bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social marketing's mythunderstandings
Authors: Donovan Rob
Published: February 2011

Purpose

Unlike other sub‐areas of marketing, such as sports marketing, business‐to‐business marketing or even religious marketing, social marketing attracts a very diverse group of disciples, many of whom have little or no background in the discipline of commercial marketing. At the same time, many with a commercial marketing background have a limited understanding of the social and environmental determinants of health and well‐being and tend to be focused on consumer marketing techniques for a situation where there is wide distribution of product and service offerings and where most target audiences have enough money to make a purchase. These circumstances have resulted in a number of myths and misunderstandings being expressed by “social marketers” which could negatively impact on the practice of social marketing and hence the effectiveness of campaigns described as such. The aim of this paper is to describe and dispel eight “mythunderstandings” commonly expressed by social marketing practitioners and others.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents Ad hoc observations on issues that arise from time to time on the social marketing listserv (listserve.social.marketing@uis‐listproc‐1.georgetown.edu) and at social marketing conferences.

Findings

It is suggested that those wishing to operate in the domain of social marketing could benefit from a look at the history of marketing and some of the basic textbooks to help dispel some of these myths.

Originality/value

Eight commonly expressed mythunderstandings are listed, including definitional issues, the roles of education, law and advocacy in social marketing and whether the sought behaviour change must be voluntary. While others have looked at outsiders' misunderstandings of social marketing, this paper looks at the mythunderstandings of social marketers themselves.
Developing more effective social marketing strategies
Authors: Wymer Walter
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The reason for this paper is to better understand why many social marketing campaigns produce poor results and to propose a model to guide social marketing strategic planning to improve program outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper which discusses a new social marketing model to remove upstream causes of target social problems.

Findings

It appears that social marketing planning may be limited by over‐reliance on commercial marketing tactics and an over‐emphasis on individual behavior change. Finding upstream sources of social problems is a first step. However, social marketers must be willing to employ tactics to ameliorate structural, upstream causes of social problems.

Research limitations/implications

The social marketing field needs to further its developmental progress by reducing its use of commercial marketing concepts and increasing its use of concepts from other fields like public health, political science, and social movements.

Practical implications

Practicing social marketers can improve their outcomes if they identify upstream causes of social problems and find ways to reduce their harmful effects.

Social implications

There are major social implications because removing upstream sources of social problems will invoke opposition from powerful interests. A new array of complexity is involved in using activism as a tactic, which may be needed. Conflicts will have to be dealt with and responded to effectively.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is to enhance awareness of the self‐imposed limitations on social marketing strategies and to propose a means of removing these limitations and improving the ability to improve social well‐being.
Regulation, public health and social marketing: a behaviour change trinity
Authors: Hoek Janet , Jones Sandra C.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the apparent tension between upstream and downstream social marketing and propose these should be treated as contiguous and complementary.

Design/methodology/approach

An environmental, population‐based framework is used to explore the varied roles social marketing might play in reducing public health problems.

Findings

The paper concludes that social marketers should collaborate with public health researchers to identify and ameliorate the environmental determinants of risk behaviour and create a context where downstream interventions may flourish. It is argued that the upstream measures necessary to shape supportive environments should be regarded not as constraints diminishing voluntary behaviour, but instead as the pre‐requisites enabling full and free choices.

Research limitations/implications

The call for a rapprochement between upstream and downstream social marketers, and greater integration of public health and social marketing goals lead to new research opportunities that focus more effectively on consumers' choice environments.

Social implications

A united voice calling for policy change that precedes and promotes individual behaviour change may help create stronger and more supportive choice environments in which risk behaviours are no longer the “easy” option.

Originality/value

The tension between upstream and downstream social marketing risks limiting the contribution both approaches may make and overlooks their mutual dependency. This paper evaluates this tension and suggests how it might be addressed.
When is social marketing not social marketing?
Authors: Hastings Gerard , Angus Kathryn
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The paper aims to discuss the thorny issues of industry‐funded social marketing campaigns. Can the tobacco industry be trusted to educate our children about the dangers of smoking? Is a brewer the best source of health promotion? The paper argues for transparency and critical appraisal.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at the issues of tobacco and alcohol in more detail, emphasises the need for caution and suggests guidelines for future practice.

Findings

The fiduciary duty of the corporation means that all its efforts – including any social marketing campaigns or corporate social responsibility – must be focused first and foremost on the success of the business and the enhancement of shareholder value; any wider public health benefits will inevitably be subjugated to this core purpose. And there is good evidence to show that the principal beneficiaries of apparently public‐spirited campaigns run by tobacco and alcohol companies are the sponsors. In the hands of a corporation, then, social marketing will always transmute into commercial marketing.

Practical implications

We should then proceed with our eyes wide open, alert to the danger of counterproductive outcomes, armed with independent evaluation and in the full knowledge that wherever industry‐funded efforts to educate the public replace those run by objective third parties, harm will be done.

Originality/value

The paper, concerned with industry‐sponsored social marketing, broadens the discussion beyond communications. It shows that it is necessary to consider the whole marketing mix, not simply advertising, when discussing social marketing.
An integrative model for social marketing
Authors: Lefebvre R. Craig
Published: February 2011

Purpose

Social marketing has evolved differently in the developing and developed worlds, at times leading to different emphases on what social marketing thought and practice entail. This paper aims to document what those differences have been and provide an integrative framework to guide social marketers in working with significant social and health issues.

Design/methodology/approach

An integration of views about social marketing is proposed that is focused on the core roles of audience benefits; analysis of behavioral determinants, context and consequences; the use of positioning, brand and personality in marketing strategy development; and use of the four elements of the marketing mix to tailor offerings, realign prices, increase access and opportunities; and communicate these in an evolving media environment.

Findings

Ideas about branding and positioning, core strategic social marketing concerns, have been better understood and practiced in developing country settings. Social marketing in developing countries has focused much more on products and services, with a concomitant interest in pricing and distribution systems. In developed countries, social marketing has too often taken the 1P route of using persuasive communications for behavior change. The integrative framework calls for an expansion of social marketing to product and service development and delivery, using incentives and other behavioral economic concepts as part of the price element, and extending place as both an access and opportunity idea for behaviors, products and services.

Practical implications

The framework pulls together social marketing ideas and practices from the diversity of settings in which they have been developed and allows practitioners and academics to use a common set of concepts to think about and design social marketing programs. The model also gives social marketers more latitude in how to use price and place in the design of programs. Finally, it also provides a platform for how we approach social change and public health in the years ahead through market‐based reform.

Originality/value

Five challenges to social marketing are identified – achieving equity, influence of social networks on behaviors, critical marketing, sustainability, scalability and the need for comprehensive programs – that may serve to focus and coalesce social marketing research and practice around the world.
An intronic polymorphism in the porcine IRF7 gene is associated with better health and immunity of the host during Sarcocystis infection, and affects interferon signalling
Authors: Broke A. , Matika O. , Wilson A. D. , Anderson J. , Morin A.‐C. , Finlayson H. A. , Reiner G. , Willems H. , Bishop S. C. , Archibald A. L. , Ait‐Ali T.
Published: February 2011

Interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7), as a key regulator of type I interferon response, plays an important role during innate response against viral infection. Although well conserved across species, the structure of IRF7 and its function during parasite infection are not well documented in farm animals, such as the pig. To bridge this gap, we have determined the porcine IRF7 gene structure and identified two intronic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), SNP g.748G>C and SNP g.761A>G, in commercial pig breeds. The distribution of SNP g.761A>G in multiple breeds suggested that it was in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and allowed us to map it at the top of SSC2. We found that during Sarcocystis miescheriana infection, the G allele was associated with high lymphocyte levels (P < 0.02), reduced drop in platelet levels (P < 0.002) and IgG1‐Th2‐dominated response (P < 0.05). This suggests that the G allele was associated with better health and immunity of the host during Sarcocystis infection. Furthermore, we have also provided suggestive evidence that the G allele of SNPc.761A>G enhances the transactivation activity of IRF7, possibly by improving IRF7 transcript splicing of intron‐3. These findings would suggest that IRF7, as a transcriptional regulator, is involved in the defence mechanism against a larger spectrum of pathogens, and in more host species, than initially anticipated.
Polymorphism and gene organization of water buffalo MHC‐DQB genes show homology to the BoLA DQB region
Authors: Sena L. , Schneider M. P. C. , Brenig B. B. , Honeycutt R. L. , Honeycutt D. A. , Womack J. E. , Skow L. C.
Published: February 2011

In cattle (Bos taurus), there is evidence of more than 50 alleles of BoLA‐DQB (bovine lymphocyte antigen DQB) that are distributed across at least five DQB loci, making this region one of the most complex in the BoLA gene family. In this study, DQB alleles were analysed for the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), another economically important bovine species. Twelve alleles for Bubu‐DQB (Bubalis bubalis DQB) were determined by nucleotide sequence analysis. A phylogenetic analysis revealed numerous trans‐species polymorphisms, with alleles from water buffalo assigned to at least three different loci (BoLA‐DQB1, BoLA‐DQB3 and BoLA‐DQB4) that are also found in cattle. These presumptive loci were analysed for patterns of synonymous (dS) and non‐synonymous (dN) substitution. Like BoLA‐DQB1, Bubu‐DQB1 was observed to be under strong positive selection for polymorphism. We conclude that water buffalo and cattle share the current arrangement of their DQB region because of their common ancestry.
Aurora B kinase expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and its prognostic implications
Authors: García‐Fernández Eugenia , De Diego Juan I , Collantes‐Bellido Elena , Mendiola Marta , Prim María P , Pérez‐Fernández Elia , Miguel‐Martín María , Nistal Manuel , Hardisson David
Published: February 2011

García‐Fernández E, De Diego J I, Collantes‐Bellido E, Mendiola M, Prim M P, Pérez‐Fernández E, Miguel‐Martín M, Nistal M & Hardisson D (2011) Histopathology58, 368–376 Aurora B kinase expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and its prognostic implications

Aims:  To investigate the clinical and prognostic significance of Aurora B in laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCC).

Methods and results:  Aurora B protein expression was analysed in 259 LSCC. The proliferation index (Ki67) and the expression of other cell cycle control proteins, such as Aurora A, survivin and p53 was also determined. Aurora B was highly expressed in 55.4% of LSCC. High Aurora B expression levels were correlated with tumour recurrence (P = 0.01), death from disease (P = 0.05) and decreased disease‐free survival (P = 0.013) and overall survival (P = 0.04). Survivin expression was neither associated with clinicopathological characteristics nor with survival. However, survivin expression in the nucleus paralleled Aurora B expression (P = 0.014). Aurora A expression was associated significantly with increased tumour grade (P = 0.008). Multivariate analysis indicated that Aurora B was an independent predictor for LSCC‐specific disease‐free survival [hazard ratio (HR), 2.10; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.25–3.52 (P = 0.005)] and overall survival [HR, 1.91; 95% CI 1.01–3.34 (P = 0.023)].

Conclusions:  Aurora B may be a novel prognostic biomarker for LSCC and a potential therapeutic target in this type of tumour.
Rapid identification of Streptococcus iniae by specific PCR assay utilizing genetic markers in ITS rDNA
Authors: Zhou S M , Fan Y , Zhu X Q , Xie M Q , Li A X
Published: February 2011

The 16S–23S intergenic spacers (ITS) of ribosomal DNA from ten independent isolates of Streptococcus iniae and one reference strain ATCC29178 were sequenced, aligned and used to design a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer set for rapid and specific detection and identification of S. iniae. This primer set amplified a 377‐bp DNA fragment specifically from S. iniae, but not from other common bacterial pathogens of fish or from non‐fish pathogens. The PCR conditions were optimized to allow detection of the organism from agar, broth culture or infected fish tissue. The sensitivity of the PCR assay was established by the detection of DNA as low as 0.02 ng or as few as 10 CFU bacterial cells. The establishment of the specific PCR assay provides a useful tool for the identification and diagnosis of fish infection with S. iniae.
Implant‐supported prosthesis following Brånemark protocol on electromyography of masticatory muscles
Authors: BERSANI E. , REGALO S. C. H. , SIÉSSERE S. , SANTOS C. M. , CHIMELLO D. T. , De OLIVEIRA R. H. , SEMPRINI M.
Published: February 2011

Summary  This research evaluated the effects of Brånemark protocol on electromyography of the masseter and temporal muscles. The patients were divided into two groups: Group I: patients who wore an implant‐supported prosthesis in the mandibular arch following Brånemark protocol, and maxillary removable complete dentures; Group II: dentate individuals (control). Electromyography was carried out at rest, right (RL) and left (LL) laterality, protrusion and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Data were compared by t‐test. At rest, a higher electromyographic (EMG) activity was observed in Group I, and the values were significant in the right masseter and left temporal muscles. In RL, there were statistically significant differences for right masseter (P < 0·01), left masseter and temporal muscles and for the left temporal muscle in LL (P < 0·05). In protrusion, Group I presented a higher EMG activity, and there was a statistically significant difference for the right masseter muscle (RM) (P < 0·05). In MVC, the EMG values were higher in Group II (control), but significant just for the right temporal muscle (P < 0·05). In conclusion, individuals with mandibular fixed dentures supported according to the Brånemark protocol and maxillary removable complete dentures showed a higher activity of masticatory muscles during the mandibular postural clinical conditions examined; however, in the MVC, Group I presented lower values when compared to dentate group. Despite presenting different EMG values in all of the clinical conditions, both groups showed similar EMG patterns of muscle activation which demonstrates that the proposed treatment can be considered as a good option for oral rehabilitation.
Sleep bruxism and sleep arousal: an experimental challenge to assess the role of cyclic alternating pattern
Authors: CARRA M. C. , ROMPRÉ P. H. , KATO T. , PARRINO L. , TERZANO M. G. , LAVIGNE G. J. , MACALUSO G. M.
Published: February 2011

Summary  Rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA) is the characteristic electromyographic pattern of sleep bruxism (SB), a sleep‐related motor disorder associated with sleep arousal. Sleep arousals are generally organised in a clustered mode known as the cyclic alternating pattern (CAP). CAP is the expression of sleep instability between sleep maintaining processes (phase A1) and stronger arousal processes (phases A2 and A3). This study aimed to investigate the role of sleep instability on RMMA/SB occurrence by analysing CAP and electroencephalographic (EEG) activities. The analysis was performed on the sleep recordings of 8 SB subjects and 8 controls who received sensory stimulations during sleep. Baseline and experimental nights were compared for sleep variables, CAP, and EEG spectral analyses using repeated measure ANOVAs. Overall, no differences in sleep variables and EEG spectra were found between SB subjects and controls. However, SB subjects had higher sleep instability (more phase A3) than controls (P = 0·05). The frequency of phase A3 was higher in the pre‐REM sleep periods (P < 0·001), where peaks in RMMA/SB activity were also observed (P = 0·05). When sleep instability was experimentally increased by sensory stimuli, both groups showed an enhancement in EEG theta and alpha power (P = 0·04 and 0·02, respectively) and significant increases in sleep arousal and all CAP variables. No change in RMMA/SB index was found within either groups (RMMA/SB occurred in all SB subjects and only one control during the experimental night). These findings suggest that CAP phase A3 may act as a permissive window rather than a generator of RMMA/SB activity in predisposed individuals.
Reticulate evolution of the Daphnia pulex complex as revealed by nuclear markers
Authors: VERGILINO ROLAND , MARKOVA SILVIA , VENTURA MARC , MANCA MARINA , DUFRESNE FRANCE
Published: February 2011

The study of species complexes is of particular interest to understand how evolutionary young species maintain genomic integrity. The Daphnia pulex complex has been intensively studied as it includes species that dominate freshwater environments in the Northern hemisphere and as it is the sole North American complex that shows transitions to obligate parthenogenesis. Past studies using mitochondrial markers have revealed the presence of 10 distinct lineages in the complex. This study is the first to examine genetic relationships among seven species of the complex at nuclear markers (nine microsatellite loci and one protein‐coding gene). Clones belonging to the seven species of the Daphnia pulex complex were characterized at the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase (ND5) gene and at the Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) locus. K‐means, principal coordinate analyses and phylogenetic network analyses on the microsatellite data all separated European D. pulicaria, D. tenebrosa, North American D. pulex, D. pulicaria and their hybrids into distinct clusters. The hybrid cluster was composed of diploid and polyploid hybrids with D. pulex mitochondria and some clones with D. pulicaria mitochondria. By contrast, the phylogeny of the D. pulex complex using Rab4 was not well resolved but still showed clusters consisting mostly of D. pulex alleles and others of D. pulicaria alleles. Incomplete lineage sorting and hybridization may obscure genetic relationships at this locus. This study shows that hybridization and introgression have played an important role in the evolution of this complex.
All roads lead to home: panmixia of European eel in the Sargasso Sea
Authors: ALS THOMAS D. , HANSEN MICHAEL M. , MAES GREGORY E. , CASTONGUAY MARTIN , RIEMANN LASSE , AARESTRUP KIM , MUNK PETER , SPARHOLT HENRIK , HANEL REINHOLD , BERNATCHEZ LOUIS
Published: February 2011

European eels (Anguilla anguilla) spawn in the remote Sargasso Sea in partial sympatry with American eels (Anguilla rostrata), and juveniles are transported more than 5000 km back to the European and North African coasts. The two species have been regarded as classic textbook examples of panmixia, each comprising a single, randomly mating population. However, several recent studies based on continental samples have found subtle, but significant, genetic differentiation, interpreted as geographical or temporal heterogeneity between samples. Moreover, European and American eels can hybridize, but hybrids have been observed almost exclusively in Iceland, suggesting hybridization in a specific region of the Sargasso Sea and subsequent nonrandom dispersal of larvae. Here, we report the first molecular population genetics study based on analysis of 21 microsatellite loci in larvae of both Atlantic eel species sampled directly in the spawning area, supplemented by analysis of European glass eel samples. Despite a clear East–West gradient in the overlapping distribution of the two species in the Sargasso Sea, we only observed a single putative hybrid, providing evidence against the hypothesis of a wide marine hybrid zone. Analyses of genetic differentiation, isolation by distance, isolation by time and assignment tests provided strong evidence for panmixia in both the Sargasso Sea and across all continental samples of European eel after accounting for the presence of sibs among newly hatched larvae. European eel has declined catastrophically, and our findings call for management of the species as a single unit, necessitating coordinated international conservation efforts.
Diagenesis or dire genesis? The origin of columnar spar in tufa stromatolites of central Greece and the role of chironomid larvae
Authors: BRASIER ALEXANDER T. , ANDREWS JULIAN E. , KENDALL ALAN C.
Published: February 2011

Two Greek Pleistocene tufa stromatolites were examined petrographically and with stable isotope geochemistry to determine whether calcite spar is of primary or diagenetic origin. The younger (ca 100 ka) tufa from Zemeno primarily is micritic, with primary columnar calcite spar restricted to areas immediately above chironomid larval tubes. This relationship suggests that chironomid larval feeding behaviour is responsible for the development of Zemeno tufa columnar calcite, probably involving biological substances smeared onto the tufa surface. Most micritic crystals are not suitably oriented to allow later post‐depositional growth resulting in columnar fabrics. The older (ca 1 Ma) predominantly sparry tufa from Nemea contains some chironomid tubes and organic cyanobacterial filaments preserved in crystal fans but also contains many fabrics found in primary speleothem spar. Columnar spar here is unlikely to be the result of post‐depositional crystal growth. A comparison of stable isotopic trends between the two tufa deposits suggests that both contain interpretable seasonal trends and implies little or minor post‐depositional alteration of either tufa. Consequently, there is no basis for the common assumption that sparry tufa fabrics must be of diagenetic origin.
KMS1 and KMS2, two plant endoplasmic reticulum proteins involved in the early secretory pathway
Authors: Wang Pengwei , Hummel Eric , Osterrieder Anne , Meyer Andreas J. , Frigerio Lorenzo , Sparkes Imogen , Hawes Chris
Published: February 2011

We have identified two endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐associated Arabidopsis proteins, KMS1 and KMS2, which are conserved among most species. Fluorescent protein fusions of KMS1 localised to the ER in plant cells, and over‐expression induced the formation of a membrane structure, identified as ER whorls by electron microscopy. Hydrophobicity analysis suggested that KMS1 and KMS2 are integral membrane proteins bearing six transmembrane domains. Membrane protein topology was assessed by a redox‐based topology assay (ReTA) with redox‐sensitive GFP and confirmed by a protease protection assay. A major loop domain between transmembrane domains 2 and 3, plus the N‐ and C‐termini were found on the cytosolic side of the ER. A C‐terminal di(tri)‐lysine motif is involved in retrieval of KMS1 and deletion led to a reduction of the GFP–KMS1 signal in the ER. Over‐expression of KMS1/KMS2 truncations perturbed ER and Golgi morphology and similar effects were also seen when KMS1/KMS2 were knocked‐down by RNA interference. Microscopy and biochemical experiments suggested that expression of KMS1/KMS2 truncations inhibited ER to Golgi protein transport.
Dynamics of Arabidopsis SUN proteins during mitosis and their involvement in nuclear shaping
Authors: Oda Yoshihisa , Fukuda Hiroo
Published: February 2011

The nuclear envelope (NE) is a highly active structure with a specific set of nuclear envelope proteins acting in diverse cellular events. SUN proteins are conserved NE proteins among eukaryotes. Although they form nucleocytoplasmic linkage complexes in metazoan cells, their functions in the plant kingdom are unknown. To understand the function of plant SUN proteins, in this study we first investigated the dynamics of Arabidopsis SUN proteins during mitosis in Arabidopsis roots and cultured cells. For this purpose, we performed dual and triple visualization of these proteins, microtubules, chromosomes, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in cultured cells, and observed their dynamics during mitosis using a high‐speed spinning disk confocal microscope. The localizations of SUN proteins changed dynamically during mitosis, tightly coupled with NE dynamics. Moreover, NE re‐formation marked with SUN proteins is temporally and spatially coordinated with plant‐specific microtubule structures such as phragmoplasts. Finally, the analysis with gene knockdowns of AtSUN1 and AtSUN2 indicated that they are necessary for the maintenance and/or formation of polarized nuclear shape in root hairs. These results suggest that Arabidopsis SUN proteins function in the maintenance or formation of nuclear shape as components of the nucleocytoskeletal complex.
A recombineering‐based gene tagging system for Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhou Rongrong , Benavente Larissa M. , Stepanova Anna N. , Alonso Jose M.
Published: February 2011

One of the most information‐rich aspects of gene functional studies is characterization of gene expression profiles at cellular resolution, and subcellular localization of the corresponding proteins. These studies require visualization of the endogenous gene products using specific antibodies, or, more commonly, generation of whole‐gene translational fusions with a reporter gene such as a fluorescent protein. To facilitate the generation of such translational fusions and to ensure that all cis‐regulatory sequences are included, we have used a bacterial homologous recombination system (recombineering) to insert fluorescent protein tags into genes of interest harbored by transformation‐competent bacterial artificial chromosomes (TACs). This approach has several advantages compared to other classical strategies. First, the researcher does not have to guess what the regulatory sequences of a gene are, as tens of thousands of base pairs flanking the gene of interest can be included in the construct. Second, because the genes of interest are not amplified by PCR, there are practically no limits to the size of a gene that can be tagged. Third, there are no restrictions on the location in which the fluorescent protein can be inserted, as the position is determined by sequence homology with the recombination primers. Finally, all of the required strains and TAC clones are publically available, and the experimental procedures described here are simple and robust. Thus, we suggest that recombineering‐based gene tagging should be the gold standard for gene expression studies in Arabidopsis.
Oral contraceptive pill use before pregnancy and respiratory outcomes in early childhood
Authors: Hancock Dana B. , Håberg Siri E. , Furu Kari , Whitworth Kristina W. , Nafstad Per , Nystad Wenche , London Stephanie J.
Published: February 2011

To cite this article: Hancock DB, Håberg SE, Furu K, Whitworth KW, Nafstad P, Nystad W, London SJ. Oral contraceptive pill use before pregnancy and respiratory outcomes in early childhood. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; 22: 528–536.

Background:  Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are often used soon before, and sometimes during, pregnancy. A few studies have suggested that OCP use before pregnancy may increase risks for childhood respiratory outcomes, but data are inconclusive. No studies have analyzed the two types of OCPs, estrogen‐progestin combined pills and progestin‐only pills, separately.

Methods:  In the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), we prospectively examined associations of OCP use before pregnancy, by type, with lower respiratory tract infections in 60,225 children followed to 6 months old, lower respiratory tract infections and wheezing in 42,520 children followed to 18 months old, and asthma in 24,472 children followed to 36 months old. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) crudely and with adjustment for a wide range of potential confounders.

Result:  Combined pills were used much more commonly than progestin‐only pills. Taking combined pills before pregnancy was not associated with lower respiratory tract infections, wheezing, or asthma. Progestin‐only pill use in the year before pregnancy had a slight positive association with wheezing at 6–8 months old [adjusted OR (95% CI) = 1.19 (1.05–1.34)].

Conclusion:  Our finding that combined pill use before pregnancy was not related to respiratory outcomes should provide reassurance to the vast majority of mothers using OCPs before becoming pregnant. The small association with progestin‐only pill use and early respiratory outcomes may reflect uncontrolled confounding or other bias. Nonetheless, it does suggest that these two types of pills should be examined separately in future analyses of respiratory and other childhood outcomes.
Physiology and proteomics of drought stress acclimation in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Fulda S. , Mikkat S. , Stegmann H. , Horn R.
Published: February 2011

An easy and manageable in vitro screening system for drought tolerance of sunflower seedlings based on MS media supplemented with polyethylene glycol 6000 was evaluated. Morphological and physiological parameters were compared between control (−0.05 MPa) and drought‐stressed (−0.6 MPa) seedlings of Helianthus annuus L. cv. Peredovick. There was a significant growth deficit in drought‐stressed plants compared to control plants in terms of hypocotyl length, and shoot and root fresh mass. Shoot growth was more restricted than root growth, resulting in an increased root/shoot ratio of drought‐stressed plants. Accumulation of osmolytes such as inositol (65‐fold), glucose (58‐fold), proline (55‐fold), fructose (11‐fold) and sucrose (eightfold), in leaves of drought‐stressed plants could be demonstrated by gas–liquid chromatography. Soluble protein patterns of leaves were analysed with two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D‐PAGE) and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. A set of 46 protein spots allowed identification of 19 marker proteins. Quantitative changes in protein expression of drought‐stressed versus control plants were detected. In leaves of drought‐stressed sunflower seedlings six proteins were significantly up‐regulated more than twofold: a putative caffeoyl‐CoA 3‐O‐methyltransferase (4.5‐fold), a fructokinase 3 (3.3‐fold), a vegetative storage protein (2.5‐fold), a glycine‐rich RNA binding protein (2.2‐fold), a CuZn‐superoxide dismutase (2.1‐fold) and an unknown low molecular weight protein (2.3‐fold). These proteins represent general stress proteins induced under drought conditions or proteins contributing to basic carbon metabolism. The up‐regulated proteins are interesting candidates for further physiological and molecular investigations regarding drought tolerance in sunflower.
Are nitric oxide donors a valuable tool to study the functional role of nitric oxide in plant metabolism?
Authors: Arasimowicz‐Jelonek M. , Floryszak‐Wieczorek J. , Kosmala A.
Published: February 2011

In the present work, we tested known nitric oxide (NO) modulators generating the NO+ (sodium nitroprusside, SNP) and NO˙ forms (S‐nitroso‐N‐acetyl‐D‐penicillamine, SNAP and nitrosoglutathione, GSNO). This allowed us to compare downstream NO‐related physiological effects on proteins found in leaves of pelargonium (Pelargonium peltatum L.). Protein modification via NO donors generally affects plant metabolism in a distinct manner, manifested by a lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) content and lipoxygenase (LOX) activity in response to SNAP and GSNO. This is in contrast to the response observed for SNP treatment. Most changes in enzyme activity (GR, glutathione reductase; GST, glutathione‐S‐transferase; GPX, glutathione peroxidase) are most spectacular and repeatable during the first 8 h of incubation, which is explained by the half‐life of the applied donors. In particular, a close dependence was found between the time‐course of NO emission from the applied donors and the temporary inhibition of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). The observed changes were accompanied by time‐dependent alterations in protein accumulation as analysed by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) in pelargonium leaves treated with NO donors (SNP, SNAP and GSNO). Using proteomics, different proteins were found to be down‐ and up‐regulated. However, no new protein spots characteristic of all three donors were found. These results indicate that the form of NO emitted from the donor structure plays a key role in switching on appropriate metabolic modifications. It has been noted that several NO‐affected metabolomic changes induced by the used donors were not comparable, which confirms the need to maintain caution when interpreting results obtained using the pharmacological approach with different NO modulator compounds.
TheFLOWERING LOCUS Torthologous gene ofPlatanus acerifoliais expressed as alternatively spliced forms with distinct spatial and temporal patterns
Authors: Zhang J. , Liu G. , Guo C. , He Y. , Li Z. , Ning G. , Shi X. , Bao M.
Published: February 2011

The FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) protein is a likely component of the ‘florigen’ signal that plays a crucial role in regulating the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth. Here, we report the isolation of full‐length cDNAs and the corresponding genomic clones encoding orthologous FT proteins (PaFT) of London plane (Platanus acerifoliaWilld). Two genes with high sequence identity were isolated (PaFT1–2), but 34 different transcript products were identified, comprising 21 splice forms produced by alternative splicing of thePaFTpre‐mRNAs. Expression of the alternative splicing forms ofPaFTvaried according to tissue type and developmental stage.PaFTtranscripts were detected throughout adult trees, whereas in juvenile trees they were only detected in dormant sub‐petiolar buds. In adult trees, levels of the various alternative splicingPaFTforms were related to flower development stage and tree dormancy. Ectopic expression of the archetypal splice form ofPaFT‐Ain tobacco andArabidopsisdeveloped multiple altered phenotypes, notably early flowering and attenuation of apical dominance. The evidence in this study indicates that complex alternative processing ofPaFTtranscripts inP. acerifoliamay be associated with multiple regulatory roles, including initiation of flowering, flower development, apical dominance, tree dormancy and dormancy release.
PORTAL HAEMODYNAMICS AND HEPATIC BLOOD FLOW
Authors: AGNIHOTRI N. , BHUSNURMATH SR , NARASIMHAN KL , DILAWARI JB , MAJUMDAR S. , KAUR U.
Published: February 2011

Abstract  The histopathology of the portal vein in human extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) in the form of cavernomatous transformation of the portal vein is well documented. However, a similar detailed histopathology has not been documented in experimental EHPVO, even though the model has been in existence for many years. An experimental model of EHPVO was created by partial ligation of the portal vein in 20 rats. A control group of 11 sham operated (SO) rats was also studied. Development of portal hypertension was confirmed by measurement of intrasplenic pulp pressure (19.7 + 7.1 cm normal saline vs 12.9 + 1.1 cm of normal saline in SO rats). Histopathological evidence included varices in the oesophagus and congestion in the submucosa and mucosa of the stomach and capillarization of sinusoids in the spleen. Animals were killed at 22–265 days post‐ligation. While SO animals showed mild focal sinusoidal congestion and a normal portal vein, the experimental group of animals with EHPVO showed oedema around the portal vein, multiple dilated vascular channels near the hilum resembling cavernomatous transformation and severe sinusoidal congestion. Jejunum and kidneys showed congested veins in the experimental group. None of the SO animals showed this change. Thus, experimental EHPVO does reproduce some histological changes observed in human EHPVO.
A first national prevalence estimate of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes in France in 18‐ to 74‐year‐old individuals: the French Nutrition and Health Survey 2006/2007
Authors: Bonaldi C. , Vernay M. , Roudier C. , Salanave B. , Oleko A. , Malon A. , Castetbon K. , Fagot‐Campagna A.
Published: February 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 583–589 (2011)

Aims  To estimate the nationwide prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes and pre‐diabetes in adults residing in France.

Methods  A probability sample of a non‐institutionalized civilian population residing throughout the whole of continental France was recruited from February 2006 to March 2007 for the French Nutrition and Health Survey. All individuals aged between 18 and 74 years who agreed to participate in the survey were included; thus there were 3115 participants, 2102 of whom were undergoing biochemical assessments. The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes was estimated using self‐reported diabetes history and the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes was estimated using fasting plasma glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/l or HbA1c≥ 6.5% (≥ 48 mmol/mol).

Results  The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes was 4.6%, 95% CI 3.6–5.7. The prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes according to standard fasting plasma glucose criteria was 1% (95% CI 0.6–1.7) and contributed to less than 20% of all cases of diabetes. This proportion decreased with age from 30% in 30‐ to 54‐year‐olds to 12% in 55‐ to 74‐year‐olds. Based on HbA1c criteria, the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes was 0.8% (95% CI 0.4–1.6).

Conclusions  The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in adults in France is comparable with recent estimates from Northern Europe. The percentage of total diabetes that is undiagnosed is low in France, which may be explained by a widely practised strategy of opportunist screening. During the past years, improvements in diabetes care and increased awareness may have contributed towards decreasing the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes more widely in Europe, and studies should further monitor such improvements.
Exclusion of patients from quality measurement of diabetes care in the UK pay‐for‐performance programme
Authors: Dalton A. R. H. , Alshamsan R. , Majeed A. , Millett C.
Published: February 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 525–531 (2011)

Background  We examined associations between patient and practice characteristics and exclusions from quality indicators for diabetes during the first 3 years of the Quality and Outcomes Framework, a major pay‐for‐performance scheme in the UK.

Methods  Three cross‐sectional analyses, conducted using data from the electronic medical records of all patients with diabetes registered in 23 general practices in Brent, North West London between 2004/2005 and 2006/2007. Patterns of exclusions were examined for three intermediate outcome indicators.

Results  Excluded patients were less likely to achieve treatment targets for HbA1c (2004/2005, 2006/2007), blood pressure (2005/2006, 2006/2007) and cholesterol (2005/2006). Black and South Asian patients were more likely to be excluded from the HbA1c indicator than White patients [adjusted odds ratio = 1.64 (1.17–2.29) in 2005/2006]. Patients diagnosed with diabetes duration of > 10 years [adjusted odds ratio = 2.01 (1.65–2.45) for HbA1c in 2006–2007] and those with co‐morbidities (adjusted odds ratio, ≥ 3 co‐morbidities compared with no co‐morbidity for HbA1c adjusted odds ratio = 1.90 (1.24–2.90) in 2004/2005] were more likely to be excluded. Larger practices excluded more patients from the HbA1c indicator [adjusted odds ratio, practice ≥ 7000 compared with < 3000, 3.52 (2.35–5.27) in 2005–2006]. More deprived practices consistently excluded more patients from all indicators, whilst in 2007 older patients were excluded to a larger degree [adjusted odds ratio = 2.52 (1.21–5.28) ≥ 75 compared with 18–44 for blood pressure control].

Conclusions  Patients excluded from pay‐for‐performance programmes may be less likely to achieve treatment goals and disproportionately come from disadvantaged groups. Permitting physicians to exclude patients from pay‐for‐performance programmes may worsen health disparities.
Impact of a chronic care model based on patient empowerment on the management of Type 2 diabetes: effects of the SINERGIA programme
Authors: Musacchio N. , Lovagnini Scher A. , Giancaterini A. , Pessina L. , Salis G. , Schivalocchi F. , Nicolucci A. , Pellegrini F. , Rossi M. C. E.
Published: February 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 724–730 (2011)

Aims  Several chronic care models for diabetes have been implemented in Italy, although conclusive data on their effectiveness are lacking. In the Cusano‐Milanino diabetes clinic, patients with Type 2 diabetes with a stable disease/therapy (i.e. a steady level of HbA1c without need for therapy changes) are included in the SINERGIA programme: diabetologists, nurses and dietitians empower patients and telemedicine resources are utilized efficiently.

Methods  Clinical outcomes measured in the year before and after the initiation of SINERGIA were compared. A generalized hierarchical linear regression model for repeated measures was used.

Results  Altogether, 1004 patients were included; baseline characteristics were (mean ± sd): age 66.6 ± 6.2 years, 54.1% male, diabetes duration 10.8 ± 7.7 years, BMI 29.5 ± 4.8 kg/m2, HbA1c 6.9 ± 0.9% (52 ± 14 mmol/mol); 72.9% of patients were treated with anti‐hypertensive drugs; 32.7% were treated with lipid‐lowering drugs. After a median follow‐up of 12 months (range 6–24 months), the proportion of patients with HbA1c≤ 7.0% (≤ 53 mmol/mol) increased from 32.7 to 45.8% (P < 0.0001), while those with HbA1c≥ 9% (≥ 75 mmol/mol) decreased from 10.5 to 4.3% (P < 0.0001). Patients with LDL cholesterol < 100 mg/dl (< 2.59 mmol/l) increased from 40 to 47% (P < 0.0001), while those with LDL cholesterol ≥ 130 mg/dl (≥ 3.36 mmol/l) decreased from 26.6 to 19.7%; blood pressure levels were slightly improved. The mean number of face‐to‐face encounters decreased from (median and range) 2.8 (2.3–3.4) to 2.3 (1.9–2.7) (P < 0.0001) visits per patient/year.

Conclusions  The SINERGIA model is effective in improving metabolic control and major cardiovascular risk factors, while allowing diabetologists to dedicate more time to patients with more acute disease.
Temporal trends in diabetes prevalence and key diabetes risk factors in Scotland, 2003–2008
Authors: Hamer M. , Kengne A. P. , Batty G. D. , Cooke D. , Stamatakis E
Published: February 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 595–598 (2011)

Aims  We assessed temporal trends in diabetes prevalence and key diabetes risk factors (obesity, physical activity, smoking) over 5 years in a nationally representative sample.

Methods  Participants were drawn from the Scottish Health Surveys, which recruited two separate, nationally representative samples in 2003 (n = 7229, aged 50.5 ± 17.2 years) and 2008 (n = 6313, aged 51.8 ± 17.6 years). Prevalent diabetes was assessed from a self‐reported physician’s diagnosis, and high diabetes risk or undiagnosed cases were defined from HbA1c≥ 6.0% (≥ 42 mmol/mol) to < 6.5% (< 47.5 mmol/mol) and ≥ 6.5% (≥ 47.5 mmol/mol), respectively.

Results  Over 5 years there was an increased prevalence of diabetes (5.2 vs. 9.4% in 2003 and 2008, respectively) and in the prevalence of high diabetes risk (2.9 vs. 12.4%). These differences were accentuated in participants aged 65 years and above; for diabetes, there was a prevalence of 12 and 17.3% in 2003 and 2008, respectively, and, for high risk, the prevalence was 7.8 and 24.7%, respectively. There was also an increase in diabetes risk factors, including obesity and lack of physical activity, although these factors did not explain the diabetes trend.

Conclusions  These results suggest nearly a doubling in the prevalence of diabetes over 5 years in Scotland.