Annual Changes (annual + change)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Annual Change of Primary Resistance to Clarithromycin among Helicobacter pylori Isolates from 1996 through 2008 in Japan

HELICOBACTER, Issue 5 2009
Noriyuki Horiki
Abstract Background:, Recent studies have shown that the combination of proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin and clarithromycin is one of the best choices for Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. However, increasing number of cases of H. pylori infection showing resistance to clarithromycin therapy has been reported and this is currently the main cause of eradication failure. We investigated the annual changes of the antimicrobial susceptibility to clarithromycin, amoxicillin and minocycline during a period of 12 years in Japan. Methods:, This study comprised 3521 patients (mean age (SD), 55.4 (13.7) years-old, 2467 males and 1054 females) positive for H. pylori as assessed by microaerobic bacterial culture from 1996 through 2008. All patients were previously untreated for H. pylori and were enrolled in the study to assess primary resistance to the three antibiotics. Results:, The overall primary resistance to clarithromycin, amoxicillin and minocycline were 16.4%, (577/3521), 0.03% (1/3521) and 0.06% (2/3521), respectively. From1996 through 2004, the resistance rate to clarithromycin increased gradually to approximately 30% and then it remained without marked fluctuation since 2004. Analysis by gender showed a significant increase (p < .0001) in resistance rate to clarithromycin among females (217/1057, 20.6%) compared to males (360/2467, 14.6%). Analysis by age, disclosed significantly (p < .0001) higher resistance rate to clarithromycin in patients of more than 65-years-old compared to the younger population. Conclusions:, The resistance rate of H. pylori infection to clarithromycin in Japan has increased gradually to approximately 30% from 1996 through 2004, and remained unchanged since 2004. Elderly and females were at high risk of having resistance to clarithromycin. Our results suggested that the level of clarithromycin resistance in Japan has now risen to the point where it should no longer be used as empiric therapy. [source]


Cladoceran community responses to biomanipulation and re-oligotrophication in Lake Vesijärvi, Finland, as inferred from remains in annually laminated sediment

FRESHWATER BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2010
MIRVA NYKÄNEN
Summary 1. We studied the role of zooplankton in biomanipulation and the subsequent recovery phase in the Enonselkä basin of Lake Vesijärvi, using subfossil cladocerans in annually laminated sediment. Measures to restore the Enonselkä basin included reduction in external nutrient loading and mass removal of plankti- and benthivorous fish. Water clarity increased and the lake changed from a eutrophic to a mesotrophic state. However, some signs of increased turbidity were observed after 5,10 years of successful recovery. 2. Annual laminae in a freeze core sample were identified and sliced, based on the seasonal succession of diatoms. Cladoceran remains and rotifer eggs were counted, and Daphnia ephippia and Eubosmina and Bosmina ephippia and carapaces were measured. Annual changes in pelagic species composition were studied with principal component analysis. Individual species abundance, size measurements and various cladoceran-based indices or ratios (commonly used to reconstruct changes in trophic state and fish predation) were tested for change between four distinct periods: I (1985,1988) dense fish stocks, poor water quality; II (1989,1992) fish removal; III (1993,1997) low fish density, improved water quality; IV (1998,2002) slightly increased fish density and poorer water quality. 3. After the removal of fish, the mean size of Daphnia ephippia and Eubosmina crassicornis ephippia and carapaces increased significantly. In contrast, the percentage of Daphnia did not increase. When based on ephippia, the ratio Daphnia/(Daphnia + E. crassicornis) increased, but the interpretation was obscured by the tolerance of fish predation by small Daphnia and by the fact that bosminids were the preferred food of roach. Moreover, ephippial production by E. crassicornis decreased in recent years. 4. The abundance of Diaphanosoma brachyurum and Limnosida frontosa increased significantly after the fish population was reduced, while that of Ceriodaphnia and rotifers decreased. 5. The expanding littoral vegetation along with improved water clarity was clearly reflected in the concentration of littoral species in the deep sediment core. The species diversity index for the entire subfossil community also increased. 6. The period of faltering recovery was characterised by greater interannual variability and an increased percentage of rotifers. Nevertheless, the mean sizes of Daphnia ephippia and E. crassicornis ephippia and carapaces indicated a low density of fish. The deteriorating water quality was apparently related to multiple stressors in the catchment after rehabilitation, such as intensified lakeshore building, as well as to exceptional weather conditions, challenging the management methods in use. [source]


Annual changes of the incidence and clinical characteristics of magnesium ammonium phosphate urinary stones

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 1 2003
TAKAHIDE OGATA
Abstract Background: Magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) urinary stones account for the majority of staghorn stones and frequently cause a non-functioning kidney. In the present study, we examined the annual changes of the number and clinical characteristics of MAP stones. Methods: The annual incidence of MAP stones was investigated in 2619 patients with urinary stones in whom composition of the stone was analysed at Chiba University Hospital between 1964 and 1999. In addition, the annual number of patients with MAP stones was examined at Funabashi Clinic. In a total of 644 patients with MAP stones, age and sex of the patients, location and size of the MAP stones, urinary cultures and etiological factors were analysed. Results: The number of MAP stones in the lower urinary tract was relatively constant. In contrast, MAP stones in the upper urinary tract had dramatically decreased since 1989, resulting in an increase in the rate of MAP stones in the lower urinary tract. Age distribution of the MAP stone patients ranged from 10 years to >,80 years, with the majority aged 30,60 years. The proportion of larger MAP stones in the upper urinary tract increased. There was no significant difference in prevalence of urine cultures. Among etiological factors for MAP stones, difficulty on urination tended to be common in recent years. Conclusion: The number of MAP stones, especially in upper urinary tract, has been decreasing during the last decade. At present, treatment of urinary tract obstruction seems important for the management of MAP stones in lower urinary tract. [source]


Phytoplankton and Epipelon Responses to Clear and Turbid Phases in a Seepage Lake (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF HYDROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
María Adela Casco
Abstract Annual changes in the algal density and concentrations of chlorophyll a, total phosphorus, and organic matter were analyzed in water and sediments at four sites characterized by the presence or absence of submerged and emergent macrophytes, during turbid- and clear-water conditions to determine the contribution of the algal components of the plankton and the epipelon and to identify the most typical species in each community. Three states were recognized: one turbid and two clear, with different submerged macrophyte cover. The peaks of phytoplankton and epipelon occurred in the turbid phase, whereas the highest proportion of true epipelic algae in sediments was reached in the second clear phase. The Oscillatoriaceae dominated during the turbid phase in the water and throughout the entire year within the sediments. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]


Association Between Changes in Habitual Physical Activity and Changes in Bone Density, Muscle Strength, and Functional Performance in Elderly Men and Women

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 12 2008
Robin M. Daly PhD
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the long-term effects of habitual physical activity on changes in musculoskeletal health, functional performance, and fracture risk in elderly men and women. DESIGN: Ten-year prospective population-based study. SETTING: Malmö-Sjöbo Prospective Study, Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 152 men and 206 women aged 50, 60, 70, and 80 who were followed for 10 years. MEASUREMENTS: Distal radius bone mineral density (BMD) (single photon absorptiometry), upper limb muscle (grip) strength, balance, gait velocity, occupational and leisure-time activity, and fractures (interview-administered questionnaire) were reassessed after 10 years. Annual changes for all measures were compared between participants with varying habitual physical activity histories at baseline and follow-up: inactive,inactive (n=202), active,inactive (n=47), inactive,active (n=49), and active,active (n=60). Data for men and women were pooled, because there were no sex-by-activity group interactions. To detect possible differences in fracture incidence between the varying habitual activity groups, participants were classified into two activity groups based on their activity classification at baseline and follow-up: inactive:less active versus active:more active. RESULTS: The annual rate of bone loss was 0.6% per year less in individuals classified as active at both time points than in those classified as inactive at both time points (P<.01). Similar results were observed for balance, but there was no effect of varying habitual activity on changes in muscle strength or gait velocity. There were also no differences in fracture incidence between individuals categorized as active:more active and those categorized as inactive:less active during the follow-up (adjusted hazard ratio=0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.42,1.90). CONCLUSION: This study showed that elderly men and women who maintained a habitually active lifestyle over 10 years had lower bone loss and retained better balance than those who remained habitually inactive. [source]


Longitudinal study of airway dimensions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using computed tomography

RESPIROLOGY, Issue 3 2008
Tadashi OHARA
Background and objective: Chest CT has been widely used for the evaluation of structural changes in lung parenchyma and airways in cross-sectional studies. There has been no report on the annual changes in airway dimensions as assessed by CT in COPD patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the annual changes in airway dimensions and lung attenuation using CT in patients with COPD and to evaluate the correlations among annual changes in CT measurements and pulmonary function. Methods: Eighty-three men with COPD had completed five annual assessments of CT scans and pulmonary function tests over 4 years. Airway dimensions of the basal segment bronchi and lung attenuation on CT images were analysed in 38 subjects in whom the same airway could be measured at least three times, including at entry and at the end of the study. Results: Mean annual decline in FEV1 was 21 mL/year. Annual changes in the percentage of low attenuation areas were not significantly correlated with decline in FEV1. On the other hand, annual changes in the percentage of wall area (WA%/year) were significantly inversely correlated with annual changes in FEV1 (r = ,0.363, P = 0.025), whereas WA%/year did not differ among severity stages at entry and did not correlate with baseline FEV1. Conclusions: The results showing that annual changes in airway thickening correlated with annual decline in air flow limitation suggests the importance of treatment of airway inflammation in COPD. CT is a useful tool for quantitative estimation not only of emphysema but also of airway lesions in longitudinal studies. [source]


Microbiotic crusts as biomarkers for surface stability and wetness duration in the Negev Desert

EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 12 2009
Giora J. Kidron
Abstract Microbiotic crusts play an important role in arid and semi-arid regions. Yet, very little information exists regarding the factors that impact their development. In an attempt to assess the main factors that may determine their growth, measurements of the amount of fines (silt and clay), rain, moisture content, wetness duration and wind erosion and deposition were carried out along a 12 station transect within a partially crusted dune field in the western Negev Desert and compared to the crust cover and chlorophyll content. Surface stability was the only variable that exhibited significant relationship with crust cover while daylight wetness duration exhibited strong positive relationship (r2 = 0·92,0·99) with the crust's chlorophyll content. The data point out that microbiotic crusts may serve as a useful biomarker for surface stability. While wetness duration and wind will control crust cover and the crust chlorophyll content in semi-stable habitats (with absolute annual change in sand level of 2,3 mm), stable habitats (absolute change <1 mm) will be controlled primarily by moisture, while habitats with low surface stability (absolute change of tens and hundreds of millimeters) will be primarily controlled by wind. Furthermore, owing to the strong positive relationship between daylight wetness duration and the crust's chlorophyll content, the crust may serve as a useful biomarker for the quantification of surface wetness duration. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Change in Motor Function and Risk of Mortality in Older Persons

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 1 2007
Aron S. Buchman MD
OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between change in motor function and mortality. DESIGN: Prospective, observational cohort study. SETTING: Approximately 40 retirement communities across the Chicago metropolitan area participating in the Rush Memory and Aging Project. PARTICIPANTS: Eight hundred thirty-seven community-based older persons without dementia. MEASUREMENTS: Change in composite measures of motor performance and muscle strength. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 2.2 years, 81 persons died. In a proportional hazards model adjusted for age, sex, education, and body mass index, each 1-unit increase in the level of baseline motor performance was associated with an approximately 10% decrease in risk of mortality (hazard ratio (HR)=0.901, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.863,0.941), and each unit of annual increase in motor performance was associated with an approximately 11% decrease in the risk of mortality (HR=0.887, 95% CI=0.835,0.942). In a similar model, each 1-unit increase in the level of baseline strength was associated with an approximately 9% decrease in the risk of mortality (HR=0.906, 95% CI=0.859,0.957), and each 1-unit annual increase in strength was associated with an approximately 10% decrease in the risk of mortality (HR=0.898, 95% CI=0.809,0.996). These results were similar when men and women were analyzed separately and after controlling for physical activity, cognition, and chronic disorders. When motor performance and muscle strength were examined in a single model, only baseline and annual change in motor performance were associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: Level and rate of change in strength and motor performance are associated with mortality. The attenuation of the association between strength and mortality by motor performance suggests that motor function is not a unitary process and that its components may vary in their associations with adverse health consequences in older persons. [source]


Attempted randomized controlled trial of pamidronate versus calcium and calcitriol supplements for management of steroid-induced osteoporosis in children and adolescents

JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 11 2005
JJ Brown
Objectives: To describe an attempted interventional trial for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in children and adolescents and to discuss the reasons for trial failure to inform future interventional studies in this important group of patients. Methods: Prospective randomized controlled trial comparing the effect of bisphosphonate therapy with calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone mineral accrual is described. For non-trial patients, retrospective analysis of the effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation combined with bisphosphonate treatment on bone mineral accrual. Results: Only 12 patients were enrolled in the trial over 4 years. Bisphosphonate recipients (n = 5) had a mean annual percentage increase in lumbar spine bone mineral density of 8.76 ± 5.2% compared to 6.6 ± 4.0% in the calcium/vitamin-treated group (difference not significant). Mean annual change in lumbar spine areal bone mineral density in non-trial patients (n = 11) was 3.72 ± 2.5%. Conclusion: Conducting a randomized controlled trial in this group of corticosteroid users is difficult, given the unpredictable nature of the underlying disease and intermittent need for steroid treatment. The trial failed through inadequate recruitment combined with discontinued interventions. [source]


Avoidable mortality trends in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations in the Northern Territory, 1985-2004

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 6 2009
Shu Qin Li
Abstract Objectives: To analyse rates of avoidable mortality in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents of the Northern Territory (NT) from 1985 to 2004, in order to assess the contribution of health care to life expectancy improvements. Methods: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) death registration data for NT residents were used to identify ,avoidable' deaths, with further separation into three categories of conditions amenable to either medical care or health policy, and a category for ischaemic heart disease (IHD). A Poisson regression model was used to calculate the average annual change in avoidable mortality by sex and Aboriginality in the NT compared with Australia as a whole. Results: In the 20 years between 1985 and 2004, avoidable mortality rates fell 18.9% in NT Aboriginal people, 61.1% in NT non-Aboriginal people and 59.5% in Australians overall. NT Aboriginal people continued to experience higher avoidable mortality than other Australians and the disparity increased over time. Most of the decline in avoidable mortality for Aboriginal Territorians occurred for conditions amenable to medical care. Conclusion: Medical care has made a significant contribution to improvements in Aboriginal life expectancy in the NT, however, reductions in avoidable mortality from IHD and conditions amenable to health policy have been variable. Implications: The results highlight the need for ongoing investment in comprehensive programs incorporating appropriate health policy interventions and management of chronic diseases. [source]


Trends in chronic disease mortality in the Northern Territory Aboriginal population, 1997-2004: using underlying and multiple causes of death

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 6 2009
Emily Fearnley
Abstract Objective: To assess trends in chronic disease mortality in the Aboriginal population of the Northern Territory (NT), using both underlying and multiple causes of death. Method: Death registration data from 1997 to 2004, were used for the analysis of deaths from five chronic diseases; ischaemic heart disease (IHD), diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), renal failure and stroke. Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the average annual change in mortality rates for each of the five diseases. Chi squared tests were conducted to determine associations between the five diseases. Results: The five chronic diseases contributed to 49.3% of all Aboriginal deaths in the NT. The mortality rate ratio of NT Aboriginal to all Australian death rates from each of the diseases ranged from 4.3 to 13.0, with the lowest rate ratio for stroke and highest for diabetes. There were significant statistical associations between IHD, diabetes, renal failure and stroke. The mortality rates for diabetes, COPD and stroke declined at estimated annual rates for NT Aboriginal males of 3.6%, 1.0% and 11.7% and for Aboriginal females by 3.5%, 6.1% and 7.1% respectively. There were increases in mortality rates for Aboriginal males and females for IHD and a mixed result for renal failure. Conclusion: NT Aboriginal people experience high chronic disease mortality, however, mortality rates appear to be declining for diabetes, COPD and stroke. The impact of chronic disease on mortality is greater than previously reported by using a single underlying cause of death. The results highlight the importance of integrated chronic disease interventions. [source]


The effect of statin therapy on the progression of carotid artery stenosis in relation to stenosis severity

ACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2010
O. Hegland
Objectives,,, To examine the effect of early statin treatment on progression of arteriosclerosis in internal carotid arteries (ICA); to compare the progression of arteriosclerosis in ICA of patients treated with a statin to the progression seen in drug-naïve patients. Patients and methods,,, We performed repetitive Doppler scans of 363 carotid arteries with ICA stenosis ,40% in 254 patients over time. Information on statin therapy and other risk factors for stroke were correlated with the annual change in degree of ICA stenosis. Results,,, In statin-treated patients, 19% of ICA stenosis showed a progression while 74% showed a regression of stenosis. In statin - naïve patients, 63% of stenotic arteries showed a progression, while a reduction could be observed in 28%. Decrease of ICA stenosis was most accentuated in patients with a mild stenosis and was independent of serum cholesterol levels. Conclusion,,, Treatment with statins already in early stages of ICA stenosis might delay the progression and even reverse the degree of stenosis. [source]


Epidemiological study of oesophageal and gastric cancer in south-east England,

BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 9 2001
Mr H. M. Kocher
Background: This epidemiological study was carried out to establish the magnitude of the changing incidence of gastric and oesophageal cancer. Methods: Time-trend analyses of subsite-specific cancers of the oesophagus and stomach were performed using data from the Thames Cancer Registry database (1960,1996) for the South Thames Region. The changes in sex ratio and peak age of incidence are reported. Results: In the upper two-thirds of the oesophagus there was no significant change in the incidence rate, but the lower third of the oesophagus showed a marked rise for both sexes (average annual change +0·05 for men, +0·009 for women). For the gastric cardia, the incidence in males increased (average annual change +0·025), while in females it remained unchanged. Cancers of the oesophagogastric junction showed a clear increase for both sexes (average annual change +0·07 for men, +0·009 for women). There were changes in the sex ratio and peak age of incidence for all subsite cancers for both sexes. Conclusion: Over a 37-year period the incidence of cancer of the oesophagogastric junction increased threefold, while the incidence of cancers of the other subsites of the stomach decreased. Further studies are needed to investigate the aetiology of these changes. © 2001 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd [source]


Factors Affecting Population Assessments of Desert Tortoises

CONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2000
Jerome E. Freilich
With a wide geographic range and more living individuals than any other listed land animal, biologists have needed to detect population trends against a "noisy" background of strong annual changes. We obtained annual population estimates of desert tortoises over 6 consecutive years at a 2.59-km2 plot in Joshua Tree National Park, California. Our estimates, based on weekly spring surveys, varied substantially, particularly between wet and dry years. Concurrently, we followed 10 radiotagged animals for 3 years to corroborate the surveys. Population density was determined separately for each year and for all years combined. Our best population estimate was an average of 67 adult tortoises, three times more than the density reported in a 1978 survey of the same site. Annual mortality was low ( <10%), and the animals showed extreme site fidelity. Apparent changes in population size were most strongly related to the animals' varying susceptibility to capture. In dry years, home ranges decreased, captures decreased, and effort required to find each tortoise nearly doubled. Our data confirm that tortoises are likely to be undercounted during dry years and call into question earlier studies conducted during droughts. Resumen: Las tortugas del desierto han sido tema de controversia desde que fueron enlistadas como amenazadas en 1990. Con un amplio rango de distribución geográfica y más individuos vivos que cualquier otro animal terrestre enlistado, los biólogos han necesitado detectar tendencias poblacionales contra un trasfondo "ruidoso" de cambios anuales fuertes. Obtuvimos estimaciones de la población anual de tortugas del desierto por seis años consecutivos en un cuadrante de 2.59 Km2 en el Parque Nacional Joshua Tree de California. Nuestras estimaciones, basadas en sondeos semanales de primavera, variaron sustancialmente, particularmente al comparar años lluviosos con años secos. Al mismo tiempo, monitoreamos por tres años a 10 animales marcados con radiotransmisores para corroborar los sondeos. La densidad poblacional estuvo determinada por separado para cada año y para todos los años combinados. Nuestras mejores estimaciones de densidad poblacional fueron en promedio de 67 adultos, tres veces más que la densidad reportada en un sondeo de 1978 en el mismo sitio. La mortalidad anual fue baja ( <10%) y los animales mostraron una fidelidad extrema por el sitio. Los cambios aparentes en el tamaño poblacional estuvieron más fuertemente relacionados con la variación en la susceptibilidad de captura de los animales. En años secos, el rango de hogar disminuyó, las capturas disminuyeron, y el esfuerzo requerido para encontrar cada tortuga fue de casi el doble. Nuestros datos confirman que las tortugas son probablemente mal contadas ( menos) durante los años de seca y ponen en duda estudios previos realizados durante secas. [source]


Scale dependence of spatial patterns and cartography on the detection of landscape change: relationships with species' perception

ECOGRAPHY, Issue 4 2002
Susana Suárez-Seoane
This paper analyses how landscape pattern detection changes when different spatial and temporal scales and several levels of detail of the cartography are used to describe a landscape affected by land abandonment in northern Spain. In order to integrate landscape composition and structure at different temporal and spatial scales in the same framework, a multiple correspondence factorial analysis was ran for each typology of landscape units. Annual rates of change and scale dependencies were calculated for each typology from the Euclidean distances in the factorial space. Finally, the potential assessment of habitat utilisation by species with different landscape perception and movement capacity was modelled for the range of typologies. The amount of variance explained by the factorial analysis decreased with the complexity of the typology. Annual rates of change appeared different according to the time span and the detail of the landscape unit typology used. For all typologies, changes were faster during 1983,95, a period characterised by massive land abandonment. However, when the whole period (1956,95) was considered, annual changes were much lower, showing differences between typologies. As a general trend, the variance of the mean annual change decreased with the size of the analysis units. In response to land abandonment, different scale dependencies were found for different levels of detail of the cartography. Coarser typologies are suitable when analysing highly mobile species. However, species with small movement capacity or with a preference for homogeneous habitats perceive more detail in landscape. In this case, a detailed typology is more appropriate. [source]


Modeling the influence of oceanic-climatic changes on the dynamics of Pacific saury in the northwestern Pacific using a life cycle model

FISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHY, Issue 2004
YONGJUN TIAN
Abstract A life cycle model for Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) was developed to clarify the possible causes of interannual and decadal variability in its abundance. In the model, the population of saury is composed of two spawning cohorts: one spawned in the Kuroshio region during autumn,winter and the other spawned in the Kuroshio-Oyashio Transition Zone during winter,spring. The life cycle of saury was divided into six stages: namely egg, larval, juvenile, young, immature and adult stages. The life cycle model combines growth, survival, fishing and reproductive processes, in which the effects of sea surface temperature (SST) in the Kuroshio region and El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events on the winter-spawning cohorts, the effects of SST in the Oyashio region on the spring-spawning cohorts, and the effects of fishing on the two spawning cohorts are taken into account. Results of basic modeling, in which environments are assumed stable and the stock is affected by fishing only, shows that the interannual fluctuations in the abundance are small and could hardly explain the observed large annual changes in abundance. On the contrary, results of modeling incorporating the effects of oceanic-climatic changes corresponded well with actual interannual-decadal variations in abundance. These results suggest the following environmental effects: (1) SST in the Kuroshio region affects decadal changes in abundance; (2) ENSO events influence the survival of the winter spawning cohort and result in large interannual variations in the abundance. It is concluded that large-scale climatic and oceanic changes strongly affect the abundance of saury. [source]


Effects of climate on population fluctuations of ibex

GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2008
VIDAR GRØTAN
Abstract Predicting the effects of the expected changes in climate on the dynamics of populations require that critical periods for climate-induced changes in population size are identified. Based on time series analyses of 26 Swiss ibex (Capra ibex) populations, we show that variation in winter climate affected the annual changes in population size of most of the populations after accounting for the effects of density dependence and demographic stochasticity. In addition, precipitation during early summer also influenced the population fluctuations. This suggests that the major influences of climate on ibex population dynamics operated either through loss of individuals during winter or early summer, or through an effect on fecundity. However, spatial covariation in these climate variables was not able to synchronize the population fluctuations of ibex over larger distances, probably due to large spatial heterogeneity in the effects of single climate variables on different populations. Such spatial variation in the influence of the same climate variable on the local population dynamics suggests that predictions of influences of climate change need to account for local differences in population dynamical responses to climatic conditions. [source]


Annual Change of Primary Resistance to Clarithromycin among Helicobacter pylori Isolates from 1996 through 2008 in Japan

HELICOBACTER, Issue 5 2009
Noriyuki Horiki
Abstract Background:, Recent studies have shown that the combination of proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin and clarithromycin is one of the best choices for Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. However, increasing number of cases of H. pylori infection showing resistance to clarithromycin therapy has been reported and this is currently the main cause of eradication failure. We investigated the annual changes of the antimicrobial susceptibility to clarithromycin, amoxicillin and minocycline during a period of 12 years in Japan. Methods:, This study comprised 3521 patients (mean age (SD), 55.4 (13.7) years-old, 2467 males and 1054 females) positive for H. pylori as assessed by microaerobic bacterial culture from 1996 through 2008. All patients were previously untreated for H. pylori and were enrolled in the study to assess primary resistance to the three antibiotics. Results:, The overall primary resistance to clarithromycin, amoxicillin and minocycline were 16.4%, (577/3521), 0.03% (1/3521) and 0.06% (2/3521), respectively. From1996 through 2004, the resistance rate to clarithromycin increased gradually to approximately 30% and then it remained without marked fluctuation since 2004. Analysis by gender showed a significant increase (p < .0001) in resistance rate to clarithromycin among females (217/1057, 20.6%) compared to males (360/2467, 14.6%). Analysis by age, disclosed significantly (p < .0001) higher resistance rate to clarithromycin in patients of more than 65-years-old compared to the younger population. Conclusions:, The resistance rate of H. pylori infection to clarithromycin in Japan has increased gradually to approximately 30% from 1996 through 2004, and remained unchanged since 2004. Elderly and females were at high risk of having resistance to clarithromycin. Our results suggested that the level of clarithromycin resistance in Japan has now risen to the point where it should no longer be used as empiric therapy. [source]


Evaporative climate change in the British Isles

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY, Issue 9 2008
Gerald Stanhill
Abstract Evaporation measurements made at 16 sites in the British Isles were analysed for evidence of long-term changes. Half of the series were from sites in Ireland measured with Class A evaporation pans between 1963 and 2005 and half in England and Scotland measured with the British Meteorological Office (MO) sunken evaporation tank between 1885 and 1968. Four of the Irish series showed significant linear trends, three of increasing and one of decreasing evaporation. These significant changes ranged between , 0.1 and + 0.1 mm year,1 equivalent to annual changes between , 0.22 and + 0.15%. Five of the UK series showed statistically significant linear trends, three of them decrease and two increase: These ranged in size between , 3.7 and + 2.1 mm year,1, equivalent to annual changes of , 1.05 to + 0.40% of the mean. Curvilinear time trends accounted for twice the amount of inter-annual variation in evaporation as did the linear trends. Differences in sunshine duration (SD), used as a proxy for global radiation, were found to be the major factor explaining spatial as well as temporal changes in evaporation in the British Isles. The pooled Irish data, expressed as normalized anomalies, showed a small and significant linear increase in evaporation over the last 40 years. Similarly parameterized the UK measurements showed no significant trend up till 1968; the one UK series that did extend till 2004 indicated a marked increase during the last 20 years. The long-term changes found in annual evaporation were similar to those in air temperatures both in Ireland and England. The relevance of these findings to the hypothesis of an acceleration in the hydrological cycle is discussed. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society [source]


Spatio-temporal climatic change of rainfall in East Java Indonesia

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2008
Edvin Aldrian
Abstract Spatial and temporal rainfall analysis of the Brantas Catchment Area (DAS Brantas), East Java, from 1955 to 2005 based on 40 rainfall stations with monthly rainfall data derived from daily rainfall data has been performed. To identify the climatic trend and annual changes in the area over the last five decades, we use the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) method based on multivariate statistics, followed by the fast Fourier transform (FFT) method for the power density spectrum analysis, the non-parametric Mann-Kendall trend test and the wavelet transform method. With EOF, we found the monsoonal rainfall pattern as the most dominant in this area, which explains about 72% of all variances. Without the annual signal, the leading EOF shows significant ENSO-modulated inter-annual and seasonal variabilities, especially during the second transitional period. We found a common and significant negative trend of accumulated rainfall and a negative trend of the monsoonal strength and dominance. This finding leads to changes in the annual pattern, which are increase in the ratio of rainfall during the wet season and increase of the dry spell period or the imbalance of the annual pattern. The increased ratio of the rainfall in the wet season has led to an increased threat of drought in the dry season and extreme weather in the wet season in recent decades. The role of the orographic effect had been detected from the decadal pattern, in which the high-altitude areas have greater rainfall amount all year round. From the decadal isohyets in December/January/February (DJF) and June/July/August (JJA), the rainfall amount decreased significantly during the last five decades as shown by a persistent increase of areas with low rainfall amount. By comparing the time series of rainfall data in two locations, the mountain and coastal areas, we discovered that the dry periods have increased, mainly in the low altitude area. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society [source]


Annual changes of the incidence and clinical characteristics of magnesium ammonium phosphate urinary stones

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 1 2003
TAKAHIDE OGATA
Abstract Background: Magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) urinary stones account for the majority of staghorn stones and frequently cause a non-functioning kidney. In the present study, we examined the annual changes of the number and clinical characteristics of MAP stones. Methods: The annual incidence of MAP stones was investigated in 2619 patients with urinary stones in whom composition of the stone was analysed at Chiba University Hospital between 1964 and 1999. In addition, the annual number of patients with MAP stones was examined at Funabashi Clinic. In a total of 644 patients with MAP stones, age and sex of the patients, location and size of the MAP stones, urinary cultures and etiological factors were analysed. Results: The number of MAP stones in the lower urinary tract was relatively constant. In contrast, MAP stones in the upper urinary tract had dramatically decreased since 1989, resulting in an increase in the rate of MAP stones in the lower urinary tract. Age distribution of the MAP stone patients ranged from 10 years to >,80 years, with the majority aged 30,60 years. The proportion of larger MAP stones in the upper urinary tract increased. There was no significant difference in prevalence of urine cultures. Among etiological factors for MAP stones, difficulty on urination tended to be common in recent years. Conclusion: The number of MAP stones, especially in upper urinary tract, has been decreasing during the last decade. At present, treatment of urinary tract obstruction seems important for the management of MAP stones in lower urinary tract. [source]


Initial Evidence on the Role of Accounting Earnings in the Bond Market

JOURNAL OF ACCOUNTING RESEARCH, Issue 3 2009
PETER D. EASTON
ABSTRACT We document that: (1) the incidence of bond trade increases during the days surrounding earnings announcements, (2) there is a bond-price reaction to the announcement of earnings, and (3) there is a positive association between annual bond returns and both annual changes in earnings and annual analysts' forecast errors. All of these effects are larger when earnings convey bad news or when the underlying bond is more risky. Taken together, our results suggest that the nonlinear payoff structure of bond securities affects the role of accounting earnings in the bond market. [source]


Occurrence of the Enigmatic, Unicellular Psorospermium Organism in Several Cultured, Sympatric Populations of the Freshwater Crayfishes Procambarus clarkii and Procambarus zonangulus

JOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 2 2000
David P. Klarberg
The parasitic Psorospermium organism was studied in cultured sympatric populations of mature Procambarus clarkii and Procambarus zonangulus during four consecutive annual crayfish seasons from 1991,1992 through 1994,1995. Most P. clarkii were infected while fewer than half of the P. zonangulus were infected throughout the study period. The numbers of Psorospermium were four to eight times greater in P. clarkii and showed annual changes not seen in P. zonangulus. Both crayfishes demonstrate 1yr life cycles in Louisiana and this seemed to explain the variations seen in Psorospermium dynamics in the two hosts. In general, there was no consistent association between crayfish size and the number of parasites found in them for either crayfish species. There was some indication of an association between the presence of infection and the number of parasites found in P. zonangulus. [source]


Longitudinal study of airway dimensions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using computed tomography

RESPIROLOGY, Issue 3 2008
Tadashi OHARA
Background and objective: Chest CT has been widely used for the evaluation of structural changes in lung parenchyma and airways in cross-sectional studies. There has been no report on the annual changes in airway dimensions as assessed by CT in COPD patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the annual changes in airway dimensions and lung attenuation using CT in patients with COPD and to evaluate the correlations among annual changes in CT measurements and pulmonary function. Methods: Eighty-three men with COPD had completed five annual assessments of CT scans and pulmonary function tests over 4 years. Airway dimensions of the basal segment bronchi and lung attenuation on CT images were analysed in 38 subjects in whom the same airway could be measured at least three times, including at entry and at the end of the study. Results: Mean annual decline in FEV1 was 21 mL/year. Annual changes in the percentage of low attenuation areas were not significantly correlated with decline in FEV1. On the other hand, annual changes in the percentage of wall area (WA%/year) were significantly inversely correlated with annual changes in FEV1 (r = ,0.363, P = 0.025), whereas WA%/year did not differ among severity stages at entry and did not correlate with baseline FEV1. Conclusions: The results showing that annual changes in airway thickening correlated with annual decline in air flow limitation suggests the importance of treatment of airway inflammation in COPD. CT is a useful tool for quantitative estimation not only of emphysema but also of airway lesions in longitudinal studies. [source]


Annual transition of major depressive episode in university students using a structured self-rating questionnaire

ASIA-PACIFIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 2 2010
Toru Uehara MD PhD
Abstract Introduction: Depression frequently affects college and university students worldwide. The authors' purpose was to estimate the positive rate of major depressive episodes (MDE) using a structured self-report according to annual changes among Japanese university students. Data of freshmen were compared with those of students of other grades. Methods: During 9 years from 2001, 11,164 freshmen filled out the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM) scale for depression every April. During the 8 years from 2002, the same survey was administered to 31,454 students of other grades as a regular examination. Results: The positive rates of MDE were 1.2,2.0% among freshmen; they were 0.8,1.3% among students in other grades. Regarding data after 2005,2007 for female freshmen, the decrease from 2004 to 2007 was significant (P<0.05); from 2002 to 2007 (P<0.05). In 2001, and during 2005,2007, positive rates tended to be higher in male than in female students. Comparisons of MDE of freshmen and students of the other grades showed significant differences in 2005, 2006 (P<0.05), and 2009 (P<0.01). Male freshmen showed higher rates than males of the other grades in 2005, 2006 (P<0.05), 2007, and 2009 (P<0.01). Discussion: The MDE rates among university students were similar to those among the general population in Japan, and lower than those in Western countries. Among male freshmen, rates of MDE were particularly high. The reason for the recent decrease of MDE among female freshmen remains unclear. Sociocultural factors or selection bias should be considered. [source]


Thermal Characteristics of the Embankment with Crushed Rock Side Slope to Mitigate Thaw Settlement Hazards of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway

ACTA GEOLOGICA SINICA (ENGLISH EDITION), Issue 5 2009
Guoyu LI
Abstract: Permafrost (perennially frozen ground) appears widely in the Golmud-Lhasa section of the Qinghai-Tibet railway and is characterized by high ground temperature (,,1°C) and massive ground ice. Under the scenarios of global warming and human activity, the permafrost under the railway will gradually thaw and the massive ground ice will slowly melt, resulting in some thaw settlement hazards, which mainly include longitudinal and lateral cracks, and slope failure. The crushed rock layer has a thermal semiconductor effect under the periodic fluctuation of natural air. It can be used to lower the temperature of the underlying permafrost along the Qinghai-Tibet railway, and mitigate the thaw settlement hazards of the subgrade. In the present paper, the daily and annual changes in the thermal characteristics of the embankment with crushed rock side slope (ECRSS) were quantitatively simulated using the numerical method to study the cooling effect of the crushed rock layer and its mitigative ability. The results showed that the ECRSS absorbed some heat in the daytime in summer, but part of it was released at night, which accounted for approximately 20% of that absorbed. Within a year, it removed more heat from the railway subgrade in winter than that absorbed in summer. It can store approximately 20% of the "cold" energy in subgrade. Therefore, ECRSS is a better measure to mitigate thaw settlement hazards to the railway. [source]