Non-host larvae negatively impact persistence of the entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana in soil.

A better understanding of the ecology of the insect pathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, in soil is needed to identify reasons behind the variable efficacy often seen after field application. A transformed strain of a candidate commercial strain of B. bassiana (F418 gfp tr3), expressing the green fluorescent protein and the hygromycin B resistance gene, was used to assess the effects of the larvae of a host insect, Tenebrio molitor L.

A prospective study of endoscopist-blinded colonoscopy withdrawal times and polyp detection rates in a tertiary hospital.

Background: Studies have suggested that a colonoscopy withdrawal time of at least 6 minutes is associated with an increased adenoma detection rate in patients undergoing colorectal cancer screening.

Aims: We aimed to determine colonoscopy withdrawal time and rate of polyp detection in a blinded study--conducted at Christchurch Hospital (Christchurch, New Zealand)--to determine if there was a relationship.

Methods: All 16 consultant endoscopists performing colonoscopy in a tertiary hospital had their withdrawal time from the caecum prospectively timed over 208 consecutive procedures between 11 April 2007 and 19 May 2007.

Allopurinol might improve response to azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine by correcting an unfavorable metabolite ratio.

Background And Aim: Allopurinol potentiates azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) by increasing 6-thioguanine nucleotide (6-TGN) metabolite concentrations. The outcome might also be improved by adding allopurinol in individuals who preferentially produce 6-methylmercaptopurine nucleotides (6-MMPN), rather than 6-TGN. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of allopurinol on concentrations of 6-MMPN and 6-TGN in individuals with a high ratio of these metabolites (>20), which is indicative of a poor thiopurine response.

Forecasting emergence and movement of overwintering hazelnut big bud mites from big buds.

Eriophyoid big bud mites are key pests of hazelnut throughout the world, but they are difficult to control with chemicals or other methods because they are protected inside the bud. The most effective time for control is during the relatively short emergence period which is difficult for growers to predict. The key objectives of this study were to monitor mite emergence from big buds in spring, determine the phenology of mites in relation to tree phenology and weather, and identify the optimum timing for control measures.

Effect of inflammatory bowel disease classification changes on NOD2 genotype-phenotype associations in a population-based cohort.

Background: NOD2 mutations are associated with Crohn's disease (CD) in Caucasian clinic-based cohorts. Data from population-based cohorts are limited. Clinic-based studies may overestimate this association.

High incidence of Crohn's disease in Canterbury, New Zealand: results of an epidemiologic study.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has increased exponentially in industrialized nations over the last 50 years. Previous New Zealand studies have shown that IBD is less common than in other countries; however, clinical observations suggested a high incidence and prevalence of IBD in Canterbury, particularly Crohn's disease (CD).

Aim: This study aimed to determine the descriptive epidemiology of IBD in Canterbury.

Functional assessment of bacterial colonization in patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and Brooke ileostomy.

Purpose: This study was designed to determine whether patients with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis have increased gastrointestinal bacterial colonization as assessed functionally compared with patients with Brooke ileostomy and to determine the effect of pouch bacterial colonization on pouch function.

Methods: Gastrointestinal bacterial colonization in 27 patients with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and 20 patients with a Brooke ileostomy was assessed using the 14C-glycocholate and glucose-hydrogen breath tests. Bacterial colonization was correlated with pouch function and pouch satisfaction.

Thiopurine drug adverse effects in a population of New Zealand patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Purpose: The thiopurine drugs, azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine are effective in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, their use is limited by serious adverse effects that can lead to cessation of therapy. The incidence of these adverse effects has been reported to be approximately 9% but in Christchurch it was felt that the incidence was higher.

A thirty-year (1970-1999) study of coeliac disease in the Canterbury region of New Zealand.

Aim: To determine the demography of coeliac disease (CD) in the Canterbury region of New Zealand between 1970 and 1999.

Methods: The records of patients resident in the Canterbury region of New Zealand with CD proven by intestinal biopsy (Marsh Type 3 histology) between the years of 1970 and 1999 were reviewed. Overall incidence figures were calculated using population data abstracted from five-yearly census reports and, for childhood CD, from birth statistics.

Surveillance for dysplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a national survey of colonoscopic practice in New Zealand.

Background: Patients with chronic ulcerative colitis and Crohn's colitis have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Because of this, surveillance colonoscopy is practiced.

Aims: We aimed to describe the practice of surveillance colonoscopy in New Zealand, with comparison among specialties, and with practice internationally.