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Selected AbstractsQuantification of Mucosa oxygenation using three discrete spectral bands of visible lightJOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS, Issue 12 20092Article first published online: 10 AUG 200, Y. Fawzy Abstract Quantification of the mucosa oxygenation levels during Endoscopic imaging provides useful physiological/diagnostic information. In this work a method for non-contact quantification of the oxygen saturation index during Endoscopic imaging using three discrete spectral-band in the blue, the green, and the red parts of the spectrum (RGB bands) has been investigated. The oxygen saturation index (TOI_rgb) was calculated from the three discrete RGB spectral bands using diffusion approximation modeling and least-square analysis. A parametric study performed to identify the optimum band width for each of the three spectral bands. The quantification algorithm was applied to in vivo images of the endobronchial mucosa to calculate (TOI_rgb) from selected areas within the image view. The results were compared to that obtained from the full visible spectral (470,700 nm, 10 nm) measurements. The analysis showed that a band width of at least 20 nm in the blue and the green is required to obtain best results. The results showed that the method provides accurate estimation of the oxygenation levels with about 90% accuracy compared to that obtained using the full spectra. The results suggest the potential of quantifying the oxygen saturation levels from the three narrow RGB spectral bands/images. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Fractionated Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment Complications: A ReviewDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 3 2010ANDREI I. METELITSA MD BACKGROUND Fractional photothermolysis represents a new modality of laser skin resurfacing that was developed to provide a successful clinical response while minimizing postoperative recovery and limiting treatment complications. OBJECTIVES To review all of the reported complications that develop as a result of fractional ablative and nonablative laser skin resurfacing. METHODS A literature review was based on a MEDLINE search (1998,2009) for English-language articles related to laser treatment complications and fractional skin resurfacing. Articles presenting the highest level of evidence and the most recent reports were preferentially selected. RESULTS Complications with fractional laser skin resurfacing represent a full spectrum of severity and can be longlasting. In general, a greater likelihood of developing post-treatment complications is seen in sensitive cutaneous areas and in patients with intrinsically darker skin phototypes or predisposing medical risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Although the overall rate of complications associated with fractional laser skin resurfacing is much lower than with traditional ablative techniques, recent reports suggest that serious complications can develop. An appreciation of all of the complications associated with fractional laser skin resurfacing is important, especially given that many of them can be potentially prevented. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters. [source] Weight changes following the initiation of new anti-hyperglycaemic therapiesDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 1 2007G. A. Nichols Objective:, The objective of this study was to quantify 1-year weight gain associated with the initiation of sulphonylurea (SU), metformin, insulin and thiazolidinedione (TZD) therapy in a representative real world population of type 2 diabetic patients. Research Design and Methods:, The study population was 9546 members of Kaiser Permanente North-west (KPNW) who initiated an anti-hyperglycaemic drug between 1996 and 2002 and continued use of that drug for at least 12 months without adding other therapies. Change in weight was calculated as the annualized difference between baseline and follow-up weight and was adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics. We then compared the weight changes observed in patients newly initiating SU, metformin, insulin and TZD therapies. Results:, After adjustment for demographic and clinical characteristics that might affect weight change, metformin initiators lost an average of 2.4 kg while all other groups gained weight. SU initiators gained the least (1.8 kg), followed by insulin initiators (3.3 kg) and TZD subjects (5.0 kg). All comparisons were highly statistically significant. Conclusions:, In an observational study of 1-year weight changes following the initiation of SUs, metformin, insulin or TZDs, we found similar but somewhat smaller weight changes than those previously reported in clinical trials. Our observed weight changes could not be explained by the many other factors we tested and seemed to apply across the full spectrum of diabetes patients. Our report provides valuable information that will allow the patient and clinician to anticipate, and perhaps address, expected weight changes that accompany the initiation of anti-hyperglycaemic drugs. [source] Neurofibromatosis type 1: should we screen for other genetic syndromes?EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 9 2009A case report of co-existence with multiple endocrine neoplasia 2A Abstract Background, NF 1 is a genetic disorder with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritence. It is associated with neoplastic disorders mainly derived from the neural seath. However, the co-existence of NF1 with the full spectrum of MEN 2A has rarely been reported. The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of secondary neoplasias in a patient with diagnosed NF1, and in particular the presence of hyperparathyroidism and the possible co-existence with another pheochromocytoma-related syndrome. Methods, We report a case of a 70 years old female patient who had NF1. The patient was referred to our center and was diagnosed with an isolated pheochromocytoma of the right adrenal gland for which she underwent right adrenalectomy. We further investigated for the presence of another pheochromocytoma-related syndrome and in particular for the presence of hyperparathyroidism and medullary thyroid cancer. Molecular screening for germline mutations of the genes NF1, RET and VHL has also been performed. Results, The patient was further diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism and medullary thyroid cancer, having the full spectrum of the clinical picture of the MEN2A syndrome. The genetic testing revealed the germline mutation for NF1 but not for the RET proto-oncogene which is generally found in MEN2A cases. Conclusion, To our knowledge this is a rare case of co-existence of two pheochromocytoma-related genetic syndromes, and generates the question of whether all patients with these syndromes should undergo a thorough clinical and laboratory investigation for the possibility of another co-existing pheochromocytoma-related genetic syndrome. [source] POPULATION DIFFERENTIATION IN THE BEETLE TRIBOLIUM CASTANEUM.EVOLUTION, Issue 3 2007We used joint-scaling analyses in conjunction with rearing temperature variation to investigate the contributions of additive, non-additive, and environmental effects to genetic divergence and incipient speciation among 12 populations of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, with small levels of pairwise nuclear genetic divergence (0.033 < Nei's D < 0.125). For 15 population pairs we created a full spectrum of line crosses (two parental, two reciprocal F1's, four F2's, and eight backcrosses), reared them at multiple temperatures, and analyzed the numbers and developmental defects of offspring. We assayed a total of 219,388 offspring from 5147 families. Failed crosses occurred predominately in F2's, giving evidence of F2 breakdown within this species. In all cases where a significant model could be fit to the data on offspring number, we observed at least one type of digenic epistasis. We also found maternal and cytoplasmic effects to be common components of divergence among T. castaneum populations. In some cases, the most complex model tested (additive, dominance, epistatic, maternal, and cytoplasmic effects) did not provide a significant fit to the data, suggesting that linkage or higher order epistasis is involved in differentiation between some populations. For the limb deformity data, we observed significant genotype-by-environment interaction in most crosses and pure parent crosses tended to have fewer deformities than hybrid crosses. Complexity of genetic architecture was not correlated with either geographic distance or genetic distance. Our results support the view that genetic incompatibilities responsible for postzygotic isolation, an important component of speciation, may be a natural but serendipitous consequence of nonadditive genetic effects and structured populations. [source] Effects of spectrum modification on fatigue crack growthFATIGUE & FRACTURE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES, Issue 3 2010D. KUJAWSKI ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate experimentally the effects associated with modification of a loading spectrum recorded from P-3 a maritime aircraft on fatigue crack growth behaviour. The material is 2324-T39 Al alloy widely used in the aircraft industry. Experiments were conducted using the full spectrum and modified versions of it such as only ,positive' (no negative loads) or with reduced (clipped) high peaks. The results show that the compressive loads decrease fatigue life of the specimen by ,300%. Furthermore, by running tests with clipped peaks it was found that the fatigue life was shorten significantly due to reduction of crack growth retardation caused by highest tensile peaks. Multiple tests were conducted in order to establish a scatter in the experimental data under spectrum loads. [source] Coastal paleogeography and human land use at Tecolote Canyon, southern California, U.S.A.GEOARCHAEOLOGY: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 2 2004René L. Vellanoweth A buried archaeological site at Tecolote Canyon provides an ideal case study for relating past human land use patterns to changes in coastal paleogeography. Postglacial sea level transgression, erosion, and other marine and fluvial processes form the context for examining two deeply buried archaeological components excavated at CA-SBA-72. Archaeological shellfish assemblages provide proxy data for evaluating the evolution of local marine environments. Pismo clams dominate shellfish assemblages dated to 5800 cal yr B.P., suggesting the presence of a broad and sandy, high-energy beach environment. At 5500 cal yr B.P., the almost exclusive use of California mussels by humans signals the development of rocky intertidal habitats. During the late Holocene, estuarine species dominate the marine mollusk assemblages at CA-SBA-72, reflecting the development of local estuarine conditions or trade with nearby Goleta Slough villages. The buried components at Tecolote Canyon appear to have served as temporary camps for shellfish harvesting and processing. While general changes in coastal paleogeography and human subsistence have been reconstructed for the Santa Barbara Coast, high resolution ecological data from Tecolote Canyon suggest that Native peoples also adapted to localized and shorter-term shifts in intertidal habitats, changes not evident in most larger or more disturbed surface sites in the region. Linking these changes with shifts in human land use patterns highlights the interaction between humans and a dynamic coastal system. These data demonstrate the importance of small, buried sites in understanding the full spectrum of human subsistence and settlement choices and local environmental change. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Development Section, April 2008GEOGRAPHY COMPASS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 3 2008Cheryl McEwan EDITORIAL It is a great privilege to serve as Editor for the Development section of Geography Compass. The journal is an exciting new venture in electronic publishing that aims to publish state-of-the-art peer-reviewed surveys of key contemporary issues in geographical scholarship. As the first Editor of this section, it is my responsibility to establish the key aims and innovations for this section of the journal. These include: publishing reviews of scholarship on topics of contemporary relevance that are accessible and useful to researchers, teachers, students and practitioners; developing the range of topics covered across the spectrum of development geography; helping to set agendas in development geography by identifying gaps in existing empirical and conceptual research; commissioning articles from both established and graduate/early career researchers who are working at the frontiers of development geography; and communicating the distinctiveness of Geography Compass. Part of this distinctiveness is in publishing articles that are both of scholarly excellence and accessible to a wide audience. The first volume of Geography Compass was published in 2007, covering a wide range of topics (e.g. migration, children, technology, grassroots women's organizations, civil society, biodiversity, tourism, inequality, agrarian change, participatory development, disability, spirituality) in a number of specific geographical areas (e.g. Africa/southern Africa, Caribbean, China, Peru). Forthcoming in 2008/2009 are articles on the Gambia, Latin America, the Philippines, Southeast Asia, Bangladesh and South Africa, focusing on topics such as food security, comparative post-socialism, foreign aid and fair trade. Building on these diverse and excellent articles, I plan to communicate the distinctiveness of Development in a number of ways. First, I encourage an ecumenical approach to the notion of ,development geography' and welcome contributions from scholars across a range of social science disciplines whose work would be useful to a geography audience. This is important, not least because both development and geography, in disciplinary terms, are largely European inventions. Many scholars in Latin America, Africa and Asia, for example, do not refer to themselves as either development specialists or geographers but are producing important research in areas of direct relevance to students and researchers of ,development geography'. As the first editions illustrate, I also seek to publish articles that reflect ,development' in its broadest sense, encompassing economic, (geo)political, social, cultural and environmental issues. 2008 will be an interesting year for development, with a number of important issues and events shaping discourse and policy. These include: the Beijing Olympics and increasing focus on China's role in international development; political change in a number of African countries (Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa); the US presidential elections and potential shifts in policy on climate change, trade and security; the impacts of the Bali roadmap on climate change in the current economic context; the increasing number of impoverished people in Asia (notably China and India), sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America (notably Brazil) that even the World Bank has acknowledged; the implications of the increasing role of philanthropic foundations (e.g. the Gates Foundation and those emerging in India and Russia) in international development. I hope to see some of these issues covered in this journal. Second, I am keen to break down the association between ,development' and parts of the world variously categorized as ,Third World', ,Global South' or ,Developing World' by publishing articles that cut across North and South, East and West. The intellectual and disciplinary practices within (Western) geography that separate those researching issues in the South and post-socialist contexts from those researching similar issues in advanced capitalist economies are, it seems, no longer sustainable or sensible. Moreover, while studies of transnational and ethical trade, neoliberalism, household economies and ,commodity chains', for example, incorporate a multitude of case studies from across the world, these tend to be understood through conceptual lenses that almost always have their theoretical antecedents in Western theorization. The notion of ,learning from' debates, policy and practice in other parts of the world is still relatively alien within the discipline. There are thus issues in how we research and teach ethically and responsibly in and about different parts of the world, and in which this journal might make a contribution. Third, and related, part of my responsibility is to ensure that Compass reflects the breadth of debate about ,development' by publishing articles written by a truly international range of scholars. This has proved to be a challenge to date, in part reflecting the newness of the journal and the difficulties posed by English language publication. However, an immediate aim is to publish the work and ideas of scholars based outside of Anglophone contexts, in the Global South and in post-socialist contexts, and to use international referees who are able to provide valuable commentaries on the articles. A longer-term aim is to also further internationalize the Editorial Board. Currently, one-third of the Editorial Board is non-UK and I plan to increase this to at least 50% in future. Fourth, I plan to ensure that the Development section takes full advantage of electronic publication and the opportunities this offers. Thus, while I am keen to retain a word limit in the interest of publishing accessible articles, the lack of constraint regarding page space enables authors to include a wide range of illustrative and other material that is impossible in print journals. I plan to encourage authors to make greater use of visual materials (maps, photographs/photo-essays, video, sound recordings, model simulations and datasets) alongside text as well as more innovative forms of presentation where this might be appropriate. Finally, in the coming year, I intend to work more closely with other Compass section Editors to realize the potential for fostering debate that cuts across subdisciplinary and even disciplinary boundaries. The journal publishes across the full spectrum of the discipline and there is thus scope for publishing articles and/or special issues on development-related topics that might best be approached through dialogue between the natural and social sciences. Such topics might include resources (e.g. water, oil, bio-fuels), hazard and risk (from environmental issues to human and state security), and sustainability and quality of life (planned for 2008). Part of the distinctiveness of Compass is that electronic-only publication ensures that articles are published in relatively quick time , in some cases less than 3 months from initial submission to publication. It thus provides an important outlet for researchers working in fast-changing contexts and for those, such as graduate and early-career researchers, who might require swift publication for career purposes. Of course, as Editor I am reliant on referees both engaging with Manuscript Central and providing reports on articles in a relatively short space of time to fully expedite the process. My experience so far has been generally very positive and I would like to thank the referees for working within the spirit of the journal. Editing a journal is, of course, a collaborative and shared endeavour. The Development Editorial Board has been central to the successful launch of Development by working so generously to highlight topics and potential authors and to review articles; I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tony Bebbington, Reg Cline-Cole, Sara Kindon, Claire Mercer, Giles Mohan, Warwick Murray, Richa Nagar, Rob Potter, Saraswati Raju, Jonathan Rigg, Jenny Robinson and Alison Stenning. The Editors-in-Chief , Mike Bradshaw and Basil Gomez , have provided invaluable advice while adding humour (and colour) to the editorial process. Colleagues at Wiley-Blackwell have provided superb support, in particular, Helen Ashton who is constantly on hand to provide advice and assistance. I look forward to working closely with these people again in the coming year, as well as with the authors and readers who are vital to ensuring that Geography Compass fulfils its remit. [source] How is geriatrics different from general internal medicine?GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2004Thomas E Finucane Geriatrics and general internal medicine overlap greatly: most sick patients seen by a generalist are elderly and geriatricians care for nearly the full spectrum of diseases seen in internal medicine. Differences between the two disciplines can be seen in the areas of patient care, research and administration. As a group, geriatric patients are different from young adults because they are more likely to have multiple chronic illnesses, to depend on others, to be frail and to die in the near future. Each of these characteristics requires special knowledge on the part of the physician. The research agenda in geriatrics extends from attempts to find the molecular basis of sarcopenia and frailty to clinical research on the support of caregivers, who are themselves critically important to patients. In the US, nursing homes are required to have medical directors; this position is largely administrative and requires a distinct set of knowledge and attitudes. Clinical care, research and administrative efforts must all respond to the enormous number of patients who will develop cognitive impairment over the next three decades. Because the number of elderly patients so far exceeds the ability of geriatricians to provide care, education and ,geriatricizing' other specialties will also be an important mission for geriatricians. Proper reimbursement presents a serious challenge to physicians who care for the frail elderly. If geriatricians take care of the frailest, sickest and most vulnerable patients, but reimbursement mechanisms cannot recognize this fact, then all geriatricians will soon go bankrupt. [source] Multilevel Analysis of the Chronic Care Model and 5A Services for Treating Tobacco Use in Urban Primary Care ClinicsHEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH, Issue 1 2009Dorothy Y. Hung Objective. To examine the chronic care model (CCM) as a framework for improving provider delivery of 5A tobacco cessation services. Methods. Cross-sectional surveys were used to obtain data from 497 health care providers in 60 primary care clinics serving low-income patients in New York City. A hierarchical generalized linear modeling approach to ordinal regression was used to estimate the probability of full 5A service delivery, adjusting for provider covariates and clustering effects. We examined associations between provider delivery of 5A services, clinic implementation of CCM elements tailored for treating tobacco use, and the degree of CCM integration in clinics. Principal Findings. Providers practicing in clinics with enhanced delivery system design, clinical information systems, and self-management support for cessation were 2.04,5.62 times more likely to perform all 5A services ( p<.05). CCM integration in clinics was also positively associated with 5As delivery. Compared with none, implementation of one to six CCM elements corresponded with a 3.69,30.9 increased odds of providers delivering the full spectrum of 5As ( p<.01). Conclusions. Findings suggest that the CCM facilitates provider adherence to the Public Health Service 5A clinical guideline. Achieving the full benefits of systems change may require synergistic adoption of all model components. [source] The Construction of Qualification Levels and Frameworks: Issues from Three UK ProjectsHIGHER EDUCATION QUARTERLY, Issue 4 2001Stan Lester The United Kingdom is gradually moving to develop national frameworks of qualifications, with the aim of identifying all publicly-funded qualifications according to level, focus and, where appropriate, size or credit volume. Existing frameworks designed for use in higher education and occupational contexts reflect assumptions concerning things such as the nature of knowledge, the academic or occupational context of the learner, and the nature of access and progression within education and training. These assumptions do not hold for the full spectrum of qualifications, and need to be challenged if a fully inclusive framework is to emerge that is coherent while supporting requisite variety. [source] Extra-nuclear signaling of estrogen receptorsIUBMB LIFE, Issue 8 2008Xiao-Dong Fu Abstract Estrogen controls multiple biological functions through binding to estrogen receptors (ERs). Traditionally, ERs have been regarded as transcription factors regulating the expression of target genes. However, growing evidence of rapid estrogen's actions in a number of tissues has been accumulating and alternative mechanisms of signal transduction have been proposed. These so called "extra-nuclear actions" do not require gene expression or protein synthesis and are independent of the nuclear localization of ERs. Indeed, some of these actions are elicited by ERs residing at or near the plasma membrane. Membrane-associated molecules such as ion channels, G proteins, the tyrosine kinase c-Src as well as growth factor receptors are modulated by liganded ERs within the membrane, leading to the activation of downstream cascades such as mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase, protein kinase A, and protein kinase C. These cascades mediate some important rapid actions of estrogen, such as the activation of nitric oxide synthesis or the remodeling of actin cytoskeleton. In addition, these pathways are critical for the regulation of the expression of a number of target proteins implicated in cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, movement, and homeostasis. In this manner, the extra-nuclear pathways are tightly integrated with the genomic pathways to orchestrate the full spectrum of estrogen's biological functions. The recent advancements in the characterization of the molecular basis of the extra-nuclear signaling of estrogen helps to understand the role of estrogen on human cells, and may in future turn out to be of relevance for clinical purposes. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(8): 502,510, 2008 [source] Dynamics of regional coexistence for more or less equal competitorsJOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2003C. Patrick Doncaster Summary 1Competition between two species in a metapopulation involves each inhibiting the other's ability firstly to colonize an already occupied area and then to persist in it. Models for regional competition of this kind have 3-D dynamics, from which it has proved difficult to extract useful predictions except for special conditions. We introduce a 2-D general model for species that are equally vigorous at inhibiting the ability of others to remain in an occupied patch as to arrive there. The model covers the full spectrum of competitive interactions, from weak to strong and symmetrical to asymmetrical. Its Lotka,Volterra dynamics extend the general theory of competitive coexistence by generating clear predictions for community structure, amenable to cross-system comparisons and experimental manipulations. 2Previous 2-D models of interactions between dominant and fugitive species are special cases of the 2-D general model. Moderately asymmetrical competition has two outcomes distinctly different from dominant,fugitive interactions, at both the scale of metapopulation and population: (i) slow growing and weak competitors coexist with faster growing superior competitors, albeit at reduced densities; and (b) habitat removal always yields relative gains in abundance for species with higher growth capacity, but the gains are absolute only for species subjected to competitive impacts that exceed within-species impacts. Extinctions of slow growing and weak competitors provide the most sensitive indication of habitat degradation, and their losses also have the least effect on community structure. 3The 2-D general model further predicts that highly productive communities will tolerate differences between species in their capacity for population growth, whereas less productive communities will tolerate stronger competitive interactions between species. This prediction applies equally to a population of resource consumers as to a metapopulation of colonists. The model explicitly links local and regional population dynamics to r,K selection in community structure by predicting a prevalence of growth-orientated species in resource-poor habitats and competition-orientated species in resource-rich habitats. [source] Nested assemblages of Orthoptera species in the Netherlands: the importance of habitat features and life-history traitsJOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, Issue 11 2007M. A. Schouten Abstract Aim, Species communities often exhibit nestedness, the species found in species-poor sites representing subsets of richer ones. In the Netherlands, where intensification of land use has led to severe fragmentation of nature, we examined the degree of nestedness in the distribution of Orthoptera species. An assessment was made of how environmental conditions and species life-history traits are related to this pattern, and how variation in sampling intensity across sites may influence the observed degree of nestedness. Location, The analysis includes a total of 178 semi-natural sites in the Pleistocene sand region of the Netherlands. Methods, A matrix recording the presence or absence of all Orthoptera species in each site was compiled using atlas data. Additionally, separate matrices were constructed for the species of suborders Ensifera and Caelifera. The degree of nestedness was measured using the binmatnest calculator. binmatnest uses an algorithm to sort the matrices to maximal nestedness. We used Spearman's rank correlations to evaluate whether sites were sorted by area, isolation or habitat heterogeneity, and whether species were sorted by their dispersal ability, rate of development or degree of habitat specificity. Results, We found the Orthoptera assemblages to be significantly nested. The rank correlation between site order and sampling intensity was high. The degree of nestedness was lower, but remained significant when under- and over-sampled sites were excluded from the analysis. Site order was strongly correlated with both size of sample site and number of habitat types per site. Rank correlations showed that species were probably ordered by variation in habitat specificity, rather than by variation in dispersal capacity or rate of development of the species. Main conclusions, Variation in sampling intensity among sites had a strong impact on the observed degree of nestedness. Nestedness in habitats may underlie the observed nestedness within the Orthoptera assemblages. Habitat heterogeneity is closely related to site area, which suggests that several large sites should be preserved, rather than many small sites. Furthermore, the results corroborate a focus of nature conservation policy on sites where rare species occur, as long as the full spectrum of habitat conditions and underlying ecological processes is secured. [source] Management of children with otitis media: A summary of evidence from recent systematic reviewsJOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 10 2009Hasantha Gunasekera Abstract Health-care professionals who manage children are regularly confronted with clinical questions regarding the management of the full spectrum of otitis media: acute otitis media; otitis media with effusion; and chronic suppurative otitis media. Given the variety of potential therapies available, the wide spectrum of middle ear disorders, and the lack of consensus about management strategies, clinicians are in a difficult position when managing these children. In this review, we seek to summarise the current best evidence for answering otitis media management questions by collating existing systematic reviews. [source] Identification of Cochliobolus sativus (Spot Blotch) Isolates Expressing Differential Virulence on Barley Genotypes in SyriaJOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 8-9 2004M. I. E. Arabi Abstract Spot blotch, caused by Cochliobolus sativus, is a common foliar disease of barley. Information on the variability of virulence in C. sativus is essential for the production of spot-resistant barley cultivars. The virulence variability of isolates of this pathogen collected from different regions of Syria was evaluated using 10 differential barley genotypes originating from widely dispersed areas. Genotypes showed a continuous range of response from very susceptible to moderately resistant but none was immune to the disease. A cluster analysis indicated that the isolates had distinct differential virulence patterns within the three groups. A mean disease rating of 3.71 was the separation point between avirulent and virulent reactions. The data demonstrated that variation occurred in the virulence of and the resistance level to isolates and among genotypes, respectively. Isolate C41 exhibited distinct differential virulence patterns, high frequency and low variance in all genotypes. To incorporate adequate levels of resistance into future barley genotypes, disease evaluations should be made with C. sativus isolates that express the full spectrum of virulence found in Syria. [source] Magnetic Resonance Microscopy Defines Ethanol-Induced Brain Abnormalities in Prenatal Mice: Effects of Acute Insult on Gestational Day 8ALCOHOLISM, Issue 6 2009Scott E. Parnell Background:, Magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at microscopic levels, provides unprecedented opportunities to aid in defining the full spectrum of ethanol's insult to the developing brain. This is the first in a series of reports that, collectively, will provide an MRM-based atlas of developmental stage-dependent structural brain abnormalities in a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) mouse model. The ethanol exposure time and developmental stage examined for this report is gestational day (GD) 8 in mice, when the embryos are at early neurulation stages; stages present in humans early in the fourth week postfertilization. Methods:, For this study, pregnant C57Bl/6J mice were administered an ethanol dosage of 2.8 g/kg intraperitoneally at 8 days, 0 hour and again at 8 days, 4 hours postfertilization. On GD 17, fetuses that were selected for MRM analyses were immersion fixed in a Bouin's/Prohance® solution. Control fetuses from vehicle-treated dams were stage-matched to those that were ethanol-exposed. The fetal mice were scanned ex vivo at 7.0 T and 512 × 512 × 1024 image arrays were acquired using 3-D spin warp encoding. The resulting 29 ,m (isotropic) resolution images were processed using ITK-SNAP, a 3-D segmentation/visualization tool. Linear and volume measurements were determined for selected brain, head, and body regions of each specimen. Comparisons were made between control and treated fetuses, with an emphasis on determining (dis)proportionate changes in specific brain regions. Results:, As compared with controls, the crown-rump lengths of stage-matched ethanol-exposed GD 17 fetuses were significantly reduced, as were brain and whole body volumes. Volume reductions were notable in every brain region examined, with the exception of the pituitary and septal region, and were accompanied by increased ventricular volumes. Disproportionate regional brain volume reductions were most marked on the right side and were significant for the olfactory bulb, hippocampus, and cerebellum; the latter being the most severely affected. Additionally, the septal region and the pituitary were disproportionately large. Linear measures were consistent with those of volume. Other dysmorphologic features noted in the MR scans were choanal stenosis and optic nerve coloboma. Conclusions:, This study demonstrates that exposure to ethanol occurring in mice at stages corresponding to the human fourth week postfertilization results in structural brain abnormalities that are readily identifiable at fetal stages of development. In addition to illustrating the utility of MR microscopy for analysis of an FASD mouse model, this work provides new information that confirms and extends human clinical observations. It also provides a framework for comparison of structural brain abnormalities resulting from ethanol exposure at other developmental stages and dosages. [source] Venous thromboembolism: disease burden, outcomes and risk factorsJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 8 2005J. A. HEIT Summary., The epidemiology of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the community has important implications for VTE prevention and management. This review describes the disease burden (incidence), outcomes (survival, recurrence and complications) and risk factors for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism occurring in the community. Recent comprehensive studies of the epidemiology of VTE that reported the racial demography and included the full spectrum of disease occurring within a well-defined geographic area over time, separated by event type, incident vs. recurrent event and level of diagnostic certainty, were reviewed. Studies of VTE outcomes had to include a relevant duration of follow-up. VTE incidence among whites of European origin exceeded 1 per 1000; the incidence among persons of African and Asian origin may be higher and lower, respectively. VTE incidence over recent time remains unchanged. Survival after VTE is worse than expected, especially for pulmonary embolism. Thirty percent of patients develop VTE recurrence and venous stasis syndrome. Exposures can identify populations at risk but have a low predictive value for the individual. An acquired or familial thrombophilia may predict the subset of exposed persons who actually develop symptomatic VTE. In conclusion, VTE is a common, lethal disease that recurs frequently and causes serious long-term complications. To improve survival and prevent complications, VTE occurrence must be reduced. Better individual risk stratification is needed in order to modify exposures and target primary and secondary prophylaxis to the person who would benefit most. [source] Disorders of extreme stress: The empirical foundation of a complex adaptation to traumaJOURNAL OF TRAUMATIC STRESS, Issue 5 2005Bessel A. van der Kolk Children and adults exposed to chronic interpersonal trauma consistently demonstrate psychological disturbances that are not captured in the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis. The DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) Field Trial studied 400 treatment-seeking traumatized individuals and 128 community residents and found that victims of prolonged interpersonal trauma, particularly trauma early in the life cycle, had a high incidence of problems with (a) regulation of affect and impulses, (b) memory and attention, (c) self-perception, (d) interpersonal relations, (e) somatization, and (f) systems of meaning. This raises important issues about the categorical versus the dimensional nature of posttraumatic stress, as well as the issue of comorbidity in PTSD. These data invite further exploration of what constitutes effective treatment of the full spectrum of posttraumatic psychopathology. [source] Validation of a brief symptom questionnaire (ReQuest in Practice) for patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux diseaseALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 9 2008G. RUBIN Summary Background, A clinical need exists for a means of assessing symptom control in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. The ReQuest questionnaire has been extensively validated for symptom assessment in both erosive and non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease but was designed for research purposes. We derived a shorter version (ReQuest in Practice) that would be more convenient for clinical practice. Aim, To validate ReQuest in Practice in patients suffering from gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Methods, Multicentre, non-interventional, crossover comparison. Patients completed ReQuest in Practice followed by ReQuest or vice versa. Before and after a planned endoscopy, patients completed the health-related quality of life questionnaire GERDyzer. Internal consistency and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient were calculated. Construct validity was evaluated by correlation with ReQuest and GERDyzer. Results, There was high internal consistency of ReQuest in Practice (Cronbach's alpha: 0.9) and a high Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of 0.99. The measurement error of ReQuest in Practice was 4.1. High correlation between ReQuest in Practice and ReQuest (Spearman correlation coefficient: 0.9) and GERDyzer (Spearman correlation coefficient: 0.8) demonstrated construct validity. Conclusions, ReQuest in Practice was proven to be valid and reliable. Its close correlation with ReQuest makes it a promising tool to guide the clinical management of patients across the full spectrum of both erosive and non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. [source] Observations at terrestrial impact structures: Their utility in constraining crater formationMETEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE, Issue 2 2004Richard A. F. Grieve Local geology of the target area tends to be of secondary importance, and the net result is that impacts of similar size on a given planetary body produce similar results. This is the essence of the utility of observations at impact craters, particularly terrestrial craters, in constraining impact processes. Unfortunately, there are few well-documented results from systematic contemporaneous campaigns to characterize specific terrestrial impact structures with the full spectrum of geoscientific tools available at the time. Nevertheless, observations of the terrestrial impact record have contributed substantially to fundamental properties of impact. There is a beginning of convergence and mutual testing of observations at terrestrial impact structures and the results of modeling, in particular from recent hydrocode models. The terrestrial impact record provides few constraints on models of ejecta processes beyond a confirmation of the involvement of the local substrate in ejecta lithologies and shows that Z-models are, at best, first order approximations. Observational evidence to date suggests that the formation of interior rings is an extension of the structural uplift process that occurs at smaller complex impact structures. There are, however, major observational gaps and cases, e.g., Vredefort, where current observations and hydrocode models are apparently inconsistent. It is, perhaps, time that the impact community as a whole considers documenting the existing observational and modeling knowledge gaps that are required to be filled to make the intellectual breakthroughs equivalent to those of the 1970s and 1980s, which were fueled by observations at terrestrial impact structures. Filling these knowledge gaps would likely be centered on the later stages of formation of complex and ring structures and on ejecta. [source] The role of the yeast plasma membrane SPS nutrient sensor in the metabolic response to extracellular amino acidsMOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2001Hanna Forsberg In response to discrete environmental cues, Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells adjust patterns of gene expression and protein activity to optimize metabolism. Nutrient-sensing systems situated in the plasma membrane (PM) of yeast have only recently been discovered. Ssy1p is one of three identified components of the Ssy1p,Ptr3p,Ssy5 (SPS) sensor of extracellular amino acids. SPS sensor-initiated signals are known to modulate the expression of a number of amino acid and peptide transporter genes (i.e. AGP1, BAP2, BAP3, DIP5, GAP1, GNP1, TAT1, TAT2 and PTR2) and arginase (CAR1). To obtain a better understanding of how cells adjust metabolism in response to extracellular amino acids in the environment and to assess the consequences of loss of amino acid sensor function, we investigated the effects of leucine addition to wild-type and ssy1 null mutant cells using genome-wide transcription profile analysis. Our results indicate that the previously identified genes represent only a subset of the full spectrum of Ssy1p-dependent genes. The expression of several genes encoding enzymes in amino acid biosynthetic pathways, including the branched-chain, lysine and arginine, and the sulphur amino acid biosynthetic pathways, are modulated by Ssy1p. Additionally, the proper transcription of several nitrogen-regulated genes, including NIL1 and DAL80, encoding well-studied GATA transcription factors, is dependent upon Ssy1p. Finally, several genes were identified that require Ssy1p for wild-type expression independently of amino acid addition. These findings demonstrate that yeast cells require the SPS amino acid sensor component, Ssy1p, to adjust diverse cellular metabolic processes properly. [source] Parkinson's disease-cognitive rating scale: A new cognitive scale specific for Parkinson's diseaseMOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 7 2008Javier Pagonabarraga MD Abstract Cognitive defects associated with cortical pathology may be a marker of dementia in Parkinson's disease (PD). There is a need to improve the diagnostic criteria of PD dementia (PDD) and to clarify the cognitive impairment patterns associated with PD. Current neuropsychological batteries designed for PD are focused on fronto-subcortical deficits but are not sensitive for cortical dysfunction. We developed a new scale, the Parkinson's Disease-Cognitive Rating Scale (PD-CRS), that was designed to cover the full spectrum of cognitive defects associated with PD. We prospectively studied 92 PD patients [30 cognitively intact (CogInt), 30 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 32 PDD] and 61 matched controls who completed the PD-CRS and neuropsychological tests assessing the cognitive domains included in the PD-CRS. Acceptability, construct validity, reliability, and the discriminative properties of the PD-CRS were examined. The PD-CRS included items assessing fronto-subcortical defects and items assessing cortical dysfunction. Construct validity, test-retest and inter-rater reliability of PD-CRS total scores showed an intraclass correlation coefficient >0.70. The PD-CRS showed an excellent test accuracy to diagnose PDD (sensitivity 94%, specificity 94%). The PD-CRS total scores and confrontation naming item scores-assessing "cortical" dysfunction,independently differentiated PDD from non-demented PD. Alternating verbal fluency and delayed verbal memory independently differentiated the MCI group from both controls and CogInt. The PD-CRS appeared to be a reliable and valid PD-specific battery that accurately diagnosed PDD and detected subtle fronto-subcortical deficits. Performance on the PD-CRS showed that PDD is characterized by the addition of cortical dysfunction upon a predominant and progressive fronto-subcortical impairment. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society [source] Motor fluctuations and dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease: Clinical manifestationsMOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue S11 2005Joseph Jankovic MD Abstract Fluctuations in the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), such as wearing-off and on,off effects, and dyskinesias are related to a variety of factors, including duration and dosage of levodopa, age at onset, stress, sleep, food intake, and other pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms. The majority of patients, particularly those with young onset of PD, experience these levodopa-related adverse effects after a few years of treatment. Assessment of these motor complications is difficult because of the marked clinical variability between and within patients. Daily diaries have been used in clinical trials designed to assess the effects of various pharmacological and surgical interventions on motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. The most common type of dyskinesia, called "peak-dose dyskinesia", usually consists of stereotypical choreic or ballistic movements involving the head, trunk, and limbs, and occasionally, the respiratory muscles, whereas tremor and punding are less-common complications. Dystonia is also typically seen in patients with diphasic dyskinesia and wearing-off effect. Recognition of the full spectrum of clinical phenomenology of levodopa-related motor complications is essential for their treatment and prevention. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society [source] Isolated vitamin E deficiency with demyelinating neuropathyMUSCLE AND NERVE, Issue 2 2005Vinod Puri MD Abstract A 22-year-old man, with a past history of generalized tonic-clonic seizures treated with phenobarbital, presented with spinocerebellar ataxia. The electrophysiological studies revealed a demyelinating motor-sensory neuropathy. The serum vitamin E level was low. Sural nerve biopsy revealed loss of large myelinated fibers with evidence of remyelination. Vitamin E supplementation led to clinical and electrophysiological recovery of sensory conduction and evoked potentials. Motor nerve conduction, however, showed only partial recovery. Vitamin E deficiency leading to a demyelinating neuropathy, as in the present case, suggests that the full spectrum of the disease entity is not fully defined. Muscle Nerve, 2005 [source] New insights into the effect of amorolfine nail lacquerMYCOSES, Issue 2 2005C. Flagothier Summary Despite improvements in antifungal strategies, the outcome of treating onychomycoses often remains uncertain. Several factors account for treatment failure, of which the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the antifungal are of importance. The taxonomic nature and ungual location of the fungus cannot be neglected, besides the type of nail and its growth rate. In addition, the biological cycle of the fungus and the metabolic activity of the pathogen likely play a marked influence in drug response. The presence of natural antimicrobial peptides in the nail is also probably a key feature controlling the cure rates. There are many outstanding publications that cover the full spectrum of the field. The purpose of this review is to put in perspective some facets of activity of the topical treatment using amorolfine nail laquer. The antifungal activity of the drug is likely less pronounced in onychomycosis than that expected from conventional in vitro studies. However, the nail laquer formulation should reduce the propensity to form antifungal-resistant spores and limit the risk of reinfection. [source] Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Part III: Health Effects of Interpersonal Violence Among WomenPERSPECTIVES IN PSYCHIATRIC CARE, Issue 3 2006K. M. Hegadoren RN TOPIC.,The aim of this three-part series is to examine the sufficiency of the posttraumatic stress (PTSD) diagnostic construct to capture the full spectrum of human responses to psychological trauma. Part I (Lasiuk & Hegadoren, 2006a) reviewed the conceptual history of PTSD from the nineteenth century to its inclusion in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 1980), while Part II (Lasiuk & Hegadoren, 2006b) described subsequent refinements to the original PTSD diagnostic criteria and highlighted subsequent controversies. PURPOSE.,This paper focuses on interpersonal violence (sexual, physical, and emotional abuse/assault) and its sequelae in women. We argue in support of Judith Herman's (1992) conceptualization of the human trauma response as a spectrum, anchored at one end by an acute stress reaction that resolves on its own without treatment, and on the other by "complex" PTSD, with "classic" or "simple" PTSD somewhere between the two. SOURCES OF INFORMATION.,The existing theoretical, clinical and research literatures related to humans responses to trauma. CONCLUSION.,The paper concludes with a call for the need to increase a gendered perspective in all aspects of trauma research and clinical service delivery. [source] Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Part II: Development of the Construct Within the North American Psychiatric TaxonomyPERSPECTIVES IN PSYCHIATRIC CARE, Issue 2 2006CMHPN (C), G. C. Lasiuk RN TOPIC.,The impairment associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) carries with it staggering costs to the individual, to the family, and to society as a whole. Although there is strong evidence that gender plays a significant role in responses to stress and trauma, gender specificity is still not well incorporated into clinical or research work in the area of PTSD. PURPOSE.,This is the second of three articles examining the sufficiency of the current PTSD construct to articulate the full spectrum of human responses to trauma. This article chronicles ongoing refinements to the original PTSD criteria and the subsequent controversies. SOURCE OF INFORMATION.,Existing bodies of theoretical and research literature related to the effects of trauma. CONCLUSION.,In a third article we will review evidence supporting the existence of a more complex posttraumatic stress reaction associated with interpersonal trauma (physical/sexual abuse/assault). [source] Thinking in the space between Winnicott and LacanTHE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHOANALYSIS, Issue 5 2009Deborah Anna Luepnitz The author, following André Green, maintains that the two most original psychoanalytic thinkers since Freud were Donald Winnicott and Jacques Lacan. Winnicott, it has been said, introduced the comic tradition into psychoanalysis, while Lacan sustained Freud's tragic/ironic vision. Years of mutual avoidance by their followers (especially of Lacan by Anglophone clinicians) has arguably diminished understanding of the full spectrum of psychoanalytic thought. The author outlines some basic constructs of Winnicott and of Lacan, including: their organizing tropes of selfhood versus subjectivity, their views of the "mirror stage", and their definitions of the aims of treatment. While the ideas of Winnicott and Lacan appear at some points complementary, the goal is not to integrate them into one master discourse, but rather to bring their radically different paradigms into provocative contact. A clinical vignette is offered to demonstrate concepts from Lacan and Winnicott, illustrating what it might mean to think and teach in the potential space between them. [source] Habitat diversity relative to wave action on rocky shores: implications for the selection of marine protected areasAQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS, Issue 6 2009Laura K. Blamey Abstract 1.Current selection of marine protected areas in South Africa is based on objective criteria including biogeographic representation and habitat heterogeneity. This paper specifically examines rocky shores on the west coast of South Africa to determine whether they are divisible into discrete ,habitats' that need independent conservation. 2.Seventeen rocky shores spanning the full spectrum of wave exposure were compared in terms of maximum wave forces, biomass, species richness and diversity among zones and sites. Three biotic assemblages were identified, characterizing sheltered, semi-exposed to exposed, and very exposed habitats. Differences among these were clear-cut low on the shore but disappeared at the top of the shore where wave action was attenuated and desiccation uniformly intense. 3.The recognition of three discrete biologically-defined habitats means that rocky shores cannot be regarded as a uniform habitat for conservation purposes. All three components need protection if the full spectrum of rocky-shore communities is to be conserved. 4.It is argued that this approach allows habitats to be defined in an objective manner, and that once this has been done, habitat heterogeneity constitutes a better measure of conservation value of an area than a ,hotspot' approach based on species richness and endemism. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||