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Many Reports (many + report)
Selected AbstractsWhy Do Some Tropical Forests Have So Many Species of Trees?BIOTROPICA, Issue 4 2004Egbert Giles Leigh Jr. ABSTRACT Understanding why there are so many kinds of tropical trees requires learning, not only how tree species coexist, but what factors drive tree speciation and what governs a tree clade's diversification rate. Many report that hybrid sterility evolves very slowly between separated tree populations. If so, tree species rarely originate by splitting of large populations. Instead, they begin with few trees. The few studies available suggest that reproductive isolation between plant populations usually results from selection driven by lowered fitness of hybrids: speciation is usually a response to a "niche opportunity." Using Hubbell's neutral theory of forest dynamics as a null hypothesis, we show that if new tree species begin as small populations, species that are now common must have spread more quickly than chance allows. Therefore, most tree species have some setting in which they can increase when rare. Trees face trade-offs in suitability for different microhabitats, different-sized clearings, different soils and climates, and resistance to different pests. These trade-offs underlie the mechanisms maintaining ,-diversity and species turnover. Disturbance and microhabitat specialization appear insufficient to maintain ,-diversity of tropical trees, although they may maintain tree diversity north of Mexico or in northern Europe. Many studies show that where trees grow readily, tree diversity is higher and temperature and rainfall are less seasonal. The few data available suggest that pest pressure is higher, maintaining higher tree diversity, where winter is absent. Tree a-diversity is also higher in regions with more tree species, which tend to be larger, free for a longer time from major shifts of climate, or in the tropics, where there are more opportunities for local coexistence. RESUMEN Comprender por qué hay tantos tipos de árboles tropicales, se requiere aprender no sólo cómo las especies de árboles coexisten, sino también, cuáles factores conducen a su especiación, y qué determina la velocidad de diversificación de un clado de árboles. Muchos reportan que la esterilidad hibrida evoluciona muy lentamente entre poblaciones separadas de árboles. De ser asi, las especies de árboles raramente se originarian por la separación de grandes poblaciones; más bien empezarian con pocos árboles. Los pocos estudios disponibles sugieren que el aislamiento reproductivo entre las poblaciones vegetales usualmente resulta de selección derivada del bajo éxito de los hibridos: la especiación general-mente responde a una "oportunidad de nicho". Usando la teoria neutral de Hubbell de dinámica de bosques como hipótesis nula, nosotros mostramos que si las nuevas especies de árboles comienzan como poblaciones pequeñas, especies que ahora son communes deberian haberse expandido más rápido que lo que el azar permite. Por lo tanto, la mayoria de las especies de árboles tendrian alguna condición donde sus poblaciones podrian crecer cunando son raras. Los árboles enfrentan compromises en su adecuación por diferentes microhábitats, claros de differentes tamanos, diferentes suelos y climas, y resistencia a differentes plagas. Esros compromises sirven de base para los mecanismos que mantienen la diversidad , y al reemplazo especial de especies. Los distrubios y la especialización de microhabitats parecen ser insuficiente para mantener la diversidad , de árboles tropicales, sin embargo elloss pueden mantener diversidad de árboles al norte de México o en Europa del norte. Muchos estudios muestran que en lugares donde los árboles cresen fácilmente, la diversidad de árboles es mayor donde la temperatura y la lluvia son menos estacionales. Los pocos estudios disponibles sugieren que la presión de las plagas es mayor, manteniendo asl la diversidad de árboles en lugares donde no hay invierno. La diversidad , de árboles también es más alta en regions con más especies de árboles, las culaes tienden a ser más largas, exentas por un largo periodo de tiempo de grandes cambios climáticos, oen los trópicos donde hay más oportunidades de coexistir localmente. [source] Insulin-like growth factors, hepatocyte growth factor and transforming growth factor-, in mouse tongue myogenesisDEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION, Issue 1 2003Akira Yamane Many reports have shown that tongue striated muscles have several unique characteristics not found in other skeletal muscles such as limb and trunk. Several peptide growth factors are reported to play important roles in skeletal myogenesis. In this article, the roles of insulin-like growth factors (IGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-, in mouse tongue myogenesis were studied using an organ culture system of the mandible or tongue obtained from mouse embryos. It was found that IGF-I promotes the differentiation of tongue myoblasts. HGF plays an essential role in the migration and proliferation of tongue myogenic cells, and inhibits the differentiation of tongue myoblasts. TGF-, does not play an essential role in the proliferation of tongue myogenic cells, but does promote the early differentiation of tongue myoblasts. The role of IGF-I in the differentiation of tongue myoblasts, and that of HGF in the migration, proliferation and differentiation of tongue myogenic cells appear to be almost identical to their roles in the myogenesis of limb and cultured myogenic cell lines. However, the role of TGF-, in the proliferation and differentiation of tongue myogenic cells appears to be different from its role in the myogenesis of limb and cultured myogenic cell lines such as C2 and L6. [source] Detection of bacteria associated with harmful algal blooms from coastal and microcosm environments using electronic microarraysENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Edward A. Barlaan Summary With the global expansion of harmful algal blooms (HABs), several measures, including molecular approaches, have been undertaken to monitor its occurrence. Many reports have indicated the significant roles of bacteria in controlling algal bloom dynamics. Attempts have been made to utilize the bacteria/harmful algae relationship in HAB monitoring. In this study, bacterial assemblages monitored during coastal HABs and bacterial communities in induced microcosm blooms were investigated. Samples were analysed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of the 16S rRNA gene. DGGE bands with peculiar patterns before, during, and after algal blooms were isolated and identified. Probes for six ribotypes representing organisms associated with Chatonella spp., Heterocapsa circularisquama, or Heterosigma akashiwo were used for analysis on NanoChip electronic microarray. In addition, a new approach using cultured bacteria species was developed to detect longer (533 bp) polymerase chain reaction-amplified products on the electronic microarray. The use of fluorescently labelled primers allowed the detection of individual species in single or mixed DNA conditions. The developed approach enabled the detection of the presence or absence and relative abundance of the HAB-related ribotypes in coastal and microcosm blooms. This study indicates the ability of electronic microarray platform to detect or monitor bacteria in natural and induced environments. [source] Interleukin-10 is associated with resistance to febrile seizures: Genetic association and experimental animal studiesEPILEPSIA, Issue 4 2009Yoshito Ishizaki Summary Purpose:, Febrile seizures (FS) are the most common form of childhood convulsions. Many reports have shown that a proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1 (IL-1) ,, may have a facilitatory effect on the development of FS. We have previously shown that the IL1B -511C/T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is associated with simple FS of sporadic occurrence. The balance between pro- and antiinflammatory cytokines influences the regulation of infections and could, therefore, play a role in the pathogenesis of FS. Here, to determine whether pro- and antiinflammatory cytokine genes are responsible for the susceptibility to FS, we have performed an association study on functional SNPs of cytokine genes in FS patients and controls. Methods:, The promoter SNPs of four inflammatory cytokine genes (IL6 -572C/G, IL8 -251A/T, IL10 -592A/C and TNFA -1037C/T) were examined in 249 patients with FS (186 simple and 63 complex FS) and 225 controls. Because the IL10 -592 SNP showed a positive association with FS, two additional SNPs (IL10 -1082A/G and -819T/C) were subjected to haplotype analysis. Furthermore, we examined the in vivo role of IL-10 in hyperthermia-induced seizures using immature animal models. Results:, The frequencies of the IL10 -592C allele and -1082A/-819C/-592C haplotype were significantly decreased in FS as compared with in controls (p = 0.014 and 0.013, respectively). The seizure threshold temperature in the IL-10,administered rats was significantly higher than that in the saline-treated control ones (p = 0.027). Conclusions:, The present study suggests that IL-10 is genetically associated with FS and, contrary to IL-1,, confers resistance to FS. [source] Establishing a minimum standard for collaborative research in federal environmental agencies,INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2008Kalle E Matso Abstract There is a general consensus that,given the magnitude of the challenges facing our nation's natural resource managers,the rate, efficiency, and effectiveness of linking research to decision making must be enhanced. Many reports have touched on this issue, most of them culminating with the exhortation to "foster more interactions between scientists and users," but very few documents provide details or assign responsibility to drive the interactions that most agree should happen. As a result, many natural science and engineering programs "talk the talk",that is, they say they do collaborative research with intended users; however, upon inspection, few of them "walk the walk" by effectively supporting collaboration throughout the research process. Moreover, when called to support transition to application in specific ways, research agencies often balk, most often objecting that research programs cannot afford to take any support away from funding more research. They may also argue that science works best for society when it is freed from concerns related to application. In this paper we will 1) review the cultural conflict that often underlies disagreements about collaborative research, 2) offer details on the basic ingredients required to achieve a minimum standard for collaborative research, 3) suggest an approach for determining the appropriate level of support for collaborative research, given various research goals, and 4) recommend specific steps for motivating scientists and stakeholders to participate in collaborative research. [source] Studies on Young Child Malnutrition in Iraq: Problems and Insights, 1990,1999NUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 9 2000Dr.P.H., Richard Garfield R.N. Many reports on Iraq proclaimed a rise in rates of death and disease since the Gulf War of January/February 1991. Several of the studies on nutritional status are not readily accessible, and few have been compared to identify secular trends. Here, 27 studies examining nutrition among Iraqi children in the 1990s are reviewed. Only five studies were found to be of comparable methodologic quality. These are analyzed to identify major trends in child nutrition between August 1991 and June 1999. Limitations of existing studies and recommendations for future studies are discussed. [source] Wounding induces resistance to pathogens with different lifestyles in tomato: role of ethylene in cross-protectionPLANT CELL & ENVIRONMENT, Issue 11 2007DORIANA FRANCIA ABSTRACT Many reports point to the existence of a network of regulatory signalling occurring in plants during the interaction with micro-organisms (biotic stress) and abiotic stresses such as wounding. However, the focus is on shared intermediates/components and/or common molecular outputs in differently triggered signalling pathways, and not on the degree and modes of effective influence between abiotic and biotic stresses nor the range of true plant,pathogen interactions open to such influence. We report on local and systemic wound-induced protection in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to four pathogens with a range of lifestyles (Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici, Phytophthora capsici and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato). The role of ethylene (ET) in the phenomenon and in the induction by wounding of several markers of defense was investigated by using the never-ripe tomato mutant plants impaired in ET perception. We showed that PINIIb, PR1b, PR5, PR7 and peroxidase (POD) are influenced locally and/or systemically by wounding and, with the exception of POD activity, by ET perception. We also demonstrated that ET, although not essential, is positively (B. cinerea, P. capsici) or negatively (F. oxysporum, P. syringae pv. tomato) involved not only in basal but also in wound-induced resistance to each pathogen. [source] Perineal swelling, intermenstrual cycle, and female sexual behavior in bonobos (Pan paniscus)AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2006T. Paoli Abstract Many reports have claimed that the duration of the swelling cycle in female bonobos (Pan paniscus) is longer than that of chimpanzees, and that the bonobo maximum swelling phase is markedly prolonged. Field data on intermenstrual intervals (IMIs) in female bonobos are limited and restricted to interswelling intervals (ISIs), which are assumed to reflect the IMI, though a direct comparison between the duration of ISIs and IMIs is still lacking. Reports on bonobo sexual activity as a function of the swelling phase are often contradictory. Moreover, the function of female homosexual interactions (genito-genital (GG) rubbing) is still debated. This study examines the reliability of the ISI as an approximation of the IMI, and the attractivity of female sexual swellings for other individuals. An analysis of 51 ISI-IMI pairs showed that ISIs are a fair representation of the reproductive cycle. The cycle length was 35.6±1.1 SE days relying on the ISI, whereas it was 35.0±1.1 SE days considering the IMI. This result is similar to the cycle length reported for chimpanzees. Female homosexual interactions and copulatory rates were higher during maximum tumescence, suggesting that the sexual swelling may be attractive for both males and other females. Furthermore, the GG-rubbing was performed free of a hierarchical postural imposition, and was not correlated with affinitive interactions. We suggest that GG-rubbing, which is generally the most frequent female sexual interaction, is a tool for social assessments among females. Am. J. Primatol. 67:333,347, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Long-Term Outcome of Adult-to-Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Post-Kasai Biliary AtresiaAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 10 2006Y. Uchida Our objective was to analyze problems in the perioperative management and long-term outcome of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for biliary atresia (BA). Many reports have described the effectiveness of liver transplantation (LT) for BA, particularly in pediatric cases, but little information is available regarding LT in adults (,16 years old). Between June 1990 and December 2004, 464 patients with BA underwent LDLT at Kyoto University Hospital, of whom 47 (10.1%) were older than 16 years. In this study, we compared the outcomes between adult (,16 years old) and pediatric (<16 years old) patients. The incidence of post-transplant intestinal perforation, intra-abdominal bleeding necessitating repeat laparotomy and biliary leakage was significantly higher (p < 0.0001, <0.001 and <0.001, respectively) in adults. Overall cumulative 1-, 5- and 10-year survival rates in pediatric patients were significantly higher (p < 0.005) than in adults. Two independent prognostic determinants of survival were identified: a MELD score over 20 and post-transplant complications requiring repeat laparotomy. Outcome of LDLT in adult BA patients was poorer than in pediatric patients. It seems likely that LT will be the radical treatment of choice for BA and that LDLT should be considered proactively at the earliest possible stage. [source] Simultaneous exposure to low concentrations of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, deltamethrin, nonylphenol and phytoestrogens has negative effects on the reproductive parameters in male Spraque-Dawley ratsANDROLOGIA, Issue 4 2007E. Kilian Summary Many reports suggest that male reproductive health has deteriorated over the last decades, possibly due to environmental contaminants that act as endocrine disruptors. This hypothesis was tested in Sprague-Dawley rats using a modified Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 415 one-generation test. Group A received cottonseed oil as control, and Groups B, C and D received deltamethrin (DM); DM and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT); and DM, DDT, phytoestrogens and p -nonylphenol, respectively. Rats were exposed in utero and then received the substances for 10 weeks. The seminal vesicle mass (Group B; P = 0.046) and sperm count [Groups C (P = 0.013) and D (P = 0.003)] were lower and the anogenital distance [Group B (P = 0.047) C (P = 0.045) and D (P = 0.002)] shorter compared with the control group. The seminiferous tubule diameter [Groups B (P = <0.001), C (P = <0.001) and D (P = <0.001)] and epithelium thickness [Groups B (P = 0.030), C (P = <0.001) and D (P = <0.001)] were smaller compared with the control. The histology of the testes showed signs of apical sloughing and vacuolisation. Liver weights [Groups C (P = 0.013) and D (P = 0.005)] and liver enzymes [Group D (P = 0.013)] were also affected. These findings may indicate that simultaneous exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds contributes to the deterioration observed in male reproductive health. [source] Partial-body exposure of human volunteers to 2450,MHz pulsed or CW fields provokes similar thermoregulatory responses,BIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 4 2001Eleanor R. Adair Abstract Many reports describe data showing that continuous wave (CW) and pulsed (PW) radiofrequency (RF) fields, at the same frequency and average power density (PD), yield similar response changes in the exposed organism. During whole-body exposure of squirrel monkeys at 2450 MHz CW and PW fields, heat production and heat loss responses were nearly identical. To explore this question in humans, we exposed two different groups of volunteers to 2450,MHz CW (two females, five males) and PW (65,,s pulse width, 104,pps; three females, three males) RF fields. We measured thermophysiological responses of heat production and heat loss (esophageal and six skin temperatures, metabolic heat production, local skin blood flow, and local sweat rate) under a standardized protocol (30,min baseline, 45,min RF or sham exposure, 10,min baseline), conducted in three ambient temperatures (Ta,=,24, 28, and 31°C). At each Ta, average PDs studied were 0, 27, and 35,mW/cm2 (Specific absorption rate (SAR),=,0, 5.94, and 7.7,W/kg). Mean data for each group showed minimal changes in core temperature and metabolic heat production for all test conditions and no reliable differences between CW and PW exposure. Local skin temperatures showed similar trends for CW and PW exposure that were PD-dependent; only the skin temperature of the upper back (facing the antenna) showed a reliably greater increase (P,=,.005) during PW exposure than during CW exposure. Local sweat rate and skin blood flow were both Ta - and PD-dependent and showed greater variability than other measures between CW and PW exposures; this variability was attributable primarily to the characteristics of the two subject groups. With one noted exception, no clear evidence for a differential response to CW and PW fields was found. Bioelectromagnetics 22:246,259, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A challenge for regenerative medicine: Proper genetic programming, not cellular mimicryDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 12 2007Angie Rizzino Abstract Recent progress in stem cell biology and the reprogramming of somatic cells to a pluripotent phenotype has generated a new wave of excitement in regenerative medicine. Nonetheless, efforts aimed at understanding transdifferentiation, dedifferentiation, and the plasticity of cells, as well as the ability of somatic cells to be reprogrammed, has raised as many questions as those that have been answered. This review proffers the argument that many reports of transdifferentiation, dedifferentiation, and unexpected stem cell plasticity may be due to aberrant processes that lead to cellular look-alikes (cellular mimicry). In most cases, cellular look-alikes can now be identified readily by monitoring gene expression profiles, as well as epigenetic modifications of DNA and histone proteins of the cells involved. This review further argues that progress in regenerative medicine will be significantly hampered by failing to address the issue of cellular look-alikes. Developmental Dynamics 236:3199,3207, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Evaluation of apoptosis in cytologic specimensDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 9 2010Viktor Shtilbans Ph.D. Abstract A hallmark of neoplasia is dysregulated apoptosis, programmed cell death. Apoptosis is crucial for normal tissue homeostasis. Dysregulation of apoptotic pathways leads to reduced cytocidal responses to chemotherapeutic drugs or radiation and is a frequent contributor to therapeutic resistance in cancer. The literature pertaining to detection of apoptotic pathway constituents in cytologic specimens is reviewed herein. Virtually all methods for detecting apoptosis, including classic cytomorphologic evaluation, TUNEL assay, immunocytochemistry, and gene sequence analysis, may be applied to cytologic samples as well as tissue. Components of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways have been studied, including many reports examining p53 and bcl-2, as well as studies of caspase inhibitory proteins XIAP and survivin, death receptors and ligands such as Fas, Fas-ligand, and TRAIL. p53 undergoes oncogenic alteration more than any other protein; its immunocytochemical detection almost always connotes loss of its physiologic role as an inducer of apoptosis in response to a damaged genome. Several reports establish cytologic sampling as being as useful as tissue sampling. In one respect cytologic sampling is superior to tissue sampling in particular, by allowing clinicians to repeat sampling of the same tumor before and after administration of therapy; a number of reports use this approach to attempt to predict tumor response by assaying the effect of chemotherapy on the induction of apoptosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010;38:685,697. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Mechanical preparation of root canals: shaping goals, techniques and meansENDODONTIC TOPICS, Issue 1 2005Michael Hülsmann Preparation of root canal systems includes both enlargement and shaping of the complex endodontic space together with its disinfection. A variety of instruments and techniques have been developed and described for this critical stage of root canal treatment. Although many reports on root canal preparation can be found in the literature, definitive scientific evidence on the quality and clinical appropriateness of different instruments and techniques remains elusive. To a large extent this is because of methodological problems, making comparisons among different investigations difficult if not impossible. The first section of this paper discusses the main problems with the methodology of research relating to root canal preparation while the remaining section critically reviews current endodontic instruments and shaping techniques. [source] Teaching and Learning Guide for: The Geopolitics of Climate ChangeGEOGRAPHY COMPASS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 5 2008Jon Barnett Author's Introduction Climate change is a security problem in as much as the kinds of environmental changes that may result pose risks to peace and development. However, responsibilities for the causes of climate change, vulnerability to its effects, and capacity to solve the problem, are not equally distributed between countries, classes and cultures. There is no uniformity in the geopolitics of climate change, and this impedes solutions. Author Recommends 1.,Adger, W. N., et al. (eds) (2006). Fairness in adaptation to climate change. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. A comprehensive collection of articles on the justice dimensions of adaptation to climate change. Chapters discuss potential points at which climate change becomes ,dangerous', the issue of adaptation under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the unequal outcomes of adaptation within a society, the effects of violent conflict on adaptation, the costs of adaptation, and examples from Bangladesh, Tanzania, Botswana, and Hungary. 2.,Leichenko, R., and O'Brien, K. (2008). Environmental change and globalization: double exposures. New York: Oxford University Press. This book uses examples from around the world to show the way global economic and political processes interact with environmental changes to create unequal outcomes within and across societies. A very clear demonstration of the way vulnerability to environmental change is as much driven by social processes as environmental ones, and how solutions lie within the realm of decisions about ,development' and ,environment'. 3.,Nordås, R., and Gleditsch, N. (2007). Climate conflict: common sense or nonsense? Political Geography 26 (6), pp. 627,638. doi:10.1016/j.polgeo.2007.06.003 An up-to-date, systematic and balanced review of research on the links between climate change and violent conflict. See also the other papers in this special issue of Political Geography. 4.,Parry, M., et al. (eds) (2007). Climate change 2007: impacts adaptation and vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the fourth assessment report of the intergovernmental panel on climate change. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. The definitive review of all the peer-reviewed research on the way climate change may impact on places and sectors across the world. Includes chapters on ecosystems, health, human settlements, primary industries, water resources, and the major regions of the world. All chapters are available online at http://www.ipcc.ch/ipccreports/ar4-wg2.htm 5.,Salehyan, I. (2008). From climate change to conflict? No consensus yet. Journal of Peace Research 45 (3), pp. 315,326. doi:10.1177/0022343308088812 A balanced review of research on the links between climate change and conflict, with attention to existing evidence. 6.,Schwartz, P., and Randall, D. (2003). An abrupt climate change scenario and its implications for United States national security. San Francisco, CA: Global Business Network. Gives insight into how the US security policy community is framing the problem of climate change. This needs to be read critically. Available at http://www.gbn.com/ArticleDisplayServlet.srv?aid=26231 7.,German Advisory Council on Global Change. (2007). World in transition: climate change as a security risk. Berlin, Germany: WBGU. A major report from the German Advisory Council on Global Change on the risks climate changes poses to peace and stability. Needs to be read with caution. Summary and background studies are available online at http://www.wbgu.de/wbgu_jg2007_engl.html 8.,Yamin, F., and Depedge, J. (2004). The International climate change regime: a guide to rules, institutions and procedures. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. A clear and very detailed explanation of the UNFCCC's objectives, actors, history, and challenges. A must read for anyone seeking to understand the UNFCCC process, written by two scholars with practical experience in negotiations. Online Materials 1.,Environmental Change and Security Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars http://www.wilsoncenter.org/ecsp The major website for information about environmental security. From here, you can download many reports and studies, including the Environmental Change and Security Project Report. 2.,Global Environmental Change and Human Security Project http://www.gechs.org This website is a clearing house for work and events on environmental change and human security. 3.,Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) http://www.ipcc.ch/ From this website, you can download all the chapters of all the IPCC's reports, including its comprehensive and highly influential assessment reports, the most recent of which was published in 2007. The IPCC were awarded of the Nobel Peace Prize ,for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made (sic) climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change'. 4.,Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research http://www.tyndall.ac.uk The website of a major centre for research on climate change, and probably the world's leading centre for social science based analysis of climate change. From this site, you can download many publications about mitigation of and adaptation to climate change, and about various issues in the UNFCCC. 5.,United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change http://unfccc.int/ The website contains every major document relation to the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol, including the text of the agreements, national communications, country submissions, negotiated outcomes, and background documents about most key issues. Sample Syllabus: The Geopolitics of Climate Change topics for lecture and discussion Week I: Introduction Barnett, J. (2007). The geopolitics of climate change. Geography Compass 1 (6), pp. 1361,1375. United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, address to the 12th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Nairobi, 15 November 2006. Available online at http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=495&ArticleID=5424&l=en Week II: The History and Geography of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Topic: The drivers of climate change in space and time Reading Baer, P. (2006). Adaptation: who pays whom? In: Adger, N., et al. (eds) Fairness in adaptation to climate change. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, pp. 131,154. Boyden, S., and Dovers, S. (1992). Natural-resource consumption and its environmental impacts in the Western World: impacts of increasing per capita consumption. Ambio 21 (1), pp. 63,69. Week III: The Environmental Consequences of climate change Topic: The risks climate change poses to environmental systems Reading Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2007). Climate change 2007: climate change impacts, adaptation and vulnerability: summary for policymakers. Geneva, Switzerland: IPCC Secretariat. Watch: Al Gore. The Inconvenient Truth. Weeks IV and V: The Social Consequences of Climate Change Topic: The risks climate change poses to social systems Reading Adger, W. N. (1999). Social vulnerability to climate change and extremes in coastal Vietnam. World Development 27, pp. 249,269. Comrie, A. (2007). Climate change and human health. Geography Compass 1 (3), pp. 325,339. Leary, N., et al. (2006). For whom the bell tolls: vulnerability in a changing climate. A Synthesis from the AIACC project, AIACC Working Paper No. 21, International START Secretariat, Florida. Stern, N. (2007). Economics of climate change: the Stern review. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press (Chapters 3,5). Week VI: Mitigation of Climate Change: The UNFCCC Topic: The UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol Reading Najam, A., Huq, S., and Sokona, Y. (2003). Climate negotiations beyond Kyoto: developing countries concerns and interests. Climate Policy 3 (3), pp. 221,231. UNFCCC Secretariat. (2005). Caring for climate: a guide to the climate change convention and the Kyoto Protocol. Bonn, Germany: UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat. Weeks VII and VIII: Adaptation to Climate Change Topic: What can be done to allow societies to adapt to avoid climate impacts? Reading Adger, N., et al. (2007). Assessment of adaptation practices, options, constraints and capacity. In: Parry, M., et al. (eds) Climate change 2007: impacts, adaptation and vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the fourth assessment report of the intergovernmental panel on climate change. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, pp. 717,744. Burton, I., et al. (2002). From impacts assessment to adaptation priorities: the shaping of adaptation policy. Climate Policy 2 (2,3), pp. 145,159. Eakin, H., and Lemos, M. C. (2006). Adaptation and the state: Latin America and the challenge of capacity-building under globalization. Global Environmental Change: Human and Policy Dimensions 16 (1), pp. 7,18. Ziervogel, G., Bharwani, S., and Downing, T. (2006). Adapting to climate variability: pumpkins, people and policy. Natural Resources Forum 30, pp. 294,305. Weeks IX and X: Climate Change and Migration Topic: Will climate change force migration? Readings Gaim, K. (1997). Environmental causes and impact of refugee movements: a critique of the current debate. Disasters 21 (1), pp. 20,38. McLeman, R., and Smit, B. (2006). Migration as adaptation to climate change. Climatic Change 76 (1), pp. 31,53. Myers, N. (2002). Environmental refugees: a growing phenomenon of the 21st century. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society 357 (1420), pp. 609,613. Perch-Nielsen, S., Bättig, M., and Imboden, D. (2008). Exploring the link between climate change and migration. Climatic Change (online first, forthcoming); doi:10.1007/s10584-008-9416-y Weeks XI and XII: Climate Change and Violent Conflict Topic: Will Climate change cause violent conflict? Readings Barnett, J., and Adger, N. (2007). Climate change, human security and violent conflict. Political Geography 26 (6), pp. 639,655. Centre for Strategic and International Studies. (2007). The age of consequences: the foreign policy and national security implications of global climate change. Washington, DC: CSIS. Nordås, R., and Gleditsch, N. (2007). Climate conflict: common sense or nonsense? Political Geography 26 (6), pp. 627,638. Schwartz, P., and Randall, D. (2003). An abrupt climate change scenario and its implications for United States national security. San Francisco, CA: Global Business Network. [online]. Retrieved on 8 April 2007 from http://www.gbn.com/ArticleDisplayServlet.srv?aid=26231 Focus Questions 1Who is most responsible for climate change? 2Who is most vulnerable to climate change? 3Does everyone have equal power in the UNFCCC process? 4Will climate change force people to migrate? Who? 5What is the relationship between adaptation to climate change and violent conflict? [source] Absence of deafness-associated connexin-26 (GJB2) gene mutations in the Omani population ,,HUMAN MUTATION, Issue 6 2001Mehmet Simsek Abstract We have investigated the prevalence of mutations in the connexin 26 (GJB2) gene in Omani population using both PCR-RFLP and direct DNA sequencing methods. Two common GJB2 gene mutations (35delG and 167delT) were screened in 280 healthy controls and 95 deaf patients using two different PCR-RFLP methods. To investigate other GJB2 mutations, we have amplified and sequenced DNA from 51 unrelated deaf patients and 17 control subjects. None of the samples studied, either by RFLP or sequencing, revealed any deafness-associated mutations in the coding region of the GJB2 gene. These findings disagree with many reports on the GJB2 gene, describing various mutations as the cause of congenital recessive deafness. Although, an amino acid substitution (S86T) was identified by sequencing, we conclude that this change could not be associated with deafness since it was present in all the control and patient samples sequenced. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Hydrological disturbance benefits a native fish at the expense of an exotic fishJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 5 2006F. LEPRIEUR Summary 1Some native fish in New Zealand do not coexist with introduced salmonids. Previous studies of disjunct distributions of exotic brown trout Salmo trutta and native galaxiids demonstrated native extirpation except where major waterfalls prevented upstream migration of trout. In the Manuherikia River system, we predicted that water abstraction might be a further factor controlling the spatial distribution of both the invader and a native fish. 2We applied multiple discriminant function analyses to test for differences in environmental conditions (catchment and instream scales) at sites with roundhead galaxias Galaxias anomalus and brown trout in sympatry and allopatry. We then used a supervised artificial neural network (ANN) to predict the presence,absence of G. anomalus and brown trout (135 sites). The quantification of contributions of environmental variables to ANN models allowed us to identify factors controlling their spatial distribution. 3Brown trout can reach most locations in the Manuherikia catchment, and often occur upstream of G. anomalus. Their largely disjunct distributions in this river are mediated by water abstraction for irrigation, together with pool habitat availability and valley slope. Trout are more susceptible than the native fish to stresses associated with low flows, and seem to be prevented from eliminating galaxiid populations from sites in low gradient streams where there is a high level of water abstraction. 4Synthesis and applications. In contrast to many reports in the literature, our results show that hydrological disturbance associated with human activities benefits a native fish at the expense of an exotic in the Manuherikia River, New Zealand. Water abstraction is also known to have negative impacts on native galaxiids, therefore we recommend restoring natural low flows to maintain sustainable habitats for native galaxiids, implementing artificial barriers in selected tributaries to limit trout predation on native fish, and removing trout upstream. [source] A mutant telomerase defective in nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling fails to immortalize cells and is associated with mitochondrial dysfunctionAGING CELL, Issue 2 2010Olga A. Kovalenko Summary Telomerase is a reverse transcriptase specialized in telomere synthesis. The enzyme is primarily nuclear where it elongates telomeres, but many reports show that the catalytic component of telomerase (in humans called hTERT) also localizes outside of the nucleus, including in mitochondria. Shuttling of hTERT between nucleus and cytoplasm and vice versa has been reported, and different proteins shown to regulate such translocation. Exactly why telomerase moves between subcellular compartments is still unclear. In this study we report that mutations that disrupt the nuclear export signal (NES) of hTERT render it nuclear but unable to immortalize cells despite retention of catalytic activity in vitro. Overexpression of the mutant protein in primary fibroblasts is associated with telomere-based cellular senescence, multinucleated cells and the activation of the DNA damage response genes ATM, Chk2 and p53. Mitochondria function is also impaired in the cells. We find that cells expressing the mutant hTERT produce high levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and have damage in telomeric and extratelomeric DNA. Dysfunctional mitochondria are also observed in an ALT (alternative lengthening of telomeres) cell line that is insensitive to growth arrest induced by the mutant hTERT showing that mitochondrial impairment is not a consequence of the growth arrest. Our data indicate that mutations involving the NES of hTERT are associated with defects in telomere maintenance, mitochondrial function and cellular growth, and suggest targeting this region of hTERT as a potential new strategy for cancer treatment. [source] A comparison of diagnostic efficacies among different reagent strips and automated cell count in spontaneous bacterial peritonitisJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 5 2010Rungsun Rerknimitr Abstract Background:, Currently, decision to give antibiotics in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) suspected patient depends mainly on the result of manual cell count, which requires significant waiting period. Recently, many reports on the efficacies of reagent strips and a few reports of automated cell count are available but there has been no direct comparison study. Aims:, This prospective study was to assess the diagnostic efficacies of different reagent strips (Aution, Multistix, Combur) and automated cell count. Methods and Results:, A total of 250 paracenteses were performed. There were 40 specimens obtained from patients with clinical suspicion for SBP, the rest were obtained from non SBP suspected patients. Thirty specimens from 250 samples (12%) were diagnosed as SBP by manual cell count. Automated system provided higher value for SBP diagnosis in all parameters (sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy; 87.5,99.1%) whereas the strip tests provided lower number in all parameters (80,98.6%). Multistix provided the lowest sensitivity (80%). The false negative rates by Aution, Multistix, Combur tests and automated cell count were 10%, 20%, 10% and 3.3%, respectively. By lowering the cut off for SBP diagnosis with the automated system to 200 cells/mm3, there was no false negative. Conclusions:, Comparing to reagent strips, automated cell count is a better screening tool for SBP diagnosis because it provides higher validity scores and a lower false negative rate. However, the discrepancy of cell count reading may occur, we suggest using a lower cut off for SBP diagnosis by the automated system. [source] Hepatitis C virus risk: a hepatitis C virus related syndromeJOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2000C. Mazzaro Abstract. Mazzaro C, Panarello G, Tesio F, Santini G, Crovatto M, Mazzi G, Zorat F, Tulissi P, Pussini E, Baracetti S, Campanacci L, Pozzato G (Pordenone General Hospital, Pordenone; University of Trieste, School of Medicine, Trieste, Italy). Hepatitis C virus risk: a hepatitis C virus-related syndrome. J Intern Med 2000 247: 535,545. Background. The association between mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been recently described in many reports. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term prognosis of hepatitis C virus-positive patients affected by mixed cryoglobulinemia with or without kidney involvement. Patients. At total of 119 hepatitis C virus-positive patients affected by mixed cryoglobulinemia were divided in two groups. Group A: mixed cryoglobulinemia without kidney involvement (103 cases); group B: mixed cryoglobulinemia with glomerulonephritis (GN) (16 cases). A further 37 patients affected by mesangio-proliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) were evaluated as controls (group C). Methods. Anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies were determined by commercial kits and hepatitis C virus-RNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the 5, untranslated region (5,UTR) of the virus. The hepatitis C virus genotype was determined according to Okamoto. Liver biopsy was performed in 62 patients, bone marrow biopsy in 65 patients, and kidney biopsy in all patients with proteinuria. Results. In group A, 46 patients (45%) were affected by chronic liver disease (CLD), 21 (20%) by low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and 16 (15%) by both diseases. All patients of group B were affected by type I membrano-proliferative glomerulonephritis, 3 (19%) by chronic liver disease, 6 (37%) by low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and 7 (44%) by both diseases. Several genotypes of hepatitis C virus were found, but Type 1b was prevalent. In group C, no patient showed chronic liver disease or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Younger age, higher mean blood pressure, lower C4 serum level, and poorer survival significantly distinguished group B from group A. Survival rates at 5 years were: 87.4% for group A, 89.5% for group C, and 50.0% for group B. None of the patients of group B developed kidney failure requiring dialysis, whilst infections were the leading cause of death. Conclusions. In hepatitis C virus-positive patients, the presence of mixed cryoglobulinemia associated with kidney involvement seems to indicate a new syndrome characterized by immune system impairment, lack of progression to kidney failure, and poor survival (hepatitis C virus-Risk syndrome). [source] Magnetic resonance angiography findings of penile Mondor's diseaseJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 2 2009Rafael Boscolo-Berto MD Abstract A 53-year-old male was admitted to our Emergency Department affected by a contemporary high-flow priapism and induration on the dorsal penile surface, in consequence of a prior transrectal prostate biopsy performed 2 weeks earlier on the basis of a suspicion of prostate cancer. We describe a penile Mondor's disease (penile superficial dorsal vein thrombosis) of uncertain pathogenesis involving the penile superficial vein, and employing a careful diagnostic pathway by using magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). In the literature many reports described pulsed- and color-Doppler ultrasonography classical findings about penile Mondor's disease. For the first time we report the pathognomonic features of penile Mondor's disease on MRA, which may be considered a useful and comprehensive tool to deepen the analysis only in the case of a complex clinical picture such as the one presented. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:407,410. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Ion-exchange resins as drug delivery carriersJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 11 2009Xiaodi Guo Abstract There are many reports in the literature referring to the utilization of drug bound to ion-exchange resin (drug,resinate), especially in the drug delivery area. Ion-exchange resin complexes, which can be prepared from both acidic and basic drugs, have been widely studied and marketed. Salts of cationic and anionic exchange resins are insoluble complexes in which drug release results from exchange of bound drug ions by ions normally present in body fluids. Resins used are polymers that contain appropriately substituted acidic groups, such as carboxylic and sulfonic for cation exchangers; or basic groups, such as quaternary ammonium group for anion exchangers. Variables relating to the resin are the exchange capacity; degree of cross-linking, which determines the permeability of the resin, its swelling potential, and the access of the exchange sites to the drug ion; the effective pKa of the exchanging group, which determines the exchange affinity; and the resin particle size, which controls accessibility to the exchange ions. In this review, the properties of ion-exchange resins, selection of drugs that lend themselves to such an approach, selection of the appropriate resin, preparation of drug,resinate, evaluation of drug release, recent developments of drug,resinates, and applications are discussed. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 98:3886,3902, 2009 [source] Microenvironmental pH modulation in solid dosage formsJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 5 2007Sherif I. Farag Badawy Abstract There are many reports in the literature referring to the effect of ,microenvironmental pH' on solid dosage form performance, particularly stability and dissolution profiles. Several techniques have been proposed for the measurement of the microenvironmental pH. Those techniques use certain assumptions and approximations and many of them employ a solution calibration curve of a probe to predict hydrogen ion activity in a substantially dry solid. Despite the limitation of the methodology, it is clear from the literature that microenvironmental pH has a significant impact on stability of compounds which demonstrate pH dependent stability in solution. Degradation kinetics of such compounds, and in some cases degradation profile as well, are dependent on the microenvironmental pH of the solid. Modulation of the microenvironmental pH through the use of pH modifiers can hence prove to be a very effective tool in maximizing solid dosage form stability. Judicial selection of the appropriate pH modifier, its concentration and the manufacturing process used to incorporate the pH modifier is necessary to enhance stability. Control of microenvironmental pH to maximize stability can be achieved without the use of pH modifier in some cases if an appropriate counter ion is used to provide an inherently optimal pH for the salt. Microenvironmental pH modulation was also shown to control the dissolution profile of both immediate and controlled release dosage forms of compounds with pH dependent solubility. The pH modifiers have been used in conjunction with high energy or salt forms in immediate release formulations to minimize the precipitation of the less soluble free form during initial dissolution. Additionally, pH modifiers were utilized in controlled release dosage forms of weakly basic drugs which exhibit diminished release in dissolution media with high pH. The incorporation of acidic pH modifiers in the controlled release formulation increases the solubility of the basic drug even as the high pH dissolution medium enters into the dosage form hence increasing drug release rate. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 96: 948,959, 2007 [source] Increased intakes of selenium-enriched foods may benefit human healthJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 9 2007John Weldon Finley Abstract Selenium is an essential nutrient and deficient intakes compromise health in domestic animals and humans. A recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 55 µg d,1 has been set for adult males and females in the United States; most North Americans consume more than this amount, but many residents of Europe, Asia and Africa consume less. While there are very few reports of outright Se deficiency in people consuming mixed Western diets that have Se intakes below the RDA, there is evidence that dietary intakes of selenium greater than the requirement may help reduce the risk of cancer, especially prostate cancer, to men. Selenium metabolism depends on the chemical form of Se in the diet, and some forms are better for some actions (e.g., cancer reduction) than other forms. Foods may contain different amounts and chemical forms of Se; consequently the benefits of Se may depend on the particular foods consumed. There are many reports of the chemistry and health benefits of Se from plant foods; animal foods also contain Se, but there are fewer reported studies. Fully understanding the health benefits of Se that may be gained by consumption of Se-enriched foods will require multidisciplinary approaches by teams of medical researchers, chemists, nutritionists, and agricultural scientists. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Response to IL-1-Receptor Antagonist in a Child with Familial Cold Autoinflammatory SyndromePEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2007Susan M. O'Connell M.R.C.P.I. They appear to represent a continuum of one disease characterized by IL-1-mediated inflammation. Until recently, these conditions have been difficult to treat; however, with the advent of IL-1-receptor antagonist therapy, many reports of successful treatment of patients with these autoinflammatory diseases have emerged in the past 2 years. We describe an 8-year-old girl, diagnosed with Familial cold auto-inflammatory syndrome, confirmed by presence of a novel CIAS1 mutation, who was refractory to symptomatic treatment. As frequent attacks of urticaria and associated arthralgia had a debilitating effect on the child's lifestyle, a trial of IL-1-receptor antagonist (anakinra) was instituted. Dramatic sustained clinical improvement was evident within days and serum amyloid and C-reactive protein levels normalized within a month. Although several authors have reported successful use of this agent in children with chronic infantile neurologic, cutaneous, articular syndrome, we believe ours is the first report of successful treatment with anakinra in a young child with familial cold auto-inflammatory syndrome. [source] Cation-induced superoxide generation in tobacco cell suspension culture is dependent on ion valencePLANT CELL & ENVIRONMENT, Issue 11 2001T. Kawano Abstract There have been many reports suggesting the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including superoxide anion (O2.,), in salt stress. Herein, direct evidence that treatments of cell suspension culture of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.; cell line, BY-2) with various salts of trivalent, divalent and monovalent metals stimulate the immediate production of O2., is reported. Among the salts tested, LaCl3 and GdCl3 induced the greatest responses in O2., production, whereas CaCl2 and MgCl2 showed only moderate effects; salts of monovalent metals such as KCl and NaCl induced much lower responses, indicating that there is a strong relationship between the valence of metals and the level of O2., production. As the valence of the added metals increased from monovalent to divalent and trivalent, the concentrations required for maximal responses were lowered. Although O2., production by NaCl and KCl required high concentrations associated with hyperosmolarity, the O2., generation induced by NaCl and KCl was significantly greater than that induced simply by hyperosmolarity. Since an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, diphenyleneiodonium chloride, showed a strong inhibitory effect on the trivalent and divalent cation-induced generation of O2.,, it is likely that cation treatments activate the O2., -generating activity of NADPH oxidase. [source] Mental health issues of peacekeeping workersPSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES, Issue 5 2002JUN SHIGEMURA Abstract The end of the Cold War has brought a dramatic change to the international political situation and the role of the United Nations peacekeeping operations (PKO) has drawn increased attention. While many reports on PKO have focused on political or sociologic considerations, the mental health of the peacekeepers themselves has received little attention and psychiatric problems that can have a negative impact on mission success have been largely ignored. Participation in PKO creates a number of stressors and serious psychiatric and/or physical disorders may result. Yet, there is little research on this topic, either domestically or globally, and the methodology for clinical intervention remains in an early stage of development. We have reviewed previous reports to determine how various stressors before, during and after deployment affect the participants. Research in associated fields (e.g. crisis workers and military personnel) are also reviewed and their application to peacekeeping psychiatry is discussed. It must be admitted that the significance of PKO is arguable and each PKO is unique in terms of the nature of its mission and the local situation. Yet, the relationship between the psychiatric status of the personnel and the characteristics of an individual mission has never been studied. At present, no clear consensus regarding a framework for psychiatric intervention exists. Studies that enhance the recognition and significance of peacekeeping psychiatry are likely to improve the efficacy of PKO. [source] Prospects for molecular breeding of barleyANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2003W T B THOMAS Summary Data from UK Recommended List Trials showed that the introduction of new cultivars of spring and winter barley has maintained a significant increase in yield over time, whereas there has been no significant improvement in hot water extract, the major determinant of good malting quality, in either crop. Commercial barley breeding is based upon phenotypic selection, and the introduction of molecular breeding methods must either increase the rate of advance, or offer an improvement in the cost-effectiveness of breeding programmes. Molecular breeding can be applied to either single gene or polygenic characters but is not widely used in commercial barley breeding, other than as a marker for resistance to the Barley Yellow Mosaic Virus complex. There are many reports of potential targets for use in molecular breeding but the few validation studies that have been carried out to date are disappointing. Results from genomics studies are likely to lead to the identification of key candidate genes, which can be associated with economically important characters through co-location on certain chromosomal regions. Associations between candidate gene sequence haplotypes and phenotypic characteristics is expected to identify allelic combinations, which are most frequently observed in successful cultivars, that can be used in molecular breeding of barley on a commercial scale. [source] Thiocyanate overload and thyroid diseaseBIOFACTORS, Issue 3-4 2003Murat Faik Erdo Abstract Thiocyanate [SCN,] is a complex anion which is a potent inhibitor of iodide transport. It is the detoxification product of cyanide and can easily be measured in body fluids. Consumption of naturally occurring goitrogens, certain environmental toxins and cigarette smoke can significantly increase SCN, concentrations to levels potentially capable of affecting the thyroid gland. Goiter endemics were reported to develop when the critical urinary iodine/ SCN, ratio decreases below 3 ,g iodine per mg SCN,. Iodine supplementation completely reverses the goitrogenic influence of SCN,. SCN, is also generated from cigarette smoking as a detoxifying product of cyanide. During the past two decades many reports dealt with the possible effects of cigarette smoking on thyroid hormone synthesis, thyroid gland size and thyroid autoimmunity including infiltrative ophtalmopathy of Graves' disease. In this mini-review, issues regarding thiocyanate overload and thyroid disease will be summarized. [source] The treatment of adolescents presenting with a varicoceleBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2007Settin Çayan In the last 10 years there have been many reports of children and adolescents with varicocele, but virtually none from the UK. There is an increasing incidence with age, to 19% by the age of 19 years. There is some evidence that a varicocele impairs the development of the affected testis; 9.3% of boys of 19 years old have a small testis as a result. Some aspects of testicular function are compromised. Treatment of the varicocele allows compensatory growth and testicular function. The surgical technique must be meticulous to avoid complications, particularly the formation of a hydrocele. Despite much research, the effect on fertility is unknown. The incidence of varicocele is much higher than that of male factor infertility. It is not known whether varicocele in adolescence impairs fertility or whether surgery restores fertility. At present the main indications for surgery are persistent delay in growth of >20%, bilateral varicocele and impaired spermatogenesis persisting beyond 18 years old. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||