bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limnological characteristics and trophic state of Paso de las Piedras Reservoir: An inland reservoir in Argentina
Authors: Fernández Carolina , Parodi Elisa R. , Cáceres Eduardo J.
Published: February 2009

The current trophic status of Paso de las Piedras Reservoir was evaluated by analysing different physicochemical, biological and environmental variables, in relation to its water quality, and application of two different classification criteria. Water quality sampling was conducted at four sampling sites from June 2004 to June 2005. During this study, 183 phytoplankton taxa were identified. The phytoplankton abundance exhibited a maximum of 368.037 × 103cells.mL−1in February 2005, and at least 1.133 × 103cells.mL−1in October 2004. An almost exclusive dominance of Cyanobacteria was observed between December 2004 and May 2005, the product of a large relative abundance ofAnabaena circinalisandMicrocystis natanswhich, together with other companions, were the reason for an algal bloom characterized by an average density of 133.05 × 103cells.mL−1, and an average chlorophyll concentration of 28.7 mg.m−3. These study results indicate that the seasonal variations of physical, chemical and biological parameters in the waters of this reservoir were essentially a consequence of environmental and hydrological conditions in the dam area. In contrast, the spatial variations inside the lake were the result of the characteristics of the water inflow provided by its two main tributaries. The N:P ratio suggests neither nutrient is a limiting factor for maximum algal biomass in the lake, indicating that variations in the phytoplankton community structure, and development of phytoplankton blooms, would be more constrained by environmental and hydrological conditions than nutrient competition. The high concentration of measured nutrients could be attributed to the concurrence of various non‐point sources. The phytoplankton species richness was high, exhibiting values even higher than those mentioned in previous studies. Considering the two trophic classification systems, and based on total phosphorus data, the reservoir is classified within the hypertrophic category. In contrast, considering only the chlorophyll and turbidity data, the lake would be classified within the eutrophic category.
B‐type natriuretic peptide is predictive of hospitalization in community‐dwelling elderly without heart diseases
Authors: Shimizu Yuji , Nishinaga Masanori , Takata Jun , Miyano Ichiro , Okumiya Kiyohito , Matsubayashi Kozo , Ozawa Toshio , Yasuda Nobufumi , Doi Yoshinori
Published: February 2009

Aim:  To examine prospectively the relationship between plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in community‐dwelling elderly and their hospitalization.

Methods:  A total number of 644 subjects aged 65 years or older were recruited from the annual community health examinations. Those with a history of stroke or neurological findings were not included. After excluding those with old myocardial infarction, left ventricular dysfunction, moderate or severe valvular disorders, atrial fibrillation, renal insufficiency, and history of hospitalization within 1 year, 602 participants (226 men, 376 women; mean age, 80.3 ± 6.2 years) remained eligible for this study. Antihypertensive medications, activities of daily living (ADL) score and history of hospitalization were assessed by annual interview. Measurement of casual blood pressure, Mini‐Mental State Examination, electrocardiography and echocardiography were performed. Plasma BNP, serum creatinine, total cholesterol, albumin and hemoglobin A1c levels were also examined. A follow‐up survey was performed for the occurrence and reasons for hospitalization.

Results:  During a median follow up of 37 months, 112 subjects were hospitalized. After adjustment for conventional risk factors of hospitalization using the Cox proportional hazard model, each increment of 1 standard deviation in log BNP levels was associated with a 36% increase in the risk of hospitalization (P = 0.02). Plasma BNP levels were significantly higher in the hospitalized subjects due to stroke, heart diseases, dementia, pneumonia and also difficulty to live alone than those of the subjects without hospitalization.

Conclusion:  Plasma BNP level is a very useful biochemical marker predictive of future hospitalization in community‐dwelling independent elderly people without apparent heart diseases.
Reduced microbial diversity and high numbers of one single Escherichia coli strain in the intestine of colitic mice
Authors: Wohlgemuth Steffen , Haller Dirk , Blaut Michael , Loh Gunnar
Published: February 2009

Commensal bacteria play a role in the aetiology of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). High intestinal numbers of Escherichia coli in IBD patients suggest a role of this organism in the initiation or progression of chronic gut inflammation. In addition, some E. coli genotypes are more frequently detected in IBD patients than others. We aimed to find out whether gut inflammation in an IBD mouse model is associated with a particular E. coli strain. Intestinal contents and tissue material were taken from 1‐, 8‐, 16‐ and 24‐week‐old interleukin 10‐deficient (IL‐10–/–) mice and the respective wild‐type animals. Caecal and colonic inflammation was observed in IL‐10–/– animals from the 8 weeks of life on accompanied by a lower intestinal microbial diversity than in the respective wild‐type animals. Culture‐ based and molecular approaches revealed that animals with gut inflammation harboured significantly higher numbers of E. coli than healthy controls. Phylogenetic grouping according to the E. coli Reference Collection (ECOR) system and strain typing by random‐amplified polymorphic DNA and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis revealed that all mice were colonized by one single E. coli strain. The strain was shown to have the O7:H7:K1 serotype and to belong to the virulence‐associated phylogenetic group B2. In a co‐association experiment with gnotobiotic mice, the strain outnumbered E. coli ECOR strains belonging to the phylogenetic group A and B2 respectively. A high number of virulence‐ and fitness‐associated genes were detected in the strain's genome possibly involved in the bacterial adaptation to the murine intestine.
Laparo‐endoscopic single‐site surgery: preliminary advances in renal surgery
Authors: Kommu Sashi S. , Kaouk Jihad H. , Rané Abhay
Published: February 2009

We reviewed the preliminary advances in laparo‐endoscopic single‐site surgery (LESS) as applied to renal surgery, and analyzed current publications based on animal models and human patients. We searched published reports in major urological meeting abstracts, Embase and Medline (1966 to 25 August 2008), with no language restrictions. Keyword searches included: ‘scarless’, ‘scar free’, ‘single port/trocar/incision’, ‘intraumbilical’, and ‘transumbilical’, ‘natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery’ (NOTES), ‘SILS’, ‘OPUS’ and ‘LESS’. The lessons learnt from the studies using the porcine model are that further advances in instrumentation are essential to achieve optimum results, and that testing survival in animals is also necessary to further expand the NOTES and LESS techniques. Further advances in instrument technology together with increasing experience in NOTES and LESS approaches have driven the transition from porcine models to human patients. In the latter, studies show that the techniques are feasible provided that both optimal surgical technical expertise with advanced skills, and optimal instrumentation, are available. The next step towards minimal access/minimally invasive urological surgery is NOTES and LESS. It is inevitable that LESS will be extended to involve more complex and technically demanding procedures such as laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and partial nephrectomy.
Effect of hydrogen sulphide‐donating sildenafil (ACS6) on erectile function and oxidative stress in rabbit isolated corpus cavernosum and in hypertensive rats
Authors: Shukla Nilima , Rossoni Giuseppe , Hotston Matthew , Sparatore Anna , Del Soldato Piero , Tazzari Valerio , Persad Raj , Angelini Gianni D. , Jeremy Jamie Y.
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of the H2S‐donating derivative of sildenafil (ACS6) compared to sildenafil citrate and sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS) on relaxation, superoxide formation and NADPH oxidase and type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE5) expression in isolated rabbit cavernosal tissue and smooth muscle cells (CSMCs), and in vivo on indices of oxidative stress induced with buthionine sulphoximine (BSO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relaxation was studied in an organ bath in response to carbachol and after incubation with interleukin‐1β for 12 h. CSMCs were incubated with tumour‐necrosis factor‐α or the thromboxane A2 (TXA2) analogue, U46619, with or with no sildenafil citrate, ACS6 or NaHS for 16 h. Superoxide formation and the expression of p47phox (an active subunit of the NADPH oxidase complex) and PDE5 protein was then assessed using Western blotting. Rats were also treated with BSO (with or with no sildenafil citrate or ACS6) for 7 days; cavernosal cGMP, cAMP, glutathionine and plasma TXA2 and 8‐isoprostane F2α was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

ACS6 and sildenafil citrate relaxed cavernosal smooth muscle equipotently; NaHS alone had little effect at up to 100 µm. The formation of superoxide and expression of p47phox and PDE5 was reduced by ACS6, sildenafil citrate and NaHS (order of potency: ACS6 > sildenafil citrate > NaHS). The effects of ACS6 were blocked by inhibitors of protein kinase A (PKA) and PKG. In rats treated with BSO, both ASC6 and sildenafil citrate reduced the increased plasma levels of TXA2 and 8‐isoprostane F2α but increased cGMP, cAMP and glutathionine levels in corpus cavernosum.

CONCLUSIONS

By virtue of a dual action on PKA and PKG activation, ACS6 not only promotes erection, acutely, but might also have a long‐term beneficial effect through inhibition of oxidative stress and downregulation of PDE5.
A genetic diagnosis of HNF1A diabetes alters treatment and improves glycaemic control in the majority of insulin‐treated patients
Authors: Shepherd M. , Shields B. , Ellard S. , Rubio‐Cabezas O. , Hattersley A. T.
Published: February 2009

Background and aims  Hepatocyte nuclear factor‐1 alpha (HNF1A) gene mutations are the commonest cause of monogenic diabetes, but patients are often misdiagnosed as having Type 1 diabetes and started on insulin treatment. Patients with HNF1A diabetes are particularly sensitive to the glucose‐lowering effect of sulphonylureas, which are the pharmacological treatment of choice. We aimed to assess if patients do change from insulin to sulphonylurea treatment when HNF1A diabetes is confirmed and the impact of this treatment change on long‐term glycaemic control.

Methods  We investigated the clinical course of 43 patients who were insulin treated from diagnosis for a median 4 years (range 1–14) before an HNF1A gene mutation was identified.

Results  Thirty‐four patients (79%) stopped insulin following genetic testing and transferred to sulphonylureas. Twenty‐four of them (71%) remained off insulin at a median 39 months (range 17–90) post‐transfer. The 10 patients who recommenced insulin had a trend towards a longer duration of diabetes (18 vs. 7 years, P = 0.066) compared with those remaining on tablets. The median glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was good (6.9%; interquartile range 6.3–8.0%) in the patients who remained off insulin and 19/24 patients (79%) achieved HbA1c < 7.5% or improved their pre‐genetic diagnosis HbA1c by > 1.0%. Transfer off insulin was not attempted in eight patients: one of these was planning pregnancy and two chose to remain on insulin.

Conclusion  In this observational study we found that a molecular genetic diagnosis of HNF1A diabetes does alter treatment in clinical practice, with 79% attempting transfer to sulphonylureas. Transfer to sulphonylureas was successful in the majority of patients without deterioration in glycaemic control.
Pregravid body mass index as a predictor of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ogonowski J. , Miazgowski T. , Kuczyńska M. , Krzyżanowska‐Świniarska B. , Celewicz Z.
Published: February 2009

Aims  It has been well documented that overweight or obesity before pregnancy is a strong predictor of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aim of this study was to assess the risk of GDM in women who were classified on the basis of pregravid body mass index (BMI) as normal weight and underweight.

Subjects and methods  We analysed medical records of 1121 women with GDM who were referred to the Outpatient Clinic for Diabetic Pregnant Women in Szczecin (north‐west part of Poland) between January 2001 and December 2005. The control group consisted of 1011 healthy pregnant women. All the women were Caucasian, were aged ≥ 18 years and had single pregnancies.

Results  The cut point for BMI as a risk indicator for GDM was 22.85 kg/m2 (odds ratio = 1.91; 95% confidence interval 1.5–2.1; sensitivity 47.8%, specificity 65.9%). In all of the analysed BMI ranges, except for the underweight group, significant relationships between pregravid BMI and GDM were found and BMI was the strongest predictor for GDM treated with insulin. Of all women with GDM, 25.7% were treated with insulin. The percentage of women requiring insulin therapy significantly increased with an increase of BMI across all studied categories.

Conclusions  Not only in overweight but also in normal‐weight women, the risk for GDM increases with increases in pregravid BMI and adjustment for confounding variables (age, prior GDM and parity) did not influence this relationship. Pregravid BMI is a strong predictor for GDM requiring insulin treatment.
Treatment preferences and medication adherence of people with Type 2 diabetes using oral glucose‐lowering agents
Authors: Hauber A. B. , Mohamed A. F. , Johnson F. R. , Falvey H.
Published: February 2009

Aims Medication non‐adherence is particularly common in patients with Type 2 diabetes. We constructed a discrete‐choice experiment to examine the relative importance of oral glucose‐lowering medication features and to estimate the likely effect of effectiveness and side effects on medication adherence in patients with Type 2 diabetes in the UK and the USA.

Methods Preferences were elicited using a cross‐sectional, web‐enabled survey. Patients with a self‐reported physician‐made diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, who were currently taking oral glucose‐lowering medications were recruited through an existing online chronic‐disease panel. In each discrete‐choice question, patients were asked to choose between two hypothetical medication alternatives, each defined by improvement in glycated haemoglobin, frequency of mild‐to‐moderate hypoglycaemia, water retention, weight gain, mild stomach upset and medication‐related cardiovascular risk. Patients were also asked to indicate how likely they would be to miss or skip doses of each hypothetical medication.

Results Two hundred and four patients in the UK and 203 patients in the USA completed the survey. Preferences did not differ between the two countries. Overall, glucose control was the most important medication feature, followed by medication‐related cardiovascular risk and weight gain, respectively. Water retention was not important to patients. Weight gain and cardiovascular risk had significant negative effects on likely medication adherence.

Conclusions While patients with Type 2 diabetes believe glucose control is important, medication side effects and risks influence patients’ treatment choices. Medication‐related weight gain and cardiovascular risk are significant predictors of likely medication non‐adherence.
Are current psychometric tools suitable for measuring outcomes of diabetes education?
Authors: Eigenmann C. A. , Colagiuri R. , Skinner T. C. , Trevena L.
Published: February 2009

Aims  To critically appraise the suitability, validity, reliability, feasibility and sensitivity to change of available psychometric tools for measuring the education outcomes identified in the (Australian) National Consensus on Outcomes and Indicators for Diabetes Patient Education.

Methods  Potentially suitable psychometric measurement tools were identified through a two‐step process. Step 1: a structured semi‐systematic literature review and consultation with experts; step 2: development of inclusion criteria and a formal, purpose‐designed, systematically derived Appraisal Checklist—from the literature and with expert psychometric advice—to critically appraise the identified tools for relevance, validity, reliability, responsiveness to change, burden, feasibility and acceptability.

Results  Searching medline, PubMed, PsycINFO and cinhal yielded 37 diabetes‐specific and generic measurement tools. Eleven of these did not address the research questions, leaving 26 tools. Of these, 11 assessed indicators of psychological adjustment; seven assessed various domains of self‐determination; five measured self‐management behaviours, for example, foot care, blood glucose testing and lifestyle domains; and three measured diabetes knowledge und understanding, respectively. When the Appraisal Checklist was applied, only three tools met all criteria, namely the Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) scale, the Summary of Diabetes Self‐Care Activities (SDSCA) scale and the Appraisal of Diabetes Scale (ADS). However, a number of other suitable tools [i.e. the Diabetes Integration Scale (ATT19), the Diabetes Health Profile (DHP‐1/18), the Self‐Care Inventory‐Revised (SCI‐R), the Diabetes Management Self Efficacy Scale Australian/English version (DMSES‐A/E), the Diabetes Empowerment Scale–Short Form (DES‐SF)] met all except one criteria, that is, either no formal test–retest or no responsiveness to change data.

Conclusions  Although numerous tools were identified, few met rigorous psychometric appraisal criteria. Issues of suitability, adequate psychometric testing for the intended purpose, burden and feasibility need to be considered before adopting tools for measuring diabetes education outcomes.
Incidence and characteristics of lower limb amputations in people with diabetes
Authors: Fosse S. , Hartemann‐Heurtier A. , Jacqueminet S. , Ha Van G. , Grimaldi A. , Fagot‐Campagna A.
Published: February 2009

Aims  To estimate the incidence, characteristics and potential causes of lower limb amputations in France.

Methods  Admissions with lower limb amputations were extracted from the 2003 French national hospital discharge database, which includes major diagnoses and procedures performed during hospital admissions. For each patient, diabetes was defined by its record in at least one admission with or without lower limb amputation in the 2002–2003 databases.

Results  In 2003, 17 551 admissions with lower limb amputation were recorded, involving 15 353 persons, which included 7955 people with diabetes. The crude incidence of lower limb amputation in people with diabetes was 378/100 000 (349/100 000 when excluding traumatic lower limb amputation). The sex and age standardized incidence was 12 times higher in people with than without diabetes (158 vs. 13/100 000). Renal complications and peripheral arterial disease and/or neuropathy were reported in, respectively, 30% and 95% of people with diabetes with lower limb amputation. Traumatic causes (excluding foot contusion) and bone diseases (excluding foot osteomyelitis) were reported in, respectively, 3% and 6% of people with diabetes and lower limb amputation, and were 5 and 13 times more frequent than in people without diabetes.

Conclusions  We provide a first national estimate of lower limb amputation in France. We highlight its major impact on people with diabetes and its close relationship with peripheral arterial disease/neuropathy and renal complications in the national hospital discharge database. We do not suggest the exclusion of traumatic causes when studying the epidemiology of lower limb amputation related to diabetes, as diabetes may contribute to amputation even when the first cause appears to be traumatic.
Environmental Justice Imperatives for an Era of Climate Change
Authors: Stallworthy Mark
Published: February 2009

This paper is about intra‐ and inter‐generational equity, connecting environmental justice discourse with necessary responses to climate change. It offers a review of the role of globalization in this pervasive context, contrasting the disaggregated nature of localized impacts, and seeks to address the potential for adjusting law‐policy frameworks as a key part of the search for solutions. It argues that environmental justice approaches can incorporate values into law‐policy processes based upon vital aspects of the integrity and functioning of communities, distributional fairness, and capacities for wider engagement and participation in the search for necessary behavioural change. The conclusion is that the ultimate success of the urgent process of addressing climate‐related threats, through a meaningful degree of mitigation and adaptation, and multiple levels of decision‐making and response, must be informed by the precepts of environmental justice.
Do East Asians Respond More/Less Strongly to Organizational Justice Than North Americans? A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Li Andrew , Cropanzano Russell
Published: February 2009

abstract

The present study reported a meta‐analysis of the relationship between justice perceptions and affective organizational commitment, job satisfaction, turnover intentions, and trust in East Asia. Based on the tripartite model of self concept, we argued that the relationship between justice perceptions and outcome variables may be influenced by the salience of the personal versus relational/collective dimensions of self concept. Specifically, we argued that the salience of the personal self concept may lead to larger effect sizes in North America. While we also argued that the salience of the relational/collective self concept may increase the effect of justice perceptions in East Asia, these effects may be potentially eclipsed by the concerns for social harmony in this region. Results of our study suggest that in general, the effects of justice on outcome variables tend to be greater in North America than in East Asia.
AUSTRALIA'S SMOKE CITY: AIR POLLUTION IN NEWCASTLE
Authors: Cushing Nancy
Published: February 2009

The City of Newcastle has been viewed as marginal to the main narratives of Australian history, despite its contribution to industrial development being likened in importance to that of a Pittsburgh or Birmingham. A focus on visible air pollution makes it possible to reposition Newcastle as the centre of environmental innovation, largely because of the knowledge gathered by Novocastrians about smoke abatement in the Anglo‐American industrial cities upon which it modelled itself. The reduction of smoke in Newcastle since World War II is attributed partially to the City Council activities, but also to the displacement of pollution elsewhere, both within Australia and to the Asian cities to which coal is exported.
FROM MANUFACTURING ZONE TO LIFESTYLE PRECINCT: ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING AND SOCIAL CHANGE IN INNER MELBOURNE, 1971–2001
Authors: Dingle Tony , O'Hanlon Seamus
Published: February 2009

Deindustrialisation, decline in manufacturing employment, gentrification, and the regeneration of inner urban areas characterized the experiences of many Western cities during the late twentieth century. In North America and Europe, economic and urban historians have studied these profound changes, but not so in Australia. This paper charts the decline of manufacturing in Melbourne's inner suburbs in the 1970s and 1980s and its replacement by, firstly, small‐scale manufacturers catering to local niche markets, and later by ‘warehouse‐style’ residential development.
IDEAS FROM AUSTRALIAN CITIES: RELOCATING URBAN AND SUBURBAN HISTORY
Authors: May Andrew
Published: February 2009

This article draws on preliminary research into the social history of Melbourne, on the ways that suburban life in the post‐World War II era provides both explanation and counterweight to persistently negative stereotypes of suburbia. Over recent decades, suburban histories have been eschewed in favour of historical reconsiderations of the inner city or the bush. The history of the Australian suburb, particularly since 1945, is yet to be written. Oral history and municipal archives will be crucial to the writing of such histories. The article suggests several research pathways, including intergenerational life stories, a wider scale of geographical analysis, and a subtler reading of cultural conformity and social differentiation.
THE 200 KM CITY: BRISBANE, THE GOLD COAST, AND SUNSHINE COAST
Authors: Spearritt Peter
Published: February 2009

Since the 1970s, several Southeast Queensland coastal towns in areas marketed as the ‘Gold Coast’ and the ‘Sunshine Coast’ have merged with each other and joined with Brisbane to become one of the world's longest urban coastal strips. The population of this 200 km long city is fast approaching three million. This urban pattern reflects the preferences of many Australians about where and in what type of housing they would like to live. The unplanned nature of this growth raises several policy challenges relating to resource use and traffic congestion.
Are We Our Brains?
Authors: Burwood Stephen
Published: February 2009

My aim in this paper is to destabilise the brain‐is‐self thesis, something that is now regarded in some quarters as philosophical commonsense. My contention is that it is the epithelial body that enters into the formation of our sense of self and that largely bears the burden of personal identity as well as playing the key role in grounding our psychological ascriptions. Lacking any sensorimotor or social presence of its own, the brain by itself cannot “underlie” selfhood, but only as part of the whole living human being. If the minded individual is embodied, this must mean more than being embrained.
Self and Self‐Consciousness: Aristotelian Ontology and Cartesian Duality
Authors: Christofidou Andrea
Published: February 2009

The relationship between self‐consciousness, Aristotelian ontology, and Cartesian duality is far closer than it has been thought to be. There is no valid inference either from considerations of Aristotle'shylomorphismor from the phenomenological distinction between body and living body, to the undermining of Cartesian dualism. Descartes' conception of the self asbotha reasoning and willing being informs his conception of personhood; a person for Descartes is an unanalysable, integrated, self‐conscious and autonomous human being. The claims that Descartes introspectively encounters the self and that the Cartesian extent of inner space is self‐contained are profound errors, distortions through the lenses of modern theories.
Disproving Causal Relationships Using Observational Data*
Authors: Bryant Henry L. , Bessler David A. , Haigh Michael S.
Published: February 2009

Economic theory is replete with causal hypotheses that are scarcely tested because economists are generally constrained to work with observational data. We describe a method for testing a hypothesis that one observed random variable causes another. Contingent on a sufficiently strong correspondence between the two variables, an appropriately related third variable can be employed for the test. The logic of the procedure naturally suggests strong and weak grounds for rejecting the causal hypothesis. Monte Carlo results suggest that weakly grounded rejections are unreliable for small samples, but reasonably reliable for large samples. Strongly grounded rejections are highly reliable, even for small samples.
The Governance of Global Production Networks and Regional Development: A Case Study of Taiwanese PC Production Networks
Authors: YANG DANIEL YOU‐REN , COE NEIL M.
Published: February 2009

This article applies a global production networks (GPN) perspective to the trans‐border investments of Taiwanese personal computer (PC) companies in the Northern Taiwan, Greater Suzhou and Greater Dongguan regions. The findings of extensive field research are used to illustrate two conceptual arguments. First, we show the on‐the‐ground complexity of inter‐firm governance arrangements within the PC industry, thereby casting doubt upon attempts to reduce notions of governance to simplistic, industry‐wide categorisations. Second, by comparing Greater Suzhou and Greater Dongguan, we demonstrate that even within a single production system, there is geographical variation in the nature of the strategic coupling between the GPN and local institutional formations. We argue that conceptualising such geographical and organisational complexity is critical to understanding the regional development potential of GPNs.
J. Cosmet. Sci., 59, 127–137 (March/April 2008) Why women use makeup: Implication of psychological traits in makeup functions
Authors: Korichi R. , Pelle‐De‐Queral D. , Gazano G. , Aubert A.
Published: February 2009

Synopsis

Makeup acts and stimulates three of our senses: touch (which encompasses all sensations from the body surface), smell (fragrance), and sight (the process of becoming and looking beautiful). The positive stimulation of these senses by makeup can induce sensory as well as psychological pleasure. In order to understand the relationship of women to their makeup, we interviewed different groups of women on their quality of life and makeup habits. Then, through four standard well‐validated psychometric self‐questionnaires, we examined the possible relation between the need to make up oneself and specific psychological features. Our first results clearly showed that makeup could support two opposite ‘up’ functions, i.e., ‘camouflage’ vs. ‘seduction.’ Concerning their psychological profiles, results showed that women of the functional class ‘camouflage’ are more anxious, defensive, and emotionally unstable compared to those of the functional class ‘seduction,’ who appear to be more sociable, assertive, and extroverted. Further analyses revealed a division of the two classes into subclasses of volunteers with opposed personality and psychological profiles. This new classification allowed us to define more precisely the relations existing within the subjective experience of women during the makeup process. In conclusion, our study revealed that beyond the simple application of colorful products on the face, makeup has two major functional implications depending on specific psychological profiles of women.
No. 1 Vol. 42, No. 2, pp. 81–88, 2008 Noninvasive three‐dimensional analysis of in vivo human skin using the next‐generation optical coherence tomography (OCT), Fourier domain OCT
Authors: Sakai Shingo
Published: February 2009

Two‐dimensional image by conventional optical coherence tomography (OCT) is very useful in dermatology. Recently, Fourier domain OCT (FD‐OCT), which includes spectral domain OCT (SD‐OCT) and swept source OCT (SS‐OCT), has been developed as a new modality that produces fast and highly sensitive OCT images. These new OCTs enable real‐time, video rate cross‐sectional imaging and three‐dimensional analysis. Moreover, polarization sensitive SD‐OCT provides three dimensional information about collagen structure in the skin. Noninvasive in vivo three‐dimensional analysis offers a new way to investigate the relationship between surface morphology (wrinkles, textures, and facial pores) and the internal structure of the skin.
No. 3 Vol. 42, No. 2, pp. 94–101, 2008 Effect of Birch (Betula platyphylla Sukatchev var. japonica Hara) sap on cultured human epidermal keratinocyte differentiation
Authors: Moriyama Masahiro , Naru Eiji , Misaki Yuko , Hayashi Akinobu
Published: February 2009

The beauty of ideal skin texture is closely associated with dermal moisture factors. The key factors of skin moisture are NMF (natural moisturizing factor) and skin normal barrier function. The former keeps dermal surface moisture, and the later protects from excess water loss. So we have searched for the ingredient that improves these factors. Birch sap has been widely used as an effective drink for anti‐fatigue and anti‐stress. However, the effect of birch sap on skin as a cosmetic agent has not been known entirely. In this study, we investigated the effects of birch (Betula platyphylla Sukatchev var. japonica Hara) sap on human skin. Birch sap induced epidermal keratinocyte differentiation properties in vitro. We assessed two epidermal differentiation agents. Filaggrin is a precursor protein of NMF, and involucrin is one of the precursor proteins of the cornified cell envelope (CE), which is related to normal barrier function. We have evaluated the production of these proteins where birch sap was applied to human normal keratinocytes. Birch sap not only increased mRNA expression of filaggrin and involucrin, but also accelerated these proteins production. Otherwise, birch sap did not have any influence for IL‐6 production, which is related to inflammatory and aberrant keratinocyte proliferation. The results of induced differentiation properties on birch sap‐treated keratinocytes are very similar to the differentiation induced by calcium in vitro. This similarity suggested that birch sap has a differentiation inducible property on in vitro cultured keratinocytes. Our study suggested that birch sap is able to control both moisturizing‐ and barrier‐related factor production. From these effects, birch sap provides appropriate epidermal functions and skin homeostasis, and revealed itself as a very useful ingredient in the cosmetic field.
Usefulness of a Photophobia Questionnaire in Patients With Migraine
Authors: Choi J-Y , Oh K , Kim B-J , Chung C-S , Koh S-B , Park K-W
Published: February 2009

Photophobia is an important criterion for the diagnosis of migraine. However, several Asian epidemiological surveys about migraine have shown lesser prevalence of photophobia than that of Western studies. This discrepancy is probably caused by underestimation of photophobia due to inappropriate questioning of patients by physicians. To investigate this issue, we developed a questionnaire about photophobia and evaluated its usefulness in 103 patients with migraine. In phase 1 of the study, we found good repeatability of the questionnaire with a 0.826 k coefficient. In phase 2, the prevalence of photophobia from interviews and that from the questionnaire were compared. The prevalence of interview-documented photophobia was 51.5% and of questionnaire-documented photophobia 82.5% ( P < 0.001). In phase 3, we attempted to make a short-form questionnaire with the same detection power of the questionnaire study. Two short-form questionnaires were identified as a useful method for detecting photophobia. The prevalence of photophobia could be underreported via interview, especially in Asian migraineurs. Using this questionnaire to test for photophobia, the diagnostic rate of photophobia and migraine could be improved.
Association of von Willebrand Factor Activity with ACE I/D and MTHFR C677T Polymorphisms in Migrainecha
Authors: Tietjen GE , Herial NA , Utley C , White L , Yerga-Woolwine S , Joe B
Published: February 2009

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion (I)/deletion (D) and methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphisms are linked to endothelial dysfunction and to cerebral white matter lesions. Objectives of this study were to determine if ACE and MTHFR gene polymorphisms are associated with von Willebrand factor (vWF) activity, an endothelial dysfunction marker, and with a distinct headache phenotype. We enrolled 64 women (18–50 years old) with International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edn migraine without aura (MoA) and 61 with aura (MA). Genotypic frequencies: ACE DD 35%, ID 42%, II 23%, and MTHFR TT 17%, CT 40%, CC 43%. Those with ACE DD genotype had higher levels of vWF activity (152%) compared with ID and II genotypes. Levels were highest (179%) with combined ACE DD and MTHFR TT genotypes. ACE DD was associated with higher headache frequency, and MTHFR TT was associated with MA. In migraine, vWF activity may be a marker of endothelial-mediated genetic risk for ischaemic conditions.
B7‐2/CD28 costimulatory pathway in children with atopic dermatitis and its connection with immunoglobulin E, intracellular interleukin‐4 and interferon‐gamma production by T cells during a 1‐month follow‐up
Authors: Chernyshov PV
Published: February 2009

Background   The best defined costimulators for activation of T lymphocytes are B7‐1 and B7‐2 on antigen presenting cells (APC) that bind to CD28 on T cells. Several studies showed that CD28 is critical for type 2 T helper cells (Th2) inflammation and depends mainly on the interaction of CD28 with B7‐2. Some authors suggested a role for B7‐2 B cells in immunoglobulin E (IgE) synthesis.

Objective  We decided to study B7‐2/CD28 interaction in atopic dermatitis (AD) and correlations with total and specific IgE, intracellular interleukin 4‐(IL‐4) and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) production during a 1‐month follow‐up.

Methods  We studied 24 AD children with allergy to cow's milk. Lymphocyte subsets (B7‐2 on B cells, CD28+ on T cells, IL‐4 and IFN‐γ producing T helper cells), total and specific IgE, and IgG4 at days 1 and 30 were also studied. Scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) significantly decreased.

Results  CD28+/CD3+/CD57 correlated with B7‐2 B cells at days 1 and 30, with IL‐4 and IFN‐γ producing T helper cells at day 1 and with SCORAD at day 30. B7‐2 B cells negatively correlated with IgE at day 30. Percentage of B7‐2 B cells negatively correlated with total and specific IgE at day 30.

Conclusion  Our results support the importance of CD28/B7 costimulation in AD children and the relation of CD28 with Th1 and Th2 cytokines. However, our results do not confirm the hypothesis about the preferential role of B7‐2 in Th2 activation and IgE synthesis. It could raise a question about B7‐2 blockade efficacy in AD children. Further investigations on B7 family members and their functions could help to distinguish target for more clinically efficient B7/CD28 blockage in AD.

Conflicts of interest

None declared.
Rates and types of psychiatric disorders in perinatally human immunodeficiency virus‐infected youth and seroreverters
Authors: Mellins Claude Ann , Brackis‐Cott Elizabeth , Leu Cheng‐Shiun , Elkington Katherine S. , Dolezal Curtis , Wiznia Andrew , McKay Mary , Bamji Mahrukh , Abrams Elaine J.
Published: February 2009

Background:  The purpose of this study was to examine 1) the prevalence of psychiatric and substance use disorders in perinatally HIV‐infected (HIV+) adolescents and 2) the association between HIV infection and these mental health outcomes by comparing HIV+ youths to HIV exposed but uninfected youths (HIV‐) from similar communities.

Methods:  Data for this paper come from the baseline interview of a longitudinal study of mental health outcomes in 9‐16 year old perinatally HIV‐exposed youths (61% HIV+) and their caregivers. Three hundred forty youths and their primary adult caregivers were recruited from four medical centers and participated in separate individual interviews. Youth psychiatric disorder was assessed using the caregiver and youth versions of The Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC‐IV).

Results:  According to caregiver or youth report, a high percentage of HIV+ and HIV‐ youths met criteria for a non‐substance use psychiatric disorder, with significantly higher rates among the HIV+ youths (61% vs. 49%, OR = 1.59; CI = 1.03,2.47; p < .05). The most prevalent diagnoses in both groups were anxiety disorders (46% for total sample) which included social phobia, separation anxiety, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive‐ compulsive disorder, and specific phobias. One quarter of the sample met criteria for a behavioral disorder (ADHD, conduct disorders, and oppositional defiant disorders), with ADHD being most prevalent. HIV+ youths had significantly higher rates of ADHD (OR = 2.45; CI = 1.20, 4.99, p < .05). Only 7% of youths met criteria for a mood disorder and 4% for a substance abuse disorder. Several caregiver variables (caregiver type and HIV status) were also associated with both child HIV status and mental health outcomes.

Conclusions:  Our data suggest that HIV+ youths are at high risk for mental health disorders. Further longitudinal research is necessary to understand the etiology, as well as potential protective factors, in order to inform efficacy‐based interventions.
Pneumothorax secondary to pulmonary thromboembolism in a dog
Authors: Sobel Keith E. , Williams Jarod E.
Published: February 2009

Objective –To describe a case of spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to pulmonary thromboembolism possibly associated with pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism.

Case Summary –A 7‐year‐old spayed female Collie weighing 26 kg was referred for evaluation of spontaneous pneumothorax. An exploratory thoracotomy was performed and revealed 2 lung lobes to be diffusely hemorrhagic and they were resected. Histologic examination of multiple sections documented diffuse thromboembolism. A 2–3 cm thrombus was visualized distal to the bifurcation of the pulmonary artery during an echocardiographic examination postoperatively. The dog was discharged to the owner after recovery from surgery. The thrombus had resolved at the 4‐week recheck examination. Diagnosis of pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism was confirmed based on follow‐up endocrine testing.

New or Unique Information Provided –This is the first report of pulmonary thromboembolism causing spontaneous pneumothorax in the dog.
Comparison of viscoelastic coagulation analysis and standard coagulation profiles in critically ill neonatal foals to outcome
Authors: Dallap Schaer Barbara L. , Bentz Amy I. , Boston Raymond C. , Palmer Jonathan E. , Wilkins Pamela A.
Published: February 2009

Objective –To determine if changes in viscoelastic variables are associated with abnormalities observed in the standard coagulation profile and patient outcome in foals with suspected septicemia.

Design –Prospective clinical trial during 2003 and 2004 foal season.

Setting –Neonatal intensive care unit at a veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals –Thirty critically ill foals <72‐hour‐old admitted sequentially meeting criteria for systemic inflammatory response associated with infection.

Interventions –Hemostatic evaluation, using standard coagulation testing and viscoelastic analysis, was performed at admission, 24 hours following admission, and 48 hours following admission in critically ill foals. Standard coagulation tests included platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, fibrin(ogen) degradation products, and antithrombin. Data collected from viscoelastic analysis included time to initial clot formation (ACT), clot rate, and platelet function. Signalment, blood culture results, clinicopathologic data, and outcome were collected from medical records. Equality of populations test was used to determine associations between coagulation tests and blood culture status/outcome, as well as between viscoelastic parameters and coagulopathy, blood culture status, and outcome. Logistic regression was used to quantify associations. A significance level ofP<0.05 was used.

Measurements and Main Results –Foals with decreasing clot rate (CR) over the sample period were more likely to be euthanized or die (P=0.02). Foals with prolonged ACT (P=0.03), and decreased CR at admission (P=0.047), were more commonly coagulopathic. Identification of coagulopathy on admission (P=0.02), or persistence of hemostatic dysfunction 48 hours later (P=0.04), was associated with death.

Conclusions –Viscoelastic coagulation evaluation could be used in a neonatal intensive care unit setting to further characterize coagulopathy, and identify foals at higher risk for poor outcome.
Thrombin physiology and pathophysiology
Authors: Licari Louis G. , Kovacic Jan P.
Published: February 2009

Objectives –To review the role of thrombin in physiology and clinical disease and to discuss the pharmacology of antithrombosis.

Data Sources –Original research articles, scientific reviews, textbooks.

Human Data Synthesis –Thrombin and thrombin receptors are involved in a variety of physiologic and pathologic processes resulting in a great deal of interest in thrombin‐related pharmacologic intervention.

Veterinary Data Synthesis –Although there is little clinical research data available on thrombin specifically in veterinary patients, some of the original research on protease activated receptors was performed at veterinary institutions and many of the human molecular biology studies have been done on animals including dogs.

Conclusion –Thrombin plays a significant role in coagulation, anticoagulation, and fibrinolysis. Antithrombotic treatment is focused on preventing thrombosis while maintaining hemostasis. Pharmaceutical agents are selected for the specific component of the coagulation pathway associated with a specific disease process, for a proven prophylactic benefit with procedures that carry a risk of thromboembolism, for rapidity of onset and ease of reversibility, for limited monitoring requirements, and for oral formulation and bioavailablity. Recent insight into other aspects of thrombin physiology presents an opportunity for pharmacologic intervention in a variety of other processes such as inflammation and sepsis, peripheral blood cell activation and chemotaxis, vascular endothelial and smooth muscle activity, cellular development and tissue repair, mitogenesis, neoplasia, and the function of nervous tissue following injury.
Different effects of ascorbate deprivation and classical vascular nitrate tolerance on aldehyde dehydrogenase‐catalysed bioactivation of nitroglycerin
Authors: Wenzl MV , Wölkart G , Stessel H , Beretta M , Schmidt K , Mayer B
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose: Vascular tolerance to nitroglycerin (GTN) may be caused by impaired GTN bioactivation due to inactivation of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2). As relaxation to GTN is reduced but still sensitive to ALDH2 inhibitors in ascorbate deficiency, we compared the contribution of ALDH2 inactivation to GTN hyposensitivity in ascorbate deficiency and classicalin vivonitrate tolerance.

Experimental approach: Guinea pigs were fed standard or ascorbate‐free diet for 2 weeks. Reversibility was tested by feeding ascorbate‐deficient animals standard diet for 1 week. Nitrate tolerance was induced by subcutaneous injection of 50 mg·kg−1GTN 4 times daily for 3 days. Ascorbate levels were determined in plasma, blood vessels, heart and liver. GTN‐induced relaxation was measured as isometric tension of aortic rings; vascular GTN biotransformation was assayed as formation of 1,2‐ and 1,3‐glyceryl dinitrate (GDN).

Key results: Two weeks of ascorbate deprivation had no effect on relaxation to nitric oxide but reduced the potency of GTN ∼10‐fold in a fully reversible manner. GTN‐induced relaxation was similarly reduced in nitrate tolerance but not further attenuated by ALDH inhibitors. Nitrate tolerance reduced ascorbate plasma levels without affecting ascorbate in blood vessels, liver and heart. GTN denitration was significantly diminished in nitrate‐tolerant and ascorbate‐deficient rings. However, while the ∼10‐fold preferential 1,2‐GDN formation, indicative for active ALDH2, had been retained in ascorbate deficiency, selectivity was largely lost in nitrate tolerance.

Conclusions and implications: These results indicate that nitrate tolerance is associated with ALDH2 inactivation, whereas ascorbate deficiency possibly results in down‐regulation of ALDH2 expression.