bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of translation factor eEF1A with defective ribosomal products generates a signal for aggresome formation.
Authors: Meriin Anatoli B. , Zaarur Nava , Sherman Michael Y.
Published: February 2012

Aggresome formation is initiated upon proteasome failure, and facilitates autophagic clearance of protein aggregates to protect cells from proteotoxicity. Here we demonstrate that proteasome inhibition generates a signaling event to trigger aggresome formation. In aggresome signaling, the cell senses a buildup of aberrant newly synthesized proteins. The translation elongation factor eEF1A associated with these species, and knockdown of this factor suppressed aggresome formation. We employed the Legionella toxin SidI to distinguish between the function of eEF1A in translation and its novel function in the aggresome formation. In fact, while strongly inhibiting translation, this toxin had only a marginal effect on aggresome formation. Furthermore, SidI reduced the threshold of the aberrant ribosomal products for triggering aggresome formation. Therefore, eEF1A binds defective polypeptides released from ribosomes, which generates a signal that triggers aggresome formation.
Kinesin-3 and dynein mediate microtubule-dependent co-transport of mRNPs and endosomes
Authors: Baumann Sebastian , Pohlmann Thomas , Jungbluth Marc , Brachmann Andreas , Feldbrügge Michael
Published: February 2012

Long-distance transport of mRNAs is important in determining polarity in eukaryotes. Molecular motors shuttle large ribonucleoprotein complexes (mRNPs) containing RNA-binding proteins and associated factors along microtubules. However, precise mechanisms including the interplay of molecular motors and a potential connection to membrane trafficking remain elusive. Here, we solve the motor composition of transported mRNPs containing the RNA-binding protein Rrm4 of the pathogen Ustilago maydis. The underlying transport process determines the axis of polarity in infectious filaments. Plus end-directed Kin3, a Kinesin-3 type motor, mediates anterograde transport of mRNPs and is also present in transport units moving retrogradely. Split-dynein Dyn1/2 functions in retrograde movement of mRNPs. Plus end-directed conventional kinesin Kin1 is indirectly involved by transporting minus end-directed Dyn1/2 back to plus ends. Importantly, we additionally demonstrate that Rrm4-containing mRNPs co-localise with the t-SNARE Yup1 on shuttling endosomes and that functional endosomes are essential for mRNP movement. Either loss of Kin3 or removal of its lipid-binding pleckstrin homology domain abolish Rrm4-dependent movement without preventing co-localisation of Rrm4 and Yup1-positive endosomes. In summary, we uncovered the combination of motors required for mRNP shuttling along microtubules. Furthermore, intimately linked co-transport of endosomes and mRNPs suggests vesicle hitchhiking as novel mode of mRNP transport.
RECQL4 is essential for the transport of p53 to mitochondria in normal human cells in the absence of exogenous stress
Authors: De Siddharth , Kumari Jyoti , Mudgal Richa , Modi Priyanka , Gupta Shruti , Futami Kazunobu , Goto Hideyuki , Lindor Noralane M. , Furuichi Yasuhiro , Mohanty Debasisa , Sengupta Sagar
Published: February 2012

Mutations in RECQL4 helicase are associated with Rothmund Thomson Syndrome (RTS). A subset of RTS patients is predisposed to cancer and is sensitive to DNA damaging agents. The enhanced sensitivity of RTS cells correlates with the accumulation of transcriptionally active nuclear p53. We found that in untreated normal human cells these two nuclear proteins, p53 and RECQL4, instead colocalize in the mitochondrial nucleoids. RECQL4 accumulates in mitochondria in all phases of cell cycle except S-phase and physically interact with p53 only in absence of DNA damage. p53-RECQL4 binding leads to the masking of the Nuclear Localization Signal of p53. The N-terminal 84 amino acids of RECQL4 contain a Mitochondrial Localization Signal (MLS), which causes the localization of RECQL4-p53 complex to the mitochondria. RECQL4-p53 interaction is disrupted after stress, allowing p53 translocation to the nucleus. In untreated normal cells RECQL4 optimizes de novo mtDNA replication, which is consequently decreased in RTS fibroblasts. Wildtype RECQL4 complemented RTS cells show relocalization of both RECQL4 and p53 to the mitochondria, loss of p53 activation, restoration of de novo mtDNA replication and resistance to different types of DNA damage. In cells expressing Δ84 RECQL4 which cannot translocate to mitochondria, all the above functions are compromised. The recruitment of p53 to the sites of de novo mtDNA replication is also regulated by RECQL4. Thus these findings elucidate the mechanism by which p53 is regulated by RECQL4 in unstressed normal cells and also delineates the mitochondrial functions of the helicase.
Magnetic Edge State of Nanographene and Unconventional Nanographene-Based Host–Guest Systems
Authors: Enoki Toshiaki , Takai Kazuyuki , Kiguchi Manabu
Published: February 2012

Nanographene, nanosized fragments of graphene, has edge-shape-dependent electronic structures different from those of infinite size graphene. Around the zigzag-shaped edges of a nanographene sheet, a nonbonding edge state of π-electron origin is created, which is the origin of electronic and chemical activities of nanographene. In addition, the strongly spin-polarized edge state has localized spin, giving magnetic activity. We investigate the magnetic properties of nanoporous activated carbon fibers consisting of a three-dimensional disordered network of nanographite domains, each of which is a stack of 3–4 nanographene sheets, in relation to host–guest interaction. Chemically inert guest species such as water, organic solvent, or argon, physisorptively condensed into the nanopores mechanically compress the nanographite domains, resulting in high spin/low spin magnetic switching of the edge-state spins. The presence of an energy gap and the nanographene edges decorated by oxygen-containing functional groups make nanographene less amphoteric, modifying charge-transfer mechanisms in the host–guest interaction. HNO3 shows a two-step charge-transfer process. In Br adsorption, physisorbed Br species cooperate with charge-transfer Br species, giving an interesting interplay of charge transfer and magnetic switching phenomena. In the K adsorption, physisorbed K atoms form antiferromagnetic K clusters in the nanopores, while a portion of K species are responsible for charge transfer. The reaction with fluorine creates magnetic σ-dangling bond states, at the expense of the π-conjugated electron system. The interplay between the edge-state spins and the σ-dangling bond spins gives a variety of magnetism depending on the fluorine concentration.
Utilization of DMF–PhCOCl Adduct as an Acid Activator in a New and Convenient Method for Preparation of β-Lactams
Authors: Zarei Maaroof
Published: February 2012

An efficient one-pot synthesis of β-lactams by the reaction of imines with acetic acid derivatives in the presence of DMF and benzoyl chloride adduct, a cheap reagent, has been described. Optimization of solvents, temperature, and molar ratio of reagent was also performed. Several types of β-lactams including monocyclic, spirocyclic, N-alkyl, 3-butadienyl, and 3-electron-withdrawing group have been synthesized by this method in good to excellent yields. All steps of the reaction proceed at room temperature.
Hyperhidrosis related to nevirapine therapy
Authors: Belda A , Borrás-Blasco J , Rosique-Robles D , Jiménez I , López-Montes L , Casterá E
Published: February 2012

A 70-year-old white man presented to the internal medicine outpatient clinic with symptoms of significant hyperhidrosis. He had been started on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with tenofovir, lamivudine and nevirapine. The patient complained of excessive sweating following severe asthenia after taking nevirapine. Based on these findings, we suspected that the causative agent was nevirapine and a diagnosis of hyperhidrosis due to nevirapine was made. Nevirapine treatment was stopped and was substituted with efavirenz: the patient continued on therapy with tenofovir and lamivudine. The hyperhidrosis symptoms resolved in 2–3 days. No relapse was observed with the new ART regimen. Drugs that induce hyperhidrosis can cause patient discomfort and embarrassment. In our patient, this adverse drug reaction also caused severe asthenia that decreased the patient's physical and emotional quality of life. There was a temporal relationship between the developments of symptoms and starting nevirapine therapy. Once nevirapine was suspended and switched to efavirenz, excessive sweating resolved. An objective causality assessment revealed that the adverse effect was probable. Until further data are available, clinicians should consider discontinuation of nevirapine therapy in patients who develop severe hyperhidrosis.
Improvement is needed in the documentation and HIV testing of children of HIV-positive women
Authors: Astill N , Anderson P , Winter A , Nandwani R , Fox R , MacConnachie A
Published: February 2012

We assessed our unit's documentation of the HIV status of 146 identifiable existing children of 146 women audited, out of our total cohort of 329 HIV-positive women. For 23 women (16%) there was no documentation of the presence or absence of children. For 81 children of 43 (29%) women the HIV status was unknown. Of these children, at least eight (5.5%) reside in the UK and could be accessed for testing. It is essential that documentation and testing of children of HIV-positive women takes place to prevent potentially fatal late-stage presentations of AIDS and onward transmission of HIV as young people become sexually active.
Severe vitamin D deficiency in a patient treated for hepatitis B with tenofovir
Authors: Kumar N , Bower M , Nelson M
Published: February 2012

With the increasing use of tenofovir disoproxil in the management of HIV and hepatitis B, serious adverse effects, such as renal dysfunction, will inevitably increase in frequency. We describe a case of a patient presenting with hypophosphataemia suggestive of Fanconi's syndrome, but in fact explicable by simple vitamin D deficiency. This emphasizes that while monitoring for adverse effects is recommended, physicians must consider all alternative causes for biochemical abnormalities prior to discontinuing tenofovir and delaying appropriate management.
Rates and determinants of HIV-attributable mortality among rural female sex workers in Northern Karnataka, India
Authors: Becker M L , Mishra S , Satyanarayana  , Gurav K , Doshi M , Buzdugan R , Pise G , Halli S , Moses S , Avery L , Washington R G , Blanchard J F
Published: February 2012

Female sex workers (FSWs) have among the highest rates of HIV infection in India. However, little is known about their HIV-specific mortality rates. In total, 1561 FSWs participated in a cohort study in Karnataka. Outcome data (mortality) were available on 1559 women after 15 months of follow-up. To gather details on deaths, verbal autopsy (VA) questionnaires were administered to key informants. Two physicians reviewed the VA reports and assigned underlying causes of death. Forty-seven deaths were reported during the follow-up (overall mortality rate was 2.44 per 100 person-years), with VA data available on 45 women. Thirty-five (75.6%) of these women were known to be HIV-positive, but only 42.5% were on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Forty deaths were assessed to be HIV-related, for an HIV-attributable mortality rate of 2.11 deaths per 100 person-years. Absence of a current regular partner (incidence rate ratio: 2.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39–5.60) and older age (1.06; 1.01–1.11) were associated with increased HIV-attributable mortality. Reported duration in sex work was not related to HIV-attributable mortality. We found a high HIV-related mortality rate among this cohort of FSWs; nearly 10 times that of national mortality rates among women of a similar age group. Older age, but not reported duration in sex work, was associated with increased mortality, and suggests HIV acquisition prior to self-reported initiation into sex work. Despite significant efforts, there remain considerable gaps in HIV prevention near or before entry into sex work, as well as access and uptake of HIV treatment among FSWs.
Acceptance of self-testing for increased vaginal pH in different subsets of Ugandan women
Authors: Donders G G G , Andabati G , Donders F , Michiels T , Eggermont N , Bellen G , Lulé J
Published: February 2012

We assessed the acceptance of self-testing for vaginal pH in 344 Ugandan women in different clinical settings. Women tested themselves by insertion of a gloved finger into the vagina to test vaginal pH and provide a smear on a glass slide. None of the tested women found the test very difficult: 8% found it somewhat difficult, 16% rather easy and 76% very easy to do. Of the 20% who found it difficult to read the test result, more women were attending a family planning clinic or had a higher diploma ( P = 0.001). Pregnant women were least likely to understand of the meaning of the test, while those visiting family planning clinics had the opposite experience. HIV-infected women were most motivated to accept: 95% would be happy to use the test more often if requested, and another 3.5% felt they might be better motivated to do repeat testing after extra explanation. Self-sampling of vaginal pH is well accepted by Ugandan women. Our new method also allows diagnostic work-up by formal microscopy. Before commencing large-scale population screening, unexpected reactions of different subpopulations should be taken into account.
Neck duplex Doppler ultrasound evaluation for assessing chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Zaniewski M , Kostecki J , Kuczmik W , Ziaja D , Opala G , Świat M , Korzeniowski T , Majewski E , Urbanek T , Pawlicki K
Published: February 2012

Introduction:

Recent clinical studies have suggested a relationship between multiple sclerosis (MS) and the occurrence of pathological changes in the jugular, vertebral and azygous veins that result in abnormal blood outflow from the brain and the spinal cord. Together, these pathological changes have been designated chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of duplex Doppler ultrasound in the evaluation of central nervous system venous outflow disturbances in patients suffering from MS.

Methods:

We examined 181 patients with MS, diagnosed on the basis of the McDonald criteria, and 50 healthy volunteer controls. All patients underwent Doppler ultrasound examination of the internal jugular veins (IJV) and vertebral veins (VVs). The presence of outflow disturbances and morphological abnormalities were evaluated.

Results:

Pathological changes in the extracranial jugular veins were diagnosed in 148/181 MS patients (82%) and 7/50 control group volunteers (14%). The following abnormalities in the MS group were revealed: the presence of a reflux in the IJVs and/or VVs (54%), narrowing (54%), a complete block in the flow through the IJV (10%) and an abnormal postural control of the cerebral outflow route (25%). These particular pathologies were of statistical significance in the MS group compared with the control group. This study also revealed a correlation between the occurrence of inverted flow in patients in a sitting position and chronic progressive MS ( P = 0.0033).

Conclusions:

The examinations undertaken indicate a possible connection between MS and CCSVI. The widely accessible and highly sensitive and specific Doppler ultrasound test may be useful for revealing, and preliminary analysis of, CCSVI pathologies.
The ketone body β-hydroxybutyric acid influences agouti-related peptide expression via AMP-activated protein kinase in hypothalamic GT1-7 cells
Authors: Laeger Thomas , Pöhland Ralf , Metges Cornelia C , Kuhla Björn
Published: February 2012

β-Hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) acts in the brain to influence feeding behaviour, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. GT1-7 hypothalamic cells expressing orexigenic agouti-related peptide (AGRP) were used to study the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway known to integrate dietary and hormonal signals for food intake regulation. In a 25 mM glucose culture medium, BHBA increased intracellular calcium concentrations and the expression of monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1 (SLC16A1)). Phosphorylation of AMPK-α (PRKAA1 and PRKAA2) at Thr172was diminished after 2 h but increased after 4 h. Its downstream target, the mammalian target of rapamycin, was increasingly phosphorylated on Ser2448after 2 h but not changed after 4 h of BHBA treatment. After 4 h, BHBA treatment also increasedAgrpmRNA expression. This increase was prevented by preincubation with the AMPK inhibitor Compound C. The inhibition of MCT1 activity byp-hydroxymercuribenzoate suppressed BHBA-stimulated AMPK phosphorylation but did not prevent BHBA-inducedAgrpmRNA expression. This finding demonstrates that BHBA triggers the AMPK pathway resulting in orexigenic signalling under 25 mM glucose culture conditions. Under conditions of 5.5 mM glucose, however, BHBA marginally increased intracellular calcium but significantly decreased AMPK phosphorylation andAgrpmRNA expression, demonstrating that under physiological conditions BHBA reduces central orexigenic signalling.
Use of multi-foil insulation in buildings: a review
Authors: Ogden Raymond , Wang Xiaoxin , Walliman Nicholas , Kendrick Christopher
Published: February 2012

The use of multi-foil insulation for building applications, especially in roof structures, has attracted increasing interest because it blocks different heat transfer routes through its multi-layer designs. This is particularly the case with radiative heat transfer, due to the shiny foil layers present on each face and in between insulation layers. However, to date, there is a lack of conformance in the thermal performance of the system between the tests by investigators and the claims made by the manufacturers. This is due to different measuring methods being used and different conditions that are applied. This paper reviews the construction of multi-foil insulation systems and the analyses of their thermal performance as presented by manufacturer and investigators using in situ tests and product tests, and focusing on the different conditions for the tests to be conducted. In addition, the further in situ tests with the considerations of long-term testing, using different weather conditions and exactly identical setup of equivalent tests to show repeated, more convinced and robust results are suggested.
Lightweight concrete incorporating volcanic materials
Authors: Anwar Hossain Khandaker M.
Published: February 2012

This paper describes properties of lightweight concrete obtained by incorporating volcanic-materials-based blended cements and pumice aggregates. Blended cements are produced by replacing ASTM Type I Portland cement with 20% volcanic ash and finely ground pumice. Properties of fresh lightweight concrete mixtures (such as slump and air content) along with their mechanical properties (such as density, compressive/tensile strength and modulus of elasticity) are described. The durability and microstructural characteristics are investigated by drying shrinkage, water permeability, mercury intrusion porosimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and microhardness tests. The investigation suggests that volcanic-materials-based blended cements in combination with pumice aggregates can be used for the production of lightweight concrete for structural applications, having satisfactory strength and durability characteristics. The use of volcanic ash/pumice-based blended cements induces the beneficial effect of reducing drying shrinkage and water permeability as well as refinement of pore structures and better interfacial transition zone. Development and use of such inexpensive and environmentally friendly lightweight concretes can be extremely helpful for the sustainable development and rehabilitation of volcanic disaster areas around the world.
Briefing: Recent developments in EU water framework directive implementation
Authors: Brooke Jan
Published: February 2012

More than 10 years have now passed since the publication of directive 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy – the water framework directive (WFD). However, its implementation is still far from complete. Interpretation is ongoing, interrelationships remain to be defined and many questions still have to be answered. This briefing article reviews some recent developments in WFD implementation in England and Wales and also considers ongoing activities at EU level.
Predicting wave-induced scour around a circular pile
Authors: Guven Aytac , Azamathulla H. Md , Gunal Mustafa
Published: February 2012

This study presents gene-expression programming (GEP) as an alternative tool for the prediction of scour depth around a circular pile due to waves in a medium dense silt and sand bed. The proposed models are developed in terms of dimensional and non-dimensional parameters affecting scour process the most. The training and testing data sets of the proposed GEP and other models are experimental results sourced from the literature. The performance of GEP is then compared with the performance of neural networks technique, and also regression-based equations developed by the authors and others. The training and testing results are given in terms of the most widely used statistical measures and also scatter plots. The predictive performance of GEP models was found to be superior to the neural networks technique and regression-based equations.
Shear capacity of reinforced concrete corbels using mechanism analysis
Authors: Yang Keun-Hyeok , Ashour Ashraf F.
Published: February 2012

A mechanism analysis is developed to predict the shear capacity of reinforced concrete corbels. Based on shear failure observed in experimental tests, kinematically admissible failure mechanisms are idealised as an assemblage of two rigid blocks separated by a failure plane of displacement discontinuity. Shear capacity predictions obtained from the developed mechanism analysis are in better agreement with corbel test results of a comprehensive database compiled from the available literature than other existing models for corbels. The developed mechanism model shows that the shear capacity of corbels generally decreases with the increase of shear span-to-depth ratio, increases with the increase of main longitudinal reinforcement up to a certain limit beyond which it remains constant, and decreases with the increase of horizontal applied loads. It also demonstrates that the smaller the shear span-to-overall depth ratio of corbels, the more effective the horizontal shear reinforcement.
Comparison of ubiquitous antibiotic-resistant Enterobacteriaceae populations isolated from wastewaters, surface waters and drinking waters
Authors: Figueira Vânia , Serra Elizabete A. , Vaz-Moreira Ivone , Brandão Teresa R. S. , Manaia Célia M.
Published: February 2012

This study aimed at assessing the role of ubiquitous (non-Escherichia coli) Enterobacteriaceae in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance through the urban water cycle. Enterobacteriaceae isolated from a municipal wastewater treatment plant (111 isolates), urban water streams (33 isolates) and drinking water (123 isolates) were compared in terms of: (i) genera distribution, (ii) resistance to 12 antibiotics, and (iii) class 1 and class 2 integrons. The predominant bacterial genera were the same in the different types of water, although with a distinct pattern of species. The most prevalent resistance phenotypes were observed for amoxicillin, ticarcillin, cephalothin and sulphamethoxazole (24–59% in the three types of water). No resistance against ceftazidime or meropenem was observed. Resistance to cephalothin, amoxicillin and sulphamethoxazole was significantly more prevalent in drinking water, water streams and wastewater, respectively, than in the other types of water. It was possible to recognize antibiotic-resistance associations, namely for the pairs streptomycin–tetracycline (positive) and ticarcillin–cephalotin (negative). Class 1 and/or class 2 integrons with similar gene cassettes were detected in the three types of water. This study demonstrated that Enterobacteriaceae are important vehicles of antibiotic resistance, namely in drinking water.
Drinking water consumption patterns in Canadian communities (2001–2007)
Authors: Roche S. M. , Jones A. Q. , Majowicz S. E. , McEwen S. A. , Pintar K. D. M.
Published: February 2012

A pooled analysis of seven cross-sectional studies from Newfoundland and Labrador, Waterloo and Hamilton Regions, Ontario and Vancouver, East Kootenay and Northern Interior Regions, British Columbia (2001 to 2007) was performed to investigate the drinking water consumption patterns of Canadians and to identify factors associated with the volume of tap water consumed. The mean volume of tap water consumed was 1.2 L/day, with a large range (0.03 to 9.0 L/day). In-home water treatment and interactions between age and gender and age and bottled water use were significantly associated with the volume of tap water consumed in multivariable analyses. Approximately 25% (2,221/8,916) of participants were classified as bottled water users, meaning that 75% or more of their total daily drinking water intake was bottled. Approximately 48.6% (4,307/8,799) of participants used an in-home treatment method to treat their tap water for drinking purposes. This study provides a broader geographic perspective and more current estimates of Canadian water consumption patterns than previous studies. The identified factors associated with daily water consumption could be beneficial for risk assessors to identify individuals who may be at greater risk of waterborne illness.
Screening of recreational areas of rivers for potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae in the suburbs of Tehran, Iran
Authors: Niyyati Maryam , Lasjerdi Zohreh , Nazar Mahdieh , Haghighi Ali , Nazemalhosseini Mojarad Ehsan
Published: February 2012

A survey was conducted to determine the presence of free-living amoebae (FLA), especially Acanthamoeba and Naegleria, in river recreation areas in Tehran Province, Iran. All rivers surveyed were associated with human activity, and two were also a source of municipal tap water. Fifty-five water samples from 10 major rivers were screened for FLA and identified by morphological characters, PCR amplification targeting specific genes for Acanthamoeba (DF3 region of Rns gene) and other FLA (ITS PCR), and homology analysis. The percentage of positive FLA isolates was 27.3%, of which 80% were Acanthamoeba, assigned to the T4 and T15 genotype, and 20% were Naegleria. Isolation of Acanthamoeba T4 genotype (91.7%) from recreation areas could be a health threat and a sanitary risk associated with human activity where young people and tourists congregate in summer. Posting of warning signs and education of high-risk individuals are important for disease prevention. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of genotype T15 (clustered with A. jacobsi) identified in Iran and the first report of the distribution of FLA such as Naegleria (N. pagei, N. clarki and N. fultoni) in recreation areas in rivers of Tehran Province using molecular methods.
Presence of human noro- and adenoviruses in river and treated wastewater, a longitudinal study and method comparison
Authors: Maunula Leena , Söderberg Kirsi , Vahtera Heli , Vuorilehto Veli-Pekka , von Bonsdorff Carl-Henrik , Valtari Maria , Laakso Tuula , Lahti Kirsti
Published: February 2012

Norovirus (NoV) is one of the most common causative agents of waterborne gastroenteritis outbreaks. The main objective of the study was to determine the presence of human NoVs in river water and in treated wastewater (TW) released into the river. During a one-year survey in 2007/2008, NoVs were detected in 30.8% of river samples (20/65), and 40.5% of TW samples (17/45) with a real-time reverse transcription-PCR assay. NoVs were present in the river water in the winter and spring, coinciding with the NoV epidemiological peak in the community and the presence of NoVs in TW. Later in 2009, the concentration method used, pre-filtration with a Waterra filter combined with filtration through a negatively charged membrane, was evaluated against glass wool filtration and freeze-drying for the detection of adenoviruses in river water. The virus amounts measured varied greatly depending on the virus concentration method. The continued monitoring in the spring of 2009 also revealed that the average concentration of noro- and adenoviruses in TW was 2.64 × 103 and 1.29 × 104 pcr units per mL, respectively. No correlation between the presence of viruses and Escherichia coli was found. These results may be useful for risk assessment studies.
Defensive spending on tap water substitutes: the value of reducing perceived health risks
Authors: Dupont Diane P. , Jahan Nowshin
Published: February 2012

We examine factors that explain consumer spending on tap water substitutes using information from a national survey undertaken with a representative set of Canadian respondents. We develop a model to predict the percentage of households that undertake such spending for the purpose of reducing perceived health risks from tap water consumption. Using results from the model we estimate the magnitude of defensive expenditures to be over half a billion dollars (2010 US$) per year for Canada, as a whole. This is equivalent to approximately $48 per household per year or about $19 per person per year. Residents of Ontario, the province in which an Escherichia coli incident took place in 2000, have the highest willingness-to-pay of approximately $60 per household per year.
Microbiological and chemical indicators of water quality in indoor hotel swimming pools before and after training of swimming pool operators
Authors: Bilajac Lovorka , Vukić Lušić Darija , Doko Jelinić Jagoda , Rukavina Tomislav
Published: February 2012

The present study was undertaken in order to determine the quality of indoor pool waters in hotels along the Croatian coast. We wanted to assess the risks of exposure to microbial and chemical contaminants and find out if training pool operators to use a quality assurance system, that we developed, influenced hygienic conditions and water quality in swimming pools or not. The samples were analysed for free chlorine, pH and several microbiological indicators according to standard laboratory methodologies. Of 1,329 samples tested, 276 were found to be unacceptable either by chemical (148) or microbiological parameters (128). After training, the proportion of unacceptable samples dropped by 23.5%, mostly according to the free chlorine values. According to our results, most of the microbiologically unacceptable samples had chlorine levels within the recommended range but their pH values were too high. A free chlorine level below 0.2 mg/L was found in 106 (82.8%) microbiologically unacceptable samples suggesting the need for maintaining the lower limit at least above 0.2 mg/L in order to reduce microbial risks to a more acceptable level. This measure combined with training of pool operators might result in reduced health risks in pool waters.
A community-based approach to promote household water treatment in Rwanda
Authors: Chankova Slavea , Hatt Laurel , Musange Sabine
Published: February 2012

Treatment of drinking water at the household level is one of the most effective preventive interventions against diarrhea, a leading cause of illness and death among children in developing countries. A pilot project in two districts in Rwanda aimed to increase use of Sûr'Eau, a chlorine solution for drinking water treatment, through a partnership between community-based health insurance schemes and community health workers who promoted and distributed the product. Evaluation of the pilot, drawing on a difference-in-differences design and data from pre- and post-pilot household surveys of 4,780 households, showed that after 18 months of pilot implementation, knowledge and use of the product increased significantly in two pilot districts, but remained unchanged in a control district. The pilot was associated with a 40–42 percentage point increase in ever use, and 8–9 percentage points increase in use of Sûr'Eau at time of the survey (self-reported measures). Our data suggest that exposure to inter-personal communication on Sûr'Eau and hearing about the product at community meetings and health centers were associated with an increase in use.
Playful People: Fun is in the Mind of the Beholder
Authors: Barnett Lynn A.
Published: February 2012

People who are playful are able to transform almost any situation into one that is amusing and entertaining by cognitively and imaginatively manipulating it in their mind. This investigation provides insight into the playfulness quality and its component factors, by delineating relationships with measures of personality, affective style, and motivational orientation for university students. Findings revealed that, overall, playfulness could be largely explained by the NEO personality dimensions, particularly extraversion, for both males and females, and beyond that, relationships differed by gender. Race/ethnicity also distinguished significant playfulness predictors, more so for females than males, and to a lesser extent than gender. The four playfulness components showed different relationships with the personality measures, and gender and race/ethnicity again played a role in some. The findings provide insight into the quality possessed by a number of people of playing in one's mind, with virtual disregard for the characteristics of the external environment.
Frequency of Lucid Dreams and Lucid Dream Practice in German Athletes
Authors: Erlacher Daniel , Stumbrys Tadas , Schredl Michael
Published: February 2012

Mental practice is the cognitive rehearsal of a motor task in the absence of overt physical movement. A different and rather unknown kind of mental rehearsal is practice in lucid dreams. Within lucid dreams, the dreamer is able to control the ongoing dream content and for athletes it is possible to use the dream state to deliberately practice sport skills while physically asleep. In this study, 840 German athletes from various sports were asked about their experience with lucid dreams. About 57% of the athletes stated that they experienced a lucid dream at least once in their lives, 24% are frequent lucid dreamers (having one or more lucid dreams per month), and 9% of the lucid dreamers used this dream state to practice sport skills, and the majority of those athletes had the impression that the rehearsal within the lucid dream improved their performance in wakefulness. The prevalence rate of lucid dreaming in professional athletes is similar as in general population, however the rough estimate of the percentage of lucid dreams compared to all dreams in athletes was found to be nearly twice as high as in general population (14.5% vs. 7.5%). The possibilities of lucid dream practice for professional sports will be discussed.
Effect of the PTPN22 and INS Risk Genotypes on the Progression to Clinical Type 1 Diabetes After the Initiation of β-Cell Autoimmunity
Authors: Lempainen Johanna , Hermann Robert , Veijola Riitta , Simell Olli , Knip Mikael , Ilonen Jorma
Published: February 2012

We set out to analyze the role of two major non-HLA gene polymorphisms associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D), PTPN22 1858C/T and insulin gene INS−23 A/T in progression to clinical T1D after the appearance of β-cell autoimmunity. The study population comprised 249 children with HLA-associated T1D susceptibility. All subjects were persistently positive for at least one of the T1D-associated biochemically defined autoantibodies (insulin autoantibody, GAD antibody, or IA-2 antibody), and 136 subjects presented with T1D over a median follow-up of 4.3 years (range 0.0–12.5) after the appearance of the first autoantibody. The PTPN22 1858T allele was strongly associated with progression to T1D after the appearance of the first biochemically defined β-cell autoantibody (hazard ratio 1.68 [95% CI 1.09–2.60], P = 0.02 Cox regression analysis, multivariate test), and the effect remained similar when analyzed after the appearance of the second autoantibody (P = 0.013), whereas INS−23 HphI AA genotype was not associated with progression to clinical diabetes after the appearance of the first or second autoantibody (P = 0.38 and P = 0.88, respectively). The effect of the INS risk genotype seems to be limited to the induction and early phases of β-cell autoimmunity, but the PTPN22 1858T allele instead affects the initiation and late progression phase of diabetes-associated autoimmunity.
Safety and Efficacy of Once-Weekly Exenatide Compared With Insulin Glargine Titrated to Target in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Over 84 Weeks
Authors: Diamant Michaela , Van Gaal Luc , Stranks Stephen , Guerci Bruno , MacConell Leigh , Haber Harry , Scism-Bacon Jamie , Trautmann Michael
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE

We recently reported that after 26 weeks, exenatide once weekly (EQW) resulted in superior A1C reduction, reduced hypoglycemia, and progressive weight loss compared with daily insulin glargine (IG) in patients with type 2 diabetes who were taking metformin alone or with sulfonylurea. This 84-week extension study assessed the long-term safety and efficacy of EQW versus IG.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This multicenter, open-label, randomized, two-arm, parallel trial assessed change in A1C, proportions of patients achieving A1C <7.0 and ≤6.5%, body weight, incidence of hypoglycemia, and overall safety.

RESULTS

Of 415 patients who completed 26 weeks, 390 (194 EQW and 196 IG patients) entered the extension study. At 84 weeks, A1C decreased from baseline (8.3%) by −1.2% for EQW vs. −1.0% for IG (P = 0.029). The proportions of patients who achieved end point A1C targets <7.0 and ≤6.5% were 44.6% for EQW patients vs. 36.8% for IG patients (P = 0.084) and 31.3% for EQW patients vs. 20.2% for IG patients (P = 0.009), respectively. Patients taking EQW lost 2.1 kg of body weight, whereas those taking IG gained 2.4 kg (P < 0.001). Among patients taking metformin plus sulfonylurea, the incidence of minor hypoglycemia was 24% for EQW patients vs. 54% for IG patients (P < 0.001); among patients taking metformin alone, it was 8% for EQW patients vs. 32% for IG patients (P < 0.001). Among adverse events occurring in ≥5% of patients, diarrhea and nausea occurred more frequently (P < 0.05) in the EQW group than in the IG group (12 vs. 6% and 15 vs. 1%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

After 84 weeks, patients treated with EQW continued to experience better glycemic control with sustained overall weight loss and a lower risk of hypoglycemia than patients treated with IG.
Diabetes Screening Among Immigrants
Authors: Creatore Maria I. , Booth Gillian L. , Manuel Douglas G. , Moineddin Rahim , Glazier Richard H.
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE

To examine diabetes screening, predictors of screening, and the burden of undiagnosed diabetes in the immigrant population and whether these estimates differ by ethnicity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A population-based retrospective cohort linking administrative health data to immigration files was used to follow the entire diabetes-free population aged 40 years and up in Ontario, Canada (N = 3,484,222) for 3 years (2004–2007) to determine whether individuals were screened for diabetes. Multivariate regression was used to determine predictors of having a diabetes test.

RESULTS

Screening rates were slightly higher in the immigrant versus the general population (76.0 and 74.4%, respectively; P < 0.001), with the highest rates in people born in South Asia, Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Immigrant seniors (age ≥65 years) were screened less than nonimmigrant seniors. Percent yield of new diabetes subjects among those screened was high for certain countries of birth (South Asia, 13.0%; Mexico and Latin America, 12.1%; Caribbean, 9.5%) and low among others (Europe, Central Asia, U.S., 5.1–5.2%). The number of physician visits was the single most important predictor of screening, and many high-risk ethnic groups required numerous visits before a test was administered. The proportion of diabetes that remained undiagnosed was estimated to be 9.7% in the general population and 9.0% in immigrants.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall diabetes-screening rates are high in Canada’s universal health care setting, including among high-risk ethnic groups. Despite this finding, disparities in screening rates between immigrant subgroups persist and multiple physician visits are often required to achieve recommended screening levels.
Arterial Stiffness Is Increased in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Without Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Llauradó Gemma , Ceperuelo-Mallafré Victòria , Vilardell Carme , Simó Rafael , Freixenet Núria , Vendrell Joan , González-Clemente José Miguel
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between arterial stiffness and low-grade inflammation in subjects with type 1 diabetes without clinical cardiovascular disease.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Sixty-eight patients with type 1 diabetes and 68 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were evaluated. Arterial stiffness was assessed by aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV). Serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin (IL)-6, and soluble fractions of tumor necrosis factor-α receptors 1 and 2 (sTNFαR1 and sTNFαR2, respectively) were measured. All statistical analyses were stratified by sex.

RESULTS

Subjects with diabetes had a higher aPWV compared with healthy control subjects (men: 6.9 vs. 6.3 m/s, P < 0.001; women: 6.4 vs. 6.0 m/s, P = 0.023). These differences remained significant after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors. Men with diabetes had higher concentrations of hsCRP (1.2 vs. 0.6 mg/L; P = 0.036), IL-6 (0.6 vs. 0.3 pg/mL; P = 0.002), sTNFαR1 (2,739 vs. 1,410 pg/mL; P < 0.001), and sTNFαR2 (2,774 vs. 2,060 pg/mL; P < 0.001). Women with diabetes only had higher concentrations of IL-6 (0.6 vs. 0.4 pg/mL; P = 0.039). In men with diabetes, aPWV correlated positively with hsCRP (r = 0.389; P = 0.031) and IL-6 (r = 0.447; P = 0.008), whereas in women with diabetes no significant correlation was found. In men, multiple linear regression analysis showed that the following variables were associated independently with aPWV: age, BMI, type 1 diabetes, and low-grade inflammation (R2 = 0.543). In women, these variables were age, BMI, mean arterial pressure, and type 1 diabetes (R2 = 0.550).

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial stiffness assessed as aPWV is increased in patients with type 1 diabetes without clinical cardiovascular disease, independently of classical cardiovascular risk factors. In men with type 1 diabetes, low-grade inflammation is independently associated with arterial stiffness.
The Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Study
Authors: Catalano Patrick M. , McIntyre H. David , Cruickshank J. Kennedy , McCance David R. , Dyer Alan R. , Metzger Boyd E. , Lowe Lynn P. , Trimble Elisabeth R. , Coustan Donald R. , Hadden David R. , Persson Bengt , Hod Moshe , Oats Jeremy J.N. ,   for the HAPO Study Cooperative Research Group
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE

To determine associations of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and obesity with adverse pregnancy outcomes in the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) Study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 24 and 32 weeks. GDM was diagnosed post hoc using International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria. Neonatal anthropometrics and cord serum C-peptide were measured. Adverse pregnancy outcomes included birth weight, newborn percent body fat, and cord C-peptide >90th percentiles, primary cesarean delivery, preeclampsia, and shoulder dystocia/birth injury. BMI was determined at the OGTT. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine associations of GDM and obesity with outcomes.

RESULTS

Mean maternal BMI was 27.7, 13.7% were obese (BMI ≥33.0 kg/m2), and GDM was diagnosed in 16.1%. Relative to non-GDM and nonobese women, odds ratio for birth weight >90th percentile for GDM alone was 2.19 (1.93–2.47), for obesity alone 1.73 (1.50–2.00), and for both GDM and obesity 3.62 (3.04–4.32). Results for primary cesarean delivery and preeclampsia and for cord C-peptide and newborn percent body fat >90th percentiles were similar. Odds for birth weight >90th percentile were progressively greater with both higher OGTT glucose and higher maternal BMI. There was a 339-g difference in birth weight for babies of obese GDM women, compared with babies of normal/underweight women (64.2% of all women) with normal glucose based on a composite OGTT measure of fasting plasma glucose and 1- and 2-h plasma glucose values (61.8% of all women).

CONCLUSIONS

Both maternal GDM and obesity are independently associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Their combination has a greater impact than either one alone.
Insulin Sensitivity, β-Cell Function, and Incretin Effect in Individuals With Elevated 1-Hour Postload Plasma Glucose Levels
Authors: Marini Maria A. , Succurro Elena , Frontoni Simona , Mastroianni Simona , Arturi Franco , Sciacqua Angela , Lauro Renato , Hribal Marta L. , Perticone Francesco , Sesti Giorgio
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE

Individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), whose 1-h postload plasma glucose is ≥155 mg/dL (NGT 1h-high), have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to characterize their metabolic phenotype.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 305 nondiabetic offspring of type 2 diabetic patients was consecutively recruited. Insulin secretion was assessed using both indexes derived from oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT). Insulin sensitivity was measured by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp.

RESULTS

Compared with individuals with a 1-h postload plasma glucose <155 mg/dL (NGT 1h-low), NGT 1h-high individuals exhibited lower insulin sensitivity after adjustment for age, sex, and BMI. Insulin secretion estimated from the OGTT did not differ between the two groups of individuals. By contrast, compared with NGT 1h-low individuals, the acute insulin response during an IVGTT and the disposition index were significantly reduced in NGT 1h-high individuals after adjustment for age, sex, and BMI. Incretin effect, estimated as the ratio between total insulin responses during OGTT and IVGTT, was higher in NGT 1h-high individuals compared with NGT 1h-low individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

NGT 1h-high individuals may represent an intermediate state of glucose intolerance between NGT and type 2 diabetes characterized by insulin resistance and reduced β-cell function, the two main pathophysiological defects responsible for the development of type 2 diabetes. Postload hyperglycemia is the result of an intrinsic β-cell defect rather than impaired incretin effect.
The classification of synusial epigeic and epiphytic bryophyte communities of forest coenoses of forest-steppe zone of Ukraine
Authors: Gapon Svetlana
Published: February 2012

The classification of synusial epigeic and epiphytic bryophyte communities of forest coenoses of forest-steppe zone of Ukraine

The syntaxonomical classification and characteristics of synusial epigeic and epiphytic bryophyte communities of forest coenoses of forest-steppe zone of Ukraine is presented in this paper.