bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of Corn and Redroot Pigweed to Nitrogen Fertilizer in Different Irrigation Regimes
Authors: Gholamhoseini Majid , AghaAlikhani Majid , Modarres Sanavy Seyed Ali Mohammad , Mirlatifi Seyed Majid , Zakikhani Hamed
Published: May 2013

The effect of irrigation regimes and N rates on corn (Zea mays L.) yield and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) growth in sandy soils is not completely understood. Therefore, field experiments were conducted in a semiarid region of Iran in 2010 and 2011 to determine the influence of N rates and irrigation regimes on corn and redroot pigweed leaf area index (LAI), dry matter and grain yield, N uptake, irrigation water productivity (IWP) and N leaching loss. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete‐block design with a split‐factorial arrangement of treatments in four replicates. The main plots were subjected to either a low (L) or a full (F) irrigation regime. The subplots were arranged in a factorial scheme with four N rates (0, 150, 300, and 450 kg N ha−1) and two levels of redroot pigweed interference with corn (weed free, CW0; and weedy, CW1). The results indicated that the more N was applied, the higher were corn grain yield losses in both irrigation regimes due to weed interference. The difference in corn grain yield between CW0F and CW1F treatments was 400 and 1800 kg ha−1 at N0 and N450 levels, respectively. In contrast, the difference between CW0L and CW1L reached 300 and 800 kg grain ha−1 at N0 and N450 levels, respectively. Based on the information gained in this study, we do not recommend increasing inputs (water and N), especially in sandy soils, to diminish the redroot pigweed/corn competition.
Physiological Evaluations of Recent Drought‐Tolerant Maize Hybrids at Varying Stress Levels
Authors: Roth Jason A. , Ciampitti Ignacio A. , Vyn Tony J.
Published: May 2013

Maize (Zea mays L.) improvement in drought‐stress tolerance poses a great challenge as the global need for food, feed, fiber, and fuel increases. Seed companies are developing and promoting drought‐tolerant hybrids, but their physiological drought‐tolerance mechanisms are not well understood. The research objective was to investigate the plant traits related to yield improvement for similar maturity hybrids classified as either drought‐tolerant (non‐transgenic) or conventional at varying plant density (PD) (two levels) and N rates (four levels) over 2 site‐years in northwestern Indiana. Physiological measurements included photosynthesis (A), transpiration (E), and leaf area index at multiple growth stages, as well as anthesis‐silking interval, potential kernel number, grain yield (GY) and its components. Intensive heat and drought stress occurred in the 30‐d period before and during flowering in 2012, but not in 2011. Overall, similar maturity drought‐ and non‐drought‐tolerant hybrids did not markedly differ in GY or most other traits, and hybrid responses to varying PD and N rates were similar. In both seasons, GY was impacted most by N rates. A complex N rate effect on A and E was tightly related to water supply (i.e., higher N had positive impact under non‐drought conditions). Hybrid differences in A and E were not significant at the leaf‐scale, but one drought‐tolerant hybrid had lower estimated cumulative A and E at the season‐long canopy scale. Under the non‐drought and specific‐drought conditions in these single‐location trials there was no indication that designated drought‐tolerant hybrids were more tolerant to high crowding intensity and/or low N stresses.
Apparent Persistence of N‐(n‐butyl) Thiophosphoric Triamide Is Greater in Alkaline Soils
Authors: Engel R.E , Williams E. , Wallander R. , Hilmer J.
Published: May 2013

Recently completed NH3 volatilization field studies with urea suggest the urease inhibitor N‐(n‐butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) has prolonged activity in alkaline relative to acidic soils. A laboratory incubation experiment was conducted at two temperatures (0.5 and 20°C) to determine whether NBPT degradation was affected by soil pH (alkaline vs. acidic) and to determine the impact on urea hydrolysis. Soil (10 g) from the surface horizon of a loam (pH 5.5) and a silt loam (pH 8.4) was placed in bottles and incubated up to 28 d in constant‐temperature chambers. A third soil was constructed by adding CaCO3 (0.3 g) to the loam soil (pH 8.2). Urea (20 mg) with and without NBPT (20 mg) was applied to each soil. High‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of KCl extracts revealed that NBPT degraded rapidly in the acidic soil compared with the alkaline soils (silt loam and loam with added CaCO3). Exponential decay constants for the acidic soil were 5.2 and 3.9 times larger than decay constants for the alkaline soils at 0.5 and 20°C, respectively. Urea hydrolysis rates were reduced by NBPT, and the response was greater for the alkaline soils (P < 0.0001). Hydrolysis was inhibited by 17.0 and 86.2% at 20°C and by 53.3 and 92.1% at 0.5°C for the acidic and alkaline soils, respectively. This study confirmed field observations that NBPT persistence and activity is greater in alkaline soils. Additional studies, including chemical hydrolysis and sorption, are needed to clarify the processes responsible for the rapid disappearance of NBPT from extracts of acidic soils.
Quantifying Soil Structure from Field Excavation Walls using Multistripe Laser Triangulation Scanning
Authors: Eck Dennis V. , Hirmas Daniel R. , Giménez Daniel
Published: May 2013

Soil structure is fundamental for understanding pedogenic, hydrological, and environmental processes, and its quantitative characterization is essential for advancing our understanding of soils. Despite this importance, structure quantification at scales relevant to field‐based investigations has remained elusive. In this study, multistripe laser triangulation (MLT) scanning was investigated as a method for quantifying soil structure from excavation walls. An exposed soil profile in a Grundy soil series (fine, smectitic, mesic, Oxyaquic Vertic Argiudoll) was scanned using a commercially available MLT scanner. The field of view (FOV) for each scan overlapped adjacent FOVs in the vertical and horizontal directions. Data of interest from the MLT scans were areas where laser stripes were undetected by the scanner. These surface scan gaps (SSGs) outline structural units. We discovered that the angle between the scanner and excavation wall produces significant differences in the resulting data. Observed SSGs best represented structure outlines on the left side of the scan data FOVs. Several metrics describing SSG shape, size, and orientation were produced. Surface scan gap density, SSG fraction, relative surface area, and average unit size (i.e., size of areas outlined by SSGs) were related to soil structure described in the field. Average unit size compared well to the size classes from a traditional morphological description, and SSG orientation corresponded to structure type. Multistripe laser triangulation scanning holds potential for quantitative characterization of soil structure with implications for water flux modeling and advancing understanding of pedological and hydrological processes.
Field‐Scale Bromide Leaching as Affected by Land Use and Rain Characteristics
Authors: Yang Yang , Wendroth Ole , Walton Riley Jason
Published: May 2013

Natural heterogeneity in soil properties limits the understanding on water and solute transport at a field scale. The objective of the current study was to adopt a new experimental design with scale‐dependent treatment distribution and to assess the impact of land use and rain characteristics on Br– leaching under field conditions. On a transect with two land use systems, that is, cropland and grassland, rainfall intensity and the time delay between solute application and subsequent rain were arranged in a repetitive pattern at different scales. Soil samples in 10‐cm increments down to 1‐m depth were collected along the transect for Br– analysis after rainfall simulation. Owing to continuous macropores, supporting the development of preferential flow, soil Br– was more evenly distributed with soil depth and reached greater depth in grassland. Increasing rainfall intensity enforced the deep leaching of Br–. Frequency‐domain analysis revealed that the dominant factor controlling Br– leaching varied with depth. At 0 to 10 cm, rainfall intensity was strongly correlated with Br– concentration; while in the soil layer below, application time delay was the main driver for the spatial distribution of Br–. With increasing soil depth, the spatial behavior of Br– was mainly caused by soil properties such as soil texture and topography, rather than rainfall characteristics. Nevertheless, rainfall intensity was found to be positively correlated with Br– concentration in deep soil, indicating a great risk of deep leaching and groundwater contamination under heavy rainfall. These results have direct implications for the surface application of chemicals.
Satellite‐Based Radar Interferometry to Estimate Large‐Scale Soil Water Depletion from Clay Shrinkage: Possibilities and Limitations
Authors: Brake Bram te , Hanssen Ramon F. , van der Ploeg Martine J. , de Rooij Gerrit H.
Published: May 2013

Satellite‐based radar interferometry is a technique capable of measuring small surface elevation changes at large scales and with a high resolution. In vadose zone hydrology, it has been recognized for a long time that surface elevation changes due to swell and shrinkage of clayey soils can serve as an estimate for soil water storage change. Therefore, satellite‐based radar interferometry can potentially offer an alternative methodology to estimate soil water storage change at field or regional scales. This paper introduces principles of satellite‐based radar interferometry and identifies limitations and potential applications of the technique to measure surface elevation changes from clay shrinkage. In situ measurements were performed and a linear relation between soil water storage depletion and layer shrinkage was obtained. Data from the TerraSAR‐X satellite over the measurement area were analyzed to identify the most favorable conditions for radar interferometry to measure vertical shrinkage. High‐quality phase observations over clayey areas in polders with limited vegetation can be explained from differences in land use and soil type. Signal noise over sparsely vegetated agricultural fields was successfully reduced by multilooking over agricultural fields at the cost of spatial resolution. Good resemblance between in situ measured shrinkage and differential phase change was found in a test period. Based on this study, we expect that radar interferometric processing of data from the future satellite mission Sentinel‐1 can play a crucial role in providing much‐needed observations of vadose zone processes at the field scale and beyond.
Pedometrics Research in the Vadose Zone—Review and Perspectives
Authors: Minasny Budiman , Whelan Brett M. , Triantafilis John , McBratney Alex. B.
Published: May 2013

Pedometrics is the application of mathematical and statistical methods for the study of the distribution and genesis of soils. Pedometrics research in the vadose zone comprises studies of the spatial and temporal dynamics of soil properties as a scientific challenge to increase our understanding of the processes at the earth's surface. While geostatistics has been the main topic of investigation, pedometrics in the vadose zone covers broader areas, which can be summarized in three main topics: (i) characterization of variability and prediction of variation of soil, (ii) sampling, measurement, and inferences of soil properties and processes, and (iii) dynamic spatiotemporal modeling. This review highlights some of the key common research areas for pedometrics in the vadose zone, showing the synergy between pedometrics and vadose zone science. A strength of pedometrics is estimating the spatial distribution of soil properties using empirical approaches. However, pedometrics needs to incorporate process‐based knowledge, which adds the pedological and physical significance to the statistical robustness of predictions. A natural collaboration would therefore be with vadose zone scientists. Dynamic spatiotemporal modeling in a Bayesian hierarchical modeling framework provides a platform that will enhance collaboration between both disciplines. A future collaborative project can be envisaged to develop a global vadose zone model simulating fluxes and stores of soil water, solute, heat, and gas to address globally important issues.
Effects of data time-step on the accuracy of calibrated rainfall–streamflow model parameters: practical aspects of uncertainty reduction
Authors: Littlewood Ian G. , Croke Barry F. W.
Published: May 2013

The effects of data time-step on the accuracy of calibrated parameters in a discrete-time conceptual rainfall–streamflow model are reviewed and further investigated. A quick-flow decay time constant of 19.9 hr, calibrated for the 10.6 km2 Wye at Cefn Brwyn using daily data, massively overestimates a reference value of 3.76 hr calibrated using hourly data (an inaccuracy of 16.1 hr or 429%). About 42 and 58% of the inaccuracy are accounted for by loss of information in the effective rainfall and streamflow data, respectively. A slow-flow decay time constant is inaccurate by about +111%, of which about 94 and 17 percentage points (85 and 15% of the absolute inaccuracy) are due to loss of information in the effective rainfall and streamflow data, respectively. Discrete-time rainfall–streamflow model parameter inaccuracy caused by data time-step effects is discussed in terms of its implications for parameter regionalisation (including database aspects) and catchment-scale process studies.
System Life Cycle EvaluationSM (SLiCE): harmonizing water treatment systems with implementers' needs
Authors: Goodman Joseph , Caravati Kevin , Foote Andrew , Nelson Molly , Woods Emily
Published: May 2013

One of the methods proposed to improve access to clean drinking water is the mobile packaged water treatment system (MPWTS). The lack of published system performance comparisons combined with the diversity of technology available and intended operating conditions make it difficult for stakeholders to choose the system best suited for their application. MPWTS are often deployed in emergency situations, making selection of the appropriate system crucial to avoiding wasted resources and loss of life. Measurable critical-to-quality characteristics (CTQs) and a system selection tool for MPWTS were developed by utilizing relevant literature, including field studies, and implementing and comparing seven different MPWTS. The proposed System Life Cycle Evaluation (SLiCE) method uses these CTQs to evaluate the diversity in system performance and harmonize relevant performance with stakeholder preference via a selection tool. Agencies and field workers can use SLiCE results to inform and drive decision-making. The evaluation and selection tool also serves as a catalyst for communicating system performance, common design flaws, and stakeholder needs to system manufacturers. The SLiCE framework can be adopted into other emerging system technologies to communicate system performance over the life cycle of use.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the Hudson River Estuary linked to wet weather sewage contamination
Authors: Young Suzanne , Juhl Andrew , O'Mullan Gregory D.
Published: May 2013

Heterotrophic bacteria resistant to tetracycline and ampicillin were assessed in waterways of the New York City metropolitan area using culture-dependent approaches and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of resultant isolates. Resistant microbes were detected at all 10 sampling sites in monthly research cruises on the lower Hudson River Estuary (HRE), with highest concentrations detected at nearshore sites. Higher frequency sampling was conducted in Flushing Bay, to enumerate resistant microbes under both dry and wet weather conditions. Concentrations of ampicillin- and tetracycline-resistant bacteria, in paired samples, were positively correlated with one another and increased following precipitation. Counts of the fecal indicator, Enterococcus, were positively correlated with levels of resistant bacteria, suggesting a shared sewage-associated source. Analysis of 16S rRNA from isolates identified a phylogenetically diverse group of resistant bacteria, including genera containing opportunistic pathogens. The occurrence of Enterobacteriaceae, a family of enteric bacteria, was found to be significantly higher in resistant isolates compared to total heterotrophic bacteria and increased following precipitation. This study is the first to document the widespread distribution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the HRE and to demonstrate clearly a link between the abundance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and levels of sewage-associated bacteria in an estuary.
Quantitative assessment of Naegleria fowleri and Escherichia coli concentrations within a Texas reservoir
Authors: Painter Stephanie M. , Pfau Russell S. , Brady Jeff A. , McFarland Anne M. S.
Published: May 2013

Previous presence/absence studies have indicated a correlation between the presence of the pathogenic amoeba Naegleria fowleri and the presence of bacteria, such as the fecal indicator Escherichia coli, in environmental surface waters. The objective of this study was to use quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) methodologies to measure N. fowleri and E. coli concentrations within a Texas reservoir in late summer, and to determine if concentrations of N. fowleri and E. coli were statistically correlated. N. fowleri was detected in water samples from 67% of the reservoir sites tested, with concentrations ranging up to an estimated 26 CE (cell equivalents)/100 mL. E. coli was detected in water samples from 60% of the reservoir sites tested, with concentrations ranging up to 427 CE/100 mL. In this study, E. coli concentrations were not indicative of N. fowleri concentrations.
Internalisation potential of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus in lettuce seedlings and mature plants
Authors: Standing Taryn-Ann , du Plessis Erika , Duvenage Stacey , Korsten Lise
Published: May 2013

The internalisation potential of Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium in lettuce was evaluated using seedlings grown in vermiculite in seedling trays as well as hydroponically grown lettuce. Sterile distilled water was spiked with one of the four human pathogenic bacteria (105 CFU/mL) and used to irrigate the plants. The potential for pathogen internalisation was investigated over time using light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and viable plate counts. Additionally, the identities of the pathogens isolated from internal lettuce plant tissues were confirmed using polymerase chain reaction with pathogen-specific oligonucleotides. Internalisation of each of the human pathogens was evident in both lettuce seedlings and hydroponically grown mature lettuce plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of S. aureus internalisation in lettuce plants. In addition, the levels of background microflora in the lettuce plants were determined by plate counting and the isolates identified using matrix-assisted laser ionisation–time of flight (MALDI–TOF). Background microflora assessments confirmed the absence of the four pathogens evaluated in this study. A low titre of previously described endophytes and soil inhabitants, i.e., Enterobacter cloacae, Enterococcus faecalis, Lysinibacillus fusiformis, Rhodococcus rhodochrous, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus hominis were identified.
Laboratory validation of an ozone device for recreational water treatment
Authors: Donofrio Robert S. , Aridi Sal , Saha Ratul , Bechanko Robin , Schaefer Kevin , Bestervelt Lorelle L. , Hamil Beth
Published: May 2013

Obtaining an accurate assessment of a treatment system's antimicrobial efficacy in recreational water is difficult given the large scale and high flow rates of the water systems. A laboratory test system was designed to mimic the water conditions and potential microbial contaminants found in swimming pools. This system was utilized to evaluate the performance of an in situ ozone disinfection device against four microorganisms: Cryptosporidium parvum, bacteriophage MS2, Enterococcus faecium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The sampling regimen evaluated the antimicrobial effectiveness in a single pass fashion, with samples being evaluated initially after exposure to the ozone unit, as well as at points downstream from the device. Based on the flow dynamics and log reductions, cycle threshold (Ct) values were calculated. The observed organism log reductions were as follows: >6.7 log for E. faecium and P. aeruginosa; >5.9 log for bacteriophage MS2; and between 2.7 and 4.1 log for C. parvum. The efficacy results indicate that the test system effectively functions as a secondary disinfection system as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Model Aquatic Health Code.
Accuracy of the H2S test: a systematic review of the influence of bacterial density and sample volume
Authors: Yang Hong , Wright Jim A. , Bain Robert E. S. , Pedley Steve , Elliott John , Gundry Stephen W.
Published: May 2013

The presence/absence hydrogen sulphide test (P/A H2S) is widely used as a low-cost alternative faecal indicator test in remote and resource-poor settings. The aim of the paper is to assess how bacterial density and sample volume affect its accuracy. Based on a systematic search, we identified studies that tested water samples (n = 2,034) using both the P/A H2S test and recognised tests for thermotolerant coliforms (TTC) or Escherichia coli. We calculated P/A H2S test specificity and sensitivity against a range of TTC and E. coli densities. For two studies, we compared this with sensitivity and specificity estimates for simulated 100 and 20 ml presence/absence tests. For most of the 19 included studies, as the threshold used to define contamination increased from 1 to 100 cfu/100 ml, P/A H2S test sensitivity increased but specificity decreased. Similarly, the simulation indicated that increasing test volumes from 20 to 100 ml increased sensitivity but reduced specificity. There was potential for bias, for example from lack of blinding during test interpretation, in most of the studies reviewed. In assessing the P/A H2S test as an alternative to standard methods, careful consideration of likely indicator bacteria levels and sample volume is required.
Association of Hypertension Mortality Rates with Geographic Concentrations of Chiropractors and Medical Doctors in the U.S., 2008
Authors: Hart John
Published: May 2013

As concentration (dose) of health care providers increases, health outcomes (responses) are expected to be favorable (e.g., decrease in mortality rates). Accordingly, this data-driven, ecological study compares hypertension mortality rates in the U.S. by state to concentrations of doctors of chiropractic (DC) and medical doctors (MD). DC and MD concentrations (per 10,000 population) were separately compared to 2008 hypertension death rates using Spearman correlation analysis and linear regression (where appropriate). DC concentrations revealed a stronger beneficial association with hypertension death rates (r = −0.430, p = 0.0020) compared to MD concentrations (r = −0.029 with an observed outlier, and r = −0.085 without the outlier; both coefficients not statistically significant). Linear regression revealed that an average national decrease of approximately one hypertension death per 100,000 population (95% CI = −1.4 to −0.4) would be expected with an increase of one DC per 10,000 population within the range in this study (1.0 to 5.2 DCs per 10,000 population). Since this is an observational study, causal inference is not claimed. The study is intended as a first step to research having other designs such as case-control.
Renal Amyloidosis
Authors: Said Samar M. , Sethi Sanjeev , Valeri Anthony M. , Leung Nelson , Cornell Lynn D. , Fidler Mary E. , Herrera Hernandez Loren , Vrana Julie A. , Theis Jason D. , Quint Patrick S. , Dogan Ahmet , Nasr Samih H.
Published: May 2013

Background and objectives

The kidney is the organ most commonly involved in systemic amyloidosis. This study reports the largest clinicopathologic series of renal amyloidosis.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This study provides characteristics of 474 renal amyloidosis cases evaluated at the Mayo Clinic Renal Pathology Laboratory from 2007 to 2011, including age, sex, serum creatinine, proteinuria, type of amyloid, and tissue distribution according to type.

Results

The type of amyloid was Ig amyloidosis in 407 patients (85.9%), AA amyloidosis in 33 (7.0%), leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 amyloidosis in 13 (2.7%), fibrinogen A α chain amyloidosis in 6 (1.3%), Apo AI, Apo AII, or Apo AIV amyloidosis in 3 (0.6%), combined AA amyloidosis/Ig heavy and light chain amyloidosis in 1 (0.2%), and unclassified in 11 (2.3%). Laser microdissection/mass spectrometry, performed in 147 cases, was needed to determine the origin of amyloid in 74 of the 474 cases (16%), whereas immunofluorescence failed to diagnose 28 of 384 light chain amyloidosis cases (7.3%). Leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 amyloidosis and Apo AI, Apo AII, or Apo AIV amyloidosis were characterized by diffuse interstitial deposition, whereas fibrinogen A α chain amyloidosis showed obliterative glomerular involvement. Compared with other types, Ig amyloidosis was associated with lower serum creatinine, higher degree of proteinuria, and amyloid spicules.

Conclusions

In the authors’ experience, the vast majority of renal amyloidosis cases are Ig derived. The newly identified leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 amyloidosis form was the most common of the rarer causes of renal amyloidosis. With the advent of laser microdissection/mass spectrometry for amyloid typing, the origin of renal amyloidosis can be determined in >97% of cases.
Mesenchymal stem cells isolated from peripheral blood and umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly
Authors: Trivanovic Drenka , Kocic Jelena , Mojsilovic Slavko , Krstic Aleksandra , Ilic Vesna , Okic-Djordjevic Ivana , Santibanez Juan , Jovcic Gordana , Terzic Milan , Bugarski Diana
Published: May 2013

Introduction. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising tool for
regenerative medicine, but due to the heterogeneity of their populations,
different sources and isolation techniques, the characteristics defining MSCs
are inconsistent. Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the
characteristics of MSCs derived from two different human tissues: peripheral
blood (PB-MSCs) and umbilical cord Wharton?s Jelly (UC-MSCs). Methods. The
PB-MSC and UC-MSC were isolated by adherence to plastic after
gradient-density separation or an explant culture method, respectively, and
compared regarding their morphology, clonogenic efficiency, proliferating
rates, immunophenotype and differentiation potential. Results. MSCs derived
from both sources exhibit similar morphology, proliferation capacity and
multilineage (osteogenic, chondrogenic, adipogenic and myogenic)
differentiation potential. Differences were observed in the clonogenic
capacity and the immunophenotype, since UC-MSCs showed higher CFU-F
(colony-forming units-fibroblastic) cloning efficiency, as well as higher
embryonic markers (Nanog, Sox2, SSEA4) expression. When additional surface
antigens were analyzed by flow cytometry (CD44, CD90, CD105, CD33, CD34,
CD45, CD11b, CD235a) or immunofluorescent labeling (vimentin, STRO-1 and
?-smooth muscle actin), most appeared to have similar epitope profiles
irrespective of MSC source. Conclusion. The results obtained demonstrated
that both MSCs represent good alternative sources of adult MSCs that could be
used in cell therapy applications.
Assessment of the natural course and treatment of premalignant uterine cervical lesions in pregnancy
Authors: Sljivancanin Dragisa , Kesic Vesna , Tulic Lidija , Dotlic Jelena
Published: May 2013

Introduction. Premalignant changes of the uterine cervix occur with similar
frequency during pregnancy and in non?pregnant women. Due to the fact that
any surgery on the cervix can jeopardize pregnancy, it is important to define
the protocol of procedures for the treatment of these changes during
pregnancy. Objective. The aim of the study was to investigate the natural
course of premalignant cervical changes during pregnancy and the impact of
their treatment on the pregnancy course. Methods. Study involved all patients
with colposcopically, cytologically and hystopathologically diagnosed
premalignant cervical changes during pregnancy from 2002 to 2008. Patients
were divided into two groups according to the applied treatment during
pregnancy: surgery or monitoring by regular colposcopic and cytological
examinations. The two groups were compared concerning treatment outcome,
persistence or regression of changes and pregnancy duration. Results. Study
involved 58 patients. Spontaneous remission of lesions occurred after
pregnancy in 63.79% of cases. Highgrade squamous intraepithelial lesion
(H?SIL) demonstrated a higher rate of persistency in comparison with
low?grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (L?SIL) (?2=25.115; p<0.05). Only
one finding of L?SIL progressed into H?SIL in the monitored group. Patients
who underwent conization during pregnancy had a significantly more frequent
preterm deliveries (?2=14.369; p<0.05). Conclusion. The obtained high rate of
spontaneous regression of cervical changes after pregnancy as well as the
lower incidence of preterm births in patients who were not treated by
conization during pregnancy, confirm that patients with premalignant cervical
changes should be, if invasion is excluded, under follow?up throughout
pregnancy by regular colposcopic and cytological examinations. Therapeutic
conization, due to numerous complications, should be performed only when
there is a suspected presence of a more severe form of the disease (micro
invasive and invasive carcinoma).
Treatment of the femoral neck peudoarthrosis in childhood: Case report
Authors: Vukasinovic Zoran , Seslija Igor , Pavlovic Mladen , Zivkovic Zorica
Published: May 2013

Introduction. Femoral neck fractures in children and adolescents are rare.
However, their complications are frequent - avascular necrosis, femoral neck
pseudoarthrosis, premature physeal closure with consequent growth disturbance
and coxa vara deformity. Case Outline. A 9.5?year?old boy was injured in a
car accident, and femoral neck fracture was diagnosed. Prior to admission at
our hospital he was surgically treated several times. He was admitted at our
hospital eight months following the accident. On the X?ray transcervical
pseudoarthrosis of the femoral neck was found, as well as coxa vara deformity
and metaphyseal avascular necrosis. He was operated at our hospital; all
previously placed ostefixation material was removed, valgus osteotomy of 30
degrees was done as well as additional local osteoplasty using the commercial
osteoindactive agent (Osteovit?). Postoperatively, we applied skin traction,
bed rest and physical therapy. At the final follow?up, the patient was
recovered completely. He is now painless, the legs are of equal length, range
of movements in the left hip is full, life activity is normal. The X?ray
shows that the femoral neck pseudoarthrosis is fully healed. Conclusion. This
case is presented in order to encourage other colleagues to challenge the
problematic situation such as this one. Also, we would like to remind them
what one should think about and what should be taken into consideration in
the primary treatment of femoral neck fractures in children. Valgus femoral
osteotomy, as a part of the primary treatment of femoral neck fracture in
children (identically as in the adults) can prevent the occurrence of femoral
neck pseudoarthrosis.
Vascular dementia: Facts and controversies
Authors: Pavlovic Aleksandra , Pavlovic Dragan , Aleksic Vuk , Sternic Nadezda
Published: May 2013

Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most frequent dementia after
Alzheimer?s disease, and is diagnosed during lifetime in 20% of demented
patients. Five?year survival rate in VaD is 39%, while it is estimated to be
75% in healthy persons of the same age. It is therefore important to make
correct diagnosis of VaD early in the course of the disease. Risk factors for
VaD are identical to stroke risk factors, and there are significant
possibilities for the prevention of vascular cognitive decline. Cognitive
decline develops acutely or step?by?step within three months after stroke,
but more gradual progression of intellectual decline is also possible.
Neurological examination can reveal pyramidal and extrapyramidal signs,
pseudobulbar palsy, gait disturbance and urinary incontinence.
Neuropsychological profile comprises the loss of cognitive set shifting,
decline in word fluency, verbal learning difficulties, perseverations,
difficulties in complex figure copying, and in patients with cortically
located lesions also problems with speech and praxia. The basis of the
diagnosis is, besides history, neurological examination and
neuropsychological assessment, computed tomography and/ or magnetic resonance
brain imaging. Vascular risk factors control is the most important measure in
VaD prevention. Modern guidelines for the treatment of cognitive decline in
VaD emphasize that donepezil can be useful in the improvement of cognitive
status at the level of Class IIa recommendation at the level of evidence A,
while memantine may be useful in patients with mixed VaD and Alzheimer?s
disease dementia.
Discourses of Professionalism in Family Day Care
Authors: Cook Kay , Davis Elise , Williamson Lara , Harrison Linda J. , Sims Margaret
Published: May 2013

Family day care in Australia is currently undergoing rapid ‘professionalisation’ within a national reform agenda that seeks to raise and standardise early childhood service quality. Included within this reform is a requirement that all family day care workers obtain formal qualifications and that workers are referred to as ‘educators' rather than ‘carers’. This study drew on focus groups and interviews with family day care workers, management, government and industry representatives collected as part of a larger study into family day care workers' capacity to promote children's social and emotional wellbeing. Our analysis identified three discourses of professionalisation within family day care that provide important insights into the sector at a time of significant change. Management promoted workers as ‘educators' aligned with a neo-liberal, masculine understanding of professionalism and the objective measures used to assess service quality. This discourse excluded what ‘carers' felt were important, subjective and maternal aspects of their service delivery. To reconcile these discursive extremes, some workers took up a discourse that emphasised the requirements of their ‘job’ and the standards of professionalism required by management. In conclusion, we contend that the take-up of educational discourses in family day care produce and reproduce tensions between ‘women's work’ and ‘masculine professionalism’ that undermine the sector's attempts to increase their status and recognition.
‘I Want to Educate School-Age Children’: Producing Early Childhood Teacher Professional Identities
Authors: Gibson Megan
Published: May 2013

The Australian government's current workforce reforms in early childhood education and care (ECEC) include a major shift in qualification requirements. The new requirement is that university four-year degree qualified teachers are employed in before-school contexts, including childcare. Ironically, recent research studies show that, in Australia, the very pre-service teachers who are enrolled in these degree programs have a reluctance to work in childcare. This article reports on part of a larger study which is inquiring into how early childhood teacher professional identities are discursively produced, and provides a partial mapping of the literature. One pre-service teacher's comment provides the starting point, and the article locates some of the discourses that are accessible to pre-service teachers as they prepare for the early years workforce. An awareness of the discursive field provides a sound background for preparing early childhood teachers. A challenge for the field is to consider which discourses are dominant, and how they potentially work to privilege work in some ECEC contexts over others.
Choosing Work and Care: Four Australian Women Negotiating Return to Paid Work in the First Year of Motherhood
Authors: Boyd Wendy , Walker Susan , Thorpe Karen
Published: May 2013

Australian women make decisions about returning to paid work and care for their child within a policy environment that presents mixed messages about maternal employment and childcare standards. Against this background, an investigation of first-time mothers' decision-making about workforce participation and childcare was undertaken. Four women were studied from pregnancy through the first postnatal year using interview and diary methods. Inductive analyses identified three themes, all focused on dimensions of family security: financial security relating to family income, emotional security relating to childcare quality, and pragmatic security relating to childcare access. The current policy changes that establish improved childcare quality standards in Australia present a positive step toward alleviating family insecurities, but are insufficient to alleviate the evidently high levels of tension between workforce participation and family life experienced by these four women transitioning back into the workforce in Australia.
Toddlers' Complex Communication: Playfulness from a Secure Base
Authors: Alcock Sophie
Published: May 2013

Attachment theory is presented in this article as involving embodied relational processes within complex relational systems. Two narrative-like ‘events' are re-presented to illustrate very young children playfully relating — connecting and communicating inter- and intrasubjectively. The ethnographic-inspired research methods included the researcher as a participant observer, an outsider, an other, and a-part yet connected to the observation. Belonging and well-being, holding-on and letting-go, trust and the distributed nature of individual minds connected amidst playfulness, are images observed and interpreted in these (and other) events. Several of Winnicott's metaphorical concepts around transitional phenomena, transitional and potential space, holding, and the environment as a good enough mother, are employed to further extend interpretations and understandings of attachment in complex relational ways. The implications lie in understanding and applying concepts associated with attachment theory in complex ways, rather than simply viewing attachment in terms of simplistic concepts and categories.
Self-Reported Aging-Related Fatigue: A Concept Description and Its Relevance to Physical Therapist Practice
Authors: Egerton Thorlene
Published: May 2013

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms experienced by older people, both with and without chronic disease. It is unpleasant and distressing and can affect functioning and quality of life. Fatigue also may inhibit an older person from participating optimally in a physical therapy program aimed at rehabilitation or the promotion of better health. However, confusion surrounds the concept of self-reported aging-related fatigue, not only because of the complexity of the problem itself but also because of lack of clarity of definition and the use of the term “fatigue” to describe a range of different concepts. This article aims to provide clarification of the concept in the context of physical therapist clinical practice. The intention is to increase awareness of the issue among physical therapists, promoting their assessment and consideration of the problem when planning health interventions involving functioning, physical activity, and exercise for older people.
Conceptual Limitations of Balance Measures for Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Pardasaney Poonam K. , Slavin Mary D. , Wagenaar Robert C. , Latham Nancy K. , Ni Pengsheng , Jette Alan M.
Published: May 2013

Background

Psychometric limitations of balance measures for community-dwelling elderly may be related to gaps in task and environmental representation.

Objective

The purposes of this study were: (1) to conduct item-level content analysis of balance measures for community-dwelling elderly people based on task and environmental factors and (2) to develop profiles of individual measures summarizing their task and environment representation.

Design

A systematic content analysis was conducted.

Methods

A literature search was conducted to identify balance measures. Item-level content analysis was based on 7 criteria related to task and environment: (1) task role, (2) environmental variation, (3) object interaction, (4) obstacle negotiation, (5) external forces, (6) dual-tasking, and (7) moving people or objects in the environment.

Results

Twenty-six measures, containing 167 items, were identified. Task role was fairly evenly distributed, with the majority of items examining gait tasks (32.3%), followed by dynamic body stability (29.9%) and static body stability (25.1%). The majority of items involved no environmental variation (58.1%), followed by variation of support surfaces (20.4%), visual conditions (13.2%), and both support and visual conditions (8.4%). Limited task role variability was seen within measures, with 73.1% of measures examining only one task role. Environmental variation was present in 65.3% of measures, primarily during static body stability tasks. Few measures involved object interaction (23.1%), obstacle negotiation (38.5%), external forces (11.5%), dual-tasking (7.7%), or moving people or objects (0%).

Limitations

The classification framework was not externally validated.

Conclusions

Existing measures focus on single-task assessment in static environments, underrepresenting postural control demands in daily-life situations involving dynamic changing environments, person-environment interactions, and multitasking. New items better reflecting postural control demands in daily-life situations are needed for more ecologically valid balance assessment. Individual balance measure profiles provided can help identify the most appropriate measure for a given purpose.
Journey ahead ….
Authors: Awasthi Jai Raj , Karn Sajan Kumar , Phyak Prem , Sharma Bal Krishna , Sharma Ghanashyam
Published: May 2013

Journal of NELTA, Vol. 17 No. 1-2, December 2012, Page V-VIII DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v17i1-2.8087
Safety and pharmacokinetics of sodium nitrite in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: a Phase IIA study
Authors: Oldfield Edward H. , Loomba Johanna J. , Monteith Stephen J. , Crowley R. Webster , Medel Ricky , Gress Daryl R. , Kassell Neal F. , Dumont Aaron S. , Sherman Craig
Published: May 2013

Object

Intravenous sodium nitrite has been shown to prevent and reverse cerebral vasospasm in a primate model of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The present Phase IIA dose-escalation study of sodium nitrite was conducted to determine the compound's safety in humans with aneurysmal SAH and to establish its pharmacokinetics during a 14-day infusion.

Methods

In 18 patients (3 cohorts of 6 patients each) with SAH from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, nitrite (3 patients) or saline (3 patients) was infused. Sodium nitrite and saline were delivered intravenously for 14 days, and a dose-escalation scheme was used for the nitrite, with a maximum dose of 64 nmol/kg/min. Sodium nitrite blood levels were frequently sampled and measured using mass spectroscopy, and blood methemoglobin levels were continuously monitored using a pulse oximeter.

Results

In the 14-day infusions in critically ill patients with SAH, there was no toxicity or systemic hypotension, and blood methemoglobin levels remained at 3.3% or less in all patients. Nitrite levels increased rapidly during intravenous infusion and reached steady-state levels by 12 hours after the start of infusion on Day 1. The nitrite plasma half-life was less than 1 hour across all dose levels evaluated after stopping nitrite infusions on Day 14.

Conclusions

Previous preclinical investigations of sodium nitrite for the prevention and reversal of vasospasm in a primate model of SAH were effective using doses similar to the highest dose examined in the current study (64 nmol/kg/min). Results of the current study suggest that safe and potentially therapeutic levels of nitrite can be achieved and sustained in critically ill patients after SAH from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT00873015 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Importance of awareness of the rhomboid lip in microvascular decompression surgery for hemifacial spasm
Authors: Nakahara Yukiko , Matsushima Toshio , Hiraishi Tetsuya , Takao Tetsuro , Funaki Takeshi , Masuoka Jun , Kawashima Masatou
Published: May 2013

Object

The authors adopted the infrafloccular approach for microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery to treat hemifacial spasm (HFS). The inferior portion of the flocculus is retracted to observe the root exit zone of cranial nerve (CN) VII between CN IX and the flocculus. During the procedure, the rhomboid lip, a sheetlike layer of neural tissue forming the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle, is sometimes encountered. The existence of the rhomboid lip in cases of HFS was reviewed to determine the importance of the structure during MVD surgery.

Methods

Preoperative imaging and intraoperative observations in 34 consecutive cases of HFS treated in the period from October 2008 through September 2011 were used to assess the frequency of encountering the rhomboid lip.

Results

The rhomboid lip was observed during MVD surgery in 9 (26.5%) of the 34 cases but had been demonstrated on preoperative MR images in only 3 cases (8.8%). On T2-weighted images, it appeared as a high-intensity nonstructural area on the ventral side of the flocculus and continued into the fourth ventricle via the foramen of Luschka.

Conclusions

A large rhomboid lip presents an impediment to MVD surgery in a significant minority of patients with HFS. It is seldom observed on preoperative MR images. Proper dissection of the rhomboid lip away from the arachnoid membrane and/or the lower CNs during MVD surgery provides good visualization of the root exit zone of CN VII and reduces injury of CNs IX and X, avoiding postoperative deficits like dysphagia.
Immunotherapy and Immune Evasion in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Thakur Archana , Vaishampayan Ulka , Lum Lawrence
Published: May 2013

Metastatic prostate cancer remains to this day a terminal disease. Prostatectomy and radiotherapy are effective for organ-confined diseases, but treatment for locally advanced and metastatic cancer remains challenging. Although advanced prostate cancers treated with androgen deprivation therapy achieves debulking of disease, responses are transient with subsequent development of castration-resistant and metastatic disease. Since prostate cancer is typically a slowly progressing disease, use of immune-based therapies offers an advantage to target advanced tumors and to induce antitumor immunity. This review will discuss the clinical merits of various vaccines and immunotherapies in castrate resistant prostate cancer and challenges to this evolving field of immune-based therapies.