Motor Vehicle Accident Fatalities for the Week Ending, October 6, 2006

Record of the Fatalities for Motor Vehicle Accidents in Iowa per week.

Secure & Prepared, June 6, 2006, Vol.2, no.11

Secure & Prepared is a bi-weekly publication of the Iowa Homeland Security & Emergency Management Division for those involved in the homeland security system in the state of Iowa.

Secure & Prepared, August 6, 2006, Vol.2, no.15

Secure & Prepared is a bi-weekly publication of the Iowa Homeland Security & Emergency Management Division for those involved in the homeland security system in the state of Iowa.

Validity of the Katz Index to assess activities of daily living by informants in neuropathological studies

Abstract OBJECTIVE To analyze the evidences of construct validity of the Katz Index for the retrospective assessment of activities of daily living (ADL) by informants, to assist neuropathological studies in the elderly. METHOD A cross-sectional study analyzed the functional ability of ADL measure by the Katz Index, of 650 cases randomly selected from the Brazilian Brain Bank of the Ageing Brain Study Group (BBBABSG) database. Sample was divided in two subsamples for the analysis (N=325, each) and then stratified according to cognitive decline assessed by the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR). Factor analyses with calculations of internal consistency and invariance were performed. RESULTS Factor analysis evidenced a unidimensional instrument with optimal internal consistency, in all subgroups. Goodness of fit indices were obtained after two treatments of covariance, indicating adequacy of the scale for assessing ADL by informants. The scale is invariant to cognitive decline meaning that it can be used for subjects with or without cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION Katz Index is valid for the retrospective assessment of basic ADL by informants, with optimal reliability.

Comparison of potential adjustment variables representing primary intellectual level in epidemiological studies on neurotoxicity

BACKGROUND: Primary intellectual abilities (PIA) are a confounder in epidemiological studies on neurotoxicity. A good measure of this confounder should be independent of age as PIA is an intrinsic ability. Furthermore, as PIA is related to health endpoints, any measure of PIA should reveal this association. This study is aimed at comparing vocabulary test, diploma and age at end of schooling properties as measures of PIA in a non-exposed population of workers. METHODS: The design was a cross-sectional study of 413 non-exposed workers (203 women and 210 men) selected from a health check-up center. The effect of age on the vocabulary score was assessed using an analysis of covariance adjusted for diploma. Relationships between neuropsychological performances and vocabulary score, diploma and end of schooling age were, respectively, assessed using multiple linear regressions adjusted for age and gender. RESULTS: Vocabulary score increased significantly with age, both for men and women. The increase was 0.14 word per year for women, and 0.18 word per year for men. The explained variance of the models evaluating the relationships between age at end of schooling, diploma, vocabulary test, and neuropsychological performances was quite similar for the three measures of PIA. CONCLUSIONS: Vocabulary score was found to be age-related, even after adjustment for diploma. No difference was found between these three variables in terms of their relationship to neuropsychological endpoints. Moreover, the literature shows that vocabulary test performances are influenced by exposure to neurotoxic agents. These results suggest that vocabulary score could be of interest for participants of similar ages and similar diplomas. Otherwise, the other two variables would be better PIA measures in neurotoxicology studies.

Use of legal reserve areas as geochemical background in hydrosedimentology studies¹

In hydrosedimentology studies the determination of the trace element concentrations at the study site is imperative, since this background can be used to assess the enrichment of sediments with these elements. This enrichment can be the result of the natural process of geological formation or of anthropogenic activities. In the latter case, guidelines are used to indicate the concentrations at which trace elements cause ecotoxicity effects on the environment. Thus, this study used legal reserve areas in the municipality of Toledo, PR, where natural forests are maintained, with no or minimal human interference to establish background levels. The results of atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled argon plasma showed that the legal reserves have lower levels of trace elements than other theoretical references, but equivalent concentrations to the safety levels recommended by international guidelines. It was concluded that determining values is fundamental to recommend this background as scientific database for research in the area of hydrosedimentology of this site and also as a way of environmental management of the watershed of this municipality.

Bewertung des Risikos für Bias in kontrollierten Studien [Assessment of risk of bias in controlled studies].

BACKGROUND: Practicing physicians are faced with many medical decisions daily. These are mainly influenced by personal experience but should also consider patient preferences and the scientific evidence reflected by a constantly increasing number of medical publications and guidelines. With the objective of optimal medical treatment, the concept of evidence-based medicine is founded on these three aspects. It should be considered that there is a high risk of misinterpreting evidence, leading to medical errors and adverse effects without knowledge of the methodological background. OBJECTIVES: This article explains the concept of systematic error (bias) and its importance. Causes and effects as well as methods to minimize bias are discussed. This information should impart a deeper understanding, leading to a better assessment of studies and implementation of its recommendations in daily medical practice. CONCLUSION: Developed by the Cochrane Collaboration, the risk of bias (RoB) tool is an assessment instrument for the potential of bias in controlled trials. Good handling, short processing time, high transparency of judgements and a graphical presentation of findings that is easily comprehensible are among its strengths. Attached to this article the German translation of the RoB tool is published. This should facilitate the applicability for non-experts and moreover, support evidence-based medical decision-making.

Impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes in obesity: a 6-year follow-up study of glucose metabolism.

To investigate the time course of glucose metabolism in obesity 33 patients (21 to 69 years old; body mass index [BMI], 25.7 to 53.3 kg/m2) with different degrees of glucose intolerance or diabetes who had been studied initially and 6 years later were submitted to the same 100-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with indirect calorimetry. From a group of 13 obese subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), four developed impaired glucose tolerance (IGT); from a group of nine patients with IGT, three developed non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM); five of six obese NIDDM subjects with high insulin response developed NIDDM with low insulin response. Five patients had diabetes with hypoinsulinemia initially. As previously seen in a cross-sectional study, the 3-hour glucose storage measured by continuous indirect calorimetry remained unaltered in patients with IGT, whereas it decreased in NIDDM patients. A further decrease in glucose storage was observed with the lowering of the insulin response in the previously hyperinsulinemic diabetics. These results confirm cross-sectional studies that suggest successive phases in the evolution of obesity to diabetes: A, NGT; B, IGT (the hyperglycemia normalizing the glucose storage over 3 hours); C, diabetes with increased insulin response, where hyperglycemia does not correct the resistance to glucose storage anymore; and D, diabetes with low insulin response, with a low glucose storage and an elevated fasting and postload glycemia.

Polymorphisms in DNA-repair genes in a cohort of prostate cancer patients from different areas in Spain: heterogeneity between populations as a confounding factor in association studies

Background: Differences in the distribution of genotypes between individuals of the same ethnicity are an important confounder factor commonly undervalued in typical association studies conducted in radiogenomics. Objective: To evaluate the genotypic distribution of SNPs in a wide set of Spanish prostate cancer patients for determine the homogeneity of the population and to disclose potential bias. Design, Setting, and Participants: A total of 601 prostate cancer patients from Andalusia, Basque Country, Canary and Catalonia were genotyped for 10 SNPs located in 6 different genes associated to DNA repair: XRCC1 (rs25487, rs25489, rs1799782), ERCC2 (rs13181), ERCC1 (rs11615), LIG4 (rs1805388, rs1805386), ATM (rs17503908, rs1800057) and P53 (rs1042522). The SNP genotyping was made in a Biotrove OpenArrayH NT Cycler. Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: Comparisons of genotypic and allelic frequencies among populations, as well as haplotype analyses were determined using the web-based environment SNPator. Principal component analysis was made using the SnpMatrix and XSnpMatrix classes and methods implemented as an R package. Non-supervised hierarchical cluster of SNP was made using MultiExperiment Viewer. Results and Limitations: We observed that genotype distribution of 4 out 10 SNPs was statistically different among the studied populations, showing the greatest differences between Andalusia and Catalonia. These observations were confirmed in cluster analysis, principal component analysis and in the differential distribution of haplotypes among the populations. Because tumor characteristics have not been taken into account, it is possible that some polymorphisms may influence tumor characteristics in the same way that it may pose a risk factor for other disease characteristics. Conclusion: Differences in distribution of genotypes within different populations of the same ethnicity could be an important confounding factor responsible for the lack of validation of SNPs associated with radiation-induced toxicity, especially when extensive meta-analysis with subjects from different countries are carried out.

Polymorphisms in DNA-repair genes in a cohort of prostate cancer patients from different areas in Spain: heterogeneity between populations as a confounding factor in association studies

Background: Differences in the distribution of genotypes between individuals of the same ethnicity are an important confounder factor commonly undervalued in typical association studies conducted in radiogenomics. Objective: To evaluate the genotypic distribution of SNPs in a wide set of Spanish prostate cancer patients for determine the homogeneity of the population and to disclose potential bias. Design, Setting, and Participants: A total of 601 prostate cancer patients from Andalusia, Basque Country, Canary and Catalonia were genotyped for 10 SNPs located in 6 different genes associated to DNA repair: XRCC1 (rs25487, rs25489, rs1799782), ERCC2 (rs13181), ERCC1 (rs11615), LIG4 (rs1805388, rs1805386), ATM (rs17503908, rs1800057) and P53 (rs1042522). The SNP genotyping was made in a Biotrove OpenArrayH NT Cycler. Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: Comparisons of genotypic and allelic frequencies among populations, as well as haplotype analyses were determined using the web-based environment SNPator. Principal component analysis was made using the SnpMatrix and XSnpMatrix classes and methods implemented as an R package. Non-supervised hierarchical cluster of SNP was made using MultiExperiment Viewer. Results and Limitations: We observed that genotype distribution of 4 out 10 SNPs was statistically different among the studied populations, showing the greatest differences between Andalusia and Catalonia. These observations were confirmed in cluster analysis, principal component analysis and in the differential distribution of haplotypes among the populations. Because tumor characteristics have not been taken into account, it is possible that some polymorphisms may influence tumor characteristics in the same way that it may pose a risk factor for other disease characteristics. Conclusion: Differences in distribution of genotypes within different populations of the same ethnicity could be an important confounding factor responsible for the lack of validation of SNPs associated with radiation-induced toxicity, especially when extensive meta-analysis with subjects from different countries are carried out.

Anthrax in cattle in southern Brazil: 1978-2006

Ten outbreaks of anthrax occurred in cattle from 1978 to 2006 in southern Brazil, in 5 municipalities on the border with Uruguay, a country where the disease is frequent. The 10 outbreaks represented 0.2% of all bovine specimens received during the period by the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory of the Federal University of Pelotas, causing 267 deaths in a risk population of 6,605 head. The disease affected young and adult cattle mainly during summer. Only one farmer reported that sheep and horses were also affected. Clinically the peracute form was more frequent, but in some outbreaks the acute form with a clinical manifestation period of 6-48 hours was also observed. The source of infection was not established; but the reduced rainfall, associated with low, flat, flooded lands used for agriculture followed by animal grazing after harvest was probably related to the disease occurrence. Annual vaccination is an efficient way to prevent the disease.

In vitro studies of multiwalled carbon nanotube/ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene nanocomposites with osteoblast-like MG63 cells

Carbon nanotubes are highly versatile materials; new applications using them are continuously being developed. Special attention is being dedicated to the possible use of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in biomaterials contacting with bone. However, carbon nanotubes are also controversial in regards to effects exerted on living organisms. Carbon nanotubes can be used to improve the tribological properties of polymer/composite materials. Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a polymer widely used in orthopedic applications that imply wear and particle generation. We describe here the response of human osteoblast-like MG63 cells after 6 days of culture in contact with artificially generated particles from both UHMWPE polymer and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)/UHMWPE nanocomposites. This novel composite has superior wear behavior, having thus the potential to reduce the number of revision hip arthroplasty surgeries required by wear failure of acetabular cups and diminish particle-induced osteolysis. The results of an in vitro study of viability and proliferation and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production suggest good cytocompatibility, similar to that of conventional UHMWPE (WST-1 assay results are reported as percentage of control ± SD: UHMWPE = 96.19 ± 7.92, MWCNT/UHMWPE = 97.92 ± 8.29%; total protein: control = 139.73 ± 10.78, UHMWPE = 137.07 ± 6.17, MWCNT/UHMWPE = 163.29 ± 11.81 µg/mL; IL-6: control = 90.93 ± 10.30, UHMWPE = 92.52 ± 11.02, MWCNT/UHMWPE = 108.99 ± 9.90 pg/mL). Standard cell culture conditions were considered as control. These results, especially the absence of significant elevation in the osteolysis inductor IL-6 values, reinforce the potential of this superior wear-resistant composite for future orthopedic applications, when compared to traditional UHMWPE.

L’implantation des Cultural Studies dans les curricula francophones de sociologie : Étude comparée de deux départements québécois

Cette recherche analyse la pénétration des Cultural Studies dans les curricula de deux départements de sociologie francophones : celui de l’Université de Montréal et celui de l’Université du Québec à Montréal. À partir des entretiens conduits auprès de professeurs, mais aussi de l’analyse des curricula inspirée de la théorie développée par B. Bernstein, cette recherche questionne tous les enjeux relatifs à l’introduction d’un nouveau cours ou d’une nouvelle façon de penser dans un département. Il ne s’agit donc pas de conclure sur la forte – ou faible – présence des Cultural Studies dans les programmes, mais plutôt d’expliquer ces variations de présence à partir des caractéristiques sociales, politiques, économiques et même géographiques, propres à chaque département. L’analyse conduite va aussi plus loin en constatant que les Cultural Studies, même si elles ne se sont pas développées à grande échelle au Québec, ont eu un impact sur la façon dont sont abordés les objets sociologiques.

Analysing institutional partnerships in development: a contract between equals or a loaded process?

Partnerships are complex, diverse and subtle relationships, the nature of which changes with time, but they are vital for the functioning of the development chain. This paper reviews the meaning of partnership between development institutions as well as some of the main approaches taken to analyse the relationships. The latter typically revolve around analyses based on power, discourse, interdependence and functionality. The paper makes the case for taking a multianalytical approach to understanding partnership but points out three problem areas: identifying acceptable/unacceptable trade-offs between characteristics of partnership, the analysis of multicomponent partnerships (where one partner has a number of other partners) and the analysis of long-term partnership. The latter is especially problematic for long-term partnerships between donors and field agencies that share an underlying commitment based on religious beliefs. These problems with current methods of analysing partnership are highlighted by focusing upon the Catholic Church-based development chain, linking donors in the North (Europe) and their field partners in the South (Abuja Ecclesiastical Province, Nigeria). It explores a narrated history of a relationship with a single donor spanning 35 years from the perspective of one partner (the field agency).