bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced antibiotic multi‐resistance in nasal and faecal bacteria after agricultural use of streptomycin
Authors: Scherer Alexandre , Vogt Hans‐Rudolf , Vilei Edy M. , Frey Joachim , Perreten Vincent
Published: October 2012

Streptomycin is used in arboriculture to control fire blight. Using sheep as a model, multidrug‐resistant bacteria in mammals were found to be selected after the intentional release of streptomycin into the environment. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. were isolated from the faeces and nasal cavities, respectively, of sheep grazing on a field sprayed with streptomycin at concentrations used in orchards (test group) and on a field without streptomycin (control group). Before the application of streptomycin, the percentage of streptomycin‐resistant E. coli isolates in faeces was 15.8% in the control group and 14.7% in the test group. After the application of streptomycin, the overall number of streptomycin‐resistant E. coli isolates was significantly higher in the test group (39.9%) than in the control group (22.3%). Streptomycin‐resistant Staphylococcus isolates were only detected after the application of streptomycin. Streptomycin resistance was frequently associated with resistance to sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol and less frequently to cefotaxime in E. coli, and to tetracycline, fusidic acid and tiamulin in Staphylococcus spp. This study shows that the application of low concentrations of streptomycin on grass, as occurs during the spraying of orchards, selects for multidrug‐resistant nasal and enteric bacterial flora, including extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing E. coli.
Fungal oxidative dissolution of the Mn(II)‐bearing mineral rhodochrosite and the role of metabolites in manganese oxide formation
Authors: Tang Yuanzhi , Zeiner Carolyn A. , Santelli Cara M. , Hansel Colleen M.
Published: October 2012

Microbially mediated oxidation of Mn(II) to Mn(III/IV) oxides influences the cycling of metals and remineralization of carbon. Despite the prevalence of Mn(II)‐bearing minerals in nature, little is known regarding the ability of microbes to oxidize mineral‐hosted Mn(II). Here, we explored oxidation of the Mn(II)‐bearing mineral rhodochrosite (MnCO3) and characteristics of ensuing Mn oxides by six Mn(II)‐oxidizing Ascomycete fungi. All fungal species substantially enhanced rhodochrosite dissolution and surface modification. Mineral‐hosted Mn(II) was oxidized resulting in formation of Mn(III/IV) oxides that were all similar to δ‐MnO2 but varied in morphology and distribution in relation to cellular structures and the MnCO3 surface. For four fungi, Mn(II) oxidation occurred along hyphae, likely mediated by cell wall‐associated proteins. For two species, Mn(II) oxidation occurred via reaction with fungal‐derived superoxide produced at hyphal tips. This pathway ultimately resulted in structurally unique Mn oxide clusters formed at substantial distances from any cellular structure. Taken together, findings for these two fungi strongly point to a role for fungal‐derived organic molecules in Mn(III) complexation and Mn oxide templation. Overall, this study illustrates the importance of fungi in rhodochrosite dissolution, extends the relevance of biogenic superoxide‐based Mn(II) oxidation and highlights the potential role of mycogenic exudates in directing mineral precipitation.
Lower Mortality for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in High‐Volume Hospitals Is Contingent upon Nurse Staffing
Authors: Wiltse Nicely Kelly L. , Sloane Douglas M. , Aiken Linda H.
Published: October 2012

Objective

To determine whether and to what extent the lower mortality rates for patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair in high‐volume hospitals is explained by better nursing.

Data Sources

State hospital discharge data, Multi‐State Nursing Care and Patient Safety Survey, and hospital characteristics from the AHA Annual Survey.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of linked patient outcomes for individuals undergoing AAA repair in four states.

Data Collection

Secondary data sources.

Principal Findings

Favorable nursing practice environments and higher hospital volumes of AAA repair are associated with lower mortality and fewer failures‐to‐rescue in main‐effects models. Furthermore, nurse staffing interacts with volume such that there is no mortality advantage observed in high‐volume hospitals with poor nurse staffing. When hospitals have good nurse staffing, patients in low‐volume hospitals are 3.4 times as likely to die and 2.6 times as likely to die from complications as patients in high‐volume hospitals (p < .001).

Conclusions

Nursing is part of the explanation for lower mortality after AAA repair in high‐volume hospitals. Importantly, lower mortality is not found in high‐volume hospitals if nurse staffing is poor.
Favorable Selection, Risk Adjustment, and the Medicare Advantage Program
Authors: Morrisey Michael A. , Kilgore Meredith L. , Becker David J. , Smith Wilson , Delzell Elizabeth
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To examine the effects of changes in payment and risk adjustment on (1) the annual enrollment and switching behavior of Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries, and (2) the relative costliness of MA enrollees and disenrollees.

Data

From 1999 through 2008 national Medicare claims data from the 5 percent longitudinal sample of Parts A and B expenditures.

Study Design

Retrospective, fixed effects regression analysis of July enrollment and year‐long switching into and out of MA. Similar regression analysis of the costliness of those switching into (out of) MA in the 6 months prior to enrollment (after disenrollment) relative to nonswitchers in the same county over the same period.

Findings

Payment generosity and more sophisticated risk adjustment were associated with substantial increases in MA enrollment and decreases in disenrollment. Claims experience of those newly switching into MA was not affected by any of the policy reforms, but disenrollment became increasingly concentrated among high‐cost beneficiaries.

Conclusions

Enrollment is very sensitive to payment levels. The use of more sophisticated risk adjustment did not alter favorable selection into MA, but it did affect the costliness of disenrollees.
Out‐of‐Network Physicians: How Prevalent Are Involuntary Use and Cost Transparency?
Authors: Kyanko Kelly A. , Curry Leslie A. , Busch Susan H.
Published: October 2012

Objective

To determine the proportion of privately insured adults using an out‐of‐network physician, the prevalence of involuntary out‐of‐network use, and whether patients experienced problems with cost transparency using out‐of‐network physicians.

Data Sources

Nationally representative internet panel survey conducted in February 2011.

Study Design

Screener questions identified a sample of 7,812 individuals in private health insurance plans with provider networks who utilized health services within the prior 12 months. Participants reported details of their inpatient and outpatient contacts with out‐of‐network physicians. An inpatient out‐of‐network contact was defined as involuntary if: (1) it was due to a medical emergency; (2) the physician's out‐of‐network status was unknown at the time of the contact; or (3) an attempt was made to find an in‐network physician in the hospital but none was available. Outpatient contacts were only defined as involuntary if the physician's out‐of‐network status was unknown at the time of the contact.

Principal Findings

Eight percent of respondents used an out‐of‐network physician. Approximately 40 percent of individuals using out‐of‐network physicians experienced involuntary out‐of‐network care. Among out‐of‐network physician contacts, 58 percent of inpatient contacts and 15 percent of outpatient contacts were involuntary. The majority of inpatient involuntary contacts were due to medical emergencies (68 percent). In an additional 31 percent, the physician's out‐of‐network status was unknown at the time of the contact. Half (52 percent) of individuals using out‐of‐network services experienced at least one contact with an out‐of‐network physician where cost was not transparent at the time of care.

Conclusions

The frequency of involuntary out‐of‐network care is not inconsequential. Policy interventions can increase receipt of cost information prior to using out‐of‐network physician services, but they may be less helpful when patients have constrained physician choice due to emergent problems or limited in‐hospital physician networks.
The interplay between diet, urate transporters and the risk for gout and hyperuricemia: current and future directions
Authors: Torralba Karina D. , De Jesus Emerson , Rachabattula Shylaja
Published: October 2012

Diet plays a significant role in the development of gout and hyperuricemia. Gout and hyperuricemia have likewise been associated with the development of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Epidemiological studies have shown that certain foods influence levels of serum uric acid and the risk for development of gout.This article reviews the influence of dietary factors on serum uric acid levels and risk of gout, as well as the role of urate transporters in the development of hyperuricemia and gout.Various epidemiological studies have shown the effects of certain foods on the risk of developing gout and hyperuricemia. Low‐fat dairy products, purine‐rich vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, and less sugary fruits, coffee and vitamin C supplements decrease the risk, whereas intake of red meat, fructose‐containing beverages and alcohol increase the risk of gout. There is also an increased although basic understanding of the effects of vitamin C, alcohol and fructose on urate transporters. Certain foods can lead to a decreased or increased risk of development of gout and hyperuricemia. Advances have established the interplay of certain foods on urate transporters and renal handling of urate. More studies, especially prospective ones, are needed to increase our understanding of the roles of foods and urate transporters and other molecular mechanisms on the risk of developing gout and hyperuricemia.
Radiosensitization of esophageal cancer cells ECA109 by knockdown of H2AX
Authors: Shi Hong‐yun , Zhu Shu‐chai
Published: October 2012

Background

Genetic studies on mice have demonstrated that the key regulator of DNA damage in mammalian cells is the histone H2A variant, H2AX. We hypothesize that knockdown of H2AX will cause DNA damage pathway defects and may be able to increase the sensitivity to radiotherapy.

Methods

The formation of foci and the interaction of several important proteins in esophageal cancer ECA109, triggered by irradiation, were detected by immunofluorescence staining and Co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) assay before and after H2AX silencing. Clone formation assay was employed to detect cell radiosensitivity and cloning formation ability also before and after H2AX silencing. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. We constructed a nude mice esophageal cancer model and detected the above contents in vivo.

Results

H2AX and several proteins could form foci in nuclear triggered by irradiation and establish a relationship in vitro. The foci reduced after H2AX silencing. H2AX silencing could lead to radiosensitization via a colony‐forming test. The apoptosis rate increased and the cell cycle was blocked in G2‐M stage after H2AX silencing in vivo. The tumor volume was decreased in the H2AX silenced group after irradiation, while the tumor only slowed down the growth rate in the control groups.

Conclusions

Knockdown of H2AX induced radiosensitization of esophageal cancer ECA109 cells both in vitro and in vivo. The mechanisms include defective cell cycle checkpoints and abolishment of foci formation for several important mediator and effector proteins in the DNA damage response to irradiation (IR).
Age and gender effects on DNA strand break repair in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Garm Christian , Moreno‐Villanueva Maria , Bürkle Alexander , Petersen Inge , Bohr Vilhelm A. , Christensen Kaare , Stevnsner Tinna
Published: October 2012

Exogenous and endogenous damage to DNA is constantly challenging the stability of our genome. This DNA damage increase the frequency of errors in DNA replication, thus causing point mutations or chromosomal rearrangements and has been implicated in aging, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, efficient DNA repair is vital for the maintenance of genome stability. The general notion has been that DNA repair capacity decreases with age although there are conflicting results. Here, we focused on potential age‐associated changes in DNA damage response and the capacities of repairing DNA single‐strand breaks (SSBs) and double‐strand breaks (DSBs) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Of these lesions, DSBs are the least frequent but the most dangerous for cells. We have measured the level of endogenous SSBs, SSB repair capacity, γ‐H2AX response, and DSB repair capacity in a study population consisting of 216 individuals from a population‐based sample of twins aged 40–77 years. Age in this range did not seem to have any effect on the SSB parameters. However, γ‐H2AX response and DSB repair capacity decreased with increasing age, although the associations did not reach statistical significance after adjustment for batch effect across multiple experiments. No gender differences were observed for any of the parameters analyzed. Our findings suggest that in PBMCs, the repair of SSBs is maintained until old age, whereas the response to and the repair of DSBs decrease.
Effect of table tilt on ligamentum flavum length measured using ultrasonography in pregnant women*
Authors: Jones A. R. , Carle C. , Columb M.
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this study was to assess whether applying dorsal table tilt to a seated parturient positioned for neuraxial anaesthesia (i.e. facing laterally with her legs over the side of the table) increased the size of the target area for the neuraxial needle. We performed lumbar ultrasonography on 20 pregnant women with the table level (0°) and tilted 8° and 15° dorsally. For each position, the size of the ‘target area’, defined as the visible length of the ligamentum flavum in the longitudinal paramedian view, and the interlaminar distance, were measured at the L3–4 interspace. There were significant increases in the mean (SD) size of the target area with increasing table tilt (10.7 (1.3) mm at 0°, 11.5 (1.3) mm at 8° and 12.2 (1.7) mm at 15°; p < 0.0001). Interlaminar distances were not significantly increased. These data show that using dorsal table tilt in obstetric patients increases the target area for neuraxial needles. Additional research is required to assess whether this eases the placement of neuraxial needles in clinical practice.
Skills of primary healthcare physicians in paediatric cardiac auscultation
Authors: Germanakis Ioannis , Petridou Eleni Th , Varlamis George , Matsoukis Ioannis L , Papadopoulou‐Legbelou Kiriaki , Kalmanti Maria
Published: October 2012

Aim

To evaluate the performance of primary healthcare physicians in paediatric cardiac auscultation and the impact of a multimedia‐based teaching intervention.

Methods

A total of 106 primary healthcare physicians (77 paediatricians, 14 general practitioners and 15 medical graduates) attended four paediatric cardiac auscultation teaching courses based on virtual patients' presentation (digital phonocardiography). Their auscultatory performance was documented at the beginning of each course and at the end of two of the courses.

Results

Participants initially detected 73% of abnormal murmurs and 17% of additional sounds, while 22% of innocent murmurs were interpreted as abnormal. Overall cardiac auscultation performance, assessed by a combined auscultation score, was low and independent of training level (graduates: 39.5/trainees: 42.8/board certified: 42.6, p = 0.89) or specialty (paediatricians: 42.7/general practitioners: 43.1, p = 0.89). Multimedia‐based teaching was associated with a significant improvement in abnormal murmur (92.5%) and additional sound (40%) detection (p < 0.001), while 25% of innocent murmurs were still interpreted as abnormal (p = 0.127).

Conclusion

Clinical skills of primary healthcare physicians in paediatric cardiac auscultation, independent of training level or specialty, still leave potential for improvement. Multimedia‐based teaching interventions represent an effective means of improving paediatric cardiac auscultatory skills.
Lower urinary tract function in childhood; normal development and common functional disturbances
Authors: Nevéus T. , Sillén U.
Published: October 2012

This review aims to provide researchers and clinicians involved with the adult lower urinary tract with background knowledge regarding the early development of bladder function and its most common disturbances in childhood. Bladder development begins in weeks 4–6 and the detrusor muscle is formed during weeks 9–12 of gestation. Higher CNS centres are involved in micturition at birth, and the infant usually wakes up, at least briefly, to void. Voiding during the first years of life is often incomplete, owing to detrusor‐sphincter dyscoordination, but this disappears when bladder control is attained. Approximately 5–10% of 7‐year‐old children suffer from daytime incontinence and/or nocturnal enuresis, and a few per cent of them will not outgrow it. Daytime incontinence in childhood is usually attributable to detrusor overactivity, although it is unclear to what extent it is the detrusor or the micturition reflex per se that is overactive. Enuresis – nocturnal incontinence – is caused by either nocturnal polyuria and/or nocturnal detrusor overactivity, in both cases combined with high arousal thresholds. Bladder problems in childhood constitute a risk factor for the development or persistence of bladder problems in adulthood.
Protective effects of astaxanthin on capillary regression in atrophied soleus muscle of rats
Authors: Kanazashi M. , Okumura Y. , Al‐Nassan S. , Murakami S. , Kondo H. , Nagatomo F. , Fujita N. , Ishihara A. , Roy R. R. , Fujino H.
Published: October 2012

Aim

The capillary regression in skeletal muscles associated with a chronic decrease in activity is related to a dysfunction of endocapillary cells induced by over‐expression of oxidative stress. We hypothesized that treatment with astaxanthin, an antioxidant, would attenuate the oxidative stress induced by decreased skeletal muscle use, and that this attenuation would prevent the associated capillary regression. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant and preventive effects of astaxanthin on capillary regression in the soleus muscle during hindlimb unloading.

Methods

Twenty‐four adult male Wistar rats were assigned randomly either to a control, control plus astaxanthin treatment, hindlimb unloaded or hindlimb unloaded plus astaxanthin treatment group for 7 days.

Results

Hindlimb unloading resulted in a decrease in mean soleus absolute weight, capillary number, volume and luminal diameter. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species and the over‐expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD‐1), a decrease in the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors, an inhibition of the angiopoietin pathway and an increase of thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1), as an anti‐angiogenic factor were showed. Administration of astaxanthin attenuated the changes in SOD‐1 and VEGF, up‐regulated the angiogenic factors and reduced the capillary regression in the soleus of hindlimb unloaded rats. In addition, the VEGF‐to‐TSP1 ratio was higher in the astaxanthin treated groups than in the control and HU groups.

Conclusion

These results suggest that astaxanthin may be an effective treatment to counter the detrimental effects of a chronic decrease in skeletal muscle use on the capillary network and associated angiogenic pathways.
Ipsilateral corticospinal responses to ballistic training are similar for various intensities and timings of TMS
Authors: Poh E. , Riek S. , Carroll T. J.
Published: October 2012

Aim

In previous studies, unilateral ballistic training either increased or decreased corticospinal excitability for the untrained opposite limb. The objective here was to investigate whether these discrepancies can be explained by methodological differences such as the intensity of stimulation assessing excitability or the timing of excitability testing after training.

Methods

Motor evoked potentials (MEP) were elicited by stimulating the ipsilateral cortex at high intensity (70% MEPmax) and low intensity (20% MEPmax) at specific time‐points after performance of 300 ballistic movements of the index finger.

Results

Ballistic practice significantly facilitated MEP size for high‐intensity stimuli, whereas responses to low‐intensity stimulation were variable. MEP sizes at individual time‐points were not significantly facilitated until 4 min after training, although there was no difference between early and late responses when grouped over multiple time‐points.

Conclusions

The data indicate that previous discrepancies in ipsilateral responses to ballistic training cannot be attributed to specific procedures used to assess corticospinal excitability as there was no tendency towards depression of MEP amplitude at any point post‐exercise for both testing intensities. This suggests that other experimental factors such as locus of attention or availability of visual feedback are more likely to account for the discrepancies.
Gene doping: gene delivery for olympic victory
Authors: Gould David
Published: October 2012

With one recently recommended gene therapy in Europe and a number of other gene therapy treatments now proving effective in clinical trials it is feasible that the same technologies will soon be adopted in the world of sport by unscrupulous athletes and their trainers in so called ‘gene doping’. In this article an overview of the successful gene therapy clinical trials is provided and the potential targets for gene doping are highlighted. Depending on whether a doping gene product is secreted from the engineered cells or is retained locally to, or inside engineered cells will, to some extent, determine the likelihood of detection. It is clear that effective gene delivery technologies now exist and it is important that detection and prevention plans are in place.
‘They're more than animals’: Refugees' accounts of racially motivated violence
Authors: Kirkwood Steve , McKinlay Andy , McVittie Chris
Published: October 2012

Previous discursive research has found that minority group members may deny or downplay the existence of discrimination. However, to date, little research has addressed the issue of violence against minority group members. This study therefore draws on interviews with asylum seekers and refugees in a Scottish city to analyse their reports of violence committed against them. One form of reporting violence was by way of a complaint available to any speaker, in making no reference to attributes of attackers or victim. When racism was alleged, it was presented as a tentative, reluctant or ‘last resort’ explanation. The descriptions offered by interviewees reflected the contributions made by the interviewer, highlighting the ways in which these reports are interactional co‐productions. The results suggest that accounts from victims of seemingly racially motivated violence may function in similar ways to ‘new racism’ in making racism seem to ‘disappear’. These findings point to the potential difficulties that arise in identifying and looking to challenge instances of ‘new racism’.
Social psychology cares about causal conscious thought, not free will per se
Authors: Bargh John A.
Published: October 2012

The target article is a response to internet blog posts and not to the published record. This distinction matters because while the blog posts debated free will, within the peer‐reviewed, scientific psychological literature the debate has always been over a somewhat different issue: the causal nature of conscious as opposed to automatic cognitive processes on higher mental processes such as judgment, behaviour, and motivation. These are distinct issues because conscious processes can be part of the causal chain even though they themselves are caused; thus, logically, conscious processes can be causal even though free will (the ‘uncaused causer’) does not exist. This debate within psychology over the causal efficacy of conscious processes is now 100 years old (Watson, 1912) and the recent blog exchanges that prompted the target article are better understood within that historical context instead of within the definitional debates within philosophy about the concept of free will.
Analysis of multivariate mixed longitudinal data: A flexible latent process approach
Authors: Proust‐Lima Cécile , Amieva Hélène , Jacqmin‐Gadda Hélène
Published: October 2012

Multivariate ordinal and quantitative longitudinal data measuring the same latent construct are frequently collected in psychology. We propose an approach to describe change over time of the latent process underlying multiple longitudinal outcomes of different types (binary, ordinal, quantitative). By relying on random‐effect models, this approach handles individually varying and outcome‐specific measurement times. A linear mixed model describes the latent process trajectory while equations of observation combine outcome‐specific threshold models for binary or ordinal outcomes and models based on flexible parameterized non‐linear families of transformations for Gaussian and non‐Gaussian quantitative outcomes. As models assuming continuous distributions may be also used with discrete outcomes, we propose likelihood and information criteria for discrete data to compare the goodness of fit of models assuming either a continuous or a discrete distribution for discrete data. Two analyses of the repeated measures of the Mini‐Mental State Examination, a 20‐item psychometric test, illustrate the method. First, we highlight the usefulness of parameterized non‐linear transformations by comparing different flexible families of transformation for modelling the test as a sum score. Then, change over time of the latent construct underlying directly the 20 items is described using two‐parameter longitudinal item response models that are specific cases of the approach.
(S)‐1‐α‐naphthylmethyl‐6,7‐dihydroxy‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline (CKD712), promotes wound closure by producing VEGF through HO‐1 induction in human dermal fibroblasts and mouse skin
Authors: Jang Hwa Jin , Tsoyi Konstantin , Kim Young Min , Park Eun Jung , Park Sang Won , Kim Hye Jung , Lee Jae Heun , Chang Ki Churl
Published: October 2012

Background and Purpose

Given the importance of VEGF and haem oxygenase (HO)‐1 in wound healing, the present study tested the hypothesis that CKD712, a synthetic tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid, activated VEGF production through the induction of HO‐1 in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and in mouse skin to stimulate wound healing.

Experimental Approach

Using HDFs, the effects of CKD712 on the production of VEGF and migration were evaluated. The mechanisms responsible were investigated using various signal inhibitors and small interfering RNA techniques. The ability of CKD712 to promote wound healing was also investigated in full‐thickness skin‐wounded mice.

Key Results

CKD712 treatment of HDFs increased VEGF production and accelerated migration, which was antagonized by anti‐VEGF antibodies. Both an AMPK inhibitor (compound C) anda HO‐1 activity inhibitor (SnPPIX) but not inhibitors of MAPKs, PI3K and PKC reduced the production of VEGF by CKD712. Interestingly, SnPPIX inhibited HO‐1 expression but not p‐AMPK, whereas compound C inhibited both p‐AMPK and HO‐1 induction by CKD712. Moreover, CKD712 decreased HO‐1 expression without affecting the expression of p‐AMPK by siHO‐1 transfection, but it failed to induce HO‐1 in siAMPKα1‐transfected cells, suggesting that AMPK is involved in HO‐1 induction by CKD712 in HDFs. Also, CKD712 shortened the time of wound closure in an SnPPIX‐sensitive manner in a full‐thickness skin‐wounded mouse model.

Conclusion and Implications

CKD712 accelerated cutaneous wound healing, at least in part, by the production of VEGF through HO‐1 induction in HDFs and mouse skin.
A single nucleotide polymorphism of interleukin‐6 gene is related to plasma adrenomedullin levels
Authors: Wong Hoi Kin , Ong Kwok Leung , Leung Raymond Y. H. , Lam Tai Hing , Thomas Graham Neil , Lam Karen S. L. , Cheung Bernard M. Y.
Published: October 2012

Objective

Elevated plasma adrenomedullin (ADM) levels are associated with cardiovascular diseases. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene encoding ADM (ADM) are associated with plasma ADM levels. The presence of a nuclear factor for interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) expression binding site in the promoter region of the ADM gene suggests a possible relationship between the expression of the ADM and IL‐6. Therefore, we investigated whether plasma ADM levels are related to SNPs in the gene encoding IL‐6 (IL6).

Methods

Plasma ADM levels were measured in 476 subjects in the Hong Kong Cardiovascular Risk Factor Prevalence Study‐2 (CRISPS2). The subjects were genotyped for three tagging SNPs in the IL6 gene.

Results

The minor allele frequencies of the IL6 SNPs rs17147230, rs1800796 and rs2069837 were 41·8%, 20·0% and 15·4%, respectively. The tagging SNP, rs17147230, was associated with plasma ADM levels after adjusting for age and sex (β=−0·096, P = 0·034). The association was significant in women (β=−0·115, P = 0·021) but not in men. Among all subjects, plasma ADM levels decreased with an increasing number of minor alleles of rs17147230 in multivariate analysis (P = 0·034). Compared to subjects with the AA genotype, subjects with the TT genotype had plasma ADM levels 12·8% lower (95% CI: 0·6–23·5%, P = 0·041). Haplotype analysis demonstrated a significant association of the haplotype ACA with plasma ADM levels in women (P < 0·05).

Conclusion

Plasma ADM levels are related to the SNP rs17147230 in IL6 gene. The effect of the polymorphism on inflammation and cardiovascular disease remains to be determined.
BK virus viremia in a well‐HLA‐matched kidney transplant population mainly on low‐dose cyclosporine‐based immunosuppression
Authors: Helanterä Ilkka , Salmela Kaija , Kyllönen Lauri , Räisänen‐Sokolowski Anne , Auvinen Eeva , Mannonen Laura , Koskinen Petri , Lautenschlager Irmeli
Published: October 2012

The incidence and clinical course of polyomavirus‐associated nephropathy (PyVAN) in our well‐HLA‐matched kidney transplant population mainly on low‐dose cyclosporine‐based triple‐drug immunosuppression has not been described in detail. We aimed to characterize our patients with PyVAN and BK virus (BKV) viremia.

Among 166 kidney transplantations between January 2007 and February 2011 followed up at Helsinki University Hospital nephrology clinic, 136 were screened for BKV viremia by quantitative analysis of BKV DNA in plasma. PyVAN was diagnosed by biopsy histopathology and SV40 T‐antigen detection. BKV viremia or PyVAN were treated by reducing immunosuppression.

BKV viremia was detected in 12 (9%) patients. PyVAN was diagnosed in six patients (4%). In the six patients with no PyVAN, four had low‐level viremia (<10 000 copies/mL) of short duration (<2 months), one had high‐level viremia, and one had sustained low‐level viremia. After reduction of immunosuppression, all except one patient were able to clear viremia. No grafts were lost due to PyVAN.

Even in a low‐risk population, BKV viremia and PyVAN occur, highlighting the importance of monitoring viral loads. Reduction of immunosuppression was successful, and no grafts were lost due to PyVAN.
Grip strength in CIDP: does one function fit all?
Authors: Dimberg E. L.
Published: October 2012

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
A Cross‐Cultural Comparison of Population‐Specific Face Shape Preferences (Homo sapiens)
Authors: Danel Dariusz P. , Fedurek Paweł , Coetzee Vinet , Stephen Ian D. , Nowak Natalia , Stirrat Michael , Perrett David I. , Saxton Tamsin K.
Published: October 2012

A substantial number of studies indicate that human facial features such as symmetry and averageness are preferred in human mate choice. Little is known, however, about face preferences in intrapopulation or between‐cultural settings as only a few studies have addressed this topic. One hypothesis is that people prefer faces that resemble faces from their own population as a result of visual adaptation. Here, we present results of an internet‐based experiment in which male and female participants from two European nations, Poland and Scotland, were asked to choose between ‘Polish‐modified’ and ‘Scottish‐modified’ faces (i.e. face portraits modified along one of ten different dimensions to resemble faces of the respective populations) of both sexes while being unaware of the origins of the portraits. The results show that the preferences of Polish judges for Polish‐shaped faces were significantly stronger than the preferences of Scottish judges for the Scottish‐shaped faces. Moreover, both Polish and Scottish judges preferred Polish‐shaped faces to Scottish‐shaped faces. These results suggest that natural visual experience acquired in everyday interpersonal interactions may have limited influence on aesthetic preferences in these particular intrapopulation settings.
High‐throughput sequencing of the melanoma genome
Authors: Kunz Manfred , Dannemann Michael , Kelso Janet
Published: October 2012

Next‐generation sequencing technologies are now common for whole‐genome, whole‐exome and whole‐transcriptome sequencing (RNA‐seq) of tumors to identify point mutations, structural or copy number alterations and changes in gene expression. A substantial number of studies have already been performed for melanoma. One study analysed eight melanoma cell lines with RNA‐Seq technology and identified 11 novel melanoma gene fusions. Whole‐exome sequencing of seven melanoma cell lines identified overlapping gain of function mutations in MAP2K1 (MEK1) and MAP2K2 (MEK2) genes. Integrative sequencing of cutaneous melanoma metastases using different sequencing platforms revealed a new somatic point mutation in HRAS and a structural rearrangement affecting CDKN2C (a CDK4 inhibitor). These latter sequencing‐based discoveries may be used to motivate the inclusion of the affected patients into clinical trials with specific signalling pathway inhibitors. Taken together, we are at the beginning of an era with new sequencing technologies providing a more comprehensive view of cancer mutational landscapes and hereby a better understanding of their pathogenesis. This will also open interesting perspectives for new treatment approaches and clinical trial designs.
Competitive ligand exchange between Cu–humic acid complexes and methanobactin
Authors: Pesch M.‐L. , Hoffmann M. , Christl I. , Kraemer S. M. , Kretzschmar R.
Published: October 2012

Copper has been found to play a key role in the physiology of methanotrophic micro‐organisms, and methane oxidation may critically depend on the availability of Cu. In natural environments, such as soils, sediments, peat bogs, and surface waters, the presence of natural organic matter (NOM) can control the bioavailability of Cu by forming strong metal complexes. To promote Cu acquisition, methanotrophs exude methanobactin, a ligand known to have a high affinity for Cu. In this study, the capability of methanobactin for Cu acquisition from NOM was investigated using humic acid (HA) as a model substance. The kinetics of ligand exchange between Cu–HA and methanobactin was observed by UV–vis spectroscopy, and the speciation of Cu bound to methanobactin was determined by size‐exclusion chromatography coupled to an ICP‐MS. The results showed that Cu was mobilized from HA by a fast ligand exchange reaction following a second‐order rate law with first‐order kinetics for both methanobactin and Cu–HA complexes. The reaction rates decreased with decreasing temperature. Equilibrium experiments indicated that methanobactin was not sorbed to HA and proved that methanobactin is competitive with HA for Cu binding by forming strong 1:1 Cu–methanobactin complexes. Consequently, our results demonstrate that methanobactin can efficiently acquire Cu in organic‐rich environments.
Intensity of mouth coloration in Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla nestlings affects food distribution among siblings but not provisioning of the whole brood
Authors: Węgrzyn Ewa
Published: October 2012

Among various begging stimuli, mouth coloration has received increasing attention in recent years, and previous research has demonstrated that mouths of nestling Canaries Serinus canaria get redder with the extent of food deprivation and that parents preferentially feed nestlings of redder gapes. This study assesses whether the intensity of red mouth colour in nestling Blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla is a signal in parent–offspring communication. This is one of the few species with a naturally red gape in which the function of mouth redness has been tested. Three predictions were experimentally tested: (1) reddening the gape of a single nestling within a brood increases its provisioning in relation to other siblings; (2) reddening the gapes of all nestlings within a brood increases parental feeding rate; and (3) food deprivation increases nestling mouth redness. The effect of nestling quality on mouth redness was also assessed. The intensity of gape coloration affected food distribution, but in a way opposite to that expected: an increase in mouth redness of the nestling caused reduced feeding by parents. However, reddening the gapes of all nestlings had no effect on provisioning of the whole brood, suggesting that Blackcap parents use different cues for provisioning particular nestlings and the whole brood. Intensity of mouth redness in Blackcap nestlings was not affected either by food deprivation or by nestling quality in terms of mass and rank in the nest.
Determination of working length for teeth with wide or immature apices: a review
Authors: Kim Y.‐J. A. , Chandler N. P.
Published: October 2012

Practitioners face several challenges during the root canal treatment of teeth with wide or immature apices, one of which is working length determination. There is relatively little data regarding the value of radiography and electronic apex locator (EAL) use when root formation is incomplete, and supplementary measurement techniques may be helpful. This review considers length determination for canals with wide or completely open apices in permanent and primary teeth. The Ovid Medline, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched individually and in combinations to August 2012 using the subject headings ‘working length determination’ and ‘open apex’ and revealed only one article. Further headings, ‘tooth apex’, ‘apical constriction’, ‘resorption’, ‘foramen size’, ‘mature root apex’, ‘immature root apex’, ‘working length determination’, ‘apexification’, ‘open apices’, ‘open apex’, ‘open apical foramina’, ‘canal length determination’, ‘immature teeth’, ‘apical diameters’, ‘electronic apex locators’, ‘primary teeth’, ‘treatment outcome’ and ‘clinical outcome’ were entered. Potentially useful articles were chosen for a manual search of bibliography as well as a forward search of citations. Other investigations revealed case reports and some research related to open apices and laboratory studies evaluating EALs, radiography and tactile methods. Some involved permanent teeth of various apical diameters and primary teeth with and without resorption. There is a need to define the term ‘open apex’. Clinicians should be aware of the benefits and limitations of all canal measuring techniques involved in managing this problem.
Time‐out/time‐in: the dynamics of everyday experiential computing devices
Authors: Bødker Mads , Gimpel Gregory , Hedman Jonas
Published: October 2012

In everyday life, the role of computing devices alternates between the ordinary and mundane, the un‐reflected and the extraordinary. To better understand the process through which the relationship between computing devices, users and context changes in everyday life, we apply a distinction between time‐in and time‐out use. Time‐in technology use coincides and co‐exists within the flow of ordinary life, while time‐out use entails ‘taking time out’ of everyday life to accomplish a circumscribed task or engage reflectively in a particular experience. We apply a theoretically informed grounded approach to data collected through a longitudinal field study of smartphone users during a 6‐month period. We analysed the data based on the concept of time‐in/out and show the dynamics in the experience of a device that changes from the ‘extraordinary’ to the ‘ordinary’ over time. We also provide a vocabulary that describes this relationship as stages resembling the one between a couple, which evolves from an early love affair, to being married and to growing old together. By repurposing the time‐in/out distinction from its origin in media studies, this paper marks a move that allows the distinction to be applied to understanding the use and dynamic becoming of computing devices over time.
A viralRNAsilencing suppressor interferes with abscisic acid‐mediated signalling and induces drought tolerance inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Westwood Jack H. , Mccann Lucy , Naish Matthew , Dixon Heather , Murphy Alex M. , Stancombe Matthew A. , Bennett Mark H. , Powell Glen , Webb Alex A. R. , Carr John P.
Published: October 2012

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) encodes the 2b protein, which plays a role in local and systemic virus movement, symptom induction and suppression ofRNAsilencing. It also disrupts signalling regulated by salicylic acid and jasmonic acid.CMVinduced an increase in tolerance to drought inArabidopsis thaliana. This was caused by the 2b protein, as transgenic plants expressing this viral factor showed increased drought tolerance, but plants infected withCMVΔ2b, a viral mutant lacking the2bgene, did not. The silencing effectorARGONAUTE1(AGO1) controls amicroRNA‐mediated drought tolerance mechanism and, in this study, we noted that plants (dcl2/3/4triple mutants) lacking functional short‐interferingRNA‐mediated silencing were also drought tolerant. However, drought tolerance engendered byCMVmay be independent of the silencing suppressor activity of the 2b protein. AlthoughCMVinfection did not alter the accumulation of the drought response hormone abscisic acid (ABA),2b‐transgenic andago1‐mutant seeds were hypersensitive toABA‐mediated inhibition of germination. However, the induction ofABA‐regulated genes in2b‐transgenic andCMV‐infected plants was inhibited more strongly than inago1‐mutant plants. The virus engenders drought tolerance by altering the characteristics of the roots and not of the aerial tissues as, compared with the leaves of silencing mutants, leaves excised fromCMV‐infected or2b‐transgenic plants showed greater stomatal permeability and lost water more rapidly. This further indicates thatCMV‐induced drought tolerance is not mediated via a change in the silencing‐regulated drought response mechanism. Under natural conditions, virus‐induced drought tolerance may serve viruses by aiding susceptible hosts to survive periods of environmental stress.
The inter‐kingdom solo OryR regulator of Xanthomonas oryzae is important for motility
Authors: González Juan F. , Myers Michael P. , Venturi Vittorio
Published: October 2012

The LuxR‐type transcriptional regulator OryR of the rice pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is a member of a subgroup of regulators found in plant‐associated bacteria that are known to respond to plant signals. OryR has been shown previously to positively regulate the neighbouring pip gene and to be important for rice virulence. The role of this inter‐kingdom signalling regulator was investigated through a genome‐wide transcriptome analysis. OryR was found to positively regulate 220 genes, whereas 110 were down‐regulated. A significant over‐representation of movement‐related genes among the positively regulated ones was found, including 30 flagellar genes, accounting for 14% of the up‐regulated genes above the two‐fold cut‐off value. In Xoo, both swimming and swarming respond to rice macerate and OryR plays a role in the induction of both of these types of motility under these conditions. In this study, we have also shown that the flagellar regulator flhF contains a lux box‐like element in its promoter region, similar to the oryR‐regulated neighbouring pip gene; via the use of a transcriptional fusion reporter, it was shown that flhF is regulated by OryR. Finally, the role of OryR in motility was also demonstrated by the significant reduction in flagellin content in the oryR Xoo mutant with respect to the wild‐type, as observed by in planta proteomics studies.
Gestational diabetes: prospective interview‐study of the developing beliefs about health, illness and health care in migrant women
Authors: Hjelm Katarina , Bard Karin , Apelqvist Jan
Published: October 2012

Aims and objectives.  To explore the development over time of beliefs about health, illness and health care in migrant women with gestational diabetes mellitus born in the Middle East and living in Sweden and to study the influence on self‐care and care seeking.

Background.  With today’s extensive global migration, contact with the new society/health care confronts the migrant’s culture of origin with the culture of the host country. The question is whether immigrants’ patterns of beliefs about health, illness and health‐related behaviour change over time, as no previous studies have been found on this topic.

Design.  A qualitative prospective exploratory study.

Methods.  Semi‐structured interviews, with 14 women (28–44 years), on three occasions: during pregnancy in gestational weeks 34–38 and three and 14 months after delivery.

Results.  There was a U‐shaped development of beliefs, from focusing on worries about the baby’s health during pregnancy and trying to comply with advice from health professionals, particularly a healthy diet, through regression to dietary habits (more sugar, less fibre) and lifestyle held before being diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus three months after delivery, back to a healthy diet/lifestyle and worries 14 months after delivery but then focusing on their own risk, as mothers, of developing type 2 diabetes and being unable to care for the child. Over time, the number of persons perceiving gestational diabetes mellitus as a transient condition decreased. Respondents lacked information about gestational diabetes mellitus, diet and follow‐ups.

Conclusion.  Beliefs changed over time and influenced health‐related behaviour. Beliefs about the seriousness of gestational diabetes mellitus among healthcare staff/care organisation influence the development of patients’ beliefs and need to be considered in planning care.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Pregnancy should be used as an opportunity to provide complete information about gestational diabetes mellitus and future health risks. This should continue after delivery and wishes for regular follow‐ups should be met.