bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a remote drafting system for regulating sheep access to supplement
Authors: Bowen M. K. , Pepper P. M. , McPhie R. C. , Winter M. R.
Published: March 2009

Remote drafting technology now available for sheep makes possible targeted supplementation of individuals within a grazing flock. This system was evaluated by using 68 Merino wethers grazing dry-season, native Mitchell grass pasture (predominantly Astrebla spp.) as a group and receiving access to lupin grain through a remote drafter 0, 1, 2, 4 or 7 days/week for 8 weeks. The sole paddock watering point was separately fenced and access was via a one-way flow gate. Sheep exited the watering point through a remote drafter operated by solar power and were drafted by radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, according to treatment, either back into the paddock or into a common supplement yard where lupins were provided ad libitum in a self-feeder. Sheep were drafted into the supplement yard on only their first time through the drafter during the prescribed 24-h period and exited the supplement yard via one-way flow gates in their own time. The remote drafter operated with a high accuracy, with only 2.1% incorrect drafts recorded during the experimental period out of a total of 7027 sheep passes through the remote drafter. The actual number of accesses to supplement for each treatment group, in order, were generally less than that intended, i.e. 0.02, 0.69, 1.98, 3.35 and 6.04 days/week. Deviations from the intended number of accesses to supplement were mainly due to sheep not coming through to water on their allocated day of treatment access, although some instances were due to incorrect drafts. There was a non-linear response in growth rate to increased frequency of access to lupins with the growth rate response plateauing at ~3 actual accesses per week, corresponding to a growth rate of 72.5 g/head.day. This experiment has demonstrated the application of the remote drafting supplementation system for the first time under grazing conditions and with the drafter operated completely from solar power. The experiment demonstrates a growth response to increasing frequency of access to supplement and provides a starting point with which to begin to develop feeding strategies to achieve sheep weight-change targets.
Sire and growth-path effects on sheep meat production. 3. Fascicular structure of lamb loin muscle (m. longissimus lumborum) and the impact on eating quality
Authors: Allingham P. G. , Barris W. , Reverter A. , Hilsenstein V. , van de Ven R. , Hopkins D. L.
Published: March 2009

The effects of sire genetics and growth path on the fascicular structure (FS) of lamb loin muscle (m. longissimus lumborum; LL) and the consequences for eating quality were studied in progeny (n = 299) of 20 Poll Dorset sires and Merino ewes. Sires were selected on the basis of their Australian sheep breeding values (ASBV) for post-weaning growth (PWWT), loin eye muscle depth (PEMD) and subcutaneous fat (PFAT). Growth of lambs was varied by time of weaning (early or late) and by feeding level within weaning group, where lambs were either fully fed throughout or were feed restricted for 55 days then re-alimented to achieve liveweight of ~45 kg at slaughter. The FS variables were determined in differentially stained histological sections of LL by using automated image segmentation and circle geometry methodology and were defined as percentage connective tissue, perimysial seam thickness and fascicular width. Sire ASBV was not a significant covariate to measures of FS, despite ASBV-related effects on growth, carcass leanness and fatness. Independent of weaning time, faster growth was induced by re-alimentation of feed-restricted lambs, resulting in LL with less connective tissue as a percentage of cross-sectional area and larger fascicles than for fully fed peers. The direction of the perimysial seam thickness response varied with treatment and time of weaning. Rapid growth of re-alimented early weaned restricted lambs resulted in thinner seams than for fully fed peers, whereas the opposite response was observed in the late-weaned lamb contrast. This suggests that the weight and age of the lamb at the time of nutritional compromise and re-alimentation are important factors in determining the thickness of perimysial connective-tissue seams. Whilst the evidence confirms differential accretion of the myofibrillar and connective tissues and despite reports of positive effects on tenderness brought about by such changes, variation in structural measures was not associated with variation in either objective measures (compression) or sensory scores for tenderness of the loin muscle. The data from the present study support the tenet that rapid growth before slaughter, combined with appropriate sire genetics, will not compromise the physical characteristics and sensory qualities of the meat.
Influence of dicyandiamide on nitrogen transformation and losses in cow-urine-amended soil cores from grazed pasture
Authors: Singh Jagrati , Saggar S. , Bolan N. S.
Published: March 2009

In New Zealand, urine deposited by grazing animals represents the largest source of nitrogen (N) losses, as gaseous emissions of ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O), and leaching of nitrate (NO3−).We determined the effect of dicyandiamide (DCD) on gaseous emissions from pasture with increasing rates of urine-N application, mineral N transformations and potential leaching of N using undisturbed soil cores of Manawatu sandy loam at field capacity. The treatments included four levels of urine-N applied at 0 (control), 14.4, 29.0 and 57.0 g N/m2 with and without DCD at 2.5 g/m2. Results showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in NH3 and N2O-N emissions as urine application was increased. The addition of DCD to corresponding urine treatments reduced N2O emissions by 33, 56 and 80%, respectively. The addition of DCD with urine to the intact soil cores at field capacity moisture content resulted in a significant increase in the soil ammonium-N (NH4+-N) concentration but little change in NH3 emissions. Addition of DCD to urine reduced potential NO3−-N leaching by 60–65% but potential NH4+-N leaching increased by 2–3.5 times. There was no difference in pasture dry matter production with and without DCD treatments.
Grazing behaviour and pattern of intake of dairy cows grazing kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) grass pastures in relation to sward height and length of grazing session
Authors: Dobos R. C. , Fulkerson W. J. , Sinclair K. , Hinch G. N.
Published: March 2009

To investigate how grazing time, herbage dry matter intake (DMI) and intake rate (IR) are influenced by intensive grazing management, dairy cows strip-grazing subtropical grass pastures (Pennisetum clandestinum) at two compressed sward heights (10 and 13 cm) and at five grazing durations (1, 2, 4, 8 and 15 h) and replicated over 3 days were studied. The study was conducted in summer and the cows were observed every 20 min from 1600 to 0700 hours to calculate the time spent (min/h) grazing, ruminating and resting. Total time spent grazing was 45 min longer for cows grazing the 13-cm sward than for those grazing the 10-cm sward over the 15-h grazing period. The rate of increase in grazing time was 0.64 h/h grazing duration up to 4 h after introduction to fresh pasture. IR of cows grazing the 13-cm sward was significantly higher than those grazing the 10-cm sward (0.17 v. 0.12 kg DM/min spent grazing). The difference in IRs between sward height treatments resulted from the higher DMI in the 13-cm sward within the first 4 h of grazing compared with the 10-cm sward, although following the first 4-h grazing period IR was similar for both sward heights. Grazing time increased with sward height up to a maximum of 4 h after introduction to fresh pasture and had also maximised herbage DMI by this time. These results have important practical implications for dairy cow grazing management systems because they show that dairy managers could remove cows after 4 h with little compromise in production and will help in developing optimum supplementary feeding strategies when pasture availability limits DMI.
Improving growth performance of finisher pigs with high fat diets
Authors: Collins C. L. , Philpotts A. C. , Henman D. J.
Published: March 2009

A total of 1296 pigs (Large White × Landrace) were selected at 16 weeks of age and used to investigate the effects of supplemental dietary fat concentration on finisher growth performance. Pigs were selected at an average weight of 64.0 kg and allocated to a 2 × 6 factorial experiment with the respective factors being sex (entire male and female) and supplemental dietary fat concentration (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6% added tallow). All pigs were offered the respective diets ad libitum from 16 weeks of age through to slaughter at 21 weeks of age. Over the entire 5-week period, feed : gain ratio improved linearly with increasing supplemental fat concentration (P < 0.001), reducing from 2.60 to 2.44 with an increase in dietary fat concentration from 1 to 6%. Improvements in daily gain were more pronounced during the initial 14-day feeding period, increasing linearly (P = 0.002) from 844 g/day (1% fat) to 942 g/day (6% fat). Carcass weight also improved linearly (P = 0.009), increasing from 74.1 kg (1% fat) to 75.8 kg (6% fat). A greater response was observed in the males, with an increase in supplemental fat concentration from 1 to 6% improving daily gain by 7%, reducing the feed: gain ratio from 2.55 to 2.31 and improving profit per pig by AU$4.17. The effects of increasing dietary fat concentration were more moderate in females, with potential profit increases of AU$1.47. These results suggest that adding up to 6% supplemental fat to finisher diets improves profit under Australian conditions, with the benefits greater in male than female pigs. The economic impact of such a feeding strategy will, however, depend on the pig’s genetic propensity for fat deposition and the pricing system in which the pigs are sold.
Distinction and characterisation of submergence tolerant and sensitive rice cultivars, probed by the fluorescence OJIP rise kinetics
Authors: Sarkar Ramani Kumar , Panda Debabrata
Published: March 2009

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants experience multiple abiotic stresses when they are submerged. In addition to the effects of submergence on gas exchange, water also creates shading of submerged plants. It is believed that responses to submergence are actually responses to low light stress, although during complete submergence in addition to low light other environmental factors like reduce movement of gases affect the plant growth, and therefore, the consequences of submergence are not always alike to shade. We monitored the extent to which shade and submergence change the plant height, chlorophyll a fluorescence characteristics and CO2 photosynthetic rate in three Indica rice cultivars, namely Sarala, Kalaputia and Khoda, which differed in submergence tolerance. There were both similarities and dissimilarities between the consequence of shade and submergence on rice plants. Under shade conditions, elongation growth was greater in submergence tolerant cultivars than the sensitive cultivar, whereas elongation growth was greater under submergence in sensitive cultivar. The reduction in chlorophyll content, damage to PSII, and decrease in CO2 photosynthetic rate was more notable under submergence than the shade conditions. Our results show that several JIP-test parameters clearly distinguish between submergence tolerant and sensitive cultivars, and responses to submergence among different rice cultivars differ depending on their sensitivity to submergence. There were different interactions between cultivar and shade (~low light) and cultivar and submergence.
Systemic effects on leaf glutathione metabolism and defence protein expression caused by esca infection in grapevines
Authors: Valtaud Christophe , Foyer Christine H. , Fleurat-Lessard Pierrette , Bourbouloux Andrée
Published: March 2009

Esca is a devastating disease of Vitis vinifera L., caused by fungal pathogen(s) inhabiting the wood. The pathogens induce symptoms in the foliage, which are associated with structural and biochemical changes in leaves. The present study was undertaken to examine the effects of the disease on leaf glutathione metabolism in field-grown plants. The glutathione pool decreased and defence proteins such as PR-proteins and chitinases were expressed in the leaves before the appearance of visible symptoms in esca-infected canes. Glutathione depletion was increased as the disease developed in the leaves. The ratio of glutathione disulfide (GSSG) to the total glutathione pool was slightly decreased in leaves without visible symptoms, but it was significantly increased as the disease progressed. The abundance of γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-ECS) transcripts and of γ-ECS protein was greatly decreased in leaves exhibiting esca symptoms. Although glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase transcripts were largely unchanged by the spread of the esca disease, leaf glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities, the amounts of mRNAs encoding GSTU1 and GSTF2 and the abundance of the GSTU1 and GSTF2 proteins were highest at the early stages of infection and then decreased as visible symptoms appeared in the leaves. The GSTF2 protein, which was more abundant than GSTU1, was found in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm, whereas the GSTU1 protein was found largely in the plastids. These data demonstrate that the fungi involved in the esca disease induce pronounced systemic effects in the leaves before the appearance of visible damage. We conclude that the expression of GSTs, the extent of glutathione accumulation and the ratio of GSSG to total glutathione are early indicators of the presence of the esca disease in grapevine canes and thus these parameters can be used as stress markers in field-grown vines.
Wound Healing Activity of Topical Application Forms Based on Ayurveda
Authors: Datta Hema Sharma , Mitra Shankar Kumar , Patwardhan Bhushan
Published: March 2009

The traditional Indian medicine—Ayurveda, describes various herbs, fats, oils and minerals with anti‐aging as well as wound healing properties. With aging, numerous changes occur in skin, including decrease in tissue cell regeneration, decrease in collagen content, loss of skin elasticity and mechanical strength. We prepared five topical anti‐aging formulations using cow ghee, flax seed oil, Phyllanthus emblica fruits, Shorea robusta resin, Yashada bhasma as study materials. For preliminary efficacy evaluation of the anti‐aging activity we chose excision and incision wound healing animal models and studied the parameters including wound contraction, collagen content and skin breaking strength which in turn is indicative of the tissue cell regeneration capacity, collagenation capacity and mechanical strength of skin. The group treated with the formulations containing Yashada bhasma along with Shorea robusta resin and flax seed oil showed significantly better wound contraction (P < .01), higher collagen content (P < .05) and better skin breaking strength (P < .01) as compared to control group; thus proposing them to be effective prospective anti‐aging formulations.
Predicting hospitalization due to worsening heart failure using daily weight measurement: analysis of the Trans‐European Network‐Home‐Care Management System (TEN‐HMS) study
Authors: Zhang Jufen , Goode Kevin M. , Cuddihy Paul E. , Cleland John G.F. ,   on behalf of the TEN‐HMS Investigators
Published: March 2009

Aims

We sought to test the utility of weight gain algorithms to predict episodes of worsening heart failure (WHF) using home‐telemonitoring data collected as part of the TEN‐HMS study.

Methods and results

Simple rule‐of‐thumb (RoT) algorithms (i.e. 3 lbs in 1 day and 5 lbs in 3 days) and a moving average convergence divergence (MACD) algorithm were compared. WHF was defined as hospitalization for WHF or worsening of breathlessness or leg oedema. Of 168 patients, 45 were hospitalized with WHF and 76 were hospitalized for other reasons. On average, weight gain occurred in the 14 days prior to WHF hospitalizations but not in the 14 days prior to non‐WHF hospitalizations [1.9 ± 4.7 lbs (0.9 ± 2.1 kg) vs. −0.4 ± 2.5 lbs (−0.2 ± 1.1 kg),P< 0.0001]. The true alerts rate was higher for the RoT algorithms compared with the MACD (58 and 65% vs. 20%). However, the RoT algorithms had much higher false alert rates (54 and 58% vs. 9%) rendering them of little practical use for predicting WHF events.

Conclusion

A MACD algorithm is more specific but less sensitive than RoT when trying to predict episodes of WHF based on daily weight measurements. However, many episodes of WHF do not appear to be associated with weight gain and therefore telemonitoring of weight alone may not have great value for heart failure management.
Advances in herring biology: from simple to complex, coping with plasticity and adaptability
Authors: Geffen Audrey J.
Published: March 2009

Geffen, A. J. 2009. Advances in herring biology: from simple to complex, coping with plasticity and adaptability. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 1688–1695. At least two centuries of investigations on herring have been absorbed by scientific journals, and applied and basic research has produced groundbreaking concepts in fisheries, population biology, and marine ecology. By the 1970s, a firm understanding of herring biology formed the basis for more sophisticated research. At that point, herring populations had been delineated, and their migration patterns described. The reproduction and early stage biology were characterized in ways that could be applied to fisheries management. However, over the subsequent four decades, new approaches and technology overturned many of the earlier findings. Behavioural studies revealed a repertoire of patterns that extended the concept of schooling, and genetic analyses showed high levels of stock mixing. Application of otolith analysis to larval, juvenile, and adult fish revealed the scope of plasticity in growth and life-history strategies. Developments in physiological research have revealed that herring are not “primitive”, as once believed, but highly adaptable in their nutrition and metabolism. These advances fundamentally changed our view of herring, and the resulting challenge is to synthesize current knowledge to help explain the significance of adaptability and plasticity in its flexible life history.
Does Low-dose Droperidol Administration Increase the Risk of Drug-induced QT Prolongation and Torsade de Pointes in the General Surgical Population?
Authors: Nuttall Gregory A. , Eckerman Karen M. , Jacob Kelly A. , Pawlaski Erin M. , Wigersma Susan K. , Marienau Mary E. Shirk , Oliver William C. , Narr Bradly J. , Ackerman Michael J.
Published: March 2009

Background

The US Food and Drug Administration issued a black box warning regarding the use of droperidol and the potential for torsade de pointes (TdP).

Methods

The primary objective of this retrospective study was to determine whether low-dose droperidol administration increased the incidence of TdP in the general surgical population during a 3-yr time period before and after the Food and Drug Administration black box warning. A random sample of 150 surgical patients during each time interval was selected to estimate the droperidol use for each time period.

Results

During the time period before the black box warning (July 1, 1998 to June 30, 2001), 2,321/139,932 patients (1.66%) had QT prolongation, TdP, or death within 48 h after surgery. We could identify no patients who clearly developed TdP before the black box warning. There was one patient for whom the cause of death could not positively be ruled out as due to TdP. In the time period after the black box warning (July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2005), 2,207 patients (1.46%) had documented QT prolongation, TdP, or death within 48 h after surgery, including only two cases (<0.1%) of TdP. The incidence of droperidol exposure was approximately 12% (exact 95% confidence interval, 7.3-18.3%) before the black box warning and 0% after placement of the black box warning on droperidol. Therefore, we estimate that approximately 16,791 patients (95% confidence interval, 10,173-25,607) were exposed to droperidol, none of whom experienced documented TdP.

Conclusions

This indicates that the Food and Drug Administration black box warning for low dose droperidol is excessive and unnecessary.
Activation of a G Protein–coupled Inwardly Rectifying K+Current and Suppression of I hContribute to Dexmedetomidine-induced Inhibition of Rat Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus Neurons
Authors: Shirasaka Tetsuro , Kannan Hiroshi , Takasaki Mayumi
Published: March 2009

Background

Alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist has been reported to produce inhibition of arginine vasopressin release, diuresis, and sympatholytic effects. However, its mechanisms of central action remain incompletely understood. Hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neurons, which are in direct contact with noradrenergic synapses and are controlled by the hyperpolarization-activated currents, are called Ih (H current). The effect of dexmedetomidine, a highly selective and potent agonist, at alpha2 adrenoceptors on Ih is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of dexmedetomidine on the PVN neuron, which is involved in the arginine vasopressin release and autonomic regulation.

Methods

The authors investigated the effects of dexmedetomidine on the membrane properties in PVN magnocellular neurons and an Ih in PVN parvocellular neurons with a whole cell patch clamp technique using a rat brain slice preparation.

Results

Dexmedetomidine dose-dependently hyperpolarized PVN magnocellular neurons. In the voltage clamp mode, dexmedetomidine induced an outward current, with a reversal potential of -94 mV, and this was shown to depend on the external concentration of K. Pretreatment with Ba or peptide toxin tertiapin blocked hyperpolarization induced by dexmedetomidine. The effect of dexmedetomidine was blocked by an alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine. Ih was suppressed dose dependently by dexmedetomidine in PVN parvocellular neurons. Pretreatment with Cs occluded the Ih suppression by dexmedetomidine. Yohimbine blocked the Ih suppression by dexmedetomidine. The Ih sensitive to dexmedetomidine was weakly modulated by intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate.

Conclusions

Dexmedetomidine inhibited PVN magnocellular neurons by activation of the G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K current and inhibited PVN parvocellular neurons by suppression of Ih.
Novices Ventilate and Intubate Quicker and Safer via Intubating Laryngeal Mask Than by Conventional Bag–Mask Ventilation and Laryngoscopy
Authors: Timmermann Arnd , Russo Sebastian G. , Crozier Thomas A. , Eich Christoph , Mundt Birgit , Albrecht Bjoern , Graf Bernhard M.
Published: March 2009

Background

Because airway management plays a key role in emergency medical care, methods other than laryngoscopic tracheal intubation (LG-TI) are being sought for inadequately experienced personnel. This study compares success rates for ventilation and intubation via the intubating laryngeal mask (ILMA-V/ILMA-TI) with those via bag-mask ventilation and laryngoscopic intubation (BM-V/LG-TI).

Methods

In a prospective, randomized, crossover study, 30 final-year medical students, all with no experience in airway management, were requested to manage anesthetized patients who seemed normal on routine airway examination. Each participant was asked to intubate a total of six patients, three with each technique, in a randomly assigned order. A task not completed after two 60-s attempts was recorded as a failure, and the technique was switched.

Results

The success rate with ILMA-V was significantly higher (97.8% vs. 85.6%; P < 0.05), and ventilation was established more rapidly with ILMA-V (35.6 +/- 8.0 vs. 44.3 +/- 10.8 s; P < 0.01). Intubation was successful more often with ILMA-TI (92.2% vs. 40.0%; P < 0.01). The time needed to achieve tracheal intubation was significantly shorter with ILMA-TI (45.7 +/- 14.8 vs. 89.1 +/- 23.3 s; P < 0.01). After failed LG-TI, ILMA-V was successful in all patients, and ILMA-TI was successful in 28 of 33 patients. Conversely, after failed ILMA-TI, BM-V was possible in all patients, and LG-TI was possible in 1 of 5 patients.

Conclusion

Medical students were more successful with ILMA-V/ILMA-TI than with BM-V/LG-TI. ILMA-TI can be successfully used when LG-TI has failed, but not vice versa. These results suggest that training programs should extend the ILMA to conventional airway management techniques for paramedical and medical personnel with little experience in airway management.
Kvβ1.3 Reduces the Degree of Stereoselective Bupivacaine Block of Kv1.5 Channels
Authors: Arias Cristina , Guizy Miriam , David Miren , Marzian Stefanie , González Teresa , Decher Niels , Valenzuela Carmen
Published: March 2009

Background

Kvbeta1.3 subunit modifies the gating and the pharmacology of Kv1.5 channels, decreasing their sensitivity to block induced by drugs, suggesting that Kvbeta1.3 competes with them for a binding site at Kv1.5 channels.

Methods

Currents generated by the activation of Kv1.5 and Kv1.5 + Kvbeta1.3 channels expressed in HEK293 cells and Xenopus oocytes were recorded by using whole cell patch clamp and voltage clamp techniques.

Results

Block of Kv1.5, but not that produced on Kv1.5 + Kvbeta1.3 channels, was voltage dependent. In both channels, bupivacaine block was time dependent. R(+)- and S(-)-bupivacaine blocked Kv1.5 with IC50 4.4 +/- 0.5 microM (n = 15) and 39.8 +/- 8.2 microM (n = 16; P < 0.05), respectively. These values increased fourfold for R(+)-bupivacaine (17.2 +/- 2.2 microM) and twofold for S(-)-bupivacaine (71.9 +/- 11.5 microM) in Kv1.5 + Kvbeta1.3 channels. Therefore, the degree of stereoselectivity (theta) decreased from 9 to 4 in the presence of Kvbeta1.3. The decrease in potency to block Kv1.5 + Kvbeta1.3 channels was the result of a less stable interaction between bupivacaine enantiomers and channels. Differences in stereoselectivity in each situation were due to a more favorable interaction between the channel and R(+)-bupivacaine. In the presence of Kvbeta1.3, stereoselectivity was abolished for V514A mutant channels (involved in bupivacaine binding but not in Kvbeta1.3 binding) but not for L510A (part of Kvbeta1.3 binding site).

Conclusions

The degree of stereoselective block of Kv1.5 decreases from 9 to 4 when Kvbeta1.3 is present. L510 is determinant for the modulation of bupivacaine block, because it is the only residue of the S6 segment that binds to both bupivacaine and Kvbeta1.3. These findings support an overlapping binding site for drugs and Kvbeta1.3.
Psoriatic Arthritis-Associated Polyneuropathy: A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Narayanaswami Pushpa , Chapman Kristine M , Yang Michele L , Rutkove Seward B
Published: March 2009

Psoriatic arthritis (PA) occurs in about 30% of patients with psoriasis. Although polyneuropathy is described in association with many connective tissue diseases, it is rarely reported in the autoimmune dermatoses. We describe 3 patients with polyneuropathy associated with PA. The clinical and electrophysiologic features are consistent with a chronic distal symmetric sensorimotor axonal process. PA-associated neuropathy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic length-dependent axonal polyneuropathies.
Depressive Symptoms among Fourth Form Students in St. Kitts and Nevis High Schools
Authors: Lowe Gillian A. , Lipps Garth , Halliday Sharon , Morris Amrie , Clarke Nelson , Wilson Rosemarie N.
Published: March 2009

There has been limited research on depressive symptoms among high school students in St. Kitts and Nevis. This project examines levels of depressive symptoms among fourth form (grade 10) students attending all high schools in St. Kitts and Nevis. Students enrolled in the fourth form during the 2006/2007 academic year in all high schools were administered the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). A near census of the students was conducted (n = 744 students; 50.4% females, 47.6% males, and 2% no gender reported; age 13–19 years, mean = 15.5 ± 0.8 years). Six in every ten students (62.1%) reported some symptoms of depression, with 14.8% reporting moderate to severe and 9.7% reporting severe symptoms of depression. Females reported significantly higher BDI-II scores (t(727)= 7.11,p< 0.01) with 70% of females reporting some level of depressive symptoms compared with 52% of their male counterparts (X2(1) = 24.6,p< 0.05). Additionally, 34% of females were in the moderate to severe or severe range of depressive symptoms, while 15% of males were in the same range. Students who were older than expected for their grade (i.e., 17 years or older) reported significantly higher BDI-II scores (F(2,740) = 2.88,p< 0.05) than students who were younger or at the expected age (i.e., 14–16 years). Students whose mothers had a high school or postsecondary education reported significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms than students whose mothers had less than a high school education (F(3, 637), = 4.23,p< 0.05). Symptoms of depression among fourth form students in St. Kitts and Nevis are a prevalent problem that is influenced by students’ age, gender, and social class as indicated by maternal education.
Vaginal Mesh Kits for Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Friend or Foe: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Moore Robert D. , Miklos John R.
Published: March 2009

Graft use in vaginal prolapse surgery has become more common secondary to high failure rates seen with traditional repairs. Mesh has been shown to be successful when suspending the upper portion of the vagina with sacralcolpopexy and its use vaginally is in an attempt to reproduce those results seen from the more invasive abdominal approach. A recent Cochrane review has supported its use in the anterior compartment vaginally as lower failure rates have been shown. Vaginal mesh “kits” have been developed in an attempt to make these surgeries less invasive, more standardized, and easier to perform. One of the problems that does seem to be emerging is the thought that, just because these procedures are now being produced in “kits”, they can be completed byanysurgeon. This may not hold true, as these are still advanced techniques that require advanced pelvic surgery skills and, therefore, it is up to surgeons to also understand this and the limitations of these procedures. The current paper reviews the history of the development of mesh kits, the techniques utilized, and the data that have been published to date on results and complications, and recommendations on how to avoid these complications. Although initial studies are encouraging, more will need to be completed prior to the recommendations of general use of these kits in all prolapse patients. We need to have further investigation on proper patient selection, we must continue research on graft composition, and we must continue to develop techniques to minimize complications of needle passage or mesh placement. Even after we gain this knowledge, it will still require advanced surgical skills to complete these types of surgeries, and to help minimize complications and maximize results.
Epidemiology and Outcomes of Clostridial Bacteremia at a Tertiary-Care Institution
Authors: Shah Monica , Bishburg Eliahu , Baran David A. , Chan Trini
Published: March 2009

Clostridial bacteremia (CB) is a rare clinical entity, accounting for less than 2-3% of all blood cultures. CB is frequently associated with intra-abdominal infections and underlying malignancy, particularly colon cancer or leukemia.Clostridiumspecies are commonly isolated from blood cultures as a part of polymicrobial bacteremia. The mortality rate among patients with CB has been reported to be as high as 50%. The presentation and outcome of CB depends on underlying host defenses and the type ofClostridiumspecies causing infection. A favorable outcome for CB appears to depend on the prompt initiation of appropriate antibiotics and surgical intervention. All patients with positive blood cultures forClostridiumspecies, from January 1995 to December 2003, were included in this study. Medical records of these patients were reviewed for age, sex, underlying diseases (such as malignancy and diabetes), antibiotic use, and outcome. Antimicrobial therapy was defined as either “appropriate” or “insufficient” based on its activity againstClostridiumspecies. In-hospital, postdiagnosis survival was examined by Kaplan-Meier methodology and comparisons made by the Mantel-Cox Log-Rank test. Ninety-two percent of the patients had monomicrobial CB. C. perfringens was the most frequently isolated pathogen, seen in 60% of cases. The most common underlying conditions were genitourinary and gastrointestinal malignancies, and diabetes. The overall mortality was 48%. Patients with malignancy had a significantly higher 2-day mortality rate (54%) compared to patients without malignancy (8%, p = 0.023). The mortality rates varied according to type ofClostridiumspecies. Patients with C. innocuum bacteremia had a significantly higher 2-day mortality rate (100%) compared to patients with C. septicum (67%), and to patients with C. perfringens (27%) (p = 0.004). “appropriate” antibiotics were given to 64% of the patients, 16% were on antibiotics with “insufficient” coverage, and 20% were not given any antibiotics. Patients receiving “insufficient” antibiotic therapy had a significantly higher 2-day mortality rate (75%) compared to patients on “appropriate” antibiotics forClostridium(12.5%) (p = 0.011). CB is associated with high and rapid mortality, especially in patients with malignancy. Early mortality was significantly lower in patients receiving antibiotics with adequate coverage forClostridiumspecies.
Renal Trauma in the West of Ireland — A Regional Review
Authors: Raheem O. A. , Floyd M. S. , Casey R. G. , Cullen I. M. , Corcoran M. O. , Bredin H. C. , Walsh K. , O'Riordan C. , McCarthy P. A. , Rogers E.
Published: March 2009

There is a paucity of data regarding renal trauma. The majority of cases of renal trauma are amenable to conservative management. We sought to streamline the management of renal trauma in the west of Ireland. Patients presenting with a computerised tomogram–confirmed renal injury were assessed over 5 years. Patient demographics, injury details, initial emergency department management, definitive management, and follow-up were assessed. Renal trauma was graded in a blind fashion (I-V). Twenty-five patients were identified; male:female (23:2). The mean age was 26 years. The majority of renal traumas were managed conservatively (92%); 8% patients underwent nephrectomy. The common mechanisms of renal injuries were road traffic accidents (44%). The majority of cases of renal injuries occur as a result of blunt trauma and can be conservatively treated. Two nephrectomies (8%) were performed. We believe this study potentially can be beneficial as part of an all-Ireland trauma database to improve patient outcome.
Crystal structure solution of small-to-medium-sized molecules at non-atomic resolution
Authors: Caliandro Rocco , Carrozzini Benedetta , Cascarano Giovanni Luca , Giacovazzo Carmelo , Mazzone Annamaria , Siliqi Dritan
Published: March 2009

Data resolution limits the information carried by diffraction data and is therefore the most critical limit for the success ofab initiocrystal structure solution. To overcome this limit, two methods have recently been proposed, namely the correction of resolution bias in electron-density maps and extrapolation of the structure factors beyond the data resolution limit. The first method has successfully been applied to powder data and the second to protein data. Neither of them has been applied to single-crystal data from small or medium-sized molecules. A third technique, the active use of the PSI-0 triplets in a tangent procedure, was applied to small molecules in the early days of crystallography, but it soon became obsolete because of the great success of methods combining reciprocal and direct space techniques. This paper explores the role of data resolution for small-to-medium-sized molecules and studies the usefulness of three auxiliary techniques,i.e.active use of the PSI-0 triplets, resolution bias correction and extrapolation of the structure factors.
GDASH: a grid-enabled program for structure solution from powder diffraction data
Authors: Griffin Thomas A. N. , Shankland Kenneth , van de Streek Jacco , Cole Jason
Published: March 2009

The simulated annealing approach to structure solution from powder diffraction data, as implemented in theDASHprogram, is easily amenable to parallelization at the individual run level. Very large scale increases in speed of execution can therefore be achieved by distributing individualDASHruns over a network of computers. TheGDASHprogram achieves this by packagingDASHin a form that enables it to run under the Univa UDGrid MPsystem, which harnesses networks of existing computing resources to perform calculations.
Physical activity participation and bleeding characteristics in young patients with severe haemophilia
Authors: TIKTINSKY R. , KENET G. , DVIR Z. , FALK B. , HEIM M. , MARTINOWITZ U. , KATZ‐LEURER M.
Published: March 2009

Summary.  Patients with haemophilia are now widely advised to participate in sport activities. However, no extensive data are available about their actual participation. The aim of this study was to describe the type; intensity and duration of leisure time physical activity (PA) among young patients with severe hemophilia and to assess whether there are differences in bleeding profile and muscle strength in related to activity intensity. Forty‐four boys (ages 12–25 years) with severe haemophilia were studied. PA was assessed by the Godin and Shephard (G&S) questionnaire. Bleeding profile was determined based on a one month diary filled by each patient. Muscle strength of the lower limbs muscles was assessed using a hand held dynamometer. Only three subjects did not perform any PA. Twenty‐five of the participants performed strenuous PA at least once a week. An inverse, moderate association (rp =–0.45, P < 0.002) was found between the G&S score and age. There were no significant differences in bleeding frequency or pain but a significant difference in the cause of bleed was found: those who exercised strenuously showed a higher proportion of bleeds due to traumatic reasons (P < 0.01). No differences in muscle strength values were noted in related to activity intensity also no linear association was noted between muscle strength and bleeding profile. Further investigation, including prospective studies, is needed in order to assess the temporal sequencing between training and the occurrence of bleeds and bleeds cause.
Increased heat‐shock protein 90 expression contributes to impaired adaptive cytoprotection in the gastric mucosa of portal hypertensive rats
Authors: Tominaga Masayuki , Ohta Masayuki , Kai Seiichiro , Iwaki Kentaro , Shibata Kohei , Kitano Seigo
Published: March 2009

Background and Aims:  Portal hypertensive (PHT) gastropathy results in an increased susceptibility to damage. Adaptive cytoprotection against ethanol‐induced damage is impaired in the gastric mucosa of rats with portal hypertension. Excessive nitric oxide (NO) production occurs in portal hypertension and is mediated in part via heat‐shock protein (Hsp)90 production. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between adaptive cytoprotection after exposure to ethanol and gastric expression of Hsp90 in PHT rats.

Methods:  Portal hypertension was induced in rats by staged portal vein occlusion. Adaptive cytoprotection to 70% ethanol was evaluated by assessing the injury index of the gastric mucosa with or without pretreatment with 10% ethanol. Expression of Hsp90 mRNA was evaluated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and expression of Hsp90 protein was evaluated by western blotting. The effect of Hsp90 inhibition in PHT rats was evaluated by administration of geldanamycin.

Results:  Gastric Hsp90 mRNA expression in PHT rats was significantly less than that in sham‐operated (SO) controls. However, after 10% ethanol pretreatment, Hsp90 mRNA expression was significantly greater in PHT rats than in SO controls. In PHT rats, gastric Hsp90 protein expression after 10% ethanol pretreatment was significantly greater than that without the pretreatment. However, the pretreatment had no effect on the injury index compared to SO rats. Administration of geldanamycin prior to 10% ethanol pretreatment significantly decreased the injury index in response to 70% ethanol in the PHT rats.

Conclusions:  These results show that 10% ethanol pretreatment markedly increases gastric Hsp90 expression in PHT rats. Excessive production of Hsp90 may contribute impaired adaptive cytoprotection.
Benefits of endoscopic submucosal dissection according to size and location of gastric neoplasm, compared with conventional mucosal resection
Authors: Hoteya Shu , Iizuka Toshiro , Kikuchi Daisuke , Yahagi Naohisa
Published: March 2009

Background and Aims:  To clarify optimal therapeutic strategies for early gastric cancers without vestigial remnant or recurrence, we evaluated the benefits of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) according to tumor size and location.

Methods:  From January 2000 to December 2007, a total of 328 gastric lesions were treated using conventional EMR, while 572 lesions were treated by ESD. Patients who underwent surgery on the upper gastrointestinal tract before EMR or ESD were excluded from the study. We compared tumor size, location and rates of complete resection, curative resection, postoperative bleeding, perforation and local recurrence between EMR and ESD according to tumor situation.

Results:  Overall local complete resection rate (EMR, 64.2%; ESD, 95.1%) and overall curative resection rate (EMR, 59.5%; ESD, 82.7%) were significantly higher in ESD than in EMR. No significant differences were seen in complication rates between EMR and ESD. Local recurrence was detected in 13 lesions (4.0%) of the EMR group during follow up. In contrast, no local recurrence was detected in the ESD group. For lesions 5 mm or less in diameter, complete resection rate in the EMR group was not significantly inferior to that in the ESD group at any location. However, rates were overwhelmingly better in the ESD group than in the EMR group for lesions more than 5 mm in diameter, regardless of location.

Conclusion:  We concluded that lesions exceeding 5 mm in diameter should be treated by ESD, although a high resection rate is obtained also with EMR for lesions of 5 mm or less in diameter.
FEDERALISM AND THE BALANCE OF POWER: CHINA'S HAN AND TANG DYNASTIES AND THE ROMAN EMPIRE
Authors: Edwards Ronald A
Published: March 2009

Abstract.  This paper compares the institutional history of the Han Dynasty (206 BC–AD 220), Tang Dynasty (AD 618–AD 906) and the Roman Empire (27 BC–AD 476). I document a common institutional reform in all three cases: the central government assumed power to appoint key regional officials and diffused authority across a greater number of regional officials. I argue that this served to increase coordination costs among key regional officials, making rebellion and resistance to central directives more costly. As a result, this institutional reform shifted the balance of power toward the central government, giving it more control.
NEOCLASSICAL GROWTH AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF CONSUMPTION
Authors: Guha Subrata
Published: March 2009

Abstract.  The neoclassical growth model is used to compare an economy with growing per capita income with an economy with stationary per capita income, in terms of equity in distribution of consumption. The economies have the same initial conditions including the same initial wealth distribution. The outcome of the comparison depends on the nature of structural differences between the economies. Even with convergence in wealth distribution in the growing economy, the consumption distribution there may be less equitable and dynasties with least initial levels of wealth may be worse off than dynasties with same initial wealth levels in the stationary economy.
RECKONING INTER‐GROUP POVERTY DIFFERENTIALS IN THE MEASUREMENT OF AGGREGATE POVERTY
Authors: Subramanian S
Published: March 2009

Abstract.  It is plausible that the extent of measured aggregate poverty should depend upon the distribution of poverty across a population's subgroups. The aggregate measure of poverty would then lend itself to ‘penal adjustment’ to reflect the extent of inter‐group disparity in the distribution of poverty. In the present paper, this approach to poverty measurement is examined by advancing a diagrammatic aid to analysis called the group poverty profile. The latter is a virtual transplantation, to the present context, of the notion of a deprivation profile that has been explored and analysed by Shorrocks (1996) in a different context.
PROTECTION AND REAL REWARDS: SOME ANTINOMIES
Authors: Chakraborty Brati Sankar
Published: March 2009

Abstract.  This paper develops a model with an increasing returns to scale sector and complementarities in production. It is shown that under a particular protectionist regime, the factor specific to the unprotected sector(s) might gain, along with the factor specific to the protected sector. Under such a regime the mobile factor is most severely hurt. Under another protectionist regime, it is shown that both the specific factors (even the factor specific to the protected sector(s)) might lose and the mobile factor gains unambiguously. Both these cases are in stark conflict with the conventional wisdom associated with the specific factors model.
EFFICIENCY OF LIABILITY RULES WITH INTERDEPENDENT COSTS OF CARE
Authors: Kundu Rajendra P.
Published: March 2009

Abstract. Most of the results of the law and economics literature relating to the question of efficiency of liability rules have been obtained in the context of two‐party interactions in which the cost of care of each party is independent of the care level of the other. In this paper we analyse the question of efficiency of liability rules in the context of interactions in which the cost of care of at least one of the parties is not independent of the care level of the other and characterize efficient liability rules whenever possible and in all other instances we obtain impossibility results.
RISK, INFORMATIONAL ASYMMETRY AND PRODUCT LIABILITY: An Enquiry Into Conflicting Objectives
Authors: Singh Ram
Published: March 2009

Abstract. Risky products inflict two costs on society; the accident and the insurance costs. The expansion in the scope of product liability since the late 1970s has increased the cost of third‐party liability insurance. However, the economic analysis has, traditionally, focused on only the accident costs. Some recent works suggests a strict trade‐off between minimization of the accident costs and the insurance costs. In this paper, we extend the analysis by considering both types of costs. An efficiency characterization of product liability rules is provided by assuming informational asymmetry about the risk. We show that it is possible to achieve efficiency with respect to the insurance costs as well as the care levels.
KALDORIAN DEMAND FUNCTIONS AND THE RETURN TO CAPITAL: AN ANALYSIS IN A TRADE THEORETIC FRAMEWORK
Authors: Agarwal Manmohan , Hazari Bharat R.
Published: March 2009

Abstract.  This paper shows that under certain plausible conditions capital accumulation raises the return to capital. A three good trade theoretic model with Kaldorian demand functions is used to establish this result. This proposition is also independent of the assumption of diminishing return to capital a key feature of endogenous growth theory. Our result sheds light on the high rates of investment and growth that many East Asian economies have achieved.