Getting respect or getting along with stigma?

By paying attention to the apparently minor forms of stigmatization, Getting Respect uncovers an underworld of threats that contribute to shape the sense of being disqualified and enlarge our understanding of racism and discrimination. In this paper, I engage with the main findings and argument of the book, especially the comparative dimension, questioning the status of the Israeli component of it. How “assaults on worth” that are key in this book are related to discrimination remain to be disentangled. One open question after reading this great research is whether we are facing a reformation of racism, with the new public debate on microaggression being both a symptom and a parameter of this evolution, or the book is a contribution to a deeper understanding of the expression of stigmatization in the same context of “racism without race” or “Laissez faire racism”.     

Chyluria with proteinuria or filarial nephropathy? An enigma

Lymphatic filariasis is endemic in India. Out of 128 million infected individuals worldwide, India accounts for 48 million cases [Manson's Tropical Diseases, 21st Ed. p 1488]. Filariasis can have protean manifestations, but Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia and chyluria are unusual manifestations reported mainly from South Asian countries [Manson's Tropical Diseases, 21st Ed. p 1494]. Chyluria occurs only in 2% of filarial afflicted patients in the filarial belt [Diamond E, Schapira HE. Chyluria--a review of literature. Urology 1985;26(5): 427-31]. Lymphatic filariasis presenting as chyluria may be equally rare. Predominant chyluria with no overt lymphatic filariasis remains an enigma.     

Are Patients with Erythema Migrans Who Have Leukopenia and/or Thrombocytopenia Coinfected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum or Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus?

Lyme borreliosis (LB), tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) are endemic in central part of Slovenia. We tested the hypothesis that patients with erythema migrans (EM) from this region, who have leukopenia and/or thrombocytopenia (typical findings in HGA and in the initial phase of TBE but not in patients with LB) are coinfected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum and/or with TBE virus, i.e. that cytopenia is a result of concomitant HGA or the initial phase of TBE. Comparison of clinical and laboratory findings for 67 patients with EM who disclosed leukopenia/thrombocytopenia with the corresponding results in sex- and age-matched patients with EM and normal blood cell counts revealed no differences. In addition, patients with typical EM and leukopenia and/or thrombocytopenia tested negative for the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies to TBE virus by ELISA as well as for the presence of specific IgG antibodies to A. phagocytophilum antigens by IFA in acute and convalescent serum samples. Thus, none of 67 patients (95% CI: 0 to 5.3%) with typical EM (the presence of this skin lesion attests for early Lyme borreliosis and is the evidence for a recent tick bite) was found to be coinfected with A. phagocytophilum or had a recent primary infection with TBE virus. The findings in the present study indicate that in Slovenia, and probably in other European countries endemic for LB, TBE and HGA, patients with early LB are rarely coinfected with the other tick-transmitted agents.     

Fight or learn to live with the consequences?

Individuals can fight their infectious diseases by reducing the growth of a pathogen (resistance), but they can also ameliorate the disease it causes (tolerance). A recent paper shows that there is variation between mouse strains in tolerance to a rodent malaria and that this was negatively correlated with resistance. This is important, because tolerance has major implications for the epidemiology and coevolution of host-parasite interactions, but has been neglected in the animal literature.     

Attracting carnivorous arthropods with plant volatiles: The future of biocontrol or playing with fire?

Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) are potent attractants for entomophagous arthropods and researchers have long speculated that HIPVs can be used to lure natural enemies into crops, reestablishing predator–prey relationships that become decoupled in disturbed agricultural habitats. This speculation has since become reality as the number of field trials investigating HIPV-mediated attraction and its consequences for pest suppression has risen dramatically over the past 10 years. Here, I provide an overview of recent field efforts to augment natural enemy populations using HIPVs, with emphasis on those studies manipulating synthetic compounds in controlled-release dispensers, and outline a prospectus for future research needs. Specifically, I review and discuss: (i) choice of compounds and release rates; (ii) functional changes in predator and parasitoid communities; (iii) non-target effects; (iv) mechanisms of attraction and prey suppression; (v) spatial- and landscape-level considerations; (vi) context-dependent responses; and (vii) temporal stability of attraction.     

Impaired fasting glucose with or without impaired glucose tolerance: progressive or parallel states of prediabetes?

Our objective was to determine whether defects underlying impaired fasting glucose (IFG) are maintained and additive when combined with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (representing a progressive form of prediabetes) or are distinct in IFG/IGT (reflecting a parallel form of prediabetes). Volunteers with IFG (n = 10), IFG/IGT (n = 14), or normal glucose tolerance (NGT; n = 15) were matched for demographics and anthropometry. Insulin secretion was assessed using the glucose step-up protocol and insulin action through the use of a two-stage hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp with infusion of [6,6-(2)H(2)]glucose. Modeling of insulin secretory parameters revealed similar basal (Phi(b)) but diminished dynamic (Phi(d)) components in both IFG and IFG/IGT (P = 0.05 vs. NGT for both). Basal glucose rate of appearance (R(a)) was higher in IFG compared with NGT (P < 0.01) and also, surprisingly, with IFG/IGT (P < 0.04). Moreover, glucose R(a) suppressed more during the low-dose insulin clamp in IFG (P < 0.01 vs. NGT, P = 0.08 vs. IFG/IGT). Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake [glucose rate of disappearance (R(d))] was similar in IFG, IFG/IGT, and NGT throughout the clamp. We conclude that nuances of beta-cell dysfunction observed in IFG were also noted in IFG/IGT. A trend for additional insulin secretory defects was observed in IFG/IGT, possibly suggesting progression in beta-cell failure in this group. In contrast, basal glucose R(a) and its suppressability with insulin were higher in IFG, but not IFG/IGT, compared with NGT. Together, these data indicate that IFG/IGT may be a distinct prediabetic syndrome rather than progression from IFG.     

Parathyroid adenoma with coeliac disease: primary or quaternary hyperparathyroidism?

Coeliac disease is a gluten-sensitive enteropathy of varying severity. Osteomalacia and hypocalcaemia can result from malabsorption of vitamin D and calcium, which, in turn, can lead to secondary hyperparathyroidism. If coeliac disease remains untreated for long, tertiary hyperparathyroidism can also develop through autonomy of the parathyroid glands via chronic stimulation. Primary hyperparathyroidism also has been reported in some cases of coeliac disease. We report the case of an adolescent with coeliac disease presenting with severe hypercalcaemia from a parathyroid adenoma. A 14 year-old girl was admitted to our department for delayed puberty and growth retardation. Laboratory examination revealed iron deficiency anaemia, low 25OH vitamin D level (7 ng/ml), high parathyroid hormone level (PTH) (955 pg/ml), and hypercalcaemia (13.4 mg/dl). Endoscopic biopsy was compatible with gluten enteropathy. Endomysium antibody was positive. A gluten-free diet was started. Her calcium returned to normal after excision of the parathyroid adenoma. After four months of the gluten-free diet, she began to mature, and puberty began with development of breasts and axillary-pubic hair growth. It has been suggested that autonomous four-gland hyperplasia or tertiary hyperparathyroidism may progress to adenoma formation, and that this should be termed "quaternary hyperparathyroidism". More studies are required to explain the relationship between coeliac disease and hyperparathyroidism.     

Combinations of 5‐Fluorouracil with UCN‐01 or Staurosporine

The action of 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) is mediated by inhibition of thymidylate synthase (TS), which is regulated by cell cycle proteins controlled by protein phosphorylation. We studied the effects of staurosporine and its analogue UCN‐01, inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) on 5‐FU cytotoxicity in Lovo colon cancer cells. Each drug contributes equally to the cell cycle effects of the 5‐FU combinations. In sequential drug administration, the cell cycle distribution was determined by the first drug. Simultaneous 5‐FU combinations induced additive effects in induction of apoptosis. When staurosporine was used as the second drug, induction of apoptosis was 2‐fold higher than the sum of both drugs alone. Based on induction of apoptosis 5‐FU addition prior to the PKC inhibitors seemed preferable.     

Heteromorphism 18ph+ : with or without reproductive consequences?

Heteromorphism or chromosomal variants are usually attributed to structural variations in constitutive heterochromatin. In the case of chromosome 18, 25 cases of 18ph+ have been reported to date. Using the Primed In Situ Labelling technique (PRINS) to study 2 new cases of 18ph+, we have been able to confirm their molecular nature and assuming a mechanism of formation. Although such chromosomal variants are usually thought to have no adverse clinical consequence, a review of the literature shows that many cases were diagnosed because of recurrent abortion, malformed or mentally retarded children suggesting the possible relationship between 18ph+ and such clinical outcomes.     

Decidual natural-killer-cell interaction with trophoblast: cytolysis or cytokine production?

At the implantation site, the uterine mucosa (decidua) is infiltrated by large numbers of natural killer (NK) cells. These NK cells are in close contact with the invading fetal trophoblast and we have proposed that they might be the effector cells that control the implantation of the allogeneic placenta. Recent characterization of NK cell receptors and their HLA class I ligands has suggested potential mechanisms by which NK cells might interact with trophoblast. However, what happens as a result of this interaction is not clear. The traditional method for investigating NK cell function in vitro is the protection from lysis of target cells by expression of HLA class I antigens. This might not be an accurate reflection of what happens in vivo. Another function of NK cells is the production of cytokines on contact with target cells. This could be an important outcome of the interaction between decidual NK cells and trophoblast. Decidual NK cells are known to produce a variety of cytokines; trophoblast cells express receptors for many of these cytokines, indicating that they can potentially respond. In this way, decidual NK cells have a significant influence on trophoblast behaviour during implantation.     

Occult infection with hepatitis C virus: friend or foe?

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global pandemic associated with a growing disease burden due to cirrhosis and the consequent morbidity and mortality. Transmission is largely via blood-to-blood contact. Following primary infection, a minority of individuals clear the infection predominantly via cellular immune mechanisms, whereas the majority become chronically infected. Recent data suggest that a third outcome may also be possible, termed 'occult' infection in which subjects who are known, or suspected to have previously been infected with HCV, no longer have viral RNA in their serum at levels detectable by sensitive commercial assays, but do have virus detected by ultra-sensitive techniques. Occult infection has also been detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which may indicate an extra-hepatic reservoir of the virus. Although the clinical significance of occult infection remains unknown, most authors have raised concerns of recrudescent infection. Here we critically review the published literature, suggest further avenues of investigation and propose that occult infection may be beneficial to the host by maintaining immunological memory to protect against reinfection.     

Four flippers or two? Tetrapodal swimming with an aquatic robot

To understand how to modulate the behavior of underwater swimmers propelled by multiple appendages, we conducted surge maneuver experiments on our biologically-inspired robot, Madeleine. Robot Madeleine is a self-contained, self-propelled underwater vehicle with onboard processor, sensors and power supply. Madeleine's four flippers, oscillating in pitch, can be independently controlled, allowing us to test the impact of flipper phase on performance. We tested eight gaits, four four-flippered and four two-flippered. Gaits were selected to vary the phase, at either 0 or pi rad, between flippers on one side, producing a fore-aft interaction, or flippers on opposite sides, producing a port-starboard interaction. During rapid starting, top-speed cruising, and powered stopping, the power draw, linear acceleration and position of Madeleine were measured. Four-flippered gaits produced higher peak start accelerations than two, but did so with added power draw. During cruising, peak speeds did not vary by flipper number, but power consumption was double in four flippers compared to that of two flippers. Cost of transport (J N(-1) m(-1)) was lower for two-flippered gaits and compares favorably with that of aquatic tetrapods. Two four-flippered gaits produce the highest surge scope, a measure of the difference in peak forward and reverse acceleration. Thus four flippers produce superior surge behavior but do so at high cost; two flippers serve well for lost-cost cruising.     

Cardiovascular disease with diabetes or the metabolic syndrome: should statins or fibrates be first line lipid therapy?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Subgroups with diabetes or with features of the metabolic syndrome have been increasingly highlighted in large clinical endpoint trials with lipid therapy. This review will focus on the results of trials with statins or fibrates and examine the strength of the evidence for major cardiovascular event reduction with each kind of therapy in these high-risk subgroups that typically have low-to-moderate levels of LDL cholesterol. RECENT FINDINGS: Of six statin trials in populations with moderately increased LDL cholesterol only one, the Heart Protection Study, has shown that statin therapy will significantly reduce the major coronary heart disease events of non-fatal myocardial infarction or coronary heart disease death in diabetes. None of these trials has shown that statins have a particular predilection for reducing cardiovascular events in individuals with higher levels of body weight or other features of the metabolic syndrome. There are far fewer trial data with fibrates than with statins. However, the Veterans Affairs High Density Lipoprotein Intervention Trial has shown that a fibrate can significantly reduce major cardiovascular events, most particularly coronary heart disease death, in those with diabetes as well as those without diabetes who have insulin resistance. Indeed, all fibrate trials show that this therapy appears to selectively benefit the individual with obesity and features of the metabolic syndrome. SUMMARY: Based principally on evidence from the Veterans Affairs High Density Lipoprotein Intervention Trial and the cumulative experience with statins, trial data would thus far suggest that the patient with a modest increase in LDL cholesterol who has diabetes or features of the metabolic syndrome might be likely to achieve more substantial cardiovascular benefit from fibrate than from statin therapy.     

Abdominoplasty combined with other major surgical procedures: safe or sorry?

The clinical records of 563 patients undergoing either abdominoplasty alone or in combination with other major surgical procedures were reviewed in order to determine the relative safety of combined procedures. One-hundred-seventeen patients had abdominoplasty alone; 230 had abdominoplasty with either an intraabdominal or major pelvic procedure with or without an additional major aesthetic procedure; 216 had abdominoplasty with one or more major aesthetic procedures (without intraabdominal or pelvic procedures). The rates of occurrence of major complications, including death, pulmonary embolus, and infection, among the three groups were examined. Also examined were morbidity factors such as length of hospital stay and the need for blood transfusion. In this study, the only risk factor identified in predicting major morbidity, specifically the occurrence of pulmonary embolus, was obesity, not the complexity of the surgical procedure.     

Does encephalization correlate with life history or metabolic rate in Carnivora?

A recent analysis of brain size evolution reconstructed the plesiomorphic brain–body size allometry for the mammalian order Carnivora, providing an important reference frame for comparative analyses of encephalization (brain volume scaled to body mass). I performed phylogenetically corrected regressions to remove the effects of body mass, calculating correlations between residual values of encephalization with basal metabolic rate (BMR) and six life-history variables (gestation time, neonatal mass, weaning time, weaning mass, litter size, litters per year). No significant correlations were recovered between encephalization and any life-history variable or BMR, arguing against hypotheses relating encephalization to maternal energetic investment. However, after correcting for clade-specific adaptations, I recovered significant correlations for several variables, and further analysis revealed a conserved carnivoran reproductive strategy, linking degree of encephalization to the well-documented mammalian life-history trade-off between neonatal mass and litter size. This strategy of fewer, larger offspring correlating with increased encephalization remains intact even after independent changes in encephalization allometries in the evolutionary history of this clade.     

Does adding characters with missing data increase or decrease phylogenetic accuracy?

Missing data are a widely recognized nuisance factor in phylogenetic analyses, and the fear of missing data may deter systematists from including characters that are highly incomplete. In this paper, I used simulations to explore the consequences of including sets of characters that contain missing data. More specifically, I tested whether the benefits of increasing the number of characters outweigh the costs of adding missing data cells to a matrix. The results show that the addition of a set of characters with missing data is generally more likely to increase phylogenetic accuracy than decrease it, but the potential benefits of adding these characters quickly disappear as the proportion of missing data increases. Furthermore, despite the overall trend, adding characters with missing data does decrease accuracy in some cases. In these situations, the missing data entries are not themselves misleading, but their presence may mimic the effects of limited taxon sampling, which can positively mislead. Criteria are discussed for predicting whether adding characters with missing data may increase or decrease accuracy. The results of this study also suggest that accuracy can be increased to a surprising degree by (1) "filling the holes" in a data matrix as much as possible (even when relatively few taxa are missing data), and (2) adding fewer characters scored for all taxa rather than adding a larger number of characters known for fewer taxa. Missing data can also be eliminated from an analysis through the exclusion of incomplete taxa rather than incomplete characters, but this approach may reduce the usefulness of the analysis and (in some cases) the accuracy of the estimated trees.