bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Dementia Cases in the Community: A Brazilian Experience
Authors: Ramos‐Cerqueira Ana Teresa A. , Torres Albina R. , Crepaldi André L. , Oliveira Nair I. L. , Scazufca Márcia , Menezes Paulo R. , Prince Martin
Published: December 2009

Objectives: To describe the application in Brazil of a simple, low‐cost procedure, developed in India by the 10/66 Dementia Research Group, for the identification of dementia cases in the community.

Design: Community‐based dementia case‐finding method.

Setting: Piraju, São Paulo, Brazil.

Participants: Twenty‐five community health workers were trained to identify dementia cases in 2,222 people aged 65 and older in Piraju, a Brazilian town with 27,871 inhabitants.

Measurements: After the training, the health workers prepared a list of possible cases that afterward an experienced psychiatrist clinically evaluated, according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV), criteria and the Clinical Dementia Rating.

Results: Of the 72 cases that were clinically assessed, 45 met the DSM‐IV diagnostic criteria for dementia. Therefore, the positive predictive value of this case finding method was 62.5%; the estimated frequency of dementia was 2%. Most of the confirmed cases met clinical criteria for Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.

Conclusion: This simple method was appropriate to identify cases of dementia in the general population and can possibly be extended to other developing countries with limited resources to be applied in health programs.
Experts Recommend Strategies for Strengthening the Use of Advanced Practice Nurses in Nursing Homes
Authors: Mezey Mathy , Greene Burger Sarah , Bloom Harrison G. , Bonner Alice , Bourbonniere Mary , Bowers Barbara , Burl Jeffrey B. , Capezuti Elizabeth , Carter Diane , Dimant Jacob , Jerro Sarah A. , Reinhard Susan C. , Ter Maat Marilyn
Published: December 2009

In 2003, The John A. Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing, New York University Division of Nursing, convened an expert panel to explore the potential for developing recommendations for the caseloads of advanced practice nurses (APNs) in nursing homes and to provide substantive and detailed strategies to strengthen the use of APNs in nursing homes. The panel, consisting of nationally recognized experts in geriatric practice, education, research, public policy, and long‐term care, developed six recommendations related to caseloads for APNs in nursing homes. The recommendations address educational preparation of APNs; average reimbursable APN visits per day; factors affecting APNs caseload parameters, including provider characteristics, practice models, resident acuity, and facility factors; changes in Medicare reimbursement to acknowledge nonbillable time spent in resident care; and technical assistance to promote a climate conducive to APN practice in nursing homes. Detailed research findings and clinical expertise underpin each recommendation. These recommendations provide practitioners, payers, regulators, and consumers with a rationale and details of current advanced practice nursing models and caseload parameters, preferred geriatric education, reimbursement strategies, and a range of technical assistance necessary to strengthen, enhance, and increase APNs' participation in the care of nursing home residents.
Indwelling Device Use and Antibiotic Resistance in Nursing Homes: Identifying a High‐Risk Group
Authors: Mody Lona , Maheshwari Shweta , Galecki Andrzej , Kauffman Carol A. , Bradley Suzanne F.
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the relationship between indwelling devices (urinary catheters, feeding tubes, and peripherally inserted central catheters) and carriage of antimicrobial‐resistant pathogens in nursing home residents.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.

SETTING: Community nursing home in Southeast Michigan.

PARTICIPANTS: Residents with indwelling devices (n=100) and randomly selected control residents (n=100) in 14 nursing homes.

MEASUREMENTS: Data on age, functional status, and Charlson comorbidity score were collected. Samples were obtained from nares, oropharynx, groin, wounds, perianal area, and enteral feeding tube site. Standard microbiological methods were used to identify methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin‐resistant enterococci (VRE), and ceftazidime‐resistant (CTZ‐R) gram‐negative bacteria (GNB).

RESULTS: Use of indwelling devices was associated with colonization with MRSA at any site (odds ratio (OR)=2.0, P=.04), groin (OR=4.8, P=.006), and perianal area (OR=3.6, P=.01) and CTZ‐R GNB at any site (OR=5.6, P=.003). Use of enteral feeding tubes was associated with MRSA colonization in the oropharynx (OR=3.3, P=.02).

CONCLUSION: Use of indwelling devices is associated with greater colonization with antimicrobial‐resistant pathogens. This study serves as an initial step in defining a high‐risk group that merits intensive infection control efforts.
The Effect of Age on Outcomes of Sling Surgery for Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Anger Jennifer T. , Litwin Mark S. , Wang Qin , Pashos Chris L. , Rodríguez Larissa V.
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVES: To measure the effect of patient age on outcomes of sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence.

DESIGN: Analysis of Medicare claims data.

SETTING: Analysis of the 1999 to 2001 Medicare Public Use Files provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on a 5% national random sample of beneficiaries.

PARTICIPANTS: Women who underwent sling procedures between July 1, 1999, and December 31, 2000, were identified according to Common Procedural Terminology, Fourth Edition, code 57288 (sling operation for stress incontinence). Subjects were tracked for 6 months before surgery to identify preoperative comorbidities and for 12 months after surgery to assess short‐term complications. Subjects were stratified for analysis at age 75.

MEASUREMENTS: Bivariate analyses were conducted with patients stratified at age 75, and multivariate analyses were also conducted to identify the independent effects of patient age and comorbidities on outcomes.

RESULTS: A total of 1,356 procedures were performed during the 18‐month index period. This extrapolates to 27,120 procedures in all Medicare beneficiaries. At 1 year after surgery, overall outcomes in younger women (aged 65–74) were significantly better than in older women with respect to postoperative urge incontinence (20.0% vs 12.6%), treatment failure (10.5% vs 7.2%), and outlet obstruction (10.5% vs 6.6%). Older age and greater comorbidity were associated with greater risk of nonurological events (e.g., pulmonary embolism and cardiac events).

CONCLUSION: Women aged 75 and older are more likely to experience postoperative urge incontinence, treatment failure, and outlet obstruction after sling surgery. Older age and comorbidities were associated with higher rates of nonurological complications.
Discussion of Depression in Follow‐Up Medical Visits with Older Patients
Authors: Adelman Ronald D. , Greene Michele G. , Friedmann Erika , Cook Mary Ann
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of discussion about depression in follow‐up medical visits of older patients, who initiates these discussions, the quality of responsiveness of physicians and patients in these discussions, and patient and physician characteristics that influence these discussions.

DESIGN: Convenience sample of 482 audiotaped follow‐up visits.

SETTING: Three community‐based practice sites.

PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred seventy‐six community‐dwelling older patients without dementia and 43 primary care physicians.

MEASUREMENTS: Audiotapes were analyzed using the Multi‐Dimensional Interaction Analysis system to determine the content and process of medical conversations; patients completed Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short Form Survey questionnaires immediately after the visit.

RESULTS: Depression was discussed in 7.3% of medical visits; physicians raised this topic in 41% of visits, patients raised it in 48% of visits, and accompanying persons raised it in 10% of visits. Visits were longer when the topic of depression was discussed. Depression was raised almost exclusively in the first 2.5 years of the patient–physician relationship. Physicians with some geriatric training were more likely to discuss depression, and these visits were shorter than visits to physicians without geriatric training.

CONCLUSION: Depression was raised infrequently in follow‐up visits. The high prevalence of depression in older people and the associated mortality merit discussion of depression early and later in the patient–physician relationship. Although visits were longer when depression was discussed, physicians with some geriatric training were more likely to raise depression, and more time‐efficient when they did so, than physicians without geriatric training.
Sleep‐Disordered Breathing and Cognition in Older Women
Authors: Spira Adam P. , Blackwell Terri , Stone Katie L. , Redline Susan , Cauley Jane A. , Ancoli‐Israel Sonia , Yaffe Kristine
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between objectively measured sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) and cognitive impairment in community‐dwelling older women and to determine whether the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ4 allele modifies this association.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.

SETTING: Participants' homes and two sites of the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF).

PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred forty‐eight women with a mean age±standard deviation (SD) of 82.8±3.4.

MEASUREMENTS: Participants completed the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Trail Making Test Part B (Trails B), and polysomnography (PSG). SDB indices were the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), the central apnea index (CAI), and oxygen saturation (SaO2) nadir less than 80%. APOE ɛ4 was determined for a subset of 242 women. Cognitive impairment was defined as 1.5 SDs or more from the sample mean on either cognitive test (MMSE or Trails B).

RESULTS: All SDB indices were associated with cognitive impairment according to the MMSE (AHI (per SD, odds ratio (OR)=1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.03–1.9), AHI of ≥30 (OR=3.4, 95% CI=1.4–8.1), SaO2 nadir <80% (OR=2.7, 95% CI=1.1–6.6), and CAI (per SD, OR=1.4, 95% CI=1.1–1.7)). Weaker, nonsignificant associations emerged between SDB and Trails B. In women who completed genotyping, each SD increase in AHI was associated with 70% greater odds of cognitive impairment according to the MMSE (OR=1.7, 95% CI=1.2–2.6). Women with the ɛ4 allele had a nearly five times greater odds of impairment (per SD, OR=4.6, 95% CI‐1.0–20.7); the association was smaller and nonsignificant in women without the ɛ4 allele (per SD, OR=1.5, 95% CI‐0.9–2.4; P for interaction=.08).

CONCLUSION: SDB is an important risk factor for cognitive impairment in older women, especially those with the APOE ɛ4 allele. Mechanisms linking these disorders need to be identified.
Transitioning Residents from Nursing Facilities to Community Living: Who Wants to Leave?
Authors: Nishita Christy M. , Wilber Kathleen H. , Matsumoto Saki , Schnelle John F.
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVES: To examine nursing facility residents' or their legal proxies' perspectives on transitioning out of nursing facilities by assessing residents' perceptions of their ability to live more independently, their preferences regarding leaving the facility, and the feasibility of transitioning with community support.

DESIGN: Analysis of survey findings from the California Nursing Facility Transition Screen (CNFTS).

SETTING: Eight nursing facilities in southern California.

PARTICIPANTS: All chronic maintenance, long‐stay residents receiving Medi‐Cal (California's Medicaid program) were eligible for the study (n=218). Of these, 121 (56%) self‐consenting residents or legal proxies were interviewed. No presumptions were made as to which residents were appropriate candidates for transition based on health or functional capacity.

MEASUREMENTS: CNFTS contains 27 open‐ and closed‐ended questions on preference, ability, and feasibility of transitioning.

RESULTS: Twenty‐three percent of residents and proxies believed that the resident had the ability to transition; 46% indicated a preference to transition; and after discussing potential living arrangements and services, 33% thought that transitioning would be feasible. Of those who consented to allow access to their Minimum Data Set 2.0 (MDS) information (n=41; 34% of the sample), agreement in the assessment of preference was found in 39% of cases.

CONCLUSION: Transition decisions are complex and include preference, as well as perceptions of the resident's ability to live in a more independent setting and the feasibility of transitioning. Compared with the MDS, the screen identified a higher proportion of residents who want to transition, suggesting that a systematic approach to assessing the complex decision to transition is needed.
Fecal Incontinence in Elderly Koreans
Authors: Joh Hee‐Kyung , Seong Moo‐Kyung , Oh Seung‐Won
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence and correlates of fecal incontinence (FI) and its effect on quality of life in ambulatory elderly people in Korea.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional, convenience sample–based survey.

SETTING: Twenty‐seven senior citizen centers and two health clinics in two cities of Korea.

PARTICIPANTS: Nine hundred eighty‐one relatively healthy and ambulatory community‐dwelling people aged 60 and older.

MEASUREMENTS: Data were collected through in‐person interviews with a structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors for FI.

RESULTS: The prevalence of FI was 15.5%. FI was significantly associated with lower quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short‐Form Survey) for physical and mental health. In men, FI was significantly associated with urinary incontinence (odds ratio (OR)=4.89, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.45–9.77), hemorrhoids (OR=4.66, 95% CI=1.67–12.97), and poor self‐perceived health status (P for trend=.02). In women, FI was associated with urinary incontinence (OR=2.91, 95% CI=1.76–4.81), diabetes mellitus (OR=2.04, 95% CI=1.24–3.37), hemorrhoids (OR=2.99, 95% CI=1.31–6.83), and infrequent dietary fiber intake (P for trend=.02).

CONCLUSION: FI is prevalent in elderly Koreans and has a profound effect on quality of life. Physicians should closely screen for FI in elderly patients with certain risk factors and evaluate to control these potentially preventable or modifiable factors.
Efficient generation of clinical‐grade genetically modified dendritic cells for presentation of multiple tumor‐associated proteins
Authors: Garritsen Henk S.P. , Macke Lars , Meyring Wilhelm , Hannig Horst , Pägelow Ute , Wörmann Bernhard , Geffers Robert , Dittmar Kurt E.J. , Lindenmaier Werner
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: Dendritic cells (DCs) play a central role in the initiation and regulation of immune responses. DCs for clinical applications can be generated with high yield from leukapheresis products. Using adenoviral transduction we genetically modified human DCs to produce and present melanoma‐associated antigens. Coexpression of green fluorescent protein and epitope tags were used to monitor genetic modification. Generation, genetic modification, and cryoconservation of gene modified human DCs on a clinical scale in a closed system is feasible.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: CD14‐positive monomuclear cells were isolated from leukapheresis products of HLA‐A* 0201 positive voluntary blood donors using immunomagnetic beads. Selected cells were cultivated for 7 days. Adenovirus transduction was optimal on Day 4. Maturation was induced on Day 5. Mature DC were aliquoted and cryoconserved on Day 7. Quality control was performed using flow cytometry, expression profiling, and functional assays (ELISPOT, CBA).

RESULTS: We were able to generate sufficient genetically modified mature DCs in serum‐free cultures that could be stored by cryopreservation. The use of a closed system facilitated development of methods for standardized production of clinically applicable genetically modified DCs. The adenoviral transduction system allowed simultaneous and flexible expression of tumor‐associated antigens for prolonged presentation of multiple epitopes.

CONCLUSION: The feasibility of a closed‐bag system for the cultivation of genetically modified human DCs is shown. The immature DCs were genetically modified by recombinant replication‐deficient adenoviruses to express multiple epitopes of tumor‐associated proteins and then differentiated to mature antigen‐presenting DCs.
Impact of using different laboratory assays to detect human leukocyte antigen antibodies in female blood donors
Authors: Lopes Larissa B. , Fabron‐Jr Antonio , Chiba Akemi K. , Ruiz Marcelo O. , Bordin José O.
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: HLA antibodies passively transferred to transfused recipients may cause transfusion reactions such as transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI), but in many of the reported TRALI incidents, no white blood cell antibodies have been identified. We investigated whether a higher number of anti‐HLA would be detected in donor's plasma by using a method with potential higher sensitivity rate.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Sera from 300 previously pregnant female blood donors were screened for anti‐HLA using a solid‐phase mixed‐antigen assay (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]). Samples from 60 women with three or more pregnancies with a negative ELISA were further tested using microbead‐flow assays (LABScreen mixed, panel‐reactive antibodies [PRA], and single antigen).

RESULTS: Anti‐HLA Class I and/or Class II were detected by ELISA in 26.7% (80/300) of all women and in 37.0% (37/100) of women with three or more pregnancies. The LABScreen assays detected additional anti‐HLA specificities (44 Class I and 17 Class II) in 28.3% (17/60) of ELISA‐negative donors with three or more pregnancies. HLA antibodies were detected in 8.3% (5/60), 18.3% (11/60), and 21.7% (13/60) of ELISA‐negative women by LABScreen mixed, PRA, or single antigen, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Our data showed that the microbead‐flow detected more HLA antibodies than ELISA, but the clinical significance of these antibodies is currently unknown. Detecting anti‐HLA is useful for donor management and could contribute to the decision to definitively defer blood donors involved in TRALI incidents. However, further studies are necessary to better determinate the relative risk of TRALI induced by anti‐HLA detected only by techniques with higher sensitivity rate.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura at the Johns Hopkins Hospital from 1992 to 2008: clinical outcomes and risk factors for relapse
Authors: Zhan Huichun , Streiff Michael B. , King Karen E. , Segal Jodi B.
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: Plasma exchange, the standard treatment for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), has significantly decreased disease mortality. However, TTP recurs in 20% to 50% of patients who survive the initial episode. We aimed to describe the clinical spectrum of TTP, to determine the valid endpoint for plasma exchange cessation, and to explore the risk factors for disease relapse.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Using the ICD‐9 diagnosis code, we identified patients treated for TTP at the Johns Hopkins Hospital between 1992 and 2008. Complete demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment, and outcome data were collected from the medical records.

RESULTS: A total of 72 patients were treated for 134 episodes of TTP at the Johns Hopkins Hospital during the study period. With standardized combined immunosuppression and plasma exchange treatment, the all‐cause mortality rate was 4%. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) normalization lagged behind platelet (PLT) recovery by an average of 9 days and did not predict response. Relapse occurred in 36% of patients during a median follow‐up of 30 months with most (76%) occurring in the first 24 months. African American ethnicity was associated with increased risk of relapse (odds ratio = 4.8, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS: Excellent outcomes in patients with TTP are achievable with multimodality therapy. LDH normalization lags behind PLT recovery and might not be an informative endpoint for plasma exchange cessation. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm the influence of race on relapse and identify additional risk factors for adverse outcomes that could be targeted to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients with TTP.
Prolonged elevation of plasma argatroban in a cardiac transplant patient with a suspected history of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis
Authors: Genzen Jonathan R. , Fareed Jawed , Hoppensteadt Debra , Kurup Viji , Barash Paul , Coady Michael , Wu Yan Yun
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: Direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) provide an alternative method of anticoagulation for patients with a history of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) or HIT with thrombosis (HITT) undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In the following report, a 65‐year‐old critically ill patient with a suspected history of HITT was administered argatroban for anticoagulation on bypass during heart transplantation. The patient required massive transfusion support (55 units of red blood cells, 42 units of fresh‐frozen plasma, 40 units of cryoprecipitate, 40 units of platelets, and three doses of recombinant Factor VIIa) for severe intraoperative and postoperative bleeding.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Plasma samples from before and after CPB were analyzed postoperatively for argatroban concentration using a modified ecarin clotting time (ECT) assay.

RESULTS: Unexpectedly high concentrations of argatroban were measured in these samples (range, 0‐32 µg/mL), and a prolonged plasma argatroban half life (t1/2) of 514 minutes was observed (published elimination t1/2 is 39‐51 minutes [≤181 minutes with hepatic impairment]).

CONCLUSIONS: Correlation of plasma argatroban concentration versus the patient's coagulation variables and clinical course suggest that prolonged elevated levels of plasma argatroban may have contributed to the patient's extended coagulopathy. Because DTIs do not have reversal agents, surgical teams and transfusion services should remain aware of the possibility of massive transfusion events during anticoagulation with these agents. This is the first report to measure plasma argatroban concentration in the context of CPB and extended coagulopathy.
Quantitative Risk Assessment Relating to Adventitious Presence of Allergens in Food: A Probabilistic Model Applied to Peanut in Chocolate
Authors: Rimbaud Loup , Heraud Fanny , La Vieille Sébastien , Leblanc Jean‐Charles , Crepet Amélie
Published: December 2009

Peanut allergy is a public health concern, owing to the high prevalence in France and the severity of the reactions. Despite peanut‐containing product avoidance diets, a risk may exist due to the adventitious presence of peanut allergens in a wide range of food products. Peanut is not mentioned in their ingredients list, but precautionary labeling is often present. A method of quantifying the risk of allergic reactions following the consumption of such products is developed, taking the example of peanut in chocolate tablets. The occurrence of adventitious peanut proteins in chocolate and the dose‐response relationship are estimated with a Bayesian approach using available published data. The consumption pattern is described by the French individual consumption survey INCA2. Risk simulations are performed using second‐order Monte Carlo simulations, which separately propagates variability and uncertainty of the model input variables. Peanut allergens occur in approximately 36% of the chocolates, leading to a mean exposure level of 0.2 mg of peanut proteins per eating occasion. The estimated risk of reaction averages 0.57% per eating occasion for peanut‐allergic adults. The 95% values of the risk stand between 0 and 3.61%, which illustrates the risk variability. The uncertainty, represented by the 95% credible intervals, is concentrated around these risk estimates. Children have similar results. The conclusion is that adventitious peanut allergens induce a risk of reaction for a part of the French peanut‐allergic population. The method developed can be generalized to assess the risk due to the consumption of every foodstuff potentially contaminated by allergens.
Financial Management Competence of Founding Teams and Growth of New Technology–Based Firms
Authors: Brinckmann Jan , Salomo Soeren , Gemuenden Hans Georg
Published: December 2009

This article draws on the resource–based view to analyze the role founding teams’ financial management competencies play for firm growth. Prior research stressed the importance of acquiring external financial resources. In this study, we broaden the understanding of financial management in new firms. We explore the relevance of strategic financial planning competence, external financing competence, competence in financing from cash flow, and controlling competence of entrepreneurial teams for the growth of new technology–based firms. A total of 212 founding teams provided self–assessments of their financial management competencies at start–up. We apply the partial least squares approach to determine the effects of the different financial management competencies on firm growth.
Parental Entrepreneurial Role Model Influence on Male Offspring: Is it Always Positive and when does it Occur?
Authors: Mungai Edward , Velamuri S. Ramakrishna
Published: December 2009

Parental self–employment has been shown to have a positive influence on offspring's subsequent choice of self–employment as a career. Previous studies have, however, not considered its dependence on parental performance in self–employment and at what stage of the offspring's development (late childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood) this influence is highest. This article uses social learning and career development theories to argue that first, parental influence may not exist in case of parents’ economic failure in self–employment, and second, that when it does occur, it is more pronounced when the offspring is a young adult. Using the United States Panel Study of Income Dynamics data set, we find empirical support for our hypotheses.
Morphology, Ultrastructure, and Small Subunit rDNA Phylogeny of the Marine Heterotrophic Flagellate Goniomonas aff. amphinema
Authors: MARTIN‐CERECEDA MERCEDES , ROBERTS EMILY C. , WOOTTON EMMA C. , BONACCORSO ELISA , DYAL PATRICIA , GUINEA ALMUDENA , ROGERS DALE , WRIGHT CHRIS J. , NOVARINO GIANFRANCO
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT. Marine goniomonads have a worldwide distribution but ultrastructural information has not been available so far. An isolate of the heterotrophic marine nanoflagellate Goniomonas (G. aff. amphinema) from North Wales (UK) has been studied, providing information on its morphology and cellular structure using video, electron, laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), and atomic force microscopy. Here, we describe a new feature, a granular area, potentially involved in particle capture and feeding. The binding of the lectin wheat germ agglutinin to the granular area of cells with discharged ejectisomes indicates the adhesive nature of this novel feature. The presence of a microtubular intracellular cytopharynx, apparently also used for feeding, has been revealed by LSCM. The small subunit rRNA gene of the isolate has been sequenced (1,788 bp). Phylogenetic results corroborate significant genetic divergence within the marine members of Goniomonas. This work highlights the need for integrated morphological, ultrastructural, and molecular investigation when describing and studying heterotrophic nanoflagellates.
Variability of Wax Ester Fermentation in Natural and Bleached Euglena gracilis Strains in Response to Oxygen and the Elongase Inhibitor Flufenacet
Authors: TUCCI SARA , VACULA ROSTISLAV , KRAJCOVIC JURAJ , PROKSCH PETER , MARTIN WILLIAM
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT. Euglena gracilis is able to synthesize adenosine triphosphate under anaerobic conditions through a malonyl‐independent fatty acid synthesis leading to wax ester fermentation. Mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis uses acetyl‐CoA and propionyl‐CoA as C2‐ and C3‐donors for de novo synthesis of even‐ and odd‐numbered fatty acids, respectively. Euglena's wax ester fermentation has only been described in the E. gracilis strain 1224‐5/25 Z. Here we investigate eight E. gracilis strains isolated in 1932–1958 from different localities in Europe and two bleached substrains of E. gracilis 1224‐5/25, obtained by treatment with streptomycin and ofloxacin, and examine their anaerobic growth, wax ester fermentation, and wax ester composition. Under ambient oxygen levels, all strains accumulated wax esters in concentrations between 0.3% and 3.5% of the dry weight, but the strains revealed marked differences in wax ester accumulation with respect to anaerobic growth. Most fermenting strains tested showed increased wax ester synthesis under anaerobic conditions as well as the increased synthesis of odd‐numbered fatty acids and alcohols suggesting an activation of the mitochondrial fatty acid biosynthesis pathway. Addition of the elongase inhibitor flufenacet to the growth medium specifically reduced the accumulation of odd‐numbered fatty acids and alcohols and tended to increase the overall yield of anaerobic wax esters.
Characterization of Acanthamoeba Isolates from Dust of a Public Hospital in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
Authors: COSTA ADRIANA O. , CASTRO EDILENE A. , FERREIRA GABRIELA A. , FURST CINTHIA , CROZETA MARCOS A. , THOMAZ‐SOCCOL VANETE
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT. Occurrence of Acanthamoeba in the hospital environment may represent a health risk for patients, since these organisms can cause severe opportunistic illness, such as keratitis, and also can harbor pathogenic agents. We analyzed the dust from some environments of a public hospital in Curitiba, Parana State, Brazil. Two distinct populations of Acanthamoeba were isolated in five locations and morphologically classified as group I and group II according to Pussard and Pons. Isolates were identified as Acanthamoeba by PCR using primers to amplify a region of 18S rDNA, which showed variation in the product length among the isolates. A cloned culture of group II showed greater growth at 37 °C and in media with 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 M mannitol, which are the physiological characteristics of pathogenic Acanthamoeba. Monitoring the presence of Acanthamoeba in hospital units, as well as evaluating the pathogenicity of the isolates, can be an approach to alert the health professionals to improve the disinfection procedures and minimize the risks of treating this problematic disease caused by this protozoan.
Forensic Analysis of Explosives Using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS)—Part 2: Forensic Inter‐Laboratory Trial: Bulk Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotopes in a Range of Chemical Compounds (Australia and New Zealand)
Authors: Benson Sarah J. , Lennard Christopher J. , Maynard Philip , Hill David M. , Andrew Anita S. , Neal Ken , Stuart‐Williams Hilary , Hope Janet , Stewart Walker G. , Roux Claude
Published: December 2009

Abstract:  Comparability of data over time and between laboratories is a key issue for consideration in the development of global databases, and more broadly for quality assurance in general. One mechanism that can be utilized for evaluating traceability is an inter‐laboratory trial. This paper addresses an inter‐laboratory trial conducted across a number of Australian and New Zealand isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) laboratories. The main objective of this trial was to determine whether IRMS laboratories in these countries would record comparable values for the distributed samples. Four carbon containing and four nitrogen containing compounds were distributed to seven laboratories in Australia and one in New Zealand. The laboratories were requested to analyze the samples using their standard procedures. The data from each laboratory was evaluated collectively using International Standard ISO 13528 (Statistical methods for use in proficiency testing by inter‐laboratory comparisons). “Warning signals” were raised against one participant in this trial. “Action signals” requiring corrective action were raised against four participants. These participants reviewed the data and possible sources for the discrepancies. This inter‐laboratory trial was successful in providing an initial snapshot of the potential for traceability between the participating laboratories. The statistical methods described in this article could be used as a model for others needing to evaluate stable isotope results derived from multiple laboratories, e.g., inter‐laboratory trials/proficiency testing. Ongoing trials will be conducted to improve traceability across the Australian and New Zealand IRMS community.
Relationships between water temperatures and upstream migration, cold water refuge use, and spawning of adult bull trout from the Lostine River, Oregon, USA
Authors: Howell P. J. , Dunham J. B. , Sankovich P. M.
Published: December 2009

Howell PJ, Dunham JB, Sankovich PM. Relationships between water temperatures and upstream migration, cold water refuge use, and spawning of adult bull trout from the Lostine River, Oregon, USA. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 96–106. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA

Abstract –  Understanding thermal habitat use by migratory fish has been limited by difficulties in matching fish locations with water temperatures. To describe spatial and temporal patterns of thermal habitat use by migratory adult bull trout, Salvelinus confluentus, that spawn in the Lostine River, Oregon, we employed a combination of archival temperature tags, radio tags, and thermographs. We also compared temperatures of the tagged fish to ambient water temperatures to determine if the fish were using thermal refuges. The timing and temperatures at which fish moved upstream from overwintering areas to spawning locations varied considerably among individuals. The annual maximum 7‐day average daily maximum (7DADM) temperatures of tagged fish were 16–18 °C and potentially as high as 21 °C. Maximum 7DADM ambient water temperatures within the range of tagged fish during summer were 18–25 °C. However, there was no evidence of the tagged fish using localized cold water refuges. Tagged fish appeared to spawn at 7DADM temperatures of 7–14 °C. Maximum 7DADM temperatures of tagged fish and ambient temperatures at the onset of the spawning period in late August were 11–18 °C. Water temperatures in most of the upper Lostine River used for spawning and rearing appear to be largely natural since there has been little development, whereas downstream reaches used by migratory bull trout are heavily diverted for irrigation. Although the population effects of these temperatures are unknown, summer temperatures and the higher temperatures observed for spawning fish appear to be at or above the upper range of suitability reported for the species.
Welfare Regimes for Aging Populations: No Single Path for Reform
Authors: Aysan Mehmet F. , Beaujot Roderic
Published: December 2009

We consider recent trends in pension policies in OECD countries in light of demographic aging associated with welfare regime type (Liberal, Social Democratic, Continental, and Southern European). These regime types represent different responsibilities assumed for social security on the part of the market, the state, and the family. While there are significant differences in labor market characteristics, the demographic similarities in aging bring similar pressures for pension reforms across OECD countries. These reforms address fiscal issues in state pensions, typically by increasing the length of the working life, placing more of the pension responsibility on individuals, or converting to defined‐contribution approaches. Our study shows that there is no single path for pension reform. While there are some variations, welfare states tend to follow their traditional paths, which differ across welfare regime types.
Homicide Rates in a Cross‐Section of Countries: Evidence and Interpretations
Authors: Cole Julio H. , Gramajo Andrés Marroquín
Published: December 2009

This study uses a regression analysis to explore the cross‐country variation in homicide rates for a large sample of countries. It starts by identifying seven significant regional variables, to which traditional socioeconomic, cultural, and institutional variables are added and tested. The importance of institutions, culture, and other factors affecting homicide rates is discussed. One unexpected finding is a curious relationship between the level of education and homicide rates: while an increase in male education tends to reduce homicide rates, an increase in female education tends to increase homicides. Several possible interpretations for this phenomenon are proposed. The study points to relatively unexplored areas of research in order to better understand homicide variation around the world.
Mechano‐biology of skeletal muscle hypertrophy and regeneration: Possible mechanism of stretch‐induced activation of resident myogenic stem cells
Authors: TATSUMI Ryuichi
Published: December 2009

In undamaged postnatal muscle fibers with normal contraction and relaxation activities, quiescent satellite cells of resident myogenic stem cells are interposed between the overlying external lamina and the sarcolemma of a subjacent mature muscle fiber. When muscle is injured, exercised, overused or mechanically stretched, these cells are activated to enter the cell proliferation cycle, divide, differentiate, and fuse with the adjacent muscle fiber, and are responsible for regeneration and work‐induced hypertrophy of muscle fibers. Therefore, a mechanism must exist to translate mechanical changes in muscle tissue into chemical signals that can activate satellite cells. Recent studies of satellite cells or single muscle fibers in culture and in vivo demonstrated the essential role of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and nitric oxide (NO) radical in the activation pathway. These experiments have also reported that mechanically stretching satellite cells or living skeletal muscles triggers the activation by rapid release of HGF from its extracellular tethering and the subsequent presentation to the receptor c‐met. HGF release has been shown to rely on calcium‐calmodulin formation and NO radical production in satellite cells and/or muscle fibers in response to the mechanical perturbation, and depend on the subsequent up‐regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. These results indicate that the activation mechanism is a cascade of events including calcium ion influx, calcium‐calmodulin formation, NO synthase activation, NO radical production, MMP activation, HGF release and binding to c‐met. Better understanding of ‘mechano‐biology’ on the satellite cell activation is essential for designing procedures that could enhance muscle growth and repair activities in meat‐animal agriculture and also in neuromuscular disease and aging in humans.
DEWEYAN DEMOCRACY IN A GLOBALIZED WORLD
Authors: Hytten Kathy
Published: December 2009

Drawing primarily on the work of John Dewey, Kathy Hytten argues that rethinking democracy can help us to respond more productively to the challenges of globalization. Dewey maintained that democracy is much more than a political system; instead it is a personal way of life, a mode of associated living, and a moral ideal. Yet this is not the vision of democracy prevalent today, especially within the rhetoric of globalization. Hytten begins by describing some of the challenges of globalization. She then shows how Dewey faced similar challenges, discussing why Dewey's ideas are still relevant. Hytten goes on to trace how Dewey's conception of democracy can help us to think differently about these challenges. She concludes by arguing that Dewey offers us some valuable democratic habits, dispositions, and visions that remain important resources in building a pluralistic, socially just, inclusive, and enriching community within our globalized world.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DEWEY'S AESTHETICS IN ART EDUCATION IN THE AGE OF GLOBALIZATION
Authors: Nakamura Kazuyo
Published: December 2009

On the occasion of Dewey's sesquicentennial anniversary, Kazuyo Nakamura explores Dewey's aesthetics, which holds the plurality of art and culture in high regard. Nakamura develops a theoretical foundation for art education in the present age of globalization based on educational insights drawn from Dewey's aesthetics. The theme of this essay unfolds based on three topics: Dewey's view of the educational value of art in general education, the fundamental viewpoint of art in relation to democracy, and the discussion of the educational aspect of individuality and community with respect to the experience of art. Based on Dewey's aesthetics, this essay presents new perspectives on art education that emphasize the realization of personal values, development of intelligent visual literacy, and enhancement of the quality of communication of art, in the context of globalization.
HOW CAN SCIENCE HELP US CARE FOR NATURE? HERMENEUTICS, FRAGILITY, AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE EARTH
Authors: Joldersma Clarence W.
Published: December 2009

In this review essay, Clarence Joldersma argues for a novel role for science in developing an affirmative answer to his title question, “How can science help us care for nature?” He does so in dialogue with Clare Palmer's edited volume, Teaching Environmental Ethics, Dirk Postma's Why Care for Nature? and Michael Bonnett's Retrieving Nature. Joldersma suggests that although each book can help address the issue of how to teach students to care for nature, he parts company with their stance that we must go beyond science to develop a metaphysics of nature adequate to the task. Relying on the same Heideggerian framework as Postma and Bonnett, Joldersma comes to a different assessment of the role of science. He does so by arguing for a hermeneutic understanding of science as social practice and by claiming that science so construed can disclose the planet as earth (in the later Heidegger's sense), for which we owe thanks. This disclosure reveals earth as that which is fragile and for which we are responsible.
EMPIRICAL RESEARCH WITHOUT CERTAINTY
Authors: Floden Robert E.
Published: December 2009

In this essay, Robert Floden reviews three recent volumes in the Philosophy, Theory, and Educational Research series that address the philosophical implications of three “isms”— postpositivism, pragmatism, and poststructuralism — for empirical educational research. These volumes, written by D.C. Phillips, Gert J.J. Biesta, and Michael A. Peters, each in partnership with Nicholas C. Burbules, draw on several lines of currently active philosophical work to address a challenge to educational researchers: What can empirical research hope to accomplish, given the evident difficulties in discovering any tight connection between, on the one hand, instructional methods and policy directives and, on the other hand, student outcomes, especially student learning? The traditions discussed are rough groupings of scholars, with views that are loosely overlapping, rather than clearly defined. Floden observes that the general ideas represented in postpositivism and pragmatism offer researchers frameworks that support optimism about the contributions of empirical work. In contrast, the book on poststructuralism illustrates scholarship in that tradition, but suggests that most research reports will be colored by power relations and be open to multiple interpretations. Floden concludes that empirical researchers may find material in these books enlightening, but will probably need assistance from philosopher colleagues to see how they can inform the practical work of empirical research.
Interspecific variation in the response to low temperature storage in different aphid parasitoids
Authors: Colinet H. , Hance Th.
Published: December 2009

Cold storage of natural enemies usually involves placing insects under constant subambient temperatures. Even at non‐freezing temperatures, a reduction in survival is the norm. Using fluctuating thermal regimes (FTR) instead of constant low temperature (CLT) has shown that mortality due to accumulation of chilling injuries was significantly reduced in Aphidius colemani. Whether this phenomenon can be generalised to other parasitoid species is not known. The aim of this study was to analyse interspecific variation in the ability to tolerate cold storage under CLT (continuous 2°C) versus FTR (daily cycle: 2°C for 22 h and 20°C for 2 h) for various durations (0–20 days). Survival, sex ratio and development of five different Aphidiine parasitoids were analysed: A. colemani, Aphidius ervi, Aphidius matricariae, Ephedrus cerasicola and Praon volucre. A marked interspecific variation in the ability to tolerate cold storage was observed: A. matricariae and A. ervi were most chill tolerant, P. volucre and E. cerasicola had an intermediate chill sensitivity and A. colemani was most chill sensitive. In all species tested, FTR significantly reduced cold‐induced mortality. This phenomenon was manifested more in chill‐sensitive species as they probably accumulate chilling injuries more rapidly. The sex ratio remained unaffected in all the species. Interspecific variation was also observed in developmental responses to cold storage. Under CLT, time to adult emergence of A. matricariae, A. colemani, A. ervi and P. volucre was temporarily stopped and in E. cerasicola it increased. Under FTR, the short daily intervals at 20°C for 2 h allowed parasitoids to continue development in all the species. Interspecific differences are discussed. This study suggests that positive impact of FTR may apply to a wide range of species.
Seed Dispersal Phenology and Germination Characteristics of a Drought‐Prone Vegetation in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Braz Maria Isabel Guedes , de Mattos Eduardo Arcoverde
Published: December 2009

Seed germination is determined by the environmental conditions typical of a habitat and also by the geographical origin of the source species pool. During the Quaternary, Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest species expanded their distribution into the sandy coastal plains (restingas). Periods of water shortage, however, are frequent in the sandy substrate of the restinga. We investigated whether the germination characteristics of restinga species are more related to their biogeographical origin in the humid forest or to water shortage on sandy substrates. We characterized the seed dispersal phenology of a restinga community and conducted experiments to determine the water requirements for seed germination and the short‐term seed dehydration sensitivity of different species. Species shed seeds throughout the year in the restinga. When subjected to Ψ=−0.37 MPa, seed germination percentage decreased and germination time increased in six of ten species when compared with Ψ=0 MPa. Most species showed high seed moisture content (MC>40 %) at seed dispersal. Seeds took 3–17 d to dehydrate when subjected to relative humidity≤76 percent and only two of eight species had seeds sensitive to short‐term dehydration. Thus, rather than a specific set of germination characteristics related to humid or dry habitats, we gathered evidence to show that the germination characteristics of restinga species represent a multiplicity of responses that may be found in both kinds of habitat.