bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial dynamics of chromophoric dissolved organic matter in nearshore waters of Lake Victoria
Authors: Loiselle Steven A. , Azza Nicholas , Gichuki John , Bracchini Luca , Tognazzi Antonio , Dattilo Arduino M. , Rossi Claudio , Cozar Andres
Published: June 2010

The underwater light conditions in the African Great Lakes depend on the complex dynamics of ecological and hydrological forces, and are strongly influenced by local environmental conditions and global biogeochemical cycles. Changes in the optical conditions in these lakes have direct impacts on ecosystem productivity, carbon dynamics and nutrient availability. A central role in the underwater light climate is played by dissolved organic matter which is present in all aquatic ecosystems. The chromophoric fraction of these compounds can mediate ecosystem change through its influence on the attenuation of ultraviolet and PAR radiation, microbial carbon cycling and radiative transfer. In the African Great Lakes, little information is available regarding the dynamics of dissolved organic matter and those sources and sinks which control its presence in the water column. We present an extensive spatial analysis of three major bays on the Kenyan and Ugandan shores of Lake Victoria. We use these data to examine the dynamics of chromophoric dissolved organic matter in different bays and we develop a model to estimate its flow from these bays to the Lake, considering both conservative mixing and photodegradation processes. While some bays release chromophoric dissolved organic matter practically unmodified into the Lake, increased residence time and exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation create conditions where chromophores are lost before entering the open lake.
Some observations on the spawning season ofBarbus amphigrammain Lake Naivasha, Kenya
Authors: Mutia G. M. , Ntiba M. J. , Mavuti K. M. , Omondi G.
Published: June 2010

The objective of the study was to investigate some aspects of the breeding patterns of the cyprinid Barbus amphigramma in Lake Naivasha. The study was carried out from February to October, 2003. Fishing was done with the use of gillnets of mesh size 0.5 inch to 3 inch and a beach seine of mesh size 1 inch. Six gonad maturity stages have been described visually, based on morphological features, and validated by histological features of the ovary, as well as examination of the oocyte diameter. Females dominate the population at all sizes classes. Barbus amphigramma spawns all year round, but with discernible peaks in March, July and October. The peaks in March and October correspond with the beginning of the long and short rains, respectively, in Kenya.
Coping with stressors in elite sport: A coach perspective
Authors: Thelwell Richard , Weston Neil J. V. , Greenlees Iain
Published: June 2010

The aim of the present study was to supplement previous work that identified the stressors experienced by coaches and examine the coping strategies that elite‐level coaches employ to overcome stressors. Three elite coaches were interviewed and were required to identify three prominent stressors that they had experienced before discussing how they attempted to cope with them. The selected stressors included both performance and organizational types, and the associated coping attempts included strategies conforming to problem‐, emotion‐, avoidance‐, appraisal‐, and approach‐focused dimensions. While specific forms of coping were identified, findings also highlighted that coping strategies were employed across performance and organizational stressors, rather than being employed for one or the other. Implications for future research opportunities within the area are presented.
Analysis of direct free kicks in the women's football World Cup 2007
Authors: Alcock Alison
Published: June 2010

The location and outcome of all free kicks taken directly at goal in the 2007 women's football World Cup were assessed to identify areas with the most goal‐scoring potential and assist with tactical decisions and training design. Video of all free kicks taken directly at goal in the 32 games was captured and the location of the ball on the pitch was calculated from pitch markings and image pixel coordinates using a customized curve‐fitting method. The outcome of each free kick was determined and for those that resulted in a goal or were saved, information on ball flight time and the placement of the ball relative to the goal was reported. All seven free kicks that resulted in a goal were taken from a central area within 7 m of the penalty circle, placed at the edge of the goal within approximately 1 m of the goalpost, and had an average flight time of 1.09 s, which was significantly faster than for those that were saved. All free kicks directed towards the bottom and centre of the goal resulted in straightforward saves for the goalkeeper. It is recommended that teams should consider a direct shot from free kicks awarded within 7 m of the penalty circle. For free kicks from wide areas and areas further from the goal, players should be aware of their individual ability and only take a shot when they perceive the probability of scoring a goal to be high. Otherwise, alternative attacking strategies should be considered to avoid an easy turnover of possession.
ECSS Position Statement 2009: Prevention of acute sports injuries
Authors: Steffen Kathrin , Andersen Thor Einar , Krosshaug Tron , van Mechelen Willem , Myklebust Grethe , Verhagen Evert A. , Bahr Roald
Published: June 2010

To maximize the health benefits of sports and exercise and to minimize the direct and indirect costs associated with injuries, developing and adopting injury prevention strategies is an important goal. The aim of this ECSS consensus paper on injury prevention is to review current evidence on injury prevention methods and training programmes aimed at reducing the most common or severe types of acute injuries. The target audience is everyone involved in protecting the health of the athlete, including coaches, referees, medical staff, sports governing bodies, as well as athletes themselves. Effective sports injury prevention requires successful implementation of efficacious interventions. This paper reviews the main mechanisms and risk factors for acute injuries to the head, shoulder, elbow, hand/wrist, groin, thigh, knee, and ankle, as well as the evidence supporting various strategies to prevent them. Approaches that have been shown to be successful include: (1) using equipment designed to reduce injury risk, (2) adopting the rules of play, and (3) specific exercise programmes developed to reduce injury risk. Sports organizations should adopt available injury prevention strategies as part of their policies.
One session of interval work does not alter VO2max, peak power or plasma volume
Authors: Hodges Alastair N. H. , Sporer Benjamin C. , Lane Kirstin N. , McKenzie Donald C.
Published: June 2010

We examined the effect of one high‐intensity cycling workout on aerobic capacity (VO2max), peak cycling power, and estimated change in plasma volume on subsequent days. Eight healthy males (age=29.5±5.3 years, height=1.81±0.09 m, mass=81.5±7.5 kg) visited the laboratory on three occasions. The first visit (D1) included baseline measures of cycling VO2max, haematocrit, and haemoglobin. Following a brief rest, the participants performed a high‐intensity cycling workout of six 30‐s cycling intervals (modelled on the Wingate cycle test) with each repetition separated by 3 min rest. The final two visits (D2 and D3) included identical measures as the first visit and occurred 48 and 96 h after the interval workout. No significant differences were found for VO2max (53.4±5.3, 53.7±6.7, and 53.7±6.2 ml · kg−1 · min−1), peak power (386±35, 384±35, and 389±35 W) or estimated change in plasma volume [−0.8±8.5% (D1–D2), 1.5±11.5% (D2–D3), and −1.6±9.6% (D1–D3)] between any of the three test days. Our results show that one short‐term high‐intensity cycling workout does not alter VO2max, peak power or estimated change in plasma volume on subsequent days, and is therefore unlikely to benefit or hinder performance.
Sense of agency over speech and proneness to auditory hallucinations: The reality-monitoring paradigm
Authors: Sugimori Eriko , Asai Tomohisa , Tanno Yoshihiko
Published: June 2010

This study investigated the effects of imagining speaking aloud, sensorimotor feedback, and auditory feedback on respondents’ reports of having spoken aloud and examined the relationship between responses to “spoken aloud” in the reality-monitoring task and the sense of agency over speech. After speaking aloud, lip-synching, or imagining speaking, participants were asked whether each word had actually been spoken. The number of endorsements of “spoken aloud” was higher for words spoken aloud than for those lip-synched and higher for words lip-synched than for those imagined as having been spoken aloud. When participants were prevented by white noise from receiving auditory feedback, the discriminability of words spoken aloud decreased, and when auditory feedback was altered, reports of having spoken aloud decreased even though participants had actually done so. It was also found that those who have had auditory hallucination-like experiences were less able than were those without such experiences to discriminate the words spoken aloud, suggesting that endorsements of having “spoken aloud” in the reality-monitoring task reflected a sense of agency over speech. These results were explained in terms of the source-monitoring framework, and we proposed a revised forward model of speech in order to investigate auditory hallucinations.
Diffusion of hydrogen in graphite: a molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Herrero Carlos P , Ramírez Rafael
Published: June 2010

Diffusion of atomic and molecular hydrogen in the interstitial space between graphite sheets has been studied by molecular dynamics simulations. Interatomic interactions were modelled by a tight-binding potential fitted to density-functional calculations. Atomic hydrogen is found to be bounded to C atoms, and its diffusion consists in jumping from a C atom to a neighbouring one, with an activation energy of about 0.4 eV. Molecular hydrogen is less attached to the host sheets and diffuses faster than isolated H. At temperatures lower than 500 K, H2 diffuses with an activation energy of 89 meV, whereas at higher T its diffusion is enhanced by longer jumps of the molecule as well as by correlations between successive hops, yielding an effective activation energy of 190 meV.
Initial considerations on the relationship between the optical absorption and the thermal conductivity in dielectrics
Authors: García-Segundo C , Villagrán-Muniz M , Muhl S , Connerade J-P
Published: June 2010

The absorption of modulated or pulsed light leads to non-radiative processes that generate a photoacoustic (PA) wave. The standard model assumes that the amplitude of the PA wave is proportional to the optical absorption. In previous reports we have demonstrated experimentally and theoretically that from this proportionality: (1) one can obtain quantitative measurements of the optical properties of dielectric thin films and (2) that there may exist a relationship between the amplitude of the PA wave and the thermal conductivity of a given sample. Here we present analytic results that clearly show that the optical absorption and the thermal conductivity are coupled to the amplitude of the PA wave in the modulated regime and that this correlation holds for any type of macroscopic optical and thermal transparency. In particular, the present analysis shows that the product of the optical absorption and the thermal conductivity is related to the PA amplitude via a partition function.
Voluntary‐Threat Approaches to Reduce Ambient Water Pollution
Authors: Suter Jordan F. , Segerson Kathleen , Vossler Christian A. , Poe Gregory L.
Published: June 2010

This article considers the regulation of nonpoint source water pollution through the use of a voluntary‐threat approach, which allows a polluter group to meet a standard voluntarily but imposes an ambient tax upon noncompliance. In particular, we develop an “endogenous” voluntary‐threat approach that can be parameterized to induce compliance as a unique subgame perfect Nash equilibrium and eliminate zero‐abatement equilibria. Experimental evidence on the proposed approach as well as the “exogenous” approach of Segerson and Wu (2006) suggests that the severity of the threatened tax and the opportunity for communication are critical in determining policy outcomes.
Trade Costs and the Gains from Trade in Crop Agriculture
Authors: Reimer Jeffrey J. , Li Man
Published: June 2010

We develop a simulation model of world crop markets that is based upon Ricardian comparative advantage. We apply the model to twenty‐three countries and provide measures of the degree of globalization in this sector, the gains from trade, and the elasticity of trade volumes to trade costs. The distribution of the gains from trade across countries is uneven due to important differences in openness to imports, productivity, and other factors, some of which appear to be related to a country's level of development. Distance limits the extent by which changes in one country are transmitted to others.
PESDserv: a server for high-throughput comparison of protein binding site surfaces
Authors: Das Sourav , Krein Michael P. , Breneman Curt M.
Published: June 2010

Summary: Structure-based approaches complement ligand-based approaches for lead-discovery and cross-reactivity prediction. We present to the scientific community a web server for comparing the surface of a ligand bound site of a protein against a ligand bound site surface database of 106 796 sites. The web server implements the property encoded shape distributions (PESD) algorithm for surface comparison. A typical virtual screen takes 5 min to complete. The output provides a ranked list of sites (by site similarity), hyperlinked to the corresponding entries in the PDB and PDBeChem databases.

Availability: The server is freely accessible at http://reccr.chem.rpi.edu/Software/pesdserv/

Contact:  brenec@rpi.edu
Predictive Value of Bile Duct Dimensions Measured by Ultrasound in Neonates Presenting With Cholestasis
Authors: Fitzpatrick E , Jardine R , Farrant P , Karani J , Davenport M , Mieli‐Vergani G , Baker A
Published: June 2010

Objectives:

The significance of extrahepatic bile duct dilatation on ultrasound examination in jaundiced infants is often uncertain. We wished to clarify the diagnostic and prognostic significance of the present finding in neonatal conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia.

Patients and Methods:

We retrospectively enrolled all of the infants younger than 3 months with extrahepatic biliary dilatation ≥1.2 mm (nonfasting ultrasound) who presented during the study period. We reviewed clinical, radiological, and laboratory data to determine mode of presentation, diagnosis, interventions, and long‐term outcome.

Results:

Seventy‐six infants (41 male) were identified, all of whom were referred with conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia. Median gestational age was 39 weeks (range 24–42 weeks). Inspissated bile was the most common diagnostic category, whereas congenital choledochal malformation was the diagnosis made in 13% infants. Dilatation was an incidental finding in 9% of the infants. Seventeen percent of infants had required either surgical or radiological intervention by the time of follow‐up. Overall, 41% infants had spontaneous resolution of bile duct dilatation, including 8% who had “grown into” an unchanged duct size rather than involution of dilatation. The median size of bile duct at presentation for those who required intervention was 4.7 versus 2 mm for the remainder (P < 0.001). Of those who resolved spontaneously, the median size of duct at presentation was 1.8 mm.

Conclusions:

Bile duct dilatation <3 mm (nonfasting ultrasound) with neonatal cholestasis is unlikely to be of significance whereas >4 mm is likely to be associated with choledochal malformation or need for intervention. The intermediate group is likely to be associated with inspissated bile syndrome following resolution of which innocent biliary dilatation may persist.
Biliary Atresia in Canada: The Effect of Centre Caseload Experience on Outcome
Authors: Schreiber Richard A , Barker Collin C , Roberts Eve A , Martin Steven R ,   Canadian Pediatric Hepatology Research Group
Published: June 2010

Objectives:

Biliary atresia (BA) is a leading cause of end‐stage paediatric liver disease. Standard BA treatment is sequential surgery with an initial Kasai procedure (KP) followed by liver transplant (LT) for patients who progress to liver failure. A key determinant for the post‐KP patient survival with their native liver is patient age at KP (older age, poorer outcome). Recently, European studies have reported that caseload experience influences prognosis with centres managing <5 cases per year (UK) or <2 cases per year (France) having worse survival. Our study investigates the effect of caseload experience on outcomes of Canadian patients with BA.

Patients and Methods:

A national database of cases with BA, born from 1992 to 2002, was examined. Patients were grouped according to treatment centre size (A: on average <1 case per year; B: 1 to 3 cases per year; and C: >3 cases per year). Overall patient, post‐KP native liver, and LT survivals were compared between centres. Outcome parameters were reevaluated for patients grouped by the largest Canadian centre (>5 cases per year) and all other centres (<5 cases per year).

Results:

Two‐hundred thirty patients were identified among 6 group A, 4 group B, and 2 group C centres. The overall median age at KP was 64 days. There were no significant differences in patient, post‐KP native liver, or LT survivals between the sized centres and even the largest centre, with the overall 4‐year post‐KP native liver survival being 39%.

Conclusions:

Caseload experience does not importantly affect the outcomes for Canadian children with BA. Although outcomes in Canada are comparable to those elsewhere, national policies directed towards timely referral and earlier age at KP rather than centralisation of care are needed.
Effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis Supplementation in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Szajewska Hania , Guandalini Stefano , Morelli Lorenzo , Van Goudoever Johannes B , Walker Allan
Published: June 2010

Objective:

To systematically evaluate and update evidence on the efficacy and safety of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis CNCM I‐3446 supplementation in preterm infants.

Materials and Methods:

The Cochrane Library and MEDLINE databases and major pediatric conference proceedings were searched in December 2008 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The company that manufactures B lactis was contacted for unpublished data. The review was restricted to RCTs performed in preterm infants <37 weeks of gestation and/or with a birth weight <2500 g.

Results:

Four RCTs involving 324 infants met the inclusion criteria. Compared with controls, B lactis supplementation has the potential to increase fecal bifidobacteria counts and to reduce Enterobacteriaceae and Clostridium spp counts. It also can reduce stool pH and fecal calprotectin concentrations, increase fecal immunoglobulin A and short‐chain fatty acid concentrations, and decrease intestinal permeability. Compared with controls, B lactis supplementation had no effect on the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis stage ≥2 (3 RCTs, n = 293, risk ratio [RR] 0.53, 95% CI 0.16–1.83), risk of sepsis (2 RCTs, 397 cultures, RR 0.6, 95% CI 0.07–5.2), and use of antibiotics (2 RCTs, n = 255, RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.28–1.62). The power of these studies, however, does not allow for a definitive statement regarding a reduced risk of necrotizing enterocolitis. B lactis supplementation did have some effects on anthropometric parameters. No adverse events associated with B lactis supplementation were reported.

Conclusions:

Evidence regarding the potential beneficial effects of B lactis supplementation in preterm infants is encouraging. Further studies to assess clinically relevant outcomes are needed.
Molecular Characterization of Intestinal Microbiota in Infants Fed With Soymilk
Authors: Piacentini Giorgio , Peroni Diego , Bessi Elena , Morelli Lorenzo
Published: June 2010

Background:

Intestinal bacteria play an important role in the postnatal development of the immune system. The composition of gut microbiota is profoundly influenced by the infant's diet, but there is little information about the effects of soymilk on the composition of intestinal biota. The present study was designed to investigate the intestinal ecosystem of the newborn in relation to the consumption of soymilk.

Materials and Methods:

Twelve infants had their bovine milk–based formula replaced with soymilk. The intestinal microbial composition of the infants was investigated before and after the change by means of polymerase chain reaction‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. In addition, species‐specific amplification of 10 Bifidobacterium species, 3 Ruminococcus species, and the Bacteroides group was performed.

Results:

Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis revealed bacterial profiles characterized by numerous bands typical for each subject. No variations were detected by species‐specific polymerase chain reaction.

Conclusions:

The data demonstrate that soymilk feeding does not alter the intestinal flora of infants and decrease the intestinal bifidobacterial population.
Insights from unifying modern approximations to infections on networks
Authors: House Thomas , Keeling Matt J.
Published: June 2010

Networks are increasingly central to modern science owing to their ability to conceptualize multiple interacting components of a complex system. As a specific example of this, understanding the implications of contact network structure for the transmission of infectious diseases remains a key issue in epidemiology. Three broad approaches to this problem exist: explicit simulation; derivation of exact results for special networks; and dynamical approximations. This paper focuses on the last of these approaches, and makes two main contributions. Firstly, formal mathematical links are demonstrated between several prima facie unrelated dynamical approximations. And secondly, these links are used to derive two novel dynamical models for network epidemiology, which are compared against explicit stochastic simulation. The success of these new models provides improved understanding about the interaction of network structure and transmission dynamics.
A systems engineering approach to validation of a pulmonary physiology simulator for clinical applications
Authors: Das A. , Gao Z. , Menon P. P. , Hardman J. G. , Bates D. G.
Published: June 2010

Physiological simulators which are intended for use in clinical environments face harsh expectations from medical practitioners; they must cope with significant levels of uncertainty arising from non-measurable parameters, population heterogeneity and disease heterogeneity, and their validation must provide watertight proof of their applicability and reliability in the clinical arena. This paper describes a systems engineering framework for the validation of an
in silico
simulation model of pulmonary physiology. We combine explicit modelling of uncertainty/variability with advanced global optimization methods to demonstrate that the model predictions never deviate from physiologically plausible values for realistic levels of parametric uncertainty. The simulation model considered here has been designed to represent a dynamic
in vivo
cardiopulmonary state iterating through a mass-conserving set of equations based on established physiological principles and has been developed for a direct clinical application in an intensive-care environment. The approach to uncertainty modelling is adapted from the current best practice in the field of systems and control engineering, and a range of advanced optimization methods are employed to check the robustness of the model, including sequential quadratic programming, mesh-adaptive direct search and genetic algorithms. An overview of these methods and a comparison of their reliability and computational efficiency in comparison to statistical approaches such as Monte Carlo simulation are provided. The results of our study indicate that the simulator provides robust predictions of arterial gas pressures for all realistic ranges of model parameters, and also demonstrate the general applicability of the proposed approach to model validation for physiological simulation.
Danger of zooplankton feeding: the fluid signal generated by ambush-feeding copepods
Authors: Kiørboe Thomas , Jiang Houshuo , Colin Sean P.
Published: June 2010

Zooplankton feed in any of three ways: they generate a feeding current while hovering, cruise through the water or are ambush feeders. Each mode generates different hydrodynamic disturbances and hence exposes the grazers differently to mechanosensory predators. Ambush feeders sink slowly and therefore perform occasional upward repositioning jumps. We quantified the fluid disturbance generated by repositioning jumps in a millimetre-sized copepod (Re ∼ 40). The kick of the swimming legs generates a viscous vortex ring in the wake; another ring of similar intensity but opposite rotation is formed around the decelerating copepod. A simple analytical model, that of an impulsive point force, properly describes the observed flow field as a function of the momentum of the copepod, including the translation of the vortex and its spatial extension and temporal decay. We show that the time-averaged fluid signal and the consequent predation risk is much less for an ambush-feeding than a cruising or hovering copepod for small individuals, while the reverse is true for individuals larger than about 1 mm. This makes inefficient ambush feeding feasible in small copepods, and is consistent with the observation that ambush-feeding copepods in the ocean are all small, while larger species invariably use hovering or cruising feeding strategies.
Inhibition of streptolysin O by allicin – an active component of garlic
Authors: Arzanlou Mohsen , Bohlooli Shahab
Published: June 2010

Streptolysin O (SLO) is a potent cytolytic toxin produced by almost all strains of group A streptococci and is considered an important virulence factor for this organism. In this study we investigated the effect of allicin and aqueous garlic extracts on the haemolytic activity of SLO. All tested materials potentially inhibited the SLO haemolytic activity. Allicin neutralized SLO in a dose- and time-dependent manner. A 15 min incubation of SLO with 35 μg allicin totally inhibited the haemolytic activity of SLO [IC50 (concentration necessary to reach half maximum inhibition)=5.97 μg]. The inhibitory activity of an old extract of garlic was equipotent to pure allicin (IC50=6.27 μg; P<0.05). In contrast, fresh extract of garlic inhibited the SLO haemolytic activity at lower concentrations (IC50=1.59 μl; 1.9 μg allicin). The inhibitory effect of the allicin was restored by addition of reducing agent DTT at 2 mM, suggesting that allicin likely inhibits the SLO by binding to the cysteine residue in the binding site. These results indicate a new activity for allicin and allicin may be a potential alternative drug against streptococcal diseases.
Loss of nuclear p27kip1 and α‐dystroglycan is a frequent event and is a strong predictor of poor outcome in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Sgambato Alessandro , Camerini Andrea , Genovese Giannicola , De Luca Filomena , Viacava Paolo , Migaldi Mario , Boninsegna Alma , Cecchi Massimo , Sepich Carlo A. , Rossi Giulio , Arena Vincenzo , Cittadini Achille , Amoroso Domenico
Published: June 2010

Expression levels of p27kip1, a negative regulator of the G1 phase of the cell cycle, and 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), a marker of oxidative DNA damage, were assessed by immunostaining in a series of renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) and their prognostic significance was evaluated. Expression of p27kip1 as well as of the α‐subunit of the dystroglycan (DG) complex, previously reported to be altered in RCC, was also evaluated by western blot analysis. Nuclear expression of p27kip1 was reduced in a significant fraction of tumors and low p27kip1 staining correlated with higher tumor grade (P < 0.01). Recurrence and death from clear cell RCCs were significantly more frequent in p27kip1‐low expressing tumors and Kaplan–Meier curves showed a significant separation between high vs low expressor groups for both disease‐free (P = 0.011) and overall (P = 0.002) survival. Low nuclear expression of p27kip1 as well as loss of α‐DG were confirmed to be independent prognostic parameters at a multivariate analysis and the simultaneous loss of both molecules defined a “high‐risk” group of patients with increased risk of recurrence (RR = 28.7; P = 0.01) and death (RR = 12.9; P = 0.03). No significant correlation with clinical or pathological parameters was found for 8‐OHdG staining. Western blot analyses suggested a post‐translational mechanism for the loss of α‐DG expression and demonstrated that cytoplasmic dislocation of the protein contributes to the loss of active nuclear p27kip1. Loss of nuclear p27kip1 is a frequent event in human RCCs and is a powerful predictor of poor outcome which, in combination with low DG expression, could help to identify high‐risk patients with clear cell RCC. (Cancer Sci 2010; 00: 000–000)
A manifesto for clinical pharmacology from principles to practice
Authors: Aronson Jeffrey K.
Published: June 2010

1 This is a manifesto for UK clinical pharmacology.

2 A clinical pharmacologist is a medically qualified practitioner who teaches, does research, frames policy, and gives information and advice about the actions and proper uses of medicines in humans and implements that knowledge in clinical practice. Those without medical qualifications who practise some aspect of clinical pharmacology could be described as, say, ‘applied pharmacologists’.

3 Clinical pharmacology is operationally defined as a translational discipline in terms of the basic tools of human pharmacology (e.g. receptor pharmacology) and applied pharmacology (e.g. pharmacokinetics) and how they are used in drug discovery and development and in solving practical therapeutic problems in individuals and populations.

4 Clinical pharmacologists are employed by universities, health‐care services, private organizations (such as drug companies), and regulatory agencies. They are

• mentors and teachers, teaching laboratory science, clinical science, and all aspects of practical drug therapy as underpinned by the science of pharmacology; they write and edit didactic and reference texts;

• researchers, covering research described by the operational definition;

• clinicians, practising general medicine, clinical toxicology, other medical specialties, and general practice;

• policy makers, framing local, national, and international medicines policy, including formularies, licensing of medicines and prescribing policies.

5 The future of clinical pharmacology depends on the expansion and maintenance of a central core of practitioners (employed by universities or health‐care services), training clinical pharmacologists to practise in universities, health‐care services, private organizations, and regulatory agencies, and training other clinicians in the principles and practice of clinical pharmacology.
The expression of osteopontin and its association with Clara cell 10 kDa protein in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Liu Y. , Lu X. , Yu H.‐J. , Hua X.‐Y. , Cui Y.‐H. , Huang S.‐K. , Liu Z.
Published: June 2010

Background
Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional protein that has recently been linked to allergic diseases. Clara cell 10 kDa protein (CC10) is another protein linked to allergy, and has been suggested to have an inhibitory role in inflammatory airway diseases. At this time, it is not known whether OPN is involved in allergic rhinitis (AR) or if there is any association between CC10 and OPN in AR.

Objective
To study the expression of OPN and its potential association with CC10 in AR.

Methods
The expression of CC10 and OPN in nasal mucosa of AR patients was investigated. AR animal models were established by using wild‐type and CC10‐knockout mice. In some experiments, human recombinant CC10 protein was given to AR mice during either sensitization or challenge. The phenotypic changes were examined by histology and real‐time RT‐PCR. The direct effect of CC10 on the OPN expression in spleen mononuclear cells and on the OPN‐induced inflammatory cytokine expression in BEAS‐2B cells was measured through in vitro cell culture.

Results
OPN expression was up‐regulated, with a concomitant down‐regulation of CC10, in AR patients, showing a significant negative correlation between their expression. Compared with control mice sensitized with PBS, the OPN expression was significantly increased in AR mice; such an increase was more prominent in CC10‐knockout mice, compared with wild‐type. Administration of CC10 during both sensitization and challenge could markedly ameliorate Th2‐skewed inflammation and OPN expression in nasal mucosa. CC10 administration at the sensitization phase could also reduce spleen OPN expression. The in vitro study showed that CC10 directly down‐regulated the OPN expression in spleen mononuclear cells stimulated with OVA and suppressed the OPN‐induced expression of Th2 cytokines and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in BEAS‐2B cells.

Conclusion
In the context of allergic airway responses, CC10 can inhibit OPN expression and suppress the Th2‐promoting function of OPN, resulting in CC10's inhibitory biological effects.

Cite this as: Y. Liu, X. Lu, H.‐J. Yu, X.‐Y. Hua, Y.‐H. Cui, S.‐K. Huang and Z. Liu, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1632–1641.
Research priorities for nursing care of infants, children and adolescents: a West Australian Delphi study
Authors: Wilson Sally , Ramelet Anne‐Sylvie , Zuiderduyn Sharon
Published: June 2010

Aims and objectives.  This paper describes a study that aimed to identify research priorities for the care of infants, children and adolescents at the sole tertiary referral hospital for children in Western Australia. The secondary aim was to stimulate nurses to explore clinical problems that would require further inquiry.

Background.  Planning for research is an essential stage of research development; involving clinicians in this exercise is likely to foster research partnerships that are pertinent to clinical practice. Nursing research priorities for the paediatric population have not previously been reported in Australia.

Design.  Delphi study.

Method.  Over 12 months in 2005–2006, a three‐round questionnaire, using the Delphi technique, was sent to a randomly selected sample of registered nurses. This method was used to identify and prioritise nursing research topics relevant to the patient and the family. Content analysis was used to analyse Round I data and descriptive statistics for Round II and III data.

Results.  In Round I, 280 statements were identified and reduced to 37 research priorities. Analysis of data in subsequent rounds identified the top two priority research areas as (1) identification of strategies to reduce medication incidents (Mean = 6·47; SD 0·88) and (2) improvement in pain assessment and management (Mean = 6; SD 1·38). Additional comments indicated few nurses access the scientific literature or use research findings because of a lack of time or electronic access.

Conclusions.  Thirty‐seven research priorities were identified. The identification of research priorities by nurses provided research direction for the health service and potentially other similar health institutions for children and adolescents in Australia and internationally.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The nurse participants showed concern about the safety of care and the well‐being of children and their families. This study also enabled the identification of potential collaborative research and development of pain management improvement initiatives.
Different hip and knee priority score systems: are they good for the same thing?
Authors: Escobar Antonio , Quintana Jose Maria , Espallargues Mireia , Allepuz Alejandro , Ibañez Berta
Published: June 2010

Objective  The aim of the present study was to compare two priority tools used for joint replacement for patients on waiting lists, which use two different methods.

Methods  Two prioritization tools developed and validated by different methodologies were used on the same cohort of patients. The first, an IRYSS hip and knee priority score (IHKPS) developed by RAND method, was applied while patients were on the waiting list. The other, a Catalonia hip–knee priority score (CHKPS) developed by conjoint analysis, was adapted and applied retrospectively. In addition, all patients fulfilled pre‐intervention the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Correlation between them was studied by Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Agreement was analysed by means of intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC), Kendall coefficient and Cohern kappa. The relationship between IHKPS, CHKPS and baseline WOMAC scores by r coefficient was studied.

Results  The sample consisted of 774 consecutive patients. Pearson correlation coefficient between IHKPS and CHKPS was 0.79. The agreement study showed that ICC was 0.74, Kendall coefficient 0.86 and kappa 0.66. Finally, correlation between CHKPS and baseline WOMAC ranged from 0.43 to 0.64. The results according to the relationship between IHKPS and WOMAC ranged from 0.50 to 0.74.

Conclusions  Results support the hypothesis that if the final objective of the prioritization tools is to organize and sort patients on the waiting list, although they use different methodologies, the results are similar.
The association between continuity of care and outcomes: a systematic and critical review
Authors: Van Walraven Carl , Oake Natalie , Jennings Alison , Forster Alan J.
Published: June 2010

Background  Numerous studies have tried to determine the association between continuity and outcomes. Studies doing so must actually measure continuity. If continuity and outcomes are measured concurrently, their association can only be determined with time‐dependent methods.

Objective  To identify and summarize all methodologically studies that measure the association between continuity of care and patient outcomes.

Methods  We searched MEDLINE database (1950–2008) and hand‐searched to identify studies that tried to associate continuity and outcomes. English studies were included if they: actually measured continuity; determined the association of continuity with patient outcomes; and properly accounted for the relative timing of continuity and outcome measures.

Results  A total of 139 English language studies tried to measure the association between continuity and outcomes but only 18 studies (12.9%) met methodological criteria. All but two studies measured provider continuity and used health utilization or patient satisfaction as the outcome. Eight of nine high‐quality studies found a significant association between increased continuity and decreased health utilization including hospitalization and emergency visits. Five of seven studies found improved patient satisfaction with increased continuity.

Conclusions  These studies validate the belief that increased provider continuity is associated with improved patient outcomes and satisfaction. Further research is required to determine whether information or management continuity improves outcomes.
Polyphosphate binds to the principal sigma factor of RNA polymerase during starvation response in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Yang Zhao Xu , Zhou Yan Ning , Yang Yi , Jin Ding Jun
Published: June 2010

Helicobacter pylori persists deep in the human gastric mucus layer in a harsh, nutrient‐poor environment. Survival under these conditions depends on the ability of this human pathogen to invoke starvation/stress responses when needed. Unlike many bacteria, H. pylori lacks starvation/stress‐responding alternative sigma factors, suggesting an additional mechanism might have evolved in this bacterium. Helicobacter pylori produces polyphosphate; however, the role and target of polyphosphate during starvation/stress have not been identified. Here we show that polyphosphate accumulated during nutrient starvation directly targets transcriptional machinery by binding to the principal sigma factor in H. pylori, uncovering a novel mechanism in microbial stress response. A positively charged Lys‐rich region at the N‐terminal domain of the major sigma factor is identified as the binding region for polyphosphate (region P) in vivo and in vitro, revealing a new element in sigma 70 family proteins. This interaction is biologically significant because mutant strains defective in the interaction undergo premature cell death during starvation. We suggested that polyphosphate is a second messenger employed by H. pylori to mediate gene expression during starvation/stress. The putative ‘region P’ is present in sigma factors of other human pathogens, suggesting that the uncovered interaction might be a general strategy employed by other pathogens.
Below‐ and above‐ground growth and biomass allocation in maize and Sorghum halepense in response to soil water competition
Authors: ACCIARESI H A , GUIAMET J J
Published: June 2010

Acciaresi HA & Guiamet JJ (2010). Below‐ and above‐ground growth and biomass allocation in maize and Sorghum halepense in response to soil water competition. Weed Research50, 481–492.

The aim of this study was to establish the morphological or physiological nature of the changes in growth parameters of maize and Sorghum halepense plants growing under competition for water. Plant growth analysis studies in semi‐controlled conditions in plastic containers were conducted in two consecutive years. The competition treatments were established 4 weeks after emergence of both species and lasted for 4 weeks. Treatments of low (75% of field capacity) and very low water availability (irrigation withheld) were established. The variables obtained were: relative growth rate (RGR), leaf area ratio (LAR), net assimilation rate (NAR), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf mass fraction (LMF), rhizome mass fraction (rizMF), root length ratio (RLR), root mass fraction (RMF), specific root length (SRL) and length of fine roots (VfRL). The RGR of S. halepense was less affected by the two levels of competition than that of either of two maize hybrids. The weed was able to maintain its ability to grow, due to the maintenance of NAR during competition. A similar contribution of biomass from leaves and rhizomes to roots was observed in S. halepense, favouring the formation of very fine roots. In contrast, in maize, the decrease in RGR was due to a decline in NAR and there was no formation of fine roots to maintain water absorption during competition. The greater increase both in biomass partitioned to roots and root length by S. halepense, might negatively impact maize ability to compete for water during the critical competition period.
Fine‐scale spatial distribution of seedling establishment of the invasive plant, Leucaena leucocephala, on an oceanic island after feral goat extermination
Authors: HATA K , SUZUKI J‐I , KACHI N
Published: June 2010

Hata K, Suzuki J‐I & Kachi N (2010). Fine‐scale spatial distribution of seedling establishment of the invasive plant, Leucaena leucocephala, on an oceanic island after feral goat extermination. Weed Research50, 472–480.

On oceanic islands, native vegetation disturbed by feral goats has been invaded by an alien shrub, Leucaena leucocephala, after goat removal. We investigated how the distribution of L. leucocephala at the earliest stages of invasion was related to the distance from seed sources and the structure of the herbaceous vegetation. At a fine spatial scale in Nakoudojima Island, Japan, an oceanic island in the western Pacific, we calculated correlations between the presence of L. leucocephala and its distance from a forest dominated by L. leucocephala, the height of the herbaceous vegetation, and the depth of litter accumulation. The occurrences of L. leucocephala plants smaller than 1.3 m in height were negatively correlated with distance from L. leucocephala forest, the height of the herbaceous vegetation, and litter depth. On the other hand, the occurrence of plants larger than 1.3 m in height was correlated only with distance from L. leucocephala forest. Our results suggested that the distribution of smaller individuals of an alien plant at specific sites would be related not only to the distance from its seed sources, but also to the structure of the herbaceous vegetation.
Survival of weed seeds subjected to sheep rumen digestion
Authors: HAIDAR M A , GHARIB C , SLEIMAN F T
Published: June 2010

Haidar MA, Gharib C & Sleiman FT (2010). Survival of weed seeds subjected to sheep rumen digestion. Weed Research50, 467–471.

An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of sheep rumen digestion on the viability of the seeds of eight weed and two crop species common in Lebanon. Seed samples were put in small monofilament polyester bags and placed in the rumen of fistulated sheep for 1, 2, 3 and 4 days. The viability of the seeds 4 days after placement in the rumen was 85% for Cuscuta campestris, 76% for Amaranthus retroflexus, 31% for Convolvulus arvensis, 17% for Chenopodium album, 10% for Eleusine indica, and 1.3% for Setaria viridis, compared with the control. Seeds of Lolium multiflorum and Raphanus raphanistrum died 2 days after placement in the rumen, while seeds of Lens culinaris and Hordeum vulgare, which were tested for comparison, died 1 day after placement in the rumen. The seeds most tolerant to incubation were Cuscuta campestris and Amaranthus retroflexus, followed by Convolvulus arvensis, Chenopodium album and Eleusine indica. The results indicate that sheep could be an important vector for dispersing viable weed seeds, particularly hard‐coated seeds. Thus, sheep should be kept in pens for about 4 days before being released into new fields, to reduce the risk of weed infestation and spread.
Genetic differentiation in the genus Lithops L. (Ruschioideae, Aizoaceae) reveals a high level of convergent evolution and reflects geographic distribution
Authors: Kellner A. , Ritz C. M. , Schlittenhardt P. , Hellwig F. H.
Published: June 2010

Southern Africa is one of the hot spots for plant biodiversity, with ca. 80% of species endemic to this area. Rapid and recent radiations in Southern African plant genera were triggered by fine‐scale differences in climate, topography and geology. The genus Lithops (Ruschioideae, Aizoaceae) contains 37 species and is widely distributed in Southern Africa. Species delimitation within the genus is challenging because the limited number of morphological characters in these reduced succulents varies intensely between populations, presumably as adaptations to local geological environments. We analysed phylogenetic relationships within Lithops using non‐coding chloroplast DNA (trnS‐trnG intergenic spacer), nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) sequences and AFLP data. Genetic variability of the sequence data was very low, but AFLP data detected nine clades within Lithops that do not fit current morphology‐based taxonomy. Two of these clades are separated by their distribution on the northern and eastern border of the distribution area, and four clades are found in the Gariep Centre in the estuary of the Orange River. Morphological similarities, especially colour of leaves, evolved repeatedly within the clades, thus we hypothesise that closely related species became adapted to different soil types in a mosaic‐like geological environment. One‐third of the species are found in the Gariep Centre, characterised by extremely diverse edaphic habitats.