bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of gamma irradiation on viability and DNA of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli
Authors: Trampuz Andrej , Piper Kerryl E. , Steckelberg James M. , Patel Robin
Published: August 2006

Gamma irradiation is widely used for sterilization; however, its effect on elimination of amplifiable DNA, an issue of relevance to molecular diagnostic approaches, has not been well studied. The effect of gamma irradiation on the viability of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli (using quantitative cultures) and on their DNA (using quantitative 16S rRNA gene PCR) was evaluated. Viability was abrogated at 2.8 and 3.6 kGy for S. epidermidis and E. coli, respectively. The radiation dose required to reduce viable bacteria by one log10 (D
10 value) was 0.31 and 0.35 kGy for S. epidermidis and E. coli, respectively. D
10 values for amplifiable DNA extracted from bacteria were 2.58 and 3.09 kGy for S. epidermidis and E. coli, respectively, whereas D
10 values for amplifiable DNA were significantly higher for DNA extracted from irradiated viable bacterial cells (22.9 and 52.6 kGy for S. epidermidis and E. coli, respectively; P<0.001). This study showed that gamma irradiation of DNA in viable bacterial cells has little effect on amplifiable DNA, was not able to eliminate amplifiable 16S rRNA genes at a dose of up to 12 kGy and cannot therefore be used for elimination of DNA contamination of PCR reaction components or laboratory equipment when this DNA is present in microbial cells. This finding has practical implications for those using molecular diagnostic techniques in microbiology.
Detection of clonally related vanB2-containing Enterococcus faecium strains in two Spanish hospitals
Authors: Torres Carmen , Escobar Susanna , Portillo Aránzazu , Torres Luis , Rezusta Antonio , Ruiz-Larrea Fernanda , Revillo Maria José , Aspiroz Carmen , Zarazaga Myriam
Published: August 2006

The aim of this study was to characterize the resistance mechanism in four clinical and five intestinal vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium strains with VanB phenotype recovered from unrelated patients confined in two Spanish hospitals and to determine their clonal relationships. MIC values for vancomycin and teicoplanin were 16–32 and 0.5 μg ml−1, respectively. The mechanism of vancomycin resistance, as well as the genetic environment of the implicated gene, was analysed by PCR and sequencing. The vanB2 gene was detected in all nine E. faecium strains and the intergenic vanS
B–Y
B region showed the characteristic mutations of the vanB2 subtype. Two possibly related PFGE patterns, A (seven strains) and B (two strains), were distinguished among these enterococci. The vanX
B–ORFC intergenic region was amplified in the nine strains and two amino acid changes were detected in the protein encoded by the vanX
B gene in strains of pattern A with respect to those of pattern B. The vanB2 gene cluster was integrated into Tn5382 in all nine strains, being pbp5 gene-linked to this transposon. The ant(6′)-Ia, aph(3′)-IIIa and erm(B) genes were also detected in all of the strains. Both isolates with PFGE pattern B contained the esp gene. In summary, vanB2-containing E. faecium strains with indistinguishable PFGE patterns were recovered from seven patients from two Spanish hospitals.
Cytokine secretion profiles of human keratinocytes during Trichophyton tonsurans and Arthroderma benhamiae infections
Authors: Shiraki Yumi , Ishibashi Yoshio , Hiruma Masataro , Nishikawa Akemi , Ikeda Shigaku
Published: August 2006

Dermatophytes cause intractable superficial infections in humans.Arthroderma benhamiae, a zoophilic dermatophyte, triggers severe inflammatory responses in humans, whileTrichophyton tonsurans, an anthropophilic dermatophyte, triggers minimal ones. Cytokines and other factors derived from keratinocytes play important roles in inflammatory and immune responses in the skin. The authors performed anin vitroinvestigation to determine the human keratinocyte cytokine profiles during dermatophyte infection. The human keratinocyte cell line PHK16-0b was infected withA. benhamiaeorT. tonsuransfor 24 h, and the cytokines secreted were analysed using a human cytokine antibody array. Marked differences were observed in the cytokine profiles of the cells infected with the two dermatophytes.A. benhamiaeinfection resulted in the secretion of a broad spectrum of cytokines, including proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and immunomodulatory cytokines. In contrast,T. tonsurans-infected keratinocytes secreted only limited cytokines, including eotaxin-2, interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-16. cDNA microarray analysis confirmed thatA. benhamiaeinfection upregulated genes encoding IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-15, IL-16, IL-17 and interferon (IFN)-γ, whileT. tonsuransinfection upregulated only a few genes, such as those encoding IL-1βand IL-16. RT-PCR demonstrated that infection by both dermatophytes enhanced IL-8 mRNA expression in keratinocytes. These results suggest thatA. benhamiae-induced secretion of several cytokines from keratinocytes may be involved in a severe inflammatory response, and that the limited cytokine secretion from keratinocytes in response toT. tonsuransinfection may result in a minimal inflammatory response in the skin. These cytokine profiles may aid in proving the clinical features of dermatophytosis.
Upstream passage of inanga Galaxias maculatus and redfin bullies Gobiomorphus huttoni over artificial ramps
Authors: Baker C. F. , Boubée J. A. T.
Published: August 2006

The effects of surface type and slope on fish passage over artificial ramps were evaluated for two small diadromous fish species native to New Zealand: the redfin bully Gobiomorphus huttoni and adult and juvenile inanga Galaxias maculatus. Surfaces tested include smooth plastic, sand, gravel (limestone chips 5–20 mm), nylon brush and two plastic moulded cores of ground drainage products Cordrain® and Miradrain®. Slopes of 15° (1:3·7), 30° (1:1·7) and 45° (1:1) were assessed. Slope was the greatest factor influencing successful passage, with the lowest gradient tested (15°) providing the highest passage for both fish species. Most ramps at 45° only allowed the passage of redfin bullies, these fish being capable of ‘climbing’ the wetted margin of the ramps. Because of this climbing ability, redfin bullies were not as affected by the ramp surface, as inanga. Nevertheless, the smooth plastic surface, which resulted in the highest water velocities over the ramps, was un‐passable by either species at slopes >15°. Gravel, the nylon brush and the two plastic moulds provided high passage rates for inanga at gradients of 15 and 30°. At a slope of 45°, Miradrain® was the only surface inanga could pass. Overall, Miradrain® produced the most successful passage for both inanga and redfin bullies, but to maximize passage, slope should not be >15° and a wetted margin is essential for climbing species.
The colour pattern of the caudal fin, a useful criterion for identification of two species of Tilapia and their hybrids
Authors: Nobah C. S. K. , Kouamelan E. P. , N’Douba V. , Snoeks J. , Teugels G. G. , Goore‐Bi G. , Kone T. , Falk T. M.
Published: August 2006

The present work reports on some chromatic characters and their change with size in two species of Tilapia (T. zillii and T. guineensis) and their first generation hybrids. Successful reciprocal hybridizations between T. zillii and T. guineensis were performed in concrete tanks. The hybrids obtained were viable. The colour patterns of the hybrids and their parents were registered during a rearing cycle of 12 months. Between 2 and 13 cm standard length (LS), the hybrids were found to be heterogeneous and three phenotypes were observed. The type (1) phenotype had a fully yellowish caudal fin without dots, the type (2) phenotype had a bicoloured caudal fin with the upper part clear yellowish and the lower part dark yellowish and without dots and the type (3) had a similar bicoloured caudal fin, but with dots. Above 13 cm LS, the hybrid population was homogenous and all specimens had a bicoloured caudal fin with dots. In T. zillii, all specimens >14 cm LS had a greyish caudal fin with dots while all T. guineensis >13 cm LS were characterized by a bicoloured caudal fin without dots. A multivariate analysis of the morphometric and meristic characters did not allow a clear separation of all groups. The study showed that the external morphology of the hybrids was intermediate to that of the parental species.
The effect of external dummy transmitters on oxygen consumption and performance of swimming Atlantic cod
Authors: Steinhausen M. F. , Andersen N. G. , Steffensen J. F.
Published: August 2006

Decreased critical swimming speed and increased oxygen consumption () was found for externally tagged Atlantic cod Gadus morhua swimming at a high speed of 0·9 body length (total length, LT) s−1. No difference was found in the standard metabolic rate, indicating that the higher for tagged cod was due to drag force rather than increased costs to keep buoyancy.
Developmental plasticity in the thermal tolerance of zebrafish Danio rerio
Authors: Schaefer J. , Ryan A.
Published: August 2006

To evaluate developmental plasticity in thermal tolerance of zebrafish Danio rerio, common‐stock zebrafish were reared from fertilization to adult in the five thermal regimes (two stable, two with constant diel cycles and one stochastic diel cycle) and their thermal tolerance at three acclimation temperatures compared. The energetic cost of developing in the five regimes was assessed by measuring body size over time. While acclimation accounted for most of the variability in thermal tolerance, there were also significant differences among fish reared in the different regimes, regardless of acclimation. Fish reared in more variable environments (as much as ±6° C diel cycle) had a greater tolerance than those from non‐variable environments at the same mean temperature. Fish from the more variable environments were also significantly smaller than those from non‐variable environments. These results indicate that the thermal history of individual zebrafish induces irreversible changes to the thermal tolerance of adults.
Migratory patterns and contribution of stocking to the population of European eel in Lithuanian waters as indicated by otolith Sr:Ca ratios
Authors: Shiao J. C. , Ložys L. , Iizuka Y. , Tzeng W. N.
Published: August 2006

Otolith Sr:Ca ratios were examined to evaluate the contribution of the stocked eel Anguilla anguilla elvers, which have been stocked in Lithuanian waters and mixed with naturally recruited eels for several decades, to the native eel population. Stocked eels were identified by the freshwater signature (Sr:Ca ratios <2·24 × 10−3) on the otolith after the glass eel stage. Naturally recruited eels, that had migrated through the North and Baltic Seas, were characterized by an extended seawater and brackish‐water signature (Sr:Ca ratios >3·23 × 10−3) after the glass eel stage. Of 108 eels analysed, 21 eels had otolith Sr:Ca ratio profiles consistent with stocking while 87 showed patterns of natural recruitment. The ages of naturally recruited eels arriving in Lithuanian fresh waters varied from 1 to 10 years, with a mean ± s.d. age of 5·2 ± 2·1 years. Eels from the inland Lake Baluošai were all freshwater residents of stocked origin. Stocked eels, however, accounted for only 20% of the eels from the Curonian Lagoon and 2% of eels sampled in Baltic coastal waters. This finding does not support the hypothesis that the eel fishery in the Curonian Lagoon depends mostly on stocking.
Physical and psychological co‐morbidity in irritable bowel syndrome: a matched cohort study using the General Practice Research Database
Authors: JONES R. , LATINOVIC R. , CHARLTON J. , GULLIFORD M.
Published: August 2006

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common problem known to have a complex relationship with psychological disorders and other physical symptoms. Little information, however, is available concerning physical and psychological comorbidity in irritable bowel syndrome patients studied over an extended period.

Aim

To evaluate physical and psychological morbidity 2 years before and during 6 years after the time of diagnosis in incident cases of irritable bowel syndrome and control subjects.

Methods

A matched cohort study was implemented in 123 general practices using the General Practice Research Database. Irritable bowel syndrome cases (n = 1827) and controls (n = 3654) were compared for 2 years before and 6 years after diagnosis.

Results

The age‐standardized incidence of irritable bowel syndrome in patients over 15 years of age was 1.9 per 1000 in men and 5.8 per 1000 in women. From 2 years before the date of diagnosis, more irritable bowel syndrome cases (13%) than controls (5%) consulted with depression or were prescribed antidepressant drugs. Consultation and prescription rates for anxiety were also higher before diagnosis, and both anxiety and depression remained prevalent up to 6 years after diagnosis. Asthma, symptoms of urinary tract infection, gall‐bladder surgery, hysterectomy and diverticular disease were recorded more frequently in irritable bowel syndrome patients, who were also more likely than controls to be referred to hospital.

Conclusions

People who are diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome experience more anxiety and depression and a range of physical problems, compared with controls; they are more likely to be referred to hospital.
Theory and explanation in child welfare: education and looked‐after children
Authors: Berridge David
Published: August 2006

Empirical child welfare research in England takes insufficient account of wider social theory. Intellectual, professional and political reasons for this are discussed. The implications are considered in relation to one important social problem: the low educational achievement of children looked after by local authorities (‘in care’). It is concluded that the absence of a broader sociological perspective has led to insufficient and simplistic explanations from researchers and policy‐makers of low achievement among looked‐after pupils. It is unwise to rely on official statistics on educational outcome indicators for looked‐after pupils. Previous conceptualization of poor educational performance has been inadequate, and we should refer to low achievement, not ‘underachievement’. The socio‐economic risk factors that are linked with family breakdown and admission to care also predict low educational achievement, such as social class and poverty. Social mobility and transition to adulthood are increasingly problematic in England, making it difficult for care leavers to improve their social position. Parental maltreatment is strongly linked with educational failure. Other countries may do no better than England does. Thus, it is by no means obvious that the care system necessarily jeopardizes looked‐after children’s education.
Interleukin-12 is involved in the enhancement of human natural killer cell activity byLactobacillus caseiShirota
Authors: Takeda K , Suzuki T , Shimada S-I , Shida K , Nanno M , Okumura K
Published: August 2006

We conducted a placebo-controlled, cross-over trial to examine the effect of Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) on natural killer (NK) cell activity in humans. NK cell activity exhibited a declining trend during the period of placebo ingestion, but NK cell activity increased after intake for 3 weeks of fermented milk containing 4 × 1010 live LcS. When human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured in the presence of heat-killed LcS, NK cell activity was enhanced. The ability of LcS to enhance NK cell activity and induce interleukin (IL)-12 production was correlated, and the addition of anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody reduced the enhancement of NK cell activity triggered by LcS. In addition, separation of NK cells from LcS-stimulated monocytes with membrane filter reduced NK cell activity to the intermediate level and almost deprived monocytes of the ability to produce IL-12. These results demonstrate that LcS can enhance NK cell activity in vivo and in vitro in humans, and IL-12 may be responsible for enhancement of NK cell activity triggered by LcS.
De novo expression of MECA‐79 glycoprotein‐determinant on developing B lymphocytes in gut‐associated lymphoid tissues
Authors: Sinha Rajesh K. , Yang Guibin , Alexander Cornelius , Mage Rose G.
Published: August 2006

Rabbit is one of several species that depend on development of B lymphocytes in gut‐associated lymphoid tissues for primary immunoglobulin‐repertoire diversification. The rabbit appendix is an important site of early B‐lymphocyte development. We previously reported that peripheral lymph node addressin detected by monoclonal antibody (mAb) MECA‐79 played a role in recruitment of immature blood‐borne B cells into neonatal rabbit appendix. Here, we report expression of an ∼127 000 MW O‐linked sulphated proteoglycan on developing B cells in appendix and Peyer's patches recognized by the mAb MECA‐79. Binding of the mAb to B lymphocytes was sensitive to enzyme treatment with O‐sialoglycoprotease and expression was partially inhibited by sodium chlorate, a metabolic inhibitor of sulphation. The proportions of MECA‐79+ B lymphocytes gradually increased from < 0·5% at 3 days to > 70% at 6 weeks in appendix and Peyer's patches. The proportions of MECA‐79+ B lymphocytes in spleen and peripheral blood were very low (0·5–2%). However, the MECA‐79 determinant was detected on B cells in splenic germinal centres after immunization. In situ labelling of appendix cells showed that the MECA‐79 determinant was expressed on fluorescein‐labelled B lymphocytes that migrated from appendix into mesenteric lymph nodes. B‐cell MECA‐79 may be involved in interactions with T cells and/or dendritic cells. Alternatively, because we found that lymphatic endothelium in the thymus‐dependent area of appendix, a site for lymphocyte exit, expressed P‐selectin (CD62P), interaction of the MECA‐79 determinant on B cells with CD62P may have a role in the exit of B lymphocytes from rabbit appendix.
Assessing the relationships between contextual factors and research utilization in nursing: systematic literature review
Authors: Meijers Judith M.M. , Janssen Maaike A.P. , Cummings Greta G. , Wallin Lars , Estabrooks Carole A. , Y.G. Halfens Ruud
Published: August 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a systematic literature review examining relationships between contextual factors and research utilization in nursing, examining the strength of these relationships, and mapping the contextual factors to the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services model of research implementation.

Background.  Healthcare organizations have long struggled with how to improve clinical care outcomes. Understanding which contextual factors enhance nursing research utilization may support organizations in creating environments that facilitate the uptake of evidence in nursing practice to improve these outcomes.

Methods.  A search of five electronic bibliographic databases and a manual search of specific journals were conducted for studies that were published in English and examined contextual factors as independent variables and research utilization as the dependent variable from the perspective of nurses working in clinical practice. The studies were assessed for quality of design, sample, measurement and statistical analysis.

Results.  Ten papers met the search criteria. Six contextual factors were identified as having a statistically significant relationship with research utilization, namely the role of the nurse, multi‐faceted access to resources, organizational climate, multi‐faceted support, time for research activities and provision of education. The contextual factors could successfully be mapped to the dimensions of context in the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework (context, culture, leadership), with the exception of evaluation.

Conclusion.  The strength of the relationship between the six contextual factors and research utilization by nurses is still largely unknown as (a) few studies were found of sufficient quality because of methodological limitations and (b) the results in reviewed studies were mixed. More robust methods in future work would yield a better understanding of the full impact of contextual factors on nurses’ use of research.
Night‐to‐night alterations in sleep apnea type in patients with heart failure
Authors: TKACOVA R. , WANG H. , BRADLEY T. D.
Published: August 2006

In patients with heart failure, apnea type can shift overnight from mainly obstructive to mainly central in association with reductions in PCO2 and increases in periodic breathing cycle length, indicative of a fall in cardiac output. We hypothesized that the predominant apnea type could also vary from one night to another in association with alterations in PCO2 and cycle length. We studied 12 men with heart failure in whom the predominant apnea type changed from one night to the next over periods of at least 1 month, and two groups with either predominantly obstructive or central sleep apnea (OSA or CSA) in whom apnea type remained stable over time. In patients with unstable apnea type (n = 12, duration between sleep studies 9.0 ± 4.4 months), PCO2 was significantly lower (37.6 ± 1.6 mmHg versus 41.7 ± 1.9 mmHg, P < 0.01), and cycle length significantly longer (61.9 ± 3.4 s versus 51.0 ± 1.9 s, P < 0.001) during nights with predominantly central than nights with predominantly obstructive apnea. In contrast, in both the stable central (n = 8, duration between sleep studies 11.9 ± 5.3 months) and the stable obstructive (n = 8, duration between studies 6.9 ± 5.2 months) sleep apnea groups, neither PCO2 nor cycle length changed significantly between the baseline and follow‐up sleep studies. We conclude that in some patients with heart failure, OSA and CSA are part of a spectrum of periodic breathing that can shift over time in association with alterations in PCO2, cycle length and probably cardiac function.
Cognitive deficits in narcolepsy
Authors: NAUMANN A. , BELLEBAUM C. , DAUM I.
Published: August 2006

The aim of the investigations was to explore the nature and the severity of cognitive deficits in narcolepsy patients. In two studies, narcolepsy patients were compared with matched control subjects on a range of attention, memory and executive control tasks. Impairments were only observed on attention and executive function tasks which involved higher demands on inhibition or task management abilities whereas relatively routine memory and attention tasks yielded intact performance in narcolepsy patients. The overall pattern of results indicates an executive control deficit in narcolepsy which might be related to a reduction of available cognitive processing resources because of the need for continuous allocation of resources to monitoring and maintenance of vigilance.
Self‐reported sleep duration in Finnish general population
Authors: KRONHOLM ERKKI , HÄRMÄ MIKKO , HUBLIN CHRISTER , ARO ARJA R. , PARTONEN TIMO
Published: August 2006

Self‐reported short or long sleep duration has been repeatedly found to be associated with increased mortality and health risks. However, there is still an insufficient amount of detailed knowledge available to characterize the short and long sleep duration groups in general population. Consequently, the underlying mechanisms potentially explaining the health risks associated with short and long sleep duration are unclear. In the present study, the self‐reported sleep duration in a sample of Finnish general population was studied, and its possible associations with such factors as self‐perceived health, sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, sleep difficulties and daytime concomitants were analyzed. In particular, an effort was made to define mutually statistically‐independent determinants of sleep duration. In the Finnish Health 2000 Survey, a representative sample of 8028 subjects of 30 years of age or older and a sample of 1894 subjects of 18–29 years of age were invited to take part in the health interview and health examination. The participation rate of the study was over 80%. The most important and statistically‐independent determinants of short and long sleep duration were gender, physical tiredness, sleep problems, marital status, main occupation and physical activity. However, in the multivariable model they only accounted for approximately 16% of the variance in sleep duration in short and long sleepers, suggesting multiple sources of variance. The present study also suggests a dose–response like relationship between the sleep duration and many of its determinants within both short and long sleepers. A more detailed analysis of the clinical status of the short and long sleep duration groups is needed to evaluate the possible importance of these findings for health risks associated with sleep duration.
The gastro‐oesophageal common cavity revisited
Authors: Aanen M. C. , Bredenoord A. J. , Samsom M. , Smout A. J. P. M.
Published: August 2006

Abstract  The manometric common cavity phenomenon has been used as indicator of gastro‐oesophageal reflux of liquid or gaseous substances. Using combined pH and impedance recording as reference standard the value of a common cavity as indicator of gastro‐oesophageal reflux was tested. Ten healthy male subjects underwent combined stationary pressure, pH and impedance recording for 4.5 h. After 1.15 h of recording, a reflux‐eliciting meal was consumed. The chi‐squared and Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests were used for the statistical analysis. A common cavity was found in 95 (43%) of the 223 reflux events detected by impedance, while seven common cavities were unrelated to a reflux episode. In 54% of the reflux events detected by impedance without a common cavity, a possible common cavity was obscured by either contractile activity or artefacts of various origin. The types of reflux associated with a common cavity (liquid 60%, mixed 31%, gas 9%) and without a common cavity (liquid 59%, mixed 29%, gas 12%) did not differ, or did the acidity of the reflux episodes (with common cavity: acid 67%; without common cavity: acid 58%). The common cavity is a specific but not a sensitive marker of gastro‐oesophageal reflux. Furthermore, common cavities are not specific for a particular type of reflux.
Electrical stimulation – an evolving concept in the treatment of colonic motor dysfunctions
Authors: Sevcencu C.
Published: August 2006

Abstract  Electrical stimulation of digestive organs is a new approach for the treatment of dismotility‐based diseases affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The most significant advancement in this field has been obtained with stomach stimulation. As a result, a fully implantable stimulation system to treat gastroparesis – the ‘Enterra’ system – is now commercially available. Similarly, electrical stimulation of the colon may become a valuable alternative to drug therapy and surgical procedures in the treatment of colonic motor dysfunctions. Over the past decade, several stimulation patterns to modulate colon motility have been tested in animal and human models. The results of these studies are reviewed here in connection with aspects regarding physiological mechanisms activated by electrical stimulation of the colon.
Evolution of larval host plant associations and adaptive radiation in pierid butterflies
Authors: Braby M. F. , Trueman J. W. H.
Published: August 2006

Butterflies in the family Pieridae (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) feed as larvae on plants belonging primarily to three distantly related angiosperm orders: Fabales (legumes and allied plants), Brassicales (crucifers and related plants containing mustard oil glucosides), and Santalales (‘mistletoes’). However, some utilize plants from 13 other families in a further eight orders. We investigated the evolutionary history of host plant use of the Pieridae in the context of a recent phylogenetic hypothesis of the family, using simple character optimization. Although there is a close association between host plant and butterfly higher classification, we find no evidence for cospeciation but a pattern of repeated colonization and specialization. The ancestral host of the family appears to be Fabaceae or Fabales, with multiple independent shifts to other orders, including three to Santalales. The shift to Brassicales, which contain secondary compounds (glucosinolates), promoted diversification and adaptive radiation within the subfamily Pierinae. Subsequent shifts from crucifers to mistletoes (aerial-stem hemiparasites) facilitated further diversification, and more recent shifts from mistletoes to mistletoe host trees led to exploitation of novel host plants outside the conventional three orders. Possible mechanisms underlying these host shifts are briefly discussed. In the Pierinae, a striking association between host plant, larval and adult behaviour, adult phenotype, and mimicry calls for further research into possible relationships between host specialization, plant chemistry and butterfly palatability.
Urinary Tract Infections due to Mycoplasma canis in Dogs
Authors: ÜLgen M. , ÇEtin C. , ŞEntürk S. , ÖZel A. E. , ÖZdemir Ü.
Published: August 2006

Urine samples were obtained from 100 dogs with symptoms of lower urinary tract disease by cystocentesis and were examined for mycoplasmas. Urinalysis, haematological and biochemical analyses were also performed. Bacteria were isolated from urine in 41 of 100 dogs; Mycoplasma canis was isolated from four of 100 (4%) urine samples and three were pure culture. Selective mycoplasma media were used for isolation. In growth inhibition test, propagation of the four M. canis isolates was inhibited by their specific hyperimmune sera and there was no cross reactivity between isolates and hyperimmune sera of other mycoplasmas. Dogs in which M. caniswas isolated were azotemic. All dogs were treated with enrofloxacin, furosemide, and supportive therapy (fluid therapy, ascorbic acid). In all animals, clinical improvements were observed after treatment.
EXPERIENCE WITH UNIPOLAR RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
Authors: Chen Yi , Kejriwal Nand K. , Smith Julian A. , Goldstein Jacob , Shardey Gilbert C. , Pick Adrian W. , Almeida Aubrey A.
Published: August 2006

Background:  The cut and sew Cox maze procedure for atrial fibrillation (AF), although effective, is not widely used because of technical complexity, prolonged duration and significant risk of postoperative bleeding. This study reviews our experience with the unipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure, which was used to create a modified maze to treat AF.

Methods:  A retrospective review of 31 patients undergoing consecutive cardiac surgery who had concomitant RFA for AF over a 16‐month period was carried out. A Cobra unipolar RFA probe (EPT; Boston Scientific, San Jose, CA, USA) was used to create a standard set of lesions.

Results:  There were 20 men and 11 women (mean age, 66 ± 9 years; range, 48–87 years). AF was continuous in 21 patients and intermittent in 10. The median duration of AF leading up to surgery was 48 months (range, 6 months–20 years). Left atrium was enlarged in 81% of the patients. Operations included mitral valve repair (7 patients), replacement (5), coronary artery bypass (10), aortic valve replacement (1) and combined procedures (8). There were no complications directly attributable to RFA. There were three early deaths. One patient required a permanent pacemaker. Median follow up was 22 months (range, 12–30 months). One patient died 2 years after the operation from a stroke. Cardioversion was attempted in five patients within 3 months of operation and was successful in four. At 2 years following the procedure, the probability of the patient remaining in sinus rhythm was 0.71 ± 0.15.

Conclusion:  Surgical RFA can be carried out as a useful adjunct to conventional cardiac surgery. Although the results were satisfactory in this series, further studies are needed to refine the indication of the procedure and to assess its longer‐term efficacy.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY ASSISTED OSTEODENSITOMETRY IN TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY
Authors: Pandit Salil , Graydon Andrew , Bradley Lyndon , Walker Cameron , Pitto Rocco
Published: August 2006

Background:  Periprosthetic bone remodelling is an important issue in total hip arthroplasty, which can compromise long‐term outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate bone remodelling of the proximal femur with an uncemented hydroxyapatite‐coated taper stem.

Methods:  Twenty‐three patients (27 hips) were included in this study. The mean age of the patients at the index operation was 57.2 years. There were 15 men and 8 women. Bone remodelling was assessed with quantitative computed tomography and the clinical outcome determined using the Harris Hip Scores. The mean preoperative Harris Hip Score was 38 points and at the 1‐year follow up, it was rated 96 points. All hips were radiologically stable.

Results:  At the 1‐year follow up, we found a greater bone‐density loss of the cancellous bone (ranging from 16.7 to 28.2%) compared with the cortical bone (ranging from 5.3 to 7.8%). A strong correlation was found between the low density of the cortical bone at the index operation and a higher loss of bone density at the follow up.

Conclusion:  The newly designed tapered stem showed good clinical and radiological outcomes with a proximal femoral bone loss that compares favourably with other studies.
HYPOXIA AND ANGIOGENESIS IN PANCREATIC CANCER
Authors: Garcea Giuseppe , Doucas Helena , Steward Will P. , Dennison Ashley R. , Berry David P.
Published: August 2006

Background:  Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal of all solid tumours of the gastrointestinal tract. It is characterized by late diagnosis, aggressive local invasion, early metastasis and resistance to chemoradiotherapy. Increasing knowledge regarding the molecular events behind the growth and invasion of pancreatic cancer may lead to new targets for intervention.

Methods:  A search of Pubmed and Medline databases was undertaken using the keywords pancreatic cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, hypoxia, angiogenesis and anti‐angiogenesis therapy.

Results:  Hypoxia is the driving force behind angiogenesis in pancreatic cancers. Research into angiogenesis has shown many different sites that can be targeted by agents such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Conclusion:  Anti‐angiogenic therapy could be an important adjunct to conventional chemotherapy treatment of gastrointestinal neoplasia.
Use of simple load‐independent constraint parameter for prediction of brittle fracture
Authors: NOVÁK J. , LAUEROVÁ D.
Published: August 2006

In this paper, a load‐independent constraint parameter based on T‐stress is suggested for prediction of brittle fracture in the ductile‐to‐brittle transition region under different constraint conditions. This parameter is applied to the results of EU project VOCALIST and in particular to fracture toughness data for pre‐cracked Charpy specimens with deep and shallow cracks (steel A533B specially heat treated to achieve an elevated yield stress). These were obtained from the VOCALIST project in NRI Řež.

In contrast to the usual procedure using a non‐dimensional ratio of T‐stress and yield stress, T/σy, for constraint evaluation, a slightly different parameter is proposed. This is based on the load‐independent ratio of T‐stress and the stress intensity factor KI, T/KI, for prediction of constraint‐dependent brittle fracture. A simple ‘universal’ dependence of constraint correction factor f=Kcmat/Kmat on constraint parameter T/KI seems to accurately describe the behaviour of ferritic steels, provided that ductile crack growth preceding brittle fracture is non‐existent or negligibly small. In the paper, both calibration of the dependence and its verification through independent data for two other ferritic steels are performed.

In addition, a modification of the factor f= 1 +α(−T/σy)m used in the R6 procedure is proposed and leads to a ‘universal’ dependence of fracture toughness ratio Kcmat/Kmat on constraint.

Finally, results of the application of the constraint corrected toughness concept within the Failure Assessment Diagram of the R6 procedure when applied to VOCALIST data are presented.
Attack preference ofIps pinionPinus ponderosain northern Arizona: tree size and bole position
Authors: Kolb T. E. , Guerard N. , Hofstetter R. W. , Wagner M. R.
Published: August 2006

1 The present study investigated the influence of tree size and bole position on selection of ponderosa pines (Pinus ponderosaDougl. ex Laws.) byIps piniSay (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in a northern Arizona forest.Ips piniwere attracted to lower and upper bole positions with pheromone lures, and the number of attacks counted. In addition, tree phloem and bark thickness, resin flow in response to wounding and characteristics of tree water and carbon relations were all measured.

2 Bark thickness was the most strongly related tree characteristic to number ofI. piniattacks. Thin bark and a high number of attacks occurred at the lower bole position of 10‐cm diameter trees and upper bole positions of 23‐, 35‐, and 50‐cm diameter trees.

3 Phloem thickness increased directly with tree size, was greater at the upper bole compared with the lower bole, but was not associated with number of attacks.

4 Resin flow did not differ strongly over tree sizes or bole positions, and was not related to number ofI. piniattacks. Attacks were not related to characteristics of tree carbon and water relations measured duringI. piniflights.
Assessment of anaerobic benzene degradation potential using 16S rRNA gene‐targeted real‐time PCR
Authors: Da Silva Marcio L. B. , Alvarez Pedro J. J.
Published: August 2006

Benzene is a common groundwater pollutant that is often recalcitrant under the anaerobic conditions that prevail at hydrocarbon‐contaminated aquifers. Thus, determining the potential for anaerobic benzene degradation is important to assess the feasibility of intrinsic bioremediation. In this work we developed a 16S rRNA biomarker to estimate the concentration of putative benzene degraders in a methanogenic consortium that has been enriched on benzene for several years. Primers were designed based on phylogenetic information from this consortium. The primers and probe were obtained by sequencing the dominant denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis band of this consortium, which corresponded to Desulfobacterium sp. clone OR‐M2. No hybridization was observed with DNA samples from negative controls (i.e. toluene‐degrading and dehalorespiring methanogenic consortia that do not degrade benzene). Samples from an anaerobic aquifer column that was bioaugmented with this benzene‐degrading consortium showed a strong correlation between benzene degradation activity and the concentration of the target organism. Although our data do not prove that Desulfobacterium sp. is a benzene degrader, its enrichment as a result of benzene consumption and its correlation to anaerobic benzene degradation activity suggest that it either initiates benzene degradation or is a critical (commensal) partner. Therefore, the utility of this primers and probe set to assess anaerobic benzene degradation potential was demonstrated. This is the first report of the use of real‐time quantitative PCR for forensic analysis of anaerobic benzene degradation. Whether this biomarker will be adequately selective and broadly applicable to assess benzene degradation potential under strongly anaerobic (sulfate reducing and methanogenic) conditions will require further research.
Telephonic management of rectal bleeding in young adults – a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Raje D. , Scott M. , Irvine T. , Walshe M. , Mukhtar H. , Oshowo A. , Ingham Clark C.
Published: August 2006

Objective  The majority of young adults referred with rectal bleeding to a colorectal specialist clinic have a very low risk of serious disease such as cancer, and a high chance of gaining symptom relief by simple dietary changes.

To determine whether young low‐risk patients with rectal bleeding can be managed with a structured telephonic interview and dietary advice, rather than an outpatient visit.

Method  A single‐blinded, prospective, randomized controlled trial was performed in two stages. Patients under 40 years with rectal bleeding only were offered inclusion. Part‐I trial: Patients were interviewed on telephone by the colorectal nurse specialist (CNS) and randomized to receive dietary advice (Advice Group) or not (Control Group). All patients were seen in clinic 6 weeks later by a doctor ‘blinded’ to their trial status. Part‐II trial: Patients were interviewed on telephone by the CNS and again randomized to an Advice Group or a Control Group. The Control Group were seen in clinic 6 weeks later. The Advice Group were telephoned again 6 weeks later, and if their bleeding had stopped, were not brought to clinic. All patients were tracked for a year after the study to ensure no adverse diagnoses came to light.

Results  Part‐I trial: 63 of 89 eligible patients were contactable and none refused the study. Seventy per cent of the Advice Group compared with 33% (P = 0.001) of the Control Group had symptomatic improvement when seen in clinic. Approximately 30% of each group required further treatment. Part‐II trial: 54 of 94 eligible patients were contactable. However a further nine declined to enter the trial; 90% of patients in the Advice Group had improved at 6 weeks as judged by telephone interview compared with 56% of patients in the Control Group (P = 0.024) who were seen in clinic. The 90% of patients who improved in the Advice Group did not need to come to clinic to be seen. In both parts of the trial, the CNS identified a small number of patients with urgent symptoms at interview and brought them to clinic. The majority had anal fissures or haemorrhoids although in Part‐II, one patient had ulcerative colitis and one had colorectal cancer.

Conclusion  Telephonic consultation is an effective way of identifying those patients with urgent symptoms among a cohort of young adults referred to the hospital with rectal bleeding. Telephonic dietary advice leads to resolution of rectal bleeding in the majority of patients without urgent symptoms.
Do interventions to limit sedentary behaviours change behaviour and reduce childhood obesity? A critical review of the literature
Authors: DeMattia L. , Lemont L. , Meurer L.
Published: August 2006

We sought to determine whether interventions that emphasize decreasing sedentary behaviours in children and adolescents result in behaviour change and weight control. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify all comparative studies of interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour among children, alone or in combination with other health messages. Two investigators evaluated articles for eligibility and validity. As methods, settings and interventions differ across studies, results were synthesized narratively. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria and provided relevant data. Six targeted clinic‐based populations that were overweight or at risk of overweight, and six were population‐based prevention studies. Approaches varied, but all reduced sedentary behaviour and improved weight indices. An emphasis on decreasing sedentary behaviours is an effective intervention to decrease sedentary behaviours and control weight in children and adolescents.
Explaining the 2005 Coalition Formation Process in Germany: A Comparison of Power Index and Median Legislator Approaches
Authors: Lees Charles , Taylor Andrew
Published: August 2006

The article uses data from the 2005 German Bundestag elections to test the power index (PI) and median legislator (ML) models of coalition formation. The article finds that, while the PI approach is successful in predicting the real-world formation of a Grand Coalition after the election, neither model is sufficient to explain the outcome of the coalition formation process. Nevertheless, the article argues that such formal models are useful in identifying ‘crucial cases’ and in eliminating irrelevant data from explanations. The article concludes by suggesting some methodological routes through which formal models can be harnessed to culturally sensitive, inductive research.
The Polis of Springfield: The Simpsons and the Teaching of Political Theory
Authors: Woodcock Pete
Published: August 2006

When students commence the study of political theory, they often lack the vocabulary necessary for that study and any specific examples of political societies other than their own. As a result, this article examines The Simpsons for examples that might help teachers of political theory to communicate key themes in political thought to undergraduates. In particular, this article suggests that Springfield is a model of a deliberative and participatory democracy, and therefore can be used as a model of these ideals, as well as providing examples of some of the challenges that they may face. In addition, it examines how The Simpsons may be used in teaching Mill's ‘Harm Principle’ and Plato's Republic.
Love and Knowledge: Recovering the Heart of Learning through Contemplation
Authors: Zajonc Arthur
Published: August 2006

The role of contemplative practice in adult education has a long history if one includes traditional monastic education in Asia and the West. Its use in American higher education is, however, more recent and more limited. Nonetheless, on the basis of evidence from surveys and conferences, a significant community of teachers exists at all levels of higher education, from community colleges to research universities, who are using a wide range of contemplative practices as part of their classroom pedagogy. In addition to existing well-developed pedagogical and curricular methods that school critical reasoning, critical reading and writing, and quantitative analysis, this article argues that we also require a pedagogy that attends to the development of reflective, contemplative, affective, and ethical capacities in our students. The significance of these is at least as great as the development of critical capacities in students. The rationale for the inclusion of contemplative modalities is articulated within this context. On the basis of considerable experience in teaching at Amherst College, I present an “epistemology of love,” which emphasizes a form of inquiry that supports close engagement and leads to student transformation and insight. This approach to knowing is implemented in the Amherst College first-year course, Eros and Insight. It includes a specific sequence of contemplative exercises that are practiced by students and integrated with more conventional course content drawn from the arts and sciences. Our experience shows that students deeply appreciate the shift from conventional coursework to a more experiential, transformative, and reflective pedagogy.
Some Thoughts on Teaching as Contemplative Practice
Authors: Seidel Jackie
Published: August 2006

In this article I attempt, through stories and reflections, to give voice to some contemporary experiences, including fears and difficulties, of being a teacher in the early 21st century. I explore the idea that contemplative practices might open paths for negotiating and rediscovering depth, grace, and courage in our work as teachers, in a time when such ways of living are not broadly or politically encouraged. This article thus focuses on ways in which contemplative practices become pedagogical, holding us in the present, in close proximity to the lives of the children we teach, to the places we actually live, and to the current conditions of the world both near and far—these practices, as opposed to distracting and distancing curricula and practices that seem to exist in no place or time, separate from the world, without relations, and with lofty and ungrounded goals located in the future, such as “preparing children to compete in the global economy.” I reflect about ways that the practice of contemplative teaching turns our work into a form of love, memory, and intimacy, reminding us of our deep life relations through time and place, and possibly having incalculable implications for our curriculum interpretation and classroom practices.