bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with job satisfaction among Chinese community health workers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ge Cuixia , Fu Jialiang , Chang Ying , Wang Lie
Published: November 2011

Background

With the medical reform, the function of community health centres emerged to be more important recently in China. However, the health service capabilities were tremendously different between metropolitan cities and small cities. This study aims to clarify the level of job satisfaction of Chinese community health workers between a metropolitan (Shenyang) and a small city (Benxi) in Liaoning province and explore its associated factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2009 to February 2010. A multi-stage sample was used and a total of 2,100 Chinese community health workers from the two cities completed self-administered questionnaire pertaining to job satisfaction indicated by Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), demographic characteristic and working situations, stress and job burnout. The effective response rate was 80.7%. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to explore the related factors. All data analyses for the two cities were performed separately.

Results

The averages of overall job satisfaction score of Chinese community health workers were 67.17 in Shenyang and 69.95 in Benxi. Intrinsic job satisfaction and extrinsic job satisfaction among Chinese community health workers were significantly different between Shenyang and Benxi (p < 0.05). In Shenyang, hierarchical regression analysis showed that the fourth model explained 36%, 32% of the variance of intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfactions, respectively. In Benxi, the fourth model explained 48%, 52% of the variance of intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfactions, respectively. Three significant predictors of intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfactions for the two cities were the two dimensions (social support and decision latitude) of stress and cynicism of burnout.

Conclusion

From this study, the job satisfaction among Chinese community health workers in the two cities enjoyed a moderate level of job satisfactions, which represented they are not fully satisfied with their jobs. Community health workers in Shenyang had lower job satisfaction as compared to those in Benxi. This study strengthened the evidence that stress and burnout were important predictors of intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfactions.
Economic evaluation of increasing population rates of cardiac catheterization
Authors: Clement Fiona M , Ghali William A , Rinfret Stephane , Manns Braden J ,   the APPROACH Investigators
Published: November 2011

Background

Increasing population rates of cardiac catheterization can lead to the detection of more people with high risk coronary disease and opportunity for subsequent revascularization. However, such a strategy should only be undertaken if it is cost-effective.

Methods

Based on data from a cohort of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, and efficacy data from clinical trials, we used a Markov model that considered 1) the yield of high-risk cases as the catheterization rate increases, 2) the long-term survival, quality of life and costs for patients with high risk disease, and 3) the impact of revascularization on survival, quality of life and costs. The cost per quality-adjusted life year was calculated overall, and by indication, age, and sex subgroups.

Results

Increasing the catheterization rate was associated with a cost per QALY of CAN$26,470. The cost per QALY was most attractive in females with Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) ($20,320 per QALY gained), and for ACS patients over 75 years of age ($16,538 per QALY gained). However, there is significant model uncertainty associated with the efficacy of revascularization.

Conclusion

A strategy of increasing cardiac catheterization rates among eligible patients is associated with a cost per QALY similar to that of other funded interventions. However, there is significant model uncertainty. A decision to increase population rates of catheterization requires consideration of the accompanying opportunity costs, and careful thought towards the most appropriate strategy.
Using personality as a predictor of diet induced weight loss and weight management
Authors: Munro Irene A , Bore Miles R , Munro Don , Garg Manohar L
Published: November 2011

Background

A major challenge for successful weight management is tailoring weight loss programs to individual needs. The aim of this study was to investigate whether personality traits could be used to match individuals to a compatible weight loss program that would maximize weight loss.

Method

Two different weight loss trials were conducted, both with a weight loss greater than 5% the measure of success. Fifty-four individuals, BMI 30-40 kg/m2, either followed a slow, healthy eating weight loss diet (HEWLD) of 5000-6000 kJ/day for 12 weeks (n = 22), or a fast, very low energy diet (VLED) of 3000 kJ/day for 4 weeks (n = 32). Anthropometric measurements were recorded at baseline, at the end of the weight loss period and, for VLED, at the end of 10 weeks of weight maintenance. Personality traits were measured at baseline using the Tangney Self Control Scale plus 3 of the scales from the Five Factor Model - Neuroticism, Conscientiousness and Extraversion.

Results

The percentage weight loss was significantly greater in VLED (-7.38%) compared to HEWLD (-4.11%), (p < 0.001). Weight loss in HEWLD was positively correlated with Anxiety, a facet of Neuroticism. Weight loss in VLED was positively correlated with Neuroticism (r = 0.5, p < 0.01), and negatively correlated with Dutifulness and Discipline, facets of Conscientiousness, (p < 0.05 for both). No link was observed between weight loss and the personality trait, Self Control, in either HEWLD or VLED.

Conclusion

The personality factor, Neuroticism, was linked to successful weight loss (that is ≥ 5%) with a particular weight loss treatment, suggesting that there is a potential to use measures of personality to identify appropriate weight loss/management strategies for individuals.

Trial registration

Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12611000716965
Long-term fenofibrate treatment impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and up-regulated pancreatic NF-kappa B and iNOS expression in monosodium glutamate-induced obese rats: Is that a latent disadvantage?
Authors: Liu Shuai-nan , Liu Quan , Li Lin-yi , Huan Yi , Sun Su-juan , Shen Zhu-fang
Published: November 2011

Background

Fenofibrate, a PPAR alpha agonist, has been widely used in clinics as lipid-regulating agent. PPAR alpha is known to be expressed in many organs including pancreatic beta cells and regulate genes involved in fatty acid metabolism. Some reports based on cell lines or animals have provided evidences that PPAR alpha agonists may affect (increased or suppressed) beta cell insulin secretion, and several studies are producing interesting but still debated results.

Methods

In this research, we investigated the long term effects of fenofibrate on beta cell function in a metabolic syndrome animal model, monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced obese rats. Obese MSG rats were administered by gavage with fenofibrate at a dose of 100 mg/kg for 12 weeks. Oral glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance tests were performed to evaluate glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. We have used the hyperglycemic clamp technique to evaluate the capacity of beta cell insulin secretion. This technique provides an unbiased approach to understand the beta cell function in vivo. The changes of gene and protein expression in the pancreas and islets were also analyzed by Real-Time-PCR, Western blot and immunostaining.

Results

Fenofibrate reduced the plasma lipid levels within a few days, and showed no beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis or insulin sensitivity in obese MSG rats. But the animals treated with fenofibrate exhibited significantly decreased fasting plasma insulin and impaired insulin secretory response to glucose stimulation. Further studies confirmed that fenofibrate increased MDA level and decreased total ATPase activity in pancreatic mitochondrion, accompanied by the upregulation of iNOS and NF-kappa B and TNF alpha expression in pancreatic islets of obese MSG rats.

Conclusions

Long-term fenofibrate treatment disrupted beta cell function, and impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in obese MSG rats, perhaps to some extent associated with the activated inflammatory pathway and increased formation of oxidative products, especially the up-regulation of NF-kappa B and iNOS expression in islets.
Genetic evolution of low pathogenecity H9N2 Avian influenza viruses in Tunisia: acquisition of new mutations
Authors: Tombari Wafa , Nsiri Jihene , Larbi Imen , Guerin Jean Luc , Ghram Abdeljelil
Published: November 2011

Background

Since the end of 2009, H9N2 has emerged in Tunisia causing several epidemics in poultry industry resulting in major economic losses. To monitor variations of Influenza viruses during the outbreaks, Tunisian H9N2 virus isolates were identified and genetically characterized.

Methods

The genomic RNA segments of Tunisian H9N2 strains were subjected to RT-PCR amplifications followed by sequencing analysis.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that A/Ck/TUN/12/10 and A/Migratory Bird/TUN/51/10 viruses represent multiple reassortant lineages, with genes coming from Middle East strains, and share the common ancestor Qa/HK/G1/97 isolate which has contributed internal genes of H5N1 virus circulating in Asia. Some of the internal genes seemed to have undergone broad reassortments with other influenza subtypes. Deduced amino acid sequences of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene showed the presence of additional glycosylation site and Leu at position 234 indicating to binding preference to α (2, 6) sialic acid receptors, indicating their potential to directly infect humans. The Hemagglutinin cleavage site motif sequence is
333

PARSSR*GLF

341
which indicates the low pathogenicity nature of the Tunisian H9N2 strains and the potential to acquire the basic amino acids required for the highly pathogenic strains. Their neuraminidase protein (NA) carried substitutions in the hemadsorption (HB) site, similar to those of other avian H9N2 viruses from Asia, Middle Eastern and human pandemic H2N2 and H3N2 that bind to α -2, 6 -linked receptors. Two avian virus-like aa at positions 661 (A) and 702 (K), similar to H5N1 strains, were identified in the polymerase (PB2) protein. Likewise, matrix (M) protein carried some substitutions which are linked with increasing replication in mammals. In addition, H9N2 strain recently circulating carried new polymorphism, "GSEV" PDZ ligand (PL) C-terminal motif in its non structural (NS) protein.

Two new aa substitutions (I) and (V), that haven't been previously reported, were identified in the polymerase and matrix proteins, respectively. Nucleoprotein and non-structural protein carried some substitutions similar to H5N1 strains.

Conclusion

Considering these new mutations, the molecular basis of tropism, host responses and enhanced virulence will be defined and studied. Otherwise, Continuous monitoring of viral genetic changes throughout the year is warranted to monitor variations of Influenza viruses in the field.
A proteomic analysis of the regulon of the NarP two-component regulatory system response regulator in the bovine pathogen Mannheimia haemolytica A1
Authors: Inamoto Ichiro , Lo Reggie
Published: November 2011

Background

The response of the NarQP two-component signal transduction system regulon in response to the presence of nitrate for the bovine pathogen Mannheimia haemolytica A1 was investigated by proteomic analysis. Total proteins from a narP mutant and the parent SH1217 grown with or without NaNO3 supplement were examined by ISO-DALT 2D electrophoresis and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results

Seventeen proteins were differentially expressed in the parent strain SH1217 in response to the addition of NaNO3 to the growth media. These responses were absent in the narP mutant, indicating that the altered production of these proteins is mediated by NarP
Mh
. Interestingly, NarP
Mh
mediated the increased production of some proteins which are not generally associated with nitrate respiration, such as the iron transporters FbpA and YfeA. The increased production of proteins such as superoxide dismutase, SodA, and GAPDH were also observed. The increased production of these iron-regulated proteins by NarP
Mh
is thought to enhance the swift establishment of the nitrate respiration mechanism of M. haemolytica during pathogenesis.

Conclusion

The data suggested NarP
Mh
acts as an important regulator which regulates the expression of a small set of proteins in response to nitrate availability. This may contribute to the prevalence of M. haemolytica A1 in its host during pathogenesis of BPP, through enhancing the effectiveness of nitrate respiration either directly or indirectly.
Remobilization of Sleeping Beauty transposons in the germline of Xenopus tropicalis
Authors: Yergeau Donald A , Kelley Clair M , Kuliyev Emin , Zhu Haiqing , Johnson Hamlet Michelle R , Sater Amy K , Wells Dan E , Mead Paul E
Published: November 2011

Background

The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system has been used for germline transgenesis of the diploid frog, Xenopus tropicalis. Injecting one-cell embryos with plasmid DNA harboring an SB transposon substrate together with mRNA encoding the SB transposase enzyme resulted in non-canonical integration of small-order concatemers of the transposon. Here, we demonstrate that SB transposons stably integrated into the frog genome are effective substrates for remobilization.

Results

Transgenic frogs that express the SB 10 transposase were bred with SB transposon-harboring animals to yield double-transgenic 'hopper' frogs. Remobilization events were observed in the progeny of the hopper frogs and were verified by Southern blot analysis and cloning of the novel integrations sites. Unlike the co-injection method used to generate founder lines, transgenic remobilization resulted in canonical transposition of the SB transposons. The remobilized SB transposons frequently integrated near the site of the donor locus; approximately 80% re-integrated with 3 Mb of the donor locus, a phenomenon known as 'local hopping'.

Conclusions

In this study, we demonstrate that SB transposons integrated into the X. tropicalis genome are effective substrates for excision and re-integration, and that the remobilized transposons are transmitted through the germline. This is an important step in the development of large-scale transposon-mediated gene- and enhancer-trap strategies in this highly tractable developmental model system.
PPARδ regulates satellite cell proliferation and skeletal muscle regeneration
Authors: Angione Alison R , Jiang Chunhui , Pan Dongning , Wang Yong-Xu , Kuang Shihuan
Published: November 2011

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a class of nuclear receptors that play important roles in development and energy metabolism. Whereas PPARδ has been shown to regulate mitochondrial biosynthesis and slow-muscle fiber types, its function in skeletal muscle progenitors (satellite cells) is unknown. Since constitutive mutation of Pparδ leads to embryonic lethality, we sought to address this question by conditional knockout (cKO) of Pparδ using Myf5-Cre/Pparδ

flox/flox
alleles to ablate PPARδ in myogenic progenitor cells. Although Pparδ-cKO mice were born normally and initially displayed no difference in body weight, muscle size or muscle composition, they later developed metabolic syndrome, which manifested as increased body weight and reduced response to glucose challenge at age nine months. Pparδ-cKO mice had 40% fewer satellite cells than their wild-type littermates, and these satellite cells exhibited reduced growth kinetics and proliferation in vitro. Furthermore, regeneration of Pparδ-cKO muscles was impaired after cardiotoxin-induced injury. Gene expression analysis showed reduced expression of the Forkhead box class O transcription factor 1 (FoxO1) gene in Pparδ-cKO muscles under both quiescent and regenerating conditions, suggesting that PPARδ acts through FoxO1 in regulating muscle progenitor cells. These results support a function of PPARδ in regulating skeletal muscle metabolism and insulin sensitivity, and they establish a novel role of PPARδ in muscle progenitor cells and postnatal muscle regeneration.
Matrix metalloproteinase-3 inhibitor retards treadmill running-induced cartilage degradation in rats
Authors: Ni Guo-Xin , Zhan Li-Qiong , Gao Mei-Qin , Lei Lei , Zhou Yue-Zhu , Pan Yan-Xia
Published: November 2011

Introduction

The effect of intra-articular injection of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 inhibitor was investigated in a rat model to understand the role of MMP-3 in cartilage degradation induced by excessive loading from running.

Methods

A total of 24 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into groups of sedentary control (SED), high-intensity running (HIR), HIR + low dosage of MMP-3 Inhibitor I (HIRI1), and HIR + high dosage of MMP-3 Inhibitor I (HIRI2). Rats in the HIR, HIRI1 and HIRI2 groups were intensively trained for six weeks on the treadmill. Those in HIRI1 and HIRI2 groups were provided bilateral intra-articular injections of 80 μL of 0.2 mM and 2 mM MMP-3 Inhibitor I in knee joints once a week, respectively. Blood samples were collected to measure serum MMP-3 level using ELISA. Femoral condyles were collected to observe cartilage characteristics by histochemistry, and MMP-3 as well as collagen II was measured by immunohistochemistry. In addition, cartilage samples were obtained to assess MMP-3 mRNA expression by RT-PCR.

Results

Histological examination showed osteoarthritic changes in rats after six weeks of high intensity running. In comparison to the SED group, significant decreases in glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and collagen content were found in the HIR group, which corresponded to significant increase in serum MMP-3 level, cartilage MMP-3 activity and gene expression. However, such a degradative process was considerably retarded by intra-articular injection of MMP-3 inhibitor at higher dosage. Statistical differences were found between the HIR and HIRI2 groups with regard to GAG and collagen II content, serum MMP-3 level, cartilage MMP-3 activity and gene expression.

Conclusions

High-intensity running for six weeks may lead to cartilage degradation in a rat model. It was shown that the chrondroprotective effect was offered by the use of intra-articular injection of MMP-3 inhibitor. MMP-3 acts as the key mediator of this catabolic change under such mechanical condition. The results also showed that MMP-3 selective inhibitor may be an effective option for retarding such osteoarthritic changes.
The Arp2/3 activator WASH regulates α5β1-integrin-mediated invasive migration
Authors: Zech Tobias , Calaminus Simon D. J. , Caswell Patrick , Spence Heather J. , Carnell Michael , Insall Robert H. , Norman Jim , Machesky Laura M.
Published: November 2011

The actin cytoskeleton provides scaffolding and physical force to effect fundamental processes such as motility, cytokinesis and vesicle trafficking. The Arp2/3 complex nucleates actin structures and contributes to endocytic vesicle invagination and trafficking away from the plasma membrane. Internalisation and directed recycling of integrins are major driving forces for invasive cell motility and potentially for cancer metastasis. Here, we describe a direct requirement for WASH and Arp2/3-mediated actin polymerisation on the endosomal membrane system for α5β1 integrin recycling. WASH regulates the trafficking of endosomal α5β1 integrin to the plasma membrane and is fundamental for integrin-driven cell morphology changes and integrin-mediated cancer cell invasion. Thus, we implicate WASH and Arp2/3-driven actin nucleation in receptor recycling leading to invasive motility.
A coiled-coil- and C2-domain-containing protein is required for FAZ assembly and cell morphology in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Zhou Qing , Liu Binghai , Sun Ying , He Cynthia Y.
Published: November 2011

Trypanosoma brucei, a flagellated protozoan parasite causing human sleeping sickness, relies on a subpellicular microtubule array for maintenance of cell morphology. The flagellum is attached to the cell body through a poorly understood flagellum attachment zone (FAZ), and regulates cell morphogenesis using an unknown mechanism. Here we identified a new FAZ component, CC2D, which contains coiled-coil motifs followed by a C-terminal C2 domain. T. brucei CC2D is present on the FAZ filament, FAZ-juxtaposed ER membrane and the basal bodies. Depletion of CC2D inhibits the assembly of a new FAZ filament, forming a FAZ stub with a relatively fixed size at the base of a detached, but otherwise normal, flagellum. Inhibition of new FAZ formation perturbs subpellicular microtubule organization and generates short daughter cells. The cell length shows a strong linear correlation with FAZ length, in both control cells and in cells with inhibited FAZ assembly. Together, our data support a direct function of FAZ assembly in determining new daughter cell length by regulating subpellicular microtubule synthesis.
Life-threatening hyperkalaemia and multisystem toxicity following first-time exposure to cocaine
Authors: Elnenaei Manal O , Heneghen Michael A , Moniz Caje
Published: November 2011

Cocaine is a drug notorious for its ability to adversely affect almost any organ in the body and cause a plethora of biochemical abnormalities secondary to its severe vasoconstrictive properties. These abnormalities are not exclusively seen in habitual users or cases of overdose, and may sometimes cause confusion as to the underlying pathology. We describe a case of a young female who presented to the Accident and Emergency department in the early hours of the morning complaining of muscle weakness following the inhalation of a small quantity of an ‘unknown substance’ the previous night. Investigations showed life-threatening hyperkalaemia with a potassium of 9.0 mmol/L, evidence of rhabdomyolysis, acute renal as well as liver failure, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and a raised troponin of 7000 ng/L, which later peaked to 15,600 ng/L. Four days later, she became hypoxic as a result of adult respiratory distress syndrome with grossly abnormal chest X-ray appearances. Following intensive therapy, she made a dramatic recovery and was discharged from hospital 20 days from presentation. This case highlights the importance of biochemical profiling in patients presenting with possible drug use, even in the absence of significant symptoms.
Effects of space allocation and housing density on measures of wellbeing in laboratory mice: a review
Authors: Whittaker A L , Howarth G S , Hickman D L
Published: November 2011

In the majority of countries where there are legislative requirements pertaining to the use of animals in research, figures are quoted for minimum cage sizes or space allocation to be provided per animal. These figures are generally based on professional judgement and are in common usage. However, there is a growing trend and expectation that welfare science should inform regulatory decision-making. Given the importance of the potential welfare influences of cage size on the animals themselves, this paper presents the latest scientific knowledge on this topic in one of the most commonly used animals in research, the mouse. A comprehensive review of studies in laboratory mice was undertaken, examining the effects of space allocation per animal and animal density on established welfare indicators. To date, animal density studies have predominated, and the effects of space allocation per se are still relatively unclear. This information will guide those involved in facility management or legislative review, and provide a more solid foundation for further studies into the effects of routine husbandry practices on animal welfare.
Characterization of NrnA homologs from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Authors: Postic Guillaume , Danchin Antoine , Mechold Undine
Published: November 2011

Processive RNases are unable to degrade efficiently very short oligonucleotides, and they are complemented by specific enzymes, nanoRNases, that assist in this process. We previously identified NrnA (YtqI) from Bacillus subtilis as a bifunctional protein with the ability to degrade nanoRNA (RNA oligos ≤5 nucleotides) and to dephosphorylate 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphate (pAp) to AMP. While the former activity is analogous to that of oligoribonuclease (Orn) from Escherichia coli, the latter corresponds to CysQ. NrnA homologs are widely present in bacterial and archaeal genomes. They are found preferably in genomes that lack Orn or CysQ homologs. Here, we characterize NrnA homologs from important human pathogens, Mpn140 from Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Rv2837c from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Like NrnA, these enzymes degrade nanoRNA and dephosphorylate pAp in vitro. However, they show dissimilar preferences for specific nanoRNA substrate lengths. Whereas NrnA prefers RNA 3-mers with a 10-fold higher specific activity compared to 5-mers, Rv2837c shows a preference for nanoRNA of a different length, namely, 2-mers. Mpn140 degrades Cy5-labeled nanoRNA substrates in vitro with activities varying within one order of magnitude as follows: 5-mer>4-mer>3-mer>2-mer. In agreement with these in vitro activities, both Rv2837c and Mpn140 can complement the lack of their functional counterparts in E. coli: CysQ and Orn. The NrnA homolog from Streptococcus mutans, SMU.1297, was previously shown to hydrolyze pAp and to complement an E. coli cysQ mutant. Here, we show that SMU.1297 can complement an E. coli orn− mutant, suggesting that having both pAp-phosphatase and nanoRNase activity is a common feature of NrnA homologs.
MicroRNAs 296 and 298 are imprinted and part of the GNAS/Gnas cluster and miR-296 targets IKBKE and Tmed9
Authors: Robson Joan E. , Eaton Sally A. , Underhill Peter , Williams Debbie , Peters Jo
Published: November 2011

Genomic imprinting is the phenomenon whereby a subset of genes is differentially expressed according to parental origin. Imprinted genes tend to occur in clusters, and microRNAs are associated with the majority of well-defined clusters of imprinted genes. We show here that two microRNAs, miR-296 and miR-298, are part of the imprinted Gnas/GNAS clusters in both mice and humans. Both microRNAs show imprinted expression and are expressed from the paternally derived allele, but not the maternal allele. They arise from a long, noncoding antisense transcript, Nespas, with a promoter more than 27 kb away. Nespas had been shown previously to act in cis to regulate imprinted gene expression within the Gnas cluster. Using microarrays and luciferase assays, IKBKE, involved in many signaling pathways, and Tmed9, a protein transporter, were verified as new targets of miR-296. Thus, Nespas has two clear functions: as a cis-acting regulator within an imprinted gene cluster and as a precursor of microRNAs that modulate gene expression in trans. Furthermore, imprinted microRNAs, including miR-296 and miR-298, impose a parental specific modulation of gene expression of their target genes.
Molecular mechanisms of glycine transporter GlyT2 mutations in startle disease
Authors: James Victoria M. , Gill Jennifer L. , Topf Maya , Harvey Robert J.
Published: November 2011

Startle disease affects newborn children and involves an exaggerated startle response and muscle hypertonia in response to acoustic or tactile stimuli. The primary cause of startle disease is defective inhibitory glycinergic transmission due to mutations in the postsynaptic glycine receptor (GlyR) α1 subunit gene (GLRA1). However, mutations have also been discovered in the genes encoding the GlyR β subunit (GLRB) and the presynaptic glycine transporter GlyT2 (SLC6A5). GlyT2 mutations have also been detected in Belgian Blue cattle and Irish Wolfhounds, where they have significant economic and animal welfare impacts.
The role of mean platelet volume in predicting thrombotic events
Authors: Colkesen Yucel , Muderrisoglu Haldun
Published: November 2011

Studies on platelet function have accelerated and gained popularity since the advent of novel treatment modalities and techniques on atherosclerotic vascular disease, such as antiplatelet drugs and stents. Today it is widely known that platelets exert a fundamental role in inflammation in addition to their long known role in homeostasis and thrombotic events. Interaction with endothelial cells and leukocytes mediates inflammation, contributes to atherogenesis and modulates immune activity. Platelet activation which is a central factor in many arterial disorders may be triggered by multiple pathways. Platelet activation is shown as forming a larger shape, aggregation and releasing various active contents. Mean platelet volume is a marker of platelet size, function and activation. Increased mean platelet volume is shown by active and large platelets that release more thromboxane A2 than smaller ones. The aim of this review is to determine whether early detection of platelet activation via increased mean platelet volume would help to recognize the pro-inflammatory state and administer appropriate and effective treatment properly. An easily detectable marker by using a prompt and functional technique would help our approach to inflammation caused by platelets.
Associations of IGF1 and its binding proteins with abdominal aortic aneurysm and aortic diameter in older men
Authors: Yeap Bu B , Chubb S A Paul , McCaul Kieran A , Flicker Leon , Ho Ken K Y , Golledge Jonathan , Hankey Graeme J , Norman Paul E
Published: November 2011

Objective

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is most prevalent in older men. GH secretion declines with age resulting in reduced IGF1 levels. IGF1 and its binding proteins (IGFBPs) are expressed in vasculature, and lower IGF1 levels have been associated with cardiovascular risk factors and disease. However, the relationship of the IGF1 system with aortic dilation and AAA is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that circulating IGF1 and IGFBPs are associated with AAA and aortic diameter in older men.

Design

A cross-sectional analysis involving 3981 community-dwelling men aged 70–89 years was performed.

Methods

Abdominal aortic diameter was measured by ultrasound. Plasma total IGF1, IGFBP1 and IGFBP3 were measured by immunoassays.

Results

After adjustment for age, body mass index, waist:hip ratio, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, coronary heart disease and serum creatinine, a higher IGF1 level was associated with AAA (odds ratio (OR)/1 s.d. increase 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–1.33, P=0.006), as was the ratio of IGF1/IGFBP3 (OR=1.22, 95% CI 1.10–1.35, P<0.001). Highest IGF1 concentrations compared with lowest quintile were significantly associated with AAA (quintile (Q) 5 vs Q1: OR=1.80, 95% CI 1.20–2.70, P=0.004) as were IGF1/IGFBP3 ratios (Q5 vs Q1: OR=2.52, 95% CI 1.59–4.02, P<0.001). IGF1 and IGFBP1 were independently associated with aortic diameter (β=0.200, 95% CI 0.043–0.357, P=0.012 and β=0.274, 95% CI 0.098–0.449, P=0.002 respectively).

Conclusions

In older men, higher IGF1 and an increased ratio of IGF1/IGFBP3 are associated with AAA, while IGFBP1 is independently associated with increased aortic diameter. Components of the IGF1 system may contribute to, or be a marker for, aortic dilation in ageing men.
Economies of scale in the water sector: a survey of the empirical literature
Authors: Ferro Gustavo , Lentini Emilio J. , Mercadier Augusto C.
Published: November 2011

The issue of the most favorable size and optimal industry structure in the water sector is a relevant topic in many countries, due to fragmentation of the water sector and the key role played by municipalities. Important debates are taking place worldwide about how to provide universal access to the water supply and offer an efficient service. Regarding efficiency, the possibility of exploiting economies of scale would imply better resource allocation, the potential for lower water charges, and greater geographical coverage. By surveying the empirical research from different parts of the world, we aim to shed some light on the topic of economies of scale, and to provide a synthesis of the literature. We also aim to determine whether there is a tradeoff between centralization and decentralization. Our survey shows that, for several countries, variations in efficiency of water provision due to economies of scale do exist. Increases in efficiency related to economies of scale are found for populations in the range of 100,000 to 1 million people served. For larger populations, volume- or density-constant returns to scale are observed, followed by decreasing returns to scale; the reverse occurs for smaller values, suggesting that cost savings are derived from consolidation of providers. [Returns to scale refer to changes in output resulting where all inputs increase by a constant factor. If output increases by that same proportional change, then there are constant returns to scale. If output increases by less than that proportional change, there are decreasing returns to scale. If output increases by more than that proportional change, there are increasing returns to scale. Returns to scale is a technological phenomenon, due to the relationship between inputs and outputs in the production function. Economies of scale refer to reductions in unit cost as the scale of production increases. Diseconomies of scale are the opposite: increasing in unit costs as the scale of production increases. Scale changes mean a proportional increase in all factors of production. Economies of scale are a economical phenomenon, due to the relationship between unit costs and the level of production.]
Impact of intestinal microorganisms and protozoan parasites on drinking water quality in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Dalu Tatenda , Barson Maxwell , Nhiwatiwa Tamuka
Published: November 2011

The presence of microorganisms and their potential impacts on drinking water from boreholes, bowsers, lakes, rivers, springs, taps and wells was investigated in peri-urban settlements around Harare. Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Vibrio cholerae and faecal streptococci were present in all water sources except for the boreholes and bowsers. Rivers, lake and wells showed the greatest diversity of 10, 5 and 6 species and relative density (rd) of 90.9, 83.4 and 61.67% respectively for the protozoan parasites. Cryptosporidium was identified in groundwater sources; wells (rd = 8.3%) and springs (rd = 41.7%) and identified in tap water (rd = 6.23%) and the Mukuvisi River downstream (rd = 8.3%). Entamoeba histolytica, Cyclospora, Isospora belli, Trichuris trichiura and Giardia lamblia were found in all water sources. Eggs/larvae of intestinal parasites; Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides, Rhabditis, Taenia sp. and Schistosoma mansoni were identified in different water sources. Faecal coliform levels had a significant effect on the water sources' water quality with p = 0.018 in all sites except for the borehole whilst faecal streptococci had no significant impact with p = 0.513. The presence of at least one microbial pathogenic organism and parasites in most of the water sources poses a threat to the water quality and is a human health risk in the study areas.
Editorial
Authors: Margetts Helen Z.
Published: November 2011

This editorial introduces the articles of volume 3, issue 4 of Policy and Internet.
Reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography behavior of aldopentose derivatives
Authors: Livaja-Popovic Dragana , Loncar Eva , Jevric Lidija , Malbasa Radomir
Published: November 2011

Quantitative structure-retention relationships (QSRR) have been used to study
the chromatographic behavior of some aldopentose. The behavior of aldopentose
derivatives was investigated by means of the reversed-phase thin-layer
chromatography (RP TLC) on the silica gel impregnated with paraffin oil
stationary phases. Binary mixtures of methanol-water, acetone-water and
dioxane-water were used as mobile phases. Retention factors, RM0,
corresponding to zero percent organic modifier in the aqueous mobile phase
was determined. Lipophilicity C0 was calculated as the ratio of the intercept
and slope values. There was satisfactory correlation between them and log P
values calculated using different theoretical procedures. Some of these
correlations offer very good predicting models, which are important for a
better understanding of the relationships between chemical structure and
retention. The study showed that the hydrophobic parameters RM0 and C0 can be
used as a measures of lipophilicity of investigated compounds.
Design, synthesis and antimicrobial activity of new biquinoline derivatives
Authors: Shah Nirav , Shah Nimesh , Patel Manish , Patel Ranjan
Published: November 2011

A simple and efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of some
novel biquinoline derivatives bearing a thiazole moiety through a onepot
three-component condensation of 2-chlro-3-formylquinolines, ethyl
cyanoacetate and ?-enaminone using catalytic amount of piperidine in
refluxing ethanol. These molecules were evaluated in vitro for their
antibacterial and antifungal activity. Most of the compounds exhibited
moderate antibacterial and antifungal activity against all the tested
strains.
GPUSVM: a comprehensive CUDA based support vector machine package
Authors: Li Qi , Salman Raied , Test Erik , Strack Robert , Kecman Vojislav
Published: November 2011

GPUSVM (Graphic Processing Unit Support Vector Machine) is a Computing Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) based Support Vector Machine (SVM) package. It is designed to offer an end-user a fully functional and user friendly SVM tool which utilizes the power of GPUs. The core package includes an efficient cross validation tool, a fast training tool and a predicting tool. In this article, we first introduce the background theory of how we build our parallel SVM solver using CUDA programming model. Then we compare our GPUSVM package with the popular state of the art Libsvm package on several well known datasets. The preliminary results have shown one to two orders of magnitude speed improvement in both training and predicting phases compared to Libsvm using our Tesla server.
Power Analysis for Trials With Discrete-Time Survival Endpoints
Authors: Jóźwiak Katarzyna , Moerbeek Mirjam
Published: November 2011

Studies on event occurrence aim to investigate if and when subjects experience a particular event. The timing of events may be measured continuously using thin precise units or discretely using time periods. The latter metric of time is often used in social science research and the generalized linear model (GLM) is an appropriate model for data analysis. While the design of trials with continuous-time survival endpoints has been extensively studied, hardly any guidelines are available for trials with discrete-time survival endpoints. This article studies the relationship between sample size and power to detect a treatment effect in a trial with two treatment conditions. The authors use the exponential and the Weibull survival functions to represent constant and varying hazard rates. Furthermore, logit and complementary log–log link functions are used. For constant hazard rates, the power depends on the event proportions at the end of the trial in both treatment arms and on the number of time periods. For varying hazard rates, the power also depends on the shape of the survival functions and different power levels are observed in each time period in case the logit link function is used. For any survival function, power decreases if attrition is present. The authors provide R code to perform the power calculations.
Alkaloids and Sesquiterpenes from the South China Sea Gorgonian Echinogorgia pseudossapo
Authors: Gao Cheng-Hai , Wang Yi-Fei , Li Shen , Qian Pei-Yuan , Qi Shu-Hua
Published: November 2011

Five zoanthoxanthin alkaloids (1–5) and four sesquiterpenes (6–9) were isolated from the South China Sea gorgonian Echinogorgia pseudossapo. Their structures were determined on the bases of extensive spectroscopic analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR data. Among them, pseudozoanthoxanthins III and IV (1–2), 8-hydroxy-6β-methoxy-14-oxooplop-6,12-olide (6) and 3β-methoxyguaian-10(14)-en-2β-ol (7) were new, 1 and 3 showed mild anti-HSV-1 activity, and 7 showed significant antilarval activity towards Balanus amphitrite larvae.
Santé publique et politique sécuritaire
Authors: Bernard Olivier
Published: November 2011

Résumé Si le « discours de Grenoble » du président de la République en juillet 2010 marque une rupture et contribue à renforcer encore un peu plus la stigmatisation des Roms, nous avons souhaité, au-delà de cette prise de parole, nous interroger sur des évolutions législatives et réglementaires à mettre sur le compte de la politique sécuritaire et leur impact dans le champ de la santé. En analysant, au travers d’exemples concrets (accès aux soins des personnes en situation irrégulière, remise en cause du droit au séjour pour raisons médicales, réforme de la psychiatrie, restriction du champ d’intervention des acteurs de l’aide, etc.), les modifications récentes de textes de loi, nous démontrons que ces évolutions ne sont pas sous-tendues par des logiques sanitaires mais contribuent à la gestion des flux migratoires, voire au maintien de l’ordre social, et renforcent les inégalités sociales de santé au moment même où la réduction de ce gradient est annoncée comme une priorité.
Vers une gestion politique des crises sanitaires ?
Authors: Gilbert Claude , Raphaël Laurence
Published: November 2011

Résumé Les deux principales crises sanitaires (H1N1, Mediator) survenues pendant la présidence de Nicolas Sarkozy ne se différencient a priori pas de celles qui se sont développées dans ce domaine lors des précédentes décennies. Mais ces cas révèlent l’importance désormais accordée à la gestion des risques politiques liés aux possibilités d’affaires, de scandales. Une des questions est de savoir si ces nouvelles priorités favorisent ou non une meilleure gestion des problèmes sanitaires.
Corps médical : le chaud et le froid
Authors: Mascret Damien
Published: November 2011

Résumé En un peu plus de quatre ans, Nicolas Sarkozy aura soufflé le chaud et le froid sur les médecins libéraux, brandissant ici la menace de détruire l’un des piliers de la médecine libérale – la liberté d’installation – avant de céder là-bas sur une revalorisation du C à 23 euros à laquelle les médecins libéraux n’osaient plus croire. Au-delà de ces aspects économiques, les médecins se souviendront surtout de leur humiliante mise à l’écart lors de la vaccination contre la grippe A (H1N1) ou des mesures vexatoires de la loi HPST, à moins qu’ils ne retiennent l’adoucissement de ces dernières lors des discussions parlementaires et les promesses d’une vaste concertation (en cours) sur la médecine de proximité...
La Linguistique fondée sur l'usage : parcours critique
Authors: Legallois Dominique , François Jacques
Published: November 2011

Résumé Cet article est une introduction critique à la notion de linguistique fondée sur l’usage. Il discute les principes liés à cette perspective, en particulier ceux de « usage-emploi », de fréquence, d’analogie, d’exemplaire et de schématicité, de prototypicité, de productivité et créativité. Il montre que certains de ces principes sont présents depuis longtemps dans l’histoire de la linguistique : le débat anomalie / analogie depuis Sextus Empiricus, mais – plus récemment – la notion d’ exemplaire présente dans les travaux de Saussure et Coseriu. A partir d’analyse d’exemples, le travail distingue entre productivité et créativité (une phrase formée à partir de la « fusion » entre deux constructions ou plus). L’article se conclut par une discussion générale sur l’argument de l’usage dans une conception de la langue comme système adaptatif émergeant de l’interaction entre cognition et culture.
La notion de grammaire usage-based chez Langacker. Emergence et développement
Authors: Fortis Jean-Michel
Published: November 2011

Résumé Cet article retrace les étapes qui ont conduit Langacker de la grammaire transformationnelle jusqu’à un modèle qui rend compte de la productivité linguistique au moyen de schémas abstraits des formes en usage. Le rejet par Langacker de la grammaire générative provient avant tout de l’objectif premier qu’il assigne à la linguistique, et qui est de décrire la relation entre sens et forme. Cette approche « médiationnelle » (au sens de Huck et Goldsmith) transparaît dans les travaux de sa première période transformationnelle, par exemple dans ses études sur les interrogatives et dans sa tentative d’explication fonctionnelle des règles de mouvement. Le premier modèle grammatical original qu’il développe est dans la continuité de ces premiers travaux, et est marqué par l’héritage de la sémantique générative. Ce premier modèle évolue ensuite vers une théorie centrée sur la valence plus que sur la constituance. Dans ce modèle fondé sur la valence, la combinaison des signes vient à supplanter les règles génératives en tant que principe d’explication de la productivité linguistique. Cette évolution débouche sur une théorie où la composition des signes est un processus empiriste, fondé sur la reconnaissance de schémas, l’abstraction, et la catégorisation plus ou moins « floue ».
Les faits statistiques comme objectivation ou comme interprétation : statistiques et modèles basés sur l'usage
Authors: Loiseau Sylvain
Published: November 2011

Résumé La notion de fréquence est centrale dans les modèles dits « basés sur l’usage », notamment parce qu’elle permet d’articuler les faits linguistiques observables et les processus cognitifs postulés. La fréquence est alors une notion théorique et abstraite. Dans ce cadre théorique, la fréquence intervient également de plus en plus souvent dans la pratique descriptive, à travers corpus et méthodes quantitatives. Cependant, l’articulation entre la première fréquence, théorique et abstraite, et la fréquence concrète que les méthodes quantitatives permettent d’observer est difficile à établir. Il est souvent souligné que la nature exacte de la fréquence est peu claire, tant d’un point de vue descriptif que conceptuel. Cet article montre d’abord que cette question de « l’opérationnalisation » de la fréquence est ancienne. Il propose des éléments de discussion sur la fréquence qui importent pour l’interprétation des faits quantitatifs et pour leur utilisation dans la description, particulièrement dans les modèles basés sur l’usage.
Les employés sous la république de Weimar
Authors: Vincent Marie-Bénédicte
Published: November 2011

Résumé En 1932, l’écrivain allemand Hans Fallada publie le roman Quoi de neuf, petit homme ? (Kleiner Mann, was nun ?) : le livre, qui décrit la prolétarisation d’un couple d’employés affectés par le chômage de la crise économique des années 1930, devient un bestseller en Allemagne et à l’étranger dès l’année de sa publication. L’article se propose dans un premier temps de revenir sur les facteurs expliquant ce succès, en montrant ses liens avec la sociologie naissante des employés et les œuvres littéraires et artistiques érigeant ce groupe comme emblème de la modernité sociale et culturelle de l’entre-deux-guerres. Dans un second temps, l’article montrera qu’en dépit d’une historiographie riche sur les employés depuis 1945, le roman intéresse l’historien actuel en ce qu’il invite à l’exploration de champs encore peu connus de recherche tels que la culture quotidienne, la sphère familiale et la langue de ce groupe social.