bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Think abstractly, smoke less: a brief construal‐level intervention can promote self‐control, leading to reduced cigarette consumption among current smokers
Authors: Chiou Wen‐Bin , Wu Wen‐Hsiung , Chang Ming‐Hsu
Published: December 2012

Aims

Inadequate self‐control has been linked to behavioural and impulse‐control problems such as overeating, alcohol and drug abuse and smoking. Construal‐level theory (CLT) suggests that a high‐level construal (highlighting central goals associated with an event), relative to a low‐level construal (highlighting means and resources), promotes self‐control. Inspired by CLT, we examined whether smokers primed with a high‐level (versus low‐level) construal mind‐set would show reductions in smoking that might be mediated by improved self‐control.

Design

A single‐factor (construal level: high, low, control) between‐subjects design was employed. We used a widely employed why/how paradigm to induce high/low construal levels, whereby participants were asked to respond to questions about ‘why’ or ‘how’ they would maintain good physical health.

Setting

Laboratory at Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan.

Participants

A community sample consisting of 102 daily smokers participated in this experiment.

Measurements

The Stroop task measuring self‐control was implemented after the construal‐level manipulation. The dependent measure was actual cigarette consumption during an ostensible survey.

Findings

Participants in a high‐level construal mind‐set smoked fewer cigarettes [mean = 1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.9, 1.7] than those in a low‐level construal mind‐set (mean = 2.6, 95% CI: 2.2, 3.0; P < 0.01). A bootstrapping analysis supported for the role of self‐control (B = −1.14, 95% CI: −1.65, −0.74, P < 0.01) as a mechanism underlying this effect.

Conclusions

Smokers primed with a high‐level construal mind‐set (i.e. cognitive abstraction) may induce greater self‐control that leads to reduced cigarette consumption. Thus, reminding smokers to think abstractly about health may be an effective strategy that could help them to smoke fewer cigarettes.
Endoscopic ultrasound in restaging and predicting pathological response for advanced gastric cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Guo Tao , Yao Fang , Yang Ai‐ming , Li Xiao‐yi , Zhong Ding‐rong , Wu Dong‐sheng , WU Xi , LU Xing‐hua
Published: December 2012

Aim

To evaluate the role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in restaging and predicting response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer.

Methods

In all, 48 advanced gastric cancer patients were recruited from June 2007 to December 2010 after providing their written, informed consent. All patients underwent an EUS before and after three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (FOLFOX 6), and then a radical resection was performed 3–4 weeks after chemotherapy. The results of EUS were compared to the pathological results of the resected specimens.

Results

After chemotherapy, the overall sensitivity of EUS for T classification was 63 percent (T2: 44%, T3: 68%, T4: 90%), and overstaging (31%) was more frequent than understaging (6%). The sensitivity and specificity of EUS for N classification were 56 and 50 percent, respectively (N0: without lymph node metastasis, N1: with lymph node metastasis), with 15 percent overstaged and 32% understaged. EUS revealed that T and/or N downstaging occurred in 46 percent (22/48) of patients after chemotherapy, most of whom had a favorable pathological response to the chemotherapy compared with other patients without T and/or N downstaging. No T or N upstaging was observed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusions

The accuracy of restaging by EUS for T and N classification was not as good as pathological data for locally advanced gastric cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. However, T and/or N downstaging confirmed by EUS correlated well with the degree of pathological response to chemotherapy.
Investigation of phthalate release from tracheal tubes
Authors: Morton W. J. , Muller C. T. , Goodwin N. , Wilkes A. R. , Hall J. E.
Published: December 2012

Phthalates are chemicals used extensively in the manufacture of plastics for their desirable physical characteristics. In addition to enhancing the performance of plastics, phthalates have a number of undesirable effects, principally endocrine disruptor effects, that may have adverse effects on reproductive development and functioning. As a result, they have been banned from the manufacture of children's toys. Despite this, they continue to be used in the manufacture of medical devices, including anaesthetic equipment. This study aimed to assess phthalate release from five brands of tracheal tube. Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, we analysed phthalate concentrations from samples of ultra pure water in which tracheal tubes had been submerged. Phthalate concentration increased from 6.7 to 149 μg.l−1 over a period of 4.8 days. Phthalate release from anaesthetic equipment has not previously been documented over short time periods and raises the possibility of iatrogenic endocrine disruption with routine anaesthesia.
Preserved Axin expression is associated with an aggressive phenotype in invasive breast carcinomas
Authors: Irini Theohari , Paraskevi Alexandrou , Ioanna Giannopoulou , Christos Papadimitriou , Lydia Nakopoulou
Published: December 2012

Reduced Axin expression has been associated with an aggressive behavior in lung and esophageal squamous cell carcinomas. Its role in breast cancer has not been defined. The aim of our study was to investigate the expression pattern of Axin protein in invasive breast carcinomas, in relation to the behavior and prognosis of the disease. Immunohistochemistry was performed for the detection of Axin expression in 232 breast cancer tissues. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used to assess the relation of Axin expression with classic clinicopathological parameters, patients' survival and various biologic markers Human Epidermal Factor‐2 (HER‐2), Ki‐67, topoIIα, glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β)]. Preserved cytoplasmic Axin expression was positively correlated to lymph node invasion, HER‐2 and GSK‐3β and inversely to Ki‐67 and topoIIα. Nuclear Axin was positively associated with tumor size. Stromal Axin showed a parallel association with lymph node status and HER‐2. In the subgroup of lobular breast carcinomas, preserved Axin was found to exert an unfavorable impact on patients' overall survival. Our findings indicate, for the first time, that in invasive breast cancer preserved Axin expression is associated with a more aggressive phenotype and that in the discrete subtype of lobular breast carcinomas Axin negatively influences patients' overall survival.
Review article: the diagnosis of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease – availability and accuracy of non‐invasive methods
Authors: Festi D. , Schiumerini R. , Marzi L. , Di Biase A. R. , Mandolesi D. , Montrone L. , Scaioli E. , Bonato G. , Marchesini‐Reggiani G. , Colecchia A.
Published: December 2012

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a wide spectrum of clinical conditions, actually representing an emerging disease of great clinical interest. Currently, its diagnosis requires liver biopsy, an invasive procedure not free from potential complications. However, several non‐invasive diagnostic strategies have been proposed as potential diagnostic alternatives, each with different sensitivities and accuracies.

Aim

To review non‐invasive diagnostic parameters and tools for NAFLD diagnosis and to formulate a diagnostic and prognostic algorithm for a better classification of patients.

Methods

A literature search was carried out on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus for articles and abstracts in English. The search terms used included ‘NAFLD’, ‘non invasive method and NAFLD’, ‘transient elastography’ and ‘liver fibrosis’. The articles cited were selected based on their relevancy to the objective of the review.

Results

Ultrasonography still represents the first‐line diagnostic tool for simple liver steatosis; its sensitivity could be enhanced by the complex biochemical score SteatoTest. Serum cytokeratin‐18 is a promising and accurate non‐invasive parameter (AUROCs: 0.83; 0.91) for the diagnosis of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The staging of liver fibrosis still represents the most important prognostic problem: the most accurate estimating methods are FibroMeter, FIB‐4, NAFLD fibrosis score (AUROCs: 0.94; 0.86; 0.82) and transient elastography (AUROC: 0.84–1.00).

Conclusions

Different non‐invasive parameters are available for the accurate diagnosis and prognostic stratification of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease which, if employed in a sequential algorithm, may lead to a reduced use of invasive methods, i.e. liver biopsy.
Development and validation of a patient‐reported disability measurement tool for patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Allen P. B. , Kamm M. A. , Peyrin‐Biroulet L. , Studd C. , Mc Dowell C. , Allen B. C. M. , Connell W. R. , De Cruz P. P. , Bell S. J. , Elliot R. P. , Brown S. , Desmond P. V. , Lemann M. , Colombel J.‐F.
Published: December 2012

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease can impact on a patient's ability to maintain normal physical and mental function, and fulfil their social, family and work roles. Aspects of disability in IBD have received little attention.

Aim

To develop, validate and apply a questionnaire directed towards evaluating these disease aspects.

Methods

A literature review on disability in IBD was undertaken, and opinion about aspects of disability to measure was sought from six IBD‐specialised gastroenterologists. A questionnaire was developed, and IBD patients completed the new disability questionnaire, the SF‐36 and the short‐IBD (SIBDQ ‐ 10 point). A subgroup of patients completed the questionnaire again 4 weeks later. Healthy volunteers were studied as a control group.

Results

A total of 116 IBD out‐patients were approached, of whom 81 (52 Crohn's disease and 28 ulcerative colitis) participated. Nineteen patients were re‐evaluated at 4 weeks. Twenty‐five controls were studied. All subscales demonstrated good Cronbach's alpha reliability and reproducibility. There was a significant inverse correlation between the disability score and the SIBDQ and between the disability score and the SF36 and a positive correlation with the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) (all P < 0.001). Disability differed between ulcerative colitis and controls, but not between active and inactive disease.

Conclusions

The new disability questionnaire is sensitive for detecting disability, is reliable and reproducible, and correlates with disease activity in Crohn's disease, but not ulcerative colitis. Further prospective testing is now needed in the longer term, larger patient populations and in different countries and ethnicities.
Malita, Laura & Egetenmeyer, Regina ed (2011) Students’ ePortfolio for entering into the labour marketPeter Lang (New York & Bern) isbn 978‐3‐631‐61490‐7 152 pp £23.40 http://www.peterlang.com/index.cfm?event=cmp.ccc.seitenstruktur.detailseiten&seitentyp=produkt&pk=59484&concordeid=261490
Authors: Smyth Robyn
Published: December 2012

Malita and Egetenmeyer's practical and useful edited volume is for advocates of e‐portfolios for use in the labour market. It is well structured and comprehensive and begins with a short history and essential definitional work. The articles are written in an easy conversational tone that will suit students and many readers from all parts of the education sector. If this book could be relevant to you, I recommend that you borrow a copy for a while.

Robyn Smyth
Using the temporal self‐regulation theory to examine the influence of environmental cues on maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Authors: Booker Liesel , Mullan Barbara
Published: December 2012

Objectives

The aim of the current study is to explore the predictive utility of the temporal self‐regulation theory (TST) for maintaining a healthy lifestyle (Hall & Fong, 2007, Health Psychology Review, 1, 6). According to TST, the influence of intention, self‐regulation, and behavioural prepotency differs depending on the environmental context in which the behaviour is performed. This study examined the influence of perceptions about the supportiveness of the environmental context on TST‐related factors.

Design

Temporal self‐regulation theory was tested using a prospective design with a 1‐week follow‐up.

Methods

One hundred and fifty‐two undergraduates were administered three executive functioning tasks and an online questionnaire regarding their intentions to maintain a healthy lifestyle, environmental responsiveness, and previous behaviour. One week later, they completed a follow‐up questionnaire.

Results

Participants who were supported by the environment were significantly more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle than those distracted by the environment. Behavioural prepotency was significantly predictive of behaviour performance for ‘supported’ participants. Behavioural prepotency, planning, and response inhibition were significantly predictive of ‘unsupported’ participants' behaviour.

Conclusions

These findings provided preliminary support for the use of TST for the prediction of healthy lifestyle behaviour. Importantly, this study provided support for the contention that the influence of TST‐related factors would vary according to the perceived supportiveness of the environment. These findings suggest that environmental responsiveness may be an important determinant to close the intention–behaviour gap for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject? Young adults fail to adhere to behaviours indicative of healthy lifestyle. Self‐regulation and behavioural prepotency add unique variance to the prediction of health behaviour. The influence of these factors is thought to vary according to environmental context.

What does this study add? Individuals who feel supported by the environment are more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle than those who feel distracted by the environment. Behavioural prepotency is predictive of healthy lifestyle for individuals who feel ‘supported’ by the environment. Behavioural prepotency, planning and response inhibition are predictive of healthy lifestyle for individuals who feel ‘unsupported’ by the environment.
ALOX5 Polymorphism associates with increased leukotriene production and reduced lung function and asthma control in children with poorly controlled asthma
Authors: Mougey E. , Lang J. E. , Allayee H. , Teague W. G. , Dozor A. J. , Wise R. A. , Lima J. J.
Published: December 2012

Background

Identification of risk factors for reduced asthma control could improve the understanding and treatment of asthma. A promoter polymorphism in the 5‐lipoxygenase gene affects gene expression and response to asthma therapy, but its impact on disease control remains unclear.

Objective

We sought to determine if the ALOX5 promoter SP1 tandem repeat polymorphism was associated with changes in cysteinyl leukotriene production, lung function, airway inflammation and asthma control score.

Methods

We analysed 270 children, 6‐ to 17‐years old, with poorly controlled asthma enrolled in a 6‐month clinical trial (NCT00604851). In secondary analysis, we associated the ALOX5 promoter SP1 tandem repeat polymorphism genotype (rs59439148) with asthma outcomes using both additive and recessive genetic models. We evaluated FEV1 percent predicted, symptom control, exhaled nitric oxide and urinary LTE4 levels.

Results

Of all children, 14.8% (40/270) (and 28% (38/135) of African Americans) carried two non‐5‐repeat variant alleles of rs59439148. Children who were homozygous for variant alleles had significantly higher urinary LTE4 levels (38 vs. 30 nmol/mol creatinine, P = 0.0134), significantly worse FEV1% predicted (84 vs. 91, P = 0.017) and a trend towards worse asthma control. FEV1% predicted values were significantly negatively correlated with urinary LTE4 (r = −0.192, P = 0.009).

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Carrying two copies of a minor variant ALOX5 promoter SP1 tandem repeat allele contributes to increased cysLT exposure as determined by urinary LTE4 levels, reduced lung function and potentially worse asthma control. ALOX5 promoter SP1 tandem repeat genotype may be a risk factor for worse asthma outcomes.
The effect of implant‐supported removable partial dentures on oral health quality of life
Authors: Gates W. Day , Cooper Lyndon F. , Sanders Anne E. , Reside Glenn J. , De Kok Ingeborg J.
Published: December 2012

Purpose

Removable partial dentures (RPDs) represent standard treatment for partial edentulism despite major shortcomings. To alleviate these shortcomings, endosseous implants provide support and stability as well as contribute to maintenance of alveolar bone. This prospective, within subject, time series study evaluated patient‐based outcomes of RPDs compared to implant‐supported removable partial dentures (ISRPDs). The study hypothesis was that the ISRPD would substantially improve oral health quality of life for patients.

Materials and methods

Seventeen patients requesting new mandibular Kennedy I or II RPDs received one 6‐mm dental implant in one or both of the posterior edentulous areas. After healing, conventional RPDs were fabricated and delivered. Twelve weeks later, second‐stage surgery was performed, and ball abutments with Clix attachments were inserted, thereby converting the prostheses to ISRPDs. Oral health quality of life was evaluated using the 49‐item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐49) questionnaire. The OHIP‐49 was administered prior to treatment (baseline), at 6 and 12 weeks following RPD delivery and at 6 and 12 weeks following ISRPD conversion. Radiographic evaluation was performed at 6 and 12 weeks following ISRPD conversion. In statistical analysis, a fixed‐slope random intercept variance components model took account of the multiple observations per person over time.

Results

In 17 subjects, 29 of 30 implants survived. The failed implant was replaced without complications. Abutment complications were limited to one abutment loosening and one attachment replacement. Minor prosthodontic complications were recorded. The OHIP‐49 score reduced by 11.8 points, on average, at 12 weeks following ISRPD conversion (P = 0.011).

Conclusions

Patients reported improved oral health following conversion to an ISRPD from RPD. The ISRPD involving short implants is one treatment option that should be considered when treatment planning Kennedy Class I and II patients.
Five‐year clinical trial using three attachment systems for implant overdentures
Authors: Cristache Corina Marilena , Muntianu Ligia Adriana Stanca , Burlibasa Mihai , Didilescu Andreea Cristiana
Published: December 2012

Objective

The objective is to compare, in a prospective randomized clinical trial, three types of attachment systems for mandibular implant overdenture, focusing on costs, maintenance requirements and complications from baseline to the end of 5‐year follow‐up period.

Materials and Methods

Sixty‐nine fully mandibular and fully/partially maxillary edentulous patients received two screw‐type Straumann implants, in the mandibular canine region. New overdentures with three types of attachment systems were inserted according to an early‐loading protocol: Group B (balls, divided into Subgroup B.1 – retentive anchor with gold matrix and Subgroup B.2 – retentive anchor with titanium matrix) (n = 23), Group M (magnets) (n = 23) and Group L (locator) (n = 23).

Results

The highest maintenance event number (195) was observed in Group B vs. 31 in Group L and 15 in Group M. Significantly more complications were recorded in Subgroup B.1 than in Subgroup B.2, Group M and Group L (P < 0.05). Group M registered the highest prosthetic success (82.6%) in the 5 years, followed by Group L (78.2%). Subgroup B.1 had the lowest success rate (50%). The magnet group recorded statistically significant higher costs, comparing with the other two groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The three attachment systems functioned well after 5 years. The magnets had a low maintenance requirement and high success rate, despite the relatively increased initial costs. Retentive anchor with titanium matrix and locator may be a better choice from a financial point of view, taking into consideration the initial low cost of the components and also the reduced number of complications.
Accuracy of preemptively constructed, Cone Beam CT‐, and CAD/CAM technology‐based, individual Root Analogue Implant technique: An in vitro pilot investigation
Authors: Moin David Anssari , Hassan Bassam , Parsa Azin , Mercelis Peter , Wismeijer Daniel
Published: December 2012

Objectives

The aim of this in vitro pilot investigation is to assess the accuracy of the preemptive individually fabricated root analogue implant (RAI) based on three‐dimensional (3D) root surface models obtained from a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan, computer‐aided designing (CAD), and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAM) technology and to measure the discrepancy in congruence with the alveolar socket subsequent to placement of the RAI.

Materials and methods

Eleven single‐rooted teeth from nine human cadaver mandibles were scanned with the 3D Accuitomo 170 CBCT system. The 3D surface reconstructions of the teeth acquired from the CBCT scans were used as input for fabrication of the RAIs in titanium using rapid manufacturing technology. The teeth were then carefully extracted. The teeth and RAIs were consequently optically scanned. The mandibles with the empty extraction sockets were scanned with CBCT using identical settings to the first scan. Finally, the preemptively made RAIs were implanted into their respective sockets, and the mandibles were again scanned with CBCT using the same scan settings as previous scans. All 3D surface reconstructions (CBCT 3D surface models and optical scan 3D models) were saved for further analysis. 3D models of original teeth and optical scans of the RAIs were superimposed onto each other; differences were quantified as root mean square (RMS) and Hausdorff surface distance. To obtain an estimate of the fit (congruence) of the RAIs in their respective sockets, the volumetric data sets of the sockets were compared with those of the root part of RAIs congruent with the sockets.

Results

Superimposed surfaces of the RAIs and the original tooth reveal discrepancy for RMS, volumetric geometry, and surface area varying from 0.08 mm to 0.35 mm, 0.1% to 7.9%, and 1.1% to 3.8%, respectively. Comparing volume differences of the alveolus with the socket corresponding part of the RAI resulted in every case the volume of the socket being greater than the root part of the RAI ranging from 0.6% to 5.9% volume difference.

Conclusion

The preemptive CAD/CAM‐based RAI technique might offer promising features for immediate implant placement. However, due to the lack of prospective clinical data, further research is needed to fine‐tune and evaluate this technique.
Activation of proliferation and differentiation of dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs) by heat stress
Authors: Rezai Rad M. , Wise G.E. , Brooks H. , Flanagan M.B. , Yao S.
Published: December 2012

Objectives

Adult stem cells (ASCs) remain in a slowly cycling/quiescent state under normal physiological conditions, but they can be awakened from this by certain factors, such as injury signals. Previously, our group has shown that dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs) appear to proliferate more rapidly than their non‐stem cell counterparts at elevated temperatures. The study described here has aimed to (i) elucidate optimal temperature in which to culture DFSCs, (ii) determine whether elevated temperatures could enhance differentiation capability of DFSCs and (iii) characterize stem cell and osteogenic marker expression of DFSCs at elevated temperatures.

Materials and methods

DFSCs obtained from rat first molars were cultured at 37 (control), 38, 39, 40 and 41 ºC. Cell proliferation was evaluated by Alamar blue reduction assay and mean numbers of viable dissociated cells. Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated after 7 or 14 days osteogenic induction. Expression of selected marker genes was also assessed during proliferation and differentiation of the cells.

Results

Increased cell proliferation was seen at heat‐stress temperatures of 38º, 39º and 40 ºC. DFSCs revealed maximal osteogenesis when cultured at 39 and 40 ºC. Moreover, some stem cell and osteogensis‐associated markers had elevated expression in heat‐stress conditions.

Conclusions

Under determined heat‐stress conditions, DFSCs increased their proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and expression of some marker genes. Thus, it is likely that elevated temperature could serve as a factor to activate adult stem cells.
East–West cultural differences in context‐sensitivity are evident in early childhood
Authors: Imada Toshie , Carlson Stephanie M. , Itakura Shoji
Published: December 2012

Accumulating evidence suggests that North Americans tend to focus on central objects whereas East Asians tend to pay more attention to contextual information in a visual scene. Although it is generally believed that such culturally divergent attention tendencies develop through socialization, existing evidence largely depends on adult samples. Moreover, no past research has investigated the relation between context‐sensitivity and other domains of cognitive development. The present study examined children in the United States and Japan (N = 175, age 4–9 years) to investigate the developmental pattern in context‐sensitivity and its relation to executive function. The study found that context‐sensitivity increased with age across cultures. Nevertheless, Japanese children showed significantly greater context‐sensitivity than American children. Also, context‐sensitivity fully mediated the cultural difference in a set‐shifting executive function task, which might help explain past findings that East Asian children outperformed their American counterparts on executive function.
Bidirectional influences between maternal parenting and children's peer problems: a longitudinal monozygotic twin difference study
Authors: Yamagata Shinji , Takahashi Yusuke , Ozaki Koken , Fujisawa Keiko K. , Nonaka Koichi , Ando Juko
Published: December 2012

This twin study examined the bidirectional relationship between maternal parenting behaviors and children's peer problems that were not confounded by genetic and family environmental factors. Mothers of 259 monozygotic twin pairs reported parenting behaviors and peer problems when twins were 42 and 48 months. Path analyses on monozygotic twin difference scores revealed that authoritative parenting (the presence of consistent discipline and lack of harsh parenting) and peer problems simultaneously influenced each other. Authoritative parenting reduced peer problems, and peer problems increased authoritative parenting. Neither consistent discipline nor harsh parenting alone was associated with peer problems. These results suggest that maternal authoritative parenting works protectively in regard to children's peer problems, and peer problems can evoke such effective parenting.
The Ethics of Engaged Presence: A Framework for Health Professionals in Humanitarian Assistance and Development Work
Authors: Hunt Matthew R. , Schwartz Lisa , Sinding Christina , Elit Laurie
Published: December 2012

In this article, we present an ethics framework for health practice in humanitarian and development work: the ethics of engaged presence. The ethics of engaged presence framework aims to articulate in a systematic fashion approaches and orientations that support the engagement of expatriate health care professionals in ways that align with diverse obligations and responsibilities, and promote respectful and effective action and relationships. Drawn from a range of sources, the framework provides a vocabulary and narrative structure for examining the moral dimensions of providing development or humanitarian health assistance to individuals and communities, and working with and alongside local and international actors. The elements also help minimize or avoid certain miscalculations and harms. Emphasis is placed on the shared humanity of those who provide and those who receive assistance, acknowledgement of limits and risks related to the contributions of expatriate health care professionals, and the importance of providing skillful and relevant assistance. These elements articulate a moral posture for expatriate health care professionals that contributes to orienting the practice of clinicians in ways that reflect respect, humility, and solidarity. Health care professionals whose understanding and actions are consistent with the ethics of engaged presence will be oriented toward introspection and reflective practice and toward developing, sustaining and promoting collaborative partnerships.
Association of lead, mercury and cadmium with diabetes in the Korean population: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2009–2010
Authors: Moon S.‐S.
Published: December 2012

Aim

Despite increasing concern regarding health problems as a result of environmental pollutants, no association of toxic heavy metals with diabetes has been demonstrated in the general population. We investigated the association of heavy metals, including lead, mercury and cadmium, with diabetes in the Korean population.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study is based on data from the fourth and fifth Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys, which were conducted in 2009 and 2010 among members of the Korean population. Participants included 1588 men and 1596 women, 30 years of age or older, who were selected from all of the 16 administrative districts of South Korea. Measurements of blood lead, mercury and cadmium levels were performed. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and homeostatic model assessment of β‐cell function were calculated in participants without diabetes.

Results

Blood concentration of lead, mercury and cadmium were slightly higher, but non‐significantly, in participants with diabetes, compared with those without. After adjustment for age, sex, region, smoking, alcohol consumption and regular exercise, the prevalence of diabetes did not differ among quartiles of blood heavy metal concentrations. Correlation analysis of heavy metals with homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and β‐cell function did not indicate a significant relationship. The relationship of sum of heavy metal mixture with prevalent diabetes was also not significant.

Conclusions

Blood lead, mercury and cadmium have no significant relationship with diabetes in the general Korean population.
A randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of therapeutic effects of silymarin in β‐thalassemia major patients receiving desferrioxamine
Authors: Moayedi Behjat , Gharagozloo Marjan , Esmaeil Nafiseh , Maracy Mohammad R. , Hoorfar Hamid , Jalaeikar Mohsen
Published: December 2012

Objective

Thalassemia is one of the most common genetic disorders worldwide. Chronic blood transfusions treat the underlying anemia but may lead to iron toxicity. Effective iron chelation remains one of the main targets of clinical management of thalassemia major. In this study, iron‐chelating activity of silymarin, a flavonolignan isolated from silybum marianum, was examined in β‐thalassemia major.

Methods

Patients were treated with the combination of desferrioxamine and silymarin (Legalon®; n = 49) or desferrioxamine plus placebo (n = 48) for 9 months. The serum levels of ferritin, iron, total iron‐binding capacity (TIBC), soluble transferrin receptor, and hepcidin were determined at the baseline and after 9‐month therapy. Liver function test was performed before and after treatment in both groups.

Results

Serum ferritin levels decreased significantly from the beginning to the end of silymarin treatment (3028.8 ± 2002.6 vs. 1972.2 ± 1250.6 ng/mL); however, no significant change in serum ferritin was observed in the patients receiving placebo (2249.0 ± 1304.2 vs. 2015.6 ± 1146.8). Moreover, serum iron and TIBC levels were significantly reduced in silymarin group compared with placebo. Patients on silymarin therapy also exhibited a significant decrease in serum levels of hepcidin and soluble transferrin receptor after 9‐month treatment period. A significant improvement in liver function test was observed in silymarin group in comparison with placebo.

Conclusion

This study shows that silymarin is effective at reducing iron overload in patients when used in conjunction with desferrioxamine. Therapeutic effects of silymarin on a background of desferrioxamine suggest the potential effectiveness of silymarin alone in reducing body iron burden.
Differences in expression patterns of cathepsin C/dipeptidyl peptidase I in normal, pathological and aged mouse central nervous system
Authors: Koike Masato , Shibata Masahiro , Ezaki Junji , Peters Christoph , Saftig Paul , Kominami Eiki , Uchiyama Yasuo
Published: December 2012

Cathepsin C (CC) (EC 3.4.14.1, dipeptidyl peptidase I) is a lysosomal cysteine protease that is required for the activation of several granule‐associated serine proteases in vivo. CC has been shown to be constitutively expressed in various tissues, but the enzyme is hardly detectable in central nervous system (CNS) tissues. In the present study, we investigated the regional and cellular distribution of CC in normal, aging and pathological mouse brains. Immunoblotting failed to detect CC protein in whole brain tissues of normal mice, as previously described. However, low proteolytic activity of CC was detected in a brain region‐dependent manner, and granular immunohistochemical signals were found in neuronal perikarya of particular brain regions, including the accessory olfactory bulb, the septum, CA2 of the hippocampus, a part of the cerebral cortex, the medial geniculate, and the inferior colliculus. In aged mice, the number of CC‐positive neurons increased to some extent. The protein level of CC and its proteolytic activity showed significant increases in particular brain regions of mouse models with pathological conditions – the thalamus in cathepsin D‐deficient mice, the hippocampus of ipsilateral brain hemispheres after hypoxic–ischemic brain injury, and peri‐damaged portions of brains after penetrating injury. In such pathological conditions, the majority of the cells that were strongly immunopositive for CC were activated microglia. These lines of evidence suggest that CC is involved in normal neuronal function in certain brain regions, and also participates in inflammatory processes accompanying pathogenesis in the CNS.
Infusion of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor into the ventral tegmental area switches the substrates mediating ethanol motivation
Authors: Ting‐A‐Kee Ryan , Vargas‐Perez Hector , Bufalino Mary‐Rose , Bahi Amine , Dreyer Jean‐Luc , Tyndale Rachel F. , van der Kooy Derek
Published: December 2012

Recent work has shown that infusion of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) promotes a switch in the mechanisms mediating morphine motivation, from a dopamine‐independent to a dopamine‐dependent pathway. Here we showed that a single infusion of intra‐VTA BDNF also promoted a switch in the mechanisms mediating ethanol motivation, from a dopamine‐dependent to a dopamine‐independent pathway (exactly opposite to that seen with morphine). We suggest that intra‐VTA BDNF, via its actions on TrkB receptors, precipitates a switch similar to that which occurs naturally when mice transit from a drug‐naive, non‐deprived state to a drug‐deprived state. The opposite switching of the mechanisms underlying morphine and ethanol motivation by BDNF in previously non‐deprived animals is consistent with their proposed actions on VTA GABAA receptors.
Home ranges of introduced rats on Christmas Island: A pilot study
Authors: Low Bing W. , Mills Harriet , Algar David , Hamilton Neil
Published: December 2012

Understanding the spatial ecology of invasive rats (Rattus spp.) is necessary to inform management actions to reduce their impact on native flora and fauna. This study investigates home range sizes of exotic rats around seabird colonies and urban areas on Christmas Island, where rat predation is suspected to be adversely affecting fledgling success among local seabirds. It was hypothesised that rat home range sizes would be smaller in urban areas owing to more consistent food availability. Home ranges of male rats were significantly larger compared with their female counterparts, with male rats maintaining larger home ranges in urban areas compared with seabird colonies. Conversely, female rats had smaller home ranges in urban areas compared with seabird colonies. Our findings suggest a possible correlation between the spatial distribution of food resources and home range size. Additionally, the spatial distribution of breeding females across the landscape had a significant influence on the home ranges of male rats. These findings have important implications for proposed efforts to manage rat populations on Christmas Island, while also providing valuable information regarding the ecology of invasive rats on tropical islands.
Constitutionalising EU Executive Rule‐Making Procedures: A Research Agenda
Authors: Curtin Deirdre , Hofmann Herwig , Mendes Joana
Published: December 2012

The existence or non‐existence of procedural rules for executive rule‐making in the EU is not merely a ‘technical’ question free of constitutional value choices. This article argues that constitutional principles, such as transparency, openness and participatory democracy, highlighted by the Treaty of Lisbon constitute decisive normative standards for the design of administrative procedures in the EU, with a considerable impact on substantive outcomes. We apply such principles to executive rule‐making procedures in the EU, highlight the salience of this discussion and argue that systematisation of executive rule‐making procedures is needed in order to implement constitutional principles in a complex and plural environment.
Antibodies to OspC, OspF and C6 antigens as indicators for infection with Borrelia burgdorferi in horses
Authors: Wagner B. , Goodman L. B. , Rollins A. , Freer H. S.
Published: December 2012

Reasons for performing study

Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by infected ticks (Ixodes spp.). Reports on Lyme disease in horses have increased in recent years. Nevertheless, the diagnosis of Lyme disease in horses is still challenging owing to its vague clinical presentation and the limitations of diagnostic tests.

Objectives

This study used a new serological Lyme multiplex assay to examine antibody responses to 3 antigens of B. burgdorferi, outer surface protein (Osp) C, OspF and C6, and to verify their use as markers for early and late infection stages in horses.

Methods

Multiplex analysis of antibodies to OspC, OspF and C6 in equine patient sera (n = 191) was performed. A subset of the sera (n = 90) was also tested using a commercial C6‐based Lyme test.

Results

Antibodies to OspF and C6 highly correlate as reliable markers of infection with B. burgdorferi in horses. Antibodies to OspC, which have been confirmed as early infection markers in man and dogs, were only detected in some patient sera, suggesting that OspC antibodies are indicators of early infection in horses. Commercial C6 testing identified most infected horses but also resulted in false positive and false negative interpretations.

Conclusions

Serological multiplex testing is a rapid and quantitative diagnostic method to confirm infection with B. burgdorferi and to identify the stage of infection. In horses with risk of exposure and clinical signs, multiplex testing supports the diagnosis of Lyme disease.

Potential relevance

Antimicrobial treatment of B. burgdorferi is time sensitive. Treatment success decreases with time of persistent infection, while the risk of developing chronic disease increases. The ability to identify early infection with B. burgdorferi provides practitioners and clinicians with a tool to improve the diagnosis of equine Lyme disease and make treatment decisions.
Serum amyloidAconcentration in healthy periparturient mares and mares with ascending placentitis
Authors: Coutinho da Silva M. A. , Canisso I. F. , MacPherson M. L. , Johnson A. E. M. , Divers T. J.
Published: December 2012

Reasons for performing study

Placentitis is a prevalent cause of abortion, premature delivery and neonatal death in mares. Early diagnosis is paramount for the survival of the fetus and delivery of a live foal.

Objectives

To determine: 1) Serum amyloidA(SAA) profile in healthy mares during late gestation; 2) if placentitis affectsSAAconcentrations and 3) the effects of therapy onSAAconcentrations and pregnancy outcome in mares with placentitis.

Methods

In ExperimentI, 15 healthy pregnant mares were evaluated from 280 days of gestation to 60 hpost partum. In ExperimentII, pregnant mares were inoculated intra‐cervically withStreptococcus zooepidemicus(Day 280–295) and assigned to control (n = 5) and treatment (n = 9) groups. Treatment was initiated at the onset of clinical signs. Serum amyloidAconcentrations were determined prior to inoculation and then weekly until abortion or delivery.

Results

Serum amyloidAremained at low concentrations (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.2–8.1 mg/l) during late gestation followed by a significant increase within 36 hpost partum;SAAreturned to basal concentrations by 60 hpost partum. In ExperimentII,SAAsignificantly increased within 96 ± 56 h of inoculation in control mares followed by abortion. Therapy was effective (P<0.05) in preventing the rise inSAAin 66% (6/9) of mares and only one out of 3 mares with increasedSAAaborted. Overall, the incidence of abortion was higher in mares with increasedSAAconcentrations (75%; 6/8) compared with mares in whichSAAremained at baseline concentrations (0/6).

Conclusions

Mares with placentitis had significant increasedSAAwithin 96 h post inoculation and concentrations remained increased until abortion in untreated mares. Successful treatment either prevented the rise ofSAAconcentration or decreased its concentration to baseline concentrations, followed by delivery of a live foal.

Potential relevance

Serum amyloidAmay be used as a prognostic indicator in cases of ascending placentitis in the mare.
Occurrence of glycerol uptake in Dunaliella tertiolecta under hyperosmotic stress
Authors: Lin Huixin , Fang Lei , Low Chin Seng , Chow Yvonne , Lee Yuan Kun
Published: December 2012

The unicellular halotolerant green alga species Dunaliella are able to proliferate in extremely varied salinities by synthesizing intracellular glycerol and adjusting the cell shape and volume. However, some marine Dunaliella species such as Dunaliella tertiolecta are not able to regulate cell volume as an immediate response to counter external osmotic shock. Here we report that a rapid shock‐response mechanism is present in Dunaliella tertiolecta, involving uptake of exogenous glycerol in response to hyperosmotic shock without changing cell volume, and this glycerol uptake activity is associated with the Dunaliella tertiolecta glycerol uptake protein 1 (DtGUP1) gene, which belongs to the membrane‐bound O‐acyltransferase. The mutant DtGUP1‐E, in which the DtGUP1 gene is silenced, displayed an inability to take up glycerol from the medium and showed cell death under hyperosmotic shock. To our knowledge, this is the first time a gene product has been reported in Dunaliella tertiolecta that is involved in glycerol uptake activity under hyperosmotic stress.
Parthenogenetic populations of the freshwater snailCampeloma limumoccupy habitats with fewer environmental stressors than their sexual counterparts
Authors: CRUMMETT LISA T. , SEARS BRITTANY F. , LAFON DAVID C. , WAYNE MARTA L.
Published: December 2012

1. Sexual organisms should have half the reproductive rate of their parthenogenetic counterparts (i.e. twofold cost of sex), so the plethora of sexual species relative to parthenogenetic species remains an evolutionary paradox. The rarity of parthenogenesis may in part be due to the accumulation of deleterious mutations. Indeed, parthenogenetic populations of the freshwater snailCampeloma limumhave a greater mutation load relative to sexual populations ofC. limum, although this does not directly affect their reproductive fitness. We hypothesise that although parthenogenesis has no direct effect on fitness inC. limum, mutation accumulation and environmental stress act synergistically to limit the distribution of parthenogenetic populations.

2. We evaluated this hypothesis, predicting that parthenogenetic populations ofC. limumwould inhabit sites with fewer environmental stressors than their sexual counterparts. We collected water quality, population density and individual size data at multiple time points from eight parthenogenetic and five sexual populations in the south‐eastern United States (Georgia and South Carolina).

3. Consistent with our hypothesis, sexual populations ofC. limuminhabited poorer‐quality areas (sites with significantly lower dissolved oxygen and significantly more faecal coliform bacteria) than parthenogenetic populations. Despite these stressors, sexual populations still exhibited significantly higher population density than parthenogenetic populations.

4. Our findings support the hypothesis that mutation‐laden parthenogeneticC. limumpopulations occupy habitats with fewer environmental stressors relative to their sexual counterparts. Moreover, sexualC. limumpopulations inhabit lower‐quality habitats where they can presumably evade the twofold cost of sex in the absence of competition from their parthenogenetic counterparts.