bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solutions of the inherent problem of the equivalence in direct current resistivity and electromagnetic methods through global optimization and joint inversion by successive refinement of model space
Authors: Sharma S.P. , Verma S.K.
Published: March 2011

The problem of equivalence in direct current (DC) resistivity and electromagnetic methods for a thin resistive and conducting layer is well‐known. Attempts have been made in the past to resolve this problem through joint inversion. However, equivalence still remains an unresolved problem. In the present study, an effort is made to reduce non‐uniqueness due to equivalence using global optimization and joint inversion by successive refinement of the model space. A number of solutions derived for DC resistivity data using very fast simulated annealing global inversion that fits the observations equally well, follow the equivalence principle and show a definite trend. For a thin conductive layer, the quotient between resistivity and thickness is constant, while for a resistive one, the product between these magnitudes is constant. Three approaches to obtain very fast simulated annealing solutions are tested. In the first one, layer resistivities and thicknesses are optimized in a linear domain. In the second, layer resistivities are optimized in the logarithmic domain and thicknesses in the linear domain. Lastly, both layer resistivities and thicknesses are optimized in the logarithmic domain. Only model data from the mean models, corresponding to very fast simulated annealing solutions obtained for approach three, always fit the observations.

The mean model defined by multiple very fast simulated annealing solutions shows extremely large uncertainty (almost 100%) in the final solution after inversion of individual DC resistivity or electromagnetic (EM) data sets. Uncertainty associated with the intermediate resistive and conducting layers after global optimization and joint inversion is still large. In order to reduce the large uncertainty associated with the intermediate layer, global optimization is performed over several iterations by reducing and redefining the search limits of model parameters according to the uncertainty in the solution. The new minimum and maximum limits are obtained from the uncertainty in the previous iteration. Though the misfit error reduces in the solution after successive refinement of the model space in individual inversion, it is observed that the mean model drifts away from the actual model. However, successive refinement of the model space using global optimization and joint inversion reduces uncertainty to a very low level in 4–5 iterations. This approach works very well in resolving the problem of equivalence for resistive as well as for conducting layers. The efficacy of the approach has been demonstrated using DC resistivity and EM data, however, it can be applied to any geophysical data to solve the inherent ambiguities in the interpretations.
Three‐dimensional seismic full‐waveform inversion using the finite‐difference contrast source inversion method
Authors: Abubakar A. , Pan G. , Li M. , Zhang L. , Habashy T.M. , van den Berg P.M.
Published: March 2011

We present the extension of the so‐called finite‐difference contrast‐source inversion method for the three‐dimensional interpretation of full‐waveform seismic data using the acoustic approximation. The finite‐difference contrast‐source inversion method does not simulate a full forward problem in its inversion process, hence it is computationally more efficient than the standard non‐linear inversion methods. Furthermore it allows the use of an inhomogeneous background medium, hence this method has a great potential for carrying out time‐lapse seismic inversion. However, the price that we have to pay is the storing of the LU decomposition arrays of the impedance matrix of the background medium. We show some numerical examples to illustrate the (dis)advantages of this method.
Wave‐equation migration velocity analysis with time‐shift imaging
Authors: Yang Tongning , Sava Paul
Published: March 2011

Wave‐equation migration velocity analysis is a technique designed to extract and update velocity information from migrated images. The velocity model is updated through the process of optimizing the coherence of images migrated with the known background velocity model. The capacity for handling multi‐pathing of the technique makes it appropriate in complex subsurface regions characterized by strong velocity variation. Wave‐equation migration velocity analysis operates by establishing a linear relation between a slowness perturbation and a corresponding image perturbation. The linear relationship and the corresponding linearized operator are derived from conventional extrapolation operators and the linearized operator inherits the main properties of frequency‐domain wavefield extrapolation. A key step in the implementation is to design an appropriate procedure for constructing an image perturbation relative to a reference image that represents the difference between the current image and a true, or more correct image of the subsurface geology. The target of the inversion is to minimize such an image perturbation by optimizing the velocity model. Using time‐shift common‐image gathers, one can characterize the imperfections of migrated images by defining the focusing error as the shift of the focus of reflections along the time‐shift axis. The focusing error is then transformed into an image perturbation by focusing analysis under the linear approximation. As the focusing error is caused by the incorrect velocity model, the resulting image perturbation can be considered as a mapping of the velocity model error in the image space. Such an approach for constructing the image perturbation is computationally efficient and simple to implement. The technique also provides a new alternative for using focusing information in wavefield‐based velocity model building. Synthetic examples demonstrate the successful application of our method to a layered model and a subsalt velocity update problem.
Is the temporal artery thermometer a reliable instrument for detecting fever in children?
Authors: Penning Corine , van der Linden Jan H , Tibboel Dick , Evenhuis Heleen M
Published: March 2011

Aims and objective.  We aimed to study the diagnostic accuracy of the temporal artery thermometer vs. rectal temperature in a large group of children with and without fever, aged 0–18 years.

Background.  Many have studied the diagnostic accuracy of the temporal artery thermometer in children compared with a reference method, with contradictory outcomes. No studies have been carried out in a large group of children of all ages.

Design.  Diagnostic accuracy/validation study.

Method.  Children (0–18 years) with fever (T > 38·0 °C) were recruited through the emergency department and children with normal temperatures through the day‐care department of the Children’s Hospital. All children routinely had rectal temperature recordings. Temporal artery temperature was recorded shortly after the rectal recording. The mean absolute difference in temperature, the level of agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient) and the sensitivity and specificity of detecting fever were calculated.

Results.  A total number of 198 children (121 boys) participated, with a mean age of 5·1 (SD 4·7) years. Of those children, 81 had fever according to the rectal recording. Mean difference between temporal artery temperature and rectal temperature was −0·11 (SD 0·63) °C, with an agreement of 0·812. The sensitivity and specificity of the temporal artery thermometer for detecting fever were 67·9 and 98·3%, respectively.

Conclusions.  The diagnostic accuracy of the temporal artery thermometer in detecting fever in children of all ages is low.

Relevance to clinical practice.  We do not recommend replacement of standard clinical thermometers with temporal artery thermometers.
Catadromous eels continue to be slippery research subjects
Authors: AVISE JOHN C.
Published: March 2011

As adults, Atlantic eels (Anguilla rostrata in the Americas and Anguilla anguilla in Europe) are tubular slime‐covered fish that spend most of their catadromous life cycle in coastal environs before swimming far out to sea to reproduce, as part of an intergenerational migratory circuit that provides an interesting reversal of the pattern displayed by adult anadromous salmon that live mostly in the ocean but then migrate long distances to spawn in freshwater streams. Earlier genetic findings on Atlantic eels involved specimens collected across their broad continental ranges and generally indicated that conspecifics probably engage in panmictic or quasi‐panmictic spawning, from which arise leaf‐shaped leptocephaus larvae that then disperse back to coastal locations more or less at random with respect to the widespread geographical origins of the parental genes they carry. In this issue, Als et al. (2011) add exciting information about this peculiar life‐history pattern of catadromous Atlantic eels by extending the genetic analyses to eel larvae collected from the Sargasso Sea, the oceanic area where both species spawn. Results help to confirm standard textbook wisdom that these catadromous eels are nearly unique in the biological world by having both broad geographical distributions and yet displaying intraspecific near‐panmixia.
Lower genital tract inflammatory milieu and the risk of subsequent preterm birth: an exploratory factor analysis
Authors: Simhan Hyagriv N. , Bodnar Lisa M. , Kim Kevin H.
Published: March 2011

Simhan HN, Bodnar LM, Kim KH. Lower genital tract inflammatory milieu and the risk of subsequent preterm birth: an exploratory factor analysis. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011; 25: 277–282.

The inflammatory milieu of the cervix may play a role in preventing intrauterine infection and subsequent preterm birth. The objectives of this study were to use exploratory factor analysis to discover the underlying structure of cytokines in the lower genital tract immunological milieu, and evaluate the association between the cytokine factors and risk of preterm birth. Women (n = 613) enrolled in a prospective pregnancy cohort study in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania had cervical cytokine concentrations assayed at <16 weeks and were followed for data on pregnancy outcomes. Principal factor analysis identified two primary cytokine patterns at <16 weeks gestation: Factor 1 (pro‐inflammatory/immunomodulatory factor), which loaded highly on interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, and IL‐10, and Factor 2 (anti‐inflammatory factor), which loaded heavily on IL‐4, IL‐10, and IL‐13. Women in the highest tertile of anti‐inflammatory cytokine factor scores at <16 weeks had an increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth (confounder‐adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 2.4 [1.1, 5.7]). There was no association between pro‐inflammatory cytokine factor scores and preterm birth risk. These data support the hypothesis that increased concentrations of anti‐inflammatory cytokines may represent a cervical immune milieu that permits subsequent microbial invasion of the uterus during pregnancy, leading to subsequent spontaneous preterm birth.
Perinatal mortality in relation to birthweight and gestational age: a registry‐based comparison of Northern Norway and Murmansk County, Russia
Authors: Anda Erik Eik , Nieboer Evert , Wilsgaard Tom , Kovalenko Anton Alexandrovich , Odland Jon Øyvind
Published: March 2011

Anda EE, Nieboer E, Wilsgaard T, Kovalenko AA, Odland JØ. Perinatal mortality in relation to birthweight and gestational age: a registry‐based comparison of Northern Norway and Murmansk County, Russia. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011; 25: 218–227.

The objective was to explore how perinatal mortality relates to birthweight, gestational age and optimal perinatal survival weight for two Arctic populations employing an existing and a newly established birth registry. A medical birth registry for all births in Murmansk County of North‐West Russia became operational on 1st January 2006. Its primary function is to provide useful information for health care officials pertinent to improving perinatal care. The cohort studied consisted of 17 302 births in 2006–07 (Murmansk County) and 16 006 in 2004–06 (Northern Norway). Birthweight probability density functions were analysed, and logistic regression models were employed to calculate gestational‐age‐specific mortality ratios.

The perinatal mortality rate was 10.7/1000 in Murmansk County and 5.7/1000 in Northern Norway. Murmansk County had a higher proportion of preterm deliveries (8.7%) compared to Northern Norway (6.6%). The odds ratio (OR) of risk of mortality (Northern Norway as the reference group) was higher for all gestational ages in Murmansk County, but the largest risk difference occurred among term deliveries (OR 2.45, 95% confidence interval 1.45, 4.14) which hardly changed on adjustment for maternal age, parity and gestation. Proportionately, more babies were born near (±500 g) the optimal perinatal survival weight in Murmansk County (67.2%) than in Northern Norway (47.6%).

The observed perinatal mortality was higher in Murmansk County at all birthweight strata and at gestational ages between weeks 25 and 42, but the adjusted risk difference was most significant for term deliveries.
A striking common O‐linked N‐acetylglucosaminyl moiety between cruzipain and myosin
Authors: ACOSTA D. M. , SOPRANO L. L. , FERRERO M. , LANDONI M. , ESTEVA M. I. , COUTO A. S. , DUSCHAK V. G.
Published: March 2011

Single units of O‐linked N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), usually components of nuclear and cytoplasmatic proteins, are present at the C‐terminal domain of cruzipain (Cz), a lysosomal major antigen from Trypanosoma cruzi. On the other hand, antibodies directed against some self‐antigens like myosin are associated with Chagas heart disease. The participation of O‐GlcNAc moieties in the molecular antigenicity of Cz was determined using GlcNAc linked to aprotinin by ELISA. The immune cross‐reactivity between Cz and myosin is mainly focused in the C‐T domain. ELISA inhibition assays using rabbit sera specific for Cz and C‐T in conjunction with immune‐gold electron microscopy analysis of heart tissues from mice immunized with C‐T confronted with polyclonal rabbit sera specific for Cz and C‐T prior and after myosin adsorption provided evidence which indicates that O‐GlcNAc moieties constitute a common epitope between Cz and either myosin or other cardiac O‐GlcNAc‐containing proteins, showing a new insight into the molecular immune pathogenesis of Chagas heart disease.
The evolutionary history of Antirrhinum suggests that ancestral phenotype combinations survived repeated hybridizations
Authors: Wilson Yvette , Hudson Andrew
Published: March 2011

The model species Antirrhinum majus (the garden snapdragon) has over 20 close wild relatives that are morphologically diverse and adapted to different Mediterranean environments. Hybrids between Antirrhinum species have been used successfully to identify genes underlying their phenotypic differences, and to infer how selection acts on them. To better understand the genetic basis for this diversity, we have examined the evolutionary relationships between Antirrhinum species and how these relate to geography and patterns of phenotypic variation in the genus as a whole. Large population samples and both plastid and multilocus nuclear genotypes resolved the relationships between many species and provided some support for the traditional taxonomic division of the genus into morphological subsections. Morphometric analysis of plants grown in controlled conditions supported the phenotypic distinction of the two largest subsections, and the involvement of multiple underlying genes. Incongruence between nuclear and plastid genotypes further suggested that several species have arisen after hybridization between subsections, and that some species continue to hybridize. However, all potential hybrids appear to have retained a phenotype similar to one of their ancestors, suggesting that ancestral combinations of characters are maintained by selection at many different loci.
Quantitative transcriptomic analysis of abscisic acid‐induced and reactive oxygen species‐dependent expression changes and proteomic profiling in Arabidopsis suspension cells
Authors: Böhmer Maik , Schroeder Julian I.
Published: March 2011

Early rapid changes in response to the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) have been observed at the transcript level, but little is known how these transcript changes translate to changes in protein abundance under the same conditions. Here we have performed a global quantitative analysis of transcript and protein changes in Arabidopsis suspension cells in response to ABA using microarrays and quantitative proteomics. In summary, 3494 transcripts and 50 proteins were significantly regulated by ABA over a treatment period of 20–24 h. Abscisic acid also caused a rapid and strong increase in production of extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) with an average half‐rise time of 33 sec. A subset of ABA‐regulated transcripts were differentially regulated in the presence of the ROS scavenger dimethylthiourea (DMTU) as compared with ABA alone, suggesting a role for ROS in the regulation of these ABA‐induced genes. Transcript changes showed an overall poor correlation to protein changes (r = 0.66). Only a subset of genes was regulated at the transcript and protein level, including known ABA marker genes. We furthermore identified ABA regulation of proteins that function in a branch of glucosinolate catabolism previously not associated with ABA signaling. The discovery of genes that were differentially regulated at the transcript and at the protein level emphasizes the strength of our combined approach. In summary, our dataset not only expands previous studies on gene and protein regulation in response to ABA, but rather uncovers unique aspects of the ABA regulon and gives rise to additional mechanisms regulated by ABA.
TREHALOSE PHOSPHATE SYNTHASE11‐dependent trehalose metabolism promotes Arabidopsis thaliana defense against the phloem‐feeding insect Myzus persicae
Authors: Singh Vijay , Louis Joe , Ayre Brian G. , Reese John C. , Shah Jyoti
Published: March 2011

Agricultural productivity is limited by the removal of sap, alterations in source–sink patterns, and viral diseases vectored by aphids, which are phloem‐feeding pests. Here we show that TREHALOSE PHOSPHATE SYNTHASE11 (TPS11) gene‐dependent trehalose metabolism regulates Arabidopsis thaliana defense against Myzus persicae (Sülzer), commonly known as the green peach aphid (GPA). GPA infestation of Arabidopsis resulted in a transient increase in trehalose and expression of the TPS11 gene, which encodes a trehalose‐6‐phosphate synthase/phosphatase. Knockout of TPS11 function abolished trehalose increases in GPA‐infested leaves of the tps11 mutant plant and attenuated defense against GPA. Trehalose application restored resistance in the tps11 mutant, confirming that the lack of trehalose accumulation is associated with the inability of the tps11 mutant to control GPA infestation. Resistance against GPA was also higher in the trehalose hyper‐accumulating tre1 mutant and in bacterial otsB gene‐expressing plants, further supporting the conclusion that trehalose plays a role in Arabidopsis defense against GPA. Evidence presented here indicates that TPS11‐dependent trehalose regulates expression of the PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT4 gene, which is a key modulator of defenses against GPA. TPS11 also promotes the re‐allocation of carbon into starch at the expense of sucrose, the primary plant‐derived carbon and energy source for the insect. Our results provide a framework for the signaling function of TPS11‐dependent trehalose in plant stress responses, and also reveal an important contribution of starch in controlling the severity of aphid infestation.
The specificity of cytokinin signalling in Arabidopsis thaliana is mediated by differing ligand affinities and expression profiles of the receptors
Authors: Stolz Andrea , Riefler Michael , Lomin Sergey N. , Achazi Katharina , Romanov Georgy A. , Schmülling Thomas
Published: March 2011

Arabidopsis thaliana has three membrane‐located cytokinin receptors (AHK2, AHK3 and CRE1/AHK4), which are sensor histidine kinases containing a ligand‐binding CHASE domain. Despite their structural similarity the role of these receptors differs in planta. Here we have explored which parameters contribute to signal specification. In a bacterial assay, the CHASE domain of AHK2 has a similar ligand binding spectrum as CRE1/AHK4. It shows the highest affinity for isopentenyladenine (iP) and trans‐zeatin (tZ) with an apparent KD of 1.4 and 4.0 nm, respectively. Real‐time PCR analysis of cytokinin primary response genes in double mutants retaining only single receptors revealed that all receptors are activated in planta by cytokinin concentrations in the low nanomolar range. However, there are differences in sensitivity towards the principal cytokinins iP and tZ. The activation of the cytokinin‐sensitive PARR5:GUS reporter gene in three different double mutants shows specific, but also overlapping, spatial domains of activity, which were for all receptors predominantly in the shoot apical meristems and root cap columella. AHK2 and AHK3 signal specifically in leaf parenchyma cells, AHK3 in stomata cells, and CRE1/AHK4 in the root vasculature. Promoter‐swap experiments demonstrate that CRE1/AHK4 can functionally replace AHK2 but not AHK3. However, the cytoplasmic AHK3 histidine kinase (Hk) domain can be replaced by the CRE1/AHK4 Hk domain, which suggests that functionality is mediated in this case by the extracytosolic domain. Together, the data show that both differential gene expression and ligand preference contribute to specify the receptor activity.
Progress and delivery of health care in Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon and Gross National Happiness
Authors: Tobgay Tashi , Dorji Tandin , Pelzom Dorji , Gibbons Robert V.
Published: March 2011

The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is rapidly changing, but it remains relatively isolated, and it tenaciously embraces its rich cultural heritage. Despite very limited resources, Bhutan is making a concerted effort to update its health care and deliver it to all of its citizens. Healthcare services are delivered through 31 hospitals, 178 basic health unit clinics and 654 outreach clinics that provide maternal and child health services in remote communities in the mountains. Physical access to primary health care is now well sustained for more than 90% of the population. Bhutan has made progress in key health indicators. In the past 50 years, life expectancy increased by 18 years and infant mortality dropped from 102.8 to 49.3 per 1000 live births between 1984 and 2008. Bhutan has a rich medical history. One of the ancient names for Bhutan was ‘Land of Medicinal Herbs’ because of the diverse medicinal plants it exported to neighbouring countries. In 1967, traditional medicine was included in the National Health System, and in 1971, formal training for Drungtshos (traditional doctors) and sMenpas (traditional compounders) began. In 1982, Bhutan established the Pharmaceutical and Research Unit, which manufactures, develops and researches traditional herbal medicines. Despite commendable achievements, considerable challenges lie ahead, but the advances of the past few decades bode well for the future.
Evidence on impact of community‐based environmental management on dengue transmission in Santiago de Cuba
Authors: Toledo Maria E. , Rodriguez Adriana , Valdés Luis , Carrión Rigoberto , Cabrera Georgina , Banderas Digna , Ceballos Enrique , Domeqc Mireya , Peña Carilda , Baly Alberto , Vanlerberghe Veerle , Van der Stuyft Patrick
Published: March 2011

During the dengue outbreak that struck Santiago de Cuba in 2006–2007, we conducted an observational study in the Mariana Grajales district, the former setting of a community trial for Aedes aegypti control. In the trial, community working groups (CWG) had been created in 29 randomly selected intervention house blocks, and routine vector control activities alone were conducted in the remaining 30 control blocks. The CWG elaborated and implemented with the population plans and activities to reduce Aedes infestation. They were still functional in 2006 and continued organizing community‐based environmental management activities. The attack rate of dengue fever during the outbreak was 8.5 per 1000 inhabitants in the former intervention blocks and 38.1 per 1000 inhabitants in the control blocks, which corresponds to a relative risk of 4.5 (95% CI 3.1–6.5). There was a significantly higher proportion of unaffected intervention blocks, and affected blocks had on average substantially less cases than affected control blocks. This study indicates that community‐based environmental management inserted in the routine A. aegypti control programme can not only sustainably curb vector infestation but also have an impact on dengue transmission.
Men and antiretroviral therapy in Africa: our blind spot
Authors: Cornell Morna , McIntyre James , Myer Landon
Published: March 2011

Most antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐related policies remain blind to men’s treatment needs. Global and national programmes need to address this blindness urgently, to ensure equitable access to ART in Africa.
Immunomodulatory effects of therapeutic preparations of human albumin
Authors: Aubin É. , Roberge C. , Lemieux R. , Bazin R.
Published: March 2011

Background and Objectives  Albumin is the most abundant protein in plasma and is considered to be immunologically inert. However, we recently observed that therapeutic human albumin preparations, used as protein control in studies involving high doses of IVIg, modulated the MHC II‐restricted activation of antigen‐specific T cells. In the present work, we characterized this effect in more details.

Materials and Methods  An in vitro antigen presentation assay using mouse cells was used to evaluate the effect of therapeutic human albumin preparations on the activation of ovalbumin‐specific T cells. Flow cytometry and quantitative real‐time PCR were used to monitor the expression of genes involved in this process.

Results  Therapeutic human albumin preparations increased T cell activation in a dose‐dependent manner. The effect was explained by an increase in the expression of MHC II and of two other genes (CIITA and H2‐M) involved in antigen presentation by murine monocytic cells. Similarly, the expression of HLA‐DR on the surface of human monocytic cells was increased following incubation with therapeutic human albumin preparations.

Conclusion  Altogether, these results reveal a possible physiological role of albumin in immunological processes, leading to an increased ability of antigen presenting cells to trigger T cell activation. This immunomodulatory effect needs to be considered, at least in studies in which albumin is used as a presumably inert control protein.
Does after‐hours in‐house senior physician cover improve standard of care and outcomes in high‐risk preterm neonates? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Resnick Steven , Jacques Angela , Patole Sanjay , Simmer Karen
Published: March 2011

Aim:  To compare the standard of care and outcomes to discharge for inborn high‐risk preterm (gestation <32 weeks) neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) before and after adopting an after‐hours in‐house senior physician cover roster (ISPCR). The ISPCR involved the presence of a consultant neonatologist or neonatal fellow in the NICU until 11 pm.

Methods:  This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for 12 months before (1 February 2002 to 31 January 2003, epoch 1) and after (1 April 2003 to 31 March 2004, epoch 2) adopting the ISPCR. Short‐term neonatal outcomes, including mortality and morbidity such as intraventricular haemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotising enterocolitis and chronic lung disease, were examined. The standard of acute care, including admission temperature, correct positioning of tubes and lines, and preventable ventilatory complications in the first 8 h following admission, was also compared.

Results:  The numbers (235 in epoch 1, 245 in epoch 2), demographic characteristics and severity of illness (CRIB score) of neonates admitted to the NICU was comparable between epochs. Overall neonatal outcomes did not show significant improvement after adopting an ISPCR, nor were they improved for after‐hours admissions in the presence of senior in‐house physicians. The standard of acute care was also not significantly different. Minor improvements, such as earlier administration of surfactant, were noted in epoch 2.

Conclusions:  Adoption of an ISPCR was not associated with any significant change in the standard of acute care and short‐term outcomes for inborn neonates <32 weeks' gestation.
Review of primary hypothyroidism in very low birthweight infants in a perinatal centre in Hong Kong
Authors: Chee Yuet Yee , Wong Kar Yin , Low Louis
Published: March 2011

Aims:  To review the incidence and risk factors of primary hypothyroidism in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants in our centre and to assess their neurodevelopmental outcome.

Method:  Retrospective, descriptive review of VLBW infants with primary hypothyroidism from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2008 in a perinatal centre. Case control comparisons for neurodevelopmental outcome at 18 months, nested to a prospective VLBW cohort (Vermont Oxford Database).

Results:  Twelve cases were identified, with the incidence of primary hypothyroidism of 1 in 55 live births in our VLBW cohort during the 9‐year study period. Umbilical cord blood thyroid‐stimulating hormone was abnormal in less than half of the cases using the current cut‐off (≤14 mIU/L). Five cases were transient in nature, four cases were permanent and the causes for the rest remained undetermined at the time of review. Elevation of thyroid‐stimulating hormone was first evident at a mean of 2.4 weeks post‐natally. Follow‐up assessment reviewed normal development in 83% of cases (10 out of 12 cases). There was no statistically significant difference in Griffith's scores at 18 months between the case and matched controls.

Conclusions:  The high incidence of primary hypothyroidism in our VLBW cohort deserved stringent monitoring of thyroid function post‐natally. Umbilical cord blood screening was not useful as a screening tool because of its low sensitivity. Neurodevelopmental outcome for treated primary hypothyroidism was favourable as assessed at 18 months of age.
Health‐related quality of life in paediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease related to disease activity
Authors: Haapamäki Johanna , Roine Risto P , Sintonen Harri , Kolho Kaija‐Leena
Published: March 2011

Aim:  Impaired health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and an increased risk of psychosocial problems may encounter children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Generic HRQoL questionnaires, 15D designed for subjects over 16 years of age, 16D for adolescents aged 12–15 and 17D for younger children, allow comparison to healthy peers and have not been used in children with IBD before. Further, in paediatric IBD patients, HRQoL has not been related to disease activity.

We evaluated the applicability of 15D, 16D and 17D questionnaires in the paediatric IBD population and examined how HRQoL is influenced by changes in clinical activity of IBD.

Methods:  The study subjects recruited at their scheduled, routine appointment in the outpatient clinic of the children's hospital completed the HRQoL questionnaire at baseline and again after 3–5 months. Disease activity was estimated by a three‐level scale. The HRQoL of the study population was compared with that of the age‐standardised general population.

Results:  Fifty‐five children, aged 7–19 years, were recruited. The HRQoL scores strongly correlated with the activity of the disease (P < 0.001). The two oldest age groups with IBD had lower HRQoL scores than age‐standardised peers (P= 0.001/0.04). There was no gender difference in HRQoL scores.

Conclusions:  IBD has a considerable impact on the HRQoL of children and adolescents. The generic HRQoL instruments used appeared to be promising tools for examining HRQoL in paediatric IBD patients in different age groups, but larger studies to establish their usefulness in the follow‐up of young patients are still warranted.
As yet uncultured bacteria phylogenetically classified as Prevotella, Lachnospiraceae incertae sedis and unclassified Bacteroidales, Clostridiales and Ruminococcaceae may play a predominant role in ruminal biohydrogenation
Authors: Huws Sharon A. , Kim Eun J. , Lee Michael R. F. , Scott Mark B. , Tweed John K. S. , Pinloche Eric , Wallace R. John , Scollan Nigel D.
Published: March 2011

Microbial biohydrogenation of dietary poly‐unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to saturated fatty acids (SFA) in the rumen results in the high ratio of SFA/PUFA in ruminant products, such as meat and milk. In vitro, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus‐related bacteria extensively biohydrogenate PUFA to SFA, yet their contribution in the rumen has not been confirmed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus group bacteria in ruminal biohydrogenation and to assess the possible role of other bacteria. Fish oil at 0%, 1.5% and 3% dry matter intake was fed to eight Holstein × Friesian steers, in order to elicit changes in the extent of PUFA biohydrogenation. Fatty acid and B. proteoclasticus group 16S rRNA concentrations in rumen digesta were determined. Correlation between digesta 18:0 concentration and B. proteoclasticus group 16S rRNA concentration was low. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) coupled with multivariate statistics revealed that many terminal restriction fragments (T‐RFs) and DGGE bands were linked to cis‐9, trans‐11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), 18:1 trans‐11 and 18:0 ruminal concentrations. MiCA T‐RF predictive identification software showed that these linked T‐RFs were likely to originate from as yet uncultured bacteria classified as Prevotella, Lachnospiraceae incertae sedis, and unclassified Bacteroidales, Clostridiales and Ruminococcaceae. Sequencing of linked DGGE bands also revealed that as yet uncultured bacteria classified as Prevotella, Anaerovoax (member of the Lachnospiraceae incertae sedis family), and unclassified Clostridiales and Ruminococcaceae may play a role in biohydrogenation.
(R,S)‐dichlorprop herbicide in agricultural soil induces proliferation and expression of multiple dioxygenase‐encoding genes in the indigenous microbial community
Authors: Paulin Mélanie M. , Nicolaisen Mette H. , Sørensen Jan
Published: March 2011

We investigated the effect of (R,S)‐dichlorprop herbicide addition to soil microcosms on the degrading indigenous microbial community by targeting multiple α‐ketoglutarate‐dependent (α‐KG) dioxygenase‐encoding genes (rdpA, sdpA and tfdA group I) at both gene and transcript level. The soil microbial community responded with high growth of potential degraders as measured by the abundance of dioxygenase‐encoding genes using quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR). rdpA DNA was not detectable in unamended soil but reached over 106 copies g−1 soil after amendment. sdpA and tfdA were both present prior to amendment at levels of ∼5 × 104 and ∼102 copies g−1 soil, respectively, and both reached over 105 copies g−1 soil. While expression of all three target genes was detected during two cycles of herbicide degradation, a time‐shift occurred between maximum expression of each gene. Gene diversity by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) uncovered a diversity of sdpA and tfdA genes at the DNA level while rdpA remained highly conserved. However, mRNA profiles indicated that all transcribed tfdA sequences were class III genes while rdpA transcripts shared 100% identity to rdpA of Delftia acidovorans MC1 and sdpA transcripts shared 100% identity to sdpA from Sphingomonas herbicidovorans MH. This is the first report to describe expression dynamics of multiple α‐KG dioxygenase‐encoding genes in the indigenous microbial community as related to degradation of a phenoxypropionate herbicide in soil.
Analysis of in situ manganese(II) oxidation in the Columbia River and offshore plume: linking Aurantimonas and the associated microbial community to an active biogeochemical cycle
Authors: Anderson C. R. , Davis R. E. , Bandolin N. S. , Baptista A. M. , Tebo B. M.
Published: March 2011

The Columbia River is a major source of dissolved nutrients and trace metals for the west coast of North America. A large proportion of these nutrients are sourced from the Columbia River Estuary, where coastal and terrestrial waters mix and resuspend particulate matter within the water column. As estuarine water is discharged off the coast, it transports the particulate matter, dissolved nutrients and microorganisms forming nutrient‐rich and metabolically dynamic plumes. In this study, bacterial manganese oxidation within the plume and estuary was investigated during spring and neap tides. The microbial community proteome was fractionated and assayed for Mn oxidation activity. Proteins from the outer membrane and the loosely bound outer membrane fractions were separated using size exclusion chromatography and Mn(II)‐oxidizing eluates were analysed with tandem mass spectrometry to identify potential Mn oxidase protein targets. Multi‐copper oxidase (MCO) and haem‐peroxidase enzymes were identified in active fractions. T‐RFLP profiles and cluster analysis indicates that organisms and bacterial communities capable of oxidizing Mn(II) can be sourced from the Columbia River estuary and nearshore coastal ocean. These organisms are producing up to 10 fM MnO2 cell−1 day−1. Evidence for the presence of Mn(II)‐oxidizing bacterial isolates from the genera Aurantimonas, Rhodobacter, Bacillus and Shewanella was found in T‐RFLP profiles. Specific Q‐PCR probes were designed to target potential homologues of the Aurantimonas manganese oxidizing peroxidase (Mop). By comparing total Mop homologues, Aurantimonas SSU rRNA and total bacterial SSU rRNA gene copies, it appears that Aurantimonas can only account for ∼1.7% of the peroxidase genes quantified. Under the broad assumption that at least some of the peroxidase homologues quantified are involved in manganese oxidation, it is possible that other organisms oxidize manganese via peroxidases.
Cognitive function in adult offspring of women with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Clausen T. D. , Mortensen E. L. , Schmidt L. , Mathiesen E. R. , Hansen T. , Jensen D. M. , Holm S. , Poulsen L. , From M. , Damm P.
Published: March 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 838–844 (2011)

Aims  Maternal diabetes may affect offspring cognitive function. The objective of the study was to evaluate cognitive function and potential predictors hereof in adult offspring of women with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods  We conducted a follow‐up study of adult offspring of women with Type 1 diabetes (n = 158) and a reference group from the background population (n = 118). The main outcome measure was offspring cognitive function measured by global cognitive score, derived from Raven’s Progressive Matrices and three verbal subtests from the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale.

Results  Offspring of women with Type 1 diabetes obtained lower global cognitive scores (94.8 vs. 100.0, P = 0.004) than offspring from the background population. When adjusted for confounders, the groups no longer differed significantly (difference 0.4, 95% CI –3.3 to 4.). Positive predictors of cognitive function in offspring of women with diabetes were family social class, parental educational level, maternal diabetes duration, male gender and offspring age, whereas parity ≥ 1 and gestational age < 34 weeks were negative predictors. We found no association with maternal glycaemia during pregnancy or with neonatal hypoglycaemia.

Conclusions  Impaired cognitive function in adult offspring of women with Type 1 diabetes compared with the background population apparently reflects differences with respect to well‐known confounders. However, harmful effects of maternal hyperglycaemia may be mediated through delivery at < 34 weeks.
Drug use patterns in the presence of crack in downtown Montréal
Authors: ROY ELISE , ARRUDA NELSON , VAILLANCOURT ERIC , BOIVIN JEAN‐FRANCOIS , MORISSETTE CAROLE , LECLERC PASCALE , ALARY MICHEL , BOURGOIS PHILIPPE
Published: March 2011

Introduction and Aims. A study was undertaken to verify reports of an increasing presence of crack in downtown Montréal, and to investigate the influence of crack availability on current drug use patterns among street‐based cocaine users.

Design and Methods. The study combined both qualitative and quantitative methods. These included long‐term intensive participant observation carried out by an ethnographer familiar with the field and a survey. The ethnographic component involved observations and unstructured interviews with 64 street‐based cocaine users. Sampling was based on a combination of snowballing and purposeful recruitment methods. For the survey, structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 387 cocaine users attending HIV/HCV prevention programs, downtown Montréal.

Results. A gradual shift has occurred in the last 10 years, with the crack street market overtaking the powder cocaine street market. Although the data pointed to an increase in crack smoking, 54.5% of survey participants both smoked and injected cocaine. Drug market forces were major contributing factors to the observed modes of cocaine consumption. While the study focused primarily on cocaine users, it became apparent from the ethnographic fieldwork that prescription opioids (POs) were very present on the streets. According to the survey, 52.7% of participants consumed opioids, essentially POs, with 88% of them injecting these drugs.

Discussion and Conclusions. Despite the increased availability of crack, injection is still present among cocaine users due at least in part to the concurrent increasing popularity of POs.[Roy E, Arruda N, Vaillancourt E, Boivin J‐F, Morissette C, Leclerc P, Alary M, Bourgois P. Drug use patterns in the presence of crack in downtown Montréal. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:72–80]
How and when health‐care practitioners in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services deliver alcohol screening and brief intervention, and why they don't: A qualitative study
Authors: CLIFFORD ANTON , SHAKESHAFT ANTHONY , DEANS CATHERINE
Published: March 2011

Introduction. Indigenous Australians experience a disproportionately high burden of alcohol‐related harm. Alcohol screening and brief intervention (SBI) offers the potential to reduce this harm if barriers to its delivery in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) can be optimally targeted.

Aims. Examine health‐care practitioners' perceptions of, and practices in, alcohol SBI in ACCHSs.

Methods. Semi‐structured group interviews with 37 purposively selected health staff across five ACCHSs.

Results. Alcohol screening independent of standard health assessments was generally selective. The provision of brief intervention was dependent upon factors related to the patient. Four key factors underlying health‐care practitioners' perceptions of alcohol SBI were prominent: outcome expectancy; role congruence; utilisation of clinical systems and processes; and options for alcohol referral.

Discussion. The influence of outcome expectancy and role congruence on health‐care practitioners' alcohol SBI practices has been identified previously, as has to a lesser extent, their less than optimal use of clinical systems and processes. The influence of options for alcohol referral on health‐care practitioners' willingness to deliver alcohol SBI primarily related to their misunderstanding of alcohol SBI and the lack of culturally appropriate alcohol referral options for their patients.

Conclusion. An intervention combining interactive, supportive and reinforcing evidence‐based dissemination strategies is most likely required to enhance health‐care practitioners' knowledge and skills in alcohol SBI delivery, positively orientate them to their role in its delivery, and facilitate integration of evidence‐based alcohol SBI into routine clinical processes and locally available systems.[Clifford A, Shakeshaft A, Deans C. How and when health‐care practitioners in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services deliver alcohol screening and brief intervention, and why they don't: A qualitative study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:13–19]
The effects of beverage type on homicide rates in Russia, 1970–2005
Authors: STICKLEY ANDREW , RAZVODOVSKY YURY
Published: March 2011

Introduction and Aims. Previous research from Western Europe and North America has suggested that consuming different types of alcoholic beverage may have differing effects on homicide rates both within and between countries. The aim of this study was to examine the relation between the consumption of different beverage types and homicide rates in Russia across the later‐Soviet and post‐Soviet periods.

Design and Methods. Age‐standardised male and female homicide data for the period 1970–2005 and data on beverage‐specific alcohol sales were obtained from the Russian State Statistical Committee (Rosstat). Time series analysis (autoregressive integrated moving average modelling) was used to examine the relation between the sale (consumption) of different alcoholic beverages and homicide rates.

Results. Total alcohol consumption and vodka consumption as measured by sales were significantly associated with both male and female homicide rates: a 1 L increase in overall alcohol sales would result in a 5.9% increase in the male homicide rate and a 5.1% increase in the female homicide rate. The respective figures for vodka were 16.4% and 14.3%. The consumption of beer and wine was not associated with changes in homicide rates.

Discussion and Conclusions. Our findings suggest that the consumption of distilled spirits has had an especially detrimental impact on lethal violence in Russia from at least 1970 onwards. In order to reduce homicide rates in this context, alcohol policy should focus on reducing overall consumption as well as attempting to shift the beverage preference away from distilled spirits.[Stickley A, Razvodovsky Y. The effects of beverage type on homicide rates in Russia, 1970–2005. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:257–262]
A Critic Unfettered: The Legacy of Ernest Feder
Authors: Ross Eric B.
Published: March 2011

Ernest Ludwig Feder was among the most prolific, creative and boldest of rural economists in the decades after the Second World War. Yet much of the work for which he would become most well known — on land reform, dependency and peasant agriculture, particularly in Latin America — was a comparatively late development, starting when he was almost fifty, more than two‐thirds of the way through a full and varied life that never conformed to conventional academic criteria and that came to a premature end when he was just seventy‐one. In the years since, the relevance of his work has grown, although the number of younger scholars who actually read his books and papers has declined.