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Terms modified by Upper Selected AbstractsUpper and Lower Cluster Headache: Clinical and Pathogenetic Observations in 608 PatientsHEADACHE, Issue 7 2002Carola Cademartiri MD Objective, Background, and Methods.,Ever since it was proposed by Ekbom and Kugelberg back in 1968 on the basis of the different location of head pain during attacks, the differentiation of cluster headache into an upper syndrome (US) and a lower syndrome (LS) has been regarded as a purely academic distinction. To evaluate whether this differentiation is indeed well founded and to understand its possible significance in the light of current pathogenetic knowledge, we rigorously applied Ekbom and Kugelberg's classification criteria to a sample of 608 patients with cluster headache (CH; 440 men and 168 women), including 483 with episodic CH, 69 with chronic CH, and 56 with CH periodicity undetermined. Results.,Of these patients, 278 could be classified as US sufferers and 330 as LS sufferers. Our data analysis showed statistically significant clinical differences between the two syndromes: pain location was more common in the ocular, temporal, and nuchal regions among LS sufferers; in addition, patients with LS reported not only a higher rate of autonomic symptoms, but also a higher predominance of nasal congestion, ptosis, and forehead and facial sweating among these symptoms. Conclusions.,Based on current anatomofunctional knowledge and on the most recent pathogenetic findings, we believe that changes in hypothalamic activity posteroinferiorly may lead to activation of the caudal part of the spinal trigeminal nucleus by way of the hypothalamus, midbrain, and trigeminal nerve fibers and consequently to activation of the trigeminovascular system with a different location in the two syndromes. More specifically, there seems to be a larger and more extensive involvement of the subnucleus caudalis in LS compared with US, where only its ventrocaudal portions are likely to be affected. [source] Upper and lower bounds for natural frequencies: A property of the smoothed finite element methodsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 2 2010Zhi-Qian Zhang Abstract Node-based smoothed finite element method (NS-FEM) using triangular type of elements has been found capable to produce upper bound solutions (to the exact solutions) for force driving static solid mechanics problems due to its monotonic ,soft' behavior. This paper aims to formulate an NS-FEM for lower bounds of the natural frequencies for free vibration problems. To make the NS-FEM temporally stable, an ,-FEM is devised by combining the compatible and smoothed strain fields in a partition of unity fashion controlled by ,,[0, 1], so that both the properties of stiff FEM and the monotonically soft NS-FEM models can be properly combined for a desired purpose. For temporally stabilizing NS-FEM, , is chosen small so that it acts like a ,regularization parameter' making the NS-FEM stable, but still with sufficient softness ensuring lower bounds for natural frequency solution. Our numerical studies demonstrate that (1) using a proper ,, the spurious non-zero energy modes can be removed and the NS-FEM becomes temporally stable; (2) the stabilized NS-FEM becomes a general approach for solids to obtain lower bounds to the exact natural frequencies over the whole spectrum; (3) ,-FEM can even be tuned for obtaining nearly exact natural frequencies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Upper and lower bounds in limit analysis: Adaptive meshing strategies and discontinuous loadingINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 4 2009J. J. Muñoz Abstract Upper and lower bounds of the collapse load factor are here obtained as the optimum values of two discrete constrained optimization problems. The membership constraints for Von Mises and Mohr,Coulomb plasticity criteria are written as a set of quadratic constraints, which permits one to solve the optimization problem using specific algorithms for Second-Order Conic Program (SOCP). From the stress field at the lower bound and the velocities at the upper bound, we construct a novel error estimate based on elemental and edge contributions to the bound gap. These contributions are employed in an adaptive remeshing strategy that is able to reproduce fan-type mesh patterns around points with discontinuous surface loading. The solution of this type of problems is analysed in detail, and from this study some additional meshing strategies are also described. We particularise the resulting formulation and strategies to two-dimensional problems in plane strain and we demonstrate the effectiveness of the method with a set of numerical examples extracted from the literature. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Associations Between Lower Extremity Ischemia, Upper and Lower Extremity Strength, and Functional Impairment with Peripheral Arterial DiseaseJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 4 2008Mary M. McDermott MD OBJECTIVES: To identify associations between lower extremity ischemia and leg strength, leg power, and hand grip in persons with and without lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD). To determine whether poorer strength may mediate poorer lower extremity performance in persons with lower arterial brachial index (ABI) levels. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Academic medical centers. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred twenty-four persons with PAD and 271 without PAD. MEASUREMENTS: Isometric knee extension and plantarflexion strength and handgrip strength were measured using a computer-linked strength chair. Knee extension power was measured using the Nottingham leg rig. ABI, 6-minute walk, and usual and fastest 4-m walking velocity were measured. Results were adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: Lower ABI values were associated with lower plantarflexion strength (P trend=.04) and lower knee extension power (P trend <.001). There were no significant associations between ABI and handgrip or knee extension isometric strength. Significant associations between ABI and measures of lower extremity performance were attenuated after additional adjustment for measures of strength. CONCLUSION: These results are consistent with the hypothesis that lower extremity ischemia impairs strength specifically in distal lower extremity muscles. Associations between lower extremity ischemia and impaired lower extremity strength may mediate associations between lower ABI values and greater functional impairment. [source] Testosterone Supplementation Therapy for Older Men: Potential Benefits and RisksJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 1 2003David A. Gruenewald MD Serum testosterone levels decline gradually and progressively with aging in men. Many manifestations associated with aging in men, including muscle atrophy and weakness, osteoporosis, reduced sexual functioning, and increased fat mass, are similar to changes associated with testosterone deficiency in young men. These similarities suggest that testosterone supplementation may prevent or reverse the effects of aging. A MEDLINE search was performed to identify studies of testosterone supplementation therapy in older men. A structured, qualitative review was performed of placebo-controlled trials that included men aged 60 and older and evaluated one or more physical, cognitive, affective, functional, or quality-of-life outcomes. Studies focusing on patients with severe systemic diseases and hormone deficiencies related to specific diseases were excluded. In healthy older men with low-normal to mildly decreased testosterone levels, testosterone supplementation increased lean body mass and decreased fat mass. Upper and lower body strength, functional performance, sexual functioning, and mood were improved or unchanged with testosterone replacement. Variable effects on cognitive function were reported, with improvements in some cognitive domains (e.g., spatial, working, and verbal memory). Testosterone supplementation improved exercise-induced coronary ischemia in men with coronary heart disease, whereas angina pectoris was improved or unchanged. In a few studies, men with low testosterone levels were more likely to experience improvements in lumbar bone mineral density, self-perceived functional status, libido, erectile function, and exercise-induced coronary ischemia with testosterone replacement than men with less marked testosterone deficiency. No major unfavorable effects on lipids were reported, but hematocrit and prostate specific antigen levels often increased. Based on these results, testosterone supplementation cannot be recommended at this time for older men with normal or low-normal testosterone levels and no clinical manifestations of hypogonadism. However, testosterone replacement may be warranted in older men with markedly decreased testosterone levels, regardless of symptoms, and in men with mildly decreased testosterone levels and symptoms or signs suggesting hypogonadism. The long-term safety and efficacy of testosterone supplementation remain uncertain. Establishment of evidence-based indications will depend on further demonstrations of favorable clinical outcomes and symptomatic, functional, and quality-of-life benefits in carefully performed, long-term, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. J Am Geriatr Soc 51:101,115, 2003. [source] Plant diversity and endemism in sub-Saharan tropical AfricaJOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2001Linder Aim This paper has as its central aim the location of centres of species richness and endemism in the sub-Saharan African flora. Previous postulation of these centres has been based on an intuitive interpretation of distributional data; this paper provides a test of these centres. A second aim is to establish whether the two indices, richness and endemism, locate the same centres. Thirdly the relationship between species richness and endemism, and latitude and rainfall are explored. Location The study area includes much of sub-Saharan Africa, but excludes the species-poor southern margin of the Sahara and the Namib,Kalahari regions. Methods Analyses were based on 1818 species, scored on a 2.5 × 2.5 degree grid. Species richness was inferred from a simple grid-diversity count; endemism was determined by three measures: the number of species restricted to two grids, the sum of the inverse of the ranges of the component species of each grid, and the proportion of the species in each grid that have restricted ranges. Results The African flora shows a remarkably profound patterning, both in species richness and endemism. The two measures locate largely the same centres, although the rank order among them differs. These centres are: the Cape Floristic Region, East Coast, Congo-Zambezi watershed, Kivu, Upper and Lower Guinea. Richness is strongly related to maximum rainfall, but there are no obvious correlations between modern climate and endemism. Species richness and endemism north of the equator is much more concentrated into centres than south of the equator. Main conclusions There are strongly developed refugia in sub-Saharan Africa. North of the equator, these refugia are sharply delimited and rather small, separated by large areas of very low endemism. South of the equator endemism tends to be more generally distributed. Variation in species richness in sub-Saharan Africa can be explained largely by modern rainfall, while endemism may be related to palaeoclimatic fluctuations. Both species richness and endemism show a strong skewing towards the south, indicating that the fluctuations in the Sahara might have influenced the modern distribution of plants in Africa. [source] Seasonal inventory and status of flying insects, in Kihansi Gorge, TanzaniaAFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Edward K. Msyani Abstract Sampling of flying insects in Kihansi Gorge was conducted in six micro-habitats namely Lower, Upper, Main, Mid-Gorge and Mhalala Spray Wetlands and adjacent forest. The four traps used were, malaise, pitfall, light and artificial substrate sampler, besides sweep netting and beating. In the wet season, 65,549 flying insects (65.13%) were recorded when compared to 35,633 flying insects (34.87%) in dry season. At its peak, 29,783 flying insects (29.15%) were recorded at the start of wet season (December 2004). The abundance value was significant (,2 = 1794.98, d.f. = 5, P , 0.001). The favourable weather condition at the beginning of the wet season might have triggered emergence of high numbers of winged insects like ants, to facilitate migration through dispersal and reproduction, and some aquatic insects (Plecoptera, Odonata and Trichoptera) moulted and entered into terrestrial life to raise terrestrial abundance. No association was recorded between abundance of flying insects and amphibians (Kihansi Spray Toad; Nectophynoides asperginis), for Mid-Gorge and Main Spray Wetlands (r = ,0.71, n = 4, P = 0.147 and r = ,0.69, n = 5, P = 0.201) respectively. Résumé On a récolté des échantillons d'insectes volants dans la Kihansi Gorge, dans six micro-habitats à savoir les Lower, Upper, Main, et Mid-Gorge et les Mhalala Spray Wetlands ainsi que dans les forêts voisines. Les quatre pièges utilisés étaient le piège malaise, le piège-fosse ou Barber, le piège lumineux et l'échantillonnage sur substrat artificiel, auxquels s'ajoutaient le filet et la frappe. En saison des pluies, 65.549 insectes volants (65,13%) ont été rapportés, comparéà 35.633 (34,87%) en saison sèche. Le maximum a été atteint avec 29.783 insectes volants (29,15%) capturés au début de la saison des pluies, en décembre 2004. L'abondance avait une valeur significative (,2 = 1 794,98, d.f. = 5, P , 0.001). Les conditions climatiques favorables au début de la saison des pluies peuvent avoir suscité l'émergence d'insectes ailés qui devaient se reproduire et se disperser, comme les fourmis, et de certains insectes aquatiques (Plécoptères, Odonates et Trichoptères) qui entament leur vie terrestre pour augmenter l'abondance des espèces. On n'a rapporté aucune association entre l'abondance des insectes ailés et les amphibiens (crapaud de Kihansi Spray, Nectophynoides asperginis) pour la Mid-gorge ni pour les Main Spray Wetlands (r = ,0,71, n = 4, P = 0.147; et r = ,0,69, n = 5, P = 0.201) respectivement. [source] Diamond-coated sonic tips are more efficient for open debridement of molar furcationsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 5 2000A comparative manikin study Abstract Background/aims: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of open debridement of class II and III furcations by a new diamond-coated sonic instrument tip (Sonicparo) with a conventional sonic insert (Sonicrecall) and hand instruments (Gracey curettes). Method: Open debridement was simulated using a manikin head and standardised plastic teeth. The efficacy of debridement was examined by 3 parameters: residual root surface marker, ,tooth' weight loss and time taken for debridement. The teeth used were 1st and 2nd upper and lower molars. Upper left and lower right molars were chosen to represent class II furcation involvements and upper right and lower left molars class III furcation involvements. Each tooth was debrided 4 times with each instrument for both class of furcations. Results: The results of this study showed significantly less residual marker area comparing Sonicparo with Gracey curettes (mean difference 2.52 mm2, p<0.001). However, no significant differences in marker removal were observed between Sonicrecall inserts and the other instruments. Sonicparo inserts also took significantly less time to debride the furcation than Gracey curettes (mean difference 98.3 s, p<0.001) or Sonicrecall instruments (mean difference 74.3 s, p<0.001). However no significant differences were found between instruments concerning weight loss of the plastic teeth. Conclusions: It was concluded from this in-vitro study that the Sonicparo insert was a more efficient instrument for open molar furcation debridement than Sonicrecall and hand instruments (Gracey curettes) when considering both marker removal and debridement time. [source] Testing alternative mechanisms of evolutionary divergence in an African rain forest passerine birdJOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2005T. B. Smith Abstract Models of speciation in African rain forests have stressed either the role of isolation or ecological gradients. Here we contrast patterns of morphological and genetic divergence in parapatric and allopatric populations of the Little Greenbul, Andropadus virens, within different and similar habitats. We sampled 263 individuals from 18 sites and four different habitat types in Upper and Lower Guinea. We show that despite relatively high rates of gene flow among populations, A. virens has undergone significant morphological divergence across the savanna,forest ecotone and mountain,forest boundaries. These data support a central component of the divergence-with-gene-flow model of speciation by suggesting that despite large amounts of gene flow, selection is sufficiently intense to cause morphological divergence. Despite evidence of isolation based on neutral genetic markers, we find little evidence of morphological divergence in fitness-related traits between hypothesized refugial areas. Although genetic evidence suggests populations in Upper and Lower Guinea have been isolated for over 2 million years, morphological divergence appears to be driven more by habitat differences than geographic isolation and suggests that selection in parapatry may be more important than geographic isolation in causing adaptive divergence in morphology. [source] Determination of Carbonation Threshold in YogurtJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 1 2003A.O. Wright ABSTRACT: Carbonated Swiss-style yogurt ranging between 62 and 1596 ppm CO2 was evaluated for sensory detection of carbonation by 12 college-aged students. Seventy-two repetitions were completed. Each panelist received 42 3-AFC presentations. The group mean threshold was calculated as per American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Method: E1432,91 (1997). Individual thresholds ranged from 181 to 390 ppm. The group mean threshold was determined to be 263 ppm. Upper and lower confidence levels (95%) for the mean were 305 and 227 ppm, respectively. This information may help industry set carbonation levels in carbonated yogurt. [source] Endostatin Concentrations in Healthy Dogs and Dogs with Selected NeoplasmsJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2002John H. Rossmeisl Jr Endostatin prevents angiogenesis and tumor growth by inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation and migration. The purpose of this study was to determine serum endostatin concentrations in 53 healthy dogs and in 38 dogs with confirmed malignant neoplasms. Endostatin concentration was determined with a competitive enzymatic immunoassay (EIA) with rabbit polyclonal antibody generated against a recombinant canine endostatin protein. Both the presence of cancer and increasing age were associated with increased serum concentration of endostatin. Endostatin concentration in healthy dogs was 87.7 ± 3.5 ng/mL. Upper and lower limits of the reference range for serum endostatin concentration in healthy dogs were 60 and 113 ng/mL. Dogs with lymphoma (LSA) and hemangiosarcoma (HSA) had endostatin concentrations of 107 ± 9.3 ng/mL. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that endostatin can be quantified in dogs and that endostatin concentrations are high in dogs with HSA and LSA. [source] Upper electron-excited states in bioluminescence: experimental indicationLUMINESCENCE: THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL LUMINESCENCE, Issue 3 2001N. S. Kudryasheva Abstract The involvement of upper electron-excited states in bacterial bioluminescence process was studied with excitation energy-accepting molecules. The fluorescent aromatic compounds, anthracene and 1.4-bis(5-phenyloxazol-2-yl)benzene, were chosen. Energies of their lowest excited singlet states are higher than the energy of the analogous state of the bioluminescence emitter; their absorption spectra and bioluminescence do not overlap. Hence, the excitation of these molecules by singlet,singlet energy transfer or by light absorption is excluded. Sensitized fluorescence of these compounds in the bioluminescence systems has been recorded, indicating the activity of upper electron-excited states in the bioluminescent process. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Temperature-dependent development of the parasitoid Tachinaephagus zealandicus on five forensically important carrion fly speciesMEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 2 2010S. C. VOSS The influences of temperature and host species on the development of the forensically important parasitoid Tachinaephagus zealandicus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) were studied at six constant temperatures in the range of 15,30°C. T. zealandicus completed development successfully between 15°C and 27°C on five species of Calliphoridae, Calliphora albifrontalis Malloch, Calliphora dubia Macquart, Lucilia sericata Meigen, Chrysomya rufifacies Macquart and Chrysomya megacephala Fabricius. No adult parasitoids emerged from any of the host species reared at 30°C. Temperature and host species significantly influenced development time, emergence success and progeny size. Development was significantly longer on Ch. megacephala and Ch. rufifacies at 18,24°C and significantly longer on Ch. rufifacies and C. albifrontalis at 15°C and 27°C. Parasitoid emergence success was greatest at 21°C, declined at the temperature extremes (15°C and 27°C) and was significantly lower on Ch. megacephala and Ch. rufifacies than on the three other host species. Progeny numbers per host pupa were highest at 21,24°C, declined on either side of this temperature range and were significantly lower on L. sericata, Ch. rufifacies and Ch. megacephala than on either C. dubia or C. albifrontalis. An effect of host species on sex ratio was only observed at 27°C, at which a higher proportion of T. zealandicus females emerged from Ch. megacephala and Ch. rufifacies than from the other host species. The thermal requirements for development (developmental thresholds, thermal constant, optimum temperature) of T. zealandicus in each host species were estimated using linear and non-linear models. Upper and lower developmental thresholds ranged between 29.90°C and 31.73°C, and 9.73°C and 10.08°C, respectively. The optimum temperature for development was estimated at between 25.81°C and 27.05°C. Given the significant effect of host species on development time, the use of parasitoid,host-specific developmental data in forensic application is recommended. [source] Upper and lower respiratory diseases after occupational and environmental disastersMOUNT SINAI JOURNAL OF MEDICINE: A JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2008David J. Prezant MD Abstract Respiratory consequences from occupational and environmental disasters are the result of inhalation exposures to chemicals, particulate matter (dusts and fibers) and/or the incomplete products of combusion that are often liberated during disasters such as fires, building collapses, explosions and volcanoes. Unfortunately, experience has shown that environmental controls and effective respiratory protection are often unavailable during the first days to week after a large-scale disaster. The English literature was reviewed using the key words,disaster and any of the following: respiratory disease, pulmonary, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, pulmonary fibrosis, or sarcoidosis. Respiratory health consequences after aerosolized exposures to high-concentrations of particulates and chemicals can be grouped into 4 major caterogies: 1) upper respiratory disease (chronic rhinosinusitis and reactive upper airways dysfunction syndrome), 2) lower respiratory diseases (reactive [lower] airways dysfunction syndrome, irritant-induced asthma, and chronic obstructive airways diseases), 3) parenchymal or interstitial lung diseases (sarcoidosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and bronchiolitis obliterans, and 4) cancers of the lung and pleura. This review describes several respiratory consequences of occupational and environmental disasters and uses the World Trade Center disaster to illustrate in detail the consequences of chronic upper and lower respiratory inflammation. Mt Sinai J Med 75:89,100, 2008. © 2008 Mount Sinai School of Medicine [source] Dysautonomia rating scales in Parkinson's disease: Sialorrhea, dysphagia, and constipation,Critique and recommendations by movement disorders task force on rating scales for Parkinson's disease,MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 5 2009Marian L. Evatt MD Abstract Upper and lower gastrointestinal dysautonomia symptoms (GIDS),sialorrhea, dysphagia, and constipation are common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and often socially as well as physically disabling for patients. Available invasive quantitative measures for assessing these symptoms and their response to therapy are time-consuming, require specialized equipment, can cause patient discomfort and present patients with risk. The Movement Disorders Society commissioned a task force to assess available clinical rating scales, critique their clinimetric properties, and make recommendations regarding their clinical utility. Six clinical researchers and a biostatistician systematically searched the literature for scales of sialorrhea, dysphagia, and constipation, evaluated the scales' previous use, performance parameters, and quality of validation data (if available). A scale was designated "Recommended" if the scale was used in clinical studies beyond the group that developed it, has been specifically used in PD reports, and clinimetric studies have established that it is a valid, reliable, and sensitive. "Suggested" scales met at least part of the above criteria, but fell short of meeting all. Based on the systematic review, scales for individual symptoms of sialorrhea, dysphagia, and constipation were identified along with three global scales that include these symptoms in the context of assessing dysautonomia or nonmotor symptoms. Three sialorrhea scales met criteria for Suggested: Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale (DSFS), Drooling Rating Scale, and Sialorrhea Clinical Scale for PD (SCS-PD). Two dysphagia scales, the Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire (SDQ) and Dysphagia-Specific Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL), met criteria for Suggested. Although Rome III constipation module is widely accepted in the gastroenterology community, and the earlier version from the Rome II criteria has been used in a single study of PD patients, neither met criteria for Suggested or Recommended. Among the global scales, the Scales for Outcomes in PD-Autonomic (SCOPA-AUT) and Nonmotor Symptoms Questionnaire for PD (NMSQuest) both met criteria for Recommended, and the Nonmotor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) met criteria for Suggested; however, none specifically focuses on the target gastrointestinal symptoms (sialorrhea, dysphagia, and constipation) of this report. A very small number of rating scales have been applied to studies of gastrointestinal-related dysautonomia in PD. Only two scales met "Recommended" criteria and neither focuses specifically on the symptoms of sialorrhea, dysphagia, and constipation. Further scale testing in PD among the scales that focus on these symptoms is warranted, and no new scales are needed until the available scales are fully tested clinimetrically. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society [source] Upper and Lower Common Pathways in Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia:PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 11 2007Refutation of a Legend? The concepts of upper and lower common pathways represent long-standing controversies of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). Over the last years there has been considerable evidence against the presence of a lower and, especially, an upper common pathway as distinct entities that can be identified in most patients with atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia. The mechanism and relevance of these concepts remain speculative. [source] Upper -extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and physical health related quality of life among women employed in poultry processing and other low -wage jobs in Northeastern North Carolina,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 4 2009C.S. McPhee MSPH Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between upper -extremity musculoskeletal symptoms (MS ) and diminished physical health related quality of life (PHRQoL ) in a population of women, mostly African -American working in poultry processing and other low -wage jobs in rural northeastern North Carolina. Methods A cross -sectional analysis was performed on baseline data of self -reported PHRQoL and musculoskeletal symptoms for 291 poultry processing workers and 299 community comparison women. Logarithmic binomial regression was performed to assess the relationship between moderate to severe MS on low PHRQoL. Results Prevalence of poor PHRQoL was 35.5 % among poultry processing workers, and 14.7 % among community comparison group. Moderate to severe upper -extremity musculoskeletal symptoms were present in 34.4 % of the poultry workers and 10.7 % of the comparison group. After adjusting for age and other chronic conditions, moderate to severe musculoskeletal symptoms were associated with low PHRQoL in both groups. Although the observed effect was stronger among the comparison group (adjusted prevalence ratios (95 % confidence interval ): poultry workers , = ,1.89 (1.36, 2.64 ), community comparison , = ,4.26 (2.51, 7.24 ), the population attributable risk percent was similar (poultry workers , = ,28.9, community comparison , = ,31.3 % ) ) due to the higher prevalence of moderate to severe symptoms in the poultry workers. Conclusions Significant upper-extremity musculoskeletal symptoms were associated with poor PHRQoL among both groups of women employed in low -wage jobs. Nationwide, poultry work is over -represented by minorities and immigrants. Though challenging, we need to search for ways to improve the conditions of these women as a matter of social justice. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:331,340, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Upper and lower extremity regional haemoglobin oxygen saturation in spinal anaesthesiaANAESTHESIA, Issue 4 2009Y. C. Hsu No abstract is available for this article. [source] Mineralogical And Chemical Investigations Of Bloomery Slags From Prehistoric (8th Century Bc To 4th Century Ad) Iron Production Sites In Upper And Lower Lusatia, GermanyARCHAEOMETRY, Issue 2 2001R. B. Heimann More than 400 fayalitic bloomery slags from prehistoric iron production sites in Upper and Lower Lusatia, eastern Germany, as well as bog iron ore samples and intermediary samples of the smelting process, were analysed by chemical and mineralogical techniques. While the precursor bog iron ores exploited in the two regions under investigation were very similar in composition, consisting of low-manganese/low-barium as well as high-manganese/high-barium types of ore, pronounced differences in slag composition were detected. Slags from 17 investigated sites in Upper Lusatia showed average P2O5 contents between 1 and 3 mass%, whereas slags from 15 investigated sites in Lower Lusatia were generally much richer in phosphorus, reaching values as high as 7 mass% P2O5. Since a reasonable correlation exists between calcium and phosphorus contents in the slags of the latter sites, it is conjectured that deliberate addition of CaO to the ore/charcoal charge of the bloomery furnace may have taken place in order to fix the phosphorus in the slags effectively. In many samples, this conjecture is being supported by the detection of a slag mineral Ca,Fe phosphate Ca9,xFe1+x(PO4)7 that presumably crystallized from a residual phosphorus-rich melt and shows a cotectic relationship to both Ca-rich fayalite and wustite, as well as to members of the solid solution series magnetite,hercynite. [source] Using One Rotary Blood Pump to Produce Separate Pulsatile Circulations in the Upper and Lower Halves of the BodyARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 8 2000Takashi Isoyama Abstract: Separate systemic circulations with pulsatile flow were obtained using 1 rotary blood pump as a left ventricular assist device. The outlet of the pump was divided into 2 conduits, 1 connected to the upper half of the body and the other connected to the lower half. An electric actuator that clamped the 2 outlet conduits alternately provided pulsatile flows. An in vitro experiment showed that the pulsatility phases of the upper and lower halves of the body were complementary with pulsatile flow, and an in vivo experiment showed that controlled flow distributions of continuous flows could be obtained. [source] Differences in the amount and structure of extractable skin and seed tannins amongst red grape varietiesAUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF GRAPE AND WINE RESEARCH, Issue 1 2009F. MATTIVI Abstract Background and Aims:, Red wine is a very rich source of flavanols, consisting of catechins and oligomeric and polymeric proanthocyanidins (PAs). The aim of this study was to investigate the composition of the fraction of flavanols, which is extractable from the grape into the wine. Methods and Results:, Using HPLC-DAD-MS analysis carried out before and after thioacidolysis of wine-like extracts obtained from skins and seeds, the flavanol composition of 20 samples derived from Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Marzemino, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Teroldego was determined. Conclusions:, It was confirmed that grape extracts are mainly rich in monomers and small oligomers (mean degree of polymerization <8). Grape seed extracts contained three monomers (catechin, epicatechin and epicatechin gallate) and procyanidin oligomers. Grape skin extracts contained four monomers (catechin, epicatechin, gallocatechin and epigallocatechin), procyanidins and prodelphinidins oligomers. Upper and extension units of PAs were constituted mainly of epicatechin units, with the co-presence of catechin and epicatechin gallate in the seed PAs, and of gallocatechin in the case of skin PAs. The terminal units of the grape PAs were a mixture of five compounds, the same found also as monomers. Catechin gallate, gallocatechin gallate and epigallocatechin gallate, which are found in other flavanol-rich, plant-derived foods and beverages, were not present in grape extracts. Significance of the Study:, The grape variety determines both the amount and the structure of wine flavanols, leading to differences in the composition, which are likely to play an important role in the nutritional and sensorial properties of the wines. [source] Differences of Hydrocarbon Enrichment between the Upper and the Lower Structural Layers in the Tazhong PaleoupliftACTA GEOLOGICA SINICA (ENGLISH EDITION), Issue 5 2010JIANG Zhenxue Abstract: The Tazhong paleouplift is divided into the upper and the lower structural layers, bounded by the unconformity surface at the top of the Ordovician carbonate rock. The reservoirs in the two layers from different parts vary in number, type and reserves, but the mechanism was rarely researched before. Therefore, an explanation of the mechanism will promote petroleum exploration in Tazhong paleouplift. After studying the evolution and reservoir distribution of the Tazhong paleouplift, it is concluded that the evolution in late Caledonian, late Hercynian and Himalayan periods resulted in the upper and the lower structural layers. It is also defined that in the upper structural layer, structural and stratigraphic overlap reservoirs are developed at the top and the upper part of the paleouplift, which are dominated by oil reservoirs, while for the lower structural layer, lithological reservoirs are developed in the lower part of the paleouplift, which are dominated by gas reservoirs, and more reserves are discovered in the lower structural layer than the upper. Through a comparative analysis of accumulation conditions of the upper and the lower structural layers, the mechanism of enrichment differences is clearly explained. The reservoir and seal conditions of the lower structural layer are better than those of the upper layer, which is the reason why more reservoirs have been found in the former. The differences in the carrier system types, trap types and charging periods between the upper and the lower structural layers lead to differences in the reservoir types and distribution. An accumulation model is established for the Tazhong paleouplift. For the upper structural layer, the structural reservoirs and the stratigraphic overlap reservoirs are formed at the upper part of the paleouplift, while for the lower structural layer, the weathering crust reservoirs are formed at the top, the reef-flat reservoirs are formed on the lateral margin, the karst and inside reservoirs are formed in the lower part of the paleouplift. [source] Generating Consistent Motion Transition via Decoupled Framespace InterpolationCOMPUTER GRAPHICS FORUM, Issue 3 2000G. Ashraf The framespace interpolation algorithm abstracts motion sequences as 1D signals, and interpolates between them to create higher dimension signals, with weights drawn from a user specified curve in a bounded region. We reformulate the algorithm to achieve motion-state based transition via dynamic warping of framespaces and automatic transition timing via framespace frequency interpolation. Basis motions displaying diverse coordination configurations between upper and lower body-halves, cannot be consistently corresponded at a macro level. We address this problem here, through decoupled blending of these halves to achieve true consistency, and eliminate accumulated phase differences via cosine phase warp functions. This generalization enables interpolation of motions with diverse coordinations between the upper and lower bodies. [source] Cardiogenic Unilateral Pulmonary Edema: An Unreported Complication of a Digestive Endoscopic ProcedureCONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, Issue 5 2009Enrique M. Baldessari MD Unilateral pulmonary edema is an uncommon clinical situation that may be difficult to distinguish from other conditions that cause lung infiltrates. Most cases occur in the right lung, and there are no reports about cardiogenic unilateral pulmonary edema as a complication of an endoscopic procedure of gastrointestinal tract. The authors describe a case of a 79-year-old woman with acute cardiac heart failure that developed soon after a diagnostic upper and lower digestive endoscopy. Continuous positive airway pressure, intravenous nitroglycerin, and furosemide treatment resulted in rapid improvement of symptoms and the progressive resolution of left-sided infiltrates on chest radiography. This case is of particular importance because of the rarity of cardiogenic unilateral edema in the left lung. This clinical finding was associated with the prolonged rest on the left side during the gastrointestinal endoscopic procedure. [source] Cross-reactivity between nickel and palladium demonstrated by systemic administration of nickelCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 1 2005M. Hindsén Concomitant patch test reactions to nickel and palladium have frequently been reported in patients undergoing investigation because of suspected allergic contact dermatitis. Theoretically, these reactions can be explained by multiple, concomitant, simultaneous sensitization as well as cross-sensitization. We studied whether concomitant reactions to nickel and palladium could represent cross-sensitization in females hypersensitive to combinations of nickel, palladium and cobalt. Females were patch tested with serial dilutions of nickel sulfate, cobalt chloride and palladium chloride on the upper back. 1 month later, when the patch test reactions were gone, the patients were randomized into 2 groups that were challenged orally with either nickel or placebo. 1 day later, the areas of previous positive patch test reactions were read in a blind way looking for flare-up reactions. Nickel provocation but not placebo yielded flare-up reactions on sites previously tested with nickel (P = 0.012) and palladium (P = 0.006), but were also observed on sites previously tested with cobalt, even though this was not statistically significant. Flare-up reactions of previous patch test reactions to nickel and palladium after oral challenge with nickel speak in favour of a cross-reactivity mechanism. [source] Chloroatranol, an extremely potent allergen hidden in perfumes: a dose-response elicitation studyCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 4 2003Jeanne Duus Johansen Oak moss absolute is a long-known, popular natural extract widely used in perfumes. It is reported as the cause of allergic reactions in a significant number of those with perfume allergy. Oak moss absolute has been the target of recent research to identify its allergenic components. Recently, chloroatranol, a hitherto unknown fragrance allergen, was identified in oak moss absolute. The objective was to assess the clinical importance of chloroatranol as a fragrance allergen by characterizing its elicitation profile. 13 patients previously showing a positive patch test to oak moss absolute and chloroatranol were included, together with a control group of 10 patients without sensitization to either of the 2 materials. A serial dilution patch test was performed on the upper back with concentrations ranging from 200 to 0.0063 p.p.m. of chloroatranol in ethanol. Simultaneously, the participant performed an open test simulating the use of perfumes on the volar aspect of the forearms in a randomized and double-blinded design. A solution with 5 p.p.m. chloroatranol was used for 14 days, and, in case of no reaction, the applications were continued for another 14 days with a solution containing 25 p.p.m. All test subjects (13/13) developed an allergic reaction at the site of application of the solution containing chloroatranol. Among them, 12/13 (92%) gave a positive reaction to the 5 p.p.m. solution and 1 to 25 p.p.m. None of the controls reacted (P < 0.001). The use test was terminated at median day 4. The dose eliciting a reaction in 50% of the test subjects at patch testing was 0.2 p.p.m. In conclusion, the hidden exposure to a potent allergen widely used in perfumes has caused a highly sensitized cohort of individuals. Judged from the elicitation profile, chloroatranol is the most potent allergen present in consumer products today. [source] The unmet treatment need of traumatized anterior teeth in selected secondary school children in Ibadan, NigeriaDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Mojirade Deborah Ajayi The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of damage to permanent anterior teeth in school adolescents, the average duration of trauma and to ascertain the level of the unmet treatment need. A total of 1532 secondary school children between the ages 12 and 19 years participated in the study. They were randomly selected from public secondary schools in five local government areas in Ibadan using a multistage sampling method. Participants were examined with the aid of mouth mirrors and probes under natural light. Traumatic anterior dental injuries were recorded by the same investigator (DMA) according to WHO classification. One hundred and sixty-five participants sustained injuries to their anterior teeth. Their mean age was 15.47 ± 2.09 years, with a male to female ratio of 1.5:1. The commonest cause was fall (78.8%) with road traffic accident being the least (1.8%). The tooth most commonly injured is the upper left incisor (48.0%) closely followed by upper right central (43.1%). Enamel fracture was seen in 46.5% and enamel,dentine in 42.6% of the traumatized teeth. Most (79.4%) of the children sustained injury to one tooth only. Of the participants, only 30 (18.2%) had previous dental consultation while only nine (5.5%) consulted the dentist following the trauma; however, none of the teeth had any form of restoration. Average time elapsed between trauma and dental examination was about 3.5 years. Many participants had had injury for about 2 years before dental examination. In conclusion, there is a high unmet treatment need of traumatized anterior teeth in the study population. [source] Prevalence and causes of fractured permanent incisors in 12-year-old suburban Nigerian schoolchildrenDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Comfort A. Adekoya-Sofowora A dental trauma cross-sectional survey was carried out through clinical examination of upper and lower permanent incisors and interviews with 415 (212 boys, 203 girls) 12-year-old children attending private and public secondary schools in lle-Ife, in 2004/2005 by one calibrated examiner. Garcia-Godoy's classification was used. The prevalence of traumatic dental injuries was 12.8%. There was no statistical difference in the prevalence between boys and girls P > 0.05. The most common cause of injuries was falls (49.1%), followed by traffic accidents (13.2%), collision against objects or people (11.3%) and misuse of teeth 9.4%. The commonest type of injury was enamel fracture alone (9.9%), followed by enamel-dentine fracture (4.8%). Majority of the accidents occurred at home (60.4%), followed by school (26.4%). The prevalence of traumatic dental injuries was on the increase among suburban Nigerian children in Ile-Ife and it has a potential to be considered an emerging public health problem. [source] Oral piercing and oral trauma in a New Zealand sampleDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2005J. A. Kieser Abstract,,, This study investigated the periodontal and dental trauma resultant from tongue and lip piercings in a convenience sample of 43 adult dental patients. Patients underwent an intra-oral examination followed by the administration of a questionnaire. Each patient was examined for lingual or buccal recession of the upper and lower incisors as well as the extent of abnormal toothwear or trauma on these teeth. Following bivariate analyses, regression analyses were conducted to test the study hypotheses and derive adjusted estimates for the dependent variables. Of the 43 individuals who participated (93.0% females; mean age 21 years; age range 14,34 years) 76.7% had a tongue piercing, 34.9% had a lip piercing, and 11.6% had both. Only four had had their piercing procedure provided by a doctor or dentist. Postpiercing complications were reported by 34.9%. Most of those with a labial piercing (80.0%) had 1+ labial site with gingival recession (GR), and almost one-third of those with a tongue piercing had at least one lingual site with GR. Age was a significant predictor of the prevalence of lingual recession, with the odds of having lingual recession increasing by 1.17 (95% CI 1.01, 1.35) for every year older than 14. Age was the only significant predictor of the number of lingual sites with recession, but was not a predictor of the prevalence of labial recession or the number of affected sites. There were no significant associations between piercings and abnormal toothwear or trauma. These findings suggest that oral piercings are associated with localized gingival recession, and that the providers of such procedures should ensure that, as part of the informed consent process, prospective patients are informed of the likelihood that their periodontal health may be compromised. [source] Eyelid Tightening and Improved Eyelid Aperture through Nonablative Fractional ResurfacingDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 11 2008SEAN A. SUKAL MD BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The effects of fractional resurfacing on eyelid tightening and aperture are unknown. Our purpose was to retrospectively examine the potential for eyelid tightening and eye-aperture opening in patients treated with nonablative fractional resurfacing for facial photorejuvenation. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS Fractional laser treatments using a 1,550-nm erbium-doped fiber laser system on the upper and lower eyelids were given at a pulse energy of 17 to 20 mJ at 125 micro-thermal zones (MTZ)/cm2 to a final density of 500 to 750 MTZ/cm2. Each patient had 3 to 7 treatments. Standard pre- and post-treatment photographs were taken at each visit. Physicians who graded 31 preselected patient photographs using a 4-point scale evaluated eyelid tightening. Increase in eyelid aperture was also evaluated. RESULTS All patients had some degree of eyelid tightening; 19% achieved 1% to 25% tightening, 26% achieved 25% to 50%, 26% achieved 50% to 75%, and 29% achieved 75% to 100%. Increase in eyelid aperture was seen in 55.9% of patients. Postoperative wounding, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, persistent erythema, and scarring were not observed. All patients experienced mild or no edema for a few days after treatment. CONCLUSION Fractional resurfacing tightens and increases eyelid aperture without wounding, downtime, or long-term complications. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||