bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Ghrelin and Growth Hormone Deficiency on AMP‐Activated Protein Kinase and Hypothalamic Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Sangiao‐Alvarellos S. , Varela L. , Vázquez M. J. , Da Boit K. , Saha A. K. , Cordido F. , Diéguez C. , López M.
Published: March 2010

Current evidence demonstrates that the stomach‐derived hormone ghrelin, a potent growth hormone (GH) secretagogue, promotes feeding through a mechanism involving the short‐term activation of hypothalamic AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), which in turn results in decreased hypothalamic levels of malonyl‐CoA and increased carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) activity. Despite this evidence, no data have been reported about the effect of chronic, central ghrelin administration on hypothalamic fatty acid metabolism. In the present study, we examined the differences in hypothalamic fatty acid metabolism in the presence and absence of GH, by using a model for the study of GH‐deficiency, namely the spontaneous dwarf rat and the effect of long‐term central ghrelin treatment and starvation on hypothalamic fatty acid metabolism in this animal model. Our data showed that GH‐deficiency induces reductions in both de novo lipogenesis and β‐oxidation pathways in the hypothalamus. Thus, dwarf rats display reductions in fatty acid synthase (FAS) mRNA expression both in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) and whole hypothalamus, as well as in FAS protein and activity. CPT1 activity was also reduced. In addition, in the present study, we show that chronic ghrelin treatment does not promote AMPK‐induced changes in the overall fluxes of hypothalamic fatty acid metabolism in normal rats and that this effect is independent of GH status. By contrast, we demonstrated that both chronic ghrelin and fasting decreased FAS mRNA expression in the VMH of normal rats but not dwarf rats, suggesting GH status dependency. Overall, these results suggest that ghrelin plays a dual time‐dependent role in modulating hypothalamic lipid metabolism. Understanding the molecular mechanism underlying the interplay between GH and ghrelin on hypothalamic lipid metabolism will allow new strategies for the design and development of suitable drugs for the treatment of GH‐deficiency, obesity and its comorbidities.
Molecular Evolution of the Thyrotrophin‐Releasing Hormone Precursor in Vertebrates: Insights From Comparative Genomics
Authors: Wallis M.
Published: March 2010

Human preprothyrotrophin‐releasing hormone (ppTRH) includes six copies of the TRH sequence, the rat and mouse precursors have five, and those of non‐mammalian vertebrates have up to eight. In the present study, the evolutionary basis of this variation was investigated using ppTRH gene sequences extracted from available vertebrate genomic databases. A structure based on eight TRH repeats appears to be the norm for non‐mammalian vertebrates, but in all mammals except monotremes this number is reduced to a maximum of six. In some species, one (or more) of the TRH repeats has been mutated, probably rendering it functionless and, in a few species, one or two copies of the TRH sequence have been deleted completely. Sequences of regions between the TRH sequences are poorly conserved, despite reports that several active peptides are produced from these regions. The 5′ untranslated region of ppTRH is also very variable but, in eutherians, the promoter region immediately upstream of the gene is quite strongly conserved. In particular, those sequences identified as being involved in transcriptional regulation are well conserved in most eutherians, although they are largely absent from other vertebrates. In most species, gene order around the ppTRH locus is conserved, although exceptions include man and chimpanzee, as well as rat and mouse. The comparative genomics approach thus provides a wider view than previously available of the range of ppTRH genes in vertebrates, and of the species specificity displayed by this molecule.
Historical male‐mediated introgression in horseshoe bats revealed by multilocus DNA sequence data
Authors: MAO XIUGUANG , ZHANG JUNPENG , ZHANG SHUYI , ROSSITER STEPHEN J.
Published: March 2010

Instances of hybridization between mammalian taxa in the wild are rarely documented. To test for introgression between sibling species of horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus yunanensisandR. pearsoni) and two subspecies of the latter (R. p. pearsoniandR. p. chinensis), we sequenced two mtDNA and two ncDNA markers in individuals sampled from multiple localities within their overlapping ranges. The interspecific mtDNA gene tree corresponded to the expected taxonomic divisions, and coalescent‐based analyses suggested divergence occurred around 4 MYA. However, these relationships strongly conflicted with those recovered from two independent nuclear gene trees, in whichR. yunanensisclustered withR. p. pearsonito the exclusion ofR. p. chinensis. This geographically widespread discordance is best explained by large‐scale historical introgression of ncDNA fromR. yunanensistoR. pearsoniby male‐mediated exchange in mixed species colonies during Pleistocene glacial periods, when ranges may have contracted and overlapped more than at present. Further species tree–gene tree conflicts were detected betweenR. p. pearsoniandR. p. chinensis, also indicating past and/or current introgression in their overlapping regions. However, here the patterns point to asymmetric mtDNA introgression without ncDNA introgression. Analyses of coalescence times indicate this exchange has occurred subsequent to the divergence of these subspecies from their common ancestor. Our work highlights the importance of using multiple data sets for reconstructing phylogeographic histories and resolving taxonomic relationships.
Recurrent nuclear DNA introgression accompanies chloroplast DNA exchange between two eucalypt species
Authors: MCKINNON G. E. , SMITH J. J. , POTTS B. M.
Published: March 2010

Numerous studies within plant genera have found geographically structured sharing of chloroplast (cp) DNA among sympatric species, consistent with introgressive hybridization. Current research is aimed at understanding the extent, direction and significance of nuclear (nr) DNA exchange that accompanies putative cpDNA exchange. Eucalyptus is a complex tree genus for which cpDNA sharing has been established between multiple species. Prior phylogeographic analysis has indicated cpDNA introgression into the widespread forest species Eucalyptus globulus from its rare congener E. cordata. In this study, we use AFLP markers to characterize corresponding nrDNA introgression, on both a broad and fine spatial scale. Using 388 samples we examine (i) the fine‐scale spatial structure of cp and nrDNA introgression from E. cordata into E. globulus at a site in natural forest and (ii) broad‐scale patterns of AFLP marker introgression at six additional mixed populations. We show that while E. globulus and E. cordata retain strongly differentiated nuclear gene pools overall, leakage of nrDNA occurs at mixed populations, with some AFLP markers being transferred to E. globulus recurrently at different sites. On the fine scale, different AFLP fragments show varying distances of introgression into E. globulus, while introgression of cpDNA is extensive. The frequency of E. cordata markers in E. globulus is correlated with spatial proximity to E. cordata, but departs from expectations based on AFLP marker frequency in E. cordata, indicating that selection may be governing the persistence of introgressed fragments in E. globulus.
Development and characterization of EST‐derived SSRs from a ‘totipotent’ cDNA library of durum wheat
Authors: Gadaleta A. , Mastrangelo A. M. , Russo M. A. , Giove S. L. , D’onofrio O. , Mango T. , Cellini F. , Blanco A. , Cattivelli L. , Cifarelli R. A.
Published: March 2010

With 1 figure and 1 table

A collection of about 8000 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) deriving from a ‘totipotent’ cDNA library constructed in the durum wheat cv. ‘Ofanto’ (Patent n. WO2005003344) were screened to search for simple sequence repeat (SSR) motifs. Five hundred twenty‐three SSRs were identified in 460 EST sequences with an average frequency of one SSR per 6.96 kb. Out of 523 microsatellites, 364 were successfully used to design specific primer pairs, while for the remaining ones the available sequence information did not allow the identification of suitable primers. Among the EST‐derived SSRs, the trinucleotides were the most frequent (49.1%), followed by dinucleotides (26%) and mononucleotides (21.4%), while motif size of five or six nucleotides were rare, 0.6% and 0.2%, respectively. A total of 125 EST‐derived SSRs chosen among di‐ and tri‐nucleotides were further characterized in a panel of 12 tetraploid wheat accessions. The average polymorphism level of the selected SSR was equal to 49.6%. Table S1 contains all the information on primer sequences, chromosome positions and putative function.
Maternal mortality and cesarean delivery: An analytical observational study
Authors: Kamilya Gourisankar , Seal Subrata Lall , Mukherji Joydev , Bhattacharyya Subir Kumar , Hazra Avijit
Published: March 2010

Aim:  Pregnant women and their doctors need to know the maternal risks associated with different methods of delivery. There are few publications with ideal study design and adequate power to establish the relationship between maternal mortality and mode of delivery. The present retrospective cohort study was undertaken to evaluate the intrinsic risk of maternal death, directly attributed to cesarean delivery (CD) compared to vaginal delivery (VD), and to evaluate further the differential risk associated with antepartum and intrapartum CD.

Methods:  After exclusion of medical or obstetric comorbidities, all deliveries, either vaginal or cesarean, were critically analyzed. The surviving mothers who had either method of delivery represented the two comparative groups. In the same period, relevant clinical information of every maternal death was noted.

Results:  Twenty seven mothers died among the 13 627 CD mothers and 19 died among 30 215 VD mothers. CD was associated with a 3.01‐fold increase in the risk of maternal mortality, compared with VD. The risk of antepartum CD differed from intrapartum CD (OR 1.73 vs OR 4.86). There was a significantly increased risk of maternal death from complications of anesthesia, puerperal infection and venous thromboembolism. The risk of death from postpartum hemorrhage did not differ significantly (95% CI 0.7–3.95).

Conclusion:  CD is increasingly perceived as a low‐risk procedure. However, the present study clearly demonstrates that the risk of maternal death due to CD is significantly high, particularly when performed in labor. Therefore, CD should only be practiced when conditions clearly demand it.
Ebstein's anomaly in pregnancy: Maternal and neonatal outcomes
Authors: Chopra Seema , Suri Vanita , Aggarwal Neelam , Rohilla Meenakshi , Vijayvergiya Rajesh , Keepanasseril Anish
Published: March 2010

Aim:  Ebstein's anomaly is a rare congenital cardiac abnormality, associated with cyanosis and arrhythmia. Patients often reach childbearing age and pregnant women pose a challenge to the treating physician. We describe the course and outcome of pregnancy in women with Ebstein's anomaly and discuss the related management issues.

Methods:  Analysis of pregnancies in four women with Ebstein's anomaly was carried out in a referral institute in northern India. Data of two women were analyzed retrospectively and the other two women were prospectively followed in their pregnancies during the study period. The course of the pregnancy, disease and perinatal outcome in each woman were analyzed.

Results:  Four women had eight pregnancies all resulting in vaginal deliveries. There were two premature deliveries. The mean birth weight was 2.54 ± 0.88 kg. Of the eight babies, six did not have any cardiac anomalies; one was an unexplained neonatal death and for another, no data was available. Pregnancy was well tolerated in two patients, while one had right heart failure during early pregnancy, and one had arrhythmia during labor, which was managed medically; one patient had arrhythmia in the postpartum period, which was managed medically.

Conclusion:  When a woman with Ebstein's anomaly reaches childbearing age, fertility is not affected, even in cyanotic women. Under close supervision by the woman's obstetrician and cardiologist, the pregnancy outcome is usually favorable.
Asymptomatic uterine artery pseudoaneurysm after cesarean section
Authors: Kuwata Tomoyuki , Matsubara Shigeki , Kaneko Yuka , Izumi Akio , Nakata Manabu , Suzuki Mitsuaki
Published: March 2010

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare but important complication of cesarean section (CS). If treated inadequately, it may cause profuse life‐threatening postpartum hemorrhage. We report an asymptomatic postpartum woman with uterine artery pseudoaneurysm after CS. We also provide a review of published reports of pseudoaneurysm after CS. A 31‐year‐old Japanese woman underwent CS, in which the uterine incision was extended laterally. Routine postoperative evaluation with vaginal ultrasound on postpartum day 6 revealed a parauterine mass with a maximum diameter of 49 mm with swirling flow. Selective angiography confirmed this mass as a uterine artery pseudoaneurysm. Uterine artery embolization was performed with success. Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm should be listed as a differential diagnosis of pelvic mass after CS.
The effect of myomectomy on health‐related quality of life of women with myoma uteri
Authors: Dilek Saffet , Ertunc Devrim , Tok Ekrem C. , Cimen Roza , Doruk Arzu
Published: March 2010

Aim:  An equal consideration should be paid to improving health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in addition to successful medical outcome. Many studies have evaluated the effect of other methods rather than myomectomy on HRQoL, and have focused solely on the presence of myoma without regarding any concurrent pelvic pathology.

Methods:  This study involved 80 patients with myomas and 75 controls. Domains of the Short Form – 36 (SF‐36) questionnaire were evaluated pre‐ and postoperatively in 72 women with myomas. Furthermore, any correlations between myoma characteristics and SF‐36 physical components (PC) and mental components (MC) were investigated.

Results:  All SF‐36 domains were lower in women with myoma uteri than in the control group, except for physical and social function. There was no correlation between PC and MC scores and the number, location and total volume of the myomas. However, fundal and posteriorly positioned myomas were related with the PC score, and posterior myomas with the MC score. Women with uteri over 200 cm3 had significantly lower mean PC and MC scores. After myomectomy, all SF‐36 domains were improved except for physical function and mental health.

Conclusion:  The findings from this study suggest that myomectomy improves HRQoL, and that myoma characteristics may modulate quality of life domains.
Antidepressant fluoxetine suppresses neuronal growth from both vertebrate and invertebrate neurons and perturbs synapse formation between Lymnaea neurons
Authors: Xu Fenglian , Luk Collin , Richard Maria P. , Zaidi Wali , Farkas Svetlana , Getz Angela , Lee Arthur , Van Minnen Jan , Syed Naweed I.
Published: March 2010

Current treatment regimes for a variety of mental disorders involve various selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Fluoxetine (Prozac). Although these drugs may ‘manage’ the patient better, there has not been a significant change in the treatment paradigm over the years and neither have the outcomes improved. There is also considerable debate as to the effectiveness of various selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and their potential side‐effects on neuronal architecture and function. In this study, using mammalian cortical neurons, a dorsal root ganglia cell line (F11 cells) and identified Lymnaea stagnalis neurons, we provide the first direct and unequivocal evidence that clinically relevant concentrations of Fluoxetine induce growth cone collapse and neurite retraction of both serotonergic and non‐serotonergic neurons alike in a dose‐dependent manner. Using intracellular recordings and calcium imaging techniques, we further demonstrate that the mechanism underlying Fluoxetine‐induced effects on neurite retraction from Lymnaea neurons may involve lowering of intracellular calcium and a subsequent retardation of growth cone cytoskeleton. Using soma–soma synapses between identified presynaptic and postsynaptic Lymnaea neurons, we provide further direct evidence that clinically used concentrations of Fluoxetine also block synaptic transmission and synapse formation between cholinergic neurons. Our study raises alarms over potentially devastating side‐effects of this antidepressant drug on neurite outgrowth and synapse formation in a developing/regenerating brain. Our data also demonstrate that drugs such as Fluoxetine may not just affect communication between serotonergic neurons but that the detrimental effects are widespread and involve neurons of various phenotypes from both vertebrate and invertebrate species.
Intrinsic subthreshold oscillations extend the influence of inhibitory synaptic inputs on cortical pyramidal neurons
Authors: Stiefel Klaus M. , Fellous Jean‐Marc , Thomas Peter J. , Sejnowski Terrence J.
Published: March 2010

Fast inhibitory synaptic inputs, which cause conductance changes that typically last for 10–100 ms, participate in the generation and maintenance of cortical rhythms. We show here that these fast events can have influences that outlast the duration of the synaptic potentials by interacting with subthreshold membrane potential oscillations. Inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) in cortical neurons in vitro shifted the oscillatory phase for several seconds. The phase shift caused by two IPSPs or two current pulses summed non‐linearly. Cholinergic neuromodulation increased the power of the oscillations and decreased the magnitude of the phase shifts. These results show that the intrinsic conductances of cortical pyramidal neurons can carry information about inhibitory inputs and can extend the integration window for synaptic input.
Dopamine receptor mechanisms mediate corticotropin‐releasing factor‐induced long‐term potentiation in the rat amygdala following cocaine withdrawal
Authors: Krishnan Balaji , Centeno Marjorie , Pollandt Sebastian , Fu Yu , Genzer Kathy , Liu Jie , Gallagher Joel P. , Shinnick‐Gallagher Patricia
Published: March 2010

Corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) in the amygdala is involved in stress responses. Moreover, dopaminergic neurotransmission in the brain reward system including the amygdala plays a significant role in the pathology of cocaine addiction. The present study analysed CRF‐induced synaptic plasticity, its pharmacological sensitivity and interactions with the dopamine (DA) system in the basolateral to lateral capsula central amygdala (lcCeA) pathway after a 2‐week withdrawal from repeated cocaine administration. A physiologically relevant CRF concentration (25 nm) induced long‐term potentiation (LTP) that was enhanced after cocaine withdrawal. In saline‐treated rats, CRF‐induced LTP was mediated throughN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors, L‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels (L‐VGCCs) and CRF1receptors. However, in cocaine‐withdrawn animals, activation of CRF1and CRF2receptors was found to enhance LTP. This enhanced CRF‐induced LTP after cocaine withdrawal was mediated through endogenous activation of both D1‐ and D2‐like receptors. Furthermore, expression of the D1 receptor (D1R) but not the D2R, D3R, D4R or D5R was significantly increased after cocaine withdrawal. CRF1but not CRF2protein expression was increased, suggesting that elevated levels of these proteins contributed to the enhancement of CRF‐induced LTP during cocaine withdrawal. CRF interactions with the DA system in the amygdala may represent a fundamental neurochemical and cellular mechanism linking stress to cocaine‐induced neuronal plasticity.
Anesthesia induction, emergence, and postoperative behaviors in children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorders
Authors: TAIT ALAN R. , VOEPEL‐LEWIS TERRI , BURKE CONSTANCE , DOHERTY TARA
Published: March 2010

Background/Aim:  Given the increasing prevalence of attention‐deficit and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), anesthesiologists are now presented with a greater number of children who are diagnosed with these conditions. This prospective, observational study was designed to compare anesthesia induction, emergence, and postoperative behaviors in children with and without ADHD.

Methods/Materials:  The sample included 268 children, 4–17 years of age undergoing elective surgery with a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD. A cohort of children without ADHD, matched for age, gender, and procedure served as controls. Preoperative cooperation, induction, and emergence behaviors were measured using established scales. Postoperative maladaptive behaviors were measured using a modified Post‐Hospital Behavioral Questionnaire that was administered via telephone 1 week after surgery.

Results:  Children with ADHD were significantly less cooperative at induction of anesthesia compared with controls (20.9% vs 10.6% respectively, P = 0.001). Although some control children exhibited an increase in maladaptive behaviors postoperatively, these behaviors were significantly greater among children with ADHD. In particular, relative to their normal behaviors, children with ADHD had greater difficulties in concentration and decision‐making; were more disobedient, impulsive, fidgety, had poor appetite; were difficult to talk to; and exhibited an increase in temper tantrums following surgery.

Conclusions:  This is the first prospective study to our knowledge that has examined the perioperative and postoperative behaviors of children with ADHD compared to those without this disorder. These results are important in alerting anesthesiologists, parents, and teachers to the potential for difficulties during induction of anesthesia and postoperative behavioral problems at home and in school, respectively.
Does the newer preparation of propofol, an emulsion of medium/long chain triglycerides cause less injection pain in children when premixed with lignocaine?
Authors: VARGHESE ELSA , KRISHNA HANDATTU MAHABALESWARA , NITTALA ANURADHA
Published: March 2010

Background:  Injection pain during propofol administration can be particularly distressing in children. The newly available emulsion of propofol in medium and long chain triglycerides (LCT) is reported to cause less injection pain because of lower concentrations of free propofol. This study compared the incidence of injection pain during administration of propofol emulsion of LCT and propofol emulsion of medium and long chain triglycerides (MCT/LCT) both premixed with lignocaine in children.

Methods:  This prospective, randomized, double blind study was conducted after obtaining institutional ethics committee approval, parental consent and included 84 children aged 5–15 years. Preoperatively, an intravenous cannula was inserted in all children. four children were excluded. Those included, depending on the randomization, received 3 mg·kg−1 of either propofol LCT or propofol MCT/LCT both premixed with lignocaine (0.1%). The incidence and intensity of injection pain was assessed.

Results:  Pain on injection of propofol LCT with lignocaine was observed in 16/40 children (40%), five of these children complained of severe pain. In comparison, 14/40 (35%) children complained of pain following propofol MCT/LCT premixed with lignocaine (P = 0.644), the intensity being severe in two children (P = 0.698).

Conclusions:  Propofol MCT/LCT and propofol LCT premixed with lignocaine are both associated with pain on injection in children; the incidence and intensity of the injection pain are similar.
An allometric model to estimate fluid requirements in children following burn injury
Authors: ANSERMINO J.MARK , VANDEBEEK CHRISTINE A. , MYERS DOROTHY
Published: March 2010

Objectives:  To evaluate the ability of an allometric 3/4 Power Model combined with the Galveston Formula (Galveston‐3/4 PM Formula) to predict fluid resuscitation requirements in children suffering burn injuries in comparison with the frequently used Parkland Formula and Galveston Formula using the Du Bois formula for surface area estimation (Galveston–DB Formula).

Aim:  To demonstrate that the Galveston‐3/4 PM Formula is clinically equivalent to the Galveston–DB Formula for the estimation of fluid requirements in pediatric burn injury cases.

Background:  Fluid resuscitation requirements differ in children suffering burn injuries when compared to adults. The Parkland Formula works well for normal weight adults but underestimates fluid requirements when indiscriminately applied to pediatric burn patients. The Galveston–DB Formula accounts for the change in body composition with age by using a body surface area (BSA) model but requires the measurement of height. The allometric model, using an exponent of 3/4, accounts for the dependence of a physiological variable on body mass without requiring height measurement and can be applied to estimate fluid requirements after burn injury in children.

Methods:  Comparisons were performed between the hourly calculated fluid requirements for the first 8 h following 20%, 40%, and 60% BSA burns using the Parkland Formula, the Galveston–DB Formula and Galveston‐3/4 PM Formula for children 2–23 kg.

Results:  In children less than 23 kg, the fluid requirements predicted by the Galveston‐3/4 PM Formula are well correlated with those predicted by the Galveston–DB Formula (R2 = 0.997, P < 0.0001) and are much better than of the predictions made with the Parkland Formula, especially for children <10 kg.

Conclusions:  For the purposes of clinical estimation of fluid requirements, the Galveston‐3/4 PM Formula is indistinguishable from the Galveston–DB Formula in children 23 kg or less.
Metabolic effects of repeated exposure to nitrous oxide: a preliminary report
Authors: Chen H. , Lovell M. , Baines D. , De Lima J. , Ahearn V. , Wilcken B. , Curtin J. , Carpenter K.
Published: March 2010

Background:  N2O irreversibly inhibits the vitamin B12‐dependent enzyme, methionine synthase, and has the potential to cause hematological, neurological and cardiovascular adverse effects [1–5]. Repeated exposure to N2O is common in certain pediatric settings (burns dressing and radiotherapy). There are no published clinical studies investigating the effects of nitrous oxide anesthesia on vitamin B12 and folate metabolism in a pediatric population.

Aims:  To study the effect of repeated exposure to N2O on metabolic indices in a cohort of children predisposed to metabolic and nutritional disturbance.

Method:  In an on‐going, prospective study of children undergoing radiotherapy for cancer, homocysteine, methylmalonic acid, vitamin B12, folate and red cell indices were measured at regular intervals. Results were correlated with cumulative N2O exposure in those children who required repeated general anesthesia.

Results:  Forty children have been studied so far. Fifteen required general anesthesia to complete therapy. Median exposure to N2O was 28 min per exposure for an average of 13 exposures. The median cumulative exposure to N2O in this cohort was 397 min. Four children each had a cumulative exposure of more than 15 h. In these cases, nitrous oxide was delivered in 30 or more anesthetics over periods ranging from 6 to 11 weeks. Preliminary results show that homocysteine levels are not consistently correlated with N2O exposure. No clinical or biochemical adverse effects related to the gas have been detected.

Conclusion:  This interim analysis suggests that repeated N2O has a marginal effect on vitamin B12 metabolic indices in predisposed children. The study is on‐going.

This study is supported by a grant from SPANZA.

References  1 Nunn JF. Clinical aspects of the interaction between nitrous oxide and vitamin B12. British Journal of Anaesthesia 1987; 59:3‐13

2 Myles PS, Leslie K, Chan MTV, Paech MJ, Peyton P, Pascoe E. Avoidance of nitrous oxide for patients undergoing major surgery: a randomised controlled trial. Anesthesiology 2007; 107:221‐231.

3 Nagele P, Zeugswetter B, Wiener C, Burger H, Hupfl M, Mittlbock M et al. Influence of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism on homocysteine concentration after nitrous oxide anesthesia. Anesthesiology 2008; 109:36‐43.

4 Badner NH, Beattie WS, Freeman D, Spence JD. Nitrous oxide induced increased homocysteine concentrations are associated with increased postoperative myocardial ischemia in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Anesthesia and Analgesia 2000; 91:1073‐1079.

5 Badner NH, Drader K, Freenab D, Spence JD. The use of intraoperative nitrous oxide leads to postoperative increases in plasma homocysteine. Anesthesia and Analgesia 1998; 87:711‐713
Herbaspirillum seropedicae rfbB and rfbC genes are required for maize colonization
Authors: Balsanelli Eduardo , Serrato Rodrigo V. , De Baura Valter A. , Sassaki Guilherme , Yates Marshall G. , Rigo Liu Un , Pedrosa Fábio O. , De Souza Emanuel M. , Monteiro Rose A.
Published: March 2010

In this study we disrupted two Herbaspirillum seropedicae genes, rfbB and rfbC, responsible for rhamnose biosynthesis and its incoporation into LPS. GC‐MS analysis of the H. seropedicae wild‐type strain LPS oligosaccharide chain showed that rhamnose, glucose and N‐acetyl glucosamine are the predominant monosaccharides, whereas rhamnose and N‐acetyl glucosamine were not found in the rfbB and rfbC strains. The electrophoretic pattern of the mutants LPS was drastically altered when compared with the wild type. Knockout of rfbB or rfbC increased the sensitivity towards SDS, polymyxin B sulfate and salicylic acid. The mutants attachment capacity to maize root surface plantlets was 100‐fold lower than the wild type. Interestingly, the wild‐type capacity to attach to maize roots was reduced to a level similar to that of the mutants when the assay was performed in the presence of isolated wild‐type LPS, glucosamine or N‐acetyl glucosamine. The mutant strains were also significantly less efficient in endophytic colonization of maize. Expression analysis indicated that the rfbB gene is upregulated by naringenin, apigenin and CaCl2. Together, the results suggest that intact LPS is required for H. seropedicae attachment to maize root and internal colonization of plant tissues.
Selenium controls transcription of paralogous formate dehydrogenase genes in the termite gut acetogen, Treponema primitia
Authors: Matson Eric G. , Zhang Xinning , Leadbetter Jared R.
Published: March 2010

The termite gut spirochete, Treponema primitia, is a CO2‐reductive acetogen that is phylogenetically distinct from other distantly related and more extensively studied acetogens such as Moorella thermoacetica. Research on T. primitia has revealed details about the role of spirochetes in CO2‐reductive acetogenesis, a process important to the mutualism occurring between termites and their gut microbial communities. Here, a locus of the T. primitia genome containing Wood‐Ljungdahl pathway genes for CO2‐reductive acetogenesis was sequenced. This locus contained methyl‐branch genes of the pathway (i.e. for the reduction of CO2 to the level of methyl‐tetrahydrofolate) including paralogous genes for cysteine and selenocysteine (Sec) variants of formate dehydrogenase (FDH) and genes for Sec incorporation. The FDH variants affiliated phylogenetically with hydrogenase‐linked FDH enzymes, suggesting that T. primitia FDH enzymes utilize electrons derived directly from molecular H2. Sub‐nanomolar concentrations of selenium decreased transcript levels of the cysteine variant FDH gene. Selenium concentration did not markedly influence the level of mRNA upstream of the Sec‐codon in the Sec variant FDH; however, the level of transcript extending downstream of the Sec‐codon increased incrementally with increasing selenium concentrations. The features and regulation of these FDH genes are an indication that T. primitia may experience dynamic selenium availability in its H2‐rich gut environment.
Reflections on Enacted Sensemaking in the Bhopal Disaster
Authors: Weick Karl E.
Published: March 2010

abstract

An updated analysis of the Bhopal disaster suggests that problems of abduction, awareness, reliability, and certainty were more serious than was first thought. Expanded analysis shows that the tight coupling between cognition and action, normally associated with enacted sensemaking, broke down at Bhopal. The breakdowns included a low standard of plausibility, minimal doubt, infrequent updating of both mental models and current hunches, and mindless action. The modest enactment that did occur prolonged rather than shortened the crisis.
Transformative experiences for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita disaster volunteers
Authors: Clukey Lory
Published: March 2010

The massive destruction caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 provided an opportunity for many volunteers to be involved with disaster relief work. Exposure to devastation and personal trauma can have long‐lasting and sometimes detrimental effects on people providing help. This qualitative study explored the experience of volunteer relief workers who provided disaster relief services after the hurricanes. Three major themes emerged: emotional reactions that included feelings of shock, fatigue, anger and grief as well as sleep disturbances; frustration with leadership; and life‐changing personal transformation. Stress reactions were noted but appeared to be mitigated by feelings of compassion for the victims and personal satisfaction in being able to provide assistance. Suggestions are provided for further research.
Phenomenological Additions to the Bourdieusian Toolbox: Two Problems for Bourdieu, Two Solutions from Schutz
Authors: Atkinson Will
Published: March 2010

In constructing his renowned theory of practice, Pierre Bourdieu claimed to have integrated the key insights from phenomenology and successfully melded them with objectivist analysis. The contention here, however, is that while his vision of the social world may indeed be generally laudable, he did not take enough from phenomenology. More specifically, there are two concepts in Alfred Schutz's body of work, which, if properly defined, disentangled from phenomenology, and appropriated, allow two frequently forwarded criticisms of Bourdieu's perspective to be overcome: on the one hand, a particular interpretation of the concept of lifeworld can remedy identified weaknesses on the problem of individuation; while on the other hand, Schutz's notion of the stock of knowledge can rectify Bourdieu's overly nonconscious depiction of agency. Given my overall support for Bourdieu's scheme and the fact that the extant criticisms on these two grounds are often excessive and obfuscatory, both the suggested elaborations will be prefaced by a clarificatory partial defense of his position.
Three Problems of Intersubjectivity—And One Solution
Authors: Reich Wendelin
Published: March 2010

Social thinkers often use the concept of intersubjectivity to mark out a problem of theoretical sociology: If people are unable to look into each others' minds, why do they often understand each other nonetheless? This issue has been debated extensively by philosophers and sociologists in three largely disconnected discourses. The article investigates the three discourses for isolable ideas that can be fitted into a sociological answer to the problem of intersubjectivity. An interactional solution, fully coherent with key insights from the discourses, is offered at the end of the article. Its main point is to identify coordinative interactional mechanisms that compel participants to “make themselves understandable” vis-à-vis their interaction partners.
The effects of company taxation in EU accession countries on German FDI1
Authors: Overesch Michael , Wamser Georg
Published: March 2010

This article investigates how company taxation affects German foreign direct investment (FDI) in European Union (EU) accession countries. In 2004 and 2007, 10 former socialist eastern European countries joined the EU. Although the EU integration is associated with increasingly favourable investment conditions, accession countries also pursue active strategies to attract foreign firms. In particular, taxes on corporate income have been significantly reduced during the last decade. We analyse whether corporate tax policies of eastern European countries affect three aspects of multinational activity: the location decision, the investment decision and the capital structure choice. The results suggest that local taxes are negatively related to both location and investment decisions. The analysis of the capital structure confirms that higher local taxes imply higher debt‐to‐capital ratios.
Location factors of FDI and the growing services economy1
Authors: Riedl Aleksandra
Published: March 2010

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has increasingly shifted toward the service sector. This change in the industrial composition of FDI and the non‐tradable nature of services may have altered the importance of location factors for investment decisions. To capture potential changes in FDI determinants, a contrasting sectoral analysis is performed. Based on FDI stock data from eight new EU member states for the period 1998–2004, we implement a dynamic panel approach allowing the speed of adjustment to the equilibrium investment level to vary across sectors. Results support our assumption that investment into the service sector, which is characterized by low installation costs, adjusts much faster to its desired level than manufacturing FDI. Thus, government interventions to attract FDI are likely to boost the service sector immediately while having a slower impact on manufacturing FDI. Furthermore, as services are mostly non‐tradable, FDI into this sector is largely based on market‐seeking motives while FDI in the manufacturing sector is also driven by international price competitiveness measured by real unit labour costs.
No significant effect of uridine or pravastatin treatment for HIV lipoatrophy in men who have ceased thymidine analogue nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor therapy: a randomized trial*
Authors: Calmy A , Bloch M , Wand H , Delhumeau C , Finlayson R , Rafferty M , Norris R , Hirschel B , Cooper DA , Carr A ,   for the URISTAT study group
Published: March 2010

Background

Lipoatrophy can complicate thymidine analogue nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (tNRTI)‐based antiretroviral therapy (ART). Lipoatrophy may be less likely with ART including ritonavir‐boosted lopinavir (LPV/r). Small, placebo‐controlled studies found that uridine (in tNRTI recipients) and pravastatin improved HIV lipoatrophy over 12 weeks. Today, most patients with lipoatrophy receive non‐tNRTI‐based ART; the effect of uridine in such patients is unknown.

Methods

We performed a prospective, randomized trial in lipoatrophic adults with plasma HIV RNA<50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL on tNRTI‐sparing ART including LPV/r. Patients received uridine [36 g three times a day (tid) on 10 consecutive days per month; n=10], pravastatin [40 mg every night (nocte); n=12], uridine plus pravastatin (n=11) or neither (n=12) for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was mean change in limb fat mass as assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA). With 20 patients per intervention, the study had 80% power to detect a mean difference between a treatment and the control of 0.5 kg, assuming a standard deviation of 0.9 and an alpha threshold equal to 5% (two‐sided).

Results

Of 45 participants (all men, with median age 49.5 years and median limb fat 2.6 kg), two discontinued pravastatin and one participant stopped both pravastatin and uridine. The difference between the mean changes in limb fat mass for uridine vs. no uridine was 0.03 kg [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.35, +0.28; P=0.79]. The respective difference for pravastatin was −0.03 kg (95% CI −0.29, +0.34; P=0.84). Pravastatin slightly decreased total cholesterol (0.44 mmol/L; P=0.099). Visceral adipose tissue measured by computed tomography did not change significantly.

Conclusion

In this population and at the doses used, neither uridine nor pravastatin for 24 weeks significantly increased limb fat mass.
Prevalence of mutations and determinants of genotypic resistance to etravirine (TMC125) in a large Italian resistance database (ARCA)*†
Authors: Di Vincenzo P , Rusconi S , Adorni F , Vitiello P , Maggiolo F , Francisci D , Di Biagio A , Monno L , Antinori A , Boeri E , Punzi G , Perno C‐F , Callegaro A , Bruzzone B , Zazzi M ,   on behalf of the Antiretroviral Resistance Cohort Analysis (ARCA) Collaborative Group
Published: March 2010

Objectives

To evaluate whether etravirine (TMC125) might be effective in patients failing therapy with current nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), we analysed the prevalence of TMC125 mutations and the possible determinants of genotypic resistance to this drug among sequences reported to a large database in Italy [Antiretroviral Resistance Cohort Analysis (ARCA)].

Methods

We analysed the prevalence of TMC125 resistance‐associated mutations (RAMs) and the TMC125 weighted genotypic score (WGS) together with the determinants of genotypic resistance. A total of 5011 sequences from 2955 patients failing NNRTI therapy were evaluated.

Results

Among the sequences in ARCA, 68% had at least one and 9.8% at least three TMC125 RAMs, whereas 31% had a WGS>2. Frequent RAMs were Y181C, G190A, K101E and A98G, whereas V179F, Y181V and G190S appeared in <5% of sequences. Multivariate analysis revealed a higher risk of developing at least three TMC125 RAMs associated with both nevirapine and efavirenz exposure, whereas CD4 counts ≥200 cells/μL retained their protective effect. An increased risk of WGS>2 was linked to higher HIV RNA values (maximum risk at >5 log10 copies/mL) and nevirapine exposure; CD4 counts ≥200 cells/μL were protective.

Conclusions

The prevalence of TMC125 resistance mutations in the ARCA cohort was 68%. The DUET studies showed that at least three TMC125‐associated mutations were required to impair the efficacy of the drug and Y181C/V, V179F and G190S had the greatest effect on response. The prevalence of these mutations among the patients examined in our study was low. However, WGS>2 was found for one‐third of our sequences. Previous nevirapine exposure was associated with an increased risk of having WGS>2 (adjusted odds ratio 1.76).
‘THE METAPHYSICS OF CHRISTIAN ETHICS: RADICAL ORTHODOXY AND THEOSIS’
Authors: HAYNES DANIEL
Published: March 2010

Western theology struggles with the rise of secularism and postmodernism. The Radical Orthodoxy sensibility asserts that the ancient principles of methexis (participation) and theosis (deification) presents an alternative metaphysical narrative to the narrative of secularism and the onto‐theological tradition. This article addresses the problems of the onto‐theological metaphysical tradition in Western theology by analyzing Radical Orthodoxy's rediscovery of the philosophical and theological principles of participation and theosis as articulated in the patristic tradition and in the thought of Thomas Aquinas. Using historical and analytical methods, this article will survey the biblical and patristic literature on theosis, as well as John Milbank's understanding of methexis and theosis in Thomas Aquinas. The result of this study will be to offer theosis, rooted in participation in God, as not only a soteriological model to reclaim for the West, but also a core metaphysical principle for Christian ethics that contravenes both onto‐theology and the materialistic reduction of ontology in secularism.
Globalization and Uncertainty: Earnings Volatility in Sweden, 1985–2003
Authors: HÄLLSTEN MARTIN , KORPI TOMAS , TÅHLIN MICHAEL
Published: March 2010

Earnings volatility has been linked to economic integration only through contradictory conjectures. We assess globalization’s role by examining volatility trends in manufacturing, private services, and public services. If trade increases uncertainty, volatility trends should differ markedly across industries since manufacturing, in contrast to especially public services, is exposed to international competition. We analyze earnings trajectories in Sweden 1985–2003, a country and period evincing accelerating trade, finding no indications of greater volatility increases in manufacturing.
Growth of Participant Direction in Defined Contribution Plans
Authors: EVEN WILLIAM E. , MACPHERSON DAVID A.
Published: March 2010

Using data from IRS Form 5500, this study examines the causes and consequences of the shift toward participant direction of investments in defined contribution plans. The analysis reveals that collective bargaining and pension investments in employer stock reduce the chance of a switch to participant direction, whereas below average returns increases the chance. Also, a switch to participant direction increases employee contributions to the pension and reduces the share of assets invested in employer securities.
When Do U.S. Workers First Experience Unionization? Implications for Revitalizing the Labor Movement
Authors: BUDD JOHN W.
Published: March 2010

Debates over revitalizing the U.S. labor movement often overlook when workers are first unionized. This article analyzes the frequency and nature of workers’ first unionized jobs by tracking a cohort of individuals from age 15/16 to 40/41. Though workers are most likely to be unionized when they are in their forties, this article shows that surprising numbers of individuals first encounter unionization in their jobs at a much younger age. These results highlight the importance of experiential union membership models as well as life‐cycle union representation strategies that recognize the young age at which many workers are first unionized.
SHRM Theory in the Post‐Huselid Era: Why It Is Fundamentally Misspecified
Authors: KAUFMAN BRUCE E.
Published: March 2010

This article critiques the theoretical model that dominates mainstream research in strategic human resource management. Contributions include: the critique is developed from an explicit model of the employment relationship; new concepts of “weak contingency” and “strong contingency” are introduced; the standard hypothesis of a positive sign on the human resource management variable in firm performance studies is shown to be incorrect for a competitive economy (it should bezero); and the analysis is based on “first principles” of institutional economics and industrial relations.