bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 from water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Argentina
Authors: Maidana Silvina S , Lomonaco Patricia M , Combessies Gustavo , Craig María I , Diodati Julian , Rodriguez Daniela , Parreño Viviana , Zabal Osvaldo , Konrad José L , Crudelli Gustavo , Mauroy Axel , Thiry Etienne , Romera Sonia A
Published: June 2012

Background

Parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3) was isolated from dairy buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) naturally affected with respiratory and reproductive clinical conditions.

Results

Examination of nasal and vaginal swabs collected from 12 diseased buffaloes led to the isolation of three paramyxovirus isolates from two animals. Antigenic, morphological and biological characteristics of these three isolates were essentially similar to those of members of the Paramyxoviridae family. Antigenic analysis by direct immunofluorescence and cross neutralization test placed these isolates together with bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV3). Nucleotide and amino acid phylogenetic analysis of partial matrix gene sequences of the buffalo isolates and six field BPIV3 isolates from bovines in Argentina were studied. Buffalo isolates were similar to genotype B (BPIV3b) while the six BPIV3 isolates were similar to genotypes A (BPIV3a) and C (BPIV3c).

Conclusions

This is the first characterization of BPIV3 in water buffalo.

According to the samples analyzed, in Argentina, the genotype B was found in buffalo and the genotypes A and C were found in cattle.
Mediastinoscope-controlled parasternal fenestration of the pericardium: definitive surgical palliation of malignant pericardial effusion
Authors: Toth Imre , Szucs Geza , Molnar Tamas F
Published: June 2012

Background

The tumorous infiltration or carcinosis of the pericardium could cause pericardial effusion in up to one-third of cases of malignancy, thus potentially interfere with the otherwise desirable oncological treatment. The existing surgical methods for the management of pericardial fluid are well-established but are not without limitations in the symptomatic relief of malignant pericardial effusion (MPE). The recurrence rate ranges between 43 and 69% after pericardiocentesis and 9 to 16% after pericardial drainage. The desire to overcome relative limitations of the existing methods led us to explore an alternative approach.

Methods

The standard armamentarium of the Carlens collar mediastinoscopy procedure was utilized in a Chamberlain parasternal approach of the pericardial sac. The laterality of approach was decided based upon the pleural involvement, as tumor-free pericardiopleural reflection is required. A pericardio-pleural window at least 3 cm in diameter was created. From January 2000 to December 2009, 22 cases were operated on with mediastinoscope-controlled parasternal fenestration (MCPF). Considering the type of the primary tumor, there were 11 lung cancer, 6 breast cancers, 2 haematologic malignancies and in 3 patients the origin of malignancy could not be verified.

Results

There were no operative deaths. We lost one patient (4.5%) in the postoperative hospital period. All of the surviving patients had a minimum of 2 months of symptom-free survival. We detected transient recurrence of MPE in one patient (4.5%) 14 days after the MCPF, which disappeared spontaneously after 24 hours.

Conclusion

The MCPF offers a real alternative in certain cases of pericardial effusion. We recommend this method especially for the definitive surgical palliation of MPE.
Improving metabolic flux predictions using absolute gene expression data
Authors: Lee Dave , Smallbone Kieran , Dunn Warwick B , Murabito Ettore , Winder Catherine L , Kell Douglas B , Mendes Pedro , Swainston Neil
Published: June 2012

Background

Constraint-based analysis of genome-scale metabolic models typically relies upon maximisation of a cellular objective function such as the rate or efficiency of biomass production. Whilst this assumption may be valid in the case of microorganisms growing under certain conditions, it is likely invalid in general, and especially for multicellular organisms, where cellular objectives differ greatly both between and within cell types. Moreover, for the purposes of biotechnological applications, it is normally the flux to a specific metabolite or product that is of interest rather than the rate of production of biomass per se.

Results

An alternative objective function is presented, that is based upon maximising the correlation between experimentally measured absolute gene expression data and predicted internal reaction fluxes. Using quantitative transcriptomics data acquired from Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures under two growth conditions, the method outperforms traditional approaches for predicting experimentally measured exometabolic flux that are reliant upon maximisation of the rate of biomass production.

Conclusion

Due to its improved prediction of experimentally measured metabolic fluxes, and of its lack of a requirement for knowledge of the biomass composition of the organism under the conditions of interest, the approach is likely to be of rather general utility. The method has been shown to predict fluxes reliably in single cellular systems. Subsequent work will investigate the method’s ability to generate condition- and tissue-specific flux predictions in multicellular organisms.
Spinal subarachnoid hematoma in a woman with HELLP syndrome: a case report
Authors: Fujimaki Hisako , Nakazawa Toshiyuki , Ueno Masaki , Imura Takayuki , Saito Wataru , Takahira Naonobu , Takaso Masashi
Published: June 2012

Introduction

Subarachnoid hemorrhages of spinal origin are extremely rare during pregnancy. We present the case of a patient with hemolytic anemia, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count (the so-called HELLP syndrome), a potentially life-threatening complication associated with pre-eclampsia, who presented with an idiopathic spinal subarachnoid hematoma.

Case presentation

At 29 gestational weeks, a 35-year-old Japanese woman was diagnosed with HELLP syndrome based on bilateral leg paralysis, diminished sensation and reflexes, and laboratory findings. The pregnancy was immediately brought to an end by Cesarean delivery. Post-operatively, an MRI scan revealed a space-occupying lesion in her thoracic spinal canal. Emergency decompression was followed by total laminectomy. A subarachnoid hematoma, partially extending as far as the ventral side, was removed. After thorough washing and drain placement, the operation was completed with the suturing of artificial dura mater. Eight months post-operatively, her lower extremity sensation had improved to a score of 8 out of 10, but improvements in her muscular strength were limited to slight gains in her toes. MRI scans taken two months post-operatively revealed edematous spinal cord changes within her medulla.

Conclusions

A subarachnoid hematoma during pregnancy is extremely rare, possibly due to increased coagulability during pregnancy. However, this complication is potentially devastating should a clot compress the spinal cord or cauda equina. While several causes of hematoma have been proposed, we speculate that the factors underlying hemorrhagic diathesis in our case were the decreased platelet count characteristic of HELLP syndrome and vascular fragility due to elevated estrogen levels, in addition to increased abdominal pressure during pregnancy and pressure from the gravid uterus resulting in ruptured vessels around the spinal cord. In cases displaying a progressive lesion and severe neurological signs, prompt decompression is crucial.
Antibacterial and antibiotic-potentiation activities of the methanol extract of some cameroonian spices against Gram-negative multi-drug resistant phenotypes
Authors: Voukeng Igor K , Kuete Victor , Dzoyem Jean P , Fankam Aimé G , Noumedem Jaures A K , Kuiate Jules R , Pages Jean-Marie
Published: June 2012

Background

The present work was designed to evaluate the antibacterial properties of the methanol extracts of eleven selected Cameroonian spices on multi-drug resistant bacteria (MDR), and their ability to potentiate the effect of some common antibiotics used in therapy.

Results

The extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum against Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and AG100 strains showed the best activities, with the lowest minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 64 μg/ml. The extract of Dorstenia psilurus was the most active when tested in the presence of an efflux pump inhibitor, phenylalanine Arginine-β- Naphtylamide (PAβN), a synergistic effect being observed in 56.25 % of the tested bacteria when it was combined with Erythromycin (ERY).

Conclusion

The present work evidently provides information on the role of some Cameroonian spices in the fight against multi-resistant bacteria.
Genotypes and drug susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates in Shihezi, Xinjiang Province, China
Authors: Zhang Juan , Mi Ligu , Wang Yuanzhi , Liu Peizhi , Liang Haiyan , Huang Yi , Lv Bing , Yuan Li
Published: June 2012

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem. To investigate the genotypes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and the distribution of Beijing family strains, molecular epidemiology technologies have been used widely.

Methods

From June 2010 to June 2011, 55 M. tuberculosis isolates from patients with pulmonary TB were studied by Beijing family-specific PCR (detection of the deletion of region of difference 105 [RD105]), and mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) analysis. Twenty-four MIRU-VNTR loci defined the genotypes and clustering characteristics of the local strains. All strains were subjected to a drug susceptibility test (DST) by the proportion method on Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture media.

Results

Fifty-five clinical isolates of MTB were collected. Beijing family strains represented 85.5% of the isolates studied. Using 24 loci MIRU-VNTR typing categorized the strains into eight gene groups, 46 genotypes, and seven clusters. 83.6% (46/55) of the isolates belonged to the largest gene group. Thirty-six isolates (65.5%) were susceptible, nineteen (34.5%) were resistant to at least one drug, seven (12.8%) were Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB), and two (3.6%) were extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB).

Conclusion

The results showed there were obvious polymorphisms of VNTRs of MTB clinical strains. Beijing family strains of MTB were predominant in the Shihezi region of Xinjiang province. There was no correlation between the drug-resistance and Beijing family strains of MTB. It is necessary to strengthen the monitoring, treatment, and management of drug-resistance TB in Shihezi region, Xinjiang.
Rapid genome-scale mapping of chromatin accessibility in tissue
Authors: Grøntved Lars , Bandle Russell , John Sam , Baek Songjoon , Chung Hye-Jung , Liu Ying , Aguilera Greti , Oberholtzer Carl , Hager Gordon L , Levens David
Published: June 2012

Background

The challenge in extracting genome-wide chromatin features from limiting clinical samples poses a significant hurdle in identification of regulatory marks that impact the physiological or pathological state. Current methods that identify nuclease accessible chromatin are reliant on large amounts of purified nuclei as starting material. This complicates analysis of trace clinical tissue samples that are often stored frozen. We have developed an alternative nuclease based procedure to bypass nuclear preparation to interrogate nuclease accessible regions in frozen tissue samples.

Results

Here we introduce a novel technique that specifically identifies Tissue Accessible Chromatin (TACh). The TACh method uses pulverized frozen tissue as starting material and employs one of the two robust endonucleases, Benzonase or Cyansase, which are fully active under a range of stringent conditions such as high levels of detergent and DTT. As a proof of principle we applied TACh to frozen mouse liver tissue. Combined with massive parallel sequencing TACh identifies accessible regions that are associated with euchromatic features and accessibility at transcriptional start sites correlates positively with levels of gene transcription. Accessible chromatin identified by TACh overlaps to a large extend with accessible chromatin identified by DNase I using nuclei purified from freshly isolated liver tissue as starting material. The similarities are most pronounced at highly accessible regions, whereas identification of less accessible regions tends to be more divergence between nucleases. Interestingly, we show that some of the differences between DNase I and Benzonase relate to their intrinsic sequence biases and accordingly accessibility of CpG islands is probed more efficiently using TACh.

Conclusion

The TACh methodology identifies accessible chromatin derived from frozen tissue samples. We propose that this simple, robust approach can be applied across a broad range of clinically relevant samples to allow demarcation of regulatory elements of considerable prognostic significance.
Ultrasound-guided oblique approach for peripheral venous access in a phantom model
Authors: Tassone Heather M , Tayal Vivek S , Weekes Anthony J , Garner Craymon L , Norton James H
Published: June 2012

Background

Ultrasound (US) vascular guidance is traditionally performed in transverse (T) and longitudinal (L) axes, each with drawbacks. We hypothesized that the introduction of a novel oblique (O) approach would improve the success of US-guided peripheral venous access. We examined emergency physician (EP) performance using the O approach in a gel US phantom.

Methods

In a prospective, case control study, EPs were enrolled from four levels of physician experience including postgraduate years one to three (PGY1, PGY2, PGY3) and attending physicians. After a brief training session, each participant attempted vessel aspiration using a linear probe in T, L, and O axes on a gel US phantom. Time to aspiration and number of attempts to aspiration were recorded. The approach order was randomized, and descriptive statistics were used.

Results

Twenty-four physicians participated. The first-attempt success rate was lower for O, 45.83%, versus 70.83% for T (p = 0.03) and 83.33% for L (p = 0.01). The average time to aspiration was 12.5 s (O) compared with 9.47 s (T) and 9.74 s (L), respectively. There were no significant differences between all four groups in regard to total amount of time and number of aspiration attempts; however, a trend appeared revealing that PGY3 and attending physicians tended to aspirate in less time and by fewer attempts in all three orientations when compared with the PGY2 and PGY1 physicians.

Conclusion

In this pilot study, US-guided simulated peripheral venous access using a phantom gel model in a mixed user group showed that the novel oblique approach was not initially more successful versus T and L techniques.
Satellite cell heterogeneity revealed by G-Tool, an open algorithm to quantify myogenesis through colony-forming assays
Authors: Ippolito Joseph , Arpke Robert W , Haider Kerri T , Zhang Jianyi , Kyba Michael
Published: June 2012

Background

Muscle growth and repair is accomplished by the satellite cell pool, a self-renewing population of myogenic progenitors. Functional heterogeneity within the satellite cell compartment and changes in potential with experimental intervention can be revealed by in vitro colony-forming cell (CFC) assays, however large numbers of colonies need to be assayed to give meaningful data, and manually quantifying nuclei and scoring markers of differentiation is experimentally limiting.

Methods

We present G-Tool, a multiplatform (Java) open-source algorithm that analyzes an ensemble of fluorescent micrographs of satellite cell-derived colonies to provide quantitative and statistically meaningful metrics of myogenic potential, including proliferation capacity and propensity to differentiate.

Results

We demonstrate the utility of G-Tool in two applications: first, we quantify the response of satellite cells to oxygen concentration. Compared to 3% oxygen which approximates tissue levels, we find that 21% oxygen, the ambient level, markedly limits the proliferative potential of transit amplifying progeny but at the same time inhibits the rate of terminal myogenic differentiation. We also test whether satellite cells from different muscles have intrinsic differences that can be read out in vitro. Compared to masseter, dorsi, forelimb and hindlimb muscles, we find that the diaphragm satellite cells have significantly increased proliferative potential and a reduced propensity to spontaneously differentiate. These features may be related to the unique always-active status of the diaphragm.

Conclusions

G-Tool facilitates consistent and reproducible CFC analysis between experiments and individuals. It is released under an open-source license that enables further development by interested members of the community.
Systematic assessment of microneedle injection into the mouse cornea
Authors: Matthaei Mario , Meng Huan , Bhutto Imran , Xu Qingguo , Boelke Edwin , Hanes Justin , Jun Albert S
Published: June 2012

Background

Corneal intrastromal injection is an important mode of gene-vector application to subepithelial layers. In a mouse model, this procedure is substantially complicated by the reduced corneal dimensions. Furthermore, it may be difficult to estimate the corneal area reached by the volume of a single injection. This study aimed to investigate intrastromal injections into the mouse cornea using different microneedles and to quantify the effect of injecting varying volumes. A reproducible injection technique is described.

Methods

Forty eyes of 20 129 Sv/J mice were tested. India ink was intrastromally injected using 30° beveled 33 G needles, tri-surface 25° beveled 35 G needles, or hand-pulled and 25° beveled glass needles. Each eye received a single injection of a volume of 1 or 2 μL. Corneoscleral buttons were fixed and flat mounted for computer-assisted quantification of the affected corneal area. Histological assessment was performed to investigate the intrastromal location of the injected dye.

Results

A mean corneal area of 5.0 ±1.4 mm2(mean ± SD) and 7.7 ±1.4 mm2was covered by intrastromal injections of 1 and 2 μL, respectively. The mean percentage of total corneal area reached ranged from 39% to 53% for 1 μL injections, and from 65% to 81% for 2 μL injections. Injections using the 33 G needles tended to provide the highest distribution area. Perforation rates were 8% for 30° beveled 33 G needles and 44% for tri-surface beveled 35 G needles. No perforation was observed with glass needle; however, intrastromal breakage of needle tips was noted in 25% of these cases.

Conclusions

Intracorneal injection using a 30° beveled 33 G needle was safe and effective. The use of tri-surface beveled 35 G needles substantially increased the number of corneal perforations. Glass needles may break inside the corneal stroma. Injections of 1 μL and 2 μL resulted in an overall mean of 49% and 73% respectively of total corneal area involved.
A new colorimetric method for the determination of nifedipine tablets by derivatization using 4-carboxyl-2,6-dinitrobenzene diazonium ion
Authors: Aderibigbe Segun Abidemi , Adegoke Olajire Aremu , Idowu Olakunle Sunday
Published: June 2012

Background

A new sensitive colorimetric determination of nifedipine has been developed following azo dye formation with 4-carboxyl-2,6-dinitrobenzenediazonium ion (CDNBD). Judging from the various generic brands currently now available, this research was conceived as a means of developing an alternative cost-effective and readily adaptable method for the assay of nifedipine in tablets and for which official high performance liquid chromatographic technique may not be readily available.

Results

Nifedipine was reduced with Zn/HCl reduction system and then the diazo coupling reaction was carried out with the CDNBD reagent to generate a new azo adduct with optimal wavelength at 470 nm representing a bathochromic shift relative to nifedipine, reduced nifedipine and CDNBD reagent. Optimal temperature and time for coupling were selected as 50 oC and 15 minutes. A linear response was observed over 2.9 -14.5 µg/mL of nifedipine with a correlation coefficient of 0.9985 and the drug combined with CDNBD at a stoichiometric ratio of 2:1. The method has limits of detection and quantitation of 0.1344 µg mL-1 and 0.4074 µg mL-1 respectively. The Sandell’s sensitivity obtained is 4.673 ng/cm2 and the method was reproducible over a three day assessment. Intra- and inter-day accuracies (in terms of errors) were of the order -0.008 to 3.22 % while precisions were generally less than 3.1 % (RSD).

Conclusions

The developed spectrophotometric method is of equivalent accuracy (p > 0.05) with USP 2007 HPLC method. It has the advantages of speed, simplicity, sensitivity and more affordable instrumentation and could find application as a rapid and sensitive analytical method for nifedipine. It is the first described method by azo dye derivatization for the analysis of nifedipine in bulk samples and dosage forms.
Identification and Functional Characterization of Protein Kinase A Phosphorylation Sites in the Major Lipolytic Protein, Adipose Triglyceride Lipase
Authors: Pagnon Joanne , Matzaris Maria , Stark Romana , Meex Ruth C. R. , Macaulay S. Lance , Brown Wendy , O'Brien Paul E. , Tiganis Tony , Watt Matthew J.
Published: June 2012

Catecholamine-stimulated lipolysis occurs by activating adenylate cyclase and raising cAMP levels, thereby increasing protein kinase A (PKA) activity. This results in phosphorylation and modulated activity of several key lipolytic proteins. Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is the primary lipase for the initial step in triacylglycerol hydrolysis, and ATGL activity is increased during stimulated lipolysis. Here, we demonstrate that murine ATGL is phosphorylated by PKA at several serine residues in vitro and identify Ser406 as a functionally important site. ATGL null adipocytes expressing ATGL S406A (nonphosphorylatable) had reduced stimulated lipolysis. Studies in mice demonstrated increased ATGL Ser406 phosphorylation during fasting and moderate intensity exercise, conditions associated with elevated lipolytic rates. ATGL Ser404 (corresponding to murine Ser406) phosphorylation was increased by β-adrenergic stimulation but not 5′AMP-activated protein kinase activation in human subcutaneous adipose tissue explants, which correlated with lipolysis rates. Our studies suggest that β-adrenergic activation can result in PKA-mediated phosphorylation of ATGL Ser406, to moderately increase ATGL-mediated lipolysis.
Evolutionary crossroads in developmental biology: hemichordates
Authors: Röttinger Eric , Lowe Christopher J.
Published: June 2012

Hemichordates are a deuterostome phylum, the sister group to echinoderms, and closely related to chordates. They have thus been used to gain insights into the origins of deuterostome and chordate body plans. Developmental studies of this group have a long and distinguished history. Recent improvements in animal husbandry, functional tool development and genomic resources have resulted in novel developmental data from several species in this group. In this Primer, we introduce representative hemichordate species with contrasting modes of development and summarize recent findings that are beginning to yield important insights into deuterostome developmental mechanisms.
Zebrafish larvae exposed to ginkgotoxin exhibit seizure-like behavior that is relieved by pyridoxal-5′-phosphate, GABA and anti-epileptic drugs
Authors: Lee Gang-Hui , Sung Shian-Ying , Chang Wen-Ni , Kao Tseng-Ting , Tu Hung-Chi , Hsiao Tsun-Hsien , Safo Martin K. , Fu Tzu-Fun
Published: June 2012

The etiology of epilepsy is a very complicated, multifactorial process that is not completely understood. Therefore, the availability of epilepsy animal models induced by different mechanisms is crucial in advancing our knowledge and developing new therapeutic regimens for this disorder. Considering the advantages of zebrafish, we have developed a seizure model in zebrafish larvae using ginkgotoxin, a neurotoxin naturally occurring in Ginkgo biloba and hypothesized to inhibit the formation of the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). We found that a 2-hour exposure to ginkgotoxin induced a seizure-like behavior in zebrafish larvae. This seizure-like swimming pattern was alleviated by the addition of either pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP) or GABA and responded quickly to the anti-convulsing activity of gabapentin and phenytoin, two commonly prescribed anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Unexpectedly, the ginkgotoxin-induced PLP depletion in our experimental setting did not affect the homeostasis of folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism, another metabolic pathway playing a crucial role in neural function that also relies on the availability of PLP. This ginkgotoxin-induced seizure behavior was also relieved by primidone, which had been tested on a pentylenetetrazole-induced zebrafish seizure model but failed to rescue the seizure phenotype, highlighting the potential use and complementarity of this ginkgotoxin-induced seizure model for AED development. Structural and morphological characterization showed that a 2-hour ginkgotoxin exposure did not cause appreciable changes in larval morphology and tissues development. In conclusion, our data suggests that this ginkgotoxin-induced seizure in zebrafish larvae could serve as an in vivo model for epileptic seizure research and potential AED screening.
Speculative Bubbles and Financial Crises
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Wen Yi
Published: June 2012

Are asset prices unduly volatile and often detached from their fundamentals? Does the bursting of financial bubbles depress the real economy? This paper addresses these issues by constructing a DSGE model with speculative bubbles. We characterize conditions under which storable goods, regardless of their intrinsic values, can carry bubbles, and agents are willing to invest in such bubbles despite their positive probability of bursting. The results show that systemic risk, commonly perceived changes in the bubble's probability of bursting, can generate boom-bust cycles with hump-shaped output dynamics and produce asset price movements many times more volatile than the economy's fundamentals. (JEL E13, E23, E32, E44, G01, G12).
Endovascular repair of growing chronic type B aortic dissection with a vascular plug
Authors: Yeom Suk Keu , Lee Seung Hwa , Chung Hwan Hoon , Shin Jae Seung
Published: June 2012

We report the successful endovascular repair of a growing chronic type B aortic dissection using an Amplatzer Vascular Plug II. A 44-year-old man, with previous medical history of aortic surgery and stenting complained of vague back pain. An approximately 5-mm entry remained in the stented segment of the aorta on computed tomography (CT). Endovascular closure of the entry with a Vascular Plug was uneventful. A 3-month follow-up CT showed no leak, complete false lumen thrombosis in the thoracic segment, shrinkage of the false lumen, and a reduced diameter of thoracic aorta.
Kinetic analysis of aptazyme-regulated gene expression in a cell-free translation system: Modeling of ligand-dependent and -independent expression
Authors: Kobori Shungo , Ichihashi Norikazu , Kazuta Yasuaki , Matsuura Tomoaki , Yomo Tetsuya
Published: June 2012

Aptazymes are useful as RNA-based switches of gene expression responsive to several types of compounds. One of the most important properties of the switching ability is the signal/noise (S/N) ratio, i.e., the ratio of gene expression in the presence of ligand to that in the absence of ligand. The present study was performed to gain a quantitative understanding of how the aptazyme S/N ratio is determined by factors involved in gene expression, such as transcription, RNA self-cleavage, RNA degradation, protein translation, and their ligand dependencies. We performed switching of gene expression using two on-switch aptazymes with different properties in a cell-free translation system, and constructed a kinetic model that quantitatively describes the dynamics of RNA and protein species involved in switching. Both theoretical and experimental analyses consistently demonstrated that factors determining both the absolute value and the dynamics of the S/N ratio are highly dependent on the routes of translation in the absence of ligand: translation from the ligand-independently cleaved RNA or leaky translation from the noncleaved RNA. The model obtained here is useful to assess the factors that restrict the S/N ratio and to improve aptazymes more efficiently.
Vascular Surgery: A New Surgical Specialty in the UK
Authors: Lamont Peter , Wyatt Michael G , Naylor A Ross
Published: June 2012

on 16 March 2012, vascular surgery entered the Parliamentary statute books as a separate surgical specialty in the United Kingdom. Up until that date, vascular surgery had been an integral part of general surgery. over the past two decades, the two specialties have been developing a dichotomous mix of surgical skills and clinical expertise, resulting in the present-day consultant vascular and endovascular surgeon being very different from the previous general surgeon with a vascular interest.
The Development and Evaluation of Blood Volume Measuring System for Blood Culture Quality Improvement
Authors: Shim Hun , Kim Kab Seung , Uh Young , Seo Dong Min , Kim Hyo Youl , Yoon Young Ro
Published: June 2012

The blood volume is the most important factor affecting the sensitivity of blood cultures. However, there has not been a system for measuring blood volume prior to starting the blood culture process. The aim of this study is to develop a blood volume measuring system and to evaluate its usability in a clinical setting. A system for measuring blood volume in a culture bottle using digital scales was designed. The suggested system was installed and evaluated in the Department of Laboratory Medicine. During the 13-month period, the weight of blood bottles before inoculation and blood volumes in 113 564 blood culture bottles were analyzed. The weight differences between bottles were up to 12 g and about 9 g for bottles distributed by BACTEC and bioMérieux, respectively. Of the 113 564 aforementioned bottles, 96 661 cultures were analyzed from patients over the ages of 18. After the application of blood volume measuring systems, the adequate blood volume submission ratio increased from 4.9 % to about 10 %. After the intervention, the proportions of bottles for adequate submissions showed an increasing trend. In routine clinical practice, providing regular feedback and education regarding the adequate blood volumes for culture to clinicians and nurses would be a good way to maintain quality of the blood culture results and to reduce culture bottles being submitted with an inadequate amount of sample.
Computation of Tensile Strain-Hardening Exponents through the Power-Law Relationship
Authors: Matusevich Ariel E. , Massa Julio C. , Mancini Reinaldo A.
Published: June 2012

Many metals flow in the region of uniform plastic deformation following a power-law relationship, which states that true stress is proportional to true-plastic strain raised to the power n. The exponent n, known as the tensile strain-hardening exponent, can be determined from a tension test through appropriate transformations of stress-strain data and least-squares fitting of a straight line. Procedures for the computation of n have been standardized by ASTM International and ISO. Current ASTM and ISO standards differ, most notably, in the type of strain used in calculations. The ASTM procedure permits the use of true strain (true-elastic strain plus true-plastic strain), when true-elastic strain represents less than 10 % of total strain. On the other hand, the ISO version stipulates the subtraction of true-elastic strain from true strain, using a formula whose derivation is not publicly available. In this work, we revisit the expressions that enable the transformation of engineering stress-strain data to true-stress and true-plastic-strain values. Using eight tension-test curves from several materials, obtained through ASCII files publicly available at the website of the National Physical Laboratory of the United Kingdom, we compare n-values obtained via three definitions of strain: (i) true strain, (ii) conventional definition of true-plastic strain, and (iii) true-plastic strain according to the ISO formula. In addition, we investigate the dependency of the results on the strain range over which n-values are calculated. To evaluate strain-range dependency, which arises when metals do not closely follow the power-law relationship, we analyze the effect of strain intervals of increasing length and study the variation of n-values when the range of interest is divided into subintervals. To improve the approximation given by the power-law relationship over the region under analysis, we propose an alternative formulation in which the strength coefficient and the strain-hardening exponent are functions of true-plastic strain.
Elliptical Hole-Crack Problems in an Infinite Plate Subjected to Internal Pressure
Authors: Yan Xiangqiao , Miao Chengqing
Published: June 2012

This paper deals with elliptical hole-crack problems in an infinite plate subjected to internal pressure by using a hybrid displacement discontinuity method (a boundary element method). Numerical results of the stress intensity factors (SIFs) are given. Especially, a few dimensionless parameters are introduced and it is illustrated using some examples that the dimensionless parameters have theoretically a guidance role for hole-crack design in an explosive engineering.
A Linear S-N Curve with Load Dependent Variance and Explicit Failure Probability
Authors: Dabiru Venkata Rambabu , Chatterjee Anindya
Published: June 2012

We reconsider standard uniaxial fatigue test data obtained from handbooks. Many S-N curve fits to such data represent the median life and exclude load-dependent variance in life. Presently available approaches for incorporating probabilistic aspects explicitly within the S-N curves have some shortcomings, which we discuss. We propose a new linear S-N fit with a prespecified failure probability, load-dependent variance, and reasonable behavior at extreme loads. We fit our parameters using maximum likelihood, show the reasonableness of the fit using Q-Q plots, and obtain standard error estimates via Monte Carlo simulations. The proposed fitting method may be used for obtaining S-N curves from the same data as already available, with the same mathematical form, but in cases in which the failure probability is smaller, say, 10 % instead of 50 %, and in which the fitted line is not parallel to the 50 % (median) line.
Wolfram von Richthofen, die Zerstörung Wieluńs und das Kriegsvölkerrecht
Authors: Volkmann Hans-Erich
Published: June 2012

Der Angriff der deutschen Luftwaffe auf die polnische Kreisstadt Wieluń am 1. September 1939 besitzt unter zwei Aspekten einen festen Platz im polnischen Opfermythos. Er gilt als zeitlicher Beginn des Zweiten Weltkrieges und, vergleichbar der Zerstörung Guernicas, als völkerrechtswidriger Terrorakt gegen die Zivilbevölkerung eines militärisch unbedeutenden Ortes. Beide Annahmen halten einer historiografischen Überprüfung nicht Stand. Die erste basiert auf der Voraussetzung einer vermeintlichen Zeitdifferenz zwischen Polen und Deutschland, die nachweislich nicht bestand. Auch die völkerrechtliche Definition des Terrorangriffs trifft für die Bombardierung Wieluńs nicht zu. Es handelte sich vielmehr, in Übereinstimmung mit der Zerstörung der baskischen Stadt, um Lufteinsätze mit Übungscharakter. Bei diesen kam zum einen die Technik spezifischer Flugzeugtypen auf den Prüfstand. Zum anderen galt der Fliegereinsatz gegen Wieluń, wie übrigens während des gesamten Polenfeldzuges, als Generalprobe für die Tauglichkeit des Sturzkampfbombers („Stuka“) Junkers Ju 87 B zum Punktziel- wie Flächenbombardement in Vorbereitung auf spätere Kriegsschauplätze in Europa und Nordafrika. Gleichwohl verletzte der verantwortliche General, Wolfram von Richthofen, flagrant die Haager Landkriegsordnung. Dieser zufolge richtete sich die Behandlung der Zivilbevölkerung im Krieg an den Prinzipien aus, die bei gesitteten Völkern als Gebote der Menschlichkeit und als Forderung des öffentlichen Gewissens Gültigkeit beanspruchen konnten.
Allergic Reactions to Foods in Preschool-Aged Children in a Prospective Observational Food Allergy Study
Authors: Fleischer David M. , Perry Tamara T. , Atkins Dan , Wood Robert A. , Burks A. Wesley , Jones Stacie M. , Henning Alice K. , Stablein Donald , Sampson Hugh A. , Sicherer Scott H.
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To examine circumstances of allergic reactions to foods in a cohort of preschool-aged children.

METHODS:

We conducted a prospective, 5-site observational study of 512 infants aged 3 to 15 months with documented or likely allergy to milk or egg, and collected data prospectively examining allergic reactions.

RESULTS:

Over a median follow-up of 36 months (range: 0–48.4), the annualized reaction rate was 0.81 per year (367/512 subjects reporting 1171 reactions [95% confidence interval: 0.76–0.85]). Overall, 269/512 (52.5%) reported >1 reaction. The majority of reactions (71.2%) were triggered by milk (495 [42.3%]), egg (246 [21.0%]), and peanut (93 [7.9%]), with accidental exposures attributed to unintentional ingestion, label-reading errors, and cross-contact. Foods were provided by persons other than parents in 50.6% of reactions. Of 834 reactions to milk, egg, or peanut, 93 (11.2%) were attributed to purposeful exposures to these avoided foods. A higher number of food allergies (P < .0001) and higher food-specific immunoglobulin E (P < .0001) were associated with reactions. Of the 11.4% of reactions (n = 134) that were severe, 29.9% were treated with epinephrine. Factors resulting in undertreatment included lack of recognition of severity, epinephrine being unavailable, and fears about epinephrine administration.

CONCLUSIONS:

There was a high frequency of reactions caused by accidental and nonaccidental exposures. Undertreatment of severe reactions with epinephrine was a substantial problem. Areas for improved education include the need for constant vigilance, accurate label reading, avoidance of nonaccidental exposure, prevention of cross-contamination, appropriate epinephrine administration, and education of all caretakers.
Drastic changes in serotypes of carried pneumococci due to an increased vaccination rate in Hungary
Authors: Tóthpál Adrienn , Dobay Orsolya
Published: June 2012

Introduction of the conjugate pneumococcal vaccine into the voluntary childhood vaccine program in Hungary in April 2009 resulted in a sharp increase of the vaccination rate. However, changes in serotypes as a consequence of vaccination should be considered. Aims: The aim of the authors was to compare pneumococci isolated from children with high-level and low-level vaccination rates. Methods: Nasal specimens from 854 children attending 20 nurseries at various locations in Hungary have been collected since 2009. The serotypes, antibiotic susceptibility and genetic relatedness of the isolated pneumococci were determined. Results: 324 strains were isolated, and the carriage rate was 37.94%. The strains were sensitive to most antibiotics, except for macrolides. A definite suppression of vaccine types was detected during these 3 years, from the initial 78.85% to 35.30%. Conclusions: The authors conclude that the results reflect the efficacy of the vaccine, which underlines the need for the inclusion of pneumococcal vaccine into the list of obligatory vaccines. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1031–1034.
Chondrosarcoma in Mafucci’s syndrome – an interdisciplinary approach to a rare disease
Authors: Forgács Balázs
Published: June 2012

Mafucci’s syndrome is a rare genetic but non-hereditary disorder, characterized by multiple enchondromas (enchondromatosis), hemangiomas and, rarely, lymphangiomas. The risk for malignant transformation of enchondromas is very high, and chondrosarcomas can develop which mainly metastatize to the lungs. A case report of a 61-years-old male, whose enchondromatosis developed at his age of 10 years, is described. The initial diagnosis had been Ollier’s disease at that time, and it was modified to Mafucci’s syndrome only in 1995 when hemangiomatosis developed on the right hand. He had a unilateral disorder affecting his right upper and lower extremities. In 2010, a chondrosarcoma developed on his right leg and amputation was performed. In 2012, a thoracic CT scan revealed pulmonary metastases on both sides. This case report underlines the importance of the multidisciplinary approach and cooperation between various specialties in diagnosing and early detecting this type of cancer. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1035–1038.
Nível de complexidade assistencial dos pacientes em uma unidade de internação
Authors: Brito Ana Paula de , Guirardello Edinêis de Brito
Published: June 2012

O estudo objetivou avaliar o nível de complexidade assistencial dos pacientes em uma unidade de internação de um hospital de ensino no interior paulista. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, que utilizou para a coleta de dados o instrumento "Sistema de classificação de pacientes: proposta de complementação do instrumento", de Fugulin et al., por trinta dias consecutivos. Foram realizadas 1.080 observações, obtidas do registro de 156 pacientes, verificando-se predomínio de pacientes que requerem alta dependência de cuidado. Constataram-se diferenças dos pacientes entre os postos da unidade no perfil, tipo de tratamento e nível de complexidade de cuidado. Conclui-se que há necessidade de reavaliar o quadro de profissionais, como também readequar as demandas de recursos tecnológicos e materiais.
Significação da psicose pelo sujeito e seus efeitos para a clínica da enfermagem
Authors: Marques Natália Alvario , Toledo Vanessa Pellegrino , Garcia Ana Paula Rigon Francischetti
Published: June 2012

Objetivou-se identificar a apreensão do paciente acerca de sua experiência psíquica diante da psicose, indicando uma direção de tratamento à luz da leitura psicanalítica. Estudo qualitativo, realizado com nove pacientes. A análise ocorreu através de categorização dos discursos. Os sujeitos indicaram preocupação em construir um lugar onde sua experiência psíquica seja considerada em seu cotidiano. Com os profissionais de saúde mental, o sujeito pode encontrar um novo significante, criar novos significados, levando à estabilização dos sintomas, que provêm da criação da metáfora delirante. A sequência de perdas na psicose dá lugar a ganhos, em que o barramento do Outro proporciona a subjetivação de um novo lugar para esse sujeito, contribuindo para a construção de um novo projeto de vida.
Manejo de resíduos gerados na assistência domiciliar pela Estratégia de Saúde da Familia
Authors: Alves Sergiane Bisinoto , Souza Adenícia Custódia Silva , Tipple Anaclara Ferreira Veiga , Rezende Keyti Cristina Damas , Rezende Fabiana Ribeiro , Rodrigues Érika Goulart
Published: June 2012

O estudo objetivou analisar o manejo dos resíduos gerados pela assistência domiciliar. A coleta de dados ocorreu pela observação da assistência prestada pelos profissionais e usuários e/ou cuidadores. Os dados foram registrados em check list construído conforme recomendações da RDC 306. Os resíduos gerados foram: seringas (38,1%), agulhas (36,5%), esparadrapos (31,7%), gazes (31,7%) e lancetas (28,5%). Os resíduos do grupo A não foram segregados em todas as oportunidades e os do grupo E foram segregados 100% e 10,5% pelos profissionais e usuários, respectivamente. Conclui-se que, diante das inadequações encontradas, é necessária uma ampla discussão coletiva para a proposta de políticas públicas que atendam às especificidades do manejo dos resíduos de serviços de saúde nos domicílios, com intuito de dar segurança aos trabalhadores, comunidade e ambiente.
Acupuntura: conhecimento e percepção de professores universitários
Authors: Machado Márcia Maria Tavares , Oliveira Jessica da Costa de , Fechine Álvaro Diogenes Leite
Published: June 2012

Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo identificar o conhecimento e percepção de professores universitários, médicos, sobre a acupuntura. Utilizou-se a abordagem qualitativa, realizando-se 15 entrevistas individuais com professores da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), em Fortaleza, Ceará, de junho a dezembro de 2010. O tempo médio de ensino desses professores na UFC foi de 22 anos, e a idade média de 55 anos.Observou-se que a maior parte dos entrevistados não buscava espontaneamente informações sobre acupuntura; poucos conheciam alguma contraindicação;e os que indicavam a acupuntura o faziam para alívio de dores; a quase totalidade apresentou opinião favorável ao oferecimento da acupunturaa usuários do SUS, bem como à sua inclusão na grade curricular como disciplina optativa ou como assunto coadjuvante em disciplinas afins. No entanto, poucos entrevistados admitem abordar este tema em sala de aula como terapêutica equivalente às opções alopáticas. Constatou-se que os professores demonstram interesse em práticas não convencionais e reconhecem a importância da inserção dessa temática nos currículos dos cursos de Medicina.
Comportamento de diversas plantas daninhas, de ocorrência comum no estado de São Paulo, em relação a duas espécies de nematóides das galhas: primeira parte
Authors: Ferraz L.C.C.B.
Published: June 2012

Estudou-se o comportamento de 10 espécies de plantas daninhas, comuns no Estado de São Paulo, quando o solo em que vegetavam foi inoculado com os nematóides das galhas Meloidogyne incognita raça 4 ou M. javanica. As avaliações foram feitas 50 dias após a inoculação dos parasitos, baseando-se nos números de galha s e ootec as pre sentes nas raízes e nos valores de altura e de pesos secos da parte aérea e sistemas radiculares das plantas. Em relação as duas espécies de nematóides, comportaram-se como alta mente suscetíveis Alternaria ficoidea (apaga -fogo) e Ipomoea acuminata (cordade -viola ), como olerantes Amaranthus hybridus var. patulus (caruru) e Commelina virgunica (trapoeraba), como pouco suscetível Euphorbia heterophylla (amendoim bravo) e como altamente resistentes Blainvillea rhomboidea (erva - palha), Crotonn glandulosus (gervãobranco), Emilia sonchifolia (serralha) e Tagetes minuta (cravo-de-defunto). O carrapicho-de-carneiro, Acant horpermum hispidum, mostrou-se altamente resis tente a M. incognita raça 4 e moderadamente suscetível a M. javanica.
Aplicador de herbicidas com pavios de corda: primeiros resultados de controle
Authors: Prudente R.M. , Matuo T.
Published: June 2012

Os aplicadores de herbicidas baseados em pavios de corda foram introducidos e largamente aceitos nos EUA a partir de 1978, devido a sua grande simplicidade, baixo custo operacional e economia do herbicida. Um protótipo fabricado com material inteiramente nacional, montado sobre duas rodas de bicicleta, tracionado pelo homem, tendo uma barra de 2 metros de comprimento, foi desenvolvido pelo departamento de defesa fitossanitária da Faculdade de Ciência Agrárias e Veterinárias de Jaboticabal - UNESP e submetido a um ensaio preliminar. A área estava uniformemente coberta com vegetação natural, com altura média de 55 cm e a maioria das plantas daninhas em estádio de maturação das sementes. O aplicador foi deslocado à velocidade de 2,7 km/h, com consumo médio de 9,3 litros de calda por hectare, tendo aplicado diluições de glyphosate em água, nas proporções de 1:2, 1:4 e 1:6 (produto comercial: água) e comparado à pulverização convencional tratorizada, efetuada com velocidade de 4,2 km/h e consumo de 4 litros de produto comercial com 310 litros de água por hectare. As avaliações do controle foram efetuadas através da determinação da biomassa epígea por ocasião de aplicação aos 15 e 33 dias após , além da atribuição de notas aos 33 dias da aplicação. Os resultados mostraram-se promissores para o protótipo, que pode desde já ser considerado um precioso instrumento para o manejo de plantas daninhas.