bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technological affordances of risk and blame: the case of the electronic prescription service in England
Authors: Petrakaki Dimitra , Waring Justin , Barber Nicholas
Published: March 2014

Information and communication technology (ICT) is often presented by health policymakers and software designers as a means for reducing clinical risk, leading to safer clinical practice. Studies have challenged this view, showing how technology can produce new or unanticipated risks. Although research seeks to objectively identify these risks, we recognise that technological risks are socially constructed through the interaction of technology and practice. The aim of this article is to explore how technology affords opportunities for the social construction and control of risk in health care settings. Drawing upon a study of the electronic prescription service introduced in the National Health Service in England, we make three arguments. Firstly, as technology interacts with social practice (for example, through policy and the design and use ofICT) it affords opportunities for the construction of risk through its interpretive flexibility, transformative capacity and materiality. Secondly, social actors interpret these risks within and across professional boundaries and cultures. Thirdly, the social construction of risk affords certain implications to policymakers, designers and users of healthICT, specifically a reordering of power and responsibility and a recasting of questions of blame. These, in turn, raise questions concerning the boundaries and bearers of responsibility.
Achieving visibility? Use of non‐verbal communication in interactions between patients and pharmacists who do not share a common language
Authors: Stevenson Fiona
Published: March 2014

Despite the seemingly insatiable interest in healthcare professional–patient communication, less attention has been paid to the use of non‐verbal communication in medical consultations. This article considers pharmacists' and patients' use of non‐verbal communication to interact directly in consultations in which they do not share a common language. In total, 12 video‐recorded, interpreted pharmacy consultations concerned with a newly prescribed medication or a change in medication were analysed in detail. The analysis focused on instances of direct communication initiated by either the patient or the pharmacist, despite the presence of a multilingual pharmacy assistant acting as an interpreter. Direct communication was shown to occur through (i) the demonstration of a medical device, (ii) the indication of relevant body parts and (iii) the use of limited English. These connections worked to make patients and pharmacists visible to each other and thus to maintain a sense of mutual involvement in consultations within which patients and pharmacists could enact professionally and socially appropriate roles. In a multicultural society this work is important in understanding the dynamics involved in consultations in situations in which language is not shared and thus in considering the development of future research and policy.
Russia's social upper class: from ostentation to culturedness
Authors: Schimpfossl Elisabeth
Published: March 2014

This article discusses examples of strategies employed by representatives of Russia's new social upper class to acquire social distinction. By the late 2000s many of the upper‐class Russians included in this study distanced themselves from the conspicuous ostentation ascribed to the brutish 1990s. Instead, they strove to gain legitimacy for their social position by no longer aggressively displaying their wealth, but instead elaborating more refined and individualized tastes and manners and reviving a more cultured image and self‐image. These changes found their expression in various modes of social distinction ranging from external signs, such as fashion and cars, to ostentation vicariously exercised through the people these upper‐class Russians surrounded themselves with.

The article will trace these interviewees' strategies for distinction in the late 2000s by discussing tastes in lifestyle and consumption as well as adornment through sartorial signs and through vicarious ostentation, as exemplified by their choice of female company. Changing attitudes towards vehicles and modes of transport, with special regards to the Moscow Metro, will serve as a further illustration of modes of distinction. Crucial for this discussion is the role of the Russian/Soviet intelligentsia, both for vicarious status assertion and elite distinction anchored in the interviewees' social backgrounds.
Verification of the anatomy and newly discovered histology of the G‐spot complex
Authors: Ostrzenski A , Krajewski P , Ganjei‐Azar P , Wasiutynski AJ , Scheinberg MN , Tarka S , Fudalej M
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To expand the anatomical investigations of the G‐spot and to assess the G‐spot's characteristic histological and immunohistochemical features.

Design

An observational study.

Setting

International multicentre.

Population

Eight consecutive fresh human female cadavers.

Methods

Anterior vaginal wall dissections were executed and G‐spot microdissections were performed. All specimens were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The tissues of two women were selected at random for immunohistochemical staining.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was to document the anatomy of the G‐spot. The secondary outcome measures were to identify the histology of the G‐spot and to determine whether histological samples stained with H&E are sufficient to identify the G‐spot.

Results

The anatomical existence of the G‐spot was identified in all women and was in a diagonal plane. In seven (87.5%) and one (12.5%) of the women the G‐spot complex was found on the left or right side, respectively. The G‐spot was intimately fused with vessels, creating a complex. A large tangled vein‐like vascular structure resembled an arteriovenous malformation and there were a few smaller feeding arteries. A band‐like structure protruded from the tail of the G‐spot. The size of the G‐spot varied. Histologically, the G‐spot was determined as a neurovascular complex structure. The neural component contained abundant peripheral nerve bundles and a nerve ganglion. The vascular component comprised large vein‐like vessels and smaller feeding arteries. Circular and longitudinal muscles covered the G‐complex.

Conclusion

The anatomy of the G‐spot complex was confirmed. The histology of the G‐spot presents as neurovascular tissues with a nerve ganglion. H&E staining is sufficient for the identification of the G‐spot complex.
Daidzein stimulates collagen synthesis by activating the TGF‐β/smad signal pathway
Authors: Zhao Di , Shi Yuling , Dang Yongyan , Zhai Yimiao , Ye Xiyun
Published: March 2014

Background/Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of daidzein on collagen metabolism and its underlying mechanism in cultured skin fibroblast and nude mouse skin.

Methods

Skin fibroblasts were exposed to different concentrations of daidzein (0.5–50 μg/mL) for 24 h or 48 h, respectively. Female nude mice were treated topically with 200 μg/mL daidzein once a day for 6 weeks. Cell viability and cell cycle were determined by MTT and flow cytometer. The transcriptional activity of collagen type I was evaluated and the expression of procollagen, matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP1) and MMP2 were measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. A Western blot analysis was applied to detect the levels of phosphorylated‐Smad2 and Smad3.

Results

In the daidzein‐treated cells the expression of type I procollagen increased markedly while the expressions of MMP1, and MMP2 was significantly inhibited. Additionally, the mouse skin showed more collagen deposition after daidzein treatment. The levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, phosphorylated‐smad2 and smad3 were also higher in the daidzein treated skin fibroblasts than in the controls.

Conclusions

The results showed that daidzein treatment can increase skin collagen synthesis and inhibit collagen degradation in vitro and in vivo. It seems that TGF‐β/smad signalling pathways play an important role in daidzein‐induced collagen accumulation.
Suboptimal care and metabolic acidemia is associated with neonatal encephalopathy but not with neonatal seizures alone: a population‐based clinical audit
Authors: Jonsson Maria , Ågren Johan , Nordén‐Lindeberg Solveig , Ohlin Andreas , Hanson Ulf
Published: March 2014

Objective

To determine the incidence of moderate to severe neonatal encephalopathy (NE) and neonatal seizures without encephalopathy, and the association with metabolic acidemia. Secondly, to investigate the occurrence of suboptimal intrapartum care and its impact on neonatal outcome.

Design

Clinical audit.

Setting

Two university hospitals in Sweden.

Population

Neonates ≥34 weeks with moderate or severe NE and neonatal seizures alone, i.e. without encephalopathy, from a population of 71 189 births, where umbilical blood gases were routinely analyzed.

Methods

Neonates were categorized depending on the presence of metabolic acidemia at birth by umbilical artery pH < 7.00, base deficit ≥12 mmol/L. Records were audited for suboptimal care and a decision was made on whether management was assessed to have impacted neonatal outcome.

Main outcome measures

Encephalopathy and seizures alone.

Results

We identified 80 neonates with NE and 30 with seizures alone, of which 48 (60%) and none, respectively, had metabolic acidemia. Suboptimal care could be assessed in 77 and occurred in 28 (36%) NE cases and in one neonate with seizures alone (p < 0.001). In 47 NE cases with metabolic acidemia, suboptimal care occurred in 22 (47%) vs. 6/30 (20%) without metabolic acidemia (p = 0.02). Suboptimal care had an impact on outcome in 18/77 (23%) NE cases but in no cases with seizures alone.

Conclusion

Suboptimal care was commonly seen with NE, particularly in neonates with metabolic acidemia, and also affected neonatal outcome. No such associations were found in neonates with seizures alone.
Stem cell therapy for bone repair: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of preclinical studies with large animal models
Authors: Liao Yun , Zhang Xiao‐Long , Li Ling , Shen Fu‐Ming , Zhong Ming‐Kang
Published: March 2014

Aim

Injury to bone is a significant clinical challenge, due to its limited regenerative capacity. The current methods of repairing bone defect are surgical, highly invasive and not always successful. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of preclinical studies involving large animals with bone defects were conducted to determine the treatment outcomes with stem cell therapies.

Methods

A random effects meta‐analysis of the available studies was conducted to assess the treatment outcomes including the rate of new bone formation and new bone mineral density (BMD). Stratified analyses were also conducted by separating studies based on each characteristic independently.

Results

Pooled analysis of 20 preclinical studies showed a significant beneficial effect of stem cell therapy in increasing new bone formation (17.79%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.54, 25.03; P < 0.001) and BMD (276.94 mg cm−2, 95% CI, 62.71, 491.17; P < 0.001) for disease amelioration. Regarding new bone formation, a statistical improvement was similarly detected from randomized controlled trial groups (17.06%, 95% CI, 8.87, 25.24; P < 0.001) and cohort groups (17.43%, 95% CI, 10.79, 24.07; P < 0.001). Exploratory stratified analysis yielded significant predictors of new bone formation including cell number (<107 vs. ≥107; P = 0.048) and the route of cell delivery (combining with matrix scaffold showed more effect than direct cell injection, P = 0.041). The effect of stem cell therapy diminished after 12 weeks.

Conclusion

The study results suggest that stem cell therapy improves new bone formation and BMD in bone defect models. Future trials should focus on the transplantation of ≥107 stem cells, especially using slow release biodegradable scaffolds or repetitive cell injections.
Modelling of Human Transplacental Transport as Performed in Copenhagen, Denmark
Authors: Mathiesen Line , Mørck Thit Aarøe , Zuri Giuseppina , Andersen Maria Helena , Pehrson Caroline , Frederiksen Marie , Mose Tina , Rytting Erik , Poulsen Marie S. , Nielsen Jeanette KS. , Knudsen Lisbeth E.
Published: March 2014

Placenta perfusion models are very effective when studying the placental mechanisms in order to extrapolate to real‐life situations. The models are most often used to investigate the transport of substances between mother and foetus, including the potential metabolism of these. We have studied the relationships between maternal and foetal exposures to various compounds including pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated flame retardants, nanoparticles as well as recombinant human antibodies. The compounds have been studied in the human placenta perfusion model and to some extent in vitro with an established human monolayer trophoblast cell culture model. Results from our studies distinguish placental transport of substances by physicochemical properties, adsorption to placental tissue, binding to transport and receptor proteins and metabolism. We have collected data from different classes of chemicals and nanoparticles for comparisons across chemical structures as well as different test systems. Our test systems are based on human material to bypass the extrapolation from animal data. By combining data from our two test systems, we are able to rank and compare the transport of different classes of substances according to their transport ability. Ultimately, human data including measurements in cord blood contribute to the study of placental transport.
The Inhibitory Effect of Intravesical Fisetin against Bladder Cancer by Induction of p53 and Down‐Regulation of NF‐kappa B Pathways in a Rat Bladder Carcinogenesis Model
Authors: Li Jing , Qu Weixing , Cheng Yongyi , Sun Yi , Jiang Yazhuo , Zou Tiejun , Wang Zhiping , Xu Yonggang , Zhao Huacai
Published: March 2014

Intravesical chemotherapy after transurethral resection has been widely used as an adjuvant therapy to prevent recurrence and progression of superficial bladder cancer. Due to the insufficiency of the current chemotherapeutics, there is an urgent need to search for more novel, effective and safe intravesical agents. Previously, we have proved the in vitro apoptotic effects of fisetin, a dietary flavonoid, on bladder carcinoma cells. In the present study, we have further explored its intravesical efficacy and investigated the underlying mechanisms of its inhibitory effect of bladder cancer through an autochthonous rat model of bladder cancer induced by intravesical N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea (MNU). We found that fisetin‐induced apoptosis in bladder cancer is mediated via modulation of two related pathways: up‐regulation of p53 and down‐regulation of NF‐κB pathway activity, causing changes in the ratio of pro‐ and antiapoptotic proteins. Meanwhile, administration of fisetin significantly reduced the incidence of MNU‐induced bladder tumours by suppressing NF‐κB activation and modulating the expression of NF‐κB target genes that regulate cell proliferation and cell apoptosis. Our study suggests that the activation of p53 and inhibition of the NF‐κB pathway may play important roles in the fisetin‐induced apoptosis in bladder cancer. Furthermore, intravesical fisetin effectively inhibited, without any toxicity, the carcinogenesis of bladder cancer in MNU‐initiated rats. These findings identify the in vivo chemopreventive efficacy of fisetin and suggest that fisetin could be used as a novel, effective and safe intravesical agent for bladder cancer.
Schistosome infection is negatively associated with mite atopy, but not wheeze and asthma in Ghanaian Schoolchildren
Authors: Obeng B. B. , Amoah A. S. , Larbi I. A. , de Souza D. K. , Uh H.‐W. , Fernández‐Rivas M. , van Ree R. , Rodrigues L. C. , Boakye D. A. , Yazdanbakhsh M. , Hartgers F. C.
Published: March 2014

Background

Epidemiological evidence suggests that helminth infection and rural living are inversely associated with allergic disorders.

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of helminth infections and urban versus rural residence on allergy in schoolchildren from Ghana.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study of 1385 children from urban‐high socio‐economic status (SES), urban‐low SES and rural schools, associations between body mass index (BMI), allergen‐specific IgE (sIgE), parasitic infections and allergy outcomes were analysed. Allergy outcomes were skin prick test (SPT) reactivity, reported current wheeze and asthma.

Results

Helminth infections were found predominantly among rural subjects, and the most common were hookworm (9.9%) and Schistosoma spp (9.5%). Being overweight was highest among urban‐high SES (14.6%) compared to urban‐low SES (5.5%) and rural children (8.6%). The prevalence of SPT reactivity to any allergen was 18.3%, and this was highest among rural children (21.4%) followed by urban‐high SES (20.2%) and urban‐low SES (10.5%) children. Overall, SPT reactivity to mite (12%) was most common. Wheeze and asthma were reported by 7.9% and 8.3%, respectively. In multivariate analyses, factors associated with mite SPT were BMI (aOR 2.43, 95% CI 1.28–4.60, P = 0.007), schistosome infection (aOR 0.15, 95% CI 0.05–0.41) and mite sIgE (aOR 7.40, 95% CI 5.62–9.73, P < 0.001) but not area. However, the association between mite IgE and SPT differed by area and was strongest among urban‐high SES children (aOR = 15.58, 95% CI 7.05–34.43, P < 0.001). Compared to rural, urban‐low SES area was negatively associated with current wheeze (aOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.20–0.83, P = 0.013). Both mite sIgE and mite SPT were significantly associated with current wheeze and asthma.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Infection with schistosomes appeared to protect against mite SPT reactivity. This needs to be confirmed in future studies, preferably in a longitudinal design where schistosome infections are treated and allergic reactions reassessed.
Personalized gene silencing therapeutics for Huntington disease
Authors: Kay C. , Skotte N.H. , Southwell A.L. , Hayden M.R.
Published: March 2014

Gene silencing offers a novel therapeutic strategy for dominant genetic disorders. In specific diseases, selective silencing of only one copy of a gene may be advantageous over non‐selective silencing of both copies. Huntington disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by an expanded CAG trinucleotide repeat in the Huntingtin gene (HTT). Silencing both expanded and normal copies of HTT may be therapeutically beneficial, but preservation of normal HTT expression is preferred. Allele‐specific methods can selectively silence the mutant HTT transcript by targeting either the expanded CAG repeat or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in linkage disequilibrium with the expansion. Both approaches require personalized treatment strategies based on patient genotypes. We compare the prospect of safe treatment of HD by CAG‐ and SNP‐specific silencing approaches and review HD population genetics used to guide target identification in the patient population. Clinical implementation of allele‐specific HTT silencing faces challenges common to personalized genetic medicine, requiring novel solutions from clinical scientists and regulatory authorities.
Outbreak of contact sensitization to methylisothiazolinone: an analysis of French data from the REVIDAL‐GERDA network
Authors: Hosteing Stéphanie , Meyer Nicolas , Waton Julie , Barbaud Annick , Bourrain Jean‐Luc , Raison‐Peyron Nadia , Felix Brigitte , Milpied‐Homsi Brigitte , Ferrier Le Bouedec Marie‐Christine , Castelain Michel , Vital‐Durand Dominique , Debons Michèle , Collet Evelyne , Avenel‐Audran Martine , Mathelier‐Fusade Pascale , Vermeulen Christophe , Assier Haudrey , Gener Gwendoline , Lartigau‐Sezary Isabelle , Catelain‐Lamy Amandine , Giordano‐Labadie Françoise ,   On behalf of REVIDAL‐GERDA network
Published: March 2014

Background

The preservative methylisothiazolinone (MI) is used in combination with methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), but the MCI/MI mixture has been identified as highly allergenic. MI is considered to be less allergenic, and since the mid‐2000s has been widely used alone, but is now clearly identified as a contact allergen. The French Vigilance Network for Dermatology and Allergy of the Study and Research Group on Contact Dermatitis (REVIDAL‐GERDA) added MI to its baseline patch testing series in 2010.

Objective

To evaluate the change in the proportion of MI‐positive tests in France between 2010 and 2012.

Patients/materials/methods

We conducted a nationwide, multicentre, retrospective study of all MI‐tested patients between 2010 and 2012.

Results

Sixteen centres participated in the study (7874 patients were tested). Patch tests were performed mainly at a concentration of MI 200 ppm aq. We observed a significant increase in the proportion of MI‐positive tests in 2012 and 2011 as compared with 2010 (5.6%, 3.3%, and 1.5%, respectively; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We report a significant increase in the number of MI‐positive tests. MI is confirmed to be a rapidly emerging allergen, as also observed in other European countries.
When Is Perception Top‐Down and When Is It Not? Culture, Narrative, and Attention
Authors: Senzaki Sawa , Masuda Takahiko , Ishii Keiko
Published: March 2014

Previous findings in cultural psychology indicated that East Asians are more likely than North Americans to be attentive to contextual information (e.g., Nisbett & Masuda, ). However, to what extent and in which conditions culture influences patterns of attention has not been fully examined. As a result, universal patterns of attention may be obscured, and culturally unique patterns may be wrongly assumed to be constant across situations. By carrying out two cross‐cultural studies, we demonstrated that (a) both European Canadians and Japanese attended to moving objects similarly when the task was to simply observe the visual information; however, (b) there were cultural variations in patterns of attention when participants actively engaged in the task by constructing narratives of their observation (narrative construction). These findings suggest that cultural effects are most pronounced in narrative construction conditions, where the need to act in accordance with a culturally shared meaning system is elicited.
A Hierarchical Bayesian Modeling Approach to Searching and Stopping in Multi‐Attribute Judgment
Authors: van Ravenzwaaij Don , Moore Chris P. , Lee Michael D. , Newell Ben R.
Published: March 2014

In most decision‐making situations, there is a plethora of information potentially available to people. Deciding what information to gather and what to ignore is no small feat. How do decision makers determine in what sequence to collect information and when to stop? In two experiments, we administered a version of the German cities task developed by Gigerenzer and Goldstein (1996), in which participants had to decide which of two cities had the larger population. Decision makers were not provided with the names of the cities, but they were able to collect different kinds of cues for both response alternatives (e.g., “Does this city have a university?”) before making a decision. Our experiments differed in whether participants were free to determine the number of cues they examined. We demonstrate that a novel model, using hierarchical latent mixtures and Bayesian inference (Lee & Newell, ) provides a more complete description of the data from both experiments than simple conventional strategies, such as the take–the–best or the Weighted Additive heuristics.
Testing for taxonomic bias in the future diversity of Australian Odonata
Authors: Bush Alex , Nipperess David A. , Theischinger Gunther , Turak Eren , Hughes Lesley
Published: March 2014

Aim

Invertebrates are often overlooked in assessments of climate change impacts. Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) are a significant component of freshwater macroinvertebrate diversity and are likely to be highly responsive to a changing climate. We investigate whether climate change could lead to significant alteration of continental patterns of diversity and whether vulnerable species are taxonomically clustered.

Location

Australia.

Methods

Habitat suitability of 270 odonate species was modelled, and a simplified phylogeny was developed based on taxonomic relationships and expert opinion. These maps were then combined to compare species richness, endemism, taxonomic diversity (TD) and taxonomic endemism (TE) under climate change scenarios, and estimate turnover in species composition. Based on the concentration of vulnerable species in regions associated with Gondwanan relicts, we tested the possibility that a focus on species loss would underestimate loss of evolutionary diversity.

Results

Species richness of Australian Odonata is concentrated in the Wet Tropics, central‐north Australia and south‐east Queensland. Several additional regions support endemic assemblages, including the Victorian alpine region, the Pilbara and far south‐western Australia. Major shifts in composition are expected across most of the east coast in response to climate change, and Tasmania has the potential to become a major refuge for mainland species. For many regions, the loss of TD is greater than expected based on the changes in species richness, and the loss of suitable habitat was unevenly distributed among families. However, the potential loss of evolutionary diversity among vulnerable species was not significantly different from random.

Main conclusions

The major shifts in the distribution of Australian odonate diversity predicted to occur under climate change imply major challenges for conservation of freshwater biodiversity overall. Although major evolutionary losses may be avoided, climate change is still a serious threat to Australia's Odonata and poses an even greater threat to Australian freshwater biodiversity as a whole.
Diabetes autoantibodies do not predict progression to diabetes in adults: the Diabetes Prevention Program
Authors: Dabelea D. , Ma Y. , Knowler W. C. , Marcovina S. , Saudek C. D. , Arakaki R. , White N. H. , Kahn S. E. , Orchard T. J. , Goldberg R. , Palmer J. , Hamman R. F. ,   The Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group
Published: March 2014

Aims

To determine if the presence of diabetes autoantibodies predicts the development of diabetes among participants in the Diabetes Prevention Program.

Methods

A total of 3050 participants were randomized into three treatment groups: intensive lifestyle intervention, metformin and placebo. Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 65 autoantibodies and insulinoma‐associated‐2 autoantibodies were measured at baseline and participants were followed for 3.2 years for the development of diabetes.

Results

The overall prevalence ofGADautoantibodies was 4.0%, and it varied across racial/ethnic groups from 2.4% among Asian‐Pacific Islanders to 7.0% among non‐Hispanic black people. There were no significant differences inBMIor metabolic variables (glucose, insulin, HbA1c, estimated insulin resistance, corrected insulin response) stratified by baselineGADantibody status.GADautoantibody positivity did not predict diabetes overall (adjusted hazard ratio 0.98; 95%CI0.56–1.73) or in any of the three treatment groups. Insulinoma‐associated‐2 autoantibodies were positive in only one participant (0.033%).

Conclusions

These data suggest that ‘diabetes autoimmunity’, as reflected byGADantibodies and insulinoma‐associated‐2 autoantibodies, in middle‐aged individuals at risk for diabetes is not a clinically relevant risk factor for progression to diabetes.
Association of physical activity with glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk profile in 65 666 people with Type 2 diabetes from Germany and Austria
Authors: Hermann G. , Herbst A. , Schütt M. , Kempe H.‐P. , Krakow D. , Müller‐Korbsch M. , Holl R. W. ,   the Diabetes Patienten Verlaufsdokumentation (DPV)‐initiative and the BMBF Competence Network Diabetes Mellitus
Published: March 2014

Aims

To provide representative data from routine diabetes care concerning the physical activity levels of people with Type 2 diabetes, and to show the association of activity level with cardio‐metabolic risk profile in a gender‐specific analysis.

Methods

The anonymized data from 65 666 subjects with Type 2 diabetes, who have been receiving treatment in specialized diabetes institutions, were analysed using a large multi‐centre database. The population was categorized as physically inactive (PA0), active 1–2 times per week (PA1), active >2 times per week (PA2), and then stratified by age (20–59 and 60–80 years). BMI, glycaemic control (measured by HbA1c levels), blood pressure, lipid profile and therapeutic regimen were adjusted for age, gender and diabetes duration.

Results

Most subjects were inactive (PA0: 90%; PA1: 6%, PA2: 4%). BMI, HbA1c and lipid profiles were better in older subjects and hypertension rates were lower in younger subjects. In both age groups, BMI, HbA1c (both P < 0.0001) and triglycerides (P < 0.002) were lower in the most active group PA2 compared with the inactive group PA0. HDL was higher in elderly (P < 0.0001) and pulse pressure (P = 0.03) lower in younger most active subjects only. Insulin therapy was used more frequently by the physically inactive and by older people.

Conclusions

This survey indicates that glycaemic control and cardio‐metabolic risk profiles in people with Type 2 diabetes are positively related to physical activity. The effects of physical activity were beneficial in younger as well as in older people. The high number of inactive people with diabetes underlines the need to promote physical activity and sport.
Effect of a participant‐driven health education programme in primary care for people with hyperglycaemia detected by screening: 3‐year results from the Ready to Act randomized controlled trial (nested within the ADDITION‐Denmark study)
Authors: Maindal H. T. , Carlsen A. H. , Lauritzen T. , Sandbaek A. , Simmons R. K.
Published: March 2014

Aim

To assess whether a 12‐week participant‐driven health education programme offered to individuals with screening‐detected hyperglycaemia in Danish primary care would lead to improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, health behaviour and patient‐reported outcomes after 3 years.

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled trial in 509 patients with screening‐detected hyperglycaemia (impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance or Type 2 diabetes) from 33 general practices in Denmark. Individuals were pre‐randomized to receive (i) routine care (n = 187), or (ii) an invitation to participate in the Ready to Act health education programme (n = 322). The programme was delivered over 12 weeks in primary care and focused on motivation, action experience, informed decision‐making and social involvement to promote health behaviour change. The primary outcome was 10‐year modelled cardiovascular risk.

Results

Of 322 individuals, 123 (38%) received the intervention and 436/509 individuals (86%) returned for follow‐up assessment. There was no difference between the trial groups in modelled cardiovascular risk at 3 years (relative difference: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.84 to 1.23). Total cholesterol was lower (−0.24mmol/l, 95% CI: −0.45 to −0.03, P = 0.027), and patient activation was higher in the intervention than in the control group (5.3, 95% CI: 0.97 to 9.7). No other between‐group differences were observed for any cardiovascular risk factor, health behaviour or patient‐reported outcome variables. Subgroup analyses suggested that the intervention was more beneficial in those with impaired fasting glucose/impaired glucose tolerance than in those with Type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion

For patients with screening‐detected hyperglycaemia, a participant‐driven health education programme was not associated with improvements in most clinical, behavioural and patient‐reported outcomes after 3 years of follow‐up.
Increasing host age does not have the expected negative effects on the fitness parameters of an egg parasitoid
Authors: Zhou Y. , Abram P. K. , Boivin G. , Brodeur J.
Published: March 2014

Host age is an important determinant of host acceptance and suitability for egg parasitoids. As host embryonic development advances, the quality of resources available to the parasitoid offspring typically declines, usually resulting in reduced acceptance levels by foraging females and lower offspring fitness. We examined the ability of the parasitoid Telenomus podisi Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) to parasitize and develop in Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) eggs of different ages. In laboratory experiments, we measured the effect of host age (6, 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 h old) on parasitism rate and offspring fitness parameters such as survival, development time, sex ratio, and size. Contrary to our expectations, parasitism rate did not differ between host age treatments, nor did sex ratio allocation, offspring size, or the fecundity of newly emerged female offspring. However, parasitoid offspring had a longer development time with increasing host age. This trend was stronger for males than for females, which we suggest could reduce the degree of protandry among offspring emerging from older host eggs, thus increasing the rate of virginity upon leaving the emergence patch and resulting in more frequent off‐patch mating by female offspring in nature. Overall, our results suggest that all stages of P. maculiventris embryonic development are suitable for acceptance and development of T. podisi. Unlike most species of egg parasitoids, T. podisi has evolved mechanisms to utilize host resources, regardless of host developmental stage, with relatively minor fitness consequences.
Cannibalism of parasitoid‐attacked conspecifics in a non‐carnivorous caterpillar
Authors: Wang Xin‐Geng , Daane Kent M.
Published: March 2014

Cannibalism, the killing and consumption of conspecifics, can even occur in insect species typically considered to be non‐carnivorous. Of particular interest is the cannibalism of parasitoid‐attacked conspecifics, which could reduce parasitism levels in subsequent generations for that conspecific population. This study reports on the occurrence and some of the consequences of cannibalism in parasitoid‐attacked obliquebanded leafroller,Choristoneura rosaceana(Harris) (Lepidoptera:Tortricidae). We show that larvae ofC. rosaceana, which is considered to be an herbivorous caterpillar species, did not prey upon live conspecifics, but readily consumed conspecifics attacked byHabrobracon gelechiaeAshmead (Hymenoptera:Braconidae). Further examination found thatC. rosaceanalarvae feeding on parasitoid‐attacked conspecifics, since their fourth instar, suffered a higher mortality and reduction in body size than those fed on plant material only. The cannibalism of attacked conspecifics did not appear to offer any nutrient benefits for the cannibal. To our best knowledge, this is the first empirical example of the occurrence and some of the consequences of cannibalism by a non‐carnivorous insect on its parasitoid‐attacked conspecifics. We discuss the adaptive significance of such cannibalism on parasitoid‐attacked conspecifics with respect to a trans‐generational fitness gain for the population through the killing of the parasitoids, thereby reducing parasitism in subsequent generations.
Prenatal inhibition of the kynurenine pathway leads to structural changes in the hippocampus of adult rat offspring
Authors: Khalil Omari S. , Pisar Mazura , Forrest Caroline M. , Vincenten Maria C. J. , Darlington L. Gail , Stone Trevor W.
Published: March 2014

Glutamate receptors for N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) are involved in early brain development. The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism includes the NMDA receptor agonist quinolinic acid and the antagonist kynurenic acid. We now report that prenatal inhibition of the pathway in rats with 3,4‐dimethoxy‐N‐[4‐(3‐nitrophenyl)thiazol‐2‐yl]benzenesulphonamide (Ro61‐8048) produces marked changes in hippocampal neuron morphology, spine density and the immunocytochemical localisation of developmental proteins in the offspring at postnatal day 60. Golgi–Cox silver staining revealed decreased overall numbers and lengths of CA1 basal dendrites and secondary basal dendrites, together with fewer basal dendritic spines and less overall dendritic complexity in the basal arbour. Fewer dendrites and less complexity were also noted in the dentate gyrus granule cells. More neurons containing the nuclear marker NeuN and the developmental protein sonic hedgehog were detected in the CA1 region and dentate gyrus. Staining for doublecortin revealed fewer newly generated granule cells bearing extended dendritic processes. The number of neuron terminals staining for vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT)‐1 and VGLUT‐2 was increased by Ro61‐8048, with no change in expression of vesicular GABA transporter or its co‐localisation with vesicle‐associated membrane protein‐1. These data support the view that constitutive kynurenine metabolism normally plays a role in early embryonic brain development, and that interfering with it has profound consequences for neuronal structure and morphology, lasting into adulthood.
The use of visible and near‐infrared spectroscopy for the analysis of soil water repellency
Authors: Kim I. , Pullanagari R. R. , Deurer M. , Singh R. , Huh K. Y. , Clothier B. E.
Published: March 2014

This study investigated the potential of visible/near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (Vis‐NIRS) to predict soil water repellency (SWR). The top 40 mm of soils (n = 288) across 48 sites under pastoral land‐use in the North Island of New Zealand, which represented 10 soil orders and covered five classes of drought proneness, were analysed by standard laboratory methods and Vis‐NIRS. Soil WR was measured by using the molarity of ethanol droplet (MED) and the water drop penetration time (WDPT) tests. Soil organic carbon content (%C) was also measured to examine a possible relationship with SWR. A partial least squares regression (PLSR) model was developed by using Vis‐NIRS spectral data and the reference laboratory data. In addition, we explored the power of discrimination based on WDPT classes using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA). The PLSR of the processed spectra produced moderately accurate prediction for MED (R2val = 0.61, RPDval = 1.60, RMSEval = 0.59) and good prediction for %C (R2val = 0.82, RPDval = 2.30, RMSEval = 2.72). When the data from the 10 soil orders were considered separately and based on soil order rather than being grouped, the prediction of MED was further improved except for the Allophanic, Brown, Organic and Ultic soil orders. The PLS‐DA was successful in classifying 60% of soil samples into the correct WDPT classes. Our results indicate clearly that Vis‐NIRS has the potential to predict SWR. Further improvement in the prediction accuracy of SWR is envisaged by increasing the understanding of the relationship between Vis‐NIRS and the SWR of all New Zealand soil orders as a function of their physical properties and chemical constituents such as hydrophobic compounds.
The gliding speed of migrating birds: slow and safe or fast and risky?
Authors: Horvitz Nir , Sapir Nir , Liechti Felix , Avissar Roni , Mahrer Isaac , Nathan Ran
Published: March 2014

Aerodynamic theory postulates that gliding airspeed, a major flight performance component for soaring avian migrants, scales with bird size and wing morphology. We tested this prediction, and the role of gliding altitude and soaring conditions, using atmospheric simulations and radar tracks of 1346 birds from 12 species. Gliding airspeed did not scale with bird size and wing morphology, and unexpectedly converged to a narrow range. To explain this discrepancy, we propose that soaring‐gliding birds adjust their gliding airspeed according to the risk of grounding or switching to costly flapping flight. Introducing the Risk Aversion Flight Index (RAFI, the ratio of actual to theoretical risk‐averse gliding airspeed), we found that inter‐ and intraspecific variation in RAFI positively correlated with wing loading, and negatively correlated with convective thermal conditions and gliding altitude, respectively. We propose that risk‐sensitive behaviour modulates the evolution (morphology) and ecology (response to environmental conditions) of bird soaring flight.
Above‐ and belowground biotic interactions facilitate relocation of plants into cooler environments
Authors: Spasojevic Marko J. , Harrison Susan , Day Howard W. , Southard Randal J.
Published: March 2014

One important but largely unanswered question about floristic responses to climate change is how interactions such as competition, facilitation and plant–soil feedbacks will influence the ability of species to track shifting climates. In a rugged and moisture‐limited region that has recently warmed by 2° (Siskiyou Mountains, OR, USA), we planted three species into cooler aspects and elevations than those they currently inhabit, with and without removal of neighbouring plants, and tracked them over 2 years. Two species had higher success in cooler topographic locations, and this success was enhanced by neighbouring plants, which appeared to modulate minimum growing season temperatures. One species' success was also facilitated by the higher soil organic matter found in cooler sites. These results are a novel experimental demonstration of two important factors that may buffer climate change impacts on plants: rugged topography and plant–plant facilitation.
Quantitative gene analysis of methylation and expression (Q‐GAME) in fresh or fixed cells and tissues
Authors: Wu Jianqiang , Salva Katrin A. , Stutz Nathalie , Longley B. Jack , Spiegelman Vladimir S. , Wood Gary S.
Published: March 2014

Epigenetic regulation of gene expression by DNA methylation is a central mechanism governing the silencing of tumor suppressor genes in many forms of cancer. Current methods have not proven optimal for the quantitative analysis of DNA methylation and corresponding in situ protein expression within cells in small specimens like skin biopsies. We have overcome this limitation by combining and modifying several techniques: target cell enrichment, DNA micro‐isolation, one‐step denaturation/bisulphite conversion/in‐column desulphonation, specially designed PCR amplification, pyrosequencing and multispectral image analysis. Using this approach optimized for small samples, we can quantify minor alterations in gene methylation and protein expression using minimal amounts of tissue. Comparative studies of fresh and processed cells showed that our method is valid for DNA in both fresh and formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded specimens. We can measure the effects of DNA methylation inhibitors, administered in vitro or in vivo, on the promoter methylation and protein expression of selected genes in specific cells. This novel approach should prove useful for a wide variety of investigative and clinical applications in dermatology and other specialties where the collection of small, routinely processed biopsy specimens is common. We refer to this method as Q‐GAME (quantitative gene analysis of methylation and expression).
Combinatorial action of transcription factors orchestrates cell cycle‐dependent expression of the ribosomal protein genes and ribosome biogenesis
Authors: Nosrati Nagisa , Kapoor Neetu R. , Kumar Vijay
Published: March 2014

Nucleolar assembly begins at the early G1 phase of the cell cycle and is a hub of ribosomal DNA transcription and rRNA biosynthesis. The newly‐formed rRNAs together with ribosomal proteins (RPs) constitute the building block of the ribosomal machinery. Although RPs play a major role in protein biosynthesis, their own regulation and expression is rather poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the regulation of RP genes RPS27a, RPS24, RPS6, RPL9 and RPL4 in synchronized mammalian cell culture. Quantitative RT‐PCR analysis indicated their expression during the mid to late G1 phase, whereas the rRNA genes were expressed during the early G1 phase of the cell cycle. The promoter reporter analysis of the RPS27a gene revealed that it could be synergistically stimulated by the transcription factors specificity protein 1 (Sp1) and cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB). However, E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) appeared to negatively regulate gene expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies confirmed the promoter occupancy of Sp1, CREB and E2F1. Although Sp1 and CREB binding enhanced the promoter occupancy of histone acetyltransferases PCAF, p300 and CREB binding protein, E2F1 facilitated the recruitment of histone deacetylases. Both acetylation (histone H4 pan‐acetyl, histone H3 acetyl Lys 14) and methylation (histone H3 trimethyl Lys 9) marks were observed in the RPS27a promoter region, suggesting their important regulatory role in gene expression. Because the promoter regions of most RP genes are well conserved, we propose that their orchestrated regulation and synthesis during the cell cycle facilitates ribosome biogenesis.
Personal health communities: a phenomenological study of a new health‐care concept
Authors: Aarts Johanna Wilhelmina Maria , Vennik Femke , Nelen Willianne L. D. M. , van der Eijk Martijn , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Faber Marjan J. , Kremer Jan A. M.
Published: March 2014

Context

Fragmentation of care, complexity of diseases and the need to involve patients actively in their individual health care led to the development of the personal health community (PHC). In a PHC, patients can –regardless of the nature of their condition– invite all professionals that are involved in their health care process. Once gathered, the patient and health care team can exchange information about the patient's health and communicate through several functionalities, in a secured environment.

Objectives

Exploring the use, first experiences and potential consequences of using PHCs in health care.

Design

Qualitative phenomenological study.

Participants

Eighteen respondents, consisting of women experiencing infertility (n = 5), persons with Parkinson's disease (n = 6), a gynaecologist, a fertility doctor, a fertility nurse, three Parkinson's specialist nurses and a neurologist.

Results

First experiences with PHCs showed that patients use their PHC differently, dependending on their condition and people involved. Various (potential) advantages for future health care were mentioned relating to both organizational aspects of care (e.g. continuity of care) and the human side of care (e.g. personal care). Patient involvement in care was facilitated. Disadvantages were the amount of work that it took and technological issues.

Conclusions

Using PHCs leads to promising improvements in both the organization of care and care experience, according to the participants in this study. They indicate that patients with different diseases and in different circumstances can benefit from these improvements. The PHC seem to be an online tool that can be applied in a personalized way. When (technically) well facilitated, it could stimulate active involvement of patients in their own health and health care. It warrants further research to study its effect on concrete health outcomes.