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Physical activity (PA) improves dyspnoea, psychological wellbeing and quality of life (QoL) for people with COPD reducing their risk of exacerbation. However, engagement in PA is low especially amongst those with anxiety and depression, and PA programmes are limited in countries with limited resources such as Brazil. We explored perceptions of 21 people with COPD about the impact of their disease on taking part in community-based PA programmes in Sao Paulo, Brazil through semi-structured telephone interviews from October 2020 to April 2021. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using the Framework method. Five themes were identified: Knowledge about COPD and its management; Self-perception of life with COPD; Knowledge and experiences of depression and anxiety; Opinions on PA and repercussions of COVID-19. PA was considered to be important in bringing physical and mental health benefits but there were barriers in accessibility of formal PR programmes and therefore local community PA programmes were considered to be important. People with mental health conditions tended to view PA more negatively. COVID-19 had reduced PA opportunities, access to COPD treatment and social interaction, and was associated with more exacerbations and emotional suffering. In general, this study showed an urgent need to improve knowledge about COPD and its risk factors and management among both patients, the public and primary healthcare professionals. We provide important content for the formulation of public policies for the implementation of specific activity programmes for people with COPD in community spaces using local resources and intersectoral partnerships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: KRAS mutations in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are used as predictive biomarkers to select therapy with EGFR monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Other factors may be significant determinants of benefit. Methods: Individual patient data from randomised trials with a head-to-head comparison between EGFR mAb versus no EGFR mAb (chemotherapy alone or best supportive care) in mCRC, across all lines of therapy, were pooled. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared between groups. Treatment effects within the predefined KRAS biomarker subsets were estimated by adjusted hazard ratio (HRadj) and 95% confidence interval (CI). EGFR mAb efficacy was measured within the KRAS wild-type subgroup according to BRAF and NRAS mutation status. In both KRAS wild-type and mutant subgroups, additional factors that could impact EGFR mAb efficacy were explored including the type of chemotherapy, line of therapy, age, sex, tumour sidedness and site of metastasis. Results: 5675 patients from 8 studies were included, all with known mCRC KRAS mutation status. OS (HRadj 0.90, 95% CI 0.84–0.98, p = 0.01) and PFS benefit (HRadj 0.73, 95% CI 0.68–0.79, p < 0.001) from EGFR mAbs was observed in the KRAS wild-type group. PFS benefit was seen in patients treated with fluorouracil (HRadj 0.75, 95% CI 0.68–0.82) but not with capecitabine-containing regimens (HRadj 1.04, 95% CI 0.86–1.26) (pinteraction = 0.002). Sidedness also interacted with EGFR mAb efficacy, with survival benefit restricted to left-sided disease (pinteraction = 0.038). PFS benefits differed according to age, with benefits greater in those under 70 (pinteraction = 0.001). The survival benefit was not demonstrated in those patients with mutations found in the KRAS, NRAS or BRAF genes. The presence of liver metastases interacted with EGFR mAb efficacy in patients with KRAS mutant mCRC (pinteraction = 0.004). Conclusion: The benefit provided by EGFR mAbs in KRAS WT mCRC is associated with left-sided primary tumour location, younger patient age and absence of NRAS or BRAF mutations. Survival benefit is observed with fluorouracil but not capecitabine. Exploratory results support further research in KRAS mutant mCRC without liver metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial soil mixtures were prepared with 10–40% of either kaolinite or bentonite clay, plus Sphagnum moss, and clean sand. Mixtures were placed in plastic containers in the field, and let mature for six months (in a tropical climate). They were then contaminated with 3% of either light, medium or heavy crude oil, and let weather for another six months. Afterward, compaction was measured in the field, and core samples were taken for laboratory determinations. No correlation was found between soil density and compaction, and it appeared that some of the density determinations were unreliable due to interferences from the petroleum. Compaction was low (< 0.5 MPa) for smectite-based soil, but much higher (up to 1.24 MPa) in kaolinite-based soil, especially with higher clay levels contaminated with heavy crude. Water repellency for kaolinite-based soil was low to null (especially for 30 and 40% clay), but repellency for smectite-based soil was three orders of magnitude higher, in the severe to extreme range. However, it is uncertain whether these laboratory determinations on smectite-based soils could be applied to the field. Regional, smectite-rich soils tend to be moist and low-lying in the landscape, unlikely to manifest water repellency, even during the dry season. Field capacity in smectite-based soil showed low impacts (reductions of 0–1% of moisture content with higher amounts of clay), but kaolinite-based soil showed considerable reduction, especially at 30% clay (being 15% less). The importance of these results for contamination, characterization and remediation of regional soils is discussed, as well as recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legacy sites used for petroleum storage and refining exist in various parts of the world, and many contain soils with very viscous petroleum hydrocarbons produced by poor historical practices and many decades of weathering, especially in tropical and subtropical climates. This contamination causes land-use restrictions and may threaten natural resources and living organisms. The possibility of re-valorization of such a weathered hydrocarbon residue (WHR) was investigated for road-base (dense asphaltic mixture), considering site restrictions (re-use only on-site, construction possibilities, volume of residue, sandy soil). Fifty different mixtures were prepared in an iterative process to (1) use the maximum amount of WHR possible, (2) use the minimum amount of gravel possible, (3) meet the main national construction criteria for medium-traffic roadways, and (4) avoid leachate contamination of subsoil and groundwater. The ideal asphaltic mixture achieved was composed of 16.7% hydrocarbon residue, 60.17% sand (from the site), 20.00% commercial gravel and 3.13% Portland cement (filler). It met construction criteria (≥ 700 Kgf, 2–4 mm flux, according to the Marshall protocol) and had 3.39 mg/L of total petroleum hydrocarbons in TCLP-leachates, which were also non-toxic (filter-paper earthworm bioassay). Thus, the exploitation of a very WHR was shown to be an alternative to replace conventional asphaltic mixtures (thus providing another option for revalorization instead of landfill disposal or alternative treatment). Also demonstrated was the value of very WHRs, which may be present in old refineries, for asphalt production without using additives to strengthen the binding characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Brazil, prevalence of diagnosed COPD among adults aged 40 years and over is 16% although over 70% of cases remain undiagnosed. Hypertension is common and well-recorded in primary care, and frequently co-exists with COPD because of common causes such as tobacco smoking, therefore we conducted a cross-sectional screening test accuracy study in nine Basic Health Units in Brazil, among hypertensive patients aged ≥40 years to identify the optimum screening test/combinations to detect undiagnosed COPD. We compared six index tests (four screening questionnaires, microspirometer and peak flow) against the reference test defined as those below the lower limit of normal (LLN-GLI) on quality diagnostic spirometry, with confirmed COPD at clinical review. Of 1162 participants, 6.8% (n = 79) had clinically confirmed COPD. Peak flow had a higher specificity but lower sensitivity than microspirometry (sensitivity 44.3% [95% CI 33.1, 55.9], specificity 95.5% [95% CI 94.1, 96.6]). SBQ performed well compared to the other questionnaires (sensitivity 75.9% [95% CI 65.0, 84.9], specificity 59.2% [95% CI 56.2, 62.1]). A strategy requiring both SBQ and peak flow to be positive yielded sensitivity of 39.2% (95% CI 28.4, 50.9) and specificity of 97.0% (95% CI 95.7, 97.9). The use of simple screening tests was feasible within the Brazilian primary care setting. The combination of SBQ and peak flow appeared most efficient, when considering performance of the test, cost and ease of use (costing £1690 (5554 R$) with 26.7 cases detected per 1,000 patients). However, the choice of screening tests depends on the clinical setting and availability of resources. ISRCTN registration number: 11377960. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perivascular macrophages (pvMs) are associated with cerebral vasculature and mediate brain drainage and immune regulation. Here, using reporter mouse models, whole brain and section immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and single cell RNA sequencing, besides the Lyve1+F4/80+CD206+CX3CR1+ pvMs, we identify a CX3CR1– pvM population that shares phagocytic functions and location. Furthermore, the brain parenchyma vasculature mostly hosts Lyve1+MHCII– pvMs with low to intermediate CD45 expression. Using the double Cx3cr1GFP x Cx3cr1-Cre;RosatdT reporter mice for finer mapping of the lineages, we establish that CD45lowCX3CR1– pvMs are derived from CX3CR1+ precursors and require PU.1 during their ontogeny. In parallel, results from the Cxcr4-CreErt2;Rosa26tdT lineage tracing model support a bone marrow-independent replenishment of all Lyve1+ pvMs in the adult mouse brain. Lastly, flow cytometry and 3D immunofluorescence analysis uncover increased percentage of pvMs following photothrombotic induced stroke. Our results thus show that the parenchymal pvM population is more heterogenous than previously described, and includes a CD45low and CX3CR1– pvM population. Perivascular macrophages (pvMs) are important for brain drainage and immune regulation. Here the authors analyse various reporter mouse strains for finer mapping of pvM subsets and lineage differentiation, and propose CX3CR1negative and CD45low as additional markers of intermediate pvMs for studying this heterogenous population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stabilization and solidification mixtures of contaminated material with 60% weathered, oily crust, and 40% sediment were made, and acute toxicity (Vibrio fischeri bioassay), hydrocarbons in leachates, and resistance to compression were determined. For stabilized materials, the hydrocarbon concentration expected in base soil (underneath stabilization cells) was calculated from hydrocarbon concentrations in laboratory leachates using a modified test that better simulates real site conditions (acid extraction of complete formed blocks). In the modified tests, an asymptotic behavior in the hydrocarbon concentration in leachates was observed, nearing a maximum after 15 days. The calculated hydrocarbon concentration in base soil was < 3000 mg/Kg in all concentrations of agglomerate and pozzolan used (3.75–15% CaO, 1.25–5.0% diatomaceous earth). Acute toxicity was null or indeterminate with respect to background levels. For solidified materials, in two of the treatments (3.75 and 7.5% CaO, 1.25 and 3.75% diatomaceous earth; plus gravelly backfill at 1:1), unconfined resistance to compression was sufficient for the material to be used as sub-base for rural roads (> 17.6 ton/m2), but with higher concentrations of reagents (15% CaO, 5% diatomaceous earth; plus gravelly backfill at 1:1), the resistance was insufficient. In all solidification treatments, no toxicity above background was encountered, and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons in leachate tests resulted in calculated hydrocarbon concentrations in base soil of < 3000 mg/Kg. From these data, it was concluded that stabilization and solidification were feasible for this site using low concentrations of reagents, and that it was not necessary to use a plastic liner to prevent subsoil contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ant genus Megalomyrmex Forel, 1885, has 45 valid species and is spread across the entire Neotropical region. Megalomyrmex species have been studied for decades and there are many rich natural history accounts that describe various details, including symbionts and unusual reproductive strategies. Natural history traits such as lifestyle have been used to help delimit Megalomyrmex species and the four species groups (i.e., Leoninus, Modestus, Pusillus, and Silvestrii), but recent findings suggest well-sampled comparative studies coupled with revisionary taxonomy are still needed. We report observations of the natural history of the Megalomyrmex ayri Brandão, 1990, regarding diet, nesting habits, abundance, distribution, and reproductive strategy. The sampling was conducted in a Terra Firme Forest, in the municipality of Itaituba, state of Pará, in the Tapajós River region of the Brazilian Amazon. Our observations reduce knowledge gaps about the lesser known Megalomyrmex species, and are essential for an understanding of the evolutionary history of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil leachates from di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate-contaminated soil to groundwater could potentially cause toxicity, depending on the physical and chemical properties of the soil, and modifications in the phthalate, thus affecting health in nearby human populations. For this reason, the following study was accomplished, evaluating the effectiveness of soil remediation based on the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure-like leachates from treated soil. Since there are not any environmental regulations for this emerging contaminant in country, simply reducing the DEHP concentration in soil or leachates was not sufficient for regulatory purposes to assure regulators of remediation success. As an alternative, acute toxicity was used as the cleanup criterion. This was done using the filter paper test of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Protocol No. 207 with earthworms, which was applicable, since the country in which the study was done is a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and accepts its test protocols. In contaminated soil leachates, the earthworms exhibited a ruptured body wall with bloody wounds and expulsion of coelomic fluid, and those surviving worms showed a reduction in movement with practically null response to stimulus. Contaminated soil treated by chemical oxidation with 2.5% of hydrogen peroxide showed the greatest toxicity reduction, up to 94%, demonstrating the technical feasibility of this treatment method. The soil treated by bioremediation (simulation of landfarm operation) was also effective after five months of treatment, showing no significant difference with the negative control (uncontaminated soil). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-mediated reperfusion is preferred over pharmacoinvasive reperfusion with fibrinolysis if transfer to a PCI centre can be ensured in ≤120 min. We evaluated the ambulance driving time to primary PCI centres in the Netherlands and assessed to what extent ambulance driving times were impacted by the expansion of off-site PCI centres. Methods and results: We calculated the driving routes from every Dutch postal code to the nearest PCI centre with (on-site) or without (off-site) surgical back-up. We used data from ambulance records to estimate the ambulance driving time on each route. There were 16 on-site and 14 off-site PCI centres. The median (interquartile range) time to on-site PCI centres was 18.8 min (12.2–26.3) compared with 14.9 min (8.9–20.9) to any PCI centre (p < 0.001). In postal code areas that were impacted by the initiation of off-site PCI, the median driving time decreased from 25.4 (18.2–33.1) to 14.7 min (8.9–20.9) (p < 0.001). Ambulance driving times of >120 min were only seen in non-mainland areas. Conclusion: Based on a computational model, timely ambulance transfer to a PCI centre within 120 min is available to almost all STEMI patients in the Netherlands. Expansion of off-site PCI has significantly reduced the driving time to PCI centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Women with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) present with different symptoms compared to men. This can result in delays in diagnosis and in the timely treatment of women. The aim of this study is to examine these differences, including the short- and long-term mortality in women and men. Methods: This quality registry study included all patients with STEMI who received primary percutaneous coronary intervention in 2015 or 2016 in Amsterdam and the surrounding region. Results: Three PCI centres and the Emergency Medical Service in Amsterdam participated. In total, 558 men (71%) and 229 women (29%) were included. Women were on average 7 years older than men (68 vs 61 years, p < 0.001), and suffered more often from hypertension (46% vs 34%, p = 0.002) and monovascular disease (69% vs 57%, p = 0.002). A higher percentage of men were current smokers (41% vs 49%, p = 0.043). Patient delay, system delay and overall ischaemic times were similar in both women and men (medians: 51, 94 and 157 min, respectively). Initiation of treatment was achieved within 90 min after STEMI diagnosis in 85% of patients (87% in women, 85% in men). Thirty-day and 1‑year mortality adjusted hazard ratio for women versus men was 1.60 (95% CI 0.9–3.0) and 1.24 (95% CI 0.8–2.0), respectively. Discussion: Recognition of cardiac complaints remains challenging for patients. In the Amsterdam region, time delays and mortality were not significantly different between men and women presenting with STEMI. These results are in contrast to findings in similar registries. This suggests that implementation of current knowledge and national campaigns are effective in increasing awareness of the signs and symptoms suggestive of myocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Number 6 fuel oil is one of the most used energy sources for electricity generation. However, leaks can contaminate soil and also groundwater due to leaching. At old sites, the oil may have low toxicity but still contaminate groundwater with foul-tasting compounds even at low concentrations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of applying H2O2 to reduce the leaching potential of a fuel oil contaminated soil. A silt-loam soil was collected from a contaminated thermal-electric plant with a hydrocarbon concentration of 3.2% in soil producing 4.3 mg/l in leachate. Hydrogen peroxide was applied (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.6, 1.2% dry weight basis), and petroleum hydrocarbons were measured in soil and leachate pre- and post-treatment (72 h). At first, the soil and leachate concentrations diminished linearly (24.4 and 27.3% in soil and leachate, respectively). This was followed by a phase in which the concentration in leachate diminished greatly (75.8%) although the concentration in soil was reduced only moderately (15.1%). Overall, hydrocarbons in leachates were reduced 82.4% even though concentrations in soil were only reduced 35.8%. Correlation analysis showed that at only 1.0% w/w H2O2 a concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons in leachate safe for human consumption (≤ 1 mg/l) could be obtained even with a final hydrocarbon concentration in soil > 2%. Thus, this study presents an alternative strategy for remediation of fuel oil contaminated soils in urban environments that protects water sources by focusing on contamination in leachates, without spending extra financial resources to reduce the hydrocarbon concentration in low-toxicity soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under greenhouse conditions, we evaluated establishment of four tree species and their capacity to degrade crude oil recently incorporated into the soil; the species were as follows: Cedrela odorata (tropical cedar), Haematoxylum campechianum (tinto bush), Swietenia macrophylla (mahogany), and Tabebuia rosea (macuilis). Three-month-old plants were planted in soil with three treatments of heavy petroleum and a control (C0 0 mg kg; C1 18,000 mg kg; C2 31,700 mg kg; C3 47,100 mg kg) with four repetitions per treatment and species; the experiment was carried out for 245 days. Height and biomass of all species significantly diminished as petroleum concentration increased, although plant survival was not affected. The quantity of colony-forming units (CFU) of rhizospheric bacteria varied among tree species and treatments; petroleum stimulated bacterial CFU for S. macrophylla. The number of fungi CFU for S. macrophylla and T. rosea was significantly greater in C0 than in soil with petroleum, but among species and among different concentrations, no significant differences were found. The greatest percentage of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) degradation was found in C1 for soil without plants (45 %). Differences from the remaining treatments (petroleum concentrations in soil and plant species) were not significant ( P < 0.05). Among all trees, H. campechianum had the greatest TPH degradation (32.5 % in C2). T. rosea (C1) and H. campechianum (C2) resulted in petroleum degradation at levels ranging from 20.5 to 32.5 %. On the basis of this experiment, the tree species used did not improve TPH degradation. However, all of them showed high rates of survival and vigor. So, as tree species provide goods and services, experiments with inoculation of hydrocarbonclastic microorganisms, addition of fertilizers, and mixture of tree and grasses are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many petroleum-producing regions, there are not adequate controls to prevent pipeline breaks and spills, and thus soil is frequently contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. Different petroleum oil compounds may produce negative impacts on soil fertility. In this study, four fresh crudes, a weathered petroleum, and oils from bioremediated and burned sites were investigated (specific gravities 0.83-1.27). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed three predominant polar functional groups to be more plentiful in the heavier crudes. The relative abundance of these groups was used to calculate an index that was directly correlated with specific gravity ( R = 0.9960) and the percent of asphaltene plus (polars + resins) fractions in the oil ( R = 0.9643). This index correlated exponentially to the water repellency caused by petroleum in an alluvial soil ( R = 0.9928). Furthermore, extra-heavy oil at a concentration of 10,000 ppm, the maximum allowable oil concentration in the soil that is within regulatory norms in many US states and other countries, and with a specific gravity >1.002, showed severe water repellency. This study presents an alternative for determining soil remediation criteria based on the API gravity of the oil rather than the C-range of the hydrocarbon mixtures, simplifying analytical methods and systematically studying the interaction between the kinds of petroleum mixtures and potential impacts to soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pipeline right-of-way contaminated with light crude in 1979 and subsequently burned shows severe hydrophobicity, poor infiltration rates, and loss of vegetative cover. To evaluate alkaline desorption as a treatment method, surface soil samples were collected and analyzed pre- and post-treatment. Samples had total petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations of 2800-63,100 mg/kg, severe water repellency, critical moisture 2-5 times above the in situ moisture content, but no acute toxicity. Thus, water repellency, rather than toxicity, is causing the loss of vegetation. Samples were treated with 0.1 N NaOH in two doses (1:3; soil/solution), with complete drainage between doses. Finally, each soil sample was washed with an equal volume or water and allowed to drain completely. For more hydrophobic samples, repeated treatments, without rinsing between each treatment, were made. Post-treatment, the samples were re-analyzed for water repellency and critical moisture content. In samples with initial water repellency values in the range of 5.0-6.7 M, the repellency was reduced 94-100 % and below critical levels to avoid soil hydrophobicity in field conditions. The other samples with initial water repellency values in the range of 10-13 M could not be recovered with single treatment, but sequential treatments reduced the hydrocarbon content up to 87 % and reduced the hydrophobicity to levels low enough or nearly low enough to avoid severe water repellency in the field. Currently, field studies are being carried out to evaluate this treatment method at the site, as a stand-alone method and in combination with organic amendment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water repellency was studied in a clayey soil contaminated with light (36.6°API), medium (27.4°API), and heavy (15.0°API) crude oils at concentrations of 1, 2, 4, and 8 %. Higher water drop penetration times (WDPTs) were observed in dry soil as the density and concentration of petroleum increased, resulting in logarithmic functions which could be modeled from API gravity and oil concentration ( R = 0.986). WDPTs varied from 2.1 to 8.7 s with light crude, 11.1 to 44.9 s for medium crude, and 39.4 to 134.5 s for heavy crude. Only heavy crude-contaminated soil, at >2 % resulted in significant hydrophobicity. Critical moisture content in these hydrophobic soils was insignificant at moisture contents >12.8 % at 2 % heavy crude and >14.6 % at 4 % heavy crude. Only at a concentration of 8 % heavy crude was the critical moisture content (>17.2 %) higher than that observed in the field during the dry season (14.8 %). Thus, only (clayey) soil contaminated with very high concentrations of heavy oil is likely to present hydrophobicity in this monsoon climate. This study shows that the development of models to describe soil water repellency may be useful to propose remediation criteria which reduce or avoid the risk of water repellency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The documented and “accepted” incident rates in surgery are unacceptably high. Incident rates of 1–5% are generally accepted as a normal part of practice. Current morbidity and mortality reporting, while important, does not sufficiently examine or expose the active and latent errors that lead to adverse outcomes. Further. there is no process in place for systematically learning from surgical incident data so that appropriate changes can be incorporated in practice. Other high-risk industries have shown that process improvements, as well as the promotion of a culture of safety, can have a significant impact on an industry’s safety record. The establishment of surgical protocols and checklists has the potential to improve the standards of training and practice, as well as enhancing operating room communications. Data collection and analysis can identify latent errors that could be addressed through better training, device design, or surgical methods. Computerbased training could be instituted to allow surgeons to practice the perceptual, decision-making, and problemsolving skills that are a major part of surgery. These kinds of activities have been incorporated successfully into other industries and should also be applied to the practice of surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:Psychometric studyObjectives:To develop and test a valid and reliable assessment of wheelchair skills for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI); the Queensland Evaluation of Wheelchair Skills (QEWS).Setting:Hospital, Australia.Methods:Phase 1: Four Delphi panel rounds with clinical experts were used to develop the QEWS. Phase 2: Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the QEWS items were examined in 100 people with SCI. Phase 3a: Concurrent validity was investigated by examining the association between QEWS total scores and physiotherapists' global ratings of wheelchair skill performance. Phase 3b: Construct validity was tested in 20 people with recent SCI by examining change in QEWS total scores between when they first mobilised in a wheelchair and scores obtained 10 weeks later.Results:Phase 1: The QEWS was developed. Phase 2: The intra-class correlation coefficients reflecting the intra-rater reliability and the inter-rater reliability for the QEWS total score were 1.00 and 0.98, with scores being within one point of each other 96 and 91% of the time, respectively. Phase 3a: The QEWS total scores were comparable with the global rating of wheelchair skill performance (r2=0.93). Phase 3b: The QEWS scores changed by a median (interquartile range (IQR)) of 4 (1 to 6) points over the 10-week period following first wheelchair mobilisation.Conclusion:The QEWS is a valid and reliable tool for measuring wheelchair skills in individuals with SCI. The QEWS is efficient and practical to administer and does not require specialised equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soil-water relationship was used to evaluate the efficacy of a novel remediation technology, the chemical-biological stabilization process, which focuses principally on soil fertility restoration in agricultural sites. This process was evaluated for the treatment of 150 m of bentonitic drilling muds from a closed sulfur mine which contained 70 % fines (<0.05 mm), and which had been contaminated with very weathered hydrocarbons, containing 31 % asphaltenes. This material was monitored for two and a half years, for in situ moisture content, field capacity, and soil water repellency. Additionally, critical soil moisture content for water drop penetration times of <5 and <60 s was monitored. Field capacity increased 46.6 % with respect to initial values and a vigorous vegetative growth was established. Concurrently, water repellency values for molarity ethanol droplet and water drop penetration times were reduced from 5.1 to 3.9 M and 106 to 0.12 h, respectively. Soil in situ moisture content during the driest part of the year (20.3 % humidity) remained above critical values (15.1 % humidity and 19.5 % humidity) to avoid a water repellency of <5 and <60 s, respectively, and water repellency was not observed in the field. Thus, complete mitigation of water repellency was achieved. These findings indicate that the soil-water relationship should be evaluated to achieve an integral soil remediation and that water repellency as a remediation criterion should be complemented with determinations of critical moisture content and actual site information on soil in situ moisture content during the annual cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geological and ecological features restrict dispersal and gene flow, leading to isolated populations. Dispersal barriers can be obvious physical structures in the landscape; however microgeographic differences can also lead to genetic isolation. Our study examined dispersal barriers at both macro- and micro-geographical scales in the black-capped chickadee, a resident North American songbird. Although birds have high dispersal potential, evidence suggests dispersal is restricted by barriers. The chickadee's range encompasses a number of physiological features which may impede movement and lead to divergence. Analyses of 913 individuals from 34 sampling sites across the entire range using 11 microsatellite loci revealed as many as 13 genetic clusters. Populations in the east were largely panmictic whereas populations in the western portion of the range showed significant genetic structure, which often coincided with large mountain ranges, such as the Cascade and Rocky Mountains, as well as areas of unsuitable habitat. Unlike populations in the central and southern Rockies, populations on either side of the northern Rockies were not genetically distinct. Furthermore, Northeast Oregon represents a forested island within the Great Basin; genetically isolated from all other populations. Substructuring at the microgeographical scale was also evident within the Fraser Plateau of central British Columbia, and in the southeast Rockies where no obvious physical barriers are present, suggesting additional factors may be impeding dispersal and gene flow. Dispersal barriers are therefore not restricted to large physical structures, although mountain ranges and large water bodies do play a large role in structuring populations in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing countries face the challenge of growing their economy while reducing the negative environmental impacts of industry, thus requiring treatment technologies that are economical and effective. One recent technology developed in the tropical part of Mexico for the remediation of petroleum-contaminated soil was tested in this scale-up project at an industrial level, whereas previously it had only been tested at laboratory scale; 150 m of bentonitic mud, contaminated with weathered hydrocarbons (3.4°API) at ~50,000 ppm, was treated with 4 % Ca(OH), 4 % organic amendment, and a fine-root tropical grass. Hydrocarbons in soil and in leachates, as well as pH, and acute toxicity (Microtox) were monitored for 28.8 months. At the end of the study, basal respiration, root density, and earthworm toxicity were also measured. The hydrocarbon concentration in soil was reduced to 45 %, and toxicity was eliminated. Hydrocarbons in leachates were reduced to ~1 mg/l, safe for human consumption. The pH adjustment depended on low soil moisture and was stabilized at 7.1. Intense revegetation resulted in good root density, within 90 % of nearby uncontaminated soil under pasture. Basal respiration was increased to levels comparable to uncontaminated tropical soils with agricultural use, pasture and gallery forest. At an industrial scale, strict moisture control was necessary for good pH stabilization. By controlling these conditions and applying this novel treatment process, it was possible to transform a heavily contaminated geological material into a non-toxic, fertile, soil-like substrate capable of maintaining a complete vegetative cover and microbial activity comparable to similar soils in a tropical environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Molecular characteristics of cancer vary between individuals. In future, most trials will require assessment of biomarkers to allocate patients into enriched populations in which targeted therapies are more likely to be effective. The MRC FOCUS3 trial is a feasibility study to assess key elements in the planning of such studies.Patients and Methods:Patients with advanced colorectal cancer were registered from 24 centres between February 2010 and April 2011. With their consent, patients' tumour samples were analysed for KRAS/BRAF oncogene mutation status and topoisomerase 1 (topo-1) immunohistochemistry. Patients were then classified into one of four molecular strata; within each strata patients were randomised to one of two hypothesis-driven experimental therapies or a common control arm (FOLFIRI chemotherapy). A 4-stage suite of patient information sheets (PISs) was developed to avoid patient overload.Results:A total of 332 patients were registered, 244 randomised. Among randomised patients, biomarker results were provided within 10 working days (w.d.) in 71%, 15 w.d. in 91% and 20 w.d. in 99%. DNA mutation analysis was 100% concordant between two laboratories. Over 90% of participants reported excellent understanding of all aspects of the trial. In this randomised phase II setting, omission of irinotecan in the low topo-1 group was associated with increased response rate and addition of cetuximab in the KRAS, BRAF wild-type cohort was associated with longer progression-free survival.Conclusions:Patient samples can be collected and analysed within workable time frames and with reproducible mutation results. Complex multi-arm designs are acceptable to patients with good PIS. Randomisation within each cohort provides outcome data that can inform clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work has shown is that it is possible to recycle continuous and short fibre reinforced thermosetting resins while keeping almost the whole of the original material, both fibres and matrix, within the recyclate. By splitting, crushing hot or cold, and hot forming, it is possible to create a recyclable material, which we designate a Remat, which can then be used to remanufacture other shapes, examples of plates and tubes being demonstrated. Not only can remanufacturing be done, but it has been shown that over 50 % of the original mechanical properties, such as the E modulus, tensile strength, and interlaminar shear strength, can be retained. Four different forms of composite were investigated, a random mat Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) bathroom component and boat hull, woven glass and carbon fibre cloth impregnated with an epoxy resin, and unidirectional carbon fibre pre-preg. One of the main factors found to affect composite recyclability was the type of resin matrix used in the composite. Thermoset resins tested were shown to have a temperature range around the Glass Transition Temperature (T) where they exhibit ductile behaviour, hence aiding reforming of the material. The high-grade carbon fibre prepreg was found to be less easy to recycle than the woven of random fibre laminates. One method of remanufacturing was by heating the Remat to above its glass transition temperature, bending it to shape, and then cooling it. However, unless precautions are taken, the geometric form may revert. This does not happen with the crushed material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:Clinometrics study.Objective:To devise a way of capturing the unbiased perspectives of people living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) in assessments of mobility.Setting:SCI unit and community.Methods:Three groups of raters used the Global Impression of Change Scale (GICS) to rate change in mobility of a cohort of patients with a recent SCI. The three groups of raters were as follows: 10 people with a recent SCI, 10 people with an established SCI and 10 physiotherapists. The ratings were done after viewing 51 pairs of videos depicting one of three motor tasks: sitting unsupported, transferring and walking. Each pair of videos showed the same person performing the same motor task on two occasions. The videos were taken between 1 h and 5 months apart and presented side by side, randomly left or right, on the screen. Raters were asked to score the amount of change in performance between the two videos on a 7-point Global Impression of Change Scale (GICS). Intra-rater reliability for the three motor tasks and three groups of raters was determined using intra-class correlation coefficients.Results:People with an SCI were reliable at rating change in patients' abilities to transfer and walk with ICC's ranging from 0.66 to 0.81 (95% Confidence interval bounds ranging from 0.51 to 0.94). Physiotherapists were consistently but only marginally more reliable at rating than people with an SCI.Conclusions:Videos and the GICS may provide a way of using the unbiased perspectives of people living with spinal cord injury in assessments of mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying barriers to hypertension management may facilitate cardiovascular risk reduction. Therefore, our objective, was to determine the prevalence of hypertension not managed with medication ('untreated') in a representative adult sample and identify patient factors/beliefs, and aspects of the patient-general practitioner (GP) relationship associated with untreated hypertension. The North West Adelaide Health Study, a biomedical cohort study over three stages from 2000-2009, assesses hypertension (systolic140 mm Hg and/or90 mm Hg or current treatment with anti-hypertensive medication), chronic disease and associated risk factors and health-care experiences, including risk perception, decision-making preferences, GP/primary care provider affiliation and satisfaction with care (n=2425). The prevalence of hypertension was 32.1% (n=781) comprised of treated (19.0%, n=462) and untreated (13.1%, n=319) hypertension. Thus, 40.8% of hypertension was untreated. Among hypertensive subjects, non-treatment was significantly associated with male sex, age <45 years, workforce participation, infrequent GP visits, dissatisfaction with recent medical care, high total cholesterol, moderate-level physical activity and lower body weights. Compared with participants without hypertension (and no treatment), untreated subjects demonstrated significant (15%) 10-year Framingham general cardiovascular risk (odds ratio=6.44, 95% confidence interval=4.52-9.17). Novel screening strategies and public health messages to address beliefs and perceptions of both patients and the health system are required to identify untreated, at-risk hypertensive individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:COIN compared first-line continuous chemotherapy with the same chemotherapy given intermittently or with cetuximab in advanced colorectal cancer (aCRC).Methods:Choice between oxaliplatin/capecitabine (OxCap) and oxaliplatin/leucovorin (LV)/infusional 5-FU (OxFU) was by physician and patient choice and switching regimen was allowed. We compared OxCap with OxFU and OxCap+cetuximab with OxFU+cetuximab retrospectively in patients and examined efficacy, toxicity profiles and the effect of mild renal impairment.Results:In total, 64% of 2397 patients received OxCap(±cetuximab). Overall survival, progression free survival and overall response rate were similar between OxCap and OxFU but rate of radical surgeries was higher for OxFU. Progression free survival was longer for OxFU+cetuximab compared with OxCap+cetuximab but other efficacy measures were similar. Oxaliplatin/LV/infusional 5-FU (±cetuximab) was associated with more mucositis and infection whereas OxCap(±cetuximab) caused more gastrointestinal toxicities and palmar-plantar erythema. In total, 118 patients switched regimen, mainly due to toxicity; only 16% came off their second regimen due to intolerance. Patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) 50-80 ml min−1 on OxCap(±cetuximab) or OxFU+cetuximab had more dose modifications than those with better renal function.Conclusions:Overall, OxFU and OxCap are equally effective in treating aCRC. However, the toxicity profiles differ and switching from one regimen to the other for poor tolerance is a reasonable option. Patients with CrCl 50-80 ml min−1 on both regimens require close toxicity monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:A longitudinal cohort study.Objective:The primary objective of this study was to compare the expectations that patients with recent spinal cord injury (SCI) had about walking 1 year from injury with the expectations of their physiotherapists.Setting:Two Sydney SCI units.Methods:A consecutive series of 47 patients admitted to the metropolitan SCI units was recruited. Using the Mobility Scale, expectations of the patients and their physiotherapists about walking at 1 year from SCI were recorded at the time of admission to rehabilitation. Ability to walk was then assessed at 1 year from the SCI.Results:On admission to rehabilitation, 31 patients expected to walk about their homes at 1 year post SCI, but only 18 (58%) of these patients did so. In contrast, physiotherapists expected 21 patients to be able to walk about their homes at 1 year post SCI, with 17 (81%) of these patients doing so. Similarly, whereas 21 patients expected to walk about the community at 1 year post SCI, only 11 (52%) of these patients did so. Physiotherapists expected 8 patients to walk about the community at 1 year post SCI and 7 (88%) of these patients did so. The differences between patients' and physiotherapists' expectations about walking were statistically significant (P<0.001).Conclusion:There is a high degree of disagreement between patients' and physiotherapists' expectations about walking at 1 year post SCI. Differences between patients' and physiotherapists' expectations about walking are potentially problematic and requires research to identify appropriate management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Signaling downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases controls cell differentiation and survival. How signals from different receptors are integrated is, however, still poorly understood. In this work, we have identified Kidins220 (Kinase D interacting substrate of 220 kDa)/ARMS (Ankyrin repeat-rich membrane spanning) as a main player in the modulation of neurotrophin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling in vivo, and a primary determinant for neuronal and cardiovascular development. Kidins220−/− embryos die at late stages of gestation, and show extensive cell death in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Primary neurons from Kidins220−/− mice exhibit reduced responsiveness to brain-derived neurotrophic factor, in terms of activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, neurite outgrowth and potentiation of excitatory postsynaptic currents. In addition, mice lacking Kidins220 display striking cardiovascular abnormalities, possibly due to impaired VEGF signaling. In support of this hypothesis, we demonstrate that Kidins220 constitutively interacts with VEGFR2. These findings, together with the data presented in the accompanying paper, indicate that Kidins220 mediates the integration of several growth factor receptor pathways during development, and mediates the activation of distinct downstream cascades according to the location and timing of stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failure load predictions of adhesively bonded lap joints are either done based on a stress/strain limit criterion or using concepts of fracture mechanics. For the former case, the stress-strain curves of the adhesive must be determined accurately and for the latter case the toughness of the adhesive is needed. The present study gives for two adhesives, one brittle and one ductile, the strength and fracture properties in the bulk form. Stress-strain curves are given in tension and shear. The toughness was measured in mode I using a three point bending specimen and in mode III with a circular specimen with a notch under torsion. Mixed-mode criteria are discussed and it is shown that the experimental results are in good agreement with the strain energy theory. Finally, the effect of shrinkage stresses on the fracture toughness was studied and it is shown that they have a substantial effect on the fracture toughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken.Objectives:The overall objective was to explore the potential usefulness of clinicians' and patients' impressions of change in motor performance for clinical trials. Specifically, the aim was to compare clinicians' and patients' impressions of change in motor performance with standardized outcome measures in people with spinal cord injury (SCI).Setting:Spinal injury units, Sydney, Australia.Methods:Thirty people undergoing rehabilitation after recent SCI were recruited. They were assessed on two occasions separated by between 1 and 5 months. On both occasions, patients were assessed sitting unsupported (n=25), transferring (n=23) and walking (n=12) using standardized outcome measures. On the second occasion, patients rated their impressions of change in each of the three motor tasks since their initial assessment. A 15-point scale was used. In addition, patients were videoed performing the three motor tasks on the two occasions. Two clinicians with SCI experience independently viewed the pairs of videos and rated their impressions of change using the same 15-point scale. Clinicians' and patients' impressions of change were compared with each other and to the standardized objective measures.Results:Clinicians' and patients' impressions of change were greater than change measured with standardized objective measures for all three motor tasks (P<0.01). In addition, patients' impressions of change were greater than clinicians' impressions of change for transferring, but comparable for unsupported sitting and walking.Conclusion:Clinicians' and patients' impressions of change in motor performance may have potential for evaluating treatment effectiveness in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A site evaluation was made for a low-lying property in an old river levee/marsh association, used marginally for cattle raising, which was contaminated due to historical practices. Contamination was related to geomorphology: the lowest areas contained 79 % of the contaminated samples. Other contaminated samples were all rear access roads (probable intentional dumping). There were no samples in the higher, levee areas away from roads with hydrocarbon concentrations above 3,000 mg/kg. Medium and high impact levels, corresponding to average hydrocarbon concentrations of 13,400 mg/kg and 109,700 mg/kg, respectively, were found in 28 % and 27 % of the property area. The medium impact level was predicted to have a reduced pasture production potential of ~ 50 % while at the high impact level practically no pasture production was predicted. Toxicological risk to cattle is present in only 12 % of the sample points although almost all of these are in very marshy areas not apt for cattle raising. Because the hydrocarbons at this tropical site are very weathered, acute toxicity was not related to hydrocarbon concentration. Although slightly more than half of the property has hydrocarbon concentrations above the permissible limit, only about one-third of the contaminated area is apt for cattle raising. This study, based on hydrocarbon distribution related to site geomorphology, soil toxicity bioassay, risk assessment to cattle and evaluation of pasture production allowed to made a more accurate assessment and definition of future use of the site. These criteria could be used for diagnostic studies of sites with similar tropical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a technique using dimensional analysis that so far has been rarely, if ever, used in studies of universal access. However, this procedure can produce a robust decision support process for inclusive designs. In this paper, it is applied to a case study of a wheelchair robot computer interface with choices in data input methods, addressing disparate requirements of different groups of intended users. The main underlying issue is to combine technical measurements, speed of operation and cost with subjective opinion. It turns out that Braglia’s method has greater robustness in determining rank compared to standard techniques. In this, case a simple switch was rated better than a mouse or voice operation for control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the preliminary toxicity data from the MRC COIN trial, a phase III randomised controlled trial of first-line therapy in advanced colorectal cancer, with particular reference to the addition of cetuximab to an oxaliplatin-fluoropyrimidine combination. A total of 804 patients were randomised between March 2005 and July 2006 from 78 centres throughout the United Kingdom. Patients were allocated to oxaliplatin plus fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy with or without the addition of weekly cetuximab. The choice of fluoropyrimidine (either 5-fluorouracil (5FU) or capecitabine) was decided by the treating physician and patient before randomisation. Toxicity data were collected from all patients. Two hundred and three patients received 5FU plus oxaliplatin (OxMdG, 25%), 333 oxaliplatin+capecitabine (Xelox, 41%), 102 received OxMdG+cetuximab (OxMdG+C, 13%) and 166 Xelox+cetuximab (21%). Percent grade 3/4 toxicities included diarrhoea 6, 15, 13 and 25%, nausea/vomiting 3, 7, 7 and 14% for OxMdG, Xelox, OxMdG+C and Xelox+C, respectively. Sixty-day all-cause mortality was 6, 5, 5 and 7%. Statistically significant differences were evident for patients receiving Xelox+cetuximab vs Xelox alone: diarrhoea relative risk (RR) 1.69 (1.17, 2.43, P=0.005) and nausea/vomiting RR 2.01 (1.16, 3.47, P=0.012). The excess toxicity observed in the oxaliplatin-, capecitabine-, cetuximab-treated patients led the trial management group to conclude that a capecitabine dose adjustment was required to maintain safety levels when using this regimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there is incomplete knowledge of the damping level and its sources in satellite structures and a suitable method to model it constitutes a necessary step for reliable dynamic predictions. As a first step of a damping characterization, the damping of honeycomb structural panels, which is identified as a main contributor to global damping, has been considered by ALCATEL SPACE. In this work, the inherent vibration damping mechanism in sandwich panels, including those with both aluminium and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) skins, is considered. It is first shown how the theoretical modal properties of the sandwich panel can be predicted from the stiffness and damping properties of its constituent components using the basic laminate theory, a first-order shear deformation theory and a simple discretization method. Next, a finite-element transcription of this approach is presented. It is shown to what extent this method can be implemented using a finite-element software package to predict the overall damping value of a sandwich honeycomb panel for each specific mode. Few of the many theoretical models used to predict natural frequencies of plates are supported by experimental data and even fewer for damping values. Therefore, in a second, experimental part, the Rayleigh–Ritz method and NASTRAN (finite-element software used by ALCATEL SPACE) predicted modal characteristics (frequency and damping) are compared with the experimentally obtained values for two specimens of typical aluminium core honeycomb panels (aluminium and CFRP skins) used by ALCATEL SPACE as structural panels. It is shown through these results that the method (theoretical and finite element) is satisfactory and promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with PFS in patients with Ewing sarcoma undergoing ASCT; 116 patients underwent ASCT in 1989–2000 and reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. Eighty patients (69%) received ASCT as first-line therapy and 36 (31%), for recurrent disease. Risk factors affecting ASCT were analyzed with use of the Cox regression method. Metastatic disease at diagnosis, recurrence prior to ASCT and performance score <90 were associated with higher rates of disease recurrence/progression. Five-year probabilities of PFS in patients with localized and metastatic disease at diagnosis who received ASCT as first-line therapy were 49% (95% CI 30–69) and 34% (95% CI 22–47) respectively. The 5-year probability of PFS in patients with localized disease at diagnosis, and received ASCT after recurrence was 14% (95% CI 3–30). PFS rates after ASCT are comparable to published rates in patients with similar disease characteristics treated with conventional chemotherapy, surgery and irradiation suggesting a limited role for ASCT in these patients. Therefore, ASCT if considered should be for high-risk patients in the setting of carefully controlled clinical trials.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2008) 41, 867–872; doi:10.1038/bmt.2008.2; published online 4 February 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have performed a series of experiments examining the properties of high Mach number blast waves. Experiments were conducted on the Z-Beamlet laser at Sandia National Laboratories. We created blast waves in the laboratory by using ∼1000 J laser pulses to illuminate millimeter scale solid targets immersed in gas. Our experiments studied the validity of theories forwarded by Ryu and Vishniac (1987, 1991) and Vishniac (1983) to explain the dynamics of perturbations on astrophysical blast waves. These experiments consisted of a systematic scan of the decay rates of perturbations of known primary mode number induced on the surface of blast waves by means of a regularly spaced wire array. The amplitude of the induced perturbations relative to the radius of the blast wave was tracked and fit to a power law in time. Measurements were taken for a number of different mode numbers in a mixed gas consisting of 7.5 Torr xenon and 2.5 Torr nitrogen and the results are compared to theoretical predictions. It is found that two of the three mode numbers imply one polytropic index while the third case, which is the most complicated for several reasons, implies a higher polytropic index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The orphan G protein-coupled receptor 78 (GPR78) gene lies within a region of chromosome 4p where we have previously shown linkage to bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) in a large Scottish family. GPR78 was screened for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and a linkage disequilibrium map was constructed. Six tagging SNPs were selected and tested for association on a sample of 377 BPAD, 392 schizophrenia (SCZ) and 470 control individuals. Using standard χ2 statistics and a backwards logistic regression approach to adjust for the effect of sex, SNP rs1282, located approximately 3 kb upstream of the coding region, was identified as a potentially important variant in SCZ (χ2 P=0.044; LRT P=0.065). When the analysis was restricted to females, the strength of association increased to an uncorrected allele P-value of 0.015 (odds ratios (OR)=1.688, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.104–2.581) and uncorrected genotype P-value of 0.015 (OR=5.991, 95% CI: 1.545–23.232). Under the recessive model, the genotype P-value improved further to 0.005 (OR=5.618, 95% CI: 1.460–21.617) and remained significant after correcting for multiple testing (P=0.017). No single-marker association was detected in the SCZ males, in the BPAD individuals or with any other SNP. Haplotype analysis of the case–control samples revealed several global and individual haplotypes, with P-values <0.05, all but one of which contained SNP rs1282. After correcting for multiple testing, two haplotypes remained significant in both the female BPAD individuals (P=0.038 and 0.032) and in the full sample of affected female individuals (P=0.044 and 0.033). Our results provide preliminary evidence for the involvement of GPR78 in susceptibility to BPAD and SCZ in the Scottish population.Molecular Psychiatry (2006) 11, 384–394. doi:10.1038/sj.mp.4001786; published online 3 January 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary:Severe mucositis is a common cause of morbidity in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. Glutamine has been shown to reduce mucositis in children receiving chemotherapy. Patients were randomized in a double-blind manner to receive glutamine or glycine at a dose of 2 g/m2/dose (maximum dose 4 g) twice daily until 28 days post transplant or discharge if sooner. Mucositis was graded by use of a modified Walsh scale. A total of 120 children were evaluable: 57 children received glutamine and 63 received glycine. The mean mucositis score was 3.0±0.3 vs 3.9±0.4 (P=0.07) in the glutamine and glycine groups, respectively. The glutamine group demonstrated a reduction in mean number of days of intravenous narcotics use (12.1±1.5 vs 19.3±2.8 in the glycine group, P=0.03) and total parenteral nutrition (17.3±1.7 vs 27.3±3.6 in glycine group, P=0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in toxicity between the two groups. Glutamine appears to be safe and beneficial in reducing the severity of mucositis. Strong consideration should be given to include oral glutamine supplementation as a routine part of supportive care of SCT patients.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2005) 36, 611–616. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1705084; published online 8 August 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have performed two sets of experiments looking at laser-driven radiating blast waves. In the first set of experiments the effect of a drive laser’s passage through a background gas on the hydrodynamical evolution of blast waves was examined. The laser’s passage heated a channel in the gas, creating a region where a portion of the blast wave front had an increased velocity, leading to the formation of a bump-like protrusion on the blast wave. The second set of experiments involved the use of regularly spaced wire arrays used to induce perturbations on a blast wave surface. The decay of these perturbations as a function of time was measured for various wave number perturbations and found to be in good agreement with theoretical predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiogenesis is characterised by activation, migration and proliferation of endothelial cells and is central to the pathology of cancer, cardiovascular disease and chronic inflammation. Somatostatin is an inhibitory polypeptide that acts through five receptors (sst 1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Sst has previously been reported in endothelium, but their role remains obscure. Here, we report the expression of sst in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro, during proliferation and quiescence. A protocol for culturing proliferating and quiescent HUVECs was established, and verified by analysing cell cycle distribution in propidium-iodide-stained samples using flow cytometry. Sst mRNA was then quantified in nine proliferating and quiescent HUVEC lines using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Sst 2 and 5 were preferentially expressed in proliferating HUVECs. All samples were negative for sst 4. Sst 1 and 3 expression and cell cycle progression were unrelated. Immunostaining for sst 2 and 5 showed positivity in proliferating but not quiescent cells, confirming sst 2 and 5 protein expression. Inhibition of proliferating cells with somatostatin analogues Octreotide and SOM230, which have sst 5 activity, was found (Octreotide 10(-10)-10(-6) M: 48.5-70.2% inhibition; SOM230 10(-9)-10(-6) M: 44.9-65.4% inhibition) in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that sst 5 may have functional activity in proliferation. Dynamic changes in sst 2 and 5 expression during the cell cycle and the inhibition of proliferation with specific analogues suggest that these receptors may have a role in angiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nesting in abundance on stream embankments in the wet forests of Panama, the fungus-growing ant Cyphomyrmex longiscapus sensu lato has become a model organism for the study of behavior, ecology, mating frequency, cultivar specificity, pathogenesis, and social parasitism in the attine agricultural symbiosis. Allozyme markers, morphology, and other evidence indicate that C. longiscapus s.l. is in fact a complex of two species, one of which is new to science and described here as Cyphomyrmex muelleri Schultz and Solomon, new species. Although both species occur sympatrically in the same microhabitats and are ecologically, behaviorally, and morphologically quite similar, they consistently cultivate two distantly related fungal symbionts. Thus, each of the two sibling ant species is specialized on a distinct cultivar species, contradicting the conclusions of a previous study. Information is provided for reliably separating the two ant species; morphometrics, ecology, behavior, biogeography, and natural history are summarized. Possible evolutionary mechanisms underlying cryptic speciation in C. longiscapus s.l. are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the hydrogeological simulation of groundwater movement in karstic regions using a hydrological modelling system (SHETRAN) which has been adapted for modelling flow in karstic aquifers. Flow and transport through karstic aquifers remains poorly understood, yet quantitative hydrogeological models are essential for developing and implementing groundwater protection policies. The new model has been developed and used within the STALAGMITE (Sustainable Management of Groundwater in Karstic Environments) project, funded by the European Commission. The SHETRAN model is physically based insofar as most of the parameters have some physical meaning. The SHETRAN model represents all of the key processes in the hydrological cycle, including subsurface flow in the saturated and unsaturated zones, surface flow over the ground surface and in channels, rainfall interception by vegetation canopies, evapotranspiration, snow-pack development and snowmelt. The modifications made to SHETRAN to simulate karstic aquifers are (1) the coupling of a pipe network model to a variably saturated, three-dimensional groundwater component (the VSS-NET component), to simulate flow under pressure in saturated conduits; (2) the coupling of surface water features (e.g. sinking streams or "ponors", and spring discharges) to the conduit system; (3) the addition of a preferential "bypass" flow mechanism to represent vertical infiltration through a high-conductivity epikarst zone. Lastly, a forward particle tracking routine has been developed to trace the path of hypothetical particles with matrix and pipe flow to springs or other discharge points. This component allows the definition of groundwater protection zones around a source for areas of the catchment (watershed) which are vulnerable to pollution from non-point sources (agriculture and forestry). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transcranial Doppler (TCD) has been demonstrated to identify those at highest risk of stroke among children with sickle-cell disease. Based on a randomized clinical trial [Stroke Prevention in Sickle-Cell Anemia Trial (STOP)], which ended in 1997, the National Heart Lung and Blood Division of NIH has recommended TCD screening and chronic blood transfusion based on Nicolet TC 2000 dedicated Doppler (TCD). Studies performed using TCD imaging modalities need to be correlated to that used in the clinical trial to provide information for treatment decisions when screening with TCDI.Objective: To correlate transcranial arterial time-averaged mean velocities obtained from an Acuson Transcranial Doppler Imaging to those obtained using the TCD as the gold standard for treatment decisions based on STOP.Materials and Methods: A total of 29 children with sickle-cell disease, age 3-16 years, were studied at one of two scanning sessions using both techniques and a scanning protocol based on that used in STOP performed and read independently. The average difference in the measured velocities for each arterial segment was tested to determine difference from zero. Differences were compared before and after modifications to the TCDI technique were made to mimic the STOP protocol more closely.Results: TCDI velocities were generally lower than TCD velocities for the same segment, but the difference was reduced (from 15 % to 10% for the middle cerebral artery) by modifications to the TCDI protocol.Conclusions: Measurements using the Acuson system are modestly lower than those obtained with dedicated Doppler using the Nicolet TCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]