bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ising (conformal) fields and cluster area measures
Authors: Camia Federico , Newman Charles M.
Published: March 2009

We provide a representation for the scaling limit of the
d
= 2 critical Ising magnetization field as a (conformal) random field by using Schramm–Loewner Evolution clusters and associated renormalized area measures. The renormalized areas are from the scaling limit of the critical Fortuin–Kasteleyn clusters and the random field is a convergent sum of the area measures with random signs. Extensions to off-critical scaling limits, to
d
= 3, and to Potts models are also considered.
Interprotofilament interactions between Alzheimer's Aβ
1–42
peptides in amyloid fibrils revealed by cryoEM
Authors: Zhang Rui , Hu Xiaoyan , Khant Htet , Ludtke Steven J. , Chiu Wah , Schmid Michael F. , Frieden Carl , Lee Jin-Moo
Published: March 2009

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain. This amyloid primarily contains amyloid-β (Aβ), a 39- to 43-aa peptide derived from the proteolytic cleavage of the endogenous amyloid precursor protein. The 42-residue-length Aβ peptide (Aβ
1–42
), the most abundant Aβ peptide found in plaques, has a much greater propensity to self-aggregate into fibrils than the other peptides and is believed to be more pathogenic. Synthetic human Aβ
1–42
peptides self-aggregate into stable but poorly-ordered helical filaments. We determined their structure to ≈10-Å resolution by using cryoEM and the iterative real-space reconstruction method. This structure reveals 2 protofilaments winding around a hollow core. Previous hairpin-like NMR models for Aβ
17–42
fit well in the cryoEM density map and reveal that the juxtaposed protofilaments are joined via the N terminus of the peptide from 1 protofilament connecting to the loop region of the peptide in the opposite protofilament. This model of mature Aβ
1–42
fibrils is markedly different from previous cryoEM models of Aβ
1–40
fibrils. In our model, the C terminus of Aβ forms the inside wall of the hollow core, which is supported by partial proteolysis analysis.
Endometrial polyps in postmenopausal women
Authors: DOMINGUES ANA PATRÍCIA , LOPES HELENA , DIAS ISABEL , DE OLIVEIRA CARLOS FREIRE
Published: March 2009

The malignancy risk of endometrial polyps in postmenopausal women was correlated with the presence or absence of abnormal uterine bleeding. Of 481 postmenopausal women who presented with endometrial polyps at diagnostic hysteroscopy between 2004 and 2007, 48.9% were asymptomatic and 51.1% had postmenopausal uterine bleeding. Transvaginal ultrasound revealed abnormal endometrial thickness in 60.0% vs. 57.7%, polyps in 37.9% vs. 32.9%, endometrial tumors in 1.3% vs. 0.8%, and submucosal myomas in 0.9% vs. 2.0% by the absence or presence of bleeding. Around three‐fourth of the polyps were removed. Histopathologic diagnoses showed mucous polyps in 93.7 of asymptomatic women compared to 80.7% of those with bleeding, while endometrial tumors were only seen in those bleeding (7.2%). The malignancy risk within endometrial polyps in postmenopausal women varies with the presence of vaginal bleeding, and is minimal in asymptomatic women.
Brain magnetic resonance imaging of siblings from families with two or more children with learning or intellectual disabilities and need for full-time special education
Authors: Mannerkoski M. , Heiskala H. , Raininko R. , Åberg L. , Sarna S. , Wirtavuori K. , Autti T.
Published: March 2009

Background: Several factors are involved in determining a child's need for special education (SE). Thus, the value of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for subjects with learning and intellectual disabilities is uncertain.

Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of MRI in the diagnostic process of siblings with learning and intellectual disabilities and need for full-time SE.

Material and Methods: Altogether, 119 siblings (mean age 11.9 years) from families in which two or more children attended/had previously attended full-time SE underwent prospective brain MRI. SE grouping included three levels, from specific learning disabilities (level 1) to global intellectual disabilities (level 3). Forty-three controls (level 0, mean age 12.0 years) attended mainstream education groups. Signal intensity and structural abnormalities were analyzed, and areas of the cerebrum, posterior fossa, corpus callosum, vermis and brain stem, and diameters of the corpus callosum were measured. In analyses, all area measurements were calculated in proportion to the total inner skull area.

Results: Abnormal finding in MRI was more common for siblings ( n=62; 52%) in SE (58% for level 3; 49% for level 2; 35% for level 1) than for controls ( n=13; 16%). The siblings showed enlarged supra- ( P<0.001) and infratentorial ( P=0.015) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces and mild corpus callosum abnormalities ( P=0.003) compared to controls. Siblings in SE had smaller inner skull area than controls ( P<0.001). Further, the relative area of the mesencephalon ( P=0.027) and the diameter of the body of the corpus callosum ( P=0.015) were significantly smaller than in controls. In binary logistic regression analysis, enlarged supratentorial CSF spaces increased the probability of SE (odds ratio 4.2; P=0.023).

Conclusion: Subjects with learning and intellectual disabilities commonly have more MRI findings than controls. Enlarged supratentorial CSF spaces were a frequent finding in siblings in full-time SE.
Technical benefits and outcomes of modified upwardly created subcutaneous chest pockets for placing central venous ports: Single-center experience
Authors: Lee Sang Hoon , Chun Ho Jong , Choi Byung Gil
Published: March 2009

Background: Traditionally, port pockets are created in a surgical fashion, with the chest pocket dissection performed by moving in the caudal direction from the incision site. However, most right-handed operators can more easily make the port pocket by dissecting upward.

Purpose: To evaluate the technical benefits and outcomes of modified upwardly created subcutaneous chest pockets to allow for placement of central venous ports.

Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiological records of 756 insertion procedures in 750 patients who were referred for image-guided implantation of chest ports. Of the 121 removal procedures reviewed, a modified chest pocket was created in 104 of them. The technical benefits and outcomes of the modified procedures were evaluated.

Results: The technical success rate of the modified method was 99% for implantation and 100% for removal procedures. No patients had major immediate complications related to the procedure. Early mechanical complications were observed in two patients: one was due to a port that turned over following implantation, and the other was due to separation of the catheter and hub-port. Late mechanical complications were observed in six patients: catheter malfunction occurred in three patients due to fibrin sheath formation, and three patients experienced catheter fracture. The rate of early and late infectious complications was 0.10 and 0.09 per 100 catheter days, respectively. There were five patients with symptomatic central venous thrombosis (range 34–167 days).

Conclusion: Modified upwardly created chest pockets are useful for implantable central venous port systems, and may be easier to implant and remove than conventional downward pocket methods.
Tumor suppressors and cell metabolism: a recipe for cancer growth
Authors: Jones Russell G. , Thompson Craig B.
Published: March 2009

Growing tumors face two major metabolic challenges—how to meet the bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands of increased cell proliferation, and how to survive environmental fluctuations in external nutrient and oxygen availability when tumor growth outpaces the delivery capabilities of the existing vasculature. Cancer cells display dramatically altered metabolic circuitry that appears to directly result from the oncogenic mutations selected during the tumorigenic process. An emerging theme in cancer biology is that many of the genes that can initiate tumorigenesis are intricately linked to metabolic regulation. In turn, it appears that a number of well-established tumor suppressors play critical roles in suppressing growth and/or proliferation when intracellular supplies of essential metabolites become reduced. In this review, we consider the potential role of tumor suppressors as metabolic regulators.
A high throughput embryonic stem cell screen identifies Oct-2 as a bifunctional regulator of neuronal differentiation
Authors: Theodorou Elias , Dalembert George , Heffelfinger Christopher , White Eric , Weissman Sherman , Corcoran Lynn , Snyder Michael
Published: March 2009

Neuronal differentiation is a complex process that involves a plethora of regulatory steps. To identify transcription factors that influence neuronal differentiation we developed a high throughput screen using embryonic stem (ES) cells. Seven-hundred human transcription factor clones were stably introduced into mouse ES (mES) cells and screened for their ability to induce neuronal differentiation of mES cells. Twenty-four factors that are capable of inducing neuronal differentiation were identified, including four known effectors of neuronal differentiation, 11 factors with limited evidence of involvement in regulating neuronal differentiation, and nine novel factors. One transcription factor, Oct-2, was studied in detail and found to be a bifunctional regulator: It can either repress or induce neuronal differentiation, depending on the particular isoform. Ectopic expression experiments demonstrate that isoform Oct-2.4 represses neuronal differentiation, whereas Oct-2.2 activates neuron formation. Consistent with a role in neuronal differentiation, Oct-2.2 expression is induced during differentiation, and cells depleted of Oct-2 and its homolog Oct-1 have a reduced capacity to differentiate into neurons. Our results reveal a number of transcription factors potentially important for mammalian neuronal differentiation, and indicate that Oct-2 may serve as a binary switch to repress differentiation in precursor cells and induce neuronal differentiation later during neuronal development.
Phylogeny of the Thylacosterninae (Coleoptera, Elateridae)
Authors: Vahtera Varpu , Muona Jyrki , Lawrence John F.
Published: March 2009

The phylogeny of the Elateridae subfamily Thylacosterninae was studied using morphological characters and mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences. Five monophyletic groups were recovered: the Asian Cussolenis, the American Pterotarsus, Balgus and Thylacosternus, and the African “Cussolenis”, which is described here as Lumumbaia new genus Muona & Vahtera (type‐species Cussolenis attenuatus Fleutiaux, 1925). The following new combinations are made: Lumumbaia africanus (Fleutiaux, 1897) [Soleniscus], Lumumbaia praeustus (Fleutiaux, 1926) [Cussolenis], Lumumbaia nigripes (Fleutiaux, 1926) [Cussolenis], Lumumbaia robustus (Fleutiaux, 1925) [Cussolenis], Lumumbaia attenuatus (Fleutiaux, 1925) [Cussolenis] and Lumumbaia notabilis (Fleutiaux, 1926) [Cussolenis]. A key to the genera of the subfamily is provided. The data were efficient in recovering generic limits within the group. At species level the mitochondrial 16S rDNA data seemed to work unpredictably, either agreeing or not with traditional species‐level limits based on male genitalia and body structure. The evolution of bioluminescence is optimized as a feature originating in the ancestors of clicking elateroids. © The Willi Hennig Society 2009.
Predictive value of early 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) during salvage chemotherapy in relapsing/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) treated with high‐dose chemotherapy
Authors: Castagna Luca , Bramanti Stefania , Balzarotti Monica , Sarina Barbara , Todisco Elisabetta , Anastasia Antonella , Magagnoli Massimo , Mazza Rita , Nozza Andrea , Giordano Laura , Rodari Marcello , Rinifilo Eva , Chiti Arturo , Santoro Armando
Published: March 2009

This retrospective study evaluated whether early 2‐[fluorine‐18]fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) after two cycles of salvage chemotherapy (PET2) could predict survival after high‐dose chemotherapy (HDC). Twenty‐four Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients were included. PET2 was negative in 58% and positive in 42% of patients. Ninety per cent of patients (9/10) with positive PET2 relapsed after HDC while all but one patient with negative PET2 maintained a complete remission. The 2‐year progression‐free survival was 93% vs. 10% for patients with negative and positive PET2, respectively (P < 0.001). This study shows that interim PET can predict the outcome after high‐dose chemotherapy in HL patients.
Effects of oestradiol on gonadotrophin levels in normal and castrated men
Authors: De Ronde Willem , Ten Kulve Jennifer , Woerdeman Jorn , Kaufman Jean‐Marc , De Jong Frank H.
Published: March 2009

Context  Testosterone inhibits gonadotrophin release in men either directly or after aromatization to oestradiol. We hypothesized that in males the androgen receptor‐mediated effect of testosterone on LH release is negligible relative to that of oestradiol.

Objective  To compare the effect of experimentally induced variations of plasma oestradiol levels on LH levels in normal (physiological testosterone levels) and castrated men (very low testosterone levels).

Design  Prospective, open label, intervention.

Subjects and interventions  We suppressed endogenous oestradiol in 10 young men with letrozole 2·5 mg once daily. In these men and in 10 young healthy castrated men, we restored plasma oestradiol levels with oestradiol patches (first week 100 μg/day, second week 50 μg/day, third week 25 μg/day and fourth week no oestradiol patch).

Measurements  The effect of the intervention on plasma levels of LH were monitored and compared between the groups.

Results  With the intervention, the mean plasma oestradiol level in the two groups varied from supraphysiological to below the lower reference range. Levels of LH mirrored plasma oestradiol levels in both the groups, as did testosterone in the intact group. Despite similar oestradiol levels, mean levels of LH were significantly higher in the castrated group compared to the intact group for all doses of oestradiol, and supraphysiological levels of oestradiol were unable to suppress LH into the physiological range in the castrated group.

Conclusions  Physiological plasma oestradiol levels have a substantial suppressive effect on LH in men. However, low‐normal testosterone levels are a prerequisite for suppression of LH into the normal range.
The value of the oral glucose tolerance test, random serum growth hormone and mean growth hormone levels in assessing the postoperative outcome of patients with acromegaly
Authors: Karavitaki N. , Fernandez A. , Fazal‐Sanderson V. , Wass J. A. H.
Published: March 2009

Background  The nadir GH value following an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and the mean GH levels obtained from a GH day curve (GHDC) are among the tools currently used for assessing therapeutic end‐points in surgically treated acromegaly. The latter test, however, is cumbersome and costly.

Objectives  To evaluate, by using a modern, two‐site chemiluminescent immunometric GH assay, the degree of discordance between the nadir GH following an OGTT and the mean GH obtained from a GHDC after surgical treatment of acromegaly and to check whether the OGTT can replace reliably the GHDC for the assessment of the disease status postoperatively.

Patients and methods  Forty‐nine patients [25 males/24 females, median age 52 years (range 18–70)] with a GH‐secreting pituitary adenoma who had been surgically treated previously underwent hormonal evaluation of their disease status. The GHDC comprised of 9 × 30‐min samples for GH collected in the morning after an overnight fast and rest.

Results  Seven per cent of patients with mean GH <1·7 μg/l (5 mU/l) in the GHDC had nadir GH >0·7 μg/l (2 mU/l) in the OGTT, and 10% of those with mean GH >1·7 μg/l had nadir GH <0·7 μg/l in the OGTT (all cases with discrepancies had normal IGF‐I). GH value at time 0 min <0·6 μg/l in the OGTT had positive predictive value 100% and negative predictive value 75% in predicting nadir GH <0·3 μg/l (1 mU/l) in the OGTT. Nadir GH <0·8 μg/l in the OGTT had positive predictive value 97% and negative predictive value 95% in predicting mean GH <1·7 μg/l in the GHDC. Mean GH in the OGTT <1·4 μg/l had a positive predictive value 90% and negative predictive value 95% in predicting mean GH <1·7 μg/l in the GHDC. Mean GH in the OGTT <2·5 μg/l had positive predictive value 100% and negative predictive value 81% in predicting normal IGF‐I. GH at time 0 min in the GHDC <2·1 μg/l had positive predictive value 90% and negative predictive value 90% in predicting mean GH <1·7 μg/l in the GHDC.

Conclusions  The hormonal data obtained from an OGTT (mean and nadir GH) can provide comprehensive information on the status of acromegaly following surgery and can replace the GHDC cost‐effectively. Furthermore, a morning fasting GH sample has an excellent positive predictive value in predicting biochemical cure and an optimal prognostic profile in predicting “safe” mean GH levels.
Diplodus spp. assemblages on artificial reefs: importance for near shore fisheries
Authors: LEITÃO F. , SANTOS M. N. , ERZINI K. , MONTEIRO C. C.
Published: March 2009

Abstract  Artificial reefs have been deployed along the southern coast of Portugal (Algarve) since 1990 to enhance artisanal fisheries. The objectives of this study were to: (1) describe the colonisation process; (2) assess the role of the artificial reefs in terms of juvenile recruitment and growth and as mating/spawning areas and (3) evaluate the potential of artificial reefs as near shore artisanal fishing grounds for three economically important fish species, Diplodus bellottii (Steindachner), Diplodus sargus (L.) and Diplodus vulgaris (Geoffroy Saint‐Hilaire). The fish assemblages were monitored after the deployment of a large artificial reef (Faro/Ancão) in 2002. Colonisation rates for the three species were fast. Artificial reefs play a multiple role for Diplodus spp., acting as recruitment, growth and nursery areas for juveniles, and spawning/mating areas for adults, and can thus be considered essential fish habitat. Three months after deployment of the artificial reefs, exploitable biomass was 16, 29 and 8 kg per reef group, respectively, for D. bellotti, D. sargus and D. vulgaris. These results indicate that artificial reefs quickly become good fishing grounds, where suitable financial yields may be obtained by fisher. Moreover, the artificial reefs became new and alternative fishing grounds, allowing reduction of fishing effort over traditional rocky areas that are scarce along the Algarve coast. Management measures for artificial reefs, in terms of fishing strategies, are discussed.
Long‐term development of fish populations in the Římov Reservoir
Authors: ŘÍHA M. , KUBEČKA J. , VAŠEK M. , SE?A J. , MRKVIČKA T. , PRCHALOVÁ M. , MATĒNA J. , HLADÍK M. , ČECH M. , DRAŠTÍK V. , FROUZOVÁ J. , HOHAUSOVÁ E. , JAROLÍM O. , JŮZA T. , KRATOCHVÍL M. , PETERKA J. , TUŠER M.
Published: March 2009

Abstract  The inshore fish community of the Římov Reservoir in the Czech Republic was evaluated over 21 years using shore seining at night. The development of the fish community was divided into two separate phases: a highly dynamic and unstable phase dominated by perch, Perca fluviatilis L., was replaced by an extremely stable cyprinid phase dominated by roach, Rutilus rutilus (L.), and bream, Abramis brama (L.). The abundance of both these species oscillated during the cyprinid phase, but with decreasing amplitude. The proportion of piscivorous fish species such as asp, Aspius aspius (L.), pike, Esox lucius L., and pikeperch, Sander lucioperca (L.), increased slightly with time but remained low. The biomass of large Cladocera was negatively correlated with fish biomass only during the perch phase. The Shannon–Weaver index of diversity increased during the fish community succession, mainly because of greater evenness amongst the species.
Discards from the artisanal shrimp fishery in a tropical coastal lagoon of Mexico: spatio‐temporal patterns and fishing gear effects
Authors: BURGOS‐LEÓN A. , PÉREZ‐CASTAÑEDA R. , DEFEO O.
Published: March 2009

Abstract  Variability in community (richness, diversity and evenness) and population (size structure) attributes of discards was evaluated in a shrimp fishery in Celestun Lagoon, Mexico, in different climatic seasons and hydrological zones. Sampling was conducted using two bottom nets with different mesh size codends: 1.3 cm (used in the fishery) and 2.5 cm. Although the shrimp:discard ratio was 1:1 in both cases, total biomass and abundance with the 1.3‐cm mesh size were, respectively, 4.6 and 1.8 times higher than with the 2.5‐cm mesh size. This result was consistent in time and space. Discards were dominated by fishes [60% in 1.3‐cm mesh size and 96% in 2.5‐cm mesh size, mainly Cichlasoma urophthalmus (Günther), Eucinostomus gula (Quoy & Gaimard) and Lucania parva (Baird & Girard)] and shellfishes (40% in 1.3‐cm mesh size and 4% in 2.5‐cm mesh size, mainly Palaemonetes spp. and Callinectes spp.). The highest discards were registered the nortes season with both mesh sizes. The 1.3‐cm mesh size retained significantly smaller sizes than the 2.5‐cm mesh size in six of the eight most important species. An increase in mesh size, together with a fishery closure during the nortes season, are suggested to mitigate the impact of the fishery on the discarded fauna.
Vertical movements of Atlantic salmon post‐smolts relative to measures of salinity and water temperature during the first phase of the marine migration
Authors: PLANTALECH MANEL‐LA N. , THORSTAD E. B. , DAVIDSEN J. G. , ØKLAND F. , SIVERTSGÅRD R. , MCKINLEY R. S. , FINSTAD B.
Published: March 2009

Abstract  The migratory behaviour of hatchery‐reared Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., post‐smolts during the first phase of the marine migration was examined to assess their susceptibility to salmon lice, Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Krøyer), infestations. Swimming depths of eight post‐smolts relative to the measured salinity and temperature were monitored for an average of 11.4 h following release outside the mouth of the River Eio using depth sensitive acoustic transmitters. Vertical salinity and temperature distributions were simultaneously recorded along the migratory route. Mean swimming depth was 1.7 m (individual mean 0.5–2.1 m). There was no overall preference among all the post‐smolts for specific salinity concentrations. Typically post‐smolts migrated the majority (68%) of their time at salinities <20 psu (brackish water), and as a result outside the reported salinity tolerances of sea lice. Furthermore, post‐smolts chose the warmest water layer during their coastal migration.
Offspring performance and the adaptive benefits of prolonged pregnancy: experimental tests in a viviparous lizard
Authors: While Geoffrey M , Uller Tobias , Wapstra Erik
Published: March 2009

Offspring locomotor performance has been shown to influence fitness related traits in a wide range of taxa. One potential mechanism by which viviparous animals can increase the performance (e.g. sprint speed) of their offspring is by prolonging pregnancy (beyond that required for complete development). However, to date studies examining this potentially important maternal effect have been largely descriptive.

The skinkEgernia whitiiis an ideal candidate species to examine the consequences of delayed parturition on the performance of offspring as it routinely gives birth asynchronously despite synchronous offspring development.

Using correlative data from a natural population and experimental manipulations of birthing asynchrony, we tested the prediction that, within litters, last born offspring have a better locomotor performance than first born offspring.

We show that prolonged pregnancy does significantly influence average offspring locomotor performance; however, contrary to predictions, the direction of this effect is dependent on gestation length and thus offspring date of birth. Last born offspring had significantly poorer performance than first born offspring in litters early in the season with this pattern reversed late in the season.

These results do not support the hypothesis that prolonged retention of fully formed offspring consistently increases offspring performance; however, they may help us understand the asymmetries in offspring competitive ability generated by birthing asynchrony.
Semen quality, reproductive hormones and fertility of men operated for hypospadias
Authors: Asklund C. , Jensen T. K. , Main K. M. , Sobotka T. , Skakkebæk N. E. , Jørgensen N.
Published: March 2009

The testicular function of men previously operated for hypospadias has been sparsely investigated. Therefore, we investigated semen quality and reproductive hormones of 92 men with isolated hypospadias (IH) and 20 with hypospadias and additional genital disorders (HAGD) and compared with similar results from young men from the general Danish population. All participants lived the Copenhagen area of Denmark. Additionally, fertility information on 1083 men registered as operated for hypospadias was retrieved from national registries. The semen quality of men with IH did not differ from controls, but was reduced in men with HAGD. Median values for IH and HAGD were, respectively: sperm concentration 52 and 32 million (mill)/mL (p = 0.02), total sperm counts 173 and 101 mill (p = 0.03), motile spermatozoa 70 and 58% (p = 0.007) and morphological normal spermatozoa 9 and 4% (p = 0.004). Men with IH had a slight increase in follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels, whereas men with HAGD had more pronounced disturbances. 24.0% of the 1083 men operated for hypospadias were registered as fathers to at least one child, whereas the corresponding number in the general age‐matched population was 29.4% (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the majority of men with IH had normal semen quality, whereas it was reduced for men with HAGD. However, reproductive hormone levels indicated a subtle impairment of testicular function also in men with IH. An observed lower number of fathers among men with hypospadias may be because of psychosocial aspects, sexual dysfunction or reduced semen quality or a combination of these factors. Our results should be reassuring for patients with mild forms of IH and their relatives. They can be informed that hypospadias in such cases is not generally associated with poor semen quality. Particularly among patients with HAGD, several may, however, need fertility treatment to reproduce.
Improvement of semen quality in an infertile man with 21‐hydroxylase deficiency, suppressed serum gonadotropins and testicular adrenal rest tumours
Authors: Mouritsen Annette , Juul Anders , Jørgensen Niels
Published: March 2009

Here, we report improvement of semen quality in a 30‐year‐old man with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) because of 21‐hydroxylase deficiency, bilateral testicular adrenal rest tumours (TART) and a 1.5‐year infertility history. His adrenal substitution therapy was changed from hydrocortisone 10 mg once daily to 10 mg three times daily in combination with dexamethasone, 0.1 mg once daily. Upon this change, the testicular tumours showed regression and his sperm concentration increased from 0.1 to 98 mio/mL and total sperm count from 0.64 to 392 mio. sp., total number of motile spermatozoa increased from 0.23 to 258.72 mio. The total number of morphologically normal spermatozoa increased from 0.01 to 19.6 mio. sp. The patient reported improved well being and did not develop signs of overtreatment. A non‐optimal medical substitution therapy of this CAH patient is the most likely explanation for the presence of TART and disturbed reproductive hormones levels, leading to impaired semen quality. Optimizing the medical treatment may at least in some cases improve fecundity.
The measurement of psychotic acuity by nursing staff
Authors: THEODORIDOU C. , BOWERS L. , BRENNAN G. , GILBERT D. , WINSHIP G.
Published: March 2009

Accurate evaluation of patients' psychotic state is essential to decrease psychotic symptoms and protect the patient and others. The aim of this paper is to conduct a literature review in order to access the utility, reliability and validity of current rating scales that are purported to measure psychotic acuity of inpatient population. A search of a number of electronic databases was undertaken to retrieve potential articles that focus on the measurement of acute psychosis. We identified some conceptual and theoretical problems when using a scale that is monitoring the progress of discharge and assesses the outcome of treatments. The findings revealed a difficulty in finding a commonly agreed definition of acute psychosis and a problem of obtaining frequent measures, and the frequency of measurement and fluctuation in psychosis. The most dominant scales in assessing psychosis were reviewed: the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale. Several issues related to the scales' inter‐rater reliability and construct validity remain unexplored. None of these scales addressed the conceptual and theoretical problems that we identified. A new scale that will measure acuity of symptoms in inpatient settings needs to be created.
Survey of psychiatrists' views of nurse prescribing
Authors: RANA T. , BRADLEY E. , NOLAN P.
Published: March 2009

For mental health nurses and service users to realize the benefits of non‐medical prescribing, psychiatrists need to understand the remit of this role and be actively involved in influencing it. Although healthcare policy in the UK supports the expansion of non‐medical prescribing, it requires much more for the successful implementation of such initiatives in practice. The aim of this survey was to explore the attitudes of all grades of psychiatrist working in two mental health trusts in the West Midlands to nurse prescribing. A specifically designed questionnaire was sent out to two groups of psychiatrists to assess their attitudes towards non‐medical prescribing. Psychiatrists (n = 147) completed and returned a specifically designed questionnaire of their views. The more senior doctors appeared less concerned about nurse prescribing. Junior doctors expressed equivocation towards the role, suggesting that nurse prescribers be consistently supervised and have limited access to mental health drugs. The findings from this study have considerable implications for teams if junior doctors hold different views to their senior colleagues. Without the assistance of trusts in facilitating role change, the introduction of new roles could potentially heighten conflict between professions.
Effort–reward imbalance and burnout among German nurses in medical compared with psychiatric hospital settings
Authors: SCHULZ M. , DAMKRÖGER A. , HEINS C. , WEHLITZ L. , LÖHR M. , DRIESSEN M. , BEHRENS J. , WINGENFELD K.
Published: March 2009

The aim of this study was to investigate whether nurses' efforts and rewards, as well as the effort–reward imbalance (ERI) and burnout, differ between subjects working in psychiatric vs. medical hospitals and between nurses under education and examined nurses respectively. Furthermore, the relationship between ERI and burnout was evaluated. Nursing is associated with high levels of emotional strain and heavy workloads. Burnout and a negative ERI can result in high absenteeism and turnover and have been identified as reasons why nurses leave their profession. In the last decade, working conditions of the nursing profession have changed in Germany, but somatic and psychiatric hospitals developed in different ways. This development may lead to different profiles. A sample of 389 nurses (78.8% female) in four German hospitals was investigated. A total of 147 nurses worked in psychiatric hospitals and 236 nurses worked in medical (somatic) hospitals. Fifty participants were still under education. The Effort–Reward Imbalance Inventory measures effort, reward and overcommitment at job and provides an imbalance score between effort and reward. The Maslach Burnout Inventory with the subscales, emotional exhaustion, lack of accomplishment and depersonalization, was also used. Nurses working in medical hospitals reported more burnout and had higher ERI scores. Subjects under education were comparable to examined nurses in terms of burnout but had lower ERI scores. Multiple regression analyses showed all ERI scales to be significant predictors for emotional exhaustion, while age, field of work and educational status further predict effort or ERI respectively. At present, the working situation of nurses in different settings appears to be characterized by a perceived imbalance of effort and reward and is associated with a high risk of developing burnout symptoms.
User involvement in community mental health services – principles and practices
Authors: BORG M. , KARLSSON B. , KIM H. S.
Published: March 2009

Although user involvement has been the vision of mental health care for the last decades, there are indications of this vision remaining as rhetoric rather than reality in many clinical settings. The objective of this paper is to raise some fundamental questions associated with user involvement. Four challenges are examined: assumptions about the nature of the problems, the power of defining ‘true knowledge’, the power domination in service provision and community mental health care as an accommodating arena for maximizing the service user role. Finally, some strategies are suggested in order to overcome barriers towards realizing the intentions of user involvement.
Allometric scaling of clearance in dogs
Authors: MARTINEZ M. , MAHMOOD I. , HUNTER R. P.
Published: March 2009

Most drugs indicated for use in dogs are labeled for administration on a mg/kg basis. Such dosing recommendations are grounded on an assumption that total body clearance (Cl) scales in a manner directly proportional to body weight (i.e. that it scales with an allometric exponent of 1). Despite the critical nature of this assumption (the range of normal canine body weights can go from as small as 2 lbs to almost 200 lbs), the validity of this assumption has not been rigorously challenged. Therefore, this manuscript provides an initial assessment of the potential ramifications of this assumption. This objective was accomplished through the following three sets of analysis: (i) examining the observed vs. predictedClvalues across 10 drugs based upon interspecies scaling; (ii) estimating the difference in area under the concentration vs. time curve values ifClscaled directly in proportion to body weight vs. in a manner consistent with the allometric exponent estimated in the first data analysis; and (iii) exploring the impact of breed differences in drug metabolism that may further confound the problem of exposure assessment. Based upon this assessment, we conclude that ifCldoes not scale directly in proportion to body weight, the actual drug exposure in large or small dogs could differ markedly from those concentrations estimated on the basis of studies conducted in beagle‐sized dogs.
Functional asymmetry of the F0 motor in bacterial ATP synthases
Authors: Wiedenmann Alexander , Dimroth Peter , Von Ballmoos Christoph
Published: March 2009

F1F0 ATP synthases use the electrochemical potential of H+ or Na+ across biological membranes to synthesize ATP by a rotary mechanism. In bacteria, the enzymes can act in reverse as ATP‐driven ion pumps creating the indispensable membrane potential. Here, we demonstrate that the F0 parts of a Na+‐ and H+‐dependent enzyme display major asymmetries with respect to their mode of operation, reflected by the requirement of ∼100 times higher Na+ or H+ concentrations for the synthesis compared with the hydrolysis of ATP. A similar asymmetry is observed during ion transport through isolated F0 parts, indicating different affinities for the binding sites in the a/c interface. Together with further data, we propose a model that provides a rationale for a differential usage of membrane potential and ion gradient during ATP synthesis as observed experimentally. The functional asymmetry might also reflect an important property of the ATP synthesis mechanism in vivo. In Escherichia coli, we observed respiratory chain‐driven ATP production at pH 7–8, while P‐site pH values < 6.5 were required for ATP synthesis in vitro. This discrepancy is discussed with respect to the hypothesis that during respiration lateral proton diffusion could lead to significant acidification at the membrane surface.
Complex inheritance of the plasmodial surface anion channel in a Plasmodium falciparum genetic cross
Authors: Alkhalil Abdulnaser , Pillai Ajay D. , Bokhari Abdullah A. B. , Vaidya Akhil B. , Desai Sanjay A.
Published: March 2009

Human erythrocytes infected with the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum have increased permeabilities to many solutes. The plasmodial surface anion channel (PSAC) may mediate these changes. Despite good understanding of the biochemical and biophysical properties, the genetic basis of PSAC activity remains unknown. Functional polymorphisms in laboratory isolates and two mutants generated by in vitro selection implicate a parasite‐encoded channel, although parasite‐induced modifications of endogenous channels have not been formally excluded. Here, we identified stable differences in furosemide efficacy against PSAC activity induced by HB3 and 3D7A parasites. This difference was apparent in both single PSAC patch‐clamp recordings and in sorbitol‐mediated osmotic lysis measurements, confirming that Cl‐ and sorbitol are transported by a single‐channel type. Examination of 19 progeny from a genetic cross between HB3 and 3D7A revealed complex inheritance with some cloned progeny exhibiting furosemide affinities outside the range of parental values. Isolates generated by selfing of the 3D7A clone also exhibited altered furosemide affinities, implicating changes in one or more alleles during meiosis or passage through a primate host. PSAC may be encoded by multiple parasite genes (e.g. a multi‐gene family or multiple genes that encode distinct channel subunits) or a single polymorphic gene under strong selective pressure.
CLINICAL STUDY: Alterations in pituitary‐thyroid axis function among opioid‐dependent subjects after acute and protracted abstinence
Authors: Zhang Guo‐fu , Tang Yi‐lang , Smith Alicia K. , Liu Zhen‐qi , Sheng Li‐xia , Chi Yong , Du Wan‐jun , Guo Song , Jiang Zuo‐ning , Xiao Le , Zhang Hong‐xi , Luo Xiao‐nian
Published: March 2009

The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in the pituitary‐thyroid axis (PTA) and the time course of the hormonal alterations in subjects with opioid dependence after abstinence. Blood samples from in‐patients with opioid dependence and age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were collected. The severity of opioid abuse and of withdrawal symptoms was assessed. Results were compared between patients with opioid dependence (n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 30). We found that free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine levels were comparable with healthy controls while thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) was lower in patients in acute opioid abstinence period. Also, TSH levels in patients remained lower than controls after 30 days of abstinence. These results indicate that PTA function is altered in opioid‐dependent subjects. These data highlight the importance of screening the thyroid function for individuals with chronic opioid dependence.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: Long‐term haloperidol treatment (but not risperidone) enhances addiction‐related behaviors in mice: role of dopamine D2 receptors
Authors: Carvalho Rita C. , Fukushiro Daniela F. , Helfer Daniel C. , Callegaro‐Filho Donato , Trombin Thaís F. , Zanlorenci Lineane H. F. , Sanday Leandro , Silva Regina H. , Frussa‐Filho Roberto
Published: March 2009

The high prevalence of psychostimulant abuse observed in schizophrenic patients may be related to the development of mesolimbic dopaminergic supersensitivity (MDS) or nigrostriatal dopaminergic supersensitivity (NDS) in response to the chronic blockade of dopamine receptors produced by typical neuroleptic treatment. We compared the effects of withdrawal from long‐term administration of the typical neuroleptic haloperidol (Hal) and/or the atypical agent risperidone (Ris) on MDS and NDS, behaviorally evaluated by amphetamine‐induced locomotor stimulation (AILS) and apomorphine‐induced stereotypy (AIS) in mice, respectively. We further evaluated the duration of MDS and investigated the specific role of dopamine D2 receptors in this phenomenon by administering the D2 agonist quinpirole (Quin) to mice withdrawn from long‐term treatment with these neuroleptics. Withdrawal (48 hours) from long‐term (20 days) Hal (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) (but not 0.5 mg/kg Ris i.p.) treatment potentiated both AILS and AIS. Ris co‐administration abolished the potentiation of AILS and AIS observed in Hal‐withdrawn mice. Ten days after withdrawal from long‐term treatment with Hal (but not with Ris or Ris + Hal), a potentiation in AILS was still observed. Only Hal‐withdrawn mice presented an attenuation of locomotor inhibition produced by Quin. Our data suggest that the atypical neuroleptic Ris has a pharmacological property that counteracts the compensatory MDS and NDS developed in response to the chronic blockade of dopamine receptors imposed by Ris itself or by typical neuroleptics such as Hal. They also indicate that MDS may be long lasting and suggest that an upregulation of dopamine D2 receptors in response to long‐term treatment with the typical neuroleptic is involved in this phenomenon.
GENETIC STUDY: An association of prodynorphin polymorphisms and opioid dependence in females in a Chinese population
Authors: Clarke Toni‐Kim , Krause Kristina , Li Tao , Schumann Gunter
Published: March 2009

Prodynorphin (PDYN) binds to κ‐opioid receptors and is known to regulate dopaminergic tone, making this system important for the reinforcing and rewarding properties of drugs of abuse such as opioids. The binding of dynorphins to κ‐opioid receptors also produces aversive states that may affect the development of opioid dependence. Recent animal results have shown thatPDYNknockout mice show decreased ethanol consumption; however, this finding was restricted to female mice. We were interested to analyse a possible gender specificity of dynorphin effects in humans and to this end three single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) inPDYNwere genotyped in a Chinese population of 484 opioid dependents and 374 controls. An interaction between sex and genotype was found in female opioid dependents. Chi‐squared tests for association revealed that the genotype distributions of SNPs rs1997794 (P = 0.019) and rs1022563 (P = 0.006) in the promoter and 3′ region ofPDYN, respectively, were found to be associated with opioid dependence. Therefore, SNPs inPDYNare significantly associated with the risk of developing opioid dependence; however, this effect may only be seen in females. These data suggest thatPDYNpolymorphisms should be studied in additional female opioid‐dependent populations with an emphasis on the promoter and 3′ regions of the gene.
Examination of Human Platelets for the ABO, MN, Rh, Tja, Lutheran and Lewis System of Antigens by means of Mixed Erythrocyte‐Platelet Agglutination
Authors: ASHHURST Doreen E. , BEDFORD Donald , COOMBS R. R. A.
Published: March 2009

The A and B antigens on human platelets were more reactive after treatment of the platelets with trypsin.

An antigen associated with the MN system reacting with rabbit anti‐M as well as rabbit anti‐N was found to be present on platelets. Platelets from group M or N persons adsorbed rabbit anti‐M indiscriminately. No reaction could be shown between platelets of group M persons and human anti‐M.

The Rh antigens D, C, E and c could not be demonstrated on platelets.

The Tja antigen was found to be present on platelets.

It was not possible to show the Lub or Lewis antigens on platelets, but the available testing sera were of very low titre.

Les antigèes A et B des plaquettes humaines sont plus facilement démontrés après traitement des plaquettes par la trypsine.

Un antigène apparenté au système MN a été trouvé sur les plaquettes. Cet antigène réagit aussi bien avec I'anti‐M qu'avec I'anti‐N de lapin. L'anti‐M de lapin est absorbé indifféremment par les plaquettes de sujets du groupe M ou du groupe N. Les plaquettes de sujets M ne réagissaient pas avec un anti‐M d'origine humaine.

Il n'a pas été possible de déceler sur les plaquettes les antigènes Rh, D, C, E ou c.

Les plaquettes portent l'antigène Tja.

Ni I'antigène Lub ni les antingènes Lewis n'ont pu être démontrés sur les plaquettes, mais les sérums‐test employés étaient très faibles.

Nach Trypsinbehandlung der menschlichen Blutplättchen konnten die darin enthaltenen A‐ und B‐Bhtgruppeneigenschaften leichter erfaßt werden.

Absorbierte Anti‐M‐ und Anti‐N‐Kaninchenseren zeigten positive Reaktionen mit menschlichen Blutplättchen. Dabei reagierten Anti‐M‐Seren sowohl mit Plättchen von M‐ und N‐Individuen. Ein menschliches Anti‐M‐Serum hingegen zeigte keine Reaktion mit Plättchen von M‐Individuen.

Die Rhesusantigene D, C, E und c konnten in den Plättchen nicht nachgewiesen werden.

Das Antigen Tja hingegen war in Plättchen von Tja‐Individuen vorhanden.

Die Antigene Lewis und Lub konnten in den Plättchen nicht nachgewiesen werden; die für diese Untersuchungen verfügbaren Testseren hatten jedoch nur niedere Titer.
Blood Group Frequencies in Papuans from Biak (Isles of Schouten)
Authors: NIJENHUIS L. E. , van der HOEVEN J. A.
Published: March 2009

A blood group study has been carried out in 183 Papuans from Biak. The following gene frequencies were found:

One Kell‐positive blood sample was found (0,55%).

The frequency of Fya was 100 %.

No Lutheran‐positive bloods were found.

The presence or absence of the He‐factor in Papuans is discussed, as well as the frequency of the blood group P; 42,76% P‐positive samples were found.

The blood group frequencies are compared with those found in other Papuans of N. Guinea and with the frequencies observed in surrounding areas.

L'examen sérologique du sang de 183 Papous de Biak fournit les fréquences suivantes:

Un seul individu était positif pour le facteur Kell (0,55 yo), tandis que la fréquence de Fya Btait de 100 %.

On n'a trouvé aucun sang Lutheran positif.

La présence ou l'absence de He chez les Papous est discutée, aussi que la fréquence de P. On a trouvé 42,76 % d'échantillons P positif.

Les fréquences trouvées sont comparées avec celles qui sont rencontrées chez d'autres Papous de la Guinée du Nord et dans les populations voisines.

Die Blutgruppen bei 183 Papuas aus Biak wurden untersucht. Es ergaben sich folgende Häufigkeitszahlen:

Eine Blutprobe war Kell‐positiv (0,55%).

Die Häufigkeit für Fya war 100 %.

Keine der Blutproben war Lutheran‐positiv.

Es wird über die He‐Eigenschaft bei den Papuas diskutiert, ebenso über die Häufigkeit der Eigenschaft P. Diese letztere wurde in 42,76 % gefunden.

Die gefundenen Häufigkeitszahlen werden mit in anderen Papuas von N. Guinea beobachteten Zahlen verglichen sowie mit den Häufigkeitszahlen der umgebenden Gebiete.
An Analysis of Errors Detected in the Course of Large Scale ABO Grouping
Authors: BOWLEY C. C. , DUNSFORD I.
Published: March 2009

Les causes d'erreur du groupage en série dans le système ABO des donnenrs et des femmes enceintes sont analysées. Au cours de la détermination des antigènes des hématies on a observé respective‐ment 2 et 5 erreurs sur 1000 groupages. Les réactions sont plus souvent faussement positives que faussement négatives. C'est au cours de la détermination des anticorps sériques que les erreurs sont le plus souvent commises.

Die Fehlerquellen der ABO‐Blutgruppenbestimmungen in großen Serien bei Blutspendern einerseits und bei Schwangeren andererseits werden analysiert. 2 bzw. 5 Fehler fallen auf 1000 Bestimmungen, wenn nur die Erythrocyten‐Eigenschaften geprüft werden. Falsche positive Ergebnisse sind häufiger als falsche negative. Bei der Prüfung der Serum‐Antikörper gegen bekannte Erythrocyten werden die meisten Fehler beobachtet.