bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of a feasible method for determination of biofilm antimicrobial susceptibility in staphylococci
Authors: ANTUNES ANA LÚCIA SOUZA , TRENTIN DANIELLE SILVA , BONFANTI JÉSSICA WEIS , PINTO CAMILLE CATTANI FERREIRA , PEREZ LEANDRO REUS RODRIGUES , MACEDO ALEXANDRE JOSÉ , BARTH AFONSO LUIS
Published: September 2010

Antunes ALS, Trentin DS, Bonfanti JW, Pinto CCF, Perez LRR, Macedo AJ, Barth AL. Application of a feasible method for determination of biofilm antimicrobial susceptibility in staphylococci. APMIS 2010; 118: 873–7.

The aim of this study was to use a practical method to determine the minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of vancomycin and to compare the MBEC with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for biofilm‐producing and non‐biofilm‐producing isolates of staphylococci. Forty Staphylococcus spp. isolates from central venous catheter, from distinct patients, were selected for this study. The vast majority (28/30) of isolates which were biofilm‐producing, presented high MBEC values (≥8 μg/mL) and could be considered as non‐susceptible to vancomycin. All non‐biofilm‐producing isolates presented low MBEC (≤2 μg/mL) and were susceptible to vancomycin, according to CLSI breakpoints. While the MBEC and MIC values for biofilm‐producing isolates differ significantly, the MBEC and MIC values for non‐biofilm producers were the same. The method we have used proved to be a feasible and rapid technique to measure MBEC of Staphylococcus spp. biofilms. The method presented herein might be an alternative tool to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility in the biofilm mode of growth; the MBEC may be a more appropriate approach to correlate the susceptibility in vitro with clinical outcome resulting from the treatment of Staphylococcus spp. infection.
Evidence‐based guidelines for the prevention, identification and management of occupational contact dermatitis and urticaria*
Authors: Nicholson Paul J , Llewellyn Diane , English John S ,   on behalf of the Guidelines Development Group
Published: September 2010

Background: Occupational contact dermatitis is the most frequently reported work‐related skin disease in many countries. A systematic review was commissioned by the British Occupational Health Research Foundation in response to a House of Lords Science and Technology Committee recommendation.

Objectives: The systematic review aims to improve the prevention, identification and management of occupational contact dermatitis and urticaria by providing evidence‐based recommendations.

Methods: The literature was searched systematically using Medline and Embase for English‐language articles published up to the end of September 2009. Evidence‐based statements and recommendations were graded using the Royal College of General Practitioner's three‐star system and the revised Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network grading system.

Results: Three thousand one hundred and fifty‐five abstracts were identified and screened. From these, 786 full papers were obtained and appraised. One hundred and nineteen of these studies were used to produce 36 graded evidence statements and 10 key recommendations.

Conclusions: This evidence review and its recommendations focus on interventions and outcomes to provide a robust approach to the prevention, identification and occupational management of occupational contact dermatitis and urticaria, based on and using the best available medical evidence.
Birch woodlands and tree growth in southern Greenland
Authors: Böcher Tyge W.
Published: September 2010

Inland areas in SW Greenland south of lat. 67°N have thermic conditions which are subarctic or just border on subarctic situations, but natural woodlands ofBetula pubescenscoll. andSorbus groenlandica, though not covering vast areas, are confined to favourable places from lat. 60°15′ to 61°15′N.Alnus crispaforms thickets in middle fjord – or inland areas between 61° and 67°. Apart from those depending on human activities, the factors limiting hardwood tree growth in Greenland are climatic and due either to hyperoceanic conditions in coastal mountains or skerries (too low summer temperatures) or high degree of continentality, resulting in extremely low precipitation (e.g. Søndre Strømfjord inland with subarctic steppes and salt lakes). Boreal (including sylvicolous) species, e.g.Cornus suecica, reach far north of the areas inhabited by low birch woodlands, but boreal species dominate the flora of the treeless skerries in South Greenland as well as areas at the head of the fjords where birch trees locally reach heights of 6–7 m.
Anti‐herbivore strategies in mountain birch at the tree‐line
Authors: Haukioja Erkki
Published: September 2010

Birch forest on the slope of the Jesnalvaara fell forms a gradient ranging from 7–8 m high trees (at 75 m a.s.l.) to birch shrubs less than 1 m high at the top of the fell (330 m a.s.l.). Upper parts of the forest (above 220 m) were defoliated by Oporinia autumnata (Lep., Geometridae) about ten years ago and, with the exception of the top, only a fraction of birches have recovered.

Climatic conditions explain the limitation of the damaged area – Oporinia eggs were killed during cold winters. Predators may also limit the damage. Defensive mechanisms in the birch leaves – especially a low nitrogen content and high concentrations of phenols inhibiting trypsin – can slow down an increase in herbivore density by reducing their reproductive capacity. Birch leaves from the lower limit of the damaged area are least suitable for the growth of herbivores. They have the highest concentration of phenols, too. Birches at the foot of Jesnalvaara are able to increase leaf phenols after mechanical damage of nearby leaves. This is enough to retard the growth of several herbivore species.

Ability to recover after defoliation is an important part of the anti‐herbivore strategy of the birch. This ability is higher in shrub birches than in tall trees and better after a warm than a cold summer. Birch leaves in the year following defoliation are less usable for herbivores and cause increased mortality and lowered reproduction. These properties are the weakest in birches at the foot of Jesnalvaara where the probability of being defoliated is also lowest.
Contrasting community compensatory trends in alternative successional pathways in central Amazonia
Authors: Norden Natalia , Mesquita Rita C. G. , Bentos Tony V. , Chazdon Robin L. , Williamson G. Bruce
Published: September 2010

Based on eight years of annual censuses in secondary forests in central Amazonia, we compared successional dynamics in areas presenting alternative states due to different land use histories. Sites that had been clearcut without subsequent use are dominated by the pioneer genus Cecropia, but their understory is characterized by a diverse species assemblage. In contrast, areas clearcut and then used for pasture are dominated by the genus Vismia, forming nearly monogeneric stands. We evaluated whether such patterns were the outcome of differences in community compensatory trends, leading to a dynamic system of sequential replacement of species in Cecropia stands, and to a persistent stage of succession in Vismia stands. Floristic turnover in Cecropia stands showed strong and consistent negative frequency dependence. In contrast, Vismia stands exhibited little or no frequency dependence, likely due to local competitive interactions or priority effects. In these stands, species of the genera Vismia and Bellucia remained dominant throughout the monitoring period, whereas species initially of low abundance and frequency remained so. Differences in recruitment were the major driver of these alternative states. As species colonization proceeds, we expect dominance in the Vismia stands to diminish, albeit slowly. Our approach proved to be a useful tool for comparing species turnover in systems presenting alternative states.
Diet specialisation and foraging efficiency under fluctuating vole abundance: a comparison between generalist and specialist avian predators
Authors: Terraube Julien , Arroyo Beatriz , Madders Mike , Mougeot François
Published: September 2010

Specialist species, using a narrow range of resources, are predicted to be more efficient when foraging on their preferred food than generalist species consuming a wider range of foods. We tested whether the foraging efficiency of the pallid harrierCircus macrourus, a vole specialist, and of sympatric Montagu's harriersC. pygargus, a closely related generalist, differed in relation to inter‐annual variations in vole abundance over five years (including two peak‐ one intermediate and two low vole abundance years). We show that the hunting parameters of pallid harriers strongly varied with vole abundance (higher encounter rates, capture rates and proportion of successful strikes in high than intermediate and low vole abundance years, respectively), whereas Montagu's harriers showed stable capture rates and hunting success (proportion of strikes that were successful), irrespective of vole abundance. Encounter rates and capture rates were higher for pallid than for Montagu's harriers when voles were abundant, but lower when voles were scarce. The hunting success of pallid harriers was also lower than that of Montagu's harriers when voles were scarce, and when they had to target alternative preys, in particular birds. Overall, estimated biomass intake rate was 40% higher for pallid harriers than for Montagu's harriers when voles were abundant, but 50% lower when voles were scarce. Our results indicate that specialists predators, like pallid harriers, which evolve specific adaptations or breeding strategies, do better when their preferred prey is abundant, but may face a cost of specialisation, being not efficient enough when their preferred prey is scarce. These results have broader implications for understanding why specialist predators are, in general, more vulnerable than generalists, and for predicting how specialists can cope with rapid environmental changes affecting the abundance or predictability of their preferred resources.
Effect of an Er,Cr:YSGG laser on water perfusion in human dentine
Authors: Adu‐Arko Ampong Y. , Sidhu Sharanbir K. , McCabe John F. , Pashley David H.
Published: September 2010

Adu‐Arko AY, Sidhu SK, McCabe JF, Pashley DH. Effect of an Er,Cr:YSGG laser on water perfusion in human dentine. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 483–488. © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

Changes in fluid perfusion through tubules may affect the sensitivity of exposed and restored dentine. The rate of perfusion is dependent on the structure and composition of dentine, particularly at the surface. This work analyzed the effect of treatment with an Erbium, Chromium‐doped: Yttrium Scandium Gallium Garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser on dentine perfusion. Extracted molars were sectioned above the mid‐coronal portion, and below the cemento–enamel junction, to create crown segments. The pulp was extirpated and the dentine treated with the Er,Cr:YSGG laser, a diamond bur or sandpaper. Each specimen was mounted, with the pulp chamber oriented upwards, on a petri‐dish cover in order to permit a tube filled with water to be connected to the pulp. Movement of the water meniscus over 24 h provided a measurement of the volume of water that filtered across the dentine. The dishes contained water to provide a moist environment in the relevant specimens, or were left dry to provide dry conditions. Specimens were perfused for 24 h with water pressures ranging from 20 to 60 cm. The results (in μl mm−2 d−1) showed a significant difference in the perfusion rate between treatments. The difference between perfusion in wet and dry conditions was highly significant. Laser and bur treatment of dentine significantly affected perfusion, which was higher in the former than in the latter. Therefore, laser‐treated dentine may be more sensitive than bur‐cut dentine.
Role of preliminary etching for one‐step self‐etch adhesives
Authors: Taschner Michael , Nato Fernando , Mazzoni Annalisa , Frankenberger Roland , Krämer Norbert , Di Lenarda Roberto , Petschelt Anselm , Breschi Lorenzo
Published: September 2010

Taschner M, Nato F, Mazzoni A, Frankenberger R, Krämer N, Di Lenarda R, Petschelt A, Breschi L. Role of preliminary etching for one‐step self‐etch adhesives. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 517–524. © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of preliminary phosphoric acid etching of enamel and dentine before the application of two, one‐step self‐etch adhesive systems. The systems were applied onto acid‐etched or smear‐layer‐covered enamel and dentine. The treatment groups were as follows: group 1, Adper Easy Bond (3M ESPE) on etched substrate; group 2, Adper Easy Bond (control); group 3, iBond Self‐Etch (Heraeus Kulzer) on etched substrate; and group 4, iBond Self‐Etch (control). Enamel and dentine bond strengths were calculated using microshear and microtensile bond‐strength tests. Additional specimens were prepared to evaluate nanoleakage at the dentine–adhesive interface and were investigated using light microscopy or transmission electron microscopy. Both adhesives demonstrated higher microshear bond strengths when enamel was pre‐acid‐etched with phosphoric acid (Adper Easy Bond 28.7 ± 4.8 MPa; iBond Self‐Etch 19.7 ± 3.6 MPa) compared with controls (Adper Easy Bond 19.2 ± 3.3 MPa; iBond Self‐Etch 17.5 ± 2.7 MPa) and increased microtensile bond strength when applied on acid‐etched (Adper Easy Bond 35.8 ± 5.7 MPa; iBond Self‐Etch 24.3 ± 7.9 MPa) vs. smear‐layer‐covered dentine (Adper Easy Bond 26.9 ± 6.2 MPa; iBond Self‐Etch 17.6 ± 4.3 MPa). Adper Easy Bond showed lower nanoleakage than iBond Self‐Etch, irrespective of preliminary etching. The results of this study support the use of phosphoric acid etching before the application of one‐step self‐etch adhesive systems.
Frequency of psychiatric disorders in blepharospasm does not differ from hemifacial spasm
Authors: Dias Fernando Machado , Doyle Flávia , Kummer Arthur , Cardoso Francisco , Fontenelle Leonardo Franklin , Teixeira Antonio Lucio
Published: September 2010

Dias FM, Doyle F, Kummer A, Cardoso F, Fontenelle LF, Teixeira AL. Frequency of psychiatric disorders in blepharospasm does not differ from hemifacial spasm.

Objective:

To compare the frequency of psychiatric disorders and the severity of psychiatric symptoms between patients with blepharospasm (BS) and hemifacial spasm (HS).

Methods:

BS is a type of primary focal dystonia characterised by recurrent and involuntary eye blinking. HS is a condition with different pathophysiology but similar clinical phenotype. Twenty-two patients with BS and 29 patients with HS participated in this study. They underwent a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that included a structured clinical interview for current psychiatric diagnosis according to Diagnostic Statistical Manual, fourth edition (DSM-IV) (MINI-Plus) and psychometric scales, including the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS) and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS).

Results:

BS and HS groups did not differ in most demographic and clinical parameters, such as gender, age and length of symptoms. The frequency of psychiatric disorders and the severity of psychiatric symptoms were similar in both groups.

Conclusion:

BS does not seem to have more psychiatric disorders than HS.
Financial Arrangements and Relationship Quality in Low‐Income Couples
Authors: Addo Fenaba R. , Sassler Sharon
Published: September 2010

This study explored the association between household financial arrangements and relationship quality using a representative sample of low‐income couples with children. We detailed the banking arrangements couples utilize, assessed which factors relate to holding a joint account versus joint and separate, only separate, or no account, and analyzed the association between fiscal practices and men's and women's relationship quality. The majority of couples held joint accounts, though over one‐quarter also have separate accounts; nearly one‐tenth have no account. Joint bank accounts were associated with higher levels of relationship quality on numerous dimensions, though more consistently for women than men. Individualistic arrangements appeared to undermine women's relationship satisfaction and reduce feelings of intimacy, sexual compatibility, and satisfaction with conflict resolution.
Consequences of Childlessness in Later Life
Authors: Rowland D. T.
Published: September 2010

Book reviews in this article:

Objective: To examine the consequences of childlessness for living arrangements and instrumental support.

Data: Statistics on 8,313 women aged 65 years and over from the 1986 Census Households Sample File, a 1 per cent sample of the census returns.

Method: The paper first compares the living arrangements of childless women with those of mothers to illustrate the distinctiveness of the two populations. The paper then uses logistic regression modelling to analyse the effects of childlessness on the risk of living in particular situations.

Conclusion: Childless women were more likely than mothers to be in hostels and nursing homes. Childlessness, independently of age and marital status, substantially increases the risk of institutionalisation.
Go‐getter, Hamstrung, and Yesteryear Managers of Older Australians' Leisure Organisations
Authors: Swindell Rick , Mayhew Claire
Published: September 2010

Book reviews in this article:

Objective: Participation in leisure organisations is important to the well‐being of many retired Australians. However, the success rate of these groups is highly variable. The objective of this study was to investigate the role that managers play within a range of different leisure organisations and how they react to changing demands from members.

Method: Qualitative data from hour‐long interviews with 29 managers of organisations were analysed and compared with levels of success (as measured by membership growth) of the leisure groups.

Results: Three quite different managerial styles were found. These were categorised as “go‐getters” (whose groups prosper); the “hamstrung” (whose groups are struggling because of external or internal group influences); and “yesteryear” managers (whose groups are unlikely to survive).

Conclusions: It is argued that the long‐term survival of an organisation is determined by the manager's capacity to adapt to changing demands and social circumstances.
Use of Housing Wealth by Older Australians
Authors: Beal Diana J.
Published: September 2010

Book reviews in this article:

Purpose: Australians have long skewed their investment portfolios towards personal housing, so much so that the rate of owner‐occupation of housing is one of the highest in the world. About 85% of people over 65 years of age own their houses, and the wealth represented by housing constitutes 50% of assets held by the household sector. Housing wealth, however, is not generally realised to fund more comfortable retirements. This paper reports a preliminary study into current community attitudes towards using housing wealth more ‘wisely’ in retirement.

Method: The research was conducted by a survey of a random sample of Australians from two electorates.

Results: About half of surveyed home‐owners indicated they would be willing to use their housing wealth to fund more comfortable retirements. Only a small proportion, predominantly the 65–74 year olds, reported a desire to leave their houses as legacies to their children.

Conclusion: Community attitudes and government policy in the past have mitigated against the use of housing wealth to fund more comfortable retirements. However, community attitudes appear to be changing slowly. Governments, too, are starting to amend inconsistent policy and to remove impediments. More research is necessary to guide facilitation.
Needs of Family Carers of Elderly People with Dementia Living in the Community
Authors: Leong Joy , Madjar Irena , Fiveash Barb
Published: September 2010

Book reviews in this article:

Objectives: To identify and describe areas of significant unmet need perceived as important to family members caring for an elderly relative with dementia at home.

Method: Two methods of data collection, a self‐reporting community survey (n=94) and a series of semi‐structured qualitative interviews (n=10), were used for the study. Qualitative data were used to explore in more depth significant needs reported in the survey.

Results: The six most frequently reported barrier (unmet) needs are discussed in this paper. These included the needs: 1) to know that someone will provide care when family carer unable to do so; 2) a telephone hot‐line; 3) time away from caring duties; 4) ways to deal with stress; 5) time for physical rest, and 6) ways to deal with feelings of being trapped. The presence of these largely unmet needs acts as a barrier to health and wellbeing of family care givers and limits their capacity for ongoing care. It also serves to highlight limitations in the current provision of community health services.

Conclusion: The findings support the need to develop or extend community support services such as telephone hot‐lines, crisis intervention teams, and respite facilities to meet emergency and on‐the‐spot needs of people caring for their elderly relatives with dementia at home.
MINEWORKERS' DIRECT ACTION: OCCUPATIONS AND SIT‐INS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Hattingh Shawn
Published: September 2010

Anyone aware of South Africa's history will know that the mining industry was founded upon the extreme exploitation of black workers. To be sure, the very origins of the industry were literally steeped in blood and violence. To get workers to work in the mines, millions of people were forcefully driven off their land by the colonial military thereby creating an army of labor. Once on the mines, black workers were subjected to military‐type control and faced prison terms for breaking their work contracts right up until the late 1970s. Likewise, the notorious apartheid pass system had its origins in the mining industry; while the ghettoes that became known as townships had their forerunners in the infamous mine compound systems.1
THE POISON PILL IN “OBAMACARE” THAT HELPED KILL LABOR LAW REFORM
Authors: Early Steve
Published: September 2010

Embedded in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 was a poison pill for labor. It took the form of an excise tax on higher‐cost, job‐based medical coverage—the so‐called “Cadillac health plans” negotiated by unions themselves. This deadly political booby‐trap became a major organizational distraction and resource drain during a key phase of labor's health‐care campaign. Instead of mounting a broad fight for expanded social insurance, unions were forced to wage a frantic defensive struggle against taxation of worker benefits. The “Cadillac tax” backed by Barack Obama was so redolent of John McCain's own stance on health care during the 2008 presidential campaign that it produced a “working class revolt” in Massachusetts. There, a Republican opposed to the excise tax defeated the Democratic Senatorial candidate running for the late Ted Kennedy's seat in January 2010. When the Democrats' lost their filibuster‐proof “super‐majority” in the Senate, the already controversial Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) became the first political casualty of “ObamaCare.”
Multifunctional Pharmacology of Flibanserin: Possible Mechanism of Therapeutic Action in Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Authors: Stahl Stephen M. , Sommer Bernd , Allers Kelly A.
Published: September 2010

Introduction

Flibanserin is a novel pharmacologic agent in late-stage clinical testing for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.

Aim

The aim of this article is to review the hypothetical mechanism of action of flibanserin in HSDD.

Methods

A literature review was conducted of all published works on flibanserin and on related studies of serotonin (5-HT)1A receptors and 5-HT2A receptors, including their actions on monoamines and on sexual function.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures are preclinical pharmacologic actions, especially changes in regional monoamines following treatment with flibanserin.

Results

At clinically relevant doses, flibanserin acts predominantly at 5-HT1A receptors as an agonist and secondarily at 5-HT2A receptors as an antagonist. Additional binding actions within an order of magnitude of its 5-HT1A affinity, which are not likely to be clinically relevant, include weaker antagonist actions at 5-HT2C and 5-HT2B receptors, and less defined activity at dopamine (DA) D4 receptors. The 5-HT1A actions of flibanserin are only seen postsynaptically, which is unlike other agents such as buspirone that act at presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors. Furthermore, the postsynaptic actions of chronic flibanserin administration appear to demonstrate a preference for some populations of postsynaptic 5-HT receptors, particularly those that are located on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) pyramidal neurons, which regulate monoamine release in certain selective brain regions.

Conclusions

The regional selectivity of flibanserin results in a unique pattern of monoamine modulation. Sustained increases in baseline of DA and norepinephrine (NE) are observed in the PFC, and flibanserin dosing increases DA and NE levels above the basal changes. Conversely, flibanserin induces transient decreases in 5-HT levels in some brain areas such as the PFC, nucleus accumbens, and hypothalamus, but not in other brain areas such as the hippocampus. Therefore, since DA and NE are excitatory and 5-HT is inhibitory to sexual desire and arousal, it is tempting to postulate that the actions of flibanserin on serotonin receptors at the PFC pyramidal neurons, resulting in increased DA and NE yet reduced 5-HT in the PFC, are the mechanistic underpinnings of enhancing sexual desire in HSDD.
The Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) guidelines for the safe prescribing, dispensing and administration of cancer chemotherapy
Authors: CARRINGTON Christine , STONE Leanne , KOCZWARA Bogda , SEARLE Christina , SIDEROV Jim , STEVENSON Ben , MICHAEL Michael , HYDE Susan , BOOTH Angela , RUSHTON Shelley
Published: September 2010

The issue of medication safety is highly significant when anti‐cancer therapy is used as a treatment modality due to the high potential for harm from these agents and the disease context in which they are being used.

These guidelines provide recommendations on the safe prescribing, dispensing and administration of chemotherapy and related agents used in the treatment of cancer. The guidelines represent a multidisciplinary collaboration to standardise the complex process of providing chemotherapy for cancer and to enhance patient safety. These are consensus guidelines based on the best available evidence and expert opinion of professionals working in cancer care. The aim of these guidelines is to assist in the prevention of medication errors and to improve patient safety with respect to the treatment of cancer.

This guidance is intended for a multi‐disciplinary audience and will have most relevance for medical, nursing and pharmacy staff involved in the complex processes of delivering chemotherapy and associated treatment. The scope of the guidelines includes; all patients and age groups receiving chemotherapy and targeted therapy for the treatment of cancer and cancer therapy administered by any route in both the hospital and home setting. These guidelines should be seen as point of reference for practitioners providing cancer chemotherapy services.
Quantifying regrowth characteristics of three bromegrass (Bromus) species in response to defoliation at different developmental stages
Authors: Biligetu B. , Coulman Bruce
Published: September 2010

Bromegrasses (Bromus) are widely cultivated for pasture and hay in temperate areas of the world. The objective of the present study was to determine above‐and below‐ground biomass, tiller density, and leaf area index (LAI) of meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm.), smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) and hybrid bromegrass (B. riparius × B. inermis) after defoliation. The study was conducted in 2006 and 2007 in Saskatoon (52°07′N, 106°38′W), Canada. Plants were clipped to a 5 cm height at the vegetative and stem elongation stages of growth, and an undefoliated control was included. Regrowth was similar (521 g m−2) among the three species when defoliated at the vegetative stage, but meadow and hybrid bromegrass produced 49% and 36% greater regrowth than smooth bromegrass following defoliation at the stem elongation stage. Compared with undefoliated plants, below‐ground biomass was reduced 38% following defoliation. Meadow and hybrid bromegrass produced similar (4863 g m−3) below‐ground biomass after defoliation, which was 66% greater than smooth bromegrass (2923 g m−3). LAI of all three bromegrasses increased linearly with days of regrowth (r2 ≥ 0.88, P < 0.05), and LAI was greatest in meadow bromegrass (4.0, 3.3), intermediate in hybrid bromegrass (3.6, 2.7), and least in smooth bromegrass (3.1, 2.2) following defoliation at the vegetative and stem elongation stages, respectively. Tiller density was also greatest in meadow bromegrass (2107, 1320 tillers m−2), intermediate in hybrid bromegrass (1547, 840 tillers m−2) and least in smooth bromegrass (1093, 520 tillers m−2) following defoliation at the vegetative and stem elongation stages, respectively. In the undefoliated control, 15% fewer tillers of meadow bromegrass reached the reproductive stage compared with the other two bromegrasses. The rapid regrowth of meadow bromegrass appears to be associated with more tillers, more rapid LAI development, and maintenance of greater below‐ground biomass following defoliation.
Estimation of nitrogen release from decomposing Zoysia japonica litter using its relationship to mass loss
Authors: Nakagami Koji , Sakanoue Seiichi , Takahashi Shigeo
Published: September 2010

To estimate nitrogen release through the decomposition of Zoysia japonica litter, we conducted 2‐year litter‐bag measurements for dry matter loss and nitrogen dynamics of decomposing litter on the soil surface of a Z. japonica pasture in central Japan, and modeled the nitrogen release from the litter. The litter mass decreased to approximately 50% in the first year with a steep decline in summer and a gradual decline in winter. The nitrogen concentration of the litter increased with incubation time, while the amount of nitrogen in the litter changed minimally for more than one year and then gradually declined to approximately 60% of the initial amount at the end of the incubation. The model for estimating nitrogen release from the litter was established as a cubic relationship to the litter mass, because nitrogen concentration of the litter was well expressed as a quadratic function of the litter mass loss. The litter mass loss was estimated using a negative exponential equation in which the decomposition rate increased linearly with air temperature. The model can be used as a submodel of an integrated model for simulating nitrogen cycling in Z. japonica pastures in an area with sufficient rainfall.
Financial Education and Counseling—Still Holding Promise
Authors: COLLINS J. MICHAEL , O’ROURKE COLLIN M.
Published: September 2010

This article reviews the evaluation literature on financial education and counseling for adults in order to synthesize implications for research and practice. Most evaluations report positive impacts, but the findings are often small when compared with valid comparison groups. Many evaluations use self‐reported measures, measure outcomes over short time periods and cannot rule out selection bias due to nonrandomized designs, all of which may bias results. Although future research and practice in this field hold promise, more attention to theory‐based evaluations and further investment in randomized field experiments may be fruitful.
The Influence of Nutrition Information on Choice: The Roles of Temptation, Conflict and Self‐Control
Authors: HASSAN LOUISE M. , SHIU EDWARD M. K. , MICHAELIDOU NINA
Published: September 2010

This study investigated the impact of nutrition information on consumers' choice of a cake and examined the roles of key psychological decision factors. Based on a generalized linear model, results of an experiment on 299 female consumers in the United Kingdom showed that the presence of nutrition information in the form of Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) had a direct impact on food choice. GDA information had a moderating effect on the relationship between two psychological factors (conflict and self‐control, but not temptation) and consumer choice. Temptation, conflict and self‐control had direct effects on choice.
Use of Food Labels as a Weight Loss Behavior
Authors: MANDAL BIDISHA
Published: September 2010

This study investigates the use of food labels as a weight loss behavior compared to regular exercise among middle‐aged Americans. After controlling for unobserved heterogeneity women were more likely to read food labels than men and also more successful in losing weight. Label users who did not exercise displayed a slightly greater likelihood of weight loss than those who exercised but did not read food labels. Additionally, those who only read labels were more likely to improve their chances of weight loss by adding exercise to their routines rather than abandoning label usage in favor of exercise.
CLINICAL PRACTICE: The environment and pediatric overweight: A review for nurse practitioners
Authors: McAdams Cynthia B.
Published: September 2010

Purpose: The primary aim of this article is to review environmental determinates on eating and physical activity behaviors that lead to overweight status in the pediatric population.

Data sources: Selected articles on pediatric obesity and overweight and federal government publications addressing pediatric overweight, physical activity, and dietary habits.

Conclusions: Obesity is one of the leading preventable causes of disease and death in the United States and is considered a major public health threat to Americans of all ages. An energy‐dense diet coupled with low physical activity creates an environment conducive to obesity. Obesity warrants immediate attention and nurse practitioners (NPs) must implement proactive strategies to prevent the development of chronic disease in American children and adolescents. An initial key to successful prevention is identification of environmental supports and barriers that influence pediatric overweight.

Implications for practice: NPs must identify at‐risk and overweight youth and translate current research findings into their practices. Designing and implementing age and family appropriate strategies that address positive and negative environmental influences is crucial to prevent or reduce the overweight epidemic.
SPECIAL ARTICLE: A review of the International Brain Research Foundation novel approach to mild traumatic brain injury presented at the International Conference on Behavioral Health and Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Polito Mary Zemyan , Thompson James W. G. , DeFina Philip A.
Published: September 2010

“The International Conference on Behavioral Health and Traumatic Brain Injury” held at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Paterson, NJ., from October 12 to 15, 2008, included a presentation on the novel assessment and treatment approach to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) by Philip A. DeFina, PhD, of the International Brain Research Foundation (IBRF). Because of the urgent need to treat a large number of our troops who are diagnosed with mTBI and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the conference was held to create a report for Congress titled “Recommendations to Improve the Care of Wounded Warriors NOW. March 12, 2009.” This article summarizes and adds greater detail to Dr. DeFina's presentation on the current standard and novel ways to approach assessment and treatment of mTBI and PTSD. Pilot data derived from collaborative studies through the IBRF have led to the development of clinical and research protocols utilizing currently accepted, valid, and reliable neuroimaging technologies combined in novel ways to develop “neuromarkers.” These neuromarkers are being evaluated in the context of an "Integrity‐Deficit Matrix" model to demonstrate their ability to improve diagnostic accuracy, guide treatment programs, and possibly predict outcomes for patients suffering from traumatic brain injury.
THE IMPACT OF ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ON ROBBERY AND PROPERTY CRIME: THE ROLE OF CONSUMER SENTIMENT*
Authors: ROSENFELD RICHARD , FORNANGO ROBERT
Published: September 2010

Despite its long history in criminology, research on the relationship between macroeconomic conditions and rates of common crime remains limited. That is in part because many analysts doubt that any systematic relationship exists and in part because of disagreement with regard to the validity of the indicators typically used to measure economic conditions. We argue in this article that good theoretical reasons exist to expect macroeconomic effects on crime rates, but many theories imply that collective perceptions of economic hardship should have effects on crime that are independent of those of more “objective” economic indicators. To evaluate this argument, we examine the relationships between the Index of Consumer Sentiment and regional robbery, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft rates in the United States between 1970 and 2003, which was a period of large swings in both consumer sentiment and instrumental crime. Controlling for several factors thought to influence temporal variation in crime rates, we find that consumer sentiment had significant effects on robbery and property crime rates over the period that were largely independent of the effects of unemployment and economic growth. We also find that consumer sentiment accounted for a sizable fraction of the crime decline during the 1990s and yields reasonably accurate predictions of changes in the four offenses in 2004 and in two of the four offenses in 2005. We conclude that the effects of collective economic perceptions should become an important focus of future research on crime trends.
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE, COMMUNITIES, AND DELINQUENCY: WHOM DO WE REINTEGRATE?*
Authors: RODRIGUEZ NANCY
Published: September 2010

Research Summary:

Communities represent an important facet of restorative justice; yet few studies have empirically evaluated the influence that community characteristics have on reintegrative programs. In this study, I use official juvenile court data from an urban, metropolitan county in Arizona and Census data to examine how individual‐ and community‐level data influence the selection of offenders to a restorative justice program. To examine the effectiveness of the restorative justice program and to determine if program impact varies by community, recidivism is modeled with individual‐ and community‐level data. Findings indicate individual and community characteristics are important predictors of restorative justice program placement. Also, juveniles who successfully completed the restorative justice program were less likely to recidivate than were juveniles in a comparison group. Recidivism results show no variation of program impact across communities.

Policy Implications:

Study findings demonstrate the importance of incorporating community‐level data in studies of restorative justice. Restorative justice programs must be sensitive to local, community characteristics and ensure that reintegration efforts do not exclude offenders in need. The successful reintegration process experienced by juveniles who participated in the restorative justice programs is clearly reflective of program effectiveness.
Lenticulostriate Arteries in Chronic Stroke Patients Visualised by 7 T Magnetic Resonance Angiography
Authors: Kang Chang-Ki , Park Chan-A. , Park Cheol-Wan , Lee Yeong-Bae , Cho Zang-Hee , Kim Young-Bo
Published: September 2010

Background

Noninvasive magnetic resonance angiography using ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging has recently provided us with the potential to image cerebral microvascular structures such as the lenticulostriate arteries. However, most studies using ultra-high-field magnetic resonance angiography have been limited to the visualisation of microvessels in healthy subjects, and the direct comparison of patients with microvascular disease has not been reported.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the lenticulostriate arteries of patients with lacunar strokes of the basal ganglia and surrounding areas using 7 T magnetic resonance angiography.

Methods

Ten stroke patients who had infarctions in the basal ganglia and adjacent areas detected using T2*-weighted images obtained from a conventional 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging and 10 age-matched healthy subjects were recruited for this study. The large main vessels in the patient group were inspected to identify abnormalities such as stenosis. The characteristics of the lenticulostriate arteries visualised by 7 T magnetic resonance angiography, such as the number of branches and stems, curvature and tortuosity were analysed and compared between the patient and the control groups.

Results

All patients had infarctions in the basal ganglia and adjacent regions, which were clearly determined by T2*-weighted images. However, there was no evidence of large-vessel abnormalities in the patient group. Analysis of 7 T magnetic resonance angiography data revealed that the overall number of lenticulostriate arteries branches in the patient group was significantly less than the control group ( P = 0.003). However, no statistical difference in the number of stems, curvature and tortuosity between the two groups was found ( P = 0.396, 0.258 and 0.888, respectively).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that noninvasive magnetic resonance angiography using 7 T magnetic resonance imaging can visualise abnormalities in the cerebral microvasculature of stroke patients, and that the number of lenticulostriate arteries supplying the region of the basal ganglia is less in these patients compared with age-matched controls.
‘Where are we Now with Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Ischaemic Stroke’?
Authors: Sandercock Peter , Wardlaw Joanna , Lindley Richard
Published: September 2010

The publication of the updated individual patient data meta-analysis of the larger randomised trials of intravenous rt-PA for acute ischaemic stroke has re-opened the debate about how the treatment should be used in routine practice, and what information can be expected to emerge in the next 2-3 years from the ongoing trials [the largest of which is the Third International Stroke Trial (IST-3)].
Angiotensin Receptor Blockade in Acute Stroke. the Scandinavian Candesartan Acute Stroke Trial: Rationale, Methods and Design of a Multicentre, Randomised- and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial (NCT00120003)
Authors: Sandset Else Charlotte , Murray Gordon , Boysen Gudrun , Jatuzis Dalius , Kõrv Janika , Lüders Stephan , Richter Przemyslaw S. , Roine Risto O. , Terént Andreas , Thijs Vincent , Berge Eivind
Published: September 2010

Background

Elevated blood pressure following acute stroke is common, and yet early antihypertensive treatment is controversial. ACCESS suggested a beneficial effect of the angiotensin receptor blocker candesartan in the acute phase of stroke, but these findings need to be confirmed in new, large trials.

Aims and design

The Scandinavian Candesartan Acute Stroke Trial is an international randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of candesartan in acute stroke. We plan to recruit 2500 patients presenting within 30 h of stroke (ischaemic or haemorrhagic) and with systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg. The recruited patients are randomly assigned to candesartan or placebo for 7-days (doses increasing from 4 to 16mg once daily). Randomisation is performed centrally via a secure web interface. The follow-up period is 6-months. Patients are included from the following nine North-European countries: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland.

Study outcomes

There are two co-primary effect variables:

Funding

The Scandinavian Candesartan Acute Stroke Trial receives basic funding from Norwegian health authorities. AstraZeneca supplies the trial drugs, and AstraZeneca and Takeda support the trial with limited, unrestricted grants.

The Scandinavian Candesartan Acute Stroke Trial is the first large trial of angiotensin receptor blockers in patients with elevated blood pressure and acute stroke, and aims to answer whether treatment with angiotensin receptor blockers is beneficial for this indication.
Comparisons between cats with normal and increased fPLI concentrations in cats diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Bailey S. , Benigni L. , Eastwood J. , Garden O. A. , McMahon L. , Smith K. , Steiner J. M. , Suchodolski J. S. , Allenspach K.
Published: September 2010

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare age, serum albumin and cobalamin concentrations, serum alanine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase activities, feline inflammatory bowel disease clinical disease activity index, pancreatic ultrasound findings, intestinal histopathology scores, outcome, treatment and clinical response between cats diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease with normal or increased serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations.

Methods: Medical records for 23 cats diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and with serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations available were reviewed. Three groups were compared; cats with serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations 2·0 to 6·8 µg/l (group A), 6·9 to 11·9 µg/l (group B) and ≥12·0 µg/l (group C).

Results: Sixteen of the 23 cats had increased serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations; 9 cats in group B and 7 cats in group C. The remaining seven cats were in group A. Cats with serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations ≥12·0 µg/l had significantly lower median serum albumin and cobalamin concentrations. No significant differences were identified between the three groups for age, serum alanine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase activities, feline inflammatory bowel disease clinical disease activity index, pancreatic ultrasound findings, intestinal histopathology scores, clinical outcome, treatment or clinical response.

ClinicalSignificance: Hypoalbuminaemia and hypocobalaminaemia were more frequently observed in cats with serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations ≥12·0 µg/l.
Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis possibly associated with over‐vaccination in a cocker spaniel
Authors: Ortloff A. , Morán G. , Olavarría A. , Folch H.
Published: September 2010

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis was observed in a seven‐month‐old male cocker spaniel dog. The clinical, microbiological, biochemical, radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations ruled out neoplasia, congenital disease and infectious disease. The anamnesis revealed that the owner had vaccinated the dog seven times, one vaccination per month, without veterinarian supervision. In both kidneys, severe thickening of the glomerular capillary walls was observed. Electron microscope examination revealed a large number of electron‐dense deposits that were primarily in the glomerular subendothelial spaces and the basal membrane, which is compatible with antigen‐antibody complexes. The immunohistochemical examination revealed that the antigen present in the glomeruli corresponded with the antigen present in the vaccine. We report a type III hypersensitivity nephropathy in a young dog, which was possibly caused by over‐vaccination.
Taxonomic review of the Cleridae (Coleoptera) in Korea (Part 1): Clerinae Latreille, 1802
Authors: KIM Jin , JUNG Boo Hee
Published: September 2010

A taxonomic review of six genera of Korean Clerinae is presented. Eleven species, includingStigmatium pilosellum(Gorham, 1878), a new Korean record, are reported in this paper. A key to the Korean species and genera, diagnoses, whole‐body photographs of adults, and illustrations of diagnostic characters are provided.