Home About us Contact | |||
Available Literature (available + literature)
Terms modified by Available Literature Selected AbstractsHealth profiles and quality of life of 518 survivors of thyroid cancerHEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 5 2003Pamela N. Schultz RN Abstract Background. Available literature describes the long-term outcome of thyroid cancer survivors with respect to thyroid cancer but not their overall medical and social well-being. Methods. Five hundred eighteen thyroid cancer survivors responded to a survey regarding medical and social impacts of their cancer experience. Results. All had surgery, and 417 (80.5%) also had some radiation. Two thirds (64.5%) reported that cancer created health effects varying by gender and passage of time; neurologic, musculoskeletal, and psychologic problems seemed most prominent. They reported more memory loss and psychologic problems than other cancer survivors and more migraine headaches than both other cancer survivors and the general population. Regarding family and work, they integrated well in society overall. However, unsolicited comments by 24.5% of responders disclosed symptoms reminiscent of thyroid hormone imbalance. Conclusion. Thyroid cancer survivors generally report good health long term but describe distinct, lasting medical problems including symptoms of thyroid dysregulation. The extent and manner in which cancer therapy contributes to the health profile of the group merits further inquiry. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 25: 000,000, 2003 [source] Systematic review: caspase-cleaved fragments of cytokeratin 18 , the promises and challenges of a biomarker for chronic liver diseaseALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 11-12 2009Y. YILMAZ Summary Background, Biomarkers hold great promise for detecting chronic liver disease without the use of liver biopsy. Aim, To review the usefulness of cytokeratin (CK) 18 fragments, a marker of hepatocyte apoptosis, to predict the presence of chronic liver injury. Methods, Available literature identified from PubMed was reviewed. Results, Levels of CK18 fragments have been shown to be elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma, viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cholestatic liver disease. In the setting of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, CK18 fragments may distinguish nonalcoholic steatohepatitis from simple fatty liver. Conclusions, Undoubtedly, the most promising application of CK18 fragments is currently in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and especially for distinguishing patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis vs. those with simple steatosis. Further investigations and technical improvements are required to cross the boundary from research to the clinical application of CK18 fragments as a marker of chronic liver disease. [source] Corticosteroids in the treatment of multiple sclerosisACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2009K. M. Myhr Background ,, Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that usually is clinically characterized by repeated subacute relapses followed by remissions. Therapeutic strategies include corticosteroid treatment of relapses and immunomodulatory- or immunosuppressive treatment to prevent new relapses and progression of disability. Objectives ,, To review the evidences for the use of corticosteroids in the treatment of relapses in MS as well as its possible disease modifying potential. Materials & Methods ,, Available literature from PubMed search and personal experiences on corticosteroid treatment in multiple sclerosis were reviewed. Results ,, High dose short-term oral or intravenous methylprednisolone for 3-5 days speed up recovery from relapses, but the treatment has no influence on the occurrence of new relapses or long-term disability. There is also some evidence that pulsed treatment with methylprednisolone have beneficial long-term effects in multiple sclerosis. Conclusion ,, Relapses with moderate to serious disability should be treated with high dose intravenous or oral methylprednisolone. More data is needed to determine long-term disease modifying effects of corticosteroids. [source] BNP Consensus Panel 2004: A Clinical Approach for the Diagnostic, Prognostic, Screening, Treatment Monitoring, and Therapeutic Roles of Natriuretic Peptides in Cardiovascular DiseasesCONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, Issue 2004Marc A. Silver MD Among the most exciting developments in the field of heart failure in recent times has been the rediscovery of the natriuretic peptide system and its pleuripotent effects on cardiac structure and function. This is particularly true of its natriuretic and hemodynamic effects. There has been an explosion of the knowledge base seeking to understand the wide range of homeostatic, regulatory, and counter-regulatory functions in which the natriuretic peptide system participates. Additional interest has been stimulated by advances in technology such as point-of-care and core laboratory BNP assays and the use of the recombinant B-type natriuretic peptide nesiritide as a treatment option. Despite this recent interest, the available literature lacks a comprehensive expert review of the current science and roles of natriuretic peptides for diagnostic, prognostic, screening, treatment monitoring, and therapeutic purposes. More importantly, a summary updating and guiding the clinician on most of these advances was lacking. An expert Consensus Panel with basic, methodological, and clinical expertise was convened to summarize current knowledge in these areas and the findings and consensus statements are contained herein. [source] Investigation of mood-congruent false and true memory recognition in depressionDEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 1 2005Steffen Moritz Ph.D. Abstract The present study investigated the extent of mood-congruent false and true memory recognition in depression. A group of 25 patients with depression and 28 healthy controls completed a variant of the Deese-Roediger McDermott task. Four lists were read to participants in sequence, followed by a recognition task. The words in each list were associated with a central but unmentioned theme word that was either depression-relevant (i.e., loneliness), delusion-relevant (betrayal), positive (holidays), or neutral (window). Whereas it was expected to replicate the conventional mood-congruent effect in depression (better recognition of depression-relevant items), the available literature did not allow strong predictions to be made on the extent of mood-congruent false recognition in depression. Results showed that depressed patients learned emotionally charged material equally well as healthy participants but forgot significantly more neutral material. A conventional mood-congruent memory bias was not found, but relative to healthy controls, patients with depression committed more false recognition errors for emotionally charged words, particularly for depression-relevant items. The results confirm that depressed patients are biased toward emotional material. Reasons for the absence of the expected mood-congruent memory bias are discussed. It is suggested that researchers as well as clinicians should pay more attention to mood-congruent false recollection, because it may undermine the validity of autobiographic reports in depressive patients and may represent a maintenance factor for the disorder. Depression and Anxiety 00:000,000, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Sclerotherapy of Varicose Veins with Polidocanol Based on the Guidelines of the German Society of PhlebologyDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 2010EBERHARD RABE MD BACKGROUND Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a sclerosing agent for the elimination of intracutaneous, subcutaneous, and transfascial varicose veins. OBJECTIVE To update guidelines for sclerotherapy of varicose veins. METHODS The guidelines for sclerotherapy of varicose veins of the German Society of Phlebology were updated and modified through a review of the available literature. RESULTS Published clinical series and controlled clinical trials provide evidence to support the elimination of intracutaneous and subcutaneous varicose veins using sclerotherapy. Allergic skin reactions occur occasionally as allergic dermatitis, contact urticaria, or erythema. Anaphylaxis is rare. Transient migraine headaches present more frequently in patients treated with foam sclerotherapy than liquid sclerotherapy. CONCLUSION Sclerotherapy is the method of choice for the treatment of small-caliber varicose veins (reticular varicose veins, spider veins). If performed properly, sclerotherapy is an efficient treatment method with a low incidence of complications. BioForm Medical provided financial support for formal formatting of this manuscript without any influence over the content of the manuscript. The authors have previously participated in two scientific studies with polidocanol (ESAF and EASI study) financed by Kreussler. [source] Hydrogen Peroxide and Wound Healing: A Theoretical and Practical Review for Hair Transplant SurgeonsDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 6 2008SARA WASSERBAUER MD BACKGROUND In most hair restoration practices, hydrogen peroxide has been routinely used to remove blood during and after hair transplant surgery. In other specialties, hydrogen peroxide is also used in these ways: wound cleaning, prevention of infection, hemostasis, and removal of debris. Despite its widespread use, there are still concerns and controversy about the potential toxic effect of hydrogen peroxide. OBJECTIVE The objective was to review all available literature including in vivo and in vitro effects of hydrogen peroxide, as well as general wound healing research. MATERIAL AND METHODS Literature up to and including the past three decades was investigated. RESULTS Two pilot studies were found, and there are not enough data examining the real impact of using hydrogen peroxide in hair transplant surgery. In other specialties, H2O2 appears to have positive effects, such as stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor, induction of fibroblast proliferation, and collagen, or negative effects, such as cytotoxicity, inhibition of keratinocyte migration, disruption of scarless fetal wound repair, and apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS There are not enough data in hair restoration surgery about the use of hydrogen peroxide, and it is unknown and unclear what the optimum dilution should be. Positive and negative effects were found in other specialties. Further studies are recommended. [source] High-Risk Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma without Palpable Lymphadenopathy: Is There a Therapeutic Role for Elective Neck Dissection?DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 4 2007JUAN-CARLOS MARTINEZ MD PURPOSE The beneficial role of elective neck dissection (END) in the management of high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) of the head and neck remains unproven. Some surgical specialists suggest that END may be beneficial for patients with clinically node-negative (N0) high-risk CSCC, but there are few data to support this claim. We reviewed the available literature regarding the use of END in the management of both CSCC and head and neck SCC (HNSCC). METHODOLOGY The available medical literature pertaining to END in both CSCC and HNSCC was reviewed using PubMed and Ovid Medline searches. RESULTS Many surgical specialists recommend that END be routinely performed in patients with N0 HNSCC when the risk of occult metastases is estimated to exceed 20%; however, patients who undergo END have no proven survival benefit over those who are initially staged as N0 and undergo therapeutic neck dissection (TND) after the development of apparent regional disease. There is a lack of data regarding the proper management of regional nodal basins in patients with N0 CSCC. In the absence of evidence-based data, the cutaneous surgeon must rely on clinical judgment to guide the management of patients with N0 high-risk CSCC of the head and neck. CONCLUSIONS Appropriate work-up for occult nodal disease may occasionally be warranted in patients with high-risk CSCC. END may play a role in only a very limited number of patients with high-risk CSCC. [source] Retinoids and Wound HealingDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 10 2006MARK ABDELMALEK MD BACKGROUND Retinoids are widely used in dermatology and may play a role in wound healing. The exact role of retinoids in wounds is confusing and controversial, however. Systemic retinoids are presumed to be detrimental to wound healing; however, this standard is based on isolated reports. OBJECTIVE The objective was to provide a critical review of the available literature regarding the role of both topical and systemic retinoids in various aspects of wound healing. CONCLUSIONS Pretreatment with retinoids likely promotes wound healing after facial resurfacing procedures and full- or partial-thickness wounds. While the evidence is mixed regarding the effects of retinoids applied to fresh and healing wounds, the majority of the evidence available shows favorable wound-healing properties in this setting. The medical,legal standard regarding the avoidance of facial resurfacing and surgical procedures in patients on or recently completing a course of systemic retinoids was likely prematurely established. [source] Body Dysmorphic Disorder and the Liposuction PatientDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 5 2005Dee Anna Glaser MD background. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an under-recognized disorder that affects a sizeable number of patients who seek cosmetic enhancement, in particular liposuction. Understanding and recognizing BDD can positively impact the care delivered to patients. objective. To familiarize physicians with the presenting signs of BDD and present strategies for caring for BDD patients in a liposuction and/or cosmetic surgery practice. methods. Review of currently available literature and diagnostic criteria. results. BDD affects approximately 1% of patients in the United States, but as many as 7 to 15% of patients seeking cosmetic surgery. Patients with BDD will usually demonstrate an obsession with the area they seek treatment of. In addition, patients with BDD present a unique challenge to the liposuction surgeon. conclusions. Physicians who care for patients seeking liposuction or other cosmetic procedures should learn to recognize those who have BDD. Proper recognition and counseling of BDD patients can have a significant positive impact on not only their care but also on the patient-physician relationship. Failure to recognize BDD can, and often does, lead to patient dissatisfaction, as well as difficult future interactions with the BDD patient. [source] Skin Cancer in an Atomic Veteran: Cause or Coincidence?DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 11 2003Kevin L. Nelson PhD Background. Some military personnel who were exposed to ionizing radiation during atomic weapons tests subsequently developed skin cancer, but the cause,effect relationship is unclear. Objective. To explore the possible relationship between exposure to atomic tests and the development of skin cancer. Methods. We reviewed available literature regarding the effects of radiation on the skin and the case history of a patient in whom more than 300 basal cell carcinomas developed over a 30-year period after exposure to radiation during atomic testing. Results and Conclusions. Ionizing radiation can cause skin cancer, usually basal cell carcinoma. In some veterans of atomic testing, skin cancer may have been initiated by ionizing radiation and promoted by ultraviolet radiation. We conclude that exposure to ionizing radiation during atomic weapons testing contributed to the excessive number and location of basal cell carcinomas in our patient. [source] Systematic review of chorioamnionitis and cerebral palsyDEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES RESEARCH REVIEW, Issue 1 2002Yvonne W. Wu Abstract In a recent meta-analysis evaluating the relationship between chorioamnionitis and cerebral palsy, we found that chorioamnionitis is a risk factor for both cerebral palsy and cystic periventricular leukomalacia (cPVL). The current paper extends the meta-analysis by including studies published in the year 2000, and by further evaluating the causes of heterogeneity among individual study results. Using a random effects model, clinical chorioamnionitis was significantly associated with both cerebral palsy (RR 1.9, 95% CI 1.5,2.5) and cPVL (RR 2.6, 95% CI 1.7,3.9). Sources of heterogeneity included widely varying practices in the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis, different gestational age characteristics, and varying study year. We conclude that based on the available literature, chorioamnionitis is a risk factor for both cerebral palsy and cPVL. MRDD Research Reviews 2002;8:25,29. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Insulin treatment and cardiovascular disease; friend or foe?DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 2 2005A point of view Abstract Background Several observational studies have shown that higher insulin levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. If higher endogenous insulin levels are causally related to cardiovascular disease, one might expect an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients treated with insulin, as this results in high circulating insulin levels. Such risk elevation might counteract the benefits of tight glucose control. Our objective was to explore the relationship between insulin therapy and cardiovascular disease in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus using information from available literature. Summary of comment Several experimental studies in animals and humans support the presence of a harmful effect of insulin on the vascular endothelium. In prospective follow-up studies increased insulin dosage was associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, although confounding by indication could not be excluded. Randomized controlled trials in diabetic patients, comparing conventional with intensive glucose-lowering treatment, although showing a reduction in microvascular disease, showed no significant difference in the incidence of cardiovascular disease. The results with respect to exposure to insulin are, however, difficult to interpret due to insufficient information on exposure to insulin levels as well as confounding by glycaemic control and body mass index. In addition, these studies were not designed to address the question whether higher insulin use relates to increased cardiovascular risk. Conclusion Published research provides conflicting evidence as to whether exposure to high levels of exogenous insulin in diabetes mellitus affects the risk of cardiovascular disease. The currently available studies have a number of serious methodological restraints that limit accurate interpretation and conclusions in this area. [source] Differential diagnosis of depressed mood in patients with schizophrenia: a diagnostic algorithm based on a reviewACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2 2002A. Hausmann Objective:,To review the available literature on depressive symptomatology in schizophrenia in order to establish a diagnostic algorithm of depressive syndromes in schizophrenia. Method:,A literature search was performed using PubMed and Medline. Additional information was gained by cross-referencing from papers found in the database. Data from controlled studies as well as supplementary information from review articles and psychiatric manuals pertinent to the topic were used. Depressive symptoms were classified with respect to their temporal relationship to acute psychotic symptoms before the background of nosological entities as operationalized by Diagnostic Statistical Manual IV (DSM IV). Results:,Depression is a common and devastating comorbid syndrome in patients suffering from schizophrenic disorder. The paper summarizes the relevant diagnostic steps to guide the clinician towards therapeutic interventions, which differ depending on the nature of the depressive syndrome. Conclusion:,Differentiating depressives states in schizophrenia has consequences in terms of choosing therapeutic strategies. An algorithm which leads the practitioner to a reliable diagnosis and in consequence to a valid therapy is presented. [source] Is multidisciplinary learning effective among those caring for people with diabetes?DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 10 2002N. Munro Abstract The role of multi-professional learning for those providing clinical services to people with diabetes has yet to be defined. Several assumptions are generally made about education in the context of multi-professional settings. It is argued that different professions learning together could potentially improve professional relationships, collaborative working practices and ultimately standards of care. Greater respect and honesty may emerge from a team approach to learning with a commensurate reduction in professional antagonism. Personal and professional confidence is reportedly enhanced through close contact with other professionals during team-based learning exercises. We have examined current evidence to support multidisciplinary learning in the context of medical education generally as well as in diabetes education. Previous investigation of available literature by Cochrane reviewers, aimed at identifying studies of interprofessional education interventions, yielded a total of 1042 articles, none of which met the stated inclusion criteria. Searches involving more recent publications failed to reveal more robust evidence. Despite a large body of literature on the evaluation of interprofessional education, studies generally lacked the methodological rigour needed to understand the impact of interprofessional education on professional practice and/or health care outcomes. Nevertheless, planners continue to advocate, and endorse, joint training between different groups of workers (including nurses, doctors and those in professions allied to medicine) with the objective of producing an integrated workforce of multidisciplinary teams. Whilst the concept of multi-professional learning has strong appeal, it is necessary for those responsible for educating health care professionals to demonstrate its superiority over separate learning experiences. [source] A rapid technique for assessing the suitability of areas for invasive species applied to New Zealand's riversDIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 2 2008Cathy Kilroy ABSTRACT Early responses to incursions of non-indigenous species (NIS) into new areas include modelling and surveillance to define the organisms' potential and actual distributions. For well-studied invasive species, predictive models can be developed based on quantitative data describing environmental tolerances. In late 2004, an invasive freshwater diatom Didymosphenia geminata, an NIS for which we had no such quantitative data, was detected in a New Zealand river. We describe a procedure used to rapidly develop a classification of suitability for all New Zealand's rivers, based on two sources of information. First, from a review of the limited available literature and unpublished data, we determined that temperature, hydrological and substrate stability, light availability, and water pH were the most important environmental gradients determining D. geminata's broad-scale distribution and capacity for establishing and forming blooms in rivers. The second information source was a GIS-based river network developed for a national classification of New Zealand's rivers, with associated data describing environmental characteristics of each section of the network. We used six variables that were available for every section of the network as surrogates for the environmental gradients that determine suitability. We then determined the environmental distance of all the river sections in the network from our assessment of the optimal conditions conducive to D. geminata blooms. The analysis suggested that > 70% of New Zealand's river sections (stream order > 3) fell into the two highest suitability categories (on a five-point scale). At the time of writing, D. geminata had spread to 12 catchments, all of which were within these two categories. The technique is applicable in initial responses to incursions of NIS where quantitative information is limited, and makes optimal use of available qualitative information. Our assessment contributed to evaluations of the potential ecological, social, and economic impacts of D. geminata and is currently being used to stratify site selection for ongoing surveillance. [source] Nuclear Cardiology in the Evaluation of Acute Chest Pain in the Emergency DepartmentECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 6 2000Brian G. Abbott M.D. Only a minority of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute chest pain will eventually be diagnosed with an acute coronary syndrome. The majority will have an electrocardiogram that is normal or nondiagnostic for acute myocardial ischemia or infarction. Typically, these patients are admitted to exclude myocardial infarction despite a very low incidence of coronary artery disease. However, missed myocardial infarctions in patients who are inadvertently sent home from the ED have significant adverse outcomes and associated legal consequences. This leads to a liberal policy to admit patients with chest pain, presenting a substantial burden in terms of cost and resources. Many centers have developed chest pain centers, using a wide range of diagnostic modalities to deal with this dilemma. We discuss the methods currently available to exclude myocardial ischemia and infarction in the ED, focusing on the use of myocardial perfusion imaging as both an adjunct and an alternative to routine testing. We review the available literature centering on the ED evaluation of acute chest pain and then propose an algorithm for the practical use of nuclear cardiology in this setting. [source] Relative importance of different dispersal vectors for small aquatic invertebrates in a rock pool metacommunityECOGRAPHY, Issue 5 2008Bram Vanschoenwinkel The extent and frequency of passive overland dispersal of freshwater invertebrates as well as the relative importance of different dispersal vectors is not well documented. Although anecdotal evidence subscribing the feasibility of individual vectors in various aquatic systems is abundant, dispersal rates have rarely been quantified for different vectors in one study system. Earlier studies also usually investigated dispersal potential rather than actual dispersal rates. In this study we have estimated passive dispersal rates of invertebrate propagules within a cluster of temporary rock pools via water, wind and amphibians in a direct way. Overflows after heavy rains mediated dispersal of a large number of propagules through eroded channels between pools, which were collected in overflow traps. Taking into account model based predictions of overflow frequency, this corresponds with average dispersal rates of 4088 propagules/channel yr,1. Wind dispersal rates as measured by numbers of propagules collected on sticky traps mounted between pool basins were very high (average dispersal rate: 649 propagules m,2 in one month) and were positively related to the proximity of source populations. Finally, invertebrate propagules were also isolated from the faeces of African clawed frogs Xenopus laevis caught from the pools (on average 368 propagules/frog). The combination of short distance wind and overflow dispersal rates likely explain the dominant species sorting and mass effect patterns observed in the metacommunity in a previous study. Amphibian mediated dispersal was much less important as the Xenopus laevis population was small and migrations very rare. Based on our own results and available literature we conclude that both vector and propagule properties determine local passive dispersal dynamics of freshwater invertebrates. Accurate knowledge on rates and vectors of dispersal in natural systems are a prerequisite to increase our understanding of the impact of dispersal on ecology (colonisation, community assembly, coexistence) and evolution (gene flow, local adaptation) in fragmented environments. [source] Pharmaceutical metabolites in the environment: Analytical challenges and ecological risks,ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 12 2009Mary D. Celiz Abstract The occurrence of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals in the environment has been a subject of concern for the past decade because many of these emerging contaminants have been shown to persist in soil and water. Although recent studies indicate that pharmaceutical contaminants can pose long-term ecological risks, many of the investigations regarding risk assessment have only considered the ecotoxicity of the parent drug, with very little attention given to the potential contributions that metabolites may have. The scarcity of available environmental data on the human metabolites excreted into the environment or the microbial metabolites formed during environmental biodegradation of pharmaceutical residues can be attributed to the difficulty in analyzing trace amounts of previously unknown compounds in complex sample matrices. However, with the advent of highly sensitive and powerful analytical instrumentations that have become available commercially, it is likely that an increased number of pharmaceutical metabolites will be identified and included in environmental risk assessment. The present study will present a critical review of available literature on pharmaceutical metabolites, primarily focusing on their analysis and toxicological significance. It is also intended to provide an overview on the recent advances in analytical tools and strategies to facilitate metabolite identification in environmental samples. This review aims to provide insight on what future directions might be taken to help scientists in this challenging task of enhancing the available data on the fate, behavior, and ecotoxicity of pharmaceutical metabolites in the environment. [source] Effects of terrestrial pollutants on insect parasitoids,ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2009Casey D. Butler Abstract Parasitoids are important organisms in the regulation of insect herbivores in natural, urban, and agricultural ecosystems. The impact of pollutants acting on parasitoids has not been extensively reviewed. This prompted us to propose a falsifiable null hypothesis (pollutants have no effects on parasitoids) and two alternative hypotheses (pollution negatively or positively affects parasitoids) to assess in the available literature the effects of pollutants acting on parasitoids. We found 26 studies examining 39 biological systems that met our criteria for inclusion. Of these studies, 18 of the 39 biological systems (46.2%) supported the null hypothesis while 18 (46.2%) supported the first alternative hypothesis in which pollutants exhibited negative effects on parasitoids. Only a small percentage of the studies (7.6%, 3 of 39) supported the second alternative hypothesis suggesting that pollutants had positive effects on parasitoids. We provide a synthesis of the available data by pollution type, summarize trends for different pollutants, and suggest future areas of research. [source] A case of hepatosplenic ,,, T-cell lymphoma with a transient response to Fludarabine and AlemtuzumabEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2006S. Mittal Abstract:, Hepatosplenic ,,, T-cell lymphoma is a rare, usually fatal lymphoma and available literature on management is sparse. Allografting is probably the only curative option. We describe a further case with a dramatic, though transient response to Fludarabine and Alemtuzumab combination, following a failure of conventional chemotherapy. Given the dreadful prognosis with conventional chemotherapy, it is a regimen worth pursuing as a disease reduction strategy prior to allograft where appropriate. [source] Mycoplasma pneumoniae -associated myelitis: a comprehensive reviewEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 2 2006S. Tsiodras Myelitis is one of the most severe central nervous system complications seen in association with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections and both acute transverse myelitis (ATM) as well as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) have been observed. We reviewed all available literature on cases of Mycoplasma spp. associated ATM as well as ADEM with dominant spinal cord pathology and classified those cases according to the strength of evidence implicating M. pneumoniae as the cause. A wide range of data on diagnosis, epidemiology, immunopathogenesis, clinical picture, laboratory diagnosis, neuroimaging and treatment for this rare entity is presented. The use of highly sensitive and specific molecular diagnostic techniques may assist in clearly elucidating the role of M. pneumoniae in ATM/ADEM syndromes in the near future. Immunomodulating therapies may have a role in treating such cases. [source] Offer and demand: proliferation and survival of neurons in the dentate gyrusEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 12 2005Konrad Lehmann Abstract The proliferation and survival of new cells in the dentate gyrus of mammals is a complex process that is subject to numerous influences, presenting a confusing picture. We suggest regarding these processes on the level of small networks, which can be simulated in silico and which illustrate in a nutshell the influences that proliferating cells exert on plasticity and the conditions they require for survival. Beyond the insights gained by this consideration, we review the available literature on factors that regulate cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus in vivo. It turns out that the rate of cell proliferation and excitatory afferents via the perforant path interactively determine cell survival, such that the best network stability is achieved when either of the two is increased whereas concurrent activation of the two factors lowers cell survival rates. Consequently, the mitotic activity is regulated by systemic parameters in compliance with the hippocampal network's requirements. The resulting neurogenesis, in contrast, depends on local factors, i.e. the activity flow within the network. In the process of cell differentiation and survival, each cell's spectrum of afferent and efferent connections decides whether it will integrate into the network or undergo apoptosis, and it is the current neuronal activity which determines the synaptic spectrum. We believe that this framework will help explain the biology of dentate cell proliferation and provide a basis for future research hypotheses. [source] Micromorphology of soils derived from volcanic ash in Europe: a review and synthesisEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 2 2007G. Stoops Summary An analysis of the available literature on European volcanic ash soils has been made. Most has been published in Congress proceedings and Journals of national societies, less than half in English. More than half of the papers deal with soils on the Canary Islands. Many papers focus only on one aspect, and complete descriptions are found only in recent publications. Often the use of vague micromorphological terminology and the absence of analytical data make interpretation and comparisons difficult or impossible. Nonetheless, some general features do emerge. In the least-weathered soils, the micromass forms first coatings around the coarse constituents, later granules, finally giving rise to a loose granular microstructure in the topsoil, and a compacted granular one in the Bw horizons of typic andic materials. The b-fabric of the micromass is undifferentiated. With increasing weathering, clay coatings appear, the microstructure becomes more blocky and the b-fabric becomes speckled or even striated. In Vertisols and Aridisols, micromorphological characteristics are not much different from those in the comparable non-volcanic soils, except generally for the tendency to granular (intrapedal) microstructures. In Icelandic soils, microstratification, lenticular microstructure and preservation of plant residues as a result of cryic conditions and permanent volcanic and aeolian activity are observed. Weathering of volcanic glass in well-drained conditions yields allophane alteromorphs similar to palagonite, which are easily subject to fragmentation by pedoturbation. The possible influence of surface transport and burial on the formation of Bw-horizons in andic materials is discussed. [source] Aluminium Foam Sandwich Panels: Manufacture, Metallurgy and ApplicationsADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 9 2008J. Banhart Abstract Sandwich panels consisting of a highly porous aluminium foam core and aluminium alloy face sheets are manufactured by roll-bonding aluminium alloy sheets to a densified mixture of metal powders , usually Al-Si or Al-Si-Cu alloys with 6,8% Si and 3,10% Cu , and titanium hydride, and foaming the resulting three-layer structure by a thermal treatment. We review the various processing steps of aluminium foam sandwich (AFS) and the metallurgical processes during foaming, compare the process to alternative ways to manufacture AFS, e.g. by adhesive bonding, and give an overview of the available literature. Two ways to treat AFS after foaming are presented, namely forging and age-hardening. Some current and potential applications are described and the market potential of AFS is assessed. [source] Governing in the Media Age: The Impact of the Mass Media on Executive Leadership in Contemporary Democracies1GOVERNMENT AND OPPOSITION, Issue 1 2008Ludger Helms The effects of old and new media on governing and executive leadership have remained curiously under-studied. In the available literature, assessments prevail that consider the media to have developed a strongly power-enhancing effect on incumbent chief executives. A careful reconsideration of mass media effects on the conditions and manifestations of political leadership by presidents and prime ministers in different contemporary democracies suggests that the media more often function as effective constraints on leaders and leadership. Overall, the constraining effects of the traditional media have been more substantial than those generated by the new media. While there are obvious cross-national trends in the development of government,mass media relations, important differences between countries persist, which can be explained to some considerable extent by the different institutional features of contemporary democracies. [source] Hepatitis A and B immunization for individuals with inherited bleeding disordersHAEMOPHILIA, Issue 2 2009M. STEELE Summary., Hepatitis A and B vaccines are highly effective tools that can greatly reduce infection risk in the bleeding disorder population. Although hepatitis A and B immunization for individuals with bleeding disorders is universally recommended, various advisory bodies often differ with respect to many practical aspects of vaccination. To review the published literature and guidelines and form a practical, comprehensive and consistent approach to hepatitis A and B immunization for individuals with bleeding disorders. We reviewed published immunization guidelines from North American immunization advisory bodies and published statements from North American and international haemophilia advisory bodies. A search of the MEDLINE database was performed to find original published literature pertaining to hepatitis A or B immunization of patients with haemophilia or bleeding disorder patients that provided supporting or refuting evidence for advisory body guidelines. Various advisory bodies' immunization guidelines regarding individuals with bleeding disorders have contradictory statements and often did not clarify issues (e.g. post vaccination surveillance). Published literature addressing immunization in bleeding disorder patients is sparse and mostly examines route of vaccine administration, complications and corresponding antibody response. Although the risk of hepatitis A and B infection is low, the use of simple measures such as vaccination is reasonable and advocated by haemophilia advisory bodies. Following our review of the available literature and North American guidelines, we have developed comprehensive and practical recommendations addressing hepatitis A and B immunization for the bleeding disorder population that may be applicable in Bleeding Disorder clinics. [source] Why ethnic minority groups are under-represented in clinical trials: a review of the literatureHEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 5 2004Mahvash Hussain-Gambles MA Abstract Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are considered to be the gold standard in evaluating medical interventions; however, people from ethnic minorities are frequently under-represented in such studies. The present paper addresses a previously neglected debate about the tensions which inform clinical trial participation amongst people from ethnic minorities, in particular, South Asians, the largest ethnic minority group in the UK. In a narrative review of the available literature, based mainly on US studies, the present authors aim to make sense of the issues around under-representation by providing a theoretical reconciliation. In addition, they identify a number of potential barriers to ethnic minority participation in clinical trials. In so doing, the authors recognise that the recent history of eugenic racism, and more general views on clinical trials as a form of experimentation, means that clinical trial participation among people from ethnic minorities becomes more problematic. Lack of participation and the importance of representational sampling are also considered, and the authors argue that health professionals need to be better informed about the issues. The paper concludes by offering a number of strategies for improving ethnic minority accrual rates in clinical trials, together with priorities for future research. [source] Toll-like receptors , sentries in the B-cell responseIMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Isabelle Bekeredjian-Ding Summary Toll-like receptors (TLR) play a central role in the initiation of the innate immune response to pathogens. Upon recognition of molecular motifs specific for microbial molecules TLR mediate pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and enhance antigen presentation; in B cells they further promote expansion, class switch recombination and immunoglobulin secretion. As a result of their adjuvant properties, TLR ligands have become an integral component of antimicrobial vaccines. In spite of this, little is known of the direct effects of TLR engagement on B-lymphocyte function. The scope of this review is to outline the differences in TLR expression and reactivity in murine and human B-cell subsets and to provide an overview of the currently available literature. We will further discuss the possible roles of TLR in regulating B-cell effector functions and shaping antibody-mediated defence against microbial pathogens in vivo. [source] Institutional Environments, Employer Practices, and States in Liberal Market EconomiesINDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, Issue 2 2002John Godard This article draws on the new institutionalism in economics, sociology, and political studies in order to establish a foundation for analyzing how states shape employer human resource management and union relations. It then reviews and extends the available literature on this topic, establishing how, in addition to legal regulation, states help to shape the cognitive and normative rules that undergird employer decision processes, the social and economic environment within which employers act, and ultimately, the relations of authority constituting the employment relation itself and hence employer policy orientations. The article concludes with a discussion of the prospects for state policy initiatives in view of established employer paradigms, institutional logics, and state traditions, and identifies possibilities for further work in this area. A neoclassical world would be a jungle, and no society would be viable. Douglas North (1981:11) [source] |