bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of social functioning in bipolar disorder
Authors: Pope Marie , Dudley Robert , Scott Jan
Published: February 2007

Background:  Evidence indicates that social outcomes in bipolar disorders (BP) are poorer than previously assumed. This study explores determinants of the quality and quantity of social activity.

Methods:  Seventy‐seven subjects with BP completed self‐report and observer‐rated questionnaires assessing demographic and clinical factors, personality and social functioning.

Results:  Quality of functioning and spectrum of activity were found to be independent. The best determinants of the quality of functioning, accounting for 33% of the variance, were premorbid neuroticism and the current level of depressive symptoms. Only 30% of subjects were active in all social domains, and the quantity of social activity was largely explained by social circumstances, namely, living with someone else and later age of illness onset.

Conclusions:  The implications of these findings are discussed in this paper. We suggest that future studies need to differentiate between factors associated with the quality of functioning as compared with the quantity of social activity.
Neuropsychological deficits and functional impairment in bipolar depression, hypomania and euthymia
Authors: Malhi Gin S , Ivanovski Belinda , Hadzi‐Pavlovic Dusan , Mitchell Philip B , Vieta Eduard , Sachdev Perminder
Published: February 2007

Objective:  To examine whether patients with bipolar disorder (BD) have subtle neuropsychological deficits that manifest clinically as cognitive and functional compromise, and this study attempted to determine the pattern of such cognitive deficits and their functional impact across all three phases of BD. We hypothesised that euthymia does not equate with normal neuropsychological function and that each phase has a characteristic pattern of deficits, with disturbance in attention and memory being common across all phases of the illness: (i) bipolar depression – psychomotor slowing and impairment of memory; (ii) hypomania by frontal‐executive deficits and (iii) euthymia – a mild disturbance of attention, memory and executive function.

Methods:  Twenty‐five patients with a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder underwent neuropsychological testing over a period of 30 months in the natural course of their illness while hypomanic and/or depressed and/or euthymic. The results from these assessments were compared with findings from neuropsychological tests conducted on 25 healthy controls matched for age, sex, education and handedness.

Results:  Initial analyses revealed modest impairment in executive functioning, memory and attention in both hypomanic and depressed bipolar patients, with additional fine motor skills impairment in the latter. Memory deficits, also noted in euthymic patients, were non‐significant after controlling for confounding variables, although bipolar depressed patients remained significantly impaired on tests of verbal recall. Bipolar depressed and hypomanic patients differed with respect to the nature of their memory impairment. Depressed patients were more impaired as compared with euthymic patients on tests of verbal recall and fine motor skills. Psychosocial functioning was impaired across all three patient groups, but only in depressed and hypomanic patients did this correlate significantly with neuropsychological performance.

Conclusions:  The mood‐state‐related cognitive deficits in both bipolar depression and hypomania compromise psychosocial function when patients are unwell. In euthymic patients, subtle impairments in attention and memory suggest that an absence of symptoms does not necessarily equate to ‘recovery’. The possibility of persistent cognitive deficits in BD is an issue of profound clinical and research interest that warrants further investigation; however, future research needs to adopt more sophisticated neuropsychological probes that are able to better define state and trait deficits and determine their functional impact.
Disability associated with mood states and comparator conditions: application of the Life Skills Profile measure of disability
Authors: Parker Gordon , Rosen Alan , Trauer Tom , Hadzi‐Pavlovic Dusan
Published: February 2007

Objective:  To quantify the comparative level of disability experienced by those with mania and depression by contrasting against levels of disability experienced by those with schizophrenia, anxiety disorder and drug and alcohol dependence.

Methods:  Disability data, measured by use of an abbreviated version of the Life Skills Profile, were collected from an Australian national survey assessing more than 20,000 episodes of care, involving in‐patients and out‐patients.

Results:  Those with a diagnosis of mania rated as having higher levels of disability than those with depression and somewhat lower levels of disability than those with schizophrenia in the 3 months prior to assessment.

Discussion:  Such data from a large national survey underline the increasingly recognized reality that those experiencing manic episodes have high levels of associated disability, and that management interventions are required that address the impact of impaired functioning as well as acute episodes.
Social functioning in bipolar patients: the perception and perspective of patients, relatives and advocacy organizations – a review
Authors: Elgie Rodney , Morselli Paolo Lucio
Published: February 2007

Objective:  Recent evidence suggests that bipolar disorder (BD) may alter social functioning in stabilized bipolar patients. We reviewed the available published material on the ‘perception and perspective’ of bipolar patients, relatives and advocacy organizations concerning the impact of BD on their lifestyle and social functioning. This review seeks to highlight some of the key issues from the patient's perspective.

Methods:  A systematic, computer‐assisted, literature search (MEDLINE, Medscape, Cochrane Library, PubMed) was performed. Seventeen relevant reports were found providing examples of how BD patients and their relatives perceive the impact of the disorder on social functioning and previous and current lifestyles. The data reported were analysed and discussed.

Results:  The negative impact of BD on a patient's life is high. The relationship with the family appears to be severely and adversely affected in most cases. Stigmatization and rejection within the family appear as important problems. The family's hostile attitude is often due to misinformation and a lack of understanding about the condition. Well‐informed relatives, openly supportive, may play a significant role in the recovery process. The presence of stigma, delay in correct diagnosis and high levels of unemployment or frequent problems in retaining employment are reported by a large majority of respondents.

Conclusions:  There is a real need for an enhanced education, information and awareness program aimed at BD patients, physicians, family members and the public. This will aid diagnosis, reduce current levels of stigmatization and prejudice surrounding the condition while assisting the reintegration of former and present patients back into the community.
Social adjustment based on reported behaviour in bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Morriss Richard , Scott Jan , Paykel Eugene , Bentall Richard , Hayhurst Hazel , Johnson Tony
Published: February 2007

Objectives:  To determine the effects of mood and additional clinical variables on different domains of current interviewer‐rated social adjustment reflecting the reported behaviour of patients with bipolar disorder (BD).

Method:  Multi‐center cross‐sectional study employing multiple linear regression to investigate whether mood and other clinical features, previously linked to self‐rated social adjustment, were associated with eight domains of interviewer‐rated social adjustment in 253 BD patients. Baseline variables were entered sequentially in blocks representing current mood, demographic, current other psychiatric, past psychiatric and current treatment variables.

Results:  Mood episode or symptoms together with five other variables (borderline/antisocial personality disorder, male gender, living alone, hypnotic drug and drugs for physical illness) were associated with impairment on two or more domains of interviewer‐rated social adjustment. They explained up to 31% of the variance in social adjustment, although friction, dependence and overactivity were associated with a different pattern of variables. Hypomanic symptoms were associated with increased friction and worse social adjustment with the extended family in the whole sample but improved performance and social and leisure activities in patients who were not in acute bipolar episode.

Conclusion:  Clinicians may determine up to about 30% of outcome in current social adjustment in BD patients from the patient's current mood episode or symptoms and a small number of other clinical or demographic variables. Hypomanic episodes and symptoms usually worsen friction and overall social adjustment, but in patients who are not in acute episode, hypomanic symptoms can increase performance and social and leisure activities.
Association of cognitive deficits with elevated homocysteine levels in euthymic bipolar patients and its impact on psychosocial functioning: preliminary results
Authors: Dittmann S , Seemüller F , Schwarz MJ , Kleindienst N , Stampfer R , Zach J , Born C , Bernhard B , Fast K , Grunze H , Engel RR , Severus E
Published: February 2007

Objectives:  Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels have been demonstrated to have a negative impact on cognitive functioning in healthy elderly people. Further studies suggest that they are an independent risk factor for dementia, in particular for Alzheimer's disease. Bipolar disorder is also associated with cognitive impairment. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms of these deficits have not been elucidated yet. This study examines the role of Hcy on cognition and its impact on psychosocial functioning in euthymic bipolar patients.

Methods:  A total of 55 euthymic bipolar patients and 17 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Neuropsychological assessments consisted of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), the Trail Making Test (TMT), the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale, 3rd edition (WAIS‐III) subtest Letter–Number Sequencing Test (LNST) and the HAWIE‐R (German version of the WAIS‐R) subtest Information. Psychosocial functioning was assessed using the Social Adjustment Scale (SAS). To obtain plasma levels of Hcy, blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes, immediately put on ice, centrifuged within 15 min and stored at −80°C. Total Hcy concentration was measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results:  In the neuropsychological tests, patients differed significantly from healthy controls on the TMT B and the RBANS composite indices Language, Attention and Total Score. No differences were found on the HAWIE‐R subtest Information, the TMT A, LNST or the RBANS composite indices Immediate Memory, Visuospatial/Constructional Abilities and Delayed Memory. Mean Hcy levels were 9.8 ± 3.2 μm/L in the patient group and 7.8 ± 2.1 μm/L in the control group, respectively (p = 0.012). In the patient group Hcy levels significantly correlated with gender, diagnosis and RBANS index scores for Immediate Memory, Language, Attention and Total Score. Linear regression analyses revealed a significant and independent association of Hcy levels with Immediate Memory and TMT B scores in the patient group. Homocysteine levels did not correlate with any measure in the control group. Spearman's correlations indicated that psychosocial functioning in bipolar patients is not associated with clinical variables apart from time in remission. However, it correlated significantly with working memory measures (LNST). No relationship could be determined between psychosocial functioning and Hcy plasma levels.

Conclusions:  Elevated Hcy levels seem to be associated with cognitive impairment in euthymic bipolar patients, but not with psychosocial functioning. More studies are needed to clarify the role of Hcy in cognition in bipolar disorder.
Disability and its treatment in bipolar disorder patients
Authors: Huxley Nancy , Baldessarini Ross J
Published: February 2007

Bipolar disorders (BPD) are major, life‐long psychiatric illnesses found in 2–5% of the population. Prognosis for BPD was once considered relatively favorable, but contemporary findings suggest that disability and poor outcomes are prevalent, despite major therapeutic advances. Syndromal recovery from acute episodes of mania or bipolar major depression is achieved in as many as 90% of patients given modern treatments, but full symptomatic recovery is achieved slowly, and residual symptoms of fluctuating severity and functional impact are the rule. Depressive–dysthymic–dysphoric morbidity continues in more than 30% of weeks in follow‐up from initial episodes as well as later in the illness‐course. As few as 1/3 of BPD patients achieve full social and occupational functional recovery to their own premorbid levels. Pharmacotherapy, though the accepted first‐line treatment for BPD patients, is insufficient by itself, encouraging development of adjunctive psychological treatments and rehabilitative efforts to further limit morbidity and disability. Interpersonal, cognitive–behavioral, and psychoeducational therapies all show promise for improving symptomatic and functional outcomes. Much less is known about how these and more specific rehabilitative interventions might improve vocational functioning in BPD patients.
The impact of bipolar disorder upon work functioning: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Michalak Erin E , Yatham Lakshmi N , Maxwell Victoria , Hale Sandra , Lam Raymond W
Published: February 2007

Objectives: One important but sometimes poorly‐captured area of functioning concerns an individual's ability to work. Several quantitative studies have now indicated that bipolar disorder (BD) can have a severe, and often enduring, negative impact upon occupational functioning. While this data indicates that employment rates are relatively low in this patient population, it throws little light on the specific ways in which this complex psychiatric condition can affect work, or upon how these effects are subjectively interpreted by individuals with BD. In order to further elucidate the relationship between BD and work, we report here on a series of exploratory qualitative interviews undertaken to develop a disease‐specific measure of quality of life in BD.

Methods: We conducted 52 interviews with people with BD (n = 35), their caregivers (n = 5) and healthcare professionals (n = 12) identified by both convenience and purposive sampling. The affected sample came from a variety of employment situations, ranging between people with no employment history through to those in highly skilled, stable professional positions. Interviews were tape recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

Results: Respondents described the different ways in which the symptoms of depression and hypo/mania presented in the workplace. Five main themes emerged from the data: lack of continuity in work history, loss, illness management strategies in the workplace, stigma and disclosure in the workplace, and interpersonal problems at work.

Conclusions: Patient outcome in BD has traditionally been determined by the assessment of clinical characteristics such as rates of relapse, hospitalization, or degree of symptom reduction. More recently, however, there has been increasing interest in expanding the assessment of outcome to include the measurement of indices such as functioning, a key facet of which relates to an individual's ability to work. The qualitative data obtained here highlights the often complex, varied and intermittent effects of an episodic condition such as BD upon work functioning, and points to the importance of developing more sophisticated and precise measures of occupational functioning for this population.
DNA polymorphism of insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐3 gene and its association with birth weight and body weight in cattle
Authors: Choudhary V. , Kumar P. , Bhattacharya T.K. , Bhushan B. , Sharma A. , Shukla A.
Published: February 2007

Insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3) is a protein that binds the majority of insulin‐like growth factors in circulation for regulation of its action on growth and metabolism of the animals. Animals belonging to Hariana, Holstein‐Friesian (HF) and their crossbreds (HF × Hariana) were studied using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism and nucleotide sequencing of the IGFBP‐3 gene. A 651‐bp fragment of the IGFBP‐3 gene spanning over a part of exon 2, complete intron 2, exon 3 and a part of intron 3 was amplified and digested with HaeIII restriction enzyme. Three patterns of restriction fragments were observed in HF and crossbred cattle revealing polymorphism in both the populations. The frequency of AA, AB and BB genotypes was 0.65, 0.32 and 0.03 in crossbreds and 0.29, 0.65 and 0.06 in HF respectively. The allelic frequency of the A and B allele was 0.81 and 0.19 in crossbreds and 0.62 and 0.38 in HF cattle respectively. Only one restriction pattern (AA genotype) was observed in all the animals of Hariana breed of Bos indicus showing the absence of polymorphism. Nucleotide sequencing revealed a C → A mutation in the intron 2 region of the IGFBP‐3 gene as the cause of the polymorphism. Least squares analysis revealed a significant effect (p < 0.05) of genotypes on birth weight and body weight (weight at 12, 18 and 24 months of age) of the animals. Animals of AB genotype showed higher birth weight and body weight than the animals possessing AA genotype.
The polymorphism in MUC1 gene in Nelore cattle
Authors: De Souza F. R. P. , Dentillo D. B. , Meola J. , Biase F. H. , Andréa M. V. , Vozzi P. A. , Lôbo R. B. , Martelli L. R.
Published: February 2007

MUC1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed on the apical surfaces of the uterine epithelial tissue with predicted functions in protection and cell–cell adhesion. These properties are closely related with the repetitive region [variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR)] of the extracellullar domain and with the O‐glycosylation in their serine and threonine residues. This study describes a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol to analyse MUC1 bovine genetic polymorphism and demonstrates the existence of a VNTR within the sites for O‐glycosylation. Oligonucleotide primers based on the Bos taurus mucin (MUC1) gene sequence GenBank AF399757 were used to amplify five VNTR MUC1 alleles from a study group of 56 pure Nelore bovines. The number of repeats varied between 10 and 24, being more prevalent than the alleles with less number of repeats. The DNA sequence analysis revealed two repeats and one of them presented 100% homology with the bovine consensus sequence already reported. The second repeat showed codons that translate to serine and proline amino acids, which are conserved in the MUC1 of several species. This study is the first description of allelic variation and the VNTR structure in the Nelore breed MUC1 gene, and we suggest that this genetic variability can be tested for association with variation in reproductive traits in Nelore cattle.
An insertion/deletion in the porcine FGFR2 gene
Authors: Aldenhoven J. , Spötter A. , Distl O.
Published: February 2007

The 7000‐rad INRA‐University of Minnesota porcine Radiation Hybrid panel was used to localize the FGFR2 gene on Sus scrofa chromosome 14 (SSC14). An insertion/deletion mutation of approximately 240 bp was detected in the porcine FGFR2 gene. This mutation consists of a repeat motif of 48 bp. In a short and long variant of this polymorphism, the motif was repeated either six or 11 times. The mutation was shown to follow a Mendelian mode of inheritance in 10 families including 48 pigs of Large White × Duroc origin.
Genetic and phenotypic parameters for conformation and yield traits in three Swiss dairy cattle breeds
Authors: De Haas Y. , Janss L.L.G. , Kadarmideen H.N.
Published: February 2007

This study presents genetic parameters for conformation traits and their genetic and phenotypic correlations with milk production traits and somatic cell score (SCS) in three Swiss dairy cattle breeds. Data on first lactations from Holstein (67 839), Brown Swiss (173 372) and Red & White breeds (53 784) were available. Analysed conformation traits were stature and heart girth (both in cm), and linear scores of body depth, rump width, dairy character or muscularity, and body condition score (only in Holstein). A sire model, with relationships among sires, was used for all breeds and traits and variance components were estimated using AS‐REML. Heritabilities for stature were high (0.6–0.8), and for the linear type traits ranged from 0.3 to 0.5, for all breeds. Genetic correlations with production traits (milk, fat and protein yield) and SCS differed between the dairy breeds. Most markedly, stronger correlations were found between SCS and some conformation traits in Brown Swiss and Red & White, indicating that a focus on a larger and more ‘dairy’ type in these breeds would lead to increased SCS. Another marked difference was that rump width correlated positively with milk yield traits in Holstein and Red & White, but negative in Brown Swiss. Results indicate that conformation traits generally can be used as predictors for various purposes in dairy cattle breeding, but may require specific adaptation for each breed.
Analysis of FMO genes and off flavour in pork
Authors: Glenn K.L. , Ramos A.M. , Rothschild M.F.
Published: February 2007

Off flavours in pork sometimes produce tastes such as sourness, fishy, metallic or other non‐typical flavours and are often caused by low pH. Loss of function mutations in flavin containing mono‐oxygenase 3 (FMO3) are known to be associated with a fishy off flavour in both chicken eggs and cow's milk and a similar autosomal recessive disorder is present in humans resulting in a fishy odour. FMO3 is a member of a gene family that is clustered on human chromosome 1. Comparative mapping suggested that FMO3 and the remaining FMO genes (ex. FMO1 and FMO5) might map to the orthologous region on pig chromosome 9 (SSC9) where a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for off flavour was previously identified. Primers were designed to amplify FMO1, FMO3 and FMO5 gene fragments and several SNPs were discovered and genotyping tests developed. The genotypes from the Iowa State University Berkshire × Yorkshire resource population were used to linkage map FMO1 and FMO3 to SSC9 and FMO5 to pig chromosome 4 (SSC4). QTL and associations analyses were performed using the map containing FMO1 and FMO3. Results demonstrated that FMO3 and FMO1 mapped less than 1 cM away from the peak for the off flavour QTL previously detected on SSC9 and provide indications of an association between the FMO3 polymorphism and off flavour in pork.
Estimation of phenotypic and genetic parameters for weight gain and weight at fixed ages in the double‐muscled Belgian Blue Beef breed using field records
Authors: Coopman F. , Krafft A. , Dewulf J. , Van Zeveren A. , Gengler N.
Published: February 2007

In the double‐muscled Belgian Blue beef (DM‐BBB) breed, selection focuses on muscular conformation and not on weight gain and higher weight. There are very few studies on growth in the DM‐BBB using field records. Therefore, farms have no available useful figures on weight at fixed ages and weight gain for the DM‐BBB. This study describes and evaluates live weights of DM‐BBB animals. All the data were gathered on farms in Belgium. It was found that a male DM‐BBB weighs an average of 51 kg at birth, 98 kg at 3 months, 242 kg at 7 months, 430 kg at 13 months and 627 kg at 20 months. Between the age of 7 and 20 months, weight gain is more than 1200 g a day. Females weigh 47 kg at birth, 96 kg at 3 months, 189 kg at 7 months and 332 kg at 13 months. For males, estimates of heritability for weights at 7, 13 and 20 months were between 0.21 and 0.36. The heritability for weight gain between 13 and 20 months was 0.13. This demonstrates that it is possible to select for higher weights and for increased growth between 13 and 20 months. Animals having high weights at a young age (7 and 13 months) tend to have also high weight at slaughtering age (20 months; rg between 0.81 and 0.98), but no additional growth between 13 and 20 months (rg between −0.09 and 0.00). High weight at 20 months is partially due to growth between 13 and 20 months (rg = 0.49).
Application of robust procedures for estimation of breeding values in multiple‐trait random regression test‐day model
Authors: Jamrozik J. , Fatehi J. , Schaeffer L.R.
Published: February 2007

Robust procedures for estimation of breeding values were applied to multiple‐trait random regression test‐day (TD) model to reduce the influence of outliers on inferences. Robust estimation methods consisted of correcting selected observations (defined as outliers) in the process of solving mixed‐model equations in such a way that ‘new’ observations gave residuals (actual observation minus predicted) within k residual standard deviations for a given day in milk in 305‐day lactation. Data were 980 503 TD records on 63 346 Canadian Jersey cows. Milk, fat, protein and somatic cell score in the first three lactations were analysed jointly in the model that included fixed herd‐TD effect and regressions within region–age–season of calving, and regressions with random coefficients for animal genetic and permanent environmental effects. All regressions were orthogonal polynomials of order 4. Robust procedures for k = 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 2.75 and 3.0 were contrasted with the regular best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) method in terms of numbers and distributions of outliers, and estimated breeding values (EBV) of animals. Distributions of outliers were similar across traits and lactations. Early days in milk (from 5 to 15) were associated with larger frequency of outliers compared with the remaining part of lactation. Several, computationally simple, robust methods (for k > 2.0) reduced the influence of outlier observations in the model and improved the overall model performance. Differences in rankings of animals from robust evaluations were small compared with the regular BLUP method. No clear associations between changes in EBV (rankings) of top animals from different methods and the occurrence of outliers were detected.
Evaluation of association between polymorphism within the thyroglobulin gene and milk production traits in dairy cattle
Authors: Khatib H. , Zaitoun I. , Chang Y.M. , Maltecca C. , Boettcher P.
Published: February 2007

In dairy cattle, many studies have reported quantitative trait loci (QTL) on the centromeric end of chromosome 14 that affect milk production traits. One of the candidate genes in this QTL region – thyroglobulin (TG) – was previously found to be significantly associated with marbling in beef cattle. Thus, based on QTL studies in dairy cattle and because of possible effects of this gene on fat metabolism, we investigated the association of TG with milk yield and composition in Holstein dairy cattle. A total of 1279 bulls from the Cooperative Dairy DNA Repository Holstein population were genotyped for a single nucleotide polymorphism in TG used previously in beef cattle studies. Analysis of 29 sire families showed no significant association between TG variants and milk production traits. Within‐sire family analysis suggests that TG is neither the responsible gene nor a genetic marker in association with milk production traits.
Hypotaurine and thiotaurine as indicators of sulfide exposure in bivalves and vestimentiferans from hydrothermal vents and cold seeps
Authors: Brand Garth L. , Horak Robin V. , Bris Nadine Le , Goffredi Shana K. , Carney Susan L. , Govenar Breea , Yancey Paul H.
Published: February 2007

Vesicomyid clams, vestimentiferans, and some bathymodiolin mussels from hydrothermal vents and cold seeps possess thiotrophic endosymbionts, high levels of hypotaurine and, in tissues with symbionts, thiotaurine. The latter, a product of hypotaurine and sulfide, may store and/or transport sulfide non‐toxically, and the ratio to hypotaurine plus thiotaurine (Th/[H + Th]) may reflect an animal's sulfide exposure. To test this, we analyzed seep and vent animals with in situ sulfide measurements. Calyptogena kilmeri clams occur at high‐sulfide seeps in Monterey Canyon, while C. (Vesicomya) pacifica clams occur at seeps with lower levels but take up and metabolize sulfide more effectively. From one seep where they co‐occur, both had gill thiotaurine contents at 22–25 mmol kg−1 wet mass, and while C. (V.) pacifica had a higher blood sulfide level, it had a lower Th/[H + Th] (0.39) than C. kilmeri (0.63). However, these same species from different seeps with lower sulfide exposures had lower ratios. Bathymodiolus thermophilus [East Pacific Rise (EPR 9°50′ N)] from high‐(84 μm) and a low‐(7 μm) sulfide vents had gill ratios of 0.40 and 0.12, respectively. Trophosomes of Riftia pachyptila (EPR 9°50′ N) from medium‐(33 μm) and low‐(4 μm) sulfide vents had ratios of 0.23 and 0.20, respectively (not significantly different). Ridgeia piscesae vestimentiferans (Juan de Fuca Ridge) have very different phenotypes at high‐ and low‐sulfide sites, and their trophosomes had the greatest differences: 0.81 and 0.04 ratios from high‐ and low‐sulfide sites, respectively. Thus Th/[H + Th] may indicate sulfide exposure levels within species, but not in interspecies comparisons, possibly due to phylogenetic and metabolic differences. Total H + Th was constant within each species (except in R. piscesae); the sum may indicate the maximum potential sulfide load that a species faces.
Quantitative distribution of presumptive archaeal and bacterial nitrifiers in Monterey Bay and the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre
Authors: Mincer Tracy J. , Church Matthew J. , Taylor Lance Trent , Preston Christina , Karl David M. , DeLong Edward F.
Published: February 2007

The recent isolation of the ammonia‐oxidizing crenarchaeon Nitrosopumilus maritimus has expanded the known phylogenetic distribution of nitrifying phenotypes beyond the domain Bacteria. To further characterize nitrification in the marine environment and explore the potential crenarchaeal contribution to this process, we quantified putative nitrifying genes and phylotypes in picoplankton genomic libraries and environmental DNA samples from coastal and open ocean habitats. Betaproteobacteria ammonia monooxygenase subunit A (amoA) gene copy numbers were low or undetectable, in stark contrast to crenarchaeal amoA‐like genes that were broadly distributed and reached up to 6 × 104 copies ml−1. Unexpectedly, in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, a deeply branching crenarchaeal group related to a hot spring clade (pSL12) was at times abundant below the euphotic zone. Quantitative data suggested that the pSL12 relatives also contain archaeal amoA‐like genes. In both coastal and open ocean habitats, close relatives of known nitrite‐oxidizing Nitrospina species were well represented in genomic DNA libraries and quantitative PCR profiles. Planktonic Nitrospina depth distributions correlated with those of Crenarchaea. Overall, the data suggest that amoA‐containing Crenarchaea are more phylogenetically diverse than previously reported. Additionally, distributional patterns of planktonic Crenarchaea and Nitrospina species suggest potential metabolic interactions between these groups in the ocean's water column.
Selection of nitrogen‐fixing deficient Burkholderia vietnamiensis strains by cystic fibrosis patients: involvement of nif gene deletions and auxotrophic mutations
Authors: Menard Aymeric , Monnez Claire , Estrada de los Santos Paulina , Segonds Christine , Caballero‐Mellado Jesus , LiPuma John J. , Chabanon Gerard , Cournoyer Benoit
Published: February 2007

Burkholderia vietnamiensis is the third most prevalent species of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) found in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Its ability at fixing nitrogen makes it one of the main Bcc species showing strong filiations with environmental reservoirs. In this study, 83% (29 over 35) of the B. vietnamiensis CF isolates and 100% of the environmental ones (over 29) were found expressing the dinitrogenase complex (encoded by the nif cluster) which is essential in N2 fixation. Among the deficient strains, two were found growing with ammonium chloride suggesting that they were defective in N2 fixation, and four with amino acids supplements suggesting that they were harbouring auxotrophic mutations. To get insights about the genetic events that led to the emergence of the N2‐fixing defective strains, a genetic analysis of B. vietnamiensis nitrogen‐fixing property was undertaken. A 40‐kb‐long nif cluster and nif regulatory genes were identified within the B. vietnamiensis strain G4 genome sequence, and analysed. Transposon mutagenesis and nifH genetic marker exchanges showed the nif cluster and several other genes like gltB (encoding a subunit of the glutamate synthase) to play a key role in B. vietnamiensis ability at growing in nitrogen‐free media. nif cluster DNA probings of restricted genomic DNA blots showed a full deletion of the nif cluster for one of the N2‐fixing defective strain while the other one showed a genetic organization similar to the one of the G4 strain. For 17% of B. vietnamiensis clinical strains, CF lungs appeared to have favoured the selection of mutations or deletions leading to N2‐fixing deficiencies.
Microbial CO2 fixation and sulfur cycling associated with low‐temperature emissions at the Lilliput hydrothermal field, southern Mid‐Atlantic Ridge (9°S)
Authors: Perner Mirjam , Seifert Richard , Weber Stefan , Koschinsky Andrea , Schmidt Katja , Strauss Harald , Peters Marc , Haase Karsten , Imhoff Johannes F.
Published: February 2007

Lilliput was discovered in 2005 as the southernmost known hydrothermal field along the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge. It is exceptional in that it lacks high‐temperature venting probably because of a thickened crust. The absence of thermophilic and hyperthermophilic prokaryotes in emissions supports the argument against the presence of a hot subsurface at Lilliput, as is typically suggested for diffuse emissions from areas of high‐temperature venting. The high phylogenetic diversity and novelty of bacteria observed could be because of the low‐temperature influence, the distinct location of the hydrothermal field or the Bathymodiolus assemblages covering the sites of discharge. The low‐temperature fluids at the Lilliput are characterized by lowered pH and slightly elevated hydrogen (16 nM) and methane (∼2.6 μM) contents compared with ambient seawater. No typical hydrogen and methane oxidizing prokaryotes were detected. The higher diversity of reverse tricarboxylic acid genes and the form II RubisCO genes of the Calvin Benson‐Bassham (CBB) cycle compared with the form I RubisCO genes of the CBB cycle suggests that the chemoautotrophic community is better adapted to low oxygen concentrations. Thiomicrospira spp. and Epsilonproteobacteria dominated the autotrophic community. Sulfide is the most abundant inorganic energy source (0.5 mM). Diverse bacteria were associated with sulfur cycling, including Gamma‐, Delta‐ and Epsilonproteobacteria, with the latter being the most abundant bacteria according to fluorescence in situ hybridization. With members of various Candidate Divisions constituting for 25% of clone library sequences we suggest that their role in vent ecosystems might be more important than previously assumed and propose potential mechanisms they might be involved in at the Lilliput hydrothermal field.
Molecular detection and diversity of novel diterpenoid dioxygenase DitA1 genes from proteobacterial strains and soil samples
Authors: Witzig Robert , Aly Hamdy A. H. , Strömpl Carsten , Wray Victor , Junca Howard , Pieper Dietmar H.
Published: February 2007

Resin acids are tricyclic diterpenoids naturally synthesized by trees that are released from wood during pulping processes. Using a newly designed primer set, genes similar to that encoding the DitA1 catalytic α‐subunit of the diterpenoid dioxygenase, a key enzyme in abietane resin acid degradation by Pseudomonas abietaniphila BKME‐9, could be amplified from different Pseudomonas strains, whereas ditA1 gene sequence types representing distinct branches in the evolutionary tree were amplified from Burkholderia and Cupriavidus isolates. All isolates harbouring a ditA1‐homologue were capable of growth on dehydroabietic acid as the sole source of carbon and energy and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis in three strains confirmed that ditA1 was expressed constitutively or in response to DhA, demonstrating its involvement in DhA‐degradation. Evolutionary analyses indicate that gyrB (as a phylogenetic marker) and ditA1 genes have coevolved under purifying selection from their ancestral variants present in the most recent common ancestor of the genera Pseudomonas, Cupriavidus and Burkholderia. A polymerase chain reaction‐single‐strand conformation poylmorphism fingerprinting method was established to monitor the diversity of ditA1 genes in environmental samples. The molecular fingerprints indicated the presence ofa broad, previously unrecognized diversity of diterpenoid dioxygenase genes in soils, and suggest that other bacterial phyla may also harbour the genetic potential for DhA‐degradation.
Distinct protistan assemblages characterize the euphotic zone and deep sea (2500 m) of the western North Atlantic (Sargasso Sea and Gulf Stream)
Authors: Countway Peter D. , Gast Rebecca J. , Dennett Mark R. , Savai Pratik , Rose Julie M. , Caron David A.
Published: February 2007

Protistan diversity was characterized at three locations in the western North Atlantic (Sargasso Sea and Gulf Stream) by sequencing 18S rRNA genes in samples from euphotic (≤ 125 m) and bathypelagic depths (2500 m). A total of 923 partial‐length protistan sequences were analysed, revealing 324 distinct operational taxonomic units (OTUs) determined by an automated OTU‐calling program set to 95% sequence similarity. Most OTUs were comprised of only one or two sequences suggesting a large but rare pool of protistan diversity. Many OTUs from both depth strata were associated with recently described novel alveolate and stramenopile lineages while many OTUs from the bathypelagic were affiliated with Acantharea, Polycystinea and Euglenozoa and were not observed in euphotic zone libraries. Protistan assemblages from the euphotic zone and the deep sea were largely composed of distinct OTUs; only 28 of the 324 protistan OTUs were detected in both shallow and deep sea clone libraries. The diversity of protistan assemblages in the deep sea was distinctly lower than the diversity of euphotic zone assemblages. Protistan assemblages from the Gulf Stream were the most diverse for either depth strata. Overall, protistan assemblages from different stations but comparable depths were more similar than the assemblages from different depths at the same station. These data suggest that particular groups of protistan OTUs formed distinct ‘shallow’ and ‘deep‐sea’ assemblages across widely spaced oceanic locales.
Role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Palomer X. , González‐Clemente J. M. , Blanco‐Vaca F. , Mauricio D.
Published: February 2007

Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to alter insulin synthesis and secretion in both humans and animal models. It has been reported that vitamin D deficiency may predispose to glucose intolerance, altered insulin secretion and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Vitamin D replenishment improves glycaemia and insulin secretion in patients with type 2 diabetes with established hypovitaminosis D, thereby suggesting a role for vitamin D in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The presence of vitamin D receptors (VDR) and vitamin D–binding proteins (DBP) in pancreatic tissue and the relationship between certain allelic variations in the VDR and DBP genes with glucose tolerance and insulin secretion have further supported this hypothesis. The mechanism of action of vitamin D in type 2 diabetes is thought to be mediated not only through regulation of plasma calcium levels, which regulate insulin synthesis and secretion, but also through a direct action on pancreatic β‐cell function. Therefore, owing to its increasing relevance, this review focuses on the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Variation of patients’ views on Type 2 diabetes management over time
Authors: Vég A. , Rosenqvist U. , Sarkadi A.
Published: February 2007

Aims  The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between participants’ views about their role in diabetes treatment and their glycaemic control 3–7 years after having entered an educational intervention, and to investigate whether people's attitudes towards diabetes management change over an extended period of time.

Methods  The present study is a long‐term follow‐up analysis of data collected from 193 persons with Type 2 diabetes. A qualitative content analysis of three open‐ended questions about participants’ self‐perceived role in diabetes treatment was used. The related outcome measure was haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

Results  The way people viewed their role in diabetes management affected glycaemic control. Individuals in the Disease Manager or Compliant categories had significantly lower HbA1c compared with those in the Disheartened category. Furthermore, in people whose attitudes towards diabetes treatment was variable, weight and age influenced why participants changed their views and thus switched categories. Paradoxically, when people changed their views, this change did not produce a change in blood glucose control, which would have been expected.

Conclusions  From the health‐care provider's perspective, it is important to know how the person with diabetes perceives his/her role in disease management and to determine if a change in perception would be followed by intervention to adjust glycaemic control. Consequently, individuals’ perception of disease management should be incorporated in patient education programmes and routine diabetes care to enable customized care and prevent stagnation in negative roles.
Sensitivity and specificity of digital retinal imaging for screening diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Lopez‐Bastida J. , Cabrera‐Lopez F. , Serrano‐Aguilar P.
Published: February 2007

Aims  To assess the effectiveness of a non‐mydriatic digital camera (45°−30° photographs) compared with the reference method for screening diabetic retinopathy.

Methods  Type 1 and 2 diabetic patients (n = 773; 1546 eyes) underwent screening for diabetic retinopathy in a prospective observational study. Hospital‐based non‐mydriatic digital retinal imaging by a consultant specialist in retinal diseases was compared with slit‐lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy through dilated pupils, as a gold standard, previously performed in a community health centre by another consultant specialist in retinal diseases. The main outcome measures were sensitivity and specificity of screening methods and prevalence of diabetic retinopathy.

Results  The prevalence of any form of diabetic retinopathy was 42.4% (n = 328); the prevalence of sight‐threatening including macular oedema and proliferative retinopathy was 9.6% (n = 74). Sensitivity of detection of any diabetic retinopathy by digital imaging was 92% (95% confidence interval 90, 94). Specificity of detection of any diabetic retinopathy was 96% (95, 98). The predictive value of the negative tests was 94% and of a positive test 95%. For sight‐threatening retinopathy digital imaging had a sensitivity of 100%.

Conclusions  A high sensitivity and specificity are essential for an effective screening programme. These results confirm digital retinal imaging with a non‐mydriatic camera as an effective option in community‐based screening programmes for diabetic retinopathy.
Insulin glargine in combination with nateglinide in people with Type 2 diabetes: a randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Dashora U. K. , Sibal L. , Ashwell S. G. , Home P. D.
Published: February 2007

Objective  To determine the effect of adding nateglinide to therapy with insulin glargine in adults with Type 2 diabetes previously treated with insulin and with poor blood glucose control.

Research design and methods  In this 16‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, people with Type 2 diabetes [n = 55, HbA1c 8.2 ± 1.0 (± sd)%, duration of diabetes 12.8 ± 6.0 years, duration of insulin treatment 6.0 ± 4.0 years] were transferred to single bedtime injection of insulin glargine for a titration period of 4 weeks, and then randomized to nateglinide or matching placebo before meals in addition to insulin glargine. Metformin was continued if taken. Doses of insulin and oral medication were titrated to protocol for the treatment period of 12 weeks.

Results  Baseline‐adjusted self‐monitored capillary blood glucose concentration at 12 weeks was significantly lower with nateglinide + insulin glargine compared with placebo + insulin glargine after breakfast [difference −2.3 (95% confidence interval −4.4, −0.2) mmol/l, P = 0.030], before lunch [−2.5 (−4.6, −0.3) mmol/l, P = 0.029], and after lunch [−2.3 (−4.3, −0.4) mmol/l, P = 0.021], but not at other times. Baseline‐adjusted HbA1c was not lower with nateglinide + insulin glargine as compared with placebo + insulin glargine [7.8 ± 1.4 vs. 8.3 ± 1.0%, difference −0.43 (−0.98, 0.12)%].

Conclusions  Addition of nateglinide before meals to once‐daily insulin glargine in people with long‐standing diabetes already requiring insulin therapy improves blood glucose control in the early part of the day after breakfast and lunch, but does not provide good control of blood glucose levels overall.
Natural history and predictors of disturbed eating behaviour in girls with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Colton P. A. , Olmsted M. P. , Daneman D. , Rydall A. C. , Rodin G. M.
Published: February 2007

Aim   To determine the natural history and psychosocial predictors of disturbed eating behaviour in girls with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) over a 1‐year period.

Methods   One hundred and six girls with T1D, 9–13 years of age at Time 1, completed a Children's Eating Disorder Examination (cEDE) interview at Time 1 and again 1 year later (Time 2). Potential Time 1 predictors of Time 2 disturbed eating behaviour were body mass index (BMI), self‐esteem, depressive symptoms, attachment to parents, and parental eating attitudes. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured.

Results   Disturbed eating behaviour was reported by 14% (15/106) of girls at Time 1, and 17% (18/106) at Time 2, and persisted in 8/15 girls over 1 year. Lower self‐esteem, higher BMI and more disturbed maternal eating attitudes at Time 1 accounted for 35% of the variance in Time 2 cEDE score, while higher BMI and more disturbed attachment to one's mother predicted new‐onset disturbed eating behaviour at Time 2. Glycaemic control was not associated with or predicted by disturbed eating behaviour.

Conclusions   There was only moderate stability in disturbed eating behaviour status over a 1‐year period. In this preliminary study, disturbed eating behaviour was associated with and, to a lesser degree, predicted by physical, psychological and family factors. Although the long‐term clinical course of the mild disturbances identified is not known, prevention and early intervention efforts in this high‐risk medical group should begin in the pre‐teen years, and should probably target multiple factors in order to prevent the persistence and worsening of disturbed eating behaviour and its medical sequelae.