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Study Shows (study + shows)
Kinds of Study Shows Selected AbstractsAustralasian Laparoscopic Colon Cancer Study shows that elderly patients may benefit from lower postoperative complication rates following laparoscopic versus open resection,BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 1 2010R. A. Allardyce Background: A retrospective analysis of age-related postoperative morbidity in the Australia and New Zealand prospective randomized controlled trial comparing laparoscopic and open resection for right- and left-sided colonic cancer is presented. Methods: A total of 592 eligible patients were entered and studied from 1998 to 2005. Results: Data from 294 patients who underwent laparoscopic and 298 who had open colonic resection were analysed; 266 patients were aged less than 70 years and 326 were 70 years or older (mean(s.d.) 70·3(11·0) years). Forty-three laparoscopic operations (14·6 per cent) were converted to an open procedure. Fewer complications were reported for intention-to-treat laparoscopic resections compared with open procedures (P = 0·002), owing primarily to a lower rate in patients aged 70 years or more (P = 0·002). Fewer patients in the laparoscopic group experienced any complication (P = 0·035), especially patients aged 70 years or above (P = 0·019). Conclusion: Treatment choices for colonic cancer depend principally upon disease-free survival; however, patients aged 70 years or over should have rigorous preoperative investigation to avoid conversion and should be considered for laparoscopic colonic resection. Registration number: NCT00202111 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov). Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The solution of fluid mechanics problems by probability methodsCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION, Issue 2 2005Sergio E. Perez Abstract This study shows how fluid mechanics problems may be solved using probability methods. Problems solved include velocity distributions in steady and unsteady flow between parallel plates as well as steady flow through a constant diameter three-dimensional duct. We find that the results approach exact solutions as the number of random walks increases, and that the complexity of the flow equations precludes extension of the technique to three dimensions. We also find that these techniques are much easier for students to put into practice than others. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 13: 133,136, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20038 [source] Virtual reality simulations in Web-based science educationCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION, Issue 1 2002Young-Suk Shin Abstract This article presents the educational possibilities of Web-based science education using a desktop virtual reality (VR) system. A Web site devoted to science education for middle school students has been designed and developed in the areas of earth sciences: meteorology, geophysics, geology, oceanography, and astronomy. Learners can establish by themselves the pace of their lessons using learning contents considered learner level and they can experiment in real time with the concepts they have learned, interacting with VR environments that we provide. A VR simulation program developed has been evaluated with a questionnaire from learners after learning freely on the Web. This study shows that Web-based science education using VR can be effectively used as a virtual class. When we consider the rapid development of VR technology and lowering of cost, the study can construct more immersive environments for the education in the near future. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 10: 18,25, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com.); DOI 10.1002/cae.10014 [source] Performance of Buildings under Earthquakes in Barcelona, SpainCOMPUTER-AIDED CIVIL AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING, Issue 8 2006Alex H. Barbat The seismic hazard in the area of the city is described by means of the reduced 5% damped elastic response spectrum. Obtaining fragility curves for the most important building types of an urban center requires an important amount of information about the structures and the use of nonlinear structural analysis tools. The information on the buildings of Barcelona was obtained by collecting, arranging, improving, and completing the database of the housing and current buildings. The buildings existing in Barcelona are mainly of two types: unreinforced masonry structures and reinforced concrete buildings with waffled slab floors. In addition, the Arc-View software was used to create a GIS tool for managing the collected information to develop seismic risk scenarios. This study shows that the vulnerability of the buildings is significant and therefore, in spite of the medium to low seismic hazard in the area of the city, the expected seismic risk is considerable. [source] OpenMP-oriented applications for distributed shared memory architecturesCONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 4 2004Ami Marowka Abstract The rapid rise of OpenMP as the preferred parallel programming paradigm for small-to-medium scale parallelism could slow unless OpenMP can show capabilities for becoming the model-of-choice for large scale high-performance parallel computing in the coming decade. The main stumbling block for the adaptation of OpenMP to distributed shared memory (DSM) machines, which are based on architectures like cc-NUMA, stems from the lack of capabilities for data placement among processors and threads for achieving data locality. The absence of such a mechanism causes remote memory accesses and inefficient cache memory use, both of which lead to poor performance. This paper presents a simple software programming approach called copy-inside,copy-back (CC) that exploits the data privatization mechanism of OpenMP for data placement and replacement. This technique enables one to distribute data manually without taking away control and flexibility from the programmer and is thus an alternative to the automat and implicit approaches. Moreover, the CC approach improves on the OpenMP-SPMD style of programming that makes the development process of an OpenMP application more structured and simpler. The CC technique was tested and analyzed using the NAS Parallel Benchmarks on SGI Origin 2000 multiprocessor machines. This study shows that OpenMP improves performance of coarse-grained parallelism, although a fast copy mechanism is essential. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Heavy Extinctions of Forest Avifauna in Singapore: Lessons for Biodiversity Conservation in Southeast AsiaCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2000Marjorie Castelletta In Southeast Asia, Singapore, a newly developing country, has had 95% of its native lowland rainforest cleared. Most of the rainforest was lost in the mid- to late-nineteenth century. We compared avifauna checklists from 1923, 1949, and 1998 to determine the extent of extinctions between 1923 and 1998 in Singapore. Of 203 diurnal bird species, 65 were extirpated in Singapore in the past 75 years. Four of these species were nonforest- dependent species, whereas 61 (94%) were forest bird species dependent on the primary or old secondary forest to survive. Twenty-six forest bird species became extinct between 1923 and 1949, whereas 35 forest species disappeared after 1949. We compared the body lengths, feeding guilds, and vertical feeding zones between extinct and extant forest bird species to determine whether extinction patterns were dependent on these characteristics. Larger forest bird species went extinct between 1923 and 1949. Body sizes, however, did not affect the loss of forest bird species between 1949 and 1998. We observed high losses of insectivorous birds; the insectivore-carnivore and insectivore-granivore guilds lost> 80% of the species present in 1923. The highest losses were among birds that fed in the canopy. None of the forest bird species are currently common (>100 individuals/species) within Singapore. Our study shows that more than half the forest avifauna became locally extinct after extensive deforestation. Based on this fact, the countries within Southeast Asia should reconsider their heavy deforestation practices. Resumen: Las consecuencias de la tala rápida del bosque lluvioso sobre la avifauna nativa son poco conocidas. En Asia sudoriental, Singapur, un país en desarrollo, un 95% de su bosque nativo de tierras bajas ha sido talado. La mayoríia del bosque se perdió entre mediados y finales del siglo diecinueve. En este trabajo comparamos las listas de avifauna de 1923, 1949 y 1998 para determinar la extensión de las extinciones en Singapur entre 1923 y 1998. Sesenta y cinco de las 203 especies diurnas de aves fueron extirpadas de Singapur en los últimos 75 años. Cuatro de estas especies fueron especies no dependientes del bosque, mientras que 61 (94%) fueron especies de aves del bosque (especies que dependen del bosque primario o secundario viejo para sobrevivir). Veintiséis de las especies de aves del bosque se extinguieron entre 1923 y 1949, mientras que 35 especies del bosque desaparecieron después de 1949. Comparamos las longitudes del cuerpo, los gremios de alimentación y las zonas de alimentación vertical entre especies de aves de bosque extintas y existentes para determinar si los patrones de extinción fueron dependientes de estas características. Las especies de aves grandes del bosque se extinguieron entre 1923 y 1949. Sin embargo, el tamaño del cuerpo no afectó la pérdida de especies del bosque entre 1949 y 1998. Observamos altas pérdidas de aves insectívoras; los gremios de insectívoros-carnívoros e insectívoros-granívoros perdieron> 80% de las especies que estaban presentes en 1923. Los números más altos de pérdidas fueron de aves que se alimentan en el dosel. Ninguna de las especies de aves del bosque es común en la actualidad (>100 individuos/especie) dentro de Singapur. Nuestro estudio muestra que más de la mitad de la avifauna del bosque se ha extinguido localmente después de una deforestación extensiva. Con base en este hecho, los países dentro de Asia Sudoriental deberían reconsiderar sus prácticas de intensa deforestación. [source] Positive photocontact responses are not elicited to sunscreen ingredients exposed to UVA prior to application onto the skinCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 4 2007Shyamal Wahie Photocontact allergic reactions to sunscreen chemicals are investigated by photopatch testing. It has generally been assumed that for photocontact allergy to be shown, the putative pro-allergen must be in the skin at the time of ultraviolet A (UVA) exposure. However, this assumption has not, to our knowledge, been tested. The objective of this study was to determine whether positive photocontact responses can still be elicited when sunscreen chemicals are exposed to UVA prior to application onto the skin. 3 patients known to have positive photocontact reactions to a total of 6 sunscreen chemicals were studied. For conventional photopatch testing, patch test strips were applied onto the back and removed 1 D later, and the area was irradiated with UVA (5 J/cm2). For pre-irradiated testing, patches were exposed to the same dose of UVA immediately before application onto the back and then removed 1 D later. Skin responses were visually assessed by a blinded investigator 1 and 2 D after patch test removal. The same photocontact responses of the same magnitude, as previously documented for each patient, were seen at each of the conventional UVA-exposed patch test sites. However, in no patient was a positive response elicited at any of the sites where pre-irradiated patches had been applied. This study shows that positive photocontact responses to sunscreen chemicals do not occur when the putative pro-allergen is irradiated prior to application onto the skin. This suggests that for a photoallergic reaction to occur, the sunscreen chemical needs to be within the skin when activated by UVA. [source] FS11.1 Primula obconica , a falling allergenCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2004Maureen Connolly Objective:, We believe the incidence of primula contact allergic dermatitis has fallen since the introduction of primin-free primula onto the European market and thus our study aims were twofold. Firstly to see if the incidence of primula contact allergic dermatitis was truly on the decline and secondly to confirm the presence and document retailers' knowledge and awareness of primin-free primula in the UK. Methods:, A questionnaire was sent to 22 contact dermatitis departments throughout the UK and Ireland looking at the number of primin positive patch tests in the years 1995/96, 1998, 2000 and 2002 compared with the total number of patch tests. 10 seed suppliers and 12 plant retailers were asked to complete a telephone survey. Results:, We showed a significant fall in the yearly incidence of contact allergy to primin from 0.785% in 1995/96 to 0.457% in 2002. This downward trend was statistically significant (p = 0.001). The telephone survey showed 90% of seed suppliers were aware that the older varieties of P. obconica could cause an allergic reaction whereas only 60% of them were aware that new primin-free varieties were now being bred. 50% of suppliers were in fact selling these primin-free varieties with 60% of them stocking a primin-free variety exclusively. 90% of retailers were not currently selling any variety of P. obconica. Conclusion:, Our study shows that the incidence of primula contact dermatitis is falling. The overall trend is moving towards primin-free varieties provided they continue to be horticulturally viable long term. [source] Competition and Cost Accounting: Adapting to Changing Markets,CONTEMPORARY ACCOUNTING RESEARCH, Issue 2 2002Ranjani Krishnan Abstract The relation of competition and cost accounting has been the subject of conflicting prescriptions, theories, and empirical evidence. Practitioner literature and textbooks argue that higher competition generally requires more accurate product costing. Theoretical economic analysis, in contrast, predicts that the optimal level of product-costing accuracy is sometimes higher at lower levels of competition. Results of survey research are inconsistent, suggesting a need for further identification of conditions under which higher competition leads to more accurate product costing. This study shows experimentally that individuals' choices of the level of product-costing accuracy depend not only on the current level of competition but also on the previous level of competition , that is, on an interaction between market structure (monopoly, duopoly, and four-firm competition) and market history (increasing versus decreasing competition). In the experiment, subjects decide on the quantity of data to collect at a pre-set price per datum to support more accurate product-cost estimates. Subjects collect the most cost data (i.e., choose the most accurate product costing) in monopoly, collect the least in duopoly, and an intermediate amount in the four-firm market, consistent with the pattern of optimal cost-data collection in Hansen's 1998 model. The process of convergence to the optimum differs significantly across market types and market histories, however. Subjects who begin in four-firm competition adapt more successfully to change than those who begin in monopoly. The lowest levels of decision performance occur when ex-monopolists face their first competitor: they overreact to this first encounter with competition and overspend on cost data. [source] Optimal Board Monitoring in Family-owned Companies: Evidence from AsiaCORPORATE GOVERNANCE, Issue 1 2010En-Te Chen ABSTRACT Manuscript Type: Empirical Research Question/Issue: We propose that high levels of monitoring are not always in the best interests of minority shareholders. In family-owned companies the optimal level of board monitoring required by minority shareholders is expected to be lower than that of other companies. This is because the relative benefits and costs of monitoring are different in family-owned companies. Research Findings/Insights: At moderate levels of board monitoring, we find concave relationships between board monitoring variables and firm performance for family-owned companies but not for other companies. The optimal level of board monitoring for our sample of Asian family-owned companies equates to board independence of 38 per cent, separation of the chairman and CEO positions, and establishment of audit and remuneration committees. Additional testing shows that the optimal level of board monitoring is sensitive to the magnitude of the agency conflict between the family group and minority shareholders and the presence of substitute monitoring. Theoretical/Academic Implications: This study shows that the effect of additional monitoring on agency costs and firm performance differs across firms with different ownership structures. Practitioner/Policy Implications: For policymakers, the results show that more monitoring is not always in the best interests of minority shareholders. Therefore, it may be inappropriate for regulators to advise all companies to follow the same set of corporate governance guidelines. However, our results also indicate that the board governance practices of family-owned companies are still well below the identified optimal levels. [source] Business Group Affiliation, Firm Governance, and Firm Performance: Evidence from China and IndiaCORPORATE GOVERNANCE, Issue 4 2009Deeksha A. Singh ABSTRACT Manuscript Type: Empirical Research Question/Issue: This study seeks to understand how business group affiliation, within firm governance and external governance environment affect firm performance in emerging economies. We examine two aspects of within firm governance , ownership concentration and board independence. Research Findings/Insights: Using archival data on the top 500 Indian and Chinese firms from multiple data sources for 2007, we found that group affiliated firms performed worse than unaffiliated firms, and the negative relationship was stronger in the case of Indian firms than for Chinese firms. We also found that ownership concentration had a positive effect on firm performance, while board independence had a negative effect on firm performance. Further, we found that group affiliation , firm performance relationship in a given country context was moderated by ownership concentration. Theoretical/Academic Implications: This study utilizes an integration of agency theory with an institutional perspective, providing a more comprehensive framework to analyze the CG problems, particularly in the emerging economy firms. Empirically, our findings support, as well as contradict, some of the conventional wisdom, and suggest useful avenues for future research. Practitioner/Policy Implications: This study shows that reforms in general and CG reforms in particular are effective in emerging economies, which is an encouraging sign for policy makers. However, our research also suggests that it may be time for India and China to stop the encouragement for the empire building through group formation in the corporate world. For practioners, our findings suggest that firms need to balance the need for oversight with the need for advice, while selecting independent directors. [source] The Effect of National Governance Codes on Firm Disclosure Practices: Evidence from Analyst Earnings ForecastsCORPORATE GOVERNANCE, Issue 6 2008John Nowland ABSTRACT Manuscript Type: Empirical Research Question: This study examines whether voluntary national governance codes have a significant effect on company disclosure practices. Two direct effects of the codes are expected: 1) an overall improvement in company disclosure practices, which is greater when the codes have a greater emphasis on disclosure; and 2) a leveling out of disclosure practices across companies (i.e., larger improvements in companies that were previously poorer disclosers) due to the codes new comply-or-explain requirements. The codes are also expected to have an indirect effect on disclosure practices through their effect on company governance practices. Research Findings/Results: The results show that the introduction of the codes in eight East Asian countries has been associated with lower analyst forecast error and a leveling out of disclosure practices across companies. The codes are also found to have an indirect effect on company disclosure practices through their effect on board independence. Practical Implications: This study shows that a regulatory approach to improving disclosure practices is not always necessary. Voluntary national governance codes are found to have both a significant direct effect and a significant indirect effect on company disclosure practices. In addition, the results indicate that analysts in Asia do react to changes in disclosure practices, so there is an incentive for small companies and family-owned companies to further improve their disclosure practices. [source] THE MIRACLE OF THE CELLS: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF INTERVENTIONS TO INCREASE PAYMENT OF COURT-ORDERED FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS,CRIMINOLOGY AND PUBLIC POLICY, Issue 1 2008DAVID WEISBURD Research Summary: In this article, we present findings from an experimental study of an innovative program in fine enforcement developed by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) of New Jersey, termed Project MUSTER (MUST Earn Restitution). The project was initiated by the New Jersey AOC as a response to concerns among probation personnel that probationers sentenced to monetary penalties often failed to meet their financial obligations. The program sought to increase payment of court-ordered financial obligations among probationers who are seriously delinquent in paying fines, penalties, and restitution, and was designed to "strengthen the effectiveness of restitution and fine sanctions by forcing those offenders who have the ability to make regular payments to do so." Project MUSTER relied on a combination of intensive probation, threats of violation to court and incarceration, and community service. We find that probationers sentenced to Project MUSTER were significantly more likely to pay court-ordered financial obligations than were those who experienced regular probation supervision. However, probationers sentenced to a second treatment group, in which the only intervention was violation of probation (one part of the MUSTER program), had similar outcomes to the MUSTER condition. These findings suggest that the main cause of fine payment was a deterrent threat of possible incarceration, which is often termed the "miracle of the cells." Policy Implications: Our study shows that it is possible to gain greater compliance with court-ordered financial obligations and that such compliance may be gained with a relatively simple and straightforward criminal justice intervention. Threats of violation of probation are an effective tool for gaining compliance with financial obligations. Given the growing interest in monetary penalties as an alternative to incarceration, these findings have particular policy importance. [source] Evaluation of a single-platform microcapillary flow cytometer for enumeration of absolute CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts in HIV-1 infected Thai patients,,CYTOMETRY, Issue 5 2007Kovit Pattanapanyasat Abstract Background: Various assays are used to enumerate peripheral blood absolute CD4+ T-lymphocytes. Flow cytometry is considered the gold standard for this purpose. However, the high cost of available flow cytometers and monoclonal antibody reagents make it difficult to implement such methods in the resource-poor settings. In this study, we evaluated a cheaper, recently developed single-platform microcapillary cytometer for CD4+ T-lymphocyte enumeration, the personal cell analyzer (PCA), from Guava® Technologies. Methods: CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte counts in whole blood samples from 250 HIV-1 infected Thais were determined, using a two-color reagent kit and the Guava PCA, and compared with the results obtained with two reference microbead-based methods from Becton Dickinson Biosciences: the three-color TruCOUNTÔ tube method and the two-color FACSCountÔ method. Statistical correlations and agreements were determined using linear correlation and Bland,Altman analysis. Results: Absolute CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts obtained using the Guava PCA method highly correlated with those obtained using TruCOUNT method (R2 = 0.95, mean bias +13.1 cells/,l, limit of agreement [LOA] ,101.8 to +168.3 cells/,l). Absolute CD8+ T-lymphocyte counts obtained using the Guava PCA method also highly correlated with those obtained with the two reference methods (R2 = 0.92 and 0.88, respectively). Conclusion: This study shows that the enumeration of CD4+ T-lymphocytes using the Guava microcapillary cytometer PCA method performed well when compared with the two reference bead-based methods. However, like the two reference methods, this new method needs substantial technical expertise. © 2007 Clinical Cytometry Society. [source] Nerve growth factor increases airway responses and decreases levels of exhaled nitric oxide during histamine challenge in an in vivo guinea-pig modelACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 2 2001S. G. Friberg There is a growing body of evidence supporting the idea that nerve growth factor (NGF) may be involved in the development of asthma-associated symptoms, such as airway hyper-responsiveness. Increased levels of NGF have recently been described in serum and in the airways of asthmatics. We have examined whether exhaled nitric oxide (NO) levels might be altered during the increased airway responses upon NGF treatment in guinea-pigs in vivo. Intravenous (i.v.) administration of histamine normally elicits a rapid peak in insufflation pressure (IP) and in exhaled NO, followed by a period of decreased concentrations of exhaled NO. Anaesthetized guinea-pigs were pre-treated intravenously with either saline, 4 or 80 ng kg,1 NGF 30 min before i.v. challenge with 16 ,g kg,1 histamine. At 80 ng kg,1 NGF significantly enhanced the airway obstruction caused by histamine, whereas the peak acute increase in exhaled NO was not enhanced. Following the increase, came a rapid drop, an effect enforced in the NGF treated animals. Subsequently, the time to return to 90% of resting exhaled NO was increased, from 12 min in saline-treated animals to 48 min in NGF-treated animals. Our data confirm that NGF can enhance airway responses to histamine. Moreover, our study shows a decrease in exhaled NO following a histamine challenge, an effect enhanced by NGF. A reduced ability to release exhaled NO may be a mechanism for increased airway responses during elevated NGF levels. The interaction between NGF and airway NO formation, and its relation to airway responses, merit further investigation. [source] Regulation of monomeric dynein activity by ATP and ADP concentrationsCYTOSKELETON, Issue 4 2001Katsuyuki Shiroguchi Abstract Axonemal dyneins are force-generating ATPases that produce ciliary and flagellar movement. A dynein has large heavy chain(s) in which there are multiple (4,6) ATP-binding consensus sequences (P-loops) as well as intermediate and light chains, constituting a very large complex. We purified a monomeric form of dynein (dynein- a) that has at least three light chains from 14S dyneins of Tetrahymena thermophila and characterized it. In in vitro motility assays, dynein- a rotated microtubules around their longitudinal axis as well as translocated them with their plus-ends leading. ATPase activity at 1 mM ATP was doubled in the presence of a low level of ADP (, 20 ,M). Both ATPase activity and translocational velocities in the presence of ADP (, 20 ,M) fit the Michaelis-Menten equation well. However, in the absence of ADP (< 0.1 ,M), neither of the activities followed the Michaelis-Menten-type kinetics, probably due to the effect of two ATP-binding sites. Our results also indicate that dynein- a has an ATP-binding site that is very sensitive to ADP and affects ATP hydrolysis at the catalytic site. This study shows that a monomeric form of a dynein molecule regulates its activity by direct binding of ATP and ADP to itself, and thus the dynein molecule has an intramolecular regulating system. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 49:189,199, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Neural Network Earnings per Share Forecasting Models: A Comparative Analysis of Alternative MethodsDECISION SCIENCES, Issue 2 2004Wei Zhang ABSTRACT In this paper, we present a comparative analysis of the forecasting accuracy of univariate and multivariate linear models that incorporate fundamental accounting variables (i.e., inventory, accounts receivable, and so on) with the forecast accuracy of neural network models. Unique to this study is the focus of our comparison on the multivariate models to examine whether the neural network models incorporating the fundamental accounting variables can generate more accurate forecasts of future earnings than the models assuming a linear combination of these same variables. We investigate four types of models: univariate-linear, multivariate-linear, univariate-neural network, and multivariate-neural network using a sample of 283 firms spanning 41 industries. This study shows that the application of the neural network approach incorporating fundamental accounting variables results in forecasts that are more accurate than linear forecasting models. The results also reveal limitations of the forecasting capacity of investors in the security market when compared to neural network models. [source] Radiographic and Computed Tomographic Studies of Calcium Hydroxylapatite for Treatment of HIV,Associated Facial Lipoatrophy and Correction of Nasolabial FoldsDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 2008ALASTAIR CARRUTHERS MD OBJECTIVES This study sought to assess the radiographic appearance produced by calcium hydroxylapatite soft tissue filler (CaHA; Radiesse, BioForm Medical Inc.) following augmentation to correct the nasolabial folds or facial wasting associated with human immunodeficiency virus lipoatrophy. METHODS A total of 58 patients, with either lipoatrophy or pronounced nasolabial folds, were treated with CaHA. Radiographic (X-ray) and computed tomographic (CT) imaging studies were conducted pre- and posttreatment in most patients; the images were sent to an independent laboratory to be analyzed by two evaluators who were board-certified radiologists and blinded to study purpose, product, and patient condition. RESULTS While results for X-ray evaluation showed inconsistencies in visualization of CaHA, CT scans showed consistent visualization in nearly all cases in patients who were imaged immediately after treatment. In addition, the results indicated no obscuration of underlying structures by CaHA and no evidence of CaHA migration. CONCLUSIONS Earlier clinical trials established CaHA as a safe and effective soft tissue filler. This CaHA study shows no overt radiographic safety concerns. CaHA is unlikely to be confused with conventional abnormal and adverse radiographic findings. The product is not always visible on X-ray. Although usually visible on CT scans, its appearance is distinct from surrounding bony structures and does not interfere with normal analysis. In addition, the product does not obscure underlying structures on CT scans. [source] Surgical Treatment of Ingrown Toenail without MatricectomyDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 1 2008BERNARD NOËL MD BACKGROUND Partial excision of the nail matrix (matricectomy) is generally considered necessary in the surgical treatment of ingrown toenail. Recurrences may occur, however, and poor cosmetic results are frequently observed. OBJECTIVE The objective is to present a new surgical procedure for ingrown toenail with complete preservation of the nail matrix. METHODS Twenty-three patients with ingrown toenail were included in this study. The surgical excision was performed 1 week after the completion of treatment of the initial infection. A large volume of soft tissue surrounding the nail plate was removed under local anesthesia. No matrix excision was performed. RESULTS Short-term results were excellent. No recurrences or severe complications were observed during the minimum 12-months follow-up period. Cosmetic results were remarkable. CONCLUSIONS Ingrown toenail results from the compression of the lateral nail folds on the nail plate. This study shows that ingrown toenail can be surgically treated without matricectomy. A large volume of soft tissue surrounding the nail plate should be removed to decompress the nail and reduce inflammation. Cosmetic results are excellent and superior to the classical Emmert plasty. Postoperative nail dystrophies and spicule formation are not observed. The main advantage of this surgical approach is the complete preservation of the anatomy and function of the nail to improve both therapeutic and cosmetic results. [source] Cx31 and Cx43 double-deficient mice reveal independent functions in murine placental and skin developmentDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 3 2005Mark Kibschull Abstract The overlapping expression of gap junctional connexins in tissues has indicated that the channels may compensate for each other. During development, Cx31 and Cx43 are coexpressed in preimplantation embryos, in the spongiotrophoblast of the placenta and in the epidermis. This study shows that Cx31/Cx43 double-deficient mice exhibit the known phenotypes of the single-knockout strains but no combined effects. Thus, Cx43, coexpressed with Cx31 at midgestation in the spongiotrophoblast of the placenta, cannot be responsible for a partial rescue of the lethal Cx31 knockout phenotype, as assumed before (Plum et al. [ 2001] Dev Biol 231:334,337). It follows that both connexins have unique functions in placental development. Despite an altered expression of other epidermal connexin mRNAs, epidermal differentiation and physiology was unaltered by the absence of Cx31 and Cx43. Therefore, in epidermal and preimplantation development, gap junctional communication can probably be compensated by other isoforms coexpressed with Cx31 and Cx43. Developmental Dynamics 233:853,863, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Long-term follow-up of children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy II: neurophysiological aspectsDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 3 2007Christina Strömbeck MD The aim of this study was to examine long-term neurophysiological outcomes and sensory function in patients with obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP). The same 70 children/adolescents examined in part I: functional aspects (35 males, 35 females; age range 7-20y, mean 13y 6mo [SD 4y 3mo], median 13y) were examined with neurophysiological methods at 3 to 7 months and at 7 to 20 years of age. Thirteen of the 70 participants underwent nerve reconstruction before 1 year of age. Electromyography (EMG) was performed on deltoid and first interossei muscles; Quantitative Sensory Test was used for C6 and C8 dermatomes. Tests for functional sensibility and 2-point discrimination for C6 and C8 were performed. This study shows that considerable EMG changes can be observed in OBBP, even in those fully recovered. EMG changes in the deltoid were shown to deteriorate over time, and sensibility is considerably less affected than motor function. [source] Prenatal stress causes dendritic atrophy of pyramidal neurons in hippocampal CA3 region by glutamate in offspring ratsDEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Ning Jia Abstract A substantial number of human epidemiological data, as well as experimental studies, suggest that adverse maternal stress during gestation is involved in abnormal behavior, mental, and cognition disorder in offspring. To explore the effect of prenatal stress (PS) on hippocampal neurons, in this study, we observed the dendritic field of pyramidal neurons in hippocampal CA3, examined the concentration of glutamate (Glu), and detected the expression of synaptotagmin-1 (Syt-1) and N -methyl- D -aspartate receptor 1 (NR1) in hippocampus of juvenile female offspring rats. Pregnant rats were divided into two groups: control group (CON) and PS group. Female offspring rats used were 30-day old. The total length of the apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons in hippocampal CA3 of offspring was significantly shorter in PS than that in CON (p < 0.01). The number of branch points of the apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons in hippocampal CA3 of offspring was significantly less in PS (p < 0.01). PS offspring had a higher concentration of hippocampal Glu compared with CON (p < 0.05). PS offspring displayed increased expression of Syt-1 and decreased NR1 in hippocampus compared with CON (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). The expression of NR1 in different hippocampus subfields of offspring was significantly decreased in PS than that in CON (p < 0.05-0.01). This study shows that PS increases the Glu in hippocampus and causes apical dendritic atrophy of pyramidal neurons of hippocampal CA3 in offspring rats. The decline of NR1 in hippocampus may be an adaptive response to the increased Glu. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2010 [source] The "smellscape" of mother's breast: Effects of odor masking and selective unmasking on neonatal arousal, oral, and visual responsesDEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2007Sébastien Doucet Abstract Lactating women emit odor cues that release activity in newborns. Such cues may be carried in various substrates, including milk or areolar secretions. The present study aimed to examine the responses of infants facing their mother's breast and to sort out the source(s) of active volatile compounds emitted by the lactating breast. Infants (aged 3,4 days) were presented their mother's breast in two consecutive trials of 90 s each: a scentless condition (breast entirely covered with a transparent film) paired with one of four odorous conditions (fully exposed breast: n,=,15; nipple only exposed: 15; areola only exposed: 13; and milk exposed: 12). The infants were more orally activated when facing any of the odorous breast conditions than when facing the scentless breast. They cried earlier and longer, and opened their eyes less, when facing the scentless breast. Nipple, Areola, and Milk odors appeared to be equivalent to the whole breast odor in stimulating oral activity and in delaying crying onset. This study shows that volatile compounds originating in areolar secretions or milk release mouthing, stimulate eye opening, and delay and reduce crying in newborns. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 49: 129,138, 2007. [source] Rosiglitazone is more effective than metformin in improving fasting indexes of glucose metabolism in severely obese, non-diabetic patientsDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 6 2008A. Brunani Aim:, In obese patients, the diet-induced weight loss markedly improves glucose tolerance with an increase in insulin sensitivity and a partial reduction of insulin secretion. The association with metformin treatment might potentiate the effect of diet alone. Methods:, From patients admitted to our Nutritional Division for diet programme, we selected obese, non-diabetic, uncomplicated patients with age 18,65 years and body mass index 35,50 kg/m2 and studied the effects of a 6-month pharmacological treatment with either metformin (850 mg twice daily) or rosiglitazone (4 mg twice daily) on possible changes in body weight, fat mass, glucose and lipids metabolism. Results:, A significant weight loss and reduction of fat mass was demonstrated with metformin (,9.7 ± 1.8 kg and ,6.6 ± 1.1 kg) and also with rosiglitazone (,11.0 ± 1.9 kg and ,7.2 ± 1.8 kg), without fluid retention in either treatment group. Rosiglitazone administration induced a significant decrease in glucose concentration (4.7 ± 0.1 vs. 4.4 ± 0.1 mmol/l, p < 0.005) and insulin-circulating level (13.6 ± 1.5 vs. 8.0 ± 0.,7 ,U/ml, p < 0.005), an increase in insulin sensitivity as measured by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) of insulin sensitivity (68.9 ± 8.8 vs. 109.9 ± 10.3, p < 0.005) with a concomitant decrease in ,-cell function as measured by HOMA of ,-cell function (163.2 ± 16.1 vs. 127.4 ± 8.4, p < 0.005). In contrast, metformin did not produce any significant effect on blood glucose concentration, insulin level and HOMA2 indexes. No adverse events were registered with pharmacological treatments. Conclusion:, Our study shows that in severely obese, non-diabetic, hyperinsulinaemic patients undergoing a nutritional programme, rosiglitazone is more effective than metformin in producing favourable changes in fasting-based indexes of glucose metabolism, with a reduction of both insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia. In spite of previous studies reporting rosiglitazone-induced body weight gain, in our study the joint treatment with diet and rosiglitazone was accompanied by weight loss and fat mass reduction. [source] Effects of short-term cinnamon ingestion on in vivo glucose toleranceDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 6 2007T. P. J. Solomon Aims:, Various spices display insulin-potentiating activity in vitro, and in particular, cinnamon spice and its phenolic extracts have been shown to exhibit these capabilities. In vivo study shows that cinnamon may have beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis; therefore the aim of this study was to further investigate this phenomenon in humans. Methods:, Seven lean healthy male volunteers, aged 26 ± 1 years, body mass index 24.5 ± 0.3 kg/m2 (mean ± s.e.m.), underwent three oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) supplemented with either a 5 g placebo (OGTTcontrol), 5 g of cinnamon (OGTTcin), or 5 g of cinnamon taken 12 h before (OGTTcin12hpre) in a randomized-crossover design. Results:, Cinnamon ingestion reduced total plasma glucose responses (AUC) to oral glucose ingestion [,13% and ,10% for OGTTcin (p < 0.05) and OGTTcin12hpre (p < 0.05), respectively], as well as improving insulin sensitivity as assessed by insulin sensitivity index measures based on Matsuda's model in both OGTTcin (p < 0.05) and OGTTcin12hpre (p < 0.05) trials compared with OGTTcontrol. Conclusions:, These data illustrate that cinnamon spice supplementation may be important to in vivo glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity in humans, and not only are its effects immediate, they also appear to be sustained for 12 h. [source] Effect of Cogent db, a herbal drug, on serum and tissue lipid metabolism in experimental hyperglycaemic ratsDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 3 2003G. Saravanan Aims:, We have previously reported the antidiabetic effect of Cogent db. The present study with alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats is focused on the mechanism of action, specifically on the activity of hepatic lipogenic enzymes, serum and tissue lipids. Methods:, Male Wistar rats body weight of 180,200 g (six normal and 18 diabetic rats) were used in this study. The rats were divided into four groups after the induction of alloxan diabetes: normal rats; diabetic control; diabetic rats given Cogent db (0.45 g/kg body weight); diabetic rats given glibenclamide (600 µg/kg body weight). After 40 days treatment, fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin, activities of hepatic lipogenic enzymes, serum and tissue lipids were determined in normal and experimental animals. Results:, Oral administration of Cogent db for 40 days resulted in significant reduction in blood glucose, serum and tissue (liver and kidney) lipids, whereas the level of plasma insulin and the activity of hepatic lipogenic enzymes were significantly increased in alloxan diabetic rats. Similar studies using glibenclamide have been conducted to compare the mode of action of these two drugs. Conclusions:, Thus our study shows that Cogent db exhibits a strong antihyperlipidaemic effect, which could exert a beneficial action against macrovascular complications (cardiovascular disease) associated with diabetes mellitus. [source] Parallel increase of plasma apoproteins C-II and C-III in Type 2 diabetic patientsDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 7 2009S. Béliard Abstract Aims, To determine plasma levels of apoprotein (apo) C-II and apoprotein C-III in Type 2 diabetic patients and to examine the clinical and biological factors that are associated with elevated apoC concentrations. Methods, We measured apoC-II and apoC-III in total plasma and in non-high-density lipoprotein fractions by an immunoturbidimetric assay in 88 Caucasian Type 2 diabetic patients and in 138 healthy control subjects. Results, Plasma levels of both apoC-II and apoC-III were increased in Type 2 diabetic patients. The clinical conditions associated with an increase of plasma apoC-II and apoC-III were abdominal obesity, body mass index, poor glycaemic control and lack of insulin treatment. However, when multivariate analysis was used, plasma apoCs levels correlated with triglyceride levels only. The apoC-III/apoC-II ratio was similar in the Type 2 diabetic and control subjects. Conclusions, Our study shows the parallel increase of apoC-II and C-III in Type 2 diabetic patients. This parallel increase is related to hypertriglyceridaemia only. [source] Nephropathy, but not retinopathy, is associated with the development of heart disease in Type 1 diabetes: a 12-year observation study of 462 patientsDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 6 2005O. Torffvit Abstract Aims To study the occurrence of heart disease and death in Type 1 diabetic patients and evaluate whether presence of microangiopathy, i.e. nephropathy and retinopathy, was associated with the outcome. Methods A 12-year observation study of 462 Type 1 diabetic patients without a previous history of heart disease at baseline who were treated under routine care in a hospital out-patient clinic. Results A total of 85 patients developed signs of heart disease, i.e. myocardial infarction (n = 41), angina (n = 23), and heart failure (n = 17) and 56 patients died. The mortality for patients without signs of heart disease during the observation period was 7.6% compared with 51% in patients with myocardial infarction (P < 0.001), 26% in patients with angina (P < 0.01) and 65% in patients with heart failure (P < 0.001). The relative risk for death was 9.0 (P < 0.001) and 2.5 (P < 0.05) times higher in patients with macroalbuminuria and microalbuminuria, respectively. The risk for cardiovascular death was 18.3 times (P < 0.001) higher in patients with macroalbuminuria compared with patients with normoalbuminuria. In patients with sight-threatening retinopathy, the relative risk for death was 7.0 times higher (P < 0.01) and the risk for coronary heart disease events 4.4 times higher (P < 0.05) compared with patients with no retinopathy. However, when retinopathy was adjusted for presence of macroalbuminuria, this association disappeared. Conclusion This study shows a high incidence of heart disease in patients with Type 1 diabetes. The worse prognosis was seen in patients with sight-threatening retinopathy and macroalbuminuria and microalbuminuria at baseline. Macroalbuminuria and microalbuminuria were independently associated with a high risk for heart disease and death while the association with sight-threatening retinopathy only occurred in the presence of nephropathy. [source] Effects of diabetes on plasma nitrotyrosine levelsDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 6 2004X. L. Wang Abstract Background Oxidative stress plays a major role in disease processes such as atherosclerosis and diabetes. Peroxynitrite is a reaction product of nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide and a potent oxidant. The peroxynitrite-mediated tyrosine nitration, which forms nitrotyrosine (NT), is associated with several pathological conditions. Methods We measured plasma NT levels using the HPLC method in 40 Mexican Americans with diabetes, but not taking medications, and 40 age- and sex-matched euglycaemic controls. Results Plasma-free NT levels were not different between subjects with diabetes (11.0 ± 1.7 nmol/l, n = 40) and with non-diabetes (10.4 ± 1.5 nmol/l, n = 40). There was also no association with levels of fasting glucose (r = ,0.049, P = 0.663) or 2-h glucose (r = ,0.099, P = 0.390). However, females had significantly lower free NT level (7.6 ± 1.4 nmol/l, n = 40) than males (13.8 ± 1.7 nmol/l, n = 40, P = 0.005), which were not affected by age, smoking status, BMI and glucose levels. Conclusions In contrast to some earlier reports, our study shows that diabetes has no effect on plasma NT levels in Mexican Americans. We have also demonstrated lower free NT levels in females than males, which may partly explain the lower risk profile to vascular disease in women. [source] Virtual microscopy: An educator's tool for the enhancement of cytotechnology students' locator skillsDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 6 2008Jimmie Stewart III M.D. Abstract Virtual microscopy (VM) is being utilized as an educational tool in many areas of pathology. The aim of this study is to analyze the locator and diagnostic skills of cytotechnology students by using the Aperio T3 ScanScope®, and examine VM's viability as an educational tool in cytotechnology. Ten validated cytology slides were digitized and reviewed by three senior cytotechnologist instructors. Each technologist made annotations indicating diagnostic areas on the virtual slide. A subset of the slides was used for locator skill evaluation. Cytotechnology students examined a pristine copy of the virtual slide and made annotations for comparison to those made by experienced instructors. Annotations of the subset were then scored based on the degree of correlation between students and cytotechnologists. A cytopathologist performed a final review of the students' marks; points were then added or subtracted based on this interpretation. Students were graded based on their correlation to senior cytotechnologists. A statistical analysis using modified interrater calculations ranked the students as to locator ability, producing illuminating results. This study shows that VM has promise as a cytotechnology educational tool by allowing the instructor to evaluate students' locator and diagnostic abilities. We have attempted to implement a simple scoring system for evaluation of locator skills where students are compared versus expert cytotechnologists. We anticipate further technological improvements as the products mature. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:363,368. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||