bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review article: the pathophysiology and management of gastrointestinal symptoms during physical exercise, and the role of splanchnic blood flow
Authors: ter Steege R. W. F. , Kolkman J. J.
Published: January 2012

Background

The prevalence of exercise‐induced gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms has been reported up to 70%. The pathophysiology largely remains unknown.

Aim

To review the physiological and pathophysiological changes of the GI‐tract during physical exercise and the management of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms.

Methods

Search of the literature published in the English and Dutch languages using the Pubmed database to review the literature that focused on the relation between splanchnic blood flow (SBF), development of ischaemia, postischaemic endotoxinemia and motility.

Results

During physical exercise, the increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) redistributes blood flow from the splanchnic organs to the working muscles. With prolonged duration and/or intensity, the SBF may be decreased by 80% or more. Most studies point in the direction of increased SNS‐activity as central driving force for reduction in SBF. A severely reduced SBF may frequently cause GI ischaemia. GI‐ischaemia combined with reduced vagal activity probably triggers changes in GI‐motility and GI absorption derangements. GI‐symptoms during physical exercise may be prevented by lowering the exercise intensity, preventing dehydration and avoiding the ingestion of hypertonic fluids.

Conclusions

Literature on the pathophysiology of exercise‐induced GI‐symptoms is scarce. Increased sympathetic nervous system activity and decreased splanchnic blood flow during physical exercise seems to be the key factor in the pathogenesis of exercise‐induced GI‐symptoms, and this should be the target for symptom reduction.
Outcomes in community‐acquired Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: Khanna S. , Pardi D. S. , Aronson S. L. , Kammer P. P. , Baddour L. M.
Published: January 2012

Background

Community‐acquired Clostridium difficile infection (CA‐CDI) is an increasingly appreciated condition. It is being described in populations lacking traditional predisposing factors that have been previously considered at low‐risk for this infection. As most studies of CDI are hospital‐based, outcomes in these patients are not well known.

Aim

To examine outcomes and their predictors in patients with CA‐CDI.

Methods

A sub‐group analysis of a population‐based epidemiological study of CDI in Olmsted county, Minnesota from 1991–2005 was performed. Data regarding outcomes, including severity, treatment response, need for hospitalisation and recurrence were analysed.

Results

Of 157 CA‐CDI cases, the median age was 50 years and 75.3% were female. Among all CA‐CDI cases, 40% required hospitalisation, 20% had severe and 4.4% had severe‐complicated infection, 20% had treatment failure and 28% had recurrent CDI. Patients who required hospitalisation were significantly older (64 years vs. 44 years, P < 0.001), more likely to have severe disease (33.3% vs. 11.7%, P = 0.001), and had higher mean Charlson comorbidity index scores (2.06 vs. 0.84, P = 0.001). They had similar treatment failure and recurrence rates as patients who did not require hospitalisation.

Conclusions

Community‐acquired Clostridium difficile infection can be associated with complications and poor outcomes, including hospitalisation and severe Clostridium difficile infection. As the incidence of community‐acquired Clostridium difficile infection increases, clinicians should be aware of risk factors (increasing age, comorbid conditions and disease severity) that predict the need for hospitalisation and complications in patients with community‐acquired Clostridium difficile infection.
Cortisol metabolism after weight loss: associations with 11 β‐HSD type 1 and markers of obesity in women
Authors: Rask E. , Simonyte K. , Lönn L. , Axelson M.
Published: January 2012

Objective

Increased glucocorticoid metabolite excretion and enhanced expression and activity of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in adipose tissue are closely correlated with obesity and its detrimental consequences. Weight loss ameliorates the latter. The aim of this study was to explore whether increased glucocorticoid exposure in obesity is improved with substantial weight loss and thus is a consequence rather than a cause of obesity.

Design and patients

A prospective cohort study in 31 women.

Measurements

11β‐HSD type 1 expression and activity, urinary glucocorticoid metabolite excretion, body composition including regional adipose tissue depots and insulin resistance by HOMA‐IR before and 2 years after gastric bypass surgery.

Results

After weight loss, excretion of cortisol and cortisone metabolites decreased. Both cortisol and cortisone metabolite excretion correlated with central obesity, where the intraabdominal fat depot showed the strongest association. Cortisol metabolites correlated with 11β‐HSD type 1 activity in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue. The ratio of cortisol to cortisone metabolites [(5α‐tetrahydrocortisol (5αTHF) + tetrahydrocortisol (THF) + α‐cortol)/(tetrahydrocortisone (THE) + α‐cortolone)] and the ratio of 5α‐THF/THF both decreased after stable weight loss, reflecting a downregulation of the net activities of 11β‐HSD type 1 and 5α‐reductase.

Conclusion

Long‐term weight loss in women is not only followed by reduced glucocorticoid production, but also favourably decreases the global and tissue‐specific activity of the cortisol‐activating enzyme 11 β‐HSD type 1, possibly contributing to the health benefits of bariatric surgery.
Adult‐type hypolactasia and calcium intake in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Lerchbaum Elisabeth , Giuliani Albrecht , Gruber Hans‐Jürgen , Pieber Thomas R. , Obermayer‐Pietsch Barbara
Published: January 2012

Objective  Adult‐type hypolactasia (ATH) is related to lower calcium and milk intake, which might be associated with obesity and metabolic disturbances. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) frequently suffer from metabolic disturbances including central obesity. We aimed to examine the association of ATH and calcium intake with anthropometric, metabolic and endocrine parameters in a cohort of PCOS and control women.

Design  Metabolic, endocrine and anthropometric measurements and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed in 504 PCOS and 366 control women. Genotyping of ATH, defined by the ‐13910 variant of the MCM6 gene, was performed. Calcium intake was assessed by questionnaires.

Results  Adult‐type hypolactasia was more prevalent in PCOS women (29·8%) than in controls (23·5%) (P = 0·040). PCOS women with ATH had higher waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) (0·80 [0·75–0·88] vs 0·78 [0·73–0·85], P = 0·046), glucose 2 h (5·28 [4·57–6·33] mmol/l vs 5·67 [4·68–6·78] mmol/l, P = 0·037), HbA1c (5·2 [5·0–5·4]%vs 5·1 [5·0–5·3]%, P = 0·009), parathyroid hormone (3·72(2·91–4·86] pmol/l vs 3·61 [2·94–4·63] pmol/l, P = 0·030) and Ferriman‐Gallwey‐Scores (FG Scores) (7 [3–12] vs 4 [1–9], P = 0·002) and lower 25(OH)D levels (54·4 [35·2–80·6] nmol/l vs 68·4 [49·7–89·4] nmol/l, P < 0·001) than PCOS women without ATH. The association of 25(OH)D and FG‐Scores with ATH remained significant in age‐, BMI‐ and WHR‐adjusted analyses. PCOS women within the highest quartile of calcium intake had significantly lower testosterone (P = 0·023) and androstenedione (P = 0·032) and significantly higher high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (P = 0·035) than PCOS women with lower calcium intake.

Conclusion  Our results indicate an association of ATH with PCOS susceptibility. Moreover, ATH might influence WHR, HbA1c and FG‐Scores as well as 25(OH)D levels. Higher calcium intake was associated with lower androgens and higher HDL levels.
Carotid intima‐media thickness is increased in Turner syndrome: multifactorial pathogenesis depending on age, blood pressure, cholesterol and oestrogen treatment
Authors: Mortensen Kristian H. , Andersen Niels H. , Hjerrild Britta E. , Hørlyck Arne , Stochholm Kirstine , Højbjerg Gravholt Claus
Published: January 2012

Objective  Carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) may potentially supplement cardiovascular risk assessment in Turner syndrome (TS), where cardiovascular risk is high and appropriate risk stratification difficult. Knowledge of IMT in TS is scarce, and this study aimed to enhance insight into the cardiovascular risk marker.

Design, Patients and Measurements  IMT was cross‐sectionally assessed by ultrasonography of the common carotid artery (cIMT) and carotid bulb (bIMT) in TS (n = 69, age 40 ± 10 years) and age‐matched, healthy female controls (n = 67). Additional prospective IMT assessment was performed in TS over 2·4 ± 0·3 years. Metabolic biomarkers and 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure were also assessed.

Results  cIMT and bIMT (body surface area indexed) were increased in TS (P < 0·05) with 17–18% having IMTs that exceeded the 95th percentile of the controls (P < 0·05). Blood pressure, heart rate, glycosylated haemoglobin A1c and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were increased in TS, where 43% received antihypertensive treatment. cIMT decreased during follow‐up, coinciding with intensified cardiovascular risk prophylaxis, whereas bIMT was unchanged. In multiple regression analyses (R = 0·52–0·69, P < 0·05), baseline IMT in TS increased with age, blood pressure and cholesterol as well as in the presence of diabetes whilst IMT was inversely associated with duration of oestrogen replacement. In an analogue analysis, the prospective changes in cIMT (R = 0·37, P < 0·05) were beneficially influenced by antihypertensive treatment and oestrogen therapy and adversely by the presence of diabetes.

Conclusion  Carotid IMT was abnormal in TS and negatively influenced by age, metabolic biomarkers, blood pressure and short duration of oestrogen treatment. Attention to common cardiovascular and endocrine risk markers over more than 2 years appeared to influence IMT beneficially.
Molecular characterization of Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) transferrin and its response to parasitoid Venturia canescens (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae Gravenhorst)
Authors: Guz N. , Kilincer N. , Aksoy S.
Published: January 2012

In the present study, we characterized a full‐length cDNA encoding a putative iron‐binding protein transferrin from the lepidopteran Mediterranean flour moth (EkTrf, 2397 bp). The putative EkTrf is 683 amino acids with a molecular mass of approximately 76 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence showed significant homology with other insect transferrins from Chilo suppressalis (76%), Galleria mellonella (75%), Plutella xylostella (72%), Manduca sexta (74%), Bombyx mori (73%), Spodoptera litura and (72%), Choristoneura fumiferana (71%). Northern blot analysis indicated that Ephestia transferrin mRNA was expressed in the last larval instars of both males and females and in the pupal developmental stages. EkTrf is expressed predominantly in the fat body and ovary tissues. Analysis of parasitized larva by the endoparasitoid Venturia canescens suggests that transferrin expression is induced following parasitoid challenge. Expression of EkTrf levels also increased upon bacterial infection at 6 h post treatment and remained high until 24 h. Similarly to other insect transferrins, EkTrf may play a role in immunity through its iron‐binding capacity.
Expression analyses of caspase‐1 and related activities in the midgut of Galleria mellonella during metamorphosis
Authors: Khoa D. B. , Trang L. T. D. , Takeda M.
Published: January 2012

The cDNA encoding caspase‐1, a main protease involved in apoptosis, was cloned and sequenced from the midgut of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella. The open reading frame contains 879 nucleotides, encodes 293 amino acids, and was registered as Gmcaspase‐1. The sequence comparison showed a high homology to lepidopteran caspase‐1, human caspase‐3, and ced‐3 of Caenorhabditis elegans. Gmcaspase‐1 is predicted to contain a short prodomain, large subunit, and small subunit domain. It also exhibits all characteristics of caspase, including three conserved cleavage sites after Asp‐25, Asp‐192, and Asp‐181, three active site residues including a highly conserved QACQG pentapeptide active‐site motif, and four substrate binding sites. The expression profiles during development showed that the transcript of Gmcaspase‐1 and its protein products appeared in two or more waves in the midgut during metamorphosis. Immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and TUNEL analyses revealed that apoptosis occurred first at the basal, then middle and then apical regions in the midgut epithelium and the yellow body is formed in the lumen. At least three waves of mitosis and differentiation follow the apoptosis waves from the basal and middle to apical parts to form the adult epithelium.
Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour to predict nurses’ intention to integrate research evidence into clinical decision‐making
Authors: Côté Françoise , Gagnon Johanne , Houme Philippe Kouffé , Abdeljelil Anis Ben , Gagnon Marie‐Pierre
Published: January 2012

côté f., gagnon j., houme p.k., abdeljelil a.b. & gagnon m.‐p. (2012) Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour to predict nurses’ intention to integrate research evidence into clinical decision‐making. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(10), 2289–2298.

Aims.  Using an extended Theory of Planned Behaviour, this article is a report of a study to identify the factors that influence nurses’ intention to integrate research evidence into their clinical decision‐making.

Background.  Health professionals are increasingly asked to adopt evidence‐based practice. The integration of research evidence in nurses’ clinical decision‐making would have an important impact on the quality of care provided for patients. Despite evidence supporting this practice and the availability of high quality research in the field of nursing, the gap between research and practice is still present.

Design.  A predictive correlational study.

Methods.  A total of 336 nurses working in a university hospital participated in this research. Data were collected in February and March 2008 by means of a questionnaire based on an extension of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Descriptive statistics of the model variables, Pearson correlations between all the variables and multiple linear regression analysis were performed.

Results/findings.  Nurses’ intention to integrate research findings into clinical decision‐making can be predicted by moral norm, normative beliefs, perceived behavioural control and past behaviour. The moral norm is the most important predictor. Overall, the final model explains 70% of the variance in nurses’ intention.

Conclusion.  The present study supports the use of an extended psychosocial theory for identifying the determinants of nurses’ intention to integrate research evidence into their clinical decision‐making. Interventions that focus on increasing nurses’ perceptions that using research is their responsibility for ensuring good patient care and providing a supportive environment could promote an evidence‐based nursing practice.
Dmd of bacteriophage T4 functions as an antitoxin against Escherichia coli LsoA and RnlA toxins
Authors: Otsuka Yuichi , Yonesaki Tetsuro
Published: January 2012

Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 harbours a cryptic plasmid, pOSAK1, that carries only three ORFs: mobA (involved in plasmid mobilization), ORF1 and ORF2. Predicted proteins encoded by these two ORFs were found to share a weak homology with RnlA and RnlB, respectively, a toxin–antitoxin system encoded on the E. coli K‐12 chromosome. Here, we report that lsoA (ORF1) encodes a toxin and lsoB (ORF2) an antitoxin. In spite of the homologies, RnlB and LsoB functioned as antitoxins against only their cognate toxins and not interchangeably with each other. Interestingly, T4 phage Dmd suppressed the toxicities of both RnlA and LsoA by direct interaction, the first example of a phage with an antitoxin against multiple toxins.
Genetics of virulence in Ascochyta rabiei
Authors: Peever T. L. , Chen W. , Abdo Z. , Kaiser W. J.
Published: January 2012

In order to critically test the hypothesis that virulence variation in the Ascochyta rabiei/chickpea pathosystem is a discrete character under simple genetic control, a genetic cross was made between a highly virulent isolate of A. rabiei from Syria and a less virulent isolate from the USA. Two independent virulence assays conducted by inoculating susceptible and resistant chickpea cultivars under controlled conditions with 77 independent progeny isolates from this cross revealed a continuous distribution of disease phenotypes. Bimodality, as would be predicted for the segregation of virulence under simple genetic control, was not supported by statistical tests of the progeny phenotype distribution. anova revealed highly significant pathogen‐genotype × host‐genotype interactions demonstrating the segregation of genes controlling specialization on the two cultivars tested. These interactions could be localized to two isolates that changed virulence rank on the cultivars. It was concluded that variation in virulence to these two cultivars is under quantitative genetic control. If this conclusion applies to other cultivars, it can be speculated that the discrete categories of virulence variation identified in previous studies were probably the result of incomplete sampling of host resistance or pathogen virulence variation and/or of selection for increased virulence in contemporary A. rabiei populations.
Alternative splicing of the auxin biosynthesis gene YUCCA4 determines its subcellular compartmentation
Authors: Kriechbaumer Verena , Wang Pengwei , Hawes Chris , Abell Ben M.
Published: January 2012

Auxin is a major growth hormone in plants, and recent studies have elucidated many of the molecular mechanisms underlying its action, including transport, perception and signal transduction. However, major gaps remain in our knowledge of auxin biosynthetic control, partly due to the complexity and probable redundancy of multiple pathways that involve the YUCCA family of flavin‐dependent mono‐oxygenases. This study reveals the differential localization of YUCCA4 alternative splice variants to the endoplasmic reticulum and the cytosol, which depends on tissue‐specific splicing. One isoform is restricted to flowers, and is anchored to the cytosolic face of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane via a hydrophobic C‐terminal transmembrane domain. The other isoform is present in all tissues and is distributed throughout the cytosol. These findings are consistent with previous observations of yucca4 phenotypes in flowers, and suggest a role for intracellular compartmentation in auxin biosynthesis.
CD44 expression in plexiform lesions of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Ohta‐Ogo Keiko , Hao Hiroyuki , Ishibashi‐Ueda Hatsue , Hirota Seiichi , Nakamura Kazufumi , Ohe Tohru , Ito Hiroshi
Published: January 2012

Plexiform lesions in pulmonary arteries are a characteristic histological feature for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). The pathogenesis of the plexiform lesion is not fully understood, although it may be related to endothelial cell dysfunction and local inflammation. CD44 is a cell adhesion molecule and it is also involved in angiogenesis, endothelial cell proliferation and migration. The expression of CD44 was examined in lung plexiform lesions obtained from patients with IPAH (IPAH group, n= 7) and pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with atrial septal defect (ASD‐PAH group, n= 4). Expression of CD44 was detected in 49 out of 52 plexiform lesions (93%) from all patients in the IPAH group, whereas 31 plexiform lesions obtained from the ASD‐PAH group lacked CD44 positivity by immunohistochemistry. In the IPAH group, CD44 was localized in the endothelial cells of microvessels within plexiform lesions and activated T cells in and around the lesions. Furthermore, T cell infiltration and endothelial cell proliferation activity were prominent in the plexiform lesions of the IPAH group, compared to those of the ASD‐PAH group. These findings suggest that CD44 and activated T cell infiltration play an important role in the development of plexiform lesions particularly in IPAH.
Outcome of twin pregnancies after amniocentesis
Authors: Kan Anita Sik Yau , Lee Chin Peng , Leung Kwok Yin , Chan Ben Chong Pun , Tang Mary Hoi Yin , Chan Vivian Ho Yan
Published: January 2012

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the miscarriage and fetal loss rates of twin pregnancies after amniocentesis.

Material and Methods: The outcome of 140 twin pregnancies that had amniocentesis performed from 1997 to 2006 was reviewed.

Results: Among 140 twin pregnancies with amniocentesis, 35 were excluded (fetuses with structural anomalies, post‐selective feticide, abnormal fetal karyotype, twin‐twin transfusion syndrome [TTTS], termination of pregnancy, and unknown outcome). For the remaining 105 twin pregnancies, 102 had live births of all fetuses. One dichorionic twin had silent miscarriage of one fetus at 23 weeks. Another dichorionic twin had intrauterine death of one fetus at unknown gestation. One patient had preterm delivery at 32 weeks with neonatal death of one twin due to severe intrauterine growth restriction. The miscarriage rate (one or both fetuses) for twins before 24 weeks was 0.96% (1/105), the pregnancy loss (one or both fetuses) within 4 weeks of amniocentesis was 0.96% (1/105). The total fetal loss rate was 0.96% (2/210) for twins.

Conclusion: Our cohort showed a low fetal loss rate after amniocentesis for uncomplicated twin pregnancies.
GLP‐1 based therapies: differential effects on fasting and postprandial glucose
Authors: Fineman M.S. , Cirincione B.B. , Maggs D. , Diamant M.
Published: January 2012

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), a gut‐derived hormone secreted in response to nutrients, has several glucose and weight regulating actions including enhancement of glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion, suppression of glucagon secretion, slowing of gastric emptying and reduction in food intake. Because of these multiple effects, the GLP‐1 receptor system has become an attractive target for type 2 diabetes therapies. However, GLP‐1 has significant limitations as a therapeutic due to its rapid degradation (plasma half‐life of 1–2 min) by dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4). Two main classes of GLP‐1‐mediated therapies are now in use: DPP‐4 inhibitors that reduce the degradation of GLP‐1 and DPP‐4‐resistant GLP‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) agonists. The GLP‐1R agonists can be further divided into short‐ and long‐acting formulations which have differential effects on their mechanisms of action, ultimately resulting in differential effects on their fasting and postprandial glucose lowering potential. This review summarizes the similarities and differences among DPP‐4 inhibitors, short‐acting GLP‐1R agonists and long‐acting GLP‐1R agonists. We propose that these different GLP‐1‐mediated therapies are all necessary tools for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and that the choice of which one to use should depend on the specific needs of the patient. This is analogous to the current use of modern insulins, as short‐, intermediate‐ and long‐acting versions are all used to optimize the 24‐h plasma glucose profile as needed. Given that GLP‐1‐mediated therapies have advantages over insulins in terms of hypoglycaemic risk and weight gain, optimized use of these compounds could represent a significant paradigm shift for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Innovation for Inclusive Business: Intrapreneurial Bricolage in Multinational Corporations
Authors: Halme Minna , Lindeman Sara , Linna Paula
Published: January 2012

abstract

It is often argued that multinational corporations (MNCs) are in a unique position to innovate business models that can help to alleviate poverty. This empirical study into intra‐organizational aspects of pro‐poor business innovation in two MNCs suggests, however, that certain elements of their management frameworks – such as short‐term profit interests, business unit based incentive structures, and uncertainty avoidance – may turn into obstacles that prevent MNCs from reaching their full potential in this respect. We introduce the concept of intrapreneurial bricolage to show how middle manager innovators may promote pro‐poor business models despite these obstacles. We define intrapreneurial bricolage as entrepreneurial activity within a large organization characterized by creative bundling of scarce resources, and illustrate empirically how it helps innovators to overcome organizational constraints and to mobilize internal and external resources. Our findings imply that intrapreneurial bricolage may be of fundamental importance in MNC innovation for inclusive business. In addition to the field of inclusive business, this study has implications for the study of bricolage in large organizations and social intrapreneurship, as well for managerial practice around innovation for inclusive business.
Entrepreneurship, Financiership, and Selection*
Authors: Takalo Tuomas , Toivanen Otto
Published: January 2012

We develop an equilibrium model of the market for entrepreneurial finance, in which all agents have some personal wealth and a project whose quality is their private information. All agents choose whether to invest either as entrepreneurs or financiers, or to invest in storage technology. We find that a binding economy‐level wealth constraint, which renders credit scarce, can create advantageous selection, where productive agents become entrepreneurs and unproductive agents become their financiers. If funding is easier to obtain, entrepreneurship also attracts unproductive agents. In our model, individual wealth and entrepreneurship are positively (negatively) correlated if financial market participation is complete (incomplete).
Optimal Provision of Public Goods: A Synthesis*
Authors: Kreiner Claus Thustrup , Verdelin Nicolaj
Published: January 2012

The standard approach to the optimal provision of public goods highlights the importance of distortionary taxation and distributional concerns. A new approach neutralizes distributional concerns by adjusting the income tax schedule. We demonstrate that both approaches are derived from the same basic formula. We also take the new approach further by deriving an intuitive formula for the optimal level of public goods, without imposing strong assumptions on preferences. This formula shows that distortionary taxation has a role to play, as in the standard approach. However, the main determinants of optimal provision are different, and the modified Samuelson rule is likely to lead to underprovision.
A Comparison of Rereading Benefits in First and Second Language Reading
Authors: Thomas Holly Krech , Healy Alice F.
Published: January 2012

Text comprehension models in first and second language reading research posit that slow word recognition inhibits reading speed and decreases comprehension. To investigate the role of word recognition in reading, 2 experiments examined rereading benefits in participants’ first and second languages using scrambled and normal versions of English and Spanish texts. Native English speakers with intermediate (Experiment 1) or advanced (Experiment 2) Spanish skills demonstrated word‐ and text‐level transfer in both English and Spanish. However, advanced Spanish readers did not exhibit word‐level transfer when reading simple Spanish texts. These results suggest that fluent reading may be strongly influenced not just by word recognition, but also by text difficulty relative to reader skill, as well as other factors.
Green Human Resource Management: A Review and Research Agenda*
Authors: Renwick Douglas W.S. , Redman Tom , Maguire Stuart
Published: January 2012

The paper makes a case for the integration of the largely separate literatures of environmental management (EM) and human resource management (HRM) research. The paper categorizes the existing literature on the basis of Ability–Motivation–Opportunity (AMO) theory, revealing the role that Green human resource management (GHRM) processes play in people‐management practice. The contributions of the paper lie in drawing together the extant literature in the area, mapping the terrain of the field, identifying some gaps in the existing literature and suggesting some potentially fruitful future research agendas. The findings of the review suggest that understanding of how GHRM practices influence employee motivation to become involved in environmental activities lags behind that of how organizations develop Green abilities and provide employees with opportunities to be involved in EM organizational efforts. Organizations are not using the full range of GHRM practices, and this may limit their effectiveness in efforts to improve EM.
Spectacular Urbanization amidst Variegated Geographies of Globalization: Learning from Abu Dhabi's Trajectory through the Lives of South Asian Men
Authors: MOHAMMAD ROBINA , SIDAWAY JAMES D.
Published: January 2012

The world city aspirations and spectacular urbanization of Gulf cities such as Abu Dhabi rest on the combination of petrodollars, connections and labour. Drawing on interviews with South Asian men working there, this article reports their lives and labour as a mirror to the development of Abu Dhabi. This requires and invites an investigation of spaces of social reproduction, raising broader theoretical and comparative issues about these in the context of Gulf cities and other sites of rapid urbanization and migration. Transnational categories and connections are thereby opened up in ways that have implications for the study of other cities.

Les aspirations à devenir ville mondiale et la spectaculaire urbanisation des grandes villes du Golfe, comme Abou Dhabi, s'appuient sur les atouts combinés que sont les pétrodollars, les capacités de connexion et la main‐d'œuvre. À partir d'entretiens auprès de travailleurs venus d'Asie du Sud, cet article relate leur vie et leur travail en les rapprochant du développement d'Abou Dhabi. Cette démarche exige et suggère une étude des espaces de reproduction sociale, soulevant à leur propos des problèmes théoriques et comparatifs plus vastes, dans le cadre des villes du Golfe ou d'autres lieux d'urbanisation et de migration accélérées. Il en résulte des connexions et des catégories transnationales dont l'étude d'autres villes doit tenir compte.
Genome‐Wide Association of Serum Uric Acid Concentration: Replication of Sequence Variants in an Island Population of the Adriatic Coast of Croatia
Authors: Karns Rebekah , Zhang Ge , Sun Guangyun , Rao Indugula Subba , Cheng Hong , Havas‐Augustin Dubravka , Novokmet Natalija , Rudan Dusko , Durakovic Zijad , Missoni Sasa , Chakraborty Ranajit , Rudan Pavao , Deka Ranjan
Published: January 2012

A genome‐wide association study of serum uric acid (SUA) laevels was performed in a relatively isolated population of European descent from an island of the Adriatic coast of Croatia. The study sample included 532 unrelated and 768 related individuals from 235 pedigrees. Inflation due to relatedness was controlled by using genomic control. Genetic association was assessed with 2,241,249 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 1300 samples after adjusting for age and gender. Our study replicated four previously reported SUA loci (SLC2A9, ABCG2, RREB1, and SLC22A12). The strongest association was found with a SNP in SLC2A9 (rs13129697, P= 2.33×10−19), which exhibited significant gender‐specific effects, 35.76 μmol/L (P= 2.11×10−19) in females and 19.58 μmol/L (P= 5.40×10−5) in males. Within this region of high linkage disequilibrium, we also detected a strong association with a nonsynonymous SNP, rs16890979 (P= 2.24×10−17), a putative causal variant for SUA variation. In addition, we identified several novel loci suggestive of association with uric acid levels (SEMA5A, TMEM18, SLC28A2, and ODZ2), although the P‐values (P < 5×10−6) did not reach the threshold of genome‐wide significance. Together, these findings provide further confirmation of previously reported uric‐acid‐related genetic variants and highlight suggestive new loci for additional investigation.
A prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitor, KYP‐2047, reduces α‐synuclein protein levels and aggregates in cellular and animal models of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Myöhänen TT , Hannula MJ , Van Elzen R , Gerard M , Van Der Veken P , García‐Horsman JA , Baekelandt V , Männistö PT , Lambeir AM
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aggregation of α‐synuclein is connected to the pathology of Parkinson's disease and prolyl oligopeptidase (PREP) accelerates the aggregation of α‐synuclein in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a PREP inhibitor, KYP‐2047, on α‐synuclein aggregation in cell lines overexpressing wild‐type or A30P/A53T mutant human α‐syn and in the brains of two A30P α‐synuclein transgenic mouse strains.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Cells were exposed to oxidative stress and then incubated with the PREP inhibitor during or after the stress. Wild‐type or transgenic mice were treated for 5 days with KYP‐2047 (2 × 3 mg·kg−1 a day). Besides immunohistochemistry and thioflavin S staining, soluble and insoluble α‐synuclein protein levels were measured by Western blot. α‐synuclein mRNA levels were quantified by PCR. The colocalization of PREP and α‐synuclein,and the effect of KYP‐2047 on cell viability were also investigated.

KEY RESULTS

In cell lines, oxidative stress induced a robust aggregation of α‐synuclein,and low concentrations of KYP‐2047 significantly reduced the number of cells with α‐synuclein inclusions while abolishing the colocalization of α‐synuclein and PREP. KYP‐2047 significantly reduced the amount of aggregated α‐synuclein,and it had beneficial effects on cell viability. In the transgenic mice, a 5‐day treatment with the PREP inhibitor reduced the amount of α‐synuclein immunoreactivity and soluble α‐synuclein protein in the brain.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The results suggest that the PREP may play a role in brain accumulation and aggregation of α‐synuclein, while KYP‐2047 seems to effectively prevent these processes.
cAMP and Epac in the regulation of tissue fibrosis
Authors: Insel Paul A , Murray Fiona , Yokoyama Utako , Romano Silvia , Yun Hongruo , Brown Loren , Snead Aaron , Lu David , Aroonsakool Nakon
Published: January 2012

Fibrosis, the result of excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), in particular collagen, leads to scarring and loss of function in tissues that include the heart, lung, kidney and liver. The second messenger cAMP can inhibit the formation and extent of ECM during this late phase of inflammation, but the mechanisms for these actions of cAMP and of agents that elevate tissue cAMP levels are not well understood. In this article, we review the fibrotic process and focus on two recently recognized aspects of actions of cAMP and its effector Epac (Exchange protein activated by cAMP): (a) blunting of epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and (b) down‐regulation of Epac expression by profibrotic agents (e.g. TGF‐β, angiotensin II), which may promote tissue fibrosis by decreasing Epac‐mediated antifibrotic actions. Pharmacological approaches that raise cAMP or blunt the decrease in Epac expression by profibrotic agents may thus be strategies to block or perhaps reverse tissue fibrosis.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Novel cAMP Signalling Paradigms. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.166.issue‐2
The functions of TRPA1 and TRPV1: moving away from sensory nerves
Authors: Fernandes ES , Fernandes MA , Keeble JE
Published: January 2012

The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and ankyrin 1 (TRPV1 and TRPA1, respectively) channels are members of the TRP superfamily of structurally related, non‐selective cation channels. It is rapidly becoming clear that the functions of TRPV1 and TRPA1 interlink with each other to a considerable extent. This is especially clear in relation to pain and neurogenic inflammation where TRPV1 is coexpressed on the vast majority of TRPA1‐expressing sensory nerves and both integrate a variety of noxious stimuli. The more recent discovery that both TRPV1 and TRPA1 are expressed on a multitude of non‐neuronal sites has led to a plethora of research into possible functions of these receptors. Non‐neuronal cells on which TRPV1 and TRPA1 are expressed vary from vascular smooth muscle to keratinocytes and endothelium. This review will discuss the expression, functionality and roles of these non‐neuronal TRP channels away from sensory nerves to demonstrate the diverse nature of TRPV1 and TRPA1 in addition to a direct role in pain and neurogenic inflammation.
Rather than interleukin‐27, interleukin‐6 expresses positive correlation with liver severity in naïve hepatitis B infection patients
Authors: Kao Jung‐Ta , Lai Hsueh‐Chou , Tsai Shu‐Mei , Lin Pei‐Chao , Chuang Po‐Heng , Yu Cheng‐Ju , Cheng Ken‐Sheng , Su Wen‐Pang , Hsu Ping‐Ning , Peng Cheng‐Yuan , Wu Yi‐Ying
Published: January 2012

Aims

Effective cytokines can drive the commitment of naive T cells to regulate immune response after antigen‐mediated activation. Aims are to elucidate the clinical role of serum IL‐27 and IL‐6 in the different stages of naïve hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐infected patients.

Methods

Samples with well‐characterized clinical profiles were assessed from 395 HBV‐infected patients including chronic hepatitis B (CHB) group in 291 patients, liver cirrhosis (LC) group in 57 patients, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) group in 47 patients. Another 139 non‐HBV infected individuals were enrolled as control group (CG) including 104 with normal liver function (NF) and 35 with liver dysfunction (LD).

Results

The HBV‐infected group and separated groups presented significantly higher IL‐27 and IL‐6 expression than the CG or subgroups of CG. In contrast to IL‐27, IL‐6 showed significant differences with deteriorating liver condition compared with LC or HCC with CHB groups. Furthermore, IL‐6, rather than IL‐27, showed significant statistical differences in patients with advanced liver disease compared with those of mild or moderate to severe liver disease and in patients with terminal stage HCC compared with those of early to intermediate or advanced stage HCC. The data associated with liver function, including Albumin, Bilirubin, INR, Platelet and AFP levels, were significantly correlated to IL‐6 expression, but had weak correlation to IL‐27 expression in HBV patients.

Conclusion

Serum IL‐27 can trigger immune response to prevent hepatic injury in different clinical‐pathologic stages of HBV‐infected patients earlier, but IL‐6 may play an extremely important role to determine the liver progression.
X‐ray crystal structure analysis for CI Disperse Orange 61
Authors: Jie Sun , Chunlin Zheng , Hökelek Tuncer
Published: January 2012

The synthesis, crystal structure analysis and characterisation of a monoazo dye, CI Disperse Orange 61, are reported. The dye crystallised in the triclinic system, space group P‐1 with a = 8.859(2), b = 9.899(2), c = 11.417(3)Å, α = 78.51(4)°, β = 70.37(3)°, γ = 80.46(4)°, V = 918.8(4)Å3 and Z = 2. There is only one molecule in the asymmetric unit. The two phenyl rings are oriented at a dihedral angle of 57.87(20)°. In the crystal structure, intermolecular C–H…N hydrogen bonds link the molecules into centrosymmetric dimers, forming R22(30) ring motifs, in which they may be effective in the stabilisation of the structure. The π…π stacking (interactions) between the phenyl rings may further stabilise the structure, with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.741(4)Å.
Mental Health of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth and Young Adults: Differential Effects of Age, Gender, Religiosity, and Sexual Orientation
Authors: Shilo Guy , Savaya Riki
Published: January 2012

Drawing on minority stress theory, this study examined the mental health effects of the added burden of disadvantaged social status in anIsraeli sample of 461 self‐identified lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youths. Bisexuality was associated with lower levels of well‐being, and, at a younger age, with higher levels of mental distress. In bisexuals, this relationship was fully mediated by family support and acceptance, internalized homophobia, andLGBsocial contact. Religiosity was associated with low levels of family and friends’ support and acceptance, and high levels of internalized homophobia. These findings highlight the mental vulnerability ofLGBadolescents and bisexuals, as well as the social vulnerability of sexual minorities in the religious sector, and the importance of social support to increase mental health.
Realized Publicness at Public and Private Research Universities
Authors: Feeney Mary K. , Welch Eric W.
Published: January 2012

Although research‐extensive universities in the United States produce similar outcomes—research, teaching, and service—they vary substantially in terms of the publicness of their environments. In this article, the authors adopt a public values framework to examine how regulative, normative/associative, and cultural cognitive components affect realized public outcomes by faculty. Using survey data from a random sample of faculty scientists in six fields of science and engineering at Carnegie Research I universities, findings show that organizational and individual public values components are associated predictably with different realized individual public outcomes. For example, individual support from federal resources and affiliation with a federal lab (associative) are related to increased research outcomes, while tuition and fee levels (regulative) explain teaching outcomes, and perceived level of influence in the workplace (cultural cognitive) explains teaching and service outcomes.
Turnover of New Graduate Nurses in Their First Job Using Survival Analysis
Authors: Cho Sung‐Hyun , Lee Ji Yun , Mark Barbara A. , Yun Sung‐Cheol
Published: January 2012

Purpose: To examine factors related to turnover of new graduate nurses in their first job.

Design: Data were obtained from a 3‐year panel survey (2006–2008) of the Graduates Occupational Mobility Survey that followed‐up college graduates in South Korea. The sample consisted of 351 new graduates whose first job was as a full‐time registered nurse in a hospital.

Methods: Survival analysis was conducted to estimate survival curves and related factors, including individual and family, nursing education, hospital, and job dissatisfaction (overall and 10 specific job aspects).

Findings: The estimated probabilities of staying in their first job for 1, 2, and 3 years were 0.823, 0.666, and 0.537, respectively. Nurses reporting overall job dissatisfaction had significantly lower survival probabilities than those who reported themselves to be either neutral or satisfied. Nurses were more likely to leave if they were married or worked in small (vs. large), nonmetropolitan, and nonunionized hospitals. Dissatisfaction with interpersonal relationships, work content, and physical work environment was associated with a significant increase in the hazards of leaving the first job.

Conclusions: Hospital characteristics as well as job satisfaction were significantly associated with new graduates’ turnover.

Clinical Relevance: The high turnover of new graduates could be reduced by improving their job satisfaction, especially with interpersonal relationships, work content, and the physical work environment.
Aromatase inhibitors or gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonists for the management of uterine adenomyosis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: BADAWY AHMED M. , ELNASHAR ABOUBAKR M. , MOSBAH ALAA A.
Published: January 2012

Objective. To compare the efficacy of aromatase inhibitor vs. gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonists in treating premenopausal women with uterine adenomyosis. Design. A prospective randomized controlled study. Setting. A university hospital and a private practice setting. Population. Thirty‐two patients with uterine adenomyosis. Methods. Patients were randomly allocated to receive oral letrozole (2.5mg/day) or a subcutaneous gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist (goserelin, 3.6mg) for 12 weeks. Uterine and adenomyoma volumes were determined at baseline and during treatment at four, eight and 12 weeks. Outcome measures. Measurements were performed at baseline and during treatment at four, eight 8 and 12 weeks, and mean values were calculated. Symptoms at the start and after 12 weeks were evaluated. Results. No significant differences in the total uterine size between the post treatment uterine volumes in the two groups (20.1, 15.4 and 13.0cm3 vs. 21.7, 15.1 and 11.7cm3, at four, eight and 12 weeks, respectively). Total adenomyoma volume decreased by 8.6, 29.7 and 40.9% vs. 5.7, 34.6 and 49.1% after four, eight and 12 weeks of treatment, in group A and B, respectively. Two patients became pregnant in group A during treatment. Conclusions. Aromatase inhibitors are as effective as gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonists in reducing adenomyoma volume and improving symptoms.
The association of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans with preeclampsia in a subset of Japanese pregnant women
Authors: Hirano Emi , Sugita Noriko , Kikuchi Akira , Shimada Yasuko , Sasahara Jun , Iwanaga Ruriko , Tanaka Kenichi , Yoshie Hiromasa
Published: January 2012

Aim

To determine whether periodontitis and three prominent members of the periodontal flora are associated with the development of preeclampsia (hypertension plus proteinuria)

Materials and Methods

The samples were composed of 127 systemically healthy women. Within 5 days after labour, clinical periodontal parameters and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia in subgingival plaque were evaluated. Maternal serum IgG antibody specific for each bacteria was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to control for confounders (maternal age, body mass index before pregnancy, parity, and smoking).

Results

Eighteen women were affected with preeclampsia. The number of A.actinomycetemcomitans was shown to be significantly associated with preeclampsia in the logistic regression model (odds ratio; 1.7, 95% confidence interval; 1.1–2.7). There were statistically significant differences between the preeclamptic and control groups in body mass index before pregnancy, pre‐term birth and low birthweight (respectively, p = 0.014, p = 0.010 and p < 0.0001). We found no statistically significant association between preeclampsia and periodontal clinical parameters or the presence of periodontitis.

Conclusion

In systemically healthy pregnant women, our findings suggested that the levels of maternal subgingival A. actinomycetemcomitans DNA were elevated in preeclamptic women.
Atmospheric plasma enhances wettability and cell spreading on dental implant metals
Authors: Duske Kathrin , Koban Ina , Kindel Eckhard , Schröder Karsten , Nebe Barbara , Holtfreter Birte , Jablonowski Lukasz , Weltmann Klaus D. , Kocher Thomas
Published: January 2012

Objectives

Treatment regimens, which predictably support re‐osseointegration of implants with peri‐implantitis, are needed. Increased wettability may be an important factor for re‐osseointegration. In this study, a cold atmospheric pressure gas‐discharge plasma was applied to reduce water contact angles on titanium discs with different surface topography and to improve the spreading of osteoblastic cells.

Material and Methods

An argon plasma jet with different oxygen admixtures was used to treat titanium discs with different topologies, i.e. machined, SLA®, SLActive®, diamond bur‐treated or Airflow®‐treated. Water contact angles were measured before and after plasma treatment. The spreading behaviour of human osteoblastic cells was investigated.

Results

Contact angle of titanium discs (baseline values: 68°–117°) were significantly reduced close to 0° irrespective of surface topography after the application of argon plasma with 1.0% oxygen admixture for 60 s or 120 s. The cell size of osteoblastic cells grown on argon‐oxygen‐plasma‐treated titanium discs was significantly larger than on non‐treated surfaces (p < 0.001) irrespective of surface topography.

Conclusions

Plasma treatment reduced contact angle and supported spreading of osteoblastic cells. The application of cold plasma may be supportive in the treatment of peri‐implant lesions and may improve the process of re‐osseointegration.