UVA‐protection sunscreen (73%) when both sunscreens were applied at 2 mg/cm2 (P = 0.004). At 1 mg/cm2, 33% and 80% of patients presented a PLE reaction with the high and low UVA‐protection sunscreen, respectively (P = 0.064).

Conclusion

A high SPF and high UVA‐protection broad spectrum sunscreen was able to protect the majority of patients from the development of UV‐induced PLE reaction even at 1 mg/cm2.
Long‐term follow‐up and survival of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma patients treated with extracorporeal photopheresis
Authors: Knobler Robert , Duvic Madeleine , Querfeld Christiane , Straus David , Horwitz Steven , Zain Jasmine , Foss Francine , Kuzel Timothy , Campbell Kim , Geskin Larisa
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is effective for treating cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. In 1987, a pivotal trial showed 81% overall response rate (ORR) using outdated criteria. No long‐term follow‐up was available for assessing survival. This study applies modern criteria to the 1987 trial to assess the impact of ECP on skin responses and also updates overall survival of the cohort.

Methods

Generalized erythroderma (GE, stage T4, n = 31) or extensive patch‐plaque (EPP, stage T2, n = 8) patients received ECP (mean 3.9 years’ duration). Patients achieving ≥ 50% partial skin response, ≥ 90% near‐complete skin response, treatments required, and duration of response (DOR) were determined. Overall survival (OS) from diagnosis and first ECP treatment was determined for all patients and the GE cohort.

Results

Patients showed 74% skin ORR using modern criteria; 33% of patients achieved ≥ 50% partial skin response (after median 7.1 months, mean 23 ECP treatments); 41% achieved ≥ 90% improvement (after median 19.6 months, mean 40 ECP treatments). Mean DOR was 14 months for ≥ 50% improvement and 8.9 months for ≥ 90% improvement. Response rates were comparable for GE and EPP cohorts. Median OS was 9.2 years from diagnosis and 6.6 years from ECP initiation (71.6 months follow‐up).

Conclusion

Analysis of long‐term follow‐up confirmed durable responses and prolonged survival of patients treated with ECP.
Metabolic risk profile of schoolchildren and joint physical activity with an adult in the household: Multilevel analysis
Authors: Ogunleye A. A. , Sandercock G. R.
Published: September 2012

We aim to examine the relationship between metabolic risk (MR) profile and physical activity (PA) with an adult within the household. A total of 4761 schoolchildren (54% boys) aged 10–16 years old were categorized as either at high MR or low MR profile based on their weight and systolic blood pressure status. We assessed the frequency of PA with an adult within the household and fitness. Multilevel regressions were used to determine the likelihood of being at MR in schoolchildren. The proportion of males and females who engage in PA with adults daily was 17.4% and 10.4%, respectively. 16.5% male and 17.2% female did not engage in any PA with adults at all. Compared with those engaging in PA daily with adults in their household, schoolchildren who have reported no such PA were 54% (OR 1.54, 95% CI, 1.07–2.20) likely to have an elevated MR profile. Those who sometimes do PA with adult were 25% (OR 1.25, 95% CI, 0.82–1.93) more likely to have a higher MR profile. After adjusting for PA and fitness, PA with adults remains a determinant of MR profile in males. Compared with those that reported they daily did, schoolchildren were more likely to be unfit if they either sometimes engaged in PA with adults (OR 2.11, 95% CI, 1.44–3.09) or never (OR 2.89, 95% CI, 1.89–4.43). Joint PA with an adult within household could increase schoolchildren's fitness level and may reduce the risk of metabolic diseases.
High‐resolution imaging of basal cell carcinoma: a comparison between multiphoton microscopy with fluorescence lifetime imaging and reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Manfredini Marco , Arginelli Federica , Dunsby Christopher , French Paul , Talbot Clifford , König Karsten , Pellacani Giovanni , Ponti Giovanni , Seidenari Stefania
Published: September 2012

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare morphological aspects of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) as assessed by two different imaging methods: in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and multiphoton tomography with fluorescence lifetime imaging implementation (MPT‐FLIM).

Methods

The study comprised 16 BCCs for which a complete set of RCM and MPT‐FLIM images were available. The presence of seven MPT‐FLIM descriptors was evaluated. The presence of seven RCM equivalent parameters was scored in accordance to their extension. Chi‐squared test with Fisher's exact test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were determined between MPT‐FLIM scores and adjusted‐RCM scores.

Results

MPT‐FLIM and RCM descriptors of BCC were coupled to match the descriptors that define the same pathological structures. The comparison included: Streaming and Aligned elongated cells, Streaming with multiple directions and Double alignment, Palisading (RCM) and Palisading (MPT‐FLIM), Typical tumor islands, and Cell islands surrounded by fibers, Dark silhouettes and Phantom islands, Plump bright cells and Melanophages, Vessels (RCM), and Vessels (MPT‐FLIM). The parameters that were significantly correlated were Melanophages/Plump Bright Cells, Aligned elongated cells/Streaming, Double alignment/Streaming with multiple directions, and Palisading (MPT‐FLIM)/Palisading (RCM).

Conclusion

According to our data, both methods are suitable to image BCC's features. The concordance between MPT‐FLIM and RCM is high, with some limitations due to the technical differences between the two devices. The hardest difficulty when comparing the images generated by the two imaging modalities is represented by their different field of view.
Biological evaluation of the bone healing process after application of two potentially osteogenic proteins: an animal experimental model
Authors: Issa João P. M. , Defino Helton L. A. , Sebald Walter , Coutinho‐Netto Joaquim , Iyomasa Mamie M. , Shimano Antonio C. , Bentley Maria V. L. B. , Pitol Dimitrius L.
Published: September 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00526.x   Biological evaluation of the bone healing process after application of two potentially osteogenic proteins: an animal experimental model

Objective:  The aim of this work was to analyse qualitatively and quantitatively the newly formed bone after insertion of rhBMP‐2 and protein extracted from Hevea brasiliensis (P‐1), associated or not with a carrier in critical bone defects created in Wistar rat calvarial bone, using histological and histomorphometrical analyses.

Materials and methods:  Eighty‐four male Wistar rats were used, divided into two groups, according to the period of time until the sacrifice (2 and 6 weeks). Each one of these groups was subdivided into six groups with seven animals each, according to the treatments: (1) 5 μg of pure rhBMP‐2, (2) 5 μg of rhBMP‐2/monoolein gel, (3) pure monoolein gel, (4) 5 μg of pure P‐1, (5) 5 μg of P‐1/monoolein gel and (6) critical bone defect controls. The animals were euthanised and the calvarial bone tissue removed for histological and histomorphometrical analyses.

Result and conclusion:  The results showed an improvement in the bone healing process using the rhBMP‐2 protein, associated or not with a material carrier in relation to the other groups, and this process demonstrated to be time dependent.
Female Sexual Arousal Disorders
Authors: Giraldi Annamaria , Rellini Alessandra H. , Pfaus James , Laan Ellen
Published: September 2012

Introduction

Definitions and terminology for female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) are currently being debated. While some authors have suggested that FSAD is more a subjective response rather than a genital response, others have suggested that desire and arousal disorders should be combined in one entity. Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a new entity which is suggested to be defined as Restless Genital Syndrome.

Aims

The aims of this brief review are to give definitions of the different types of FSAD, describe their aetiology, prevalence and comorbidity with somatic and psychological disorders, as well as to discuss different medical and psychological assessment and treatment modalities.

Methods

The experts of the International Society for Sexual Medicine's Standard Committee convened to provide a survey using relevant databases, journal articles, and own clinical experience.

Results

Female Arousal Disorders have been defined in several ways with focus on the genital or subjective response or a combination of both. The prevalence varies and increases with increasing age, especially at the time of menopause, while distress decreases with age. Arousal disorders are often comorbid with other sexual problems and are of biopsychosocial etiology. In the assessment, a thorough sexological history as well as medical and gynecological history and examination are recommended. Treatment should be based on of the symptoms, clinical findings and, if possibly, on underlying etiology.

Conclusion

Recommendations are given for assessment and treatment of FSAD and PGAD.
Separate or Combined Treatments with Daily Sildenafil, Molsidomine, or Muscle-Derived Stem Cells Prevent Erectile Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Cavernosal Nerve Damage
Authors: Kovanecz Istvan , Rivera Steve , Nolazco Gaby , Vernet Dolores , Segura Denesse , Gharib Sahir , Rajfer Jacob , Gonzalez-Cadavid Nestor F.
Published: September 2012

Introduction

Long-term daily administration of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in the rat prevents or reverses corporal veno-occlusive dysfunction (CVOD) and smooth muscle cell (CSMC) loss and fibrosis, in both aging and bilateral cavernosal nerve resection (BCNR) models for erectile dysfunction. In the aging rat model, corporal implantation of skeletal muscle-derived stem cells (MDSC) reverses CVOD. Nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate can modulate stem cell lineage.

Aim

To investigate in the BCNR model the effects of sildenafil at lower doses, alone or in combination with MDSC or the NO donor molsidomine, on CVOD and the underlying corporal histopathology.

Main Outcomes Measures

CVOD, histological, and biochemical markers in rat corporal tissue.

Methods

Rats subjected to BCNR were maintained for 45 days either untreated, or received sildenafil in the water or retrolingually at 10, 2.5, and 1.25 mg/kg/day (medium, low, and very low doses), or intraperitoneal molsidomine, or MDSC implantation into the corpora cavernosa separately or in combination. Cavernosometry evaluated CVOD. Histopathology was assessed on penile sections by Masson trichrome, immunohistochemistry for α-smooth muscle actin (ASMA), or immunofluorescence for neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)/neurofilament 70, and in fresh tissue by Western blot for various markers and picrosirius red for collagen.

Results

All treatments normalized erectile function (drop rate), and most increased the CSMC/collagen ratio and ASMA expression in corporal tissue sections, and reduced collagen content in the penile shaft. MDSC also increased nNOS and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The combination treatment was not superior to MDSC or sildenafil given alone, and upregulated PDE5.

Conclusions. Lowering the dose of a continuous long-term sildenafil administration still maintained the prevention of CVOD in the BCNR rat previously observed, but it was less effective on the underlying histopathology. As in the aging rat model, MDSC also counteracted CVOD, but supplementation with very low-dose sildenafil did not improve the outcome.
A Systematic Review of the Utility of Antidepressant Pharmacotherapy in the Treatment of Vulvodynia Pain
Authors: Leo Raphael J. , Dewani Seema
Published: September 2012

Introduction

Antidepressants have often been recommended as a potential treatment for the management of vulvodynia. However, review of the evidence supporting this recommendation has not been systematically assessed.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of antidepressant pharmacotherapy in the treatment of vulvodynia.

Main Outcome Measures

An assessment of the methodological quality of published reports addressing the utility of antidepressants in the treatment of vulvodynia was undertaken. Several secondary outcomes generated in the existing literature were also examined.

Methods

A comprehensive search of the available literature was conducted.

Results

The search yielded 13 published reports, i.e., 2 randomized controlled trials, 1 quasi-experimental trial, 7 non-experimental studies, and 3 case reports. A number of methodological shortcomings were identified in several of the reports with respect to study design including lack of clear inclusion/exclusion criteria, small sample sizes, lack of comparison groups, insufficient blinding, among others. The vast majority of studies utilized tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Evidence supporting the benefits of TCAs studied to date was limited, i.e., based largely upon descriptive reports but unsubstantiated by randomized controlled trials. There were no systematic investigations into the comparative efficacy of different antidepressant classes in the treatment of vulvodynia.

Conclusion

There is insufficient evidence to support the recommendation of antidepressant pharmacotherapy in the treatment of vulvodynia. Although some vulvodynia-afflicted patients derive symptom relief from antidepressants, additional research is required to identify those characteristics that would predict those patients for whom antidepressants are more likely to be effective.
Serum Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor‐κ B Ligand, Osteoprotegrin, and Intact Parathyroid Hormone in Hemodialysis and Renal Transplant Patients
Authors: Rashtchizadeh Nadereh , Ghorbanihaghjo Amir , Argani Hassan , Mahmoudi Meimand Saeed , Safa Javid , Vatankhahan Hamidreza , Shahidi Maryam
Published: September 2012

Serum receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κ B ligand and osteoprotegrin are mediated to vascular calcification in the general population. Our knowledge is very sparse in hemodialysis and renal transplant patients. Receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κ B ligand, osteoprotegrin, intact parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus were measured in blood samples of 45 hemodialysis and 45 age‐matched renal transplant patients. Osteoprotegrin (P = 0.001) and intact parathyroid hormone (P = 0.001) levels in the hemodialysis patients were higher than the renal transplant recipients. Osteoprotegrin had positive correlation with duration of dialysis and age in the hemodialysis (r = 0.88, P = 0.001 and r = 0.34, P = 0.02, respectively) and renal transplant patients (r = 0.92, P = 0.001 and r = 0.46, P = 0.001, respectively). Hemodialysis patients have higher osteoprotegrin levels than the renal transplant recipients. It may act as a protective factor for renal osteodystrophy or only as a secondary phenomenon of advanced renal failure.
Correcting Transit Time Distributions in Coarse MODFLOW‐MODPATH Models
Authors: Abrams Daniel
Published: September 2012

In low to medium resolution MODFLOW models, the area occupied by sink cells often far exceeds the surface area of the streams they represent. As a result, MODPATH will calculate inaccurate particle traces and transit times. A frequency distribution of transit times for a watershed will also be in error. Such a distribution is used to assess the long‐term impact of nonpoint source pollution on surface waters and wells. Although the inaccuracies for individual particles can only be avoided by increased model grid resolution or other advanced modeling techniques, the frequency distribution can be improved by scaling the particle transit times by an adjustment factor during post‐processing.
Assessing the Relative Bioavailability of DOC in Regional Groundwater Systems
Authors: Chapelle Francis H. , Bradley Paul M. , Journey Celeste A. , McMahon Peter B.
Published: September 2012

It has been hypothesized that the degree to which a hyperbolic relationship exists between concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved oxygen (DO) in groundwater may indicate the relative bioavailability of DOC. This hypothesis was examined for 73 different regional aquifers of the United States using 7745 analyses of groundwater compiled by the National Water Assessment (NAWQA) program of the U.S. Geological Survey. The relative reaction quotient (RRQ), a measure of the curvature of DOC concentrations plotted versus DO concentrations and regressed to a decaying hyperbolic equation, was used to assess the relative bioavailability of DOC. For the basalt aquifer of Oahu, Hawaii, RRQ values were low (0.0013 mM−2), reflecting a nearly random relationship between DOC and DO concentrations. In contrast, on the island of Maui, treated sewage effluent injected into a portion of the basalt aquifer resulted in pronounced hyperbolic DOC‐DO behavior and a higher RRQ (142 mM−2). RRQ values for the 73 aquifers correlated positively with mean concentrations of ammonia, dissolved iron, and manganese, and correlated negatively with mean pH. This indicates that greater RRQ values are associated with greater concentrations of the final products of microbial reduction reactions. RRQ values and DOC concentrations were negatively correlated with the thickness of the unsaturated zone (UNST) and depth to the top of the screened interval. Finally, RRQ values were positively correlated with mean annual precipitation (MAP), and the highest observed RRQ values were associated with aquifers receiving MAP rates ranging between 900 and 1300 mm/year. These results are uniformly consistent with the hypothesis that the hyperbolic behavior of DOC‐DO plots, as quantified by the RRQ metric, can be an indicator of relative DOC bioavailability in groundwater systems.
Diel changes in the movement patterns of Ganges River dolphins monitored using stationed stereo acoustic data loggers
Authors: Sasaki‐Yamamoto Yukiko , Akamatsu Tomonari , Ura Tamaki , Sugimatsu Harumi , Kojima Junichi , Bahl Rajendar , Behera Sandeep , Kohshima Shiro
Published: September 2012

We monitored the underwater movements of Ganges River dolphins using stationed stereo acoustic data loggers. We estimated these movements using changes in the relative angle of the sound source direction (trajectory). Of the total acoustic recordings (66 h), 26.2% contained trajectories of dolphins, and 78.6% of these trajectories involved single animals, suggesting that dolphins tended to swim alone and were localized near the monitoring station. The observed trajectories were categorized as follows: staying type characterized by small changes in the sound source direction, moving type A (moving in the same direction), and moving type B (moving up and down the stream during recording). The average interpulse intervals of sounds in moving types A and B were significantly shorter than that of the staying type, suggesting that dolphins produce the former types of trajectories to echolocate across shorter distances during movement. The frequency of occurrence of moving type A increased during the night, whereas that of type B increased in the late afternoon and that of the staying type increased during the daytime. These results indicate that dolphins moving at night tended to use short‐range echolocation, whereas during the day, they remained in relatively small areas and used long‐range sonar.
C‐reactive protein in blood plasma and serum samples of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina)
Authors: Kakuschke A. , Pröfrock D. , Prange A.
Published: September 2012

C‐reactive protein (CRP) belongs to the acute phase proteins. Increased levels are present in inflammatory conditions, trauma, or intoxications. In veterinary medicine CRP is used as powerful diagnostic parameter in health studies, whereas little is known about the role of CRP in Pinnipedia. Therefore, samples were collected from 131 harbor seals from the North Sea between November 2002 and November 2007. CRP blood values were measured and the physiological range was calculated. Furthermore, the influence of age and sex of the animal, geographical location and season was investigated. The CRP concentrations in plasma/serum showed a median of 33 μg/mL, a 5th percentile of 18 μg/mL, and a 95th percentile of 80 μg/mL. No significant influences of sex, season, or geographical location on CRP concentration were detected. Juveniles showed significantly higher CRP levels than adult animals, whereas CRP values in newborns appear to be lower than in juveniles and adults. Our report describes for the first time CRP plasma/serum concentrations in a large group of harbor seals. It suggests that CRP is useful to detect inflammatory conditions and may help to improve health studies of this species.
Characterization and Diagnosis of Cancer by Native Fluorescence Spectroscopy of Human Urine
Authors: Rajasekaran Ramu , Aruna Prakash Rao , Koteeswaran Dornadula , Padmanabhan Loganathan , Muthuvelu Kulandaivel , Rai Ram Rathan , Thamilkumar Palraj , Murali Krishna Chilakapati , Ganesan Singaravelu
Published: September 2012

Urine is one of the diagnostically important bio fluids, as it has different metabolites in it, where many of them are native fluorophores. Native fluorescence characteristics of human urine samples were studied using excitation–emission matrices (EEMs) over a range of excitation and emission wavelengths, and emission spectra at 405 nm excitation, to discriminate patients with cancer from the normal subjects. The fluorescence spectra of urine samples of cancer patients exhibit considerable spectral differences in both EEMs and emission spectra with respect to normal subjects. Different ratios were calculated using the fluorescence intensity values of the emission spectra and they were used as input variables for a multiple linear discriminant analysis across different groups. The discriminant analysis classifies 94.7% of the original grouped cases and 94.1% of the cross‐validated grouped cases correctly. Based on the fluorescence emission characteristics of urine and statistical analysis, it may be concluded that the fluorophores nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and flavins may be considered as metabolomic markers of cancer.
Optimization of l‐DOPA production by Brevundimonas sp. SGJ using response surface methodology
Authors: Surwase Shripad N. , Patil Sushama A. , Jadhav Shekhar B. , Jadhav Jyoti P.
Published: September 2012

l‐DOPA (3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl‐l‐alanine) is an extensively used drug for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In the present study, optimization of nutritional parameters influencing l‐DOPA production was attempted using the response surface methodology (RSM) from Brevundimonas sp. SGJ. A Plackett–Burman design was used for screening of critical components, while further optimization was carried out using the Box–Behnken design. The optimized levels of factors predicted by the model were pH 5.02, 1.549 g l−1 tryptone, 4.207 g l−1 l‐tyrosine and 0.0369 g l−1 CuSO4, which resulted in highest l‐DOPA yield of 3.359 g l−1. The optimization of medium using RSM resulted in a 8.355‐fold increase in the yield of l‐DOPA. The anova showed a significant R2 value (0.9667), model F‐value (29.068) and probability (0.001), with insignificant lack of fit. The highest tyrosinase activity observed was 2471 U mg−1 at the 18th hour of the incubation period with dry cell weight of 0.711 g l−1. l‐DOPA production was confirmed by HPTLC, HPLC and GC‐MS analysis. Thus, Brevundimonas sp. SGJ has the potential to be a new source for the production of l‐DOPA.
Counseling on Early Childhood Caries transmission by dentists
Authors: Milgrom Peter , Huebner Colleen E. , Mancl Lloyd , Garson Gayle , Grembowski David
Published: September 2012

Objective: High levels of Streptococcus mutans on teeth of young children are predictive of Early Childhood Caries (ECC). Transmission from mother‐to‐child is common and studies have demonstrated treatment of the mother results in less ECC. The objective of this study was to determine how dentists have adopted the practice of counseling about ECC.

Methods: In 2006 as part of a larger study on dental care for pregnant women, we surveyed 829 general dentists in Oregon. The questionnaire contained questions to capture the extent to which general dentists have adopted counseling pregnant women about ECC transmission, to describe personal and practice characteristics, and examine how dentists' views on the ease of adopting of new procedures related to ECC counseling. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify separate and additive effects of demographic and practice characteristics, attitudes, and beliefs.

Results: The adjusted odds of a dentist who strongly believed in the link between mothers and babies and provided ECC counseling were 1.60 (95% CI 1.3‐2.0, P < 0.01). The odds of a dentist who reported discussing ECC with staff members and provided counseling were 2.7 (95% CI 1.7‐4.3, P < 0.01). Male dentists were less likely to counsel patients than female dentists (Adjusted OR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.3‐1.0, p < 0.05).

Conclusions: The strongest predictors of counseling patients about ECC were dentists' belief in the evidence of caries transmission and dentists' discussion of ECC during staff meetings.
Racial/ethnic disparities in provision of dental procedures to children enrolled in Delta Dental insurance in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Authors: Bhagavatula Pradeep , Xiang Qun , Eichmiller Fredrick , Szabo Aniko , Okunseri Christopher
Published: September 2012

Objectives: Most studies on the provision of dental procedures have focused on Medicaid enrollees known to have inadequate access to dental care. Little information on private insurance enrollees exists. This study documents the rates of preventive, restorative, endodontic, and surgical dental procedures provided to children enrolled in Delta Dental of Wisconsin (DDWI) in Milwaukee.

Methods: We analyzed DDWI claims data for Milwaukee children aged 0‐18 years between 2002 and 2008. We linked the ZIP codes of enrollees to the 2000 US Census information to derive racial/ethnic estimates in the different ZIP codes. We estimated the rates of preventive, restorative, endodontic, and surgical procedures provided to children in different racial/ethnic groups based on the population estimates derived from the US Census data. Descriptive and multivariable analysis was done using Poisson regression modeling on dental procedures per year.

Results: In 7 years, a total of 266,380 enrollees were covered in 46 ZIP codes in the database. Approximately, 64 percent, 44 percent, and 49 percent of White, African American, and Hispanic children had at least one dental visit during the study period, respectively. The rates of preventive procedures increased up to the age of 9 years and decreased thereafter among children in all three racial groups included in the analysis. African American and Hispanic children received half as many preventive procedures as White children.

Conclusion: Our study shows that substantial racial disparities may exist in the types of dental procedures that were received by children.
An examination of racial/ethnic disparities in children's oral health in the United States
Authors: Fisher‐Owens Susan A. , Isong Inyang A. , Soobader Mah‐J , Gansky Stuart A. , Weintraub Jane A. , Platt Larry J. , Newacheck Paul W.
Published: September 2012

Objective: To assess the extent factors other than race/ethnicity explain apparent racial/ethnic disparities in children's oral health and oral health care.

Methods: Data were from the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health, for children 2‐17 years (n = 82,020). Outcomes included parental reports of child's oral health status, receiving preventive dental care, and delayed dental care/unmet need. Model‐based survey‐data‐analysis examined racial/ethnic disparities, controlling for child, family, and community/state (contextual) factors.

Results: Unadjusted results show large racial/ethnic oral health disparities. Compared with non‐Hispanic White people, Hispanic and non‐Hispanic‐Black people were markedly more likely to be reported in only fair/poor oral health [odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals) 4.3 (4.0‐4.6), 2.2 (2.0‐2.4), respectively], lack preventive care [ORs 1.9 (1.8‐2.0), 1.4 (1.3‐1.5)], and experience delayed care/unmet need [ORs 1.5 (1.3‐1.7), 1.4 (1.3‐1.5)]. Adjusting for child, family, and community/state factors reduced racial/ethnic disparities. Adjusted ORs (AORs) for Hispanics and non‐Hispanic Blacks attenuated for fair/poor oral health, to 1.6 (1.5‐1.8) and 1.2 (1.1‐1.4), respectively. Adjustment eliminated disparities for lacking preventive care [AORs 1.0 (0.9‐1.1), 1.1 (1.1‐1.2)] and in Hispanics for delayed care/unmet need (AOR 1.0). Among non‐Hispanic Blacks, adjustment reversed the disparity for delayed care/unmet need [AOR 0.6 (0.6‐0.7)].

Conclusions: Racial/ethnic disparities in children's oral health status and access were attributable largely to socioeconomic and health insurance factors. Efforts to decrease disparities may be more efficacious if targeted at social, economic, and other factors associated with minority racial/ethnic status and may have positive effects on all who share similar social, economic, and cultural characteristics.
Dental fear and satisfaction with dental services in Switzerland
Authors: Armfield Jason M. , Enkling Norbert , Wolf Christian A. , Ramseier Christoph A.
Published: September 2012

Objectives: Dental satisfaction is associated with continuity of dental care, compliance with dentist advice, and positive health outcomes. It is expected that people with higher dental fear might have less dental satisfaction because of more negative dental experiences. The objective of this study was to examine satisfaction and reasons for satisfaction with dental practitioners in Switzerland and variations by dental fear.

Methods: A national sample of 1,129 Swiss residents aged 15‐74 (mean = 43.2 years) completed a personal interview at their home with questions assessing dental fear, dental service use, general satisfaction with their dentist, and reasons for satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

Results: Overall, 47.9 percent of participants responded that they were satisfied with their dentist and 47.6 percent that they were very satisfied. Satisfaction differed significantly by gender, language spoken, region of residence, and educational attainment. Greater dental fear was significantly associated with greater dissatisfaction with the dentist. The percentage of people who were very satisfied with the dentist ranged from 56.0 percent among people with no fear to 30.5 percent for participants with “quite a lot” of fear but was higher (44.4 percent) for people who stated that they were “very much” afraid of the dentist. The most common reasons attributed for satisfaction with dentists were interpersonal characteristics of the dentist and staff. People with “quite a lot” of fear were found to endorse these sentiments least.

Conclusions: Although higher dental fear was associated with more dissatisfaction with the dentist, the level of satisfaction among fearful individuals in Switzerland is still high.
How Does the Use of Credit Default Swaps Affect Firm Risk and Value? Evidence from US Life and Property/Casualty Insurance Companies
Authors: Fung Hung‐Gay , Wen Min‐Ming , Zhang Gaiyan
Published: September 2012

This study uses a unique credit default swap (CDS) transaction data set of insurers to examine the effects of CDS usage on the risk profile and firm value of US insurance companies for the period 2001‐2009. Applying a Heckman two‐stage model to adjust for the potential endogeneity of CDS usage with respect to firm risk and firm value, we find consistent evidence that the utilization of CDS for income generation purposes is associated with greater market risk, deterioration of financial performance, and lower firm value, for both Life and Property/Casualty insurers.
Rating Agency Reputation, the Global Financial Crisis, and the Cost of Debt
Authors: Han Seung Hun , Pagano Michael S. , Shin Yoon S.
Published: September 2012

Why do foreign firms obtain credit ratings by global rating agencies rather than from their home country's rating agencies even though global raters typically assign lower credit ratings when these foreign firms issue bonds in their home currencies? We find that bonds rated by a global agency decreased yields 11‐14 basis points (bps) when compared to those rated by Japanese rating agencies but, during the 2007‐2009 financial crisis, the yields on these Japanese bonds increased 12‐17 bps, thus fully negating the advantage of obtaining a bond rating from a global rater. This suggests that the reputation of global rating agencies declined during the 2007‐2009 crisis period.
Corneal thickness after overnight wear of an intraocular pressure fluctuation contact lens sensor
Authors: Freiberg Florentina J. , Lindell Jeanette , Thederan Luisa A.‐L. , Leippi Swetlana , Shen Yanan , Klink Thomas
Published: September 2012

Purpose:  To assess the effect of overnight wear of a contact lens‐based sensor (CLS) for monitoring of 24‐hr intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations on central corneal thickness (CCT).

Materials and Methods:  Changes in the CCT, mid‐peripheral corneal thickness and central corneal radius (CCR) during overnight CLS wear in 20 eligible patients with ocular hypertension or established glaucoma were prospectively studied using ultrasound pachymetry and topography. Corneal thickness and CCR changes were evaluated from pre‐to‐postsleep, with the fellow eye as control. Paired t‐test or Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used as appropriate and with α = 0.05. Relationship between the IOP profile recorded by the CLS and the pre‐to‐postsleep corneal thickness differences was assessed using the Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results:  After CLS wear, mean CCT had changed from 523 to 537 μm (p = 0.015) in the study eye and from 518 to 522 (p = 0.206) in the fellow eye (n = 15). There was no difference in CCT change between eyes (p = 0.075). There were no statistically significant changes in horizontal or vertical CCR in either eye (p > 0.05 for all). No correlation was found between the pre‐to‐postsleep differences in the CLS signal and the pre‐to‐postsleep differences in ultrasound CCT measurements (p = 0.974).

Conclusion:  The continuous IOP monitoring does not appear to be affected by differences in corneal thickness that occur during overnight CLS wear, although the CLS did induce some corneal swelling. This effect was not statistically significantly different from the control eye and does not seem to influence the CLS IOP profile.
Rare case of isolated splenic metastasis from the breast
Authors: Pailoor Kirana , Fernandes Hilda , D'Souza Clement. R. S.
Published: September 2012

A 50‐year‐old woman, who underwent left mastectomy 2 years ago for infiltrating ductal carcinoma, came for follow up. A routine ultrasound of the abdomen detected a lesion in the spleen, which was suspected to be an abscess/metastasis. There was no apparent involvement of other organs such as liver, bone, lungs etc. The patient underwent splenectomy and recovered without any complications. On histopathological examination, it was diagnosed to be splenic metastasis from breast carcinoma. We present this case because of the rarity of the lesion and also as a reminder to be cognizant of one of the less likely differential diagnosis of an intraparenchymal solid splenic mass.
Does sex affect the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy?: A retrospective analysis of single center experience
Authors: Kamran Khawar , Afridi Zia‐ud‐din , Muqim Rooh‐ul , Khalil Jawad
Published: September 2012

Introduction

The aim of our study was to determine the effect of sex on the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in terms of operative time, conversion to open cholecystectomy, postoperative complications and mean hospital stay.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed the medical records of 2061 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the surgical department of Khyber Teaching Hospital (Peshawar, Pakistan) between March 2008 and January 2010. χ2 test and t–test were respectively used to analyze categorical and numerical variables. P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The study included 1772 female and 289 male patients. The mean age for male patients was 44.07 ± 11.91 years compared to 41.29 ± 12.18 years for female patients (P = 0.706). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was successfully completed in 1996 patients. The conversion rate was higher in men (P < 0.001), and the mean operating time was longer in men (P < 0.001). Bile duct injuries occurred more frequently in men (P < 0.001). Gallbladder perforation and gallstone spillage also occurred more commonly in men (P = 0.001); similarly severe inflammation was reported more in male patients (P = 0001). There were no statistically significant differences in mean hospital stay, wound infection and port‐site herniation between men and women. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the male sex is an independent risk factor for conversion to open cholecystectomy (odds ratio = 2.65, 95% confidence interval: 1.03–6.94, P = 0.041) and biliary injuries (odds ratio = 0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.91–0.99, P‐value = 0.036).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is often challenging in men on account of more adhesions and inflammation. This leads to higher conversion rates and more postoperative complications. Optimized planning and a more experienced operating surgeon may help overcome these problems.