bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of and Risk Factors for Nosocomial Bloodstream Infections in Adults in the United States, 2003
Authors: AL-Rawajfah Omar M. , Stetzer Frank , Hewitt Jeanne Beauchamp
Published: September 2009

Background.

Although many studies have examined nosocomial bloodstream infection (BSI), US national estimates of incidence and case-fatality rates have seldom been reported.

Objective.

The purposes of this study were to generate US national estimates of the incidence and severity of nosocomial BSI and to identify risk factors for nosocomial BSI among adults hospitalized in the United States on the basis of a national probability sample.

Methods.

This cross-sectional study used the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the year 2003 to estimate the incidence and case-fatality rate associated with nosocomial BSI in the total US population. Cases of nosocomial BSI were defined by using 1 or moreInternational Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modificationcodes in the secondary field(s) that corresponded to BSIs that occurred at least 48 hours after admission. The comparison group consisted of all patients without BSI codes in their NIS records. Weighted data were used to generate US national estimates of nosocomial BSIs. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for nosocomial BSI.

Results.

The US national estimated incidence of nosocomial BSI was 21.6 cases per 1,000 admissions, while the estimated case-fatality rate was 20.6%. Seven of the 10 leading causes of hospital admissions associated with nosocomial BSI were infection related. We estimate that 541,081 patients would have acquired a nosocomial BSI in 2003, and of these, 111,427 would have died. The final multivariate model consisted of the following risk factors: central venous catheter use (odds ratio [OR], 4.76), other infections (OR, 4.61), receipt of mechanical ventilation (OR, 4.97), trauma (OR, 1.98), hemodialysis (OR, 4.83), and malnutrition (OR, 2.50). The total maximum rescaledR2was 0.22.

Conclusions.

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was useful for estimating national incidence and case-fatality rates, as well as examining independent predictors of nosocomial BSI.
Cross‐biome transplants of plant litter show decomposition models extend to a broader climatic range but lose predictability at the decadal time scale
Authors: CURRIE W. S. , HARMON M. E. , BURKE I. C. , HART S. C. , PARTON W. J. , SILVER W.
Published: September 2009

We analyzed results from 10‐year long field incubations of foliar and fine root litter from the Long‐term Intersite Decomposition Experiment Team (LIDET) study. We tested whether a variety of climate and litter quality variables could be used to develop regression models of decomposition parameters across wide ranges in litter quality and climate and whether these models changed over short to long time periods. Six genera of foliar and three genera of root litters were studied with a 10‐fold range in the ratio of acid unhydrolyzable fraction (AUF, or ‘lignin’) to N. Litter was incubated at 27 field sites across numerous terrestrial biomes including arctic and alpine tundra, temperate and tropical forests, grasslands and warm deserts. We used three separate mathematical models of first‐order (exponential) decomposition, emphasizing either the first year or the entire decade. One model included the proportion of relatively stable material as an asymptote. For short‐term (first‐year) decomposition, nonlinear regressions of exponential or power function form were obtained with r2 values of 0.82 and 0.64 for foliar and fine‐root litter, respectively, across all biomes included. AUF and AUF : N ratio were the most explanative litter quality variables, while the combined temperature‐moisture terms AET (actual evapotranspiration) and CDI (climatic decomposition index) were best for climatic effects. Regressions contained some systematic bias for grasslands and arctic and boreal sites, but not for humid tropical forests or temperate deciduous and coniferous forests. The ability of the regression approach to fit climate‐driven decomposition models of the 10‐year field results was dramatically reduced from the ability to capture drivers of short‐term decomposition. Future work will require conceptual and methodological improvements to investigate processes controlling decadal‐scale litter decomposition, including the formation of a relatively stable fraction and its subsequent decomposition.
Indirect vegetation–soil moisture feedback with application to Holocene North Africa climate1
Authors: LIU Z. , NOTARO M. , GALLIMORE R.
Published: September 2009

Using a fully coupled climate–terrestrial ecosystem model, we demonstrate explicitly that an initial perturbation on vegetation induces not only a direct positive vegetation feedback, but also a significant indirect vegetation–soil moisture feedback. The indirect feedback is generated through either fractional cover change or soil moisture depletion. Both indirect feedback mechanisms are triggered by a vegetation perturbation, but involve subsequent effects of soil moisture and evaporation, indirectly. An increase in vegetation tends to reduce bare‐ground evaporation through either the area reduction in bare ground or the depletion of soil moisture; the reduced evaporation may then counter the initial plant transpiration, favoring a negative net vegetation feedback. Furthermore, grasses are more effective in inducing the indirect vegetation–soil feedbacks, because of their limited plant evapotranspiration and shallower roots that tend to change surface soil moisture, and, in turn, evaporation, effectively. In comparison, trees favor a direct positive vegetation feedback due to their strong plant transpiration on subsurface soil moisture as well as a lower albedo.
Blue light induced changes in inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate in Cuscuta campestris seedlings
Authors: HAIDAR M A , BOSS W F
Published: September 2009

Previous studies revealed that blue light stimulates and red light inhibits prehaustoria development in young seedlings of the parasitic weed Cuscuta campestris (field dodder). This study showed a positive correlation between blue light induced increases in inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) and blue light‐mediation of prehaustoria development, prior to host attachment. Blue light induced a significant increase in the level of IP3, with a peak at about 30 min. Thereafter, the level of IP3 declined to the resting value after 2 h of blue light. Irradiation with 10 min red light pulse applied directly at the end of each 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.3, 1, 2 and 4 h blue light significantly reduced IP3, while high levels of IP3 were observed after 10 min far‐red pulse. The G‐protein inhibitor pertussis toxin inhibited prehaustoria developed under blue light, suggesting that receptor‐coupled G‐proteins are likely to be involved in prehaustoria development. These results are the first in vivo demonstration of a possible role for IP3 as a second messenger in the blue light signal transduction process in prehaustoria development in Cuscuta.
Cross‐resistance of Bidens subalternans to acetolactate synthase inhibitors in Brazil
Authors: LAMEGO F P , VIDAL R A , BURGOS N R , FEDERIZZI L C
Published: September 2009

Weeds resistant (R) to herbicides are widespread worldwide. Bidens subalternans is one of the most troublesome weeds in conventional soyabean fields in Brazil, and in a crop rotation system of cotton/soyabean and maize/soyabean some populations had evolved resistance to acetolactate synthase (ALS)‐inhibiting herbicides. Bidens subalternans plants suspected of resistance were observed in soyabean fields where the main ALS‐inhibiting herbicide sprayed is chlorimuron‐ethyl. To confirm and characterise the resistance of B. subalternans to ALS inhibitors, whole‐plant bioassays were conducted in 2006 and 2008. ALS in vivo enzyme bioassays were also conducted in 2007. In both bioassays, the R biotype showed cross‐resistance to four chemical families of ALS‐inhibiting herbicides. According to whole‐plant level tests the R biotype showed 498‐, 797‐, 726‐ and >877‐fold resistance to chlorimuron‐ethyl, imazethapyr, cloransulam‐methyl and pyrithiobac‐sodium herbicides respectively. The R biotype was also 17‐, 166‐, 436‐ and 516‐fold R to chlorimuron‐ethyl, imazethapyr, cloransulam‐methyl and pyrithiobac‐sodium herbicides, respectively, based on the enzyme assay. Therefore, the herbicide‐R B. subalternans can no longer be controlled by any ALS‐inhibitor herbicides. Integrated control methods involving alternative herbicide with different modes of action are needed, to avoid yield losses in conventional soyabean fields in Brazil that are infested by ALS‐R B. subalternans populations.
Highly variable clinical phenotype of carbamylphosphate synthetase 1 deficiency in one family: an effect of allelic variation in gene expression?
Authors: Klaus V , Vermeulen T , Minassian B , Israelian N , Engel K , Lund AM , Roebrock K , Christensen E , Häberle J
Published: September 2009

Deficiency of the urea cycle enzyme carbamylphosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) causes hyperammonemia with a vast range of clinical severity from neonatal onset with early lethality to onset after age 40 with rare episodes of hyperammonemic confusion. The cause for this variability is not understood. We report two patients from one family with highly divergent clinical course, one presenting neonatally with a fatal form and the other at age 45 with benign diet‐responsive disease. The patients are compound heterozygous for two mutations of the CPS1 gene, c.3558 + 1G > C and c.4101 + 2T > C. The haplotypes containing each mutation are identical between the two patients, as are the sequences of CPS1 exons and flanking introns. Transcriptional experiments show that the abnormal CPS1 transcripts generated by both mutations are identical in these two patients. We characterize promoter and enhancer sequences of the CPS1 gene and find also in these regions no sequence differences between patients. Finally, we perform cloning experiments and find that in the neonatal‐onset case, clones of messenger RNA (mRNA) expressed from the allele carrying the c.4101 + 2T > C mutation are threefold more than clones of mRNA from the allele with the c.3558 + 1G > C mutation, whereas in the adult‐onset case the two types of clones are equal, indicating skewed expression towards the c.4101 + 2T > C allele in the neonatal case. Although we are yet to understand the mechanism of this differential expression, our work suggests that allelic imbalance may explain clinical variability in CPS1 deficiency in some families.
Identifying mental health services in clinical genetic settings
Authors: Cappelli M , Esplen MJ , Wilson BJ , Dorval M , Bottorff JL , Ly M , Carroll JC , Allanson J , Humphreys E , Rayson D
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine the mental health needs of individuals at risk for adult onset hereditary disorder (AOHD) from the perspective of their genetic service providers, as it is unknown to what extent psychosocial services are required and being met. A mail‐out survey was sent to 281 providers on the membership lists of the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors and the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists. The survey assessed psychosocial issues that were most commonly observed by geneticists, genetic counsellors (GCs), and nurses as well as availability and types of psychosocial services offered. Of the 129 respondents, half of genetic service providers reported observing signs of depression and anxiety, while 44% noted patients' concerns regarding relationships with family and friends. In terms of providing counselling to patients, as the level of psychological risk increased, confidence in dealing with these issues decreased. In addition, significantly more GCs reported that further training in psychosocial issues would be most beneficial to them if resources were available. As a feature of patient care, it is recommended that gene‐based predictive testing include an integrative model of psychosocial services as well as training for genetic service providers in specific areas of AOHD mental health.
Recent advances of genetic ancestry testing in biomedical research and direct to consumer testing
Authors: Via M , Ziv E , Burchard EG
Published: September 2009

In the post‐Human Genome Project era, the debate on the concept of race/ethnicity and its implications for biomedical research are dependent on two critical issues: whether and how to classify individuals and whether biological factors play a role in health disparities. The advent of reliable estimates of genetic (or biogeographic) ancestry has provided this debate with a quantitative and more objective tool. The estimation of genetic ancestry allows investigators to control for population stratification in association studies and helps to detect biological causation behind population‐specific differences in disease and drug response. New techniques such as admixture mapping can specifically detect population‐specific risk alleles for a disease in admixed populations. However, researchers have to be mindful of the correlation between genetic ancestry and socioeconomic and environmental factors that could underlie these differences. More importantly, researchers must avoid the stigmatization of individuals based on perceived or real genetic risks. The latter point will become increasingly sensitive as several ‘for profit companies' are offering ancestry and genetic testing directly to consumers and the consequences of the spread of the services of these companies are still unforeseeable.
Family initiated discussions about organ donation at the time of death
Authors: Rodrigue James R. , Cornell Danielle L. , Krouse Jennifer , Howard Richard J.
Published: September 2009

Rodrigue JR, Cornell DL, Krouse J, Howard RJ. Family initiated discussions about organ donation at the time of death. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 493–499. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Some family members initiate organ donation discussions before being approached by donor coordinators or healthcare providers. We examined differences between families that did vs. did not initiate organ donation discussions and factors predicting donation consent among those families that self‐initiated the discussion. Next‐of‐kin of donor‐eligible individuals (147 donors, 138 non‐donors) from one organ procurement organization completed a telephone interview. Seventy‐three families (25.6%) first mentioned organ donation, and 54 (74%) of them consented to donation. Several characteristics of the deceased and next‐of‐kin were associated with whether family members initiated the donation discussion with donation coordinators or healthcare providers. Moreover, family mention of donation was more likely to yield consent when the deceased was younger (OR = 0.95, CI = 0.92–0.99), next‐of‐kin was a registered donor (OR = 3.86, CI = 2.84–6.76), and when family was more satisfied with the healthcare team (OR = 1.20, CI = 1.04–1.39). Knowing the deceased’s donation intentions and being exposed to positive organ donation messages are more likely to trigger families to raise donation with providers. Organ procurement organizations (OPOs) and healthcare providers should work collaboratively to develop strategies for how best to respond to families who initiate this conversation.
Physical training effects in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Romano G. , Simonella R. , Falleti E. , Bortolotti N. , Deiuri E. , Antonutto G. , De Vita S. , Ferraccioli G.F. , Montanaro D.
Published: September 2009

Romano G, Simonella R, Falleti E, Bortolotti N, Deiuri E, Antonutto G, De Vita S, Ferraccioli GF, Montanaro D. Physical training effects in renal transplant recipients. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 510–514. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Introduction:  Several studies demonstrated the benefits of rehabilitation in uraemic patients. This study evaluates physical and psychosocial effects of exercise on renal transplant recipients (RTRs).

Patients and methods:  Eight RTRs were evaluated before and after an exercise training consisting of thirty 40‐minute sessions, three times a week, performed with the interval training technique.

Results:  Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) significantly decreased (p < 0.04 and <0.008, respectively). Quality of life mean scores (SF‐36 test) significantly increased (p < 0.000). No differences were recorded for muscle and fat mass, maximal explosive power of the lower limbs, alkaline and acid phosphatase, parathormone (PTH), myoglobin, lipoprotein‐A, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), at rest heart rate, and cardiac troponin. IL‐6 decreased from 2.8 ± 0.6 to 1.7 ± 0.5 pg/mL (p < 0.01). Resting MAP fell from 112 ± 4 to 99 ± 3 mmHg (p < 0.02). The metabolic threshold rose from 33 ± 4 to 43 ± 5% (p < 0.033). The blood lactate level at peak exercise increased from 5.2 ± 0.9 to 6.2 ± 0.7 mmol/L (p < 0.012). The maximum oxygen uptake increased from 1200 ± 210 to 1359 ± 202 mL/min (p < 0.05), iso‐load oxygen uptake decreased from 1110 ± 190 to 1007 ± 187 mL/min (p < 0.034). The maximum working capacity increased from 90 ± 14 to 115 ± 15 watts (p < 0.000).

Conclusion:  This study suggests that an appropriate dose of physical training is a useful, safe and non‐pharmacologic contribution to RTR treatment.
Sugarcane Response to DRIS‐Based Fertilizer Supplements in Florida
Authors: McCray J. M. , Ji S. , Powell G. , Montes G. , Perdomo R.
Published: September 2009

Soil testing is the primary basis for fertilizer recommendations in Florida sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), but it has the limitations of generally being performed only before the plant cane crop and not providing information for nitrogen or micronutrient availability. Leaf analysis is a useful diagnostic tool that can complement soil testing and may allow more cost‐effective fertilizer applications for each crop. The Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) was used to determine leaf nutrient status in a study evaluating the effectiveness of a summer fertilizer supplement. There were 19, 24 and 26 paired commercial field comparisons in 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07 respectively. Each field of each test pair received normally recommended fertilizer applications based on pre‐plant soil tests, with one field of each pair receiving a June/July fertilizer supplement based on DRIS indices of leaf samples collected in April/May. There was no response in tonnes of sugarcane ha−1 or sugar tonne cane−1 to the fertilizer supplements for organic or mineral soils or for plant or first ratoon crops. A more cost‐effective use of leaf analysis appears to be with the adjustment of the next amendment or fertilizer application, generally for next year’s crop or at the next sugarcane planting, rather than adding an additional fertilizer supplement to the current crop.
Scale‐dependent effects of nutrient loads and climatic conditions on benthic and pelagic communities in the Gulf of Finland
Authors: Põllumäe Arno , Kotta Jonne , Leisk Ülle
Published: September 2009

Eutrophication and climate change are ranked among the most serious threats to the stability of marine ecosystems worldwide. The effects of nutrient loads and climatic conditions vary in direction, magnitude and spatial extent. To date the factors that are behind the scale‐specific spatial and temporal variability are poorly known. In this study we assessed how variability in nutrient loads and climatic conditions at local, gulf and regional scales explained the spatial patterns and temporal trends of zooplankton and benthic invertebrates in the Gulf of Finland. In general both local and gulf scale environmental variability had an important effect on benthic invertebrate species and the variability was mainly due to local nutrient loading, gulf scale temperature and salinity patterns. Zooplankton species were equally affected by environmental variability at all spatial scales, and all nutrient load and climatic condition variables contributed to the models. The combination of variables at all spatial scales did not explain the substantially larger proportion in invertebrate variability than variables at any individual scale. This suggests that large‐scale pressures such as nutrient loads and change of climatic conditions may define broad patterns of distribution but within these patterns small‐scale environmental variability significantly modifies the response of communities to these large‐scale pressures.
Distribution and spatial structure of pelagic fish schools in relation to the nature of the seabed in the Sicily Straits (Central Mediterranean)
Authors: D’Elia Marta , Patti Bernardo , Sulli Attilio , Tranchida Giorgio , Bonanno Angelo , Basilone Gualtiero , Giacalone Giovanni , Fontana Ignazio , Genovese Simona , Guisande Cástor , Mazzola Salvatore
Published: September 2009

Hydroacoustic data collected during two echosurveys carried out in the Sicily Channel in 1998 and 2002 were analysed to investigate the distribution and spatial structure of small pelagic fish species in relation to the sedimentological nature of the sea bottom. The study was carried out on two contiguous areas (labelled ZONE 1 and ZONE 2) of the continental shelf off the southern coast of Sicily, characterised by different dominant texture, ‘sand’ for ZONE 1 and ‘clayey‐silt’ for ZONE 2. Simultaneous information on small pelagic fish schools and the seabed was obtained using a quantitative echo‐sounder (SIMRAD EK500) that measures echoes due to the scattering from both fish schools and the bottom surface. Acoustically determined fish school and seabed data were integrated, respectively, with information on species composition obtained by experimental fishing hauls, and with granulometric information obtained from the analysis of in situ sediment samples. The results indicate a general preference of small pelagic fish schools for seabeds of finer granulometry. First, the occurrence of fish schools was higher over the acoustically classified ‘soft’ seabeds of ZONE 2. Secondly, although ZONE 2 represents <30% of the total length of daytime acoustic tracks analysed in this study, in both surveys the bulk of fish biomass (>60%) was concentrated over ‘soft’ seabed substrates of ZONE 2. Different species composition and/or behaviour of fish schools in the two areas investigated were postulated in relation to seabed conditions. Specifically, over the hard and soft bottoms of ZONE 2, fish schools were found at lower depths and at shallower bottom depths compared to ZONE 1. Furthermore, over the softer bottoms of ZONE 2, fish schools exhibiting a more ‘pelagic’ behaviour (i.e. detected at a greater distance from the bottom) showed a preference for softer (and finer) seabed substrate conditions. Conversely, fish schools exhibiting a more ‘demersal’ behaviour (i.e. at a smaller distance from the bottom) were mostly found on relatively harder substrates.
Rural pharmacist perceptions of a project assessing their role in the management of depression
Authors: Crockett Judith , Taylor Susan
Published: September 2009

Objective:  This paper explores pharmacist perceptions of a pilot study assessing the impact of specialist training on depression for rural community pharmacists on their understanding of treatment and psychological well‐being of patients.

Design:  Mixed method survey.

Setting:  Rural community pharmacies.

Participants:  Thirty‐two rural based community pharmacists.

Interventions:  Recruited pharmacists were allocated to either the ‘control’ or ‘intervention’ group. Intervention pharmacists were given training in depression and asked to dispense medication with extra advice and support, while control pharmacists provided usual care.

Outcome measures:  Understanding of depression, current involvement in patients with depression, changes in practice.

Results:  All pharmacists were more likely to initiate conversation, discuss medication and its side effects, point out the importance of remaining on the medication, provide ongoing follow‐up and encourage patients to talk with their GPs and pharmacists by the end of the project. Intervention pharmacists were more likely than the control pharmacists to initiate conversation on dispensing a repeat prescription and to discuss extended support.

Conclusion:  Response to the project by pharmacists was generally very positive. It is recommended that a longitudinal study based on this project be undertaken which involves pharmacists, GPs and other mental health professionals and trials a holistic approach to mental health care.
Kids with confidence: A program for adolescents living in families affected by mental illness
Authors: Hayman Faye M.
Published: September 2009

Objective:  To provide information about a peer support program for adolescents living in families affected by mental illness.

Design:  This is a descriptive article about the Kids with Confidence Adolescent Program.

Setting:  The program operates in rural Victoria using a variety of community venues.

Participants:  Young people aged between 12–18 years, living in families affected by mental illness.

Interventions:  The program provides respite, education, support and fun through monthly, semistructured activities. The adolescents are encouraged to talk openly about their circumstances and any difficulties they might be having. They learn appropriate social skills, and provide and receive peer support.

Results:  The group consistently attracts between 7 and 15 adolescents, with an average attendance of 11.25. Verbal feedback from the young people involved and their families has been very positive, with reported improvements in confidence, self‐esteem and the formation of strong, trusting friendships.

Conclusions:  The Kids with Confidence Adolescent Program provides young people living in families affected by mental illness with peer and worker support, respite, and an opportunity to learn social and mental health skills. This might enhance young people's resilience and ability to cope with difficult situations.
Esophageal cancer in Indigenous Australians in Far North Queensland
Authors: Ho Vincent , Whiteman David , Miller Megge , Raulli Alexandra , Ombiga John , Boyd Peter
Published: September 2009

Background and Aims:  There is very little information known about esophageal cancer in Indigenous persons. In this retrospective study, we investigated the epidemiological and clinical features of Indigenous Australians with esophageal cancer.

Methods:  A retrospective study was carried out on Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians diagnosed with esophageal cancer at Cairns Base Hospital during the period 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2006. Information was obtained from hospital medical records, Queensland Cancer Registry survival data and Queensland Health Pathology Services laboratory results.

Results:  Thirteen Indigenous and 53 non‐Indigenous patients were diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma accounted for a significantly higher proportion of esophageal cancers among Indigenous (11/13) than non‐Indigenous patients (24/53) (P = 0.0135). Among patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer, Indigenous patients were more likely than non‐Indigenous patients to present with metastatic disease (P = 0.0271) at a younger mean age (50.7 years vs 67.2 years; P = 0.0002). There was no significant difference between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous patients concerning their mean survival time from date of biopsy (P = 0.7834) and whether patients had ever smoked (P = 0.0721) or consumed alcohol (P = 0.2849).

Conclusion:  There is a high incidence of squamous esophageal cancer in the Indigenous population in Far North Queensland. Indigenous persons tend to present at a younger age and with metastatic disease.
Hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid as a potential biomarker for oxidative stress in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Yoshida Yasukazu , Imai Yasuharu , Sawai Yoshiyuki , Saito Yoshiro , Cao Jiaofei , Fukuda Kazuto , Niki Etsuo
Published: September 2009

Background and Aim:  The possible involvement of oxidative stress in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐induced liver damage and hepatocarcinogenesis has been reported. We have recently developed a novel method to measure total hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (tHODE) and have proposed its usefulness as a biomarker for lipid peroxidation. The present study was undertaken to evaluate oxidative stress in HCV‐infected liver diseases by several potential oxidative stress markers including tHODE and further to validate the biomarkers for evaluating the efficacy of iron reduction therapy.

Methods:  Total hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, total 8‐iso‐prostagrandin F2α (t8‐iso‐PGF2α), selenoprotein P and other antioxidant compounds were measured in the plasma and erythrocytes obtained from 42 healthy controls and 78 HCV patients. Plasma levels of biomarkers and antioxidants were also assessed during the iron reduction therapy for 16 weeks in 12 HCV patients.

Results:  The concentrations of tHODE in the plasma and erythrocytes and t8‐iso‐PGF2α in the plasma of chronic HCV‐infected patients were significantly higher than those of healthy controls. Plasma levels of vitamin E and vitamin C of HCV‐infected patients were lower than those of the controls. Furthermore, the plasma tHODE significantly correlated with serum aminotransferases and type IV collagen‐7S domain in chronic HCV‐infected patients. During the iron reduction therapy, the plasma levels of tHODE but not t8‐iso‐PGF2α decreased and inversely its stereo‐isomer ratio (ZE/EE) increased in parallel with the decreases of serum alanine aminotransferase, ferritin and α‐fetoprotein.

Conclusion:  The levels of tHODE in chronic HCV‐infected patients can be a useful biomarker for the evaluation of oxidative stress in chronic hepatitis C.
Evaluation of visualization of squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus and pharynx using an autofluorescence imaging videoendoscope system
Authors: Suzuki Haruhisa , Saito Yutaka , Ikehara Hisatomo , Oda Ichiro
Published: September 2009

Background and Aim:  An autofluorescence imaging (AFI) videoendoscope system produces pseudo‐color images combining autofluorescence and green reflectance, with the utility of this system previously confirmed for the diagnosis of bronchial squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Our aim was to evaluate visualization of esophageal and pharyngeal SCC comparing AFI with white light endoscopy (WLE).

Methods:  Thirty‐two patients with superficial esophageal SCC and 11 patients with superficial pharyngeal SCC diagnosed in other hospitals were enrolled in this prospective study. We observed the esophagus and pharynx with WLE followed by AFI and took both WLE and AFI images of the esophageal and pharyngeal SCC. Three experienced endoscopists subsequently evaluated the visualization quality of images from both systems on a three‐tier scale: visible, illegible and invisible.

Results:  A total of 39 superficial esophageal SCC were diagnosed with 20, 11 and eight lesions classified as visible, illegible and invisible, respectively, by WLE compared to 31, three and five lesions, respectively, using AFI. Using AFI, 79% of superficial esophageal SCC lesions were visible, compared to only 51% with WLE (P < 0.05). In addition, 12 superficial pharyngeal SCC were diagnosed with four, five and three lesions considered as visible, illegible and invisible, respectively, using WLE in contrast to nine, three and 0 lesions, respectively, by AFI. Thus, using AFI, 75% of superficial pharyngeal SCC lesions were visible compared with only 33% with WLE (P = 0.13).

Conclusion:  The AFI system appears to be more useful than WLE for early diagnosis of SCC of the esophagus and pharynx.
Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome and its relationship with psychological stress status in Chinese university students
Authors: Shen Lei , Kong Hao , Hou Xiaohua
Published: September 2009

Background and Aims:  Although irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder in the West, information on the prevalence of IBS in university students is relatively scant, especially in Asia. The aims of the present study were to investigate the prevalence and pattern of symptoms of IBS and its relationship with psychological stress status in Chinese university students.

Methods:  Basic demographic data and IBS symptoms were sought using the Rome II criteria and a validated bowel symptom questionnaire. Another questionnaire used related to psychosomatic symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Results:  In total, 491 of the 530 students in the trial met the selected criteria, which included 241 men. The participants were medical college students (313/491) and non‐medical college students (178/491). The apparent prevalence of IBS was 15.7%, with a prevalence of 14.5% in men and 16.8% in women. The most common symptom was abdominal pain associated with change in the consistency of stool (36.9%), followed by altered stool frequency (16.3%), and abdominal pain relieved by defecation (12.4%), predominantly in women. The self‐reported psychological and psychosomatic symptoms of anxiety (P < 0.001) and depression (P < 0.001) were encountered more frequently in participants with IBS. The depression (P = 0.03) and anxiety measures (P = 0.02) significantly predicted IBS status.

Conclusion:  The prevalence of IBS in Chinese university students is often compared with university students in developed countries and the general Chinese population. Depression and anxiety could potentially induce IBS. Medical education should be considered when aiming to reduce stress of university students who are susceptible to IBS.
A single genetic locus in the phytopathogen Pantoea stewartii enables gut colonization and pathogenicity in an insect host
Authors: Stavrinides John , No Alexander , Ochman Howard
Published: September 2009

Aphids are typically exposed to a variety of epiphytic and phytopathogenic bacteria, many of which have entomopathogenic potential. Here we describe the interaction between Pantoea stewartii ssp. stewartii DC283 (DC283), an enteric phytopathogen and causal agent of Stewart's wilt, and the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. When ingested by aphids, DC283 establishes and aggregates in the crop and gut, preventing honeydew flow and excretion, resulting in aphid death in 72 h. A mutagenesis screen identified a single locus, termed ucp1 (youcannot pass), whose disruption abolishes aphid pathogenicity. Moreover, the expression of ucp1 in Escherichia coli is sufficient to mediate the hindgut aggregation phenotype by this normally avirulent species. Ucp1 is related to six other proteins in the DC283 genome, each having a common N‐terminal region and a divergent C‐terminus, but only ucp1 has a role in pathogenicity. Based on predicted motifs and secondary structure, Ucp1 is a membrane‐bound protein that functions in bacterial adhesion and promotes the formation of aggregates that are lethal to the insect host. These results illustrate that the enteric plant pathogenic bacteria have the capacity to exploit alternative non‐plant hosts, and retain genetic determinants for colonizing the gut.
Microbial community dynamics in a seasonally anoxic fjord: Saanich Inlet, British Columbia
Authors: Zaikova Elena , Walsh David A. , Stilwell Claire P. , Mohn William W. , Tortell Philippe D. , Hallam Steven J.
Published: September 2009

Dissolved oxygen concentration plays a major role in shaping biotic interactions and nutrient flows within marine ecosystems. Throughout the global ocean, regions of low dissolved oxygen concentration (hypoxia) are a common and expanding feature of the water column, with major feedback on productivity and greenhouse gas cycling. To better understand microbial diversity underlying biogeochemical transformations within oxygen‐deficient oceanic waters, we monitored and quantified bacterial and archaeal community dynamics in relation to dissolved gases and nutrients during a seasonal stratification and deep water renewal cycle in Saanich Inlet, British Columbia, a seasonally anoxic fjord. A number of microbial groups partitioned within oxygen‐deficient waters including Nitrospina and SAR324 affiliated with the δ‐proteobacteria, SAR406 and γ‐proteobacteria related to thiotrophic gill symbionts of deep‐sea clams and mussels. Microbial diversity was highest within the hypoxic transition zone decreasing dramatically within anoxic basin waters and temporal patterns of niche partitioning were observed along defined gradients of oxygen and phosphate. These results provide a robust comparative phylogenetic framework for inferring systems metabolism of nitrogen, carbon and sulfur cycling within oxygen‐deficient oceanic waters and establish Saanich Inlet as a tractable model for studying the response of microbial communities to changing levels of water column hypoxia.
Insulin use and increased risk of mortality in type 2 diabetes: a cohort study
Authors: Gamble J.‐M. , Simpson S. H. , Eurich D. T. , Majumdar S. R. , Johnson J. A.
Published: September 2009

Aim: To compare population‐based rates of all‐cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in newly treated patients with type 2 diabetes according to levels of insulin exposure.

Methods: Using the administrative databases of Saskatchewan Health, 12272 new users of oral antidiabetic therapy were identified between 1991 and 1996 and grouped according to cumulative insulin exposure based on total insulin dispensations per year: no exposure (reference group); low exposure (0 to <3); moderate exposure (3 to <12) and high exposure (≥12). Time‐varying multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the relationship between insulin exposure and all‐cause, CV‐related and non‐vascular mortality after adjustment for demographics, medications and comorbidities.

Results: Average age was 65 (s.d. 13.9) years, 45% were female, and mean follow‐up was 5.1 (s.d. 2.2) years. In total, 1443 (12%) subjects started insulin, and 2681 (22%) deaths occurred. The highest mortality rates were in the high exposure group; 95 deaths/1000 person‐years compared with 40 deaths/1000 person‐years in the no exposure group [unadjusted hazard ratio (HR): 2.32; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.96–2.73]. After adjustment, we observed a graded risk of mortality associated with increasing exposure to insulin: low exposure [adjusted HR (aHR): 1.75; 95% CI: 1.24–2.47], moderate exposure (aHR: 2.18; 1.82–2.60) and high exposure (aHR: 2.79; 2.36–3.30); p = 0.005 for trend. Analyses restricted to CV‐related (p = 0.042 for trend) and non‐vascular (p = 0.004 for trend) mortality showed virtually identical results.

Conclusions: We observed a significant and graded association between mortality risk and insulin exposure level in an inception cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes that persisted despite multivariable adjustment.
Rediscovering bile acid sequestrants
Authors: Bell D. S. H. , O’Keefe James H.
Published: September 2009

Aim: In the recently published The Justification for the Use of statins in Primary prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin (JUPITER) mega‐trial, rosuvastatin significantly reduced cardiovascular events at the expense of a small but significant increase in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The increased risk of new‐onset diabetes was in keeping with a recent meta‐analysis which suggested that statins, with the possible exception of pravastatin, marginally increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Although the net effect of rosuvastatin was obviously very positive, we hypothesized that the addition of a bile aid sequestrant to a statin would not only further decrease lipid levels and potentially further decrease cardiovascular events but also protect against the development of diabetes. This is particularly relevant because the bile acid sequestrant, colesevelam, has recently been approved for therapy of diabetes.

Results: Colesevelam like other bile acid sequestrants lowers low‐density lipoprotein levels by 16% and C‐reactive protein by 22% beyond the reductions that occur with statin therapy alone. Bile acid sequestrants confer lipid‐lowering, glucose‐lowering, and anti‐inflammatory benefits, and have been shown to reduce risk of cardiovascular events.

Conclusions: Therefore, colesevelam should be the most effective and logical agent to add to a statin in the diabetic and insulin‐resistant patient, because in addition to lowering cardiac risk it may prevent the development of diabetes, as well as improving glycaemic control in the established diabetic patient.
Inequalities in Non-Institutionalised forms of Political Participation: A Multi-Level Analysis of 25 Countries
Authors: Marien Sofie , Hooghe Marc , Quintelier Ellen
Published: September 2009

Various studies suggest that while institutionalised and electoral forms of political participation are in decline in Western societies, non-institutionalised forms of participation (like demonstrating, political consumerism or signing petitions) are on the rise. However, this expansion of the political action repertoire of citizens also entails the question of equal participation opportunities. It can be argued that contemporary ideals of democratic participation assume an equal representation of citizens' interests. In this article we analyse the equality of participation patterns using comparative data from the 2004 ISSP survey. Our results suggest that non-institutionalised forms of participation increase patterns of inequality due to education but strongly reduce or even reverse gender and age inequalities. As such, both institutionalised and non-institutionalised forms of participation have specific (dis)advantages from the perspective of preserving equal access to democratic decision-making procedures.
Toward the Classification of Scalar Nonpolynomial Evolution Equations: Polynomiality in Top Three Derivatives
Authors: Mizrahi Eti , Bilge Ayşe Hümeyra
Published: September 2009

We prove that arbitrary (nonpolynomial) scalar evolution equations of order m ≥ 7, that are integrable in the sense of admitting the canonical conserved densities ρ(1), ρ(2), and ρ(3) introduced in [1], are polynomial in the derivatives um− i for i = 0, 1, 2. We also introduce a grading in the algebra of polynomials in uk with k ≥ m − 2 over the ring of functions in x, t, u, … , um−3 and show that integrable equations are scale homogeneous with respect to this grading.
Prospective epidemiological study of the prevalence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*5701 in HIV‐1‐infected UK subjects
Authors: Orkin C , Sadiq ST , Rice L , Jackson F ,   on behalf of the UK EPI team
Published: September 2009

Objectives

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*5701 is strongly associated with developing a hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir (ABC) in White and Hispanic subjects. Across the UK, limited data exist on HLA‐B*5701 prevalence in HIV‐1‐infected subjects. We determined HLA‐B*5701 prevalence in the general HIV‐1‐infected population and in specific ethnic groups, particularly Black Africans who, in general, exhibit greater genetic diversity. We also compared HLA‐B*5701 results obtained from local laboratories with those from a central provider.

Design and methods

Multi‐centre, observational study. All HIV‐1‐infected adult individuals receiving care at participating centres were eligible, irrespective of treatment status or prior exposure to ABC. Subjects provided samples for HLA‐B*5701 assessment by both local (blood) and central laboratories (buccal swabs). HLA‐B*5701 prevalence was adjusted to represent the ethnic group composition of the general UK population, and by main ethnic group.

Results

From eight UK centres, 1494 subjects [618 (41%) White, 770 (52%) Black] were recruited. Eighty‐nine per cent of Black subjects reported an immediate country of origin in Africa. Overall adjusted HLA‐B*5701 prevalence was 4.55% [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.49% to 5.60%]. Among White subjects, prevalence was 7.93% (CI 5.80% to 10.06%). Among Black subjects, only two (both Ugandan) were HLA‐B*5701 positive giving a rate of 0.26% (CI 0.07% to 0.94%).

Conclusions

HLA‐B*5701 prevalence was similar to previously reported rates in White HIV‐infected subjects but considerably lower than that reported in Black HIV‐1‐infected subjects, as a result of the large proportion of Black African subjects.
Direct Seeding to Restore Tropical Mature‐Forest Species in Areas of Slash‐and‐Burn Agriculture
Authors: Bonilla‐Moheno Martha , Holl Karen D.
Published: September 2009

After tropical lands have been abandoned from anthropogenic pressures, often forest structure and some species recover naturally. Studies suggest, however, that mature‐forest species are frequently slow to establish and an active management strategy may be necessary. We tested direct seeding of mature‐forest species as a restoration strategy in sites previously used for slash‐and‐burn agriculture in semi‐evergreen, seasonal forest in the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico, and evaluated when in the successional process this strategy had the highest success rate. We planted three mature‐forest species (Brosimum alicastrum, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, and Manilkara zapota) in three forest ages: recently abandoned (<5 years), young successional forest (8–15 years), and reference forest (>50 years). Overall, an average of 5–41% of planted seeds germinated, and 3–35% were present through the seedling stage. Only M. zapota had higher germination in the reference forest than in the other forest ages, whereas the other two species had similar percentage germination in all successional stages. Of the seeds that germinated in the 8–15 years sites and the reference forest, 58–95% of the seedlings survived through the end of the study, whereas survival in recently abandoned sites was less than 50% in most cases. Seedling height was generally similar across forest age categories. Our results suggest that direct seeding these mature‐forest species after the first few years of natural succession could be a successful strategy to accelerate and guarantee their establishment.
Prevalence of and risk factors for hepatitis B and C infection among Mongolian blood donors
Authors: Tserenpuntsag Boldtsetseg , Nelson Kenrad , Lamjav Ouynbileg , Triner Wayne , Smith Perry , Kacica Marilyn , McNutt Louise‐Anne
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: Mongolia has one of the highest rates of viral hepatitis infections worldwide yet risk factors have been largely unstudied. This sentinel study of hepatitis infection in Mongolia determined the prevalence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus antibody (anti‐HCV) among a sample of blood donors and identified demographic and behavioral factors associated with hepatitis infection.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were collected by interview from 923 Ministry of Health Blood Center donors between August 2004 and February 2005. The exposure variables collected included donor demographics and health and behavioral risk factors. Bivariate and multivariate analyses assessed the prevalence ratio of hepatitis infection for each exposure.

RESULTS: Of 923 donors, 72 tested positive for HBsAg (7.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.1%‐9.7%), 89 donors tested positive for anti‐HCV (9.6%; 95% CI, 7.8%‐11.5%), and six (0.6%) tested positive for both HBsAg and anti‐HCV. Prevalence of HBsAg was highest among donors 18 to 19 years and anti‐HCV tended to be most prevalent among those more than 40 years of age. Both pregnancy and alcohol use were associated with seroprevalent anti‐HCV.

CONCLUSION: This sentinel study of hepatitis prevalence among Mongolian blood donors sheds considerable light on the epidemiology of hepatitis virus infection as well as the sociodemographic and behavioral risk factors associated with infection. Young age (HBsAg) and pregnancy (anti‐HCV) were significant risk factors for hepatitis virus infection, indicating that improvements in education, vaccination rates, and general infection control procedures in health care institutions may reduce behavioral and nosocomial transmission.