bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Counselling Citizens and Producing Patronage: AIDS Treatment in South African and Ugandan Clinics
Authors: Ann Richey Lisa
Published: July 2012

Global health interventions to provide antiretroviral (ARV) drug treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS in developing countries have linked global and local actors in unprecedented ways. These uneven relationships have been described as creating new forms of citizenship that challenge the liberal understanding of rights and responsibilities bestowed by the state. A comparative case study based on fieldwork from South Africa and Uganda suggests different theoretical understandings of the link between technologies of AIDS treatment and relationships of belonging. Yet, ethnographic data from local clinics in both countries point to similarities that exist across AIDS interventions, and to the importance of counsellors in negotiating the rules of ARVs. Neither patients living with HIV nor the local providers of their AIDS treatment are ‘bare life’ subjects to be acted upon by a global development intervention. As ARV technologies are increasingly prescribed in developing country clinics, diverse social relationships are taught and negotiated as part of the pedagogy of biopolitics. The following discussion demonstrates how local counsellors and clients negotiate the rules of AIDS treatment together for mutual benefit. The article concludes that AIDS treatment creates relationships of therapeutic citizenship and clientship in ways that constrain the possibilities of citizenship and development.
ADVERSE SELECTION IN DYNAMIC MATCHING MARKETS
Authors: Kultti Klaus , Mauring Eeva , Vanhala Juuso , Vesala Timo
Published: July 2012

We study the Akerlofian adverse selection problem in a dynamic matching model where the competitive situation varies across different meetings. The ‘lemons principle’ is shown to limit the high quality sales within a wider range of quality distributions than in the Walrasian benchmark. High quality goods can nevertheless be traded, albeit less frequently than the low quality goods. For certain quality distributions, there exists a ‘partially pooling’ steady state where high quality sellers are active whenever at least two buyers compete for the good. Otherwise, the model features cycles in a sense that high quality goods are traded only in non‐consecutive periods.
Orthogonalized Residuals for Estimation of Marginally Specified Association Parameters in Multivariate Binary Data
Authors: QAQISH BAHJAT F. , ZINK RICHARD C. , PREISSER JOHN S.
Published: July 2012

Abstract.  This paper focuses on marginal regression models for correlated binary responses when estimation of the association structure is of primary interest. A new estimating function approach based on orthogonalized residuals is proposed. A special case of the proposed procedure allows a new representation of the alternating logistic regressions method through marginal residuals. The connections between second‐order generalized estimating equations, alternating logistic regressions, pseudo‐likelihood and other methods are explored. Efficiency comparisons are presented, with emphasis on variable cluster size and on the role of higher‐order assumptions. The new method is illustrated with an analysis of data on impaired pulmonary function.
What does a Monetary Policy Shock Do? An International Analysis with Multiple Filters*
Authors: Castelnuovo Efrem
Published: July 2012

What does a monetary policy shock do? We answer this question by estimating a new‐Keynesian monetary policy dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model for a number of economies with a variety of empirical proxies of the business cycle. The effects of two different policy shocks, an unexpected interest rate hike conditional on a constant inflation target and an unpredicted drift in the inflation target, are scrutinized. Filter‐specific Bayesian impulse responses are contrasted with those obtained by combining multiple business cycle indicators. Our results document the substantial uncertainty surrounding the estimated effects of these two policy shocks across a number of countries.
Profit Sharing and Training*
Authors: Kraft Kornelius , Lang Julia
Published: July 2012

We analyze the impact of profit sharing on training intensity. Profit sharing may affect training because it is a credible commitment by firms to reward firm‐specific skills, may reduce turnover and leads to peer group pressure to participate in training courses. To eliminate possible selectivity effects, we combine matching with difference‐in‐differences. We identify the proportion of employees participating in profits and differentiate profit sharing according to the percentage of the workers covered. Using German establishment data we find that profit sharing only has a significant effect on training intensity if the majority of the workforce benefits from it.
BEYOND INTERMARRIAGE: THE ROLE OF THE INDIGENOUS ITALIC POPULATION AT PITHEKOUSSAI
Authors: KELLEY OLIVIA
Published: July 2012

Debate has long raged over the nature and extent of contact and cooperation between the Greeks and the Levantines at the site of Pithekoussai on the Tyrrhenian coast of Italy. The native Italic population, however, has been largely overlooked or viewed as a marginal or fringe element. Italic fibula types, which are found extensively in the cemetery, have been traditionally interpreted as evidence for the intermarriage of Italic females into the colonial settlement. This concept has limited our understanding of the role or impact of the Italic population at the site, effectively obscuring any more nuanced or balanced interpretations of their activity. A detailed analysis of several tombs from Pithekoussai, which contained iron tools or instruments, indicates that the Italic population was more actively involved in the creation of material culture at the site than has previously been supposed. Parallels for the practice are found widely on the Italic mainland and have often been associated with elite customs or funerary rituals. The presence of such practices at the site of Pithekoussai indicates the active impact of the native Italic population and the dynamic effect that diverse members of the community had on the creation and promulgation of a uniquely Pithekoussan identity.
The remarkable wealth of the Dutch Cape Colony: measurements from eighteenth‐century probate inventories1
Authors: FOURIE JOHAN
Published: July 2012

How comfortable was the life of the average settler in the Dutch Cape Colony of the eighteenth century? The generally accepted view is of a poor, subsistence economy, with little progress being made in the 143 years of Dutch rule (1652–1795). This article shows that new evidence from probate inventory and auction roll records contradicts earlier historical accounts. These documents bear witness to a relatively affluent settler society, comparable to some of the most prosperous regions of eighteenth‐century England and Holland. This detailed picture of the material wealth of the Colony should inspire a revision of the standard accounts. The causes and consequences of this prosperity are also considered briefly.
Has Labor Income Become More Volatile? Evidence from International Industry-Level Data
Authors: Buch Claudia M.
Published: July 2012

Changes in labor market institutions and the increasing integration of the world economy may affect the volatility of capital and labor incomes. This article documents and analyzes changes in income volatility using data for 11 industrialized countries, 22 industries and 35 years (1970-2004). The article has four main findings. First, the unconditional volatility of labor income has declined in parallel to the decline in macroeconomic volatility. Second, the industry-specific, idiosyncratic component of labor income volatility has hardly changed. Third, cross-sectional heterogeneity is substantial. If anything, the labor incomes of high- and low-skilled workers have become more volatile relative to the volatility of capital incomes. Fourth, the volatility of labor income relative to the volatility of capital income declines in the labor share. Trade openness has no clear-cut impact.
Does p40‐targeted therapy represent a significant evolution in the management of plaque psoriasis?
Authors: Griffiths Christopher E.M. , Girolomoni Giampiero
Published: July 2012

The recognition of the roles of interleukins (IL)‐12 and IL‐23 in the development of psoriasis is an important advance in the understanding, and the subsequent management, of this chronic inflammatory disease. Two human anti‐p40 monoclonal antibodies targeting both IL‐12 and IL‐23 via their shared p40 subunit have been developed: briakinumab and ustekinumab. Recent Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials have illustrated the benefits of briakinumab (in Phase 3 clinical development) and ustekinumab (approved in the EU, and also in other territories worldwide) in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Available data indicate that a strategy targeting the IL‐12 p40 subunit has considerable advantages over targeting of tumour necrosis factor‐α, offering rapid onset of efficacy with a favourable dosing regimen (every 12 weeks for ustekinumab). Registries incorporating rigorous pharmacovigilance are now required to further understand the clinical profile of these drugs over long‐term use.
Cellulite’s aetiology: a review
Authors: de la Casa Almeida M. , Suarez Serrano C. , Rebollo Roldán J. , Jiménez Rejano J.J.
Published: July 2012

Cellulite, highly prevalent among women, represents a serious problem for many of them, and one of their main aesthetic concerns. It is difficult to pinpoint its aetiology and physiology/pathophysiology, as there are many factors that are involved in it, affect it, and many processes that are taking place simultaneously and sequentially. Our objective is therefore, to review the scientific scholarship on cellulite to explore the causes of its origin. We carried out a preliminary search of the Medline, Cochrane, and Web of Knowledge databases covering the period from 1978 to April 2011. As there is no specific key word for the phenomenon at hand, we used the following descriptors: adipose tissue, subcutaneous fat, subcutaneous tissue, connective tissue, skin, skin disease and dermis. This resulted in a retrieval of 26 articles contributing to relevant information on the aetiology of cellulite. As a result of our first research, we concluded that cellulite is a physiological phenomenon or at least, that it has a physiological origin, which is characteristic of women, and multi‐causal, with the coexistence of a number of factors that trigger, perpetuate, or exacerbate it. The outstanding factors include, among others, connective tissue architecture, oestrogen action, microvascular alterations and certain genetic and hormonal characteristics. All of them provide us with future and novel clues to cellulite treatment, and is necessary to take some or all of these factors into account in developing an effective therapy. However, we are aware of the necessity of further investigation in this field.
Lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 level in patients with Behçet’s disease
Authors: Örem A. , Yayli S. , Arıca D.A. , Akcan B. , Yücesan F.B. , Bahadir S.
Published: July 2012

Abstracts

Background  Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic multisystem inflammatory disorder characterized by vasculitis. Vasculitis is thought to underlie many of the clinical manifestations of Behçet’s disease. Lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2) is a highly specific biomarker for vascular inflammation, and has low biological variability. Those features make it more attractive than other inflammatory markers including C‐reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), which may reflect systemic inflammation non‐specifically.

Objectives  It was aimed to investigate circulating Lp‐PLA2 levels and its relationship with CRP and ESR in patients with BD by considering disease activity.

Methods  Study group included 72 patients with BD (34 men and 38 women with a mean age of 35.3 years) and 30 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy subjects (15 men and 15 women with a mean age 32.6 years). Patients group included 40 patients with active and 32 patients with inactive BD.

Results  Lp‐PLA2, CRP and ESR levels were found to be significantly higher in patient group than controls. In addition, those levels were also significantly higher in patients with active BD than in patients with inactive disease. Lp‐PLA2 showed positive correlations with CRP and ESR (r = 0.63, P < 0.05 and r = 0.33, P < 0.05 respectively). Lp‐PLA2 also showed significant important area under curve (AUC) value (0.779), besides CRP (0.941) and ESR (0.888). Optimum cut‐off value was obtained as 218.5 ng/mL.

Conclusions  It was concluded that Lp‐PLA2 may be a new useful biomarker to evaluate clinical or subclinical activity of the disease besides CRP and ESR.
The potential of human toe flexor muscles to produce force
Authors: Goldmann Jan‐Peter , Brüggemann Gert‐Peter
Published: July 2012

The maximal force a muscle produces depends among others on the length of the muscle and therefore on the positions of the joints the muscle crosses. Long and short toe flexor muscles (TFM) cross the ankle joints and metatarsal phalangeal joints (MPJ) and work against gravity during human locomotion. The purpose of this study was to describe the maximal moments around the MPJ during maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) of the TFM as a function of ankle joint and MPJ position. Twenty men performed MVIC of the TFM in a custom‐made dynamometer. Ankle and MPJ angles were modified after each contraction. External moments of force around the MPJ were determined. Moments ranged between 6.3 ± 2.6 Nm and 14.2 ± 5.8 Nm. Highest moments were produced at 0°–10° ankle joint dorsal flexion and 25°–45° MPJ dorsal flexion. Lowest moments were generated at 35° ankle joint plantar flexion and 0° MPJ dorsal flexion. In conclusion, if the ankle is plantar‐flexed, dorsal flexion of the MPJ avoids a disadvantage of the force–length relationship of TFM. Therefore, MPJ dorsal flexion is a necessary function in the push‐off phase of human locomotion to work against the loss of the mechanical output at the forefoot caused by plantar flexion of the ankle.
Enzymatic activities and stable isotope patterns of ectomycorrhizal fungi in relation to phylogeny and exploration types in an afrotropical rain forest
Authors: Tedersoo Leho , Naadel Triin , Bahram Mohammad , Pritsch Karin , Buegger Franz , Leal Miguel , Kõljalg Urmas , Põldmaa Kadri
Published: July 2012

See also the Commentary by Kuyper
Web site usability testing involving people with learning disabilities using only images and audio to access information
Authors: Williams Peter
Published: July 2012

The need for social inclusion, informed choice and the facilitation of independent living for people with learning disabilities (LD) is being emphasised ever more by government, professionals, academics and, indeed, by people with LD themselves, particularly in self‐advocacy groups. Achieving goals around inclusion and autonomy requires access to relevant and accessible information. Hence, the project reported here, which revolves around the creation and development of a web site containing information about ‘transition’. This is the move from education or sheltered living to supported employment. The development of the web site included an examination of whether people with very low literacy skills were able to navigate the site and to access information. To this end, usability tests were undertaken consisting of simple tasks, broken down into ‘one‐action’ elements and requiring the accessing and understanding of pictorial or audio information. Results elicited various issues including the size and understanding of images; activating hyperlinks, page length and invisible content, and accessing audio. Two accessibility issues were also found – poor mouse control and involuntary activation of the context menu. Solutions are offered regarding the issues documented, and the paper concludes by suggesting that it is possible both for people with minimal levels of literacy to obtain information on the web site.
Comparison ofHb‐200 and 6% hetastarch 450/0.7 during initial fluid resuscitation of 20 dogs with gastric dilatation‐volvulus
Authors: Haak Carol E. , Rudloff Elke , Kirby Rebecca
Published: July 2012

Objective

To compare the use of polymerized stroma‐free bovine hemoglobin (Hb‐200) and 6% hetastarch 450/0.7 (HES450/0.7) in 0.9% saline during fluid resuscitation of dogs with gastric dilatation‐volvulus (GDV).

Design

Prospective, randomized clinical case series.

Setting

Private specialty and referral clinic.

Animals

Twenty client‐owned dogs presenting withGDV.

Interventions

Dogs presenting withGDVand abnormal perfusion parameters first received rapidIVinfusion of a buffered isotonic replacement crystalloid (15 mL/kg) andIVopioids. Patients were then randomized to receive eitherHb‐200 (N= 10) orHES450/0.7 (N= 10). Balanced isotonic replacement crystalloids (10–20 mL/kgIV) were rapidly infused along with eitherHb‐200 orHESin 5 mL/kgIValiquots to meet resuscitation end points.

Measurements and Main Results

Resuscitation was defined as meeting at least 2 of 3 criteria: (1) capillary refill time 1–2 seconds, pink mucous membrane color, strong femoral pulse quality; (2) heart rate (HR) ≤ 150/min; or (3) indirect arterial systolic blood pressure (SBP) > 90 mmHg.HR,SBP, packed cell volume, hemoglobin, glucose, venous pH, bicarbonate, base excess, anion gap, and colloid osmotic pressure were compared at hospital entry and within 30 minutes post‐resuscitation. Compared to theHESgroup, theHb‐200 group required significantly less colloid (4.2 versus 18.4 mL/kg) and crystalloid (31.3 versus 48.1 mL/kg) to reach resuscitation end points (P= 0.001). Time to resuscitation was significantly shorter in theHb‐200 group (12.5 versus 52.5 min).

Conclusions

Dogs withGDVreceivingHb‐200 during initial resuscitation required smaller volumes of both crystalloid and colloid fluids and reached resuscitation end points faster than dogs receivingHES450/0.7 (P= 0.02).
In vitro evaluation of the effect of hypothermia on coagulation in dogs via thromboelastography
Authors: Taggart Ryan , Austin Brenda , Hans Eric , Hogan Daniel
Published: July 2012

Objective

To evaluate the effect of temperature alterations on in vitro coagulation in healthy dogs using thromboelastography (TEG).

Design

In vitro study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Six healthy purpose‐bred laboratory dogs.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Thromboelastograph tracings were created daily for all test subjects and used to generate control values forR,K, α, andMA. Control values were compared to test samples incubated at 42, 39, 36, 33, 30, and 27°C. At temperatures ≤ 30°C, a significant increase inKvalues and a significant decrease in the α values were noted. There were no significant differences detected forRandMAamong any of the test temperatures.

Conclusions

Hypothermia results in in vitro coagulation changes in healthy dogs as determined by whole blood analysis usingTEG. The data suggest that while clots may form more slowly at decreased temperatures, the ultimate strength of the clot appears unaffected.
Programmed Cell Death 4 (PDCD4): A Novel Player in Ethanol‐Mediated Suppression of Protein Translation in Primary Cortical Neurons and Developing Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Narasimhan Madhusudhanan , Rathinam Marylatha , Riar Amanjot , Patel Dhyanesh , Mummidi Srinivas , Yang Hsin‐Shen , Colburn Nancy H. , Henderson George I. , Mahimainathan Lenin
Published: July 2012

Background

Prenatal exposure to ethanol (EtOH) elicits a range of neuro‐developmental abnormalities, microcephaly to behavioral deficits. Impaired protein synthesis has been connected to pathogenesis of EtOH‐induced brain damage and abnormal neuron development. However, mechanisms underlying these impairments of protein synthesis are not known. In this study, we illustrate the effects of EtOH on programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4), a tumor and translation repressor.

Methods

Primary cortical neurons (PCNs) were treated with 2.5 and 4 mg/ml EtOH for different time points (4 to 24 hours), and PDCD4 expression was detected by Western blotting. Protein synthesis was determined using [35S] methionine incorporation assay. Methyl cap pull‐down assay was performed to establish the effect of EtOH on association of eukaryotic initiation factor 4A (eIF4A) with capped mRNA. Luciferase assay was performed to determine the in vivo translation. A 2‐day acute 5‐dose binge model with EtOH (4 g/kg body wt, 25% v/v) was performed in Sprague–Dawley rats at 12‐hour intervals and analyzed for PDCD4, eIF4A, and eIF4A–methyl cap association.

Results

EtOH increased PDCD4 expression in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner in PCNs, which inhibited the association of eIF4A with methyl cap. EtOH and ectopic PDCD4 expression suppressed in vivo translation in PCNs and RNAi targeting of PDCD4 blocked the inhibitory effect of EtOH on protein synthesis. In utero exposure of pregnant rats to EtOH resulted in a significant increase in PDCD4 in fetal cerebral cortex along with the inhibition of methyl cap–associated eIF4A, compared with isocaloric controls. Increased PDCD4 also occurred in pooled fractions of remaining brain regions.

Conclusions

Our data, for the first time, illustrate that PDCD4 mediates inhibitory effects of EtOH on protein synthesis in PCNs and developing brain.
Greening Constitutions with Environmental Rights: Testing the Isomorphism Thesis
Authors: Gellers Joshua
Published: July 2012

Why do some countries have constitutional environmental rights while others do not? In this paper, I conduct statistical analyses to respond to this inquiry. Through studying the impact of intraregional constitutional design, I aim to understand why states adopt environmental rights. I argue that regional isomorphism—i.e., the tendency among states within a region to converge on certain policies—may explain the trend toward constitutionalization of environmental rights. In this paper I (1) define and provide historical background on environmental rights, (2) describe theories which support regional isomorphism as a means of explaining the adoption of constitutional environmental rights, and (3) conduct statistical tests to determine the validity of the regional isomorphism thesis. I find that the enactment of constitutional environmental rights within a region does not increase the likelihood that another state within the same region will include environmental rights within its constitution.
Sequential Dependencies in Driving
Authors: Doshi Anup , Tran Cuong , Wilder Matthew H. , Mozer Michael C. , Trivedi Mohan M.
Published: July 2012

The effect of recent experience on current behavior has been studied extensively in simple laboratory tasks. We explore the nature of sequential effects in the more naturalistic setting of automobile driving. Driving is a safety‐critical task in which delayed response times may have severe consequences. Using a realistic driving simulator, we find significant sequential effects in pedal‐press response times that depend on the history of recent stimuli and responses. Response times are slowed up to 100 ms in particular cases, a delay that has dangerous practical consequences. Further, we observe a significant number of history‐related pedal misapplications, which have recently been noted as a cause for concern in the automotive safety community. By anticipating these consequences of sequential context, driver assistance systems could mitigate the effects of performance degradations and thus critically improve driver safety.
A comparative study of the retention and lethality of the first and second generation arthropod protein markers
Authors: Slosky Lauren M. , Hoffmann Eric J. , Hagler James R.
Published: July 2012

A greenhouse study was conducted that compared the protein mark retention time of a well‐established rabbit IgG protein detection protocol with those of three newer, less expensive protein detection protocols designed to detect casein in bovine milk, egg albumin in chicken egg whites, and soy trypsin in soy milk, respectively. Adult convergent lady beetles, Hippodamia convergens Guérin‐Méneville (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), were topically marked with either 2.0 ml of a 5.0 mg ml−1 rabbit IgG solution or 2.0 ml of pure bovine milk, chicken egg whites, or soy milk solutions. The variously marked cohorts of beetles were then released into cages that contained a single cotton plant. In turn, beetles were collected every other day for 26 days after marking and assayed for the presence of the protein marks by either a sandwich anti‐rabbit IgG enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or an indirect anti‐casein, anti‐egg albumin, or anti‐soy trypsin ELISA to detect bovine casein, chicken egg albumin, or soy milk trypsin, respectively. Data indicate that the durability of the protein markers on the beetles decreases in the following order: egg whites > rabbit IgG > milk > soy milk. In addition, the mortality of H. convergens after receiving each protein mark treatment was assessed. Data revealed that there were no significant differences in mean mortality of beetles between any of the protein treatments. Overall mortality during the course of the 26‐day study ranged from 30% for the soy‐marked beetles to 50% for the water and rabbit IgG‐marked beetles.
Relationship between focal cortical dysplasia and epilepsy‐associated low‐grade tumors: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Marucci Gianluca , Martinoni Matteo , Giulioni Marco
Published: July 2012

We retrospectively analyzed 29 seizure‐associated temporal lobe low‐grade tumors to evaluate the utility of CD34 and bcl‐2 expression in clarifying the relationship of these tumors with different classes of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). CD34 immunostained 75% of gangliogliomas (GG) and 60% of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas. FCD type IIIb [i.e. abnormal cortical layering associated with a glioneuronal tumor, according to the new International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classification] presented CD34‐immunopositive cells in 2/9 (22.2%) cases, whereas FCD type II in 6/7 (85.7%) cases, a difference statistically significant (p = 0.0117). Bcl‐2 immunostained 9/12 (75%) gangliogliomas and 2/3 (66.6%) gangliocytomas. The cases of FCD type IIIb resulted negative for Bcl‐2, whereas 4/7 cases (57.1%) of FCD type II showed immunopositive cells. These differences in Bcl‐2 expression between FCD type IIIb and FCD type II resulted statistically significant (p = 0.0088). Abnormal cortical layering, overall, represents the kind of FCD more commonly associated with seizure‐related low‐grade tumors, whereas FCD type II is more frequently associated with GG. The profile of CD34 and Bcl‐2 expression exhibited by GG is more similar to that observed in FCD type II. Such immunoprofile suggests the existence of a common pathogenesis linking glioneuronal tumors and FCD type II.
Antimicrobial responses of primary gingival cells to Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Dommisch Henrik , Reinartz Markus , Backhaus Tim , Deschner James , Chung Whasun , Jepsen Søren
Published: July 2012

Background

Human beta‐defensins (hBDs) and the C–C chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) produced by gingival epithelial cells (GECs) and fibroblasts (HGFs) are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that play an important role in innate immunity. The aim of this study was to determine the differential immune response of GECs and HGFs to the oral commensal Streptococcus gordonii (SG) and the pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG).

Material and Methods

In addition to the analysis of gingival biopsies, primary GECs and HGFs were exposed to SG and/or PG, and expression of various AMPs and pro‐inflammatory mediators was studied by real‐time PCR and ELISA.

Results

Gene expression of AMPs was detected in gingival connective tissue. Both SG and PG induced the mRNA‐expression of hBD‐2 and hBD‐3 in GECs as well as HGFs after 24 h (p < 0.05). In HGFs, the commensal bacterium SG stimulated the mRNAs of hBD‐3 and CCL20 after 24 h (p < 0.05), while not in GECs. In GECs, the inductive effect of PG on the mRNA‐expression of hBD‐2 was amplified when cells were first exposed to commensal SG (for 1 h) prior to stimulation with PG (SG‐PG; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our data indicate that cell‐bacteria interactions and/or bacteria‐bacteria cross‐talk may have an impact on AMP‐regulation in gingiva.
Pre‐existing diabetes mellitus in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Chou Yi‐Sheng , Yang Ching‐Fen , Chen Harn‐Shen , Yang Sheng‐Hsiang , Yu Yuan‐Bin , Hong Ying‐Chung , Liu Chun‐Yu , Gau Jyh‐Pyng , Liu Jin‐Hwang , Chen Po‐Min , Chiou Tzeon‐Jye , Tzeng Cheng‐Hwai , Hsiao Liang‐Tsai
Published: July 2012

Objectives

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is present in approximately 10% of patients at diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM) and is associated with increased risks of adverse events caused by novel antimyeloma agents. However, the impact of type 2 diabetes on the survival of patients with MM has not been studied.

Methods

We enrolled newly diagnosed patients with MM in Taipei Veterans General Hospital between 1999 and 2007 and identified those with pre‐existing diabetes. The impact of pre‐existing diabetes on patients with MM was evaluated by comparing clinical features, treatments and adverse reactions related to glycaemic control and overall survival (OS) of patients with and without pre‐existing diabetes.

Results

Of 310 patients with MM, 73% were men and 40 (12.9%) had pre‐existing diabetes. Compared with their non‐diabetic counterparts, MM patients with pre‐existing diabetes had a significantly higher proportion of renal impairment [(RI), serum creatinine ≥2.0 mg/dL] and International Staging System stage III at diagnosis, and a significantly lower proportion of bisphosphonate use and a lower rate of RI reversal (P = 0.087). During the course of the disease, hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia of any grade were noted in 23 (67.6%) and 6 (17.6%) of these patients, respectively. Antidiabetic therapy was changed in 10 (29.4%) of 34 evaluable patients. MM patients with pre‐existing diabetes had a significantly higher all‐cause mortality risk (hazard ratio, 1.509; 95% confidence interval, 1.023–2.225, P = 0.037) compared with their non‐diabetic counterparts.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated the impact of pre‐existing diabetes on clinical features and OS in patients with MM.
A CSR classification of tree life history strategies and implications for ice storm damage
Authors: Wonkka Carissa L. , Lafon Charles W. , Hutton Craig M. , Joslin Audrey J.
Published: July 2012

Differences in life history strategy influence the ecological roles of plant species, including their susceptibility to disturbance events. According to Grime's CSR model, plants exhibit three primary strategies, which reflect tradeoffs between stress and disturbance. Here we classify eastern North American tree species into life history strategies on the basis of the CSR model. Then, using data on ice storm damage to trees, we investigate how the level of damage varied among the different CSR categories. We used tree damage data for almost 2000 individual trees representing 30 species collected during two ice storms in the Appalachian Mountains. We augmented the study with ice damage data gleaned from nine published ice‐storm studies containing over 30 000 individuals representing 22 species. The trees we identified as stress‐tolerators (S) consistently sustained less damage than the other species. This finding matches the stress‐tolerant strategy: damage‐resistance is imperative for the persistence of trees that exhibit slow growth, low reproductive capacity and long lifespan. Our analyses also suggest that competitors (C) suffer widespread damage, particularly branch breakage, but experience low mortality. This pattern likely reflects features of the competitive strategy, such as wood strength and canopy form, which preclude resistance to damage but facilitate rapid recovery. The ice damage datasets did not contain trees that we classified as ruderals (R). Competitive ruderals (C‐R) and stress‐tolerant ruderals (S‐R), however, sustained heavy damage and high mortality, consistent with low investment in tree defense and a prioritization of reproduction. Our analyses suggest the usefulness of the CSR model for interpreting forest dynamics and understanding the implications of tree life‐history strategies for forest disturbance responses.
Constraint on woody cover in relation to nutrient content of soils in western southern Africa
Authors: Mills Anthony J. , Milewski Antoni V. , Fey Martin V. , Gröngröft Alexander , Petersen Andreas , Sirami Clélia
Published: July 2012

The influence of soil nutrients on woody plants is poorly understood. Are trees – fire and other disturbance factors being equal – generally promoted by nutrient‐rich or by nutrient‐poor soils? To determine the edaphic parameters controlling woody cover, we sampled soils and summed the extent of the crowns of trees and tall shrubs on 364 plots at 20 sites in Namibia and adjacent South Africa, ranging from desert lichen‐fields to caesalpiniaceous woodland with associated mean annual rainfall of 11 mm to 535 mm. Our analysis included the macro‐nutrients N, P, Mg, K and Ca and the trace elements Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn. A boundary line analysis showed that woody cover was densest, with the greatest large‐scale heterogeneity, at intermediate nutrient contents, but consistently constrained at extreme nutrient richness as well as poverty. If aridity exerted the ultimate constraint at extreme nutrient richness, no such correlation with climate apparently applies at extreme nutrient poverty, where our graphs show an ‘oligotrophic decline’. Notwithstanding the importance of water, we suggest that extreme nutrient richness and poverty both favour grasses over tree seedlings. This is because catabolic dystrophy – a regime in which the supply of catabolic nutrients shortfalls their demand – is unlikely in environments where nutrient richness allows catabolic rates to match anabolic rates or where nutrient poverty constrains anabolic rates. We also reason that surpluses of photosynthate resulting from dystrophy can be allocated to lignin and that the potential for woody growth thus corresponds to soils of intermediate nutrient content. This explains why woody cover is consistently but not homogeneously densest in nutritionally intermediate plots in our dataset. Hence, the abundance of woody plants in various biomes may be determined partly by soil nutrient content, particularly of Cu, Zn, and other elements indispensible for catabolism.
Dissection of Minimal Sequence Requirements for Rhoptry Membrane Targeting in the Malaria Parasite
Authors: Cabrera Ana , Herrmann Susann , Warszta Dominik , Santos Joana M. , John Peter Arun T. , Kono Maya , Debrouver Sandra , Jacobs Thomas , Spielmann Tobias , Ungermann Christian , Soldati‐Favre Dominique , Gilberger Tim W.
Published: July 2012

Rhoptries are specialized secretory organelles characteristic of single cell organisms belonging to the clade Apicomplexa. These organelles play a key role in the invasion process of host cells by accumulating and subsequently secreting an unknown number of proteins mediating host cell entry. Despite their essential role, little is known about their biogenesis, components and targeting determinants. Here, we report on a conserved apicomplexan protein termed Armadillo Repeats‐Only (ARO) protein that we localized to the cytosolic face ofPlasmodium falciparumandToxoplasma gondiirhoptries. We show that the first 20 N‐terminal amino acids are sufficient for rhoptry membrane targeting. This protein relies on both – myristoylation and palmitoylation motifs – for membrane attachment. Although these lipid modifications are essential, they are not sufficient to directAROto the rhoptry membranes. Mutational analysis revealed additional residues within the first 20 amino acids ofAROthat play an important role for rhoptry membrane attachment: the positively charged residuesR9andK14. Interestingly, the exchange ofR9with a negative charge entirely abolishes membrane attachment, whereas the exchange ofK14(and to a lesser extentK16) alters only its membrane specificity. Additionally, 17 proteins predicted to be myristoylated and palmitoylated in the first 20 N‐terminal amino acids were identified in the genome of the malaria parasite. While most of the correspondingGFPfusion proteins were trafficked to the parasite plasma membrane, two were sorted to the apical organelles. Interestingly, these proteins have a similar motif identified forARO.
A retrospective study of 22 patients with necrotising fasciitis treated at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (2005–2010)
Authors: Arifi Hysni M , Duci Shkelzen B , Zatriqi Violeta K , Ahmeti Hasan R , Ismajli Vildane H , Gashi Musli M , Zejnullahu Ylber M , Mekaj Agon Y
Published: July 2012

Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a destructive invasive infection of skin, subcutaneous tissue and deep fascia. The aim of the study is to determine the causative agents of NF, its localisation, predisposing factors and comorbid conditions, duration of treatment and distribution of NF in different age groups and over the years. We conducted a retrospective study including 22 patients with NF from 2005 to 2010 in the University Clinical Center of Kosovo. The data were collected and analysed from the archives and protocols of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo. The average age of patients was 56·9 years. In eight cases or 36·4% of total patients studied, NF was caused by monobacterial agents with a predominance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (five cases or 22·7% of total infections). Polybacterial agents were responsible for NF infection in other 14 cases (63·6%). Majority of the patients had other comorbidities like diabetes, trauma and prior history of surgical interventions. Diabetes was present in 17 patients or 77·3%. The remaining five patients (22·7%) had previous trauma and recent surgical intervention. Average length of treatment was 43 days. The hospital mortality rate in our case series was 22·6%. Early identification and diagnosis of NF significantly improves outcome and reduces mortality.
Tadalafil Enhances the Inhibitory Effects of Tamsulosin on Neurogenic Contractions of Human Prostate and Bladder Neck
Authors: Angulo Javier , Cuevas Pedro , Fernández Argentina , La Fuente José M. , Allona Antonio , Moncada Ignacio , Sáenz de Tejada Iñigo
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH-LUTSs) may be associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors used for treating ED have shown clinical benefit in patients with LUTS but their actions in human LUT tissues are not well defined.

Aim

To determine the effects of the long-acting PDE5 inhibitor, tadalafil, on smooth muscle tone in human prostate and bladder neck as well as to evaluate the influence of tadalafil on the efficacy of the α-adrenergic receptor antagonist, tamsulosin, in inhibiting contractile responses in these tissues.

Methods

Strips of human peripheral prostate (HPP), human internal prostate (HIP), and human bladder neck (HBN) were obtained from organ donors and patients with BPH. The strips were then disposed in organ baths to evaluate nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-mediated relaxation and cGMP kinetics in HPP and HIP, and electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced neurogenic contractions in HPP and HBN.

Main Outcome Measures

Tadalafil-induced effects on sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced relaxation and cGMP accumulation in HPP and HIP and influence of tadalafil and tamsulosin on EFS-induced contractions of HPP and HBN.

Results

SNP-induced relaxation of HPP and HIP was significantly potentiated by tadalafil (30–60 nM). SNP-induced cGMP accumulation in HPP and HIP was enhanced by tadalafil (30–60 nM), but significant difference was only obtained in HPP. EFS-induced contractions sensitive to tetrodotoxin in HPP were significantly inhibited by tadalafil (30 nM) but not by tamsulosin (0.01–100 nM) or vehicle. Further inhibition of neurogenic responses in HPP was achieved by combining tadalafil and tamsulosin treatments. Tamsulosin, but not tadalafil, significantly reduced EFS-induced contractions in HBN, but the coadministration of both therapies resulted in additional inhibition of contractions.

Conclusions

While tadalafil enhances cGMP accumulation and potentiates prostate relaxation, tadalafil combined with tamsulosin results in enhanced inhibition of neurogenic contractions of HPP and HBN.
Advances in the use of the RNA interference technique in Hemiptera
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Xiao‐Ping , Wang Man‐Qun , Ma Wei‐Hua , Hua Hong‐Xia
Published: July 2012

Abstract  RNA interference (RNAi) suppresses the expression of target genes by post‐transcriptional regulation. Because double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) mediated gene silencing is a conserved mechanism in many eukaryotes, RNAi has become a valuable tool for unveiling gene function in many model insects. Recent research has also shown that RNAi can also be effective in the downregulation of target genes in Hemiptera. In this review, we discuss the use of the RNAi technique in gene functional analysis in hemipterans, highlighting the methods of dsRNA uptake by these insects and discuss the knock‐down efficiency of these techniques. Although the RNAi technique has disadvantages, our primary goal here is to determine whether it can be exploited further in the discovery of new gene functions, and as a pest control strategy, in some important Hemipteran pests.
On the point mass approximation to calculate the gravitational wave signal from white dwarf binaries
Authors: van den Broek D. , Nelemans G. , Dan M. , Rosswog S.
Published: July 2012

Double white dwarf binaries in the Galaxy dominate the gravitational wave sky and would be detectable for an instrument such as Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). Most studies have calculated the expected gravitational wave signal under the assumption that the binary white dwarf system can be represented by two point masses in orbit. We discuss the accuracy of this approximation for real astrophysical systems. For non-relativistic binaries in circular orbit, the gravitational wave signal can easily be calculated. We show that for these systems the point mass approximation is completely justified when the individual stars are axisymmetric irrespective of their size. We find that the signal obtained from smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations of tidally deformed, Roche lobe filling white dwarfs, including one case when an accretion disc is present, is consistent with the point mass approximation. The difference is typically at the level of 1 per cent or less in realistic cases, yielding small errors in the inferred parameters of the binaries.
Identification of Irradiated Spaghetti Sauces Using Different Physical Techniques
Authors: Akram Kashif , Ahn Jae‐Jun , Kim Gui‐Ran , Kwon Joong‐Ho
Published: July 2012

Gamma‐irradiated (0, 1, 5 and 10 kGy) spaghetti sauce samples were identified using photostimulated luminescence (PSL), thermoluminescence (TL) and electron spin resonance (ESR) techniques. PSL technique was used as a screening method for irradiated sauce samples, where the improved results of PSL method were observed for the freeze‐dried and alcoholic‐extracted samples. TL technique, through the density separation step of silicate minerals from irradiated samples, gave specific shape, intensity and occurrence of TL glow curve in a typical temperature range as well as TL ratio (TL
1/TL
2) to identify the irradiation treatment. The ESR method employed for the freeze‐dried samples, showed radiation‐specific cellulose signals for 5 and 10 kGy‐treated samples, and the results were comparable with oven‐dried samples. In general, TL technique was found the most sensitive and reliable for the identification of irradiated spaghetti sauces.

Practical Applications

The safety of food irradiation is well documented; however, this technique lacks international consensus for general applicability. Validated identification methods have prime importance for the application of different regulations regarding the international trade of irradiated food. This study comprehensively investigated the potential of different available techniques for the identification of irradiated sauce samples. Liquid samples were treated with different modified methods to find the improved identification results. The presented results may be useful for different regulatory authorities to identify or monitor irradiated spaghetti sauces.
Growing Burden of Stroke in Pakistan: A Review of Progress and Limitations
Authors: Hashmi Mubashirah , Khan Maria , Wasay Mohammad
Published: July 2012

Stroke rates in middle-aged people are five to ten times higher in Pakistan, India, Russia, China, and Brazil, compared with the United Kingdom or United States. South Asia is home to 20% of the world's population and has one of the highest burdens of cardiovascular disease in the world. With an aging population, there is an expected increase in the number of stroke cases and a corresponding increase in the burden of stroke in developing countries including South Asian countries like Pakistan. Limited data from prior studies in developing countries indicate that stroke epidemiology differs between these and Western countries. These differences include a higher incidence of stroke at younger ages, a higher prevalence of hemorrhagic stroke, and higher age-specific prevalence rates of stroke in women. The reasons for these differences in stroke epidemiology in developing countries are not clear. This may be explained by higher prevalence of established stroke risk factors, or potential nontraditional risk factors such as water pipe smoking, use of daldaghee or naswaar, and paan chewing; hepatitis and rheumatic heart disease may also contribute to these differences. Acute and long-term stroke treatment has shown limited progress in Pakistan like other developing countries because of poor awareness of patients and general physician on stroke symptomatology, management of stroke risk factors, lack of specialized stroke units in the country, very low utilization of thrombolytic therapy because of financial constraints and, above all, poor knowledge of physicians on the role of rehabilitation and its different aspects in the management of post stroke disability.