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Potential Indicator (potential + indicator)
Selected AbstractsEffects of Economic Prosperity on Numbers of Threatened SpeciesCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2001Robin Naidoo We corrected for factors that might otherwise confound such a relationship. Our study was motivated by the continuing debate over the relationship between environmental degradation and per-capita income. Proponents of the environmental Kuznets-curve hypothesis argue that although environmental degradation may increase initially, increases in per-capita income will eventually result in greater environmental quality. Theoretical objections and the lack of widespread empirical evidence recently have thrown doubt on the existence of such a pattern. Treating threat to biodiversity as one potential indicator of environmental degradation, we divided threatened species into seven taxonomic groups ( plants, mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fishes, and invertebrates) and analyzed each group separately. Count-data regression analysis indicated that the number of threatened species was related to per-capita gross national product in five of seven taxonomic groups. Birds were the only taxonomic group in which numbers of threatened species decreased throughout the range of developed countries' per-capita gross national product. Plants, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates showed increasing numbers of threatened species throughout this same range. If these relationships hold, increasing numbers of species from several taxonomic groups are likely to be threatened with extinction as countries increase in prosperity. A key challenge is to understand the interactions among consumer preferences, biology, and institutions that lead to the relationship observed for birds and to see whether this knowledge can be applied to conservation of other taxa. Resumen: Utilizamos datos de más de 100 países para investigar la relación entre números de especies amenazadas y el producto interno bruto per cápita. Hicimos ajustes para factores que pudieran confundir tal relación. Nuestro estudio fue motivado por el continuo debate sobre la relación entre la degradación ambiental y el ingreso per cápita. Proponentes de la hipótesis de la curva ambiental de Kuznets argumentan que, aunque la degradación ambiental puede aumentar inicialmente, el incremento en el ingreso per cápita eventualmente resultará en una mejor calidad ambiental. Recientemente, objeciones teóricas y la carencia de evidencia empírica generalizada hacen dudar de la existencia de ese patrón. Tratando la amenaza a la biodiversidad como un potencial indicador de la degradación ambiental, dividimos a las especies amenazadas en siete grupos taxonómicos (plantas, mamíferos, aves, anfibios, reptiles, peces e invertebrados) y analizamos cada uno por separado. El análisis de regresión de los datos de conteo indicó que el número de especies amenazadas se relacionó con el producto interno bruto per cápita en 5 de los 7 grupos taxonómicos. Las aves fueron el único grupo en el que el número de especies amenazadas decreció a lo largo del rango del producto interno bruto per cápita de los países desarrollados. Las plantas, anfibios, reptiles e invertebrados mostraron un incremento en el número de especies amenazadas en este mismo rango. Si estas relaciones persisten, es posible que aumente el número de especies, de varios grupos taxonómicos, amenazadas de extinción a medida que los países incrementen su prosperidad. Constituye un reto clave entender las interacciones entre la preferencia de los consumidores y los factores biológicos e institucionales que conducen a la relación observada en las aves, y ver si este conocimiento puede aplicarse en la conservación de otros taxones. [source] Plant species response to land use change ,Campanula rotundifolia, Primula veris and Rhinanthus minorECOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2005Regina Lindborg Land use change is a crucial driver behind species loss at the landscape scale. Hence, from a conservation perspective, species response to habitat degradation or improvement of habitat quality, is important to examine. By using indicator species it may be possible to monitor long-term survival of local populations associated with land use change. In this study we examined three potential indicator (response) species for species richness and composition in Scandinavian semi-natural grassland communities: Campanula rotundifolia, Primula veris and Rhinanthus minor. With field inventories and experiments we examined their response to present land use, habitat degradation and improvement of local habitat quality. At the time scale examined, C. rotundifolia was the only species responding to both habitat degradation and improvement of habitat quality. Neither R. minor nor P. veris responded positively to habitat improvements although both responded rapidly to direct negative changes in habitat quality. Even though C. rotundifolia responded quickly to habitat degradation, it did not disappear completely from the sites. Instead, the population structure changed in terms of decreased population size and flowering frequency. It also showed an ability to form remnant populations which may increase resilience of local habitats. Although P. veris and especially R. minor responded rapidly to negative environmental changes and may be useful as early indicators of land use change, it is desirable that indicators respond to both degradation and improvement of habitat quality. Thus, C. rotundifolia is a better response species for monitoring effects of land use change and conservation measures, provided that both local and regional population dynamics are monitored over a long time period. [source] Assessing the variability of hydrographic processes influencing the life cycle of the Sicilian Channel anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus, by satellite imageryFISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2005JESÚS GARCÍA LAFUENTE Abstract Three oceanographic surveys carried out in the Sicilian Channel during the spawning season (June to July) of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) showed a close relationship between anchovy reproductive strategy and important hydrographic structures. A time series of satellite-derived sea surface temperature images of the Sicilian Channel were analysed by means of empirical orthogonal functions and the dominant empirical modes were studied in detail. The first empirical mode captured much of the original variance and reproduced the trajectory of the Atlantic Ionian Stream (AIS), the principal hydrodynamic feature of the area. The time coefficients of modes 1 and 2 had seasonal signals which, when combined, accounted for the enhancement of the thermal front, clearly visible off Cape Passero (southernmost coast of Sicily) during summer. As the area constituted the principal nursery ground of the Sicilian Channel anchovy, the combination of the time coefficients of these modes was considered a potential indicator of the food particle concentration usually associated with oceanic fronts, which provided the energy requirements for larval growth. Mode 3 described the north/south displacements of the mean AIS trajectory, which modified the surface temperature regime of the anchovy spawning habitat. Therefore, the time coefficients of this mode were used as a potential indicator of anchovy spawning habitat variability. The capability of time coefficients of modes 2 and 3 to modify the main pattern depicted by mode 1 were tested successfully against in situ oceanographic observations. [source] Subsurface Imaging of an Abandoned Solid Waste Landfill Site in Norman, OklahomaGROUND WATER MONITORING & REMEDIATION, Issue 2 2006Joseph T. Zume Leachate plume emanating from an old unlined municipal landfill site near the city of Norman, Oklahoma, is discharging into the underlying alluvial aquifer. Subsurface imaging techniques, electrical resistivity tomography and electrical conductivity (EC) logging, were used on the site to detect and map the position of the leachate plume. Anomalous EC zones, delineated with the two methods, correlated with the occurrence of the plume detected by water chemistry analyses from multilevel monitoring wells. Specific conductance, a potential indicator of leachate contamination, ranged from 1861 to 7710 ,S/cm in contaminated zones and from 465 to 2180 ,S/cm in uncontaminated ground water. Results are in agreement with those from earlier studies that the leachate plume emerges from the landfill along preferential pathways. Additionally, there are indications that the leading edge of the plume has migrated, at least, 200 m away from the landfill in the direction of ground water flow. [source] Riparian influence on hyporheic-zone formation downstream of a small dam in the Blackland Prairie region of TexasHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 2 2007Jacquelyn R. Duke Abstract Small-order streams have highly variable flows that can result in large temporal and spatial variation of the hyporheic zone. Dam construction along these intermittent headwater streams alters downstream flow and influences the hydrologic balance between stream water and the adjacent riparian zone. A 3-year site study was conducted along an impounded second-order stream to determine the water balance between stream, unsaturated zone, groundwater and riparian vegetation. The presence of the upstream impoundment provided near-perennial water flow in the stream channel. The observed woody plant transpiration accounted for 71% of average annual water loss in the site. The overall contribution of stream water via the hyporheic zone to site water balance was 73 cm, or 44% of total inputs. This exceeded both rainfall and upland subsurface contribution to the site. A highly dynamic hyporheic zone was indicated by high water use from woody plants that fluctuated seasonally with stream water levels. We found leaf area development in the canopy layer to be closely coupled with stream and groundwater fluctuations, indicating its usefulness as a potential indicator of site water balance for small dam systems. The net result of upstream impoundment increased riparian vegetation productivity by influencing movement of stream water to storage in the groundwater system. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Is there variability in drug release and physical characteristics of amiodarone chloride from different commercially available tablets?INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE, Issue 4 2010Possible therapeutic implications Abstract Objectives, Amiodarone is a low-solubility, high-permeability drug with a narrow therapeutic index and reported bioavailability problems associated with switching formulations. The aim of this study was to identify whether there is variability in drug release and physical characteristics of different commercially available amiodarone hydrochloride formulations in Australia. Methods, Four available formulations (innovator Cordarone (COR) and generic products G1, G2 and G3) were tested for drug dissolution, content uniformity, hardness, weight variation, friability and disintegration in accordance with the US Pharmacopeia specifications. Key findings, The tested formulations exhibited variable dissolution behaviours: G1 and G3 exhibited the fastest dissolution, G2 dissolution was the slowest and Cordarone showed a medium dissolution. After 3 months' exposure to high temperature (40 ± 2°C) and relative humidity (75 ± 5%), the products exhibited a higher degree of disparity, with drug-release profiles of the generics being markedly different from that of Cordarone. This suggests possible implications on bioequivalence for patients who live in warm/tropical regional areas. Most products met the US Pharmacopeia specifications for drug-content uniformity and other test physical characteristics. Conclusions, The results suggested that variability in drug release profiles in vitro of amiodarone formulations might be a potential indicator of compromised bioavailability, causing possible interference with the therapeutic response of the drug. [source] Perspective: Assessing the Clinical Utility of Serum CTX in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis and Its Use in Predicting Risk of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2009Sanford Baim Abstract Bone turnover markers (BTMs) have become increasingly important in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO). In bisphosphonate-treated women with PMO, BTMs can provide early indications of treatment efficacy, are predictors of BMD response and fracture risk reduction, and are potentially useful for monitoring patient compliance. The bone resorption marker serum C-telopeptide cross-link of type 1 collagen (sCTX) has shown high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of increased bone resorption. Recently, sCTX has been singled out as a potential indicator of risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in patients receiving oral bisphosphonates who require oral surgery. However, whether BTMs are capable of predicting ONJ risk and whether sCTX is usable for this purpose are controversial questions. This article presents an overview of the current literature regarding critical issues affecting the clinical utility of BTMs (including variability and reference ranges) and the current applications of BTMs in PMO management, with a focus on sCTX. Last, the appropriateness of using sCTX to predict ONJ risk in women receiving oral bisphosphonates for PMO is evaluated. [source] The Mediterranean bryozoan Myriapora truncata (Pallas, 1766): a potential indicator of (palaeo-) environmental conditionsLETHAIA, Issue 3 2007BJÖRN BERNING Fossil and Recent specimens of the Mediterranean bryozoan Myriapora truncata show considerable intra- and intercolonial differences in branch diameter and zooid size. Statistically significant variability occurs within colonies, between colonies within sites, and between sampled sites, while the presence of intracolonial variability clearly shows that branch diameter is largely controlled by environmental parameters. The three structural traits measured (branch diameter, zooid size and zooid depth) do not correlate, thus indicating a disconnection between the controls on overall zooid size and branch diameter. Possible environmental parameters that may have an influence on morphology are temperature, food supply or current energy. Whereas current energy has an effect on the colony branching pattern (branch spacing), there are indications that temperature may be the main, but not the only, parameter controlling zooid size, and it is suggested that food supply largely determines the branch diameter in M. truncata. However, the identification of the decisive factors and quantification of the relationships between environmental and morphological change is beyond the scope of this study. The results nevertheless show that, if the control factors of morphological variability can be ascertained in Recent M. truncata, this species may prove to be an indicator of environmental conditions and their change at different spatial and temporal scales in Cenozoic to Recent Mediterranean habitats. [source] Expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase and cyclin-D1 in olfactory neuroblastoma,APMIS, Issue 1 2007SHENG-LAN WANG Olfactory neuroblastoma is an uncommon neoplasm. Typically, these tumors are indolent with long-standing symptomatology, but the fact that the lesions are indeed malignant has been proven by the repeated demonstration that they can metastasize to distant organs. Suitable prognostic factors are lacking and therapeutic strategy still remains controversial. Expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is associated with most human malignancies and high levels have been correlated with poor prognosis in many cancers. In comparison, overexpression of cyclin-D1 occurs in several malignancies and has been associated with aggressive tumor behavior and poorer prognosis. In this study, we collected 16 olfactory neuroblastomas from the Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital. The aim was to investigate the value of immunoexpression of hTERT and cyclin-D1 in correlation with clinicopathologic features of olfactory neuroblastoma. Low and high cyclin-D1 expression was found in 6 and 10 cases, respectively. For hTERT, low and high protein expression was detected in 5 and 11 tumors, respectively. Cyclin-D1 expression was not correlated with selected parameters. However, high hTERT expression was significantly correlated with high Kadish stage. In conclusion, high hTERT expression can be considered a potential indicator of aggressive olfactory neuroblastoma. [source] An exergy calculator tool for process simulationASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 5 2007Juan M. Montelongo-Luna Abstract The constant tightening of environmental regulations and the ongoing need to reduce operating costs have posed a challenge for the design of any chemical process. Process engineers use process simulators to help them perform calculations that will, ultimately, result in design parameters or operating conditions for a plant or process. Exergy is a potential indicator that can aid in the design of energy efficient chemical processes and plants. The exergy concept has been increasingly used as a tool to locate the critical energy use in many industrial processes, both chemical and non-chemical. However, currently most process simulators in the market do not offer the capability of calculating the exergy of a process. An open-source exergy calculator has been created by embedding the calculation procedure in an open-source chemical process simulator. This improves process simulation by including a potential tool for design teams to quickly evaluate several process options in detail in order to understand their energy utilisation. A simple exergy analysis for a gas processing facility is used to demonstrate the capabilities of the tool. The analysis shows where the largest quantities of exergy are being consumed within the plant, thus pointing to areas where improvement in energy usage can be made. The use of exergy as a potential design and retrofit tool is also discussed. Copyright © 2007 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Microwave-based alkali pretreatment of switchgrass and coastal bermudagrass for bioethanol productionBIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 3 2010Deepak R. Keshwani Abstract Switchgrass and coastal bermudagrass are promising lignocellulosic feedstocks for bioethanol production. However, pretreatment of lignocelluloses is required to improve production of fermentable sugars from enzymatic hydrolysis. Microwave-based alkali pretreatment of switchgrass and coastal bermudagrass was investigated in this study. Pretreatments were carried out by immersing the biomass in dilute alkali reagents and exposing the slurry to microwave radiation at 250 W for residence times ranging from 5 to 20 min. Simons' stain method was used to quantify changes in biomass porosity as a result of the pretreatment. Pretreatments were evaluated based on yields of total reducing sugars, glucose, and xylose. An evaluation of different alkalis identified sodium hydroxide as the most effective alkali reagent for microwave-based pretreatment of switchgrass and coastal bermudagrass. 82% glucose and 63% xylose yields were achieved for switchgrass and 87% glucose and 59% xylose yields were achieved for coastal bermudagrass following enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass pretreated under optimal conditions. Dielectric properties for dilute sodium hydroxide solutions were measured and compared with solid losses, lignin reduction, and reducing sugar levels in hydrolyzates. Results indicate that dielectric loss tangent of alkali solutions is a potential indicator of the severity of microwave-based pretreatments. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010 [source] My Dog's Better Than Your Dog: Publication Counts and Quality of Clinical Psychology PhD TrainingCLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE, Issue 2 2007Martin Heesacker As a potential indicator of program quality, publication counts are of interest to colleagues who are invested in this activity, generally, and ultimately of little use in evaluating doctoral training. Quality programs are inherently multidimensional and complex, as is our profession; therefore, determinations of quality must explicitly define the essential elements of doctoral training and improve upon existing evaluation systems. [source] The phenomenology of bipolar disorder: what drives the high rate of medical burden and determines long-term prognosis?DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 1 2009Isabella Soreca M.D. Abstract Bipolar disorder (BD) has been classically described as one of episodic mood disturbances. New evidence suggests that a chronic course and multisystem involvement is the rule, rather than the exception, and that together with disturbances of circadian rhythms, mood instability, cognitive impairment, a high rate of medical burden is often observed. The current diagnostic approach for BD neither describes the multisystem involvement that the recent literature has highlighted nor points toward potential predictors of long- term outcome. In light of the new evidence that the long-term course of BD is associated with a high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity and an increased mortality from medical disease, we propose a multidimensional approach that includes several symptom domains, namely affective instability, circadian rhythm dysregulation, and cognitive and executive dysfunction, presenting in various combinations that give shape to each individual presentation, and offers potential indicators of overall long-term prognosis. Depression and Anxiety, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Ecophysiological attributes of a Lactobacillus sp. and a Pseudomonas sp. on sterile beef fillets in relation to storage temperature and film permeabilityJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2001E. Tsigarida Aims:,To determine the combined effect of packaging film and temperature on the rate and type of end-products caused by the growth of two main contrasting prevailing organisms in air and 100% CO2, Pseudomonas sp. and Lactobacillus sp., respectively. Methods and Results:,Pseudomonas sp. and Lactobacillus sp. were inoculated individually on sterile meat fillets. The samples were packed in air or 100% CO2, using a high and a low permeable film, and stored at 0 and 10°C. Pseudomonas sp. grew aerobically and in 100% CO2 using high permeable film at both storage temperatures, while film permeability significantly affected the growth of Lactobacillus sp. only at 10°C. Enzymatic kits and HPLC and GC analysis were used to determine the chemical changes of the samples throughout storage. Pseudomonas sp. presented a greater rate of consumption of glucose and lactate than Lactobacillus sp. in samples stored aerobically or with high permeable film. Propanol-1 and two unidentified organic acids were present only in samples inoculated with Pseudomonas sp., while acetaldehyde, ethanol, diacetyl and acetoin were detected in samples inoculated with Lactobacillus sp. Conclusions:,Since different microbial species and introduction of new packaging methods affect spoilage reactions of meat either qualitatively or quantitatively, a combination of several chemical indicators should be thoroughly investigated. Significance and Impact of the Study:,The present study provides information on how and when such potential indicators can be exploited for the benefit of the industry and consumer. [source] Spiders as potential indicators of elephant-induced habitat changes in endemic sand forest, Maputaland, South AfricaAFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Charles R. Haddad Abstract Elephant impacts on spider assemblages, and the potential use of spiders as indicators of habitat changes was assessed in central Maputaland, South Africa. Three habitats, namely undisturbed sand forest, elephant disturbed sand forest and mixed woodland, were sampled. To ensure a thorough representation of all spider guilds, spiders were collected by tree beating, sweep netting, active searching, leaf litter sifting and pitfall traps. In total, 2808 individual spiders, representing 36 families, 144 determined genera and 251 species were collected. Spider abundance was highest in the undisturbed sand forest (n = 1129, S = 179), followed by elephant disturbed sand forest (n = 1006, S = 165) and mixed woodland (n = 673, S = 171). Assemblages of the two sand forests were more similar than to the mixed woodland assemblage. Active hunting species were indicators of the more open vegetation of elephant disturbed sand forest (six active hunters, no web-builders) and mixed woodland (ten active hunters, one web-builder), whereas web-builders are indicators of the dense, complex vegetation structure of undisturbed sand forest (six web-builders, three active hunters). Elephant-induced changes to the vegetation structure in this high diversity, high endemism region result in changes in the composition of spider assemblages, and may need to be mitigated by management intervention. Résumé L'impact des éléphants sur les assemblages d'araignées, et l'utilisation éventuelle des araignées comme indicateurs de changements des habitats, ont étéévalués dans le centre du Maputaland, en Afrique du Sud. Trois habitats ont étééchantillonnés, à savoir la forêt sableuse intacte, la forêt sableuse perturbée par des éléphants et la forêt mixte. Pour garantir une représentation complète de toutes les guildes d'araignées, on a récolté des araignées en frappant sur les arbres, en agitant des filets, en pratiquant une recherche active, en tamisant la litière de feuilles, et avec des pièges. Au total, on a récolté 2 808 araignées; représentant 36 familles, 144 genres déterminés et 251 espèces. L'abondance d'araignées était la plus grande dans la forêt sableuse non perturbée (n = 1129, S = 179), suivie par la forêt sableuse perturbée par les éléphants (n = 1006, S = 165), puis par la forêt mixte (n = 673, S = 171). Les assemblages des deux forêts sableuses étaient plus semblables entre eux qu'avec celui de la forêt mixte. Les espèces d'araignées qui chassent activement étaient des indicateurs de la végétation plus ouverte de la forêt perturbée par les éléphants (six chasseurs actifs, aucun constructeur de toile) et de la forêt mixte (dix chasseurs actifs, un constructeur de toile), alors que les constructeurs de toile étaient des indicateurs de la structure dense et complexe de la végétation de la forêt sableuse intacte (six constructeurs de toile, trois chasseurs actifs). Les éléphants induisaient des changements dans la structure de la végétation de cette région à la diversitéélevée et d'un fort endémisme, ce qui entraînait des modifications de la composition des assemblages d'araignées. Cela pourrait devoir être atténué par une intervention de la gestion. [source] Serum eosinophil granule proteins predict asthma risk in allergic rhinitisALLERGY, Issue 5 2009L. P. Nielsen Background:, Allergic rhinitis is a common disease, in which some patients will deteriorate or develop asthma. It is important to characterize these patients, thereby offering the possibility for prevention. This study evaluated eosinophil parameters as potential indicators of deteriorating allergic airway disease. Methods:, The subjects of the study included all patients who suffered seasonal allergic rhinitis and had participated in a study 6 years earlier, in which blood eosinophils, serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) serum eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), nasal lavage ECP and nasal lavage EPO levels were measured. Patients in the present study were interviewed on occurrence of rhinitis symptoms during the last season, rhinitis outside season, asthma-like symptoms and asthma diagnosis, and were skin-prick tested for common aeroallergens. Eosinophil parameters from the study 6 years earlier were then tested for the ability to predict occurrence of new allergies, worsening of rhinitis and occurrence of asthma. Results:, Forty-four patients participated in the study. In four patients seasonal rhinitis symptoms had deteriorated, 10 had experienced perennial rhinitis symptoms, 14 reported asthma-like symptoms and seven had been diagnosed with asthma. Thirteen had developed additional sensitization. Patients developing asthma-like symptoms compared with patients with no such symptoms had significantly higher serum ECP (16.7 ,g/l vs 8.2 ,g/l; P , 0.01) and serum EPO (17.9 ,g/l vs 8.8 ,g/l; P , 0.05). Results were similar, considering patients diagnosed with asthma. Blood eosinophils and nasal lavage parameters were not related to development of asthma and asthma-like symptoms. No eosinophil parameter was related to deterioration of rhinitis or additional sensitization. Conclusion:, Serum ECP and EPO in patients with seasonal rhinitis demonstrated a high predictive ability for later development of asthma. [source] Multicentre evaluation of prescribing concurrence with anti-infective guidelines: epidemiological assessment of indicatorsPHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 5 2002Roel Fijn Abstract Purpose To assess indicators for anti-infective prescribing not concurrent with regional pharmacotherapeutic treatment guidelines (PTGs) on infectious diseases. Methods A retrospective explorative cohort study based on hospital-wide anti-infective prescription data of a 2-month cross-sectional period (n=1037). Risk rates (absolute risks: AR), risk rate ratios (relative risks: RR) and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated for patient, disease, drug, and prescriber variables considered to be potential indicators. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Findings Non-concurrence existed of non-indicated prescribing of (particular) anti-infectives (24.3%) and prescribing of non-first choice anti-infectives (55.2%). Non-concurrent durations of treatment and dosing issues accounted for 17.2% and 16.2% respectively. Non-concurrence was associated with empirical therapy, with certain diagnoses, such as skin and soft tissue, urinary, and osteoarthrological infections, and with prescriptions involving topical dosage forms, cephalosporins, macrolides and lincosamides, and quinolones. There was also an association with certain hospitals and with prescribing by geriatricians, surgeons, pulmonologists, and urologists and, in general, junior clinicians in training. Conclusions Other hospitals could use our epidemiological framework to identify their own indicators for non-concurrent prescribing. Our findings suggest tailor-made enforcement of PTG adherence for certain prescribers while conversely, adaptation of the PTGs will be required for some infectious diseases. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Evidence of placental haemorrhage and preterm deliveryBJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 4 2010JW Gargano Please cite this paper as: Gargano J, Holzman C, Senagore P, Reuss M, Pathak D, Williams M, Fisher R. Evidence of placental haemorrhage and preterm delivery. BJOG 2010;117:445,455. Objective, To evaluate evidence of placental haemorrhage (PH) obtained through maternal interviews, patient charts and placental pathology examinations as potential indicators of a ,bleeding pathway' to preterm delivery (PTD). Design, Prospective cohort. Setting, Fifty-two clinics in five communities in Michigan, USA (1998,2004). Population, A subset (n = 996) of cohort participants with complete placental pathology data. Methods, First-trimester bleeding and placental abruption were ascertained by mid-trimester interviews and chart review, respectively. Disc-impacting blood clot was defined as a gross placental examination finding of a blood clot impacting adjacent tissue. Microscopic haemorrhage was defined as ,high' (top quintile) scores on an aggregate measure of placental pathology findings suggestive of atypical maternal vessel haemorrhage. These four PH indicators were compared with one another and with risk of PTD assessed by logistic regression analyses. Main outcome measures, Preterm delivery and PTD subtypes (i.e. <35 weeks, 35,36 weeks; spontaneous, medically indicated) compared with term deliveries. Results, Placental abruption cases had 2.3-fold to 5.5-fold increased odds of the other three PH indicators. Disc-impacting blood clots and microscopic haemorrhage were associated with one another (odds ratio [OR] = 4.6), but not with first-trimester bleeding. In a multivariable model that included all four PH indicators and confounders, risk of PTD < 35 weeks was elevated with first-trimester bleeding (OR = 1.9 [1.0, 3.4]), placental abruption (OR = 5.2 [1.7, 16.2]), disc-impacting blood clots (OR = 2.3 [1.0, 5.0]) and microscopic haemorrhage (OR = 2.4 [1.4, 4.2]). Conclusions, Multiple clinical and subclinical PH indicators are associated with PTD, particularly early PTD. [source] Violent incidents and the use of antipsychotic medication within a specialist challenging behaviour unit: an evaluation of the Poole approach to challenging behaviourBRITISH JOURNAL OF LEARNING DISABILITIES, Issue 3 2000George Rowland Summary The present paper documents a retrospective evaluation of a specialist challenging behaviour unit for individuals with severe learning disabilities according to two criteria: (1) its efficacy at reducing the frequency and severity of violent incidents; and (2) the level of reliance upon antipsychotic medication for behavioural purposes. The results were placed within the perspective of the specific approach to challenging behaviour adopted by the unit, which emphasizes communication as the fundamental tenet within the management and reduction of challenging behaviour. The results demonstrate a 92% reduction in incidents of violence towards others over the 6 years since the unit opened, alongside a 95% reduction in violence towards property. During the same period, the levels of antipsychotic medication used for behavioural purposes fell in the cases of three out of the four clients under examination. An attempt is made to highlight the predominant factors underlying this success as potential indicators for the development of services for those who exhibit challenging and violent behaviours. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||