bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tetranectin Levels in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction and Their Alterations during Thrombolytic Treatment
Authors: Kamper E F , Kopeikina L , Mantas A , Stefanadis C , Toutouzas P , Stavridis J
Published: February 2014

Tetranectin (TN), a new regulator of fibrinolysis, was studied in the plasma of 60 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 30 healthy subjects (HS), in relation to D-dimer (DD) and α2-plasmin inhibitor (α2-PI), to investigate its possible involvement in the pathophysiology of AMI. Thirty patients underwent thrombolytic treatment with fibrin-specific plasminogen activator (rt-PA) (group A); the other 30 patients, according to the exclusion criteria, were conventionally treated (group B). Twenty of the thrombolysized patients established early recanalization (subgroup A1), while 10 failed to respond to thrombolytic treatment (subgroup A2). Median (interquartile range), baseline plasma TN levels were lower in AMI patients compared to HS [8·27 (2·75) mg/L versus 12·1 (0·55) mg/L, P <10−6]. In subgroup A1, TN increased at the end of rt-PA infusion and returned to the baseline levels 12 h later. A positive association between DD and TN release (3 h level minus baseline level) was found ( rs = 0·48, P = 0·03) in subgroup A1. No significant alterations of TN levels were observed during therapy in subgroup A2 and group B. TN, DD and α2-PI concentrations in group B remained relatively constant during the study period. This study provides evidence of a significant decrease of TN levels in AMI patients compared to healthy subjects and of a remarkable difference in the evolution of TN levels during thrombolytic treatment with rt-PA between recanalized and non-recanalized AMI patients. Thus, an involvement of TN in the formation and dissolution of fibrin clot in AMI patients is worthy of further investigation.
Comparison of the Bio-Rad Porphyrin Column Test with a Simple Spectrophotometric Test for Total Urine Porphyrin Concentration
Authors: Zuijderhoudt F M J , Bok J Dorresteijn-de
Published: February 2014

We compared two screening methods for increased urine porphyrin concentration and compared the results with a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The screening methods were the Bio-Rad (Porphyrin) Column Test and a simple spectrophotometric method. Results were obtained for urines with three different porphyrin patterns. Both screening methods were easy to perform.

The accuracy and precision of the spectrophotometric method were both slightly better than that of the Bio-Rad Column Test. Recovery measurements in samples with different porphyrin patterns varied between 73% and 59% ( n = 12) for the spectrophotometric method and between 82% and 116% ( n = 12) for the Bio-Rad Column Test as compared to HPLC.

Between batch precision measurements revealed coefficients of variation for spectrophotometric and Bio-Rad methods for 2%–4% and 4%–10%, respectively. The recovery of the porphyrins illustrates the Bio-Rad Column Test to be more susceptible to variation in urine porphyrin composition. Both methods will show satisfactory results in cases of overt porphyria because of the high urine porphyrin concentration.
A Simple Method for Assessing Copper-Mediated Oxidation of Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein Isolated by Rapid Ultracentrifugation
Authors: McEneny Jane , Trimble Elisabeth R , Young Ian S
Published: February 2014

The association of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) with atherosclerosis remains controversial. However, studies have shown that oxidative modification of VLDL can promote foam cell formation, leading to the development of atherosclerosis. A rapid method is described which will allow the significance of VLDL oxidation to be assessed in clinical studies. VLDL was isolated from heparinized plasma by a 1-h, single spin ultracentrifugation. Total protein was standardized to 25 mg/L. Oxidation was promoted by the addition of copper ions (17.5 μmol/L, final concentration) incubated at 37°C. Conjugated diene production was followed at 234 nm. Total assay preparation time was 2 h. Urate greatly inhibited the oxidation of VLDL and was successfully removed by size exclusion chromatography. VLDL isolated from frozen plasma (−70°C) was stable for 15 weeks. This simple, rapid method for the isolation of VLDL may be applied to assess the significance of VLDL oxidation in disease.
Properties of High-Molecular-Mass Placental Alkaline Phosphatases in Normal Pregnancy Sera
Authors: Matsushita Makoto , Irino Tsutomu , Minowa Masakazu , Komoda Tsugikazu , Stigbrand Torgny
Published: February 2014

We examined the appearance of high-molecular-mass placental alkaline phosphatases (HPLAPs) in the serum of normal pregnant women by means of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) in the presence of Triton X-100. The HPLAPs were undetectable or only slightly detectable by PAGE in the absence of Triton X-100. The HPLAPs were detected in all sera sampled during the last trimester of pregnancy. The catalytic activities of total placental alkaline phosphatase (TPLAP) and HPLAPs were correlated (r = 0.96) and the ratio of HPLAPs/TPLAP catalytic activity was 0.20 (0.06) (mean and SD) in 40 serum samples from pregnant women. The HPLAPs appear to be formed from a common dimeric placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) (common-PLAP), as judged by the fact that they were formed again after removal of HPLAPs from serum by gel filtration. The formation of HPLAPs was more prominently observed with the faster fractions of gel filtration. The apparent molecular mass of the HPLAPs in pregnancy serum was 720 K Da by gel filtration. HPLAPs were not converted to common-PLAP by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase (PIPL) C and PIPL-D treatments. The HPLAPs were selectively incorporated into liposomes consisting of phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol, and most of the PIPL-D-treated PLAP could form HPLAPs, while a small amount of PLAP could not form HPLAPs. On the other hand, HPLAPs in pregnant women's sera and HPLAPs prepared from partially purified PLAP in vitro could be converted to common-PLAP by brief treatment with subtilisin. However, the highly purified PLAP could not form HPLAPs in the presence of Triton X-100. These results suggest that PIPL-D-resistant and PLAP-associated serum protein may regulate the conversion of PLAP to HPLAP in the presence of Triton X-100.
Multiplex Genotyping for Cystic Fibrosis from Filter Paper Blood Spots
Authors: Poyser Karen H , Wyatt Hilary A , Chambers Susan M
Published: February 2014

Cystic fibrosis is a common disease of the Caucasian population and is associated with significant early mortality. We present a simple and rapid method for cystic fibrosis genotyping from filter paper blood spots, using a currently available commercial genotyping kit. Using multiplex technology, genotype information on the four most common UK mutations can easily be obtained within a single working day. Used in conjunction with current immunoreactive trypsinogen screening protocols, blood spot genotyping offers a method of hastening the diagnosis, and thus treatment, of cystic fibrosis.
Effects of Sex Steroid Hormones on Corticosteroid-Binding Globulin Gene Expression in Human Endometrial Cancer Cell Line Ishikawa
Authors: Misao Ryou , Nakanishi Yoshihito , Fujimoto Jiro , Tamaya Teruhiko
Published: February 2014

The effect of progestins on intracellular corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) mRNA expression in an endometrial cancer cell line (Ishikawa) was examined in an attempt to understand the biological effects of high-dose progestins in the treatment of well-differentiated uterine endometrial cancers. Oestradiol-17β (E2) significantly increased CBG mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner, while a high dose of progesterone with or without E2 suppressed it significantly. Furthermore, a high dose of progesterone or medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) suppressed CBG mRNA expression to a greater degree than did chlormadinone acetate or 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate with or without E2. These findings suggest that the effects of high-dose progestins on cancer cells may be mediated via suppression of intracellular CBG.
Serum Lipoprotein Lipase in Healthy Subjects: Effects of Gender and Age, and Relationships to Lipid Parameters
Authors: Saito Kazunori , Sakurabayashi Ikunosuke , Manabe Mitsuhisa
Published: February 2014

Using serum samples obtained from normal individuals who had not received heparin injection, we investigated the relationship of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) to lipid and apolipoprotein concentrations in serum. For the measurement of LPL concentration, a highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed, in which the lowest detection limit was 9 μg/L. The mean (SD) serum LPL concentration was 50·7 (14·9) μg/L ( n = 240). It was lower in men [45·5 (14·0) μg/L in men and 56·0 (13·9) μg/L in women]. Serum LPL concentration correlated positively with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, r = 0·549) and apolipoprotein AI (apoAI, r = 0·487), and inversely with triglycerides ( r = −0·423). Our results suggest that serum LPL may be a factor in the modulation of HDL-C and triglyceride concentrations in normal subjects.
Analytical Evaluation of Particle-Enhanced Immunonephelometric Assays for C-Reactive Protein, Serum Amyloid a and Mannose-Binding Protein in Human Serum
Authors: Ledue Thomas B , Weiner Debra L , Sipe Jean D , Poulin Sue E , Collins Marilyn F , Rifai Nader
Published: February 2014

Against a background of growing interest in more sensitive assays for quantifying various acute phase proteins, we evaluated the performance of recently developed tests for C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA) and mannose-binding protein (MBP) on the Behring nephelometer II (BN II). Sample results outside the calibration ranges of 3·5 to 220 mg/L for CRP, 3·3 to 215 mg/L for SAA and 0·09 to 5·6 mg/L for MBP were automatically re-measured at another dilution. The lower limits of detection were 0·01, 0·7 and 0·01 mg/L for CRP, SAA and MBP, respectively. The coefficients of variation (CV) for intra- ( n ⩾ 20) and inter- ( n ⩾ 15) assay precision were < 5·2% and < 8·5%, respectively, for the three proteins at concentrations representing low, normal and high. Linearity for each method was within 5% of the expected values throughout the calibration range. We observed no significant interference from bilirubin (up to 300 mg/L) or haemoglobin (up to 10 g/L) for the three tests. Method comparison studies performed for CRP and SAA yielded the following results: y (CRP on BN II) = 0·75 x (ELISA, Hemagen) −0·25 mg/L ( r = 0·981, Sy/x = 2·1 mg/L; y (SAA on BN II) = 1·44 x (ELISA, Hemagen) −9·9 mg/L ( r = 0·972, Sy/x = 6·9 mg/L), where ELISA is enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Reference intervals established in 261 adult blood donors (aged 36·2 ± 9·0 years) were found to be log-normal with 2·5th, 50th and 97·5th centiles of < 0·17, 100 and 10·1 mg/L for CRP, < 0·84, 2·10 and 9·70 mg/L for SAA; and 0·30, 1·28 and 4·10 mg/L for MBP. We observed no relationship with CRP concentration and age; however, SAA levels increased with age while MBP levels decreased. The BN II provides a simple, rapid and sensitive system for measuring CRP, SAA and MBP in human serum.
Dissociation of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin into its Free Subunits is Dependent on Naturally Occurring Molecular Structural Variation, Sample Matrix and Storage Conditions
Authors: Butler Stephen A , Cole Laurence A , Chard Tim , Iles Ray K
Published: February 2014

Measurement of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is used in many areas of clinical medicine. Recent interest has focused on the stability of this molecule and its fragments during sample storage. In the body hCG is degraded and removed by specific metabolic processes which begin while the molecule is in the bloodstream. In particular, the receptor binding loop of the β subunit is cut or ‘nicked’, initiating a catabolic cascade. Furthermore, the extent and nature of glycosylation is believed to have a significant influence on this process. In these studies we incubated seven glycoforms of hCG, each with different degrees of ‘nicking’, in phosphate-buffered saline, serum, defibrinated blood and urine from healthy non-pregnant women, under varying conditions. Degradation was expressed as the molar increase in free β subunit. Under all conditions there was a steady dissociation of hCG over time, the process being more rapid at higher temperatures. ‘Nicked’ hCG dissociated more rapidly than did non-‘nicked’ hCG. Glycosylation reduced the rate of dissociation. Dissociation was most rapid in urine and buffer solutions, and slowest in serum and defibrinated blood.
Antibodies to Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase in Young Chinese Diabetic Patients
Authors: Ko Gary T C , Chan Juliana C N , Yeung Vincent T F , Chow Chun-Chung , Li June K Y , Lau Maggie S W , Mackay Ian R , Rowley Merrill J , Zimmet Paul , Cockram Clive S
Published: February 2014

Antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) are a useful autoimmune marker for type 1 diabetes mellitus in Caucasians. We examined antibodies to GAD and their relationships with clinical features and pancreatic β cell function in 140 young Chinese diabetic patients. Over an 18-month period beginning in 1995, 140 young Chinese diabetic subjects with age of onset of disease ⩽ 35 years and age < 40 years were recruited consecutively, irrespective of their modes of presentation. Clinical features, antibodies to GAD and pancreatic β cell function (using a glucagon stimulation test) were examined. Increased levels of antibodies to GAD (>18 units) were detected in 12·1% ( n> = 17) of these subjects. Forty-three (31%) patients had a classical type 1 presentation and 65 (46%) patients were insulin-deficient based on post-glucagon plasma C-peptide levels. Patients who were insulin-deficient and had a type 1 presentation had the highest prevalence of antibodies to GAD (29·0%) compared with patients who had a type 2 presentation and were non-insulin deficient (6·4%, P = 0·003). Patients who had antibodies to GAD had lower body mass index and waist—hip ratio, earlier onset of disease, lower blood pressure, plasma triglyceride and C-peptide, and higher concentrations of plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and glycated haemoglobin, and were more likely to require drug treatment, compared with those without antibodies to GAD. In conclusion, there was a low prevalence of antibodies to GAD in Chinese young diabetic patients although such antibodies remained a relatively specific marker for insulin deficiency and acute presentation. Causes other than autoimmunity should be sought to explain the high prevalence of insulin deficiency in these young Chinese patients.
Essential Fatty Acids Profile and Lipid Peroxides in Severe Pre-Eclampsia
Authors: Shouk Thanaa Abou , Omar Mohammed Nagib , Fayed Salah Taha
Published: February 2014

There is increasing evidence that an imbalance between products of arachidonic acid metabolism (such as prostaglandins, prostacyclin and thromboxane A2) and lipid peroxidation products might have a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. In order to study some of the changes taking place in pre-eclampsia, the plasma concentrations of essential fatty acids and lipid peroxidation products [measured as thiobarbituric-acid (TBA)-reactive substance] were evaluated in 25 patients with severe pre-eclampsia and 20 normal pregnant control subjects. Arachidonic acid concentration (median and range) was significantly higher in the pre-eclamptic group (14·1; 11·0–19· μg/L) compared with the normal pregnant subjects (2·5; 2·0–4·4 μg/L). Plasma concentration of TBA-reactive substance was also significantly higher in the pre-eclamptic cases (14·8; 13·4–16·8 vs 11·4; 9·0–12·8). These results suggest that arachidonic acid and lipid peroxidation products may play a role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.
Evaluation of Five Different High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Assays: The Most Precise are Not the Most Accurate
Authors: de Keijzer Marinus H , Elbers Dion , Baadenhuijsen Henk , Demacker Pierre N M
Published: February 2014

We evaluated the accuracy and performance of four different test kits for the direct determination of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and compared them with the phosphotungstic acid/MgCl2 assay. All four homogeneous assays were precise (within-run CV of <2·0% and between-run CV of <6·4%); both assays based on immuno-inhibition had the lowest CVs (within-run 1·3% and 0·9%; between-run 2·3% and 2·2%). Interference from haemolysis was negligible, but triglyceride concentrations gave a negative interference. The effects of conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin were opposite: conjugated bilirubin showed a negative interference of up to 40%; unconjugated bilirubin interfered positively up to 50%.

Using the recently validated indirect phosphotungstic acid/MgCl2 method as a comparison, all four homogeneous assays did not fulfil the National Cholesterol Education Program total error standard, mainly due to the positive biases of 12 to 42%, apparently associated with improper calibrators.

Both assays involving immuno-inhibition showed a concentration-dependent bias.
Different Strategies in the Laboratory Diagnosis of Autoimmune Disease: Immunofluorescence, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay or Both?
Authors: Rondeel Jan M M , van Gelder Warry , van der Leeden Huibert , Dinkelaar Rob B.
Published: February 2014

We investigated the clinical utility of different strategies for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) testing. All requests for ANA and ENA ( n = 485) in a 20-week period were tested by immunofluorescence (FANA) and immunodiffusion (strategy 1), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques (strategy 2) or a combination of FANA and ELISA (strategy 3). Results of strategy 1 were positive by FANA in 8% (by immunodiffusion in 2%). By ELISA, 11% of the samples tested positive. In 12% ( n = 60) of the cases the two strategies did not agree. The positive predictive value (PPV) for autoimmune disease of strategy 1 was significantly higher than that for strategy 2, but after exclusion of rheumatoid arthritis this difference was abolished. In strategy 2 reagent costs were high but working time comparably shorter. With strategy 3 PPV results were not better, whereas costs and working time were higher. The most frequently occurring reasons for ANA/ENA test requests were: joint symptoms (37%), follow up (30%) or abnormal laboratory result (7%). In a survey of the clinicians 66% replied that the test result did not have any consequences, irrespective of the result or the strategy used. We conclude that FANA and immunodiffusion are superior to ELISA techniques. However, the clinical value of ANA/ENA testing is low and more selective test ordering is strongly recommended.
Assessing the Quality of Comments on Reports: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Challand G S
Published: February 2014

I describe a comparatively simple method for assessing the quality of comments on clinical biochemistry reports. It is based on independent peer review of components of comments, appears reasonably robust and correlates well with separate independent assessment of the value of complete comments. The method gives a numerical score, and thus lends itself to a wide range of statistical manipulations and assessment for education and audit purposes.
Influence of Investigative and Operative Procedures on Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen Concentration
Authors: Dew T , Coker C , Saadeh F , Mulvin D , Coptcoat M J , Sherwood R A
Published: February 2014

We determined the effect of cystoscopy (flexible and rigid), transrectal ultrasonography (with and without needle biopsy of the prostate) and transurethral resection of the prostate or bladder tumour on the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration. Samples were taken from 60 men before and up to 14 days following these procedures.

Flexible cystoscopy did not result in a significant increase in serum PSA concentration, with a median increase of 0·1 μg/L ( P > 0·05). Small but statistically significant increases in serum PSA levels 1 day post-procedure were observed following rigid cystoscopy and transrectal ultrasound without biopsy. The median increase in serum PSA concentration following rigid cystoscopy was 0·15 μg/L ( P = 0·04) and following transrectal ultrasound was 0·3 μg/L ( P = 0·01). In both cases the serum PSA level had normalized by 2 days post-procedure. Transurethral resection of bladder tumours resulted in a variable rise in serum PSA, with a median increase of 2·6 μg/L after 1 day, which returned to normal over 7–14 days. Ultrasound-guided needle biopsy of the prostate and transurethral resection of the prostate produced significant increases in serum PSA levels, which took up to fourteen days to return to normal. The median increase in serum PSA following needle biopsy was 6·0 μg/L and following transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was 13 μg/L.

Samples for PSA measurement may safely be taken within 24–48 h of flexible cystoscopy and transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) providing prostatic biopsy is not carried out. For other procedures it is necessary to wait for at least 14 days to ensure that false positive PSA results are not obtained.
Evaluation of Different Weight Correction Methods for Antenatal Serum Screening Using Data from Two Multi-Centre Programmes
Authors: Kennedy David M , Edwards Vicky M , Worthington David J
Published: February 2014

Weight correction of serum markers is widely used when screening for Down's syndrome and open neural tube defects (NTD) because marker concentrations decrease with increasing maternal weight. Log-linear regression is frequently used for determining weight correction factors, but recently reciprocal-linear regression has been suggested to have advantages. We compared both methods of weight correction using data from two screening programmes carried out by this laboratory, one using α-fetoprotein (AFP) and total human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) ( n = 129 143) and the other, AFP and free β-HCG ( n = 39 982). The reciprocal-linear method fitted the data more closely but did not significantly alter the detection rate or screen positive rate (SPR) for Down's syndrome or NTD with either dataset. Without correction, women heavier or lighter than average weight had significantly different SPRs for Down's syndrome and NTD compared with those weighing close to the median weight. Both correction methods smoothed out the variability in the SPR for Down's syndrome to a similar degree, but reciprocal-linear regression was much better at reducing the variability in SPR for NTD and its use is therefore worthwhile.
Detecting Anti-SSA and Anti-SSB Antibodies in Routine Analysis: A Comparison between Double Immunodiffusion and Immunoblotting
Authors: Yago Martín , Belmonte Miguel A , Olmos Maria J , Beltran Juan , Teruel Carlos , Segarra Marian
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study was to assess the performance of a commercially available procedure for detecting anti-Sjögren's syndrome A (anti-SSA) and anti-Sjögren's syndrome B (anti-SSB) antibodies by immunoblotting (IB) and compare it with double immunodiffusion (DID). We also studied the clinical significance of these profiles in a series of unselected anti-SSA positive patients. Serum samples from 534 patients that were positive on an immunofluorescent screening test using HEp-2 cells were analysed for anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies by DID and IB (Biolab Anablot System II), and the results on anti-SSA antibodies were confirmed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fifty-five serum samples were found to be positive for anti-SSA antibodies. Among these, 24 were anti-SSA negative by IB but positive by DID and ELISA (‘non-blotter sera’), whereas only three serum samples were anti-SSA negative by DID but positive by IB and ELISA. Of the 18 anti-SSB positive serum samples, eight were negative by DID. All the serum samples that were anti-SSB positive by DID were also positive by IB. Anti-SSB antibodies showed a significant association with eye dryness and leucopenia. Anti-52 kDa SSA antibodies were associated with anti-SSB antibodies but showed no significant association with sicca symptoms, while anti-60 kDa SSA antibodies were associated with lower rates of leucopenia. The ‘non-blotter’ profile showed no significant association with any clinical parameter. IB is less sensitive than DID for detecting anti-SSA antibodies but more sensitive than DID for detecting anti-SSB antibodies. The determination of anti-SSA immunoblotting profiles in patients positive for anti-SSA antibodies by DID does not significantly improve the clinical usefulness of this test. As expected, anti-SSB antibodies were associated with clinical features of Sjögren's disease. Non-blotting (probably conformational) anti-SSA antibodies did not show any further association with clinical parameters and seem to have no clinical relevance.
Multisite Study of a Second Generation Whole Blood Rapid Assay for Cardiac Troponin T
Authors: Azzazy Hassan M E , Duh Show-Hong , Fitzgerald Robert L , McLawhon Ronald W , Rosenthal Monique , Christenson Robert H
Published: February 2014

We evaluated a second generation, qualitative, whole blood rapid assay for cardiac troponin T (cTnT), which employs a more cardio-specific troponin T mouse monoclonal capture antibody. Using quantitative cTnT enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results as the benchmark for accuracy, we compared the performance of the second generation and the original whole blood rapid assays in 445 samples from patients with the following diagnoses, determined by medical record review: myocardial infarction, coronary bypass surgery, ischaemic heart disease, musculoskeletal disease, renal failure or other noncardiac conditions. Overall, concordance between the second generation cTnT Rapid Assay™ and the quantitative cTnT ELISA, compared using the McNemar test and a cut-off concentration of 0·1 μg/L, was in the range 76–94% for each patient group. Using a receiver operating characteristic plot, the cut-off for the second generation cTnT Rapid Assay was in the range 0·06–0·08 μg/L. We conclude that the second generation cTnT whole blood assay has a 2·5-fold lower analytical cut-off than the original rapid assay (0·2 μg/L) and may represent a more sensitive clinical tool for the rapid triage and risk stratification of cardiac patients.
Differences in Rates of Glycation (Glycation Index) May Significantly Affect Individual Hba1c Results in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Hudson Peter R , Child David F , Jones Heather , Williams Clive P
Published: February 2014

Ten type 1 diabetic patients recorded their daily home blood glucose values, pre- and post-prandially, for 12 weeks. Blood was collected weekly for HbA1c and total haemoglobin measurement. A rolling 28-day mean of all blood glucose values and a glycation index (the ratio of the HbA1c to the rolling mean blood glucose) were calculated. In the pooled patients' data, there was a large scatter of results about the HbA1c versus mean blood glucose regression line. There was less variation in the results of individual patients. The glycation indices showed marked inter-individual variation, and in 60% of patients there was an inverse relationship between glycation index and mean blood glucose, suggesting a non-linear relationship between mean blood glucose and HbA1c. Patients should be monitored on the basis of their own previous results, and in some patients blood HbA1c may be a less sensitive index of mean blood glucose concentration at higher glucose levels.
Expression and Secretion of Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules by Human Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: De Jong I , Aylwin S J B , Olabiran Y , Geddes J F , Monson J P , Wood D F , Burrin J M
Published: February 2014

Neural cell adhesion molecules (NCAMs) are found predominantly in neural, muscle and endocrine cells. Recent interest has focused on their potential role in tumorigenesis. We have analysed the expression and secretion of NCAM in a series of 48 human pituitary adenomas. Immunocytochemical analysis of 19 adenomas demonstrated NCAM expression in all tumours with, in each case, diffuse cytoplasmic staining being found with variable membrane accentuation. There were no apparent differences in the expression of immunoreactivity seen on sections between individual tumours. Cell culture media from 43 dispersed human pituitary tumours were analysed by immunoassay for the secretion of soluble NCAM and all the pituitary hormones. In contrast to the immunocytochemical studies, soluble NCAM was released from only 27% of human pituitary tumours, but this was not related to tumour type nor was the amount of soluble NCAM released correlated with the amount of pituitary hormone secreted by each adenoma. NCAM expression is common to all human pituitary adenoma types and the observed differences in release of soluble NCAM between individual tumours may reflect different molecular mechanisms, altering adhesive interactions between normal and adenomatous tissue.
Gender equality bargaining in France and the UK: An uphill struggle?
Authors: Milner Susan , Gregory Abigail
Published: February 2014

Collective bargaining is widely advocated as one means of addressing continued gender pay disparities. However, since collective bargaining has been weakened as a mode of employment regulation, its efficacy relative to statutory regulation is a matter of debate. This article examines the relationship between collective bargaining and the law and the impact of bargaining content and structures on gender equality outcomes, by focusing on France and the United Kingdom, two European Union (EU) countries which have markedly different collective bargaining traditions and structures, contrasting legal traditions and different gender regimes. The comparison highlights the respective contributions of supportive legislation, bargaining structures and bargaining equity as drivers of change, emphasizing the particular importance of supportive legislation in the two countries, as well as the particular vulnerability of UK gains (in the context of recessionary conditions, a voluntaristic approach and a weakened and localized bargaining framework) and the weakness of bargaining in relation in France, in the context of supportive legislation but inadequate legal enforcement.
FELASA recommendations for the health monitoring of mouse, rat, hamster, guinea pig and rabbit colonies in breeding and experimental units
Authors:   FELASA working group on revision of guidelines for health monitoring of rodents and rabbits, Mähler (Convenor) M , Berard M , Feinstein R , Gallagher A , Illgen-Wilcke B , Pritchett-Corning K , Raspa M
Published: February 2014

The microbiological quality of experimental animals can critically influence animal welfare and the validity and reproducibility of research data. It is therefore important for breeding and experimental facilities to establish a laboratory animal health monitoring (HM) programme as an integrated part of any quality assurance system. FELASA has published recommendations for the HM of rodent and rabbit colonies in breeding and experimental units (Nicklas et al. Laboratory Animals, 2002), with the intention of harmonizing HM programmes. As stated in the preamble, these recommendations need to be adapted periodically to meet current developments in laboratory animal medicine. Accordingly, previous recommendations have been revised and shall be replaced by the present recommendations. These recommendations are aimed at all breeders and users of laboratory mice, rats, Syrian hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits as well as diagnostic laboratories. They describe essential aspects of HM, such as the choice of agents, selection of animals and tissues for testing, frequency of sampling, commonly used test methods, interpretation of results and HM reporting. Compared with previous recommendations, more emphasis is put on the role of a person with sufficient understanding of the principles of HM, opportunistic agents, the use of sentinel animals (particularly under conditions of cage-level containment) and the interpretation and reporting of HM results. Relevant agents, testing frequencies and literature references are updated. Supplementary information on specific agents and the number of animals to be monitored and an example of a HM programme description is provided in the appendices.
Association between phospholipase C epsilon gene (PLCE1) polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk in a Chinese population
Authors: Wang Qi , Chen Ping , Chen Dafang , Liu Fanlong , Pan Weihuo
Published: February 2014

Objective

To investigate the association between a single nucleotide polymorphism rs2274223 (adenine [A] to guanine [G]) in the phospholipase C epsilon 1 ( PLCE1) gene and susceptibility to colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

The PLCE1 rs2274223 polymorphism was genotyped in patients with CRC and age- and sex-matched cancer-free control subjects from a Chinese population in a case–control study. PLCE1 mRNA levels in pair-matched tumour and adjacent noncancerous tissue were evaluated by real-time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction.

Results

A total of 417 patients with CRC and 416 control subjects were enrolled in the study. The AG and GG genotypes of PLCE1 rs2274223 were associated with a significantly increased risk of CRC (for AG + GG versus AA: adjusted odds ratio 1.52, 95% confidence interval 1.15, 2.00). PLCE1 mRNA levels were significantly lower in tumours than in adjacent noncancerous tissue. Lower levels of PLCE1 mRNA were observed in both AG and GG genotype carriers compared with the AA genotype carriers.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the PLCE1 rs2274223 A > G change might reduce gene expression and that the variant G genotype might contribute to the increased risk of CRC.
Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms of sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 gene and risk of knee osteoarthritis in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Qiu Xiao-ming , Jin Cheng-tao , Wang Wei
Published: February 2014

Objective

To investigate associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs2228314 and rs2267443 in the sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 gene ( SREBP-2) and knee osteoarthritis (OA) susceptibility in a Chinese Han population.

Methods

SREBP-2 rs2228314 and rs2267443 polymorphisms were genotyped in patients with knee OA and age- and sex-matched OA-free controls from a Chinese Han population.

Results

A total of 402 patients with knee OA and 410 controls were enrolled in the study. GC and CC genotypes of rs2228314, and variant C, were associated with a significantly increased risk of knee OA. On stratification analysis, the association between the risk of OA and rs2228314 GC heterozygotes compared with GG homozygotes was stronger in females and those aged >65 years. In contrast, the GA and AA genotypes of rs2267443 were not significantly associated with the risk of knee OA, even after further stratification analysis according to age or sex.

Conclusions

SREBP-2 rs2228314 G to C change and variant C genotype may contribute to knee OA risk in a Chinese Han population.
The state and gender relations in international political economy: A state-theoretical approach to varieties of capitalism in crisis
Authors: Wöhl Stefanie
Published: February 2014

This article develops a gendered state-theoretical materialist framework to show how capitalism as an economic system and the nation-state reproduce gendered hierarchies on multiple levels. With a focus on the symbolic masculine cultural order and its hegemonic political rationality of governing, the current economic crisis and its effects on gender regimes is discussed more specifically. In a case study on a new economic governance form called ‘Sixpack’ within the European Union, the effects of these policies and their symbolic meanings are highlighted. The article therefore challenges the varieties of capitalism literature on gender, arguing that a broader framework of analysis is necessary to capture the intersectional dimensions of domination in capitalism for different subject positions.
The fetish of global competition
Authors: Hartmann Eva
Published: February 2014

A number of scholars have criticised the methodological nationalism of the mainstream study of capitalist diversity for ignoring a global convergence trend triggered by global competition. This contribution agrees with this criticism but insists on the need to take the diversities into account in order to understand the dependence of capital on the geographical concreteness of living labour and its social context. At the same time, the paper outlines an analytical framework that sheds light on the process that makes this dependency invisible, hidden behind the convergence trend. This framework further develops Karl Marx’s and Evgeny Pashukanis’s notion of fetishism by drawing on accounts of state theory and economic sociology with a view to outlining the complex interplay of economic and extra-economic processes enabling this disguising. It assigns this process relative autonomy, and thus highlights another type of dependence of capital in its drive towards the realisation of surplus value.
A bank-to-turn command calculation and singularity control strategy for agile missiles
Authors: Wen Qiu-Qiu , Xia Qun-Li
Published: February 2014

This article proposes a new strategy that computes the bank-to-turn commands without a singularity problem. To this end, the singularity problem is first analysed, and the main influence factors are found. An extended roll-angle command calculation method is then derived for the missile body coordinate based on the bank-to-turn-90 logic. The auxiliary skid-to-turn manoeuvring and the command increment saturation are induced to eliminate the oscillation of roll-angle command due to the noises in guidance commands. Three control zones are designed to ensure that suitable command calculations are for different conditions. When the strategy is used, the missile tends to maintain a smooth and varied roll-angle command, even if the guidance acceleration commands approach zero at the endgame of guidance. Finally, numerical simulation results are provided, and the validity of the strategy is proven via a comparison between the typical bank-to-turn guidance law and the normal bank-to-turn command calculation method.
Entre intellectualisme et politique: Le sport dans France Observateur (1950−1964)
Authors: Tétart Philippe
Published: February 2014

Fondé en 1950, France Observateur se donne pour mission d’être le moniteur des ‘Nouvelles Gauches’ et de participer à la rénovation des gauches. Dans cette perspective, le sport n’est une question ni centrale ni urgente. Au fil des ans cependant, ses rédacteurs finissent par en analyser les formes et les enjeux au prisme de l’idéologie. Ils critiquent le sport spectacle et l’instrumentalisation physique et sociale des sportifs. Leur discours écorne plus le système sportif que le sport et les sportifs. Il évolue au début des années 1960 avec l’arrivée d’une nouvelle génération de journalistes au profil moins critique. Mais France Observateur ne fait pas d’ aggiornamento sportif. Le milieu intellectuel et politisé qu’il représente (journalistes et lecteurs) est trop peu préoccupé de sport et manifestement inconscient de ses fonctions sociales croissantes. Ainsi France Observateur témoigne plus de l’asportivité d’une partie de l’intelligentsia des années 1950 que d’une antisportivité qu’on associe souvent, a priori, à l’extrême gauche.
Come rain or shine? Public expectation on local weather change and differential effects on climate change attitude
Authors: Lo Alex Y. , Jim C. Y.
Published: February 2014

Tailored messages are instrumental to climate change communication. Information about the global threat can be ‘localised’ by demonstrating its linkage with local events. This research ascertains the relationship between climate change attitude and perception of local weather, based on a survey involving 800 Hong Kong citizens. Results indicate that concerns about climate change increase with expectations about the likelihood and impacts of local weather change. Climate change believers attend to all three types of adverse weather events, namely, temperature rises, tropical cyclones and prolonged rains. Climate scepticism, however, is not associated with expectation about prolonged rains. Differential spatial orientations are a possible reason. Global climate change is an unprecedented and distant threat, whereas local rain is a more familiar and localised weather event. Global climate change should be articulated in terms that respect local concerns. Localised framing may be particularly effective for engaging individuals holding positive views about climate change science.
Re-inventing the GM Debate: The Ethiopian Biosafety Law and its Implications for Innovation and Knowledge Production on Emerging Technologies
Authors: Demissie Hailemichael Teshome , Muchie Mammo
Published: February 2014

A regulatory framework is among the major factors that determine the innovative capacity of a nation. It may block or ease innovative performance; it may scare away skills and expertise or may reverse brain drain and waste, it may attract and retain investment or lead to relocation of investors. The Ethiopian Biosafety Proclamation of 2009 has come under thorough scrutiny from all sides for its effect on innovation in biotechnology in Ethiopia. While it was expected to introduce a creative mechanism of compliance with international environmental agreements without upsetting the promising biotechnology research in Ethiopia, it conspicuously failed to strike a balance between the imperatives of promoting innovation and protecting humans and biodiversity. Contrary to the claims of the architects of the Proclamation, the legislation hardly entertained any national indigenous input other than adopting a more stringent version of the parent law—the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.

The article examines the Ethiopian Biosafety law and its impact on innovation in biotechnology and other emerging technologies that go by other names. It will discuss some striking parallels between EU biotechnology regulation and the Proclamation and in particular the U-turns Europe is taking. Broader issues of the linkage between regulation and innovation policy and the imperatives of expediting innovation are emerging as Ethiopia takes the road Europe is abandoning and even international biosafety regulation is revising. It will argue that the promotion of the responsible development of biotechnology in Ethiopia needs to be reinstated as a priority and not pushed aside as secondary interest.
BOOK REVIEW: The University in Development: Case Studies of Use-Oriented Research
Authors: Turpin Tim
Published: February 2014

DAVID COOPER (2011), The University in Development: Case Studies of Use-Oriented Research. Cape Town: HSRC Press. 390 pp. PB. AUD58.00.
The Janus faces of European policy
Authors: Barbier Jean-Claude , Colomb Fabrice
Published: February 2014

The current Eurocrisis has demonstrated the ambiguity of ‘European social policy’, where, as the Greek case shows, the only place in European Union law where some form of ‘solidarity’ is supposed to exist, i.e. ‘social policy’, has no direct concern with it. The absence of solidarity at a time when it is most needed can be explained by persisting national diversity, and the incapacity of the system to generate political consensus, leading to the greatest outbreak of nationalistic political activity since the Second World War.
Feedback chaotic synchronization of a complex chaotic system with disturbances
Authors: Wei Qiang , Wang Xing-yuan , Hu Xiao-peng
Published: February 2014

In this paper, the basic dynamical properties of a complex chaotic system are investigated by the imaginary part and the real part of the complex chaotic system are separated. Based on Lyapunov stability theorem, a feedback control method is proposed for synchronization of a complex chaotic system with parameters perturbation and external disturbances. The simulation results show the feasibility of the method.
A morphological and immunohistochemical study of the effects of prednisolone or ursodeoxycholic acid on liver histology in feline lymphocytic cholangitis
Authors: Otte Corma MA , Rothuizen Jan , Favier Robert P , Penning Louis C , Vreman Sandra
Published: February 2014

Feline lymphocytic cholangitis (LC) has been commonly treated with prednisolone, and more recently with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Previously, we found that prednisolone treatment resulted in a statistically longer survival time than treatment with UDCA. In order to explain this difference, we compared the effects of prednisolone and UDCA treatment on hepatic tissue by evaluating consecutive liver biopsies. Archival serial biopsy materials from cats with LC treated with prednisolone (n = 5) or UDCA (n = 4) were evaluated. We employed haematoxylin and eosin staining to evaluate inflammation, and reticulin staining for fibrosis. Immunohistochemical stainings for Ki-67, K19 (Cytokeratin 19) and α-smooth muscle actin were used to evaluate cell type-specific proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells. Inflammation decreased more in the group treated with prednisolone, while the number of cholangiocytes, progenitor cells and fibroblasts did not differ between the treatment groups. Additionally, no difference was found for the amount of fibrosis in both treatment groups.
Tourist destination brand image development—an analysis based on stakeholders’ perception
Authors: Ashton Ann Suwaree
Published: February 2014

While tourist destination brand development is well documented, there is little research on the process of brand image development concept. The aim of this study is to examine what is the concept of tourist destination brand image development based on a case study from the Southland (SL) region of New Zealand (NZ). A qualitative approach was adopted using face-to-face interviews with stakeholders within the SL, NZ. Participants considered that brand concepts, such as the name or symbol that represents the region, should be based on local geographical attractions. Furthermore, the uniqueness of product, place, and local attributes and experiences should be used in creating a brand image; finally, the events and festivals held by locals annually. This study contributes to a destination marketing strategy and indicates that those involved in brand development should seek to understand how attribute–holistic, functional–psychological, and common–unique help in destination brand image development. It makes a managerial contribution by better understanding the way to implement the destination brand image and hence improve marketing effectiveness by maximizing the benefit to all stakeholders, including customers, employees, shareholders, suppliers, and nonprofit organizations.
Bisexual, pansexual, queer: Non-binary identities and the sexual borderlands
Authors: Callis April Scarlette
Published: February 2014

This article focuses on sexualities in the USA that exist within the border between heterosexuality and homosexuality. I first examine the usefulness of applying borderland theory to non-gay/non-straight sexualities such as queer and bisexual. I then give an ethnographic analysis of sexual self-identities on the borders, shedding light on how participants envisioned labels such as ‘pansexual,’ and ‘heteroflexible.’ Finally, I explore the ways that the sexual borderlands became tangible in Lexington, Kentucky at certain events and locations. Throughout, I highlight the ways that the sexual borderland touches on all sexualities, as individuals knowingly cross, inhabit, or bolster sexual identity borders.