bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mineral metabolism in renal transplant recipients discontinuing cinacalcet at the time of transplantation: a prospective observational study
Authors: Evenepoel Pieter , Sprangers Ben , Lerut Evelyne , Bammens Bert , Claes Kathleen , Kuypers Dirk , Meijers Björn , Vanrenterghem Yves
Published: October 2011

Evenepoel P, Sprangers B, Lerut E, Bammens B, Claes K, Kuypers D, Meijers B, Vanrenterghem Y. Mineral metabolism in renal transplant recipients discontinuing cinacalcet at the time of transplantation: a prospective observational study.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01524.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  The calcimimetic cinacalcet is approved for treating secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. Biochemical profiles and clinical outcomes in patients discontinuing cinacalcet at the time of transplantation are scarce.

Methods:  We performed a prospective observational cohort study, including 303 incident renal transplant recipients, of whom 21 were on cinacalcet treatment at the time of transplantation. Parameters of mineral metabolism and incidence of parathyroidectomy and nephrocalcinosis in patients discontinuing cinacalcet at the time of transplantation patients (“cinacalcet +”) were compared to cinacalcet‐naïve patients (“cinacalcet –”). Mean follow‐up was 35.6 ± 15.8 months.

Results:  At the time of transplantation, parameters of mineral metabolism were similar in both groups. Conversely, at month 3, serum ionized calcium (p = 0.0007), calcitriol (p = 0.02), biointact parathyroid hormone (p = 0.06) levels and urinary fractional excretion of phosphorus (p = 0.06) were higher, while serum phosphorus levels (p = 0.06) were lower in “cinacalcet +.” Analysis based on matching at the time of initiation showed that the course of post‐transplant mineral metabolism in cinacalcet‐treated patients (median treatment period 12.5 months) vs. cinacalcet‐naïve patients was identical. “Cinacalcet +” patients are characterized by a high‐incidence proportion of both post‐transplant nephrocalcinosis (45% at month 3) and parathyroidectomy (28.6%). No difference in renal function was observed between “cinacalcet +” and “cinacalcet−” patients.

Conclusion:  Cinacalcet does not affect the course of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients awaiting kidney transplantation. Biochemical profiles and a high parathyroidectomy rate suggest rebound hyperparathyroidism in renal transplant recipients discontinuing cinacalcet at the time of transplantation, which may be related to the short exposure time specific to this population. Risk/benefit studies are urgently required to define the role of continued calcimimetic treatment in renal transplant recipients and to determine the optimal treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients listed for transplantation.
Form follows function: morphological diversification and alternative trapping strategies in carnivorous Nepenthes pitcher plants
Authors: BAUER U. , CLEMENTE C. J. , RENNER T. , FEDERLE W.
Published: October 2011

Carnivorous plants of the genus Nepenthes have evolved a striking diversity of pitcher traps that rely on specialized slippery surfaces for prey capture. With a comparative study of trap morphology, we show that Nepenthes pitcher plants have evolved specific adaptations for the use of either one of two distinct trapping mechanisms: slippery wax crystals on the inner pitcher wall and ‘insect aquaplaning’ on the wet upper rim (peristome). Species without wax crystals had wider peristomes with a longer inward slope. Ancestral state reconstructions identified wax crystal layers and narrow, symmetrical peristomes as ancestral, indicating that wax crystals have been reduced or lost multiple times independently. Our results complement recent reports of nutrient source specializations in Nepenthes and suggest that these specializations may have driven speciation and rapid diversification in this genus.
The role of gestures in the transition from one‐ to two‐word speech in a variety of children with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Vandereet Joke , Maes Bea , Lembrechts Dirk , Zink Inge
Published: October 2011

Background: Over the past decades the links between gesture and language have become intensively studied. For example, the emergence of requesting and commenting gestures has been found to signal the onset of intentional communication. Furthermore, in typically developing children, gestures play a transitional role in the acquisition of early lexical and syntactic milestones. Previous research has demonstrated that, particularly supplementary, gesture–word combinations not only precede, but also reliably predict the onset of two‐word speech. However, the gestural correlates of two‐word speech have rarely been studied in children with intellectual disabilities.

Aims: The primary aim was to investigate developmental changes in speech and gesture use as well as to relate the use of gesture–word combinations to the onset of two‐word speech in children with intellectual disabilities. A supplementary aim was to investigate differences in speech and gesture use between requests and comments in children with intellectual disabilities.

Methods & Procedures: Participants in this study were 16 children with intellectual disabilities (eight girls, eight boys). Chronological ages at the start of the study were between 3;1 and 5;7 years; mental ages were between 1;5 and 3;3 years. Every 4 months within a 2‐year period children's requests and comments were sampled during structured interactions. All gestures and words used communicatively to request and comment were transcribed.

Outcomes & Results: Although children's use of spoken words as well as the diversity in their spoken vocabularies increased over time, gestures were used with a constant rate over time. Temporal tendencies similar to those described in typically developing children were observed: gesture–word combinations typically preceded, rather than followed, two‐word speech. Furthermore, gestures (deictic gestures in particular) were more often used to request than to comment.

Conclusions & Implications: Overall, gestures were used as a transitional tool towards children's first two‐word utterances. This result highlights gesture use as a robust phenomenon during the early stages of syntactic development across populations. The observed differences in gesture use between requests and comments might be explained by differences in interactional as well as in procedural context.
Communication difficulties and the use of communication strategies: from the perspective of individuals with aphasia
Authors: Johansson Monica Blom , Carlsson Marianne , Sonnander Karin
Published: October 2011

Background: To enhance communicative ability and thereby the possibility of increased participation of persons with aphasia, the use of communication strategies has been proposed. However, little is known about how persons with aphasia experience having conversations and how they perceive their own and their conversation partner's use of communication strategies.

Aims: To explore how people with aphasia experience having conversations, how they handle communication difficulties, and how they perceive their own and their communication partners’ use of communication strategies.

Methods & Procedures: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with four women and seven men with chronic aphasia (n = 11). Interviews were video‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed by qualitative content analysis.

Outcomes & Results: Informants appreciated having conversations despite the fact that they perceived their aphasia as a serious hindrance. Different factors related to the informants, the conversation partners, the conversation itself and the physical environment were perceived to impact on conversations. The importance of the communication partners’ knowledge and understanding of aphasia and their use of supporting conversation strategies were acknowledged by the informants. The informants’ views on using communication aid devices or strategies varied considerably. Four themes that characterized the informants’ narratives were: loss and frustration, fear and uncertainty, shared responsibility based on knowledge, and longing for the past or moving forward.

Conclusions & Implications: The informants longed to regain their former language ability and role as an active participant in society. To enhance participation of persons with aphasia, it is suggested that communication partner training should be an important and integral part of aphasia rehabilitation. Important elements of such training are reflecting on communication behaviours, training in real‐life situations, and acknowledging each individual's special needs and preferences. To deal with the consequences of aphasia, counselling and psychological support may be needed.
UNEXPECTED ADVANTAGES OF LESS ACCURATE PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS. HOW SIMPLE PRESCRIPTION DATA WORKS IN A COMPLEX SETTING REGARDING THE USE OF MEDICATIONS
Authors: DE BONT ANTOINETTE , GRIT KOR
Published: October 2011

In this paper we argue that performance measurement can be done better by general, less accurate measurements than by complex – and possible more accurate – ones. The conclusions of this study are drawn from a case study of the Dutch Foundation for Effective Use of Medication. While most studies about performance measurements focus on the management of public service organizations, this case study – informed by the literature from Science and Technology Studies – focuses on the active role of the measurements themselves. In the paper we show that indicators do not have to be as complex as the practices they represent – as long as they are part of a chain of intermediary data that allow travelling from the general or simple indicators to detailed data in day‐to‐day practices and vice versa. Furthermore, general indicators enable stakeholders to obtain distance from each other. Rather than the involvement of stakeholders, it is this reflexive distancing that explains the degree of compliance to performance measurement and thereby the prospect for effective co‐governance.
Factors that influence emotional disturbance in adults living in extreme poverty
Authors: PALOMAR‐LEVER JOAQUINA , VICTORIO‐ESTRADA AMPARO
Published: October 2011

Palomar‐Lever, J. & Victorio‐Estrada, A. (2012). Factors that influence emotional disturbance in adults living in extreme poverty.Scandinavian Journal of Psychology53, 158–164.

Living in poverty conditions implies exposure to severe circumstances of social disadvantage, associated with greater propensity to contract illnesses. A negative correlation has consistently been observed between health and poverty. The chronic exposure to stress affects people’s well‐being through the development of symptoms of anxiety and depression. The suffering of these symptoms for a long time period may be considered as part of a more general syndrome of emotional disturbance, in detriment to a person’s mental health. The objective of this study is to identify psychological factors that influence emotional disturbance, measured as symptoms of anxiety and depression, in adults living in poverty conditions in Mexico’s central region. A total of 913 adults, 65.2% female, were surveyed. The mean age of the participants was 43.71 (±12.58) years and the mean number of years of schooling was 4.04 (±3.36). Variables corresponding to personal characteristics were measured. The results indicate that the most important risk factor for depression is anxiety and vice versa. Additionally, gender, negative self‐esteem, lack of adequate strategies for confronting and resolving difficulties, and lack of self‐regulation predicted depression, whereas stress, lack of self‐regulation, and coping style predicted anxiety. These variables were better predictors than optimism, locus of control, sense of humor or religiosity.
Introducing the electronic patient record (EPR) in a hospital setting: boundary work and shifting constructions of professional identities
Authors: Håland Erna
Published: October 2011

Today’s healthcare sector is being transformed by several ongoing processes, among them the introduction of new technologies, new financial models and new ways of organising work. The introduction of the electronic patient record (EPR) is representative and part of these extensive changes. Based on interviews with health personnel and office staff in a regional hospital in Norway, and with health administrators and information technology service‐centre staff in the region, the article examines how the introduction of the EPR, as experienced by the participants, affects the work practices and boundaries between various professional groups in the healthcare system and discusses the implications this has for the understanding of medical practice. The article shows how the EPR has become part of the professionals’ boundary work; expressing shifting constructions of professional identities.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RETENTION RATIO IN A KALECKIAN MODEL WITH DEBT ACCUMULATION
Authors: Sasaki Hiroaki , Fujita Shinya
Published: October 2011

By using a Kaleckian model with debt accumulation, Hein (2007; Metroeconomica, 56 (2), pp. 310–39) found that the long‐run equilibrium value of the debt–capital ratio is positive and stable only if interest rates are extremely high and if the short‐run equilibrium exhibits the ‘debt‐led’ growth regime. However, this conclusion crucially depends on the assumption that the retention ratio of firms is equal to unity. By relaxing this assumption, we show that there exists a positive and stable long‐run equilibrium even under the ‘debt‐burdened’ regime without any constraint on the nominal interest rate.
Quality Indicators for Crisis Communication to Support Emergency Management by Public Authorities
Authors: Palttala Pauliina , Vos Marita
Published: October 2011

The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for performance indicators to measure and improve crisis communication preparedness of public authorities. Such an instrument supporting organizational learning has not yet been developed for crisis communication. Literature is used to create a basis and the framework is derived from a process model with various phases integrating communication activities with crisis management. In the paper, the development of the instrument is explained and justified. Furthermore, an example of its use is provided in which the instrument is used for an auditor evaluation of a water contamination case. A next step for future research could be to analyze and compare a number of measurements.
Communication Gaps in Disaster Management: Perceptions by Experts from Governmental and Non‐Governmental Organizations
Authors: Palttala Pauliina , Boano Camillo , Lund Ragnhild , Vos Marita
Published: October 2011

The complexity of current disasters creates a challenge for crisis communication. This paper aims at identifying gaps in communication in disaster management experienced in practice in order to facilitate learning from those situations. The research was conducted using a qualitative online open‐ended questionnaire. It shows that despite the developments in the discipline, communication as an integral part of decision making in disaster management needs to be further developed. The paper provides a practical‐oriented overview of the communication constraints in complex crisis situations, which has not been provided so far. This research is part of an international project developing performance indicators for a quality measurement system for crisis communication.
Emotion regulation predicts attention bias in maltreated children at‐risk for depression
Authors: Romens Sarah E. , Pollak Seth D.
Published: October 2011

Background:  Child maltreatment is associated with heightened risk for depression; however, not all individuals who experience maltreatment develop depression. Previous research indicates that maltreatment contributes to an attention bias for emotional cues, and that depressed individuals show attention bias for sad cues.

Method:  The present study examined attention patterns for sad, depression‐relevant cues in children with and without experience of maltreatment. We also explored whether individual differences in physiological reactivity and emotion regulation in response to a sad emotional state predict heightened attention to sad cues associated with depression.

Results:  Children who experienced high levels of maltreatment showed an increase in attention bias for sad faces throughout the course of the study, such that they showed biased attention for sad faces following the initiation of a sad emotional state. Maltreated children who had high levels of trait rumination showed an attention bias toward sad faces across all time points.

Conclusions:  These data suggest that maltreated children show heightened attention for depression‐relevant cues in certain contexts (e.g. after experience of a sad emotional state). Additionally, maltreated children who tend to engage in rumination show a relatively stable pattern of heightened attention for depression‐relevant cues. These patterns may identify which maltreated children are most likely to exhibit biased attention for sad cues and be at heightened risk for depression.
Equilibrium or not? Modelling potential distribution of invasive species in different stages of invasion
Authors: Václavík Tomáš , Meentemeyer Ross K.
Published: October 2011

Aim  The assumption of equilibrium between organisms and their environment is a standard working postulate in species distribution models (SDMs). However, this assumption is typically violated in models of biological invasions where range expansions are highly constrained by dispersal and colonization processes. Here, we examined how stage of invasion affects the extent to which occurrence data represent the ecological niche of organisms and, in turn, influences spatial prediction of species’ potential distributions.

Location  Six ecoregions in western Oregon, USA.

Methods  We compiled occurrence data from 697 field plots collected over a 9‐year period (2001–09) of monitoring the spread of invasive forest pathogen Phytophthora ramorum. Using these data, we applied ecological‐niche factor analysis to calibrate models of potential distribution across different years of colonization. We accounted for natural variation and uncertainties in model evaluation by further investigating three hypothetical scenarios of varying equilibrium in a simulated virtual species, for which the ‘true’ potential distribution was known.

Results  We confirm our hypothesis that SDMs calibrated in early stages of invasion are less accurate than models calibrated under scenarios closer to equilibrium. SDMs that are developed in early stages of invasion tend to underpredict the potential range compared to models that are built in later stages of invasion.

Main conclusions  A full environmental niche of invasive species cannot be effectively captured with data from a realized distribution that is restricted by processes preventing full occupancy of suitable habitats. If SDMs are to be used effectively in conservation and management, stage of invasion needs to be considered to avoid underestimation of habitats at risk of invasion.
Prevalence of refractive errors among school children in Northeastern Iran
Authors: Rezvan Farhad , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Fotouhi Akbar , Hashemi Hassan , Ostadimoghaddam Hadi , Heravian Javad , Azizi Elham , Khorasani Abbas Azimi , Yekta Abbas Ali
Published: October 2011

Citation information: Rezvan F, Khabazkhoob M, Fotouhi A, Hashemi H, Ostadimoghaddam H, Heravian J, Azizi E, Khorasani AA & Yekta AA. Prevalence of refractive errors among school children in Northeastern Iran. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00879.x

Purpose:  To determine the prevalence of refractive errors among schoolchildren in Northeastern Iran by age and gender.

Methods:  Using multistage random cluster sampling, 2020 schoolchildren 6–17 years of age were selected for this cross‐sectional study. The participants totalled 1551 (response rate 76.8%) elementary and junior high school children (41.5% boys and 58.5% girls) from the northeast of Iran. Cycloplegic autorefraction was used to determine refractive error. Myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent (SE) of −0.50 dioptre (D) or worse, hyperopia as a SE of +2.00 D or more, and astigmatism as cylinder equal to or worse than −0.75 D.

Results:  The prevalence of uncorrected, habitual and optimal visual acuity of 6/12 (0.30 logMAR) or worse in the better eye was 2.2%, 1.0%, and 0.2% respectively. The prevalence rates of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism were 4.3% (95%CI: 3.3–5.3), 5.4% (95%CI: 4.3–6.5) and 11.5% (95%CI: 9.9–13.1) respectively and were not related to gender. The prevalence of myopia and against‐the‐rule astigmatism increased significantly with age (p < 0.0001). The prevalence of hyperopia significantly decreased with age (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:  The prevalence of myopia in schoolchildren in Northeastern Iran is considerably lower than that of East Asian populations, but similar to many other populations, including South Africa, Chile and other countries of the Middle East. Whilst comparisons with other studies show that the prevalence of hyperopia and astigmatism in Northeastern Iran is higher than that of some countries, it is lower compared with others.
Iron deficiency in blood donors: the REDS‐II Donor Iron Status Evaluation (RISE) study
Authors: Cable Ritchard G. , Glynn Simone A. , Kiss Joseph E. , Mast Alan E. , Steele Whitney R. , Murphy Edward L. , Wright David J. , Sacher Ronald A. , Gottschall Jerry L. , Tobler Leslie H. , Simon Toby L. ,   for the NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II)
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: Blood donors are at risk of iron deficiency. We evaluated the effects of blood donation intensity on iron and hemoglobin (Hb) in a prospective study.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Four cohorts of frequent and first‐time or reactivated (FT/RA) blood donors (no donation in 2 years), female and male, totaling 2425, were characterized and followed as they donated blood frequently. At enrollment and the final visit, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and Hb were determined. Models to predict iron deficiency and Hb deferral were developed. Iron depletion was defined at two levels: iron deficiency erythropoiesis (IDE) [log(sTfR/ferritin) ≥ 2.07] and absent iron stores (AIS; ferritin < 12 ng/mL).

RESULTS: Among returning female FT and RA donors, 20 and 51% had AIS and IDE at their final visit, respectively; corresponding proportions for males were 8 and 20%. Among female frequent donors who returned, 27 and 62% had AIS and IDE, respectively, while corresponding proportions for males were 18 and 47%. Predictors of IDE and/or AIS included a higher frequency of blood donation in the past 2 years, a shorter interdonation interval, and being female and young; conversely, taking iron supplements reduced the risk of iron depletion. Predictors of Hb deferral included female sex, black race, and a shorter interdonation interval.

CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of iron depletion in frequent blood donors. Increasing the interdonation interval would reduce the prevalence of iron depletion and Hb deferral. Alternatively, replacement with iron supplements may allow frequent donation without the adverse outcome of iron depletion.
Rethinking the Effect of Immigration on Wages
Authors: Ottaviano Gianmarco I. P. , Peri Giovanni
Published: October 2011

This paper calculates the effects of immigration on the wages of native US workers of various skill levels in two steps. In the first step we use labor demand functions to estimate the elasticity of substitution across different groups of workers. Second, we use the underlying production structure and the estimated elasticities to calculate the total wage effects of immigration in the long run. We emphasize that a production function framework is needed to combine own-group effects with cross-group effects in order to obtain the total wage effects for each native group. In order to obtain a parsimonious representation of elasticities that can be estimated with available data, we adopt alternative nested-CES models and let the data select the preferred specification. New to this paper is the estimate of the substitutability between natives and immigrants of similar education and experience levels. In the data-preferred model, there is a small but significant degree of imperfect substitutability between natives and immigrants which, when combined with the other estimated elasticities, implies that in the period from 1990 to 2006 immigration had a small effect on the wages of native workers with no high school degree (between 0.6% and +1.7%). It also had a small positive effect on average native wages (+0.6%) and a substantial negative effect (−6.7%) on wages of previous immigrants in the long run.
Streptococcus mitis/human gingival fibroblasts co‐culture: the best natural association in answer to the 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate release
Authors: DI GIULIO MARA , D’ERCOLE SIMONETTA , ZARA SUSI , CATALDI AMELIA , CELLINI LUIGINA
Published: October 2011

Di Giulio M, D’Ercole S, Zara S, Cataldi A, Cellini L. Streptococcus mitis/human gingival fibroblasts co‐culture: the best natural association in answer to the 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate release. APMIS 2011.

One of the major components of dental polymerized resin‐based restorative materials is 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and its release in monomeric form interferes with the oral cavity environment. This study aimed to evaluate HEMA monomeric effects on the co‐culture of Streptococcus mitis and human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Streptococcus mitis DS12 and S. mitis ATCC 6249 were co‐cultivated with HGF in the presence of HEMA (3 mM), for 48 and 72 h; the amount of sessile and planktonic cells, as well as the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell viability were analyzed in treated and untreated samples. The treatment of S. mitis/HGFs with HEMA did not produce significant effects on the bacterial adhesion and induced an increase in planktonic S. mitis ATCC 6249 population after 48 and 72 h. HEMA increased significantly the planktonic S. mitis ATCC 6249 viability when co‐cultured with HGFs, while a cytotoxic effect on HGFs, without bacteria, was recorded. An increase of bacterial aggregation on HGFs was also detected with HEMA. Data obtained in this study suggest that HEMA exhibits a toxic effect mainly on eukaryotic cells and this effect can be modulated by co‐cultivation with the S. mitis cells which, in the presence of the monomer, enhance their aggregation rate on HGFs.
An analysis of the decision‐making process for single implant treatment in general practice
Authors: Cosyn Jan , Raes Stefanie , De Meyer Stefanie , Raes Filiep , Buyl Ronald , Coomans Danny , De Bruyn Hugo
Published: October 2011

Purpose

To study the frequency of and factors associated with the decision to perform single implant treatment after tooth extraction by general practitioners in a private, fee‐for‐service setting.

Material and methods

One hundred practitioners with a general dental practice in Ghent were randomly selected. Clinicians were asked to fill in a study form for every single extraction they performed during an 8‐week period. The form related to the treatment decision and a number of patient‐ and clinician‐related factors.

Results

Ninety‐four general dentists (52 men, 42 women; mean age 49; range 24–68) agreed to participate and extracted 1180 single teeth. After exclusion of third molars and cases where the reason for tooth loss would generally prohibit replacement, 900 cases were identified. In 24% of these patients, there was no treatment decision and in 18% replacement was deemed unnecessary. When replacement was necessary (n = 526), removable partial denture (RPD), fixed partial denture (FPD), single implant treatment and resin‐bonded bridge were chosen in 54%, 24%, 21% and 1% of the patients, respectively. Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate the decision‐making process for single implant treatment against RPD and FPD. In relation to RPD, single implant treatment was more likely in highly educated patients with few missing teeth and no bone loss at adjacent teeth. In relation to FPD, single implant treatment was more likely in patients with intact adjacent teeth and when the tooth was extracted by a female dentist. Experience in implant prosthetics was positively associated with single implant treatment in all analyses.

Conclusions

Single implant treatment is not the most common procedure in daily practice to restore a single tooth gap. Patient's education, oral factors and clinician‐related factors may affect the decision‐making process, whereas medical factors may not.
Risk variables in the association between frequency of alcohol consumption and periodontitis
Authors: Lages Eugênio J. P. , Costa Fernando O. , Lages Elizabeth M. B. , Cota Luís O. M. , Cortelli Sheila C. , Nobre‐Franco Gilson C. , Cyrino Renata M. , Cortelli José R.
Published: October 2011

Objective

Investigate the association between the frequency of alcohol consumption and periodontitis. Moreover, evaluate the influence of biological, behavioural, and social risk variables in this association.

Methods

Sample was comprised by 542 subjects of both genders, 35–55 years of age, who underwent a complete periodontal examination, and was divided into four groups according to the frequency of alcohol use, based on alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) and Cut‐down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye‐opener (CAGE) instruments: (1) no or occasional alcohol use (NA), (2) moderate alcohol use (MA), (3) intense alcohol use (IA) and (4) alcohol dependence (DA). Associations between the occurrence of periodontitis and potential risk variables were analysed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression stratified by smoking status when appropriate.

Results

The prevalence of periodontitis in NA, MA, IA and DA groups were 17.2%, 24.0%, 29.6% and 53%, respectively. Alcohol odds ratio (OR) estimates significantly increased with an increase in consumption frequency (DA>IA>MA>NA) and were approximately two times higher in smokers (OR = 3.43 to 7.91) compared to non‐smokers (OR = 1.22 to 3.02).

Conclusion

Occurrence of periodontitis among alcohol users were high and the frequency of alcohol consumption increased the odds of periodontitis incrementally mainly in smokers.
Participation of Complement 3a receptor (C3aR) in the sensitization phase of Th2 mediated allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Niebuhr Margarete , Bäumer Wolfgang , Kietzmann Manfred , Wichmann Katja , Heratizadeh Annice , Werfel Thomas
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  The complement system has emerged as a bridge between innate and adaptive immune responses. An involvement of C3aR has been described during skin inflammation. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of C3a in a mouse model of allergic skin inflammation, such as allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) which is a clinical manifestation of contact sensitivity (CS). The sensitization phase was studied using the local lymph node test: Mice were sensitized on three consecutive days by application of non‐irritant concentrations of toluene‐2,4‐diisocyanate (TDI; 0.5%) onto the ear skin. On day 5, auricular draining lymph nodes were obtained. The elicitation phase was investigated by sensitization with TDI on the depilated and tape‐stripped abdominal skin and challenge with TDI on the ear skin and measuring of ear swelling in vivo and cytokine secretion in activated splenocytes in vitro respectively. Complement 3a receptor deficient (C3aRKO) mice showed increased cytokine responses (interleukin[IL]‐5, IL‐6, IL‐17, granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor [GM‐CSF]) in the sensitization phase of ACD to TDI. However, no differences in CS responses to TDI were observed in C3aR KO mice compared with WT controls in the elicitation phase of ACD as assessed by measuring of ear swelling in vivo and cytokines in skin and in activated splenocytes in vitro, namely IL‐1α, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐17, interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), GM‐CSF and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. These findings provide a new insight into the participation of C3a in the sensitization phase of CS immune responses.
Interleukin‐6 as a Predictor of Subclinical Chorioamnionitis in Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes
Authors: Gulati Shilpa , Bhatnagar Sonu , Raghunandan Chitra , Bhattacharjee Jayashree
Published: October 2011

Citation Gulati S, Bhatnagar S, Raghunandan C, Bhattacharjee J. Interleukin‐6 as a predictor of subclinical chorioamnionitis in preterm premature rupture of membranes. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 235–240

Problem  One of the major challenges faced by the clinicians in preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) is to correctly identify when a significant chorioamnionitis is evolving and decide timely delivery of the fetus. Measuring interleukin‐6 levels in maternal serum can be useful for the identification of asymptomatic intrauterine infections in subjects with PPROM.

Method of study  A total of 75 pregnant women, of which 45 pregnant women presenting with PPROM between 24 and 34 weeks gestation and 30 healthy pregnant women without PPROM, were included in the study. Serum IL‐6 levels were determined by solid‐phase sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (Diaclone Research, Besancon, France).

Results  The mean serum IL‐6 value at admission in the control group was 2.48 ± 2.7 pg/mL and in the study group was 11.86 ± 14.5 pg/mL (P = 0.001). Mean serum IL‐6 concentrations at admission in subjects without histological chorioamnionitis were 3.98 ± 3.9 pg/mL and in those who had histological chorioamnionitis were 20.09 ± 16.8 pg/ml (P < 0.001).

Conclusion  Maternal serum IL‐6 levels were significantly elevated in subjects with PPROM with infectious morbidity as compared to those without infectious morbidity in the present study. There was a significant rise in maternal serum IL‐6 levels with increased duration of rupture of membranes and with evidence of histological chorioamnionitis and funisitis in the placenta.
Effects of fluorides on apoptosis and activation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Szczepański M , Kamianowska M , Kamianowski G
Published: October 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 280–284

Objective:  To determine the effects of fluorides on endothelial functioning.

Materials and methods:  We analyzed expressions of adhesion molecules, ICAM‐1 and ICAM‐3, and annexin V, on the surface of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to various concentrations of NaF and SnF2. We compared the effects of fluoride‐induced changes with those obtained when stimulating HUVECs with TNF‐α and verified whether N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC), well‐known antioxidant, can prevent both fluoride‐ and TNF‐α‐induced alterations.

Results:  The expressions of annexin V and ICAM‐1 increased significantly after adding NaF (5.0 or 7.5 mM) or Sn2F (0.5 or 0.75 mM) to the culture medium. Pre‐incubating HUVECs with NAC prevented the effects induced by 5.0 mM of NaF and 0.5 mM of Sn2F. Only the highest concentration of NaF (7.5 mM) triggered the expression of ICAM‐3. The expressions of all three molecules increased significantly upon stimulating the cultures with TNF‐α (20 ng ml−1); these changes were not reversed by pre‐incubation with NAC.

Conclusions:  Fluorides induce oxidative stress, resulting in apoptosis and activation of HUVECs, manifested by an elevated expression of ICAM‐1. The oxidative stress resulting from a stimulation by the highest NaF concentration triggers ICAM‐3 expression on the HUVECs’ surface.
A novel SGCE gene mutation causing myoclonus dystonia in a family with an unusual phenotype
Authors: Tedroff Kristina , Rolfs Arndt , Norling Andreas
Published: October 2011

Background:  Myoclonus dystonia is an autosomal dominant dystonia‐plus syndrome, characterized by symptom variability within families. Most often is the myoclonus the most debilitating symptom, and many patients report myoclonus reduction after alcohol intake. In several families, mutations in the SGCE gene have been identified.

Method:  We report of a three‐generation family with myoclonus dystonia displaying a varied phenotype and maternal imprinting. Additionally, this family displays some unusual clinical presentations including alcohol‐induced dystonia in an adult man, which will be discussed.

Results:  A novel mutation c.386T>C [p.I129T] was found within exon 3 of the SGCE gene in all three affected family members. In addition, two additional mutations [c.305G>A and IVS3+15G>A], judged to be polymorphisms in the SGCE gene, were found in two affected and one healthy family member.

Conclusions:  This report presents a novel mutation in the SGCE gene causing myoclonus dystonia and extends the phenotype of myoclonus dystonia to also include alcohol‐induced dystonia.
Impact of overweight and obesity in carotid intima‐media thickness of portuguese adolescents
Authors: Leite A , Santos A , Monteiro M , Gomes L , Veloso M , Costa M
Published: October 2011

Aim:  To measure carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT) in obese, overweight and normal‐weight Portuguese adolescents, to evaluate the association between body weight early signs of atherosclerosis.

Methods:  Cross‐sectional study, enrolling 150 adolescents (50 normal weight, 50 overweight and 50 obese) with mean age of 12.9 years. All underwent clinical, analytical and carotid common artery ultrasonographic evaluation.

Results:  After adjusting for systolic blood pressure and plasma High‐density lipoprotein, Low‐density lipoprotein and Triglycerides levels, higher mean cIMT values were observed in both overweight and obese patients, when compared to normal‐weight group. Moreover, adolescents with metabolic syndrome (MS) had greater cIMT [normal‐weight: cIMT mean 0.418 mm (95% confidence intervals (95% CI) 0.399–0.437); overweight: 0.461 mm (95% CI: 0.444–0.477); obese: 0.472 mm (95% CI: 0.455–0.488); MS: 0.482 mm (95% CI: 0.444–0.520) p = 0.001]. When normal‐weight and overweight adolescents were exclusively compared, differences in cIMT remained significant (p < 0.001). cIMT was positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.439, p < 0.001), waist circumference (r = 0.301, p = 0.018) and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.266, p = 0.001).

Conclusions:  We have shown that cIMT is positively associated with BMI increase in adolescents, even in moderate overweight ranges, independent of age, gender, systolic blood pressure and plasma lipid concentrations.
Prediction of outcome at 5 years from assessments at 2 years among extremely preterm children: A Norwegian national cohort study
Authors: Leversen Katrine Tyborg , Sommerfelt Kristian , Elgen Irene Bircow , Eide Geir Egil , Irgens Lorentz M , Júlíusson Pétur B , Markestad Trond
Published: October 2011

Aim:  To examine the predictive value of early assessments on developmental outcome at 5 years in children born extremely preterm.

Methods:  This is a prospective observational study of all infants born in Norway in 1999–2000 with gestational age (GA) <28 weeks or birth weight (BW) <1000 g. At 2 years of age, paediatricians assessed mental and motor development from milestones. At 5 years, parents completed questionnaires on development and professional support before cognitive function was assessed with Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence‐Revised (WPPSI‐R) and motor function with the Movement Assessment Battery for children (ABC test).

Results:  Twenty‐six of 373 (7%) children had cerebral palsy at 2 and 29 of 306 (9%) children at 5 years. Of children without major impairments, 51% (95% CI 35–67) of those with and 22% (95% CI 16–28) without mental delay at 2 years had IQ <85 at 5 years, and 36% (95% CI 20–53 with and 16% (95% CI 11–21) without motor delay at 2 years had an ABC score >95th percentile (poor function). Approximately half of those without major impairments but IQ <85 or ABC score >95th percentile had received support or follow‐up beyond routine primary care.

Conclusion:  Previous assessments had limited value in predicting cognitive and motor function at 5 years in these extremely preterm children without major impairments.
Folate, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6 and homocysteine: impact on pregnancy outcome
Authors: Furness Denise , Fenech Michael , Dekker Gustaaf , Khong T Yee , Roberts Claire , Hague William
Published: October 2011

Good clinical practice recommends folic acid supplementation 1 month prior to pregnancy and during the first trimester to prevent congenital malformations. However, high rates of fetal growth and development in later pregnancy may increase the demand for folate. Folate and vitamins B12 and B6 are required for DNA synthesis and cell growth, and are involved in homocysteine metabolism. The primary aim of this study was to determine if maternal folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and homocysteine concentrations at 18–20 weeks gestation are associated with subsequent adverse pregnancy outcomes, including pre‐eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The secondary aim was to investigate maternal B vitamin concentrations with DNA damage markers in maternal lymphocytes. A prospective observational study was conducted at the Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia. One hundred and thirty‐seven subjects were identified prior to 20 weeks gestation as at high or low risk for subsequent adverse pregnancy outcome by senior obstetricians. Clinical status, dietary information, circulating micronutrients and genome damage biomarkers were assessed at 18–20 weeks gestation. Women who developed IUGR had reduced red blood cell (RBC) folate (P < 0.001) and increased plasma homocysteine concentrations (P < 0.001) compared with controls. Maternal DNA damage, represented by micronucleus frequency and nucleoplasmic bridges in lymphocytes, was positively correlated with homocysteine (r = 0.179, P = 0.038 and r = 0.171, P = 0.047, respectively). Multivariate regression analysis revealed RBC folate was a strong predictor of IUGR (P = 0.006). This study suggests that low maternal RBC folate and high homocysteine values in mid pregnancy are associated with subsequent reduced fetal growth.
pH dependence of listeriolysin O aggregation and pore‐forming ability
Authors: Bavdek Andrej , Kostanjšek Rok , Antonini Valeria , Lakey Jeremy H. , Dalla Serra Mauro , Gilbert Robert J. C. , Anderluh Gregor
Published: October 2011

Listeriolysin O (LLO) is the major factor implicated in the escape of Listeria monocytogenes from the phagolysosome. It is the only representative of cholesterol‐dependent cytolysins that exhibits pH‐dependent activity. Despite intense studies of LLO pH‐dependence, this feature of the toxin still remains incompletely explained. Here we used fluorescence and CD spectroscopy to show that the structure of LLO is not detectably affected by pH at room temperature. We observed slightly altered haemolytic and permeabilizing activities at different pH values, which we relate to reduced binding of LLO to the lipid membranes. However, alkaline pH and elevated temperatures caused rapid denaturation of LLO. Aggregates of the toxin were able to bind Congo red and Thioflavin T dyes and were visible under transmission electron microscopy as large, amorphous, micrometer‐sized assemblies. The aggregates had the biophysical properties of amyloid. Analytical ultracentrifugation indicated dimerization of the protein in acidic conditions, which protects the protein against premature denaturation in the phagolysosome, where toxin activity takes place. We therefore suggest that LLO spontaneously aggregates at the neutral pH found in the host cell cytosol and that this is a major mechanism of LLO inactivation.

Structured digital abstract

 LLO and LLO bind by electronmicroscopy (Viewinteraction)

 LLO and LLO bind by cosedimentationinsolution (Viewinteraction)

 LLO and LLO bind by fluorescencetechnology (Viewinteraction)

 LLO and LLO bind by lightscattering (Viewinteraction)
Impact of the Additive Effect of Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and /or Statins with Antiplatelet Medication on Mortality After Acute Ischaemic Stroke
Authors: Hassan Yahaya , Al‐Jabi Samah W. , Aziz Noorizan Abd , Looi Irene , Zyoud Sa’ed H.
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  There has been recent interest in combining antiplatelets, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and statins in primary and secondary ischaemic stroke prevention. This observational study was performed to evaluate the impact of adding ACEIs and/or statins to antiplatelets on post‐stroke in‐hospital mortality. Ischaemic stroke patients attending a hospital in Malaysia over an 18‐month period were evaluated. Patients were categorized according to their vital status at discharge. Data included demographic information, risk factors, clinical characteristics and previous medications with particular attention on antiplatelets, ACEIs and statins. In‐hospital mortality was compared among patients who were not taking antiplatelets, ACEIs or statins before stroke onset versus those who were taking antiplatelets alone or in combination with either ACEIs, statins or both. Data analysis was performed using spss version 15. Overall, 637 patients met the study inclusion criteria. After controlling for the effects of confounders, adding ACEIs or statins to antiplatelets significantly decreased the incidence of death after stroke attack by 68% (p = 0.036) and 81% (p = 0.010), respectively, compared to patients on antiplatelets alone or none of these medications. Additionally, the addition of both ACEIs and statins to antiplatelet medication resulted in the highest reduction (by 94%) of the occurrence of death after stroke attack (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that adding ACEIs and/or statins to antiplatelets for patients at risk of developing stroke, either as a primary or as a secondary preventive regimen, was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of mortality after ischaemic stroke than antiplatelets alone. These results might help reduce the rate of ischaemic stroke morbidity and mortality by enhancing the application of specific therapeutic and management strategies for patients at a high risk of acute stroke.
Environmental Impact, Export Intensity, and Productivity Interactions: An Empirical Index Analysis of the Agri‐Food Industry in Spain
Authors: Rodríguez‐Rodríguez Manuel , Galdeano‐Gómez Emilio , Carmona‐Moreno Eva , Godoy‐Durán Ángeles
Published: October 2011

Recent studies have focused on how exports affect environmental performance or vice versa, while others have concentrated on the productivity of export‐oriented firms. The objective of the present paper is to provide a simultaneous analysis on the aforementioned relationships. The approach followed is a composite equation model in which export performance and productivity components, including an environmental indicator, are endogenously determined, taking as reference exporting firms of the food industry in Southeast Spain, for the period 1994–2006. The results show positive interactions among export intensity, firm efficiency, and environmental productivity, also suggesting that the consideration of endogeneity may enhance the findings of analyses on these issues.

Des études récentes se sont concentrées sur les effets des exportations sur la performance environnementale ou vice‐versa, tandis que d’autres se sont concentrées sur la productivité des entreprises à vocation exportatrice. Le présent article vise à fournir une analyse simultanée des liens précités. Nous avons utilisé un modèle àéquations multiples dans lequel les éléments liés à la performance des exportations et à la productivité, y compris un indicateur environnemental, sont déterminés de façon endogène, en prenant comme référence des entreprises agroalimentaires à vocation exportatrice situées dans le sud‐est de l’Espagne, durant la période de 1994 à 2006. Les résultats montrent des interactions positives entre l’intensité des exportations, l’efficacité des entreprises et la productivité environnementale, ce qui autorise à penser que l’endogénéité pourrait améliorer les résultats des analyses sur ces points.