bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between serum retinol‐binding protein 4 concentrations and clinical indices in subjects with type 2 diabetes: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Park H. , Green M. H. , Shaffer M. L. 
Published: May 2012

How to cite this article
Park H., Green M.H. & Shaffer M.L. (2012) Association between serum retinol‐binding protein 4 concentrations and clinical indices in subjects with type 2 diabetes: a meta‐analysis. J Hum Nutr Diet. 25, 300–310AbstractBackground:  Retinol‐binding protein (RBP4) is an adipokine that may be important in type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have examined the association between serum RBP4 concentrations and clinical indices in patients with type 2 diabetes, although the results obtained have been inconsistent. We conducted a meta‐analysis aiming to investigate the association between serum RBP4 concentrations and clinical indicators of diabetes, renal function, metabolic syndrome and obesity in subjects with type 2 diabetes.Methods:  MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases were searched from 2005 through November 2011, and the search identified 21 clinical variables from seven studies (total n = 1406). For each variable, summary correlation coefficients (rs) were estimated using a random‐effects meta‐analysis.Results:  None of the diabetes markers were correlated with serum RBP4 concentrations in subjects with type 2 diabetes, whereas all of the renal function markers and many metabolic syndrome markers were significantly correlated. Summary correlation coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were −0.36 (95% CI = −0.51 to −0.18) for creatinine clearance, −0.39 (95% CI = −0.44 to −0.33) for estimated glomerular filtration rate and 0.53 (95% CI = 0.30–0.71) for creatinine concentration. In addition, plasma triglyceride concentrations (rs = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.11–0.32), plasma total cholesterol concentrations [rs = 0.14 (95% CI = 0.05–0.23)] and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level (rs = 0.14; 95% CI = 0.02–0.25) were positively correlated with serum RBP4 concentrations.Conclusions:  The results obtained in the present study suggest that serum RBP4 concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes may be associated with diabetes‐related renal dysfunction and imbalances in lipid metabolism.
Phage shock proteins B and C prevent lethal cytoplasmic membrane permeability in Yersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Horstman N. Kaye , Darwin Andrew J. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThe bacterial phage shock protein (Psp) stress response system is activated by events affecting the cytoplasmic membrane. In response, Psp protein levels increase, including PspA, which has been implicated as the master effector of stress tolerance. Yersinia enterocolitica and related bacteria with a defective Psp system are highly sensitive to the mislocalization of pore‐forming secretin proteins. However, why secretins are toxic to psp null strains, whereas some other Psp inducers are not, has not been explained. Furthermore, previous work has led to the confounding and disputable suggestion that PspA is not involved in mitigating secretin toxicity. Here we have established a correlation between the amount of secretin toxicity in a psp null strain and the extent of cytoplasmic membrane permeability to large molecules. This leads to a morphological change resembling cells undergoing plasmolysis. Furthermore, using novel strains with dis‐regulated Psp proteins has allowed us to obtain unequivocal evidence that PspA is not required for secretin‐stress tolerance. Together, our data suggest that the mechanism by which secretin multimers kill psp null cells is by causing a profound defect in the cytoplasmic membrane permeability barrier. This allows lethal molecular exchange with the environment, which the PspB and PspC proteins can prevent.
Epidemiology of Taenia solium in Nepal: is it influenced by the social characteristics of the population and the presence of Taenia asiatica?
Authors: Devleesschauwer Brecht , Aryal Arjun , Joshi Durga Datt , Rijal Suman , Sherchand Jeevan Bahadur , Praet Nicolas , Speybroeck Niko , Duchateau Luc , Vercruysse Jozef , Dorny Pierre 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe transmission of the zoonotic pork tapeworms Taenia solium and T. asiatica depends on a combination of specific risk factors, such as open defecation, backyard pig raising and the consumption of raw or undercooked pork and viscera. A community‐based survey was conducted among 289 households in south–eastern Nepal to study the heterogeneity of these risk factor frequencies as a function of the social composition of the population. The frequency of open defecation, backyard pig raising and pork consumption differed significantly (P < 0.005) among the different coexisting caste and ethnic groups. In the same survey, the taeniosis prevalence was examined among the different groups. Tapeworm carriers were identified at a high prevalence among the Dum, one of the most disadvantaged communities of Nepal. A PCR‐RFLP assay revealed that all collected tapeworm specimens were T. asiatica, a species thus far not known to occur in South Asia. These results can help to understand the epidemiology of T. solium in Nepal, which appears to be more complex than thought so far.
Transcriptional analysis of differentially expressed genes in response to stem inclination in young seedlings of pine
Authors: Ramos P. , Le Provost G. , Gantz C. , Plomion C. , Herrera R. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe gravitropic response in trees is a widely studied phenomenon, however understanding of the molecular mechanism involved remains unclear. The purpose of this work was to identify differentially expressed genes in response to inclination using a comparative approach for two conifer species. Young seedlings were subjected to inclination and samples were collected at four different times points. First, suppression subtractive hybridisation (SSH) was used to identify differentially regulated genes in radiata pine (Pinus radiataD. Don). cDNA libraries were constructed from the upper and lower part of inclined stems in a time course experiment, ranging from 2.5 h to 1 month. From a total of 3092 sequences obtained, 2203 elements were assembled, displaying homology to a public database. A total of 942 unigene elements were identified using bioinformatic tools after redundancy analysis. Of these, 614 corresponded to known function genes and 328 to unknown function genes, including hypothetical proteins. Comparative analysis between radiata pine and maritime pine (Pinus pinasterAit.) was performed to validate the differential expression of relevant candidate genes using qPCR. Selected genes were involved in several functional categories: hormone regulation, phenylpropanoid pathway and signal transduction. This comparative approach for the two conifer species helped determine the molecular gene pattern generated by inclination, providing a set ofPinusgene signatures that may be involved in the gravitropic stress response. These genes may also represent relevant candidate genes involved in the gravitropic response and potentially in wood formation.
Body plethysmographic study of specific airway resistance in a sample of healthy adults
Authors: PIATTI GIOIA , FASANO VALTER , CANTARELLA GIOVANNA , TARANTOLA CLAUDIA 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  sRaw (specific airway resistance) is a corrected index (Raw multiplied by thoracic gas volume) that describes airway behaviour regardless of lung volume. Normal values of sRaw in adult subjects have never been formally defined. To establish sRaw interpretation criteria and to define a range of reference values, we evaluated variability, reproducibility and reliability of sRaw measurements in a group of healthy adults.Methods:  We analysed 517 subjects of both genders, aged 18–65 (group A), and to assess the reproducibility of the measurements, we investigated intra‐individual variation and potential daily and weekly sRaw rhythms in a subgroup of 18 co‐operative healthy subjects (group B).Results:  In group A, there was no pattern of association between any of the considered anthropometric parameters; mean sRaw was higher in men (6.24 vs 5.95 cmH2O s in females; P = 0.0128), but when the data were stratified by age, gender‐related differences were only found in the group aged 46–60 (males 6.45 cmH2O s, females 6.01 cmH2O s; P = 0.0219). In group B, there was no statistically significant, time‐dependent variation during the single tests, nor any circadian or weekly rhythm.Conclusions:  sRaw is a reliable parameter; therefore, we propose that the lower and upper 95% confidence limits should be considered as reference values for adults of both genders, regardless of age. The availability of reference values may be useful in clinical practice and research.
Variability in disease burden and management of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in two regions of tropical Australia
Authors: Rémond M. G. W. , Severin K. L. , Hodder Y. , Martin J. , Nelson C. , Atkinson D. , Maguire G. P. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundAcute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) contribute to Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander health disadvantage. At the time of this study, specialist ARF/RHD care in the Kimberley region of Western Australia was delivered by a broad range of providers. In contrast, in Far North Queensland (FNQ), a single‐provider model was used as part of a coordinated RHD control programme.AimsTo review ARF/RHD management in the Kimberley and FNQ to ascertain whether differing models of service delivery are associated with different disease burden and patient care.MethodsAn audit of ARF/RHD management. Classification and clinical management data were abstracted from health records, specialist letters, echocardiograms and regional registers using a standardised data collection tool.ResultsFour hundred and seven patients were identified, with 99% being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders. ARF without RHD was seen in 0.4% of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander residents and RHD in 1.1%. The prevalence of RHD was similar in both regions but with more severe disease in the Kimberley. More FNQ RHD patients had specialist review within recommended time frames (67% vs 45%, χ2, P < 0.001). Of patients recommended benzathine penicillin secondary prophylaxis, 17.7% received ≥80% of scheduled doses in the preceding 12 months. Prescription and delivery of secondary prophylaxis was greater in FNQ.ConclusionsFNQ's single‐provider model of specialist care and centralised RHD control programme were associated with improved patient care and may partly account for the fewer cases of severe disease and reduced surgical procedures and other interventions observed in this region.
Improving quality of delirium care in a general medical service with established interdisciplinary care: a controlled trial
Authors: Mudge A. M. , Maussen C. , Duncan J. , Denaro C. P. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundClinical practice guidelines have been developed to improve screening, prevention and management of delirium.AimsTo implement delirium guidelines in general medical patients to reduce incidence and duration of delirium and improve outcomes in delirious patients.MethodsImplementation was led by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and project staff on one medical ward. Evaluation was undertaken as a controlled trial in patients aged 65 years or older with/at risk of delirium, compared with a control medical ward. Interventions included risk screening, delirium detection, multidisciplinary education, ward modifications including a four‐bed delirium bay, behaviour and medication protocols, and use of nursing assistant and volunteers. Primary outcome measures were incidence and duration of delirium; secondary outcomes were length of stay, mortality, falls and discharge destination in delirious subgroup. Process measures included ward moves, use of neuroleptics, allied health review and delirium bay use.ResultsOf 206 consenting older medical patients, 22% were delirious at admission and 44% were at risk. No incident cases of delirium were identified. In the delirious subgroup, significantly fewer intervention participants were discharged with persistent delirium (32% vs 71%, P = 0.016), with trends to reduced inpatient mortality (0% vs 18.5%, P = 0.07) and falls (11% vs 22%, P = 0.16), at the expense of a longer medical ward stay (16 days vs 8 days, P = 0.01).ConclusionsLow incidence of new delirium may reflect the established interdisciplinary care environment. Improved outcomes in the delirious group are encouraging although implementation was costly, including increased length of acute ward stay.
Haploidentical bone marrow transplants for haematological malignancies using non‐myeloablative conditioning therapy and post‐transplant immunosuppression with cyclophosphamide: results from a single Australian centre
Authors: Bilmon I. A. , Kwan J. , Gottlieb D. , Kerridge I. , McGurgan M. , Huang G. , George B. , Hertzberg M. , Bradstock K. F. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAimsTo demonstrate safety and efficacy of haploidentical bone marrow transplantation with non‐myeloablative conditioning and high‐dose post‐transplant cyclophosphamide in adult patients with leukaemia or lymphoma.BackgroundHuman leukocyte antigen haploidentical bone marrow transplantation is a treatment option in patients with haematological malignancies who have no available human leukocyte antigen‐matched donor but is limited by conditioning regimen toxicity, graft failure, relapse and graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD).MethodsTwelve patients, median age of 51 years, underwent transplantation with T cell replete bone marrow from a haplotype‐matched relative. The conditioning regimen consisted of cyclophosphamide, fludarabine and low‐dose total body irradiation. Post‐transplant immunosuppression consisted of a single dose of cyclophosphamide 50 mg/kg on day 3, followed by oral tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. Outcomes reported are overall survival, engraftment and chimerism, toxicity, and clinical outcome.ResultsAll patients had neutrophil recovery (median 14.5 days), and 11 of 12 had platelet engraftment (median 17 days). Two patients had autologous reconstitution. Seven of nine assessable patients had complete donor chimerism. Four patients had grades II‐III GvHD, and none had grade IV GvHD. Four patients developed limited stage chronic GvHD. Five patients with acute myeloid leukaemia relapsed. Two patients died of nonrelapse causes, both from other malignancies, and five patients remain alive and relapse free. Median overall survival was 324 days (range 88–1163).ConclusionThis regimen is feasible and well tolerated in older patients with high‐risk leukaemia or lymphoma, with minimal short‐term toxicity and low rates of GvHD. The proportion of disease‐free survivors indicates a graft‐versus‐malignancy effect is present in survivors.
Optimal surveillance and eradication of invasive species in heterogeneous landscapes
Authors: Epanchin‐Niell Rebecca S. , Haight Robert G. , Berec Ludek , Kean John M. , Liebhold Andrew M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractCost‐effective surveillance strategies are needed for efficient responses to biological invasions and must account for the trade‐offs between surveillance effort and management costs. Less surveillance may allow greater population growth and spread prior to detection, thereby increasing the costs of damages and control. In addition, surveillance strategies are usually applied in environments under continual invasion pressure where the number, size and location of established populations are unknown prior to detection. We develop a novel modeling framework that accounts for these features of the decision and invasion environment and determines the long term sampling effort that minimises the total expected costs of new invasions. The optimal solution depends on population establishment and growth rates, sample sensitivity, and sample, eradication, and damage costs. We demonstrate how to optimise surveillance systems under budgetary constraints and find that accounting for spatial heterogeneity in sampling costs and establishment rates can greatly reduce management costs.
Combining GLP‐1 receptor agonists with insulin: therapeutic rationales and clinical findings
Authors: Holst J. J. , Vilsbøll T. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractDue to the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the emergent trend towards diagnosis in younger patients and the progressive nature of this disease, many more patients than before now require insulin to maintain glycaemic control. However, there is a degree of inertia among physicians and patients regarding the initiation and intensification of insulin therapy, in part due to concerns about the associated weight gain and increased risk of hypoglycaemia. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) increase insulin release and suppress glucagon secretion in a glucose‐dependent manner, thus conferring glycaemic control with a low incidence of hypoglycaemia. GLP‐1RAs also promote weight loss, and have beneficial effects on markers of β cell function, lipid levels, blood pressure and cardiovascular risk markers. However, the durability of their effectiveness is unknown and, compared with insulin, the antihyperglycaemic efficacy of GLP‐1RAs is limited. The combination of a GLP‐1RA and insulin might thus be highly effective for optimal glucose control, ameliorating the adverse effects typically associated with insulin. Data from clinical studies support the therapeutic potential of GLP‐1RA–insulin combination therapy, typically showing beneficial effects on glycaemic control and body weight, with a low incidence of hypoglycaemia and, in established insulin therapy, facilitating reductions in insulin dose. In this review, the physiological and pharmacological rationale for using GLP‐1RA and insulin therapies in combination is discussed, and data from clinical studies that have assessed the efficacy and safety of this treatment strategy are outlined.
Prevalence of smoking and other health risk factors in people attending residential substance abuse treatment
Authors: KELLY PETER J. , BAKER AMANDA L. , DEANE FRANK P. , KAY‐LAMBKIN FRANCES J. , BONEVSKI BILLIE , TREGARTHEN JENNA 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntroduction and Aims. People attending substance abuse treatment have an elevated risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. Consequently, there have been increasing calls for substance abuse treatment services to address smoking. The current study examined smoking behaviours of people attending residential substance abuse treatment. Additionally, the study examined rates of other potentially modifiable health risk factors for the development of CVD and cancer.Design and Methods. A cross‐sectional survey was completed by participants attending Australian Salvation Army residential substance abuse treatment services (n = 228). Rates of smoking, exercise, dietary fat intake, body mass index and depression were identified and compared with representative community populations. The relationship between length of treatment and changes in these variables was also examined.Results. When compared with the Australian population, participants were much more likely to be current smokers. They also showed higher rates of dietary fat intake, and having had a previous diagnosis of a depressive disorder. Encouragingly, participants were more likely to be engaging in regular exercise. Over a third of all smokers reported having increased their smoking since attending the residential program, with correlational analysis suggesting that nicotine dependence was increasing the longer participants were in treatment.Discussion and Conclusions. People attending substance abuse treatment show extremely high rates of smoking (77%). With the large majority of participants showing multiple risk factors for CVD, it is important that residential services consider strategies to address smoking and the other potentially modifiable health risk factors in an integrated fashion.[Kelly PJ, Baker AL, Deane FP, Kay‐Lambkin FJ, Bonevski B, Tregarthen J. Prevalence of smoking and other health risk factors in people attending residential substance abuse treatment. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:638–644]
Treatment outcomes for methamphetamine users receiving outpatient counselling from the Stimulant Treatment Program in Australia
Authors: MCKETIN REBECCA , DUNLOP ADRIAN J. , HOLLAND ROHAN M. , SUTHERLAND RACHEL A. , BAKER AMANDA L. , SALMON ALLISON M. , HUDSON SUSAN L. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntroduction and Aims. The purpose of this study was to document treatment outcomes for methamphetamine users receiving outpatient counselling from the Stimulant Treatment Program (STP) in Australia.Design and Methods. Clients attending the STP for methamphetamine use (n = 105) were assessed on entry to the service and at 3 (n = 86) and 6 months (n = 83) after starting treatment. At each interview methamphetamine use (days of use, severity of dependence), other drug use and health and social functioning (HIV risk behaviour, crime, disability, psychotic symptoms and hostility) were assessed for the past month.Results. Participants received a median of six counselling sessions (interquartile range 1–11) over a period of 89 days (interquartile range 41–148 days). Past month methamphetamine use fell from 79% at treatment entry to 53% at the 3‐month follow‐up (P < 0.001) and 55% at the 6‐month follow‐up (P < 0.001). There were statistically significant reductions in psychotic symptoms, hostility and disability associated with poor mental health. There was no change in other drug use, crime or HIV risk behaviour. Reductions in methamphetamine were more common among younger participants, those who had no history of drug treatment and those without concurrent heroin use.Discussion and Conclusions. Methamphetamine users entering the STP showed reductions in methamphetamine use and improvements in their mental health after treatment. Improved treatment responses are needed to address polydrug use and other harms within in this population.[McKetin R, Dunlop AJ, Holland RM, Sutherland RA, Baker AL, Salmon AM, Hudson SL. Treatment outcomes for methamphetamine users receiving outpatient counselling from the Stimulant Treatment Program in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2013;32:80–87]
Financial Crises in Iceland and Ireland: Does European Union and Euro Membership Matter?
Authors: THORHALLSSON BALDUR , KIRBY PEADAR 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe article examines the claims of the small states literature on the importance of alliance formation. It applies it to the case of Ireland and Iceland and asks whether membership of the EU and euro in Ireland and the absence of these in Iceland had a say in their reduction of risk before the financial crisis, assistance in absorbing the shock of their crash and help in recovering after it. The article argues that the notion of shelter needs to take more account of domestic arrangements and the shelter's costs though the cases confirm the importance of alliance formation.
The Effect of Mandatory Agro‐Environmental Policy on Farm Fertiliser and Pesticide Expenditure
Authors: Jaraitė Jūratė , Kažukauskas Andrius 
Published: May 2012

AbstractEU farmers are subject to mandatory cross‐compliance measures, requiring them to meet environmental conditions to be eligible for public support. These obligations reinforce incentives for farmers to change their behaviour towards the environment. We apply quasi‐experimental methods to measure the causal relationship between cross‐compliance and some specific farm environmental performance. We find that cross‐compliance reduced farm fertiliser and pesticide expenditure. This result also holds for farmers who participated in other voluntary agro‐environmental schemes. However, the results do not support our expectations that farmers who relied on larger shares of public payments had a stronger motivation to improve their environmental performance.