bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency: prevalence and SLC25A13mutations among thai infants
Authors: Treepongkaruna Suporn , Jitraruch Suttiruk , Kodcharin Porawee , Charoenpipop Dussadee , Suwannarat Pim , Pienvichit Paneeya , Kobayashi Keiko , Wattanasirichaigoon Duangrurdee
Published: October 2012

Background

The most common causes of cholestatic jaundice are biliary atresia and idiopathic neonatal hepatitis (INH). Specific disorders underlying INH, such as various infectious and metabolic causes, including neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD) especially, in East Asian populations are increasingly being identified. Since most NICCD infants recovered from liver disease by 1 year of age, they often are misdiagnosed with INH, leading to difficulty in determining the true prevalence of NICCD. Mutation(s) of human SLC25A13 gene encoding a mitochondrial aspartate/glutamate carrier isoform 2 (AGC2), can lead to AGC2 deficiency, resulting in NICCD and an adult-onset fatal disease namely citrullinemia type II (CTLN2). To study the prevalence of NICCD and SLC25A13 mutations in Thai infants, and to compare manifestations of NICCD and non-NICCD, infants with idiopathic cholestatic jaundice or INH were enrolled. Clinical and biochemical data were reviewed. Urine organic acid and plasma amino acids profiles were analyzed. PCR-sequencing of all 18 exons of SLC25A13 and gap PCR for the mutations IVS16ins3kb and Ex16+74_IVS17-32del516 were performed. mRNA were analyzed in selected cases with possible splicing error.

Results

Five out of 39 (12.8%) unrelated infants enrolled in the study were found to have NICCD, of which three had homozygous 851del4 (GTATdel) and two compound heterozygous 851del4/IVS16ins3kb and 851del4/1638ins23, respectively. Two missense mutations (p.M1? and p.R605Q) of unknown functional significance were identified. At the initial presentation, NICCD patients had higher levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and lower level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) than those in non-NICCD patients (p< 0.05). NICCD patients showed higher citrulline level and threonine/serine ratio than non-NICCD infants (p< 0.05). Fatty liver was found in 2 NICCD patients. Jaundice resolved in all NICCD and in 87.5% of non-NICCD infants at the median age of 9.5 and 4.0 months, respectively.

Conclusion

NICCD should be considered in infants with idiopathic cholestasis. The preliminary estimated prevalence of NICCD was calculated to be 1/48,228 with carrier rate of 1/110 among Thai infants. However, this number may be underestimated and required further analysis with mutation screening in larger control population to establish the true prevalence of NICCD and AGC2 deficiency.
Identification of key peptidoglycan hydrolases for morphogenesis, autolysis, and peptidoglycan composition of Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1
Authors: Rolain Thomas , Bernard Elvis , Courtin Pascal , Bron Peter A , Kleerebezem Michiel , Chapot-Chartier Marie-Pierre , Hols Pascal
Published: October 2012

Background

Lactobacillus plantarum is commonly used in industrial fermentation processes. Selected strains are also marketed as probiotics for their health beneficial effects. Although the functional role of peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes is increasingly documented to be important for a range of bacterial processes and host-microbe interactions, little is known about their functional roles in lactobacilli. This knowledge holds important potential for developing more robust strains resistant to autolysis under stress conditions as well as peptidoglycan engineering for a better understanding of the contribution of released muramyl-peptides as probiotic immunomodulators.

Results

Here, we explored the functional role of the predicted peptidoglycan hydrolase (PGH) complement encoded in the genome of L. plantarum by systematic gene deletion. From twelve predicted PGH-encoding genes, nine could be individually inactivated and their corresponding mutant strains were characterized regarding their cell morphology, growth, and autolysis under various conditions. From this analysis, we identified two PGHs, the predicted N-acetylglucosaminidase Acm2 and NplC/P60 D,L-endopeptidase LytA, as key determinants in the morphology of L. plantarum. Acm2 was demonstrated to be required for the ultimate step of cell separation of daughter cells, whereas LytA appeared to be required for cell shape maintenance and cell-wall integrity. We also showed by autolysis experiments that both PGHs are involved in the global autolytic process with a dominant role for Acm2 in all tested conditions, identifying Acm2 as the major autolysin of L. plantarum WCFS1. In addition, Acm2 and the putative N-acetylmuramidase Lys2 were shown to play redundant roles in both cell separation and autolysis under stress conditions. Finally, the analysis of the peptidoglycan composition of Acm2- and LytA-deficient derivatives revealed their potential hydrolytic activities by the disappearance of specific cleavage products.

Conclusion

In this study, we showed that two PGHs of L. plantarum have a predominant physiological role in a range of growth conditions. We demonstrate that the N-acetylglucosaminidase Acm2 is the major autolysin whereas the D,L-endopeptidase LytA is a key morphogenic determinant. In addition, both PGHs have a direct impact on PG structure by generating a higher diversity of cleavage products that could be of importance for interaction with the innate immune system.
The differential expression pattern of the BMI-1, SALL4 and ABCA3 genes in myeloid leukemia
Authors: Shen Qi , Liu Sichu , Hu Junyan , Chen Shaohua , Yang Lijian , Li Bo , Wu Xiuli , Ma Yu , Yang Jianchang , Ma Yupo , Li Yangqiu
Published: October 2012

Background and methods

In order to characterize the expression pattern of SALL4, BMI-1 and ABCA3 genes in patients with myeloid leukemia and those who achieved complete remission (CR) after chemotherapy. Real-time PCR was used to determine the expression level of these genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 24 patients with AML, eight patients with AML-CR, 13 patients with CML in the chronic phase (CML-CP), 12 patients with CML in blast crisis (CML-BC), 13 patients with CML-CR and 11 healthy individuals (HI).

Results

Overexpression of the BMI-1 gene was found in the AML, CML-CP and CML-BC groups as compared with HI group, while the BMI-1 expression level was lower in patients who achieved CR. In contrast, significantly increased SALL4 expression was only found in AML group, additionally, SALL4 expression was lower in the CML-CP and CML-CR groups compared with the HI group, while the SALL4 expression level in the CML-BC group was higher and significantly greater than that in the CML-CP and CML-CR groups. Moreover, a positive correlation between the expression of SALL4 and BMI-1 genes was found in samples from most groups. There was no significant difference of ABCA3 expression level in AML and CML-BC group in comparison with HI group. Interestingly, the ABCA3 expression level was significantly decreased in the CML-CP, AML-CR and CML-CR in comparison with the HI group. Moreover, the ABCA3 expression level in all of the CR groups was lower than that in their corresponding groups.

Conclusions

These results describe the altered SALL4, ABCA3 and BMI-1 expression pattern in different phases of myeloid leukemia, which may relate to the development and progression to different diseases. SALL4 expression was strongly correlated with BMI-1 in most of the myeloid leukemia patient groups, providing a potential link between SALL4 and BMI-1 in leukemogenesis.
The financial burden of cancer: Estimates from patients undergoing cancer care in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Zaidi Adnan A , Ansari Tayyaba Z , Khan Aziz
Published: October 2012

Introduction

The emotional burden associated with the diagnosis of cancer is sometimes overshadowed by financial burden sustained by patient and the family. This is especially relevant for a developing country as there is limited state support for cancer treatment. We conducted this study to estimate the cost of cancer care for two major types of cancer and to assess the perception of patients and families regarding the burden of the cost for undergoing cancer treatment at a private tertiary care hospital.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at day care and radiotherapy unit of Aga Khan University, Hospital (AKUH) Karachi, Pakistan. All adult patients with breast and head & neck cancers diagnosed for 3 months or more were included. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS.

Results

Sixty seven patients were interviewed during the study period. The mean and median monthly income of these patients was 996.4 USD and 562.5 USD respectively. Comparatively the mean and median monthly cost of cancer care was 1093.13 USD and 946.42 USD respectively. The cost of the treatment either fully or partially was borne by the family in most cases (94%). The financial burden of cancer was perceived as significant by 28 (42%) patients and unmanageable by 18 (27%) patients. This perceived level of burden was associated significantly with average monthly income (p = <0.001).

Conclusion

Our study indicates that the financial burden of cancer care is substantial and can be overwhelming. There is a desperate need for treatment support programs either by the government or other welfare organisations to support individuals and families who are already facing a difficult and challenging situation.
Caveolin-1 reduces HIV-1 infectivity by restoration of HIV Nef mediated impairment of cholesterol efflux by apoA-I
Authors: Lin Shanshan , Nadeau Peter E , Wang Xiaomei , Mergia Ayalew
Published: October 2012

Background

HIV infection results in inhibited cholesterol efflux by apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) in macrophages, and this impairment involves Nef mediated down-regulation and redistribution of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA-1). We investigated the effect of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) on the cholesterol efflux by apoA-I in HIV infected primary and THP-1 cell-differentiated macrophages as well as astrocyte derived glioblastoma U87 cells.

Results

Our results reveal that Cav-1 restores the Nef -mediated impairment of cholesterol efflux by apoA-I in both cell types. Co-immunoprecipitation studies indicate a physical association of Cav-1 and Nef. The level of ABCA-1 expression remains the same whether Cav-1 is over-expressed or not. In addition, we examined the cholesterol composition of HIV particles released from Cav-1 treated cells and identified that the cholesterol content is dramatically reduced. The infectivity level of these virus particles is also significantly decreased.

Conclusions

These observations suggest that the interplay of Cav-1 with Nef and cholesterol subsequently counters Nef induced impairment of cholesterol efflux by apoA-l. The findings provide a cellular mechanism by which Cav-1 has an ability to restore HIV mediated impairment of cholesterol efflux in macrophages. This subsequently influences the cholesterol content incorporated into virus particles thereby inhibiting HIV infectivity and contributing to HIV’s persistent infection of macrophages.
Ethyl Pyruvate Attenuates Formalin-Induced Inflammatory Nociception by Inhibiting Neuronal ERK Phosphorylation
Authors: Lee Min Jung , Jang Minhee , Jung Hyuk-Sang , Kim Sung-Hoon , Cho Ik-Hyun
Published: October 2012

Background:

Ethyl pyruvate (EP) possesses anti-inflammatory activity. However, the potential anti-nociceptive value of EP for the treatment of the inflammatory nociception is largely unknown. We investigated whether EP could have any anti-nociceptive effect on inflammatory pain, after systemic administration of EP (10, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.), 1 hour before formalin (5%, 50 μl) injection into the plantar surface of the hind paws of rats.

Results:

EP significantly decreased formalin-induced nociceptive behavior during phase II, the magnitude of paw edema, and the activation of c-Fos in L4-L5 spinal dorsal horn. EP also attenuated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the neurons of L4-L5 spinal dorsal horn after formalin injection. Interestingly, the i.t. administration of PD98059, an ERK upstream kinase (MEK) inhibitor, completely blocked the formalin-induced inflammatory nociceptive responses.

Conclusions:

These results demonstrate that EP may effectively inhibit formalin-induced inflammatory nociception via the inhibition of neuronal ERK phosphorylation in the spinal dorsal horn, indicating its therapeutic potential in suppressing acute inflammatory pain.
Expression of concern: necrotizing fasciitis, literature review of contemporary strategies for diagnosing and management with three case reports: torso, abdominal wall, upper and lower limbs
Authors: Catena Fausto , Moore Frederick
Published: October 2012

The Editors-in-Chief would like to alert readers that the accuracy of details described in Case III (56 year old male) of this article [1] have been questioned by a reader. Unfortunately, for legal reasons, the authors’ institution has not been able to confirm or refute whether the events reported about the case are accurate. Consequently, readers are advised to interpret the details of Case III with caution.
Activation of the two microRNA clusters C19MC and miR-371-3 does not play prominent role in thyroid cancer
Authors: Rippe Volkhard , Flor Inga , Debler Johannes Wolfram , Drieschner Norbert , Rommel Birgit , Krause Daniel , Junker Klaus , Bullerdiek Jörn
Published: October 2012

Chromosomal rearrangements of band 19q13.4 are frequent cytogenetic alterations in benign thyroid adenomas. Apparently, these alterations lead to the upregulation of genes encoding microRNAs of two clusters mapping to the breakpoint region, i.e. miR-371-3 and C19MC. Since members of both clusters have been associated with neoplastic growth in other tumor entities the question arises whether or not their upregulation predisposes to malignant transformation of follicular cells of the thyroid. To address this question we have quantified the expression of miR-372 and miR-520c-3p in samples of 114 thyroid cancers including eight anaplastic thyroid carcinomas, 25 follicular thyroid carcinomas, 78 papillary thyroid carcinomas (including 13 follicular variants thereof), two medullary thyroid carcinomas and one oncocytic thyroid carcinoma. Additionally, we quantified miR-371a-3p and miR-519a-3p in selected samples. While in neither of the cases miR-520c-3p and miR-519a-3p were found to be upregulated, one papillary and one anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, respectively, showed upregulation of miR-372 and miR-371a-3p. However, in these cases fluorescence in situ hybridization did not reveal rearrangements of the common breakpoint region as affected in adenomas. Thus, these rearrangements do apparently not play a major role as first steps in malignant transformation of the thyroid epithelium. Moreover, there is no evidence that 19q13.4 rearrangements characterize a subgroup of thyroid adenomas associated with a higher risk to undergo malignant transformation. Vice versa, the mechanisms by which 19q13.4 rearrangements contribute to benign tumorigenesis in the thyroid remain to be elucidated.
The unfolded von Willebrand factor response in bloodstream: the self-association perspective
Authors: Yuan Hailong , Deng Ning , Zhang Songmei , Cao Yange , Wang Qiong , Liu Xin , Zhang Qing
Published: October 2012

von Willebrand factor (vWF) is a multimeric glycoprotein essential for hemostasis after vascular injury, which modulates platelet-surface and platelet–platelet interactions by linking platelet receptors to the extracellular matrix and to each other. The crucial role of vWF in platelet function is particularly apparent when hemodynamic conditions create blood flow with high shear stress. Through multiple functional domains, vWF mediates the attachment of platelets to exposed tissues, where immobilized vWF is able to support a homotypic and/or heterotypic self-association. The self-association of vWF is also supported by a rapidly expanding reservoir of novel evidences that the thiol/disulfide exchange regulates vWF multimer size in the blood circulation. Moreover, in addition to proteolysis and reduction of ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13), the regulation of vWF multimer size and self-association may depend on a disulfide bond reductase activity ascribed to thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1). Along with the classical signaling pathways in activated platelets, evidence is emerging that lipid rafts also play important roles in various phases of hemostasis and thrombosis and facilitate the interaction between the key signaling molecules. Developments in these areas will refine our understanding of the role played by vWF self-association in physiological hemostasis and pathological thrombosis.
The effects of DNA methylation and epigenetic factors on the expression of CD133 in ovarian cancers
Authors: Min Kyung-Jin , So Kyeong A , Ouh Yung-Taek , Hong Jin-Hwa , Lee Jae-Kwan
Published: October 2012

Background

To identifying the effects of DNA methylation and epigenetic factors on the expression of CD133, a cancer stem cell marker, in gynecologic cancer cell lines.

Methods

Ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR-8 and IGROV-1) and an endometrial cancer cell line (Ishikawa) were treated with 5-aza-2`-deoxycytidine (DAC) or Trichostatin A (TSA). Expression of CD133 was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR, methylation-specific PCR (MSP), reverse transcription- PCR, western blot, and FACS analysis. All results are representative of three independent experiments.

Results

CD133 mRNA expression varied among the different cell lines; the weakest expression was observed in OVCAR-8 cells, while it was strongly expressed in Ishikawa cells. The degree of methylation of the CD133 P2 promoter was 61% in OVCAR-8 cells, 53% in IGROV-1 cells, and 43% in Ishikawa cells. CD133 expression was increased at both the mRNA and protein level after DAC treatment. On the contrary, CD133 mRNA expression decreased after TSA treatment decreased in all cell lines except OVCAR-8. In addition, MSP of the CD133 P2 promoter revealed that methylation was reduced after treatment with either DAC or TSA.

Conclusions

The expression of the CD133 antigen in primary ovarian and endometrial cancer cell lines is regulated by epigenetics, as indicated by its increased expression following DAC treatment and irregular expression pattern followed by TSA treatment. In addition, the expression of CD133 was negatively correlated with the degree of methylation of the CD133 P2 promoter.
Temperature changes among organophosphate poisoned patients, Tehran- Iran
Authors: Talaie Haleh , Owliaey Hamid , Pajoumand Abdolkarim , Gholaminejad Mona , Mehrpour Omid
Published: October 2012

Background

Acute poisoning with organophosphorus compounds (OPs) is a major global clinical problem in the developing countries. There have been many animal studies and few human surveys on the effects of organophosphorus pesticide (OP) poisoning on thermoregulation. The aim of this prospective study was to document the pattern of tympanic temperature changes among OP poisoned patients throughout the length of their hospital stay.

Methods

60 patients with diagnose of organophosphate poisoning were included in this study. Questioner was filled out by trained nurses including demographic, clinical and paraclinical data. Tympanic temperature and Pulse rate data of the cases were collected on five- occasions after admission.

Results

There were 41 (68.3%) male and 19 (31.7%) female, with a mean age of 34.4 ±19.4 years (range 13–89 years). Forty five patients had intentional poisoning for suicidal attempt. At the time of entry, the mean tympanic temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) of the OP poisoned patients were respectively 37.1+/−0.6°C (36.0- 39.5), 91+/−18 (55–145), 18+/−5.6 (8–44), 116+/−20 mm Hg (70–170) and 75+/−11.6 mm Hg (40–110). 41.7% of the cases had serum butyryl cholinesterase activities (BChE) ≥ 50% normal (≥1600 mU/ml). Our patients had normal temperature at the time entry (mean = 37.1). Tympanic temperature decreasing below 36°C was not detected among the patients during the study period. A rise in mean tympanic temperature was found after atropine administration.

Conclusion

Our study showed hypothermia was not considerable factor among organophosphate poisoned patients, although more studies with similar situations in tropical countries are needed.
Inhibition of HIV and HSV infection by vaginal lactobacilli in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zabihollahi Rezvan , Motevaseli Elahe , Sadat Seyed Mehdi , Azizi-Saraji Ali Reza , Asaadi-Dalaie Sogol , Modarressi Mohammad Hossein
Published: October 2012

Background and the purpose of the study

The cervico-vaginal mucosa which is populated with microflora (mostly includes lactobacilli) is the portal of entry for sexually transmitted pathogens.

Methods

The in vitro anti-viral effect of vaginal and non-vaginal lactobacillus was evaluated using single cycle HIV-1 replication and HSV-2 plaque reduction assays. The XTT proliferation assay was used to monitor the cellular toxicity. The in vivo anti-HSV-1 activity was evaluated in BALB/c mouse model by monitoring skin lesion and immune response development.

Results and major conclusion

DMEM culture supernatant of L. Gasseri and L. fermentum (PH 7.3) did not show toxic effect but inhibited 50% of HIV replication at 12 and 31% concentrations, respectively. Co-culture of L. gasseri (1000 CFU/ target cell) showed mild cytotoxicity but inhibited 68% of HIV replication. The supernatant of L. crispatus inhibited 50% of HSV replication at 4% and also co-culture of L. gasseri, L. rhamnosus and L. crispatus revokes almost all of the HSV multiplication. Culture supernatants of L. gasseri and L. crispatus had significant virucidal effect against the HIV and HSV and inhibited HSV infection in a stage before viral entry to the target cells. Alive L. gasseri cells showed high potential for inhibiting HSV-1 infection in vivo condition. Current data indicates that lactobacilli supernatant encompasses components with neutralizing activity against HIV and HSV and it would be a determinant factor for viral diseases transmission and promising lead for anti-viral probiotic design.
Immunological characterization of recombinant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi FliC protein expressed in Escherichia coli
Authors: Jindal Gaurav , Tewari Rupinder , Gautam Ankur , Pandey Satish K , Rishi Praveen
Published: October 2012

Like any other enteric pathogen, Salmonella also encounters acidic stress in the stomach as well as within the host macrophage milieu. However, the pathogen is reported to combat this stress through acid tolerance response (ATR), expressing a number of genes and eventually the proteins. Recently, an acid induced outer membrane phenotype encoded by fliC gene in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi has been identified. In the present study, fliC gene was cloned to study its biological implications. The recombinant FliC (rFliC) protein was observed to stimulate the production of antibodies. These antibodies could also recognize the FliC protein (antigen) in the clinical samples i.e. blood samples from typhoid patents as well as healthy blood samples spiked with serovar Typhi. Moreover, the rFliC also reacted with the sera from patients suffering with typhoid fever indicating its in-vivo immunogenicity. Ex-vivo study revealed that rFliC has the potential to stimulate the macrophages to generate higher levels of inflammatory mediators such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite. The inflammatory potential of FliC was also confirmed in-vivo, by the paw oedema test as well as by flicking response of the inflamed paw indicating hyperalgesia occurring during inflammatory response. The findings of the present study indicate that acid induced FliC might be one of the factors enhancing the virulence of serovar Typhi under the host acidic conditions and may prove to be helpful in designing the prophylactic measures.
Does digital X-ray radiogrammetry have a role in identifying patients at increased risk for joint destruction in early rheumatoid arthritis?
Authors: Forslind Kristina , Kälvesten Johan , Hafström Ingiäld , Svensson Björn ,   for the BARFOT Study Group
Published: October 2012

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of hand bone mineral density (BMD) loss analyzed with digital X-ray radiogrammetry (DXR) in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as a predictor for progression of joint damage.

Methods

In 379 patients with early RA, baseline and one-year hand BMD was measured with DXR and the hand bone loss (HBL) was analyzed using the smallest detectable change (HBLsdc) and tertiles (HBLtertiles). Joint damage in hands and feet were scored according to the Sharp van der Heijde (SHS) method at baseline and at one, two, five and eight years. At the same time-points Disease Activity Score (DAS28) was calculated and functional disability assessed. Rheumatoid factor (RF) and antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) were analyzed at baseline.

Results

Sixty-six percent of the patients had hand BMD loss in the first year of RA determined by HBLsdc and 65% by HBLtertiles. Radiographic progression after two, five and eight years was associated with hand bone loss defined by HBLsdc. By HBLtertiles there were significant associations at all time-points except at eight years. The change in DXR at one year (ChDXR1yr) correlated significantly and inversely with the change in SHS (ChSHS) at two, five and eight years. Multivariate analysis showed that only change in SHS during the first year and the presence of anti-CCP were independent predictors of long-term progressive joint damage. If radiographic scores were not included, DXR-BMD loss was an independent predictor. Patients with great bone loss by HBLtertiles had significantly more often high disease activity after two years. However, neither bone loss by HBLsdc or HBLtertiles nor by ChDXR1yr was an independent predictor of remission after two, five and eight years.

Conclusions

This study confirms previous reports of an association of decrease in DXR-BMD during the first disease year with progression of radiographic joint damage over an extended period of time. This association was independent in a regression model only when radiological findings were excluded suggesting a possible predictive role of DXR-BMD in clinical practice when radiographic evaluation is not available. However, further studies are required before this can be established.
The relationship between serum sodium and intracranial pressure when using hypertonic saline to target mild hypernatremia in patients with head trauma
Authors: Wells Diana L , Swanson Joseph M , Wood G Christopher , Magnotti Louis J , Boucher Bradley A , Croce Martin A , Harrison Charles G , Muhlbauer Michael S , Fabian Timothy C
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Limited data suggest mild hypernatremia may be related to lower intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The practice at the study center has been to use hypertonic saline (HTS) to generate a targeted serum sodium of 145 to 155 mEq/l in patients with TBI. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between serum sodium values and ICP, and to evaluate the acute effect of HTS on ICP.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who were admitted to the trauma ICU for TBI, had an ICP monitor placed, and received at least one dose of HTS between January 2006 and March 2011 was performed. Data were collected for up to 120 hours after ICP monitor placement. The primary outcome was the relationship between serum sodium and maximum ICP. Secondary outcomes were the relationship between serum sodium and the mean number of daily interventions for ICP control, and the acute effect of HTS on ICP during the 6 hours after each dose. Linear regression was used to analyze the primary outcome. Analysis of variance on ranks and repeated measures analysis of variance were used to evaluate the number of interventions and the acute effect of HTS on ICP, respectively.

Results

Eighty-one patients were enrolled with mean ± standard deviation age of 36 ± 15 years and median Glasgow Coma Scale score of 7 (interquartile range, 4 to 7). A total of 1,230 serum sodium values (range, 118 to174 mEq/l) and 7,483 ICP values (range, 0 to 159 mmHg) were collected. There was no correlation between serum sodium and maximum ICP (R2 = 0.0052). The overall mean ± standard deviation number of interventions for elevated ICP per day was 4.2 ± 2.9, 2.9 ± 2.0, and 2.6 ± 2.3 for patients with a mean serum sodium of < 145, 145 to 155, and > 155 mEq/l, respectively (P < 0.001). Regarding the acute effect of HTS on ICP, there was no statistical difference in mean ICP compared with baseline during hours 1 through 6 following HTS doses (baseline, 13.7 ± 8.4 mmHg; hour 1, 13.6 ± 8.3 mmHg; hour 2, 13.5 ± 8.8 mmHg; hour 3, 13.3 ± 8.7 mmHg; hour 4, 13.4 ± 8.7 mmHg; hour 5, 13.4 ± 8.3 mmHg; hour 6, 13.5 ± 8.3 mmHg; P = 0.84).

Conclusions

Serum sodium concentrations did not correlate with ICP values. These results warrant further evaluation and possible reassessment of sodium goals for ICP management in patients with TBI.
The Political Fantastic: Žižek, Fantasy, and a New Autonomous Aesthetics
Authors: Berger Jason
Published: October 2012

This essay examines how Slavoj Žižek’s conception of fantasy may open up new approaches for political, literary, and aesthetic criticism. Taking In Defense of Lost Causes (2008) as a case study, I demonstrate how Žižek’s method provides a much-needed consideration of form. Moreover, I argue that Žižek’s analysis illuminates historical and ideological elements that both positivistic historicism and traditional literary formalism necessarily miss. Working against critics who assail “paranoid” symptomatic criticism, I suggest that considering artwork in terms of fantasy shifts the terrain of historical analysis and, as a consequence, recalibrates what formal and political hermeneutics might entail. Such an approach provides a means to “return to the political” via a new perspective on the relation between art and historical context. I conclude by building on Žižek’s Lacanian conception of “autonomous ethics” to offer autonomous aesthetics as a way to conceive of this new orientation toward artistic and formal analysis.
Lyric and Its Discontents
Authors: Hunter Walt
Published: October 2012

The lyric poem has often been understood as incompatible with other discourses, set apart by its compression, privacy, and identification with the individual self. Recently, the New Lyric Studies has rejected both the essentialism and the exceptionalism of the lyric as a genre or mode, seeking instead to expose the term lyric as an ideological reading practice that separates the text from its historical context. This essay examines some of the ways in which four new books on poetry by Siobhan Phillips, Joel Nickels, Christopher Nealon, and Oren Izenberg contribute to lyric theory by emphasizing what the poem holds in common with other discourses. I analyze the intersection between the lyric and four concepts borrowed from sociology, moral philosophy, political theory, and economics: the everyday, the multitude, capital, and person. Stressing the lyric’s compatibility rather than its distinction, these four critics reveal the universalism and collectivity out of which the lyric voice is constructed. I argue that the New Lyric Studies, widely construed to include these critics, brings poetry in line with the social poetics, world systems, and democratic inclusivity that figure prominently in current literary discourse, as well as with European theories of poetic subjectivity and community.
The New Modernist Studies: A Response
Authors: Puchner Martin
Published: October 2012

In response to Max Brzezinski’s critique of my role in the New Modernist Studies, an alleged movement whose founding document I am said to have authored (Poetry of the Revolution [2006]), I use this movement as a test case for the two methods under discussion (the question of how movements get founded was precisely the one I had raised in my book, and it returns in altered form here). On the one hand, we have a Marxist analysis that explains such cultural phenomena as critical movements through reference to their economic base (the corporate university and the logic of late capitalism), and on the other, an approach that uses the tools of literary analysis, including attention to form, genre, and group formation. I argue for the superiority of the latter and advance the view that we in literary studies should use, confidently and aggressively, the tools of our own discipline rather than, amateurishly, the tools of other disciplines such as economics. It is only from a position of disciplinary strength that we can hope to engage other disciplines critically.
Translating Modernity and Reconstructing World Literature
Authors: Ning Wang
Published: October 2012

The issue of modernity with regard to the function of translation has been one of the most cutting-edge theoretical topics in both Chinese and international contexts, especially in dealing with globalization and world literature. As we know, modernity functioned both politically and culturally in the Chinese context. And large-scale translation in the 1920s and 1930s played an important role in constructing the modern Chinese literary canon. This literary and cultural translation has also led to serious debate among China’s intellectuals. The great achievements in modern Chinese literature can never be neglected, especially from the perspective of world literature; for through such large-scale literary and cultural translation, modern Chinese literature has come closer and closer to the mainstream of world literature, carrying on direct dialogues with its international counterparts — a role that will function dynamically in the reconstruction of world literature. This essay therefore calls for another large-scale translation in the current age of globalization: translating contemporary Chinese literature into the major world languages and deconstructing the West-centric framework of world literature. In the Chinese context this is another stage of modernity, and it is one that will contribute a great deal to the remapping of world literature in the age of globalization.
Multidimensional Possible-World Semantics for Conditionals
Authors: Bradley Richard
Published: October 2012

Adams’s Thesis, the claim that the probabilities of indicative conditionals equal the conditional probabilities of their consequents given their antecedents, has proven impossible to accommodate within orthodox possible-world semantics. This essay proposes a modification to the orthodoxy that removes this impossibility. The starting point is a proposal by Jeffrey and Stalnaker that conditionals take semantic values in the unit interval, interpreting these (à la McGee) as their expected truth-values at a world. Their theories imply a false principle, namely, that the probability of a conditional is independent of any proposition inconsistent with its antecedent. But they also point to something important, namely, that our uncertainty about conditionals is not confined to uncertainty about the facts (what the actual world is like) but also expresses uncertainty about the counterfacts (what the world would be like if one or another supposition were true). To capture this observation, this essay proposes that the semantic contents of conditionals be treated as sets of vectors of possible worlds, not singleton worlds, with the coordinates of each specifying the world that is or would be true under the supposition that it represents. The probabilities of truth for conditionals will then depend on the joint probabilities of the facts and counterfacts, the latter in turn depending on the mode of supposition. The implication of this treatment is that the probabilities of conditionals are conditional probabilities whenever the mode of supposition is evidential.
Haecceitism, Chance, and Counterfactuals
Authors: Kment Boris
Published: October 2012

Antihaecceitists believe that all facts about specific individuals—such as the fact that Fred exists, or that Katie is tall—globally supervene on purely qualitative facts. Haecceitists deny that. The issue is not only of interest in itself, but receives additional importance from its intimate connection to the question of whether all fundamental facts are qualitative or whether they include facts about which specific individuals there are and how qualitative properties and relations are distributed over them. Those who think that all fundamental facts are qualitative are arguably committed to antihaecceitism. The goal of this paper is to point out some problems for antihaecceitism (and therefore for the thesis that all fundamental facts are qualitative). The article focuses on two common assumptions about possible worlds: (i) Sets of possible worlds are the bearers of objective physical chance. (ii) Counterfactual conditionals can be defined by appeal to a relation of closeness between possible worlds. The essay tries to show that absurd consequences ensue if either of these assumptions is combined with antihaecceitism. Then it considers a natural response by the antihaecceitist, which is to deny that worlds play the role described in (i) and (ii). Instead, the reply continues, we can introduce a new set of entities that are defined in terms of worlds and that behave the way worlds do on the haecceitist position. That allows the antihaecceitist to formulate antihaecceitist friendly versions of (i) and (ii) by replacing the appeal to possible worlds with reference to the newly introduced entities. This maneuver invites an obvious reply, however. If the new entities are the things that play the role we typically associate with worlds, as partially described by (i) and (ii), then it is natural to conclude that they really are the entities we talk about when we speak of worlds, so that haecceitism is true after all.
Embedding a Sustainability Module Into Quantitative Business Courses
Authors: Cholette Susan , Roeder Theresa
Published: October 2012

Business schools face pressure to incorporate sustainability and ethics into curricula, not only by offering single-themed classes but also by including these topics in existing classes. We embed a stand-alone module, sustainability and supply chain management, into two quantitative courses, the graduate core operations class and an undergraduate concentration class in management science. We develop this module to provide students the background and tools to analyze energy usage and resultant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for a product or process. Students research a supply chain, use carbon auditing software, and make recommendations for improvement. To answer the research question of whether students perceive the module as useful and objective we perform an exploratory survey (N = 76). We find that students are engaged and consider delivery as unbiased. In short, this module adds value to the learning experience and can be integrated into classes without extensive instructor preparation. Readers may freely download all supporting materials for use in their own courses. More generally, our approach could prove useful in developing modules on other sustainability subtopics to place into quantitative courses, so as to support the relationship between analytical and qualitative approaches to decision making, especially when those decisions involve ethical or environmental issues.
Analytics, Pedagogy and the Pass the Pigs Game
Authors: Gorman Michael F.
Published: October 2012

The Pass the Pigs® game provides an opportunity to combine multiple analytical skills sets and problem-solving capabilities in an enjoyable and challenging application. In this paper, I describe how I structure a classroom exercise to help students work through developing, analyzing, and testing strategies for the game. The game utilizes multiple analytics and decision making tools, such as problem framing, data collection and preparation, probability, optimization, heuristics, expert systems, and simulation.
Operations Research Capstone Courses for Business Majors with Analytical Backgrounds
Authors: Milne R. John , Zander Amy K.
Published: October 2012

Clarkson University provides a one-semester capstone design course required for undergraduate seniors majoring in Engineering and Management. In this paper, we discuss how the capstone experience has been facilitated when the projects are operations research (OR) based. Key aspects include multiple student teams working on a single client's problem, student experience customized to the project, a client focused approach, and coaching of students whose academic background includes a single course dedicated to OR as well as other courses in engineering and management. We suggest why our practices may be applied at other universities with analytically talented business students. Many of our recommended practices apply to industry projects for students from any major (e.g., finding projects with appropriate scope).
Theory Applied—Experience Tours at the Naval Postgraduate School
Authors: Shearer Robert , Whitaker Lyn
Published: October 2012

The Operations Research Department at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, California educates analysts who are fully capable of conducting independent analytical studies of military problems. Significant to this education is an opportunity to apply theory from the classroom to a problem from the real world. Halfway through the two year program, each student is encouraged to participate in a three to six week experience tour at a Department of Defense (DoD) analytical organization. During this tour students obtain hands-on experience working military operations research problems alongside experienced analysts. They also identify a thesis topic for follow-on research when they return to the NPS. Faculty members supervise the students' thesis research during the remainder of their time in Monterey. The theses are more than just a graduation requirement, some result in publications in refereed journals and most solve pressing problems for the DoD. We recognize that the unique set of circumstances here at NPS makes this all possible but hold strongly to the idea that applied experience is essential to our graduates and that aspects of our program are exportable to civilian universities.
Truth and Wisdom: Shaykh Ahmad al-Ahsā'ī's Influence on the Bahā'ī Approach to the Understanding and Practice of Religious Ordinances
Authors: Karimi Mazda
Published: October 2012

Many religious movements have at one time or another had to acknowledge the effect of historical developments and social changes on the applicability of their sacred laws. This has been especially true for Shi’a Islam, whose history was, for long, one of disappointment and defeat.
Throughout the centuries, Shi’a jurists gradually developed a rather distinct set of conceptual tools, and a unique religious structure, to deal with these changes. The implication of these developments for one’s understanding of the nature and meaning of religious truth, though,
remained largely uninvestigated by these jurists.

In the early part of the 19th century, Shaykh Ahmad al-Ahsa’i (1753–1826) and Siyyid Kazim al-Rashti (1793–1843) embarked on an enterprise to revise popular Shi’a understanding of religious truth. Together, they tried
to show that religious truth was neither static nor could it be reduced to the outward meanings of Qur’anic verses and Islamic traditions. Instead, they portrayed truth as that which would have to unfold through an unceasing dialectic between the worlds of creation and revealed text
(naql), and within the enlightened hearts of illumined souls who have rid themselves of preconceptions and become imbued with spiritual virtues. Shaykh Ahmad and Siyyid Kazim referred to their proposed method of encounter with and search for religious truth as dalil-i-hikmat (lit. the proof
of wisdom).

This paper attempts to portray ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s interpretive style as proof of wisdom par excellence. It begins with a study of the term ‘hikmat’, as commonly used in the Baha’i writings and parlance, to refer to the effect of situational factors
on the shaping and application of Baha’i laws and teachings. It proceeds to show how this particular usage is linked to, and informed by, the Shaykhi approach to truth, and to demonstrate how this approach is endorsed in the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha and finds expression in
his encounter with questions regarding the applicability of Baha’i laws. The paper aims to suggest that the Baha’i community’s collective decision-making needs to become better informed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s hermeneutical approach to the understanding of the
teachings of the Baha’i Faith.
Authoritarianism, Totalitarianism and the Bahā'ī Faith
Authors: Jones Eugene
Published: October 2012

As the Baha’i religion has become better known, it has been the target of numerous attacks as well as rational criticisms by non-Baha’is, former Baha’is and by Baha’is who remain in the community but feel that their religion is becoming more authoritarian or
even totalitarian. These criticisms need to be addressed as they are quite valid to those who accept the ideas and institutions of the European Enlightenment. The disparagement tends to fall into three general categories: personal, political and academic.

This paper presents a discussion
of the meaning of the terms ‘authoritarianism’ and ‘totalitarianism’ from the point of view of political theory, then lays out arguments that the Baha’i Faith does not fit either of those classifications but rather that the Baha’i Faith in every way conforms
to the Weberian concept of voluntarism. Further, the relation of the individual Baha’i with his community is a form of social contract predicated on freedom of choice with the responsibility to abide by the conditions of that contract as they are expressed by the institutions of that
Faith. Only those who have freely chosen to enter that community by way of the contract are subject to the laws and ordinances of that community; there is no intention of imposing them on humanity at large.
The Truth-seeking Traveller: A Dutch Zionist’s Interview with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Authors: Vries Jelle de
Published: October 2012

It was recently discovered that the Dutch national newspaper “Nieuwe Rotterdamsche Courant” in 1921 published an anonymous interview with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá taken at his home in Haifa as well as in Tiberias. The correspondent turned out to be Ms Jo Goudsmit,
a Dutch Zionist who emigrated to Palestine in 1919.
Book Reviews
Authors: Horton Chelsea , Collins William P. , Hassall Graham , Grolin Daniel , Milani Kavian S.
Published: October 2012

Transnational Transcendence: Essays on Religion and Globalization, Thomas J. Csordas (ed.), (2009) Berkeley: University of California Press, ix + 338 pp., ill., 23 cm., ISBN 9780520257429 (pbk), $24.95; ISBN 9780520257412 (hbk), $60.00

Commonalities: A Positive Look
at Latter-day Saints from a Bahá’í Perspective, Serge van Neck, (2009) Oxford: George Ronald, xvii + 445 pp., 24 cm., ISBN 9780853985372 (pbk), £19.95/$38.95

Lines that Connect: Rethinking Pattern and Mind in the Pacific, Graeme Were, (2010) Honolulu: University
of Hawaii Press, x + 204 pp., 44 ill., 24 cm., ISBN 9780824833848 (hbk), $38.00

Religious Myths and Visions of America: How Minority Faiths Redefined America’s World Role, Christopher Buck, (2009) Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, xii + 324 pp., 25 cm., ISBN 9780313359590 (hbk),
$49.95

Revelation & Social Reality: Learning to Translate What is Written into Reality, Paul Lample (2009) West Palm Beach, FL: Palabra, vii + 293 pp., 23 cm., ISBN 9781890101701 (pbk) $10.00. Digital download www.palabrapublications.com