bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rotation of the anatomic regions used for insulin injections and day‐to‐day variability of plasma glucose in Type 1 diabetic subjects
Authors: Bantle J P , Weber M S , Thow J , Home P
Published: March 2007

The paper by Bantle and colleagues from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, assesses the day‐to‐day variation in blood glucose concentrations following the commonly employed clinical practice or rotating anatomical sites for insulin injection.

Twelve patients with insulin‐dependent diabetes had blood glucose profiles measured following insulin injections given in the abdomen for three days and then rotated around the arms, abdomen and thighs for three days using a cross‐over protocol. Considerable variation in terms of insulin absorption was found between the different injections sites and there was significantly less variability if insulin injections were confined to the abdomen alone.

By following the common clinical practice of rotating sites for insulin injection, considerable day‐to‐day variation in blood glucose concentration can result from differences in insulin absorption. Therefore, the authors recommend that patients restrict insulin injections to a single site, preferably the abdomen, to reduce this variation and allow greater precision of insulin administration.

The second paper by Jonathan Thow and Philip Home reviews the technique of insulin injection and, in particular, the depth of needle insertion. They observe that the change in the angle of insulin injection from 45° to a near perpendicular injection has important considerations in terms of insulin absorption, particularly for the thin patient.

In such patients insulin may be injected almost into the muscle layer beneath the subcutaneous tissue, which will lead to variability in insulin absorption, often at a much quicker rate.

A greater and more variable effect of physical exercise was also noted with intra muscular injection. Variability of insulin absorption after intra muscular injection also occurs between different types of insulin. Isophane insulins show considerable variability and are best not given via the intra muscular route.
The prevalence and risk factors associated with the onset f diabetic nephropathy in uvenile‐onset (insulin‐dependent) diabetics diagnosed under the age of 17 years in Leicestershire 1930‐1985
Authors: McNally P G , Burden A C , Swift P G F , Walls J , Hearnshaw J R
Published: March 2007

Seven hundred and eightynine patients, 93.2% of youngsters developing insulindependent diabetes under the age of 17 in Leicestershire over a 55‐year period were traced and examined for the development of diabetic nephropathy in terms of the presence of macroproteinuria.

With a mean age at diagnosis of 9.3 years and mean duration of diabetes 17 years, 3.6% had developed persistent proteinuria and 5% intermittent proteinuria. Those with proteinuria were shown to have significantly higher blood pressure, a greater usage of once daily insulin injections and a history ofpoor clinic attendance.
Fructosamine as a screening test for diabetes mellitus
Authors: Begley J P , Stafford K A , Clark J D A
Published: March 2007

The effectiveness of serum fructosamine as a screening test for diabetes mellitus was assessed by comparison with the response to a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 114 non‐pregnant and 36 pregnant individuals. The mean fructosamine level was higher in diabetic than in normal subjects whereas the mean in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance was not significantly different from that of normal controls. In predicting an abnormal response to OGTT, the sensitivity of fructosamine was only 35%. Pregnant subjects had a lower mean fructosamine than normal; none of nine subjects with gestational diabetes had an elevated level. We conclude that fructosamine has no place as a diagnostic screening test for diabetes in pregnancy.
Association of accelerated retinopathy with restoration of normoglycaemia in Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Leslie P J , Frier B M , Clark C V
Published: March 2007

Three non‐insulin‐dependent (Type 2) diabetic patients were assessed for the presence of significant and progressive retinopathy within 12 months of diagnosis. All subjects required specialist referal for fluorescein angiography but retinal abnormalities regressed within two‐to‐six months possibly, due to relaxation of glycaemic control. Regular ophthalmological surveillance is required in all Type 2 diabetics following initiation of therapy to lower blood glucose.
Experience with the vacuum‐enhanced tumescence ErecAid system in the treatment of erectile impotence among diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Famuyiwa O O , Al‐Jasser S J , Ahmad A S , Al‐Nuaim A A , Yaqub B , Sulimani R A
Published: March 2007

Twenty diabetic patients (16 NIDDM, 4 IDDM) were managed for erectile impotence using a non‐surgical device‐the vacuum erection device (VED). Their ages ranged from 27 to 71 years with a mean of 50.4 and diabetes duration ranged from 6 to 21 years with a mean of 11.5 years. Duration of impotence ranged from one to 10 years with a mean of 3.3 years and the aetiology was neurogenic and/or psychogenic. One to 14 months after prescribing the device, (mean 3.7 months), four patients rated the system poorly while 16 expressed satisfaction with it. Faulty technique in use of the device was successfully corrected in two of the four and, overall, 18 patients (90%) expressed satisfaction with the VED, scoring it an average 7.7 out of 10 in its ability to correct impotence. Four spouses (20%) had sexual dissatisfaction, six patients (30%) had transient penile discomfort and there was impaired ejaculation in four patients (20%). The VED was effective and safe in managing erectile impotence of neurogenic or psychogenic orgin in Saudi diabetic patients. It was relatively easy to use and culturally acceptable. It could be particularly useful for treating erectile failure among diabetic patients in developing countries.
The treatment of diabetic lipohypertrophy by liposuction
Authors: Cole R P , Hobby J A E
Published: March 2007

Insulin‐induced lipohypertrophy is common in diabetic patients using highly purified insulin. It is avoidable and when it occurs it is distressing for some patients. The technique of liposuction or suction lipectomy is widely used in aesthetic surgery for body contouring. It has found other roles in plastic and reconstructive surgery, including the thinning of flaps and recontouring of post‐traumatic fat necrosis. We report our experience of its use for the treatment of diabetic lipohypertrophy and illustrate this application with three case reports. It is likely to become a useful treatment in selected patients.
Diabetic offspring: Still overweight regardless of White classification and gestational age
Authors: Nielsen GL , Hostrup P
Published: March 2007

Two hundred and seventy‐six consecutive pregnancies among 186 women with diabetes mellitus from 1980–90 were studied. Diabetic offspring were a mean of 652g (124%) overweight compared with our reference population regardless of maternal White classification or gestational age. Glycosylated haemoglobin values below 10 SD above the reference value in a nondiabetic population did not correlate to fetal macrosomia. HbA1c is therefore considered an insensitive predictor of fetal macrosomia.
Self‐monitoring by patients receiving oral hypoglycaemic agents: A survey and a comparative trial
Authors: Gallichan Mj
Published: March 2007

This study consists of two parts: first, a survey of the current selfmonitoring preferences, attitudes and practices of 148 non‐insulindependent diabetic (NIDDM) patients on oral hypoglycaemic agents from three general practices in North Cornwall, and second, a clinical trial involving 24 of these patients who were randomly allocated to either home blood glucose monitoring or urine testing.

The survey revealed wide variations in the method, timing, and frequency of home‐monitoring tests, and many unhelpful or unnecessary tests were performed. Most patients (71%) preferred urine testing, but significantly more patients in one practice used blood testing (p = <0.001). The trial showed no significant difference in the diabetes control of the blood testers and urine testers over a six month period.

Blood testing is rapldly taking over from urine testing as the principal home‐monitoring method for all diabetics, but this study suggests that, for most NIDDM patients, this uncomfortable, unpopular and expensive method offers no advantage over urine testing.
Reassessment of a hospital diabetes clinic after audit
Authors: Soper CL , Hunter KR
Published: March 2007

A previous audit had identified deficiencies in the care provided by a hospital diabetes clinic. Improvements were needed but the number of available doctors had decreased and extra resources were not available, therefore simple changes In the organisation of the clinic were made. Minimum standards were set: annual recording of HbA1c, blood pressure and fundoscopy; and more appropriate use of specialists (eg dietitians, health visitors, nephrologists). The audit was repeated and the activity in the clinic was found to have improved in most of the categories which were observed. The proportion of patients who had undergone recent fundoscopy remained unsatisfactory, however.
Field evaluation of precision of three capillary blood glucose monitors
Authors: Dougherty RC , Niu X‐F , Deeb LC
Published: March 2007

This paper discusses a procedure for independent evaluation of commercially available blood glucose meters. The evaluation exercise provides a basis for assessment of manufacturer's claims. It also provides solid experience in the reliability of blood glucose data obtained from a specific meter under field conditions.

We report measurements of the precision of three capillary blood glucose measurement devices, commercially available in the USA, used under field conditions. We have compared the measurements of blood glucose samples analysed by three different instruments. The method of analysis involves making two blood glucose measurements from a single finger puncture. This experimental design in available to any clinician who would wish to try the expeiriment. We report values for the precision (reproducibility) of a single device and comparisons for pairs of meters using standard statistical techniques. The coefficient of variation for the difference between the first and second measurements obtained for three instruments was: A, ±28.7%; B, ±36.5%; C, ±10.2%. The data show that instrument C worked much better than either A or B for reproducing blood glucose values on the same sample under field conditions.
The ophthalmic screening of diabetic patients by general practitioners in Wessex: Results of a regional questionnaire
Authors: Alexander MM , Canning CR , Elkington AR
Published: March 2007

This study examined the ophthalmic screening practices for diabetic patients conducted by general practitioners throughout one health region of the United Kingdom. A malled questionnaire was despatched to 1,481 GPs in Wessex and achieved a response rate of 48%. Visual acuity checks were performed on a regular basis by 60% of the responders. Of these, 76% of the GPs performed fundoscopy although 41% of them failed to dilate the pupils before examination. This study indicates that optimum eye screening is not being carried out by GPs in Wessex and it could be likely that the study is representative of other regions in the United Kingdom.
What makes people with diabetes measure their own blood glucose?
Authors: Fox C , Wade G , Fox A
Published: March 2007

Despite being ‘taught’ the importance of self monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in the tight control of diabetes, significant numbers of patients with diabetes either never start doing SMBG or abandon it. This paper describes a qualitative study aimed at exploring any attitudinal differences amongst 48 patients, all of whom were taking insulin for their diabetes, but of whom 28 could be defined as carrying out SMBG and 20 as not. The two main findings were that: (a) there are strong and identifiable differences between the groups; and (b) these differences are predominantly psychological rather than mechanical in nature—that is, the usually ascribed reasons for poor testing frequency (such as messiness and soreness), do not apply to non‐testers. The central message was that testers make a direct connection between SMBG and diabetic control, while non‐testers do not. We need therefore to devise ways of teaching SMBG which convey this connection.
Effect of alcohol swabbing on capillary blood glucose measurements
Authors: Dunning PL , Rantzau C , Ward GM
Published: March 2007

A study was conducted to determine the effects of alcohol swabbing on reagent strip blood glucose (BG) measurements using Reflolux and Glucometer GX meters and the Exac Tech Pen. Sixty subjects were randomly allocated to one of the three meters. Each had three separate fingerpricks after either swabbing with 70% isopropyl alcohol and testing immediately or after drying for two minutes; or after no preparation; (n=180). BG was also determined at alcohol concentrations of 0%, 1%, 5%, 10% and 20% on hypo (1.2 mmol/l), normo (4.0 mmol/l) and hyperglycaemic (>28 mmol/) blood in vitro (six strips/meter/concentration, n=270).

Increasing concentrations of alcohol caused reduction of BG at all glycaemias using the two meters (p=<0.01) (ANOVA). At alcohol concentrations of 20% the pen showed an increase of 1.5 mmol/l at euglycaemia, and an increase of 2.7 mmol/l into the normal range at hypoglycaemia (<2 mmol). Alcohol concentrations of blood in vitro caused inaccuracies in reagent strip BG readings. The errors varied with the type of meter, decreasing with reflectance meters, and increasing with the pen. In practice, however, swabbing with alcohol prior to testing had no effect on meter accuracy in the clinical setting.
Six models of a new insulin pen (MADI): Description and first clinical trial
Authors: Chlup R , Janü K , Venhác̆ová J , Bartek J
Published: March 2007

Six models of a new type of insulin pen (MADI) were developed comprising models for insulin U‐40, U‐80 and U‐100 with a single dose of either one or two units of insulin in each of them1−4. Every model may be easily adapted to be used either as a ‘needle pen’ or a ‘catheter pen’. In the needle pen, a sliding cover prevents the contamination of the needle. A syringe‐like interchangeable plastic reservoir (3ml) is filled (and can be refilled up to 100 times) by the patient from the insulin vials, with any kind of soluble insulin. Actual insulin administration occurs by twisting the cap.

A clinical trial with 365 adult patients and 46 children (1991‐93) showed good patient satisfaction in 95%. There were 17 MADI pen failures requiring technical assistance in the 12 months of the clinical trial. The preference for a catheter pen was assessed separately in a group of 35 carefully‐trained patients. There was a marginal preference for the needle pen (54% of the patient days) compared with the catheter pen (46% of the patient days). In 345 patients without special training, the catheter pen was only preferred by one patient (0.3%).

MADI pen may be recommended as an insulin delivery device of choice. In particular, patients on any form of animal insulin and/or U‐40 and/or U‐80 insulin may benefit from this pen.
Mauriac syndrome in childhood diabetes
Authors: Massarano AA , Smith CP
Published: March 2007

Three diabetic children with Mauriac syndrome are described. There were major concerns about the home circumstances and compliance with treatment in all cases. Glycated haemoglobin levels had failed to reflect the severity of the metabolic disturbances in two children. Intensive management led to improved growth, less hepatomegaly and resolution of lipid abnormalities.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome and hyperosmolar, non‐ketotic hyperglycaemic coma
Authors: Short J A , Nolan J A
Published: March 2007

Extra‐pyramidal symptoms are a well‐recognised side effect of neuroleptic medication. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) and iatrogenic diabetes mellitus are less frequently reported1. A case of NMS occurring with hyperosmolar, non‐ketotic, hyperglycaemic coma is described in a 61 year old woman suffering from chronic schizophrenia. The combination of the two is a rare complication which should not be overlooked, as treatment of the metabolic derangement may prevent full progression to the potentially fatal NMS. Clinical awareness and observation by nursing staff is vital in early detection.
Does the time of diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes have a seasonal variation?
Authors: Muzulu SI , Jagger C , McNally PG , Burden AC
Published: March 2007

This prospective, observational study from 1987 to 1990 inclusive, set in hospital diabetes clinics in Leicester City, England (population 287,000), sought to establish whether or not Type 2 diabetes has a seasonal variation in incidence. The dates of diagnosis of 833 newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetic patients were recorded and total monthly incidence over the four year period calculated. Seasonal incidence was assessed by the Edward's test and the test for uniformity on a circle. No seasonal variation in the incidence of Type 2 diabetes was demonstrated, X2=4.32, p=0.11 and X2=3.32, p=0.19 respectively. These findings suggest that, unlike Type 1 diabetes, seasonality plays no significant role in the presentation of Type 2 diabetes. No increase in health care provision is required to cope with seasonal variation in Type 2, unlike that for Type 1 diabetes.
Intraperitoneal insulin pump therapy during pregnancy: Two cases
Authors: Jeandidier N , Boivin S , Treisser A , Pinget M
Published: March 2007

Two cases are reported where young women of child‐bearing age had insulin infusion pumps implanted in the abdomen to deliver insulin intra‐peritoneally, for differing reasons. Both subsequently became pregnant and were brought to successful delivery with the pumps in place.
Dramatic effect of solvent on the NMR spectral resolution of hyperbranched polyethers
Authors: Behera Girish Ch. , Ramakrishnan S.
Published: March 2007

NMR spectroscopy has served as a powerful tool to discriminate between the various types of subunits present in hyperbranched polymers. This discrimination is critical for the determination of degree of branching (DB), which is an important structural parameter that distinguishes hyperbranched structures from dendrimers. However, often times spectral signatures due to the various subunits, namely linear (L), dendritic (D) and terminal (T), are not well‐resolved. We demonstrate here that a dramatic enhancement in the peak resolution could be achieved in a series of hyperbranched polyethers, by recording the proton NMR spectra in an aromatic solvent, such as benzene, instead of the usual CDCl3. The assignment of the various peaks was confirmed by comparison of the longitudinal relaxation times (T1) of different protons belonging to the individual subunits. Interestingly, the chemical shift differences between the different types of subunits persist even when fairly long spacer segments separate the branch‐points in these hyperbranched polyethers. This permitted the determination of the DB of an entire series of hyperbranched polymers of varying branching densities without the need for comparison with model compounds. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1474–1480, 2007
Education materials for universities and industry
Authors: Louvar Joseph , Hendershot Dennis
Published: March 2007

The Safety and Chemical Engineering Education (SACHE) program is a cooperative effort between the Center for Chemical Process Safety members and engineering schools to provide education materials that bring elements of process safety into the education of students studying chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and chemistry. Although these educational materials were originally developed for universities, they can also be used for engineers in industry.

Effective education requires effective educational materials. The ultimate benefit of using effective educational materials is the elimination of accidents when handling hazardous materials, including chemicals and dusts. The targeted industries include chemical, pharmaceutical, biological, microchip, petroleum, etc. Additionally

These Internet accessible materials include the most important safety concepts and safety technology; and are in a format that is effective for teaching, because they are developed by industrial experts who understand the principles of process safety, and professors who understand the principles of developing educational materials. Some examples of available products include (a) dust explosion control, (b) design for overpressure and underpressure protection, (c) movies on safety in chemical process industries, (d) emergency relief system design for single and two‐phase flow, (e) chemical reactivity hazards, (f) mini case histories, and (g) inherently safer design. These materials are ready to use by educators in various computer formats, including PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets, and DVD movies. They can be downloaded and modified to fit the educator's style of teaching and to provide additional material to customize the content to better suit the audience.

The SACHE products are available, internationally, to any SACHE member. A university membership allows all departments in the university to access and use the products. A company membership allows any company facility (internationally) to access and use the products.

A very reasonable membership fee entitles members access to the specific year's products. Other years' products can be obtained for a membership fee for that year. The membership fee is a fraction of the value of the products. This article gives a complete list of available web‐based SACHE products, with some descriptions. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2007
The role of the plasma membrane atpase in bentazone–sethoxydim antagonism
Authors: Couderchet Michel , Retzlaff Günter
Published: March 2007

This study was carried out to gain more information concerning the mechanism by which bentazone reduces the herbicidal activity of sethoxydim. The possible roles of ATP and of the plasma membrane ATPase activity in the mechanism of antagonism were investigated. The first part of the study investigated the effect of exogenous ATP on the uptake of [14C]sethoxydim by wheat leaf segments. Uptake increased with ATP concentration, the magnitude of the increase depending on the time of day when the incubations were started. In the second part of the study plasma membranes from wheat leaves were isolated using two immiscible polymers, polyethylene glygol and dextran, and the activities of their ATPases were measured by monitoring the amount of inorganic phosphate produced. ATPase activity was lower in the presence of 500 μM bentazone and the magnitude of the decrease increased with the concentration of bentazone. Bentazone derivatives that reduce the uptake of sethoxydim but have no effect on photosynthesis also reduced ATPase activity. A mechanism is proposed by which bentazone could alter the uptake of sethoxydim by decreasing the activity of plasma membrane ATPases.
Inhibition of the photochemical activity of the isolated photosystem ii reaction centre by 2‐cyanoacrylates
Authors: Bose Salil , Barber James
Published: March 2007

Certain derivatives of the 2‐cyanoacrylates are potent inhibitors of photosystem II (PSII) mediated electron flow. These compounds block electron flow by binding to the D1 polypeptide as do many other types of photosystem II herbicides. In this paper we report the action of these species of 2‐cyanoacrylates on the photochemical activity of the isolated PSII reaction centre consisting of the D1 and D2 polypeptides but free of other chlorophyll‐binding proteins. The three species tested were 2‐ethoxyethyl 2‐cyano‐3‐(4‐chlorobenzylamino)‐3‐isopropylacrylate (cyanoacrylate 1), isopropyl 2‐cyano‐3‐(N‐methylanilino)acrylate (cyanoacrylate II) and methoxymethyl 2‐cyano‐3‐(4‐chlorobenzylthio)‐3‐mercapto‐acrylate sodium salt (cyanoacrylate III). Unlike the case with thylakoid membranes or PSII enriched membranes, cyanoacrylate III was a more potent inhibitor than cyanoacrylate I of the photoreduction of 2,6‐dichlorophenol indophenol (DCPIP) in the isolated PSII reaction centre. This cyanoacrylate was also more effective than diuron (DCMU) in blocking DCPIP reduction in the reaction centre complex. Moreover, unlike DCMU and cyanoacrylates I and II, cyanoacrylate III was more effective in inhibiting the quinone‐dependent photoreduction of cytochrome b559 in isolated PSII reaction centres. It is concluded that the hydrophilic nature of cyanoacrylate III gives it greater potency with the isolated reaction centre and that its site of action is likely to be closer to the histidine ligands involved in the binding of non‐haem iron rather than in the QB binding niche. (See footnote on page 331 for nomenclature of cyanoacrylates).
The biological control of Centaurea spp. In North America: Do insects solve the problem
Authors: Müller‐Schärer Heinz , Schroeder Dieter
Published: March 2007

Spoiled and diffuse knapweed, Centaurea maculosa Lam. and C. diffusa Lam., both of European origin, are two of the most important rangeland weeds in North America. Surveys for potential biological control agents started in 1961, and agents were first introduced in 1970. So far, 11 phytophagous insect species of European origin have been released in North America. Despite legislation (restricted transport), large‐scale application of herbicides and reductions in seed production of up to 95% by the existing seed‐feeding biocontrol agents established, knapweed infestation has further increased during the last decade, covering nearly 2‐8 and 13 million ha for spotted and diffuse knapweed, respectively. In this paper, the biocontrol programme is reviewed critically and the present status analysed. To reach a break‐through in knapweed control, a cumulative stress approach is now envisaged, by extending the stress imposed by the biocontrol agents to increasing competition by the other vegetation through grazing regimes and reseeding programmes. Four steps to optimize the biocontrol effect and which lead to the integration of biocontrol into range management are described and suggestions, both scientific and political, are presented to render biological control more efficient and predictive.
Control of soil‐borne pathogens with living bacteria and fungi: Status and outlook
Authors: Becker J. Ole , Schwinn Franz J.
Published: March 2007

This review addresses some of the current problems with soil‐borne pathogens and their economic importance in comparison to the total plant protection market‐ Possible opportunities for biological control solutions in view of the various constraints of western agricultural production are discussed. More specifically, we address the scientific, economic and conceptual hurdles which have slowed down the development of biocontrol agents. In addition, examples of biological control of soil‐borne pathogens which have already reached the market or are likely to be exploited commercially within the next few years are presented. Finally, we speculate on certain developments which might become important for the further commercial development of biological control products.
Modeling attainment of steady state of drug concentration in plasma by means of a Bayesian approach using MCMC methods
Authors: Jordan Paul , Brunschwig Hadassa , Luedin Eric
Published: March 2007

The approach of Bayesian mixed effects modeling is an appropriate method for estimating both population‐specific as well as subject‐specific times to steady state. In addition to pure estimation, the approach allows to determine the time until a certain fraction of individuals of a population has reached steady state with a pre‐specified certainty. In this paper a mixed effects model for the parameters of a nonlinear pharmacokinetic model is used within a Bayesian framework. Model fitting by means of Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods as implemented in the Gibbs sampler as well as the extraction of estimates and probability statements of interest are described. Finally, the proposed approach is illustrated by application to trough data from a multiple dose clinical trial. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analgesic, antipyretic and Ulcerogenic properties of an indigenous formulation – Kalpaamruthaa
Authors: Mythilypriya Rajendran , Shanthi Palanivelu , Sachdanandam Panchanatham
Published: March 2007

A modified indigenous Siddha formulation Kalpaamruthaa (KA), containing Semecarpus anacardium nut milk extract (SA), dried powder of Emblica officinalis (EO) fruit and honey was evaluated for its analgesic, antipyretic and Ulcerogenic properties. Both SA and KA, at a dose of 150 mg/kg b. wt were compared with the standard drug diclofenac sodium. KA exhibited an enhanced effect on all properties compared with that found with sole SA treatment, and is likely to be due to synergistic and additive interactions within the complex mixture of phytochemicals present in KA. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of the arginine‐specific butanedione/phenylboronic acid tag for analysis of peptides and protein digests using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Leitner Alexander , Amon Sabine , Rizzi Andreas , Lindner Wolfgang
Published: March 2007

We have applied an arginine‐specific labeling technique to the study of peptides by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS). The reaction converts the guanidine group of the arginine side chain by reacting it with 2,3‐butanedione and an arylboronic acid. Despite the general chemical lability of the tag under acidic conditions, it was possible to employ acidic matrices like α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid without adverse effects, using the thin‐layer technique for preparation. After optimizing the method using arginine‐containing model peptides – for which sensitivity down to the low fmol range was demonstrated – the procedure was applied to enzymatic digests of several model proteins in solution and to protein spots in gels obtained by two‐dimensional electrophoretic separation of cell lysate samples. Information on the presence of arginine in peptides can be easily obtained from the mass spectra by the characteristic mass shift and the isotope pattern resulting from the incorporation of boron. This information might serve as a valuable additional search constraint for achieving a higher degree of confidence for protein identification by peptide mass fingerprinting. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A prototype biosensor‐integrated image‐guided surgery system
Authors: Reisner L. A. , King B. W. , Klein M. D. , Auner G. W. , Pandya A. K.
Published: March 2007

Background

In this study we investigated the integration of a Raman spectroscopy‐based biosensor with an image‐guided surgery system. Such a system would provide a surgeon with both a diagnosis of the tissue being analysed (e.g. cancer) and localization information displayed within an imaging modality of choice. This type of mutual and registered information could lead to faster diagnoses and enable more accurate tissue resections.

Methods

A test bed consisting of a portable Raman probe attached to a passively articulated mechanical arm was used to scan and classify objects within a phantom skull.

Results

The prototype system was successfully able to track the Raman probe, classify objects within the phantom skull, and display the classifications on medical imaging data within a virtual reality environment.

Conclusion

We discuss the implementation of the integrated system, its accuracy and improvements to the system that will enhance its usefulness and further the field of sensor‐based computer‐assisted surgery. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
History of offshoring knowledge services
Authors: Metters Richard , Verma Rohit
Published: March 2007

The offshoring of knowledge services has become the stuff of newspaper headlines and U.S. presidential debates. Here, we view the antecedents of the current state of affairs. In the 1980s services offshoring was a trivial portion of the economy, but the seeds of today's situation were planted then. A combination of U.S. government neglect, foreign government activism, a culture change among business people concerning service processes, technological advances, and cultural relationships among countries have created the specific services offshoring configuration of today.
Exploring the Effects of Integrated Benefit Systems and Active Labour Market Policies: Evidence from Jobcentre Plus in the UK
Authors: KARAGIANNAKI ELENI
Published: March 2007

In April 2002 Jobcentre Plus started to operate in the UK, bringing together the service of the Benefits Agency and the Employment Service. Offering a fully integrated benefit-claiming and work placement/job-seeking service for people of working age, this new organisation aims to strengthen the link between welfare and work. Due to the magnitude of the associated organisational change, the national roll out of the new organisation is being implemented gradually over a transitional period ending in 2006. During this transitional period some local offices are fully integrated while others' functions remain split between pre-existing Benefits Agency and Employment Service offices. In this article we examine how changes in the level of integration within districts over time affected performance with respect to job entries, customer service and benefit service delivery. Our analysis suggests that Jobcentre Plus has a clear positive effect on job entry outcomes for all client groups, a negative effect on business delivery, while it has neither a positive nor a negative effect on customer service outcomes.
Roosting habits of bats affect their parasitism by bat flies (Diptera: Streblidae)
Authors: Patterson Bruce D. , Dick Carl W. , Dittmar Katharina
Published: March 2007

The Smithsonian Venezuela Project (SVP) conducted extensive surveys of mammals and ectoparasites in the 1960s. The 25 238 individuals and 130 species of bat collected by SVP hosted 36 663 streblid bat flies, representing 116 species of these ectoparasitic dipterans. Roosts of bat species differ in durability and protection, and bat flies separate from the host to pupate in the roost. We predicted higher levels of parasitism and more parasitic associates for bats roosting in more permanent structures (e.g. caves, tunnels) that would facilitate their association with hosts. We also predicted wing development of flies should correlate inversely with roost duration, restricting flightless forms to bats in permanent roosts. Ranking roosting structures by durability and protection, we sought correlations among bat species in prevalence, mean intensity and number of associated fly species. All three measures of parasitism were positively and significantly related to roosting habits: bats roosting in more permanent, enclosed structures were more likely to be infested, to carry heavier parasite loads, and to harbour more species of ectoparasitic flies. However, roosting habits were not correlated with the average wing development of bat flies. Although other factors affect parasitism rates in bats, the study provides a compelling example of both ecological and evolutionary responses of parasites to features of the host's environment.
Toads (Bufo bankorensis) influence litter chemistry but not litter invertebrates and litter decomposition rates in a subtropical forest of Taiwan
Authors: Huang Ching-Yu , Wang Chiao-Ping , Lucy Hou Ping-Chun
Published: March 2007

Few studies have been conducted to investigate ecological roles of litter amphibians in forest ecosystems. In this study, ten field enclosures (3 m × 2 m × 0.4 m) were used to evaluate effects of the toad Bufo bankorensis on the abundance of litter invertebrates (microbivores, fragmenters and predatory arthropods) and litter decomposition rates in a subtropical forest of southern Taiwan. Litterbags collected from toad and control (toad-excluded) enclosures were analysed for the communities and abundances of litter invertebrates and decay loss during this decomposition study from September to December 2001. The presence of B. bankorensis significantly changed phosphorus concentrations in the litter, but not the densities of litter invertebrates (microbivores, fragmenters and predatory arthropods) or rates of litter decomposition. These results were not consistent with previous studies, which have shown that Plethodon cenereus in a temperate forest of north-east USA and Eleutherodactylus coqui in a tropical rain forest of Puerto Rico significantly changed decomposition rates. We suggest that ecological roles of ground-dwelling amphibians may be species-specific and vary with different terrestrial ecosystems.
A child's eye view of the insect world: perceptions of insect diversity
Authors: SNADDON J. L. , TURNER E. C.
Published: March 2007

Insects worldwide are undergoing unprecedented rates of decline, with many species severely threatened or already extinct. Despite their extreme diversity and functional importance in ecosystems, this extinction crisis has seldom gained media attention; endangered large mammals and birds receive much greater coverage. In the UK, where the insect fauna is relatively depauperate and well known, this bias has recently been redressed by a range of initiatives that highlighted the importance of insect conservation. This study investigated the popularity of different arthropod groups drawn by children (as part of one such event), in modern culture and in the scientific literature. Children's preference for insect groups strongly correlated with their representation in modern culture and in the scientific literature. However none of the measures of popularity of each group correlated with their abundance or conservation status in the UK. The profile of lesser-known groups therefore needs to be raised to reduce the chance that threatened taxa are overlooked for conservation action.
Outbreak with multi-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 linked to carpaccio, Denmark, 2005
Authors: ETHELBERG S. , SØRENSEN G. , KRISTENSEN B. , CHRISTENSEN K. , KRUSELL L. , HEMPEL-JØRGENSEN A. , PERGE A. , NIELSEN E. M.
Published: March 2007

We report an outbreak with Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 resistant to six different antibiotic classes. The outbreak occurred in Denmark in July/August 2005 and was traced to a single restaurant. In addition to patient interviews, an important tool in the investigation of this outbreak was comparison by multi-locus variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) typing of patient strains with strains from the food surveillance system. This showed that the source of the outbreak was imported beef served as carpaccio. Carpaccio, thinly sliced raw fillet of beef, has not previously been associated with outbreaks, but should be considered a high-risk food item. This outbreak was one of two in different European Union (EU) countries traced back to beef from one company in a third EU country. This underscores the importance of efficient international Salmonella surveillance and food-safety control systems enabling timely interventions within the EU.
Aortic morphometry and microcephaly in hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Authors: Shillingford Amanda J. , Ittenbach Richard F. , Marino Bradley S. , Rychik Jack , Clancy Robert R. , Spray Thomas L. , Gaynor J. William , Wernovsky Gil
Published: March 2007

Microcephaly is a marker of abnormal fetal cerebral development, and a known risk factor for cognitive dysfunction. Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome have been found to have an increased incidence of abnormal neurodevelopmental outcomes. We hypothesized that reduced cerebral blood flow from the diminutive ascending aorta and transverse aortic arch in the setting of hypoplastic left heart syndrome may influence fetal growth of the brain. The purpose of our study, therefore, was to define the prevalence of microcephaly in full-term infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and to investigate potential cardiac risk factors for microcephaly. We carried out a retrospective review of full-term neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Eligible patients had documented indexes of birth weight, and measurements of length, and head circumference, as well as adequate echocardiographic images for measurement of the diameters of the ascending aorta and transverse aortic arch. We used logistic regression for analysis of the data. A total of 129 neonates met the criterions for inclusion, with 15 (12%) proving to have microcephaly. The sizes of their heads were disproportionately smaller than their weights (p less than 0.001) and lengths (p less than 0.001) at birth. Microcephaly was associated with lower birth weight (p less than 0.001), lower birth length (p equal to 0.007), and a smaller diameter of the ascending aorta (p equal to 0.034), but not a smaller transverse aortic arch (p equal to 0.619), or aortic atresia (p equal to 0.969). We conclude that microcephaly was common in this cohort of neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, with the size of the head being disproportionately smaller than weight and length at birth. Microcephaly was associated with a small ascending aorta, but not a small transverse aortic arch. Impairment of somatic growth may be an additional factor in the development of microcephaly in these neonates.
Breast-feeding, dietary intakes and their associations with subclinical vitamin A deficiency in children in Anhui Province, China
Authors: Zhang Yewu , Tao Fangbiao , Yin Huiping , Zhu Xiaoming , Ji Guoping , Kong Shenghua , Song Qinhua , Chen Jianhua , Chu Chengzhi , Li Zhu
Published: March 2007

Objective

This study aimed to explore the associations between breast-feeding, dietary intakes and other related factors and subclinical vitamin A deficiency (SVAD) in children aged 0–5 years in an area in China where mild vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is found.

Methods

Data were from a population-based cross-sectional study with 1052 children aged 0–5 years. SVAD cases were identified by the indicator of serum retinol ≤ 20 μg dl− 1. Breast-feeding status, dietary intakes and other factors were collected through a pre-designed questionnaire.

Results

The prevalence of SVAD in children aged 0–5 years was 6.9%. Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio of SVAD for breastfeeding was 3.56 (95% confidence limits (95% CL) 2.17–5.82). After adjustment for sex, age in categories, residence, mother's education, mother's occupation, vitamin A preparation supplements, rank in siblings and diarrhoea, the odds ratio for breast-feeding fell to 2.38 (95% CL 1.13–4.95). The odds ratios for breast-feeding within children aged 1 year were 5.46 (95% CL 2.07–15.03) and 4.6 (95% CL 1.72–12.82) before and after adjustment of other confounders, respectively. The odds ratios for breast-feeding did not show statistical significance within children aged 0 or 2 years. The odds ratios decreased, but remained statically significant after further adjustments for individual dietary factor or all dietary factors.

Conclusion

Breast-feeding was a risk factor of SVAD for children, especially for those aged 1 year. The differences in dietary intakes and other established risk factors could not fully explain the increased risk. This finding implies that prolonged breast-feeding alone may not ensure protection of children from VAD in an area with mild SVAD.
The importance of farmers' markets for West Virginia direct marketers
Authors: Brown Cheryl , Miller Stacy M. , Boone Deborah A. , Boone Harry N. , Gartin Stacy A. , McConnell Thomas R.
Published: March 2007

In the winter of 2004–2005, over 300 of West Virginia's farmers' market vendors were surveyed with regard to sales levels, promotional techniques and operational characteristics such as hours worked, types of products produced and length of season. Vendors were categorized based on part-time, full-time or retired status, and full-time farmers, both with and without off-farm jobs, were found to be distinct from part-time and retired vendors with respect to 2004 total farmers' market sales and the percentage of household income from farmers' markets. Econometric analysis [ordinary least squares (OLS)] was performed to identify the impact of explanatory variables on total farmers' market sales, percentage of household income from farmers' market sales and amount of household income from farmers' market sales. Independent variables such as bargaining, cost-plus pricing, selling at markets outside West Virginia and providing print materials were found to have a positive impact on annual sales. The number of products produced, distance traveled to market and number of weeks at market were also positively related to the percentage of income obtained from farmers' market sales. Both part-time and retired producers received a lower percentage of household income from farmers' markets relative to full-time producers. Retired and part-time, along with limited-resource vendors (with annual household income less than $20,000) were also found to have lower total sales in the 2004 season. Identifying the characteristics associated with greater farmers' market sales and a higher reliance on such sales for household income will help in the sustained success of markets as engines of economic development and small farm viability.
Ambulante psychodynamische Kurzgruppenpsychotherapie bei Patienten mit somatoformen Störungen 1Diese Arbeit ist Prof. Dr. Jürgen Ott gewidmet (†2003).
Authors: Tschuschke Volker , Weber Rainer , Horn Elke , Kiencke Peter , Tress Wolfgang
Published: March 2007

Zusammenfassung. Die Wirksamkeit tiefenpsychologischer Kurzgruppenpsychotherapie bei Patienten mit somatoformen Störungsbildern wird nachgewiesen. Am Beispiel von sechs ambulanten Gruppen zu je 20 Sitzungen mit insgesamt 50 Patienten werden hohe Effektstärken im symptomatischen, interpersonellen und allgemeinen Funktionsbereich bis zu einem Jahr Katamnese nachgewiesen. Darüber hinaus ließen sich prozessanalytisch Patientenmerkmale als prognostisch relevant für den Therapie-Outcome feststellen. Hierzu gehören als ungünstiger Prädiktor die zusätzliche Diagnose einer Persönlichkeitsstörung sowie als günstiger Prädiktor eine besondere Fähigkeit, vom Beginn der Gruppentherapie an eine intensivere, positiv getönte, emotionale Beziehung zur Gruppe herzustellen, die offensichtlich die Arbeitsfähigkeit in einer psychodynamischen Gruppe günstig beeinflusst. Konsequenzen im Hinblick auf Behandlungslänge von somatoformen Beschwerden werden diskutiert.