bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repair of perforations with MTA: clinical applications and mechanisms of action
Authors: CLAUDER THOMAS , SHIN SU‐JUNG
Published: February 2009

Root perforations may occur due to pathological processes or treatment consequences. Such perforations are severe complications and are associated with dramatically compromised endodontic treatment outcomes, especially when bacterial infection is allowed to establish. A new material, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), promotes a favorable environment for regeneration and has been successfully used for perforation repair. This is in contrast to previously‐used materials that often led to variable outcomes. Based on the currently‐available literature, the guidelines for perforation repair and treatment options need to be re‐evaluated and usage parameters for MTA need to be optimized.
Results of a survey of German dermatologists on the therapeutic approaches to pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Hofmann Silke C. , Kautz Ocko , Hertl Michael , Sticherling Michael , Zillikens Detlef , Bruckner‐Tuderman Leena
Published: February 2009

Background:The lack of controlled trials on the treatment of pemphigus and pemphigoid diseases limits an evidence‐based therapy of these disorders.The aim of this survey was to assess the current treatment standards at German dermatological hospitals and the need for future therapeutic trials.

Methods:A two‐page questionnaire was sent to 42 German academic and non‐academic dermatological hospitals and evaluated at the Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Freiburg.

Results:The response rate was 76%. Topical clobetasol propionate treatment was regarded as first line therapy of bullous pemphigoid in 27% of the hospitals. More than 50% used systemic corticosteroids at an initial dose of ≤ 1 mg/kg prednisolone‐equivalent in pemphigus and pemphigoid. Azathioprine is used as first line adjuvant in pemphigoid and pemphigus treatment in 69% and 81% of the hospitals, respectively. Dapsone and mycophenolate mofetil represent alternative options, as well as cyclophosphamide‐dexamethasone‐pulse therapy in pemphigus. Immunosuppressive treatment of pemphigoid and pemphigus is terminated by 58% and 46% of the hospitals 1–3 months after clinical remission, respectively, but the given time points appeared to be variable.

Conclusions:The high response rate to this survey demonstrates the interest in this topic. The variability of the answers regarding initial doses of corticosteroids and time points for termination of therapy indicates the need for the establishment of guidelines and for controlled therapeutic trials.
Approach to suspected food allergy in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Werfel Thomas , Erdmann Stephan , Fuchs Thomas , Henzgen Margot , Kleine‐Tebbe Jörg , Lepp Ute , Niggemann Bodo , Raithel Martin , Reese Imke , Saloga Joachim , Vieths Stefan , Zuberbier Torsten
Published: February 2009

The following guideline of the “Arbeitsgruppe Nahrungsmittelallergie der DGAKI” (Task Force on Food Allergy of the German Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology) and the ÄDA (“Ärzteverband Deutscher Allergologen”, Medical Association of German Allergologists) and the GPA (German Society of Pediatric Allergology) summarizes the approach to be taken when food allergy is suspected in patients with atopic dermatitis (neurodermatitis, atopic eczema). The problem is clinically relevant because many patients assume that allergic reactions against foods are responsible for triggering or worsening their eczema. It is important to identify those patients who will benefit from an elimination diet but also to avoid unnecessary diets. Elimination diets (especially in early childhood) are associated with the risk of malnutrition and additional emotional stress for the patients. The gold standard for the diagnosis of food‐dependent reactions is to perform placebo‐controlled, double‐blind oral food challenges because specific IgE, prick tests and history often do not correlate with clinical reactivity. This is particularly true in the case of delayed eczematous skin reactions. Diagnostic elimination diets should be used before an oral provocation test. If multiple sensitizations against foods are discovered in a patient, an oligoallergenic diet and a subsequent stepwise supplementation of the nutrition should be performed. If a specific food is suspected of triggering food allergy, oral provocation should be performed after a diagnostic elimination diet. As eczema‐tous skin reactions may develop slowly (i. e. within one or two day), the skin be inspected the day after the provocation test and that a repetitive test be performed if the patient has not reacted to a given food on the first day of oral provocation. The guideline discusses various clinical situations for patients with atopic dermatitis to facilitate differentiated diagnostic procedures.
Milk consumption: aggravating factor of acne and promoter of chronic diseases of Western societies
Authors: Melnik Bodo
Published: February 2009

Consumption of cow's milk and cow's milk protein result in changes of the hormonal axis of insulin, growth hormone and insulin‐like growth factor‐1(IGF‐1) in humans. Milk consumption raises IGF‐1 serum levels in the perinatal period, adolescence and adulthood. During puberty with the physiological onset of increased secretion of growth hormone, IGF‐1 serum levels increase and are further enhanced by milk consumption. IGF‐1 is a potent mitogen; after binding to its receptor in various tissues, it induces cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis. Keratinocytes and sebocytes, as well as the androgen‐synthesizing adrenals and gonads, are stimulated by IGF‐1. The epidemic incidence of adolescent acne in Western milk‐consuming societies can be explained by the increased insulin‐ and IGF‐1‐stimulation of sebaceous glands mediated by milk consumption. Acne can be regarded as a model for chronic Western diseases with pathologically increased IGF‐1‐stimulation. Many other organs, such as the thymus, bones, all glands, and vascular smooth muscle cells as well as neurons are subject to this abnormally increased hormonal stimulation. The milk‐induced change of the IGF‐1‐axis most likely contributes to the development of fetal macrosomia, induction of atopy, accelerated linear growth, atherosclerosis, carcinogenesis and neurodegenerative diseases. Observations of molecular biology are supported by epidemiologic data and unmask milk consumption as a promoter of chronic diseases of Western societies.
Research in practice: Treatment of autoimmune bullous disorders
Authors: Hertl Michael
Published: February 2009

Autoimmune bullous disorders pose a clinical challenge based on their potentially lethal course and limited therapeutic options. The currently employed immunosuppressive treatments are accompanied by a plethora of side effects. Therefore, our group has sought for many years to dissect the molecular mechanisms of the immune pathogenesis of pemphigus and the pemphigoids allowing for a more specific treatment of these disorders. We have extensively characterized the role of autoaggressive T cells and potential regulatory networks in both disorders and have contributed several tools for more refined serological and T cell‐based disease parameters. The ultimate therapeutic goal is anergy induction in these autoaggressive T cells which inititate and perpetuate the B cell‐driven immune pathogenesis of pemphigus and the pemphigoids.
A survey of neonatal resuscitation in Spain: gaps between guidelines and practice
Authors: Iriondo M , Thió M , Burón E , Salguero E , Aguayo J , Vento M ,   the Neonatal Resuscitation Group (NRG) of the Spanish Neonatal Society (SEN)
Published: February 2009

Objectives: To audit the knowledge and application of internationally recommended newborn resuscitation (NR) guidelines among delivery room (DR) caregivers of Spanish hospitals.

Methods: A questionnaire‐type survey on NR equipment and practices was performed in hospitals of the Spanish National Health System classified according to level of care provided.

Results: 88% of the questionnaires were complimented. Limit of viability was set in 23–24 weeks in 78% of the centres. Availability of board‐certified and instructors in NRwas significantly higher in level III versus level I–II centres (94 vs. 70% and 78 vs. 51%, respectively). No differences in equipment or knowledge of guidelines of resuscitation were found between centres. Substantial differences were observed in supplementation and monitorization of oxygen, and positive pressure ventilation during resuscitation and transportation.

Conclusion: Equipment availability and knowledge of guidelines of NR does not differ between hospitals independent of their level of care. However, performance during resuscitation and transportation in level III hospitals is in significantly greater acquaintance with internationally recommended NR guidelines.
Resolution of atrial thrombosis with heparin in a newborn with atrial flutter
Authors: Bronzetti Gabriele , D’Angelo Cinzia , Angelini Andrea , Picchio Fernando Maria , Boriani Giuseppe
Published: February 2009

Atrial thrombosis is a relatively rare event in children. We report a case of a newborn with AFI who after restoration of sinus rhythm, developed atrial thrombus on a prominent Chiari network floating between the right and left atrium through the patent foramen ovale. The thrombus was resolved following treatment with heparin without events.

Conclusion:  Atrial stunning was proposed as a key mechanistic phenomenon because the thrombus occurred after the cardioversion of AFI to sinus rhythm. Heparin may be effective in the resolution of atrial thrombus within a few days.
Two novel mutations in the human thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene: genetics and clinical findings in four children
Authors: Simm Diemud , Pfarr Nicole , Pohlenz Joachim , Prawitt Dirk , Dörr Helmuth G.
Published: February 2009

We report four children originating from two unrelated German families with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) due to mutations in the thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene. Three female siblings (family 1) were found to be compound heterozygous for two mutations, a known mutation in exon 9 (W527C), and a mutation in exon 8 (Q446H), which has not been described before. In the second family we identified a boy with goitrous CH, who had a novel homozygous mutation in the TPO gene in exon 16 (W873X). All children of family 1 were diagnosed postnatally by newborn screening. The case of the boy of family 2 has already been reported for the in utero treatment of a goiter with hypothyroidism.

Conclusion: Our results confirm existing data on the phenotypic variability of patients with TPO gene mutations.
Eurosiberian meadows at their southern edge: patterns and phytogeography in the NW Tien Shan
Authors: Wagner Viktoria
Published: February 2009

Question: What are the community types, underlying gradients and phytogeographical affinities of montane meadows in the western Tien Shan?

Location: Aksu‐Jabagly Nature Reserve, South Kazakhstan, Middle Asia.

Methods: Species composition, structural and environmental variables were studied in 98 plots. Species composition was classified by cluster analysis and gradients explored using NMDS. Relationships between species richness, environmental and structural variables were investigated with regression analysis. Phytogeographic patterns were assessed by examining species distribution types.

Results: Seven community types were distinguished by cluster analysis. Three axes of the NMDS explained 77% of the variation, showing different overlap of communities with environmental and structural properties. Species richness showed linear relationships with pH, altitude, heat load, soil skeletal content and structural variables. Middle Asian and Eurosiberian species constituted the majority of the species pool and cover.

Conclusion: The studied communities represent a unique mixture of Middle Asian and Eurosiberian species that exhibit structural and environmental similarities to Eurosiberian meadows. The Tien Shan mountain meadows can thus be considered an endemic‐rich southern outlier of the broader Eurosiberian meadow formation. Shifts in land‐use patterns pose a potential threat that deserves more attention from conservationists.
Sitting position affects participative interaction of immobile aged care residents: A pilot study
Authors: Hammer J Lauren , Nitz Jennifer C
Published: February 2009

Objectives:  To determine the effect of sitting position (reclined versus upright) on the levels of participative interaction and spontaneous communication of immobile and totally dependent aged care residents.

Methods:  Ten frail, immobile and totally dependent female residents older than 85 years were observed in reclined and upright sitting positions. Scores measuring responsiveness to stimuli in the surrounding environment and spontaneous communication initiation were derived from observations (taken morning and afternoon).

Results:  There was a significant increase in the responsiveness score in the upright sitting position (P < 0.001) but no effect of sitting position on initiative score. There was no effect of time of day on either responsiveness or initiative score.

Conclusions:  An increased level of responsiveness was seen in upright sitting position in immobile and totally dependent aged care residents. The potential for participative interaction with the surrounding environment increases in this position which therefore may improve quality of life.
Using senior volunteers as peer educators: What is the evidence of effectiveness in falls prevention?
Authors: Peel Nancye M , Warburton Jeni
Published: February 2009

Peer education models are well established as a means of delivering health and social welfare information. Common themes identified in regard to peer education are that information sharing and transfer take place; attempts are made to influence knowledge, attitudes or behaviour; that it occurs between people who share similar characteristics or experiences; and that it relies on influential members of a social group or category. Although it is most often associated with younger age‐groups, there is growing evidence of involvement of older people as peer educators. As part of community‐based fall prevention interventions, there is considerable scope for contribution by peer mentors. This paper explores the theoretical basis for using senior volunteers as peer educators, discusses advantages and disadvantages of this model of service delivery for health promotion of older people and, specifically, reviews the evidence for effectiveness in relation to fall prevention.
The jungle of quality of life: Mapping measures and meanings for elders
Authors: Hambleton Penny , Keeling Sally , McKenzie Margaret
Published: February 2009

The literature on quality of life (QOL) can be described as a jungle: vast, dense and difficult to penetrate, especially for those entering the field without a specialist QOL background. While QOL as a term is entwined in an extensive body of work from many disciplines and covering diverse perspectives, it has been most extensively documented and operationalised within the domains of health‐related socioeconomic drivers and is largely quantitative in nature. Subjective and qualitative measurement is less fully developed and documented. This review paper provides a map through the QOL literature by constructing a tabular framework to position the measures and meanings of QOL prior to undertaking a phenomenological study with older people. It concludes by arguing for attention to the further development of qualitative experiential measures specific to life‐stage QOL for older people, having found these perspectives rarely visible.
Sexual behaviour and diagnosis of people over the age of 50 attending a sexual health clinic
Authors: Bourne Chris , Minichiello Victor
Published: February 2009

Objectives:  To investigate the sexual health and behaviour of older Australians attending a sexual health clinic.

Methods:  A retrospective patient record of people aged 50 years and over attending the clinic.

Results:  2438 people aged 50 years and over attending. The main reasons for attending were assessment of genital symptoms (40%), testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (23%), and HIV testing/care (13%); more than 50% of the clients had a previous sexual health problem and more than 50% had not been tested for HIV. Men reported more lifetime sexual partners than women and were significantly more likely to report using condoms (P < 0.05), although condom use was variable. Genital herpes (10% women, 6% men) and non‐gonococcal urethritis (9% men) were the most commonly diagnosed STIs.

Conclusions:  High levels of unsafe sex and many important sexual health problems were identified which provide direction for public health interventions for older sexually active Australians.
Involving older people in community‐based research: Developing a guiding framework for researchers and community organisations
Authors: Warburton Jeni , Bartlett Helen , Carroll Matthew , Kendig Hal
Published: February 2009

The purpose of this paper is to outline the development of a guiding framework for both researchers and community organisations seeking to involve older people in research. Such a framework is needed to facilitate good quality, multidisciplinary research that can be used to inform policy and practice responses to the challenges of ageing. There is increased recognition that involving older people in the research process can lead to increased benefits for all involved. The guidelines outlined below put forward the following six principles: (i) acknowledge research as a process; (ii) clarify roles and levels of involvement; (iii) communicate effectively; (iv) recognise different expectations; (v) recognise difference; and (vi) ensure representativeness and diversity.
These guidelines are now being promoted through the ARC/NHMRC Research Network in Ageing Well and collaborating stakeholder organisations that will be working together to implement these principles in future research involving older people.
Modelling the colour evolution of luminous red galaxies – improvements with empirical stellar spectra
Authors: Maraston Claudia , Strömbäck G. , Thomas D. , Wake D. A. , Nichol R. C.
Published: February 2009

Predicting the colours of luminous red galaxies (LRGs) in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey has been a long-standing problem. The g, r, i colours of LRGs are inconsistent with stellar population models over the redshift range 0.1 < z < 0.7. We provide a solution to this problem, through a combination of new astrophysics and a fundamental change to the stellar population modelling. We find that the use of the empirical library of Pickles, in place of theoretical libraries based on model atmosphere calculations, modifies the evolutionary population synthesis predicted colours exactly in the way suggested by the data. The reason is a lower (normalized) flux in the empirical libraries, with respect to the theoretical ones, in the wavelength range 5500–6500 Å. The effect increases with decreasing effective temperature roughly independently of gravity. We also find that other recent libraries such as miles and stelib behave the same way. We further verified that [α/Fe] effects on stellar spectra cannot substitute the effect of the empirical library because they make both colours bluer. The astrophysical part of our solution regards the composition of the stellar populations of these massive LRGs. We find that on top of the previous effect one needs to consider a model in which ∼3 per cent of the stellar mass is in old metal-poor stars. Other solutions such as an overall slightly subsolar metallicity or young stellar populations can be ruled out by the data. The percentage of the metal-poor subpopulation may be affected by the consideration of abundance-ratio effects though in the framework of present calculations the metal-poor option is favoured. Our new model provides a better fit to the colours of LRGs and gives new insight into the formation histories of these most massive galaxies. The new model will also improve the k- and evolutionary corrections for LRGs which are critical for fully exploiting present and future galaxy surveys.
BERRY SEEDS: A SOURCE OF SPECIALTY OILS WITH HIGH CONTENT OF BIOACTIVES AND NUTRITIONAL VALUE
Authors: VAN HOED V. , DE CLERCQ N. , ECHIM C. , ANDJELKOVIC M. , LEBER E. , DEWETTINCK K. , VERHÉ R.
Published: February 2009

Selected berry seed oils from blackberry, blueberry, cranberry, strawberry, red raspberry and kiwi were characterized for their quality and nutritional characteristics. These oils are by‐products of berry juice production that have only recently gained commercial interest. Free fatty acid content was below 1.6% for all examined oil samples. Peroxide value ranged between 0.6 and 44 mg O2/kg oil for blackberry and kiwi seed oils, respectively, andp‐anisidine value varied from 6 in cranberry to 23 in strawberry. Linolenic acid content ranged from 17.53% in blackberry seed oil to 57.60% in kiwi seed oil. The oxidative stability of all oils was rather low (0.17 h for kiwi to 8.4 h for blackberry at 97.8C). Phytosterol contents ranged between 403 and 692 mg/100 g for blackberry and cranberry, respectively. The content of tocols (tocopherol + tocotrienol) varied from 34.4 for kiwi to 2,133 mg/kg for red raspberry seed oils.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

A waste stream of fruit processing is used to extract the oil from berry seeds. Such oils are particularly rich in essential fatty acids (with a favorable low n‐6/n‐3 ratio) and antioxidants. They are incorporated in cosmetic preparations such as hand and body creams, and shampoos. Their composition is also interesting from a nutritional point of view. As the commercial interest is growing, chemical studies are necessary to elucidate the composition, activity and stability of different berry seed oils.
MONITORING THE ADULTERATION OF VIRGIN COCONUT OIL BY SELECTED VEGETABLE OILS USING DIFFERENTIAL SCANNING CALORIMETRY
Authors: MARINA A.M. , CHE MAN Y.B. , NAZIMAH S.A.H. , AMIN I.
Published: February 2009

The crystallization and melting enthalpy of virgin coconut oil adulterated with palm kernel oil (PKO) and soybean oil (SBO) were studied by using differential scanning calorimetry. Virgin coconut oil was spiked separately with PKO and SBO from 2% to 40% (w/w) of adulterant oils. Fatty acids of all oils were determined to complement the differential scanning calorimetry data. The heating curve of SBO‐adulterated samples showed the adulteration peak appearing at the lower temperature region at 10% adulteration level. Regression analyses using stepwise multiple linear regression were used to predict the percentage adulterant with R2 of 0.9490. PKO‐adulterated oils did not show any adulteration peak but demonstrated a gradual decrease in the peak height of the major exothermic peak.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

An alternative method for detection of adulteration based on differential scanning calorimetry in virgin coconut oil is presented. Application of differential scanning calorimetry is rapid, does not require sample preparation and does not involve use of solvents or toxic chemicals.
SCREENING OF RESISTANT TRIACYLGLYCEROLS TO THE PANCREATIC LIPASE AND THEIR POTENTIALITIES AS A DIGESTIVE RETARDANT
Authors: ARISHIMA TOSHIHARU , TACHIBANA NOBUHIKO , KOJIMA MAKIKO , TAKAMATSU KIYOHARU , IMAIZUMI KATSUMI
Published: February 2009

A gradual retarding of lipid digestion and absorption might contribute to preventing the visceral fat accumulation and obesity in humans. The lipolysis rates of different triacylglycerols (TAGs) by pancreatic lipase in vitro were studied in order to find suitable components as a retardant for lipolysis. Several TAGs containing longer acyl chains than stearic acid or containing unsaturated fatty acids whose double bonds are located closely to the carboxyl group like petroserinic and γ‐linolenic acid showed significantly lower lipolysis rates as compared with triolein (OOO) control. Most of these resistant TAGs contributed to decelerating the lipolysis rate when replaced at 10% into the OOO control. Especially, 1‐behenoyl‐2,3‐dioleoyl‐rac‐glycerol (BOO) was comprehensively thought to be a suitable TAG as a digestive retardant among them. Each 10% replacement of edible oils by BOO gave 15% to 30% reduction of the lipolysis rate in vitro. Resistant TAGs that are able to melt or solubilize into liquid oil at body temperature have some potential as a digestive retardant for lipids.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Visceral fat accumulation and obesity in humans are thought to be correlated with the rate of lipid digestion and absorption. The entire rate of lipid absorption is controlled by their partial replacement with some digestive retardant. Resistant triacylglycerols may have some potential as a digestive retardant of lipids. Results of the present study propose a new fat system for foods with antiobesity effect.
THE EFFECT OF POLYPHENOLS ON MARKERS OF OXIDATIVE DAMAGE AND DMBA‐INDUCED CARCINOGENESIS IN RATS
Authors: BOBROWSKA BARBARA , TOKARZ ANDRZEJ , GRYNKIEWICZ GRZEGORZ , BIALEK SŁAWOMIR , MATYSIAK MAGDALENA , BAT‐ERDENE TSERENDEJID
Published: February 2009

The correlation between diets supplemented with resveratrol, genistein or quercetin on oxidative damage to proteins, lipids and nucleic acids was examined. Moreover, the rate of formation of changes resulting from carcinogenesis induced by 7,8‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) was assessed. The results for the impact of selected polyphenolic compounds on the intensity of DMBA‐induced carcinogenesis were also presented. The polyphenols used, namely resveratrol, genistein and quercetin measured by the concentration of selected biomarkers related to their antioxidant properties and the impact of DMBA and fatty acids in rapeseed oil as well as of progression stage of the cancer process, were also significant.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The estimation of the impact of selected polyphenolic compounds on the intensity of 7,8‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene‐induced carcinogenesis and oxidative damage to proteins, lipids and nucleic acids in rats was examined. Identifying the results of polyphenol activity in selected doses and different suspensions may allow application of these dietary compounds in human cancer prevention or for improvement of pharmacological treatment.
PARTIAL HYDROLYSIS OF SOYBEAN OIL BY PHOSPHOLIPASE A1 TO PRODUCE DIACYLGLYCEROL‐ENRICHED OIL
Authors: WANG YONG , ZHAO MOUMING , OU SHIYI , SONG KEKE
Published: February 2009

Partial hydrolysis of soybean oil catalyzed by phospholipase A1 (Lecitase Ultra) in a solvent‐free system was carried out to produce a diacylglycerol (DAG)‐enriched soybean oil. Five reaction parameters of partial hydrolysis were investigated. The upper oil layer of the reaction mixture was molecularly distilled at 150C to yield a DAG‐enriched oil with 42.64 (wt%) of DAGs. DAG‐enriched oil was distilled a second time at 250C to yield a DAG oil with 78.68 (wt%) of DAGs. The composition of acylglycerols in the DAG‐enriched soybean oil was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and HPLC/electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry. The released fatty acids from the partial phospholipase A1 hydrolysis of soybean oil showed a higher saturated fatty acid content than that of the raw material. Compared with other lipase‐catalyzed processes, this new phospholipase A1 preparation has the advantage of reducing production of monoacylglycerol byproduct.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Diacylglycerols (DAGs) are esters of glycerol in which two of the hydroxyl group are esterified with fatty acids. Studies on both animals and humans have shown the beneficial health effects of DAG. DAG is a generally‐regarded‐as‐safe foodstuff by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is approved as a substitution for triacylglycerol in fats and oils in many developed countries. In this work, partial hydrolysis catalyzed by phospholipase A1 (Lecitase Ultra) in a solvent‐free system was firstly used to produce DAG‐enriched soybean oil. Compared with the lipase‐catalyzed process, this new phospholipase A1 showed the advantage of low cost and low byproduct monoacylglycerol production. The new process has a potential application in the commercial production of DAG oil.
AMPK activators – potential therapeutics for metabolic and other diseases
Authors: Zhou G. , Sebhat I. K. , Zhang B. B.
Published: February 2009

AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)‐mediated cellular metabolic responses to tissue‐specific and whole‐body stimuli play a vital role in the control of energy homeostasis. As a cellular energy‐sensing mechanism, AMPK activation stimulates glucose uptake and fat oxidation, while it suppresses lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis. The cumulative effects of AMPK activation lead to beneficial metabolic states in liver, muscle and other peripheral tissues that are critical in the pathogenesis of obesity, type 2 diabetes and related metabolic disorders. Activators of AMPK that target selected tissues hold potential as novel therapeutics for diseases in which altered energy metabolism contributes to aetiology.
Insulin resistance and fuel homeostasis: the role of AMP‐activated protein kinase
Authors: Hegarty B. D. , Turner N. , Cooney G. J. , Kraegen E. W.
Published: February 2009

The worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and related disorders of the metabolic syndrome (MS) has reached epidemic proportions. Insulin resistance (IR) is a major perturbation that characterizes these disorders. Extra‐adipose accumulation of lipid, particularly within the liver and skeletal muscle, is closely linked with the development of IR. The AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway plays an important role in the regulation of both lipid and glucose metabolism. Through its effects to increase fatty acid oxidation and inhibit lipogenesis, AMPK activity in the liver and skeletal muscle could be expected to ameliorate lipid accumulation and associated IR in these tissues. In addition, AMPK promotes glucose uptake into skeletal muscle and suppresses glucose output from the liver via insulin‐independent mechanisms. These characteristics make AMPK a highly attractive target for the development of strategies to curb the prevalence and costs of T2D. Recent insights into the regulation of AMPK and mechanisms by which it modulates fuel metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle are discussed here. In addition, we consider the arguments for and against the hypothesis that dysfunctional AMPK contributes to IR. Finally we review studies which assess AMPK as an appropriate target for the prevention and treatment of T2D and MS.
AMPK‐dependent hormonal regulation of whole‐body energy metabolism
Authors: Dzamko N. L. , Steinberg G. R.
Published: February 2009

AMP‐dependent protein kinase (AMPK) is an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine protein kinase central to the regulation of energy balance at both the cellular and whole‐body levels. In its classical role as an intracellular metabolic stress‐sensing kinase, AMPK switches on fatty acid oxidation and glucose uptake in muscle, while switching off hepatic gluconeogenesis. AMPK also has a broader role in metabolism through the control of appetite. Regulation of AMPK activity at the whole‐body level is coordinated by a growing number of hormones and cytokines secreted from adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, pancreas and the gut including leptin, adiponectin, insulin, interluekin‐6, resistin, TNF‐α and ghrelin. Understanding how these secreted signalling proteins regulate AMPK activity to control fatty acid oxidation, glucose uptake, gluconeogenesis and appetite may yield therapeutic treatments for metabolic disorders such as diabetes, insulin resistance and obesity.
AMP‐activated protein kinase in the regulation of hepatic energy metabolism: from physiology to therapeutic perspectives
Authors: Viollet B. , Guigas B. , Leclerc J. , Hébrard S. , Lantier L. , Mounier R. , Andreelli F. , Foretz M.
Published: February 2009

As the liver is central in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis and energy storage, knowledge of the physiology as well as physiopathology of hepatic energy metabolism is a prerequisite to our understanding of whole‐body metabolism. Hepatic fuel metabolism changes considerably depending on physiological circumstances (fed vs. fasted state). In consequence, hepatic carbohydrate, lipid and protein synthesis/utilization are tightly regulated according to needs. Fatty liver and hepatic insulin resistance (both frequently associated with the metabolic syndrome) or increased hepatic glucose production (as observed in type 2 diabetes) resulted from alterations in substrates oxidation/storage balance in the liver. Because AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is considered as a cellular energy sensor, it is important to gain understanding of the mechanism by which hepatic AMPK coordinates hepatic energy metabolism. AMPK has been implicated as a key regulator of physiological energy dynamics by limiting anabolic pathways (to prevent further ATP consumption) and by facilitating catabolic pathways (to increase ATP generation). Activation of hepatic AMPK leads to increased fatty acid oxidation and simultaneously inhibition of hepatic lipogenesis, cholesterol synthesis and glucose production. In addition to a short‐term effect on specific enzymes, AMPK also modulates the transcription of genes involved in lipogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis. The identification of AMPK targets in hepatic metabolism should be useful in developing treatments to reverse metabolic abnormalities of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome.
LKB1 and AMP‐activated protein kinase control of mTOR signalling and growth
Authors: Shaw R. J.
Published: February 2009

The AMP‐activated serine/threonine protein kinase (AMPK) is a sensor of cellular energy status found in all eukaryotes that is activated under conditions of low intracellular ATP following stresses such as nutrient deprivation or hypoxia. In the past 5 years, work from a large number of laboratories has revealed that one of the major downstream signalling pathways regulated by AMPK is the mammalian target‐of‐rapamycin [mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway]. Interestingly, like AMPK, the mTOR serine/threonine kinase plays key roles not only in growth control and cell proliferation but also in metabolism. Recent work has revealed that across eukaryotes mTOR orthologues are found in two biochemically distinct complexes and only one of those complexes (mTORC1 in mammals) is acutely sensitive to rapamycin and regulated by nutrients and AMPK. Many details of the molecular mechanism by which AMPK inhibits mTORC1 signalling have also been decoded in the past 5 years. AMPK directly phosphorylates at least two proteins to induce rapid suppression of mTORC1 activity, the TSC2 tumour suppressor and the critical mTORC1 binding subunit raptor. Here we explore the molecular connections between AMPK and mTOR signalling pathways and examine the physiological processes in which AMPK regulation of mTOR is critical for growth or metabolic control. The functional conservation of AMPK and TOR in all eukaryotes, and the sequence conservation around the AMPK phosphorylation sites in raptor across all eukaryotes examined suggest that this represents a fundamental cell growth module connecting nutrient status to the cell growth machinery. These findings have broad implications for the control of cell growth by nutrients in a number of cellular and organismal contexts.
AMP‐activated protein kinase control of fat metabolism in skeletal muscle
Authors: Thomson D. M. , Winder W. W.
Published: February 2009

AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) has emerged as a key regulator of skeletal muscle fat metabolism. Because abnormalities in skeletal muscle metabolism contribute to a variety of clinical diseases and disorders, understanding AMPK’s role in the muscle is important. It was originally shown to stimulate fatty acid (FA) oxidation decades ago, and since then much research has been accomplished describing this role. In this brief review, we summarize much of these data, particularly in relation to changes in FA oxidation that occur during skeletal muscle exercise. Potential roles for AMPK exist in regulating FA transport into the mitochondria via interactions with acetyl‐CoA carboxylase, malonyl‐CoA decarboxylase, and perhaps FA transporter/CD36 (FAT/CD36). Likewise, AMPK may regulate transport of FAs into the cell through FAT/CD36. AMPK may also regulate capacity for FA oxidation by phosphorylation of transcription factors such as CREB or coactivators such as PGC‐1α.
Regulation of glucose transporter 4 traffic by energy deprivation from mitochondrial compromise
Authors: Klip A. , Schertzer J. D. , Bilan P. J. , Thong F. , Antonescu C.
Published: February 2009

Skeletal muscle is the major store and consumer of fatty acids and glucose. Glucose enters muscle through glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). Upon insufficient oxygen availability or energy compromise, aerobic metabolism of glucose and fatty aids cannot proceed, and muscle cells rely on anaerobic metabolism of glucose to restore cellular energy status. An increase in glucose uptake into muscle is a key response to stimuli requiring rapid energy supply. This chapter analyses the mechanisms of the adaptive regulation of glucose transport that rescue muscle cells from mitochondrial uncoupling. Under these conditions, the initial drop in ATP recovers rapidly, through a compensatory increase in glucose uptake. This adaptive response involves AMPK activation by the initial ATP drop, which elevates cell surface GLUT4 and glucose uptake. The gain in surface GLUT4 involves different signals and routes of intracellular traffic compared with those engaged by insulin. The hormone increases GLUT4 exocytosis through phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase and Akt, whereas energy stress retards GLUT4 endocytosis through AMPK and calcium inputs. Given that energy stress is a component of muscle contraction, and that contraction activates AMPK and raises cytosolic calcium, we hypothesize that the increase in glucose uptake during contraction may also involve a reduction in GLUT4 endocytosis.
Estimates of US influenza‐associated deaths made using four different methods
Authors: Thompson William W. , Weintraub Eric , Dhankhar Praveen , Cheng Po‐Yung , Brammer Lynnette , Meltzer Martin I. , Bresee Joseph S. , Shay David K.
Published: February 2009

Background  A wide range of methods have been used for estimating influenza‐associated deaths in temperate countries. Direct comparisons of estimates produced by using different models with US mortality data have not been published.

Objective  Compare estimates of US influenza‐associated deaths made by using four models and summarize strengths and weaknesses of each model.

Methods  US mortality data from the 1972–1973 through 2002–2003 respiratory seasons and World Health Organization influenza surveillance data were used to estimate influenza‐associated respiratory and circulatory deaths. Four models were used: (i) rate‐difference (using peri‐season or summer‐season baselines), (ii) Serfling least squares cyclical regression, (iii) Serfling–Poisson regression, (iv) and autoregressive integrated moving average models.

Results  Annual estimates of influenza‐associated deaths made using each model were similar and positively correlated, except for estimates from the summer‐season rate‐difference model, which were consistently higher. From the 1976/1977 through the 2002/2003 seasons the, the Poisson regression models estimated that an annual average of 25 470 [95% confidence interval (CI) 19 781–31 159] influenza‐associated respiratory and circulatory deaths [9·9 deaths per 100 000 (95% CI 7·9–11·9)], while peri‐season rate‐difference models using a 15% threshold estimated an annual average of 22 454 (95% CI 16 189–28 719) deaths [8·6 deaths per 100 000 (95% CI 6·4–10·9)].

Conclusions  Estimates of influenza‐associated mortality were of similar magnitude. Poisson regression models permit the estimation of deaths associated with influenza A and B, but require robust viral surveillance data. By contrast, simple peri‐season rate‐difference models may prove useful for estimating mortality in countries with sparse viral surveillance data or complex influenza seasonality.
Gesamtwirtschaftliche Auswirkungen der Reform eines im Umlageverfahren finanzierten Rentensystems: Beispiel Portugal
Authors: Medeiros Garcia Maria Teresa , Lopes Emídio Graça
Published: February 2009

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Der vorliegende Artikel analysiert die Auswirkungen verschiedener Arten von Reformoptionen auf die finanzielle Nachhaltigkeit des Rentensystems der sozialen Sicherheit und auf eine Reihe volkswirtschaftlicher Variablen. Das HERPOR‐Modell wird verwendet, um die wahrscheinlichen Folgen von Parameterreformen für das bestehende im Umlageverfahren finanzierte System zu untersuchen, aber auch solche einer Systemreform. Der Beitrag kommt zum Schluss, dass Erstere ausreichen, um die finanzielle Nachhaltigkeit sicherzustellen, obwohl sie von Beschäftigungsförderungsmaßnahmen flankiert werden sollten. Der Artikel kommt auch zum Schluss, dass ein voll vorfinanziertes System wegen der hohen Übergangskosten keine gangbare Option zu sein scheint, wenn politische Entscheidungsträger Rentensysteme der sozialen Sicherheit neu gestalten wollen.
Alleinerziehende Mütter, Workfare und prekäre Beschäftigungsverhältnisse: Zeit für ein kanadisches Grundeinkommen?
Authors: Evans Patricia M.
Published: February 2009

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Die Zunahme prekärer Beschäftigungsverhältnisse wirft für Konzepte zur Einkommensunterstützung im Rahmen der Sozialfürsorge beträchtliche Probleme auf, wird jedoch von den Politikgestaltern weitgehend vernachlässigt. Auf der Grundlage qualitativer Daten aus einer in der kanadischen Provinz Ontario durchgeführten Studie werden in diesem Beitrag die speziellen Konsequenzen dieser Probleme für alleinerziehende Mütter untersucht, die häufig sowohl atypisch beschäftigt sind als auch zur Zielgruppe von Workfare‐Konzepten zählen. Im Kontext sich wandelnder Arbeitsmärkte werden in diesem Artikel die potenziellen Vorzüge und Grenzen von Grundeinkommen‐Ansätzen für die Existenzsicherung alleinerziehender Mütter untersucht.
Ein Rahmen für den Vergleich des Sozialschutzes in Entwicklungs‐ und Industrieländern: Das Beispiel Kindergeld
Authors: Esser Ingrid , Ferrarini Tommy , Nelson Kenneth , Sjöberg Ola
Published: February 2009

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Der Artikel umreißt einen konzeptuellen und theoretischen Rahmen für eine verbesserte vergleichende Analyse öffentlich bereitgestellten Sozialschutzes in Entwicklungsländern und stützt sich dabei auf die Forschungstradition der Analyse seit langem bestehender demokratischer Wohlfahrtsstaaten. Ein wichtiges Element des vorgeschlagenen institutionellen Ansatzes ist die Erstellung vergleichbarer qualitativer und quantitativer Sozialschutzindikatoren. Das empirische Beispiel des Kindergeldes zeigt, dass Unterschiede zwischen Industrie‐ und Entwicklungsländern nicht übertrieben werden sollten und dass die Kindergeldleistungen in afrikanischen Ländern südlich der Sahara und in Lateinamerika heute dem Niveau der Zeit zwischen den Weltkriegen (1919‐1938) in den Industrieregionen gleichen.
Cross‐species amplification of primers developed from Plantago major and P. intermedia in two Hawaiian Plantago species from the section Plantago
Authors: WOLFF K. , HOUSTON K. , DUNBAR‐CO S.
Published: February 2009

Thirty‐nine primers, developed from the sister species Plantago major and P. intermedia, were tested in two Hawaiian Plantago species from the section Plantago. Eight primers were polymorphic, of which three were published earlier, and five are new ones presented here. Amplification and polymorphism levels appeared to be high in these Hawaiian species. These markers will be valuable for further mating system and evolutionary studies in species from the section Plantago that are closely related to P. major and P. intermedia.
Priorities and paradigms: directions in threatened species recovery
Authors: Briggs Sue V.
Published: February 2009

Recovering threatened species is a key challenge for conservation managers, policy makers, and researchers. This article describes a practical framework for assigning priorities for recovery of threatened species according to cost‐effectiveness of recovery strategies for species groups. The framework has the following steps: (1) determine the conservation goal—persistence in the wild of the largest number of threatened species with the funds available; (2) assign threatened species to species recovery groups according to their characteristics and threats—small‐population species that require actions at sites and declining‐population species that require actions across landscapes; (3) identify the recovery strategies and their component actions for the species groups; (4) cost the recovery strategies for the species groups; (5) determine the cost‐effectiveness of the recovery strategies for the species groups—the number of species recovered divided by the cost of the strategies; (6) assign priorities to the recovery strategies according to their cost‐effectiveness; (7) allocate funds to the recovery strategies that maximize the number of threatened species recovered for the funds available; and (8) undertake the funded recovery strategies and actions. The framework is illustrated with an example.
A reserve paradox: introduced heterogeneity may increase regional invasibility
Authors: Kellner Julie B. , Hastings Alan
Published: February 2009

No‐take marine protected areas (MPAs) typically lead to population abundances that are much more spatially heterogeneous compared to conventional fisheries management. Higher abundances inside marine reserves may sustain regional populations through spillover of larvae, but this induced spatial heterogeneity can also have undesirable consequences. Displacing fishing effort into a smaller area may offset larval export from MPAs and locally reduce populations within fished areas by intensifying effort per area. Using a novel community perspective, we show that this displacement can increase the local and regional community's susceptibility to invasion by nonindigenous species. This study illustrates the types of multispecies trade‐offs that are inherent to spatially explicit forms of management and highlights the pressing need to transition from single‐species analyses to examining community responses to management schemes across broader biological and spatial scales. Our results demonstrate the potentially negative regional consequences of anthropogenically‐driven spatial heterogeneities in aquatic and terrestrial systems.
Phylogenetic analysis of new Prasinoviruses (Phycodnaviridae) that infect the green unicellular algae Ostreococcus, Bathycoccus and Micromonas
Authors: Bellec Laure , Grimsley Nigel , Moreau Hervé , Desdevises Yves
Published: February 2009

Viruses play an important role in the regulation of phytoplankton populations. In the Mediterranean Sea, prasinophyte green algae are abundant and widespread, and within this group the genera Bathycoccus, Micromonas and Ostreococcus (Mamiellales) are the most common. Although these organisms constitute a significant part of the marine ecosystem, little is known about the viruses infecting them. We showed that double‐stranded DNA viruses, likely members of the Phycodnaviridae family, can infect and grow in different host laboratory prasinophyte strains. Different pairs of degenerate primers were designed to PCR amplify a region of the conserved viral polymerase gene in order to characterize these viral strains. Twenty‐seven new viral strains from five different host strains were thus analysed. We established phylogenetic trees for the hosts (18S) and their associated viruses (partial polymerase gene) and discuss the taxonomic significance of Phycodnaviridae. Within eukaryotic double‐stranded DNA viruses, we showed that viruses from Bathycoccus, Micromonas and Ostreococcus form a monophyletic group that we refer to as ‘Prasinovirus’.