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Several Years (several + year)
Kinds of Several Years Selected AbstractsWhat Predicts Influenza Vaccination Status in Older Americans over Several Years?JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 8 2005Melissa Tabbarah PhD Objectives: To examine the correlates of repeat influenza vaccination and determine whether there are age-group (50,64, ,65) differences in decision-making behavior. Design: Longitudinal survey study. Setting: Two community health centers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Participants: Two hundred fifty-three patients aged 50 and older in 2001 who visited one of the health centers and completed telephone surveys in 2002 and 2003 after the respective influenza seasons. Measurements: Influenza vaccination status, demographic characteristics, and decision-making behavior were self-reported. Vaccination status was identified for three seasons: 2000,2001, 2001,2002, and 2002,2003. A three-level outcome was defined as unvaccinated all 3 years, vaccinated one to two times over 3 years, and vaccinated all 3 years. Factor analysis identified three decision-making behaviors. Results: Predictors of being vaccinated across 3 years included being older, the belief that social forces influence vaccination behavior, and disagreement with the view that vaccine is detrimental. Conclusion: National educational efforts should be intensified to dispel the myths about alleged adverse events, including contracting influenza from inactivated influenza vaccine. Physicians should continue to share their personal experiences of treating patients with influenza, including the incidence of hospitalization and death. [source] Equalizer technology , Equal rights for disparate beadsPROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 11 2010Eva-Maria Keidel Abstract One major limitation in proteomics is the detection and analysis of low-abundant proteins, i.e. in plasma. Several years ago, a technique to selectively enrich the relative concentration of low-abundant proteins was introduced by Boschetti and co-workers. It is based on a specific and saturable interaction of proteins to a high diversity of binding sites, realized by a hexapeptide library coupled to beads. This technology was commercialized as Equalizer beads or ProteoMiner. However, during application of ProteoMiner beads to plasma samples unexpected results questioned the proposed mode of action. Therefore, ProteoMiner beads were compared with chromatographic beads exhibiting completely different surface chemistry. Sepabeads FP-OD400 octadecyl, FP-DA400 diethylamine, FP-BU400 butyl, FP-HG400 hydroxyl and EXE056 epoxy were used. The results show that ProteoMiner or the different Sepabeads behave surprisingly similarly in the separation of complex protein mixtures. ProteoMiner beads interact with protein mixtures according to a general hydrophobic binding mechanism, where diversity in surface ligands plays only a negligible role. [source] Social maladjustment and students with behavioral and emotional disorders: Revisiting basic assumptions and assessment issuesPSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS, Issue 8 2004Daniel Olympia While much of the current focus in special education remains on reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1997, disparities in the identification of children with serious emotional disorders continue to plague special educators and school psychologists. Several years after the issue of social maladjustment and its relationship to serious emotional disturbance was discussed and debated, little appears to have changed. Children, adolescents, and families are subjected to widely varying philosophies, assessment procedures, and services based on questionable criteria used to determine whether a student "qualifies" for services under the Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) designation. In this paper, we address how this issue has significantly affected access to services for students with serious emotional disturbances. Faulty assumptions regarding the relationship of social maladjustment to emotional disturbance in children/adolescents are identified and the implications of these assumptions for children are described. The lack of research supporting specific tools developed to assess social maladjustment in the context of a serious emotional disorder and the impact of this current practice on children is addressed from a practical and ethical standpoint. The role of the school psychologist as gatekeeper is contrasted to that of the more positive role as facilitator. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 41: 835,847, 2004. [source] Carità e potere: representing the Medici grand dukes as ,fathers of the Innocenti'RENAISSANCE STUDIES, Issue 2 2010Diana Bullen Presciutti In 1605, Roberto Antinori, prior of the Innocenti foundling hospital in Florence, commissioned marble busts of the first three Medici grand dukes for the hospital loggia. Several years later, he hired Bernardino Poccetti to fresco in the girls' refectory an ,Istoria degl'Innocenti', which included an idealized representation of the activities of the hospital under the watchful eyes of Cosimo II. The present study argues that these decorative projects worked together to shape an image of the grand dukes as ,fathers' of the foundlings of the Innocenti. In contrast to much of the scholarship on the grand dukes, which has focused on their use of visual imagery to achieve absolutist goals, I show how the image of Medici ,fatherhood' forged at the Innocenti, by articulating a construction of ruling authority in which the hospital and its young inmates played a constitutive role, served the interests of the hospital as much as it did those of the grand dukes. The paternal metaphor, which obligated the ,fathers of the Innocenti' to provide for their ,children', is elaborated most extensively in Poccetti's fresco, which represents Cosimo II as custodian of imperilled souls, supplier of nourishment, provider of education, and guardian of nubile chastity. [source] Al-Aqir near Bahl,', an Early Bronze Age dam site with planoconvex ,copper' ingotsARABIAN ARCHAEOLOGY AND EPIGRAPHY, Issue 1 2003Gerd Weisgerber Some 20 years ago the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture received an important collection of planoconvex copper ingots, tools and anthropomorphic figures which came from a site at al-Aqir near Bahl,' in the al-Z,hirah Wil,ya. Several years elapsed before their provenance could be reconstructed and the site could be investigated. The finds had been deposited as building offerings in a prehistoric, 300 m-long dam built to trap soil and moisture for agricultural purposes. Although the area has been intensively used since at least 3000 BC, the evidence for irrigation installations does not pre-date 2000 BC. The finds are dedicatory rather than functional in nature. [source] Managing very large distributed data sets on a data gridCONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 11 2010Miguel Branco Abstract In this work we address the management of very large data sets, which need to be stored and processed across many computing sites. The motivation for our work is the ATLAS experiment for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), where the authors have been involved in the development of the data management middleware. This middleware, called DQ2, has been used for the last several years by the ATLAS experiment for shipping petabytes of data to research centres and universities worldwide. We describe our experience in developing and deploying DQ2 on the Worldwide LHC computing Grid, a production Grid infrastructure formed of hundreds of computing sites. From this operational experience, we have identified an important degree of uncertainty that underlies the behaviour of large Grid infrastructures. This uncertainty is subjected to a detailed analysis, leading us to present novel modelling and simulation techniques for Data Grids. In addition, we discuss what we perceive as practical limits to the development of data distribution algorithms for Data Grids given the underlying infrastructure uncertainty, and propose future research directions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Prescribed Burning to Restore Mixed-Oak Communities in Southern Ohio: Effects on Breeding- Bird PopulationsCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2001Vanessa L. Artman We studied the effects of repeated burning (1,4 years of annual burning) and recovery (1 year after burning,) on the breeding bird community. Burning resulted in incremental but temporary reductions in the availability of leaf litter, shrubs, and saplings, but it did not affect trees, snags, or understory vegetation cover. Of 30 bird species monitored, 4 were affected negatively and 2 were affected positively by burning. Population densities of Ovenbirds ( Seiurus aurocapillus), Worm-eating Warblers ( Helmitheros vermivorus), and Hooded Warblers ( Wilsonia citrina) declined incrementally in response to repeated burning and did not recover within 1 year after burning, suggesting a lag time in response to the changes in habitat conditions. Densities of Northern Cardinals ( Cardinalis cardinalis) fluctuated among years in the control units, but remained low in the burned units. Densities of American Robins ( Turdus migratorius) and Eastern Wood-Pewees ( Contopus virens) increased in response to burning, but these increases were apparent only after several years of repeated burning. In general, burning resulted in short-term reductions in the suitability of habitat for ground- and low-shrub-nesting birds, but it improved habitat for ground- and aerial-foraging birds. Overall, there were no changes in the composition of the breeding-bird community. Total breeding bird population levels were also unaffected by burning. Our results suggest that prescribed burning applied on a long-term basis or across large spatial scales is likely to have adverse effects on ground- and low-shrub-nesting bird species, but other changes in the composition of the breeding-bird community are likely to be minimal as long as the closed-canopy forest structure is maintained within the context of prescribed burning. Resumen: Se está reintroduciendo fuego artificialmente en los bosque del sur de Ohio para determinar su efectividad para restaurar y mantener comunidades de bosques mixtos de encino ( Quercus spp.). Estudiamos los efectos de quemas repetidas (1,4 años de quema anual,) y de recuperación (1 año después de la quema) sobre la comunidad de aves reproductivas. La quema resultó en reducciones temporales en la disponibilidad de hojarasca, arbustos y renuevos, pero no afectó a los árboles, tocones o la cubierta vegetal del sotobosque. De 30 especies de aves monitoredas, 4 fueron afectadas negativamente por la quema y 2 fueron afectadas positivamente. Las densidades de población de Seiurus aurocapillus, de Helmitheros vermivorus y de Wilsonia citrina declinaron incrementalmente en respuesta a quemas repetidas y no se recuperaron en un año después de la quema, sugiriendo un retraso en el tiempo de respuesta a los cambios en las condiciones del hábitat. Las densidades de Cardinalis cardinalis fluctuaron entre años en las unidades control, pero permanecieron bajas en las unidades quemadas. Las densidades de Turdus migratorius y de Contopus virens aumentaron en respuesta a la quema, pero estos incrementos fueron evidentes sólo hasta varios años después de quemas repetidas. En general, en el corto plazo la quema resultó en reducciones en la calidad del hábitat para aves que anidan sobre el suelo y en arbustos bajos, pero mejoró el hábitat para aves que forrajean en el suelo y el aire. En general, no hubo cambios en la composición de la comunidad de aves reproductivas. Los niveles totales de poblaciones de aves reproductivas tampoco fueron afectados por la quema. Nuestros resultados sugieren la posibilidad de que la quema prescrita aplicada a largo plazo o en escalas espaciales grandes tenga efectos adversos sobre especies de aves que anidan sobre el suelo y en arbustos bajos, pero la posibilidad de cambios en la composición de la comunidad de aves reproductivas es mínima. [source] SHORT-TERM CHANGES IN ADULT ARREST RATES INFLUENCE LATER SHORT-TERM CHANGES IN SERIOUS MALE DELINQUENCY PREVALENCE: A TIME-DEPENDENT RELATIONSHIP,CRIMINOLOGY, Issue 3 2009RALPH B. TAYLOR The impacts of quarterly adult arrest rates on later male serious delinquency prevalence rates were investigated in Philadelphia police districts (N = 23) over several years using all male delinquents aged 10,15 years who were mandated to more than "straight" probation. An ecological deterrence model expects more arrests to lead to less delinquency later. A community justice or mass incarceration model, the ecological version of general strain theory, and an ecologized version of the procedural justice model, each anticipates more arrests lead to more delinquency later. Investigating quarterly lags from 3 to 24 months between adult arrests and later delinquency, the results showed a time-dependent relationship. Models with short lags showed the negative relationship expected by ecological deterrence theory. Models with lags of about a year and a half showed the positive relationship expected by the other three theories. Indicators needed so future works can gauge the relative merits of each theoretical perspective more accurately are described. The spatial distributions of current and 1920s delinquency rates were compared. [source] BETTER GUN ENFORCEMENT, LESS CRIME,CRIMINOLOGY AND PUBLIC POLICY, Issue 4 2005JENS LUDWIG Research Summary: Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which for the past several years has been the major federal initiative to combat gun violence, includes several elements (such as gun locks and other efforts to reduce gun availability) that research suggests are likely to have at best modest effects on gun crime. In general, enforcement activities targeted at the "demand side" of the underground gun market currently enjoy stronger empirical support. However much of PSN's budget has been devoted to increasing the severity of punishment, such as by federaliz-ing gun cases, which seems to be less effective than targeted street-level enforcement designed to increase the probability of punishment for gun carrying or use in crime. Policy Implications: PSN and other enforcement activities could be made more effective by redirecting resources toward activities such as targeted patrols against illegal gun carrying. Given the substantial social costs of gun violence, an efficiency argument can also be made for increasing funding beyond previous levels. [source] ,-synuclein has a dynamic intracellular localizationCYTOSKELETON, Issue 8 2006Irina Surgucheva Abstract ,-Synuclein is a member of the synuclein family consisting of three proteins. Within the last several years increasing attention has focused on these proteins because of their role in human diseases. ,-Synuclein relevance to Parkinson's disease is based on mutations found in familial cases of the disease and its presence in filaments and inclusion bodies in sporadic cases. ,-Synuclein is implicated in some forms of cancer and ocular diseases, while ,-synuclein may antagonize their pathological functions. In this paper we present data on the localization and properties of ,-synuclein in several neuronal and nonneuronal cell cultures. We show that contrary to the current opinion, ,-synuclein is not an exclusively cytoplasmic protein, but has a dynamic localization and can associate with subcellular structures. It is present in the perinuclear area and may be associated to centrosomes. On late steps of mitosis ,-synuclein is not found in the centrosomes, and redistributes to the midbody in telophase. Under stress conditions a translocation of ,-synuclein from the perinuclear area to the nucleus occurs exhibiting nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. ,-Synuclein overexpression reduces neurite outgrowth in a greater extent then ,-synuclein overexpression. These data support the view that ,-synuclein may change its intracellular localization and associate with subcellular structures in response to intracellular signaling or stress. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Genetics of anxiety disorders: the complex road from DSM to DNA,DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 11 2009Jordan W. Smoller M.D. Sc.D. Abstract Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric disorders, affecting one in four individuals over a lifetime. Although our understanding of the etiology of these disorders is incomplete, familial and genetic factors are established risk factors. However, identifying the specific casual genes has been difficult. Within the past several years, advances in molecular and statistical genetic methods have made the genetic dissection of complex disorders a feasible project. Here we provide an overview of these developments, with a focus on their implications for genetic studies of anxiety disorders. Although the genetic and phenotypic complexity of the anxiety disorders present formidable challenges, advances in neuroimaging and experimental animal models of anxiety and fear offer important opportunities for discovery. Real progress in identifying the genetic basis of anxiety disorders will require integrative approaches that make use of these biologic tools as well as larger-scale genomic studies. If successful, such efforts may yield novel and more effective approaches for the prevention and treatment of these common and costly disorders. Depression and Anxiety, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Photodynamic Therapy: Where We Have Been and Where We Are GoingDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 8 2004Michael H. Gold MD Background. Photodynamic therapy, utilizing the topical administration of 20% 5-aminolevulinic acid, has generated a great deal of interest in the dermatology community over the past several years. Objective. The purpose of this article is to review the history of photodynamic therapy in dermatology and to review recent new advances with this technology that will increase its appeal to all dermatologists. Methods. A literature review and results of new clinical trials with regards to photorejuvenation and acne vulgaris treatments with 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy are presented. Results. Short-contact, full-face 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy treatments with a variety of lasers and light sources have shown to be successful in treating all facets of photorejuvenation and the associated actinic keratoses as well as disorders of sebaceous glands, including acne vulgaris. The treatments are relatively pain-free, efficacious, and safe. They are also making already available laser/light source therapies work better for acne vulgaris and photorejuvenation. Conclusions. The use of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy with short-contact, full-face broad-application therapy is now able to bridge the world of medical and cosmetic dermatologic surgery. This therapy is available for all dermatologists to utilize in the care of their patients. [source] Improvement of Dermatochalasis and Periorbital Rhytides With a High-Energy Pulsed CO2 Laser: A Retrospective StudyDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 4 2004Tina S. Alster MD Background. Upper eyelid dermatochalasis is typically treated with excisional blepharoplasty. The role of the CO2 laser previously had been confined to that of a vaporizing, incisional, or hemostatic tool. Over the past several years, however, ablative CO2 laser skin resurfacing has been popularized as an adjunctive treatment to blepharoplasty to minimize periorbital rhytides through its vaporizing as well as skin-tightening action. Objective. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a high-energy pulsed CO2 laser as a stand-alone treatment for dermatochalasis and periorbital rhytides. Methods. Sixty-seven patients (skin phototypes I,IV) with mild-to-severe upper eyelid dermatochalasis and periorbital rhytides received periocular CO2 laser skin treatment. Global assessment scores of dermatochalasis and rhytides were determined by a side-by-side comparison of periocular photographs preoperatively and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. In addition, caliper measurements of upper eyelids before and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment were obtained. Results. Both dermatochalasis and periorbital rhytides were significantly improved after periocular CO2 laser skin resurfacing. Patients with more severe dermatochalasis and rhytides showed greater improvement after CO2 laser treatment than did those with mild or moderate involvement. Side effects were limited to erythema and transient hyperpigmentation. No scarring, hypopigmentation, or ectropion were observed. Conclusions. Periocular skin resurfacing with a CO2 laser can safely and effectively improve upper eyelid dermatochalasis and periorbital rhytides. [source] Powered Liposuction: An Evaluation of Currently Available InstrumentationDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 5 2002Timothy Corcoran Flynn MD background. Over the past several years, powered liposuction instruments have become available to the dermatologic surgeon. These instruments all move the cannula forward and backward 2,12 mm with rapidity. This motion simulates the standard human movement of the cannula and facilitates movement through the tissue. Powered liposuction may help to prevent surgeon fatigue and has recently been shown to aid in the efficacy of fat removal. objective. To compare and contrast currently available powered liposuction instruments, to obtain objective engineering data on the instruments, and to compare the instruments when used on actual liposuction cases. methods. Five currently available powered liposuction systems were evaluated by the author. Each instrument was used with a 3 mm dual side port cannula on patients undergoing tumescent liposuction. An independent engineering firm, who collected objective measurements such as weight, stroke force, temperature, and vibration measurements on the instruments, evaluated the units. Noise measurements were obtained. results. Each of the five systems showed advantages and disadvantages. Important issues were the size and weight of the units, as well as whether they were driven electrically or pneumatically. Stroke force is variable (range 9.5,30 pounds). The noise of the units ranged between 60 and 87 dB. Vibration measurements varied from instrument to instrument. Units produced a variable amount of heat ranging from 77°F to 102°F. Most instruments are autoclavable, and one system is disposable. Build quality and reliability varied with the instrument. conclusion. Instruments for powered liposuction have emerged in the last 2 years, with each instrument having distinct advantages and disadvantages. This article reviews five currently available powered liposuction instruments and presents objective measurements as well as the author's experience using the instruments. [source] Comparison of Long-Pulsed Diode and Long-Pulsed Alexandrite Lasers for Hair Removal: A Long-Term Clinical and Histologic StudyDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 7 2001Christiane Handrick MD Background. Unwanted facial and body hair is a common problem, generating a high level of interest for treatment innovations. Advances in laser technology over the past several years has led to the development and distribution of numerous red and infrared lasers and light sources to address this issue. Despite the impressive clinical results that have been reported with the use of individual laser hair removal systems, long-term comparative studies have been scarce. Objective. To compare the clinical and histologic efficacy, side effect profile, and long-term hair reduction of long-pulsed diode and long-pulsed alexandrite laser systems. Methods. Twenty women with Fitzpatrick skin types I,IV and dark terminal hair underwent three monthly laser-assisted hair removal sessions with a long-pulsed alexandrite laser (755 nm, 2-msec pulse, 10 mm spot) and a long-pulsed diode laser (800 nm, 12.5 msec or 25 msec, 9 mm spot). Axillary areas were randomly assigned to receive treatment using each laser system at either 25 J/cm2 or 40 J/cm2. Follow-up manual hair counts and photographs of each area were obtained at each of the three treatment visits and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the final laser session. Histologic specimens were obtained at baseline, immediately after the initial laser treatment, and 1 and 6 months after the third treatment session. Results. After each laser treatment, hair counts were successively reduced and few patients found it necessary to shave the sparsely regrown hair. Optimal clinical response was achieved 1 month after the second laser treatment, regardless of the laser system or fluence used. Six months after the third and final treatment, prolonged clinical hair reduction was observed with no significant differences between the laser systems and fluences used. Histologic tissue changes supported the clinical responses observed with evidence of initial follicular injury followed by slow follicular regeneration. Side effects, including treatment pain and vesiculation, were rare after treatment with either laser system, but were observed more frequently with the long-pulsed diode system at the higher fluence of 40 J/cm2. Conclusion. Equivalent clinical and histologic responses were observed using a long-pulsed alexandrite and a long-pulsed diode laser for hair removal with minimal adverse sequelae. While long-term hair reduction can be obtained in most patients after a series of laser treatments, partial hair regrowth is typical within 6 months, suggesting the need for additional treatments to improve the rate of permanent hair removal. [source] Therapy of other viral infections: herpes to hepatitisDERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 6 2004Arun Chakrabarty ABSTRACT:, Over the past several years, there has been an increase in knowledge pertaining to the diagnosis and management strategies for the herpes family (Types 1,8), the pox viruses, mumps, measles, rubella, and parvovirus B19 as well as the viral etiologies of hepatitis. Various antiviral treatments, such as nucleoside analogs and interferon therapy, have been available to reduce the signs and symptoms of these common viral infections. This article summarizes the preferred treatment strategies to be employed for each of the viruses for reducing severity, duration, recurrences (notably in the herpes family), transmission rates, as well as preventive alternatives. The majority of the therapeutic options attenuate the course of disease. Treatment decisions are driven by knowledge of the natural history and often are tailored to incorporate clinical circumstances for individual patients. Promotion of community awareness and the development of vaccines should be emphasized in the battle against these common viruses, particularly the herpes simplex viruses, the pox viruses, and hepatitis B. [source] Cutaneous infections in the elderly: diagnosis and managementDERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 3 2003Jeffrey M. Weinberg ABSTRACT:, Over the past several years there have been many advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous infectious diseases. This review focuses on the three major topics of interest in the geriatric population: herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), onychomycosis, and recent advances in antibacterial therapy. Herpes zoster in adults is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that causes chickenpox in children. For many years acyclovir was the gold standard of antiviral therapy for the treatment of patients with herpes zoster. Famciclovir and valacyclovir, newer antivirals for herpes zoster, offer less frequent dosing. PHN refers to pain lasting ,2 months after an acute attack of herpes zoster. The pain may be constant or intermittent and may occur spontaneously or be caused by seemingly innocuous stimuli such as a light touch. Treatment of established PHN through pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapy will be discussed. In addition, therapeutic strategies to prevent PHN will be reviewed. These include the use of oral corticosteroids, nerve blocks, and treatment with standard antiviral therapy. Onychomycosis, or tinea unguium, is caused by dermatophytes in the majority of cases, but can also be caused by Candida and nondermatophyte molds. Onychomycosis is found more frequently in the elderly and in more males than females. There are four types of onychomycosis: distal subungual onychomycosis, proximal subungual onychomycosis, white superficial onychomycosis, and candidal onychomycosis. Over the past several years, new treatments for this disorder have emerged which offer shorter courses of therapy and greater efficacy than previous therapies. The treatment of bacterial skin and skin structure infections in the elderly is an important issue. There has been an alarming increase in the incidence of gram-positive infections, including resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and drug-resistant pneumococci. While vancomycin has been considered the drug of last defense against gram-positive multidrug-resistant bacteria, the late 1980s saw an increase in vancomycin-resistant bacteria, including vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). More recently, strains of vancomycin-intermediate resistant S. aureus (VISA) have been isolated. Gram-positive bacteria, such as S. aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes are often the cause of skin and skin structure infections, ranging from mild pyodermas to complicated infections including postsurgical wound infections, severe carbunculosis, and erysipelas. With limited treatment options, it has become critical to identify antibiotics with novel mechanisms of activity. Several new drugs have emerged as possible therapeutic alternatives, including linezolid and quinupristin/dalfopristin. [source] LARGE HYPERPLASTIC POLYP DEVELOPING AFTER ENDOSCOPIC MUCOSAL RESECTION OF GASTRIC ADENOMA IN A PATIENT RECEIVING IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE THERAPYDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 2 2006Geum-Youn Gwak A 59-year-old man underwent endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for gastric adenoma. He had suffered from end-stage renal disease for several years and had received renal transplantation some 5 months before EMR. Subsequently, he took immunosuppressive agents. Follow-up gastrofiberscopy 6 months after EMR showed a sessile polyp at the resection site twice as large as the original adenoma; biopsy specimens revealed a hyperplastic nature. At the time of writing, this hyperplastic polyp has neither increased in size nor developed adenomatous or carcinomatous changes by histological examinations over the past 5 years. Therefore, this is a case of hyperplastic polyp occurring at the gastric adenoma resection site, and suggests the possible effect of immunosuppressive therapy on the post-EMR healing process and hyperplastic polyp development. [source] Changes of traditional agrarian landscapes and their conservation implications: a case study of butterflies in RomaniaDIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 6 2007Thomas Schmitt ABSTRACT Global biodiversity is decreasing as a result of human activities. In many parts of the world, this decrease is due to the destruction of natural habitats. The European perspective is different. Here, traditional agricultural landscapes developed into species-rich habitats. However, the European biodiversity heritage is strongly endangered. One of the countries where this biodiversity is best preserved is Romania. We analyse the possible changes in Romania's land-use patterns and their possible benefits and hazards with respect to biodiversity. As model group, we used butterflies, whose habitat requirements are well understood. We determined the ecological importance of different land-use types for the conservation of butterflies, underlining the special importance of Romania's semi-natural grasslands for nature conservation. We found that increasing modern agriculture and abandonment of less productive sites both affect biodiversity negatively , the former immediately and the latter after a lag phase of several years. These perspectives are discussed in the light of the integration of Romania into the European Union. [source] The effect of bidirectional flow on tidal channel planformsEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 3 2004Sergio Fagherazzi Abstract Salt marsh tidal channels are highly sinuous. For this project, ,eld surveys and aerial photographs were used to characterize the planform of tidal channels at China Camp Marsh in the San Francisco Bay, California. To model the planform evolution, we assume that the topographic curvature of the channel centreline is a key element driving meander migration. Extraction of curvature data from a planimetric survey, however, presents certain problems because simple calculations based on equally distanced points on the channel axis produce numerical noise that pollutes the ,nal curvature data. We found that a spline interpolation and a polynomial ,t to the survey data provided us with a robust means of calculating channel curvature. The curvature calculations, combined with data from numerous cross-sections along the tidal channel, were used to parameterize a computer model. With this model, based on recent theoretical work, the relationship between planform shape and meander migration as well as the consequences of bidirectional ,ow on planform evolution have been investigated. Bank failure in vegetated salt marsh channels is characterized by slump blocks that persist in the channel for several years. It is therefore possible to identify reaches of active bank erosion and test model predictions. Our results suggest that the geometry and evolution of meanders at China Camp Marsh, California, re,ect the ebb-dominated regime. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] CASE REPORTS: Trepopnea Associated with Paroxysmal Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation Triggered at Left Lateral Decubitus PositionECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 8 2010David Wolf M.D. A 78-year-old male patient was referred cardiovascular risk evaluation before elective resection of a bronchial carcinoma. A myocardial infarction with a subsequent coronary artery bypass revascularization and a mitral prosthetic valve surgery were known. Left lateral decubitus (LLD) was permanently avoided because of significant trepopnea since several years. No signs of heart failure were found in the physical examination. A mitral valve prosthesis presented normal characteristics at examination. Left ventricular dimensions and function were normal. A severe tricuspid regurgitation could be documented during examination in the LLD, with changing characteristics in dorsal decubitus, when it could be graded as moderate. Trepopnea associated with severe paroxysmal tricuspid regurgitation was never described before in the literature. Sympathetic/parasympathetic modulation of papillary muscles of the tricuspid valve can be proposed as a probable cause of this dynamic valvular dysfunction. (Echocardiography 2010;27:E77-E79) [source] Recent progress in enantiomeric separation by capillary electrochromatographyELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 22-23 2002Jingwu Kang Abstract Recent progress in enantiomeric separations by capillary electrochromatography (CEC) is reviewed. The development of simple and robust CEC column technologies plays an important role for popularization of CEC. During the last several years, various approaches for the preparation of enantioselective columns have been reported. Currently, the monolithic column technology (continuous beds) represents the most advanced approach for the preparation of CEC columns. The development of new chiral stationary phase used for CEC is another important issue in this field. Fundamental investigations on electrochromatographic behaviors of various CSPs are necessary in order to understand the separation mechanism and thus improve the separation performance. Some chiral stationary phases performed better under nonaqueous CEC conditions than reversed-phase conditions. Coupling CEC with mass spectrometry (MS) provides a powerful tool for enantiomeric separation. Finally, some applications of enantiomeric separation by CEC are summarized. [source] The prognosis and expected outcome of apical surgeryENDODONTIC TOPICS, Issue 1 2005SHIMON FRIEDMAN Clinicians should possess current knowledge about the prognosis and expected outcome of endodontic treatment, including apical surgery. This knowledge cannot be acquired by indiscriminate review of the many available studies because they vary in the level of evidence they provide. Therefore, seven studies that best comply with methodology criteria defining the levels of evidence were selected and used as the basis of this review. In spite of their methodological consistency, the outcomes reported in these studies still differ considerably, mainly because of differences in inclusion criteria. According to these studies, 37,91% of teeth can be expected to be healed, while up to 33% can still be healing several years after surgery. Importantly, 80,94% of teeth can remain in symptom-free function, even if they are not healed. Several pre-operative factors may influence the outcome of treatment; the outcome may be better in teeth with small lesions and excessively short or long root canal fillings, and it may be poorer in teeth treated surgically for the second time. With regard to intra-operative factors, the choice of the root-end filling material and the quality of the root-end filling may influence the outcome, while the retrograde retreatment procedure clearly offers a better outcome than the standard root-end filling. In summary, the expected outcome of apical surgery is good and therefore, before considering tooth extraction and replacement, apical surgery should be attempted when it is feasible. [source] Phenological model of pear psylla Cacopsylla pyriENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 2 2005L. Schaub Abstract A phenological model of first- and second-generation pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyri L. (Homoptera: Psyllidae), was developed. The model included a time-distributed delay and was based on authors' observations and literature data of termination of reproductive diapause, oviposition-period length, and developmental duration of juvenile stages depending on temperature. After calibrating microclimate, the model provided a good simulation of observations from different orchards in Switzerland and Italy over several years. The model or simulated output tables can be used to improve timing of monitoring and control measures. [source] Interstrand crosslink inducing agents in pretransplant conditioning therapy for hematologic malignanciesENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS, Issue 6 2010Benigno C. Valdez Abstract Despite successful molecularly targeted, highly specific, therapies for hematologic malignancies, the DNA interstrand crosslinking agents, which are among the oldest and least specific cytotoxic drugs, still have an important role. This is particularly true in stem cell transplantation, where virtually every patient receives conditioning therapy with a DNA-alkylating agent-based program. However, due to concern about serious additive toxicities with combinations of different alkylating drugs, the last several years have seen nucleoside analogs, whose cytotoxic action follows vastly different molecular pathways, introduced in combination with alkylating agents. The mechanistic differences paired with different metabolic pathways for the respective drugs have clinically translated into increased safety without appreciable loss of antileukemic activity. In this report, we review pre-clinical evidence for synergistic antileukemic activity when nucleoside analog(s) and DNA-alkylating agent(s) are combined in the most appropriate manner(s), without a measurable decrease in clinical efficacy compared with the more established alkylating agent combinations. Data from our own laboratory using combinations of fludarabine, clofarabine, and busulfan as prototype representatives for these respective classes of cytotoxic agents are combined with information from other investigators to explain how the observed molecular events will result in greatly enhanced synergistic cytotoxicity. We further present possible mechanistic pathways for such desirable cytotoxic synergism. Finally, we propose how this information-backed hypothesis can be incorporated in the design of the next generation conditioning therapy programs in stem cell transplantation to optimize antileukemic efficacy while still safeguarding patient safety. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Population dynamics of the ectomycorrhizal fungal species Tricholoma populinum and Tricholoma scalpturatum associated with black poplar under differing environmental conditionsENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2006Hervé Gryta Summary Fungi combine sexual reproduction and clonal propagation. The balance between these two reproductive modes affects establishment dynamics, and ultimately the evolutionary potential of populations. The pattern of colonization was studied in two species of ectomycorrhizal fungi: Tricholoma populinum and Tricholoma scalpturatum. The former is considered to be a host specialist whereas T. scalpturatum is a generalist taxon. Fruit bodies of both basidiomycete species were mapped and collected over several years from a black poplar (Populus nigra) stand, at two different sites. Multilocus genotypes (= genets) were identified based on the analysis of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) patterns, inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) patterns and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in the ribosomal DNA intergenic spacer (rDNA IGS). The genetic analyses revealed differences in local population dynamics between the two species. Tricholoma scalpturatum tended to capture new space through sexual spores whereas T. populinum did this by clonal growth, suggesting trade-offs in allocation of resources at the genet level. Genet numbers and sizes strongly differ between the two study sites, perhaps as a result of abiotic disturbance on mycelial establishment and genet behaviour. [source] The Blood,Brain Barrier and EpilepsyEPILEPSIA, Issue 11 2006Emily Oby Summary:, During the past several years, there has been increasing interest in the role of the blood,brain barrier (BBB) in epilepsy. Advances in neuroradiology have enhanced our ability to image and study the human cerebrovasculature, and further developments in the research of metabolic deficiencies linked to seizure disorders (e.g., GLUT1 deficiency), neuroinflammation, and multiple drug resistance to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have amplified the significance of the BBB's relationship to epilepsy. Prior to 1986, BBB research in epilepsy focused on three main areas: ultrastructural studies, brain glucose availability and transport, and clinical uses of AEDs. However, contrast-based imaging techniques and medical procedures such as BBB disruption provided a framework that demonstrated that the BBB could be reversibly disrupted by pathologic or iatrogenic manipulations, with important implications in terms of CNS drug delivery to "multiple drug resistant" brain. This concept of BBB breakdown for therapeutic purposes has also unveiled a previously unrecognized role for BBB failure as a possible etiologic mechanism in epileptogenesis. Finally, a growing body of evidence has shown that inflammatory mechanisms may participate in the pathological changes observed in epileptic brain, with increasing awareness that blood-borne cells or signals may participate in epileptogenesis by virtue of a leaky BBB. In this article we will review the relationships between BBB function and epilepsy. In particular, we will illustrate consensus and divergence between clinical reality and animal studies. [source] Assessing the impact of late treatment effects in cervical cancer: an exploratory study of women's sexualityEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE, Issue 4 2007M. BURNS rn, m.phil, professional development nurse Cancer survivorship has become a major issue due to people living longer with the effects of cancer treatment. A key issue in this area are the ,iatrogenic effects' of cancer treatments and their adverse impact on the quality of long-term patient survival. This paper considers the late physical effects of treatment for cervical cancer, in particular psychosocial problems associated with sexuality. The aim of this paper was to explore women's sexuality following treatment for cervical cancer. A qualitative phenomenological design was used to explore the lived experiences of a purposive sample of 13 women 2,3 years after treatment, using in-depth interviewing. The findings demonstrate that cancer treatment can result in a number of late physical effects, including bladder and bowel dysfunction. Moreover, the physical problems led to sexual difficulties experienced several years after treatment. Concerns were expressed by patients about perceived psychosexual difficulties encountered as a result of treatment. In conclusion, the study raises issues associated with the management of late treatment effects and its impact on sexuality. The findings underline the need for effective communication of possible iatrogenic effects of treatment during follow-up care and a need for research to consider the advice and information that women require about long-term treatment effects. [source] Signet ring-like light chain myeloma with systemic spreadEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2003Joud H. Haidar Abstract: The morphological presentation of malignant plasma cells in multiple myeloma (MM) varies from mature to anaplastic plasma cells with only one reported case of signet ring variant. We describe here another case of signet ring-like lambda light chain MM associated with extra-skeletal spread to lymph nodes, spleen and liver. The clinical and pathological presentations were atypical with no evidence of bone-lytic lesions or monoclonal component on protein electrophoresis, leading to a delay of several years in the diagnosis. Recognition of this morphological entity of MM may help in an early diagnosis of this rare variant. [source] Iatrogenic Creutzfeldt,Jakob disease subsequent to dural graft: persisting risk after 1987EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 5 2003C. Boutoleau The first case of Creutzfeldt,Jakob disease (CJD) related to the use of a dura mater graft of cadaveric origin was identified in 1987 and this procedure is now considered as one of the main causes of iatrogenic CJD. Although the decontamination procedure for the preparation of graft material was modified, the product was withdrawn from the market in many countries a few years later and replaced by synthetic material. In this context, two patients treated in our institution developed CJD following a cadaveric dural graft performed after cerebral and lumbar trauma. Their clinical presentation, showing predominant cerebellar symptoms, late deterioration and myoclonic jerks, and a rapid disease course until death, was similar to that of previously reported cases involving the iatrogenic form. As the graft for one of the patients was performed in 1991 (several years after modification of the decontamination procedure), this fourth reported case suggests that the risk of iatrogenic CJD may have persisted in some patients treated after 1987, when grafts of cadaveric origin were totally abandoned. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||