bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of presence or absence of teeth adjacent to implants installed immediately into extraction sockets on peri‐implant hard tissue levels: an experimental study in the dog
Authors: Favero Giovanni , Botticelli Daniele , Rea Massimiliano , Pantani Fabio , León Ileana Grau , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: August 2012

Aim

To evaluate the influence of the presence or absence of adjacent teeth on the level of the mesial and distal alveolar bony crest following healing at sites where implants were installed immediately into extraction sockets.

Material and methods

Six Labrador dogs were used. In the right side of the mandible, full‐thickness flaps were elevated, and the second, third, and fourth premolars and first molars were extracted. In the left side of the mandible, endodontic treatments of the mesial roots of the third and fourth premolars as well as of the first molars were performed. Full‐thickness flaps were elevated, the teeth were hemi‐sected, and the distal roots were removed. The second premolars were extracted as well. Subsequently, implants were bilaterally installed with the implant shoulder flush with the buccal bony crest. Implants were placed in the center of the alveoli, but at the fourth premolars, they were placed toward the lingual bony plate of the alveoli. After 3 months of healing, the animals were euthanized and histological sections of the sites prepared.

Results

Larger bony crest resorption was observed at the test compared with the control sites, both at the bucco‐lingual and mesio‐distal aspects. The differences between test and controls for the coronal level of osseointegration were smaller than those for resorption. When data from all mesial and distal sites facing an adjacent tooth were collapsed and compared with those opposing an edentulous zone, lower bony crest resorption and deeper residual marginal defects were found at the sites with neighboring teeth.

Conclusion

The extraction of teeth adjacent to a socket into which implants were installed immediately after tooth extraction caused more alveolar bone resorption both for the bucco‐lingual and at the mesio‐distal aspects compared with sites adjacent to a maintained tooth.
Great Spotted Cuckoo Nestlings but not Magpie Nestlings Starve in Experimental Age‐Matched Broods
Authors: Soler Manuel , de Neve Liesbeth
Published: August 2012

Nestlings of non‐evicting avian brood‐parasites have to compete for food with foster parents' own nestlings. The outcome of these competitive contests is determined mainly by body size differences between parasitic and host nestlings. As part of the coevolutionary arms race between brood parasites and their hosts at the nestling stage, it has been reported that some host foster parents discriminate against parasitic chicks and are reluctant to feed them. Here, by experimentally creating size‐matched broods of different composition (only magpiePica picachicks, only great spotted cuckooClamator glandariuschicks or mixed broods), we show that great spotted cuckoo chicks starved in 20.2 per cent (17 of 84) of the parasitized magpie nests even in absence of size asymmetries, while in none (0 of 72) of the nests a magpie chick starved. As far as we know, this is the first record of non‐evictor brood parasitic nestlings starving without being smaller than their host nestmates in a frequently used host species. Nest composition had no effect on chick starvation. The cuckoo nestling starved even in two of the nests occupied by only one cuckoo chick. Our results could be explained by (1) magpies being reluctant to feed cuckoo chicks; (2) parasitic chicks receiving lower‐quality food items or cuckoo nestlings being sensitive to some particular component of the diet (e.g. cereal grains); and (3) the existence of cuckoo chick discrimination ability by magpie foster parents.
Intrinsically disordered proteins in human mitochondria
Authors: Ito Masahiro , Tohsato Yukako , Sugisawa Hitoshi , Kohara Shohei , Fukuchi Satoshi , Nishikawa Ikuko , Nishikawa Ken
Published: August 2012

Intrinsically disordered (ID) proteins (IDPs) are abundant in eukaryotes but are scarce in prokaryotes. Mitochondria, cellular organelles that descended from Rickettsia‐like α‐proteobacteria, are at the intersection between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Although IDPs are reportedly as rare in mitochondria as in bacteria, these details remained to be clarified. Human mitochondrial proteins (n = 706) were obtained from the UniProt database, and information on ID regions of all human proteins was extracted from the DICHOT database. A BLAST search carried out against all α‐proteobacterial proteins identified two types of mitochondrial proteins: those with (B) and without (E) bacterial homologues. The B‐type proteins (n = 387) descended from a bacterial ancestor, whereas the E‐type proteins (n = 319) were more recently added to the mitochondria via the host cell during the early evolution of eukaryotes. The average ID ratios of B‐type/E‐type proteins are 10.3% and 21.4%, respectively. The 706 proteins were further classified into four groups based on the mitochondrial subcompartment, namely, the matrix, intermembrane space, inner membrane, or outer membrane. The ID ratios in these different locations suggest that the frequency of IDPs in mitochondria might be due to the evolutionary origin (B‐type/E‐type) of the protein, rather than differences in its functional environment.
Dietary gluten alters the balance of pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in T cells of BALB/c mice
Authors: Antvorskov Julie C. , Fundova Petra , Buschard Karsten , Funda David P.
Published: August 2012

Several studies have documented that dietary modifications influence the development of type 1 diabetes. However, little is known about the interplay of dietary components and the penetration of diabetes incidence. In this study we tested if wheat gluten is able to induce differences in the cytokine pattern of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, as well as Foxp3− T cells, isolated from intestinal mucosal lymphoid tissue and non‐mucosal lymphoid compartments in BALB/c mice. The gluten‐containing standard diet markedly changed the cytokine expression within Foxp3− T cells, in all lymphoid organs tested, towards a higher expression of pro‐inflammatory interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) and IL‐2. In Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, gluten ingestion resulted in a mucosal increase in IL‐17 and IL‐2 and an overall increase in IFN‐γ and IL‐4. The gluten‐free diet induced an anti‐inflammatory cytokine profile with higher proportion of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β)+ Foxp3− T cells in all tested lymphoid tissues and higher IL‐10 expression within non‐T cells in spleen, and a tendency towards a mucosal increase in TGF‐β+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Our data shows that the gluten‐containing standard diet modifies the cytokine pattern of both Foxp3− T cells and Foxp3+ regulatory T cells towards a more inflammatory cytokine profile. This immune profile may contribute to the higher type 1 diabetes incidence associated with gluten intake.
Nutrients, technological properties and genetic relationships among twenty cowpea landraces cultivated in West Africa
Authors: Madodé Yann E. , Linnemann Anita R. , Nout Martinus J.R. , Vosman Ben , Hounhouigan Djidjoho J. , van Boekel Martinus A.J.S.
Published: August 2012

The genetic relationships among twenty phenotypically different cowpea landraces were unravelled regarding their suitability for preparing West African dishes. Amplified fragment length polymorphism classified unpigmented landraces (UPs) as highly similar (65%, one cluster), contrary to pigmented landraces (PLs, three clusters). UPs contained, in g kg−1 d.w., less fibre (24) and phenolics (3) than PLs (56 and 8, respectively) but had bigger seeds (200 g d.w. for 1000 seeds) and lower water absorption capacity at 30 °C (1049 g kg−1) than PLs (139 and 1184, respectively). In g kg−1 d.w., protein (255), ash (39), calcium (0.95), phytate (9.3), iron (0.07) and zinc (0.04) contents were similar. UPs genetic similarities corroborated with their chemical composition and functionality clustered by principal component analysis. Therefore, UPs are well interchangeable regarding chemical composition and suitability for boiled and fried cowpea dishes in contrast to PLs. PLs have potential for innovative product design owing to their functional properties.
Maintenance of postharvest quality and bioactive compounds of fresh‐cut sweet leaf bush (Sauropus androgynus L. Merr.) through hot CaCl2 dips
Authors: Supapvanich Suriyan , Arkajak Rachaya , Yalai Ko
Published: August 2012

The effects of hot CaCl2 dips on postharvest quality and bioactive compounds of fresh‐cut sweet leaf bush were investigated. The vegetable was dipped in 0.5% or 1.0% (w/v) of CaCl2 solutions at 40 °C for 30 s and the control was the untreated sample. Hot CaCl2 dips significantly delayed the weight loss, maintained the overall quality and inhibited the wiltness (P < 0.05). Both hot CaCl2 dips had no effect on the changes in lightness (L*) and delayed the decrease in greenness (‐a*) and total chlorophyll content and the increase in both yellowness (b*) and carotenoid content. Hot CaCl2 dips enhanced total antioxidants, total phenolics content and both AsA‐POD and G‐POD activities from 38.6, 0.44, 15.2 and 22.4 at day 0 to 55.3, 0.55, 50.5 and 362.4 at day 8, respectively. Moreover, hot CaCl2 dips also delayed the loss of DPPH free radical scavenging activity, total flavonoid, ascorbic acid and CAT activity when compared to other treatments during storage. This study showed that hot CaCl2 dip maintains postharvest quality and enhanced bioactive compounds of fresh‐cut sweet leaf bush during storage.
Changes in volatile compounds and oil quality with malaxation time of Tunisian cultivars of Olea europea
Authors: Youssef Ouni , Mokhtar Guerfel , Abdelly Chedly , Mohamed Salma Nayet , Mokhtar Zarrouk , Guido Flamini
Published: August 2012

While there has been considerable work examining the effect of malaxation time on different characteristics of olive oils, there have been few that deal with all the major aspects. Here, the influence of malaxation time was evaluated using major local Tunisian (cv. Chemlali and Chetoui) cultivars. Standard characteristics were measured as well as detailed analyses of volatile compounds were conducted. Headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) was applied to the analysis of volatile compounds of virgin olive oils from Chemlali and Chetoui varieties with differing malaxation time. Twenty‐seven compounds were characterised by GC‐FID and GC–MS. Compounds belonging mainly to alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones and hydrocarbons chemical classes characterized the volatile profile. Significant differences in the proportion of volatiles from oils of different malaxation time were detected. The results suggest that besides genetic factors, malaxation time influences volatile formation. The main variables that were affected by malaxation time were the total amount of phenols and composition of the volatile compounds. At malaxation time of 30 min, Chemlali and Chetoui olive oils presented the highest total phenol content (244.19 and 877.63 mg kg−1, respectively), while the lowest content was observed at 60 min from regardless of cultivars. In turn, this influenced the oxidative stability and peroxide value. It was also clear that the cultivars behaved differently and this prevented general conclusions being made for all of the quality characteristics.
Potential use of extra virgin olive oil in bakery products rich in fats: a comparative study with refined oils
Authors: Caponio Francesco , Giarnetti Mariagrazia , Paradiso Vito M. , Summo Carmine , Gomes Tommaso
Published: August 2012

The lipid fraction of bakery products undergoes a significant degradation during baking, with an increase in undesirable oxidised substances, that can act as catalysts for further oxidative reactions during storage reducing the product shelf life. The use of extra virgin olive oil in bakery products rich in fat in place of refined oils was studied, assessing the evolution of the oxidative and hydrolytic degradation during storage. Two‐way analysis of variance, followed by Tukey's HSD test for multiple comparisons, covariance and principal component analyses were carried out to compare the effect of the type of oils. The data obtained showed that the evolution of the oxidation levels in the analysed samples during storage was related to the type of oil used in the production process. Particularly, the use of extra virgin olive oil led to significantly lower values of hydroperoxides, ultraviolet absorption constants, triacylglycerol oligopolymers and oxidised triacylglycerols.
Factors related to dietary habits and body mass index among Turkish school children: a Cox's interaction model‐based study
Authors: Haney Meryem Ozturk , Erdogan Semra
Published: August 2012

Aim

To report a study conducted to describe the determinants of Turkish school‐aged children's dietary habits and body mass index.

Background

Over the past two decades, children's unhealthy dietary habits and obesity have increased rapidly. Nurses have an essential role in minimizing health‐risk behaviours and promoting healthy lifestyles. Using the Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior to measure children's dietary habits and body mass index values helps to prepare health‐promotion interventions.

Design

A descriptive, correlational study.

Method

The study was conducted, based on a sample of 420 fifth‐grade students and their parents in one city in Turkey. The data were collected during 2007 using a questionnaire designed to assess the dietary habits and anthropometric indices. Data were analysed using quantitative analysis to identify key variables.

Findings

The girls scored healthier on dietary habits than did the boys. Although dietary self‐efficacy was statistically significant as an explanatory variable of dietary habits for both genders, the dietary attitude was the only explanatory variable of dietary habits for the girls. No difference was detected in the prevalence of overweight between boys and girls.

Conclusion

Nurses are well‐situated to give children dietary self‐efficacy improvement, dietary attitude enhancement, and family‐centred and school‐based intervention programmes to reduce their unhealthy dietary habits. The model guides researchers to identify the background characteristics of children that result in the body mass index.
Surprisingly diverged populations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in natural environments remote from human activity
Authors: Wang Qi‐Ming , Liu Wan‐Qiu , Liti Gianni , Wang Shi‐An , Bai Feng‐Yan
Published: August 2012

The budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a leading system in genetics, genomics and molecular biology and is becoming a powerful tool to illuminate ecological and evolutionary principles. However, little is known of the ecology and population structure of this species in nature. Here, we present a field survey of this yeast at an unprecedented scale and have performed population genetics analysis of Chinese wild isolates with different ecological and geographical origins. We also included a set of worldwide isolates that represent the maximum genetic variation of S. cerevisiae documented so far. We clearly show that S. cerevisiae is a ubiquitous species in nature, occurring in highly diversified substrates from human‐associated environments as well as habitats remote from human activity. Chinese isolates of S. cerevisiae exhibited strong population structure with nearly double the combined genetic variation of isolates from the rest of the world. We identified eight new distinct wild lineages (CHN I–VIII) from a set of 99 characterized Chinese isolates. Isolates from primeval forests occur in ancient and significantly diverged basal lineages, while those from human‐associated environments generally cluster in less differentiated domestic or mosaic groups. Basal lineages from primeval forests are usually inbred, exhibit lineage‐specific karyotypes and are partially reproductively isolated. Our results suggest that greatly diverged populations of wild S. cerevisiae exist independently of and predate domesticated isolates. We find that China harbours a reservoir of natural genetic variation of S. cerevisiae and perhaps gives an indication of the origin of the species.
Mechanisms of smooth muscle responses to inflammation
Authors: Shea‐Donohue T. , Notari L. , Sun R. , Zhao A.
Published: August 2012

Background  Inflammation‐induced changes in smooth muscle may be the consequence of changes in the properties of smooth muscle itself, in the control by nerves and hormones, in the microenvironment, or in the balance of constitutive or induced mediators. A general concept is that the specific characteristics and effects of inflammation can be linked to the nature of the infiltrate and the associated mediators, which are dictated predominantly by the immune environment. Inflammatory mediators may regulate smooth muscle function by directly acting on smooth muscle cells or, indirectly, through stimulation of the release of mediators from other cells. In addition, smooth muscle is not a passive bystander during inflammation and our knowledge of molecular signaling pathways that control smooth muscle function, and the contribution of the immune mechanisms to smooth muscle homeostasis, has expanded greatly in the last decade. Recent studies also demonstrated the relevance of extracellular proteases, of endogenous or exogenous origin, redox imbalance, or epigenetic mechanisms, to gastrointestinal dismotility and inflammation in the context of functional and organic disorders.

Purpose  In this review we discuss the various types of inflammation and the established and emerging mechansims of inflammation‐induced changes in smooth muscle morphology and function.
Novel quadruple mutations in dihydropteroate synthase genes of Plasmodium falciparum in West Bengal, India
Authors: Das Sabyasachi , Chakraborty Subhankari P. , Tripathy Satyajit , Hati AmiyaKumar , Roy Somenath
Published: August 2012

Objective  To evaluate the anti‐folate (sulphadoxine)‐resistant pattern in Kolkata, one of the malaria endemic zones of Eastern India.

Methods  At first, 107 P. falciparum suspected cases were enrolled in this study. Ninety isolates (84.11%) of 107 suspected cases were analysed, as they had mono‐infection with P. falciparum. In vitro susceptibility assays were performed in all 90 isolates. Parasitic DNA was isolated by phenol‐chloroform extraction method and polymerase chain reaction was followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of different codons of the pfdhps gene (436, 437, 540, 581 and 613).

Results  Among 90 isolates from Kolkata, dhps mutant isolates at codons 436, 437, 540, 581 and 613 were found in 53.33%, 67.78%, 46.66%, 15.56% and 45.55%, respectively. In vitro sulphadoxine resistance was found in 49 isolates (54.44%). Interestingly we found 33 isolates (36.67%) with quadruple AGEAT mutant allele, of which 32 isolates (96.97%) were highly sulphadoxine resistant (P < 0.01) in vitro.

Conclusion  Our present findings implicate that because of enormous drug (sulphfadoxine) pressure, novel AGEAT mutation was highly correlated (P < 0.01) with sulphadoxine resistance.
Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy: epidemiological, clinical, and histopathological study of 18 cases from Lebanon
Authors: Ghazeeri Ghina , Kibbi Abdul‐Ghani , Abbas Ossama
Published: August 2012

Background  Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) is a benign pruritic inflammatory skin disorder that usually affects primigravidae in their third trimester of pregnancy. Studies on this condition from our area are lacking.

Objective and methods  To describe the epidemiological, clinical, and histopathological findings of all patients diagnosed with PUPPP at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUB‐MC) between 1998 and 2009 and compare our findings with those published in the literature.

Results  PUPPP mainly affected primigravidae (72%) in the third trimester of pregnancy (89%). Multiple gestation pregnancies were observed in 50% of cases. The abdomen and proximal thighs were the most commonly involved sites (67%), with exclusive involvement of the extremities in four cases. Although pruritic urticarial papules and plaques were the main morphological feature of PUPPP observed (98%), five cases had additional features, and one case presented exclusively with papulovesicular lesions. Microscopically, all cases biopsied showed the typical features of PUPPP, including negative direct immunofluorescence findings. Emollients, topical corticosteroids, and/or oral antihistamines were generally adequate to control symptoms in all cases, in which skin lesions resolved in an average of three weeks.

Conclusion  This study showed a lower incidence of PUPPP in our population compared with its incidence in other populations. It also confirmed the previously described clinical features, benign course, and excellent outcome of the condition, although variations may occur. Significant associations mainly included multiple gestation pregnancies, excessive maternal weight, and Rh‐positive blood type, while fetal gender and weight gain did not contribute.
De Novo COL7A1 mutation in a patient with trisomy 21: coexistence of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa and Down syndrome
Authors: Catalán Javiera A. , Rodríguez Fernando A. , Yubero María J. , Palisson Francis , Gana María J. , Krämer Susanne M. , Repetto Gabriela M.
Published: August 2012

Background  Down syndrome (DS) is the most common autosomal chromosomal disorder. Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare genodermatosis characterized by skin and mucous membrane fragility, with formation of blisters and erosions after minor trauma. Dystrophic EB (DEB) is inherited as an autosomal dominant (DDEB) or recessive (RDEB) trait. Both forms are caused by mutations in COL7A1, the gene coding for the type VII collagen. We report a patient affected by both conditions: DS and DDEB.

Methods  A patient with DS developed generalized blisters at the age of three months. Cytogenetic study was performed to confirm DS. Skin biopsies were examined with immunohistochemical and electron microscopy techniques to determine EB subtype. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples. COL7A1 mutations were screened by heteroduplex analysis using conformation‐sensitive gel electrophoresis and sequencing.

Results  Karyotype analysis revealed trisomy 21. Histological study agreed with a DEB diagnosis. Mutational analysis showed a heterozygous c.6127G>T mutation in COL7A1, which is compatible with DDEB. Parental study suggests that c.6127G>T arises as a de novo mutation.

Conclusions  This report demonstrates that EB can be associated with other common conditions and reports the case of a patient who suffered two de novo independent genetic conditions. It also contributes to expanding the knowledge and database of clinical and molecular aspects of DDEB.
Up to 9‐day survival and control of thrombocytopenia following alpha1,3‐galactosyl transferase knockout swine liver xenotransplantation in baboons
Authors: Kim Karen , Schuetz Christian , Elias Nahel , Veillette Gregory R. , Wamala Isaac , Varma Manish , Smith R. Neal , Robson Simon C. , Cosimi A. Benedict , Sachs David H. , Hertl Martin
Published: August 2012

Kim K, Schuetz C, Elias N, Veillette GR, Wamala I, Varma M, Smith RN, Robson SC, Cosimi AB, Sachs DH, Hertl M. Up to 9‐day survival and control of thrombocytopenia following GalT‐KO swine liver xenotransplantation in baboons. Xenotransplantation 2012; 19: 256–264.. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract: Background:  With standard miniature swine donors, survivals of only 3 days have been achieved in primate liver‐transplant recipients. The recent production of alpha1,3‐galactosyl transferase knockout (GalT‐KO) miniature swine has made it possible to evaluate xenotransplantation of pig organs in clinically relevant pig‐to‐non‐human primate models in the absence of the effects of natural anti‐Gal antibodies. We are reporting our results using GalT‐KO liver grafts.

Methods:  We performed GalT‐KO liver transplants in baboons using an immunosuppressive regimen previously used by our group in xeno heart and kidney transplantation. Post‐operative liver function was assessed by laboratory function tests, coagulation parameters and histology.

Results:  In two hepatectomized recipients of GalT‐KO grafts, post‐transplant liver function returned rapidly to normal. Over the first few days, the synthetic products of the donor swine graft appeared to replace those of the baboon. The first recipient survived for 6 days and showed no histopathological evidence of rejection at the time of death from uncontrolled bleeding, probably caused by transfusion‐refractory thrombocytopenia. Amicar treatment of the second and third recipients led to maintenance of platelet counts of over 40 000 per μl throughout their 9‐ and 8‐day survivals, which represents the longest reported survival of pig‐to‐primate liver transplants to date. Both of the last two animals nevertheless succumbed to bleeding and enterococcal infection, without evidence of rejection.

Conclusions:  These observations suggest that thrombocytopenia after liver xenotransplantation may be overcome by Amicar therapy. The coagulopathy and sepsis that nevertheless occurred suggest that additional causes of coagulation disturbance must be addressed, along with better prevention of infection, to achieve long‐term survival.
Beyond obesity: Is cholesterol‐induced liver injury the cause of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis?
Authors: Ioannou George N
Published: August 2012

See article in J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2012; 27: 1520–1527.
Metabolic syndrome, synchronous gastric and colorectal neoplasms: An ominous triad
Authors: Cremers M Isabelle
Published: August 2012

See article in J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2012; 27: 1490–1497.
Physiotherapy practice patterns for patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer: a survey of hospitals in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Cavalheri V. , Jenkins S. , Hill K.
Published: August 2012

Background

There has been a recent increase in the research available to guide physiotherapy management of patients who require surgical resection for lung cancer. It is unclear whether this evidence has influenced clinical practice.

Aim

To describe physiotherapy practice patterns in the preoperative and postoperative management of patients who undergo surgical resection for lung cancer.

Methods

Physiotherapists involved in the management of patients who require surgical resection for lung cancer at hospitals across Australia and New Zealand were mailed a purpose‐designed questionnaire.

Results

The response rate was 91% (43/47). Prior to surgery, 40% (n = 17) of the respondents indicated that patients were not assessed by a physiotherapist. In most hospitals (n = 39; 91%), patients did not participate in supervised exercise training before surgery. Most commonly, physiotherapy was commenced on the day following surgery (n = 39; 91%), with walking‐based exercise being the treatment that was most frequently implemented in all patients (n = 40; 93%). Seventy‐two per cent of respondents referred less than 25% of patients to pulmonary rehabilitation on discharge from hospital. Physiotherapy assessment and treatment choices were influenced predominantly by established practice in the hospital and personal experience rather than research findings.

Conclusion

In people who undergo surgical resection for lung cancer, physiotherapy services focused on reducing or preventing postoperative pulmonary complications. Despite recent data suggesting that exercise training is beneficial in this population, our data indicate that referral to pulmonary rehabilitation was uncommon.
Reducing risk in coronary artery disease. Are Australian patients in general practice achieving targets? The Coronary Artery Disease in general practice study (CADENCE)
Authors: Driscoll A. , Beltrame J. , Beauchamp A. , Morgan C. , Weekes A. , Tonkin A.
Published: August 2012

Background

The benefits of secondary preventive measures for stable coronary artery disease are well established and risk factor treatment targets are defined.

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine Australian general practitioners' (GP) perception and management of risk factors in chronic stable angina patients in primary care.

Methods

Using a cluster‐stratified design, 2031 consecutive stable angina patients were recruited between October 2006 and March 2007 by 207 GP who documented their risk factors and reported if they were optimally controlled.

Results

Among the patients, 93% had objective evidence of coronary artery disease and 63% were male, and mean age was 71 ± 11 years. Based upon national guidelines, recommended targets were achieved in: 60% for blood pressure, 24% for body mass index, 23% for waist circumference, 17% for lipid profiles (low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides) and 54% of diabetics for haemoglobin A1c. However, GP perceived risk factors to be ‘optimally controlled’ in: 86% for blood pressure (kappa statistic (κ) = 0.37), 44% for weight (κ = 0.3), 70% for lipids (κ = 0.20) and 60% for haemoglobin A1c (κ = 0.74).

Conclusions

In this representative cohort of chronic stable angina patients attending GP, cardiovascular risk factor control was frequently suboptimal despite being perceived as satisfactory by the clinicians. New strategies that raise awareness and address this treatment gap need to be implemented.
Normal aging modulates prefrontoparietal networks underlying multiple memory processes
Authors: Sambataro Fabio , Safrin Martin , Lemaitre Herve S. , Steele Sonya U. , Das Saumitra B. , Callicott Joseph H. , Weinberger Daniel R. , Mattay Venkata S.
Published: August 2012

A functional decline of brain regions underlying memory processing represents a hallmark of cognitive aging. Although a rich literature documents age‐related differences in several memory domains, the effect of aging on networks that underlie multiple memory processes has been relatively unexplored. Here we used functional magnetic resonance imaging during working memory and incidental episodic encoding memory to investigate patterns of age‐related differences in activity and functional covariance patterns common across multiple memory domains. Relative to younger subjects, older subjects showed increased activation in left dorso‐lateral prefrontal cortex along with decreased deactivation in the posterior cingulate. Older subjects showed greater functional covariance during both memory tasks in a set of regions that included a positive prefronto‐parietal‐occipital network as well as a negative network that spanned the default mode regions. These findings suggest that the memory process‐invariant recruitment of brain regions within prefronto‐parietal‐occipital network increases with aging. Our results are in line with the dedifferentiation hypothesis of neurocognitive aging, thereby suggesting a decreased specialization of the brain networks supporting different memory networks.
The neural pathway underlying social buffering of conditioned fear responses in male rats
Authors: Kiyokawa Yasushi , Wakabayashi Yoshihiro , Takeuchi Yukari , Mori Yuji
Published: August 2012

In social animals, the presence of an affiliative conspecific alleviates acute stress responses, and this is termed social buffering. However, the neural mechanisms underlying social buffering have not been elucidated. We have reported that the main olfactory system mediates social buffering of conditioned fear responses in male rats, and this is accompanied by suppression of the lateral and central amygdala. Therefore, olfactory signals are probably transmitted from the main olfactory system to the amygdala. Because the lateral and central amygdala do not receive projections from the main olfactory bulb, the site that links the main olfactory bulb and amygdala was presumed to be located within the main olfactory system. To find the linkage site, we generated lesions within the main olfactory system, and found that a bilateral lesion in the posteromedial region of the olfactory peduncle (pmOP) blocked social buffering. Next, we determined that the pmOP receives direct projections from the main olfactory bulb. Finally, we demonstrated that the connection between the pmOP and ipsilateral amygdala is important for social buffering, and that the pmOP projects directly to the ipsilateral amygdala, including the lateral and central amygdala. On the basis of these results, we suggest that the pmOP links the main olfactory blub to the amygdala and enables social buffering of conditioned fear responses. These results provide the first comprehensive picture of the neural pathway underlying the social buffering phenomenon.
Offloading effect of therapeutic footwear in patients with diabetic neuropathy at high risk for plantar foot ulceration
Authors: Arts M. L. J. , Waaijman R. , de Haart M. , Keukenkamp R. , Nollet F. , Bus S. A.
Published: August 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1534–1541 (2012)

Aims  Custom‐made therapeutic footwear is often prescribed to patients with diabetic neuropathy, foot deformity and a healed plantar foot ulcer. Offloading these feet is important to prevent ulcer recurrence. The aim was to evaluate the offloading effect of custom‐made footwear in these patients.

Methods  In 171 patients with diabetic neuropathy (336 feet) with foot deformity and a recently healed plantar foot ulcer, plantar pressures walking barefoot and inside new custom‐made footwear were measured. At the previous ulcer location and at locations of highest barefoot pressure attributable to the deformity, in‐shoe pressures were compared with non‐deformed feet. The footwear was considered effective in offloading when in‐shoe peak pressure at these locations was < 200 kPa.

Results  Mean in‐shoe peak pressures ranged between 211 and 308 kPa in feet with forefoot deformity (vs. 191–222 kPa in non‐deformed feet) and between 140 and 187 kPa in feet with midfoot deformity (vs. 112 kPa in non‐deformed feet). Offloading was effective in 61% of all feet with deformity, 81% of feet with midfoot deformity, 44% of feet with forefoot deformity and 62% of previous ulcer locations. Inter‐subject variability in measured in‐shoe plantar pressure was large.

Conclusions  Offloading in custom‐made footwear is often not sufficiently achieved in high‐risk diabetic feet with deformity. Highest offloading success rates were seen at known high‐risk locations such as previous ulcer locations and Charcot feet, the lowest success rates in forefoot deformities. Together with the large inter‐subject variability in pressure outcomes, this emphasizes the need for evidence‐based prescription and evaluation procedures to assure adequate offloading.
FLOWS OF THE PACIFIC: ASIAN FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKETS THROUGH TRANQUILITY AND TURBULENCE
Authors: RIME DAGFINN , TRANVÅG HANS JØRGEN
Published: August 2012

Using the longest data set on foreign exchange (FX) order flow to date, along with the broadest coverage of currencies to date, we examine the effect of FX order flow on exchange rates across small and large currencies, currencies with floating or fixed regimes, and across both tranquil and turbulent periods. Over our 15 years of data for 11 Asian and Australasian currencies, we find that order flow has a potentially strong impact on all exchange rates in the sample. The effect is strongest on floating exchange rates, both economically and statistically, but is sizeable also on the other exchange rates, especially during periods of turbulence. By creating a measure of regional order flow, we show that all exchange rates depreciate as flows are moved out of Asia/Australasia and into US dollars. This is true both across regimes and if their own flow is not included in the structure of the regional flow.
Not Worth the Sacrifice? Women's Aspirations and Career Progression in Law Firms
Authors: Walsh Janet
Published: August 2012

Although there has been a dramatic rise in the numbers of women entering the legal profession, women are far less likely than men to work as law firm partners. While there is evidence to suggest that women experience barriers to career progression,Hakim (2006) contends that not all women wish to advance to higher levels in their organizations and those who do may choose to remain childless and therefore not be interested in work–family/life policies. Against the backdrop of this debate, this article examines women's career aspirations and perceptions of their opportunities for promotion among a large sample of lawyers (N = 384). It was found that women with strong aspirations for advancement to partnership did not necessarily eschew the need for a balanced life‐style. All female lawyers, however, including those with strong aspirations for partnership, perceived that their opportunities for promotion were relatively constrained. It was the nature of a law firm's work–family/life culture, as well as the availability of flexible working, that exerted the most important influences on female lawyers' perceptions of their ability to progress in their careers.
More patients with atrial fibrillation need to be anticoagulated
Authors: Diener Hans‐Christoph
Published: August 2012

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Communicating About Macro‐prudential Supervision – A New Challenge for Central Banks
Authors: Born Benjamin , Ehrmann Michael , Fratzscher Marcel
Published: August 2012

In response to the financial crisis of 2007–10, many central banks have been given responsibility for macroprudential supervision. This paper argues that central bank communication will play a central role for that purpose, and makes the point that it should be generally geared towards clarity, transparency and predictability, in order to enhance the effectiveness of macroprudential policies and ensure central bank accountability. Moreover, central banks must manage expectations by clearly communicating what macroprudential policy can achieve, and what its limitations are, to counteract reputational risks. This paper also provides empirical evidence showing that financial markets react significantly and systematically to central bank communication about financial stability issues. However, some forms of communication – such as through speeches – may at times raise volatility and uncertainty, in particular during crises, thus underlining the importance of choosing carefully a communication strategy on macroprudential policy which is suited for a given market environment.
Macroeconomic Stability, Financial Stability, and Monetary Policy Rules
Authors: Agénor Pierre‐Richard , Pereira da Silva Luiz A.
Published: August 2012

This paper reviews arguments for and against attributing an explicit financial stability objective to monetary policy. The discussion is conducted from the perspective of middle‐income countries (MICs), where bank credit plays a critical role both on the supply and demand sides. It also discusses, on the assumption that a more proactive role is desirable, what monetary policy should react to and to what extent it should be combined with macroprudential regulation. There are robust arguments in favour of monetary policy reacting in a state‐contingent fashion to a measure at the private‐sector credit gap, not only because of financial stability considerations but also because of the high degree of uncertainty regarding real‐time estimates of the output gap in MICs. Nevertheless, monetary policy is not a substitute for macroprudential regulation; in particular, it cannot address the cross‐section dimension of systemic risk.
The Skin Cancer Quality of Life Impact Tool (SCQOLIT): a validated health‐related quality of life questionnaire for non‐metastatic skin cancers
Authors: Burdon‐Jones D. , Gibbons K.
Published: August 2012

Background  Quality of life (QOL) issues in patients with non‐metastatic skin cancer are not satisfactorily demonstrated when using existing QOL questionnaires.

Objective  To construct and validate a 10 item disease‐specific QOL questionnaire, the Skin Cancer Quality of Life Impact Tool (SCQOLIT), for use in patients following treatment of non‐metastatic skin cancer.

Methods  The SCQOLIT was constructed and administered initially to 120 patients with non‐metastatic skin cancer, 60 with malignant melanoma (MM) and 60 with non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) following treatment, then repeated in half this cohort at seven days, and the other half at three months. Data was collected on age, gender, skin cancer type and Breslow thickness. Statistical validation was undertaken.

Results  There were 113 valid SCQOLIT responses at initial completion (54 in the MM group, and 59 in the NMSC group). Initial SCQOLIT median scores (interquartile range [IQR], range) for the two groups were 10 (12, 0–28) MM, and 4 (5, 0–19) NMSC. Amongst the cohort readministered the SCQOLIT at three months (23 in the MM group, 25 in the NMSC group) median scores (IQR, range) were 6 (6, 0–26) MM and 3 (4, 0–20) NMSC.

Conclusions  The SCQOLIT is a validated disease‐specific QOL questionnaire for use in patients following treatment of non‐metastatic skin cancer. Higher SCQOLIT scores are observed in MM patients than NMSC patients, but diminish with time in the MM group. Patients with persistently elevated SCQOLIT scores merit additional attention.
MIL2 (MICROSPORELESS2) regulates early cell differentiation in the rice anther
Authors: Hong Lilan , Tang Ding , Shen Yi , Hu Qing , Wang Kejian , Li Ming , Lu Tiegang , Cheng Zhukuan
Published: August 2012

The formation of diverse, appropriately patterned cell types is critical in the development of all complex multicellular organisms. In flowering plants, anther patterning is a complex process essential for successful sexual reproduction. However, few genes regulating this process have been characterized to date. We report here that the gene MICROSPORELESS2 (MIL2) regulates early anther cell differentiation in rice (Oryza sativa).

The anthers of mil2 mutants were characterized using molecular markers and cytological examination. The MIL2 gene was cloned and its expression pattern was analyzed through RNA in situ hybridization. The localization of the MIL2 protein was observed by immunostaining.

MIL2 encodes the rice homolog of the Arabidopsis TAPETUM DETERMINANT1 (TPD1) protein. However, mil2 anthers display phenotypes different from those of tpd1 mutants, with only two layers of anther wall cells formed. MIL2 has an expression pattern distinct from that of TPD1. Its transcripts and proteins predominate in inner parietal cells, but show little accumulation in reproductive cells.

Our results demonstrate that MIL2 is responsible for the differentiation of primary parietal cells into secondary parietal cells in rice anthers, and suggest that rice and Arabidopsis anthers might share similar regulators in anther patterning, but divergent mechanisms are employed in these processes.
Risk‐avoidant decision making increased by threat of electric shock
Authors: Clark Luke , Li Ruoran , Wright Chelsea M. , Rome Farima , Fairchild Graeme , Dunn Barnaby D. , Aitken Michael R. F.
Published: August 2012

Threat cues elicit defensive reactions mediated by limbic brain circuitry that is also implicated in risk‐sensitive decision making. Building upon research looking at stress effects on decision making, a gambling task was administered to 65 healthy adults, comparing decision making on trials on which a red screen background signalled threat of shocks against trials when shocks could not occur. The threat cues elicited increased electrodermal activity and a sustained decrease in heart rate, consistent with defensive vigilance. The threat condition was associated with risk‐avoidant choices, on trials where the risky option involved moderate losses and when choosing between options involving only losses. These effects were not explained by changes in latency. Threat exerts immediate effects on decision making and physiological arousal, biasing subjects towards safer alternatives, potentially through a magnified processing of loss information.
Promoting sustainable financial behaviour: implications for education and research
Authors: Hira Tahira K.
Published: August 2012

The current financial crisis has clearly shown that national financial health is strongly tied to the household financial well‐being, and that most consumers were not well equipped with knowledge they needed to cope with this crisis. The failure of markets, institutions, businesses and households during the current financial crisis also revealed the serious economic risks posed by widespread unethical and irresponsible behaviour. The focus of this paper is to explore how, through financial education, we can improve the economic performance of individuals in the economy, both for their own well‐being and for the well‐being of society at large. However, for that to happen, the current approach to financial education will have to include the discussion of attitudes, values and beliefs that enable us to make financial decision that promote long‐term security for families and communities. After establishing the importance of financial education, the challenges and opportunities of the current status of financial education, with emphasis on the complexity of human and financial behaviour, are discussed. It, then, argues for the promotion of responsible behaviour by integrating fundamental values in financial education. Discussion of how selected learning theories can be used to develop effective teaching approaches and the implications for future research conclude the paper.
Getting Cinderella to the ball: putting education at the heart of financial education
Authors: Baumann Carol , Hall Tony
Published: August 2012

The recent banking collapse has called into question all activity related to financial services, from regulation to consumer protection, to financial education. Since the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development's 2005 ‘Recommendations on Principles and Good Practices for Financial Education and Awareness’, there has been an increase in financial education activity, yet the world is a different place. The role of financial education, its scope and its potential, must now be critically analysed to help ensure its efficacy in supporting financial rectitude in challenging times. The authors draw on several years’ experience in the design and delivery of financial education programmes and debt prevention interventions, informed by their perspective as educationalists. In this theoretical commentary, they seek to influence the discourse on financial education, and position education as a foundational discipline in financial education. The authors identify potential risk to the future of financial education, engaging with the literature that questions the validity of financial education as an endeavour in consumer protection, which points to the dearth of empirical evidence to support its effectiveness, and which queries the efficacy of resourcing such initiative development. They argue that financial education focused on consumption cannot serve the citizen; rather, financial education must be rooted in the needs of the individual. Through these analyses, the authors highlight areas of further research, which when undertaken, can lead to more effective outcomes for all. This article introduces the concept of financial edification as an approach to financial education, predicated on the needs of the individual. In repositioning financial education as a pedagogical endeavour, the article asserts that financial education, when not driven by education, cannot achieve its true potential; it is time for Cinderella to go to the ball.