bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Separate and Unequal: Post‐Tsunami Aid Distribution in Southern India*
Authors: Aldrich Daniel P.
Published: October 2010

Objective.Disasters are a regular occurrence throughout the world. Whether all eligible victims of a catastrophe receive similar amounts of aid from governments and donors following a crisis remains an open question.

Methods.I use data on 62 similarly damaged inland fishing villages in five districts of southeastern India following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami to measure the causal influence of caste, location, wealth, and bridging social capital on the receipt of aid. Using two‐limit tobit and negative binomial models, I investigate the factors that influence the time spent in refugee camps, receipt of an initial aid packet, and receipt of 4,000 rupees.

Results.Caste, family status, and wealth proved to be powerful predictors of beneficiaries and nonbeneficiaries during the aid process.

Conclusion.While many scholars and practitioners envision aid distribution as primarily a technocratic process, this research shows that discrimination and financial resources strongly affect the flow of disaster aid.
Comparing Government Redistribution Across Countries: The Problem of Second‐Order Effects*
Authors: Jesuit David K. , Mahler Vincent A.
Published: October 2010

Objective. We offer an alternative to the conventional measure of government redistribution that seeks to address problems of second‐order effects whereby income guarantees arising from public pensions make it less necessary for people to save for their retirement, rendering the “pregovernment” counterfactual to the observed postgovernment distribution unrealistic.

Method. We use household‐level data from the Luxembourg Income Study to calculate an alternative measure of government redistribution that includes public‐sector pensions in “pregovernment” income alongside private‐sector pensions, on the assumption that each represents a claim on future income.

Results. Employing the alternative method described in the article results in lower values for redistribution than the conventional measure.

Conclusion. We suggest that our alternative method be used in addition to the conventional method in cross‐national research, in an effort to achieve a more complete understanding of government redistribution in the developed countries.
Low Risk of Intracranial and Systemic Hemorrhages in Patients on Dual Antiplatelet Treatment Beyond 1 Month Following Neuroendovascular Angioplasty and/or Stent Placement
Authors: Hassan Ameer E. , Zacharatos Haralabos , Vazquez Gabriela , Rodriguez Gustavo J. , Suri M. Fareed K. , Tummala Ramachandra P. , Taylor Robert A. , Qureshi Adnan I.
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND

Aspirin and clopidogrel treatment beyond 1 month in patients undergoing angioplasty and/or stent placement within the extra‐ and/or intracranial arteries is not defined.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of intracranial and systemic bleeding events, recurrent ischemic stroke, and death in patients treated with dual antiplatelets for greater than 1 month.

METHODS

We determined rates of hemorrhage, stroke, or death in consecutive patients with extra‐ or intracranial lesions, treated with dual antiplatelets after angioplasty and/or stent procedures.

RESULTS

Dual antiplatelet treatment was initiated in 110 patients following endovascular treatment with a median treatment time period of 3 months (364 person‐months of exposure). There were two bleeding events (1 intracranial and 1 gastrointestinal), 1 ischemic stroke, and no deaths. The rate of intracranial and systemic bleeding events, recurrent ischemic stroke, death due to stroke, or premature discontinuation was 8.3 per 1,000 person‐months (95%, CI [2.7‐25.6]). There were no bleeding events after the first month of treatment.

CONCLUSION

We did not find an increased risk of adverse events in patients treated with dual antiplatelet treatment beyond 1 month after endovascular procedure, supporting the safety of intermediate‐term treatment as adjunct to intra‐ and extracranial angioplasty and/or stent placement.
Intermittent “Real‐time” fMRI Feedback Is Superior to Continuous Presentation for a Motor Imagery Task: A Pilot Study
Authors: Johnson Kevin A. , Hartwell Karen , LeMatty Todd , Borckardt Jeffrey , Morgan Paul S. , Govindarajan Koushik , Brady Kathleen , George Mark S.
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND

Real‐time functional MRI feedback (RTfMRIf) is a developing technique, with unanswered methodological questions. Given a delay of seconds between neural activity and the measurable hemodynamic response, one issue is the optimal method for presentation of neurofeedback to subjects. The primary objective of this preliminary study was to compare the methods of continuous and intermittent presentation of neural feedback on targeted brain activity.

METHODS

Thirteen participants performed a motor imagery task and were instructed to increase activation in an individually defined region of left premotor cortex using RTfMRIf. The fMRI signal change was compared between real and false feedback for scans with either continuous or intermittent feedback presentation.

RESULTS

More individuals were able to increase their fMRI signal with intermittent feedback, while some individuals had decreased signal with continuous feedback. The evaluation of feedback itself activated an extensive amount of brain regions, and false feedback resulted in brain activation outside of the individually defined region of interest.

CONCLUSIONS

As implemented in this study, intermittent presentation of feedback is more effective than continuous presentation in promoting self‐modulation of brain activity. Furthermore, it appears that the process of evaluating feedback involves many brain regions that can be isolated using intermittent presentation.
Potential Role of PMD‐TCD Monitoring in the Management of Hemodynamically Unstable Intracranial Stenosis
Authors: Palazzo Paola , Barlinn Kristian , Balucani Clotilde , Zhao Limin , Prestley Timothy W. , Alexandrov Andrei V.
Published: October 2010

A 54‐year‐old woman started to loose vision 2 days prior to admission and also experienced left‐sided headache, nausea, emesis, and disorientation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed bilateral posterior cerebral artery and cerebellar infarctions. Transcranial power motion Doppler (PMD‐TCD) showed blunted flow signal in the proximal basilar artery (BA) suggestive for a high‐grade stenosis also seen on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel was started. Catheter angiography confirmed the proximal high‐grade BA stenosis. After angiography, the patient experienced hypertensive crisis with severe headache. Blood pressure was lowered and headache resolved. One hour later she developed fluctuating level of consciousness and motor symptoms. PMD‐TCD findings were suggestive for an intraluminal thrombus that moved from the proximal to the distal basilar artery, presumably further contributing to brain stem hypoperfusion and neurological deterioration. To achieve a compromise between lower blood pressure and maintenance of brain perfusion, hypervolemic hemodilution with intravenous dextran‐40 was initiated. Patient's symptoms resolved to baseline and MRI showed no new parenchymal lesions.
Arctic foxVulpes lagopuspopulation structure: circumpolar patterns and processes
Authors: Norén Karin , Carmichael Lindsey , Dalén Love , Hersteinsson Pall , Samelius Gustaf , Fuglei Eva , Kapel Christian M. O. , Menyushina Irina , Strobeck Curtis , Angerbjörn Anders
Published: October 2010

Movement is a prominent process shaping genetic population structure. In many northern mammal species, population structure is formed by geographic distance, geographical barriers and various ecological factors that influence movement over the landscape. The Arctic foxVulpes lagopusis a highly mobile, opportunistic carnivore of the Arctic that occurs in two main ecotypes with different ecological adaptations. We assembled microsatellite data in 7 loci for 1834 Arctic foxes sampled across their entire distribution to describe the circumpolar population structure and test the impact of (1) geographic distance, (2) geographical barriers and (3) ecotype designation on the population structure. Both Structure and Geneland demonstrated distinctiveness of Iceland and Scandinavia whereas low differentiation was observed between North America–northern Greenland, Svalbard and Siberia. Genetic differentiation was significantly correlated to presence of sea ice on a global scale, but not to geographical distance or ecotype designation. However, among areas connected by sea ice, we recorded a pattern of isolation by distance. The maximum likelihood approach in Migrate suggested that connectivity across North America–northern Greenland and Svalbard was particularly high. Our results demonstrate the importance of sea ice for maintaining connectivity between Arctic fox populations and we therefore predict that climate change will increase genetic divergence among populations in the future.
Spatial and temporal variability in propagule limitation of California native grasses
Authors: Seabloom Eric W.
Published: October 2010

Community composition and diversity arise from limitations in propagule supply (i.e. propagule or seed limitation) and propagule establishment after arriving at a site (i.e. establishment or microsite limitation). Recent meta‐analyses suggest that the degree of propagule limitation depends on local abiotic and biotic conditions, which in turn are likely to vary spatially and temporally. Nevertheless, seed addition studies testing propagule limitation are rarely replicated in multiple locations and years and often lack experimental manipulations of critical determinants of propagule limitation, such as the density and species richness of the propagule pool and disturbance and resource supply of recipient site. The invasion of California (USA) grasslands by exotic annual species from the Mediterranean region is unique in its scope (over 9 million ha) and persistence (more than 150 years). This invasion provides an exciting context in which to test the role of spatial and temporal variability in mediating propagule limitation and ultimately the potential for restoration. Here I present the results of native‐grass, seed‐addition trials conducted along a 500 km gradient in California in three consecutive years spanning a wide range of environmental conditions and initial conditions (e.g. rainfall, seeding density and disturbance). While native grasses were able to establish at many locations, per capita seed survival was low suggesting that the fate of these species is governed by interplay between propagule and establishment limitation. Establishment primarily varied spatially, with the most successful establishment occurring at fertile locations with low resident species richness. While recruitment was highly variable among years initially, there was no difference among seedling trials after three years.
Temporal dynamics of herbivory and water availability interactively modulate the outcome of a grass–shrub interaction in a semi‐arid ecosystem
Authors: Soliveres Santiago , García‐Palacios Pablo , Castillo‐Monroy Andrea P. , Maestre Fernando T. , Escudero Adrián , Valladares Fernando
Published: October 2010

The study of plant–plant interactions along grazing and abiotic stress gradients is a major research topic in plant ecology, but the joint effects of both stressors on the outcome of plant–plant interactions remains poorly understood. We used two different factorial experiments conducted in a semi‐arid Mediterranean steppe to assess: 1) the role of the perennial grass Stipa tenacissima, a low‐palatability species, providing protection from rabbit herbivory to the shrub Retama sphaerocarpa (experiment 1), and 2) the effects of environmental amelioration provided by Stipa on the recovery of Retama after rabbit damage under two contrasted levels of water availability (experiment 2). In the experiment 1, water stress worked as an indirect modulator of herbivore protection by Stipa. This species protected Retama seedlings from rabbit herbivory during the wetter conditions of spring and winter, but this effect dissapeared when rabbit pressure on Retama increased during summer drought due to the decrease in alternative food resources. In the experiment 2, Stipa exerted a negative effect on the survival of Retama seedlings during the three years of the experiment, regardless of inter‐annual differences in rainfall or the watering level applied. This negative effect was mainly due to excessive shading. However, Stipa increased Retama recovery after initial rabbit impact, overriding in part this negative shade effect. Conversely, Stipa impact on the Fv/Fm of Retama seedlings depended on the intra‐annual water dynamics and its experimental manipulation, overall contradicting predictions from the stress–gradient hypothesis. The complex interactions found between herbivory, microclimatic amelioration from Stipa, and water availability as drivers of Retama performance illustrate the importance of considering the temporal dynamics of both biotic and abiotic stressors to fully understand the outcome of plant–plant interactions.
Identifying hotspots of parasite diversity from species–area relationships: host phylogeny versus host ecology
Authors: Poulin Robert , Guilhaumon François , Randhawa Haseeb S. , Luque José L. , Mouillot David
Published: October 2010

Interspecific variation in parasite species richness among host species has generated much empirical research. As in comparisons among geographical areas, controlling for variation in host body size is crucial because host size determines resource availability. Recent developments in the use of species–area relationships (SARs) to detect hotspots of biodiversity provide a powerful way to control for host body size, and to identify ‘hot’ and ‘cold hosts’ of parasite diversity, i.e. hosts with more or fewer parasites than expected from their size. Applying SAR modelling to six large datasets on parasite species richness in vertebrates, we search for hot and cold hosts and assess the effect of other ecological variables on the probability that a host species is hot/cold taking body size (and sampling effort) into account. Five non‐sigmoid SAR models were fitted to the data by optimisation; their relative likelihood was evaluated using the Bayesian information criterion, before deriving an averaged SAR function. Overall, the fit between the five SAR models and the actual data was poor; there was substantial uncertainty surrounding the fitted models, and the best model differed among the six datasets. These results show that host body size is not a strong or consistent determinant of parasite species richness across taxa. Hotspots were defined as host species lying above the upper limit of the 80% confidence interval of the averaged SAR, and coldspots as species lying below its lower limit. Our analyses revealed (1) no apparent effect of specific ecological factors (i.e. water temperature, mean depth range, latitude or population density) on the likelihood of a host species being a hot or coldspot; (2) evidence of phylogenetic clustering, i.e. hosts from certain families are more likely to be hotspots (or coldspots) than other species, independently of body size. These findings suggest that host phylogeny may sometimes outweigh specific host ecological traits as a predictor of whether or not a host species harbours more (or fewer) parasite species than expected for its size.
Total phosphorus and piscivore mass as drivers of food web characteristics in shallow lakes
Authors: Friederichs Samuel J. , Zimmer Kyle D. , Herwig Brian R. , Hanson Mark A. , Fieberg John R.
Published: October 2010

We assessed the relative influence of total phosphorus and piscivore biomass on the abundance of benthivores, soft‐rayed planktivores, spiny‐rayed planktivores, zooplankton and phytoplankton in 69 shallow lakes in the prairie and parkland areas of Minnesota, USA. Piscivore biomass was the best predictor for three of these response variables, exhibiting a negative relationship with soft‐rayed planktivores, a positive relationship with benthivores, and a weaker positive relationship with large‐bodied cladocerans. Total phosphorus and piscivores comprised the best model for predicting spiny‐rayed planktivores, while neither variable showed any strong relationship to small‐bodied cladocerans. Total phosphorus was positively related to phytoplankton abundance, and was the best predictor among all candidate models. Moreover, contrary to predictions of trophic cascade theory, the relationship between chlorophyll a and total phosphorus did not differ between lakes with and without piscivores. Our results indicated top‐down influences of piscivores extended through parts of two trophic levels, but failed to influence zooplankton – phytoplankton interactions, leaving phytoplankton abundance constrained largely by total phosphorus. Lack of a relationship between piscivores and phytoplankton was likely due to high densities of larval planktivores less susceptible to piscivory, as well as positive influences of spiny‐rayed planktivores and benthivores on algal abundance. These results support the idea that top–down influences of piscivores on phytoplankton abundance may be reduced in more diverse fish communities where some prey species are less susceptible to piscivory.
Doping and supplementation: the attitudes of talented young athletes
Authors: Bloodworth A. J. , Petróczi A. , Bailey R. , Pearce G. , McNamee M. J.
Published: October 2010

There is evidence of a small but significant proportion of adolescents engaging in doping practices. Young athletes face very specific pressures to achieve results as they strive for a career at an elite level. This study used an anonymized questionnaire to survey 403 (12–21 years old) talented young athletes' attitudes toward performance‐enhancing substances and supplements. Two‐thirds of the sample comprised males. Athletes were generally against the use of doping substances to enhance sporting performance. Within this generally unfavorable view, males tended to express a more permissive attitude toward performance‐enhancing methods than females. Those convinced of the necessity of supplementation for sporting success were also more likely to express permissive attitudes. When asked whether they would take a “magic” drug that, while undetectable, would significantly enhance performance, the overwhelming majority of athletes said “no,” but many thought others would take the substance. Interestingly, there was a significant association between the projected use of the hypothetical drug by competitors and the individual respondent's willingness to take the hypothetically “magic” substance. The study offers an insight into young athletes' attitudes toward specific forms of performance enhancement, and the strength of their beliefs in the face of a tempting hypothetical scenario.
Exploitation of the Ubiquitin System by Invading Bacteria
Authors: Steele‐Mortimer Olivia
Published: October 2010

A variety of bacterial intracellular pathogens target the host cell ubiquitin system during invasion, a process that involves transient but fundamental changes in the actin cytoskeleton and plasma membrane. These changes are induced by bacterial proteins, which can be surface associated, secreted or injected directly into the host cell. Here, the invasion strategies of two extensively studied intracellular bacteria, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes, are used to illustrate some of the diverse ways by which bacterial pathogens intersect the host cell ubiquitin pathway.
Bone Level Changes Around Axial and Tilted Implants in Full‐Arch Fixed Immediate Restorations. Interim Results of a Prospective Study
Authors: Francetti Luca , Romeo Davide , Corbella Stefano , Taschieri Silvio , Del Fabbro Massimo
Published: October 2010

Purpose: The aim of this prospective study was to assess clinical outcomes and peri‐implant bone level changes around tilted and axial implants supporting full‐arch fixed immediate rehabilitations up to 60 months of loading.

Material and Methods: Forty‐seven patients (22 women and 25 men) were included in the study. Each patient received a full‐arch fixed bridge supported by two axial and two distal tilted implants. Loading was applied within 48 hours of surgery. Patients were scheduled for follow‐up at 6, 12, 18, 24 months, and annually up to 5 years. At each follow‐up, plaque level and bleeding scores were assessed and radiographic evaluation of marginal bone level change was performed. Periapical radiographs were taken using a paralleling technique, and subsequently scanned at 600 dpi. An image analysis software was used to assess bone level.

Results: A total of 33 mandibles and 16 maxillae were rehabilitated (two patients received a fixed prosthesis in both arches). One hundred ninety‐six Nobel Biocare implants of 4 mm diameter were placed. The mean follow‐up duration was 52.8 months (range 30–66 months) in the mandible, and 33.8 months (range 22–40 months) in the maxilla. All subjects attended the scheduled follow‐up visits. No implant was lost. No significant difference in marginal bone loss was found between axial and tilted implants in both jaws, at each follow‐up. No significant difference in bone loss was found between mandible and maxilla, for both axial and tilted implants at each comparable time frame, although slightly higher mean values were always found for the mandible.

Conclusion: The use of tilted implants in the immediate rehabilitation of fully edentulous jaws is safe and is not associated to a higher marginal bone loss as compared to axially placed implants.
The Influence of Implant Design on Bone Remodeling around Surface‐Modified Southern Implants®
Authors: Vandeweghe Stefan , Cosyn Jan , Thevissen Eric , Teerlinck Johan , De Bruyn Hugo
Published: October 2010

Background: Implant survival and success have shown to be related to a number of factors.

Aim: To evaluate the impact of implant design on implant survival and success, focusing on thread pitch and implant shape.

Materials and Methods: Non‐smoking patients treated by two experienced periodontists with standard diameter externally‐hexed Southern® implant(s) inserted in healed bone were retrospectively selected. A one‐stage surgical approach was used in all cases and implants had been installed for at least 6 months. Information pertaining to patient‐related variables, time of loading, implant design and radiographical outcome was retrieved from patients' records. Implant success was defined according to the criteria by Albrektsson and Isidor, taking into consideration bone level, defined as the distance from the implant–abutment interface to the first bone‐to‐implant contact.

Results: In total, 59 patients treated with one hundred eleven externally‐hexed Southern Implants® met the inclusion criteria. Fifty‐six straight implants with a thread pitch of 0.6 mm and 55 tapered implants with a thread pitch of 1.0 mm were placed. The total implant survival rate was 98.2% after a mean follow‐up period of 14 months (range 6–28). The mean bone level was 1.35 mm (SD 0.46, range 0.59–3.70) and the overall implant success rate was 75.7%. Age, gender, length, and time of loading were not decisive for implant neither failure nor bone loss in contradiction to implant design and thread pitch (p < .01). Tapered implants with a 1.0 mm thread pitch were less successful than parallel‐walled implants with a 0.6 mm thread pitch.

Conclusion: The Southern Implants® system shows good short‐term survival rates and bone preservation. However, bone remodeling seems affected by the implant design. Whether this is due to the tapered shape of the implant or the thread pitch is unclear and needs to be elucidated in future research.
Immediate Implants with Immediate Loading vs. Conventional Loading: 1‐Year Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Shibly Othman , Kutkut Ahmad , Patel Nishith , Albandar Jasim M.
Published: October 2010

Purpose: This 1‐year randomized clinical trial compared the bone regeneration and success rates between immediate and conventional loading of dental implants placed immediately after extraction in patients with a past history of periodontal disease.

Methods: Sixty patients who chose an immediate implant treatment option to replace a hopeless tooth were included in this study.

Patients: Patients were randomly assigned to receive immediate implants with either immediate loading (group A) or conventional loading after 3 months (group B). At baseline, both groups received a mucoperiosteal flap, extraction, implant placement, allograft bone, and a membrane. Group A received a provisional crown. In group B, a cover screw was placed and primary closure was achieved. The patients were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

Results: The 1‐year implant survival rate was 95% for the whole study group: 96.6% for group A, and 93.3% for group B. The bone level increased significantly in both groups (group A: 0.99 ± 0.22 mm; group B: 0.75 ± 0.17 mm), and the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.5). At the 1‐year postoperative visit, the mucogingival junction (MGJ) was found to be displaced coronally in 65% of implant sites in group B compared with 15% sites in group A.

Conclusions: Both the immediate and delayed loading of immediately placed implants showed similar outcome with regards to treatment success rates and stability of radiographic bone level. Submerging an immediately placed implant and primary soft tissue closure did not show significant outcome advantages over the transmucosal approach.
Transcrestal Sinus Floor Elevation: A Retrospective Study of 46 Patients up to 16 Years
Authors: Bruschi Giovanni B , Crespi Roberto , Capparè Paolo , Gherlone Enrico
Published: October 2010

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and radiographic data of transcrestal sinus floor elevation (TSFE) of residual alveolar bone ≤3 mm.

Methods: Forty‐six patients, edentulous in one or both maxillary posterior segments, were enrolled in this study. The residual alveolar ridge was measured. TSFE without bone grafting was performed. Three months after the first surgery procedure, 66 implants were placed without grafting material. A presurgical distance from the alveolar crest to the floor of the maxillary sinus and the amount of new radiopacity between the sinus floor and alveolar crest were measured from the mesial and distal surfaces of each dental implant surface.

Results: After a mean follow‐up period of 10.43 ± 5.01 years (ranged from 5 to 16 years), a survival rate of 95.45% was reported. Mean bone levels at implant placement were 7.12 ± 0.90 mm and, after 1 year, were 13.28 ± 1.23 mm. They were stable over time, reporting an up to 16 years' value of 13.07 ± 2.63 mm.

Conclusions: The results of this retrospective clinical study confirmed the reliability of the TSFE procedure and the maintenance of bone levels without grafting procedures over time.
USE OF TRANSSPLENIC INJECTION OF AGITATED SALINE AND HEPARINIZED BLOOD FOR THE ULTRASONOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS OF MACROSCOPIC PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNTS IN DOGS
Authors: GÓMEZ‐OCHOA PABLO , LLABRÉS‐DÍAZ FRANCISCO , RUIZ SERGIO , CORDA ANDREA , PRIETO SAUL , SOSA IVÁN , GREGORI TOMMASO , GASCÓN MANUEL , COUTO GUILLERMO C.
Published: October 2010

We describe the use of ultrasonography‐guided percutaneous splenic injection of agitated saline and heparinized blood for the diagnosis of portosystemic shunts (PSS) in 34 dogs. Agitated saline mixed with 1 ml of heparinized autologous blood was injected into the spleen of 34 sedated dogs under sonographic guidance. The transducer was then sequentially repositioned to visualize the portal vein, the caudal vena cava, and the right atrium through different acoustic windows. It was possible to differentiate between intrahepatic and extrahepatic shunts depending on the entry point of the microbubbles into the caudal vena cava. Portoazygos shunts and portocaval shunts could be differentiated based on the presence of microbubbles in the caudal vena cava and/or the right atrium. In one dog, collateral circulation due to portal hypertension was identified. In dogs with a single extrahepatic shunt, the microbubbles helped identify the shunting vessel. The technique was also used postoperatively to assess the efficacy of shunt closure. All abnormal vessels were confirmed by exploratory laparotomy or with ultrasonographic identification of the shunting vessel. Ultrasound‐guided transsplenic injection of agitated saline with heparinized blood should be considered as a valuable technique for the diagnosis of PSS; it is easy to perform, safe, and the results are easily reproducible.
A Novel COX‐2 Inhibitor Pyrazole Derivative Proven Effective as an Anti‐Inflammatory and Analgesic Drug
Authors: Mohy El‐Din Mahmoud M. , Senbel Amira M. , Bistawroos Azza A. , El‐Mallah Ahmed , Nour El‐Din Nour A. , Bekhit Adnan A. , Abd El Razik Heba A.
Published: October 2010

Abstract: The introduction of new COX‐2 inhibitors with high efficacy and enhanced safety profile would be a great achievement in the development of anti‐inflammatory drugs. This study was designed to screen and assess the anti‐inflammatory and analgesic activities as well as some of the expected side effects of some pyrazole derivatives, newly synthesized as potential COX‐2 inhibitors at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University and compared to indomethacin and celecoxib. Twelve compounds were screened for their anti‐inflammatory activity using carrageenan‐induced paw oedema and cotton pellet granuloma tests. On the basis of their apparent anti‐inflammatory activity, four compounds with different substitutions were selected for the evaluation of their analgesic activity using the formalin‐induced hyperalgesia and hot‐plate tests. Compound AD 532,((4‐(3‐(4‐Methylphenyl)‐4‐cyano‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)benzenesulfonamide)), showed very promising results. In the single‐dose and subchronic toxicity studies, compound AD 532 showed no ulcerogenic effect and produced minimal effects on renal function. Furthermore, compound AD 532 was a less potent inhibitor of COX‐2in vitrothan celecoxib, which may indicate lower potential cardiovascular toxicity. It is concluded that compound AD 532 appears to be a promising and safe option for the management of chronic inflammatory conditions. This study recommends more in‐depth investigation into the therapeutic effects and toxicity profile of this compound including its cardiovascular toxicity.
The use and perceived benefits resulting from the use of complementary and alternative medicine by cancer patients in Australia
Authors: OH Byeongsang , BUTOW Phyllis , MULLAN Barbara , BEALE Philip , PAVLAKIS Nick , ROSENTHAL David , CLARKE Stephen
Published: October 2010

Aim:  The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by cancer patients is growing. However, few studies have examined the perceived benefits and adverse effects resulting from the use of CAM by cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate CAM use by cancer patients and to explore their perceptions of the benefit, safety and efficacy of CAM in general.

Methods:  Oncologists from three university teaching hospitals screened patients for eligibility. Eligible patients (N = 1323) were mailed a letter of invitation with a questionnaire between January and May 2008.

Results:  Overall 381 questionnaires were returned, showing that 65% of cancer patients used at least one form of CAM. Patients considered taking biological CAM before, during and after chemotherapy. Up to 90% of CAM users believed that CAM provided potential health benefits and less than 3% reported adverse effects experienced from the use of CAM. Most respondents (80%) believed CAM can provide health benefits even when efficacy has not been proven. Most patients (90%) believed that doctors should consider learning about CAM to provide appropriate advice to their cancer patients, and most (83%) indicated they would be happier to accept CAM if it was offered by the hospital.

Conclusion:  A substantial portion of Australian cancer patients use CAM. Given the limited data on efficacy and safety for most CAM, it may be reasonable to offer CAM within the hospital environment so its use can be monitored and patients can receive more evidence‐based care.
An exploration of the dynamics and influences upon second medical opinion consultations in cancer care
Authors: PHILIP Jennifer , GOLD Michelle , SCHWARZ Max , KOMESAROFF Paul
Published: October 2010

Aim:  The aim of this study was to explore the dynamics within second medical opinion consultations in patients with cancer.

Methods:  Semi‐structured interviews were held with four oncologists and were subjected to a thematic analysis to define the broad issues. These formed the basis of a survey distributed to Australian medical oncologists.

Results:  Overall 65 surveys were returned representing an overall response rate of 30% (10% and 63% electronic and hardcopy response rates, respectively). The dynamics in giving second medical opinions are influenced by the collegiate relationships of the doctors. Nearly two‐thirds of oncologists believed that the first doctors' treatment and recommendations influenced the outcome of the second opinion, more than one‐third believed the outcome was influenced by the relationship between the two doctors, and 41% believed the public nature of a second opinion was influential. In each case, these figures were more than double their assessments of patients' beliefs of these influences. Care was taken not to criticise the primary doctor.

Conclusion:  Second medical opinions provide an opportunity for oncologists to review medical care and engage in enhanced communication with patients who have additional needs. These consultations do not, however, occur in a vacuum but are influenced by the need to attend to relationships between the patient and their primary doctor and between the doctors themselves. The second medical opinion is embedded within a network of relationships and within the illness journey.
Adjuvant chemoradiation versus chemotherapy in completely resected advanced gastric cancer with D2 nodal dissection
Authors: KWON Hyuk‐Chan , KIM Min Chan , KIM Ki Han , JANG Jin Seok , OH Sung Yong , KIM Sung‐Hyun , KWON Kyung A. , LEE Suee , LEE Hyung Sik , KIM Hyo‐Jin
Published: October 2010

Aim:  Adjuvant chemoradiation has become a standard of care in the USA. We evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of adjuvant chemoradiation versus chemotherapy in completely resected locally advanced gastric cancer.

Methods:  Patients with stage IIIA, IIIB and IV (without metastasis) gastric cancer were treated with chemoradiation and 5‐fluorouracil/cisplatin (FP) (arm A) or FP (arm B). Arm A consisted of one cycle of FP followed by 4500 cGY to radiation field with capecitabine. One month after completion of radiotherapy, patients received three additional cycles of FP every 3 weeks. Arm B consisted of six cycles of FP.

Results:  A total of 61 patients were enrolled, of whom 31 were placed in arm A and 30 in arm B. The median follow‐up duration was 77.2 months (range 24–92.8 months). We did not find any difference in 3‐year disease‐free survival between arm A and B (80.0 vs 75.2%, respectively; P = 0.887). There was no significant difference between the arms in 5‐year disease‐free survival (76.7 vs 59.1%, respectively; P = 0.222) or overall survival (70.1 vs 70.0%, respectively; P = 0.814). Seven patients (22.6%) relapsed in arm A and 12 patients (40%) relapsed in arm B. Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 48.5% of patients in arm A and 22.9% in arm B. Grade 3 nausea or vomiting occurred in 6% in arm A and 14.6% in arm B.

Conclusion:  We could not make any conclusion about the benefit of adding radiation to adjuvant chemotherapy.
Decreased Cardiac Output: Clinical Validation in Patients With Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Martins Quenia Camille Soares , Aliti Graziella , Rabelo Eneida Rejane
Published: October 2010

PURPOSE:  Clinically validate (using Fehring's model) characteristics of the nursing diagnosis (ND) of decreased cardiac output (DCO) in 29 patients with decompensated heart failure.

METHODS:  Cross‐sectional study conducted in a Brazilian university hospital.

FINDINGS:  According to the reliability rate (R) between the experts, the major characteristics (R ≥ 0.80) were fatigue, dyspnea, edema, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, and elevated central venous pressure, and the secondary characteristics were weight gain, hepatomegaly, jugular vein distension, palpitations, crackles, oliguria, coughing, clammy skin, and skin color changes.

CONCLUSION:  Characteristics with R > 0.50 and ≤1 were valid in the ND of DCO. Implications for the nursing practice: Clinical validation studies are necessary to determine the adequacy of this diagnosis and its determining characteristics with Taxonomy II.

OBJETIVO:  Validar clinicamente, segundo o modelo proposto por Fehring, as características definidoras do diagnostico de enfermagem (DE) débito cardíaco diminuído (DCD) em 29 pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca congestiva descompensada.

MÉTODOS:  Estudo transversal conduzido em um hospital universitário no sul do Brazil.

RESULTADOS:  De acordo com a taxa de fidedignidade de Fehring (R) obtidas entre as peritas, as características definidoras consideradas maiores (R ≥ 0.80) foram fadiga, dispnéia, edema, ortopnéia, dispnéia paroxística noturna e pressão venosa central aumentada; e características secundárias foram ganho de peso, hepatomegalia, distensão da veia jugular, palpitações, crepitações, oliguria, tosse, pele fria e pegajosa e mudanças na cor da pele.

CONCLUSÃO:  Características com R > 0.50 e ≤1 foram validadas para o diagnóstico débito cardíaco diminuído (DCD).

IMPLICAÇÕES PARA PRÁTICA DE ENFERMAGEM:  Estudos de validação clínica são necessários para evidenciar a adequação deste diagnóstico e suas características definidoras a Taxonomia II.
Evaluation of surface contamination with staphylococci in a veterinary hospital using a quantitative microbiological method
Authors: Aksoy E. , Boag A. , Brodbelt D. , Grierson J.
Published: October 2010

Objectives: To evaluate microbial contamination of the environment in a veterinary hospital using standards recommended for human hospitals and to provide a baseline against which further investigations can be compared.

Methods: Surfaces were sampled twice daily for five consecutive days using a contact‐based counting method to measure the levels of staphylococci in colony forming units (cfu) per cm2.

Results: Current recommendations for human hospitals were applied in this study; all samples with <2.5cfu/cm2 staphylococci were considered to have passed and those with ≥2.5cfu/cm2 to have failed. Of all the samples, 55.9% failed. The ICU did not have significantly higher failure rates than other areas of the hospital. The floor as a surface was associated with greater than a threefold increase in odds of elevated cfu concentrations relative to the door handle.

Clinical Significance: This study provides information on the microbiological cleanliness of a veterinary teaching hospital using techniques and standards adopted by the food industry and recommended for human hospitals. This data can be used as a baseline for other hospitals, to evaluate the effectiveness in improvements in hygiene and cleaning measures and to design effective hospital cleaning protocols and assess ongoing hygiene standards.
Prevalence of hepatic lesions at post‐mortem examination in dogs and association with pancreatitis
Authors: Watson P. J. , Roulois A. J. A. , Scase T. J. , Irvine R. , Herrtage M. E.
Published: October 2010

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of canine chronic hepatitis (CH) and other liver diseases in first opinion practice and identify associations with concurrent chronic pancreatitis (CP).

Methods: One large section of left lateral lobe of liver was taken from 200 unselected canine post‐mortem examinations from first opinion practices. Histological changes were categorised based on WSAVA criteria. Prevalence of CH and other liver diseases were calculated. Relative risks (RR) for liver histopathology in association with CP and for CH in different breeds were also calculated.

Results: The prevalence of CH was 12%. Some breeds had an increased RR of CH, although sample sizes were small. Dogs with CP had an increased RR of reactive hepatitis but no significant association with the other liver diseases.

ClinicalSignificance: CH is common in the first opinion dog population but less common than CP. CP was significantly associated with reactive hepatitis but not CH. Possible breed associations mirrored another recent UK study. Some dogs with CP may be erroneously diagnosed clinically as having CH on the basis of increased serum liver enzymes because of concurrent reactive hepatitis if the diagnosis is not confirmed histologically.
Detecting alternate foraging ecotypes in Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) colonies using stable isotope analysis
Authors: Lowther Andrew D. , Goldsworthy S. D.
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes are used frequently to describe the trophic ecology of top marine mammal predators. Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea) are one of the world's rarest otariid seals and exhibit the highest levels of natal site philopatry of any seal. We report the development of a screening technique to identify different foraging ecotypes and assess their relative frequencies in Australian sea lion breeding colonies using stable isotope ratios in pups. Geospatial and dive data from 15 adult females at three breeding colonies revealed alternate foraging strategies (inshore and offshore foraging) that were reflected in significant changes in δ13C and δ15N. Isotope fractionation from mother to pup was validated using paired whisker and blood serum samples with no significant difference between δ13C and δ15N enrichment of +1.27‰ (whiskers) and +1.92‰ (blood serum) from mothers to pups. Isotope ratios from whisker samples representing over 50% of pups born at three colonies revealed significant intercolony differences in maternal foraging ecotype frequencies. These results are unique in that ecological partitioning over such a small spatial scale has not been described in any other otariid species.
Severe Karenia brevis red tides influence juvenile bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) behavior in Sarasota Bay, Florida
Authors: McHugh Katherine A. , Allen Jason B. , Barleycorn Aaron A. , Wells Randall S.
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are natural stressors in the coastal environment that may be increasing in frequency and severity. This study investigates whether severe red tide blooms, caused by Karenia brevis, affect the behavior of resident coastal bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay, Florida through changes to juvenile dolphin activity budgets, ranging patterns, and social associations. Behavioral observations were conducted on free‐ranging juvenile dolphins during the summer months of 2005–2007, and behavior during red tide blooms was compared to periods of background K. brevis abundance. We also utilized dolphin group sighting data from 2004 to 2007 to obtain comparison information from before the most severe recent red tide of 2005 and incorporate social association information from adults in the study area. We found that coastal dolphins displayed a suite of behavioral changes associated with red tide blooms, including significantly altered activity budgets, increased sociality, and expanded ranging behavior. At present, we do not fully understand the mechanism behind these red tide‐associated behavioral effects, but they are most likely linked to underlying changes in resource availability and distribution. These behavioral changes have implications for more widespread population impacts, including increased susceptibility to disease outbreaks, which may contribute to unusual mortality events during HABs.
Engineering Streptomyces coelicolor for heterologous expression of secondary metabolite gene clusters
Authors: Gomez‐Escribano Juan Pablo , Bibb Mervyn J.
Published: October 2010

We have constructed derivatives of Streptomyces coelicolor M145 as hosts for the heterologous expression of secondary metabolite gene clusters. To remove potentially competitive sinks of carbon and nitrogen, and to provide a host devoid of antibiotic activity, we deleted four endogenous secondary metabolite gene clusters from S. coelicolor M145 – those for actinorhodin, prodiginine, CPK and CDA biosynthesis. We then introduced point mutations into rpoB and rpsL to pleiotropically increase the level of secondary metabolite production. Introduction of the native actinorhodin gene cluster and of gene clusters for the heterologous production of chloramphenicol and congocidine revealed dramatic increases in antibiotic production compared with the parental strain. In addition to lacking antibacterial activity, the engineered strains possess relatively simple extracellular metabolite profiles. When combined with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, we believe that these genetically engineered strains will markedly facilitate the discovery of new compounds by heterologous expression of cloned gene clusters, particularly the numerous cryptic secondary metabolic gene clusters that are prevalent within actinomycete genome sequences.
The origin and evolution of a recent agricultural weed: population genetic diversity of weedy populations of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in Spain and France
Authors: Muller Marie‐Hélène , Latreille Muriel , Tollon Christine
Published: October 2010

The recurrent evolution of crop‐related weeds during agricultural history raises serious economic problems and challenging scientific questions. Weedy forms of sunflower, a species native from America, have been reported in European sunflower fields for a few decades. In order to understand their origin, we analysed the genetic diversity of a sample of weedy populations from France and Spain, and of conventional and ornamental varieties. A crop‐specific maternally inherited marker was present in all weeds. At 16 microsatellite loci, the weedy populations shared most of their diversity with the conventional varieties. But they showed a large number of additional alleles absent from the cultivated pool. European weedy populations thus most probably originated from the unintentional pollination of maternal lines in seed production fields by wild plants growing nearby, resulting in the introduction of crop‐wild hybrids into the farmers’ fields. The wide diversity and the low population structure detected were indicative of a multiplicity of introductions events rather than of field‐to‐field propagation. Further studies are required to understand the local evolutionary dynamics of a weedy population, and especially the respective roles of crop‐to‐weed gene flow and selection in the fate of an initial source of crop‐wild hybrids.
Advancing the Science of Team Science
Authors: Falk‐Krzesinski Holly J. , Börner Katy , Contractor Noshir , Fiore Stephen M. , Hall Kara L. , Keyton Joann , Spring Bonnie , Stokols Daniel , Trochim William , Uzzi Brian
Published: October 2010

The First Annual International Science of Team Science (SciTS) Conference was held in Chicago, IL April 22–24, 2010. This article presents a summary of the Conference proceedings. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume 3: 263–266.