bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of dietary addition of seaweed and licorice on the immune performance of pigs
Authors: KATAYAMA Masafumi , FUKUDA Tomokazu , OKAMURA Toshihiro , SUZUKI Eisaku , TAMURA Katsuo , SHIMIZU Yuuko , SUDA Yoshihito , SUZUKI Keiichi
Published: December 2010

In pig production, dietary additive antibiotics are usually used for growth stimulation and disease prevention, although there is public concern about the increased incidence of resistant antibiotics and food safety. It is possible that such antibiotics might be replaced by naturally derived products such as seaweed and licorice. In this study, we evaluated the effect of dietary addition of seaweed and licorice on enhancing the immune function in swine. The animals of each group (eight animals per group) were sensitized at day 42 and 49, and the immunoglobulin production and the expression of cytokines were detected by the ELISA and real‐time PCR. As the results, saliva IgA production of the seaweed‐treated group increased around five times compared to that of control (day 56). Delayed hypersensitivity reaction and IgG production of the seaweed‐treated group increased around 1.8–2.0 times. In addition, enhanced saliva IgA production was detected at day 50 (around two times) and day 51 (around five times) by the licorice treatment, and lower expression level of tumor necrosis factor‐α messenger RNA at day 51 (around 1/25) was observed in the licorice treatment. We conclude that the replacement of antibiotics by naturally derived dietary additives might be feasible for immune system enhancement.
Biopsychosocial Determinants of Men’s Sexual Desire: Testing an Integrative Model
Authors: Carvalho Joana , Nobre Pedro
Published: December 2010

Introduction

There is a severe lack of studies on male sexual desire and its biopsychosocial determinants. Most of the studies are focused on female sexual interest and are based on the contribution of single dimensions instead of the interaction between them.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to test a conceptual model considering the interrelated role of biopsychosocial factors on male sexual desire. This model allowed us to test not only the unique impact of predictors that are traditionally related to sexual desire, but also how their interaction affects sexual desire in men.

Methods

Two hundred and thirty seven men from the general population were assessed according to age (mean age = 35, standard deviation = 11), medical problems, psychopathology, dyadic adjustment, and cognitive-emotional factors.

Main Outcome Measures

Psychopathology measured by the Brief Symptom Inventory, dysfunctional sexual beliefs measured by the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire, thoughts and emotions in sexual context measured by the Sexual Modes Questionnaire, dyadic adjustment measured by the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, medical condition measured by the Medical History Formulation, and sexual desire measured by the Sexual Desire subscale of the International Index of Erectile Function.

Results

Results showed that cognitive factors (sexual beliefs and automatic thoughts during sexual activity) were the best predictors of sexual desire in men. Specifically, beliefs related to restrictive attitudes toward sexuality, erection concerns, and lack of erotic thoughts in sexual context, had a significant direct effect on reduced sexual desire. Moreover, this set of cognitive-emotional factors also mediated the relationship between medical problems, age, and sexual desire.

Conclusions

Results from this integrative approach highlighted the role of cognitive factors related to cultural values (dysfunctional sexual beliefs) and distraction mechanisms during sexual context (automatic thoughts) in male sexual interest. Findings support the need to include cognitive dimensions in the assessment and treatment of sexual desire problems, considering their involvement as vulnerability or resiliency factors for deficient sexual desire in men. Moreover, these factors surpassed the importance of the remaining factors (particularly, of medical factors and psychopathology), showing that, despite the lack of studies, male sexuality is better conceptualized from a biopsychosocial perspective.
The unusual life history of a southern Iberian Peninsula population of Torleya major (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae)
Authors: López‐Rodríguez M. J. , Tierno de Figueroa J. M. , Alba‐Tercedor J.
Published: December 2010

Abstract  The nymphal biology of a population of Torleya major (Klapálek) in southern Iberian Peninsula was studied. An atypical life cycle pattern is described, with eggs hatching in August producing a fast‐developing cohort with adults emerging in autumn and a second slow‐developing cohort with adults emerging in spring of the following year. Nymphal growth occurred primarily in summer–autumn (in the first cohort) and in spring (in the second). The origin of such a life history is discussed. Nymphs were collector‐gatherers, consuming mainly detritus. Although ontogenetic shifts on the use of trophic resources were detected, similar food was utilized during the months when both cohorts cohabited, eliminating the possibility that the rapid growth of the first cohort could be related to the utilization of different food resources.
Molecular characterization of a proline transporter fromChilo suppressalis
Authors: Huang Jia , Wu Shun‐Fan , Ye Gong‐Yin
Published: December 2010

Abstract Proline plays an important role in regulating synaptic neurotransmission in both mammalian and insect nervous systems. The full‐length complementary DNA sequences encoding the proline transporter gene (CsProT) and its alternative spliced transcript (CsProT‐ST) were cloned from the striped stem borer (SSB),Chilo suppressalis, one of the most important rice pests in Asia. The comparison of amino acid sequences showed that CsProT is highly similar to the proline transporter isolated fromManduca sexta(MasProT). The developmental changes of the relative messenger RNA expression levels ofCsProTandCsProT‐STgenes were examined in SSB. The expression level ofCsProT‐STis much higher than that ofCsProTin all developmental periods, suggesting that the 3′‐end spliced variant is the major transcript instead ofCsProT. The highest expression level of both genes in the pupal stage means that proline may be involved in some unclear functions in the metamorphosis from pupa to adulthood.
Addressing the risk, reading the landscape: The role of agency in regulation
Authors: Haines Fiona
Published: December 2010

The literature pertinent to regulation presents disparate views of the role of human agency in regulatory compliance. Some authors assume regulators' and regulatees' capacity for agency to be self‐evident; others show that human agency may be constrained and as a consequence tends toward sustaining the legitimacy of their respective organizations rather than achieving the risk reduction goals prescribed by the regulatory regime. Drawing on Margaret Archer's work (among others'), this article explores how the agency of regulatory actors is critical to the regulatory project yet contingent. This contingency is explored through a comparative analysis of the regulatory responses to an industrial disaster and to counterterrorism efforts at seaports and airports in the wake of the 11 September 2001 (“9/11”) terrorist attacks. This analysis found that problem solving in the pursuit of regulatory goals was most effective when there was political support for the authority of the regulators and respect for their expertise and when the risk of concern could be narrowly defined. These conditions could also reap benefits at the worksite level. However, the capacity of regulators to mobilize resources, exert authority, and transform constraints into opportunities in order to reduce risk could be limited. Tight political control, limited knowledge of the environment to be regulated, and a potentially limitless exposure to risk meant that while agency could still be expressed, it was aimed at goals that included shoring up political legitimacy, enhancing personal authority, and allaying public concern.
Congenital disorders of glycosylation
Authors: Jaeken Jaak
Published: December 2010

Congenital (genetic) disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a rapidly growing disease family, with some 45 members reported since its first clinical description in 1980. Most of these are protein hypoglycosylation diseases, but recently three defects in lipid glycosylation have been identified. Most protein hypoglycosylation diseases are due to defects in the N‐glycosylation pathway (16 diseases). The remaining ones affect the O‐glycosylation pathway (8 diseases), both the N‐ and the O‐glycosylation pathways, or other pathways (17 diseases). CDG can affect nearly all organs and systems, but there is often an important neurological component. The first‐line screening for the N‐glycosylation diseases is serum transferrin isoelectrofocusing (IEF), and for the O‐glycosylation disorders apo CIII IEF. It has to be stressed that a normal test result does by no means exclude a CDG. In case of an abnormal result and as long as the basic defect has not been elucidated, the disease is labeled CDG‐x (CDG‐Ix when the transferrin IEF shows a type 1 pattern, and CDG‐IIx when it shows a type 2 pattern).
Structure‐based design of anti‐infectives
Authors: Agarwal Anil K , Fishwick Colin W. G.
Published: December 2010

Infectious diseases, caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, or parasites are among the leading causes of death worldwide. The efficacy of all current anti‐infectives is threatened by the spread of drug resistance factors, with some already made ineffective, and, as a result, there is a pressing need for a new pipeline of robust anti‐infective drugs. In silico approaches, such as virtual high throughput screening and de novo structure‐based rational drug design, have been established as powerful tools in drug discovery. In this review, we explore the exciting opportunities for antimalarial, antiviral, and antibacterial drug discovery arising from the new paradigm of structure‐based drug design.
The coming of age of antibiotics: discovery and therapeutic value
Authors: Bush Karen
Published: December 2010

Origins of antibiotic drug discovery are frequently traced to 1929 when Alexander Fleming recognized the antibacterial activity of a substance secreted by Penicillium notatum on a contaminated culture plate. However, the subsequent development of penicillin as a therapeutic agent was not realized until the early 1940s, after a consortium of academic and pharmaceutical scientists from England and the United States developed sufficiently advanced fermentation technology to produce high‐purity penicillin in large enough quantities for medical supplies. It was at this time that the antibiotic era was truly successfully launched. During the following decade, unprecedented antibiotic research and development emerged in academic laboratories and the pharmaceutical industry, resulting in identification of most of the antibiotic classes currently used therapeutically. This short historical commentary describes some of these early events, beginning with a conference held at the New York Academy of Sciences in 1946, the first conference to focus entirely on the latest science related to the identification and characterization of antibacterial substances produced by microorganisms.
Adipokines as novel biomarkers and regulators of the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Deng Yingfeng , Scherer Philipp E.
Published: December 2010

Over the past two decades our view of adipose tissue has undergone a dramatic change from an inert energy storage tissue to an active endocrine organ. Adipose tissue communicates with other central and peripheral organs by synthesis and secretion of a host of molecules that we generally refer to as adipokines. The levels of some adipokines correlate with specific metabolic states and have the potential to impact directly upon the metabolic homeostasis of the system. A dysregulation of adipokines has been implicated in obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and an ever‐growing larger list of pathological changes in a number of organs. Here, we review the recent progress regarding the synthesis, secretion, and physiological function of adipokines with perspectives on future directions and potential therapeutic goals.
Disruption of long‐distance highly conserved noncoding elements in neurocristopathies
Authors: Amiel Jeanne , Benko Sabina , Gordon Christopher T. , Lyonnet Stanislas
Published: December 2010

One of the key discoveries of vertebrate genome sequencing projects has been the identification of highly conserved noncoding elements (CNEs). Some characteristics of CNEs include their high frequency in mammalian genomes, their potential regulatory role in gene expression, and their enrichment in gene deserts nearby master developmental genes. The abnormal development of neural crest cells (NCCs) leads to a broad spectrum of congenital malformation(s), termed neurocristopathies, and/or tumor predisposition. Here we review recent findings that disruptions of CNEs, within or at long distance from the coding sequences of key genes involved in NCC development, result in neurocristopathies via the alteration of tissue‐ or stage‐specific long‐distance regulation of gene expression. While most studies on human genetic disorders have focused on protein‐coding sequences, these examples suggest that investigation of genomic alterations of CNEs will provide a broader understanding of the molecular etiology of both rare and common human congenital malformations.
Modifier genes in Mendelian disorders: the example of cystic fibrosis
Authors: Cutting Garry R.
Published: December 2010

In the past three decades, scientists have had immense success in identifying genes and their variants that contribute to an array of diseases. While the identification of such genetic variants has informed our knowledge of the etiologic bases of diseases, there continues to be a substantial gap in our understanding of the factors that modify disease severity. Monogenic diseases provide an opportunity to identify modifiers as they have uniform etiology, detailed phenotyping of affected individuals, and familial clustering. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is among the more common life‐shortening recessive disorders that displays wide variability in clinical features and survival. Considerable progress has been made in elucidating the contribution of genetic and nongenetic factors to CF. Allelic variation in CFTR, the gene responsible for CF, correlates with some aspects of the disease. However, lung function, neonatal intestinal obstruction, diabetes, and anthropometry display strong genetic control independent of CFTR, and candidate gene studies have revealed genetic modifiers underlying these traits. The application of genome‐wide techniques holds great promise for the identification of novel genetic variants responsible for the heritable features and complications of CF. Since the genetic modifiers are known to alter the course of disease, their protein products become immediate targets for therapeutic intervention.
Strontium and Lead Isotopic Study of the Carbonate‐hosted Xujiashan Antimony Deposit from Hubei Province, South China: Implications for its Origin
Authors: Shen Neng‐Ping , Peng Jian‐Tang , Hu Rui‐Zhong , Liu Shen , Coulson Ian M.
Published: December 2010

The Xujiashan antimony deposit is hosted by marine carbonates of the Upper Sinian Doushantuo and Dengying Formations in Hubei Province, South China. Our Sr isotopic data from pre‐ and syn‐mineralization calcites that host the mineralization show that the pre‐mineralization calcite displays a narrow range of 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7096 to 0.7097), similar to the ratios of the Sinian seawater, and high Sr concentrations (2645 to 8174 ppm). In contrast, the syn‐mineralization calcite exhibits low Sr concentrations (785 to 2563 ppm) and high 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7109 to 0.7154), which is interpreted as the result of addition of radiogenic strontium during the antimony mineralization. The study of Sr isotopes suggests that their Sr component to the pre‐mineralization calcite derived directly from the host rocks (i.e. the Sinian marine carbonates), while radiogenic 87Sr for the syn‐mineralization calcite derived from the underlying Mesoproterozoic Lengjiaxi Group basement through hydrothermal fluid circulation along the major fault that hosts the mineralization.

The Pb isotopic ratios of stibnite are subdivided into two groups (Group A and Group B), Group A is characterized by higher radiogenic lead, with 206Pb/204Pb = 18.874 to 19.288, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.708 to 15.805, and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.642 to 39.001. Group B shows lower lead isotope ratios (206Pb/204Pb = 17.882 to 18.171, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.555 to 15.686, and 208Pb/204Pb = 37.950 to 38.340). The single‐stage model ages of Group A are mainly negative or slightly positive values (‐258 to 3 Ma), while those of Group B range from 636 to 392 Ma, with an average of 495 ± 65 Ma. In addition, there are positive linear correlations among Pb isotopic ratios. These results suggest that the lead of Group A stibnite was mainly derived from the Sinian marine carbonates, and that of Group B stibnite from the underlying Lengjiaxi Group basement. This conclusion is consistent with the results of the Sr isotopes.

These results indicate that the Xujiashan deposit is not syngenetic sedimentary and in situ reworked origin as previously considered. The metal (mainly Sb) of this deposit was not only derived from the Sinian host rocks, but also partly derived from the underlying Mesoproterozoic Lengjiaxi Group basement.
Cardiovascular Events in Subgroups of Patients During Primary Treatment of Hypertension With Candesartan or Losartan
Authors: Russell David , Stålhammar Jan , Bodegard Johan , Hasvold Pål , Thuresson Marcus , Kjeldsen Sverre E.
Published: December 2010

Merging data from existing electronic patient records, and electronic hospital discharge and cause of death registers, is a fast and relatively inexpensive method for comparing different treatments with regard to clinical outcome. This study compared the effects of antihypertensive treatment with candesartan or losartan on cardiovascular disease (CVD) using Swedish registers. Patients without previous CVD who were prescribed candesartan (n=7329) or losartan (n=6771) for hypertension during 1999–2007 at 72 Swedish primary care centers were followed for up to 9 years. Both medications were given according to current recommendations, and there was no difference observed in achieved blood pressures. The authors have previously shown that candesartan lowered the risk of all CVD (primary composite end point) more so than losartan (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.77–0.96). Candesartan also had a significantly better effect with regards to reducing the development of heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and peripheral arterial disease. In the present analysis, the authors found that candesartan, compared with losartan, reduced the risk of all CVD, irrespective of sex, age, previous antihypertensive treatment, baseline blood pressure, and presence of diabetes. These clinical findings may reflect differences between candesartan and losartan in their binding characteristics to the angiotensin type 1 receptor. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:189–197. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oxidative stress, antioxidant defenses, and schizophrenia
Authors: Ong Wei‐Yi , Sim Kang , Farooqui Akhlaq A.
Published: December 2010

Schizophrenia is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder with a prevalence of nearly 1% of the world population. Accumulating evidence suggests that increase in production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) along with decrease in antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase) may be closely associated with the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Genes associated with glutamate transmission, dopamine transmission, synaptic plasticity, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and neuroinflammation have been closely linked to schizophrenia. Proteins encoded by many of the above genes affect the level of ROS, and lipid mediators that regulate signaling in the brain through cross‐talk among glutamate, dopamine, and eicosanoid receptors. Under physiological conditions, this refines the communication between neurons, glial cells and vascular cells, but in schizophrenia, the cross‐talk might initiate and promote oxidative stress‐mediated abnormal neuronal signaling responsible for symptoms of the disease.
“Rework Program” in Japan: Innovative high‐level rehabilitation
Authors: Akiyama Tsuyoshi , Tsuchiya Masao , Igarashi Yoshio , Ozaki Norio , Yokoyama Motonori , Katagiri Yoko , Tajima Miyuki , Matsunaga Miki , Kitagawa Nobuki , Nakamoto Haruo , Ohno Yutaka , Bernick Peter
Published: December 2010

Introduction: The aim of this paper is to report on the Rework Program, a type of high‐level rehabilitation program developed in Japan, and on Cognitive‐Behavioral Group Therapy for Rework (CBGTR), which was also developed in Japan.

Methods: With regard to the Rework Program, we first discuss conceptual issues, including the need for the Rework Program, rework identity, destigmatization as a desired outcome, and the perceived significance of the Rework Program. Its purpose, historical background, framework, criteria for participation, staffing, program categories, and assessment issues are then described. With regard to CBGTR, this paper describes its purpose, historical background, structure, staffing, content, shared themes, and group advantages.

Results: As of 30 June 2010, 81 facilities in Japan offer the Rework Program; 55 of these facilities also provide CBGTR.

Discussion: In Japan, the Rework Program and CBGTR are established practices. Systematic program standardization and effectiveness studies are currently being performed. These innovations in Japan may provide insight and ideas to colleagues in other regions.
Job satisfaction of the oral health labour force in Australia
Authors: Luzzi L , Spencer AJ
Published: December 2010

Background:  Job satisfaction among registered clinical dentists in Australia was measured to identify issues influencing recruitment and retention.

Methods:  A questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 2202 dentists, stratified by state and gender, selected from the 2005 Australian Dental Association directory.

Results:  A total of 61.9% of dentists responded. Analyses showed significant differences in levels of satisfaction for various dimensions of job satisfaction by gender, age group, practice type and geographic area. Differences in satisfaction between male and female dentists related to the relationships with colleagues and administrative responsibilities dimensions. Dentists of different age groups differed on eight dimensions: relationships with colleagues, patients, staff; personal time; intrinsic satisfaction; community; administrative responsibilities and resources. Differences among private and public dentists related to autonomy, relationships with patients, staff, community, compensation and resources dimensions. Dentists working in different geographic areas differed on relationships with staff and community dimensions.

Conclusions:  Differences existed between private and public dentists, metropolitan and non‐metropolitan dentists, male and female dentists and dentists of different ages. Such differences should be addressed in order to improve recruitment and retention rates of dentists. Workplaces that offer job autonomy, competitive pay, flexible working hours and minimal administrative burden may improve dentist job satisfaction.
Graphic Designers Win the Leadership Game
Authors: Han Ji Yeon , Bromilow David
Published: December 2010

Although the concept of leadership has been the subject of many business studies, it is a relatively new field in the arena of design. As design begins to take a higher profile in the business world, however, it has become increasingly important for designers to improve their leadership skills. This paper examines various approaches to leadership and assesses key skills and principles of design leadership through the review of published literature and primary interviews with people who occupy leadership positions in graphic design and communication agencies in the UK. Though informed by theory, the outcome of this research is intended to have a practical application within the graphic design community. To this end, a game was developed to help participants evaluate their leadership skills and knowledge and identify training courses that would help them mature as effective leaders. “Prepared for Leadership” takes the form of a tabletop card game; participants select cards and, in three stages, are guided to the continuing professional development course most appropriate to improve their leadership skills.
Strategic Use of International Product Design Award Schemes
Authors: Sung Whan Oh , Nam Ki‐Young , Chung Kyung‐won
Published: December 2010

Companies often use international product design awards as an effective tool to promote global visibility of products. To maximize the impact of design award participation requires a strategic approach, but research is lacking that would indicate the optimal way in which to participate. This paper aims (1) to explore the true value and the perceived value of design awards; (2) to clarify core factors affecting strategic decision‐making in award participation; and (3) to identify the strategic use of design award schemes to maximize their corporate impact. Four international product design awards were selected from a group of 22, and 36 companies that report more than two awards from these four were selected as a group for investigation. Based on the survey results, further case studies will be followed to identify the consequences of award participation and of winning awards to corporate business and/or management performance. Studying the relationship between the purpose of participation and its subsequent impact will not only help companies to make better strategic decisions, but will also aid award organizers in arranging award schemes in such a way as to encourage companies to participate.
What Next? Future Strategy for UK Product Design Consultancies
Authors: Na Jea Hoo , Boult John
Published: December 2010

This paper focuses on the “micro” and practical challenges facing product‐led design consultancies in the UK. Here we define product‐led design consultancies as creative design consultancies in which the original service was product and/or engineering design. The evolution of these consultancies has already occurred over the years; hence some consultancies now identify themselves as “innovation” or “multi‐disciplinary” design consultancies. The agenda of this paper is to suggest possible future directions in which the traditional product design consultancies can become more competitive as they begin to integrate business thinking into the creative thinking process. Harnessing the skill sets inherent in product design and blending in readily accessible new expertise could result in powerful creative strategic consultant organizations, allowing the opportunity for a consultancy to design not just objects but also a strategy for its clients. This optimization between the current interests of design and the development of strategic offerings will have a synergistic effect and will help UK design consultancies to retain their value as leaders in creativity and design.
A Fast Method for Determining the Flow Conductance of Gas Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Martinelli Matteo , Viktorov Vladimir
Published: December 2010

This paper presents a fast method for determining the conductance of gas microfluidic devices with low flow rates and very small pressure drops starting from 30 Pa, corresponding to Re=0.3. This method is based on discharging a gas-pressurized chamber through the microfluidic device under test. The microfluidic device’s conductance can be estimated as a function of inlet pressure and the Reynolds number of the flow by recording the upstream pressure during the discharging process and calculating the time derivative of the gas pressure. The pressurized chamber is considered as an isothermal chamber. Experimental results show that a sufficiently accurate isothermal discharging process up to an upstream-to-downstream pressure ratio of 0.8 can be achieved by immersing the chamber in a thermal bath. The method presented here is very fast, requiring only a few seconds for the acquisition procedure and computerized data processing.
Numerical Simulation of Droplet Size Distribution in Vertical Upward Annular Flow
Authors: Liu Y. , Li W. Z.
Published: December 2010

The liquid droplet size distribution in gas-liquid vertical upward annular flow is investigated through a CFD (computational fluid dynamics)-PBM (population balance model) coupled model in this paper. Two-fluid Eulerian scheme is employed as the framework of this model and a population balance equation is used to obtain the dispersed liquid droplet diameter distribution, where three different coalescence and breakup kernels are investigated. The Sauter mean diameter d32 is used as a bridge between a two-fluid model and a PBM. The simulation results suggest that the original Luo–Luo kernel and the mixed kernel A (Luo’s coalescence kernel incorporated with Prince and Blanch’s breakup kernel) can only give reasonable predictions for large diameter droplets. Mixed kernel B (Saffman and Turner’s coalescence kernel incorporated with Lehr’s breakup kernel) can accurately capture the particle size distribution (PSD) of liquid droplets covering all droplet sizes, and is appropriate for the description of liquid droplet size distribution in gas-liquid annular flow.
Practical management of antibiotic allergy in adults
Authors: McLean-Tooke Andrew , Aldridge Catherine , Stroud Catherine , Spickett Gavin P
Published: December 2010

This review looks at the main issues around immediate hypersensitivity and the role and limitations of testing. The majority of literature on antibiotic hypersensitivity relates to β-lactam antibiotics, mainly because of the heavy usage of this class of drugs. Concerns around cross-reactivity always worry clinicians, particularly in the emergency situation. Reasonable data now exist in relation to β-lactam antibiotics and derivatives, which enable appropriate risk management to be undertaken. The available literature for other classes of antibiotics is also discussed.
Disorders of iron metabolism. Part II: iron deficiency and iron overload
Authors: Muñoz Manuel , García-Erce José Antonio , Remacha Ángel Francisco
Published: December 2010

Main disorders of iron metabolism

Increased iron requirements, limited external supply, and increased blood loss may lead to iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anaemia. In chronic inflammation, the excess of hepcidin decreases iron absorption and prevents iron recycling, resulting in hypoferraemia and iron restricted erythropoiesis, despite normal iron stores (functional iron deficiency), and finally anaemia of chronic disease (ACD), which can evolve to ACD plus true ID (ACD+ID). In contrast, low hepcidin expression may lead to hereditary haemochromatosis (HH type I, mutations of the HFE gene) and type II (mutations of the hemojuvelin and hepcidin genes). Mutations of transferrin receptor 2 lead to HH type III, whereas those of the ferroportin gene lead to HH type IV. All these syndromes are characterised by iron overload. As transferrin becomes saturated in iron overload states, non-transferrin bound iron appears. Part of this iron is highly reactive (labile plasma iron), inducing free radical formation. Free radicals are responsible for the parenchymal cell injury associated with iron overload syndromes.

Role of laboratory testing in diagnosis

In iron deficiency status, laboratory tests may provide evidence of iron depletion in the body or reflect iron deficient red cell production. Increased transferrin saturation and/or ferritin levels are the main cues for further investigation of iron overload. The appropriate combination of different laboratory tests with an integrated algorithm will help to establish a correct diagnosis of iron overload, iron deficiency and anaemia.

Review of treatment options

Indications, advantages and side effects of the different options for treating iron overload (phlebotomy and iron chelators) and iron deficiency (oral or intravenous iron formulations) will be discussed.
A cryptic, intergeneric cytochrome c oxidase I pseudogene in tyrant flycatchers (family: Tyrannidae)
Authors: Kerr Kevin C. R.
Published: December 2010

Nuclear mitochondrial pseudogenes, or “numts”, are nonfunctional copies of mitochondrial genes that have been translocated to the nuclear genome. Numts have been used to study differences in mutation rates between the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, but have also been implicated as troublesome for phylogenetic studies and DNA-based species identification (i.e., DNA barcoding). In this study, a suspected numt discovered during a study of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) diversity in North American birds was targeted and sequenced from tyrant flycatchers (family: Tyrannidae). In total, the numt was found in five taxa representing two genera. Substitution rates were compared between COI and numt sequences. None of the numt sequences harboured stop codons nor frameshift mutations, but phylogenetic analysis revealed they had accumulated more amino acid substitutions than the mitochondrial COI sequences. Mitochondrial COI appeared to be preferentially amplified in most cases, but methods for numt detection are discussed for cases like this where sequences lack obvious features for identification. Because of its persistence across a broad taxonomic lineage, this numt could form a valuable model system for studying evolution in numts. The full size of the numt and its location within the nuclear genome are yet to be determined.
Analyses of Thinopyrum bessarabicum, T. elongatum, and T. junceum chromosomes using EST-SSR markers
Authors: Wang Richard R.-C. , Larson Steven R. , Jensen Kevin B.
Published: December 2010

Wild Thinopyrum grasses are important gene pools for forage and cereal crops. Knowledge of their chromosome organizations is pivotal for efficient utilization of this important gene pool in germplasm enhancement programs. Expressed sequence tags derived simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers for Thinopyrum bessarabicum , T. elongatum , and T. junceum chromosomes were identified among amplicons produced from three series of wheat-Thinopyrum addition lines using 193 primer pairs designed from the Leymus EST unigenes. The homology of T. junceum chromosomes in 13 wheat addition lines was tentatively established to reveal that homologous groups 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 were represented by HD3515, HD3505, AJDAj11, AJDAj1, and HD3508, whereas groups 1 and 2 were represented by AJADj7–AJDAj9 and AJDAj2–AJDAj4, respectively. AJDAj5 and AJDAj6 had complexly reconstituted T. junceum chromosomes that might have resulted from fusion or translocations of large chromosomal segments from two or more chromosomes, that is (1+5) and (2+5+1), respectively. The identified EST-SSR markers will be useful in comparative gene mapping, chromosome tracing, taxonomic studies, gene introgression, and cultivar identification.
Identification of Capsicum species using SNP markers based on high resolution melting analysis
Authors: Jeong Hee-Jin , Jo Yeong Deuk , Park Soung-Woo , Kang Byoung-Cheorl
Published: December 2010

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) derived from both nuclear and cytoplasmic DNA sequences were developed to identify distinct species of Capsicum . Species identification was achieved by detecting allelic variations of these type of markers via high resolution melting analysis (HRM). We used the HRM polymorphisms of COSII markers and the Waxy gene from the nuclear sequence, in addition to the intergenic spacer between trnL and trnF from cytoplasmic DNA as our SNP markers. A total of 31 accessions of Capsicum, representing six species, were analyzed using this method. As single markers were insufficient for identifying Capsicum species, combinations of all markers unambiguously identified all six. A phylogeny based on the SNP markers was consistent with the current taxonomy of Capsicum species. These observations demonstrate that the markers developed in this study are useful for rapid identification of new germplasm for management of Capsicum species.
Aerobic fitness determines whole-body fat oxidation rate during exercise in the heat
Authors: Del Coso Juan , Hamouti Nassim , Ortega Juan Fernando , Mora-Rodriguez Ricardo
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this study was to determine whole-body fat oxidation in endurance-trained (TR) and untrained (UNTR) subjects exercising at different intensities in the heat. On 3 occasions, 10 TR cyclists and 10 UNTR healthy subjects (peak oxygen uptake = 60 ± 6 vs. 44 ± 3 mL·kg–1·min–1; p < 0.05) exercised at 40%, 60%, and 80% peak oxygen uptake in a hot, dry environment (36 °C; 25% relative humidity). To complete the same amount of work in all 3 trials, exercise duration varied (107 ± 4, 63 ± 1, and 45 ± 0 min for 40%, 60%, and 80% peak oxygen uptake, respectively). Substrate oxidation was calculated using indirect calorimetry. Blood samples were collected at the end of exercise to determine plasma epinephrine ([EPI]plasma) and norepinephrine ([NEPI]plasma) concentrations. The maximal rate of fat oxidation was achieved at 60% peak oxygen uptake for the TR group (0.41 ± 0.01 g·min–1) and at 40% peak oxygen uptake for the UNTR group (0.28 ± 0.01 g·min–1). TR subjects oxidized absolutely (g·min–1) and relatively (% of total energy expenditure) more fat than UNTR subjects at 60% and 80% peak oxygen uptake (p < 0.05). At these exercise intensities, TR subjects also had higher [NEPI]plasma concentrations than UNTR subjects (p < 0.05). In the heat, whole-body peak fat oxidation occurs at higher relative exercise intensities in TR than in UNTR subjects (60% vs. 40% peak oxygen uptake). Moreover, TR subjects oxidize more fat than UNTR subjects when exercising at moderate to high intensities (>60% peak oxygen uptake).
Effect of elastic-band-based resistance training on leg blood flow in elderly women
Authors: Egaña Mikel , Reilly Heather , Green Simon
Published: December 2010

The age-related decline in basal limb blood flow appears to be related to the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, noninsulin-dependent diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Resistance training improves basal limb blood flow and vascular conductance in middle-aged men and women, but it is unknown whether similar vascular effects of training occur in the elderly. This study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-week progressive resistance training program using elastic bands on basal leg blood flow, vascular conductance, and functional performance in postmenopausal elderly women. Sixteen healthy postmenopausal females (age, 67 ± 5 years) were randomly assigned to a control (n = 8) or resistance training (n = 8) group, where they underwent 2 supervised strength sessions per week for 12 weeks. Prior to and at completion of this 12-week period, functional and strength performance and leg haemodynamic responses were measured. The training intervention produced significant increases in basal leg blood flow (31%), vascular conductance (34%), and a significant reduction in cardiac work (i.e., rate pressure product) at rest, as well as significant improvements in the 3 functional ability tests performed (30-s bicep curl, 30-s sit to stand, and back scratch). Haemodynamic or functional performance responses were not altered after the 12 weeks in the control group. This study demonstrates that a resistance training program using elastic bands elicits significant improvements in basal leg blood flow in postmenopausal elderly women.
Effects and reproducibility of aerobic and resistance exercise on appetite and energy intake in young, physically active adults
Authors: Laan Derek J. , Leidy Heather J. , Lim Eunjung , Campbell Wayne W.
Published: December 2010

Appetite and meal energy intake (MEI) following aerobic (AEx) and resistance (REx) exercises were evaluated in 19 young, active adults. The participants completed duplicate 35-min sessions of AEx, REx, and sedentary control, and consumed an ad libitum pasta meal 30 min postsession. Hunger transiently decreased after AEx but was not influenced by REx. MEI was 14% to 18% higher after AEx and REx than control. These findings are consistent with exercise-stimulated ingestive behavior, not anorexia of exercise.
Physiological and health implications of a sedentary lifestyle
Authors: Tremblay Mark Stephen , Colley Rachel Christine , Saunders Travis John , Healy Genevieve Nissa , Owen Neville
Published: December 2010

Sedentary behaviour is associated with deleterious health outcomes, which differ from those that can be attributed to a lack of moderate to vigorous physical activity. This has led to the field of “sedentary physiology”, which may be considered as separate and distinct from exercise physiology. This paper gives an overview of this emerging area of research and highlights the ways that it differs from traditional exercise physiology. Definitions of key terms associated with the field of sedentary physiology and a review of the self-report and objective methods for assessing sedentary behaviour are provided. Proposed mechanisms of sedentary physiology are examined, and how they differ from those linking physical activity and health are highlighted. Evidence relating to associations of sedentary behaviours with major health outcomes and the population prevalence and correlates of sedentary behaviours are reviewed. Recommendations for future research are proposed.
Associations between diet quality and physical activity measures among a southern Ontario regional sample of grade 6 students
Authors: Woodruff Sarah J. , Hanning Rhona M.
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this study was to determine diet quality and physical activity behaviours of grade 6 students by sex and body weight status, and to determine the associations between diet quality and physical activity behaviours. The Web-based Food Behaviour Questionnaire, which included a 24-h diet recall and the modified Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), was administered to a cross-section of schools (n = 405 students from 15 schools). Measured height and weight were used to calculate body mass index and weight status (Cole et al. 2000). A Canadian version of the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-C) was used to describe overall diet quality. The mean HEI-C was 69.6 (13.2) with the majority (72%) falling into the needs improvement category. The overall mean physical activity score was 3.7 out of a maximum of 5, with obese subjects being less active compared with normal weight and overweight (p < 0.001). Ordinal logistic regression analysis (of HEI-C vs. all measures of the PAQ-C, sex, and weight status) revealed that HEI-C ratings were likely to be higher in students that walked to and from school 5 days per week (vs. 0 days per week; odds ratio 3.18, p = 0.010); and were active 1 evening per week (vs. none; odds ratio 3.48, p = 0.039). The positive association between diet quality and some aspects of physical activity suggests possible clustering of health behaviours. Future research should test the potential benefits of promoting 1 health behaviour (e.g., healthy eating) with another (e.g., physical activity).
Scheduling model for repetitive construction processes for high-rise buildings
Authors: Cho Kyuman , Hong Taehoon , Hyun Changtaek
Published: December 2010

In a high-rise building project that involves many repetitive construction processes, the effective control of such repetitive construction processes is a key factor in the success of the project. Unlike the existing scheduling methods for repetitive construction processes, a scheduling model that considers (i) the flexible job logic of the multiple work tasks that comprise a construction process and (ii) the productivity of the construction equipment and labor was developed in this paper. Various theories and algorithms such as the linking dummy, the linear scheduling method, and the production rate, were implemented in the development of the model. A scheduling model was then proposed based on such theories and algorithms and on a mathematical formula. The proposed model was verified by applying it to core wall construction, a key repetitive process in a high-rise building project. Verification showed that the developed model exhibited over 90% reliability. It is expected that the proposed model will allow effective scheduling for repetitive construction processes with flexible job logic.
Improved intensity measures for probabilistic seismic demand analysis. Part 1: development of improved intensity measures
Authors: Lin Lan , Naumoski Nove , Saatcioglu Murat , Foo Simon
Published: December 2010

This is the first of two companion papers on improved intensity measures of strong seismic ground motions for use in probabilistic seismic demand analysis. It describes the formulation and the development of new intensity measures. The second paper illustrates the application of the developed intensity measures in probabilistic seismic demand analysis. The development of the intensity measures was based on investigations of the seismic responses of three reinforced concrete frame buildings (4, 10, and 16-storey high) designed for Vancouver. The buildings were subjected to a selected set of seismic motions scaled to different intensity levels. Maximum interstorey drifts obtained from nonlinear dynamic analyses were used as response parameters. Based on the results from the analyses, two intensity measures are proposed: one for short- and intermediate-period buildings, and another one for long-period buildings. The proposed intensity measures are superior compared to that represented by the spectral acceleration at the fundamental building period (Sa(T1)), which is currently the most widely used intensity measure in probabilistic seismic demand analysis.
Properties of natural pozzolan and its potential utilization in environmental friendly concrete
Authors: Khan M.I. , Alhozaimy A.M.
Published: December 2010

In Saudi Arabia, locally available natural pozzolanic material has the potential for use in environmental friendly concrete as a partial cement replacement. Local natural pozzolan was incorporated in concrete as a partial cement replacement to study the effect of replacement level, natural pozzolan fineness and its source. Chemical and physical properties of local natural pozzolan, properties of fresh concrete, compressive strength development, chloride permeability, and porosity of concrete incorporating local natural pozzolanic material as a partial cement replacement is presented. The influence of curing on the properties of concrete containing natural pozzolan and the X-ray diffraction analysis are reported. It was observed that regardless of its different sources, chemical and physical properties of local natural pozzolan are similar and conforms to the requirements of ASTM C 618, Class N. Concrete containing up to 15% natural pozzolan matches with the mix containing 20% fly ash, which is very close to the plain concrete. Higher dosages of this natural pozzolan can be utilized for economical and environmental benefits. This research is the first of its kind that addresses the investigation on Saudi natural pozzolanic material.