bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HIV/AIDS knowledge and condom use among Somali and Sudanese immigrants in Denmark
Authors: Lazarus Jeffrey V. , Himedan Mohammed Himedan  , Østergaard Lise Rosendal , Liljestrand Jerker
Published: October 2005

Aims: This study explores the knowledge, attitudes and practices among Somali and Sudanese immigrants in Denmark with regard to HIV/AIDS and condom use. Material and methods: A 78-item questionnaire, divided into five thematic sections, was given to 192 purposively selected Sudanese and Somalis of both sexes, aged 18—49, who had lived in Denmark for one or more years. It was administered in Arabic and Somali in four locations and supplemented by 13 semi-structured interviews. Results: Education, sex, and nationality, but not length of residence in Denmark, were positively associated with knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Less than half of both men and women scored more than 70% on the knowledge portion of the questionnaire, while Sudanese knew more than Somalis. Men had a more negative attitude towards condoms than women, but greater knowledge about them. One-third of the women reported never having seen or heard of a condom, and almost half had never received information about condoms. Both sexes preferred receiving such information from the TV or friends instead of family doctors or HIV-positive individuals. Conclusions: This study suggests that knowledge about HIV/ AIDS is low in these two Danish immigrant groups, both of which are characterized by reported incidence rates that are higher than the national average. The groups receive little information, while condom knowledge is particularly low among poorly educated women, and men have a negative attitude to condom use. The findings indicate a need for targeted, culturally sensitive HIV/AIDS information and advice.
Use of oral contraceptives and mortality during 14 years' follow-up of Norwegian women
Authors: Graff-Iversen Sidsel , Hammar Niklas , Thelle Dag S. , Tonstad Serena
Published: October 2005

Aims: The aim was to evaluate total and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in relation to use of oral contraceptives (OC) in a cohort of women with a relatively high prevalence of smoking and high serum lipid levels. Methods: In all 29,053 women aged 20—49 years were invited to a health survey in 1985—88. Of the total 82% attended and 20,282 women free of known CVD were included in this analysis. The relative risk (RR) of mortality during 14 years of follow-up was compared between OC users and non-users by means of proportional hazards regression. Results: About 50% of 827 OC users were daily cigarette smokers, and the mean total cholesterol level in the cohort was 5.9 mmol/l. There were 518 deaths, of which 10 occurred among the women taking OC at baseline. Of three deaths from CVD among OC users, two occurred in the first year of follow-up. Among non-smokers using OC three women died during the follow-up; none of the deaths was due to CVD. Women using OC of any type had no different adjusted total mortality (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.46—1.65) or CVD mortality (RR 1.41; 95% CI 0.44—4.56) compared with non-users. Conclusions: The results were consistent with previous evidence which does not indicate that mortality from all causes or CVD is elevated in women using OC.
``The pain isn't as disabling as it used to be'': How can the patient experience empowerment instead of vulnerability in the consultation?
Authors: Werner Anne , Malterud Kirsti
Published: October 2005

Aim: This study explores how doctors can help patients transform vulnerability into strength, instead of increasing a feeling of disempowerment. Methods: The authors analysed their findings from four previously written articles based on qualitative interviews with 10 women with chronic pain, comparing the reported negative consultation experiences with the beneficial effects of good treatment experiences, in order to identify potentials for change. Results: Altering the way in which the women are encountered may empower and help them deal with a painful life. Doctors can challenge stereotyped macro-structures of women's ``unexplained'' pain as hysteria by admitting the shortcomings of medical knowledge. The blame is then put on the medical discipline instead of the individual patient who presents bodily symptoms or reveals help-seeking behaviour that does not fit with biomedical expectations of what illness is and how it should be performed. Thus, the vulnerable position described by the patients can be converted or transformed into strength or resources in spaces that promote empowerment through recognition. Conclusion: Although doctors may feel helpless or puzzled in the consultation, they must take the responsibility for turning the consultation into a space for empowerment of the patient.
The 70-kD heat shock cognate protein (hsc70) facilitates the nuclear export of the import receptors
Authors: Kose Shingo , Furuta Maiko , Koike Makiko , Yoneda Yoshihiro , Imamoto Naoko
Published: October 2005

Transport receptors of the importin β family continuously shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm. We previously reported that the nuclear export of importin β involves energy-requiring step(s) in living cells. Here, we show that the in vitro nuclear export of importin β also requires energy input. Cytosol, depleted of ATP-binding proteins, did not support the sufficient nuclear export of importin β. Further purification revealed that the active component in the absorbed fraction was a 70-kD heat shock cognate protein (hsc70). The addition of recombinant hsc70, but not an ATPase-deficient hsc70 mutant, to the depleted cytosol restored the export activity. In living cells, depletion of hsc70 caused the significant nuclear accumulation of importin β. These effects of hsc70 were observed in the nuclear export of importin β, but also for other import receptors, transportin and importin α. These results suggest that hsc70 broadly modulates nucleocytoplasmic transport systems by regulating the nuclear export of receptor proteins.
Modulation of Radiation‐Induced Disturbances of Antioxidant Defense Systems by Ginsan
Authors: Han Youngsoo , Son Soo-Jung , Akhalaia Medea , Platonov Alexander , Son Hyeog-Jin , Lee Kee-Ho , Yun Yeon-Sook , Song Jie-Young
Published: October 2005

There are numerous studies to indicate that irradiation induces reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play an important causative role in radiation damage of the cell. We evaluated the effects of ginsan, a polysaccharide fraction extracted from Panax ginseng, on the γ‐radiation induced alterations of some antioxidant systems in the spleen of Balb/c mice. On the 5th day after sublethal whole‐body irradiation, homogenized spleen tissues of the irradiated mice expressed only marginally increased mRNA levels of Mn‐SOD (superoxide dimutase) in contrast to Cu/Zn‐SOD, however, catalase mRNA was decreased by ∼50% of the control. In vivo treatment of non‐irradiated mice with ginsan (100 mg kg−1, intraperitoneal administration) had no significant effect, except for glutathione peroxidase (GPx) mRNA, which increased to 144% from the control. However, the combination of irradiation with ginsan effectively increased the SODs and GPx transcription as well as their protein expressions and enzyme activities. In addition, the expression of heme oxygenase‐1 and non‐protein thiol induced by irradiation was normalized by the treatment of ginsan. Evidence indicated that transforming growth factor‐β and other important cytokines such as IL‐1, TNF and IFN‐γ might be involved in evoking the antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, we propose that the modulation of antioxidant enzymes by ginsan was partly responsible for protecting the animal from radiation, and could be applied as a therapeutic remedy for various ROS‐related diseases.
Arterial compliance in young children: the role of aerobic fitness
Authors: Reed Katharine E. , Warburton Darren E.R. , Lewanczuk Richard Z. , Haykowsky Mark J. , Scott Jessica M. , Whitney Crystal L. , McGavock Jonathan M. , McKay Heather A.
Published: October 2005

Background

Reduced arterial compliance is reflective of vascular dysfunction, which promotes the atherosclerotic process, and is therefore an important predictor of vascular disease. In adults, obesity, age, aerobic fitness, oestrogens and race influence arterial compliance. Although stature and blood pressure are known to influence compliance in children, other determinants are less established. This investigation sought to determine the predictors of arterial compliance in children, assess the extent to which aerobic fitness is related to compliance, and compare compliance between girls and boys.

Methods

Participants (99 children aged 9-11 years, 55 boys) were assessed for aerobic fitness, physical activity level, blood pressure, body mass, percentage fat mass, height, maturity and arterial compliance (large and small). Predictors of compliance were determined using stepwise regression. Second, children were divided into quartiles according to fitness, and arterial compliance was compared using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Finally, differences in compliance between girls and boys were assessed using ANCOVA.

Results

We found that fitness, blood pressure and height accounted for 37% of the variance in large artery compliance. Mass, fitness, maturity and blood pressure accounted for 44% of the variance in small artery compliance. Children in the highest fitness quartile had greater compliance than children in the two lowest quartiles, by as much as 34%. There were no differences in compliance between girls and boys after adjusting for covariates.

Discussion

These data show that aerobic fitness is associated with arterial compliance in 9-11-year-old children, supporting the concept that physical fitness may exert a protective effect on the cardiovascular system.
Effects of Human Milk and Spermine on Hydrogen Peroxide‐Induced Oxidative Damage in IEC‐6 Cells
Authors: Shoji Hiromichi , Oguchi Satoshi , Fujinaga Shuichiro , Shinohara Koichi , Kaneko Kazunari , Shimizu Toshiaki , Yamashiro Yuichiro
Published: October 2005

Objective:

Oxidative stress is intimately involved in the pathologic processes of serious diseases in the perinatal period. Human milk (HM) contains various bioactive substances, some of which are known as antioxidants, including polyamines such as spermine (SPM). We examined the antioxidative properties of HM and SPM in an intestinal epithelial cell line.

Method:

Confluent Intestinal Epithelial Cells‐6 (IEC‐6) cells were preincubated with 100‐fold dilutions of defatted HM, bovine milk, or three artificial milks for 24 hours, followed by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) challenge (0.5 mM, 30 min) for oxidative stress. Cells were preincubated with either HM or increasing concentrations (within the range of HM) of SPM for 24 hours followed by an H2O2 challenge (0.25 mM, 30 min).

Results:

HM‐treated cells showed the highest survival rate (50%) compared with no pretreatment (27%), bovine milk‐treated (6%), or artificial formula‐treated (13‐16%) cells. Significantly higher survival rates were observed in the cells treated with HM (44.0%) and in those treated with 0.5, 1, or 5 μM of SPM (12.6, 13.1, or 22.2%, respectively) in comparison with the nontreated cells (7.0%).

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrated that HM and SPM alleviated H2O2‐induced oxidative damage in IEC‐6 cells, whereas bovine milk and artificial formula did not show any antioxidative capacity. These results suggest that HM acts as an antioxidant in the gastrointestinal tract of infants and that SPM plays an important role in the antioxidative properties of HM.
Influence of Feeding Patterns and Other Factors on Early Somatic Growth of Healthy, Preterm Infants in Home‐Based Kangaroo Mother Care: A Cohort Study
Authors: Charpak N , Ruiz‐Peláez J G , Figueroa Z ,   Kangaroo Research Team
Published: October 2005

Objective:

Breast‐milk fortifiers recommended for premature infants are seldom available in developing countries. We describe the characteristics of growth in preterm infants under ambulatory Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) who eventually required supplemental formula because of failure to thrive with exclusive breast feeding. We evaluated the relationship between growth indices at term, nutritional status of the infant at birth, and feeding pattern.

Design:

Prospective cohort study conducted in the Neonatal Unit at Clínica San Pedro Claver and the KMC program, an ambulatory clinic from the Clínica del Niño tertiary care clinics in Bogotá, Colombia. Included were 115 mothers and their 129 healthy, preterm infants. One hundred twenty‐six (98.4%) infants were available for evaluation at term. Infant weights were monitored daily until they achieved 15 g/kg per day for 2 days and then weekly until term. Formula was offered only to infants who did not gain 15 g per kg per day for 3 consecutive days.

Results:

Sixty (47.6%) infants gained weight adequately with exclusive breast feeding. In 14 of those who needed supplements, adequate weight gain was achieved before reaching term and supplements could be stopped. The more immature infants required supplementation more frequently. With or without supplementation, infants with lower weight for gestational age at birth were less likely to achieve adequate weight by term.

Conclusions:

Growth indices at term in premature infants were close to those expected for term infants born in Bogotá (between percentile 10 to percentile 25). Decision on formula supplementation of breast milk should be made not only based on birth weight or gestational age but on a careful monitoring of weight gain while the mother is receiving continuous support to enhance and maintain successful breast‐feeding. Small‐for‐date premature infants thrive less well than other infants even with supplementation.
Evaluation of the Pediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index: A Prospective Multicenter Experience
Authors: Hyams Jeffrey , Markowitz James , Otley Anthony , Rosh Joel , Mack David , Bousvaros Athos , Kugathasan Subra , Pfefferkorn M , Tolia Vasundhara , Evans Jonathan , Treem William , Wyllie Robert , Rothbaum Robert , del Rosario J , Katz Aubrey , Mezoff Adam , Oliva‐Hemker M , Lerer Trudy , Griffiths Anne ,   Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Collaborative Research Group
Published: October 2005

Background and Objectives:

Longitudinal assessment of disease activity is necessary for studies of therapeutic intervention in children with Crohn disease. The Pediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) was developed a decade ago for such a purpose, but it function has only been examined in a small number of studies with a limited number of patients. The primary objectives of the present study were to develop cut scores reflecting disease activity as determined by physician global assessment (PGA) and to evaluate the responsiveness of the PCDAI to changes in patient condition after therapeutic interventions.

Methods:

Data were derived from a prospective database of newly diagnosed children with inflammatory bowel disease established in 2002 at 18 pediatric gastroenterology centers in the United States and Canada. At diagnosis, at 30 days and 3 months after diagnosis, and quarterly thereafter, children (<16 years of age) with Crohn disease had disease assessment performed by PGA and PCDAI. Disease management was provided according to the dictates of the attending gastroenterologist and not by predetermined protocol.

Results:

181 patients had concomitant PGA and PCDAI performed at diagnosis, and 95 of these had similar assessment at short‐term follow up. Mean ± SD PCDAI scores for mild, moderate, and severe disease by PGA at diagnosis were 19.5 ± 10.4, 32.2 ± 12.7, and 47.8 ± 14.9, respectively (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Mean ± SD PCDAI for inactive disease after treatment was 5.2 ± 5.4. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis suggested that: 1) activity of moderate/severe disease was best reflected by a PCDAI of ≥30 points, 2) clinical response (moderate/severe disease improving to mild/inactive) was best reflected by a decrease in PCDAI of ≥12.5 points, and 3) a PCDAI < 10 best reflected inactive disease.

Conclusions:

PCDAI scores accurately reflect disease activity as assessed by physician global assessment. A PCDAI score of ≥30 has acceptable sensitivity and specificity to indicate disease of moderate/severe activity. A PCDAI decrease of 12.5 points or greater following therapeutic intervention accurately reflects a clinically significant response. The PCDAI is an appropriate tool for intervention trials in Crohn disease in children.
Genetic variation in response to an indirect ecological effect
Authors: Astles Philip A , Moore Allen J , Preziosi Richard F
Published: October 2005

Indirect ecological effects (IEEs) are widespread and often as strong as the phenotypic effects arising from direct interactions in natural communities. Indirect effects can influence competitive interactions, and are thought to be important selective forces. However, the extent that selection arising from IEEs results in long-term evolutionary change depends on genetic variation underlying the phenotypic response—that is, a genotype-by-IEE interaction. We provide the first data on genetic variation in the response of traits to an IEE, and illustrate how such genetic variation might be detected and analysed. We used a model tri-trophic system to investigate the effect of host plants on two populations of predatory ladybirds through a clonal aphid herbivore. A split-family experimental design allowed us to estimate the effects of aphid host plant on ladybird traits (IEE) and the extent of genetic variation in ladybird predators for response to these effects (genotype-by-indirect environmental effect interaction). We found significant genetic variation in the response of ladybird phenotypes to the indirect effect of host plant of their aphid prey, demonstrating the potential for evolutionary responses to selection arising from the prey host.
Spawning colouration, parasites and habitat selection in Salvelinus alpinus: initiating speciation by sexual selection?
Authors: Skarstein F. , Folstad I. , Rønning H. P.
Published: October 2005

The relationship between parasite infection and breeding ornamentation in an Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus population was examined. Interrelationships between the intensities of parasites with different dietary transmission routes suggested that hosts were segregated by habitat and diet preferences. That is, intensities of parasites transmitted through intermediate hosts that share habitat were, in both sexes, positively interrelated. Negative interrelationships in the intensities of parasites transmitted through different hosts were found only in females. The intensity of breeding colouration was positively correlated with intensities of amphipod‐transmitted parasites in both sexes. Intensities of parasites transmitted through copepods showed no relationship to morphological or ornamental characters. Seen in the context of morphology and ornaments of previously described sympatric populations of Arctic charr, these relationships suggested that individual variation in niche background may provide a source for the initial variation in morphology and secondary sexual traits leading to sympatric speciation through sexual selection.
Evaluation of interactive online courses for advanced practice nurses
Authors: Huckstadt Alicia , Hayes Karen
Published: October 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to examine the effectiveness of two interactive online learning modules for advanced practice nurses (APNs) and (b) to examine the participants’ demographic characteristics and their perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of online learning.

Data sources

A purposive sample of 73 registered nurses and APNs enrolled in graduate study or continuing education completed an online learning course. These participants were pretested and post‐tested using a knowledge test developed by the authors. Participants were also surveyed for demographic characteristics and perceptions toward online learning.

Conclusions

The findings of this study support case‐based online learning as a successful method in the education of APNs. The evaluation of the online modules and the enthusiasm from students indicated success of this teaching/learning method. The majority of learners responded positively toward the online method of learning and included comments that indicated they enjoyed learning using this method, would like to have the site available at their practice locations for reference, and would like to have other courses designed and delivered in this manner.

Implications for practice and education

The effectiveness and quality of the online instruction ultimately matter most to student satisfaction in online courses. The future of online education is dependent on well‐structured, interactive, and substantive programs. Educators are challenged to continually assess and evaluate the changing learning needs of APNs.
Microstructural Development in MgO‐Partially Stabilized Zirconia (Mg‐PSZ)
Authors: PORTER D. L. , HEUER A. H.
Published: October 2005

Microstructural development during aging of supersaturated solid solutions of cubic ZrO, stabilized with MgO was studied, principally using transmission electron microscopy. The starting materials were commercial Mg‐PSZ, solution‐annealed at 1850°C for 4 h. Optimum mechanical properties are obtained at aging temperatures of 1400° to 1500°C, where homogeneous intragranular precipitates of tetragonal ZrO2 form. The best materials are those in which the precipitation reaction is about two‐thirds complete and the precipitates have not lost coherency. Under these conditions, the particles do not transform to monoclinic symmetry when cooled to room temperature, except near propagating cracks, where the stress‐induced transformation contributes to the high fracture toughness and strengths observed. Aging at lower temperatures causes eutectoid decomposition, as expected from phase‐equilibria considerations. Nucleation of the eutectoid reaction product invariably occurs at grain boundaries.
Problems with the ‘language‐as‐resource’ discourse in the promotion of heritage languages in the U.S.A.
Authors: Ricento Thomas
Published: October 2005

In the United States, language ‘rights’ have been tethered to ethnic or racial entitlements as a means to redress historical patterns of discrimination and exclusion. The perception that language ‘rights’ are about the redress of past wrongs has had negative effects on efforts to gain broad public support for the teaching and maintenance of languages other than English. The language‐as‐resource orientation (Ruiz 1984) is considered as an alternative to a language rights approach. However, analysis of texts produced by advocates of the heritage language movement reveals the shortcomings of the language‐as‐resource metaphor in advancing broad‐based support for the teaching, maintenance, and use of minority languages in the U.S. While efforts to promote heritage language education as a national strategic priority may result in short‐term governmental support, wider and more sustained popular support for such programs will require significant modifications in the underlying values and ideologies about the status and role of languages other than English in education and public life.
Dilemmas in planning English/vernacular relations in post‐colonial communities
Authors: Canagarajah A. Suresh
Published: October 2005

In the context of globalization and post‐modern discourses, the debate about the relative status of local and dominant languages poses serious policy problems for post‐colonial communities. Critics of minority language rights (MLR) generally point out that engineering a language shift on behalf of a vernacular language – motivated by the preservationist interests, collective rights and sentimental associations of an ethnic group – is futile, as the economic and social mobilities of individuals are bound to work against this enterprise. Proponents of MLR have gone to the other extreme of essentializing the linguistic identity of minority communities, generalizing their language attitudes, and treating local language rights as non‐negotiable. This article addresses this debate in the context of the attempts to promote Tamil by the military leadership in the North and East of Sri Lanka. The paper brings together data gathered in sociolinguistic studies for four years in the Jaffna society in order to understand the reception of the language policy in everyday life. The leadership recognizes that language policy is a symbolic statement for political purposes and tolerates certain inconsistencies in policy and practice. While the community assures itself of ethnic pride and linguistic autonomy with the stated policies, it negotiates divergent interests in the gaps between the policy/practice divide. Scholars should recognize the agency of subaltern communities to negotiate language politics in creative and critical ways that transcend the limited constructs formulated to either cynically sweep aside or unduly romanticize language rights.
Mapping of genes expressed in activated porcine Peyer's patch
Authors: Dvorak C. M. T. , Flickinger G. H. , Hendrickson J. A. , Fahrenkrug S. C. , Murtaugh M. P. , Rutherford M. S.
Published: October 2005

To determine the chromosomal locations for genes expressed in porcine Peyer's patches, polymerase chain reaction‐based mapping of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) isolated from a porcine Peyer's patch‐specific cDNA library was performed across a 6500‐rad swine radiation hybrid panel. A total of 116 ESTs were mapped with LOD scores >6.0, and another 11 ESTs had LOD scores between 5.0 and 6.0. Of these 127 ESTs, 63% matched known genes (<e‐25), 26% matched genes of unknown function, and 11% matched no sequences in the public mammalian databases. Comparative mapping information for 91% of the unknown ESTs was obtained in silico by sequence matching to human chromosomes. Placement of these ESTs on the porcine map will assist in the development of high density and comparative genetic maps for positional cloning and identification of genes responsible for immune function in the gut.
The evaluation of remedial treatments for wine affected by Harmonia axyridis
Authors: Pickering Gary , Lin James , Reynolds Andrew , Soleas George , Riesen Roland
Published: October 2005

This study evaluated the efficacy of a range of commercially available fining agents and other interventions on reducing 2‐isopropyl‐3‐methoxypyrazine (IPMP) concentration and taint characteristics of white and red wine affected by Harmonia axyridis (HA). Wines fermented in the presence of HA beetles were treated with bentonite, activated charcoal, oak chips, deodorized oak chips and either ultraviolet (red wine) or visible (white wine) light. IPMP concentrations were lowered by activated charcoal in white wine and deodorized oak in red wine. Treatment with oak chips reduced the intensity of HA‐associated sensory attributes (‘ladybug taint’) in both white and red wines, while other applications generally had no effect on white wine and limited effect on red wines.
The derivation of the GAB adsorption equation from the BDDT adsorption theory
Authors: Caurie Matthew
Published: October 2005

The BET‐like adsorption equation, popularly known as the GAB equation, was derived from the BDDT adsorption equation without changes to the bulk liquid properties of multilayer molecules. Without these changes the third parameter K in the GAB equation cannot be said to measure changes in the bulk liquid properties of the multilayer molecules. Instead K measures the range of application of the GAB equation and differentiates multilayer adsorption, when K > 0.5, from singular layer adsorption, when K ≤ 0.5. The GAB equation, derived from and based on the BDDT theory is argued, in this paper, to provide a greater insight into the mechanism of water adsorption than the same equation derived from and based on the BET theory.
Heterokaryon formation and parasexual recombination between vegetatively incompatible lineages in a population of the chestnut blight fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica
Authors: McGUIRE I. C. , DAVIS J. E. , DOUBLE M. L. , MacDONALD W. L. , RAUSCHER J. T. , McCAWLEY S. , MILGROOM M. G.
Published: October 2005

Heterokaryosis was recently reported in the chestnut blight fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica, in which individuals contain nuclei that are isogenic except at the mating‐type locus (MAT). MAT heterokaryons were found in several natural populations, including a putatively clonal population in West Salem, Wisconsin, providing an opportunity to address the question of how heterokaryons arise. We represented relationships among RFLP fingerprint haplotypes as networks in which loop formation is considered evidence of recombination. From 1990 to 1995, this population was clonal, as indicated by a simple haplotype network without loops, and the correlation of vegetative compatibility (vc) types and mating types with haplotype lineages. By 1999, we observed loops in the haplotype network involving isolates of two vc types (WS‐2 and WS‐3). Isolates with haplotypes in the loops were either MAT heterokaryons, carried the opposite mating type from other isolates of the same vc type, and/or had two alleles at two or more codominant SCAR (sequence‐characterized amplified region) loci. Segregation of markers and recombination were evident among single‐spore isolates from one heterokaryon; these single‐spore isolates had novel fingerprint haplotypes, also within the loops. In contrast, vc type WS‐1, which comprises 85% of the population, was represented by a simple network with no loops, indicating a clonal lineage varying only by mutation. Almost all isolates of WS‐1 had the same mating type; the exceptions were five isolates that were MAT heterokaryons. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that heterokaryons formed between vegetatively incompatible individuals, and recombination occurred by a parasexual process.
Multiple origins and incursions of the Atlantic barnacle Chthamalus proteus in the Pacific
Authors: ZARDUS JOHN D. , HADFIELD MICHAEL G.
Published: October 2005

Chthamalus proteus, a barnacle native to the Caribbean and western Atlantic, was introduced to the Pacific within the last few decades. Using direct sequencing of mitochondrial DNA (COI), we characterized genetic variation in native and introduced populations and searched for genetic matches between regions to determine if there were multiple geographical sources and introduction points for this barnacle. In the native range, we found great genetic differences among populations (max. FST = 0.613) encompassing four lineages: one endemic to Panama, one endemic to Brazil, and two occurring Caribbean‐wide. All four lineages were represented in the Pacific, but not equally; the Brazilian lineage was most prevalent and the Panamanian least common. Twenty‐one individuals spread among nearly every island from where the barnacle is known in the Pacific, exactly matched six haplotypes scattered among Curaçao, the Netherlands Antilles; St John, US Virgin Islands; Puerto Rico; and Brazil, confirming a multigeographical origin for the Pacific populations. Significant genetic differences were also found in introduced populations from the Hawaiian Islands (FCT = 0.043, P < 0.001), indicating introduction events have occurred at more than one locality. However, the sequence, timing and number of arrival events remains unknown. Possible reasons for limited transport of this barnacle through the Panama Canal are discussed. This and a preponderance of Brazilian‐type individuals in the Pacific suggest an unexpected route of entry from around Cape Horn, South America. Unification in the Pacific of historically divergent lineages of this barnacle raises the possibility for selection of ‘hybrids’ with novel ecological adaptations in its new environment.
Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus among blood donors in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Koate B. B. D. , Buseri F. I. , Jeremiah Z. A.
Published: October 2005

summary.  Anti‐HCV pre‐transfusion testing among blood donors has not been introduced as a mandatory test in Rivers State, hence the risk of transfusion‐transmitted HCV cannot be fully ascertained. One thousand (1000) apparently healthy blood donors were screened using a rapid second – generation test, the HEP C SPOT HCV assay. An overall prevalence of 2.9% was observed in this study. The highest prevalence (8.1%) was found among adults aged between 26 and 33 years and commercial donors.
Bacteriological study of autologous cryoprecipitate‐derived fibrin glue as the operative sealant
Authors: Kinoshita Y. , Udagawa H. , Tsutsumi K. , Ueno M. , Nakamura T. , Iizuka T. , Matsuda M. , Hashimoto M. , Sawada T. , Watanabe G. , Takahashi K. , Tsuno H. , Wada A. , Inagawa H.
Published: October 2005

summary.  Fibrin glue (FG) is frequently used to seal and cover the anastomoses in many operations such as cardiovascular surgery or orthopaedic surgery. However, in case of gastrointestinal surgery, anastomoses are potentially contaminated, and FG may promote bacterial growth, increasing the risk of leakage. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of cryoprecipitate‐derived FG (CryoFG) on bacterial growth. Bacterial growth on the CryoFG and on the commercial FG (Beriplast P®) was evaluated and compared with that on control medium. In addition, the complement activities were evaluated by heat inactivation or addition of guinea‐pig complement to the experimental settings. The CryoFG inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, whereas the commercial FG had no effect. Heat inactivation of the CryoFG inhibited the bactericidal effect of CryoFG. Addition of guinea‐pig complement to the heat‐inactivated CryoFG could almost restore the bactericidal activity, suggesting the important role of complement. This study showed that the CryoFG preserved the complement activity, which inhibited the in vitro growth of E. coli. Therefore, we concluded that the application of the CryoFG for gastrointestinal surgical anastomoses not only would be safe but also has the advantage of reducing bacterial infection.
Blood safety begins with safe donations: update among blood donors in Yaounde, Cameroon
Authors: Mbanya D. N. , Tayou C.
Published: October 2005

summary.  Blood safety continues to be an issue of concern in most countries of the African region. An important contributing factor to blood insecurity is the absence of regular, voluntary and nonremunerated blood donors. An update is provided on blood donors in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Raising the alarm through the dissemination of alarming statistics and continuous sensitization of the community remain strategies for attempting to provide a solution to a long‐standing but dangerous problem.
Correlation of genetic markers of rejection with biopsy findings following human pancreas transplant
Authors: Cashion Ann , Sabek Omaima , Driscoll Carolyn , Gaber Lillian , Kotb Malak , Gaber Osama
Published: October 2005

Abstract:  Acute rejection after pancreas transplantation remains a significant problem and contributes to immunologic graft loss. No clinical markers of pancreas rejection have been universally accepted. Recent studies have identified several cytotoxic genes as possible markers of acute rejection in renal and islet cell transplant recipients. However, these markers of rejection have not been evaluated in pancreas transplant recipients. This study evaluated the differential expression of granzyme B, perforin, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DRA in peripheral blood between patients with and without biopsy‐proven pancreas rejection (n = 7 per group). Gene expression levels were analyzed using real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays. Expression of these genes in controls (n = 17) with and without type 1 diabetes was also analyzed. Patients with biopsy‐proven pancreas rejection had higher levels of granzyme B, perforin, and HLA‐DRA than patients who did not have rejection, although the difference was not statistically significant. Moreover, patients with biopsy‐proven pancreas rejection had a significantly higher level of granzyme B than control subjects with type 1 diabetes (p ≤ 0.03). Our findings suggest that, with additional evaluation of a larger number of patients as well as a longitudinal approach, analyses of granzyme B expression levels in peripheral blood may be shown to be a non‐invasive method of monitoring pancreas allograft rejection.
Ultrastructural alterations in human blood leukocytes induced by porcine circovirus type 1 infection
Authors: Arteaga‐Troncoso Gabriel , Guerra‐Infante Fernando , Rosales‐Montaño Luz Maria , Díaz‐García Francisco Javier , Flores‐Medina Saúl
Published: October 2005

Abstract:  Background:  Swine infectious pathogens, especially viruses, represent a potential public health risk associated with the use of pig tissues for xenotransplantation in humans. We hypothesized that porcine circovirus type I (PCV‐1) may infect human mononuclear cells, resulting in ultrastructural alterations of the target cells.

Methods:  Transmission electron microscopy was used for evaluating ultrastructural alterations of human cells exposed to a PCV‐infected PK15 cell line. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were developed for detecting PCV‐1 in human mononuclear cells.

Results:  Morphological alterations of the human T cells exposed to PCV PK15 showed ‘‘boomerang‐shaped’’ intracytoplasmic inclusions. Nucleocapsids appeared free, close to the nucleus, or contained into cytoplasmic vacuoles. Virions were observed near the surface of the human cells. A considerable number of mature virions and immature forms could be observed in the human cells that had a completely intact nuclear membrane with no alteration in the disposition of chromatin. PCV‐1 particles were identified budding into typical Golgi saccules and vacuoles. Virions sized up to 23 nm in diameter, and appeared in the nucleus and in the periphery of the cellular core. PCV‐1 infection was detected on CD4+, CD8+, CD14+, CD19+, and CD56+ human cells by PCR assay and FISH.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that PCV has the capability of infecting human leukocytes in vitro, and should be considered a potential risk of viral transmission during xenotransplantation.
Comparison of caudal ketamine with lidocaine or tramadol administration for postoperative analgesia of hypospadias surgery in children
Authors: GUNDUZ M. , OZALEVLI M. , OZBEK H. , OZCENGIZ D.
Published: October 2005

Background:  This study was designed to investigate whether the addition of tramadol or lidocaine to ketamine would enhance the quality of intra‐ and postoperative analgesia for hypospadias surgery in children.

Methods:  Sixty‐two ASA PS I or II children, between 1 and 10 years of age, scheduled for hypospadias surgery were recruited. Anesthesia was induced with 6–8% sevoflurane and maintained with 0.5–2.5% sevoflurane‐50% N2O in oxygen. Children were allocated randomly to receive one of two study drugs. Children in group KL received caudal ketamine (0.25 mg·kg−1) plus lidocaine (2%, 2 mg·kg−1) and in group KT ketamine (0.25 mg·kg−1) plus tramadol (1 mg·kg−1). Systemic blood pressure, heart rate, peripheral O2 saturation, sedation, and pain scores (CHEOPS) were recorded at 1, 5, 10, 15, 30, 45 min and 1, 2, 3 h following recovery from anesthesia.

Results:  Duration of analgesia was similar in the two groups (P > 0.05). CHEOPS in group KL was lower than in group KT during the study period, except at first 15 min. Sedation scores were higher in group KL than group KT in the first 10 min (P < 0.05). Incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was similar in the two groups (P > 0.05) Sevoflurane concentration required was significantly lower in group KL than group KT peroperatively (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Caudal ketamine (0.25 mg·kg−1), plus lidocaine (2% 2 mg·kg−1) significantly reduced sevoflurane concentration compared with ketamine (0.25 mg·kg−1) + tramadol (1 mg·kg−1). We suggested that both ketamine + lidocaine and ketamine + tramadol provided very effective and long duration of analgesia, similarly. However, analgesia quality is superior in the ketamine‐lidocaine group postoperatively.
Transient cortical blindness after resuscitation in a child having central venous catheterization under general anesthesia
Authors: YE XUAN‐DE , LIU KANG , CHANG TING‐HANG , SHAN CHEN MING , WANG YU‐REN , WU SU‐ZHEN
Published: October 2005

We describe a case of chronic renal failure developing life‐threatening cardiovascular collapse during the insertion of central venous catheter for hemodialysis under general anesthesia in a 7‐year‐old boy. With timely resuscitation, he regained his vital signs within 20 min. However, after admission to the pediatric intensive care unit, visual impairment and four limb weakness were detected on the first postoperative day. Fortunately, symptoms resolved completely with close observation, psychological support and conservative management within 72 h without sequelae.
Inference in Autoregression under Heteroskedasticity
Authors: Phillips Peter C. B. , Xu Ke‐Li
Published: October 2005

Abstract.  A scalar pth‐order autoregression (AR(p)) is considered with heteroskedasticity of the unknown form delivered by a transition function of time. A limit theory is developed and three heteroskedasticity‐robust test statistics are proposed for inference, one of which is based on the nonparametric estimation of the variance function. The performance of the resulting testing procedures in finite samples is compared in simulations and some suggestions for practical application are given.
Precautionary Regulation in Europe and the United States: A Quantitative Comparison
Authors: Hammitt James K. , Wiener Jonathan B. , Swedlow Brendon , Kall Denise , Zhou Zheng
Published: October 2005

Much attention has been addressed to the question of whether Europe or the United States adopts a more precautionary stance to the regulation of potential environmental, health, and safety risks. Some commentators suggest that Europe is more risk‐averse and precautionary, whereas the United States is seen as more risk‐taking and optimistic about the prospects for new technology. Others suggest that the United States is more precautionary because its regulatory process is more legalistic and adversarial, while Europe is more lax and corporatist in its regulations. The flip‐flop hypothesis claims that the United States was more precautionary than Europe in the 1970s and early 1980s, and that Europe has become more precautionary since then. We examine the levels and trends in regulation of environmental, health, and safety risks since 1970. Unlike previous research, which has studied only a small set of prominent cases selected nonrandomly, we develop a comprehensive list of almost 3,000 risks and code the relative stringency of regulation in Europe and the United States for each of 100 risks randomly selected from that list for each year from 1970 through 2004. Our results suggest that: (a) averaging over risks, there is no significant difference in relative precaution over the period, (b) weakly consistent with the flip‐flop hypothesis, there is some evidence of a modest shift toward greater relative precaution of European regulation since about 1990, although (c) there is a diversity of trends across risks, of which the most common is no change in relative precaution (including cases where Europe and the United States are equally precautionary and where Europe or the United States has been consistently more precautionary). The overall finding is of a mixed and diverse pattern of relative transatlantic precaution over the period.
A Probabilistic Transmission Dynamic Model to Assess Indoor Airborne Infection Risks
Authors: Liao Chung‐Min , Chang Chao‐Fang , Liang Huang‐Min
Published: October 2005

The purpose of this article is to quantify the public health risk associated with inhalation of indoor airborne infection based on a probabilistic transmission dynamic modeling approach. We used the Wells‐Riley mathematical model to estimate (1) the CO2exposure concentrations in indoor environments where cases of inhalation airborne infection occurred based on reported epidemiological data and epidemic curves for influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), (2) the basic reproductive number,R0(i.e., expected number of secondary cases on the introduction of a single infected individual in a completely susceptible population) and its variability in a shared indoor airspace, and (3) the risk for infection in various scenarios of exposure in a susceptible population for a range ofR0. We also employ a standard susceptible‐infectious‐recovered (SIR) structure to relate Wells‐Riley model derivedR0to a transmission parameter to implicate the relationships between indoor carbon dioxide concentration and contact rate. We estimate that a single case of SARS will infect 2.6 secondary cases on average in a population from nosocomial transmission, whereas less than 1 secondary infection was generated per case among school children. We also obtained an estimate of the basic reproductive number for influenza in a commercial airliner: the median value is 10.4. We suggest that improving the building air cleaning rate to lower the critical rebreathed fraction of indoor air can decrease transmission rate. Here, we show that virulence of the organism factors, infectious quantum generation rates (quanta/s by an infected person), and host factors determine the risk for inhalation of indoor airborne infection.
Stochastically Modeling Listeria Monocytogenes Growth in Farm Tank Milk
Authors: Albert Isabelle , Pouillot Régis , Denis Jean‐Baptiste
Published: October 2005

This article presents a Listeria monocytogenes growth model in milk at the farm bulk tank stage. The main objective was to judge the feasibility and value to risk assessors of introducing a complex model, including a complete thermal model, within a microbial quantitative risk assessment scheme. Predictive microbiology models are used under varying temperature conditions to predict bacterial growth. Input distributions are estimated based on data in the literature, when it is available. If not, reasonable assumptions are made for the considered context. Previously published results based on a Bayesian analysis of growth parameters are used. A Monte Carlo simulation that forecasts bacterial growth is the focus of this study. Three scenarios that take account of the variability and uncertainty of growth parameters are compared. The effect of a sophisticated thermal model taking account of continuous variations in milk temperature was tested by comparison with a simplified model where milk temperature was considered as constant. Limited multiplication of bacteria within the farm bulk tank was modeled. The two principal factors influencing bacterial growth were found to be tank thermostat regulation and bacterial population growth parameters. The dilution phenomenon due to the introduction of new milk was the main factor affecting the final bacterial concentration. The results show that a model that assumes constant environmental conditions at an average temperature should be acceptable for this process. This work may constitute a first step toward exposure assessment for L. monocytogenes in milk. In addition, this partly conceptual work provides guidelines for other risk assessments where continuous variation of a parameter needs to be taken into account.