bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of the Weed Community in a Seashore Paspalum Turf
Authors: Xie Xin-Ming , Jian You-Zhi , Wen Xiao-Na
Published: May 2009

The temporal dynamics of spatial heterogeneity was studied for the weed communities in a seashore paspalum turf with the use of a power-law model. Surveys were conducted in January, March, May, July, September, and November in 2007. In every survey, we set 100 quadrats (50 by 50 cm) referred to as L quadrats on a 50-m line transect at the same position in the turf. Each L quadrat was then divided into four S quadrats (25 by 25 cm) and all plant species occurring in each of these S quadrats were identified and recorded. These data were summarized into frequency distributions and the percentage of S quadrats containing a given species, and the variance of each species was estimated. The power law was used to evaluate the spatial heterogeneity (δ) and frequency of occurrence (p) for each species in the weed communities in six survey months. The results showed that weeds emerged more frequently in the summer–spring season than in winter–autumn, and the spatial heterogeneity was much higher in summer–spring than winter–autumn, especially in summer. The Shannon–Wiener diversity indexes (H') from large to small were July (5.9202) > May (5.6775) > September (5.6631) > March (5.5727) > January (5.1742) > November (4.9668). Likewise, the spatial heterogeneity index (δc) of the whole community was also different in different months. The biggest δc(0.2790) was in July, and the smallest (0.1811) in November. Meanwhile, manilagrass had a highp(= 1.0), indicating that it occurred in all S quadrats in every weed community of every month. However, the turfgrass, seashore paspalum, only emerged in March, May, July, and November, and possessed a lowp, indicating the seashore paspalum turf has been naturally replaced by manilagrass.
Effects of Preplant and Postplant Rotary Hoe Use on Weed Control, Soybean Pod Position, and Soybean Yield
Authors: Place George T. , Reberg-Horton S. Chris , Burton Michael G.
Published: May 2009

Demand for organic food products has consistently increased for more than 20 yr. The largest obstacle to organic soybean production in the southeastern United States is weed management. Current organic soybean production relies on mechanical weed control, including multiple postplant rotary hoe uses. Although postplant rotary hoe use is effective at the weed germination stage, its efficacy is severely compromised by delays due to weather. Preplant rotary hoeing is also a practice that has been utilized for weed control but the effectiveness of this practice to reduce the need for multiple postplant rotary hoeing for organic soybean production in the southeastern United States has not been investigated. Preplant rotary hoe treatments included a weekly rotary hoeing 4 wk before planting, 2 wk before planting, and none. Postplant rotary hoe treatments consisted of zero, one, two, three, and four postplant rotary hoe uses. Weed control was increased with preplant rotary hoeing at Plymouth in 2006 and 2007 but this effect disappeared with the first postplant rotary hoeing. Multiple postplant rotary hoe uses decreased soybean plant populations, decreased soybean canopy height, lowered soybean pod position, and decreased soybean yield. Plant mapping revealed that the percentage of total nodes and pods below 30 cm was increased by increased frequency of postplant rotary hoe use.
Seedbank and Emerged Weed Communities Following Adoption of Glyphosate-Resistant Crops in a Long-Term Tillage and Rotation Study
Authors: Sosnoskie Lynn M. , Herms Catherine P. , Cardina John , Webster Theodore M.
Published: May 2009

The compositions of the germinable weed seedbank and aboveground weed communities in a long-term tillage and rotation study were characterized 4, 5, and 6 yr (2002 to 2004) after the adoption of glyphosate-tolerant corn and soybean. Averaged across rotation, mean germinable weed seed density and diversity were greatest in the no-tillage treatment as compared to the minimum- and conventional-tillage treatments. Averaged over tillage, density and diversity were greater in the corn–oat–hay (ryegrass + alfalfa) system as compared to the continuous corn and corn–soybean rotations. Similar trends in density and diversity were observed for the aboveground weed communities. Differences in community composition among treatments were quantified with the use of a multiresponse permutation procedure. Results indicated that the weed seedbank community in a corn–oat–hay rotational system differed from the communities associated with the continuous corn and corn–soybean rotational systems. Weed seedbank communities developing under a no-tillage operation differed from those in minimum- and conventional-tillage scenarios. Compositional differences among the aboveground weed communities were less pronounced in response to tillage and rotation. Indicator species analyses indicated that the number of significant indicator weed species was generally higher for no tillage than minimum or conventional tillage for both the seedbank and the aboveground weed communities. The number of significant indicator species for the seedbank and weed communities was generally greater in the three-crop rotation as compared to the continuous corn and corn–soybean rotations. The trends observed in density, diversity, and community composition after the adoption of glyphosate-tolerant corn and soybeans, and a glyphosate-dominated weed management program, were also observed when soil-applied herbicides were included in the study. We suggest that the switch to a POST-glyphosate protocol did not significantly alter weed communities in the short term in this study.
Principal Canopy Factors of Sweet Corn and Relationships to Competitive Ability with Wild-Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum)
Authors: So Yim F. , Williams Martin M. , Pataky Jerald K. , Davis Adam S.
Published: May 2009

Univariate analyses fail to account for covariance among phenomorphological traits implicated in crop competitive ability. A more complete analysis of cultivar–weed interactions would reduce a number of important traits to a few underlying principal factors responsible for sweet corn competitiveness. Twenty-three commercial sweet corn hybrids from nine seed companies were grown in the presence and absence of wild-proso millet to (1) quantify the extent to which phenomorphological traits vary in sweet corn, (2) identify underlying principal factors that describe variation in crop canopy development, and (3) determine functional relationships between crop canopy factors and competitive ability. A principal component factor analysis revealed that 7 of the 18 weed-free crop traits measured at silking loaded highly (0.65 to 0.90) into the first factor, including plant height, shoot biomass, per plant leaf area, leaf area index, and intercepted light, as well as thermal time from emergence to silking and emergence to maturity. All seven traits were highly correlated (0.38 to 0.93) and were interpreted as a “late canopy and maturity” factor. Another five traits formed two additional principal factors that were interpreted as an early “seedling quality” factor (e.g., kernel mass, seedling vigor, and height at two-leaf stage) and a mid-season “canopy closure” factor (e.g., leaf area index and intercepted photosynthetically active radiation at six-leaf stage). Relationships between principal factors and competitive abilities were quantified using least-squares linear regression. Cultivars with greater loadings in the late canopy and maturity and canopy closure factors were more competitive with wild-proso millet. In contrast, crop competitive ability declined with cultivars that loaded highly into the seedling quality factor. The analyses showed that sweet corn's ability to endure weed interference and suppress weed fitness relates uniquely to three underlying principal factors that capture crop canopy development around emergence and near canopy closure and during the reproductive phase.
Using Species-Area Curves to Examine Weed Communities in Organic and Conventional Spring Wheat Systems
Authors: Pollnac Fredric W. , Maxwell Bruce D. , Menalled Fabian D.
Published: May 2009

The ecological significance of species diversity within agroecosystems has become a point of interest in recent years. Although the time and spatial scale at which diversity is measured may influence the interpretation of its functional importance, little research has been conducted on methodological approaches to assess the number and relative abundance of agricultural plant species. In this study, we (1) evaluated the applicability of the species-area curve to examine plant species richness and α and β diversity in conventional no-tillage and organically managed spring wheat systems, and (2) assessed temporal changes in plant species richness across systems. Measurements were obtained at three times during two growing seasons in experimental plots and at three times during one growing season on commercial farms in Montana. In accordance with previous studies, management system affected species richness and diversity. In eight of nine studied cases, we detected a positive relationship between species richness and sampled area. In these eight cases, intercepts (α diversity) were higher for the organic systems than for the conventional no-tillage systems. Slopes (β diversity) were higher for the organic system in six of nine cases studied. Species richness declined as the season progressed for both systems, with the organic systems consistently having more species than the conventional no-tillage systems. Despite differences in the species composition and between the experimental plots and commercial farm field size, the patterns of species richness and α and β diversity were relatively constant, suggesting that the processes responsible for the assembly of plant communities in agroecosystems of the Northern Great Plains are similar at a range of spatial scales.
Fire Alters Emergence of Invasive Plant Species from Soil Surface-Deposited Seeds
Authors: Vermeire Lance T. , Rinella Matthew J.
Published: May 2009

Restoration of historic fire regimes is complicated by concerns about exotic plant invasions, yet little is known of how the two may interact. Seeds of Japanese brome, spotted knapweed, Russian knapweed, and leafy spurge were subjected to fire at six fuel loads (100 to 700 g m−2) and a nonburned control. Fires were simulated with field-cured grass and time–temperature profiles were developed from thermocouples at the soil surface. Emergence was determined by species and fuel load in growth chambers. Fuel load explained 98% of variation in mean heat dosage and emergence decreased with increasing fuel load across species. Emergence was reduced 79 to 88% relative to nonburned treatment with 100 g m−2of fuel and at least 97% with 200 g m−2of fuel. Emergence probabilities were less than 0.01 for all species but spotted knapweed with a 300 g m−2fuel load. Results indicate high potential for fire to disrupt the life cycle of invasive species through direct seed mortality. The relationship between fuel load and seedling emergence provides good predictability of fire effects on surface-deposited seeds. A single fire is unlikely to eradicate many invasive species because they often produce abundant seeds and some will undoubtedly escape fire. However, abrupt reductions in seedling emergence with relatively light fuel loads indicate that fire may be an effective tool for increasing mortality of invasive plant seed across a broad range of habitats.
Phosphorus Fertilizer Application Method Affects Weed Growth and Competition with Wheat
Authors: Blackshaw Robert E. , Molnar Louis J.
Published: May 2009

Strategic fertilizer management is an important component of integrated weed management systems. A field study was conducted to determine the effect of various application methods of phosphorus (P) fertilizer on weed growth and wheat yield. Weed species were chosen to represent species that varied in their growth responsiveness to P: redroot pigweed (medium), wild mustard (medium), wild oat (medium), green foxtail (high), redstem filaree (high), and round-leaved mallow (high). P fertilizer application methods were seed placed at a 5-cm depth, midrow banded at a 10-cm depth, surface broadcast immediately before seeding, and surface broadcast immediately after seeding of wheat. An unfertilized control was included. P treatments were applied to the same plot in four consecutive years to determine annual and cumulative effects over years. Shoot P concentration and biomass of weeds were often lower with seed-placed or subsurface-banded P fertilizer compared with either surface-broadcast application method. This result occurred more frequently with the highly P-responsive weeds and was more evident in the latter study years. P application method had little effect on weed-free wheat yield but often had a large effect on weed-infested wheat yield. Seed-placed or midrow-banded P compared with surface-broadcast P fertilizer often resulted in higher yields when wheat was in the presence of competitive weeds. Seedbank determinations at the conclusion of the study indicated that the seed density of five of six weed species was reduced with seed-placed or subsurface-banded P compared with surface-broadcast P. Information gained in this study will aid development of more effective weed management systems in wheat.
Interactions of ghrelin signaling pathways with the GH neuroendocrine axis: a new and experimentally tested model
Authors: Wagner Clemens , Caplan S Roy , Tannenbaum Gloria S
Published: May 2009

Growth hormone (GH) is secreted in a pulsatile fashion from the pituitary gland into the circulation. Release is governed by two hypothalamic neuropeptides, growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin (SRIF), resulting in secretion episodes with a periodicity of 3.3 h in the male rat. Ghrelin is an additional recently identified potent GH-secretagogue. However, its in vivo interactions with the GH neuroendocrine axis remain to be elucidated. Moreover, two different sites of ghrelin synthesis are involved, the stomach and the hypothalamus. We used our previously developed core model of GH oscillations and added the sites of ghrelin action at the pituitary and in the hypothalamus. With this extended model, we simulated the effects of central and peripheral ghrelin injections, monitored the GH profile and compared it with existing experimental results. Systemically administered ghrelin elicits a GH pulse independent of SRIF, but only in the presence of GHRH. The peripheral ghrelin signal is mediated to the brain via the vagus nerve, where it augments the release of GHRH and stimulates the secretion of neuropeptide-Y (NPY). By contrast, centrally administered ghrelin initiates a GH pulse by increasing the GHRH level and by antagonizing the SRIF block at the pituitary. In addition, NPY neurons are activated, which trigger a delayed SRIF surge. The major novel features of the present model are a) the role played by NPY, and b) the dissimilar functions of ghrelin in the hypothalamus and at the pituitary. Furthermore, the predictions of the model were experimentally examined and confirmed.
Spring Is Here, but Contain Your Excitement
Authors: Stiglitz Joseph E.
Published: May 2009

Optimism has returned with Spring, but the global economy has a long ways to go, according to Joseph Stiglitz.
Getting Started with Curriculum Mapping in a Veterinary Degree Program
Authors: Bell Catriona E. , Ellaway Rachel H. , Rhind Susan M.
Published: May 2009

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh, UK, recently initiated a curriculum-mapping project to develop a tool that would facilitate curriculum review, improve integration and clarity across the curriculum, and provide a transparent method of demonstrating outcomes for quality-assurance purposes. The key finding from this project was that the curriculum-mapping process is a more resource-intensive undertaking than expected, and one that should not been taken lightly. At the time the project began, no commercial software was available that could be integrated with the program's other online systems or had content appropriate to an outcomes-based veterinary degree program. We recommend that future projects ensure a minimum of one dedicated full-time staff member, plus adequate educational technology support to develop a coherent and consistent format for the curriculum map that is integrated with the rest of the local online environment. Identifying the main focus of the map is also recommended at an early stage, as is the instigation of a small-scale pilot exercise to identify major local issues before starting the full mapping process. Future sustainability and development of a curriculum map also require buy-in from colleagues to ensure that relevant components of the map (e.g., learning objectives) are maintained and developed appropriately. This article is aimed at our colleagues who are considering starting a curriculum-mapping process at their institutions; we provide a brief overview of curriculum mapping, based on current literature, and then illustrate the process using our own experiences.
An Admissions System to Select Veterinary Medical Students with an Interest in Food Animals and Veterinary Public Health
Authors: Haarhuis Jan C.M. , Muijtjens Arno M.M. , Scherpbier Albert J.J.A. , van Beukelen Peter
Published: May 2009

Interest in the areas of food animals (FA) and veterinary public health (VPH) appears to be declining among prospective students of veterinary medicine. To address the expected shortage of veterinarians in these areas, the Utrecht Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has developed an admissions procedure to select undergraduates whose aptitude and interests are suited to these areas. A study using expert meetings, open interviews, and document analysis identified personal characteristics that distinguished veterinarians working in the areas of FA and VPH from their colleagues who specialized in companion animals (CA) and equine medicine (E). The outcomes were used to create a written selection tool. We validated this tool in a study among undergraduate veterinary students in their final (sixth) year before graduation. The applicability of the tool was verified in a study among first-year students who had opted to pursue either FA/VPH or CA/E. The tool revealed statistically significant differences with acceptable effect sizes between the two student groups. Because the written selection tool did not cover all of the differences between the veterinarians who specialized in FA/VPH and those who specialized in CA/E, we developed a prestructured panel interview and added it to the questionnaire. The evaluation of the written component showed that it was suitable for selecting those students who were most likely to succeed in the FA/VPH track.
Livestock Producers’ Views on Accessing Food-Animal Veterinary Services: Implications for Student Recruitment, Training, and Practice Management
Authors: Jensen Kimberly L. , English Burton C. , Menard R. Jamey , Holland Robert E.
Published: May 2009

Nationally, shortages of food-animal veterinary practitioners have been projected over the next several years. The purpose of this study was to ascertain livestock producers’ perceptions on access to veterinary services and to measure opinions on potential solutions to access problems. Data for the study were from a 2006 survey of livestock producers in Tennessee. The study found that the majority of livestock producers had not perceived problems in obtaining veterinary services during the past year. Among those who had, the problems most commonly cited were a delay in obtaining services; that the veterinarian would treat the animal only if the producer transported it to the veterinary facility; and that the cost of the veterinary service was too high relative to the value of the animal. While it was hypothesized that producers who experienced a problem would have smaller farms on average and would reside in counties with lower numbers of large- or food-animal veterinarians, the results did not support this hypothesis. Among those who perceived a problem, scholarship programs to encourage veterinary students to specialize in large- or food-animal care and greater availability of veterinary technicians to perform health care services were viewed as effective ways to alleviate access problems. Financial incentives for veterinarians to locate in rural areas were also viewed as effective. While shortages have been predicted nationally, data from this survey do not suggest a perceived shortage in Tennessee. Problems in obtaining services appear to be more closely related to practice management and availability of large-animal practitioners in dairy and equine medicine.
Veterinary Student Responses to Learning Activities that Enhance Confidence and Ability in Pig Handling
Authors: Cavalieri John
Published: May 2009

This study examined the use of resource-based learning, consideration of potential troublesome concepts, and knowledge and student evaluation as a method of improving learning outcomes in pig-handling skills for first-year Bachelor of veterinary science students. Learning resources consisted of information and videos provided online, instructors, and animals. Difficulties with regional anatomy, venipuncture technique, fear of pigs, knowledge of their behavior, anesthesia, and dosage calculations were anticipated and steps were taken to minimize these difficulties. Nevertheless, observation and feedback from students indicated that the use of syringes and needles and dosage calculation appeared to be problematic for students. The confidence of students in handling pigs was increased following participation in the class (mean confidence score ± standard error before and after the class = 4.2 ± 0.3 vs. 7.4 ± 0.4, respectively; p < 0.001). Variation in student access to some online resources, and the perceived value of some learning resources and activities, reduced the learning value of some resources and activities. Steps to promote greater student engagement with some of the learning resources and activities may improve learning outcomes in the future. Systematic evaluation of teaching and learning helped illuminate the effectiveness of teaching and identified deficiencies in teaching methods. Consideration of troublesome concepts and knowledge was of value when designing learning activities, selecting learning resources, and suggesting revisions to learning activities.
Rolly Protein (ROLP)-Epb4.1/3: A Potential Protein-Protein Interaction Relevant for the Maintenance of Cell Adhesion
Authors: Castelnuovo Manuele , Monticone Massimiliano , Massone Sara , Vassallo Irene , Tortelli Federico , Cancedda Ranieri , Pagano Aldo
Published: May 2009

We recently described Rolly Protein (ROLP), a small protein synthesized by substrate-adherent cells in a broad range of tissues. In a first set of experiments performed taking advantage of bone forming tibial cartilage as an experimental model we showed that ROLP transcription is associated to cells in an active proliferation state, whereas its downregulation is observed when cell proliferation decreases. Taking advantage of siRNA technology we also documented the expression modulation of some apoptosis-related genes in ROLP-silenced cells. In this work we search for the possible molecular interactors of ROLP by using both the antibody array approach as well as the co-immunoprecipitation approach. Results suggest the occurrence of an interaction of ROLP with Erythrocyte membrane Protein Band 4.1/3(Epb4.1/3), an oncosuppressor downregulated in tumor development and in metastatic tissues; in addition we report experimental results that keep in line also with a potential interaction of ROLP with other PDZ-containing proteins. We also present experimental evidences supporting a role played by ROLP in cell adhesion thus supporting the existence of a biologically relevant link between ROLP and Epb4.1/3. We here suggest that ROLP might exert its biological role cooperating with Epb4.1/3, a protein that is involved in biological pathways that are often inhibited in tumor metastasis. Given the role of Epb4.1/3 in contrasting cancerogenesis we think that its cooperation with ROLP might be relevant in cancer studies and deserves further investigation.
Progress in the Development of CdTe and CdZnTe Semiconductor Radiation Detectors for Astrophysical and Medical Applications
Authors: Del Sordo Stefano , Abbene Leonardo , Caroli Ezio , Mancini Anna Maria , Zappettini Andrea , Ubertini Pietro
Published: May 2009

Over the last decade, cadmium telluride (CdTe) and cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) wide band gap semiconductors have attracted increasing interest as X-ray and gamma ray detectors. Among the traditional high performance spectrometers based on silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge), CdTe and CdZnTe detectors show high detection efficiency and good room temperature performance and are well suited for the development of compact and reliable detection systems. In this paper, we review the current status of research in the development of CdTe and CdZnTe detectors by a comprehensive survey on the material properties, the device characteristics, the different techniques for improving the overall detector performance and some major applications. Astrophysical and medical applications are discussed, pointing out the ongoing Italian research activities on the development of these detectors.
Laser‐Self‐Mixing Interferometry for Mechatronics Applications
Authors: Ottonelli Simona , Dabbicco Maurizio , De Lucia Francesco , Di Vietro Michela , Scamarcio Gaetano
Published: May 2009

We report on the development of an all-interferometric optomechatronic sensor for the detection of multi-degrees-of-freedom displacements of a remote target. The prototype system exploits the self-mixing technique and consists only of a laser head, equipped with six laser sources, and a suitably designed reflective target. The feasibility of the system was validated experimentally for both single or multi-degrees-of-freedom measurements, thus demonstrating a simple and inexpensive alternative to costly and bulky existing systems.
Increased Serum Pentraxin 3 in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: IWATA YOHEI , YOSHIZAKI AYUMI , OGAWA FUMIHIDE , KOMURA KAZUHIRO , HARA TOSHIHIDE , MUROI EIJI , TAKENAKA MOTOI , SHIMIZU KAZUHIRO , HASEGAWA MINORU , FUJIMOTO MANABU , TAKEHARA KAZUHIKO , SATO SHINICHI
Published: May 2009

Objective.

To determine serum concentrations of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) and its clinical associations in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods.

Serum PTX3 levels from 45 patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dSSc), 46 with limited cutaneous SSc (lSSc), and 20 healthy controls were examined by ELISA. PTX3 expression in the sclerotic skin from SSc patients was evaluated immunohistochemically. Normal and SSc fibroblasts were cultured and PTX3 levels in the culture medium were also examined by ELISA.

Results.

Serum PTX3 levels were elevated in patients with SSc relative to controls. PTX3 levels in dSSc patients were significantly higher than in controls and lSSc patients. PTX3 expression in the sclerotic skin from SSc patients was more intense relative to normal skin. Elevation of serum PTX3 levels was associated with more frequent presence of pulmonary fibrosis, cardiac disease, and pitting scar/ulcer and increased serum immunoglobulin levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rates. PTX3 levels correlated positively with modified Rodnan total skin thickness score, and negatively with percentage vital capacity and percentage DLCO in patients with SSc. PTX3 levels also correlated positively with serum levels of 8-isoprostane, a marker of oxidative stress, and hyaluronan, recently identified as an endogenous ligand for Toll-like receptors. PTX3 production from cultured SSc fibroblasts was increased by stimulation with hyaluronan.

Conclusion

These results suggest that elevated serum PTX3 levels are associated with the disease severity of SSc.
Gonadal Hormones in Men with Rheumatoid Arthritis — From Onset Through 2 Years
Authors: TENGSTRAND BIRGITTA , CARLSTRÖM KJELL , HAFSTRÖM INGIÄLD
Published: May 2009

Objective.

To evaluate changes over a 2-year course in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in men with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from start of treatment with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs.

Methods.

Forty-one men with early RA and with joint symptoms less than 1 year were studied. Mean age at inclusion was 53 years and mean disease duration 6 months. They were followed prospectively for 2 years for disease activity [Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28)], physical impairment (Health Assessment Questionnaire), total serum testosterone, non-sex hormone-binding globulin-bound testosterone, and luteinizing hormone (LH). A group of 131 healthy, medicine-free men served as controls for baseline hormone concentrations.

Results.

The men with RA already had mean testosterone levels lower than controls early in the disease course. Patients older than 50 years also had significantly lower LH levels compared with controls, consistent with mild hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In patients who responded to treatment at the 2-year followup the testosterone levels increased significantly. A decrease in DAS28 during the 2 years correlated significantly with increased testosterone levels (rs = −0.46, p = 0.006). LH levels were low and stable and did not correlate with disease activity.

Conclusion.

In early RA, current inflammation seemed to affect the HPG axis, mainly at the gonadal rather than the hypothalamic-pituitary level. Prospective studies are indicated to determine if low HPG activity may be a cause rather than a consequence of a chronic inflammatory state.
Osteoarthritis Measurement in Routine Rheumatology Outpatient Practice (OMIRROP) in Australia: A Survey of Practice Style, Instrument Use, Responder Criteria, and State-Attainment Criteria
Authors: BELLAMY ELIZABETH , WILSON CECILIA , BELLAMY NICHOLAS
Published: May 2009

Objective.

The purpose of the 2007 Osteoarthritis Measurement in Routine Rheumatology Outpatient Practice survey was to describe practice styles, instrument usage, and perceptions of responder criteria and state-attainment criteria in osteoarthritis (OA) management in routine clinical rheumatology practice.

Methods.

A 16-item questionnaire (65 subcomponents) was developed, pretested, revised, formatted, and mailed to rheumatologists residing in Australia. Responses were obtained from 136 rheumatologists (response rate 58%).

Results.

Approximately half the Australian respondents did not follow up their patients with hip and knee OA and two-thirds did not follow up their patients with hand OA. Health status measures (HSM) were infrequently used, even by those respondents who followed their patients with OA longitudinally, and the scores from those HSM that were used, were rarely if ever formally recorded. Respondents rated the following 6 requirements of a measure for use in clinical practice as very important: validity, reliability, responsiveness, simplicity, quick completion, and easy scoring. One-fifth to one-quarter of respondents indicated they did not know quantitatively what constituted a clinically important improvement, or a health state acceptable to patients with OA. The majority of the remainder selected values not closely aligned with published values in the peer review literature.

Conclusion.

While simply describing the health status of the patient is interesting, the more strategic applications are in benchmarking, and using the data to inform shared decision-making and therapeutic goal-setting. The OMIRROP survey suggests that further investigation of interpretation issues are essential, before evaluating the role of quantitative measurement in routine OA clinical practice.
The Gap Between Practice and Guidelines in the Choice of First-line Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drug in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results from the ESPOIR Cohort
Authors: BENHAMOU MATHILDE , RINCHEVAL NATHALIE , ROY CARINE , FOLTZ VIOLAINE , ROZENBERG SYLVIE , SIBILIA JEAN , SCHAEVERBEKE THIERRY , BOURGEOIS PIERRE , RAVAUD PHILIPPE , FAUTREL BRUNO
Published: May 2009

Objective.

To compare rheumatologists’ prescription for first disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in real-life settings with 2 clinical practice guidelines (CPG), the French Society of Rheumatology/STPR 2004 and EULAR/ESCISIT 2007, and thus assess the gap between practices and guidelines.

Method.

ESPOIR was a French multicenter cohort study of 813 patients with early arthritis between 2002 and 2005. “Definite” and “probable” RA were defined according to ACR criteria and the level of diagnostic certainty. The objectives were to assess conformity between the observed first-line DMARD prescribed for those patients and the DMARD recommended in the guidelines; and to conduct a mail survey of patients’ usual rheumatologists to investigate the reasons for their nonconformity with guidelines.

Results.

In total 627 patients with definite or probable RA were identified. Conformity rates were 58% for STPR guidelines and 54% for EULAR guidelines. At 6 months, 83 (34%) patients with early RA did not receive any DMARD. Main determinants associated with conformity to guidelines were disease activity and presence of severity-predictive factors. The main reason leading to a discrepancy between guidelines and daily practice appeared to be diagnostic uncertainty, i.e., the difficulty to reliably assess RA diagnosis as early as the first visits to the rheumatologist.

Conclusion.

There is a substantial gap between CPG and rheumatologists’ daily practice concerning the first DMARD to prescribe in early RA. This is explained mainly by diagnostic uncertainty. More attention should be paid in future guidelines to the diagnostic difficulties of early RA.
Plasma 25,OH Vitamin D Concentrations Are Not Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)-related Autoantibodies in Individuals at Elevated Risk for RA
Authors: FESER MARIE , DERBER LEZLIE A. , DEANE KEVIN D. , LEZOTTE DENNIS C. , WEISMAN MICHAEL H. , BUCKNER JANE H. , MIKULS TED , O’DELL JAMES , GREGERSEN PETER K. , HOLERS V. MICHAEL , NORRIS JILL M.
Published: May 2009

Objective.

To evaluate the association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-related autoantibodies and plasma 25,OH vitamin D in subjects at risk for RA.

Methods.

In 1210 subjects without RA, 76 were positive for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies or for at least 2 rheumatoid factors (RF; by nephelometry: RF-IgM, RF-IgG, RF-IgA). 25,OH vitamin D was measured in these cases and 154 autoantibody-negative controls from this cohort.

Results.

25,OH vitamin D levels did not differ between cases and controls (adjusted OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.93–1.63).

Conclusion.

Vitamin D concentrations are not associated with RA-related autoimmunity in unaffected subjects at increased risk for RA.
Association of Measles Virus with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Table 1.
Authors: ROSENAU BARBARA J. , SCHUR PETER H.
Published: May 2009

Objective.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory polyarthritis; while the cause is unknown, it has been speculated that an infectious agent could be the trigger for the disease. Numerous attempts at isolating an agent have been unsuccessful. Our purpose was to identify a virus from diseased tissue from a patient with RA.

Methods.

Diseased tissue taken at the time of knee replacement surgery from a patient with RA was inoculated into several cell lines and observed for cytopathic effect. Cells from the tissue were also grown as explants and were examined for viruses. Synovial fluid drawn 4 years prior to the surgery and frozen at −70°C was also inoculated into cell lines. Following the development of a cytopathic effect and identification of the agent, sera from 50 patients with rheumatoid factor (RF)-negative RA were examined for IgM antibodies to the agent.

Results.

After many inoculations and numerous subpassages, measles virus was identified in 6 cell lines inoculated with either the minced tissue or synovial fluid. Six cell lines co-cultivated with one or more of 9 explants also showed the presence of measles virus. Measles virus was confirmed by immunofluorescence and by neutralization. Eleven of 50 (22%) sera samples from patients with RF-negative RA had IgM antibodies to measles virus recombinant nucleoprotein.

Conclusion.

There is an association between measles virus and RA.
Clinical Remission in Patients with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Treated with Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Agents
Authors: RUSSO RICARDO A.G. , KATSICAS MARÍA M.
Published: May 2009

Objective.

To assess the frequency of clinical remission in a cohort of patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who received continuous anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy; and to identify potential predictors of remission.

Methods.

Patients with systemic JIA who were treated with anti-TNF agents for > 6 months were studied. Demographic and nosologic variables recorded at the start of anti-TNF therapy were analyzed. Association between early variables and occurrence of remission was evaluated through Cox proportional hazard regression analysis.

Results.

Forty-five patients were included (30 girls), median age 9 years (range 2–17 yrs), age at disease onset 5 years (range 0.5–15), disease duration 3 years (range 0.5–13). Twenty-one (47%) children showed systemic symptoms at the start of anti-TNF therapy. Patients received therapy for 24 months (range 6–88): 45 (100%) were given etanercept, 17 (38%) infliximab, and 5 (11%) adalimumab, in combination with methotrexate. Anti-TNF switching was performed in 22 (49%) children. Eleven (24%) met definition criteria for remission while taking etanercept (n = 8), infliximab (2), or adalimumab (1). Remission occurred following 26 (range 9–65) months of therapy. Flares occurred in 5 (45%) patients 2 to 14 months after remission was first recorded. Absence of systemic symptoms at the start of therapy and fulfilment of improvement criteria at Month 3 were associated with remission in univariate analysis; no variable showed any association in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion.

Twenty-four percent of patients with systemic JIA experienced remission with anti-TNF therapy, but only 13% experienced sustained benefit.
Dégradation forestière himalayenne : quel rôle des pouvoirs publics ?
Authors: Baland Jean-Marie
Published: May 2009

Résumé Cet article s’intéresse à la dégradation des forêts dans l’Himalaya indien, qui a pour conséquences une érosion des sols spectaculaire et l’enlisement des grands fleuves de la région. Sur la base d’un ensemble d’études de terrains, cet article analyse les causes de ce phénomène et la nécessité d’une intervention publique pour réduire la pression humaine sur les forêts, et principalement celle qui s’exerce à travers la collecte de bois de chauffe. La pression sur les ressources dans les prochaines années devrait se poursuivre en raison de l’évolution démographique de la région et de la faible sensibilité des ménages au coût de la collecte du bois. Est ensuite évalué l’impact de deux politiques publiques : le subventionnement des sources d’énergie alternative, tel le gaz, et la modification des droits de propriété.
Investir pour innover en monde rural
Authors: Carter Michael R.
Published: May 2009

Résumé La théorie de l’innovation induite, appliquée ici au domaine agricole, suggère qu’un sentier durable de modernisation technologique existe même dans des économies caractérisées par une forte croissance démographique et une raréfaction des terres arables. Des études récentes semblent indiquer que les marchés, et les signaux qu’ils donnent, ne suffisent cependant pas à eux seuls pour permettre la croissance agricole. Cet article s’intéresse aux marchés financiers ruraux et aux raisons pour lesquelles ces derniers ne contribuent qu’insuffisamment à la réalisation des investissements nécessaires à l’accroissement de la productivité agricole, en particulier dans les régions où les petites exploitations prédominent. Nous étudions ensuite de quelle manière une nouvelle génération d’outils de gestion des risques peut permettre de remédier aux dysfonctionnements observés des marchés financiers ruraux, conduisant à la mobilisation des institutions et à la diffusion de l’innovation nécessaires à l’inscription du monde rural dans une dynamique durable de modernisation technologique.
Le miroir brisé de la « bonne gouvernance » : quelles conséquences pour l'aide au développement ?
Authors: Meisel Nicolas , Ould Aoudia Jacques
Published: May 2009

Résumé La période actuelle, qui voit la fin de l’hégémonie de l’Occident sur le reste du monde, est porteuse d’une refonte complète des relations entre Nord et Sud de la planète. L’assurance des prescriptions des pays riches en matière de développement est ébranlée : leurs analyses ne rendent compte ni des mouvements qui créent, sous nos yeux, de puissants acteurs nouveaux, ni du maintien dans la pauvreté de la plupart des pays du Sud. Libéralisation, « bonne gouvernance » et démocratie, qui caractérisent les institutions des pays développés, restent les axes centraux des politiques d’aide projetées sur les pays en développement. À partir d’une analyse des processus de transition institutionnelle et des outils de l’économie politique, on peut montrer cependant que les processus de développement, et tout particulièrement les réformes de la gouvernance, relèvent de mécanismes politiques endogènes aux sociétés. Cela n’exclut pas des emprunts à l’extérieur quand ils sont opérés par les sociétés elles-mêmes. Au total, ces réflexions questionnent les fondements de l’aide elle-même.
De l'hystérie à la maladie d'Alzheimer, quelle peut être la fonction du symptôme ?
Authors: Ploton Louis
Published: May 2009

Résumé Il est important de se poser la question de la fonction d’un symptôme, mais aussi d’une situation, d’une conduite, d’un mot, d’une représentation ou d’un ressenti. Cela peut constituer une façon utile de travailler, par exemple en milieu gérontologique quand la parole n’est plus là et/ou quand elle est débordée par l’action ou par les émotions. D’une façon générale beaucoup de symptômes servent à tenir autrui à distance. Cela concerne en particulier les personnes qui ne disposent pas des processus psychiques nécessaires pour amortir les émotions liées à une trop grande proximité d’autrui. C’est le cas chez les psychotiques pour qui la proximité peut induire un sentiment d’intrusion psychique. C’est aussi le cas chez les malades d’Alzheimer qui ne peuvent plus mettre des mots ou des pensées sur leurs émotions. Ce manque les prive de la possibilité de gérer la distance relationnelle de façon souple. Aussi, ils doivent contrôler la relation par différents moyens dont le recours à des modes de neutralisation de la capacité de penser d’autrui.
Mémoire et souvenir dans la clinique du dément
Authors: Quaderi André
Published: May 2009

Résumé La maladie d’Alzheimer et celles apparentées se définissent comme une atteinte neurologique de la mémoire et du langage. Le projet consiste à étudier les démêlés du dément avec la mémoire et ses souvenirs et de ne pas envisager ses pertes et ses ratés sur le seul registre du déficit cognitif. À partir de la théorie freudienne de la mémoire et d’une clinique du dément, un dispositif se dessine. Le dément par les désordres engendrés par la maladie témoigne de la dépendance de l’humain à la parole.
L'affordance entre les âges, clinique et singularité
Authors: Personne Michel
Published: May 2009

Résumé L’étude de la perception, selon Gibson, nous aide à clarifier les états émotionnels extraordinaires qui se jouent dans les processus d’accompagnement. De ce point de vue, les affordances concernent les interactions entre les humains. Elles sont visibles en psychogériatrie où il sera montré comment certaines pratiques peuvent rompre l’affordance et asphyxier les personnes les plus vulnérables. L’affordance, du point de vue relationnel, apparaît ainsi aussi vitale que la respiration. En ce sens, l’hypothèse d’une connexion entre « quelque chose de psychique », d’un côté, et « quelque chose de corporel de l’autre » permet ainsi d’extraire le corps du rôle de noumène, de la chose en soi, pour faire de l’émotion une conduite intermédiaire . Ce phénomène sera examiné dans les modifications de l’image du corps en situation relationnelle. Les évolutions constatées apparaîtront ainsi comme la narration de l’histoire du corps du sujet dans le groupe . Cette histoire sera objectivée par des singularités cliniques dans lesquelles les relations avec autrui se révéleront inséparables de la vie.
À propos du devenir de la rêverie dans la vieillesse
Authors: Danon-Boileau Henri
Published: May 2009

Résumé Les pertes dans tous les domaines entraînent chez le sujet âgé un repli libidinal narcissique avec un intérêt centré sur les fonctions instrumentales, un appauvrissement des investissements intellectuels (perte de curiosité, de créativité, tendance à la routine). Le futur devient source d’angoisse et partant les rêveries sont désinvesties. L’investissement des souvenirs, en particulier gratifiants, source de multiples et importantes satisfactions narcissiques, viendra pour une part relayer les activités de rêverie.
La parole du Serpent et la question des limites
Authors: Chiantaretto Jean-François
Published: May 2009

Résumé L’épisode du Serpent dans la Genèse permet de penser au plus près l’attaque de la parole et de la pensée dans les pathologies des limites. Cette attaque a pour visée le détournement de la puissance du langage, comme vecteur de différenciation et de séparation, tant sur le plan de la pensée que sur le plan relationnel.
Narcisse : une histoire de cas
Authors: Aumercier Sandrine
Published: May 2009

Résumé Le mythe de Narcisse, décrit par Ovide, met en scène l’impasse de l’identité à soi dans ses effets autant cliniques que sociaux. Il nous oblige à penser l’inscription d’un sujet dans l’univers symbolique comme soustrait à sa propre disposition, sous peine d’en produire la mise en abyme narcissique.
Enfant, famille et couple, trajectoire d'une prise en charge
Authors: Cointot Françoise
Published: May 2009

Le cas clinique décrit la trajectoire d’une prise en charge qui à partir d’un enfant va aboutir à des entretiens familiaux puis à une demande de thérapie de couple, et dont les cheminements permettent la mise en relief progressive d’un objet famille avec des personnages plus différenciés, puis d’un objet couple et enfin des engagements individuels dans une thérapie.
Accepter sa vulnérabilité. Rester vivant jusqu'au bout
Authors: Gérardin Marie-Odile
Published: May 2009

Face à la violence des émotions liée à la maladie grave, les familles et les soignants sont appelés à faire confiance aux ressources du malade. Accompagner un malade, c’est traverser avec lui une part de ce qu’il vit, partager une vulnérabilité commune. Cet accompagnement peut permettre au patient de prendre conscience de ce qu’il vit et de s’appuyer sur lui-même pour traverser cette étape de sa vie sans en être détruit psychiquement.
L'espace-rencontre comme lieu de (ré)affiliation et d'étayage parentaux : l'exemple d'un dispositif particulier, celui du Point Vert de Saint-Étienne
Authors: Pérez Frédéric
Published: May 2009

Les espaces-rencontre ont plus de vingt d’ans d’âge en France. Parce que tous ne fonctionnent pas de la même manière, cet article délimite et illustre, par le biais d’un dispositif singulier, la façon dont ils répondent à une clinique toujours plus complexe. Il met en avant les objectifs et buts de l’espace-rencontre et souligne comment un psychologue peut y intervenir en étroite relation avec l’équipe de travailleurs sociaux. Il propose des stratégies et pose les doutes que ce genre d’intervention pose parfois, notamment lorsque les enfants refusent de voir l’autre parent.