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Zoology meets Botany: establishing intracellular organelles by endosymbiosis.

One of the most citated characteristics of eukaryotic cells are mitochondria and in the case of phototrophic cells, the plastids. These organelles are of eubacterial origin and contain a remnant genome. Here, we present hypotheses concerning the origin of the first mitochondrium-harboring cell and show the evolution of primary, secondary and tertiary plastids. Furthermore we discuss models explaining why plastids have to maintain their own genome.

Journal Article↗

Effect of inclusion level of linseed on the nutrient utilisation of diets for growing broiler chickens.

1. Diets containing linseed at inclusions of 0, 80, 120 and 160 g/kg were evaluated for digestibility of nutrients and AMEn content with male broiler chickens. 2. Increasing the concentration of linseed decreased the retention of nitrogen and the digestibility of amino acids, crude fat and fatty acids of diets. 3. Dietary AMEn (MJ/kg) was also affected by the rate of inclusion of linseed, values decreasing from 14.39 to 12.49. 4. In general, a linear regression model explained the relationship between dietary linseed content and nutritive parameters. However, the quadratic response found for the digestibility of several amino acids and fatty acids indicated a non-additive change in their digestibility. 5. Viscosity ofjejunal digesta was markedly increased by each increment of linseed in the diets. This is attributable to the presence of mucilage in linseed and it might explain many of the results obtained in this study.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗

Postural discomfort and perceived exertion in standardized box-holding postures.

To help in the design or redesign of workplaces it would be helpful to know in advance the postural stress consequences of a wide range of body postures. This experiment evaluated 168 postures chosen to represent those in the Ovako Working-posture Analysing System (OWAS) using Rated Perceived Exertion (RPE) and Body Part Discomfort (BPD) measures. The postures comprised all combinations of three arm postures, four back postures, seven leg postures and two forces (weights of held boxes). Twelve male subjects held each posture for a fixed duration (20 s) before providing RPE and BPD ratings. Analysis of the ratings gave highly significant main effects, with the major driver being the object weight. As each factor was varied, the largest effect was on the body region corresponding to that factor. A simple main-effects-only additive model explained 91% of the variance of RPE means for the postures.

Adult↗

Attitudes and use of pornography in the Norwegian population 2002.

The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze use of pornographic material in a representative sample of adult Norwegians. The data collection was carried out by means of a standardized questionnaire administered via personal telephone interviews. Among the 90% of participants who reported ever having examined pornography, 76% reported examining a pornographic magazine, 67% had watched a pornographic film, and 24% had examined pornography on the Internet. Significant gender differences emerged in the reporting. The percentage of men and women who reported frequent use of pornography was small. We identified three dimensions of attitudes toward pornography: pornography as a means of sexual enhancement, pornography as a moral issue, and social climate. These attitude dimensions were included in path models as intermediating variables between demographic variables (age, gender, and level of education) and frequency of reading or watching pornographic materials. These models explained 36% of the variance in frequency of watching pornographic films, 35% of the variance in frequency of reading pornographic magazines, and 21% of the variance in frequency of watching pornography on the Internet.

Adolescent↗

Evaluation of prognostic factors in prostate cancer with partial least squares analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to explore the capability of partial least squares (PLS) analysis, a multivariate projection method, in the evaluation of investigative prognostic biomarkers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using PLS analysis, survival and life expectancy were prognosticated in 53 patients with prostate cancer treated with transurethral resection. The age of the patient, stage and grade of the tumours, and immunoreactivity in the tumours for p53, Bcl-2, and TGF-beta1 and its receptors type I and type II (TGFbeta-RI and TGFalpha-RII), and markers for proliferation, vascular density, and macrophage density were included as prognostic factors in the analysis. RESULTS: The prognostic impact of the factors, in decreasing order, was tumour grade, proliferation, stage, vascular density, TGFbeta-RI, metastasis, TGF-beta1, and TGFbeta-RII. Macrophage staining, p53, Bcl-2, and patient age did not contribute to the model. The model explained 62% of the total variance in survival, and the standard deviation of error of prediction was 29 months. CONCLUSIONS: PLS analysis may become a useful tool for evaluation of putative prognostic factors.

Biomarkers↗

An evaluation of immune competence in different swine breeds.

The purpose of this investigation was to establish parameters for the evaluation of immune competence in different swine breeds. Cellular and humoral immune reactivity against keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) was analysed using the lymphocyte stimulation test (LST), a skin allergy test and the IgG response. Various characteristics of the KLH-specific immune response were studied in 988 sows of four breeds. KLH-specific immune responses showed considerable variability. The applied statistical model explained 63 to 73 per cent of this variation. Genetic influences, expressed as the heritability estimate, were rather high for the IgG response (0.33), as well as for the skin reaction (0.26) and the LST (0.41-0.45). A positive correlation between the various immune parameters was found. Selective breeding for immune responsiveness seems to be feasible, but selection for cellular as well as humoral immune reactivity also seems to be possible with KLH as the antigen.

Animals↗

Frequent attenders in general practice: quality of life, patient satisfaction, use of medical services and GP characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictors of frequent attendance in general practice. DESIGN: A postal survey using a questionnaire including instruments for measuring patient satisfaction (EUROPEP), quality of life (EUROQOL), anxiety and depression (DUKE-AD). SETTING: Primary health care in Slovenia. PATIENTS: A representative sample of 2160 adult patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of contacts with the health care services, levels of self-care, patient satisfaction scores, quality of life scores, well-being scores, presence of chronic condition. RESULTS: Frequent attenders were more likely to have lower educational status, were more satisfied with their GP, had higher scores of anxiety and depression, and lower perceived quality of life. They were more likely to have a chronic disease. Frequent attenders were less likely to try self-care and more likely to use health services. They were more likely to visit more experienced GPs, GPs working a greater distance from other GPs and GPs who did not use the appointment system. The multivariable modelling explained 19.7% of the variation; 16.9% was attributed to patient characteristics and 3.1% to GP characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed that lower education levels, chronicity and higher use of other health services are predictors of higher attendance.

Family Practice↗

Physical performance, toxicity, and quality of life as assessed by the physician and the patient.

The aim of this study was to study the relationship between physician-assessed quality of life parameters, i.e., toxicity and physical performance, and patients' self-reports of their quality of life (QoL). QoL was assessed at baseline and before each treatment, using the EORTC QLQ-C30. The WHO performance score (PS) and toxicity were assessed in physician interviews. The correlations between the WHO PS and the QLQ-C30 functioning scale scores varied from weak to moderate, depending on the scale. Strongest associations were found in physical-, social-, and role functioning, and in the global QoL. The QLQ-C30 nausea/vomiting and diarrhea scales correlated moderately to corresponding WHO scores. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the contribution of WHO PS and toxicity variables to the global QoL. The best model explained only 16% of the variance of the global QoL score. The present findings highlight the importance of independent QoL assessments focused on those aspects of QoL not captured in clinical interviews with the physician.

Adolescent↗

'Patient satisfaction' in hospitalized cancer patients.

Predictors of 'patient satisfaction' with hospitalization at a specialized cancer hospital in Norway are examined in this study. Two weeks after their last hospitalization, 2021 consecutive cancer patients were invited to rate their satisfaction with hospitalization, quality of life, anxiety and depression. Compliance rate was 72% (n = 1453). Cut-off levels separating dissatisfied from satisfied patients were defined. It was found that 92% of the patients were satisfied with their stay in hospital, independent of cancer type and number of previous admissions. Performance of nurses and physicians, level of information perceived, outcome of health status, reception at the hospital and anxiety independently predicted 'patient satisfaction'. The model explained 35% of the variance with an area under the curve of 0.76 of the Receiver Operator Curve. Cancer patients' satisfaction with their hospital stay was high, and predicted by four independently predictive variables related to the performance of caregivers. These suggest areas for further improvement in the healthcare service.

Adolescent↗

Association of balance measures and perception of fall risk on gait speed: a multiple regression analysis.

Gait speed, commonly modified to adapt to the balance and stability challenges of aging, is related to measures of balance and mobility. This study investigated associations between age, Berg Balance Scale, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, One Question Fear of Falling (1QFOF), and gait speed in adults using regression analysis. Results suggested an interaction between 1QFOF and ABC scores. An expanded five-variable model explained 49% of gait speed variance. Age, ABC, and 1QFOF-ABC interactions were significantly associated with gait speed. Regression analysis is useful in investigating associations between performance variables and function. Continued research needs to identify optimal variable combinations and improve prediction of function.

Accidental Falls↗

Depressive symptoms in middle-aged women are more strongly associated with physical health and social support than with socioeconomic factors.

The association of socioeconomic factors, health-related factors, and social support with depressive symptoms has been extensively studied. However, most epidemiological studies have focused on a few factors such as marital status, social class, and employment. In this study of middle-aged women we analyzed both univariate and multivariate associations of socioeconomic factors, perceived physical health factors, and social support with self-rated depressive symptoms measured with the Beck Depression Inventory. A nationwide sample (n = 1851) of Finnish women aged 48-50 years was analyzed. Socioeconomic, health-related, and social support factors were all measured with single items. All variables, except level of urbanization, were significantly associated with depressive symptoms in univariate analyses. Multivariate associations were examined with standard multiple regression analyses in three stages: first with the socioeconomic factors, then with socioeconomic and health factors, and finally entering the social support factors into the regression model. In the first model, being either on a sick leave or at home as working status, being divorced, and having low income reached significance. In the second model, being divorced and having poor perceived physical health were the most powerful among the five significant variables. In the last model, explaining 32% of the variance, the most powerful predictors of depressive symptoms were perceived current physical health, satisfaction with received social support, and quality of intimate relationships. For the prevention or intervention of depressive symptoms among middle-aged women in the population subjects with concurrent subjective or objective health problems and poor social support seem to comprise a particularly important target group.

Depression↗

Factors influencing acceptability of voluntary counselling and HIV-testing among pregnant women in Northern Tanzania.

Guided by the conceptual framework of the Health Belief Model, this study aimed to identify factors associated with pregnant women's expressed willingness to accept voluntary counselling and HIV-testing (VCT). A cross-sectional interview survey of 500 pregnant women, complemented by focus group discussions, was conducted in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. Constructs derived from the Health Belief Model explained 41.7% of women's willingness to accept VCT. Perceived high personal susceptibility to HIV/AIDS, barriers related to confidentiality and partner involvement, self-efficacy regarding alternative feeding methods and religion were all shown to be associated with willingness to accept VCT. The women's acceptance of VCT seems to depend upon their perceiving that VCT and alternative feeding strategies provide clear benefits, primarily for the child. Whether a positive attitude to VCT and alternative feeding strategies are transformed into actual behaviour depends on a set of complicated decisions in which several potential psychological consequences are assessed. Sharing the diagnosis with partners may not have the intended effect if there is a lack of sensitivity to the women's fear of blame and rejection. If pregnant women are to fully participate in and benefit from mother-to-child-transmission prevention efforts, their partners must be committed and involved in the process.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗

Results of stroke rehabilitation in Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to identify predictors of functional outcome after acute to sub-acute stroke rehabilitation using raw FIM score and results of stroke rehabilitation in Thailand. DESIGN: Descriptive and multivariate analysis was performed on data collected prospectively from 50 patients who were on stroke rehabilitation at Thai Red Cross Rehabilitation Center from October 1, 2000 to September 30, 2001. Six independent variables were obtained from patients' medical records. RESULTS: The total FIM scores at the time of discharge and total FIM scores gain are strongly correlated with the total FIM scores at the time of admission to the hospital and correlated negatively with age using multiple linear regression analysis, significant at p < 0.05. The equation for all cases were: (discharge total FIM scores) = 82.856 + 0.708 x (admission total FIM scores) - 0.408 x (age) and (total FIM scores gain) = 82.85 - 0.292 x (admission total FIM scores) - 0.408 x (age). The models explained 76.48% of variation for total FIM scores at the time of discharge and 45.66% of variation for total FIM scores gain. The total FIM scores at the time of admission and age were the best predictors of the total FIM score at the time of discharge and the total FIM scores gain. However, the nature of stroke, gender, onset to admission interval (OAI), and length of rehabilitation stay (LOS) were not statistically significantly correlated with the total FIM scores at the time of discharge and the total FIM scores gain. CONCLUSIONS: Because the total FIM score at the time of discharge and the total FIM scores gain are highly correlated with the total FIM scores at the time of admission and age, we can inform the patient and their family about the possibility of recovery, and assess the amount and quality of care needed at home or placement after discharge.

Adult↗

Enhancing the flexibility and adaptability of the DARC structural representation for computer-aided drug design.

Noticeable progress has been achieved in the determination of dynamic topochromatic variables for the structural representation of compounds and their situation in a given population. These independent structural variables can be further combined into more complex variables. Their contributions to the evolution of an associated property can therefore be evaluated with certainty. The risk of having correlated variables is avoided while the structural description remains exhaustive. In order to enhance the interpretative ability of the QSAR model, one or several physicochemical properties can be taken with these structural parameters as explanatory variables. Typically, partition coefficients, 3-D and quantum mechanical data are used for this purpose. The structural aspects not taken into account by the physicochemical parameters are reflected in the remaining topochromatic variables. The use of these new concepts is presented in a study of carbazole mutagenicity. The model explains 99% of the total variance with one external property and four additional topochromatic variables. The modulation of the heat of formation of an intermediate by two topochromatic variables suggests a much more precise interpretation than a simple combination of the usual external variables.

Animals↗

The age structures and marital status differences of married and not married male suicide rates: 12 developed countries.

Male suicide rates, circa 1960, specific to age and marital status for 12 developed countries show married men with lower suicide rates than not married men. This results in differences in the age structures of married and not married suicide rates. We test three explanations of lower married than not married suicide rates: 1) Gibbs and Martin's (1964) marital status integration hypothesis; 2) marital status differences in norms regarding the acceptability of suicide; and 3) Durkheim's societal integration theory. All three explanations are supported by multivariate regressions. The strongest support is for societal integration. The models explain over 80% of the variance in both married and not married male age-specific suicide rates. These regression equations generate predicted suicide rates and these predicted rates are then used to see if they account for the observed age structures of married and not married men. They do in 19 of 24 tests.

Adolescent↗

The spatial distribution of enteric bacteria in the Jordan River-Lake Kinneret contact zone.

Lake Kinneret, in the north of Israel, is the only freshwater body in the country. It supports many activities, including recreation, tourism, and a commercial fishing industry, but its prime function is to supply water to other parts of the country. Consequently, maintaining a high water quality of the lake is of prime importance. The major part (some 90%) of the annual runoff of water enters Lake Kinneret from the north via the Jordan River during the autumn-winter floods. During this period, the river carries sediments, toxic agricultural chemicals, and allochthonous organisms, including pathogenic bacteria, into the lake. The Jordan River-Lake Kinneret contact zone is characterized by a rapid transformation from a riverine to a lacustrine water mass within 700 m from the river mouth, with very high spatial gradients of practically all hydrodynamic, hydrophysical, hydrochemical, and microbiological parameters. Previous measurements have shown that the distribution of enteric bacteria in the river-lake contact zone is related to the attenuation of river current flows. The aim of this study was to determine whether the change in the number of enteric bacteria (fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella spp.) in the water of the River Jordan-Lake Kinneret contact zone was due to sedimentation or to dilution. The data were then utilized to build a conceptual model explaining the distribution of biological pollutants (bacteria) in the river-lake contact zone of a shallow tropical lake, using the microbial communities of the River Jordan-Lake Kinneret contact zone, as an example.

Enterobacteriaceae↗

Use of lead-glazed ceramics is the main factor associated to high lead in blood levels in two Mexican rural communities.

Two isolated rural communities of Mexico were studied to assess the possible relationship between lead-glazed ceramics use and lead exposure. Women from these communities (n = 98) were asked to participate by filling out a general-purpose and exposure questionnaire in order to assess the individual contribution of ceramics to lead exposure. Blood samples were withdrawn to measure lead in blood and erythrocytic zinc protoporphyrin levels. Results were analyzed by multiple regression in order to find predictors of the dependent variables. Significant association between lead in blood and erythrocytic zinc protoporphyrin levels was identified with the following variables: storage in lead-glazed ceramics, cooking in lead-glazed ceramics, and meat and cheese consumption. The adjusted regression models explained 20-23% of the variance of the dependent variables (lead in blood and erythrocytic zinc protoporphyrin). A significant association (r2 = .38) was observed between lead in blood and lead in food prepared in lead-glazed ceramics in a subsample of 28 women. Results indicate that lead-glazed ceramics use may be the main predictor of lead in blood and erythrocytic zinc protoporphyrin levels in the rural communities studied.

Adolescent↗

Estimation of long term dust exposures in the Vermont granite sheds.

Analysis of variance models were used to analyze 1153 personal samples of respirable granite dust collected in the Vermont granite sheds in 1970 and 1976. The best fitting model described dust concentrations in terms of job, shed, season, survey year, and included interaction terms between shed, season, and survey. This model explained 46% of the total variability in dust levels, and was used to estimate median annual dust concentrations for every job and shed in the industry. The analysis of variance suggested that dust levels varied more between sheds than between jobs within a shed, and that winter dust levels were significantly higher than summer levels. Dust levels in the 1970s were estimated by the average of the seasonally adjusted levels in the two surveys. Dust estimates in each job and shed were combined with personal work histories, and three procedures for estimating each worker's lifetime exposure were evaluated. The cumulative exposure index with uniform weights for each dust year of exposure was selected as the most physiologically plausible measure of total dose.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗