bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti‐oxidized Low‐Density Lipoprotein (oxLDL) Antibody Levels are not Related to Increasing Circulating oxLDLConcentrations During the Course of Pregnancy
Authors: Pecks Ulrich , Tillmann Dagmar , Ernst Sabine , Maass Nicolai , Meinhold‐Heerlein Ivo
Published: May 2012

Problem

To address the question of whether the high levels of oxidative modified low‐density lipoproteins (oxLDL) in pregnancy are opposed by an appropriate humoral autoimmune response providing anti‐oxLDL autoantibodies in maternal serum of healthy women throughout gestation.

Method of Study

Blood was taken from 33 patients at four different time points from early to late gestation and post‐partum. OxLDLand anti‐oxLDLconcentrations were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.ANOVAwas used for statistical evaluations followed bypost hoctest with Bonferoni adjustment.

Results

Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein concentrations increased while anti‐oxLDLlevels decreased significantly from early to late gestation. OxLDLwas strongly positively correlated withLDLconcentration and mildly negatively associated with anti‐oxLDLlevels. Estimating the status of oxidation by calculating oxLDL/LDLratio revealed decreasing values with ongoing pregnancy. Multivariate analysis showed that anti‐oxLDLlevels were dependent on gestational age but neither on oxLDLlevels nor on the oxLDL/LDLratio.

Conclusions

The results indicate that normal pregnancy is a well‐balanced state of oxidative and anti‐oxidative processes. However, we could not confirm a dependence of anti‐oxLDLautoantibodies on oxLDLconcentration. Whether or not the humoral immune system is involved in oxidative defence remains to be elucidated.
Response of inland dune vegetation to increased nitrogen and phosphorus levels
Authors: Sparrius Laurens B. , Kooijman Annemieke M. , Sevink Jan
Published: May 2012

Question

How does pioneer vegetation of acid inland dunes respond to addition of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)?

Location

Two inland dune reserves in The Netherlands with low and high N deposition.

Methods

During 2.5 yr, N and P addition (control, N, P, NP) took place in three different vegetation types of inland dunes (Polytrichum piliferum mats, Campylopus introflexus mats and lichen‐dominated vegetation). In each site, changes in the vegetation were recorded in three replicate quadrats of 1 m × 1 m per treatment. Differences in element content of grasses and lichens were recorded, together with vegetation parameters, including cover and height of grasses, bryophytes and lichens.

Results

In the site with high N deposition, grasses were taller, had higher N:P ratios and a generally lower lichen cover than in the low‐deposition area. Experimental N application resulted in higher N and lower base metal concentrations in grasses and an increase in grass cover and size. In contrast, lichens showed a general decline in the N treatment and the lichen:grass ratio decreased. The effect of N addition was larger in the low‐deposition area. The P treatment had an opposite effect: lichens increased in size and cover and overgrew grasses, especially when reindeer lichens were present. This suggests that the cryptogam layer was P‐limited even in the low N deposition site.

Conclusions

Pioneer vegetation in inland dunes is susceptible to N and P addition. The results provide evidence for a decrease in lichen cover due to increased N deposition.
Predictors of eligibility for long‐term care funding for older people in Japan
Authors: Moriya Shingo , Murata Ayumi , Kimura Shinji , Inoue Nobuo , Miura Hiroko
Published: May 2012

Aim:  To determine the predictors of Japanese long‐term care insurance system (LTCI) certification.

Methods:  Care needs of 784 persons aged 65–84 were followed through LTCI over 5 years. Each participant's score was divided into quartiles according to handgrip strength and one‐leg standing time with eyes open. Cox proportional hazard models were conducted for the onset of certification of LTCI.

Results:  Over the 5‐year period 64 women (14%) and 30 men (9%) were certified. Adjusted hazard ratios for certification were significantly higher for those of the lowest groups of one‐leg standing time with eyes open at baseline than those in the highest groups, but no significance was found for handgrip strength. Other predictors were age and low social activity for women; and living alone and diabetes for men.

Conclusions:  One‐leg standing time with eyes open predicts the onset of care‐need certification in older people.
Tetramerization of human guanylate‐binding protein 1 is mediated by coiled‐coil formation of the C‐terminal α‐helices
Authors: Syguda Adrian , Bauer Michael , Benscheid Utz , Ostler Nicole , Naschberger Elisabeth , Ince Semra , Stürzl Michael , Herrmann Christian
Published: May 2012

The human guanylate‐binding protein 1 (hGBP1) is a large GTP‐binding protein belonging to the dynamin family, a common feature of which is nucleotide‐dependent assembly to homotypic oligomers. Assembly leads to stimulation of GTPase activity, which, in the case of dynamin, is responsible for scission of vesicles from membranes. By yeast two‐hybrid and biochemical experiments we addressed intermolecular interactions between all subdomains of hGBP1 and identified the C‐terminal subdomain, α12/13, as a new interaction site for self‐assembly. α12/13 represents a stable subdomain of hGBP1, as shown by CD spectroscopy. In addition to contacts between GTPase domains leading to dimer formation, the interaction between two α12/13 subdomains, in the course of GTP hydrolysis, results in tetramer formation of the protein. With the help of CD spectroscopy we showed coiled‐coil formation of two α12/13 subdomains and concentration‐dependent measurements allow estimating a value for the dissociation constant of 7.3 μm. We suggest GTP hydrolysis‐driven release of the α12/13 subdomain, making it available for coiled‐coil formation. Furthermore, we can demonstrate the biological relevance of hGBP1 tetramer formation in living cells by chemical cross‐link experiments.

Structured digital abstract

 hGBP1 and hGBP1 bind by cross‐linking study (View interaction)

 hGBP1 and hGBP1 bind by molecular sieving (View Interaction: 1, 2)

 hGBP1 physically interacts with hGBP1 by two hybrid (View Interaction: 1, 2, 3)
Sustained glycolytic oscillations in individual isolated yeast cells
Authors: Gustavsson Anna‐Karin , van Niekerk David D. , Adiels Caroline B. , du Preez Franco B. , Goksör Mattias , Snoep Jacky L.
Published: May 2012

Yeast glycolytic oscillations have been studied since the 1950s in cell‐free extracts and intact cells. For intact cells, sustained oscillations have so far only been observed at the population level, i.e. for synchronized cultures at high biomass concentrations. Using optical tweezers to position yeast cells in a microfluidic chamber, we were able to observe sustained oscillations in individual isolated cells. Using a detailed kinetic model for the cellular reactions, we simulated the heterogeneity in the response of the individual cells, assuming small differences in a single internal parameter. This is the first time that sustained limit‐cycle oscillations have been demonstrated in isolated yeast cells.

Database
 The mathematical model described here has been submitted to the JWS Online Cellular Systems Modelling Database and can be accessed at http://jjj.biochem.sun.ac.za/database/gustavsson/index.html free of charge.
Distribution of HLA‐DRB1 and HLA‐DQB1 families of alleles and haplotypes in Vojvodina population
Authors: Vojvodić S. , Ademović‐Sazdanić D.
Published: May 2012

Major histocompatibility complex encoding human leucocyte antigens (HLA) is a highly polymorphic gene cluster that makes it a valuable tool in the population genetic studies. The aim of our study was to compare HLA class II gene frequencies with other populations from Europe and to determine the relationship between the investigated populations. In this study, one hundred and twenty healthy individuals from Vojvodina, northern Serbia, were studied for 18 of the HLA‐DRB1 and HLA‐DQB1 loci. The HLA families of alleles were analysed by using sequence‐specific primers for polymerase chain reaction (PCR‐SSP). The results showed the increased frequency of HLA‐DRB1*11(0.333), ‐DRB1*04(0.300), ‐DRB1*07(0.250), ‐DQB1*03(0.730) and ‐DQB1* 05(0.391), among the tested families of alleles. The two‐locus haplotype analysis revealed significant positive linkage disequilibrium for DRB1*11DQB1*03 (Δ = 0.0788, χ2 = 12.61) and DRB1*04DQB1*03 (Δ = 0.0583, χ2 = 8.04). A phylogenetic tree constructed on the basis of the DRB1* gene frequencies derived from other populations revealed the clustering among the Vojvodina population together with other populations in Europe (Croats, Austrians and Hungarians). Close relationship of the Vojvodina population with the populations of Hungarians and Austrians can be the result of their historical influence on the region of Vojvodina.
Evaluation of the sensitivity of two recently developed STR multiplexes for the analysis of chimerism after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Odriozola A. , Riancho J. A. , Colorado M. , Zarrabeitia M. T.
Published: May 2012

Forensic‐oriented kits analysing short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphisms are widely used to determine the proportions of donor and recipient cells after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The sensitivity of this technology is crucial for the early detection of relapse and, in consequence, the adjustment of the treatment to enhance donor‐origin haematopoiesis in transplant recipients. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of two recently developed STR multiplex kits, AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler® Plus PCR Amplification Kit (Applied Biosystems) and Investigator™ IDplex® (Qiagen), in the analysis of chimerism. Fifteen STR loci were amplified with both kits in 26 peripheral blood samples of transplantated patients showing chimerism. Peak amplitude threshold, detection limit (%DL), per cent donor chimerism and efficacy of each multiplex and STR were determined, and the results with both kits were compared. The %DL and the estimated per cent donor chimerism were similar with both kits. On the other hand, Identifiler® Plus kit allowed chimerism identification only in 24 (92%) of the 26 cases with chimerism detected by using the Investigator™ IDplex® when only ‘type 5’ allelic constellations (i.e. without potential interference by stutter peaks) were taken into account. However, IDplex® efficacy was somewhat lower than that of Identifiler Plus when only the most informative loci (D2S1338, D21S11, D18S51 and FGA) were considered. Therefore, although each system had some particular advantages and disadvantages, overall both STR multiplexes showed similar performance in qualitative and quantitative chimerism analysis.
Association between a promoter polymorphism (rs2192752, –1028A/C) of interleukin 1 receptor, type I (IL1R1) and location of papillary thyroid carcinoma in a Korean population
Authors: Park S. W. , Kim M. K. , Kwon K. H. , Kim J.
Published: May 2012

The interleukin 1 receptor, type I (IL1R1) is important in the pathogenesis of cancer. We investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL1R1 contribute to the development of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), in addition to the clinicopathological features such as the size, number, location, extrathyroidal invasion and metastasis of PTC. Three promoter SNPs (rs949963 −615G/A, rs2192752 −1028A/C and rs3917225 −1099A/G) in IL1R1 were genotyped using direct sequencing in 118 patients with PTC and 347 controls. The odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI) and P value were analysed using SNPStats and SNPAnalyzer Pro. For the exact results, Fisher’s exact test and Bonferroni correction (Pc) were performed. The three promoter SNPs of IL1R1 were not associated with PTC development. For the clinicopathological features of PTC, rs2192752 was associated with location (one lobe versus both lobes): dominant model, OR = 3.11, 95% CI = 1.39–6.96, Pc = 0.015; log‐additive model, OR = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.38–5.66, Pc = 0.0087. The C allele frequency of rs2192752 was higher in the both lobes group (28.0%) than the one lobe group (12.3%) (OR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.40–5.48, Pc = 0.009). However, rs949963 and rs3917225 were not correlated with clinicopathological features including location of PTC. The IL1R1 promoter SNP rs2192752 may contribute to the location of PTC, and the C allele of rs2192752 may be a risk factor for the development of PTC in both lobes.
Effect of associated fungi on the immunocompetence of red turpentine beetle larvae,Dendroctonus valens(Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)
Authors: Shi Zhang‐Hong , Wang Bo , Clarke Stephen R. , Sun Jiang‐Hua
Published: May 2012

Abstract Dendroctonus–fungus symbioses are often considered as the ideal model systems to study the development and maintenance of ectosymbioses, and diverse interactions, including antagonism, commensalism and mutualism, have been documented between these organisms. The red turpentine beetle,Dendroctonus valensLeConte (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is a pine‐killing invasive beetle in northern China. Fungi speciesOphiostoma minus,Leptographium sinoprocerum,L.terebrantisandL.procerumwere associated with this bark beetle. Antagonistic interactions betweenD.valensand its associated fungi, such asO.minusandL.sinoprocerum, have been demonstrated, but the underlying causes of this phenomenon are unknown. Here, we first found the two tested fungi species retarded the net weight gain ofD.valenslarvae after completing 3‐day feeding on their media. Furthermore, we provide direct evidence indicating the effect of associated fungi on the immunocompetence ofD.valenslarvae to explain the documented antagonism. Our results showed that the activity of phenoloxidase and total phenoloxidase inD.valenslarvae were significantly upregulated by two strains of associated fungi,O. minusandL. sinoprocerumas compared with the controls. The phenoloxidase ratio increased significantly in the larvae which had fed for 3 days on media inoculated withO.minus. Because insect immune defenses are costly to be deployed, these results could be explored as one of the underlying mechanisms of the documented antagonism.
Electromagnetic‐Induction Logging to Monitor Changing Chloride Concentrations
Authors: Metzger Loren F. , Izbicki John A.
Published: May 2012

Water from the San Joaquin Delta, having chloride concentrations up to 3590 mg/L, has intruded fresh water aquifers underlying Stockton, California. Changes in chloride concentrations at depth within these aquifers were evaluated using sequential electromagnetic (EM) induction logs collected during 2004 through 2007 at seven multiple‐well sites as deep as 268 m. Sequential EM logging is useful for identifying changes in groundwater quality through polyvinyl chloride‐cased wells in intervals not screened by wells. These unscreened intervals represent more than 90% of the aquifer at the sites studied. Sequential EM logging suggested degrading groundwater quality in numerous thin intervals, typically between 1 and 7 m in thickness, especially in the northern part of the study area. Some of these intervals were unscreened by wells, and would not have been identified by traditional groundwater sample collection. Sequential logging also identified intervals with improving water quality—possibly due to groundwater management practices that have limited pumping and promoted artificial recharge. EM resistivity was correlated with chloride concentrations in sampled wells and in water from core material. Natural gamma log data were used to account for the effect of aquifer lithology on EM resistivity. Results of this study show that a sequential EM logging is useful for identifying and monitoring the movement of high‐chloride water, having lower salinities and chloride concentrations than sea water, in aquifer intervals not screened by wells, and that increases in chloride in water from wells in the area are consistent with high‐chloride water originating from the San Joaquin Delta rather than from the underlying saline aquifer.
Early Supported Discharge after Stroke in Bergen (ESD Stroke Bergen): A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Rehabilitation in a Day Unit or in the Patients' Homes with Conventional Treatment
Authors: Hofstad Håkon , Naess Halvor , Moe-Nilssen Rolf , Skouen Jan Sture
Published: May 2012

Rationale

As a result of demographic changes with a presumed rapidly increasing number of older people during the coming decades, a strong increase in the incidence and prevalence of stroke should be expected. Early supported discharge implies that the patients are discharged to their homes as soon as feasible and that rehabilitative treatment is offered after the discharge, with the patients being home-dwelling. This has proved beneficial in previous studies.

Aims

The main objective of this study is to further characterize the important components of early supported discharge and to confirm superiority of early supported discharge over conventional treatment. The secondary aim will be to compare two different early supported discharge schemes. These early supported discharge schemes are composed of intensive rehabilitation treatment given by a multidisciplinary team in a day unit and, alternatively, the same treatment given in the patients' homes.

Design

The study is conducted as a randomized controlled trial with three arms: two different forms of early supported discharge and a control arm with conventional treatment. Patients with acute stroke admitted to our hospital's stroke unit and living in the Municipality of Bergen are considered for inclusion. A total of 350 stroke patients are expected.

Study outcomes

Primary outcome is modified Rankin Scale six-months after inclusion. Secondary outcomes include Barthel Index and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale at several points in time after inclusion, as well as many other schemes, questionnaires and physical tests. The study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT00771771.
Are Sleep Symptoms Predictors of Resistant Hypertension in a Population‐Based Sample? Findings From the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey
Authors: Walia Harneet , Strohl Kingman , Koo Brian , Seicean Andreea , Seicean Sinziana
Published: May 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012;00:000–000. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The aim of this study was to test the association of self‐reported sleep symptoms to those identified with severe hypertension in a nationally representative sample of adults. Self‐reported and study‐measured health and sleep characteristics were collected by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2008. Of 10,526 individuals with completed sleep surveys participating in the study, the authors identified 379 patients with severe hypertension defined as those treated with ≥3 antihypertensive medications including a diuretic; 110 of these had resistant hypertension (RHTN) despite therapy, while 269 were controlled for severe hypertension (CSHTN). Patients with RHTN were more likely to be married, less educated, smoke, and self‐report unsatisfactory health and diabetes when compared with patients with CSHTN. Multivariate analyses showed that poorly controlled diabetes (glycated hemoglobin >7%) was the strongest predictor of RHTN (odds ratio, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–7.9). Unsatisfactory health (odds ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–2.7) was also associated with RHTN. Poorly controlled diabetes and self‐reported unsatisfactory heath showed significant association with RHTN. Contrary to expectations, there was no significant association between self‐reported snoring/snorting and RHTN, when other factors were examined. The association between poorly controlled diabetes and RHTN warrants further emphasis on strict control of diabetes in these individuals.
A Perfect Fit: Connecting Family Therapy Skills To Family Business Needs
Authors: Cole Patricia M. , Johnson Kit
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this article is to encourage family therapists to become more interested in family business practice. It does so in three ways: (a) highlighting the number of therapists already involved in family business issues; (b) showing the parallels between family business and family therapy by applying family business research findings to couples therapy; (c) discussing how family therapists already have the practice wisdom to be effective in working with family business clients. Limitations of this practice are also discussed along with suggestions for overcoming them.
The pYV virulence plasmids of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Y. pestis contain a conserved DNA region responsible for the mobilization by the self‐transmissible plasmid pYE854
Authors: Hammerl Jens A. , Freytag Barbara , Lanka Erich , Appel Bernd , Hertwig Stefan
Published: May 2012

Pathogenic Yersinia strains possess a 70 kb virulence plasmid which can be transmitted to other strains by conjugation systems expressed by co‐resident plasmids. We isolated a 720 bp fragment of the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis virulence plasmid p1340 that mediated mobilization of the vector pIV2 by the self‐transmissible plasmid pYE854. The p1340 mobilization region contains the resolvase gene tnpR and its proposed resolution site res. Both elements are required for mobilization. Plasmid transfer was associated with the formation of co‐integrates in which res was fused to pYE854 fragments by short nucleotide stretches similarly present within res. blast searches and PCR experiments revealed the presence of the mobilization region in the virulence plasmids of other Y. pseudotuberculosis and Y. pestis strains but not in pYV of Yersinia enterocolitica.
Unsuspected control of siderophore production by N‐acetylglucosamine in streptomycetes
Authors: Craig Matthias , Lambert Stéphany , Jourdan Samuel , Tenconi Elodie , Colson Séverine , Maciejewska Marta , Ongena Marc , Martin Juan Francisco , van Wezel Gilles , Rigali Sébastien
Published: May 2012

Iron is one of the most abundant elements on earth but is found in poorly soluble forms hardly accessible to microorganisms. To subsist, they have developed iron‐chelating molecules called siderophores that capture this element in the environment and the resulting complexes are internalized by specific uptake systems. While biosynthesis of siderophores in many bacteria is regulated by iron availability and oxidative stress, we describe here a new type of regulation of siderophore production. We show that in Streptomyces coelicolor, their production is also controlled by N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) via the direct transcriptional repression of the iron utilization repressor dmdR1 by DasR, the GlcNAc utilization regulator. This regulatory nutrient–metal relationship is conserved among streptomycetes, which indicates that the link between GlcNAc utilization and iron uptake repression, however unsuspected, is the consequence of a successful evolutionary process. We describe here the molecular basis of a novel inhibitory mechanism of siderophore production that is independent of iron availability. We speculate that the regulatory connection between GlcNAc and siderophores might be associated with the competition for iron between streptomycetes and their fungal soil competitors, whose cell walls are built from the GlcNAc‐containing polymer chitin. Alternatively, GlcNAc could emanate from streptomycetes’ own peptidoglycan that goes through intense remodelling throughout their life cycle, thereby modulating the iron supply according to specific needs at different stages of their developmental programme.
Dermatomyositis: Myositis‐specific autoantibodies and skin manifestations
Authors: Fujimoto Manabu
Published: May 2012

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies including dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM) are a heterogeneous group of disorders with varying degrees of muscle disease, cutaneous manifestations and internal organ involvement. Myositis‐specific autoantibodies (MSA) are useful tools, as they further define more homogeneous subsets. Anti‐Mi‐2 antibodies have been shown to represent a distinct DM phenotype with a low risk of interstitial lung disease (ILD) or cancer. Anti‐aminoacyl tRNA synthetase antibodies, such as anti‐Jo‐1, anti‐PL‐7, anti‐PL‐12, anti‐EJ, anti‐OJ and anti‐KS antibodies, identify patients who share similar clinical features including ILD and myositis, which are referred to as “anti‐synthetase syndrome”. Anti‐155/140 antibodies and anti‐CADM140 antibodies have recently been described, and are considered as serological markers for cancer‐associated DM and clinically amyopathic DM with rapidly progressive ILD, respectively. In addition, recent studies have revealed anti‐NXP‐2 autoantibodies that are one of the predominant MSA in juvenile‐onset DM and anti‐small ubiquitin‐like modifier activating enzyme (SAE) antibodies that are also associated with a distinct phenotype. These autoantibodies are also associated with the distinct phenotype of skin manifestations. Thus, identification of the autoantibody profile in an individual patient is beneficial for management and therapy. Despite the clinical utility of MSA, these autoantibodies are unlikely to have direct pathogenic roles in the development of the disease. Findings suggest that the production of these antibodies reflects changes in autoantigen expression within the tissue targeted by the immune response. Furthermore, the nature of several autoantigens suggests their potential roles in tumor immunity and infection.
Seasonal Changes in the Combined Glucose‐Insulin Tolerance Test in Normal Aged Horses
Authors: Funk R.A. , Wooldridge A.A. , Stewart A.J. , Behrend E.N. , Kemppainen R.J. , Zhong Q. , Johnson A.K.
Published: May 2012

Background

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is an increasingly recognized problem in adult horses. Affected horses are often obese and predisposed to the development of laminitis, especially in the spring and summer months. In addition, in the summer and fall months, increases in endogenous insulin concentrations, a marker of EMS, have been reported.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate seasonal changes in results of the combined glucose‐insulin tolerance test (CGIT), a diagnostic test for EMS.

Animals

Nine healthy, aged horses with no history of laminitis and no clinical signs of EMS.

Methods

Horses were given dextrose (150 mg/kg) and insulin (0.1 U/kg) IV. Plasma glucose concentrations were measured at 0, 1, 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, and 150 minutes and serum insulin concentrations at 0, 5, and 75 minutes. Testing was performed in February, May, June, August, September, and November. Mean glucose concentrations, characteristics of the curve, and insulin concentrations during the CGIT were compared across months using repeated measures ANOVA (P < .05).

Results

No CGIT parameters indicated insulin resistance, but mean area under the curve for glucose concentrations was significantly lower in August and November compared to February and in November compared to June, indicating increased insulin‐mediated glucose clearance. Glucose nadir was significantly lower in November compared to that in February.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

No clinically relevant differences were seen in the results of the CGIT, suggesting that season minimally affects results of this test in normal aged horses in the southeastern United States.
Serum Pepsinogen‐A, Canine Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity, and C‐Reactive Protein as Prognostic Markers in Dogs with Gastric Dilatation‐Volvulus
Authors: Israeli I. , Steiner J. , Segev G. , Kass P.H. , Suchodolski J.S. , Sattasathuchana P. , Bruchim Y. , Yudelevitch S. , Aroch I.
Published: May 2012

Background

Pepsinogens are proenzymes secreted by gastric chief cells. In humans, their serum concentrations reflect gastric mucosal morphological and functional status.

Objectives

To evaluate serum canine pepsinogen‐A (cPG‐A), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) concentrations in dogs with gastric dilatation‐volvulus (GDV).

Animals

Sixty‐six dogs presented withGDVand 79 healthy controls.

Methods

Blood was collected prospectively, and records retrospectively reviewed.

Results

MediancPG‐A concentration was higher inGDVdogs (median, 397 μg/L; range, 37–5,410) compared to controls (median,cPG‐A 304 μg/L; range, 18–848;P = .07). Mortality rate inGDVdogs was 22.7%. In nonsurvivors ofGDV, mediancPG‐A was higher compared to survivors (median, 746 μg/L; range, 128–5,409 versus median, 346; range, 36–1,575, respectively;P = .003). The proportion of dogs with increasedcPG‐A increased with gastric wall damage score (P = .007). AnROCanalysis ofcPG‐A as a predictor of death showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.75, higher than lactate (AUC0.66), and corresponded to a sensitivity and specificity of 53% and 88%, respectively.CRPwas increased in 48 dogs (75%),cPLIwas >200 μg/L in 26 dogs (39.4%) and >400 μg/L in 12 dogs (18.2%) but both analytes had no association with outcome.

Conclusions

PresurgicalcPG‐A concentration was positively and significantly associated with gastric wall lesion severity, but, based onROCanalysis, it was only a moderate outcome predictor.CRPandcPLIwere commonly increased in dogs withGDV.
The Fracture of Glass: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Freiman Stephen
Published: May 2012

This paper presents a summary of brittle fracture in silicate glasses. In it is discussed our current knowledge of the fracture mechanisms, what studies are ongoing, and what still remains unknown. The paper presents a historical perspective of the research into glass fracture including an annotated bibliography of key publications. Several key points include the susceptibility of silicate glasses to environmentally enhanced crack growth, the quantitative nature of the markings left on the fracture surface by a growing crack, the issue of crack arrest at low stresses, and recent work on the atomistic modeling of the fracture process. The paper concludes with a summary of both what we know, and what is yet to be learned about the important topic of glass fracture.
An exploratory study of primary care pharmacist-led epilepsy consultations
Authors: Fogg Angela , Staufenberg Ekkehart F , Small Ian , Bhattacharya Debi
Published: May 2012

Objective

Most epilepsies are managed with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), but medication non-adherence has been frequently reported. Satisfying patient information needs has demonstrated improved adherence. Multi-professional working has been encouraged to provide cost-effective health services by using the most appropriate healthcare professional. Research has demonstrated that pharmacist-led consultations are acceptable to patients with other medical conditions and therefore may be appropriate for patients with epilepsy. We aimed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a pharmacist-led epilepsy consultation (PLEC) study. This encompassed estimating the eligibility and consent rate for a PLEC study, plus the acceptability of potential intervention outcome measures and likely effects.

Methods

Eligible patients with a diagnosis of epilepsy and prescribed AEDs were invited by telephone to attend a PLEC. Baseline adherence, general mental well-being, epilepsy-related quality of life and satisfaction with information received about epilepsy medication were recorded. The intervention was a 30 min consultation to provide participants with an opportunity to ask questions related to their epilepsy therapy. Baseline data collection was repeated after 2 months.

Results

Of 106 (97.2%) consenting patients, 82 (77.4%) attended the PLEC. The 2 month follow-up questionnaire was fully completed by 50 (67.6%) participants. The number (percentage ± 95% confidence interval) of participants reporting adherent behaviour pre-PLEC was 22 (44.0 ± 13.7%) which increased to 30 (60 ± 13.6%) post-PLEC (P < 0.03, McNemar test).

Discussion

Accepting the limitations of a before-and-after study and small sample size, the findings suggest that a PLEC may improve adherence. A definitive trial is necessary to confirm the effect of a PLEC and establish the longevity and cost-effectiveness of the outcomes. Attrition of potential participants not contactable by telephone suggests the need for additional postal contact in subsequent trials. A reduction in loss to follow-up is also desirable and potentially achievable using telephone reminders.
An assessment of community pharmacists' responses to hypothetical medical emergency situations
Authors: McMillan Sara S , Hattingh H Laetitia , King Michelle A
Published: May 2012

Objective

To investigate community pharmacists' proposed actions in hypothetical medical emergency situations in South-East Queensland, Australia.

Method

A survey was posted to 151 Gold Coast and Toowoomba community pharmacies in October 2009. Pharmacists were asked to document their opinions regarding the pharmacist's role in medical emergencies and to respond to statements associated with two hypothetical medical emergency situations: an anaphylaxis and an asthma attack.

Key findings

Forty-five pharmacists responded to the survey (29.8%). In response to a hypothetical situation involving an asthma attack, 41 pharmacists (91.1%) agreed that they would assist the asthmatic person to administer salbutamol through a spacer, with 28 pharmacists (62.2%) confident in treating an asthma attack in the pharmacy. In comparison, only 21 pharmacists (21/38; 55.3%) agreed to administer an adrenaline auto-injector (Epi-Pen) for a child experiencing an anaphylaxis, with nine respondents (9/38; 23.7%) indicating that they would ask the mother for directions in a situation where they were unsure how to administer it. There were comments questioning whether indemnity insurance covers pharmacists for medicine administration, and 12 pharmacists (12/38; 31.6%) indicated that if they were unsure about insurance cover they would ask the mother to administer the adrenaline.

Conclusion

Pharmacists' responses to administering medications in hypothetical medical emergencies were variable. The cause of this variation is multi-factorial and likely to include familiarity with the medication, its safety profile and uncertainty about the pharmacist's role and responsibilities in these situations. Further clarification, training and guidelines are needed in order to address this.
Quality Use of Medicines – medication safety issues in naming; look-alike, sound-alike medicine names
Authors: Ostini Remo , Roughead Elizabeth E , Kirkpatrick Carl M J , Monteith Greg R , Tett Susan E
Published: May 2012

Objective

To review current literature with the objective of developing strategies and recommendations to enhance patient safety and minimise clinical issues with look-alike, sound-alike medication names.

Methods

A comprehensive search of the PubMed database and an Australian online repository of Quality Use of Medicines projects was conducted to identify publications addressing look-alike, sound-alike medication problems. Author networks, grey literature and the reference lists of published articles were also used to identify additional material.

Key findings

Thirty-two publications describing the extent of the specific problem and recommending solutions were identified. The majority of these publications provided a qualitative assessment of the issues, with few quantitative estimates of the severity of the problem and very little intervention research. As a result, most recommendations for addressing the problem are the result of expert deliberations and not experimental research. This will affect the capacity of the recommendations to ameliorate and resolve problems caused by look-alike, sound-alike medication names. Themes identified from articles included the nature and causes of look-alike, sound-alike problems, potential solutions and recommendations.

Conclusions

There are many existing medications which can potentially cause clinical issues due to mix-ups because of similar sounding or looking medication names. This confusion can be lethal for some medication errors. A multifaceted, integrated approach involving all aspects of the medication use process, from initial naming of INN through to consumer education, is suggested to minimise this issue for medication safety.
Multilevel mediation analysis: The effects of omitted variables in the 1–1–1 model
Authors: Tofighi Davood , West Stephen G. , MacKinnon David P.
Published: May 2012

Multilevel mediation analysis examines the indirect effect of an independent variable on an outcome achieved by targeting and changing an intervening variable in clustered data. We study analytically and through simulation the effects of an omitted variable at level 2 on a 1–1–1 mediation model for a randomized experiment conducted within clusters in which the treatment, mediator, and outcome are all measured at level 1. When the residuals in the equations for the mediator and the outcome variables are fully orthogonal, the two methods of calculating the indirect effect (ab, c – c′) are equivalent at the between‐ and within‐cluster levels. Omitting a variable at level 2 changes the interpretation of the indirect effect and will induce correlations between the random intercepts or random slopes. The equality of within‐cluster ab and c – c′ no longer holds. Correlation between random slopes implies that the within‐cluster indirect effect is conditional, interpretable at the grand mean level of the omitted variable.
Offenders have higher delay‐discounting rates than non‐offenders after controlling for differences in drug and alcohol abuse
Authors: Arantes Joana , Berg Mark E. , Lawlor Dayle , Grace Randolph C.
Published: May 2012

Purpose. Do criminal offenders discount future rewards more rapidly than non‐offenders? Theories of criminality assume that impulsivity is a key predictor of offending and suggest an affirmative answer, but there are no prior relevant studies with adult offenders and the only previous study with juveniles failed to find that offenders discounted delayed rewards more steeply than controls (Wilson & Daly, 2006).

Method. We measured rates of delay discounting for adult offenders incarcerated in two medium‐security facilities in New Zealand (n= 63) and non‐offender controls (n= 70) using a questionnaire which asked participants to nominate an indifference point – an amount of money to be received after a delay that was equal in value to an immediate amount – for immediate rewards varying from $500 to $4,000. Indifference points were converted to annual discounting rates. Self‐reported measures of alcohol and drug abuse were also obtained.

Results. Offenders discounted future rewards substantially more than non‐offenders, and rates varied systematically with amount and delay for both groups, consistent with previous research. The difference in delay discounting between offenders and controls remained significant after controlling for self‐reported drug and alcohol use. There were no significant gender differences.

Conclusions. These results suggest that offenders have a deficit in delay discounting, likely appearing in late adolescence or early adulthood, which may lead them to make suboptimal choices.
Evaluating the effectiveness of the Supporting Offenders through Restoration Inside (SORI) Programme delivered in seven prisons in England and Wales
Authors: Beech Anthony R. , Chauhan Jaymini
Published: May 2012

Purpose. Supporting Offenders through Restoration Inside (SORI) is a programme that aims to: increase victim empathy in offenders; motivate offenders to change their offending behaviour; and to take personal responsibility for the harm that he has caused. A 5‐day course based on the SORI principles has been piloted across seven prison sites in the UK. The aim of the study reported here was to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme across these sites.

Methods. Three psychometric questionnaires [Victim Concerns, Locus of Control, and Stages of Change (SoC) scales] were administered to the participants immediately before and after the programme had taken place (data were available for 131 participants for the Victim Concern Scale, 82 participants for the Locus of Control measure, and 96 participants for the SoC questionnaire). These psychometric measures were the primary research outcome. Statistical analyses were employed to assess whether any changes had been effected by the programme.

Results. The results of this study found that: participants had an enhanced victim concern for all types of victims, were more motivated to change their offending behaviours, and were more willing to take responsibility for their actions, after completion of the course. No change was found in terms of participants seeing themselves as being more in control of their actions/environment.

Conclusions. The results lend support for the notion that the 5‐day SORI course is effective in increasing participants’ levels of victim concern and motivation to change, while not really impacting upon levels of ownership for one's ownership for one's actions. Suggestions for future research and limitations of the study are discussed in the paper.
Will get fooled again: Emotionally intelligent people are easily duped by high‐stakes deceivers
Authors: Baker Alysha , ten Brinke Leanne , Porter Stephen
Published: May 2012

Purpose. There is major disagreement about the existence of individual differences in deception detection or naturally gifted detection ‘wizards’ (see O'Sullivan & Ekman, 2004 vs. Bond & Uysal, 2007). This study aimed to elucidate the role of a specific, and seemingly relevant individual difference – emotional intelligence (EI) and its subcomponents – in detecting high‐stakes, emotional deception.

Methods. Participants (N= 116) viewed a sample of 20 international videos of individuals emotionally pleading for the safe return of their missing family member, half of whom were responsible for the missing person's disappearance/murder. Participants judged whether the pleas were honest or deceptive, provided confidence ratings, reported the cues they utilized, and rated their emotional response to each plea.

Results. EI was associated with overconfidence in assessing the sincerity of the pleas and greater self‐reported sympathetic feelings to deceptive targets (enhanced gullibility). Although total EI was not associated with discrimination of truths and lies, the ability to perceive and express emotion (a component of EI), specifically, was negatively related to detecting deceptive targets (lower sensitivity [d′]). Combined, these patterns contributed negatively to the ability to spot emotional lies.

Conclusions. These findings collectively suggest that features of EI, and subsequent decision‐making processes, paradoxically may impair one's ability to detect deceit.
The association between acculturation and recreational computer use among Latino adolescents in California
Authors: Shi L. , van Meijgaard J. , Simon P.
Published: May 2012

Background

Physical inactivity like recreational computer use is a likely factor in the rising obesity prevalence among Latino adolescents.

Objectives

Using the data from California Health Interview Survey, we test the hypothesis whether acculturation is associated with recreational computer use among Latino adolescents.

Methods

We run linear regressions of the weekly time spent on recreational computer use among Latino adolescents, stratified first by gender and then by age group (12–14 and 15–17 years). Years living in the United States and language at home are used as key variables for acculturation.

Results

For all four sub‐populations, living in the United States for less than 5 years is significantly associated with fewer hours on recreational computer use, compared with those US‐born. Among female adolescents, those who lived in the United States for 10 years or more spent fewer hours on recreational computer use than those US‐born. Among adolescents under 15, speaking English only and speaking English plus another language are both significantly associated with more hours on recreational computer use, compared with those who speak a non‐English language at home.

Conclusion

Educators and health professionals should heed the Latino adolescents’ possible increase in recreational computer use.
Laguerre semigroup and Dunkl operators
Authors: Saïd Salem Ben , Kobayashi Toshiyuki , Ørsted Bent
Published: May 2012

We construct a two-parameter family of actionsωk,aof the Lie algebra 𝔰𝔩(2,ℝ) by differential–difference operators on ℝN∖{0}. Herekis a multiplicity function for the Dunkl operators, anda>0 arises from the interpolation of the two 𝔰𝔩(2,ℝ) actions on the Weil representation ofMp(N,ℝ) and the minimal unitary representation of O(N+1,2). We prove that this actionωk,alifts to a unitary representation of the universal covering ofSL(2,ℝ) , and can even be extended to a holomorphic semigroup Ωk,a. In thek≡0 case, our semigroup generalizes the Hermite semigroup studied by R. Howe (a=2) and the Laguerre semigroup studied by the second author with G. Mano (a=1) . One boundary value of our semigroup Ωk,aprovides us with (k,a) -generalized Fourier transforms ℱk,a, which include the Dunkl transform 𝒟k(a=2) and a new unitary operator ℋk (a=1) , namely a Dunkl–Hankel transform. We establish the inversion formula, a generalization of the Plancherel theorem, the Hecke identity, the Bochner identity, and a Heisenberg uncertainty relation for ℱk,a. We also find kernel functions for Ωk,aand ℱk,afora=1,2 in terms of Bessel functions and the Dunkl intertwining operator.
Elastoviscoplastic Models with Relaxed Configurations and Internal State Variables
Authors: T¸igoiu Sanda Cleja , Soo´s Eugen
Published: May 2012

We present the microstructural basis, the initial macroscopical formulations, and a possible axiomatic reconstruction of the elastoviscoplastic model for metals based on the use of the local, current, relaxed configurations. Structural analysis and experimental data show that using these configurations offers advantages for the formulation of the material laws when the deformations are small or moderately large. Our review aims to be a concise, historical, and critical exposition of the main stages, contributions and results, which led, during the late sixties and the beginning of seventies, to the formulation of the fundamental ideas lying at the basis of the model. We delineate the role played by Lee, Liu, Teodosiu, Sidoroff, Mandel, and Kratochvil in the first formulation of the theory between 1966 and 1972, as well as the contributions of Dafalias and Loret to the development of the model between 1983 and 1985. Finally, we discuss some results obtained between 1985 and 1988 with models based on local current relaxed configurations.
An Abundance of Rare Functional Variants in 202 Drug Target Genes Sequenced in 14,002 People
Authors: Nelson Matthew R. , Wegmann Daniel , Ehm Margaret G. , Kessner Darren , St. Jean Pamela , Verzilli Claudio , Shen Judong , Tang Zhengzheng , Bacanu Silviu-Alin , Fraser Dana , Warren Liling , Aponte Jennifer , Zawistowski Matthew , Liu Xiao , Zhang Hao , Zhang Yong , Li Jun , Li Yun , Li Li , Woollard Peter , Topp Simon , Hall Matthew D. , Nangle Keith , Wang Jun , Abecasis Gonçalo , Cardon Lon R. , Zöllner Sebastian , Whittaker John C. , Chissoe Stephanie L. , Novembre John , Mooser Vincent
Published: May 2012

A Deep Look Into Our Genes

Recent debates have focused on the degree of genetic variation and its impact upon health at the genomic level in humans (see the Perspective byCasals and Bertranpetit).Tennessenet al.(p.64, published online 17 May), looking at all of the protein-coding genes in the human genome, andNelsonet al.(p.100, published online 17 May), looking at genes that encode drug targets, address this question through deep sequencing efforts on samples from multiple individuals. The findings suggest that most human variation is rare, not shared between populations, and that rare variants are likely to play a role in human health.