bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth hormone and prolactin response to ghrelin during the normal menstrual cycle
Authors: Messini Christina I. , Dafopoulos Konstantinos , Chalvatzas Nektarios , Georgoulias Panagiotis , Messinis Ioannis E.
Published: December 2008

Objective  It has been suggested that exogenous oestradiol augments ghrelin‐induced growth hormone (GH) secretion in postmenopausal women. Whether endogenous oestrogens exert a similar effect during the normal menstrual cycle is not known. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that physiological changes in ovarian steroids during the normal menstrual cycle modulate GH and prolactin (PRL) response to ghrelin.

Design  Healthy women were studied in three phases of the normal menstrual cycle.

Patients  Ten healthy normally cycling women.

Measurements  A single dose of ghrelin (1 µg/kg) was administered intravenously in the early and late follicular phases and in the mid‐luteal phase of the cycle. Saline was injected in the preceding cycle. Blood samples were taken before ghrelin or saline injection (time 0) and also at –15, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 120 min. The GH and PRL responses were assessed.

Results  Serum oestradiol and progesterone concentrations showed the variations of a normal menstrual cycle. After ghrelin administration, in the three phases of the cycle, plasma ghrelin and serum GH and PRL levels increased rapidly, peaking at 30 min and declining gradually thereafter (P < 0·001). There were no significant differences in the hormone levels between the three phases at all time points. No changes in GH and PRL levels were seen after saline injection.

Conclusions  These results demonstrate that GH and PRL responses to ghrelin do not change across the menstrual cycle. It is suggested that the action of ghrelin on the pituitary somatotrophs is modulated differentially by endogenous and exogenous ovarian steroids.
Increased arterial stiffness in nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) without comorbidities: one more characteristic inherent to the syndrome?
Authors: Soares Gustavo Mafaldo , Vieira Carolina Sales , Martins Wellington Paula , Franceschini Sílvio Antônio , Dos Reis Rosana Maria , Silva de Sá Marcos Felipe , Ferriani Rui Alberto
Published: December 2008

Background  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with adverse metabolic effects. Some cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers are increased in women with PCOS. However, early markers of atherosclerosis are also associated with obesity and insulin resistance, which are related to PCOS. These markers may result either directly from PCOS or indirectly as a consequence of the comorbidities associated with the syndrome.

Context  To assess the presence of early CVD markers in young, nonobese women with PCOS.

Patients  Forty women with PCOS and 50 healthy women with regular menstrual cycles, matched for age and body mass index (BMI).

Measurements  The following CVD markers were assessed by ultrasonography: common carotid artery (CCA) stiffness index (β), distensibility and intima–media thickness (IMT), and brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD). Inflammatory markers, including interleukin (IL)‐6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, homocysteine, C‐reactive protein (CRP), glycaemia, lipid profile and insulin, were also assessed.

Results  CCA β was higher in PCOS than in control women (3·72 ± 0·96 vs. 3·36 ± 0·96, P = 0·04) and CCA distensibility was lower (0·31 ± 0·08 vs. 0·35 ± 0·09 mmHg−1, P = 0·02). Waist circumference, total testosterone and the Free Androgen Index (FAI) were higher in PCOS patients than in controls (78·2 ± 10·0 vs. 71·5 ± 7·2 cm, P = 0·001; 88·1 ± 32·4 vs. 57·1 ± 21·2 ng/dl, P < 0·01; 12·7 ± 15·7%vs. 4·7 ± 2·3%, P < 0·01, respectively), while SHBG was reduced (37·9 ± 19·1 vs. 47·8 ± 18·3 nmol/l, P = 0·01). The remaining variables did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions  Young women with PCOS exhibit changes in vascular elasticity even in the absence of classical risk factors for CVD, such as hypertension and obesity.
Androgenetic alopecia and insulin resistance in young men
Authors: González‐González José Gerardo , Mancillas‐Adame Leonardo G. , Fernández‐Reyes Mercedes , Gómez‐Flores Minerva , Lavalle‐González Fernando Javier , Ocampo‐Candiani Jorge , Villarreal‐Pérez Jesús Zacarías
Published: December 2008

Background  Epidemiological studies have associated androgenetic alopecia (AGA) with severe young‐age coronary artery disease and hypertension, and linked it to insulin resistance. We carried out a case–control study in age‐ and weight‐matched young males to study the link between AGA and insulin resistance using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) index or metabolic syndrome clinical manifestations.

Methods  Eighty young males, 18–35 years old, with AGA ≥ stage III in the Hamilton–Norwood classification, and 80 weight‐ and age‐matched controls were included. Alopecia, glucose, serum insulin, HOMA‐IR index, lipid profile and androgen levels, as well as metabolic syndrome criteria, were evaluated.

Results  The HOMA‐IR index was significantly higher in cases than controls. Nonobese cases had a higher mean diastolic blood pressure and a more frequent family history of AGA than nonobese controls. A borderline difference in the HOMA‐IR index was found in obese AGA cases vs. obese controls [P = 0·055, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·36–4·20 vs. 1·75–2·73]. Free testosterone values were significantly higher in controls than cases, regardless of body mass index (BMI). A statistically significant additive effect for obesity plus alopecia was found, with significant trends for insulin, the HOMA‐IR index, lipids and free testosterone when BMI and alopecia status were used to classify the participants.

Conclusions  Our results support the recommendation for assessing insulin resistance and cardiovascular‐related features and disorders in all young males with stage III or higher AGA, according to the Hamilton–Norwood classification.
No increased risk of hypoglycaemic episodes during 48 h of subcutaneous glucagon‐like‐peptide‐1 administration in fasting healthy subjects
Authors: Lerche Susanne , Soendergaard Liselotte , Rungby Joergen , Moeller Niels , Holst Jens Juul , Schmitz Ole E. , Brock Birgitte
Published: December 2008

Objective  It is uncertain whether the ability to avoid hypoglycaemia during fasting is preserved, and the risk of reactive hypoglycaemia after an oral glucose stimulus following a prolonged fasting period is increased at augmented glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) levels.

Design  A randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled cross‐over study in eight healthy men to assess the safety, in terms of hypoglycaemia, of a continuously infused pharmacological dose of native GLP‐1 during long‐term fasting. After an overnight fast the fasting period continued for 48 h and was followed by a 3‐h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). GLP‐1(7‐36 amide) or placebo was continuously infused subcutaneously and titrated to a dose of 4·8 pmol/kg per min.

Results  Two subjects in the GLP‐1 group and one subject in the placebo group were withdrawn due to protocol specified plasma glucose (PG) ≤ 2·8 mm and neuroglycopaenic symptoms.

The infusion of GLP‐1 resulted in pharmacological levels of intact GLP‐1. During the fasting period PG, insulin and C‐peptide levels declined and glucagon, GH and free fatty acid (FFA) levels increased with no differences between GLP‐1 and placebo. During OGTT circulating levels of insulin and C‐peptide were higher with GLP‐1 infusion. However, PG was similar during GLP‐1 vs. placebo infusions. GLP‐1 infusion increased norepinephrine and cortisol levels during OGTT.

Conclusion  The counter‐regulatory response during 48 h of subcutaneous GLP‐1 infusion was preserved despite long‐term fasting with no apparent increased risk of hypoglycaemic episodes. No reactive hypoglycaemia was observed when the fast was followed by an OGTT. Thus use of long‐acting GLP‐1 analogues may not increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.
An inducible HSP70 gene from the midge Chironomus dilutus: characterization and transcription profile under environmental stress
Authors: Karouna‐Renier N. K. , Rao K. Ranga
Published: December 2008

In the present study, we identified and characterized an inducible heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) from the midge Chironomus dilutus and investigated the transcriptional profile of the gene under baseline and environmentally stressful conditions. Using real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), we observed increased expression of CD‐HSP70‐1 in response to both heat shock and copper stress. We also investigated the expression of this gene during midge development. All C. dilutus developmental stages expressed CD‐HSP70‐1 under normal conditions, although at extremely low levels. Phylogenetic analysis of the amino acid sequence demonstrated distinct clustering of this gene with inducible HSP70s from other insect species.
Adaptation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to various conditions includes tRNA‐dependent formation of alanyl‐phosphatidylglycerol
Authors: Klein Stefanie , Lorenzo Carlos , Hoffmann Sonja , Walther Johannes M. , Storbeck Sonja , Piekarski Tanja , Tindall Bryan J. , Wray Victor , Nimtz Manfred , Moser Jürgen
Published: December 2008

The opportunistic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa synthesizes significant amounts of an additional phospholipid, identified as 2′ alanyl‐phosphatidylglycerol (A‐PG), when exposed to acidic growth conditions. At pH 5.3 A‐PG contributed up to 6% to the overall lipid content of the bacterium. Sequence analysis of P. aeruginosa revealed open reading frame PA0920 showing 34% sequence identity to a protein from Staphylococcus aureus involved in tRNA‐dependent formation of lysyl‐phosphatidylglycerol. The P. aeruginosa deletion mutant ΔPA0920 failed to synthesize A‐PG. Heterologous overproduction of PA0920 in Escherichia coli resulted in the formation of significant amounts of A‐PG, otherwise not synthesized by E. coli. Consequently, the protein encoded by PA0920 was named A‐PG synthase. The enzyme was identified as an integral component of the inner membrane. The protein was partially purified by detergent solubilization and subjected to an in vitro activity assay. tRNAAla‐dependent catalysis was demonstrated. Transcriptional analysis of the corresponding gene in P. aeruginosa using lacZ reporter gene fusion under various pH conditions indicated a 4.4‐fold acid‐activated transcription. A phenotype microarray analysis was used to identify further conditions for A‐PG function.
Comparison of the A–Cc curve fitting methods in determining maximum ribulose 1·5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase carboxylation rate, potential light saturated electron transport rate and leaf dark respiration
Authors: MIAO ZEWEI , XU MING , LATHROP RICHARD G. , WANG YUFEI
Published: December 2008

A review of the literature revealed that a variety of methods are currently used for fitting net assimilation of CO2–chloroplastic CO2 concentration (A–Cc) curves, resulting in considerable differences in estimating the A–Cc parameters [including maximum ribulose 1·5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) carboxylation rate (Vcmax), potential light saturated electron transport rate (Jmax), leaf dark respiration in the light (Rd), mesophyll conductance (gm) and triose‐phosphate utilization (TPU)]. In this paper, we examined the impacts of fitting methods on the estimations of Vcmax, Jmax, TPU, Rd and gm using grid search and non‐linear fitting techniques. Our results suggested that the fitting methods significantly affected the predictions of Rubisco‐limited (Ac), ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate‐limited (Aj) and TPU‐limited (Ap) curves and leaf photosynthesis velocities because of the inconsistent estimate of Vcmax, Jmax, TPU, Rd and gm, but they barely influenced the Jmax : Vcmax, Vcmax : Rd and Jmax : TPU ratio. In terms of fitting accuracy, simplicity of fitting procedures and sample size requirement, we recommend to combine grid search and non‐linear techniques to directly and simultaneously fit Vcmax, Jmax, TPU, Rd and gm with the whole A–Cc curve in contrast to the conventional method, which fits Vcmax, Rd or gm first and then solves for Vcmax, Jmax and/or TPU with Vcmax, Rd and/or gm held as constants.
Functional dissection of the cytosolic chaperone network in tomato mesophyll protoplasts
Authors: TRIPP JOANNA , MISHRA SHRAVAN KUMAR , SCHARF KLAUS‐DIETER
Published: December 2008

The heat stress response is universal to all organisms. Upon elevated temperatures, heat stress transcription factors (Hsfs) are activated to up‐regulate the expression of molecular chaperones to protect cells against heat damages. In higher plants, the phenomenon is unusually complex both at the level of Hsfs and heat stress proteins (Hsps). Over‐expression of both Hsfs and Hsps and the use of RNA interference for gene knock‐down in a transient system in tomato protoplasts allowed us to dissect the in vivo chaperone functions of essential components of thermotolerance, such as the cytoplasmic sHsp, Hsp70 and Hsp100 chaperone families, and the regulation of their expression. The results point to specific functions of the different components in protection from protein denaturation and in refolding of denatured proteins.
Benthic microbial mats: a possible major component of organic matter accumulation in the Lower Aptian oceanic anoxic event
Authors: Gorin Georges , Fiet Nicolas , Pacton Muriel
Published: December 2008

Oceanic anoxic events (OAEs) throughout the Cretaceous were periods of high organic carbon burial leading to drawdown of atmospheric carbon dioxide and lowering of bottom‐water oxygen concentration, thereby enhancing the preservation of organic matter (OM). Two dynamic depositional models have been proposed for these events in the Tethyan domain: one is based on strong thermohaline stratification and low surface productivity, the other on high surface productivity with intensified deep‐water circulation. Here, we propose another explanation for the concentration of OM, derived essentially from microscopical observations (scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope) in the organic‐richest interval of an Early Aptian OAE in central Italy (OAE1a or Selli level, 116 Ma). This high‐resolution microscopical study of OM highlights benthic microbial mats as the possible source of organic‐rich samples where amorphous OM is the major organic constituent. These mats could be more common in OAE black shales than previously thought.
Ovarian Follicular Dynamics. A review with Emphasis on the Bovine Species. Part II: Antral Development, Exogenous Influence and Future Prospects
Authors: Aerts JMJ , Bols PEJ
Published: December 2008

Contents

During an oestrous cycle, a cohort of antral follicles develops into – depending on the species – one or more ovulatory follicles. The bovine oestrous cycle is characterized by two to three such cohorts or growth waves, only the last of which will result in an ovulation. In every growth wave, several antral follicles are recruited for development. Recruited follicles are subjected to a selection process, whereby ever decreasing levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are available to the FSH dependent follicles. In the cow, a single follicle from the cohort will acquire dominance. The ability of the dominant follicle to prosper under basic FSH levels is ascribed to a transition in hormone dependency from FSH to luteinizing hormone. The exact follicle selection mechanism remains, however, to be elucidated. The beginning of this article focuses on the recruitment, selection and dominance phases in antral follicle development. Subsequently, the conditions leading to successful maturation and ovulation are discussed. The next section expounds upon the mechanisms for exogenous modulation of follicular dynamics with the aim of superovulation/superstimulation, and finally prospective future research directions are sketched.
L‐type amino‐acid transporter 1 as a novel biomarker for high‐grade malignancy in prostate cancer
Authors: Sakata Takeshi , Ferdous Golam , Tsuruta Tomoko , Satoh Takefumi , Baba Shiro , Muto Tomoko , Ueno Akinori , Kanai Yoshikatsu , Endou Hitoshi , Okayasu Isao
Published: December 2008

To find reliable biomarkers for high‐grade malignancy, the relationship between immunohistochemical L‐type amino‐acid transporter 1 (LAT1) expression of biopsy samples, determined with the newly developed monoclonal antibody against human LAT1, and prognosis of patients with prostate cancer, was investigated. The intensity and score of immunohistochemical LAT1 expression of first biopsy samples were assessed using the modified Sinicrope et al. method and were found to be correlated with poor survival for the study group of 114 surgically treated patients as a whole (P = 0.0002 and 0.0270, respectively). LAT1 intensity further had a significant relationship (P = 0.0057) with prognosis in pathological T3 + T4 groups. Multivariate analysis indicated that the LAT1 intensity and score were more reliable prognostic markers, compared with the Gleason score and the Ki‐67 labeling index. A relationship of the LAT1 intensity and score with prognosis could also be confirmed in 63 patients with inoperable cancer (P = 0.0070 and <0.0001, respectively). Similarly, significant differences in prognosis were confirmed in clinical T3 + T4 groups (P = 0.0091 and 0.0244, respectively). Moreover, the combination of LAT1 expression and Gleason score was found to have a more reliable correlation with prognosis. Thus, elevated LAT1 expression in prostate cancers is a novel independent biomarker of high‐grade malignancy, which can be utilized together with the Gleason score, which is mainly dependent on cellular and structural atypia, to assess prognosis.
Therapeutic strategy targeting the mTOR–HIF‐1α–VEGF pathway in ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma
Authors: Miyazawa Masaki , Yasuda Masanori , Fujita Mariko , Kajiwara Hiroshi , Hirabayashi Kenichi , Takekoshi Susumu , Hirasawa Takeshi , Murakami Masaru , Ogane Naoki , Kiguchi Kazushige , Ishiwata Isamu , Mikami Mikio , Osamura R. Yoshiyuki
Published: December 2008

Malignant tumors usually involve a relatively hypoxic state, which induces overexpression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) to satisfactorily enable the tumor to survive. Thus, inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway including HIF‐1α is expected to play a major role in suppression of tumor cell growth, having recently drawn much attention as an anti‐cancer therapeutic strategy for various malignant tumors. In the present study, which compared clear cell adenocarcinoma (CLA) of the ovary with serous adenocarcinoma (SEA), the immunohistochemical expression of mTOR, phosphorylated‐mTOR (p‐mTOR), HIF‐1α, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was examined in surgically resected specimens of 29 SEA and 47 CLA. There were no significant differences in expression of mTOR, HIF‐1α and VEGF between SEA and CLA, but it was noted that p‐mTOR expression was more prominent in CLA than SEA. Then, using the cell lines of CLA (RMG‐1 and W3uF), an experimental study was designed to clarify whether tumor suppression due to downregulation of mTOR activity could represent a promising therapeutic strategy for CLA. After treatment of an analogue of rapamycin (everolimus), expression of mTOR, p‐mTOR, HIF‐1α and VEGF was examined on western blot. As a result, although mTOR expression remained unchangeable, expression of p‐mTOR, HIF‐1α and VEGF was shown to be sharply depressed. The same expression alterations were demonstrated in the xenograft model treated with everolimus. In conclusion, mTOR‐targeted therapy through usage of drugs such as everolimus may be more effective for CLA of the ovary because of its significant expression of p‐mTOR.
Epithelioid angiomyolipoma of the kidney
Authors: Kato Ikuma , Inayama Yoshiaki , Yamanaka Shoji , Ohshiro Hisashi , Gomi Kiyoshi , Shirai Sumiko , Aoki Ichiro , Uemura Hiroji , Miyoshi Yasuhide , Kubota Yoshinobu , Yao Masahiro , Nagashima Yoji
Published: December 2008

Epithelioid angiomyolipoma (eAMLoma) is an uncommon renal mesenchymal tumor with malignant potential and is frequently associated with tuberous sclerosis (TSC). It is composed of polygonal large‐sized tumor cells arranged in an epithelioid manner. Differential diagnosis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is often challenging because of its epithelioid morphology. Herein is reported three cases of eAMLoma, involving one in a 28‐year‐old man with TSC and two in women without TSC (34 and 62 years of age, respectively). The male TSC patient had microscopic conventional AMLomas in the same kidney. All patients were positive for melanoma (reactive with HMB45 antibody, and positive for melan A, tyrosinase and microphthalmia transcription factor) and smooth muscle markers (positive for α‐smooth muscle‐specific actin), but not for epithelial markers (cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen). In particular, the translocation RCC is an important differential diagnostic candidate, in terms of the positive reaction with HMB45 and morphological similarity. The present tumor samples did not show any reactivity for transcription factor binding to IGHM enhancer 3 or transcription factor EB, which excluded the possibility of translocation RCC. The possibility of eAMLoma should be evaluated as a diagnostic candidate, especially in cases of renal tumors (i) in young patients; (ii) associated with TSC; or (iii) with an epithelioid morphology and a high nuclear grade.
Adult teratoid Wilms' tumor with prominent neuroepithelial differentiation
Authors: Seo Jinwon , Suh Yeon‐Lim , Choi Han Yong
Published: December 2008

Teratoid Wilms' tumor is a rare variant of Wilms' tumor (WT) that has been reported exclusively in pediatric patients. The present paper describes a teratoid WT in a 50‐year‐old Korean man with a giant right renal mass. Radical nephrectomy was performed under the impression that the mass was a renal cell carcinoma. Grossly, the removed kidney contained a giant well‐encapsulated mass measuring 24 × 18 × 10 cm with cystic changes, necrosis, and hemorrhage. On microscopy triphasic patterns of WT and prominent heterologous components were seen, including rhabdomyoblasts, neuroepithelial tissue, fat, cartilage, and various types of mature epithelium. This is the first reported case of a teratoid WT occurring in an adult kidney.
Intraductal tubular carcinoma, intestinal type, of the pancreas
Authors: Terada Tadashi
Published: December 2008

Presented herein is an unusual case of intraductal tubular carcinoma, intestinal type, of the pancreas. This tumor was characterized by intraductal adenoma with a few malignant foci, and also by entire involvement of the main pancreatic duct and no involvement of its branches. A 67‐year‐old man was admitted to hospital because of abdominal pain. On endoscopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, irregular pancreatic duct was seen. No mucus secretion was observed on endoscopy. Because a biopsy showed tubular atypical cells, pancreato‐duodenectomy was performed. Grossly, the entire main pancreatic duct had intraductal tumor, sparing its branches. No intraductal mucus was noted. Microscopically, the entire main pancreatic duct had proliferation of tubular adenomatous tumor without secretory mucins. Goblet cells were present in some areas. No pyloric type tubules were recognized. Malignant transformation was present in a few areas. No invasive features were recognized. On mucin histochemistry the tumor cell cytoplasm contained a little or no neutral and acidic mucus, and no secretory mucins were recognized. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratins (CK), CK 8, 9, 18, 19 and 20, epithelial membrane antigen, CDX2, carbohydrate antigen 19‐9, and Ki‐67 (labeling 30%), MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC6, and CD10. The tumor cells were negative for C‐erbB2, MUC1, trypsin, pancreatic amylase and pancreatic lipase. The tumor cells were negative for p53 protein, but the malignant foci were positive for p53 protein and had high Ki‐67 antigen (labeling 60%). The patient was free of disease 4 years after the operation. In summary, presented here is an extremely rare case of intraductal tubular carcinoma, intestinal type, showing focal malignant foci.
Endocannabinoid‐dependent plasticity at GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses in the striatum is regulated by synaptic activity
Authors: Adermark Louise , Talani Giuseppe , Lovinger David M.
Published: December 2008

Long‐term depression (LTD) at striatal synapses is mediated by postsynaptic endocannabinoid (eCB) release and presynaptic cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) activation. Previous studies have indicated that eCB mobilization at excitatory synapses might be regulated by afferent activation. To further address the role of neuronal activity in synaptic plasticity we examined changes in synaptic strength induced by the L‐type calcium channel activator 2,5‐dimethyl‐4‐[2‐(phenylmethyl)benzoyl]‐1H‐pyrrole‐3‐carboxylic acid methyl ester (FPL 64176, FPL) at glutamatergic and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic synapses in the striatum. We found that the basic mechanisms for FPL‐mediated eCB signaling are the same at glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses. FPL‐induced LTD (FPL‐LTD) was blocked in slices treated with the CB1R antagonist AM251 (2 μm), but established depression was not reversed by AM251. FPL‐LTD was temperature dependent, blocked by protein translation inhibitors and prevented by intracellular loading of the anandamide transporter inhibitor VDM11 (10 μm) at both glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses. FPL‐LTD at glutamatergic synapses required paired‐pulse afferent stimulation, while FPL‐LTD at GABAergic synapses could be induced even in the absence of explicit afferent activation. By evaluating tetrodotoxin‐insensitive spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents we found that neuronal firing is vital for eCB release and LTD induction at GABAergic synapses, but not for short‐term depression induced by CB1R agonist. The data presented here suggest that the level of neuronal firing regulates eCB signaling by modulating release from the postsynaptic cell, as well as interacting with presynaptic mechanisms to induce LTD at both glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses in the striatum.
Continuous glucose monitoring as a tool to identify hyperglycaemia in non‐diabetic patients with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Radermecker R. P. , Sultan A. , Piot C. , Remy A. S. , Avignon A. , Renard E.
Published: December 2008

Aim  To explore the occurrence and the distribution of glucose excursions > 7.8 mmol/l by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in non‐diabetic patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods  Twenty‐one non‐diabetic patients without baseline hyperglycaemia admitted for ACS wore a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) for a median period of 45.6 h. Occurrence and 24‐h distribution of time spent with blood glucose > 7.8 mmol/l (TS > 7.8) were retrospectively investigated.

Results  CGMS data disclosed time spent > 7.8 in 17 patients, whereas only seven of them showed at least one capillary blood glucose test value above the threshold for the same time period. Glucose excursions were detectable earlier from CGMS data. Hyperglycaemia was detected most frequently in the morning, more than 2 h after breakfast.

Conclusions  CGM discloses early and frequent hyperglycaemia in non‐diabetic patients with ACS. Intensive glucose monitoring during the morning time period is the most efficient in screening for hyperglycaemia and could be a valuable guide to initiating insulin therapy and to further investigate outcomes in ACS.
Anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with diabetes
Authors: Collins M. M. , Corcoran P. , Perry I. J.
Published: December 2008

Aims  To identify the prevalence and major determinants of anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with diabetes.

Methods  A cross‐sectional study of 2049 people with Types 1 and 2 diabetes, selected from patients experiencing three different models of care in Ireland: (i) traditional mixed care; (ii) hospital/general practitioner (GP) shared care; (iii) structured GP care. Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Analyses were conducted primarily using logistic regression with adjustment for relevant confounders.

Results  The overall response rate was 71% (n = 1456). Based on the HADS, there was evidence of high levels of anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with diabetes; 32.0% (95% confidence interval = 29.5–34.6%) exceeded the HADS cut‐off score of ‘mild to severe’ anxiety and 22.4% (95% confidence interval = 20.2–24.7%) exceeded the HADS cut‐off score of ‘mild to severe’ depression. Diabetes complications, smoking, uncertainty about glycaemic control and being an ex‐drinker or a heavy drinker were risk factors for both higher anxiety and depression scores in multivariate analysis. Female gender and poor glycaemic control were risks factors associated only with higher anxiety scores. Higher socio‐economic status and older age were protective factors for lower anxiety and depression scores. Type of diabetes, insulin use, marital status and models of care were not significant predictors of anxiety and depression scores.

Conclusions  The prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with diabetes is considerably higher than in general population samples. These data serve as a benchmark for the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with diabetes.
Deep‐sea pelagic ichthyonekton diversity in the Atlantic Ocean and the adjacent sector of the Southern Ocean
Authors: Fock Heino O.
Published: December 2008

Aim  Deep‐sea pelagic diversity is poorly understood. Local (SL) and regional (SR) ichthyonekton species richness are presented and analysed with respect to local and regional environmental factors, and biogeographical processes.

Location  Sixty‐six stations from the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent sector of the Southern Ocean, 65° N to 57° S.

Methods  Estimation of SL by means of rarefaction. Stepwise evaluation of SL and SR relationships by means of the second‐order corrected Akaike information criterion (AICc) after locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOESS) and linear fitting, analysis of saturation effects by means of slopes of species accumulation curves (log–log plots).

Results  Latitudinal gradients were present for SL and SR, and were asymmetric between the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Relatively low species richness was encountered for the Southern Ocean. Asymmetry at the regional level by means of higher SR was attributed to area effects in the South Atlantic. Log–log plots indicated saturation of local assemblages and dependence on environmental factors. SL was related to productivity; this relationship was hump‐shaped. SR was positively related to area size and negatively to seasonality of production. Biogeographical effects were indicated in that SR peaks coincided with overlap zones of boreal and tropical faunas as a consequence of historical faunal exchange processes.

Main conclusions  The stepwise approach allowed for distinction between effects of area size, productivity and biogeographical processes on diversity at local and regional scales. Productivity in particular is important in two ways. At the local scale, the link of productivity to SL is explained by a successional‐functional hypothesis of resource utilization, whereas the seasonality effect for SR reinforces the hypothesis of dependence of deep‐sea fishes on seasonality of production through changes of life‐history traits. The causes of low Antarctic faunal diversity remained unresolved.
Walking for prevention of cardiovascular disease in men and women: a systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Boone‐Heinonen J. , Evenson K. R. , Taber D. R. , Gordon‐Larsen P.
Published: December 2008

In this systematic review, walking (a generally accessible activity for a largely sedentary population) was assessed as a preventive risk factor for development of fatal and non‐fatal cardiovascular disease (CVD). PubMed, CINHAL and reference list searches identified 21 peer‐reviewed publications examining walking in relation to CVD; studies assessing active transportation were excluded. Generally, there were dose‐dependent reductions in CVD risk with higher walking duration, distance, energy expenditure and pace. Associations appeared to be stronger for ischaemic stroke than other CVD outcomes such as coronary heart disease or haemorrhagic stroke. Adjustment for clinical CVD risk factors, obesity or other types of physical activity generally attenuated but did not eliminate associations. Because functional status may be an important determinant of walking behaviour in adults, potential bias due to pre‐existing illness is of concern in all studies reviewed, particularly in case–control studies which ascertain walking retrospectively and yielded the strongest associations. Study findings were consistent with current physical activity recommendations, but there is a need for improvements in measurement of walking and other CVD risk factors, more thorough control for pre‐existing illness, examination of mediating or moderating conditions such as obesity and other analytical issues.
Prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in Indigenous Australian youths
Authors: Valery P. C. , Moloney A. , Cotterill A. , Harris M. , Sinha A. K. , Green A. C.
Published: December 2008

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of Indigenous youths residing in the Torres Strait region of Australia to assess the prevalence of obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Data on body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, presence of acanthosis nigricans and blood glucose were collected. Fasting glucose, insulin, C‐Peptide, HbA1c and lipids were measured, and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed in those with a BMI greater than 25 (childhood‐equivalent cut‐points) or fasting glucometer reading >5.5 mmol/L. Of 158 youths, 31% were overweight and 15% were obese, 38% had enlarged waist circumference consistent with central obesity, 43% had acanthosis nigricans and 27% were hypertensive. More females than males had enlarged waist circumferences (59% vs. 13%, P < 0.001). Among overweight or obese youth, 56% had significantly elevated insulin (P = 0.021); they also had higher HOMA‐IR (P = 0.002). The metabolic syndrome was present in 17% of all youths (mostly females) and in 33% of the overweight or obese subgroup. Type 2 diabetes was diagnosed in two youths. These very high proportions of overweight or obese Torres Strait youth with metabolic risk factors have major public health implications.
Yes, We Will! Voluntarism in US E‐Waste Governance
Authors: Renckens Stefan
Published: December 2008

Electronic waste has recently emerged as an environmental issue of growing concern. This is due to the increasing consumption of electronic devices and a heightened awareness for the potentially detrimental environmental impact of a non‐sustainable management of these devices in their end‐of‐life stage. In this article e‐waste governance in the USA will be explored. More specifically, the voluntary collaborative initiatives that are taken at the federal level, in a context where a general regulatory framework is largely absent, will be examined. Such voluntarism is linked to a larger trend towards voluntary action in US environmental governance and to a particular framing of the e‐waste problem as a materials management, instead of a waste management, challenge with shared responsibilities for all stakeholders. A critical exploration of the various initiatives will show that the voluntary public–private partnerships on e‐waste have only produced limited results so far.
Current and Future Hazardous Substance Legislation Affecting Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Authors: Goodman Paul
Published: December 2008

Electrical and electronic equipment manufacturers are subjected to an increasing number of restrictions on the substances that they can use to build their products. Many are hazardous substances that could potentially harm human beings or the environment, whereas some other more recent restrictions affect substances where no risk has been demonstrated. Legislation is being imposed worldwide with the EU in the forefront, with other countries following with similar restrictions. This article describes current restrictions worldwide and possible new future restrictions that might be imposed in the foreseeable future.
Quality of Life for the Camberwell Cohort
Authors: Beadle‐Brown Julie , Murphy Glynis , DiTerlizzi Michele
Published: December 2008

Background  Despite the acknowledged difficulties of measuring satisfaction for people with intellectual disabilities, the current study examined the quality of life (QoL) of the Camberwell Cohort, a total population sample of people with severe intellectual disability and/or autism [Wing & Gould, Epidemiology and Classification, 9, 1979, 11].

Methods  The Lifestyle Satisfaction Scale (LSS) [Harner & Heal, Research in Developmental Disabilities, 14, 1993a, 221] was combined with selected questions from the Quality of Life Questionnaire Schalock & Keith 1993, Quality of Life Questionnaire, IDS Publishing Corporation, Worthington and conducted with 12 people with intellectual disabilities and 72 proxy respondents.

Results  Inter‐rater reliability on overall score was available for 10 participants and was acceptable with a Spearman’s Rank order correlation co‐efficient over 0.8. There were no significant differences between the scores of proxies and service users on the domains of the LSS. The sample of service users who completed the interviews was too small to allow further detailed analysis of their responses. However, responses from the proxy interviews indicated that there were no differences in life satisfaction between those socially impaired and socially able. However those with autism were reported to be less satisfied on Community Satisfaction while those with challenging behaviour had lower scores overall and specifically on Community Satisfaction. Those with an IQ below 50 had lower scores overall, than those with an IQ above 50 and specifically on Recreation Satisfaction. Linear regression analysis on total QoL score indicated that only three variables seemed to be important in predicting proxy QoL scores: challenging behaviour at Time 3, IQ at Time 3 and independent living skills at Time 1.

Conclusions  Despite the difficulties encountered, this study provided some support for the widely help belief that QoL is lower for those with intellectual disability and for those with challenging behaviour.
Studying Grout Propagation in Granular Soils by Image Processing Techniques
Authors: Ait Alaiwa A. , Saiyouri N. , Hicher P.‐Y.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  This article presents two image‐processing techniques which allow studying grout propagation in granular soils. The first one deals with the evaluation of the cement grout concentration using UV spectrophotometry. The second is based on image segmentation processing: active contour model. We propose to develop the active contour model image analysis technique. This process, currently applied in the field of medicine, can be transposed to grout flow detection during soil injection. They are powerful image segmentation techniques that combine geometry, physics and approximation theory. Two distinct formulations exist to employ these techniques, parametric or geometric curves. These models have proven to be effective in segmenting and tracking non‐rigid structures. They exploit features derived from the image data together with a prior knowledge about the location, size and shape of these structures. We focus on a parametric approach for deformable models. They support highly intuitive interaction mechanisms. Those mechanisms allow, when necessary, researchers to bring their expertise to bear on the model‐based image interpretation task. In this paper, we show the development of the two different image analysis methods employed in our experiments for grout detection and grout concentration measurement.
Delamination Effect on Bending Behaviour in Carbon–Epoxy Composites
Authors: Amaro A. M. , Reis P. N. B. , de Moura M. F. S. F.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  This paper presents the results of experimental and numerical studies on the bending behaviour of carbon fibre‐reinforced epoxy composite containing delamination located at different positions along the laminate thickness. Experimental tests were conducted in three‐point bending using specimens with and without delamination to evaluate their bending behaviour. Numerical simulations were also performed in order to evaluate the maximum load as a function of the defect position and its size. The numerical model includes two‐dimensional solid elements of the ABAQUS software and a cohesive mixed mode damage model to simulate delamination propagation. The numerical and experimental results concerning the maximum load were found to be concordant. It was concluded that delaminations affect the bending behaviour of laminates mainly due to alterations in shear stress profiles.
A New Static and Fatigue Compression Test Method for Composites
Authors: Bech J. I. , Goutianos S. , Andersen T. L. , Torekov R. K. , Brøndsted P.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  A new test method to determine the compressive properties of composite materials under both static and fatigue loading was developed. The novel fixture is based on the concept of transmitting the load by a fixed ratio of end‐to‐shear loading. The end‐to‐shear load ratio is kept fixed during the test through a mechanical mechanism, which automatically maintains the gripping pressure. The combined loading method has proven very efficient in static loading and is used in the new fixture which is specially designed for fatigue testing. Optimum gripping (shear loading) and alignment of the test coupon are achieved throughout the fatigue life. The fatigue strength obtained is more reliable because bending of the specimen due to poor gripping and alignment is minimised. The application of the new fixture to static and fatigue compression is demonstrated by using unidirectional carbon/epoxy and glass/polyester composite systems. Repeatable results and acceptable failure modes are obtained under both static and fatigue loading.
Affiliative Segregation of Outsiders from a Community: Bonding and Bridging Social Capital in Hachimori‐cho, Japan
Authors: Horiuchi Shiro
Published: December 2008

Abstract:Social capital makes cooperation possible even in situations of social dilemma. People develop bonding social capital when their network is dense. However, bonding social capital tends to make them look inward and to foster strong out‐group hostility, which hinders the development of bridging social capital between groups. I investigated the possibility that bonding social capital may help develop bridging social capital from which all group members gain profits. Fieldwork was conducted in Hachimori‐cho, Japan, where outsider Saru‐Oiage volunteers are segregated from community residents. The volunteers have dense social networks and develop bonding social capital. They gain skills and take pride and responsibility in their actions from the bonding social capital, so that they can pursue the same interests as community residents, namely, expel monkeys from farmlands. Residents accept volunteers eagerly because they work well, and the existence of “good” outsiders contributes to the development of local identity. An affiliative relationship between volunteers and residents is maintained by the enormous efforts of the coordinators. Because the coordinators recently immigrated to Hachimori, they could understand the situations of outsiders as well as those of community residents, and they gain the most benefits from bridging social capital. These conditions were necessary for bridging social capital, or the cooperative relationship, between the two groups in Hachimori‐cho.
Has the Youth Labor Market in Japan Changed? An Event History Analysis Approach
Authors: Nakazawa Wataru
Published: December 2008

Abstract: This paper examines whether the Japanese youth labor market has become more unstable, particularly since the 1990s. To address this problem, I suggest that we consider the transition rate of job exit to be the benchmark of instability in the labor market and focus on workers’ career histories until they reach the age of 34 years. This paper presents six hypotheses that explain the instability of the youth labor market as follows: the total increase in the job‐exit transition rate, the higher risk of job exit for provisional workers, the increase in the number of provisional workers, the increasing transition rate for provisional workers and stable regular workers, the impact of firm size, and the impact of the collapse of the bubble economy. I present the summary statistics of job exit rates and the results of the Cox partial likelihood estimation models. A conspicuous phenomenon of the 1990s entailed an increasing number of provisional workers who ran a higher risk of job exits compared to regular workers. However, the job exit transition rates are generally stable. Moreover, the transition rates for regular female workers have decreased since the 1980s due to the increasing realization of gender equality in society. Although partial likelihood estimation states that firm size and the type of officer concerned (public/private) had significant effects on the transition rates, their effect did not intensify after the collapse of the bubble economy. In sum, the evidence that the Japanese youth labor market changed in the 1990s is limited.
Television and Political Alienation: Does Television News Induce Political Cynicism and Inefficacy in Japan?
Authors: Saito Shinichi
Published: December 2008

Abstract:In many democratic societies, including Japan, political alienation such as political cynicism or inefficacy is widespread among the general public. Some researchers argue that along with various other factors embedded in political systems, the mass media, particularly television, plays a crucial role in promoting or intensifying political alienation. Focusing on the influence of the media, this study examines whether television news induces political cynicism and inefficacy in Japan. Previous research has indicated that public and commercial broadcasts may have different impacts on the political attitude of the audience. Thus, this study predicts that the relationship between television news exposure and political alienation would be stronger among those who exclusively watch commercial news programs. The results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicate that among non‐Nippon Hoso Kyokai (NHK) news viewers, those who view television news more frequently are more likely to feel politically inefficacious, and that those who rely exclusively on television for political information are more likely to be politically cynical. However, negative influences associated with television reliance or television news viewing are not observed among the NHK news viewers, although positive influences are also not observed. Thus, according to the results, the “videomalaise” effect would be limited to certain viewers. This article discusses the implications of the findings and also suggests that more exclusive psychological explanations be examined for the videomalaise effect.