bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Situating the Environment
Authors: Kumar Mayank
Published: July 2009

The complexities associated with interactions of various components of environment have not been examined in historical narratives of pre-colonial India. An important consideration for any agrarian society has been the availability of water for irrigation, and in arid and semi-arid regions—with unequal annual distribution of rains and low water table—often saline water is used even for the potable purposes. This article elucidates various systems of water management developed and maintained by the local/individual initiatives as well as those developed by the state at a larger scale for irrigation and potable purposes. It is argued here that the pre-colonial states in Rajasthan had to ensure continuity of habitation by offering concessions and support to protect the revenue base. It was a difficult act of balance in a society where political and social orders were integrated into a single complex web. The article argues that the same complex web endowed the state with an all-pervasive administrative apparatus. It questions the dominant assumption(s) centring on the relative apathy of the state towards agricultural production and resultant immunity enjoyed by the local magnates of socio-political power and even cultivators. The article also examines the nature of intricate interventions of the above-mentioned socio-political web to underline the prominent considerations enjoyed by the environment-related uncertainties.
Orwellian Rectification
Authors: Hickman John
Published: July 2009

What Churchill's biographers have written about his life matter because he continues to be deployed by ideological conservatives in the Anglo-Saxon countries as the ideal leader exemplifying decisiveness and moral courage. This content analysis of seventeen popular biographies of Britain's emblematic prime minister show that they consistently ignore material about a decision taken by his government during the Second World War that had disastrous consequences for the Indians. While nearly all of the biographies treat the controversial area bombing of Germany by the Royal Air Force, which resulted in approximately 900,000 deaths of non-combatants, none treat the failure to respond to the 1943 Bengal Famine, which resulted in more deaths than the number of non-combatant deaths. This discrepancy may be explained by unconscious or conscious racist Eurocentrism that places greater value on the lives of Europeans than those of Asians. That was certainly true of their subject, and their choice of subject may reflect shared identity of values.
Effects of rainfall change on water erosion processes in terrestrial ecosystems: a review
Authors: Wei Wei  , Liding Chen  , Bojie Fu
Published: July 2009

Water erosion is the most destructive erosion type worldwide, causing serious land degradation and environmental deterioration. Against a background of climate change and accelerated human activities, changes in natural rainfall regimes have taken place and will be expected to become more pronounced in future decades. Long-term shifts may challenge the existing cultivation systems worldwide and eventually alter the spatiotemporal patterns of land use and topography. Meanwhile, specific features of soil crusting/sealing, plant litter and its decomposition, and antecedent soil moisture content (ASMC) will accompany rainfall variability. All these changes will increase pressures on soil erosion and hydrological processes, making accurate erosion prediction and control more difficult. An improved knowledge and understanding of this issue, therefore, is essential for dealing with the forthcoming challenges regarding soil and water conservation practices. In this paper, the characteristics of changes in natural rainfall, its role on terrestrial ecosystems, the challenges, and its effect on surface water erosion dynamics are elaborated and discussed. The major priorities for future research are also highlighted, and it is hoped that this will promote a better understanding of water erosion processes and related hydrological issues.
Social Values, Trust and Fairness
Authors: Powell Lawrence Alfred
Published: July 2009

This article summarises recent trends in national research on Jamaican societal values, patterns of interpersonal trust and intergroup fairness perceptions, using data from 2006 and 2007 Leadership and Governance surveys and the 2002 Cross-cultural Variations in Distributive Justice Perception survey. Several examples are given of ways in which the “psychocultural factors gap” in understanding and implementing development policies can be bridged by empirically measuring, in ongoing nationally representative survey instruments, some of the salient national values, perceptions and behavioural “habits of the heart” that have implications for Jamaican development and long-term policy design. This is illustrated using recent national surveys that incorporated measures gauging levels of trust, fairness and social value priorities.
Do Young Carers Deserve Justice? Young Caring in the Context of Illness
Authors: Sahoo Rojalini , Suar Damodar
Published: July 2009

Though there is a lot of discussion on carers’ issue, young caring is still ignored and many facts remain unknown to us, which need to be revealed. Children or young people who provide continuous care for ill or disabled parents, siblings or any other family members are young carers. This raises several issues related to justice in the context of the young. Caring has its rewards and difficulties. This paper reviews the literature on informal caregiving for ill family members in order to explore caring concept in children's mind and how young caring varies with age, sex, types of illness and different family situations from the perspective of children and parents. Causes and consequences of young caring have been explored. Agenda for future research is suggested.
Examining the Meaning Attached to Mental Illness and Mental Health Services Among Justice System-Involved Youth and Their Parents
Authors: Watson Amy C. , Kelly Brian L. , Vidalon Theresa M.
Published: July 2009

A large percentage of youth involved in the juvenile justice system experience mental health problems, yet many do not receive mental health care. In this study, we used a process-focused framework of mental health decision making to gain insight into the use of mental health services among these youth. In-depth interviews were conducted with nine youth and nine parents participating in a program servicing youth with mental health problems who have been in detention. Themes related to problem recognition, the decision to seek and participate in services, subjective norms, and juvenile justice system involvement emerged. Most families acknowledged their youth was having problems, but few defined those problems in mental health terms. This did not prevent them from seeking services, although some were not able to access adequate services until the justice system became involved. Participants were aware of negative attitudes about mental illness, and might have limited their social networks to shield themselves.
Animals Versus Animats: Or Why Not Model the Real Iguana?
Authors: Webb Barbara
Published: July 2009

The overlapping fields of adaptive behavior and artificial life are often described as novel approaches to biology. They focus attention on bottom-up explanations and how lifelike phenomena can result from relatively simple systems interacting dynamically with their environments. They are also characterized by the use of synthetic methodologies, that is, building artificial systems as a means of exploring these ideas. Two differing approaches can be distinguished: building models of specific animal systems and assessing them within complete behavior—environment loops; and exploring the behavior of invented artificial animals, often called animats, under similar conditions. An obvious question about the latter approach is, how can we learn about real biology from simulation of non-existent animals? In this article I will argue, first, that animat research, to the extent that it is relevant to biology, should also be considered as model building. Animat simulations do, implicitly, represent hypotheses about, and should be evaluated by comparison to, animals. Casting this research in terms of invented agents serves only to limit the ability to draw useful conclusions from it by deflecting or deferring any serious comparisons of the model mechanisms and results with real biological systems. Claims that animat models are meant to be existence proofs, idealizations, or represent general problems in biology do not make these models qualitatively different from more conventional models of specific animals, nor undermine the ultimate requirement to justify this work by making concrete comparisons with empirical data. It is thus suggested that we will learn more by choosing real, and not made-up, targets for our models.
High temperature stability of fine grained 7075Al alloy containing nanosized SiC particles
Authors: Mohseni H. , Keirs S. , Chan S. L. I. , Ferry M.
Published: July 2009

Both an AA7075 alloy and AA7075 Al base metal matrix composite, the latter reinforced with 5 wt-% of 50 nm diameter SiC particles, were deformed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) at 350°C to a true effective strain of 4·6. The high temperature microstructural stability of the as deformed materials was investigated mainly by TEM to elucidate the effect of precipitate particles and reinforcement phase on continuous and discontinuous grain coarsening. It was found that ECAP generated a fine equiaxed grain size of ∼2·3 and ∼1·8 μm in the alloy and composite respectively. During annealing at times up to 300 min at 500°C, the fine grained structure of both materials coarsened gradually and substantial grain boundary interactions with MgZn2 precipitates and oxide particles were found in the alloy, with precipitate, oxide and SiC particles found in the composite. The strong pinning effect exerted by these particles minimised grain growth in both materials with the composite exhibiting a finer (2·3 μm) grain size than the alloy (3·4 μm) after extended annealing. This slightly superior grain stability in the composite was attributed to the SiC particles, which resulted in significant boundary pinning.
Engineering approach for predicting post-impact compressive strength of laminated composites
Authors: Cui H.-P. , Wen W.-D. , Cui H.-T.
Published: July 2009

An engineering approach is presented to analyse the whole process of damage initiation and development for laminated composites under impact loading as well as compressive loading after impact using the three-dimensional progressive damage theory. The real impact damage status of laminated composites is employed to analyse the residual compressive strength instead of the artificial premises adopted by traditional methods. A comparison of impact damage area and residual compressive strength from numerical simulations and experimental tests is given, which shows a good agreement with each other. Moreover, large numbers of experiments for obtaining the impact damage status parameters can be avoided by this engineering approach. A parametric modelling programme package based on the analytical method has been developed.
Effect of annealing and aging treatment on mechanical properties of ultrafine grained Al 6061 alloy
Authors: Rao P. N. , Panigrahi S. K. , Jayaganthan R.
Published: July 2009

A comparative study of aging and a combined treatment of short annealing and aging on mechanical properties and microstructure of cryorolled (CR) Al 6061 alloy is investigated in the present work by using tensile tests, hardness tests, electron backscattered diffraction and transmission electron microscope. The pre-CR solid solution treatment combined with post-CR short annealing (200°C, 5 min) followed by aging treatment (100°C, 57 h) of the Al 6061 alloy showed an improved ductility and well defined ultrafine grain structure as compared to the samples subjected to pre-CR solid solution treatment followed by post-CR aging treatment (100°C, 60 h).
Effect of Mn on Sn–Ag–Cu ternary lead free solder alloy–Cu assembly: A comparative study
Authors: Ghosh M. , Gunjan M. K. , Das S. K. , Kar A. , Ghosh R. N. , Ray A. K.
Published: July 2009

In the present investigation, transition joints were produced by soldering Sn–Ag–Cu and Sn–Ag–Cu–Mn alloys to Cu substrate. Microstructure and mechanical properties of the assemblies were determined in reflowed condition and after aging at 100°C for variable time. The shear strength as well as the reaction layer thickness of Sn–Ag–Cu versus Cu is lower in comparison to Sn–Ag–Cu– Mn versus Cu solder assembly in reflowed condition. The reaction zone for Sn–Ag–Cu versus Cu is decorated with Cu3Sn and Cu6Sn5; however, in the case of Sn–Ag–Cu–Mn versus Cu assembly only Cu6Sn5 was observed. Mn is responsible for enhanced width of Cu6Sn5, which act as a barrier layer restricting the diffusion of Sn across the interface and Cu3Sn formation has not been found even after aging of 200 h. Aging treatment leads to growth of intermetallic layer for both the joints and decrement in shear strength of the assemblies. Still Sn–Ag–Cu–Mn versus Cu solder assembly exhibits superior mechanical strength than Sn–Ag–Cu versus Cu transition joint.
Microstructure and polarisation behaviour of TiN–TiB2 matrix coating prepared by reactive plasma spraying
Authors: Ma J. , Mao Z. P. , Sun B. D. , Wang J.
Published: July 2009

Two TiN–TiB2 matrix coatings were prepared by reactive plasma spraying with two spraying powders (Ti+B4C+Cr, Ti+B4C). Their microstructure, phases, microhardness and polarisation behaviours in 3·5 wt-% NaCl solution have been investigated by SEM, XRD, hardness tester and electrochemical analyser. The thermodynamics analysis for reactive plasma spraying was discussed and the effect of addition of Cr on adiabatic temperature of TiB2 forming reaction was also analysed. The thermodynamics analysis shows that the reaction temperature during reactive spraying process is >2030 K. To satisfy the criterion of self-propagating high temperature TiB2 forming reaction, the addition of Cr should be >192·6 wt-% of the total weight of Ti and B4C. The experimental results show that the addition of Cr decreases the stress in the coating so as to the cracks of coating at the expense of microhardness, yet the microhardness of both two coatings is a high value. The corrosion resistance of TiN–TiB2 matrix coating was greatly improved. The anodic polarisation curve of TiN–TiB2 coating includes a narrow activation zone and a broad passivation zone, which indicates the stability of coating is very excellent. The addition of Cr increases the corrosion potential of coating, yet an overpassivation zone appears, which is due to the breakage of passivation film.
Role of leukemia cell invadosome in extramedullary infiltration
Authors: Stefanidakis Michael , Karjalainen Katja , Jaalouk Diana E. , Gahmberg Carl G. , O'Brien Susan , Pasqualini Renata , Arap Wadih , Koivunen Erkki
Published: July 2009

Acute myelogenous leukemias (AMLs) are characterized by medullary and extramedullary invasion. We hypothesized that a supramolecular complex, the leukemia-cell invadosome, which contains certain integrins, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and other as-yet unidentified proteins, is essential for tissue invasion and may be central to the phenotypic diversity observed in the clinic. Here we show that the specific binding of MMP-9 to leukocyte surface β2 integrin is required for pericellular proteolysis and migration of AML-derived cells. An efficient antileukemia effect was obtained by the hexapeptide HFDDDE, a motif of the MMP-9 catalytic domain that mediates integrin binding: HFDDDE prevented proMMP-9 binding, transmigration through a human endothelial cell layer, and extracellular matrix degradation. Notably, the functional protein anchorage between β2 integrin and proMMP-9 described in this study does not involve the enzymatic active sites targeted by known MMP inhibitors. Taken together, our results provide a biochemical working definition for the human leukemia invadosome. Disruption of specific protein complexes within this supramolecular target complex may yield a new class of anti-AML drugs with anti-invasion (rather than or in addition to cytotoxic) attributes.
Nucleologenesis and embryonic genome activation are defective in interspecies cloned embryos between bovine ooplasm and rhesus monkey somatic cells
Authors: Song Bong-Seok , Lee Sang-Hee , Kim Sun-Uk , Kim Ji-Su , Park Jung Sun , Kim Cheol-Hee , Chang Kyu-Tae , Han Yong-Mahn , Lee Kyung-Kwang , Lee Dong-Seok , Koo Deog-Bon
Published: July 2009

Background

Interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) has been proposed as a tool to address basic developmental questions and to improve the feasibility of cell therapy. However, the low efficiency of iSCNT embryonic development is a crucial problem when compared to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intraspecies SCNT. Thus, we examined the effect of donor cell species on the early development of SCNT embryos after reconstruction with bovine ooplasm.

Results

No apparent difference in cleavage rate was found among IVF, monkey-bovine (MB)-iSCNT, and bovine-bovine (BB)-SCNT embryos. However, MB-iSCNT embryos failed to develop beyond the 8- or 16-cell stages and lacked expression of the genes involved in embryonic genome activation (EGA) at the 8-cell stage. From ultrastructural observations made during the peri-EGA period using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we found that the nucleoli of MB-iSCNT embryos were morphologically abnormal or arrested at the primary stage of nucleologenesis. Consistent with the TEM analysis, nucleolar component proteins, such as upstream binding transcription factor, fibrillarin, nucleolin, and nucleophosmin, showed decreased expression and were structurally disorganized in MB-iSCNT embryos compared to IVF and BB-SCNT embryos, as revealed by real-time PCR and immunofluorescence confocal laser scanning microscopy, respectively.

Conclusion

The down-regulation of housekeeping and imprinting genes, abnormal nucleolar morphology, and aberrant patterns of nucleolar proteins during EGA resulted in developmental failure in MB-iSCNT embryos. These results provide insight into the unresolved problems of early embryonic development in iSCNT embryos.
Detection of differentially expressed genes between Erhualian and Large White placentas on day 75 and 90 of gestation
Authors: Zhou Quan-Yong , Fang Ming-Di , Huang Ting-Hua , Li Chang-Chun , Yu Mei , Zhao Shu-Hong
Published: July 2009

Background

Placental efficiency is strongly associated with litter size, fetal weight and prenatal mortality. Together with its rapid growth during late gestation, the Large White pig breed shows a significant increase in placental size and weight, but this does not occur in the highly prolific Chinese pig breeds. To understand the molecular basis of placental development during late gestation in Chinese indigenous and Western breeds with different placental efficiency, female placental samples were collected from six pregnant Erhualian gilts at gestation day 75 (E75) and day 90 (E90) and from six pregnant Large White gilts at gestation day 75 (L75) and day 90 (L90). Two female placentas from one sow were used to extract RNA and then pooled in equal volumes. Twelve pooled samples were hybridized to the porcine Affymetrix GeneChip.

Results

A total of 226 and 577 transcripts were detected that were differentially expressed between E75 and L75 and between E90 and L90 (p < 0.01, q < 0.2), respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that these genes belong to the class of genes that participate in angiogenesis and development. Real-time RT-PCR confirmed the differential expression of eight selected genes. Significant differential expression of five genes in the VEGF pathway was also detected between the breeds. A search of chromosomal location revealed that 44 differentially expressed genes located to QTL regions related to reproduction. Differential expression of six candidate imprinted genes was also confirmed. Three of the six genes (PLAGL1, DIRAS3, and SLC38A4) showed monoallelic expression in the porcine placenta.

Conclusion

Our study detected many genes that showed differential expression between placentas of two divergent breed of pigs, and confirmed the imprinting of three genes. These findings help to elucidate the genetic control of placental efficiency and improve the understanding of placental development.
A new cold-adapted β-D-galactosidase from the Antarctic Arthrobacter sp. 32c – gene cloning, overexpression, purification and properties
Authors: Hildebrandt Piotr , Wanarska Marta , Kur Józef
Published: July 2009

Background

The development of a new cold-active β-D-galactosidases and microorganisms that efficiently ferment lactose is of high biotechnological interest, particularly for lactose removal in milk and dairy products at low temperatures and for cheese whey bioremediation processes with simultaneous bio-ethanol production.

Results

In this article, we present a new β-D-galactosidase as a candidate to be applied in the above mentioned biotechnological processes. The gene encoding this β-D-galactosidase has been isolated from the genomic DNA library of Antarctic bacterium Arthrobacter sp. 32c, sequenced, cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris, purified and characterized. 27 mg of β-D-galactosidase was purified from 1 L of culture with the use of an intracellular E. coli expression system. The protein was also produced extracellularly by P. pastoris in high amounts giving approximately 137 mg and 97 mg of purified enzyme from 1 L of P. pastoris culture for the AOX1 and a constitutive system, respectively. The enzyme was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by using either one step- or a fast two step- procedure including protein precipitation and affinity chromatography. The enzyme was found to be active as a homotrimeric protein consisting of 695 amino acid residues in each monomer. Although, the maximum activity of the enzyme was determined at pH 6.5 and 50°C, 60% of the maximum activity of the enzyme was determined at 25°C and 15% of the maximum activity was detected at 0°C.

Conclusion

The properties of Arthrobacter sp. 32cβ-D-galactosidase suggest that this enzyme could be useful for low-cost, industrial conversion of lactose into galactose and glucose in milk products and could be an interesting alternative for the production of ethanol from lactose-based feedstock.
No evidence for an association between the -36A>C phospholamban gene polymorphism and a worse prognosis in heart failure
Authors: Santos Diogo GB , Medeiros Alessandra , Brum Patrícia C , Mill José G , Mansur Alfredo J , Krieger José E , Pereira Alexandre C
Published: July 2009

Background

In Brazil, heart failure leads to approximately 25,000 deaths per year. Abnormal calcium handling is a hallmark of heart failure and changes in genes encoding for proteins involved in the re-uptake of calcium might harbor mutations leading to inherited cardiomyopathies. Phospholamban (PLN) plays a prime role in cardiac contractility and relaxation and mutations in the gene encoding PLN have been associated with dilated cardiomyopathy. In this study, our objective was to determine the presence of the -36A>C alteration in PLN gene in a Brazilian population of individuals with HF and to test whether this alteration is associated with heart failure or with a worse prognosis of patients with HF.

Methods

We genotyped a cohort of 881 patients with HF and 1259 individuals from a cohort of individuals from the general population for the alteration -36A>C in the PLN gene. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between groups (patients and control). In addition, frequencies or mean values of different phenotypes associated with cardiovascular disease were compared between genotypic groups. Finally, patients were prospectively followed-up for death incidence and genotypes for the -36A>C were compared regarding mortality incidence in HF patients.

Results

No significant association was found between the study polymorphism and HF in our population. In addition, no association between PLN -36A>C polymorphism and demographic, clinical and functional characteristics and mortality incidence in this sample of HF patients was observed.

Conclusion

Our data do not support a role for the PLN -36A>C alteration in modulating the heart failure phenotype, including its clinical course, in humans.
Magnitude of potentially inappropriate prescribing in Germany among older patients with generalized anxiety disorder
Authors: Berger Ariel , Mychaskiw Marko , Dukes Ellen , Edelsberg John , Oster Gerry
Published: July 2009

Background

Several medications commonly used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) have been designated "potentially inappropriate" for use in patients aged ≥65 years because their risks may outweigh their potential benefits. The actual extent of use of these agents in clinical practice is unknown, however.

Methods

Using a database with information from encounters with general practitioners (GP) in Germany, we identified all patients, aged ≥65 years, with any GP office visits or dispensed prescriptions with a diagnosis of GAD (ICD-10 diagnosis code F41.1) between 10/1/2003 and 9/30/2004 ("GAD patients"). Among GAD-related medications (including benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants [TCAs], selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, venlafaxine, hydroxyzine, buspirone, pregabalin, and trifluoperazine), long-acting benzodiazepines, selected short-acting benzodiazepines at relatively high dosages, selected TCAs, and hydroxyzine were designated "potentially inappropriate" for use in patients aged ≥ 65 years, based on published criteria.

Results

A total of 975 elderly patients with GAD were identified. Mean age was 75 years, and 72% were women; 29% had diagnoses of comorbid depression. Forty percent of study subjects received potentially inappropriate agents – most commonly, bromazepam (10% of all subjects), diazepam (9%), doxepin (7%), amitriptyline (5%), and lorazepam (5%). Twenty-three percent of study subjects received long-acting benzodiazepines, 10% received short-acting benzodiazepines at relatively high doses, and 12% received TCAs designated as potentially inappropriate.

Conclusion

GPs in Germany often prescribe medications that have been designated as potentially inappropriate to their elderly patients with GAD – especially those with comorbid depressive disorders. Further research is needed to ascertain whether there are specific subgoups of elderly patients with GAD for whom the benefits of these medications outweigh their risks.
Prevalence and risk factors for Hepatitis C and HIV-1 infections among pregnant women in Central Brazil
Authors: Costa Zelma B , Machado Gustavo C , Avelino Mariza M , Filho Clidenor Gomes , Filho Jose V Macedo , Minuzzi Ana L , Turchi Marilia D , Stefani Mariane MA , de Souza Wayner Vieira , Martelli Celina MT
Published: July 2009

Background

Hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are a major burden to public health worldwide. Routine antenatal HIV-1 screening to prevent maternal-infant transmission is universally recommended. Our objectives were to evaluate the prevalence of and potential risk factors for HCV and HIV infection among pregnant women who attended prenatal care under the coverage of public health in Central Brazil.

Methods

Screening and counselling for HIV and HCV infections was offered free of charge to all pregnant women attending antenatal clinic (ANC) in the public health system, in Goiania city (~1.1 million inhabitants) during 2004–2005. Initial screening was performed on a dried blood spot collected onto standard filter paper; positive or indeterminate results were confirmed by a second blood sample. HCV infection was defined as a positive or indeterminate sample (EIA test) and confirmed HCV-RNA technique. HIV infection was defined according to standard criteria. Factors associated with HIV and HCV infections were identified with logistic regression. The number needed to screen (NNS) to prevent one case of infant HIV infection was calculated using the Monte Carlo simulation method.

Results

A total of 28,561 pregnant women were screened for HCV and HIV-1 in ANC. Mean maternal age was 23.9 years (SD = 5.6), with 45% of the women experiencing their first pregnancy. Prevalence of HCV infection was 0.15% (95% CI 0.11%–0.20%), and the risk increased with age (p < 0.01). The prevalence of anti-HIV infection was 0.09% (95% CI 0.06%–0.14%). Black women had a 4.9-fold (95% CI 1.42–16.95) greater risk of HIV-1 infection compared to non-black women. NNS to prevent one case of infant HIV infection ranged from 4,141 to 13,928.

Conclusion

The prevalence of HIV and HCV infections were low among pregnant women, with high acceptability rates in the opt-in strategy in primary care. Older maternal age was a risk factor for HCV and antenatal HCV testing does not fulfill the requirements for screening recommendation. The finding of higher risk of HIV-1 infection among black women despite being in consonance with the HIV-1 ethnic pattern in some American regions cannot be ruled out to be a surrogate marker of socio-economic condition.
Relative bioavailability of iron and folic acid from a new powdered supplement compared to a traditional tablet in pregnant women
Authors: Hartman-Craven Brenda , Christofides Anna , O'Connor Deborah L , Zlotkin Stanley
Published: July 2009

Background

Deficiencies of iron and folic acid during pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes for the fetus, thus supplements are recommended. Adherence to current tablet-based supplements is documented to be poor. Recently a powdered form of micronutrients has been developed which may decrease side-effects and thus improve adherence. However, before testing the efficacy of the supplement as an alternate choice for supplementation during pregnancy, the bioavailability of the iron needs to be determined. Our objective was to measure the relative bioavailability of iron and folic acid from a powdered supplement that can be sprinkled on semi-solid foods or beverages versus a traditional tablet supplement in pregnant women.

Methods

Eighteen healthy pregnant women (24 – 32 weeks gestation) were randomized to receive the supplements in a crossover design. Following ingestion of each supplement, the changes (over baseline) in serum iron and folate over 8 hours were determined. The powdered supplement contained 30 mg of iron as micronized dispersible ferric pyrophosphate with an emulsifier coating and 600 μg folic acid; the tablet contained 27 mg iron from ferrous fumarate and 1000 μg folic acid.

Results

Overall absorption of iron from the powdered supplement was significantly lower than the tablet (p = 0.003). There was no difference in the overall absorption of folic acid between supplements. Based on the differences in the area under the curve and doses, the relative bioavailability of iron from powdered supplement was lower than from the tablet (0.22).

Conclusion

The unexpected lower bioavailability of iron from the powdered supplement is contrary to previously published reports. However, since pills and capsules are known to be poorly accepted by some women during pregnancy, it is reasonable to continue to explore alternative micronutrient delivery systems and forms of iron for this purpose.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00789490
Assessment of dietary intake among pregnant women in a rural area of western China
Authors: Cheng Yue , Dibley Michael J , Zhang Xueli , Zeng Lingxia , Yan Hong
Published: July 2009

Background

Adequate maternal nutrient intake during pregnancy is important to ensure satisfactory birth outcomes. There are no data available on the usual dietary intake among pregnant women in rural China. The present study describes and evaluates the dietary intake in a cohort of pregnant women living in two counties of rural Shaanxi, western China.

Methods

1420 pregnant women were recruited from a trial that examined the effects of micronutrient supplementation on birth outcomes. Dietary information was collected at the end of their trimester or after delivery with an interviewed-administrated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Nutrients intake was calculated from the FFQ and compared to the Estimated Average Requirements (EAR). The EAR cut-offs based on the Chinese Nutrition Society Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) were used to assess the prevalence of inadequate dietary intakes of energy, protein, calcium, zinc, riboflavin, vitamin C and folate. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to compare nutrient intakes across subgroups.

Results

The mean nutrient intakes assessed by the FFQ was similar to those reported in the 2002 Chinese National Nutrition and Health Survey from women living in rural areas except for low intakes of protein, fat, iron and zinc. Of the participants, 54% were at risk of inadequate intake of energy. There were high proportions of pregnant women who did not have adequate intakes of folate (97%) and zinc (91%). Using the "probability approach", 64% of subjects had an inadequate consumption of iron.

Conclusion

These results reveal that the majority of pregnant women in these two counties had low intakes of nutrients that are essential for pregnancy such as iron and folate.

Trial registration

ISRCTN08850194.
Major variations in malaria exposure of travellers in rural areas: an entomological cohort study in western Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Orlandi-Pradines Eve , Rogier Christophe , Koffi Bernard , Jarjaval Fanny , Bell Melissa , Machault Vanessa , Pons Christophe , Girod Romain , Boutin Jean-Paul , Pagès Frédéric
Published: July 2009

Background

Malaria remains a major threat, to both travellers and military personnel deployed to endemic areas. The recommendations for travellers given by the World Health Organization is based on the incidence of malaria in an area and do not take the degree of exposure into account. The aim of this article is to evaluate the exposure of travellers by entomologic methods, which are the commonly used measures of the intensity of malaria transmission.

Methods

From February 2004 to June 2004, five groups of 30 military personnel were stationed in up to 10 sites in western Côte d'Ivoire, from one week to several months. Adult mosquitoes were collected by human landing catches at each site during the five months and the level of exposure to malaria transmission of each group was estimated.

Results

The level of transmission varied from one site to another one from less than one to approximately more than 100 infective bites per month. In the majority of sites, at least two anopheline species were involved in transmission. The cumulative EIR over the study period varied according to the groups from 29 infected bites per person/per mission to 324.

Conclusion

The level of malaria transmission and malaria risk varies widely (varying by a factor of eleven) between groups of travellers travelling in the same region and at the same time. Physicians involved in travel medicine or supporting expatriated populations or refugees should consider this heterogeneity and emphasize the importance of combining appropriate measures, such as chemoprophylaxis and protective measures against mosquitoes.
Perioperative management in distal pancreatectomy: results of a survey in 23 European participating centres of the DISPACT trial and a review of literature
Authors: Bruns Helge , Rahbari Nuh N , Löffler Thorsten , Diener Markus K , Seiler Christoph M , Glanemann Matthias , Butturini Giovanni , Schuhmacher Christoph , Rossion Inga , Büchler Markus W , Junghans Tido ,   the DISPACT Trial group
Published: July 2009

Background

Concomitant treatment in addition to intervention may influence the primary outcome, especially in complex interventions such as surgical trials. Evidence-based standards for perioperative care after distal pancreatectomy, however, have been rarely defined. This study's objective was therefore to identify and analyse the current basis of evidence for perioperative management in distal pancreatectomy.

Methods

A standardised questionnaire was sent to 23 European centres recruiting patients for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on open distal pancreatectomy that would compare suture versus stapler closure of the pancreatic remnant (DISPACT trial, ISRCTN 18452029). Perioperative strategies (e.g., bowel preparation, pain management, administration of antibiotics, abdominal incision, drainages, nasogastric tubes, somatostatin, mobilisation and feeding regimens) were assessed. Moreover, a systematic literature search in the Medline database was performed and retrieved meta-analyses and RCTs were reviewed.

Results

All 23 centres returned the questionnaire. Consensus for thoracic epidural catheters (TECs), pain treatment and transverse incisions was found, as well as strong consensus for the placement of intra-abdominal drainages and perioperative single-shot antibiotics. Also, there was consensus that bowel preparation, somatostatin application, postoperative nasogastric tubes and intravenous feeding might not be beneficial. The literature search identified 16 meta-analyses and 19 RCTs demonstrating that bowel preparation, somatostatin therapy and nasogastric tubes can be omitted. Early mobilisation, feeding and TECs seem to be beneficial for patients. The value of drainages remains unclear.

Conclusion

Most perioperative standards within the centres participating in the DISPACT trial are in accordance with current available evidence. The need for drainages requires further investigation.

Trial registration

Clinical trial registration: ISRCTN 18452029
Genomic profiling distinguishes familial multiple and sporadic multiple meningiomas
Authors: Shen Yiping , Nunes Fabio , Stemmer-Rachamimov Anat , James Marianne , Mohapatra Gayatry , Plotkin Scott , Betensky Rebecca A , Engler David A , Roy Jennifer , Ramesh Vijaya , Gusella James F
Published: July 2009

Background

Meningiomas may occur either as familial tumors in two distinct disorders, familial multiple meningioma and neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2), or sporadically, as either single or multiple tumors in individuals with no family history. Meningiomas in NF2 and approximately 60% of sporadic meningiomas involve inactivation of the NF2 locus, encoding the tumor suppressor merlin on chromosome 22q. This study was undertaken to establish whether genomic profiling could distinguish familial multiple meningiomas from sporadic solitary and sporadic multiple meningiomas.

Methods

We compared 73 meningiomas presenting as sporadic solitary (64), sporadic multiple (5) and familial multiple (4) tumors using genomic profiling by array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH).

Results

Sporadic solitary meningiomas revealed genomic rearrangements consistent with at least two mechanisms of tumor initiation, as unsupervised cluster analysis readily distinguished tumors with chromosome 22 deletion (associated with loss of the NF2 tumor suppressor) from those without chromosome 22 deletion. Whereas sporadic meningiomas without chromosome 22 loss exhibited fewer chromosomal imbalance events overall, tumors with chromosome 22 deletion further clustered into two major groups that largely, though not perfectly, matched with their benign (WHO Grade I) or advanced (WHO Grades II and III) histological grade, with the latter exhibiting a significantly greater degree of genomic imbalance (P < 0.001). Sporadic multiple meningiomas showed a frequency of genomic imbalance events comparable to the atypical grade solitary tumors. By contrast, familial multiple meningiomas displayed no imbalances, supporting a distinct mechanism for the origin for these tumors.

Conclusion

Genomic profiling can provide an unbiased adjunct to traditional meningioma classification and provides a basis for exploring the different genetic underpinnings of tumor initiation and progression. Most importantly, the striking difference observed between sporadic and familial multiple meningiomas indicates that genomic profiling can provide valuable information for differential diagnosis of subjects with multiple meningiomas and for considering the risk for tumor occurrence in their family members.
Analysis of skewed X-chromosome inactivation in females with rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune thyroid diseases
Authors: Chabchoub Ghazi , Uz Elif , Maalej Abdellatif , Mustafa Chigdem A , Rebai Ahmed , Mnif Mouna , Bahloul Zouheir , Farid Nadir R , Ozcelik Tayfun , Ayadi Hammadi
Published: July 2009

Introduction

The majority of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) are characterized by a striking female predominance superimposed on a predisposing genetic background. The role of extremely skewed X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) has been questioned in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases.

Methods

We examined XCI profiles of females affected with RA (n = 106), AITDs (n = 145) and age-matched healthy women (n = 257). XCI analysis was performed by enzymatic digestion of DNA with a methylation sensitive enzyme (HpaII) followed by PCR of a polymorphic CAG repeat in the androgen receptor (AR) gene. The XCI pattern was classified as skewed when 80% or more of the cells preferentially inactivated the same X-chromosome.

Results

Skewed XCI was observed in 26 of the 76 informative RA patients (34.2%), 26 of the 100 informative AITDs patients (26%), and 19 of the 170 informative controls (11.2%) (P < 0.0001; P = 0.0015, respectively). More importantly, extremely skewed XCI, defined as > 90% inactivation of one allele, was present in 17 RA patients (22.4%), 14 AITDs patients (14.0%), and in only seven controls (4.1%, P < 0.0001; P = 0.0034, respectively). Stratifying RA patients according to laboratory profiles (rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies), clinical manifestations (erosive disease and nodules) and the presence of others autoimmune diseases did not reveal any statistical significance (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

These results suggest a possible role for XCI mosaicism in the pathogenesis of RA and AITDs and may in part explain the female preponderance of these diseases.
Tumor aromatase expression as a prognostic factor for local control in young breast cancer patients after breast-conserving treatment
Authors: Bollet Marc A , Savignoni Alexia , De Koning Leanne , Tran-Perennou Carine , Barbaroux Catherine , Degeorges Armelle , Sigal-Zafrani Brigitte , Almouzni Geneviève , Cottu Paul , Salmon Rémy , Servant Nicolas , Fourquet Alain , de Cremoux Patricia
Published: July 2009

Introduction

We sought to determine whether the levels of expression of 17 candidate genes were associated with locoregional control after breast-conserving treatments of early-stage breast cancers in young, premenopausal women.

Methods

Gene expression was measured by using RT-PCR in the breast tumors of a series of 53 young (younger than 40 years), premenopausal patients. All treatments consisted of primary breast-conserving surgery followed by whole-breast radiotherapy (± regional lymph nodes) with or without systemic treatments (chemotherapy ± hormone therapy). The median follow-up was 10 years.

Results

The 10-year locoregional control rate was 70% (95% CI, 57% to 87%). In univariate analysis, no clinical/pathologic prognostic factors were found to be significantly associated with decreased locoregional control. Expression of three genes was found to be significantly associated with an increased locoregional recurrence rate: low estrogen-receptor β, low aromatase, and high GATA3. Two others were associated with only a trend (P < 0.10): low HER1 and SKP2. In multivariate analysis, only the absence of aromatase was significantly associated with an increased locoregional recurrence rate (P = 0.003; relative risk = 0.49; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.82).

Conclusions

Recent data give credit to the fact that breast cancer in young women is a distinct biologic entity driven by special oncogenic pathways. Our results highlight the role of estrogen-signaling pathways (mainly CYP19/aromatase, GATA3, and ER-β) in the risk of locoregional recurrence of breast cancer in young women. Confirmation in larger prospective studies is needed.
Major Depressive Disorder in Long-Term Cancer Survivors: Analysis of the National Comorbidity Survey Replication
Authors: Pirl William F. , Greer Joseph , Temel Jennifer S. , Yeap Beow Y. , Gilman Stephen E.
Published: July 2009

Purpose

Prior research is mixed as to whether long-term cancer survivors (LCSs) have higher rates of depression than the general population. This is the first study to compare the rates of major depressive disorder (MDD) between LCSs and people without cancer histories in a nationally representative cross-sectional multistage cluster survey sample, the National Comorbidity Survey-Replication (NCS-R).

Methods

Between 2001 and 2003, face-to-face interviews were conducted for the NCS-R in a national sample of 9,282 people, of whom 5,692 were assessed for a history of cancer. Participants with cancer diagnoses at least 5 years before the interview were considered LCSs. Survivors of childhood cancers were excluded. Comparing LCSs to those without a cancer history, odds ratios for having a MDD episode in the last 12 months before interview were obtained using multiple logistic regression controlling for demographic and medical variables. Differences in characteristics of those MDD episodes were also compared between groups.

Results

Of participants age 23 years or older, 243 LCSs and 4,890 adults without a cancer history were identified in the sample. Adjusting for demographic variables and medical comorbidities, LCSs did not have increased odds of MDD in the last 12 months, with an odds ratio of (OR) 0.99 (95% CI, 0.55 to 1.79). LCSs reported higher mean levels of impairment from MDD in their home, social, and work life, but these differences were not significant.

Conclusion

LCSs do not appear to have elevated rates of MDD. However, they may experience greater impairment from MDD compared to those without cancer. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings.