bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curriculum Design of a Case‐based Knowledge Translation Shift for Emergency Medicine Residents
Authors: Friedman Sara , Sayers Benjamin , Lazio Matthew , Friedman Scott , Gisondi Michael A.
Published: October 2010

Background:  Principles of evidence‐based medicine (EBM) may be inconsistently applied to clinical decision‐making due to lack of practice‐based training, experience, and time.

Objectives:  The authors sought to design, implement, and test the feasibility of an experiential learning model for senior emergency medicine (EM) residents to apply EBM principles during real‐time clinical practice.

Methods:  Targeted program evaluation of this learning model was conducted through a prospective observational cohort study involving EM residents at a large, urban, 4‐year EM residency program. The curriculum development of a case‐based knowledge translation shift followed Kern’s six‐step design process. Subjects asynchronously completed a 1‐hour EBM tutorial and were then assigned to clinical shifts in which they contributed to the care of emergency department (ED) patients by completing formal literature searches related to active management questions. Pre‐ and post‐intervention self‐assessments of practice norms and attitudes were used to evaluate the effect of this experiential learning model for individual residents. Self‐assessments of the likelihood that the experience would result in future practice change were reported on a five‐point Likert scale (1 = greatly impeded, 2 = somewhat impeded, 3 = no change, 4 = somewhat improved, 5 = greatly improved). Subjects presented available evidence to the primary ED team, formally disseminated their findings as a brief “EBM rounds” at sign‐out and completed an “EBM consult note” and case log to document shift performance. Changes in patient management and/or disposition were recorded. EBM search questions and resultant findings were entered in a local database.

Results:  Of the 45 eligible senior EM resident shifts, 91% resulted in complete sets of performance data and self‐assessments. A total of 80 patient encounters were documented during 45 scheduled shifts over a 3‐month study period. Literature review took a mean (±SD) of 36.2 (±26.4) minutes per case. During the 3‐hour interval before or after shift sign‐out, residents completed a mean (±SD) of 2.11 (±1.4) literature searches and recorded a mean (±SD) of 3.0 (±1.5) articles for each case. Alterations in ED management for 13 of 80 patient encounters (16.3%) were documented to be the direct result of on‐shift literature searches.

Conclusions:  Case‐based knowledge translation shifts for senior EM residents can provide opportunities to practice EBM skills in the ED. This experiential learning model may result in future practice change by resident learners, as well as affect the management of active patients in the ED.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE  2010; 17:S42–S48 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Missing in Action: A Case Study of the Application of Methods for Dealing With Missing Data to Trauma System Benchmarking
Authors: O’Reilly Gerard M. , Jolley Damien J. , Cameron Peter A. , Gabbe Belinda
Published: October 2010

Background: Trauma registry data are usually incomplete. Various methods for dealing with missing data have been used, some of which lead to biased results. One method that reduces bias, multiple imputation (MI), has not been widely adopted. There is no standardization of the approach to missing data across trauma registries.

Objectives: This study examined the effect of using selected methods for handling missing data on a recognized trauma outcome measure.

Methods: Data from the Victorian State Trauma Registry (VSTR) were used for the period July 2003 to June 2008. Three methods for handling missing data were investigated: complete case analysis, single imputation, and MI. The latter was applied using five distinct models, each with a different combination of variables (Trauma and Injury Severity score [TRISS] variables; prehospital Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS], respiratory rate, and systolic blood pressure; arrival by ambulance; transfer to a second hospital; and whether the GCS was “legitimate” according to the TRISS definition). For each method, TRISS analysis (comparing actual and expected deaths) was performed; the W‐score and Z‐statistic were derived. A Z‐statistic greater than 1.96 in absolute value was considered statistically significant.

Results: Of 10,180 cases, 2,398 (24%) were missing at least one of the component variables necessary for TRISS analysis. With the use of complete case analysis, the W‐score was 0.54 unexpected survivors for every 100 cases, with a Z‐statistic of −1.96. Using two approaches to single imputation, the W‐scores were −1.41, with Z‐statistics of −5.19 and −5.30. Applying four of the five combinations of variables used for MI, there was a statistically significant number of unexpected survivors (W = −0.60, Z = −2.23; W = −0.52, Z = −1.97; W = −0.53, Z = −1.97; W = −0.63, Z = −2.24). However, using MI confined to TRISS variables only, there was a statistically significant number of unexpected deaths (W = +0.52, Z = +1.98).

Conclusions: Missing data methods can influence the assessment of trauma care performance and need to be reported in all analyses. It is important that validated standardized approaches to dealing with missing data are universally adopted and reported.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1122–1129 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Optimizing Resident Training: Results and Recommendations of the 2009 Council of Residency Directors Consensus Conference
Authors: Stahmer Sarah , Kuhn Gloria
Published: October 2010

This paper reports the results of a consensus conference of the Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors (CORD) to discuss the experiential training component of residency education in the emergency department (ED) and to make recommendations on structuring clinical training.   Self‐selected emergency medicine (EM) educators discussed experiential training focusing on three topic areas: 1) methods to optimize training in the clinical setting, 2) identification of goals and objectives by training year, and 3) determination of measurable behaviors demonstrating achievement of goals and objectives by residents. Topic areas were organized into the following questions: 1) what is the optimal number and evolution of ED shifts for EM residents during their residency training, 2) what clinical skills are expected of a resident at each level of training, and 3) what objective measures should be used to provide evidence of resident competency?   Participants attended a lecture on the goals of the conference, the questions to be answered, and the role and implementation of deliberate practice into experiential training. Attendees were divided into three groups, each discussing one question. Each group had two discussion leaders. All discussions were digitally recorded for accuracy. After discussion all groups reconvened and reported summaries of discussions and recommendations to ensure group agreement. There were 59 participants representing 42 training programs.   Educators agree that essential features of designing the ED clinical experience include the need to: 1) structure and tailor the clinical experience to optimize learning, 2) establish expectations for clinical performance based on year of training, and 3) provide feedback that is explicit to year‐specific performance expectations.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:S78–S86 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Incorporating Evidence‐based Medicine into Resident Education: A CORD Survey of Faculty and Resident Expectations
Authors: Carpenter Christopher R. , Kane Bryan G. , Carter Merle , Lucas Raymond , Wilbur Lee G. , Graffeo Charles S.
Published: October 2010

Background:  The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) invokes evidence‐based medicine (EBM) principles through the practice‐based learning core competency. The authors hypothesized that among a representative sample of emergency medicine (EM) residency programs, a wide variability in EBM resident training priorities, faculty expertise expectations, and curricula exists.

Objectives:  The primary objective was to obtain descriptive data regarding EBM practices and expectations from EM physician educators. Our secondary objective was to assess differences in EBM educational priorities among journal club directors compared with non–journal club directors.

Methods:  A 19‐question survey was developed by a group of recognized EBM curriculum innovators and then disseminated to Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors (CORD) conference participants, assessing their opinions regarding essential EBM skill sets and EBM curricular expectations for residents and faculty at their home institutions. The survey instrument also identified the degree of interest respondents had in receiving a free monthly EBM journal club curriculum.

Results:  A total of 157 individuals registered for the conference, and 98 completed the survey. Seventy‐seven (77% of respondents) were either residency program directors or assistant/associate program directors. The majority of participants were from university‐based programs and in practice at least 5 years. Respondents reported the ability to identify flawed research (45%), apply research findings to patient care (43%), and comprehend research methodology (33%) as the most important resident skill sets. The majority of respondents reported no formal journal club or EBM curricula (75%) and do not utilize structured critical appraisal instruments (71%) when reviewing the literature. While journal club directors believed that resident learners’ most important EBM skill is to identify secondary peer‐reviewed resources, non–journal club directors identified residents’ ability to distinguish significantly flawed research as the key skill to develop. Interest in receiving a free monthly EBM journal club curriculum was widely accepted (89%).

Conclusions:  Attaining EBM proficiency is an expected outcome of graduate medical education (GME) training, although the specific domains of anticipated expertise differ between faculty and residents. Few respondents currently use a formalized curriculum to guide the development of EBM skill sets. There appears to be a high level of interest in obtaining EBM journal club educational content in a structured format. Measuring the effects of providing journal club curriculum content in conjunction with other EBM interventions may warrant further investigation.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:S54–S61 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
It’s Time: An Argument for a National Emergency Medicine Education Research Center
Authors: Beeson Michael S. , Deiorio Nicole M.
Published: October 2010

Education research in emergency medicine has made some advances, but still suffers from poorly designed studies and isolated projects that are small and cannot be generalized to other institutions. This commentary argues for the need of an emergency medicine education research group (EMERG). EMERG would facilitate and coordinate better quality educational research projects at multiple institutions. This in turn would promote faculty development in education research and potentially result in improved educational outcomes and patient care.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:S11–S12 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
A Core Competency–based Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Can Predict Future Resident Performance
Authors: Wallenstein Joshua , Heron Sheryl , Santen Sally , Shayne Philip , Ander Douglas
Published: October 2010

Objectives:  This study evaluated the ability of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) administered in the first month of residency to predict future resident performance in the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies.

Methods:  Eighteen Postgraduate Year 1 (PGY‐1) residents completed a five‐station OSCE in the first month of postgraduate training. Performance was graded in each of the ACGME core competencies. At the end of 18 months of training, faculty evaluations of resident performance in the emergency department (ED) were used to calculate a cumulative clinical evaluation score for each core competency. The correlations between OSCE scores and clinical evaluation scores at 18 months were assessed on an overall level and in each core competency.

Results:  There was a statistically significant correlation between overall OSCE scores and overall clinical evaluation scores (R = 0.48, p < 0.05) and in the individual competencies of patient care (R = 0.49, p < 0.05), medical knowledge (R = 0.59, p < 0.05), and practice‐based learning (R = 0.49, p < 0.05). No correlation was noted in the systems‐based practice, interpersonal and communication skills, or professionalism competencies.

Conclusions:  An early‐residency OSCE has the ability to predict future postgraduate performance on a global level and in specific core competencies. Used appropriately, such information can be a valuable tool for program directors in monitoring residents’ progress and providing more tailored guidance.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:S67–S71 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Thymic epithelial tumours in Iceland: incidence and histopathology, a population‐based study
Authors: MARIUSDOTTIR ELIN , NIKULASSON SIGFUS , BJORNSSON JOHANNES , GUDBJARTSSON TOMAS
Published: October 2010

Mariusdottir E, Nikulasson S, Bjornsson J, Gudbjartsson T. Thymic epithelial tumours in Iceland: incidence and histopathology, a population‐based study. APMIS 2010; 118: 927–33.

The objective of this study was to re‐examine histologically and restage thymic epithelial tumours during a 25‐year period and to correlate clinical and follow‐up data. We utilized centralized registries in Iceland to establish a true nationwide incidence rate, previously unreported. A retrospective whole population study was carried out by including all patients diagnosed with a thymic epithelial tumour in Iceland between 1 January 1984 and 30 April 2010. Medical records were reviewed and presenting symptoms, diagnostic procedures and surgical outcome tabulated. The histology of all cases was reclassified according to the 2004 World Health Organization classification (A–TC). The Masaoka system was used for tumour staging. Median follow‐up was 67 months. A total of 19 patients were identified, 11 men (58%) and 8 women, with mean age at presentation of 63 years (31–87 years). The age‐standardized incidence rate (ASR) was 0.3 and 0.2/100 000/year for men and women, respectively. Types B2 (n = 5) and A (n = 5) were the most common histological subtypes. Half of the patients had local symptoms, and eight were diagnosed incidentally. Of 19 patients, 11 underwent resection of the tumour through median sternotomy. Five‐year overall survival was 53%. All four patients with thymic carcinoma (TC) died of disease within 2 years of diagnosis. For the other 15 patients, no recurrences were reported. Thymic tumours are rare in Iceland with an ASR (w) of 0.28 per 100 000 a year. To our knowledge, these are the first nationwide ASR (w) figures reported. The prognosis for most thymic epithelial cell tumours is excellent. However, TCs have a dismal long‐term survival.
Comparison of three different techniques for application of water solutions to Finn Chambers®
Authors: Frick‐Engfeldt Malin , Gruvberger Birgitta , Isaksson Marléne , Hauksson Inese , Pontén Ann , Bruze Magnus
Published: October 2010

Background: With regard to contact allergy, the dose of a sensitizer per unit skin area is an important factor for both sensitization and elicitation, and therefore a known amount/volume of test preparation should be applied at patch testing.

Objectives: To compare three different techniques for the application of aqueous solutions to Finn Chambers, in order to determine the precision and accuracy of each technique when the recommended 15 µl volume is applied.

Methods: Four technicians applied formaldehyde 1.0% aq. (wt/vol) and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone 200 ppm (wt/vol) in sets of 10 onto Finn Chambers, with three different techniques: (i) micro‐pipetting; (ii) dripping the solutions; and (iii) dripping the solutions followed by removal of excess solution with a soft tissue. Assessment of the variations was performed with the use of descriptive data. The ability to apply the exact amount was assessed by Fisher's exact test by categorizing each application as in or out of the range 12–18 µl.

Results/Conclusions: The micro‐pipette technique had the best accuracy and precision, as well as the lowest inter‐individual variation. The technique in which excess solution was removed had good precision, but failed in the application of the defined amount, i.e. 15 µl.
Revisiting the allometry of antlers among deer species: male–male sexual competition as a driver
Authors: Plard Floriane , Bonenfant Christophe , Gaillard Jean‐Michel
Published: October 2010

The positive allometry between antlers and shoulder height reported for cervids has previously been interpreted as resulting from a high male‐male competition in large species that form large breeding groups. We aim at revisiting relative antler size variation among deer species by including more species (n = 31) and by testing both direct and indirect influences of different sexual selection proxies on the relative antler length using path analysis. The absence of direct effect of mating tactic on relative antler allometry indicates that the strength of fights does not differ among mating tactics. On the other hand, the main effect of breeding group size is revealed by polygyny. Highly polygynous species have relatively longer antlers than less polygynous ones but the difference in the relative effect of breeding group size on relative antler length is weak. Strong direct effect of breeding group size and indirect effect of mating tactic shaped the observed variation in the relative antler size among deer, suggesting that the amount of male‐male competition is the main evolutionary force of antler allometry in cervids.
Safety and efficacy of two manual toothbrushes
Authors: Rosema NAM , Timmerman MF , Versteeg PA , Van Palenstein Helderman WH , Van Der Velden U , Van Der Weijden GA
Published: October 2010

To cite this article:
 
Int J Dent Hygiene 8, 2010; 280–285 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2010.00475.x Rosema NAM, Timmerman MF, Versteeg PA, van Palenstein Helderman WH, van der Velden U, van der Weijden GA. Safety and efficacy of two manual toothbrushes.

Abstract:  Objective:  The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy and safety of a newly designed multi‐level manual toothbrush (Profit‐Haije‐Brush) compared with a control flat‐trimmed manual reference toothbrush from the American Dental Association (ADA).

Material and methods:  For this study, 36 healthy subjects without previous experience in the use of the Profit‐Haije‐Brush (PHB) were selected. Subjects were given a period of 2 weeks to become familiar with both types of brushes and were instructed to use them on alternate days for 2 min twice daily. Prior to their visit, subjects refrained from all oral hygiene procedures for 48 h. Prebrushing plaque and gingival abrasion scores were assessed. Subsequently, two randomly chosen contra‐lateral quadrants were brushed with one of both brushes and the other two quadrants with the alternate brush. Subjects were supervised during their 2‐min brushing exercise. After brushing, plaque and gingival abrasion were re‐assessed. A questionnaire was filled out to investigate the subjects’ attitudes towards both brushes.

Results:  The overall mean prebrushing PI was 2.47 for the PHB and 2.44 for the ADA. The reduction in PI was 1.32 and 1.23 respectively (P < 0.05). With regard to gingival abrasion the overall mean prebrushing scores were 4.57 (PHB) and 5.34 (ADA). Post‐brushing scores were 13.49 and 13.77 for the PHB and ADA respectively.

Conclusion:  Statistically, the multi‐level PHB was significantly more efficacious than the flat‐trimmed ADA. However, the difference is clinically considered small and the amount of remaining plaque was not significantly different between brushes. No greater potential to cause gingival abrasion to the oral tissues was observed.
The effect of 1% chlorhexidine gel and 0.12% dentifrice gel on plaque accumulation: a 3‐day non‐brushing model
Authors: Slot DE , Rosema NAM , Hennequin‐Hoenderdos NL , Versteeg PA , Van Der Velden U , Van Der Weijden GA
Published: October 2010

To cite this article:
 
Int J Dent Hygiene 8, 2010; 294–300 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2010.00487.x Slot DE, Rosema NAM, Hennequin‐Hoenderdos NL, Versteeg PA, van der Velden U, van der Weijden GA. The effect of 1% chlorhexidine gel and 0.12% dentifrice gel on plaque accumulation: a 3‐day non‐brushing model.

Abstract:  Aim:  The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of four treatments on ‘de novo’ plaque accumulation. Treatments included tray application of 1% chlorhexidine gel (CHX‐Gel), 0.12% chlorhexidine dentifrice‐gel (CHX‐DFG), a regular dentifrice (RDF) tray application, or 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash (CHX‐MW) in a 3‐day non‐brushing model.

Material and methods:  The study was designed as a single blind, randomized parallel clinical trial. After professional prophylaxis, subjects abstained from all other forms of oral hygiene during a 3‐day non‐brushing period. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of the four test groups (CHX‐Gel, CHX‐DFG, RDF applied in a fluoride gel tray or rinsing with a CHX‐MW). After 3 days, the Quigley & Hein plaque index (PI) and Bleeding on Marginal Probing (BOMP) index was assessed. Subsequently, all subjects received a questionnaire to evaluate their attitude, appreciation and perception towards the products used employing a Visual Analogue Scale.

Results:  After 3 days, the full‐mouth PI means were 0.88 for the CHX‐gel regimen, 0.79 for CHX‐MW, 1.16 for CHX‐DFG and 1.31 for the RDF regimen. The two dentifrices (CHX‐DFG and RDF) were significantly less effective than the CHX‐Gel or the CHX‐MW.

Conclusion:  Within the limitations of the present 3‐day non‐brushing study design, it can be concluded that the effect of a 1% CHX‐Gel application tray is significantly greater than that of 0.12% CHX‐DFG or RDF in inhibiting plaque accumulation. The 1% CHX‐Gel applied via a tray and 0.2% CHX‐MW rinse were comparably effective.
Neural retina leucine‐zipper regulates the expression of Ppp2r5c, the regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A, in photoreceptor development
Authors: Kim Jung‐Woong , Jang Sang‐Min , Kim Chul‐Hong , An Joo‐Hee , Kang Eun‐Jin , Choi Kyung‐Hee
Published: October 2010

Protein phosphatase 2A plays an important role in balancing phosphorylation signals that are critical for cell proliferation and differentiation. Here, we report that Ppp2r5c (regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A) expression was regulated by the transcription factor neural retina leucine‐zipper (Nrl) through enhancement of its transcriptional activity on the Ppp2r5c promoter. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation, we also found that Nrl bound directly to the Nrl‐response element on the Ppp2r5c promoter. The affinity of binding of Nrl to the Ppp2r5c promoter was tightly regulated during mouse photoreceptor development. Overall, these results suggest that Ppp2r5c expression is regulated by Nrl during retinogenesis through direct binding to the promoter region of Ppp2r5c.
Cadmium – glutathione solution structures provide new insights into heavy metal detoxification
Authors: Delalande Olivier , Desvaux Hervé , Godat Emmanuel , Valleix Alain , Junot Christophe , Labarre Jean , Boulard Yves
Published: October 2010

Cadmium is a heavy metal and a pollutant that can be found in large quantities in the environment from industrial waste. Its toxicity for living organisms could arise from its ability to alter thiol‐containing cellular components. Glutathione is an abundant tripeptide (γ‐Glu‐Cys‐Gly) that is described as the first line of defence against cadmium in many cell types. NMR experiments for structure and dynamics determination, molecular simulations, competition reactions for metal chelation by different metabolites (γ‐Glu‐Cys‐Gly, α‐Glu‐Cys‐Gly and γ‐Glu‐Cys) combined with biochemical and genetics experiments have been performed to propose a full description of bio‐inorganic reactions occurring in the early steps of cadmium detoxification processes. Our results give unambiguous information about the spontaneous formation, under physiological conditions, of the Cd(GS)2 complex, about the nature of ligands involved in cadmium chelation by glutathione, and provide insights on the structures of Cd(GS)2 complexes in solution at different pH. We also show that γ‐Glu‐Cys, the precursor of glutathione, forms a stable complex with cadmium, but biological studies of the first steps of cadmium detoxification reveal that this complex does not seem to be relevant for this purpose.
Exposure to Mother’s Pregnancy and Lactation in Infancy is Associated with Sexual Attraction to Pregnancy and Lactation in Adulthood
Authors: Enquist Magnus , Aronsson Hanna , Ghirlanda Stefano , Jansson Liselotte , Jannini Emmanuele A.
Published: October 2010

Introduction

Several theories, including psychodynamic theories, sexual imprinting and early conditioning have been formulated to explain sexual development. Empirical data, however, remain insufficient for a thorough evaluation of these theories.

Aim

In this study, we test the hypothesis that a critical period exists for the acquisition of sexual preferences, as suggested by empirical findings in birds and mammals (sexual imprinting).

Methods

An Internet questionnaire was used.

Main Outcome Measures

We gather data from individuals with a sexual preference for pregnant and/or lactating women, under the hypothesis that pregnancy or lactation may become sexually attractive in adulthood following an exposure to pregnant or lactating women in infancy.

Results

We find that these preferences are more common in older siblings, i.e., in individuals who have been exposed to more maternal pregnancy and lactation. This result is independent of respondent and sibling sex. In addition, only maternal pregnancies and lactations experienced between 1.5 and 5 years of age are associated with the preferences.

Conclusions

We discuss our findings in relation to theories of sexual development and to earlier reports of birth order effects on sexual behavior. We suggest that this age range may constitute a sensitive period for the acquisition of sexual preferences.
Segregation effects according to the evolutionary stage of galaxy groups
Authors: Ribeiro A. L. B. , Lopes P. A. A. , Trevisan M.
Published: October 2010

We study segregation phenomena in 57 groups selected from the 2dF Percolation-Inferred Galaxy Groups (2PIGG) catalogue of galaxy groups. The sample corresponds to those systems located in areas of at least 80 per cent redshift coverage out to 10 times the radius of the groups. The dynamical state of the galaxy systems was determined after studying their velocity distributions. We have used the Anderson–Darling test to distinguish relaxed and non-relaxed systems. This analysis indicates that 84 per cent of groups have galaxy velocities consistent with the normal distribution, while 16 per cent of them have more complex underlying distributions. Properties of the member galaxies are investigated taking into account this classification. Our results indicate that galaxies in Gaussian groups are significantly more evolved than galaxies in non-relaxed systems out to distances of ∼4R200, presenting significantly redder (B−R) colours. We also find evidence that galaxies with MR≤−21.5 in Gaussian groups are closer to the condition of energy equipartition.
Glycemic Responses to Sweetened Dried and Raw Cranberries in Humans with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wilson Ted , Luebke Justin L. , Morcomb Erin F. , Carrell Emily J. , Leveranz Megan C. , Kobs Lisa , Schmidt Travis P. , Limburg Paul J. , Vorsa Nicholi , Singh Ajay P.
Published: October 2010

Abstract:  This study assessed the metabolic response to sweetened dried cranberries (SDC), raw cranberries (RC), and white bread (WB) in humans with type 2 diabetes. Development of palatable cranberry preparations associated with lower glycemic responses may be useful for improving fruit consumption and glycemic control among those with diabetes. In this trial, type 2 diabetics (n= 13) received WB (57 g, 160 cal, 1 g fiber), RC (55 g, 21 cal, 1 g fiber), SDC (40 g, 138 cal, 2.1 g fiber), and SDC containing less sugar (SDC‐LS, 40 g, 113 cal, 1.8 g fiber + 10 g polydextrose). Plasma glucose (mmol/L) peaked significantly at 60 min for WB, and at 30 min for RC, SDC, and SDC‐LS at 9.6 ± 0.4, 7.0 ± 0.4, 9.6 ± 0.5, and 8.7 ± 0.5, respectively, WB remained significantly elevated from the other treatments at 120 min. Plasma insulin (pmol/mL) peaked at 60 min for WB and SDC and at 30 min for RC and SDC‐LS at 157 ± 15, 142 ± 27, 61 ± 8, and 97 ± 11, respectively. Plasma insulin for SDC‐LS was significantly lower at 60 min than either WB or SDC. Insulin area under the curve (AUC) values for RC and SDC‐LS were both significantly lower than WB or SDC. Phenolic content of SDC and SDC‐LS was determined following extraction with 80% acetone prior to high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electronspray ionization‐mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) and found to be rich in 5‐caffeoylquinic cid, quercetin‐3‐galactoside, and quercetin‐3‐galactoside, and the proanthocyanidin dimer epicatechin. In conclusion, SDC‐LS was associated with a favorable glycemic and insulinemic response in type 2 diabetics.

Practical Application:  This study compares phenolic content and glycemic responses among different cranberry products. The study seeks to expand the palatable and portable healthy food choices for persons with type 2 diabetes. The novel use of polydextrose as a bulking agent making possible a reduction in caloric content and potential glycemic response is also characterized in this study.
Natural Flavone Kaempferol Suppresses Chemokines Expression in Human Monocyte THP‐1 Cells through MAPK Pathways
Authors: Huang Ching‐Hua , Jan Ren‐Long , Kuo Chang‐Hung , Chu Yu‐Te , Wang Wei‐Li , Lee Min‐Sheng , Chen Huan‐Nan , Hung Chih‐Hsing
Published: October 2010

Abstract:  There is increasing evidence that daily intake of flavonoids reduced severity and prevalence of allergic diseases. However, the mechanism of its antiinflammatory effects in allergic diseases remains uncertain. Kaempferol, which belongs to the flavone group, is a strong antioxidant among natural flavonoids and is the essential component of many beverages and vegetables. Because chemokine is one of the key mediators in allergic inflammatory process, we investigated the effect of kaempferol on chemokines expression in monocytes. Our data demonstrated that kaempferol significantly inhibited the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced production of monocyte‐derived chemokine (MDC), interferon gamma‐induced protein 10 (IP‐10), and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) in THP‐1 cells. Growth‐related oncogene‐α (GRO‐α) was also suppressed at a higher concentration. We also found that kaempferol was able to suppress LPS‐induced mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, as well as the phosphorylation of upstream c‐raf and MEK1/2. In brief, kaempferol suppressed LPS‐induced T helper 1 (Th1), T helper 2 (Th2), and neutrophil‐related chemokines production in monocytes might be via the MAPK pathways.
Diversity of aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria in paddy soil and their response to elevated atmospheric CO2
Authors: Feng Youzhi , Lin Xiangui , Mao Tingting , Zhu Jianguo
Published: October 2010

Aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria (AAnPB) are recognized as an important group driving the global carbon cycling. However, the diversity of AAnPB in terrestrial environment remains largely unknown as well as their responses to the elevated atmospheric CO2. By using culture‐independent techniques, the diversity of AAnPB in paddy soil and the changes in response to the rising atmospheric CO2 were investigated within China FACE (Free‐air CO2 enrichment) platform. There was a phylogenetically diverse AAnPB community with large population size residing in paddy soil. The community structure of AAnPB in bulk and rhizospheric soils stayed almost identical, while the population size was higher in rhizospheric [2.0–2.5 × 108 copy number of pufM genes g−1 dry weight soil (d.w.s.)] than that in bulk (0.7–0.8 × 108 g−1 d.w.s.) soils. Elevated atmospheric CO2 appeared to significantly stimulate AAnPB abundance (up to 1.4–1.5 × 108 g−1 d.w.s.) and result in a higher AAnPB percentage in total bacterial community (from 0.5% up to 1.5%) in bulk soil, whereas no significant effect was observed in rhizospheric soil. Our results would extend the functional ecotypes of AAnPB and indicate that environmental changes associated with the rising atmospheric CO2 might affect AAnPB community in paddy soil.
The emergence of human‐evolutionary medical genomics
Authors: Crespi Bernard J.
Published: October 2010

In this review, I describe how evolutionary genomics is uniquely suited to spearhead advances in understanding human disease risk, owing to the privileged position of genes as fundamental causes of phenotypic variation, and the ability of population genetic and phylogenetic methods to robustly infer processes of natural selection, drift, and mutation from genetic variation at the levels of family, population, species, and clade. I first provide an overview of models for the origins and maintenance of genetically based disease risk in humans. I then discuss how analyses of genetic disease risk can be dovetailed with studies of positive and balancing selection, to evaluate the degree to which the ‘genes that make us human’ also represent the genes that mediate risk of polygenic disease. Finally, I present four basic principles for the nascent field of human evolutionary medical genomics, each of which represents a process that is nonintuitive from a proximate perspective. Joint consideration of these principles compels novel forms of interdisciplinary analyses, most notably studies that (i) analyze tradeoffs at the level of molecular genetics, and (ii) identify genetic variants that are derived in the human lineage or in specific populations, and then compare individuals with derived versus ancestral alleles.
Past evolutionary tradeoffs represent opportunities for crop genetic improvement and increased human lifespan
Authors: Denison R. Ford
Published: October 2010

The repeated evolution of complex adaptations – crop mimicry by weeds, for example, or CO2‐concentrating C4 photosynthesis – shows the power of natural selection to solve difficult problems that limited fitness in past environments. The sophistication of natural selection’s innovations contrasts with the relatively simple changes (e.g., increasing the expression of existing genes) readily achievable by today’s biotechnology. Mutants with greater expression of these genes arose repeatedly over the course of evolution, so their present rarity indicates rejection by natural selection. Similarly, medical interventions that simply up‐ or down‐regulate existing physiological mechanisms presumably recreate phenotypes also rejected by past natural selection. Some tradeoffs that constrained past natural selection still apply, such as those resulting from conservation of matter. But tradeoffs between present human goals and individual fitness in past environments may represent fairly easy opportunities to achieve our goals by reversing some effects of past selection. This point is illustrated with three examples, based on tradeoffs between (i) individual‐plant fitness versus whole‐crop performance, (ii) the fitness of symbionts (rhizobia) versus that of their legume hosts, and (iii) human fertility versus longevity in the context of environmental cues, such as consumption of ‘famine foods’, that predict trends in population size.
Toward a systematic approach for identifying conservation flagships
Authors: Verissimo Diogo , MacMillan Douglas C. , Smith Robert J.
Published: October 2010

Flagship species are frequently used by conservation practitioners to raise funds and awareness for reducing biodiversity loss. However, uncertainty remains in the academic literature about the purpose of flagship species and little research has been conducted on improving the effectiveness of these campaigns. To reduce this problem, here, we suggest a new definition that further emphasizes their marketing role and propose an interdisciplinary framework to improve flagship identification, based on methodologies from social marketing, environmental economics, and conservation biology. This framework emphasizes that conservationists should specify the purpose of a campaign before working with the potential target audience to identify the most suitable species, and should monitor the success of their campaigns and feed this back into the marketing process. We then discuss the role of return on investment analyses to determine when funds are best spent on high‐profile flagships and when raising the profile of other species is more appropriate. Finally, we discuss how the flagship concept can be applied to other aspects of biodiversity, such as priority regions and species sharing specific traits. Thus, we argue for closer collaboration between researchers and marketing experts to ensure that marketing becomes a mainstream part of the interdisciplinary science of conservation.
Beneficial Effects of Electrostimulation Contingencies on Sustained Attention and Electrocortical Activity
Authors: Chen Max Jean‐Lon , Thompson Trevor , Kropotov Juri , Gruzelier John H.
Published: October 2010

Introduction: Chinese acupuncture therapy has been practiced for more than 3000 years. According to neuroimaging studies, electroacupuncture has been demonstrated to be effective via control of the frequency parameter of stimulation, based on the theory of frequency modulation of brain function. Aims: To investigate the following: (1) possible sustained effects of acustimulation in improving perceptual sensitivity in attention by comparing before, during, and 5 min following stimulation; (2) relations between commission errors and the motor inhibition event‐related potential (ERP) component measured with independent component analysis (ICA); (3) whether habituation would be demonstrated in the sham control group and would be militated by acustimulation in the experimental groups. Results: Twenty‐seven subjects were divided into three groups (n = 9). d‐Prime (d′) derived from signal detection theory was used as an index of perceptual sensitivity in the visual continuous performance attention test. Increased d′ was found during both alternating frequency (AE) and low frequency (LE) stimulation, but with no change in the sham control group (SE). However, only following AE was there a sustained poststimulation effect. Spatial filtration‐based independent components (ICs) in the AE group revealed significantly decreased amplitudes of the motor inhibition ICs both during and poststimulation. There was a significant habituation effect from task repetition in the sham group with decreased amplitudes of ICs as follows: the visual comparison component difference between go (correct response) and nogo cues (correct withheld response), the P400 action monitoring and the working memory component in the nogo condition, and the passive auditory component on control trials. Conclusion: The results showed associations between acustimulation and improved perceptual sensitivity with sustained improvements following AE, but not LE stimulation. Improvements in commission errors in the AE group were related to the motor inhibition IC. The activational effects of acustimulation apparently attenuated the across‐task habituation that characterized the control group.
Studies in African Cyperaceae 34. New combination in Bulbostylis Kunth ex C. B. Clarke
Authors: Arnstein Lye Kåre
Published: October 2010

This paper provides new combinations for 16 species of Bulbostylis Kunth ex C. B. Clarke originally described as Abildgaardia Vahl. The new combinations are: Bulbostylis abbreviata (Lye) Lye, B. acutispicata (Lye) Lye, B. afromicrocephala Lye, B. angustispicata (Lye) Lye, B. capitata (Lye) Lye, B. densiflora (Lye) Lye, B. lacunosa (Lye) Lye, B. laxispicata (Lye) Lye, B. longispicata (Lye) Lye, B. microanthela (Lye) Lye, B. malawiensis (Lye) Lye, B. microrotundata (Lye) Lye, B. nudiuscula (Lye) Lye, B. pluricephala (Lye) Lye, B. scrobiculata (Lye) Lye, B. squarrosa (Lye) Lye.
Threshold Incentives and Sales Variance
Authors: Sohoni Milind G. , Chopra Sunil , Mohan Usha , Sendil Nuri
Published: October 2010

In this paper, we analyze the impact of two forms of commonly used threshold‐based incentive schemes on the observed sales variability. The first form of the incentive comprises an additional marginal payment on crossing a specified sales threshold and the second form of the incentive scheme comprises a lumpsum bonus payment on crossing the predetermined sales threshold. We model the effect of such incentives under two specific scenarios: an exclusive dealership selling a single product and a non‐exclusive dealer selling two competing products. For an exclusive dealer, we show that a bonus contract not only increases the expected sales, but, more importantly, decreases the sales (order) variance. Consequently, the bonus‐based scheme allows the manufacturer to regulate sales variance better. With a non‐exclusive dealer, the sales variance increases substantially with an additional marginal payment contract. However, our analysis suggests that the bonus contract continues to perform better in this case, too, if the threshold level is set appropriately using the underlying demand distribution.
Quantifying the relevance of intraspecific trait variability for functional diversity
Authors: de Bello Francesco , Lavorel Sandra , Albert Cécile H. , Thuiller Wilfried , Grigulis Karl , Dolezal Jiři , Janeček Štepán , Lepš Jan
Published: October 2010

1. Intraspecific trait variability is a crucial, often neglected, component of functional diversity (FD) in ecological communities. In particular, uncertainty remains as to the importance of intraspecific variability in the quantification of FD.

2. To explore this uncertainty, we propose two methods addressing two critical and complementary, but largely unexplored, questions: (i) what is the extent of within‐ vs. between‐species FD in different communities? and (ii) to what extent is the response of FD to environment because of compositional turnover vs. intraspecific trait variability across habitats? The methods proposed to address these questions are built on a variance partitioning approach and have the advantage of including species relative abundance, therefore taking into account species dominance and rarity. For each of the questions, we illustrate one dedicated case study in semi‐natural grasslands with associated sampling strategies.

3. The decomposition of total community variance into within‐ vs. between‐species effects can be implemented in a manner similar to the decomposition of quadratic entropy on pairwise individual dissimilarity. The approach can be applied with single and multiple traits, although it proves more informative for single traits. It can prove particularly useful when assessing the role of different sources of trait variability in the assembly of communities.

4. The assessment of the relative contribution of intraspecific trait variability and species turnover to the response of FD to environment is based on a variance partitioning comparing FD indices computed (i) either using individuals measured in a specific habitat alone (FDhabitat) or (ii) all individuals measured across different habitats (FDfixed). This approach provides a more complete understanding of the response of FD to environment.

5. We further propose a guide to apply these two methods and to choose the most suitable method for intraspecific trait measurements. Assessing the role of intraspecific trait variability should allow a more comprehensive understanding of the processes that link species and ecosystems.
Segregation of chromatic and luminance signals using a novel grating stimulus
Authors: Lee Barry B. , Sun Hao , Valberg Arne
Published: October 2010

Non‐technical summary

Signals leaving the retina must transfer information about the luminance and chromatic dimensions of the natural world. It has been suggested that, to optimize information transmission, these signals should be strictly segregated in different pathways, such as the parvocellular and magnocellular systems. Another suggestion is that signals about luminance and colour may be combined in the parvocellular pathway. We compared physiological and psychophysical responses to gratings that compound both luminance and colour to responses with pure luminance colour and gratings. The results strongly support the idea of strict segregation of luminance and chromatic signals in the afferent visual pathway.
Adaptation of vestibular signals for self‐motion perception
Authors: St George Rebecca J. , Day Brian L. , Fitzpatrick Richard C.
Published: October 2010

Non‐technical summary The semicircular canals of the inner ear provide the brain with a sense of self‐rotation and orientation. How they maintain a stable sense over time is not understood, as the signals from the canals have no fixed reference for rotation speed. We show here by stimulating the vestibular nerves electrically and by real rotation that a central adaptive process automatically zeros the vestibular signal to define the signal that represents zero rotation. In doing this, we also show that electrical stimulation generates a virtual signal of angular acceleration about an axis through the head. Knowing how these stimuli work and how the brain interprets them will assist in developing unique methods to investigate and manage a range of pathological conditions that produce abnormal sensations of movement and balance, and provide the understanding to develop novel virtual‐reality techniques.
Approximate Solution for Pulsatile Laminar Flow in a Circular Rigid Tube
Authors: Elkouh A. F.
Published: October 2010

The momentum and energy integral methods are used to obtain expressions for the pressure gradient in unsteady flow of an inelastic power-law fluid. For the special case of a sinusoidally oscillating Newtonian fluid, the energy integral method yields results which are in excellent agreement with the exact solution at low frequencies.