bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gyrodactylids (Gyrodactylidae, Monogenea) infecting Oreochromis niloticus niloticus (L.) and O. mossambicus (Peters) (Cichlidae): A pan-global survey
Authors: García-Vásquez Adriana , Hansen Haakon , Christison Kevin , Rubio-Godoy Miquel , Bron James , Shinn Andrew
Published: July 2010

Gyrodactylus infections in intensively-reared populations of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus niloticus, have been associated world-wide with high mortalities of juvenile fish. In this study, 26 populations of Gyrodactylus parasitising either O. n. niloticus or Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, were sampled from fourteen countries and compared with type material of Gyrodactylus cichlidarum Paperna, 1968, Gyrodactylus niloticus (syn. of G. cichlidarum) and Gyrodactylus shariffi Cone, Arthur et Bondad-Reantaso, 1995. Representative specimens from each population were bisected, each half being used for morphological and molecular analyses. Principal component analyses (PCA) identified five distinct clusters: (1) a cluster representing G. cichlidarum collected from O. n. niloticus from 13 countries; (2) the G. shariffi paratype; (3) three specimens with pronounced ventral bar processes collected from two populations of Mexican O. n. niloticus (Gyrodactylus sp. 1); (4) four specimens collected from an Ethiopian population nominally identified as O. n. niloticus (Gyrodactylus sp. 2); (5) nine gyrodactylids from South African O. mossambicus (Gyrodactylus sp. 3). Molecular analyses comparing the sequence of the ribosomal transcribed spacer regions (ITS 1 and 2) and the 5.8S gene from the non-hook bearing half of worms representative for each population and for each cluster of parasites, confirmed the presence of G. cichlidarum in most samples analysed. Molecular data also confirmed that the DNA sequence of Gyrodactylus sp. 2 and Gyrodactylus sp. 3 (the morphologically-cryptic group of South African specimens from O. mossambicus) differed from that of G. cichlidarum and therefore represent new species; no sequences were obtained from Gyrodactylus sp. 1. The current study demonstrates that G. cichlidarum is the dominant species infecting O. n. niloticus, being found in 13 of the 15 countries sampled.
Non-traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Haemodialysis Dependent patients - A Case Control Study
Authors: Gupta Ratan Das , Rahman Muhibur , Ahasan HAM Nazmul , Alam Md Billal , Miah Md Titu , Kabir Ahmedul , Das Aparna , Mahbub Md Shahriar , Khan Mohammad Ashik Imran
Published: July 2010

Background: Compared with general population mortality rates are 10-20 times higher among patients with endstage renal disease, with 50% of this excess burden being attributable to cardiovascular disease. This excess risk is notentirely explained by elevation of traditional risk factors. Elevation of several Non-traditional risk factors associatedwith an increased risk for cardiovascular disease in CKD and haemodialysis dependent patients.Methods: It was a case control study which included total 96 subjects, 48 were non-dialysis CKD patients, 22Heamodialysis dependent patients and 26 healthy controls. Non-traditional risk factors homocysteine, fibrinogen,CRP, factor VII activity and haemoglobin estimated and compared with normal control population.Results: The study revealed that homocysteine , fibrinogen , CRP, factor VII significantly increased and haemoglobinwas significantly low in both non-dialysis CKD and haemodialysis dependent patients in comparison to control group.Mean homocysteine 15.38, 27.30, 23.76 μmol/L in control, non-dialysis CKD and haemodialysis dependent patientrespectively. Fibrinogen in control , non-dialysis CKD and haemodialysis dependent patient were 180.25 , 264.10 ,259.59 mg/dl respectively. CRP level in control, non-dialysis CKD and haemodialysis dependent patient were 3.90,52.59, 17.31 mg/L respectively. Factor VII activity in control was 94.18%, whereas in non-dialysis CKD it was103.97%, and 106.18 % in haemodialysis dependent patient. haemoglobin was 13.85 gm/dl in control , but in nondialysisCKD it was 8.08 gm/dl, and in haemodialysis dependent patients 9.46 gm/dl .cardiovascular disease in nondialysisCKD 54.56% and haemodialysis dependent patients 59.4%Conclusion: Haemoglobin is low and levels of homocysteine, fibrinogen, CRP, factor-VII activity are increasedamong the patients with CKD and haemodialysis dependent patients.Key words: Non-traditional; Cardiovascular; Chronic Kidney DiseaseDOI: 10.3329/jom.v11i2.5450J MEDICINE 2010; 11 : 108-114
Thyroid Function, Cardiac Risk Assessment Profile and Hematological Changes During HIV Infection and AIDS Patients
Authors: Pasupathi Palanisamy , Manivannan Perisamy , Manivannan Uma , Deepa Mathiyalagan
Published: July 2010

Background: The aim and objective of this study was to investigate the level of serum lipids and thyroid hormonesstatus in HIV infection and AIDS patients.Methods: The population consisted of 150 subjects divided into three groups; among HIV infected patients fiftycases, AIDS patient’s fifty cases and an equal numbers of age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were investigated.Results: In this study, we observed the level of serum lipids significant changes occur in AIDS patients compare toHIV infection and healthy subjects. There were no significant differences in total TT4 concentrations among the AIDSpatients when compared to HIV infection and normal healthy subjects. A measured FT4 concentration was slightlybut significantly decreased in HIV /AIDS patients. Total T3 concentrations were normal in HIV infected patients, butslightly decreased in AIDS; more important, T3 level was decreased in AIDS patients. The level of FT3 concentrationwas slightly but significantly increased in HIV infected and significantly decreased in AIDS patients. As all TSH levelswere within the normal range; however, there was a small but significantly increase in TSH levels in AIDS, and therewas a trend toward an increase in TSH levels in AIDS compared with controls.Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction is frequent in HIV infection and with progression of disease there is a primaryhypothyroid like stage that occurs in patients with HIV infection. TT3, FT3, FT4 and serum TSH can be used as asurrogate marker of the progression of the disease.Key words: HIV; AIDS; CD4+ cell count; Thyroid function test; Lipids; Hematological TestDOI: 10.3329/jom.v11i2.5455J MEDICINE 2010; 11 : 131-136
Seroconversion after Recombinant Hepatitis B Vaccination
Authors: Guho Abhijit , Ahad Md Abdul , Salam Md Abdus , Alim Md Abdul , Haque AKM Enamul , Islam Quazi Tarikul
Published: July 2010

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is an important public health problem with significant morbidity andmortality. Recombinant hepatitis B vaccine for the prevention of hepatitis B virus infection is in practice in differentparts of the world since its availability in 1986. Government of Bangladesh has also included hepatitis B vaccine inEPI schedule since 2005.Materials and methods: This study was carried out to assess the seroconversion status among hepatitis Bvaccinated individuals. A total of 190 individuals including 150 vaccinated persons and 40 non-vaccinated apparentlyhealthy individuals were included as study population. Sources of vaccinated persons were from both EPI and non-EPI schedule of vaccination. Age and sex matched non-vaccinated individuals served as controls for the study. Allindividuals constituting the study population were screened for HBsAg by Immunochromatographic strip test andonly HBsAg-negative persons were included for estimation of their anti-HBs titer.Results: Out of 150 vaccinated individuals, 133(88.67%) were found to have anti-HBs titer in the protective level(>10 IU/L), while 17(11.33%) individuals had anti-HBs titer below the protective level (<10 IU/L). All non-vaccinatedcontrols had anti-HBs titers below the protective level. Regarding immune response developed among vaccinatedindividuals, 67.78%, 23.33% and 8.89% were good-responders, hypo-responders and non-responders respectively.Mean titer of anti-HBs was found significantly higher among recipients who received booster dose than those whoreceived 3 doses schedule (863.39 IU/L vs. 262.40 IU/L), indicating high antibody titer develops after booster dose.Vaccinated group included 85 (56.67%) men and 65 (43.33%) women with protective level of anti-HBs titer foundin 85.88% male and 92.31% female individuals. There was no significant difference of anti-HBs titer between maleand female (p>0.05). Vaccinated individuals from lower socioeconomic condition have had comparatively low rateof protective antibody than people from middle and upper classes.Conclusion: Recombinant HB vaccine induces good level of protective immunity among vaccinated persons.Keywords: Hepatitis B; hepatitis B vaccine; seroconversion; BangladeshDOI: 10.3329/jom.v11i2.5461J MEDICINE 2010; 11 : 143-150
Löfgrens Syndrome: Acute Variant of Sarcoidosis
Authors: Haque M Azizul , Mostafa M Golam , Ekram ARM Saifuddin , Tarafdar AKM Shohidur Rahman
Published: July 2010

Löfgren’s syndrome is an acute form of sarcoidosis that is characterized by erythema nodosum, bilateral hilarlymphadenopathy accompanied by arthritis or arthralgia. We are reporting a 32 year old male with Löfgren’ssyndrome and then the literature is reviewed.Keywords: Löfgren’s syndrome; sarcoidosis; erythema nodosum; hilar lymphadenopathy; BangladeshDOI: 10.3329/jom.v11i2.5472J MEDICINE 2010; 11 : 193-195
Methanol Poisoning
Authors: Siddiqui Md Mahmudur Rahman , Islam Quazi Tarikul , Hossain Ahmed
Published: July 2010

DOI: 10.3329/jom.v11i2.5478J MEDICINE 2010; 11 : 212
Shifting Priority from Treating a Case to Treating a Community
Authors: Gagan Gurung
Published: July 2010

DOI: 10.3329/jom.v11i2.5480J MEDICINE 2010; 11 : 214
Addendum: Quasi-Drugs Developed in Japan for the Prevention or Treatment of Hyperpigmentary Disorders. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2010, 11, 2566–2575
Authors: Ando Hideya , Matsui Mary S. , Ichihashi Masamitsu
Published: July 2010

One additional skin lightening or whitening quasi-drug (QD) has been developed and officially approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan.
Fractional Absorption of Active Absorbable Algal Calcium (AAACa) and Calcium Carbonate Measured by a Dual Stable-Isotope Method
Authors: Uenishi Kazuhiro , Fujita Takuo , Ishida Hiromi , Fujii Yoshio , Ohue Mutsumi , Kaji Hiroshi , Hirai Midori , Kakumoto Mikio , Abrams Steven A.
Published: July 2010

With the use of stable isotopes, this study aimed to compare the bioavailability of active absorbable algal calcium (AAACa), obtained from oyster shell powder heated to a high temperature, with an additional heated seaweed component (Heated Algal Ingredient, HAI), with that of calcium carbonate. In 10 postmenopausal women volunteers aged 59 to 77 years (mean ± S.D., 67 ± 5.3), the fractional calcium absorption of AAACa and CaCO3 was measured by a dual stable isotope method. 44Ca-enriched CaCO3 and AAACa were administered in all subjects one month apart. After a fixed-menu breakfast and pre-test urine collection (Urine 0), 42Ca-enriched CaCl2 was intravenously injected, followed by oral administration of 44Ca-enriched CaCO3 without carrier 15 minutes later, and complete urine collection for the next 24 hours (Urine 24). The fractional calcium absorption was calculated as the ratio of Augmentation of 44Ca from Urine 0 to Urine 24/ augmentation of 42Ca from Urine 0 to Urine 24. Differences and changes of 44Ca and 42Ca were corrected by comparing each with 43Ca. Fractional absorption of AAACa (mean ± S.D., 23.1 ± 6.4), was distinctly and significantly higher than that of CaCO3 (14.7 ± 6.4; p = 0.0060 by paired t-test). The mean fractional absorption was approximately 1.57-times higher for AAACa than for CaCO3. The serum 25(OH) vitamin D level was low (mean ± S.D., 14.2 ± 4.95 ng/ml), as is common in this age group in Japan. Among the parameters of the bone and mineral metabolism measured, none displayed a significant correlation with the fractional absorption of CaCO3 and AAACa. Higher fractional absorption of AAACa compared with CaCO3 supports previous reports on the more beneficial effect of AAACa than CaCO3 for osteoporosis.
Wide Area Wetland Mapping in Semi-Arid Africa Using 250-Meter MODIS Metrics and Topographic Variables
Authors: Landmann Tobias , Schramm Matthias , Colditz Rene R. , Dietz Andreas , Dech Stefan
Published: July 2010

Wetlands in West Africa are among the most vulnerable ecosystems to climate change. West African wetlands are often freshwater transfer mechanisms from wetter climate regions to dryer areas, providing an array of ecosystem services and functions. Often wetland-specific data in Africa is only available on a per country basis or as point data. Since wetlands are challenging to map, their accuracies are not well considered in global land cover products. In this paper we describe a methodology to map wetlands using well-corrected 250-meter MODIS time-series data for the year 2002 and over a 360,000 km2 large study area in western Burkina Faso and southern Mali (West Africa). A MODIS-based spectral index table is used to map basic wetland morphology classes. The index uses the wet season near infrared (NIR) metrics as a surrogate for flooding, as a function of the dry season chlorophyll activity metrics (as NDVI). Topographic features such as sinks and streamline areas were used to mask areas where wetlands can potentially occur, and minimize spectral confusion. 30-m Landsat trajectories from the same year, over two reference sites, were used for accuracy assessment, which considered the area-proportion of each class mapped in Landsat for every MODIS cell. We were able to map a total of five wetland categories. Aerial extend of all mapped wetlands (class “Wetland”) is 9,350 km2, corresponding to 4.3% of the total study area size. The classes “No wetland”/“Wetland” could be separated with very high certainty; the overall agreement (KHAT) was 84.2% (0.67) and 97.9% (0.59) for the two reference sites, respectively. The methodology described herein can be employed to render wide area base line information on wetland distributions in semi-arid West Africa, as a data-scarce region. The results can provide (spatially) interoperable information feeds for inter-zonal as well as local scale water assessments.
Computational Methodology for Absolute Calibration Curves for Microfluidic Optical Analyses
Authors: Chang Chia-Pin , Nagel David J. , Zaghloul Mona E.
Published: July 2010

Optical fluorescence and absorption are two of the primary techniques used for analytical microfluidics. We provide a thorough yet tractable method for computing the performance of diverse optical micro-analytical systems. Sample sizes range from nano- to many micro-liters and concentrations from nano- to milli-molar. Equations are provided to trace quantitatively the flow of the fundamental entities, namely photons and electrons, and the conversion of energy from the source, through optical components, samples and spectral-selective components, to the detectors and beyond. The equations permit facile computations of calibration curves that relate the concentrations or numbers of molecules measured to the absolute signals from the system. This methodology provides the basis for both detailed understanding and improved design of microfluidic optical analytical systems. It saves prototype turn-around time, and is much simpler and faster to use than ray tracing programs. Over two thousand spreadsheet computations were performed during this study. We found that some design variations produce higher signal levels and, for constant noise levels, lower minimum detection limits. Improvements of more than a factor of 1,000 were realized.
“Smart” Continuous Glucose Monitoring Sensors: On-Line Signal Processing Issues
Authors: Sparacino Giovanni , Facchinetti Andrea , Cobelli Claudio
Published: July 2010

The availability of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors allows development of new strategies for the treatment of diabetes. In particular, from an on-line perspective, CGM sensors can become “smart” by providing them with algorithms able to generate alerts when glucose concentration is predicted to exceed the normal range thresholds. To do so, at least four important aspects have to be considered and dealt with on-line. First, the CGM data must be accurately calibrated. Then, CGM data need to be filtered in order to enhance their signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Thirdly, predictions of future glucose concentration should be generated with suitable modeling methodologies. Finally, generation of alerts should be done by minimizing the risk of detecting false and missing true events. For these four challenges, several techniques, with various degrees of sophistication, have been proposed in the literature and are critically reviewed in this paper.
On the Harmonic Oscillator Model of Electron Delocalization (HOMED) Index and its Application to Heteroatomic π-Electron Systems
Authors: Raczyńska Ewa D. , Hallman Małgorzata , Kolczyńska Katarzyna , Stępniewski Tomasz M.
Published: July 2010

The HOMA (Harmonic Oscillator Model of Aromaticity) index, reformulated in 1993, has been very often applied to describe π-electron delocalization for mono- and polycyclic π-electron systems. However, different measures of π-electron delocalization were employed for the CC, CX, and XY bonds, and this index seems to be inappropriate for compounds containing heteroatoms. In order to describe properly various resonance effects (σ-π hyperconjugation, n-π conjugation, π-π conjugation, and aromaticity) possible for heteroatomic π-electron systems, some modifications, based on the original HOMA idea, were proposed and tested for simple DFT structures containing C, N, and O atoms. An abbreviation HOMED was used for the modified index.
GB virus C coinfection in advanced HIV type-1 disease is associated with low CCR5 and CXCR4 surface expression on CD4+ T-cells
Authors: Schwarze-Zander Carolynne , Neibecker Markus , Othman Sabrina , Tural Cristina , Clotet Bonaventura , Blackard Jason T , Kupfer Bernd , Luechters Guido , Chung Ray T , Rockstroh Jürgen K , Spengler Ulrich
Published: July 2010

Background

Coinfection with the flavivirus GB virus C (GBV-C) is frequent in patients suffering from HIV type-1 (HIV-1) infection because of shared routes of transmission. GBV-C coinfection has been proposed to exert a beneficial influence on HIV-1 infection. In vitro studies demonstrated down-regulation of C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) as a potential mechanism by which GBV-C modulates HIV-1 disease progression. We therefore studied surface expression of the two major HIV-1 coreceptors, CCR5 and CXC chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), on CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells in 128 HIV-1-positive patients stratified with respect to their GBV-C status, immune function and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) status in vivo.

Methods

GBV-C infection was studied in 128 HIV-1-infected patients by nested reverse transcriptase PCR. Fluorescence- activated cell sorting analysis was used to measure CCR5 and CXCR4 surface expression on CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells.

Results

GBV-C RNA replication was detected in 30% (38/128) of patients. In HIV-1-positive patients with advanced immunodeficiency, we found up-regulation of CCR5 surface expression on CD4+ T-cells; however, in patients with GBV-C coinfection, no up-regulation of CCR5 CD4+ T-cells was detected. Furthermore, CXCR4 surface expression was reduced in GBV-C-coinfected patients. These findings were independent of HAART status and HIV-1 viral load. HIV-1 coreceptor expression on CD8+ T-cells was not altered in patients with GBV-C coinfection.

Conclusions

GBV-C coinfection in HIV-1 disease leads to reduced expression of the two major HIV-1 coreceptors, CCR5 and CXCR4, on CD4+ T-cells in patients at an advanced stage of immunodeficiency, providing a possible molecular explanation for the clinical benefit of GBV-C coinfection in late-stage HIV-1 disease.
CD45 Regulates Migration, Proliferation, and Progression of Double Negative 1 Thymocytes
Authors: Lai Jacqueline C. Y. , Wlodarska Marta , Liu David J. , Abraham Ninan , Johnson Pauline
Published: July 2010

CD45 is a protein tyrosine phosphatase that is expressed on all nucleated hematopoietic cells, from stem cells to memory cells. Although its function in regulating the threshold of Ag receptor signaling is well established, its role in other leukocytes, particularly progenitor cells, is not well defined. In this study, we find CD45 affects early thymocyte development. Examination of the CD4−CD8− double negative (DN) populations revealed a significant reduction in the DN1 population, in both the numbers of CD117+ DN1 cells (the early thymocyte progenitors) and the CD117− DN1 cells in the thymus of CD45−/− mice. There was also a reduced frequency of CCR9+ Lin−Sca-1+c-Kit+ cells and common lymphoid progenitors in the CD45−/− bone marrow. Competitive bone marrow reconstitution showed a reduced contribution of DN1 cells from CD45−/− cells, consistent with an intrinsic defect in these cells. CD45−/− DN1 cells exhibited reduced proliferation in vivo and reduced CXCL12-mediated migration in vitro. The loss of CD45 led to the accumulation of an intermediate DN1.5 thymocyte population in vivo that was dependent on Notch for progression. In vivo, CD117− DN1 cells gave rise to γδ T cells. In vitro, CD117− DN1 cells progressed to DN4 on OP9-DL1 cells but CD117− DN1 cells lacking CD45 did not. CD45−/− CD117− DN1 cells were also deficient in TCRβ expression. Thus, CD45 deficiency affects the development and progression of DN1 thymocytes.
Respiratory Virus-Induced TLR7 Activation Controls IL-17–Associated Increased Mucus via IL-23 Regulation
Authors: Lukacs Nicholas W. , Smit Joost J. , Mukherjee Sumanta , Morris Susan B. , Nunez Gabriel , Lindell Dennis M.
Published: July 2010

The response to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), negative strand ssRNA virus, depends upon the ability to recognize specific pathogen-associated targets. In the current study, the role of TLR7 that recognizes ssRNA was examined. Using TLR7−/− mice, we found that the response to RSV infection in the lung was more pathogenic as assessed by significant increases in inflammation and mucus production. Although there appeared to be no effect of TLR7 deficiency on type I IFN, the pathology was associated with an alteration in T cell responses with increases in mucogenic cytokines IL-4, IL-13, and IL-17. Examination of dendritic cells from TLR7−/− animals indicated a preferential activation of IL-23 (a Th17-promoting cytokine) and a decrease in IL-12 production. Neutralization of IL-17 in the TLR7−/− mice resulted in a significant decrease in the mucogenic response in the lungs of the RSV-infected mice. Thus, without TLR7-mediated responses, an altered immune environment ensued with a significant effect on airway epithelial cell remodeling and goblet cell hyper/metaplasia, leading to increased mucus production.
Primed Antigen-Specific CD4+ T Cells Are Required for NK Cell Activation In Vivo upon Leishmania major Infection
Authors: Bihl Franck , Pecheur Julien , Bréart Béatrice , Poupon Gwenola , Cazareth Julie , Julia Valérie , Glaichenhaus Nicolas , Braud Véronique M.
Published: July 2010

The ability of NK cells to rapidly produce IFN-γ is an important innate mechanism of resistance to many pathogens including Leishmania major. Molecular and cellular components involved in NK cell activation in vivo are still poorly defined, although a central role for dendritic cells has been described. In this study, we demonstrate that Ag-specific CD4+ T cells are required to initiate NK cell activation early on in draining lymph nodes of L. major-infected mice. We show that early IFN-γ secretion by NK cells is controlled by IL-2 and IL-12 and is dependent on CD40/CD40L interaction. These findings suggest that newly primed Ag-specific CD4+ T cells could directly activate NK cells through the secretion of IL-2 but also indirectly through the regulation of IL-12 secretion by dendritic cells. Our results reveal an unappreciated role for Ag-specific CD4+ T cells in the initiation of NK cell activation in vivo upon L. major infection and demonstrate bidirectional regulations between innate and adaptive immunity.
The Heart of the Matter: Health Status of Aged Care Clients Receiving Home- and Community-Based Care
Authors: Yarmo-Roberts Deborah , Freak-Poli Rosanne Laura , Cooper Brad , Noonan Tim , Stolewinder Just , Reid Christopher M.
Published: July 2010

Objective.To determine the current health status of home based elderly clients receiving government funded aged care packages.Design.Prospective Observational study.Setting.Community based, home care program in Australia.Participants.Community-dwelling older adults receiving aged care packages.Measurements.A comprehensive test battery of physical, mental and social scales were completed including a Caregiver Strain Index where appropriate.Results.37% of the 334 subjects were male and the mean age was81±8years. Physical functioning was low compared to the Australian population. Depression was highly prevalent with 15.9% severely depressed and 38.7% mildly depressed. 26% of clients screened positive for dementia. Relatively good levels of social support were reported, however social networking activity levels were low. Sixty one percent of clients had caregivers, of whom 63.3% had high levels of strain. Strain was higher in caregivers of clients on higher levels of care (78.5% versus 50.6% highly strained).Conclusion.The data suggests that as a group there is a high degree of comorbidity, and depression, dementia and caregiver strain are highly prevalent. The findings may aid administrators and health policy planners in directing resources to key areas impacting on health outcomes in this group.
Farm practices survey and modelling to estimate monthly NH3 emissions from swine production in 12 Ecoregions of Canada
Authors: Sheppard S C , Bittman S. , Swift M -L. , Tait J.
Published: July 2010

The swine industry in Canada has undergone rapid growth in some areas, but has also been restricted by a variety of environmental issues. Ammonia (NH3) emissions are seldom mentioned among these issues, but emissions do occur and atmospheric NH3 causes a number of impacts including contributing to odour, deposition into sensitive ecosystems and formation of secondary particulate matter, which is a health concern in some regions of North America. This paper describes a new model to estimate NH3 emissions from the swine sector, relying heavily on a recent survey of swine producers to determine the present N and manure management practices. The key hypothesis was that NH3 emission rates vary across Ecoregions and over time in a way that affects the degree of impact. The survey showed many differences across Ecoregions, most importantly related to feed crude protein and landspreading practices. The model estimated that grower pigs (>20 kg to market size) excreted on average about 8.5 kg total ammoniacal N (TAN) per (occupied) pig place per year, and based on the national average farm practices, 25% of this TAN was emitted from barns, 5.3% was emitted from manure storage, and 17% was emitted during landspreading for a total of 4.8 kg NH3 pig-place-1 yr-1. The total loss for grower pigs ranged from 40 to 53% of excreted TAN across the 12 Ecoregions. Nursing sows emitted over twice as much per pig. Regions varied in reliance on homegrown feeds, which affected crude protein feeding and TAN excretion rates. Western regions had relatively low emissions from land application of slurry because of more extensive use of injectors. Emissions from grower pigs in winter were about 0.2 kg NH3 pig-place-1 month-1, mostly from barns, to as high as 0.7 kg NH3 pig-place-1 month-1 in May, mostly from landspreading. Total emission for all of Canada in 2006 was 73 × 106 kg NH3 or about 13% of agricultural emissions in Canada. The results indicate that emission reductions can be achieved with greater use of low-emission application methods and reduced crude protein in feed. The emissions model can be used in future to assess the impacts from changes in feeding regimes and barn designs, and changes in practices such as animal density and increased access to outdoor spaces.Key words: Swine, ammonia, nitrogen, manure, emissions
Validation of the net energy content of canola meal and full-fat canola seeds in growing pigs
Authors: Montoya C A , Leterme P.
Published: July 2010

A study was conducted to estimate the net energy (NE) content of canola meal (CM) and full-fat canola seeds (FFCS) in growing pigs, and to validate the results through a growth trial. The digestible energy (DE) content of the canola products was measured in a digestibility study by the difference method, with diets containing two-thirds of a basal diet of known digestibility and one-third of the canola products. The NE content was estimated by means of a prediction equation based on the DE content and chemical composition of the canola products. The NE was 2.43 and 3.56 Mcal kg-1 DM for CM and FFCS, respectively. For the growth study, 31-kg pigs (18 per treatment) were fed for 35 d with wheat/barley-based diets containing either 0, 5, 10 or 15% FFCS or 0, 7.5, 15 or 22.5% CM. The gain-to-feed ratio was unchanged by the levels of CM or FFCS (P > 0.05), but the highest level of FFCS decreased feed intake (P < 0.001) and thus increased the gain-to-feed ratio (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the NE content was correctly estimated for CM, but slightly underestimated for FFCS. Also, growing pigs can tolerate diets containing up to 22.5% CM or 10% FFCS.Key words: Net energy, growing pigs, canola meal, full-fat canola seeds
Refined mapping of a QTL for somatic cell score on BTA27 in the German Holstein using combined linkage and linkage disequilibrium analysis
Authors: Baes C. , Mayer M. , Tetens J. , Liu Z. , Reinhardt F. , Thaller G. , Reinsch N.
Published: July 2010

Genetic selection for udder health is often based on the indicator trait somatic cell score (SCS), which is correlated with clinical mastitis and has a moderate heritability. We used combined linkage and linkage disequilibrium analysis to refine mapping of a previously reported quantitative trait locus (QTL) affecting SCS on Bos taurus autosome 27 (BTA27) in the German Holstein population. A granddaughter design of six grandsire families with 492 sons progeny tested for an average of 190 daughters per son was investigated. Nineteen microsatellite markers were genotyped along a segment of 26.2 cM proximally on BTA27. A chromosome-wide significant QTL was identified between DIK2879 and KIBS272 using combined analysis. The region of interest for future fine mapping experiments was narrowed to the marker interval KIBS272-DIK2191 with a confidence interval of 3.27 cM. The QTL was estimated to be responsible for 18% of the genetic variation in SCS. Application of a 2-QTL model did not result in higher test statistics. Animals likely to be heterozygous or homozygous at the QTL were identified. This study provides a basis for the selection of further markers in linkage disequilibrium with the QTL affecting SCS on BTA27. Key words: Fine-mapping, mastitis, BTA27, somatic cell score, Holstein
Inheritance and molecular mapping of genes for all-stage resistance to stripe rust in wheat cultivar N. Strampelli
Authors: Li Q. , Hu M. , Chen J. , Jing J. , Wang B. , Zhou X.
Published: July 2010

N. Strampelli, an Italian wheat variety that has been grown in China since 1974, is still resistant to most prevalent Chinese races of Puccinia striiformis f. sp tritici in the seedling stage. To identify genes conferring all-stage resistance to stripe rust, F1, F2, F3 and BC1 seedling progenies derived from the cross N. Strampelli × Mingxian 169 were inoculated with Chinese races CYR29, CYR29-mut3 and CYR31 and those from cross N. Strampelli × Chinese Spring were tested with CYR29-mut3 and CYR33 in the greenhouse. N. Strampelli possessed different recessive genes for resistance to each race. The genes were located on chromosomes 1B and 5B by monosomic analysis. Linkage maps were constructed with three SSR markers, Xgwm499, Xwmc415 and Xwmc537, for the gene on chromosome 5B conferring resistance to CYR29-mut3 (temporarily designated as YrN.S-1) with genetic distance ranging from 5.4 to 10.7cM and four SSR markers, Xcfa2147, Xgwm124, Xwmc719 and Xwmc44, for the gene on chromosome 1B conferring resistance to CYR33 (temporarily designated as YrN.S-2) with genetic distance ranging from 3.2 to 10.3cM. The markers could be useful in pyramiding these resistance genes with others to develop wheat cultivars with high-level and durable resistance to stripe rust.Key words: Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, monosomic analysis, molecular mapping
Harvest hard red spring wheat
Authors: Fox S L , Townley-Smith T F , Thomas J B , Humphreys D G , Brown P D , McCallum B D , Fetch T G , Menzies J G , Gilbert J A , Fernandez M R , Gaudet D A , Noll J S
Published: July 2010

Harvest is a hard red spring wheat that meets the end-use quality specifications of the Canada Western Red Spring wheat class. Harvest is adapted to the wheat growing regions of the Canadian prairies based on data from the Central Bread Wheat Cooperative Registration Test conducted in 1998, 1999 and 2000 and grown in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The overall grain yield of Harvest was significantly higher compared with the check cultivars Neepawa, Roblin, AC Majestic and AC Barrie, but yielded significantly less than the check cultivar McKenzie. Harvest matured similar to McKenzie and Neepawa, 1 d later than Roblin, 1 d earlier than AC Barrie and significantly earlier than AC Majestic. Harvest was significantly shorter than the check cultivars and had the lowest lodging scores. The test weight of Harvest was similar to McKenzie and AC Barrie and significantly higher than Neepawa, Roblin and AC Majestic. Harvest demonstrated moderate resistance to leaf rust and loose smut and very good resistance to stem rust. Resistance to common bunt was fair, similar to Neepawa and AC Barrie. Resistance to Fusarium head blight was similar to the susceptible check Roblin and poorer than the other checks. Harvest had very good preharvest sprouting resistance with lower sprouting scores than the best check in 2 of 3 years of testing, and it maintained its falling numbers after natural or artificial weathering of spikes. End-use quality tests indicated that Harvest was within the range of the checks for most end-use quality traits. Key words: Triticum aestivum L., cultivar description, red spring wheat, sprouting resistance
Acantozero erucic acid oriental condiment mustard
Authors: Rakow G. , Raney J P , Rode D.
Published: July 2010

Acanto is the first zero erucic acid oriental condiment mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.]. It has the same grain yield, plant height, seed protein content, seed weight, allyl glucosinolate content, and seed chlorophyll content as the check cultivar Cutlass. Both cultivars are highly resistant to blackleg disease caused by Leptosphaeria maculans (Desm.) Ces et de Not., but are susceptible to white rust race 2v caused by Albugo candida (Pers.) Kuntze. Acanto is more susceptible to white rust race 2a than is Cutlass. Acanto matures 2 d later than Cutlass, has a 2.9% lower seed oil (fixed oil) content and its seed colour is a darker yellow. Acanto was well adapted to the mustard growing areas of the Canadian prairies.Key words: Brassica juncea (L.) Czern., cultivar description, zero erucic acid oil
In-Home Occupational Performance Evaluation (I–HOPE)
Authors: Stark Susan L. , Somerville Emily K. , Morris John C.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE. We describe the development and preliminary psychometric properties of an assessment to quantify the magnitude of an environmental barrier’s influence on occupational performance.

METHOD. The assessment was developed and then piloted on a group of 77 older adults before and after an occupational therapy intervention focused on environmental barrier removal. Refinements were made to the assessment before it was evaluated for interrater reliability in a sample of 10 older adults using 2 raters.

RESULTS. The In-Home Occupational Performance Evaluation (I–HOPE) is a performance-based measure that evaluates 44 activities in the home. The 4 subscales of Activity Participation, Client’s Rating of Performance, Client’s Satisfaction With Performance, and Severity of Environmental Barriers are sensitive to change in the environment. The subscales’ internal consistency from .77 to .85, and intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from .99 to 1.0.

CONCLUSION. This preliminary study suggests that the I–HOPE is a psychometrically sound instrument that can be used to examine person–environment fit in the home.
Development of a Community Mobility Skills Course for People Who Use Mobility Devices
Authors: Walker Kimberly A. , Morgan Kerri A. , Morris Carrie L. , DeGroot Keri K. , Hollingsworth Holly H. , Gray David B.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE. We assessed mobility device skills in a lived-in environment on a community mobility skills course (CMSC) and related those skills to previously demonstrated skills in a controlled environment on an inside mobility skills course (IMSC).

METHOD. Six mobility device users were selected from 91 adults who had previously completed the IMSC. Each of the following device groups was represented: power wheelchair, manual wheelchair, scooter, cane, crutch, and walker. CMSC tasks were modified from IMSC tasks and designed using materials in the community.

RESULTS. All participants completed at least half of the CMSC tasks faster than they completed the corresponding IMSC tasks. The number of tasks on which participants improved and the amount of improvement varied by difficulty of task and mobility device used.

CONCLUSION. Some mobility device skills used in controlled environments appear to transfer to community settings; others do not. Skills required for community participation may partially depend on mobility device used.
Reliability and Validity of the Children’s Leisure Assessment Scale
Authors: Rosenblum Sara , Sachs Dalia , Schreuer Naomi
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE. We examined the internal consistency and construct validity of the Children’s Leisure Assessment Scale (CLASS), which measures multidimensional participation in children’s and adolescents’ leisure activities.

METHOD. The questionnaire’s content and face validity were first established, followed by a factor analysis of the CLASS’s frequency domain of the responses of 249 children and adolescents. Internal consistency was evaluated for each of the factors, and construct validity was established by examining gender differences.

RESULTS. The factors showed acceptable levels of internal reliability (Cronbach’s α ranged from .57 to .83). We found that girls participated in significantly more self-enrichment activities and instrumental indoor activities, with greater preference. However, boys participated in significantly more games and sports activities.

CONCLUSION. The CLASS shows good internal reliability and may be useful in the future as a clinical and research tool in occupational therapy for evaluating leisure activities among typically developing children and adolescents.
Effect of Seated Position on Upper-Extremity Access to Augmentative Communication for Children With Cerebral Palsy: Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Costigan F. Aileen , Light Janice
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE. Our goal in this study was to determine the effect of seated position on upper-extremity access to augmentative communication for a child with cerebral palsy.

METHOD. A single-subject ABAB design was used with one 5-yr-old participant. We compared accuracy and speed of selection of targets on a speech-generating device in the participant’s typical position and in an intervention position. The intervention position conformed to current clinical conventions and research on promoting upper-extremity movement. The intervention position was achieved through simple modifications to the participant’s typical seating.

RESULTS. Accuracy of target selection was moderately improved in the intervention position compared with the typical position.

CONCLUSION. Results provide preliminary empirical evidence of the positive effects of functional seating on access to augmentative communication for children with cerebral palsy. Further research is required to confirm the positive effect of the intervention position across other people who use augmentative communication.
Mental Health Evidence in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy
Authors: D’Amico Mariana , Jaffe Lynn , Gibson Robert W.
Published: July 2010

We reviewed the mental health articles published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) from 2008 through 2009 in light of meeting the Centennial Vision charge of supporting practice through evidence. Seven articles that addressed mental health practice were published in AJOT over these years. Review of the articles found that only two addressed effectiveness of occupational therapy intervention; one was rated as Level II evidence, and the other was rated as Level V evidence. Two articles addressed instrument development and testing. Three articles were basic research studies that expanded consideration about the needs of people with mental health conditions. Scholars and clinicians have begun to embrace the charge of the Centennial Vision to support practice with evidence and continue to embrace mental health practice but have a distance to travel. We hope that in the coming years, the profession will see more evidence published in AJOT supporting mental health as practiced by occupational therapists.
Developing an ionospheric map for South Africa
Authors: Okoh D. I. , McKinnell L. A. , Cilliers P. J.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The development of a map of the ionosphere over South Africa is presented in this paper. The International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model, South African Bottomside Ionospheric Model (SABIM), and measurements from ionosondes in the South African Ionosonde Network, were combined within their own limitations to develop an accurate representation of the South African ionosphere. The map is essentially in the form of a computer program that shows spatial and temporal representations of the South African ionosphere for a given set of geophysical parameters. A validation of the map is attempted using a comparison of Total Electron Content (TEC) values derived from the map, from the IRI model, and from Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements. It is foreseen that the final South African ionospheric map will be implemented as a Space Weather product of the African Space Weather Regional Warning Centre.
MUWS (Microbiology in Urban Water Systems) – an interdisciplinary approach to study microbial communities in urban water systems
Authors: Deines P. , Sekar R. , Jensen H. S. , Tait S. , Boxall J. B. , Osborn A. M. , Biggs C. A.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Microbiology in Urban Water Systems (MUWS) is an integrated project, which aims to characterize the microorganisms found in both potable water distribution systems and sewer networks. These large infrastructure systems have a major impact on our quality of life, and despite the importance of these systems as major components of the water cycle, little is known about their microbial ecology. Potable water distribution systems and sewer networks are both large, highly interconnected, dynamic, subject to time and varying inputs and demands, and difficult to control. Their performance also faces increasing loading due to increasing urbanization and longer-term environmental changes. Therefore, understanding the link between microbial ecology and any potential impacts on short or long-term engineering performance within urban water infrastructure systems is important. By combining the strengths and research expertise of civil-, biochemical engineers and molecular microbial ecologists, we ultimately aim to link microbial community abundance, diversity and function to physical and engineering variables so that novel insights into the performance and management of both water distribution systems and sewer networks can be explored. By presenting the details and principals behind the molecular microbiological techniques that we use, this paper demonstrates the potential of an integrated approach to better understand how urban water system function, and so meet future challenges.
Application of polarization ellipse technique for analysis of ULF magnetic fields from two distant stations in Koyna-Warna seismoactive region, West India
Authors: Dudkin F. ,   Gautam Rawat, Arora B. R. , Korepanov V. , Leontyeva O. , Sharma A. K.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. A new approach is developed to find the source azimuth of the ultra low frequency (ULF) electromagnetic (EM) signals believed to be emanating from well defined seismic zone. The method is test applied on magnetic data procured from the seismoactive region of Koyna-Warna, known for prolonged reservoir triggered seismicity. Extremely low-noise, high-sensitivity LEMI-30 search coil magnetometers were used to measure simultaneously the vector magnetic field in the frequency range 0.001–32 Hz at two stations, the one located within and another ~100 km away from the seismic active zone. During the observation campaign extending from 15 March to 30 June 2006 two earthquakes (EQs) of magnitude (ML>4) occurred, which are searched for the presence of precursory EM signals. Comparison of polarization ellipses (PE) parameters formed by the magnetic field components at the measurement stations, in select frequency bands, allows discrimination of seismo-EM signals from the natural background ULF signals of magnetospheric/ionospheric origin. The magnetic field components corresponding to spectral bands dominated by seismo-EM fields define the PE plane which at any instant contains the source of the EM fields. Intersection lines of such defined PE planes for distant observation stations clutter in to the source region. Approximating the magnetic-dipole configuration for the source, the magnetic field components along the intersection lines suggest that azimuth of the EM source align in the NNW-SSE direction. This direction well coincides with the orientation of nodal plane of normal fault plane mechanism for the two largest EQs recorded during the campaign. More significantly the correspondence of this direction with the tectonic controlled trend in local seismicity, it has been surmised that high pressure fluid flow along the fault that facilitate EQs in the region may also be the source mechanism for EM fields by electrokinetic effect.
Biomimetic Approach to Confer Redox Activity to Thin Chitosan Films
Authors: Kim Eunkyoung , Liu Yi , Shi Xiao‐Wen , Yang Xiaohua , Bentley William E. , Payne Gregory F.
Published: July 2010

Electron transfer in biology occurs with individual or pairs of electrons, and is often mediated by catechol/o‐quinone redox couples. Here, a biomimetic polysaccharide‐catecholic film is fabricated in two steps. First, the stimuli‐responsive polysaccharide chitosan is electrodeposited as a permeable film. Next, the chitosan‐coated electrode is immersed in a solution containing catechol and the electrode is biased to anodically‐oxidize the catechol. The oxidation products covalently graft to the chitosan films as evidenced by electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) studies. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements demonstrate that the catechol‐modified chitosan films are redox‐active although they are non‐conducting and cannot directly transfer electrons to the underlying electrode. The catechol‐modified chitosan films serve as a localized source or sink of electrons that can be transferred to soluble mediators (e.g., ferrocene dimethanol and Ru(NH3) 6Cl3). This electron source/sink is finite, can be depleted, but can be repeatedly regenerated by brief (30 s) electrochemical treatments. Further, the catechol‐modified chitosan films can i) amplify currents associated with the soluble mediators, ii) partially‐rectify these currents in either oxidative or reductive directions (depending on the mediator), and iii) switch between regenerated‐ON and depleted‐OFF states. Physical models are proposed to explain these novel redox properties and possible precedents from nature are discussed.