bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renforcer la prévention de l'insécurité sociale
Authors: Sinfield Adrian
Published: December 2012

Des programmes de sécurité sociale solides, favorisant la sécurité personnelle et collective, peuvent fortement contribuer à prévenir l'insécurité sociale. Ils agissent notamment comme des stabilisateurs automatiques intégrés et apportent des avantages sociaux et économiques à l'ensemble de la société. Des régimes déficients ont en revanche un effet déstabilisant, qui nuit à l'efficacité de la prévention. Les différentes manières dont les régimes de sécurité sociale peuvent contribuer à prévenir l'insécurité sociale et économique sont devenues moins évidentes dans de nombreux pays. Le présent article analyse les raisons de la relative négligence envers la prévention et les changements qui ont conduit à un affaiblissement des éléments préventifs existant dans certains régimes de sécurité sociale. Le contexte structurel dans lequel s’appliquent les politiques de sécurité sociale, notamment la qualité et la quantité de l'emploi, et leurs interactions avec d'autres programmes publics exercent bien évidemment une incidence majeure sur leur capacité de prévention. Leur apport pourrait s’avérer encore plus significatif si l'on s’intéressait plus précisément à ce dont on a besoin pour prévenir l'insécurité. Différentes manières de renforcer le caractère préventif des programmes de sécurité sociale sont proposées afin d'élargir le débat sur ces questions et redonner à l'objectif de la prévention une place centrale.
La protección social y la prevención de enfermedades en los países en desarrollo: determinación de los efectos sanitarios de las pensiones y del seguro de enfermedad
Authors: Lloyd‐Sherlock Peter , Minicuci Nadia , Beard John , Chatterji Somnath
Published: December 2012

Este artículo evalúa con qué eficiencia las pensiones y el seguro de enfermedad previenen los problemas de salud de las personas mayores en los países en desarrollo. Hasta hace poco los programas de protección social no prestaban la atención suficiente a la prevención de los riesgos de enfermedad y, en su lugar, se centraban en la reducción de la pobreza a través de transferencias monetarias. El artículo señala que existen pocas pruebas fiables de que el pago de pensiones a las personas mayores mejore su salud y que los responsables de políticas no deberían dar por sentados estos efectos. Más adelante aborda el efecto que ejerce la cobertura de los regímenes de seguro de enfermedad en la situación sanitaria de las personas mayores, con particular referencia a la hipertensión. A partir de datos de la Organización Mundial de la Salud recientemente disponibles sobre Ghana, México y Sudáfrica se desprende que las personas mayores con un seguro de enfermedad tienen probabilidades ligeramente superiores de estar al tanto de afecciones como la hipertensión y son más propensos a su tratamiento. No obstante, aseguradas o no, la gran mayoría de las personas mayores con hipertensión no se somete a un tratamiento eficaz. Las observaciones muestran que los principales obstáculos para el tratamiento tienen que ver con la conciencia que las personas puedan tener de su propio estado de salud junto con la accesibilidad al suministro de servicios y no tanto con cuestiones financieras. Por consiguiente, la capacidad de las pensiones o del seguro de enfermedad de mejorar la situación sanitaria de las personas mayores en dichos países, en particular en las zonas rurales, depende en gran parte de la educación sanitaria, de los exámenes médicos y de la prestación adecuada de servicios de salud. Estas medidas deben considerarse parte integrante —y no complementaria— de las estrategias corrientes de protección social. Sin embargo, en la práctica, la protección social y la promoción de la salud siguen tratándose como esferas casi totalmente separadas. Esto genera importantes barreras institucionales para el proyecto de medidas mixtas.
On Value‐Attributions: Semantics and Beyond
Authors: Stojanovic Isidora
Published: December 2012

This paper is driven by the idea that the contextualism‐relativism debate regarding the semantics of value‐attributions turns on certain extra‐semantic assumptions that are unwarranted. One is the assumption that the many‐place predicate of truth, deployed by compositional semantics, cannot be directly appealed to in theorizing about people's assessments of truth value but must be supplemented (if not replaced) by a different truth‐predicate, obtained through certain “postsemantic” principles. Another is the assumption that semantics assigns to sentences not only truth values (as a function of various parameters, such as contexts, worlds and times), but also semantic contents, and that what context‐sensitive expressions contribute to content are contextually determined elements. My first aim in this paper will be to show how the two assumptions have shaped two ways of understanding the debate between contextualism and relativism. My second aim will be to show that both assumptions belong outside semantics and are, moreover, questionable.
Altered red blood cell distribution width in overweight adolescents and its association with markers of inflammation
Authors: Fujita B. , Strodthoff D. , Fritzenwanger M. , Pfeil A. , Ferrari M. , Goebel B. , Figulla H. R. , Gerdes N. , Jung C.
Published: December 2012

What is already known about this subject

Red cell distribution width correlates with outcomes in numerous clinical populations.

RDW is elevated in inflammatory states.

Obesity is associated with inflammation.

What this study adds

RDW is elevated in obese adolescents.

RDW represents a potential marker for the presence of metabolic syndrome.

Background

Obesity and the metabolic syndrome are dramatically increasing problems. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW), the variability in size of circulating red blood cells, has been demonstrated to be altered in different clinical settings. This analysis aimed to investigate the relationship between RDW and obesity in adolescents and in an animal model of diet‐induced obesity (DIO).

Methods

Seventy‐nine male adolescents (aged 13–17 years) were studied. Thirty‐seven of them were overweight (body mass index ≥ 90th percentile). RDW, markers of inflammation and stem cell factor (SCF) were determined. In an animal study, mice were fed with different diets for 15 weeks. RDW was determined using an animal blood count machine.

Results

RDW differed significantly between normal‐weight adolescents (13.07 ± 0.09) and overweight adolescents (13.39 ± 0.10, P = 0.015), whereas erythrocyte counts and haematocrit did not differ. RDW correlated to markers of inflammation and inversely to SCF. In the mice animal model, nutritional changes increased RDW, whereas overweight per se did not change RDW.

Conclusions

RDW is elevated in overweight and reflects the inflammatory state. RDW potentially represents an additional and cost‐effective tool to indicate inflammation. Future studies are needed to understand the differential influences of nutrition and overweight on RDW.
Validity assessment of a portable bioimpedance scale to estimate body fat percentage in White and African–American children and adolescents
Authors: Barreira T. V. , Staiano A. E. , Katzmarzyk P. T.
Published: December 2012

Objective

The objective of the study was to determine accuracy of the Tanita SC‐240 body composition analyser to measure paediatric percent body fat (%BF).

Methods

Eighty‐nine African–American and white 5–18‐year‐olds participated in this study. %BF was estimated by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and by the Tanita SC‐240.

Results

Overall %BF was 33.5 ± 10.5% (Tanita SC‐240) vs. 34.5 ± 8.7% (DXA). There was no significant difference between the two measures (P = 0.52, average error = −1.0%, average absolute error = 3.9%). The Tanita mean %BF estimates significantly differed from the DXA mean %BF in white boys (P = 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.40) and white girls (P = 0.006, Cohen's d = 0.48), but differences were of small effect. No differences in %BF estimates were found for African–American boys or girls.

Conclusions

In this sample, the Tanita SC‐240 demonstrated acceptable accuracy for estimating %BF when compared with DXA, supporting its use in field studies.
Prevention of Periprocedural Ischemic Stroke and Management of Hemorrhagic Complications in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Under Continuous Warfarin Administration
Authors: KUWAHARA TAISHI , TAKAHASHI ATSUSHI , TAKAHASHI YOSHIHIDE , KOBORI ATUSHI , MIYAZAKI SHINSUKE , TAKEI ASUMI , FUJINO TADASHI , OKUBO KENJI , TAKAGI KATSUMASA , FUJII AKIRA , TAKIGAWA MASATERU , WATARI YUJI , HIKITA HIROYUKI , SATO AKIRA , AONUMA KAZUTAKA
Published: December 2012

Atrial Fibrillation Ablation on Warfarin

Introduction

This study aimed to determine the effects of continuing warfarin administration during the periprocedural period of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) on the prevention of stroke complications and to evaluate the management of hemorrhagic complications occurring with this approach.

Methods and Results

A total of 3,280 patients undergoing AF catheter ablation at our institution were divided into 2 groups: the first 1,953 patients who discontinued warfarin 3–4 days before AF ablation and were bridged with heparin (warfarin‐discontinued group), and the last 1,327 patients who continued warfarin throughout the periprocedural period (warfarin‐continued group). Symptomatic stroke or transient ischemic attack occurred in 13/1,953 patients (0.67%) in the warfarin‐discontinued group and in 2/1,327 patients (0.15%) in the warfarin‐continued group (P = 0.021). None of the patients with therapeutic international normalized ratio at the time of the procedure had periprocedural thromboembolism in the warfarin‐continued group. Major hemorrhagic complications occurred in 26/1,953 patients in the warfarin‐discontinued group (1.3%; 25 with cardiac tamponade and 1 with retroperitoneal bleeding), and in 15/1,327 patients in the warfarin‐continued group (1.1%; 14 with cardiac tamponade and 1 with abdominal wall bleeding) (P = 0.80). Of the 14 warfarin‐continued patients with cardiac tamponade, 13 were administered prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) and vitamin K; the bleeding was stopped safely without surgical repair.

Conclusion

The continuation of warfarin during the periprocedural period of AF ablation could reduce the incidence of stroke without increasing hemorrhagic complications. When cardiac tamponade occurred with this approach, it was safely treated with PCC and vitamin K.
The Effects of the L / N‐Type Calcium Channel Blocker (Cilnidipine) on Sympathetic Hyperactive Morning Hypertension: Results From ACHIEVE‐ONE*
Authors: Kario Kazuomi , Ando Shin‐ichi , Kido Hidenori , Nariyama Jin , Takiuchi Shin , Yagi Tetsuo , Shimizu Toshiki , Eguchi Kazuo , Ohno Minoru , Kinoshita Osamu , Yamada Takahisa
Published: December 2012

The Ambulatory Blood Pressure Control and Home Blood Pressure (Morning and Evening) Lowering By N‐Channel Blocker Cilnidipine (ACHIEVE‐ONE) trial is a large‐scale clinical study on blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate (PR) in the real world with use of cilnidipine, a unique L/N‐type Ca channel blocker, possessing a suppressive action on increased sympathetic activity in patients with essential hypertension. The effects of cilnidipine on morning hypertension were examined. The authors examined 2319 patients treated with cilnidipine for 12 weeks. Clinic systolic BP (SBP) decreased by 19.6 mm Hg from 155.0 mm Hg, whereas morning SBP decreased by 17.0 mm Hg from 152.9 mm Hg after 12‐week cilnidipine treatment. Cilnidipine reduced both morning SBP and PR more markedly in patients with higher baseline morning SBP (−3.2 mm Hg and −1.3 beats per minute in the first quartile of morning SBP, −30.9 mm Hg and −3.2 beats per minute in the fourth quartile), and also reduced both morning PR and SBP more markedly in patients with higher baseline morning PR (0.6 beats per minute and −15.6 mm Hg in <70 beats per minute, and −9.7 beats per minute and −20.2 mm Hg in ≥85 beats per minute). Cilnidipine significantly reduced BP and PR in hypertensive patients at the clinic and at home, especially with higher BP and PR in the morning. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012; 00:00–00. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hyperammonemia alters the modulation by different neurosteroids of the glutamate–nitric oxide–cyclic GMP pathway through NMDA‐ GABAA‐ or sigma receptors in cerebellum in vivo
Authors: González‐Usano Alba , Cauli Omar , Agustí Ana , Felipo Vicente
Published: December 2012

Several neurosteroids modulate the glutamate–nitric oxide (NO)–cGMP pathway in cerebellum through modulation of NMDA‐ GABAA‐ or sigma receptors. Hyperammonemia alters the concentration of several neurosteroids and impairs the glutamate–NO–cGMP pathway, leading to impaired learning ability. This work aimed to assess whether chronic hyperammonemia alters the modulation by different neurosteroids of GABAA, NMDA, and/or sigma receptors and of the glutamate–NO–cGMP pathway in cerebellum. Neurosteroids were administered through microdialysis probes, and extracellular cGMP and citrulline were measured. Then NMDA was administered to assess the effects on the glutamate–NO–cGMP pathway activation. Hyperammonemia completely modifies the effects of pregnanolone and pregnenolone. Pregnanolone acts as a GABAA receptor agonist in controls, but as an NMDA receptor antagonist in hyperammonemic rats. Pregnenolone does not induce any effect in controls, but acts as a sigma receptor agonist in hyperammonemic rats. Hyperammonemia potentiates the actions of tetrahydrodeoxy‐corticosterone (THDOC) as a GABAA receptor agonist, allopregnanolone as an NMDA receptor antagonist, and pregnenolone sulfate as an NMDA receptor activation enhancer. Neurosteroids that reduce the pathway (pregnanolone, THDOC, allopregnanolone, DHEAS) may contribute to cognitive impairment in hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy. Pregnenolone would impair cognitive function in hyperammonemia. Neurosteroids that restore the pathway in hyperammonemia (pregnenolone sulfate) could restore cognitive function in hyperammonemia and encephalopathy.
Periodontal disease as a potential risk factor for the development of diabetes in women with a prior history of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Xiong Xu , Elkind‐Hirsch Karen E. , Xie Yiqiong , Delarosa Robert , Maney Pooja , Pridjian Gabriella , Buekens Pierre
Published: December 2012

Objective

To examine if periodontal disease is associated with later development of impaired glucose metabolism in women with a recent history of gestational diabetes (GDM).

Methods

Women with (n = 19) and without (n = 20) a history of GDM were prospectively followed at 22 months postpartum. All subjects underwent: a) a 75‐gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT); and b) an oral examination for measuring periodontal disease. Insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β‐cell secretory capacity derived from fasting (HOMA‐IR) and glucose‐stimulated measures (SIOGTT and IGI/HOMA‐IR) were determined. Periodontitis was defined as the presence of any site with a probing depth ≥4 mm or a clinical attachment loss ≥4 mm.

Results

Compared to women without a history of GDM, prior GDM women had significantly higher fasting glucose and insulin concentrations, increased insulin resistance and decreased β‐cell function. Although not statistically significant, prior GDM women had a higher prevalence of periodontal disease (42.1%) than women without a history of GDM (25.0%). Women with periodontal disease showed greater insulin resistance and lower β‐cell function. Women with both prior GDM and periodontal disease had the most impaired glucose metabolism; the insulin secretion‐sensitivity index was significantly lower in women with both prior GDM and periodontal disease (208.20 ± 2.60) than in women without prior GDM and periodontal disease (742.93 ± 1.78) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Women with prior GDM show reduced insulin sensitivity and inadequate β‐cell secretory function at 22 months postpartum. Periodontal disease may contribute to their impaired glucose metabolism and future risk of developing diabetes.
Patients’ experience of auricular acupuncture during protracted withdrawal
Authors: Bergdahl L. , Berman A. H. , Haglund K.
Published: December 2012

Accessible summary

Interest has grown in complementary treatment methods such as acupuncture. In addiction treatment auricular acupuncture has been used to relieve difficult abstinence symptoms. The specific protocol used follows the definition used by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA).

The report describes 15 patients’ experiences of receiving auricular acupuncture during the abstinence period after elimination of problematic alcohol and illicit drug use.

The patients in the study mainly experienced positive effects of receiving NADA. The greatest gains were a reinforced sense of relaxation and well‐being, peacefulness and harmony, and new behaviours. The treatment supported some of the respondents in staying away from alcohol and drugs and it ameliorated their abstinence symptoms. No one experienced any negative side‐effects.

Over the last decades interest in using auricular acupuncture for substance dependence care has increased. The specific auricular acupuncture protocol used follows the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) definition. This paper describes patients’ experiences of receiving auricular acupuncture during protracted withdrawal. Interviews were conducted with 15 patients treated at an outpatient clinic for substance dependence. Content analysis was used to analyse the interviews. The analysis resulted in seven categories of positive experiences and seven categories of negative experiences. The positive experiences were: Relaxation and well‐being, Peacefulness and harmony, New behaviours, Positive physical impact, Importance of context, Anxiety reduction and Reduced drug and alcohol consumption. The negative experiences were: Nothing negative, Disturbing context, Short‐term effect, Depending on someone else, Time‐consuming, Physical distractions and Remaining cravings. The conclusion of this study is that all respondents appreciated NADA treatment. This study supports further research on using NADA in addiction treatment to reduce suffering during protracted withdrawal and in other contexts.
Clinical decision making involved in secluding and restraining an adult psychiatric patient: an integrative literature review
Authors: Laiho T. , Kattainen E. , Åstedt‐Kurki P. , Putkonen H. , Lindberg N. , Kylmä J.
Published: December 2012

Accessible summary

Understanding the factors associated with the decision to use seclusion or restraint may help to reduce the use of coercive measures through the implementation of appropriate measures.

This integrative literature review brings together a broad view of factors associated with decision making in the use of seclusion or restraint and discusses decision‐making process in practice.

The results suggest that decisions to use seclusion or restraint are based on both observed behaviour of patient and previous clinical experiences of staff.

The purpose of this integrative literature review was to describe different factors involved in the decision‐making process of using seclusion or restraint, and to discuss the process in practice. The data used in this review were systematically retrieved from the following databases: CINAHL, Medline and PsycINFO. Manual data retrieval was conducted from the reference lists of the papers that came up in the original database search. A total of 32 studies were selected. Results suggest that the situations that lead to the use of seclusion or restraint are always dynamic and circumstantial. During the decision‐making process staff observe a patient's behaviour, assesses risk and chooses and uses interventions that aim to de‐escalate the situation. This process is affected by the previous experiences and history of staff as well as the behaviour and previous experience of the patient.
Pubic Hair Removal and Sexual Behavior: Findings from a Prospective Daily Diary Study of Sexually Active Women in the United States
Authors: Herbenick Debby , Hensel Devon , Smith Nicole K. , Schick Vanessa , Reece Michael , Sanders Stephanie A. , Fortenberry J. Dennis
Published: December 2012

Introduction

Pubic hair removal is prevalent among women in the United States. However, most studies related to pubic hair removal are based on cross-sectional surveys and retrospective recall.

Aim

The purpose of this research was to, in a prospective event-level daily diary study, assess demographic, affective, relational, situational, and behavioral factors related to women's pubic hair removal.

Method

Data collection occurred as part of a 5-week prospective, Internet-based daily diary study.

Main Outcome Measures

Age; Affective predictors (positive mood, negative mood, feeling interested in sex, feeling in love); Relational predictors (partner support, partner negativity, partner type, partner gender); Situational predictors (any vaginal symptoms, use of any vaginal hygiene products; having applied any creams to the genitals); Behavioral variables (penile–vaginal sex, penile–anal sex, had finger inserted into vagina, had clitoris stimulated with fingers, inserted toy into vagina, used vibrator on clitoris, inserted finger into anus, inserted toy into anus, duration of penetration, intensity of penetration).

Results

A total of 2,453 women ages 18 to 68 (mean age 32.69) completed the study, contributing 49,287 total diaries (mean per person 24.5; standard deviation 10.3, median 30); 15.2% of all days (N = 7,362) involved pubic hair waxing or shaving, with the vast majority of hair removal days involving shaving (N = 7,302; 99%). Pubic hair removal was significantly associated with younger age, a greater interest in sex, vaginal fingering, finger–clitoral stimulation, having a casual sex partner, using vaginal hygiene products, and applying cream to the genitals. Hair removal was marginally associated with longer duration of vaginal penetration.

Conclusions

These findings provide greater insight into the factors associated with women's pubic hair removal and their sexual experiences on a day-to-day level. Clinical and educational implications are discussed.
(Bio)Sociality and HIV in Tanzania: Finding a Living to Support a Life
Authors: Marsland Rebecca
Published: December 2012

This article addresses life on antiretroviral therapy in rural Tanzania. It argues that a nuanced understanding of theories of biosociality requires us to take sociality and locality as seriously as we do “bio.” People living with HIV associate on the basis of preexisting social relations, not just on the basis of their biological status. Their CD4 counts do not only measure immunological processes but also index social conditions of hunger. The pharmaceutical that gives them life insists that they eat and rest more than austere financial circumstances allow. Many join HIV groups, but these do not enable the kinds of “citizenship” that have been described elsewhere. Patient activism is stifled by bureaucratic antipolitics mechanisms inherited from postcolonial restrictions on political association. Instead, they enter an NGO economy that values their biological status because they attract income from donors, but does little to enable the living that they need.
Reduced RhoA Activity Mediates Acute Alcohol Intoxication‐Induced Inhibition of Lymphatic Myogenic Constriction Despite Increased Cytosolic [Ca2+]
Authors: Souza‐Smith Flavia M. , Molina Patricia E. , Breslin Jerome W.
Published: December 2012

Objectives

We previously showed that AAI reduces lymphatic myogenic constriction in response to step increases in luminal pressure. Because of the known role of Ca2+ in smooth muscle contractile responses, we investigated how alcohol impacts cyclic Ca2+ and whether changes in RhoA/ROCK‐mediated Ca2+ sensitivity underlie the alcohol‐induced reduction of myogenic responsiveness.

Methods

AAI was produced by intragastric administration of 30% alcohol in rats. Mesenteric lymphatics were cannulated and loaded with Fura‐2 AM to [Ca2+]i for 30 minutes after AAI. Active GTP‐bound RhoA levels were determined by ELISA. To determine ROCK's ability to restore myogenic responsiveness following AAI, isolated lymphatics were transfected with constitutively active ca‐ROCK protein.

Results

Lymphatics from alcohol‐treated rats displayed significantly larger Ca2+ transients. Also, step increases in luminal pressure caused a gradual rise in the basal [Ca2+]i between transients that was greater in lymphatics submitted to AAI, compared to vehicle control. RhoA‐GTP was significantly reduced in lymphatics from the AAI group, compared to vehicle control. Transfection with ca‐ROCK protein restored the myogenic response of lymphatic vessels isolated from AAI animals.

Conclusions

The data strongly suggest that the alcohol‐induced inhibition of mesenteric lymphatic myogenic constriction is mediated by reduced RhoA/ROCK‐mediated Ca2+ sensitivity.
ComE/ComE∼P interplay dictates activation or extinction status of pneumococcal X‐state (competence)
Authors: Martin Bernard , Soulet Anne‐Lise , Mirouze Nicolas , Prudhomme Marc , Mortier‐Barrière Isabelle , Granadel Chantal , Noirot‐Gros Marie‐Françoise , Noirot Philippe , Polard Patrice , Claverys Jean‐Pierre
Published: December 2012

Since 1996, induction of competence for genetic transformation of Streptococcus pneumoniae is known to be controlled by the ComD/ComE two‐component regulatory system. The mechanism of induction is generally described as involving ComD autophosphorylation, transphosphorylation of ComE and transcriptional activation by ComE∼P of the early competence (com) genes, including comX which encodes the competence‐specific σX. However, none of these features has been experimentally established. Here we document the autokinase activity of ComD proteins in vitro, and provide an estimate of the stoichiometry of ComD and ComE in vivo. We report that a phosphorylmimetic mutant, ComED58E, constructed because of the failure to detect transphosphorylation of purified ComE in vitro, displays full spontaneous competence in ΔcomD cells, an that in vitro ComED58E exhibits significantly improved binding affinity for PcomCDE. We also provide evidence for a differential transcriptional activation and repression of PcomCDE and PcomX. Altogether, these data support the model of ComE∼P‐dependent activation of transcription. Finally, we establish that ComE antagonizes expression of the early com genes and propose that the rapid deceleration of transcription from PcomCDE observed even in cells lacking σX is due to the progressive accumulation of ComE, which outcompetes ComE∼P.
Association of T916C (Y257H) mutation inCandida albicans ERG11with fluconazole resistance
Authors: Zhao Jie , Xu Yonghao , Li Chunyang
Published: December 2012

Repeated and prolonged use of fluconazole in treating candidosis leads to drug resistance. The aim of this study was to confirm the relationship between T916C (Y257H) mutation inCandida albicans ERG11and fluconazole resistance. We replaced one copy ofERG11withERG11containing the T916C mutation inC. albicansCAI4 and expressedERG11with the T916C mutation inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeINVSc1. The MIC values were two‐ to four‐fold greater in CAI4 transformants with than without the T916C mutation and 128 and 32 μg ml−1forS. cerevisiaeINVSc1‐containingERG11with and without the T916C mutation. T916C mutation may be associated with fluconazole resistance inC. albicans.
Histoplasmosis: a new endemic fungal infection in China? Review and analysis of cases
Authors: Pan Bo , Chen Min , Pan Weihua , Liao Wanqing
Published: December 2012

Histoplasmosis occurs in specific endemic areas, including the mid‐western United States, Africa and most of Latin America. Sporadic cases have also been reported in China. The aim of this study was to summarise the epidemiological and clinical data of histoplasmosis in China. We searched the PubMed, CBMdisk and CNKI databases to identify publications related to histoplasmosis in China. Case reports/series on patients with histoplasmosis were included. A comprehensive literature review identified additional cases. The relevant material was evaluated and reviewed. Overall, 300 cases of histoplasmosis were reported in China from 1990 to 2011, and 75% were from regions through which the Yangtze River flows. Most of the patients were autochthonous infections. Of these, 43 patients had pulmonary histoplasmosis and 257 patients had disseminated histoplasmosis. Common underlying diseases included HIV infection, diabetes mellitus and liver diseases. Fever was the most frequently reported clinical feature in disseminated histoplasmosis, followed by splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. Cases of histoplasmosis had a prominent geographical distribution in China. Histoplasmosis should be considered in the diagnosis of patients with relevant symptoms and a history of travel to or residence in these areas.
Include, differentiate and manage: gay male youth, stigma and healthcare utilization
Authors: O’Byrne Patrick , Watts Jessica
Published: December 2012

O’BYRNE P and WATTS J. Nursing Inquiry 2012 [Epub ahead of print]  Include, differentiate and manage: gay male youth, stigma and healthcare utilization

In Canada, there has been a recent increase in HIV incidence among young men who have sex with men. However, gay male youth (GMY) may forego HIV testing due to fear of stigmatization. Therefore, the aim of this research was to explore the perceptions of stigma in health care within this population. The research was conducted through a series of semi‐structured interviews with eight GMY aged 20–29, who frequented a gay‐friendly clinic in downtown Ottawa, Canada. In a sub‐analysis of the interviews utilizing the work of Hardt and Negri’s three‐part sequence – inclusion, differentiation and management – we found that homosexuality‐related stigmatization affects the interaction between GMY and health professionals. Interview participants perceived HIV‐related risk counselling as a manifestation of stigma. These findings reveal that the experience of stigma and stigmatization is not necessarily based on health professionals’ intentions, but rather, on patients’ perceptions of the interactions they have with health professionals. Specific modifications to the delivery of health care may help to overcome stigmatization.
VimA mediates multiple functions that control virulence in Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Aruni A.W. , Robles A. , Fletcher H.M.
Published: December 2012

Porphyromonas gingivalis, a black‐pigmented, gram‐negative anaerobe, is an important etiological agent of periodontal disease. Its ability to survive in the periodontal pocket and orchestrate the microbial/host activities that can lead to disease suggest that P. gingivalis possesses a complex regulatory network involving transcriptional and post‐transcriptional mechanisms. The vimA (virulence modulating) gene is part of the 6.15‐kb bcp‐recA‐vimA‐vimE‐vimF‐aroG locus and plays a role in oxidative stress resistance. In addition to the glycosylation and anchorage of several surface proteins including the gingipains, VimA can also modulate sialylation, acetyl coenzyme A transfer, lipid A and its associated proteins and may be involved in protein sorting and transport. In this review, we examine the multifunctional role of VimA and discuss its possible involvement in a major regulatory network important for survival and virulence regulation in P. gingivalis. It is postulated that the multifunction of VimA is modulated via a post‐translational mechanism involving acetylation.
The feedback negativity reflects favorable compared to nonfavorable outcomes based on global, not local, alternatives
Authors: Kujawa Autumn , Smith Ezra , Luhmann Christian , Hajcak Greg
Published: December 2012

The feedback negativity (FN) has been shown to reflect the binary evaluation of possible outcomes in a context‐dependent manner, but it is unclear whether context dependence is based on global or local alternatives. A cued gambling task was used to examine whether the FN is sensitive to possible outcomes on a given trial, or the range of outcomes across trials. On 50% of trials, participants could break even or lose money; on remaining trials, participants could win or break even. Breaking even was an unfavorable outcome relative to all possibilities in the current task, but the best possible outcome on 50% of trials. Results indicated that breaking even elicited an FN in both contexts, and reward feedback was uniquely associated with an enhanced positivity. Results suggest that the magnitude of the FN depends on all possible outcomes within the current task and are consistent with the view that the FN reflects reward‐related neural activity.
The No Guidance Argument
Authors: Steglich‐Petersen Asbjørn
Published: December 2012

In a recent article, I criticized Kathrin Glüer and Åsa Wikforss's so‐called “no guidance argument” against the truth norm for belief, for conflating the conditions under which that norm recommends belief with the psychological state one must be in to apply the norm. In response, Glüer and Wikforss have offered a new formulation of the no guidance argument, which makes it apparent that no such conflation is made. However, their new formulation of the argument presupposes a much too narrow understanding of what it takes for a norm to influence behaviour, and betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of the point of the truth norm. Once this is taken into account, it becomes clear that the no guidance argument fails.
Challenges of non‐commercial multicentre North‐South collaborative clinical trials
Authors: Ravinetto Raffaella M. , Talisuna Ambrose , De Crop Maaike , van Loen Harry , Menten Joris , Van Overmeir Chantal , Tinto Halidou , Gonzalez Raquel , Meremikwu Martin , Nabasuma Carolyn , Ngoma Ghyslain M. , Karema Corine , Adoke Yeka , Chaponda Mike , Van geertruyden Jean‐Pierre , D'Alessandro Umberto
Published: December 2012

The last decade has witnessed a substantial increase of multi‐centre, public health‐oriented clinical trials in poor countries. However, non‐commercial research groups have less staff and financial resources than traditional commercial sponsors, so the trial teams have to be creative to comply with Good Clinical Practices (GCP) requirements. According to the recent experience of a large multicentre trial on antimalarials, major challenges result from the complexity of multiple ethical review, the costs of in‐depth monitoring at several sites, setting up an adequate Good Clinical Laboratory Practices (GCLP) framework, lack of insurers in host countries, and lack of adequate non‐commercial data management software. Public research funding agencies need to consider these challenges in their funding policies. They also could support common spaces where North‐South collaborative research groups may share critical information, such as on research insurance and open‐source, GCP‐compliant software. WHO should update its GCP guidelines, which date back to 1995, to incorporate the perspectives and needs of non‐commercial clinical research.
Please, let notWestern quackery replace traditional medicine inAfrica
Authors: Renckens Cees N. M. , Dorlo Thomas P. C.
Published: December 2012

En mai 2012, le premier rassemblement des homéopathes a été organisé sur le sol africain. Malgré l'absence de preuves d'efficacité de l'homéopathie dans toute maladie et son incompatibilité flagrante avec la médecine scientifique, l'utilisation et la popularité de ce charlatanisme occidental semble être à la hausse en Afrique, alors que sa popularité en Europe s'effrite lentement. Les homéopathes occidentaux qui ont établit des entreprises en Afrique suggèrent même avec impertinence le potentiel de l'homéopathie dans le traitement duVIHet du paludisme – avec inévitablement des conséquences fatales. Ces homéopathes aiment comparer leur approche avec celle de la médecine traditionnelle et espèrent ainsi gagner un respect immérité en Afrique. Ils se vantent même du soutien de l’OMS.
ABI4 downregulates expression of the sodium transporter HKT1;1 in Arabidopsis roots and affects salt tolerance
Authors: Shkolnik‐Inbar Doron , Adler Guy , Bar‐Zvi Dudy
Published: December 2012

A plant's ability to cope with salt stress is highly correlated with their ability to reduce the accumulation of sodium ions in the shoot. Arabidopsis mutants affected in the ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE (ABI) 4 gene display increased salt tolerance, whereas ABI4‐overexpressors are hypersensitive to salinity from seed germination to late vegetative developmental stages. In this study we demonstrate that abi4 mutant plants accumulate lower levels of sodium ions and higher levels of proline than wild‐type plants following salt stress. We show higher HKT1;1 expression in abi4 mutant plants and lower levels of expression in ABI4‐overexpressing plants, resulting in reduced accumulation of sodium ions in the shoot of abi4 mutants. HKT1;1 encodes a sodium transporter which is known to unload sodium ions from the root xylem stream into the xylem parenchyma stele cells. We have shown recently that ABI4 is expressed in the root stele at various developmental stages and that it plays a key role in determining root architecture. Thus ABI4 and HKT1;1 are expressed in the same cells, which suggests the possibility of direct binding of ABI4 to the HKT1;1 promoter. In planta chromatin immunoprecipitation and in vitro electrophoresis mobility shift assays demonstrated that ABI4 binds two highly related sites within the HKT1;1 promoter. These sites, GC(C/G)GCTT(T), termed ABI4‐binding element (ABE), have also been identified in other ABI4‐repressed genes. We therefore suggest that ABI4 is a major modulator of root development and function.
The diversity of chronic hepatitis B virus infections within blood donors in England and North Wales 2005 through 2010
Authors: Rosenberg Gillian K. , Lattimore Sam , Brailsford Susan R. , Hewitt Patricia E. , Tettmar Kate I. , Kitchen Alan D. , Ijaz Samreen , Tedder Richard S.
Published: December 2012

Background

In 2010 hepatitis B virus (HBV) was the most frequently detected infection in UK blood donation screening, typically found in first‐time, male, chronically infected donors born abroad. To date there has been no comprehensive characterization of the virologic profile of these infections.

Study Design and Methods

Epidemiologic and serologic data were collected retrospectively for 344 chronically HBV‐infected blood donors identified from July 2005 to June 2010. Additional laboratory testing was carried out to determine the HBV genotype, viral load, and prevalence of clinically significant mutations and to detect hepatitis delta virus (HDV) coinfection.

Results

Five HBV genotypes (A‐E) were found, Genotypes D (45%), A (20%), and E (20%) were the most prevalent. A strong association was seen between genotype and donor ethnicity (p < 0.001) and between genotype and place of residence (p = 0.006). Clinically significant mutations were observed across hepatitis B surface antigen (17%), basal core promoter (25%) and precore (78%) regions. An antiviral resistance profile was identified in one donor. Evidence of HDV coinfection was found in 2% of donors.

Conclusion

The data show the diversity of HBV in asymptomatic chronic infections detected in blood donors in England and North Wales and demonstrates the presence of mutations which may impact on disease. The global nature of these infections and the inability to identify chronically infected donors before donation highlights the importance of using screening assays capable of detecting a broad range of genotypes and mutations. Furthermore, the integration of the virologic and demographic data allows us to more accurately construct a profile of our chronically HBV‐infected blood donors.
A major target for warm immunoglobulin G autoantibodies: the third external loop of Band 3
Authors: Janvier Daniel , Lam Yin , Lopez Isabelle , Elakredar Lalia , Bierling Philippe
Published: December 2012

Background

Rh proteins and the Wrb antigen, which results from an interaction between Band 3 and glycophorin A, are the most common targets for warm immunoglobulin (Ig)G autoantibodies. Apart from autoanti‐Dib, a scarce specificity, IgG warm autoantibodies specific for Band 3 have never been characterized by serologic methods.

Study Design and Methods

Blood samples from 120 patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and IgG‐coated red blood cells (RBCs) were studied by serologic methods. Some autoantibodies were investigated by immunochemical methods.

Results

Autoantibodies against the third external loop of Band 3 have a distinctive pattern of reactivity in that they fail to react after RBC treatment with α‐chymotrypsin and pronase, whereas papain, ficin, and trypsin have no effect. Eleven (9%) patients had pure anti‐Band 3 autoantibodies. Autoanti‐Band 3 antibodies were associated with other specificities in 66 (55%) patients. Immunoprecipitation and rare RBCs from a Wu+ homozygote, known to have an unusual pattern of reactivity after protease treatment, were used to confirm the Band 3 specificity. Treatment with sodium hypochlorite, believed to oxidize the Met residue at Position 559 in the third loop, showed that these autoantibodies were heterogeneous. Most antibodies reacted optimally at 37°C, but two patients had incomplete cold IgG autoantibodies. Unlike autoantibodies to Rh proteins, warm autoanti‐Band 3 activate complement and are almost totally bound to autologous RBCs.

Conclusion

We describe the first cases of warm IgG autoantibodies specific for the third loop of Band 3. This external loop also appears as a major target in patients with warm antibody AIHA.
Enantioselective Heck Arylations of Acyclic Alkenyl Alcohols Using a Redox-Relay Strategy
Authors: Werner Erik W. , Mei Tian-Sheng , Burckle Alexander J. , Sigman Matthew S.
Published: December 2012

From C=C to C=O

The palladium-catalyzed Heck reaction is widely used to form carbon-carbon bonds between aryl rings and olefins, after which elimination of a hydrogen atom restores the olefin's double bond.

Werner
et al.

(p.
1455
; see the Perspective by
Gilbertson
) present a variant of this reaction in which a hydrogen atom is instead lost from an alcohol center elsewhere in the molecule, yielding a ketone and a chiral center where the arene is bound. The process is highly enantioselective and also versatile: The alcohol can be sited one, two, or even three carbons away from the olefin.
Turing Pattern Fingered for Digit Formation
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: December 2012

The suite of genes that governs limb development includes some of the best-studied in the field, but explaining why a hand has five fingers—and why some mutations cause more or fewer to form—has left developmental biologists perplexed. Now, scientists may have an answer from a set of equations noted mathematician Alan Turing developed 60 years ago.
CD4
+
CD8
+
T Cell Reference Values in the Mexico City Population
Authors: Moreno-Galván Mónica , Palafox Aracely
Published: December 2012

Due to the importance of determining the proportions of lymphocyte subpopulations in Mexicans as reference values for flow cytometry, the aim of this study was to establish CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cell reference values for healthy Mexicans according to gender and age. Our results may serve as reference standards for the Mexican city population.
Proteomic Analysis and Immunogenicity of Mannheimia haemolytica Vesicles
Authors: Ayalew Sahlu , Confer Anthony W. , Shrestha Binu , Wilson Amanda E. , Montelongo Marie
Published: December 2012

Mannheimia haemolytica, a major causative agent in bovine respiratory disease, inflicts extensive losses each year on cattle producers. Commercially available vaccines are only partially efficacious. Immunity toM. haemolyticarequires antibodies to secreted toxins and outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of the bacterium. Gram-negative bacteria produce membrane blebs or vesicles, the membrane components of which are primarily derived from OMPs. Accordingly, vesicles have been used as immunogens with various degrees of success. This study characterized components ofM. haemolyticavesicles and determined their immunogenicity in mice and cattle. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of vesicles from this bacterium identified 226 proteins, of which 58 (25.6%) were OMPs and periplasmic and one (0.44%) was extracellular. Vesicles were used to vaccinate dairy calves and BALB/c mice. Analyses of sera from calves and mice by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that circulating antibodies againstM. haemolyticawhole cells and leukotoxin were significantly higher on days 21 and 28 (P< 0.05) than on day 0. For control calves and mice, there were no significant differences in serum anti-whole-cell and leukotoxin antibody levels from days 0 and 21 or 28, respectively. Lesion scores of lungs from vaccinated calves (15.95%) were significantly (P< 0.05) lower than those from nonvaccinated calves (42.65%). Sera from mice on day 28 and calves on day 21 showed 100% serum bactericidal activity. Sera from vesicle-vaccinated mice neutralized leukotoxin.
An Epstein-Barr Virus Mutant Produces Immunogenic Defective Particles Devoid of Viral DNA
Authors: Pavlova Sophia , Feederle Regina , Gärtner Kathrin , Fuchs Walter , Granzow Harald , Delecluse Henri-Jacques
Published: December 2012

Virus-like particles (VLPs) from hepatitis B and human papillomaviruses have been successfully used as preventative vaccines against these infectious agents. These VLPs consist of a self-associating capsid polymer formed from a single structure protein and are devoid of viral DNA. Since virions from herpesviruses consist of a large number of molecules of viral and cellular origin, generating VLPs from a subset of these would be a particularly arduous task. Therefore, we have adopted an alternative strategy that consists of producing DNA-free defective virus particles in a cell line infected by a herpesvirus mutant incapable of packaging DNA. We previously reported that an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) mutant devoid of the terminal repeats (ΔTR) that act as packaging signals in herpesviruses produces substantial amounts of VLPs and of light particles (LPs). However, ΔTR virions retained some infectious genomes, and although these mutants had lost their transforming abilities, this poses potential concerns for clinical applications. Therefore, we have constructed a series of mutants that lack proteins involved in maturation and assessed their ability to produce viral DNA-free VLP/LPs. Some of the introduced mutations were deleterious for capsid maturation and virus production. However, deletion of BFLF1/BFRF1A or of BBRF1 resulted in the production of DNA-free VLPs/LPs. The ΔBFLF1/BFRF1A viruses elicited a potent CD4
+
T-cell response that was indistinguishable from the one obtained with wild-type controls. In summary, the defective particles produced by the ΔBFLF1/BFRF1A mutant fulfill the criteria of efficacy and safety expected from a preventative vaccine.
Structure of a Dengue Virus Envelope Protein Late-Stage Fusion Intermediate
Authors: Klein Daryl E. , Choi Jason L. , Harrison Stephen C.
Published: December 2012

The final stages of dengue virus fusion are thought to occur when the membrane-proximal stem drives the transmembrane anchor of the viral envelope protein (E) toward the fusion loop, buried in the target cell membrane. Crystal structures of E have lacked this essential stem region. We expressed and crystallized soluble mutant forms of the dengue virus envelope protein (sE) that include portions of the juxtamembrane stem. Their structures represent late-stage fusion intermediates. The proximal part of the stem has both intra- and intermolecular interactions, so the chain “zips up” along the trimer seam. The penultimate interaction we detected involves the conserved residue F402, which has hydrophobic contacts with a conserved surface on domain II. These interactions do not require any larger-scale changes in trimer packing. The techniques for expression and crystallization of sE containing stem reported here may allow further characterization of the final stages of flavivirus fusion.