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Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	51%
Life Sciences	21%
Business, Economics, Finance and Accounting	6%
Humanities and Social Sciences	6%
Earth and Environmental Science	5%
Psychology	3%
Chemistry	2%
5 Other Domains	6%

Distribution within Medical Sciences

Neurology	5%
Dermatology	3%
50 Other Subdomains	73%

Kinds of Short-term

good short-term

Terms modified by Short-term

short-term administration

short-term application

short-term benefit

short-term change

short-term clinical outcome

short-term complications

short-term consequence

short-term culture

short-term debt

short-term depression

short-term experiment

short-term exposure

short-term fasting

short-term fluctuation

short-term follow-up

short-term gain

short-term graft survival

short-term growth

short-term impact

short-term improvement

short-term increase

short-term influence

short-term interest rate

short-term intervention

short-term load forecasting

short-term longitudinal study

short-term management

short-term performance

short-term plasticity

short-term prognosis

short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy

short-term reduction

short-term regulation

short-term reproducibility

short-term side effects

short-term variability

short-term variation

short-term volatility

Selected Abstracts

SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ON PHOTOSYNTHESIS IN THE DIATOM THALASSIOSIRA PSEUDONANA UNDER UVR EXPOSURES,

JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY, Issue 3 2007
Cristina Sobrino
Temperature is expected to modify the effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on photosynthesis by affecting the rate of repair. We studied the effect of short-term (1 h) and long-term (days) acclimation to temperature on UVR photoinhibition in the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana Hasle et Heimdal. Photosynthesis was measured during 1 h exposures to varying irradiances of PAR and UVR + PAR at 15, 20, and 25°C, the latter corresponding to the upper temperature limit for optimal growth in T. pseudonana. The exposures allowed the estimation of photosynthesis,irradiance (P,E) curves and biological weighting functions (BWFs) for photoinhibition. For the growth conditions used, temperature did not affect photosynthesis under PAR. However, photoinhibition by UVR was highly affected by temperature. For cultures preacclimated to 20°C, the extent of UVR photoinhibition increased with decreasing temperature, from 63% inhibition of PAR-only photosynthesis at 25°C to 71% at 20°C and 85% at 15°C. These effects were slightly modified after several days of acclimation: UVR photoinhibition increased from 63% to 75% at 25°C and decreased from 85% to 80% at 15°C. Time courses of photochemical efficiency (,PSII) under UVR + PAR were also fitted to a model of UVR photoinhibition, allowing the estimation of the rates of damage (k) and repair (r). The r/k values obtained for each temperature treatment verified the responses observed with the BWF (R2 = 0.94). The results demonstrated the relevance of temperature in determining primary productivity under UVR exposures. However, the results suggested that temperature and UVR interact mainly over short (hours) rather than long (days) timescales. [source]

A Short-Term, Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Dronedarone versus Amiodarone in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: The DIONYSOS Study

JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2010
JEAN-YVES LE HEUZEY M.D.
Dronedarone versus Amiodarone in Patients with AF.,,Introduction: We compared the efficacy and safety of amiodarone and dronedarone in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Five hundred and four amiodarone-naïve patients were randomized to receive dronedarone 400 mg bid (n = 249) or amiodarone 600 mg qd for 28 days then 200 mg qd (n = 255) for at least 6 months. Primary composite endpoint was recurrence of AF (including unsuccessful electrical cardioversion, no spontaneous conversion and no electrical cardioversion) or premature study discontinuation. Main safety endpoint (MSE) was occurrence of thyroid-, hepatic-, pulmonary-, neurologic-, skin-, eye-, or gastrointestinal-specific events, or premature study drug discontinuation following an adverse event. Results: Median treatment duration was 7 months. The primary composite endpoint was 75.1 and 58.8% with dronedarone and amiodarone, respectively, at 12 months (hazard ratio [HR] 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28,1.98; P < 0.0001), mainly driven by AF recurrence with dronedarone compared with amiodarone (63.5 vs 42.0%). AF recurrence after successful cardioversion was 36.5 and 24.3% with dronedarone and amiodarone, respectively. Premature drug discontinuation tended to be less frequent with dronedarone (10.4 vs 13.3%). MSE was 39.3 and 44.5% with dronedarone and amiodarone, respectively, at 12 months (HR = 0.80; 95% CI 0.60,1.07; P = 0.129), and mainly driven by fewer thyroid, neurologic, skin, and ocular events in the dronedarone group. Conclusion: In this short-term study, dronedarone was less effective than amiodarone in decreasing AF recurrence, but had a better safety profile, specifically with regard to thyroid and neurologic events and a lack of interaction with oral anticoagulants. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 597-605, June 2010) [source]

Personality Over Time: Methodological Approaches to the Study of Short-Term and Long-Term Development and Change

JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY, Issue 6 2003
Jeremy C. Biesanz
We consider a variety of recent methods of longitudinal data analysis to examine both short-term and long-term development and change in personality, including mean-level analyses both across and within individuals across time, variance structures across time, and cycles and dynamic models across time. These different longitudinal analyses can address classic as well as new questions in the study of personality and its development. We discuss the linkages among different longitudinal analyses, measurement issues in temporal data, the spacing of assessments, and the levels of generalization and potential insights afforded by different longitudinal analyses. [source]

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Soil Ripping, Seeding, and Fertilization on the Restoration of a Tropical Rangeland

RESTORATION ECOLOGY, Issue 2010
David Kinyua
Rangeland degradation is a serious problem in semiarid Africa. Extensive areas of bare, compacted, nutrient-poor soils limit the productivity and biodiversity of many areas. We conducted a set of restoration experiments in which all eight combinations of soil tilling, fertilization, and seeding with native perennial grasses were carried out in replicated plots. After 6 months, little aboveground biomass was produced in plots without tilling, regardless of seeding or fertilization. Tilling alone tripled plant biomass, mostly of herbaceous forbs and annual grasses. Perennial grasses were essentially limited to plots that were both tilled and seeded. The addition of fertilizer had no significant additional effects. After 7 years, vegetation had declined, but there were still large differences among treatments. After 10 years, one tilled (and seeded) plot had reverted to bare ground, but the other tilled plots still had substantial vegetation. Only one seeded grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) was still a contributor to total cover after 10 years. We suggest that restoration efforts on these soils be directed first to breaking up the surface crust, and second to the addition of desirable seed. A simple ripping trial inspired by this experiment showed considerable promise as a low-cost restoration technique. [source]

Oxidative Burst in Suspension Culture of Taxus cuspidataInduced by a Laminar Shear Stress in Short-Term

BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 2 2004
Rong-Bin Han
Generation of active oxidative species induced by shear stress in suspension cultures of Taxus cuspidata was investigated in a Couette-type shear reactor. It was found that T. cuspidata cells respond to a shear rate of 95 s,1 with oxidative bursts. Their triphasic characteristics in 6 h were similar in both intracellular H2O2 production and extracellular O2,, production. Additionally, inhibition studies with diphenylene iodonium and azide suggested that the key enzyme responsible for oxidative bursts under the shear rate of 95 s,1 is primarily NADPH oxidase and the contribution of peroxidase for oxidative bursts was less. Investigation of the relationship between active oxidative species and defense responses induced by the shear stress indicated that the O2,, burst may account for the change of membrane permeability, and the H2O2 burst plays an important role in inducing secondary metabolites such as the activation of phenylalanine ammonia lyase enzyme and phenolic accumulation. Furthermore, oxidative bursts elicited by the shear rate of 95 s,1 were suppressed by treatment with suramin, nifedipine, and neomycin prior to the shear stress treatment, suggesting that G-protein, Ca2+ channel, and phospholipase C are involved in the signal pathway for oxidative bursts induced by the shear stress. A model is proposed to explain the oxidative burst in cultured T. cuspidata cells challenged with the shear stress. [source]

Sensitivity analysis of transient population dynamics

ECOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 1 2007
Hal Caswell
Abstract Short-term, transient population dynamics can differ in important ways from long-term asymptotic dynamics. Just as perturbation analysis (sensitivity and elasticity) of the asymptotic growth rate reveals the effects of the vital rates on long-term growth, the perturbation analysis of transient dynamics can reveal the determinants of short-term patterns. In this article, I present a completely new approach to transient sensitivity and elasticity analysis, using methods from matrix calculus. Unlike previous methods, this approach applies not only to linear time-invariant models but also to time-varying, subsidized, stochastic, nonlinear and spatial models. It is computationally simple, and does not require calculation of eigenvalues or eigenvectors. The method is presented along with applications to plant and animal populations. [source]

EFNS guideline on treatment of multiple sclerosis relapses: report of an EFNS task force on treatment of multiple sclerosis relapses

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 12 2005
F. Sellebjerg
Relapses, exacerbations or attacks of multiple sclerosis are the dominating feature of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), but are also observed in patients with secondary progressive MS. High-dose methylprednisolone is the routine therapy for relapses at present, but other treatments are also in current use. The objective of the task force was to review the literature on treatment of MS relapses to provide evidence-based treatment recommendations. Review was carried out on the literature with classification of evidence according to the EFNS guidelines for scientific task forces. Short-term, high-dose methylprednisolone treatment should be considered for the treatment of relapses of MS (level A recommendation). The optimal glucocorticoid treatment regimen, in terms of clinical efficacy and adverse events, remains to be established. A more intense, interdisciplinary rehabilitation programme should be considered as this probably further improves recovery after treatment with methylprednisolone (level B recommendation). Plasma exchange is probably efficacious in a subgroup of patients with severe relapses not responding to methylprednisolone therapy, and should be considered in this patient subgroup (level B recommendation). There is a need for further randomized, controlled trials in order to establish the optimal treatment regimen for relapses of MS. [source]

Effect of corticosterone on developing hippocampus: Short-term and long-term outcomes

HIPPOCAMPUS, Issue 4 2009
Wen-Bin He
Abstract Many documents implicate that corticosterone plays a negative role in brain function, especially in learning and memory. However, less evidence confirms its direct actions on hippocampal development. In the work reported here, pro treatment, minimum corticosterone administration in infant mice, and con treatment, corticosterone deprivation by adrenalectomy, were used to examine the effects imposed by corticosterone on the structure and function of developing hippocampus. Our study shows that adrenalectomy induces decrease of plasma corticosterone levels and results in the impairment of learning performance and the degenerative changes not in CA regions of hippocampus but in dentate gyrus. Noteworthily, this damage effect is severer in 5-week-old mice than that in 10-week-old mice. In addition, the short-term effect of minimum corticosterone administration may accelerate the development of dentate gyrus of 10-day-old mice. Moreover, minimum corticosterone administration during infancy contributed to the learning performance and the structural integrity of hippocampal CA regions in different developing stages, while this phenomenon was not observed in dentate gyrus. In conclusion, corticosterone is necessary for the development of dentate gyrus, especially in relatively young individuals, and administration with minimum corticosterone in infancy has a long-term positive influence on the hippocampal structure and function in different developing stages. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Murine Hypophosphatasia,

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 6 2008
José Luis Millán PhD
Abstract Introduction: Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is the inborn error of metabolism that features rickets or osteomalacia caused by loss-of-function mutation(s) within the gene that encodes the tissue-nonspecific isozyme of alkaline phosphatase (TNALP). Consequently, natural substrates for this ectoenzyme accumulate extracellulary including inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), an inhibitor of mineralization, and pyridoxal 5,-phosphate (PLP), a co-factor form of vitamin B6. Babies with the infantile form of HPP often die with severe rickets and sometimes hypercalcemia and vitamin B6 -dependent seizures. There is no established medical treatment. Materials and Methods: Human TNALP was bioengineered with the C terminus extended by the Fc region of human IgG for one-step purification and a deca-aspartate sequence (D10) for targeting to mineralizing tissue (sALP-FcD10). TNALP-null mice (Akp2,/,), an excellent model for infantile HPP, were treated from birth using sALP-FcD10. Short-term and long-term efficacy studies consisted of once daily subcutaneous injections of 1, 2, or 8.2 mg/kg sALP-FcD10 for 15, 19, and 15 or 52 days, respectively. We assessed survival and growth rates, circulating levels of sALP-FcD10 activity, calcium, PPi, and pyridoxal, as well as skeletal and dental manifestations using radiography, ,CT, and histomorphometry. Results:Akp2,/, mice receiving high-dose sALP-FcD10 grew normally and appeared well without skeletal or dental disease or epilepsy. Plasma calcium, PPi, and pyridoxal concentrations remained in their normal ranges. We found no evidence of significant skeletal or dental disease. Conclusions: Enzyme replacement using a bone-targeted, recombinant form of human TNALP prevents infantile HPP in Akp2,/, mice. [source]

Inhibition of osteoblast function in vitro by aminobisphosphonates

JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2009
Isabel R. Orriss
Abstract Bisphosphonates are analogues of pyrophosphate, a key physicochemical inhibitor of mineralisation. We examined the direct actions of bisphosphonates on the function of cultured osteoblasts derived from rat calvariae. Treatment with zoledronate, the most potent bisphosphonate studied, reduced osteoblast number at concentrations ,100 nM and was strongly toxic at 10 µM, causing a threefold decrease in osteoblast viability after 2 days and a 90% decrease in cell numbers after 14 days. In control osteoblast cultures on plastic, abundant formation of ,trabecular' mineralised bone matrix nodules began after 10 days. Continuous exposure to zoledronate inhibited bone mineralisation at concentrations as low as 10 nM. Pamidronate and clodronate exerted similar effects but at higher doses (,1 and ,10 µM, respectively). Short-term or intermittent exposure of osteoblasts to zoledronate and pamidronate (1,10 µM) was sufficient to inhibit bone mineralisation by ,85%. Zoledronate but not pamidronate or clodronate also strongly inhibited osteoblast alkaline phosphatase activity at concentrations ,100 nM and soluble collagen production at concentrations ,1 µM. We additionally studied the effects of zoledronate on osteoblasts cultured on dentine, a bone-like mineralised substrate, observing similar inhibitory effects, although at concentrations 10,100-fold higher; this shift presumably reflected adsorption of zoledronate to dentine mineral. Thus, zoledronate blocked bone formation in two ways: first, a relatively non-toxic, selective inhibition of mineralisation at concentrations in the low nanomolar range and second, a cytotoxic inhibition of osteoblast growth and function at concentrations ,1 µM. Although no data are available on the bisphosphonate concentrations that osteoblasts could be exposed to in vivo, our results are consistent with earlier observations that bisphosphonates may inhibit bone formation. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 109,118, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

p16INK4a -mediated suppression of telomerase in normal and malignant human breast cells

AGING CELL, Issue 5 2010
Alexey V. Bazarov
Summary The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p16INK4a (CDKN2A) is an important tumor suppressor gene frequently inactivated in human tumors. p16 suppresses the development of cancer by triggering an irreversible arrest of cell proliferation termed cellular senescence. Here, we describe another anti-oncogenic function of p16 in addition to its ability to halt cell cycle progression. We show that transient expression of p16 stably represses the hTERT gene, encoding the catalytic subunit of telomerase, in both normal and malignant breast epithelial cells. Short-term p16 expression increases the amount of histone H3 trimethylated on lysine 27 (H3K27) bound to the hTERT promoter, resulting in transcriptional silencing, likely mediated by polycomb complexes. Our results indicate that transient p16 exposure may prevent malignant progression in dividing cells by irreversible repression of genes, such as hTERT, whose activity is necessary for extensive self-renewal. [source]

Retrospective study of indications for and outcome of perineal urethrostomy in cats

JOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, Issue 5 2005
M. Bass
Objectives: To evaluate indications for and outcome of perineal urethrostomy in cats. Methods: The medical records of 59 cats that had undergone perineal urethrostomy were evaluated. Short-term follow up information (for a period of four weeks following surgery) was available for all of the cats. Long-term follow up information (for a period of at least four months) was available for 39 cats. Results: Early complications occurred in 25.4 per cent of cats and late complications were observed in 28.2 per cent of cats. The most frequent late complication was recurring bacterial urinary tract infection. Clinical Significance: Despite frequent complications and recurring signs of lower urinary tract disease, 32.2 per cent of the cats had a disease-free long-term outcome (mean four years, median 3.9 years), and 88.6 per cent of clients interviewed thought that their cats had a good quality of life after surgery. [source]

Short-Term Acetaldehyde Exposure Depresses Ventricular Myocyte Contraction: Role of Cytochrome P450 Oxidase, Xanthine Oxidase, and Lipid Peroxidation

ALCOHOLISM, Issue 4 2003
Nicholas S. Aberle II
Background: Chronic alcoholism leads to the development of alcoholic cardiomyopathy, manifested as ventricular dilation and impaired ventricular contractility. However, the specific toxic mechanism responsible for alcoholic cardiomyopathy remains unclear. One major candidate toxin is the first metabolic product of ethanol, acetaldehyde (ACA). This study was designed to examine the role of cytochrome P450 oxidase 2E1 (CYP 2E1), xanthine oxidase, and lipid peroxidation in the short-term ACA exposure-induced mechanical defects in adult rat ventricular myocytes. Methods: Mechanical and intracellular Ca2+ properties were evaluated by an IonOptix SoftEdge® system. Lipid peroxidation was assessed with malondialdehyde levels by using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Short-term (4- to 6-hr) culture of myocytes with ACA (1,100 ,M) in sealed containers with silicone septum depressed cell-shortening amplitude, maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening, and prolonged duration of relengthening, as well as intracellular Ca2+ clearing without any effect on the duration of shortening and electrically stimulated an intracellular Ca2+ increase. It is interesting to note that the ACA-induced effects on myocyte mechanical properties were abolished with co-treatment of the lipid peroxidation inhibitor butylated hydroxytoluene (20 ,M), the CYP 2E1 inhibitor diallyl sulfide (100 ,M), and the xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol (100 ,M). Short-term incubation of ACA with the myocytes also produced a significant increase of the lipid peroxidation end product malondialdehyde, which may be prevented by butylated hydroxytoluene. Conclusions: Collectively, these data provided evidence that ACA depressed cardiomyocyte mechanical function at micromolar levels, possibly through mechanisms related to CYP oxidase, xanthine oxidase, and lipid peroxidation. [source]

Clinical trial: prolonged beneficial effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on dyspepsia consultations , the Bristol Helicobacter Project

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 3 2010
R. F. Harvey
Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 394,400 Summary Background, Chronic infection of the stomach with Helicobacter pylori is widespread throughout the world and is the major cause of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Short-term benefit results from community programmes to eradicate the infection, but there is little information on cumulative long-term benefit. Aim, To determine whether a community programme of screening for and eradication of H. pylori infection produces further benefit after an initial 2-year period, as judged by a reduction in GP consultations for dyspepsia. Methods, A total of 1517 people aged 20,59 years, who were registered with seven general practices in Frenchay Health District, Bristol, had a positive 13C-urea breath test for H. pylori infection and were entered into a randomized double-blind trial of H. pylori eradication therapy. After 2 years, we found a 35% reduction in GP consultations for dyspepsia (previously reported). In this extension to the study, we analysed dyspepsia consultations between two and 7 years after treatment. Results, Between two and 7 years after treatment, 81/764 (10.6%) of participants randomized to receive active treatment consulted for dyspepsia, compared with 106/753 (14.1%) of those who received placebo, a 25% reduction, odds ratio 0.84 (0.71, 1.00), P = 0.042. Conclusions, Eradication of H. pylori infection in the community gives cumulative long-term benefit, with a continued reduction in the development of dyspepsia severe enough to require a consultation with a general practitioner up to at least 7 years. The cost savings resulting from this aspect of a community H. pylori eradication programme, in addition to the other theoretical benefits, make such programmes worthy of serious consideration, particularly in populations with a high prevalence of H. pylori infection. [source]

Efficacy of a short-term ribavirin plus interferon alpha combination therapy followed by interferon alpha alone in previously untreated patients with chronic hepatitis C: a randomized multicenter trial

LIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2000
Thomas Berg
Abstract:Background: Combination therapy with interferon alpha (IFN,) plus ribavirin has been shown to improve the sustained response rate in patients with chronic hepatitis C but there is little information regarding the lengths of time for this therapeutic regimen. In this study we therefore tried to evaluate whether the analysis of different virological parameters could provide new clues with respect to the early determination of the efficacy of this form of combination therapy. Furthermore, we also examined whether short-term induction combination therapy followed by IFN, alone is more effective than monotherapy in mounting an initial as well as a sustained virological response. Methods: 185 patients with histologically proven chronic hepatitis C (mean age 42 years (range 19,65 years); 110 males, 75 females) were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to receive, over the first 12 weeks, either interferon alpha 2a 6 million units (MU) three times weekly plus ribavirin 14 mg/kg per day (n=93) or the same dose of IFN, alone (n=92). Patients with a virological response (serum HCV RNA undetectable) after 12 weeks were subsequently treated with 3 MU IFN, alone thrice weekly for a further 40 weeks. Otherwise, treatment was discontinued. After the end of treatment, patients were followed up for 24 weeks. Results: Patient characteristics at baseline were not significantly different in the two treatment groups. An initial virological response at week 12 was seen in 61 (66%) patients receiving IFN, plus ribavirin and in 44 (48%) being treated with IFN, alone (p=0.015) and this improvement in the response rate was mainly restricted to HCV genotype 1-infected patients (58% vs. 38%). In contrast, end-of-treatment (week 52) and sustained virological response rates were similar in both groups (37% vs. 29% and 26% vs. 17% [p=0.1], respectively). Interestingly, patients with HCV genotype 3, however, clearly benefited from short-term combination therapy. Thus, sustained virological response rates in these patients significantly increased from 25% (IFN, monotherapy) to 59% (combination therapy) (p=0.05). Conclusions: Short-term combined therapy for 12 weeks is more effective than the monotherapy with respect to the induction of an initial virological response but this effect applies only to genotype 1-infected patients. However, there is no significant difference between both therapeutic schedules with regard to the induction of sustained response. Although HCV genotype 3-infected patients seem to benefit from this short-term combined therapy, prolonged combined therapy may be necessary in HCV genotype 1-infected patients. [source]

Experimentally testing the role of foundation species in forests: the Harvard Forest Hemlock Removal Experiment

METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION, Issue 2 2010
Aaron M. Ellison
Summary 1.,Problem statement, Foundation species define and structure ecological systems. In forests around the world, foundation tree species are declining due to overexploitation, pests and pathogens. Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), a foundation tree species in eastern North America, is threatened by an exotic insect, the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae). The loss of hemlock is hypothesized to result in dramatic changes in assemblages of associated species with cascading impacts on food webs and fluxes of energy and nutrients. We describe the setting, design and analytical framework of the Harvard Forest Hemlock Removal Experiment (HF-HeRE), a multi-hectare, long-term experiment that overcomes many of the major logistical and analytical challenges of studying system-wide consequences of foundation species loss. 2.,Study design, HF-HeRE is a replicated and blocked Before-After-Control-Impact experiment that includes two hemlock removal treatments: girdling all hemlocks to simulate death by adelgid and logging all hemlocks >20 cm diameter and other merchantable trees to simulate pre-emptive salvage operations. These treatments are paired with two control treatments: hemlock controls that are beginning to be infested in 2010 by the adelgid and hardwood controls that represent future conditions of most hemlock stands in eastern North America. 3.,Ongoing measurements and monitoring, Ongoing long-term measurements to quantify the magnitude and direction of forest ecosystem change as hemlock declines include: air and soil temperature, light availability, leaf area and canopy closure; changes in species composition and abundance of the soil seed-bank, understorey vegetation, and soil-dwelling invertebrates; dynamics of coarse woody debris; soil nitrogen availability and net nitrogen mineralization; and soil carbon flux. Short-term or one-time-only measurements include initial tree ages, hemlock-decomposing fungi, wood-boring beetles and throughfall chemistry. Additional within-plot, replicated experiments include effects of ants and litter-dwelling microarthoropods on ecosystem functioning, and responses of salamanders to canopy change. 4.,Future directions and collaborations, HF-HeRE is part of an evolving network of retrospective studies, natural experiments, large manipulations and modelling efforts focused on identifying and understanding the role of single foundation species on ecological processes and dynamics. We invite colleagues from around the world who are interested in exploring complementary questions to take advantage of the HF-HeRE research infrastructure. [source]

Short-term and long-term failure of laparoscopic splenectomy in adult immune thrombocytopenic purpura patients: A systematic review,

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY, Issue 11 2009
Joseph Mikhael
Splenectomy is a common therapy for adults with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Thisstudy was designed to estimate both the short-term surgical non-response rate and the long-term relapse rate after laparoscopic splenectomy. A systematic review was conducted of articles published between January 1, 1991 and January 1, 2008. Selection criteria included: chronic ITP, study enrollment in 1990 or later, ,12 months of follow-up, ,15 patients with ITP, ,75% of patients at least 14 years of age, not HIV positive, not undergoing a second splenectomy, and type of performed splenectomy clearly reported. Data were pooled across studies to estimate rates. We identified 170 articles, of which 23 met our inclusion criteria (all observational studies). These studies represent 1,223 laparoscopic splenectomies (71 or 5.6% were converted to open splenectomy during surgery). The pooled short-term surgical non-response rate among the 18 studies reporting data was 8.2% (95% CI 5.4,11.0). The pooled long-term relapse rate across all 23 studies was 43.6 per 1,000 patient years (95% CI 28.2,67.2). This translates to an approximate failure rate of 28% at 5 years for all patients undergoing splenectomy. Studies with shorter durations of follow-up had significantly higher pooled relapse rates than studies with longer follow-up (P = 0.04). Laparoscopicsplenectomy is effective for most patients. Splenectomy may have higher initial relapse rates, particularly, in the first 2 years after surgery, and the rate may decline over time. Am. J. Hematol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Do six-antigen-matched cadaver donor kidneys provide better graft survival to children compared with one-haploidentical living-related donor transplants?

PEDIATRIC TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 2 2000
A report of the North American Pediatric Renal Transplant Cooperative Study
Abstract: Since 1991, more than 50% of pediatric transplant recipients have received a living donor (LD) kidney, and , 85% of these allografts were one-haploidentical parental kidneys. Short-term (1 yr) and long-term (5 yr) graft survival of LD kidneys are 10% and 15% better, respectively, than that of cadaver donor (CD) kidneys. Because of these results, children are frequently not placed on a cadaver waiting list until the possibility of a LD is excluded , a process that may take up to 1 yr. The hypothesis for this study was that the graft outcome of a six-antigen-matched CD kidney is superior to that of a one-haploidentical LD kidney, and that children are at a disadvantage by not being placed on a CD list whilst waiting for a LD. The database of the North American Pediatric Renal Transplant Cooperative Study (NAPRTCS) for 11 yrs (1987,98), was reviewed to identify children who were recipients of a six-antigen-matched CD kidney (primary and repeat transplants), and those who were recipients of a one-haploidentical LD kidney (primary and repeat transplants). Using standard statistical methods, the morbidity, rejection episodes, post-transplant hospitalizations, renal function, long- and short-term graft survival, and half-life of primary recipients were compared in the two groups. Unlike adult patients, only 2.7% (87/3313) of CD recipients in the pediatric age range received a six-antigen-matched kidney, and the annual accrual rate over 11 yrs was never higher than 4%. Comparison of 57 primary six-antigen-CD kidneys (PCD) with 2472 primary LD (PLD) kidneys revealed that morbidity, rejection rates, and ratios were identical in the two groups. Renal function and subsequent hospitalizations were also identical in the two groups. Five-year graft survival of the PCD group was 90% compared with 80% for the PLD group, and the half-life of the PCD group was 25 ± 12.9 yrs compared with 19.6 ± 1.3 yrs. Our data suggest that the six-antigen-matched CD kidney may have less graft loss as a result of chronic rejection and would therefore confer a better long-term outcome. Based on these findings we recommend that all children, whilst waiting for a LD work-up, be listed with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) registry for a CD kidney. [source]

Compassionate Politics: Support for Old-Age Programs Among the Non Elderly

POLITICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 3 2001
Leonie Huddy
This study examines the existence of compassionate support for old-age programs such as Social Security and Medicare among the non-elderly. Past research has focused on merit and equality as a basis for support of social welfare programs by examining views of recipients' deservingness; in contrast, this study considers the extent of program support based on recipients' perceived need. Analysis of data from the 1984 National Election Study and from a local survey (Suffolk County, New York, 1989) shows that non-elderly individuals who view older people as financially impoverished are more likely to support government benefits for the aged. Moreover, compassionate support for old-age programs is distinct from liberal ideology; indeed, political conservatives, not liberals, are most likely to support such programs out of compassion for older people, a finding at odds with Sniderman's (Sniderman & Carmines, 1997) notion of principled conservatism. The analysis also revealed that response to elderly need does not convey the effects of long-term and family-based interests; this result substantiates that support of old-age programs can be considered as other-regarding (i.e., reflecting a concern for individuals that is unrelated to one's personal circumstances). Short-term and long-term interests tend to eclipse rather than promote compassionate support of old-age programs, consistent with the findings of traditional research on self-interest. [source]

Practitioner Review: Short-term and working memory impairments in neurodevelopmental disorders: diagnosis and remedial support

THE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 1 2006
Susan E. Gathercole
Background:, This article provides an introduction to current models of working and short-term memory, their links with learning, and diagnosis of impairments. The memory impairments associated with a range of neurodevelopmental disorders (Down's syndrome, Williams syndrome, Specific Language Impairment, and attentional deficits) are discussed. Methods:, Methods of alleviating the adverse consequences of working and short-term memory impairments for learning are identified. Conclusion:, Impairments of short-term and working memory are associated with learning difficulties that can be substantial, and that can be minimised by appropriate methods of remedial support. [source]

Efficacy and safety of preprandial versus postprandial administration of low-dose cyclosporin microemulsion (Neoral) in patients with psoriasis vulgaris

THE JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 7 2007
Hideo HASHIZUME
ABSTRACT A study of therapeutic drug monitoring indicated that cyclosporin administered before meals produces higher blood concentrations than an equivalent dose administered after meals. Our objective was to compare the efficacy of cyclosporin administered before and after meals, respectively, in psoriasis vulgaris patients. We performed an open trial study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive cyclosporin before (group B, n = 20) or after meals (group A, n = 17), and were followed up in 10 dermatology clinics. The difference between groups was evaluated in severity. The percent reduction in psoriasis area and severity index score from baseline was 29.8% in group A and 75.4% in group B (A vs B, P = 0.00005). Two patients in each group withdrew due to abnormality of laboratory data. Short-term, low-dose treatment with cyclosporin before rather than after meals is suggested as a new effective treatment regimen for psoriasis, with the added advantage of lowering costs. [source]

Safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography during pregnancy

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 1-2 2009
Mohammed N. Bani Hani
Abstract Background:, The risk of choledocholithiasis is expected to be higher during pregnancy. This is attributed to alteration in bile composition as well as biliary stasis that take place during gestation. There is significant concern regarding application of endoscopic procedures especially the more invasive ones for treatment of choledocholithiasis during pregnancy. Our aim was to provide an additional support to the efficacy and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of biliary diseases during pregnancy. Methods:, The medical records of 10 pregnant patients who underwent ERCP at King Abdullah University Hospital, during the period from 2002 to 2007 were reviewed. Pregnancy course and outcomes were followed up in all cases. Results were analysed and compared with published data on safety and efficacy of this procedure. Results:, The mean age for mothers was 24.3 years. The mean duration of gestation was 18.4 weeks. Two patients were in the first trimester, five were in their second trimester and another three in the third trimester. The main indication for ERCP was obstructive choledocholithiasis on ultrasound and liver function tests. Fetal radiation exposure was not routinely measured. During, or after, the procedure there was no need for tocolytic agents. Also there was no intrauterine fetal distress. Screening for congenital anomalies was negative in all cases. Conclusion:, Major complications of biliary obstruction have been prevented through this procedure. Short-term follow up for all neonates whom mothers underwent ERCP during pregnancy supports its safety. However, specific long-term fetal complications of radiation exposure have not been investigated yet. [source]

Short-term versus Long-term Impact of Managers: Evidence from the Football Industry

BRITISH JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2010
Mathew Hughes
Studies into the impact of top manager change on organization performance have revealed inconsistent findings. Using longitudinal data over a 12-year period on football organizations, we test for the short-term and long-term effects of manager change in comparison to the tenures of incumbent top managers. We find that long incumbent tenures are associated with performance far above the average. But when looking at change events, contrary to theoretical expectations, we find that change in the short term leads to a brief reprieve in poor performance only for performance to deteriorate in the long term as underlying weaknesses once again take hold. Our findings reveal the illusion of a short-term reprieve and the long-term consequences of this illusion. We map several implications for research and practice from our work. [source]

Short-term or long-term treatments with a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor result in opposing agonist-induced Ca2+ responses in endothelial cells

BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2008
M Campos-Toimil
Background and purpose: We previously reported that agonist-induced rises in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were inhibited after a short-term (2 min) pre-treatment with cAMP-elevating agents. The aim of this work was to study the effects of longer term (8 h) pre-treatment with dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP) or rolipram, a specific inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4), on [Ca2+]i, cAMP levels and PDE activity and expression in HUVEC. Experimental approach: [Ca2+]i changes were measured in isolated HUVEC by Fura-2 imaging. Intracellular cAMP levels and PDE4 activity were assessed by enzyme-immunoassay and radio-enzymatic assay, respectively. PDE expression was measured by northern and western blot analysis. Key results: Long-term pre-treatment of HUVEC with rolipram or db-cAMP significantly increased ATP-, histamine- and thrombin-induced [Ca2+]i rises. Short-term pre-treatment with rolipram was associated with an increase in cAMP, whereas long-term pre-treatment was associated with a decrease in cAMP. Long-term pre-treatment with rolipram or db-cAMP induced a significant increase in PDE4 activity and the expression of 74 kDa-PDE4A and 73 kDa-PDE4B was specifically enhanced. All these effects were suppressed by cycloheximide. Conclusions and implications: Our data suggest that sustained inhibition of PDE4 by rolipram induced an increase in PDE4 activity, possibly as a compensatory mechanism to accelerate cAMP degradation and that PDE4A and PDE4B were implicated in the regulation of [Ca2+]i. Thus, isozyme-specific PDE4 inhibitors might be useful as therapeutic agents in diseases where [Ca2+]i handling is altered, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension and tolerance to ,-adrenoceptor agonists. [source]

No relationship between enzyme activity and structure of nucleotide binding site in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ -ATPase from short-term stimulated rat muscle

ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 4 2009
T. Mishima
Abstract Aim:, We examined whether structural alterations to the adenine nucleotide binding site (ANBS) within sarcoplasmic (endo) reticulum Ca2+ -ATPase (SERCA) would account for contraction-induced changes in the catalytic activity of the enzyme as assessed in vitro. Methods:, Repetitive contractions were induced in rat gastrocnemius by electrical nerve stimulation. Measurements of sarcoplasmic reticulum properties were performed on control and stimulated muscles immediately after or at 30 min after the cessation of 5-min stimulation. In order to examine the properties at the ANBS, the binding capacity of SERCA to fluorescence isothiocyanate (FITC), a competitive inhibitor at the ANBS, was analysed in microsomes. Results:, Short-term electrical stimulation evoked a 23.9% and 32.6% decrease (P < 0.05) in SERCA activity and in the FITC binding capacity, respectively, in the superficial region of the muscle. Whereas SERCA activity reverted to normal levels during 30-min recovery, a restoration of the FITC binding capacity did not occur. Conclusion:, The discordant changes between the enzyme activity and the FITC binding suggest that, at least during recovery after exercise, changes in SERCA activity may not correlate closely with structural alterations to the ANBS within the enzyme. [source]

A Multicenter, 47-Month Study of Safety and Efficacy of Calcium Hydroxylapatite for Soft Tissue Augmentation of Nasolabial Folds and Other Areas of the Face

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 2007
NEIL S. SADICK MD
OBJECTIVES Each soft tissue filler product has its own unique profile in terms of adverse events. In this large-scale study, we investigated the safety profile of Radiesse, an injectable calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) implant, in treatment of nasolabial folds and other areas of the face. We also investigated the efficacy in a subset of the larger patient group. METHODS After obtaining informed consent from the subjects, researchers injected CaHA at two treatment centers into 113 patients (100 women and 13 men, ranging in age from 26 to 78 years) for a variety of facial aesthetic applications over a period of 47 months. Seventy-five patients had a single injection session; 38 had multiple sessions. Most patients (102) received 1.0 mL of CaHA per session; 12 received 2.0 mL per session. Typically, CaHA was administered with a 27-gauge 0.5- or 1 1/4-in. needle. RESULTS Safety. Of 113 patients, only 7 reported minor adverse events that were short-term and resolved within 1 month: transient ecchymosis (3), nongranulatomous submucosal nodules of the lip (2), and inflammation and edema (2). Efficacy. Efficacy ratings were performed for a subset of patients (n=41). On a scale of 1 to 5 (1=unsatisfactory; 5=excellent), the mean patient evaluation score for look and feel of the implant was 4.6; the mean physician scores for the look and feel of the implant were 4.5 and 4.6, respectively. During the 6-month follow-up visit, patients' mean ratings of the look and feel of the implant were 4.8 and 4.9, respectively. The physician's mean ratings for the look and feel of the implant were 4.5 and 4.9, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In our study, CaHA performed well, with a favorable safety profile, high patient satisfaction (90% of patients reported very good or excellent results), and good durability. We are especially pleased with the low incidence of adverse events coupled with the favorable responses from the patients themselves due to longevity of correction. [source]

Novel Face-Lift Suspension Suture and Inserting Instrument: Use of Large Anchors Knotted into a Suture with Attached Needle and Inserting Device Allowing for Single Entry Point Placement of Suspension Suture.

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 3 2006
Preliminary Report of 20 Cases with 6- to 12-Month Follow-Up
BACKGROUND Various suspension suture techniques exist to elevate the mid-face, jowls, and neck. OBJECTIVE To assess safety and efficacy of a new suspension suture and inserting instrument with both standard and minimal incision (no-skin-excision) face-lifts. METHODS A new type of multianchor suspension suture assembled from commercially available 2-0 absorbable monofilament material, with 5 to 9 equally spaced knots through which are secured 7 to 9 mm bits of 0 thickness similar suture material, and an attached straightened needle, was used to elevate and suspend facial tissues to temporal or mastoid fascia. The suspension sutures are placed in the deep subcutaneous tissues, just above the superficial musculo aponeurotic system (SMAS), by use of a novel, blunt instrument, which does not require a second, distal exit point. The suspension suture distal end floats free. The proximal needle end is sutured to fascia. The suture was used on 20 patients. Fourteen of them underwent pure, "no-skin-excision," suspension lifts. Six had suspension suture elevation of the mid-face in conjunction with relatively conservative open lifts. Nine- to 12-month results were evaluated. RESULTS With open face-lifts, 9- to 12-month results are excellent with significant persistence of the correction initially achieved. Resulting scars remained fine line. There were no complications. With pure suspension lifts, initial results were impressive. By 6 months, correction started to fade. By 12 months 100% of initial correction for jowls, and 80 to 100% for mid-face, appeared lost. Recovery time was 2 to 4 days. There were no significant complications. CONCLUSION Large multianchor, absorbable monofilament sutures can safely and effectively enhance results of conservative lifts, with remarkable elevation of the mid-face not achievable with simple SMAS flaps. These suspension sutures can easily and safely achieve impressive, though relatively short-term results, with a minimal incision, "no-skin-excision" technique. [source]

Long-Term Follow-Up After Autologous Fat Grafting: Analysis of Results from 116 Patients Followed at Least 12 Months After Receiving the Last of a Minimum of Two Treatments

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 12 2000
Sorin Eremia MD
Background. The effectiveness of long-term results for correction of facial rhytides with single or multiple autologous fat transplants remains controversial. Objective. This study is a retrospective review of short- and long-term results for 116 patients who underwent multiple autologous fat grafting sessions into the nasolabial and melolabial (lateral oral commissure) fold, and in some cases additional sites such as lips and glabella. Methods. Criteria for inclusion into the study included at least two treatment sessions and at least a 12-month follow-up evaluation after the last treatment received. A 14-gauge needle cannula was used to aspirate the donor fat and to inject the fat grafts. Results. For the nasolabial and melolabial folds, short-term results at 3,4 months were uniformly excellent. Gradual correction loss was noted between 5 and 8 months, with 25% of patients still rated as excellent and 40% as good. Most patients continued to show correction loss between 9 and 14 months. Only 3,4% of the patients truly maintained long-term correction for more than 14 months. Multiple re-treatments did not significantly increase the percent of patients showing long-term results. For the glabella, the results were very disappointing, with most patients showing complete loss of correction after 3,4 months. For lip augmentation, correction loss was slower than in the glabella, but most patients showed complete loss of correction by 5,8 months. Complications were minimal. Conclusion. Autologous fat grafting is most effective for relatively short-term improvement of facial aging changes in the nasolabial and oral commissures areas. It is less effective for lip augmentation and completely ineffective for the glabella area. [source]

Women and Money: Lessons from Senegal

DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE, Issue 3 2006
Isabelle Guérin
This article examines the complexity and diversity of women's informal financial practices using data from surveys conducted in Senegal. It suggests that these practices are at the centre of a constant dialectic between short-term and long-term horizons, between the requirements of daily survival and the demands of community solidarity, and between personal aspirations and collective constraints. These practices also clearly illustrate a desire among the women in Senegal to impose a form of financial self-discipline, and to create situations that will oblige them to earn income. The socio-economic diversity among these entrepreneurs is also underscored. Informal financial arrangements are both a product and producer of gender inequalities and inequalities among women, as reflected in the research. This has direct policy implications, especially for microfinance products. If they are to be effective, microfinance services must develop beyond a standard, one-size fits all model and become more innovative and adaptable to the diverse demands of women. They must be combined with complementary measures that challenge the systemic causes of inequality. Microfinance programmes should draw on informal financial arrangements while challenging their tendency to perpetuate inequality. [source]

Neurophysiology of hunger and satiety

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES RESEARCH REVIEW, Issue 2 2008
Pauline M. Smith
Abstract Hunger is defined as a strong desire or need for food while satiety is the condition of being full or gratified. The maintenance of energy homeostasis requires a balance between energy intake and energy expenditure. The regulation of food intake is a complex behavior. It requires discrete nuclei within the central nervous system (CNS) to detect signals from the periphery regarding metabolic status, process and integrate this information in a coordinated manner and to provide appropriate responses to ensure that the individual does not enter a state of positive or negative energy balance. This review of hunger and satiety will examine the CNS circuitries involved in the control of energy homeostasis as well as signals from the periphery, both hormonal and neural, that convey pertinent information regarding short-term and long-term energy status of the individual. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2008;14:96,104. [source]