Post-conversion Period Research Articles

CONVERSION INTO FULL-FLEDGE ISLAMIC BANKS AND IT’S IMPACT ON ASSET: EVIDENCE FROM INDONESIAN ISLAMIC BANKING INDUSTRY

Objective: This study aims to analyze whether the number of assets differs before and after conversion to an Islamic bank. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework provides relevant information on Islamic banking and market structure, which forms the basis for the development of hypothesis. Method: Using regression analysis with dummy variables, the study found differences in assets between the pre and post-conversion periods. Results and Discussion: The findings suggest that conversion could be a recommended approach for the Islamic banking industry in Indonesia to accelerate asset growth. Additionally, it offers an optimal solution for smaller-sized conventional banks as an alternative to spin-offs or mergers. Research Implications: This research provides significant contributions to the study of Islamic banking. This research has the implication that conversion can be an alternative strategy for small parent banks. Originality/Value: Several conventional banks in Indonesia have chosen full conversion into Islamic banks as an exit strategy. This decision is in addition to the spin-off option. Bank of Aceh, Bank of NTB and Bank of Riau Kepri completed the full conversion in 2016, 2018 and 2022, respectively. However, research on Islamic bank conversion is still limited.

Tracks of Death: Elephant Casualties along the Habaipur–Diphu Railway in Assam, India

Railway development is an important component of sustainable transportation systems but also affects wildlife habitats worldwide. Here, we assess spatiotemporal patterns of elephant–train collisions and mortalities within the state of Assam, India, and relate them to spatial and temporal land cover change (LCC) from 1988 to 2018. The results indicate that an extension of railways into forested landscapes is associated with large-scale LCC and increased elephant–train collisions and mortality. Prior to 1997, when the railway system used narrower gauge rails, elephant deaths from collisions occurred at a rate of one or two per year. After 1997, when the system was converted to larger gauge rails, elephant deaths increased starkly and now occur at a rate approaching ten per year. While the rail gauges were being converted, the landscape around the Habaipur–Diphu railway line saw a sevenfold increase in annual net loss of dense forest. The transition from forest to croplands was the most dominant process of deforestation and forest fragmentation during the postconversion period. Although elephant–train collisions are strongly associated with the land use transitions shown here, conservation and remediation measures can help to stem further declines in forest habitats and promote safe movement by elephants between resource patches.

Re-examining the explanations of convert radicalization in Salafi-Jihadist terrorism with evidence from Canada

ABSTRACT Evidence from multiple sources suggests converts to Islam are significantly overrepresented in the ranks of Salafi-jihadist terrorists. Researchers have been speculating for some time why this might be the case. This paper identifies, and critically examines, four hypothetical explanations commonly found in the literature: (1) some explanations focus on the significance of prior personal characteristics of the converts; (2) some explanations emphasize the rapidity of the movement from conversion to radicalization; (3) some explanations highlight the lack of religious knowledge on the part of radicalized converts; and (4) some explanations point to the role of the zealotry of converts. Examining each explanation, we find the causal mechanisms hypothesized are inadequate and the hypotheses are incongruent with the data we have collected on radicalized Canadian converts. In the end, we offer an alternative hypothesis, based on the analysis of the response of radicalized converts to an experience of disappointment that is common in the post-conversion period.

Economics of alternative models of organic farming: empirical evidences from zero budget natural farming and scientific organic farming in West Bengal, India

ABSTRACT This paper envisages the economic viability of two alternative models of organic farming i.e. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) and Scientific Organic Farming. In the empirical survey the study considers two clusters based on the two alternative organic models (i.e. a ZBNF model in Purulia district and a scientific organic farming model in Burdwan district) in West Bengal, India. Performance of these models is evaluated by considering three important parameters i.e. cost of cultivation, yield and income. Evidences reveal that the organic farmers under both models have experienced a reduction in per hectare production cost and yield for their crops in the post-conversion period. Evidences also suggest that farmers adopting ZBNF model in Purulia were able to enhance their income, whereas the income reduced significantly for the farmers practicing scientific organic farming in Burdwan. Moreover, a comparative in–depth analysis of performance is carried out between these two alternative models in order to identify the factors that can influence their long-term sustainability. Results indicate that long term sustainability of the organic model is conditioned upon the interplay of agro-climatic conditions and various other socio-economic factors.

SUN-275 DOSE EQUIVALENCY AND EFFICACY OF BIOSIMILAR ERYTHROPOIETIN STIMULATING AGENTS: DATA FROM REAL CLINICAL PRACTICE

Renal anemia is a common complication of end stage renal disease (ESRD) that require continuous replacement therapy with recombinant human erythropoietin stimulating agents (rESA) in most patients. Biosimilar erythropoietin stimulating agents (bESA) are available in Kazakhstan and that most of the dialysis centers switched their patients into the more cost effective bESA. However, important properties of bESA such as dose equivalency to rESA and the ability to maintain hemoglobin (HB) target levels were unknown. Thus, the current study aims to determine dose equivalency and HB target levels in a cohort of dialysis patients who were switched from rESA to bESA. Retrospective data of 74 patients from different dialysis centers were analyzed using different statistical methods. Inclusion: patients who received at least 6 months of rESA and switched to bESA and had at least 6 months follow up period. In addition, the results of a further 3 months period were analyzed to determine the long-term effect of bESA on dose equivalency and HB target level. Data of mean of ESA doses in IU/kg/week and mean HB levels in g/L, 6 months prior the reported switch were calculated and compared to the data from 6 months after the switch. The clinical data of 32 male and 42 female patients were collected. The mean age was 52.5 ± 13.5 years. There is no significant difference in mean levels of HB during pre-conversion from rESA to bESA (6 months prior) and post conversation period (9 months after) [Table 1], in fact the insignificant difference continued to decrease over the post-conversion period. Additionally, a subgroup analysis of patients who received epoetin beta (n=59) 6 months before the switch [Figure 1], showed similar level of HB (110.7±14 vs 113.2±10 g/L, p=0.053) 6 months after conversation to epoetin zeta at the equivalent dose regimen (69.5±29 vs 68.1±30 IU/kg/week, p=0.55). However, after the seven months of conversion, patients using lower doses of ESA (69.5±29 vs 63.3±30 IU/kg/week, p=0.0097), showed significantly higher levels of HB (110.7±14 vs 114.7±8 g/L, p=0.011) compared to pre-conversion period. The analyses of the retrospective data of dialysis patients, showed no inferiority of bESA compared to rESA on dose equivalency and maintaining HB target levels. Also, long-term use of lower doses of bESA managed to maintain HB within the target levels.

Incentives for conventional banks for the conversion into Islamic banks: evidence from Bangladesh

PurposeThe skyrocketing rise of Islamic banking is noticeable in not only Islamic countries but also non-Islamic countries during the past few decades. Many conventional banks have started Islamic banking generally by maintaining separate branches/windows and occasionally by pursuing a complete conversion strategy. Following the global trend, two of the full-fledged Islamic banks adopted a conversion strategy consecutively in 2004 and 2008 in Bangladesh. The number of the conversion case is still limited. At this backdrop, this study aims to identify the incentives in the conversion strategy into Islamic banks.Design/methodology/approachUsing the secondary data from the annual reports of the sample banks for both pre- and post-conversion periods, this study adopts the “case study” approach upon the comparison with the performance of conventional banks and other types of Islamic banks.FindingsIt is apparent that higher reserve requirement for conventional banks provides the incentive for the conversion into Islamic banks given with less reserve requirement. Under the protective regulatory framework, these converted Islamic banks may have enjoyed the rent for learning during the initial phase after the conversion, even though majority of the funds of these banks are collected from high-cost mudaraba time deposits. Basically, the credit strategy of the converted banks has been quite conservative, resulting in the concentrated portfolio selection on the asset-backed financing. However, the recent engagement of these banks in the Shari'ah-based participatory financing makes their performance a bit vulnerable.Research limitations/implicationsIt is becoming difficult to justify a protective regulatory framework for incubating infant Islamic banks if the rent for learning given under the framework would not encourage them to challenge and absorb the risk and uncertainty associated with Shari’ah-based participatory financing. The current mode of profit–loss sharing (PLS) makes it difficult for the regulators to create an appropriate incentive for Islamic banks to challenge the equity-based financing.Originality/valueThe number of the conversion case is limited. Less has been done to investigate the reasons why the conventional banks opt for the conversion into Islamic banks, particularly in Bangladesh.

Contingent convertible bonds with the default risk premium

Contingent convertible bonds (CoCos) are hybrid instruments characterized by both debt and equity. CoCos are automatically converted into equity or written down when a predefined trigger event occurs. The present study quantifies the issuing bank's default risk that only manifests in the post-conversion period for pricing CoCos depending on a loss-absorbing method. This work aims to reflect the distinct features of equity-conversion CoCos - in contrast to a write-down CoCos - in a valuation framework. Accordingly, we propose a model to compute the ratio of common equity Tier 1 (CET1), which is composed of core capital and risky assets, by employing a geometric Brownian motion and a random variable. Then, we formulate the post-conversion risk premium by measuring the probability with which the bank's CET1 ratio breaches a regulatory default threshold after conversion. Finally, we empirically examine a positive value of the post-conversion risk premium embedded in the market prices of equity-conversion CoCos.

Converting immunosuppression from an oral suspension to a granule formulation of tacrolimus in pediatric renal transplant recipients.

OS of tacrolimus prepared from tacrolimus powder is not licensed for children. A licensed GF for OS allows flexibility for body weight-based dose adjustments. This study aimed at exploring the efficacy of conversion from OS to the GF of tacrolimus in stable pediatric renal transplant recipients. Records of 25 pediatric renal transplant recipients aged under 18years who were switched from an unlicensed tacrolimus OS to GF were reviewed. At day 0, 1week, and 4-8weeks post-conversion, there were no differences regarding daily tacrolimus dose (3.4±3 vs 3.5±2.9 vs 3.5±2.9mg/day), trough tacrolimus levels (4.5±2.7 vs 4.2±2.7 vs 4.4±3.1ng/mL), dose-normalized trough tacrolimus levels (1.7±1.1 vs 1.5±1.0 vs 1.7±1.3ng/mL/mg), PCr (65.6±29.4 vs 67.9±30.4 vs 69.8±27.9μmol/L), and eGFR (73±24.9 vs 68.7±20.2 vs 65.5±18.2mL/min/1.73m2 ) (P>.05). GF dose adjustment was required in 52% of participants. Eighty-eight percent of patients had to return for repeat tacrolimus levels following dose modifications, generating 33 extra visits (≥2 extra visits for 1/3 of subjects). No rejection episodes occurred in the year after conversion. In conclusion, conversion from tacrolimus OS to GF in stable pediatric renal transplant recipients is safe and efficacious. However, close therapeutic drug monitoring in the immediate post-conversion period is necessary.

Organizational form, business strategies and the demise of demutualized building societies in the UK

Abstract This paper examines and compares the performance and operating behavior of demutualized building societies (DBS) over the period of 1987–2007 relative to mutual building societies and major retail banks in the UK. We find significant differences in their operating behavior over this period and show that the operating behavior varies with the form of ownership. We also investigate the potential causes of the failure of all DBS in the UK. Our findings show significant changes in the funding and lending strategies of DBS which expose them to higher risk. We also find a strained capital formation and deteriorating capital base of DBS in the post-conversion period. Our results suggest that changes in the business model, diminished capital base and, in part, failing to get all the necessary funding from the wholesale market at the time of the financial crisis of 2007–08 contributed to the demise of a once a successful financial institution in the UK.

Successful Conversion From Parenteral Paricalcitol to Pulse Oral Calcitriol for the Management of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Hemodialysis Patients

The management of hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis patients involves the administration of phosphate binders, vitamin D receptor activators, and calcimimetics. Intravenous paricalcitol has been preferred over oral calcitriol as it may cause less hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. However, there is little data looking at the efficacy and tolerability of oral calcitriol in the calcimimetic era particularly in a real practice-based experience. The University of California, Irvine free-standing dialysis center converted from routine intravenous paricalcitol to oral calcitriol due to pharmacy purchasing preferences. We report the efficacy, safety, and cost of such a change. Ninety-three preconversion intravenous paricalcitol and 91 postconversion oral calcitriol. Conversion to in-center, pulse, oral calcitriol (0.25 mcg=1 mcg paricalcitol) 3 times a week from intravenous paricalcitol. Additional dose adjustments were made by the nephrologists based on clinical indications. Five-month average serum calcium, phosphorous, and intact parathyroid hormone levels and cardiovascular events pretransition and posttransition. There were 93 patients on intravenous paricalcitol between April 2013 and August 2013, of which 74 converted to oral calcitriol and were included in the postconversion group evaluated between October 2013 and February 2014. An additional 17 new patients had initiated calcitriol such that 91 patients were on oral therapy in the postconversion period. Sevelamer use increased from 41 (44.1%) patients preconversion to 48 (52.7%) postconversion, whereas calcium acetate use significantly dropped from 62 (66.7%) to 46 (50.5%) (P=.026). Cinacalcet use dropped slightly from 37 (39.7%) patients preconversion to 35 (38.4%) postconversion. Average serum calcium, phosphorus, and intact parathyroid hormone levels remained unchanged after conversion. Percent of values within Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative guidelines were similarly maintained. Estimated vitamin D cost savings were $564 per person/year. No increase in the incidence of cardiovascular events was observed. We conclude that in-center distributed pulse oral calcitriol may be an effective, safe, and economical treatment option for the management of hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis patients.

Conversion from thrice- to twice-daily pregabalin dosing for pain: Economic and clinical outcomes in a veteran population.

Results of a study analyzing economic and clinical outcomes one year after conversion from thrice- to twice-daily pregabalin dosing for pain are presented. A retrospective chart review was conducted at two Veterans Affairs facilities. The analyzed population included all patients receiving pregabalin for pain whose dosing was converted from thrice- to twice-daily pregabalin dosing during a one-year period. The primary endpoint was the economic impact of the conversion. Secondary endpoints included reversion to thrice-daily pregabalin dosing, pregabalin discontinuation, addition of medications for pain, and unscheduled neuropathy-related visits. Among the 57 patients included in the data analysis, 41 continued to take pregabalin twice daily, 10 had pregabalin discontinued, and 6 had dosing reverted to thrice daily. The mean age of patients and the distribution of add-on pain medications did not differ significantly between patients whose pregabalin dosing frequency remained at twice daily and patients whose frequency reverted to thrice daily. The costs associated with pregabalin therapy differed significantly between the preconversion and postconversion periods. A savings of $115,867 was realized from this conversion for both facilities combined over the course of one year. In patients receiving pregabalin for pain, conversion from thrice- to twice-daily pregabalin dosing-while maintaining the same daily dose-resulted in substantial cost savings while having little effect on clinical outcomes.

Economic impact of converting from 10-mL insulin vials to 3-mL vials and pens in a hospital setting.

The economic impact associated with the conversion from 10-mL vials of insulin to 3-mL vials and pens at a community hospital was assessed. Pharmacy purchasing and administrative data from Providence St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, Oregon, were used in this analysis. The hospital converted floor-stock 10-mL vials of insulin in October 2010 to individual patient supply (IPS) 3-mL vials and pens. Insulin acquisition costs from the nine-month preconversion period were compared with those during the nine-month postconversion period. Before the conversion, total acquisition costs were $168,783 for 5,086,500 units of insulin. After the conversion, total acquisition costs were reduced by 8.6% (to $154,303) and units purchased were reduced by 33.1% (to 3,404,900 units of insulin). The analyses also examined the results of converting to 3-mL vials of rapid-, short-, or intermediate-acting insulin to 3-mL pens of long-acting insulin analog. Conversion from 10- to 3-mL vials was associated with a 37.6% reduction in units of insulin and a 23.5% reduction in acquisition costs. In contrast, switching from 10-mL vials to 3-mL pens was associated with a 10.1% increase in costs, despite the fact that there was a 11.5% reduction in units purchased. Conversion from floor-stock 10-mL insulin vials to IPS 3-mL insulin vials or pens reduced the number of units of insulin purchased and expenditures for insulin. The overall cost savings was driven by the conversion from 10- to 3-mL vials, whereas cost increased for the conversion of 10-mL vials to 3-mL pens for long-acting insulin analogs.

Real-World Dose-Relativity, Tablet Burden, and Cost Comparison of Conversion Between Sevelamer Hydrochloride/Carbonate and Lanthanum Carbonate Monotherapies

PurposeSevelamer hydrochloride/carbonate (SH/C) and lanthanum carbonate (LC) are noncalcium-based phosphate binders used for the management of hyperphosphatemia in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The objectives of this study were to examine the dose-relativity, tablet burden, and cost difference of bidirectional conversion between SH/C and LC monotherapy in a large cohort of real-world patients with ESRD. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included three 30-day preconversion periods (days −90 to −61, −60 to −31, and −30 to −1) followed by three 30-day postconversion periods (days 1 to 30, 31 to 60, and 61 to 90); day 0 was the index date of conversion. The full analysis population (FAP) comprised two cohorts: SH/C to LC (S–L) converters and LC to SH/C (L–S) converters. The SH/C:LC dose-relativity ratio was assessed in the dose-relativity subset, defined as patients whose serum phosphate levels fell within a caliper range of ±0.5 mg/dL in the final preconversion (days −30 to −1) and postconversion (days 61 to 90) periods. Tablet burden and phosphate binder costs were assessed in the FAP. Phosphate binder costs were based on average wholesale prices. FindingsThe FAP contained a total of 303 patients, comprising the S–L (128 patients) and L–S (175 patients) converter cohorts. The dose-relativity subset contained 159 patients, 72 from the S–L cohort and 87 from the L–S cohort. The overall mean SH/C:LC dose-relativity ratio was 2.27 (95% CI, 2.04 to 2.52). In SH/C dose strata >800 to 2400, >2400 to 4800, >4800 to 7200, and >7200 mg/d, overall mean dose-relativity ratios were 0.79 (95% CI, 0.57 to 1.10), 1.45 (95% CI, 1.20 to 1.75), 2.05 (95% CI, 1.75 to 2.39), and 3.24 (95% CI, 2.89 to 3.66), respectively. The overall mean tablet burden was 6.6 tablets per day lower with LC monotherapy than with SH/C monotherapy (95% CI, −7.1 to −6.0; P < 0.0001). The overall mean binder cost/patient per month was $1080.40 for SH/C compared with $1006.20 for LC, corresponding to a mean binder cost saving for LC of $74.20/patient per month (95% CI, −141.80 to −6.63; P = 0.032). SH/C >7800 mg/d was the inflection point at which conversion to LC resulted in mean cost savings. Patients requiring SH/C >7800 mg/d comprised 50% of the FAP. ImplicationsConverting patients with ESRD and hyperphosphatemia from SH/C to LC monotherapy offers potential drug cost savings and a significant reduction in the daily tablet burden, without compromising the effective management of serum phosphate levels.

Wandering Clerics and Mixed Rituals in the Early Christian North,c.1000–c.1150

This article questions the traditional perception of early Christianisation in Scandinavia and Northern Rus' as processes separated by established confessional and institutional boundaries. Surviving narrative sources mention a number of clerical peregrinators crossing confessional borders in northern Europe in the post-conversion period, and some contemporaneous baptismal rites from Scandinavia and northern Rus' testify to their ability to influence the basic Christian rituals in both regions. These phenomena suggest that differences between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches were in no way preventing contacts across the early Christian north in the eleventh and the first half of the twelfth century.

Indian farmers' experience with and perceptions of organic farming

AbstractIn India, the number of farmers converting to organic farming has increased in the recent past despite the lack of government support in providing knowledge and extension to the farmers. The aim of this article is to investigate the perceived relevance, benefits and barriers to a conversion to organic agriculture in three different Indian contexts—in Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand states. In each state, 40 farmers from both organic and conventional systems were interviewed. The findings indicated that conventional producers identified production and marketing barriers as the main constraints to adopting organic farming, while the age and education of the farmer were not deemed a problem. Lack of knowledge and lack of institutional support were other barriers to conversion. Some farmers were, however, interested in converting to organic farming in the near future in Madhya Pradesh due to the low cost of production, and in Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand due to the price premium and health benefits. On the other hand, organic farmers were more concerned with health, environmental and production factors when institutional support was available. The years under conversion were positively associated with reduced input costs in all three states and with increased income in Tamil Nadu and increased yield in Madhya Pradesh. Both organic and conventional farmers found the two production factors, low yield and pest control, to be of major concern. However, organic farms in Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand experienced yield increases because most of the farms were in the post-conversion period, while the farms in Tamil Nadu were in the conversion period and experienced yield reduction. The study suggests that the government scheme for compensating yield loss during the conversion period and a price premium may help farmers adopt organic agriculture on a large scale in India.

Stock exchange demutualization, self-listing and performance: The case of the Australian Stock Exchange

This paper examines the effects of the recent spate of financial exchange mutual-to-stock conversion phenomenon on the performance of listed exchanges and the quality of the stock market using the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) as a case study. We find that the ASX stock significantly outperformed the stock index and the control group on a market-adjusted return basis. The stock market performance is driven by strong operating performance. The profitability ratios of the ASX have significantly improved in the five years following the demutualization and self-listing. The performance improvements remain significant even after controlling for growth in the Australian economy. From a market quality perspective, we document evidence of increased trading activity by foreign investors after ASX’s demutualization and self-listing. Interestingly, we also find that bid-ask spreads of the stock market have narrowed in the post-conversion period. In particular, small-cap firms have become more liquid. The results show that stock exchange conversion from mutual to publicly traded exchange is not only value enhancing for the exchange and its shareholders, but it is also beneficial for the stock market as a whole.

Josef Fuchs on natural law

Introduction Part I: The Preconversion Period (1941-66) 1. Natural Law and the Confrontation with Situation Ethics 2. A Fuller Account of Natural Law 3. The Intellectual Conversion: The Pontifical Commission on Population, Family, and Birth, 1963-66 Part II: The Postconversion Period (1966-Present) 4. Theological Anthropology and Natural Law 5. The Core of Fuch's Mature Natural Law Theory: Natural Law and Recto Ratio 6. Natural Law, Christian Faith, and Moral Norms Conclusion

Cost Analysis of Therapeutic Interchange of Calcium Channel Blockers for the Treatment of Hypertension: Unexpected Results from a Conversion Program

OBJECTIVE: To examine drug expenses and overall health care resource utilization associated with a calcium channel blocker therapeutic interchange and conversion program. DESIGN: A pre/post analysis involving a retrospective cohort study design and primarily using administrative databases was done. The study was conducted from an institutional perspective using hospital-specific drug acquisition costs in 1997 dollars. SETTING: Veterans Administration Hospital, Saginaw, Michigan. PATIENTS: One hundred and one patients receiving extended-release nifedipine (Procardia XL) were converted to either amlodipine (Norvasc) or felodipine (Plendil) through the institution's conversion program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in total drug cost, secondary health resource utilization, study drug costs, cardiovascular drug costs, noncardiovascular drug costs, and change in severity of hypertension. RESULTS: Unexpectedly, the total cost of drug therapy was significantly higher during the nine-month postconversion period r...

Changes in atrial electrical properties following cardioversion of chronic atrial fibrillation: relation with recurrence.

To study the reversibility of atrial electrical remodeling and its relation with recurrence in post-conversion chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF) patients. In 28 drug-free CAF patients (mean AF duration 41+/-39 months) electrically converted to sinus rhythm effective refractory period (ERP) at 500 ms, monophasic action potential at 90% of repolarization (MAPd90) at five cycle lengths (CL, 350, 400, 450, 500, 600 ms), and P wave duration were measured three times: within the interval 5-20 min post-conversion, 24 h and 1 month later. Fifteen subjects with no history of AF and normal atrial structure served as a control group. Patients were followed up for recurrence for 1 month; 12 relapsed. ERP changed from 205+/-20 to 243+/-31 to 241+/-24 ms (P<0. 001), attaining a level comparable to that of the controls (238+/-21 ms) within 24 h. MAPd90 significantly (P<0.001) increased (from 175+/-11 to 190+/-19 to 191+/-10 ms at CL 350 ms and 201+/-12 to 234+/-20 and 233+/-23 ms at CL 600 ms) also reaching control levels within 24 h. MAPd90 exhibited an abnormal adaptation to rate only in the first evaluation. P wave duration was prolonged (137+/-33 ms) and exhibited a slower course of shortening (130+/-32 to 123+/-27 ms, P<0.001), reaching control levels within 1 month. Patients with higher values of MAPd90 at CL 350 in the immediate post-conversion period were more likely to relapse (P<0.005). ERP and repolarization shortening as a result of CAF are reversed within 24 h after conversion, while P wave duration reduces more slowly. Post-conversion MAPd90 values contain prognostic information for recurrence.

Effects of biologically treated bleached‐kraft mill effluent before and after mill conversion to increased chlorine dioxide substitution: Results of an experimental streams study

AbstractLarge‐scale outdoor experimental streams were used to determine the effects of effluent on stream biota before and after conversion of a bleached‐kraft mill to increased chlorine dioxide substitution. Data for long‐term (6 to 9 months) exposures at 1.5 and 5 0% v/v effluent in periods before and after conversion were compared for effluent quality, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) production, growth, survival, and histopathology, and periphyton and macroinvertebrate community characteristics. Data for cytochrome P4501A and ethoxyresorufin O‐deethylase (EROD) biomarkers in trout were obtained in an additional 1 5‐month postconversion exposure. Postconversion effluent was characterized by reduced chlorinated organic constituents and adsorbable organic halides. Rainbow trout in both the pre‐ and postconversion periods indicated a pattern of greater size, fewer numbers, and equal or greater production in the effluent‐exposed populations compared to unexposed controls. Fish health measurements, including histopathology, hematology, and liver somatic indices, did not indicate significant negative effects, contrasting with the biomarkers, where there was a significant, positive dose‐response relationship with similar effluent exposures. The lack of major differences in fish and other stream biota responses following the reductions in effluent chlorinated organic compounds raises questions about the ecological relevance of these compounds at the concentrations tested.