bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism in Asian Colorectal Cancer Surgery Patients
Authors: Yang Song‐Soo , Yu Chang Sik , Yoon Yong Sik , Yoon Sang Nam , Lim Seok‐Byung , Kim Jin Cheon
Published: January 2011

Background

The occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), manifesting as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), after colorectal cancer surgery in Asian patients remains poorly characterized. The present study was designed to investigate the incidence of symptomatic VTE in Korean colorectal cancer patients following surgery, and to identify the associated risk factors.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from patients who developed symptomatic VTE after colorectal cancer surgery between 2006 and 2008. Deep vein thrombosis was diagnosed with Doppler ultrasound or contrast venography, and PE was identified with lung ventilation/perfusion scans or chest computed tomography. Thromboprophylaxis, including low‐molecular‐weight heparin, graduated compression stockings, and intermittent pneumatic compression, was used in patients considered at high risk of VTE.

Results

Of the 3,645 patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery, 31 (0.85%) developed symptomatic VTE. Of those 31 patients, 23 (74.2%) had DVT, 16 (51.6%) had PE, and 8 (25.8%) had both. Two patients died from PE. Univariate analysis showed that a history of VTE, pre‐existing cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, transfusions, postoperative immobilization time, and postoperative complications were associated with VTE (p < 0.05 for each). Multivariate analysis showed that a history of VTE, pre‐existing cardiovascular disease, postoperative complication, advanced cancer stage, and postoperative immobilization time were risk factors for developing symptomatic VTE. The mean hospital stay was 18.3 days, and the mortality rate was 6.5%.

Conclusions

The incidences of symptomatic DVT and PE were found to be not low in Asian colorectal cancer surgery patients compared with Western countries. The risk factors for VTE were a history of VTE, pre‐existing cardiovascular disease, postoperative complications, advanced cancer stage, and postoperative immobilization. Thromboprophylaxis should be strongly considered in patients with these characteristics. Large prospective randomized controlled trials should be conducted to further evaluate the risk of VTE in Asian patients, and to determine the optimal prophylaxis.
Predictive Factors of Complications After Surgical Repair of Iatrogenic Femoral Pseudoaneurysms
Authors: Piffaretti Gabriele , Mariscalco Giovanni , Tozzi Matteo , Rivolta Nicola , Castelli Patrizio , Sala Andrea
Published: January 2011

Background

The aim of the present study was to identify the predictive factors associated with the development of postoperative complications in patients treated with surgical repair of iatrogenic femoral pseudoaneurysm.

Materials and methods

Between July 1992 and October 2009 we identified 92 cases of iatrogenic femoral pseudoaneurysm treated with conventional surgery. Surgical repair was performed via a longitudinal groin incision. A primary suture was sufficient in most patients. Twenty‐nine variables were considered and included in the analyses.

Results

Urgent interventions were performed in 47 (51.1%) cases. Complications occurred in 22 (23.9%) patients. Bleeding was the most‐frequent complication (n = 12), followed by wound infection (n = 6) and atrial fibrillation (n = 3). Overall, patients differed for age only (75.6 ± 7.9 vs. 69.7 ± 10.1; p =. 013). Patients with complications required an intensive care unit stay more frequently than those without complications (36.4% vs. 11.4%; p =. 007), as well as a longer hospital stay (12.9 ± 8.4 vs. 7.7 ± 7.7 days; p =. 013). Bleeding complications were noted to be more frequent in older patients (76.2 ± 8.5 vs. 70.3 ± 9.90 years; p =. 056). Wound infections showed a higher correlation with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD: 50.0% vs. 15.1%; p =. 063).

Discussion

Bleeding and wound infection were the most frequent complications after surgical repair of iatrogenic femoral pseudoaneurysm. Age and COPD were the most important predictive factors for these complications. Patients with postoperative complications required a longer postoperative hospital stay.
The sodium‐dependent di‐ and tricarboxylate transporter, NaCT, is not responsible for the uptake of D‐, L‐2‐hydroxyglutarate and 3‐hydroxyglutarate into neurons
Authors: Brauburger Katja , Burckhardt Gerhard , Burckhardt Birgitta C.
Published: January 2011

Concentrations of glutarate (GA) and its derivatives such as 3‐hydroxyglutarate (3OHGA), D‐ (D‐2OHGA) and L‐2‐hydroxyglutarate (L‐2OHGA) are increased in plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and urine of patients suffering from different forms of organic acidurias. It has been proposed that these derivatives cause neuronal damage in these patients, leading to dystonic and dyskinetic movement disorders. We have recently shown that these compounds are eliminated by the kidneys via the human organic anion transporters, OAT1 and OAT4, and the sodium‐dependent dicarboxylate transporter 3, NaDC3. In neurons, where most of the damage occurs, a sodium‐dependent citrate transporter, NaCT, has been identified. Therefore, we investigated the impact of GA derivatives on hNaCT by two‐electrode voltage clamp and tracer uptake studies. None of these compounds induced substrate‐associated currents in hNaCT‐expressing Xenopus laevis oocytes nor did GA derivatives inhibit the uptake of citrate, the prototypical substrate of hNaCT. In contrast, D‐ and L‐2OHGA, but not 3OHGA, showed affinities to NaDC3, indicating that D‐ and L‐2OHGA impair the uptake of dicarboxylates into astrocytes thereby possibly interfering with their feeding of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates to neurons.
Why is Everyone So Anxious?: An Exploration of Stress and Anxiety in Genetic Counseling Graduate Students
Authors: Jungbluth Chelsy , MacFarlane Ian M. , Veach Patricia McCarthy , LeRoy Bonnie S.
Published: January 2011

Stress is an inevitable part of daily life. Studies of graduate student stress exist, but none include genetic counseling students. The present mixed‐methods study investigated 225 genetic counseling students’ stress and anxiety levels using the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI; Spielberger et al. 1983), frequency and intensity of stressors associated with their graduate experience, positive and challenging aspects of their experience, and their stress management advice for prospective students. Principal axis factor analysis yielded five conceptual factors underlying the stressors: Professional Uncertainty, Personal Life Events, Interpersonal Demands, Academic Demands, and Isolating Circumstances. Exploratory model fitting using regression yielded four significant predictors accounting for 19% of the variance in state anxiety: (1) trait anxiety, (2) the Interpersonal Demands factor, (3) the Isolating Circumstances factor, and (4) the interaction between the Professional Uncertainty factor and advanced student status. Content analysis of open‐ended responses identified several themes. For instance, most students enjoyed what they were learning, interactions with colleagues, and affirmation of their career choice, while certain academic and professional challenges were particularly stressful (e.g., workload, time constraints, clinical rotations). Additional findings, program implications, and research recommendations are provided.
Multi‐centre European study of breakthrough cancer pain: Pain characteristics and patient perceptions of current and potential management strategies
Authors: Daviesl Andrew , Zeppetellal Giovambattista , Andersenl Steen , Damkierl Anette , Vejlgaardl Tove , Nauckl Friedemann , Radbruchl Lukas , Sjolundl Karl‐Frederik , Stenbergl Mariann , Buchananl Alison
Published: January 2011

This study involved 320 cancer patients from four Northern European countries. Patients with breakthrough pain were questioned about the characteristics of their pain, the current management of their pain, and the acceptability/utility of alternative routes of administration.

The median number of episodes was 3/day. Forty‐four percent patients reported incident‐type pain, 39% spontaneous‐type pain, and 17% a combination of these pains. The median duration was 60 min, and the median time to peak intensity was 15 min. Three percent patients reported “mild” pain, 37% “moderate” pain, and 60% “severe” pain. Ninety percent patients stated that the pain interfered with their daily activities.

All patients were using opioids as rescue medication (mainly oral morphine/oxycodone), whilst 28% patients were using non‐opioids, and 50% patients were using non‐pharmacological interventions. Only 55% patients took rescue medication every time they experienced breakthrough pain.

Sixty‐five percent patients would definitely consider using an oral transmucosal product; patients from Denmark were less likely to answer positively, and a positive response was associated with previous use of the route for breakthrough pain. Seventy‐three percent patients reported regular oral problems. Forty‐two percent patients would definitely consider using an intranasal product, with 26% patients stating they would definitely not use such a preparation; patients from Denmark and Sweden were less likely to answer positively, and a positive response was associated with male gender, and previous use of the route. Forty‐four percent patients reported regular nasal problems. Sixty percent patients would definitely consider using a subcutaneous product, and 44% patients would definitely consider using an intrapulmonary product.
Influence of employment status on menopausal symptoms
Authors: Oğurlu Nesrin , Küçük Mert , Aksu Hilmiye
Published: January 2011

Objective

To evaluate the variation of climacteric symptoms among working and nonworking postmenopausal Turkish women.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study enrolled a random sample of 132 women (66 employed, 66 not employed). Sociodemographic data were collected through a sociodemographic questionnaire. Menopause symptomatology was assessed using the Climacteric Complaint Tool.

Results

All women had a similar sociodemographic background. A significantly greater percentage of nonworking women suffered from hot flushes, difficulty in sleeping, headache, irritability, depressive mood, muscle and joint pain, and urinary problems. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the employment status had a significant effect on the experience of climacteric symptoms even after adjustments for education status and income adequacy.

Conclusions

The present study indicates that the employment status might contribute to significant variations in climacteric symptomatology.
Posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and hopelessness in women who are victims of sexual violence
Authors: Machado Carolina L. , de Azevedo Renata C.S. , Facuri Claudia O. , Vieira Maria‐José N. , Fernandes Arlete‐Maria S.
Published: January 2011

Objective

To evaluate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and hopelessness in women 1 and 6 months after they experienced sexual violence.

Methods

This prospective study, in which the clinician‐administered PTSD scale, the Beck depression inventory, and the Beck hopelessness scale were used, included 67 women at 1 month and 52 women at 6 months after they experienced sexual violence.

Results

Overall, 77.6% of the women were ≤ 24 years of age, and 52% were adolescents; 15% had a history of drug abuse, and 13.5% had a history of previous sexual violence. The aggressor was unknown in 76% of cases, and there was more than 1 aggressor in 9% of cases. In the first month, 43% of the women had moderate or very severe PTSD; 52.2% had moderate or severe depression; and 22.4% had moderate or severe hopelessness, which decreased to 21%, 20% and 10%, respectively, at 6 months. In the first month, severity of PTSD was associated with moderate or severe depression, and at 6 months severity of PTSD was associated with multiple aggressors and previous psychiatric disorders. All scores decreased in the sixth month.

Conclusion

Severe mental health disorders were still present 6 months after women had experienced sexual violence.
Percutaneous Fixation of Displaced Calcaneal Fract
Authors: Yip-Kan Yeung , Yuen-Fong Ho
Published: January 2011

Purpose

To review the techniques and outcomes of percutaneous fixation, with the modified Essex-Lopresti technique, in isolated, displaced tongue-type calcaneal fractures.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of 24 patients who received percutaneous calcaneal screw fixation in our hospital, from April 2003 to June 2009. One patient had bilateral fixation performed. All patients had a serial of X-rays of the injured foot, which included anteroposterior, axial, lateral, and Broden's views. Preoperative and postoperative Bohler's and Gissane's angles were measured. The patients’ conditions were continuously assessed in serial follow-ups, and the Maryland Foot Score was used to evaluate the clinical outcome.

Results

Bohler's and Gissane's angles were fully restored in 13 and 17 out of 25 fractures, respectively. The mean duration of postoperative hospital stay was 4 days. There were no major postoperative complications. Sixteen patients were able to resume their original jobs. The Maryland Foot Score rated 13 out of 25 injured limbs (52%) as excellent, 9 (36%) as good, and 3 (12%) as fair. There were no patients rated as poor. The three patients with fair results complained of pain and stiffness at the subtalar joint.

Conclusion

Percutaneous fixation of displaced tongue-type calcaneal fractures is an effective treatment with acceptable clinical outcome, short hospital stay, minimal skin complications, and quick recovery.
Mass transfer in garnet ultramafic xenoliths subject to partial melting under hot reduced gas flows
Authors: Sharapov V.N. , Mazurov M.P. , Tomilenko A.A. , Faleev V.A.
Published: January 2011

We report results of experiments in which samples of ultramafic xenoliths from the Udachnaya-Vostochnaya kimberlite pipe (Siberian craton, Yakutia) were heated, in a flow reactor, by flows of reduced gas at temperatures between 800 °C and 1200 °C. The heating tests were preceded by investigation into the gas composition of main phases. When subjected to heating by the reduced gas flows, the samples of metasomatized lithospheric mantle released reduced fluids and formed partial melts, the composition of the latter being controlled by fusibility of rocks (“readiness” of liquid to segregate). The initial compositions of the partially molten rocks turned out to correlate with those of secondary inclusions in matrix minerals and of most fusible minerals in reaction rims and in metasomatic veins, as inferred from the analysis of vitrified melting products and structure of the heated rocks. The effect of partial melting of matrix minerals was to increase the contents of Al (melting of garnet) and Mg (olivine and orthopyroxene rims) in the melts. The experimental melts are difficult to compare with natural felsic and mafic rocks in average compositions. The bulk compositions of fluids in altered ultramafics disagree with the computed equilibrium compositions according to some correlation relations (CO2 ↔ CO, r+).
Formation conditions of placers in the Tapsa–Kaakhem gold zone (Tuva) and their relation to primary sources
Authors: Prudnikov S.G. , Kononenko N.B. , Petrova L.I.
Published: January 2011

The formation conditions of placers within the Tapsa–Kaakhem gold zone (Tuva) have been determined, and the relation between primary and placer gold deposits has been studied. Polycyclicity in the valleys of the region resulted in the formation of gold placers of various morphologies with stratified producing reefs in loose sediments differing in composition and age: Oligocene–Lower Pliocene, Eopleistocene–Lower Pleistocene, Middle Pleistocene, and Upper Pleistocene. A complex relation between placers and their primary sources has been established. In general, the macrocomposition of gold in the producing reefs of different ages reflects the composition of gold from the primary sources. From older to younger producing reefs, gold fineness varies more widely, showing a trend toward smaller values. This suggests that undiscovered primary sources belonging to another association exist in the source area. The same is confirmed by a drastic change in the typomorphic features, grain size, and roundedness of gold in the longitudinal section of the Bai-Syut River valley. The peculiarities of gold from placers formed by the rewashing of glacial drift have been established. In the Kopto placer, nuggets are widespread (10 mm), which fully retained the shape inherent to vein gold. Apparently, the nuggets were transported to the placer with glacial drift in quartz gravel, which protected them from rounding. Quartz crumbled completely, and gold became free in situ under frost action. The presence of nuggets in the Kopto placer permits predicting a cluster distribution of gold in the known thin quartz veins.
Gold-bearing arsenopyrite in eastern Kazakhstan gold-sulfide deposits
Authors: Kovalev K.R. , Kalinin Yu.A. , Naumov E.A. , Kolesnikova M.K. , Korolyuk V.N.
Published: January 2011

We have revealed early productive disseminated pyrite-arsenopyrite mineralization with invisible gold in tectonic zones and late nest-veinlet gold-polysulfide mineralization with free gold in zones of silicified rocks at the Suzdal’ (Suzdal’skoe), Zherek, and Bol’shevik deposits in eastern Kazakhstan, localized within black shales. Two varieties of arsenopyrite differing in morphology, chemical composition, and gold contents have been established in them: acicular-prismatic and tabular. Gold was determined by a specially elaborated technique ensuring a detection limit of 30 ppm Au. Acicular-prismatic arsenopyrite is the main ore mineral of the early productive stage of mineralization; it has high gold contents (1400–5360 ppm) and a nonstoichiometric composition (S/As = 1.2) and is slightly depleted in Fe. The absence of correlation between the contents of the main arsenopyrite components and gold, and the strongly uneven distribution of gold among the mineral grains, and within a grain point to the presence of invisible gold, as elemental particles deposited together with arsenopyrite. Tabular arsenopyrite is abundant at the Suzdal’ deposit, where gold-polysulfide mineralization and argillization are widespread. It has low gold and high antimony contents and a stoichiometric composition. Visible gold usually grows over tabular arsenopyrite. The isotopic composition of sulfur of acicular-prismatic arsenopyrite and globular-crystalline pyrite, formed at the early mineralization stages, is characterized by δ34S = 0.0 to –3.3‰ and evidences a mantle source of sulfur with a partial borrowing of crustal sulfur. The tabular arsenopyrite and other sulfides of the second productive mineralization show a lighter isotopic composition of sulfur (δ34S = –7.7 to –10.2‰), which is due to sulfur fractionation under high oxygen fugacity at the late ore deposition stage. The coexistence of two sets of arsenopyrite of different morphologic varieties and compositions at the deposit points to a long ore deposition, the coexistence of mineralization formed at different stages, and the evolution of physicochemical parameters.
The Late Quaternary geodynamics of the Hyargas Nuur basin and bordering scarps (western Mongolia)
Authors: Arzhannikov S.G. , Arzhannikova A.V.
Published: January 2011

The study area covers the central part of the Great Lakes Basin in western Mongolia. A specific feature of the area is abundant evidence of large lakes existed there not long ago. That evidence consists of barrier beaches, terrace complexes, and large sand massifs. Remote sensing and field studies showed active tectonic processes within the Great Lakes Basin. Numerous paleoseismogenic deformations have been revealed along the periphery and in the water area of paleolake Hyargas Nuur, which was six times larger than the lake. The absolute heights of the maximum paleolake phase are 1143 m, which is 115 m higher than the present-day lake level. Tectonic movements led to the elevation of part of the former paleolake water area and barrier beaches to the absolute level of 1175 m. Landslides might have caused tsunami in the paleolake water area.
GPS geodetic constraints on the kinematics of the Amurian Plate
Authors: Ashurkov S.V. , San’kov V.A. , Miroshnichenko A.I. , Lukhnev A.V. , Sorokin A.P. , Serov M.A. , Byzov L.M.
Published: January 2011

Today, one of the most topical questions in the recent geodynamics of eastern Asia is that concerning the existence of the Amurian Plate and its boundaries. An unambiguous answer is difficult to obtain because seismicity is relatively rare and weak and the plate boundaries are often geomorphologically unclear. One of the methods that can help is satellite geodesy. In the present study, the velocity field of recent horizontal crustal movements was obtained from five repeated GPS observations on the Amur–Zeya geodynamic test ground (Amur Region) in 2001–2007. On this basis, the parameters of the relative rotation of the Eurasian and Amurian plates were calculated. The coordinates of their rotation pole were found to be 122.285° E and 58.950° N, and the angular rotation velocity 0.095 deg/Myr. The resulting kinematic model describes the motion of the Eurasian and Amurian Plates as independent tectonic units. According to statistical analysis, this hypothesis is true at a confidence level of more than 99%. Also, calculations have shown that the eastern boundary of the Amurian Plate passes through a branch of the Tan-Lu fault system. The kinematic model for the Eurasian and Amurian Plates agrees well with data on the kinematics of active faults and the modern tectonic stress field at the plate boundary.
Geology and petroleum potential of Riphean reservoirs in the southwestern Siberian craton
Authors: Valchak V.I. , Evgrafov A.A. , Goryunov N.A. , Babintsev A.F.
Published: January 2011

We report CMP reflection profiling data acquired by Eniseigeofizika OJSC in the southwestern Siberian craton. The collected reference and regional profiles of a total length of ~5000 km, run in W–E and N–S directions and traverse all major structural units of the craton. The data were processed to obtain important evidence of the sediment structure as a basis for further exploration. The synthesis of the results allowed mapping the Riphean surface, with sedimentary sequences and basement highs. The thicknesses and deformation patterns of rocks were used to distinguish ten zones which differ in their structure and composition, as well as in the position with respect to major units of the overlying Vendian–Paleozoic sequence. The distinguished zones have been ranked in terms of exploration and licensing priority.
Stoneley attenuation length and pore fluid salinity
Authors: Dorovsky V.N. , Podberezhnyy M.Yu. , Nefedkin Yu.A.
Published: January 2011

The dependence of the Stoneley attenuation length on the concentration and composition of salt in pore fluid observed in experiments may be associated with osmosis. The salinity dependence is relevant to methods in which the permeability of porous formations is estimated from its relationship with the Stoneley attenuation length.
New optically stimulated luminescence ages provide evidence of MIS3 and MIS2 eolian activity on Black Mesa, northeastern Arizona, USA
Authors: Ellwein Amy L. , Mahan Shannon A. , McFadden Leslie D.
Published: January 2011

Eolian deposition on the semiarid southern Colorado Plateau has been attributed to episodic aridity during the Quaternary Period. However, OSL ages from three topographically controlled (e.g. falling) dunes on Black Mesa in northeastern Arizona indicate that eolian sediments there were deposited in deep tributary valleys as early as 35–30 ka, with most sand deposited before 20 ka. In contrast, the oldest OSL ages for sand sheets fall within the Pleistocene-Holocene climatic transition (~ 12–8 ka). Thus most eolian sediment accumulated on Black Mesa under climatic conditions that were in general cooler, moister, and more variable than today, not more arid, pointing to a considerable increase in sediment supply.
Metabolomics and human nutrition
Authors: Primrose Sandy , Draper John , Elsom Rachel , Kirkpatrick Verity , Mathers John C. , Seal Chris , Beckmann Manfred , Haldar Sumanto , Beattie John H. , Lodge John K. , Jenab Mazda , Keun Hector , Scalbert Augustin
Published: January 2011

The present report summarises a workshop convened by the UK Food Standards Agency (Agency) on 25 March 2010 to discuss the current Agency's funded research on the use of metabolomics technologies in human nutrition research. The objectives of this workshop were to review progress to date, to identify technical challenges and ways of overcoming them, and to discuss future research priorities and the application of metabolomics in public health nutrition research and surveys. Results from studies nearing completion showed that by using carefully designed dietary and sampling regimens, it is possible to identify novel biomarkers of food intake that could not have been predicted from current knowledge of food composition. These findings provide proof-of-principle that the metabolomics approach can be used to develop new putative biomarkers of dietary intake. The next steps will be to validate these putative biomarkers, to develop rapid and inexpensive assays for biomarkers of food intake of high public health relevance, and to test their utility in population cohort studies and dietary surveys.
Consumption of long-chainn-3 PUFA, α-linolenic acid and fish is associated with the prevalence of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Gopinath Bamini , Harris David C. , Flood Victoria M. , Burlutsky George , Mitchell Paul
Published: January 2011

Due to the anti-inflammatory properties of PUFA, it has been suggested that they may protect against kidney damage in adults. However, relatively few epidemiological studies have examined this hypothesis in human subjects. We investigated the association between dietary intakes of PUFA (n-3,n-6 and α-linolenic acid), fish and the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). A total of 2600 Blue Mountains Eye Study (1997–9) participants aged ≥ 50 years were analysed. Dietary data were collected using a semi-quantitative FFQ, and PUFA and fish intakes were calculated. Baseline biochemistry including serum creatinine was measured. Moderate CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of < 60 ml/min per 1·73 m2. Participants in the highest quartile of long-chainn-3 PUFA intake had a significantly reduced likelihood of having CKD compared with those in the lowest quartile of intake (multivariable-adjusted OR 0·69, 95 % CI 0·49, 0·99). α-Linolenic acid intake was positively associated with CKD (OR, per standard deviation increase in α-linolenic acid, 1·18, 95 % CI 1·05, 1·32). Totaln-3 PUFA or totaln-6 PUFA were not significantly associated with CKD. The highest compared with the lowest quartile of fish consumption was associated with a reduced likelihood of CKD (OR 0·68, 95 % CI 0·48, 0·97;Pfor trend = 0·02). The present study shows that an increased dietary intake of long-chainn-3 PUFA and fish reduces the prevalence of CKD. Hence, a diet rich inn-3 PUFA and fish could have a role in maintaining healthy kidney function, in addition to roles of these nutrients in the prevention and modulation of other diseases.
Effects of carbohydrate sugars and artificial sweeteners on appetite and the secretion of gastrointestinal satiety peptides
Authors: Steinert Robert E. , Frey Florian , Töpfer Antonia , Drewe Jürgen , Beglinger Christoph
Published: January 2011

In vitro,both carbohydrate sugars and artificial sweeteners (AS) stimulate the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It has been suggested that the gut tastes sugars and AS through the same mechanisms as the tongue, with potential effects on gut hormone release. We investigated whether the human gut responds in the same way to AS and carbohydrate sugars, which are perceived by lingual taste as equisweet. We focused on the secretion of gastrointestinal (GI) satiety peptides in relation to appetite perception. We performed a placebo-controlled, double-blind, six-way, cross-over trial including twelve healthy subjects. On separate days, each subject received an intragastric infusion of glucose, fructose or an AS (aspartame, acesulfame K and sucralose) dissolved in 250 ml of water or water only (control). In a second part, four subjects received an intragastric infusion of the non-sweet, non-metabolisable sugar analogue 2-deoxy-d-glucose. Glucose stimulated GLP-1 (P = 0·002) and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY;P = 0·046) secretion and reduced fasting plasma ghrelin (P = 0·046), whereas fructose was less effective. Both carbohydrate sugars increased satiety and fullness (albeit not significantly) compared with water. In contrast, equisweet loads of AS did not affect gastrointestinal peptide secretion with minimal effects on appetite. 2-Deoxy-d-glucose increased hunger ratings, however, with no effects on GLP-1, PYY or ghrelin. Our data demonstrate that the secretion of GLP-1, PYY and ghrelin depends on more than the detection of (1) sweetness or (2) the structural analogy to glucose.
The association of diabetes and BMI among Melanesian and Indian Fijians aged ≥ 40 years
Authors: Brian Garry , Ramke Jacqueline , Page Andrew , Maher Louise , Szetu John , Qalo Qoqonokana Mundi
Published: January 2011

The present study examines the association of diabetes with BMI (kg/m2) in Asian-Indian and Melanesian Fijian populations sharing a common environment. A population-based survey was used to investigate the risk of diabetes (defined by glycosylated Hb concentration ≥ 6·5 % among participants who denied previous diagnosis of the disease by a medical practitioner) by sex, ethnicity and strata of BMI in a series of age-adjusted logistic regression models. Ethnicity and BMI interactions were compared using WHO and empirically derived BMI cut-off points. Indians had a greater risk (BMI and age adjusted) of undetected diabetes than Melanesians in both males (OR 2·99, 95 % CI 1·73, 5·17; P < 0·001) and females (OR 2·26, 95 % CI 1·56, 3·28; P < 0·001). BMI ≥ 25 to < 30 and ≥ 30 kg/m2 conferred a higher risk of diabetes compared with a BMI ≥ 18·5 to < 25 kg/m2. Risk was higher for males with a BMI ≥ 25 to < 30 kg/m2 (OR 2·35, 95 % CI 1·24, 4·46; P = 0·007) and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (OR 6·08, 95 % CI 3·06, 12·07; P < 0·001) than for females with the same BMI (OR 1·85, 95 % CI 1·11, 3·08; P = 0·027 and OR 2·10, 95 % CI 1·28, 3·44; P = 0·002, respectively). However, the threshold that appeared to differentiate higher risk varied by ethnicity and sex. For Melanesians, BMI thresholds suggested were 25 kg/m2 for males and 32 kg/m2 for females. For Indo-Fijians, these were 24 and 22 kg/m2 for males and females, respectively. Disaggregating by ethnicity and sex, and applying specific evidence-based thresholds, may render BMI a more discriminating tool for assessing the risk of developing diabetes among Fiji adults.
Dietary resistant and butyrylated starches have different effects on the faecal bacterial flora of azoxymethane-treated rats
Authors: J. Abell Guy C. , Christophersen Claus T. , McOrist Alexandra L. , Clarke Julie M.
Published: January 2011

Epidemiological studies have suggested that dietary fibre lowers the risk of colorectal cancer, which may be due to increased butyrate production from colonic fermentation of a type of fibre, resistant starch (RS). The present study investigated the effects of dietary RS and butyrylated RS on the faecal microbiota of rats treated with azoxymethane. A total of four groups of nine rats were fed diets containing either standard maize starch (low-amylose maize starch (LAMS), low RS), LAMS with 3 % tributyrin (LAMST), cooked 10 % high-amylose maize starch (HAMS, high RS) or cooked 10 % butyrylated HAMS (HAMSB). Faecal samples were examined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene fragments. Multivariate analysis demonstrated no differences between faecal microbiota before treatment but revealed differences in DGGE patterns between diet groups, with the exception of the two low-RS groups (LAMS and LAMST). Subsequent analysis identified eleven DGGE bands contributing significantly to the differentiation between diets. These phylotypes belonged to Clostridiales (five),Lactobacillus(one) and Bacteroidetes (five) lineages. Rats fed HAMS had increased concentration of propionate in their distal colonic digesta and developed faecal populations containingRuminococcus bromii-like bacteria. HAMSB increased propionate and butyrate concentrations in distal colonic digesta and was associated with the appearance of two non-butyrate-producing bacteria,Lactobacillus gasseriandParabacteroides distasonis.In conclusion, supplementation with specific dietary RS leads to changes in faecal microbiota profiles that may be associated with improved bowel health.
An open study of the effectiveness of a multi-component weight-loss intervention for adults with intellectual disabilities and obesity
Authors: Melville Craig A. , Boyle Susan , Miller Susan , Macmillan Susan , Penpraze Victoria , Pert Carol , Spanos Dimitrios , Matthews Lynsay , Robinson Nicola , Murray Heather , Hankey Catherine R.
Published: January 2011

Adults with intellectual disabilities experience high rates of obesity. Despite this higher risk, there is little evidence on the effectiveness of weight-loss interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities and obesity. The present study examined the effectiveness of the TAKE 5 multi-component weight-loss intervention. Adults with obesity were invited using specialist intellectual disability services to participate in the study. Obesity was defined as a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater. TAKE 5 included a daily energy-deficit diet of 2510 kJ (600 kcal), achieved via a personalised dietary prescription. Participants' body weight, BMI, waist circumference and levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviour were measured before and after the intervention. A total of fifty-four individuals consented to participate, of which forty-seven (87 %) completed the intervention in the study period. There was a significant decrease in body weight (mean difference − 4·47 (95 % CI − 5·91, − 3·03) kg; P < 0·0001), BMI ( − 1·82 (95 % CI − 2·36, − 1·29) kg/m2; P < 0·0001), waist circumference ( − 6·29 (95 % CI − 7·85, − 4·73) cm; P < 0·0001) and daily sedentary behaviour of participants ( − 41·40 (95 % CI − 62·45, − 20·35) min; P = 0·00 034). Of the participants who completed the intervention, seventeen (36·2 %) lost 5 % or more of their initial body weight. Findings from the study suggest that TAKE 5 is an effective weight-loss intervention for adults with intellectual disabilities and obesity. The effectiveness of TAKE 5 should be examined further in a controlled study.
Tracing the 1271–1246 Ma Central Scandinavian Dolerite Group mafic magmatism in Fennoscandia: U–Pb baddeleyite and Hf isotope data on the Moslätt and Børgefjell dolerites
Authors: BRANDER LINUS , SÖDERLUND ULF , BINGEN BERNARD
Published: January 2011

Between 1271 and 1246 Ma, dolerite dykes and sills of the Central Scandinavian Dolerite Group intruded into the Fennoscandian Shield during three distinct magmatic pulses. They are distributed around five large magmatic complexes extending from Sweden to western Finland and record large-scale intracratonic tensional stress. Coeval plutonism is observed in the westernmost terrane of the Sveconorwegian orogen in southern Norway, but differs in the sense of a bimodal character and uncertain Fennoscandian ancestry of the host terrane. We report a U–Pb baddeleyite age of 1269 ± 12 Ma for a gabbronoritic member of an E-trending set of dykes, called the Moslätt Dolerites, near Lake Vättern in southern Sweden, much farther to the south than any previously known Central Scandinavian Dolerite Group rock. A similar age of approximately 1275 Ma is obtained for a meta-dolerite sheet in the Børgefjell basement window in the Scandinavian Caledonides in Mid-Norway. The initial epsilon-Hf values for these two dykes are +3.9 and +10.1, respectively, and correspond to the range of values for other occurrences of the Central Scandinavian Dolerite Group (+4.7 to +10.3). They add to the evidence that the Central Scandinavian Dolerite Group is characterized by more positive epsilon values (depleted source) than other mafic Proterozoic suites in Fennoscandia. These results extend the distribution of c. 1270–1245 Ma mafic magmatism in Fennoscandia, particularly when accounting for significant Caledonian shortening. The Central Scandinavian Dolerite Group and coeval bimodal magmatism in S Norway may represent distal magmatic events related to a Mesoproterozoic subduction along the western margin of Fennoscandia rather than hotspot (mantle plume) activity as previously suggested.
RESISTANCE TO ECONOMIC PENETRATION: THEKĀRGUZĀRAND FOREIGN FIRMS IN QAJAR IRAN
Authors: Gilbar Gad G.
Published: January 2011

European merchants and investors doing business in the Middle East during the long 19th century expected that commercial disputes in mixed cases would be conducted according to procedures and laws familiar to and accepted by them. In the Ottoman Empire and Egypt, mixed courts based on the French commercial code were established during that century. The Qajars, however, offered the foreign commercial community a different judicial institution: the localkārguzār(agent) and his majlis (court). By the beginning of the 20th century, thirty-sixkārguzāroffices operated in Iranian towns and harbors. Nevertheless, foreign (mainly British) merchants and their consuls complained bitterly that it was not an effective institution and that it clearly favored the localtujjār(big merchants). They claimed that these defects meant huge financial losses to them. The Qajars viewed this institution and its functioning differently. It served their policy of discouraging foreign penetration, and it contributed to the competitiveness of the Iraniantujjārin their struggle for commercial superiority.
NATIONAL SOCKS AND THE “NYLON WOMAN”: MATERIALITY, GENDER, AND NATIONALISM IN TEXTILE MARKETING IN SEMICOLONIAL EGYPT, 1930–56
Authors: Reynolds Nancy Y.
Published: January 2011

The specific ways that cloth—“foreign silks,” “durable Egyptian cottons,” and “artificial silks”—emerged as a potent and visible symbol through which to contest the relations of colonialism and establish national community in Egypt varied with the changing realities of Egypt's political economy. The country's early importation of textiles despite its cultivation of raw cotton, the growth of its state-protected local mechanized industry working long- and medium-staple cotton for a largely lower-class market, and that industry's diversification into artificial silk technologies all helped structure a shift from “foreign silks” to “the nylon woman” as tropes in popular and political discourse defining the limits of the national community and the behaviors suitable for it. Although artificial fibers considerably lowered the cost of hosiery and other goods, thereby expanding consumption, the use of synthetics like nylon rather than cotton subverted the goal of national economic unity between agriculture and industry.
STATE BUILDING AND THE LIMITS OF LEGIBILITY: KINSHIP NETWORKS AND KURDISH RESISTANCE IN TURKEY
Authors: Belge Ceren
Published: January 2011

Following the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923, the twin goals of centralizing state power and inscribing a uniform national identity on all citizens resulted in the proliferation of disciplinary practices that required changes in habits and everyday life as well as in the locus of faith, allegiance, and obedience. Nowhere were the repercussions felt as deeply as in the Kurdish regions, where the urge to create a new citizen sparked considerable resistance. This article suggests that alongside Kurdish nationalist movements, kinship networks and morality constituted an alternative reservoir of resistance to the new disciplinary practices that followed state building. By subverting state practices to make citizens legible, kinship networks, I argue, undermined the state's attempts to establish bureaucratic authority and create an exclusive identity.
Introduction
Authors: Brown Nathan J.
Published: January 2011

In this roundtable, we have asked a group of specialists anchored in different but overlapping scholarly communities to reflect on the academic study of Islamist movements, and they present their thoughts on its evolution as well as their suggestions for its future course. The contributions are worth reading in their entirety and quite short, so there is no point in summarizing them here. But it is worth observing that the contributions highlight and begin to explore three areas in which various modes of inquiry and communities of specialists can overlap, interact with, and even cross-fertilize each other.
Studying Political Islam
Authors: Schwedler Jillian
Published: January 2011

Over the past two decades, scholars of the Middle East have produced an impressive body of scholarship that seeks to understand diverse groups and practices that are together called political Islam. Much of our work has drawn little attention outside of academia despite the obsession with Islam shared by policymakers and the general public. The many careful studies produced by academics and some journalists—typically based on extensive field research and use of primary sources in Arabic, Turkish, and Persian—have to contend with bestselling books that trade in fears about the irrational, West-hating Muslim fanatic. Unfortunately, serious scholarship on political Islam cannot ignore this terrain of stereotypes and fearmongering, as it dominates mainstream debates about Islam and the Middle East. But in responding to these discourses, we often allow them to dictate our analytic starting point, resulting in less theoretical innovation and empirical insight than might emerge if we moved beyond the focus on Islamist groups and whether most are moderate or radical. Indeed, we might do well to abandon altogether the idea that “political Islam” represents a tangible object of study.
Arab Writings on Islamist Parties and Movements
Authors: Hamzawy Amr
Published: January 2011

The first wave of academic writings on Islamists emerged in the Arab world after the war of June 1967 and the subsequent resurfacing of religious ideologies and religiously inspired social and political movements. Examples in this first wave include works by the Syrian philosopher Sadiq Jalal al-ʿAzm, the Egyptian philosopher Hassan Hanafi, and the Moroccan historian ʿAbdullah al-ʿArawi. These writings advanced three insights. First, the rise of “religious movements,” “religious currents,” and “religious ideologies”—the term islāmī or Islamist was yet to be coined—was seen by some writers as a serious challenge to the legitimacy of the secular state and the secular idea of Pan-Arabism. Second, other writers accused Arab ruling establishments in modernizing countries—the reference was primarily to post-1967 Egypt—of using religious currents and ideologies to enhance the state's popularity and legitimacy in times of crisis. Third, Wahhabism and petrodollars were held responsible by some for the resurfacing of religious currents and their increased appeal in the contest with secular ideas. Most of the writings of the first wave were Egypt centered and were clearly inspired by an antireligious sentiment that saw religious movements and currents as representing an existential threat to secular modernization and progress.
NASR HAMID ABU ZAYD
Authors: Tamer Georges
Published: January 2011

Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd was one of the most renowned Arab Muslim scholars of the last two decades. The main focal points of the scholarly work that established his brilliant reputation worldwide were a valiant hermeneutical approach to the Qurʾan, a radical critique of the highly politicized religious discourse in Egypt and other Arab countries, and a penetrating view of Islamic culture.
Evaluation of biocontrol agro-techniques against R. solani: study of microbial communities catabolic profile modifications
Authors: SACRISTÁN-PÉREZ-MINAYO G. , REGUERA-USEROS J. I. , LÓPEZ-ROBLES D. J. , GARCÍA-VILLARACO A. , GUTIÉRREZ-MAÑERO F. J.
Published: January 2011

Damping off is the most common disease caused by edaphic fungi in Spanish crops, among which Rhizoctonia solani AG-4 stands out. In the present work, two possible methods of control were evaluated, incorporation of different doses of organic matter (OM; obtained from strawberry crops) and Pseudomonas fluorescens as a plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The highest inhibition (43% less) against the pathogen was found in the assays that used 20 g of biofumigant/kg soil. Inoculation of the P. fluorescens strain (PGPR) did not protect against the pathogen. In addition, the microbial evolution during incubation with OM was studied. For this purpose, the bacterial and fungal catabolic profiles were determined (using Biolog Eco and FF plates, respectively) as well as bacterial counts of total aerobes, Pseudomonas sp. and aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC)-degrading populations, during OM incorporation. This agro-technique produced changes in microbial catabolic community profiles, increasing bacterial metabolic activity and minimizing metabolic diversity of micro-organisms under control with and without pathogen. As for microbial counts, aerobic and ACC-degrading populations decreased while Pseudomonas sp. population increased with OM treatments.

The OM amendment applied to control the damping off caused by R. solani is viable; it is more environmentally friendly and has a lower economic cost than chemical controls and, therefore, it could serve as a component in integrated-management programmes.
Impaired decision making and feedback evaluation in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Schuermann B. , Kathmann N. , Stiglmayr C. , Renneberg B. , Endrass T.
Published: January 2011

Background

Increased impulsivity is considered to be a core characteristic of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and has been shown to play a significant role in decision making and planning. Neuropsychological studies in BPD revealed impairments of executive functions, and it is assumed that these deficits are related to altered feedback processing. However, research on executive functions in BPD is still limited and the underlying deficits remain an open question. The present study, therefore, explored whether decision-making deficits are related to altered feedback evaluation in BPD.

Method

A total of 18 BPD patients and 18 matched healthy controls underwent a modified version of the Iowa Gambling Task while an electroencephalogram was recorded. Feedback processing was examined by measuring the feedback-related negativity (FRN) and the P300 as electrophysiological correlates of feedback evaluation.

Results

Behavioural results revealed that BPD patients, relative to controls, made more risky choices and did not improve their performance. With regard to the FRN, amplitudes in BPD patients did not discriminate between positive and negative feedback information. Further, BPD patients showed reduced FRN amplitudes, which were associated with enhanced impulsivity and enhanced risk taking. In contrast, the P300 amplitudes following negative feedback were increased in BPD patients, relative to controls.

Conclusions

This study indicates that BPD patients are impaired in decision making, which might be related to a dysfunctional use of feedback information. Specifically, BPD patients did not learn to avoid disadvantageous selections, even though they attended to negative consequences.