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The aim of this study was to explore provider practices and attitudes towards routine follow-up counselling after prescription of contraceptives. An anonymous 16-item survey was pilot-tested and sent to providers of the Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and OBGYN departments of Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals (TJUH), an urban academic medical centre in Philadelphia, PA, USA. Frequency and descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data while a framework analysis approach was applied to open-ended questions. Fifty percent of providers said they typically follow up with patients regarding a newly prescribed contraceptive. Only 15.3% said they do for an existing prescription. Eighty-three percent reported that it is important though only 30% believed follow-up guidelines were clear. Ultimately, there is a gap between providers' interest in delivering follow-up care and established direction on how to do so. What is already known on the subject? Prescription contraceptive adherence is suboptimal. However, it is known that proactive follow-up has positive effects on prescription contraceptive adherence. What do the results of the study add? Most respondents believe that patients take their prescription contraception as prescribed. In light of this finding, providers are less likely to follow up with an existing prescription contraceptive. Interestingly, most respondents do believe that follow-up is important for patients using prescribed contraception but endorse that guidelines about follow-up are neither established nor clear. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Patient adherence to prescription contraceptives can be improved through optimised routine patient follow-up after initial prescription. This must be done in ways that minimise burdens to both patients and providers. Providers could benefit from clear guidelines regarding best practices. Future research is needed to understand how providers can best support patients on their contraceptive journey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP) is a common and disabling shoulder condition and surgical management is becoming more common. The rates and costs of surgical interventions have been on the rise. Understanding decision-making related to surgery and providing adequate information to people with RCRSP may improve patient-centred care and potentially reduce rates of surgery. To explore the decision-making processors of people who have undertaken surgery for RCRSP. An in-depth thematic analysis. Interviews were conducted with patients from Melbourne who had had surgical management for RCRSP. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Fifteen participants were recruited. Six key themes emerged: (1) Needing to get it done: "It was necessary to remedy the dire situation"; (2) Non-surgical treatment experience:" I knew that I'd done all I could"; (3) Mechanical problem:" Physio's not going to repair a torn tendon"; (4) Trust in medical professionals "If they told me that I needed to swallow a thousand spiders, I would have done it."; (5) Varied information sources "Dr Google played a big part in it"; (6) Organisational barriers "It was absolutely useless, my insurance." Surgery appears to be commonly precipitated by unremitted severe symptoms and failed non-surgical treatment. While there was strong trust in highly trained surgeons, decision to undergo surgery also drew on questionable pathoanatomical beliefs and instances of inadequate patient information about treatment choices and risks that may be addressed by adopting a more patient-centred care approach. Understanding decision-making related to surgery and providing adequate information to people with rotator cuff related shoulder pain may improve patient-centred care. Surgery appears to be commonly precipitated by unremitted severe symptoms and failed non-surgical treatment. Decision to undergo surgery sometimes drew on questionable pathoanatomical beliefs. There was strong trust in highly trained surgeons but there were instances of inadequate patient information about treatment choices and risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Drivers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are diffuse and complex including a range of interspecies behaviours between pet owners and their animals. We employed interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore the relationship between pet owners and their companion animals in relation to AMR. Design: Cross sectional, qualitative study. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-three British pet owners, transcribed verbatim and subjected to Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results: Three, inter-related Superordinate themes are presented 1) 'They're my fur babies': unconditional love and anthropomorphism; 2) 'They share everything with you': affection and transmission behaviours; and 3) 'We would err on the side of caution': decision making and antibiotic use'. Conclusions: Affectionate behaviours between companion animals and their owners pose a risk for AMR transmission but they are so deeply treasured that they are unlikely to be amenable to change. In contrast, the promotion of appropriate antibiotic stewardship for pet owners and vets may offer a viable pathway for intervention development, benefitting from synergies with other interventions that target prescribers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drying has uses going back into antiquity and research studies dating back well over 150 years. Research should also be directed toward the long-sought goal of a commercially viable continuous freeze dryer or an entirely different batch freeze-dryer design for much higher capacities than current operations. For industrial spray dryers and other large-scale dryers of solutions or suspensions, there will be cases where addition of a method of pre-concentration (e.g., a membrane process) reduces overall energy consumption. [Extracted from the article]

This pilot randomized controlled trial examined the feasibility and acceptability of a motivational interview (MI)-enhanced safety planning intervention (MI-SafeCope) for teens hospitalized due to suicide risk and explored proximal outcomes (possible mechanisms of change). Participants were 36 hospitalized adolescents (ages 13-17; 78.8% female) with last-week suicidal ideation and/or past-month suicide attempts. Adolescents were randomized to MI-SafeCope, a three-component intervention (individual and family sessions, postdischarge call), or to treatment as usual. Primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability. We also explored differences in proximal outcomes assessed at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months (family connectedness, motivation for safety plan use, parental motivation to encourage safety plan use), as well as daily for 4 weeks (self-efficacy, coping behavior, safety plan use). Participation and retention rates and intervention satisfaction ratings indicate feasibility and acceptability. Mixed-effects models of daily assessments indicated, for the MI-SafeCope group, significantly higher self-efficacy to refrain from suicidal action (B = 1.15, p = .030), greater reliance on self to cope with suicidal ideation (B =156, jp = .042), and higher likelihood of safety plan use to manage suicidal thoughts (B = 0.25, p = .004). Parents in the MI-SafeCope group reported higher motivation to encourage safety plan use (B = 1.04, p = .031). Safety planning incorporating MI is feasible and acceptable with hospitalized teens. Preliminary findings suggest that MI strategies may be promising in maintaining adherence to safety plans, increasing self-efficacy and coping, and in fostering parents' motivation to encourage safety plan use. Our study also highlights the benefit of daily- level assessment of individuals' response to suicide-specific interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring rat populations by standard tracking tunnels assumes that rats do not avoid treading on the tracking ink. We observed the behaviour of 20 rats in four groups of five, spending 2 nights each (40 trials) in large observation pens. In only 10 of 40 trials did the rat run through a tunnel without hesitation on first encounter, while in four trials a rat approached the tunnel up to 35 times but refused to run though it all night. Most rats approached and turned away between two and 34 times before running through. Observations through transparent tunnels of rats pausing for a mean of 3.2 s before stepping on the ink suggest that they probably could detect it, but they usually chose to ignore it. Experience of encountering the ink pad inside a black tunnel did not deter rats from running across another one, and would not affect indices of rat abundance reaching levels high enough to trigger conservation concern, but variation in behavioural reactions to tracking tunnels could possibly affect the detection rate of rats at low density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Biodiesel fuel represents an alternative to high particulate matter (PM)-emitting petroleum-based diesel fuels, yet uncertainty remains regarding potential biodiesel combustion emission health impacts. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare cardiovascular responses to pure and blended biodiesel fuel emissions relative to petroleum diesel exhaust (DE). Materials and methods: Spontaneously hypertensive rats were exposed for 4 h per day for four daysviawhole body inhalation to combustion emissions (based on PM concentrations 50, 150 or 500 μg/m3or filtered air) from pure (B100) or blended (B20) soy biodiesel, or to pure petroleum DE (B0). Electrocardiogram (ECG) and heart rate variability (HRV, an index of autonomic balance) were monitored before, during and after exposure while pulmonary and systemic inflammation were assessed one day after the final exposure. ECG and HRV data and inflammatory data were statistically analyzed using a linear mixed model for repeated measures and an analysis of variance, respectively. Results: B100 and B0, but not B20, increased HRV during all exposure days at the highest concentration indicating increased parasympathetic tone. Electrocardiographic data were mixed. B100 and B0, but not B20, caused significant changes in one or more of the following: serum C-reactive protein, total protein, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and plasma angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and fibrinogen. Discussion and conclusions: Although responses to emissions from all fuels were mixed and relatively mild, some findings point to a reduced cardiovascular impact of blended biodiesel fuel emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The interaction of grassland management factors such as plant species, rate of nitrogen (N) fertiliser application and stage of maturity at harvest, will determine the optimal balance of herbage yield, nutritive quality and ensilability for ruminant nutrition and/or industrial applications. This study investigated the effects of N fertiliser input and harvest date on the yield and chemical composition of five common grass species, and made comparisons with red clover. Perennial ryegrass (PRG), Italian ryegrass (IRG), tall fescue, cocksfoot, timothy and red clover were grown under two inorganic N fertiliser inputs (0 kg N ha−1 and 125 kg N ha−1; except red clover) and harvested at five dates (fortnightly from 12 May to 7 July) in the primary growth. Regression analysis of these data allowed comparison of the yield and chemical composition of each grass species at common growth stages, without the confounding effects of variation in maturity between grass species at common harvest dates. Of the grass species investigated, timothy was most productive in terms of dry matter (DM) yield and thus has the potential to provide a cheaper feed per unit DM. However, the most digestible grass species was PRG, with timothy being the lowest, and this could impact on both animal and bioenergy production potential. The most suitable grass species for ensiling was IRG (particularly when grown without fertiliser N) due to its higher water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) concentration and lower buffering capacity (BC) compared to all other grass species. In comparison to the grasses receiving inorganic N fertiliser, red clover had a numerically lower DM yield, but a higher mean DM digestibility and crude protein concentration. The lower WSC concentration and higher BC of the red clover may result in a greater preservation challenge during ensiling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Norway and ship rats (Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus) have invaded many habitats of conservation value worldwide, but Norway rats are widely assumed to be less of a threat to tree-nesting biota than are ship rats because they are less adept at climbing. We tested this assumption by measuring the capabilities of wild-caught captive rats of both species in reaching food rewards above ground, placed at fixed sites of increasingly difficult access. We confirmed that Norway rats were much slower and less agile than ship rats, but could in fact, given enough time, reach the same height above ground, run across the same thin ropes fixed at both ends and climb a real tree. However, they were more easily defeated by obstacles, more dependent on the availability of footholds, more vulnerable to falls, and those of >200 g body weight were significantly less likely to reach food rewards at the unsupported ends of small branches. We conclude that Norway rats seldom forage above ground, not because they cannot climb but because arboreal foraging is more risky and less likely to be rewarding for them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source database from EBSCO fills a niche by producing a bibliographic and full-text resource that covers all the dental specialties. It is international in coverage and includes not only the full text of journals but also of numerous books. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between Post-Traumatic Amnesia (PTA) duration, length of stay and functional outcomes in Australian in-patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design: Retrospective, descriptive study using prospectively collected data from the Uniform Data Set for Medical Rehabilitation (UDSMR). Methods: Prospective collection of Westmead PTA scores and analysis of database for admissions for primary TBI rehabilitation from 1993–2003. Functional Independence Measure (FIM) was used to measure functional outcome. Statistical analysis using SPSS Version 13. Results: Six hundred and thirty-eight consecutive admissions; 611 patients had PTA classified by ranges, 436 of whom had an exact number of PTA days. Mean age 37.6 years; more than 90% had a PTA duration greater than 1 week. Significant predictors of discharge FIM scores and total length of hospitalization were PTA duration, admission FIM scores and acute length of hospitalization. Conclusions: PTA duration correlates with length of hospitalization and discharge function. PTA duration affects recovery rate. Implications include use of PTA duration for prognosticating, discharge planning and funding systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scopus® is an abstract and citation database from Elsevier that covers peer-reviewed literature in addition to trade publications, conference proceedings, patent records, and Web sites. It contains the cited references of articles from 1996 forward and provides author and article citation data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

images.MD is a searchable collection of more than 70,000 medical images, charts, and tables from atlases published by The Current Medical Group LLC. Images may be saved and used for personal study or teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PsychiatryOnline is a Web-based application that brings together the numerous resources from The American Psychiatric Press, interlinking them for cross-searching a variety of material types. There are many added features, including unlimited PDA downloads, RSS feeds, e-mail, and updates. Many of the most important resources in the field of psychiatry are available in this one, easy-to-use product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the relationships between race and pedagogy, specifically on the Native American mascots, and the use of American Indian symbols, nicknames and logos by educational institutions and their athletic teams. It explores both the manner in which pseudo-Indian imagery teaches students and citizens about race, culture, and history and forms of such racialized lessons. It draws attention to the hostile learning environments generated by the employment of Indian imagery by educational institution and their athletic teams. It also highlights the necessity of finding ways to challenge such pedagogy in the classroom, and engages the recent efforts to reframe Native American mascots as valuable teaching tools.

Nursing Reference Center (NRC) is a new database offering from EBSCO Industries, Inc. The intended audience is nurses at all levels of the profession: students, hospital nurses, nurse educators, administrators, and faculty. Content is derived from a number of resources ranging from legal cases to research instruments. It is a big product with lots of ways to approach the information. Most end users will probably not use all of the product's capabilities. Librarians who will support and/or teach NRC should plan to spend time making sure they understand how all the pieces fit together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports a study for the detection of Mycoplasma agalactiae using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. This report aims to develop a real-time PCR using primers targeting the ma-mp81 gene. A group of 15 M. agalactiae isolates and 21 Mycoplasma spp. with other bacterial isolates were used in observing this assay. It was established that all M. agalactiae isolates were detected by the assay and none among the non-target isolates were amplified. Specifity of the assay ran to 100 percent when applied to goat's milk samples. This assay is expected to be useful in diagnostic laboratory giving specific and sensitive rapid detection of M. agalactiae.

This paper reviews the enhanced delivery of genes, drugs and therapeutics using ultrasound. It begins with a general overview of the field and the various techniques associated with it, including sonophoresis, hyperthermia (with ultrasound), sonoporation, and microbubble assisted transvascular and targeted delivery. Particular attention is then paid to pulsed high intensity focused ultrasound drug delivery without the use of ultrasound contrast agents. Feasibility and mechanistic studies of this technique are described in some detail. Conclusions are then drawn regarding possible mechanisms of this treatment, and to contrast with the better known treatments relying on injection of ultrasound contrast agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The in vitro metabolism of M445526 (ZD6126 phenol) was investigated by incubating [14C]-M445526 at a concentration of 10 µg ml-1 with human hepatic microsomes (4 mg ml-1) or human hepatocytes (2 × 106 cells ml-1) for up to 180 min. Following incubation with microsomes and hepatocytes, up to 78% and 40% of [14C]-M445526 was metabolized after 180 and 120 min, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with radiochemical detection confirmed extensive metabolism of [14C]-M445526 by microsomes and hepatocytes. Mass spectrometry and 1H-NMR spectroscopy enabled structural identification of up to eight metabolites. Human liver microsomes formed one major (O-desmethyl) and three minor (a further O-desmethyl and two different hydroxylated) phase I metabolites. Human hepatocytes produced one major metabolite, a sulphate conjugate of the major O-desmethyl metabolite formed by microsomes. Four minor metabolites were also formed, primarily by O-demethylation with subsequent glucuronidation. Taken collectively, [14C]-M445526 underwent extensive in vitro metabolism by human liver fractions. These data were confirmed by subsequent human in vivo studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a third study in a series aimed at investigating the issues surrounding the learning of mathematics at The University of Auckland by students who have English as an Additional Language (EAL students). As well as summarizing the earlier studies, it presents some new data showing that the problems experienced by EAL students are not experienced by first language English students (LI students). The consequences of these studies for undergraduate mathematics at The University of Auckland are explored using English language proficiency data for the whole of the 2005 undergraduate mathematics cohort. This data shows that the consequences of having large numbers of EAL students in an undergraduate mathematics cohort are likely to be much more important than expected, and that recent initiatives to raise literacy entrance levels are having some effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) has been developed for a site in French Guiana by merging airborne elevation data with a stereo-radargrammetric DHM. Two Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images were available from the Radarsat sensor acquired in S2 standard and F5 fine modes, as well as airborne laser and radar data distributed along flight lines with a 500-m spacing giving a data interval of every 7 m for the laser data and every 70 m for the radar data. The radargrammetric DEM was extracted using a regular 50 m × 50 m grid pattern from the Radarsat images and its accuracy estimated. Pre-processing of the airborne data enabled the anomalous points to be discarded and the top-of-canopy points to be selected. Kriging was then applied to merge elevations from the DEM, not very accurate but dense, with those from the airborne altimeters, accurate but irregular and sparse. Two types of kriging were performed: (1) kriging of the difference between DEM elevations and airborne data, which was then subtracted from the radargrammetric DEM, and (2) direct kriging of airborne data when radargrammetric DEM elevations were unsatisfactory. Merging significantly improved the accuracy of the radargrammetric DEM. The standard deviation of elevation errors fell from 21.2m to 13.8m or from 25.3m to 11.0 m, depending on the check source adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimating surface parameters by radar-image inversion requires the use of well-calibrated backscattering models. None of the existing models is capable of correctly simulating scatterometer or satellite radar data. We propose a semi-empirical calibration of the Integral Equation Model (IEM) backscattering model in order to better reproduce the radar backscattering coefficient over bare agricultural soils. As correlation length is not only the least accurate but also the most difficult to measure of the parameters required in the models, we propose that it be replaced by a calibration parameter that would be estimated empirically from experimental databases of radar images and field measurements. This calibration was carried out using a number of radar configurations with different incidence angles, polarization configurations, and radar frequencies. Using several databases, the relationship between the calibration parameter and the surface roughness was determined for each radar configuration. In addition, the effect of the correlation function shape on IEM performance was studied using the three correlation functions (exponential, fractal, and Gaussian). The calibrated version of the IEM was then validated using another independent set of experimental data. The results show good agreement between the backscattering coefficient provided by the radar systems and that simulated by the calibrated version of the IEM. This calibrated version of the IEM can be used in inversion procedures to retrieve surface roughness and/or moisture values from radar images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) interferometry has been widely used to monitor centimetric surface deformations in geophysical applications. In this letter, this technique is applied to study the displacement field in an urban area. A set of six European Remote Sensing satellite (ERS)-1/2 SAR images has been used to detect, map and quantify the subsidence occurring in the city of Prato near Florence (Italy). Four areas which have been affected by strong subsidence during the period 1993-2000 have been spotted within the city. The analysis of three interferograms processed from images taken two years apart shows that the deformation rate appears to be relatively constant, with a maximum value of about 8.3 cm y[SUP-1]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The retrieval of surface parameters demands the use of well calibrated models and unfortunately, none of the existing models provide consistently good agreement with the measured data. The overall objective of this article is to propose a semi-empirical calibration of the Integral Equation Model (IEM) so as to better reproduce the backscattering coefficient measured from SAR images over bare soils. As correlation length is not only the least accurate parameter but also the most difficult to measure, we propose its empirical estimation from an experimental data set of SAR images and soil parameter measurements. Based on a first data set, correlation length behaviour was studied in terms of αrms (where α is the wave number and rms the standard deviation of surface height) and radar configuration (polarization and incidence angle). Exponential relationships between optimal correlation length and rms height were found for each radar configuration. The IEM was then tested on another set of measured data in order to validate the calibration procedure. The new calibrated version of the IEM, corresponding to the original IEM with a coupling of the empirical function of correlation length, shows a very good agreement with the backscattering measurements provided by space-borne SAR systems. This adapted version of the IEM can be used in inversion techniques for retrieving rms height and/or soil moisture from radar observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data for monitoring roughness states over bare agricultural fields has been investigated using one ERS image (23°) and two Radarsat images (39° and 47°). The relationships between the backscattering coefficient, incidence angle, soil surface roughness and row direction have been examined so as to determine the best SAR configuration for such monitoring. The results indicate a strong dependence of incidence angle on the discrimination between radar return over areas of different surface roughness. At a high incidence angle (47°), the influence of soil roughness on radar return predominates over the influence of other soil parameters, making it possible to discriminate and map various surface roughness classes (smooth, medium and rough) over agricultural fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

These studies investigated the toxicological effects of 1,2-Bis(methylsulfonyl)-1-(2-chloroethyl)-2-(methylaminocarbonyl) hydrazine, VNP40101M, a novel alkylating antitumor agent, in animals. Sprague-Dawley rats (2-10/sex/time point at each dose) and Beagle dogs (1-3/sex/time point at each dose) were treated with VNP40101M (0 [vehicle], 1, 3, 10, and 20 mg/kg in rats and 0, 0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg in dogs), given intravenously (IV, bolus via the tail or slow push via the cephalic or saphenous vein, respectively) once daily for 5 consecutive days. Clinical signs, mortality, body weight, clinical pathology, gross necropsy, organ weights, and histopathology were evaluated for as long as 43 days in rats and 50 days in dogs. In rats, the toxic doses were found to be at 10 and 20 mg/kg, which induced mainly pulmonary toxicity and mortality. The pulmonary toxicity was reflected by an increase in lung weight; clear, pink or red fluid within the thoracic cavity observed at necropsy; and histopathological evidence of alveolar edema, vascular congestion, alveolar histiocytosis, and vascular thrombi. Although some of these effects were observed in rats treated with 3 mg/kg, the incidence was low (~7%-30%) and may be reversible (based on the time-dependent reduction in the magnitude of lung weight increases). Therefore, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD, or the maximum dose that did not induce significant toxicity or induced reversible toxicity) was ≥3 mg/kg. VNP40101M at 1 mg/kg did not induce any toxicity, other than low incidence of alveolar edema (2/30 rats), and increased incidences of capillary ectasis/congestion and alveolar histocytosis (2-6/30 rats vs. 1/30-36 in control rats). Therefore, the low effect level (LOEL) is considered to be 1 mg/kg in rats when given IV for 5 days. In dogs, LOEL, MTD, and toxic dose levels were comparable (based on a body weight/surface area conversion) to those in rats, except for some gastrointestinal (GI) effects (i.e., red lesion in the ileum) observed at 0.3 mg/kg (equivalent to 1 mg/kg, or similar to the LOEL in rats) and the associated effects (slight body weight loss and inappetence). For dogs treated with 1 mg/kg (equivalent to ~3 mg/kg, or MTD, in rats), VNP40101M induced the same GI effects seen in dogs treated with 0.3 mg/kg of VNP40101M. Additionally, a transient reduction in white blood cell counts was also observed. Three mg/kg (equivalent to ~10 mg/kg, or toxic dose level, in rats) was toxic to dogs, as reflected by the poor clinical condition of these dogs, which subsequently required euthanasia. In conclusion, VNP40101M, when given IV once daily for 5 consecutive days, has a LOEL of 1 mg/kg, a MTD of 3 mg/kg, and toxic doses at ≥10 mg/kg in rats. The primary toxicity of VNP40101M was pulmonary toxicity and mortality. Based on an interspecies body weight/surface area conversion, VNP40101M had comparable LOEL (0.3 mg/kg), MTD (1 mg/kg), and toxic doses (≥3 mg/kg) in dogs, except that dogs appeared to be more sensitive to the GI effects of VNP40101M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TAPET-CD, a genetically engineered Salmonella strain with chromosomal-incorporated cytosine deaminase (CD) gene, has been shown to selectively accumulate tumors, suppress tumor growth, and convert 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC, an antifungal agent) to the antitumor agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in animals. The current studies investigated the safety of TAPET-CD, and TAPETCD/5-FC combination, in animals. In C57BL/6 mice (n = 10 females/dose), the maximum nonlethal dose of TAPET-CD (intravenous [IV] bolus) was 1 × 10[sup 6] colony-forming units (cfu)/mouse, or > 10,000 that of wild-type Salmonella. In Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 4/sex/group), after treatment with 4 weekly cycles of TAPETCD (an IV injection/cycle at 1 × 10[sup 5], 3 × 10[sup 5], 1 × 10[sup 6], 3 × 10[sup 6], or 1 × 10[sup 7] cfu/rat on day 1) and 5-FC (per os twice daily [PO b.i.d.], 250 mg/kg on days 2-7/cycle), clinical signs and mortality were evaluated daily, body weight and clinical pathology weekly, and gross necropsy on day 29. No treatment-related toxicity, although occasional and mild clinical signs (e.g., dehydration), increased hepatic enzyme/function values and white blood cells, splenic enlargement, and bilateral red discoloration of the kidneys, were observed. In cynolmogus monkeys, Experiment 1 involved treatment with TAPET-CD (IV injection at 1 × 10[sup 9] cfu/monkey). Clinical signs and mortality were evaluated daily, body weight weekly, and gross necropsy on days 2, 7, and 31 (1/sex/time point). Experiment 2 involved treatment with TAPET-CD (IV injection at 1 × 10[sup 9] and 1 × 10[sup 10] cfu/monkey in Groups 1 to 3 and Groups 4 to 6, respectively) on day 1 and 5-FC (PO b.i.d. at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg in Groups 1 to 3, and 500, 1500, and 0 mg/kg in Groups 4 to 6, respectively) on days 4 to 17 (n = 1/sex/group). Clinical signs and mortality were evaluated daily; body weight and clinical pathology on days 1, 2, 4, 14, and 18; body temperature on days 1, 4, and 18; ophthalmic examinations on days 3 and 17; and gross necropsy and histopathology on day 18. Experiment 1 indicated that TAPET-CD at 1 × 10[sup 9] or 1 × 10[sup 10] cfu/monkey was well tolerated, with only occasional mild clinical signs (i.e., emesis, vomiting, inappetance, loose/infrequent/absence of stool), increases in hepatic enzyme/function values, and splenic enlargement. Experiment 2 indicated that TAPET-CD/5-FC combination had a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of 1 × 10[sup 10] cfu/monkey for TAPET-CD and 500 mg/kg for 5-FC in monkeys. Supra-MTDs induced renal toxicity. In conclusion, TAPET-CD had a good safety profile (reflected by the extremely large amount of TAPET-CD needed to induce mortality or toxicity) in mice, rats, and monkeys. More adverse events were observed with TAPET-CD/5-FC combination when compared to TAPET-CD and these events were similar to the reported effects of 5-FU, suggesting the involvement of 5-FU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Australia, the introduction of extension approaches based on adult learning, action learning and action research theory has resulted in a turn around in the way in which Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) agencies operate. These approaches are being used particularly in projects involving farmer groups to improve decision‐making skills of both fanners and extension agents and have become common agendas of funding bodies and agencies that support such projects. However, the questions remain concerning both funding bodies and extension agencies: ‘Does participatory action learning (PAL) make a difference? And is it more effective than traditional models of extension for improving the adoption of sustainable farming practices? This paper presents the results from evaluating the learning occurring within an on‐going conservation cropping farmer group using PAL. The results illustrate real‐world evidence to suggest that participatory action learning and other action research based approaches make a difference in improving the effectiveness of group learning compared to more traditional extension approaches. Qualities of and indicators for effective learning can be developed from empirical research as well as common concepts drawn from theories of learning. In addition, the use of qualitative evaluation methods (eg. convergent interviewing) and ‘soft’ systems approaches, are useful for traditionally perceived ‘difficult‐to‐measure’ advances in learning. The overall finding is that PAL was both feasible and rewarding. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Arthur D. Little concept of unit operations embodied a number of different methods of separating mixtures and represented a major advance in chemical engineering. Over time, those and subsequent concepts have evolved into a unified field of separation processes. The ways in which this happened are traced. The more unified view of separations enables more coherent and powerful approaches for process selection and design, reducing energy requirements, for selecting separating agents, understanding the complex interactions of mass transfer and phase equilibria, and identifying new methods for separating complex mixtures. As such, separation processes provide one of the most effective vehicles for teaching and understanding the engineering of chemical processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed progress and outcome data for a small group of 'new long-stay' patients living in a 'ward-ina-house' (hospital hostel) were examined. There was no evidence of pre-existing differences related to final outcome. Those residents who were eventually resettled showed more evidence of improvement over the length of their stay, and had significantly better overall functioning in the period immediately prior to their resettlement. The group who were eventually transferred out of the unit showed less evidence of improvement and more evidence of deterioration, albeit commonly following some initial improvement. They also showed an increase in violent and aggressive behaviour in the weeks immediately prior to their move. The ongoing group of current residents appeared to be specifically characterised by significant fluctuations in their functioning over their length of stay. The implications of these findings for the long-term rehabilitation and care of these patients are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of these studies was to evaluate the potential toxicity of Triapine (a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor with potential antitumor activity) in dogs and rats. Various doses (1–20 mg/kg) of Triapine were administered intravenously (IV), once daily for 1, 3, or 5 consecutive days, to Beagle dogs or Albino Sprague-Dawley rats. Control animals were treated with vehicle, with an amount equivalent to a dose of 20 mg/kg of Triapine. Data collected included body weights, clinical signs, clinical pathology (serum chemistry and hematology), and gross and microscopic pathology. In dogs, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of Triapine, when administered once daily for 5 consecutive days, was 1 mg/kg. For 5 daily doses at 3 mg/kg, or a single dose at 10 mg/kg, Triapine induced only limited toxicity (emesis and diarrhea, causing inappetence and body weight loss). The intensities/frequencies of the clinical signs were greater when Triapine was administered over 15 minutes than 120 minutes. Ondansetron (an antiemetic agent due to its H[sub 2] antagonistic properties) delayed, but did not eliminate, emesis induced by 10 mg/kg of Triapine. In rats, the NOAEL of Triapine, when administered once daily for 5 consecutive days, was not determined. However, when administered once daily for 3 consecutive days, 1 mg/kg was considered the NOAEL. Five to 20 mg/kg of Triapine (and its vehicle) induced a wide-range of toxicity. Toxicity related to the vehicle (as reflected by the similar or greater intensity/frequency of these effects in vehicle-treated rats than Triapine-treated rats) were reduced activity, discolored urine, discolored tails, and the accompanying gross and histopathological findings. Triapine-related effects were mortality; reductions in total protein and albumin levels; reductions in red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet counts; reductions in body and thymic weights; increases in the liver and lung weights (and the corresponding microscopic findings of these organs); and microscopic findings of the adrenal cortex, testes, bone marrow, and kidney. These effects generally increased in a dose-related manner between 5–15 mg/kg, and leveled off at 15 and 20 mg/kg. Essentially all effects induced by Triapine and/or vehicle had returned, or were returning, to normal during a 30-day recovery period. In conclusion, the NOAEL of Triapine was 1 mg/kg, when administered daily for 5 consecutive days, in dogs. Five daily doses at 3 mg/kg or a single dose at 10 mg/kg Triapine-induced emesis and diarrhea. The toxicity was greater when Triapine was administered over 15 minutes than over 120 minutes. Ondansetron had limited efficacy in attenuating the emetic effects of the high dose (10 mg/kg) of Triapine. In rats, the NOAEL of Triapine was 1 mg/kg when administered once daily for 3 consecutive days. At 5–20 mg/kg, Triapine induced a broad spectrum of toxicological effects, which is consistent with its ribonucleotide reductase inhibitory properties. Essentially all effects induced by Triapine and /or vehicle were reversible within 30 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on best approaches to broaden engineering education in the U.S. Topics discussed include association of engineering activities with complex societal needs and economic development, need of liberalization of undergraduate engineering education in the country and proposal of college teachers Louis Bucciarelli and David Drew for a Liberal Studies in Engineering and need of development of common understanding of objectives among engineers and humanists/social scientists.

The growing popularity of therapeutic Adult Day Care (ADC) services for older adults has created a tremendous need for effective activity programming for older adults experiencing cognitive declines. This study evaluated a staff implemented, group activity that is highly structured and supplemented with external cognitive supports-Question Asking Reading (QAR). Four staff members and 17 clients of two adult day care centers participated in the study. Results indicate a significant increase in the rate of Total Verbalizations produced by group members as well as a significant increase in the rate of verbalizations coded as On-Topic Elaborations. This study provides support for the feasibility and practicality of staff implemented therapeutic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]