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Previous Reviews (previous + review)
Selected AbstractsPsycho-educational interventions for children and young people with Type 1 diabetesDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 9 2006H. R. Murphy Abstract Background, A systematic review of the literature in 2000 revealed numerous methodological shortcomings in education research, but in recent years progress has been made in the quantity and quality of psycho-educational intervention studies. Summary of contents, This review focuses on diabetes education programmes developed for children, young people and their families in the past 5 years. A comprehensive review of the literature identified 27 articles describing the evaluation of 24 psycho-educational interventions. Data summary tables compare the key features of these, and comparisons are made between individual, group and family-based interventions. Effect sizes are calculated for nine of the randomized studies. Three research questions are posed: firstly has the recent literature addressed the problems highlighted in the previous review; secondly is there sufficient evidence to recommend adaptation of a particular programme; and, finally, what do we still need to do? Conclusions, Progress in the quality and quantity of educational research has not resulted in improved effectiveness of interventions. There is still insufficient evidence to recommend adaptation of a particular educational programme and no programme that has been proven effective in randomized studies for those with poor glycaemic control. To develop a range of effective educational interventions, further research involving larger sample sizes with multicentre collaboration is required. [source] Recent advances in the application of capillary electromigration methods for food analysis and FoodomicsELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 1 2010Miguel Herrero Abstract The use of capillary electromigration methods to analyze foods and food components is reviewed in this work. Papers that were published during the period April 2007 to March 2009 are included following the previous review by García-Cañas and Cifuentes (Electrophoresis, 2008, 29, 294,309). These works include the analysis of amino acids, biogenic amines, peptides, proteins, DNAs, carbohydrates, phenols, polyphenols, pigments, toxins, pesticides, vitamins, additives, small organic and inorganic ions and other compounds found in foods and beverages, as well as those applications of CE for monitoring food interactions and food processing. The use of microchips, CE-MS, chiral-CE as well as other foreseen trends in food analysis are also discussed including their possibilities in the very new field of Foodomics. [source] The feasibility of smoking reduction: an updateADDICTION, Issue 8 2005John R. Hughes ABSTRACT Aim To update conclusions of a previous review of smoking reduction on the extent to which (1) smokers spontaneously reduce their smoking, (2) smokers who try to quit and fail return to smoking less, (3) smokers can substantially reduce and maintain reductions via pharmacological and behavioral treatments and (4) smokers compensate when they reduce. Method Qualitative systematic review. Data sources Systematic computer searches and other methods. Study selection Published and unpublished studies of smokers not trying to stop smoking. We located 13,26 studies for each of the four aims. Data extraction The first author entered data with confirmation by second author. Data synthesis Due to the heterogeneity of methods and necessity of extensive recalculation, a meta-analysis was not feasible. Results Few daily smokers spontaneously reduce. Among those who try to stop smoking and relapse, some return to reduced smoking but whether they maintain this reduction is unclear. Nicotine replacement (and perhaps behavior therapies) can induce smokers not interested in quitting to make significant reductions in their smoking and maintain these over time. Some compensatory smoking occurs with reduction but significant declines in smoke exposure still occur. Conclusions These results indicate that reduction is feasible when aided by treatment. Whether reduction should be promoted will depend on the effect of reduction on health outcomes and future cessation. [source] Connecting Atmosphere and Wetland: Trace Gas ExchangeGEOGRAPHY COMPASS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2009Peter M. Lafleur This article reviews the exchange of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) gases between wetland and atmosphere, with a primary emphasis on ecosystem-scale fluxes and their environmental controls. It is intended to complement a previous review of wetland energy and water exchanges (Lafleur 2008). It is shown that wetland exchanges of these gases are greatly variable in space and time, especially CH4. Most wetlands appear to be sinks for atmospheric CO2, while almost all are emitters of CH4. The strongest environmental control on the CO2 flux is drought, which often determines whether a wetland will be a net sink or source for atmospheric CO2. Due to complex biochemistry and transport mechanisms, methane efflux from wetlands often ranges over several orders of magnitude within a single wetland and among wetlands, making it difficult to quantify the environmental controls on this flux. The magnitude of gas fluxes is not strongly related to wetland type, which implies that modelling of these fluxes should consider wetlands a continuum and attempt to address processes as they vary along this continuum instead of as discrete entities. Although more research is required into the magnitude, variation and controls on trace gas fluxes in all wetland types, some wetlands (tropical and temperate marshes) are particularly understudied. [source] Competitive interactions between endogenous LTD and LTP in the hippocampus underlie the storage of emotional memories and stress-induced amnesiaHIPPOCAMPUS, Issue 8 2005David M. Diamond Abstract This speculative review serves two purposes. First, it as an extension of the ideas we developed in a previous review (Diamond et al., Hippocampus, 2004;14:281,291), and second, it is a rebuttal to Abraham's (Hippocampus, 2004;14:675,676) critique of that review. We had speculated on the functional significance of the finding that post-training LTP induction produces retrograde amnesia. We noted the similarities between the findings that strong tetanizing stimulation can produce LTP and retrograde amnesia, and that a strong emotional experience can produce a long-lasting memory and retrograde amnesia, as well. The commonalities between LTP induction and emotional learning provided the basis of our hypothesis that an emotional experience generates endogenous LTD/depotentiation, which reverses synaptic plasticity formed during previous learning experiences, and endogenous LTP, which underlies the storage of new information. Abraham raised several concerns with our review, including the criticism that our speculation "falters because there is no evidence that stress causes LTD or depotentiation," and that research on stress and hippocampus has "failed to report any LTP-like changes." Abraham's points are well-taken because stress, in isolation, does not appear to generate long-lasting changes in baseline measures of hippocampal excitability. Here, within the context of a reply to Abraham's critique, we have provided a review of the literature on the influence of stress, novelty, fear conditioning, and the retrieval of emotional memories on cognitive and physiological measures of hippocampal functioning. An emphasis of this review is our hypothesis that endogenous forms of depotentiation, LTD and LTP are generated only when arousing experiences occur in conjunction with memory-related activation of the hippocampus and amygdala. We conclude with speculation that interactions among the different forms of endogenous plasticity underlie a form of competition by synapses and memories for access to retrieval resources. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Sedation and antihistamines: an update.HUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL, Issue 7 2008Review of inter-drug differences using proportional impairment ratios Abstract Background The use of antihistamines (AHs) has been associated with cognitive and psychomotor impairments, largely caused by the sedative properties of many of these drugs. Due to the ambulant nature of the population using AHs, it is important to evaluate these effects using standardised methodology and psychometric tests. A previous extensive review of the literature collated the results of studies of H1 receptor antagonists to determine the extent to which a particular AH produced impairments on a battery of psychometric tests by calculating a proportional impairment ratio for each AH. Objective In light of a number of major studies published following the previous review, and the development of the second and new-generation AHs, the present review aims to add to the database and update the review, using the same methodology. Results and Conclusion The newer generation AHs appear to be the least impairing, and the first generation, as expected, appear to be the most impairing. There are also differences within the AH drug generations. The review highlights the necessity to consider the sedating potential of AHs, along with other factors such as efficacy, when prescribing AHs to ambulant patients. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Mechanical Support for Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock: Has Progress Been Made?JOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 4 2010Erik A. Sylvin M.D. A previous review of this topic by our group suggested that regardless of device, only 25% of patients survived to hospital discharge. In the interim, newer technologies have entered the clinical arena. Additional contributions have been made to the literature and new databases are collecting data that are likely to provide more robust guidance for the management of these very complex patients. In this review, we update the experience of mechanical support in the PCCS patient and provide a strategy to maximize survival for a patient who develops PCCS in the community cardiac surgery center. (J Card Surg 2010;25:442-454) [source] The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test: An Update of Research FindingsALCOHOLISM, Issue 2 2007Duane F. Reinert Background: The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) has been extensively researched to determine its capability to accurately and practically screen for alcohol problems. Methods: During the 5 years since our previous review of the literature, a large number of additional studies have been published on the AUDIT, abbreviated versions of it, its psychometric properties, and the applicability of the AUDIT for a diverse array of populations. The current article summarizes new findings and integrates them with results of previous research. It also suggests some issues that we believe are particularly in need of further study. Results: A growing body of research evidence supports the criterion validity of English version of the AUDIT as a screen for alcohol dependence as well as for less severe alcohol problems. Nevertheless, the cut-points for effective detection of hazardous drinking as well as identification of alcohol dependence or harmful use in women need to be lowered from the originally recommended value of 8 points. The AUDIT-C, the most popular short version of the AUDIT consisting solely of its 3 consumption items, is approximately equal in accuracy to the full AUDIT. Psychometric properties of the AUDIT, such as test,retest reliability and internal consistency, are quite favorable. Continued research is urged to establish the psychometric properties of non-English versions of the AUDIT, use of the AUDIT with adolescents and with older adults, and selective inclusion of alcohol biomarkers with the AUDIT in some instances. Conclusions: Research continues to support use of the AUDIT as a means of screening for the spectrum of alcohol use disorders in various settings and with diverse populations. [source] Fragmentations of (M,H), anions of underivatised peptides.MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS, Issue 1 2009Part 2: Characteristic cleavages of Ser, of disulfides, other post-translational modifications, together with some unusual internal processes Abstract In a previous review (Bowie, Brinkworth, & Dua (2002); Mass Spectrom Rev 21:87,107) we described the characteristic backbone cleavages and side chain fragmentations which occur from (M,H), parent anions of underivatized peptides. This work is briefly summarized in the present review. Cys was not described in the previous review: here we describe the Cys characteristic side chain loss of H2S, together with its , backbone cleavage. These processes are compared with those of the related Ser. All experimental observations are backed up with theoretical studies at the HF/6-31G(d)//AM1 level of theory, a level of theory which we have shown gives good geometries and acceptable relative energies. The negative ion cleavages of a number of post-translational modifications are described. Negative ion mass spectrometry is the method of choice for identification of disulfides in both peptides and proteins. Intramolecular disulfides are identified by the presence of the fragment anion [(M,H),,H2S2], and CID MS2 of this fragment normally identifies the positions of the two Cys residues and often the full sequence of the peptide. An unsymmetrically substituted intermolecular disulfide can give up to eight characteristic fragment anions, and CID MS2 of some, or all of these often provides the full sequence of those peptides which form the initial intermolecular disulfide linkage. Negative ion cleavages of disulfides are the most energetically favored of all peptide negative cleavages studied to date. Negative ion mass spectrometry is also valuable for the identification of pyroglutamates, sulfates and phosphates. Finally, some unusual fragmentations are described which involve cyclization/elimination reactions which require the decomposing (M,H), parent anions to adopt the same helical conformation that these peptides have in solution. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 28:20,34, 2009 [source] Analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: An update covering the period 1999,2000MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS, Issue 4 2006David J. Harvey Abstract This review describes the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry for the analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates and continues coverage of the field from the previous review published in 1999 (D. J. Harvey, Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of carbohydrates, 1999, Mass Spectrom Rev, 18:349,451) for the period 1999,2000. As MALDI mass spectrometry is acquiring the status of a mature technique in this field, there has been a greater emphasis on applications rather than to method development as opposed to the previous review. The present review covers applications to plant-derived carbohydrates, N- and O- linked glycans from glycoproteins, glycated proteins, mucins, glycosaminoglycans, bacterial glycolipids, glycosphingolipids, glycoglycerolipids and related compounds, and glycosides. Applications of MALDI mass spectrometry to the study of enzymes acting on carbohydrates (glycosyltransferases and glycosidases) and to the synthesis of carbohydrates, are also covered. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 25:595,662, 2006 [source] Parkinson's disease, smoking and family history: meta-analysisEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 1 2003M. F. Allam To estimate the pooled risk of tobacco smoking for Parkinson's disease (PD) in patients with and without PD family history. We conducted systematic searches of Medline, PsycLIT, Embase, Current contents, Best Evidence, Nisc Mexico Biblioline, previous reviews, examination of cited reference sources and personal contact and discussion with several investigators expert in the field. Studies in all languages were considered. Published observational studies on PD and cigarette smoking stratified by PD family history were reviewed. When two or more papers were based on an identical study, the paper that principally investigated the relationship between PD, smoking stratified by PD family history or the paper that was published last was used. Three case,control studies were carried out between 1996 and 2000, of which one reported risk estimates. The risk of ever smoker in patients with positive PD family history was 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.44,1.53). There was an obvious protective effect in the pooled estimate in patients with negative PD family history [odds ratio 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.59,1.01)]. Although our pooled estimates show that smoking is inversely associated with the risk of PD only in patients with negative PD family history, further studies evaluating the interaction between smoking and PD family history are strongly needed. [source] Listening Comprehension Strategies: A Review of the LiteratureFOREIGN LANGUAGE ANNALS, Issue 4 2004Jane E. Berne The present study seeks to build upon two previous reviews of listening comprehension strategies research. Of particular interest in this review are studies dealing with the types of cues used by listeners, the sequence of listening, differences between more- and less-proficient listeners, listening strategy instruction, strategies versus tactics, and identifying listening problems. This review first summarizes the findings of a number of studies in each of these areas. Based on these summaries, the review then posits some general conclusions and suggests directions for future research. The review demonstrates that listening comprehension strategies have been and continue to be a very fruitful area for researchers to explore. [source] Functional connexin "hemichannels": A critical appraisalGLIA, Issue 7 2006David C. Spray Abstract "Hemichannels" are defined as the halves of gap junction channels (also termed connexons) that are contributed by one cell; "hemichannels" are considered to be functional if they are open in nonjunctional membranes in the absence of pairing with partners from adjacent cells. Several recent reviews have summarized the blossoming literature regarding functional "hemichannels", in some cases encyclopedically. However, most of these previous reviews have been written with the assumption that all data reporting "hemichannel" involvement really have studied phenomena in which connexons actually form the permeability or conductance pathway. In this review, we have taken a slightly different approach. We review the concept of "hemichannels", summarize properties that might be expected of half gap junctions and evaluate the extent to which the properties of presumptive "hemichannels" match expectations. Then we consider functions attributed to hemichannels, provide an overview of other channel types that might fulfill similar roles and provide sets of criteria that might be applied to verify involvement of connexin hemichannels in cell and tissue function. One firm conclusion is reached. The study of hemichannels is technically challenging and fraught with opportunities for misinterpretation, so that future studies must apply rigorous standards for detection of hemichannel expression and function. At the same time there are reasons to expect surprises, including the possibility that some time honored techniques for studying gap junctions may prove unsuitable for detecting hemichannels. We advise hemichannel researchers to proceed with caution and an open mind. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A comparison of label-based review and ALE meta-analysis in the Stroop taskHUMAN BRAIN MAPPING, Issue 1 2005Angela R. Laird Abstract Meta-analysis is an important tool for interpreting results of functional neuroimaging studies and is highly influential in predicting and testing new outcomes. Although traditional label-based review can be used to search for agreement across multiple studies, a new function-location meta-analysis technique called activation likelihood estimation (ALE) offers great improvements over conventional methods. In ALE, reported foci are modeled as Gaussian functions and pooled to create a statistical whole-brain image. ALE meta-analysis and the label-based review were used to investigate the Stroop task in normal subjects, a paradigm known for its effect of producing conflict and response inhibition due to subjects' tendency to perform word reading as opposed to color naming. Both methods yielded similar activation patterns that were dominated by response in the anterior cingulate and the inferior frontal gyrus. ALE showed greater involvement of the anterior cingulate as compared to that in the label-based technique; however, this was likely due to the increased spatial level of distinction allowed with the ALE method. With ALE, further analysis of the anterior cingulate revealed evidence for somatotopic mapping within the rostral and caudal cingulate zones, an issue that has been the source of some conflict in previous reviews of the anterior cingulate cortex. Hum Brain Mapp 25:6,21, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Empirical orthogonal functions and related techniques in atmospheric science: A reviewINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY, Issue 9 2007A. Hannachi Abstract Climate and weather constitute a typical example where high dimensional and complex phenomena meet. The atmospheric system is the result of highly complex interactions between many degrees of freedom or modes. In order to gain insight in understanding the dynamical/physical behaviour involved it is useful to attempt to understand their interactions in terms of a much smaller number of prominent modes of variability. This has led to the development by atmospheric researchers of methods that give a space display and a time display of large space-time atmospheric data. Empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) were first used in meteorology in the late 1940s. The method, which decomposes a space-time field into spatial patterns and associated time indices, contributed much in advancing our knowledge of the atmosphere. However, since the atmosphere contains all sorts of features, e.g. stationary and propagating, EOFs are unable to provide a full picture. For example, EOFs tend, in general, to be difficult to interpret because of their geometric properties, such as their global feature, and their orthogonality in space and time. To obtain more localised features, modifications, e.g. rotated EOFs (REOFs), have been introduced. At the same time, because these methods cannot deal with propagating features, since they only use spatial correlation of the field, it was necessary to use both spatial and time information in order to identify such features. Extended and complex EOFs were introduced to serve that purpose. Because of the importance of EOFs and closely related methods in atmospheric science, and because the existing reviews of the subject are slightly out of date, there seems to be a need to update our knowledge by including new developments that could not be presented in previous reviews. This review proposes to achieve precisely this goal. The basic theory of the main types of EOFs is reviewed, and a wide range of applications using various data sets are also provided. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society [source] Nurse-led vs. conventional physician-led follow-up for patients with cancer: systematic reviewJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 4 2009Ruth Lewis Abstract Title.,Nurse-led vs. conventional physician-led follow-up for patients with cancer: systematic review. Aim., This paper is a report of a systematic review of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of nurse-led follow-up for patients with cancer. Background., As cancer survivorship increases, conventional follow-up puts a major burden on outpatient services. Nurse-led follow-up is a promising alternative. Data sources., Searches were conducted covering a period from inception to February 2007 of 19 electronic databases, seven online trial registries, five conference proceedings reference lists of previous reviews and included studies. Review methods., Standard systematic review methodology was used. Comparative studies and economic evaluations of nurse-led vs. physician-led follow-up were eligible. Studies comparing different types of nurse-led follow-up were excluded. Any cancer was considered; any outcome measure included. Results., Four randomised controlled trials were identified, two including cost analyses. There were no statistically significant differences in survival, recurrence or psychological morbidity. One study showed better HRQL measures for nurse-led follow-up, but one showed no difference, two showed a statistically significant difference for patient satisfaction, but two did not. Patients with lung cancer were more satisfied with nurse-led telephone follow-up and more were able to die at home. Patients with breast cancer thought patient-initiated follow-up convenient, but found conventional follow-up more reassuring. One study showed the cost of nurse-led follow-up to be less than that of physician-led follow-up, but no statistical comparison was made. Conclusion., Patients appeared satisfied with nurse-led follow-up. Patient-initiated or telephone follow-up could be practical alternatives to conventional care. However, well-conducted research is needed before equivalence to physician-led follow-up can be assured in terms of survival, recurrence, patient well-being and cost-effectiveness. [source] The impact of client treatment preferences on outcome: a meta-analysisJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 4 2009Joshua K. Swift Abstract An important part of evidence-based practice is to include client preferences in the treatment decision-making process. However, based on previous reviews of the literature there is some question as to whether including client preferences actually has an effect on treatment outcome. This meta-analytic review summarized data from over 2,300 clients across 26 studies comparing the treatment outcome differences between clients matched to a preferred treatment and clients not matched to a preferred treatment. The findings indicate a small significant effect (r=.15, CI.95: .09 to .21) in favor of clients who received a preferred treatment. The binomial effect size indicated that matched clients have a 58% chance of showing greater improvement, and further analysis indicate that they are about half as likely to drop-out of treatment when compared with clients not receiving a preferred treatment. Study design was seen to be a moderating variable in that partially randomized preference trials may underestimate the treatment preference effect. Implications for best practice standards are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65:1,14, 2009. [source] Comparative studies of quantitative trait and neutral marker divergence: a meta-analysisJOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2008T. LEINONEN Abstract Comparative studies of quantitative genetic and neutral marker differentiation have provided means for assessing the relative roles of natural selection and random genetic drift in explaining among-population divergence. This information can be useful for our fundamental understanding of population differentiation, as well as for identifying management units in conservation biology. Here, we provide comprehensive review and meta-analysis of the empirical studies that have compared quantitative genetic (QST) and neutral marker (FST) differentiation among natural populations. Our analyses confirm the conclusion from previous reviews , based on ca. 100% more data , that the QST values are on average higher than FST values [mean difference 0.12 (SD 0.27)] suggesting a predominant role for natural selection as a cause of differentiation in quantitative traits. However, although the influence of trait (life history, morphological and behavioural) and marker type (e.g. microsatellites and allozymes) on the variance of the difference between QST and FST is small, there is much heterogeneity in the data attributable to variation between specific studies and traits. The latter is understandable as there is no reason to expect that natural selection would be acting in similar fashion on all populations and traits (except for fitness itself). We also found evidence to suggest that QST and FST values across studies are positively correlated, but the significance of this finding remains unclear. We discuss these results in the context of utility of the QST,FST comparisons as a tool for inferring natural selection, as well as associated methodological and interpretational problems involved with individual and meta-analytic studies. [source] Neurocognitive and behavioral impact of sleep disordered breathing in children,PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 5 2009Judith A. Owens MD Abstract The consequences of poor quality and/or inadequate sleep in children and adolescents have become a major public health concern, and one in which pediatric health care professionals have become increasingly involved. In particular, insufficient and/or fragmented sleep resulting from primary sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often compounded by the presence of comorbid sleep disorders as well as by voluntary sleep curtailment related to lifestyle and environmental factors, has been implicated in a host of negative consequences. These range from metabolic dysfunction and increased cardiovascular morbidity to impairments in mood and academic performance. The following review will focus on what is currently known about the effects of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) specifically on neurobehavioral and neurocognitive function in children. Because of the scarcity of literature on the cognitive and behavioral impact of sleep disorders in infants and very young children, this review will target largely the preschool/school-aged child and adolescent populations. In addition, the focus will be on a review of the most recent literature, as a supplement to several excellent previous reviews on the topic.1,4 Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:417,422. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Psychologic Treatment for Hypertension Can Be EfficaciousPREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY, Issue 1 2003Wolfgang Linden PhD The traditional view of psychologic treatments and their efficacy for treating primary hypertension is that they may be of some benefit for borderline hypertension and that they can be potentially useful adjuncts to medical treatment. This review challenges such cautious conclusions by critically analyzing previous reviews and by also considering innovative, newer clinical trials. One reason for cautious conclusions has been selective reviewing and a lack of well-designed trials. Measurement and study protocol differences as well as differences in treatment modality have all been shown to have major effects on observed outcomes. Studies that promise better results have the following characteristics: 1) use of 24-hour ambulatory monitoring as an end point to rule out white coat hypertension that does not need treatment in the first place; 2) inclusion of patients with truly elevated blood pressure at pretreatment; and 3) multicomponent treatments that are tailored to individual patient needs. [source] Epidemiology of Bovine Venereal Campylobacteriosis: Geographic Distribution and Recent Advances in Molecular Diagnostic TechniquesREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 5 2010GD Mshelia Contents Bovine venereal campylobacteriosis (BVC) is a major cause of economic loss to the cattle industries in different parts of the world. Camplylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv), the main causative agent of BVC, is highly adapted to the genital tract of cattle and is transmitted by carrier bulls. However, infertility and abortions can also be caused by the intestinal pathogens C. fetus subsp. fetus (Cff), and C. jenuni, which are not venereally transmitted. Bovine venereal campylobacteriosis, caused by Cfv associated with lowered fertility, embryo mortality and abortion, repeated returns to service, reduced pregnancy rates and extended calving intervals, has the highest prevalence in developing countries where natural breeding in cattle is widely practised. The epidemiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis of the disease have been the subject of previous reviews. The main focus of this review is to highlight the epidemiology of this disease with particular reference to geographical distribution and recent advances in molecular diagnostic techniques. It is hoped that further research interest of scientists will be stimulated with a view to finding lasting solutions to the reproductive problems associated with the disease for better livestock productivity, particularly in developing endemic countries. [source] The host galaxies of Compact Steep Spectrum and Gigahertz-Peaked Spectrum radio sourcesASTRONOMISCHE NACHRICHTEN, Issue 2-3 2009J. Holt Abstract I will review some of the developments in studies of the host galaxy properties of Compact Steep Spectrum (CSS) and Gigahertz-Peaked Spectrum (GPS) radio sources. In contrast to previous reviews structured around observational technique, I will discuss the host galaxy properties in terms of morphology, stellar content and warm gas properties and discuss how compact, young radio-loud AGN are key objects for understanding galaxy evolution (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Reducing alcohol related harm experienced by Indigenous Australians: identifying opportunities for Indigenous primary health care servicesAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 2010Anthony Shakeshaft Abstract Objective: Identify key issues and opportunities relating to the dissemination of cost-effective interventions for alcohol in Indigenous-specific settings. Methods: Update previous reviews of the Indigenous alcohol literature, particularly in relation to intervention and dissemination studies aimed at identifying and integrating into routine clinical care those strategies that are most cost-effective in reducing alcohol-related harm. Results: The harmful use of alcohol has been identified as a major public health issue, which has a disproportionately high negative impact on Indigenous Australians. While the disproportionately high burden of harm borne by Indigenous Australian communities is well documented in descriptive studies, attempts to redress this imbalance through well controlled intervention and dissemination studies appear to have been inadequate to date. There is compelling evidence from the non-Indigenous community that brief intervention is an effective treatment for harmful alcohol use, compared to the relatively lower levels of evidence for primary and tertiary level interventions. The effectiveness of brief intervention for alcohol in Indigenous Australian communities should, therefore, be examined. Conclusions and Implications: An opportunity exists to implement brief intervention into Indigenous primary health care settings, as an evidence-based strategy using established resources. There is the possibility that such Indigenous-specific health services research will lead the dissemination field in demonstrating how the implementation process can be successfully tailored to specific and defined clinical settings. [source] | ||||||||||||||||