bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restricted randomization of ZAMSTAR: a 2 × 2 factorial cluster randomized trial
Authors: Sismanidis Charalambos , Moulton Lawrence H , Ayles Helen , Fielding Katherine , Schaap Ab , Beyers Nulda , Bond Ginny , Godfrey-Faussett Peter , Hayes Richard
Published: August 2008

Background A small number of clusters and substantial variation between clusters increase the chance of unbalanced randomization in cluster randomized trials. Baseline imbalances between groups may distort intervention effects. When adjusting for imbalances in the cluster-level analysis, this results in loss of degrees of freedom. Variance reduction that can be achieved through stratification and blocking is limited. Restricted randomization is an alternative approach that ensures balanced allocation.

Purpose We present the randomization scheme used in the ZAMSTAR trial of tuberculosis control interventions in Southern Africa.

Methods We used stratification and restriction to randomize 24 clusters (16 Zambian, 8 South African) into four intervention groups in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Stratification was by country and tuberculous infection prevalence and restriction by tuberculous infection prevalence, HIV prevalence, urban/rural, social context, and geographical location. Balance was defined in terms of covariate-specific tolerance thresholds for the measure of imbalance. For binary (0/1) covariates we defined imbalance = max(Si) - min(Si), where, Si was the number of 1s in group i = 1,2,3,4. For continuous covariates we defined imbalance = (max(Mi) - min(Mi))/ min(Mi ), where, M i was the average in group i = 1,2,3,4.

We used simulation to estimate the restriction factor (proportion of unacceptable allocations) both for individual covariates and overall. Simulation was also used to investigate the validity of the restricted randomization design, with the use of the validity matrix, by monitoring the probability that any given pair of clusters is allocated to the same intervention group.

Results There were 3 657 930 400 possible ways of allocating the 24 clusters to the four groups after stratification. With a combined restriction factor of 0.998 this still left 7 million acceptable allocations. The final allocation was selected at a public ceremony from a randomly-generated list of acceptable allocations. The design of the allocation process was observed to be valid.

Limitations The restricted randomization scheme significantly decreased the total number of available allocations of clusters into intervention groups.

Conclusion Our restricted randomization was successful in that it achieved good balance while preserving the impartiality and validity of the trial. Clinical Trials 2008; 5: 316—327. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Should we forget forgetting?
Authors: Singer Jefferson A. , Conway Martin A.
Published: August 2008

Paul Connerton's inquiry in Memory Studies into the seven types of forgetting highlights forgetting as an active rather than passive process in both individual and larger cultural memory. The present article suggests that `forgetting' may be re-interpreted as a problem of relative accessibility from a larger store of available memory. Seen in this light, emotion, meaning and goal relevance are likely to affect a given memory's personal or cultural accessibility. Each of the seven types of forgetting is re-evaluated with these three critical factors' role in memory accessibility given greater attention and prominence.
Bergson's non-archival theory of memory
Authors: Burton James
Published: August 2008

Literal and metaphorical associations between memory and archives are found throughout traditional and contemporary thinking about memory. Despite a long-running tendency in the western tradition to doubt the adequacy of archival metaphors for memory, and despite much recent research that implicitly treats memory in terms of dynamic mnemonic and memorial processes, imprint/substrate models epitomized by Plato's wax tablet seem extraordinarily resistant to attempts to think memory beyond them. Henri Bergson's Matter and Memory, in which he makes a radical separation between the processes of recollection and `pure memory', provides both an argument for the tenacity of the memory—archive relation and an alternative, non-archival model of memory. In this article, I suggest the possible implications of this model for the way we think about both memory and the archive, and on the basis of this point towards Bergson's potential significance for the emergent field of memory studies.
Plate Fixation in Closed Ipsilateral Multiple Metacarpal Fractures
Authors: SOUER J. S. , MUDGAL C. S.
Published: August 2008

Closed multiple metacarpal fractures are uncommon. They are usually associated with significant soft tissue swelling. Early stable fixation and functional rehabilitation optimises outcome. We present a review of 19 patients with 43 metacarpal fractures treated by early open reduction and internal fixation with 2 mm plates. Eighteen patients recovered a full range of motion, while one patient was lost to follow-up. Implant removal on account of extensor irritation was required in only two metacarpals in two patients. Plating of multiple closed metacarpal fractures is a safe, reliable and consistently reproducible treatment method.
The Early History of Tubulation in Nerve Repair
Authors: IJPMA F. F. A. , VAN DE GRAAF R. C. , MEEK M. F.
Published: August 2008

The first experiments for bridging peripheral nerve gaps using nerve tubulation emerged in the 19th century. Because Gluck (1853–1942) is said to have performed the first animal experiment of nerve tubulation in 1880, it is interesting to explore the background and veracity of this claim. The original documents on nerve tubulation in the 19th century were studied. We conclude that the conduit that was initially used for nerve tubulation was derived from a resorbable decalcified bone tube developed for wound drainage by Neuber (1850–1932) in 1879. Gluck proposed the use of the bone tube as a guided conduit for regenerating nerves in 1881 but stated briefly that his experiments failed because of scar formation. Vanlair (1839–1914) documented the first successful application of nerve tubulation using a bone tube to bridge a 3 cm sciatic nerve defect in a dog in 1882.
Gene Expression Analysis of Dupuytren’s Disease: The Role of TGF-β2
Authors: ZHANG A. Y. , FONG K. D. , PHAM H. , NACAMULI R. P. , LONGAKER M. T. , CHANG J.
Published: August 2008

Dupuytren’s disease is characterised by nodular fibroblastic proliferation of the palmar fascia leading to contracture of the hand. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF- β) is thought to play a role in its pathogenesis. We performed a cDNA microarray analysis of Dupuytren’s diseased cord tissue with an emphasis on TGF- β isoforms. Normal-appearing transverse ligament of the palmar fascia from adjacent to the diseased cord and palmar fascia from patients undergoing carpal tunnel release were used as controls. TGF- β gene expression was confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Over 20 unique genes were found to be significantly up-regulated, including several previously reported genes. A dominant increase in TGF- β2 expression was seen in the cord tissue, whereas TGF- β1 and TGF- β3 were found not to be significantly up-regulated. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction confirmed these findings. This gene expression profile allows for further experiments that may eventually lead to gene therapy to block the development and progression of Dupuytren’s disease clinically.
Treatment of Radial Dysplasia by a Combination of Distraction, Radialisation and a Bilobed Flap – The Results at 5-Year Follow-Up
Authors: THATTE M. R. , MEHTA R.
Published: August 2008

Thirty-nine hands with radial dysplasia were prospectively treated between 1998 and 2005 by a combination of distraction, followed by radialisation, using bilobed flaps to redistribute the skin at the wrist. Correction of radial deviation and volar subluxation in 29 hands with an average follow-up of 6.5 years has been assessed. In 21 hands, the length and breadth of the ulna were measured in the corrected hands and compared to the contralateral normal ulna for length and contralateral normal radii for breadth at 5-year follow-up. The average length of the ulna was 72%, which was notably better than that reported in earlier series.
Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures with a Wrist-Bridging External Fixation: The Value of Alternating Electric Current Stimulation
Authors: ITOH S. , OHTA T. , SEKINO Y. , YUKAWA Y. , SHINOMIYA K.
Published: August 2008

The radiological and functional outcomes of two groups of comminuted intraarticular fractures of the distal radius that were treated with wrist-bridging external fixation, with or without an alternating electric current stimulation (EF + ES or EF group, respectively), were compared. The radial length, radial inclination and palmar tilt were measured on radiographs taken immediately after removal of wrist external fixator and also after bone union had occurred. Furthermore, active range of motion was compared at the final consultation. Bridging callus was observed earlier postoperatively in the EF + ES group than in the EF group. The radial length and palmar tilt were significantly larger, and the loss of radial length and radial inclination significantly smaller, in the EF + ES group. We believe that callus maturation is enhanced by alternating electric current stimulation, which enables the early removal of external fixator.
Madelung’s Deformity: Quantitative Radiographic Comparison with Normal Wrists
Authors: MCCARROLL H. R. , JAMES M. A. , NEWMEYER W. L. , MANSKE P. R.
Published: August 2008

Four measurements, ulnar tilt, lunate subsidence, lunate fossa angle and palmar carpal displacement, on wrist radiographs of 26 patients with Madelung’s deformity and 48 normal subjects were compared. The range of measurements on wrists with Madelung’s deformity was wider than on normal wrists, with severe deformities having very abnormal values. Some Madelung’s patients had values that were within the normal range for each of the four measurements. Measurement of the lunate fossa angle demonstrated the least overlap between normal wrists and wrists of patients with Madelung’s deformity with only two in the normal range. A lunate fossa angle over 29° may help identify early Madelung’s deformity.
Percutaneous Transtrapezial Fixation of Acute Scaphoid Fractures
Authors: MEERMANS G. , VERSTREKEN F.
Published: August 2008

Percutaneous screw fixation of undisplaced fractures of the scaphoid waist has gained popularity but remains technically demanding. This study describes a transtrapezial modification of the volar percutaneous technique and reports the results in 41 patients. The patients were evaluated at a mean of 36 months (range 14–68 months) after surgery. All fractures healed within 10 weeks (mean 6.4 weeks). Functional ranges of wrist motion and grip strength were achieved in all patients. Radiographs showed accurate central placement of the screw in all patients and no degenerative changes were seen at the scaphotrapezial joint. In three patients, the screw was removed because it was prominent at the scaphotrapezial joint.
Divergent effects of hypoxia on dendritic cell functions
Authors: Mancino Alessandra , Schioppa Tiziana , Larghi Paola , Pasqualini Fabio , Nebuloni Manuela , Chen I-Hsuan , Sozzani Silvano , Austyn Jonathan M. , Mantovani Alberto , Sica Antonio
Published: August 2008

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that patrol tissues to sense danger signals and activate specific immune responses. In addition, they also play a role in inflammation and tissue repair. Here, we show that oxygen availability is necessary to promote full monocyte-derived DC differentiation and maturation. Low oxygen tension (hypoxia) inhibits expression of several differentiation and maturation markers (CD1a, CD40, CD80, CD83, CD86, and MHC class II molecules) in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as well as their stimulatory capacity for T-cell functions. These events are paralleled by impaired up-regulation of the chemokine receptor CCR7, an otherwise necessary event for the homing of mature DCs to lymph nodes. In contrast, hypoxia strongly up-regulates production of proinflammatory cytokines, particularly TNFα and IL-1β, as well as the inflammatory chemokine receptor CCR5. Subcutaneous injection of hypoxic DCs into the footpads of mice results in defective DC homing to draining lymph nodes, but enhanced leukocyte recruitment at the site of injection. Thus, hypoxia uncouples the promotion of inflammatory and tissue repair from sentinel functions in DCs, which we suggest is a safeguard mechanism against immune reactivity to damaged tissues.
Generation of HIV-1–specific CD8+ cell responses following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Woolfrey Ann E. , Malhotra Uma , Harrington Robert D. , McNevin John , Manley Thomas J. , Riddell Stanley R. , Coombs Robert W. , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Corey Larry , Storb Rainer
Published: August 2008

This study tested whether donor-derived HIV-specific immune responses could be detected when viral replication was completely suppressed by the continuous administration of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). A regimen of fludarabine and 200 cGy total body irradiation was followed by infusion of allogeneic donor peripheral blood cells and posttransplantation cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil. Viral load, lymphocyte counts, and HIV-1–specific CD8+ cell immune responses were compared before and after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Uninterrupted administration of HAART was feasible during nonmyeloablative conditioning and after HCT. The HIV RNA remained undetectable and no HIV-associated infections were observed. CD8+ T-cell responses targeting multiple epitopes were detected before HCT. After HCT a different pattern of donor-derived HIV-specific CTL responses emerged by day +80, presumably primed in vivo. We conclude that allogeneic HCT offers the unique ability to characterize de novo HIV-1–specific immune responses. This clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT00112593).
Low plasma levels of tissue factor pathway inhibitor in patients with congenital factor V deficiency
Authors: Duckers Connie , Simioni Paolo , Spiezia Luca , Radu Claudia , Gavasso Sabrina , Rosing Jan , Castoldi Elisabetta
Published: August 2008

Severe factor V (FV) deficiency is associated with mild to severe bleeding diathesis, but many patients with FV levels lower than 1% bleed less than anticipated. We used calibrated automated thrombography to screen patients with severe FV deficiency for protective procoagulant defects. Thrombin generation in FV-deficient plasma was only measurable at high tissue factor concentrations. Upon reconstitution of FV-deficient plasma with purified FV, thrombin generation increased steeply with FV concentration, reaching a plateau at approximately 10% FV. FV-deficient plasma reconstituted with 100% FV generated severalfold more thrombin than normal plasma, especially at low tissue factor concentrations (1.36 pM) or in the presence of activated protein C, suggesting reduced tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) levels in FV-deficient plasma. Plasma TFPI antigen and activity levels were indeed lower (P < .001) in FV-deficient patients (n = 11; 4.0 ± 1.0 ng/mL free TFPI) than in controls (n = 20; 11.5 ± 4.8 ng/mL), while persons with partial FV deficiency had inter-mediate levels (n = 16; 7.9 ± 2.5 ng/mL). FV immunodepletion experiments in normal plasma and surface plasmon resonance analysis provided evidence for the existence of a FV/TFPI complex, possibly affecting TFPI stability/clearance in vivo. Low TFPI levels decreased the FV requirement for minimal thrombin generation in FV-deficient plasma to less than 1% and might therefore protect FV-deficient patients from severe bleeding.
Neutrophil elastase reduces secretion of secretory leukoproteinase inhibitor (SLPI) by lung epithelial cells: role of charge of the proteinase-inhibitor complex
Authors: Sullivan Anita L , Dafforn Timothy , Hiemstra Pieter S , Stockley Robert A
Published: August 2008

Background

Secretory leukoproteinase inhibitor (SLPI) is an important inhibitor of neutrophil elastase (NE), a proteinase implicated in the pathogenesis of lung diseases such as COPD. SLPI also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but the concentration of SLPI in lung secretions in COPD varies inversely with infection and the concentration of NE. A fall in SLPI concentration is also seen in culture supernatants of respiratory cells exposed to NE, for unknown reasons. We investigated the hypothesis that SLPI complexed with NE associates with cell membranes in vitro.

Methods

Respiratory epithelial cells were cultured in the presence of SLPI, varying doses of proteinases over time, and in different experimental conditions. The likely predicted charge of the complex between SLPI and proteinases was assessed by theoretical molecular modelling.

Results

We observed a rapid, linear decrease in SLPI concentration in culture supernatants with increasing concentration of NE and cathepsin G, but not with other serine proteinases. The effect of NE was inhibited fully by a synthetic NE inhibitor only when added at the same time as NE. Direct contact between NE and SLPI was required for a fall in SLPI concentration. Passive binding to cell culture plate materials was able to remove a substantial amount of SLPI both with and without NE. Theoretical molecular modelling of the structure of SLPI in complex with various proteinases showed a greater positive charge for the complex with NE and cathepsin G than for other proteinases, such as trypsin and mast cell tryptase, that also bind SLPI but without reducing its concentration.

Conclusion

These data suggest that NE-mediated decrease in SLPI is a passive, charge-dependent phenomenon in vitro, which may correlate with changes observed in vivo.
New time-scale criteria for model simplification of bio-reaction systems
Authors: Choi Junwon , Yang Kyung-won , Lee Tai-yong , Lee Sang Yup
Published: August 2008

Background

Quasi-steady state approximation (QSSA) based on time-scale analysis is known to be an effective method for simplifying metabolic reaction system, but the conventional analysis becomes time-consuming and tedious when the system is large. Although there are automatic methods, they are based on eigenvalue calculations of the Jacobian matrix and on linear transformations, which have a high computation cost. A more efficient estimation approach is necessary for complex systems.

Results

This work derived new time-scale factor by focusing on the problem structure. By mathematically reasoning the balancing behavior of fast species, new time-scale criteria were derived with a simple expression that uses the Jacobian matrix directly. The algorithm requires no linear transformation or decomposition of the Jacobian matrix, which has been an essential part for previous automatic time-scaling methods. Furthermore, the proposed scale factor is estimated locally. Therefore, an iterative procedure was also developed to find the possible multiple boundary layers and to derive an appropriate reduced model.

Conclusion

By successive calculation of the newly derived time-scale criteria, it was possible to detect multiple boundary layers of full ordinary differential equation (ODE) models. Besides, the iterative procedure could derive the appropriate reduced differential algebraic equation (DAE) model with consistent initial values, which was tested with simple examples and a practical example.
A structural approach for finding functional modules from large biological networks
Authors: Mete Mutlu , Tang Fusheng , Xu Xiaowei , Yuruk Nurcan
Published: August 2008

Background

Biological systems can be modeled as complex network systems with many interactions between the components. These interactions give rise to the function and behavior of that system. For example, the protein-protein interaction network is the physical basis of multiple cellular functions. One goal of emerging systems biology is to analyze very large complex biological networks such as protein-protein interaction networks, metabolic networks, and regulatory networks to identify functional modules and assign functions to certain components of the system. Network modules do not occur by chance, so identification of modules is likely to capture the biologically meaningful interactions in large-scale PPI data. Unfortunately, existing computer-based clustering methods developed to find those modules are either not so accurate or too slow.

Results

We devised a new methodology called SCAN (Structural Clustering Algorithm for Networks) that can efficiently find clusters or functional modules in complex biological networks as well as hubs and outliers. More specifically, we demonstrated that we can find functional modules in complex networks and classify nodes into various roles based on their structures. In this study, we showed the effectiveness of our methodology using the budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) protein-protein interaction network. To validate our clustering results, we compared our clusters with the known functions of each protein. Our predicted functional modules achieved very high purity comparing with state-of-the-art approaches. Additionally the theoretical and empirical analysis demonstrated a linear running-time of the algorithm, which is the fastest approach for networks.

Conclusion

We compare our algorithm with well-known modularity based clustering algorithm CNM. We successfully detect functional groups that are annotated with putative GO terms. Top-10 clusters with minimum p-value theoretically prove that newly proposed algorithm partitions network more accurately then CNM. Furthermore, manual interpretations of functional groups found by SCAN show superior performance over CNM.
Analysis of expressed sequence tags from Actinidia: applications of a cross species EST database for gene discovery in the areas of flavor, health, color and ripening
Authors: Crowhurst Ross N , Gleave Andrew P , MacRae Elspeth A , Ampomah-Dwamena Charles , Atkinson Ross G , Beuning Lesley L , Bulley Sean M , Chagne David , Marsh Ken B , Matich Adam J , Montefiori Mirco , Newcomb Richard D , Schaffer Robert J , Usadel Björn , Allan Andrew C , Boldingh Helen L , Bowen Judith H , Davy Marcus W , Eckloff Rheinhart , Ferguson A Ross , Fraser Lena G , Gera Emma , Hellens Roger P , Janssen Bart J , Klages Karin , Lo Kim R , MacDiarmid Robin M , Nain Bhawana , McNeilage Mark A , Rassam Maysoon , Richardson Annette C , Rikkerink Erik HA , Ross Gavin S , Schröder Roswitha , Snowden Kimberley C , Souleyre Edwige JF , Templeton Matt D , Walton Eric F , Wang Daisy , Wang Mindy Y , Wang Yanming Y , Wood Marion , Wu Rongmei , Yauk Yar-Khing , Laing William A
Published: August 2008

Background

Kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) are a relatively new, but economically important crop grown in many different parts of the world. Commercial success is driven by the development of new cultivars with novel consumer traits including flavor, appearance, healthful components and convenience. To increase our understanding of the genetic diversity and gene-based control of these key traits in Actinidia, we have produced a collection of 132,577 expressed sequence tags (ESTs).

Results

The ESTs were derived mainly from four Actinidia species (A. chinensis, A. deliciosa, A. arguta and A. eriantha) and fell into 41,858 non redundant clusters (18,070 tentative consensus sequences and 23,788 EST singletons). Analysis of flavor and fragrance-related gene families (acyltransferases and carboxylesterases) and pathways (terpenoid biosynthesis) is presented in comparison with a chemical analysis of the compounds present in Actinidia including esters, acids, alcohols and terpenes. ESTs are identified for most genes in color pathways controlling chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid biosynthesis. In the health area, data are presented on the ESTs involved in ascorbic acid and quinic acid biosynthesis showing not only that genes for many of the steps in these pathways are represented in the database, but that genes encoding some critical steps are absent. In the convenience area, genes related to different stages of fruit softening are identified.

Conclusion

This large EST resource will allow researchers to undertake the tremendous challenge of understanding the molecular basis of genetic diversity in the Actinidia genus as well as provide an EST resource for comparative fruit genomics. The various bioinformatics analyses we have undertaken demonstrates the extent of coverage of ESTs for genes encoding different biochemical pathways in Actinidia.
Fluoride content and recharge ability of five glassionomer dental materials
Authors: Markovic Dejan Lj , Petrovic Bojan B , Peric Tamara O
Published: August 2008

Background

The relationship between fluoride content and fluoride release for glass-ionomer cements is not well understood. The aim of this laboratory study was: to determine the fluoride concentrations at the surfaces of glass-ionomer materials with respect to different storage media and different pH environments; to examine the recharge ability of the materials after NaF immersion; and to assess the morphological changes at the material surfaces using scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopic techniques (SEM/EDS).

Methods

Five glass-ionomer materials, Fuji Triage (FT), Fuji II LC (FII), Fuji VIII (FVIII), Fuji IX GP (FIX), and Ketac N100 (KN), were analyzed in this study. Resin-based fluoride releasing material Helioseal F (HSF) was used as a comparison material. The sample consisted of 120 cured cement disks (n = 20 disks of each tested material, 10 × 1.5 mm). Five disks of each material were stored in 4 different storage media (I- saline, II- acidic solution ph = 2.5, III- acid solution ph = 5.5, IV- NaF solution (c = 500/106). After 7 days, two disks of each material were transferred from media I, II and III to the NaF solution for 3 min. EDS analysis was conducted in 3 randomly selected spots of each experimental disk. SEM was used to determine morphological characteristics of the material surface. Differences between the experimental groups have been analyzed using Student's t-test with the level of significance set at p < 0.001.

Results

FT showed the highest fluoride content at the surface of the material. The lowest amounts of fluoride ions were detected at the surfaces of the FT disks stored at low pH environments, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Glass-ionomers showed significantly higher fluoride concentrations when compared to the HSF (p < 0.001). After immersion in the NaF solution, fluoride concentrations at the surfaces of the disks increased when compared with previous storage media (FT>FVIII>KN>FII>FIX). SEM analysis of the surface morphology revealed numerous voids, cracks and microporosities in all experimental groups, except for KN and HSF. More homogenous material structure with more discrete cracks was observed in samples stored at neutral pH environment, compared to disks stored in acidic solutions.

Conclusion

The tested materials could be considered as promising dental materials with potential prophylactic characteristics due to their relatively high fluoride content, but also the ability to extensively reabsorb fluoride ions, especially in acidic environments.
SURFIN4.1, a schizont-merozoite associated protein in the SURFIN family of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Mphande Fingani A , Ribacke Ulf , Kaneko Osamu , Kironde Fred , Winter Gerhard , Wahlgren Mats
Published: August 2008

Background

In its effort to survive the human immune system, Plasmodium falciparum uses several parasite-derived antigens most of which are expressed at the surface of the parasitized red blood cells (pRBCs). Recently SURFINs, a new family of antigens encoded by the surf multi-gene family, has been reported. One member of the family, SURFIN4.2, was found present both at the pRBC-surface and at the merozoite apex.

Methods

The presence of a second SURFIN member, SURFIN4.1 (PFD0100c, PFD0105c) is reported here. Bioinformatic tools were used to study the structure of the surf
4.1 gene. To investigate the expression of surf genes PCR and real-time quantitative PCR (Rt-QPCR) were employed and Northern and Western blots were used to confirm the size of the surf
4.1 gene and the SURFIN4.1 protein respectively. Localization of SURFIN4.1 was determined using immunofluorescence assays.

Results

The surf
4.1 gene was found present in one copy by Rt-QPCR in some parasites (3D7AH1, 3D7S8, 7G8) whereas six copies of the gene were identified in FCR3 and FCR3S1.2. surf
4.1 was found transcribed in the late asexual stages of the parasite beginning ≈32 hours post invasion and throughout the schizont stages with the level of transcription peaking at late schizogony. The levels of transcript correlated with the number of gene copies in FCR3 and 3D7S8. surf
4.1 was found to encode a polypeptide of ≈Mw 258 kDa (SURFIN4.1) present within the parasitophorous vacuole (PV), around free merozoites as merozoite-associated material, but not at the pRBC-surface. Despite multiple surf
4.1 gene copies in some parasites this was not reflected in the levels of SURFIN4.1 polypeptide.

Conclusion

SURFIN4.1 is a member of the SURFINs, present in the PV and on the released merozoite. The results suggest different SURFINs to be expressed at different locations in the parasite and at distinct time-points during the intra-erythrocytic cycle.
Proteomic Profiling of Neuromas Reveals Alterations in Protein Composition and Local Protein Synthesis in Hyper-Excitable Nerves
Authors: Huang Hong-Lei , Cendan Cruz-Miguel , Roza Carolina , Okuse Kenji , Cramer Rainer , Timms John F , Wood John N
Published: August 2008

Neuropathic pain may arise following peripheral nerve injury though the molecular mechanisms associated with this are unclear. We used proteomic profiling to examine changes in protein expression associated with the formation of hyper-excitable neuromas derived from rodent saphenous nerves. A two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) profiling strategy was employed to examine protein expression changes between developing neuromas and normal nerves in whole tissue lysates. We found around 200 proteins which displayed a >1.75-fold change in expression between neuroma and normal nerve and identified 55 of these proteins using mass spectrometry. We also used immunoblotting to examine the expression of low-abundance ion channels Nav1.3, Nav1.8 and calcium channel α2δ-1 subunit in this model, since they have previously been implicated in neuronal hyperexcitability associated with neuropathic pain. Finally, S35methionine in vitro labelling of neuroma and control samples was used to demonstrate local protein synthesis of neuron-specific genes. A number of cytoskeletal proteins, enzymes and proteins associated with oxidative stress were up-regulated in neuromas, whilst overall levels of voltage-gated ion channel proteins were unaffected. We conclude that altered mRNA levels reported in the somata of damaged DRG neurons do not necessarily reflect levels of altered proteins in hyper-excitable damaged nerve endings. An altered repertoire of protein expression, local protein synthesis and topological re-arrangements of ion channels may all play important roles in neuroma hyper-excitability.
Loop-mediated isothermal amplification as an emerging technology for detection of Yersinia ruckerithe causative agent of enteric red mouth disease in fish
Authors: Saleh Mona , Soliman Hatem , El-Matbouli Mansour
Published: August 2008

Background

Enteric Redmouth (ERM) disease also known as Yersiniosis is a contagious disease affecting salmonids, mainly rainbow trout. The causative agent is the gram-negative bacterium Yersinia ruckeri. The disease can be diagnosed by isolation and identification of the causative agent, or detection of the Pathogen using fluorescent antibody tests, ELISA and PCR assays. These diagnostic methods are laborious, time consuming and need well trained personnel.

Results

A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed and evaluated for detection of Y. ruckeri the etiological agent of enteric red mouth (ERM) disease in salmonids. The assay was optimised to amplify the yruI/yruR gene, which encodes Y. ruckeri quorum sensing system, in the presence of a specific primer set and Bst DNA polymerase at an isothermal temperature of 63°C for one hour. Amplification products were detected by visual inspection, agarose gel electrophoresis and by real-time monitoring of turbidity resulted by formation of LAMP amplicons. Digestion with HphI restriction enzyme demonstrated that the amplified product was unique. The specificity of the assay was verified by the absence of amplification products when tested against related bacteria. The assay had 10-fold higher sensitivity compared with conventional PCR and successfully detected Y. ruckeri not only in pure bacterial culture but also in tissue homogenates of infected fish.

Conclusion

The ERM-LAMP assay represents a practical alternative to the microbiological approach for rapid, sensitive and specific detection of Y. ruckeri in fish farms. The assay is carried out in one hour and needs only a heating block or water bath as laboratory furniture. The advantages of the ERM-LAMP assay make it a promising tool for molecular detection of enteric red mouth disease in fish farms.
A review of imaging techniques for systems biology
Authors: Kherlopian Armen R , Song Ting , Duan Qi , Neimark Mathew A , Po Ming J , Gohagan John K , Laine Andrew F
Published: August 2008

This paper presents a review of imaging techniques and of their utility in system biology. During the last decade systems biology has matured into a distinct field and imaging has been increasingly used to enable the interplay of experimental and theoretical biology. In this review, we describe and compare the roles of microscopy, ultrasound, CT (Computed Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), PET (Positron Emission Tomography), and molecular probes such as quantum dots and nanoshells in systems biology. As a unified application area among these different imaging techniques, examples in cancer targeting are highlighted.
Primitive neuroectodermal tumour of the kidney with vena caval and atrial tumour thrombus: a case report
Authors: Ong Poh Ho , Manikandan Ramaswamy , Philip Joe , Hope Kirsten , Williamson Michael
Published: August 2008

Introduction

Renal primitive neuroectodermal tumour is an extremely rare malignancy.

Case presentation

A 21-year-old woman presented with microscopic haematuria, a palpable right loin mass, dyspnoea, dizziness and fatigue. Initial ultrasound scan of the kidneys revealed an 11 cm right renal mass with venous extension into the inferior vena cava. Computed tomography of the thorax and abdomen revealed an extension of the large renal mass into the right renal vein, inferior vena cava and up to the right atrium. A small paracaval lymph node was noted and three small metastatic nodules were identified within the lung parenchyma. The patient underwent a radical nephrectomy and inferior vena caval tumour (level IV) thrombectomy with cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Immunohistochemical staining of the specimen showed a highly specific cluster of differentiation (CD) 99, thus confirming the diagnosis of a primitive neuroectodermal tumour.

Conclusion

It is important that a renal primitive neuroectodermal tumour be considered, particularly in young patients with a renal mass and extensive thrombus.
Solitary mediastinal lymph node metastasis in rectosigmoid carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Musallam Khaled M , Taher Ali T , Tawil Ayman N , Chakhachiro Zaher I , Habbal Moh'd Z , Shamseddine Ali I
Published: August 2008

Introduction

Colorectal cancer most commonly metastasizes to the regional lymph nodes, liver, bone, lung, and brain. Metastases to mediastinal lymph nodes is a rare entity which has never been reported to be solitary.

Case report

We herein describe a 67-year-old male patient with a solitary mediastinal lymph node metastasis three years following the resection of his primary rectosigmoid carcinoma. Pathological characteristics of the metastatic tissue and technical limitations in imaging modalities resulted in incongruity between follow-up CT and PET scans. Diagnosis of this distant metastasis has been confirmed through a mediastinoscopic biopsy.

Conclusion

Attention should be paid to the mediastinum when evaluating PET scan or CT films during follow-up of patients with colorectal cancer. Using PET/CT instead of separate morphological and functional data sets favors better detection. Questions still remain concerning the ideal management protocol of such a presentation, the two main options being locoregional or chemotherapeutic.
Massive gastrointestinal haemorrhage due to gastritis cystica profunda
Authors: Itte Vinay , Mallick Ismail H , Moore Peter J
Published: August 2008

Introduction

Gastritis Cystica Profunda is a well recognized entity which may occur several years after previous gastric surgery. This is a premalignant condition and may lead on to carcinoma of the stomach.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 50-year-old man with epigastric pain and haematemesis. 28 years ago he had undergone partial gastrectomy and gastroenterostomy for benign gastric ulcer. An Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a possible bleeding vessel on the anterior wall lesser curve of the stomach. The lesion was injected with adrenaline 1 in 100,000. In spite of the intervention he continued to have haemetemesis with significant haemodynamic impairment. At exploratory laparotomy, an oedematous ridge on the posterior wall with a bleeding point on the posterior gastric wall. Histology showed features consistent with gastritis cystica profunda. He made an excellent post-operative recovery.

Conclusion

We suggest that patients who are diagnosed with gastritis cystica profunda should be regularly followed up as this is a premalignant condition.
Successful removal of a giant intrathoracic lipoma: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Hagmaier Ramona M , Nelson Glenn A , Daniels Larkin J , Riker Adam I
Published: August 2008

We report a case of a 44-year old female who presented to her physician complaining of mild dyspnea. A follow-up chest X-ray and chest computed tomography scan revealed a giant bilateral intrathoracic mass, filling the right thoracic cavity and extending across the anterior mediastinum into the left chest cavity. This large mass caused a marked shift in the midline structures, displacing the heart to the left hemi-thorax. The patient underwent surgical removal of the thoracic and breast mass, with histologic examination confirming the diagnosis of a giant intrathoracic lipoma, weighing 4,320 grams and measured 34 × 28 × 11 cm. It is the largest intrathoracic lipoma documented in the modern literature.
A Contribution to the History of the Psycho-Analytic Movement in Britain
Authors: Schmideberg Melitta
Published: August 2008

Whatever will be the verdict of posterity on the scientific value of psychoanalysis, its place in the history of thought and of psychiatry is assured. A profuse psycho-analytic literature exists and many eulogies of Freud have been published, but there are few first hand accounts of what went on behind the scenes of the various psychoanalytic societies that train and give professional status to analysts.
Comparison of Hospital and Prison Alcoholics
Authors: Ross Christopher F. J.
Published: August 2008

Half the prison admissions for England and Wales are of persons on drunkenness charges (BMJ 1968). Ratcliff (1966) records that there were, in one year, 1,180 occasions in Scotland when a man was actually imprisoned as a result of a drinking offence. He found that on average the offender had seven previous sentences for the same alcoholic offence. An important factor for prison alcoholics is the extent to which they resemble or differ from alcoholics who are receiving psychiatric treatment.
Failed Leucotomy with Misplaced Cuts: A Clinico-anatomical Study of Two Cases
Authors: Evans Philip
Published: August 2008

Failure of treatment does not necessarily mean inappropriate treatment; it must first be ascertained that the treatment has been carried out. Increasing attention is being paid to this question in regard to drug therapy with estimations of blood and urine levels. Patients who fail to get better after leucotomy may have been unsuitably chosen; they may also fail to get better because the aim of the operation, namely to sever the thalamo-frontal radiations, has not been achieved. Neuro-anatomical studies have long suggested that not only do many patients remain with these tracts intact following a blind operative approach but that there is also great variability in the size and position of the lesions produced, a consequence of unreliable surface markings, brain fibre elasticity, complicating haemorrhages and progressive gliosis. The blind approach is no ideal surgical method, since it results in a largely fortuitous lesion (Meyer and McLardy, 1948, 1949; Beck, McLardy, and Meyer, 1950; Eie, 1954; Meyer and Beck, 1954). There is even a gross discrepancy between the actual and desired point of insertion of the leucotome (Dax, 1943). Whilst the effects of misplaced cuts have been studied by these workers, one can only guess what proportion of clinical failures can be attributed to misplaced cuts and what proportion of successes follow misplaced cuts (Meyer and Beck, 1954). Appeals for further studies with post-mortem correlates have been made by these authors.
A Study of Facial Dyskinesia in a Mental Hospital Population
Authors: Brandon Sydney , McClelland Hamish Anderson , Protheroe Colin
Published: August 2008

Abnormal movements are common and accepted complications of phenothiazine therapy. They are usually regarded as of extrapyramidal origin, develop soon after medication is started and are often abolished by stopping the drug or giving specific chemotherapy. The commonly occurring syndromes are:
The Relief of Distress following Attendance at a Clinic
Authors: Kellner R. , Sheffield B. F.
Published: August 2008

A marked reduction of distress scores following attendance at a clinic even before placebo was given has been reported by Goldstein (5) and Frank, et al. (3). Various therapeutic and diagnostic procedures are believed to have a placebo effect and lead to a further reduction of distress (11).
Changes in Erythrocyte Sodium and Potassium on Recovery from a Depressive Illness
Authors: Naylor G. J. , McNamee H. B. , Moody J. P.
Published: August 2008

Disturbances of electrolyte metabolism have frequently been reported in depressive illness. Whether these changes are aetiologically important or secondary to the illness is uncertain. However, the maintenance of sodium and potassium gradients across cell membranes is of vital physiological importance. The distribution of electrolytes across cell membranes is probably responsible for the generation and propagation of impulses in excitable tissue. There is evidence that electrolyte changes are closely associated with alteration in cerebral activity. Margerison et al. (7) reported a significant coefficient of concordance between mean daily urinary sodium potassium ratios, the electroencephalogram mean abundances (8–9 c.p.s.) and word output.
Poor Prognosis in a Case of Depression as Predicted by the Repertory Grid
Authors: Rowe Dorothy
Published: August 2008

In Personal Construct Theory (Kelly, 1955), a person is considered to describe and predict his perception of the world by using bi-polar constructs which form an integrated system. In clinical practice it is possible to elicit from a patient not only a description of his environment in his own constructs but also an account of how he uses his construct system to predict future events. The following study shows how an assessment of the patient's construct system is useful in evaluating the outcome by therapy.
Evaluation of the Functioning of the Plymouth Nuffield Clinic
Authors: Kessel Neil , Hassall Christine , Blair Robert , Gilroy John M. , Pilkington Francis , Weeks Kenneth F.
Published: August 2008

When the Plymouth Nuffield Clinic was planned it was decided to evaluate its functioning in respect of the adult psychiatric services in Plymouth. This paper reports the findings. The Nuffield Clinic project was a joint venture between the hospital service and the local authority, so that they might collaboratively discharge their respective tasks in both the spirit and the letter of the 1959 Mental Health Act. Pilkington (1966) has described the ideas and the stages leading to the creation of the clinic.
Homeless Men in London: I. Demographic Findings in a Lodging House Sample
Authors: Patch I. C. Lodge
Published: August 2008

Surveys of homeless men have emphasized a variety of correlations and causes. Criminality (Edwardset al.,1968; Sewell, 1969; Laidlaw, 1956; Commissioners of Police, 1859), alcoholism (Straus, 1946; Wattenburget al.,1954; Bogue, 1963; Blumberg.,et al.,1966) and poverty (Booth, 1890; National Assistance Board, 1966; London County Council, 1962; Shelter, 1969) are some to which attention has been drawn already (Lodge Patch, 1970). The relationship of these to a rootless way of life seems less impressive than psychiatric factors (Anderson, 1923; Whiteley, 1955; Laidlaw, 1956: Skinner, 1966–7). Edwards, for example, showed that 24 per cent of men in a reception centre had been in mental hospitals; 7 per cent having been discharged within six months of the Survey.
Criminality and Violence in Epileptic Prisoners
Authors: Gunn John , Bonn John
Published: August 2008

The belief that the phenomena of ‘crime’ and of ‘epilepsy’ are associated has a long history and probably was put in its most forceful form by Lombroso (1889; see Ferrero, 1911). Nobody now believes, as did Lombroso, that most criminals are epileptics, but the controversies surrounding the extent and form of any relationship have by no means yet been finally resolved.
Drug use in Health and Mental Illness in an Indian Population
Authors: Dubé K. C. , Handa S. K.
Published: August 2008

The use of drugs (as intoxicants) is universal; the hedonistic use of such drugs has led to their abuse, and has always been a social problem. Although the indulgence in some drugs is confined to certain cultures, others like alcohol have been commonly used all over the world. Alcohol, opium, hemp (cannabis and its several preparations) have been widely used for their exhilarating qualities.
Studies in the Childhood Psychoses I. Diagnostic Criteria and Classification
Authors: Kolvin I.
Published: August 2008

Until the last decade there was considerable confusion about the nosology of childhood psychoses. As Kanner (1958) has pointed out, certain psychodynamically orientated writers (Szurek, 1956; Beres, 1956) have eschewed the important operation of differential diagnosis. This has led to the notion of ‘equality of schizophrenias' (Darr and Worden, 1951) and thus to the idea of a single psychosis of childhood. The controversy over this approach has now waned in the face of empirical evidence from aetiological, phenomenological and follow-up studies, and many authors have stressed the importance of age of onset in their typologies or in their attempts at a more comprehensive classification (Kanner and Lesser, 1958; Mahler et al., 1949, 1952; Bender, 1947, 1959; Anthony, 1958, 1962, and Eisenberg, 1967). As this is also central to the present study it merits examination in greater detail.