bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypernatremic Disorders in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Arora Surender Kumar
Published: May 2011

Hypernatremia, defined as plasma sodium concentration >145 mEq/L, is frequently encountered in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Hypernatremia indicates a decrease in total body water relative to sodium and is invariably associated with plasma hyperosmolality though total body sodium content may be normal, decreased, or increased. Hypernatremia usually occurs as a result of impaired thirst or access to water, with or without increased water losses from renal and extrarenal sources. Critically ill patients in ICU are at high risk of hypernatremia because of their inability to control free water intake as a result of sedation, intubation, change in mental status, and fluid restriction for various other reasons. In addition, excessive fluid losses from various renal or nonrenal sources and treatment with sodium containing fluids are commonly encountered in this population, predisposing them to hypernatremia. The consequences of hypernatremia result from osmotic movement of water across the cell membrane, leading to primarily intracellular and variable degree of extracellular volume depletion. The clinical features depend on severity and rapidity of hypernatremia development with abnormal cognitive and neuromuscular function in many cases and potential risk of hemorrhagic complications or death from vascular stretching and rupture in advanced cases. The management of hypernatremia focuses on judicious replacement of free water deficit to restore normal plasma osmolality as well as identification and correction of underlying causes of hypernatremia. Electrolyte-free water replacement is the preferred therapy though electrolyte (sodium) containing hypotonic fluids can also be used in some circumstances. Oral free water replacement guided by thirst is ideal though parenteral fluid replacement is usually necessary in critically ill ICU patients. Various calculations for estimating free water deficit are available and any can be used to guide initial fluid replacement therapy. Rate of correction depends on rapidity of hypernatremia development, though frequent monitoring of plasma sodium levels is essential to ensure appropriate response and to adjust the rate of fluid replacement to prevent the risk of cerebral edema from rapid correction of chronic hypernatremia. Free water requirements should be routinely assessed in ICU patients and judicious electrolyte and free water replacement prescribed for those at risk of hypernatremia.
Development of a real-time-position prediction algorithm for under-actuated robot manipulator by using of artificial neural network
Authors: Al-Assadi H M A A , Mat Isa A A , Hasan Ali T , Rahman Z A , Heimann B
Published: May 2011

An adaptive learning algorithm using an artificial neural network (ANN) has been proposed to predict the passive joint position of under-actuated robot manipulator. In this approach, a specific ANN model has been designed and trained to learn a desired set of joint angular positions for the passive joint from a given set of input torque and angular position for the active joint over a certain period of time. Trying to overcome the disadvantages of many used techniques in the literature, the ANNs have a significant advantage of being a model-free method. The learning algorithm can directly determine the position of its passive joint, and can, therefore, completely eliminate the need for any system modelling. Even though it is very difficult in practice, data used in this study were recorded experimentally from sensors fixed on robot’s joints to overcome the effect of kinematics uncertainties present in the real world such as ill-defined linkage parameters and backlashes in gear trains. An ANN was trained using the experimentally obtained data and then used to predict the path of the passive joint that is positioned by the dynamic coupling of the active joint. The generality and efficiency of the proposed algorithm are demonstrated through simulations of an under-actuated robot manipulator; finally, the obtained results were successfully verified experimentally.
Isothermal free jets in high-temperature surroundings
Authors: Azim M A
Published: May 2011

Two types of isothermal free jets, named positively and negatively buoyant, have been studied numerically to discern the effect of surrounding temperatures on their flow dynamics. Turbulence closure in those jets was achieved by standard k - ε model. The governing equations were solved using Implicit θ-Scheme and Tridiagonal Matrix Algorithm. Calculations were made for the jets having constant temperature at 20 °C and by varying surrounding temperatures from 20°C to 1000°C. It is clear that negatively buoyant jets but not the positively buoyant jets are nearly invariant to the change in surrounding temperatures compared to non-buoyant jet. Change in fluid dynamical behaviour of positively buoyant jets due to surrounding temperature change seems promising as it may offer the advantages of fuel jets in high-temperature air combustion.
‘Therapeutic community’, psychiatry’s reformers and antipsychiatrists: reconsidering changes in the field of psychiatry after World War II
Authors: Fussinger Catherine
Published: May 2011

In addition to outlining some core characteristics of the therapeutic community — an approach developed during World War II — this article describes the achievements of reformist psychiatrists in the field of the therapeutic community during the 1950s and also discusses the appropriation of this model by the antipsychiatrists during the 1960s. By emphasizing the proximity of their respective contributions, rather than their generally accepted radical differences, this article is an invitation to renew the way historians consider the dynamics of change in psychiatry after WWII.
‘In good times and in bad’: boundary relations of psychoanalysis in post-war USA
Authors: Brunner José , Ophir Orna
Published: May 2011

This paper suggests writing the history of psychoanalysis by focusing on the manifold ways in which its practitioners may relate to the boundaries dividing it from its neighbouring professions. This approach is illustrated by two loosely interrelated examples: the 1950s debate among leading US psychoanalysts on whether borderline patients can be analysed, and the 1990s responses of psychoanalysts to psychopharmacological treatments of schizophrenia. A close reading of psychoanalysts’ journal publications reveals in each instance multiplicity (of voices), instability (of boundaries), duality (of defence and dialogue) and simultaneity (of internal and external addressees). At the same time, a common rhetorical stance emerged in each period, serving as a shared discursive frame while allowing a plurality of boundary relations.
Reforming psychiatric institutions in the mid-twentieth century: a framework for analysis
Authors: Henckes Nicolas
Published: May 2011

This article develops an analytical framework of processes of institutional reform in psychiatry in Western countries during the last century. It discusses explanations of social change based on deinstitutionalization and proposes instead to put reform practices themselves at the centre of the analysis. Thus, central to this framework is the historicity of the idea of reform itself. Taking the case of France as an example, the article shows how the diffusion of a reformist ethos within psychiatry in the post-World War II period can be accounted for by a change in medical expertise during the first half of the century. It concludes with a discussion of the changing relationship between psychiatrists and the State in the twentieth century.
Writing the history of psychiatry in the 20th century
Authors: Hess Volker , Majerus Benoît
Published: May 2011

As editors of the special issue, we try to summarize here the historiographic trends of the field. We argue that the field of research is accommodating the diversity of the institutional, social and political developments. But there is no narrative in sight which can explain the psychiatry of the 20th century, comparable to the authoritative coherence achieved for the 19th century. In contrast, the efforts to extend these narratives to the 20th century are largely missing the most impressive transformation of psychiatric treatment — and self-definition.
The temporal and spatial quantification of Holocene sediment dynamics in a meso-scale catchment in northern Bavaria, Germany
Authors: Fuchs M. , Will M. , Kunert E. , Kreutzer S. , Fischer M. , Reverman R.
Published: May 2011

The Aufsess River catchment (97 km2) in northern Bavaria, Germany, is studied to establish a Holocene sediment budget and to investigate the sediment dynamics since the early times of farming in the third millennium BCE. The temporal characterization of the sediment dynamics is based on an intensive dating program with 73 OSL and 14 14C ages. To estimate soil erosion and deposition, colluvial and alluvial archives are investigated in the field by piling and trenching, supported by laboratory analyses. The sediment budget shows that 58% of these sediments are stored as colluvium in on- and foot-slope positions, 9% are stored as alluvium in the floodplains and 33% are exported from the Aufsess River catchment. Colluviation starts in the end-Neolithic ( c. 3100 BCE), while first indicators of soil erosion-derived alluviation is recorded c. 2–3 ka later. The pattern of sedimentation rates also displays differences between the colluvial and alluvial system, with a distinct increase in the Middle Ages ( c. 1000 CE) for the alluvial system, while the colluvial system records low sedimentation rates for this period. A contrast is also observed since Modern times ( c. 1500 CE), with increasing sedimentation rates for the colluvial system, whereas the alluvial system records decreasing rates. The different behavior of the colluvial and alluvial systems clearly shows the non-linear behavior of the catchment’s fluvial system. The results further suggest that human impact is most probably the dominant factor influencing the sediment dynamics of the catchment since the introduction of farming.
A modern pollen–temperature calibration data set from Korea and quantitative temperature reconstructions for the Holocene
Authors: Park Jungjae
Published: May 2011

Modern surface pollen samples from the mountains along the east coast of Korea were used to derive pollen–temperature transfer functions. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and detrended canonical correspondence analysis (DCCA) were performed to test the robustness of the relationship between the modern pollen assemblages and temperatures. The relationship exhibited a high correlation (DCA, r = −0.887; DCCA, r = −0.908). The performance of the best weighted averaging partial least squares (WA-PLS) transfer function was statistically good ([Formula: see text] = 0.74; RMSEP = 1.79°C). In order to quantitatively reconstruct the Holocene temperature changes, the best model was applied to five fossil pollen records produced from four coastal lagoons of the east coast and one high-altitude peat bog. Anomalies calculated from reconstructed paleotemperature data were combined to generate a synthesis temperature reconstruction for the east coast of Korea, in which the ‘Medieval Warm Period’, ‘Little Ice Age’, and ‘Migration Period’ were clearly shown. This study demonstrated the validity of the quantitative reconstruction of paleotemperature using the pollen–climate transfer function, even in heavily human-impacted areas such as the Korean Peninsula.
East Asian Experience on Growth and Equity
Authors: Kolluru Srinivas , Rao Bhanoji
Published: May 2011

This article succinctly summarizes the growth experience of the four East Asian tiger economies (Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan) and three Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) states (Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand). The crisis of 1997–98 had come to pass and the economies have returned to growth but not at the same tempo as in the earlier times. Several of the economies have experienced significantly reduced levels of poverty and visible inequalities. The degree of income inequality (measured by the Gini coefficient), however, stays more or less constant, with the level being especially low in economies that have taken steps to keep it low. A number of lessons and implications can be drawn from the experience of East Asia. Examples are the importance of an investor friendly economic climate, an efficient public sector; explicit advocacy of family limitation; ensuring the building up of infrastructure ahead of time; and minimising visible inequality and inequalities in opportunities.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Determinants of Service Recovery
Authors: Sabharwal Nidhi , Soch Harmeen
Published: May 2011

This study conceptualizes a framework of service recovery based on equity theory by developing constructs measuring the behavioural intentions of complainants and non-complainants during service failure. Measures of justice, severity of service failure and satisfaction with service recovery are used to design a new scale. Primary data is collected in two separate studies surveying 241 and 752 mobile phone users respectively. The scale is tested for reliability and validity using structural equation modelling. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is used to assess its unidimensionality and model fit. The analysis reveals a good model-fit and the new scale reports for convergent and discriminant validity. This reliable and valid service recovery scale helps in comprehending the theory behind service failure and recovery and enables an understanding of perceived justice in a consumer’s mind post service failure.
A Comparative Study of Customer Satisfaction between Two Indian Retail Brands
Authors: Roy Rajib , Bhattacharya Amit Kumar , Sengupta Partha Pratim
Published: May 2011

The present study is an attempt to measure the customer satisfaction of two competitive Indian retail rands and draw a comparison between the two based on customer service quality and value creation. The comparative analysis is drawn using Multiple Regression Model and before that measurement scale has been defined to measure the regressand and the regressors using primary data. The findings include how and to what extent customer service quality and value creation affect customer satisfaction in case of both the brands. The number of factors influencing customer satisfaction is restricted to two, which can be increased as time progresses and modern retail businesses gets matured in Indian market with development and interplay of more factors and surely can provide further scope of future research. This research work will help the retail managers in general, including those of the concerned brands, to understand their key areas of strength comparatively and accordingly frame their strategies for decision making in order to improve customer satisfaction and gain competitive advantage.
Self-Governance Through Group Discussion in Wikipedia
Authors: Black Laura W. , Welser Howard T. , Cosley Dan , DeGroot Jocelyn M.
Published: May 2011

Virtual teams and other online groups can find it challenging to establish norms that allow them to effectively balance task and relational aspects of their discussions. Yet, in our reliance on organizational and team theories, small group scholars have overlooked the potential for learning from examples offered by online communities. Theories of deliberation in small groups offer scholars a way to assess such discussion-centered self-governance in online groups. The study operationalizes the conceptual definition of deliberative discussion offered by Gastil and Black (2008) to examine the small group discussions that undergird policy-making processes in a well-established online community, Wikipedia. Content analysis shows that these discussions demonstrated a relatively high level of problem analysis and providing of information, but results were mixed in the group’s demonstration of respect, consideration, and mutual comprehension. Network visualizations reveal structural patterns that can be useful in examining equality, influence, and group member roles. The combination of measures has implications for future research in deliberative discussion and virtual teamwork.
New Horizons of Translational Research and Research Translation in Social Work
Authors: Palinkas Lawrence A. , Soydan Haluk
Published: May 2011

There has been an increasing focus on the process of translating research into practice in all fields of health and social services. This focus has shed considerable light on the potential for social workers to play a pivotal role in conducting translational research and facilitating research translation. This article examines new opportunities, directions, and methods for engaging in translational research and research translation; provides examples of social worker leadership in specific translational research studies, methods development, training programs, and National Institutes of Health-funded Clinical and Translational Science Institutes; and describes a strategy for research that meets the specific needs and draws upon the specific strengths of our profession.
The Evolution of Vocational Psychology: Questions for a Postmodern Applied Discipline
Authors: Krieshok Thomas S. , Motl Thomas C. , Rutt Benjamin T.
Published: May 2011

Vocational psychology has a long history of acting as a lens that focuses research in basic sciences on the particular experience of work in people’s lives. This article presents several areas on the ascendancy in the broader scientific literature and ask how vocational psychology might apply them to issues of work in people’s lives. The authors’ observations tend to revolve around the growing view of humans as less rational and more intuitive than our earlier understanding. In that vein, the authors discuss (a) differences between the environment in which we evolved and the one in which we currently exist; (b) the singularity of our evolutionary impetus to survive and reproduce (that excludes our current emphasis on happiness); (c) the modular, two-system brain that includes our unconscious/intuitive system and our conscious/rational system; and (d) several recent developments in psychotherapy that recognize and respond to some of these new understandings. For simplicity sake, our questions might be subsumed under the larger question: How do we apply post-rational theory to hyperrational humans? Rejuvenation of the field might be tied to our willingness to listen to science being done around us, and not relying too heavily on the excellent work accomplished by those who came before us.
Smoke and Mirrors: Some Reflections on the Science and Politics of Geoengineering
Authors: Humphreys David
Published: May 2011

This article identifies and explores some of the political issues that will need to be addressed in the governance of geoengineering. It is argued that the diversity of different possible geoengineering techniques—encompassing solar radiation management (SRM) and carbon dioxide removal (CDR), and further divided into territorial techniques and commons-based techniques—rules out a single mode of geoengineering governance. Whereas some geoengineering techniques may be effective when implemented by a small number of countries, others would need to be implemented around the globe and involve most countries of the world, with different countries having different comparative advantages in the various geoengineering techniques. Such an enterprise would generate collective action problems related to implementation and disagreements over who should pay for the financial and nonfinancial costs of geoengineering. Nonetheless, a more coherent system of geoengineering governance is possible and is necessary if international conflict is to be avoided and the risks of unintended consequences are to be minimized. Any new international institutional design on geoengineering will need to address some pressing political and scientific questions, including the desired mean temperature of the world’s climate, the possible role of CDR technologies in carbon offsets and emissions-trading schemes, and whether there should be differentiated obligations between different groups of states.
A Bayesian regression model for circular data based on the projected normal distribution
Authors: Nuñez-Antonio Gabriel , Gutiérrez-Peña Eduardo , Escarela Gabriel
Published: May 2011

Inferences based on regression models for a directional response are usually problematic. This paper presents a Bayesian analysis of a regression model for circular data using the projected normal distribution. Inferences about the model are based on samples from the posterior densities which are obtained using the Gibbs sampler after the introduction of suitable latent variables. The problem of missing data in the response variable is also addressed in this context as is the use of a predictive criterion for model selection. The procedures are illustrated using two simulated datasets a dataset previously analysed in the literature and a real dataset concerning wind directions.
First-Bite Syndrome Complicating Carotid Endarterectomy: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wong Eugene H. C. , Farrier Jerry N. , Cooper David G.
Published: May 2011

First-bite syndrome (FBS) is an infrequently encountered complication of parapharyngeal space surgery. Patients experience excruciating pain in the ipsiltateral parotid gland region at the first bite of each meal, which improves with subsequent mastication. This is thought to be due to parotid gland sympathetic denervation from surgery with resultant hypersensitivity to parasympathetic impulses. There is no consensus on best treatment for FBS although symptoms tend to improve with time. There are only 2 case reports linking carotid endarterectomy and FBS so far. We report the third case of FBS after carotid endarterectomy to raise awareness among vascular surgeons of the possibility of this complication.
‘‘Relining’’ of Thoracic Aortic Stent Grafts for Patients Presenting With Rupture/Impending Rupture
Authors: Wang Grace J. , Jackson Benjamin M. , Woo Edward Y. , Bavaria Joseph E. , Desai Nimesh D. , Pochettino Alberto , Fairman Ronald M.
Published: May 2011

Objectives: To report a series of patients following thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) presenting with rupture, who were effectively treated with TEVAR relining. Methods: Five patients who underwent repeat TEVAR in an urgent fashion were identified. Chart review was performed to identify demographics, device type, aneurysm characteristics, and postoperative course. Results: Mean time to relining procedure was 5.8 (range 2-10) years. All patients had ≥3 device components originally placed. Mean size of the original aneurysm was 7.2 cm (range 6.6-8). All patients underwent relining with proximal and distal extension with immediate technical success. At a mean follow-up of 1.3 years, there was no evidence of endoleak and no patients required repeat intervention. Conclusions: Complete relining with proximal and distal extension was effective in treating patients presenting with rupture. These findings suggest that proximal and distal landing zones provided, relining should be considered the initial management strategy in patients s/p TEVAR re-presenting with rupture
The Potential Value of Adding Colonic Sonography to Routine Abdominal Protocol in Patients With Active Pain
Authors: Legault Kingstone Lysa , Kielar Ania Z. , McInnes Matthew , Swan Hans
Published: May 2011

Abdominal sonography examinations include evaluation of solid intra-abdominal organs but do not routinely include assessment of the colon. The focus of this study was to determine the utility of colonic sonography in addition to abdominal imaging in the prospective evaluation of patients with nonspecific acute or subacute abdominal symptoms. Patients referred for abdominal sonography for investigation of abdominal pain were evaluated by performing routine abdominal sonography followed by a detailed colonic sonographic examination. Final diagnosis was established by a clinical history questionnaire. Twelve colon (46%) or colon-related pathologies were identified, occurring in the cohort of 26 patients with a mean age of 23 years (range, 18—77 years). Sonographic findings included normal colon ( n = 13), inflammatory bowel diseases ( n = 6), diverticular disease ( n = 5), and colon-related ancillary findings ( n = 1). The dedicated colon sonographic examination yielded a sensitivity of 91.6%, specificity of 92.8%, positive predictive value of 91.6%, and negative predictive value of 92.8% ( P < .17). Integrating the dedicated colon sonographic examination in addition to the routine abdominal sonography identified significant bowel disease and provided additional information regarding causes of patient symptoms. As this is a pilot study, additional prospective studies in larger populations are required to confirm the results and conclusions.
Appendicitis in the Deep Pelvis
Authors: Davie Katherine , Gillis Katherine W. , Newton Logan Sara
Published: May 2011

Sonography is an excellent tool to identify the appendix in patients with abdominal pain. If a normal appendix is identified, then a search for alternative pathology can be pursued. Identifying the appendix can be challenging: the location varies, overlying bowel gas interferes, and patient size can affect the resolution. Specific sonographic findings can help identify when an appendix is inflamed. A positive appendicitis may present with varying sonographic characteristics, and the tip of the appendix may present in atypical locations. The classic location of the appendix originates off the cecum with the tip draping over the iliac vessels in the right lower quadrant. This case report describes a case of appendicitis in the deep pelvis. Sonography of the appendix bears enormous responsibility and, when done correctly, may still require clinical corroboration.
T and B lymphocyte abnormalities in bone marrow biopsies of common variable immunodeficiency
Authors: Ochtrop Manuella L. Gomes , Goldacker Sigune , May Annette M. , Rizzi Marta , Draeger Ruth , Hauschke Dieter , Stehfest Claudia , Warnatz Klaus , Goebel Heike , Technau-Ihling Katja , Werner Martin , Salzer Ulrich , Eibel Hermann , Schlesier Michael , Peter Hans Hartmut
Published: May 2011

In common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) defects in early stages of B-cell development, bone marrow (BM) plasma cells and T lymphocytes have not been studied systematically. Here we report the first morphologic and flow cytometric study of B- and T-cell populations in CVID BM biopsies and aspirates. Whereas the hematopoietic compartment showed no major lineage abnormalities, analysis of the lymphoid compartment exhibited major pathologic alterations. In 94% of the patients, BM plasma cells were either absent or significantly reduced and correlated with serum immunoglobulin G levels. Biopsies from CVID patients had significantly more diffuse and nodular CD3+ T lymphocyte infiltrates than biopsies from controls. These infiltrates correlated with autoimmune cytopenia but not with other clinical symptoms or with disease duration and peripheral B-cell counts. Nodular T-cell infiltrates correlated significantly with circulating CD4+CD45R0+ memory T cells, elevated soluble IL2-receptor and neopterin serum levels indicating an activated T-cell compartment in most patients. Nine of 25 patients had a partial block in B-cell development at the pre-B-I to pre-B-II stage. Because the developmental block correlates with lower transitional and mature B-cell counts in the periphery, we propose that these patients might form a new subgroup of CVID patients.
Hydroxychloroquine drastically reduces immune activation in HIV-infected, antiretroviral therapy–treated immunologic nonresponders
Authors: Piconi Stefania , Parisotto Serena , Rizzardini Giuliano , Passerini Simone , Terzi Roberta , Argenteri Barbara , Meraviglia Paola , Capetti Amedeo , Biasin Mara , Trabattoni Daria , Clerici Mario
Published: May 2011

Despite optimal suppression of HIV replication, restoration of CD4+ T cells is not always achieved in antiretroviral therapy–treated individuals. Defective CD4 recovery in immunologic nonresponders is possibly associated with TLR-mediated immune activation driven by alterations of gut permeability. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) reduces endosomal TLR signaling; thus, we verified whether HCQ could dampen immune activation and be associated with an increase in CD4+ T cells. To this end, we enrolled in a prospective study 20 HIV-infected immunologic nonresponders (CD4 count < 200 cells/mL or CD4 increase < 5% in the last 12 months) who received 400 mg/day HCQ for 6 months. HCQ had a notable impact on immune activation as shown by significant modifications of the following parameters: (1) reduced plasma lipopolysaccharide; (2) decreased TLR4-expressing CD14+ cells, TLR4-mediated signal transduction, and mRNA synthesis; (3) reduced percentages of activated CD4+ (CD4+/Ki67+) and CD14+ (CD14+/CD69+) cells; (4) increased T-regulatory cells (Tregs), naive Tregs, and TLR4-expressing Tregs; (5) augmented plasmacytoid dendritic cells and reduced IFNα-secreting plasmacytoid dendritic cells; and (6) reduced IL-6 and TNFα production. HCQ-induced immune modulation was associated with increased percentages of circulating CD4+ T cells and was mostly retained 2 months after therapy interruption. HCQ reduces lipopolysaccharide/TLR-mediated immune activation; this compound could be a useful immunomodulant in HIV-infected patients. This study is registered at EutraCT as 2009-012499-28 with study number HLS01/2009-1-16-03-2009.
Heat-shock protein gp96/grp94 is an essential chaperone for the platelet glycoprotein Ib-IX-V complex
Authors: Staron Matthew , Wu Shuang , Hong Feng , Stojanovic Aleksandra , Du Xiaoping , Bona Robert , Liu Bei , Li Zihai
Published: May 2011

The platelet glycoprotein Ib-IX-V complex (GPIb-IX-IV) is the receptor for VWF and is responsible for VWF-mediated platelet activation and aggregation. Loss of the GPIb-IX-V complex is pathogenic for Bernard-soulier Syndrome (BSS), which is characterized by macrothrombocytopenia and impaired platelet function. It remains unclear how the GPIb-IX-V complex is assembled and whether there is a role for a specific molecular chaperone in the process. In the present study, we report that the assembly of the GPIb-IX-V complex depends critically on a molecular chaperone in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER): gp96 (also known as grp94 and HSP90b1). gp96/grp94 deletion in the murine hematopoietic system results in thrombocytopenia, prolonged bleeding time, and giant platelets that are clinically indistinguishable from human BSS. Loss of gp96/grp94 in vivo and in vitro leads to the concomitant reduction in GPIb-IX complex expression due to ER-associated degradation. We further demonstrate that gp96/grp94 binds selectively to the GPIX subunit, but not to gpIbα or gpIbβ. Therefore, we identify the platelet GPIX subunit of the GPIb-IX-V complex as an obligate and novel client of gp96/grp94.
Genetic effects of polymorphisms in candidate genes and the QTL region on chicken age at first egg
Authors: Xu Haiping , Zeng Hua , Luo Chenglong , Zhang Dexiang , Wang Qian , Sun Liang , Yang Lishan , Zhou Min , Nie Qinghua , Zhang Xiquan
Published: May 2011

Background

The age at first egg (AFE), an important indicator for sexual maturation in female chickens, is controlled by polygenes. Based on our knowledge of reproductive physiology, 6 genes including gonadotrophin releasing hormone-I (GnRH-I), neuropeptide Y (NPY), dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), VIP receptor-1 (VIPR-1), and prolactin (PRL), were selected as candidates for influencing AFE. Additionally, the region between ADL0201 and MCW0241 of chromosome Z was chosen as the candidate QTL region according to some QTL databases. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of mutations in candidate genes and the QTL region on chicken AFE.

Results

Marker-trait association analysis of 8 mutations in those 6 genes in a Chinese native population found a highly significant association (P < 0.01) between G840327C of the GnRH-I gene with AFE, and it remained significant even with Bonferroni correction. Based on the results of the 2-tailed χ2 test, mutations T32742394C, T32742468C, G32742603A, and C33379782T in the candidate QTL region of chromosome Z were selected for marker-trait association analysis. The haplotypes of T32742394C and T32742468C were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with AFE. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that T32742394C and T32742468C were located in the intron region of the SH3-domain GRB2-like 2 (SH3GL2) gene, which appeared to be associated in the endocytosis and development of the oocyte.

Conclusion

This study found that G840327C of the GnRH-I gene and the haplotypes of T32742394C-T32742468C of the SH3GL2 gene were associated with the chicken AFE.
Comparative fecal metagenomics unveils unique functional capacity of the swine gut
Authors: Lamendella Regina , Santo Domingo Jorge W , Ghosh Shreya , Martinson John , Oerther Daniel B
Published: May 2011

Background

Uncovering the taxonomic composition and functional capacity within the swine gut microbial consortia is of great importance to animal physiology and health as well as to food and water safety due to the presence of human pathogens in pig feces. Nonetheless, limited information on the functional diversity of the swine gut microbiome is available.

Results

Analysis of 637, 722 pyrosequencing reads (130 megabases) generated from Yorkshire pig fecal DNA extracts was performed to help better understand the microbial diversity and largely unknown functional capacity of the swine gut microbiome. Swine fecal metagenomic sequences were annotated using both MG-RAST and JGI IMG/M-ER pipelines. Taxonomic analysis of metagenomic reads indicated that swine fecal microbiomes were dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla. At a finer phylogenetic resolution, Prevotella spp. dominated the swine fecal metagenome, while some genes associated with Treponema and Anareovibrio species were found to be exclusively within the pig fecal metagenomic sequences analyzed. Functional analysis revealed that carbohydrate metabolism was the most abundant SEED subsystem, representing 13% of the swine metagenome. Genes associated with stress, virulence, cell wall and cell capsule were also abundant. Virulence factors associated with antibiotic resistance genes with highest sequence homology to genes in Bacteroidetes, Clostridia, and Methanosarcina were numerous within the gene families unique to the swine fecal metagenomes. Other abundant proteins unique to the distal swine gut shared high sequence homology to putative carbohydrate membrane transporters.

Conclusions

The results from this metagenomic survey demonstrated the presence of genes associated with resistance to antibiotics and carbohydrate metabolism suggesting that the swine gut microbiome may be shaped by husbandry practices.
Evolution in an oncogenic bacterial species with extreme genome plasticity: Helicobacter pyloriEast Asian genomes
Authors: Kawai Mikihiko , Furuta Yoshikazu , Yahara Koji , Tsuru Takeshi , Oshima Kenshiro , Handa Naofumi , Takahashi Noriko , Yoshida Masaru , Azuma Takeshi , Hattori Masahira , Uchiyama Ikuo , Kobayashi Ichizo
Published: May 2011

Background

The genome of Helicobacter pylori, an oncogenic bacterium in the human stomach, rapidly evolves and shows wide geographical divergence. The high incidence of stomach cancer in East Asia might be related to bacterial genotype. We used newly developed comparative methods to follow the evolution of East Asian H. pylori genomes using 20 complete genome sequences from Japanese, Korean, Amerind, European, and West African strains.

Results

A phylogenetic tree of concatenated well-defined core genes supported divergence of the East Asian lineage (hspEAsia; Japanese and Korean) from the European lineage ancestor, and then from the Amerind lineage ancestor. Phylogenetic profiling revealed a large difference in the repertoire of outer membrane proteins (including oipA, hopMN, babABC, sabAB and vacA-2) through gene loss, gain, and mutation. All known functions associated with molybdenum, a rare element essential to nearly all organisms that catalyzes two-electron-transfer oxidation-reduction reactions, appeared to be inactivated. Two pathways linking acetyl~CoA and acetate appeared intact in some Japanese strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed greater divergence between the East Asian (hspEAsia) and the European (hpEurope) genomes in proteins in host interaction, specifically virulence factors (tipα), outer membrane proteins, and lipopolysaccharide synthesis (human Lewis antigen mimicry) enzymes. Divergence was also seen in proteins in electron transfer and translation fidelity (miaA, tilS), a DNA recombinase/exonuclease that recognizes genome identity (addA), and DNA/RNA hybrid nucleases (rnhAB). Positively selected amino acid changes between hspEAsia and hpEurope were mapped to products of cagA, vacA, homC (outer membrane protein), sotB (sugar transport), and a translation fidelity factor (miaA). Large divergence was seen in genes related to antibiotics: frxA (metronidazole resistance), def (peptide deformylase, drug target), and ftsA (actin-like, drug target).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate dramatic genome evolution within a species, especially in likely host interaction genes. The East Asian strains appear to differ greatly from the European strains in electron transfer and redox reactions. These findings also suggest a model of adaptive evolution through proteome diversification and selection through modulation of translational fidelity. The results define H. pylori East Asian lineages and provide essential information for understanding their pathogenesis and designing drugs and therapies that target them.
The impact of direct provision accommodation for asylum seekers on organisation and delivery of local primary care and social care services: A case study
Authors: Pieper Hans-Olaf , Clerkin Pauline , MacFarlane Anne
Published: May 2011

Background

Many western countries have policies of dispersal and direct provision accommodation (state-funded accommodation in an institutional centre) for asylum seekers. Most research focuses on its effect on the asylum seeking population. Little is known about the impact of direct provision accommodation on organisation and delivery of local primary care and social care services in the community. The aim of this research is to explore this issue.

Methods

In 2005 a direct provision accommodation centre was opened in a rural area in Ireland. A retrospective qualitative case study was designed comprising in-depth interviews with 37 relevant stakeholders. Thematic analysis following the principles of framework analysis was applied.

Results

There was lack of advance notification to primary care and social care professionals and the community about the new accommodation centre. This caused anxiety and stress among relevant stakeholders. There was insufficient time to plan and prepare appropriate primary care and social care for the residents, causing a significant strain on service delivery. There was lack of clarity about how primary care and social care needs of the incoming residents were to be addressed. Interdisciplinary support systems developed informally between healthcare professionals. This ensured that residents of the accommodation centre were appropriately cared for.

Conclusions

Direct provision accommodation impacts on the organisation and delivery of local primary care and social care services. There needs to be sufficient advance notification and inter-agency, inter-professional dialogue to manage this. Primary care and social care professionals working with asylum seekers should have access to training to enhance their skills for working in cross-cultural consultations.
Hypokalemic paralysis associated with cystic disease of the kidney: case report
Authors: Gamakaranage Champika SSSK , Rodrigo Chaturaka , Jayasinghe Saroj , Rajapakse Senaka
Published: May 2011

Background

Severe hypokalemia is known to cause muscle paralysis, and renal tubular acidosis is a recognized cause. Cystic disease of the kidney is associated with severe hypokalemia.

Case presentation

We report a 33-year-old male patient who presented with generalized limb weakness caused by severe hypokalemia due to renal tubular acidosis, who was found to have renal medullary cysts.

Conclusion

The association of cystic renal disease with hypokalemia, and the possible pathophysiological basis of the development of renal cysts in patients with severe hypokalemia, are discussed.
Keratin 23, a novel DPC4/Smad4 target gene which binds 14-3-3ε
Authors: Liffers Sven-T , Maghnouj Abdelouahid , Munding Johanna B , Jackstadt René , Herbrand Ulrike , Schulenborg Thomas , Marcus Katrin , Klein-Scory Susanne , Schmiegel Wolff , Schwarte-Waldhoff Irmgard , Meyer Helmut E , Stühler Kai , Hahn Stephan A
Published: May 2011

Background

Inactivating mutations of SMAD4 are frequent in metastatic colorectal carcinomas. In previous analyses, we were able to show that restoration of Smad4 expression in Smad4-deficient SW480 human colon carcinoma cells was adequate to suppress tumorigenicity and invasive potential, whereas in vitro cell growth was not affected. Using this cellular model system, we searched for new Smad4 targets comparing nuclear subproteomes derived from Smad4 re-expressing and Smad4 negative SW480 cells.

Methods

High resolution two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis was applied to identify novel Smad4 targets in the nuclear subproteome of Smad4 re-expressing SW480 cells. The identified candidate protein Keratin 23 was further characterized by tandem affinity purification. Immunoprecipitation, subfractionation and immunolocalization studies in combination with RNAi were used to validate the Keratin 23-14-3-3ε interaction.

Results

We identified keratins 8 and 18, heat shock proteins 60 and 70, plectin 1, as well as 14-3-3ε and γ as novel proteins present in the KRT23-interacting complex. Co-immunoprecipitation and subfractionation analyses as well as immunolocalization studies in our Smad4-SW480 model cells provided further evidence that KRT23 associates with 14-3-3ε and that Smad4 dependent KRT23 up-regulation induces a shift of the 14-3-3ε protein from a nuclear to a cytoplasmic localization.

Conclusion

Based on our findings we propose a new regulatory circuitry involving Smad4 dependent up-regulation of KRT23 (directly or indirectly) which in turn modulates the interaction between KRT23 and 14-3-3ε leading to a cytoplasmic sequestration of 14-3-3ε. This cytoplasmic KRT23-14-3-3 interaction may alter the functional status of the well described 14-3-3 scaffold protein, known to regulate key cellular processes, such as signal transduction, cell cycle control, and apoptosis and may thus be a previously unappreciated facet of the Smad4 tumor suppressive circuitry.
Validity of the 32-item Hypomania Checklist (HCL-32) in a clinical sample with mood disorders in China
Authors: Yang Hai-chen , Yuan Cheng-mei , Liu Tie-bang , Li Ling-jiang , Peng Hong-jun , Liao Chun-ping , Rong Han , Fang Yi-ru , Angst Jules
Published: May 2011

Background

The 32-item Hypomania Checklist (HCL-32), a questionnaire for screening bipolar disorders, has been utilised in several countries, but it unclear if the Chinese version of the HCL-32 is valid.

Methods

Consecutive patients with bipolar disorders (BP, N = 300) and unipolar major depression (UP, N = 156) completed the Chinese version of the HCL-32. The subjects underwent a structured clinical interview for DSM-IV Axis-I disorders (SCID).

Results

The eigenvalues for the first three factors in the HCL-32 were calculated as 5.16 (active/elated), 2.72 (risk-taking) and 2.48 (irritable) using factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha for the HCL-32 was calculated to be 0.88. Positive responses to twenty-eight items were significantly more frequent by patients with BP than those with UP, and the other four items (7th, 21st, 25th and 32nd) showed no such trend. Fourteen was the optimal cut-off for discriminating between BP and UP. The HCL-32 distinguished between BP-II and UP, with 13 being the optimal cut-off. A cut-off of 13 yielded a sensitivity of 0.77 and a specificity of 0.62 between BP and UP.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the simplified Chinese version of HCL-32 was valid for patients with mood disorders. The optimal cut-off of 13 for distinguishing between BP-II and UP was valid and could be used to improve the sensitivity of screening BP-II patients when the HCL-32 is used in psychiatric settings in China.
Deficiency of mast cells in coronary artery endarterectomy of male patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Pleskovič Aleš , Vraspir-Porenta Olga , Zorc-Pleskovič Ruda , Petrovič Danijel , Zorc Metka , Milutinović Aleksandra
Published: May 2011

Background

Type 2 diabetes is an important risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). Focal or diffuse inflammation is often present in the vessels of patients with CAD. Mast cells are frequently present in the plaques as well as in the inflammatory infiltrates in the atherosclerotic vessel wall. In the study we wanted to examine whether there are differences in the morphology, number and distribution of mast cells and in their ability to modify the atherosclerotic process in coronary arteries (CA) in the diabetic vs. the hypertensive population of patients with CAD.

Methods

Coronary artery endarterectomy specimens were obtained from patients with diabetes or hypertension as the only risk factor for CAD. The specimens were stained with haematoxylin-eosin and Sulphated Alcian Blue for mast cells and with immunofluorescent methods for fibrinogen-fibrin and IgG deposits in the vessel wall. Both morphological and stereological assessments were conducted for mast cells and mononuclear cell infiltrates.

Results

The histological analysis of the vessel wall of diabetic patients in comparison with hypertensive patients showed a damaged endothelial cells layer and deposits of fibrin-fibrinogen and IgG in the tunica intima and media. The stereological count revealed a diminished numerical density of mast cells and a significantly higher volume density of the mononuclear cells. Mast cells displayed cytoplasmic vacuolization, extracellular extrusion of granule and pyknotic nuclei.

Conclusion

This preliminary study suggests that the impaired mast cells might be the reason for more extensive inflammatory and immunologic atherosclerotic changes in the CA vessel wall of CAD patients with type 2 diabetes.

Trial registration

134/88;C3-0564-381-92