bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mechanism of sex ratio adjustment in a pollinating fig wasp
Authors: Raja Shazia , Suleman Nazia , Compton Stephen G , Moore Jamie C
Published: April 2008

Sex ratio strategies in species subject to local mate competition (LMC), and in particular their fit to quantitative theoretical predictions, provide insight into constraints upon adaptation. Pollinating fig wasps are widely used in such studies because their ecology resembles theory assumptions, but the cues used by foundresses to assess potential LMC have not previously been determined. We show that
Liporrhopalum tentacularis
females (foundresses) use their clutch size as a cue. First, we make use of species ecology (foundresses lay multiple clutches, with second clutches smaller than first) to show that increases in sex ratio in multi-foundress figs occur only when foundresses are oviposition site limited, i.e. that there is no direct response to foundress density. Second, we introduce a novel technique to quantify foundress oviposition sequences and show, consistent with the theoretical predictions concerning clutch size-only strategies, that they produce mainly male offspring at the start of bouts, followed by mostly females interspersed by a few males. We then discuss the implications of our findings for our understanding of the limits of the ability of natural selection to produce ‘perfect’ organisms, and for our understanding of when different cue use patterns evolve.
‘Religious Parents… Just Want the Best for Their Kids’: Young People’s Perspectives on the Influence of Religious Beliefs on Parenting
Authors: Lees Janet , Horwath Jan
Published: April 2008

Challenging some of the current predominantly negative representations of the effects of religion on young people requires further research into faith and family life, particularly from the perspective of young people themselves. This article presents a preliminary report of a study of 40 young people, mostly Christians and Muslims, aged 13–15 years. Three themes – defining religion, religious parenting and life in a religious family – are illustrated with reference to data collected from discussion groups in six schools and recent research literature. We conclude that religion still provides a positive influence on family life and parenting from the perspective of young people.
The effect of dilution on the in vitro erosive potential of a range of dilutable fruit drinks
Authors: HUNTER MARGARET L. , PATEL RAJIV , LOYN THERESA , MORGAN MARIA Z. , FAIRCHILD RUTH , REES JEREMY S.
Published: April 2008

Background.  Only one previous study has investigated the effect which dilution has on the erosive potential of dilutable fruit drinks. Based solely on measurement of neutralizable acidity, the authors concluded that the erosive potential of diluting juices may be reduced substantially by the addition of water. This has not been verified in an in vitro enamel erosion model.

Objective.  The aim of this study was to examine the effect of dilution on the erosive potential of five dilutable fruit drinks.

Methods.  For each product, the erosive potential of three dilutions (1 : 3, 1 : 6 and 1 : 15) was assessed by measuring the initial pH and neutralizable acidity; in vitro enamel erosion was measured by profilometry following immersion for 1 h.

Results.  For the majority of products, increasing dilution from 1 : 3 to 1 : 15 produced a statistically significant rise in initial pH, though they remained markedly acidic. Increasing the dilution factor consistently produced a statistically significant decrease in neutralizable acidity. Increasing the dilution factor from 1 : 3 to 1 : 15 produced a statistically significant reduction in in vitro enamel erosion in only three of the five products tested.

Conclusions.  Increasing the dilution factor of dilutable fruit drinks within a range likely to be acceptable to the consumer may not effectively reduce their erosive potential.
Comparative phylogeography of codistributed species of ChileanLiolaemus(Squamata: Tropiduridae) from the central‐southern Andean range
Authors: VICTORIANO PEDRO F. , ORTIZ JUAN CARLOS , BENAVIDES EDGAR , ADAMS BYRON J. , SITES JR JACK W.
Published: April 2008

In this study, we used a recently developed supertrees method to test for shared phylogeographical signal in partially overlapping geographical ranges of lizards of the genusLiolaemusfrom the Andean Range in south‐central Chile. We reconstruct mtDNA gene trees for three partially codistributed species (Liolaemus tenuis, L. lemniscatusandL. pictus), and our sampling effort is sufficient to allow statistical tests of shared signal between the combinationsL. tenuis–L. pictus, andL. tenuis–L. lemniscatus. For both combinations, standardized maximum agreement subtrees scores showed statistically significant signal for shared pattern in regions of overlap, as evaluated by randomization tests (P < 0.001 and < 0.05, respectively). The matrix representation with parsimony tree obtained from the combination of the three different gene trees revealed concordant phylogeographical associations of all species, and was consistent with the geographical association of intraspecific haploclades with three Chilean bioclimatic zones. A multidimensional scaling analysis of several climate variables showed highly significant differences among these zones, which further suggests that they may have contributed to similar patterns of intraspecific divergence across all three species. In the mesomorphic zone in Central Chile, the speciesL. tenuisandL. lemniscatusmay have codiverged in response to shared orogenic vicariant events, which likely predominated over climatic events associated with cycles of glacial advance and retreat. In the hygromorphic zone in southern Chile, however, glacial cycles likely predominated in structuring the phylogeographical histories ofL. tenuisandL. pictus, although important ecological differences between these two caution against broad generalizations at this point.
CCD photometric and mass function study of nine young Large Magellanic Cloud star clusters
Authors: Kumar B. , Sagar R. , Melnick J.
Published: April 2008

We present a CCD photometric and mass function study of nine young Large Magellanic Cloud star clusters, namely NGC 1767, 1994, 2002, 2003, 2006, SL 538, NGC 2011, 2098 and 2136. BV RI data, reaching down to V∼ 21 mag, were collected from the 3.5-m NTT/EFOSC2 in subarcsec seeing conditions. For NGC 1767, 1994, 2002, 2003, 2011 and 2136, broad-band photometric CCD data are presented for the first time. Seven of the nine clusters have ages between 16 and 25 Myr, and the other two have ages of 32 ± 4 Myr (NGC 2098) and 90 ± 10 Myr (NGC 2136). For the seven youngest clusters, the age estimates based on a recent model and the integrated spectra are found to be systematically lower (∼10 Myr) than the present estimates. In the mass range ∼2–12 M⊙, the mass function slopes for eight out of nine clusters were found to be similar, with the value of γ ranging from −1.90 ± 0.16 to −2.28 ± 0.21. For NGC 1767 the slope is flatter, with γ=−1.23 ± 0.27. Mass segregation effects are observed for NGC 2002, 2006, 2136 and 2098. This is consistent with the findings of Kontizas and colleagues for NGC 2098. The presence of mass segregation in these clusters could be an imprint of the star formation process, as their ages are significantly smaller than their dynamical evolution time. The mean mass function slope of γ=−2.22 ± 0.16 derived for a sample of 25 young (≤100 Myr) dynamically unevolved Large Magellanic Cloud stellar systems provides support for the universality of the initial mass function in the intermediate-mass range ∼2–12 M⊙.
In vivo and in vitro cellular response to Schistosoma japonicum eggs in hosts with differing susceptibilities
Authors: HIRATA M. , KAGE M. , HABE S. , AGATSUMA T. , FUKUMA T.
Published: April 2008

A comparative study of the cellular response to Schistosoma japonicum eggs was conducted in order to explore its significance, using hosts with differing susceptibilities to the parasite. In experimentally induced, synchronized hepatic granuloma formation, animal species formed each characteristic feature of the granulomas, and the magnitude of tissue reaction was significantly larger in highly susceptible hosts, such as mice and hamsters, while less susceptible hosts, such as rats and quails, formed smaller granulomas. Confluent neutrophils were seen within the tissue lesions for mice and hamsters, while rats and quails showed obviously scanty neutrophils. Guinea pigs failed to develop any granulomas. When splenic cells and bone marrow cells were used for in vitro granuloma formation, bone marrow cells showed markedly higher reactions than splenic cells from naive or sensitized animals and the reactivities of bone marrow cells from susceptible hosts, mice and hamsters, were clearly higher than those from rats, indicating similar results to those of in vivo granuloma formation. This study indicates that the in vivo and in vitro cellular response to S. japonicum eggs varies greatly according to the host's susceptibility, independent of whether the host is a naive or sensitized animal. Our results seem to support the concept that the parasites exploit the host immune system in order to complete their life‐span.
Function and expression of a human idiotypic network in Schistosomiasis japonica
Authors: WISNEWSKI ADAM V. , OLDS G. RICHARD , JOHNSON JOAN H. , RAMIREZ BERNADETTE , KRESINA THOMAS F.
Published: April 2008

The cross‐reactive idiotype (Hu‐SJ‐CRIM) is defined by polyclonal human anti‐idiotypic antibodies derived from chronically S. japonicum infected patients. The present study shows that serum levels of Hu‐SJ‐CRIM expressed by antibodies to S. japonicum soluble egg antigen (SEA) are associated with acute infection and hepatosplenic disease. Xenogeneic anti‐idiotypic antisera (anti‐Hu‐SJ‐CRIM) suppressed human lymphocyte blastogenesis to SEA in vitro by 47–82% (P < 005). These anti‐idiotypic antibodies also suppressed in vitro granuloma formation induced by SEA coated beads in a dose dependent manner. This immunosuppression was antigen specific in that mitogen (PHA) or non‐related antigen (PPD) induced blastogenic responses were not suppressed. Surprisingly, anti‐idiotypic antibodies (anti‐SJ‐CRIM), which describe the mouse correlate CRIM were not suppressive in the human blastogenesis or in vitro granuloma formation assays. These data indicate a dichotomy in the function and specificity of the idiotype/anti‐idiotype human and murine immune networks in S. japonicum infection. Thus, only the patient derived molecules and serology form the basis for an immunoregulatory network in Schistosomiasis japonica.
Genetic control of immunity to Heligmosomoides polygyrus: presentation of promiscuous antigens to parasite‐specific T cell hybridomas
Authors: MASON STEPHANIE D. , GUSTAD THOMAS R. , DAVID CHELLA S. , ROBINSON MICHAEL
Published: April 2008

The role of MHC class II in the presentation of Heligmosomoides polygyrus antigens has been investigated, using a number of T cell hybridomas produced in A and E positive and negative mice. By using fixed and irradiated antigen presenting cells (APC), further evidence has emerged, to support earlier data, that there can be differential processing requirements during the presentation of H. polygyrus antigens by A and E molecules. In concordance with these earlier observations, this work provides further evidence that individual T cells can respond to antigen when presented by more than one MHC molecule. Previously, this evidence has been restricted to individual MHC molecules of the same haplotype, hut these data show that H. polygyrus produces antigens which can he presented by both syngeneic and allogeneic MHC molecules. These antigens do not appear to be synonymous with the previously described H. polygyrus superantigen, as presentation is restricted to specific MHC haplotypes. It is proposed that H. polygyrus may produce these antigenic molecules as part of its strategy to manipulate the host immune system.
Coexpression characteristics of trehalose‐6‐phosphate phosphatase subfamily genes reveal different functions in a network context
Authors: Li Pinghua , Ma Shisong , Bohnert Hans J.
Published: April 2008

Arabidopsis thaliana databases are available that highlight the behavior of the transcriptome under literally hundreds of experimental manipulations, making attempts possible that integrate this information into gene networks. We present and discuss the functioning of a gene network model generated using deposited microarray experiments. Based on a graphical Gaussian model, the network describes conditional coregulation of genes under a variety of external factors and abiotic, biotic and chemical treatments. In this study, we show an aspect of this network that pertains to functions of genes in families where all members appear to carry out the same biochemical reaction. Chosen in this study were 10 genes in the Arabidopsis genome encoding trehalose‐6‐phosphate phosphatases (TPPs). Nine of these genes were highlighted by the network. Generally, each TPP formed a network associated with genes that identify different functional categories. Thus, network structures were obtained that identified connections to carbon distribution, drought, cold, pathogen responses, calcium and reactive oxygen species/redox signatures, including transcriptional control genes that separated network graphs seeded with different TPP genes. The structure of the transcript coexpression networks, by associating diverse members of gene families into separate clusters, facilitates hypothesis building and in‐depth studies of functions of individual genes in families.
Epiphytic bacteria on the Antarctic ice diatom Amphiprora kufferathii Manguin cleave hydrogen peroxide produced during algal photosynthesis
Authors: Hünken M. , Harder J. , Kirst G. O.
Published: April 2008

The Antarctic ice diatom Amphiprora kufferathii Manguin is always accompanied by epiphytic bacteria in its natural habitat. To investigate the nature of this relationship, axenic cultures of A. kufferathii were obtained by ampicillin treatment. Diatom cultures without bacteria were less dense. The bacteria were shown to consume hydrogen peroxide produced by the diatom during photosysnthesis and algal photosynthesis after a hydrogen peroxide shock recovered faster in the presence of bacteria. Three proteobacterial strains isolated from a culture of A. kufferathii were phylogenetically affiliated with the alphaproteobacterial genus Sulfitobacter, the gammaproteobacterial genus Colwellia, and the genus Pibocella of the Bacteriodetes. Native protein gel electrophoresis and enzyme activity staining revealed the presence of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase in the isolated bacteria and in A. kufferathii cultures. Catalase was detected in bacterial extracts but not in axenic cultures of A. kufferathii. These observations indicate that the epiphytic bacteria make a significant contribution to the diatom’s antioxidative defences. The relationship between the bacteria and A. kufferathii seems to be beneficial for both partners and enhances growth of Amphiprora in the sea ice.
Conservation genetics of the endangered Iberian steppe plant Ferula loscosii (Apiaceae)
Authors: Pérez‐Collazos E. , Catalán P.
Published: April 2008

Ferula loscosii (Lange) Willk (Apiaceae) is a threatened endemic species native to the Iberian Peninsula. The plant has a narrow and disjunct distribution in three regions, NE, C and SE Spain. Genetic variability within and among 11 populations from its natural distribution was assessed using allozymes. Intermediate levels of genetic diversity were detected in F. loscosii (P99% = 36.83; HE = 0.125; HT = 0.152). However, the highest genetic diversity (58%) corresponded to the threatened populations from SE and C Spain (HT = 0.169) rather than the more abundant and larger populations from NE Spain (Ebro valley) (HT = 0.122). Low to moderate levels of genetic structure were found among regional ranges (GST = 0.134), and several statistical spatial correlation analyses corroborated substantial genetic differentiation among the three main regional ranges. However, no significant genetic differentiation was found among the NE Spain populations, except for a northernmost population that is geographically isolated. Outcrossing mating and other biological traits of the species could account for the maintenance of the present values of genetic diversity within populations. The existence of an ancestral late Tertiary wider distribution of the species in SE and C Spain, followed by the maintenance of different Quaternary refugia in these warmer areas, together with a more recent and rapid post‐glacial expansion towards NE Spain, are arguments that could explain the low genetic variability and structure found in the Ebro valley and the higher levels of diversity in the southern Iberian populations.
Overexpression of the Arabidopsis thaliana EDS5 gene enhances resistance to viruses
Authors: Ishihara T. , Sekine K.‐T. , Hase S. , Kanayama Y. , Seo S. , Ohashi Y. , Kusano T. , Shibata D. , Shah J. , Takahashi H.
Published: April 2008

The Arabidopsis thaliana ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY 5 gene (EDS5) is required for salicylic acid (SA) synthesis in pathogen‐challenged plants. SA and EDS5 have an important role in the Arabidopsis RCY1 gene‐conferred resistance against the yellow strain of Cucumber mosaic virus [CMV(Y)], a Bromoviridae, and HRT‐conferred resistance against the Tombusviridae, Turnip crinkle virus (TCV). EDS5 expression and SA accumulation are induced in response to CMV(Y) inoculation in the RCY1‐bearing ecotype C24. To further discern the involvement of EDS5 in Arabidopsis defence against viruses, we overexpressed the EDS5 transcript from the constitutively expressed Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S gene promoter in ecotype C24. In comparison to the non‐transgenic control, the basal level of salicylic acid (SA) was twofold higher in the 35S:EDS5 plant. Furthermore, viral spread and the size of the hypersensitive response associated necrotic local lesions (NLL) were more highly restricted in CMV(Y)‐inoculated 35S:EDS5 than in the non‐transgenic plant. The heightened restriction of CMV(Y) spread was paralleled by more rapid induction of the pathogenesis‐related gene, PR‐1, in the CMV(Y)‐inoculated 35S:EDS5 plant. The 35S:EDS5 plant also had heightened resistance to the virulent CMV strain, CMV(B2), and TCV. These results suggest that, in addition to R gene‐mediated gene‐for‐gene resistance, EDS5 is also important for basal resistance to viruses. However, while expression of the Pseudomonas putida nahG gene, which encodes the SA‐degrading salicylate hydroxylase, completely suppressed 35S:EDS5‐conferred resistance against CMV(Y) and TCV, it only partially compromised resistance against CMV(B2), indicating that SA‐dependent and ‐independent mechanisms are associated with 35S:EDS5‐conferred resistance against viruses.
Growth Analysis Using Classical and Curve‐Fitting Methods in Relation to Productivity in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum americanum L. Leeke)
Authors: Chanda S. V. , Joshi K. , Vaishnav P. P. , Singh Y. D.
Published: April 2008

The factors controlling productivity (dry matter production) in a pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum L. Leeke) hybrid BJ‐104 and its inbred parents, J‐104 and 5141‐A, were investigated using the harvest interval and curve‐fitting methods. During initial stages, the hybrid showed highest total dry weight, leaf dry weight and leaf area, than the inbred lines. However, with age these differences decreased considerably. The male parent attained total dry weight almost equal to the hybrid by d 45, whereas the female parent attained it by d59.

The derived growth parameters like RGR, LAR, LWR and SLA showed strong ontogenic decline. Further, considerable cultivar variations were also recorded. Importance of the growth parameters in determining productivity is discussed and it is emphasized that higher accumulation of dry matter during initial seedling stages may be an important factor.
Elongation Rate of Wheat Root Axes
Authors: Sharma R. B. , Ghildyal B. P.
Published: April 2008

The elongation rate of seminal root axes for two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes (one gene dwarf Sonalika RR‐21 and three gene dwarf UP 301) grown in pots under three fluctuating soil water tension regimes of 0.3 to 0.8, 2.0 to 2.5 and 4.0 to 4.5 bars was measured throughout the growing period.

Two distinct peaks were observed for both genotypes. The first peak of highest elongation rate (25.0 to 35.5 mm day−1) for both genotypes occurred during 22–28 days after planting which corresponds to the crown root initiation stage of the crop. The second lower peak (11.2 to 14.5 mm day−1) occurred during 49–60 days after planting for Sonalika RR‐21 but 60–72 days for UP 301. The time of occurrence of second peak corresponds to the stem elongation stage.

The elongation rate of root axes differed significantly for different stages and genotypes but when considered over the whole growing season, soil water tension regimes showed no effect. Over a period of 72 days from planting, average elongation rate ranged from 11.3 to 12.7 mm day−1. The elongation rate of root axes bore no consistent relationship with either mean air or soil temperature at 5 and 15 cm depths that prevailed during crop growth period.
What determines the molecular composition of abnormal protein aggregates in neurodegenerative disease?
Authors: Armstrong Richard A. , Lantos Peter L. , Cairns Nigel J.
Published: April 2008

Abnormal protein aggregates, in the form of either extracellular plaques or intracellular inclusions, are an important pathological feature of the majority of neurodegenerative disorders. The major molecular constituents of these lesions, viz., β‐amyloid (Aβ), tau, and α‐synuclein, have played a defining role in the diagnosis and classification of disease and in studies of pathogenesis. The molecular composition of a protein aggregate, however, is often complex and could be the direct or indirect consequence of a pathogenic gene mutation, be the result of cell degeneration, or reflect the acquisition of new substances by diffusion and molecular binding to existing proteins. This review examines the molecular composition of the major protein aggregates found in the neurodegenerative diseases including the Aβ and prion protein (PrP) plaques found in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and prion disease, respectively, and the cellular inclusions found in the tauopathies and synucleinopathies. The data suggest that the molecular constituents of a protein aggregate do not directly cause cell death but are largely the consequence of cell degeneration or are acquired during the disease process. These findings are discussed in relation to diagnosis and to studies of to disease pathogenesis.
Factors enabling home death of the elderly in an institution specializing in home medical care: Analysis of apprehension of the bereaved family
Authors: Akiyama Akiko , Numata Kumiko , Mikami Hiroshi
Published: April 2008

Aim:  To determine the factors enabling home death despite caregiver apprehension about home medical care.

Methods:  This study was an anonymous mailed survey of bereaved family members (the caregiver) of patients who died in a home medical care setting provided by an institution specializing in home medical care in Japan (home death rate, ∼80%). We analyzed the relationships between caregiver apprehension about home medical care, overall satisfaction with home medical care and the place of death.

Results:  Higher caregiver apprehension about home medical care and lower overall satisfaction with home medical care were significantly associated with dying in a hospital. In addition, the home death group with apprehension about home medical care significantly rated higher overall satisfaction with home medical care than the hospital death group. Meanwhile, there was no difference in the overall satisfaction with home medical care between those with or without apprehension about home medical care in the home death group. Factors influencing overall satisfaction with home medical care in the home death group with apprehension about home medical care were: (i) being free from pain or symptoms (partial regression coefficient: 0.83); and (ii) fulfilled medical care service system (partial regression coefficient: 0.40).

Conclusion:  These results suggest that caregiver satisfaction with home medical care is an essential factor to enable home death of the patient despite the caregiver apprehension about home medical care.
Description of an orthopedic–geriatric model of care in Australia with 3 years data
Authors: Chong Carol , Christou Joanna , Fitzpatrick Kylie , Wee Rohan , Lim Wen Kwang
Published: April 2008

Aim:  Orthopedic–geriatric units have been established worldwide to improve the care of older patients admitted with fractures. This study describes one type of orthopedic–geriatric model which has been implemented in Victoria, Australia, named the Orthopedic Aged Care and Rehabilitation Service (OARS) and evaluates patient characteristics and outcomes including inpatient mortality.

Methods:  Eight hundred and thirty‐four consecutive admissions under OARS between May 2003 and May 2006 were analyzed.

Results:  Mean age was 76.6 years, the majority of patients were female (73%) and had come from home (77%). Fractured neck of femur represented 51% of all fractures managed by OARS followed by lower limb fractures (20%) and upper limb fractures (13%). The majority of patients required inpatient rehabilitation (49% of patients overall and 61% specifically for fractured neck of femur). Inpatient mortality for all fractures was 2.5% and specifically 3.5% for fractured neck of femur.

Conclusion:  The OARS model involves close liaison between orthopedic and geriatric teams and promotes a multidisciplinary approach. Mortality rate for fractured neck of femur was lower than the state average, suggesting that combined orthopedic–geriatric care can improve outcomes.
Body composition analysis by leg‐to‐leg bioelectrical impedance and dual‐energy X–ray absorptiometry in non‐obese and obese individuals
Authors: Boneva‐Asiova Z. , Boyanov M. A.
Published: April 2008

Aim:  The aim of this study is to compare total weight, % body fat (% BF), fat mass (FM) and fat‐free mass (FFM) measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual‐energy X–ray absorptiometry (DXA).

Methods:  This cross‐sectional study included 159 women (mean age: 49.1 ± 10.0 years) and 124 men (mean age: 51.4 ± 8.0 years) subdivided according to sex and body mass index (BMI): BMI < 30 kg/m2 (66 women and 50 men); BMI 30–35 kg/m2 (53 women and 44 men) and BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 (40 women and 30 men). Bioelectrical impedance was performed in the fasting state on a Tanita TBF‐215 leg‐to‐leg analyser (Tanita, Tokyo, Japan). Whole‐body DXA scans were performed on a Hologic QDR 4500 A bone densitometer (Hologic, Bedford, MA, USA). Total weight, % BF, FM and FFM were tested for intermethod differences. Linear regression and correlation analysis was performed. Limits of agreement and Bland–Altman plots were built.

Results:  DXA‐derived body composition parameters were not significantly different from BIA estimates and were highly correlated (e.g. for FFM, r = 0.82–0.95). In lean individuals, BIA tended to produce lower values for FM and % BF and higher ones for FFM in comparison with DXA. This trend was reversed at BMI > 35 kg/m2. The correlations decreased with increasing BMI. The limits of agreement were much better in men than in women and increased with increasing BMI in both sexes.

Conclusions:  Compared with DXA, the leg‐to‐leg Tanita TBF‐215 analyser accurately assessed body composition in a heterogeneous group of both sexes. In the very obese women (BMI > 35 kg/m2), BIA measurements should be viewed with caution.
Effect of caloric restriction with and without exercise training on oxidative stress and endothelial function in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wycherley T. P. , Brinkworth G. D. , Noakes M. , Buckley J. D. , Clifton P. M.
Published: April 2008

Aim:  Effects of dietary weight loss on endothelial function, particularly when combined with exercise training, is largely unknown in type 2 diabetes. We sought to determine whether aerobic exercise training provided any additional improvements in endothelial function, oxidative stress or other established markers of cardiovascular risk when combined with an energy‐restricted diet in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods:  In a parallel study design, 29 sedentary, overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes (age 52.4 ± 1.4 years and BMI 34.2 ± 0.9 kg/m2) were randomized to a 12‐week moderate energy‐restricted diet (∼5000 kJ/day and ∼30% energy deficit) with or without aerobic exercise training [diet only (D), n = 16 and diet plus exercise (DE), n = 13]. Body weight, cardiovascular risk markers, malondialdehyde (MDA, oxidative stress marker), 24‐h urinary nitrate/nitrite and flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery were measured pre‐ and postintervention.

Results:  Both interventions reduced body weight (D 8.9%, DE 8.5%, time effect p < 0.001). Significant reductions in body fat, waist circumference, blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin, glucose, insulin resistance, lipids and MDA and increases in urinary nitrite/nitrate were observed in both groups (time effect p ≤ 0.05); however, these changes were not different between treatments. At baseline, FMD was similar in both groups (D 2.5 ± 0.9%, DE 4.2 ± 1.2%; p = 0.25) and did not change after the interventions (p = 0.59).

Conclusions:  These results suggest that lifestyle interventions incorporating diet with or without exercise improve glycaemic control, reduce oxidative stress and improve other cardiovascular risk factors but do not improve FMD in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes.
Hypoglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with a combination of metformin and sulphonylurea therapy in France
Authors: Vexiau P. , Mavros P. , Krishnarajah G. , Lyu R. , Yin D.
Published: April 2008

Context:  Hypoglycaemia from antihyperglycaemic drugs may have a significant impact on patients’ health‐related quality of life. Combination use of metformin and a sulphonylurea has become increasingly common; yet, the impact of hypoglycaemia on quality of life in these patients is not well documented.

Objective:  To examine patient‐reported experience of hypoglycaemia, worry about hypoglycaemic symptoms and the impact of hypoglycaemia on patients’ quality of life associated with use of sulphonylurea co‐administered with metformin.

Design:  This was an observational, cross‐sectional, multi‐centre study.

Setting:  A total of 98 primary care centres in France during October to December 2005.

Patients:  A total of 400 patients with type 2 diabetes, who were ≥35 years old and who had been treated with metformin and a sulphonylurea for at least 6 months, completed questionnaires during their usual primary care office visit.

Main Outcome Measures:  Frequency and severity of hypoglycaemic symptoms in the past 6 months, the Worry subscale of the Hypoglycaemic Fear Survey‐II (HFS‐II) and the EuroQol‐5 Dimensions (EQ‐5D) questionnaire.

Results:  A total of 136 (34%) patients reported experiencing hypoglycaemia, of whom 78 (58%) experienced mild, 40 (30%) experienced moderate and 16 (12%) experienced severe or very severe symptoms. Mean score on the HFS‐II Worry scale was higher for patients who reported having hypoglycaemia than for those who did not (19.0 vs. 10.2; p < 0.0001) and increased with severity of hypoglycaemic symptoms. In linear regression analyses, more severe symptoms of hypoglycaemia were significantly associated with higher scores on the HFS‐II Worry scale (p = 0.0162) among patients with hypoglycaemic symptoms. Summary scores on the EQ‐5D were lower for patients who reported hypoglycaemia than for those who did not (p = 0.0001) and, in multivariate analysis, the experience of hypoglycaemia was negatively associated with the EQ‐5D summary score (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion:  The occurrence and severity of hypoglycaemic symptoms were associated with increased patient worry about hypoglycaemia and lower health‐related quality of life among type 2 diabetic patients being treated with both metformin and a sulphonylurea.
Gender differences in C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist and adiponectin levels in the metabolic syndrome: a population‐based study
Authors: Saltevo J. , Vanhala M. , Kautiainen H. , Kumpusalo E. , Laakso M.
Published: April 2008

Aims  We explored gender differences in the association of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra) and adiponectin with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria.

Methods  A population‐based study of 923 middle‐aged subjects in Pieksämäki, East Finland.

Results  The prevalence of the MetS according to the IDF and NCEP definitions was 38% and 34% in men (N = 405) and 34% and 27% in women (N = 497), respectively. hs‐CRP and IL‐1Ra levels were higher in subjects with the MetS compared with those without the MetS in both sexes (P < 0.001). The levels of hs‐CRP (P < 0.001) and IL‐1Ra (P = 0.0016 for NCEP criteria, P = 0.0028 for IDF criteria) were significantly higher in women with MetS than in men with MetS. In contrast, in subjects without MetS, no gender differences in the levels of hs‐CRP or IL‐1Ra were found.

Conclusion  Women with MetS, defined by the IDF or NCEP criteria, had higher levels of hs‐CRP and IL‐1Ra than did men with MetS. Thus, low‐grade inflammation may contribute to the high risk of cardiovascular disease in women with MetS.
A psychosocial taxonomy of patients with diabetes: validation in a primary care setting
Authors: Guck T. P. , Banfield M. A. , Tran S. M. , Levy J. F. , Goodman M. D. , Barone E. J. , Goeser A. L.
Published: April 2008

Aims  The aims of this study were (i) to extend a psychosocial taxonomy of patients with diabetes to a primary care setting, and (ii) to validate the taxonomy using more sophisticated clustering methods across an array of psychological dimensions independent of demographic and medical variables.

Methods  In a cross‐sectional study, 111 adults with Type 2 diabetes seen in a primary care setting completed the Multidimensional Diabetes Questionnaire and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). They also provided diabetes‐specific self‐report measures along with HbA1c.

Results  Four psychosocial patient profiles were identified using model‐based cluster analysis in a US primary care setting. The four profiles represent a replication of two and refinement of a third profile found previously in French‐speaking patients at diabetes education centres. Validation of the profiles using the BSI was replicated for depression and extended to other psychological dimensions. The validity and distinctiveness of the four psychosocial profiles were independent of demographic and diabetes‐specific medical variables.

Conclusion  Replication and extended validation of the psychosocial taxonomy into primary care may allow healthcare workers to supplement medical treatments with psychosocial interventions that can improve outcomes for patients with diabetes that are practical, individually tailored, and cost‐effective.
Age‐specific direct healthcare costs attributable to diabetes in a Swedish population: a register‐based analysis
Authors: Wiréhn A.‐B. , Andersson A. , Östgren C. J. , Carstensen J.
Published: April 2008

Aims  The aim of this population‐based study was to explore the age‐specific additional direct healthcare cost for patients with diabetes compared with the non‐diabetic population.

Methods  In 1999–2005, patients with diabetes in the Swedish county of Östergötland (n = 20 876) were identified from an administrative database. Cost data on the healthcare expenditure in primary healthcare, out‐patient hospital care and in‐patient care for the entire county population (n = ~415 000) in 2005 were extracted from a cost per patient (CPP) database, which includes information on all utilized healthcare resources in the county. Data on drug sales were obtained from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register.

Results  The cost per person was 1.8 times higher in patients with diabetes than in the non‐diabetic population, 7.7 times higher in children and 1.3 times higher in subjects aged > 75 years. The additional cost per person for diabetes was €1971; €3930 and €1367, respectively, for children and subjects aged > 75 years. The proportion of total additional diabetes costs attributable to in‐patient care increased with age from 25 to 50%; in‐patient care was the most expensive component at all ages except in children, for whom visiting a specialist was most expensive. The diabetes‐related segment of the total healthcare cost was 6.6%, increasing from 2.0% in children to 10.3% in the age group 65–74 years, declining to 6.2% in the oldest age group.

Conclusions  The direct medical cost of diabetes varies considerably by age. Knowledge about the influence of age on healthcare costs to society will be important in future planning of diabetes management.
Effects of the Diabetes Manual 1:1 structured education in primary care
Authors: Sturt J. A. , Whitlock S. , Fox C. , Hearnshaw H. , Farmer A. J. , Wakelin M. , Eldridge S. , Griffiths F. , Dale J.
Published: April 2008

Aims  To determine the effects of the Diabetes Manual on glycaemic control, diabetes‐related distress and confidence to self‐care of patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  A cluster randomized, controlled trial of an intervention group vs. a 6‐month delayed‐intervention control group with a nested qualitative study. Participants were 48 urban general practices in the West Midlands, UK, with high population deprivation levels and 245 adults with Type 2 diabetes with a mean age of 62 years recruited pre‐randomization. The Diabetes Manual is 1:1 structured education designed for delivery by practice nurses. Measured outcomes were HbA1c, cardiovascular risk factors, diabetes‐related distress measured by the Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale and confidence to self‐care measured by the Diabetes Management Self‐Efficacy Scale. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 26 weeks.

Results  There was no significant difference in HbA1c between the intervention group and the control group [difference −0.08%, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.28, 0.11]. Diabetes‐related distress scores were lower in the intervention group compared with the control group (difference −4.5, 95% CI −8.1, −1.0). Confidence to self‐care Scores were 11.2 points higher (95% CI 4.4, 18.0) in the intervention group compared with the control group. The patient response rate was 18.5%.

Conclusions  In this population, the Diabetes Manual achieved a small improvement in patient diabetes‐related distress and confidence to self‐care over 26 weeks, without a change in glycaemic control. Further study is needed to optimize the intervention and characterize those for whom it is more clinically and psychologically effective to support its use in primary care.
Hierarchical Integration: The Dollar Economy and the Rupee Economy
Authors: Krishna Anirudh , Pieterse Jan Nederveen
Published: April 2008

While contemporary globalization makes the world more interconnected, it also reworks and builds on existing cleavages and uneven development. This is an under‐researched dimension of the emerging twenty‐first century international division of labour. The core question is whether new developments (associated with exports, offshoring and outsourcing) spin off to the majority in the countryside and the urban poor. This article examines the relationship between the dollar economy and the rupee economy in India. It documents the ways in which inequality is built into and sustains India's development. The authors discuss other instances of multi‐speed economies and analytics that seek to come to grips with these relations, from combined and uneven development to global value chains. They present three ways of capturing contemporary inequality: asymmetric inclusion, enlargement‐and‐containment and hierarchical integration, each of which captures different dimensions of inequality.
Transnational Advocacy Networks and Affirmative Action for Dalits in India
Authors: Lerche Jens
Published: April 2008

In India, movements and parties representing the lowest ranking dalit caste groups have followed different strategies in their struggle against social, economic and cultural discrimination. In this article, a new dalit movement making use of a ‘transnational advocacy network strategy’ will be compared to a more ‘classical’dalit political party. The main policy target for the new movement is an extension of existing affirmative action policies, while the dalit BSP party focuses more on emancipatory issues. Based on an analysis of the impacts of the BSP and of the new movement at the grassroots level, it is argued that the achievements of the new movement are tempered by the fact that in order to make use of international discourses and political pressure, the movement has had to develop a strategy and policy proposals compatible with existing mainstream neoliberal discourses. This depoliticizes the policies, and hence makes them of less importance strategically. It is argued that this is likely to be a difficulty for transnational advocacy networks in general.
Communal Tenure and Rural Poverty: Land Transactions in Svosve Communal Area, Zimbabwe
Authors: Chimhowu Admos , Woodhouse Philip
Published: April 2008

The idea of communal tenure has formed a key plank in the rural governance of Zimbabwe since independence, but its retention following the Fast Track land reforms of 2000–2002 perpetuates a distinction between ‘commercial’ land governed by a land market and ‘communal’ land on which market transactions are illegal. This article draws on recent research in Svosve Communal Area to examine the dynamics of land access and their implications for rural poverty in Zimbabwe. The authors argue that, as in many other parts of Africa, access to land governed by customary authority in Svosve is increasingly commoditized via informal, or ‘vernacular’, sales or rental markets. In failing to acknowledge and address this commoditization of land, the ‘communitarian’ discourse of customary land rights that dominates the politics of land in Zimbabwe — as elsewhere in much of Africa — undermines, rather than protects, the livelihoods of the rural poor.
Investment under Uncertainty, Debt and Taxes
Authors: Gamba Andrea , Sick Gordon A. , Aranda León Carmen
Published: April 2008

It is common practice in financial derivative valuation to use a discount factor based on the riskless debt rate. But, to what extent is this discount factor appropriate for cash flows emerging in capital budgeting? To answer this question, we introduce a framework for real asset valuation that considers both personal and corporate taxation. We first discuss broad circumstances under which personal taxes do not affect valuation. We show that the appropriate discount rate for equity‐financed flows in a risk‐neutral setting is an equity rate that differs from the riskless debt rate by a tax wedge due to the presence of personal taxation. We extend this result to the valuation of the interest tax shield for exogenous debt policy with default risk. Interest tax shields, which accrue at a net rate corresponding to the difference between the corporate tax rate and a tax rate related to the personal tax rates, can have either positive or negative values. We also provide an illustrative real options application of our valuation approach to the case of an option to delay investment in a project, showing that the application of Black and Scholes formula may be incorrect in presence of personal taxes.
SHOULD WE SAY THAT THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL HAS FAILED?
Authors: OVIEDO LLUÍS
Published: April 2008

Forty years after the end of the Second Vatican Council, contrasting opinions dispute the range of its reception and its real effects as the Catholic Church struggles in a changing world of secularization and pluralism. The present paper tries to throw new light on the historical significance of that event, mobilizing different methods and applying some new ‘hermeneutical lenses’. Four topics will serve for this task: the ‘neo‐Enlightened’ mood that affected a fair amount of its reception; the evolutive process of variations and selections associated with it; the forms of ‘rationalization’ and ‘expansion’, which the Council promoted; and the theological challenge of discerning the ‘signs of the time’. In conclusion, the historical judgment on the Council should keep in mind the complexity of the entire process of modernization it assumed.
Genetic conservation of the GIL blood group determining aquaporin 3 gene in African and Caucasian populations
Authors: Bahamontes‐Rosa Noemí , Tena‐Tomás Cristina , Wolkow Jana , Kremsner Peter G. , Kun Jürgen F.
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND: The human GIL blood group is encoded by the aquaporin 3 (AQP3), a water‐glycerol channel present in human red cell (RBC) membranes. So far no molecular investigation of this gene has been performed in an African population.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To analyze the genetic variability of the AQP3 gene in African and European persons, all exons including the boundaries to introns and the promoter region were sequenced. AQP3 mRNA levels in children affected by uncomplicated and by severe malarial anemia were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).

RESULTS: Two mutations in the promoter region and three synonymous mutations in the exons 1, 2, and 4 were found. The promoter polymorphisms, however, were not associated with the expression level of AQP3 measured in whole blood. Significant differences in AQP3 expression were found between malaria diseases severity groups (p = 0.017).

CONCLUSION: AQP3 is a highly conserved gene. Although reticulocytes are highly abundant in malarial anemia, low AQP3 expression was observed. This may be a result of an impaired erythropoiesis.
Lipid and apolipoprotein levels and enteral nutrition in very low‐birth‐weight preterm infants
Authors: Decsi T. , Fekete M. , Szåsz M. , Burus I.
Published: April 2008

Lipid, lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A‐I, A‐II and B levels were determined in 10 very low‐birth‐weight (birth weight 1279 ± 144 g; gestational age 29.2 ± 1.2 weeks, mean ± SD) preterm infants on postnatal days 3, 10 and 21. Feeding with pooled human milk began on day 3 ± 1 and by day 10 all infants were exclusively enterally fed. Both triglyceride and total cholesterol levels increased significantly from day 3 to day 10 (0.84 ± 0.28 versus 1.53 ± 0.72 and 2.42 ± 0.47 versus 3.24 ± 0.80, mmol/l, respectively) (p<0.01); thereafter no further increase was observed. The increase in total cholesterol level was primarily due to a significant enhancement of very low‐density lipoprotein and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.52 ± 0.34 versus 2.29 ± 0.73 mmol/l, p<0.01). Apo A‐I, A‐II and B levels did not change between day 3 and day 10. From day 10 to day 21, however, a significant increase in apo A‐I concentration was noted (0.57 ± 0.20 versus 0.87 ± 0.17 g/l, p<0.01), whereas apo A‐II levels increased significantly from day 3 to 21 (0.15 ± 0.03 versus 0.27 ± 0.08 g/l, p<0.01). No change in apo B level was seen.