bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge about social networks and integration: a co‐operative research project
Authors: Granerud Arild , Severinsson Elisabeth
Published: April 2007

Title.  Knowledge about social networks and integration: a co‐operative research project

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study investigating how knowledge of social network and integration influenced mental health professionals’ understanding and practice.

Background.  Community mental health work focuses on people suffering from mental health problems as well as the consequences for the person involved and their family or network. There is a need to expand community mental health workers’ knowledge about social networks and their functions.

Method.  A qualitative study using a co‐operative research approach was used to develop participants’ knowledge of social network and social integration theory. Action research has the potential to facilitate changes in the field. Data were collected using focus groups. Qualitative content analysis was employed to develop the theme and categories. The data were collected in 2004–2005.

Findings.  The main theme identified was the potential of experiential knowledge‐based competence, which was characterized by the following categories: (1) increased knowledge, (2) awareness of social interactions, (3) cross‐disciplinary professionalism and (4) potential for changes in practice. Participants’ knowledge and awareness of the potential of social integration as a tool for social network interventions were considerably strengthened. However, this knowledge needs to be implemented in practice.

Conclusion.  Co‐operative research is an approach that can be beneficial in the public sector. To achieve the best possible results, the whole team must be involved and play an active part in all areas of the research project. If the groups involved are too large, participants’ level of engagement may suffer.
Elevated motility‐related transmucosal potential difference in the upper small intestine in the irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Larsson M. H. , Simrén M. , Thomas E. A. , Bornstein J. C. , Lindström E. , Sjövall H.
Published: April 2007

Abstract  The pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is complex and incompletely known. Very little has been studied regarding the role of submucous neuronal activity. We therefore measured small intestinal transmural potential difference (PD, reflecting mainly electrogenic chloride secretion), and its linkage with fasting motor activity [migrating motor complex (MMC)] in controls (n = 16) and patients with IBS [n = 23, 14 diarrhoea predominant (d‐IBS) and nine constipation predominant (c‐IBS)]. Transmural‐PD and its relation to MMC phase III was measured by modified multilumen manometry for 3 h in the fasting state using one jejunal and one duodenal infusion line as flowing electrodes. The amplitude and duration of motor phase III was similar in controls and IBS patients, but the propagation speed of phase III was higher in IBS patients. In IBS patients, maximal PD during MMC phase III was significantly elevated in both the duodenum and jejunum (P < 0.05) and the PD decline after phase III was significantly prolonged in the jejunum (P < 0.01). The PD elevation was seen in both duodenum and jejunum in d‐IBS patients, but only in the jejunum in the c‐IBS patients. On the basis of previous modelling studies, we propose that the enhanced secretion may reflect disturbed enteric network behaviour in some patients with IBS.
Is electron transport to oxygen an important mechanism in photoprotection? Contrasting responses from Antarctic vascular plants
Authors: Pérez‐Torres Eduardo , Bravo León A. , Corcuera Luis J. , Johnson Giles N.
Published: April 2007

Photoreduction of oxygen by the photosynthetic electron transport chain has been suggested to be an important process in protecting leaves from excess light under conditions of stress; however, there is little evidence that this process occurs significantly except when plants are exposed to conditions outside their normal tolerance range. We have examined the oxygen dependency of photosynthetic electron transport in the two vascular plants found growing in Antarctica –Colobanthus quitensis and Deschampsia antarctica. Photosynthetic electron transport in C.quitensis is insensitive to changes in oxygen concentration under non‐photorespiratory conditions, indicating that electron transport to oxygen is negligible; however, it has a substantial capacity for non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ) of chlorophyll fluorescence. In contrast, D. antarctica has up to 30% of its photosynthetic electron transport being linked to oxygen, but has a substantially lower capacity for NPQ. Thus, these plants rely on contrasting photoprotective mechanisms to cope with the Antarctic environment. Both plants seem to use cyclic electron flow associated with PSI, however, this is activated at a lower irradiance in C.quitensis than in D. antarctica.
Roles of alcohol dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and pyruvate decarboxylase in low‐temperature sweetening in tolerant and susceptible varieties of potato (Solanum tuberosum)
Authors: Pinhero Reena Grittle , Copp Leslie J. , Amaya Clara‐Lopez , Marangoni Alejandro G. , Yada Rickey Y.
Published: April 2007

Low‐temperature sweetening (LTS) results when tubers of potato (Solanum tuberosum) are stored at temperatures below 9–10°C with the accumulation of sucrose and reducing sugars glucose and fructose. Our earlier study showed that the LTS‐tolerant varieties have higher ethanol and lactate tissue levels compared with the LTS‐susceptible variety Monona (Blenkinsop et al. 2003), which led us to investigate the role of the anaerobic respiratory pathway in LTS tolerance. The anaerobic respiratory enzymes alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), l‐lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) were, therefore, investigated in LTS‐tolerant and ‐susceptible potato varieties. A positive correlation (P≤ 0.05) was observed between reducing sugar concentration and the KM of PDC, with the LTS‐tolerant ND 860‐2 possessing a lower KM and reducing sugar content than the LTS‐susceptible Monona variety. The moderately LTS‐tolerant variety, Snowden, exhibited intermediate behavior between the two aforementioned cultivars at 4°C. The isozyme profile of the tolerant varieties differed from the susceptible variety. Two groups of LDH isozyme families were observed in all varieties with the exception of ND 860‐2, where the second group appeared only during low‐temperature exposure. Moreover, the tolerant variety possessed one additional ADH isozyme. Gene expression levels of these enzymes were higher in ND 860‐2 as compared with Monona at 4°C. The above results suggest that the anaerobic respiratory enzymes contribute to LTS‐tolerance.
Increasing compression depth during manikin CPR using a simple backboard
Authors: Andersen L. Ø. , Isbye D. L. , Rasmussen L. S.
Published: April 2007

Background:  The quality of external chest compressions (ECC) is influenced by the surface supporting the patient. The aim of this study was to compare chest compression depth with and without a rigid backboard. The authors hypothesized that the presence of a backboard would result in an increased depth of chest compressions.

Methods:  A randomized, double‐blinded, cross‐over trial. We simulated in‐hospital cardiac arrest using a resuscitation manikin placed in a standard hospital bed. In total, 23 hospital orderlies were randomly assigned to perform ECC for 2 min on two identical ResusciAnne manikins, under one of which a rigid backboard had been placed. Data were recorded using the Laerdal PC‐Skill Reporting System.

Results:  Mean chest compression depth increased from 43 to 48 mm (P < 0.0001) when a backboard was present (mean difference 5 mm, 95% CI 3.6–7.5 mm, SD 4.6). There was a significant increase in mean proportion of compressions >40 mm when using a backboard

Mean 92% vs. 69%, P= 0.0007). No difference was found between the two groups in the following variables: duty cycle, compression rate, mean proportion of compressions of correct depth (40–50 mm) or proportion of compressions with incomplete release.

Conclusions:  Applying a backboard significantly increases depth of chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation when performed on a manikin model.
Evaluation of the utility of the HemoCue 301 haemoglobinometer for blood donor screening
Authors: Morris L. D. , Osei‐Bimpong A. , McKeown D. , Roper D. , Lewis S. M.
Published: April 2007

Background and Objectives  Reliable blood donor screening requires more accurate measure of haemoglobin (Hb) than by either copper sulphate or the haemoglobin colour scale. The HemoCue haemoglobinometer has established a method for this, but it is considerably more expensive; a modified version (HemoCue 301) has now been developed with a cheaper reagent‐free cuvette for use in budget‐restricted situations. This report describes evaluation of the performance, the assessment of reproducibility and accuracy of this modified analyser against the reference technique for Hb measurement.

Materials and Methods  Over 300 routine blood samples from specimens received routinely in a hospital laboratory were tested in accordance with the International Committee for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH) protocol. Accuracy and linearity were confirmed by the reference method with the WHO international haemoglobincyanide reference standard. Tests were also performed on selected samples for checking interference by biochemical abnormalities and leucocytosis. The effects of various sample storage conditions prior to testing were also tested.

Results  Ninety per cent of results were within 4% of true values, 96% within 6% and in only three cases was the deviation > 10%, due to interference by bilirubinaemia and/or C‐reactive protein. At an Hb value of 120 g/l for donor selection, there were no cases where the method would have been misleading.

Conclusion  HemoCue 301 provides a simple and reliable anaemia screen method, conforming to the requirements of CLIA’88 regulations; it is reliable for discriminating Hb values for donor acceptance. The main advantage is that the cuvettes are significantly cheaper than the previous models, and will not deteriorate in adverse climatic conditions.
Transfusion‐related acute lung injury and leucocyte‐reacting antibodies
Authors: Zupanska B. , Uhrynowska M. , Michur H. , Maslanka K. , Zajko M.
Published: April 2007

Background and Objectives  Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) is underdiagnosed and underreported. This is why we present cases suspected for TRALI, in which leucocyte antibodies were examined.

Material and Methods  We analysed 44 patients with respiratory insufficiency, related to transfusion, who met criteria of acute lung injury (ALI). Lymphocyte and granulocyte antibodies were examined in donors and patients by six methods.

Results  Based on recent trends, we divided patients into two groups: TRALI (without risk factors for ALI) and possible TRALI (with probable risk factors). The incidence of antibodies was 68·2%, the majority were human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I and/or II, the minority were non‐specific granulocyte antibodies; half of all detected antibodies, however, reacted with granulocytes. Antibodies were found in 17 donors (more often in TRALI than in possible TRALI) and in 19 patients (in four – suspected to be of the donor origin, which would diminish the number of antibodies to 15). In seven available cases, we observed cognate antigen and/or positive cross‐match. In the majority of patients, TRALI occurred after transfusion of red cells, in 56·2%– stored above 14 days; all the units were non‐leucoreduced. Lookback in two donors showed that transfusions in 20 patients did not result in reported TRALI, even in the patient with cognate antigen.

Conclusions  Our clinical observations suggest that to distinguish between TRALI and possible TRALI is difficult and the results are equivocal – it is worth considering whether it can be omitted. We have confirmed that antibodies are involved in TRALI, although their role is very complex. The role of stored red blood cells in the development of TRALI requires further observations in comparison with a control group of patients without TRALI.
Baseline susceptibility of western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) to clothianidin
Authors: Magalhaes L. C. , French B. W. , Hunt T. E. , Siegfried B. D.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, neonate susceptibility to clothianidin, a contact and systemic neonicotinoid insecticide, was determined from both laboratory and field‐collected populations. Neonates were exposed to filter paper treated with increasing clothianidin concentrations and mortality was evaluated after 24 h. Additionally, two populations were exposed to an artificial diet which was surface treated with clothianidin. Although larvae were five‐ to six‐fold more sensitive to treated diet, results with treated filter paper were more reliable in terms of control mortality and required much less manipulation of rootworm larvae. Therefore, initial baseline comparisons were conducted using the filter paper assays. The variation among populations exposed to treated filter paper was generally low, 4.4‐fold among laboratory populations tested; however, there was a 14.5‐fold difference in susceptibility among all populations tested. In general, clothianidin was very toxic to rootworm neonates, with LC50 values ranging from 1.5 to 21.9 ng/cm2. These results indicate the practicability and sensitivity of the paper filter disc assay to establish baseline susceptibility levels, which is an essential first step in resistance management. A baseline response provides a reference for tracking shifts in susceptibility following commercialization of a control agent so that early changes in susceptibility can be detected.
Apparent competition or apparent mutualism? An analysis of the influence of rose bush strip management on aphid population in wheat field
Authors: Frere I. , Fabry J. , Hance T.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Apparent competition, mediated by a shared predator, plays a key role in conservation biological control. Appropriate agroecosystems management may favour this type of indirect interaction. In that context, our aim was to test the effect of rose bush [Rosa rugosa (Thunb.)] strips on the building up of aphid populations and of their natural enemies in adjacent cereal habitats. Several aphid species are currently found on Rosa sp. including Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker) for which it is a primary host. Aphid predators and parasitoids may build their populations on the aphid population present on Rosa sp. and later on migrate to wheat field during the cereal aphid infestation. Moreover, the flowers of the rose bushes may provide a source of nectar and pollen to these natural enemies. Our experiment was conducted in three rose margin wheat plots with a strip of rose bushes of R. rugosa and three control plots. Plots were compared during 2 years (2003 and 2004). Aphid, parasitoid and predator densities were recorded from May to the harvest of wheat on rose bushes and in wheat. In 2003, the aphid densities were moderate but in 2004, the population of aphid was very high. Even if predator and parasitoids arrived earlier in rose margin field than in control ones, the presence of rose bushes did not influence the aphid population within the field. Metopolophium dirhodum did not seem to migrate from the rose bushes to wheat. The level of parasitism was weak in rose bushes and the natural enemy population was not different in rose margin wheat and in control plots. The causes of the lack of efficiency of this type of management are discussed as well as the high aphid population in wheat in 2004.
COMPARISON OF HYPERTENSION, DYSLIPIDAEMIA AND HYPERGLYCAEMIA BETWEEN BUCKWHEAT SEED‐CONSUMING AND NON‐CONSUMING MONGOLIAN‐CHINESE POPULATIONS IN INNER MONGOLIA, CHINA
Authors: Zhang Hong‐Wei , Zhang Yong‐Hong , Lu Ming‐Jun , Tong Wei‐Jun , Cao Guang‐Wen
Published: April 2007

In the present study, a total of 3542 Mongolians in two adjacent counties of Inner Mongolia, China, were randomly sampled in a cross‐sectional study to assess the association of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and hyperglycaemia with lifetime consumption of buckwheat seed as a staple food. A sample group of 961 participants was also examined for fasting serum concentrations of lipids and glucose.

Frequent alcohol consumption significantly contributed to the high prevalence rate of hypertension in the pastureland Mongolian population.

The age‐adjusted prevalence rate of hypertension in Kulun participants who consumed buckwheat seed as a staple food was 18.22% (95% confidence interval (CI): 16.95%, 19.49%), whereas that in Kezhuohou participants, who consumed corn as a staple food, was 23.31% (95% CI: 21.92%, 24.70%). A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (P < 0.01).

Age‐adjusted prevalence rates in Kulun participants compared with Kezhuohou participants for hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and abnormalities in low‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol were 4.02% (95% CI: 2.24%, 5.80%) versus 7.76% (95% CI: 5.39%, 10.13%; P < 0.01), 26.58% (95% CI: 22.59%, 30.57%) versus 31.04% (95% CI: 26.59%, 35.13%; P < 0.05) and 4.66% (95% CI: 2.75%, 6.57%) versus 8.81% (95% CI: 6.30%, 11.32%; P < 0.01), respectively.

The age‐adjusted prevalence rate of hyperglycaemia in Kulun participants was 1.56% (95% CI: 0.78%, 2.34%), whereas that in Kezhuohou participants was 7.70% (95% CI: 6.01%, 9.39%). The difference was significant (P < 0.01).

These findings suggest that the consumption of buckwheat seed may be a preventative factor for hypertension, dyslipidaemia and hyperglycaemia in the pastureland Mongolian population.
SERUM NITRIC OXIDE METABOLITE (NOX) LEVELS IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS AT REST: A COMPARISON OF AGE, GENDER, BLOOD PRESSURE AND COMPLICATIONS USING NORMOTENSIVE CONTROLS
Authors: Higashino Hideaki , Miya Hirohisa , Mukai Hidenori , Miya Yoshihisa
Published: April 2007

Hypertensive patients have pathophysiological changes such as atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction and inflammations. The patients’ serum nitric oxide metabolite (nitrate/nitrite; NOx) levels were measured in peripheral blood using normotensive controls for comparison.

The NOx levels in 175 hypertensive patients with or without comorbid diseases (aged 37–95 years; average 50.6 ± 0.8 years) were compared with those in 80 normotensive controls (aged 25–73 years; average 37.1 ± 1.8 years).

The NOx levels increased with age in both the normotensive and hypertensive women, but not in men. No difference was noted in the NOx levels between the normotensive and hypertensive patients without comorbid diseases. The mean value of NOx in male hypertensive patients aged under 50 years was close to that of female patients aged 51–60 years. Hypertensive males aged 61–70 years showed almost the same NOx levels as those of female patients aged over 81 years. A male group of hypertensive patients with diabetes, hyperlipaemia and renal disorder had a significantly higher NOx level compared with a normotensive control group. However, in female groups, only hypertensive patients with hyperlipaemia showed higher serum NOx values compared with the normotensive group.

These findings suggest that: (i) the occurrence of NOx in the serum is not solely the outcome of high blood pressure; (ii) higher serum NOx levels in older women are because of an oestrogen deficiency‐induced cardiovascular disease; (iii) ageing effects on the circulation system are more apparent in men than in women; and (iv) measurement of NOx levels in the serum is helpful for understanding the pathological progress in male hypertensive patients with diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hyperlipaemia and renal disorder.
HYPOXIA‐INDUCED ASTROCYTES PROMOTE THE MIGRATION OF NEURAL PROGENITOR CELLS VIA VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL FACTOR, STEM CELL FACTOR, STROMAL‐DERIVED FACTOR‐1α AND MONOCYTE CHEMOATTRACTANT PROTEIN‐1 UPREGULATION IN VITRO
Authors: Xu Qiang , Wang Shaoxia , Jiang Xijuan , Zhao Yali , Gao Ming , Zhang Yanjun , Wang Xiaoming , Tano Kaori , Kanehara Masayuki , Zhang Wenping , Ishida Torao
Published: April 2007

The aim of the present study was to examine if and how rat hypoxia‐induced astrocytes affect the migration of neural progenitor cells (NPC) and to investigate the expression patterns of some chemokines, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), stem cell factor (SCF), stromal‐derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α), fractalkine and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) in hypoxia‐induced astrocytes and their contribution to NPC migration in vitro.

Costar Transwell inserts were used for the chemotaxis assay and quantified changes in the chemokines mRNA for between 0 h and 24 h posthypoxia were tested using real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis. The results showed that the chemotaxis of astrocyte cells exposed to hypoxia for 18 h reached a peak value, whereas the chemotaxis of astrocytes exposed to hypoxia for 24 h began to decrease compared with those exposed to hypoxia for 18 h. Hypoxia upregulated chemokine VEGF, SCF, SDF‐1α and MCP‐1 expression in a time‐dependent manner but downregulated fractalkine expression in astrocytes. In addition, the time points of the peak expressions for VEGF, SCF, SDF‐1α and MCP‐1 were similar to the time point of maximum NPC migration.

Specific inhibitors that block the binding of specific chemokines to its receptors were used for analysing the contribution of the chemokine to NPC migration. When VEGF, SCF, SDF‐1α and MCP‐1 were each inhibited independently, NPC migration was reduced. When they were inhibited together, NPC migration was obviously inhibited compared with both the control and single‐block cultures, which implies that the migratory effect of hypoxia‐induced astrocytes was synergetic by several chemokines.

In conclusion, we demonstrated the time‐dependent manner of NPC migration promotion by hypoxia‐induced astrocytes. We also provide evidence that soluble factors, such as VEGF, SCF, SDF‐1α and MCP‐1, released from astrocytes, direct the migration of NPC under hypoxic circumstances. Given that astrocytes were activated to all hypoxia–ischaemia diseases, these results indicate an important role for astrocytes in directing NPC replacement therapy in the central nervous system.
CHARACTERIZATION OF AN EXTRACELLULAR EPITOPE ANTIBODY TO THE NEURONAL K‐Cl COTRANSPORTER, KCC2
Authors: Gagnon Kenneth BE , Fyffe Robert EW , Adragna Norma C , Lauf Peter K
Published: April 2007

Ion gradients across the cell membrane are important for proper cellular communication and homeostasis. With the exception of erythrocytes, chloride (Cl), one of the most important free anions in animal cells, is not distributed at thermodynamic equilibrium across the plasma membrane. The K‐Cl cotransporter (COT), consisting of at least four isoforms, utilizes the larger outwardly directed chemical driving force of K to expel Cl from the cell against its inwardly directed chemical gradient and has been implicated recently as one of the main Cl extruders in developing neurons.

Previous in situ hybridization studies have indicated widespread mRNA distribution of the neuronal‐specific K‐Cl COT isoform (KCC2) throughout the rat central nervous system (CNS). However, immunohistochemical studies have been limited owing to the availability of a more selective antibody to KCC2. The goal of the present study was to develop a new molecular tool for the immunohistochemical identification and neuronal distribution of KCC2.

Herein, we present evidence of immunohistochemical corroboration of the widespread KCC2 mRNA expression using a novel extracellular anti‐peptide antibody directed against the second extracellular loop (ECL2) of KCC2. Immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescent labelling revealed widespread post‐synaptic somatic and dendritic localization of KCC2 in multiple neuronal populations in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, brainstem, lumbar spinal cord and cerebellum. We also demonstrate that binding of the antibody to an extracellular epitope within ECL2 does not alter cotransporter function. In essence, the present study reports on a new molecular tool for structural and functional studies of KCC2.
BISOPROLOL INHIBITS SODIUM CURRENT IN VENTRICULAR MYOCYTES OF RATS WITH DIASTOLIC HEART FAILURE
Authors: Tang Hui‐Fang , Wu Shu‐Lin , Deng Chun‐Yu , Zhang Wen‐Chang , Kuang Su‐Juan
Published: April 2007

Changes in sodium currents (INa) in heart failure contribute to cardiac electrophysiological alterations and, thereby, to ventricular arrhythmias. Bisoprolol has anti‐arrhythmic effects, but its direct effect on INa in cardiac cells remains unclear. Accordingly, in the present study we investigated the effects of bisoprolol on ventricular INa in diastolic heart failure (DHF) and normal rats.

The DHF model was produced by abdominal aortic coarctation for 4 weeks and single ventricular myocytes were isolated by enzymatic dissociation. The electrophysiological actions of bisoprolol on INa currents were investigated using a whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique.

The membrane capacitance of rats in the DHF group was significantly greater than that of the control group and the current–voltage curve was simultaneously shifted downward. Bisoprolol concentration‐dependently decreased INa in ventricular myocytes of both groups (at −45 mV), with IC50 values of 19.53 ± 0.06 and 40.78 ± 0.03 µmol/L in the control and DHF groups, respectively.

In both groups, the current–voltage curves were shifted upwards, whereas activation potentials, peak currents and reversal potentials showed no significant changes. At −45 mV, the descent ratio of current densities in the DHF group was lower than that of the control group. In both groups, inactivation curves were shifted to more negative potentials, but activation curves and recovery curves were not altered. Changes in the half‐inactivation voltage, V0.5, and the slope of the inactivation curve, S, were similar for both groups.

In conclusion, bisoprolol concentration‐dependently decreases INa in ventricular myocytes of DHF and normal rats, which could be responsible, at least in part, for its anti‐arrhythmic effects.
EFFECT OF BENAZEPRIL ON HEART RATE TURBULENCE IN PATIENTS WITH DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY
Authors: Zhong Jiang‐Hua , Chen Xiao‐Pan , Zeng Chun‐Fang , Yun Mei‐Ling , Yang Xin‐Wei , Chen Yan‐Fang , Yao Zhen
Published: April 2007

Heart rate (HR) turbulence describes short‐term sinus rhythmic fluctuation after a single premature ventricular beat. Turbulence onset (TO) and turbulence slope (TS) are two essential parameters in HR turbulence. Turbulence onset and TS have been used to evaluate cardiac autonomic nerve function.

In the present study, we measured the HR turbulence in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and determined the possible role of benazepril, an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), on these parameters. There were three groups: control, DCM and DCM treated with benazepril. The control group consisted of normal subjects with PVB, but no structural heart disease. Ambulatory electrocardiogram, blood pressure and echocardiography were analysed.

There was an increase in TO and a decrease in TS in DCM patients. Benazepril treatment (10 mg/day, p.o.) reduced those changes. There were no significant differences in blood pressure and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between DCM patients and DCM patients treated with benazepril.

Linear regression analysis showed that TO was negatively correlated with LVEF, whereas TS was positively correlated with LVEF, in the DCM group. After benazepril treatment, the correlations between TO and TS and LVEF disappeared.

It is concluded that the TO and TS of HR turbulence are altered in patients with DCM. These alterations indicate a dysfunction of the autonomic control of cardiac electrophysiology in DCM patients. Although TO and TS are correlated with LVEF in DCM patients, the effect of benazepril in improving HR turbulence parameters is not a result of its action on heart function, which suggests a new beneficial effect of ACEI in the treatment of DCM patients.
Perinatal risk factors for childhood Type 1 diabetes in Western Australia—a population‐based study (1980–2002)
Authors: Haynes A. , Bower C. , Bulsara M. K. , Finn J. , Jones T. W. , Davis E. A.
Published: April 2007

Aims  To investigate perinatal risk factors for childhood Type 1 diabetes in Western Australia, using a complete population‐based cohort.

Methods  Children born between 1980 and 2002 and diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes aged < 15 years (n = 940) up to 31 December 2003 were identified using a prospective population‐based diabetes register with a case ascertainment rate of 99.8%. Perinatal data were obtained for all live births in Western Australia from 1980 to 2002 (n = 558 633) and record linkage performed to identify the records of cases.

Results  The incidence of Type 1 diabetes increased by 13% for each 5‐year increase in maternal age [adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05, 1.21], by 13% for every 500‐g increase in birth weight (adjusted IRR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04, 1.23). The incidence decreased with increasing birth order (adjusted IRR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82, 0.96) and increasing gestational age (adjusted IRR 0.84, 95% CI 0.77, 0.93). A higher incidence of Type 1 diabetes was associated with an urban vs. non‐urban maternal address at the time of birth (adjusted IRR 1.38, 95% CI 1.18, 1.63), but no association was found with socio‐economic status of the area.

Conclusions  A higher incidence of Type 1 diabetes was associated with increasing maternal age, higher birth weight, lower gestational age, lower birth order and urban place of residence at the time of birth.
Minority Employees Engaging with (Diversity) Management: An Analysis of Control, Agency, and Micro‐Emancipation*
Authors: Zanoni Patrizia , Janssens Maddy
Published: April 2007

abstract This study analyses how minority employees engage with control in organizations. Differently from most critical studies of diversity management, which focus on how minority employees are discursively controlled, we approach (diversity) management as a constellation of both identity‐regulating discourses and bureaucratic controls. We assume that minority employees are agents who actively resist and/or comply with the constellation of controls they are subject to. Based on qualitative data collected in a technical drawing company and a hospital, the specific constellation of controls in each organization is first reconstructed. Four interviews with minority employees are then analysed in depth, showing how their engagement with material and discursive controls creates both constraints and possibilities of micro‐emancipation.
Automatic semantic priming in the left and right hemispheres
Authors: KORSNES MARIA STYLIANOU , MAGNUSSEN SVEIN
Published: April 2007

We investigated hemispheric differences and inter‐hemispheric transfer of facilitation in automatic semantic priming, using prime‐target pairs composed of words of the same category but not associated (e.g. skirt‐glove), and a blank‐target baseline condition. Reaction time and accuracy were measured at short (300 ms) intervals between prime and target onsets, using a go/no‐go task to discriminate between word or non‐word targets. Reaction times were facilitated more for target words presented in the right visual field (RVF) compared to the left visual field (LVF), and targets presented in RVF were primed in both visual fields, whereas targets presented in LVF were primed by primes in the LVF only. These results suggest that both hemispheres are capable of automatic priming at very short stimulus onset asymmetries (SOA), but cross‐hemisphere priming occurs only in the left hemisphere.
Intolerance to ambient odors at an early stage of pregnancy
Authors: NORDIN STEVEN , BROMAN DANIEL A. , BRINGLÖV EVA , WULFF MARIANNE
Published: April 2007

Adverse reactions to ambient odorous and pungent substances in daily activities among pregnant women who are half‐way through pregnancy, and changes in odor perception at predominantly an early stage of pregnancy motivated the present study of odor intolerance at an early pregnancy stage. Ninety‐five women averaging gestational week 11 and 102 non‐pregnant women were compared with the Chemical Sensitivity Scale for Sensory Hyperreactivity (CSS‐SHR). General environmental intolerance was assessed with items from the Noise Sensitivity Scale that are analogous to the CSS‐SHR (“NSS‐SHR”). Pregnant women were found to have higher scores on the CSS‐SHR, but not on the “NSS‐SHR”. This suggests an odor intolerance that affects pregnant women's daily activities, which appears not to be due to a general environmental intolerance. The effect size of pregnancy on CSS‐SHR score is larger in the present study of early pregnancy than in the previous study of women half‐way through pregnancy.
Application of multi‐locus analytical methods to identify interacting loci in case‐control studies
Authors: Vermeulen S.H.H.M. , Den Heijer M. , Sham P. , Knight J.
Published: April 2007

To identify interacting loci in genetic epidemiological studies the application of multi‐locus methods of analysis is warranted. Several more advanced classification methods have been developed in the past years, including multiple logistic regression, sum statistics, logic regression, and the multifactor dimensionality reduction method. The objective of our study was to apply these four multi‐locus methods to simulated case‐control datasets that included a variety of underlying statistical two‐locus interaction models, in order to compare the methods and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. The results showed that the ability to identify the interacting loci was generally good for the sum statistic method, the logic regression and MDR. The performance of the logistic regression was more dependent on the underlying model and multiple comparison adjustment procedure. However, identification of the interacting loci in a model with two two‐locus interactions of common disease alleles with relatively small effects was impaired in all methods. Several practical and methodological issues that can be considered in the application of these methods, and that may warrant further research, are identified and discussed.
A comparison of women’s, providers’ and ultrasound assessments of pregnancy duration among termination of pregnancy clients in South Africa
Authors: Blanchard K , Cooper D , Dickson K , Cullingworth L , Mavimbela N , Von Mollendorf C , Van Bogaert LJ , Winikoff B
Published: April 2007

Objective  To compare providers’ and women’s estimates of duration of pregnancy with ultrasound estimates for determining medical abortion eligibility.

Design  Cross‐sectional study.

Setting  Public termination of pregnancy (TOP) services in three provinces.

Sample  A total of 673 women attending the above services for TOP.

Methods  Women participating in a medical abortion feasibility study in South Africa provided estimates of pregnancy duration and date of last menstrual period (LMP). Each woman also had clinical and ultrasound exams. We compared estimates using the four methods, calculating the proportion of women in the ‘caution zone’ (≤8 weeks gestation by woman or provider estimate and >8 weeks by ultrasound).

Main outcome measures  Mean gestational age by each method; difference between provider and LMP estimates and ultrasound estimates; and percentage of women in the ‘caution zone’.

Results  Women’s estimates of pregnancy duration were 19 days fewer than ultrasound estimates (95% CI =−27 to 63). Mean provider‐ and LMP‐based estimates were two (95% CI =−30 to 35) and less than one day(s) (95% CI =−46 to 51) fewer than ultrasound estimates. Comparing provider and ultrasound estimates, 15% of women were in the ‘caution zone’; this fell to 12% if estimates of 9 weeks or fewer were considered acceptable.

Conclusions  Provider estimates of gestational age were sufficiently accurate for determining eligibility for medical abortion. LMP‐based estimates were also accurate on average, but included more extreme differences from ultrasound estimates. Medical abortion could be provided in TOP facilities without ultrasound or with ultrasound on referral.
Haemodynamic changes in the second half of pregnancy: a longitudinal, noninvasive study with thoracic electrical bioimpedance
Authors: Volman MNM , Rep A , Kadzinska I , Berkhof J , Van Geijn HP , Heethaar RM , De Vries JIP
Published: April 2007

Objective  Maternal cardiovascular adaptations to pregnancy are necessary for an adequate fetomaternal circulation. However, the time course of physiological haemodynamic changes during the second half of pregnancy remains unclear. Various methods, invasive and noninvasive, are described to measure these changes. The thoracic electrical bioimpedance (TEB) technique is a method which is especially suitable to measure haemodynamic changes over time. The aim of the study was to determine both individual and group trends of haemodynamic changes in healthy pregnant women during the second half of pregnancy by means of TEB. Outcome variables are heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO) and blood pressure.

Design  Longitudinal study.

Setting  Outpatient antenatal care clinic of university hospital.

Population  A total of 22 healthy nonsmoking women with an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy and without pre‐existing vascular disorders were invited.

Methods  TEB and blood pressure measurements were performed at each regular visit from about 24 weeks of gestation through term age.

Main outcome measures  Trends were calculated with the random effects model.

Results  Data obtained from 19 women were analysed, with a median of eight (range 3–11) measurements. HR showed a linear increase (P < 0.0005) and a quadratic trend (P < 0.0005). SV decreased linearly (P= 0.046), without a quadratic course. CO remained stable over time.

Conclusion  During the second half of physiological pregnancy, significant trends could be determined. An increase in HR, a decrease in SV, a stable CO and an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressures were found.
Reflections on the Historiography of Twentieth‐Century Mexico
Authors: Beezley William H.
Published: April 2007

This article examines the recent trend to create a new periodization that concludes that the revolution ended in 1920 and therefore the decades of the 1920s and 1930s should be identified as the post revolution. The article argues that using the label post‐revolutionary ignores major revolutionary social programs during the 1920s and 1930s and disregards the revolutionary achievements of Presidents Alvaro Obregón, Plutarco Calles, and Lázaro Cárdenas. The article proposes that recent studies of women during the revolution, and social programs in the cities both suggest a different periodization, but one that includes the disputed decades of the 1920s and 1930s, reaching instead to 1953, 1958, or perhaps best, 1982.
Militant MotherhoodRe‐Visited: Women's Participation and Political Power in Argentina and Chile
Authors: Pieper Mooney Jadwiga E.
Published: April 2007

This article addresses the immediate and long‐term implications of militant motherhood in the Latin American Southern Cone. It contributes a new perspective to the now sizable literature on women's resistance and political participation by comparing militant motherhood under leaderships on opposite sides of the political spectrum. Mothers’ mobilization could, but did not, by definition, focus on gender equity or feminist goals. Anti‐Allende women in Chile demanded military intervention – while the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo in Argentina requested an end to human rights abuses by the incumbent military regime. Both show how cross‐national variation in the objective of militant motherhood still led to similar outcomes. The case studies of Chile and Argentina reveal that militant mothers’ immediate and long‐term success lay in the nature of their resistance and their skillful use of tradition. They expanded traditional understandings of motherhood, and helped overcome the limits of gendered citizenship rights that restricted women's political participation.
Left Ventricular Circulatory Support as Bridge to Heart Transplantation in Chagas' Disease Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Moreira Luiz Felipe P. , Galantier João , Benício Anderson , Leirner Adolfo A. , Cestari Idágene A. , Stolf Noedir A.G.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  This study was performed to assess the safety and feasibility of the implantation of ventricular assist devices (VADs) as a bridge to heart transplantation in patients with advanced biventricular failure due to Chagas' disease. Six patients were submitted to paracorporeal left VAD implantation, while right ventricular dysfunction was managed clinically. The mean time of circulatory support was 27 days. Two patients were bridged to heart transplantation successfully, while the other four patients died under assistance with complications that correlated with the final situation of multiple organ failure. Nevertheless, persistent right ventricular dysfunction was observed only in one patient who survived more than 15 days, despite the general significant preoperative compromise of the right ventricle. This paradoxical observation indicates that left VAD implantation may be regarded as a valuable treatment option for patients with Chagas' disease cardiomyopathy who evolve with decompensated heart failure or cardiogenic shock.
Adenoviral Expression of Calmodulin Antisense Reduces Hypertrophy in Cultured Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Arruda Ligia H. , Cestari Idágene A. , Leirner Adolfo A. , Cestari Ismar N.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Sustained myocardial hypertrophy is associated with an increased risk of sudden death and progression to heart failure. Multiple signal pathways are involved in cardiac hypertrophy and understanding their interaction may point to new therapeutic targets. In this work, we tested the hypothesis that adenovirus‐mediated calmodulin (CaM) antisense expression will reduce the intracellular availability of CaM and inhibit the hypertrophic response. Three recombinant adenoviruses were constructed: AdASCaM, containing the AntiSense sequence of CaM and the enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) coding sequence; AdCaM, containing the coding sequence of CaM and the GFP sequence; and the AdGFP, containing the GFP coding sequence. Neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes were infected with AdASCaM, AdCaM, or AdGFP and stimulated with phenylephrine (PE, 50 µM) or angiotensin II (AngII, 10 µM) for 48 h and cell surface area measured with planimetry. After PE treatment, the surface areas of cardiomyocytes infected with AdASCaM or AdGFP were 411 ± 174.3 µ2 and 832.6 ± 372.3 µ2, respectively (P < 0.01). After AngII treatment, the surface areas of cardiomyocytes infected with AdASCaM or AdGFP were 441.5 ± 149.2 µ2 and 726 ± 328.3 µ2, respectively (P < 0.01). Adenoviral expression of the CaM antisense (AdASCaM) significantly inhibited PE or AngII‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Cardiomyocytes infected with the AdCaM showed increased area when compared with those infected with the AdGFP. These results suggest that adenovirus‐mediated changes in CaM expression may alter hypertrophy in cardiac myocytes.
Mechanical Stress Activates Platelets at a Subhemolysis Level: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Bakir Ihsan , Hoylaerts Marc F. , Kink Thomas , Foubert Luc , Luyten Peter , Van kerckhoven Soetkin , Leunens Veerle , Bollen Hilde , Reul Helmut , Meyns Bart
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  A feasibility study is performed to quantify sheep platelets (PLTs) and to identify the relationship between PLT count and hemolysis as a consequence of mechanical stress. Six adult, healthy Dorset sheep have been used for in vitro blood sampling test procedures in a hemoresistometer device (HRM). In each experiment, blood of the same animal was exposed to six different shear rates. Free hemoglobin levels and PLT count for each shear rate were detected. In all animals (A–F), hemolysis increased significantly between the shear rates of 2325 and 3100/s (P < 0.05) and the mean PLT count dropped immediately (contact, low shear) 40% in the beginning, between the shear rates of 0 and 775/s (P < 0.05). PLT count increased slightly as soon as hemolysis started. At higher shear rates, hemolysis increased and PLTs reduced further. Precise counting of PLTs indicates that PLTs are consumed dramatically at very low shear (by contact) and further by applied mechanical stress when hemolysis is obvious. A repetition of these tests with human blood could indicate species differences.
Does Incorporating Medications in the Surveyors' Interpretive Guidelines Reduce the Use of Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Nursing Homes?
Authors: Lapane Kate L. , Hughes Carmel M. , Quilliam Brian J.
Published: April 2007

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the association between including specific medications deemed potentially inappropriate in the surveyors' interpretive guidelines for nursing homes and the prevalence of use.

DESIGN: Quasi‐experimental.

SETTING: One thousand one hundred forty‐one nursing homes in four U.S. states.

PARTICIPANTS: Residents living in one of the included nursing homes in operation during 1997 (before Beers; n=130,250) and 2000 (after Beers; n=164,889).

INTERVENTION: Inclusion of specific medications deemed potentially inappropriate in the surveyors' interpretive guidelines for nursing homes.

MEASUREMENTS: Logistic regression models adjusting for clustering effects of residents residing in homes provided estimates of the relationship between the survey process and use of any medications targeted as potentially inappropriate as part of the survey process, as well as those deemed inappropriate but not included.

RESULTS: The use of any potentially inappropriate medication decreased from 42.5% in 1997 to 39.8% in 2000. After adjustment for resident characteristics, residents were less likely to receive any potentially inappropriate medication (odds ratio (OR)=0.85, 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=0.84–0.87), those considered high‐severity drugs (those with a high likelihood of a clinically significant adverse event) (OR=0.67, 95% CI=0.65–0.69), or Beers' medications not included in the surveyors' guidelines (OR=0.76, 95% CI=0.74–0.79) in 2000 than in 1997 after the changes to the drug regulations and interpretive guidelines.

CONCLUSION: Targeting specific drugs in the surveyor's interpretive guidelines as a method to reduce potentially inappropriate medication use may not produce desired gains in medication‐use quality improvement. Alternative strategies for nursing homes should be evaluated.