bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyamines are required for the expression of key Hms proteins important for Yersinia pestis biofilm formation
Authors: Wortham Brian W. , Oliveira Marcos A. , Fetherston Jacqueline D. , Perry Robert D.
Published: April 2010

We previously showed that mutations in the genes encoding the two main biosynthetic enzymes responsible for polyamine production, arginine decarboxylase (SpeA) and ornithine decarboxylase (SpeC) cause a loss of biofilm formation in Yersinia pestis. In Y. pestis the development of a biofilm is dependent on 6 Hms (hemin storage) proteins (HmsH, F, R, S, T and P) grouped into 3 operons; hmsHFRS, hmsT and hmsP. In this article we show that polyamines are necessary to maintain the levels of key Hms proteins. In the absence of polyamines there is an ∼93%, ∼43% and ∼90% reduction in protein levels of HmsR, HmsS and HmsT respectively. Overexpression of hmsR and hmsT from plasmids alone can restore biofilm formation to a SpeA‐SpeC‐ mutant. Addition of exogenous putrescine also restores normal levels of HmsR, HmsS, HmsT and biofilm production. Analyses using transcriptional reporters and quantitative RT‐PCR indicate that the initiation of transcription and mRNA stability are not reduced by polyamine deficiency. Instead, translational reporters indicate that polyamines function at least in part by modulating the translation of HmsR and HmsT. Although construction of a consensus Shine–Dalgarno sequence upstream of hmsT modestly reduced the stimulation of translation by putrescine, additional mechanisms likely contribute to the polyamine‐dependent expression of HmsT. Finally, we have shown that polyamines play a role in bubonic plague.
Cultivation‐independent characterization of ‘Candidatus Magnetobacterium bavaricum’ via ultrastructural, geochemical, ecological and metagenomic methods
Authors: Jogler C. , Niebler M. , Lin W. , Kube M. , Wanner G. , Kolinko S. , Stief P. , Beck A. J. , de Beer D. , Petersen N. , Pan Y. , Amann R. , Reinhardt R. , Schüler D.
Published: April 2010

‘Candidatus Magnetobacterium bavaricum’ is unusual among magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) in terms of cell size (8–10 µm long, 1.5–2 µm in diameter), cell architecture, magnetotactic behaviour and its distinct phylogenetic position in the deep‐branching Nitrospira phylum. In the present study, improved magnetic enrichment techniques permitted high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, which revealed the intracellular organization of the magnetosome chains. Sulfur globule accumulation in the cytoplasm point towards a sulfur‐oxidizing metabolism of ‘Candidatus M. bavaricum’. Detailed analysis of ‘Candidatus M. bavaricum’ microhabitats revealed more complex distribution patterns than previously reported, with cells predominantly found in low oxygen concentration. No correlation to other geochemical parameters could be observed. In addition, the analysis of a metagenomic fosmid library revealed a 34 kb genomic fragment, which contains 33 genes, among them the complete rRNA gene operon of ‘Candidatus M. bavaricum’ as well as a gene encoding a putative type IV RubisCO large subunit.
Aggregate formation in a freshwater bacterial strain induced by growth state and conspecific chemical cues
Authors: Blom Judith F. , Horňák Karel , Šimek Karel , Pernthaler Jakob
Published: April 2010

We investigated the induction of aggregate formation in the freshwater bacterium Sphingobium sp. strain Z007 by growth state and protistan grazing. Dialysis bag batch culture experiments were conducted in which these bacteria were grown spatially separated from bacteria or from co‐cultures of bacteria and predators. In pure cultures of Sphingobium sp. strain Z007, the concentrations of single cells and aggregates inside and outside the dialysis membranes developed in a similar manner over 3 days of incubation, and the proportions of aggregates were highest during the exponential growth phase. Cell production of Sphingobium sp. strain Z007 was enhanced in the presence of another isolate, Limnohabitans planktonicus, from an abundant freshwater lineage (R‐BT065) outside the bags, and even more so if that strain was additionally grazed upon by the bacterivorous flagellate Poterioochromonas sp. However, the ratios of single cells to aggregates of Sphingobium sp. strain Z007 were not affected in either case. By contrast, the feeding of flagellates on Sphingobium sp. strain Z007 outside the dialysis bags led to significantly higher proportions of aggregates inside the bags. This was not paralleled by an increase in growth rates, and all cultures were in a comparable growth state at the end of the experiment. We conclude that two mechanisms, growth state and the possible release of infochemicals by the predator, may induce aggregate formation of Sphingobium sp. strain Z007. Moreover, these infochemicals only appeared to be generated by predation on cells from the same species.
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound vs multidetector‐computed tomography for detecting liver metastases in colorectal cancer: a prospective, blinded, patient‐by‐patient analysis
Authors: Rafaelsen S. R. , Jakobsen A.
Published: April 2010

Aim  This study compared the sensitivity and specificity of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and multidetector‐computed tomography (MDCT) in the detection of liver metastases in patients with colorectal cancer.

Method  Between September 2004 and December 2008, 271 consecutive patients (146 men and 125 women; median age 68 years, range: 34–91 years) with primary colorectal cancer were evaluated. All underwent combined liver ultrasound and CEUS following intravenous injection of 2.4 ml of SonoVueTM. The interval from injection to arrival time in the hepatic vein (ATHV) was noted. Contrast‐enhanced MDCT in the portal phase was performed and interpreted blindly. In all patients, intra‐operative ultrasound was used as the reference point. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or biopsy was performed on all suspicious lesions or if there was inconsistency in the results.

Results  Liver metastases were detected in 21 (8%) patients. Both CEUS and MDCT had a sensitivity of 85.7%, with respective specificities of 97.6% and 95.6%, and positive predictive values of 75%vs 62%. The negative predictive value of both methods was 99%. In patients with and without liver metastases, ATHV was 18 and 22 s, respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusion  CEUS has potential as a diagnostic alternative to MDCT in the detection of liver metastases. ATHV was shorter in patients with liver metastases.
Vildagliptin add‐on to metformin produces similar efficacy and reduced hypoglycaemic risk compared with glimepiride, with no weight gain: results from a 2‐year study
Authors: Matthews D. R. , Dejager S. , Ahren B. , Fonseca V. , Ferrannini E. , Couturier A. , Foley J. E. , Zinman B.
Published: April 2010

Aim: To show that vildagliptin added to metformin is non‐inferior to glimepiride in reducing HbA1c levels from baseline over 2 years.

Methods: A randomized, double‐blind, active‐comparator study of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled (HbA1c 6.5–8.5%) by metformin monotherapy. Patients received vildagliptin (50 mg twice daily) or glimepiride (up to 6 mg/day) added to metformin.

Results: In all, 3118 patients were randomized (vildagliptin, n = 1562; glimepiride, n = 1556). From similar baseline values (7.3%), after 2 years adjusted mean (s.e.) change in HbA1c was comparable between vildagliptin and glimepiride treatment: −0.1% (0.0%) and −0.1% (0.0%), respectively. The primary objective of non‐inferiority was met. A similar proportion of patients reached HbA1c <7% (36.9 and 38.3%, respectively), but with vildagliptin more patients reached this target without hypoglycaemia (36.0% vs. 28.8%; p = 0.004). The initial response (IR) was sustained for a mean (s.d.) of 309 (244) days with vildagliptin versus 270 (223) days for glimepiride (p < 0.001) (IR = nadir HbA1c where change from baseline ≥0.5% or HbA1c ≤6.5% within the first six months of treatment. After IR was detected, sustained response = time between nadir and an increase of >0.3% above IR). Independent of disease duration, age was a predictor of effect sustainability. Fewer patients experienced hypoglycaemia with vildagliptin (2.3% vs. 18.2% with glimepiride) with a 14‐fold difference in the number of hypoglycaemic events (59 vs. 838). Vildagliptin had a beneficial effect on body weight [mean (s.e.) change from baseline −0.3 (0.1) kg; between‐group difference −1.5 kg; p < 0.001]. Overall, both treatments were well tolerated and displayed similar safety profiles.

Conclusions: Vildagliptin add‐on has similar efficacy to glimepiride after 2 years' treatment, with markedly reduced hypoglycaemia risk and no weight gain.
Application of Visual Analytics for Thermal State Management in Large Data Centres
Authors: Hao M. C. , Sharma R. K. , Keim D. A. , Dayal U. , Patel C. , Vennelakanti R.
Published: April 2010

Today's large data centres are the computational hubs of the next generation of IT services. With the advent of dynamic smart cooling and rack level sensing, the need for visual data exploration is growing. If administrators know the rack level thermal state changes and catch problems in real time, energy consumption can be greatly reduced. In this paper, we apply a cell‐based spatio‐temporal overall view with high‐resolution time series to simultaneously analyze complex thermal state changes over time across hundreds of racks. We employ cell‐based visualization techniques for trouble shooting and abnormal state detection. These techniques are based on the detection of sensor temperature relations and events to help identify the root causes of problems. In order to optimize the data centre cooling system performance, we derive new non‐overlapped scatter plots to visualize the correlations between the temperatures and chiller utilization. All these techniques have been used successfully to monitor various time‐critical thermal states in real‐world large‐scale production data centres and to derive cooling policies. We are starting to embed these visualization techniques into a handheld device to add mobile monitoring capability.
Computer game play as an imaginary stage for reading: implicit spatial effects of computer games embedded in hard copy books
Authors: Smith Glenn Gordon
Published: April 2010

This study compared books with embedded computer games (via pentop computers with microdot paper and audio feedback) with regular books with maps, in terms of fifth graders' comprehension and retention of spatial details from stories. One group read a story in hard copy with embedded computer games, the other group read it in regular book format with a map. Students received no reading directions, or notification of upcoming post‐tests. Dependent measures included a post‐test of spatial questions about the story. Some questions addressed story items in both text and games. Other questions addressed spatial items in the text, but not in games. Participants who read books with embedded games scored significantly higher on all the post‐test questions, including spatial questions not addressed in games. This suggests that game play helped readers to create a mental model of the story setting, used in subsequent reading to visualise spatial propositions.
Ethnolinguistic repertoire: Shifting the analytic focus in language and ethnicity1
Authors: Benor Sarah Bunin
Published: April 2010

This paper addresses a contradiction in research on language and ethnicity: how can we discuss distinctively ethnic ways of speaking and still account for the variation and fluidity that characterize them? The theoretical construct introduced in this paper enables researchers to avoid this contradiction. ‘Ethnolinguistic repertoire’ is defined as a fluid set of linguistic resources that members of an ethnic group may use variably as they index their ethnic identities. This construct shifts the analytic focus from ethnic ‘language varieties’ to individuals, ethnic groups, and their distinctive linguistic features. It addresses problems of inter‐group, inter‐speaker, and intra‐speaker variation, as well as debates about who should be considered a speaker of a dialect. This approach, which can also be applied to social groupings beyond ethnicity, is discussed in relation to other approaches and is supported with data on language use in African American, Latino, and Jewish communities in the United States.
Constructing identity with L2: Pronunciation and attitudes among Norwegian learners of English1
Authors: Rindal Ulrikke
Published: April 2010

This study investigates L2 pronunciation and evaluation of American and British varieties of English among Norwegian adolescent learners. By integrating quantitative sociolinguistics and L2 acquisition, the article investigates stylistic practice in an L2 context. Results from an auditory analysis of four phonological variables and a matched‐guise test are interpreted with reference to speaker commentary. Learners’ self‐expressed accent aims correlate significantly with accent use, but American English is the dominant pronunciation. Results show that both L1 and L2 speakers of English varieties are socially evaluated by the learners; British English is considered the most prestigious model of pronunciation, while American English is associated with informality. These evaluations seem to motivate learners’ pronunciation choices. The data indicate blended use of the English varieties. Learners seem to exploit linguistic resources from English, and reshape and adapt the social meaning of the variables to a local construction of identity.
INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE À LA FLORIDI
Authors: ADAMS FRED
Published: April 2010

Abstract:Luciano Floridi has impressively applied the concept of information to problems in semantics and epistemology, among other areas. In this essay, I briefly review two areas where I think one may usefully raise questions about some of Floridi's conclusions. One area is in the project to naturalize semantics and Floridi's use of the derived versus nonderived notion of semantic content. The other area is in the logic of information and knowledge and whether knowledge based on information necessarily supports closure, in every instance. I suggest that it does not and, thereby, raise a challenge to Floridi's logic of being informed.
INFORMATION WITHOUT TRUTH
Authors: SCARANTINO ANDREA , PICCININI GUALTIERO
Published: April 2010

Abstract:According to the Veridicality Thesis, information requires truth. On this view, smoke carries information about there being a fire only if there is a fire, the proposition that the earth has two moons carries information about the earth having two moons only if the earth has two moons, and so on. We reject this Veridicality Thesis. We argue that the main notions of information used in cognitive science and computer science allowAto have information about the obtaining ofpeven whenpis false.
THE VALUE OF KNOWLEDGE AND THE PURSUIT OF SURVIVAL
Authors: ROUSH SHERRILYN
Published: April 2010

Abstract: Knowledge requires more than mere true belief, and we also tend to think it is more valuable. I explain the added value that knowledge contributes if its extra ingredient beyond true belief is tracking. I show that the tracking conditions are the unique conditions on knowledge that achieve for those who fulfill them a strict Nash Equilibrium and an Evolutionarily Stable Strategy in what I call the True Belief Game. The added value of these properties, intuitively, includes preparedness and an expectation of survival advantage. On this view knowledge is valuable not because knowledge persists but because it makes the bearer more likely to maintain an appropriate belief state—possibly nonbelief—through time and changing circumstances. When Socrates concluded that knowledge of the road to Larissa was no more valuable than true belief for the purpose of getting to Larissa, he did not take into account that one might want to be prepared for a possible meeting with a misleading sophist along the way, or for the possibility of road work.
KNOWLEDGE TRANSMISSIBILITY AND PLURALISTIC IGNORANCE: A FIRST STAB
Authors: HENDRICKS VINCENT F.
Published: April 2010

Abstract:Pluralistic ignorance is a nasty informational phenomenon widely studied in social psychology and theoretical economics. It revolves around conditions under which it is “legitimate” for everyone to remain ignorant. In formal epistemology there is enough machinery to model and resolve situations in which pluralistic ignorance may arise. Here is a simple first stab at recovering from pluralistic ignorance by means of knowledge transmissibility.
STRUCTURALISM AND INFORMATION
Authors: BUENO OTÁVIO
Published: April 2010

Abstract: According to Luciano Floridi (2008), informational structural realism provides a framework to reconcile the two main versions of realism about structure: the epistemic formulation (according to which all we can know is structure) and the ontic version (according to which structure is all there is). The reconciliation is achieved by introducing suitable levels of abstraction and by articulating a conception of structural objects in information‐theoretic terms. In this essay, I argue that the proposed reconciliation works at the expense of realism. I then propose an alternative framework, in terms of partial structures, that offers a way of combining information and structure in a realist setting while still preserving the distinctive features of the two formulations of structural realism. Suitably interpreted, the proposed framework also makes room for an empiricist form of informational structuralism (structural empiricism). Pluralism then emerges.
Changing patterns in HIV‐1 non‐B clade prevalence and diversity in Italy over three decades*
Authors: Lai A , Riva C , Marconi A , Balestrieri M , Razzolini F , Meini G , Vicenti I , Rosi A , Saladini F , Caramma I , Franzetti M , Rossini V , Galli A , Galli M , Violin M , Zazzi M , Balotta C
Published: April 2010

Background

HIV‐1 non‐B subtypes have recently entered Western Europe following immigration from other regions. The distribution of non‐B clades and their association with demographic factors, over the entire course of the HIV‐1 epidemic, have not been fully investigated in Italy.

Methods

We carried out a phylogenetic analysis of HIV‐1 pol sequences derived from 3670 patients followed at 50 Italian clinical centres over nearly three decades.

Results

Overall, 417 patients (11.4%) carried non‐B subtypes. The prevalence of non‐B strains increased from 2.6% in 1980–1992 to 18.9% in 1993–2008 (P<0.0001) in a subset of 2479 subjects with a known year of diagnosis. A multivariate analysis on a subset of 1364 patients for whom relevant demographic data were available indicated that African ethnicity, heterosexual route of infection and year of diagnosis were independently associated with non‐B HIV‐1 infection (P≤0.0001). All pure subtypes, except for clade K, and seven circulating recombinant forms were detected, accounting for 56.6 and 34.1% of the non‐B infections, respectively. The F1 subtype was the most prevalent non‐B clade among Europeans and was acquired heterosexually in half of this patient population. Unique recombinant forms accounted for 9.4% of the non‐B sequences and showed a B/F1 recombination pattern in one‐third of cases.

Conclusions

The circulation of non‐B clades has significantly increased in Italy in association with demographic changes. Spread of the F1 subtype and B/F recombinants appears to predominate, which may result in a redistribution of the relative proportions of the different strains, and this could lead to overlapping epidemics. Thus, the HIV‐1 landscape in Italy may in future be distinct from that of the rest of Europe.
The Experiences of Parents During Diagnosis and Forward Planning for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Keenan Mickey , Dillenburger Karola , Doherty Alvin , Byrne Tony , Gallagher Stephen
Published: April 2010

Background  For families of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) getting a diagnosis is a traumatic experience on which future care and education plans for the child depend. In this paper parental experiences of diagnosis and forward planning for children with ASD are reported.

Method  This paper is part of a large cross‐sectional study conducted in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland that assessed the needs and experiences of parents of children diagnosed with ASD. Questionnaires were designed and completed by 95 parents, reporting on 100 children, as well as 67 multi‐disciplinary professionals.

Results  Findings confirm that diagnostic and planning processes are extremely stressful for parents, that statutory diagnosis takes a long time, that care and education plans do not include full parental participation, and that reviews of plans do not consistently include intervention data.

Conclusion  Policy and practice implications of these findings are important for future revisions of diagnostic tools and manuals.
Thermodynamic model for mineral solubility in aqueous fluids: theory, calibration and application to model fluid‐flow systems
Authors: DOLEJŠ D. , MANNING C. E.
Published: April 2010

Geofluids(2010)10, 20–40

We present a thermodynamic model for mineral dissolution in aqueous fluids at elevated temperatures and pressures, based on intrinsic thermal properties and variations of volumetric properties of the aqueous solvent. The standard thermodynamic properties of mineral dissolution into aqueous fluid consist of two contributions: one from the energy of transformation from the solid to the hydrated‐species state and the other from the compression of solvent molecules during the formation of a hydration shell. The latter contribution has the dimension of the generalized Krichevskii parameter. This approach describes the energetics of solvation more accurately than does the Born electrostatic theory and can be extended beyond the limits of experimental measurements of the dielectric constant of H2O. The new model has been calibrated by experimental solubilities of quartz, corundum, rutile, calcite, apatite, fluorite and portlandite in pure H2O at temperatures up to 1100°C and pressures up to 20 kbar. All minerals show a steady increase in solubility along constant geothermal gradients or water isochores. By contrast, isobaric solubilities initially increase with rising temperature but then decline above 200–400°C. This retrograde behavior is caused by variations in the isobaric expansivity of the aqueous solvent, which approaches infinity at its critical point. Oxide minerals predominantly dissolve to neutral species; so, their dissolution energetics involve a relatively small contribution from the solvent volumetric properties and their retrograde solubilities are restricted to a relatively narrow window of temperature and pressure near the critical point of water. By contrast, Ca‐bearing minerals dissolve to a variety of charged species; so, the energetics of their dissolution reactions involve a comparatively large contribution from volume changes of the aqueous solvent and their isobaric retrograde solubility spans nearly all metamorphic and magmatic conditions. These features correlate with and can be predicted from the standard partial molar volumes of aqueous species.

The thermodynamic model can be used over much wider range of settings for terrestrial fluid–rock interaction than has previously been possible. To illustrate, it is integrated with transport theory to show quantitatively that integrated fluid fluxes characteristic of crustal shear zones are capable of precipitating quartz or calcite veins from low‐ and medium‐grade metamorphic conditions, at a geothermal gradient of 20°C km−1. For subduction zones, modeled by a geotherm of 7°C km−1, the required fluid fluxes are one to two orders of magnitude lower and predict enhanced efficiency of mass transfer and metasomatic precipitation in comparison with orogenic settings. The new model thus can be applied to shallow hydrothermal, metamorphic, magmatic and subduction fluids, and for retrieval of dependent thermodynamic properties for mass transfer or geodynamic modeling.
Fluid flows and metal deposition near basement /cover unconformity: lessons and analogies from Pb–Zn–F–Ba systems for the understanding of Proterozoic U deposits
Authors: BOIRON M.‐C. , CATHELINEAU M. , RICHARD A.
Published: April 2010

Geofluids (2010) 10, 270–292

Fluid circulation at basement/cover unconformities is of first importance for metal transfer and especially the formation of Pb–Zn, F, Ba and U‐deposits. This is typically the case for world‐class Proterozoic U deposits (Canada, Australia, Gabon) in basins, which show many similarities with younger Pb–Zn–F–Ba systems (Irish Paleozoic Pb–Zn deposits, F–Pb–Zn–Ba deposits related to extensional tectonics from Spain, western France and Silesia and fluid movements related to continental rifting in the Rhine graben). As fluid mixing near the basement/cover unconformity is one of the key factors for ore formation, a series of parameters have been considered for both systems: the time gap between basin formation and metal deposit, the origin and nature of the ore fluids, the temperature of fluid end members and the style of migration. Results show great similarities in all fluid systems: (i) a wide range of fluid salinity indicating the lack of homogeneity of fluid chemistry at the scale of the reservoirs, (ii) the deep penetration of brines through faults and dense networks of microfractures within the basement below the unconformity, (iii) local fluid–rock interaction leading to porosity increase and significant fluid changes in fluid chemistry, (iv) a pulsatory fluid regime during fluid trapping, (v) anisothermal fluid mixing revealed by a systematic temperature gap between brines and recharge fluids, (vi) stages of fluid movements facilitated by discontinuous opening related to later tectonic/telogenetic stages linked to major geodynamic events, typically without related sedimentation and burial (exception in a few cases characterized by the synchronous production and penetration of surface brines and ore genesis). By analogy with younger systems, the conditions of burial and penetration of brines in the Archean basement suggest that thermal convection drove the brine movements, and was possibly linked to extensional tectonics in a part of the giant mid‐Proterozoic U‐deposits.
Improved survival in pregnancy and pulmonary hypertension using a multiprofessional approach
Authors: Kiely DG , Condliffe R , Webster V , Mills GH , Wrench I , Gandhi SV , Selby K , Armstrong IJ , Martin L , Howarth ES , Bu’Lock FA , Stewart P , Elliot CA
Published: April 2010

Please cite this paper as: Kiely D, Condliffe R, Webster V, Mills G, Wrench I, Gandhi S, Selby K, Armstrong I, Martin L, Howarth E, Bu’Lock F, Stewart P, Elliot C. Improved survival in pregnancy and pulmonary hypertension using a multiprofessional approach. BJOG 2010;117:565–574.

Objective  Pregnancy in women with pulmonary hypertension (PH) is reported to carry a maternal mortality rate of 30–56%. We report our experience of the management of pregnancies using a strategy of early introduction of targeted pulmonary vascular therapy and early planned delivery under regional anaesthesia.

Design  Retrospective observational study.

Setting  Specialist quaternary referral pulmonary vascular unit.

Population  Nine women with PH who chose to proceed with ten pregnancies.

Methods  A retrospective review of the management of all women who chose to continue with their pregnancy in our unit during 2002–2009.

Main outcome measures  Maternal and fetal survival.

Results  All women commenced nebulised targeted therapy at 8–34 weeks of gestation. Four women required additional treatment or conversion to intravenous prostanoid therapy. All women were delivered between 26 and 37 weeks of gestation. Delivery was by planned caesarean section in nine cases. All women received regional anaesthesia and were monitored during the peripartum period in a critical care setting. There was no maternal mortality during pregnancy and all infants were free from congenital abnormalities. One woman died 4 weeks after delivery following patient‐initiated discontinuation of therapy. All remaining women and infants were alive after a median of 3.2 years (range, 0.8–6.5 years) of follow‐up.

Conclusion  Although the risk of mortality in pregnant women with PH remains significant, we describe improved outcomes in fully counselled women who chose to continue with pregnancy and were managed with a tailored multiprofessional approach involving early introduction of targeted therapy, early planned delivery and regional anaesthetic techniques.
Vaginoscopic approach to outpatient hysteroscopy: a systematic review of the effect on pain
Authors: Cooper NAM , Smith P , Khan KS , Clark TJ
Published: April 2010

Please cite this paper as: Cooper N, Smith P, Khan K, Clark T. Vaginoscopic approach to outpatient hysteroscopy: a systematic review of the effect on pain. BJOG 2010;117:532–539.

Background  Vaginoscopy, also known as the ‘no‐touch’ technique, is an alternative method for performing hysteroscopy without the need for a vaginal speculum to view the cervix or cervical instrumentation to grasp and steady the cervix.

Objective  To examine the effect of a vaginoscopic approach to outpatient hysteroscopy on the patients’ experience of pain, compared with a traditional approach using a vaginal speculum.

Search strategy  MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant articles. No filters or restrictions were placed on the searches.

Selection criteria  Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assess pain when comparing the vaginoscopic technique versus a traditional hysteroscopy in the outpatient setting.

Data collection and analysis  Two reviewers independently selected trials. Data were abstracted on quality, characteristics and results. Meta‐analyses were performed using the random‐effects model to calculate the standardised mean difference (SMD).

Main results  There were six trials (2851 participants). Data from four of these were meta‐analysed, and we found that the use of the vaginoscopic approach to hysteroscopy was less painful than using the traditional technique (SMD −0.44, 95% CI from −0.65 to −0.22, I2 = 58%). There was no significant difference in the number of failed procedures between groups (P = 0.38).

Author’s conclusions  The vaginoscopic approach to outpatient hysteroscopy is successful and significantly reduces the pain experienced by patients during the procedure, compared with traditional techniques using a vaginal speculum. Vaginoscopy should become standard practice for endoscopic instrumentation of the uterine cavity in the outpatient setting.
Immigrants’ duration of residence and adverse birth outcomes: a population‐based study
Authors: Urquia ML , Frank JW , Moineddin R , Glazier RH
Published: April 2010

Please cite this paper as: Urquia M, Frank J, Moineddin R, Glazier R. Immigrants’ duration of residence and adverse birth outcomes: a population‐based study. BJOG 2010;117:591–601.

Objective  This study aimed to examine preterm and small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) births among immigrants, by duration of residence, and to compare them with the Canadian‐born population.

Design  Population‐based cross‐sectional study with retrospective assessment of immigration.

Setting  Metropolitan areas of Ontario, Canada.

Population  A total of 83 233 singleton newborns born to immigrant mothers and 314 237 newborns born to non‐immigrant mothers.

Methods  We linked a database of immigrants acquiring permanent residence in Ontario, Canada, in the period 1985–2000 with mother–infant hospital records (2002–2007). Duration of residence was measured as completed years from arrival to Canada to delivery/birth. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the effects of duration of residence with adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. In analyses restricted to immigrants only, hierarchical models were used to account for the clustering of births into maternal countries of birth.

Main outcome measures  Preterm birth (PTB) and SGA birth.

Results  Recent immigrants (<5 years) had a lower risk of PTB (4.7%) than non‐immigrants (6.2%), but those with ≥15 years of stay were at higher risk (7.4%). Among immigrants, a 5‐year increase in Canadian residence was associated with an increase in PTB (AOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.10–1.19), but not in SGA birth (AOR 0.99, 95% CI 0.96–1.02).

Conclusions  Time since migration was associated with increases in the risk of PTB, but was not associated with an increase in SGA births. Ignoring duration of residence may mask important disparities in preterm delivery between immigrants and non‐immigrants, and between immigrant subgroups categorised by their duration of residence.
Uterine blood flow in pregnant patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: relationships with clinical outcomes
Authors: Palomba S , Falbo A , Russo T , Battista L , Tolino A , Orio F , Zullo F
Published: April 2010

Please cite this paper as: Palomba S, Falbo A, Russo T, Battista L, Tolino A, Orio F, Zullo F. Uterine blood flow in pregnant patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: relationships with clinical outcomes. BJOG 2010; DOI: 10.1111/j.1471‐0528.2010.02525.x.

Objective  To study the impedance to blood flow through the uterine artery in pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and to evaluate its predictive value for adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in this population.

Design  Prospective case‐control study.

Setting  Academic Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Italy.

Population  Seventy‐three pregnant women with ovulatory PCOS (PCOS group) and 73 age‐ and body mass index‐matched healthy pregnant controls (control group).

Methods  Serial Doppler velocimetry measurements of the uterine artery.

Main outcome measures  Blood flow impedance indices and pregnancy/perinatal outcomes.

Results  A significantly (P < 0.05) higher rate of subjects with abnormal velocimetry findings was observed in the PCOS group than in the control group. In the PCOS group, the pulsatility index (PI) at first (P = 0.042) and mid‐second (P = 0.039) trimesters of pregnancy, and bilateral notch at first (P = 0.025) and mid‐second (P = 0.007) trimesters of pregnancy, were the strongest independent predictors of adverse outcomes. Conversely, in the control group, PI at the first trimester of pregnancy was a predictor of adverse outcomes only when combined with bilateral notch (P = 0.042), whereas at mid‐second trimester of pregnancy PI (P = 0.033) and bilateral notch (P = 0.048) were independent predictors of adverse outcomes.

Conclusions  Uterine artery Doppler indices are more commonly altered in pregnant patients with PCOS than in controls, showing a high predictive value for abnormal pregnancy/perinatal outcomes.
Association study of four key folliculogenesis genes in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Sproul K , Jones MR , Mathur R , Azziz R , Goodarzi MO
Published: April 2010

Please cite this paper as: Sproul K, Jones M, Mathur R, Azziz R, Goodarzi M. Association study of four key folliculogenesis genes in polycystic ovary syndrome. BJOG 2010; DOI: 10.1111/j.1471‐0528.2010.02527.x.

Polycystic ovaries and impaired fertility are the result of abnormal folliculogenesis. Our objective was to determine the role of four candidate folliculogenesis genes in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with and without PCOS (335 cases; 198 controls) were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms in GDF9, BMP15, AMH, and AMHR2. Variants in these genes were not associated with PCOS. Certain GDF9 variants were associated with hirsutism scores and parity in PCOS patients. GDF9 may thus serve as a modifier gene. These results suggest that inherited defects in folliculogenesis are not major factors in the genetic susceptibility to PCOS.
Trends in incidence and mortality for triplets in Norway 1967–2006: the influence of assisted reproductive technologies
Authors: Tandberg A , Bjørge T , Nygård O , Børdahl PE , Skjaerven R
Published: April 2010

Please cite this paper as: Tandberg A, Bjørge T, Nygård O, Børdahl P, Skjaerven R. Trends in incidence and mortality for triplets in Norway 1967–2006: the influence of assisted reproductive technologies. BJOG 2010; DOI: 10.1111/j.1471‐0528.2010.02530.x.

Objective  To assess changes in incidence rates and outcomes of triplets over 40 years with a particular focus on the influence of assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Design  Population‐based cohort study.

Setting  The Medical Birth Registry of Norway.

Population  2.18 million pregnancies, including 448 sets of triplets and 27 575 twin pairs, covering the years 1967–2006. Since 1988, pregnancies from ART have been available through a separate registry and linked with the birth record.

Methods  Incidence rates and outcomes for triplets were analysed and compared with those for singletons and twins. Relative risks were estimated between time periods and between ART and non‐ART pregnancies.

Main outcome measures  Incidence rates, birthweight, gestational age and perinatal mortality.

Results  The total triplet rate per 10 000 pregnancies increased from 1.0 during 1967–71 to 3.5 during 1987–92, followed by a decline to 2.7 during 2002–06. After excluding ART pregnancies, the incidence was more than doubled at the end of the study period. The mean gestational age and birthweight of triplets were significantly lower during 1988–2006 than 1967–87, but similar for ART and non‐ART triplets in the last period. The caesarean rate in triplets increased from 47 to 92%. The relative risk of perinatal death in triplets relative to singletons did not change after the introduction of ART [before: relative risk, 8.9 (95% confidence interval, 6.8–11.7); after: relative risk, 10.4 (95% confidence interval, 8.3–13.0)].

Conclusions  The triplet incidence rate in Norway has more than doubled during the last 40 years, even after excluding ART pregnancies. The risk of perinatal death in triplets is ten times higher relative to singletons and has not changed during this 40‐year period, independent of the introduction of ART.
Elevated levels of decidual insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 in cervical fluid in early and mid‐pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of spontaneous preterm delivery
Authors: Rahkonen L , Rutanen E‐M , Nuutila M , Sainio S , Saisto T , Paavonen J
Published: April 2010

Please cite this paper as: Rahkonen L, Rutanen E‐M, Nuutila M, Sainio S, Saisto T, Paavonen J. Elevated levels of decidual insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 in cervical fluid in early and mid‐pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of spontaneous preterm delivery. BJOG 2010;117:701–710.

Objective  To study whether elevated levels of decidual insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 (IGFBP‐1) in the cervical fluid of unselected asymptomatic women in early or mid‐pregnancy are associated with spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD).

Design  Prospective population‐based cohort study.

Setting  Maternity Clinics, University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.

Population  A total of 5180 unselected pregnant women.

Methods  Cervical swab samples were collected during the first and second trimester ultrasound screening. The concentration of IGFBP‐1 was measured by immunoenzymometric assay, which detects the decidual phosphoisoforms of IGFBP‐1 (phIGFBP‐1). Concentrations of 10 micrograms/l or more were considered to be elevated.

Main outcome measure  Spontaneous PTD.

Results  In the first trimester, 24.5% of women, and in the mid‐second trimester, 20.2% of women, had an elevated cervical fluid phIGFBP‐1 level. The rates of spontaneous PTD before 32 and before 37 weeks of gestation were higher in women with an elevated cervical fluid phIGFBP‐1 level, compared with women who had cervical phIGFBP‐1 of <10 micrograms/l (1.1% versus 0.3% and 5.7% versus 3.2%, respectively). An elevated phIGFBP‐1 level in the first trimester was an independent predictor for PTD before 32 and before 37 weeks of gestation, with odds ratios of 3.0 (95% CI 1.3–7.0) and 1.6 (95% CI 1.2–2.3), respectively. Cervical phIGFBP‐1 levels of 10 micrograms/l or more in the first trimester predicted PTD before 32 and before 37 weeks of gestation, with sensitivities of 53.8% and 37.0%, respectively. The negative predictive values were 99.7% and 96.8%.

Conclusions  Elevated cervical fluid phIGFBP‐1 levels in the first trimester were associated with an increased risk of spontaneous PTD.
2,2′,4′‐Trihydroxychalcone from Glycyrrhiza glabra as a new specific BACE1 inhibitor efficiently ameliorates memory impairment in mice
Authors: Zhu Zhiyuan , Li Chenjing , Wang Xu , Yang Zhengyi , Chen Jing , Hu Lihong , Jiang Hualiang , Shen Xu
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 374–385.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) characterizes a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the brain, while AD patients are afflicted with irreversible loss of neurons and further the intellectual abilities including memory and reasoning. One of the typical hallmarks of AD is the deposition of senile plaque that is contributed mainly by amyloid‐β (Aβ), whose production is initiated by beta‐site amyloid precursor protein (APP)‐cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1). Inhibition of BACE1 is thereby regarded as an attractive strategy for anti‐AD drug discovery. Here, we reported that the natural product 2,2′,4′‐trihydroxychalcone (TDC) from Glycyrrhiza glabra functioned as a specific non‐competitive inhibitor against BACE1 enzyme, and potently repressed β‐cleavage of APP and production of Aβ in human embryo kidney cells‐APPswe cells. Moreover, the amelioration ability of this compound against the in vivo memory impairment was further evaluated by APP‐PS1 double transgenic mice model. It is discovered that treatment of 9 mg/kg/day of TDC could obviously decrease Aβ production and Aβ plaque formation, while efficiently improve the memory impairment based on Morris water maze test. Our findings thus demonstrated that the natural product TDC as a new BACE1 inhibitor could ameliorate memory impairment in mice, and is expected to be potentially used as a lead compound for further anti‐AD reagent development.
GABAAreceptor subunit alteration‐dependent diazepam insensitivity in the cerebellum of phospholipase C‐related inactive protein knockout mice
Authors: Mizokami Akiko , Tanaka Hiroto , Ishibashi Hitoshi , Umebayashi Hisanori , Fukami Kiyoko , Takenawa Tadaomi , Nakayama Keiichi I. , Yokoyama Takeshi , Nabekura Junichi , Kanematsu Takashi , Hirata Masato
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 302–310.

The GABAAreceptor, a pentamer composed predominantly of α, β, and γ subunits, mediates fast inhibitory synaptic transmission. We have previously reported that phospholipase C‐related inactive protein (PRIP) is a modulator of GABAAreceptor trafficking and that knockout (KO) mice exhibit a diazepam‐insensitive phenotype in the hippocampus. The α subunit affects diazepam sensitivity; α1, 2, 3, and 5 subunits assemble with any form of β and the γ2 subunits to produce diazepam‐sensitive receptors, whereas α4 or α6/β/γ2 receptors are diazepam‐insensitive. Here, we investigated how PRIP is implicated in the diazepam‐insensitive phenotype using cerebellar granule cells in animals expressing predominantly the α6 subunit. The expression of α1/β/γ2 diazepam‐sensitive receptors was decreased in the PRIP‐1 and 2 double KO cerebellum without any change in the total number of benzodiazepine‐binding sites as assessed by radioligand‐binding assay. Since levels of the α6 subunit were increased, the α1/β/γ2 receptors might be replaced with α6 subunit‐containing receptors. Then, we further performed autoradiographic and electrophysiologic analyses. These results suggest that the expression of α6/δ receptors was decreased in cerebellar granule neurons, while that of α6/γ2 receptors was increased. PRIP‐1 and 2 double KO mice exhibit a diazepam‐insensitive phenotype because of a decrease in diazepam‐sensitive (α1/γ2) and increase in diazepam‐insensitive (α6/γ2) GABAAreceptors in the cerebellar granule cells.
Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) regulate noxious stimulus‐induced glutamate release in the spinal cord dorsal horn of rats with neuropathic and inflammatory pain
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Laferriere Andre , Yu Jonathan S. C. , Poon Tanya , Coderre Terence J.
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 281–290.

In rats with persistent pain, spinal group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) activity has been shown to be pronociceptive, whereas spinal group II/III activity is anti‐nociceptive. In brain, group I mGluR activity produces positive feedback effects on glutamate release, whereas group II/III activity produces negative feedback effects. It is unknown whether the nociceptive versus anti‐nociceptive effects of spinal group I versus group II/III mGluR activity depend on differential regulation of spinal glutamate release. Here, we used behavioral nociceptive testing and in vivo microdialysis to assess the effect of intrathecal treatment with group I mGluR antagonists [cyclopropan[b] chromen‐1a‐carboxylate, (CPCCOEt), 2‐methyl‐6‐(phenylethynyl) pyridine (MPEP)] or groups II [aminopyrrolidine‐2R,4R‐dicarboxylate (APDC)] and III [l‐2‐amino‐4‐phosphonobutyrate (l‐AP4)] mGluR agonists or vehicle, on nociception and noxious stimulus‐induced increases in glutamate release in the spinal cord dorsal horn of rats with a chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve or hind paw injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA). None of the treatments significantly influenced basal spinal glutamate concentrations in either CCI or CFA rats. In CCI rats, formalin‐induced nociception and increases in spinal glutamate concentrations were significantly attenuated by pre‐treatment with CPCCOEt, MPEP, APDC, or l‐AP4. In CFA rats, capsaicin‐induced increases in nociception and spinal glutamate concentrations were significantly attenuated by pre‐treatment with CPCCOEt, MPEP, or APDC, but not l‐AP4. This study demonstrates that group I antagonists and group II/III mGluR agonists attenuated the enhanced nociception and noxious stimulus‐induced glutamate release in spinal cord dorsal horn of CCI and/or CFA rats in vivo, and suggests a possible mechanism for their anti‐hyperalgesic effects.
Spatial and temporal variation of abundance, biomass and diversity within marine reserves in the Philippines
Authors: Anticamara Jonathan A. , Zeller Dirk , Vincent Amanda C. J.
Published: April 2010

Aim  The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of protection duration (years of fishing closure) and location (distance from shore) on reef fish diversity.

Location  Danajon Double Barrier Reef, Bohol, Philippines.

Methods  Reef fish abundance and size structure, by species, were obtained monthly using replicated underwater visual belt transects (n = 8; 70 × 5‐m belt transects) over 3 years (2002–2005) at eight sites that included six marine reserves and two unprotected reef areas. We analysed species accumulation curves, diversity indices and abundance–biomass comparison (ABC) curves within and across the study sites to assess the influence of protection duration and location.

Results  Analyses showed that longer protection duration impacted reef fish diversity at both inshore and offshore sites by shifting ABC curves from higher abundance than biomass curves at fished sites to higher biomass than abundance curves at most of the protected sites. Protection duration did not significantly influence either the rate of species accumulation within sites or the 12 diversity indices measured across the study sites. The offshore sites consistently showed higher rates of species accumulation and diversity indices values than inshore sites with similar protection duration. One protected offshore young marine reserve site that has been assessed as the least well‐managed showed patterns more consistent with the fished sites.

Main conclusions  Analyses showed that protection duration mainly impacted diversity by increasing the dominance of large‐bodied species and enhancing total biomass. Besides protection duration, reserve location influenced species accumulation curves and diversity indices.