bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Headache Currents Commentary
Authors: Peatfield Richard 
Published: March 2012

What Happens to the Old Headache Medicines?Rapoport AM, MDOld headache medicines never die; they either fade away or come back in disguise. The disguise is often a new route of administration, which may work better, faster, more completely, with fewer adverse events, and/or have certain other advantages. The clinical aspects of 3 of the oldest headache medicines (ergotamine tartrate, dihydroergotamine, and methysergide) will be discussed here. Sumatriptan will then be discussed as the prototype of the newest category of acute care therapy (triptans) for migraine. It will be compared with the older medications, and the new forms being developed will be briefly discussed. Diclofenac potassium for oral solution will be mentioned as the newest drug approved for migraine by the Food and Drug Administration and a possible alternative to triptans in patients with frequent headaches or those with contraindications to vasoconstrictors.Dihydroergotamine, Ergotamine, Methysergide and Sumatriptan – Basic Science in Relation to Migraine TreatmentDahlöf C, Maassen Van Den Brink A.The 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) receptor family mediates the effects of several drugs highly effective in migraine primarily by activating 5‐HT1B, 5‐HT1D, and 5‐HT1F receptors. Ergotamine, dihydroergotamine and methysergide, as well as the “triptan” sumatriptan, are all agonists for these receptors. The receptor profile and degree of selectivity of these 4 drugs differ, which is reflected by their side effects that limit their use in the acute and prophylactic treatment of migraine. The acute antimigraine efficacy of these remedies is very much dependent on the formulation used where, in general, parenteral formulations are more effective in relieving the symptoms of a migraine attack.
Commentary on Caetano, Mills, and Vaeth (2012): The Role of Context on Alcohol Consumption Among Mexican Americans
Authors: Maldonado‐Molina Mildred M. , Delcher Chris 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundIn this commentary, we discuss a study by Caetano and colleagues (2012) that examines alcohol consumption and binge drinking behavior among U.S.–Mexico border and non‐border Mexican Americans using data from the Hispanic Americans Baseline Alcohol Survey.MethodsWe discuss how Caetano and colleagues (2012) addressed 3 gaps in our understanding of drinking behaviors among Hispanics: (1) effects of living near the U.S.–Mexico border, (2) gender differences in drinking behaviors, and (3) alcohol‐related outcomes among young women.ResultsFindings suggest that Mexican American men and women living along the U.S.–Mexico border reported higher levels of drinking than their U.S. metropolitan counterparts (Caetano et al., 2012).ConclusionsThis study represents an important contribution to the dearth of studies investigating disparities in alcohol‐related consequences among Hispanic young adults living along the U.S.–Mexico border. Future research needs to examine why contextual factors of the U.S.–Mexico border generate differential effects in the Mexican American population.
The Role of RBC, Hurricane Exposure, Bond Portfolio Duration, and Macroeconomic and Industry‐wide Factors in Property–Liability Insolvency Prediction
Authors: Cheng Jiang , Weiss Mary A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis research analyzes the performance of the risk‐based capital (RBC) ratio and other variables in predicting insolvencies in the property–liability insurance industry during the period 1994–2008. The results indicate that the accuracy of the RBC ratio in predicting insolvencies is inconsistent over time and that some previously tested financial ratios that are part of the FAST system do not always reliably predict insurer insolvency. In addition, the insolvency propensity is found to be significantly related to an insurer's hurricane prone area exposure, changes in interest rates, the industry‐wide combined ratio, and the industry‐wide Herfindahl index of premiums written.
Can the Life Insurance Market Provide Evidence for a Bequest Motive?
Authors: Inkmann Joachim , Michaelides Alexander 
Published: March 2012

AbstractUsing U.K. microeconomic data, we analyze the empirical determinants of participation in the life insurance market. We find that term insurance demand is positively correlated with measures of bequest motives like being married, having children, and/or subjective measures of strong bequest motives. We then show that a life‐cycle model of life insurance demand, saving, and portfolio choice can rationalize quantitatively the data in the presence of a bequest motive. These findings provide evidence supporting the presence of a bequest motive.
The Value and Risk of Defined Contribution Pension Schemes: International Evidence
Authors: Cannon Edmund , Tonks Ian 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWe use historical data on investment returns and labor income from 16 countries to quantify the value and risk of defined contribution pension plans, building frequency distributions of pension fund and pension replacement ratios for each country. We show that pension risk is substantial and find that pension fund ratios are lower and less variable than when the correlation between wage growth and investment returns is ignored, typically halving the median pension fund ratio. We also show that an all‐equity fund is the dominant investment strategy across all countries, although sometimes a life‐cycle strategy insures against downside risk.
Rainfall or Rainmaking? Lawyers, Courts, and the Price of Mold Insurance in Texas
Authors: North Charles M. , Garven James R. , Gwin Carl R. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn well‐functioning property‐‐liability insurance markets, the price of coverage reflects the impact of the legal environment on the frequency and severity of claims. This article presents a case study of the Texas mold insurance crisis of 2001–2002. We provide a narrative of the controversy in Texas over insurance coverage for household mold and use county‐level data from a single Texas insurer to assess the determinants of postcrisis prices for supplemental mold, slab, and extended water loss coverages. We find that more attorneys per capita and more heavily Democratic courts were both associated with higher prices for mold and slab coverage.
What's Marriage (and Family) Got to Do with It? Support for Same‐Sex Marriage, Legal Unions, and Gay and Lesbian Couples Raising Children
Authors: Becker Amy B. 
Published: March 2012

ObjectivesThe current study extends research on public opinion toward gay civil rights by considering the impact of marital and family status and views on the purpose of marriage on support for same‐sex marriage, legal unions, and gay and lesbian couples raising children.MethodsData from the 2007 Pew Research Center's Social Trends Report were analyzed using hierarchical ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. Models exploring both direct and interactive effects were constructed.ResultsThe results suggest that marital and family status play a role in influencing issue attitudes and that views on the purpose of marriage moderate the influence of conservative ideological and religious value predispositions on support for same‐sex marriage, legal unions, and gay and lesbian couples raising children.ConclusionsImplications of the findings and the changing demographics of marriage and family are discussed.
Beneficial Effects of Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defects Not Only in Young Adults
Authors: VIJARNSORN CHODCHANOK , DURONGPISITKUL KRITVIKROM , CHANTHONG PRAKUL , CHUNGSOMPRASONG PAWEENA , SOONGSWANG JARUPIM , LOAHAPRASITIPORN DUANGMANEE , NANA APICHART , KURASIRIKUL SURUTHAI , NIMDET KACHAPORN 
Published: March 2012

Objectives:

To compare cardiac events and remodeling effects after transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) in pediatric, adult, and older adult patients.
Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted of 353 patients who underwent transcatheter ASD closure between February 1999 and December 2007 at Siriraj Hospital. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to age: children (<18 years; n = 99); adults (18–50 years; n = 169); and older adults (>50 years; n = 85). Cardiac events at 1 year, and changes in left and right ventricular dimensions between preprocedure and 6 months and 1 year postprocedure were compared between groups.
Results:

Of the 353 patients, the average size of ASD was 22.1 ± 6.6 mm. Device: ASD diameter was 1.25 ± 0.28 mm. At 1 year postprocedure, the prevalence of chest discomfort and atrial fibrillation (AF) was higher in older adult patients, compared to the other age groups. Device embolization, cardiac erosion, pericardial effusion, syncope, migraine, thrombus formation, and residual shunt did not differ between groups. Within the first 6 months, the right ventricular (RV) dimension tended to dramatically decrease, while the left ventricular (LV) dimension increased in all age groups. These changes leveled off in children and in older adults, but in the adult group (18–50 years), RV shrinkage and LV expansion continued for 1 year. A low rate of early and late complications was noted.
Conclusion:

Transcather closure of ASD can cause cardiac remodeling, regardless of the patient's age at the time of the procedure. For older adult patients, the long‐term risk of AF continuation and chest discomfort is likely. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:382–390)
Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan/Boron Nitride Composites
Authors: Kisku Sudhir K. , Swain Sarat K. 
Published: March 2012

Chitosan/Boron nitride (BN) composites were prepared by solution method using CuSO4/glycine chelate complex as the catalysis with variable percentage of boron nitride loading. The dispersion of BN with the chitosan polymer was achieved with sonication at power of 120 W and frequency of 80 kHz. The chemical interactions of chitosan and BN were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The structure of chitosan and BN composites were investigated by XRD and TEM. It was observed that the BN were dispersed with chitosan matrix through intercalation. The quantitative identification of composites was investigated by Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy and Selected Area Electron Diffraction. Thermal stabilities of chitosan/BN composites were studied by thermogravimetric analysis. It was found that, the thermal stability of the chitosan/BN composites was increased compare with virgin chitosan. The oxygen barrier properties of chitosan/BN composites were measured using gas permeameter. A substantial reduction in oxygen permeability was observed increasing boron nitride concentrations by which the synthesized composite materials may applicable in packaging industry.
The ovipositing female of Ooencyrtus telenomicida relies on physiological mechanisms to mediate intrinsic competition with Trissolcus basalis
Authors: Cusumano Antonino , Peri Ezio , Vinson S. Bradleigh , Colazza Stefano 
Published: March 2012

AbstractOngoing studies by our group showed that the outcome of the intrinsic competition between two solitary egg parasitoids, Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) and Ooencyrtus telenomicida (Vassiliev) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), is dominated by O. telenomicida. In this article we investigated the role played by the ovipositing O. telenomicida female in the suppression of a T. basalis competitor. Laboratory experiments were conducted by allowing an O. telenomicida female to puncture the eggs of Nezara viridula (L.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) with her ovipositor (= no oviposition) or to parasitize them. The results show that O. telenomicida relies on some physiological mechanisms to mediate its interspecific intrinsic competition with T. basalis. In fact, the emergence of T. basalis was strongly reduced in host eggs that were parasitized either before or after being punctured by O. telenomicida at fixed time intervals (5, 15, 30, or 45 h). The low percentage of emergence of T. basalis (ranging from approximately 4–20%) was a consequence of the delay and growth rate reduction of larval development. Furthermore, the percentage of eclosion of N. viridula nymphs was negatively affected by the O. telenomicida female’s punctures (96% from healthy host eggs, 4% from punctured host eggs). Host eggs punctured or oviposited in by O. telenomicida showed alterations in the ooplasm including some melanized‐like areas near the hole made with the ovipositor; such alterations indicate that the adult parasitoid releases substances that affect the host eggs survival. These results suggest that the O. telenomicida female influences both the physiological interspecific parasitoid‐parasitoid interaction, as well as the host‐parasitoid interaction, providing, for the first time in egg parasitoids, evidence that physiological suppression of some competitive egg parasitoids is mediated by the ovipositing female.
Immediate placement and provisionalization of single‐tooth implants involving a definitive individual abutment: a clinical and radiographic retrospective study
Authors: Hartlev Jens , Kohberg Peter , Ahlmann Søren , Gotfredsen Erik , Andersen Niels Trolle , Isidor Flemming , Schou Søren 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAimTo assess with a mean follow‐up period of 33 months (median: 31 month, range: 11–89 month) the treatment outcome after immediate placement and provisionalization of single‐tooth oral implants involving a definitive individual abutment and a provisional crown followed by later placement of a definitive crown.Materials and methods68 patients with 68 single‐tooth implants in the esthetic zone were consecutively treated; 55 of these patients were included in the study. The treatment involved tooth extraction, implant placement, placement of a definitive individual abutment, and a provisional crown in the same visit in private practice. The definitive crown was placed after a mean period of 7 months. The primary outcome measures included implant survival, definitive implant crown survival, and overall treatment survival. The secondary outcome measures included probing depth, bleeding on probing, peri‐implant marginal bone level, marginal bone level of the neighboring tooth surfaces, biological complications, and technical complications.ResultsOf the inserted implants 98% survived and of the definitive crowns mounted a survival of 100% was observed. Consequently, the overall treatment survival was 98%. The mean probing depth was 2.9 mm at implant level and 63% of the implants were characterized by no bleeding on probing. The mean peri‐implant marginal bone level was 2 mm. A significant mean peri‐implant marginal bone level gain of 0.5 mm was observed from implant placement to the follow‐up (95% CI: 0.07–0.89 mm, P = 0.022). No significant changes of the marginal bone level at the neighboring tooth surfaces were seen. Four episodes of peri‐implant inflammation were identified in three patients, while 46 incidents of loosening of the provisional crown occurred in 33 patients. One abutment screw loosened before placement of the definitive crown. Finally, loosening of four definitive crowns occurred in four patients.ConclusionsImmediate placement and provisionalization of single‐tooth oral implants involving a definitive individual abutment and a provisional crown followed by later placement of a definitive crown were characterized by high survival of the implant crowns and implants as well as healthy peri‐implant tissues, after a mean follow‐up period of 33 months. Loss of retention of the provisional crown occurred frequently.
What influences the use of dental services by adults in the UK?
Authors: Marshman Zoe , Porritt Jenny , Dyer Tom , Wyborn Ceri , Godson Jenny , Baker Sarah 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectivesOptimizing access to and utilization of dental services remains a major public health challenge. The aim of this study was to use Andersen's behavioural model to investigate the factors that influence utilization of dental services and predict oral health outcomes, and to identify how access could be improved.MethodsSecondary analysis was conducted of data from a regional postal survey (n = 10 864) of adults in the UK. Items were chosen to reflect variables of Andersen's behavioural model including predisposing characteristics (deprivation), enabling resources (perceived difficulty accessing a dentist), need (perceived treatment need), health behaviours (reason for attendance and time since the last visit to the dentist) and oral health outcomes (oral health impacts (symptoms, functional limitation and social) and global oral health). Structural equation modelling was used to estimate the direct and indirect pathways between the variables within the model.ResultsWhen a combination of indirect and direct effects were taken into account, perceived difficulty accessing the dentist was associated with higher perceived treatment need (β = 0.25, P < 0.01), increased oral health impacts (β = −0.23, P < 0.01) and worse global oral health (β = −0.21, P < 0.01). Overall, the variables included within this model explained 17.4% of the variance for dental attendance, 55.4% of the variance for the length of time since people had last visited the dentist, 21.7% of the variance for oral health impacts and 42.9% of the variance for people's global oral health.ConclusionsPerceived treatment need and difficulty accessing dental services were found to be key predictors of oral health outcomes. Further research is needed to develop and evaluate effective interventions to improve access to dental services.
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a review
Authors: Chavan Mahesh , Jain Hansa , Diwan Nikhil , Khedkar Shivaji , Shete Anagha , Durkar Sachin 
Published: March 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 577–583Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common clinical condition producing painful ulcerations in oral cavity. The diagnosis of RAS is based on well‐defined clinical characteristics but the precise etiology and pathogenesis of RAS remain unclear. The present article provides a detailed review of the current concepts and knowledge of the etiology, pathogenesis, and management of RAS.
Migration induced by epidermal and hepatocyte growth factors in oral squamous carcinoma cells in vitro: role of MEK/ERK, p38 and PI‐3 kinase/Akt
Authors: Brusevold Ingvild J. , Aasrum Monica , Bryne Magne , Christoffersen Thoralf 
Published: March 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 547–558Background:  Cell migration is a necessary part of malignant invasiveness. Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) have a great tendency for local invasive growth. We have investigated signalling pathways involved in cell migration induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in OSCC cells and examined the effects of various experimental and clinically approved anti‐tumour signal inhibitors on the migratory activity.Methods:  Migration was studied in three human OSCC cell lines, using a scratch wound assay in vitro and time‐lapse cinematography. Specific phosphorylation of signalling proteins was assessed by Western blotting.Results:  In the E10 cell line, EGF and HGF induced phosphorylation of EGF receptor (EGFR) and Met, respectively, phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and Akt, and dose‐dependent activation of cell migration. Addition of the EGFR‐specific inhibitors cetuximab (antibody) or gefitinib (tyrosine kinase blocker) abolished cell migration elicited by EGF. Similarly, a Met kinase inhibitor (SU11274) blocked HGF‐induced cell migration. Furthermore, when three cell lines were treated with blockers of the MEK/ERK, p38 or the PI‐3 kinase/Akt pathways, the migratory response to both EGF and HGF was inhibited, but to varying degrees. Notably, in E10 and D12 cells, HGF‐induced migration was particularly sensitive to PI‐3 K‐inhibition, while in C12 cells, both HGF‐ and EGF‐induced migration were highly sensitive to p38‐blockade.Conclusion:  The results demonstrate that the MEK/ERK, p38 and PI‐3 kinase pathways are all involved in mediating the increased migration in OSCC cell lines induced by EGF and HGF, but their relative importance and the effects of specific signal inhibitors differ.
Divergent physiological characteristics and responses to endurance training among inbred mouse strains
Authors: Kilikevicius A. , Venckunas T. , Zelniene R. , Carroll A.M. , Lionikaite S. , Ratkevicius A. , Lionikas A. 
Published: March 2012

Both baseline values and adaptive changes in mice can vary depending on the genetic background. We aimed to assess variation in a battery of variables and their adaptations to endurance training in six inbred mouse strains.Males, n = 184, from A/J, BALB/cByJ, C3H/HeJ, C57BL/6J, DBA/2J, and PWD/PhJ strains were assigned to a control or an endurance group (5 weeks swimming exercise). Enzyme activity, histology of soleus (SOL) muscle, swimming endurance, cardiac ventricular and hind limb muscle weight, and femur length were examined.Endurance capacity, morphological and histological variables, and enzyme activity substantially differed among strains. For example, SOL weight was twofold higher and cross‐sectional area (CSA) of fibers was ∼30% greater in C57BL/6J than in PWD/PhJ strain. The CSA of type 1 fibers were larger than type 2A in PWD/PhJ (P < 0.01); however, the reverse was true in DBA/2J and BALB/cByJ strains (P < 0.05). Swimming endurance in DBA/2J strain was ∼9 times better than in BALB/cByJ. Endurance training increased the activity of citrate synthase in gastrocnemius across strains (P < 0.01), however, changes in endurance were strain‐specific; the C57BL/6J and DBA/2J strains improved substantially, whereas A/J and BALB/cByJ strains did not.In conclusion, genetic background is a potent determinant of the physiological characteristics and adaptations to training in mice.
Trends and distribution of oral and pharyngeal lymphoma in Israel
Authors: Zini A , Atia‐Joachim D , Sgan–Cohen HD , Lavie D , Czerninski R 
Published: March 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 700–706Objectives:  To describe the distribution and trends of oral and pharyngeal lymphoma cases in Israel.Methods:  Incidence rates were derived from the Israel National Cancer Registry and included all registered data from 1970 to 2006. Oral lymphoma included the tongue, mouth, salivary glands, tonsils, and pharynx. Morphological description was according to WHO classification of lymphoid neoplasms.Results:  A total of 670 cases were diagnosed, mean age 59.5 years, half were over 65 years old. Tonsils were the most prevalent site of involvement (36.0%), followed by the pharyngeal region and salivary glands. Over the years, the prevalence of lymphoma in salivary glands increased by 49%, whereas in tonsils lymphoma decreased by 28.6%. The overall 5‐year survival rate was 57% with best rates among young people.Conclusion:  The correlation of survival, type of lymphoma and age, was similar to extra‐oral lymphoma. A trend of increased cases in the parotid region, dissimilar to other oral sites, raises a question of possible external factors or an increase in autoimmune diseases. Head and neck clinicians should be aware of different sites, types, and prognoses for the different age groups.