bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of occupational therapy intervention on activities of daily living and awareness of disability in persons with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Hällgren Monica , Kottorp Anders
Published: November 2005

Aim:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an occupational therapy intervention program on activities of daily living (ADL) ability and awareness of disability.

Methods:  Six persons with intellectual disabilities participated in the study, which was based on a single‐case design. Assessment of Motor and Process Skills and Assessment of Awareness of Disability were used as evaluation tools.

Results:  Activities of daily living performance improved in five of the six participants after implementation of the program, with improvement across both motor and process skills. However, no clear improvement in awareness of disability was found following implementation of the program.

Conclusion:  It may be concluded from this study that persons with intellectual disabilities can benefit from occupational therapy interventions to improve ADL ability, even in the absence of any change in their awareness of disability.
Achieving a restorative mental break for family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Watts Janet H. , Teitelman Jodi
Published: November 2005

Background/Aim:  This phenomenological exploration of how caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease achieve a mental break defined them as distinct periods of freedom from caregiving concerns and conceptualised them as the essence of respite and as a restorative occupation.

Methods:  Four in‐depth interviews each with 15 family caregivers revealed two categories.

Results:  Factors associated with achieving a mental break included: social support, traditional respite, relief‐enhancing conditions, techniques for momentary stress reduction, and respite impediments. Achieving a mental break included mental break techniques and experiencing a mental break.

Conclusions:  Restorative mental breaks are often within caregiver control, are achievable independent of formal respite services, and involve both rest and engagement in absorbing activities. Restorative breaks are often pleasurable, support productivity, may be entwined with caregiving activities, and importantly, do not compromise care recipient well‐being.
The environment and falls prevention: Do environmental modifications make a difference?
Authors: Tse Tamara
Published: November 2005

Background and Aims:  Environmental modification is a strategy widely recommended in many falls prevention programs. However the effectiveness of such a strategy has not been well established. This study aimed to evaluate published research related to falls prevention and environmental modification for older people.

Method:  A review of research conducted between 1993 and 2004 was undertaken. Ageline, Cinahl and OvidMedline databases were searched using falls prevention, home modifications, environmental modifications and occupational therapy as key words.

Results:  Eighteen articles were found relating to community and institutional dwellings and the relevance of environmental modifications.

Conclusion:  There is some evidence to support the use of environmental modification as a strategy in falls prevention for older people particularly in association with multidisciplinary/multifactorial programs targeted to those people with a history of falls.
The introduction and evaluation of an occupational therapy assistant practitioner
Authors: Nancarrow Susan , Mackey Hazel
Published: November 2005

Background and Aim:  This paper describes the introduction and evaluation of an extended role occupational therapy support worker, called an ‘occupational therapy assistant practitioner’.

Methods and Results:  The evaluation took place within a single health care trust and involved focus groups with four groups of stakeholders: assistant practitioners; their supervisors; managers; and service users. The evaluation identified a lack of access to appropriate training; ambiguous supervision and accountability relationships; and a lack of a clear career direction for qualified occupational therapists, creating uncertainty about which aspects of their job they should be ‘giving away’.

Conclusions:  There is a need to clarify career structures and accountability relationships between existing and new staff members and ensure that appropriate training is available to support staff in their new roles.
Possible incompatibility between transgenic cottons and parasitoids
Authors: Yang Yi zhong , Yu Yue shu , Ren Lu , Shao Yi dong , Qian Kun , Zalucki Myron P
Published: November 2005

Abstract  We investigated the rates of egg and larval parasitism in transgenic and non‐transgenic, conventional cottons. Sentinel eggs and larvae of the cotton bollworm, CBW, Helicoverpa armigera Hübner, were released and collected at regular intervals across the cotton growing season, and the relationship between parasitism and different cotton cultivars determined. Egg and larval parasitism were significantly lower in the transgenic cottons than in the non‐transgenic conventional cottons. The egg parasitoid recovered was Trichogramma confusum Viggiani and the predominant larval parasitoids were Campoletis chlorideae Uchida and Meteorus pulchriconis (Wesmael). Our studies indicate a potential negative interaction between transgenic cottons and parasitoids of CBW but need to be interpreted with caution because no within‐year replication was used and treatments were not spatially randomised across years.
Hosts of Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) from Broome and the Broome Peninsula, Western Australia
Authors: Woods Bill , Lacey Ian B , Brockway Craig A , Johnstone Christine P
Published: November 2005

Abstract  In the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is only established at Broome. From 1998 to 2001 extensive fruit sampling was carried out at Broome during a trial investigating the eradication of medfly from the Kimberley using the sterile insect technique. Fruit was collected from 82 native and introduced plants growing in and surrounding the town of Broome and held for emergence of medfly. Eighteen plants, including the native tree Terminalia petiolaris, were found to be medfly hosts. On the basis of abundance, fruiting phenology and host suitability, eight species (kumquat Fortunella japonica, mango Magnifera indica, Barbados cherry Malpighia glabra, orange jessamine Murraya paniculata, guava Psidium guajava, Pacific almond Terminalia catapa, blackberry tree Terminalia petiolaris and yellow oleander Thevetia peruviana) were the most important hosts ensuring medfly survival and population growth. Despite medfly being reared from T. petiolaris, it is likely that medfly can only maintain populations in areas close to human habitation, and eradication from these areas would lead to eradication from the whole Kimberley region.
Revision of the Australian Coccinellidae (Coleoptera). Part 3. Tribe Sukunahikonini
Authors: Slipinski Adam , Tomaszewska Wioletta
Published: November 2005

Abstract The Australian members of the circumtropical coccinellid tribe Sukunahikonini are revised and placed in three genera:ScymnomorphusWeise (five species),PharellusSicard (two species) andParaphellusChazeau (two species).Scymnus rostratusLea, 1929 is transferred toParaphellusasP. rostratus(Lea)comb. n.The following new species are described from Australia:Pharellus glabratussp. n.,P. popeisp. n.;Paraphellus magnopunctatussp. n.;Scymnomorphus fulvussp. n.,S. hirtussp. n.,S. kersp. n.,S. luteussp. n.,S. storeyisp. n. Nomenclatural history, diagnoses and distribution are provided for each species. Keys to the genera and species are included.
The parasitoid guild of larvae of Chrysophtharta agricola Chapuis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Tasmania, with notes on biology and a description of a new genus and species of tachinid fly
Authors: Rice Anthony D
Published: November 2005

Abstract  The taxonomic status of the parasitoid guild associated with the larvae of Southern Eucalypt Beetle (Chrysophtharta agricola Chapuis) in Tasmania is discussed. The primary larval parasitoid complex comprised the tachinid flies Balde striatum gen. n., sp. n. and Paropsivora australis (Macquart) (Diptera: Tachinidae: Goniinae: Blondeliini), and Eadya paropsidis Huddleston & Short (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), while the hymenopteran hyperparasitoids included Perilampus tasmanicus (Cameron) (Perilampidae), Mesochorus sp. (Ichneumonidae) and possibly Meteorus sp. (Braconidae). Keys are provided to the three adult primary parasitoids and two adult hyperparasitoids, and to the pupae of primary parasitoids. Balde striatum gen. n., sp. n. is described, and P. australis is redescribed. Brief notes on biology are included.
Wildlife habitat strips and native forest ground‐active beetle assemblages in plantation nodes in northeast Tasmania
Authors: Grove Simon , Yaxley Belinda
Published: November 2005

Abstract In Tasmania, plantation establishment is often concentrated in ‘nodes’, a practice that can result in a high degree of fragmentation of remaining native forest in these areas. In this study we examined the sensitivity of ground‐active beetles to the effects of conversion of native forest to plantation in which remaining native forest is largely confined to narrow wildlife habitat strips. At five damp sclerophyll forest sites in northeast Tasmania, pitfall sampling was carried out along the middle axis of a wildlife habitat strip, in the young plantation surrounding the strip, and at three distances in from the edge of nearby continuous native forest. The study documented a rich fauna, particularly for carabids. Species composition varied among sites, emphasising the need for adequate regional reservation of native forest at appropriate spatial scales. While plots in plantations and strips supported similar numbers of species as continuous native forest, they usually differed in assemblage composition. In general, assemblages in strips appeared to be intermediate in composition between those of continuous native forest and plantations. Significant differences corresponding to a progressive change in assemblage composition with distance into continuous native forest from its edge were detected for one, possibly two, sites. Plots in strips were generally more similar in assemblage composition to those near the edge of continuous native forest than to those towards its interior. Within the study area, strips may promote the survival of species that otherwise associate with the edges of continuous native forest, but they may provide less effective habitat for species that associate with native forest interiors. However, they still harbour many native forest species which are rare or absent in plantations. Although only based on a short‐term sampling program, the study implies that future strips in Tasmanian damp sclerophyll forest could better benefit some forest interior species if prescriptions were to specify wider strips. However, a clearer conservation outcome might be to ensure the continuance of a sufficiently comprehensive, adequate and representative network of native forest formal reserves (in addition to wildlife habitat strips) containing damp sclerophyll forest. These should be large enough to cater for forest interior species, and dispersed at a spatial scale appropriate to the rate of species turnover found among ground‐active beetle assemblages in these forests.
The description of a new species of gall‐inducing wasp: a learning activity for primary school students
Authors: Hardwick Sam , Harper Matilda , Houghton Gareth , La Salle Alexander , La Salle Samuel , Mullaney Matthew , La Salle John
Published: November 2005

Abstract  A new species of gall‐inducing wasp, Tanaostigmodes shrek Apsec sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Tanaostigmatidae), is described from the Australian Capital Territory. This species forms its gall in elaiosomes. These are specialised, protein‐rich structures attached to seeds to attract seed dispersal by ants. Despite the fact that gall induction has evolved many times in the Chalcidoidea, and many different parts of the plant are utilised, this is the first record of a species inducing galls in elaiosomes. This project has been carried out as a special activity by primary school students who have shown an advanced interest in entomology. The students have taken all the scanning electron micrographs and digital images of this species, composed the plates, and have been involved in producing the description (including making measurements, comparing the new species with all described Australian species and observing and discussing differences from known species). The students have prepared a presentation on this work which was presented at the International Congress of Entomology, Brisbane.
Parasitism by hydroptilid caddisflies (Trichoptera) and seven new species of Hydroptilidae from northern Queensland
Authors: Wells Alice
Published: November 2005

Abstract  Parasitism on the pupae of other Trichoptera is predicted for all 10 members of the Orthotrichia aberrans species group in the Hydroptilidae. This prediction is based on evidence from two species: the northern Australian Orthotrichia muscari Wells and the New Guinean/northern Australian Orthotrichia gressitti Wells, immatures of both of which are reported here from philopotamid cases in a recent collection of Trichoptera from Cape York. This paper includes description of seven new Hydroptilidae from northern Queensland: three in Hellyethira Neboiss –H. digitata sp. nov., H. sheldoni sp. nov. and H. davidi sp. nov.; and four in Orthotrichia Eaton – two aberrans‐group species, O. trispinata sp. nov. and O. specana sp. nov., and two adornata/kokodana‐group species, O. bertie sp. nov. and O. acina sp. nov.
A revision of the genus Catasphactes Stål with the description of two new species (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae)
Authors: Malipatil M B , Wainer John
Published: November 2005

Abstract  Two new species, Catasphactes truncatus sp. nov. from Western Australia and South Australia and C. pallidus sp. nov. from southeastern Queensland are described, and a key for the separation of these species from other known species of the genus Catasphactes Stål is given, along with a redescription of the two previously known species, C. pyrrhopterus Stål and C. coprias (Stål).
Laboratory and field evaluation of commercial repellent formulations against mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Frances Stephen P , Marlow Robert M , Jansen Cassie C , Huggins Raethea L , Cooper Robert D
Published: November 2005

Abstract  Laboratory tests of commercial repellent formulations were conducted against Anopheles farauti Laveran, Culex annulirostris Skuse, Ochlerotatus vigilax (Skuse) and Stegomyia aegypti (L.). The majority of repellent formulations tested contain N,N,‐diethyl‐3‐methylbenzamide (also known as diethyl‐m‐toluamide, commonly called deet). Two formulations containing picaridin (1‐piperidinecarboxylate acid, 2‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐1‐methylpropylester, also known as KBR 3023), one containing ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (EBAP) and two formulations containing essential oils (e.g. Citronella oil) were also tested. In the laboratory tests, repellent formulations containing deet provided the best protection, and picaridin and EBAP also provided good protection. Citronella oil provided only limited protection. Two field trials to compare commercially available repellent formulations containing picaridin and deet against mosquitoes at Redcliffe, Queensland, were conducted. In the first, Autan Repel, containing 9.3% picaridin, RID, containing 10% deet, and Bushman Ultra, containing 80% deet in a gel, were compared. In the second, Autan Repel Army 20, containing 19.2% picaridin, OFF! Skintastic, containing 7% deet, and Aerogard, containing 12% deet, were compared. The predominant mosquito in both tests was Cx. annulirostris. Bushman provided >95% protection against all mosquitoes for at least 8 h when tests ceased. The other deet repellents also provided good protection against mosquitoes, with RID providing 5 h, Skintastic 4 h and Aerogard 2 h protection. The Autan repel (9.3% picaridin) provided >95% protection for 3 h, and Autan Repel Army (19.2% picaridin) provided 4 h protection. These studies have shown that commercial formulations of both deet and picaridin provide good protection against Cx. annulirostris, an important vector of arboviruses in Australia.
Larvae of Nymphulinae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) associated with Hydrilla verticillata (Hydrocharitaceae) in North Queensland
Authors: Habeck Dale H , Balciunas Joseph K
Published: November 2005

Abstract  Australian Nymphulinae are a diverse group of moths with aquatic caterpillars that probably play an important role in determining the composition and abundance of aquatic macrophytes in Australian freshwater systems. Less than 10% of the nymphuline larvae in Australia have been described. As part of a project to develop biological control agents for hydrilla, Hydrilla verticillata, we encountered a variety of Nymphulinae larvae feeding on this and other aquatic plants. We illustrate, describe and provide a key to five species of Nymphulinae larvae (Ambia ptolycusalis (Walker), Parapoynx diminutalis Snellen, Hygraula nitens Butler, Margarosticha repititalis (Warren) and Theila siennata (Warren)) that feed on hydrilla in North Queensland. Information on their host plants also is included. Our field research indicates that none of these species should be considered as potential biological control agents for hydrilla.
Effect of temperature on the survival of Aconophora compressa Walker (Hemiptera: Membracidae): implications for weed biocontrol
Authors: Dhileepan Kunjithapatham , Treviño Mariano , Raghu Sathyamurthy
Published: November 2005

Abstract  In weed biocontrol, similarity of abiotic factors between the native and introduced range of a biocontrol agent is critical to its establishment and effectiveness. This is particularly the case for weeds that have a wide geographical distribution in the native range. For such weeds, the choice of a specialist insect that has narrow tolerance limits to important abiotic factors can diminish its ability to be an effective biocontrol agent. The membracid Aconophora compressa was introduced in Australia from Mexico for biocontrol of Lantana camara, a plant with a wide climatic tolerance. In this study we investigated the effect of constant and alternating temperatures on A. compressa survival. Longevity of adults and nymphs declined with increasing temperatures, and at 39°C individuals survived for less than a day. At lower temperatures, nymphs survived longer than adults. Survival at alternating temperatures was longer than at constant temperatures, but the general trend of lower survival at higher temperatures remained. Spatially and temporally, the climatic tolerance of A. compressa appears to be a subset of that of lantana, thereby limiting its potential impact.
Pseudofoenus caledonicus, a new species of hyptiogastrine wasp (Hymenoptera: Gasteruptiidae) from New Caledonia
Authors: Jennings John T , Austin Andrew D
Published: November 2005

Abstract  Pseudofoenus caledonicus sp. nov. is described from New Caledonia, and is the second member of the Hyptiogastrinae recorded from these islands. This discovery points to a more diverse fauna of Hyptiogastrinae in the south‐west Pacific, which also includes P. ritae (Cheesman), from New Caledonia and Vanuatu, P. extraneus (Turner) from Fiji, and a number of species from New Guinea and New Zealand. Although a revised phylogenetic analysis does not resolve the relationships of P. caledonicus, neither the two New Caledonian species nor the south‐west Pacific fauna in general are likely to be monophyletic. This fauna is discussed in terms of its relationships with Pseudofoenus spp. from mainland Australia, and possible mechanisms that have given rise to the current distribution of species.
The imprint of the geographical, evolutionary and ecological context on species–area relationships
Authors: Drakare Stina , Lennon Jack J. , Hillebrand Helmut
Published: November 2005

Species–area relationships (SAR) are fundamental in the understanding of biodiversity patterns and of critical importance for predicting species extinction risk worldwide. Despite the enormous attention given to SAR in the form of many individual analyses, little attempt has been made to synthesize these studies. We conducted a quantitative meta‐analysis of 794 SAR, comprising a wide span of organisms, habitats and locations. We identified factors reflecting both pattern‐based and dynamic approaches to SAR and tested whether these factors leave significant imprints on the slope and strength of SAR. Our analysis revealed that SAR are significantly affected by variables characterizing the sampling scheme, the spatial scale, and the types of organisms or habitats involved. We found that steeper SAR are generated at lower latitudes and by larger organisms. SAR varied significantly between nested and independent sampling schemes and between major ecosystem types, but not generally between the terrestrial and the aquatic realm. Both the fit and the slope of the SAR were scale‐dependent. We conclude that factors dynamically regulating species richness at different spatial scales strongly affect the shape of SAR. We highlight important consequences of this systematic variation in SAR for ecological theory, conservation management and extinction risk predictions.
Subcutaneous microdialysis before and after an oral glucose tolerance test: a method to determine insulin resistance in the subcutaneous adipose tissue in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Rajamand N. , Ungerstedt U. , Brismar K.
Published: November 2005

Aims:  Subcutaneous microdialysis has been used for continuous glucose monitoring in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) to facilitate tight regulation of blood glucose levels. The aims of this study were therefore to investigate (i) the relationship between capillary and interstitial glucose in patients with type 1 or 2 DM and healthy subjects and (ii) the feasibility of using microdialysis to assess local insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue.

Methods:  Using subcutaneous microdialysis, interstitial glucose, lactate, pyruvate and glycerol were determined as measures of glucose and lipid metabolism in adipose tissue, before and after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 14 patients and seven controls. The results were correlated to whole‐body insulin sensitivity and insulin sensitivity in liver estimated from the levels of insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 1 (IGFBP‐1).

Results:  Capillary and interstitial glucose correlated before and after OGTT in healthy subjects and in type 1 DM but not in type 2 DM. In fasting state, the glycerol levels were higher in both type 1 and type 2 DM compared with controls. After the OGTT, the insulin levels were sufficient to suppress lipolysis in type 1 but not in type 2 DM. The glucose/lactate ratio was higher at fasting in type 1 DM and after OGTT in type 1 and 2 DM. In type 1 DM, basal interstitial glycerol levels correlated to whole‐body glucose utilization. In type 2 DM, correlations were found between the basal glycerol levels and whole‐body insulin sensitivity and between glucose/lactate and per cent decrease in IGFBP‐1 levels 120 min after OGTT.

Conclusion:  Capillary and interstitial glucose correlated before and after OGTT in healthy subjects and patients with type 1 DM. Correlations were also found between insulin sensitivity in whole body and in adipose tissue in both type 1 and type 2 DM and between insulin sensitivity in subcutaneous adipose tissue and liver in type 2 DM. This study shows that microdialysis technique can be used to study in vivo insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue over time and may be useful in the evaluation of, for example, the effects of new drugs on insulin sensitivity.
Effect of streptozotocin‐induced diabetes on oxidative energy metabolism in rat kidney mitochondria. A comparative study of early and late effects
Authors: Katyare S. S. , Satav J. G.
Published: November 2005

Aim:  The effects of streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes on oxidative energy metabolism of rat kidney mitochondria were examined at the end of 1 week and 1 month of STZ treatment.

Methods:  At the end of 1 week of induction of diabetes, respiration rates with pyruvate + malate and succinate as the substrates increased while those with β‐hydroxybutyrate and ascorbate + TMPD decreased. Respiration with glutamate was not affected. Insulin treatment had no alleviating effect. The changes persisted through 1 month of induction of diabetes and were not corrected by insulin treatment even at this stage. β‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase activity registered significant decrease while the succinate dehydrogenase activity increased in diabetic and insulin‐treated diabetic animals whereas only marginal changes were evident in the composition of the cytochromes.

Results:  The ATPase activity tended to be high in the diabetic groups and was restored by insulin treatment. At both the stages, i.e. early and late stages of diabetes the mitochondria were tightly coupled and the ADP/O ratios were in normal expected ranges.

Conclusion:  Taken together, the results suggest that kidney is the major target tissue to suffer impairment of mitochondrial function with the onset of the disease which persists throughout and that insulin treatment is ineffective in restoring the normal state.
Function of a long‐term, GLP‐1‐treated, insulin‐secreting cell line is improved by preventing DPP IV‐mediated degradation of GLP‐1
Authors: Green B. D. , Liu H. K. , McCluskey J. T. , Duffy N. A. , O'Harte F. P. M. , McClenaghan N. H. , Flatt P R.
Published: November 2005

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) is an important insulinotropic hormone with potential in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, the short biological half‐life of the peptide after cleavage by dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPP IV) is a major limitation. Inhibition of DPP IV activity and the development of resistant GLP‐1 analogues is the subject of ongoing research. In this study, we determined cell growth, insulin content, insulin accumulation and insulin secretory function of a insulin‐secreting cell line cultured for 3 days with either GLP‐1, GLP‐1 plus the DPP IV inhibitor diprotin A (DPA) or stable N‐acetyl‐GLP‐1. Native GLP‐1 was rapidly degraded by DPP IV during culture with accumulation of the inactive metabolite GLP‐1(9–36)amide. Inclusion of DPA or use of the DPP IV‐resistant analogue, N‐acetyl‐GLP‐1, improved cellular function compared to exposure to GLP‐1 alone. Most notably, basal and accumulated insulin secretion was enhanced, and glucose responsiveness was improved. However, prolonged GLP‐1 treatment resulted in GLP‐1 receptor desensitization regardless of DPP IV status. The results indicate that prevention of DPP IV action is necessary for beneficial effects of GLP‐1 on pancreatic β cells and that prolonged exposure to GLP‐1(9–36)amide may be detrimental to insulin secretory function. These observations also support the ongoing development of DPP‐IV‐resistant forms of GLP‐1, such as N‐acetyl‐GLP‐1.
Caucasian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have elevated levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 that are not influenced by the –2518 A→G promoter polymorphism
Authors: Zietz B. , Büchler C. , Herfarth H. , Müller‐Ladner U. , Spiegel D. , Schölmerich J. , Schäffler A.
Published: November 2005

Aim:  To investigate the association of serum levels and the −2518 A→G promoter polymorphism of the gene for chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), a major chemoattractant of monocytes and activated lymphocytes, with metabolic parameters as well as insulin, leptin and the cytokines tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in 534 Caucasian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods:  MCP‐1 concentrations were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. MCP‐1 genotyping was performed by RFLP analysis in a subset of 426 patients.

Results:  Two hundred and thirty‐one (54.2%) patients were homozygous for the wildtype allele (AA), 156 (36.6%) were heterozygous (AG) and 39 (9.2%) were homozygous for the mutated allele (GG). Allelic frequency was similar to non‐diabetic populations (wildtype allele A: 0.73; mutated allele G: 0.27). MCP‐1 mean concentrations and percentiles were substantially higher in non‐diabetic populations but were not influenced by the genotype (AA: 662.0 ± 323.0 pg/ml; AG: 730.6 ± 491.4 pg/ml; GG: 641.2 ± 323.8 pg/ml). MCP‐1 serum levels and genotypes were only marginally related to hormones (insulin and leptin) and cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐6).

Conclusions:  This is the first study providing MCP‐1 levels, percentiles and genotype frequency in a large and representative cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Compared to the literature, MCP‐1 levels were found to be substantially higher in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In contrast, genotype frequencies were similar compared to those in non‐diabetic patients and were not related to MCP‐1 levels. The mechanisms behind these elevated MCP‐1 serum levels in type 2 diabetes are not to be explained by simple associations with hormones, cytokines or genotypes.
Meta‐analysis: effect of hormone‐replacement therapy on components of the metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women
Authors: Salpeter S. R. , Walsh J. M. E. , Ormiston T. M. , Greyber E. , Buckley N. S. , Salpeter E. E.
Published: November 2005

Aim:  To quantify the effects of hormone‐replacement therapy (HRT) on components of the metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.

Methods:  Comprehensive searches of electronic databases were performed from April 1966 to October 2004. We included randomized controlled trials that were of at least 8 weeks duration and evaluated the effect of HRT on metabolic, inflammatory or thrombotic components. Insulin resistance was calculated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA‐IR). Subgroup analysis evaluated the effects for transdermal and oral treatment and for diabetic and non‐diabetic women.

Results:  Pooled results of 107 trials showed that HRT reduced abdominal fat [−6.8% (CI, −11.8 to −1.9%)], HOMA‐IR [−12.9% (CI, −17.1 to −8.6%)] and new‐onset diabetes [relative risk 0.7 (CI, 0.6–0.9)] in women without diabetes. In women with diabetes, HRT reduced fasting glucose [−11.5% (CI, −18.0 to −5.1%)] and HOMA‐IR [−35.8% (CI, −51.7 to −19.8%)]. HRT also reduced low‐density lipoprotein/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio [−15.7% (CI, −18.0 to −13.5%)], lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] [−25.0% [CI, −32.9 to −17.1%)], mean blood pressure [−1.7% (CI, −2.9 to −0.5%)], E‐selectin [−17.3% (CI, −22.4 to −12.1%)], fibrinogen [−5.5% (CI, −7.8 to −3.2%)] and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 [−25.1% (CI, −33.6 to −15.5%)]. Oral agents produced larger beneficial effects than transdermal agents, but increased C‐reactive protein (CRP) [37.6% (CI, 17.4–61.3%)] and decreased protein S [−8.6% CI, −13.1 to −4.1%)], while transdermal agents had no effect.

Conclusions:  HRT reduces abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, new‐onset diabetes, lipids, blood pressure, adhesion molecules and procoagulant factors in women without diabetes and reduced insulin resistance and fasting glucose in women with diabetes. Oral agents adversely affected CRP and protein S, while transdermal agents had no effects.
Meal‐induced platelet activation in Type 2 diabetes mellitus: effects of treatment with repaglinide and glibenclamide
Authors: Yngen M. , Östenson C.‐G. , Hjemdahl P. , Wallén N. H.
Published: November 2005

Aims  To compare the effects of treatment with repaglinide and glibenclamide on platelet function and endothelial markers in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, before and after a standardized meal.

Methods  Fifteen patients with Type 2 diabetes were investigated on three occasions: at baseline without oral hypoglycaemic drug treatment, and after 6 weeks’ treatment with repaglinide or glibenclamide, respectively, in an open randomized cross‐over study. Agonist‐induced platelet P‐selectin expression and platelet aggregation, urinary thromboxane, soluble P‐selectin, von Willebrand factor (VWF), soluble E‐selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM‐1) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were measured. In addition, pre‐meal data were compared with non‐diabetic control subjects (n = 15), matched for sex, age and BMI.

Results  Adenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐induced platelet P‐selectin expression increased post‐meal in Type 2 diabetic patients both at baseline and after treatment with repaglinide and glibenclamide (P < 0.01 for all; repeated measures anova). Repaglinide treatment reduced fasting ADP‐induced P‐selectin expression compared with baseline (P = 0.01), but did not influence meal‐induced platelet hyper‐reactivity (P = 0.32). No significant anti‐platelet effects of glibenclamide treatment were found. Plasma concentrations of VWF and ICAM‐1 were elevated in patients with Type 2 diabetes compared with control subjects (P < 0.05 for both) and were reduced during treatment with repaglinide (P < 0.01 for both) but did not change during glibenclamide treatment.

Conclusions  The post‐meal state is associated with enhanced platelet reactivity in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Pre‐meal treatment with repaglinide or glibenclamide does not inhibit postprandial platelet activation, but repaglinide treatment is associated with attenuated platelet and endothelial activity in the fasting state.
Increased stress protein ORP150 autoantibody production in Type 1 diabetic patients
Authors: Nakatani Y. , Kaneto H. , Hatazaki M. , Yoshiuchi K. , Kawamori D. , Sakamoto K. , Matsuoka T. , Ogawa S. , Yamasaki Y. , Matsuhisa M.
Published: November 2005

Aims  Various genetic and environmental stresses interfere with protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which leads to the induction of ER stress. It has recently been reported that ER stress is involved in the development of diabetes in diabetic animal models. The aim of this study is to estimate ER stress levels in Type 1 diabetic patients.

Methods  We recruited Type 1 diabetic patients undergoing periodic follow‐up examinations (n = 91) and healthy non‐diabetic individuals (n = 37), and measured their serum anti‐oxygen‐related protein (ORP)150 autoantibody levels.

Results  Anti‐ORP150 autoantibody levels in Type 1 diabetic patients were significantly higher compared with those in healthy non‐diabetic subjects. Furthermore, the serum autoantibody levels in Type 1 diabetic patients correlated with HbA1c (F > 3.0, P = 0.079), indicating that hyperglycaemia itself induces ER stress in diabetes.

Conclusions  Anti‐ORP150 autoantibody levels in Type 1 diabetic patients are higher compared with non‐diabetic subjects, suggesting that ER stress is increased in Type 1 diabetes.
Prolonged deterioration of endothelial dysfunction in response to postprandial lipaemia is attenuated by vitamin C in Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Anderson R. A. , Evans L. M. , Ellis G. R. , Khan N. , Morris K , Jackson S. K. , Rees A. , Lewis M. J. , Frenneaux M. P.
Published: November 2005

Background  Endothelial dysfunction (ED) has been described in Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We have described previously a diminution of flow‐mediated arterial dilatation and, by implication, further ED in T2DM in response to postprandial lipaemia (PPL) at 4 h. This is possibly mediated by oxidative stress/alteration of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway. T2DM subjects tend to exhibit both exaggerated and prolonged PPL. We therefore studied the relationship of PPL to the duration of ED in T2DM subjects and oxidative stress with or without the antioxidant, vitamin C.

Methods  Twenty subjects with T2DM with moderate glycaemic control (mean HbA1c 8.4%) were studied. After an overnight fast, all subjects consumed a standard fat meal. Endothelial function (EF), lipid profiles, and venous free radicals were measured in the fasting, peak lipaemic phase (4 h) and postprandially to 8 h. The study was repeated in a double‐blinded manner with placebo, vitamin C (1 g) therapy for 2 days prior to re‐testing and with the fat meal. Oxidative stress was assessed by lipid‐derived free radicals in plasma, ex vivo by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) and by markers of lipid peroxidation (TBARS). Endothelial function was assessed by flow‐mediated vasodilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery.

Results  There was a significant decrease in endothelial function in response to PPL from baseline (B) 1.3 ± 1.3% to 4 h 0.22 ± 1.1% (P < 0.05) and 8 h 0.7 ± 0.9% (P < 0.05) (mean ± sem). The endothelial dysfunction seen was attenuated at each time point with vitamin C. Baseline EF with vitamin C changed from (fasting) 3.8 ± 0.9–2.8 ± 0.8 (at 4 h) and 2.9 ± 1.3 (at 8 h) in response to PPL. Vitamin C attenuated postprandial (PP) oxidative stress significantly only at the 4‐h time point [301.1 ± 118 (B) to 224.7 ± 72 P < 0.05] and not at 8 h 301.1 ± 118 (B) to 260 ± 183 (P = NS). There were no changes with placebo treatment in any variable. PPL was associated with a PP rise in TG levels (in mmol/l) from (B) 1.8 ± 1 to 2.7 ± 1 at 4 h and 1.95 ± 1.2 at 8 h (P = 0.0002 and 0.33, respectively).

Conclusion  PPL is associated with prolonged endothelial dysfunction for at least 8 h after a fatty meal. Vitamin C treatment improves endothelial dysfunction at all time points and attenuates PPL‐induced oxidative stress. This highlights the importance of low‐fat meals in T2DM and suggests a role for vitamin C therapy to improve endothelial function during meal ingestion.
Effect of pregnancy on the pharmacokinetics of metformin
Authors: Hughes R. C. E. , Gardiner S. J. , Begg E. J. , Zhang M.
Published: November 2005

Aims  To determine the effects of pregnancy on metformin pharmacokinetics.

Methods  Seven women with Type 2 diabetes mellitus taking metformin throughout pregnancy were studied on two occasions, once at 28–36 weeks gestation and once at least 8 weeks postpartum. Serum metformin concentrations were determined across a dosing interval using high‐performance liquid chromatography. The areas under the serum concentration‐time curve from 0 to 4 h post‐dose (AUC0−4) and 0 to 8 h post‐dose (AUC0−8) where possible, were compared in the pregnant and non‐pregnant state.

Results  Metformin concentrations were lower in pregnancy in six subjects, with a mean (95% CI) AUC0−4 that was 69% (53.6, 84.8) of the postpartum value. The AUC0−4 of one subject was higher in pregnancy at 142% of the postpartum value. Overall, the mean (95% CI) AUC0−4 during pregnancy for all seven subjects was 80% (51.3, 107.8) of the postpartum value (P = 0.053, two‐tailed t‐test; P = 0.027, one‐tailed t‐test).

Conclusion  These results are consistent with our hypothesis that the clearance of metformin increases in pregnancy as a result of enhanced renal elimination. A larger study is required to establish whether metformin dose adjustments are required in late pregnancy to maintain therapeutic effect.
Sick day management using blood 3‐hydroxybutyrate (3‐OHB) compared with urine ketone monitoring reduces hospital visits in young people with T1DM: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Laffel L. M. B. , Wentzell K. , Loughlin C. , Tovar A. , Moltz K. , Brink S.
Published: November 2005

Aims  Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life‐threatening acute complication of Type 1 diabetes, may be preventable with frequent monitoring of glycaemia and ketosis along with timely supplemental insulin. This prospective, two‐centre study assessed sick day management using blood 3‐hydroxybutyrate (3‐OHB) monitoring compared with traditional urine ketone testing, aimed at averting emergency assessment and hospitalization.

Methods  One hundred and twenty‐three children, adolescents and young adults, aged 3–22 years, and their families received sick day education. Participants were randomized to receive either a blood glucose monitor that also measures blood 3‐OHB (blood ketone group, n = 62) or a monitor plus urine ketone strips (urine ketone group, n = 61). All were encouraged to check glucose levels ≥ 3 times daily and to check ketones during acute illness or stress, when glucose levels were consistently elevated (≥ 13.9 mmol/l on two consecutive readings), or when symptoms of DKA were present. Frequency of sick days, hyperglycaemia, ketosis, and hospitalization/emergency assessment were ascertained prospectively for 6 months.

Results  There were 578 sick days during 21 548 days of follow‐up. Participants in the blood ketone group checked ketones significantly more during sick days (276 of 304 episodes, 90.8%) than participants in the urine ketone group (168 of 274 episodes, 61.3%) (P < 0.001). The incidence of hospitalization/emergency assessment was significantly lower in the blood ketone group (38/100 patient‐years) compared with the urine ketone group (75/100 patient‐years) (P = 0.05).

Conclusions  Blood ketone monitoring during sick days appears acceptable to and preferred by young people with Type 1 diabetes. Routine implementation of blood 3‐OHB monitoring for the management of sick days and impending DKA can potentially reduce hospitalization/emergency assessment compared with urine ketone testing and offers potential cost savings.
Is sex hormone‐binding globulin associated with glucose tolerance?
Authors: McElduff A. , Hitchman R. , McElduff P.
Published: November 2005

Background/aim  Women with a reduced concentration of sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) in the first trimester of pregnancy are at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes. Furthermore, a lower concentration of SHBG in women with gestational diabetes identifies women at increased likelihood of requiring insulin treatment. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship of SHBG concentration in pregnancy to insulin resistance and glucose tolerance.

Methods  Prospective cohort study of 220 pregnant women who attended The Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, Australia between August 2002 and June 2003 for their 75‐g glucose tolerance test. All tests were performed in the morning after the women had fasted for at least 10 h. To test for differences between patients with or without gestational diabetes, t‐tests and chi‐square tests were used. Stepwise linear regression was used to determine the independent predictors of SHBG.

Results  The mean concentration of SHBG increased linearly with gestational age. Statistically significant predictors of SHBG from the stepwise regression were gestational age (P < 0.001), insulin resistance (P < 0.001) and body mass index (P = 0.003). Glucose tolerance as assessed by either a fasting or 2‐h glucose tolerance test did not predict SHBG concentration in this population. In addition, there was no significant difference in the concentration of SHBG between patients categorized as normal glucose tolerance or gestational diabetes (P = 0.77). This remained the case when SHBG was expressed as SHBG/insulin ratio as suggested by Bartha et al. (Sex hormone‐binding globulin in gestational diabetes. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scanda 2000; 79: 839–845) (P = 0.10).

Conclusion  In a cross‐sectional study of pregnant women, we find no association between SHBG concentration and glucose tolerance.
Transgenic expression and recovery of biologically active recombinant human insulin from Arabidopsis thaliana seeds
Authors: Nykiforuk Cory L. , Boothe Joseph G. , Murray Elizabeth W. , Keon Richard G. , Goren H. Joseph , Markley Nancy A. , Moloney Maurice M.
Published: November 2005

The increased incidence of diabetes, coupled with the introduction of alternative delivery methods that rely on higher doses, is expected to result in a substantial escalation in the demand for affordable insulin in the future. Limitations in the capacity and economics of production will make it difficult for current manufacturing technologies to meet this demand. We have developed a novel expression and recovery technology for the economical manufacture of biopharmaceuticals from oilseeds. Using this technology, recombinant human precursor insulin was expressed in transgenic plants. Plant‐derived insulin accumulates to significant levels in transgenic seed (0.13% total seed protein) and can be enzymatically treated in vitro to generate a product with a mass identical to that of the predicted product, DesB30‐insulin. The biological activity of this product in vivo and in vitro was demonstrated using an insulin tolerance test in mice and phosphorylation assay performed in a mammalian cell culture system, respectively.
Opinion piece: Genomics and crop plant science in Europe
Authors: Hughes Steve
Published: November 2005

Recent report reviews and funding initiatives in the field of plant genomic research are considered in the context of their translation into practical and economic value via plant breeding. It is concluded that there is a deficit in investment and that a change in working styles towards knowledge sharing and connectivity is required.
HIV‐1 p24–immunoglobulin fusion molecule: a new strategy for plant‐based protein production
Authors: Obregon Patricia , Chargelegue Daniel , Drake Pascal M. W. , Prada Alessandra , Nuttall James , Frigerio Lorenzo , Ma Julian K‐C.
Published: November 2005

We describe the engineering of a human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1) p24–immunoglobulin A (IgA) antigen–antibody fusion molecule for therapeutic purposes and its enhancing effect on fused antigen expression in tobacco plants. Although many recombinant proteins have been expressed in transgenic plants as vaccine candidates, low levels of expression are a recurring problem. In this paper, using the HIV p24 core antigen as a model vaccine target, we describe a strategy for increasing the yield of a recombinant protein in plants. HIV p24 antigen was expressed as a genetic fusion with the α2 and α3 constant region sequences from human Ig α‐chain and targeted to the endomembrane system. The expression of this fusion protein was detected at levels approximately 13‐fold higher than HIV p24 expressed alone, and a difference in the behaviour of the two recombinant proteins during trafficking in the plant secretory pathway has been identified. Expressing the antigen within the context of α‐chain Ig sequences resulted in the formation of homodimers and the antigen was correctly recognized by specific antibodies. Furthermore, the HIV p24 elicited T‐cell and antibody responses in immunized mice. The use of Ig fusion partners is proposed as a generic platform technology for up‐regulating the expression of antigens in plants, and may represent the first step in a strategy to design new vaccines with enhanced immunological properties.