bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contributions of IMP-10 Metallo-β-Lactamase, the Outer Membrane Barrier and the MexAB-OprM Efflux System to High-Level Carbapenem Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Zhao Wei-Hua , Hu Zhuting , Chen Gelin , Ito Ribu , Hu Zhi-Qing
Published: May 2009

Background: The emergence of carbapenem-hydrolyzing metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) is a serious threat to clinical medication of carbapenems. We evaluated the contributions of IMP-10 MBL, the outer membrane barrier and the MexAB-OprM efflux system to high-level carbapenem resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates. Methods: MBL-producing strains were screened by ceftazidime and mercaptoacetic acid double-disk synergy testing. Genes were determined by PCR analysis and DNA sequencing. IMP-10 MBL activity was assayed using nitrocefin as a substrate. Results: The blaIMP-10+ strains showed high-level resistance to carbapenems, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 512 to >4,096 μg/ml. The minimum inhibitory concentrations were decreased by the inhibitors of MBLs, sodium mercaptoacetate (SMA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 16 and 64 fold, respectively. However, against the activity of the prepared IMP-10 MBL, the 50% inhibitory concentrations of SMA and EDTA were 5.5 and 211.6 μM, respectively, indicating that SMA was much more effective than EDTA in blocking the enzyme activity. The contradictory results may be explained by the additional effect of EDTA as an outer membrane permeabilizer because the susceptibility of the blaIMP– strains to carbapenems was increased 2 fold by EDTA, but not by SMA. In the presence of carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, a proton motive force inhibitor, the susceptibility of the P. aeruginosa isolates to carbapenems was increased 1–4 fold. Conclusion: The acquired IMP-10 MBL is a crucial factor in the high-level resistance to carbapenems in P. aeruginosa clinical isolates, while the outer membrane barrier and the MexAB-OprM efflux system play a basic and minor role, respectively.
Prevalence of Underweight, Overweight and Obesity on the Basis of Body Mass Index and Body Fat Percentage in Hungarian Schoolchildren: Representative Survey in Metropolitan Elementary Schools
Authors: Antal Magda , Péter Szabolcs , Biró Lajos , Nagy Katalin , Regöly-Mérei Andrea , Arató Györgyi , Szabó Csaba , Martos Éva
Published: May 2009

Backgrounds/Aims: The incidence of obesity is increasing dramatically not only among adults, but also in children. The purpose of the survey was to assess the age- and gender-specific anthropometric data of children between the ages of 7 and 14 years who attended elementary schools in Budapest. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 2005. Altogether 1,928 students (1,002 boys and 926 girls) were recruited from the schools. The representative sampling sites were selected randomly. Height and waist circumference were measured, other data were analyzed by an 8-polar bioelectrical impedance procedure. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 11 for windows. Results: On the basis of body mass index (BMI), prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity were 5.1, 18.1 and 7.4% for boys and 6.8, 19.6 and 6.3% for girls, respectively. On the basis of body fat percentage (%BF), prevalence of obesity was 17.9% for boys and 12.8% for girls. Forty nine percent of boys and 28% of girls categorized as overweight by BMI were obese according to their %BF. The difference in waist circumference between individuals categorized by BMI as normal and obese was 24.7 cm for boys and 20.5 cm for girls. Between those categorized as non-obese and obese by %BF, the difference was 17.3 cm for boys and 16.4 cm for girls. Normal and overweight boys and girls with high %BF had significantly higher waist circumferences than their counterparts with normal %BF. This means that many obese children may escape detection as obese, if classified as overweight on the basis of BMI alone. Conclusion: Results appear to underline that in addition to BMI, the determination of the %BF and waist circumference is important in epidemiological studies to identify obese subjects.
Prevalence and Incidence of Caries Lesions in Relation to Placement and Replacement of Fillings: A Longitudinal Observational Radiographic Study of an Adult Danish Population
Authors: Kirkevang L.-L. , Væth M. , Wenzel A.
Published: May 2009

The aim was to describe the prevalence and incidence of caries lesions in relation to the placement and replacement of amalgam and non-metal fillings in a randomly selected adult Danish population. In 1997 and in 2003, 470 individuals underwent a full-mouth radiographic survey. All recordings were based on radiographs. A total of 12,361 teeth were examined. Registrations were performed on surfaces: mesial, distal and occlusal or incisal. In 1997 the total number of teeth and the number of unfilled teeth per individual decreased with the age of the individual, whereas the number of caries lesions per individual did not vary systematically with age. In each age group approximately 50% of the individuals had no caries lesions. In 1997 approximately 70% of the filled surfaces were filled with amalgam and 30% with non-metal filling materials. In 2003 60% of the surfaces were amalgam-filled and 40% were non-metal-filled. Overall non-metal filling material was more frequently used than amalgam in both treatments and re-treatments. During the observation period approximately 20% of both amalgam and non-metal-filled surfaces were re-treated. For amalgam fillings this was constant across the tooth groups, but for non-metal fillings the percentage of re-treated surfaces was larger for molars. The percentage of teeth with caries increased from front teeth to posterior teeth. The lowest percentage of surfaces with caries was detected in unfilled surfaces, and the highest in non-metal-filled surfaces. The results from the present study suggest the need for reflection and diligence when using non-metal materials for dental fillings especially in relation to molars.
Electrocardiographic QTc Changes Due to Moxifloxacin Infusion
Authors: Malik Marek , Hnatkova Katerina , Schmidt Anna , Smetana Peter
Published: May 2009

Moxifloxacin (400‐mg single dose) is a frequent positive control in thorough QT/QTc studies. This investigation assessed baseline and placebo‐controlled QTc changes (ΔΔQTc, individualized correction for heart rate and rate hysteresis) at 126 data points before, during, and after 1‐hour moxifloxacin infusion in 44 healthy participants and in their sex‐, race‐, and age‐defined subgroups. Constant linear ΔΔQTc increase was found during the infusion. The postinfusion peak ΔΔQTc values (corresponding to maximum plasma levels) were not statistically different in women (16.1 ± 6.5 ms) and men (15.1 ± 5.3 ms), Africans (15.3 ± 5.3 ms) and whites (15.6 ± 6.6 ms), and participants younger (16.5 ± 4.8 ms) and older (14.7 ± 6.6 ms) than the median age of 35 years. The ΔΔQTc values were different in participants with a body mass index (BMI) below (16.8 ± 5.4 ms) and above 30 kg/m2 (10.8 ± 5.1 ms; P = .008). Although the population mean ΔΔQTc changes closely followed mean plasma‐level kinetics (4.8 ms per 1 μg/mL), the individual postinfusion peak ΔΔQTc was not related to individual peak plasma levels (P = NS) but was strongly related to BMI (P = .0007). Thus, the individual pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic effects are substantially variable; obese participants should be excluded from thorough QT/QTc studies.
Impact of Calcineurin Inhibitors on Urinary Excretion of Mycophenolic Acid and Its Glucuronide in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Naito Takafumi , Mino Yasuaki , Otsuka Atsushi , Ushiyama Tomomi , Ito Toshiki , Ozono Seiichiro , Kagawa Yoshiyuki , Kawakami Junichi
Published: May 2009

Concomitant cyclosporine interacts with mycophenolic acid (MPA) through inhibition of the biliary excretion of its glucuronide (MPAG). The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of calcineurin inhibitors on the plasma disposition and urinary excretion of MPA and MPAG in kidney transplant recipients. Twelve recipients treated with tacrolimus and 18 treated with cyclosporine at 30 days after transplantation were enrolled. AUC from 0 to 12 hours (AUC0–12) of MPA was significantly higher in tacrolimus‐treated than in cyclosporine‐treated recipients. In contrast, there was no significant difference in MPAG AUC0–12 between calcineurin inhibitor medications. Unbound fractions of MPA and MPAG did not change significantly in a comparison between the tacrolimus and cyclosporine treatments (0.90% vs 1.27% in MPA; 20.0% vs 19.3% in MPAG). The ratio of renal clearance to creatinine clearance (CLR/CLCr) of MPA was significantly lower in tacrolimus‐ than in cyclosporine‐treated recipients (0.054 vs 0.100). In contrast, no significant difference was observed in the CLR/CLCr of MPAG between the tacrolimus and cyclosporine treatments (0.19 vs 0.18). In conclusion, concomitant calcineurin inhibitors influenced the urinary excretion of MPA but not MPAG in kidney transplant recipients. The results suggest the presence of renal tubular secretion in the urinary excretion process of MPA.
Instructional Modifications, Adaptations, and Accommodations of Coteachers Who Loop
Authors: Nevin Ann I. , Cramer Elizabeth , Voigt Jorine , Salazar Liliana
Published: May 2009

When teachers move to the next grade with their students, they are sometimes referred to as teachers who loop with the children. In this descriptive case study, the authors describe the experiences of two teachers who collaborate with others as they move with a class of students from third to fourth grade (i.e., looping). The classroom context, coteaching procedures, and outcomes combine to illustrate how children with disabilities are provided access to the general education curriculum in an urban multicultural school. Results show both academic gains and social benefits for the students involved in this classroom. The concepts of coteaching and looping may inform teacher educators who prepare general and special education teachers to comply with state and federal mandates on behalf of students with disabilities in the general education setting, students who are learning English as a second language, and students who may be at risk for failure.
An Analysis of Online Professional Development and Outcomes for Students With Disabilities
Authors: Frey Timothy J.
Published: May 2009

Professional development (PD) experiences for special education teachers are designed to facilitate teacher learning and the implementation of evidence-based practices. PD should also make a positive impact on the K-12 students with disabilities that are in participating teachers' classrooms. In this study, the author investigates the outcomes of the use of a project-based online PD approach with in-service teachers of students with disabilities. In particular, the study focuses on the effects of the PD on K-12 students with disabilities in the participating teachers' classrooms. The findings from the qualitative study indicate that each of the four student participants improved in the area of performance that was targeted by the teachers' PD. The analysis suggests that this approach to PD positively affects participating teachers' instructional practices and the performance of K-12 students with disabilities.
First-Year Special Educators
Authors: Griffin Cynthia C. , Kilgore Karen L. , Winn Judith A. , Otis-Wilborn Amy , Wei Hou  , Garvan Cynthia W.
Published: May 2009

Despite a history of research in general education on novice teachers, researchers have only recently begun to investigate the experiences of beginning special educators. Many of these studies describe problems encountered, noting the high attrition rate among beginning special education teachers and emphasizing the importance of keeping qualified special educators in the field. The findings of this survey of first-year special education teachers ( N = 596) extend the literature by revealing the influence of classroom and school context factors on new teachers' accomplishments and problems.
Building Groups and Independence
Authors: Sylow Mine , Holm Lotte
Published: May 2009

This article, based on an ethnographic study, examines the role of food in the social interaction of 11- to 17-year-old youths in sports centres in Denmark. The sports centres serve as a free space where young people receive no adult supervision. This is underlined by their understanding and use of food in this environment. Food serves as a medium that introduces occasions for getting together. The article analyses the social significance and symbolic meaning of food in children's and adolescents' peer culture. As everywhere in social life, rules of food choice and eating signal the meaning of social relations and social contexts.
Multipotent adult progenitor cells can suppress graft-versus-host disease via prostaglandin E2 synthesis and only if localized to sites of allopriming
Authors: Highfill Steven L. , Kelly Ryan M. , O'Shaughnessy Matthew J. , Zhou Qing , Xia Lily , Panoskaltsis-Mortari Angela , Taylor Patricia A. , Tolar Jakub , Blazar Bruce R.
Published: May 2009

Multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) are nonhematopoietic stem cells capable of giving rise to a broad range of tissue cells. As such, MAPCs hold promise for tissue injury repair after transplant. In vitro, MAPCs potently suppressed allogeneic T-cell activation and proliferation in a dose-dependent, cell contact–independent, and T-regulatory cell–independent manner. Suppression occurred primarily through prostaglandin E2 synthesis in MAPCs, which resulted in decreased proinflammatory cytokine production. When given systemically, MAPCs did not home to sites of allopriming and did not suppress graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). To ensure that MAPCs would colocalize with donor T cells, MAPCs were injected directly into the spleen at bone marrow transplantation. MAPCs limited donor T-cell proliferation and GVHD-induced injury via prostaglandin E2 synthesis in vivo. Moreover, MAPCs altered the balance away from positive and toward inhibitory costimulatory pathway expression in splenic T cells and antigen-presenting cells. These findings are the first to describe the immunosuppressive capacity and mechanism of MAPC-induced suppression of T-cell alloresponses and illustrate the requirement for MAPC colocalization to sites of initial donor T-cell activation for GVHD inhibition. Such data have implications for the use of allogeneic MAPCs and possibly other immunomodulatory nonhematopoietic stem cells for preventing GVHD in the clinic.
HIV Testing, Human Rights, and Global AIDS Policy: Exceptionalism and Its Discontents
Authors: Bayer Ronald , Edington Claire
Published: May 2009

Two years ago, in May 2007, UNAIDS and WHO issued new guidelines on HIV testing. Prepared to meet the demands of the AIDS pandemic and the prospects of extending the benefits of antiretroviral therapy to regions where such treatment had been all but out of reach, the new guidance was the product of an extended period of sometimes acrimonious controversy both within the two UN agencies and globally. Those pressing for change had argued that a paradigm of testing that had emerged at a time when little could be done for those infected with HIV was inappropriate to the current moment. Those who viewed with skepticism, if not hostility, the claims that current practice and stringent ethical standards had become an impediment to effectively confronting the challenge of AIDS saw in the proposed changes a threat to the bedrock ethical principles of informed consent. In the end, of course, decisions about HIV testing will be taken by nation - states, with the recommendations of international organizations constituting but one element, however important, that will shape policy. Nevertheless, an examination of the history and the dynamics of the recent controversy and its outcome will provide a unique resource to those faced with policy choices; it will also provide a unique opportunity to lay bare the complex and politically charged relationships evolving between public health and human rights.
Low Driving Voltage of a Liquid Crystal Device Fabricated from 4′-Pentyl-4-biphenylcarbonitrile Doped with Environmentally Friendly ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Jiang Hui , Toshima Naoki
Published: May 2009

ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), prepared by an improved alco-sol method at relatively low temperature using oleic acid (OA) as a stabilizing agent, were added to a liquid crystal matrix of 4′-pentyl-4-biphenylcarbonitrile (5CB). Addition of ZnO NPs not only decreased the threshold voltage but also had a dramatic effect (about 30% reduction) on the driving voltage (Vd) of 5CB. The decrease of Vd of liquid crystal can reduce power consumption, which may meet the demands of future power-saving liquid crystal displays.
LOCAL Prediction with near Infrared Multi-Product Databases
Authors: Berzaghi Paolo , Shenk John S. , Westerhaus Mark O.
Published: May 2009

This study evaluated the use of an algorithm (LOCAL) for local calibration using multi-product databases. Four different databases were used: forages (hay, corn silage, haylage, small grain silage and total mixed ration; n=2924), grain (barley, corn, oats and wheat; n=1464), meat (meat and bone meal, fish meal and poultry meal; n=693) and feed (bakery products, mixed feed, poultry feed and soya products; n=1518). One-tenth of the samples were selected for validation from each database. Predictions of validation samples using generic and specific global calibrations were compared to the predictions generated by LOCAL. Standard errors of prediction for LOCAL calibrations were always lower than those of generic global calibrations and similar to those of specific global calibrations. However, LOCAL predictions were further improved by using different settings for each constituent. The analysis of the samples selected by LOCAL showed that for heterogeneous products such as total mixed rations and corn silage, LOCAL optimised predictions by choosing samples from different products. LOCAL calibration was then used with one database ( n=6599) comprising all the samples. Standard errors of prediction were similar to those obtained with the four different databases. LOCAL can accurately predict the composition of different products using multi-product databases. Routine analysis can be simplified by using LOCAL calibration combined with large databases. In addition, LOCAL can provide accurate predictions of spectra from remote standardised instrument without the operator identifying the sample.
Standardisation and Calibration Transfer for near Infrared Instruments: A Review
Authors: Fearn Tom
Published: May 2009

Transferring calibrations between near infrared instruments is not always straightforward, even when the instruments are nominally the same. Problems can include both wavelength shifts and differences in absorbance response between instruments. This review describes a number of chemometric methods that have been developed to aid calibration transfer. The approaches are classified under three headings: making robust calibrations, adjusting calibrations and adjusting spectra. Calibrations can be made more robust, and more transferable, by the appropriate use of spectral pre-treatments that reduce between-instrument variability. Robust calibrations can also be made by pooling data from several instruments when calibrating. Calibrations can be adjusted using skew and bias corrections estimated from a modest number of samples with known reference values. Under the third heading, adjusting spectra, come methods such as piecewise direct standardisation and the patented method of Shenk and Westerhaus that use spectral information from samples measured on two instruments to match the spectral response of the instruments.
Sorting of Fruit Using near Infrared Spectroscopy: Application to a Range of Fruit and Vegetables for Soluble Solids and Dry Matter Content
Authors: Walsh K.B. , Golic M. , Greensill C.V.
Published: May 2009

The performance of a single instrumentation platform, incorporating the use of a tungsten halogen light source, body transmittance optics and a silicon photodiode array detector, and a uniform chemometric approach is reported for the application of assessment of determination of soluble solids and dry matter content of a range of fruit. Spectra were acquired at integration times of 30 ms or less, with integration time varied between fruit types to achieve a similar signal level. Calibration performance was compared in terms of root mean standard error of cross validation ( RMSECV), regression coefficient ( R), and the SDR ( SDR = SD / RMSECV ( SD is standard deviation)]. The technology was well suited to sorting on soluble solids content ( SSC) in apple ( RMSECV 0.22%, SDR > 5; R 0.98), and useful, in decreasing order of accuracy, for sorting of stonefruit, mandarin, banana, melons, onions, tomato and papaya ( RMSECV 1.1%, SDR 1.6, R 0.79). The technology also performed well in sorting on dry matter content in kiwifruit ( RMSECV 0.38%, SDR > 3, R 0.95), and useful, in decreasing order of accuracy, for sorting of banana, mango, avocado, tomato and potato ( RMSECV 1.0%, SDR 1.7, R 0.79). The limitations of the application of the technology to fruit sorting is discussed in terms of fruit type (“skin” thickness) and population range. For example, calibration RMSECV was only 0.20% on tomato SSC, but as population variation was low ( SD 0.30%), a poor R (0.77) and SDR (1.5) was obtained.
Effect of Wavelength Range on the Measurement Accuracy of Some Selected Soil Constituents Using Visual-Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Mouazen A.M. , De Baerdemaeker J. , Ramon H.
Published: May 2009

The wavelength range is one of the main components affecting the measurement accuracy with visible (vis) and near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. The performance of two commercially-available spectrophotometers with different wavelength ranges for measurement of selected soil attributes was evaluated. The two spectrophotometers considered were a diode array with a short wavelength range (SWR) of 300–1700 nm and a combination of diode array and scanning monochromator with a full wavelength range (FWR) of 350–2500 nm. Scanning was performed on wet-fresh ( in situ conditions) and dry-processed (laboratory conditions) soil samples, to estimate the effect of moisture content on the performance of the two spectrophotometers. Partial least squares (PLS) regression with the leave-one-out cross validation technique was used to develop calibration models relating soil spectra with chemical attributes. Results showed that under wet field soil conditions pH, available phosphorus (P), cation exchange capacity (CEC), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) were more accurately predicted with the SWR, whereas total nitrogen (N), total carbon (C), sodium (Na) and magnesium (Mg) were better predicted with the FWR. The significant effect of the water absorption at a wavelength of 1950 nm which created considerable changes in the shape of spectra and subsequently loss of important information available at wavelengths greater than 2000 nm, reduced the efficiency of the FWR instrument. The dry soil conditions led to a superior performance of the FWR instrument over the SWR instrument for measurement of all soil attributes. This suggests that a greater wavelength range than 1700 nm is not useful for improving the measurement accuracy of soil attributes (except N and C) with vis-NIR spectroscopy when measurement is to be carried out in the field under wet conditions.
Least Squares Means Multiple Comparison Testing of Reference versus Predicted Residuals for Evaluation of Partial Least Squares Spectral Calibrations
Authors: Reeves J.B. , Delwiche S.R. , Reeves V.B.
Published: May 2009

It is common to use data pre-treatments such as scatter correction, derivatives, mean centring and variance scaling prior to the development of near- and mid-infrared spectral calibrations. As a result, it is possible to generate a multitude of calibrations, many of which will have similar statistical properties, as measured by the coefficient of determination ( R2) and the residual error. With respect to validation data sets, calibration equations have a tendency to provide the most optimistic modelling statistics on the set of data to which they were developed; however, the pre-treatment that was optimal for one set of samples may not be the best for future samples and, therefore, not the most robust calibration. If several calibrations are found to be statistically the same, then other criteria could be used to determine which one to use (for example, one with fewest partial least squares (PLS) factors or based on past experience) or further investigations could be carried out on the more limited set of calibrations deemed to represent the best of all those originally developed. However, there has been no single accepted statistical procedure for determining which calibrations are statistically the same and which are not from a large group of calibrations. This study describes the use of least squares means multiple comparisons testing of squared reference-versus-predicted residuals for determining the statistical similarity of multiple PLS calibrations. A program has been developed using common commercial statistical software (SAS, Mixed procedure) which computes and summarises comparisons of PLS calibrations. This method is also applicable to other multivariate regression methods as it only requires a list of reference and predicted values from each calibration as input.
American Economic Journal: Economic Policy
Authors: Auerbach Alan J
Published: May 2009

AEJ Policy will publish papers covering a range of topics, the common theme being the role of economic policy in economic outcomes. Subject areas will include public economics; urban and regional economics; public policy aspects of health, education, welfare, and political institutions; law and economics; economic regulation; and environmental and natural resource economics.
Safety evaluation of 1% tenofovir gel in healthy men
Authors: Schwartz J L , Poindexter A , Wheeless A , Mauck C K , Callahan M M
Published: May 2009

This study was conducted to determine the safety of tenofovir (TFV) gel, a potential microbicide, following seven consecutive daily penile applications. Eighteen circumcised and 18 uncircumcised healthy men were randomly assigned to TFV gel versus K-Y® Jelly in a 2:1 ratio within circumcision group. TFV gel or K-Y Jelly was applied onto the penis at bedtime and washed off 6–10 hours later. Safety was assessed by reported symptoms, findings and laboratory tests. Three of 24 (13%) men in the TFV group reported mild genital symptoms compared with two of 11 (18%) men in the K-Y group. Few mild genital findings were observed and no significant systemic toxicities were reported or observed. TFV gel applied to the penis for seven days was well tolerated locally and systemically and it is unlikely that male partners exposed to small amounts of TFV gel will experience significant genital or systemic toxicity.
Long-term suppressive therapy for pulmonary aspergilloma in an immunocompromised man with AIDS. Is it always necessary?
Authors: Yoganathan K
Published: May 2009

Aspergillus infections are rare opportunistic infections in the course of AIDS and they mostly present as invasive pulmonary disease. Owing to the prolonged survival of profoundly immunocompromised patients with AIDS, invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is being reported with increased frequency. However, although pulmonary aspergilloma has been well described in immunocompetent patients, it has been rarely reported in AIDS patients. The treatment for pulmonary aspergilloma remains challenging and often needs lifelong treatment to minimize fatal haemoptysis, which can occur in up to 25%, and progression to secondary invasive aspergillosis. We report a case of pulmonary aspergilloma in a severely immunocompromised patient with AIDS who stopped taking systemic antifungal treatment in April 1998 and remained well with little progression of invasive aspergillosis up until March 2002 when he died of acute pancreatitis related to a drug interaction of didanosine and tenofovir.
Presentation and survival of patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma in Jos, Nigeria
Authors: Agaba P A , Sule H M , Ojoh R O , Hassan Z , Apena L , Mu'azu M A , Badung B , Agbaji O O , Idoko J A , Kanki P
Published: May 2009

AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (AIDS-KS) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. We describe the pattern of presentation and survival in Jos, Nigeria. We identified 48 HIV-positive patients with AIDS-KS and matched them for age and sex with an equal number of HIV-positive patients without AIDS-KS. We compared their clinical, immunological, virological characteristics and survival. They were similar in age and body mass index profile but patients with AIDS-KS had more tuberculosis co-infection ( P, 0.02), lower median CD4 count ( P, 0.003) and higher mortality ( P, 0.002). Surprisingly, patients with AIDS-KS had lower levels of median viral load (29,347 copies/mL) compared with controls (80,533 copies/mL). We recommend specific AIDS-KS therapy in addition to highly active antiretroviral therapy in order to improve survival.
To what extent does Neisseria gonorrhoeae multiantigen sequence typing of gonococcal isolates support information derived from patient interviews?
Authors: Abu-Rajab K , Palmer H M , Scoular A , Church S , Connell J , Hart G , Winter A J
Published: May 2009

Gonococcal isolates from genitourinary (GU) medicine clinic attendees in Glasgow, Scotland were typed using Neisseria gonorrhoeae multiantigen sequence typing (NG-MAST). Correlation between named partners (contacts) and NG-MAST type was sought and associations between specific NG-MAST types, and the social, epidemiological and geographical data were explored. We found NG-MAST typing to be a supportive and confirmatory tool for contact tracing. Specific NG-MAST types were found to be associated with distinct characteristics such as sexuality or chlamydial co-infection. An increased number of gonococcal infections were reported from those resident in deprived areas of Glasgow than from those resident in more affluent areas. However, there was no clear geographic clustering of specific NG-MAST types found within the city. Routinely observing the spread of common strains of gonorrhoea is likely best done from a larger geographical perspective unless a specific outbreak occurs.
High-risk status of HIV-1 infection in the very low epidemic country, Mongolia, 2007
Authors: Davaalkham J , Unenchimeg P , Baigalmaa Ch , Oyunbileg B , Tsuchiya K , Hachiya A , Gatanaga H , Nyamkhuu D , Oka S
Published: May 2009

Thirty-six HIV-1 cases had been reported by December 2007 in Mongolia. Therefore, Mongolia has been regarded as a very low HIV-1 epidemic country, although the surveillance system is not fully developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk status of HIV-1 infection in Mongolia. A total of 1415 blood samples from high-risk populations including female sex workers, men who have sex with men, mobile men, tuberculosis patients and male sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic clients and 1050 samples from healthy controls were collected. The seroprevalences of anti-HIV-1/2, anti- Treponema pallidum, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag), anti-hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B surface antibody in the high-risk populations were 0%, 23.1%, 15.5%, 8.0% and 48.2%, and those in the controls were 0%, 3.1%, 14.7%, 4.4% and 44.4%, respectively. HIV-1 prevalence is currently low. However, according to the high prevalence of STIs in the high-risk populations, the risk status for HIV-1 infection is estimated to be high.
Management of pyrexia of unknown origin in HIV-positive patients
Authors: Babu C , McQuillan O , Kingston M
Published: May 2009

Recently, we managed the case of a young HIV-positive man with a pyrexial illness and severe constitutional symptoms, the cause of which was elusive for several weeks. Here we review the causes of pyrexia of unknown origin in HIV-positive individuals, review appropriate investigations and discuss possible empirical treatment when this is required.
HIV testing: the boundaries. A survey of HIV testing practices and barriers to more widespread testing in a British teaching hospital
Authors: Partridge D G , Collini P , McKendrick M W
Published: May 2009

A survey of HIV testing practices among registrars of all admitting specialties within Sheffield Teaching Hospitals National Health Service Trust was performed in 2007. Respondents from most specialties tested patients for HIV infrequently and several barriers were identified, which prevented testing even when the diagnosis was considered.
The relationship between insight and social rank appraisals in people with schizophrenia
Authors: McLeod Hamish J. , Coertze Liza , Moore Estelle
Published: May 2009

Objectives. The relationship between insight and appraisals of social rank in people with schizophrenia was examined.

Method. Seventy people with schizophrenia completed self‐report measures of insight and social rank. Two points of comparison were used for social rank appraisal: (1) the person's mental health worker; and (2) the general population.

Results. Greater awareness of illness was associated with lower social rank appraisals when the participants compared themselves to the general population (r=−.25, p=.04). Social rank appraisals and duration of illness predicted 14.5% of the variance in insight scores.

Conclusions. The relationship between insight and depressive reactions in people diagnosed with schizophrenia may be modulated by social rank appraisal.
Reviews
Authors: Hein Kurt
Published: May 2009

Beyond the Culture of Contest: From Adversarialism to Mutualism in an Age of Interdependence, Michael Karlberg (2004) Oxford: George Ronald, xvii + 265 pp. including index. ISBN 0-85398-489-1 (pbk), 13.95/US$26.95
Predicting Seven-Day Heat of Hydration of Hydraulic Cement from Standard Test Properties
Authors: Poole Toy S.
Published: May 2009

Measuring heat of hydration in hydraulic cements using ASTM C186, “Method for Heat of Hydration of Hydraulic Cement,” has presented certain problems in practice. This paper investigates the usefulness of other standard test properties of hydraulic cements, which are known to relate to heat of hydration, for predicting seven-day heat of hydration. Such calculated values of heat of hydration may have value as the basis for specification requirements.
A Screen for Modifiers of Notch Signaling Uncovers Amun, a Protein With a Critical Role in Sensory Organ Development
Authors: Shalaby Nevine A , Parks Annette L , Morreale Eric J , Osswalt Marisa C , Pfau Kristen M , Pierce Eric L , Muskavitch Marc A T
Published: May 2009

Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway essential for many cell fate specification events during metazoan development. We conducted a large-scale transposon-based screen in the developing Drosophila eye to identify genes involved in Notch signaling. We screened 10,447 transposon lines from the Exelixis collection for modifiers of cell fate alterations caused by overexpression of the Notch ligand Delta and identified 170 distinct modifier lines that may affect up to 274 genes. These include genes known to function in Notch signaling, as well as a large group of characterized and uncharacterized genes that have not been implicated in Notch pathway function. We further analyze a gene that we have named Amun and show that it encodes a protein that localizes to the nucleus and contains a putative DNA glycosylase domain. Genetic and molecular analyses of Amun show that altered levels of Amun function interfere with cell fate specification during eye and sensory organ development. Overexpression of Amun decreases expression of the proneural transcription factor Achaete, and sensory organ loss caused by Amun overexpression can be rescued by coexpression of Achaete. Taken together, our data suggest that Amun acts as a transcriptional regulator that can affect cell fate specification by controlling Achaete levels.
The Effect of Water Temperature on Growth and Survival of Largemouth Bass during Feed Training
Authors: Coyle Shawn D , Patton Steven , Schneider Kyle , Tidwell James H
Published: May 2009

Water temperature could be an important factor during the feed training phase of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides production, as it could affect appetite and starvation time. We evaluated three water temperatures during largemouth bass feed training. Pond-reared largemouth bass fingerlings (weight = 2.1 ± 0.6 g [mean ± SE]) were randomly stocked into twelve 0.5-m3 polyethylene cages to achieve a stocking density of 350 fish per cage. The cages were suspended in six 3,800-L polyethylene tanks with a common water source housed in a greenhouse with four replicate cages per water temperature treatment (20, 24, and 28°C). Each tank contained two cages, and there were two tanks per treatment temperature. In each cage, fingerlings were initially fed freeze-dried krill, then gradually weaned onto a commercial pellet (floating trout feed; 1.5 mm) over a 24-d period according to an established training protocol. At harvest, the average weight and the percentage of fish successfully trained to commercial feed were significantly different among temperatures (P ≤ 0.05), increasing as water temperature increased (weights averaged 5.4, 6.8, and 7.8 g and percent trained averaged 70, 82, and 90% for fish feed-trained at 20, 24, and 28°C, respectively). The results from this experiment indicate that water temperature has a significant effect on feed training success and the average weight of feed trained largemouth bass.
Effect of Temperature on Larval Sunshine Bass Growth and Survival to the Fingerling Stage
Authors: Ludwig Gerald M , Lochmann Steve E
Published: May 2009

Determining the optimum conditions for tank culture of sunshine bass (female white bass Morone chrysops × male striped bass M. saxatilis) fingerlings will facilitate a year-round supply of seed for the production cycle of this increasingly popular food fish. This study determined the relationship between temperature and larval sunshine bass growth and survival to the time when fish were trained to accept commercial feeds. At 4 d posthatch (dph), larvae were stocked at five temperatures from 20°C to 32°C at 3°C increments. There were two replicates for each temperature. The larvae were fed rotifers through 8 dph. Conversion to a diet of brine shrimp Artemia spp. nauplii began at 6 dph, and training for acceptance of dry starter feed began at 20 dph. At harvest, average total length and average weight of the fish increased in a linear relationship with temperature, while relative survival and number of fish harvested decreased linearly with temperature. Tank yield had a curvilinear relationship with temperature. The temperature that provided maximum yield was 23.1°C. Although growth was faster at warmer temperatures, relative survival and yield were not. These relationships between tank culture conditions and production characteristics support optimization of tank culture to meet specific production goals. This should eliminate some of the logistical constraints to expanded tank culture of sunshine bass fingerlings.
Predictive Models for Fish Assemblages in Eastern U.S. Streams: Implications for Assessing Biodiversity
Authors: Meador Michael R. , Carlisle Daren M.
Published: May 2009

Management and conservation of aquatic systems require the ability to assess biological conditions and identify changes in biodiversity. Predictive models for fish assemblages were constructed to assess biological condition and changes in biodiversity for streams sampled in the eastern United States as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water Quality Assessment Program. Separate predictive models were developed for northern and southern regions. Reference sites were designated using land cover and local professional judgment. Taxonomic completeness was quantified based on the ratio of the number of observed native fish species expected to occur to the number of expected native fish species. Models for both regions accurately predicted fish species composition at reference sites with relatively high precision and low bias. In general, species that occurred less frequently than expected (decreasers) tended to prefer riffle areas and larger substrates, such as gravel and cobble, whereas increaser species (occurring more frequently than expected) tended to prefer pools, backwater areas, and vegetated and sand substrates. In the north, the percentage of species identified as increasers and the percentage identified as decreasers were equal, whereas in the south nearly two‐thirds of the species examined were identified as decreasers. Predictive models of fish species can provide a standardized indicator for consistent assessments of biological condition at varying spatial scales and critical information for an improved understanding of fish species that are potentially at risk of loss with changing water quality conditions.
Differing Forage Fish Assemblages Influence Trophic Structure in Neighboring Urban Lakes
Authors: Overman Nathanael C. , Beauchamp David A. , Berge Hans B. , Mazur Michael M. , McIntyre Jenifer K.
Published: May 2009

Lakes Sammamish and Washington are two large, urban lakes in close proximity to Seattle, Washington. The two lakes have similar assemblages of apex predators, but differences in lake size, species richness, and forage fish assemblages contribute to contrasting trophic relationships. We used stable isotope and diet analyses to assess lake‐specific differences in the trophic structure of fish and invertebrates from these lakes. Estimates of δ15N‐based trophic elevation revealed that the food web in Lake Sammamish was truncated by approximately one complete trophic level relative to that of Lake Washington. The shorter food chain in Lake Sammamish reflected the absence of longfin smelt Spirinchus thaleichthys and minimal consumption of threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus, emphasizing the importance of these species as primary forage fishes and trophic links between invertebrates and piscivores in Lake Washington. As two highly 15N‐enriched and 13C‐depleted energy sources, longfin smelt and threespine sticklebacks effectively stretched the isotopic endpoints of the Lake Washington food web by contributing to more pronounced ontogenetic shifts in isotope values for piscivores in Lake Washington than for those in Lake Sammamish.
Metabolic disturbances linked to obesity: the role of impaired tissue perfusion
Authors: Villela Nivaldo Ribeiro , Kramer-Aguiar Luiz Guilherme , Bottino Daniel Alexandre , Wiernsperger Nicolas , Bouskela Eliete
Published: May 2009

Associated with elevated risk of cardiovascular events and cancer, obesity is a worldwide problem affecting developed and developing countries. Microcirculatory vessels, represented by arterioles, capillaries and venules (mean internal diameter < 100 µm), are the place where blood/tissue nutrition and exchange effectively take place. Microvascular dysfunction is an early event in obesity probably secondary to endothelial dysfunction and capillaries rarefaction. New research techniques allow the investigation of the microcirculation in different vascular beds in humans. Studies suggest a link between endothelial dysfunction and visceral obesity. Oxidative stress, inflammation and rennin-angiotensin system are among factors considered to be involved on microvascular dysfunction in obesity. Microcirculatory impairment present in obesity suggests that it could be an important causal factor in obesity-related disorders such as insulin resistance and hypertension.
Utilização de abóbora e moranga na produção de doce de leite pastoso com coco
Authors: Souza G.de , Oliveira A.J.de , Shirose I. , Valle J.L.E.do , Carvalho C.R.L.
Published: May 2009

Foi estudado a utilização dos frutos abóbora e moranga na produção de doce de leite pastoso. Estudou-se os seguintes tratamentos: 1) polpa de abórora, 2) polpa de moranga, e 3) polpa de abóbora e moranga. Os resultados experimentais mostraram que o melhor fruto a mesclar com o doce de leite é a moranga, vindo em seguida a mistura dos frutos. Tanto o doce de leite com moranga como com mistura de frutos, classifica-se no grau de apreciação entre "gostei" e "gostei muito". Já com a abóbora, no grau de apreciação "indiferente". O atributo mais importante na discriminação das amostras foi o sabor.
Determinação do momento de colheita da Brachiaria brizantha (Hochest.) Stapf. cv. Marandu para produçaõ de silagem
Authors: Jayme Cristiano Gonzaga , Molina Lívio Ribeiro , Gonçalves Lúcio Carlos , Jayme Diogo Gonzaga , Pires Daniel Ananias de Assis , Borges Iran
Published: May 2009

Conduziu-se este trabalho, com o objetivo de determinar o momento de colheita da Brachiaria brizantha para produção de silagem. As silagens foram abertas após 56 dias de fermentação. Os tratamentos utilizados foram quatro idades de crescimento: 28, 56, 84 e 112 dias. Foi utilizado delineamento inteiramente casualisado, com quatro repetições por tratamento. As produções de MS aumentaram com o avanço da maturidade da planta, variando de 3,04 a 11,47 t/ha. O menor teor de MS entre as silagens ocorreu aos 28 dias 17,16%, sendo semelhante aos 84 dias (p>0,05), enquanto o maior valor de 22,62% foi observado para a idade de 112 dias de crescimento. Os valores de digestibilidade "in vitro" da matéria seca (DIVMS) variaram de 67,40% a 57,40% com o avanço da maturidade e apenas as idades de 84 e 112 dias foram semelhantes (p>0,05). Os valores de nitrogênio amoniacal por nitrogênio total (N-NH3/NT) apresentaram diferença apenas para a idade de 28 dias com valor mais elevado que as demais (p<0,05). Foi observada diferença (p<0,05) apenas no pH da silagem do material colhido com 28 dias de crescimento, sendo superior aos demais com valor de 5,45. A Brachiaria brizantha apresenta potencial para produção de silagem com altas produções de matéria seca, entretanto, em idades jovens o baixo teor de MS da planta prejudica o processo fermentativo. O corte aos 68 dias de crescimento se apresenta como melhor opção para esta forrageira, uma vez que concilia alta produção de MS com bom valor nutritivo e características desejáveis para confecção de uma boa silagem.
Uso do conceito de proteína ideal em rações com diferentes níveis energéticos, suplementadas com fitase para frangos de corte de 1a 21 dias de idade
Authors: Nagata Adriano Kaneo , Rodrigues Paulo Borges , Rodrigues Kênia Ferreira , Frietas Rilke Tadeu Fonseca de , Albino Luiz Fernando Teixeira , Fialho Elias Tadeu
Published: May 2009

Avaliou-se o desempenho e a digestibilidade de nutrientes para frangos de corte de 1 a 21 dias de idade. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, sendo os tratamentos T1: ração controle com 21,1% de proteína bruta (PB), 3000 kcal de energia metabolizável (EMAn)/kg, 0,46% de fósforo disponível (Pd) e 1,0% de cálcio (Ca); T2: ração com 17,0% de PB e 3000 kcal de EMAn/kg; T3: ração com 19,0% de PB e 2900 kcal de EMAn/kg; T4: ração com 19,0% de PB e 3000 kcal de EMAn/kg; T5: ração com 19,0% de PB e 3100 kcal de EMAn/kg. Com exceção da ração controle, as rações foram formuladas com 0,34% de Pd, 0,80% de Ca e suplementadas com fitase. O ganho de peso das aves foi semelhante (P>0,05) em todos os tratamentos. Porém, observou-se pior conversão alimentar para as aves que receberam a ração com 17,0% de PB. As aves que receberam as rações com 19,0% de PB e 3000 ou 3100 kcal de EMAn/kg apresentaram desempenho semelhante àquelas que receberam a ração controle. A excreção de N e P reduziu, em média, 16,5 e 22,0%, respectivamente, e houve aumento na retenção de P para as aves que consumiram as rações experimentais. A retenção de Ca e N foi menor e semelhante, respectivamente, para as aves que consumiram as rações experimentais. Conclui-se que a ração com 19,0% de PB e 3000 kcal de EMAn/kg, suplementada com fitase, não afeta o desempenho de frangos de corte de 1 a 21 dias de idade e permite diminuir a excreção do N e do P.