bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nuclear medicine methods in the assessment of acupuncture effects: a short review
Authors: Souza Deise Elisabete , Rebello Bernardo Machado , Silva Filho Reginaldo de Carvalho , Agostinho Raquel Terra , Bastos Sohaku R. C. , Bernardo-Filho Mario
Published: February 2008

The mechanisms of acupuncture are poorly understood. In consequence, numerous investigators have conducted clinical trials to test the efficacy of acupuncture in various conditions. We have used PubMed database system to evaluate the number of publications in acupuncture and nuclear medicine procedures in the period from 1964 to 2007, using the keywords: "nuclear medicine and acupuncture", "SPECT and acupuncture", "PET and acupuncture", "scintigraphy and acupuncture", "radionuclide and acupuncture", "radiopharmaceutical and acupuncture", "radioisotope and acupuncture" and "99mTc and acupuncture". Some papers published in English language were selected and a short review is presented The analysis of the number of publications shows that when a method is well accepted by the scientific community, as the methods used in nuclear medicine, the interest in the development of research increases. Moreover, important findings are presented when the nuclear medicine image is used to evaluate the effect of the acupuncture.
An extract of a formula used in the traditional chinese medicine (Buzhong Yi Qi Wan) alters the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m
Authors: Giani Tania Santos , Paoli Severo de , Presta Giuseppe Antonio , Maiworm Adalgisa Ieda , Santos-Filho Sebastião David , Brandão-Neto José , Medeiros Aldo da Cunha , Fonseca Adenilson de Souza da , Bernardo-Filho Mario
Published: February 2008

Buzhong Yi Qi Wan (Buzhong) is a medicinal herb widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat the digestive and circulatory systems. Red blood cell and plasma proteins labeled with technetium-99m (99mTc) are used in nuclear medicine. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of an aqueous Buzhong extract on the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc. Heparinized blood (Wistar rats) was incubated in vitro with different Buzhong extract concentrations and 99mTc-labeling was performed. Plasma (P) and blood cells (BC) were separated and soluble (SF-P, SF-BC) and insoluble (IF-P, IF-BC) fractions were isolated. The radioactivity on blood constituents was determined and the percentage of incorporated radioactivity (%ATI) was calculated. Buzhong extract at the highest concentrations used altered significantly (p<0.05) the %ATI in blood constituents. Substances present in the Buzhong extract could alter the cellular membrane and/or generation of free radicals that have oxidant properties modifying the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc.
Effect of an extract of Artemisia vulgaris L. (Mugwort) on the in vitro labeling of red blood cells and plasma proteins with technetium-99m
Authors: Terra Danielle Amorim , Amorim Lúcia de Fátima , Catanho Maria Tereza Jansen de Almeida , Fonseca Adenilson de Souza da , Santos-Filho Sebastião David , Brandão-Neto José , Medeiros Aldo da Cunha , Bernardo-Filho Mario
Published: February 2008

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of an extract of the Artemisia vulgaris L. (mugwort) on the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m (99mTc). Blood samples from Wistar rats were incubated with a mugwort extract and the radiolabeling of blood constituents was carried out. Plasma and blood cells were separated by centrifugation. Aliquots of plasma and blood cells were also precipitated with trichloroacetic acid and centrifuged to isolate soluble and insoluble fractions of plasma and blood cells. Radioactivity in each fraction was counted and the percentages of radioactivity (%ATI) was calculated. Mugwort extract decreased significantly (p<0.05) the %ATI on the blood compartments and on the blood cells proteins (insoluble fraction). The analysis of the results indicates that the extract could have substances that could interfere on the transport of stannous through the erythrocyte membrane alterating the labeling of blood cells with 99mTc.
Thyroid cell irradiation by radioiodines: a new Monte Carlo electron track-structure code
Authors: Champion Christophe , Elbast Mouhamad , Wu Ting-Di , Colas-Linhart Nicole
Published: February 2008

The most significant impact of the Chernobyl accident is the increased incidence of thyroid cancer among children who were exposed to short-lived radioiodines and 131-iodine. In order to accurately estimate the radiation dose provided by these radioiodines, it is necessary to know where iodine is incorporated. To do that, the distribution at the cellular level of newly organified iodine in the immature rat thyroid was performed using secondary ion mass microscopy (NanoSIMS50). Actual dosimetric models take only into account the averaged energy and range of beta particles of the radio-elements and may, therefore, imperfectly describe the real distribution of dose deposit at the microscopic level around the point sources. Our approach is radically different since based on a track-structure Monte Carlo code allowing following-up of electrons down to low energies (~ 10eV) what permits a nanometric description of the irradiation physics. The numerical simulations were then performed by modelling the complete disintegrations of the short-lived iodine isotopes as well as of 131I in new born rat thyroids in order to take into account accurate histological and biological data for the thyroid gland.
Efeito de um programa de treinamento utilizando o método Pilates® na flexibilidade de atletas juvenis de futsal
Authors: Bertolla Flávia , Baroni Bruno Manfredini , Leal Junior Ernesto Cesar Pinto , Oltramari José Davi
Published: February 2008

A flexibilidade consiste na capacidade motora relacionada com a amplitude de movimento atingida por cada articulação. A flexibilidade sofre decréscimo com a idade; durante a adolescência, devido ao estirão de crescimento puberal, ocorre considerável perda dessa característica. Sabe-se, também, que atletas de futebol e futsal, como resultado dos programas de fortalecimento visando o gesto do chute, tendem a apresentar considerável encurtamento da musculatura posterior da coxa, o que promove perda de rendimento e predispõe o atleta a lesões musculares. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar o efeito sobre a flexibilidade proporcionado por um programa de Pilates® em uma equipe de futsal da categoria juvenil (17-20 anos), considerada uma população altamente propensa a limitações dessa capacidade e que pode usufruir de inúmeros benefícios com o incremento da mesma. Para tal, dividiu-se o grupo de atletas em grupo Pilates (GP, n = 6) e grupo controle (GC, n = 5). Optou-se por avaliar a flexibilidade dos atletas com dois métodos (flexímetro e banco de Wells). Realizaram-se avaliações em três momentos distintos: pré (24 horas antes do início do programa), pós-imediato (24 horas após o fim do programa) e pós-tardio (15 dias após o fim do programa). O programa foi realizado em três sessões semanais de aproximadamente 25 minutos, durante quatro semanas. Os resultados obtidos com o presente estudo comprovam que o protocolo de treinamento com o método Pilates® empregado pelos pesquisadores conseguiu incrementar a flexibilidade dos atletas juvenis de futsal. Tal programa apresentou efeitos agudos, representados pelo aumento estatisticamente significante da flexibilidade no pós-imediato (p < 0,05 no banco de Wells e p < 0,01 no flexímetro) e crônicos, observados no ligeiro declínio (não significativo estatisticamente, p > 0,05) no período pós-tardio para ambos os métodos. Sugere-se que mais estudos sejam realizados com o método Pilates® a fim de elucidar todas as possibilidades de aplicação dessa modalidade terapêutica.
A concepção de politecnia em Moçambique: contradições de um discurso socialista (1983-1992)
Authors: Gonçalves António Cipriano Parafino
Published: February 2008

O trabalho analisa a fundamentação do conceito de politecnia na educação moçambicana, de acordo com o projeto político proposto pela Frente de Libertação de Moçambique (Frelimo), que preconizava a instauração de uma sociedade socialista nesse país. Definida nos documentos oficiais como tradução do princípio pedagógico de ligação entre a teoria e a prática, entre a escola e o trabalho, a politecnia deveria permear todo o processo de formação escolar e visava propiciar aos alunos bases para compreender a realidade, assimilar o conhecimento científico e transformar a natureza e a sociedade. Metodologicamente, foi realizada uma pesquisa teórica, revisando a bibliografia sobre o surgimento do conceito de politecnia, o entendimento deste em Marx, Lênin e no movimento operário russo. Também foram consultados documentos oficiais, artigos, livros e resultados de pesquisas sobre a educação socialista moçambicana que focassem o propósito da pesquisa. Empiricamente, realizaram-se entrevistas com intelectuais que estiveram envolvidos com a educação moçambicana no período recortado (1983-1992), na cidade de Maputo, entre janeiro e março de 2005. Da análise de dados e do conteúdo das entrevistas, conclui-se, primeiro, que existe uma diferença na fundamentação da concepção de educação politécnica na proposta pedagógica de Moçambique em relação às propostas sejam de Marx e Lênin. Segundo, que o entendimento do conceito de politecnia em Moçambique foi limitado e que o discurso socialista que acompanhou a educação moçambicana foi contraditório.
Motivating Young Writers Through Write‐Talks: Real Writers, Real Audiences, Real Purposes
Authors: Wilson Amy Alexandra
Published: February 2008

Modeled after the popular teaching technique of book talks, write talks are brief motivational talks designed to engage students in writing. Teachers can invite adults from their communities into their classrooms to give write talks, thereby conveying to students that real people go through different writing processes to write real texts for real audiences.
A Quick Guide to Selecting Great Informational Books for Young Children
Authors: Stephens Kathy E.
Published: February 2008

The children's literature market has experienced enormous growth in recent years, providing teachers with an abundance of resources with which to teach reading. High‐quality informational texts abound. Yet, teachers often are uncertain about how to select appropriate informational texts to use with younger readers when including them in read‐alouds, guided reading, and learning centers. The purpose of this article is to provide a quick checklist to help primary teachers choose quality, age‐appropriate texts.
Accounting for Correlated Data Errors during Inversion of Cross‐Borehole Ground Penetrating Radar Data
Authors: Cordua Knud S. , Looms Majken C. , Nielsen Lars
Published: February 2008

Least‐squares tomographic inversion of cross‐borehole ground penetrating radar (GPR) data was used to estimate the radar wave velocity distribution in the upper ∼10 m of the vadose zone at a field site in northern Zealand, Denmark. The radar wave velocities were transformed to values of water saturation and formed a basis for hydrologic studies of flow characteristics of the vadose zone. Cross‐borehole GPR data are likely to be contaminated by correlated data errors that may give rise to significant artifacts in the inverse estimate of the velocity distribution if they are not properly accounted for during the inversion process. We analyzed two sources of correlated data errors (unknown cavities and small‐scale clay‐enriched zones close to the borehole walls), which we assumed to play a significant role in the cross‐borehole GPR data sets collected at our field site. The correlated errors may be accounted for by specification of data error covariance matrices, which are included as a priori knowledge in the inverse operator used in the tomographic algorithm. The study indicates that proper accounting for correlated data errors significantly suppresses the effects of these data errors and results in trustworthy inverse estimates of the radar wave velocities between the boreholes. Suppression of the influence of the correlated data errors is a necessity for obtaining realistic hydrologic models of the vadose zone. Using popular inverse methods that disregard the data error correlation properties can lead to severe artifacts in the inverse model estimate and, therefore, can lead to incorrect hydrologic interpretations. Our findings are based on both synthetic tests and a real data example.
Preface: Recent Advances in Modeling Multiphase Flow and Transport with the TOUGH Family of Codes
Authors: Liu Hui‐Hai , Illangasekare Tissa H.
Published: February 2008

A symposium on research performed using the TOUGH family of numerical codes was held on 15–17 May 2006 at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California. This special issue of the Vadose Zone Journal contains revised and expanded versions of a selected set of papers presented at this symposium (TOUGH Symposium 2006; http://esd.lbl.gov/TOUGHsymposium), all of which focus on multiphase flow, including flow in the vadose zone.
Nanomilled Oral Testosterone Plus Dutasteride Effectively Normalizes Serum Testosterone in Normal Men With Induced Hypogonadism
Authors: Page Stephanie T. , Bremner William J. , Clark Richard V. , Bush Mark A. , Zhi Hui , Caricofe Ralph B. , Smith Peter M. , Amory John K.
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT: Oral androgen development has been hampered by the rapid metabolism of orally administered testosterone (T) and low bioavailibility. The addition of the 5α‐reductase inhibitor dutasteride (D) to oral T in oil dramatically improves concentrations of serum T. In this study we evaluate the absorption of oral T+D, comparing nanomilled T (NmT+D) vs T dissolved in oil (Capmul; CpT+D), as nanomilling might offer a simpler, more practical means of oral T administration, given the limited solubility of T in oil. Twelve healthy men were administered leuprolide on Day −14 to suppress endogenous T biosynthesis and were pretreated with D to block 5α‐reductase. Once hypogonadal, subjects were sequentially administered 200‐ and 400‐mg doses of CpT+D and NmT+D in the fasted and fed states. Serum T and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were measured: before dose and at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 hours after each dose. Two weeks after leuprolide administration, T levels were below the normal range. A 400‐mg dose of either formulation of oral T+D increased mean serum T above the lower limit of the normal range for 8–10 hours. Food had a minimal effect on the pharmacokinetic parameters of the NmT+D formulation but decreased the maximum observed concentration after dosing (Cmax) for CpT+D. Serum DHT remained below the normal range throughout the study period with both formulations. No significant changes in liver function tests or other adverse events were observed. A 400‐mg dose of either oral T+D formulation normalized serum T for 8–10 hours and suppressed DHT. NmT allows for tablet formulation, and its pharmacokinetics were not affected by food, demonstrating the feasibility of oral nanomilled T as a promising and practical twice‐daily therapy for the treatment of male hypogonadism.
Detection of “Apoptosis‐Like” Changes During the Cryopreservation Process in Equine Sperm
Authors: Ortega‐Ferrusola C. , Sotillo‐Galán Y. , Varela‐Fernández E. , Gallardo‐Bolaños J. M. , Muriel A. , González‐Fernández L. , Tapia J. A. , Peña F. J.
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT: The kinematics of the appearance of apoptotic markers was studied by flow cytometry and immunoblot assays in equine spermatozoa subjected to freezing and thawing. Caspase activity, low mitochondrial membrane potential, and increases in sperm membrane permeability were observed in all of the phases of the cryopreservation procedure. Freezing and thawing caused an increase in membrane permeability and changes in the pattern of caspase activity; decreases in mitochondrial membrane potential were observed after centrifugation and cooling to 4°C and after freezing and thawing. It is proposed that sperm mitochondria may be directly involved in the subtle damage that is present in most spermatozoa surviving freezing and thawing.
ANDROLOGY LAB CORNER*: The Clinical Implementation of Sperm Chromosome Aneuploidy Testing: Pitfalls and Promises
Authors: Carrell Douglas T.
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT: Severe male infertility has been shown to be associated with improper meiotic recombination and elevated sperm chromosome aneuploidy. Elevated sperm aneuploidy increases the risk of embryo lethality or fetal anomalies. Although difficulties in interpreting aneuploidy data still exist, advances in fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) technology have facilitated the study of sperm from patients with severe spermatogenesis defects, which has demonstrated the prudence of evaluating sperm chromosome aneuploidy in men with severe male factor infertility, such as nonobstructive azoospermia or severe ultrastructure defects, especially in cases of previous repeated in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) failure. Testing is also advisable in men with chromosome translocations and unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss, and it may be beneficial in patients with unexplained, repeated IVF failure. Automated FISH imaging and analysis technology is now available and is beneficial in reducing technician time analyzing sperm aneuploidy. Emerging technologies, such comparative genomic hybridization, may be beneficial in further improving the quality of data derived from aneuploidy analysis and reducing the cost of the assay.
In Vivo Application of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Trichostatin‐A Impairs Murine Male Meiosis
Authors: Fenic Irina , Hossain Hamid M. , Sonnack Violetta , Tchatalbachev Svetlin , Thierer Felix , Trapp Johannes , Failing Klaus , Edler Kai S. , Bergmann Martin , Jung Manfred , Chakraborty Trinad , Steger Klaus
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT: In vivo application of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor trichostatin‐A (TSA) in mice results in male infertility. To get more insight into the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, we performed a genome‐wide expression analysis and investigated HDAC activity and degree of histone H3 and H4 acetylation in murine testes after TSA treatment. A significant decrease in HDAC activity and a weak increase in histone acetylation could be demonstrated at 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 hours after TSA application. Gene expression analysis revealed 507 significantly regulated genes. Transcripts expressed in the somatic cells of the testis (Sertoli, Leydig, peritubular cells, and testis macrophages) or extratubular matrix were regulated as early as 2.5 hours after TSA application, whereas very few meiosis‐specific genes were modulated after TSA treatment. In addition, members of the p53‐noxa‐caspase‐3 proapoptotic pathway were regulated early. Applying in‐situ hybridization, caspase‐3‐mRNA was found only in apoptotic spermatocytes, whereas TRP53/p53‐ and PMAIP1/noxa‐mRNA could be demonstrated in spermatogonia and spermatocytes. Our data suggest that TSA impaired male meiosis, possibly through an indirect mechanism implicating somatic cells of the testis.
Short-Term Effects of an Educational Program on Health-Seeking Behavior for Infections in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Venmans Leonie M.A.J. , Gorter Kees J. , Hak Eelko , Rutten Guy E.H.M.
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE—The aim of this study was to assess the short-term effects of an educational program on (determinants of) self-reported health-seeking behavior for infections of the urinary tract (UTIs) and lower respiratory tract (LRTIs) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—In a randomized controlled trial, 1,124 patients with type 2 diabetes aged between 44 and 85 years participated. The intervention consisted of a multifaceted educational program with an interactive meeting, a leaflet, a Web site, and a consultation with the diabetes care provider. The program focused on the needs of patients, apparent from a prior focus group and questionnaire study. The primary outcome measure was an indicator of health-seeking behavior for UTIs and LRTIs, defined as the proportion of participants with a positive score on at least seven of nine determinants, six from the Health Belief Model and the additional three domains of knowledge, need for information, and intention. The primary outcome was measured with questionnaires at baseline and after 5 months.

RESULTS—Complete outcome data were available for 468 intervention group patients and 472 control group patients. In all, 68% of the intervention group patients attended the meeting. At baseline, 28% of the participants from the intervention group had a positive score on seven of the nine determinants, compared with 27% from the control group. After the educational program, these percentages were 53 and 32%, respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS—Our educational program positively influenced determinants of health-seeking behavior for common infections in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes- and Nondiabetes-Related Lower Extremity Amputation Incidence Before and After the Introduction of Better Organized Diabetes Foot Care
Authors: Canavan Ronan J. , Unwin Nigel C. , Kelly William F. , Connolly Vincent M.
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE—There is a lack of continuous longitudinal population-based data on lower extremity amputation (LEA) in the U.K. We present here accurate data on trends in diabetes-related (DR) LEAs and non-DRLEAs in the South Tees area over a continuous 5-year period.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—All cases of LEA from 1 July 1995 to 30 June 2000 within the area were identified. Estimated ascertainment using capture-recapture analysis approached 100% for LEAs in the area. Data were collected longitudinally using the standard method of the Global Lower Extremity Amputation Study protocol.

RESULTS—Over 5 years there were 454 LEAs (66.3% men) in the South Tees area, of which 223 were diabetes related (49.1%). Among individuals with diabetes, LEA rates went from 564.3 in the first year to 176.0 of 100,000 persons with diabetes in the fifth year. Over the same period, non-DRLEAs increased from 12.3 to 22.8 of 100,000 persons without diabetes. The relative risk of a person with diabetes undergoing an LEA went from being 46 times that of a person without diabetes to 7.7 at the end of the 5 years. The biggest improvement in LEA incidence was seen in the reduction of repeat major DRLEAs.

CONCLUSIONS—Our data show that in the South Tees area at a time when major non-DRLEA rates increased, major DRLEA rates have fallen. These diverging trends mark a significant improvement in care for patients with diabetic foot disease as a result of better organized diabetes care.
Trends and Disparities in U.S. Emergency Department Visits for Hypoglycemia, 1993–2005
Authors: Ginde Adit A. , Espinola Janice A. , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE—To characterize the epidemiology of hypoglycemia in U.S. emergency departments.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We analyzed data from the 1993–2005 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and evaluated trends and disparities over time.

RESULTS—There were ∼5 million emergency department visits for hypoglycemia from 1993–2005, and 25% resulted in hospital admission. The visit rate per 1,000 of the diabetic population was 34 (95% CI 30–37) and did not change significantly during the study period (P = 0.70 for trend). These visit rates were higher in patients aged <45 years (n = 62) and ≥75 years (n = 54) versus those aged 45–74 years (n = 21), in female (n = 37) versus male (n = 30) patients, in black (n = 40) vs. white (n = 25) patients, and in Hispanic (n = 21) versus non-Hispanic (n = 12) patients (all P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS—Greater emphasis on intensive glycemic control has not resulted in increased emergency department visit rates for hypoglycemia. We identified demographic disparities, however, that merit further evaluation. The emergency department provides an important opportunity for epidemiologic study and intervention for severe hypoglycemia.
Prevalence of Polyneuropathy in Pre-Diabetes and Diabetes Is Associated With Abdominal Obesity and Macroangiopathy
Authors: Ziegler Dan , Rathmann Wolfgang , Dickhaus Thorsten , Meisinger Christa , Mielck Andreas ,   for the KORA Study Group
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE—It is controversial whether there is a glycemic threshold above which polyneuropathy develops and which are the most important factors associated with polyneuropathy in the general population. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of polyneuropathy in subjects with diabetes, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or normal glucose tolerance (NGT).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Subjects with diabetes (n = 195) and control subjects matched for age and sex (n = 198) from the population-based MONICA (Monitoring Trends and Determinants on Cardiovascular Diseases)/KORA (Cooperative Research in the Region of Augsburg) Augsburg Surveys 1989/1990 (S2) and 1994/1995 (S3) aged 25–74 years were contacted again and assessed in 1997/1998 by the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument using a score cut point >2. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed in the control subjects.

RESULTS—Among the control subjects, 46 (23.2%) had IGT, 71 (35.9%) had IFG, and 81 had NGT. The prevalence of polyneuropathy was 28.0% in the diabetic subjects, 13.0% in those with IGT, 11.3% in those with IFG, and 7.4% in those with NGT (P ≤ 0.05 for diabetes vs. NGT, IFG, and IGT). In the entire population studied (n = 393), age, waist circumference, and diabetes were independent factors significantly associated with polyneuropathy, whereas in the diabetic group polyneuropathy was associated with age, waist circumference, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS—The prevalence of polyneuropathy is slightly increased in individuals with IGT and IFG compared with those with NGT. The association with waist circumference and PAD suggests that the latter and abdominal obesity may constitute important targets for strategies to prevent diabetic polyneuropathy.
Elevated Depression Symptoms, Antidepressant Medicine Use, and Risk of Developing Diabetes During the Diabetes Prevention Program
Authors: Rubin Richard R. , Ma Yong , Marrero David G. , Peyrot Mark , Barrett-Connor Elizabeth L. , Kahn Steven E. , Haffner Steven M. , Price David W. , Knowler William C. ,   for the Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE—To assess the association between elevated depression symptoms or antidepressant medicine use on entry to the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and during the study and the risk of developing diabetes during the study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—DPP participants (n = 3,187) in three treatment arms (intensive lifestyle [ILS], metformin [MET], and placebo [PLB]) completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and reported their use of antidepressant medication at randomization and throughout the study (average duration in study 3.2 years).

RESULTS—When other factors associated with the risk of developing diabetes were controlled, elevated BDI scores at baseline or during the study were not associated with diabetes risk in any arm. Baseline antidepressant use was associated with diabetes risk in the PLB (hazard ratio 2.25 [95% CI 1.38–3.66]) and ILS (3.48 [1.93–6.28]) arms. Continuous antidepressant use during the study (compared with no use) was also associated with diabetes risk in the same arms (PLB 2.60 [1.37–4.94]; ILS 3.39 [1.61–7.13]), as was intermittent antidepressant use during the study in the ILS arm (2.07 [1.18–3.62]). Among MET arm participants, antidepressant use was not associated with developing diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS—A strong and statistically significant association between antidepressant use and diabetes risk in the PLB and ILS arms was not accounted for by measured confounders or mediators. If future research finds that antidepressant use independently predicts diabetes risk, efforts to minimize the negative effects of antidepressant agents on glycemic control should be pursued.
Metabolic and Immunological Features of the Failing Islet-Transplanted Patient
Authors: Fiorina Paolo , Vergani Andrea , Petrelli Alessandra , D'Addio Francesca , Monti Lucilla , Abdi Reza , Bosi Emanuele , Maffi Paola , Secchi Antonio
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE—This retrospective study was designed to identify metabolic and immune predictors of early islet allograft failure.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We measured several metabolic and immunological markers at the time of pretransplant and several time points posttransplantation in 17 patients with long-term functioning graft (long fx) and 20 patients with short-term functioning graft (short fx).

RESULTS—The short fx group showed higher insulin resistance, altered proinsulin processing, lower soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2r) (marker of T-cell activation), and higher soluble FasL (marker of apoptosis) during the entire follow-up, particularly at time of failure.

CONCLUSIONS—Patients who experienced an early failure of islet allograft showed specific metabolic and immunological signs long before islet failure.
Factors Affecting Use of Insulin Pens by Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Rubin Richard R. , Peyrot Mark
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE—To assess factors that might affect patient use of insulin pens.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Patients (n = 600: 300 using vial and syringe and 300 using pen) were recruited from national panels to participate in computer-assisted telephone interviews. Measures included: demographic characteristics; diabetes treatment and self-care factors; perceptions of pen convenience, clinical efficacy, facilitation of self-care, and cost; and degree of physicians' recommending pen use.

RESULTS—Physician recommendation of pen use powerfully discriminated pen users from nonusers (odds ratio 135.6). Other factors that discriminated pen users included physicians' presenting pens as an option (14.1) and patient perceptions that pens facilitate diabetes self-care (20.2) and are not costly (4.8).

CONCLUSIONS—The physician's role in presenting the pen as an option and recommending pen use was a critical factor in patient pen use. Enhanced physician education regarding the potential benefits of pen use and encouraging physicians to discuss pen use with patients could improve diabetes outcomes.
Morphology and affinities of an Early CretaceousEphedra(Ephedraceae) from China
Authors: Yang Yong , Geng Bao‐Yin , Dilcher David L. , Chen Zhi‐Duan , Lott Terry A.
Published: February 2008

Detailed investigations on Lower CretaceousEphedraL. fossils (Gnetopsida) reveal morphological characters similar to those of extantEphedra rhytidospermaPachomova, including articulate branches with many fine longitudinal striations, a dichasial branching pattern, uni‐ or bi‐ovulate cones with paired bracts, cones terminal on branchlets, and seeds with a short, straight micropylar tubes, covered by numerous regular and prominent transverse laminar protuberances. Fossils are similar to extantE. rhytidospermareproductive organs but differ in some vegetative structures and are described and discussed here asEphedra archaeorhytidospermaY. Yang et al. BecauseE. rhytidospermais currently considered one of the most specialized members inEphedraL. sectionPseudobaccataeStapf, the occurrence ofE. archaeorhytidospermain the Yixian Formation suggests thatEphedraL. was perhaps a more diverse genus in the Lower Cretaceous. Perhaps the evolution and diversity ofEphedraL. was already in place by the Lower Cretaceous and certainly before the end of the Mesozoic.
A two‐generation analysis of pollen pool genetic structure in flowering dogwood,Cornus florida(Cornaceae), in the Missouri Ozarks
Authors: Sork Victoria L. , Smouse Peter E. , Apsit Victoria J. , Dyer Rodney J. , Westfall Robert D.
Published: February 2008

Anthropogenic landscape change can disrupt gene flow. As part of the Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project, this study examined whether silvicultural practices influence pollen‐mediated gene movement in the insect‐pollinated species,Cornus floridaL., by comparing pollen pool structure (Φst) among clear‐cutting, selective cutting, and uncut regimes with the expectation that pollen movement should be least in the uncut regime. Using a sample of 1500 seedlings—10 each from 150 seed parents (43 in clear‐cut, 74 in selective, and 33 in control sites) from six sites (each ranging from 266 to 527 ha), eight allozyme loci were analyzed with a pollen pool structure approach known as TwoGener (Smouse et al., 2001;Evolution55: 260–271). This analysis revealed that pollen pool structure was less in clear‐cut (Φ̂C= 0.090,P< 0.001) than in uncut areas (Φ̂U= 0.174,P< 0.001), with selective‐cut intermediate (Φ̂S= 0.125,P< 0.001). These estimates translate into more effective pollen donors (Nep) in clear‐cut (Nep= 5.56) and selective‐cut (Nep= 4.00) areas than in uncut areas (Nep= 2.87). We demonstrate that ΦC≤ ΦS≤ ΦU, with Φ̂Csignificantly smaller than Φ̂U(P< 0.034). The findings imply that, as long as a sufficiently large number of seed parents remain to provide adequate reproduction and to avoid a genetic bottleneck in the effective number of mothers, silvicultural management may not negatively affect the effective number of pollen parents, and hence subsequent genetic diversity inCornus florida.
Piecing together the “new” Plantaginaceae
Authors: Albach D. C. , Meudt H. M. , Oxelman B.
Published: February 2008

Scrophulariaceae is one of the families that has been divided extensively due to the results of DNA sequence studies. One of its segregates is a vastly enlarged Plantaginaceae. In a phylogenetic study of 47 members of Plantaginaceae and seven outgroups based on 3561 aligned characters from four DNA regions (the nuclear ribosomal ITS region and the plastid trnL‐F, rps16 intron, and matK‐trnK intron regions), the relationships within this clade were analyzed. The results from parsimony and Bayesian analyses support the removal of the Lindernieae from Gratioleae to a position outside Plantaginaceae. A group of mainly New World genera is paraphyletic with respect to a clade of Old World genera. Among the New World taxa, those offering oil as a pollinator reward cluster together. Ourisia is sister to this clade. Gratioleae consist of Gratiola, Otacanthus, Bacopa, Stemodia, Scoparia, and Mecardonia. Cheloneae plus Russelia and Tetranema together constitute the sister group to a clade predominantly composed of Old World taxa. Among the Old World clade, Ellisiophyllum and Lafuentea have been analyzed for the first time in a molecular phylogenetic analysis. The former genus is sister to Sibthorpia and the latter is surprisingly the sister to Antirrhineae.
Intraspecific nuclear ribosomal DNA divergence and reticulation in sexual diploid Erigeron strigosus (Asteraceae)
Authors: Noyes Richard D
Published: February 2008

Apomictic complexes in flowering plants often harbor multiple sexual taxa, which must be studied to interpret accurately the origin and diversity of apomictic derivatives. The daisy fleabane group in North America (Erigeron sect. Phalacroloma) includes the widespread polyploid apomictic taxa E. annuus, E. strigosus, and E. tenuis, as well as recently discovered sexual diploid populations in the southeastern United States (E. strigosus var. calcicola, E. strigosus var. dolomiticola, sexual E. strigosus var. strigosus). Phylogenetic analysis for 35 sexual populations was conducted using sequences from the internal and external transcribed spacers (ITS and ETS) of ribosomal DNA. Results indicate that the three groups of sexual plants form separate monophyletic clades and that edaphic specialization is ancestral in the group. Sequence analysis for sexual E. strigosus var. strigosus was confounded by the fact that 13 of 31 samples (42%) possessed nucleotide polymorphisms at 1.0–1.8% of sites. However, analysis of the genomic sequence for plants with low polymorphism levels in conjunction with analysis of cloned PCR products for plants with high levels of intra‐individual polymorphism indicated that three combinations of haplotypes (N I + N II, two plants; N I + N III, five plants; N II + N III, six plants) accounted for the majority of sequence polymorphisms encountered. These data are consistent with historical diversification and subsequent reticulate evolution at the diploid level in sexual E. strigosus var. strigosus.
An architectural model for Eleocharis: morphology and development of Eleocharis cellulosa (Cyperaceae)
Authors: Baksh Shanaz I. , Richards Jennifer H.
Published: February 2008

Species of Eleocharis are prominent in aquatic and wetland habitats and serve as models for study of physiological adaptations to aquatic environments. The genus has an unusual morphology because the major photosynthetic organ is the stem. In order to define an architectural model for the genus to understand the evolution of this morphology, we examined mature morphology and development of E. cellulosa in living and fixed material using light and scanning electron microscopy. Eleocharis cellulosa has sympodial, vertical shoots that produce the photosynthetic culms and horizontal shoots that mix monopodial and sympodial development. Each sympodial unit produces three bracts, an elongated photosynthetic internode, then a fourth bract and an inflorescence that either aborts on vegetative culms or expands on reproductive culms. On each sympodium, the first bract subtends a precocious axillary bud that reiterates the sympodial unit; the second bract subtends a bud that develops the horizontal shoot. In both horizontal and vertical shoots, the internode below the second bract is produced by both the second bract and the renewal shoot. Sympodial growth is present in seedlings. In other species of Eleocharis, the structure of the sympodial unit is conserved but morphological diversity develops from variation in horizontal shoot growth.
Molecular phylogenetics of Vandeae (Orchidaceae) and the evolution of leaflessness
Authors: Carlsward Barbara S. , Whitten W. Mark , Williams Norris H. , Bytebier Benny
Published: February 2008

Members of tribe Vandeae (Orchidaceae) form a large, pantropical clade of horticulturally important epiphytes. Monopodial leafless members of Vandeae have undergone extreme reduction in habit and represent a novel adaptation to the canopy environment in tropical Africa, Asia, and America. To study the evolution of monopodial leaflessness, molecular and structural evidence was used to generate phylogenetic hypotheses for Vandeae. Molecular analyses used sequence data from ITS nrDNA, trnL‐F plastid DNA, and matK plastid DNA. Maximum parsimony analyses of these three DNA regions each supported two subtribes within monopodial Vandeae: Aeridinae and a combined Angraecinae + Aerangidinae. Adding structural characters to sequence data resulted in trees with more homoplasy, but gave fewer trees each with more well‐supported clades than either data set alone. Two techniques for examining character evolution were compared: (1) mapping vegetative characters onto a molecular topology and (2) tracing vegetative characters onto a combined structural and molecular topology. In both cases, structural synapomorphies supporting monopodial Vandeae were nearly identical. A change in leaf morphology (usually reduced to a nonphotosynthetic scale), monopodial growth habit, and aeration complexes for gas exchange in photosynthetic roots seem to be the most important characters in making the evolutionary transition to leaflessness.
A stage‐based study of drought response in Cryptantha flava (Boraginaceae): gas exchange, water use efficiency, and whole plant performance
Authors: Casper Brenda B. , Forseth I. N. , Wait D. Alexander
Published: February 2008

Models of global climate change predict an increase in the frequency of major droughts, yet we know little about the consequences of drought for the demography of natural populations. This study examined a population of the semi‐desert perennial Cryptantha flava (Boraginaceae) to determine how plants of different developmental stages respond to drought through changes in leaf gas exchange, leaf water potential, water use efficiency, growth, and reproduction. In two of the four years, drought was applied using rainout shelters, and a severe natural drought occurred in another. Small, presumably younger, plants sometimes had lower rates of maximum photosynthesis, lower leaf water potentials, and lower instantaneous or integrated water‐use efficiency than large plants. Small plants also had higher relative growth rates and lower reproductive effort. Large plants with evidence of shrinkage from a previously larger size often produced less growth and reproduction than large healthy plants, suggesting a decline in plant vigor with age. Drought depressed gas exchange and leaf water potentials equally in all plant stages. Thus, leaf‐level physiological attributes provide no clues for why drought reduces growth more strongly in large plants. The results point to several additional avenues of research relevant to understanding stage‐dependent or age‐dependent plant performance under drought conditions.
Assessing the use of the mitochondrial cox1 marker for use in DNA barcoding of red algae (Rhodophyta)
Authors: Robba Lavinia , Russell Stephen J. , Barker Gary L. , Brodie Juliet
Published: February 2008

The red algae, a remarkably diverse group of organisms, are difficult to identify using morphology alone. Following the proposal to use the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) for DNA barcoding animals, we assessed the use of this gene in the identification of red algae using 48 samples plus 31 sequences obtained from GenBank. The data set spanned six orders of red algae: the Bangiales, Ceramiales, Corallinales, Gigartinales, Gracilariales and Rhodymeniales. The results indicated that species could be discriminated. Intraspecific variation was between 0 and 4 bp over 539 bp analyzed except in Mastocarpus stellatus (0–14 bp) and Gracilaria gracilis (0–11 bp). Cryptic diversity was found in Bangia fuscopurpurea, Corallina officinalis, G. gracilis, M. stellatus, Porphyra leucosticta and P. umbilicalis. Interspecific variation across all taxa was between 28 and 148 bp, except for G. gracilis and M. stellatus. A comparison of cox1 with the plastid Rubisco spacer for Porphyra species revealed that it was a more sensitive marker in revealing incipient speciation and cryptic diversity. The cox1 gene has the potential to be used for DNA barcoding of red algae, although a good taxonomic foundation coupled with extensive sampling of taxa is essential for the development of an effective identification system.
Organization of the root apical meristem in angiosperms
Authors: Heimsch Charles , Seago James L.
Published: February 2008

Although flowers, leaves, and stems of the angiosperms have understandably received more attention than roots, the growing root tips, or root apical meristems (RAMs), are organs that could provide insight into angiosperm evolution. We studied RAM organization across a broad spectrum of angiosperms (45 orders and 132 families of basal angiosperms, monocots, and eudicots) to characterize angiosperm RAMs and cortex development related to RAMs. Types of RAM organization in root tips of flowering plants include open RAMs without boundaries between some tissues in the growing tip and closed RAMs with distinct boundaries between apical regions. Epidermis origin is associated with the cortex in some basal angiosperms and monocots and with the lateral rootcap in eudicots and other basal angiosperms. In most angiosperm RAMs, initials for the central region of the rootcap, or columella, are distinct from the lateral rootcap and its initials. Slightly more angiosperm families have exclusively closed RAMs than exclusively open RAMs, but many families have representatives with both open and closed RAMs. Root tips with open RAMs are generally found in angiosperm families considered sister to other families; certain open RAMs may be ancestral in angiosperms.
High mycorrhizal specificity in a widespread mycoheterotrophic plant, Eulophia zollingeri (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Ogura‐Tsujita Yuki , Yukawa Tomohisa
Published: February 2008

Because mycoheterotrophic plants fully depend on their mycorrhizal partner for their carbon supply, the major limiting factor for the geographic distribution of these plants may be the presence of their mycorrhizal partner. Although this factor may seem to be a disadvantage for increasing geographic distribution, widespread mycoheterotrophic species nonetheless exist. The mechanism causing the wide distribution of some mycoheterotrophic species is, however, seldom discussed. We identified the mycorrhizal partner of a widespread mycoheterotrophic orchid, Eulophia zollingeri, using 12 individuals from seven populations in Japan, Myanmar, and Taiwan by DNA‐based methods. All fungal ITS sequences from the roots closely related to those of Psathyrella candolleana (Coprinaceae) from GenBank accessions and herbarium specimens. These results indicate that E. zollingeri is exclusively associated with the P. candolleana species group. Further, the molecular data support the wide distribution and wide‐ranging habitat of this fungal partner. Our data provide evidence that a mycoheterotrophic plant can achieve a wide distribution, even though it has a high mycorrhizal specificity, if its fungal partner is widely distributed.
San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2007—Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy Update: ATAC 100 Highlights
Authors: Joy Anil A.
Published: February 2008

The two main classes of adjuvant hormonal therapy used in the treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer are selective estrogen receptor modulators (for example, tamoxifen) and the aromatase inhibitors (AIs—for example, anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane). [...]
Effects of alcohol intoxication and aggressivity on aggressive verbalizations during anger arousal
Authors: Eckhardt Christopher I. , Crane Cory
Published: February 2008

We examined the moderating effect of dispositional aggressivity on the relationship between alcohol intoxication and aggressive verbalizations. Using a laboratory anger‐induction task that simulated an interpersonal conflict as a method to assess aggressive verbalizations (the articulated thoughts in simulated situations paradigm), 70 participants (33 women, 37 men) consumed either an alcoholic or a placebo beverage, and then imagined a series of audiorecorded interpersonal scenarios. Two blind‐to‐condition raters assessed the frequency of participants' aggressive verbalizations (insults, aggressive threats, belligerent provocations) articulated during anger arousal. Aggressivity was assessed using a standard measure of dispositional aggression. Results supported the aggressivity moderation hypothesis: intoxicated participants high in aggressivity responded with significantly more aggressive verbalizations relative to low‐aggressivity participants regardless of beverage condition, and three times more aggressive verbalizations relative to the high‐aggressivity/placebo group. There were no gender effects. These data support the hypothesis that alcohol potentiates aggression primarily among individuals at dispositional risk for engaging in such a behavior. Aggr. Behav. 34:428–436, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.