bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Coniothyrium minitans and Trichoderma atroviride in suppression of sclerotinia blossom blight of alfalfa
Authors: Li G. Q. , Huang H. C. , Acharya S. N. , Erickson R. S.
Published: March 2005

The effects of the mycoparasites Coniothyrium minitans and Trichoderma atroviride on the suppression of alfalfa blossom blight caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were evaluated under indoor and field conditions. When T. atroviride (9·0 × 104 conidia/floret) + S. sclerotiorum (6·0 × 103 ascospores/floret) or C. minitans (9·0 × 104 conidia/floret) + S. sclerotiorum (6·0 × 103 ascospores/floret) were applied to detached young alfalfa florets, T. atroviride effectively inhibited saprophytic growth of S. sclerotiorum, whereas C. minitans showed no inhibition under the same conditions. When T. atroviride (6·9 × 104 conidia/floret) + S. sclerotiorum (6·0 × 103 ascospores/floret) or C. minitans (6·9 × 104 conidia/floret) + S. sclerotiorum (6·0 × 103 ascospores/floret) was applied to young alfalfa petals in vivo just after pollination, the percentage of pod formation was higher for T. atroviride+S. sclerotiorum than that for C. minitans+S. sclerotiorum, and the percentage of pod rot was lower for T. atroviride+S. sclerotiorum than that for C. minitans+S. sclerotiorum. However, when they were applied to senescent petals attached to developing pods of alfalfa at 9·2 × 104 conidia/floret together with S. sclerotiorum at 4·5 × 103 ascospores/floret at 14 days after pollination, C. minitans was more effective than T. atroviride in suppressing sclerotinia pod rot and seed rot of alfalfa. Field experiments showed that three applications of C. minitans (5·4 × 106 conidia mL−1) or T. atroviride (5·4 × 106 conidia mL−1) at a 7‐day interval to blossoms of alfalfa effectively suppressed sclerotinia pod rot in two out of three annual trials. Coniothyrium minitans effectively suppressed sclerotinia seed rot in all three years, whereas T. atroviride was not effective against seed rot in any of the trial years. The efficacy of C. minitans was not significantly different (P > 0·05) from benomyl (250 µg ai mL−1). This study suggests that C. minitans has potential as a biocontrol agent to control blossom blight of alfalfa caused by S. sclerotiorum.
Variation in resistance to the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita in tomato genotypes bearing the Mi gene
Authors: Jacquet M. , Bongiovanni M. , Martinez M. , Verschave P. , Wajnberg E. , Castagnone‐Sereno P.
Published: March 2005

Root‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are among the main pathogens of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) worldwide. Plant resistance is currently the method of choice for controlling these pests and all the commercially available resistant cultivars carry the dominant Mi gene, which confers resistance to the three main species Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita and M. javanica. However the emergence of virulent biotypes able to overcome the tomato resistance gene may constitute a severe limitation to such a control strategy. To date, little was known of the possible influence of the homozygous vs heterozygous allelic state of the Mi locus, or the tomato genetic background, on the expression of the resistance. In order to test both these factors, the resistance was evaluated of a large panel of L. esculentum genotypes (selected from the Vilmorin germplasm stock collection) to seven M. incognita lines avirulent or virulent against the Mi gene. Plant resistance was estimated by counting the egg masses on the root systems after inoculation with second‐stage juveniles (J2). Reproduction of the nematodes was similar or, more often, significantly higher on heterozygous tomato genotypes than on homozygous ones, suggesting a possible dosage effect of the Mi gene. Data also indicated that the tomato genetic background had a major effect on the variations observed in nematode reproduction, especially when tomato genotypes were heterozygous for the Mi gene. These results have important consequences in terms of breeding strategies and durability of the resistance conferred by the Mi gene.
Breakdown of Pl2, a major gene of resistance to apple powdery mildew, in a French experimental orchard
Authors: Caffier V. , Laurens F.
Published: March 2005

Pl2, a major resistance gene to powdery mildew originating from Malus zumi, is mainly used in apple‐breeding programmes. In an experimental orchard in France, an increase of susceptibility to powdery mildew was observed on apple genotypes carrying Pl2. This increase of susceptibility could not be explained by an effect of the age of the trees, or by an effect of the amount of inoculum on expression of the resistance Pl2. It was demonstrated by tests of pathogenicity in controlled conditions that isolates of Podosphaera leucotricha sampled in this orchard were virulent to Pl2. The appearance of virulent isolates within 6 years after planting apple genotypes selected for the presence of Pl2 resulted in a breakdown of the resistance. Ten years after planting, the percentage of genotypes that were still resistant to powdery mildew varied between 2 and 56%, depending on the progenies. This suggested that additional quantitative resistance genes may influence the durability of the resistance Pl2.
Microparticles Shed from Different Antigen‐Presenting Cells Display an Individual Pattern of Surface Molecules and a Distinct Potential of Allogeneic T‐Cell Activation
Authors: Kolowos W. , Gaipl U. S. , Sheriff A. , Voll R. E. , Heyder P. , Kern P. , Kalden J. R. , Herrmann M.
Published: March 2005

Various cells such as platelets, lymphocytes, endothelial cells, red blood cells and monocytes do release surface‐derived microparticles (mps). We analysed mp isolated from supernatants of cultured antigen‐presenting human cells (APCs) and human cell lines. Particle sizing by dynamic light scattering revealed a characteristic size of the particles ranging from 80 nm to 300 nm in viable cells and from 400 nm to 1200 nm in irradiated cells. Employing flow‐cytometry, we observed partly an altered surface protein composition of the mp compared to their cellular source. Mp originating from dendritic cells (DCs) differed in their surface composition from those released from monocytes and monocyte‐derived macrophages. In functional assays, these mp stimulated alloreactive T‐cells. The treatment of the cells with either UV‐B or lipopolysaccharide strongly influenced the quantity, the immunostimulatory features and the surface composition of the mp. Mp from apoptotic macrophages were able to reduce the stimulatory capacity of vital macrophages but not of DC. Apoptotic mps from DC, on the other hand, were always stimulatory. This is the first report regarding the study of mp released from DC and compared with those released from other APC.
A Combination of Anergic Cells' Adoptive Transfer and Rapamycin Therapy Prolongs Cardiac Allograft Survival in Mice
Authors: Cai Y. , Tang X. D. , Zhou P. J.
Published: March 2005

The in vivo immunoregulatory effect of anergic cells induced by blocking the costimulatory pathway was investigated in this study. Anergic cells were generated in vitro by mixed culture of murine splenic cells from BALB/c and C3H/HeJ under the blockade of anti‐CD154 and anti‐CD80 monoclonal antibodies, and the in vitro activity of anergic cells were observed. The 3.0 Gy γ‐irradiated BALB/c mice received cardic allografts from C3H/HeJ, and anergic cells were intravenously injected immediately after transplantation. Recipient mice injected with anergic cells also received rapamycin therapy (1 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. On day 7 after transplantation, the subsets of peripheral blood T lymphocytes, the pathology of grafts and the infiltration of lymphocytes in grafts were analysed. Untreated γ‐irradiated animals showed a graft median survival time (MST) of 9 days. Animals injected with anergic cells only or receiving rapamycin therapy alone showed MST of 11 and 17 days, respectively. MST of allograft in mice treated with control cells plus rapamycin therapy was 9 days. Animals injected with anergic cells plus rapamycin therapy, but receiving third‐party allografts (C57BL/6J), showed an MST of 15 days. However, anergic cell injection plus rapamycin therapy prolonged allograft survival significantly (MST 28 days, P < 0.01). The rejection was mild and tissue architecture was preserved in recipient mice receiving anergic cell injection plus rapamycin therapy. Furthermore, anergic cells and rapamycin therapy decreased the percentage of peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (including CD25+, CD152+, CD154+ and CD28+ subsets) and greatly reduced the infiltrating lymphocytes in allografts (including CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD25+ T cells). In conclusion, the treatment based on anergic cells' adoptive transfer plus rapamycin therapy demonstrated a significant prolongation of murine cardiac allograft survival in a donor antigen‐specific manner. This therapeutic protocol alleviated allograft rejection to solid allograft in vivo.
Influence of Interleukin‐4 on the Phenotype and Function of Bone Marrow‐Derived Murine Dendritic Cells Generated Under Serum‐Free Conditions
Authors: Wells J. W. , Darling D. , Farzaneh F. , Galea‐Lauri J.
Published: March 2005

Murine bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (DC) can be generated by culture in the presence of granulocyte/macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) alone or GM‐CSF in conjunction with interleukin‐4 (IL‐4). However, these two culture methods result in the production of heterogeneous DC populations with distinct phenotypic and stimulatory properties. In this study, we investigated the properties of DC generated under serum‐free conditions in the presence or absence of IL‐4 and compared their yield and phenotype to that of DC generated in the presence of fetal calf serum (FCS) (±IL‐4). We did not observe a significant difference in the total cell yield between these four culture conditions, although the proportion of CD11c+ DC in cultures that received FCS was higher than that of their counterparts generated under serum‐free conditions. Also, the four culture conditions generated CD11c+ DC with comparable levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, CD40, CD80 and CD86 expression, with the exception of cells cultured under serum‐free conditions in the absence of IL‐4, which displayed suboptimal levels of these markers. Moreover, we compared the functional and stimulatory properties of DC generated under serum‐free conditions in the presence or absence of IL‐4. DC cultured in the presence of IL‐4 were stronger stimulators of allogeneic splenocytes in a primary mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and of naïve antigen‐specific OT‐II transgenic T cells when pulsed with the class II ovalbumin (OVA)323−339 peptide or whole OVA protein than DC cultured in the absence of IL‐4. However, both DC populations displayed a similar capacity to take up fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)–albumin by macropinocytosis and FITC–Dextran by the mannose receptor and to secrete IL‐12 in response to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or an agonistic anti‐CD40 monoclonal antibody. Therefore, we conclude that although both DC culture methods result in the production of DC with similar functional abilities, under serum‐free conditions, DC cultured in GM‐CSF and IL‐4 show an increased stimulatory potential over DC cultured in GM‐CSF alone. This is an important consideration in the design of experiments where DC are being exploited as immunotherapeutic vaccines.
Quantitative Measurement of the Levels of Melanocortin Receptor Subtype 1, 2, 3 and 5 and Pro‐Opio‐Melanocortin Peptide Gene Expression in Subsets of Human Peripheral Blood Leucocytes
Authors: Andersen G. N. , Hägglund M. , Nagaeva O. , Frängsmyr L. , Petrovska R. , Mincheva‐Nilsson L. , Wikberg J. E. S.
Published: March 2005

Levels of the melanocortin receptor (MCR) 1, 2, 3 and 5 subtypes and pro‐opio‐melanocortin (POMC) protein mRNA were measured by the real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction method in CD4+ T helper (Th) cells, CD8+ T cytotoxic cells, CD19+ B cells, CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells, CD14+ monocytes and CD15+ granulocytes from healthy donors. We found high levels of all of the MC1, 2, 3 and 5R subtype mRNA in Th cells and moderate levels in NK cells, monocytes and granulocytes. POMC peptide mRNA was found in all examined leucocyte subsets, but only low levels were present in granulocytes. Our findings suggest a co‐ordinating role for MCR subtypes and their naturally occurring ligands in the co‐operation between innate and adaptive immunity. Moreover, our findings are compatible with earlier finding of MCR‐mediated tolerance induction in Th cells.
Bilateral lung transplant in Gauchers type‐1 disease
Authors: Rao Aparna R. , Parakininkas Daiva , Hintermeyer Mary , Segura Annette D. , Rice Tom B.
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  We report a case of a patient who received a bilateral lung transplant for end‐stage lung disease secondary to Gauchers type‐1 disease with no evidence of recurrence of the disease in the transplanted lung.
A prospective trial of steroid withdrawal after renal transplantation treated with cyclosporine and mizoribine in children: Results obtained between 1990 and 2003
Authors: Motoyama Osamu , Hasegawa Akira , Ohara Takehiro , Satoh Mari , Shishido Seiichirou , Honda Masataka , Tsuzuki Kazuo , Kinukawa Tsuneo , Hattori Motoshi , Ito Katsumi , Ogawa Osamu , Yanagihara Toshio , Saito Kazuhide , Takahashi Kota , Ohshima Shinichi
Published: March 2005

Abstract: A prospective trial of adrenocorticostertoid (steroid) withdrawal after pediatric renal transplantation was begun in 1990. Ninety‐four pediatric renal transplant recipients were enrolled in our multicenter study. Immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporine (CyA), methylprednisolone (MPL), and mizoribine (MZ) was started after transplantation. MPL was reduced to administration on alternate days in 69 patients (73.4%) and was withdrawn in 27 patients (28.7%). Rejection episodes occurred in nine patients (33.3%) after withdrawal of MPL. It occurred within 3 months after withdrawal of MPL in two patients and more than 6 months in the others. Among them, two patients lost the grafts. Thirteen‐year patient survival rate and graft survival rate were 94.6 and 83.1%, respectively. Forty‐four of the 94 patients reached their final height. Mean final height was 155.0 cm in males and 146.3 cm in females and their height standard deviation score was −2.6 s.d., the same as that at the time of transplantation. Management of growth retardation before transplantation and further reduction in the steroid dose after transplantation will increase the final height of children with chronic renal failure.
Seroprevalence of antibodies against varicella‐zoster virus and response to the varicella vaccine in pediatric renal transplant patients
Authors: Chaves Tânia do Socorro Souza , Lopes Marta Heloisa , De Souza Vanda Akico Ueda Fick , Santos Sigrid De Sousa dos , Pereira Lilian Monteiro , Reis Alexanda Dias , David‐Neto Elias
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  The severity of varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) in immunocompromised children, especially in those receiving renal transplants, is well known. However, the use of live attenuated virus vaccine in this population is controversial. This study aimed to: (i) assess the immunization status of pediatric renal transplant recipients at our center; (ii) determine the anti‐VZV antibody titers in such patients; (iii) evaluate the response to VZV vaccine in seronegative children and in those who present low antibody titers (defined as <500 mAU/mL).Vaccinated children were monitored for adverse effects for 8 wk after vaccination. Fifty patients with a mean age of 13.7 yr (range, 3–17 yr) were enrolled. In 49, blood samples were collected and antibodies were screened using ELISA. Seropositivity to VZV was found in 43 (88%), and antibody titers were ≥500 mAU/mL in 37 (75.5%). Of the 12 children who were eligible for vaccination and had antibody titers <500 mAU/mL, one developed varicella before vaccination, two did not meet the inclusion criteria, and three parents refused the vaccination. In the six vaccinated children, there were no adverse reactions to the vaccine, and four (66.6%) responded with anti‐VZV titers ≥500 mAU/mL 6–8 wk after vaccination. In conclusion, after renal transplantation, varicella vaccine is safe with a 66% rate of conversion to high antibody titers.
Renal function outcome in pediatric liver transplant recipients
Authors: Mention K. , Lahoche‐Manucci A. , Bonnevalle M. , Pruvot F. R. , Declerck N. , Foulard M. , Gottrand F.
Published: March 2005

Abstract: The orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) allows survival of children followed for severe hepatic injury, provided that the immunosuppressive treatment is prolonged. The nephrotoxicity of cyclosporine predicts the long‐term outcome of the adult patients receiving a liver transplant. The aim of this study was to determine the long‐term outcome of renal function in children receiving OLT.

This study included 12 children, with a median for age of 7.1 yr (2–15 yr) at the time of OLT. The duration of follow‐up was at least 4 yr, being 7 yr in 10 patients and more than 10 yr in seven. Renal function was evaluated with the serum level of creatinine, calculated glomerular filtration rate (cGFR), and measurement of glomerular filtration rate using chrome 51 ethylenediaminetetraacetate (51Cr EDTA) clearance performed at least once during follow‐up. The doses and the serum concentrations (C0) of cyclosporine were reported at each study time.

The cGFR decreased significantly 2 yr after the OLT [median (range): 106 mL/min/1.73 m2(71–150) at the time of OLT vs. 85 mL/min/1.73 m2(57–128) 2 yr after the OLT, p = 0.03], and decreased again between 7 and 10 yr after OLT [median (range): 99 mL/min/1.73 m2(76–125) 7 yr after OLT vs. 81 mL/min/1.73 m2(66–140) 10 yr after OLT, p = 0.04]. Six patients developed chronic renal failure (cGFR from 57 to 80 mL/min/1.73 m2) 2 yr after OLT associated with high doses of cyclosporine [median (range): 8.8 mg/kg/day (3.5–13)]. The cGFR overestimated renal function by 16% compared with the isotopic measurement of GFR (p = 0.03). Using the51Cr EDTA measurement, six of seven patients followed up more than 10 yr after OLT presented mild (n = 3) or moderate (n = 3) chronic renal failure. In our study, the majority of OLT recipients developed a chronic renal failure 10 yr after transplantation. Cyclosporine seems to be the most important factor responsible for the impairment of renal function. The use of the mycophenolate mofetil, a new immunosuppressive agent, allowing a reduction in the dose of cyclosporine, could minimize renal dysfunction. While awaiting the results of a prospective long‐term study, close drug monitoring is advised.
Electrical spinal cord stimulation in the long‐term treatment of chronic painful diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Daousi C. , Benbow S. J. , MacFarlane I. A.
Published: March 2005

Aims  Electrical spinal cord stimulation (ESCS) is a technique for the management of chronic painful diabetic neuropathy (CPDN) affecting the lower limbs. We assessed the efficacy and complication rate of ESCS implanted at least 7 years previously in eight patients.

Methods  After a trial period of percutaneous stimulation, eight male patients had been implanted with a permanent system. Mean age at implantation was 53.5 years and all patients were insulin treated with stage 3 severe disabling CPDN of at least 1 year's duration. The ESCS was removed from one patient at 4 months because of system failure and one patient died 2 months after implantation from a myocardial infarction.

Results  Six patients were reviewed a mean of 3.3 years post‐implantation. With the stimulator off, McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ) scores (a measure of the quality and severity of pain) were similar to MPQ scores prior to ESCS insertion. Pain scores (visual analogue scale) were measured with the stimulator off and on, respectively: background pain [74.5 (63–79) mm vs. 25 (17–33) mm, median (interquartile range), P = 0.03), peak pain (85 (80–92) mm vs. 19 (11–47) mm, P = 0.03]. There were two further cardiovascular deaths (these patients had continued pain relief) and the four surviving patients were reassessed at 7.5 (range 7–8.5) years: background pain [73 (65–77) mm vs. 33 (28–36) mm, median (interquartile range)], peak pain [86 (81–94) mm vs. 42 (31–53) mm]. Late complications (> 6 months post‐insertion) occurred in two patients; electrode damage secondary to trauma requiring replacement (n = 1), and skin peeling under the transmitter site (n = 1). One patient had a second electrode implanted in the cervical region which relieved typical neuropathic hand pains.

Conclusions  ESCS can continue to provide significant pain relief over a prolonged period of time with little associated morbidity.
Role of habit in adherence to medical treatment
Authors: Reach G.
Published: March 2005

This paper presents an analysis, from a philosophical point of view, of three psychological models describing how one adopts a health behaviour. More specifically, this analysis makes it possible to explain the role of habit in therapeutic adherence. By clarifying the notions of intention and decision, this novel analysis may be useful for understanding the dynamics of diabetes care.
Teaching and motivating patients to control their risk factors retards progression of cardiovascular as well as microvascular sequelae of Type 2 diabetes mellitus— a randomized prospective 8 years follow‐up study
Authors: Rachmani R. , Slavachevski I. , Berla M. , Frommer‐Shapira R. , Ravid M.
Published: March 2005

Aims  To examine whether motivating patients to gain expertise and closely follow their risk parameters will attenuate the course of microvascular and cardiovascular sequelae of diabetes.

Methods  A randomized prospective study on 165 patients with diabetes mellitus Type 2, hypertension (> 140/90 mmHg) and hyperlipidaemia (LDL‐C > 3 mmol/l), referred for consultation to a diabetes clinic in an academic hospital. Patients were randomly allocated to standard consultation (SC) or to a patient participation (PP) and teaching programme. Follow‐up continued by primary care physicians.

Results  The mean follow‐up was 7.7 years. SC group patients each attended eight annual consultations. The PP patients initiated on average 1.2 ± 0.8 additional consultations per annum. The relative risk (RR) over 8 years, for the combined cardiovascular event index in the intervention (PP) vs. the control (SC) group was 0.65 (95% CI 0.41–0.89, P = 0.001). Nephropathy developed in 14 vs. 7 patients in the SC and PP groups, respectively, RR 0.50 (95% CI 0.28–0.85, P = 0.02), retinopathy developed in 35 vs. 21 patients, RR 0.60 (95% CI 0.21–0.82, P = 0.03). Throughout the study, period blood pressure, LDL‐C and HbA1c were significantly lower in the PP than in the SC patients.

Conclusion  Well‐informed and motivated patients, were more successful in maintaining good control of their risk factors, resulting in reduced cardiovascular risk and slower progression of microvascular disease.
Dysfunction of the cyclo‐oxygenase pathway in the foetoplacental circulation in Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bisseling T. M. , Wouterse A. C. , Steegers E. A. P. , Elving L. , Russel F. G. M. , Smits P.
Published: March 2005

Aim  In diabetes, perinatal morbidity is significantly increased. This may partly be related to functional changes in the foetoplacental vascular bed. In diabetes models, a defect in the cyclo‐oxygenase pathway is a common observation. Therefore, we hypothesized that the human foetoplacental circulation of diabetic patients is characterized by dysfunction of the cyclo‐oxygenase pathway, as well.

Methods  We performed ex‐vivo perfusions of isolated placental cotyledons from healthy women (n = 14) and from patients with Type 1 diabetes (n = 9). The contribution of cyclo‐oxygenase products to foetoplacental vascular tone was quantified by measuring the response to the cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitor indomethacin.

Results  Baseline foetoplacental arterial pressure was comparable between controls and diabetic women (mean ± sem, 21.7 ± 1.2 vs. 24.4 ± 2.0 mmHg). Maximum foetoplacental arterial pressure at highest dose of indomethacin was 32.8 ± 3.0 mmHg in controls vs. 27.3 ± 2.3 mmHg in diabetic women. The indomethacin‐induced increase in pressure was reduced in diabetes (2.9 ± 0.7 vs. 11.2 ± 2.4 mmHg in controls, P = 0.01).

Conclusions  Under baseline conditions, the net effect of all cyclo‐oxygenase products in the foetoplacental vascular bed is vasodilation. In diabetes, this vasodilator effect seems significantly impaired.
Increased renal glucose metabolism in Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Meyer C. , Tolias A. , Platanisiotis D. , Stumvoll M. , Vlachos L. , Mitrakou A.
Published: March 2005

Aims  In poorly controlled diabetes, increased renal glucose uptake has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy by promoting nonenzymatic glycosylation of proteins, activation of protein kinase C, and increased polyol pathway flux. However, whether glucose uptake by the diabetic kidney is actually increased, especially in patients with Type 1 diabetes, is unclear.

Methods  To examine this question, we used a combination of net balance and isotopic techniques to compare renal glucose uptake in 12 subjects with Type 1 diabetes before and after restoration of near normoglycaemia by infusion of insulin with that in 15 postabsorptive nondiabetic volunteers.

Results  Prior to insulin infusion, the diabetic subjects were markedly hyperglycaemic (arterial glucose 15.8 ± 0.9 vs. 4.4 ± 0.1 mm) and their renal tissue glucose uptake (i.e. total glucose disappearance across the kidney minus glycosuria) was increased more than 21/2‐fold (388 ± 43 vs. 148 ± 12 µmol/min, P < 0.001). This was wholly explained by the mass action effects of hyperglycaemia since the diabetic subjects had normal renal blood flow (1575 ± 82 vs. 1492 ± 68 mL/min, P = 0.46) and reduced renal tissue glucose fractional extraction (1.7 ± 0.2 vs. 2.3 ± 0.1%, P = 0.027). Insulin infusion for three hours, which restored near normoglycaemia (arterial glucose 7.6 ± 0.7 mm), reduced renal tissue glucose uptake toward normal (258 ± 41 µmol/min, P = 0.006) without altering renal blood flow (1557 ± 110, P = 0.63) or renal tissue glucose fractional extraction (2.1 ± 0.3%, P = 0.35). Renal and hepatic glucose release, which had been increased (419 ± 49 and 960 ± 54 vs. 204 ± 9 and 734 ± 32 µmol/min, both P < 0.001), were suppressed by insulin to 138 ± 22 and 520 ± 53 µmol/min, respectively (both P < 0.001).

Conclusions  In poorly controlled Type 1 diabetes, renal glucose uptake is markedly increased, which provides a link between hyperglycaemia and biochemical processes implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Its reversal by restoration of near normoglycaemia with insulin may explain the benefit of intensive insulin therapy in preventing diabetic nephropathy.
Clinical characteristics of diabetic ketoacidosis in Korea over the past two decades
Authors: Ko S‐H. , Lee W‐Y. , Lee J‐H. , Kwon H‐S. , Lee J‐M. , Kim S‐R. , Moon S‐D. , Song K‐H. , Han J‐H. , Ahn Y‐B. , Yoo S‐J. , Son H‐Y.
Published: March 2005

Aims  The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the clinical characteristics of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in Korea over the last two decades.

Methods  A retrospective medical record review of all episodes of DKA from 1982 to 2002 in four University‐affiliated urban hospitals in Korea was performed. A total of 255 episodes of DKA (217 patients) were identified and divided into three consecutive 7‐year periods to compare trends over time. Clinical characteristics including precipitating factors and hospital mortality were analyzed.

Results  A dramatic increase in DKA admissions has occurred over the last two decades, accompanied by a marked increase in admissions of diabetic patients. The clinical characteristics of DKA remained constant over the observation period. Non‐compliance to treatment was the most common precipitating factor of DKA. A total of 30 patients died in hospital (11.8% of all episodes). Older age and infection appeared to influence mortality.

Conclusions  Our results suggest that rapidly increasing episodes of DKA in Korea, in parallel with increases in the numbers of diabetic patients, continue to be associated with significant mortality.
α‐Glucosidase inhibition (acarbose) fails to enhance secretion of glucagon‐like peptide 1 (7–36 amide) and to delay gastric emptying in Type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Hücking K. , Kostic Z. , Pox C. , Ritzel R. , Holst J. J. , Schmiegel W. , Nauck M. A.
Published: March 2005

Aim  Acarbose is able to enhance GLP‐1 release and delay gastric emptying in normal subjects. The effect of α‐glucosidase inhibition on GLP‐1 has been less evident in Type 2 diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible influence of acarbose on GLP‐1 release and gastric emptying in Type 2 diabetic patients after a mixed test meal.

Patients and methods  Ten Type 2 diabetic patients were tested with 100 mg acarbose or placebo served with a mixed meal that was labelled with 100 mg 13C‐octanoic acid. Plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, C‐peptide, glucagon, GLP‐1 and GIP were determined over 6 h. Gastric emptying was measured by determining breath 13CO2 using infrared absorptiometry.

Statistics  repeated‐measures anova.

Results  Gastric emptying rates (t1/2: 162 ± 45 vs. 163 ± 62 min, P = 0.65) and plasma concentrations (increasing from ≈ 12 to ≈ 25 pmol/l, P = 0.37) and integrated responses of GLP‐1 (P = 0.37) were not changed significantly by acarbose treatment. Postprandial plasma glucose concentrations (P < 0.0001) and their integrated responses were lowered by acarbose (by 64%; P = 0.016). The plasma concentrations of insulin and C‐peptide were reduced (P = 0.007 and 0.057, respectively) by acarbose, while glucagon was not changed (P = 0.96). GIP plasma concentrations (increasing with placebo from ≈ 10 to ≈ 85 pmol/l and with acarbose to ≈ 55 pmol/l (P < 0.0001) and their integrated responses were significantly lowered (by 43%) by acarbose (P = 0.021). After 2 weeks of acarbose treatment (50 mg t.i.d. for the first and 100 mg t.i.d. for the second week, n = 6), similar results were found.

Conclusions  In hyperglycaemic Type 2 diabetic patients, ingestion of acarbose with a mixed test meal failed to enhance GLP‐1 release and did not influence gastric emptying.
Does aerobic fitness influence microvascular function in healthy adults at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Middlebrooke A. R. , Armstrong N. , Welsman J. R. , Shore A. C. , Clark P. , MacLeod K. M.
Published: March 2005

Aim  To investigate whether aerobic fitness is associated with skin microvascular function in healthy adults with an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  Twenty‐seven healthy normal glucose‐tolerant humans with either a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes or having two parents with Type 2 diabetes and 27 healthy adults who had no history of diabetes were recruited. Maximal oxygen uptake was assessed using an incremental exercise test to exhaustion. Skin microvascular function was assessed using laser Doppler techniques as the maximum skin hyperaemic response to a thermal stimulus (maximum hyperaemia) and the forearm skin blood flow response to the iontophoretic application of acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside.

Results  Maximal oxygen uptake was not significantly different in the ‘at‐risk’ group compared with healthy controls. Maximum hyperaemia was reduced in those ‘at risk’ (1.29 ± 0.30 vs. 1.46 ± 0.33 V, P = 0.047); however, the peak response to acetylcholine or sodium nitroprusside did not differ in the two groups. A significant positive correlation was demonstrated between maximal oxygen uptake and maximum hyperaemia (r = 0.52, P = 0.006 l/min and r = 0.60, P = 0.001 ml/kg/min) and peak ACh response (r = 0.40, P = 0.04 l/min and r = 0.47, P = 0.013 ml/kg/min) in the ‘at‐risk’ group when expressed in absolute (l/min) or body mass‐related (ml/kg/min) terms. No significant correlations were found in the control group.

Conclusions  In this ‘at‐risk’ group with skin microvascular dysfunction maximal oxygen uptake was not reduced compared with healthy controls. However, in the ‘at‐risk’ group alone, individuals with higher levels of aerobic fitness also had better microvascular and endothelial responsiveness.
Twice‐daily pre‐mixed insulin rather than basal insulin therapy alone results in better overall glycaemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Malone J. K. , Bai S. , Campaigne B. N. , Reviriego J. , Augendre‐Ferrante B.
Published: March 2005

Aims  To compare the glycaemic control of an insulin lispro mixture (25% insulin lispro and 75% NPL) twice daily in combination with metformin to that of once‐daily insulin glargine plus metformin in patients with Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with intermediate insulin, or insulin plus oral agent(s) combination therapy.

Research design and methods  Ninety‐seven patients were randomized in a multicentre, open‐label, 32‐week crossover study. Primary variables evaluated: haemoglobin A1c (A1c), 2‐h post‐prandial blood glucose (BG), hypoglycaemia rate (episodes/patient/30 days), incidence (% patients experiencing ≥ 1 episode) of overall and nocturnal hypoglycaemia.

Results  At endpoint, A1c was lower with the insulin lispro mixture plus metformin compared with glargine plus metformin (7.54% ± 0.87% vs. 8.14% ± 1.03%, P < 0.001). Change in A1c from baseline to endpoint was greater with the insulin lispro mixture plus metformin (−1.00% vs. −0.42%; P < 0.001). Two‐hour post‐prandial BG was lower after morning, midday, and evening meals (P < 0.001) during treatment with the insulin lispro mixture plus metformin. The fasting BG values were lower with glargine plus metformin (P = 0.007). Despite lower BG at 03.00 hours (P < 0.01), patients treated with the insulin lispro mixture plus metformin had a lower rate of nocturnal hypoglycaemia (0.14 ± 0.49 vs. 0.34 ± 0.85 episodes/patient/30 days; P = 0.002), although the overall hypoglycaemia rate was not different between treatments (0.61 ± 1.41 vs. 0.44 ± 1.07 episodes/patient/30 days; P = 0.477).

Conclusion  In patients with Type 2 diabetes and inadequate glucose control while on insulin or insulin and oral agent(s) combination therapy, treatment with a twice‐daily insulin lispro mixture plus metformin, which targets both post‐prandial and pre‐meal BG, provided clinically significant improvements in A1c, significantly reduced post‐prandial BG after each meal, and reduced nocturnal hypoglycaemia as compared with once‐daily glargine plus metformin, a treatment that targets fasting BG.
HRM Practices and Employee Commitment: Possibilities, Pitfalls and Paradoxes
Authors: Iles Paul , Mabey Christopher , Robertson Ivan
Published: March 2005

Much recent writing on Human Resources Management (HRM) has emphasized the desirability of a committed workforce and the central role of HRM practices in establishing and maintaining such commitment. Little empirical evidence for such effects has been presented however, and the conceptualization of employee commitment has often been confused, failing to recognize its multi–dimensional nature. Researchers have sought to identify the antecedents of commitment, concentrating on personal/demographic, task, role and supervisory style variables taken from job satisfaction research. With regard to organizational and career commitment, it may be more fruitful to examine the impact of HRM policies and practices. Several studies undertaken by the authors demonstrating the impact on employee commitment of such HRM practices as selection, assessment, induction and training are reviewed, indicating the possibilities for research and practice in this area. Such studies also reveal some pitfalls in the over–simple, uncritical models of commitment often presented, and some paradoxical findings from the authors' own work are used to present a more adequate perspective on the commitment process.
Social Structures and Resistance to Strategic Change: British Manufacturers in the 1980s1
Authors: Whittington Richard
Published: March 2005

This article examines the refusal of two UK manufacturers to adapt their strategic ‘repertoires’ to the recessionary and structural changes of the 1980s. From being industry leaders in 1980, both companies were relegated to overseas control by the end of the decade. Developing both institutionalist and contextualist approaches to organization, the article argues that this fatal resistance to change derived from the deep social structural roots of these two companies' politics and cultures. Conservative managers were able to defy new capitalist logics by drawing upon alternative social structural sources of power, legitimacy and inspiration. The article concludes by considering the implications of this plural structuring of organizations both for organizational theory and for the management of change in practice.
Winning the Export War: British, Japanese and West German Exporters' Strategy Compared
Authors: Williamson Peter J.
Published: March 2005

A comparison of pricing policies, price and volume volatility, and investment in distribution, sales and marketing systems across 462 product categories identifies important differences in the strategies of British, Japanese and West German exporters towards the US market. The impact of these strategic choices on the evolution of market share is tested.

The results suggest that many British manufacturers' export strategy has been dominated by UK supply and demand considerations. A large proportion of British exports are therefore confined to niches where sensitivity to price fluctuations and ‘stop‐start’ supply is low and local distribution support is less important. Products where ‘pull marketing’ dominates are the key exception.

Japanese exporters have invested heavily in US distribution and channel support, combined with a policy of stable US prices, aiding long term penetration. West German exporters have built share on technological advantage and direct sales support supplied from Germany to a limited number of customers.
Relation of Goal Setting and Goal Sharing to Performance and Conflict for Interdependent Tasks
Authors: Lee Cynthia , Earley P. Christopher , Lituchy Terri R. , Wagner Michael
Published: March 2005

Despite the prevalence of goal setting in organizations, researchers have not thoroughly examined the implications of goal setting to work outcomes in interdependent work settings. A field survey (n= 442) assessed the relation of goal setting and goal sharing, the extent to which others are aware of an individual's work goal, to performance and conflict across varying levels of task interdependence. The results of moderated regression analyses demonstrate that in highly interdependent tasks, the use of goal setting resulted in lower performance levels. Moreover, goal setting and goal sharing in highly interdependent tasks resulted in individuals' reporting more somatic symptoms. The results are discussed in terms of clarifying the role of goal setting for interdependent tasks.
Decision Style in British and Swedish Organizations: A Comparative Examination of Strategic Decision Making
Authors: Axelsson Runo , Cray David , Mallory Geoffrey R. , Wilson David C.
Published: March 2005

In this paper results from parallel large scale studies of strategic decision making in Sweden and the United Kingdom are reported. Swedish decision makers are found to employ a decision making style which emphasizes negotiation within a restricted group. This style, which involves considerable information search, leads to very long decision times. Strategic decisions in Britain are made among groups which include fewer strongly committed participants. Delays are common and often serious, but do not lengthen the process unduly. Decision styles in both countries include contrasting tendencies which produce a dynamic tension in the decision arena.
Financial Distress Prediction Models: A Review of Their Usefulness1
Authors: Keasey Kevin , Watson Robert
Published: March 2005

Throughout the 1980s there has been continued interest in developing financial distress prediction models for both large and small firms. There has, however, been no survey of this literature directed towards assessing the uses and limitations of these models in a management context. The purpose of the paper is, therefore, to indicate the managerial uses and limitations associated with adopting financial distress prediction models. The paper achieves this end by considering in section two the current financial distress prediction techniques and their limitations. Section three examines the relevance of the predicted event (usually actual failure), the usefulness of multi‐outcome models and the appropriateness of various sample selection methods. A review of the range and adequacy of the financial and non‐financial information used to construct predictive models forms the basis of the fourth section and is followed in section five by a review of the validity of the claims made on behalf of their predictive accuracy. The following section examines the efficacy of other methods of predicting distress, and reviews the ‘man versus model’ literature concerning the relative abilities of unaided human decision‐makers and statistical models. The final section offers conclusions and suggests where future work might be directed.
Vulnerability and Agenda: Context and Process in Project Management
Authors: Buchanan David A.
Published: March 2005

This paper explores how the project management role is conditioned by the context in which change is progressed. The argument draws on Pettigrew's (1985, 1987) contextual and processual view of change, a view which does not clarify the management implications of contextual variation. Using data from a two‐stage research design combining diary and survey methods, four context dimensions are identified, concerning ‘interlocking’, ‘shifting sands’, ‘ownership’ and ‘senior management view’. For analytical purposes, two extreme contexts are characterized as exposing the project manager to high and low levels of ‘vulnerability’ respectively. Project management literature typically offers a rational‐linear account of change, and concentrates on ‘content’ and ‘control’ agendas, concerning technical expertise on the one hand, and planning, budgeting and monitoring techniques on the other. Sociological analyses reveal the limitations of the rational‐linear account, and focus on the political and cultural dimensions of the ‘process’ agenda. The data suggest how contextual variation affects the relative priority of these agendas. The management implications of these findings are explored, for project management selection, career progression, and the development of diagnostic skills and ‘agenda management’ strategies.
Flexibility, Hierarchy, Markets
Authors: Starkey Ken , Wright Mike , Thompson Steve
Published: March 2005

The conclusion that organizations need to become more strategically flexible as a response to increasing environmental dynamism and uncertainty has been an important feature of recent contingency theories of organization design. In this literature organizations have been analysed from the perspective of the development of networks of organizations concentrating on their core competencies and contracting among themselves on a stable long‐term basis. This model of inter‐firm relationships provides an alternative mode of organizational structuring to that arising from vertical integration, which, by contrast, is seen as fostering strategic inflexibility. In the literature on corporate restructuring and changes in ownership form arising from the markets and hierarchies perspective, we see a similar emphasis on the dysfunctional consequences of large‐scale bureaucratic organization. Changes in ownership form are seen as a major means of providing more effective managerial control. In this paper we argue that linking the literature on flexibility emanating from contingency theories of organizational design and the markets and hierarchies perspective provides important new insights into current and emerging forms of organization.
An Interaction Model of Business Service Production and Consumption
Authors: O'Farrell P. N. , Moffat L. A. R.
Published: March 2005

This paper develops a conceptual framework and model of the production and consumption of a business service. The model captures the interacting and dynamic nature of relationships between individuals both within and between client and supplier firms. The role played by the client during the different phases of production of the service will influence the degree to which the final service delivered meets the customer's specifications and the probability of implementation. Some empirical evidence of the complex interactions that occur in the creation of business services is presented and is used to suggest a modified typology of business services.
The Effects of Organizational Culture, Structure and Market Expectations on Technological Innovation: A Hypothesis
Authors: Demirag Istemi , Tylecote Andrew
Published: March 2005

This paper is chiefly concerned with the causes and technological effects of ‘short‐term pressures’ on and in large firms in British manufacturing. ‘Short‐term pressures’ (STP) are defined as factors acting upon (or within) an organization which tend to cause decision‐makers (explicitly or implicitly): (a) to raise their time rate of discount; and/or (b) to foreshorten the time horizon beyond which future revenues are ignored altogether. Such pressures will tend to reduce the rate of investment (defined very broadly as present sacrifice of cash flow for future gain), and/or bias it towards ‘short‐term’ projects. In the British context such pressures upon firms arise from the nature of the relationship with shareholders. (High interest rates and low profitability have similar effects but should be analysed separately.) STP can also be generated and/or transmitted within organizations. STP acting within an organization are likely to be associated with pressures on middle and lower management to take a narrow, ‘sectional’ view, avoiding efforts and expenditures whose benefits may go largely to other parts of the firm.

The first section sets out a theoretical framework within which to predict the intensity of external STP, and uses this to assess their likely incidence. After defining and discussing the concept of culture in organizations, it is argued that culture dominates structure at higher levels, and the reverse at lower levels. The second section deals with internal STP, and shows how performance pressures on managers at various levels are determined by the interaction of structural and cultural factors. Structural factors considered include organizational configurations and methods of auditing and management accounting. Internal performance pressures may at various levels be quite different from the external pressures. The third section shows how, by contrast with economic rationality, STP may affect technological progress ‐ distinguishing between process change, which under certain circumstances may actually be stimulated, and product change, which is likely to be seriously inhibited. (It is pointed out that the impact of any set of performance pressures must be evaluated by comparison with an alternative set, which may themselves not be ideal.) At each stage the analysis is differentiated to allow for the differing circumstances of the UK electronics, Pharmaceuticals and mechanical engineering industries, building up a hypothesis as to the differing incidence of STP among them. This hypothesis can account for the very different record of these UK industries in innovation.
The Economic Characteristics of De‐diversifying Firms
Authors: Markides Constantinos C.
Published: March 2005

During the 1980s, many diversified firms reduced their diversification by refocusing on their core businesses. This research note tries to identify the characteristics that distinguished the companies that refocused from those that did not. It is found that relative to their industry counterparts, the refocusing firms were characterized by high diversification and poor performance. In addition, a firm was more likely to refocus if its core industry was ‘attractive’.