bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sugarcane Response to DRIS‐Based Fertilizer Supplements in Florida
Authors: McCray J. M. , Ji S. , Powell G. , Montes G. , Perdomo R. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractSoil testing is the primary basis for fertilizer recommendations in Florida sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), but it has the limitations of generally being performed only before the plant cane crop and not providing information for nitrogen or micronutrient availability. Leaf analysis is a useful diagnostic tool that can complement soil testing and may allow more cost‐effective fertilizer applications for each crop. The Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) was used to determine leaf nutrient status in a study evaluating the effectiveness of a summer fertilizer supplement. There were 19, 24 and 26 paired commercial field comparisons in 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07 respectively. Each field of each test pair received normally recommended fertilizer applications based on pre‐plant soil tests, with one field of each pair receiving a June/July fertilizer supplement based on DRIS indices of leaf samples collected in April/May. There was no response in tonnes of sugarcane ha−1 or sugar tonne cane−1 to the fertilizer supplements for organic or mineral soils or for plant or first ratoon crops. A more cost‐effective use of leaf analysis appears to be with the adjustment of the next amendment or fertilizer application, generally for next year’s crop or at the next sugarcane planting, rather than adding an additional fertilizer supplement to the current crop.
Scale‐dependent effects of nutrient loads and climatic conditions on benthic and pelagic communities in the Gulf of Finland
Authors: Põllumäe Arno , Kotta Jonne , Leisk Ülle 
Published: September 2009

AbstractEutrophication and climate change are ranked among the most serious threats to the stability of marine ecosystems worldwide. The effects of nutrient loads and climatic conditions vary in direction, magnitude and spatial extent. To date the factors that are behind the scale‐specific spatial and temporal variability are poorly known. In this study we assessed how variability in nutrient loads and climatic conditions at local, gulf and regional scales explained the spatial patterns and temporal trends of zooplankton and benthic invertebrates in the Gulf of Finland. In general both local and gulf scale environmental variability had an important effect on benthic invertebrate species and the variability was mainly due to local nutrient loading, gulf scale temperature and salinity patterns. Zooplankton species were equally affected by environmental variability at all spatial scales, and all nutrient load and climatic condition variables contributed to the models. The combination of variables at all spatial scales did not explain the substantially larger proportion in invertebrate variability than variables at any individual scale. This suggests that large‐scale pressures such as nutrient loads and change of climatic conditions may define broad patterns of distribution but within these patterns small‐scale environmental variability significantly modifies the response of communities to these large‐scale pressures.
Distribution and spatial structure of pelagic fish schools in relation to the nature of the seabed in the Sicily Straits (Central Mediterranean)
Authors: D’Elia Marta , Patti Bernardo , Sulli Attilio , Tranchida Giorgio , Bonanno Angelo , Basilone Gualtiero , Giacalone Giovanni , Fontana Ignazio , Genovese Simona , Guisande Cástor , Mazzola Salvatore 
Published: September 2009

AbstractHydroacoustic data collected during two echosurveys carried out in the Sicily Channel in 1998 and 2002 were analysed to investigate the distribution and spatial structure of small pelagic fish species in relation to the sedimentological nature of the sea bottom. The study was carried out on two contiguous areas (labelled ZONE 1 and ZONE 2) of the continental shelf off the southern coast of Sicily, characterised by different dominant texture, ‘sand’ for ZONE 1 and ‘clayey‐silt’ for ZONE 2. Simultaneous information on small pelagic fish schools and the seabed was obtained using a quantitative echo‐sounder (SIMRAD EK500) that measures echoes due to the scattering from both fish schools and the bottom surface. Acoustically determined fish school and seabed data were integrated, respectively, with information on species composition obtained by experimental fishing hauls, and with granulometric information obtained from the analysis of in situ sediment samples. The results indicate a general preference of small pelagic fish schools for seabeds of finer granulometry. First, the occurrence of fish schools was higher over the acoustically classified ‘soft’ seabeds of ZONE 2. Secondly, although ZONE 2 represents <30% of the total length of daytime acoustic tracks analysed in this study, in both surveys the bulk of fish biomass (>60%) was concentrated over ‘soft’ seabed substrates of ZONE 2. Different species composition and/or behaviour of fish schools in the two areas investigated were postulated in relation to seabed conditions. Specifically, over the hard and soft bottoms of ZONE 2, fish schools were found at lower depths and at shallower bottom depths compared to ZONE 1. Furthermore, over the softer bottoms of ZONE 2, fish schools exhibiting a more ‘pelagic’ behaviour (i.e. detected at a greater distance from the bottom) showed a preference for softer (and finer) seabed substrate conditions. Conversely, fish schools exhibiting a more ‘demersal’ behaviour (i.e. at a smaller distance from the bottom) were mostly found on relatively harder substrates.
Rural pharmacist perceptions of a project assessing their role in the management of depression
Authors: Crockett Judith , Taylor Susan 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjective:  This paper explores pharmacist perceptions of a pilot study assessing the impact of specialist training on depression for rural community pharmacists on their understanding of treatment and psychological well‐being of patients. Design:  Mixed method survey. Setting:  Rural community pharmacies. Participants:  Thirty‐two rural based community pharmacists. Interventions:  Recruited pharmacists were allocated to either the ‘control’ or ‘intervention’ group. Intervention pharmacists were given training in depression and asked to dispense medication with extra advice and support, while control pharmacists provided usual care. Outcome measures:  Understanding of depression, current involvement in patients with depression, changes in practice. Results:  All pharmacists were more likely to initiate conversation, discuss medication and its side effects, point out the importance of remaining on the medication, provide ongoing follow‐up and encourage patients to talk with their GPs and pharmacists by the end of the project. Intervention pharmacists were more likely than the control pharmacists to initiate conversation on dispensing a repeat prescription and to discuss extended support. Conclusion:  Response to the project by pharmacists was generally very positive. It is recommended that a longitudinal study based on this project be undertaken which involves pharmacists, GPs and other mental health professionals and trials a holistic approach to mental health care.
Kids with confidence: A program for adolescents living in families affected by mental illness
Authors: Hayman Faye M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjective:  To provide information about a peer support program for adolescents living in families affected by mental illness. Design:  This is a descriptive article about the Kids with Confidence Adolescent Program. Setting:  The program operates in rural Victoria using a variety of community venues. Participants:  Young people aged between 12–18 years, living in families affected by mental illness. Interventions:  The program provides respite, education, support and fun through monthly, semistructured activities. The adolescents are encouraged to talk openly about their circumstances and any difficulties they might be having. They learn appropriate social skills, and provide and receive peer support. Results:  The group consistently attracts between 7 and 15 adolescents, with an average attendance of 11.25. Verbal feedback from the young people involved and their families has been very positive, with reported improvements in confidence, self‐esteem and the formation of strong, trusting friendships. Conclusions:  The Kids with Confidence Adolescent Program provides young people living in families affected by mental illness with peer and worker support, respite, and an opportunity to learn social and mental health skills. This might enhance young people's resilience and ability to cope with difficult situations.
Esophageal cancer in Indigenous Australians in Far North Queensland
Authors: Ho Vincent , Whiteman David , Miller Megge , Raulli Alexandra , Ombiga John , Boyd Peter 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  There is very little information known about esophageal cancer in Indigenous persons. In this retrospective study, we investigated the epidemiological and clinical features of Indigenous Australians with esophageal cancer.Methods:  A retrospective study was carried out on Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians diagnosed with esophageal cancer at Cairns Base Hospital during the period 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2006. Information was obtained from hospital medical records, Queensland Cancer Registry survival data and Queensland Health Pathology Services laboratory results.Results:  Thirteen Indigenous and 53 non‐Indigenous patients were diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma accounted for a significantly higher proportion of esophageal cancers among Indigenous (11/13) than non‐Indigenous patients (24/53) (P = 0.0135). Among patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer, Indigenous patients were more likely than non‐Indigenous patients to present with metastatic disease (P = 0.0271) at a younger mean age (50.7 years vs 67.2 years; P = 0.0002). There was no significant difference between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous patients concerning their mean survival time from date of biopsy (P = 0.7834) and whether patients had ever smoked (P = 0.0721) or consumed alcohol (P = 0.2849).Conclusion:  There is a high incidence of squamous esophageal cancer in the Indigenous population in Far North Queensland. Indigenous persons tend to present at a younger age and with metastatic disease.
Hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid as a potential biomarker for oxidative stress in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Yoshida Yasukazu , Imai Yasuharu , Sawai Yoshiyuki , Saito Yoshiro , Cao Jiaofei , Fukuda Kazuto , Niki Etsuo 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The possible involvement of oxidative stress in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐induced liver damage and hepatocarcinogenesis has been reported. We have recently developed a novel method to measure total hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (tHODE) and have proposed its usefulness as a biomarker for lipid peroxidation. The present study was undertaken to evaluate oxidative stress in HCV‐infected liver diseases by several potential oxidative stress markers including tHODE and further to validate the biomarkers for evaluating the efficacy of iron reduction therapy.Methods:  Total hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, total 8‐iso‐prostagrandin F2α (t8‐iso‐PGF2α), selenoprotein P and other antioxidant compounds were measured in the plasma and erythrocytes obtained from 42 healthy controls and 78 HCV patients. Plasma levels of biomarkers and antioxidants were also assessed during the iron reduction therapy for 16 weeks in 12 HCV patients.Results:  The concentrations of tHODE in the plasma and erythrocytes and t8‐iso‐PGF2α in the plasma of chronic HCV‐infected patients were significantly higher than those of healthy controls. Plasma levels of vitamin E and vitamin C of HCV‐infected patients were lower than those of the controls. Furthermore, the plasma tHODE significantly correlated with serum aminotransferases and type IV collagen‐7S domain in chronic HCV‐infected patients. During the iron reduction therapy, the plasma levels of tHODE but not t8‐iso‐PGF2α decreased and inversely its stereo‐isomer ratio (ZE/EE) increased in parallel with the decreases of serum alanine aminotransferase, ferritin and α‐fetoprotein.Conclusion:  The levels of tHODE in chronic HCV‐infected patients can be a useful biomarker for the evaluation of oxidative stress in chronic hepatitis C.
Evaluation of visualization of squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus and pharynx using an autofluorescence imaging videoendoscope system
Authors: Suzuki Haruhisa , Saito Yutaka , Ikehara Hisatomo , Oda Ichiro 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  An autofluorescence imaging (AFI) videoendoscope system produces pseudo‐color images combining autofluorescence and green reflectance, with the utility of this system previously confirmed for the diagnosis of bronchial squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Our aim was to evaluate visualization of esophageal and pharyngeal SCC comparing AFI with white light endoscopy (WLE).Methods:  Thirty‐two patients with superficial esophageal SCC and 11 patients with superficial pharyngeal SCC diagnosed in other hospitals were enrolled in this prospective study. We observed the esophagus and pharynx with WLE followed by AFI and took both WLE and AFI images of the esophageal and pharyngeal SCC. Three experienced endoscopists subsequently evaluated the visualization quality of images from both systems on a three‐tier scale: visible, illegible and invisible.Results:  A total of 39 superficial esophageal SCC were diagnosed with 20, 11 and eight lesions classified as visible, illegible and invisible, respectively, by WLE compared to 31, three and five lesions, respectively, using AFI. Using AFI, 79% of superficial esophageal SCC lesions were visible, compared to only 51% with WLE (P < 0.05). In addition, 12 superficial pharyngeal SCC were diagnosed with four, five and three lesions considered as visible, illegible and invisible, respectively, using WLE in contrast to nine, three and 0 lesions, respectively, by AFI. Thus, using AFI, 75% of superficial pharyngeal SCC lesions were visible compared with only 33% with WLE (P = 0.13).Conclusion:  The AFI system appears to be more useful than WLE for early diagnosis of SCC of the esophagus and pharynx.
Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome and its relationship with psychological stress status in Chinese university students
Authors: Shen Lei , Kong Hao , Hou Xiaohua 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Although irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder in the West, information on the prevalence of IBS in university students is relatively scant, especially in Asia. The aims of the present study were to investigate the prevalence and pattern of symptoms of IBS and its relationship with psychological stress status in Chinese university students.Methods:  Basic demographic data and IBS symptoms were sought using the Rome II criteria and a validated bowel symptom questionnaire. Another questionnaire used related to psychosomatic symptoms of depression and anxiety.Results:  In total, 491 of the 530 students in the trial met the selected criteria, which included 241 men. The participants were medical college students (313/491) and non‐medical college students (178/491). The apparent prevalence of IBS was 15.7%, with a prevalence of 14.5% in men and 16.8% in women. The most common symptom was abdominal pain associated with change in the consistency of stool (36.9%), followed by altered stool frequency (16.3%), and abdominal pain relieved by defecation (12.4%), predominantly in women. The self‐reported psychological and psychosomatic symptoms of anxiety (P < 0.001) and depression (P < 0.001) were encountered more frequently in participants with IBS. The depression (P = 0.03) and anxiety measures (P = 0.02) significantly predicted IBS status.Conclusion:  The prevalence of IBS in Chinese university students is often compared with university students in developed countries and the general Chinese population. Depression and anxiety could potentially induce IBS. Medical education should be considered when aiming to reduce stress of university students who are susceptible to IBS.
A single genetic locus in the phytopathogen Pantoea stewartii enables gut colonization and pathogenicity in an insect host
Authors: Stavrinides John , No Alexander , Ochman Howard 
Published: September 2009

SummaryAphids are typically exposed to a variety of epiphytic and phytopathogenic bacteria, many of which have entomopathogenic potential. Here we describe the interaction between Pantoea stewartii ssp. stewartii DC283 (DC283), an enteric phytopathogen and causal agent of Stewart's wilt, and the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. When ingested by aphids, DC283 establishes and aggregates in the crop and gut, preventing honeydew flow and excretion, resulting in aphid death in 72 h. A mutagenesis screen identified a single locus, termed ucp1 (youcannot pass), whose disruption abolishes aphid pathogenicity. Moreover, the expression of ucp1 in Escherichia coli is sufficient to mediate the hindgut aggregation phenotype by this normally avirulent species. Ucp1 is related to six other proteins in the DC283 genome, each having a common N‐terminal region and a divergent C‐terminus, but only ucp1 has a role in pathogenicity. Based on predicted motifs and secondary structure, Ucp1 is a membrane‐bound protein that functions in bacterial adhesion and promotes the formation of aggregates that are lethal to the insect host. These results illustrate that the enteric plant pathogenic bacteria have the capacity to exploit alternative non‐plant hosts, and retain genetic determinants for colonizing the gut.
Microbial community dynamics in a seasonally anoxic fjord: Saanich Inlet, British Columbia
Authors: Zaikova Elena , Walsh David A. , Stilwell Claire P. , Mohn William W. , Tortell Philippe D. , Hallam Steven J. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryDissolved oxygen concentration plays a major role in shaping biotic interactions and nutrient flows within marine ecosystems. Throughout the global ocean, regions of low dissolved oxygen concentration (hypoxia) are a common and expanding feature of the water column, with major feedback on productivity and greenhouse gas cycling. To better understand microbial diversity underlying biogeochemical transformations within oxygen‐deficient oceanic waters, we monitored and quantified bacterial and archaeal community dynamics in relation to dissolved gases and nutrients during a seasonal stratification and deep water renewal cycle in Saanich Inlet, British Columbia, a seasonally anoxic fjord. A number of microbial groups partitioned within oxygen‐deficient waters including Nitrospina and SAR324 affiliated with the δ‐proteobacteria, SAR406 and γ‐proteobacteria related to thiotrophic gill symbionts of deep‐sea clams and mussels. Microbial diversity was highest within the hypoxic transition zone decreasing dramatically within anoxic basin waters and temporal patterns of niche partitioning were observed along defined gradients of oxygen and phosphate. These results provide a robust comparative phylogenetic framework for inferring systems metabolism of nitrogen, carbon and sulfur cycling within oxygen‐deficient oceanic waters and establish Saanich Inlet as a tractable model for studying the response of microbial communities to changing levels of water column hypoxia.
Insulin use and increased risk of mortality in type 2 diabetes: a cohort study
Authors: Gamble J.‐M. , Simpson S. H. , Eurich D. T. , Majumdar S. R. , Johnson J. A. 
Published: September 2009

Aim: To compare population‐based rates of all‐cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in newly treated patients with type 2 diabetes according to levels of insulin exposure. Methods: Using the administrative databases of Saskatchewan Health, 12272 new users of oral antidiabetic therapy were identified between 1991 and 1996 and grouped according to cumulative insulin exposure based on total insulin dispensations per year: no exposure (reference group); low exposure (0 to <3); moderate exposure (3 to <12) and high exposure (≥12). Time‐varying multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the relationship between insulin exposure and all‐cause, CV‐related and non‐vascular mortality after adjustment for demographics, medications and comorbidities. Results: Average age was 65 (s.d. 13.9) years, 45% were female, and mean follow‐up was 5.1 (s.d. 2.2) years. In total, 1443 (12%) subjects started insulin, and 2681 (22%) deaths occurred. The highest mortality rates were in the high exposure group; 95 deaths/1000 person‐years compared with 40 deaths/1000 person‐years in the no exposure group [unadjusted hazard ratio (HR): 2.32; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.96–2.73]. After adjustment, we observed a graded risk of mortality associated with increasing exposure to insulin: low exposure [adjusted HR (aHR): 1.75; 95% CI: 1.24–2.47], moderate exposure (aHR: 2.18; 1.82–2.60) and high exposure (aHR: 2.79; 2.36–3.30); p = 0.005 for trend. Analyses restricted to CV‐related (p = 0.042 for trend) and non‐vascular (p = 0.004 for trend) mortality showed virtually identical results. Conclusions: We observed a significant and graded association between mortality risk and insulin exposure level in an inception cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes that persisted despite multivariable adjustment.
Rediscovering bile acid sequestrants
Authors: Bell D. S. H. , O’Keefe James H. 
Published: September 2009

Aim: In the recently published The Justification for the Use of statins in Primary prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin (JUPITER) mega‐trial, rosuvastatin significantly reduced cardiovascular events at the expense of a small but significant increase in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The increased risk of new‐onset diabetes was in keeping with a recent meta‐analysis which suggested that statins, with the possible exception of pravastatin, marginally increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Methods: Although the net effect of rosuvastatin was obviously very positive, we hypothesized that the addition of a bile aid sequestrant to a statin would not only further decrease lipid levels and potentially further decrease cardiovascular events but also protect against the development of diabetes. This is particularly relevant because the bile acid sequestrant, colesevelam, has recently been approved for therapy of diabetes. Results: Colesevelam like other bile acid sequestrants lowers low‐density lipoprotein levels by 16% and C‐reactive protein by 22% beyond the reductions that occur with statin therapy alone. Bile acid sequestrants confer lipid‐lowering, glucose‐lowering, and anti‐inflammatory benefits, and have been shown to reduce risk of cardiovascular events. Conclusions: Therefore, colesevelam should be the most effective and logical agent to add to a statin in the diabetic and insulin‐resistant patient, because in addition to lowering cardiac risk it may prevent the development of diabetes, as well as improving glycaemic control in the established diabetic patient.