bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myocardial Strain Imaging for Early Detection of Cardiac Involvement in Patients with Duchenne's Progressive Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Mori Kazuhiro , Hayabuchi Yasunobu , Inoue Miki , Suzuki Mitsujiro , Sakata Miho , Nakagawa Ryuji , Kagami Shoji , Tatara Katsunori , Hirayama Yoshimi , Abe Yasuhiko
Published: March 2007

Objective: In patients with Duchenne's progressive muscular dystrophy (DMD), myocardial fibrosis begins from the epicardial half of the left ventricular posterior wall. Myocardial strain imaging by tissue Doppler echocardiography is a new method for assessing regional myocardial function. We hypothesized that this method might be useful for the early detection of subclinical myocardial involvement in DMD patients. Methods: Myocardial radial strain of the left ventricle was measured in 25 DMD patients (age: 14.8 ± 3.1 years) with a normal left ventricular shortening fraction and 25 age‐matched healthy controls. Results: Peak systolic radial strain of the posterior wall in a short‐axis view of the left ventricle was significantly lower in DMD patients compared to control subjects (P < 0.0001). In the interventricular septum, peak systolic radial strain was not significantly different between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis differentiated DMD patients from control patients with 92% sensitivity and 92% specificity, when the cutoff value for systolic peak strain of the posterior wall was 61%. When radial strain was measured separately for the inner and outer halves of the posterior wall, a systolic negative strain was more frequently observed in the outer half than in the inner half of the posterior wall (6/25 vs. 0/25, P < 0.05). Conclusions: Myocardial strain imaging in DMD patients was characterized by decreased peak systolic strain of the posterior wall despite normal standard echocardiographic findings. Strain measurement might be useful for early detection of subtle regional myocardial dysfunction.
Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation Due to Entrapment of the Anterior Leaflet of the Valve by a Permanent Pacemaker Lead: Role of Real Time Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography
Authors: Nucifora Gaetano , Badano Luigi P. , Allocca Giuseppe , Gianfagna Pasquale , Proclemer Alessandro , Cinello Margherita , Fioretti Paolo M.
Published: March 2007

Pacemaker leads may impair tricuspid valve coaptation and they are a well‐known cause of mild tricuspid regurgitation. Occasionally, right ventricular leads worsen tricuspid regurgitation over time and patients develop late‐onset symptoms of right‐sided heart failure. The exact mechanism of this clinical entity is rarely identifiable by 2D‐echocardiography only. This case report details a patient with severe tricuspid regurgitation secondary to immobilization of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve by a permanent ventricular pacing lead. The mechanism of regurgitation was clarified by real time three‐dimensional echocardiography that showed the location of the ventricular lead and its interference with the tricuspid valve.
Recurrence of a Phe31Ser mutation in the Gla domain of blood coagulation factor X, in unrelated Algerian families: a founder effect?
Authors: Akhavan Sepideh , Chafa Ouerdia , Nsoure Obame Fatou , Torchet Marie‐Françoise , Reghis Abderrezak , Fischer Anne‐Marie , Tapon‐Bretaudière Jacqueline
Published: March 2007

The presence of gene lesions in blood coagulation factor X (FX) was investigated in eight FX‐deficient patients with severe bleeding symptoms, originating from five unrelated Algerian families (FX coagulant activity <1%, FX antigen ranging from 2% to 16%). A missense mutation (p.Phe31Ser) in the Gla domain was found in homozygous form for all patients but one, who is a compound heterozygote for the Phe31Ser mutation and for a non‐sense mutation, Tyr130Term in EGF‐2 domain. The haplotypes of FX alleles were determined by the following allelic variants located in the promoter: g.1323_1330delTTGTGA (A1/A2), g.1449T>C, g.1451C>A, upstream to exon 3: g.17257C>T and downstream to exon 3: g.17396A>C. The A1‐C‐A‐T‐C haplotype was found on each allele bearing the Phe31Ser mutation in the eight FX deficient patients contrasting with its low frequency (8%) in a control Algerian population (in which the Phe31Ser substitution was absent). The patients came from the same geographical area of Algeria (5/8 are certainly from Kabyle origin) and the haplotype analysis suggests a founder effect. Transient expression study reveals that, for the mutant FX‐Phe31Ser, FX antigen level was 60% in conditioned media and 140% in cell lysates compared with the wild type FX. The partial retention and intracellular accumulation of the mutant FX might be due to impaired folding and/or conformational changes, and the discrepancies observed between the FX antigen level in COS‐7 cell supernatant (60%) and in the patients plasma (2–16%) to an in vivo increased clearance of the secreted unstable FX mutant.
Correction of anemia in a transfusion‐dependent patient with primary myelofibrosis receiving iron chelation therapy with deferasirox (Exjade®, ICL670)
Authors: Di Tucci Anna Angela , Murru Roberta , Alberti Daniele , Rabault Bertrand , Deplano Simona , Angelucci Emanuele
Published: March 2007

Transfusional iron overload in patients with chronic anemias can result in multiple organ failure. Experience in the management of iron overload in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes is limited, as many do not receive chelation therapy due to short‐life expectancy and the difficulties associated with the administration of the current reference standard chelator, deferoxamine. There have, however, been some reports of reduced transfusion requirement associated with chelation therapy in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and myelofibrosis. Here, we discuss a patient with primary myelofibrosis and related transfusion‐dependent anemia who received chelation therapy with the once‐daily oral iron chelator, deferasirox. In addition to the reduced iron levels, the patient demonstrated an unexpected reduction in blood transfusion requirement, ultimately resulting in long‐lasting transfusion‐free survival.
Oral health risks associated with HLA‐types of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Dobr Tereza , Passweg Jakob , Weber Catherine , Tichelli André , Heim Dominik , Meyer Jürg , Gratwohl Alois , Waltimo Tuomas
Published: March 2007

Aim:  Dental caries, gingivitis and periodontitis are frequent long‐term complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Not all patients are affected equally. As HLA‐genotypes are associated with many functions of the immune system we made use of our long‐standing oral health program in HSCT recipients to compare oral health data with recipient HLA‐antigens.

Patients and methods:  This study includes 267 patients evaluated prior to a planned HSCT at our institution between March 1987 and March 2002. Standardized oral examinations were undertaken at fixed time points: pre‐HSCT and at 6 and 12 months post‐HSCT. Evaluation included loss of radiologic attachment level, decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index, and salivary flow rate. For 241 patients (120 males, 121 females) baseline values of these parameters were compared with recipient HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C and ‐DR‐antigens.

Results:  Significant correlations were found between increased DMFT and HLA‐A32 (P = 0.05), ‐B5 (0.04), and ‐DR2 (0.05) as well as decreased DMFT with HLA‐B35 (0.02) and ‐C4 (0.04). Significant associations were also found between certain HLA‐antigens and loss of radiologic periodontal attachment level [HLA‐A1 (<0.01), ‐C7 (0.04), and ‐B60 (0.05)], and saliva flow rate [HLA‐A30 (0.02)].

Conclusions:  These data suggest that there may be associations between pretransplant caries, other oral parameters and HLA in patients at HSCT. Confirmatory studies concerning the associations of certain HLA‐antigens with caries and periodontal diseases will be needed.
Long‐term outcome of intensive chemotherapy for adults with de novo acute myeloid leukaemia (AML): the nationwide AML‐92 study by the Finnish Leukaemia Group
Authors: Koistinen Pirjo , Räty Riikka , Itälä Maija , Jantunen Esa , Koivunen Elli , Nousiainen Tapio , Pelliniemi Tarja‐Terttu , Remes Kari , Ruutu Tapani , Savolainen Eeva‐Riitta , Siitonen Timo , Silvennoinen Raija , Volin Liisa , Elonen Erkki ,   for the Finnish Leukaemia Group
Published: March 2007

Objective:  To investigate the long‐term outcome of idarubicin‐ and cytarabine‐based intensive chemotherapy in adult acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Patients and methods:  A total of 327 consecutive patients with de novo AML (promyelocytic leukaemia excluded) aged 16–65 yr were recruited into the study between September 1992 and December 2001. The latest follow‐up data were collected in October 2006. After remission achievement with the first (conventional cytarabine) or second (high‐dose cytarabine) chemotherapy cycle, three intensive consolidation courses each containing high‐ or intermediate‐dose cytarabine were given.

Results:  A total of 268 patients (82%) achieved complete remission (CR). CR rate was 82% and 84% for patients <60 and ≥60 yr of age, respectively. CR rates in patients with favourable (93%) and intermediate/normal karyotypes (87%) were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than CR rate in patients with adverse karyotype (61%). Median relapse‐free survival (RFS) for the patients not transplanted in the first CR (n = 195) was 1.7 yr (95% CI: 0.81–2.60). At 4 yr, a plateau of 70% in RFS was reached for patients with favourable karyotypes. The 5‐yr survival was 71%, 47% and 37% for the non‐transplanted patients (n = 202) with favourable, intermediate/normal and intermediate/abnormal karyotypes, respectively, while only 8% of the patients having adverse karyotype were alive at 5 yr (P < 0.01). Of the patients with favourable, intermediate/normal or intermediate/abnormal karyotypes, respectively, 58%, 41% and 31% were expected to be alive at 10 yr.

Conclusions:  Idarubicin‐ and cytarabine‐based intensive chemotherapy regimen is very effective in de novo AML for adult patients up to 65 yr of age. New treatment strategies are needed, however, to improve the outcome of the patients with intermediate and adverse karyotypes.
Effect of hypoxia and interleukin‐1β on expression of tenascin‐C in temporomandibular joint
Authors: Tojyo I , Yamaguchi A , Nitta T , Yoshida H , Fujita S , Yoshida T
Published: March 2007

Objective:  The expression of tenascin‐C in the synovial membrane of the internal derangement (ID) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) has been reported. Hypoxia of the synovial membrane in TMJ is considered to be a cause for the pathophysiology of ID. In this study, we clarify the contribution of hypoxia and interleukin‐1β in the expression of tenascin‐C in ID of TMJ.

Materials and methods:  Synovial fibroblasts and disk cells obtained from ID of TMJs were cultured and treated with interleukin‐1β under normoxia and hypoxia. A Western blot analysis and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis were used to identify tenascin‐C in cultured synovial fibroblasts and disk cells. In addition, the immunohistochemical staining of tenascin‐C was carried out for the specimens of ID of TMJs and normal.

Results:  The combination of hypoxia and interleukin‐1β caused a significant increase in tenascin‐C protein and mRNA of synovial fibroblasts. In contrast, the combination caused no increase in tenascin‐C in disk cells. However, the immunohistochemical staining demonstrated tenascin‐C to be significantly detected in both the synovial tissue and disks in ID of TMJ.

Conclusions:  These results indicate that hypoxic conditions with inflammation modulate the tenascin‐C expression in synovial fibroblasts, but not in disk cells.
Use of Critical Access Hospital Emergency Rooms by Patients With Mental Health Symptoms
Authors: Hartley David , Ziller Erika C. , Loux Stephenie L. , Gale John A. , Lambert David , Yousefian Anush E.
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT: Context:National data demonstrate that mental health (MH) visits to the emergency room (ER) comprise a small, but not inconsequential, proportion of all visits; however, we lack a rural picture of this issue.Purpose:This study investigates the use of critical access hospital (CAH) ERs by patients with MH problems to understand the role these facilities play in rural MH needs and the challenges they face.Methods:Primary data were collected through the combination of a telephone survey and ER visit logs. Our sampling frame was the universe of CAHs at the time the survey was fielded.Key Findings:About 43% of CAHs surveyed operate in communities with no MH services, while 9.4% of all logged visits were by patients identified as having some type of MH problem. The most common problems identified were affective disorders, substance abuse, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. Only 32% of CAHs have access to on‐site detoxification and 2% have inpatient psychiatric services, meaning that patients in need of these services typically must leave their communities to gain treatment.Conclusions:The lack of community resources may impact CAHs’ ability to assist patients with MH problems. Among those with a primary MH condition, 21% left the ER with no or unknown treatment, as did 51% of patients whose MH condition was secondary to their emergent problem. Patients in need of detoxification or inpatient psychiatric services often must travel over an hour to obtain these services, potentially creating significant issues for themselves and their families.
Intensive Care in Critical Access Hospitals
Authors: Freeman Victoria A. , Walsh Joan , Rudolf Matthew , Slifkin Rebecca T. , Skinner Asheley Cockrell
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT: 
Context:
Although critical access hospitals (CAHs) have limitations on number of acute care beds and average length of stay, some of them provide intensive care unit (ICU) services. Purpose:To describe the facilities, equipment, and staffing used by CAHs for intensive care, the types of patients receiving ICU care, and the perceived impact of closing the ICU on CAH staff and the local community. Methods:A semistructured interview of directors of nursing at CAHs that provide intensive care services. Results:Two thirds of CAHs that provide intensive care do so in a distinct unit. Most have continuous or computerized electrocardiography and ventilators. Other ICU equipment common in larger hospitals was reported less frequently. Nurse:patient ratio ranged from 1:1 to 1:3, and some or all nursing staff have advanced cardiac life support certification. Most CAHs admit patients to the ICU daily or weekly, primarily treating cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and drug‐ or alcohol‐related conditions. ICUs are also used for postsurgical recovery. Respondents felt that closure of the ICU would be burdensome to patients and families, result in lost revenue, negatively impact staff, and affect the community’s perception of the hospital. Conclusions:Intensive care services provided by CAHs fall along a continuum, ranging from care in a unit that resembles a scaled‐down version of ICUs in larger hospitals to care in closely monitored medical‐surgical beds. Nurse to patient ratio, not technology, is arguably the defining characteristic of intensive care in CAHs. Respondents believe these services to be important to the well‐being of the hospital and of the community.
The Health Trade‐off of Rural Residence for Impaired Older Adults: Longer Life, More Impairment
Authors: Laditka James N. , Laditka Sarah B. , Olatosi Bankole , Elder Keith T.
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT: Context:Years lived with and without physical impairment are central measures of public health.Purpose:We sought to determine whether these measures differed between rural and urban residents who were impaired at the time of a baseline measurement. We examined 16 subgroups defined by rural/urban residence, gender, race, and education.Methods:This is a 20‐year retrospective cohort study, following 2,939 Americans who were aged 65‐69 in 1982 and physically impaired at the time of the baseline measurement, with data from the National Long‐Term Care Survey. Interpolated Markov chain analysis and microsimulation estimated life expectancy at age 65 and expected number of years with physical impairment. Impairment was defined as requiring help in 1 or more activities of daily living.Findings:Among older individuals with physical impairments at baseline, rural residents lived notably longer than urban residents. In all but 1 group, rural residents lived more years with physical impairment, and they also had a notably larger proportion of remaining life impaired.Conclusions:Results suggest a notable public health impact of rural residence for impaired individuals, a longer expected period of impairment. Needs for services for people with impairments may be greater in rural areas.
Recruitment of Physicians To Rural America: A View Through the Lens of Transaction Cost Theory
Authors: Fannin J. Matthew , Barnes James N.
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT: Context:Many rural hospitals in the United States continue to have difficulties recruiting physicians. While several studies have examined some of the factors affecting the nature of this problem, we know far less about the role of economic incentives between rural providers and physicians.Purpose:This conceptual article describes an economic theory of organization called Transaction Cost Theory (TCT) and applies it to rural hospital‐physician relationships to highlight how transaction costs affect the type of contractual arrangement used by rural hospitals when recruiting physicians.Methods:The literature is reviewed to introduce TCT, describe current trends in hospital contracting with physicians, and develop a TCT contracting model for analysis of rural hospital‐physician recruitment.Findings:The TCT model predicts that hospitals tend to favor contractual arrangements in which physicians are full‐time employees if investments in physical or other assets made by hospitals cannot be easily redeployed for other services in the health care system. Transaction costs related to motivation and coordination of physician services are the key factors in understanding the unique contractual difficulties faced by rural providers.Conclusions:The TCT model can be used by rural hospital administrators to assess economic incentives for physician recruitment.
Rural/Urban Differences in Barriers to and Burden of Care for Children With Special Health Care Needs
Authors: Skinner Asheley Cockrell , Slifkin Rebecca T.
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT: 
Purpose: To examine the barriers and difficulties experienced by rural families of children with special health care needs (CSHCN) in caring for their children. Methods: The National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs was used to examine rural‐urban differences in types of providers used, reasons CSHCN had unmet health care needs, insurance and financial difficulties encountered, and the family burden of providing the child’s medical care. We present both unadjusted and adjusted results to allow consideration of the causes of rural‐urban differences. Findings: Rural CSHCN are less likely to be seen by a pediatrician than urban children. They are more likely to have unmet health care needs due to transportation difficulties or because care was not available in the area; there were minimal other differences in barriers to care. Families of rural CSHCN are more likely to report financial difficulties associated with their children’s medical needs and more likely to provide care at home for their children. Conclusions: Examining results from both unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios shows that the burden of care for families of rural CSHCN stems both from socioeconomic differences and health system differences. Policies aimed at achieving equity for rural children will require focusing on both individual factors and the health care infrastructure, including increasing insurance coverage to lessen financial difficulties and addressing the availability of providers in rural areas.
Information Seeking and Intentions to Have Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancers in Rural and Appalachian Kentuckians
Authors: Kelly Kimberly M. , Andrews James E , Case Donald O. , Allard Suzanne L. , Johnson J. David
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT: 
Context: Research is limited regarding the potential of genetic testing for cancer risk in rural Appalachia. Purpose: This study examined perceptions of genetic testing in a population sample of Kentuckians, with a focus on Appalachian and rural differences. The goals were to examine cultural and psychosocial factors that may predict intentions to test for hereditary cancer, need for help with information seeking for decision making about genetic testing for hereditary cancer, and amount of help needed with information seeking for decision making about genetic testing for hereditary cancer in this population. Methods: Analysis of data from a general social survey of adults using random‐digit dialing in Kentucky (N = 882). Findings: An ordinal regression found that younger age, having a family history of cancer, and greater worry predicted greater intentions to seek genetic testing. A logistic regression found that having more education, excellent subjective knowledge of genetics, and less worry about cancer predicted less need for help in seeking information about testing. An ordinal regression found that less subjective knowledge of genetics and greater worry predicted greater amount of help needed. Conclusions: Additional counseling to explain limitations of genetic testing may be needed. Further, those with less knowledge about genetics and more worry about hereditary cancer may have greater need for help with information seeking for decision making, a need that may be further exacerbated by the lack of medical professionals, particularly genetic counselors, who may provide information about genetic testing in rural, Appalachian Kentucky.
Prioritizing Threats to Patient Safety in Rural Primary Care
Authors: Singh Ranjit , Singh Ashok , Servoss Timothy J. , Singh Gurdev
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT: 
Context: Rural primary care is a complex environment in which multiple patient safety challenges can arise. To make progress in improving safety with limited resources, each practice needs to identify those safety problems that pose the greatest threat to patients and focus efforts on these. Purpose: To describe and field‐test a novel approach to prioritizing safety problems in rural primary care based on the method of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis. Methods: A survey instrument designed to assess perceptions of medical error frequency, severity, and cause was administered anonymously to staff of 2 rural primary care practices in New York State. Responses were converted to quantitative hazard scores, which were used to make priority rankings of safety problems. Concordance analysis was conducted. Results: Response rate was 94% at each site. Analysis yielded a list of priorities for each site. Comparison between staff groups (provider vs nursing vs administration), based on the top 10 priorities perceived by staff, showed 53% concordance at one site and 30% at the other. Concordance between sites was lower, at 20%. Conclusions: Initial field‐testing of a Failure Modes and Effects Analysis approach in rural primary care suggests that it is feasible and can be used to estimate, based on staff perceptions, the greatest threats to patient safety in an individual practice so that limited resources can be focused appropriately. Higher concordance between staff within a practice than between practices lends preliminary support to the validity of the approach.
Salt in the Food and Water as a Supportive Therapy for Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Infestation on Silver Catfish, Rhamdia quelen, Fingerlings
Authors: Garcia Lucianode O. , Becker Alexssandro G. , Copatti Carlos E. , Baldisserotto Bernardo , Neto João Radünz
Published: March 2007

This study verified the efficacy of common salt (NaCl) in the food and water as a supportive therapy for Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and growth of silver catfish, Rhamdia quelen, fingerlings. After appearance of the first white spots following experimental exposure, indicating infestation by this parasite, fish were transferred to eighteen 40‐L polypropylene tanks and kept for 30 d. Experimental diets were prepared with five different levels of salt supplementation: 0.0, 1.2, 2.5, 5.0, and 6.0% for 30 d. In addition, another group of fish were fed a diet without salt supplementation but exposed to 4 g of salt/L of water. Fingerlings were collected at different times for analyses of whole‐body Na+, K+, and Cl−. Dietary salt supplementation provoked a transitory increase in whole‐body Na+, K+, and Cl− in infested catfish fingerlings, but the best stabilization of these ion levels was observed in specimens exposed to salt in the water. Silver catfish fed a diet containing 1.2% salt showed higher weight and biomass after 30 d compared to those fed with 6% salt. The use of 4 g of salt/L of water improved survival of infested silver catfish, but dietary salt supplementation was ineffective as a therapy for ichthyophthiriasis.
Effect of Sublethal Hypoxia on the Immune Response and Susceptibility of Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, to Enteric Septicemia
Authors: Welker Thomas L. , Mcnulty Shawn T. , Klesius Phillip H.
Published: March 2007

The effect of sublethal hypoxia exposure on stress and immune responses and susceptibility to Edwardsiella ictaluri infection in juvenile channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, was investigated. Fish were monitored for temporal changes in glucose and cortisol concentrations before, during, and after 2 h exposure to sublethal hypoxia (<2 mg/L dissolved oxygen [DO]) and when maintained under normoxic conditions (6.0 ± 0.3 mg/L DO). Both blood glucose and plasma cortisol increased significantly in response to hypoxic conditions. Fish exposed to hypoxic or normoxic conditions were challenged with a high dose (1.3 × 107 colony‐forming units [CFU]/mL) or a low dose (1.3 × 105 CFU/mL) of E. ictaluri or sterile culture broth by 30‐min immersion bath. Approximately 1% of fish in both the normoxic and the hypoxic groups died when challenged with the low dose of E. ictaluri. However, when challenged with the high dose of E. ictaluri, catfish exposed to hypoxic conditions had significantly higher cumulative mortality (36 ± 12.1%) than those maintained under normoxic conditions (12 ± 1.1%). Total hemolytic complement and bactericidal activities and antibody response were lower in hypoxia‐exposed channel catfish, indicating that increased susceptibility of channel catfish to E. ictaluri may be the result of the immunosuppressive effects of the stress response to hypoxia.
Effect of Dietary Minerals and Pigment on Somatic Growth of Juvenile Green Sea Urchins, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis
Authors: Kennedy Edward J. , Robinson Shawn M. C. , Parsons G. Jay , Castell John D.
Published: March 2007

This study investigated the effects of dietary minerals and pigments in prepared diets on the somatic growth performance of wild and hatchery‐reared juvenile green sea urchins, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis, by two feeding trials. In the first feeding trial, a modified Bernhart‐Tomerelli salt mix (BT) at 0, 1.5, 3, 6, and 15% dry mass and a Shur‐Gain/Maple Leaf Foods mineral mix at 3 and 6% dry mass were used to test for mineral effects. Pigment effects were tested by incorporating 1.25% Algro™ to the prepared diets (i.e., 250 mg of beta‐carotene per kilogram of diet). Sea urchins (13–15 mm of initial test diameter [TD]) collected from the wild were fed the prepared diets over 154 d. The sea urchins that were fed the pigmented diets had significantly greater test growth than those fed the nonpigmented diets, and mineral concentration in the pigmented diets was directly related to juvenile size at the end of the feeding trial. A sample of juveniles from each treatment group was sacrificed to determine test, gonad, and gut yields and ash concentrations. Ash concentrations in the test and gonad were higher for juveniles fed pigmented diets than for those fed nonpigmented diets with similar mineral concentration, suggesting an interaction between minerals and pigments within the juvenile sea urchins. The second feeding trail used two size cohorts of hatchery‐reared juveniles ranging from 1–2 mm and 2–3 mm of initial TD to compare the growth of sea urchins fed either the pigmented diet with 15% BT (i.e., the best diet in the first feeding trial) or kelp, Laminaria longicruris, over 159 d. Growth performance was similar for both cohorts, indicating no size effect, but the juveniles fed the prepared diet were significantly larger at the end of the feeding trial than those fed kelp. This suggests that prepared diets with pigment and high mineral concentration can outperform kelp, and be utilized for juvenile green sea urchins to increase test growth.
Feeding Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Diets Amended with Refined Marine Fish Oil Elevates Omega‐3 Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acids in Fillets
Authors: Manning Bruce B. , Li Menghe H. , Robinson Edwin H.
Published: March 2007

Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, 88.4 ± 2.6 g/fish, were fed a basal diet amended with 4% of three processed menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus, oils. These were compared with basal diets amended with 4% corn oil or 4% canola oil. Three replicate aquaria of nine fish each were fed assigned diets twice daily. At 6 wk, fish were group weighed, fillets were collected for sensory evaluation, fatty acid analysis by gas chromatography (GC). In a second study, catfish, 118.8 ± 3.2 g/fish, were stocked into fifteen 0.04‐ha earthen ponds and fed once daily for 16 wk one of four diets containing 2 or 4% of either catfish offal oil or refined (RF) menhaden oil. At harvest, fillets were saved for sensory evaluation and fatty acid analysis. Results showed no significant (P > 0.05) differences among treatments for aquarium study and pond study variables such as weight gain, fillet proximate analysis, or pond production. GC analysis showed that levels of omega‐3 (n‐3) highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) in fillet lipid were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated for fish fed menhaden oil diets. Sensory evaluation revealed that fillets from fish fed RF menhaden oil had satisfactory flavor and could be a source of n‐3 HUFA for humans.
Fly Prepupae as a Feedstuff for Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: St‐Hilaire Sophie , Sheppard Craig , Tomberlin Jeffery K , Irving Stephen , Newton Larry , McGuire Mark A , Mosley Erin E , Hardy Ronald W , Sealey Wendy
Published: March 2007

Fly larvae may provide an effective method to mitigate two large and growing global concerns: the use of fish meal derived from capture fisheries in aquaculture diets and manure management in livestock and poultry facilities. A 9‐wk feed trial was conducted to determine whether fly larvae could be used as a partial fish meal and fish oil replacement in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, diets. A trout diet was formulated to contain 40% crude protein and 15% fat. Sixty‐seven percent of the protein in the control diet was derived from fish meal, and all the fat was derived from fish oil. Two of the test diets included using the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, prepupae, which are 40% protein and 30% fat, as 25 and 50% replacement for the fish meal component of the control diet. The total protein derived from black soldier fly prepupae in these two test diets was 15 and 34%, respectively. A third test diet included using housefly, Musca domestica, pupae, which is 70% protein and 16% fat, as 25% replacement for the fish meal component of the control diet. Data suggest that a rainbow trout diet where black soldier fly prepupae or housefly pupae constitute 15% of the total protein has no adverse effect on the feed conversion ratio of fish over a 9‐wk feeding period. In addition, the diet with black soldier fly prepupae permitted a 38% reduction in fish oil (i.e., from 13 to 8%); however, fish fed black soldier fly diets low in fish oil had reduced levels of omega‐3 fatty acids in their muscle fillets. The findings from this study suggest that either the black soldier fly or the housefly may be a suitable feedstuff for rainbow trout diets.
Evaluation of Tilapia Effluent with Ion Supplementation for Marine Shrimp Production in a Recirculating Aquaculture System
Authors: Kuhn David D. , Boardman Gregory D. , Craig Steven R. , Flick George J. , McLean Ewen
Published: March 2007

Reuse of fish effluent for the culture of marine shrimp, such as Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, could provide an opportunity for the US shrimp farming industry to ease constraints (e.g., environmental concerns and high production costs) that have limited them in the past. In this study under laboratory‐scale conditions, the feasibility of culturing L. vannamei in effluents derived from a commercial facility raising tilapia in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), supplemented with various salt combinations, was compared to the shrimp’s survival and growth in well water supplemented with 17.6 (control) and 0.6 (freshwater treatment) g/L synthetic sea salt. Three independent trials were conducted in RAS in which survival and growth in the control, the freshwater treatment, and two effluent treatments were compared. Water quality during this study was within safe levels and no differences (P < 0.05) between treatments were observed for dissolved oxygen, nitrite, pH, total ammonia nitrogen, and temperature. However, average nitrate and orthophosphate levels were consistently more than an order of magnitude greater in the effluent treatments compared to the control and the freshwater treatments. Survival and growth of shrimp over 6‐wk periods did not vary significantly between the control and the freshwater treatments; however, shrimp tested in the tilapia effluents often exhibited significant effects (P < 0.05) depending on the salts added. In the low‐salinity waters, correlations (P < 0.05) were observed between Ca2+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and Mg2+, K+, Na+ : K+ and Ca2+ : K+, and shrimp survival and growth. The results of this study revealed that L. vannamei can be raised in tilapia effluent when supplemented with synthetic sea salt (0.6 g/L), CaO (50 mg/L Ca2+), and MgSO4 (30 mg/L Mg2+).
Potassium Adsorption by Bottom Soils in Ponds for Inland Culture of Marine Shrimp in Alabama
Authors: Boyd Christopher A. , Boyd Claude E. , Rouse D. B.
Published: March 2007

Potassium is applied to correct ionic imbalance in pond water for inland culture of marine shrimp in Alabama. This study evaluated the loss of potassium through adsorption by bottom soil. Adsorption by bottom soils of potassium added in fertilizers continued over 4 yr. Exchangeable potassium concentration in bottom soils did not increase after the first year, but potassium loss to bottom soil continued over 4 yr. Laboratory work on soil–water systems contacted bottom soil with potassium‐enriched pond water for 8 mo: nonexchangeable potassium fixation accounted for 75% of potassium adsorption. Soil total potassium adsorption averaged 518 mg/kg. Bottom soil samples exposed to consecutive 50 mg/L potassium solutions (potassium chloride in distilled water) and agitated by shaker led potassium adsorption by soil to decline from 406 mg/kg in first exposure to 70 mg/kg in sixth exposure. During the next six exposures, potassium adsorption was similar, between 61 and 95 mg/kg in each exposure, averaging 1804 mg/kg of potassium. Pond soils contain smectite clay, have a large capacity to adsorb potassium by nonexchange processes, and remove added potassium from water for years. The only reliable way to determine when potassium fertilizer may be added to Alabama inland shrimp ponds is to monitor potassium concentration in water.
Microbial Phytase Supplementation in Rohu, Labeo rohita, Diets Enhances Growth Performance and Nutrient Digestibility
Authors: Baruah Kartik , Pal Asim K. , Sahu Narottam P. , Debnath Dipesh , Nourozitallab Parisa , Sorgeloos Patrick
Published: March 2007

Abstract.— A feeding trial was conducted for 60 d to study the effect of dietary microbial phytase on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of rohu, Labeo rohita, fingerlings. One hundred and twenty fingerlings (average initial weight: 9.17 g/fish) were equally distributed into five experimental tanks, each with four replicates. Five isonitrogenous (35%) and isocaloric (16.79 kJ/g) diets were prepared from plant‐based ingredients, supplemented with microbial phytase at the level of 0, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 U/kg diets and fed to T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4 groups, respectively. Weight gain %, food conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and apparent net protein utilization were significantly (P < 0.05) improved in groups fed phytase‐supplemented diets compared to control, the highest being observed in T3 group. Maximum apparent digestibility of phosphorus and crude protein was recorded in T3 group. Bone ash, phosphorus (P), and calcium (Ca) contents were also significantly (P < 0.05) increased in phytase‐fed groups. However, maximum was recorded in T3 group. Results from the present study indicated that addition of 750 U microbial phytase/kg diets effectively improved nutrient utilization, bone mineralization, and hence growth of L. rohita fingerlings.
Comparison of Juvenile Spotted Wolffish, Anarhichas minor, Growth in Shallow Raceways and Circular Tanks
Authors: Imsland Albert K. , Gunnarsson Snorri , Foss A. , Sparboe Lars Olav , ØIestad Victor , Sigurðsson Sindri
Published: March 2007

Abstract.— We compared growth properties of juvenile spotted wolffish with initial mean weight (±SE) 105.9 (±3.1) g reared in shallow raceways and conventional circular tanks in a 202‐d‐long growth trial at ambient temperature (approximately 4.0 C). From Day 41 onward, the fish in the shallow raceways was significantly larger, and final mean weights were 356.3 (±18.2) and 318.2 (±15.6), in the shallow raceways and the circular tanks, respectively. Overall, growth rates were 14% higher (0.62%/d) in the shallow raceway group compared to the circular tanks (0.52%/d). Feed conversion efficiency differed and was 17% higher in the shallow raceways (1.01) compared to the circular tanks (0.84). Correlation between adjacent growth rates was more profound in the circular tanks (mean Spearmans rank, rSp = 0.38) than in the shallow raceways (mean rSp = 0.15). This could indicate a stronger social hierarchy in conventional tanks leading to suppressed growth, which is in line with the growth data presented in this study. The findings of the present study may have important consequences for optimization of commercial production of spotted wolffish and could be applicable to other bottom‐dwelling species.
Effect of Manganese and Iron on Growth and Feeding of Juvenile Giant River Prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De‐Man)
Authors: Adhikari S. , Naqvi Ajaz Ahmad , Pani K. C. , Pillai Bindu R. , Jena J. K. , Sarangi N.
Published: March 2007

Abstract.— The effect of either manganese or iron on survival, growth, and feeding of giant river prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De‐Man), juveniles was studied in two separate experiments. Survival rates of M. rosenbergii juveniles (4.58 ± 0.48 g) following 60‐d exposure to 0.01 (control), 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 mg/L of total manganese (Mn) were 100, 93.3 ± 3.4, 83.3 ± 4.3, and 83.3 ± 4.3%, respectively, while the same were 100, 83.3 ± 3.6, 73.3 ± 3.3, and 63.3 ± 4.7%, respectively, at the total iron levels of 0.02 (control), 0.32, 0.65, and 1.2 mg/L. Average daily growth of the prawn was significantly (P < 0.05) lower at 0.3 mg/L and higher levels of total manganese compared to control (0.01 mg/L). Average growth of the prawn exposed to 0.65 and 1.2 mg/L total iron was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than in control (0.02 mg/L iron) and 0.32 mg/L treatments after 60 d of exposure. Feed utilization was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in M. rosenbergii juveniles exposed to 0.3 mg/L and higher levels of manganese. Feed utilization was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in the prawns at all the iron treatments compared to control (0.02 mg/L iron). The accumulation of Fe and Mn was minimum in the muscle and maximum in the hepatopancreas of the prawns.
Diagnosis, prevention and treatment of hepatorenal syndrome in cirrhosis
Authors: Salerno Francesco , Gerbes Alexander , Ginès Pere , Wong Florence , Arroyo Vicente
Published: March 2007

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a serious complication of end-stage liver disease, occurring mainly in patients with advanced cirrhosis and ascites, who have marked circulatory dysfunction,1 as well as in patients with acute liver failure.2 In spite of its functional nature, HRS is associated with a poor prognosis,3  4 and the only effective treatment is liver transplantation.

During the 56th Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, the International Ascites Club held a Focused Study Group (FSG) on HRS for the purpose of reporting the results of an international workshop and to reach a consensus on a new definition, criteria for diagnosis and recommendations on HRS treatment. A similar workshop was held in Chicago in 1994 in which standardised nomenclature and diagnostic criteria for refractory ascites and HRS were established.5 The introduction of innovative treatments and improvements in our understanding of the pathogenesis of HRS during the previous decade led to an increasing need to undertake a new consensus meeting. This paper reports the scientific rationale behind the new definitions and recommendations.

The international workshop included four issues debated by four panels of experts (see Acknowledgements). The issues were: (1) evidence-based HRS pathogenesis; (2) treatment of HRS using vasoconstrictors; (3) other HRS treatments using transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPS) and extracorporeal albumin dialysis (ECAD); and (4) new definitions and diagnostic criteria for HRS and recommendations for its treatment.
INFLUENCE OF NOISE ON A SELF-SUSTAINED OSCILLATOR PRODUCING SPIRAL CHAOS
Authors: ZAKHAROVA ANNA S. , VADIVASOVA TATYANA E. , ANISHCHENKO VADIM S.
Published: March 2007

The influence of white and colored noise on the dynamics of self-sustained oscillator is considered in the regime of spiral (phase-coherent) chaos. The effective phase diffusion coefficient and power spectra are analyzed for noisy chaotic self-sustained oscillations. We show that chaotic oscillations can be synchronized by external narrow-band noise. Effects of chaos synchronization are compared for narrow-band noise signals with similar spectra but distinct probability distributions.
AN INTEGRATED MODEL FOR THE CORRELATION INTEGRAL
Authors: LEONTITSIS ALEXANDROS , PANGE JENNY
Published: March 2007

The correlation integral is the main tool for the analysis of the chaotic time series. Its linear part (i.e. the scaling region) gives the attractor's dimension. In this work we propose a model that explains all the possible neighborhood ranges of the correlation integral. Empirical examples are given on artificial data.
ON POOLING NETWORKS AND FLUCTUATION IN SUBOPTIMAL DETECTION FRAMEWORK
Authors: ZOZOR S. , AMBLARD P.-O. , DUCHÊNE C.
Published: March 2007

Motivated by biological neural networks and distributed sensing networks, we study how pooling networks – or quantizers – with random thresholds can be used in detection tasks. We provide a brief overview of the use of deterministic quantizers in detection by presenting how quantizers can be optimally designed for detection purposes. We study the behavior of these networks when they are used in a problem for which they are not optimal (mismatching). We show that adding random fluctuations to the thresholds of the networks can then enhance the performance of the quantizers, thus helping in the recovery of "a kind of" optimality. We also show that (for a small number of thresholds) it suffices to use random uniform quantizers, for which we provide a study of the behavior as a function of several parameters (size, fluctuation nature, observation noise nature). The conclusion to these studies are the robustness of the uniform quantizer used as a detector with respect to fluctuations added on its thresholds.
MULTI-ATTRIBUTES-BASED AGENT NEGOTIATION FRAMEWORK UNDER INCREMENTAL INFORMATION DISCLOSING STRATEGY
Authors: KIM WOOJU , HONG JUNE SEOK , SONG YONG UK
Published: March 2007

As more and more consumer-to-consumer e-marketplaces have been introduced with rapidly increasing transaction volumes, consumers now hope that computer technology will support their transaction processes in these electronic markets. To satisfy their expectations, many researchers have delved into developing intelligent agent systems to support customer-to-customer electronic commerce more efficiently. However, many of these researchers have focused only upon supporting simple negotiation for the price of undifferentiated goods. To expand the object of negotiation to differentiated goods, customers should be allowed to negotiate over multiple attributes of the product besides the price, including attributes which are related to the transaction activity itself, such as delivery time and payment method. To satisfy this requirement, we propose an agent marketplace for differentiated goods where the agent of a customer can negotiate not only for the price but also various attributes of a product and transaction in order to provide a better utility level for both buyer and seller. To achieve these goals, we have developed a formal protocol and system architecture to support the proposed e-marketplace and individual agents, and a prototype system is developed to validate our approach and show that negotiation resulting from our scheme is Pareto optimal.
HANDLING UNCERTAINTY IN THE ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS: A STOCHASTIC APPROACH
Authors: ESKANDARI HAMIDREZA , RABELO LUIS
Published: March 2007

This paper describes a methodology for handling the propagation of uncertainty in the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). In real applications, the pairwise comparisons are usually subject to judgmental errors and are inconsistent and conflicting with each other. Therefore, the weight point estimates provided by the eigenvector method are necessarily approximate. This uncertainty associated with subjective judgmental errors may affect the rank order of decision alternatives. A new stochastic approach is presented to capture the uncertain behavior of the global AHP weights. This approach could help decision makers gain insight into how the imprecision in judgment ratios may affect their choice toward the best solution and how the best alternative(s) may be identified with certain confidence. The proposed approach is applied to the example problem introduced by Saaty for the best high school selection to illustrate the concepts introduced in this paper and to prove its usefulness and practicality.
COMPARISON OF INTERESTINGNESS MEASURES FOR WEB USAGE MINING: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY
Authors: HUANG XIANGJI
Published: March 2007

A common problem in mining association rules or sequential patterns is that a large number of rules or patterns can be generated from a database, making it impossible for a human analyst to digest the results. Solutions to the problem include, among others, using interestingness measures to identify interesting rules or patterns and pruning rules that are considered redundant. Various interestingness measures have been proposed, but little work has been reported on the effectiveness of the measures on real-world applications. We present an application of Web usage mining to a large collection of Livelink log data. Livelink is a web-based product of Open Text Corporation, which provides automatic management and retrieval of different types of information objects over an intranet, an extranet or the Internet. We report our experience in preprocessing raw log data, mining association rules and sequential patterns from the log data, and identifying interesting rules and patterns by use of interestingness measures and some pruning methods. In particular, we evaluate a number of interestingness measures in terms of their effectiveness in finding interesting association rules and sequential patterns. Our results show that some measures are much more effective than others.