bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of Antibody‐Producing Hybridomas Following One Single Immunization with a Targeted DNA Vaccine
Authors: Øynebråten I. , Løvås T.‐O. , Thompson K. , Bogen B.
Published: September 2011

The standard protocol for generating antibody (Ab)‐producing hybridomas is based on fusion of plasmacytoma cells with Ab‐producing B cells harvested from immunized mice. To increase the yield of hybridomas, it is important to use immunization protocols that induce a high frequency of B cells producing specific Abs. Our laboratory has developed a vaccine format, denoted vaccibody that promotes the immune responses towards the delivered antigen. The vaccine format targets antigens in a bivalent form to surface receptors on antigen‐presenting cells (APCs). Here, we used the fluorescent protein (FP) mCherry as antigen and targeted it to APCs by use of either the natural ligand CCL3/MIP‐1α or single‐chain variable fragment specific for major histocompatibility complex class II. The vaccine format was delivered to mouse muscle as DNA combined with electroporation. By this procedure, we developed two monoclonal Abs that can be utilized to detect the FC mCherry in various applications. The data suggest that the targeted DNA vaccine format can be utilized to enhance the number of Ab‐producing hybridomas and thereby be a tool to improve the B cell hybridoma technology.
Self‐administered MDMA produces dose‐ and time‐dependent serotonin deficits in the rat brain
Authors: Do Jennifer , Schenk Susan
Published: September 2011

3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use and abuse have been increasing worldwide. Of concern, exposure to high doses of MDMA decreases several markers of serotonin (5HT) neurotransmission and produces deficits in tissue levels of 5HT. Studies in laboratory animals have been conducted primarily following large doses (20.0–80.0 mg/kg) of experimenter‐administered MDMA, but it is unclear whether similar persistent deficits in tissue 5HT levels are produced following self‐administration. In this study, tissue levels of 5HT in the frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus were measured following different levels of self‐administered MDMA. For both groups, responding was initially reinforced by an infusion of 1.0 mg/kg/infusion MDMA. The dose was reduced to 0.5 mg/kg/infusion once 90 infusions had been self‐administered. For the two groups, testing continued until either a total of 165 or 315 mg/kg had been self‐administered. Assays were conducted either 2 or 10 weeks following the last self‐administration session. The lower dose exposure regimen failed to significantly decrease 5HT levels in any brain region. The higher dose exposure, however, decreased 5HT levels by 30–35% in all three brain regions 2 weeks, but not 10 weeks, following self‐administration. Thus, MDMA self‐administration produced dose‐ and time‐dependent deficits in tissue levels of 5HT, suggesting that similar deficits would be produced in humans who use and abuse the drug.
Reproductive behavior of individuals with increased risk of having a child with retinoblastoma
Authors: Dommering CJ , Garvelink MM , Moll AC , van Dijk J , Imhof SM , Meijers‐Heijboer H , Henneman L
Published: September 2011

Dommering CJ, Garvelink MM, Moll AC, van Dijk J, Imhof SM, Meijers‐Heijboer H, Henneman L. Reproductive behavior of individuals with increased risk of having a child with retinoblastoma.

To investigate reproductive behavior of individuals at increased risk of having a child with retinoblastoma (Rb), we conducted a cross‐sectional questionnaire survey among 118 counselees visiting the Clinical Genetics Department of the National Rb Center in the Netherlands. The recurrence risk for counselees ranged from <1% to 50%. The response rate was 69%. Of 43 respondents considering having children after becoming aware of their increased risk, Rb influenced reproductive behavior for 25 (58%), of whom 14 had a recurrence risk <3%. Twenty of these 25 decided against having more children and 5 used prenatal diagnosis. Eighteen of the 43 respondents did not use any of the alternative reproductive options and had children (or more children), although half indicated having had doubts about their decisions. Multiple logistic regression showed that only perceived risk (p = 0.003) was significantly associated with Rb influencing reproductive behavior. Of 17 respondents planning children (or more children), 11 (65%) considered using one of the alternative reproductive options. We conclude that reproductive behavior is greatly influenced by Rb and that perceived risk, not objective risk, is the most important factor of influence. It is important to offer individuals at increased risk continued access to genetic counseling, even when this risk is small.
Silver–Russell syndrome due to maternal uniparental disomy 7 and a familial reciprocal translocation t(7;13)
Authors: Behnecke A , Hinderhofer K , Jauch A , Janssen JWG , Moog U
Published: September 2011

Behnecke A, Hinderhofer K, Jauch A, Janssen JWG, Moog U. Silver–Russell syndrome due to maternal uniparental disomy 7 and a familial reciprocal translocation t(7;13).

Silver–Russell syndrome (SRS) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation, typical facial features and a spectrum of additional features including body and limb asymmetry and clinodactyly. Maternal uniparental disomy for chromosome 7 (upd(7)mat) was shown to occur in 5–10% of patients with SRS. Maternal UPD7 is clinically often associated with mild SRS. Parents of an affected child are given a negligible recurrence risk as all reported cases with upd(7)mat have been sporadic so far. In general, chromosomal rearrangements‐like translocations increase the likelihood of uniparental disomy (UPD) for the chromosomes involved. However, SRS as the result of a upd(7)mat in association with an inherited chromosomal translocation involving chromosome 7 has only been reported once before. Here, we describe the second case of SRS with upd(7)mat due to a familial reciprocal translocation t(7;13). This emphasizes the importance of chromosome analysis in SRS patients with upd(7)mat to rule out chromosomal rearrangements despite their rare occurrence as they are of great relevance for genetic counseling of SRS families.
False‐positive Aspergillus galactomannan assay in solid organ transplant recipients with histoplasmosis
Authors: Vergidis P. , Walker R.C. , Kaul D.R. , Kauffman C.A. , Freifeld A.G. , Slagle D.C. , Kressel A.B. , Wheat L.J.
Published: September 2011

Post‐transplantation histoplasmosis may be acquired via inhalation, may result from endogenous reactivation, or may be derived from the allograft. The Histoplasma and Aspergillus enzyme‐linked immunoassays are increasingly being relied upon for rapid diagnosis of fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. We describe 4 cases of solid organ transplant recipients who had histoplasmosis and a falsely positive Aspergillus galactomannan (GM) obtained from the serum or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. We also report our experience, testing for Histoplasma antigen (Ag) in specimens positive for Aspergillus GM. From January 2007 through December 2010, of 2432 unique patients who had positive Aspergillus GM tests, 514 (21%) were tested for Histoplasma Ag, and 27 were found to be positive. Most specimens that tested positive for both Aspergillus and Histoplasma were obtained by BAL. False‐positive tests for Aspergillus GM can occur in immunosuppressed patients who have histoplasmosis, and may obscure the correct diagnosis.
Validation and usefulness of the Danish version of the Pain Medication Questionnaire in opioid‐treated chronic pain patients
Authors: HØJSTED J. , NIELSEN P. R. , KENDALL S. , FRICH L. , SJØGREN P.
Published: September 2011

Background

Addiction is a feared complication of long‐term opioid therapy for chronic pain patients. A screening tool to assess the potential risk of addiction may be helpful.

Methods

The Pain Medication Questionnaire (PMQ) was translated into Danish by a ‘forward’ and ‘backward’ translation procedure. Patients with chronic non‐cancer pain and cancer pain treated at a tertiary pain center were screened for addiction using Portenoy's criteria and invited to answer the Danish version of the PMQ.

Results

Two hundred nine patients participated in the study. PMQ was able to discriminate between addicted and non‐addicted patients. Patients with high PMQ scores indicating a risk of addiction drank more alcohol, smoked more tobacco, used higher doses of morphine, had a higher anxiety and depression score, and had poorer mental health. Using a cut‐off score of 22, the PMQ had a sensitivity of 82%, but the specificity at this cut‐point was 56%, indicating a risk of false positive cases. Convergent and discriminant validity were confirmed by correlation with opioid doses, alcohol and tobacco use, anxiety and depression scores, and inverse correlation with mental health and social role. Test–retest showed a very strong correlation. Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency was 0.61. Ten components were found to have eigenvalues above 1.0, confirming the multidimensional structure of the questionnaire.

Conclusions

The PMQ may assist physicians in addiction risk assessment and stratification when treating chronic pain patients with opioids. PMQ is not a diagnostic tool and should only be used as an indicator for possible addiction problems.
Sonoanatomy of the vasculature at the supraclavicular and interscalene regions relevant for brachial plexus block
Authors: MUHLY W. T. , OREBAUGH S. L.
Published: September 2011

Background

Our aim in this observational study was to utilize ultrasound, as well as anatomic dissection, to document the frequency with which branches of the subclavian vessels are found in close association with the brachial plexus at the locations of supraclavicular and interscalene brachial plexus block.

Methods

Ultrasound was utilized to document the presence of branches of the subclavian vein and artery, adjacent to the brachial plexus in the supraclavicular and in the interscalene region in 50 patients undergoing shoulder surgery. The position, depth, and dimensions of the vessels were described, and the origin determined when possible. In addition, the posterior triangle of the neck on both sides of three non‐preserved cadavers was dissected to evaluate the vascular anatomy and correlate the ultrasound findings.

Results

Ultrasound scanning revealed an arterial branch adjacent to, or passing directly through, the brachial plexus in the supraclavicular region in 43/50 (86%) patients. Within the interscalene region, an artery was identified coursing in a lateral direction in 45/50 (90%) of cases, while a corresponding small vein, coursing medial to lateral in this area, was noted in 23/50 (46%) of cases.

Conclusions

Small branch vessels from the subclavian artery and vein were frequently evident, on ultrasound imaging, in close association with the nerve elements of the brachial plexus in the supraclavicular and interscalene regions. Appreciation of the presence of these vessels and their likely origin and course will aid the anesthesiologist in planning a safe nerve block.
Dose‐dependent attenuation by fentanyl on cough during emergence from general anesthesia
Authors: YOO Y.‐C. , NA S. , JEONG J.‐J. , CHOI E.‐M. , MOON B.‐E. , LEE J.‐R.
Published: September 2011

Background

Although fentanyl suppresses tracheal tube‐induced cough during anesthetic recovery, it has not been proven if its antitussive effect is dose dependent and complication free. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between fentanyl doses and cough suppression during emergence from sevoflurane anesthesia.

Methods

Sixty patients undergoing thyroidectomy were randomly allocated to one of four groups (F0, F1, F1.5, and F2) according to the fentanyl dose (0 mcg/kg, 1 mcg/kg, 1.5 mcg/kg, or 2 mcg/kg). Fentanyl was administered immediately after sevoflurane discontinuation. Coughing was assessed throughout the periextubation period. The relationship between fentanyl dose and incidence of cough was analyzed using Cochran–Armitage trend test. Incidence of more than 30% elevation of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), awakening time, extubation time, and respiratory rate after extubation were recorded and compared using Mantel–Haenszel chi‐square test and one‐way analysis of variance.

Results

Fentanyl suppressed emergence cough in a dose‐related manner (P = 0.002), and the ED50 and ED90 were 1.1 mcg/kg and 2.1 mcg/kg, respectively. The higher dose of fentanyl further reduced the number of patient with MAP and HR elevation (P = 0.003 and 0.005, respectively). Awakening time (8.4 ± 1.9 min) in F2 was comparable with that in F1 and F1.5. Respiratory rate (9 ± 2 bpm) and extubation time (11.9 ± 1.8 min) in F2 were only different from those in F0 (13 ± 3 bpm and 10.4 ± 1.1 min, respectively).

Conclusions

Fentanyl suppressed cough in a dose‐related manner during recovery from general sevoflurane anesthesia, and 2 mcg/kg may be considered as a proper dose.
Noninvasive tissue oxygen saturation determined by near‐infrared spectroscopy following peripheral nerve block
Authors: TIGHE P.J. , ELLIOTT C.E. , LUCAS S.D. , BOEZAART A.P.
Published: September 2011

Background

Noninvasive physiologic measurement of cutaneous tissue oxygenation using near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has become increasingly common in cardiovascular and plastic surgery. The aim of this study was to determine whether clinically available NIRS‐based monitors could detect changes in tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) following a variety of peripheral nerve blocks. We hypothesize that peripheral nerve blocks will produce detectable changes in cutaneous tissue oxygenation levels that can be measured by noninvasive NIRS‐based oximetry.

Methods

Forty adult patients scheduled for pre‐operative peripheral nerve block placement were enrolled. Prior to block placement, NIRS sensors were placed on the operative and nonoperative (control) limb. Baseline tissue oxygen saturation values were obtained prior to dosing of the nerve block, and measurements were recorded every 5 min thereafter.

Results

Initial rSO2 values were higher in the operative vs. control limbs prior to nerve block placement. Tissue oxygen saturation increased in the blocked, but not control, limbs with time. Subgroup analysis suggested statistically significant differences in rSO2 values in blocked vs. control limbs for cervical paravertebral, infraclavicular, and femoral nerve blocks.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated sustained increases in tissue rSO2 values following peripheral nerve block placement, in addition to higher initial rSO2 values in operative limbs prior to block placement. Further investigations are necessary to define the expected baseline rSO2 values in operative and control limbs. Future efforts utilizing NIRS‐based detection of tissue ischemia should consider the small but significant changes in rSO2 resulting from a successful nerve block.
Sex‐specific fitness variation in gynodioecious Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima: do empirical observations fit theoretical predictions?
Authors: DE CAUWER I. , ARNAUD J.‐F. , COURSEAUX A. , DUFAY M.
Published: September 2011

In gynodioecious species, in which hermaphroditic and female plants co‐occur, the maintenance of sexual polymorphism relies on the genetic determination of sex and on the relative fitness of the different phenotypes. Flower production, components of male fitness (pollen quantity and pollen quality) and female fitness (fruit and seed set) were measured in gynodioecious Beta vulgaris spp. maritima, in which sex is determined by interactions between cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) genes and nuclear restorers of male fertility. The results suggested that (i) female had a marginal advantage over hermaphrodites in terms of flower production only, (ii) restored CMS hermaphrodites (carrying both CMS genes and nuclear restorers) suffered a slight decrease in fruit production compared to non‐CMS hermaphrodites and (iii) restored CMS hermaphrodites were poor pollen producers compared to non‐CMS hermaphrodites, probably as a consequence of complex determination of restoration. These observations potentially have important consequences for the conditions of maintenance of sexual polymorphism in B. vulgaris and are discussed in the light of existing theory on evolutionary dynamics of gynodioecy.
Predictive ability of alternative models for genetic analysis of clinical mastitis
Authors: Vazquez A.I. , Perez‐Cabal M.A. , Heringstad B. , Rodrigues‐Motta M. , Rosa G.J.M. , Gianola D. , Weigel K.A.
Published: September 2011

Mastitis in cows can be defined as a binary trait, reflecting presence or absence of clinical mastitis (CM), or as a count variable, number of mastitis cases (NCM), within a defined time interval. Many different models have been proposed for genetic analyses of mastitis, and the objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive ability and sire predictions of a set of models for genetic evaluation of CM or NCM. Linear‐ and threshold liability models for CM, and linear, censored ordinal threshold, and zero‐inflated Poisson (ZIP) models for NCM were compared in a cross‐validation study. To assess the ability of these models to predict future data, records from 620 492 first‐lactation Norwegian Red cows, which were daughters of 3064 sires, were evaluated in a fourfold cross‐validation scheme. The mean squared error of prediction was used for model comparison. All models but ordinal threshold model equally performed when comparing the overall predictive ability. This result was on average, across sick and healthy cows; however, the models behaved differently for each category of animals. For example, healthy cows were predicted better by the threshold and linear models for binary data and ZIP model, whereas for mastitic cows, the ordinal threshold model was by far the best model. Predicted sire effects and rankings of sires were highly correlated across all models. For practical purposes, the linear models are very competitive with the nonlinear models.
Obesity increases initial rate of fibrin formation during blood coagulation in domestic shorthaired cats
Authors: Bjornvad C. R. , Wiinberg B. , Kristensen A. T.
Published: September 2011

Obesity predisposes to a prothrombotic state in humans, but whether a similar state occurs in obese animals is unknown. The objective of the current study was to examine the effect of body fat percentage (BF) on haemostatic parameters including thromboelastography with tissue factor as activator (TF‐TEG) in client owned indoor‐confined physically inactive cats. Seventy‐two cats were included following an initial thorough health examination, and a complete blood count, biochemistry panel, conventional coagulation panel and a TF‐TEG analysis were performed with tissue factor (1:50 000) as activator. The cats were anaesthetized, and BF was measured using Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Significant difference between lean (BF < 35%, n = 26), overweight (35% < BF < 45%, n = 28) and obese (BF > 45%, n = 18) cats was identified usinganova. The correlation between BF, serum leptin and total adiponectin, respectively, with individual TEG and conventional coagulation parameters was evaluated. Obese cats showed a faster rate of fibrin formation (TF‐TEG(R), p < 0.05), and TF‐TEG(R) was positively correlated with plasma leptin levels. Increasing BF did not affect other conventional coagulation or TF‐TEG parameters. In conclusion, this study indicates a connection between body fat content and altered haemostasis, also in cats. Whether feline obesity causes a hypercoagulable state of clinical relevance should be further investigated.
Translocation of Active Mitochondria During Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Oocytes In vitro Maturation, Fertilization and Preimplantation Embryo Development
Authors: Zhuang X‐J , Huang Y , Duan Y‐P , Zhang M , Lu Y‐Q , Lu K‐H
Published: September 2011

Contents

Mitochondria are energy‐supplying organelles, whose distribution and functional integrity are necessary for cell survival and development. In this study, the mitochondrial distribution pattern and activity during buffalo oocyte in vitro maturation, fertilization and preimplantation embryo development were revealed using a fluorescent dye and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Distribution of active mitochondria changed during buffalo oocyte in vitro maturation. Active mitochondria were transferred from the outer to inner and perinuclear cytoplasm as oocytes matured in vitro and aggregated around the pronuclei in the fertilized eggs. Active mitochondria were also observed in preimplantation embryos. In the two‐cell stage, they were distributed throughout the cytoplasm. From four‐cell to the spherical embryonic stages, active mitochondria translocated to the perinuclear and the periphery of the cytoplasm. These results confirm that mitochondria play an important role in oocyte and embryo. The distribution of active mitochondria might be a marked feature of buffalo oocyte maturation, fertilization and preimplantation embryo development in vitro.
Epstein–Barr virus‐associated lymphoproliferative disorder presenting with classical Hodgkin lymphoma and developing as peripheral T‐cell lymphoma 9 years later: A case report of composite lymphoma
Authors: Oka Kuniyuki , Nagayama Reizo , Iijima Shigeruko , Yonekawa Nobuo , Hirosawa Kunihiro , Yatabe Yasushi , Mori Naoyoshi
Published: September 2011

We describe a patient who was diagnosed with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) at 67‐years‐old and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL) at 76‐years‐old, and died 5 months later. Both tumors showed prominent epithelioid cell reaction admixed with neoplastic cells. Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg cells in the swollen lymph node were positive for CD30 and EBV‐encoded RNA (EBER). PTCL cells in the skin tumor were positive for cytoplasmic CD3ε, CD4 and EBER. A rearrangement band of the T‐cell receptor gene was detected in the skin tumor. This case is the first documented EBV‐associated composite lymphoma composed of CHL and PTCL. The patient may show the possibility that both EBV infection and/or immunodeficiency induce the development of CHL and PTCL.
Immune response of 23‐valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccinated elderly and its relation to frailty indices, nutritional status, and serum zinc levels
Authors: Hamza Sarah A , Mousa Shereen M , Taha Shereen E , Adel Lamiaa A , Samaha Hanan E , Hussein Dalia A
Published: September 2011

Aim:  To detect the immunoglobulin M memory B cell population response following vaccination with the 23‐valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine and determine its relation to frailty indices, nutritional status, and serum zinc levels.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was carried out in the outpatient geriatric clinic, Ain Shams University Hospital. It included 80 community‐dwelling elderly, 32 male and 48 female. Each participant underwent vaccination with the 23‐valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, comprehensive geriatric assessment, nutritional assessment with the DETERMINE check list, frailty indices assessment, and serum zinc level measurement. The percentage of immunoglobulin M memory B cells was evaluated before and 4 weeks after vaccination. Immune response was calculated as the difference between cell percentage before and after vaccination.

Results:  Before the vaccination, the immunoglobulin M memory B cell percentage was significantly lower among those eating fewer than two meals a day and taking three or more drugs a day; after vaccination significance was observed among those with tooth or mouth problems that make eating difficult. Immune response was significantly lower among those with tooth or mouth problems (P < 0.001), weight loss (P < 0.001), shrinking (P = 0.001), poor endurance (P = 0.04), multiple comorbidities (P = 0.013), and cognitive impairment (P = 0.001). Participants with immune response ≥10% showed significantly higher serum zinc levels compared to those with immune response <10% of increase in cell percentage.

Conclusion:  Poor nutritional status, frailty and a lower zinc level impair the immunological response of elderly individuals. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 223–229.
Complete genome of Candidatus Chloracidobacterium thermophilum, a chlorophyll‐based photoheterotroph belonging to the phylum Acidobacteria
Authors: Garcia Costas Amaya M. , Liu Zhenfeng , Tomsho Lynn P. , Schuster Stephan C. , Ward David M. , Bryant Donald A.
Published: September 2011

Candidatus Chloracidobacterium thermophilum, which naturally inhabits microbial mats of alkaline siliceous hot springs in Yellowstone National Park, is the only known chlorophototroph in the phylum Acidobacteria. The Ca. C. thermophilum genome was composed of two chromosomes (2 683 362 bp and 1 012 010 bp), and both encoded essential genes. The genome included genes to produce chlorosomes, the Fenna‐Matthews‐Olson protein, bacteriochlorophylls a and c as principal pigments, and type‐1, homodimeric reaction centres. Ca. C. thermophilum is an aerobic photoheterotroph that lacks the ability to synthesize several essential nutrients. Key genes of all known carbon fixation pathways were absent, as were genes for assimilatory nitrate and sulfate reduction and vitamin B12 synthesis. Genes for the synthesis of branched‐chain amino acids (valine, isoleucine and leucine) were also absent, but genes for catabolism of these compounds were present. This observation suggested that Ca. C. thermophilum may synthesize branched‐chain amino acids from an intermediate(s) of the catabolic pathway by reversing these reactions. The genome encoded an aerobic respiratory electron transport chain that included NADH dehydrogenase, alternative complex III and cytochrome oxidase. The chromosomes of the laboratory isolate were compared with assembled, metagenomic scaffolds from the major Ca. C. thermophilum population in hot‐spring mats. The larger chromosomes of the two populations were highly syntenous but significantly divergent (∼13%) in sequence. In contrast, the smaller chromosomes have undergone numerous rearrangements, contained many transposases, and might be less constrained by purifying selection than the large chromosomes. Some transposases were homologous to those of mat community members from other phyla.
Association of β‐cell function and insulin sensitivity with fasting and 2‐h plasma glucose in a large Chinese population
Authors: Bi Y. , Zeng L. , Zhu D. , Yan J. , Zhang Y. , Tong G. , Mu P. , Shen S. , Hu Y. , Yu Q. , Liang H. , Weng J.
Published: September 2011

Aim: Our aim was to provide a quantitative analysis of the changes in the principal determinants of insulin sensitivity and secretion in relation to fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or 2‐h plasma glucose (2h PG) in a Chinese population with a wide range of glucose tolerance.

Methods: A total of 5728 adults spanning the entire range of glucose tolerance were included. Insulin sensitivity was measured by Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISIM) and homeostasis model assessment of 1/homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). β‐Cell function adjusted by insulin sensitivity was assessed from disposition index (DI) at early‐phase DI30 and total DI120. The exponential curve was established as the best fit for the relationship between insulin sensitivity or β‐cell function and FPG or 2h PG.

Results: Relative to the trend classified as increasing 2h PG, hepatic insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion showed a decreasing trend to a substantial degree as FPG increased. A 1 mmol/l increase in FPG and 2h PG concentration was associated with a −22 and −21% decline in ISIM, −16 and −4% in 1/HOMA‐IR, −38 and −35% in DI30 and −36 and −26% in DI120. The decay constant of ISIM and DI30 in IFG or ISIM, 1/HOMA‐IR, DI30 and DI120 in IGT was lower than that in normal glucose tolerance. Significant interactions between sex and glucose levels determining DI were found.

Conclusions: We conclude that impairment of insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion contributes to both FPG or 2h PG hyperglycaemia in a Chinese population, but that the decline in insulin secretion is more pronounced with increasing fasting than 2h PG.
Pioglitazone induces regression and stabilization of coronary atherosclerotic plaques in patients with impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Yang H.‐B. , Zhao X.‐Y. , Zhang J.‐Y. , Du Y.‐Y. , Wang X.‐F.
Published: September 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 359–365 (2012)

Aims  To observe the effects of pioglitazone on coronary plaque area, plaque burden, serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, adiponectin and plasma endothelin‐1 levels in patients with impaired glucose tolerance and coronary borderline lesions.

Methods  Thirty patients were randomly divided into two groups: a pioglitazone group and a control group. The latter was administered placebo in addition to standard therapy; the former pioglitazone 15 mg/d in addition to standard therapy. Before treatment and 6 months later, left ventricular ejection fraction, serum lipid profile, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, adiponectin and plasma endothelin‐1 levels were detected. Coronary plaque area and plaque burden were examined using intravascular ultrasound.

Results  No significant differences were found in left ventricular ejection fraction and serum lipid levels pre‐ and post‐trial. Compared with the control group, 6 months’ treatment with pioglitazone significantly decreased coronary plaque burden (50.7 ± 11.1 vs. 64.1 ± 10.3%, P < 0.05), plaque area (6.22 ± 2.03 vs. 8.31 ± 4.29, P < 0.05), thin‐cap fibroatheroma prevalence (11 vs. 22%, P < 0.05) and percentage of necrotic core area (16 ± 8 vs. 31 ± 7%, P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and plasma endothelin‐1 levels were significantly lower and adiponectin level significantly higher in patients in the pioglitazone group. Serum adiponectin level was negatively correlated with plasma endothelin‐1 level and coronary plaque area (r = 0.739 and –0.431, respectively, both P < 0.05).

Conclusions  Pioglitazone may induce regression and stabilization of coronary atherosclerotic plaques. The mechanisms might involve inhibition of inflammation, increase in adiponectin level and improvement in endothelial function.
Obesity and cardiovascular disease risk among Turkish and Moroccan migrant groups in Europe: a systematic review
Authors: Ujcic‐Voortman J. K. , Baan C. A. , Seidell J. C. , Verhoeff A. P.
Published: September 2011

Migrants from Turkey and Morocco are among the largest ethnic minority groups in several European countries. In this review, we aimed to systematically search, assess and describe the available literature on cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity and other endogenous cardiovascular risk factors among these groups. Although the number of publications covering this topic among Turkish and Moroccan migrants has increased in the past decades, studies among these groups, especially the Moroccan, are still limited. There is a particular lack of information on CVD mortality and morbidity rates. Furthermore, studies are often hampered by low participation rates, small sample sizes and self‐reported data. This further complicates drawing sound conclusions on CVD and risk factors among these migrant groups. The results with regard to CVD morbidity and mortality rates are inconclusive. With regard to CVD risk factors, we tentatively conclude that obesity and diabetes are more common among Turkish and Moroccan migrant groups in Europe than the western European population. In the Turkish population there is also a fair amount of evidence for unfavourable high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. However, more research on this topic among these major ethnic minorities is of high importance.
A Context‐sensitive Approach to Analysing Talk in Strategy Meetings
Authors: Clarke Ian , Kwon Winston , Wodak Ruth
Published: September 2011

The talk of managers in meetings is central to organizational life and crucial to research in strategic management, as well as managerial and organizational cognition, sensemaking and decision‐making. To achieve full understanding, both the text and the context of discussion require systematic analysis, but most approaches treat context as everything that is known and observed beyond the immediate text. This obscures different readings of the text of meetings. To resolve this problem, the discourse historical approach (DHA) to critical discourse analysis is outlined as a framework within which researchers can analyse the text and context of talk in meetings. The primary contribution of this paper is to isolate four ‘levels of context’ as a heuristic framework within which discursive practices, strategies and texts can be located. By making explicit the levels of contextual analysis that are implicit in other methods, and illustrating the DHA using an episode of strategic discussion from a multinational company, this paper shows how researchers can use the approach to analyse the naturally occurring talk of senior managers in meetings, which is arguably the most important but yet under‐explored venue for strategizing.
A Class of Normalized Random Measures with an Exact Predictive Sampling Scheme
Authors: TRIPPA LORENZO , FAVARO STEFANO
Published: September 2011

Abstract.  In this article, we define and investigate a novel class of non‐parametric prior distributions, termed the class . Such class of priors is dense with respect to the homogeneous normalized random measures with independent increments and it is characterized by a richer predictive structure than those arising from other widely used priors. Our interest in the class is mainly motivated by Bayesian non‐parametric analysis of some species sampling problems concerning the evaluation of the species relative abundances in a population. We study both the probability distribution of the number of species present in a sample and the probability of discovering a new species conditionally on an observed sample. Finally, by using the coupling from the past method, we provide an exact sampling scheme for the system of predictive distributions characterizing the class .
Bayesian Robustness Modelling of Location and Scale Parameters
Authors: ANDRADE JOSE AILTON ALENCAR , O'HAGAN ANTHONY
Published: September 2011

Abstract.  The modelling process in Bayesian Statistics constitutes the fundamental stage of the analysis, since depending on the chosen probability laws the inferences may vary considerably. This is particularly true when conflicts arise between two or more sources of information. For instance, inference in the presence of an outlier (which conflicts with the information provided by the other observations) can be highly dependent on the assumed sampling distribution. When heavy‐tailed (e.g. t) distributions are used, outliers may be rejected whereas this kind of robust inference is not available when we use light‐tailed (e.g. normal) distributions. A long literature has established sufficient conditions on location‐parameter models to resolve conflict in various ways. In this work, we consider a location–scale parameter structure, which is more complex than the single parameter cases because conflicts can arise between three sources of information, namely the likelihood, the prior distribution for the location parameter and the prior for the scale parameter. We establish sufficient conditions on the distributions in a location–scale model to resolve conflicts in different ways as a single observation tends to infinity. In addition, for each case, we explicitly give the limiting posterior distributions as the conflict becomes more extreme.
General auditory processing, speech perception and phonological awareness skills in Chinese–English biliteracy
Authors: Chung Kevin K. H. , McBride‐Chang Catherine , Cheung Him , Wong Simpson W. L.
Published: September 2011

This study focused on the associations of general auditory processing, speech perception, phonological awareness and word reading in Cantonese‐speaking children from Hong Kong learning to read both Chinese (first language [L1]) and English (second language [L2]). Children in Grades 2–4 (N=133) participated and were administered measures of IQ, word reading, phonological awareness, speech perception and auditory processing in both L1 and L2. Auditory processing uniquely explained both L1 and L2 word reading. While L1 speech perception accounted for unique variance in L1 word reading, L2 phonological awareness explained unique variance in L2 word reading. In cross‐language comparisons, L1 phonological awareness and speech perception were uniquely associated with L2 word reading, suggesting cross‐language transfer from L1 to L2 only. Results underscore the importance of auditory processing for reading across variable learning contexts.
Contract enforcement, institutions, and social capital: the Maghribi traders reappraised1
Authors: EDWARDS JEREMY , OGILVIE SHEILAGH
Published: September 2011

Social scientists draw important lessons for modern development from the medieval Maghribi traders who, it has been argued, lacked effective legal mechanisms for contract enforcement and instead relied on informal sanctions based on collective ostracism within an exclusive coalition. We show that this claim is untenable. Not a single empirical example adduced as evidence of the putative coalition shows that a coalition actually existed. The Maghribi traders made use of the formal legal system in order to enforce agency agreements in long‐distance trade. A subset of the traders did form a web of trusted business associates that contributed to informal contract enforcement, but this was very different from the hypothesized coalition, in neither being exclusive nor having a clearly defined membership. The Maghribi traders combined reputation‐based sanctions with legal mechanisms, in ways that resemble the practices of medieval European merchants. We find no evidence that the Maghribi traders had more ‘collectivist’ cultural beliefs than their European counterparts.
Association study of functional polymorphisms in serotonin transporter gene with temporal lobe epilepsy in Han Chinese population
Authors: Li J. , Lin H. , Zhu X. , Li L. , Wang X. , Sun W. , Wu X. , Liu A. , Niu F. , Wang Y. , Liu Y.
Published: September 2011

Background and purpose:  Serotoninergic dysfunction was reported to be involved in aetiology of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Serotonin (5‐HT) is actively cleared from synaptic cleft by serotonin transporter (5‐HTT). We investigated the association between three common polymorphisms of 5‐HTT gene, which may influence gene expression or function, and risk for TLE.

Methods:  Three hundred and thirty‐four patients with TLE and four hundred and eighty‐seven non‐epileptic control subjects from Han Chinese origin were enrolled for the present study. Polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method was used for genotyping.

Results:  10‐repeat allele frequency of 17 bp variable number of tandem repeats in the second intron (5‐HTTVNTR) was moderately higher in patients with TLE than in controls (9.1% vs. 6.1%, P = 0.0187, OR = 1.55, 95%CI = 1.07–2.26).

Conclusion:  Our study suggested 10‐repeat allele of 5‐HTTVNTR may be associated with TLE susceptibility.
Helpful citizens and caring families: Patterns of informal help and caregiving in Sweden in a 17‐year perspective
Authors: Jegermalm Magnus , Grassman Eva Jeppsson
Published: September 2011

Jegermalm M, Grassman EJ. Helpful citizens and caring families: patterns of informal help and caregiving in Sweden in a 17‐year perspective

This article reports on an analysis of informal help and caregiving in Sweden with, for the first time, a focus on patterns of change over 17 years regarding scope, type of caregivers and the recipients of help. The discussion is based on results from a national survey repeated four times between 1992 and 2009. In the 1990s, the figures were stable, but from the late 1990s to 2009, there seems to have been a dramatic increase in the extent of informal help giving. Concerning types of helpers, the patterns implied involvement not only from family members, but also from other types of helpers. Two interpretative perspectives were used in the analysis: the first from recent welfare state changes and the substitution argument; the second from the present debate on civil society and its possible and changing role. These perspectives represent two partly complementary approaches to the understanding of the dynamics of informal involvement in contemporary Swedish society.
The Effects of Market Makers and Stock Analysts in Emerging Markets
Authors: Čekauskas Karolis , Gerasimovs Reinis , Liatukas Vytautas , Putniņš Tālis J.
Published: September 2011

We exploit a quasi‐experiment to examine the effects of market makers and stock analysts in three emerging stock markets. We find substantial differences in the effects across markets, and in contrast to existing literature, the effects of market makers are not always positive. Our results suggest that the structure of market makers' agreements and compensation matters for their effects on market quality. Stock analysts, on balance, have marginally positive effects on liquidity and informational efficiency. The benefits of market makers are weaker in the presence of stock analysts, and vice versa, suggesting that market makers and stock analysts are more like substitutes than complements in their effects on market quality.
Hydromechanical effects of continental glaciation on groundwater systems
Authors: NEUZIL C. E.
Published: September 2011

Hydromechanical effects of continental ice sheets may involve considerably more than the widely recognized direct compression of overridden terrains by ice load. Lithospheric flexure, which lags ice advance and retreat, appears capable of causing comparable or greater stress changes. Together, direct and flexural loading may increase fluid pressures by tens of MPa in geologic units unable to drain. If so, fluid pressures in low‐permeability formations subject to glaciation may have increased and decreased repeatedly during cycles of Pleistocene glaciation and can again in the future. Being asynchronous and normally oriented, direct and flexural loading presumably cause normal and shear stresses to evolve in a complex fashion through much or all of a glacial cycle. Simulations of fractured rock predict permeability might vary by two to three orders of magnitude under similar stress changes as fractures at different orientations are subjected to changing normal and shear stresses and some become critically stressed. Uncertainties surrounding these processes and their interactions, and the confounding influences of surface hydrologic changes, make it challenging to delineate their effects on groundwater flow and pressure regimes with any specificity. To date, evidence for hydromechanical changes caused by the last glaciation is sparse and inconclusive, comprising a few pressure anomalies attributed to the removal of direct ice load. This may change as more data are gathered, and understanding of relevant processes is refined.
Ecological characteristics in habitats of twoAfrican mole‐rat species with different social systems in an area of sympatry: implications for the mole‐rat social evolution
Authors: Lövy M. , Šklíba J. , Burda H. , Chitaukali W. N. , Šumbera R.
Published: September 2011

African mole‐rats (Bathyergidae) are subterranean rodents with diverse social systems, which range from solitary to highly cooperative. The social systems are thought to reflect ecological conditions. We examined ecological characteristics in habitats occupied by two mole‐rat species with different social systems in an area of sympatry in theNyikaPlateau,Malawi. Whereas the solitary silvery mole‐ratHeliophobius argenteocinereusoccurs there in the afromontane grasslands, the socialWhyte's mole‐ratFukomys whyteiis bound to theMiombo woodlands. The habitat ofF. whyteiwas characterized by a lower food supply and harder soil. We suppose that the niche segregation of the two species in theNyikaPlateau is due to the inability of the solitary species to survive under the harsh ecological conditions. Absence ofF. whyteiin higher altitudes may be due to its less effective thermoregulation, competitive exclusion byH. argenteocinereus, or other unknown factors. Analysis of available data on food supply and precipitation from different mole‐rat localities revealed that there is no clear separation of the localities inhabited by solitary, social and so‐called eusocial species.
Insights into the historical construction of species‐rich Mesoamerican seasonally dry tropical forests: the diversification of Bursera (Burseraceae, Sapindales)
Authors: De‐Nova J. Arturo , Medina Rosalinda , Montero Juan Carlos , Weeks Andrea , Rosell Julieta A. , Olson Mark E. , Eguiarte Luis E. , Magallón Susana
Published: September 2011

See also the Commentary by Dick and Pennington
Does HIV Services Decentralization Protect against the Risk of Catastrophic Health Expenditures? Some Lessons from Cameroon
Authors: Boyer Sylvie , Abu‐Zaineh Mohammad , Blanche Jérôme , Loubière Sandrine , Bonono Renée‐Cécile , Moatti Jean‐Paul , Ventelou Bruno
Published: September 2011

Objective

Scaling up antiretroviral treatment (ART) through decentralization of HIV care is increasingly recommended as a strategy toward ensuring equitable access to treatment. However, there have been hitherto few attempts to empirically examine the performance of this policy, and particularly its role in protecting against the risk of catastrophic health expenditures (CHE). This article therefore seeks to assess whether HIV care decentralization has a protective effect against the risk of CHE associated with HIV infection.

Data Source and Study Design

We use primary data from the cross‐sectional EVAL‐ANRS 12‐116 survey, conducted in 2006–2007 among a random sample of 3,151 HIV‐infected outpatients followed up in 27 hospitals in Cameroon.

Data Collection and Methods

Data collected contain sociodemographic, economic, and clinical information on patients as well as health care supply‐related characteristics. We assess the determinants of CHE among the ART‐treated patients using a hierarchical logistic model (n = 2,412), designed to adequately investigate the separate effects of patients and supply‐related characteristics.

Principal Findings

Expenditures for HIV care exceed 17 percent of household income for 50 percent of the study population. After adjusting for individual characteristics and technological level, decentralization of HIV services emerges as the main health system factor explaining interclass variance, with a protective effect on the risk of CHE.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that HIV care decentralization is likely to enhance equity in access to ART. Decentralization appears, however, to be a necessary but insufficient condition to fully remove the risk of CHE, unless other innovative reforms in health financing are introduced.