bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mannose‐binding lectin: biology and clinical implications
Authors: Worthley D. L. , Bardy P. G. , Mullighan C. G.
Published: August 2005

Abstract

The innate host defence molecule mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) has attracted great interest as a potential candidate for passive immunotherapy to prevent infection. MBL is a multimeric lectin that recognizes a wide array of pathogens independently of specific antibody, and initiates the lectin pathway of complement activation. The basic structural unit is a triple helix of MBL peptides, which aggregate into complement‐fixing higher‐order structures (tetramers, pentamers and hexamers). The gene encoding MBL, MBL2, contains several common polymorphisms that influence transcription and assembly of the molecule into multimers. MBL2 coding alleles associated with low blood levels are present in up to 40% of Caucasoids, with up to 8% having genotypes associated with profound reduction in circulating MBL levels. Low‐producing MBL2 variants and low MBL levels are associated with increased susceptibility to and severity of a variety of infective illnesses, particularly when immunity is already compromised – for example, in infants and young children, patients with cystic fibrosis, and after chemotherapy and transplantation. These observations suggest that administration of recombinant or purified MBL may be of benefit in clinical settings where MBL deficiency is associated with a high burden of infection. This review provides a background to MBL biology and disease associations, and identifies the exciting therapeutic possibilities of MBL replacement. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 548–555)
Epiglottitis in Sydney before and after the introduction of vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b disease
Authors: Wood N. , Menzies R. , McIntyre P.
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background:  Acute epiglottitis due to infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is much less common in children following the introduction of Hib vaccination; however, adult epiglottitis cases have not decreased. In addition, epiglottitis hospitalizations are consistently more numerous than notifications and the reason for this is not clear.

Aims:  To more accurately describe the clinical, aetiological and epidemiological features of epiglottitis and to ascertain the accuracy of hospitalization data in an era of widespread Hib vaccination.

Methods:  Medical records in 11 public hospitals in three area health services in New South Wales with a principal or stay diagnosis (International Classification of Diseases (ICD)‐9‐CM or ICD‐10‐AM code) of acute epiglottitis between July 1990 and June 1992 (prior to Hib vaccination = pre‐vaccine era) and July 1998 and June 2000 (widespread Hib vaccination = vaccine era) were reviewed. Case definitions of epiglottitis were applied.

Results:  One hundred and forty‐two records were identified (114 pre‐vaccine era and 28 vaccine era). Incorrect coding was more common in vaccine era records (32 vs 7%). Of correctly coded records, adults over 20 years old comprised the majority in the vaccine era (84 vs 17%). Hib bacteraemia was identified in 62% of cases in the pre‐vaccine era compared to no cases in the vaccine era, despite equivalent blood cultures being taken between the two eras (84 vs 74%). Streptococcus pneumoniae was the only other organism isolated. Three deaths were recorded (1 child, 2 adults), all in the pre‐vaccine era.

Conclusions:  Acute epiglottitis hospitalizations in the current Hib vaccine era are predominantly in adults, and rarely are Hib or other causative organisms identified, although microbiological data are often incomplete. The discrepancy between hospitalization and notification data appears to be due to misclassification of hospitalization records. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 530–535)
From advance directives to advance care planning: current legal status, ethical rationales and a new research agenda
Authors: Jordens C. , Little M. , Kerridge I. , McPhee J.
Published: August 2005

Abstract

This paper uses a case example to review the current legal status of advance directives, as well as their ethical rationale. We draw attention to ongoing efforts to institutionalize advance directives, and to some of the tractable and intractable reasons why advance directives are ineffective. We then introduce the concept of advance care planning, and argue that we should not assume that advance care directives have a place in this process. We conclude by offering three reasons why this assumption may operate, and by suggesting that contingency and uncertainty may sometimes overwhelm all rational approaches to medical care. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 563–566)
Comprehensive geriatric assessment for community‐dwelling elderly in Asia compared with those in Japan: IV. Savannakhet in Laos
Authors: Okumiya Kiyohito , Ishine Masayuki , Wada Taizo , Cruz Matheus , Cruz Idiane , Ishine Naoko , Sakagami Teiji , Kita Tohru , Kaneda Eiko , Moji Kazuhiko , Pongvongsa Tiengkham , Nakamura Satoshi , Akimichi Tomoya , Boupha Boungnong , Kawakita Toshiko , Fushida Mutsuko , Matsubayashi Kozo
Published: August 2005

Background:  The objective of the present study is to compare the findings of comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGA) of community‐dwelling elderly people living in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos) with those in Japan.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional, interview‐ and examination‐based study was undertaken. The subjects consisted of community‐dwelling elderly people in Songkhon, a rural district in Laos and in Sonobe, a rural town in Kyoto, Japan. Two hundred and ninety‐four people aged 60 years and over in Laos and 411 aged 65 years and over in Japan were examined using a common CGA tool. Interviews pertaining to activities of daily living (ADL), medical and social history, quality of life (QOL) and Geriatric Depression Scale as well as anthropometric, and blood chemical examinations were included in the assessment.

Results:  All scores for basic and instrumental ADL, intellectual activity and social roles, body mass index, prevalence of hypertension, mean total and HDL cholesterol levels were lower in Laos than in Japan, while prevalence of depression, impaired glucose tolerance and anemia were higher in Laos than in Japan.

Conclusion:  Differences in lifestyle and medical status were found between economically developing Laos and highly developed Japan. Almost all comprehensive geriatric functions such as ADL, QOL, mood and nutritional condition in blood chemistry were lower in the elderly in Songkhon than in Kyoto. Of particular note were the higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus and anemia and lower prevalence of hypertension in the elderly population in Songkhon district, which should be examined in future studies.
Walking duration and habitual exercise related to bone mineral density using computer‐assisted X‐ray densitometry in Japanese women
Authors: Kato Yuichiro , Ishikawa‐Takata Kazuko , Yasaku Kyoko , Koitaya Noriko , Okawa Yayoi , Kawakami Osamu , Ohta Toshiki
Published: August 2005

Background:  We conducted a survey to examine the difference in metacarpal bone mineral density (BMD) associated with the duration of walking and participation in habitual exercise in order to assess the benefits of walking for the prevention of bone loss in Japanese women.

Methods:  The subjects were 1873 healthy women (premenopausal, n = 1502; postmenopausal, n = 371), aged 18–72 years, who were screened for osteoporosis at health‐care centers. They were classified into pre‐ (n = 1502), early post‐ (0–5 years since menopause, n = 195) and late post‐menopausal (6–20 years since menopause, n = 176) phases. The metacarpal BMD was measured by computer‐assisted X‐ray densitometry. Subjects completed a questionnaire on lifestyle factors that included habitual exercise and daily walking time. To consider the factors of aging and physical characteristics, the BMD of all subjects was adjusted for age and height using a multiple non‐linear model based on the data for premenopausal women.

Results:  anova indicated significant differences in adjusted BMD (BMDadj) in all menopausal phases according to walking duration and whether or not habitual exercise was engaged in. Premenopausal and early postmenopausal women who walked for over 30 min a day had a significantly greater BMDadj than those walking for less than 30 min (2.743 vs 2.684 mm thickness of an aluminum equivalent [mm Al]; and 2.711 vs 2.597 mm Al, respectively). Late postmenopausal women who walked for over 120 min had a significantly greater BMDadj than those walking under 30 min per day (2.746 vs 2.539 mm Al).

Conclusion:  These findings suggest that daily walks of more than 30 min also affect the metacarpal BMD, which is a non‐weight bearing site, although walking over 120 min seems required to benefit late postmenopausal women. We conclude that such daily walks appeared to be beneficial in maintaining BMD in Japanese women.
Relationships of muscle strength and power with leisure‐time physical activity and adolescent exercise in middle‐aged and elderly Japanese women
Authors: Kozakai Rumi , Doyo Wataru , Tsuzuku Shigeki , Yabe Kyonosuke , Miyamura Miharu , Ikegami Yasuo , Niino Naoakira , Ando Fujiko , Shimokata Hiroshi
Published: August 2005

Aim:  The purpose of the present study is to assess the relationships of muscle strength and power with recent leisure‐time physical activity and exercise during adolescence in middle‐aged and elderly Japanese women.

Methods:  The subjects consisted of 1128 community‐dwelling women aged 40–79 years. They were interviewed about their physical activity habits during leisure time in the past 12 months and exercise they engaged in during adolescence. Muscle function was measured as grip strength, knee extension strength and leg extension power. Subjects were grouped into three intensity levels for leisure‐time physical activity and as to whether or not they engaged in adolescent exercise. The relationships of muscle strength and power with leisure‐time physical activity and adolescent exercise were assessed using analysis of covariance controlled for age, smoking status, annual income and education level.

Results:  The proportion of subjects that participated in leisure‐time physical activity was 67.1% (light, 33.7%; moderate or heavy, 33.4%). The subjects that engaged in adolescent exercise represented 41.9% of the total. There was a significant relationship between leisure‐time physical activity and adolescent exercise. In the analysis of covariance controlled for age, smoking status, annual income and education level, leisure‐time physical activity and adolescent exercise had significant main effects on all muscle strength and power measurements. However, there was no interaction effect between leisure‐time physical activity and adolescent exercise.

Conclusion:  The results suggest that current leisure‐time physical activity and adolescent exercise benefit muscle function in middle‐aged and elderly women.
Comprehensive geriatric assessment for community‐dwelling elderly in Asia compared with those in Japan: V. West Java in Indonesia
Authors: Wada Taizo , Wada Chizu , Ishine Masayuki , Okumiya Kiyohito , Kawakita Toshiko , Fushida Mutsuko , Kita Toru , Mizuno Kosuke , Matsubayashi Kozo
Published: August 2005

Background:  The objective of the present study is to compare the findings of comprehensive geriatric assessments between community‐dwelling elderly in Indonesia and those in Japan.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional, interview‐ and examination‐based was undertaken. Subjects of the study consisted of community‐dwelling elderly living in two rural towns in Indonesia and in a town in Japan: 436 people aged 62 years and over who were living in two rural towns in west Java in Indonesia, and 411 people aged 65 years and over who were living in Kyoto, Japan. They were examined using a common comprehensive geriatric assessment tool. Interviews, or mail surveys were conducted pertaining to activities of daily living (ADL), medical and social history, quality of life (QOL) and the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale, as well as anthropometric, neurobehavioral and blood chemical examinations were included in the assessment. The findings from the three groups were compared using anova and Post Hoc Scheffe's F‐test.

Results:  The scores of basic ADLs, instrumental self‐maintenance, intellectual activities, social role and Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (TMIG‐IC) were lower in the two Indonesian towns than in Japan. The prevalence of depression (15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale score of 6 or more and of 10 or more) was higher and QOL scores, except subjective sense of family and friend relationship, were lower in the Indonesian elderly subjects than in the Japanese ones. Mean blood pressure measurements and the proportion of subjects with systolic pressure > 140 mmHg or diastolic pressure > 90 mmHg was higher in Indonesia than in Japan while body mass index was lower in the Indonesians than in Japanese. Total cholesterol levels and blood hemoglobin levels were lower in the Indonesian elderly than in the Japanese.

Conclusion:  In economically developing Indonesia, the elderly had lower ADLs and QOLs, than Japanese elderly. Of particular note is the higher rate of hypertension in West Java in Indonesia, which is probably associated with dietary habits. Although several trials for examining or caring system for old people have been implemented in Indonesia, they have begun only recently.
Effects of low‐intensity physical exercise on acute changes in resting saliva secretory IgA levels in the elderly
Authors: Sakamoto Yuzuru , Ueki Shouzoh , Shimanuki Hideki , Kasai Toshiyuki , Takato Jinro , Ozaki Hironobu , Kawakami Yoshiharu , Haga Hiroshi
Published: August 2005

Background:  Although it is well known that exercise affects various immune functions, it remains to be determined whether exercise influences change in the mucosal immunity of elderly people. The objective of the present study is to examine whether low‐intensity short‐term exercise alters acute and long‐term mucosal immune function in community‐dwelling elderly people.

Methods:  The subjects of the study were 16 community‐dwelling elderly people, consisting of 11 men and five women aged 60–94 (mean ± SD, 76 ± 10 years), living in Sanbongi Town (Miyagi, Japan). The subjects periodically performed about 20 min of low‐intensity physical exercise (approximately 3.1 METS) at a frequency of twice a month for 3 months. Saliva samples were collected before and after exercise during the exercise class (at the start, after 1 month and after 3 months). Saliva flow, secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) concentration, SIgA secretion rate and total protein were determined.

Results:  The main finding was that saliva flow and SIgA secretion rates were significantly (P < 0.05) higher after exercise. However, the baseline value of SIgA level hardly changed at each point for the duration of the exercise class.

Conclusions:  The results suggest that low‐intensity short‐term exercise enhances mucosal immune function transiently in elderly people.
Hereditary spherocytosis in an elderly woman with periodic attacks of jaundice
Authors: Fukuhara Hiroyuki , Ishihara Shunji , Amano Kazutoshi , Miyake Tatsuya , Kazumori Hideaki , Furuta Kenji , Kushiyama Yoshinori , Sato Shuichi , Uchida Yasushi , Fujishiro Hirofumi , Rumi Mak , Amano Yuji , Adachi Kyoichi , Kumakura Shunichi , Kinoshita Yoshikazu
Published: August 2005

Hereditary spherocytosis is a disease with chronic hemolytic anemia found mostly in childhood. We encountered a rare case of sporadic hereditary spherocytosis in a 68‐year‐old woman who developed periodic jaundice caused by hemolytic crises. Since the hemolytic crises were caused by cholelithiasis‐related biliary inflammation, administration of ursodeoxycholic acid was useful for the prevention of the hemolytic crises. In the differential diagnosis of periodic increases in indirect bilirubin, the possibility of hemolytic diseases, including hereditary ones, should be considered, even if the patients are elderly.
Predicting species distribution: offering more than simple habitat models
Authors: Guisan Antoine , Thuiller Wilfried
Published: August 2005

In the last two decades, interest in species distribution models (SDMs) of plants and animals has grown dramatically. Recent advances in SDMs allow us to potentially forecast anthropogenic effects on patterns of biodiversity at different spatial scales. However, some limitations still preclude the use of SDMs in many theoretical and practical applications. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances in this field, discuss the ecological principles and assumptions underpinning SDMs, and highlight critical limitations and decisions inherent in the construction and evaluation of SDMs. Particular emphasis is given to the use of SDMs for the assessment of climate change impacts and conservation management issues. We suggest new avenues for incorporating species migration, population dynamics, biotic interactions and community ecology into SDMs at multiple spatial scales. Addressing all these issues requires a better integration of SDMs with ecological theory.
Scaling population responses to spatial environmental variability in advection‐dominated systems
Authors: Anderson Kurt E. , Nisbet Roger M. , Diehl Sebastian , Cooper Scott D.
Published: August 2005

We model the spatial dynamics of an open population of organisms that disperse solely through advection in order to understand responses to multiscale environmental variability. We show that the distance over which a population responds to a localized perturbation, called the response length, can be characterized as an organisms average lifetime dispersal distance, unless there is strong density‐dependence in demographic or dispersal rates. Continuous spatial fluctuations in demographic rates at scales smaller than the response length will be largely averaged in the population distribution, whereas those in per capita emigration rates will be strongly tracked. We illustrate these results using a parameterized example to show how responses to environmental variability may differ in streams with different average current velocities. Our model suggests an approach to linking local dynamics dominated by dispersal processes to larger‐scale dynamics dominated by births and deaths.
Timing and abundance as key mechanisms affecting trophic interactions in variable environments
Authors: Durant Joël M. , Hjermann Dag Ø. , Anker‐Nilssen Tycho , Beaugrand Grégory , Mysterud Atle , Pettorelli Nathalie , Stenseth Nils Chr.
Published: August 2005

Climatic changes are disrupting otherwise tight trophic interactions between predator and prey. Most of the earlier studies have primarily focused on the temporal dimension of the relationship in the framework of the match–mismatch hypothesis. This hypothesis predicts that predator's recruitment will be high if the peak of the prey availability temporally matches the most energy‐demanding period of the predators breeding phenology. However, the match–mismatch hypothesis ignores the level of food abundance while this can compensate small mismatches. Using a novel time‐series model explicitly quantifying both the timing and the abundance component for trophic relationships, we here show that timing and abundance of food affect recruitment differently in a marine (cod/zooplankton), a marine–terrestrial (puffin/herring) and a terrestrial (sheep/vegetation) ecosystem. The quantification of the combined effect of abundance and timing of prey on predator dynamics enables us to come closer to the mechanisms by which environment variability may affect ecological systems.
Genetic relatedness in groups is sex‐specific and declines with age of helpers in a cooperatively breeding cichlid
Authors: Dierkes Petra , Heg Dik , Taborsky Michael , Skubic Eva , Achmann Roland
Published: August 2005

Kin selection can explain the evolution of cooperative breeding and the distribution of relatives within a population may influence the benefits of cooperative behaviour. We provide genetic data on relatedness in the cooperatively breeding cichlid Neolamprologus pulcher. Helper to breeder relatedness decreased steeply with increasing helper age, particularly to the breeding males. Helper to helper relatedness was age‐assortative and also declined with age. These patterns of relatedness could be attributed to territory take‐overs by outsiders when breeders had disappeared (more in breeding males), between‐group dispersal of helpers and reproductive parasitism. In six of 31 groups females inherited the breeding position of their mother or sister. These matrilines were more likely to occur in large groups. We conclude that the relative fitness benefits of helping gained through kin selection vs. those gained through direct selection depend on helper age and sex.
Plant invasion alters nitrogen cycling by modifying the soil nitrifying community
Authors: Hawkes Christine V. , Wren Ian F. , Herman Donald J. , Firestone Mary K.
Published: August 2005

Plant invasions have dramatic aboveground effects on plant community composition, but their belowground effects remain largely uncharacterized. Soil microorganisms directly interact with plants and mediate many nutrient transformations in soil. We hypothesized that belowground changes to the soil microbial community provide a mechanistic link between exotic plant invasion and changes to ecosystem nutrient cycling. To examine this possible link, monocultures and mixtures of exotic and native species were maintained for 4 years in a California grassland. Gross rates of nitrogen (N) mineralization and nitrification were quantified with15N pool dilution and soil microbial communities were characterized with DNA‐based methods. Exotic grasses doubled gross nitrification rates, in part by increasing the abundance and changing the composition of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria in soil. These changes may translate into altered ecosystem N budgets after invasion. Altered soil microbial communities and their resulting effects on ecosystem processes may be an invisible legacy of exotic plant invasions.
Measuring progress in US endangered species conservation
Authors: Male Timothy D. , Bean Michael J.
Published: August 2005

Since passage of the Endangered Species Act in 1973, over 1300 endangered and threatened species have been protected in the USA and its territories. Most species continue to face a significant risk of extinction, but the status of many species is improving. Here we present analyses of federal agency reports to the United States Congress (1988–2002) that describe differences in species status and show which variables are correlated with improving or declining status. We found that 52% of species showed repeated improvements or were not declining over this time. Species status improves over time, with only 35% still declining 13 years or more after protection. Taxonomy, funding by US Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and agency assessment of risk of extinction and potential to recover were significantly correlated with status.
Growth phase‐dependent expression of the Pseudomonas putida KT2440 transcriptional machinery analysed with a genome‐wide DNA microarray
Authors: Yuste Luis , Hervás Ana B. , Canosa Inés , Tobes Raquel , Jiménez José Ignacio , Nogales Juan , Pérez‐Pérez Manuel M. , Santero Eduardo , Díaz Eduardo , Ramos Juan‐Luis , De Lorenzo Víctor , Rojo Fernando
Published: August 2005

Bacterial transcriptional networks are built on a hierarchy of regulators, on top of which lie the components of the RNA polymerase (in particular the sigma factors) and the global control elements, which play a pivotal role. We have designed a genome‐wide oligonucleotide‐based DNA microarray for Pseudomonas putida KT2440. In combination with real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), we have used it to analyse the expression pattern of the genes encoding the RNA polymerase subunits (the core enzyme and the 24 sigma factors), and various proteins involved in global regulation (Crc, Lrp, Fur, Anr, Fis, CsrA, IHF, HupA, HupB, HupN, BipA and several MvaT‐like proteins), during the shift from exponential growth in rich medium into starvation and stress brought about by the entry into stationary phase. Expression of the genes encoding the RNA polymerase core and the vegetative sigma factor decreased in stationary phase, while that of σS increased. Data obtained for σN, σH, FliA and for the 19 extracytoplasmic function (ECF)‐like sigma factors suggested that their mRNA levels change little upon entry into stationary phase. Expression of Crc, BipA, Fis, HupB, HupN and the MvaT‐like protein PP3693 decreased in stationary phase, while that of HupA and the MvaT‐like protein PP3765 increased significantly. Expression of IHF was indicative of post‐transcriptional control. These results provide the first global study of the expression of the transcriptional machinery through the exponential stationary‐phase shift in P. putida.
Diversity and phylotype consistency of bacteria in the guts of three bee species (Apoidea) at an oilseed rape field
Authors: Mohr Kathrin I. , Tebbe Christoph C.
Published: August 2005

The gut of insects may harbour one of the largest reservoirs of a yet unexplored microbial diversity. To understand how specific insects select for their own bacterial communities, the structural diversity and variability of bacteria found in the gut of different bee species was analysed. For three successive years, adults and larvae of Apis mellifera ssp. carnica (honey bee), and Bombus terrestris (bumble bee), as well as larvae of Osmia bicornis (red mason bee) were collected at a flowering oilseed rape field. Total DNA was extracted from gut material and the bacterial diversity was analysed, independent of cultivation, by genetic profiling with single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐amplified partial 16S rRNA genes. The SSCP profiles were specific for all bee species and for larvae and adults. Qualitative and quantitative differences were found in the bacterial community structure of larvae and adults of A. mellifera, but differences in B. terrestris were mainly quantitative. Sequencing of the PCR products revealed a dominance of Alpha‐, Beta‐, and Gammaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes in all bee species. Single‐strand conformation polymorphism profiles suggested a higher abundance and diversity of lactobacilli in adults of A. mellifera than in larvae. Further phylogenetic analyses indicated common bacterial phylotypes for all three bee species, e.g. those related to Simonsiella, Serratia, and Lactobacillus. Clades related to Delftia acidovorans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Lactobacillus intestinalis only contained sequences from larvae. Several of the bee‐specific clusters also contained identical or highly similar sequences from bacteria detected in other A. mellifera subspecies from South Africa, suggesting the existence of cosmopolitan gut bacteria in bees.
Fewer species of Argosarchus and Clitarchus stick insects (Phasmida, Phasmatinae): evidence from nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequence data
Authors: Trewick Steven A. , Goldberg Julia , Morgan‐Richards Mary
Published: August 2005

The systematics of three genera of New Zealand stick insect in the subfamily Phasmatinae were investigated in light of inconsistencies in morphological variability within and among species. We sequenced a region of the mitochondrial genome, cytochrome oxidase (COI & COII; 1448 bp), and a nuclear marker, the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 & ITS2; 1804 bp) from 49 stick insects. Mitochondrial DNA sequence divergences among the three genera (Argosarchus, Clitarchus and Acanthoxyla) were relatively high (∼12%) but the current taxonomy within genera was not supported. Within the three genera, low levels of genetic divergence were observed at both nuclear and mitochondrial loci, and phylogenetic analyses failed to support reciprocal monophyly of the two species in Argosarchus and Clitarchus. Sympatric individuals of Argosarchus spiniger and A. horridus were more closely related to each other than to members of their respective morphospecies from elsewhere. No males were found in the Chatham Island population of Argosarchus and although this population has been referred to as A. schauinslandi, genetic and morphological evidence does not support its distinction from mainland Argosarchus. Likewise, individuals identified as Clitarchus tuberculatus were genetically identical, or most similar to, C. hookeri from the same or adjacent sites rather then grouping with the stick insects they were morphologically most similar to. Lack of spatial, behavioural or ecological evidence concordant with the described species A. spiniger, A. schauinslandi and C. tuberculatus leads us to infer that these species are synonymies of A. horridus and C. hookeri respectively. We conclude that Argosarchus and Clitarchus have each been over‐split and actually consist of a single morphologically polymorphic, facultative parthenogenetic species. The genus Acanthoxyla with eight described species also has low levels of genetic divergence, similar to those found in Argosarchus and Clitarchus. A possible hybrid origin of Acanthoxyla involving its sister genus Clitarchus is implied by sharing of ITS sequence variants, but further sampling is needed before the species status of these obligate parthenogenetic lineages can be resolved. In contrast to some New Zealand Orthoptera, the Phasmatinae show little genetic variation suggesting coalescence in recent times, possibly reflecting lineage sorting in the Pleistocene.
Combined molecular and morphological approaches to documenting regional biodiversity and ecological patterns in problematic taxa: a case study in the bivalve groupCyclocalyx(Sphaeriidae, Bivalvia) from western North America
Authors: Guralnick R. P.
Published: August 2005

Genetic and morphological data were used to examine regional biodiversity in a taxonomically poorly known group of freshwater bivalves,Cyclocalyx.Cyclocalyx16S rRNA genes were sampled from multiple habitats across western North America, focusing on an elevation gradient from sea level up to 3400 m. From this sampling and previous reference datasets, a phylogenetic hypothesis was constructed and lineages delineated, leading to an estimate of regional biodiversity. Morphometric analyses of shell outlines were used to test whether lineages from the gene tree were significantly different in shape from one another, and whether shell shape can be used to predict lineage affiliation. Finally, broad habitat variables were plotted onto the trees and examined in an evolutionary context. The results uncovered many unnamed, genetically and morphologically distinct lineages, remarkable range extensions, and an unexpected lack of abundance of some lineages. The results also show patterns with basal lineages restricted to high‐elevation lakes and more nested lineages at lower elevations or with very wide tolerances. This work challenges almost all previous concepts of regional biodiversity of this lineage, while providing a foundation for future hypothesis testing about the ecology and evolution of the group. It also documents an approach to documenting regional biodiversity that can be applied to other taxa.
Relative role of major risk factors for Type 2 diabetes development in the historical cohort of the Brisighella Heart Study: an 8‐year follow‐up
Authors: Cicero A. F. G. , Dormi A. , Nascetti S. , Panourgia M. P. , Grandi E. , D’Addato S. , Gaddi A.
Published: August 2005

Aim  The aim of this study was to evaluate and quantify the role of different risk factors in the long‐term development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in a rural Italian population.

Methods  The Brisighella Heart Study (BHS; 1972–2003) is a prospective, population‐based longitudinal epidemiological cohort involving 2939 randomly selected subjects, aged 14–84 years, resident in the rural Italian town of Brisighella. For this study, we randomly selected 1441 adult subjects representative of the Brisighella population; consecutively visited during three BHS surveys. A step‐wise Cox regression analysis determined the prognostic significance of each independent risk factor for the development of Type 2 diabetes in the 8‐year long follow‐up.

Results  Blood pressure, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, physical activity, total energy intake, and drug treatment had no effect on the incidence of diabetes. Age was a significant predictor of Type 2 diabetes when inserted alone in the model (P = 0.007), but irrelevant when adjusted for baseline body mass index (BMI) and or fasting plasma glucose. Among these with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), the diabetes incidence/year was estimated to be 6.6% for men and 11.2% for women (P < 0.001). Basal glycaemia under 6.1 mmol/l were not significant long‐term predictors of diabetes development, while higher basal glycaemia and each level BMI were.

Conclusion  Our findings confirm that IFG and BMI predict Type 2 diabetes development in our population. This should help to identify effective approaches to prevention.
Glucose intolerance is associated with C‐reactive protein and intima‐media anatomy of the common carotid artery in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Henareh L. , Jogestrand T. , Agewall S.
Published: August 2005

Aims  The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between glucose intolerance and levels of hsCRP, calculated intima‐media area (cIMa) of the carotid artery and flow‐mediated dilation of the brachial artery in 122 patients with a myocardial infarction 1–12 months before inclusion and without known diabetes mellitus.

Methods  A standard oral glucose test (OGTT) was performed. Diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) were defined according to the WHO criteria. Ultrasound measurement of cIMa of the carotid artery and flow‐mediated dilation of the brachial artery were analyzed.

Results  Patients with diabetes mellitus had higher hs‐CRP compared with patients with IGT and those patients with normal glucose tolerance (P < 0.05). The greater cIMa of the carotid artery in those with diabetes mellitus compared with normal subjects failed to reach conventional levels of significance (P = 0.058). hs‐CRP and cIMa were associated with plasma glucose 120 min after the glucose load (P < 0.05). A multiple stepwise regression analysis, including all variables significantly associated with plasma‐glucose 120 min after glucose ingestion as independent variables, revealed an independent and significant association between plasma‐glucose 120 min after glucose ingestion in the OGTT and CRP (P < 0.05). No association was observed between glucose intolerance and endothelial function.

Conclusion  Glucose intolerance was associated with hs‐CRP and cIMa in patients with coronary heart disease without known diabetes mellitus. Thus, inflammation, atherosclerosis and impaired glucose tolerance are tightly interrelated disorders even in subjects without known diabetes mellitus.
Serum γ‐glutamyltransferase within its normal concentration range is related to the presence of diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Kim D.‐J. , Noh J.‐H. , Cho N.‐H. , Lee B.‐W. , Choi Y.‐H. , Jung J.‐H. , Min Y.‐K. , Lee M.‐S. , Lee M.‐K. , Kim K.‐W.
Published: August 2005

Aims  Although many studies have reported an association between serum γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) and cardiovascular risk factors, the mechanism of this relationship has not been clarified.

Methods  The medical records of 29 959 subjects (age, median 48, range 14–90 years; 16 706 men, 13 253 women) who visited the Center for Health Promotion at Samsung Medical Center for a medical check‐up between January 2001 and December 2003, were investigated. Subjects with hepatic enzyme/GGT concentrations higher than three times the upper limit of the reference range, a positive test for hepatitis C virus antibody, a positive test for hepatitis B virus surface antigen, currently taking anti‐diabetic/anti‐hypertensive/anti‐lipid medication, or a white blood cell (WBC) count higher than 10 000 cells/ml, were excluded. The subjects of each gender were classified into five groups according to their serum GGT concentrations, into quartiles of the normal range of GGT (groups 1, 2, 3 and 4) and into a group with elevated GGT (group 5).

Results  As the group number increased (group 1 → 5), the frequencies of all of the following increased: (i) diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG); (ii) hypertension, obesity (body mass index ≥ 27 kg/m2), dyslipidaemia (LDL‐cholesterol ≥ 4.1 mmol/l and/or triglyceride ≥ 2.46 mmol/l, or HDL‐cholesterol < 1.16 mmol/l); (iii) metabolic syndrome. Moreover, these significant relationships between GGT concentrations within its normal range and the presence of diabetes/IFG, hypertension, obesity, dyslipidaemia, and metabolic syndrome persisted after adjusting for several clinical and biochemical variables and for the presence of fatty liver based on ultrasonographic findings. Odds ratios (95% CI) for group 4 (highest quartile of normal range of GGT) vs. group 1 (lowest quartile of normal range of GGT); the referent group, were 3.16 (2.15–4.65) for diabetes, 2.24 (1.73–2.90) for IFG, 1.93 (1.59–2.33) for obesity, 1.38 (1.23–1.55) for dyslipidaemia and 2.88 (2.28–3.65) for metabolic syndrome in men. In women, the odds ratios were 2.72 (1.34–5.52), 3.67 (2.26–5.97), 2.10 (1.61–2.74), 1.80 (1.58–2.04) and 3.57 (2.52–5.07), respectively.

Conclusions  Our data show that, even within its normal range, serum GGT concentrations are closely associated with the presence of diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors, and that these associations are independent of a fatty liver by ultrasonography.
Prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and its association with impaired glucose metabolism in Japanese adults
Authors: Jimba S. , Nakagami T. , Takahashi M. , Wakamatsu T. , Hirota Y. , Iwamoto Y. , Wasada T.
Published: August 2005

Aims  To assess the prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its association with impaired glucose metabolism in Japanese subjects.

Methods  One thousand, nine hundred and fifty subjects enrolled in a general health examination programme from September 2002 to February 2003 were recruited. NAFLD was diagnosed if a person showed ‘fatty liver’ on ultrasonography, and his/her alcohol consumption, estimated by questionnaire, was < 40 gram/week. A general linear model was used for the comparison of estimated means of metabolic variables adjusted for age and body mass index (BMI) between subjects with NAFLD and those without fatty liver. Multivariate regression with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) as the dependent variable was performed in 1547 non‐diabetic individuals after adjusting for age, gender, BMI and NAFLD.

Results  NAFLD was found in 566 of the 1950 health‐check examinees (29%). Its prevalence increased with increasing FPG levels: 27% in the subgroup with normal fasting glucose, 43% in impaired fasting glucose and 62% in newly diagnosed diabetes. Adjusted means of FPG, HbA1c, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, AST and ALT were all significantly higher, while adjusted means of HDL cholesterol and AST/ALT ratio were significantly lower in subjects with NAFLD than those without fatty liver. Multivariate regression analysis showed that NAFLD was independently associated with increasing FPG in non‐diabetic individuals.

Conclusions  The prevalence of NAFLD was 29% in apparently healthy middle‐aged Japanese adults and NAFLD was independently associated with impaired glucose metabolism.
Hyperproinsulinaemia and risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in women
Authors: Schulze M. B. , Solomon C. G. , Rifai N. , Cohen R. M. , Sparrow J. , Hu F. B. , Manson J. E.
Published: August 2005

Aims  Our objective was to examine prospectively the associations between fasting plasma proinsulin and the proinsulin/insulin ratio and the incidence of Type 2 diabetes in women.

Subjects and methods  We designed a nested case‐control study within the Nurses’ Health Study, a cohort of 121 700 US women aged 30–55 years at study inception in 1976. Fasting plasma proinsulin, specific insulin and C‐peptide levels were determined in 183 women with a new diagnosis of diabetes made after blood sampling between 1989 and 1990, and 369 control subjects without diabetes.

Results  After adjustment for age, body mass index, family history of diabetes and other potential confounders, including HbA1c, the odds ratios for diabetes associated with increasing quartiles of proinsulin were 1.00, 0.85, 2.49 and 5.73 (P for trend: < 0.001). Proinsulin remained significantly associated with diabetes risk after adjusting for C‐peptide and specific insulin (multivariate odds ratios for quartiles: 1.00, 0.78, 1.94, 3.69; P for trend = 0.001). In addition, the proinsulin/insulin ratio was significantly associated with diabetes risk, controlling in multivariate analysis for C‐peptide (odds ratios for extreme quartiles: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.14–5.41; P for trend = 0.005).

Conclusions  These data suggest that proinsulin and the proinsulin/insulin ratio are strong independent predictors of diabetes risk, after adjustment for obesity and other potential confounders.
Plasma nitrotyrosine levels, antioxidant vitamins and hyperglycaemia
Authors: Bo S. , Gambino R. , Guidi S. , Silli B. , Gentile L. , Cassader M. , Pagano G. F.
Published: August 2005

Aims  Studies on plasma nitrotyrosine (NT) levels, a measure of oxidative injury, in diabetes are limited and discordant; the amount of antioxidants might represent a possible explanation for the discordant results. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the association between plasma NT levels and glucose tolerance status, according to antioxidant vitamin intakes.

Methods  In three hundred men randomly selected from a population‐based cohort, NT levels were measured and dietary intake assessed by a food‐frequency questionnaire.

Results  NT values were similar in patients with diabetes (n = 34), impaired fasting glucose (n = 77) and normoglycaemic subjects (n = 189). However, in subjects with lower than recommended daily intakes of antioxidant vitamins C and A, NT levels were significantly higher in the diabetic patients. In a multiple regression model, after adjustments for age, body mass index (BMI) and smoking habits, NT levels were significantly associated with fasting glucose in patients with lower intakes of vitamin C (β = 11.4; 95% CI 1.3 21.5) and vitamin A (β = 14.9; 95% CI 3.9 25.9), but not in subjects with lower intake of vitamin E.

Conclusion  A significant positive correlation between NT levels and fasting glucose is evident only in the presence of a reduced intake of some antioxidant vitamins. These findings might explain, at least in part, the discrepant results of previous studies and, if confirmed by further studies, suggest a simple measure (a balanced diet) to alleviate the increased oxidative stress of diabetes.
Left ventricular dysfunction in hypertensive patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Andersen N. H. , Poulsen S. H. , Poulsen P. L. , Knudsen S. T. , Helleberg K. , Hansen K. W. , Berg T. J. , Flyvbjerg A. , Mogensen C. E.
Published: August 2005

Aims  To characterize left ventricular function in hypertensive patients with Type 2 diabetes and normal ejection fraction, and to relate these findings to pathogenic factors and clinical risk markers.

Methods  We examined 70 hypertensive patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus with ejection fraction > 0.55 and fractional shortening > 0.25, all without any cardiac symptoms. Thirty‐five non‐diabetic subjects served as control subjects. Left ventricular longitudinal function was examined by tissue Doppler derived myocardial strain rate and peak systolic velocities.

Results  Hypertensive patients with diabetes had a significantly higher systolic strain rate (−1.1 ± 0.3 s−1 vs. −1.6 ± 0.3 s−1, P < 0.001) and lower systolic peak velocities (3.3 ± 1.0 vs. 5.6 ± 1.0 cm/s, P < 0.001) compared with control subjects. Myocardial systolic strain rate correlated significantly to left ventricular mass (r = 0.40, P < 0.01) and to both HbA1c (r = 0.43, P < 0.01), and fructosamine (r = 0.40, P < 0.01), but was not related to serum levels of carboxymethyllysine, albuminuria, blood pressure (dipping/non‐dipping), or oral hypoglycaemic therapy. Patients with diastolic dysfunction had significantly higher levels of urine albumin [21.0 (5–2500) mg/l, vs. 9.5 (1–360), P < 0.01], heart rate (78 ± 13 vs. 67 ± 10 b.p.m., P < 0.005), and seated diastolic blood pressure (85 ± 6 vs. 81 ± 7 mmHg, P < 0.05) and non‐dipping diastolic blood pressure was more frequent.

Conclusions  Long axis left ventricular systolic function was significantly decreased in hypertensive patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and is associated with hyperglycaemia and left ventricular hypertrophy. Diastolic dysfunction was closely related to increased diastolic blood pressure, non‐dipping and increased urinary albumin excretion.
Association of physical inactivity with components of metabolic syndrome and coronary artery disease—the Chennai Urban Population Study (CUPS no. 15)
Authors: Mohan V. , Gokulakrishnan K. , Deepa R. , Shanthirani C. S. , Datta M.
Published: August 2005

Aim  The aim of the study was to assess the influence of physical activity on the components of metabolic syndrome (MS) in an urban south Indian population in Chennai.

Methods  The Chennai Urban Population Study (CUPS) is an epidemiological study involving two residential areas in Chennai in South India. Of the total of 1399 eligible subjects (age ≥ 20 years), 1262 individuals participated in the study. MS was diagnosed based on modified Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III guidelines. Details about the physical activity were collected using questionnaire, which included job‐related and leisure‐time activities, and specific questions on exercise. Study individuals were then graded as light, moderate and heavy using a scoring system. We assessed the relationship between the grades of physical activity and the components of MS and coronary artery disease (CAD). Insulin resistance was calculated using the homeostasis assessment model (HOMA‐IR).

Results  Prevalence of most of the components of MS (diabetes P < 0.001, obesity P = 0.003, abdominal obesity P < 0.001 and hypertension P < 0.001) and MS per se (P < 0.001) increased significantly with decrease in physical activity. Among non‐diabetic subjects, HOMA‐IR was significantly higher in subjects who did light‐grade activity compared with heavy‐grade activity (P = 0.041). Logistic regression analysis revealed physical activity to be significantly associated with MS [heavy activity: reference, moderate activity, odds ratio (OR) 1.639, (P = 0.017); light activity: OR 2.289, (P < 0.001)]. Subjects in the light‐grade activity group also had higher odds of CAD (OR 2.42, 95% confidence interval 1.40, 4.24, P = 0.011), compared with the heavy‐grade activity group.

Conclusion  Physical inactivity is associated with the components of MS and CAD in this urban south‐Indian population. Lifestyle changes focusing on increasing physical activity could help to prevent the exploding epidemic of MS and CAD in India.