bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses of soil nematode communities to agroecological crop management systems
Authors: Santiago Débora Cristina , Arieira Giovani de Oliveira , de Almeida Edinei , Guimarães Maria de Fátima
Published: March 2012

Soil nematodes are sensitive to human intervention and widely used as biological indicators of disruptions and alterations in soil quality. The aim of this work was to identify nematodes that are good biological indicators in maize crops under different management systems, and to establish the impact levels of these systems. Soil samples were collected over a 3-year period at a depth of 0.0-0.3 m in areas under six different management systems for maize (Zea mays) monoculture, and intercropped maize and Canavalia ensiformis. Six areas of native vegetation were also assessed to provide a reference for ecological balance. After identification and counting, nematode communities were characterised according to abundance (total and relative), diversity (identified genera and diversity indexes), trophic structure and ecological maturity (disturbance indexes). Nematodes proved to be good ecological indicators, responding to the systems employed. Intercropping maize and Canavalia ensiformis in at least one assessment year reduced disruption and increased nematode diversity, which were both verified based on specific indexes. It was also observed that the maize monoculture increased disruption leading to a drop in nematode fauna diversity and an increase in the incidence of plant-feeding nematodes.
Molecular and morphological characterisation of Rotylenchus vitis n. sp. (Nematoda: Hoplolaimidae) infectinggrapevine in southern Spain
Authors: Cantalapiedra-Navarrete Carolina , Liébanas Gracia , Archidona-Yuste Antonio , Palomares-Rius Juan E. , Castillo Pablo
Published: March 2012

Rotylenchus vitis n. sp., a new amphimictic species infesting soil and roots of commercial vineyards in southern Spain, is described. Rotylenchus vitis n. sp. is characterised by a truncate lip region with 7-9 annuli and continuous with the body contour, lateral fields areolated at pharyngeal region only, body without longitudinal striations, stylet length of 36-48 μm, vulva position at 47-57%, tail rounded to hemispherical with 13-21 annuli. Morphologically, this species is related to R. cazorlaensis, R. capitatus, R. elegans, R. fabalus, R. iranicus, R. labiodiscus, R. montanus and R. troncapitatus. The results of the phylogenetic analysis based on the sequences of the D2-D3 expansion regions of the 28S and ITS1-rRNA genes confirmed the species differentiation and the close molecular relationship between R. eximius and R. montanus, respectively.
Continuous and Discrete Time: Scientific Possibilities
Authors: Montemayor Carlos
Published: March 2012

Abstract

This paper presents a philosophical and scientifically informed assessment of the continuity of time. It provides experimental evidence for the continuity of psychological time and evaluates the view that physical and psychological time may be continuous. It then offers a potential problem for the continuity of physical time, which adds plausibility to the possibility that only psychological time is continuous. The main contributions of the paper are that it provides an adequate and up to date interpretation of traditional philosophical views concerning the continuity of time, and that it argues for a reliabilist account of the epistemology of the mathematical continuum.
A Scientific Reading of Levinas’ Response to Heidegger: The Redemptive Edge of Time
Authors: Grandy David
Published: March 2012

Abstract

In responding to Martin Heidegger, Emmanuel Levinas characterized time as revelatory and redemptive. For Levinas, Heideggerian being was self-contained and self-identical, and therefore unable to generate the sense of novel possibility which occasions the fleeting present. Something similar to Heideggerian Being may be said to have taken hold in the nineteenth century with the development of thermodynamics. The second law of thermodynamics was portrayed as the “arrow of time” moving inevitably toward universal heat death—cosmic stasis or self-identity. I argue that modern physical science itself does not fully validate this portrayal. There are, at the metaphysical level, explanatory gaps or openings which suggest other, more hopeful possibilities. These openings, I submit, are analogous to the ruptures of otherness which Levinas identified with the generosity of being and time’s redemptive aspect.
Time and the Horizon of Poignancy: Notes on Temporally Induced Sorrow
Authors: Flaherty Michael G.
Published: March 2012

Abstract

The origin of poignancy is our awareness of eventual loss due to the ephemerality of existence. Socialization produces a self that is simultaneously subject and object, knower and known. Self-consciousness is an awareness that one exists, one matters, and strong feelings are attached to one’s continued existence. To be self-conscious, however, is to be aware of one’s eventual demise. Moreover, each passing moment is immediately and irretrievably lost, which can make it precious in our sight, its loss poignant when we remember that our days are numbered. I examine poignancy in everyday life and literature. The essential formula for poignancy appears to be a collision between our capacity to imagine an infinite future and the finitude of all human experience. Susan Sontag’s study of photography provides further evidence for this argument.
Variation in body size and age structure among three Turkish populations of the treefrog Hyla arborea
Authors: Özdemir Nurhayat , Altunışık Abdullah , Ergül Tuğba , Gül Serkan , Tosunoğlu Murat , Cadeddu Giorgia , Giacoma Cristina
Published: March 2012

To determine how climate factors influence age, body size and sexual size dimorphism (SSD) in the Mediterranean region, we generated data on age and body size of the European Treefrog,Hyla arborea, in three Turkish populations with a latitudinal gradient. We estimated age structure (total ), using skeletochronology. Mean body size of both sexes was smaller in a southern population (Antalya) than in northern populations (Çanakkale and Rize) with female-larger SSD in the northern populations. A positive correlation was found between age and body size in each sex of all the populations, save the Antalya females. Since amphibian growth is reduced after maturity but continues towards the asymptotic size, interpopulation size differences may partly be explained by differences in longevity with four years in Antalya and five years in the other two populations. Comparing age and body size in three Turkish populations with those in three different populations (Greece, Switzerland and Germany) from the literature, there was a trend of South-to-North increase in body size with increased latitude and decreased temperature and aridity. The same trend occurred also in age structure (e.g., age at maturity/first reproduction, longevity). These results suggest that a difference in age structure between populations is a main factor for the geographic variation in body size of this species.
Patterns of distribution of tree frogs in Turkey based on molecular data
Authors: Gül Serkan , Kutrup Bilal , Özdemir Nurhayat
Published: March 2012

Despite previous work on the phylogeny of PalearcticHyla, several problems still exist regarding systematics ofHylain Turkey. The systematics of tree frogs (Hyla orientalisandHyla savignyi) in Turkey was studied using combined mitochondrial genes (12S ribosomal RNA and cytochromeb) and a nuclear gene (H3), and sampling a total of 102 individuals from 51 localities. We find thatHyla orientalisis represented by a single lineage, whereasHyla savignyiwas divided into two lineages by the mitochondrial genes, but not the nuclear gene. We also confirm thatHyla arborea schelkownikowiis a junior synonym ofHyla orientalis.
The Murid Order and Its ‘Doctrine of Work’
Authors: Kariya Kota
Published: March 2012

Abstract

The Murid order was founded by Aḥmad Bamba (d. 1927) at the end of the nineteenth century in the area corresponding to the western region of contemporary Senegal. Many scholars have referred to a characteristic item of faith in this order, known as the ‘doctrine of work’. On the basis of a review of studies that refer to the doctrine and an analysis of Bamba’s writings and other Arabic works, this paper indicates problems that result from insisting on a relationship between the doctrine and Bamba’s thoughts without citing appropriate sources, as well as from a biased interpretation of his passages.
A Regional Climatography of West Nile, Uganda, to Support Human Plague Modeling
Authors: Monaghan Andrew J. , MacMillan Katherine , Moore Sean M. , Mead Paul S. , Hayden Mary H. , Eisen Rebecca J.
Published: March 2012

The West Nile region in northwestern Uganda is a focal point for human plague, which peaks in boreal autumn and is spread by fleas that travel on rodent hosts. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is collaborating with the National Center for Atmospheric Research to quantitatively address the linkages between climate and human plague in this region. The aim of this paper is to advance knowledge of the climatic conditions required to maintain enzootic cycles and to trigger epizootic cycles and ultimately to target limited surveillance, prevention, and control resources. A hybrid dynamical–statistical downscaling technique was applied to simulations from the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) to generate a multiyear 2-km climate dataset for modeling plague in the West Nile region. The resulting dataset resolves the spatial variability and annual cycle of temperature, humidity, and rainfall in West Nile relative to satellite-based and in situ records. Topography exerts a first-order influence on the climatic gradients in West Nile, which lies in a transition zone between the drier East African Plateau and the wetter Congo Basin, and between the unimodal rainfall regimes of the Sahel and the bimodal rainfall regimes characteristic of equatorial East Africa. The results of a companion paper in which the WRF-based climate fields were applied to develop an improved logistic regression model of human plague occurrence in West Nile are summarized, revealing robust positive associations with rainfall at the tails of the rainy season and negative associations with rainfall during a dry spell each summer.
Arctic Response to an MJO-Like Tropical Heating in an Idealized GCM
Authors: Yoo Changhyun , Lee Sukyoung , Feldstein Steven B.
Published: March 2012

Using an initial-value approach with an idealized general circulation model, the mechanisms by which the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) influences the Arctic surface air temperature (SAT) are investigated. Model calculations corresponding to MJO phases 1 and 5 are performed, as previous studies have shown that these two phases are associated with a cooling and warming of the Arctic surface, respectively. Observed MJO-like tropical heating profiles are specified, with the phase 5 (phase 1) heating taking on a more zonally localized (uniform) spatial structure. A large ensemble of model runs is performed, where the initial flow of each ensemble member consists of the winter climatology together with an initial perturbation that is selected randomly from observational data. The model calculations show that MJO phase 5 (phase 1) is followed by a strengthening (weakening) in the poleward wave activity propagation out of the tropics, which leads to an increase (decrease) in Arctic SAT. Examination of the corresponding eddy momentum flux convergence and mass streamfunction fields shows that an eddy-induced mean meridional circulation warms (cools) the Arctic for phase 5 (phase 1). Further Arctic warming (cooling) takes place through changes in the planetary-scale, poleward eddy heat flux. In addition, calculations with a passive tracer added to the model show an increase (decrease) in the high-latitude tracer concentration for MJO phase 5 (phase 1). These results suggest that the observed changes in Arctic downward infrared radiation associated with the MJO may be associated with changes in poleward moisture transport.
Effects of Varying the Shape of the Convective Heating Profile on Convectively Coupled Gravity Waves and Moisture Modes
Authors: Fuchs Željka , Gjorgjievska Saska , Raymond David J.
Published: March 2012

The analytical model of convectively coupled gravity waves and moisture modes of Raymond and Fuchs is extended to the case of top-heavy and bottom-heavy convective heating profiles. Top-heavy heating profiles favor gravity waves, while bottom-heavy profiles support moisture modes. The latter behavior results from the sensitivity of moisture modes to the gross moist stability, which is more negative with bottom-heavy heating.

A numerical implementation of the analytical model allows calculations in the two-dimensional nonrotating case as well as on a three-dimensional equatorial beta plane. In the two-dimensional case the analytical and numerical models are mostly in agreement, although minor discrepancies occur. In three dimensions the gravity modes become equatorial Kelvin waves whereas the moisture modes are more complex and require further investigation.
Tidal Cycles in Stratification and Shear and Their Relationship to Gradient Richardson Number and Eddy Viscosity Variations in Estuaries
Authors: Whitney Michael M. , Codiga Daniel L. , Ullman David S. , McManus Pearse M. , Jiorle Ralph
Published: March 2012

Tidal cycles in stratification and shear lead to tidal variations in mixing in many estuaries. This study 1) defines readily observable dimensionless parameters for establishing the sense and magnitude of gradient Richardson number Ri and eddy viscosity K changes from maximum to minimum stratification during a tidal cycle and 2) calculates where representative estuaries fit in this parameter space. The dimensionless parameters are Ri calculated with tidal-averaged stratification and shear, scaled stratification amplitude, and a scaled shear parameter. The scaled stratification amplitude is approximately the tidal amplitude of stratification divided by the tidal-averaged stratification. The scaled shear parameter depends on the scaled tidal amplitude of shear and the phase difference between the tidal cycles of stratification and shear. Over most of the parameter space, Ri is larger at maximum stratification. If the scaled stratification amplitude falls below a threshold value defined in terms of the scaled shear parameter, shear effects dominate and cause Ri to be greater at minimum stratification. Two-thirds of the selected estuary locations have greater Ri at maximum stratification. The remaining locations are dominated by shear differences and have an atypical mixing cycle with greater Ri at minimum stratification. The Ri and K tidal variations and the position in the parameter space can drastically shift with the spring–neap cycle and spatial variations within an estuary.
Observing Ocean Surface Waves with GPS-Tracked Buoys
Authors: Herbers T. H. C. , Jessen P. F. , Janssen T. T. , Colbert D. B. , MacMahan J. H.
Published: March 2012

Surface-following buoys are widely used to collect routine ocean wave measurements. While accelerometer and tilt sensors have been used for decades to measure the wave-induced buoy displacements, alternative global positioning system (GPS) sensor packages have been introduced recently that are generally smaller, less expensive, and do not require calibration. In this study, the capabilities of several GPS sensors are evaluated with field observations in wind-sea and swell conditions off the California coast. The GPS buoys used in this study include Datawell Directional Waverider and Mini Directional Waverider buoys equipped with a specialized GPS Doppler shift sensor, and a low-cost experimental drifter equipped with an “off the shelf” GPS receiver for absolute position tracking. Various GPS position receivers were attached to the Waverider buoys to evaluate their potential use in low-cost wave-resolving drifters. Intercomparisons between the Datawell GPS-based buoys, the experimental GPS drifter, and a conventional Datawell buoy with an accelerometer–tilt–compass sensor package, show good agreement in estimates of wave frequency and direction spectra. Despite the limited (several meters) absolute accuracy of the GPS position receivers, the horizontal wave orbital displacements are accurately resolved, even in benign (significant wave height less than 1 m) swell conditions. Vertical sea surface displacements were not well resolved by the GPS position receivers with built-in or small patch antennas, but accurately measured when an external precision antenna was attached to the drifter. Overall, the field tests show excellent agreement between Datawell buoys using GPS and motion-sensor packages, and demonstrate the feasibility of observing ocean surface waves with low-cost GPS-tracked drifters.
Detection of Oceanic Quasi-Zonal Jets from Altimetry Observations
Authors: Ivanov L. M. , Collins C. A. , Margolina T. M.
Published: March 2012

Recent analyses of observations and ocean model outputs have revealed coherent low-frequency quasi-zonal jets in observed sea surface height (SSH) anomaly and model velocity fields. The jets were latent, that is, they were not detectable by eye, but revealed and selected by time-averaging procedures. Time-averaging procedures, when applied to fields that contain propagating features (eddies and waves), can create jetlike structures of nonphysical nature (artifacts). This paper suggests the application of three criteria to distinguish real jets from these artifacts, and demonstrates that quasi-zonal jets extracted from satellite altimetry observations off California were not artifacts. First, quasi-zonal jets off California were stronger than artifacts: the observed SSH for the jets reached 4–5 cm, which is considerably larger than SSH artifacts, which did not exceed 0.9–1.2 cm. Second, axes of the observed jets were not always oriented along the paths of propagating mesoscale features (waves and eddies). Observed jet axes rotated as late as 12 months after propagating mesoscale features changed their propagation direction. This behavior differed from that of artifacts, the axes of which should be oriented in the same direction as propagation paths of mesoscale features. Third, generation (amplification) of quasi-zonal jets was accompanied by phase synchronization or locking of flow time scales resulting from interactions between these scales. Because artifacts were a result of linear averaging procedures, they cannot exhibit such phase synchronization.
Far-Field Power of Lightning Strokes as Measured by the World Wide Lightning Location Network
Authors: Hutchins Michael L. , Holzworth Robert H. , Rodger Craig J. , Brundell James B.
Published: March 2012

The World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) is a long-range network capable of locating lightning strokes in space and time. While able to locate lightning to within a few kilometers and tens of microseconds, the network currently does not measure any characteristics of the strokes themselves. The capabilities of the network are expanded to allow for measurements of the far-field power from the root-mean-square electric field of the detected strokes in the 6–18-kHz band. This is accomplished by calibrating the network from a single well-calibrated station using a bootstrapping method. With this technique the global median stroke power seen by the network is 1.0 × 106 W, with an average uncertainty of 17%. The results are validated through comparison to the return-stroke peak current as measured by the New Zealand Lightning Detection Network and to the previous ground wave power measurements in the literature. The global median stroke power herein is found to be four orders of magnitude lower than that reported earlier for the measurements, including the nearby ground and sky wave. However, it is found that the far-field waveguide mode observations herein are consistent with the previous literature because of differences in observational techniques and the efficiency of coupling into a propagation wave in the Earth–ionosphere waveguide. This study demonstrates that the WWLLN-determined powers can be used to estimate the return-stroke peak currents of individual lightning strokes occurring throughout the globe.
Physical Activity-Related Experiences, Counseling Expectations, Personal Responsibility, and Altruism among Urban African American Women with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Miller Stephania T. , Marolen Khensani
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore physical activity-related experiences, perceptions, and counseling expectations among urban, underactive, African American women with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Participants were recruited via flyers and endocrinologist referral. A professional, African American female moderator led 2 focus groups among 11 participants. Focus groups were conducted in a video- and audio-equipped focus group room in the evening hours. Using a content-based, stepped analytic approach, 2 raters independently analyzed data and collaborated to compare results and finalize themes.

Results

Competing priorities and lack of motivation were perceived as significant barriers to physical activity. Physical activity-related counseling expectations (ie, physician encouragement) and experiences (physician advising) were inconsistent. Participants expressed a high degree of physical activity-related health responsibility. Altruistic intentions were high relative to helping others incorporate healthful lifestyle changes.

Conclusions

When counseling women about physical activity, diabetes educators should acknowledge and provide support and resources to help women incorporate more physical activity into their regular routines and enhance motivation for physical activity. Educators should also couple physical activity-related advice with encouragement and support. Because of high levels of altruism, educators should consider implementing group- and/or peer-based physical activity interventions in this patient group.
Lifestyle Behaviors, Chronic Diseases, and Ratings of Health Between Black and White Adults with Pre-diabetes
Authors: Zhou Qiuping (Pearl) , Remsburg Robin , Caufield Kristin , Itote Elizabeth W.
Published: March 2012

Purposes

The purposes of this study were to assess differences in lifestyle behaviors and other health-related factors between black and white adults with pre-diabetes and to identify predictors for lifestyle behaviors.

Methods

Using the 2007 and 2009 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), an annual cross-sectional survey of randomly selected samples from each state, black (n = 1156) and white (n = 9539) adults with pre-diabetes were compared on lifestyle behaviors, general health practices, perceptions of health, chronic diseases, and access to care. Predictors for participating in regular physical activity and adequate intake of fruits and vegetables were identified for each racial and gender group using multiple regression procedures.

Results

Less than 40% of the adults with pre-diabetes participated in regular physical activity, and less than a quarter had adequate intake of fruits and vegetables; only 20% met the body weight recommendations. Compared to whites, blacks were more likely to be overweight/obese (86% vs 79%) and less likely to engage in regular physical activity (29% vs 40%). Except for adequate intake of fruits and vegetables, each racial and gender group had different predictors for regular physical activity. For black males, the predictors included impaired physical health and coronary heart disease/stroke. For black females, the predictors were younger age and routine checkup.

Conclusions

Significant disparities exist between blacks and whites in lifestyle behaviors and other health-related factors. Targeted intervention strategies are needed to motivate blacks to modify behaviors to prevent or delay the development of diabetes.
Instead of Reconceptualizing the Nursing Process Let’s Re-Name It
Authors: Turkel Marian C. , Ray Marilyn A. , Kornblatt Lynne
Published: March 2012

The discipline of nursing embraces the unitary-transformative paradigm and its theories that focus on nursing with attention to the language of humanbecoming, holism, relationship, authentic presence, caring, ethical interaction, complexity, pattern, energy, and recognition. In hospital nursing practice the medical paradigm is more prevalent and focuses on regulatory compliance, the standardization of technical language of the electronic health record, and the implementation of evidence-based practice initiatives for patient safety and quality improvement. Nursing and nursing theories are considered a moral enterprise; they involve seeking the good or caring for patients, others, and complex systems. With the continued influence of the medical paradigm, the questions for nursing are: what kind of good does nursing want to promote, and what unique contribution to patient care do nurses provide through their language, theories, and practice? A new mnemonic of Recognizing, Connecting, Partnering, and Reflecting is proposed.
A Preliminary Evaluation of the Well-Being Picture Scale-Children’s Version (WPS-CV) in a Sample of Fourth and Fifth Graders
Authors: Terwilliger Susan H. , Gueldner Sarah H. , Bronstein Laura
Published: March 2012

In this paper the authors report the development and preliminary evaluation of the Rogerian-based Well-Being Picture Scale-Children’s Version in a sample of 19 fourth and fifth grade students. Data was collected in conjunction with a larger study that examined childhood overweight and depression, and other measurements in the data set included the Child Depression Inventory. Scores on the Child Depression Inventory indicated that 20% of the children in the study were at risk for depression. A significant statistical inverse correlation ( p < .05) was found between the post-test scores on the Well-Being Picture Scale-Children’s Version and the Child Depression Inventory indicating that as depression scores increase well-being scores decrease.
Humanbecoming and Practice
Authors: Hegge Margaret J.
Published: March 2012

In this column a synthetic definition of fairness-unfairness is followed by a situation study involving an exchange between two undergraduate nursing students and their professor. A series of situations unfolds in which the students encounter a refugee and her family as they enter the American healthcare system. Students share their impressions of fairness-unfairness in this family’s experiences. The professor interacts with the students to demonstrate the humanbecoming way of being with persons while bearing witness to the choices made in living out their values.
Humanbecoming Theory in Practice
Authors: Karnick Paula M.
Published: March 2012

The age-old battle of what to include in nursing education continues. Now this battle extends itself into nurse practitioner education with a slightly different twist. Abandoning nursing theory-guided education for the medical model leaves nurse practitioner education flat. In this author’s academic experience, nursing theory was included in the curriculum. The exemplar presented is testament to the distinction and significance of including nursing theory-guided education. The unique difference between nurse practitioners and physicians is the use of theory in practice.
The Possibilities with Paradexity
Authors: Bunkers Sandra Schmidt
Published: March 2012

This manuscript explores Howard’s concept of paradexity: a convergence of paradox and complexity. Emerging paradigms of paradexity are explored including the emotional economy, sense making, time expansion, and communities of interest. Parse’s theory of humanbecoming is presented as a theoretical basis to guide nursing in transcending the challenges of paradexity and cocreating a futuristic role for nursing.
Trust-Mistrust
Authors: Milton Constance L.
Published: March 2012

Professional nurses have special obligations and responsibilities to society, especially in choices regarding participating in and utilizing and promoting nurse research as evidence for practice. Potential conflicts of interest are ever-present and may interfere with healthcare recipients’ desires and wishes. The author of this research column begins a discussion of potential conflicts of interest in nurse research that may have an impact on the confirmability of research findings.
Fairness and Justice in Leading-Following
Authors: Morrow Mary R.
Published: March 2012

Fairness and justice in living the art of leading-following are explored from the perspective of the humanbecoming school of thought. In particular, fairness and justice are considered in light of the ideas of fostering integrity, being just, and trusting the process.
Thoughts About Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
Authors: Fawcett Jacqueline
Published: March 2012

This paper is an essay about evidence-based nursing practice, with an emphasis on evidence in the form of various types of theories developed by various modes of inquiry. The essay is the second in a series written to acknowledge the 25th anniversary of the founding of Nursing Science Quarterly.
Recombinant factor XIII: a safe and novel treatment for congenital factor XIII deficiency
Authors: Inbal Aida , Oldenburg Johannes , Carcao Manuel , Rosholm Anders , Tehranchi Ramin , Nugent Diane
Published: March 2012

Congenital factor XIII (FXIII) deficiency is a rare, autosomal-recessive disorder, with most patients having an A-subunit (FXIII-A) deficiency. Patients experience life-threatening bleeds, impaired wound healing, and spontaneous abortions. In many countries, only plasma or cryoprecipitate treatments are available, but these carry a risk for allergic reactions and infection with blood-borne pathogens. The present study was a multinational, open-label, single-arm, phase 3 prophylaxis trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of a novel recombinant FXIII (rFXIII) in congenital FXIII-A subunit deficiency. Forty-one patients ≥ 6 years of age (mean, 26.4; range, 7-60) with congenital FXIII-A subunit deficiency were enrolled. Throughout the rFXIII prophylaxis, only 5 bleeding episodes (all trauma induced) in 4 patients were treated with FXIII-containing products. The crude mean bleeding rate was significantly lower than the historic bleeding rate (0.138 vs 2.91 bleeds/patient/year, respectively) for on-demand treatment. Transient, non-neutralizing, low-titer anti-rFXIII Abs developed in 4 patients, none of whom experienced allergic reactions, any bleeds requiring treatment, or changes in FXIII pharmacokinetics during the trial or follow-up. These non-neutralizing Abs declined below detection limits in all 4 patients despite further exposure to rFXIII or other FXIII-containing products. We conclude that rFXIII is safe and effective in preventing bleeding episodes in patients with congenital FXIII-A subunit deficiency. This study is registered at http://www..clinicaltrials.gov as number NCT00713648.
Genome-wide associations for milk production and somatic cell score in Holstein-Friesian cattle in Ireland
Authors: Meredith Brian K , Kearney Francis J , Finlay Emma K , Bradley Daniel G , Fahey Alan G , Berry Donagh P , Lynn David J
Published: March 2012

Background

Contemporary dairy breeding goals have broadened to include, along with milk production traits, a number of non-production-related traits in an effort to improve the overall functionality of the dairy cow. Increased indirect selection for resistance to mastitis, one of the most important production-related diseases in the dairy sector, via selection for reduced somatic cell count has been part of these broadened goals. A number of genome-wide association studies have identified genetic variants associated with milk production traits and mastitis resistance, however the majority of these studies have been based on animals which were predominantly kept in confinement and fed a concentrate-based diet (i.e. high-input production systems). This genome-wide association study aims to detect associations using genotypic and phenotypic data from Irish Holstein-Friesian cattle fed predominantly grazed grass in a pasture-based production system (low-input).

Results

Significant associations were detected for milk yield, fat yield, protein yield, fat percentage, protein percentage and somatic cell score using separate single-locus, frequentist and multi-locus, Bayesian approaches. These associations were detected using two separate populations of Holstein-Friesian sires and cows. In total, 1,529 and 37 associations were detected in the sires using a single SNP regression and a Bayesian method, respectively. There were 103 associations in common between the sires and cows across all the traits. As well as detecting associations within known QTL regions, a number of novel associations were detected; the most notable of these was a region of chromosome 13 associated with milk yield in the population of Holstein-Friesian sires.

Conclusions

A total of 276 of novel SNPs were detected in the sires using a single SNP regression approach. Although obvious candidate genes may not be initially forthcoming, this study provides a preliminary framework upon which to identify the causal mechanisms underlying the various milk production traits and somatic cell score. Consequently this will deepen our understanding of how these traits are expressed.
Gene cluster analysis for the biosynthesis of elgicins, novel lantibiotics produced by paenibacillus elgii B69
Authors: Teng Yi , Zhao Wenpeng , Qian Chaodong , Li Ou , Zhu Liang , Wu Xuechang
Published: March 2012

Background

The recent increase in bacterial resistance to antibiotics has promoted the exploration of novel antibacterial materials. As a result, many researchers are undertaking work to identify new lantibiotics because of their potent antimicrobial activities. The objective of this study was to provide details of a lantibiotic-like gene cluster in Paenibacillus elgii B69 and to produce the antibacterial substances coded by this gene cluster based on culture screening.

Results

Analysis of the P. elgii B69 genome sequence revealed the presence of a lantibiotic-like gene cluster composed of five open reading frames (elgT1, elgC, elgT2, elgB, and elgA). Screening of culture extracts for active substances possessing the predicted properties of the encoded product led to the isolation of four novel peptides (elgicins AI, AII, B, and C) with a broad inhibitory spectrum. The molecular weights of these peptides were 4536, 4593, 4706, and 4820 Da, respectively. The N-terminal sequence of elgicin B was Leu-Gly-Asp-Tyr, which corresponded to the partial sequence of the peptide ElgA encoded by elgA. Edman degradation suggested that the product elgicin B is derived from ElgA. By correlating the results of electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry analyses of elgicins AI, AII, and C, these peptides are deduced to have originated from the same precursor, ElgA.

Conclusions

A novel lantibiotic-like gene cluster was shown to be present in P. elgii B69. Four new lantibiotics with a broad inhibitory spectrum were isolated, and these appear to be promising antibacterial agents.
Early effect of oral administration of omeprazole with mosapride as compared with those of omeprazole alone on the intragastric pH
Authors: Iida Hiroshi , Inamori Masahiko , Fujii Tetsuro , Sekino Yusuke , Endo Hiroki , Hosono Kunihiro , Nonaka Takashi , Koide Tomoko , Takahashi Hirokazu , Yoneda Masato , Goto Ayumu , Abe Yasunobu , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Kirikoshi Hiroyuki , Kubota Kensuke , Saito Satoru , Gotoh Eiji , Maeda Shin , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: March 2012

Background

The ideal medication for acid-related diseases should have a rapid onset of action to promote hemostasis and cause efficient resolution of symptoms. The aim of our study was to comparatively investigate the inhibitory effect on gastric acid secretion of a single oral administration of omeprazole plus mosapride with that of omeprazole alone.

Methods

Ten Helicobacter pylori-negative male subjects participated in this randomized, two-way crossover study. Intragastric pH was monitored continuously for 6 hours after a single oral administration of omeprazole 20 mg or that of omeprazole 20 mg plus mosapride 5 mg (the omeprazole being administered one hour after the mosapride). Each administration was separated by a 7-days washout period.

Results

The average pH during the 6-hour period after administration of omeprazole 20 mg plus mosapride 5 mg was higher than that after administration of omeprazole 20 mg alone (median: 3.22 versus 4.21, respectively; p = 0.0247).

Conclusions

In H. pylori -negative healthy male subjects, an oral dose of omeprazole 20 mg plus mosapride 5 mg increased the intragastric pH more rapidly than omeprazole 20 mg alone.
Metformin efficacy and safety for colorectal polyps: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Higurashi Takuma , Takahashi Hirokazu , Endo Hiroki , Hosono Kunihiro , Yamada Eiji , Ohkubo Hidenori , Sakai Eiji , Uchiyama Takashi , Hata Yasuo , Fujisawa Nobutaka , Uchiyama Shiori , Ezuka Akiko , Nagase Hajime , Kessoku Takaomi , Matsuhashi Nobuyuki , Yamanaka Shoji , Inayama Yoshiaki , Morita Satoshi , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: March 2012

Background

Colorectal cancer is one of the major neoplasms and a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and new preventive strategies are needed to lower the burden of this disease. Metformin, a biguanide, which is widely used for treating diabetes mellitus, has recently been suggestive to have a suppressive effect on tumorigenesis and cancer cell growth. In a previous study conducted in non-diabetic subjects, we showed that oral short-term low-dose metformin suppressed the development of colorectal aberrant crypt foci (ACF). ACF have been considered as a useful surrogate biomarker of CRC, although the biological significance of these lesions remains controversial. We devised a prospective randomized controlled trial to evaluate the chemopreventive effect of metformin against metachronous colorectal polyps and the safety of this drug in non-diabetic post-polypectomy patients.

Methods/Design

This study is a multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trial to be conducted in non-diabetic patients with a recent history of undergoing colorectal polypectomy. All adult patients visiting the Yokohama City University hospital or affiliated hospitals for polypectomy shall be recruited for the study. Eligible patients will then be allocated randomly into either one of two groups: the metformin group and the placebo group. Patients in the metformin group shall receive oral metformin at 250 mg per day, and those in the placebo group shall receive an oral placebo tablet. At the end of 1 year of administration of metformin/placebo, colonoscopy will be performed to evaluate the polyp formation.

Discussion

This is the first study proposed to explore the effect of metformin against colorectal polyp formation. Metformin activates AMPK, which inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. The mTOR pathway plays an important role in the cellular protein translational machinery and cell proliferation. Patients with type 2 diabetes taking under treatment with metformin have been reported to be at a lower risk of cancer development than those not taking under treatment with metformin. We showed in a previous study that metformin suppressed the formation of human colorectal ACF. We therefore decided to conduct a study to determine whether metformin might suppress the formation of human colorectal polyps.

Trial registration

This trial has been registered in the University hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000006254
Association of total energy intake and macronutrient consumption with colorectal cancer risk: results from a large population-based case-control study in Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario, Canada
Authors: Sun Zhuoyu , Liu Lin , Wang Peizhong Peter , Roebothan Barbara , Zhao Jin , Dicks Elizabeth , Cotterchio Michelle , Buehler Sharon , Campbell Peter T , Mclaughlin John R , Parfrey Patrick S
Published: March 2012

Background

Diet is regarded as one of the most important environmental factors associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. A recent report comprehensively concluded that total energy intake does not have a simple relationship with CRC risk, and that the data were inconsistent for carbohydrate, cholesterol and protein. The objective of this study was to identify the associations of CRC risk with dietary intakes of total energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber, and alcohol using data from a large case-control study conducted in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) and Ontario (ON), Canada.

Methods

Incident colorectal cancer cases (n = 1760) were identified from population-based cancer registries in the provinces of ON (1997-2000) and NL (1999-2003). Controls (n = 2481) were a random sample of residents in each province, aged 20-74 years. Family history questionnaire (FHQ), personal history questionnaire (PHQ), and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) were used to collect study data. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of intakes of total energy, macronutrients and alcohol with CRC risk.

Results

Total energy intake was associated with higher risk of CRC (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.21-2.01, p-trend = 0.02, 5th versus 1st quintile), whereas inverse associations emerged for intakes of protein (OR: 0.85, 95%CI: 0.69-1.00, p-trend = 0.06, 5th versus 1st quintile), carbohydrate (OR: 0.81, 95%CI: 0.63-1.00, p-trend = 0.05, 5th versus 1st quintile) and total dietary fiber (OR: 0.84, 95% CI:0.67-0.99, p-trend = 0.04, 5th versus 1st quintile). Total fat, alcohol, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and cholesterol were not associated with CRC risk.

Conclusion

This study provides further evidence that high energy intake may increase risk of incident CRC, whereas diets high in protein, fiber, and carbohydrate may reduce the risk of the disease.
Does the FDA have regulatory authority over adult autologous stem cell therapies? 21 CFR 1271 and the emperor's new clothes
Authors: Freeman Michael , Fuerst Mitchell
Published: March 2012

FDA has recently asserted that many autologous cell therapies once considered the practice of medicine are in fact drugs. These changes began with the creation of new sections of 21 CFR 1271 and a subsequent one word change where the FDA, without public commentary, altered a single word in its regulatory language regarding cell and tissue based therapies that asserted the authority to classify autologous tissue as drugs. The bright line between medical care and drug production can be delineated in many ways, but a simple metric that defines the dichotomy is the consent status of the patient. In healthcare, a patient can either be consented individually for a medical procedure or exposed to an unconsented risk where regulatory assurances are already in place. These new FDA policies apply rules meant to keep drugs safe in a drug factory (unconsented mass production risks) to individually consented surgical procedures. We argue that there is little societal benefit to these changes and that they are already stifling medical innovation.
Positive solutions for the third-order boundary value problems with the second derivatives
Authors: Guo Yanping , Liu Yujing , Liang Yonhchun
Published: March 2012

By using the fixed-point index theory in a cone and defining a linear operator, we obtain the existence of at least one positive solution for the third-order boundary value problem with integral boundary conditions

u

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(

t

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+
f

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∈

(

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1

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,

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,

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(

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where f : [0, 1] × R
+ × R
-
→ R
+ is a nonnegative function. The associated Green's function for the above problem is also used, and a new reproducing cone also used.
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 (mGluR5) Regulates Bladder Nociception
Authors: Crock Lara W , Stemler Kristina M , Song David G , Abbosh Philip , Vogt Sherri K , Qiu Chang-Shen , Lai H Henry , Mysorekar Indira U , Gereau Robert W
Published: March 2012

Background:

Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS), is a severely debilitating chronic condition that is frequently unresponsive to conventional pain medications. The etiology is unknown, however evidence suggests that nervous system sensitization contributes to enhanced pain in IC/PBS. In particular, central nervous system plasticity of glutamatergic signaling involving NMDA and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) has been implicated in a variety of chronic pain conditions. Here, we test the hypothesis that mGluR5 mediates both non-inflammatory and inflammatory bladder pain or nociception in a mouse model by monitoring the visceromotor response (VMR) during graded bladder distention.

Results:

Using a combination of genetic and pharmacologic approaches, we provide evidence indicating that mGluR5 is necessary for the full expression of VMR in response to bladder distention in the absence of inflammation. Furthermore, we observed that mice infected with a uropathogenic strain of Escherichia coli (UPEC) develop inflammatory hyperalgesia to bladder distention, and that the selective mGluR5 antagonist fenobam [N-(3-chlorophenyl)-N′-(4,5-dihydro-1-methyl-4-oxo-1H-imidazole-2-yl) urea], reduces the VMR to bladder distention in UPEC-infected mice.

Conclusions:

Taken together, these data suggest that mGluR5 modulates both inflammatory and non-inflammatory bladder nociception, and highlight the therapeutic potential for mGluR5 antagonists in the alleviation of bladder pain.
Seasonal variations of cough reflex sensitivity in elite athletes training in cold air environment
Authors: Turmel Julie , Bougault Valérie , Boulet Louis-Philippe
Published: March 2012

Background

Exercise-induced cough is common among athletes. Athletes training in cold air often report an increasingly troublesome cough during the winter season. Chronic airway irritation or inflammation may increase the sensory response of cough receptors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seasonal variability of cough reflex sensitivity to capsaicin in elite athletes.

Methods

Fifty-three elite winter athletes and 33 sedentary subjects completed a respiratory questionnaire and a capsaicin provocation test during the summer, fall, and winter. Allergy skin prick tests, spirometry, eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea test (EVH), methacholine inhalation test (MIT), and induced sputum analysis were also performed.

Results

In athletes, the prevalence of cough immediately after exercise was high, particularly during winter. Athletes often showed a late occurrence of cough between 2-8 h after exercise. The cough reflex sensitivity to capsaicin was unchanged through the seasons in both athletes and non-athlete subjects. No significant correlations were found in groups between cough reflex sensitivity to capsaicin and the number of years in sport training, the number of hours of training per week, EVH response (% fall in FEV1), airway responsiveness to methacholine (PC20), airway inflammation or atopy.

Conclusion

The prevalence of cough immediately and a few hours after exercise is high in athletes and more frequently reported during winter. However, cough does not seem to be associated with cough reflex hypersensitivity to capsaicin, bronchoconstriction, or airway inflammation in the majority of athletes.