bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Designing occupancy studies: general advice and allocating survey effort
Authors: MACKENZIE DARRYL I. , ROYLE J. ANDREW 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe fraction of sampling units in a landscape where a target species is present (occupancy) is an extensively used concept in ecology. Yet in many applications the species will not always be detected in a sampling unit even when present, resulting in biased estimates of occupancy. Given that sampling units are surveyed repeatedly within a relatively short timeframe, a number of similar methods have now been developed to provide unbiased occupancy estimates. However, practical guidance on the efficient design of occupancy studies has been lacking.In this paper we comment on a number of general issues related to designing occupancy studies, including the need for clear objectives that are explicitly linked to science or management, selection of sampling units, timing of repeat surveys and allocation of survey effort. Advice on the number of repeat surveys per sampling unit is considered in terms of the variance of the occupancy estimator, for three possible study designs.We recommend that sampling units should be surveyed a minimum of three times when detection probability is high (> 0·5 survey−1), unless a removal design is used.We found that an optimal removal design will generally be the most efficient, but we suggest it may be less robust to assumption violations than a standard design.Our results suggest that for a rare species it is more efficient to survey more sampling units less intensively, while for a common species fewer sampling units should be surveyed more intensively.Synthesis and applications. Reliable inferences can only result from quality data. To make the best use of logistical resources, study objectives must be clearly defined; sampling units must be selected, and repeated surveys timed appropriately; and a sufficient number of repeated surveys must be conducted. Failure to do so may compromise the integrity of the study. The guidance given here on study design issues is particularly applicable to studies of species occurrence and distribution, habitat selection and modelling, metapopulation studies and monitoring programmes.
Use of cytokine polymorphisms and Epstein–Barr virus viral load to predict development of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in paediatric liver transplant recipients
Authors: Lee Timothy C. , Savoldo Barbara , Barshes Neal R. , Rooney Cliona M. , Heslop Helen E. , Gee Adrian P. , Caldwell Yvette , Scott Jaymee D. , Goss John A. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Objective:  Currently there are no tests to accurately identify paediatric liver transplant patients at risk for post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Herein we describe the use of cytokine polymorphisms and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) viral load to identify patients at risk for PTLD development.Methods:  Between 2001 and 2004, approximately 1047 patient samples were collected for qPCR for EBV in 59 patients. EBV viral load was reported in three groups: low EBV (<4 000 copies/μg DNA), high EBV/no PTLD (>4000 copies/μg DNA) and biopsy‐proven PTLD. All 59 patients also had cytokine polymorphism genotyping performed for six cytokine polymorphisms (transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukins (IL)‐6, IL‐10, IL‐2, and interferon (IFN)‐γ) from DNA isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated using qPCR and cytokine polymorphism results. Data are reported as a mean±standard error of the mean.Results:  There were 35 males and 24 females with a mean follow‐up of 34.9 months. EBV viral load had a PPV and NPV of 29 and 95%, respectively. The low IFN‐γ (A/A) polymorphism was found to be present in 4/6 PTLD patients (67%) and only 17/53 (33%) non‐PTLD patients. When the low A/A IFN‐γ polymorphism was combined with EBV viral load for prediction of PTLD, PPV and NPV were 57 and 93%, respectively.Discussion:  Use of cytokine genotyping in conjunction with qPCR for EBV viral load can significantly improve the predictive value of diagnostic tests for identification of patients at high risk for PTLD.
A prospective cross‐sectional study of BK virus infection in non‐renal solid organ transplant recipients with chronic renal dysfunction
Authors: Barton T.D. , Blumberg E.A. , Doyle A. , Ahya V.N. , Ferrenberg J.M. , Brozena S.C. , Limaye A.P. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract: Background: Polyomavirus (primarily BK virus [BKV]) infection is an important cause of chronic renal dysfunction in renal transplant recipients, but its possible contribution to chronic renal dysfunction in non‐renal solid organ transplant (NRSOT) recipients has not been fully explored.Methods: We performed a prospective, cross‐sectional study of consecutive NRSOT recipients with unexplained chronic renal dysfunction of at least a 3 months duration. Medical records were reviewed, and polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify BKV‐specific sequences from serum and urine samples. The potential associations between various demographic and transplant variables and BKV infection were assessed.Results: Thirty‐four consecutive NRSOT recipients (23 lung, 8 liver, 2 heart, 1 heart–lung) with chronic renal dysfunction were enrolled at a median of 3.5 years (range 0.3–12.5 years) post transplantation. Five of the 34 (15%) patients had BKV viruria (range 1040–1.8 × 106 copies/mL), but none had BKV viremia. BK viruria was associated with mycophenolate mofetil use (5 of 19 [26%] vs. 0 of 15, P=0.03) and a history of cytomegalovirus disease (3 of 4 [75%] vs. 2 of 30 [7%], P<0.01). However, the mean estimated creatinine clearance was similar in patients with or without BKV viruria (49 vs. 47 mL/min).Conclusions: BKV viruria was present in a proportion of NRSOT patients with otherwise unexplained chronic renal dysfunction. The possibility that BKV infection might contribute to chronic renal dysfunction in this setting warrants further investigation.
Muscle glutathione metabolism during ischemia and reperfusion in patients undergoing aorto‐bifemoral bypass surgery
Authors: Westman B. , Johansson G. , Söderlund K. , Wernerman J. , Hammarqvist F. 
Published: May 2006

Background:  After an ischemia time of 1 h during aortic aneurysm surgery, muscle glutathione redox‐status is not altered, indicating that this ischemic insult is well within the scavenging capacity of muscle glutathione, the most important endogenous scavenger. In the present study, the impact of elective aorto‐bifemoral bypass surgery, involving a longer ischemia time, on muscle glutathione and its redox‐status was investigated.Methods:  Leg muscle biopsies were obtained pre‐operatively, at maximal ischemia, after 10 min and 24 h of reperfusion from 12 patients undergoing aorto‐bifemoral bypass surgery. Muscle glutathione, free amino acids and energy‐rich compounds were determined.Results:  Clamping times were 113 (99–120 min); median (quartiles). At maximal ischemia, muscle lactate increased by 7.5 (4.0–10.7) mmol/kg dry weight (dw) (P < 0.001) and phosphocreatine (PCr) decreased by 14.6 (8.9–23.3) mmol/kg dw (P < 0.001). At maximal ischemia, reduced glutathione (GSH) was unaltered but muscle glutamate decreased by 0.51 (0.30–0.85) mmol/kg wet weight (ww) (P < 0.001). At 24 h post‐operatively, the reduced glutathione decreased by 0.47 (0.34–0.65) mmol/kg (ww) (P < 0.001) without changes in oxidized glutathione (GSSG) or in glutathione redox‐status. Cysteine and glycine, the two other constituent amino acids to glutathione, did not change during the study period.Conclusion:  Ischemia of 2 h during aorto‐bifemoral bypass was associated with changes in muscle energy‐rich compounds but without any changes in glutathione redox‐status. A decreased antioxidative capacity, as reflected by a decrease in muscle glutathione concentrations, was seen 24 h post‐operatively, still without changes in glutathione redox‐status. This is not different from the changes seen after abdominal surgery not involving ischemia‐reperfusion.
Understanding children's motivation from a self‐determination theoretical perspective: Implications for practice
Authors: Poulsen Anne A. , Rodger Sylvia , Ziviani Jenny M. 
Published: May 2006

Background:  This paper investigates three human psychological needs — autonomy, competence and relatedness — within the context of self‐determination theory (SDT). Meeting these needs in therapeutic environments is congruent with principles of client‐centred practice. Aims:  A key objective is to describe how SDT can increase understanding of children's motivation and their willingness to engage in occupations. An additional objective is to investigate commonalities between SDT and specific client‐centred approaches such as cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance (CO‐OP). Method and Results:  Literature about SDT is reviewed and a model of motivation based on self‐determination and flow theory is presented. Clinical examples are used to highlight theoretical principles. Conclusions:  It is proposed that understanding theories of motivation, such as SDT and flow, can further occupational therapists’ understanding of the psychological processes involved in client‐centred practice, particularly when working with children. This information has the potential to enhance clinical knowledge about activity choices to promote children's participation.
Markers of inflammation and atherosclerosis in Egyptian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: SABRY ALAA A , ELBASYOUNI SHERIEF REFAT , KALIL ABDALLA M , ABDEL‐RAHIM MONA , MOHSEN TAREEK , SLEEM AML 
Published: May 2006

SUMMARY:Background:  Cardiovascular events are markedly increased in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the mechanism of atherogenesis remains poorly understood. Low‐grade inflammation and endothelial dysfunction play pivotal roles in the initiation, progression and propagation of the atherosclerotic process. Several methods have been employed to assess endothelial function, among them the measurement of biomarkers of endothelial activation and dysfunction (intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)‐1). Since then, it has been reported that such biomarkers play a more important role than traditional risk factors in cardiovascular disease.Objective:  To measure (tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6 and ICAM‐1) levels as markers of inflammation and atherosclerosis in 40 Egyptian patients with SLE with various degrees of activity in comparison with 20 healthy volunteers, and to investigate their relationship to disease activity and hypertension.Methods:  Sixty subject (40 with SLE and 20 healthy controls) were the subject of this study, their clinical disease activity was scored according to the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), and serum sampling was obtained for TNF‐α, IL‐6 and ICAM‐1 level assay. Renal biopsy was carried out and examined by light microscopy.Results:  The mean level of TNF‐α, IL‐6 and ICAM‐1 were significantly higher in SLE patients with active disease (766.95 ± 357.82 Pg/mL, 135.4 ± 54.23 Pg/mL, 826.05 ± 367.1 Pg/mL) when compared with those with inactive disease (314.01 ± 100.87 Pg/mL, 47.33 ± 18.61 pg/mL, 441.33 ± 225.19 Pg/mL) and healthy control volunteers (172.7 ± 39.19 Pg/mL, 21.15 ± 10.99 Pg/mL, 111.5 ± 17.36 Pg/mL), respectively. Furthermore, these levels were significantly higher in hypertensive (614.08 ± 333.05 Pg/mL, 107.86 ± 54.96 Pg/mL and 862.13 ± 333.29 Pg/mL) compared to normotensive patients (267.5 ± 112.72 Pg/mL, P = 0.008, 35.75 ± 20.26 Pg/mL, P = 0.02I, and 337.25 ± 235.62 Pg/mL, P = 0.02) for TNF‐α, IL‐6 and ICAM, respectively. There were no statistically significant difference regarding age, sex, smoking, cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels between hypertensive and normotensive patients.Conclusion:  A high concentration of soluble ICAM‐1 in Egyptian patients with SLE and nephritis is reported here for the first time. Our finding of increased concentrations of TNF‐α, IL‐6 and ICAM‐1 in Egyptian patients with SLE and lupus nephritis underlines the importance of inflammation and endothelial involvement in this disorder, but their predictive value in the disease monitoring needs to be further studied.
The Contribution of Health Visitors (Public Health Nurses) in Supporting Parents Who Have A Child Referred for Genetic Investigation in Northern Ireland
Authors: Barr Owen G. 
Published: May 2006

An increasing number of children are likely to be referred for genetic investigations as a wider range of tests becomes available. Despite the growing expectation that nurses in primary care will provide support to parents of children referred for genetic investigation, previous studies have highlighted the limited support from staff in these services. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of health visitors (public health nurses) to supporting parents of children referred for genetic investigation.A questionnaire based survey of 345 health visitors was undertaken across Northern Ireland during Nov–December 2003 wit ha response rate of 56.2% (n = 194). Many health visitors were unsure of the location of the regional clinical genetics service and overall respondents reported limited contact with staff from these services. The majority of health visitors were not informed that children on their caseload had an appointment. It was found that health visitors did not routinely visit parents of children referred for genetic investigation and viewed this as the responsibility of the regional genetics services. Furthermore their confidence in supporting parents was significantly related to their previous contact with genetic services and knowledge of genetics in relation to their role as health visitors.
Pilot Study Examining the Utility of Microarray Data to Identify Genes Associated with Weight in Transplant Recipients
Authors: Cashion Ann , Driscoll Carolyn , Conley Yvette , Xu Lijing , Mandrell Belinda , Homayouni Ramin 
Published: May 2006

Purpose/Methods:  Obesity, a complex, polygenic disorder and a growing epidemic in transplant recipients, is a risk factor for chronic diseases. This secondary data analysis identified if microarray technologies and bioinformatics could find differences in gene expression profiles between liver transplant recipients with low Body Mass Index (BMI < 29; n = 5) vs. high (BMI > 29; n = 7). Blood was hybridized on Human U133 Plus 2 GeneChip (Affymetrix) and analyzed using GeneSpring Software.Results:  Groups were similar in age and race, but not gender. Expression levels of 852 genes were different between the low and high BMI groups (P < 0.05). The majority (562) of the changes associated with high BMI were decreases in transcript levels. Among the 852 genes associated with BMI, 263 and 14 genes were affected greater than 2‐ or 5‐fold, respectively. Following functionally classification using Gene Ontology (GO), we found that 19 genes (P < 0.00008) belonged to defense response and 15 genes (P < 0.00006) belonged to immune response.Conclusion:  These data could point the way toward therapeutic interventions and identify those at‐risk. These results demonstrate that we can (1) extract high quality RNA from immunosuppressed patients; (2) manage large datasets and perform statistical and functional analysis.
Psychosocial Issues Associated with Genetic Testing in Cystic Fibrosis Newborn Screening
Authors: Tluczek Audrey 
Published: May 2006

Two studies examined the psychosocial issues related to cystic fibrosis (CF) newborn screening (NBS). Study 1: Most parents of 15 infants reported high levels of depressive symptoms documented by Epidemiological Studies Depression Scales (CES‐D) (Median = 16; Range = 1–42) during their wait for the sweat test appointment (Median = 7 days; Range = 3–25 days). Six‐month follow‐up Interviews showed that parents’ uncertainty and emotional distress was influenced by physicians’ approaches to informing them, parents’ prior knowledge about NBS and CF, and the infant’s health. Parents coped by requesting a sweat test as soon as possible, searching for information, assessing infant’s risk/health, and seeking support.Study 2: Parents of 34 infants with abnormal CF NBS identified preferences for genetic counseling at the time of the sweat test to include probability of a CF diagnosis, description of sweat test procedure, explanation about disease and genetics of CF presented in a straight forward manner by a CF expert. They also identified preferences for emotional support including a choice about the timing and amount of CF information, empathy for their distress, a sense of hope, personalized counseling, and comfort measures. Counseling that matched parents’ preferences decreased emotional distress while mismatched counseling increased distress among parents awaiting their infant’s sweat test results.
Pre‐operative oral carbohydrate loading in colorectal surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Noblett S. E. , Watson D. S. , Huong H. , Davison B. , Hainsworth P. J. , Horgan A. F. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjective  Surgery induces a catabolic response with stress hormone release and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of pre‐operative carbohydrate administration on grip strength, gastrointestinal function and hospital stay following elective colorectal surgery.Methods  Thirty‐six patients undergoing elective colonic resection were randomized into one of three groups. Group 1 were fasted; Group 2 were given pre‐operative oral water, Group 3 received equivalent volumes of a Maltodextrin drink. Time to first flatus, first bowel movement and hospital stay were recorded. Muscle strength was measured pre‐operatively, and on alternate days thereafter until discharge using a grip strength dynamometer.Results  Patients in the carbohydrate group had a median postoperative hospital stay of 7.5 days compared with 13 days in the water group (P > 0.01) and 10 days in the fasted group (P = 0.06). The median time postsurgery to first flatus was 3 days for both the fasted and water groups compared with 1.5 days in the carbohydrate group (P = 0.13). First bowel movement occurred on day 3 in the carbohydrate group, day 4 in the fasting group and day 5 in the water group. The fasted group showed a significant reduction in postoperative grip strength (P < 0.05) with a median drop of 10% at discharge. Neither the water nor the carbohydrate groups showed significant reductions in muscle strength.Conclusion  We found that pre‐operative administration of oral carbohydrate leads to a significantly reduced postoperative hospital stay, and a trend towards earlier return of gut function when compared with fasting or supplementary water.
Transanal endoscopic microsurgery: a necessary requirement?
Authors: Tilney H. S. , Heriot A. G. , Simson J. N. L. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractIntroduction  There has been a gradual introduction of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) into UK practice although the uptake remains variable. This study aimed to assess the availability, application and referral pattern of TEM amongst colorectal surgeons.Methods  A questionnaire was sent to all consultant members of the Association of Coloproctology. This considered their practice, the availability, application and referral pattern for TEM, and their views on application regarding a selection of rectal tumour scenarios.Results  There were 142 replies representing 116 hospitals and 297 colorectal surgeons. The median catchment area was 280 000 (range 70 000–1 000 000). TEM was available in 18% of hospitals and 72% either performed or referred patents for TEM. Of 21 units performing TEM, 15 received referrals. From 305 TEM procedures performed over the previous year, 206 were referred cases. Eighty‐five per cent of consultants considered TEM a necessary technique for optimum management of rectal lesions. Although 61% of consultants considered endoanal excision optimal for low benign rectal tumours, 58% said TEM was optimal for midrectal lesions and between 30% and 55% for high rectal lesions depending if the tumour position was anterior or posterior, respectively. One‐third of consultants would perform TEM for a low T1 rectal carcinoma although half would proceed to anterior resection.Discussion  TEM is considered to have a significant role in the optimal management of rectal lesions. The presence of the technique in a limited number of hospitals does appear to provide adequate resources although audit should continue to be centralized.
Raised alanine transaminase and decreased adiponectin are features of the metabolic syndrome in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Hickman Ingrid J. , Whitehead Jonathan P. , Prins Johannes B. , Macdonald Graeme A. 
Published: May 2006

Aim:  The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the metabolic syndrome (MS), adiponectin and abnormal liver enzymes in patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods:  Fasting serum was collected from 189 patients with type 2 diabetes, adiponectin was measure using radioimmunoassay and features of the MS were assessed.Results:  Mean ALT was significantly higher in patients with the MS and higher ALT was associated with lower adiponectin levels. As the number of features of MS increased, ALT increased and adiponectin decreased independent of glycaemic control.Conclusion:  Hypoadiponectinemia and the MS may be linked with liver injury in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Alcohol intake, consumption pattern and beverage type, and the risk of Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Hodge A. M. , English D. R. , O'Dea K. , Giles G. G. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAims  To examine associations between amount and frequency of alcohol consumption, and Type 2 diabetes.Methods  A prospective study of 36 527 adults aged 40–69 at baseline. Incident cases of Type 2 diabetes were identified by questionnaire 4 years later. Sex‐specific logistic regression models, adjusting for country of birth, dietary glycaemic index, energy intake and age, and in a second model body mass index (BMI) and waist–hip ratio (WHR), were used.Results  Diabetes status was ascertained for 31 422 (86%) participants, and 362 cases identified. Former drinkers had higher risks than lifetime abstainers. Female drinkers had lower risk than lifetime abstainers (ORs < 10 g/day 0.54, 95% CI 0.36–0.82; 10–19.9 g/day 0.57, 0.34–0.94; ≥ 20 g/day 0.46, 0.24–0.88, P trend = 0.005). There was no relationship after adjustment for body size. For men, a weak inverse association was observed after adjustment for body size (ORs relative to lifetime abstainers: < 10 g/day 1.56, 0.95–2.55; 10–19.9 g/day 1.21, 0.69–2.10; 20–29.9 g/day 0.80, 0.40–1.60; = 30 g/day 0.86, 0.50–1.58, P trend = 0.036). Wine was the only beverage for which an inverse association was observed. Compared with men who did not drink in the week before baseline, men who drank ≥ 210 g over 1–3 days had an increased risk of diabetes (OR 5.21, 1.79–15.19), while the same amount over more days did not increase risk.Conclusions  Total alcohol intake was associated with reduced risk only in women. Alcohol from wine was associated with reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes. A high daily intake of alcohol, even on only 1–3 days a week, may increase the risk of diabetes in men.