Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Geographic Locations (geographic + locations)
Kinds of Geographic Locations Selected AbstractsWomen in the Urban Informal Sector: Perpetuation of Meagre EarningsDEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE, Issue 2 2005Arup Mitra The argument of exploitation of women workers in the labour market notwithstanding, this article examines whether women in India are unable to participate fully in the labour market because they are required to combine their household activities with income yielding jobs. They are constrained to work in the neighbourhood of their residence (the location of the residence having been decided upon by male family members), and can access jobs only through informal contacts (which usually means they end up in jobs similar to those of the contact persons), both of which reduce their bargaining power considerably. The tendency for specialized activities to be concentrated in different geographic locations of a city further restricts the possibility of women workers being engaged in diverse jobs and thus aggravates the situation of an excess supply of labour in a particular activity. Constrained choice, limited contacts of women and physical segmentation of the labour market perpetuate forces that entrap women workers in a low-income situation with worse outcomes than those of their male counterparts. Consequently with greater intensity of work they still continue to receive low wages, while residual participation in the labour market restricts the possibilities of skill formation and upward mobility. All of these factors offer a substantive basis for policy recommendations. [source] Mapping convergence points in the initial emergency response to 9/11,DISASTERS, Issue 4 2009Christine A. Bevc In response to extreme events, researchers have recognised the convergence of volunteers, emergency responders, and other individuals and organisations. In 2000, geographer Paul Routledge presented the concept of convergence spaces as a theoretical means to explain social movements. In applying this concept, this paper explores the geographic space in which organisations and individuals converged immediately following the 11 September 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. The paper begins to answer the question of whether there were in fact any patterns of convergence among the locations utilised by organisations responding to the attacks. Using data collected from field documents, these geographic locations are mapped over 12 days to help identify possible patterns of clustering. Results of this analysis will begin to provide researchers, policy makers and practitioners with a better understanding of how emergency response evolves geographically following an event. [source] Dietary accumulation of perfluorinated acids in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2003Jonathan W. Martin Abstract Perfluorinated acids (PFAs) recently have emerged as persistent global contaminants after their detection in wildlife and humans from various geographic locations. The highest concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonate are characteristically observed in high trophic level organisms, indicating that PFAs may have a significant bioaccumulation potential. To examine this phenomenon quantitatively, we exposed juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) simultaneously to a homologous series of perfluoroalkyl carboxylates and sulfonates for 34 d in the diet, followed by a 41-d depuration period. Carcass and liver concentrations were determined by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and kinetic rates were calculated to determine compound-specific bioaccumulation parameters. Depuration rate constants ranged from 0.02 to 0.23/d, and decreased as the length of the fluorinated chain increased. Assimilation efficiency was greater than 50% for all test compounds, indicating efficient absorption from food. Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) ranged from 0.038 to 1.0 and increased with length of the perfluorinated chain; however, BAFs were not statistically greater than 1 for any PFA. Sulfonates bioaccumulated to a greater extent than carboxylates of equivalent perfluoroalkyl chain length, indicating that hydrophobicity is not the sole determinant of PFA accumulation potential and that the acid function must be considered. Dietary exposure will not result in biomagnification of PFAs in juvenile trout, but extrapolation of these bioaccumulation parameters to larger fish and homeothermic organisms should not be performed. [source] Genetic variations among Mycoplasma bovis strains isolated from Danish cattleFEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 1 2000Lughano J.M. Kusiluka Abstract The genetic heterogeneity of Mycoplasma bovis strains isolated in Denmark over a 17-year period was investigated. Forty-two field strains isolated from different geographic locations and specimens, including strains from 21 herds involved in two outbreaks of M. bovis -induced mastitis, and the type strain of M. bovis (PG45T) were assayed for variations in the BglII and MfeI restriction sites in the chromosomal DNA by using the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprinting technique. The obtained genomic fingerprints consisted of 62,68 AFLP fragments in the size range of 50,500 bp. Among the analyzed strains, 18 different AFLP profiles were detected. The similarity between individual fingerprints, calculated by Dice similarity coefficient, ranged from 0.9 to 1.0. Twenty-five strains, including 23 which were isolated during two outbreaks of M. bovis -induced mastitis which occurred 2 years apart, showed indistinguishable AFLP patterns. More genetic diversity was observed among the recent strains. The similarity of the genotypes of the field strains to that of the M. bovis type strain (PG45T) was 97.7%. The results of this study have demonstrated a remarkable genomic homogeneity of Danish strains of M. bovis that were probably epidemiologically related and which have remained stable for a considerable length of time. Furthermore, this study has demonstrated that AFLP can be used for genomic fingerprinting and discrimination of M. bovis strains. [source] Fine-scale movements of the swordfish Xiphias gladius in the Southern California BightFISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHY, Issue 4 2010CHUGEY A. SEPULVEDA Abstract This study reports on the fine-scale movements of swordfish (Xiphias gladius) outfitted with pop-off satellite archival transmitters (PSATs) in the Southern California Bight (SCB). PSATs were deployed on basking swordfish using traditional harpoon methods from 2004 to 2006. Transmitters were programmed for short-term deployment (2,90 days) and re-acquired using a signal direction finder. High-resolution (min,1) depth and temperature data from nine swordfish (approximately 45,120 kg) were collected (>193 days). All swordfish displayed diurnal vertical movements similar to those reported for other geographic locations. The dominant diurnal movement pattern entailed swordfish remaining below the thermocline (>68 ± 15 m) during the day and near the surface, within the upper-mixed layer, at night. Collectively, the average daytime depth (±SE) was 273 ± 11 m and the average night depth 31 ± 5 m. Three distinct vertical behaviors were recorded: 35% of the records following a strict diurnal pattern, with the entire day below the thermocline and the entire night near the surface; 52% of the records revealed routine surface-basking events during the day, with an otherwise similar distribution at night; and 13% of the records exhibited surface-oriented activity during the day and night. Surface basking (<3 m during the day) was recorded for eight individuals and occurred on 131 of the 193 days (68% of the dataset). Collectively, surface basking accounted for 8% of the total daytime records. The relevance of these vertical behaviors to SCB fisheries is discussed. [source] Knowledge Networks in an Uncompetitive Region: SME Innovation and GrowthGROWTH AND CHANGE, Issue 2 2009ROBERT HUGGINS ABSTRACT Knowledge networks are now recognised as a crucial element underlying the economic success and competitiveness of geographic locations, in particular regions. The aim of this paper is to assess the types of knowledge networks utilised and formed by knowledge-based small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the relatively uncompetitive regional setting of Yorkshire and Humberside in the UK. It explores the relationship between knowledge networking activity and the levels of innovation and growth achieved by these SMEs. It is found that SMEs tend to utilise and value more knowledge networks with actors outside the region. However, more innovative SMEs possess a balance of inside and outside the region knowledge networks. Knowledge networking activity is sometimes negatively associated with growth, suggesting that networks with certain actors, such as public sector support agencies, may be formed by SMEs when they are facing competitive pressures. In terms of policy implications, the paper recommends a shift from the cluster policies implemented by many regional authorities to a regional innovation systems approach, focusing equally on the regional and more global dimensions of knowledge networks. It is concluded that regional public policy makers need to renew their efforts to support SMEs in creating and sustaining their knowledge networks. [source] A Multivariate Validation of the Defining Characteristics of FatigueINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING TERMINOLOGIES AND CLASSIFICATION, Issue 1 2001Mei Fu MSN PURPOSE. To validate the nursing diagnosis fatigue by providing evidence to identify, confirm, and consolidate the defining characteristics. METHODS. The Revised Piper Fatigue Scale and the Schwartz Measurement of Fatigue scales were used to collect data from four groups of healthy women (N = 182). Data were analyzed by maximum-likelihood factor analysis with varimax rotation, and major and minor defining characteristics were identified and clustered. FINDINGS. The identified defining characteristics tended to group into the dimensions identified in prior fatigue studies. Although the majority of the NANDA defining characteristics were validated, differences were found. CONCLUSIONS. atigue is a multidimensional construct. Replication of the study with a variety of samples from different geographic locations and a variety of patient populations will further cross-validate the defining characteristics of fatigue. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Fatigue is a commonly experienced phenomenon in both health and illness. As the knowledge base about fatigue builds, so will the accuracy of nursing assessments and the effectiveness of nursing interventions. [source] Escherichia coli serogroup O26 , a new look at an old adversaryJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2008C. Jenkins Summary Escherichia coli serogroup O26 played an important part in the early work on Verocytotoxin and is an established diarrhoeal pathogen. Recently, Verocytotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) O26 has been increasingly associated with diarrhoeal disease and frequently linked to outbreaks and cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). This review investigates the pathogenicity, geographical distribution, changing epidemiology, routes of transmission and improved detection of VTEC O26. Laboratory data on VTEC O26 isolates and clinical data on HUS suggest a true difference in the incidence of VTEC O26 in different geographic locations. However, few diagnostic laboratories use molecular methods to detect VTEC and so it is difficult to assess the role of VTEC O26 in causing diarrhoeal disease. VTEC O26 is frequently found in the cattle population but rarely in food. However, the small number of outbreaks analysed to date are thought to be food-borne rather than associated with direct or indirect contact with livestock or their faeces. The increase in awareness of VTEC O26 in the clinical and veterinary setting has coincided with the development of novel techniques that have improved our ability to detect and characterize this pathogen. [source] Subgingival microbiota of chronic periodontitis subjects from different geographic locationsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 11 2004A. D. Haffajee Abstract Background: Most clinical studies assume that the subgingival microbiota is similar from one geographic location to another. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the composition of the subgingival microbiota in chronic periodontitis subjects from four countries. Method: Subjects with chronic periodontitis (N, Sweden=101; USA=115; Brazil=58; Chile=26) were recruited. Subjects were measured at baseline for plaque, gingivitis, bleeding on probing (BOP), suppuration, pocket depth (PD) and attachment level (AL) at six sites per tooth. Subgingival plaque samples taken from the mesial aspect of each tooth at baseline were individually analyzed for their content of 40 bacterial species using checkerboard DNA,DNA hybridization (total samples=6036). % DNA probe counts comprised by each species was determined for each site and averaged across sites in each subject. Significance of differences in proportions of each species among countries was determined using ancova adjusting for age, mean pocket depth, gender and smoking status. p- Values were adjusted for multiple comparisons. Results: On average, all species were detected in samples from subjects in the four countries. Thirteen species differed significantly in adjusted mean proportions among countries even after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Porphyromonas gingivalis, one species that differed in proportions among countries, comprised adjusted means of 7.5, 11.9, 1.6 and 6.6% of the microbiota in subjects from Brazil, Chile, Sweden and USA (p<0.001), while mean proportions of Treponema denticola were 6.7, 4.2, 0.8 and 2.3, respectively (p<0.001). In contrast, a key periodontal pathogen, Tannerella forsythensis, exhibited mean proportions ranging from 6.2,8.5% and did not differ significantly among countries. Besides these species, prominent species in Brazil were Actinomyces naeslundii genospecies 1 and 2 (8.4%, 7.2%) and Prevotella intermedia (6.5%); in Chile, Prevotella melaninogenica (6.4%) and Neisseria mucosa (5.3%); in Sweden A. naeslundii genospecies 2 (8.4%), Capnocytophaga gingivalis (7.1%) and Peptostreptococcus micros (5.0%); in USA A. naeslundii genospecies 2 (7.5%), P. intermedia (6.8%) and C. gingivalis (6.1%). Conclusions: The microbial profiles of subgingival plaque samples from chronic periodontitis subjects in four countries showed surprisingly marked differences. These differences persisted after adjusting for age, mean pocket depth, gender and smoking status. [source] Molecular phylogeny of Turkish Trachurus species (Perciformes: Carangidae) inferred from mitochondrial DNA analysesJOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2008Y. Bektas Genetic variation among three species of Trachurus (T. trachurus, T. mediterraneus and T. picturatus) from Turkey was investigated by phylogenetic analysis of the entire mtDNA control region (CR) (862 bp, n = 182) and partial cytochrome (cyt) b (239 bp, n = 174) sequences. Individuals were collected at nine stations in four geographic locations: North-eastern Mediterranean Sea, Aegean Sea, Sea of Marmara and Black Sea. Polymerase chain reaction-direct sequencing of the CR and the partial cyt b genes produced 28 and 131 distinct haplotypes, respectively. Maximum likelihood, neighbour-joining and maximum parsimony methods produced similar tree topologies. The results of both CR and cyt b sequence analyses revealed the existence of several species-specific nucleotide sites that can be used to discriminate between the three species. Genetic distances indicated that T. mediterraneus and T. picturatus are more closely related to each other than either is to T. trachurus. Inter-nucleotide and intra-nucleotide diversities of T. picturatus were larger than those of T. mediterraneus and T. trachurus. There was no evidence of a geographical difference in haplotype frequencies of these two mtDNA regions to be clustered. [source] Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis A virus in Korea,JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 5 2001Kwan Soo Byun Abstract Background: The prevalence of antibodies for hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) in adolescents and young adults has decreased remarkably following the economic growth in Korea. As a result, this age group has a high risk for HAV infection paradoxically, and over 1500 cases of clinically overt hepatitis A occurred in 1998. Human isolates of hepatitis A virus (HAV) are categorized within four genotypes (I, II, III, and VII). In some geographic regions, closely related isolates cluster, suggesting endemic spread of the virus, while in other regions multiple genotypes circulate. Virtually no data are available with regard to the genetic relatedness of Korean strains of HAV. Methods and Results: A 168 base pair segment encompassing the putative VP1/2A junction of the HAV genome was amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced in sera of 18 Korean patients with a sporadic form of acute hepatitis A. Pairwise comparisons of the nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of 18 Korean isolates with one another revealed that the Korean isolates showed > 94.6% and > 96.4% identity, respectively. All of the 18 Korean isolates clustered within genotype IA, irrespective of the geographic locations and the time that hepatitis occurred. Unique amino acid sequence changes that had never been reported in genotype IA were found in nine of the 18 isolates. These changes were Gln,Ser and Lys,Arg in 2A-19 and 2A-10 amino acid positions. Conclusion: The presence of single genotype and unique mutations may be related with the circulation of endemic HAV over a long period of time in Korea. [source] RAPHIDOPHYCEAE [CHADEFAUD EX SILVA] SYSTEMATICS AND RAPID IDENTIFICATION: SEQUENCE ANALYSES AND REAL-TIME PCR ASSAYS,JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY, Issue 6 2006Holly A. Bowers Species within the class Raphidophyceae were associated with fish kill events in Japanese, European, Canadian, and U.S. coastal waters. Fish mortality was attributable to gill damage with exposure to reactive oxygen species (peroxide, superoxide, and hydroxide radicals), neurotoxins, physical clogging, and hemolytic substances. Morphological identification of these organisms in environmental water samples is difficult, particularly when fixatives are used. Because of this difficulty and the continued global emergence of these species in coastal estuarine waters, we initiated the development and validation of a suite of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Sequencing was used to generate complete data sets for nuclear encoded small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA; 18S); internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2, 5.8S; and plastid encoded SSU rRNA (16S) for confirmed raphidophyte cultures from various geographic locations. Sequences for several Chattonella species (C. antiqua, C. marina, C. ovata, C. subsalsa, and C. verruculosa), Heterosigma akashiwo, and Fibrocapsa japonica were generated and used to design rapid and specific PCR assays for several species including C. verruculosa Hara et Chihara, C. subsalsa Biecheler, the complex comprised of C. marina Hara et Chihara, C. antiqua Ono and C. ovata, H. akashiwo Ono, and F. japonica Toriumi et Takano using appropriate loci. With this comprehensive data set, we were also able to perform phylogenetic analyses to determine the relationship between these species. [source] Diversity and Geographical Distribution of Phytoplasmas infecting China-tree in ArgentinaJOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2007J. D. Arneodo Abstract Yellows diseases associated with phytoplasmas cause high mortality in China-tree (Melia azedarach) in Argentina, but there has been no previous large-scale survey to determine their diversity and geographical distribution. To assess the presence and identity of phytoplasmas affecting this species throughout the country, 425 samples of symptomatic trees collected at different geographic locations were analysed by a polymerase chain reaction (using universal and group-specific primers) and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Phytoplasmas belonging to 16SrIII-B group were detected at almost every location sampled, whereas 16SrXIII-C group phytoplasmas, reported for the first time in Argentina, were only found in two regions sharing similar agro-ecological characteristics (Northeast provinces and Tucumán). Double infections with 16SrIII-B and 16SrXIII-C group phytoplasmas were also recorded. Nucleotide sequencing of the 16S rDNA of three Argentinian 16SrXIII-C group phytoplasma isolates revealed high identity (99.6,99.3%) with the CbY1 isolate reported from Bolivia. [source] Fingerprint chromatogram analysis of Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.) Pax root by high performance liquid chromatographyJOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 14 2006Chao Han Abstract A simple and reliable high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method has been developed and validated for the fingerprinting of extracts from the root of Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.) Pax. HPLC with gradient elution was performed on an authentic reference standard of powdered P. heterophylla (Miq.) Pax root and 11 plant samples of the root were collected from different geographic locations. The HPLC chromatograms have been standardized through the selection and identification of reference peaks and the normalization of retention times and peak intensities of all the common peaks. The standardized HPLC fingerprints show high stability and reproducibility, and thus can be used effectively for the screening analysis or quality assessment of the root or its derived products. Similarity index calculations based on cosine angle values or correlation methods have been performed on the HPLC fingerprints. As a group, the fingerprints of the P. heterophylla (Miq.) Pax samples studied are highly correlated with closely similar fingerprints. Within the group, the samples can be further divided into subgroups based on hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). Sample grouping based on HCA coincides nicely with those based on the geographical origins of the samples. The HPLC fingerprinting techniques thus have high potential in authentication or source-tracing types of applications. [source] HYDROLOGIC MODELING AT THE WATERSHED SCALE USING NPSM,JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION, Issue 6 2000Lee Carrubba ABSTRACT: The Nonpoint Source Model (NPSM) was chosen for nonpoint source pollutant modeling within three different watersheds. The first step in using NPSM, hydrologic calibration, is discussed here for three 8-digit Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) from the White River Basin in Indiana (Driftwood HUC), the Albemarle-Pamlico River Basin in Virginia and North Carolina (Contentnea HUC), and the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida (Ichawaynochaway HUC). Model predicted flows were compared statistically with USGS gauge data at the HUC outflow points for an uncalibrated and calibrated model run for the period from January 1, 1990, through December 31, 1992, and a validation run for the period from January 1, 1993, through December 31, 1995. Least squares regression of NPSM predicted flows versus USGS gauge data were 0.75, 0.44, and 0.69 for the calibration runs and 0.71, 0.69, and 0.64 for the validation runs in the Driftwood, Contentnea, and Ichawaynochaway HUCs, respectively. Nash Sutcliffe coefficient values were not as strong, ranging from ,0.66 to 0.45 for the calibration runs and 0.31 to 0.37 for the validation runs of the model. The Ichawaynochaway HUC proved the most difficult to calibrate indicating that the model may not be as useful in some geographic locations. [source] National addictions vigilance intervention and prevention program (NAVIPPROÔ): a real-time, product-specific, public health surveillance system for monitoring prescription drug abuse,PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 12 2008Stephen F. Butler PhD Abstract Purpose The National Addictions Vigilance Intervention and Prevention Program (NAVIPPROÔ) is a scientific, comprehensive risk management program for scheduled therapeutics. NAVIPPROÔ provides post-marketing surveillance, signal detection, signal verification and prevention and intervention programs. Here we focus on one component of NAVIPPROÔ surveillance, the Addiction Severity Index-Multimedia Version® (ASI-MV®) Connect, a continuous, real-time, national data stream that assesses pharmaceutical abuse by patients entering substance abuse treatment by collecting product-specific, geographically-detailed information. Methods We evaluate population characteristics for data collected through the ASI-MV® Connect in 2007 and 2008 and assess the representativeness, geographic coverage, and timeliness of report of the data. Analyses based on 41,923 admissions to 265 treatment centers in 29 states were conducted on product-specific opioid abuse rates, source of drug, and route of administration. Results ASI-MV® Connect data revealed that 11.5% of patients reported abuse of at least one opioid analgesic product in the 30 days prior to entering substance abuse treatment; differences were observed among sub-populations of prescription opioid abusers, among products, and also within various geographic locations. Conclusions The ASI-MV® Connect component of NAVIPPROÔ represents a potentially valuable data stream for post-marketing surveillance of prescription drugs. Analyses conducted with data obtained from the ASI-MV® Connect allow for the characterization of product-specific and geospatial differences for drug abuse and can serve as a tool to monitor responses of the abuse population to newly developed "abuse deterrent" drug formulations. Additional data, evaluation, and comparison to other systems are important next steps in establishing NAVIPPROÔ as a comprehensive, post-marketing surveillance system for prescription drugs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Temperature Stress Tolerance of Conifer Seedlings after Exposure to UV-B RadiationPHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2005Sylvia J. L'Hirondelle ABSTRACT Ground-level UV-B radiation has increased globally due to a thinning stratospheric ozone layer. We estimated the effects of increased UV-B on 10 conifer species grown in chambers in greenhouses with supplemental UV-B. Species were selected from a wide range of geographic locations. Plant material of two ages (germinants, first growing season; seedlings, second season) were exposed to three levels of UV-B from ambient (at Victoria, B.C., Canada) to three times ambient (12 kJ m,2 d,1) for up to four months. Frost hardiness and heat tolerance of shoots were estimated from changes in chlorophyll fluorescence after exposure to test temperatures. There were no significant differences among seed sources from different elevations in their response to temperature stresses. When UV-B increased above the ambient level, three species (interior Douglas-fir, Engelmann spruce, and interior lodgepole pine) increased in frost hardiness and four (grand fir, interior spruce, yellow-cedar, and western redcedar) decreased. Two species (western redcedar and western hemlock) increased in heat tolerance when UV-B increased to the 12 kJ level. The main differences in stress tolerance were between the triple ambient and the other two treatments, not between ambient and double ambient, suggesting that any changes in UV-B would have to be large to elicit physiological changes in conifer seedlings. [source] Brenneria quercina and Serratia spp. isolated from Spanish oak trees: molecular characterization and development of PCR primersPLANT PATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2008C. Poza-Carrión Brenneria quercina has been reported as one of the causal agents of oak decline in Spain. To investigate the bacterial variability of this pathogen from different Spanish oak forests, a collection of 38 bacterial isolates from seven geographic locations and from different oak species was analysed by sequencing 16S rDNA and rep-PCR fingerprinting. All Spanish isolates of B. quercina were grouped by rep-PCR into a homogenous cluster that differed significantly from B. quercina reference strains from California. 16S rDNA analysis revealed that 34 out of 38 isolates were Brenneria. However, four isolates belonged to the genus Serratia, suggesting that this bacterium could cause cankers in oak trees. The information obtained by rep-PCR fingerprint analysis was used to develop PCR primers for the sensitive and specific detection of B. quercina from infected plant tissues. Pathogenicity tests performed with Brenneria and Serratia isolates showed that both were able to grow and cause cankers in oak trees. [source] Respiratory health in Turkish asbestos cement workers: The role of environmental exposureAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 8 2006brahim Akkurt MD Abstract Aim Benign and malignant pleural and lung diseases due to environmental asbestos exposure constitute an important health problem in Turkey. The country has widespread natural deposits of asbestos in rural parts of central and eastern regions. Few data exists about the respiratory health effects of occupational asbestos exposure in Turkey. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate respiratory health effects of occupational asbestos exposure and the contribution of environmental asbestos exposure. Methods Investigations included asbestos dust measurements in the workplace and application of an interviewer-administered questionnaire, a standard posteroanterior chest X-ray and spirometry. Information on birthplace of the workers was obtained in 406 workers and used to identify environmental exposure to asbestos, through a map of geographic locations with known asbestos exposure. Results Asbestos dust concentration in the ambient air of the work sites (fiber/ml) ranged between 0.2 and 0.76 (mean: 0.25, median: 0.22). Environmental exposure to asbestos was determined in 24.4% of the workers. After the adjustment for age, smoking, occupational asbestos exposure, and potential risk factors environmental asbestos exposure was associated with small irregular opacities grade ,1/0 (44.2% vs. 26.6%, P,<,0.01), FVC% (97.8 vs. 104.5, P,<,0.0001), and FEV1% (92.4 vs. 99.9, P,<,.0001). Occupational exposure to asbestos was associated with small irregular opacities grade ,1/0 (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3,3.1, per 1 unit increase in the natural logarithm of fiber/ml) and FEV1/FVC% (beta: 1.1, SEM: 0.54; P,<,0.05, per 1 unit increase in the natural logarithm of fiber/ml). Conclusions Environmental exposure to asbestos could increase the risk of asbestosis and lung function impairment in workers occupationally exposed to asbestos, independent from occupational exposure and smoking. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Genetic Diversity of Populations of Monilinia fructicola (Fungi, Ascomycota, Helotiales) from ChinaTHE JOURNAL OF EUKARYOTIC MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2010JIN-YAN FAN ABSTRACT. The genetic variation among 128 isolates of Monilinia fructicola (Fungi, Ascomycota, Helotiales) from China was analyzed using Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers and compared with those of samples from California, USA and New Zealand. A total of 72 reproducible DNA fragments were scored, of which 87.5% (63/72) were polymorphic. The Nei's gene diversity and Shannon's diversity indices of three Chinese regional populations were very similar to that from California. However, several differences were observed among geographic populations of M. fructicola from both within China and between China and California. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) of isolates from different geographic locations suggested that most of the observed genetic variation was found within populations. Results of this study are inconsistent with the hypothesis that the Chinese populations of M. fructicola were derived from a single or few recent migrants from other countries. Instead, our results suggest that M. fructicola has been in China long before its first official recording in 2003. [source] Detection of the Dinozoans Pfiesteria piscicida and P. shumwayae: A Review of Detection Methods and Geographic Distribution,THE JOURNAL OF EUKARYOTIC MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2005PARKE A. RUBLEE Abstract. Molecular methods, including conventional PCR, real-time PCR, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, fluorescent fragment detection PCR, and fluorescent in situ hybridization, have all been developed for use in identifying and studying the distribution of the toxic dinoflagellates Pfiesteria piscicida and P. shumwayae. Application of the methods has demonstrated a worldwide distribution of both species and provided insight into their environmental tolerance range and temporal changes in distribution. Genetic variability among geographic locations generally appears low in rDNA genes, and detection of the organisms in ballast water is consistent with rapid dispersal or high gene flow among populations, but additional sequence data are needed to verify this hypothesis. The rapid development and application of these tools serves as a model for study of other microbial taxa and provides a basis for future development of tools that can simultaneously detect multiple targets. [source] Body condition does not predict immunocompetence of western pond turtles in altered versus natural habitatsANIMAL CONSERVATION, Issue 3 2010N. Polo-Cavia Abstract Many authors have addressed the relationship between body condition and ecological parameters in a wide range of studies, suggesting a better fitness in those individuals with higher values of body condition. However, body size and body condition of individuals can vary significantly at the intraspecific level between geographic locations, which is usually explained by phenotypic plasticity or local adaptation. We suggest that a higher body condition per se might not be a good indicator of physiological health status, particularly when comparing populations inhabiting places with different levels of habitat alteration. We examined two populations of the western pond turtle Emys marmorata in the northern part of California's Central Valley, and found that individuals inhabiting a water pollution control plant located on the valley floor had significantly larger body size and higher body condition than those inhabiting an unaltered natural habitat in the foothills. However, turtles from the water pollution control plant did not show a better health status, estimated by comparisons between two immune system variables: T-cell-mediated immune response and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio. Parameters such as body size and body condition might be misleading indicators of health condition, particularly when they are used to estimate health status of populations from habitats with different levels of alteration. We emphasize the importance of using physiological methods in assessing the conservation state of wildlife populations, rather than relying on biometric indices that might miss important effects of alteration. [source] Standardizing care in medical oncologyCANCER, Issue 23 2009Are Web-based systems the answer? Abstract BACKGROUND: Medical oncology is embracing information technology to standardize care and improve patient outcomes, with a range of Web-based systems used internationally. The authors' aim was to determine the factors affecting the uptake and use of a Web-based protocol system for medical oncology in the Australian setting. METHODS: The authors conducted 50 interviews and observed medical oncology physicians, nurses, and pharmacists in their treatment setting at 6 hospitals in different geographic locations. RESULTS: The Web-based system plays a major role in guiding oncology treatment across participating sites. However, its use varies according to hospital location, clinician roles, and experience. A range of issues impact on clinicians' attitudes toward and use of the Web-based system. Important factors are clinician,specific (eg, their need for autonomy and perceptions of lack of time) or environmental (eg, hospital policy on protocol use, endorsement of the system, and the availability of appropriate infrastructure, such as sufficient computers). The level of education received regarding the system was also found to be integral to its ongoing use. CONCLUSIONS: Although the provision of high-quality evidence-based resources, electronic or otherwise, is essential for standardizing care and improving patient outcomes, the authors' findings demonstrate that this alone does not ensure uptake. It is important to understand end-users, the environment in which they operate, and the basic infrastructure required to implement such a system. Implementation must also be accompanied by continuing education and endorsement to ensure both long-term sustainability and use of the system to its full potential. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society. [source] Reducing Ambulance Response Times Using Geospatial,Time Analysis of Ambulance DeploymentACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 9 2010Marcus Eng Hock Ong MBBS (S'pore) ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:951,957 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Abstract Objectives:, This study aimed to determine if a deployment strategy based on geospatial,time analysis is able to reduce ambulance response times for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OOHCA) in an urban emergency medical services (EMS) system. Methods:, An observational prospective study examining geographic locations of all OOHCA in Singapore was conducted. Locations of cardiac arrests were spot-mapped using a geographic information system (GIS). A progressive strategy of satellite ambulance deployment was implemented, increasing ambulance bases from 17 to 32 locations. Variation in ambulance deployment according to demand, based on time of day, was also implemented. The total number of ambulances and crews remained constant over the study period. The main outcome measure was ambulance response times. Results:, From October 1, 2001, to October 14, 2004, a total of 2,428 OOHCA patients were enrolled into the study. Mean ± SD age for arrests was 60.6 ± 19.3 years with 68.0% male. The overall return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) rate was 17.2% and survival to discharge rate was 1.6%. Response time decreased significantly as the number of fire stations/fire posts increased (Pearson ,2 = 108.70, df = 48, p < 0.001). Response times for OOHCA decreased from a monthly median of 10.1 minutes at the beginning to 7.1 minutes at the end of the study. Similarly, the proportion of cases with response times < 8 minutes increased from 22.3% to 47.3% and < 11 minutes from 57.6% to 77.5% at the end of the study. Conclusions:, A simple, relatively low-cost ambulance deployment strategy was associated with significantly reduced response times for OOHCA. Geospatial,time analysis can be a useful tool for EMS providers. [source] Alcohol , the neglected risk factor in head and neck cancerCLINICAL OTOLARYNGOLOGY, Issue 4 2004H. Viswanathan Alcohol remains second only to cigarette smoking as a risk factor for head and neck cancer worldwide. The increase in incidence in head and neck cancer in a number of countries appears linked at least in part to contemporaneous rises in alcohol consumption. The relative increase in risk in women may also relate to increasing alcohol consumption. Women may be particularly sensitive to alcohol-induced tumours in the oral/oropharyngeal sites. The risk is dose related, but with a non-linear increase for heavy drinkers (>100 g i.e. 12 units/day). The type of alcoholic beverage consumed seems less important. Potential mechanisms include local toxic cellular proliferation; carcinogenic action of metabolites e.g. acetaldehyde or impurities; induction of enzymes which activate procarcinogens; reduction of the protective retinoic acid; genetic polymorphism may play a part in certain geographic locations. Alcohol is also linked to stage at presentation, risk of second primary and the occurrence of comorbidity. Public awareness of the risks of alcohol remains disappointingly low. Those in identifiable high-risk groups should perhaps be targeted specifically for counselling. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||