bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are clinical practical guidelines (CPGs) useful for health services and health workforce planning? A critique of diabetes CPGs
Authors: Leach M. J. , Segal L.
Published: February 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 570–577 (2010)

Aims  Chronic disease management is increasingly informed by clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). However, their implementation requires not only knowledge of guideline content by clinicians and practice processes that support implementation, but also a health workforce with the capacity to deliver care consistent with CPGs. This has a health services planning as well as a health workforce dimension. However, it is not known whether CPGs are described in a way that can inform health services and health workforce planning and potentially drive better quality care. This study aimed to ascertain whether CPGs are useful for health service and health workforce planning.

Methods  This question was explored taking diabetes mellitus as a case study. A systematic search of Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and Scopus was carried out to identify all CPGs relating to the management of diabetes mellitus in the primary healthcare setting. The search was limited to guidelines published in the English language between 2003 and 2009. The quality of guidelines was assessed against a subset of criteria set by the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) collaboration.

Results  Seventy‐five diabetes‐related CPGs were identified, of which 27 met the inclusion criteria. In terms of quality, many guidelines adopted evidence‐based recommendations for diabetes care (59%) and most were endorsed by national authorities (70%). With regards to coverage of 17 identified subpopulations, guidelines were generally selective in the populations they covered. Whilst many provided adequate coverage of common complications and comorbidities, approaches to management for those with reduced capacity for effective diabetes self‐care were largely absent, except for indigenous populations.

Conclusions  Clinical practice guidelines are potentially useful for health services and health workforce planning, but would be more valuable for this purpose if they contained more detail about care protocols and specific skills and competencies, especially for subpopulations who would be expected to have reduced capacity for effective self‐care. If service planning ignores these subgroups that tend to require more resource‐intensive management, underprovision of services is likely.
Comparison of insulin lispro protamine suspension and insulin detemir in basal‐bolus therapy in patients with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Chacra A. R. , Kipnes M. , Ilag L. L. , Sarwat S. , Giaconia J. , Chan J.
Published: February 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 563–569 (2010)

Aims  The efficacy of two basal insulins, insulin lispro protamine suspension (ILPS) and insulin detemir, was compared in basal‐bolus regimens in Type 1 diabetes.

Methods  In this 32‐week, multinational, parallel‐group, randomized, controlled trial, adult patients with Type 1 diabetes received ILPS or insulin detemir, injected twice daily (before breakfast and bedtime) and prandial insulin lispro three times daily. The primary outcome was change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to endpoint.

Results  Least squares mean (±se) changes in HbA1c were similar between groups, meeting non‐inferiority (margin, 0.4%): −0.69 ± 0.07% for ILPS and −0.59 ± 0.07% for insulin detemir [between‐treatment difference −0.10%; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.29, 0.10]. Standard deviation of fasting blood glucose was similar (non‐inferiority margin 0.8 mmol/l): 2.74 ± 0.14 mmol/l for ILPS and 2.38 ± 0.14 mmol/l for insulin detemir (CI −0.03, 0.75). Patients on ILPS gained more weight (1.59 ± 0.23 kg vs. 0.62 ± 0.24 kg; CI 0.34, 1.60; margin 1.5 kg). Weight‐adjusted daily total and prandial insulin doses were lower for ILPS (prandial insulin, 0.38 ± 0.01 U/kg/day for ILPS, 0.44 ± 0.01 U/kg/day for insulin detemir; P = 0.004); daily basal insulin dose was similar. All hypoglycaemia incidence and rate and nocturnal hypoglycaemia incidence were similar between groups; nocturnal hypoglycaemia rate was lower for insulin detemir (mean ± sd 0.79 ± 1.23 for ILPS, 0.49 ± 0.85 for insulin detemir; P = 0.001). Severe hypoglycaemia rate was 0.03 ± 0.11 for ILPS and 0.02 ± 0.10 for insulin detemir (P = 0.37).

Conclusions  ILPS‐treated patients with Type 1 diabetes achieved similar glycaemic control as insulin detemir‐treated patients after 32 weeks. Glucose variability was similar. While weight gain and nocturnal hypoglycaemia rate were statistically higher with ILPS, the clinical relevance is unclear.
One‐year follow‐up of untreated obese white children and adolescents with impaired glucose tolerance: high conversion rate to normal glucose tolerance1
Authors: Kleber M. , Lass N. , Papcke S. , Wabitsch M. , Reinehr T.
Published: February 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 516–521 (2010)

Aims  Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is regarded at risk factor for later diabetes. The aim of this study was to identify predictive factors for outcome of IGT in obese children and adolescents.

Methods  We prospectively examined 79 obese white children and adolescents (mean age 13.1 ± 2.1 years, 51% female, 76% pubertal) with IGT. Anthropometrics, 2‐h glucose in oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting glucose, insulin, insulin resistance index homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), lipids, blood pressure, waist circumference and pubertal stage were determined at baseline and 1 year later.

Results  At follow‐up, 32% of the children continued to have IGT, 66% converted to normal glucose metabolism, one child had impaired fasting glucose and one child developed Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Children with improvement of IGT had significantly lower weight, waist circumference, triglycerides, 2‐h glucose during OGTT and HbA1c at baseline compared with children who continued to have IGT. In the children whose glucose tolerance became normal, weight fell, and serum insulin concentrations, HOMA, lipids and blood pressure improved. They were also more likely to enter the late or post‐pubertal stage than children who continued to have IGT.

Conclusions  Predictive factors for the frequent normalization of IGT in obese children and adolescents were lower weight, HbA1c and 2‐h glucose levels in OGTT at baseline, as well as a reduction of weight and entering late puberty stages during follow‐up. Cardiovascular risk factors and HOMA improved along with the improvement of IGT, supporting an association between IGT, insulin resistance and features of the metabolic syndrome.
Coping with Katrina: Assessing Crisis Management Behaviours in the Big One
Authors: Olejarski Amanda M. , Garnett James L.
Published: February 2010

Hurricane Katrina continues to capture attention and influence scholarship including official reports that focus more on event chronologies than on conceptual patterns. Our paper explores conceptual patterns crisis management behaviour, drawing upon Lalonde's (2004) archetypes of crisis managers as collectivists, integrators, and reactives. We add a paralytics archetype for our analysis. Key findings include an imbalance between counterproductive and constructive archetypes. Reactive and paralytic crisis manager behaviours were over‐represented, significantly contributing to conflict, communication failures, and the systemic failure of governments. Collectivist and integrator archetypes were badly under‐represented, limiting intergovernmental relations, cooperation, and communication embedded in these behaviour types. Crisis management performance with future crises would benefit from a systematic assessment of crisis management styles and behaviours.
Towards a System‐Oriented Framework for Analysing and Evaluating Emergency Response
Authors: Abrahamsson Marcus , Hassel Henrik , Tehler Henrik
Published: February 2010

Information can be provided by studying and evaluating past emergencies and the response in connection to them. This information would then be useful in efforts directed at preventing, mitigating and/or preparing for future emergencies. However, the analysis and evaluation of emergency response operations is not an easy task, especially when the operation involves several cooperating actors (e.g. the fire and rescue services, the police, the emergency medical services, etc.). Here, we identify and discuss four aspects of this challenge: (1) issues related to the values governing the evaluation, (2) issues related to the complexity of the systems involved, (3) issues related to the validity of the information on which the analysis and evaluation is based and (4) issues related to the limiting conditions under which the emergency response system operated. An outline of a framework for such an analysis and evaluation, influenced by systems theory, accident investigation theories and programme evaluation theories dealing with the above aspects, is introduced, discussed and exemplified using empirical results from a case study. We conclude that the proposed framework may provide a better understanding of how an emergency response system functioned during a specific operation, and help to identify the potential events and/or circumstances that could significantly affect the performance of the emergency response system, either negatively or positively. The insights gained from using the framework may allow the actors involved in the response operation to gain a better understanding of how the emergency response system functioned as a whole, as well as how the actors performed as individual components of the system. Furthermore, the information can also be useful for actors preparing for future emergencies.
Legislatures, Legitimacy and Crises: The Relationship Between Representation and Crisis Management
Authors: Stark Alastair
Published: February 2010

This article presents a theoretical argument that the study of representation can yield important insights for crisis analysts. The argument is presented through a claim that the representative systems, legislatures and individuals of a state – defined here broadly as ‘representative institutions’– should be factored into political analyses of crisis management, as they provide a lens for novel explorations of crisis issues. In particular, the use of parliamentary perspectives, and the examination of specific legislature functions during crises, can lead to valuable insights into the legitimacy dynamics that characterize political crisis episodes.
The signalling peptide EPFL9 is a positive regulator of stomatal development
Authors: Hunt Lee , Bailey Karen J. , Gray Julie E.
Published: February 2010

Commentary p 561
Binding of GTPγ[35S] is regulated by GDP and receptor activation. Studies with the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor
Authors: McDonald John , Lambert David G
Published: February 2010

Background and purpose: We have examined the effects of ligand efficacy and receptor density on the binding of guanosine 5′‐[γ‐thio]triphosphate (GTPγS) and GDP to the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide receptor (NOP)‐coupled G‐proteins.

Experimental approach: In GTPγ[35S] binding experiments, using stable (CHOhNOP) and inducible (CHOINDhNOP) recombinant human and rat NOP we have measured: (i) ligand‐specific GDP requirements; (ii) the effects of receptor density on guanine nucleotide affinity/capacity; and (iii) the effect of ligand efficacy on GTPγS association kinetics.

Key results: GTPγS competition curves were shallow and modelled by high‐ and low‐affinity components that were relatively consistent between cell types and tissue preparations. In the presence of 1 µM N/OFQ a high‐affinity GDP binding site was also present, but the fraction of total binding was reduced. In an efficacy‐dependent manner, the partial agonists [F/G]N/OFQ(1‐13)NH2([Phe1ψ(CH2‐NH)Gly2]‐nociceptin(1‐13)NH2) and naloxone benzoylhydrazone both reduced the fraction of high‐affinity sites for GDP (relative to basal). While the pIC50for high‐affinity GDP binding site did not decrease in the presence of 1 µM N/OFQ, N/OFQ produced a significant reduction in pIC50for the low‐affinity site. Agonist‐mediated decrease in affinity for GDP binding was efficacy‐dependent. GDP displayed three affinities: high, conserved in the presence and absence of ligand; intermediate, present as a low fraction under basal conditions; low (efficacy‐dependent), present during receptor activation representing the majority of binding.

Conclusions and implications: The affinity of GTPγ[35S] was regulated by GDP and receptor activation caused increased binding of GTPγ[35S] through a reduction in GDP affinity.
Depressive Symptoms in Middle Age and the Development of Later‐Life Functional Limitations: The Long‐Term Effect of Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Covinsky Kenneth E. , Yaffe Kristine , Lindquist Karla , Cherkasova Elena , Yelin Edward , Blazer Dan G.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether middle‐aged persons with depressive symptoms are at higher risk for developing activity of daily living (ADL) and mobility limitations as they advance into older age than those without.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: The Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative sample of people aged 50 to 61.

PARTICIPANTS: Seven thousand two hundred seven community living participants in the 1992 wave of the HRS.

MEASUREMENTS: Depressive symptoms were measured using the 11‐item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D 11), with scores of 9 or more (out of 33) classified as significant depressive symptoms. Difficulty with five ADLs and basic mobility tasks (walking several blocks or up one flight of stairs) was measured every 2 years through 2006. The primary outcome was persistent difficulty with ADLs or mobility, defined as difficulty in two consecutive waves.

RESULTS: Eight hundred eighty‐seven (12%) subjects scored 9 or higher on the CES‐D 11 and were classified as having significant depressive symptoms. Over 12 years of follow‐up, subjects with depressive symptoms were more likely to reach the primary outcome measure of persistent difficulty with mobility or difficulty with ADL function (45% vs 23%, Cox hazard ratio (HR)=2.33, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.06–2.63). After adjusting for age, sex, measures of socioeconomic status, comorbid conditions, high body mass index, smoking, exercise, difficulty jogging 1 mile, and difficulty climbing several flights of stairs, the risk was attenuated but still statistically significant (Cox HR=1.44, 95% CI=1.25–1.66).

CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms independently predict the development of persistent limitations in ADLs and mobility as middle‐aged persons advance into later life. Middle‐aged persons with depressive symptoms may be at greater risk for losing their functional independence as they age.
Carrots of Many Colors Provide Basic Nutrition and Bioavailable Phytochemicals Acting as a Functional Food
Authors: Arscott Sara A. , Tanumihardjo Sherry A.
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT:  Hippocrates, a philosopher who lived from 460 to 359 BC is often quoted as saying, “Let your food be thy medicine and your medicine be thy food.” Having lived just shy of a century at a time when life expectancies were much less, he must have understood the importance of a healthy diet. A diet high in fruit and vegetables has been linked to optimal health in a variety of studies. One vegetable that has gained popularity is the carrot due in part to the introduction of “cut & peel” convenience packages. Although most people in the United States know carrots as an orange vegetable that can be eaten raw or in a variety of cooked dishes, original carrots were yellow and purple. These carrot varieties are currently undergoing phenotypic recurrent selection to improve the profile of compounds considered to be beneficial. This process is called biofortification, which has increased provitamin A content by >40% since 1970. The most novel carrot produced to date is an orange–purple–red variety that not only contains provitamin A activity as α‐ and β‐carotene, but also contains anthocyanins and the nonprovitamin A carotenoid lycopene, of which both are potent antioxidants. A functional food is one that provides benefit beyond basic nutrition. Biofortified carrots of many colors not only provide vitamin A, but may contribute to optimal health. Because supplements have not been shown to be overly beneficial, except for correcting deficiencies, whole food‐based approaches to enhance health by utilizing functional foods such as biofortified carrots should be considered.
Inter‐connection between mitochondria and HIFs
Authors: Tormos Kathryn V. , Chandel Navdeep S.
Published: February 2010

Introduction

Oxidative phosphorylation

Hypoxic activation of HIFs

Mitochondria regulate HIFs

Hypoxia decreases cellular ATP utilization to diminish mitochondrial respiration

HIF‐1 regulates mitochondrial respiration

HIF‐2 regulates mitochondrial oxidative stress

Conclusion

The transcription factors hypoxia inducible factors 1 and 2 (HIF‐1 and HIF‐2) regulate multiple responses to physiological hypoxia such as transcription of the hormone erythropoietin to enhance red blood cell proliferation, vascular endothelial growth factor to promote angiogenesis and glycolytic enzymes to increase glycolysis. Recent studies indicate that HIFs also regulate mitochondrial respiration and mitochondrial oxidative stress. Interestingly, mitochondrial metabolism, respiration and oxidative stress also regulate activation of HIFs. In this review, we examine the evidence that mitochondria and HIFs are intimately connected to regulate each other resulting in appropriate responses to hypoxia.
The role of caspase‐2 in stress‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Bouchier‐Hayes Lisa
Published: February 2010

Caspase function

Caspase‐2: Initiator or executioner caspase?

Functions of caspase‐2

Measuring caspase‐2 activation during apoptosis

Caspase‐2 activation platforms

Regulation of caspase‐2 activation

Caspase‐2 in disease

Concluding remarks

Caspase‐2 is the most evolutionarily conserved of all the caspases, yet it has a poorly defined role in apoptotic pathways. This is mainly due to a dearth of techniques to determine the activation status of caspase‐2 and the lack of an abnormal phenotype in caspase‐2 deficient mice. Nevertheless, emerging evidence suggests that caspase‐2 may have important functions in a number of stress‐induced cell death pathways, in cell cycle maintenance and regulation of tumour progression. This review discusses recent advances that have been made to help elucidate the true role of this elusive caspase and the potential contribution of caspase‐2 to the pathology of human diseases including cancer.
Evaluation of 316 narrow diameter implants followed for 5–10 years: a clinical and radiographic retrospective study
Authors: Arιsan Volkan , Bölükbaşι Nilüfer , Ersanlι Selim , Özdemir Tayfun
Published: February 2010

Objectives: Narrow diameter implants (NDIs; diameter >3.75 mm) are useful in replacement of missing incisor teeth and when the bucco‐lingual width of the edentulous crest is insufficient. The present study evaluated the success and survival rates, peri‐implant parameters, mechanical and prosthetic post‐loading complications of NDIs followed over a 10‐year period.

Material and methods: Three hundred and sixteen NDIs were inserted into 139 patients and restored with 120 prostheses. Clinical and radiographic assessment data were collected during recall visits. Implant success (SC), cumulative survival rate (CSR), marginal bone loss (MBL), peri‐implant conditions and prosthetic complications were assessed. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, Kaplan–Meier survival curves with the log‐rank test and life table analysis were used to evaluate the outcome of NDIs within comparable subgroups. MBL and peri‐implant parameters measured annually were further analyzed.

Results: The mean follow‐up time was 9.1 years (range: 60–124 months). Twelve implants were lost in the healing phase and two during function. The mean MBL in the maxilla and the mandible was 1.32 ± 0.13 and 1.28 ± 0.3 mm, respectively, after 10 years. SC and CSR were 91.4% and 92.3%, respectively, after 124 months. Smoking and posterior localization were associated with an increased risk of failure. Cement loosening (16.8%) was the most common prosthetic complication. No implants were fractured.

Conclusions: NDIs can be used with confidence where a regular diameter implant is not suitable. MBL around NDIs occurred predominantly within 2 years of loading and was minimal thereafter. Further studies are required to clarify the possible risks associated with smoking and posterior placement.

To cite this article:
 Arιsan V, Bolukbasι N, Ersanlι S, Ozdemir T. Evaluation of 316 narrow diameter implants followed for 5–10 years: a clinical and radiographic retrospective study. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 296–307. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01840.x
Alterations of atrial natriuretic peptide in cardiomyocytes and plasma of rats after different intensity exercise
Authors: Pan S. S.
Published: February 2010

To characterize the effect of long‐term exercise training at different intensities on endocrine structure and function of the heart, plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels, expression of ANP in cardiomyocytes, and ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes were examined by radioimmunoassay, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy in Sprague–Dawley rats trained on a treadmill at different intensities for 8 weeks. The plasma ANP increased gradually with increasing exercise intensity. The immunoreactivity of ANP in cardiomyocytes increased in the moderate‐ and high‐intensity exercise group and decreased in the exhaustive exercise group. The ANP electron‐dense granules and the quantity and volume of mitochondria increased in moderate and high‐intensity exercise group. The ANP electron dense granules decreased and the mitochondria tumefied in the exhaustive exercise group. The changes of plasma ANP have a tendency of increasing gradually with increase in exercise intensity. Moderate and high‐intensity exercise increases ANP synthesis and storage in cardiomyocytes and induces adaptive changes in the ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes. The decrease of ANP immunoreactivity in cardiomyocytes after exhaustive exercise is probably the result of massive depletion and induces damaging changes in the ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes.
Factors affecting outcome after anterior cruciate ligament injury: a prospective study with a six‐year follow‐up
Authors: Swirtun L. R. , Renström P.
Published: February 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate whether gender, age, stable personality traits, associated meniscus and/or articular cartilage injuries, treatment (non‐operative or reconstructive surgery), additional subsequent trauma to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)‐injured knee and activity level before injury affect the intermediate outcome after ACL injury. The primary outcome was the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Fifty‐seven patients, 18–50 years old with an acute, unilateral ACL tear were included in the study. At the time of inclusion, the patients completed the Tegner score, regarding activity level before injury, and Swedish universities Scales of Personality (SSP). At follow‐up, after 5.6 years they completed the KOOS, the Tegner score and a general questionnaire concerning ACL reconstruction and subsequent knee trauma. The subjects who had sustained additional trauma subsequent to their ACL injury had a significantly worse outcome according to the KOOS than those who had not. Furthermore, low ratings in the embitterment scale in the SSP were correlated to a better outcome in the KOOS. Treatment did not affect the KOOS total score. However, the non‐operatively treated subjects had a significantly better outcome according to the knee‐related quality‐of‐life domain in the KOOS.
Effect of eight weeks of endurance exercise training on right and left ventricular volume and mass in untrained obese subjects: a longitudinal MRI study
Authors: Vogelsang T. W. , Hanel B. , Kristoffersen U. S. , Petersen C. L. , Mehlsen J. , Holmquist N. , Larsson B. , Kjaer A.
Published: February 2010

The aim of the present investigation was to examine how 8 weeks of intense endurance training influenced right and left ventricular volumes and mass in obese untrained subjects. Ten overweight subjects (19–47 years; body mass index of 34±5 kg/m2) underwent intensive endurance training (rowing) three times 30 min/week for 8 weeks at a relative intensity of 72±8% of their maximal heart rate response (mean±SD). Before and after 8 weeks of endurance training, the left and the right end‐diastolic volume (EDV), end‐systolic volume (ESV), ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume (SV) and ventricular mass (VM) were measured by Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Submaximal heart rate decreased from 126±5 to 113±3 b.p.m. (10%; P<0.01), and from 155±5 to 141±4 b.p.m. (9%; P<0.001) at submaximal workloads of 70 and 140 W (110 W for women), respectively (mean±SEM). Resting ventricular parameters increased significantly: left ventricular SV, EDV and VM increased by 6%, 7% and 13%, respectively (P<0.01). The right side of the heart showed significant changes in SV, EDV and VM with increase of 4%, 4% and 12%, respectively (P<0.05). Eight weeks of endurance training significantly increased left ventricular SV and right ventricular SV, due to an increase in left ventricular EDV and right ventricular EDV. Furthermore, left VM and right VM increased. We conclude that using MRI and a longitudinal design it was possible to demonstrate similar and balanced changes in the right and left ventricle in response to training.
Rasch analysis of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS): a statistical re‐evaluation
Authors: Comins J. , Brodersen J. , Krogsgaard M. , Beyer N.
Published: February 2010

The knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), based on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), is widely used to evaluate subjective outcome in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructed patients. However, the validity of KOOS has not been assessed using Rasch analysis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the viability of KOOS as an outcome measure for ACL reconstruction using the partial credit Rasch model. Rasch analysis was applied to 200 KOOS questionnaires completed by patients consecutively tested 20 weeks after ACL reconstruction and subsequent rehabilitation. Rasch analysis showed that of the five proposed subscales in KOOS, only knee‐related quality of life (QoL) and sport and recreational related function (Sport/Rec) fulfilled the criteria of a unidimensional measurement scale when applied to these patients. The three subdomains in KOOS extracted from WOMAC did not fulfill these criteria. While the content of KOOS appears to be relevant for knee patients, the psychometric measurement properties of KOOS are insufficient for use on patients 20 weeks subsequent to ACL reconstruction. A new knee measure targeted for these patients could be developed based on the content of KOOS. This study demonstrates that knee measurement instruments constructed for a specific condition cannot necessarily be used on patients with other similar conditions.
Serum levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D in mothers of Swedish and of Somali origin who have children with and without autism
Authors: Fernell Elisabeth , Barnevik‐Olsson Martina , Bågenholm Gunnel , Gillberg Christopher , Gustafsson Sven , Sääf Maria
Published: February 2010

Aim:  To analyse serum levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D in mothers of Somali origin and those of Swedish origin who have children with and without autism as there is a growing evidence that low vitamin D impacts adversely on brain development.

Method:  Four groups of mothers were invited to participate; 20 with Somali origin with at least one child with autism, 20 with Somali origin without a child with autism, 20 of Swedish origin with at least one child with autism and 20 with Swedish origin without a child with autism. Two blood samples were collected from each individual; during autumn and spring.

Results:  Between 12 and 17 mothers from the different groups accepted to participate, both groups of mothers of Somali origin had significantly lower values of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D compared with Swedish mothers. The difference of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D between mothers of Somali origin with and without a child with autism was not significant.

Conclusion:  Our findings of low vitamin D levels in Somali women entail considerable consequences in a public health perspective. The observed tendency, i.e. the lowest values in mothers of Somali origin with a child with autism was in the predicted direction, supporting the need for further research of vitamin D levels in larger samples of Somali mothers of children with and without autism.
A hybrid clustering of protein binding sites
Authors: Iván Gábor , Szabadka Zoltán , Grolmusz Vince
Published: February 2010

The Protein Data Bank contains the description of approximately 27 000 protein–ligand binding sites. Most of the ligands at these sites are biologically active small molecules, affecting the biological function of the protein. The classification of their binding sites may lead to relevant results in drug discovery and design. Clusters of similar binding sites were created here by a hybrid, sequence and spatial structure‐based approach, using the OPTICS clustering algorithm. A dissimilarity measure was defined: a distance function on the amino acid sequences of the binding sites. All the binding sites were clustered in the Protein Data Bank according to this distance function, and it was found that the clusters characterized well the Enzyme Commission numbers of the entries. The results, carefully color coded by the Enzyme Commission numbers of the proteins, containing the 20 967 binding sites clustered, are available as html files in three parts at http://pitgroup.org/seqclust/.
Duplexed On‐Microbead Binding Assay for Competitive Inhibitor of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor by Quantitative Flow Cytometry
Authors: Lan Wen‐Jun , Hao Gao‐Ke , Wang Jin , Zhang Rui‐Hua , Lan Wei , Wang Rui‐Ming , Sun Rui , Wang Teng‐Fei
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  Upon binding agonist, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is dimerized and auto‐phosphorylated to activate downstream pathway that induces diverse physiology and pathology processes. Conventional methods for evaluation of EGFR inhibitors are limited. This study describes a duplexed on‐microbead binding assay allowing competitive EGFR inhibitors to be quantificationally evaluated in vitro. Polystyrene microbeads barcoded by fluoresceine isothiocyanate fluorescence as high brightness and low brightness microspheres were coated with receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligand‐epidermal growth factor (EGF)/stem cell factor (SCF) and ATP/GTP, respectively. High and low brightness microbeads were mixed and incubated with EGFR and its competitive inhibitor in binding assay buffer. Phycoerythrin (PE) fluorescence‐labelled antibody was employed to report the level of EGFR binding to EGF/SCF and ATP/GTP. Values were numbered via PE molecules assessed by quantitative flow cytometry. Results from this study demonstrated that incubation with EGFR identified by PE‐labelled antibody can make EGF‐ and ATP‐coated microbeads luminous. And EGF or ATP‐competitive EGFR inhibitors, respectively, alleviated this in a concentration‐dependent manner. Coating microbeads with SCF or GTP as a negative control cannot capture EGFR. The duplexed on‐microbead binding assay in this study might be useful for discovering ligand‐ and ATP‐competitive EGFR inhibitors in a rapid and quantificational approach.
Plant regeneration through the direct induction of shoot buds from petiole explants of Jatropha curcas: a biofuel plant
Authors: Kumar N. , Reddy M.P.
Published: February 2010

An efficient and reproducible method for the regeneration of Jatropha curcas plants has been developed. The method employed direct induction of shoot buds from petiole explants, without the formation of an intervening callus using a Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of thidiazuron (TDZ). The best induction of shoot buds (58.35%) and the number of shoot buds per explant (10.10) were observed when in vitro petiole explants were placed horizontally on MS medium supplemented with 2.27 µM TDZ after 6 weeks. The induced shoot buds were transferred to MS medium containing 10 µM kinetin (Kn), 4.5 µM 6‐benzyl aminopurine (BAP) and 5.5 µM α‐naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) for shoot proliferation. The proliferated shoots could be elongated on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of BAP, indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), NAA and indole‐3‐butyric acid (IBA). MS medium supplemented with 2.25 µM BAP and 8.5 µM IAA was found to be the best combination for shoot elongation and 3.01–3.91 cm elongation was achieved after 6 weeks. However, significant differences in plant regeneration and shoot elongation were observed among the genotypes studied. The orientation (horizontal or vertical) and source (in vitro or in vivo) of explants also significantly influenced plant regeneration. The elongated shoots could be rooted on half‐strength MS medium supplemented with 2% sucrose, different concentrations and combinations of IBA, IAA and NAA, and 0.25 mg L−1 activated charcoal. Half‐strength MS medium supplemented with 2% sucrose, 15 µM IBA, 5.7 µM IAA, 5.5 µM NAA and 0.25 mg L−1 activated charcoal was found to be the best for promoting rooting. The rooted plants could be established in soil with more than 90% survival.
Armor Options: A Comparison of the Dynamic Response of Materials in the Aluminum Oxide–Aluminum Nitride Family
Authors: Alexander C. Scott , Reinhart William D. , Thornhill Tom F. , Chhabildas Lalit C.
Published: February 2010

For armor applications, ceramic materials are often useful due to their high dynamic strength. In some instances, in addition to high strength, the armor must also be transparent, which significantly limits the choices of materials. Materials in the aluminum oxide–aluminum nitride family (including Al2O3 and AlON) are both strong and transparent. Only the end compound AlN is opaque. In this paper, the dynamic response to shock loading is examined for these materials to better understand the material response. Despite the chemical similarities, significant differences exist in the shock response and will be discussed.
Short RNAs in Tomato
Authors: Dalmay Tamas
Published: February 2010

Short RNAs are 20–24 nucleotide long non‐coding RNA molecules generated by one of the Dicer‐like enzymes. They recognize specific RNA or DNA sequences and guide the RNA silencing complex to their targets leading to post‐transcriptional or transcriptional gene silencing of the target. Most of our knowledge about short RNAs comes from studying the model species Arabidopsis. Recently, however, several reports emerged about short RNAs in tomato, which is a model plant for fleshy fruit development and ripening. Tomato short RNAs have been sequenced and a database was established. Novel non‐conserved microRNAs were found that showed differential expression between fruit and other tissues, even during fruit development, suggesting that they may play a role in fruit formation. Several target genes were predicted and validated for both conserved and non‐conserved miRNAs and some of these targets are key players in fruit ripening, such as Colourless non‐ripening. The present study reviews the current state of tomato short RNAs research and suggests future directions.
Biosynthesis of Callose and Cellulose by Detergent Extracts of Tobacco Cell Membranes and Quantification of the Polymers Synthesized in vitro
Authors: Cifuentes Carolina , Bulone Vincent , Emons Anne Mie C.
Published: February 2010

The conditions that favor the in vitro synthesis of cellulose from tobacco BY‐2 cell extracts were determined. The procedure leading to the highest yield of cellulose consisted of incubating digitonin extracts of membranes from 11‐day‐old tobacco BY‐2 cells in the presence of 1 mM UDP‐glucose, 8 mM Ca2+ and 8 mM Mg2+. Under these conditions, up to nearly 40% of the polysaccharides synthesized in vitro corresponded to cellulose, the other polymer synthesized being callose. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed the occurrence of two types of structures in the synthetic reactions. The first type consisted of small aggregates with a diameter between 3 and 5 nm that associated to form fibrillar strings of a maximum length of 400 nm. These structures were sensitive to the acetic/nitric acid treatment of Updegraff and corresponded to callose. The second type of structures was resistant to the Updegraff reagent and corresponded to straight cellulose microfibrils of 2–3 nm in diameter and 200 nm to up to 5 μm in length. In vitro reactions performed on electron microscopy grids indicated that the minimal rate of microfibril elongation in vitro is 120 nm/min. Measurements of retardance by liquid crystal polarization microscopy as a function of time showed that small groups of microfibrils increased in retardance by up to 0.047 nm/min per pixel, confirming the formation of organized structures.
Nia1 and Nia2 are Involved in Exogenous Salicylic Acid‐induced Nitric Oxide Generation and Stomatal Closure in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hao Fushun , Zhao Shiling , Dong Huan , Zhang Huan , Sun Lirong , Miao Chen
Published: February 2010

Phytohormone salicylic acid (SA) plays important roles in plant responses to environmental stress. However, knowledge about the molecular mechanisms for SA affecting the stomatal movements is limited. In this paper, we demonstrated that exogenous SA significantly induced stomatal closure and nitric oxide (NO) generation in Arabidopsis guard cells based on genetic and physiological data. These effects were significantly inhibited by the NO scavenger c‐PTIO, NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor L‐NAME or nitrate reductase suppressor tungstate respectively, implying that NOS and nitrate reductase (NR) participate in SA‐evoked stomatal closing. Furthermore, the effects of SA promotion of stomatal closure and NO synthesis are significantly suppressed in NR single mutants of nia1, nia2 or double mutant nia1/nia2, compared with the wild type plants. This suggests that both Nia1 and Nia2 are involved in SA‐stimulated stomatal closure. In addition, pharmacological experiments showed that protein kinases, cGMP and cADPR are involved in SA‐mediated NO accumulation and stomatal closure induced by SA in Arabidopsis.
Long-range order between the planets in the Solar system
Authors: Bohr Jakob , Olsen Kasper
Published: February 2010

The Solar system is investigated for positional correlations between the planets using a logarithmic distance scale. The pair correlation function for the logarithm of the semimajor axis shows a regular distribution with five to seven consecutive peaks, and the Fourier transform hereof shows reciprocal peaks of first and second order. A procedure involving random permutations for the shuffling of the inter-logarithmic distances is employed. This probes for the presence of correlations of longer range than neighbouring planets. The use of permutations is, in particular, a helpful analysis when the number of data points is small. The pair correlation function of the permutated planets lacks the sequence of equidistant peaks, and its Fourier transform has no second-order peak. This analysis demonstrates the existence of longer ranged correlations in the Solar system.
Childhood socioeconomic status and adult health
Authors: Cohen Sheldon , Janicki‐Deverts Denise , Chen Edith , Matthews Karen A.
Published: February 2010

Socioeconomic status (SES) exposures during childhood are powerful predictors of adult cardiovascular morbidity, cardiovascular mortality, all‐cause mortality, and mortality due to a range of specific causes. However, we still know little about when childhood SES exposures matter most, how long they need to last, what behavioral, psychological, or physiological pathways link the childhood SES experience to adult health, and which specific adult health outcomes are vulnerable to childhood SES exposures. Here, we discuss the evidence supporting the link between childhood and adolescent SES and adult health, and explore different environmental, behavioral, and physiological pathways that might explain how early SES would influence adult health. We also address the ages when SES exposures matter most for setting adult health trajectories as well as the role of exposure duration in SES influences on later health. While early childhood exposures seem to be potent predictors of a range of health outcomes, we emphasize that later childhood and adolescent exposures are risks for other health outcomes.
Socioeconomic gradients in health in international and historical context
Authors: Dow William H. , Rehkopf David H.
Published: February 2010

This article places socioeconomic gradients in health into a broader international and historical context. The data we present supports the conclusion that current socioeconomic gradients in health within the United States are neither inevitable nor immutable. This literature reveals periods in the United States with substantially smaller gradients, and identifies many examples of other countries whose different social policy choices appear to have led to superior health levels and equity even with fewer aggregate resources. The article also sheds light on the potential importance of various hypothesized mechanisms in driving major shifts in U.S. population health patterns. While it is essential to carefully examine individual mechanisms contributing to health patterns, it is also illuminating to take a more holistic view of the set of factors changing in conjunction with major shifts in population health. In this article, we do so by focusing on the period of the 1980s, during which U.S. life expectancy gains slowed markedly relative to other developed countries, and U.S. health disparities substantially increased. A comparison with Canada suggests that exploring broad social policy differences, such as the weaker social safety net in the United States, may be a promising area for future investigation.
Low‐Dose Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography to Assess Left Ventricular Contractile Reserve for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Data From the Low‐Dose Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography to Predict Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Response (LODO‐CRT) Trial
Authors: Iacopino Saverio , Gasparini Maurizio , Zanon Francesco , Dicandia Cosimo , Distefano Giuseppe , Curnis Antonio , Donati Roberto , Neja Carlo P. , Calvi Valeria , Davinelli Mario , Novelli Vanessa , Muto Carmine
Published: February 2010

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an effective methodology indicated in selected heart failure patients. Identifying responders to the therapy is still challenging. Most studies report that at least 30% of the patients are nonresponders. Baseline characteristics of the Low‐Dose Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography to Predict Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Response (LODO‐CRT) trial population are presented. The study investigates dobutamine stress echocardiography’s role in predicting CRT response. Two hundred seventy‐one CRT candidates were studied. Mean age was 67±10 years, 69% were male, 96% had New York Heart Association class III disease, and 39% had heart failure of ischemic etiology. Mean QRS and left ventricular ejection fraction were 146±24 ms and 26%±6%, respectively. Seventy‐seven percent of participants showed contractile reserve. Left ventricular end‐diastolic volume was shown to be independently associated with contractile reserve presence. In particular, more dilated ventricles are associated with a lower chance of having contractile reserve. The LODO‐CRT trial enrolled a cohort of patients fulfilling criteria for CRT. Dobutamine stress echocardiography was highly feasible and safe in this population. Contractile reserve was associated with healthier ventricles. Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16:104–110. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oral health coordinators in long‐term care—a pilot study
Authors: Pronych Gilda J. , Brown Elizabeth J. , Horsch Karen , Mercer Karen
Published: February 2010

This pilot project tested a curricular and systems approach to improving the oral health care of nursing home residents in three facilities in New Hampshire. An oral health coordinator (OHC) was appointed in each facility to act as a liaison between nursing and dental staff, provide resources for nursing assistants, and ensure staff delivery of residents’ daily oral care. During the study, residents’ oral health status was assessed at four intervals and ongoing training was provided to nursing staff. At the conclusion of the pilot study, an evaluation of the results indicated an improvement in oral hygiene in all facilities. The role of the OHC showed promise when that person was active in holding nursing staff accountable for daily oral care of the residents.
Recognising the necessity for Indo‐Pacific seagrass conservation
Authors: Unsworth Richard K.F. , Cullen Leanne C.
Published: February 2010

Seagrass meadows are declining globally at an unprecedented rate, yet these valuable ecosystem service providers remain marginalized within many conservation agendas. In the Indo‐Pacific, this is principally because marine conservation priorities do not recognize the economic and ecological value of the goods and services that seagrasses provide. Dependency on coastal marine resources in the Indo‐Pacific for daily protein needs is high relative to other regions and has been found in some places to be up to 100%. Habitat loss therefore may have negative consequences for food security in the region. Whether seagrass resources comprise an important contribution to this dependency remains largely untested. Here, we assemble information sources from throughout the Indo‐Pacific region that discuss shallow water fisheries, and examine the role of seagrass meadows in supporting production, both directly, and indirectly through process of habitat connectivity (e.g., nursery function and foraging areas). We find information to support the premise that seagrass meadows are important for fisheries production. They are important fishery areas, and they support the productivity and biodiversity of coral reefs. We argue the value of a different paradigm to the current consensus on marine conservation priorities within the Indo‐Pacific that places seagrass conservation as a priority.