bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compatibility of Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis Findings and Clinical Criteria Commonly Used to Distinguish Between True Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcal Bacteremia and Contamination
Authors: Senger Süheyla Serin , Saccozza Mine Erdenizmenli , Yüce Ayşe
Published: July 2007

Objectives.

To evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of the clinical criteria widely used to differentiate true coagulase-negative staphylococcal (CoNS) bacteremia from contamination, using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) as the reference test.

Design.

The study sample consisted of 79 CoNS isolates recovered from cultures of blood from 38 patients. Medical charts of the patients were reviewed for demographic and clinical information. The relatedness of CoNS strains recovered from 2 or more successive blood cultures was analyzed by PFGE. Patients from whom similar strains were recovered were assumed to have true bacteremia, whereas patients from whom different strains were recovered were considered to have contaminated blood cultures. The clinical criteria comprised Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveillance definitions for bloodstream infection (BSI), as well as an alternative criterion based on the presence of fever, the presence of leukocytosis, the absence of another recognized infection, and the recovery of CoNS from 2 or more successive blood cultures.

Results.

Nineteen (50%) of the 38 patients had bacteremia due to similar strains; the remaining patients had bacteremia due to different strains. Criterion 2a of the CDC definition for BSI had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 31.6% for distinguishing between true bacteremia and contamination. CDC criterion 2b had a sensitivity of 78.9% and a specificity of 52.6%.

Conclusions.

Molecular typing correlated poorly with the clinical criteria for true bacteremia. In view of the limited applicability of clinical criteria, more studies are needed to improve them. Periodic cross-sectional studies based on PFGE findings might be useful to estimate local contamination rates in an institution, which in turn can be used to improve the accuracy of the clinical diagnosis of bacteremia.
Molecular Typing of Imipenem-ResistantAcinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticusComplex in a Singapore Hospital Where Carbapenem Resistance Is Endemic
Authors: Tan Thean Yen , Poh Karen , Ng Siew Yong
Published: July 2007

Objective.

To investigate the molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistantAcinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticuscomplex isolates in a tertiary care hospital where the prevalence of carbapenem resistance among these organisms is high.

Design.

The study was a prospective, observational study performed during an 8-month period (May 1 through December 31, 2004).A. baumanniiisolates recovered from all clinical samples during the study period were included in the study. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method, and all carbapenem-resistant strains were typed by a polymerase chain reaction-based typing method.

Setting.

An 800-bed hospital in Singapore.

Results.

More than half of recovered isolates were clonally unrelated, with the remaining isolates grouped into 4 genotypes.

Conclusions.

The results of the study suggest that the high prevalence of carbapenem resistance amongAcinetobacterorganisms in this institution is not caused by the spread of a predominant clone and that other factors may need to be investigated.
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in the Home Care Setting
Authors: Chenoweth Carol E. , Washer Laraine L. , Obeyesekera Kumari , Friedman Candace , Brewer Karolyn , Fugitt Garrett E. , Lark Rebecca
Published: July 2007

Objective.

To describe the rate of infection, associated organisms, and potential risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in patients receiving mechanical ventilation at home.

Design.

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting.

University-affiliated home care service.

Patients.

Patients receiving mechanical ventilation at home from June 1995 through December 2001.

Results.

Fifty-seven patients underwent ventilation at home for a total of 50,762 ventilator-days (mean ± SD, 890.6 ± 644.43 days; range, 76-2,458 days). Seventy-nine episodes of VAP occurred in 27 patients (rate, 1.55 episodes per 1,000 ventilator-days). The first episode of VAP occurred after a mean (±SD) of 245 ± 318.07 ventilator-days. VAP was most common during the first 500 days of ventilation. Rates of VAP were higher among patients who required ventilation for longer daily durations, compared with those who required it for shorter daily durations. There was no association of VAP with age, sex, underlying disease, reason for ventilation, antacid therapy, or steroid use. Microorganisms isolated from 33 episodes of VAP with available culture results included Pseudomonas species (17 isolates), Staphylococcus aureus (11), Serratia species (7), and Stenotrophomonas species (5). Eight patients died during the study; no deaths were attributed to pneumonia.

Conclusions.

Although the organisms associated with VAP in the home setting are similar to those associated with hospital-acquired VAP, the incidence and mortality is much lower in the home care setting. Interventions to reduce the risk of VAP among patients receiving home care should be focused on patients who require ventilation for longer daily durations or who are new to receiving mechanical ventilation at home.
Acute Nosocomial Urinary Tract Infection in Children
Authors: Prelog Martina , Schiefecker Daniela , Fille Manfred , Brunner Andrea , Zimmerhackl Lothar Bernd
Published: July 2007

The spectrum and antimicrobial susceptibilities of pathogens causing acute nosocomial urinary tract infection in hospitalized pediatric patients were revealed to be heterogeneous. Therefore, to avoid the failure of empirical antimicrobial therapy in these patients, underlying disease and previous antimicrobial treatment have to be considered.
Multiple Conserved Domains of the Nucleoporin Nup124p and Its Orthologs Nup1p and Nup153 Are Critical for Nuclear Import and Activity of the Fission Yeast Tf1 Retrotransposon
Authors: Sistla Srivani , Pang Junxiong Vincent , Wang Cui Xia , Balasundaram David
Published: July 2007

The nucleoporin Nup124p is a host protein required for the nuclear import of both, retrotransposon Tf1-Gag as well as the retroviral HIV-1 Vpr in fission yeast. The human nucleoporin Nup153 and the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Nup1p were identified as orthologs of Nup124p. In this study, we show that all three nucleoporins share a large FG/FXFG-repeat domain and a C-terminal peptide sequence, GRKIxxxxxRRKx, that are absolutely essential for Tf1 retrotransposition. Though the FXFG domain was essential, the FXFG repeats themselves could be eliminated without loss of retrotransposon activity, suggesting the existence of a common element unrelated to FG/FXFG motifs. The Nup124p C-terminal peptide, GRKIAVPRSRRKR, was extremely sensitive to certain single amino acid changes within stretches of the basic residues. On the basis of our comparative study of Nup124p, Nup1p, and Nup153 domains, we have developed peptides that specifically knockdown retrotransposon activity by disengaging the Tf1-Gag from its host nuclear transport machinery without any harmful consequence to the host itself. Our results imply that those domains challenged a specific pathway affecting Tf1 transposition. Although full-length Nup1p or Nup153 does not complement Nup124p, the functionality of their conserved domains with reference to Tf1 activity suggests that these three proteins evolved from a common ancestor.
Improved Methods for High‐Throughput Extraction and Assay of Green Barley Malt Proteinase Activity Facilitating Examination of Proteinase Activity Across Large‐Scale Barley Populations
Authors: Schmitt Mark R. , Budde Allen D.
Published: July 2007

We report efficient sample extraction and assay methods allowing quantitative determinations of proteinase activities from barley malt. The improved methods are used to assay >2,200 developmental lines of malting barley for two subsets of proteinase activity. The distributions of the resulting activities suggest differences in population structures between the two types of proteinases. Comparison of the activities of the green malt proteinases with standard malting quality measurements show highly significant correlations that differ between the proteinase subsets. The pH 4.5 hydrolysis of the artificial substrate Z‐Phe‐Arg‐AMC correlates well with the traditional malting quality measurements, supporting the role of cysteine‐class proteinases in mobilization of grain reserves during malting and mashing. Results from assays of gelatin hydrolysis at pH 6.0 suggest that these proteolytic activities may be involved in other aspects of seed C and N dynamics also linked to malting quality measurements. The differences between the pH 4.5 and 6.0 activities assayed here and their association with malting quality measurements suggest different physiological roles for the two proteinase activities in several aspects of seed germination. Either assay could be useful for population surveys, depending on the particular facet of seed metabolism under study.
Triticale Moisture and Protein Content Prediction by Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS)
Authors: Igne B. , Gibson L. R. , Rippke G. R. , Schwarte A. , Hurburgh C. R.
Published: July 2007

The use of near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for the prediction of whole‐grain triticale moisture and protein content was evaluated. Because triticale is genetically close to wheat, commercially available wheat prediction models for Foss Infratec analyzers were applied in a year‐by‐year basis to triticale samples harvested in Iowa between 2002 and 2006. Wheat models were not applicable to moisture prediction (SEPavg = 0.37% pt; expected SEP on wheat samples 0.15% pt), but usable for screening for protein (SEPavg = 0.38% pt; expected SEP on wheat samples 0.25% pt). Dedicated triticale calibrations were developed from 2002 to 2005 data. Prediction results for 2006 samples only were compared. Triticale calibrations performed better than wheat calibrations for 2006 samples (moisture SEPtriticale = 0.29% pt, SEPwheat = 0.50% pt; protein SEPtriticale = 0.30% pt, SEPwheat = 0.68% pt).
The presence of germ cells in the semen of azoospermic, cryptozoospermic and severe oligozoospermic patients: stringent flow cytometric analysis and correlations with hormonal status
Authors: Yeung C. H. , Beiglböck‐Karau L. , Tüttelmann F. , Nieschlag E.
Published: July 2007

Objective  To understand the clinical significance of immature germ cells commonly found in ejaculates with low sperm counts by a novel and stringent flow cytometric quantitative method.

Patients/measurements  A total of 65 azoospermic, 38 cryptozoospermic and 42 severe oligozoospermic patients underwent routine hormone and semen analysis. Cells from each ejaculate were stained for DNA and mitochondria and analysed as spermatozoa (HC), round spermatids (1N), primary spermatocytes (4N) or diploid cells (2N).

Results  About 90% of HC particles were eliminated as contaminants of the spermatozoa population by the analysis of their laser light scatter pattern and mitochondria staining intensity. Ploidy identification accuracy was improved by selection of singlets and elimination of cell aggregates for analysis. Distribution peaks for HC, 1N and 4N cells were displayed in 53%, 56% and 25% ejaculates, respectively, with prevalence in severe oligozoospermia > cryptozoospermia > azoospermia. 1N cell numbers were correlated with 4N and HC cells. For HC and 1N cells, the number/ejaculate and the incidence of distribution peaks were correlated with serum testosterone levels, and inversely with FSH for HC, 1N and 4N cells, suggesting that the abnormal shedding of 1N and 4N germ cells is the consequence rather than the cause of spermatogenic failure in these patients. Ploidy data bear no association with clinical diagnosis except for Klinefelter patients.

Conclusion  Whereas incidence of HC cells in azoospermic ejaculates may suggest minimal spermatogenic activity which evades detection by routine semen analysis, the presence of 1N and 4N cells in semen of patients provides noninvasive information about their spermatogenic status.
Orthopaedic surgery for inhibitor patients: a series of 27 procedures (25 patients)
Authors: RODRIGUEZ‐MERCHAN E. C. , QUINTANA M. , JIMENEZ‐YUSTE V. , HERNÁNDEZ‐NAVARRO F.
Published: July 2007

Summary.  We report on a series of 27 orthopaedic surgical procedures. It includes 20 radiosynoviortheses and seven major orthopaedic procedures, performed on 26 patients. The average age of patients was 36 years (range: 8–53) and the average follow‐up time was 2.5 years (range:1–5). There were 23 good results and four fair. In the synoviorthesis group (20 patients, 20 synoviortheses) the average age was 13.5 years (range: 9–26) and the average follow‐up was 4.5 years (range: 1–7). There were 19 good results and one fair. All synoviortheses were done with activated prothrombin complex concentrates (FEIBA), all the responses being good except in one case (which had the final fair result). The total dose of FEIBA used was 600 IU kg−1, except in a patient that had a haemorrhagic complication. In fact, he required a prolongation of treatment up to a total dose of 2000 IU kg−1. In the group of major orthopaedic procedures, the average age of the six patients was 30.5 years (range: 11–53) and the average follow‐up was 2.5 years (range: 1–5). There were six good results and one fair. Postoperative bleeding complications occurred in one of the seven major orthopaedic procedures performed (arterial pseudoaneurym after a total knee arthroplasty). Despite such complication, which had the final fair result, our study has shown that haemophilic patients with high inhibitor titres requiring orthopaedic surgery can undergo such procedures with a high expectation of success. In other words, orthopaedic surgery is now possible in haemophilia patients with high‐titre inhibitors, leading to an improved quality of life for these patients.
Deletion of the high‐affinity cAMP phosphodiesterase encoded by PDE2 affects stress responses and virulence in Candida albicans
Authors: Wilson Duncan , Tutulan‐Cunita Andreea , Jung WonHee , Hauser Nicole C. , Hernandez Rosa , Williamson Tom , Piekarska Katarzyna , Rupp Steffen , Young Tim , Stateva Lubomira
Published: July 2007

Previously, we have shown that PDE2 is required for hyphal development and cell wall integrity in Candida albicans. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of its deletion by genome‐wide transcriptome profiling. Changes in expression levels of genes involved in metabolism, transcription, protein and nucleic acids synthesis, as well as stress responses, cell wall and membrane biogenesis, adherence and virulence have been observed. By comparing these changes with previously reported transcriptome profiles of pde2Δ mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as well as cdc35Δ, ras1Δ and efg1Δ mutants of C. albicans, conserved and species‐specific cAMP‐regulated genes have been identified. The genes whose transcription is altered upon deletion of PDE2 in C. albicans has also allowed us to predict that the pde2Δ mutant would have a defective ability to adhere to, and invade host cells, and an impaired virulence as well as response to different stresses. Using appropriate assays, we have tested these predictions and compared the roles of the high‐ and low‐affinity cAMP phosphodiesterases, Pde2p and Pde1p in stress, adhesion and virulence. We suggest that phosphodiesterases, and in particular the high‐affinity cAMP phosphodiesterase encoded by PDE2, have real potential as targets for antifungal chemotherapy.
Disease‐specific particles without prion protein in prion diseases – phenomenon or epiphenomenon?
Authors: Liberski P. P. , Brown P.
Published: July 2007

The search for the cause of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) has a long and tortuous history. In a recent paper, 25‐nm virus‐like particles were identified that were consistently observed in cell cultures infected with Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (CJD) and scrapie; they are similar to, or even identical with, the virus‐like tubulovesicular structures (TVS) found in experimental scrapie as early as in 1968, and subsequently in all naturally occurring and experimentally induced TSEs. These particles have been viewed with caution by the scientific community because of the unverified or uninterpretable record of virus‐like structures reported over the years in TSEs. TVS are spherical or tubular particles of approximate diameter 25–37 nm. They are smaller than synaptic vesicles, but larger than many particulate structures of the central nervous system, such as glycogen granules. Their electron density is higher compared with synaptic vesicles, and in experimental murine scrapie, they form paracrystalline arrays. None of these observations distinguish between TVS as an entity critical to the infectious process, or as a highly specific ultrastructural epiphenomenon, but their consistent presence in all TSEs demands further research.
Classical sheep transmissible spongiform encephalopathies: pathogenesis, pathological phenotypes and clinical disease
Authors: Jeffrey M. , González L.
Published: July 2007

Scrapie is a prion disease or transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) of sheep, goats and moufflon. As with its human counterparts, pathology consists of vacuolation, gliosis and accumulations of abnormal forms of a host prion protein (PrPd) in the brain of affected individuals. Immunohistochemical methods can be used to identify both the intracellular truncation sites of PrPd in different cell types (PrPd epitope mapping) and the different morphological patterns of accumulation (PrPd profiling). Differences in the inferred truncation sites of PrPd are found for different strains of sheep TSEs and for different infected cell types within individual strains. Immunochemical methods of characterizing strains broadly correspond to PrPd mapping discriminatory results, but distinct PrPd profiles, which provide strain‐ and source‐specific information on both the cell types which sustain infection (cellular tropisms) and the cellular processing of PrPd, have no immunoblotting counterparts. The cause of neurological dysfunction in human is commonly considered to be neuronal loss secondary to a direct or indirect effect of the accumulation of PrPd. However, in sheep scrapie there is no significant neuronal loss, and relationships between different magnitudes, topographical and cytological forms of PrPd accumulation and clinical signs are not evident. PrPd accumulation also occurs in lymphoid tissues, for which there is indirect evidence of a pathological effect, in the peripheral nervous system and in other tissues. It is generally assumed that neuroinvasion results from infection of the enteric nervous system neurones subsequent to amplification of infectivity in lymphoid tissues and later spread via sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways. The evidence for this is, however, circumstantial. Accumulation of PrPd and presence of infectivity in tissues other than the nervous and lymphoreticular systems gives insights on the ways of transmission of infection and on food safety.
The contribution of mosses to the carbon and water exchange of arctic ecosystems: quantification and relationships with system properties
Authors: DOUMA J. C. , VAN WIJK M. T. , LANG S. I. , SHAVER G. R.
Published: July 2007

Water vapour and CO2 exchange were measured in moss‐dominated vegetation using a gas analyser and a 0.3 × 0.3 m chamber at 17 sites near Abisko, Northern Sweden and 21 sites near Longyearbyen, Svalbard, to quantify the contribution of mosses to ecosystem level fluxes. With the help of a simple light‐response model, we showed that the moss contribution to ecosystem carbon uptake varied between 14 and 96%, with an average contribution of around 60%. This moss contribution could be related to the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of the vegetation and the leaf area index (LAI) of the vascular plants. NDVI was a good predictor of gross primary production (GPP) of mosses and of the whole ecosystem, across different moss species, vegetation types and two different latitudes. NDVI was also correlated with thickness of the active green moss layer. Mosses played an important role in water exchange. They are expected to be most important to gas exchange during spring when leaves are not fully developed.
Allometric analysis reveals relatively little variation in nitrogen versus biomass accrual in four plant species exposed to varying light, nutrients, water and CO2
Authors: BERNACCHI CARL J. , THOMPSON JENNIFER N. , COLEMAN JAMES S. , MCCONNAUGHAY KELLY D. M.
Published: July 2007

Nitrogen concentrations in plant tissues can vary as a function of resource availability. Altered rates of plant growth and development under varying resource availabilities were examined to determine their effects on changes in whole‐plant N use efficiency (NUE). Three species of old‐field annuals were grown at broadly varying light, nutrient and water levels, and four species at varying atmospheric concentrations of CO2. Study results show highly variable N accrual rates when expressed as a function of plant age or size, but similar patterns of whole‐plant N versus non‐N biomass accrual over a wide range of environmental conditions. However, severely light‐limited plants showed increased N versus biomass accrual for two of three species, and severely nutrient‐limited plants had decreased N versus biomass accrual for all species. Whole‐plant N accrual versus age and N versus biomass accrual increased under saturating water for two of three species. A marginally significant, modest decrease in N versus biomass accrual was found at high CO2 levels for two of four species. Physiological adjustments in NUE, expressed as N versus biomass accrual, were limited to environments with severely limited or overabundant resources.
Technical failure of the pancreas after SPK transplant: are these patients good candidates for later pancreas retransplant?
Authors: Wang Shen‐Nien , Sturdevant Mark , Kandaswamy Raja , Gruessner Rainer G.W. , Sutherland David E.R. , Humar Abhinav
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Technical failure of the pancreas graft after a simultaneous pancreas–kidney (SPK) transplant is not uncommon, affecting roughly 10% of SPK recipients. These patients often recover with good kidney function, but have persistent issues related to their diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine if these patients were good candidates for a later pancreas retransplant. Outcomes were compared between 21 PASPK (pancreas after SPK) recipients and 361 recipients of a primary pancreas after kidney (PAK) transplant. Except for kidney graft source, there was no significant difference in the demographic characteristics between these two groups. In general, early surgical complications were more common in PASPK than PAK recipients (47.6% vs. 35.5%, p = 0.15), although the difference was not statistically significant. The incidence of acute rejection was no different between these two groups (28% vs. 33%, p = NS). At three yr post‐transplant, patient and pancreas graft survival rates were also no different between the two groups (p = NS). The most common cause for graft loss in both groups was acute or chronic rejection. In conclusion, pancreas retransplant is a viable option for SPK recipients experiencing early technical failure of the pancreas graft. These recipients are not at higher immunologic risk vs. primary PAK recipients.
Rural public dental practice in Australia: Perspectives of Tasmanian government‐employed dentists
Authors: Cane Rosemary , Walker Judi
Published: July 2007

Objective:  This study sought to describe the perspectives of dentists providing public dental care in the Australian rural state of Tasmania. It sought information on a range of subjects, such as interactions with patients, as a component of baseline studies to improve models of public dental clinical services. It was conducted through a unique partnership between the University of Tasmania (Department of Rural Health) and the State government.

Design:  Semistructured face‐to‐face interviews. Qualitative methods guided collection and analysis with the application of grounded theory as a basis for developing explanatory thematic frameworks.

Setting:  Four regional public dental centres in Tasmania.

Participants:  Government‐employed dentists.

Results:  Three main themes emerged. (i) Wanting autonomy in clinical decisions, although this was often difficult to achieve in the existing circumstances; (ii) social interactive aspects of care, which were related to the dentists' perceptions of the patients' level of interest in oral health; and (iii) the level of demand for urgent episodic care, which was very difficult to manage in the light of the workforce shortage and was seen to impact on continuity of care, efficiency and integration with other health services.

Conclusions:  There are strong indications that expanding the capacity and the flexibility of the workforce will contribute to improved interactions with patients and improve access to a broader range of dental care within public‐sector clinical services.
‘I don’t want to be in that big city; this is my country here': Research findings on Aboriginal peoples' preference to die at home
Authors: McGrath Pam
Published: July 2007

Objective:  The present article provides findings from a two‐year study on Indigenous palliative care conducted in the Northern Territory that explored and documented wishes in relation to place of death for rural and remote Aboriginal people.

Design:  Qualitative, open‐ended interviews, audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed.

Participants:  There were a total of 72 interviews completed with Indigenous patients (n = 10), Indigenous caregivers (n = 19), Indigenous and non‐Indigenous health care workers (n = 41), and interpreters (n = 2).

Results:  The findings provide a clear articulation of the wish of Aboriginal people from rural and remote areas to die at home connected to land and family. Strong cultural reasons were given for this preference, including the strong connection with land and community, a belief in ‘death country’, the importance of passing on sacred knowledge to the appropriate family member, the significance of ensuring that the dying individual's ‘animal spirit’ is able to return to the land, and the imperative that the ‘right person’ in the family network is available to provide the care.

Conclusion:  The strong wish to die at home informs the importance of building up local health and palliative care services and avoiding, where possible, the need for relocation for health care to the major metropolitan hospitals during end‐of‐life care.
Ocular health status of rural dwellers in south‐western Nigeria
Authors: Adegbehingbe Bernice O. , Majengbasan Timothy O.
Published: July 2007

Objective:  To determine the prevalence and causes of ocular morbidity, visual impairment and blindness, and suggest strategies for blindness prevention in a rural population.

Design:  A population‐based cross‐sectional study.

Setting:  Imesi‐Ile, in Obokun local government area of Osun State, Nigeria.

Methods:  All participants had preliminary interview and screening consisting of vision assessment using an illiterate E‐chart and anterior segment hand light examination at their houses. Those who had signs and symptoms of ocular disease were offered comprehensive eye examination at the base hospital, including visual acuity using illiterate E‐chart and refraction, slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, gonioscopy, applanation tonometry and dilated fundus examination as necessary.

Results:  Of the 2201 patients examined, 298 (13.5%) had signs and symptoms of ocular disease. This consisted of 153 male (51.3%) and 145 (48.7%) female patients. Their ages ranged between 8 and 92 years, with a peak age range of 41–70 years (45.6%). Most of them had never seen an eye care specialist for appropriate ophthalmic care. The common eye problems encountered were cataract (48.0%), glaucoma (21.1%), allergic conjunctivitis (16.4%), refractive errors (12.4%), age‐related macular degeneration (0.7%) and corneal opacities (0.7%). Thirty‐two eyes of 27 persons (1.2%) (22 monocular and 5 binocular) were blind by the World Health Organisation definition. Cataract was the leading cause of blindness (44.4%), followed by glaucoma (33.3%), macular degeneration (7.4%), corneal opacity (7.4%), optic atrophy (3.7%) and phthisis bulbi (3.7%).

Conclusion:  A significant proportion (13.5%) of people in this community had ocular diseases which require treatment. The role of primary eye care health workers in a rural community as Imesi‐Ile cannot be overemphasised.
Expression of barley HvCBF4 enhances tolerance to abiotic stress in transgenic rice
Authors: Oh Se‐Jun , Kwon Chang‐Woo , Choi Dong‐Woog , Song Sang Ik , Kim Ju‐Kon
Published: July 2007

C‐repeat/dehydration‐responsive element binding factors (CBF/DREBs) are a family of transcription factors that regulate freezing tolerance inArabidopsis. As a step towards understanding the stress response of monocotyledonous plants, we isolated a barley geneHvCBF4whose expression is induced by low‐temperature stress. Transgenic over‐expression ofHvCBF4in rice resulted in an increase in tolerance to drought, high‐salinity and low‐temperature stresses without stunting growth. Interestingly, under low‐temperature conditions, the maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II in the dark‐adapted state (Fv/Fm, whereFvis the variable fluorescence andFmis the maximum fluorescence) inHvCBF4plants was higher by 20% and 10% than that in non‐transgenic andCBF3/DREB1Aplants, respectively. Using the 60K Rice Whole Genome microarray, 15 rice genes were identified that were activated by HvCBF4. When compared with 12 target rice genes of CBF3/DREB1A, five genes were common to both HvCBF4 and CBF3/DREB1A, and 10 and seven genes were specific to HvCBF4 and CBF3/DREB1A, respectively. Interestingly, HvCBF4 did not activateDip1andLip5, two important target genes of CBF3/DREB1A, in transgenic rice under normal growth conditions, but their expression was enhanced by HvCBF4 under low‐temperature conditions. Our results suggest thatCBF/DREBsof barley act differently from those ofArabidopsisin transgenic rice.
Long‐term weight loss effects on all cause mortality in overweight/obese populations
Authors: Poobalan A. S. , Aucott L. S. , Smith W. C. S. , Avenell A. , Jung R. , Broom J.
Published: July 2007

This systematic review assesses the long‐term effectiveness of weight loss on all cause mortality in overweight/obese people. Medline, Embase and Cinahl were searched (1966–2005). Cohort studies and trials on participants with body mass index ≥25 kg m−2, with weight change and mortality with ≥2‐year follow‐up, were included finally identifying 11 papers based on eight studies. There may be gender differences in the benefits for all cause mortality. The impact of weight loss in men on mortality was not clear with some studies indicating weight loss to be detrimental, while a recent cohort study showed benefits, if it were a personal decision. Other studies with no gender separation had similarly mixed results. However, one study indicated that overweight/obese women with obesity‐related illness, who lost weight intentionally within 1 year, had significantly reduced mortality rates of 19–25%. In contrast, studies of overweight/obese diabetics irrespective of gender showed significant benefit of intentional weight loss on mortality in a meta‐analysis, hazard ratios = 0.75 (0.67–0.83). There is some evidence that intentional weight loss has long‐term benefits on all cause mortality for women and more so for diabetics. Long‐term effects especially for men are not clear and need further investigation.
Six‐ and Twelve‐Month Outcomes among Homeless Youth Accessing Therapy and Case Management Services through an Urban Drop‐in Center
Authors: Slesnick Natasha , Kang Min Ju , Bonomi Amy E. , Prestopnik Jillian L.
Published: July 2007

Research Objective. To evaluate the impact of case management and individual therapy offered through a drop‐in center for homeless youth on substance use, mental health, housing, education, employment, and medical care utilization.

Study Population. All youth (n=172) between the ages of 14–24 who accessed treatment services through an urban, southwestern drop‐in center were included.

Data Source. Semistructured and self‐report questionnaires were administered to youth between October 2002 and April 2005.

Study Design. A repeated measures design was utilized. Youth were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months postbaseline. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to test the hypotheses.

Principal Findings. Statistically significant improvements were found in substance abuse, mental health, and percent days housed up to 12 months postbaseline. Decreased alcohol and drug use was associated with an increase in housing. However, most youth did not acquire permanent housing, and education, employment, and medical service utilization did not significantly change over time.

Conclusions. While treatment offered through drop‐in centers for homeless youth can positively impact homeless youth, policy, funding, and service provision need greater focus, collaboration, and support if youth homelessness is to be successfully addressed.
Oncoproteomics of hepatocellular carcinoma: from cancer markers' discovery to functional pathways
Authors: Sun Stella , Lee Nikki P. Y. , Poon Ronnie T. P. , Fan Sheung‐Tat , He Qing Y. , Lau George K. , Luk John M.
Published: July 2007

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous cancer with no promising treatment and remains one of the most prevailing and lethal malignancies in the world. Researchers in many biological areas now routinely identify and characterize protein markers by a mass spectrometry‐based proteomic approach, a method that has been commonly used to discover diagnostic biomarkers for cancer detection. The proteomic research platforms span from the classical two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) to the latest Protein Chip or array technology, which are often integrated with the MALDI (matrix‐assisted laser‐desorption ionization), SELDI (surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization) or tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). New advances on quantitative proteomic analysis (e.g. SILAC, ICAT, and ITRAQ) and multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT) have greatly enhanced the capability of proteomic methods to study the expressions, modifications and functions of protein markers. The present article reviews the latest proteomic development and discovery of biomarkers in HCC that may provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis and the readiness of biomarkers for clinical uses.
Dofetilide‐Induced Long QT and Torsades de Pointes
Authors: Aktas Mehmet K. , Shah Abrar H. , Akiyama Toshio
Published: July 2007

Dofetilide, a new class III antiarrhythmic agent, has been approved as an antiarrhythmic agent for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Dofetilide selectively inhibits the rapid component of the delayed rectifier potassium current resulting in a prolongation of the effective refractory period. Like other drugs that affect potassium currents, the prolonged QT interval occurring in the patients treated with dofetilide can be complicated by torsades de pointes. We report four cases of dofetilide‐induced QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. We discuss the risk factors for the development of dofetilide‐induced long QT and torsades de pointes and review the current literature.
Relationship between Beat‐to‐Beat Variability of RT‐Peak and RT‐End Intervals in Normal Controls, Patients with Anxiety, and Patients with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Yeragani Vikram Kumar , Berger Ronald , Desai Nagaraj , Bar Karl Juergen , Chokka Pratap , Tancer Manuel
Published: July 2007

Background: Some studies suggest that it is important to take the end of “T” wave to quantify QT‐interval variability, which signifies cardiac repolarization lability, as there is substantial and important information beyond the peak of the T wave on the surface electrocardiogram.

Methods: In this study, we examined the relationship between the variability of beat‐to‐beat RTe (beginning of R‐peak to T‐end) and the variability of RTp (R‐peak to T‐peak) in the following groups: normal controls (n = 26), patients with anxiety (n = 26), and patients with cardiovascular disease with or without diabetes (n = 63). We obtained ECG sampled at 1024 Hz in lead II configuration in supine posture to obtain beat‐to‐beat interbeat interval (R–R) and RT‐interval variability for 256 seconds.

Results: We found significant positive correlations (r = 0.8; P < 0.00001) in normal controls and patients with anxiety between the variability of RTeVI and RTpVI (RTe and RTp variability indices, respectively, corrected for the mean of RTe and RTp and the mean and the variance of R–R). These correlations were also statistically significant in the medically ill group but the r values were much smaller (r = 0.45 in various groups). The slopes were also significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.001). Bland–Altman plots also showed better agreement between the two measures in the controls and patients with anxiety compared to the group with cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions: These findings have methodological implications for studies comparing people with and without overt cardiovascular illness. While RTe or RTp variability index may be used interchangeably in normal controls and some patients with no overt cardiovascular problems, it may be more prudent to use both RTe and RTp variability indices in patients with cardiovascular illness. These indices, especially RTeVI, may provide different information about cardiac repolarization lability. Future studies should address the importance of the relative usefulness of these two measures especially in cardiac patients before and after successful treatment.
Evidence‐based (S3) guidelines for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Nast Alexander , Kopp Ina B. , Augustin Matthias , Banditt Kirstin‐Benita , Boehncke Wolf‐Henning , Follmann Markus , Friedrich Markus , Huber Matthias , Kahl Christina , Klaus Joachim , Koza Joachim , Kreiselmaier Inga , Mohr Johannes , Mrowietz Ulrich , Ockenfels Hans‐Michael , Orzechowski Hans‐Dieter , Prinz Jörg , Reich Kristian , Rosenbach Thomas , Rosumeck Stefanie , Schlaeger Martin , Schmid‐Ott Gerhard , Sebastian Michael , Streit Volker , Weberschock Tobias , Rzany Berthold
Published: July 2007

Abstract  Psoriasis vulgaris is a common and often chronic inflammatory skin disease. The incidence of psoriasis in Western industrialized countries ranges from 1 to 2%. Patients afflicted with severe psoriasis vulgaris may experience a significant reduction in quality of life. Despite the large variety of treatment options available, patient surveys have revealed lack of satisfaction with the efficacy of available treatments and a high rate of non‐compliance.

To optimize the treatment of psoriasis in Germany, the Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft (DDG) and the Berufsverband Deutscher Dermatologen (BVDD) initiated a project to develop evidence‐based guidelines for the management of psoriasis. These resulting Guidelines focus on induction therapy in cases of mild, moderate, and severe plaquetype psoriasis in adults.

The Guidelines include evidence‐based evaluation of the efficacy of all currently available therapeutic options in Germany. In addition, they offer detailed information on how best to administer the various treatments and give information on contraindications, adverse drug reactions, and drug interactions as well as estimates of practicability and cost.

The Guidelines were developed following the recommendations of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft wissenschaftlicher medizinischer Fachgesellschaften (AWMF). The therapeutic recommendations were developed by an expert group and finalized during interdisciplinary consensus conferences.
A sodium ion‐dependent A1AO ATP synthase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus
Authors: Pisa Kim Y. , Huber Harald , Thomm Michael , Müller Volker
Published: July 2007

The rotor subunit c of the A1AO ATP synthase of the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus contains a conserved Na+‐binding motif, indicating that Na+ is a coupling ion. To experimentally address the nature of the coupling ion, we isolated the enzyme by detergent solubilization from native membranes followed by chromatographic separation techniques. The entire membrane‐embedded motor domain was present in the preparation. The rotor subunit c was found to form an SDS‐resistant oligomer. Under the conditions tested, the enzyme had maximal activity at 100 °C, had a rather broad pH optimum between pH 5.5 and 8.0, and was inhibited by diethystilbestrol and derivatives thereof. ATP hydrolysis was strictly dependent on Na+, with a Km of 0.6 mm. Li+, but not K+, could substitute for Na+. The Na+ dependence was less pronounced at higher proton concentrations, indicating competition between Na+ and H+ for a common binding site. Moreover, inhibition of the ATPase by N′,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide could be relieved by Na+. Taken together, these data demonstrate the use of Na+ as coupling ion for the A1AO ATP synthase of Pyrococcus furiosus, the first Na+ A1AO ATP synthase described.
Effect of black bean aphid,Aphis fabae, on transpiration, stomatal conductance and crude protein content of faba bean
Authors: Shannag Hail K.
Published: July 2007

This study was initiated to investigate effects of damage by 0, 5 and 10 aphids/plant on the physiology of faba bean plants throughout different feeding periods and at two plant development stages. Immediately following removal ofAphis fabae, measurements showed 84–229% increase in transpiration rate. These changes were proportional to the number of aphids and infestation duration. Injury byA. fabaecaused the stomatal conductance to be much higher in the leaves of infested plants. Leaf stomatal conductance of the infested plants increased significantly by 51–224% depending on initial aphid densities and feeding intervals. This increase was proportional to the infestation level for each date. Length of infestation period and plant growth stage seemed to have no clear effect on stomatal apertures. Aphid feeding caused a damage of about 7–33% of crude protein levels in the leaf tissue. This reduction increased with increasing infestation levels and time, except for 28‐day‐old plants on 28 days. The physiological effects of aphid feeding on water vapour and chemical composition of damaged leaves are particularly serious when the population is high.
Food attraction and population growth of fungivorous nematodes with different fungi
Authors: Hasna M.K. , Insunza V. , Lagerlöf J. , Rämert B.
Published: July 2007

Food attraction of the fungivorous nematodes Aphelenchus avenae and Aphelenchoides spp. to seven fungal species (Pyrenochaeta lycopersici, Botrytis cinerea, Rhizoctonia solani strains AG 3 and AG 2‐1, Verticillium dahliae, Pochonia bulbillosa, Mortierella hyalina and Trichoderma harzianum) was determined on agar plates by counting the number of test nematodes present on the mycelium of each fungus 24 h after inoculation. Population growth of A. avenae and Aphelenchoides spp. on five of the seven fungi included in the attraction test (P. lycopersici, R. solani strain AG 3, V. dahliae, P. bulbillosa and T. harzianum) was also determined on agar plates by counting nematode numbers every week during a 6‐week period. A. avenae and Aphelenchoides spp. were attracted to all the fungi tested. A. avenae was preferentially attracted to V. dahliae (P < 0.0001), and Aphelenchoides spp. did not show any preference except for low attraction to R. solani. A. avenae and Aphelenchoides spp. reproduced on all fungal species tested. After 6 weeks of incubation, the highest number of nematodes was found on P. lycopersici and P. bulbillosa, while the lowest number occurred on R. solani for A. avenae and on T. harzianum for Aphelenchoides spp. The suitability of a fungus as a host was not clearly related to the attraction to that fungus.
STORAGE QUALITY AND SHELF LIFE OF VACUUM‐PACKAGED EXTENDED CHICKEN PATTIES
Authors: KUMAR R.R. , SHARMA B.D. , KUMAR MANISH , CHIDANANDAIAH  , BISWAS A.K.
Published: July 2007

The storage quality and shelf life of chicken patties prepared from spent hen meat with replacement of lean at preoptimized levels of three unconventional nonmeat extenders (1:1 hydration), namely 5% sorghum flour, 10% barley flour and 5% pressed rice flour along with the control group, were subjected to test. The samples from vacuum‐packaged, refrigerated stored (4 ± 1C) product were analyzed on a weekly interval for 42 days for different physicochemical, microbiological and sensory parameters. The pH, extract release volume as well as thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances value being comparable to its day 0 value in early stage decreased significantly (P < 0.05) on subsequent storage without any noticeable defects even on day 42. The total plate, psychrophiles, anaerobes and lactic acid bacteria count increased significantly (P < 0.05) at subsequent storage interval after their detection on days 0, 28, 28 and 35 days, respectively, but all these counts remained within the permissible limits even at the end of storage period. The scores of all treatment groups for appearance, juiciness and texture with exception of control were comparable throughout the storage period, while the flavor and overall acceptability scores were comparable up to day 28 only for most of the treatment groups followed by a significant decline (P < 0.05) subsequently. The patties with 10% extension with barley flour had comparatively better stability and sensory scores throughout the storage period. These findings indicated that chicken patties extended with sorghum (5%), barley (10%) and pressed rice (5%) flour were acceptable in terms of physicochemical, microbiological and sensory qualities during 42 days of refrigerated storage (4 ± 1C) under vacuum packaging.
A COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF DIETARY CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID CONTENTS, CHOLESTEROL, LIPID OXIDATION AND DRIP LOSS IN PORK LOIN AND CHICKEN BREAST
Authors: HUR SUN JIN , PARK GU BOO , JOO SEON TEA
Published: July 2007

The effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on CLA contents, cholesterol, lipid oxidation and water‐holding capacity were investigated. A total of 40 pigs and broilers were fed a diet containing 0, 1, 2.5 or 5% CLA for 4 weeks. Pork loin and chicken breast were collected at 24 h postmortem. The pork loin and chicken breast were packaged aerobically and stored at 4C for 7 days. The CLA contents of pork loin and chicken breast were significantly increased by dietary CLA (P < 0.05). The CLA contents of chicken breast were higher than those of pork loin in all CLA dietary groups. The cholesterol contents of chicken breast were significantly lower than those of controls (P < 0.05); however, no significant difference was found between 2.5 and 5% CLA dietary groups. In pork loin, cholesterol contents were not significantly different among the CLA dietary groups. Thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances values of pork loin were significantly lower than those of controls (P < 0.05), although no significant difference was found among CLA dietary groups. Drip loss was not changed by dietary CLA in both pork loin and chicken breast irrespective of dietary CLA levels. However, drip loss of pork loin was higher than those of chicken breast.