bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shading, Defoliation and Light Enrichment Effects on Chickpea in Northern Latitudes
Authors: Li L. , Gan Y. T. , Bueckert R. , Warkentin T. D.
Published: November 2009

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) has an indeterminate growth nature, and the plant canopy with an improved light environment during critical growth stages may increase biomass (BM) production and improve crop yield. This study examined (i) the effects of shading, light enrichment and defoliation applied at various growth stages on BM and seed yield of chickpea in northern latitudes; and (ii) the difference between cultivars with fern‐ vs. unfoliate‐leaf type in responding to the altered canopy light environments. Field studies were conducted at Saskatoon and Swift Current, Saskatchewan in 2004 and 2005. Different light environments were created by 50 % defoliation at vegetative growth and at first flower, 50 % shading from vegetative growth to first flower, and two light enrichment treatments initiated at the first flower and pod formation stages. The 50 % shade treatment prior to flowering significantly decreased harvest index (HI) and seed yield. Light enrichments increased seed yield only one of three location‐years (the fourth site excluded because of disease damage). Defoliation at vegetative growth or first flower had a marginal effect on seed yield, largely as a result of the regrowth of vegetative tissues compensating for the lost plant tissues. The cultivar CDC Yuma (fern‐leaf type) exhibited consistently greater maximum light interception (LI), cumulative intercepted radiation, HI and seed yield than the cultivar Sanford (unifoliate‐leaf type) across all location‐years. Selective use of chickpea cultivars with improved morphological traits such as fern‐leaf type will likely improve LI and increase crop yield for chickpea in northern latitudes. Moreover, optimized crop management practices should be adopted to ensure that chickpea be grown under conditions with minimum shading before flowering and optimum light environment within the canopy especially during reproductive growth period.
Influence of red clover‐derived isoflavones on serum lipid profile in postmenopausal women
Authors: Terzic Milan M. , Dotlic Jelena , Maricic Sanja , Mihailovic Tihomir , Tosic‐Race Bratislava
Published: November 2009

Aim:  Menopause is associated with adverse metabolic changes, especially in plasma lipoprotein and cholesterol levels. Estrogens have beneficial effects on lipid metabolism. Phytoestrogens are plant substances that are structurally and functionally similar to 17β‐estradiol and are capable of producing estrogenic effects. The goal of the present study was to estimate the effects of red clover‐derived isoflavones on serum lipid levels in postmenopausal women.

Methods:  The study comprised 40 healthy postmenopausal women with an average age of 56 years. The women were divided into two groups: 22 were allocated to a red clover‐derived isoflavone medication group, and 18 were allocated to a non‐medication group. Total blood cholesterol, cholesterol fractions and triglycerides in the women of both groups were investigated before treatment and at 4‐month intervals over the following 12 months.

Results:  Both total serum cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, as well as triglyceride levels, were decreased significantly in the group receiving phytoestrogens. However, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol showed a significant increase.

Conclusion:  Red clover phytoestrogen supplementation in postmenopausal women had favorable metabolic effects on serum lipids. Furthermore, red clover phytoestrogens have no side‐effects and can be considered safe.
Serum prolidase activity and oxidative stress markers in pregnancies with intrauterine growth restricted infants
Authors: Toy Harun , Camuzcuoglu Hakan , Arioz Dagistan Tolga , Kurt Sefa , Celik Hakim , Aksoy Nurten
Published: November 2009

Aim:  To compare the levels of serum prolidase activity and oxidative stress markers, including total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI), and total free sulfhydryl (–SH) in healthy pregnant women and pregnant women with intrauterine growth restricted infants.

Methods:  Serum samples were obtained from 18 healthy third trimester pregnancies and 14 pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR). The criteria for FGR were clinical evidence of suboptimal growth, ultrasonographic demonstration of deviation from normal percentiles of growth, and birthweight under the 10th percentile. We spectrophotometrically measured serum prolidase activity, TAC, TOS, and –SH levels. Oxidative stress was determined from total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status measurement and calculation of the oxidative stress index.

Results:  Serum TAC and –SH levels were significantly lower in the FGR group than in the healthy control group (P = 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively), whereas TOS level, OSI value, and prolidase activity were significantly higher (P = 0.003, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Prolidase activity was positively correlated with TOS and OSI values (rho = 0.552, P = 0.041 and rho = 0.635, P = 0.015, respectively) and negatively correlated with TAC and –SH levels (rho = −0.578, P = 0.030 and rho = −0.622, P = 0.018, respectively).

Conclusion:  The present study shows that serum prolidase activity and oxidative stress are significantly associated with the presence of FGR and that the correlation between serum prolidase activity and markers of oxidative stress are represented as increased serum TOS level and decreased serum TAC and –SH levels, suggesting an association of collagen turnover and oxidative stress in vascular dysfunction.
Thrombophilia investigation in Malaysian women with recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Ayadurai Thiruchelvam , Muniandy Sekaran , Omar Siti Zawiah
Published: November 2009

Aim:  The status of thrombophilia in Asian women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is obscure and poorly understood. Numerous studies suggest the non‐existence or extreme rarity of the two important thrombophilia markers, factor V Leiden (FVL) and prothrombin G20210A (PTG) mutations, in patients of Asian ancestries. Thus, the consensus that thrombophilia is rare among Asians and laboratory investigations is irrelevant. We therefore investigated Malaysian women with RPL for thrombophilia abnormalities.

Methods:  A total of 402 patients (RPL subjects) and 160 female controls were screened for FVL, PTG and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase mutations using polymerase chain reaction, activated protein C resistance (APC‐R) using clot‐based tests, protein C and antithrombin using chromogenic tests, and protein S and antiphospholipid antibodies using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.

Results:  APC‐R was identified in 21.6% (87/402) of the RPL subjects. Of the 87 APC‐R positive RPL subjects, 9.2% (8/87) were due to FVL, 51.7% (45/87) had protein S deficiency, 6.9% (6/87) had protein C deficiency, 6.9% (6/87) had combined protein S and protein C deficiencies, 1.1% (1/87) had antithrombin deficiency and 25.3% (22/87) had unidentifiable non‐specific abnormalities. Antiphospholipid antibodies were identified in 4.2% (17/402) of the RPL subjects. FVL (2% = 8/402) and PTG (0.5% = 2/402) were identified in the Malay and Indian RPL subjects, but there were none in the Chinese subjects or the controls. Methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase was identified in 35.3% (142/402) of the RPL subjects.

Conclusions:  Thrombophilia was identified in more than one‐quarter (26.6% = 107/402) of the RPL subjects. APC‐R not caused by FVL mutation was the most common thrombophilia marker in Malaysians, whereas in Caucasians it was the APC‐R due to FVL mutation. The identification of FVL and PTG mutations in Malaysian women with RPL disputes prevailing evidences suggesting its non‐occurrence in patients with Asian ancestries.
Pregnancy complicated with Alport syndrome: A good obstetric outcome and failure to diagnose an infant born to a mother with Alport syndrome by umbilical cord immunofluorescence staining
Authors: Matsubara Shigeki , Ueda Yoshihiko , Takahashi Hisako , Nagai Takashi , Kuwata Tomoyuki , Muto Shigeaki , Yamaguchi Takehiko , Takizawa Toshihiro , Suzuki Mitsuaki
Published: November 2009

Alport syndrome is a familial progressive nephritis. The most frequent type is X‐linked Alport syndrome, caused by genetic abnormalities in the alpha 5 chain of type IV collagen. Skin biopsy is a useful tool for diagnosing this disease. It is not well known how this syndrome affects pregnancy and how it is affected by pregnancy, or whether the umbilical cord may provide material for detecting this collagen abnormality. We report a primigravida with Alport syndrome with mild proteinuria who gave birth abdominally to a term male infant without deteriorating renal function during pregnancy. The umbilical cord from not only this infant but also from an Alport (‐) control infant showed negative immunofluorescence staining for the alpha 5 chain of type IV collagen. Women with Alport syndrome without renal dysfunction may follow an uneventful obstetrical course until term. The cord may not be suitable for diagnosing Alport syndrome with immunofluorescence staining.
Successful pregnancy outcome in a case of heterotopic intrauterine and cervical pregnancy and a literature review
Authors: Hoshino Tatsuji , Kita Masato , Imai Yukihiro , Kokeguchi Shoji , Shiotani Masahide
Published: November 2009

It is difficult to treat cervical pregnancy without harming the intrauterine pregnancy. We report the case of a patient who was 37 years old and had an abdominal myomectomy. She had become pregnant by in vitro fertilization and egg transfer, and was transferred because of massive bleeding at 6 weeks of gestation. Afterwards, Escherichia coli infection was detected and intravenous antibiotics were administered. Careful intracervical mass reduction and curettage were performed under abdominal ultrasound guidance. The postoperative course was uneventful and she gave birth by cesarean section at 38 weeks. Sixteen cases exist in the literature. Treatment of cervical pregnancy was performed by KCl injection in six cases, hyperosmotic glucose injection in one and complete cervical evacuation in nine. The nine patients that had cervical evacuation delivered at term. In seven cervical mass preservation cases, one patient with twin pregnancy delivered at 34 weeks, and six with singletons delivered at 31–36 weeks. The best therapy is complete evacuation in early gestation in order to avoid infection, bleeding and premature birth. The authors emphasize abdominal ultrasound usage through the bladder window with 150–200 mL of water (or urine) for careful cervical mass reduction and curettage without harming the intrauterine pregnancy.
The changing trend of diverticular disease in a developing Nation
Authors: Fong S. S. , Tan E. Y. , Foo A. , Sim R. , Cheong D. M. O.
Published: November 2009

Aim  Left‐sided diverticular disease (LDD) is associated with reduced dietary intake, whereas right‐sided diverticular disease (RDD) is more common amongst Oriental populations. We aimed to determine whether the prevalence, site and distribution of diverticular disease in our Oriental population has changed over the past two decades.

Method  A total of 1663 barium enema studies performed between January 2001 and August 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. The site of disease was correlated with age, gender and ethnicity of the patient.

Results  Forty‐five per cent of patients in the study population had diverticular disease. Older patients were more likely to have LDD, whereas the Chinese ethnic group was more likely to have RDD. Right‐sided diverticular disease peaks at in the sixth decade, while for LDD this occurred in the seventh and eighth decades. Right‐sided diverticular disease was more common in all age groups overall. When compared with two barium enema studies carried out in Singapore two decades earlier, there was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of RDD and LDD.

Conclusion  There is a positive association of RDD and LDD with Chinese race and increasing age. There is an increasing incidence of both LDD and RDD compared with two decades previously.
Outpatient treatment of patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis
Authors: Alonso S. , Pera M. , Parés D. , Pascual M. , Gil M. J. , Courtier R. , Grande L.
Published: November 2009

Aim  Evidence supporting outpatient treatment with oral antibiotics in patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis is limited. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an ambulatory treatment protocol in patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis.

Method  All patients diagnosed with uncomplicated diverticulitis based on abdominal computed tomography findings from June 2003 to December 2008 were considered for outpatient treatment. Admission was indicated in patients not able to tolerate oral intake and those with comorbidity or without adequate family support. Treatment consisted of oral antibiotics for 7 days (amoxicillin‐clavulanic or ciprofloxacin plus metronidazole in patients with penicillin allergy). Patients were seen again at between 4 and 7 days after starting treatment to confirm symptom improvement.

Results  Ninety‐six patients were diagnosed with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis and 26 presented at least one criterion for admission. Ambulatory treatment was initiated in 70 (73%) patients. Only two (3%) required admission because of persisting abdominal pain and vomiting, respectively. Intravenous antibiotics resolved the inflammatory process in both cases. In the remaining 68 (97%), ambulatory treatment was completed without complication.

Conclusion  Ambulatory treatment of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis is safe, effective and applicable to most patients with tolerance to oral intake and without severe comorbidity and having appropriate family support.
Surgical excision of retrorectal tumour using transanal endoscopic microsurgery
Authors: Serra Aracil X. , Gómez Díaz C. , Bombardó Junca J. , Mora López L. , Alcántara Moral M. , Ayguavives Garnica I. , Navarro Soto S.
Published: November 2009

Surgical excision is the best therapeutic option for tumours in the retrorectal space. Classically, surgery in this area required an abdominal or posterior approach, or a combination of the two methods. We report the use of transanal endoscopic microsurgery for the treatment of retrorectal tumours as an alternative to classical procedures.
Long‐term follow up of abdominal rectosigmoidectomy with posterior end‐to‐side stapled anastomosis for Chagas megacolon
Authors: Nahas S. C. , Pinto R. A. , Dias A. R. , Nahas C. S. R. , Araújo S. E. A. , Marques C. F. S. , Cecconello I.
Published: November 2009

Aim  Chagas’ disease is an endemic parasitosis found in Latin America. The disease affects different organs, such as heart, oesophagus, colon and rectum. Megacolon is the most frequent long‐term complication, caused by damage to the myoenteric and submucous plexus, ultimately leading to a functional barrier to the faeces. Patients with severe constipation are managed surgically. The study aimed to analyse the 10‐year minimum functional outcome after rectosigmoidectomy with posterior end‐to‐side anastomosis (RPESA).

Method  A total of 21 of 46 patients were available for follow up. Patients underwent clinical, radiological and manometric evaluation, and the results were compared with preoperative parameters.

Results  Of the 21 patients evaluated, 81% (17) were female, with a mean age of 60.6 years. Good function was achieved in all patients, with significant improvement in defaecatory frequency (P < 0.0001), usage of enemas (P < 0.0001) and patient satisfaction. Barium enema also showed resolution of the colonic and rectal dilatation in 19 cases evaluated postoperatively.

Conclusion  Minimal 10‐year follow up of RPESA showed excellent functional results, with no recurrence of constipation.
The potential of cinnamon to reduce blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
Authors: Kirkham S. , Akilen R. , Sharma S. , Tsiami A.
Published: November 2009

Aim: Cinnamon has a long history as an antidiabetic spice, but trials involving cinnamon supplementation have produced contrasting results. The aim of this review was to examine the results of randomized controlled clinical trials of cinnamon and evaluate the therapeutic potential amongst patients with diabetes and insulin‐resistant patients, particularly the ability to reduce blood glucose levels and inhibit protein glycation.

Methods: A systematic electronic literature search using the medical subject headings ‘cinnamon’ and ‘blood glucose’ was carried out to include randomized, placebo‐controlled in vivo clinical trials using Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum cassia conducted between January 2003 and July 2008.

Results: Five type 2 diabetic and three non‐diabetic studies (total N = 311) were eligible. Two of the diabetic studies illustrated significant fasting blood glucose (FBG) reductions of 18–29% and 10.3% (p < 0.05), supported by one non‐diabetic trial reporting an 8.4% FBG reduction (p < 0.01) vs. placebo, and another illustrating significant reductions in glucose response using oral glucose tolerance tests (p < 0.05). Three diabetic studies reported no significant results.

Conclusions: Whilst definitive conclusions cannot be drawn regarding the use of cinnamon as an antidiabetic therapy, it does possess antihyperglycaemic properties and potential to reduce postprandial blood glucose levels. Further research is required to confirm a possible correlation between baseline FBG and blood glucose reduction and to assess the potential to reduce pathogenic diabetic complications with cinnamon supplementation.
Errors in patient perception of caloric deficit required for weight loss—observations from the Diet Plate Trial*
Authors: Kline G. A. , Pedersen S. D.
Published: November 2009

Persons with obesity may be poor estimators of caloric content of food. Health care professionals encourage patients to consult nutritional labels as one strategy to assess and restrict caloric intake. Among subjects enrolled in a weight loss clinical trial, the objective is to determine the accuracy of subjects' estimates of caloric deficit needed to achieve the desired weight loss. A 6‐month controlled trial demonstrated efficacy of a portion control tool to induce weight loss in 130 obese people with type 2 diabetes. All subjects had previously received dietary teaching from a dietician and a nurse. At baseline, patients were asked how much weight they would like to lose and to quantitatively estimate the caloric deficit required to achieve this weight loss. The stated amount of weight loss desired ranged from 4.5 to 73 kg, with an average of 26.6 kg (n = 127 respondents). Only 30% of participants were willing to estimate the required caloric deficit to lose their target weight. Subjects' per kilograms estimate of caloric deficit required ranged from 0.7 to 2 000 000 calories/kg with a median of 86 calories/kg. Nearly half of subjects (47.4%) underestimated the total required caloric deficit to achieve their target weight loss by greater than 100 000 calories. Despite attendance at a diabetes education centre, this population of obese individuals had a poor understanding of the quantitative relationship between caloric deficit and weight loss. Educational initiatives focused upon quantitative caloric intake and its impact on weight change may be needed to assist obese patients in setting appropriate weight loss goals and achieving the appropriate daily caloric restriction required for success.
Beliefs about the causes of cervical cancer in Botswana: implications for nursing
Authors: McFarland D. M.
Published: November 2009

Background:  Cervical cancer is the most common cause of cancer mortality and morbidity for women in Botswana. Yet, little is known about what women believe to be the causes of the disease.

Aim:  This paper presents data on factors women in Botswana believe are responsible for the high incidence of cervical cancer in their country. Data were part of a larger study that explored knowledge and perceptions about cervical cancer and Pap smear screening from the perspectives of the clients and the healthcare providers.

Methods:  The study that generated the data included 30 women of all socio‐economic levels, recruited by network sampling. The women's ages ranged from 31 to 54 years. Demographic data were analysed descriptively. Individualized interview data were content‐analysed.

Findings:  The identified causes of cervical cancer were classified as cervical irritants and non‐irritants. The most commonly cited cervical irritants were vaginally inserted chemical agents and traditional medicine.

Discussions:  Participants identified vaginally inserted chemical substances and traditional medicines as possible explanations for the high incidence of cervical cancer in Botswana. They reported that women used these substances for sexual and hygienic purposes. Although these factors are believed to be the causes of cervical cancer and have not yet been medically acknowledged, verbal reports suggest that their use is problematic.

Conclusion:  There is a need for health education and for further research to affirm women's beliefs about the harmful effects of intravaginal agents.
Similarities and mutual understanding: exchange experiences in Malawi for host and guest students
Authors: Hagen L. , Munkhondya B. , Myhre K.
Published: November 2009

Background:  A Malawian nursing college and a Norwegian university college have agreed to cooperate in facilitating clinical exchanges for nursing students at their respective institutions. This study describes the experiences of students in an innovative exchange. Norwegian and Malawian nursing students shared clinical placement in pairs of two in Malawi for 8 weeks. This study shows that both host and guest students benefit from the clinical placement as it enhances development of clinical competence.

Methods:  The design of the study is phenomenological/hermeneutical. The theoretical foundation is based upon Campinha‐Bacote's model for the development of cultural competence.

All participating nursing students were interviewed. Their stories provided the rationale for the three main categories that are discussed.

Findings:  Students experience both similarities and differences in practice, but similarities are regarded as the stronger impression. Learning relational skills is the primary learning outcome, but learning how to nurse patients is also an important outcome. During the exchange period all students developed cultural competence. This way of organizing shared placements for guest and host students from different countries is valuable for all students. It also met the curricular demands in both countries.
Voting Equilibria in Multi‐candidate Elections
Authors: DUGGAN JOHN , SEKIYA YOJI
Published: November 2009

We consider a general plurality voting game with multiple candidates, where voter preferences over candidates are exogenously given. In particular, we allow for arbitrary voter indifferences, as may arise in voting subgames of citizen‐candidate or locational models of elections. We prove that the voting game admits pure strategy equilibria in undominated strategies. The proof is constructive: we exhibit an algorithm, the “best winning deviation” algorithm, that produces such an equilibrium in finite time. A byproduct of the algorithm is a simple story for how voters might learn to coordinate on such an equilibrium.
Stability of Constitutions
Authors: KULTTI KLAUS , MIETTINEN PAAVO
Published: November 2009

Constitution is a pair of rules (s, S) that are used in a voting situation. The rule s is used to vote about the existing alternatives and the rule S is used to vote about changing the rule s to some other rule s′. We consider what kind of constitutions are likely to emerge as prominent ones if the constitutions contain more than just two rules. In a constitution that contains any number of rules the nth rule is used to decide about the n − 1 th rule. We define a notion of stability for the constitutions and show that all stable constitutions roughly contain the same rule from n = 2 onwards. This is one explanation to the casual observation that the constitutions have usually only two rules.
Time Varying and Dynamic Models for Default Risk in Consumer Loans
Authors: Crook Jonathan , Bellotti Tony
Published: November 2009

We review the incorporation of time varying variables into models of the risk of consumer default. Lenders typically have data which are of a panel format. This allows the inclusion of time varying covariates in models of account level default by including them in survival models, panel models or ‘correction factor’ models. The choice depends on the aim of the model and the assumptions that can be plausibly made. At the level of the portfolio, Merton-type models have incorporated macroeconomic and latent variables in mixed (factor) models and Kalman filter models whereas reduced form approaches include Markov chains and stochastic intensity models. The latter models have mainly been applied to corporate defaults and considerable scope remains for application to consumer loans.
Measuring the Usage Effects of Tying a Messenger to Windows: A Treatment Effect Approach
Authors: Lee Myoung-jae
Published: November 2009

The US case on tying Microsoft Internet Explorer to Windows has received much attention. In Europe, a similar case of tying the Microsoft media player to Windows appeared. Recently in Korea, another similar case of tying a Microsoft messenger to Windows occurred. In the messenger tying case (as well as in the other tying cases), Microsoft’s main defence seems to be threefold: tying enhances efficiency, the Microsoft product is better or better marketed and tying is inconsequential because the user can easily download free competing products. The paper empirically addresses the third point. Korean data, used as evidence in the trial of the case, reveal that tying the Microsoft messenger to Windows increased the probability of choosing the Microsoft messenger as the main messenger by 22% for Windows Millennium and 35% for Windows XP. There is also evidence that tying shortened the duration until the Microsoft messenger is adopted by about 2–4 months, compared with the duration until the adoption of a competing messenger. Hence tying provided Microsoft with an almost instant non-trivial advantage in the messenger market ‘race’—the advantage derived from the dominant position in the operating system market.
Public Confidence in Criminal Justice: The Lessons from Miscarriages of Justice
Authors: NOBLES RICHARD , SCHIFF DAVID
Published: November 2009

Abstract: This article describes how the media understand miscarriages of justice, and how that understanding is distinct from the understanding of miscarriages of justice that determine the Court of Appeal's decisions and enable it to reach the conclusion that a conviction is unsafe. It demonstrates how at particular times the media construct a story of a ‘crisis of public confidence’ in the criminal justice system, how such a story is periodic and recurrent, and how attempts to control or reduce the likelihood of such a story being developed tend to be unsuccessful, or even counterproductive.
The Relation Among Targets’ R&D Activities, Acquirers’ Returns, and In‐Process R&D in the US
Authors: Yu Hsu Kathy Hsiao , Kim Young Sang , Song Kyojik ‘Roy’
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  Using a sample of 129 mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the US between publicly traded acquirers and targets in research and development (R&D) intensive industries over the period of 1994‐2004 and a size‐ and industry‐matched sample, we examine the relation among targets’ R&D activities, the probability of acquirers’ writing‐off in‐process R&D (IPRD), and acquirers’ returns around the time of M&A announcements. We find that firms acquiring targets with higher R&D investments tend to write off some of the acquired R&D assets upon the completion of the M&As. We also find that the median cumulative abnormal return during the three days around M&A announcements for acquirers with subsequent IPRD write‐offs is −2.73% while the return for acquirers without IPRD write‐offs is −0.60%. This suggests that acquirers’ stock returns around M&A announcements are much lower when investors expect acquirers to expense IPRD. The results are consistent with our conjecture that acquirers tend to write‐off IPRD when they acquire overvalued targets. We also find that IPRD write‐offs do not increase earnings or stock returns of acquirers after M&As, which is inconsistent with an earnings management hypothesis.
Differences in Consumer Abstraction Levels as a Function of Risk Perception
Authors: Barrena Ramo , Sánchez Mercedes
Published: November 2009

This study investigates factors affecting consumer purchase choice (cognitive structures) in two foods with different perceived risk levels. Means‐end chain methodology is used to test for differences in the degrees of abstraction and complexity in the purchase decision process for each product. The results reveal significant differences, with more food safety issues coming into play in the case of the product associated with higher perceived risk in the past. This might suggest a non‐temporal effect on consumers’ level of risk perception in food products, with important implications for crisis management. Furthermore, logit models estimated to investigate the health impact of foods show that age and income have played a role in turning this credence attribute into a key element of consumer choice.
Local Land‐Use Planning to Conserve Biodiversity: Planners’ Perspectives on What Works
Authors: STOKES DAVID L. , HANSON MARIAN F. , OAKS DEBORAH D. , STRAUB JAIME E. , PONIO AILEEN V.
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  Because habitat loss due to urbanization is a primary threat to biodiversity, and land‐use decisions in urbanizing areas are mainly made at the local level, land‐use planning by municipal planning departments has a potentially important—but largely unrealized—role in conserving biodiversity. To understand planners’ perspectives on the factors that facilitate and impede biodiversity conservation in local planning, we interviewed directors of 17 municipal planning departments in the greater Seattle (Washington, U.S.A.) area and compared responses of planners from similar‐sized jurisdictions that were “high” and “low performing” with respect to incorporation of biodiversity conservation in local planning. Planners from low‐performing jurisdictions regarded mandates from higher governmental levels as the primary drivers of biodiversity conservation, whereas those from high‐performing jurisdictions regarded community values as the main drivers, although they also indicated that mandates were important. Biodiversity conservation was associated with presence of local conservation flagship elements (e.g., salmonids) and human‐centered benefits of biodiversity conservation (e.g., quality of life). Planners from high‐ and low‐performing jurisdictions favored different planning mechanisms for biodiversity conservation, perhaps reflecting differences in funding and staffing. High performers reported more collaborations with other entities on biodiversity issues. Planners’ comments indicated that the term biodiversity may be problematic in the context of local planning. The action most planners recommended to increase biodiversity conservation in local planning was public education. These results suggest that to advance biodiversity conservation in local land‐use planning, conservation biologists should investigate and educate the public about local conservation flagships and human benefits of local biodiversity, work to raise ecological literacy and explain biodiversity more effectively to the public, and promote collaboration on biodiversity conservation among jurisdictions and inclusion of biodiversity specialists in planning departments.
Etiology of small‐fiber neuropathy
Authors: Bednarik Josef , Vlckova‐Moravcova Eva , Bursova Sarka , Belobradkova Jana , Dusek Ladislav , Sommer Claudia
Published: November 2009

The aim of this study was to evaluate the etiology in a group of 84 patients with painful sensory neuropathy with predominant small‐fiber dysfunction (54 men and 30 women, median: 58; range: 25–83 years) recruited from a population of the South Moravian region of the Czech Republic. Involvement of small nerve fibers was verified by abnormal thermal thresholds and/or reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber densities. Motor signs or symptoms or significant clinical signs of sensory large‐fiber involvement were exclusionary; 33 patients, however, had sensory nerve conduction abnormalities. For comparison, the prevalence of risk factors was assessed in a group of 47 asymptomatic age‐ and sex‐matched controls (30 men and 17 women, median: 59; range: 29–85 years). The multivariate regression model disclosed that diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR] = 4.08), chronic alcoholism (OR = 5.31), and serum cholesterol levels (OR = 4.51) were the only parameters independently associated with small‐fiber involvement. No possible etiology was detected in 19 patients (22.6%). In conclusion, the spectrum of risk factors and proportion of idiopathic cases in geographically defined small‐fiber polyneuropathy sample is similar to that referred in large‐fiber polyneuropathy.
Use of Industrial By‐Products in Urban Roadway Infrastructure
Authors: Carpenter Alberta C. , Gardner Kevin H.
Published: November 2009

Incorporating the beneficial use of industrial by‐products into the industrial ecology of an urban region as a substitute or supplement for natural aggregate can potentially reduce life cycle impacts. This article specifically looks at the utilization of industrial by‐products (IBPs) (coal ash, foundry sand, and foundry slag) as aggregate for roadway sub‐base construction for the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, urban region. The scenarios compare the use of virgin aggregate with the use of a combination of both virgin and IBP aggregate, where the aggregate material is selected based on proximity to the construction site and allows for minimization of transportation impacts. The results indicate that the use of IBPs to supplement virgin aggregate on a regional level has the potential of reducing impacts related to energy use, global warming potential, and emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), PM10 (particulate matter—10 microns), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb). Regional management of industrial by‐products would allow for the incorporation of these materials into the industrial ecology of a region and reduce impacts from the disposal of the IBP materials and the extraction of virgin materials and minimize the impacts from transportation. The combination of reduced economic and environmental costs provides a strong argument for state transportation agencies to develop symbiotic relationships with large IBP producers in their regions to minimize impacts associated with roadway construction and maintenance—with the additional benefit of improved management of these materials.
Hierarchical Activity Model for Risk‐Based Decision Making
Authors: Kikuchi Yasunori , Hirao Masahiko
Published: November 2009

For the practical implementation of the assessment of environmental impact, actual procedures and data requirements should be clarified so that industrial decision makers understand them. Researchers should consider local risks related to processes and environmental impact throughout the life cycle of products simultaneously to supervise these adverse effects appropriately. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a useful tool for quantifying the potential impact associated with a product life cycle. Risk assessment (RA) is a widely used tool for identifying chemical risks in a specific situation. In this study, we integrate LCA and RA for risk‐based decision making by devising a hierarchical activity model using the type‐zero method of integrated definition language (IDEF0). The IDEF0 activity modeling language has been applied to connect activities with information flows. Process generation, evaluation, and decision making are logically defined and visualized in the activity model with the required information. The activities, information flows, and their acquisitions are revealed, with a focus on which data should be collected by on‐site engineers. A case study is conducted on designing a metal cleaning process reducing chemical risks due to the use of a cleansing agent. LCA and RA are executed and applied effectively on the basis of integrated objective settings and interpretation. The proposed activity model can be used as a foundation to incorporate such assessments into actual business models.
The Disparities in the Electrogram Voltage Measurement During Atrial Fibrillation and Sinus Rhythm
Authors: CHANG CHIEN‐JUNG , LIN YENN‐JIANG , HIGA SATOSHI , CHANG SHIH‐LIN , LO LI‐WEI , TUAN TA‐CHUAN , HU YU‐FENG , UDYAVAR AMEYA R. , TANG WEI‐HUA , TSAI WEN‐CHIN , HUANG SHIN‐YU , TUNG NGUYEN‐HUU , SUENARI KAZUYOSHI , TSAO HSUAN‐MING , CHEN SHIH‐ANN
Published: November 2009

Unipolar Electrogram Voltage in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. Introduction: The peak electrogram voltage is a typical metric applied at each site for voltage mapping. However, the peak amplitude depends on the direction and complexity of the wavefront propagation. The root‐mean‐square (RMS) measure of the amplitude is a temporal integral that represents the steady‐state value. The objective of this study was to investigate the disparities between the electrogram voltage during SR and AF by using 2 recording modalities: the conventional peak voltage and an RMS measurement.

Methods and Results:
This study enrolled 20 patients (age = 59 ± 13) with paroxysmal AF undergoing catheter ablation guided by Ensite array. The unipolar electrogram voltage during SR and AF (7 seconds in duration) was obtained from the same sites, and labeled by the 3‐dimensional (3D) geometry. Overall 1,200 electrograms were analyzed from equally distributed mapping sites in the left atrium. A point‐by‐point comparison of the unipolar peak negative voltage (PNV) showed less agreement (Bland and Altman test: 10.4% outside 2 standard deviations, and intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]= 0.64). The RMS voltage demonstrated agreement between SR and AF for all sites (BA test: 5.9% of the sites, and the ICC = 0.81). The probability of predicting a low‐voltage during AF using the voltage during SR was significantly lower when using the PNV measurement compared to that when using the RMS voltage (15% vs 61%, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
The peak electrogram unipolar voltage during AF did not represent the voltage during SR. The RMS amplitude may be an alternative metric for voltage mapping to characterize the myocardial substrate. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 393–398, April 2010)
A Korean experience with chronic actinic dermatitis during an 18‐year period: meteorological and photoimmunological aspects
Authors: Choi Kyu‐Won , Lee Chae‐Young , Lee Yeong‐Kyu , Kim Young‐Hun , Kim Ki‐Ho
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose: The authors noted that chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) increased in connection with increased sun exposure and believed that there may be a correlation between the two. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between increased sun exposure and CAD. We also applied a clinical severity scoring system to determine the correlation with various laboratory parameters.

Materials and methods: We investigated trends in sun exposure in Pusan during an 18‐year period. We conducted photopatch/patch testing in 51 CAD patients. We also determined the total IgE, percentage of eosinophils, and chemokine receptor profiles in the peripheral blood and analyzed correlations between laboratory data and the clinical severity of CAD.

Results: A close correlation was demonstrated between the number of CAD patients and increased sun exposure. Positive patch test reactions and positive photopatch reactions were observed in 35 and 41 of the 51 tested patients, respectively. The total IgE levels were higher in the severe group than in the others. CCR4 expression increased in parallel with clinical severity.

Conclusion: Korean patients may have increased susceptibility to CAD with increased sun exposure. We believe that the majority of the CAD patients tested had photoallergy and contact allergy. The clinical severity seemed to correlate well with the total IgE level and CCR4 expression.
Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for ultraviolet A protection factor measurement: correlation studies between in vitro and in vivo measurements
Authors: Ruvolo Jr Eduardo , Chu Melissa , Grossman Florence , Cole Curtis , Kollias Nik
Published: November 2009

Background/purpose: Assessing the ultraviolet (UVA) protection factor of sunscreen formulations has been discussed for the past 20 years. The purpose of this study is to correlate the measurements of the UVA protection factor value (PFA value) via in vivo diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and to compare this method with the in vitro method of measuring the PFA value, as well as with the in vivo persistent pigment darkening (PPD) and PFA methodologies.

Methods: The UVA protection factor via DRS technique was assessed in two clinical studies. The first study was performed in 12 subjects and the second one consisting of 10 subjects. All subjects in these studies had Fitzpatrick skin phototypes II–IV. DRS measurements were performed using a SkinScan spectrofluorimeter (Spex SkinScan, Yvon Horiba). The in vitro PFA measurements were performed using Labsphere™ UV‐1000s UV Transmission Analyzer.

Results: The results obtained from the non‐invasive DRS studies were used to correlate with the in vitro testing and with the in vivo PFA/PPD multicenter study. A positive relationship (regression coefficient r2=0.90) of PFA values was found between in vitro PFA testing and the in vivo DRS testing. There was also a very good correlation (regression coefficient r2=0.99) between the in vivo PFA/PPD values and UVA protection factor obtained from the DRS method.

Conclusion: This paper presents studies using the DRS technique to assess the UVA protection factor in different sunscreen formulae correlating with in vitro and in vivo PFA/PPD values. It is a fast method, non‐invasive and does not involve any subject irradiation. The technique is a good estimator for the in vivo UVA protection factor as well as a way to assess, in vivo, the photostability of sunscreen formulation in the UVA.
Strength training improves 5‐min all‐out performance following 185 min of cycling
Authors: Rønnestad B. R. , Hansen E. A. , Raastad T.
Published: November 2009

To investigate the effects of heavy strength training on the mean power output in a 5‐min all‐out trial following 185 min of submaximal cycling at 44% of maximal aerobic power output in well‐trained cyclists. Twenty well‐trained cyclists were assigned to either usual endurance training combined with heavy strength training [E+S; n=11 (♂=11)] or to usual endurance training only [E; n=9 (♂=7, ♀=2)]. The strength training performed by E+S consisted of four lower body exercises [3 × 4–10 repetition maximum (RM)], which were performed twice a week for 12 weeks. E+S increased 1 RM in half‐squat (P≤0.001), while no change occurred in E. E+S led to greater reductions than E in oxygen consumption, heart rate, blood lactate concentration, and rate of perceived exertion (P<0.05) during the last hour of the prolonged cycling. Further, E+S increased the mean power output during the 5‐min all‐out trial (from 371 ± 9 to 400 ± 13 W, P<0.05), while no change occurred in E. In conclusion, adding strength training to usual endurance training improves leg strength and 5‐min all‐out performance following 185 min of cycling in well‐trained cyclists.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: A Prospective Case–Control Study Analyzes 12 Thrombophilic Gene Mutations in Turkish Couples with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Yenicesu Gonca Imir , Cetin Meral , Ozdemir Ozturk , Cetin Ali , Ozen Filiz , Yenicesu Cem , Yildiz Caglar , Kocak Nadir
Published: November 2009

Citation Yenicesu GI, Cetin M, Ozdemir O, Cetin A, Ozen F, Yenicesu C, Yildiz C, Kocak N. A prospective case–control study analyzes 12 thrombophilic gene mutations in Turkish couples with recurrent pregnancy loss. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 126–136

Problem  Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a heterogeneous disorder. The contribution of specific thrombophilic genes to the pathophysiology of RPL has remained controversial. We evaluated the prevalences of 12 thrombophilic gene mutations among homogenous Caucasian couples with RPL and fertiles.

Method of study  This was a prospective case–control study evaluating 272 women with RPL and 152 of their male partners, and a control group of 56 fertile couples. We investigated mutations including FV Leiden, factor V H1299R, factor II prothrombin G20210A, F XIII V34L, β‐fibrinogen −455G>A, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, GPIIIa L33P (HPA‐1 a/b L33P), MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, ACE I/D, Apo B R3500Q, and Apo E.

Results  Overall, heterozygous mutations of FV Leiden, FXIII V34L, GPIIIa L33P, Apo E4, and prothrombin G20210A and homozygous mutations of PAI‐1and MTHFR C677T were associated with RPL. There was no meaningful association between RPL and other studied genes.

Conclusion  In contrast to the other mutations and polymorphisms, FV Leiden, FXIII V34L, GPIIIa L33P, Apo E, prothrombin G20210A, PAI‐1 and MTHFR C677T gene mutations may help to identify the couples at risk for recurrent pregnancy loss.
Disruption of N‐linked glycosylation enhances ubiquitin‐mediated proteasomal degradation of the human ATP‐binding cassette transporter ABCG2
Authors: Nakagawa Hiroshi , Wakabayashi‐Nakao Kanako , Tamura Ai , Toyoda Yu , Koshiba Shoko , Ishikawa Toshihisa
Published: November 2009

The human ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter, ABCG2 (BCRP/MXR/ABCP), is a plasma membrane protein containing intramolecular and intermolecular disulfide bonds and an N‐linked glycan at Asn596. We have recently reported that the intramolecular disulfide bond is a critical checkpoint for determining the degradation fates of ABCG2. In the present study, we aimed to analyze quantitatively the impact of the N‐linked glycan on the protein stability of ABCG2. For this purpose, we incorporated one single copy of ABCG2 cDNA into a designated site of genomic DNA in Flp‐In‐293 cells to stably express ABCG2 or its variant proteins. When ABCG2 wild type‐expressing cells were incubated with various N‐linked glycosylation inhibitors, tunicamycin profoundly suppressed the protein expression level of ABCG2 and, accordingly, reduced the ABCG2‐mediated cellular resistance to the cancer chemotherapeutic SN‐38. When Asn596 was converted to Gln596, the resulting variant protein was not glycosylated, and its protein level was about one‐third of the wild type level in Flp‐In‐293 cells. Treatment with MG132, a proteasome inhibitor, increased the level of the variant protein. Immunoblotting with anti‐ubiquitin IgG1k after immunoprecipitation of ABCG2 revealed that the N596Q protein was ubiquitinated at levels that were significantly enhanced by treatment with MG132. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that treatment with MG132 increased the level of ABCG2 N596Q protein both in intracellular compartments and in the plasma membrane. In conclusion, we propose that the N‐linked glycan at Asn596 is important for stabilizing de novo‐synthesized ABCG2 and that disruption of this linkage results in protein destabilization and enhanced ubiquitin‐mediated proteasomal degradation.

Structured digital abstract

MINT‐7265522, MINT‐7265536: ABCG2 (uniprotkb:Q9UNQ0) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Ubiquitin (uniprotkb:P62988) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)