bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent Cloaca and Caudal Spinal Agenesis in Calves: Three Cases
Authors: Dean C. E. , Cebra C. K. , Frank A. A.
Published: January 2010

Three newborn calves were affected by caudal spinal dysgenesis or agenesis (coccygeal vertebra) and persistent cloaca. The cloacas were lined by a mixture of transitional and colonic epithelium. The vertebral column of one calf was internalized into the cloaca. The association of persistent cloaca and caudal spinal anomalies is thought to be related to cell loss in the caudal cell mass, which affects caudal spinal column formation and cleavage of the cloaca by the urorectal septum. This association is well documented in humans and has been reported in Manx cats. By extrapolation, it appears likely to exist also in neonatal calves. Identification of cloacal lesions in neonatal animals should be cause for careful examination of the vertebral column because many of the associated spinal lesions are occult.
Effects of Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia on Bone in F344 Rats
Authors: Rosol T. J. , Stromberg P. C.
Published: January 2010

Large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia was induced in 40 F344 rats by inoculating them with neoplastic cells to evaluate the effect of acute leukemia on bone remodeling and calcium balance. The rats developed leukemia and splenomegaly by 9 days after inoculation. The rats had reduced body weight (day 12), food intake (days 4, 8, 12), urine production (day 12), and fecal output (day 12). Serum calcium and phosphorus and urinary excretion of calcium and phosphorus were decreased on days 8 and 12 in leukemic rats. Static bone histomorphometry of trabecular bone in lumbar vertebrae demonstrated reduced bone area, no change in the number of osteoclasts, and reduced osteoclast perimeter at day 12. Dynamic bone histomorphometry revealed reduced double labeled perimeter, mineralizing perimeter, trabecular mineral appositional rate, and bone formation rate in rats with LGL leukemia at days 9 and 12. There was no change in periosteal mineral appositional rate. Rats with leukemia and intramedullary neoplastic cells had a reduction in bone formation rate that resulted in a loss of trabecular bone.
Lesions in Fetal Pigs with Transplacentally-induced Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Dubey J. P. , Schlafer D. H. , Urban J. F. , Lindsay D. S.
Published: January 2010

Two sows (Nos. 1, 2) were each fed 1,000 Toxoplasma gondii oocysts. Sow No. 1 was fed oocysts at 60 day of gestation and was euthanatized 49 days later. Sow No. 2 was fed oocysts at day 45 of gestation and euthanatized 62 days later. Sow No. 1 had eight dead fetuses of which one was mummified and unsuitable for histologic study. Sow No. 2 had 11 fetuses, of which four festuses were mummified and unsuitable for histologic examination, two fetuses were dead and five were live. Lesions and Toxoplasma parasites were identified in seven fetuses from sow No. 1 and three fetuses from sow No. 2. No lesions were found in four fetuses from sow No. 2. Toxoplasma gondii was present in trophoblasts and produced areas of necrosis of the chorioallantois with focal placental separation. The predominant lesions were necrotizing placentitis, non-suppurative encephalomyelitis, and myocardial degeneration, necrosis and mineralization. Numerous tachyzoites were seen in trophoblast cells lining areolae in placenta.
Clinical profile of acute paraphenylenediamine intoxication in Egypt
Authors: Shalaby Sawsan A , Elmasry Mohy K , Abd- Elrahman Amany E , Abd-Elkarim Manal A , Abd-Elhaleem Zeinab A
Published: January 2010

Orientation to paraphenylenediamine (PPD) acute systemic intoxication in Egypt has been increased over the last decade. The aim of this study was to provide more insight into the clinical profile of acute PPD intoxication with reviewing the possible underlying mechanisms. Our study was retrospective. It was conducted over 7 years (2001—2008) on 25 cases with acute PPD intoxication admitted to the Poison Control Center Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. The mean age of the cases was 35.34 ± 10.5 years; the male to female ratio was 18:7. Cervicofacial and laryngeal edema was the dominating presenting manifestation in 72% of the cases, 100% of the cases developed rhabdomyolysis, 80% had impaired renal functions, elevated liver transaminases were detected in 76% of cases, 75% showed hyperkalemia and 16% died due to ventricular arrhythmia. In conclusion, PPD causes serious multisystem toxicity and its selling to the public should be officially restricted.
Understanding Factors That Influence Success of Home- and Community-Based Services in Keeping Older Adults in Community Settings
Authors: Chen Ya-Mei , Thompson Elaine Adams
Published: January 2010

Objectives: To understand factors that influence success of home- and community-based services in keeping older adults in community settings, we examined the causal relationships among older adults’ personal factors, older adults’ home- and community-based services use, and older adults’ remaining in communities. Methods: Structural equation modeling was employed to test a home- and community-based services model based on Andersen’s Health Behavioral Model. Data from 5,294 elders in a nationally representative dataset, the Second Longitudinal Study of Aging, were included for analysis. Results: Two significant supportive factors for older adults to remain in communities were use of paid instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) personal care services and awareness of unmet needs. Discussion: Our findings suggest the importance of encouraging older adults to acknowledge their unmet needs and to seek community-based support services early, rather than wait until they have developed more serious needs, such as difficulties in activities of daily living (ADL).
Norms and Rationality in Electoral Participation and in the Rescue of Jews in WWII
Authors: Kroneberg Clemens , Yaish Meir , Stocké Volker
Published: January 2010

The rescue of Jews in WWII and electoral participation both constitute prominent puzzles for rational choice theories of human behavior and have given rise to lengthy debates about norms and rationality. To explain both phenomena, we apply the Model of Frame Selection. This theory of action provides an integrated account of norms and rationality, where cost-benefit calculus is replaced by unconditional norm conformity if actors hold strongly activated normative convictions. In support of this hypothesis, our empirical analyses show that strong feelings of social responsibility led actors to disregard the risks of helping. Likewise, intense norms of civic duty can make electoral participation independent of the incentive to express political preferences and the expectation to influence the election outcome. At the same time, the real strength of calculated incentives is revealed by identifying the actors who indeed seem to engage in a reflecting—calculating mode of decision-making.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Pituitary Tumor Transforming Gene (PTTG) in Pituitary Adenomas: A Correlative Study of Tumor Subtypes
Authors: Salehi Fateme , Kovacs Kalman , Scheithauer Bernd W. , Cantelmi David , Horvath Eva , Lloyd Ricardo V. , Cusimano Michael
Published: January 2010

Objective. We investigated the correlation between immunohistochemical expression of the pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG) and pituitary adenoma subtype. Methods. Pituitary adenomas (n = 89) were stained for PTTG using the streptavidin—biotin—peroxidase complex method and a monoclonal PTTG antibody. Results. PTTG staining was found to be cytoplasmic with a pronounced paranuclear expression pattern. Reactivity was highest in growth hormone (GH) adenomas as compared with other tumors, including prolactin (PRL), follicle-stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone/α subunit, as well as adrenocorticotrophic hormone—secreting adenomas. PRL adenomas exhibited the lowest expression levels. Among GH adenomas, untreated tumors demonstrated significantly higher PTTG levels than octreotide-treated examples. Although dopamine agonist—treated PRL adenomas tended to show lower expression levels, statistical significance was not reached. Conclusions. Our finding that PTTG was differentially expressed in pituitary adenoma subtypes suggests a cell-specific function for PTTG. Moreover, treatment of GH adenomas with somatostatin analogues lowered PTTG expression. Further investigation into mechanisms mediating cell-specific expression of PTTG is warranted.
NFAT pulls the strings during CD4+ T helper cell effector functions
Authors: Hermann-Kleiter Natascha , Baier Gottfried
Published: January 2010

The Ca2+ dependent transcription factor family known as nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) has been shown to be important in T-cell immune responses. Because NFAT proteins have a weak DNA-binding capacity, they cooperate with other transcription factors at composite sites within the promoters of target genes. Recently, NFAT was shown to also be important for the induction of specific genetic programs that guide the differentiation and effector or regulatory activities of CD4+ T helper subsets via the transcriptional regulation of their lineage-specific transcription factors, specifically T-bet (Th1), Gata3 (Th2), RORγt (Th17), and Foxp3 (iTregs). In addition, the NFAT family governs the transcription of several signature cytokines, including their cytokine receptors. Subsequently, the integration of these complex intracellular signal transduction cascades is considered to critically determine the crosstalk between the T-cell receptor and receptors that are activated by both the adaptive and innate immune systems to determine pathways of T helper cell differentiation and function. Here, we carefully review the critical role of the established transcriptional partners and functional outcomes of these NFAT interactions in regard to the effector responses of these clinically relevant CD4+ T helper subsets.
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin as postremission treatment in AML at 60 years of age or more: results of a multicenter phase 3 study
Authors: Löwenberg Bob , Beck Joachim , Graux Carlos , van Putten Wim , Schouten Harry C. , Verdonck Leo F. , Ferrant Augustin , Sonneveld Pieter , Jongen-Lavrencic Mojca , von Lilienfeld-Toal Marie , Biemond Bart J. , Vellenga Edo , Breems Dimitri , de Muijnck Hilde , Schaafsma Ron , Verhoef Gregor , Döhner Hartmut , Gratwohl Alois , Pabst Thomas , Ossenkoppele Gert J. , Maertens Johan ,   for the Dutch-Belgian Hemato-Oncology Cooperative Group (HOVON),   German Austrian AML Study Group (AMLSG),   Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research Collaborative Group (SAKK)
Published: January 2010

In older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the prevention of relapse has remained one of the major therapeutic challenges, with more than 75% relapses after complete remission. The anti-CD33 immunotoxin conjugate gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) has shown antileukemic remission induction activity in patients with relapsed AML. Patients with AML or refractory anemia with excess blasts in first complete remission attained after intensive induction chemotherapy were randomized between 3 cycles of GO (6 mg/m2 every 4 weeks) or no postremission therapy (control) to assess whether GO would improve outcome. The 2 treatment groups (113 patients receiving GO vs 119 control patients) were comparable with regard to age (60-78 years, median 67 years), performance status, and cytogenetics. A total of 110 of 113 received at least 1 cycle of GO, and 65 of 113 patients completed the 3 cycles. Premature discontinuation was mainly attributable to incomplete hematologic recovery or intercurrent relapse. Median time to recovery of platelets 50 × 109/L and neutrophils 0.5 × 109/L after GO was 14 days and 20 days. Nonhematologic toxicities were mild overall, but there was 1 toxic death caused by liver failure. There were no significant differences between both treatment groups with regard to relapse probabilities, nonrelapse mortality, overall survival, or disease-free survival (17% vs 16% at 5 years). Postremission treatment with GO in older AML patients does not provide benefits regarding any clinical end points. The HOVON-43 study is registered at The Netherlands Trial Registry (number NTR212) and at http://www.controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN77039377.
Genome scale prediction of substrate specificity for acyl adenylate superfamily of enzymes based on active site residue profiles
Authors: Khurana Pankaj , Gokhale Rajesh S , Mohanty Debasisa
Published: January 2010

Background

Enzymes belonging to acyl:CoA synthetase (ACS) superfamily activate wide variety of substrates and play major role in increasing the structural and functional diversity of various secondary metabolites in microbes and plants. However, due to the large sequence divergence within the superfamily, it is difficult to predict their substrate preference by annotation transfer from the closest homolog. Therefore, a large number of ACS sequences present in public databases lack any functional annotation at the level of substrate specificity. Recently, several examples have been reported where the enzymes showing high sequence similarity to luciferases or coumarate:CoA ligases have been surprisingly found to activate fatty acyl substrates in experimental studies. In this work, we have investigated the relationship between the substrate specificity of ACS and their sequence/structural features, and developed a novel computational protocol for in silico assignment of substrate preference.

Results

We have used a knowledge-based approach which involves compilation of substrate specificity information for various experimentally characterized ACS and derivation of profile HMMs for each subfamily. These HMM profiles can accurately differentiate probable cognate substrates from non-cognate possibilities with high specificity (Sp) and sensitivity (Sn) (Sn = 0.91-1.0, Sp = 0.96-1.0) values. Using homologous crystal structures, we identified a limited number of contact residues crucial for substrate recognition i.e. specificity determining residues (SDRs). Patterns of SDRs from different subfamilies have been used to derive predictive rules for correlating them to substrate preference. The power of the SDR approach has been demonstrated by correct prediction of substrates for enzymes which show apparently anomalous substrate preference. Furthermore, molecular modeling of the substrates in the active site has been carried out to understand the structural basis of substrate selection. A web based prediction tool http://www.nii.res.in/pred_acs_substr.html has been developed for automated functional classification of ACS enzymes.

Conclusions

We have developed a novel computational protocol for predicting substrate preference for ACS superfamily of enzymes using a limited number of SDRs. Using this approach substrate preference can be assigned to a large number of ACS enzymes present in various genomes. It can potentially help in rational design of novel proteins with altered substrate specificities.
Longitudinal survey of Staphylococcus aureus in cystic fibrosis patients using a multiple-locus variable-number of tandem-repeats analysis method
Authors: Vu-Thien Hoang , Hormigos Katia , Corbineau Gaëlle , Fauroux Brigitte , Corvol Harriet , Moissenet Didier , Vergnaud Gilles , Pourcel Christine
Published: January 2010

Background

Staphylococcus aureus infection in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is frequent and may be due to colonization by a few pathogenic lineages. Systematic genotyping of all isolates, methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) as well as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is necessary to identify such lineages and follow their evolution in patients. Multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA/VNTR) was used to survey S. aureus clinical isolates in a French paediatric CF centre.

Results

During a 30 months period, 108 patients, aged 2 to 21 years, regularly followed up at the centre, provided sputum for culture. From 79 patients, a total of 278 isolates were genotyped by MLVA, resolving into 110 genotypes and 19 clonal complexes (CC) composed of similar or closely related isolates. 71% of the strains were distributed into four main CCs, in term of number of isolates and number of genotypes. Spa (Staphylococcus protein A) typing was performed on representative samples, showing an excellent concordance with MLVA. In 17 patients, strains from two to four different CCs were recovered over time. On six occasions, S. aureus isolates with the same genotype were shared by 2 different patients and they belonged to one of the four main clusters. Methicillin-resistance was observed in 60% of the isolates, 90% of which belonged to the main clonal complexes CC8, CC45 and CC5. In 5 patients, methicillin-resistance of S. aureus isolates was not associated with the mecA gene: for four patients, it was due to overproduction of β-lactamase, leading to BOR-SA (borderline S. aureus) isolates, while a strain showing probably a new modified penicillin-binding capacity (MOD-SA) was observed from one patient.

Conclusion

Systematic genotyping of S. aureus isolates recovered from sputum of CF children allows a thorough analysis of the strains responsible for sporadic as well as chronic colonization and the follow up of their evolution over time. We show here that more than 70% of these strains belong to 4 major CCs. MSSA as well as MRSA, BOR-SA and MOD-SA isolates can persist over several years, despite antibiotic treatments.
Patterns of smoking and its association with psychosocial work conditions among blue-collar and service employees of hospitality venues in Shenyang, PR China
Authors: Li Xun , Liang Huiying , Li Xuelian , Guan Peng , Yin Zhihua , Zhou Baosen
Published: January 2010

Background

To characterize the smoking patterns of hospitality employees in blue-collar and service occupations, and to examine its relations with psychosocial work conditions.

Methods

The Shenyang Hospitality Industry Employees Survey-a face-to-face cross-sectional study of representative hospitality industry employees-was conducted between March and July 2008. A total of 4,213 workers were selected using stratified random cluster sampling designs, and final analyses were performed on 2,508 blue-collar and service subjects. Multilevel-logistic regression models were used to estimate the contribution of psychosocial work conditions to smoking status.

Results

Blue-collar and service employees smoked at a rate 1.4 times that of the general population (49.4% vs. 35.8%), more particularly for females (12.9% vs. 3.08%). Strain jobs had significantly higher odds ratio of daily smoking (OR 2.09, 95%CI: 1.28-3.41) compared to the relaxed category. The passive jobs (OR 2.01, 95%CI 1.27 to 3.17), highest job demands (OR 1.72, 95%CI: 1.13-2.61), and lowest job control (OR 2.56, 95%CI: 1.57-4.16) were also associated with a significantly higher daily smoking ratio. The negative relationship between job stability and smoking behavior was slightly stronger among daily than occasional smokers. However, neither job strain nor any of its components was found to be significantly associated with occasional smoking.

Conclusions

Smoking in hospitality blue-collar and service employees is certainly a major occupational health problem in Shenyang. This evidence also suggests an association between psychosocial-work conditions and smoking status, and implies that more intervention studies where changes in work environment are carried out in combination with health promotion interventions should be performed.
Crystal structure of the signaling helix coiled-coil domain of the β1 subunit of the soluble guanylyl cyclase
Authors: Ma Xiaolei , Beuve Annie , van den Akker Focco
Published: January 2010

Background

The soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is a heterodimeric enzyme that, upon activation by nitric oxide, stimulates the production of the second messenger cGMP. Each sGC subunit harbor four domains three of which are used for heterodimerization: H-NOXA/H-NOBA domain, coiled-coil domain (CC), and catalytic guanylyl cyclase domain. The CC domain has previously been postulated to be part of a larger CC family termed the signaling helix (S-helix) family. Homodimers of sGC have also been observed but are not functionally active yet are likely transient awaiting their intended heterodimeric partner.

Results

To investigate the structure of the CC S-helix region, we crystallized and determined the structure of the CC domain of the sGCβ1 subunit comprising residues 348-409. The crystal structure was refined to 2.15 Å resolution.

Conclusions

The CC structure of sGCβ1 revealed a tetrameric arrangement comprised of a dimer of CC dimers. Each monomer is comprised of a long a-helix, a turn near residue P399, and a short second a-helix. The CC structure also offers insights as to how sGC homodimers are not as stable as (functionally) active heterodimers via a possible role for inter-helix salt-bridge formation. The structure also yielded insights into the residues involved in dimerization. In addition, the CC region is also known to harbor a number of congenital and man-made mutations in both membrane and soluble guanylyl cyclases and those function-affecting mutations have been mapped onto the CC structure. This mutant analysis indicated an importance for not only certain dimerization residue positions, but also an important role for other faces of the CC dimer which might perhaps interact with adjacent domains. Our results also extend beyond guanylyl cyclases as the CC structure is, to our knowledge, the first S-helix structure and serves as a model for all S-helix containing family members.
Reconstructing the ups and downs of primate brain evolution: implications for adaptive hypotheses and Homo floresiensis
Authors: Montgomery Stephen H , Capellini Isabella , Barton Robert A , Mundy Nicholas I
Published: January 2010

Background

Brain size is a key adaptive trait. It is often assumed that increasing brain size was a general evolutionary trend in primates, yet recent fossil discoveries have documented brain size decreases in some lineages, raising the question of how general a trend there was for brains to increase in mass over evolutionary time. We present the first systematic phylogenetic analysis designed to answer this question.

Results

We performed ancestral state reconstructions of three traits (absolute brain mass, absolute body mass, relative brain mass) using 37 extant and 23 extinct primate species and three approaches to ancestral state reconstruction: parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian Markov-chain Monte Carlo. Both absolute and relative brain mass generally increased over evolutionary time, but body mass did not. Nevertheless both absolute and relative brain mass decreased along several branches. Applying these results to the contentious case ofHomo floresiensis, we find a number of scenarios under which the proposed evolution ofHomo floresiensis'small brain appears to be consistent with patterns observed along other lineages, dependent on body mass and phylogenetic position.

Conclusions

Our results confirm that brain expansion began early in primate evolution and show that increases occurred in all major clades. Only in terms of an increase in absolute mass does the human lineage appear particularly striking, with both the rate of proportional change in mass and relative brain size having episodes of greater expansion elsewhere on the primate phylogeny. However, decreases in brain mass also occurred along branches in all major clades, and we conclude that, while selection has acted to enlarge primate brains, in some lineages this trend has been reversed. Further analyses of the phylogenetic position ofHomo floresiensisand better body mass estimates are required to confirm the plausibility of the evolution of its small brain mass. We find that for our dataset the Bayesian analysis for ancestral state reconstruction is least affected by inclusion of fossil data suggesting that this approach might be preferable for future studies on other taxa with a poor fossil record.
Vpu-dependent block to incorporation of GaLV Env into lentiviral vectors
Authors: Christodoulopoulos Ilias , Droniou-Bonzom Magali E , Oldenburg Jill E , Cannon Paula M
Published: January 2010

Background

The gibbon ape leukemia virus (GaLV) Env protein mediates entry into a wide range of human cells and is frequently used to pseudotype retroviral vectors. However, an incompatibility exists between GaLV Env and lentiviral vectors that results in decreased steady-state levels of the mature GaLV Env in cells and prevents its incorporation into lentiviral vector particles.

Results

We identified the HIV-1 Vpu protein as the major cause of the depletion in GaLV Env levels that occurs when lentiviral vector components are present. This activity of Vpu targeted the mature (cleaved) form of the GaLV Env that exists within or beyond the trans-Golgi. The activity required two conserved phospho-serines in the cytoplasmic tail of Vpu that are known to recruit β TrCP, a substrate adaptor for an SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, and could be blocked by mutation of lysine 618 in the GaLV Env tail. Moreover, the Vpu-mediated decrease of GaLV Env levels was inhibited by the lysosomal inhibitor, bafilomycin A1. Interestingly, this activity of Vpu was only observed in the presence of other lentiviral vector components.

Conclusions

Similar to the mechanism whereby Vpu targets BST-2/tetherin for degradation, these findings implicate β-TrCP-mediated ubiquitination and the endo-lysosomal pathway in the degradation of the GaLV Env by lentiviral vector components. Possibly, the cytoplasmic tail of the GaLV Env contains features that mimic bona fide targets of Vpu, important to HIV-1 replication. Furthermore, the lack of effect of Vpu on GaLV Env in the absence of other HIV-1 proteins, suggests that a more complex interaction may exist between Vpu and its target proteins, with the additional involvement of one or more component(s) of the HIV-1 replication machinery.
Prompt improvement of a pressure ulcer by the administration of high viscosity semi-solid nutrition via a nasogastric tube in a man with tuberculosis: a case report
Authors: Nakayama Tamaki , Hayashi Seiji , Okishio Kyoichi , Tomishiro Tomoko , Hosogai Kaori , Ootsu Yuki , Morioka Yasushi , Hatsuda Kazuyoshi , Naito Eriko , Sakatani Mitsunori
Published: January 2010

Introduction

Semi-solid nutrition with high viscosity has the advantage of reducing gastroesophageal reflux and diarrhea and shortens the duration of administration compared with liquid nutrition. This is the first report describing the administration of semi-solid nutrition with high viscosity via a nasogastric tube, which achieved a remarkable improvement in the patient's nutritional state.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old man (mongoloid race, Japanese) with tuberculosis, a pressure ulcer and malnutrition was admitted to our hospital. He also had right hemiplegia, dysphagia and aphasia as sequelae of a cerebral hemorrhage. Before his admission, he had been treated at another hospital with 600 kcal/day of liquid nutrition via a nasogastric tube, which was insufficient and induced severe malnutrition. After he was admitted to our hospital, we increased the quantity of his liquid nutrition without success because of complications, specifically diarrhea and gastroesophageal reflux. As it was difficult to confirm whether or not he would accept gastrostomy feeding, we administered semi-solid nutrition with high viscosity (20,000 mPa x s) via a large-bore nasogastric tube (18 French). Soon after he was started on semi-solid nutrition, his pressure ulcer and malnutrition improved without diarrhea or complications accompanying the large-bore nasogastric tube.

Conclusion

When patients have problems with liquid nutrition, such as diarrhea or gastroesophageal reflux, semi-solid nutrition via a nasogastric tube is a useful method of achieving improvements in nutritional state in a short period of time.
The use of a blood conservation device to reduce red blood cell transfusion requirements: a before and after study
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Amartya , Yip Hwee S , Prabhuswamy Dimple , Chan Yiong H , Phua Jason , Lim Tow K , Leong Patricia
Published: January 2010

Introduction

Anaemia and the associated need for packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions are common in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Among many causes, blood losses from repeated diagnostic tests are contributory.

Methods

This is a before and after study in a medical ICU of a university hospital. We used a closed blood conservation device (Venous Arterial blood Management Protection, VAMP, Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) to decrease PRBC transfusion requirements. We included all adult (≥18 years) patients admitted to the ICU with indwelling arterial catheters, who were expected to stay more than 24 hours and were not admitted for active gastrointestinal or any other bleeding. We collected data for six months without VAMP (control group) immediately followed by nine months (active group) with VAMP. A restrictive transfusion strategy in which clinicians were strongly discouraged from any routine transfusions when haemoglobin (Hb) levels were above 7.5 g/dL was adopted during both periods.

Results

Eighty (mean age 61.6 years, 49 male) and 170 patients (mean age 60.5 years, 101 male) were included in the control and active groups respectively. The groups were comparable for age, gender, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, need for renal replacement therapy, length of stay, and Hb levels on discharge and at transfusion. The control group had higher Hb levels on admission (12.4 ± 2.5 vs. 11.58 ± 2.8 gm/dL, P = 0.02). Use of a blood conservation device was significantly associated with decreased requirements for PRBC transfusion (control group 0.131 unit vs. active group 0.068 unit PRBC/patient/day, P = 0.02) on multiple linear regression analysis. The control group also had a greater decline in Hb levels (2.13 ± 2.32 vs. 1.44 ± 2.08 gm/dL, P = 0.02) at discharge.

Conclusions

The use of a blood conservation device is associated with 1) reduced PRBC transfusion requirements and 2) a smaller decrease in Hb levels in the ICU.
IL-21 enhances NK cell functions and survival in healthy and HIV-infected patients with minimal stimulation of viral replication
Authors: Iannello Alexandre , Boulassel Mohamed-Rachid , Samarani Suzanne , Tremblay Cécile , Toma Emil , Routy Jean-Pierre , Ahmad Ali
Published: January 2010

IL-21 enhances NK cell functions and survival in healthy and HIV-infected patients with inhibition of viral replication.

IL-21 plays an important role in regulating immune response and controlling chronic viral infections. Recently, we reported its decreased serum concentrations and their immunological consequences in HIV-infected persons. In this study, we have investigated how exogenous IL-21 enhances NK cell responses in these persons. We show that the cytokine receptors are expressed equally on all NK cell subsets defined by expression of CD16 and CD56; the cytokine activates STAT-3, MAPK, and Akt to enhance NK cell functions; the STAT-3 activation plays a key role in constitutive and IL-21-mediated enhancement of NK cell functions; the cytokine increases expression of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL and enhances viability of NK cells but has no effect on their proliferation; the cytokine enhances HIV-specific ADCC, secretory, and cytotoxic functions, as well as viability of NK cells from HIV-infected persons; it exerts its biological effects on NK cells with minimal stimulation of HIV-1 replication; and the cytokine-activated NK cells inhibit viral replication in cocultured, HIV-infected, autologous CD4+ T cells in a perforin- and LFA-1-dependent manner. These data suggest that IL-21 may serve as a valuable therapeutic tool for enhancing NK cell responses and inhibiting viral replication in HIV-infected patients.
On the reconstruction of the shape of a seismic streamer
Authors: Goutorbe Bruno , Combier Violaine
Published: January 2010

In the frame of 3D seismic acquisition, reconstructing the shape of the streamer(s) for each shot is an essential step prior to data processing. Depending on the survey, several kinds of constraints help achieve this purpose: local azimuths given by compasses, absolute positions recorded by global positioning system (GPS) devices, and distances calculated between pairs of acoustic ranging devices. Most reconstruction methods are restricted to work on a particular type of constraint and do not estimate the final uncertainties. The generalized inversion formalism using the least-squares criterion can provide a robust framework to solve such a problem — handling several kinds of constraints together, not requiring an a priori parameterization of the streamer shape, naturally extending to any configuration of streamer(s), and giving rigorous uncertainties. We explicitly derive the equations governing the algorithm corresponding to a marine seismic survey using a single streamer with compasses distributed all along it and GPS devices located on the tail buoy and on the vessel. Reconstruction tests conducted on several synthetic examples show that the algorithm performs well, with a mean error of a few meters in realistic cases. The accuracy logically degrades if higher random errors are added to the synthetic data or if deformations of the streamer occur at a short length scale.
Imaging diffraction points using the local image matrices generated in prestack migration
Authors: Zhu Xiaosan , Wu Ru-Shan
Published: January 2010

Energy-angle distributions in the local image matrix, which is a function of local incident and receiving angles at a subsurface point, are different for a planar reflector and a diffraction point. The former exhibits a linear distribution along a certain dip direction, whereas the latter shows a scattered distribution in the entire matrix. Therefore, the singular values of the local image matrix in the local angle domain indicate the energy distribution along different dip directions. The difference between the auto- and crosscorrelation coefficients of the sets of singular values between adjacent image points can be used to distinguish these two types of targets and obtain prestack images which contain only diffraction points. Using three synthetic examples, we found that the method can effectively image diffraction points. Seismic images of diffraction points may provide important information about geological discontinuities and diffraction points can be taken as secondary sources for potential applications in imaging subsalt structures which are poorly illuminated by primary waves.
A method to determine the magnetotelluric static shift from DC resistivity measurements in practice
Authors: Tripaldi Simona , Siniscalchi Agata , Spitzer Klaus
Published: January 2010

Many efforts have been made to face magnetotelluric (MT) static shift. Impedance tensor analyses give insight to the presence of this feature and allow the determination of some parameters described by the MT distortion matrix. A quantitative determination of the full distortion matrix is, however, still difficult and needs additional measurements. In addition to MT, other electric and electromagnetic methods also are effected by static shift. Using direct current resistivity techniques, e.g., we can determine the static-shift factors in a simpler way because the sources can be controlled. Generally, because the distortion matrix has four entries, four additional quantities have to be determined to describe the static shift completely. They can be achieved, e.g., through measuring two orthogonal electric field components for two orthogonal source configurations. The source electrode spacing, however, has to be sufficiently large to resemble horizontal currents and match the MT plane-wave analog. The procedure at hand extracts the static-shift factors from multielectrode measurements after this condition is met. For the sake of simplicity and demonstration purposes, only inline measurements orthogonal to the strike direction of a 2D model are considered so that the vectorial problem reduces to a scalar one. This procedure is applied to a MT field data set in a regional 2D environment that shows only two additional quantities are necessary to determine the static shift.
Interpreting structural controls on hydrate and free-gas accumulation using well and seismic information from the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Dev Ashwani , McMechan George A.
Published: January 2010

The effect of the structural setting on gas hydrate and free-gas accumulation near the East Casey fault zone at Keathley Canyon in the Gulf of Mexico is investigated using well logs and 2D and 3D acoustic-impedance inversions. We interpret two zones from the well logs: a probable hydrate zone and a dissociating hydrate zone. We interpret hydrates as fracture fillings in the clay-dominated formation with maximum saturation of approximately 30% of the available pore space, and maximum volumetric concentration of approximately 12%. The maximum free-gas concentration below the interpreted bottom simulating reflector (BSR) is less than 4%. Resistivity measurements alone are incon-clusive; complimentary measurements, such as sonic, reduce hy-drate interpretation ambiguities. Seismic data in 3D and the derived acoustic-impedance volume are interpreted in terms of a BSR, a high [Formula: see text]-impedance hydrate zone, and free gas. We interpret two bright, low [Formula: see text]-impedance features terminating at the BSR as free-gas accumulations. The contrast in average [Formula: see text]-impedance across the fault suggests a change in lithology across the fault zone, and free-gas transport along, and to the west of, the fault. Variations in depths of interpreted free-gas zones suggest either a significant lateral variation in the hydrate stability across the fault zone, or coexistence of hydrates and free gas within the hydrate stability zone, or both. The dynamics of the tectonic environment imply nonequilibrium conditions of time-dependent temperature, pressure, or fluid transport.
Dielectric permittivity of fine-grained fractions of soil samples from eastern Spain at 200 MHz
Authors: Salat Christina , Junge Andreas
Published: January 2010

To provide a database for interpreting GPR field data by means of small-scale laboratory studies, we have determined the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric permittivity of fine-grained fractions of soil samples from eastern Spain in the laboratory. We use the parallel-plate method in combination with an impedance analyzer and focus on the frequency of [Formula: see text]. The measurements are compared to physical properties such as volumetric water content, dry density, clay fraction, and carbonate content. The results show the well-known increase in dielectric permittivity with increasing water content, as presented in the literature; however, our values are systematically higher. This deviation may be caused by the exceptionally high carbonate content of the samples. We establish a basic relationship between dielectric permittivity and water content that is characteristic for soils in the research area. In addition to the dominating influence of water on permittivity, we find a correlation with dry density as well, which is linear for dry samples. Finally, we calculate the attenuation coefficients and find high attenuation for samples with high clay fraction, even at low water contents. A 1D model of the permittivity distribution is constructed from borehole data (water content and layer thickness) coincident with a GPR profile and from the laboratory data. The modeled GPR trace explains the observation and thus connects laboratory measurements to GPR data.
Predicting onset of bipolar disorder from subsyndromal symptoms: a signal question?
Authors: Parker Gordon
Published: January 2010

This issue reports a community-based study quantifying the extent to which subthreshold hypomanic or depressive symptoms in childhood or adolescence predicted subsequent formal bipolar disorder status and mental health service attendance. This editorial emphasises the low predictive power of the signal and considers early intervention implications.
Polypharmacy and high-dose antipsychotic regimes in the community
Authors: Tungaraza Tongeji E. , Gupta Seema , Jones Jane , Poole Rob , Slegg Gary
Published: January 2010

Aims and method

To determine the pattern of psychotropic prescribing in a group of people with psychosis who were living in the community under community mental health team (CMHT) care. Case-note entries over the previous 12 months were examined.

Results

Only a third of individuals were on one psychotropic medication. Atypical antipsychotics were prescribed to 80.6%. Polypharmacy was common. A third of people were taking three or more psychotropic drugs and 13.7% were on high-dose regimes, mostly involving two atypical antipsychotics.

Clinical implications

The use of atypicals has not eliminated polypharmacy or high-dose antipsychotic regimes. Clinicians need to be aware of this long-standing problem.
Characteristics of people with severe mental illness who obtain employment
Authors: Butler G. , Howard L. , Choi S. , Thornicroft G.
Published: January 2010

Aims and method

We explored sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with obtaining employment for people with severe mental illness. Standardised validated interviews and questionnaires were administered to participants who had been recruited into a randomised controlled trial of supported employment.

Results

Older age and diagnosis of schizophrenia were found to be independent predictors of unemployment in the previous year. Other factors of unemployment such as ethnicity and educational level were not associated with obtaining employment.

Clinical implications

Older people and those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia may need additional targeted help in obtaining employment if they are to be helped to meet their vocational aims. Further research is needed to determine how this can be done most effectively.
Electroconvulsive therapy: medical students' attitudes and knowledge
Authors: Kinnair Daniel , Dawson Sheila , Perera Roshan
Published: January 2010

Aims and method

With increasing numbers of students and falling numbers of individuals receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) it has been difficult to timetable all students to witness ECT, and it has been suggested that this experience may be dispensed with. However, we wondered how the experience of witnessing ECT might enhance students' knowledge and, just as importantly, challenge negative perceptions of ECT. We surveyed students' attitudes and knowledge at the beginning and the end of their 8-week attachment in psychiatry.

Results

There appears to be a clear benefit in terms of knowledge and positive attitudinal change for students who both witness ECT and receive a lecture on the subject.

Clinical implications

Direct observation of ECT can challenge and affect attitudes in ways a lecture may not. Any changes to the provision of ECT teaching for medical students, including replacing witnessing ECT, needs to be carefully developed and assessed.
Preparing for practice: a higher education perspective. Commentary on … A clinical librarian pilot project in psychiatry
Authors: Spoor Pat , Neilly Liz
Published: January 2010

Research suggests that contact time between clinical team and clinical librarian can have a direct and positive impact on patient care through encouraging a more rigorous approach to information retrieval and appraisal of the evidence base. This commentary focuses on the findings of a specific clinical librarian pilot project in a mental health trust. It discusses how clinicians could be better supported to develop improved information literacy skills through initiatives in higher education and what impact this might have on the model of clinical librarianship proposed by the project.
Three Texts in One: Book XII of the Florentine Codex
Authors: Terraciano Kevin
Published: January 2010

A sixteenth-century manuscript known as the Florentine Codex is an outstanding example of graphic pluralism in early colonial Mexico. The codex consists of twelve books on many aspects of Nahua culture and language, presented in parallel columns of Nahuatl- and Castilian-language alphabetic text, including many illustrations drawn by Nahua artists. The twelfth and final book treats the Spanish-led war on Mexico-Tenochtitlan. This book is by far the most extensive indigenous account of that war, or any other war between Native American and European peoples, for that matter. This essay considers the manuscript as three separate texts, examines differences among the three, and offers new insights into Nahua memories of the conquest of Mexico.
DOUBLEWEAVING TWO-SPIRIT CRITIQUES
Authors: Driskill Qwo-Li
Published: January 2010

One of the strongest aspects of emergent queer of color critiques is their ability to employ a multiplicity of tactics to decode nationalist (both colonizing and colonized) strategies. Yet the absence of Native peoples and histories in formulating these emergent theories should give us pause. The fact that Native people and an analysis of ongoing colonialism for Native nations have largely been left out of queer of color critiques points to a major rupture in these theories. Native people, then, must disidentify with the very critiques that claim to be decolonial and counter hegemonic interventions for queer people of color in order to build viable theories for Native communities. Drawing on the Cherokee basketry tradition of doubleweave, in which two independent yet interwoven designs result, this essay asserts the necessity of Two-Spirit critiques that centralize Native peoples, nations, identities, land bases, and survival tactics, and invites an alliance between Native studies and queer studies through doubleweaving theories that can strengthen our theories and practices.
Epithelial cell shape is regulated by Lulu proteins via myosin-II
Authors: Nakajima Hiroyuki , Tanoue Takuji
Published: January 2010

Cell-shape change in epithelial structures is fundamental to animal morphogenesis. Recent studies identified myosin-II as the major generator of driving forces for cell-shape changes during morphogenesis. Lulu (Epb41l5) is a major regulator of morphogenesis, although the downstream molecular and cellular mechanisms remain obscure in mammals. In Drosophila and zebrafish, Lulu proteins were reported to negatively regulate Crumbs, an apical domain regulator, thus regulating morphogenesis. In this study, we show that mammalian Lulu activates myosin-II, thus regulating epithelial cell shape. In our experiments, Lulu expression in epithelial cells resulted in apical constriction and lateral elongation in the cells, accompanied by upregulation of myosin-II. The inhibition of myosin-II activity almost completely blocked this Lulu-driven cell-shape change. We further found that Rock participates in the myosin-II activation. Additionally, RNAi-mediated depletion of Lulu in epithelial cells resulted in disorganization of myosin-II and a concomitant loss of proper lateral domain organization in the cells. From these results, we propose that Lulu regulates epithelial cell shape by controlling myosin-II activity.