bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polarized expression of the membrane ASP protein derived from HIV-1 antisense transcription in T cells
Authors: Clerc Isabelle , Laverdure Sylvain , Torresilla Cynthia , Landry Sébastien , Borel Sophie , Vargas Amandine , Arpin-André Charlotte , Gay Bernard , Briant Laurence , Gross Antoine , Barbeau Benoît , Mesnard Jean-Michel
Published: September 2011

Background

Retroviral gene expression generally depends on a full-length transcript that initiates in the 5' LTR, which is either left unspliced or alternatively spliced. We and others have demonstrated the existence of antisense transcription initiating in the 3' LTR in human lymphotropic retroviruses, including HTLV-1, HTLV-2, and HIV-1. Such transcripts have been postulated to encode antisense proteins important for the establishment of viral infections. The antisense strand of the HIV-1 proviral DNA contains an ORF termed asp, coding for a highly hydrophobic protein. However, although anti-ASP antibodies have been described to be present in HIV-1-infected patients, its in vivo expression requires further support. The objective of this present study was to clearly demonstrate that ASP is effectively expressed in infected T cells and to provide a better characterization of its subcellular localization.

Results

We first investigated the subcellular localization of ASP by transfecting Jurkat T cells with vectors expressing ASP tagged with the Flag epitope to its N-terminus. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we found that ASP localized to the plasma membrane in transfected Jurkat T cells, but with different staining patterns. In addition to an entire distribution to the plasma membrane, ASP showed an asymmetric localization and could also be detected in membrane connections between two cells. We then infected Jurkat T cells with NL4.3 virus coding for ASP tagged with the Flag epitope at its C-terminal end. By this approach, we were capable of showing that ASP is effectively expressed from the HIV-1 3' LTR in infected T cells, with an asymmetric localization of the viral protein at the plasma membrane.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate for the first time that ASP can be detected when expressed from full-length HIV-1 proviral DNA and that its localization is consistent with Jurkat T cells overexpressing ASP.
Duplex PCR assay for the detection of avian adeno virus and chicken anemia virus prevalent in Pakistan
Authors: Rehman Latif U , Sultan Bakht , Ali Ijaz , Bhatti Muhammad A , Khan Sana U , Zaman Khaliq U , Jahangiri Anila T , Khan Najib U , Iqbal Aqib , Bakht Jehan , Swati Zahoor A , Rehman Muti U
Published: September 2011

Avian Adeno viruses and Chicken Anemia Viruses cause serious economic losses to the poultry industry of Pakistan each year. Timely and efficient diagnosis of the viruses is needed in order to practice prevention and control strategies. In the first part of this study, we investigated broilers, breeder and Layer stocks for morbidity and mortality rates due to AAV and CAV infections and any co-infections by examining signs and symptoms typical of their infestation or post mortem examination. In the second part of the study, we developed a duplex PCR assay for the detection of AAV and CAV which is capable to simultaneously detect both the viral types prevalent in Pakistan with high sensitivity and 100% specificity.
In Silico discovery of transcription factors as potential diagnostic biomarkers of ovarian cancer
Authors: Kaur Mandeep , MacPherson Cameron R , Schmeier Sebastian , Narasimhan Kothandaraman , Choolani Mahesh , Bajic Vladimir B
Published: September 2011

Background

Our study focuses on identifying potential biomarkers for diagnosis and early detection of ovarian cancer (OC) through the study of transcription regulation of genes affected by estrogen hormone.

Results

The results are based on a set of 323 experimentally validated OC-associated genes compiled from several databases, and their subset controlled by estrogen. For these two gene sets we computationally determined transcription factors (TFs) that putatively regulate transcription initiation. We ranked these TFs based on the number of genes they are likely to control. In this way, we selected 17 top-ranked TFs as potential key regulators and thus possible biomarkers for a set of 323 OC-associated genes. For 77 estrogen controlled genes from this set we identified three unique TFs as potential biomarkers.

Conclusions

We introduced a new methodology to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers for OC. This report is the first bioinformatics study that explores multiple transcriptional regulators of OC-associated genes as potential diagnostic biomarkers in connection with estrogen responsiveness. We show that 64% of TF biomarkers identified in our study are validated based on real-time data from microarray expression studies. As an illustration, our method could identify CP2 that in combination with CA125 has been reported to be sensitive in diagnosing ovarian tumors.
The burden of malaria in post-emergency refugee sites: A retrospective study
Authors: Anderson Jamie , Doocy Shannon , Haskew Christopher , Spiegel Paul , Moss William J
Published: September 2011

Background

Almost two-thirds of refugees, internally displaced persons, returnees and other persons affected by humanitarian emergencies live in malaria endemic regions. Malaria remains a significant threat to the health of these populations.

Methods

Data on malaria incidence and mortality were analyzed from January 2006 to December 2009 from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Health Information System database collected at sites in Burundi, Chad, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, and Uganda. Data from three countries during 2006 and 2007, and all nine countries from 2008 to 2009, were used to describe trends in malaria incidence and mortality. Monthly counts of malaria morbidity and mortality were aggregated into an annual country rate averaged over the study period.

Results

An average of 1.18 million refugees resided in 60 refugee sites within nine countries with at least 50 cases of malaria per 1000 refugees during the study period 2008-2009. The highest incidence of malaria was in refugee sites in Tanzania, where the annual incidence of malaria was 399 confirmed cases per 1,000 refugees and 728 confirmed cases per 1,000 refugee children younger than five years. Malaria incidence in children younger than five years of age, based on the sum of confirmed and suspected cases, declined substantially at sites in two countries between 2006 and 2009, but a slight increase was reported at sites within four of seven countries between 2008 and 2009. Annual malaria mortality rates were highest in sites in Sudan (0.9 deaths per 1,000 refugees), Uganda and Tanzania (0.7 deaths per 1000 refugees each). Malaria was the cause of 16% of deaths in refugee children younger than five years of age in all study sites.

Conclusions

These findings represent one of the most extensive reports on malaria among refugees in post-emergency sites. Despite declines in malaria incidence among refugees in several countries, malaria remains a significant cause of mortality among children younger than five years of age. Further progress in malaria control, both within and outside of post-emergency sites, is necessary to further reduce malaria incidence and mortality among refugees and achieve global goals in malaria control and elimination.
Awareness, attitudes and prevention of malaria in the cities of Douala and Yaoundé (Cameroon)
Authors: Ndo Cyrille , Menze-Djantio Benjamin , Antonio-Nkondjio Christophe
Published: September 2011

Background

There is little information on the social perception of malaria and the use of prevention methods in Cameroon. This study was designed to assess knowledge, attitude and management of malaria in households living in the cities of Douala and Yaoundé.

Results

Over 82% of people interviewed associated malaria transmission to mosquito bites. Methods used for malaria prevention were: environmental sanitation 1645 (76.1%), use of bed nets 1491 (69%), insecticide spray/coils 265 (12.3%) and netting of doors or windows 42 (1.9%). Bed net ownership was significantly high in Yaoundé (73.8%) (P < 0.0001), whereas the use of insecticide spray or coils was significantly important in Douala (16.3%) (P < 0.0001). Some of the problems experienced by families using ITN were the difficulty in finding chemicals for the retreatment of nets 702 (47%), insufficient financial means to buy new bed nets to replace old ones 366 (24.5%) or, to provide bed nets to everybody in the household 289 (19.4%) and the sensation of feeling excessive heat when sleeping under a bed net 74 (5%). The amount spent monthly by a household for vector control and malaria treatment was estimated at 2377 fcfa (3.6 euros) and 4562 fcfa (6.95 euros) respectively. These amounts were not significantly different between households of Douala and Yaoundé. Concerning management of malaria cases, 18.6% of people declare going to the hospital when suffering from malaria. The majority of people (81.4%) do self medication - they either buy drugs from the pharmacists, street sellers or they use plants to cure malaria.

Conclusion

The study revealed a high awareness of populations on malaria and ITNs. However some attitudes hindering the use of ITN or related to the management of clinical cases need further attention.
The Politics of Mirrored Metaphors: Flor Contemplacion and The Maid
Authors: McKay Benjamin
Published: September 2011

The article investigates the disjunctive mirroring of images and representations through films that evoke the larger socioeconomic and political relations between Singapore and the Philippines. The two films analyzed are about related plights of Filipina domestic workers in Singapore, whose body, labor, and travel provide the nexus for illumination of the cultural politics of representation of the self and other. The sense of self and identity in film alludes to the larger polity in which Philippine and Singaporean self-representations quote and implicate the other. What then becomes interestingly poised is that the representations do not necessarily dialogue, more so ending in a failure of engagement. Partly coded in myth making, the representation of the self in films and binational polity is distinguished from the authority of the other, initially foregrounding then later abjecting the conditions in which the other can render visible the self. The article calls for an abandoning of essentialism, vulgarities, and cultural misrepresentation for a genuine dialogue to ensue.
Risk Management, Probability, and the Theory of Games in Segurista (Dead Sure) and Kubrador (The Bet Collector)
Authors: Pamintuan Jema
Published: September 2011

Two films that portray the risk culture of millennial capitalism, Segurista (Dead Sure, 1996) and Kubrador (The Bet Collector, 2006), are used as textual evidences in discussing and challenging game-theoretic and probabilistic concepts as applied in the Philippine economic context. The ideological acts of the female protagonists, with their own depictions of risk perception and risk management, allow the characters' adaptation to the quicksand conditions of their fluctuating financial affairs. Issues on tourism, prostitution, labor flexibility, and the social practices of gambling are used as variables in formulating arguments that under the volatile conditions of an unsound economy and a muddled, corrupt political environment, it is the body of the Filipino female worker that safeguards national collective survival.
The “Right Dissident”: Liu Xiaobo and the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize
Authors: Sautman Barry , Hairong Yan
Published: September 2011

Since garnering the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize, imprisoned Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo has been lionized, particularly by Western politicians and media, who now promote him as the leader of the “democratic forces” in China. Meanwhile, Liu's politics and those of the award itself are studiously ignored. Liu, however, was chosen for the prize, over many other imprisoned dissidents (including Chinese) nominated for it, precisely because of his politics: he is a neoconservative/neoliberal in the U.S. mold. Not an advocate of peace, but of the wars waged by the United States and its allies, Liu also endorses the total Westernization of China and wholesale privatization of its economy. Despite the common conception of Liu as an advocate of democracy in the face of China's authoritarian government, he seemingly does not even back universal suffrage. The award of the prize to Liu both continues the tradition of a small group of Norwegian politicians using it to advance Western elite ideological interests and represents a new stage of “soft power” warfare against China as the perceived long-term strategic competitor of the United States and its NATO allies.
Arab “Amirka”: Exploring Arab Diasporas in Mexico and the United States
Authors: Alfaro-Velcamp Theresa
Published: September 2011

Many Arab immigrants came to the Americas—the United States, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina (to name only a few countries)—primarily with the intent to make money quickly and return home. Their enduring presence, however, is marked by ambiguous categorizations of Arabs in the United States and Mexico that relate to confusions of place, people, and history. The article is divided into six sections. In the first section, I describe the complex categories of personhood for those who migrated from the Middle East. The second section provides a broad Arab demographic profile in the United States and Mexico and leads to the third section, where I address the conflation of Arabs and Muslims with ethnographic detail. The fourth section offers a comparative analysis of selected immigration laws in Mexico and the United States that have shaped the Arab diasporas in each country. In the fifth section, a brief description of how some Arab elites in Mexico have drawn on their foreignness to assert a Lebanese identity illustrates the complexity of describing Arab diasporas in the Americas and anticipates the sixth section, which concerns the reception of Arab immigrants in the United States. The article aims both to engage scholars studying Arab diasporas for points of comparisons and to problematize the homogenous use of terms such as Arab in mainstream Mexican and American discourses.
The Mughal Book of War: A Persian Translation of the Sanskrit Mahabharata
Authors: Truschke Audrey
Published: September 2011

This article presents the first in-depth textual analysis of the Razmnamah (Book of War), the Persian translation of the Mahabharata sponsored by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the late sixteenth century. I argue that the Razmnamah was a central literary work in the Mughal court and of deep relevance to Akbar’s imperial and political ambitions. I pursue my analysis of the Mughal Mahabharata in two sections, focusing first on the work’s Sanskrit sources and then on the translation practices one finds evidenced in the Persian text. In the first section, I outline how the Mughal translators accessed Sanskrit materials and identify the Sanskrit texts that served as the basis for the Persian translation. This framework helps reconstruct the nature of the Mahabharata as the Mughals knew it and provides both the conceptual and literary tools needed to pursue comparative textual analysis. In the second section, I examine the text of the Razmnamah in comparison with its Sanskrit sources to highlight some of the Mughal translators’ key strategies in reimagining the epic in Persian. This close reading traces several literary paradigms that offer insight into the crucial role the Razmnamah played in the production and reproduction of Mughal imperial culture. Taken as a whole, my analysis argues that the Razmnamah was a crucial component of the politico-cultural fashioning of Akbar’s court, whereby the Mughals developed a new type of Indo-Persian imperial aesthetic.
Generational Accounting: A Meaningful Way to Evaluate Fiscal Policy
Authors: Auerbach Alan J , Gokhale Jagadeesh , Kotlikoff Laurence J
Published: September 2011

This paper illustrates the technique of generational accounting, a new way to evaluate fiscal policy that overcomes the inherent ambiguities of traditional deficit accounting. The authors illustrate why there is no ‘correct’ measure of the deficit and how generational accounting--estimating the fiscal burdens current policy places on different generations--provides a clearer picture of the intergenerational and macroeconomic effects of fiscal policy than any measure of the deficit. Their calculations suggest that, despite recent changes, U.S. fiscal policy is unsustainable in that it will ultimately require future generations to bear a much higher burden than those currently alive.
The Politics of Market Socialism
Authors: Shleifer Andrei , Vishny Robert W
Published: September 2011

The debate over market socialism has ignored the importance of the assumptions about the objectives of politicians in determining resource allocation. Theory and evidence suggest that totalitarian socialism does not lead to efficient resource allocation because dictators do not maximize social welfare. But democratic governments have political objectives different from social welfare as well. The authors argue that because these governments command greater resources (have more control rights) under socialism, democratic socialism (even if it could exist) is a less efficient system than democratic capitalism. Thus the political case against market socialism is even stronger than the economic case.
Symposium on Health Care Reform
Authors: Newhouse Joseph P
Published: September 2011

The papers in this symposium focus on two major issues of health economics in the context of President Clinton's Health Security Act: cost containment and labor market effects of financing insurance. The act proposes to limit public and private spending; a key issue is the extent to which, without a limit but with a standardized basic plan, supplementary insurance will exist to allow scope for individual choice. The act's financing will have an ambiguous effect on labor supply but will encourage formation of small, low-wage firms. Several features, including community rating and standardization of dependent coverage, imply substantial redistribution.
Nonprofit Organizations in the Health Sector
Authors: Frank Richard G , Salkever David S
Published: September 2011

Government appears to both promote and mistrust nonprofit organizations in the health sector. Tax exemptions, subsidies, and preferential treatment in contracts support these organizations. Legislation that links the supply of charity care to tax exemptions demonstrates mistrust. In this paper, the authors argue that information asymmetries lie at the heart of the current discomfort with tax policy toward nonprofit health-care providers. The authors examine current policy in terms of the rationale for the exemption of nonprofit health-care organizations from taxes as well as the ability of government to monitor performance of these organizations.
Effects of training and nitric oxide on diabetic nephropathy progression in type I diabetic rats
Authors: Rodrigues Adelson M , Bergamaschi Cássia T , Araújo Ronaldo C , Mouro Margaret G , Rosa Thiago S , Higa Elisa M S
Published: September 2011

The aim of the paper is to assess nitric oxide (NO) production during aerobic training and its role on the progression of diabetic nephropathy in rats. Induction of diabetes mellitus (DM) was achieved in adult male Wistar rats with streptozotocin. Half of the animals underwent training on a treadmill and the others (sedentary) stayed on a turned-off treadmill for the same period according to the following groups: sedentary control (CTL + SE); training control (CTL + EX); sedentary diabetic (DM + SE); and training diabetic (DM + EX) ( n = 9 for all groups). The training on treadmill was carried out at a work rate of 16 m/min, 60 min/d, 5 d/week for eight weeks. Before and after the exercises, rats were placed in individual metabolic cages with standard chow and water ad libitum, for 24-h urine collection, followed by three hours' fasting blood sample withdrawal from the retro-orbital plexus, under anesthesia. Diabetic animals showed reduction of body weight, creatinine and urea depurations and NO excretion, increased blood glucose concentrations, albuminuria and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) excretion, when compared with the respective controls. All these alterations induced by DM were attenuated in the DM + EX versus DM + SE group. Analysis of insulin concentrations at the end of the protocol showed no significant change between the DM + SE and DM + EX groups. In conclusion, our data show that a routine physical exercise resulted in a better control of glycemia with an increased NO bioavailability and oxidative stress control, associated with an amelioration of renal function. We suggest aerobic training and the control of oxidative and nitrosative stress as useful non-pharmacological tools to delay the progression of diabetic nephropathy.
TECHNICAL NOTE—Procurement Strategies with Unreliable Suppliers
Authors: Federgruen Awi , Yang Nan
Published: September 2011

We propose and analyze a general periodic-review model in which the firm has access to a set of potential suppliers, each with specific yield and price characteristics. Assuming that unsatisfied demand is backlogged, the firm incurs three types of costs: (i) procurement costs, (ii) inventory-carrying costs for units carried over from one period to the next, and (iii) backlogging costs. A procurement strategy requires the specification, in each period, of (i) the set of suppliers to be retained, (ii) their respective shares in this period's replenishments, as well as (iii) the traditional aggregate order placed (among the various suppliers).

We show how the optimal procurement strategy can be obtained with an efficient algorithm. A base-stock policy is no longer optimal, but in each period there exists a maximum inventory level, such that orders are placed if and only if the starting inventory is below this threshold. In each period it is optimal to retain a given number of suppliers that are cheapest in terms of that period's effective cost rates, i.e., the expected cost per usable unit. The optimal number of suppliers to be retained in a given period depends on all current and future parameters and distributions, but this dependence can be aggregated into a single so-called benchmark cost measure. Under Normal yield and demand distributions, the suppliers' market shares are determined by a single aggregate score, itself the product of a simple reliability score and a cost score.
Biomarkers for Predicting Serious Cardiac Outcomes at 72 Hours in Patients Presenting Early after Chest Pain Onset with Symptoms of Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Kavsak Peter A , Hill Stephen A , Bhanich Supapol Wendy , Devereaux Philip J , Worster Andrew
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND

Most outcome studies of patients presenting early to the emergency department with potential acute coronary syndromes have focused on either the index diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) or a composite end point at a later time frame (30 days or 1 year). We investigated the performance of 9 biomarkers for an early serious outcome.

METHODS

Patients (n = 186) who presented to the emergency department within 6 h of chest pain onset had their presentation serum sample measured for the following analytes: creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoenzyme MB, enhanced AccuTnI troponin I (Beckman Coulter), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), ischemia-modified albumin, interleukin-6, investigation use only hs-cTnI (Beckman Coulter), N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide, and cardiac troponin I (Abbott AxSym). We followed patients until 72 h after presentation and determined whether they experienced the following serious cardiac outcomes: MI, heart failure, serious arrhythmia, refractory ischemic cardiac pain, or death. ROC curves were analyzed to determine the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and optimal cutoffs for the biomarkers.

RESULTS

The AUCs for the hs-cTnI assay (0.86; 95% CI, 0.76–0.96), the AccuTnI assay (0.86; 95% CI, 0.78–0.95), and the hs-cTnT assay (0.82; 95% CI, 0.71–0.94) assays were significantly higher than those for the other 6 assays (AUC values ≤0.71 for the rest of the biomarkers, P < 0.05). The ROC curve–derived optimal cutoffs were ≥19 ng/L (diagnostic sensitivity, 80%; specificity, 88%), ≥0.018 μg/L (diagnostic sensitivity, 75%; specificity, 86%), and ≥32 ng/L (diagnostic sensitivity, 68%; specificity, 92%) for the hs-cTnI, AccuTnI, and hs-cTnT assays, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The optimal cutoffs for predicting serious cardiac outcomes in this low-risk population are different from the published 99th percentiles. Larger studies are required to verify these findings.
Comparing pharmacokinetics and metabolism of diltiazem in normotensive Sprague Dawley and Wistar Kyoto rats vs. spontaneously hypertensive rats in vivo
Authors: Yeung Pollen K.F. , Alcos Angelita , Marcoux Tanya , Tang Jinglan
Published: September 2011

Background: In order to identify a suitable rodent model for preclinical study of calcium antagonists, the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of one of the prototypes diltiazem (DTZ) in normotensive Sprague Dawley (SDR) was compared with Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) following 5 mg/kg twice daily for five doses given by subcutaneous injection.

Methods: Pharmacokinetic data were analyzed by standard procedures assuming a one-compartment model with first-order input using Rstrips®, and differences between the groups were considered significant when p<0.05.

Results: Plasma concentrations of DTZ were higher in the SHR than the normotensive SDR and WKY rats, although the differences did not reach statistical significance (p>0.05). Plasma concentrations of the active metabolites N-desmethyl DTZ (MA), deacetyl DTZ (M1) and deacetyl N-desmethyl DTZ (M2) were significantly higher in the SHR and WKY rats than the SDR, which was attributed to higher DTZ concentrations and also genetic factors.

Conclusions: Although the differences were mainly quantitative and very small, the study has shown for the first time that the metabolism profiles of DTZ in SHR and WKY rats were closer to humans than SDR, and they may be more preferable rat models to study pharmacokinetic and metabolism studies of DTZ or similar agents.
Rice Husk Ash Stabilization of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Osinubi Kolawole J. , Edeh Joseph E. , Agada Joseph O.
Published: September 2011

The use of a reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and rice husk ash (RHA) mixture in the construction of pavements has benefits in not only reducing the amount of waste materials requiring disposal but can also provide construction materials with significant savings over new materials. The paper presents results of the laboratory evaluation of the characteristics of RAP stabilized with sawdust ash (RHA) with a view to determine its suitability for use as a subbase and base material in flexible pavements. The RAP-RHA mixtures were subjected to British Standard light, BSL (standard Proctor) compactive effort to determine the compaction characteristics and California bearing ratio (CBR). Test results show that the properties of RAP improved when treated with RHA. The particle grading improved from 99.8 % coarse aggregate and 0.2 % fines, with an AASHTO classification of A-1-a for 100 % RAP to 92.5–99.5 % coarse aggregate and 0.5–7.5 % fines, with an AASHTO classification that ranges from A-1-a (granular materials) to A-3 (nonplastic fine sand) for the various RAP-RHA mix proportions to A- 4 (silty materials) for 100 % RHA. Generally, maximum dry density (MDD) decreased and optimum moisture content (OMC) increased with higher RHA content in the mixes. The CBR values decreased with higher RHA content. However, the values increased from 35 (unsoaked) and 23 % (soaked for 24 h) for 100 % RAP to peak values of 41 (unsoaked) and 34 % (soaked for 24 h) for a 70 %RAP/30 %RHA mix that can be used as a subbase material in flexible pavements.
Ditransitive constructions in Ainu
Authors: Bugaeva Anna
Published: September 2011

This paper shows that there are two ditransitive alignment types in Ainu, viz. a frequently-used double-object construction (DOC) and infrequently-used indirective object construction (IOC). Ainu ditransitives encoded by the DOC are unusual cross-linguistically because all of them, including the verb kor-e [have-CAUS] ‘give’, are derived by causative, applicative or applicative-causative derivations. I argue that the IOC is possible in Ainu only either with those verbs which have no applicative (three-argument) counterparts or with ditransitive verbs of a slightly extended ditransitive case frame including Source/inanimate Goal instead of Recipient proper. Comparing the formal properties of the DOC-encoded ditransitives and those of other three-argument constructions, I claim that Ainu presents a counterexample to KITTILÄ’s (2006) Universal 1, since the so-called most typical ditransitive verb ‘give’, viz. the derived verb kor-e lit. ‘make/let sb have sth’ in Ainu, is outranked in formal transitivity by the underived three-argument verb o ‘put/place sth (PL) on sth’ of a non-ditransitive case frame.
Challenges in Setting Up Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units in a Resource-Limited Country
Authors: Basnet Sangita , Adhikari Neelam , Koirala Janak
Published: September 2011

In collaboration with a host country and international medical volunteers, a PICU and an NICU were conceptualized and realized in the developing country of Nepal. We present here the challenges that were encountered during and after the establishment of these units. The decision to develop an ICU with reasonable goals in a developing country has to be made with careful assessments of need of that patient population and ethical principles guiding appropriate use of limited resources. Considerations during unit design include space allocation, limited supply of electricity, oxygen source, and clean-water availability. Budgetary challenges might place overall sustainability at stake, which can also lead to attrition of trained manpower and affect the quality of care. Those working in the PICU in resource-poor nations perpetually face the challenges of lack of expert support (subspecialists), diagnostic facilities (laboratory and radiology), and appropriate medications and equipment. Increasing transfer of severely ill patients from other health facilities can lead to space constraints, and lack of appropriate transportation for these critically ill patients increases the severity of illness, which leads to increased mortality rates. The staff in these units must make difficult decisions on effective triage of admissions to the units on the basis of individual cases, futility of care, availability of resources, and financial ability of the family.
Neonatal Blue Light Phototherapy and Melanocytic Nevi: A Twin Study
Authors: Csoma Zsanett , Tóth-Molnár Edit , Balogh Klára , Polyánka Hilda , Orvos Hajnalka , Ócsai Henriette , Kemény Lajos , Széll Márta , Oláh Judit
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

Neonatal blue light phototherapy (NBLP) has been widely and successfully used for the treatment of neonatal jaundice to reduce the plasma concentration of bilirubin and, hence, to prevent kernicterus. Only a few and controversial data are available in the literature as to how NBLP influences melanocytic nevus development.

OBJECTIVE:

Our goal was to conduct a twin study with the aim of better understanding the role of NBLP in melanocytic nevus development. We also investigated the roles of other environmental and constitutional factors in nevus formation.

METHODS:

Fifty-nine monozygotic and dizygotic twins were included in this cross-sectional study. One of the twin members received NBLP, and the other did not. A whole-body skin examination was performed to determine the density of melanocytic skin lesions. The prevalence of benign pigmented uveal lesions was evaluated during a detailed ophthalmologic examination. A standardized questionnaire was used to assess data relating to constitutional, sun-exposure, and other variables. To search for possible gene-environmental interactions involved in the appearance of pigmented lesions, the melanocortin 1 receptor variants and the I439V polymorphism of histidine ammonia-lyase genes were also determined in the enrolled twins.

RESULTS:

NBLP was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of both cutaneous and uveal melanocytic lesions. No association was found between the examined gene polymorphisms and the number of pigmented alterations in the examined study group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data suggest that NBLP could well be a risk factor for melanocytic nevus development. Phototherapy with blue-light lamps is a standard and essential therapeutic modality in neonatal care; therefore, additional in vivo and in vitro studies are necessary to establish its potential long-term adverse effects.
Transient Localized Material Properties Changes by Ultrafast Laser-Pulse Manipulation of Electron Dynamics in Micro/Nano Manufacturing
Authors: Li Xin , Jiang Lan , Wang Cong , Tsai Hai-Lung
Published: September 2011

A femtosecond (fs) pulse duration is shorter than many physical/chemical characteristic times, such as the electron-photon relaxation time, which makes it possible to control electron dynamics. This paper reviews our recent progress which proposes to change electron dynamics (selective excitation/ionization) and electron densities/temperatures in materials to control the following properties and processes: 1) the transient (femtosecond-to-picosecond time scale), localized (nanometer-to-micrometer length scale) material properties, 2) the corresponding photon absorption process, and 3) phase change mechanisms, by manipulating fs pulse-train number/delay for high-precision micro/nanoscale manufacturing.
Flow-by-flow chemical stratigraphy and evolution of thirteen Serra Geral Group basalt flows from Vista Alegre, southernmost Brazil
Authors: Pinto Viter M , Hartmann Léo A
Published: September 2011

The geochemical characterization of thirteen Serra Geral Group flows in the Vista Alegre region (RS-SC), southern Brazil, displays the homogeneous basaltic composition near 50 wt.% SiO2. Each of the five basal flows (Pitanga-type, high-Ti/Y ~600, TiO2 > 3 wt.%) and eight upper flows (Paranapanema-type, medium Ti/Y ~400, TiO2 > 2 wt.%) can be identified from their chemical composition; sets of flows have parallel variation in chemical composition. The flow-by-flowcorrelation in four sections shows the horizontal position of the flows in three profiles and an approximately 200-m downdrop of the Itapiranga block with respect to the Frederico Westphalen block. The world-class amethyst geode mineralization and the systematic presence of native copper in the basalts make the correlation of great geological and economic significance.
Characterization of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase SmcGK1 of Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Leutner Silke , Beckmann Svenja , Grevelding Christoph G
Published: September 2011

Schistosomes are trematode parasites and of worldwide medical importance for humans and animals. Growth and development of these parasites require a specific host environment, but also permanent communication processes between the two genders. Accumulating molecular evidence indicates that the responsible interactions are mediated by signal transduction processes. Conserved signaling molecules were identified, and first approaches made for their characterization. However, no representative of the conserved family of cGMP-dependent protein kinases (cGKs) has been described in this parasite yet. Within the Schistosoma mansoni genome data-set we identified cGK homologs, of which one was investigated in more detail in this study. We present the cloning of SmcGK1, whose sequence shows homology to cGKs of higher eukaryotes. SmcGK1 was found to be gender-independently transcribed in adult schistosomes. The occurrence of SmcGK1 sense and antisense transcripts suggests that the expression of this gene is controlled at the post-transcriptional level. In situ hybridization experiments demonstrated a gonad-preferential expression profile in both genders indicating a role of SmcGK1, at least during sexual development of schistosomes. Using a cGK-specific inhibitor to treat adult schistosomes in vitro finally resulted in a multifaceted phenotype including slow motion, oocyte congestion, and reduced egg production.
Schistosome serine protease inhibitors: parasite defense or homeostasis?
Authors: Quezada Landys A. Lopez , McKerrow James H
Published: September 2011

Serpins are a structurally conserved family of macromolecular inhibitors found in numerous biological systems. The completion and annotation of the genomes of Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum has enabled the identification by phylogenetic analysis of two major serpin clades. S. mansoni shows a greater multiplicity of serpin genes, perhaps reflecting adaptation to infection of a human host. Putative targets of schistosome serpins can be predicted from the sequence of the reactive center loop (RCL). Schistosome serpins may play important roles in both post-translational regulation of schistosome-derived proteases, as well as parasite defense mechanisms against the action of host proteases.
Papel do fator de crescimento vascular endotelial na angiogênese e na retinopatia diabética
Authors: Valiatti Fabiana Borba , Crispim Daisy , Benfica Camila , Valiatti Bruna Borba , Kramer Caroline K. , Canani Luís Henrique
Published: September 2011

A retinopatia diabética (RD) é uma complicação microvascular do diabetes melito, sendo importante causa de cegueira adquirida. Fatores angiogênicos, como o vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), estão envolvidos na patogênese da RD. O VEGF-A é uma citocina potente e multifuncional que atua por meio dos receptores VEGFR-1 e VEGFR-2 expressos no endotélio vascular causando aumento da permeabilidade vascular e estímulo à neovascularização em processos fisiológicos e patológicos. O VEGFR-2 é o principal mediador mitogênico, angiogênico e do aumento da permeabilidade vascular. Alguns polimorfismos do VEGF têm sido estudados na suscetibilidade e risco de progressão da RD. Importante associação entre o polimorfismo 634C/G e a presença de RD é relatada principalmente em relação ao alelo C. A homozigose CC estaria relacionada à RD proliferativa (RDP) e a níveis sérico e vítreo aumentados de VEGF, sugerindo que a presença do alelo C seja um fator de risco independente para RD. Os conhecimentos sobre o VEGF levaram ao desenvolvimento de agentes antiVEGF com o objetivo de inibir a neovascularização patológica e são uma realidade na prática médica do tratamento da RD.
Impacto de um programa de intervenção sobre o estilo de vida nos perfis metabólico, antropométrico e dietético em nipo-brasileiros com e sem síndrome metabólica
Authors: Damião Renata , Sartorelli Daniela Saes , Hirai Amélia , Bevilacqua Marselle Rodrigues , Salvo Vera Lúcia Morais Antonio de , Ferreira Sandra Roberta Gouvea , Gimeno Suely Godoy Agostinho
Published: September 2011

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as mudanças nos perfis metabólico e nutricional de nipo-brasileiros com e sem síndrome metabólica, após dois anos de participação em programa de intervenção. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo experimental não controlado. A pesquisa incluiu três momentos de avaliação clínico-laboratorial: basal (2005), após o primeiro ano de intervenção (2006) e ao final do segundo ano (2007). Na presente análise, utilizaram-se informações de 360 indivíduos examinados nos três momentos. RESULTADOS: Ambos os grupos apresentaram melhora no perfil metabólico e antropométrico, após o segundo ano de intervenção. Observaram-se diminuição na ingestão de gorduras totais, ácidos graxos saturados, colesterol e aumento de fibras totais nos homens sem síndrome metabólica. No sexo feminino sem síndrome metabólica, observou-se redução de gordura total (p = 0,003) e ácido graxo monoinsaturado (p = 0,002). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados encontrados mostraram impacto positivo do programa de intervenção nos perfis metabólico e nutricional dos nipo-brasileiros com e sem síndrome metabólica.
Adiponectina e baixo risco cardiometabólico em obesas
Authors: Costa Maria Cecilia , Brito Luciara Leite , Barbosa Paulo José Bastos , Lessa Ines
Published: September 2011

OBJETIVO: Investigar a associação entre níveis elevados de adiponectina plasmática (AdipoQ) e baixo risco cardiometabólico (RCM) em obesas (MOb). SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Estudo caso-controle, pareado pela idade com 306 MOb, IMC > 30 kg/m², sendo 66 (21,6%) casos - todos não hipertensos, normolipídicos e não diabéticos - realizados em ambulatórios referência do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) para obesidade em Salvador. Dados secundários foram coleta-dos dos prontuários médicos, primários e complementares em laboratório de patologia clínica. Valores de AdipoQ > 10,00 µg/mL (> 3º quartil) foram considerados elevados. Foram realizadas análises: descritiva, bivariada e regressão logística condicional. RESULTADOS: Associação positiva, estatisticamente significante (ES), entre baixo RCM e AdipoQ > 10,00 µg/mL em MOb ativas fisicamente (OR= 5,1; IC95%: 1,8-14,3), não fumantes (OR= 3,6; IC95%: 1,6-8,4). CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo sugere que MOb ativas fisicamente, não fumantes e com níveis mais elevados de AdipoQ apresentam mais chances de baixo RCM. Torna-se importante reforçar, por meio de políticas públicas, o estímulo à adoção de comportamentos saudáveis.
Plummer-Vinson Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Gedam DS , Mandliya J , Verma M
Published: September 2011

Plummer-Vinson also known as sideropenic dysphagia is a disease that is characterized by classical triad of iron deficiency anemia, dysphagia and esophageal web. It is known to mostly affect white female mainly, but cases have been reported from other ethnic group in the literature. Treatment is very promising especially when it is not associated with carcinoma. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v31i3.4259 J Nep Paedtr Soc 2011;31(3): 254-256
Ectrodactyly: A rare anomaly of limbs
Authors: Keyal K , Joshi BG , Pandey R , Shrestha BM
Published: September 2011

Split-hand/split-foot malformation (SHFM) is a rare congenital malformation of the limbs with median clefts of the hands and feet and aplasia/hypoplasia of the phalanges, metacarpals and metatarsals. When present as an isolated anomaly, it is usually inherited as an autosomal dominant form. We report a case of nonsyndromic form of ectrodactyly because of its rarity. Key words: Split-hand/split-foot malformation; Nonsyndromic ectrodactyly DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v31i3.4429 J Nep Paedtr Soc 2011;31(3): 235-237
Extra-adrenal Paraganglioma: An Uncommon Cause of Secondary Hypertension in a Young Subject
Authors: Kota SK , Kota SK , Jammula S , Panda S
Published: September 2011

An 8 year boy was admitted with features of tuberculous meningitis. He was detected to have hypertension. Further investigations revealed an extra-adrenal paraganglioma. Tuberculous meningitis and paraganglioma could be chance associations. Paraganglioma is a rare and potentially lethal cause of secondary hypertension, very uncommon at this age. If left untreated it leads to complications arising from unrelenting hypertension. We report a case report on this very rare disease of paraganglioma presenting in an unexpected way. Key words: Paraganglioma; Tuberculous meningitis; Secondary hypertension DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v31i3.4965 J Nep Paedtr Soc 2011;31(3): 238-240
Imerslund-Grasbeck Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Ghosh TN , Nayek K , Banerjee A
Published: September 2011

Imerslund-Grasbeck syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder due to selective malabsorption of Vitamin B12 at the level of cobalamin-intrinsic factor receptor mutation in the terminal ileum resulting in megaloblastic anaemia with proteinuria. Early detection of this rare disorder would enable screening and genetic counselling for asymptomatic family members. Key words: Imerslund Grasbeck Syndrome; Megaloblastic anaemia; Proteinuria DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v31i3.5159 J Nep Paedtr Soc 2011;31(3): 249-250
Intraoperative Findings during Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy in Children
Authors: Shrestha S , Kafle P
Published: September 2011

Objective: The main objective of this study is to assess the intraoperative finding during canal wall down mastoidectomy in paediatric patients undergoing surgery for unsafe type of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) attending ENT OPD of Kathmandu Medical College. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients of age group 4 to 13 years who were suffering from unsafe type of CSOM with or without cholesteatoma were taken for the study. The study period was two years from April 2007 to March 2009. The operative findings like extent of cholesteatoma in different location of middle ear cleft, mastoid bony landmarks, and ossicular chain condition and otogenic complication were identified during canal wall down mastoidectomy. Result: Of the 50 patients 32 (64%) were boys and 18(36%) were girls. The age ranged from 4 years to 13 years. Majority of patients had cholesteatoma with granulation diseases (72%) followed by granulation diseases (16%). Involvement of disease in attic, aditus, antrum and mesotympanum were found to be high in majority of cases (82%) with high percentage of necrosis of incus (56%). Conclusion: The primary disease found in patients undergoing canal wall down mastoidectomy (CWDM) was cholesteatoma combined with granulation in72%, granulation in 16% and cholesteatoma in12%. Key words: Canal Wall Down; ENT; Mastoidectomy; Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v31i3.5357 J Nep Paedtr Soc 2011;31(3):184-187
Outcomes of Snakebite Envenomation in Children
Authors: Shrestha BM
Published: September 2011

Introduction: Snakebite is a medical emergency, and is considered to be one of the major public health hazards in the Terai and inner-Terai regions of Nepal. Very few studies have been conducted so far in Nepal to highlight the epidemiology of snakebite in children. Aim: To review the pattern and characteristics of snakebites in children, focusing primarily on the outcomes, fatality and risk factors for death. Settings: An emergency department of a 136-bedded secondary care-referral hospital (Lumbini Zonal Hospital) situated at Butwal in the Western Nepal. Methodology: The study was carried out in 152 children aged < 15 years old, who got anti-snake venom (ASV) over a period of 48 months. Diagnosis of snakebite envenomation was based on clinical ground. Results: Children over 5 years of age constituted the highest number (87%) of cases. Peak incidence of poisoning (71%) was observed during the months of Asadh- Bhadra (June-September). Most of the bites (61%) were by unidentified snakes, most commonly (91%) on the extremities. Snakebite envenomation occurred more frequently (52%) during night time. 85% of children had local or systemic complications, commonest being respiratory paralysis(92/152).Case fatality rate (CFR) was 28%. Risk factors for death were: age < 5 years; bites by unidentified snakes and kraits and bites on ears & unknown sites. Conclusion: Compared with adults, children with snake envenomation have higher morbidity and mortality, which can be minimized by early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and close monitoring of children on ventilation for the timely management of complications. Emphasis should be given on developing a standard management protocol in children. Keywords: Snakebite; Envenomation; Children; Outcomes; Nepal DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v31i3.5358 J Nep Paedtr Soc 2011;31(3):192-197