bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On-ward participation of a hospital pharmacist in a Dutch intensive care unit reduces prescribing errors and related patient harm: an intervention study
Authors: Klopotowska Joanna E , Kuiper Rob , van Kan Hendrikus J , de Pont Anne-Cornelie , Dijkgraaf Marcel G , Lie-A-Huen Loraine , Vroom Margreeth B , Smorenburg Susanne M
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) are at high risk for prescribing errors and related adverse drug events (ADEs). An effective intervention to decrease this risk, based on studies conducted mainly in North America, is on-ward participation of a clinical pharmacist in an ICU team. As the Dutch Healthcare System is organized differently and the on-ward role of hospital pharmacists in Dutch ICU teams is not well established, we conducted an intervention study to investigate whether participation of a hospital pharmacist can also be an effective approach in reducing prescribing errors and related patient harm (preventable ADEs) in this specific setting.

Methods

A prospective study compared a baseline period with an intervention period. During the intervention period, an ICU hospital pharmacist reviewed medication orders for patients admitted to the ICU, noted issues related to prescribing, formulated recommendations and discussed those during patient review meetings with the attending ICU physicians. Prescribing issues were scored as prescribing errors when consensus was reached between the ICU hospital pharmacist and ICU physicians.

Results

During the 8.5-month study period, medication orders for 1,173 patients were reviewed. The ICU hospital pharmacist made a total of 659 recommendations. During the intervention period, the rate of consensus between the ICU hospital pharmacist and ICU physicians was 74%. The incidence of prescribing errors during the intervention period was significantly lower than during the baseline period: 62.5 per 1,000 monitored patient-days versus 190.5 per 1,000 monitored patient-days, respectively (P < 0.001). Preventable ADEs (patient harm, National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention severity categories E and F) were reduced from 4.0 per 1,000 monitored patient-days during the baseline period to 1.0 per 1,000 monitored patient-days during the intervention period (P = 0.25). Per monitored patient-day, the intervention itself cost €3, but might have saved €26 to €40 by preventing ADEs.

Conclusions

On-ward participation of a hospital pharmacist in a Dutch ICU was associated with significant reductions in prescribing errors and related patient harm (preventable ADEs) at acceptable costs per monitored patient-day.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN92487665
Acidemia does not affect outcomes of patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema treated with continuous positive airway pressure
Authors: Aliberti Stefano , Piffer Federico , Brambilla Anna Maria , Bignamini Angelo A , Rosti Valentina D , Maraffi Tommaso , Monzani Valter , Cosentini Roberto
Published: November 2010

Introduction

A lack of data exists in the literature evaluating acidemia on admission as a favorable or negative prognostic factor in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ACPE) treated with non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of acidemia on admission on outcomes of ACPE patients treated with CPAP.

Methods

This was a retrospective, observational study of consecutive patients admitted with a diagnosis of ACPE to the Emergency Department of IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy, between January 2003 and December 2006, treated with CPAP on admission. Two groups of patients were identified: subjects with acidemia (acidotic group), and those with a normal pH on admission (controls). The primary endpoint was clinical failure, defined as switch to bi-level ventilation, switch to endotracheal intubation or inhospital mortality.

Results

Among the 378 patients enrolled, 290 (77%) were acidotic on admission. A total of 28 patients (9.7%) in the acidotic group and eight patients (9.1%) among controls experienced a clinical failure (odds ratio = 1.069, 95% confidence interval = 0.469 to 2.438, P = 0.875). Survival analysis indicates that, among acidotic patients, the time at which 50% of patients reached the 7.35 threshold was 173 minutes (95% confidence interval = 153 to 193). Neither acidemia (P = 0.205) nor the type of acidosis on admission (respiratory acidosis, P = 0.126; metabolic acidosis, P = 0.292; mixed acidosis, P = 0.397) affected clinical failure after adjustment for clinical and laboratory factors in a multivariable logistic regression model.

Conclusions

Neither acidemia nor the type of acidosis on admission should be considered risk factors for adverse outcomes in ACPE patients treated with CPAP.
Clinical Experience With Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors
Authors: Low Jennifer A. , de Sauvage Frederic J.
Published: November 2010

The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is critical for cell growth and differentiation during embryogenesis and early development. While it is mostly quiescent in adults, inappropriate reactivation of the Hh pathway has been shown to be involved in the development of cancer. A number of tumor types rely on overexpression of Hh ligands to activate the pathway in a paracrine manner from the tumor to the surrounding stroma. Alternatively, Hh ligands may act on cancer stem cells in some hematopoietic cancers, such as chronic myelogenous leukemia. However, the role of the Hh pathway is best established in tumors, such as basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma, where the pathway is activated via mutations. Understanding the contribution of Hh signaling in these various tumor types will be critical to the development and use of agents targeting this pathway in the clinic. We review here the activity of clinical inhibitors of the Hh pathway, including GDC-0449, a small molecule inhibitor of Smoothened (SMO).
Alemtuzumab Treatment of Intermediate-1 Myelodysplasia Patients Is Associated With Sustained Improvement in Blood Counts and Cytogenetic Remissions
Authors: Sloand Elaine M. , Olnes Matthew J. , Shenoy Aarthie , Weinstein Barbara , Boss Carol , Loeliger Kelsey , Wu Colin O. , More Kenneth , Barrett A. John , Scheinberg Phillip , Young Neal S.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and progression to leukemia. Clinical and experimental evidence suggests an immune-mediated pathophysiology in some patients, in whom immunosuppressive therapy (IST) with horse antithymocyte globulin (h-ATG) and cyclosporine (CsA) can be effective. Because of the toxicities associated with h-ATG/CsA, we investigated an alternative regimen with alemtuzumab in MDS.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a nonrandomized, off-label, pilot, phase I/II study of alemtuzumab monotherapy in patients with MDS who were judged likely to respond to IST based on the following criteria: HLA-DR15–negative patients whose age plus the number of months of RBC transfusion dependence (RCTD) was less than 58; and HLA-DR15–positive patients whose age plus RCTD was less than 72. In total, 121 patients with MDS were screened, of whom 32 met eligibility criteria to receive alemtuzumab 10 mg/d intravenously for 10 days. Primary end points were hematologic responses at 3, 6, and 12 months after alemtuzumab.

Results

Seventeen (77%) of 22 evaluable intermediate-1 patients and four (57%) of seven evaluable intermediate-2 patients responded to treatment with a median time to response of 3 months. Four of seven evaluable responders with cytogenetic abnormalities before treatment had normal cytogenetics by 1 year after treatment. Five (56%) of nine responding patients evaluable at 12 months had normal blood counts, and seven (78%) of nine patients were transfusion independent.

Conclusion

Alemtuzumab is safe and active in MDS and may be an attractive alternative to ATG in selected patients likely to respond to IST.
Impact of Androgen-Deprivation Therapy on Physical Function and Quality of Life in Men With Nonmetastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Alibhai Shabbir M.H. , Breunis Henriette , Timilshina Narhari , Johnston Calvin , Tomlinson George , Tannock Ian , Krahn Murray , Fleshner Neil E. , Warde Padraig , Canning Sarah Duff , Klotz Lawrence , Naglie Gary
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This prospective longitudinal study evaluated the effect of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on objective and self-reported physical function.

Patients and Methods

Men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer (PC) starting continuous ADT were enrolled in this matched cohort study. Physical function was assessed with the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), grip strength, and the timed-up-and-go (TUG) test, representing endurance and upper and lower extremity strength, respectively. Quality of life (QOL) was measured with the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Subjects were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Two control groups (PC without ADT; no PC), matched on age, education, and baseline function were enrolled. Mixed effects regression models were fitted, adjusting for baseline covariates.

Results

We enrolled 87 patients on ADT, 86 PC controls, and 86 healthy controls; groups were similar in age (mean, 69.1 years; range, 50 to 87) and physical function. The 6MWT distance remained stable in the ADT group (P = .96) but improved in both control groups (P < .05). Grip strength declined in the ADT group (P = .04), remained stable in PC controls (P = .31), and improved in healthy controls (P = .008). TUG scores remained stable over time and across groups (P > .10). The SF-36 physical function summary score declined in the ADT group (P < .001), but increased in both control groups (P < .001). Negative effects on outcomes were observed within 3 months of starting ADT and were generally independent of age.

Conclusion

Endurance, upper extremity strength, and physical components of QOL are affected within 3 months of starting ADT. Up-front exercise interventions to counteract these losses are warranted.
Adjuvant Whole-Brain Radiotherapy Versus Observation After Radiosurgery or Surgical Resection of One to Three Cerebral Metastases: Results of the EORTC 22952-26001 Study
Authors: Kocher Martin , Soffietti Riccardo , Abacioglu Ufuk , Villà Salvador , Fauchon Francois , Baumert Brigitta G. , Fariselli Laura , Tzuk-Shina Tzahala , Kortmann Rolf-Dieter , Carrie Christian , Hassel Mohamed Ben , Kouri Mauri , Valeinis Egils , van den Berge Dirk , Collette Sandra , Collette Laurence , Mueller Rolf-Peter
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer phase III trial assesses whether adjuvant whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) increases the duration of functional independence after surgery or radiosurgery of brain metastases.

Patients and Methods

Patients with one to three brain metastases of solid tumors (small-cell lung cancer excluded) with stable systemic disease or asymptomatic primary tumors and WHO performance status (PS) of 0 to 2 were treated with complete surgery or radiosurgery and randomly assigned to adjuvant WBRT (30 Gy in 10 fractions) or observation (OBS). The primary end point was time to WHO PS deterioration to more than 2.

Results

Of 359 patients, 199 underwent radiosurgery, and 160 underwent surgery. In the radiosurgery group, 100 patients were allocated to OBS, and 99 were allocated to WBRT. After surgery, 79 patients were allocated to OBS, and 81 were allocated to adjuvant WBRT. The median time to WHO PS more than 2 was 10.0 months (95% CI, 8.1 to 11.7 months) after OBS and 9.5 months (95% CI, 7.8 to 11.9 months) after WBRT (P = .71). Overall survival was similar in the WBRT and OBS arms (median, 10.9 v 10.7 months, respectively; P = .89). WBRT reduced the 2-year relapse rate both at initial sites (surgery: 59% to 27%, P < .001; radiosurgery: 31% to 19%, P = .040) and at new sites (surgery: 42% to 23%, P = .008; radiosurgery: 48% to 33%, P = .023). Salvage therapies were used more frequently after OBS than after WBRT. Intracranial progression caused death in 78 (44%) of 179 patients in the OBS arm and in 50 (28%) of 180 patients in the WBRT arm.

Conclusion

After radiosurgery or surgery of a limited number of brain metastases, adjuvant WBRT reduces intracranial relapses and neurologic deaths but fails to improve the duration of functional independence and overall survival.
Impact of Androgen-Deprivation Therapy on Cognitive Function in Men With Nonmetastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Alibhai Shabbir M.H. , Breunis Henriette , Timilshina Narhari , Marzouk Shireen , Stewart Diane , Tannock Ian , Naglie Gary , Tomlinson George , Fleshner Neil , Krahn Murray , Warde Padraig , Canning Sarah Duff
Published: November 2010

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) on cognitive function in men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer (PC).

Patients and Methods

The following three groups of men age 50 years or older and matched on age and education were enrolled: patients with PC starting continuous ADT (n = 77), patients with PC not receiving ADT (PC controls, n = 82), and healthy controls (n = 82). A battery of 14 neuropsychological tests, examining eight cognitive domains, was administered at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Changes in cognitive scores over time were analyzed using the following three approaches: multivariable linear regression; the proportion of participants per group with 1 standard deviation (SD) or greater declines, and the proportion of participants who declined by at least 1.5 SD on two or more tests.

Results

The mean age and education level of participants were 68.9 years (range, 50 to 87 years) and 15.4 years of education (range, 8 to 24 years), respectively. Adjusted for age and education, all three cohorts had similar cognitive scores at baseline other than in one test of working memory. In adjusted regressions, ADT use was not associated with significant changes in the domains of attention/processing speed, verbal fluency, verbal memory, visual memory, or cognitive flexibility at either 6 months (all P > .05) or 12 months (all P > .05). One test each of immediate memory (P = .029), working memory (P = .031), and visuospatial ability (P = .034) were worse among ADT users than controls at 12 months, but these findings were not confirmed using other analytic approaches.

Conclusion

There is no consistent evidence that 12 months of ADT use has an adverse effect on cognitive function in elderly men with PC.
Spiralian quartet developmental potential is regulated by specific localization elements that mediate asymmetric RNA segregation
Authors: Rabinowitz Jeremy S. , Lambert J. David
Published: November 2010

Spiralian embryos are found in a large group of invertebrate phyla but are largely uncharacterized at a molecular level. These embryos are thought to be particularly reliant on autonomous cues for patterning, and thus represent potentially useful models for understanding asymmetric cell division. The series of asymmetric divisions that produce the micromere quartets are particularly important for patterning because they subdivide the animal-vegetal axis into tiers of cells with different developmental potentials. In the embryo of the snail Ilyanassa, the IoLR5 RNA is specifically segregated to the first quartet cells during the third cleavage. Here, we show that this RNA, and later the protein, are maintained in the 1q121 cells and their descendents throughout development. Some IoLR5-expressing cells become internalized and join the developing cerebral ganglia. Knockdown of IoLR5 protein results in loss of the larval eyes, which normally develop in association with these ganglia. Segregation of this RNA to the first quartet cells does not occur if centrosomal localization is bypassed. We show that the specific inheritance of the RNA by the first quartet cells is driven by a discrete RNA sequence in the 3′ UTR that is necessary and sufficient for localization and segregation, and that localization of another RNA to the first quartet is mediated by a similar element. These results demonstrate that micromere quartet identity, a hallmark of the ancient spiralian developmental program, is controlled in part by specific RNA localization motifs.
Identification of epidermal progenitors for the Merkel cell lineage
Authors: Woo Seung-Hyun , Stumpfova Magda , Jensen Uffe B. , Lumpkin Ellen A. , Owens David M.
Published: November 2010

Epithelial stem cells in adult mammalian skin are known to maintain epidermal, follicular and sebaceous lineages during homeostasis. Recently, Merkel cell mechanoreceptors were identified as a fourth lineage derived from the proliferative layer of murine skin epithelium; however, the location of the stem or progenitor population for Merkel cells remains unknown. Here, we have identified a previously undescribed population of epidermal progenitors that reside in the touch domes of hairy skin, termed touch dome progenitor cells (TDPCs). TDPCs are epithelial keratinocytes and are distinguished by their unique co-expression of α6 integrin, Sca1 and CD200 surface proteins. TDPCs exhibit bipotent progenitor behavior as they give rise to both squamous and neuroendocrine epidermal lineages, whereas the remainder of the α6+ Sca1+ CD200– epidermis does not give rise to Merkel cells. Finally, TDPCs possess a unique transcript profile that appears to be enforced by the juxtaposition of TDPCs with Merkel cells within the touch dome niche.
TheC. eleganshomolog ofDrosophilaLethal giant larvae functions redundantly with PAR-2 to maintain polarity in the early embryo
Authors: Beatty Alexander , Morton Diane , Kemphues Kenneth
Published: November 2010

Polarity is essential for generating cell diversity. The one-cell C. elegans embryo serves as a model for studying the establishment and maintenance of polarity. In the early embryo, a myosin II-dependent contraction of the cortical meshwork asymmetrically distributes the highly conserved PDZ proteins PAR-3 and PAR-6, as well as an atypical protein kinase C (PKC-3), to the anterior. The RING-finger protein PAR-2 becomes enriched on the posterior cortex and prevents these three proteins from returning to the posterior. In addition to the PAR proteins, other proteins are required for polarity in many metazoans. One example is the conserved Drosophila tumor-suppressor protein Lethal giant larvae (Lgl). In Drosophila and mammals, Lgl contributes to the maintenance of cell polarity and plays a role in asymmetric cell division. We have found that the C. elegans homolog of Lgl, LGL-1, has a role in polarity but is not essential. It localizes asymmetrically to the posterior of the early embryo in a PKC-3-dependent manner, and functions redundantly with PAR-2 to maintain polarity. Furthermore, overexpression of LGL-1 is sufficient to rescue loss of PAR-2 function. LGL-1 negatively regulates the accumulation of myosin (NMY-2) on the posterior cortex, representing a possible mechanism by which LGL-1 might contribute to polarity maintenance.
Otx-dependent expression of proneural bHLH genes establishes a neuronal bilateral asymmetry inC. elegans
Authors: Nakano Shunji , Ellis Ronald E. , Horvitz H. Robert
Published: November 2010

Bilateral asymmetry in Caenorhabditis elegans arises in part from cell lineages that differ on the left and right sides of the animal. The unpaired MI neuron descends from the right side of an otherwise left-right symmetric cell lineage that generates the MI neuron on the right and the e3D epithelial cell on the left. We isolated mutations in three genes that caused left-right symmetry in this normally asymmetric cell lineage by transforming MI into an e3D-like cell. These genes encode the proneural bHLH proteins NGN-1 and HLH-2 and the Otx homeodomain protein CEH-36. We identified the precise precursor cells in which ceh-36 and ngn-1 act, and showed that CEH-36 protein is asymmetrically expressed and is present in an MI progenitor cell on the right but not in its bilateral counterpart. This asymmetric CEH-36 expression promotes asymmetric ngn-1 and hlh-2 expression, which in turn induces asymmetric MI neurogenesis. Our results indicate that this left-right asymmetry is specified within the two sister cells that first separate the left and right branches of the cell lineage. We conclude that the components of an evolutionarily conserved Otx/bHLH pathway act sequentially through multiple rounds of cell division on the right to relay an initial apparently cryptic asymmetry to the presumptive post-mitotic MI neuron, thereby creating an anatomical bilateral asymmetry in the C. elegans nervous system.
Ancestral centriole and flagella proteins identified by analysis ofNaegleriadifferentiation
Authors: Fritz-Laylin Lillian K. , Cande W. Zacheus
Published: November 2010

Naegleria gruberi is a single-celled eukaryote best known for its remarkable ability to form an entire microtubule cytoskeleton de novo during its metamorphosis from an amoeba into a flagellate, including basal bodies (equivalent to centrioles), flagella and a cytoplasmic microtubule array. Our publicly available full-genome transcriptional analysis, performed at 20-minute intervals throughout Naegleria differentiation, reveals vast transcriptional changes, including the differential expression of genes involved in metabolism, signaling and the stress response. Cluster analysis of the transcriptional profiles of predicted cytoskeletal genes reveals a set of 55 genes enriched in centriole components (induced early) and a set of 82 genes enriched in flagella proteins (induced late). The early set includes genes encoding nearly every known conserved centriole component, as well as eight previously uncharacterized, highly conserved genes. The human orthologs of at least five genes localize to the centrosomes of human cells, one of which (here named Friggin) localizes specifically to mother centrioles.
Multiple hepatic aneurysms in membranous nephropathy and autoimmune pancreatitis: appearances on contrast-enhanced ultrasound, ultrasound and angiography
Authors: Kronsbein Holger , Wesche Ludger , Steffen Martin , Weskott Hans P
Published: November 2010

A 64-year-old man with histologically proven autoimmune pancreatitis and membranous nephropathy presented for evaluation of suspected liver metastases on computed tomographic abdominal scan. Ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound and visceral angiography demonstrated multiple hepatic artery aneurysms. Coil embolization of the largest aneurysm was undertaken successfully. The investigative findings indicate that necrotizing vasculitis was the underlying process, resulting in aneurysm formation. There is evidence that the smaller aneurysms have been effectively treated conservatively with immunosuppressive therapy.
Subacromial impingement syndrome: a prospective comparison of ultrasound-guided versus unguided injection techniques
Authors: Panditaratne Nalinda , Wilkinson Christopher , Groves Clare , Chandramohan Muthusamy
Published: November 2010

Objectives

To evaluate the hypothesis that ultrasound-guided subacromial steroid injection produces greater reduction in morbidity than unguided injection.

Design

All patients underwent either ultrasound-guided subacromial injection with 80 mg Depo-Medrone at Bradford Royal Infirmary (group 1) or unguided injection (group 2) by a general practitioner with a specialist interest in musculoskeletal medicine (GPwSI). Patients were clinically and ultrasonically diagnosed with subacromial impingement syndrome.

Setting

Patients in group 1 included both hospital and GP referrals. Patient in group 2 were GP referrals to GPwSI.

Main outcome measures

Comparison was made of pre-injection and six week post-injection Oxford shoulder score and a 0–10 pain score.

Results

Forty-one patients received guided injections (group 1) and 17 unguided (group 2). Group 1 showed a significant mean reduction in the Oxford shoulder score of 9.10 (95% CI 7.07–11.13, P < 0.0001) and a significant change in the mean 0–10 pain score of −3.26 (95% CI −2.51 to −3.88, P < 0.0001). Group 2 also showed significant reduction in the mean Oxford shoulder score of 9.94 (95% CI 6.41–13.47, P < 0.0001) and significant change in the mean 0–10 pain score of −2.94 (−1.95 to −3.93, P < 0.0001). Comparison of groups 1 and 2 for each outcome measure revealed no significant differences.

Conclusion

Our data confirm the efficacy of steroid injection in the management of subacromial impingement, although no significant difference is found when comparing the two groups. We recommend the continued use of unguided injections, with ultrasound used for more practically difficult cases and where there is diagnostic uncertainty.
Ultrasound and gynaecological cancer: current and potential future uses
Authors: Macdonald Robert
Published: November 2010

Ultrasound has a crucial role to play in gynaecology and specifically gynaecological oncology. One of the particular issues relating to ultrasound more than other imaging modalities is the experience and skill of the ultrasonographer to identify and diagnose clinical conditions from the dynamic images in front of them. An understanding of the presentation, symptoms and signs of gynaecological cancers can help the ultrasonographer in interpreting the images and assist the referring clinician.
Improved patient management with point-of-care ultrasound
Authors: Main Stephanie , Jarman Robert D , Richards Simon , Connolly Jim
Published: November 2010

Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) is an examination often performed at the bedside that can assist in patient assessment and answer focused questions. It is increasingly used by a number of specialties to aid invasive procedures and for clinical evaluation, with the ultimate aim of improving patient management. Although there is a paucity of robust evidence supporting some applications, it is gaining popularity and has been termed the ‘new stethoscope’. Good clinical governance arrangements, especially with regard to training and competency, are key to this modality developing further and safely.
Hepatic artery tardus parvus spectral Doppler waveform in liver transplantation: mycotic aortic aneurysm as a cause
Authors: Rajayogeswaran Brathaban , Huang Dean Y , Sellars Maria E , Sidhu Paul S
Published: November 2010

The tardus parvus spectral Doppler waveform in the postliver transplant patient is normally associated with a stenosis of the hepatic artery and is related to the surgical anastomotic site. We report a case of a patient with a liver transplant who developed a tardus parvus spectral Doppler waveform in the hepatic artery as a consequence of a mycotic aortic aneurysm, confirmed on computed tomography imaging and microbiology.
Recognition of inflammatory aneurysms in abdominal aortic aneurysm screening and surveillance
Authors: Smith George E , Samuel Nehemiah , Wolstenholme Stephen , Akomolafe Ademola B , Chetter Ian C
Published: November 2010

Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAAs) account for 3–10% of all abdominal aortic aneurysms and are characterized by a thickened aneurysmal wall, with extensive fibrosis and adhesions. Ultrasound remains the investigation of choice for diagnosis, screening and surveillance of abdominal aortic aneurysms and practitioners must be aware of the ultrasonographic appearance and clinical features of this distinct group of patients in order that they may be promptly and appropriately identified and managed. In this case report, IAAAs are discussed along with the potential problems in interpreting ultrasound imaging applied to this pathology.
Atypical electric behavior of the double layer. Experimental case studies: Rh(111) in aqueous HCl solutions, and Au(111) in an ionic liquid, BMIPF6
Authors: Pajkossy Tamás
Published: November 2010

Cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and zero-charge-potential measurements have been performed for the title systems. The results of the Rh(111)/aqueous HCl solutions demonstrate that in solutions of binary electrolytes with adsorbing anions the interfacial impedance is a single, indivisible element, even if its frequency dependence implies a four-element circuit. The measurements on Au(111) in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIPF6) reveal that double-layer formation and rearrangement in ionic liquids are very slow processes manifesting themselves as a parallel combination of a capacitance and a constant phase element (CPE).
Karyotype and Identification of All Homoeologous Chromosomes of AllopolyploidBrassica napusand Its Diploid Progenitors
Authors: Xiong Zhiyong , Pires J Chris
Published: November 2010

Investigating recombination of homoeologous chromosomes in allopolyploid species is central to understanding plant breeding and evolution. However, examining chromosome pairing in the allotetraploid Brassica napus has been hampered by the lack of chromosome-specific molecular probes. In this study, we establish the identification of all homoeologous chromosomes of allopolyploid B. napus by using robust molecular cytogenetic karyotypes developed for the progenitor species Brassica rapa (A genome) and Brassica oleracea (C genome). The identification of every chromosome among these three Brassica species utilized genetically mapped bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) from B. rapa as probes for fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). With this BAC-FISH data, a second karyotype was developed using two BACs that contained repetitive DNA sequences and the ubiquitous ribosomal and pericentromere repeats. Using this diagnostic probe mix and a BAC that contained a C-genome repeat in two successive hybridizations allowed for routine identification of the corresponding homoeologous chromosomes between the A and C genomes of B. napus. When applied to the B. napus cultivar Stellar, we detected one chromosomal rearrangement relative to the parental karyotypes. This robust novel chromosomal painting technique will have biological applications for the understanding of chromosome pairing, homoeologous recombination, and genome evolution in the genus Brassica and will facilitate new applied breeding technologies that rely upon identification of chromosomes.
The Regionalization of Pediatric Health Care
Authors: Lorch Scott A. , Myers Sage , Carr Brendan
Published: November 2010

Regionalization of health care is a method of providing high-quality, cost-efficient health care to the largest number of patients. Within pediatric medicine, regionalization has been undertaken in 2 areas: neonatal intensive care and pediatric trauma care. The supporting literature for the regionalization of these areas demonstrates the range of studies within this field: studies of neonatal intensive care primarily compare different levels of hospitals, whereas studies of pediatric trauma care primarily compare the impact of institutionalizing a trauma system in a single geographic region. However, neither specialty has been completely regionalized, possibly because of methodologic deficiencies in the evidence base. Research with improved study designs, controlling for differences in illness severity between different hospitals; a systems approach to regionalization studies; and measurement of parental preferences will improve the understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of regionalizing pediatric medicine and will ultimately optimize the outcomes of children.
Evaluation of Herbicides for Chemical Weed Control in Lily Bulb Production
Authors: Marinangeli Pablo , Castro Ramón Lopez , Facchinetti Cecilia , Reinoso Lucio , Irigoyen Jorge , Curvetto Néstor
Published: November 2010

Information on chemical weed control in lily bulb production in South America is scarce. Greenhouse and field studies were conducted to evaluate the phytotoxic effect and weed control of herbicides applied PRE and POST in lily bulb production in Argentina. In greenhouse studies, bromoxynil, 415 g ai ha−1; fluroxypyr, 200 g ai ha−1; metsulfuron, 3 g ai ha−1; iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium, 3 g ai ha−1 + metsulfuron, 3 g ai ha−1; oxyfluorfen, 240 g ai ha−1; ioxynil, 529 g ai ha−1; and linuron, 750 g ai ha−1, produced severe phytotoxicity or death of bulbs. Glyphosate at 720 g ai ha−1 and aclonifen at 720 g ai ha−1 produced little to no symptoms and were considered safe to apply to lilies. In field conditions, PRE herbicides metolachlor, 960 g ai ha−1 + atrazine, 1,500 g ai ha−1, and metolachlor, 960 g ai ha−1 + flumetsulam, 80 g ai ha−1, provided good weed control but were phytotoxic for lily plants, with chlorosis as the main symptom. Metolachlor plus linuron resulted in little or no symptoms of injury and no reduction in bulb yield. Diuron, 800 g ai ha−1 POST was the most effective treatment without phytotoxicity, and, in combination with metolachlor, 960 g ai ha−1 + linuron, 750 g ai ha−1 PRE, controlled weeds until 40 d after diuron application without yield reduction. Results obtained with glyphosate indicate that the Lilium genus presents some tolerance to this herbicide, which justifies further evaluation for weed control in lily bulb production.
Methods for Optimizing Seed Mortality Experiments
Authors: Schutte Brian J. , Haramoto Erin R. , Davis Adam S.
Published: November 2010

Experiments investigating mortality in the soil seedbank are aided by using only seeds that are initially viable and capable of remaining ungerminated (hereafter “persistent seeds”). However, seed mortality experiments often use heterogeneous populations containing persistent, nonviable, and germinable individuals. In this investigation we developed and compared nondestructive tests for isolating persistent seeds of two weed species characterized by physical seed dormancy (dormancy imposed by a water-impermeable seed coat): velvetleaf and ivyleaf morningglory. Individual seeds were weighed, steeped in water (hereafter “steepate”) for 48 h, and then assayed for imbibition. These seeds were then subjected to persistence assays conducted under controlled conditions (60 d in hydrated soil under 25/15 C day/night temperatures, 14-h photoperiod). Persistent seeds were less likely to imbibe and more likely to produce steepates with low electrical conductivity compared with germinable and nonviable seeds. For velvetleaf, persistent seeds were best segregated by comparing changes in steepate conductivity during 4 to 48 h of soaking, with the corresponding classification and regression tree (CART) model making few false discoveries (false discovery rate for persistence; FDRp= 8.6%,n= 93) and many true positive classifications (true positive rate for persistence; TPRp= 100%,n= 85). For ivyleaf morningglory, both a change in steepate conductivity from 4 to 48 h of soaking and imbibition status after soaking accurately separated persistent seeds (accuracy measures of corresponding CART models: FDRp= 5.6%,n= 150; TPRp= 100%,n= 142). Thus, for species with physical seed dormancy, we recommend use of steepate conductivity and imbibition status after soaking for isolation of persistent seeds. These seeds can then be used to optimize experiments on mortality in the soil seedbank. Nondestructive tests for isolating persistent seeds of species characterized by physiological seed dormancy require further research.
Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Control in Soybean with Glyphosate and Conventional Herbicide Systems
Authors: Whitaker Jared R. , York Alan C. , Jordan David L. , Culpepper A. Stanley
Published: November 2010

Glyphosate typically controls Palmer amaranth very well. However, glyphosate-resistant (GR) biotypes of this weed are present in several southern states, requiring the development of effective alternatives to glyphosate-only management strategies. Field experiments were conducted in seven North Carolina environments to evaluate control of glyphosate-susceptible (GS) and GR Palmer amaranth in narrow-row soybean by glyphosate and conventional herbicide systems. Conventional systems included either pendimethalin orS-metolachlor applied PRE alone or mixed with flumioxazin, fomesafen, or metribuzin plus chlorimuron followed by fomesafen or no herbicide POST.S-metolachlor was more effective at controlling GR and GS Palmer amaranth than pendimethalin; flumioxazin and fomesafen were generally more effective than metribuzin plus chlorimuron. Fomesafen applied POST following PRE herbicides increased Palmer amaranth control and soybean yield compared with PRE-only herbicide systems. Glyphosate alone applied once POST controlled GS Palmer amaranth 97% late in the season. Glyphosate was more effective than fomesafen plus clethodim applied POST. Control of GS Palmer amaranth when treated with pendimethalin orS-metolachlor plus flumioxazin, fomesafen, or metribuzin plus chlorimuron applied PRE followed by fomesafen POST was equivalent to control achieved by glyphosate applied once POST. In fields with GR Palmer amaranth, greater than 80% late-season control was obtained only with systems of pendimethalin orS-metolachlor plus flumioxazin, fomesafen, or metribuzin plus chlorimuron applied PRE followed by fomesafen POST. Systems of pendimethalin orS-metolachlor plus flumioxazin, fomesafen, or metribuzin plus chlorimuron applied PRE without fomesafen POST controlled GR Palmer amaranth less than 30% late in the season. Systems of pendimethalin orS-metolachlor PRE followed by fomesafen POST controlled GR Palmer amaranth less than 60% late in the season.
Evaluation of Oriental Mustard (Brassica juncea) Seed Meal for Weed Suppression in Turf
Authors: Earlywine Daniel T. , Smeda Reid J. , Teuton Travis C. , Sams Carl E. , Xiong Xi
Published: November 2010

Oriental mustard seed meal (MSM), a byproduct generated by pressing the seed for oil, exhibits herbicidal properties. In turfgrass, soil fumigants such as methyl bromide are used to control weeds prior to renovation of turf. Environmental concerns have resulted in deregistration of methyl bromide, prompting the need for alternatives. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of MSM on the establishment of selected turfgrass weeds as well as inhibitory effects on establishment of desirable turfgrasses. Greenhouse experiments were conducted in 2006 and 2007 at the University of Missouri. MSM was amended in soil at 0, 1,350 (low), 2,350 (medium), and 3,360 kg ha−1(high) concentrations. Weed species included annual bluegrass, large crabgrass, buckhorn plantain, white clover, and common chickweed. Turfgrass species included: Rembrandt tall fescue, Evening Shade perennial rye, and Riviera bermudagrass. All species were seeded into soil amended with MSM and either tarped or left untarped. All treatments were compared to dazomet (392 kg ha−1), a synthetic standard. Plant counts and biomass of all species were recorded 4 wk after seeding. Overall, tarped treatments suppressed weed emergence 27 to 50% more compared to untarped treatments, except for large crabgrass. High rates of MSM suppressed emergence of all weeds ≥ 63%. Compared to the untreated control, the density of buckhorn plantain, white clover, and common chickweed was reduced by ≥ 42% at low rates of MSM. Biomass of buckhorn plantain, annual bluegrass, common chickweed, white clover, and large crabgrass was reduced from 37 to 99% at high rates of MSM. MSM at high rates reduced stand counts of tall fescue and perennial ryegrass up to 81% and 77% respectively, compared to the untreated control. Regardless of MSM rates or tarping, suppression of common bermudagrass emergence did not exceed 30%; tarped treatments actually increased bermudagrass emergence by 22%. The biomass for tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and bermudagrass was reduced by 85, 68, and 10%, respectively, at high rates of MSM. For tall fescue, MSM at all rates strongly suppressed seed germination by 7 d after planting (DAP) (up to 100%), with additional germination observed through 14 DAP, but not thereafter. In both trials, dazomet completely suppressed emergence of all weeds. MSM appears to suppress emergence and growth of a number of weeds common in turf, with potential selectivity for bermudagrass.
Occurrence of Summer Fallow Weeds within the Grain Belt Region of Southwestern Australia
Authors: Michael Pippa J. , Borger Catherine P. , Macleod William J. , Payne Pip L.
Published: November 2010

Field surveys were conducted on 319 sites of the Western Australian grain belt in 2006 to determine the occurrence and distribution of summer fallow weed species. Sites were located across five growing season regions (north, north central, central, south central, and south) and three annual rainfall zones (high, medium, and low). A total of 51 species (or species groups) from 18 families were identified, with the large majority of species (35%) belonging to the Poaceae family. The most prevalent species found, being present at more than 10% of all sites, were wheat, “melons” (weedy watermelon and paddymelon), rigid ryegrass, capeweed, clover, mintweed, wild radish, fleabane, windmill grass, and rolypoly. Correspondence analysis revealed that the north, central, and southern regions of the grain belt could be predominately segregated according to dominant weed species occurrence; however, no segregation by rainfall zone was apparent. This study has given an overview of summer fallow weed occurrence in the Western Australian grain belt and highlights those weed species that are common and yet lack sufficient research into their ecology and management.
Glyphosate-Resistant Hairy Fleabane (Conyza bonariensis) Is Reported in Greece
Authors: Travlos Ilias S. , Chachalis Dimosthenis
Published: November 2010

Overreliance on glyphosate can increase the risks of reduced efficacy of the herbicide on weeds and weed resistance, even in regions without glyphosate-resistant crops. That is the reality in Greece, with frequent reports of reduced efficacy of glyphosate against increasingly problematic weeds, such as Conyza spp. The objectives of this study were to determine the occurrence of glyphosate resistance in hairy fleabane populations in central and southern Greece and the effect of weed growth stage on glyphosate efficacy under controlled environmental conditions and to evaluate alternative herbicides in field trials for control of glyphosate-resistant and -susceptible hairy fleabane. Plants from 60 accessions of hairy fleabane, sampled from five prefectures in Greece, were sprayed with glyphosate at 0.36 kg ae ha−1; 15 were classified as potentially resistant. After initial screening, 15 potentially susceptible or resistant accessions were selected and dose–response experiments were conducted. Glyphosate rates required to control some accessions were four to seven times greater than that for control of the reference susceptible accession, AR4. Sensitivity of a resistant hairy fleabane accession to glyphosate was strongly dependent on growth stage, with plants at the seedling stage being most sensitive to the herbicide. A field trial indicated that diquat, glufosinate, or glufosinate + oxyfluorfen controlled glyphosate-resistant or -susceptible hairy fleabane. These herbicides, along with various integrated management strategies, have good potential to manage or slow the spread of glyphosate resistance in this species.
On a Method of Analysis for Synergistic and Antagonistic Joint-Action Effects with Fenoxaprop Mixtures in Rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Blouin David C. , Webster Eric P. , Bond Jason A.
Published: November 2010

Presented and illustrated is an easy-to-implement and flexible methodology for the analysis of synergistic and antagonistic effects when the effects are defined as nonlinear functions of means. The methodology augments standard mixed-model analyses with the Delta method for standard errors of nonlinear functions of means. Explained is why standard ANOVA methods that have been adopted in the literature are not recommended. To illustrate the methodology, the joint-action effects of fenoxaprop with companion herbicides in two-component mixtures for weed control in rice were evaluated. The companion herbicides were halosulfuron, bispyribac-sodium, bensulfuron, penoxsulam, carfentrazone, quinclorac, and imazethapyr. Weeds evaluated were barnyardgrass and broadleaf signalgrass. Experiments in Louisiana and Mississippi in 2009 revealed a preponderance of antagonistic effects. The analysis showed that mixtures with bispyribac-sodium, penoxsulam, quinclorac, and imazethapyr were generally the most antagonistic and provided the least control.
Field Sandbur (Cenchrus spinifex) Control and Bermudagrass Response to Nicosulfuron Tank Mix Combinations
Authors: Matocha Mark A. , Grichar W. James , Grymes Charles
Published: November 2010

Research was conducted in 2006 and 2007 to evaluate nicosulfuron tank-mixes for field sandbur control and crop injury to ‘Tifton 85’ and ‘Jiggs’ bermudagrass. In 2006, sequential applications of nicosulfuron + metsulfuron controlled field sandbur 86 to 90% 30 d after treatment (DAT) and 77 to 85% 90 DAT. Single applications of nicosulfuron provided less than 63% control 90 DAT. In 2007, sequential applications of nicosulfuron + metsulfuron controlled field sandbur 84 to 95% 42 DAT. Injury data showed Jiggs bermudagrass was generally more sensitive to herbicide treatment than Tifton 85. Injury to Tifton 85 bermudagrass ranged from 0 to 15%, whereas injury to Jiggs was 7 to 29% 22 DAT. Forage yield data for Jiggs showed significant reductions at the first and second harvests but no differences by the third harvest. No yield reduction was noted for Tifton 85 bermudagrass from any herbicide treatment. Results of these studies indicate that nicosulfuron + metsulfuron combinations are a viable option for field sandbur control in bermudagrass pastures.
Amicarbazone Efficacy on Annual Bluegrass and Safety on Cool-Season Turfgrasses
Authors: McCullough Patrick E. , Hart Stephen E. , Weisenberger Dan , Reicher Zachary J.
Published: November 2010

Amicarbazone has potential for selective annual bluegrass control in cool-season turfgrasses, but seasonal application timings may influence efficacy. To test this hypothesis, field experiments in New Jersey and Indiana investigated amicarbazone efficacy from fall or spring applications and growth chamber experiments investigated the influence of temperature on efficacy. Fall treatments were more injurious to creeping bentgrass and Kentucky bluegrass than spring applications, but fall applications were also more efficacious for annual bluegrass control. In growth chamber experiments, injury and clipping weight reductions were exacerbated by increased temperatures from 10 to 30 C on annual bluegrass, creeping bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. Results suggest that amicarbazone use for annual bluegrass control in cool-season turf may be limited to spring applications, but increased temperature enhances activity on all grasses.