Comparison of Four Polymerase Chain Reaction Methods for the Rapid Detection of Human Fecal Pollution in Marine and Inland Waters

We compared the effectiveness of three PCR protocols for the detection of Bifidobacterium adolescentis and one PCR protocol for detecting Bacteroidales as indicators of human fecal pollution in environmental samples. Quantitative PCR indicated that a higher concentration of B. adolescentis DNA was recovered from sewage samples on the 0.2 μm filters compared to the 0.45 μm filters, and there was no evidence of qPCR inhibitors in the DNA extracts. With the Matsuki method (1999), B. adolescentis was detected only in undiluted sewage samples. The King method (2007) performed well and detected B. adolescentis in all of the sewage dilutions (from undiluted to 10−4). In contrast, the Bonjoch approach (2004) was effective at detecting B. adolescentis at lower dilutions (10−3) of sewage samples and it gave false positive results with some (3/8) pig fecal samples. Human-specific Bacteroidales (HuBacs) were detected in the lower diluents of sewage samples but was positive in pig (6/8) and cattle fecal samples. PCR detection of B. adolescentis in marine samples from Puerto Rico and freshwater samples from Georgia indicated that the PCR method of King et al. (2007) and the modified Layton method for HuBac were in agreement in detecting human fecal pollution in most sites

1015-72 Elevated Plasma Homocysteine: An Important Independent Risk Factor for Coronary Artery Disease in the Elderly

BackgroundHigh plasma homocysteine (HCY) concentration is an established risk factor for premature vascular disease which can be reduced using vitamin therapy. The role of increased homocysteine as a coronary risk factor in the elderly, however, remains uncertain.MethodsWe studied 228 patients with angiographically documented coronary disease (≥ 70% stenosis in at least one major epicardial vessel). These included 136 patients less than, and 92 greater than 65 years old. Patients were compared to 223 healthy controls 199 (<65) and 24 (> 65). The presence of traditional risk factors including hypertension, smoking, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes mellitus were noted. Total fasting plasma homocysteine was measured in all subjects. A gender-adjusted threshold for a high homocysteine level was defined as the 80th percentile for healthy controls (corresponding to a level of 11.7 μmol/L in women and 13.6 μmo1/L in men).ResultsAge<65Age>65PatientsControlsPatientsControlsHomocysteine12.2±4.0*11.0±3.414.2±4.6*11.9±3.6High HCY(%)33*2050†25Odds Ratios2.0*NA2.9*NAConfidence Interval1.2–3.2NA1.0–8.3NA*p<am vs controls†p<0.03ConclusionsHomocysteine concentrations are elevated in patients with coronary artery disease older than 65 years in age. A high value confers an independent three-fold risk for coronary disease in this patient group. Accordingly, intervention studies designed to reduce plasma homocysteine levels should not exclude the elderly

Acute Reperfusion Therapy in ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction from 1994-2003

Background—Appropriate utilization of acute reperfusion therapy is not a national performance measure for ST-elevation myocardial infarction at this time, and the extent of its contemporary use among ideal patients is unknown. Methods—From the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction, we identified 238,291 patients enrolled from June 1994 to May 2003 who were ideally suited for acute reperfusion therapy with fibrinolytic therapy or primary percutaneous coronary intervention. We determined rates of not receiving therapy across 3 time periods (June 1994–May 1997, June 1997–May 2000, June 2000– May 2003) and evaluated factors associated with underutilization. Results—The proportion of ideal patients not receiving acute reperfusion therapy decreased by one-half throughout the past decade (time period 1: 20.6%; time period 2: 11.4%; time period 3: 11.6%; P\u3c0.001). Utilization remained significantly lower in key subgroups in the most recent time period: those without chest pain (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.27–0.32); those presenting 6 to 12 hours after symptom onset (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.52–0.61); those 75 years or older (OR, 0.63 compared with patients \u3c55 years old; 95% CI, 0.58–0.68); women (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.84–0.93); and non-whites (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.83–0.97). Conclusions—Utilization of acute reperfusion therapy in ideal patients has improved over the last decade, but more than 10% remain untreated. Measuring and improving its use in this cohort represents an important opportunity to improve care

No Evidence for Evolution in the Far-Infrared-Radio Correlation out to z ~ 2 in the eCDFS

We investigate the 70 um Far-Infrared Radio Correlation (FRC) of star-forming galaxies in the Extended Chandra Deep Field South (ECDFS) out to z > 2. We use 70 um data from the Far-Infrared Deep Extragalactic Legacy Survey (FIDEL), which comprises the most sensitive (~0.8 mJy rms) and extensive far-infrared deep field observations using MIPS on the Spitzer Space Telescope, and 1.4 GHz radio data (~8 uJy/beam rms) from the VLA. In order to quantify the evolution of the FRC we use both survival analysis and stacking techniques which we find give similar results. We also calculate the FRC using total infrared luminosity and rest-frame radio luminosity, qTIR, and find that qTIR is constant (within 0.22) over the redshift range 0 - 2. We see no evidence for evolution in the FRC at 70 um which is surprising given the many factors that are expected to change this ratio at high redshifts.Comment: 18 pages, 13 figures. Accepted for publication in Ap

The Grizzly, April 28, 1992

Earth Day 1992: Fun for All • CoreStates Grants Grant • UC History Majors Present Papers • U.C. a hit at U.N. • Holocaust Survivor Speaks • Scholarly Hat Trick in Biology • Political Cartoonist To Speak • Strunk Runs for Office • Spring Weekend Great Success • Concert Band & Jazz Ensemble Perform • Exam Schedule • Student Art Exhibition Opens, Awards Presented • Wismer\u27s Modern Art Spy • First Friends First • Sophomore Chats Tell All • Letter: Strunk Thanks Democrats • Men\u27s Lacrosse Splits Weekendhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1296/thumbnail.jp

Conceptualizing the adventure-sports coach

As a comparatively recent development, the adventure-sports coach struggles for a clear and distinct identity. The generic term ‘instructor’ no longer characterizes the role and function of this subgroup of outdoor professionals. Indeed, although the fields of adventure/outdoor education and leadership are comparatively well researched, the arrival of this ‘new kid on the block’ appears to challenge both the adventure-sports old guard and traditional views of sports coaching. In an attempt to offer clarity and stimulate debate, this paper attempts to conceptualize the adventure-sports coach in the context of the existing roles in the field and current motivations for activity in the outdoors. We identify issues that are specific to the adventure-sports coach while also recognizing those skills and competencies shared with other professionals, both in the adventure sports profession and traditional sports coaching fields. Based on this review, we offer a conceptual model which may be used to focus debate, stimulate research and, at a possible later stage, to underpin accreditation, training and professional development

Assessment of asthma control and asthma exacerbations in the epidemiology and natural history of asthma: outcomes and treatment regimens (TENOR) observational cohort

Patients with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma account for substantial asthma morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden despite comprising only a small proportion of the total asthma population. TENOR, a multicenter, observational, prospective cohort study was initiated in 2001. It enrolled 4,756 adults, adolescents and children with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma who were followed semi-annually and annually for three years, enabling insight to be gained into this understudied population. A broad range of demographic, clinical, and patient self-reported assessments were completed during the follow-up period. Here, we present key findings from the TENOR registry in relation to asthma control and exacerbations, including the identification of specific subgroups found to be at particularly high-risk. Identification of the factors and subgroups associated with poor asthma control and increased risk of exacerbations can help physicians design individual asthma management, and improve asthma-related health outcomes for these patients

A multi-scale comparison of modeled and observed seasonal methane emissions in northern wetlands

Wetlands are the largest global natural methane (CH4) source, and emissions between 50 and 70° N latitude contribute 10–30% to this source. Predictive capability of land models for northern wetland CH4 emissions is still low due to limited site measurements, strong spatial and temporal variability in emissions, and complex hydrological and biogeochemical dynamics. To explore this issue, we compare wetland CH4 emission predictions from the Community Land Model 4.5 (CLM4.5-BGC) with siteto regional-scale observations. A comparison of the CH4 fluxes with eddy flux data highlighted needed changes to the model’s estimate of aerenchyma area, which we implemented and tested. The model modification substantially reduced biases in CH4 emissions when compared with CarbonTracker CH4 predictions. CLM4.5 CH4 emission predictions agree well with growing season (May–September) CarbonTracker Alaskan regional-level CH4 predictions and sitelevel observations. However, CLM4.5 underestimated CH4 emissions in the cold season (October–April). The monthly atmospheric CH4 mole fraction enhancements due to wetland emissions are also assessed using the Weather Research and Forecasting-Stochastic Time-Inverted Lagrangian Transport (WRF-STILT) model coupled with daily emissions from CLM4.5 and compared with aircraft CH4 mole fraction measurements from the Carbon in Arctic Reservoirs Vulnerability Experiment (CARVE) campaign. Both the tower and aircraft analyses confirm the underestimate of cold-season CH4 emissions by CLM4.5. The greatest uncertainties in predicting the seasonal CH4 cycle are from the wetland extent, coldseason CH4 production and CH4 transport processes. We recommend more cold-season experimental studies in highlatitude systems, which could improve the understanding and parameterization of ecosystem structure and function during this period. Predicted CH4 emissions remain uncertain, but we show here that benchmarking against observations across spatial scales can inform model structural and parameter improvements

The Grizzly, October 22, 1991

Alumni Return for Homecoming Celebration • Phi Beta Kappa Charter Approved for Ursinus • Thomas Confirmed to Supreme Court • Gibson to Speak at Ursinus • GALA Seeks Recognition • U.S.G.A. Minutes • GALA Comes Out • Modern Medical Imaging • The Vision of Science Through Art • Beware of Bad Moods • Woman Fixing Her Hair? • Critics\u27 Corner: The Fisher King; Sleeping With the Enemy • Giggles Night Club Comedians • Letters: In Defense of Harley; Harassment Response; An Appeal for the Trees • Apples and Oranges • Dining Turf • Bears Blank the Bullets in Homecoming Game • Cross Country Runs to Victory • Field Hockey Strikes Back, Raises Record to 5-5-2 • Volleyball Spikes Cabrini • Lady Bears Cruise to 1st Place • Winds Fill Ursinus\u27 Sails • Soccer Bounces Back with Three Straight Winshttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1280/thumbnail.jp