bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the Quality of Medical Prescriptions in Neonatal Units
Authors: Pallás Carmen R. , De-la-Cruz Javier , Del-Moral M. Teresa , Lora David , Malalana M. Ana
Published: November 2007

Background: Pediatric units, especially neonatal units, are highly vulnerable to error generally and to medication error in particular. Potential failures are distributed across the entire medication process, occurring mostly at the time of medication prescription and during preparation for drug administration. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of violations of good prescribing practice before and after the implementation of several measures aimed at improving the quality of the medical prescription. Methods: Before and after evaluation study with prospective data collection in a third level neonatal unit. 6,320 handwritten medical prescriptions for neonates admitted in the first study period and 1,435 in the second period were analyzed. Training on good prescribing practice and the implementation of a pocket PC-based automatic dosage calculation system were the interventions. The main outcome measure was the proportion of prescriptions with violations of good prescribing practice: incorrect dose, units, dose interval, route of administration or legibility. Results: Incorrect prescriptions decreased from 39.5% before the intervention to 11.9% after, with an adjusted prevalence ratio of 0.29 (0.25–0.34). The number of wrongly specified items on a single prescription decreased from 11.1% of the prescriptions with two or more wrongly specified items in the first period to 1.3% in the second period, with a prevalence ratio of 0.09 (0.05–0.14). Conclusions: Violations of good prescribing practice are common in neonatal units. A simple intervention should improve the quality of handwritten medical prescriptions for newborns admitted to intensive care settings.
Serum and Glucocorticoid-Inducible Kinase in Pulmonary Tissue of Preterm Fetuses Exposed to Chorioamnionitis
Authors: Wirbelauer Johannes , Schmidt Beate , Klingel Karin , Cao Lei , Lang Florian , Speer Christian P.
Published: November 2007

Objectives: The interaction between inflammation and transepithelial Na+ transport is poorly understood. Chorioamnionitis has been shown to be associated with preterm labor and postnatal pulmonary morbidity of preterm infants. The human isoform of serum and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase (SGK1) is upregulated by proinflammatory cytokines and stimulates epithelial Na+ channel ENaC and the Na+/K+-ATPase activity, an effect presumably participating in the regulation of transepithelial Na+ transport. Study Design: Lung tissue sections from 31 stillborn fetuses (range 21–41 weeks of gestational age) with or without chorioamnionitis were analyzed. Macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes were stained immunohistochemically. In addition, in situ hybridization for the detection of SGK1 mRNA was performed in fetal lung tissue. Positively labeled cells were compared by semiquantitative assessment. Results: A marked influx of macrophages into the pulmonary tissue of fetuses exposed to intrauterine inflammation when compared to fetuses without exposure to chorioamnionitis was observed (p < 0.05). There was also a tendency towards an increased density of neutrophils in fetuses exposed to chorioamnionitis. However, only small numbers of lymphocytes were detected in both groups. In fetuses exposed to chorioamnionitis, 6 of 8 fetuses did not express SGK1; however, in the group of fetuses without exposure to intrauterine inflammation 15 of 23 cases exhibited a profound SGK1 detection rate in lung tissue and airway epithelium, independent of the gestational age of the fetuses (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Human serine threonine kinase SGK1 mRNA is observed in fetal lung tissue. On the basis of this study, we speculate that exposure to chorioamnionitis is associated with a downregulation of SGK1 in fetal lung tissue. The possible consequences of a decreased rate of SGK1 mRNA could be an impaired ability to clear the lungs from excessive fluid immediately after preterm birth.
Evaluation of JAK2V617F in B and T Cell Neoplasms: Identification of JAK2V617F Mutation of Undetermined Significance (JMUS) in the Bone Marrow of Three Individuals
Authors: Wang Y. Lynn , Lee Joong W. , Kui Jonathan S. , Chadburn Amy , Cross Nicholas C.P. , Knowles Daniel M. , Coleman Morton
Published: November 2007

Background/Aims: The JAK2V617F mutation, which has been found in patients with myeloproliferative disorders (MPD), has not yet been evaluated in lymphoproliferative disor- ders by any adequately sensitive techniques. Methods: We investigated whether low levels of JAK2V617F are present in lymphoid neoplasms using a highly sensitive and highly specific amplification refractory mutation system PCR (ARMS-PCR) assay. Results: While 234 of 237 cases did not carry the JAK2V617F allele, it was identified in the bone marrow of 3 B cell lymphoma patients. The mutation was found to be neither associated with the lymphomas per se, nor with any signs, symptoms or laboratory findings of MPD. Moreover, JAK2V617F appeared subsequently in the peripheral blood of 2 of the 3 patients. Conclusion: These findings suggest that JAK2V617F arises in the bone marrow of individuals before clinical manifestation of any myeloid disorders. Presence of JAK2V617F in bone marrow might therefore increase the risk of future MPD development, just as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) increases the risk of multiple myeloma. We term this phenomenon ‘JAK2V617F of undetermined significance’ (JMUS). Its clinical significance remains to be determined. To our knowledge, these findings represent the first identification of JAK2V617F in the bone marrow of patients without myeloid malignancies.
Monocytic, Th1 and Th2 Cytokine Alterations in the Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia
Authors: Na Kyeong-Sae , Kim Yong-Ku
Published: November 2007

A growing body of evidence suggests that changes in the serum levels and cellular production of various cytokines are associated with the immunological abnormalities of schizophrenia. Several studies have examined alterations in T helper type 1 (Th1) and T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines in schizophrenia. We explored monocytic, Th1 and Th2 cytokines in 43 schizophrenia patients and 50 normal controls. The mitogen-induced production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-4, γ-interferon (IFN-γ) and IL-2 was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays before and after antipsychotic treatment. IL-6 and TNF-α production by schizophrenic patients was significantly higher than by normal controls, while IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-γ production was significantly lower in schizophrenic patients. After 6 weeks of antipsychotic treatment, IL-6 and TNF-α production was significantly decreased, while IL-4, IFN-γ and IL-2 productions were not significantly changed. Our results suggest that increased monocytic cytokines and decreased Th1 and Th2 cytokines may be associated with the immunopathogenesis of acute psychotic schizophrenia, and that antipsychotics may play an important role in immune response by decreasing elevated monocytic cytokines.
Nicotine Effects on Mismatch Negativity in Nonsmoking Schizophrenic Patients
Authors: Inami Rie , Kirino Eiji , Inoue Reiichi , Suzuki Toshihito , Arai Heii
Published: November 2007

Background: The goal of the present study is to identify the effect of nicotine on auditory automatic processing, as reflected by mismatch negativity (MMN), in nonsmoking schizophrenic patients. Methods: Ten nonsmoking schizophrenic patients and 10 healthy volunteers underwent a reference session and 2 test sessions. The test sessions involved administration of a placebo patch and a nicotine skin patch, which were counterbalanced. Nicotine was administered transdermally under controlled dosage. Results: Nicotine administration shortened the MMN latencies (at Fz on nicotine/placebo: 134.8 ± 5.7/157.6 ± 6.4 ms) in healthy volunteers. In contrast, there were no significant differences in MMN latencies in schizophrenic patients (169.6 ± 5.7/165.0 ± 6.4 ms). Conclusion: Nicotine activates and accelerates preattentive and automatic processing in healthy controls, whereas there were no such effects observed in nonsmoking patients. The impaired MMN response to nicotine administration in nonsmoking schizophrenic patients may be attributed to low nicotinic receptor function, implicated in dysregulation of the glutamatergic system.
Differential Antidepressant Symptom Efficacy: Placebo-Controlled Comparisons of Duloxetine and SSRIs (Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Escitalopram)
Authors: Mallinckrodt Craig H. , Prakash Apurva , Houston John P. , Swindle Ralph , Detke Michael J. , Fava Maurizio
Published: November 2007

Objective: To test the hypothesis that in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), the response for specific Hamilton Depression Rating Scale items will differ for duloxetine compared with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and that patterns of response will differ based on symptom severity at baseline. Method: Data were pooled from all Lilly-sponsored clinical trials where duloxetine was compared with placebo and an SSRI in patients with MDD: 7 randomized, double-blind, fixed-dose, 8-week studies of duloxetine (n = 1,133) versus SSRI (n = 689) versus placebo (n = 641). Duloxetine doses were 40, 60, 80 and 120 mg/day. SSRI doses were 10 mg/day (escitalopram) and 20 mg/day (fluoxetine and paroxetine). Results: Compared to SSRI-treated patients, duloxetine-treated patients had a significantly greater (p ≤ 0.05) reduction in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD17) total score and HAMD17 items of work and activities, psychomotor retardation, genital symptoms and hypochondriasis. Differences favoring the SSRIs approached significance for middle insomnia (p = 0.057) and late insomnia (p = 0.06), with effect sizes at least twice the magnitude of the corresponding effect sizes for duloxetine. Similarly, the advantage for duloxetine versus the SSRIs approached significance for general somatic symptoms (p = 0.056), with an effect size twice that observed for the SSRIs. The HAMD17 total score difference was driven mostly by patients with lower baseline MDD severity (HAMD17 total score ≤19), where the HAMD17 effect size advantage for duloxetine over combined SSRIs was statistically significant (p = 0.031). Conclusion: Potentially important differences in symptom response patterns were found between duloxetine and the combined SSRIs depending on symptom severity, and different HAMD17 items responded differently to duloxetine compared with SSRIs. Understanding these differences may be useful in tailoring antidepressant therapy for individual patients.
Identification of Responders to Rivastigmine: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lemstra Afina W. , Kuiper Roy B. , Schmand Ben , van Gool Willem A.
Published: November 2007

Background: Although the overall effects of cholinesterase inhibitors (CEIs) are limited, there could be a subpopulation of patients who experience unequivocal benefit. This study aimed to describe a clinical profile based on a combination of specific neuropsychological test scores and clinical symptoms associated with a favourable response to rivastigmine. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in 53 patients who started rivastigmine treatment. Neuropsychological evaluation was performed at baseline and 6 months of treatment. Patients were labelled responders and non-responders based on change scores after 6 months in 3 clinical domains: cognition, activities of daily living and behaviour. Results: After 6 months 19 responders and 15 non-responders were identified. Variability in reaction time and Continuous Performance Test (CPT) scores differed significantly at baseline between groups. A previously defined cluster of 4 items of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory was correlated with therapeutic response. Conclusion: These findings suggest that patients who respond well to CEI therapy can be identified by deficits in attention, combined with a cluster of behavioural symptoms, including hallucinations, apathy, anxiety and psychomotor disturbances. This may constitute the clinical profile of cholinergic deficiency. Further prospective studies in larger populations are warranted to investigate whether this profile can be used to select patients who will benefit from CEIs.
Reliability and Validity of the Knowledge about Depression and Mania Inventory
Authors: Kronmüller Klaus-Thomas , Saha Rina , Kratz Benita , Karr Markus , Hunt Aoife , Mundt Christoph , Backenstrass Matthias
Published: November 2007

Background: The knowledge that patients with affective disorders have about their illness is attributed increasing importance. For a number of psychiatric disorders, the imparting of information about the illness is now standard treatment. However, the relevance of knowledge about a patient’s disorder has to date not been sufficiently studied. One reason for that is that only few psychometrically validated instruments for the assessment of illness knowledge exist. The aim of this study was the development and psychometric evaluation of a questionnaire to assess knowledge about affective disorders. Methods: The Knowledge about Depression and Mania Inventory (KDMI) was evaluated with a sample of 337 patients with major depression, relatives of patients with depression and schizophrenia, and controls. Results: With the 44-item KDMI, the 3 dimensions knowledge of symptoms, knowledge of treatment and knowledge of coping strategies were differentiated. From these 44 items two 22-item parallel tests were developed for follow-up assessment. The scales showed good internal consistency. There were numerous indicators of the validity and sensitivity to change of the scales. It was shown that older patients and patients with lower levels of education are less knowledgeable about affective disorders. There were significant differences in the scales of the KDMI before and after a psychoeducative group for relatives. Conclusions: The study showed that knowledge about affective disorders can be reliably and validly measured by a questionnaire. Because of its brevity the KDMI is suitable for everyday use in clinical practice, and it forms the basis for further investigation of the significance of illness knowledge, as well as for evaluation of the effects of psychotherapy in this area.
Consistency of Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale Factor Structure across a Broad Spectrum of Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Kopelowicz Alex , Ventura Joseph , Liberman Robert Paul , Mintz Jim
Published: November 2007

Background: The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) has been the workhorse of psychopathology assessment in studies of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders for over 40 years. Our goal was to evaluate the discriminant validity of the BPRS across the broad spectrum of persons with schizophrenia. Sampling and Methods: The total sample of 565 subjects with schizophrenia (84%) or schizoaffective disorder (16%) came from eight separate studies conducted under the aegis of the UCLA Clinical Research Center for Schizophrenia and Psychiatric Rehabilitation over a period of 15 years. The total sample could be divided into three subsamples based on illness chronicity and degree of refractoriness to treatment: Recent-onset patients had been ill for less than 2 years (n = 178), stable chronic patients between 2 and 19 years (n = 243) and treatment-refractory patients for more than 19 years (n = 144). Exploratory principal components analysis and varimax rotation were performed on the total sample. The results of each of the three subsamples were compared to the total sample using a correlation matrix and by calculating a coefficient of congruence. Results: A 4-factor solution was considered the most interpretable for each subsample, reflecting the same 4 components identified in the total sample: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, agitation-mania and depression-anxiety. Correlation coefficients and coefficient of congruence were very high, ranging from 0.91 to 0.98. Conclusions: The consistency of the 4-factor solution of the 24-item BPRS across the range of subjects, from first psychotic episode to long-stay, institutionalized patients, supports the use of these factors and this instrument as a whole to track changes over time and with treatment in research and clinical samples.
Pattern of Lifetime Axis I Morbidity among a Treated Sample of First-Episode Psychosis Patients
Authors: Bendall Sarah , Allott Kelly , Johnson Tracy , Jackson Henry J. , Killackey Eoin , Harrigan Susan , McGorry Patrick D.
Published: November 2007

Background: While the problem of significant comorbidity in first-episode psychosis (FEP) is well known, little is known about the pattern of onset of disorder prior to and during FEP. The current study examined Axis I psychiatric comorbidity in 62 people being treated for FEP. Method: Morbidity in the years prior to the diagnosis of psychosis was assessed retrospectively, while comorbidities during the 15 months after psychosis diagnosis were investigated prospectively via structured clinical interview. Results: Prevalence of morbidity was high, with 84% of patients having an Axis I psychiatric disorder during at least one phase (i.e. either prior to, during or following the FEP). Sixty-nine percent had one or more psychiatric diagnoses in their lifetime prior to admission for FEP and 47% had one or more comorbid disorder concurrently with FEP. Substance use disorders were most prevalent prior to admission and at 15-month follow-up, while mood disorders were most prevalent during acute psychosis. Conclusions: The study shows the large amount of Axis I comorbidity in young people with FEP. Issues for treatment of comorbidities are discussed.
Symptom Overlap between Autism Spectrum Disorder, Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Adults: A Preliminary Case-Controlled Study
Authors: Cath Danielle C. , Ran Natalie , Smit Johannes H. , van Balkom Anton J.L.M. , Comijs Hannie C.
Published: November 2007

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) frequently co-occur in persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We studied which features distinguish ‘pure’ anxiety disordered patients from those with co-morbid ASD. Method: In a case-controlled design in which groups were matched for age, sex and educational level, patients with OCD or SAD and co-morbid ASD were compared with patients with ‘pure’ (i.e. without ASD) OCD, with ‘pure’ SAD and a control group, using the Autism Questionnaire (AQ), Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scales, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory and questions on egodystonia of OC behaviors. Results: No between patient group differences were found on social or general anxiety measures. The AQ subscales communication problems and lack of imagination discriminated best between patients with comorbid ASD and the other groups, ASD patients showing elevated scores, whereas the other patient groups scored equal to controls. On the AQ social skill subscale all patient groups showed elevated scores. On OC symptom severity, pure OCD patients showed highest scores, whereas comorbid ASD subjects scored intermediate between controls and the pure OCD group, the differences being explained by lower obsession severity in the ASD group. There were no differences between the pure OCD and comorbid ASD groups on egodystonia. Conclusion: Patients with comorbid ASD differ from patients with pure OCD and SAD on autism-related problem behaviors, but there is also overlap between groups, possibly reflecting overlapping etiologies. Despite the relatively small sample size, these data strongly suggest that specific autism symptom domains should be assessed to pick up autism-related problems in OCD and SAD patients, and subsequently fine-tune treatment programs for these patients.
Direct Hemoperfusion with a Cytokine-Adsorbing Device for the Treatment of Persistent or Severe Hypercytokinemia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kobe Y. , Oda S. , Matsuda K. , Nakamura M. , Hirasawa H.
Published: November 2007

Background/Aims: Cytokine overproduction has been noted during the aggravation of clinical conditions. Countermeasures to control hypercytokinemia are therefore important in critical care. We investigated the clinical efficacy of hemoadsorption therapy using a new cytokine-adsorbing device in critically ill patients with persistent or severe hypercytokinemia. Methods: Direct hemoperfusion using the CYT-860, a cytokine-adsorber column (CYT-860-DHP), was performed in critically ill patients with hypercytokinemia. To evaluate the efficacy of CYT-860-DHP, changes in pathological and clinical parameters were examined. Results: Seven patients with hypercytokinemia and a SOFA score of ≧5 underwent CYT-860-DHP treatment. Four patients survived 28 days after CYT-860-DHP treatment. Significant decreases in blood levels of cytokines were observed. PaO2/FIO2 improved significantly. Conclusion: The possibility that CYT-860-DHP treatment can reduce blood cytokine levels and thereby improve the general condition of patients was suggested. These findings warrant the initiation of a prospective randomized trial to evaluate the clinical efficacy of CYT-860-DHP treatment.
Delayed Structural Development in an Acardiac Fetus: An Echographic Observation
Authors: Van Gaever C. , Defoort P. , Dhont M.
Published: November 2007

Introduction: Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) is a rare condition in monozygotic multiple gestations, caused by the formation of large arterio-arterial anastomoses. Only few serial ultrasound observations are reported, showing the delayed development in the recipient twin. Case: A monochorionic monoamniotic twin pregnancy with discordant growth was diagnosed at 11 weeks and 4 days in a 28-year-old primigravida. The smaller twin, who first appeared as an amorphic mass, showed growth and developed a clearly recognizable spine and lower limbs in further ultrasound examinations. Conclusion: This case illustrates that developmental arrest in acardiac fetuses does not affect the total organism at one time, but that some embryonic fields keep on developing into macroscopically recognizable structures.
“Dark Cloud Rising from the East”: Indian Sovereignty and the Coming of King William's War in New England
Authors: Pulsipher Jenny Hale
Published: November 2007

King William's War (1689–97) has long been overshadowed by the wars bracketing it, but it was pivotal to English-Indian relations. As the English violated the treaty promises concluding King Philip's War and ignored Indian sovereignty, Indians turned to the French, establishing an alliance that would characterize the French and Indian Wars to come.
Gene array identification of Ipf1/Pdx1-/-regulated genes in pancreatic progenitor cells
Authors: Svensson Per , Williams Cecilia , Lundeberg Joakim , Rydén Patrik , Bergqvist Ingela , Edlund Helena
Published: November 2007

Background

The homeodomain transcription factor IPF1/PDX1 exerts a dual role in the pancreas; Ipf1/Pdx1 global null mutants fail to develop a pancreas whereas conditional inactivation of Ipf1/Pdx1 in β-cells leads to impaired β-cell function and diabetes. Although several putative target genes have been linked to the β-cell function of Ipf1/Pdx1, relatively little is known with respect to genes regulated by IPF1/PDX1 in early pancreatic progenitor cells.

Results

Microarray analyses identified a total of 111 genes that were differentially expressed in e10.5 pancreatic buds of Ipf1/Pdx1
-/- embryos. The expression of one of these, Spondin 1, which encodes an extracellular matrix protein, has not previously been described in the pancreas. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analyses and immunohistochemical analyses also revealed that the expression of FgfR2IIIb, that encodes the receptor for FGF10, was down-regulated in Ipf1/Pdx1
-/- pancreatic progenitor cells.

Conclusion

This microarray analysis has identified a number of candidate genes that are differentially expressed in Ipf1/Pdx1
-/- pancreatic buds. Several of the differentially expressed genes were known to be important for pancreatic progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation whereas others have not previously been associated with pancreatic development.
An accurate method for quantifying and analyzing copy number variation in porcine KIT by an oligonucleotide ligation assay
Authors: Seo Bo-Young , Park Eung-Woo , Ahn Sung-Jin , Lee Sang-Ho , Kim Jae-Hwan , Im Hyun-Tae , Lee Jun-Heon , Cho In-Cheol , Kong Il-Keun , Jeon Jin-Tae
Published: November 2007

Background

Aside from single nucleotide polymorphisms, copy number variations (CNVs) are the most important factors in susceptibility to genetic disorders because they affect expression levels of genes. In previous studies, pyrosequencing, mini-sequencing, real-time PCR, invader assays and other techniques have been used to detect CNVs. However, the higher the copy number in a genome, the more difficult it is to resolve the copies, so a more accurate method for measuring CNVs and assigning genotype is needed.

Results

PCR followed by a quantitative oligonucleotide ligation assay (qOLA) was developed for quantifying CNVs. The accuracy and precision of the assay were evaluated for porcine KIT, which was selected as a model locus. Overall, the root mean squares of bias and standard deviation of qOLA were 2.09 and 0.45, respectively. These values are less than half of those in the published pyrosequencing assay for analyzing CNV in porcine KIT. Using a combined method of qOLA and another pyrosequencing for quantitative analysis of KIT copies with spliced forms, we confirmed the segregation of KIT alleles in 145 F1 animals with pedigree information and verified the correct assignment of genotypes. In a diagnostic test on 100 randomly sampled commercial pigs, there was perfect agreement between the genotypes obtained by grouping observations on a scatter plot and by clustering using the nearest centroid sorting method implemented in PROC FASTCLUS of the SAS package. In a test on 159 Large White pigs, there were only two discrepancies between genotypes assigned by the two clustering methods (98.7% agreement), confirming that the quantitative ligation assay established here makes genotyping possible through the accurate measurement of high KIT copy numbers (>4 per diploid genome). Moreover, the assay is sensitive enough for use on DNA from hair follicles, indicating that DNA from various sources could be used.

Conclusion

We have established a high resolution quantification method using an oligonucleotide ligation assay to measure CNVs, and verified the reliability of genotype assignment for random animal samples using the nearest centroid sorting method. This new method will make it more practical to determine KIT CNV and to genotype the complicated Dominant White/KIT locus in pigs. This procedure could have wide applications for studying gene or segment CNVs in other species.
Expression profiling on soybean leaves reveals integration of ER- and osmotic-stress pathways
Authors: Irsigler André ST , Costa Maximiller DL , Zhang Ping , Reis Pedro AB , Dewey Ralph E , Boston Rebecca S , Fontes Elizabeth PB
Published: November 2007

Background

Despite the potential of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response to accommodate adaptive pathways, its integration with other environmental-induced responses is poorly understood in plants. We have previously demonstrated that the ER-stress sensor binding protein (BiP) from soybean exhibits an unusual response to drought. The members of the soybean BiP gene family are differentially regulated by osmotic stress and soybean BiP confers tolerance to drought. While these results may reflect crosstalk between the osmotic and ER-stress signaling pathways, the lack of mutants, transcriptional response profiles to stresses and genome sequence information of this relevant crop has limited our attempts to identify integrated networks between osmotic and ER stress-induced adaptive responses. As a fundamental step towards this goal, we performed global expression profiling on soybean leaves exposed to polyethylene glycol treatment (osmotic stress) or to ER stress inducers.

Results

The up-regulated stress-specific changes unmasked the major branches of the ER-stress response, which include enhancing protein folding and degradation in the ER, as well as specific osmotically regulated changes linked to cellular responses induced by dehydration. However, a small proportion (5.5%) of total up-regulated genes represented a shared response that seemed to integrate the two signaling pathways. These co-regulated genes were considered downstream targets based on similar induction kinetics and a synergistic response to the combination of osmotic- and ER-stress-inducing treatments. Genes in this integrated pathway with the strongest synergistic induction encoded proteins with diverse roles, such as plant-specific development and cell death (DCD) domain-containing proteins, an ubiquitin-associated (UBA) protein homolog and NAC domain-containing proteins. This integrated pathway diverged further from characterized specific branches of ER-stress as downstream targets were inversely regulated by osmotic stress.

Conclusion

The present ER-stress- and osmotic-stress-induced transcriptional studies demonstrate a clear predominance of stimulus-specific positive changes over shared responses on soybean leaves. This scenario indicates that polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced cellular dehydration and ER stress elicited very different up-regulated responses within a 10-h stress treatment regime. In addition to identifying ER-stress and osmotic-stress-specific responses in soybean (Glycine max), our global expression-profiling analyses provided a list of candidate regulatory components, which may integrate the osmotic-stress and ER-stress signaling pathways in plants.
Analysis of gene expression during neurite outgrowth and regeneration
Authors: Szpara Moriah L , Vranizan Karen , Tai Yu Chuan , Goodman Corey S , Speed Terence P , Ngai John
Published: November 2007

Background

The ability of a neuron to regenerate functional connections after injury is influenced by both its intrinsic state and also by extrinsic cues in its surroundings. Investigations of the transcriptional changes undergone by neurons during in vivo models of injury and regeneration have revealed many transcripts associated with these processes. Because of the complex milieu of interactions in vivo, these results include not only expression changes directly related to regenerative outgrowth and but also unrelated responses to surrounding cells and signals. In vitro models of neurite outgrowth provide a means to study the intrinsic transcriptional patterns of neurite outgrowth in the absence of extensive extrinsic cues from nearby cells and tissues.

Results

We have undertaken a genome-wide study of transcriptional activity in embryonic superior cervical ganglia (SCG) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) during a time course of neurite outgrowth in vitro. Gene expression observed in these models likely includes both developmental gene expression patterns and regenerative responses to axotomy, which occurs as the result of tissue dissection. Comparison across both models revealed many genes with similar gene expression patterns during neurite outgrowth. These patterns were minimally affected by exposure to the potent inhibitory cue Semaphorin3A, indicating that this extrinsic cue does not exert major effects at the level of nuclear transcription. We also compared our data to several published studies of DRG and SCG gene expression in animal models of regeneration, and found the expression of a large number of genes in common between neurite outgrowth in vitro and regeneration in vivo.

Conclusion

Many gene expression changes undergone by SCG and DRG during in vitro outgrowth are shared between these two tissue types and in common with in vivo regeneration models. This suggests that the genes identified in this in vitro study may represent new candidates worthy of further study for potential roles in the therapeutic regrowth of neuronal connections.
Analysis of cDNA libraries from developing seeds of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba(L.) Taub)
Authors: Naoumkina Marina , Torres-Jerez Ivone , Allen Stacy , He Ji , Zhao Patrick X , Dixon Richard A , May Gregory D
Published: November 2007

Background

Guar, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub, is a member of the Leguminosae (Fabaceae) family and is economically the most important of the four species in the genus. The endosperm of guar seed is a rich source of mucilage or gum, which forms a viscous gel in cold water, and is used as an emulsifier, thickener and stabilizer in a wide range of foods and industrial applications. Guar gum is a galactomannan, consisting of a linear (1→4)-β-linked D-mannan backbone with single-unit, (1→6)-linked, α-D-galactopyranosyl side chains. To better understand regulation of guar seed development and galactomannan metabolism we created cDNA libraries and a resulting EST dataset from different developmental stages of guar seeds.

Results

A database of 16,476 guar seed ESTs was constructed, with 8,163 and 8,313 ESTs derived from cDNA libraries I and II, respectively. Library I was constructed from seeds at an early developmental stage (15–25 days after flowering, DAF), and library II from seeds at 30–40 DAF. Quite different sets of genes were represented in these two libraries. Approximately 27% of the clones were not similar to known sequences, suggesting that these ESTs represent novel genes or may represent non-coding RNA. The high flux of energy into carbohydrate and storage protein synthesis in guar seeds was reflected by a high representation of genes annotated as involved in signal transduction, carbohydrate metabolism, chaperone and proteolytic processes, and translation and ribosome structure. Guar unigenes involved in galactomannan metabolism were identified. Among the seed storage proteins, the most abundant contig represented a conglutin accounting for 3.7% of the total ESTs from both libraries.

Conclusion

The present EST collection and its annotation provide a resource for understanding guar seed biology and galactomannan metabolism.
Relationship between pp65 antigenemia levels and real-time quantitative DNA PCR for Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) management in immunocompromised patients
Authors: Cariani Elisabetta , Pollara Caterina P , Valloncini Barbara , Perandin Francesca , Bonfanti Carlo , Manca Nino
Published: November 2007

Background

Quantitative real-time PCR assays, which are more rapid and practical than pp65 antigenemia determination, are progressively becoming the preferred method for monitoring Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) reactivation. However, the relationship between HCMV DNA and antigenemia levels is still under investigation. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between HCMV DNA and pp65 antigenemia levels in order to identify clinically useful threshold values for the management of patients.

Methods

475 consecutive samples from 156 immunosuppressed patients were tested for HCMV by pp65 antigenemia and Real-time PCR assay.

Results

136 out of 475 consecutive samples derived from 48 patients showed evidence of HCMV infection. HCMV DNA was detected in 106 samples, pp65 antigen in 3, and both markers in 27. pp65 antigen detection was associated with higher HCMV DNA levels. The cut-off HCMV DNA level that best predicted pp65 antigenemia in this series of samples was 11,500 copies/ml, but different threshold levels could be observed for specific groups of patients. HCMV disease was observed in 5 out of 48 patients with active HCMV infection. The presence of clinical symptoms was associated with positive pp65 and with higher antigenemia levels. Higher HCMV DNA load at the onset of viral replication was correlated to the development of clinical symptoms.

Conclusion

Both pp65 antigenemia and HCMV DNA load can be useful for the prospective monitoring of immunocompromised subjects. Specific cut-off levels capable of triggering preemptive antiviral treatment should be determined in accordance to the type of test used and the characteristics of patients and prospectively validated.
Compatible solutes from hyperthermophiles improve the quality of DNA microarrays
Authors: Mascellani Nicoletta , Liu Xiuping , Rossi Simona , Marchesini Jlenia , Valentini Davide , Arcelli Diego , Taccioli Cristian , Helmer Citterich Mauro , Liu Chang-Gong , Evangelisti Rita , Russo Giandomenico , Santos Jorge M , Croce Carlo M , Volinia Stefano
Published: November 2007

Background

DNA microarrays are among the most widely used technical platforms for DNA and RNA studies, and issues related to microarrays sensitivity and specificity are therefore of general importance in life sciences. Compatible solutes are derived from hyperthermophilic microorganisms and allow such microorganisms to survive in environmental and stressful conditions. Compatible solutes show stabilization effects towards biological macromolecules, including DNA.

Results

We report here that compatible solutes from hyperthermophiles increased the performance of the hybridization buffer for Affymetrix GeneChip® arrays. The experimental setup included independent hybridizations with constant RNA over a wide range of compatible solute concentrations. The dependence of array quality and compatible solute was assessed using specialized statistical tools provided by both the proprietary Affymetrix quality control system and the open source Bioconductor suite.

Conclusion

Low concentration (10 to 25 mM) of hydroxyectoine, potassium mannosylglycerate and potassium diglycerol phosphate in hybridization buffer positively affected hybridization parameters and enhanced microarrays outcome. This finding harbours a strong potential for the improvement of DNA microarray experiments.
Comparison of international guideline programs to evaluate and update the Dutch program for clinical guideline development in physical therapy
Authors: Van der Wees Philip J , Hendriks Erik JM , Custers Jan WH , Burgers Jako S , Dekker Joost , de Bie Rob A
Published: November 2007

Background

Clinical guidelines are considered important instruments to improve quality in health care. Since 1998 the Royal Dutch Society for Physical Therapy (KNGF) produced evidence-based clinical guidelines, based on a standardized program. New developments in the field of guideline research raised the need to evaluate and update the KNGF guideline program.

Purpose of this study is to compare different guideline development programs and review the KNGF guideline program for physical therapy in the Netherlands, in order to update the program.

Method

Six international guideline development programs were selected, and the 23 criteria of the AGREE Instrument were used to evaluate the guideline programs. Information about the programs was retrieved from published handbooks of the organizations. Also, the Dutch program for guideline development in physical therapy was evaluated using the AGREE criteria. Further comparison the six guideline programs was carried out using the following elements of the guideline development processes: Structure and organization; Preparation and initiation; Development; Validation; Dissemination and implementation; Evaluation and update.

Results

Compliance with the AGREE criteria of the guideline programs was high. Four programs addressed 22 AGREE criteria, and two programs addressed 20 AGREE criteria. The previous Dutch program for guideline development in physical therapy lacked in compliance with the AGREE criteria, meeting only 13 criteria.

Further comparison showed that all guideline programs perform systematic literature searches to identify the available evidence. Recommendations are formulated and graded, based on evidence and other relevant factors. It is not clear how decisions in the development process are made. In particular, the process of translating evidence into practice recommendations can be improved.

Conclusion

As a result of international developments and consensus, the described processes for developing clinical practice guidelines have much in common. The AGREE criteria are common basis for the development of guidelines, although it is not clear how final decisions are made. Detailed comparison of the different guideline programs was used for updating the Dutch program. As a result the updated KNGF program complied with 22 AGREE criteria. International discussion is continuing and will be used for further improvement of the program.
Widening access to cardiovascular healthcare: community screening among ethnic minorities in inner-city Britain – the Healthy Hearts Project
Authors: Patel Jeetesh V , Gunarathne Ashan , Lane Deidre , Lim Hoong S , Tracey Inessa , Panja Nimai C , Lip Gregory YH , Hughes Elizabeth A
Published: November 2007

Background

The burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Britain is concentrated in inner-city areas such as Sandwell, which is home to a diverse multi-ethnic population. Current guidance for CVD risk screening is not established, nor are there specific details for ethnic minorities. Given the disparity in equitable healthcare for these groups, we developed a 'tailored' and systematic approach to CVD risk screening within communities of the Sandwell locality. The key anticipated outcomes were the numbers of participants from various ethnic backgrounds attending the health screening events and the prevalence of known and undiagnosed CVD risk within ethnic groups.

Methods

Data was collected during 10 health screening events (September 2005 and July 2006), which included an assessment of raised blood pressure, overweight, hyperlipidaemia, impaired fasting glucose, smoking habit and the 10 year CVD risk score. Specific features of our approach included (i) community involvement, (ii) a clinician who could deliver immediate attention to adverse findings, and (iii) the use of an interpreter.

Results

A total of 824 people from the Sandwell were included in this study (47% men, mean age 47.7 years) from community groups such as the Gujarati Indian, Punjabi Indian, European Caucasian, Yemeni, Pakistani and Bangladeshi. A total of 470 (57%) individuals were referred to their General Practitioner with a report of an increased CVD score – undetected high blood pressure in 120 (15%), undetected abnormal blood glucose in 70 (8%), undetected raised total cholesterol in 149 (18%), and CVD risk management review in 131 (16%).

Conclusion

Using this systematic and targeted approach, there was a clear demand for this service from people of various ethnic backgrounds, of whom, one in two needed review from primary or secondary healthcare. Further work is required to assess the accuracy and clinical benefits of this community health screening approach.
Ebstein's Anomaly: Anatomo-echocardiographic correlation
Authors: Muñoz-Castellanos Luis , Espinola-Zavaleta Nilda , Kuri-Nivón Magdalena , Keirns Candace
Published: November 2007

Objective

The aim of this investigation is to demonstrate that in Ebstein's Anomaly (EA) the right ventricle (RV) is affected in its three portions and to establish an anatomoechocardiographic correlation between the anatomic features and the equivalent echocardiographic images.

Methods

Thirty hearts with EA were studied. The alterations of each portions of the RV were described. Fifty adult patients with this anomaly were studied by echocardiography.

Results

Anatomy: All hearts had atrial situs solitus, 27 had concordant atrioventricular connection and 3 discordant, of these 2 had transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and one double outlet right ventricle (DORV). The degree of tricuspid valve (TV) displacement showed a spectrum from I to III. The inlet of the RV was markedly thin in 27. The trabecular portion had multiples muscular bands in all. The outlet portion was dilated in 20 and stenotic in 5. In 25 atrial septal defects were found. Echocardiography: All patients had atrial situs solitus, 42 with concordant atrioventricular connection and 8 with discordant, of these last patients 5 had TGA and 3 DORV. The degree of TV displacement varied from I to III. The inlet of RV was markedly thin in 42. The trabecular portion had muscular bands in 45. The outlet portion was dilated in 31 and stenotic in 11. In 30 atrial septal defects were found.

Conclusion

The EA affects the whole RV and the anatomoechocardiographic correlation provides an appropriate understanding of echocardiographic images in terms of a precise diagnosis, therapeutic decisions and prognosis.
Family structure and health, how companionship acts as a buffer against ill health
Authors: Turagabeci Amelia R , Nakamura Keiko , Kizuki Masashi , Takano Takehito
Published: November 2007

Background

Health and well-being are the result of synergistic interactions among a variety of determinants. Family structure and composition are social determinants that may also affect health behaviours and outcomes. This study was performed to examine the associations between family structure and health and to determine the protective effects of support mechanisms to improve quality of health outcome.

Methods

Six hundred people, selected by multistage sampling to obtain a representative population of men and women aged 20–60 living in communities in Japan, were included in this study. Data regarding subjective views of one's own health, family structure, lifestyle and social support were collected through structured face-to-face interviews on home visits. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures, height and weight were measured by trained examiners. The associations between family structure and health after controlling for demographics, lifestyle and social support were examined using logistic and linear regression analyses.

Results

Subjects living alone were significantly more likely to be in ill health, as determined using the General Health Questionnaire, in comparison to those in extended families (OR = 3.14). Subjects living alone or as couples were significantly more likely to suffer from severe hypertension in comparison to those living in extended families (OR = 8.25, OR = 4.90). These associations remained after controlling for the influence of lifestyle. Subjects living only with spouse or in nuclear family had higher probabilities of mental ill health in the absence than in the presence of people showing concern for their well-being.

Conclusion

The results of this study infers that a support mechanism consisting of companionship and the presence of family or other people concerned for one's well being acts as a buffer against deleterious influence of living in small family that will lead to improved quality of health outcome.