bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple genotyping of functional polymorphisms of the human immunoglobulin G receptors CD16A and CD32A: a reference cell panel
Authors: Vilches C. , Castaño J. , Muñoz P. , Peñalver J.
Published: February 2008

The Fcγ receptors CD16A and CD32A connect the innate and the adaptive immune responses by transmitting activating signals to natural killer lymphocytes and myeloid cells upon recognition of antigen–immunoglobulin G (IgG) complexes. Two allelic dimorphisms of these receptors, valine/phenylalanine‐158 of CD16A and histidine/arginine‐131 of CD32A, modulate their affinity for certain human IgG subclasses. Furthermore, these polymorphisms are clinically relevant because they modify the susceptibility, the clinical course and the response to therapy of several human diseases. Genotyping of CD16A and CD32A alleles, encoded by FCGR3A and FCGR2A, respectively, is complicated by the fact that they both belong to families of highly homologous genes. In this study, we present an original method for genotyping the FCGR3A and FCGR2A dimorphisms based on the technique of polymerase chain reaction with confronting two‐pair primers. The new method simplifies the analysis of FCGR3A and FCGR2A because the two alleles of each gene are detected simultaneously in a single reaction and separated, with no further manipulations, by their different electrophoretic mobilities in regular agarose gels. We also present the CD16A and CD32A genotypes of cells from the Tenth International Histocompatibility Workshop, which can serve as a reference cell panel for investigating the influence of CD16A and CD32A polymorphisms on human health.
A novel HLA‐B*57 (B*5714) allele in a healthy male Caucasian individual
Authors: Altermann W. W. , Grondkowski V. , Reichert S. , Seliger B. , Schlaf G.
Published: February 2008

A novel human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐B57 (HLA‐B*5714) allele has been identified in a male Caucasian individual from Middle Europe using single allele‐specific sequencing strategy. This allele is identical to the HLA‐B*570101 allele except for two point mutations in exon 3 at codon 138 (ACG→ACC) with no amino acid change [persisting threonine (T)] and at codon 171 (TAC→CAC), resulting in an amino acid change from tyrosine (Y) to histidine (H).
A novel allele, HLA‐G*010114, with a non‐coding DNA base change in exon 2
Authors: Arnaiz‐Villena A. , Serrano‐Vela J. I. , Reguera R. , Perez‐Saborido B. , Moreno E. , Moscoso J.
Published: February 2008

The non‐classical human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I locus, HLA‐G, shows a low protein polymorphism and a more varied DNA (eight proteins and 28 alleles). HLA‐G DNA polymorphism accounts mainly for changes at third codon bases of the protein coding exons; this does not imply amino acid change in most cases. This relatively high HLA‐G DNA polymorphism in comparison with their protein polymorphism suggests that evolutionary forces are acting upon HLA‐G for invariance. This may be related to the immunotolerogenic function postulated for HLA‐G.
A novel HLA‐DRB1 allele, HLA‐DRB1*0465, was identified in a Hodgkin’s lymphoma cell line
Authors: Witter K. , Mautner J. , Volgger A. , Zahn R. , Kauke T.
Published: February 2008

The new human leucocyte antigen‐DRB1*0465 allele was identified in the Hodgkin’s lymphoma cell line KM‐H2. This novel allele differs from the DRB1*0406 allele by a single nucleotide exchange at position 288 (211) (A→T), which results in an arginine to tryptophan amino acid replacement at codon 90 in the new allele.
A novel HLA‐B*15 allele, B*9534, identified by sequence‐based typing in the Chinese population
Authors: Yan L.‐X. , Zhu F.‐M. , He J. J. , Xu X. G.
Published: February 2008

We report here the identification of a novel human leukocyte antigen‐B*9534 allele that was detected by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B*15 allele, B*9529, in the Chinese population
Authors: Zhu F.‐M. , He J. , Zhang W. , Yan L.‐X.
Published: February 2008

We report here the identification of a novel human leukocyte antigen‐B*9529 allele that was detected by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing.
A new HLA‐B*40 variant, B*4073, identified by sequence‐based typing in the Korean population
Authors: Kwon O. J. , Kim J. , Dirisala V. R. , Xiao R. , Park C.
Published: February 2008

A novel human leukocyte antigen‐B*40 (HLA‐B*40) allele was identified in the Korean population and designated HLA‐B*4073. The HLA‐B*4073 allele shows one nucleotide difference from B*400102 in exon 2 at nucleotide position 299 (A→T), resulting in an amino acid change, Glu76Val.
Time trends of the prevalence of asthma and allergic disease in Austrian children
Authors: Schernhammer E. S. , Vutuc C. , Waldhör T. , Haidinger G.
Published: February 2008

After a substantial increase in the prevalence of atopic disease in Europe, recent studies indicate that a plateau has been reached. However, variation across countries and age groups exists. We studied the prevalence and time trends of asthma and allergic disease among schoolchildren in Austria, a country with traditionally low rates of asthma, hay fever, and eczema. As part of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), symptoms and physician diagnoses of asthma and allergic disease of 13,399 Austrian children aged 6–7 yr and 1516 children aged 12–14 yr were surveyed between 1995 and 1997. A similar survey was conducted between 2001 and 2003. Among children aged 6–7 yr, significant increases were seen in the prevalence of physician‐diagnosed asthma (+16%; p = 0.013), hay fever (+22%; p < 0.001), and eczema (+37%; p < 0.001) between 1995 and 2003. These changes were paralleled by an increase in the prevalence of symptoms typical for hay fever (itchy eyes and runny nose), but not by an increase in wheeze. Among children aged 12–14 yr, the lifetime prevalence of diagnosed asthma increased by 32%, of hay fever by 19%, and of eczema by 28% (all, p < 0.001). These changes were paralleled by increases in the prevalence of wheezing as documented by both questions before and after a video showing wheezing children but not by symptoms typical for hay fever such as itchy eyes and runny nose. In conclusion, in Austria, contrary to other European countries, the prevalence of asthma and allergic disease increased among schoolchildren. Additional studies are needed to continue monitoring the dynamics of the prevalence of asthma and allergic disease in Austria and to explore trends in their risk factors.
Effects of High Temperature on Key Enzymes Involved in Starch and Protein Formation in Grains of Two Wheat Cultivars
Authors: Zhao H. , Dai T. , Jiang D. , Cao W.
Published: February 2008

High temperature is a major determinant of grain growth and yield formation in wheat. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of high temperature regimes on the activities of key regulatory enzymes involved in starch and protein accumulation in grains of two winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars Yangmai 9 and Xuzhou 26 with different protein contents. Four day/night temperature regimes of 34 °C/22 °C, 32 °C/24 °C, 26 °C/14 °C and 24 °C/16 °C were established after anthesis, resulting in two daily temperature levels of 28 °C and 20 °C and two diurnal temperature differences of 12 °C and 8 °C. The activities of glutamine synthase (GS) in flag leaves and glutamate pyruvic aminotransferase (GPT), sucrose synthase (SS), soluble starch synthase (SSS) and granule‐bound starch synthase (GBSS) in grains were measured during the periods of grain filling. High temperature reduced both content and yield of starch in grains, while enhanced protein content and reduced protein yield in grains. High temperature significantly enhanced the activities of SS and GBSS on 14 days after anthesis (DAA). High temperature affected SSS slightly in Yangmai 9, but reduced SSS activity markedly in Xuzhou 26 on 14 DAA. However, at the middle and late stages of grain filling, high temperature reduced the activities of SS, GBSS and SSS significantly in the two wheat cultivars. High temperature reduced GPT activity in grains in the two wheat cultivars, but reduced GS activity in flag leaves of Yangmai 9 and enhanced GS activity of Xuzhou 26 on 14 DAA. In addition, under the same high temperature level, SS activity was higher at 34 °C/22 °C, whereas the activities of SSS and GBSS were higher at 32 °C/24 °C. Also, diurnal temperature differences affected GPT and GS activities differently between the two cultivars. Under optimum temperature level, the activities of key enzymes for starch and protein synthesis were higher at 26 °C/14 °C. The activities of SS, SSS and GBSS significantly correlated with starch accumulation in grains, except for GBSS activity to starch content on 14 DAA. GPT activity was positively correlated with protein yield, and GS activity was negatively correlated with protein yield on 14 DAA, while the activities of both GPT and GS were negatively related to protein content in grains.
Compensative Effects of Chemical Regulation with Uniconazole on Physiological Damages Caused by Water Deficiency during the Grain Filling Stage of Wheat
Authors: Duan L. , Guan C. , Li J. , Eneji A. E. , Li Z. , Zhai Z.
Published: February 2008

Chemical regulation using plant growth regulators has proved to be potentially beneficial in water‐saving agriculture. This experiment was conducted with winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. ‘Jingdong 6’) to study the effect of chemical regulation on alleviation of water deficit stress during the grain filling stage. Uniconazole, a plant growth regulator, was foliar sprayed at 85 % (adequate irrigation) and 60 % (deficit irrigation) field capacity. Results showed that the distribution of 3H‐H2O in roots and flag leaf, characteristics of vascular bundle in primary roots and internode below spike, roots activity, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance of flag leaf were negatively affected by deficit irrigation after flowering. Foliar spraying at the early jointing stage with 13.5 gha−1 uniconazole was able to relieve and compensate for the harmful effects of deficit irrigation. Both the area of vascular bundle in primary roots and internode below the ear were increased by uniconazole, while root viability and their ability to absorb and transport water were increased. In the flag leaf, stomatal conductance was reduced to maintain the transpiration rate and water use efficiency (WUE) measured for a single wheat plant was higher. Uniconazole increased WUE by 25.0 % under adequate and 22 % under deficit irrigations. Under adequate irrigations, the 14C‐assimilates export rate from flag leaf in 12 h (E12h) was increased by 65 % and 36 % in early and late filling stages, while under deficit irrigations, the E12h of uniconazole‐treated plants exceeded that of control plants by 5 % and 34 % respectively. Physiological damages caused by water deficiency during the grain filling stage of wheat was alleviated by foliar spraying with uniconazole.
Relationship between Biomass Production and Nitrogen Fixation under Drought‐Stress Conditions in Peanut Genotypes with Different Levels of Drought Resistance
Authors: Pimratch S. , Jogloy S. , Vorasoot N. , Toomsan B. , Patanothai A. , Holbrook C. C.
Published: February 2008

The relationship between biomass production and N2 fixation under drought‐stress conditions in peanut genotypes with different levels of drought resistance is not well understood. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of drought on biomass production and N2 fixation by evaluating the relative values of these two traits under well watered and water‐stress conditions. Twelve peanut genotypes were tested under field conditions in the dry seasons of 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 in north‐east Thailand. A split‐plot design with four replications was used. Main‐plot treatments were three water regimes [field capacity (FC), 2/3 available soil water (AW) and 1/3 AW], and sub‐plot treatments were 12 peanut lines. Data were recorded on biomass production and N2 fixation under well watered and water‐stress conditions. Genotypic variations in biomass production and N2 fixation were found at all water regimes. Biomass production and N2 fixation decreased with increasing levels of drought stress. Genotypes did not significantly differ in reductions for biomass production, but did differ for reductions in N2 fixation. High biomass production under both mild and severe drought‐stress conditions was due largely to high potential biomass production under well‐watered conditions and, to a lesser extent, the ability to maintain high biomass production under drought‐stress conditions. High N2 fixation under drought stress also was due largely to high N2 fixation under well‐watered conditions with significant but lower contributions from the ability to maintain high nitrogen fixation under drought stress. N2 fixation at FC was not correlated with the reduction in N2 fixation at 2/3 AW and 1/3 AW. Positive relationships between N2 fixed and biomass production of the tested peanut genotypes were found at both levels of drought stress, and the relationship was stronger the more severe the drought stress. These results suggested that the ability to maintain high N2 fixation under drought stress could aid peanut genotypes in maintaining high yield under water‐limited conditions.
Further Evidence for Limited Genetic Diversity among East African Isolates of Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus
Authors: Aritua V. , Barg E. , Adipala E. , Gibson R. W. , Vetten H. J.
Published: February 2008

In Africa, the crinivirus Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV) exists in two serologically and genetically distinct strains, geographically distinguished as a West African (SPCSVWA) and an East African (SPCSVEA) strain. To obtain a better understanding of the genetic diversity among SPCSVEA isolates, the major coat protein (CP) and heat shock protein 70 homologue (Hsp70h) gene sequences of 24 further isolates of SPCSVEA were determined and compared. SPCSVEA diversity was also examined using available monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to SPCSVEA but there was no apparent coincidence between CP and partial Hsp70h gene nucleotide sequences and the subdivision of SPCSVEA isolates by the mAbs into two serotypes, suggesting this latter may not be of great biological significance. The nucleotide (nt) sequences of isolates of SPCSVEA displayed a high degree of conservation and the only variation observed consisted of a few base exchanges. Pairwise alignments of CP nucleotide sequences revealed differences of <4% between SPCSVEA isolates. Comparisons with published SPCSV sequences confirmed a more distant relationship (up to 34.6% nt; 12% amino acid divergence) between the Hsp70h sequences of isolates of SPCSVEA and SPCSVWA and indicated that SPCSVEA in East and Southern Africa is the more homogeneous than SPCSVWA isolates from West Africa, North and South America, which were up to 12.4% nt divergent among themselves.
Variability of Colletotrichum kahawae in Relation to Other Colletotrichum Species from Tropical Perennial Crops and the Development of Diagnostic Techniques
Authors: Bridge P. D. , Waller J. M. , Davies D. , Buddie A.G.
Published: February 2008

Twenty‐six isolates of Colletotrichum kahawae, the causal agent of coffee berry disease, from coffee in Africa, and 25 isolates, mostly of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, from coffee and other tropical perennial crops, were examined for the ability to metabolize citrate and tartrate and their molecular genetic variability was assessed using restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) and variable number tandem repeats (VNTR). Twenty‐four isolates of C. kahawae were also assessed using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP). Vegetative compatibility within a collection of nine isolates, including two of C. gloeosporioides was also assessed. All isolates of C. kahawae from across Africa failed to metabolize citrate or tartrate, but all other isolates metabolized one or both. Colletotrichum kahawae isolates also showed minimal variability using the molecular techniques with two isolates from Cameroon showing slightly different banding patterns in RFLP analysis. All other isolates had variable VNTR and RFLP banding patterns. AFLP analysis failed to detect variability within 12 isolates from Kenya, but did detect differences between isolates from other countries. Five isolates from Kenya were vegetatively compatible but differed from two from Cameroon and from two C. gloeosporioides isolates. Results demonstrate some geographic variability within C. kahawae isolates, although this is small, probably due to the relatively young age of C. kahawae populations. The biochemical and molecular techniques used showed clear differences from other Colletotrichum isolates, and can be used to distinguish the species. Lack of citrate and tartrate metabolism provides a readily applicable diagnostic method.
Characterization of Iranian Pectobacterium carotovorum Strains from Sugar Beet by Phenotypic Tests and Whole‐cell Proteins Profile
Authors: Fassihiani A. , Nedaeinia R.
Published: February 2008

Thirty isolates of Pectobacterium carotovorum from soft rot‐affected sugar beet plants in the Fars province of Iran were characterized phenotypically and by analysis of whole‐cell protein electrophoresis patterns. The isolates were found to be heterogeneous based on the results of physiological and biochemical tests and protein profiles. The results of numerical analysis of phenotypic characteristics and protein patterns showed that only 27% of the collected isolates (phenon 4) could be identified as P. betavasculorum when compared with reference strains. Strains of the first, second, third and fifth phenon shared similar characters with those of P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, P. betavasculorum and P. carotovorum subsp. odoriferum, but were distinct from these subspecies. Inoculation of phenon 4 isolates into wounded sugar beet petioles led to black streaking, root rot and vascular necrosis. Other isolates were incapable of causing systemic symptoms in inoculated plants.
Population Genetics of Three Important Head Blight Pathogens Fusarium graminearum, F. pseudograminearum and F. culmorum
Authors: Miedaner T. , Cumagun C. J. R. , Chakraborty S.
Published: February 2008

Homothallic Fusarium graminearum (teleomorph Gibberella zeae) and anamorphic F. culmorum are destructive pathogens causing Fusarium head blight (FHB) of small‐grain cereals worldwide, while heterothallic F. pseudograminearum (G. coronicola) seems to be restricted to Australia as a FHB pathogen. In a comprehensive treatise of pathogen population genetics, this review summarizes global knowledge of genetic diversity among isolates sampled at various spatial and temporal scales, examines the mechanisms that generate this diversity and explores the implications of pathogen diversity and plasticity to resistance breeding. Despite their different modes of reproduction, there is large variation among isolates of all three species originating from different countries and continents. With a few exceptions, haplotype diversity ranges from 60 to 100% even within populations from individual fields. In F. graminearum, over 90% of the variation is found within populations, even when samples are collected from areas as small as 0.25 m2. Variation among populations is low (4–8%) with negligible population subdivision. This indicates a high level of gene flow (Nm = 8–71) with linkage equilibrium for the majority of selectively neutral molecular marker loci analysed. These findings for F. graminearum point to large random mating populations driven by occasional outcrossing, high gene flow across large geographical distances and a relatively low host‐mediated directional selection. Similar conclusions can be drawn for the Canadian population of F. pseudograminearum, but not for populations from Australia, where different pathogen ecology may have reduced the frequency of sexual recombination. Phylogenetic analyses indicate delineation of lineages in F. graminearum, often along geographically separated lines, while the related F. pseudograminearum is a single recombining species with limited or no lineage development. The anamorphic F. culmorum shows no obvious clonal structure in its population as might have been expected. High levels of diversity within fields may have been caused by balancing selection from frequent alternation between saprophytic and parasitical life cycle and/or a hidden or recently extinct teleomorph. Other mechanisms including parasexual cycles or active transposable elements may also be involved but these have not been investigated as yet. Crosses between and among F. graminearum lineages have shown a rather simple, additive inheritance of pathogenicity and aggressiveness with frequent transgressive segregation in crosses among isolates with moderate aggressiveness. This raises the spectre of highly aggressive and/or toxigenic isolates evolving if a limited range of quantitative trait locus for FHB resistance is deployed on a large scale. Combining more than one genetically distinct sources of resistance, possibly with different modes of action against the pathogen, will be necessary to avoid severe FHB outbreaks in the future.
A large encrusting clionaid sponge in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Vacelet Jean , Bitar Ghazi , Dailianis Thanos , Zibrowius Helmut , Perez Thierry
Published: February 2008

An excavating sponge, which covers extensive areas of limestone rock, has been found at several locations of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. This zooxanthellate clionaid, brown with yellow oscula, may have an extension of several square meters under the β‐form, similar to what has been described in coral reef areas. It has been observed at 3–30 m depth, generally in clear water in the Ionian Sea, Crete, Cyprus and Lebanon. The gross morphology and the spicule characters are described from all the collected specimens. The spicule complement, with variable tylostyles and rare, sometimes absent, thin spirasters, is compared with that of Cliona parenzaniCorriero & Scalera‐Liaci 1997 from the Apulian coast (Ionian Sea, Mediterranean Sea), and of several Caribbean and Indo‐Pacific clionaid species, which display the same morphology and rather similar spicule characters. The sponge is tentatively identified as C. parenzani, although there are some differences with the type specimens in the highly variable spiculation, suggesting that it may represent a species complex similar to what is known for other species in the Caribbean and Indo‐Pacific areas. Although the sponge appears to be closely related to large brown spreading clionaids from tropical areas and was previously practically overlooked in the Eastern Mediterranean, it does not appear to be a recent introduction. It is suggested that it could be a survivor in the warmer area of the Mediterranean of an ancient thermophilous fauna, which did not survive in the colder Western Basin during glacial episodes of the Pleistocene.
MM1‐type sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease with unusually prolonged disease duration presenting with panencephalopathic‐type pathology
Authors: Hoshino Akira , Iwasaki Yasushi , Izumi Masayuki , Kimura Shinya , Ibi Tohru , Kitamoto Tetsuyuki , Yoshida Mari , Hashizume Yoshio , Sahashi Ko
Published: February 2008

We report an autopsy case of MM1‐type sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (sCJD) with an unusually prolonged disease duration of 58 months. The initial symptom was progressive mental disorder followed by advanced cognitive impairment. Clinical progression was generally slow; myoclonus appeared at 17 months and periodic sharp‐wave complexes on electroencephalogram at 21 months. A state of akinetic mutism occurred 29 months after the onset of symptoms. MRI showed gradually progressive cerebral atrophy. Neuropathologic examination showed widespread severe brain involvement. In the cerebral neocortex, widespread severe tissue rarefaction, hypertrophic astrocytosis and neuron loss (so‐called status spongiosus) were observed. The cerebral white matter showed diffuse myelin pallor with intense hypertrophic astrocytosis, numerous foamy macrophages and emperipolesis, indicating panencephalopathic‐type sCJD pathology. The brainstem was relatively preserved from sCJD pathology, with the exception of the pontine nucleus and pyramidal tract. This may explain the prolonged disease duration without respiratory insufficiency until the terminal stage. Immunohistochemistry for prion protein (PrP) showed widespread synaptic‐type PrP deposits in the cerebral neocortex, hippocampus and thalamus. The striatum and cerebellar cortex showed faint synaptic‐type PrP deposition with some areas of small plaque‐like PrP deposition. Sparse PrP deposition was also observed in the brainstem. Analysis of the PrP gene showed no mutation but methionine homozygosity at polymorphic codon 129. Western blot analysis of protease‐resistant PrP indicated type 1 PrP. To our knowledge, this is the longest reported disease duration of MM1‐type sCJD.
Psychometric testing of the modified Care Dependency Scale among hospitalized school‐aged children in Germany
Authors: Tork Hanan , Lohrmann Christa , Dassen Theo
Published: February 2008

Abstract  The objectives of this study were to examine the psychometric properties of the modified Care Dependency Scale in a pediatric setting and to explore the extent of dependency of school‐aged children regarding their self‐care. The data were collected from 130 hospitalized children, aged 6–12 years. The reliability was determined by Cronbach's alpha, which showed a high level of consistency. The subsequent inter‐rater reliability revealed moderate‐to‐substantial agreement. The criterion‐related validity was tested by comparing the sum scores of the Care Dependency Scale for Paediatrics and the Visual Analog Scale. Factor analysis was used to investigate the construct validity and resulted in a one‐factor solution. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that the Care Dependency Scale for Paediatrics is a valid and reliable measure that offers a comprehensive assessment from a nursing perspective and enables nurses to help children acquire independence.
Lived experience of middle‐aged women living with a disability in Isaan, Thailand
Authors: Rukwong Pensri
Published: February 2008

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of middle‐aged women living with a disability in Isaan, Thailand. Sixteen women with disabilities, aged 40–60 years, were initially recruited by purposive sampling and, subsequently, theoretical sampling was employed. A qualitative method was applied. The data were collected by using in‐depth interviews and observations and these datasets were triangulated. The qualitative data were analyzed by using content analysis. To increase trustworthiness, prolonged engagement, triangulation of the data, peer debriefing, and member checks with the participants were used. The results show that three inter‐related themes emerged: dealing with unpredictable fluctuations in physical competence and health status, maintaining the gender role under physical limitation, and a need for a supportive environment. The results indicate that gender and culture play a significant role in the daily lives of women with disabilities. Based on the study's findings, a gender‐and culture‐sensitive nursing care system is essential.
Health‐promoting lifestyle and body mass index among College of Nursing students in Kuwait: A correlational study
Authors: Al‐Kandari Fatimah , Vidal Victoria L. , Thomas Deepa
Published: February 2008

Abstract This cross‐sectional, descriptive survey of 202 nursing students in Kuwait assessed their body mass index and health‐promoting lifestyle to determine any association between them. The body mass index was calculated by dividing the weight by the height squared (kg/m2). The health‐promoting lifestyle was measured using Walker's Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II instrument. The participants had a normal body mass index with a tendency towards being overweight and obese, particularly for the males. The students also had a low positive health‐promoting lifestyle. A significant association was noted between the sociodemographic variables, particularly age, marital status, and nationality, with the body mass index and Walker's Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile. A significant relationship was established between the body mass index and the overall Walker's Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile and the nutrition subcategory. The findings warranted interventions for improved health behaviors and implied the need for the integration of healthy lifestyle programs into the nursing curricula to meet the escalating demands of the students' role in health promotion and disease prevention.
Effectiveness of advance directives for the care of terminally ill patients in Chiang Mai University Hospital, Thailand
Authors: Sittisombut Sudarat , Maxwell Colleen , Love Edgar J. , Sitthi‐Amorn Chitr
Published: February 2008

Abstract The key hypothesis behind advance directives (ADs) proposes that, if an intervention enhances a person's right to choose, a dying person will not opt for expensive, life‐prolonging medical care and an ethically acceptable saving of resources will result. In order to assess the acceptability and effectiveness of ADs in reducing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) attempts and in‐hospital death among terminally ill patients in a tertiary care hospital in northern Thailand, a non‐randomized, controlled intervention study using an after‐only unequivalent control group design was conducted. The majority of the subjects and the surrogates preferred to employ ADs in expressing their preferences on CPR and there was a high level of agreement between the subjects and surrogates on the decision. The use of ADs appeared to be effective in reducing futile CPR attempts and the in‐hospital mortality rate among subjects during the index hospitalization. Advance directives were accepted well in this study setting.
Benefit‐finding among people with rheumatoid arthritis in Japan
Authors: Sato Miho , Yamazaki Yoshihiko , Sakita Mayumi , Bryce Thomas J.
Published: February 2008

Abstract The realization of positive life influences resulting from the experience of chronic illness has been conceptualized as “benefit‐finding”. This study of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis in Japan aimed to describe the nature of benefit finding; examine its predictive social factors and evaluate its impact on mental health. A web‐based questionnaire was conducted, with valid responses obtained from 364 persons aged 20–59 years. The results indicated that a majority of the participants reported engaging in some type of benefit‐finding. “Developing compassion towards others” and “an appreciation of things not previously important” were the most commonly reported. The patients reporting larger emotional support networks and those performing more self‐care activities reported achieving higher levels of benefit‐finding. Of all the factors examined, benefit‐finding was the most significant predictor of mental health. These results expand the base of knowledge regarding living with rheumatoid arthritis and offer practical suggestions for the promotion of well‐being.
Preservation of female fertility during cancer treatment
Authors: IMAI ATSUSHI , FURUI TATSURO , YAMAMOTO AKIO
Published: February 2008

Improvements in the success of cancer treatments have resulted in increased awareness of the long‐term effects of treatment, of which gonadal failure is the most significant. Thus, preservation of fertility potential has become a major goal and could be realized by preventing ovarian toxicity or by cryopreservation of reproductive cells/tissues. This review aimed to critically discuss the current protocols for the management of chemotherapy‐inducced/radiotherapy‐induced premature ovarian failure (POF). A medical approach using the gonadotropin‐releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) may act to protect the gonads during radiation and/or chemotherapy by preferentially steering cells into cell cycle arrest with a decline in responsibility to the chemotherapeutic agents. Ovarian protection by GnRHa cotreatment against chemotherapy can enable the preservation of future fertility in survivors and prevent the bone demineralization and osteoporosis associated with hypestrogenism and POF. In vitro fertilization of retrieved oocytes could enable embryo freezing in some patients. Embryo cryopreservation is considered standard practice and widely available, but may seldom be used because of a lack of a male partner, the need to postpone cancer therapy for a few weeks and the possibility that an estrogen rise may be undesirable in sensitive cancer patients. Improvement in oocyte cryopreservation may offer additional possibilities; the prolonged culture of primordial and primary follicles in vitro is still unfeasible. Currently, the cryopreservation of ovarian cortex, which hosts thousands of immature follicles, is an investigational method, but has the advantage of requiring neither a sperm donor nor ovarian stimulation. Fertility preservation is often possible in women undergoing cancer treatment. To preserve the full range of options, fertility preservation procedures should be considered as early as possible during therapy planning. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7: 17–27)
Cardiovascular drugs as antidiabetic agents: evidence for the prevention of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Macfarlane D. P. , Paterson K. R. , Fisher M.
Published: February 2008

Given the long‐term health consequences and increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes, there is great interest to potentially prevent or delay its onset. Primary prevention studies have demonstrated that intensive exercise and weight reduction, and to a lesser extent certain antidiabetic agents, can reduce new onset diabetes in at‐risk individuals. Results from post hoc analyses and secondary end‐point outcomes of large randomized controlled trials of cardiovascular drugs suggest that these may also have beneficial effects, reducing the incidence of new onset diabetes in addition to their proven cardiovascular benefits. Multiple meta‐analyses confirm that drugs primarily acting on the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) reduce the incidence of diabetes in the populations studied, perhaps via improved insulin sensitivity and/or effects on pancreatic beta cells. However, results from the recent Diabetes REduction Approaches with Medication study specifically failed to show a significant reduction in the incidence of diabetes with ramipril in individuals with abnormal glucose tolerance at baseline. There is only limited evidence that statins improve glucose tolerance, and although beta‐blockers tend to have detrimental effects on glucose tolerance, newer agents with vasodilatory properties may confer benefits. With current guidelines, the use of cardiovascular drugs modifying the RAS will increase in at‐risk individuals, but at present, they cannot be recommended to prevent diabetes.
Efficacy and tolerability of vildagliptin in drug‐naïve patients with type 2 diabetes and mild hyperglycaemia*
Authors: Scherbaum W. A. , Schweizer A. , Mari A. , Nilsson P. M. , Lalanne G. , Jauffret S. , Foley J. E.
Published: February 2008

Aim:  This study was conducted to assess efficacy and tolerability of vildagliptin in drug‐naïve patients with type 2 diabetes and mild hyperglycaemia.

Methods:  Multicentre, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study of 52‐week treatment with vildagliptin (50 mg q.d.) in 306 drug‐naïve patients with type 2 diabetes (A1C = 6.2–7.5%). A1C, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and measures of prandial glucose control and beta‐cell function determined during standard meal tests were assessed.

Results:  Baseline A1C and FPG averaged 6.7% and 7.1 mmol/l, respectively, in patients randomized to vildagliptin (n = 156) and 6.8% and 7.2 mmol/l in those randomized to placebo (n = 150). A1C decreased modestly in vildagliptin‐treated patients (Δ = −0.2 ± 0.1%) and increased in patients receiving placebo (Δ = 0.1 ± 0.1%). The between‐group difference (vildagliptin − placebo) in adjusted mean change (AMΔ) in A1C was −0.3 ± 0.1% (p < 0.001). FPG increased in patients receiving placebo (Δ = 0.5 ± 0.1 mmol/l) and to a significantly lesser extent in vildagliptin‐treated patients (between‐group difference in AMΔ FPG = −0.4 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.032). Relative to placebo, 2‐h postprandial glucose (PPG) decreased (−0.9 ± 0.4 mmol/l, p = 0.012), and insulin secretory rate (ISR) relative to glucose [ISR area under the curve (AUC)0–2 h/glucose AUC0–2 h] increased (+5.0 ± 1.2 pmol/min/m2/mM, p < 0.001). Mean body weight decreased by 0.5 ± 0.3 kg in vildagliptin‐treated patients and by 0.2 ± 0.3 kg in patients receiving placebo. The side‐effect profile of vildagliptin was similar to that of placebo, and one hypoglycaemic episode occurred in one patient receiving placebo.

Conclusions:  In drug‐naïve patients with mild hyperglycaemia, relative to placebo, 52‐week treatment with vildagliptin 50 mg q.d. significantly decreases A1C, FPG and PPG and improves beta‐cell function without weight gain or hypoglycaemia.
The effects of a type 4 phosphodiesterase inhibitor and the muscarinic cholinergic antagonist tolterodine tartrate on detrusor overactivity in female rats with bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: Kaiho Yasuhiro , Nishiguchi Jun , Kwon Dong Duek , Chancellor Michael B. , Arai Yoichi , Snyder Peter B. , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of the selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 4 inhibitor IC485 and the widely used antimuscarinic drug tolterodine tartrate on bladder activity in rats with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), as inhibition of PDE4 leads to elevation of intracellular cAMP levels and relaxation of smooth muscle.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BOO was induced in female Sprague‐Dawley rats by tying a silk ligature around the urethra. Six weeks after inducing BOO, conscious rats were assessed by cystometry with the urethral ligature intact. The effects of IC485 (5, 10 and 50 mg/kg intravenous, i.v.) were examined and compared with those of tolterodine (0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/kg i.v.).

RESULTS

IC485 (5–50 mg/kg i.v.) decreased the number and amplitude of non‐voiding contractions during the storage phase by 63–88% and 49–83%, respectively; IC485 also increased bladder capacity by 28–37%. There was no change in blood pressure after applying IC485. Tolterodine tartrate (0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg) significantly decreased the number and amplitude of non‐voiding contractions by 38–74% and 29–44%, respectively, and increased bladder capacity by 19–51%. Whereas voiding efficiency and maximum voiding pressure were not altered by IC485 at any dose, tolterodine significantly reduced both, by 35–67% and 19–34%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Both IC485 and tolterodine tartrate reduced detrusor overactivity in rats with BOO. In addition, doses of IC485 that suppressed non‐voiding contractions had no effect on voiding function. Therefore, selective PDE4 inhibitors deserve further study as potential agents for treating detrusor overactivity in patients with BOO.
Change in acetylcholine release from rat bladder with partial outlet obstruction
Authors: Murakami Shigetaka , Yoshida Masaki , Masunaga Koichi , Maeda Yoshihiro , Ueda Shoichi
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE

To investigate changes in acetylcholine release from the bladder of rats with partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), as partial BOO leads to hypertrophy and an alteration in the contractions of the detrusor smooth muscle, and acetylcholine plays an important role in urinary bladder contractions but there is little available information on acetylcholine release after BOO.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Partial BOO was induced in adult female rats by ligating the proximal urethra over a 1 mm angiocatheter; sham‐operated rats served as controls. The rats were killed 2 weeks, 3 and 6 months after induction of BOO. We investigated the contractions induced by carbachol, KCl (80 mm), ATP and electrical‐field stimulation (EFS, 2.5–40 Hz), and collected the dialysate obtained from a microdialysis probe inserted into the muscle strips during EFS, and measured the amount of acetylcholine in the dialysate fraction by high‐performance liquid chromatography with electro‐chemical detection. S‐100 immunohistochemical staining of the bladder preparations was used for histological examination in BOO and control rats.

RESULTS

The bladder weight gradually increased after BOO. There were no significant changes in KCl‐induced contractions throughout the experimental period in either group. There were no significant changes in carbachol‐induced contractions until 3 months after BOO but there was a significant reduction at 6 months. ATP‐induced contractions were significantly increased 2 weeks and 3 months after BOO. EFS‐induced contractions were gradually reduced after BOO. Acetylcholine release from the bladder strips was not significantly different between the groups until 2 weeks after BOO. However, acetylcholine release in BOO rats was significantly decreased 3–6 months after BOO, being significantly lower than that of the control rats. In the histological study, the number of nerve fibres in the BOO rats was significantly lower than in the control rats.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that the prolonged BOO caused a decrease in EFS‐induced acetylcholine release and the number of nerves in the rat urinary bladder, which might contribute to bladder underactivity in BOO.
Differences in urinary incontinence between Hispanic and non‐Hispanic white women: a population‐based study
Authors: Daneshgari Firouz , Imrey Peter B. , Risendal Betsy , Dwyer Andrea , Barber Matthew D. , Byers Tim
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE

To compare the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) between Hispanic and non‐Hispanic White women in a population‐based study.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The prevalence of moderate to severe UI, defined as Sandvik severity score of ≥3, was assessed in relation to ethnicity by stratification, age adjustment and logistic regression models among 250 Hispanic and 491 non‐Hispanic White women in Colorado, USA, who were participants in a breast cancer case‐control study.

RESULTS

Hispanic women reported more stress UI (odds ratio 1.7, P = 0.005) and mixed UI (odds ratio 1.8, P = 0.005) than did non‐Hispanic White women. These higher prevalences were largely associated with ethnic differences in parity, body mass index, diabetes, hysterectomy and bilateral oopherectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of moderate to severe UI in Colorado is higher among Hispanic women than among non‐Hispanic white women. This difference is largely compatible with differences in reproductive history, adiposity and diabetes.
Urinary cytology and nuclear matrix protein 22 in the detection of bladder cancer recurrence other than transitional cell carcinoma
Authors: Hutterer Georg C. , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Zippe Craig , Lüdecke Gerson , Boman Hans , Sanchez‐Carbayo Marta , Casella Roberto , Mian Christine , Friedrich Martin G. , Eissa Sanaa , Akaza Hideyuki , Serretta Vincenzo , Hedelin Hans , Rupesh Raina , Miyanaga Naoto , Sagalowsky Arthur I. , Perrotte Paul , Lotan Yair , Marberger Michael J. , Shariat Shahrokh F.
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of nuclear matrix protein‐22 (NMP22), compared with urinary cytology, in predicting the recurrence of bladder cancer that is not transitional cell carcinoma (non‐TCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We tested the sensitivity, specificity and the predictive accuracy of NMP22 in the context of non‐TCC bladder cancer recurrence, and compared it to the performance of urinary cytology. The study group comprised 2687 patients with history of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer from 10 centres across four continents.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 64.8 years and 75.4% were men; of all patients, 513 (19.1%) had positive urinary cytology, 906 (33.7%) had a positive NMP22 test (≥10 units/mL) and 80 (3.0%) had non‐TCC recurrence. Most of these, i.e. 60 (75%), were stage ≥T2. The sensitivity and specificity of urinary cytology were, respectively, 20.0% and 94.8%, vs 77.5% and 81.8% for NMP22 of ≥10 units/mL. The predictive accuracy of urinary cytology was 57.5%, vs 87.1% for NMP22 ≥ 10 units/mL. A combined model that included dichotomized NMP22 and urinary cytology was 85.3% accurate.

CONCLUSION

The ability of a NMP22 level of ≥10 units/mL to predict non‐TCC recurrence was better than that of urinary cytology, suggesting that NMP22 might have a role in the surveillance of patients at risk of non‐TCC recurrence.
Stage migration and pilot studies of reduced chemotherapy supported by positron‐emission tomography findings suggest new combined strategies for stage 2 nonseminoma germ cell tumour
Authors: Haba Yasser , Williams Michael V. , Neal David E. , Ong Josephine Y. , Ostrowski M. Joe , Ell Peter J. , Nargund Vinod , Shamash Jonathan , Oliver R. Tim D.
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE

To examine the nodal (N+) vs extranodal (M+) staging in each of the International Germ Cell Consensus Classification Group (IGCCCG) subgroups in an audit of 437 patients treated in The Anglian Germ Cell Cancer Group, where chemotherapy was the primary management, as there is an increasingly earlier presentation of patients with less advanced disease who thus face potentially unnecessary treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinicians from seven centres prospectively registered patients in a central database, and the follow‐up was coordinated by one of the authors.

RESULTS

Between 1982 and 2002, 436 patients (median follow‐up 60 months) were registered; 63% of IGCCCG good risk (298), 42% of intermediate (62) and 8% poor risk (77) were stage II; 79% of N+M0 intermediate and poor risk cases (29) were alive, vs only 60% of M+ stage IV cases (92, P < 0.05). The trend was similar in IGCCCG good risk patients, with 92% of N+ stage II (156) alive vs only 85% (94) of stage IV M+ (not significant). The frequency of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection after chemotherapy increased from 26% (1983–1993) to 34% (1994–2002), and survival from 89% to 94%. There were no relapses in eight patients who elected to stop treatment after two courses. Four of six patients with positive findings on positron emission tomography had a durable complete response, assessed by standard uptake values, when tested at 72–96 h.

CONCLUSION

Extra‐lymphatic spread, although prognostically important within the IGCCCG subgroups, is only statistically significant for intermediate and poor risk combined. The observation that there might be N+ patients cured by two chemotherapy courses alone suggests that there might be opportunities to reduce the morbidity of treatment.
Upper‐pole puncture in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a retrospective review of treatment safety and efficacy
Authors: Raza Asif , Moussa Sami , Smith Gordon , Tolley David A.
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE

To review the safety and efficacy of supracostal puncture during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for renal calculi.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Over a 12‐year period, 66 patients had either an upper‐pole puncture alone or combined with middle‐ or lower‐pole puncture during PCNL for renal calculi. All punctures were made by an experienced uroradiologist and were either supra‐ or subcostal. We retrospectively reviewed all case notes and radiographs to determine stone‐clearance rates and complications associated with the site and number of punctures.

RESULTS

There was an overall stone‐free rate of 78% with upper‐pole puncture alone or combined with middle‐ or lower‐pole puncture. There was a 3% thoracic complication rate with upper pole punctures, and an overall complication rate of 30% for both thoracic and non‐thoracic complications.

CONCLUSION

Upper‐pole puncture in PCNL is associated with minimum morbidity if done by an experienced urologist or radiologist. The stone‐free rate appears to be more dependent on stone size and complexity than the site of puncture.