bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
External Economies and International Trade Redux: Comment*
Authors: Lyn Gary , Rodríguez-Clare Andrés
Published: June 2013

Recently, Gene Grossman and Esteban Rossi-Hansberg (GRH; “External Economies and International Trade: Redux,” Quarterly Journal of Economics 125 [2010], 829–858) proposed a novel way to think about the implications of international trade in the presence of national external economies at the industry level. Instead of perfect competition and two industries, GRH assume Bertrand competition and a continuum of industries. GRH conclude that the equilibrium is unique if transport costs are low, that there is no trade for high transport costs, and that there is no equilibrium in pure strategies when transport costs are intermediate. In this note we reexamine the equilibrium analysis under different transport costs for a single industry (partial equilibrium) version of GRH’s model. We confirm many of GRH’s results, but also find that there are circumstances under which there are multiple equilibria, including equilibria in which trade patterns run counter to “natural” comparative advantage, and also find that there is a profitable deviation to the mixed-strategy equilibrium postulated by GRH for intermediate trading costs. We propose an alternative set of strategies for this case and establish that they constitute an equilibrium.
Aspirin‐triggered 15‐epi‐lipoxin A4 predicts cyclooxygenase‐2 in the lungs of LPS‐treated mice but not in the circulation: implications for a clinical test
Authors: Kirkby Nicholas S. , Chan Melissa V. , Lundberg Martina H. , Massey Karen A. , Edmands William M. B. , MacKenzie Louise S. , Holmes Elaine , Nicolaou Anna , Warner Timothy D. , Mitchell Jane A.
Published: June 2013

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 increases cardiovascular deaths. Identifying a biomarker of COX‐2 is desirable but difficult, since COX‐1 and COX‐2 ordinarily catalyze formation of an identical product, prostaglandin H2. When acetylated by aspirin, however, COX‐2 (but not COX‐1) can form 15(R)‐HETE, which is metabolized to aspirin‐triggered lipoxin (ATL), 15‐epi‐lipoxin A4. Here we have used COX‐1‐ and COX‐2‐knockout mice to establish whether plasma ATL could be used as a biomarker of vascular COX‐2 in vivo. Vascular COX‐2 was low but increased by LPS (10 mg/kg; i.p). Aspirin (10 mg/kg; i.v.) inhibited COX‐1, measured as blood thromboxane and COX‐2, measured as lung PGE2. Aspirin also increased the levels of ATL in the lungs of LPS‐treated wild‐type C57B16 mice (vehicle: 25.5±9.3 ng/ml; 100 mg/kg: 112.0±7.4 ng/ml; P<0.05). Despite this, ATL was unchanged in plasma after LPS and aspirin. This was true in wild‐type as well as COX‐1–/– and COX‐2–/– mice. Thus, in mice in which COX‐2 has been induced by LPS treatment, aspirin triggers detectable 15‐epi‐lipoxin A4 in lung tissue, but not in plasma. This important study is the first to demonstrate that while ATL can be measured in tissue, plasma ATL is not a biomarker of vascular COX‐2 expression.—Kirkby, N. S., Chan, M. V., Lundberg, M. H., Massey, K. A., Edmands, W. M. B., MacKenzie, L. S., Holmes, E., Nicolaou, A., Warner, T. D., Mitchell, J. A., Aspirint‐riggered 15‐epi‐lipoxin A4 predicts cyclooxygenase‐2 in the lungs of LPS‐treated mice but not in the circulation: implications for a clinical test. FASEB J. 27, 3938–3946 (2013). www.fasebj.org
Indoxyl sulfate signals for rapid mRNA stabilization of Cbp/p300‐interacting transactivator with Glu/Asp‐rich carboxy‐terminal domain 2 (CITED2) and suppresses the expression of hypoxia‐inducible genes in experimental CKD and uremia
Authors: Tanaka Tetsuhiro , Yamaguchi Junna , Higashijima Yoshiki , Nangaku Masaomi
Published: June 2013

Chronic hypoxia in the tubulointerstitium serves as a final common pathway in progressive renal disease. Circumstantial evidence suggests that hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1 in the ischemic tubules may be functionally inhibited in a chronic kidney disease (CKD) milieu. In this study, we hypothesized that indoxyl sulfate (IS), a uremic toxin, impairs the cellular hypoxic response. In human kidney (HK‐2) proximal tubular cells, IS reduced the hypoxic induction of HIF‐1 target genes. This effect was not associated with quantitative changes in the HIF‐1α protein, but with functional impairment of the HIF‐1α C‐terminal transactivation domain (CTAD). Among factors that impeded the recruitment of transcriptional coactivators to the HIF‐1αCTAD, IS markedly up‐regulated Cbp/p300‐interacting transactivator with Glu/Asp‐rich carboxy‐terminal domain 2 (CITED2) through a mechanism of post‐transcriptional mRNA stabilization involving the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 pathway. In vivo, disproportionate expression of HIF target genes was demonstrated in several CKD models, which was offset by an oral adsorbent, AST‐120. Furthermore, administration of indole reduced the induction of angiogenic, hypoxia‐inducible genes in rats with experimental heart failure. Results of these studies reveal a novel role of IS in modulating the transcriptional response of HIF‐1 and provide insight into molecular mechanisms underlying progressive nephropathies as well as cardiovascular complications.— Tanaka, T., Yamaguchi, J., Higashijima, Y., Nangaku, M., Indoxyl sulfate signals for rapid mRNA stabilization of Cbp/p300‐interacting transactivator with Glu/Asp‐rich carboxy‐terminal domain 2 (CITED2) and suppresses the expression of hypoxia‐inducible genes in experimental CKD and uremia. FASEBJ. 27, 4059‐4075 (2013). www.fasebj.org
Suboptimal nutrition in utero causes DNA damage and accelerated aging of the female reproductive tract
Authors: Aiken Catherine E. , Tarry‐Adkins Jane L. , Ozanne Susan E.
Published: June 2013

Early life exposure to adverse environments can lead to a variety of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases in offspring. We hypothesize that female reproductive function may also be affected, with subsequent implications for fertility. We used an established maternal low‐protein model where animals are born small but undergo rapid postnatal catch‐up growth by suckling a control‐fed dam (recuperated offspring). Markers of oxidative stress and cellular aging in reproductive tract tissues were assessed at 3 and 6 mo of age. Recuperated offspring had lower birth weight than controls (P<0.01) but caught up during lactation. 4‐Hydroxynonenal (4HNE; an indicator of oxidative stress) was increased in recuperated animals compared with controls in both ovaries and oviducts at 6 mo. At 3 and 6 mo, ovaries and oviducts of recuperated offspring had increased mitochondrial (mt)DNA copy number (P<0.01). By contrast, germ‐line cells showed no difference in mtDNA copy number, suggesting they were protected from suboptimal maternal nutrition. Oviduct and somatic ovarian telomere length declined more rapidly with age in recuperated animals. This accelerated cellular aging was associated with a declined ovarian reserve in developmentally programmed animals. These findings have significant clinical implications in light of worldwide trends to delayed childbearing.—Aiken, C. E., Tarry‐Adkins, J. L., Ozanne, S. E., Suboptimal nutrition in utero causes DNA damage and accelerated aging of the female reproductive tract. FASEB J. 27, 3959–3965 (2013). www.fasebj.org
The Rapidly Increasing Usefulness of Social Media in Urogynecology
Authors: Alas Alexandriah , Sajadi Kamran P. , Goldman Howard B. , Anger Jennifer T.
Published: June 2013

Objective

We assessed the availability and quality of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse information in social medias and the growth of such information in the past 13 months.

Methods

We focused on the most popular social medias (Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube) to evaluate the key words “urogynecology,” “pelvic organ prolapse,” “stress incontinence,” “urge incontinence,” and “incontinence.” Initial evaluation included top 30 search results for key word “incontinence” to compare with our study in 2010, followed by a secondary search using the top 100 items. Results were classified as useful or not useful and then further categorized by health care providers, others, commercial, or humorous in intent. Results with the intent of providing information were presumed to be informative.

Results

Comparative search over a 13-month period showed a stable amount of useful information, 40% to 39%, but an increase in the number of health professionals (22% vs 13%). However, of the 817 search results, 406 (50%) were medically useful. Only 28% were written by health professionals, but of the informative results, 56% were written by health professionals. Finally, specific search terms provided the highest relevant and useful information, but also limited the number of search items found.

Conclusions

Over 13 months, there was an increase in useful information presented from health professionals. These changes may reflect the medical community’s growing awareness of the usefulness of social media. If these trends continue, we predict the use of these medias for medical purposes will continue to increase among medical professionals.
Impact of the 2011 FDA Transvaginal Mesh Safety Update on AUGS Members’ Use of Synthetic Mesh and Biologic Grafts in Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Clemons Jeffrey L. , Weinstein Milena , Guess Marsha K. , Alperin Marianna , Moalli Pamela , Gregory William Thomas , Lukacz Emily S. , Sung Vivian W. , Chen Bertha H. , Bradley Catherine S.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To describe the frequency of use and recent change in use of synthetic mesh and biologic grafts in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence surgery by American Urogynecology Society (AUGS) members.

Methods

An electronic survey of AUGS members was conducted between December 2011 and January 2012. Frequency of graft use in POP (overall and by transvaginal and transabdominal approaches) and stress urinary incontinence surgery was queried relative to the timing of the 2011 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety update. Rates of materials’ use before and after the statement were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results

Fifty-three percent (507/962) of AUGS members responded and were included in analysis; 79% were urogynecologists. Before the FDA warning, in POP surgery, most (90%) used synthetic mesh and fewer (34%) used biologic grafts; 99% used synthetic mesh slings. After the FDA statement, respondents reported an overall decrease in the percent of POP cases in which they used synthetic mesh (P < 0.001) but no change in biologic graft use for POP (P = 0.37) or synthetic mesh sling use (P = 0.10). Specifically, transvaginal mesh use decreased: 40% reported decreased use and 12% stopped use. However, transvaginal mesh was still used by 61% of respondents in at least some cases. No change (62%) or increased use (12%) of mesh was reported for transabdominal POP procedures.

Conclusions

Synthetic mesh use in transvaginal POP surgery decreased after the 2011 FDA safety update, but synthetic mesh use for transabdominal POP repair and sling procedures and overall biologic graft use in POP surgery did not decrease.
Urinary Tract Injury at the Time of Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery
Authors: Evans Janelle Morgan , Karram Mickey M. , Mahdy Ayman , Robertshaw Daniel
Published: June 2013

Objective

To report a series of urinary tract injuries resultant of laparoscopic or robotic procedures performed for a gynecologic indication.

Methods

We identified 16 patients with urinary tract fistulas after laparoscopic or robotic gynecologic procedures between 2009 and 2012. We extracted demographic data and prior surgical data as well as reviewed our management of each case.

Results

Thirteen subjects had undergone robotic procedures, 2 traditional laparoscopies, and a single-port laparoscopy with time to presentation from 2 days to 9 months postoperatively. Seven patients presented with vesicovaginal fistulas (43%), of which one healed spontaneously. Eight patients had ureterovaginal fistulas. Two patients (25%) were managed with ureteroneocystotomy, 2 patients (25%) were managed with Boari flap, and 4 patients (50%) were managed with double-J stent placement. One patient had a vesicocervical fistula managed via trachelectomy and partial cystectomy.

Conclusion

The authors have seen an increase in referrals for urinary tract fistulas in minimally invasive surgery. It is imperative to investigate the effect of a steep learning curve, unfamiliarity with new energy sources, or poor patient selection as contributing factors.
Exploring Predictors of Mesh Exposure After Vaginal Prolapse Repair
Authors: Sirls Larry T. , McLennan Gregory P. , Killinger Kim A. , Boura Judith A. , Fischer Melissa , Nagaraju Pradeep , Peters Kenneth
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To evaluate clinical, demographic, and surgical factors that may be associated with mesh exposure after vaginal repair of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

Records of women who underwent POP repair with Elevate or Prolift were retrospectively reviewed. Body mass index (BMI), prolapse grade, smoking history, diabetes, steroid and estrogen use, parity, compartment repaired, concurrent hysterectomy, operative time, postoperative pain, change in hemoglobin (ΔHgb) and other characteristics were evaluated for associations with mesh exposure.

Categorical variables were examined using Pearson χ2 test where appropriate, or the Fisher exact test was used. The continuous variables were examined using Wilcoxon rank tests. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was completed to examine predictors of mesh exposure. All analyses used SAS for Windows version 9.2 (Cary, NC).

Results

Three hundred thirty-five women underwent repair from 2006 to 2011. Vaginal mesh exposure was identified in 27 (8.1%) of the 335 women. Patients with exposure had longer median follow-up than the group with no exposure (357 vs 145 days; P = 0.0003). The median time to exposure was 96 days (15–1129 days). Mesh exposure was associated with lower BMI (25.2 ± 2.5 vs 27.4 ± 5.1; P = 0.020) and greater ΔHgb (−3.7 ± 1.7 mg/dL vs −2.5 ±1.3; P = 0.0011). Change in hemoglobin decreased over time (P = 0.0005). Exposure rates also decreased over time (17% in 2005 to 12% in 2006, then 5%–8% in 2006–2011) but were not statistically significant (P = 0.49).

Conclusions

In this study, vaginal mesh exposure was only associated with ΔHgb and lower BMI.
Gluconacetobacter tumulisoli sp. nov., Gluconacetobacter takamatsuzukensis sp. nov. and Gluconacetobacter aggeris sp. nov., isolated from Takamatsuzuka Tumulus samples before and during the dismantling work in 2007
Authors: Nishijima Miyuki , Tazato Nozomi , Handa Yutaka , Tomita Junko , Kigawa Rika , Sano Chie , Sugiyama Junta
Published: June 2013

Ten strains of Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacteria were isolated from the burial mound soil collected before the dismantling and samples collected during the dismantling work on the Takamatsuzuka Tumulus in Asuka village, Nara Prefecture, Japan in 2007. On the basis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of the isolates, they were accommodated in the genus

Gluconacetobacter

(class

Alphaproteobacteria

) and can be separated into four groups within the cluster containing the genus

Gluconacetobacter

. One of the groups demonstrated a phylogenetic position identical to that of

Gluconacetobacter asukensis

, which was isolated from small holes on plaster walls of the stone chamber interior of Kitora Tumulus in Asuka village, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The remaining three groups consisted of novel lineages within the genus

Gluconacetobacter

. A total of four isolates were selected from each group and carefully identified using a polyphasic approach. The isolates were characterized on the basis of their possessing Q-10 as the major ubiquinone system and C18 : 1ω7c (58.5–65.2 %) as the predominant fatty acid. A DNA–DNA hybridization test was used to determine that the three lineages represented novel species, for which the names Gluconacetobacter tumulisoli sp. nov., Gluconacetobacter takamatsuzukensis sp. nov. and Gluconacetobacter aggeris sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are T611xx-1-4aT ( = JCM 19097T = NCIMB 14861T), T61213-20-1aT ( = JCM 19094T = NCIMB 14859T) and T6203-4-1aT ( = JCM 19092T = NCIMB 14860T), respectively.
Prevotella jejuni sp. nov., isolated from the small intestine of a child with coeliac disease
Authors: Hedberg Maria E. , Israelsson Anne , Moore Edward R. B. , Svensson-Stadler Liselott , Wai Sun Nyunt , Pietz Grzegorz , Sandström Olof , Hernell Olle , Hammarström Marie-Louise , Hammarström Sten
Published: June 2013

Five obligately anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative, saccharolytic and proteolytic, non-spore-forming bacilli (strains CD3 : 27, CD3 : 28T, CD3 : 33, CD3 : 32 and CD3 : 34) are described. All five strains were isolated from the small intestine of a female child with coeliac disease. Cells of the five strains were short rods or coccoid cells with longer filamentous forms seen sporadically. The organisms produced acetic acid and succinic acid as major metabolic end products. Phylogenetic analysis based on comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed close relationships between CD3 : 27, CD3 : 28T and CD3 : 33, between CD3 : 32 and

Prevotella histicola

CCUG 55407T, and between CD3 : 34 and

Prevotella melaninogenica

CCUG 4944BT. Strains CD3 : 27, CD3 : 28T and CD3 : 33 were clearly different from all recognized species within the genus

Prevotella

and related most closely to but distinct from

P. melaninogenica

. Based on 16S rRNA, RNA polymerase β-subunit (rpoB) and 60 kDa chaperonin protein subunit (cpn60) gene sequencing, and phenotypic, chemical and biochemical properties, strains CD3 : 27, CD3 : 28T and CD3 : 33 are considered to represent a novel species within the genus

Prevotella

, for which the name Prevotella jejuni sp. nov. is proposed. Strain CD3 : 28T ( = CCUG 60371T = DSM 26989T) is the type strain of the proposed novel species. All five strains were able to form homologous aggregates, in which tube-like structures were connecting individual bacteria cells. The five strains were able to bind to human intestinal carcinoma cell lines at 37 °C.
Planktomarina temperata gen. nov., sp. nov., belonging to the globally distributed RCA cluster of the marine Roseobacter clade, isolated from the German Wadden Sea
Authors: Giebel Helge-Ansgar , Kalhoefer Daniela , Gahl-Janssen Renate , Choo Yoe-Jin , Lee Kiyoung , Cho Jang-Cheon , Tindall Brian J. , Rhiel Erhard , Beardsley Christine , Aydogmus Ömer O. , Voget Sonja , Daniel Rolf , Simon Meinhard , Brinkhoff Thorsten
Published: June 2013

Four heterotrophic bacterial strains belonging to the globally distributed marine RCA (Roseobacter clade-affiliated) cluster (family

Rhodobacteraceae

, class

Alphaproteobacteria

) were obtained from coastal seawater samples. Strain RCA23T was isolated from a 10−7 dilution culture inoculated with seawater from the German Wadden Sea (southern North Sea), reflecting the high abundance of RCA bacteria in this habitat. Strains IMCC1909, IMCC1923 and IMCC1933 were isolated from diluted seawater (10−3) of the Yellow Sea, South Korea. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison,

Octadecabacter antarcticus

307T is the closest described relative of the RCA strains, with 95.4–95.5 % sequence similarity. Cells of RCA23T, IMCC1909, IMCC1923 and IMCC1933 are small motile rods requiring sodium ions. Optimal growth of RCA23T occurs at 25 °C and within a very narrow pH range (pH 7–8, optimum pH 7.5). The DNA G+C base content of RCA23T is 53.67 mol%. The major respiratory lipoquinone is ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) and the dominant fatty acids (>1 %) are 12 : 1 3-OH, 16 : 1ω7c, 16 : 0, 18 : 1ω7c, 18 : 0 and 11-methyl 18 : 1ω7c. The polar lipid pattern indicated the presence of phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified phospholipids. On marine agar, RCA23T forms non-pigmented, transparent to light beige, small (<1 mm), circular, convex colonies. Strain RCA23T harbours all genes for the production of bacteriochlorophyll a (BChl a). Genes encoding the light-harvesting reaction centre of BChl a (pufM) were identified in all RCA strains. No visible pigmentation was observed for any of the strains under laboratory conditions, but spectrophotometric analysis revealed weak production of BChl a by RCA23T. Morphological, physiological and genotypic features of strain RCA23T suggest that it represents a novel species of a new genus within the

Rhodobacteraceae

, for which we propose the name Planktomarina temperata gen. nov., sp. nov., described previously by Giebel et al. [ISME J
5 (2011), 8–19] as ‘Candidatus Planktomarina temperata’. The type strain of Planktomarina temperata is RCA23T ( = DSM 22400T = JCM 18269T).
Comparative analysis of mammalian Y chromosomes illuminates ancestral structure and lineage-specific evolution
Authors: Li Gang , Davis Brian W. , Raudsepp Terje , Pearks Wilkerson Alison J. , Mason Victor C. , Ferguson-Smith Malcolm , O'Brien Patricia C. , Waters Paul D. , Murphy William J.
Published: June 2013

Although more than thirty mammalian genomes have been sequenced to draft quality, very few of these include the Y chromosome. This has limited our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of gene persistence and loss, our ability to identify conserved regulatory elements, as well our knowledge of the extent to which different types of selection act to maintain genes within this unique genomic environment. Here, we present the first MSY (male-specific region of the Y chromosome) sequences from two carnivores, the domestic dog and cat. By combining these with other available MSY data, our multiordinal comparison allows for the first accounting of levels of selection constraining the evolution of eutherian Y chromosomes. Despite gene gain and loss across the phylogeny, we show the eutherian ancestor retained a core set of 17 MSY genes, most being constrained by negative selection for nearly 100 million years. The X-degenerate and ampliconic gene classes are partitioned into distinct chromosomal domains in most mammals, but were radically restructured on the human lineage. We identified multiple conserved noncoding elements that potentially regulate eutherian MSY genes. The acquisition of novel ampliconic gene families was accompanied by signatures of positive selection and has differentially impacted the degeneration and expansion of MSY gene repertoires in different species.
The contribution of an avian top predator to selection in prey species
Authors: Vedder Oscar , Bouwhuis Sandra , Sheldon Ben C.
Published: June 2013

Natural selection can vary in magnitude, form and direction, yet the causes of selection, and of variation in selection, are poorly understood.

We quantified the effect of a key predator (Eurasian sparrowhawks) on selection on fledging body mass in two bird species (blue tits and great tits). By partitioning selection into within‐ and between‐brood components, we were able to separate individual from brood‐level effects of fledging mass on predation probability and recruitment.

In blue tits, selection on fledging mass by sparrowhawk predation was nonsignificant and could not explain selection to recruitment. In contrast, in great tits, sparrowhawk predation selected for increased fledging mass at the individual level and could explain 73% of individual‐level selection on fledging mass to recruitment.

Moreover, in great tits, individual‐level selection on fledging mass was significantly stronger in years in which sparrowhawks were present compared to years when sparrowhawks were absent. Selection at the brood level was independent of sparrowhawk presence.

These results provide compelling evidence that sparrowhawk predation acts as an important causal agent of selection on fledging mass in great tits but not in blue tits. Variation in predation pressure can therefore account for variation in selection, but specific patterns may not be easily generalized across species.
Synchronic Variation in The Old English Perfect
Authors: Macleod Morgan
Published: June 2013

In Old English, the present/past dichotomy of the Germanic verbal system was supplemented by the development of periphrastic forms such as the perfect and pluperfect. However, the inflected past tense continued to be used beside these newer forms to express similar temporal content. The research presented here aims to provide accurate quantitative data on the distribution within Old English texts both of the periphrastic forms and of semantically comparable preterites. Upon analysis, these data reveal a substantial degree of synchronic variation among Old English texts in their use of these grammatical categories, with no observable diachronic trends. The evidence does not suggest that this variation is grammatically motivated; it is hypothesised that the preterite and the periphrastic forms differed in their perceived stylistic value, although the exact details of such a difference may no longer be recoverable.
Wars are becoming less frequent: a response to Harrison and Wolf
Authors: Gleditsch Kristian Skrede , Pickering Steve
Published: June 2013

Harrison and Wolf claim that interstate ‘wars are becoming more frequent’. This is an alarming claim deserving serious attention. It is also a highly surprising claim, since recent conflict research tends to find the opposite: incidences of violent conflict are becoming less frequent. We argue that Harrison and Wolf's claim is incorrect. We show empirically that interstate wars are in fact becoming less frequent. Other data on tensions between states below war, such as the Interstate Crises Behavior data, also suggest a decline in conflict between states. We detail how Harrison and Wolf's analysis is misleading, highlighting how their findings primarily arise as a likely artefact of their uncritical use of the Militarized Interstate Disputes (MIDs) data, and explaining why MIDs cannot be interpreted as ‘wars’. Given that Harrison and Wolf's basic premise is wrong, and wars are not becoming more frequent, we should be sceptical of their conclusions. We briefly revisit their suggested explanations for why wars may become more frequent in light of what we know about long‐term trends in warfare and research on interstate war.
Antibiotic prophylaxis for hysterectomy, a prospective cohort study: cefuroxime, metronidazole, or both?
Authors: Brummer THI , Heikkinen A‐M , Jalkanen J , Fraser J , Mäkinen J , Tomás E , Seppälä T , Sjöberg J , Härkki P
Published: June 2013

Objective

To evaluate cefuroxime and metronidazole antibiotic prophylaxis.

Design

Observational nonrandomised 1‐year prospective cohort study.

Setting

Fifty‐three hospitals in Finland.

Population

A total of 5279 women undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications, with cefuroxime given to 4301 and metronidazole given to 2855. Excluding other antibiotics, cefuroxime alone was given to 2019, metronidazole alone was given to 518, and they were administered in combination to 2252 women.

Methods

Data on 1115 abdominal hysterectomies (AHs), 1541 laparoscopic hysterectomies (LHs), and 2133 vaginal hysterectomies (VHs) were analysed using logistic regression adjusted for confounding factors.

Main outcome measures

Postoperative infections.

Results

Cefuroxime had a risk‐reductive effect for total infections (adjusted odds ratio, OR, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 0.22–0.39), but the independent effect of metronidazole and the interaction effect of cefuroxime and metronidazole were nonsignificant. In subgroup analyses of AHs, LHs, and VHs involving those receiving the two main antibiotics only, the effect of cefuroxime alone nonsignificantly differed from that of cefuroxime and metronidazole in combination for all types of infection. The absence of cefuroxime, assessed by comparing metronidazole alone with cefuroxime and metronidazole in combination, led to an increased risk for total infections in AHs (adjusted OR 3.63; 95% CI 1.99–6.65), in LHs (OR 3.53; 95% CI 1.74–7.18), and in VHs (OR 4.05; 95% CI 2.30–7.13), and also increased risks for febrile events in all categories (AHs, OR 2.86; 95% CI 1.09–7.46; LHs, OR 13.19; 95% CI 3.66–47.49; VHs, OR 12.74; 95% CI 3.01–53.95), wound infections in AHs (OR 6.88; 95% CI 1.09–7.49), and pelvic infections in VHs (OR 4.26; 95% CI 1.76–10.31).

Conclusions

In this study, cefuroxime appeared to be effective in prophylaxis against infections. Metronidazole appeared to be ineffective, with no additional risk‐reductive effect when combined with cefuroxime.
Use of a high‐risk human papillomavirus DNA test as the primary test in a cervical cancer screening programme: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Zorzi M , Del Mistro A , Farruggio A , de' Bartolomeis L , Frayle‐Salamanca H , Baboci L , Bertazzo A , Cocco P , Fedato C , Gennaro M , Marchi N , Penon MG , Cogo C , Ferro A
Published: June 2013

Objective

To present the results of the first 2 years of a human papillomavirus (HPV) test‐based screening programme outside the research context.

Design

Population‐based cohort study.

Setting

A cervical service screening programme in Italy.

Population

Women aged 25–64 years invited to screening from April 2009 to April 2011.

Methods

Eligible women were invited to undergo an HPV test: those with a negative HPV test went on to the next screening episode; those with a positive HPV went on to triage with a Pap smear. Women with positive cytology (i.e. positive for atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or worse, ASC‐US+) were referred to colposcopy, whereas those with negative cytology were referred to repeat HPV testing 1 year later.

Main outcome measures

Participation rate, positivity at HPV and at triage, referral rate to colposcopy, positive predictive value for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2+ (CIN2+) at colposcopy, and detection rate for CIN2+.

Results

Participation increased compared with the previous Pap programme (60.6 versus 43.9%). The HPV positivity rate was 7.0; 39.6% of Pap smears were scored as positive, and therefore 2.8% of the women screened were referred for immediate colposcopy. The compliance of women who scored positive for HPV and negative for Pap for repeat HPV testing at 12 months was 78.6%, and the HPV positivity rate was 56.6%. The overall referral rate to colposcopy was 4.6%. The overall detection rate for CIN2+ was 4.5 versus 1.5% of the Pap programme (25–34 years, 8.2%; 35+ years, 3.6%).

Conclusions

Compared with the traditional Pap test, the HPV programme recorded a higher response to invitation and an increased DR for CIN2+. The most critical aspects were the reading of cytology in women that were positive for HPV and the increased workload at colposcopy.
Higher parity is associated with an increased risk of type‐II diabetes in Chinese women: the Singapore Chinese Health Study
Authors: Mueller NT , Mueller NJ , Odegaard AO , Gross MD , Koh WP , Yuan JM , Pereira MA
Published: June 2013

Objective

The association between parity and type‐II diabetes has been studied primarily in Western populations, and the findings have been inconsistent. Here, we examine whether parity was positively associated with incident type‐II diabetes in Singaporean Chinese women.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Singapore.

Population

A total of 25 021 Singaporean Chinese women aged 45–74 years from the Singapore Chinese Health Study who were free of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes at baseline (1993–1998).

Methods

Women were followed through 2004 for incident diabetes. Hazard ratios for type‐II diabetes were computed across parity (of live births) categories and adjusted for baseline age, interview year, dialect, education, smoking, dietary pattern, physical activity, age at menarche, oral contraceptive use, menopausal status, hormone therapy use, and body mass index (BMI).

Main outcome measure

Self‐reported diabetes, as diagnosed by a doctor.

Results

Over an average of 5.7 person‐years of follow‐up, 1294 women were diagnosed with diabetes. Before and after multivariable adjustment there was a positive graded association between parity and type‐II diabetes risk (P < 0.001). In the fully adjusted model, which included adult BMI, the risk of type‐II diabetes increased by 31% (from −2 to 76%), 62% (from 22 to 116%), and 74% (from 29 to 133%) for women with one or two, three or four, and five or more live births, respectively, compared with women with no live births. Moreover, in a supplementary multivariate analysis in non‐diabetic women we found a positive monotonic association between parity and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Increased parity may be a risk factor for type‐II diabetes in Chinese women. More research is needed on lifestyle and physiologic factors that may explain this association.
Dietary Bioactive Compounds and Their Health Implications
Authors: Liu Rui Hai
Published: June 2013

There is strong scientific evidence suggesting that regular consumption of fruits and vegetables is negatively associated with risk of developing chronic diseases. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend at least 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day based on a 2000 kcal diet. However, the average person in the United States consumes 3.6 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. In order to achieve the goal of at least 9 servings, we should continue educating Americans about the health benefits of fruits and vegetables and recommend consumers to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. The key is to increase the amount up to 9 to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables a day in all forms. Fresh, cooked, and processed fruits and vegetables including frozen and canned, 100% fruit juices, 100% vegetable juices, and dried fruits are all considered as servings of fruits and vegetables. A wide variety of fruits and vegetables provide a range of nutrients and different bioactive compounds including phytochemicals (phenolics, flavonoids, and carotenoids), vitamins (vitamin C, folate, and provitamin A), minerals (potassium, calcium, and magnesium), and fibers. More and more evidence suggests that the health benefits of fruits and vegetables are attributed to the additive and synergistic interactions of the phytochemicals present in whole foods by targeting multiple signal transduction pathways. Therefore, consumers should obtain nutrients and bioactive compounds from a wide variety of whole foods for optimal nutrition and health well‐being, not from expensive dietary supplements.
Resveratrol exhibits differential protective effects on fast‐ and slow‐twitch muscles in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats (在链脲霉素诱导的糖尿病大鼠中，白藜芦醇对快反应与慢反应肌肉的保护效应具有差别)
Authors: Chang Chih‐Chun , Yang Meng‐Hsuan , Tung Hung‐Chun , Chang Chieh‐Yu , Tsai Yu‐Lin , Huang Jiung‐Pang , Yen Tzung‐Hai , Hung Li‐Man
Published: June 2013

Background

This study aimed to investigate the differential protective effect of resveratrol (RSV) on oxidative stress and metabolic signaling pathways in fast‐ and slow‐twitch skeletal muscles of rats with diabetes.

Methods

Diabetic rats were induced by streptozotocin (STZ) for 2 weeks and then administered with RSV (1, 10 and 100 μg/kg per day) for 1 week. We determined oxidative stress and protein expression by lucigenin‐mediated chemiluminescence and Western immunoblot.

Results

The superoxide anion production and copper‐zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) protein level were increased in fast‐twitch muscle than in slow‐twitch muscle of diabetes. The Akt and glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK‐3) phosphorylations were reduced in both fast‐ and slow‐twitch muscles of diabetes. Oxidative stress and GSK‐3 dephosphorylation were corrected by RSV treatment in both fast‐ and slow‐twitch muscles of diabetes. Furthermore, RSV treatment downregulated CuZnSOD protein level in diabetic fast‐twitch muscle. In diabetic slow‐twitch muscle, RSV treatment elevated manganese SOD (MnSOD) and phosphorylated Akt protein levels and reduced acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) phosphorylation.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that fast‐twitch muscle incurred more oxidative stress, whereas slow‐twitch muscle altered metabolic signaling molecules activities under diabetic status. The antidiabetic effect of RSV on fast‐ and slow‐twitch skeletal muscles was mediated by different antioxidative and metabolic signals.
Do plants need nitrate? The mechanisms by which nitrogen form affects plants
Authors: Andrews M. , Raven J.A. , Lea P.J.
Published: June 2013

The literature on nitrogen (N) form effects on plants at different stages of their development has been critically reviewed, assessing the possible mechanisms of these effects. In particular, nitrate (NO3−) was compared with the other forms of N utilised by plants. It is concluded that the form of N available to plants can affect their time and rate of seed germination, leaf expansion and function, dry matter partitioning between shoot and root, and root architecture. The magnitude of these effects is dependent on environmental factors outside the supply of N. The mechanism of these effects is variable. Assessment of the importance of root or shoot NO3− assimilation under different environmental conditions is an important area for further study.
Targeting the Sphingosine Kinase/Sphingosine 1‐Phosphate Pathway to Treat Chronic Inflammatory Kidney Diseases
Authors: Schwalm Stephanie , Pfeilschifter Josef , Huwiler Andrea
Published: June 2013

Chronic kidney diseases including glomerulonephritis are often accompanied by acute or chronic inflammation that leads to an increase in extracellular matrix (ECM) production and subsequent glomerulosclerosis. Glomerulonephritis is one of the leading causes for end‐stage renal failure with high morbidity and mortality, and there are still only a limited number of drugs for treatment available. In this MiniReview, we discuss the possibility of targeting sphingolipids, specifically the sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) and sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) pathway, as new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of glomerulonephritis, as this pathway was demonstrated to be dysregulated under disease conditions. Sphingosine 1‐phosphate is a multifunctional signalling molecule, which was shown to influence several hallmarks of glomerulonephritis including mesangial cell proliferation, renal inflammation and fibrosis. Most importantly, the site of action of S1P determines the final effect on disease progression. Concerning renal fibrosis, extracellular S1P acts pro‐fibrotic via activation of cell surface S1P receptors, whereas intracellular S1P was shown to attenuate the fibrotic response. Interference with S1P signalling by treatment with FTY720, an S1P receptor modulator, resulted in beneficial effects in various animal models of chronic kidney diseases. Also, sonepcizumab, a monoclonal anti‐S1P antibody that neutralizes extracellular S1P, and a S1P‐degrading recombinant S1P lyase are promising new strategies for the treatment of glomerulonephritis. In summary, especially due to the bifunctionality of S1P, the SphK1/S1P pathway provides multiple target sites for the treatment of chronic kidney diseases.
Phase I clinical trial of oral rigosertib in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Komrokji Rami S. , Raza Azra , Lancet Jeffrey E. , Ren Chen , Taft David , Maniar Manoj , Wilhelm Francois , List Alan F.
Published: June 2013

The multi‐kinase inhibitor rigosertib (ON 01910.Na) induces mitotic arrest and apoptosis in myeloblasts, while sparing normal cells. The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic profile, maximum‐tolerated dose (MTD), safety, and clinical activity of an oral formulation of rigosertib in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). For pharmacokinetic studies, patients received rigosertib in single escalating weekly doses. To determine the MTD, patient cohorts received escalating doses of rigosertib twice daily for 14 d of a 21‐d cycle. Overall, 37 patients were treated. Rigosertib exposure increased with escalating oral doses. Mean absolute oral bioavailability ranged from 13·9% (fed) to 34·8% (fasting) in 12 patients treated at the 560 mg b.i.d. dose level. Dose‐limiting toxicity (grade 3 dysuria and shortness of breath) occurred at the 700 mg b.i.d. dose. Five patients experienced grade 3 non‐haematological toxicity, including symptoms of urothelial inflammation, hypotension and syncope, fatigue and abdominal pain. Encouraging signs of clinical activity included two bone marrow complete remissions in refractory anaemia with excess blasts type 1 patients previously treated with azacitidine. In addition, four patients each achieved transfusion independence and haematological improvements. In conclusion, oral rigosertib is bioavailable and well tolerated, and has clinical activity in patients with MDS.
Is grammatical gender considered arbitrary or semantically motivated? Evidence from young adult monolinguals, second language learners, and early bilinguals
Authors: Bassetti Benedetta A. L.
Published: June 2013

It is generally assumed that speakers of grammatical gender languages consider grammatical gender arbitrary, but this assumption has never been tested. Research shows that the grammatical gender of nouns can affect perceptions of the masculinity or femininity of the noun's referent in speakers of languages with masculine and feminine noun classes. However, bilingualism facilitates the development of lexical arbitrariness awareness, and could therefore affect awareness of grammatical gender arbitrariness. This study then compared three groups of young adult speakers of a grammatical gender language: monolinguals, early bilinguals, and instructed second language learners. Participants evaluated the gender assignments of 25 nouns of entities (animals, abstract concepts, natural kinds, and artefacts), and answered open and closed questions about grammatical gender. Participants considered grammatical gender as semantically motivated and mostly related gender assignments to perceived masculine or feminine connotations of referents. Knowledge of an additional grammatical gender language was linked to increased awareness of the arbitrariness of first language gender assignments in both early bilinguals and later instructed learners. It is argued that grammatical gender awareness deserves further investigation. Knowing more than one grammatical gender language can increase awareness of grammatical gender arbitrariness. Implications are discussed for language teaching and language reform.
Men's strategic preferences for femininity in female faces
Authors: Little Anthony C. , Jones Benedict C. , Feinberg David R. , Perrett David I.
Published: June 2013

Several evolutionarily relevant sources of individual differences in face preference have been documented for women. Here, we examine three such sources of individual variation in men's preference for female facial femininity: term of relationship, partnership status and self‐perceived attractiveness. We show that men prefer more feminine female faces when rating for a short‐term relationship and when they have a partner (Study 1). These variables were found to interact in a follow‐up study (Study 2). Men who thought themselves attractive also preferred more feminized female faces for short‐term relationships than men who thought themselves less attractive (Study 1 and Study 2). In women, similar findings for masculine preferences in male faces have been interpreted as adaptive. In men, such preferences potentially reflect that attractive males are able to compete for high‐quality female partners in short‐term contexts. When a man has secured a mate, the potential cost of being discovered may increase his choosiness regarding short‐term partners relative to unpartnered men, who can better increase their short‐term mating success by relaxing their standards. Such potentially strategic preferences imply that men also face trade‐offs when choosing relatively masculine or feminine faced partners. In line with a trade‐off, women with feminine faces were seen as more likely to be unfaithful and more likely to pursue short‐term relationships (Study 3), suggesting that risk of cuckoldry is one factor that may limit men's preferences for femininity in women and could additionally lead to preferences for femininity in short‐term mates.
A Vain Fascination: Writing from and about Haiti after the Earthquake
Authors: LEAK ANDREW
Published: June 2013

In the wake of the huge earthquake that struck Haiti on 12 January 2010, Haiti instantly became the focus of media attention across the world. At that moment, the tropes that had imprisoned Haiti for two centuries (barbarism, savagery, vodou, the land‐that‐God‐forgot, etc.) began to resurface. Some Haitian intellectuals sought to combat those images, but in so doing they inadvertently revealed their complicity not only in the negative discursive construction of their country, but also in the economic and military re‐colonisation of Haiti over the last decade. Adept in the fabrication of replicas of ‘post‐political’ discourse, These Haitian intellectuals are in reality a subset of that country's morally bankrupt political class.
Influence of Patch Factors and Connectivity on the Avifauna of Fragmented Polylepis Forest in the Ecuadorian Andes
Authors: Tinoco Boris A. , Astudillo Pedro X. , Latta Steven C. , Strubbe Diederik , Graham Catherine H.
Published: June 2013

Human‐induced alteration of habitat is a major threat to biodiversity worldwide, especially in areas of high biological diversity and endemism. Polylepis (Rosaceae) forest, a unique forest habitat in the high Andes of South America, presently occurs as small and isolated patches in grassland dominated landscapes. We examine how the avian community is likely influenced by patch characteristics (i.e., area, plant species composition) and connectivity in a landscape composed of patches of Polylepis forest surrounded by páramo grasslands in Cajas National Park in the Andes of southern Ecuador. We used generalized linear mixed models and an information‐theoretic approach to identify the most important variables probably influencing birds inhabiting 26 forest patches. Our results indicated that species richness was associated with area of a patch and floristic composition, particularly the presence of Gynoxys (Asteraceae). However, connectivity of patches probably influenced the abundance of forest and generalists species. Elsewhere, it has been proposed that effective management plans for birds using Polylepis should promote the conservation of mature Polylepis patches. Our results not only suggest this but also show that there are additional factors, such as the presence of Gynoxys plants, which will probably play a role in conservation of birds. More generally, these findings show that while easily measured attributes of the patch and landscape may provide some insights into what influences patch use by birds, knowledge of other factors, such as plant species composition, is essential for better understanding the distribution of birds in fragmented landscapes.