Differing Patterns (differing + pattern)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Differing Patterns of Antiresorptive Pharmacotherapy in Nursing Facility Residents and Community Dwellers

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 8 2005
Carolyn M. Jachna MD
Objectives: Little is known about differences between current patterns of antiresorptive therapy (ART) use in nursing facility (NF) residents and by community-dwelling older adults (CDs). ART use was compared in older NF residents and CDs. Design: Cross-sectional analysis. Setting: Kansas Medicaid files from May 2000 through April 2001. Participants: Women aged 65 and older having at least 9 months of data as a CD or NF resident. Measurements: Pharmacy claims were used to identify any ART prescription, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), a bisphosphonate, raloxifene, or calcitonin. Demographic and clinical variables were identified from the claims files. Factors associated with ART use in bivariate analyses were entered into logistic regression models. Similar analyses were performed for bisphosphonate use among non-estrogen replacement therapy (non-ERT) ARTs (excluding HRT). Results: The final study sample (N=2,289) included 898 NF (mean age 85.2) residents and 1,391 CDs (mean age 76.6). CDs were more likely to receive any ART (24.5%) than NF residents (19.6%). After adjustment for potential confounders, NF residents aged 65 to 84 were less likely (odds ratio (OR)=0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.44,0.85) to receive ART than CDs of the same age. Conversely, of those aged 85 and older, NF residents were more likely than CDs to receive ART (OR=1.96, 95% CI=1.18,3.25). Calcitonin was the most common non-ERT ART prescribed for NF residents, whereas bisphosphonates were more often prescribed for CDs. Conclusion: Underusage of ART is common in NF and CD cohorts. NF residents are less likely to receive bisphosphonates and more likely to receive calcitonin, for which efficacy is less clear. Further research is needed to identify factors influencing ART prescribing and selection of specific ARTs in different settings. [source]


Approaching risk assessment of complex disease development in horse chestnut trees: a chemical ecologist's perspective

JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 5 2008
A. B. Johne
Abstract The chemo-ecological predispositions were investigated for the development of a complex disease on the basis of an insect,fungus mutualism using the system of horse chestnuts (Aesculus hippocastanum and Aesculus x carnea), the horse chestnut leaf miner (Cameraria ohridella) and the biotrophic powdery mildew (Erysiphe flexuosa). Both C. ohridella and E. flexuosa can appear on the same horse chestnut leaf tissue simultaneously. The olfactory detection of fungal infection by the insect, its ability to discriminate the potentially mutualistic fungus from other fungi and the impact of fungal infection on insect oviposition were examined. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopic and electroantennographic detection by C. ohridella (GC-MS/EAD) was used to assess the olfactory detection of fungal-infected A. hippocastanum and A. x carnea leaves by C. ohridella. Infection-related compounds, such as benzyl alcohol, dodecane, tridecane and methyl salicylate as well as fungus-related C8 compounds, are perceived by C. ohridella. The discrimination of E. flexuosa from another phytopathogenic fungus, such as Guignardia aesculi, is based primarily on the differing pattern of C8 compounds of these fungi. Oviposition on fungal-infected leaves of A. hippocastanum and leaves treated with fungal-related compounds showed that C. ohridella is able to respond to the modifications in the leaf volatile profiles of horse chestnuts caused by the different fungal infections. Thus, from the perception point of view, the necessary predispositions for the development of a close insect,fungus relation between the biotrophic fungus E. flexuosa and the leaf-mining insect C. ohridella are fulfilled. However, decreased oviposition on infected leaves does not enhance the selective contact between the species. As a consequence, an important predisposition for forming an insect,fungus mutualism is not fulfilled by these two species and, according to this approach, the risk of forming a complex disease can be assessed as low. [source]


Increasing representation of localized dung beetles across a chronosequence of regenerating vegetation and natural dune forest in South Africa

GLOBAL ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2002
Adrian L. V. Davis
Abstract Aim Species assemblages with high proportions of localized taxa occur in regional islands with a history of strong eco-climatic separation from adjacent systems. Current disturbance in such islands of relictualism or endemism disrupts the distinctive local character in favour of regionally distributed taxa with a wider range of tolerances. However, rehabilitation of the system should restore the localized biota. Thus, we used biogeographical composition to assess progress towards restoration of the dung beetle fauna associated with such an island of endemism following dredge-mining. Location The study was conducted in natural coastal dune forest and a 23-year chronosequence of regenerating dune vegetation in the Maputaland centre of endemism, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods Dung beetles were trapped in eight stands of regenerating vegetation of different ages (< 1 year to ~21 years) and in four stands of natural dune forest with differing ecological characteristics defined by measurements of vegetative physiognomy and microclimate. Species groups defined from multivariate analysis of biogeographical distribution patterns and vegetation associations were used to demonstrate quantitative compositional changes in the dung beetle assemblages across the chronosequence to natural forest. Results Three biogeographical groups were defined. One group comprised species widespread in southern Africa or both southern and east Africa. The other two groups were endemic, one to the east coast and the other to Maputaland. There was a general trend from dominance by regionally distributed dung beetle taxa to dominance by locally distributed taxa across the chronosequence of regenerating vegetation from grassland, to open Acacia karroo thicket, to dense A. karroo- dominated woodland. However, this trend was linked closely to the relative physiognomic and microclimatic similarity between the regenerating vegetation and natural forest. Thus, proportions of locally distributed taxa were lower in older chronosequence woodland (~18,~21 years) with its low canopy cover and open understorey than in dense early chronosequence woodland (~9,~12 years), which is physiognomically and microclimatically closer to species-diverse natural forest with its dense canopy and understorey. Overall, the present dung beetle community comprises five species groups. Single widespread (21 spp.) and endemic groups (14 spp.) showed similar patterns of association with early chronosequence grassland and open thicket stands. A single widespread (3 spp.) and two endemic shade-associated groups (3 and 11 spp.) showed differing patterns of association centred, respectively, in late chronosequence woodland, natural forest, or all shaded stands. Main conclusions At 23 years, vegetative regeneration is still at an early stage, but abundant activity of most, although not all species recorded in natural forest, is recovered with the closure of the woodland canopy at ~9 years. Compositional differences with respect to natural forest vary closely with vegetative physiognomy and its effect on the microclimate. Therefore, full compositional recovery is dependent on the re-establishment of natural forest physiognomy and microclimate. [source]


Interspecific differences in foraging preferences, breeding performance and demography in herring (Larus argentatus) and lesser black-backed gulls (Larus fuscus) at a mixed colony

JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, Issue 4 2006
S.-Y. Kim
Abstract Herring gulls Larus argentatus and lesser black-backed gulls Larus fuscus breeding at Walney Island, Cumbria, the largest breeding colony of the two species in the UK, have recently shown very different population trends. The former has declined sharply, whereas numbers of the latter have been maintained for several years. Here we compare aspects of the feeding and breeding ecology of the two species in order to examine whether or not this suggests explanations for their different population trends. Comparison of the ratio of the two species in flight lines leading to different feeding sites and their diet composition showed that the lesser black-backed gulls fed more at sea and the herring gulls fed more in the intertidal zone. Urban resources were used by both these species. These differences have been consistent over the last three decades. Susceptibility to death from botulism at the breeding colony was the same for the two species. The availability of the intertidal zone for foraging appears to have declined in recent years, and this may have had a more negative impact on the herring gull. However, the breeding success of the two species remains relatively high. This study suggests that differences in foraging behaviour and food availability during the breeding season are unlikely to be responsible for the marked differences in demographic trends in the two species. Changes in local food availability during the winter would be expected to have more effect on the resident herring gull. This work highlights the need for more detailed studies of the ecology of both species during the breeding season and in winter in regions showing differing patterns of population change. [source]


Why Does head form change in children of immigrants?

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2010
A reappraisal
Objectives: We test two specific hypotheses that explain the cranial changes Boas observed in Hebrews and Sicilians, namely that Hebrew change results from abandoning cradling of infants in America, while in Sicilians it results from impaired growth in America. Methods: Boas's (1928) data were used to test these hypotheses. The role of cradling in cranial shape was examined by comparing cranial indices of U.S.-born and foreign children between 1.5 and 5 years of age. Age changes in cranial index of Hebrew and Sicilian children ages five to eighteen were examined to demonstrate differing patterns of age changes, which could be explained by environmental differences. Statistical methods employed were t -tests, least squares, and loess regression. Results: The difference between American and foreign-born Hebrew children arose prior to five years of age, after which it remained constant. American and foreign-born Sicilians, on the other hand, had similar cranial indices at age five, and diverged during the growing years, primarily because American-born children did not exhibit the reduction in cranial index with age seen in the other groups. Conclusions: The results support the two hypotheses tested. Change in Hebrew cranial indices resulted from abandoning the practice of cradling infants in America. U.S.-born Sicilian children experienced an environment worse than the one in Europe, and consequently experienced impaired growth. We conclude that the changes Boas observed resulted from specific behavioral and economic conditions unique to each group, rather than a homogeneous American environment. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 22:702-707, 2010. © 2010Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Acculturation, school context, and school outcomes: Adaptation of refugee adolescents from the former Soviet Union

PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS, Issue 1 2005
Edison J. Trickett
A differentiated model of acculturation was used to assess the relationship of acculturative styles to school adaptation among a group of 110 refugee adolescents from the former Soviet Union. Acculturation was assessed with respect to both American and Russian cultures and, within each culture, distinguished among language competence, behavior, and identity. School adaptation was assessed in terms of academic (GPA), behavioral (disciplinary infractions), and attitudinal (sense of school belonging) components. Results suggested that differing patterns of overall American and Russian acculturation were associated with differing school outcomes, as were language competence, behavior, and identity with respect to the different cultures. In general, higher levels of American acculturation predicted school adaptation while aspects of Russian acculturation were differentially related to school adaptation for different subgroups. Results indicated the importance of conceptualizing acculturation as a multidimensional concept with respect to both culture or origin and culture of resettlement. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 42: 27,38, 2005. [source]


Patterns of Innervation of the Anterior Maxilla: A Cadaver Study with Relevance to Canine Fossa Puncture of the Maxillary Sinus,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 10 2005
Simon Robinson FRACS
Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: Complications from canine fossa puncture of the maxillary sinus are caused by damage to the anterior superior alveolar nerve (ASAN) and the middle superior alveolar nerve (MSAN). The aim of this study was to elucidate the pattern of ASAN and MSAN within the anterior maxilla and to secondly determine suitable surgical landmarks to aid in accurately localizing the area of the canine fossa least likely to produce complications when a trocar is passed into the maxillary sinus. Methods: Anatomic dissection of the anterior face of the maxilla from 20 cadaver heads was performed. The pattern and presence of the ASAN and MSAN was identified on each side and tabulated. Landmarks for the safest entry point for canine fossa puncture were determined, and each side had a puncture placed using these landmarks. Any disruption of nerves was noted. Results: Multiple differing patterns of ASAN were identified. The ASAN emerged from its foramen as a single trunk in 30 (75%) sides and in a double trunk in 10 (25%). In 24 (60%), single or multiple branches from the ASAN trunks were identified. A MSAN was identified in 9 (23%) maxillae. The safest entry point for a canine fossa puncture was where a vertical line drawn through the mid-pupillary line was bisected by a horizontal line drawn through the floor of the pyriform aperture. Conclusions: There is significant variation in the pattern of ASAN and MSAN within the anterior face of the maxilla. By using the newly described landmarks when performing a canine fossa puncture, there is reduced risk of damage to these nerves and provides a reliable point to enter the maxillary sinus. [source]


Two polymorphs of 20-desmethyl-,-carotene

ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION C, Issue 5 2008
Madeleine Helliwell
Two polymorphs of 20-desmethyl-,-carotene (systematic name: 20-nor-,,,-carotene), C39H54, in monoclinic and triclinic space groups, were formed in the same vial by recrystallization from pyridine and water. Each polymorph crystallizes with the complete molecule as the asymmetric unit, and the two polymorphs show differing patterns of disorder. The , end rings of both polymorphs have the 6- s - cis conformation, and are twisted out of the plane of the polyene chain by angles of ,53.2,(8) and 47.3,(8)° for the monoclinic polymorph, and ,43.6,(3) and 56.1,(3)° for the triclinic polymorph. The cyclohexene end groups are in the half-chair conformation, but the triclinic polymorph shows disorder of one ring. Overlay of the molecules shows that they differ in the degree of nonplanarity of the polyene chains and the angles of twist of the end rings. The packing arrangements of the two polymorphs are quite different, with the monoclinic polymorph showing short intermolecular contacts of the disordered methyl groups with adjacent polyene chain atoms, and the triclinic polymorph showing ,,, stacking interactions of the almost parallel polyene chains. The determination of the crystal structures of the two title polymorphs of 20-desmethyl-,-carotene allows information to be gained regarding the structural effects on the polyene chain, as well as on the end groups, versus that of the parent compound ,-carotene. The absence of the methyl group is known to have an impact on various functions of the title compound. [source]


Developmental Coordination Disorder and Joint Hypermobility Syndrome , overlapping disorders?

CHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 5 2007
Implications for research, clinical practice
Abstract Background, Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS) and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) are two childhood disorders usually identified separately. DCD is a heterogeneous condition with little known of the underlying aetiology of the disorder. This paper examines the potential overlap between DCD and JHS and examines children with DCD for symptoms which may be consistent with a diagnosis of JHS. Implications for research and clinical practice are considered. Methods, A questionnaire covering a range of symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of JHS and related autonomic nervous systemic symptoms was completed by parents from 27 children with DCD and compared with responses from parents of 27 typically developing children. Results, Children with DCD showed a significant difference from the group of typically developing children on questions regarding hypermobility, pain and autonomic nervous system symptoms, typifying JHS. Conclusions, This study has shown a similarity in symptoms seen in some DCD children to those with a diagnosis of JHS. In addition, children are also presenting with multi-system symptomatology including those involving the autonomic nervous system. This study reinforces other recent work showing the reverse pattern of JHS children showing similar functional similarities to DCD children. This has implications for future research in DCD in order to understand the underlying aetiology of this complex disorder. In addition, it is important for clinicians to be aware of these findings in order to provide appropriate and tailored support and treatment for children presenting with differing patterns of co-ordination difficulties. Children with DCD and JHS may require appropriate podiatry as well as recognition of their symptoms of pain and how this may affect participation in physical activity. [source]


Kiwi fruit is a significant allergen and is associated with differing patterns of reactivity in children and adults

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 7 2004
J. S. A. Lucas
Summary Background Allergy to kiwi fruit appears increasingly common, but few studies have evaluated its clinical characteristics, or evaluated methods of investigating the allergy. Objective To characterize the clinical characteristics of kiwi fruit allergy and to study the role of double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC), skin tests and specific IgE in the diagnosis of this food allergy. Methods Two-hundred and seventy-three subjects with a history suggestive of allergy to kiwi completed a questionnaire. Forty-five were investigated by DBPCFC, prick-to-prick skin testing with fresh kiwi pulp, and specific IgE measurement. Nineteen subjects were also skin tested using a commercially available solution. Results The most frequently reported symptoms were localized to the oral mucosa (65%), but severe symptoms (wheeze, cyanosis or collapse) were reported by 18% of subjects. Young children were significantly more likely than adults to react on their first known exposure (P<0.001), and to report severe symptoms (P=0.008). Twenty-four of 45 subjects (53%) had allergy confirmed by DBPCFC. Prick-to-prick skin test with fresh kiwi was positive in 93% of subjects who had allergy confirmed by DBPCFC, and also in 55% of subjects with a negative food challenge. The commercial extract was significantly less sensitive, but with fewer false-positive reactions. CAP sIgE was only positive in 54% of subjects who had a positive challenge. Conclusions Kiwi fruit should be considered a significant food allergen, capable of causing severe reactions, particularly in young children. DBPCFC confirmed allergy to kiwi fruit in 53% of the subjects tested, who had a previous history suggestive of kiwi allergy. Skin testing with fresh fruit has good sensitivity (93%), but poor specificity (45%) in this population. CAP sIgE and a commercially available skin test solution were both much less sensitive (54%; 75%) but had better specificity (90%; 67%). [source]