bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular ATP triggers proteolysis and cytosolic Ca2+ rise in Plasmodium berghei and Plasmodium yoelii malaria parasites
Authors: Cruz Laura Nogueira , Juliano Maria Aparecida , Budu Alexandre , Juliano Luiz , Holder Anthony A , Blackman Michael J , Garcia Célia RS
Published: March 2012

Background

Plasmodiumhas a complex cell biology and it is essential to dissect the cell-signalling pathways underlying its survival within the host.

Methods

Using the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) peptide substrate Abz-AIKFFARQ-EDDnp and Fluo4/AM, the effects of extracellular ATP on triggering proteolysis and Ca2+signalling inPlasmodium bergheiandPlasmodium yoeliimalaria parasites were investigated.

Results

The protease activity was blocked in the presence of the purinergic receptor blockers suramin (50 μM) and PPADS (50 μM) or the extracellular and intracellular calcium chelators EGTA (5 mM) and BAPTA/AM (25, 100, 200 and 500 μM), respectively forP. yoeliiandP. berghei. Addition of ATP (50, 70, 200 and 250 μM) to isolated parasites previously loaded with Fluo4/AM in a Ca2+-containing medium led to an increase in cytosolic calcium. This rise was blocked by pre-incubating the parasites with either purinergic antagonists PPADS (50 μM), TNP-ATP (50 μM) or the purinergic blockers KN-62 (10 μM) and Ip5I (10 μM). IncubatingP. bergheiinfected cells with KN-62 (200 μM) resulted in a changed profile of merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1) processing as revealed by western blot assays. Moreover incubatingP. bergheifor 17 h with KN-62 (10 μM) led to an increase in rings forms (82% ± 4, n = 11) and a decrease in trophozoite forms (18% ± 4, n = 11).

Conclusions

The data clearly show that purinergic signalling modulatesP. bergheiprotease(s) activity and that MSP1 is one target in this pathway.
Involvement of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5, AKT/PI3K Signaling and NF-κB pathway in methamphetamine-mediated increase in IL-6 and IL-8 expression in astrocytes
Authors: Shah Ankit , Silverstein Peter S , Singh Dhirendra P , Kumar Anil
Published: March 2012

Methamphetamine (MA) is one of the commonly used illicit drugs and the central nervous system toxicity of MA is well documented. The mechanisms contributing to this toxicity have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effect of MA on the expression levels of the proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines, IL-6 and IL-8 in an astrocytic cell line. The IL-6 and IL-8 RNA levels were found to increase by 4.6 ± 0.2 fold and 3.5 ± 0.2 fold, respectively, after exposure to MA for three days. Exposure of astrocytes to MA for 24 hours also caused increased expression of IL-6 and IL-8 at the level of both RNA and protein. The potential involvement of the nuclear factor-Kappa B (NF-κB) pathway was explored as one of the possible mechanism(s) responsible for the increased induction of IL-6 and IL-8 by MA. The MA-mediated increases in IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly abrogated by SC514. We also found that exposure of astrocytes to MA results in activation of NF-κB through the phosphorylation of IκB-α, followed by translocation of active NF-κB from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. In addition, treatment of cells with a specific inhibitor of metabotropic glutamate receptor-5 (mGluR5) revealed that MA-mediated expression levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were abrogated by this treatment by 42.6 ± 5.8% and 65.5 ± 3.5%, respectively. Also, LY294002, an inhibitor of the Akt/PI3K pathway, abrogated the MA-mediated induction of IL-6 and IL-8 by 77.9 ± 6.6% and 81.4 ± 2.6%, respectively. Thus, our study demonstrates the involvement of an NF-κB-mediated signaling mechanism in the induction of IL-6 and IL-8 by MA. Furthermore, we showed that blockade of mGluR5 can protect astrocytes from MA-mediated increases of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines suggesting mGluR5 as a potential therapeutic target in treating MA-mediated neurotoxicity.
Talcum induced pneumoconiosis following inhalation of adulterated marijuana, a case report
Authors: Scheel Andreas Hans , Krause Daniel , Haars Helmut , Schmitz Inge , Junker Klaus
Published: March 2012

Background

Talcosis, a granulomatous inflammation of the lungs caused by inhalation of talcum dust, is a rare form of pneumoconiosis. Besides inhalative occupational exposure, intravenous abuse of adulterated drugs is a major cause for this condition. Minerals such as talcum (magnesium silicate) and sand (predominant silicon dioxide) are used to increase both volume and weight of illicit substances. In intravenous heroin-abuse, talcosis is a well-known complication. Here we describe a case of talcosis caused by inhalative abuse of adulterated marijuana.

Clinical history

A 29-year old man presented with persistent fever, dyspnea and cervical emphysema. He admitted consumption of 'cut' marijuana for several years, preferentially by water pipe smoking.

Morphologic findings

Lung-biopsies showed chronic interstitial lung disease, anthracotic pigments and birefringent material. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy revealed silicon-containing particles (1-2 μm) and fine aluminum particles (< 1 μm), magnesium and several other elements forming a spectrum compatible with the stated water pipe smoking of talcum-adulterated marijuana.

Conclusions

The exacerbated chronic interstitial lung disease in a 29-year old patient could be attributed to his prolonged abuse of talcum-adulterated marjuana by histopathology and x-ray spectroscopy. Since cannabis consumption is widely spread among young adults, it seems to be justified to raise attention to this form of interstitial pulmonary disease.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnomx.eu/vs/krause/html/start.html.
Unknotting night‐time muscle cramp: a survey of patient experience, help‐seeking behaviour and perceived treatment effectiveness
Authors: Blyton Fiona , Chuter Vivienne , Burns Joshua
Published: March 2012

Background

Night‐time calf cramping affects approximately 1 in 3 adults. The aim of this study was to explore the experience of night‐time calf cramp; if and where people seek treatment advice; and perceived treatment effectiveness.

Methods

80 adults who experienced night‐time calf cramp at least once per week were recruited from the Hunter region, NSW, Australia through newspaper, radio and television advertisements. All participants completed a pilot‐tested survey about muscle cramp. Quantitative data were analysed with independent‐sample t‐tests, Chi square tests and Fisher's tests. Qualitative data were transcribed and sorted into categories to identify themes.

Results

Median recalled age of first night‐time calf cramp was 50 years. Most participants recalled being awoken from sleep by cramping, and experiencing cramping of either calf muscle, calf‐muscle soreness in the days following cramp and cramping during day‐time. Despite current therapies, mean usual pain intensity was 66 mm on a 100 mm visual analogue scale. Participants described their cramps as being ‘unbearable’, ‘unmanageable’ and ‘cruel’. One participant stated that ‘sometimes I just wish I could cut my legs open’ and another reported ‘getting about 2 h sleep a night due to cramps’. Most participants had sought advice about their night‐time calf cramps from a health professional. Participants identified 49 different interventions used to prevent night‐time calf cramp. Of all treatment ratings, 68% described the intervention used to prevent cramp as being ‘useless’ or of ‘a little help’. Of 14 participants who provided additional information regarding their use of quinine, eight had a current prescription of quinine for muscle cramp at the time of the survey. None had been asked by their prescribing doctor to stop using quinine.

Conclusion

Night time calf cramps typically woke sufferers from sleep, affected either leg and caused ongoing pain. Most participants experienced little or no relief with current therapies used to prevent muscle cramp. Most people who were taking quinine for muscle cramp were unaware that the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration withdrew support of quinine for muscle cramp in 2004 due to the risk of thrombocytopaenia. Case‐control studies are required to identify therapeutic targets so that clinical trials can evaluate safe interventions to prevent recurrent cramp.
Growth Hormone-induced JAK2 Signaling and GH Receptor Down-regulation: Role of GH Receptor Intracellular Domain Tyrosine Residues
Authors: Deng Luqin , Jiang Jing , Frank Stuart J.
Published: March 2012

GH receptor (GHR) mediates important somatogenic and metabolic effects of GH. A thorough understanding of GH action requires intimate knowledge of GHR activation mechanisms, as well as determinants of GH-induced receptor down-regulation. We previously demonstrated that a GHR mutant in which all intracellular tyrosine residues were changed to phenylalanine was defective in its ability to activate signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)5 and deficient in GH-induced down-regulation, but able to allow GH-induced Janus family of tyrosine kinase 2 (JAK2) activation. We now further characterize the signaling and trafficking characteristics of this receptor mutant. We find that the mutant receptor's extracellular domain conformation and its interaction with GH are indistinguishable from the wild-type receptor. Yet the mutant differs greatly from the wild-type in that GH-induced JAK2 activation is augmented and far more persistent in cells bearing the mutant receptor. Notably, unlike STAT5 tyrosine phosphorylation, GH-induced STAT1 tyrosine phosphorylation is retained and augmented in mutant GHR-expressing cells. The defective receptor down-regulation and persistent JAK2 activation of the mutant receptor do not depend on the sustained presence of GH or on the cell's ability to carry out new protein synthesis. Mutant receptors that exhibit resistance to GH-induced down-regulation are enriched in the disulfide-linked form of the receptor, which reflects the receptor's activated conformation. Furthermore, acute GH-induced internalization, a proximal step in down-regulation, is markedly impaired in the mutant receptor compared to the wild-type receptor. These findings are discussed in the context of determinants and mechanisms of regulation of GHR down-regulation.
Differential Actions of Prolactin on Electrical Activity and Intracellular Signal Transduction in Hypothalamic Neurons
Authors: Brown R. S. E. , Piet R. , Herbison A. E. , Grattan D. R.
Published: March 2012

In many tissues, including brain, prolactin action is predominantly mediated by the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signal transduction pathway, leading to changes in gene transcription. However, prolactin can also exert rapid actions on electrical activity of hypothalamic neurons. Here, we investigate whether both responses occur in a single cell type, focusing on three specific populations known to be influenced by prolactin: GnRH neurons, tuberoinfundibular dopamine (TIDA) neurons, and neurons in the anteroventral-periventricular nucleus in female mice. We performed phosphorylated STAT5 (pSTAT5) immunohistochemistry to identify prolactin-responsive neurons after in vivo prolactin treatment. In addition, we carried out in vitro electrophysiology in slices from transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein driven by the GnRH or tyrosine hydroxylase promoters as well as from C57BL/6J mice to assess acute electrical responses to prolactin. Approximately 88% of TIDA neurons expressed pSTAT5 in diestrous mice, rising to 97% after prolactin treatment. All TIDA neurons also showed a rapid increase in firing rate after prolactin treatment. In contrast, very few GnRH neurons (11%) showed pSTAT5 in response to prolactin, and none showed a change in electrical activity. Finally, in the anteroventral-periventricular nucleus, most neurons (69%) responded to prolactin treatment with an increase in pSTAT5, but only 2/38 (∼5%) showed changes in electrical activity in response to prolactin. These observations show that prolactin recruits different combinations of electrical and transcriptional responses in neurons depending upon their anatomical location and phenotype. This may be critical in establishing appropriate responses to prolactin under different physiological conditions.
Resting Energy Expenditure and Energetic Cost of Feeding Are Augmented after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in Obese Mice
Authors: Nestoridi Eirini , Kvas Stephanie , Kucharczyk John , Stylopoulos Nicholas
Published: March 2012

Although the prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically throughout the world during the last 25 yr, its long-term control remains poor. Currently, only gastrointestinal weight loss surgery, especially Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), is associated with substantial and sustained weight loss and resolution or significant improvement of diabetes mellitus and other metabolic obesity-induced complications. Clinical observations and recent studies have suggested that RYGB induces its effects by changing the physiology of weight regulation. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of these profound and sustainable effects could facilitate the development of novel and less invasive treatments against obesity and its complications. To study the physiological mechanisms of RYGB, we have developed a mouse RYGB model that replicates the human operation. The aims of this study were to develop a roadmap for assessing energy expenditure (EE) in animal models of weight loss surgery and to examine the effects of RYGB on EE. We first measured EE by indirect calorimetry in groups of animals that underwent RYGB or a sham operation. Calorimetry data were analyzed using three different methods: normalization by total body mass, allometric scaling, and analysis of covariance modeling. RYGB in mice induced a significant increase in EE that was independent of the method used. An energy balance analysis was then performed, which also confirmed that RYGB-treated animals have higher energy maintenance needs. Finally, we determined the EE components that account for the observed increase in EE, and we found that resting EE and postprandial thermogenesis are the major contributors to this increase.
Galectin-1 Markedly Reduces the Incidence of Resorptions in Mice Missing Immunophilin FKBP52
Authors: Hirota Yasushi , Burnum Kristin E. , Acar Nuray , Rabinovich Gabriel A. , Daikoku Takiko , Dey Sudhansu K.
Published: March 2012

Progesterone (P4) signaling is critical for pregnancy. We previously showed that immunopilin FK506 binding protein (FKBP)52 serves as a cochaperone to optimize progesterone receptor (PR) function in the uterus, and its deficiency leads to P4 resistance in a pregnancy stage-specific and genetic background-dependent manner in mice. In particular, sc placement of SILASTIC implants carrying P4 rescued implantation failure in CD1 Fkbp52−/− mice, but the resorption rate was substantially high at midgestation due to reduced P4 responsiveness. Because downstream targets of P4-FKBP52-PR signaling in the uterus to support pregnancy are not clearly understood, we performed proteomic analysis using Fkbp52−/−, PR-deficient (Pgr−/−), and wild-type (WT) uteri. We found that the expression of galectin-1 (Gal1), an evolutionarily conserved glycan-binding protein, was significantly down-regulated in both Fkbp52−/− and Pgr−/− uteri compared with WT uteri. During early gestation, Lgals1, which encodes Gal1, was distinctly expressed in stromal and decidual cells. Lgals1 expression was much lower in d 4 Fkbp52−/− uteri compared with WT uteri, and this reduction was reversed by P4 supplementation. More interestingly, concomitant supplementation of recombinant Gal1 significantly suppressed the high resorption rate and leukocyte infiltration at implantation sites in CD1 Fkbp52−/− females carrying P4 SILASTIC implants. These findings suggest that uterine Gal1 is an important downstream target of P4-FKBP52-PR signaling in the uterus to support P4 responsiveness during pregnancy.
Kasserine and January
Authors: Aloui Mustafa
Published: March 2012

The city of Kasserine, in the central-west region of Tunisia, which has long been the epicenter of protest against the policies of Ben Ali’s government, erupted into full-scale insurrection the first week of January 2011. Not far from Kasserine lies Sidi Bouzid, where protestors had already taken to the streets after a poor street vendor, Mohamed Bouazizi, set himself on fire on December 17 in reaction to humiliation he suffered at the hands of the local authorities for simply trying to earn a living for his family. People in Kasserine were enraged by the news of the Sidi Bouzid shootings and decided they must support their neighbors with whatever they had at hand. On January 7, young men in almost all parts of Kasserine took to the streets, starting what has become known as the “night protests.” On January 8, Ben Ali described the Kasserine and Sidi Bouzid protestors as a band of criminals and robbers executing a foreign agenda aimed at destabilizing the country, and augmented the existing security forces with unidentified agents whom the people of Kasserine called “snipers,” because they started shooting everywhere indiscriminately. Nineteen-year-old Slah Dachraoui, who was so young his friends in the neighborhood called him “the bird,” and twenty-nine-year-old Raouf Ben Hamad Bouzidi, who tried to help Dachraoui after he’d been shot, were the first martyrs to fall that evening.
A Revolution of Dignity and Poetry
Authors: Omri Mohamed-Salah
Published: March 2012

The most famous slogan chanted in Tunisia in January, then in Egypt, Yemen, Libya, and Syria, is a reincarnation of opening lines of the poem “The Will of Life,” written in 1933 by the Tunisian poet Abou el-Kasem Chebbi (1909–1934), which now form the closing part of Tunisia’s national anthem and have been sung by some of the most influential Arab stars, written on protest banners, and shouted by students in the face of French and English occupiers and their own governments. The couplet even entered the folklore of global protest music and poetry, and was adopted by the International Solidarity Movement. On January 14, 2011, in front of the forbidding Ministry of the Interior in Tunis, crowds shouted their version of the poem–“The people want to bring down the regime”–and fate responded. One key feature of the system during Ben Ali’s rule was a duality or parallel existence of two opposing systems of values and cultural production. One was dominant, while the other was repressed but survived in various forms and in uneven ways. The present essay is, in part, the story of that survival and eventual victory. I draw on printed material, extensive fieldwork, and personal observation in Tunisia and Egypt, personal recordings, interviews, the media, and Internet sites in an attempt to provide a more complex story of culture during and before the wave of revolts, particularly in Tunisia.
Civic Universalism and Its Internal Exclusions: The Issue of Anthropological Difference
Authors: Balibar Etienne
Published: March 2012

Modern universalism, arising from the generalization of the “right to have rights” (or the access to citizenship for all), produces a paradoxical effect on the recognition and definition of anthropological differences, such as gender and sexuality, race and culture, normality and abnormality.

Its “civic-bourgeois” foundation, which is purely political (neither theological nor cosmological), accounts for a neutralization of differences in the abstract realm of liberty and equality, which justifies claims of emancipation. On the other hand, discriminations barring individuals and groups from (full) access to citizenship need to be rooted in human nature, which is supposed to consist therefore of hierarchized “characters.” As a consequence, differences become also principles of exclusion: this is more violent symbolically (or even practically) but much less stable and “legitimate” than was the case in previous forms of historical hegemony.
Foxa2 mediates critical functions of prechordal plate in patterning and morphogenesis and is cell autonomously required for early ventral endoderm morphogenesis
Authors: Harrelson Zachary , Kaestner Klaus H. , Evans Sylvia M.
Published: March 2012

Axial mesendoderm is comprised of prechordal plate and notochord. Lack of a suitable Cre driver has hampered the ability to genetically dissect the requirement for each of these components, or genes expressed within them, to anterior patterning. Here, we have utilized Isl1-Cre to investigate roles of the winged helix transcription factor Foxa2 specifically in prechordal plate and ventral endoderm. Foxa2loxP/loxP; Isl1-Cre mutants died at 13.5 dpc, exhibiting aberrations in anterior neural tube and forebrain patterning, and in ventral foregut morphogenesis and cardiac fusion. Molecular analysis of Foxa2loxP/loxP; Isl1-Cre mutants indicated that Foxa2 is required in Isl1 lineages for expression of notochord and dorsal foregut endoderm markers, Shh. Brachyury, and Hlxb9. Our results support a requirement for Foxa2 in prechordal plate for notochord morphogenesis, axial patterning, and patterning of dorsal foregut endoderm. Loss of Foxa2 in ventral endoderm resulted in reduced expression of Sox17, Gata4, and ZO proteins, accounting at least in part for observed lack of foregut fusion, cardia bifida, and increased apoptosis of ventral endoderm.
Bilateral brachial neuritis secondary to varicella reactivation in an HIV-positive man
Authors: McNamara P , Kiely B M , Zekan S , Redmond J , Mulcahy F
Published: March 2012

We present the case of a 48-year-old HIV-positive man, who developed acute onset of pain in both upper limbs associated with proximal weakness and distal paraesthesia. Eight weeks prior to this presentation he had had varicella zoster affecting his right S1 dermatome. CD4 count was 355 cells/mm3 and he was antiretroviral therapy (ART) naive. Power was 0/5 proximally and 4/5 distally in the upper limbs. Reflexes were absent and there was sensory loss in the C5, C6 and T1 dermatomes. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination showed a lymphocytosis with low glucose; however, CSF Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB), and herpes simplex virus polymerase chain reaction (HSV PCR) were negative as was syphilis serology. Electromyography showed marked motor axonal loss. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) did not show any cervical spinal lesion. Varicella zoster virus (VZV) PCR was positive in the CSF. He was treated with high-dose intravenous aciclovir with good resolution of his syndrome over time and was commenced on ART. We believe this to be the first case report of varicella reactivation causing bilateral neuralgic amyotrophy in an HIV-positive patient.
An unusual haematological presentation of the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome
Authors: Wood M , Bradley M
Published: March 2012

We describe the case of a newly diagnosed HIV-1-positive man who was noted to have asymptomatic HIV-related idiopathic (immune) thrombocytopaenic purpura. On commencing antiretroviral therapy we believe he experienced an uncommon immune reconstitution phenomenon resulting in the rapid worsening of his thrombocytopenia, requiring steroid therapy which stabilized his platelet levels.
Declining sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers: the results of an HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevention strategy in Honduras, 2006–08
Authors: Tinajeros F , Miller W M , Castro L , Artiles N , Flores F , Evans J L , Mendoza S , Urquía M , Rodríguez X , Paz-Bailey G
Published: March 2012

In 2006, we implemented an HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention programme for female sex workers (FSWs) in three Honduran cities. All FSW attending STI clinics underwent regular examinations and STI testing. Information on condom use with different partners was collected at each visit. After three years, we detected a significant decline in the prevalence of syphilis from 2.3% at the first screening to 0.0% at the third screening ( P = 0.05), and of chlamydia, from 6.1% to 3.3% ( P = 0.01). No changes were observed in the prevalence of gonorrhoea or trichomoniasis. The cumulative HIV prevalence remained constant ( P = 0.44). Reports of condom use with clients increased from 93.8% to 98.9% ( P < 0.001). The implementation of an HIV/STI prevention programme in FSW has contributed to increases in condom use with clients and the reduction in syphilis and chlamydia prevalence. The intervention should be strengthened and considered as part of a national health policy strategy.
Predictors of antiretroviral treatment-associated tuberculosis in Ethiopia: a nested case-control study
Authors: Mesfin N , Deribew A , Yami A , Solomon T , Van Geertruyden J P , Colebunders R
Published: March 2012

Little is known about the predictors of antiretroviral treatment (ART)-associated tuberculosis (TB) in developing nations. The objective of this study was to determine predictors of ART-associated TB in adults with HIV infection at Jimma University Hospital, Ethiopia. A nested case-control study was conducted in October 2009. The study population consisted of adults with HIV infection (aged >14 years) who developed active TB in the first six months since ART initiation and controls that did not develop active TB. Data were collected using a structured and pretested questionnaire. Cox proportions hazards analysis was done to determine predictors of ART-associated TB. A total of 357 patients (119 cases and 238 controls) participated in the study. After six months of follow-up, cumulative incidence of ART-associated TB was 5.2% (123/2355). Forty (33.6%) cases were lost to follow-up after they developed ART-associated TB and 11 (9.2%) died. Fifty-one (21.4%) controls interrupted ART and 11 (4.6%) died. A CD4 lymphocyte count increase >0.5/μL/day (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 19.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.52, 41.12, P < 0.001), a base-line CD4 lymphocyte count <200 cells/μL (AHR = 9.59, 95% CI: 2.36, 39.04, P = 0.002), World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stage 3 or 4 (AHR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.62, 5.69, P < 0.001), night sweats during ART initiation (AHR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.21, P < 0.001) and high ART adherence (AHR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.50, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of ART-associated TB. HIV-infected adults with these risk factors should be followed cautiously for the development of ART-associated TB. Good ART adherence and a good immunological response during ART were associated with ART-associated TB, most likely because of an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome unmasking the TB.
Patients accessing HIV treatment via sexual health services: what are the risks of the dual case-note system?
Authors: Seden K , Mathew T , Bradley M , Ferraro C , Hall E , Beeching N J , Khoo S H
Published: March 2012

In many British hospitals, HIV-positive patients access care via genitourinary (GU) medicine services. As a result of National Health Service (NHS) legislation, such patients may have information concerning HIV treatment filed separately from their general clinical records. We sought to evaluate accuracy of medication records of patients with both GU medicine and general hospital case-notes, and to assess clinical risk arising from incorrect or incomplete recording. In this retrospective review, 156 episodes of care from 100 HIV-positive patients with separate HIV case-notes were evaluated for accuracy of medication recording, when paired with clinical notes from attendances in other hospital departments. Discrepancies were observed in 52.6% of care episodes; significant discrepancies were apparent in 7.8%. The dual case-note system represents significant risk to patient care. We recommend that hospitals that continue to operate this system urgently consider amalgamation of HIV care records into hospital case sheets, in line with current national standards.
Evaluation of HIV-1 resistance to antiretroviral drugs among 150 patients after six months of therapeutic interruption
Authors: Kalmar E M N , Sanabani S S , Charlys da Costa A , Ferreira S , Barreto C C , Chen S , Sabino E C
Published: March 2012

Most of the antiretroviral (ARV) studies in Brazil have been reported in treatment-experienced and naive patients rather than in the setting of treatment interruption (TI). In this study, we analysed reasons given for TI and resistance mutations occurring in 150 HIV-1-infected patients who underwent TI. Of the patients analysed, 110 (73.3%) experienced TI following medical advice, while the remaining patients stopped antiretroviral therapy (ART) of their own accord. The main justifications for TI were: ARV-related toxicities (38.7%), good laboratory parameters (30%) and poor adherence (20%). DNA sequencing of the partial pol gene was successful in 137 (91.3%) patients, of whom 38 (27.7%) presented mutations conferring ARV resistance. A higher viral load prior to TI correlated with drug resistance ( P < 0.05). Our results demonstrate that there are diverse rationales for TI and that detection of resistant strains during TI most likely indicates a fitter virus than the wild type. High viral loads coupled with unprotected sex in this group could increase the likelihood of transmission of drug-resistant virus. Thus, treating physicians should be alerted to this problem when the use of ARVs is interrupted.
Managing vaccines: defining the remit of primary care and specialist HIV clinics in the delivery of immunization to individuals with HIV infection
Authors: Quinn K J , McCarty E J , Quah S P , Emerson C R , Donnelly C M
Published: March 2012

The British HIV Association (BHIVA) has published guidelines for immunization of HIV-infected adults. A chart review of 200 HIV-infected patients diagnosed was conducted to determine shortcomings in previous practice and determine which vaccines should routinely be given in specialist HIV clinics and which might be able to be delegated to primary care clinics. Data were collected on administration of three categories of vaccinations: (1) vaccines used in all individuals with chronic disease (pneumococcal, influenza, swine flu H1N1); (2) targeted vaccinations used in non-immune individuals with HIV who are at risk of exposure (hepatitis A and hepatitis B); (3) routine vaccines traditionally delivered to the whole population (measles/mumps/rubella [MMR], diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis and meningitis C/ACWY). Pneumococcal vaccine was delivered to 54% of eligible patients, 52% of eligible individuals completed a full hepatitis B programme of vaccination and 21% (42/200) were naturally immune; hepatitis A vaccine was delivered to 36% of eligible individuals. With increasing demands on resources, it seems likely that HIV services will have to harness resources of primary care in vaccine programmes in relation to routine vaccines. By improving communication between primary and secondary care mistakes with live vaccination decisions could be avoided; HIV services should continue to perform targeted and chronic disease vaccines, i.e. for category 1 and category 2 vaccines.
Evaluation of two minimal-preparation regimes for CT colonography: optimising image quality and patient acceptability
Authors: Pollentine A , Mortimer A , Mccoubrie P , Archer L
Published: March 2012

Objective: To compare a 2 day bowel preparation regime of barium, iodine and a mild stimulant laxative with a 1 day iodine-only regime for CT colonography (CTC).

Methods: 100 consecutive patients underwent CTC. The first 50 patients (Regime 1) ingested 1 bisacodyl tablet twice a day 3 days before CTC and 1 dose each of 50 ml of barium and 20 ml of iodinated contrast per day starting 2 days before CTC. The second 50 patients (Regime 2) ingested 3 doses of iodinated contrast over 24 h prior to CTC. Volumes of residual stool and fluid, and the effectiveness of stool and fluid tagging, were graded according to methods established by Taylor et al (Taylor S, Slaker A, Burling D, Tam E, Greenhalgh R, Gartner L, et al. CT colonography: optimisation, diagnostic performance and patient acceptability of reduced-laxative regimens using barium-based faecal tagging. Eur Radiol 2008; 18: 32–42). A 3 day low-residue diet was taken by both cohorts. Questionnaires rating the side-effects and burden of the bowel preparation were compared to a control cohort of patients undergoing barium enema.

Results: The proportion of colons producing none/scattered stool (score 1) was 90.3% with Regime 1 and 65.0% with Regime 2 (p<0.005). Any residual stool was significantly better tagged with Regime 1 (score 5), with 91.7% of Regime 1 exhibiting optimum tagging vs 71.3% of Regime 2 (p<0.05). No significant differences in side-effects between the bowel preparation regimes for CTC were elicited. Bowel preparation for barium enema was tolerated significantly worse than both of the CTC bowel preparation regimes.

Conclusion: Regime 1, containing a 3 day preparation of a mild laxative, barium and iodine, produced a significantly better prepared colon, with no difference in patient acceptability.
Unser Katalog soll besser werden! Kataloge und Portale im Web-2.0-Zeitalter. Ergebnisse einer Online-Umfrage im HeBIS-Verbund
Authors: Nienerza Heike , Sunckel Bettina , Meier Berthold
Published: March 2012

Vom 13. Dezember 2010 bis zum 21. Januar 2011 führte der HeBIS-Verbund eine Online-Umfrage zu den Oberflächen der Kataloge und Katalogportale seiner Mitgliedsbibliotheken durch. Insgesamt erklärten sich 16 HeBIS-Bibliotheken unterschiedlichen Typs zu einer Teilnahme bereit. Die HeBIS-Verbundzentrale wurde bei der Konzeption und Durchführung von einer studentischen Projektgruppe im Rahmen eines bibliothekarischen Studienprojektes im Bachelor-Studiengang Information Science and Engineering / Informationswissenschaft der Hochschule Darmstadt unterstützt. Mit fast 22 000 vollständig ausgefüllten Fragebögen übertraf der Rücklauf der Umfrage alle Erwartungen. Unabhängig von den Auswertungen für die einzelnen Bibliotheken wird hier in einer Gesamtauswertung ein bibliotheksübergreifender Überblick über die Ergebnisse gegeben. Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass die klassische Aufgabe von Online-Katalogen, nämlich ein effektives Retrieval des gesamten Bibliotheksbestands zu ermöglichen und Auskunft über den Standort und die aktuelle Verfügbarkeit von Medien zu geben, für die Katalognutzer auch in Zeiten des Internet und Social Web weiterhin im Vordergrund steht.
New records of red algae from mangroves in El Salvador and Pacific Mexico, combining culture and molecular observations
Authors: Zuccarello Giuseppe C. , Kamiya Mitsunobu , Ootsuki Ryo , de Goër Susan Loiseaux , Pedroche Francisco F. , West John A.
Published: March 2012

The algae of El Salvador have received limited attention. We combined collections from the mangroves of El Salvador and neighboring southern Mexico, and used culture studies and molecular analysis to gain insights into the diversity in this poorly explored region. Bostrychia montagnei, Caloglossa apomeiotica, and Caloglossa ogasawaraensis were newly recorded in El Salvador. Bostrychia montagnei has not been reported from the Pacific Americas before. B. montagnei normally produced axial cells with two-tier cells, typical of the species, but sometimes a series of axial cells had three-tier cells. This was a significant tier cell number variation not previously seen in Bostrychia species. Bostrychia montagnei had a Polysiphonia-type sexual life history with both unisexual and bisexual gametophytes. Caloglossa apomeiotica isolates in culture from El Salvador and Chiapas, Mexico, either had a normal sexual life history or asexual recycling of tetrasporophytes. Those found in El Salvador were the first record of C. apomeiotica south of Jalisco, Mexico, a distance of 1200 km. Four strains isolated from El Salvador and Chiapas, Mexico, which were morphologically part of the Caloglossa leprieurii sensu lato lineage, were analyzed; however, they were not closely related to any named species, indicating that this is a new species that will require further study.
Seasonal dynamic of macroalgae in intertidal pools formed by beds of Crassostrea gigas (Mollusca, Bivalvia) on the north Patagonian Atlantic coast
Authors: Croce M. Emilia , Parodi Elisa R.
Published: March 2012

Intertidal pools represent restricted habitats for macroalgal assemblages, and their structure is determined by physical and biotic factors. The establishment of the exotic oyster Crassostrea gigas on the north Patagonian Atlantic coast led to the formation of intertidal pools; these provide habitats for macroalgal settlement. We aimed to determine the composition, distribution and abundance of the macroalgal assemblage inhabiting these pools, and to establish the structuring variables. Several biotic and abiotic variables were evaluated in 36 pools in winter and summer. Correlations were calculated and permutation analysis of variance and constrained redundancy analysis were conducted to determine the structuring variables. Unlike other Patagonian coasts, richness was low and pools were characterized by a dominance of red algae. Richness was higher in winter, while diversity was lower because of the dominance of Polysiphonia abscissa, which had the highest percentage of occurrence. Temperature was a putative factor determining seasonal richness and diversity. Elevation and surface area of the pools were structuring factors for assemblage biomass. We demonstrated distinct assemblage dynamics. Polysiphonia abscissa developed large populations in winter, which declined towards the summer, while Gelidium maggsiae and Gelidiella calcicola formed dense turfs during summer stress.
Three Dinophyceae from Clipperton Island lagoon (eastern Pacific Ocean), including a description of Peridiniopsis
cristata var. tubulifera var. nov.
Authors: Couté Alain , Perrette Catherine , Chomérat Nicolas
Published: March 2012

Clipperton Island is a small French coral atoll in the eastern Pacific Ocean, which has been rarely investigated because of its remote location and difficult access. There is little scientific information on this ecosystem and only a few microalgae have been reported from the lagoon. To date, only one dinoflagellate taxon, Peridiniopsis cristata, is known to inhabit the lagoon. During an expedition in 2005 to study the lagoon and the surrounding oceanic waters of Clipperton Island, a further investigation of the lagoon phytoplankton was undertaken. In addition to P. cristata, which was still abundant in the upper water layer, two other thecate dinoflagellates were recorded. One dinoflagellate was identified as Durinskia baltica, while the other had the same thecal plate arrangement as P. cristata but was slightly smaller, (27) 30–40 μm long, 26–32 μm wide, and its plates were unornamented and devoid of prominent lists. Hence, the latter taxon is described as P. cristata var. tubulifera since it represents an extreme variation in the ornamentation of the nominate variety. This study provides a description and detailed illustrations of the three taxa found in this peculiar tropical marine ecosystem.
The role of mTOR inhibitors in the inhibition of growth and cortisol secretion in human adrenocortical carcinoma cells
Authors: De Martino Maria Cristina , van Koetsveld Peter M , Feelders Richard A , Sprij-Mooij Diana , Waaijers Marlijn , Lamberts Steven W J , de Herder Wouter W , Colao Annamaria , Pivonello Rosario , Hofland Leo J
Published: March 2012

Patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) need new treatment options. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the mTOR inhibitors sirolimus and temsirolimus on human ACC cell growth and cortisol production. In H295, HAC15, and SW13 cells, we have evaluated mTOR, IGF2, and IGF1 receptor expressions; the effects of sirolimus and temsirolimus on cell growth; and the effects of sirolimus on apoptosis, cell cycle, and cortisol production. Moreover, the effects of sirolimus on basal and IGF2-stimulated H295 cell colony growth and on basal and IGF1-stimulated phospho-AKT, phospho-S6K1, and phospho-ERK in H295 and SW13 were studied. Finally, we have evaluated the effects of combination treatment of sirolimus with an IGF2-neutralizing antibody. We have found that H295 and HAC15 expressed IGF2 at a >1800-fold higher level than SW13. mTOR inhibitors suppressed cell growth in a dose-/time-dependent manner in all cell lines. SW13 were the most sensitive to these effects. Sirolimus inhibited H295 colony surviving fraction and size. These effects were not antagonized by IGF2, suggesting the involvement of other autocrine regulators of mTOR pathways. In H295, sirolimus activated escape pathways. The blocking of endogenously produced IGF2 increased the antiproliferative effects of sirolimus on H295. Cortisol production by H295 and HAC15 was inhibited by sirolimus. The current study demonstrates that mTOR inhibitors inhibit the proliferation and cortisol production in ACC cells. Different ACC cells have different sensitivity to the mTOR inhibitors. mTOR could be a target for the treatment of human ACCs, but variable responses might be expected. In selected cases of ACC, the combined targeting of mTOR and IGF2 could have greater effects than mTOR inhibitors alone.
Insulin and its analogues and their affinities for the IGF1 receptor
Authors: Varewijck Aimee J , Janssen Joseph A M J L
Published: March 2012

Insulin analogues have been developed in an attempt to achieve a more physiological replacement of insulin and thereby a better glycaemic control. However, structural modification of the insulin molecule may result in altered binding affinities and activities to the IGF1 receptor (IGF1R). As a consequence, insulin analogues may theoretically have an increased mitogenic action compared to human insulin. In view of the lifelong exposure and large patient populations involved, insulin analogues with an increased mitogenic effect in comparison to human insulin may potentially constitute a major health problem, since these analogues may possibly induce the growth of pre-existing neoplasms. This hypothesis has been evaluated extensivelyin vitroand alsoin vivoby using animal models.In vitro, all at present commercially available insulin analogues have lower affinities for the insulin receptor (IR). Although it has been suggested that especially insulin analogues with an increased affinity for the IGF1R (such as insulin glargine) are more mitogenic when testedin vitroin cells expressing a high proportion of IGF1R, the question remains whether this has any clinical consequences. At present, there are several uncertainties which make it very difficult to answer this question decisively. In addition, recent data suggest that insulin (or insulin analogues)-mediated stimulation of IRs may play a key role in the progression of human cancer. More detailed information is required to elucidate the exact mechanisms as to how insulin analogues may activate the IR and IGF1R and how this activation may be linked to mitogenesis.
Effects of components of semen extenders on the binding of stallion spermatozoa to bovine or equine zonae pellucidae
Authors: Coutinho da Silva Marco A , Seidel George E , Squires Edward L , Graham James K , Carnevale Elaine M
Published: March 2012

The effects of semen extender components on the ability of stallion sperm to bind to the zona pellucida (ZP) and the suitability of using bovine ZP for a ZP-binding assay for stallion sperm were investigated in a series of experiments. In Experiment I, binding of stallion sperm to both bovine and equine ZP was significantly increased when a skim milk-based extender (EZM) was used. In Experiment II, a threefold increase in sperm binding to ZP was observed when sperm were diluted in EZM compared with diluents, which contained no milk (TALP, LAC, and EmCare). In Experiment III, centrifuging the sperm through Percoll did not increase sperm binding to the ZP but did remove any positive effect of EZM on sperm–ZP binding. In Experiment IV, exposure of either sperm or ZP to EZM before co-incubation did not increase sperm binding to ZP. In Experiment V, sperm diluted in TALP containing skim milk, EZM, or INRA96 bound more efficiently to the ZP than sperm diluted in TALP without milk proteins. In Experiment VI, sodium caseinate, native phosphocaseinate, and caseinoglycopeptide increased sperm binding to the ZP. In conclusion, diluents containing milk or milk proteins markedly enhanced the number of sperm bound to both equine and bovine ZP.
Epidemiological changes and financial consequences of hypertension in Latin America: implications for the health system and patients in Mexico
Authors: Arredondo Armando , Zuñiga Alexis
Published: March 2012

The aim of this study was to assess the costs and financial consequences of epidemiological changes in hypertension in México. The cost evaluation method to estimate costs was based on instrumentation techniques. To estimate the epidemiological changes and expected cases of hypertension in 2010-2012, three probabilistic models were constructed according to the Box-Jenkins technique. Comparing the economic impact, from 2010 to 2012 there will be a 24% increase in financial requirements (p < 0.05). The total cost of hypertension in 2011 will be US$ 5,733,350,291, including US$ 2,718,280,941 in direct costs and US$ 3,015,069,350 in indirect costs. If the risk factors and various healthcare models remain unaltered in the institutions analyzed here, the financial consequences will have a major impact on users' pockets, followed by social security providers and public healthcare providers. The authors suggest a revision in the planning, organization, and allocation of resources, particularly programs for health promotion and prevention of hypertension.
Prevalência de transtornos psiquiátricos menores em trabalhadores da atenção primária à saúde das regiões Sul e Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Dilélio Alitéia Santiago , Facchini Luiz Augusto , Tomasi Elaine , Silva Suele Manjourany , Thumé Elaine , Piccini Roberto Xavier , Silveira Denise Silva , Maia Maria de Fátima Santos , Osório Alessander , Siqueira Fernando Vinholes , Jardim Vanda Maria da Rosa , Lemões Marcos Aurélio Matos , Borges Carla Luciane dos Santos
Published: March 2012

Os problemas de saúde mental estão entre os mais prevalentes em trabalhadores de saúde. Foram avaliados a prevalência de transtornos psiquiátricos menores e os fatores associados em trabalhadores da atenção primária à saúde. O delineamento foi transversal com base em 240 unidades básicas de saúde de 41 municípios acima de 100 mil habitantes de sete estados das regiões Sul e Nordeste do Brasil. Foram entrevistados 4.749 trabalhadores, e a prevalência de transtornos psiquiátricos menores foi de 16%, sem diferenças estatísticas por região e modelo de atenção. Foi maior em agentes comunitários de saúde e outros trabalhadores de nível médio (18%), menor em outros profissionais de nível superior (10%), ficando médicos (15%) e profissionais de enfermagem (14,6%) em posição intermediária (p < 0,001). As características ocupacionais apresentaram a mais forte associação com a ocorrência de transtornos psiquiátricos menores na análise ajustada, sugerindo que sua redução depende de melhorias nas condições de trabalho na atenção primária à saúde e na gestão do Sistema Único de Saúde.