bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies to Prevent Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections in Acute Care Hospitals
Authors: Lo Evelyn , Nicolle Lindsay , Classen David , Arias Kathleen M. , Podgorny Kelly , Anderson Deverick J. , Burstin Helen , Calfee David P. , Coffin Susan E. , Dubberke Erik R. , Fraser Victoria , Gerding Dale N. , Griffin Frances A. , Gross Peter , Kaye Keith S. , Klompas Michael , Marschall Jonas , Mermel Leonard A. , Pegues David A. , Perl Trish M. , Saint Sanjay , Salgado Cassandra D. , Weinstein Robert A. , Wise Robert , Yokoe Deborah S.
Published: October 2008

Previously published guidelines are available that provide comprehensive recommendations for detecting and preventing healthcare-associated infections. The intent of this document is to highlight practical recommendations in a concise format designed to assist acute care hospitals in implementing and prioritizing their catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention efforts. Refer to the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America/Infectious Diseases Society of America “Compendium of Strategies to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections” Executive Summary and Introduction and accompanying editorial for additional discussion.

1. Burden of CAUTIs

a. Urinary tract infection is the most common hospital-acquired infection; 80% of these infections are attributable to an indwelling urethral catheter.

b. Twelve to sixteen percent of hospital inpatients will have a urinary catheter at some time during their hospital stay.

c. The daily risk of acquisition of urinary infection varies from 3% to 7% when an indwelling urethral catheter remains in situ.

2. Outcomes associated with CAUTI

a. Urinary tract infection is the most important adverse outcome of urinary catheter use. Bacteremia and sepsis may occur in a small proportion of infected patients.

b. Morbidity attributable to any single episode of catheterization is limited, but the high frequency of catheter use in hospitalized patients means that the cumulative burden of CAUTI is substantial.

c. Catheter use is also associated with negative outcomes other than infection, including nonbacterial urethral inflammation, urethral strictures, and mechanical trauma.
High Level Expression of a Virus Resistance Gene, RCY1, Confers Extreme Resistance to Cucumber mosaic virus in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Sekine Ken-Taro , Kawakami Sayaka , Hase Shu , Kubota Mayumi , Ichinose Yuki , Shah Jyoti , Kang Hong-Gu , Klessig Daniel F. , Takahashi Hideki
Published: October 2008

A coiled coil-nucleotide binding site-leucine rich repeat–type resistance gene, RCY1, confers resistance to a yellow strain of Cucumber mosaic virus, CMV(Y), in Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype C24. Resistance to CMV(Y) in C24 is accompanied by a hypersensitive response (HR) that is characterized by the development of necrotic local lesions at the primary infection sites. To further study the HR and resistance to CMV(Y) in ecotype Col-0, which is susceptible to CMV(Y), Col-0 were transformed with RCY1. Systemic spread of CMV(Y) was completely suppressed in RCY1-transformed Col-0 (Col∷pRCY1 lines 2 to 6), whereas virulent strain CMV(B2) spread and multiplied systemically in these transgenic lines similar to that in wild-type Col-0. Interestingly, the resistant phenotype of Col∷pRCY1 varied among the lines. In lines 3 and 6, in which levels of RCY1 transcript were similar to that in wild-type C24, the HR and resistance to CMV(Y) was induced. Line 4, which expresses moderately elevated levels of RCY1 transcript, exhibited moderately enhanced resistance compared with that in C24 or line 3. In contrast, lines 2 and 5, which highly overexpress the RCY1 gene, did not exhibit either visible lesions or a micro-HR on the inoculated leaves. Moreover, virus coat protein was not detected in either inoculated or noninoculated upper leaves of these two lines, suggesting that extreme resistance (ER) to CMV(Y) was induced by high levels of expression of RCY1. Furthermore, in transgenic lines expressing hemagglutinin (HA) epitope-tagged RCY1 (Col∷pRCY1-HA), high levels of accumulation of RCY1-HA protein were also correlated with the ER phenotype. Global gene expression analysis in line 2, which highly overexpresses RCY1, indicated that expression of several defense-related genes were constitutively elevated compared with wild-type Col-0. Despite this, line 2 did not have enhanced resistance to other avirulent and virulent pathogens. Take together, constitutive accumulation of high levels of RCY1 protein appears to regulate the strength of RCY1-conferred resistance in a gene-for-gene manner and implies that ER and HR-associated resistance differ only in the strength of resistance.
Analysis of the LacI Family Regulators of Erwinia chrysanthemi 3937, Involvement in the Bacterial Phytopathogenicity
Authors: Van Gijsegem Frédérique , Wlodarczyk Aleksandra , Cornu Amandine , Reverchon Sylvie , Hugouvieux-Cotte-Pattat Nicole
Published: October 2008

Analysis of the regulators of the LacI family was performed in order to identify those potentially involved in pathogenicity of Erwinia chrysanthemi (Dickeya dadantii). Among the 18 members of the LacI family, the function of 11 members is either known or predicted and only 7 members have, as yet, no proposed function. Inactivation of these seven genes, called lfaR, lfbR, lfcR, lfdR, lfeR, lffR, and lfgR, demonstrated that four of them are important for plant infection. The lfaR and lfcR mutants showed a reduced virulence on chicory, Saintpaulia sp., and Arabidopsis. The lfeR mutant showed a reduced virulence on Arabidopsis. The lfdR mutant was more efficient than the wild-type strain in initiating maceration on Saintpaulia sp. The genetic environment of each regulator was examined to detect adjacent genes potentially involved in a common function. Construction of transcriptional fusions in these neighboring genes demonstrated that five regulators, LfaR, LfcR, LfeR, LffR, and LfgR, act as repressors of adjacent genes. Analysis of these fusions also indicated that the genes controlled by LfaR, LfcR, LfgR, and LffR are expressed during plant infection. Moreover, addition of crude plant extracts to culture medium demonstrated that the expression of the LfaR- and LfgR-controlled genes is specifically induced by plant components.
Pseudomonas syringaeElicits Emission of the Terpenoid (E,E)-4,8,12-Trimethyl-1,3,7,11-Tridecatetraene inArabidopsisLeaves Via Jasmonate Signaling and Expression of the Terpene Synthase TPS4
Authors: Attaran Elham , Rostás Michael , Zeier Jürgen
Published: October 2008

Volatile, low–molecular weight terpenoids have been implicated in plant defenses, but their direct role in resistance against microbial pathogens is not clearly defined. We have examined a possible role of terpenoid metabolism in the induced defense of Arabidopsis thaliana plants against leaf infection with the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. Inoculation of plants with virulent or avirulent P. syringae strains induces the emission of the terpenoids (E,E)-4,8,12-trimethyl-1,3,7,11-tridecatetraene (TMTT), β-ionone and α-farnesene. While the most abundant volatile, the C16-homoterpene TMTT, is produced relatively early in compatible and incompatible interactions, emission of both β-ionone and α-farnesene only increases in later stages of the compatible interaction. Pathogen-induced synthesis of TMTT is controlled through jasmonic acid (JA)-dependent signaling but is independent of a functional salicylic acid (SA) pathway. We have identified Arabidopsis T-DNA insertion lines with defects in the terpene synthase gene TPS4, which is expressed in response to P. syringae inoculation. The tps4 knockout mutant completely lacks induced emission of TMTT but is capable of β-ionone and α-farnesene production, demonstrating that TPS4 is specifically involved in TMTT formation. The tps4 plants display at least wild type–like resistance against P. syringae, indicating that TMTT per se does not protect against the bacterial pathogen in Arabidopsis leaves. Similarly, the ability to mount SA-dependent defenses and systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is barely affected in tps4, which excludes a signaling function of TMTT during SAR. Besides P. syringae challenge, intoxication of Arabidopsis leaves with copper sulfate, a treatment that strongly activates JA biosynthesis, triggers production of TMTT, β-ionone, and α-farnesene. Taken together, our data suggest that induced TMTT production in Arabidopsis is a by-product of activated JA signaling, rather than an effective defense response that contributes to resistance against P. syringae.
Biological Control of Crown Gall of Grapevine, Rose, and Tomato by NonpathogenicAgrobacterium vitisStrain VAR03-1
Authors: Kawaguchi A. , Inoue K. , Ichinose Y.
Published: October 2008

A nonpathogenic strain of Agrobacterium vitis VAR03-1 was tested as a biological control agent for crown gall of grapevine (Vitis vinifera). When roots of grapevine, rose (Rose multiflora), and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) were soaked in a cell suspension of antagonists before planting in soil infested with tumorigenic A. vitis, A. rhizogenes, and A. tumefaciens, respectively, treatment with VAR03-1 significantly reduced the number of plants with tumors and disease severity in the three plant species. The inhibitory effects of treatment with VAR03-1 and the nonpathogenic A. rhizogenes strain K84 on crown gall of rose and tomato were almost identical, and the inhibitory effect of VAR03-1 on grapevine was superior to that of K84. Moreover, VAR03-1 greatly controlled crown gall of grapevine due to tumorigenic A. vitis in the field. VAR03-1 established populations averaging 106colony forming units (CFU)/g of root in the rhizosphere of grapevine and persisted on roots for 2 years. VAR03-1 was bacteriocinogenic, producing a halo of inhibition against those three species of Agrobacterium. This is the first report that a nonpathogenic strain, VAR03-1, can effectively control crown gall caused by tumorigenic A. vitis, A. rhizogenes, and A. tumefaciens.
The phylogenetic affinities of Crossley's babbler (
Mystacornis crossleyi
): adding a new niche to the vanga radiation of Madagascar
Authors: Johansson Ulf S , Bowie Rauri C.K , Hackett Shannon J , Schulenberg Thomas S
Published: October 2008

Crossley's babbler (
Mystacornis crossleyi
) is a passerine endemic to Madagascar. Traditionally, it has been classified as a babbler (Timaliidae), although affinities with warblers and vangas have been suggested. We investigated the phylogenetic affinities of Crossley's babbler using sequence data from two nuclear introns (myoglobin intron 2 and β-fibrinogen intron 5) and one mitochondrial gene (ND2). We present for the first time (to our knowledge) a molecular phylogeny that confidently places this enigmatic species within the vangas (Vangidae). The inclusion of Crossley's babbler within the vangas adds another foraging niche—gleaning small invertebrates from the ground—to this already large adaptive radiation of songbirds.
Curvature in conformal mappings of two-dimensional lattices and foam structure
Authors: Mughal Adil , Weaire Denis
Published: October 2008

The elegant properties of conformal mappings, when applied to two-dimensional lattices, find interesting applications in two-dimensional foams and other cellular or close-packed structures. In particular, the two-dimensional honeycomb (whose dual is the triangular lattice) may be transformed into various conformal patterns, which compare approximately to experimentally realizable two-dimensional foams. We review and extend the mathematical analysis of such transformations, with several illustrative examples. New results are adduced for the local curvature generated by the transformation.
Endowment effect in capuchin monkeys
Authors: Lakshminaryanan Venkat , Keith Chen M , Santos Laurie R
Published: October 2008

In humans, the capacity for economically rational choice is constrained by a variety of preference biases: humans evaluate gambles relative to arbitrary reference points; weigh losses heavier than equally sized gains; and demand a higher price for owned goods than for equally preferred goods that are not yet owned. To date, however, fewer studies have examined the origins of these biases. Here, we review previous work demonstrating that human economic biases such as loss aversion and reference dependence are shared with an ancestrally related New World primate, the capuchin monkey (
Cebus apella
). We then examine whether capuchins display an endowment effect in a token-trading task. We identified pairs of treats (fruit discs versus cereal chunks) that were equally preferred by each monkey. When given a chance to trade away their owned fruit discs to obtain the equally valued cereal chunks (or vice versa), however, monkeys required a far greater compensation than the equally preferred treat. We show that these effects are not due to transaction costs or timing issues. These data suggest that biased preferences rely on cognitive systems that are more evolutionarily ancient than previously thought—and that common evolutionary ancestry shared by humans and capuchins may account for the occurrence of the endowment effect in both species.
A new species of Calanthe (Orchidaceae) from Yunnan, China
Authors: Xiaohua Jin , Heng Li
Published: October 2008

A new species of Orchidaceae, Calanthe fugongensis X. H. Jin & S. C. Chen, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically reminiscent of C. hancockii Rolfe, from which it differs by having hamate lateral lobes, and an elliptical middle lobe with three rectangular lamellae.
Growth characteristics of three Mallomonas species (silica‐scaled chrysophytes) at different temperatures and pH
Authors: Lak Lee Kyung , Yoon Ho‐Sung , Jae Kim Yong , Soon Kim Han
Published: October 2008

Three species of Mallomonas (M. crassisquama, M. elongata and M. tonsurata) were isolated from Kachang dam in Daegu, Korea and the individual species were grown as batch cultures in the laboratory. The growth characteristics of these species were investigated at different temperatures and pH. Mallomonas crassisquama exhibited the highest growth rates (μmax) at 18°C, whereas the maximum growth rates of M. elongata and M. tonsurata were observed at 21°C. The maximum growth rates of M. crassisquama and M. elongata were observed at pH 6, and M. tonsurata exhibited maximum growth rate at pH 5. Mallomonas crassisquama and M. tonsurata showed high growth rate between pH 4 and 6, and M. elongata showed high growth rate below pH 7. The three species showed similar growth characteristics except that M. elongata proliferated at a narrower temperature range and at a wider pH range than other two species.
Rare and threatened new endemic Ixora (Rubiaceae) from New Caledonia
Authors: Mouly Arnaud , Pisivin Céline
Published: October 2008

Ixora clarae and I. elisae (Rubiaceae) are two endemic species described from New Caledonia. Ixora clarae is easily recognised by its (1–)3‐flowered inflorescences, made up by thick and large flowers embedded in a calyculus. It is known from a few specimens collected on the nearest mountains by Nouméa, and is considered as endangered (EN). Ixora elisae is remarkable for its very enlarged campanulate calyx‐limb. The latter one, from the Isle of Pines and Lifou, known by only two herbarium collections, is probably on its way to disappear in nature. Consequently, it is proposed to be classified as critically endangered (CR).
Linnaeus’ sexual system and flowering plant phylogeny
Authors: Bremer Birgitta
Published: October 2008

Carl Linnaeus brought order to the knowledge of plants and animals by arranging all known species in encyclopaedic works. He proposed a system of plants, the sexual system, based on the number and arrangement of male and female organs. His artificial sexual system has since long been replaced by ‘natural’ or phylogenetic systems but there has never been a comprehensive comparison of the sexual system with modern plant classification. The currently most often used classification of flowering plants is the APG‐system. It is based on comprehensive phylogenies of flowering plants, reconstructed by analyses of DNA data. The APG‐system covers all flowering plants which are classified in 453 families and these are classified in 45 orders. Most of the species were not known at time of Linnaeus. Families and orders in the APG‐system are arranged in larger informal groups representing major branches in the flowering plant phylogenetic tree. Three such groups are the monocots, the rosids, and the asterids.

I have examined all genera published in Species plantarum (1753) and classified them according to order and major groups in the APG‐system. All classes except one, number 15 Tetradynamia, comprises groups of unrelated plants. Not surprisingly, the sexual system does not display what we know today about plant relationships. As is evident from this analysis, there is little correspondence between the sexual system and the APG‐system. This does not mean that the sexual system has been useless or misleading. When it was introduced, it formed the basis for much intensified research and increased knowledge of plants.
A new species of Drypetes (Putranjivaceae) from China
Authors: Qin Xin‐Sheng , Chen Hong‐Feng , Xing Fu‐Wu
Published: October 2008

A new species of Drypetes, D. kwangtungensis, from the Guangdong Province in China is described and illustrated. It is morphologically very similar to D. obtusa, from which it differs by having elliptic leaves with an acute apex that is sometimes retuse. In addition, the fruits of D. kwangtungensis are obovoid and almost twice as large as those of D. obtusa.
Geometric morphometric analyses of silica‐scale variation in four Mallomonas species (Synurophyceae, Stramenopiles)
Authors: Pichrtová Martina , Němcová Yvonne
Published: October 2008

The tools of geometric morphometrics (GM) were used to examine morphological variation of silica‐scales in four Mallomonas species (M. calceolus, M. kalinae, M. flora and M. striata). Relative warps analysis revealed the main trends in morphological variation to be associated with the width, length and shape of the V‐rib, while the proximal border region was found to be more stable. Almost all of the scales investigated were successfully differentiated and assigned to an individual species by means of multivariate statistics, the classification experiments were done in a pairwise manner. Geometric morphometric based analyses did not corroborate the classification of these species into traditionally defined sections. M. kalinae and M. striata were found to be the most similar, although they are classified into different sections of the genus, while M. kalinae and M. calceolus that are both traditionally classified as belonging to the section Papillosae, proved to be the most dissimilar species pair.
Microsatellite diversity in cultured populations of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in China
Authors: Zhao Y. , Zhu X. , Sun X.
Published: October 2008

Twenty microsatellite loci were examined to assess genetic variation among six cultured populations of rainbow trout introduced to China. Fourteen polymorphic loci showed moderate levels of diversity within and between populations.
Cloning and infection response of tumour‐necrosis factor alpha in large yellow croaker Pseudosciaena crocea (Richardson)
Authors: Xie F. J. , Zhang Z. P. , Lin P , Wang S. H , Zou Z. H , Wang Y. L.
Published: October 2008

In this article, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and real‐time PCR were used to clone the tumour‐necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) gene of the large yellow croaker Pseudosciaena crocea (Richardson) and to analyse its response to bacterial infection. The full‐length cDNA of TNF‐α contained a 5′‐untranslated region (5′‐UTR) of 68 bp, followed by an open reading frame (ORF) of 759 bp and a 3′‐UTR of 512 bp. The ORF was capable of encoding 252 amino acids with an estimated molecular mass of 28 kDa. In the 3′‐UTR, there were two putative endotoxin‐responsive motifs and five mRNA instability motifs. The deduced peptide had a transmembrane domain and a TNF‐α family signature. Multiple sequence alignments indicated that P. crocea TNF‐α shares relatively high similarity with both teleost and mammalian TNF‐α. Phylogenetic analysis showed that teleost TNF‐α was located independently in a different branch compared with mammalian TNF‐α. Real‐time PCR analysis demonstrated that the expression of TNF‐α in the head kidney of the P. crocea injected with Vibrio parahaemolyticus was most significantly higher than that of the control group at 2 and 4 days. In blood, at 2 days post‐injection, TNF‐α expression was significantly higher than that of the control group, while at 4 days post‐injection, it was most significantly higher than that of the control group.
Using a zebrafish Danio rerio model system to study NOTCH1‐induced T‐cell leukaemia
Authors: Chen J. , Griffin J. D.
Published: October 2008

Notch receptors are a family of cell‐surface proteins that regulate cell fate decisions and growth control. Human NOTCH1 gain‐of‐function mutations–deletions have been found in c. 60% of patients with T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T‐ALL). Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms by which dysregulated Notch‐signalling induces leukaemia is of importance and may reveal novel targets for the development of more effective therapies. Zebrafish, Danio rerio, is an ideal model system to use for forward genetic screens to uncover pathways critical for transformation. Danio rerio also have the capacity for small molecule screening for drug discovery. rag2‐ICN1‐EGFP transgenic fish have been created that develop a T‐cell leukaemia, and these fish are now being used in genetic modifier screens.
Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV)‐specific antibodies confer GFLV and Arabis mosaic virus (ArMV) resistance in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: NÖLKE GRETA , COBANOV PASCAL , UHDE‐HOLZEM KERSTIN , REUSTLE GÖTZ , FISCHER RAINER , SCHILLBERG STEFAN
Published: October 2008

Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) is one of the most destructive pathogens of grapevine. In this study, we generated monoclonal antibodies binding specifically to the coat protein of GFLV. Antibody FL3, which bound most strongly to GFLV and showed cross‐reactivity to Arabis mosaic virus (ArMV), was used to construct the single‐chain antibody fragment scFvGFLVcp‐55. To evaluate the potential of this single‐chain variable fragment (scFv) to confer antibody‐mediated virus resistance, transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants were generated in which the scFv accumulated in the cytosol. Recombinant protein levels of up to 0.1% total soluble protein were achieved. The T1 and T2 progenies conferred partial or complete protection against GFLV on challenge with the viral pathogen. The resistance to GFLV in transgenic plants was strictly related to scFvGFLVcp‐55 accumulation levels, confirming that the antibody fragment was functional in planta and responsible for the GFLV resistance. In addition, transgenic plants conferring complete protection to GFLV showed substantially enhanced tolerance to ArMV. We demonstrate the first step towards the control of grapevine fanleaf degeneration, as scFvGFLVcp‐55 could be an ideal candidate for mediating nepovirus resistance.
Liver stiffness measurement as a predictive tool of clinically significant portal hypertension in patients with compensated hepatitis C virus or alcohol‐related cirrhosis
Authors: LEMOINE M. , KATSAHIAN S. , ZIOL M. , NAHON P. , GANNE‐CARRIE N. , KAZEMI F. , GRANDO‐LEMAIRE V. , TRINCHET J.‐C. , BEAUGRAND M.
Published: October 2008

Background  Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is the gold standard for assessing the presence and the severity of portal hypertension (PHT). Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) is a non‐invasive method for liver fibrosis assessment.

Aims  To assess the relationship between LSM and HVPG in patients with compensated cirrhosis related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) or alcohol and to define the performance and the best cut‐off of LSM for the diagnosis of PHT in these patients.

Methods  Between January 2004 and September 2006, we studied all the consecutive patients with compensated HCV or alcohol‐related‐cirrhosis referred for transjugular liver biopsy with HVPG measurement and LSM performed the same day.

Results  Ninety‐two patients were eligible, 44 had HCV related‐cirrhosis and 48 alcoholic cirrhosis. LSM was positively correlated to HVPG in both groups. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the diagnosis of significant PHT was 0.76 ± 0.07 in HCV patients (best cut‐off at 20.5 kPa) and 0.94 ± 0.03 (best cut‐off at 34.9 kPa) in alcoholic patients.

Conclusions  Liver stiffness measurement and HVPG were significantly correlated in patients with compensated cirrhosis because of HCV infection or alcohol. LSM could predict significant PHT in both these groups of patients with a higher cut‐off and a better performance in alcoholic patients.
Lagtimes in diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer: determinants and association with cancer stage and survival
Authors: WATTACHERIL J. , KRAMER J. R. , RICHARDSON P. , HAVEMANN B. D. , GREEN L. K. , LE A. , EL‐SERAG H. B.
Published: October 2008

Background  Lagtimes to diagnostic colonoscopy have been used as practice performance measures.

Aim  To evaluate the duration, determinants and outcomes of lagtimes between referral for endoscopic evaluation and colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis.

Methods  We examined the medical records of 289 patients with CRC and evaluated lagtimes, their potential determinants and their association with CRC stage at diagnosis as well as overall survival.

Results  Median lag between referral and CRC diagnosis was 41 days (41.5% > 60 days, 30.1% > 90 days). The only significant predictor of lagtime was the initiating event for referral: abnormal symptom, laboratory test or imaging study was associated with shortest and presence of family history was associated with longest lagtimes respectively. Longer lagtimes were associated with lower mortality risk, but this was completely explained by earlier CRC stage. An analysis restricted to 100 patients referred for abnormal CRC screening tests found no association between duration of lag and CRC stage or mortality.

Conclusions  There seems to be no meaningful association between mortality in patients with CRC and lagtimes between referral for colonoscopy and CRC diagnosis for periods up to 2–3 months. On the contrary, longer lagtimes were inversely associated with CRC stage at the time of diagnosis.
Nondigestive symptoms in non‐erosive reflux disease: nature, prevalence and relation to acid reflux
Authors: HERSHCOVICI T. , ZIMMERMAN J.
Published: October 2008

Background  Nondigestive symptoms are frequent in the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Aim  To characterize nondigestive symptoms in non‐erosive gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (NERD) patients, as features of IBS are common in patients with NERD.

Methods  A prospective, case–control study. NERD was defined in patients with reflux symptoms, a normal oesophageal mucosa and oesophageal pH <4 for ≥5% of the time during 24‐h pH monitoring. Nondigestive symptoms were scored on validated scales of somatic pain, urinary, sleep and neurasthenia. IBS was defined by the Rome I criteria.

Results  pH‐positive NERD patients (n = 326) scored significantly higher than controls (nonpatient hospital visitors; n = 174) on all scales. The scores of pain, sleep and neurasthenia were highly specific in the discrimination of NERD patients from controls. In patients, nondigestive symptoms were independently associated with age, reflux symptoms severity and IBS status, but not with oesophageal acid exposure. NERD patients who met diagnostic criteria for IBS (49%) scored significantly higher on all the nondigestive symptoms scales than those had not met [IBS(−)]. Yet, IBS(−) patients scored significantly higher than controls on all scales.

Conclusions  Nondigestive symptoms were highly prevalent in NERD patients and were specific in their discrimination from controls. Nondigestive symptoms correlated with reflux symptoms and were predicted by IBS status.
Systematic review: impact of non‐adherence to 5‐aminosalicylic acid products on the frequency and cost of ulcerative colitis flares
Authors: HIGGINS P. D. R. , RUBIN D. T. , KAULBACK K. , SCHOENFIELD P. S. , KANE S. V.
Published: October 2008

Background  Ulcerative colitis (UC) can be maintained in remission with 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA) medications, but frequent non‐adherence by patients who are feeling well has been associated with more frequent flares of colitis.

Aim  To perform a systematic review of the published literature and unpublished randomized clinical trials (RCTs) regarding the impact of non‐adherence with 5‐ASA medications on the incidence of UC flares and costs of care.

Methods  A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane databases was performed. Prospective studies of UC maintenance with 5‐ASAs in adults were selected if they included data on adherence and disease flares. Studies using insurance claims data to estimate the impact of non‐adherence on cost of care were included. Data from unpublished RCTs were obtained from the FDA with a request under the Freedom of Information Act.

Results  The relative risk for flare in non‐adherent vs. adherent patients ranged from 3.65 to infinity. Data were obtained from six unpublished 5‐ASA RCTs, but none measured the impact of adherence on disease activity. The comorbidity‐adjusted annual costs of care in adherent patients were 12.5% less than in non‐adherent patients, despite increased medication expenditures.

Conclusions  A substantial proportion of UC flares and medical costs of UC are attributable to 5‐ASA non‐adherence. As non‐adherence to 5‐ASA medications is common, cost‐effective strategies to improve adherence are needed. The impact of adherence on disease activity should be measured in RCTs of all inflammatory bowel disease treatments.
Review article: benefits and risks of chemotherapy in elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: MITRY E. , ROUGIER P.
Published: October 2008

Background  Although metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is largely a disease of older individuals, our understanding of disease processes and their optimal treatment has been gained through trials with populations largely confined to younger individuals.

Aim  To identify through a review issues specific to geriatric patients with mCRC (physiological changes associated with aging, burden of coexisting illnesses, altered drug pharmacokinetics and functional impairment) and assess challenges to elderly patients posed by malignancy and exposure to cytotoxic medication.

Methods  Our literature search for indexed articles published between 2000 and May 2008 employed terms including irinotecan, oxaliplatin, elderly, mCRC, targeted agents and biologicals.

Results  Underrepresentation of older patients in clinical trials makes it difficult to extrapolate findings to older age groups. However, some trials have demonstrated that elderly patients can achieve survival benefits and toxicity comparable to younger patients, although dosage modifications may be required.

Conclusions  Currently, benefits with pharmacological therapy are suggested but not proven in the elderly population. Although concurrent illnesses and disabilities can complicate treatment decision making, chronological age alone should not disqualify these patients with mCRC from receiving optimal treatment similar to that offered to their younger cohorts.
Glucose Metabolism In Quinine‐Treated Patients With Uncomplicated Falciparum Malaria
Authors: Davis T. M. E. , Pukrittayakamee S. , Supanaranond W. , Looareesuwan S. , Krishna S. , Nagachinta B. , Turner R. C. , White N. J.
Published: October 2008

To investigate host and drug effects on glucose metabolism in acute falciparum malaria, 10 previously untreated, fasting Thai males with uncomplicated infections were given a 2‐h intravenous glucose infusion (5 mg/kg ideal body weight min) with an infusion of quinine dihydrochloride (10 mg/kg body weight) during the second hour. Eight patients were restudied in convalescence. Fasting plasma glucose (mean ± SD) and insulin (geometric mean (— SD to + SD)) were higher during acute illness (5.5 ± 1.0 mmol/l and 6.2 (5.0–7.7) mU/l) than in convalescence (4.2 ± 0.25 mmol/l and 3.7 (2.1–6.7) mU/l; P <0.001 and P = 0.058 respectively). After 1 h, both plasma glucose (9.3 ± 1.4 vs 7.5 ± 0.8 mmol/l, P < 0.001) and insulin (21.2 (13.8–32.5) vs 15.2 (11.2–20.8) mU/l, P = 0.089) remained higher during acute illness; mathematical model (CIGMA) assessment of these values indicated lower tissue insulin sensitivity on admission (97% (71–134)) than in convalescence (139% (109–178), P < 0.025) but normal beta‐cell function on both occasions. Two‐hour plasma glucose (9.5 ± 2.0 mmol/l) and insulin (81.8 (51.5–129.9) mU/l) concentrations during acute illness were also significantly higher than in convalescence (7.2 ± 1.2 mmol/l and 40.1 (23.5–68.4) mU/l, P ± 0.025) despite similar end‐infusion free plasma quinine concentrations (P> 0.5). Basal plasma free fatty acid concentrations were increased in acute illness (0.68 ±.24 vs 0.21 ± 0.12 mmol/l, P < 0.001) but fell to low levels at 2 h in both studies. These data suggest tissue insulin resistance and augmented quinine‐stimulated insulin secretion in acute falciparum malaria, factors which are likely to influence the clinical situation in which malaria‐associated hypoglycaemia occurs.
Mating tactic dependent sperm transfer rates in Panorpa similis (Mecoptera; Panorpidae): a case of female control?
Authors: KULLMANN HARALD , SAUER KLAUS P.
Published: October 2008

Abstract 1. Male Panorpa scorpionflies offer salivary masses as nuptial gifts during copulation. Previous studies have shown that there is usually a strong correlation between the number or size of salivary masses provided and copulation duration. As a result of constant sperm transfer rates, copulation duration is the most important determinant of male fitness in these species.

2. Differences in copulation durations for gift‐giving and non‐gift‐giving males of the Caucasian scorpionfly Panorpa similis have been shown to be much smaller on average than those observed in other Panorpa species. In this study, we therefore focus on the number of sperm transferred in copulations of P. similis both with and without salivary masses.

3. We find that although the average copulation duration in the presence of nuptial gifts is only twice as long as the average copulation duration without nuptial gifts, gift‐giving males transfer almost 11 times more sperm during copulations than non‐gift‐giving males. This is as a result of substantially higher sperm transfer rates (sperm/minute) in copulations in which nuptial gifts are present.

4. Implications of this finding for the interpretation of the mating system of P. similis and the question of which sex controls sperm transfer rates are discussed.
Queen condition, mating frequency, queen loss, and levels of worker reproduction in the hornets Vespa affinis and V. simillima
Authors: MARTIN STEPHEN J. , TAKAHASHI JUN‐ICHI , KATADA SHIN‐ICHI
Published: October 2008

Abstract 1. Mature queens of the hornet Vespa affinis are unusual in that they lose all their body hair and wings. This has been used as evidence for matricide in hornets. Factors favouring matricide such as low paternity and long annual lifecycle are present in most hornets.

2. We determined paternity in V. affinis and compared queen condition, levels of queen loss, and worker reproduction in 163 V. affinis and 63 V. simillima colonies. These two species have very similar lifecycles and colony sizes, but different paternities (1.3 vs 2.4). Furthermore, in queen‐right V. affinis colonies small proportions (4%) of reproductive workers were present, whereas in queen‐right V. simillima colonies no reproductive workers were detected.

3. Despite these differences, queen damage in both species was influenced predominantly by her age and in V. affinis was not influenced by presence of reproductive workers.

4. The number of queen‐less V. simillima (9/63 = 14%) and V. affinis (28/163 = 17%) colonies were also not significantly different (P = 0.8). Therefore, queen damage and proportions of queen‐less colonies were not linked making it a poor indicator of matricide.

5. It is proposed that graded control of sexual and worker production in wasps and hornets prevents a situation where kin‐selected matricide is ever favoured.
Six cryptic species on a single species of host plant: morphometric evidence for possible reproductive character displacement
Authors: MARSTELLER SARA , ADAMS DEAN C. , COLLYER MICHAEL L. , CONDON MARTY
Published: October 2008

Abstract 1. Diversification of some highly host‐specific herbivorous insects may occur in allopatry, without shifts in host use. Such allopatric divergence may be accelerated by sexual selection operating on courtship displays. Wing size and shape may affect visual and vibrational courtship displays in tephritid fruit flies. Geometric morphometric methods were used to examine wings of six sympatric cryptic species in the neotropical genus Blepharoneura. All six species feed on flowers of the same species of host (Gurania spinulosa), a neotropical vine in the Cucurbitaceae. Three of the fly species court and mate in close proximity on the host. Thus, courtship behaviours could serve as important reproductive isolating mechanisms. Two sets of hypotheses were tested: (i) species differ in wing shape and wing size; and (ii) species are sexually dimorphic in wing size and wing shape. Wing size differed among a few species, but wing shape differed significantly among all six species. Sexual dimorphism in wing size was found in only one species, but sexual dimorphism in wing shape was found in two of the three species known to court on the same host plant. In the two sexually dimorphic species, wing shape differed among males, but not among females. This suggests that selection for reproductive character displacement might accelerate divergence in wing shape.
The influence of bioturbation on the vertical distribution of soil organic matter in volcanic ash soils: a case study in northern Ecuador
Authors: Tonneijck F. H. , Jongmans A. G.
Published: October 2008

Soil faunal bioturbation (‘bioturbation’) is often cited as a major process influencing the vertical distribution of soil organic matter (SOM). The influence of bioturbation on vertical SOM transport is complex because it is the result of interaction between different groups of soil faunal species that redistribute SOM through the soil profile in distinct ways. We performed a semi‐quantitative micromorphological analysis of soil faunal pedofeatures and related their occurrence to the vertical distribution of SOM and high‐resolution radiocarbon dating in volcanic ash soils under montane forest and grassland (páramo) vegetation in the northern Ecuadorian Andes. The páramo soil data suggest that bioturbation was largely responsible for the vertical distribution of SOM, while illuviation and root input were of minor importance. Bioturbation was caused by endogeic species, which typically mix the soil only over short vertical distances. Short vertical distance mixing was apparently enhanced by the upward shifting of bioturbation as a result of soil thickening due to SOM accumulation. A change from páramo to forest vegetation was accompanied by a change from endogeic to epigeic species. As these latter species do not redistribute material vertically, this eventually resulted in the formation of thick ectorganic horizons in the forest.
Thrombin generation assay: a useful routine check‐up tool in the management of patients with haemophilia?
Authors: SALVAGNO G. L. , ASTERMARK J. , LIPPI G. , EKMAN M. , FRANCHINI M. , GUIDI G. C. , BERNTORP E.
Published: October 2008

Summary.  Severity assessment of patients with haemophilia A (HA) is traditionally based on FVIII activity (FVIII:C). Clinical phenotype of HA patients often differs between individuals with the same FVIII:C determined with clotting and chromogenic assays. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the FVIII:C on thrombin generation (TG) assay parameters both in vitro and ex‐vivo postinfusion plasma. For in‐vitro approach, influence of FVIII:C was evaluated on TG parameters in several dilutions of a normal plasma pool with commercial FVIII‐depleted‐plasma (FVIIIDP) and in others experiments, adding increasing amounts of different commercial FVIII concentrates (Fanhdi, Haemate‐P, Hemofil‐M and Kogenate Bayer) to FVIIIDP. In a series of 50 postinfusion samples, from HA patients of different severity, we assayed TG and FVIII:C (chromogenic and clotting). In vitro experiments, the 50% of maximum TG peak (TGMP) was achieved using only 5% FVIII:C and the TGMP was obtained with 40% of normal VIII:C. Impaired response compared with normal plasma was found in FVIIIDP using addition of increasing amounts of different commercial FVIII concentrates. An overall good correlation between the two FVIII assays was observed (y = 0.9115x − 0.273, r = 0.975, P < 0.001); TGMP and the Lag‐Phase‐Time (LPT) provided some discrepant results when compared with the total range of FVIII:C measurements. In contrast, correlations for TGMP, LPT and endogenous thrombin potential were improved in samples restricted to FVIII:C <5%. We conclude that TG parameters tentatively could be a tool to tailor the global haemostatic capacity in haemophilic patients.
Clinical benefit of recombinant factor VIIa in management of bleeds and surgery in two brothers suffering from the Bernard–Soulier syndrome
Authors: TEFRE K. L. , INGERSLEV J. , SØRENSEN B.
Published: October 2008

Summary.  Bernard–Soulier syndrome (BSS) is a rare congenital bleeding disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia and giant platelets that display impaired or absent platelet agglutination with ristocetin. The disease is caused by mutations in genes controlling the expression of the platelet glycoprotein Ib‐IX complex. The most severely affected patients suffer from profound muco‐cutaneous bleeding tendency. Patients suffering from BSS may require platelet transfusion in prevention and management of severe bleeding. However, recent publications have suggested that recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) infusion may support haemostasis in BSS. The present report describes two brothers who received treatment with rFVIIa together with tranexamic acid on a total of six occasions in management of haemostasis in minor surgery and for a serious spontaneous upper gastrointestinal tract bleed. Although platelet transfusion was omitted, haemostasis was regarded excellent in all of these treatment episodes.
Understanding the role of managerial agency in achieving business benefits from ERP systems
Authors: Staehr Lorraine
Published: October 2008

Previous enterprise resource planning (ERP) research has identified ‘top management support’ as an important factor in implementation success. However, most studies are short on the detail of exactly how and why ‘top management support’ contributes to ERP success. Moreover, although ‘improved management decision‐making’ is often claimed as a business benefit of ERP systems, there is little evidence in previous ERP research of it having actually occurred. This paper examines the role of managerial agency at all levels in four Australian manufacturing organizations in achieving business benefits from ERP systems during the post‐implementation period. The research contributes to current understanding of the role of managerial agency in achieving business benefits from ERP systems by providing theoretically based, detailed and interesting insights from four interpretive case studies.
Clinical, salivary, and bacterial markers for caries risk assessment in schoolchildren: a 4‐year follow‐up
Authors: SÁNCHEZ‐PÉREZ LEONOR , GOLUBOV JORDAN , IRIGOYEN‐CAMACHO M. ESTHER , MOCTEZUMA PATRICIA ALFARO , ACOSTA‐GIO ENRIQUE
Published: October 2008

Background.  In Mexico, there is a high prevalence of dental caries and large groups of children still show extensive untreated dental damage.

Aim.  This study aims to evaluate, in a cohort of 6‐year‐old Mexican children, the relationship between caries increment at 4 years and the following caries risk markers: fissure morphology, caries experience, salivary flow rate, Snyder test results, and mutans and lactobacilli counts.

Design.  To predict new caries lesions in 110 schoolchildren, clinical, salivary, and bacteriological caries risk markers were used, including fissure morphology, caries experience, salivary flow rate, Snyder test, and Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli counts. To determine the validity of these markers, the baseline data were compared with the caries increment after 4 years.

Results.  The risk model's capacity to predict caries was moderate (specificity 79.6% and sensitivity 78.6%). Caries experience (P = 0.0001), Snyder test (P = 0.002), and fissure morphology (P = 0.024) had the strongest association with caries increment. Salivary flow rate, lactobacilli, and S. mutans counts did not contribute significantly to the prediction of caries lesions in these children.

Conclusion.  In addition to the initial caries experience, tooth morphology and Snyder test proved to be useful predictors for caries. These three risk markers may be particularly useful in targeting caries prevention efforts in developing countries.
Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction for Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus in dental plaque samples and its association with early childhood caries
Authors: CHOI EUN‐JUNG , LEE SUNG‐HOON , KIM YOUNG‐JAE
Published: October 2008

Background.  Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are closely associated with the development of early childhood caries (ECC). Recently, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) has been used for rapid and accurate quantification of these bacterial species.

Aim.  This study aims to detect quantitatively the levels of S. mutans and S. sobrinus in plaque samples by qRT‐PCR, and to assess their association with the prevalence of ECC in Korean preschool children.

Design.  One hundred and five children (71 months old or younger) were examined and classified into three groups (caries‐free, ECC, severe ECC). Dental plaque samples were collected and qRT‐PCR was conducted using oligonucleotide primers specific for glucosyltransferase gene (S. mutans‐gtfB, S. sobrinus‐gtfU) and universal primer. Pearson's correlation test was conducted to evaluate the relationship between the dmfs (decayed, missing, or filled surfaces primary teeth) scores and the microbiological findings.

Results.  There was a significant difference between the levels of S. mutans and S. sobrinus in the plaque samples of the three groups (P < 0.05). The proportion of S. sobrinus to S. mutans showed strong correlation to the dmfs scores (r = 0.748, P < 0.05).

Conclusions.  The qRT‐PCR results of this study showed that children with ECC had higher level of S. mutans and S. sobrinus in their dental plaque samples. The children with higher ratio of S. sobrinus to S. mutans in their dental plaque showed higher incidence of ECC.