bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Segregation analysis of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers in Picea abies Karst.
Authors: BUCCI G. , MENOZZI P.
Published: April 2008

The reliability of arbitrarily primed amplification products was tested. The segregation analysis of 266 amplification products obtained using 17 different 10‐mer oligonucleotides in 34 megagametophytes from a single tree of Picea abies was carried out. Fifty‐four out of the 165 variable bands fit the 1:1 segregation ratio expected for Mendelian traits. The segregation ratio of a subset of six RAPD markers in five other individuals from the same population confirmed their genetic nature. Our results strengthen the evidence previously reported that RAPDs markers can be considered Mendelian traits useful in the detection of genetic variability among both different individuals and populations.
Will escaped transgenes lead to ecological release?
Authors: SCHMITT J. , LINDER C. R.
Published: April 2008

One potential effect of transgenes escaped from cultivation, either in crop plants themselves or introgressed into wild relatives, is release of the plants from ecological constraints that currently limit or control their distribution and abundance. Release may occur only within the community that the species presently occupies, or it may allow range expansion into new communities. Experience with ecological range expansions of invading plant species suggests that when ecological release occurs, the consequences can be severe. To assess properly the likelihood of ecological release, the factors that currently limit species' distributions and abundances must be determined by manipulative experiments. The effect of transgenes on these factors must then be investigated throughout the life cycle of the species and on a case‐by‐case basis. For ruderal annual species, seed survival and seedling establishment phases may be particularly important.
Spatial analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial RFLP genotypes in populations of the chestnut blight fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica
Authors: MILGROOM M. G. , LIPARI S. E.
Published: April 2008

Spatial structure of both nuclear and mitochondrial RFLPs were studied in several populations of the chestnut blight fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica, using a variety of spatial autocorrelation tests designed to detect nonrandom patterns. Fungal individuals were sampled from cankers on infected chestnut trees, and the location of each tree was mapped. Single‐locus nuclear RFLPs, nuclear fingerprints, and mitochondrial DNA haplotypes were determined for each individual. Individuals with the same DNA fingerprint genotypes occurred closer together than would be expected at random in four of the five plots, while mitochondrial DNA haplotypes were aggregated in all five plots. Genetic distances between individuals, expressed as one minus the proportion of shared restriction fragment size classes for fingerprints and mitochondrial haplotypes, were significantly correlated with Euclidean distances between individuals in four of the five populations, but these correlations were very weak (r < 0.18). The same DNA fingerprint and single‐copy nuclear RFLP alleles occurred on the same trees or immediately neighbouring trees more often than would be expected at random. Most of the aggregation for all three genetic markers occurred among individuals within the same cluster of chestnut stems or on neighbouring trees. Lack of spatial autocorrelation in one population was probably due to sampling on a larger scale that was too coarse to detect any patterns. Significant aggregation of genotypes in C. parasitica is most likely caused by some degree of restricted dispersal within populations. The implications of restricted dispersal are discussed in relation to the breeding system and isolation by distance in populations of. C. parasitica.
Population structure of red‐cockaded woodpeckers in south Florida: RAPDs revisited
Authors: HAIG S. M. , BOWMAN R. , MULLINS T. D.
Published: April 2008

Six south Florida populations of the endangered red‐cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) were sampled to examine genetic diversity and population structure in the southernmost portion of the species' range relative to 14 previously sampled populations from throughout the species range. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analyses were used to evaluate the populations (n= 161 individuals, 13 primers, one band/primer). Results suggested that south Florida populations have significant among‐population genetic differentiation (FST= 0.17, P < 0.000), although gene flow may be adequate to offset drift (Nm= 1.26). Comparison of Florida populations with others sampled indicated differentiation was less in Florida (FST for all populations = 0.21). Cluster analyses of all 20 populations did not reflect complete geographical predictions, although clustering of distant populations resulted in a significant correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance. Overall, results suggest populations in south Florida, similar to the remainder of the species, have low genetic diversity and high population fragmentation. Exact clustering of distant populations supports the ability of RAPDs to differentiate populations accurately. Our results further support past management recommendations that translocations of birds among geographically proximate populations is preferable to movement of birds between distant populations.
Postglacial recolonization at a snail's pace (Trochulus villosus): confronting competing refugia hypotheses using model selection
Authors: DÉPRAZ A. , CORDELLIER M. , HAUSSER J. , PFENNINGER M.
Published: April 2008

The localization of Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) refugia is crucial information to understand a species’ history and predict its reaction to future climate changes. However, many phylogeographical studies often lack sampling designs intensive enough to precisely localize these refugia. The hairy land snailTrochulus villosushas a small range centred on Switzerland, which could be intensively covered by sampling 455 individuals from 52 populations. Based on mitochondrial DNA sequences (COI and 16S), we identified two divergent lineages with distinct geographical distributions. Bayesian skyline plots suggested that both lineages expanded at the end of the LGM. To find where the origin populations were located, we applied the principles of ancestral character reconstruction and identified a candidate refugium for each mtDNA lineage: the French Jura and Central Switzerland, both ice‐free during the LGM. Additional refugia, however, could not be excluded, as suggested by the microsatellite analysis of a population subset. Modelling the LGM niche ofT. villosus, we showed that suitable climatic conditions were expected in the inferred refugia, but potentially also in the nunataks of the alpine ice shield. In a model selection approach, we compared several alternative recolonization scenarios by estimating the Akaike information criterion for their respective maximum‐likelihood migration rates. The ‘two refugia’ scenario received by far the best support given the distribution of genetic diversity inT. villosuspopulations. Provided that fine‐scale sampling designs and various analytical approaches are combined, it is possible to refine our necessary understanding of species responses to environmental changes.
Temporal and spatial analyses disclose consequences of habitat fragmentation on the genetic diversity in capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
Authors: SEGELBACHER GERNOT , MANEL STÉPHANIE , TOMIUK JÜRGEN
Published: April 2008

As a result of habitat fragmentation, the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) population in the Black Forest mountain range in southwestern Germany has declined rapidly during the last decades and now persists in patchy isolated fragments. To study the effects of fragmentation, we quantified dispersal patterns by genotyping 213 individuals in four subpopulations. We used a landscape genetics approach to analyse individual genetic variation, and despite overall low genetic structure, we found strong indications for a major boundary separating the northern part of the Black Forest area from the other subpopulations. Males and females display different gene flow patterns across the landscape. Females tend to disperse across longer distances than do males. We additionally studied the effects of the population decline on genetic diversity during the last hundred years. Although the population has dramatically declined from over 4000 to 250 males over a few decades, genetic diversity was not affected in the same way. We found two haplotypes that were present only in historic samples but microsatellite markers revealed no significant reduction in genetic diversity. Among historic samples, genetic differentiation was very low, indicating that the current genetic structure is caused by recent habitat fragmentation. We argue that inferences about reduced genetic diversity are drawn cautiously and recommend sampling over different temporal scales.
Maternal use of oral contraceptives and risk of fetal death
Authors: Jellesen Rikke , Strandberg‐Larsen Katrine , Jørgensen Tina , Olsen Jørn , Thulstrup Ane M. , Andersen Anne‐Marie N.
Published: April 2008

Intrauterine exposure to artificial sex hormones such as oral contraceptives may be associated with an increased risk of fetal death. Between 1996 and 2002, a total of 92 719 women were recruited to The Danish National Birth Cohort and interviewed about exposures during pregnancy. Outcome of pregnancy was identified through linkage to the Civil Registration System and the National Discharge Registry. The authors analysed the risk of fetal death after recruitment to the cohort by using proportional hazards regression models with gestational age as the underlying time scale.

In total, 1102 (1.2%) women took oral contraceptives during pregnancy. Use of combined oestrogen and progesterone oral contraceptives (COC) or progesterone‐only oral contraceptives (POC) during pregnancy was not associated with increased hazard ratios of fetal death compared with non‐users, HR 1.01 [95% CI 0.71, 1.45] and HR 1.37 [95% CI 0.65, 2.89] respectively. Neither use of COC nor POC prior to pregnancy was associated with fetal death. Stratification by maternal age and smoking showed elevated risks of fetal death for women <30 years and smokers using oral contraception during pregnancy, but the interactions were not significant. In conclusion, there was no evidence that oral contraceptive use before or during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of fetal death.
IgE antibody responses in young children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Wahn U. , Warner J. , Simons F. E. R. , De Benedictis F. M. , Diepgen T. L. , Naspitz C. K. , De Longueville M. , Bauchau V. ,   on behalf of the EPAAC Study Group
Published: April 2008

In 2184 young children aged 13–24 months with atopic dermatitis (SCORAD 5–59) serum IgE antibodies to a standard panel of food and inhalant allergens were assayed. The frequency of positive IgE responses (>0.35 kU/l) increased with greater severity of skin disease. A significant minority of infants had levels of IgE antibody to foods to suggest they were at risk of acute reaction to those foods (7% to hen’s egg, 3% to cow’s milk, 4% to peanut). Our findings indicate that the frequency of positive IgE responses is related to disease severity and suggest that differences in the time course of the development of IgE responses to food, which are at maximum prevalence within the first year of life, while inhalant allergies, are still developing between 1 and 2 yr and beyond.
Genetic diversity in Nordic and Baltic populations of Chondrostereum purpureum: a potential herbicide biocontrol agent
Authors: Vartiamäki H. , Uotila A. , Vasaitis R. , Hantula J.
Published: April 2008

We analysed genetic variation in the natural populations of a potential herbicide biocontrol agent, Chondrostereum purpureum, in Nordic and Baltic countries using random amplified microsatellite markers. The results showed high genetic diversity among the populations of this fungus, but almost a complete lack of local differentiation. The results implicate that any local strain from the area can be used as a biocontrol agent without a fear of introducing new genotypes to treatment areas.
Influence of pre‐press solvent‐extracted cottonseed meal supplemented with exogenous enzyme and digestible lysine on performance, digestibility, carcass and immunity responses of broiler chickens
Authors: Mushtaq T. , Sarwar M. , Ahmad G. , Mirza M. A. , Ahmad T. , Athar M. , Mushtaq M. M. H. , Noreen U.
Published: April 2008

The response of broiler chickens to two levels of endo‐1,4‐β xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8) and endo‐1,3‐β glucanase (EC 3.2.1.6) combination (with and without), three levels of digestible lysine (0.8%, 0.9% and 1.0% with the applicability of ideal protein concept) and two levels of cottonseed meal (CSM; 20% and 30%) were evaluated in 2 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. A total of 2448 male Hubbard broiler chicks were fed on practical vegetable‐based mash diets having 2750 kcal metabolizable energy (ME) per kg and 18.5% crude protein (CP) from the age of day 1 to 42. The supplemental enzyme had minimum 1100 units of endo‐1,4‐β xylanase and 100 units of endo‐1,3‐β glucanase/kg of finished diet. The addition of CSM at 30% resulted in increasing arginine to lysine ratio. A decrease in dressing and breast percentages were observed by the addition of 30% CSM. The digestible lysine at 1.0% decreased the body weight (BW) gain and lowered the mortality during day 1 to 21 whereas the BW gain and feed:gain ratio were unaffected among the three digestible lysine levels during day 1 to 42. The antibody titres against Newcastle and infectious bursal disease viruses were improved with the increasing levels of digestible lysine. The enzyme supplementation improved the apparent ME and digestibility coefficient of nitrogen when it was used with 30% CSM. No effect of enzyme, lysine, CSM or their interactions was observed on serum iron, gizzard and liver weights or abdominal fat percentage. The results showed that increasing digestible lysine improved the antibody titre but did not improve the growth performance and carcass characteristics; supplemental enzyme failed to show any improvement in performance of birds fed on CSM‐based diets.
Resistance to Fusarium verticillioides in 20 Zambian Maize Hybrids
Authors: Schjøth J. E. , Tronsmo A. M. , Sundheim L.
Published: April 2008

Visual assessment of maize ears and Fusarium spp. isolation from kernels were compared to determine resistance in 20 Zambian maize hybrids. The mean percentage Fusarium spp. isolations in non‐inoculated field experiments varied between years (12–62%). Symptomless infection by Fusarium spp. had domination over symptomatic. More than 95% of the Fusarium species isolated were F. vertcillioides. A disease severity index and the percentage of visibly diseased, discoloured and damaged kernels did not differentiate hybrids with respect to Fusarium spp. ear rot under natural conditions. Artificial inoculation provided a good estimate of Fusarium spp. resistance based on visual symptoms in a year of moderate disease pressure, but not in a year of high disease pressure. The percentage Fusarium spp. isolations showed significant differences between hybrids after inoculation, and it was significantly negatively correlated with the number of days from planting to midsilk. Parental line L5522 contributed to hybrid resistance to Fusarium. The hybrids MM 701‐1 and MM 752 were the most resistant among the 20 hybrids.
Fig Endosepsis in Some Cultivated Varieties
Authors: Yildiz A. , Benlioğlu S. , Saribiyik D.
Published: April 2008

This work was conducted in 2000–2001 on 10 varieties of edible figs in the Erbeyli Fig Research Institute (EFRI) of the Aydin province to determine the incidence of fig endosepsis caused by Fusarium spp. A total of 284 Fusarium spp. were isolated from 30 figs randomly collected from each of 10 cultivars. One hundred ninety‐six pathogenic Fusarium isolates were identified as Fusarium verticillioides (formerly Fusarium moniliforme) and 48 as Fusarium solani. The percentage of virulent and highly virulent isolates was 11.7 and 41.3 for F. verticillioides, 22.9 and 29.2 for F. solani, respectively. Regardless of cultivars, the relative virulence of F. solani isolates was found to be significantly higher than that of F. verticillioides. Two year studies showed that the incidence of pathogenic Fusarium isolates in fig cultivars was 19.7% in Bursa Siyahı, 15.2% in Sultan Selim, 13.5% in Morgüz, 12.7% in Beyaz Orak, 9.8% in Siyah İncir, 9% in Yeşilgüz, 7.4% in Sarı Lop (Syn. Calimyrna), 5.7% in Siyah Orak, 4.5% in Horasan and 2.5% in Sarı Zeybek.
Effect of total cholesterol, glucose and blood urea nitrogen on embryo quality in post‐partum superovulated suckling Japanese Black cattle
Authors: PRADHAN RAJANI , OSHIMA KAZUNAGA , OCHIAI YOSHINORI , KOJIMA TAKATOSHI , YAMAMOTO NAOYUKI , GHANEM MOHAMED ELSHABRAWY , NAKAGOSHI NOBUKAZU
Published: April 2008

Aim:  This study was conducted to examine the effect of blood metabolites on embryo quality in post‐partum suckling Japanese Black cattle.

Methods:  Blood samples were taken from 23 cows 30 days before, at and 30 days after parturition. Cows were synchronized 40 or 41 days after calving (day 0) and divided into three groups: control (n = 6), gonadotropin‐releasing hormone ([GnRH]n = 10) and estradiol benzoate ([EB]n = 7). All groups received a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device intravaginally together with 2 mg EB i.m. on day 0 and superovulation was induced in all groups from days 5–7 with a gradually decreasing dose of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH). Two milligrams of EB was given on day 8 and GnRH (0.1 mg) was given on day 9 of insertion of the CIDR in the EB and GnRH groups. Cows were inseminated twice after the onset of estrus and embryos were recovered 7–8 days after artificial insemination.

Results:  The number of corpus luteum detected by ultrasonography in the EB group was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that in the GnRH group. The number and rate of transferable and freezable embryos did not differ significantly among the groups. Regardless of the treatments, the total cholesterol level from parturition until 30 days after parturition was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the good category than in the poor category of cows.

Conclusions:  The number of transferable embryos produced by post‐partum superovulated suckling Japanese Black cattle was affected by the level of total cholesterol from parturition until 30 days after parturition. Moreover, administration of EB in CIDR‐treated cows increased the numbers of corpus luteum and yielded better rates of transferable and freezable embryos. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7: 55–62)
The Performance of the Sydney Flood Warning System, August 1986
Authors: HANDMER JOHN
Published: April 2008

During August 1986 Sydney experienced its worst flooding for decades. Some 2,500 properties were flooded and transport was severely disrupted in much of the metropolitan area. The flood provided an opportunity to examine the operation of a warning system in a major Australian city. Pre‐existing research into flood warnings was expanded to take advantage of the opportunity.

The warning system is examined in terms of: its impact on flood losses; consumer satisfaction; and inefficiences or breakdowns within the system. Much of the flooded area was not covered by a formal warning system. For the area that was covered, performance could be improved. Problems were experienced with the data collection and transmission network. Warning dissemination was inadequate, and the majority of those surveyed claimed that they did not receive warnings. The actions of householders reduced the flood damage substantially, but this does not appear to be the result of official warnings. Key recommendations concern improving the reliability of the flood detection network and information management.
Bank Mergers and Small Firm Finance: Evidence from Lender Liability
Authors: McNulty James E.
Published: April 2008

As a merger approaches, the value of repeat business for the target bank can drop sharply, so loan relationships between this bank and small businesses are often disrupted. Small firms sometimes experience serious value destruction as a consequence of this sudden lack of credit. This paper shows that lender liability may result from bank mergers and bankers involved in mergers often engage in aggressive, scorched‐earth defense tactics to discourage further litigation. I summarize six lender liability cases to illustrate these points. Bank mergers have been shown to reduce credit availability in a number of studies. Since small firms depend on credit for their daily existence, owners of small firms do have a reason to fear a merger of their bank with a larger institution. Analyzing merger effects with survey data of firms obtained after a bank merger, an empirical strategy used in a number of studies, raises problems since the only firms considered are the ones that survived the bank merger. Suggesting that the problem will cure itself in the long run, an argument advanced in other studies, ignores small firms' daily dependence on credit. In the long run we are all dead. Bank examiners need to evaluate an institution's litigation experience and measure a bank's organizational architecture – its ethical climate. Banks which are repeatedly involved in lender liability lawsuits should be denied future mergers until there is a change in organizational architecture. To assist in evaluating organizational architecture, banks should be required to report their litigation expense on their call reports. Furthermore, regulators should seriously consider the recent suggestion of Carow, Kane and Narayanan (2006) that they take steps to ensure that participants in bank mergers preserve target bank relationships. Otherwise negative effects on small business lending and economic growth will continue as bank consolidation proceeds.
Increased levels of γ‐glutamylamines in Huntington disease CSF
Authors: Jeitner Thomas M. , Matson Wayne R. , Folk John E. , Blass John P. , Cooper Arthur J. L.
Published: April 2008

Transglutaminases (TGases) catalyze several reactions with protein substrates, including formation of γ‐glutamyl‐ε‐lysine cross‐links and γ‐glutamylpolyamine residues. The resulting γ‐glutamylamines are excised intact during proteolysis. TGase activity is altered in several diseases, highlighting the importance ofin situenzymatic determinations. Previous work showed that TGase activity (as measured by anin vitroassay) and free γ‐glutamyl‐ε‐lysine levels are elevated in Huntington disease (HD) and that γ‐glutamyl‐ε‐lysine is increased in HD CSF. Although free γ‐glutamyl‐ε‐lysine was used in these studies as an index ofin situTGase activity, γ‐glutamylpolyamines may also be diagnostic. We have devised methods for the simultaneous determination of four γ‐glutamylamines in CSF: γ‐glutamyl‐ε‐lysine, γ‐glutamylspermidine, γ‐glutamylputrescine, and bis‐γ‐glutamylputrescine and showed that all are present in normal human CSF at concentrations of ∼150, 670, 40, and 240 nM, respectively. The high γ‐glutamylspermidine/γ‐glutamylputrescine and γ‐glutamylspermidine/bis‐γ‐glutamylputrescine ratios presumably reflect in part the large spermidine to putrescine mole ratio in human brain. We also showed that all four γ‐glutamylamines are elevated in HD CSF. Our findings support the hypotheses that (i) γ‐glutamylpolyamines are reflective of TGase activity in human brain, (ii) polyamination is an important post‐translational modification of brain proteins, and (iii) TGase‐catalyzed modification of proteins is increased in HD brain.
A survey of the scope of therapeutic practice by UK optometrists and their attitudes to an extended prescribing role
Authors: Needle Justin J. , Petchey Roland , Lawrenson John G.
Published: April 2008

Purpose:  Recent changes in medicines legislation in the UK have broadened the opportunities for optometrists to use and supply therapeutic drugs. We set out to investigate the current therapeutic practice of UK optometrists and to elicit their views on an extended prescribing role.

Methods:  Members of the College of Optometrists were invited via email to take part in an online survey. The survey questions covered four areas: mode of practice, proximity and relationship to other providers of eye care, scope of current therapeutic practice and future plans regarding prescriber training.

Results:  Of the 1288 responses received (response rate 24%), over 90% were from optometrists working in community practice. Common, non‐sight‐threatening conditions were managed frequently or occasionally by between 69 and 96% of respondents. Blepharitis and dry eye were the most common (managed routinely by >70%). In terms of therapeutic agents used, large numbers of optometrists reported that they commonly supplied or recommended over‐the‐counter (non‐prescription) drugs, particularly lubricants and anti‐allergic agents. However, fewer respondents supplied antibiotics (only 14% supplying chloramphenicol or fusidic acid frequently). Overall, relatively few respondents (14%) expressed no interest in undertaking further training for extended prescribing, although several barriers were identified, including cost and time taken for training, lack of remuneration and fear of litigation.

Conclusion:  Significant numbers of community optometrists are currently managing a range of common ocular conditions using a limited formulary. Enabling optometrists to train as independent prescribers will further develop this role, allowing greater use of their skills and providing patients with quicker access to medicines.
Developing an instrument to assess vision‐related and subjective quality of life in children with intellectual disability: data collection and preliminary analysis in a Chinese population
Authors: Cui Yu , Stapleton Fiona , Suttle Catherine
Published: April 2008

Purpose:  Visual abnormalities are common in children and adolescents with intellectual disability, but it is not known whether these abnormalities impact on their quality of life. As a first step towards addressing this question, this study collects self‐perceptions on visual performance and life quality in school children with intellectual disability.

Methods:  Questionnaires were modified from those used to assess vision‐ and health‐related quality of life in children with normal development, with guidance from a focus group of individuals who work or live with children with intellectual disability. The survey was conducted in a population of Chinese children with intellectual disability, using self‐completion and caregivers’ responses.

Results:  Responses from subjects showed comparable dimensions in vision‐related quality of life to those revealed by previous studies in children with normal development. Some differences were apparent, however, and possible explanations for these are discussed. Our results showed good internal consistency and correlations between subscales within and across questionnaires.

Conclusions:  The assessment of vision‐related quality of life is feasible in children and adolescents with at least mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disability. In this population of children with intellectual disability, perceived visual function is associated with quality of life.
Commentary: Nemoto T et al. (1999). Automatic control of pressure support mechanical ventilation using fuzzy logic
Authors: Blackwood Bronagh
Published: April 2008

There is currently no universally accepted approach to weaning patients from mechanical ventilation, but there is clearly a feeling within the medical community that it may be possible to formulate the weaning process algorithmically in some manner. Fuzzy logic seems suited to this task because of the way it so naturally represents the subjective human notions employed in much of medical decision‐making. The purpose of the present study was to develop a fuzzy logic algorithm for controlling pressure support ventilation in patients in the intensive care unit, utilizing measurements of heart rate, tidal volume, breathing frequency and arterial oxygen saturation. In this report, we describe the fuzzy logic algorithm and demonstrate its use retrospectively in 13 patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, by comparing the decisions made by the algorithm with what actually transpired. The fuzzy logic recommendation agreed with the status quo to within 2 cm H2O an average of 76% of the time, and to within 4 cm H2O an average of 88% of the time (although in most of these instances no medical decisions were taken as to whether or not to change the level of ventilatory support). We also compared the predictions of our algorithm with those cases in which changes in pressure support level were actually made by an attending physician, and found that the physicians tended to reduce the support level somewhat more aggressively than the algorithm did. We conclude that our fuzzy algorithm has the potential to control the level of pressure support ventilation from ongoing measurements of a patient’s vital signs.

Abstract reprinted from the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, volume 160, Nemoto T et al., ‘(1999) Automatic control of pressure support mechanical ventilation using fuzzy logic.’, pages 550–556. © 1999, reproduced with permission from The American Thoracic Society.
Spiritual assessment in intensive and cardiac care nursing
Authors: Timmins Fiona , Kelly Jacinta
Published: April 2008

Aim:  The aim of this paper is to explore various approaches to spiritual assessments in contemporary intensive and cardiac care (ICU/CCU) environments.

Background:  Despite the increasing recognition that spiritual care is essential for quality patient care, an agreed spiritual assessment approach and tool for use in ICU/CCU settings remains elusive.

Method:  An overview of spiritual assessment and spiritual assessment tools.

Conclusion:  It is suggested that the staff in ICU/CCU nursing settings choose or develop a formal assessment tool that most closely matches their considered collective definition of spirituality, which has been considered in light of their mission statement and philosophy of care.

Relevance to clinical practice:  Spiritual assessment is essential to formulate a care plan as spiritual care provides a powerful inner resource to critically ill patients in acute clinical environments.
TIMING DEEP DIVERGENCE EVENTS IN CALCAREOUS DINOFLAGELLATES1
Authors: Gottschling Marc , Renner Susanne S. , Sebastian Meier K. J. , Willems Helmut , Keupp Helmut
Published: April 2008

Based on morphological and molecular data, calcareous dinoflagellates (Thoracosphaeraceae, Peridiniales) are a monophyletic group comprising the three major clades Ensiculifera/Pentapharsodinium, Thoracosphaera/Pfiesteria, and Scrippsiella sensu lato. We used stratigraphically well‐documented first occurrences of particular archeopyle types to constrain relaxed Bayesian molecular clocks applied to nuclear rRNA sequences of 18 representatives of the three main clades. By comparing divergence estimates obtained in differently calibrated clocks with first stratigraphic occurrences of taxa not themselves used as constraints, we identified plausible divergence times for several subclades of calcareous dinoflagellates. The initial diversification of extant calcareous dinoflagellates probably took place in the Late Jurassic, with the three main clades all established by the Cretaceous. The two mesoepicystal operculum types observed in calcareous dinoflagellates probably evolved independently from simple apical archeopyles. Based on our taxon sample, the K/T boundary had relatively little effect on the diversity of the group, with several lineages dating to before 65 mya (million years ago). The first stratigraphic occurrences of key taxa, such as Thoracosphaera and Calciodinellum (not themselves used as constraints), are in agreement with the molecular time estimates. Conflicts that involve “Calciodinellum”levantinum, Leonella, Pentapharsodinium, Pernambugia, and the Scrippsiella trochoidea species complex may be due to inaccurate assignment of fossils because of high morphological homoplasy and insufficient knowledge of the extant diversity of calcareous dinoflagellates.
Peak Expiratory Flow as a Predictor of Subsequent Disability and Death in Community‐Living Older Persons
Authors: Vaz Fragoso Carlos A. , Gahbauer Evelyne A. , Van Ness Peter H. , Concato John , Gill Thomas M.
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether peak expiratory flow (PEF), when expressed by a validated method using standardized residual (SR) percentile, is associated with subsequent disability and death in older persons.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: New Haven, Connecticut.

PARTICIPANTS: Seven hundred fifty‐four initially nondisabled, community‐living persons aged 70 and older.

MEASUREMENTS: PEF was assessed at baseline along with chronic conditions and smoking history. The onset of persistent disability in activities of daily living (ADLs), continuous mobility disability, and death were ascertained during monthly interviews over a 5‐year period.

RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 78.4, 63.7% had a smoking history, and 17.4% reported chronic lung disease. The incidence rates per 100 person‐months were 1.00 (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.90–1.12) for ADL disability, 0.80 (95% CI=0.70–0.93) for mobility disability, and 0.44 (95% CI=0.38–0.51) for death. At a PEF less than 10th SR percentile, identifying nearly one‐quarter of the cohort, hazard ratios (HRs) adjusted for multiple confounders, including age, smoking, and chronic lung disease, demonstrated a greater risk of ADL disability (HR=1.79, 95% CI=1.23–2.62), mobility disability (HR=1.89, 95% CI=1.15–3.10), and death (HR=2.31, 95% CI=1.29–4.12).

CONCLUSION: In an elderly cohort, it was found that low PEF, when expressed as an SR percentile, is independently associated with subsequent disability and death. These results support the use of PEF as a potentially valuable risk assessment tool in community‐living older persons.
Serum Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Levels Predict Longevity in Men: 27‐Year Follow‐Up Study in a Community‐Based Cohort (Tanushimaru Study)
Authors: Enomoto Mika , Adachi Hisashi , Fukami Ako , Furuki Kumiko , Satoh Akira , Otsuka Maki , Kumagae Shun‐ichi , Nanjo Yasuki , Shigetoh Yoshiyuki , Imaizumi Tsutomu
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels could predict longevity in residents.

DESIGN: Prospective community‐based cohort study.

SETTING: Community.

PARTICIPANTS: Nine hundred forty subjects (396 men, 544 women; aged 21 to 88) underwent a health examination in 1978. Serum DHEAS levels were measured according to radioimmunoassay at baseline in all subjects, and subjects were followed periodically until 2005.

RESULTS: Baseline DHEAS levels were higher in men than in women and decreased with age in both sexes. In a Cox proportional hazards model, age, DHEAS (inversely), blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose were significantly associated with shorter longevity in men but not in women. Of these variables, high DHEAS levels in men were the strongest predictor of longevity (β=−2.032, hazard ratio=0.131, 95% confidence interval=0.029–0.584 in the Cox proportional hazards model after adjustment for age). The Kaplan‐Meier survival curve, stratified according to tertiles of DHEAS levels, in men after adjustments for age, systolic blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose showed significantly (log‐rank stat =10.6; P<.001) greater longevity in the highest group (200 μg/dL) than in the moderate (130–199 μg/dL) or lowest groups (129 μg/dL).

CONCLUSION: This 27‐year study in a community‐based cohort indicated that DHEAS level may be a predictor of longevity in men, independent of age, blood pressure, and plasma glucose.
Elderly Indo‐Caribbean Hindus and End‐of‐Life Care: A Community‐Based Exploratory Study
Authors: Rao Arun S. , Desphande Ohm M. , Jamoona Chan , Reid M. Carrington
Published: April 2008

America's increasingly diverse older population needs clinicians to be familiar with ethnic and cultural issues pertaining to end‐of‐life care (EOLC). Although there has been some work addressing these issues among African‐American, Hispanic‐American, and some Asian‐American populations, data on the Asian‐Indian and Hindu populations remain sparse. This community‐based exploratory study surveyed older Indo‐Caribbean Hindu people (a subset of the Hindu population living in America) attending a senior center in Queens, New York. This study describes the demographic and health characteristics of this population and examines their attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs regarding some EOLC issues. Data on participants' demographic, medical, psychosocial, and cognitive status were obtained. Previously validated scales were used to collect data on subjects' acculturation, religiosity, and EOLC beliefs. Participants had a mean age±standard deviation of 71.1±5.1 years; 43% were married. Prevalent illnesses included diabetes mellitus (48%), hypertension (66%), and arthritis (57%). Subjects were socially connected, moderately acculturated, and religious. Scores on the Ethnicity and Attitudes Towards EOLC Survey indicated negative beliefs about life‐sustaining or prolonging technology and positive attitudes about advance care directives (ACDs), truth‐telling, and family involvement. The number of ACDs that had been completed and knowledge about ACDs was low. The Indo‐Caribbean elder population in this study expressed attitudes and beliefs regarding EOLC similar to those of other ethnic elders. Many of these beliefs are in conflict with current EOLC practice patterns. This highlights the importance of being aware of differing attitudes to provide sensitive EOLC.
New mutations on platelet GPIIb in Sub‐Saharan African populations revealed by genotyping discrepancies
Authors: Hallé L. , Jallu V. , Mulen‐Imandy G. , Bigot A. , M'Bayo K. , Anani L. Y. , Kaplan C.
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND: Previous studies of platelet allele frequencies in Sub‐Saharan African populations enabled us to identify discrepancies in HPA‐3 typing, suggesting the presence of new mutations and of a greater polymorphism than so far described in other populations.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze these discrepancies and to assess the factors leading to potential alloimmunization in these populations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples: Maternal samples from a Beninese woman following in utero death and panels of blood donors from Benin, Cameroon, Congo, and Pygmies from Central Africa. Techniques: Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP), PCR‐sequence specific primers (PCR‐SSP) and sequencing techniques.

RESULTS: Three new mutations were found on GPIIb gene: exon 26 a) 2614C>A situated between HPA‐3 and HPA‐9w, b) 2645C>T downstream of HPA‐3, c) intron 26 IVS26+89G>A. These mutations may lead to discrepant DNA typing results, due either to a localization in the complementary sequence recognized by the primer or to the appearance of a new enzyme restriction site. Furthermore, a bilateral linkage << deletion (Δ9 bp) intron 21 and the HPA‐3b allele (exon 26) >> found in Caucasian, Asian, and Oceanian populations is not found in African populations, suggesting that its appearance was prior to HPA‐3.

CONCLUSION: Three new mutations have been identified, two of them potentially immunogenic through their position. Furthermore, the polymorphism found on intron 26, localized in the complementary sequence of the PCR primer, may lead to a false typing assignation. It is therefore important to diversify techniques, both genomic (PCR‐RFLP and PCR‐SSP), and proteomic monoclonal antibody‐specific immobilization of platelets antigen (MAIPA) to ensure accurate HPA antigenic system typing.
Asymptomatic infection by Leishmania infantum in blood donors from the Balearic Islands (Spain)
Authors: Riera Cristina , Fisa Roser , López‐Chejade Paulo , Serra Teresa , Girona Enrique , Jiménez MaTeresa , Muncunill José , Sedeño Matilde , Mascaró Martín , Udina Maria , Gállego Montserrrat , Carrió Jaume , Forteza Alejandro , Portús Montserrat
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania infantum is a zoonotic disease endemic throughout the Mediterranean basin. The existence of asymptomatic human infection entails the risk of transmission by blood transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The prevalence of Leishmania infection was studied in 1437 blood donors from the Balearic Islands (Majorca, Formentera, and Minorca) using immunologic (Western blot [WB] and delayed‐type hypersensitivity [DTH]), parasitologic (culture), and molecular (nested polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) methods. In addition, the efficiency of leukoreduction by filtration to remove the parasite was tested by nested PCR in the red blood cell (RBC) units.

RESULTS: Leishmania antibodies were detected in 44 of the 1437 blood donors tested (3.1%). A sample of 304 donors from Majorca was selected at random. L. infantum DNA was amplified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) in 18 of the 304 (5.9%), and cultures were positive in 2 of the 304 (0.6%). DTH was performed on 73 of the 304 donors and was positive for 8 of them (11%). Of the 18 donors with positive L. infantum nested PCR, only 2 were seropositive. All the RBC samples tested (13 of 18) from donors with a positive PBMNC nested PCR yielded negative nested PCR results after leukodepletion.

CONCLUSIONS: Cryptic Leishmania infection is highly prevalent in blood donors from the Balearic Islands. DTH and L. infantum nested PCR appear to be more sensitive to detect asymptomatic infection than the serology. The use of leukodepletion filters appears to remove parasites from RBC units efficiently.
Is Wider Worse? QRS Duration Predicts Cardiac Mortality in Patients with Right Bundle Branch Block
Authors: Adesanya Christiana O. , Yousuf Kabir A. , Co Carter , Gaur Shobhana , Ahmed Sameer , Pothoulakis Anthony , Suryaprasad Agaram , Gupta Satyendra
Published: April 2008

Background: Increasing QRS duration may be of prognostic significance in patients with right bundle branch block (RBBB) and may assist in predicting overall cardiovascular risk.

Methods: To test this hypothesis, we examined the Computerized Patient Records of patients with complete and persistent RBBB. Primary and secondary end points were all‐cause and cardiac mortality. The effects of QRS duration on death rates were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model (P < 0.05). We identified 52,852 patients with EKGs and selected all those with diagnosis of RBBB (QRS ≥ 120 ms) between January 2000 and January 2004. Some patients had EKG records confirming RBBB since 1987. The QRS durations were categorized into four groups: 120–129, 130–139, 140–149, and ≥ 150 ms.

Results: A total of 997 (1.9%) patients (mean age 68.9 ± 10 years) with RBBB were followed for 1–226 (median 45) months. All‐cause mortality occurred in 344 (34.5%), cardiac deaths in 59 (5.9%), noncardiac in 191 (19.2%), and unknown causes in 94 (9.4%) patients. Mean left ventricular EF for cardiac patients was 38 ± 15%. In patients with cardiac deaths, QRS duration was associated with increased morality (P < 0.007). For every 10 ms increase in QRS duration, the risk of death rose by 26.6%. The effect of QRS duration on all cause mortality was not statistically significant (P < 0.43).

Conclusion: Increasing QRS duration was an independent predictor of cardiac mortality in patients with RBBB, but had no influence on all‐cause mortality. QRS duration has added prognostic information to the presence of right bundle branch block.
‘Bone map’ for a safe placement of miniscrews generated by computed tomography
Authors: Hernández L. C. , Montoto G. , Puente Rodríguez M. , Galbán L. , Martínez V.
Published: April 2008

Objectives: The aim of this manuscript is to provide a bone map that can be used as a general guide to determine the areas where miniscrews can be safely anchored.

Materials and Methods: Twenty‐one computed tomographies (CTs) of maxilla and mandible were taken by the imaging centre ORTOSCAN® and two measures were taken: ‐First, the interradicular space in the mesiodistal plane of the maxillary and mandible teeth with slices taken at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the alveolar crest, in the palatine and vestibular slices. ‐Second, the interradicular space in the vestibular–lingual direction.

Results: We can see that the greatest amount of mesiodistal bone is between the first and second inferior molars on the vestibular side and between the second and first inferior molars on the lingual side, whereas the least amount of bone on the mesiodistal plane is between the inferior incisors on the vestibular side. To determine the length of the miniscrew, we must take into account that the greatest amount of vestibular–lingual bone is between the first and second inferior molar, whereas the least amount is between the central and lateral inferior incisors.

Conclusions: Mesiodistal values in vestibular are those that must be considered when inserting the microscrew so as not to damage the dental tissue. Mesiodistal measurements taken in palatal–lingual do not present problems when inserting microscrews.
In vitro osteogenic potential of bone debris resulting from placement of titanium screw‐type implants
Authors: Dhore Cherida R. , Snel Saskia J. , Jacques Siegfried V. N. , Naert Ignace E. , Frank Walboomers X. , Jansen John A.
Published: April 2008

Objectives: Histological sections of preclinical animal studies have shown that new bone formation around dental implants frequently contains debris derived from the original bone. Whether such debris by itself is osteogenic, i.e., can influence the process of new bone formation after implant placement, is still unknown. We therefore aim to investigate if such debris does have osteogenic potential.

Material and methods: To substantiate our hypothesis, we performed an in vitro study in which titanium screws were placed into animal bone, and immediately removed. Without additional treatment these were placed into a cell culture medium provided with β‐glycerophosphate. We used Von Kossa staining and scanning electron microscopy to examine calcifications on the surface of the implants. Additionally, total DNA analysis, alkaline phosphates activity, and calcium content were assessed on the screw surface.

Results: Light and electron microscopy revealed the increasing presence of calcified matter on the implant surface. DNA amounts doubled from days 1 to 6, while alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium content showed a pronounced increase over the entire incubation time. None of these phenomena occurred on the control samples in the same medium.

Conclusions: From these results, we proved that bone debris, which arises from dental implant placement, and which is moved along by the inherent roughness of the implant, by itself has osteogenic potential.