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Useful Predictor (useful + predictor)
Selected AbstractsIQ IN THE PRODUCTION FUNCTION: EVIDENCE FROM IMMIGRANT EARNINGSECONOMIC INQUIRY, Issue 3 2010GARETT JONES We show that a country's average IQ score is a useful predictor of the wages that immigrants from that country earn in the United States, whether or not one adjusts for immigrant education. Just as in numerous microeconomic studies, 1 IQ point predicts 1% higher wages, suggesting that IQ tests capture an important difference in cross-country worker productivity. In a cross-country development accounting exercise, about one-sixth of the global inequality in log income can be explained by the effect of large, persistent differences in national average IQ on the private marginal product of labor. This suggests that cognitive skills matter more for groups than for individuals. (JEL J24, J61, O47) [source] Can High School Achievement Tests Serve to Select College Students?EDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT: ISSUES AND PRACTICE, Issue 2 2010Adriana D. Cimetta Postsecondary schools have traditionally relied on admissions tests such as the SATand ACT to select students. With high school achievement assessments in place in many states, it is important to ascertain whether scores from those exams can either supplement or supplant conventional admissions tests. In this study we examined whether the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) high school tests could serve as a useful predictor of college performance. Stepwise regression analyses with a predetermined order of variable entry revealed that AIMS generally did not account for additional performance variation when added to high school grade-point average (HSGPA) and SAT. However, in a cohort of students that took the test for graduation purposes, AIMS did account for about the same proportion of variance as SAT when added to a model that included HSGPA. The predictive value of both SAT and AIMS was generally the same for Caucasian, Hispanic, and Asian American students. The ramifications of universities using high school achievement exams as predictors of college success, in addition to or in lieu of traditional measures, are discussed. [source] Improved Prediction of Nonepileptic Seizures with Combined MMPI and EEG MeasuresEPILEPSIA, Issue 3 2000D. Storzbach Summary: Purpose: Nonepileptic seizures (NESs) are frequently mistaken for epileptic seizures (ESs). Improved detection of patients with NESs could lead to more appropriate treatment and medical cost savings. Previous studies have shown the MMPI/MMPI-2 to be a useful predictor of NES. We hypothesized that combining the MMPI-2 with a physiologic predictor of epilepsy (routine EEG; rEEG) would result in enhanced prediction of NES. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing CCTV-EEG monitoring underwent rEEG evaluation and completed an MMPI-2. Patients were subsequently classified as having epilepsy (n = 91) or NESs (n = 76) by using standardized criteria. Logistic regression was used to predict seizure type classification. Results: Overall classification accuracy was 74% for rEEG, 71% for MMPI-2 Hs scale, and 77% for MMPI-2 Hy scale. The model that best predicted diagnosis included rEEG, MMPI-2, and number of years since the first spell, resulting in an overall classification accuracy of 86%. Conclusions: The high accuracy achieved by the model suggests that it may be useful for screening candidates for diagnostic telemetry. [source] Who merits a neck dissection after definitive chemoradiotherapy for N2,N3 squamous cell head and neck cancer?HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 10 2003Scott A. McHam DO Abstract Background. The role of neck dissection (ND) after definitive chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell head and neck cancer is incompletely defined. We retrospectively reviewed 109 patients with N2,N3 disease treated with chemoradiotherapy to identify predictors of a clinical complete response in the neck (CCR-neck), pathologic complete response after ND (PCR-neck), and regional failure. Method. All patients were given 4-day continuous infusions of 5-fluorouracil (1000 mg/m2/d) and cisplatin (20 mg/m2/d) during the first and fourth weeks of either once daily (n = 68) or twice daily (n = 41) radiation therapy. ND was considered for all patients after completion of chemoradiotherapy and was performed in 32 of the 65 patients achieving a CCR-neck after chemoradiotherapy and in all 44 patients with residual clinical evidence of neck disease. CCR-neck, PCR-neck, and regional failure were then correlated with potential predictors, including T, N, largest lymph node size (<3 cm, ,3 cm), primary tumor site, and radiation fractionation schedule. Results. Achievement of a CCR-neck was predicted by N, N2 vs N3 (53 of 80 vs 12 of 29, p = .019) and by largest lymph node size, <3 cm vs ,3 cm (19 of 25 vs 46 of 84, p = .06). Achievement of a PCR-neck could not be predicted by any clinical parameter. Regional failure occurred both in patients undergoing ND and those not dissected (5 of 76 vs 4 of 33, p = .33) and proved more likely only in the ND patients with residual positive pathology compared with those achieving a PCR-neck (5 of 25 vs 0 of 51, p < .001). Primary site was not a useful predictor of CCR-neck, PCR-neck, or regional failure. Most importantly, CCR-neck (vs The relationship between caries in the primary dentition at 5 years of age and permanent dentition at 10 years of age , a longitudinal studyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 3 2006M. S. SKEIE Summary., Objectives., To explore a possible relationship between the caries experience and pattern in the primary dentition at 5 years of age and the permanent dentition at 10 years of age. Further, to examine the possibility of predicting children in a caries-risk group at 5 years verified at 10 years of age. Materials and methods., A sample of 186 children (90 males) were clinically examined as 5-year-olds and re-examined as 10-year-olds by calibrated dentists. A five-graded diagnostic system including enamel caries was used. Bitewing radiographs were taken. A true risk group of children at 10 years were defined as those with at least one dentin or filled lesion on the mesial surface of 6-year molars, and/or on incisors, and/or total DMFS (decayed, missing, and filled surfaces) more than 1 SD above the mean. The prediction was measured in terms of OR (odds ratio), sensitivity/specificity, and receiver operating characteristic curves. Results., Statistically significant correlations (r = 0·5) were found between the caries experience in the two dentitions as well as between the primary second molars at baseline and the permanent teeth at 10 years. ,Primary second molars' and ,all primary molars' were the most powerful predictors for allocation into the risk group (24% of the sample). The highest achieved sum of sensitivity and specificity, 148%, was attained at a cut-off point above two carious surfaces in enamel and/or dentin in primary second molars. Conclusions., Statistically significant relationship in disease between the dentitions was found. More than two surfaces with caries experience in primary second molars are suggested as a clinically useful predictor at 5 years of age for being at high risk at age 10. [source] Serum calcitonin gene-related peptide levels in untreated prostate cancer patientsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 6 2006KAZUMI SUZUKI Background:, The role of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in prostate cancer has not been fully understood. Moreover, the serum CGRP level in prostate cancer patients has never been reported. We measured the serum CGRP levels in untreated prostate cancer patients to elucidate its clinical significance. Materials and methods:, We used 36 serum samples from prostate cancer patients. All patients had never received any treatment. Serum CGRP was measured by immunoradiometric assay, and we analysed the association between serum CGRP level and clinicopathological factors. Results:, Serum CGRP levels in the patients with higher clinical stages and histological grade were significantly higher than in those with lower stages and grade, respectively. But the levels did not correlate with the patient's age, liver or renal functions, serum prostate-specific antigen levels. Conclusion:, Serum CGRP levels were significantly elevated in the patients with high grade or high stage untreated prostate cancer patients. Measurement of the serum CGRP may be a useful predictor of staging or grading of prostate cancer in the untreated prostate cancer patients. [source] An investigation into the use of serum albumin in pressure sore predictionJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 2 2000Denis Anthony RMN RGN BA MSc PhD AMIEE An investigation into the use of serum albumin, in pressure sore prediction Objectives To ascertain the relevance of serum albumin and serum sodium as predictors of pressure sores in addition to the Waterlow score. Design Observational study of patients at risk of developing decubitus ulcers. Setting Staffordshire, in the midlands of the United Kingdom. Participants 773 elderly hospital in-patients of a district general hospital. Measurements Waterlow scores and serum albumin and sodium. Development of a pressure sore. Results Logistic regression analysis of serum albumin, serum sodium and the Waterlow score showed the Waterlow score and serum albumin were significant predictors of pressure sores. Conclusions Serum albumin may, in this patient group (in-patients over 64 years of age), be a useful predictor of pressure sore occurrence, though further work is needed to establish whether this is the case. Risk assessment of pressure sores can possibly be improved by adding serum albumin to one of the pre-existing tools such as the Waterlow score. [source] Model-free evaluation of directional predictability in foreign exchange marketsJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECONOMETRICS, Issue 5 2007Jaehun Chung We examine directional predictability in foreign exchange markets using a model-free statistical evaluation procedure. Based on a sample of foreign exchange spot rates and futures prices in six major currencies, we document strong evidence that the directions of foreign exchange returns are predictable not only by the past history of foreign exchange returns, but also the past history of interest rate differentials, suggesting that the latter can be a useful predictor of the directions of future foreign exchange rates. This evidence becomes stronger when the direction of larger changes is considered. We further document that despite the weak conditional mean dynamics of foreign exchange returns, directional predictability can be explained by strong dependence derived from higher-order conditional moments such as the volatility, skewness and kurtosis of past foreign exchange returns. Moreover, the conditional mean dynamics of interest rate differentials contributes significantly to directional predictability. We also examine the co-movements between two foreign exchange rates, particularly the co-movements of joint large changes. There exists strong evidence that the directions of joint changes are predictable using past foreign exchange returns and interest rate differentials. Furthermore, both individual currency returns and interest rate differentials are also useful in predicting the directions of joint changes. Several sources can explain this directional predictability of joint changes, including the level and volatility of underlying currency returns. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Effect of trehalose on survival of Bradyrhizobium japonicum during desiccationJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2003J.G. Streeter Abstract Aims: A major reason for the ineffectiveness of legume inoculants in the field is the rapid death of rhizobia because of desiccation. The major purpose of this study was to identify conditions under which ,,, -trehalose would improve survival of Bradyrhizobium japonicum during desiccation. Methods and Results: Trehalose was added to cultures just prior to desiccation or was supplied to bacteria during the 6-day growth period. A wide variety of trehalose concentrations was tested. Trehalose added to cultures at the time of desiccation improved survival slightly, but trehalose loading during growth was much more effective in protection against desiccation. Growth of bacteria with 3 mmol l,1 trehalose increased trehalose concentration in cells by about threefold and increased survival of cells placed on soya bean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seeds by two- to four-fold after 2 or 24 h. Average of overall results indicate that growth of bacteria with trehalose in the medium resulted in a 294% increase in survival after 24 h of desiccation. The concentration of trehalose in cells was very highly correlated with survival of bacteria. When trehalose-loaded cells were suspended in buffer or water, 60,85% of cellular trehalose was lost in about 1 h and, in spite of these losses, survival during desiccation was not reduced. Conclusions: Accumulation of trehalose in the cytoplasm is critical to the survival of B. japonicum during desiccation. Increasing the periplasmic concentration of trehalose is also beneficial but is not so critical as the concentration of trehalose in the cytoplasm. Because B. japonicum cannot utilize trehalose as a carbon source, cells can be loaded with trehalose by providing the disaccharide during the growth period. Significance and Impact of the Study: Although it may not be practical to use trehalose as a carbon source in inoculant production, it may be possible to engineer greater trehalose accumulation in rhizobia. Trehalose concentration in cells should be a useful predictor of survival during desiccation. [source] Is delayed normalization of alanine aminotransferase a poor prognostic predictor in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with a combined interferon and ribavirin therapy?JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 12 2002CHAO-HUNG HUNG Abstract Background and Aims : Decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level is the accepted basic indicator of an interferon (IFN) therapeutic effect in chronic hepatitis C. This study assessed whether delayed normalization of ALT predicts a poor response to a combined therapy of IFN and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Methods: Patients were treated with IFN-, 2b three times weekly and oral ribavirin for 24 weeks. The ALT values were assessed monthly and patterns of changes in ALT activity were analyzed. Serum HCV-RNA was checked at weeks 0, 12, 24, and 48. Results: A total of 103 patients completed therapy and 69 (67%) of them achieved a sustained viral response (SVR). There was no significant difference in the SVR between patients with or without early normalization (week 12) of ALT level (69 vs 56%). Of the sustained responders, nine patients (13%) with delayed ALT normalization had a SVR. Nine of the 12 patients (75%) with abnormal ALT and negative HCV-RNA at week 12 had a SVR compared with none of four patients who had positive HCV-RNA at week 12 (P = 0.0192). Conclusions: Lack of normalization of the ALT level at week 12 does not preclude successful virological outcome in hepatitis C patients receiving a combined therapy of IFN and ribavirin. Hepatitis C virus RNA at week 12 may be a useful predictor of treatment outcome in patients without early biochemical response. © 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd [source] Aspartate aminotransferase : alanine aminotransferase ratio in chronic hepatitis C infection: Is it a useful predictor of cirrhosis?JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 4 2000Gordon J-H Park Abstract Background: The clinical usefulness of the ratio of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) has been explored in several liver disorders. It has been suggested that in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection an AST : ALT , 1 has 100% specificity and positive predictive value in distinguishing cirrhotic from non-cirrhotic patients. Such statistical certainty attached to a simple biochemical test merits further evaluation. The present study, therefore, assessed the AST : ALT in patients with chronic HCV infection to determine the validity of the ratio in predicting cirrhosis and to correlate the ratio with the histological grade of necroinflammatory activity and fibrosis. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 153 patients with chronic HCV infection was conducted. Serum biochemistry had been obtained within a mean of 4 weeks of liver biopsy. The histology was scored in terms of activity and fibrosis as described by Scheuer and correlated with AST : ALT. Results: In 30 patients with cirrhosis, the mean AST : ALT (0.99 ± 0.06) was higher than in 123 patients without cirrhosis (0.60 ± 0.02; P < 0.001). A ratio , 1 had 95.9% specificity and 73.7% positive predictive value in distinguishing cirrhotic from non-cirrhotic patients, with a 46.7% sensitivity and 88.1% negative predictive value. The ratio also parallelled the Scheuer score with respect to fibrosis but not with respect to inflammation. Conclusion: Although relatively insensitive, an AST : ALT , 1 is highly specific but not diagnostic for the presence of cirrhosis in patients with chronic HCV infection. The ratio reflects the grade of fibrosis in these patients. [source] Primary hyperparathyroidism in 29 dogs: diagnosis, treatment, outcome and associated renal failureJOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, Issue 1 2005R. N. A. Gear Objectives: To review the records of 29 dogs diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism and see if any factors correlate with renal failure. Methods: Dogs were selected retrospectively from case files from the QVSH and the QMH. Results: The majority of dogs were middle-aged and four were keeshonds. The primary presenting complaints were polyuria and polydipsia. All dogs had an elevated total and ionised plasma calcium concentration. Plasma phosphate concentrations were variable. Ultrasonography of the parathyroid gland revealed nodular enlargement which was found to correlate well with surgical findings. The majority of dogs underwent surgical parathyroidectomy. Five cases were treated by ultrasound-guided chemical ablation of the parathyroid gland, of which only two cases showed a partial response. Three dogs were euthanased within a week of presentation. Seven other dogs had renal failure diagnosed either at presentation or up to six months after parathyroidectomy. The development of renal failure was correlated with total calcium concentration but did not correlate with any other factor, including the calcium phosphate product. Thirteen treated dogs were known to be alive at the time of writing, which was six months to 3.5 years after parathyroidectomy. Clinical Significance: Primary hyperparathyroidism cases with high total calcium were more likely to develop renal failure in this group of dogs; however, the calcium phosphate product did not seem to be a useful predictor. Ultrasound-guided chemical ablation seemed to have limited advantage over surgery. [source] Assessment of Diastolic Function by Doppler Echocardiography in Normal Doberman Pinschers and Doberman Pinschers with Dilated CardiomyopathyJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2007M. Lynne O'Sullivan Background: Assessment of diastolic function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has the potential to add valuable information regarding hemodynamics, disease severity, and prognosis. The purpose of this study was to determine transmitral flow (TMF), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), pulmonary venous flow (PVF), flow propagation velocity (Vp), and mitral annular velocities by tissue Doppler in Doberman Pinschers with and without DCM. Hypothesis: It was anticipated that normal and DCM Dobermans would differ with respect to these parameters, and that associations with time to congestive heart failure (CHF) or death would be found. Animals: Thirty client-owned Doberman Pinschers (10 each of normal, occult DCM, and overt DCM) were studied. Methods: Each dog underwent echocardiography with or without thoracic radiography (to confirm CHF) for classification as normal or DCM-affected, followed by collection of echocardiographic diastolic parameters. Results: The group with occult DCM exhibited features of pseudonormal TMF, reduced systolic to diastolic PVF ratio, and reduced Vp. Shorter early TMF deceleration time (DTE) was associated with shorter time to CHF or sudden death. The group with overt DCM exhibited restrictive TMF, blunted systolic PVF, and reduced early and late diastolic mitral annular velocities. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Doberman Pinschers showed evidence of moderate and severe diastolic dysfunction in occult and overt DCM, respectively. Short DTE may be a useful predictor of onset of CHF or sudden death. [source] The Prognostic Value of the Modified Glasgow Coma Scale in Head Trauma in DogsJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2001Simon R. Platt A clinical coma scale modified from the Glasgow Coma Scale used for humans has been suggested as a useful predictor of outcome in the head trauma patient. The objective of this study was to correlate the modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) score of dogs with head trauma with their probability of survival. Thirty-eight dogs with head trauma were selected and retrospectively evaluated. The information retrieved from the medical record of each dog included signalment, body weight, cause of head trauma, MGCS, presence of concurrent neck pain, and outcome (dead or alive) after 48 hours. Logistic regression was used to model survival in the 1st 48 hours as a function of MGCS, gender, weight, and calvarial fractures. The MGCS ranged from 5 to 18. Seven dogs died within 48 hours of the head trauma. The MGCS could predict the probability of survival in the 1st 48 hrs after head trauma with 50% probability in a patient with a score of 8. Gender, weight, and presence of skull fractures did not predict survival. In conclusion, the MGCS is a useful index for prediction of outcome in dogs with head trauma. [source] Prediction of the prognosis of patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure using the model for end-stage liver disease scoring system and a novel logistic regression modelJOURNAL OF VIRAL HEPATITIS, Issue 7 2009Q.-F. Sun Summary., The objective of this study was to determine the predictive value of the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scoring system in patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACLF-HBV), and to establish a new model for predicting the prognosis of ACLF-HBV. A total of 204 adult patients with ACLF-HBV were retrospectively recruited between July 1, 2002 and December 31, 2004. The MELD scores were calculated according to the widely accepted formula. The 3-month mortality was calculated. The validity of the MELD model was determined by means of the concordance (c) statistic. Clinical data and biochemical values were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis based on which the regression model for predicting prognosis was established. The receiver-operating characteristic curves were drawn for the MELD scoring system and the new regression model and the areas under the curves (AUC) were compared by the z -test. The 3-month mortality rate was 57.8%. The mean MELD score for the patients who died was significantly greater than those who survived beyond 3 months (28.7 vs 22.4, P = 0.003). The concordance (c) statistic (equivalent to the AUC) for the MELD scoring system predicting 3-month mortality was 0.709 (SE = 0.036, P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval 0.638,0.780). The independent factors predicting prognosis were hepatorenal syndrome (P < 0.001), liver cirrhosis (P = 0.009), HBeAg (P = 0.013), albumin (P = 0.028) and prothrombin activity (P = 0.011) as identified in multivariate logistic regression analysis. The regression model that was constructed by the logistic regression analysis produced a greater prognostic value (c = 0.891) than the MELD scoring system (z = 4.333, P < 0.001). The MELD scoring system is a promising and useful predictor for 3-month mortality of ACLF-HBV patients. Hepatorenal syndrome, liver cirrhosis, HBeAg, albumin and prothrombin activity are independent factors affecting the 3-month mortality. The newly established logistic regression model appears to be superior to the MELD scoring system in predicting 3-month mortality in patients with ACLF-HBV. [source] Hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by Penicillium citrinum, not enoki sporesAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 12 2007Sumiko Yoshikawa MD Abstract Background Flammulina velutipes is called the Enoki mushroom in Japanese and is cultivated indoors. Mushroom workers face occupational exposure to a tremendous number of fungi and organic antigens capable of causing hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). One worker employed at an Enoki farm developed HP due to Penicillium citrinum. This study investigated new cases of HP among the workers cultivating Enoki. Methods Serum Krebs von der Lungen-6 (KL-6), surfactant protein (SP)-A and SP-D were measured. Lymphocyte stimulation tests (LST) and double immunodiffusion tests (DIT) were performed to identify P. citrinum. Workers showing high levels of KL-6, SP-A, or SP-D and a high LST value or positive DIT were identified and then were further examined by chest computed tomography, bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy. The initial patient and new HP patients were defined as the HP group and the other participants were defined as the non-HP group. Results Forty-eight Enoki workers participated in the study. Four of nine workers who met the criteria for further examinations were diagnosed as having HP due to P. citrinum. In comparison between non-HP group and HP group, KL-6, SP-D and LST values were significantly higher in HP group. There was a strong correlation between KL-6 and SP-D. DIT had high sensitivity and high specificity. Conclusions KL-6, SP-D, LST, and DIT were useful for detecting HP patients. KL-6 was the most useful predictor of HP in this study. DIT was useful not only as a predictor of HP but also as a detector of the causative antigen. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:1010,1017, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] BODE score is a useful predictor of hospital admission in rural patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseRESPIROLOGY, Issue 3 2008Alice MCKELLAR Background and objective: COPD is a chronic illness with frequent episodic exacerbations that require admission to hospital. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors (or predictors) for hospital admission in a sample of rural COPD patients. Methods: COPD patients from the Goulburn and Crookwell areas of New South Wales, Australia, were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: those with two or fewer admissions, and those with three or more admissions in the last year. Patient interviews were conducted, and data were collected on demographics, consumption of health resources, COPD severity measures (BODE score) and quality of life. Results: There were 32 patients recruited with a median age of 68 years, and 21 (65.6%) were male. There were no significant differences in risk factors (or predictors) identified between the two groups. A statistical difference was found between the two groups, with patients with three or more hospital admissions having a higher BODE score (P = 0.004), poorer quality-of-life score (P = 0.015) and reduced exercise tolerance (P = 0.001). Conclusions: In this small sample of COPD patients, there were no clear differences in terms of risk factors for COPD admission between the two groups. The BODE score was found to be a useful predictor of disease severity and likelihood of hospital admission. [source] Percentage reduction of pleural effusion as a simple predictor of pleural scarring in tuberculous pleuritisRESPIROLOGY, Issue 4 2005Chi-Fong WONG Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the utility of serum and pleural fluid biomarkers for predicting residual pleural scarring (RPS) in tuberculous pleuritis. Methodology: A retrospective study of patients with pleural tuberculosis was performed. Demographic data, clinical parameters, haematological indices, serum and pleural fluid biochemistry and pleural effusion area were assessed for correlation with the extent of RPS. Results: RPS was found in 41.4% of the 70 cases evaluated, with significant pleural scarring being present in 7.1%. It was more common in males (odds ratio 5.55). Among the variables studied, only the percentage reduction of the effusion after 2 weeks of treatment was found to independently predict the extent of RPS (r = ,0.502, P < 0.001). Conclusion: RPS was more common in males and the percentage reduction in pleural effusion on CXR after 2 weeks of treatment was found to be a useful predictor of RPS. [source] ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Preterm Labor: CD55 in Maternal Blood LeukocytesAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5 2009Stella Nowicki Problem, Intrauterine inflammation is a frequent and significant factor associated with the pathogenesis of preterm labor/birth (PTL/PTB). However, it remains unclear whether the intrauterine inflammatory responses activate the maternal peripheral circulation. We explored the association between PTL/PTB and the ,activation' of the peripheral circulatory system by determining whether CD55 mRNA expression within peripheral WBCs differed between PTL and control patients not in labor. Method of Study, RNA was purified from white blood cells collected from pregnant women with preterm labor (n = 45), and from pregnant (n = 30) control women. CD55 gene expression was evaluated by quantitative PCR. Results, The mean CD55 mRNA level within the PTL group (0.77 ± 0.03) was 1.48-fold higher than that observed (0.52 ± 0.02) within the control group (P < 0.0001); 71% of PTL patients and only 6.7% of control subjects expressed elevated CD55 mRNA. The receiver operating characteristics (with 95% CI) of CD55 as a marker for PTL were as follows: Sensitivity, 69% (53,82%); Specificity, 93% (78,99%); Positive Predictive Value, 94% (80,99%); and Negative Predictive Value, 67% (51,80%). In the patient population that delivered prematurely (before 37 weeks), 81% expressed elevated CD55 mRNA levels with a mean of 0.78 ± 0.03 and 95% CI of 0.71,0.84. The receiver operating characteristics were as follows: Sensitivity, 73% (54,88%); Specificity, 86% (71,95%); Positive Predictive Value, 81.5% (62,94%); and Negative Predictive Value, 80% (64,91%). Conclusion, Here we report for the first time that CD55 mRNA expression was elevated in the peripheral WBCs of subjects with preterm labor compared with control gestationally-matched pregnant woman and that elevated leukocyte CD55 may be a useful predictor of subsequent PTB. [source] Response to cutting of Larrea divaricata and L. cuneifolia in ArgentinaAPPLIED VEGETATION SCIENCE, Issue 1 2002E. Martinez Carretero Abstract. The response of Larrea divaricata and L. cuneifolia to cutting stems 0,20 cm above the ground was studied in the arid piedmont area west of Mendoza, Argentina. The species occur at different elevations and in vegetation zones: L. cuneifolia < 1250 m; L. divaricata between 1250 and 2500 m. Four treatments with 10 replicates were analysed in randomly chosen plants: cut at ground level with lopping shears; cut at ground level with a pick; cut at 10 cm with lopping shears; and cut at 20 cm with lopping shears. The initial and final height, volume, and dry matter (above- and below-ground) were determined. The relation between volume and initial and final dry matter and height was analysed through a factorial MANOVA (p < 0,05), and the functional relation between volume, dry matter and height was estimated by adjusting a regression model. In both species, maximum recovery was reached when cut with shears, and predicted recovery (turnover) was 17-18 yr. In the two last treatments height was a useful predictor of dry matter. L. divaricata -dominated plots have a lower biomass, growth rate, and allocation to stems and root than L. cuneifolia -dominated plots. Regrowth following clipping on an area of 3,10 ha, is sufficient to support the annual needs (cooking and heating) of one family. [source] Is detrusor hypertrophy in women associated with voiding dysfunction?AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 6 2009Orawan LEKSKULCHAI Background:, In men, bladder wall thickness ,5 mm seems to be a useful predictor of outlet obstruction, with a diagnostic value exceeding that of free uroflowmetry indices. There are no data in the literature examining whether this may also apply in women. Aims:, To identify the relationships between detrusor wall thickness (DWT) and symptoms and urodynamic findings suggestive of voiding dysfunction. Methods:, This is a retrospective study analysing data sets of 686 women seen for urodynamic testing in a tertiary urogynaecological unit. Hesitancy, poor stream and stop,start voiding were recorded as symptoms of voiding dysfunction. All women underwent free uroflowmetry and multichannel urodynamic testing. We used the urethral resistance factor (URA) and the obstruction coefficient (OCO), methods employed to quantify bladder outlet resistance in men. Transperineal ultrasound for DWT was performed after voiding and catheter removal. Statistical analysis was carried out by using the statistical software (spss 15.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results:, Symptoms of voiding dysfunction were reported by 33.1% of patients and 22.4% had urodynamically diagnosed voiding dysfunction. The mean DWT in symptomatic women was not statistically different from the mean DWT in those without symptoms. URA and OCO of symptomatic women were significantly different from those of asymptomatic women (P < 0.01). DWT was not associated with parameters of voiding function, URA or OCO. Conclusions:, Contrary to the situation in men, increased DWT in women does not seem to be associated with symptoms or signs of voiding dysfunction. Therefore, DWT cannot be used as a predictor of voiding difficulty in women. [source] 4265: Inhibitory isoforms of VEGF in uveal melanomaACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010SE COUPLAND Purpose Uveal melanoma (UM) affects around 600 new patients in the UK each year with half of these being treated at the Liverpool Ocular Oncology Centre. UM is an unusual tumour in that gross chromosomal abnormalities are strongly associated with metastatic spread, especially monosomy 3 & chromosome 8q gain. Mechanisms that underlie this remain unclear. Methods Angiogenesis is a requirement for tumour survival & metastasis. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is known to be the most potent stimulator of angiogenesis and increased expression of VEGF-A is linked to enhanced metastatic potential in UM. Treatment with bevacizumab (anti-VEGF therapy) suppresses hepatic micrometastasis of ocular melanoma cells in animal models. However, VEGF-A data in UM are variable, with some studies demonstrating no correlation between VEGF-A expression and metastasis or survival. Results VEGF-A was accepted as a single pro-angiogenic family of protein isoforms generated from alternatively spliced mRNA (VEGF189, VEGF165 etc). However, recently a family of sister isoforms named VEGFxxxb, where xxx is the amino acid number and b a different six C-terminus amino acids (VEGF189b, VEGF165b) has been discovered. The VEGFxxxb variants are exactly the same size as pro-angiogenic VEGFxxx, yet are antiangiogenic. VEGF165b is down-regulated in primary cutaneous melanoma that later metastasises, and over-expression of VEGFxxxb isoforms confers a protective anti-tumour effect. Conclusion Immunohistochemical expression of pro- and anti-angiogenic VEGF-A in 19 UM was assessed using pan-VEGF-A and VEGF165b specific antibodies. A statistically significant reduction in expression of VEGF165b was observed in monosomy 3 UM (non-parametric ANOVA; p<0.05). This suggests that VEGF165b expression may be a useful predictor of UM metastasis. [source] Serum albumin level predicts initial intravenous immunoglobulin treatment failure in Kawasaki diseaseACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 10 2010Ho-Chang Kuo Abstract Objectives:, Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis primarily affecting children who are <5 years old. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is the standard therapy for KD. However, many patients with KD still show poor response to initial IVIG treatment. This study was conducted to investigate the risk factors for initial IVIG treatment failure in KD. Methods:, Children who met KD diagnosis criteria and were admitted for IVIG treatment were retrospectively enrolled for analysis. Patients were divided into IVIG-responsive and IVIG-resistant groups. Initial laboratory data before IVIG treatment were collected for analysis. Results:, A total of 131 patients were enrolled during the study period. At 48 h after completion of initial IVIG treatment, 20 patients (15.3%) had an elevated body temperature. Univariate analysis showed that patients who had initial findings of high neutrophil count, abnormal liver function, low serum albumin level (,2.9 g/dL) and pericardial effusion were at risk for IVIG treatment failure. Multivariate analysis with a logistic regression procedure showed that serum albumin level was considered the independent predicting factor of IVIG resistance in patients with KD (p = 0.006, OR = 40, 95% CI: 52.8,562). There was no significant correlation between age, gender, fever duration before IVIG treatment, haemoglobin level, total leucocyte and platelet counts, C-reactive protein level, or sterile pyuria and initial IVIG treatment failure. The specificity and sensitivity for prediction of IVIG treatment failure in this study were 96% and 34%, respectively. Conclusion:, Pre-IVIG treatment serum albumin levels are a useful predictor of IVIG resistance in patients with KD. [source] Serum levels of IGF1 are a useful predictor of retinopathy of prematurityACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 4 2010A Pérez-Muñuzuri Abstract Objective:, To ascertain whether insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) is associated with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and is a useful predictor of the disease. Although its aetiopathogenesis is multifactorial, development of the disease appears to be related to a deficiency in IGF1, a hormone that acts together with vascular endothelial growth factor in the normal angiogenesis in the retina. Design:, Prospective study for a 30-month period. Participants:, A total of 74 premature newborn babies, of less than 1500 g and/or 32 weeks' gestational age or less. Testing:, To determine the development and severity of ROP. Main outcome measures:, Serum levels of IGF1 were measured once a week from birth until 40 weeks corrected gestational age in each subject. Results:, Of our subjects, 32.4% developed some form of ROP, and all those ROP patients had the following characteristics at birth (median ± standard deviation scores): low weight (1098 ± 188 vs. 1393 ± 285 g), short length (36.74 ± 1.77 vs. 38.89 ± 3.08 cm), small cranial perimeter (26.03 ± 1.74 vs. 27.93 ± 1.81 cm) and young gestational age (29.7 ± 1.78 vs. 31.3 ± 1.79 weeks) (p < 0.05). Other factors previously associated with ROP that were also observed with statistically significant frequency in our ROP patients were bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intracranial haemorrhage, the need for erythrocyte transfusion or treatment with erythropoietin and sepsis (all p < 0.05). Levels of IGF1 at the 3rd week post-partum, independent of gestational age at birth, were clearly lower in the group who developed ROP (29.13 vs. 43.16 ng/mL, p < 0.05). A value of 30 ng/mL of IGF1 in the third week post-partum was found to have a 90% sensitivity in the diagnosis of ROP. A rapid rise in IGF1 levels between the 3rd and 5th weeks appeared to be related to the development of a higher stage of ROP. Conclusion: Determination of IGF1 serum levels in the 3rd week post-partum, independent of gestational age at birth, provides a sufficient and reliable prognostic tool and allows the identification of a group of patients at high risk of developing the disease. [source] A Pilot Study of Ultrasound Analysis before Pediatric Peripheral Vein Cannulation AttemptACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 5 2007David Schnadower MD ObjectivesTo determine whether peripheral veins can be detected by ultrasound (US) and to determine vein characteristics, as measured by US, that are associated with successful peripheral venous (PV) catheterization in young children. MethodsThe authors conducted an observational study in the pediatric emergency department (ED), with a convenience sample of children younger than 7 years. They evaluated attempts at PV catheterization in two groups on the basis of the visibility and palpability of the patients' veins: 1) clinically apparent (visible or palpable) and 2) not clinically apparent (nonvisible and nonpalpable). The authors obtained sonographic measurements in a transverse view (vertical diameter, circumference, and area) and in a longitudinal view (maximal uninterrupted length). Practitioners blinded to the US images then attempted to catheterize veins in the usual manner. The proportion of clinically apparent veins and the proportion of veins that were successfully catheterized that were identified by US were assessed, and the association between ultrasonographic vein measurements and success at catheterization, controlling for possible confounders, was determined. ResultsThe authors assessed 120 attempts (90 clinically apparent and 30 not clinically apparent) at PV catheterization in 83 patients. US detected all 90 clinically apparent veins, and cannulation success rate was 62/90 (69%). In the not clinically apparent vein group, the rate of success was only 3/30 (10%), and US detected all successfully catheterized veins. In no instance was cannulation successful when the vein was not detected by US. Maximal vein length in longitudinal view was an independent predictor of cannulation success in multivariate analysis. ConclusionsUltrasound appears to be capable of detecting peripheral veins in children younger than 7 years of age, with lack of US vein visualization likely leading to unsuccessful PV placement. Greater vein length visualization may be a useful predictor of successful PV catheterization. [source] Early neurodevelopmental markers predictive of mortality in infants infected with HIV-1DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 2 2003Antolin Llorente PhD One-hundred and fifty-seven vertically infected HIV-1 positive infants (85 males, 72 females) underwent longitudinal assessment to determine whether early neurodevelopmental markers are useful predictors of mortality in those infants who survive to at least 4 months of age. Survival analysis methods were used to estimate time to death for quartiles of 4-month scores (baseline) on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID). Cox proportional hazards progression was used to estimate relative hazard (RH, 95% CI) of death for BSID scores and potential confounders. Thirty infants with BSID scores at 4 months of age died during follow-up. Survival analysis revealed greater mortality rates in infants with BSID (Mental Developmental Index and Psychomotor Developmental Index) scores in the lower quartile(p=0.004,p=0.036). Unadjusted univariate analyses revealed increased mortality associated with baseline CD4+ 29%, gestational age <37 weeks, smaller head circumference, advanced HIV and higher plasma viral load. BSID scores independently predicted mortality after adjusting for treatment, clinical category, gestational age, plasma viral load and CD4+ percentage. [source] Phylogenetic relatedness and plant invader success across two spatial scalesDIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 3 2009Marc W. Cadotte ABSTRACT Aim, Successful invaders often possess similar ecological traits that contribute to success in new regions, and thus under niche conservatism, invader success should be phylogenetically clustered. We asked if the degree to which non-native plant species are phylogenetically related is a predictor of invasion success at two spatial scales. Location, Australia , the whole continent and Royal National Park (south-eastern Australia). Methods, We used non-native plant species occupancy in Royal National Park, as well as estimated continental occupancy of these species from herbarium records. We then estimated phylogenetic relationships using molecular data from three gene sequences available on GenBank (matK, rbcL and ITS1). We tested for phylogenetic signals in occupancy using Blomberg's K. Results, Whereas most non-native plants were relatively scarce, there was a strong phylogenetic signal for continental occupancy, driven by the clustering of successful species in Asteraceae, Caryophyllaceae, Poaceae and Solanaceae. However, we failed to detect a phylogenetic signal at the park scale. Main Conclusions, Our results reveal that at a large spatial scale, invader success is phylogenetically clustered where ecological traits promoting success appear to be shared among close relatives, indicating that phylogenetic relationships can be useful predictors of invasion success at large spatial scales. At a smaller, landscape scale, there was no evidence of phylogenetic clustering of invasion success, and thus, relatedness plays a much reduced role in determining the relative success of invaders. [source] Genetic analysis of three important genes in pigmentation and melanoma susceptibility: CDKN2A, MC1R and HERC2/OCA2EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 9 2010Maider Ibarrola-Villava Please cite this paper as: Genetic analysis of three important genes in pigmentation and melanoma susceptibility: CDKN2A, MC1R and HERC2/OCA2. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 836,844. Abstract:, The CDKN2A gene is regarded as the major familial malignant melanoma (MM) susceptibility gene. Human pigmentation is one of the main modulators of individual risk of developing MM. Therefore, the genes involved in the determination of skin colour and tanning response are potentially implicated in MM predisposition and may be useful predictors of MM risk in the general population. The human melanocortin-1 receptor gene (MC1R) plays a crucial role in pigmentation and also appears to be important in MM. The OCA2 gene has emerged as a new and significant determinant of human iris colour variation. We present a case,control study in Spanish population including 390 consecutive patients with melanoma and 254 control subjects. Sequence analysis of the entire coding region and genotyping of 5 tag-SNPs in the genomic region of MC1R was performed. We identified 27 variants, two reaching statistical significance [R160W (OR: 4.18, 95% CI: 1.24,14.04, P = 0.02) and D294H (OR: 3.10, 95% CI: 1.37,7.01, P = 0.01)] and we detected two novel non-synonymous changes: V92L and T308M. Odds ratio for carrying two functional variants was 4.25 (95% CI: 2.30,7.84, P = 3.63 × 10,6). Haplotypes of the entire MC1R region have been established, and we observed an enrichment of a rare European haplotype similar to African values carrying variants V92M and I155T. In addition, three potentially functional SNPs were selected in p16/CDKN2A and in the promoter region of OCA2/HERC2. Our data for CDKN2A gene did not reach statistically significant results for any of the two studied alleles. We found that the variant allele A > G of OCA2/HERC2 (rs12913832) was associated with pigmentation features: eye, hair and skin colour; P -values = 1.8 × 10,29, 9.2 × 10,16, 1.1 × 10,3, respectively, validating previous results. [source] Destination product characteristics as useful predictors for repeat visiting and recommendation segmentation variables in tourism: a CHAID exhaustive analysisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TOURISM RESEARCH, Issue 5 2008Chris A. Vassiliadis Abstract The present paper constitutes a segmentation research with the use of the exhaustive chi-squared automatic interaction detection tree analysis approach which, through the characteristics of a tourist destination, aims at the illustration of the English and German tourist groups and more specifically, (i) those who are repeat visitors of several tourist destinations and (ii) those who express a willingness to urge other people to visit geographic tourist destinations that the former have already visited. The results of the research help the tourism managers to apprehend the characteristics of the destination products that best describe the visitors. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Predicting Cognitive Impairment in High-Functioning Community-Dwelling Older Persons: MacArthur Studies of Successful AgingJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 6 2002Joshua Chodosh MD, MSHS OBJECTIVES: To examine whether simple cognitive tests, when applied to cognitively intact older persons, are useful predictors of cognitive impairment 7 years later. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Durham, North Carolina; East Boston, Massachusetts; and New Haven, Connecticut, areas that are part of the National Institute on Aging Established Populations for Epidemiological Studies of the Elderly. PARTICIPANTS: Participants, aged 70 to 79, from three community-based studies, who were in the top third of this age group, based on physical and cognitive functional status. MEASUREMENTS: New onset of cognitive impairment as defined by a score of less than 7 on the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) in 1995. RESULTS: At 7 years, 21.8% (149 of 684 subjects) scored lower than 7 on the SPMSQ. Using multivariate logistic regression, three baseline (1988) cognitive tests predicted impairment in 1995. These included two simple tests of delayed recall,the ability to remember up to six items from a short story and up to 18 words from recall of Boston Naming Test items. For each story item missed, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for cognitive impairment was 1.44 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16,1.78, P < .001). For each missed item from the word list, the AOR was 1.20 (95% CI = 1.09,1.31, P < .001). The Delayed Recognition Span, which assesses nonverbal memory, also predicted cognitive impairment, albeit less strongly (odds ratio = 1.06 per each missed answer, 95% CI = 1.003,1.13, P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies measures of delayed recall and recognition as significant early predictors of subsequent cognitive decline in high-functioning older persons. Future efforts to identify those at greatest risk of cognitive impairment may benefit by including these measures. [source]
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