bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Status of rangeland resources and strategies for improvements in Nepal.
Authors: Pande R. S.
Published: November 2009

The livelihood of the Himalayan people depends on rangeland-based livestock farming in Nepal. Above 2500 m altitude, the contribution of rangelands to livestock feed supply is more than 65%. Rangeland comprises about 11.5% of the total land resources of Nepal and over 98% are located in high mountains and Himalayan regions. Nepal is rich in biodiversity, with over 6500 species of flowering plants, including 180 species of grasses and legumes. Major rangelands vegetations are tropical (such as
Phragmites
-,
Saccharum
- and
Imperata
-type), sub-tropical (
Themeda
- and
Arundinella
-type), temperate (
Andropogon
-type), sub-alpine (
Danthonia
-type), alpine (
Kobresia
-type) and steppe. The production and productivity of rangelands are very low, ranging from 0.12 to 3.2 metric tonne (mt) dry matter (DM)/ha. Only 64% of the rangelands are accessible. Most of the rangelands are overstocked and severely grazed out. The estimated carrying capacity ranges from 0.06 to 1.4 livestock units (LU)/ha. The stocking rate on rangelands is very high - up to 37 times the carrying capacity. Indigenous techniques for rangeland management are not keeping pace with the increased livestock population. The traditionally practiced transfrontier pasturing between Tibet and Nepal has been stopped by the Tibetan/Chinese Government for Nepalese migratory herds effective from 1990, which compelled the Nepal Government to initiate various rangeland development activities to meet the feed supply for Himalayan herds. Until now, only 0.5% of the total rangelands of the high Himalayan regions have been improved. Major challenges on rangeland development/management are ownership/users' rights, illegal occupation of community rangelands as a private property, lack of basic information on rangelands, deteriorating conditions of rangelands and associated forests, poor infrastructure facilities, remoteness, ad hoc collection of grazing fees, lack of correlation between stocking rate versus carrying capacity, community awareness, lack of support services, invasion of rangelands, poor stakeholder participation, poor research and extension, high cost of development and poor supply/production of planting materials. The rangeland improvement programmes should be continued to improve the livestock-based livelihoods of the Himalayan community. Recently, Nepal has been transformed from a monarchy to a republic, and the Himalayan community are also aware of the poor situation and are demanding an equal share in developmental activities, and action should be taken to resolve the Himalayan problems through establishing a Himalayan Rangeland Board immediately.
Controlling salmon lice on farmed salmon and implications for wild salmon.
Authors: Jones S. R. M.
Published: November 2009

This review documents the extent to which management of salmon lice (
Lepeophtheirus salmonis
) on farms has a measurable impact on the health of wild salmon. The salmon louse is a persistent and often severe parasite of farmed salmon throughout the Northern Hemisphere. High farm densities in some areas have led to lice levels within adjacent wild salmon populations that are higher than occur naturally. To minimize the additional infection pressure of the parasite on wild salmon, aquaculture industries adopt strategies of integrated pest management that include systematic monitoring, treatment, locating farms to minimize exposure to lice and maintaining optimal stock densities and single year-classes. Often these management activities are coordinated among farms within a region. A number of national or regional programmes collect and publicize salmon louse infection data from farmed and wild salmon. Some but not all management programmes show evidence of reducing infection levels on wild salmon; however, the available data are not yet sufficient to make firm conclusions regarding population effects. The local management and conservation of wild salmon populations should continue to be coordinated and integrated as the abundance of these fish is influenced by climatic, oceanographic and anthropogenic factors, including but not limited to salmon aquaculture.
Trends, drivers and impact of high food commodity prices.
Authors: Martuscelli A.
Published: November 2009

Price hikes are frequent in agricultural commodity prices, though a spike such as the 2007/2008 one had not been seen for 34 years. The causes are various in nature. There is a strong increase in the demand for industrial use and for feed use, owing to biofuel expansion and to changing diet habits in emerging countries, respectively. On the supply side, there has been a low supply response because of adverse weather conditions in some important exporting countries. As a consequence of the tight demand/supply situation, stocks are decreasing dramatically. The problem of high prices of basic food commodities exposes governments and societies to a great challenge that can only be addressed by means of a comprehensive food policy for the coming years. The challenge is to address the adverse impact of high food prices in the short run without compromising the long-run equilibrium of agricultural markets. High food prices in the short-run are very damaging for low-income groups of the population in developing countries. At the same time, high prices are an incentive for producers and extremely important for generating an aggregate supply response and to re-establish a long-run equilibrium. Agriculture is a sector where markets are far from perfect and require the presence of functioning institutions and public goods, which are lacking in most of the developing countries. There is the need to '
get institutions right
' and to undertake investments in the provision of public goods together with the right price signals. Only by putting in place these complementary policies can a situation of high prices can become an opportunity.
Developments in vaccination against bovine neosporosis.
Authors: Norton R. , Williams D. J. L.
Published: November 2009

Neospora caninum
is a major cause of bovine abortion worldwide, resulting in significant welfare implications and economic loss. Transmission of the parasite occurs via two routes: it can be transmitted transplacentally from dam to foetus, or it can be transmitted by ingestion of oocysts. There are no drugs licensed for use in cattle to control
Neospora
-associated abortions and although a vaccine is marketed in a limited number of countries, its efficacy has yet to be confirmed. Selected
Neospora
antigens have been targeted for use in subunit vaccines and have been evaluated in murine models but more work is needed to evaluate these antigens in cattle and to identify delivery methods which can provoke the pro-inflammatory immune response required for protective immunity. Cattle persistently infected with
N. caninum
are capable of transmitting the parasite to their offspring following recrudescence of infection during pregnancy, but they appear immune to exogenous challenge. The complex host-parasite interactions surrounding this phenomenon are not, at this stage, understood well enough to consider developing a vaccine against endogenous transplacental transmission. However, with our current knowledge, a vaccine that protects a pregnant cow against infection with oocysts and hence prevents exogenous transplacental transmission and abortion, is more feasible and an attractive prospect. This review looks at the issues surrounding development of a vaccine against bovine neosporosis such as live versus subunit vaccines, the difficulties in finding appropriate vaccine candidates and delivery systems and the complex balance of the immune response surrounding infection and pregnancy.
Michael Buszczak: Tracking the big game in stem cell identity
Authors: Sedwick Caitlin
Published: November 2009

Buszczak is exploring the regulation of proteins that control stem cell identity in the fly.
The CEACAM1 N-terminal Ig domain mediates cis- and trans-binding and is essential for allosteric rearrangements of CEACAM1 microclusters
Authors: Klaile Esther , Vorontsova Olga , Sigmundsson Kristmundur , Müller Mario M. , Singer Bernhard B. , Öfverstedt Lars-Göran , Svensson Stina , Skoglund Ulf , Öbrink Björn
Published: November 2009

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) sense the extracellular microenvironment and transmit signals to the intracellular compartment. In this investigation, we addressed the mechanism of signal generation by ectodomains of single-pass transmembrane homophilic CAMs. We analyzed the structure and homophilic interactions of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)–related CAM 1 (CEACAM1), which regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, motility, morphogenesis, and microbial responses. Soluble and membrane-attached CEACAM1 ectodomains were investigated by surface plasmon resonance–based biosensor analysis, molecular electron tomography, and chemical cross-linking. The CEACAM1 ectodomain, which is composed of four glycosylated immunoglobulin-like (Ig) domains, is highly flexible and participates in both antiparallel (trans) and parallel (cis) homophilic binding. Membrane-attached CEACAM1 ectodomains form microclusters in which all four Ig domains participate. Trans-binding between the N-terminal Ig domains increases formation of CEACAM1 cis-dimers and changes CEACAM1 interactions within the microclusters. These data suggest that CEACAM1 transmembrane signaling is initiated by adhesion-regulated changes of cis-interactions that are transmitted to the inner phase of the plasma membrane.
Lte1 contributes to Bfa1 localization rather than stimulating nucleotide exchange by Tem1
Authors: Geymonat Marco , Spanos Adonis , de Bettignies Geoffroy , Sedgwick Steven G.
Published: November 2009

Lte1 is a mitotic regulator long envisaged as a guanosine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Tem1, the small guanosine triphosphatase governing activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitotic exit network. We demonstrate that this model requires reevaluation. No GEF activity was detectable in vitro, and mutational analysis of Lte1’s putative GEF domain indicated that Lte1 activity relies on interaction with Ras for localization at the bud cortex rather than providing nucleotide exchange. Instead, we found that Lte1 can determine the subcellular localization of Bfa1 at spindle pole bodies (SPBs). Under conditions in which Lte1 is essential, Lte1 promoted the loss of Bfa1 from the maternal SPB. Moreover, in cells with a misaligned spindle, mislocalization of Lte1 in the mother cell promoted loss of Bfa1 from one SPB and allowed bypass of the spindle position checkpoint. We observed that lte1 mutants display aberrant localization of the polarity cap, which is the organizer of the actin cytoskeleton. We propose that Lte1’s role in cell polarization underlies its contribution to mitotic regulation.
Electronic Algorithmic Prediction of Central Vascular Catheter Use
Authors: Hota Bala , Harting Brian , Weinstein Robert A. , Lyles Rosie D. , Bleasdale Susan C. , Trick William ,   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Epicenters
Published: November 2009

Objective.

To develop prediction algorithms for the presence of a central vascular catheter in hospitalized patients with use of data present in an electronic health record. Such algorithms could be used for measurement of device utilization rates and for clinical decision support rules.

Design.

Criterion standard.

Setting.

John H. Stroger, Jr, Hospital of Cook County, a 464-bed public hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

Participants.

Patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit from May 31, 2005 through June 26, 2006 (derivation data set, May 31, 2005-September 28, 2005; validation data set, September 29, 2005-June 28, 2006).

Methods.

Covariates were collected from the electronic medical record for each patient; the outcome variable was presence of a central vascular device. Multivariate models were developed using the derivation set and the generalized estimating equation. Three models, each with increasing database requirements, were validated using the validation set. Device utilization ratios and performance characteristics were calculated.

Results.

Although Charlson score and duration of intensive care unit stay were significant predictors in all models, factors that indicated use or presence of a central line were also important. Device utilization rates derived from the algorithmic models were as accurate as those obtained using manual sampling.

Conclusions.

Automated calculation of central vascular catheter use is both feasible and accurate, providing estimates statistically similar to those obtained using manual surveillance. Prediction modeling of central vascular catheter use may enable automated surveillance of bloodstream infections and enhance important prevention interventions, such as timely removal of unnecessary central lines.
Volume fraction variations and dilation in colloids and granulars
Authors: Haw M. D.
Published: November 2009

I discuss the importance of spatial and temporal variations in particle volume fraction to understanding the force response of concentrated colloidal suspensions and granular materials.
Dynamical fluctuations in dense granular flows
Authors: Gardel Emily , Sitaridou E. , Facto Kevin , Keene E. , Hattam K. , Easwar Nalini , Menon Narayanan
Published: November 2009

We have made measurements of force and velocity fluctuations in a variety of dense, gravity-driven granular flows under flow conditions close to the threshold of jamming. The measurements reveal a microscopic state that evolves rapidly from entirely collisional to largely frictional, as the system is taken close to jamming. On coarse-grained time scales, some descriptors of the dynamics—such as the probability distribution of force fluctuations, or the mean friction angle—do not reflect this profound change in the micromechanics of the flow. Other quantities, such as the frequency spectrum of force fluctuations, change significantly, developing low-frequency structure in the fluctuations as jamming is approached. We also show evidence of spatial structure, with force fluctuations being organized into local collision chains. These local structures propagate rapidly in the flow, with consequences far away from their origin, leading to long-range correlations in velocity fluctuations.
Rheology of granular materials: dynamics in a stress landscape
Authors: Bi Dapeng , Chakraborty Bulbul
Published: November 2009

We present a framework for analysing the rheology of dense driven granular materials, based on a recent proposal of a stress-based ensemble. In this ensemble, fluctuations in a granular system near jamming are controlled by a temperature-like parameter, the angoricity, which is conjugate to the stress of the system. In this paper, we develop a model for slowly driven granular materials based on the stress ensemble and the idea of a landscape in stress space. The idea of an activated process driven by the angoricity has been shown by Behringer
et al
. (Behringer
et al.
2008
Phys. Rev. Lett.
101
, 268301) to describe the logarithmic strengthening of granular materials. Just as in the soft glassy rheology (SGR) picture, our model represents the evolution of a small patch of granular material (a mesoscopic region) in a stress-based trap landscape. The angoricity plays the role of the fluctuation temperature in the SGR. We determine (i) the constitutive equation, (ii) the yield stress, and (iii) the distribution of stress dissipated during granular shearing experiments, and compare these predictions with the experiments of Hartley & Behringer (Hartley & Behringer 2003
Nature
421
, 928–931.).
An attempt to categorize yield stress fluid behaviour
Authors: Moller Peder , Fall Abdoulaye , Chikkadi Vijayakumar , Derks Didi , Bonn Daniel
Published: November 2009

We propose a new view on yield stress materials. Dense suspensions and many other materials have a yield stress—they flow only if a large enough shear stress is exerted on them. There has been an ongoing debate in the literature on whether true yield stress fluids exist, and even whether the concept is useful. This is mainly due to the experimental difficulties in determining the yield stress. We show that most if not all of these difficulties disappear when a clear distinction is made between two types of yield stress fluids: thixotropic and simple ones. For the former, adequate experimental protocols need to be employed that take into account the time evolution of these materials: ageing and shear rejuvenation. This solves the problem of experimental determination of the yield stress. Also, we show that true yield stress materials indeed exist, and in addition, we account for shear banding that is generically observed in yield stress fluids.
Contributions of infant word learning to language development
Authors: Swingley Daniel
Published: November 2009

Infants learn the forms of words by listening to the speech they hear. Though little is known about the degree to which these forms are meaningful for young infants, the words still play a role in early language development. Words guide the infant to his or her first syntactic intuitions, aid in the development of the lexicon, and, it is proposed, may help infants learn phonetic categories.
Neurophysiological mechanisms involved in language learning in adults
Authors: Rodríguez-Fornells Antoni , Cunillera Toni , Mestres-Missé Anna , de Diego-Balaguer Ruth
Published: November 2009

Little is known about the brain mechanisms involved in word learning during infancy and in second language acquisition and about the way these new words become stable representations that sustain language processing. In several studies we have adopted the human simulation perspective, studying the effects of brain-lesions and combining different neuroimaging techniques such as event-related potentials and functional magnetic resonance imaging in order to examine the language learning (LL) process. In the present article, we review this evidence focusing on how different brain signatures relate to (i) the extraction of words from speech, (ii) the discovery of their embedded grammatical structure, and (iii) how meaning derived from verbal contexts can inform us about the cognitive mechanisms underlying the learning process. We compile these findings and frame them into an integrative neurophysiological model that tries to delineate the major neural networks that might be involved in the initial stages of LL. Finally, we propose that LL simulations can help us to understand natural language processing and how the recovery from language disorders in infants and adults can be accomplished.
Non-native phonemes in adult word learning: evidence from the N400m
Authors: Dobel Christian , Lagemann Lothar , Zwitserlood Pienie
Published: November 2009

Newborns are equipped with a large phonemic inventory that becomes tuned to one's native language early in life. We review and add new data about how learning of a non-native phoneme can be accomplished in adults and how the efficiency of word learning can be assessed by neurophysiological measures. For this purpose, we studied the acquisition of the voiceless, bilabial fricative /Φ/ via a statistical-learning paradigm. Phonemes were embedded in minimal pairs of pseudowords, differing only with respect to the fricative (/aΦo/ versus /afo/). During learning, pseudowords were combined with pictures of objects with some combinations of pseudowords and pictures occurring more frequently than others. Behavioural data and the N400m component, as an index of lexical activation/semantic access, showed that participants had learned to associate the pseudowords with the pictures. However, they could not discriminate within the minimal pairs. Importantly, before learning, the novel words with the sound /Φ/ showed smaller N400 amplitudes than those with native phonemes, evidencing their non-word status. Learning abolished this difference indicating that /Φ/ had become integrated into the native category /f/, instead of establishing a novel category. Our data and review demonstrate that native phonemic categories are powerful attractors hampering the mastery of non-native contrasts.
Depth-dependent local structures in thin films unraveled by grazing-incidence X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Souza-Neto Narcizo M. , Ramos Aline Y. , Tolentino Hélio C. N. , Martins Alessandro , Santos Antonio D.
Published: November 2009

A method of using X-ray absorption spectroscopy together with resolved grazing-incidence geometry for depth profiling of atomic, electronic or chemical local structures in thin films is presented. The quantitative deconvolution of thickness-dependent spectral features is performed by fully considering both scattering and absorption formalisms. Surface oxidation and local structural depth profiles in nanometric FePt films are determined, exemplifying the application of the method.
Towards a more reliable symmetry determination from powder diffraction: a redetermination of the low-temperature structure of 4-methylpyridine-N-oxide
Authors: Palatinus Lukáš , Damay Françoise
Published: November 2009

The low-temperature structure of 4-methylpyridine-N-oxide was previously determined in symmetry P41 [Damay et al. (2006), Acta Cryst. B62, 627–633]. Using a recently published symmetry-determination method it was found that the true symmetry of the structure is P41212. The structure was refined in the new space group using X-ray and neutron data. The previously published structure is close to the newly refined structure, but the new structure is in agreement with the results of rotational tunneling spectroscopy, and, in contrast to the structure in symmetry P41, does not require a twofold degeneracy of the tunneling bands.
MicroRNA identity and abundance in porcine skeletal muscles determined by deep sequencing
Authors: Nielsen M. , Hansen J. H. , Hedegaard J. , Nielsen R. O. , Panitz F. , Bendixen C. , Thomsen B.
Published: November 2009

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are short single‐stranded RNA molecules that regulate gene expression post‐transcriptionally by binding to complementary sequences in the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) of target mRNAs. MiRNAs participate in the regulation of myogenesis, and identification of the complete set of miRNAs expressed in muscles is likely to significantly increase our understanding of muscle growth and development. To determine the identity and abundance of miRNA in porcine skeletal muscle, we applied a deep sequencing approach. This allowed us to identify the sequences and relative expression levels of 212 annotated miRNA genes, thereby providing a thorough account of the miRNA transcriptome in porcine muscle tissue. The expression levels displayed a very large range, as reflected by the number of sequence reads, which varied from single counts for rare miRNAs to several million reads for the most abundant miRNAs. Moreover, we identified numerous examples of mature miRNAs that were derived from opposite sides of the same predicted precursor stem‐loop structures, and also observed length and sequence heterogeneity at the 5′ and 3′ ends. Furthermore, KEGG pathway analysis suggested that highly expressed miRNAs are involved in skeletal muscle development and regeneration, signal transduction, cell‐cell and cell‐extracellular matrix communication and neural development and function.
Identification of polymorphisms in the ovine Shadow of prion protein (SPRN) gene and assessment of their effect on promoter activity and susceptibility for classical scrapie
Authors: Lampo E. , Duchateau L. , Schepens B. , Van Poucke M. , Saelens X. , Erkens T. , Van Zeveren A. , Peelman L. J.
Published: November 2009

Shadow of prion protein (SPRN) is an interesting candidate gene thought to be involved in prion pathogenesis. In humans, an association has already been discovered between mutations in SPRN and the incidence of variant and sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease. However, in sheep, the effect of mutations in SPRN is largely unknown. Therefore, we analysed the presence of mutations in the entire ovine SPRN gene, their association with scrapie susceptibility and their effect on SPRN promoter activity. In total, 26 mutations were found: seven in the promoter region, four in intron 1, seven in the coding sequence and eight in the 3′ untranslated region. The mutations detected in the coding sequence and the promoter region were subsequently analysed in more detail. In the coding sequence, a polymorphism causing a deletion of two alanines was found to be associated with susceptibility for classical scrapie in sheep. Furthermore, a functional analysis of deletion constructs of the ovine SPRN promoter revealed that the region 464 to 230 bp upstream of exon 1 (containing a putative AP‐2 and putative Sp1 binding sites) is of functional importance for SPRN transcription. Six mutations in the SPRN promoter were also found to alter the promoter activity in vitro. However, no association between any of these promoter mutations and susceptibility for classical scrapie was found.
Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analyses reveal population differentiation in Brazilian Creole sheep
Authors: Gonçalves G. L. , Moreira G. R. P. , Freitas T. R. O. , Hepp D. , Passos D. T. , Weimer T. A.
Published: November 2009

Using ND5 sequences from mtDNA and 10 nuclear markers, we investigated the genetic differentiation of two South American Creole sheep phenotypes that historically have been bred in different biomes in southern Brazil. In total, 18 unique mtDNA haplotypes were detected, none of which was shared between the two phenotypes. Bayesian analysis also indicated two different groups (k = 2). Thus, these varieties are supported as being genotypically distinct. This situation could have resulted either from geographical isolation, associated with differences in the cultural habits of sheep farmers and in the way that flocks were managed, or more likely, from the introduction of different stocks four centuries ago.
Assessment of cattle genetic introgression into domestic yak populations using mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA markers
Authors: Qi X. B. , Jianlin H. , Wang G. , Rege J. E. O. , Hanotte O.
Published: November 2009

Hybridization between yak Poephagus grunniens and taurine Bos taurus or indicine B. indicus cattle has been widely practiced throughout the yak geographical range, and gene flow is expected to have occurred between these species. To assess the impact of cattle admixture on domestic yak, we examined 1076 domestic yak from 29 populations collected in China, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and Russia using mitochondrial DNA and 17 autosomal microsatellite loci. A cattle diagnostic marker‐based analysis reveals cattle‐specific mtDNA and/or autosomal microsatellite allele introgression in 127 yak individuals from 22 populations. The mean level of cattle admixture across the populations, calculated using allelic information at 17 autosomal microsatellite loci, remains relatively low (mYcattle = 2.66 ± 0.53% and Qcattle = 0.69 ± 2.58%), although it varies a lot across populations as well as among individuals within population. Although the level of cattle admixture shows a clear geographical structure, with higher levels of admixture in the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau and Mongolian and Russian regions, and lower levels in the Himalayan and Pamir Plateau region, our results indicate that the level of cattle admixture is not significantly correlated with the altitude across geographical regions as well as within geographical region. Although yak‐cattle hybridization is primarily driven to produce F1 hybrids, our results show that the subsequent gene flow between yak and cattle took place and has affected contemporary genetic make‐up of domestic yak. To protect yak genetic integrity, hybridization between yak and cattle should be tightly controlled.
Prenatal phthalate exposure and reduced masculine play in boys
Authors: Swan S. H. , Liu F. , Hines M. , Kruse R. L. , Wang C. , Redmon J. B. , Sparks A. , Weiss B.
Published: November 2009

Foetal exposure to antiandrogens alters androgen‐sensitive development in male rodents, resulting in less male‐typical behaviour. Foetal phthalate exposure is also associated with male reproductive development in humans, but neurodevelopmental outcomes have seldom been examined in relation to phthalate exposure. To assess play behaviour in relation to phthalate metabolite concentration in prenatal urine samples, we recontacted participants in the Study for Future Families whose phthalate metabolites had been measured in mid‐pregnancy urine samples. Mothers completed a questionnaire including the Pre‐School Activities Inventory, a validated instrument used to assess sexually dimorphic play behaviour. We examined play behaviour scores (masculine, feminine and composite) in relationship to (log10) phthalate metabolite concentrations in mother’s urine separately for boys (N = 74) and girls (N = 71). Covariates (child’s age, mother’s age and education and parental attitude towards atypical play choices) were controlled using multivariate regression models. Concentrations of dibutyl phthalate metabolites, mono‐n‐butyl phthalate (MnBP) and mono‐isobutyl phthalate (MiBP) and their sum, were associated with a decreased (less masculine) composite score in boys (regression coefficients −4.53,−3.61 and −4.20, p = 0.01, 0.07 and 0.04 for MnBP, MiBP and their sum respectively). Concentrations of two urinary metabolites of di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), mono‐(2‐ethyl‐5‐oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) and mono‐(2‐ethyl‐5‐hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) and the sum of these DEHP metabolites plus mono(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate were associated with a decreased masculine score (regression coefficients −3.29,−2.94 and −3.18, p = 0.02, 0.04 and 0.04) for MEHHP, MEOHP and the sum respectively. No strong associations were seen between behaviour and urinary concentrations of any other phthalate metabolites in boys, or between girls’ scores and any metabolites. These data, although based on a small sample, suggest that prenatal exposure to antiandrogenic phthalates may be associated with less male‐typical play behaviour in boys. Our findings suggest that these ubiquitous environmental chemicals have the potential to alter androgen‐responsive brain development in humans.
The roles of statistical inference and historical sources in understanding landscape change: the case of feral buffalo in the freshwater floodplains of Kakadu National Park
Authors: Bowman David M. J. S. , Prior Lynda D. , Williamson Grant
Published: November 2009

The statistical analysis of Bowman et al. (Journal of Biogeography, 2008, 35, 1976–1988) revealed the weak relationship between the rate of woody cover encroachment onto the freshwater floodplains in the central section of Kakadu National Park (KNP) over a 40‐year period and estimates of proximate water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) density. The analysis relied on detailed mapping of buffalo tracks, the best historical record of spatial variation of buffalo density in KNP. In their reply, Petty & Werner (Journal of Biogeography, 2009, doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2699.2009.02185.x) prefer to privilege an amalgam of historical sources to claim that buffalo removal is the primary driver of the woody expansion on floodplains. The contrasting weight placed on data analysis and differences of interpretation underscore a tension between statistically based historical ecology approaches and environmental history narratives, a tension that forms part of the broader cultural clash between the Sciences and Humanities.
Widespread pain symptoms and psychological distress in southern Chinese with orofacial pain
Authors: MCMILLAN A. S. , WONG M. C. M. , ZHENG J. , LUO Y. , LAM C. L. K.
Published: November 2009

Summary  The study investigated the experience of widespread pain (WP) symptoms and psychological distress in southern Chinese with orofacial pain (OFP). A community‐based, cross‐sectional case–control study involving people aged 35–70 registered with the Hospital Authority/University of Hong Kong Family Medicine Clinic served as the sampling frame. People with recent OFP symptoms and a group without OFP took part. Standard questions were asked about OFP conditions in the previous month. Psychological status was evaluated through depression, and non‐specific physical symptoms (NPS) scores were measured with depression and somatization sub‐scales of the Symptom Checklist‐90. Widespread pain was determined using body outline drawings to identify painful sites prior to a standard clinical examination. Two hundred people with OFP and 200 without OFP participated. Compared with 5·0% in the comparison group (P = 0·005), 13·5% of participants with OFP had WP (OFP/WP). Multiple OFP symptoms were more common in the OFP/WP sub‐group than the OFP sub‐group without WP (OFP/No WP) (P < 0·002). Sixty‐three percent of the OFP/WP sub‐group had moderate/severe depression scores compared with 26·0% in the OFP/No WP sub‐group (P < 0·001). When pain items were included and excluded, 92·6% and 88·9% of the OFP/WP sub‐group had moderate/severe NPS scores, respectively compared with 68·5% and 65·0% in the OFP/No WP sub‐group (P = 0·004). Co‐morbid WP occurred relatively often in southern Chinese with OFP. Psychological distress was common in OFP sufferers, particularly those with WP. A multidisciplinary approach to treatment including cognitive/behavioural therapy should be considered in Chinese people with OFP as part of a WP pattern.
Diffuse liver diseases in neonatal and pediatric liver transplant candidates: a pictorial essay
Authors: Caruso Settimo , Mamone Giuseppe , Marrone Gianluca , Milazzo Mariapina , Carollo Vincenzo , Miraglia Roberto , Maruzzelli Luigi , Minervini Marta Ida , Spada Marco , Riva Silvia , Luca Angelo , Gridelli Bruno
Published: November 2009

Caruso S, Mamone G, Marrone G, Milazzo M, Carollo V, Miraglia R, Maruzzelli L, Minervini MI, Spada M, Riva S, Luca A, Gridelli B. Diffuse liver diseases in neonatal and pediatric liver transplant candidates: a pictorial essay. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 450–458. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  A wide spectrum of common and uncommon diffuse liver diseases affecting neonatal and pediatric liver transplant candidates is presented and analyzed using 16 and 64 multi‐detector row helical CT (MDCT) and 1.5 T MRI fast imaging. Correlation of imaging findings and explanted liver or histology is illustrated in representative cases. Associated uncommon congenital anomalies are shown. In conclusion, in pediatric liver transplant candidates, 16‐MDCT and 1.5 T fast MRI are useful for diagnosis and staging of liver disease, as well as for the evaluation of associated congenital anomalies.
The high‐risk recipient: the Eighth Annual American Society of Transplant Surgeons’ State‐of‐the‐Art Winter Symposium
Authors: Sung Randall S. , Pomfret Elizabeth A. , Andreoni Kenneth A. , Baker Talia B. , Peters Thomas G.
Published: November 2009

Sung RS, Pomfret EA, Andreoni KA, Baker TB, Peters TG. The high‐risk recipient: the Eighth Annual American Society of Transplant Surgeons’ State‐of‐the‐Art Winter Symposium. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 23–28. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  The evolution of organ transplantation has produced results so successful that many transplant programs commonly see recipients with medical risks, which in the past, would have prohibited transplantation. The Eighth Annual American Society of Transplant Surgeons State‐of‐the‐Art Winter Symposium focused on the high‐risk recipient. The assessment of risk has evolved over time, as transplantation has matured. The acceptance of risk associated with a given candidate today is often made in consideration of the relative value of the organ to other candidates, the regulatory environment, and philosophical notions of utility, equity, and fairness. In addition, transplant programs must balance outcomes, transplant volume, and the costs of organ transplantation, which are impacted by high‐risk recipients. Discussion focused on various types of high‐risk recipients, such as those with coronary artery disease, morbid obesity, and hepatitis C; strategies to reduce risk, such as down‐staging of hepatocellular carcinoma and treatment of pulmonary hypertension; the development of alternatives to transplantation; and the degree to which risk can or should be used to define candidate selection. These approaches can modify the impact of recipient risk on transplant outcomes and permit transplantation to be applied successfully to a greater variety of patients.
Stability of symptoms across major depressive episodes in bipolar disorder
Authors: Perlis Roy H , Ostacher Michael J , Uher Rudolf , Nierenberg Andrew A , Casamassima Francesco , Kansky Christine , Calabrese Joseph R , Thase Michael , Sachs Gary S
Published: November 2009

Objective:  Some studies suggest that depressive subtypes, defined by groups of symptoms, have predictive or diagnostic utility. These studies make the implicit assumption of stability of symptoms across episodes in mood disorders, which has rarely been investigated.

Methods:  We examined prospective data from a cohort of 3,750 individuals with bipolar I or II disorder participating in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder study, selecting a subset of individuals who experienced two depressive episodes during up to two years of follow‐up. Across‐episode association of individual depressive or hypomanic/mixed symptoms was examined using the weighted kappa measure of agreement as well as logistic regression.

Results:  A total of 583 subjects experienced two prospectively observed depressive episodes, with 149 of those subjects experiencing a third. Greatest evidence of stability was observed for neurovegetative features, suicidality, and guilt/rumination. Loss of interest and fatigue were not consistent across episodes. Structural equation modeling suggested that the dimensional structure of symptoms was not invariant across episodes.

Conclusion:  While the overall dimensional structure of depressive symptoms lacks temporal stability, individual symptoms including suicidality, mood, psychomotor, and neurovegetative symptoms are stable across major depressive episodes in bipolar disorder and should be considered in future investigations of course and pathophysiology in bipolar disorder.
Pandemic influenza: human rights, ethics and duty to treat
Authors: PAHLMAN I. , TOHMO H. , GYLLING H.
Published: November 2009

The 2009 influenza A/H1N1 pandemic seems to be only moderately severe. In the future, a pandemic influenza with high lethality, such as the Spanish influenza in 1918–1919 or even worse, may emerge. In this kind of scenario, lethality rates ranging roughly from 2% to 30% have been proposed. Legal and ethical issues should be discussed before the incident. This article aims to highlight the legal, ethical and professional aspects that might be relevant to anaesthesiologists in the case of a high‐lethality infectious disease such as a severe pandemic influenza. The epidemiology, the role of anaesthesiologists and possible threats to the profession and colleagueship within medical specialties relevant to anaesthesiologists are reviewed. During historical plague epidemics, some doctors have behaved like ‘deserters’. However, during the Spanish influenza, physicians remained at their jobs, although many perished. In surveys, more than half of the health‐care workers have reported their willingness to work in the case of severe pandemics. Physicians have the same human rights as all citizens: they have to be effectively protected against infectious disease. However, they have a duty to treat. Fair and responsible colleagueship among the diverse medical specialties should be promoted. Until disaster threatens humanity, volunteering to work during a pandemic might be the best way to ensure that physicians and other health‐care workers stay at their workplace. Broad discussion in society is needed.
Patients with problematic opioid use can be weaned from codeine without pain escalation
Authors: NILSEN H. K. , STILES T. C. , LANDRØ N. I. , FORS E. A. , KAASA S. , BORCHGREVINK P. C.
Published: November 2009

Background: Brief treatments for chronic non‐malignant pain patients with problematic opioid use are warranted. The aims of the present study were to investigate (1) whether it is possible to withdraw codeine use in such patients with a brief cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT), (2) whether this could be done without pain escalation and reduction in quality of life and (3) to explore the effects of codeine reduction on neurocognitive functioning.

Methods: Eleven patients using codeine daily corresponding to 40–100 mg morphine were included. Two specifically trained physicians treated the patients with six CBT sessions, tapering codeine gradually within 8 weeks. Codeine use, pain intensity, quality of life and neuropsychological functioning were assessed at pre‐treatment to the 3‐month follow‐up.

Results: Codeine use was significantly reduced from mean 237 mg [standard deviation (SD) 65] pre‐treatment to 45 mg (SD 66) post‐treatment and to 48 mg (SD 65) at follow‐up without significant pain escalation or reductions in quality of life. Moreover, neuropsychological functioning improved significantly on some tests, while others remained unchanged.

Conclusion: The promising findings of codeine reduction in this weaning therapy programme for pain patients with problematic opioid use should be further evaluated in a larger randomized control trial comparing this brief CBT with both another brief treatment and attention placebo condition.
Lidocaine vs. magnesium: effect on analgesia after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: SAADAWY I. M. , KAKI A. M. , ABD EL LATIF A. A. , ABD‐ELMAKSOUD A. M. , TOLBA O. M.
Published: November 2009

Background: This double‐blinded study aimed at evaluating and comparing the effects of magnesium and lidocaine on pain, analgesic requirements, bowel function, and quality of sleep in patients undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Methods: Patients were randomized into three groups (n=40 each). Group M received magnesium sulfate 50 mg/kg intravenously (i.v.), followed by 25 mg/kg/h i.v., group L received lidocaine 2 mg/kg i.v., followed by 2 mg/kg/h i.v., and group P received saline i.v. Bolus doses were given over 15 min before induction of anesthesia, followed by an i.v. infusion through the end of surgery. Intraoperative fentanyl consumption and averaged end‐tidal sevoflurane concentration were recorded. Abdominal and shoulder pain were evaluated up to 24 h using a visual analog scale (VAS). Morphine consumption was recorded at 2 and 24 h, together with quality of sleep and time of first flatus.

Results: Lidocaine or magnesium reduced anesthetic requirements (P<0.01), pain scores (P<0.05), and morphine consumption (P<0.001) relative to the control group. Lidocaine resulted in lower morphine consumption at 2 h [4.9 ± 2.3 vs. 6.8 ± 2.8 (P<0.05)] and lower abdominal VAS scores compared with magnesium (1.8 ± 0.8 vs. 3.2 ± 0.9, 2.2 ± 1 vs. 3.6 ± 1.6, and 2.1 ± 1.4 vs. 3.3 ± 1.9) at 2, 6, and 12 h, respectively (P<0.05). Lidocaine was associated with earlier return of bowel function and magnesium was associated with better sleep quality (P<0.05).

Conclusion: I.v. lidocaine and magnesium improved post‐operative analgesia and reduced intraoperative and post‐operative opioid requirements in patients undergoing LC. The improvement of quality of recovery might facilitate rapid hospital discharge.
Caudal analgesia for prostate biopsy
Authors: CESUR M. , YAPANOGLU T. , ERDEM A. F. , OZBEY I. , ALICI H. A. , AKSOY Y.
Published: November 2009

Background: Although various local anesthesia techniques have been suggested to decrease pain and discomfort during a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)‐guided prostate biopsy, the best method has not yet been defined. The present prospective, double‐blind, randomized study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of ‘walking’ caudal block compared with an intrarectal lidocaine gel for this procedure.

Methods: One hundred patients were randomly assigned to two groups. In the lidocaine gel group, 10 ml of gel containing 2% lidocaine was given intrarectally. In the caudal group, 20 ml 0.1% bupivacaine with 75 μg fentanyl was injected. Pain scores, anal sphincter tone and patient satisfaction were evaluated.

Results: The pain scores were significantly lower in the caudal group at all stages. Verbal rating scores (scale 1–4) during probe insertion, probe maneuver and biopsies were 1 (0–2), 1 (0–2) and 1 (0–2) vs. 3 (0–5), 2 (1–3) and 4 (2–6), respectively (P value <0.0001 at all stages). The anal sphincter was more relaxed in the caudal group than in the gel group (P value <0.0001 in all categories). Highly satisfied patients were more frequently encountered in the caudal group, 34 (68%) vs. 8 (16%), P<0.0001, and unsatisfied patients were more frequently found in the gel group 1 (2%) vs. 12 (24%); P<0.001. All patients were able to walk without any assistance immediately after the procedures.

Conclusion: ‘Walking’ caudal analgesia is an efficacious method for relieving the pain during TRUS‐guided prostate biopsies in ambulatory practice.
Megabenthic diversity patterns and community structure of the Blanes submarine canyon and adjacent slope in the Northwestern Mediterranean: a human overprint?
Authors: Ramirez‐Llodra Eva , Company Joan Baptista , Sardà Francisco , Rotllant Guiomar
Published: November 2009

The composition and structure of megabenthic communities in the Blanes canyon and adjacent open margin (Northwestern Mediterranean) were studied. The aim was to assess the effect of the canyon and commercial fishing intensity on the community composition and structure of benthic megafauna by (i) describing the megabenthic community composition, (ii) quantifying faunal abundance and biomass and (iii) describing community structure with MDS analyses and biodiversity indices. The results are compared between three sites (canyon head, canyon wall and open margin) located between 435 m and 700 m. Samples were collected using a commercial bottom trawl between April 2003 and March 2004. These sites are exploited by the local fishing fleet that targets the rose shrimp Aristeus antennatus. A total of 131 megabenthic species were identified from the three sites, with fishes and decapod crustaceans being the most speciose, most abundant and of higher biomass. The species richness, abundance and biomass of non‐crustacean invertebrates were low. There were no significant differences in total abundance and biomass between the three sites. However, community structure analysis suggests that the open margin community is significantly different from the canyon head and canyon wall, with a lower species richness, lower diversity and lower evenness. The open margin community also reflects a higher degree of disturbance compared to the two canyon habitats. The results indicate that there is a canyon effect on the community structure of benthic megafauna, but this may be modulated by differing fishing pressure, which adds an additional factor to margin heterogeneity.