bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The natural furanone (5Z)‐4‐bromo‐5‐(bromomethylene)‐3‐butyl‐2(5H)‐furanone disrupts quorum sensing‐regulated gene expression in Vibrio harveyi by decreasing the DNA‐binding activity of the transcriptional regulator protein luxR
Authors: Defoirdt Tom , Miyamoto Carol M. , Wood Thomas K. , Meighen Edward A. , Sorgeloos Patrick , Verstraete Willy , Bossier Peter 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThis study aimed at getting a deeper insight in the molecular mechanism by which the natural furanone (5Z)‐4‐bromo‐5‐(bromomethylene)‐3‐butyl‐2(5H)‐furanone disrupts quorum sensing in Vibrio harveyi. Bioluminescence experiments with signal molecule receptor double mutants revealed that the furanone blocks all three channels of the V. harveyi quorum sensing system. In further experiments using mutants with mutations in the quorum sensing signal transduction pathway, the compound was found to block quorum sensing‐regulated bioluminescence by interacting with a component located downstream of the Hfq protein. Furthermore, reverse transcriptase real‐time polymerase chain reaction with specific primers showed that there was no effect of the furanone on luxRVh mRNA levels in wild‐type V. harveyi cells. In contrast, mobility shift assays showed that in the presence of the furanone, significantly lower levels of the LuxRVh response regulator protein were able to bind to its target promoter sequences in wild‐type V. harveyi. Finally, tests with purified LuxRVh protein also showed less shifts with furanone‐treated LuxRVh, whereas the LuxRVh concentration was found not to be altered by the furanone (as determined by SDS‐PAGE). Therefore, our data indicate that the furanone blocks quorum sensing in V. harveyi by rendering the quorum sensing master regulator protein LuxRVh unable to bind to the promoter sequences of quorum sensing‐regulated genes.
Who will lose weight on sibutramine and orlistat? Psychological correlates for treatment success
Authors: Elfhag K. , Finer N. , Rössner S. 
Published: June 2007

Aim:  To study the associations between weight loss with sibutramine and orlistat with psychological aspects that may interact with patients’ response to these drugs.Methods:  A total of 478 obese patients with a mean body mass index of 42 ± 12 kg/m2 gave self‐reported, retrospective data on different types of previous weight loss treatments (sibutramine and orlistat, and Weight Watchers used as a control condition) including the amount of weight lost with these treatments, eating behaviour (Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire) and personality (NEO Personality Inventory – Revised).Results:  Greater weight loss with sibutramine was associated with lower levels of restrained eating and higher levels of ‘neuroticism’, in particular ‘anxiety’ and ‘depression’. Greater weight loss with orlistat was associated with aspects of the personality dimension ‘conscientiousness’ (e.g. ‘order’ and ‘deliberation’).Conclusion:  Sibutramine may exert its greatest effect in patients whose eating is a ‘natural’ response to hunger rather than regulated by cognitions and conscious controls. Patients with low levels of restraint could be more sensitive to the satiety‐enhancing effect of sibutramine. They may be able to reduce their food intake without cognitive interference and/or start to control their eating most radically in response to enhanced satiety. Enhanced satiety may also help patients withstand a wish to eat triggered by psychological distress. Possible central nervous system effects on mood could also have reduced eating, which was related to distress. The administration regimen of orlistat is more demanding, requiring greater adherence. This can account for the finding that personality attributes such as conscientiousness are important for success.
Adding biphasic insulin aspart 30 once or twice daily is more efficacious than optimizing oral antidiabetic treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bebakar W. M. W. , Chow C. C. , Kadir K. A. , Suwanwalaikorn S. , Vaz J. A. , Bech O. M. ,   BIAsp‐3021 study group
Published: June 2007

Aim:  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp30; NovoMix® 30) to existing oral antidiabetic agents (OADs) vs. optimizing OADs in a subgroup of Western Pacific patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on oral monotherapy or oral combination therapy.Methods:  This 26‐week, multi‐centre, open‐labelled, randomized, two‐arm parallel trial consisted of a 2‐week screening period, followed by 24 weeks of treatment. Subjects randomized to BIAsp30 treatment (n = 129) received BIAsp30 once daily (o.d.) at dinnertime between Week 2 and Week 14, and those not reaching treatment targets were switched to twice daily (b.i.d.) BIAsp30 at Week 14 (n = 50). Subjects randomized to the OAD‐only arm (n = 63) continued with their previous OAD treatment and, in an attempt to reach treatment goals, the dose was optimized (but OAD unchanged) in accordance to local treatment practice and labelling.Results:  Significantly greater reductions in HbA1c over Weeks 0–13 with BIAsp30 (o.d.) vs. OAD‐only treatment (1.16 vs. 0.58%; p < 0.001), and over Weeks 0–26, with BIAsp30 (o.d.) and BIAsp30 (b.i.d.) treatments vs. OAD‐only treatment (1.24 vs. 1.34 vs. 0.67%; p < 0.01). Hypoglycaemic episodes were reported in 54% of the patients in BIAsp30 (o.d. and b.i.d. pooled) and 30% of the patients in OAD‐only group. All episodes were minor or symptomatic, except for one in each treatment group, which was major.Conclusions:  Initiating BIAsp30 treatment is a safe and more effective way to improve glycaemic control in Western Pacific patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with oral monotherapy or oral combination therapy compared with optimizing oral combination therapy alone. In patients not reaching treatment target on BIAsp30 (o.d.), treatment with BIAsp30 (b.i.d.) should be considered.
Efficacy and safety of the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, sitagliptin, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled on glimepiride alone or on glimepiride and metformin
Authors: Hermansen K. , Kipnes M. , Luo E. , Fanurik D. , Khatami H. , Stein P. ,   Sitagliptin Study 035 Group
Published: June 2007

Aim:  To assess the efficacy and safety of a 24‐week treatment with sitagliptin, a highly selective once‐daily oral dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes who had inadequate glycaemic control [glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥7.5% and ≤10.5%] while on glimepiride alone or in combination with metformin.Methods:  After a screening, diet/exercise run‐in and drug wash‐off period, a glimepiride ± metformin dose titration/stabilization period and a 2‐week, single‐blind placebo run‐in, 441 patients (of ages 18–75 years) were randomized to receive the addition of sitagliptin 100 mg once daily or placebo in a 1 : 1 ratio for 24 weeks. Of these patients, 212 were on glimepiride (≥4 mg/day) monotherapy and 229 were on glimepiride (≥4 mg/day) plus metformin (≥1500 mg/day) combination therapy. Patients exceeding pre‐specified glycaemic thresholds during the double‐blind treatment period were provided open‐label rescue therapy (pioglitazone) until study end. The primary efficacy analysis evaluated the change in HbA1c from baseline to Week 24. Secondary efficacy endpoints included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2‐h post‐meal glucose and lipid measurements.Results:  Mean baseline HbA1c was 8.34% in the sitagliptin and placebo groups. After 24 weeks, sitagliptin reduced HbA1c by 0.74% (p < 0.001) relative to placebo. In the subset of patients on glimepiride plus metformin, sitagliptin reduced HbA1c by 0.89% relative to placebo, compared with a reduction of 0.57% in the subset of patients on glimepiride alone. The addition of sitagliptin reduced FPG by 20.1 mg/dl (p < 0.001) and increased homeostasis model assessment‐β, a marker of β‐cell function, by 12% (p < 0.05) relative to placebo. In patients who underwent a meal tolerance test (n = 134), sitagliptin decreased 2‐h post‐prandial glucose (PPG) by 36.1 mg/dl (p < 0.001) relative to placebo. The addition of sitagliptin was generally well tolerated, although there was a higher incidence of overall (60 vs. 47%) and drug‐related adverse experiences (AEs) (15 vs. 7%) in the sitagliptin group than in the placebo group. This was largely because of a higher incidence of hypoglycaemia AEs (12 vs. 2%, respectively) in the sitagliptin group compared with the placebo group. Body weight modestly increased with sitagliptin relative to placebo (+0.8 vs. −0.4 kg; p < 0.001).Conclusions:  Sitagliptin 100 mg once daily significantly improved glycaemic control and β‐cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes who had inadequate glycaemic control with glimepiride or glimepiride plus metformin therapy. The addition of sitagliptin was generally well tolerated, with a modest increase in hypoglycaemia and body weight, consistent with glimepiride therapy and the observed degree of glycaemic improvement.
The Multiple Faces of Post‐Traumatic Growth
Authors: Pat‐Horenczyk Ruth , Brom Danny 
Published: June 2007

The concept of Post‐Traumatic Growth (PTG) creates an interesting challenge for researchers and theorists in the trauma field. Hobfoll et al. examine the concept and strengthen the need for refining the understanding of traumatic growth in the face of terrorism. They raise and “zoom in” on central questions regarding this relatively new concept. Moreover, they significantly contribute to the emerging doubts about the positive nature of PTG and its adaptive significance. As a result of this article we can ask the question whether or not PTG should be promoted in the aftermath of disasters and adversities. In this commentary we will discuss the relationship between the current thinking on PTG and the development of the concepts of trauma and resilience. We will then critically discuss the research findings of Hobfoll and end with some comments on the differentiation between the cognitive and the action components of PTG presented by the authors.Le concept de développement post‐traumatique (PTG) soumet les chercheurs et théoriciens du traumatisme à un défi stimulant. Hobfoll & al. examinent ce concept et confirment la nécessité d’affiner l’appréhension du développement traumatique face au terrorisme. Ils soulèvent et se focalisent sur des questions majeures concernant cette notion relativement nouvelle. En outre, ils renforcent nettement les doutes qui apparaissent à propos de la nature positive du PTG et de sa fonction adaptative. Suite à la lecture de cet article se pose la question de savoir si oui ou non le PTG doit être mis en avant dans les retombées des désastres et malheurs. Dans ce commentaire, nous réfléchirons sur le rapport entre la conception actuelle du PTG et le développement des concepts de traumatisme et de résilience. Ensuite, nous passerons au crible les résultats d’Hobfoll et terminerons avec quelques considérations sur la différenciation des composantes cognition et action du PTG défendue par les auteurs.
Evaluating Resource Gain: Understanding and Misunderstanding Posttraumatic Growth
Authors: Tedeschi Richard G. , Calhoun Lawrence G. , Cann Arnie 
Published: June 2007

In a response to an article by Hobfoll and colleagues, theoretical and empirical considerations regarding the concept of posttraumatic growth are reviewed. It is noted that posttraumatic growth should be assessed as such, with measures developed specifically to address this construct; that it follows a challenge to and re‐examination of core beliefs, not every bad experience; it can be influenced by many factors; it can coexist with distress during stages of the process without indicating that growth is unimportant or negative; and it can follow various trajectories, including ones where it may at first serve one function, but later involve personally transformative changes.En réponse à un article de Hobfoll et al., des réflexions théoriques et empiriques concernant le concept de croissance post‐traumatique sont menées. On note que la croissance post‐traumatique doit être estimée à partir de mesures qui lui sont propres. Il est aussi souligné que la croissance post‐traumatique survient après un défi et un réexamen des croyances fondamentales et non après chaque expérience négative. La croissance post‐traumatique peut être influencée par de nombreux facteurs, elle peut coexister avec la détresse durant les étapes du processus sans que, pour autant, cela soit un indicateur d’une croissance négative ou peu importante. Enfin, elle peut suivre des trajectoires variées, y compris celles où elle remplit au départ une fonction et ultérieurement est impliquée directement dans des changements.
THE ASTONISHING REGULARITY OF SERVICE EMPLOYMENT EXPANSION
Authors: Schettkat Ronald 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTAn update of Victor Fuchs analysis shows an astonishing regularity of the relationship between per capita income and service industry employment. The two major theoretical hypotheses for the growth of the service sector, shifts in final demand towards services and the technological stagnancy of services, are then analyzed. Theories achieve simplicity and clarity from radical assumptions and it is therefore not surprising that empirically both dimensions are relevant. Shifts in final demand to services—especially of private consumption, however, gained importance over the last decades indicating a fundamental change of the division of labor: the marketization of household production, which is analyzed finally.
The welfare state as a context for children's development: a study of the effects of unemployment and unemployment protection on reading literacy scores
Authors: Siddiqi Arjumand , Subramanian S.V. , Berkman Lisa , Hertzman Clyde , Kawachi Ichiro 
Published: June 2007

Data were analysed from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) to examine whether the relationship between parental unemployment status and child reading literacy is modified by the level of unemployment protection provided by the nation. The sample consisted of 61,946 children, nested in 3,918 schools among 17 market economies. The results of multi‐level analyses indicated that, after controlling for a range of individual, family and school covariates, children with unemployed fathers in all countries had significantly lower reading literacy scores than those of employed fathers (β = −8.84, SE = 2.01). The contextual effect of unemployment protection was not significant after accounting for fathers’ employment status (β = −18.63, SE = 16.26). However, there was a significant negative interaction between unemployment protection and fathers’ unemployment, yielding the unexpected suggestion that, in countries with higher levels of unemployment protection, children with unemployed fathers fare worse, both in relation to children with unemployed fathers in lower protection countries, and in comparison with children with employed fathers (β = −26.96, SE = 8.08). Possible explanations are advanced for this result, including the potential for a ‘discouraged child effect’ arising from the potential association between unemployment protection and higher local unemployment rates (though unemployment rates at the national level were not significant).
Platelet counting in platelet concentrates with various automated hematology analyzers
Authors: Dijkstra‐Tiekstra Margriet J. , Kuipers Willeke , Setroikromo Airies C. , De Wildt‐Eggen Janny 
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: Hematology analyzers use impedance, optical, and/or immunologic techniques for counting platelets (PLTs). PLT counting in whole blood has been validated thoroughly; however, this is not the case for PLT counting in PLT concentrates (PCs), in which red cells (RBCs) are absent. Therefore, this study is focused on PLT counting in PCs to study use of ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), carryover, and accuracy of the analyzers.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In total six hematology analyzers (AcT 8, Beckman Coulter; ADVIA 2120, Bayer; Cell‐Dyn 4000, Abbott; Onyx, Beckman Coulter; K4500, Sysmex; and XT 2000i, Sysmex) were tested for PLT counting. PC samples with various PLT concentrations were made (0‐1700 × 109/L) and measured 10 times. Carryover was determined five times.RESULTS: PC samples (1000 × 109 PLTs/L) in EDTA tubes showed significantly higher PLT counts than samples in “dry” tubes for all analyzers except for the Cell‐Dyn 4000 with the impedance technique. Carryover was not more than 0.3 percent for all analyzers. The K4500 showed the most accurate results, whereas the Cell‐Dyn 4000 with the impedance technique had low accuracy due to an overestimation of more than 20 percent.CONCLUSION: Most tested analyzers seemed to be suitable for counting PLTs in PCs. All hematology analyzers should be validated for counting PLTs in absence of RBCs as is the case in PCs, in addition to validation of PLT counting in whole blood.
Effect of gamma irradiation with 30 Gy on the coagulation system in leukoreduced fresh‐frozen plasma
Authors: Weisbach Volker , Strobel Julian , Hahn Brigitte , Rödel Franz , Lotter Michael , Zingsem Jürgen , Ringwald Jürgen , Eckstein Reinhold 
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of gamma irradiation with 30 Gy on the coagulation system in leukoreduced fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In 74 FFP units that had been stored for 352 ± 103 days below −30°C, the following variables were determined in parallel in an irradiated and not irradiated half: prothrombin time (PT); activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT); thrombin time; antithrombin III; protein C; protein S; von Willebrand factor antigen; ristocetin cofactor; plasminogen–α2‐antiplasmin; the coagulation factors fibrinogen, factor (F)II, FV, FVII, VIII, F IX, FX, FXI, FXII, FXIII, and activated factor XII (FXIIa); D‐dimer; fibrin monomer; thrombin–antithrombin complex; prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1+2); plasmin–α2‐antiplasmin complexes (PAPs); and platelet factor 4. The FVII activity ratio was assayed to quantify activation of FVII.RESULTS: Irradiation with 30 Gy resulted in a reduction of APTT (35.0 ± 4.1 sec vs. 34.4 ± 4.1 sec; p = 0.00000006) and PT (89.8 ± 8.2% vs. 90.7 ± 8.0%; p = 0.002) and a significant increase of the activities of the coagulation factors FII, FV, FVII, F IX, FX, and FXII. FVIII activity decreased from 118 ± 31 to 116 ± 32 percent (p = 0.02). Activation of the coagulation system was shown by an increase in the FVII activity ratio (1.19 ± 0.29 vs. 1.31 ± 0.34; p = 0.0000001), FXIIa (0.81 ± 0.50 ng/mL vs. 0.90 ± 0.51 ng/mL; p = 0.006), and F1+2 (1.19 ± 0.20 nmol/L vs. 1.24 ± 0.20 nmol/L; p = 0.000005) after irradiation with 30 Gy, whereas an increase of PAP (16.2 ± 11.5 ng/mL vs. 20.2 ± 12.0 ng/mL; p = 0.0004) demonstrated activation of the fibrinolytic system. No negative influence of irradiation with 30 Gy on inhibitors of coagulation was observed.CONCLUSION: Gamma irradiation of leukoreduced FFPs with 30 Gy results in a significant but very weak activation of the coagulation and fibrinolytic system in FFPs.
Interruption of agitation of platelet concentrates: a multicenter in vitro study by the BEST Collaborative on the effects of shipping platelets
Authors: Dumont Larry J. , Gulliksson Hans , Van Der Meer Pieter F. , Murphy Scott , Nixon Janice G. , De Wildt‐Eggen Janny , VandenBroeke Tania , AuBuchon James P. 
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: Transported platelets (PLTs) are not under continuous agitation. The aim of this study was to determine whether PLTs shipped between 24 and 48 hours would be able to maintain a pH22°C value of 6.5 at the end of 7 days of storage.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Six laboratories prepared leukoreduced PLTs. PLT pools were divided into low and high PLT concentration with paired shipped (20‐43 hr) and unshipped controls. Units were under continuous agitation at 22 ± 2°C when not being transported. In vitro measures including pH, pO2, and pCO2 were determined over 7 days.RESULTS: Ninety‐two PLT components from 24 pools were eligible for analysis. One unshipped control and three shipped products failed to maintain a pH22°C value of 6.5 through 7 days. In vitro characteristics were maintained slightly better over 7 days of storage in the unshipped control arms. PLT concentration, shipping time, and their interaction were significant determinants of the final pH at the end of storage (p  < 0.05). Lactate generation rate increased by 35 ± 2 (mean ± SE) µmol per 1012 PLTs per hour over baseline during shipping (p  < 0.0001). After restoration of standard blood banking conditions with agitation, this rate dropped 24 ± 2 µmol per 1012 PLTs per hour (p  < 0.0001).CONCLUSION: PLTs in plasma shipped for at least 20 to 24 hours maintain a pH22°C value of 6.5 for 7 days. A longer shipping time may result in a pH22°C value of 6.5. During shipping, glycolysis was up regulated in these PLTs resulting in increased lactic acid production. After restoration of agitation, shipped products down regulated glycolysis. These effects should be accounted for in the development of PLT storage and transportation systems.
Implementation of ISBT 128, a quality system, a standardized bar code labeling of blood products worldwide, electronic transfusion pathway: four years of experience in Norway
Authors: Aandahl Gerd Selset , Knutsen Teresa Risopatron , Nafstad Kjersti 
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: In today's world of multinational disaster relief programs, blood collected and processed in one country may be used in another. A great deal of important information is carried by a blood product label. Given the concerns about safety and traceability, it is important to use globally unique blood product coding and labeling system.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In 1994 the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) gave a group, ICCBBA (formerly called International Council for Commonality in Blood Banking Automation), the responsibility for implementing a new, safe international system for coding and labeling blood products. This new system is based on 128 bar code symbology and is called ISBT 128. This study describes how ISBT 128 was implemented in blood banks in Norway.RESULTS: As soon as a couple of the most central blood banks implemented the system and started to use it in 2001, they found that it was much easier to handle than their old systems. There were two different software systems being used that were ISBT 128‐compliant. The facilities started to export and import blood products to each other. The “foreign” blood products were easily scanned into “own” inventory. They were reluctant to order blood products from blood banks not using ISBT 128. Because of the success in the Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine at the University Hospital of Akershus and some other blood banks in Norway, the Norwegian Health Authorities advised all the blood banks to implement ISBT 128.CONCLUSION: The use of ISBT 128 has been a success from the very beginning.