bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges to ensuring food security through wheat.
Authors: Ramesh Chand Ramesh Chand
Published: May 2010

Dramatic increase in global food prices during 2007-2008 has caused worldwide concern relating to food security and prospects of future supply of staple food. Wheat is the staple food of a majority of population in the world and growth rate in its production is critical to meet food and nutritional security. Demand for wheat as food is rising at a rate higher than growth of population because per capita wheat consumption is increasing as a result of a rise in income, urbanization and substitution with other cereals. However, supply is not keeping pace with growth in demand. Area under wheat is shrinking and productivity growth is slowing down. Though there is some scope to expand the area under wheat, both increases in productivity and area will require a rise in wheat price. The price-led growth in wheat production is, however, not only unsustainable in the long run but also removes wheat from within the purchasing power of low-income consumers. Ways and means have to be found to raise wheat production in a cost-effective manner in order to maintain a balance between its demand and supply. Use of cereals as feedstock for production of ethanol as a biofuel will have a strong bearing on price and availability of wheat for food in future. This also underscores the need to raise growth in wheat production to compensate for any diversion of wheat for biofuel production and to meet deficit in other staple cereals, particularly maize, given diversion for biofuel production. In order to meet future demand for wheat and to avoid adverse effects on food security, wheat production has to be put on a higher growth trajectory in an environment with formidable production challenges such as global warming, threat of pests and diseases, declining relative productivity and profitability, and stress on natural resources.
Perspectives on the potential for reconciliation ecology in urban riverscapes.
Authors: Francis R. A.
Published: May 2010

Urban riverscapes represent some of the most heavily engineered and degraded freshwater ecosystems in the world, and offer limited opportunities for restoration or rehabilitation because of continued anthropogenic use. The future of maintaining biodiversity and ecological quality in anthropogenic ecosystems may rest with the incorporation of novel techniques for habitat creation and improvement into the management of such systems, to reconcile the ecological requirements of the ecosystem with anthropogenic resource use. This emerging field is termed 'reconciliation ecology' and its principles may be particularly relevant to urban riverscapes. This review firstly draws a distinction between river restoration and rehabilitation on the one hand and reconciliation ecology on the other, before reviewing key factors relating to possible habitat creation and improvement methods for heavily engineered urban riverscapes, within the context of reconciliation ecology. Examples are mainly drawn from the UK, but can have international applications. Although such methods are relatively unexplored at the present time, this represents a useful research area that may engender collaborations between restoration researchers and practitioners in urban regions.
Influence of nutrition on aggression.
Authors: Wallner B. , Machatschke I. H.
Published: May 2010

Aggression is a topic that has been much investigated in behavioural research. Despite the large number of publications dealing with this subject, many aspects are still not understood. The present review focuses on both the bio-social and the physiological regulation of aggression and its valid models. Recent studies have provided new endocrine and neurophysiological insights into the underlying mechanisms. In the past, the steroid hormone testosterone (T) was believed to be the main endocrine activator of aggressive behaviour and its expression rate. However, the importance of T seems to lie in its neuromodulatory function, especially in the regulation of overall dominance and competitive aggression. In turn, unrestrained aggression, impulsivity and risk-taking behaviour are associated with low central serotonergic activity. Other centrally active molecules, such as vasopressin or dopamine are also key players in mediating aggressiveness. In a social context, aggression is mostly applied in competitive processes to get access to limited resources such as food and mating partners, or for the defence of resources. Intriguingly, diverse forms of aggression are probably triggered by environmental factors such as the availability and quality of food. This review investigates both availability and quality of food, with regard to their influence on anti-social behaviours in a variety of species and tries to work out their potential function as neurophysiological modulators. Furthermore, unresolved methodological issues concerning the central activity of nutritional factors will be discussed.
Numerical simulation and PIV experimental analysis of electrohydrodynamic plumes induced by a blade electrode
Authors: Traoré Ph , Daaboul M , Louste Ch
Published: May 2010

In this paper a comparative study between numerical and experimental results from particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements is presented in the case of two-dimensional electrohydrodynamic plumes that arise when a sharp metallic blade, submerged in non-conducting liquids, supports a high electric potential. Experiments and numerical simulations have been conducted in order to compare both the approaches. Very good agreement has been found through velocity profiles and velocity fields which proves the relevance of our numerical model. For high potentials the jet flow issued forth from the blade becomes unsteady and starts to flap on the vertical wall. Some snapshots of the temporal evolution of the isocontours of charge density which is not accessible from experiment are presented thanks to the numerical simulation.
Cdo Interacts with APPL1 and Activates AKT in Myoblast Differentiation
Authors: Bae Gyu-Un , Lee Jae-Rin , Kim Bok-Geon , Han Ji-Won , Leem Young-Eun , Lee Hey-Jin , Ho Seok-Man , Hahn Myong-Joon , Kang Jong-Sun
Published: May 2010

Cell–cell interactions between muscle precursors are required for myogenic differentiation; however, underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Promyogenic cell surface protein Cdo functions as a component of multiprotein complexes containing other cell adhesion molecules, Boc, Neogenin and N-cadherin, and mediates some of signals triggered by cell–cell interactions between muscle precursors. Cdo activates p38MAPK via interaction with two scaffold proteins JLP and Bnip-2 to promote myogenesis. p38MAPK and Akt signaling are required for myogenic differentiation and activation of both signaling pathways is crucial for efficient myogenic differentiation. We report here that APPL1, an interacting partner of Akt, forms complexes with Cdo and Boc in differentiating myoblasts. Both Cdo and APPL1 are required for efficient Akt activation during myoblast differentiation. The defective differentiation of Cdo-depleted cells is fully rescued by overexpression of a constitutively active form of Akt, whereas overexpression of APPL1 fails to do so. Taken together, Cdo activates Akt through association with APPL1 during myoblast differentiation, and this complex likely mediates some of the promyogenic effect of cell–cell interaction. The promyogenic function of Cdo involves a coordinated activation of p38MAPK and Akt via association with scaffold proteins, JLP and Bnip-2 for p38MAPK and APPL1 for Akt.
Lens Fiber Cell Differentiation and Denucleation Are Disrupted through Expression of the N-Terminal Nuclear Receptor Box ofNcoa6and Result in p53-dependent and p53-independent Apoptosis
Authors: Wang Wei-Lin , Li Qingtian , Xu Jianming , Cvekl Aleš
Published: May 2010

Nuclear receptor coactivator 6 (NCOA6) is a multifunctional protein implicated in embryonic development, cell survival, and homeostasis. An 81-amino acid fragment, dnNCOA6, containing the N-terminal nuclear receptor box (LXXLL motif) of NCOA6, acts as a dominant-negative (dn) inhibitor of NCOA6. Here, we expressed dnNCOA6 in postmitotic transgenic mouse lens fiber cells. The transgenic lenses showed reduced growth; a wide spectrum of lens fiber cell differentiation defects, including reduced expression of γ-crystallins; and cataract formation. Those lens fiber cells entered an alternate proapoptotic pathway, and the denucleation (karyolysis) process was stalled. Activation of caspase-3 at embryonic day (E)13.5 was followed by double-strand breaks (DSBs) formation monitored via a biomarker, γ-H2AX. Intense terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) signals were found at E16.5. Thus, a window of ∼72 h between these events suggested prolonged though incomplete apoptosis in the lens fiber cell compartment that preserved nuclei in its cells. Genetic experiments showed that the apoptotic-like processes in the transgenic lens were both p53-dependent and p53-independent. Lens-specific deletion of Ncoa6 also resulted in disrupted lens fiber cell differentiation. Our data demonstrate a cell-autonomous role of Ncoa6 in lens fiber cell differentiation and suggest novel insights into the process of lens fiber cell denucleation and apoptosis.
Vanadium‐Enriched Cordyceps sinensis, a Contemporary Treatment Approach to Both Diabetes and Depression in Rats
Authors: Guo Jianyou , Li ChangYu , Wang Jie , Liu Yongmei , Zhang Jiahui
Published: May 2010

This article studies a contemporary treatment approach toward both diabetes and depression management by vanadium‐enriched Cordyceps sinensis (VECS). Streptozotocin‐induced hyperglycemic rats were used in the study. After the rats were administered with VECS, a significant reduction in blood glucose levels was seen (P < .05) and the levels of serum insulin increased significantly (P < .05). At the same time, the study revealed a significant decrease in immobility with a corresponding increase in the swimming and climbing behavior in hyperglycemic rats following VECS treatment. The results described herein demonstrate that VECS is a contemporary treatment approach that advocates an aggressive stance toward both diabetes and depression management.
Do plants modulate biomass allocation in response to petroleum pollution?
Authors: Nie Ming , Yang Qiang , Jiang Li-Fen , Fang Chang-Ming , Chen Jia-Kuan , Li Bo
Published: May 2010

Biomass allocation is an important plant trait that responds plastically to environmental heterogeneities. However, the effects on this trait of pollutants owing to human activities remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the response of biomass allocation of
Phragmites australis
to petroleum pollution by a
13
CO
2
pulse-labelling technique. Our data show that plant biomass significantly decreased under petroleum pollution, but the root–shoot ratio for both plant biomass and
13
C increased with increasing petroleum concentration, suggesting that plants could increase biomass allocation to roots in petroleum-polluted soil. Furthermore, assimilated
13
C was found to be significantly higher in soil, microbial biomass and soil respiration after soils were polluted by petroleum. These results suggested that the carbon released from roots is rapidly turned over by soil microbes under petroleum pollution. This study found that plants can modulate biomass allocation in response to petroleum pollution.
Lost in space? Searching for directions in the spatial modelling of individuals, populations and species ranges
Authors: Struve Juliane , Lorenzen Kai , Blanchard Julia , Börger Luca , Bunnefeld Nils , Edwards Charles , Hortal Joaquín , MacCall Alec , Matthiopoulos Jason , Van Moorter Bram , Ozgul Arpat , Royer François , Singh Navinder , Yesson Chris , Bernard Rodolphe
Published: May 2010

The workshop ‘Spatial models in animal ecology, management and conservation’ held at Silwood Park (UK), 9–11 March 2010, aimed to synthesize recent progress in modelling the spatial dynamics of individuals, populations and species ranges and to provide directions for research. It brought together marine and terrestrial researchers working on spatial models at different levels of organization, using empirical as well as theory-driven approaches. Different approaches, temporal and spatial scales, and practical constraints predominate at different levels of organization and in different environments. However, there are theoretical concepts and specific methods that can fruitfully be transferred across levels and systems, including: habitat suitability characterization, movement rules, and ways of estimating uncertainty.
Donald William Pashley. 21 April 1927 — 16 May 2009
Authors: Joyce Bruce A. , Stowell Michael J.
Published: May 2010

Donald William (Don) Pashley was one of the most innovative materials scientists of his generation. He was distinguished for his electron diffraction and transmission electron microscope studies of epitaxial thin films, especially for
in situ
investigations, work that contributed enormously to our understanding of film growth processes. He pioneered the use of moiré patterns to reveal dislocations and other defects. He also made important contributions to long-range disorder effects on semiconductor surfaces and to the structure of low-dimensional semiconductor systems.
Radiation measurements with heat-proof polyethylene terephthalate bottles
Authors: Nakamura Hidehito , Kitamura Hisashi , Hazama Ryuta
Published: May 2010

This study demonstrates that the energy resolution of a newly developed 100 per cent pure polyvinyltoluene (PVT) plate allows its use as a base material for a plastic scintillator. The energy resolution, which is a key element for high-performance radiation detectors, was Δ
E
/
E
=8.41±0.07% (full width at half maximum (FWHM)) for 976 keV K-line conversion electrons from a
207
Bi source. On the basis of results from
207
Bi and
137
Cs sources, the observed energy resolution of the PVT plate, Δ
E
/
E
=8.2/
E
1/2
% (FWHM), was slightly better than that of a typical plastic scintillator (BC-408), Δ
E
/
E
=8.7/
E
1/2
% (FWHM), with
E
in units of MeV. These results prompted us to search for other new base materials for plastic scintillators. In this study, we examined polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, a common source of domestic plastic waste. We demonstrated that a lump of heat-proof PET bottles is fluorescent; moreover, there is excellent compatibility of the fluorescence with the quantum efficiency of typical photomultiplier tubes. This inexpensive source of plastic appears suitable for radiation measurements and as a base material for plastic scintillators. Future studies on the radiation response of plastics should lead to the development of higher performance and more eco-friendly radiation detectors.
A long-wave model for the surface elastic wave in a coated half-space
Authors: Dai H.-H. , Kaplunov J. , Prikazchikov D. A.
Published: May 2010

The paper deals with the three-dimensional problem in linear isotropic elasticity for a coated half-space. The coating is modelled via the effective boundary conditions on the surface of the substrate initially established on the basis of an ad hoc approach and justified in the paper at a long-wave limit. An explicit model is derived for the surface wave using the perturbation technique, along with the theory of harmonic functions and Radon transform. The model consists of three-dimensional ‘quasi-static’ elliptic equations over the interior subject to the boundary conditions on the surface which involve relations expressing wave potentials through each other as well as a two-dimensional hyperbolic equation singularly perturbed by a pseudo-differential (or integro-differential) operator. The latter equation governs dispersive surface wave propagation, whereas the elliptic equations describe spatial decay of displacements and stresses. As an illustration, the dynamic response is calculated for impulse and moving surface loads. The explicit analytical solutions obtained for these cases may be used for the non-destructive testing of the thickness of the coating and the elastic moduli of the substrate.
Floral colour versus phylogeny in structuring subalpine flowering communities
Authors: McEwen Jamie R. , Vamosi Jana C.
Published: May 2010

The relative number of seeds produced by competing species can influence the community structure; yet, traits that influence seed production, such as pollinator attraction and floral colour, have received little attention in community ecology. Here, we analyse floral colour using reflectance spectra that include near-UV and examined the phylogenetic signal of floral colour. We found that coflowering species within communities tended to be more divergent in floral colour than expected by chance. However, coflowering species were not phylogenetically dispersed, in part due to our finding that floral colour is a labile trait with a weak phylogenetic signal. Furthermore, while we found that locally rare and common species exhibited equivalent floral colour distances from their coflowering neighbours, frequent species (those found in more communities) exhibited higher colour distances from their coflowering neighbours. Our findings support recent studies, which have found that (i) plant lineages exhibit frequent floral colour transitions; and (ii) traits that influence local population dynamics contribute to community structure.
Stress, drugs and the evolution of reproductive restraint in malaria parasites
Authors: Reece Sarah E. , Ali Eltayeb , Schneider Petra , Babiker Hamza A.
Published: May 2010

Life-history theory predicts that sexually reproducing organisms have evolved to resolve resource-allocation trade-offs between growth/survival versus reproduction, and current versus future reproduction. Malaria parasites replicate asexually in their vertebrate hosts, but must reproduce sexually to infect vectors and be transmitted to new hosts. As different specialized stages are required for these functions, the division of resources between these life-history components is a fundamental evolutionary problem. Here, we test how drug-sensitive and drug-resistant isolates of the human malaria parasitePlasmodium falciparumresolve the trade-off between in-host replication and between-host transmission when exposed to treatment with anti-malarial drugs. Previous studies have shown that parasites increase their investment in sexual stages when exposed to stressful conditions, such as drugs. However, we demonstrate that sensitive parasites facultatively decrease their investment in sexual stages when exposed to drugs. In contrast to previous studies, we tested parasites from a region where treatment with anti-malarial drugs is common and transmission is seasonal. We hypothesize that when exposed to drugs, parasites invest in their survival and future transmission by diverting resources from reproduction to replication. Furthermore, as drug-resistant parasites did not adjust their investment when exposed to drugs, we suggest that parasites respond to changes in their proliferation (state) rather the presence of drugs.
Spatial and temporal extinction dynamics in a freshwater cetacean
Authors: Turvey Samuel T. , Barrett Leigh A. , Hart Tom , Collen Ben , Yujiang Hao , Lei Zhang , Xinqiao Zhang , Xianyan Wang , Yadong Huang , Kaiya Zhou , Ding Wang
Published: May 2010

Geographical range contraction is a fundamental ecological characteristic of species population decline, but relatively little investigation has been conducted into general trends in the dynamic properties of range collapse. The Yangtze River dolphin or baiji (Lipotes vexillifer), probably the first large mammal species to have become extinct in over 50 years, was believed to have experienced major range collapse during its decline through progressive large-scale range contraction and fragmentation. This range-collapse model is challenged by a new dataset of 406 baiji last-sighting records collected from across the baiji's historical range during an interview survey of Yangtze fishing communities. Although baiji regional abundance may have varied across its range, analyses of the extensive new sighting series provide comprehensive evidence that baiji population decline was not associated with any major contraction in geographical range across the middle–lower Yangtze drainage, even in the decade immediately before probable global extinction of the species. Extinction risk in baiji was therefore seemingly not related to evidence of range collapse. Baiji apparently underwent large-scale periodic and seasonal movements across their range, and we propose that range contraction and fragmentation may not be general biogeographic characteristics for declining populations of mobile species in connected landscapes.
Failure of regulation results in an amplified oxidation burst by neutrophils in children with primary nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Bertelli R , Trivelli A , Magnasco A , Cioni M , Bodria M , Carrea A , Montobbio G , Barbano G , Ghiggeri G M
Published: May 2010

The mechanism responsible for proteinuria in non-genetic idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (iNS) is unknown. Animal models suggest an effect of free radicals on podocytes, and indirect evidence in humans confirm this implication. We determined the oxidative burst by blood CD15+ polymorphonucleates (PMN) utilizing the 5-(and-6)-carboxy-2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCF-DA) fluorescence assay in 38 children with iNS. Results were compared with PMN from normal subjects and patients with renal pathologies considered traditionally to be models of oxidative stress [six anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) vasculitis, seven post-infectious glomerulonephritis]. Radicals of oxygen (ROS) production was finally determined in a patient with immunodeficiency, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy X-linked (IPEX) and in seven iNS children after treatment with Rituximab. Results demonstrated a 10-fold increase of ROS production by resting PMN in iNS compared to normal PMN. When PMN were separated from other cells, ROS increased significantly in all conditions while a near-normal production was restored by adding autologous cells and/or supernatants in controls, vasculitis and post-infectious glomerulonephritis but not in iNS. Results indicated that the oxidative burst was regulated by soluble factors and that this regulatory circuit was altered in iNS. PMN obtained from a child with IPEX produced 100 times more ROS during exacerbation of clinical symptoms and restored to a near normal-level in remission. Rituximab decreased ROS production by 60%. In conclusion, our study shows that oxidant production is increased in iNS for an imbalance between PMN and other blood cells. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and CD20 are probably involved in this regulation. Overall, our observations reinforce the concept that oxidants deriving from PMN are implicated in iNS.
High expression level of geminin predicts a poor clinical outcome in salivary gland carcinomas
Authors: Yamazaki Manabu , Fujii Satoshi , Murata Yukinori , Hayashi Ryuichi , Ochiai Atsushi
Published: May 2010

Yamazaki M, Fujii S, Murata Y, Hayashi R & Ochiai A (2010) Histopathology 56, 883–892 High expression level of geminin predicts a poor clinical outcome in salivary gland carcinomas

Aims:  To examine the prognostic impact of geminin expression, a negative regulator of DNA replication, in salivary gland carcinomas.

Methods and results:  Tissues from 170 patients with salivary gland carcinoma were assembled in a tissue microarray format, and immunohistochemistry staining for geminin and Ki67 was performed. Patients were categorized into three groups using the tertile values of the labelling index (LI) for each marker as the cut‐off points for constructing Kaplan–Meier survival curves. The LI for geminin was relatively low in acinic cell carcinoma (mean 1.55%) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (mean 2.43%), intermediate in adenoid cystic carcinoma (mean 4.09%), and relatively high in salivary duct carcinoma (mean 15.22%). The geminin LI was significantly correlated with the Ki67 LI and histopathological factors, including pathological T factor, lymphatic and blood vessel infiltration, and lymph node metastasis. The increased expression of geminin was more strongly associated with reduced overall and relapse‐free survival rates than with Ki67 expression and was a significant and independent prognostic factor in patient survival and tumour relapse.

Conclusions:  Geminin expression is potentially a useful marker for predicting tumour aggressiveness and clinical outcome in salivary gland carcinomas.
A prospective randomized, controlled trial of intravenous versus oral iron for moderate iron deficiency anaemia of pregnancy
Authors: Khalafallah A. , Dennis A. , Bates J. , Bates G. , Robertson I. K. , Smith L. , Ball M. J. , Seaton D. , Brain T. , Rasko J. E. J.
Published: May 2010

Abstract.  Khalafallah A, Dennis A, Bates J, Bates G, Robertson IK, Smith L, Ball MJ, Seaton D, Brain T, Rasko JEJ Launceston General Hospital (LGH), Australia; University of Tasmania, Australia; and Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia) A prospective randomized, controlled trial of intravenous versus oral iron for moderate iron deficiency anaemia of pregnancy. J Intern Med 2010; 268: 286–295.

Background.  Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common deficiency disorder in the world, affecting more than one billion people, with pregnant women at particular risk.

Objectives and design. We conducted a single site, prospective, nonblinded randomized‐controlled trial to compare the efficacy, safety, tolerability and compliance of standard oral daily iron versus intravenous iron

Subjects.  We prospectively screened 2654 pregnant women between March 2007 and January 2009 with a full blood count and iron studies, of which 461 (18%) had moderate IDA. Two hundred women matched for haemoglobin concentration and serum ferritin level were recruited.

Interventions.  Patients were randomized to daily oral ferrous sulphate 250 mg (elemental iron 80 mg) with or without a single intravenous iron polymaltose infusion.

Results.  Prior to delivery, the intravenous plus oral iron arm was superior to the oral iron only arm as measured by the increase in haemoglobin level (mean of 19.5 g/L vs. 12 g/L; P < 0.001); the increase in mean serum ferritin level (222 μg/L vs. 18 ug/L; P < 0.001); and the percentage of mothers with ferritin levels below 30 μg/L (4.5% vs. 79%; P < 0.001). A single dose of intravenous iron polymaltose was well tolerated without significant side effects.

Conclusions.  Our data indicate that intravenous iron polymaltose is safe and leads to improved efficacy and iron stores compared to oral iron alone in pregnancy‐related IDA.
Regulation of CovR expression in Group B Streptococcus impacts blood–brain barrier penetration
Authors: Lembo Annalisa , Gurney Michael A. , Burnside Kellie , Banerjee Anirban , De Los Reyes Melissa , Connelly James E. , Lin Wan‐Jung , Jewell Kelsea A. , Vo Anthony , Renken Christian W. , Doran Kelly S. , Rajagopal Lakshmi
Published: May 2010

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is an important cause of invasive infections in humans. The pathogen encodes a number of virulence factors including the pluripotent β‐haemolysin/cytolysin (β‐H/C). As GBS has the disposition of both a commensal organism and an invasive pathogen, it is important for the organism to appropriately regulate β‐H/C and other virulence factors in response to the environment. GBS can repress transcription of β‐H/C using the two‐component system, CovR/CovS. Recently, we described that the serine/threonine kinase Stk1 can phosphorylate CovR at threonine 65 to relieve repression of β‐H/C. In this study, we show that infection with CovR‐deficient GBS strains resulted in increased sepsis. Although CovR‐deficient GBS showed decreased ability to invade the brain endothelium in vitro, they were more proficient in induction of permeability and pro‐inflammatory signalling pathways in brain endothelium and penetration of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in vivo. Microarray analysis revealed that CovR positively regulates its own expression and regulates the expression of 153 genes. Collectively, our results suggest that the positive feedback loop which regulates CovR transcription modulates host cell interaction and immune defence and may facilitate the transition of GBS from a commensal organism to a virulent meningeal pathogen.
Bilastine in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria
Authors: Bachert C. , Kuna P. , Zuberbier T.
Published: May 2010

To cite this article: Bachert C, Kuna P, Zuberbier T. Bilastine in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria. Allergy 2010; 65 (Suppl. 93): 1–13.

Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria are increasing in prevalence in many developed countries. The role of histamine in such conditions is well documented and clinical guidelines recommend non‐sedating H1‐receptor antagonists as first‐line treatment choices. Bilastine is a novel non‐sedating histamine H1‐receptor antagonist developed for the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria. The aim of this review is to critique the scientific evidence relating to the pharmacological properties of bilastine and the clinical evidence regarding its potential as an antihistamine. In vitro binding studies and investigations in animal tissue have demonstrated the high specificity of bilastine for H1‐receptors, and preclinical animal studies have also yielded promising results in terms of a reduction of histamine‐mediated inflammatory effects, including capillary permeability and bronchospasm. In pharmacodynamic studies bilastine was found to down‐regulate histamine‐induced flare and wheal responses in healthy volunteers. Preclinical and clinical pharmacokinetic studies showed that bilastine has dose‐dependent kinetics following oral administration. Excretion is almost exclusively via urine and faeces as unchanged drug. Early clinical trials have shown that bilastine has similar efficacy to other second‐generation H1‐receptor antagonists such as cetirizine, desloratadine, fexofenadine and levocetirizine, in terms of reducing allergic symptoms. Clinical findings also indicate that bilastine has a rapid onset of action and a 20 mg single dose is effective throughout a 24‐h period. Furthermore, bilastine has been associated with improved quality of life in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria patients. Adverse effects have generally been minimal in these studies and doses up to twice those proposed did not exhibit differences in adverse events compared to placebo. Moreover, in vivo investigations have found no evidence of accumulation of bilastine in the central nervous system, and various studies have confirmed minimal effects on psychomotor performance in healthy volunteers administered up to four times the usual dose. Clinical studies have also found no effect of bilastine on the QTc interval and other ECG parameters, even at supratherapeutic dosages, confirming the good cardiac safety profile of this newer antihistamine. Given its pharmacodynamic profile, which appears to be similar to other second‐generation H1‐receptor antagonists, and its favourable safety and tolerability, bilastine has the attributes of a potentially clinically useful non‐sedating antihistamine. Larger clinical studies are now necessary to fully elucidate the clinical potential of this novel antihistamine.
Genotyping of Cryptococcus neoformans isolated from captive birds in Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Ferreira‐Paim Kennio , Andrade‐Silva Leonardo , Mora Delio Jose , Pedrosa André Luiz , Rodrigues Virmondes , Silva‐Vergara Mario León
Published: May 2010

To evaluate Cryptococcus spp. molecular types isolated from captive birds’ droppings, an epidemiological survey was carried out in Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil, from December 2006 to September 2008. A total of 253 samples of bird excreta (120 fresh and 133 dry) were collected from pet shop cages and houses in different neighbourhoods. Cryptococcus neoformans was isolated in 19 (14.28%) dry samples and one fresh sample (0.84%). Cryptococcus laurentii was recovered from seven (5.26%) dry samples, but not in the fresh samples. The canavanine–glycine–bromothymol blue test was positive in all but one of the C. laurentii isolates. Cryptococcus neoformans molecular typing was performed using URA5‐RFLP and the mating type locus using mating type specific PCR. Nineteen (95.0%) presented genotype VNI and one VNII (5.0%). In addition, all isolates presented mating type α. Thus, the genotype of the environmental C. neoformans isolates observed in this study is in accordance with others already reported around the world and adds information about its distribution in Brazil. Cryptococcus laurentii strains were typed using URA5‐RFLP and M13 fingerprinting, which showed similar profiles among them. Thus, despite the low number of C. laurentii isolates analysed, their molecular profile is different from another already reported.
Fast and sensitive detection of Trichophyton rubrum in superficial tinea and onychomycosis by use of a direct polymerase chain reaction assay
Authors: Brasch J. , Beck‐Jendroschek V. , Gläser R.
Published: May 2010

Detection of Trichophyton rubrum in superficial skin infections by conventional methods is time consuming and not always successful. However, with modern molecular methods, an alternative is in sight. The aim of this study was to compare the detection of T. rubrum by conventional methods and by a direct specific PCR assay under routine conditions. Skin scrapings (n = 464) and nail samples (n = 230) collected from suspected tinea lesions were equally divided for KOH‐mounts, cultures and PCR‐analysis. For the latter, DNA was extracted and PCR was performed with T. rubrum‐specific primers. Of the scale samples, 16% were positive for T. rubrum in the culture and PCR as well, 9% were positive in the PCR only and 3% in the culture only, whereas 5% were only KOH‐positive. The corresponding results for nail samples were 17%, 20%, 3% and 7%. PCR results were available after 2–5 days, culture results after 2–3 weeks. Our results show that a specific PCR assay can successfully be used to detect T. rubrum directly in samples collected from superficial skin lesions and nails under routine conditions. Compared with conventional methods, it is faster and more sensitive. We recommend its complementary use.
Renal outcomes in chronic kidney disease
Authors: ISEKI KUNITOSHI
Published: May 2010

The prevalence of treated patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) has been increasing steadily in Japan. High ESRD prevalence could be explained by multiple factors such as better survival on dialysis therapy, luxury acceptance due to insurance system to cover dialysis therapy, and ‘truly’ high incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The growing elderly population may also contribute to this trend. The Japanese Society of Nephrology estimated the prevalence of CKD stage 3 as 10.4%, 7.6% within the range of 50–59 mL/min per 1.73 m2 in a screened population. Strong predictors of treated ESRD shown by using community‐based screening programs and an ESRD registry in Okinawa are dip‐stick‐positive proteinuria and hypertension. Low glomerular filtration rate per se, which is often observed in the elderly population, is not a significant predictor of developing ESRD unless associated with proteinuria. CKD is common in Japan and is expected to increase, particularly in the elderly population. Benefits of proteinuria screening and automatic reporting of estimated glomerular filtration rate on the incidence of ESRD remain to be determined.
Challenging chronic kidney disease: Experience from chronic kidney disease prevention programs in Shanghai, Japan, Taiwan and Australia
Authors: CHEN NAN , HSU CHIH‐CHENG , YAMAGATA KUNIHIRO , LANGHAM ROBYN
Published: May 2010

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is now a global health problem. One important strategy to prevent and manage CKD is to offer a prevention program which could detect CKD early as well as raise awareness of the disease. In Shanghai, a community‐based study demonstrated that the prevalence of CKD was high while awareness was low. The results from Shanghai urged the necessity of a screening and prevention program of CKD. In Japan, the urinalysis screening system was established to early diagnose and prevent CKD. Due to modification of lifestyle and prevalence of diabetes, urine dip‐stick test for microalbuminuria might be necessary in adults while screening for proteinuria and haematuria are necessary for students and young adults. In Taiwan, two CKD programs – a CKD care program and diabetic share care program – were initiated. The cost‐effectiveness study indicated that both programs could reduce end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) burden in Taiwan because integrated pre‐ESRD care was important for patients with CKD stage 4 and stage 5 while a diabetic shared care program was cost‐effective to prevent nephropathy to patients with diabetic mellitus. In Australia, studies demonstrated that screening of high‐risk individuals as well as promoting awareness were cost‐effective to early detection of CKD. Furthermore, opportunistic screening with emphasis on early detection was effective in CKD prevention. The studies from those regions share experiences on early prevention and management of CKD.
Optimal dose of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker for renoprotection
Authors: HOU FAN FAN , ZHOU QIU GEN
Published: May 2010

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARB) have become the cornerstone in the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD), as numerous lines of evidence have shown that these agents have a blood pressure lowing independent anti‐proteinuric effect. However, despite the benefits of ACEI or ARB therapy, a substantial proportion of patients still experience renal morbidity and mortality. Considering the prognostic impact of proteinuria reduction, it is currently assumed that titration of ACEI or ARB for optimal anti‐proteinuric effect would be a logical step towards improvement of renoprotection. Recent published studies, performed with higher than recommended doses of either ACEI or particularly ARB, suggest that the approach is associated with a further decrement in urinary protein excretion and probably improved renal outcome. Although most patients achieve their maximum benefit at standard doses, there is a residual group of patients who may do so at higher doses of renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors. Because patients who would benefit from higher doses are not identifiable a priori, a titration process might be cogent in order to provide more robust anti‐proteinuric benefit to such patients.
Timely initiation of dialysis for chronic kidney disease: Perspective from four Asian countries
Authors: HARRIS DAVID CH , CHEN YUNG‐MING , SAITO AKIRA , YU ALEX WY
Published: May 2010

Recommendations about when to initiate dialysis for end‐stage kidney failure have been made by a number of expert groups. These recommendations have led to changes in clinical practice, yet they are not based on high level evidence. In fact, most reported studies argue that dialysis should be started early rather than late, many are confounded and a number have reached the opposite conclusion. Probably more important than a prescribed level of renal function at which dialysis is initiated is the widespread adoption of a structured approach to pre‐dialysis care and the recognition of the importance of pre‐dialysis patient education. One of the main determinants of optimal initiation of dialysis is the time of referral of the patient to a nephrologist or a renal unit. In particular, early referral of patients with chronic kidney disease allows a planned initiation of dialysis, using from the start permanent vascular or peritoneal dialysis access.
Knowledge and involvement of nurses regarding health policy development in Thailand
Authors: Kunaviktikul Wipada , Nantsupawat Raymoul , Sngounsiritham Udomrat , Akkadechanunt Thitinut , Chitpakdee Bunpitcha , Wichaikhum Orn‐Anong , Wonglieukirati Rawiwan , Chontawan Ratanawadee , Keitlertnapha Pongsri , Thungaraenkul Petsunee , Abhicharttibutra Kulwadee , Sanluang Cattaliya Siripattarakul , Lirtmunlikaporn Sumalee , Chaowalaksakun Praneetsin
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this descriptive study was to explain the levels of knowledge about and involvement in national health policy development by nurses in Thailand. The study used quantitative and qualitative means to gather data about the topic from two groups of professional nurses: 2121 nurses who worked in hospitals around the country and 26 nurse leaders who were members of steering committees in nursing professional organizations. A self‐administered questionnaire and an interview guide regarding knowledge and involvement in national health policy were used for collecting the data. The content validity and reliability of the questionnaire were assured. The results showed that almost two‐thirds of the sample had a high level of knowledge about national health policy development but that almost three‐quarters of the sample had no involvement in national health policy development. The interviews of the nurse leaders showed that some of them had been involved directly in formulating health policy but most of them thought that they had not been involved directly. The results demonstrated that it is essential that nurses understand and be actively involved in national health policy development.
Self‐management practices of Chinese Americans with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Xu Yin , Pan Wei , Liu Hong
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine the level of diabetes self‐management and its association with demographic and diabetes‐related characteristics in Chinese Americans with type 2 diabetes. A questionnaire that measured diabetes self‐management and diabetes‐related characteristics was administered to a sample of 211 Chinese Americans with type 2 diabetes living in America. The results indicated that the participants were likely to take medications but less likely to carry out diet, physical activity, self‐monitoring of blood glucose, and foot care behaviors. Associations between diabetes self‐management and demographic and diabetes‐related characteristics were observed. For example, individuals who had less education and were employed were less likely to engage in diabetes self‐management than those with higher education and who were retired, while individuals who had a longer duration of diabetes and used insulin as a treatment more frequently carried out self‐monitoring than those who had a shorter duration of diabetes and used oral hypoglycemic agents. These findings indicate that the self‐management practices among the participants are suboptimal. Research on developing culturally and linguistically appropriate interventions to promote diabetes self‐management for Chinese Americans is warranted.
THE EFFECTS OF ORGANIZATIONAL FORM IN THE MIXED MARKET FOR FOSTER CARE
Authors: Thornton Jeremy , Cave Lisa
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT**:  This paper uses proprietary quality of care data to examine the consequences of organizational form in privatized US foster care services. The contract failure hypothesis generically proposes that nonprofits should provide higher quality services, relative to for‐profits, when output is costly to observe. Advocates argue that the nonprofits offer important consumer protections when public services are contracted to private agencies. Contrary to expectations, we find that nonprofit firms do not offer higher quality services. We explore the possibility that monitoring efforts by state regulators or competition among foster care agencies effectively mitigate the influence of organizational form in this particular mixed market.
EVALUATING EU POLICIES ON PUBLIC SERVICES: A CITIZENS' PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Clifton Judith , Díaz‐Fuentes Daniel
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT**: This article evaluates EU policies on public services – particularly public network services – from the citizens' point of view. It is first argued that citizens' perceptions are important because the provision of fundamental services is at stake and because they constitute the infrastructure necessary for social and economic development. Citizens’‘voice’ can, therefore, be known, analyzed and used in the design of improved policy on public services along with other indicators. Changing EU policy on public services is synthesized and classified into two main phases in section two. Citizen satisfaction with public services as revealed through surveys from 1997 to 2007 is explored in the third section. In the discussion, the prospects for EU policy on public services are considered and, it is argued that, from the perspectives of subsidiarity and proportionality, policy towards strengthening the common market is being increasingly uploaded to the supranational level in the form of directives, whilst cohesion and redistribution policies are being downloaded to the national level or dealt with at the supranational level by ‘soft’ instruments.
PUBLIC SERVICE PERSPECTIVES ON REFORMS OF ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION AND SUPPLY: A MODULAR ANALYSIS
Authors: Dubois Ute , Saplacan Roxana
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT**:  This article analyzes organizational change in electricity distribution and retail businesses and its impact on public service issues. Organizational change has resulted from the European electricity directives, especially the EU Electricity directive 2003/54/EC, which has imposed major transformations on these activities, requiring legal unbundling of electricity distribution networks by 1 July 2007. Organizational change has also resulted from an adaptation of companies to the newly competitive environment. This has led to a diversity of organizational choices across Europe. We analyze this diversity by using a modular approach, which decomposes reforms in electricity distribution and retail into logical ‘blocks’. We then examine how European countries have dealt with two policy and regulatory issues related to customer protection in that new environment: the regulation of quality of distribution, which is a task of regulators, and energy affordability policies for vulnerable customers, which are a central aspect of public service policies in the electricity sector.
Be yourself, believe in yourself, and be happy: Self‐efficacy as a mediator between personality factors and subjective well‐being
Authors: STROBEL MARIA , TUMASJAN ANDRANIK , SPÖRRLE MATTHIAS
Published: May 2010

Strobel, M., Tumasjan, A. & Spörrle, M. (2011). Be yourself, believe in yourself, and be happy: Self‐efficacy as a mediator between personality factors and subjective well‐being. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 43–48.

Research has shown close connections between personality and subjective well‐being (SWB), suggesting that personality traits predispose individuals to experience different levels of SWB. Moreover, numerous studies have shown that self‐efficacy is related to both personality factors and SWB. Extending previous research, we show that general self‐efficacy functionally connects personality factors and two components of SWB (life satisfaction and subjective happiness). Our results demonstrate the mediating role of self‐efficacy in linking personality factors and SWB. Consistent with our expectations, the influence of neuroticism, extraversion, openness, and conscientiousness on life satisfaction was mediated by self‐efficacy. Furthermore, self‐efficacy mediated the influence of openness and conscientiousness, but not that of neuroticism and extraversion, on subjective happiness. Results highlight the importance of cognitive beliefs in functionally linking personality traits and SWB.