bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of TGF-β signalling by Fbxo11, the gene mutated in the Jeff otitis media mouse mutant
Authors: Tateossian Hilda , Hardisty-Hughes Rachel E , Morse Susan , Romero Maria R , Hilton Helen , Dean Charlotte , Brown Steve DM
Published: July 2009

Background

Jeffis a dominant mouse mutant displaying chronic otitis media. The gene underlyingJeffisFbxo11, a member of the large F-box family, which are specificity factors for the SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase complex.Jeffhomozygotes die shortly after birth displaying a number of developmental abnormalities including cleft palate and eyes open at birth. TGF-β signalling is involved in a number of epithelial developmental processes and we have investigated the impact of theJeffmutation on the expression of this pathway.

Results

Phospho-Smad2 (pSmad2) is significantly upregulated in epithelia ofJeffhomozygotes. Moreover, there was a significant increase in nuclear localization of pSmad2 in contrast to wild type. Mice heterozygous for bothJeffandSmad2mutations recapitulate many of the features of theJeffhomozygous phenotype. However, tissue immunoprecipitations failed to detect any interaction betweenFbxo11andSmad2. Fbxo11 is known to neddylate p53, a co-factor of pSmad2, but we did not find any evidence of genetic interactions betweenJeffandp53mutants. Nevertheless, p53 levels are substantially reduced inJeffmice suggesting that Fbxo11 plays a role in stabilizing p53.

Conclusion

Overall, our findings support a model wherebyFbxo11, possibly via stabilization of p53, is required to limit the accumulation of pSmad2 in the nucleus of epithelial cells of palatal shelves, eyelids and airways of the lungs. The finding thatFbxo11impacts upon TGF-β signalling has important implications for our understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms of middle ear inflammatory disease.
Prediction of acute multiple sclerosis relapses by transcription levels of peripheral blood cells
Authors: Gurevich Michael , Tuller Tamir , Rubinstein Udi , Or-Bach Rotem , Achiron Anat
Published: July 2009

Background

The ability to predict the spatial frequency of relapses in multiple sclerosis (MS) would enable physicians to decide when to intervene more aggressively and to plan clinical trials more accurately.

Methods

In the current study our objective was to determine if subsets of genes can predict the time to the next acute relapse in patients with MS. Data-mining and predictive modeling tools were utilized to analyze a gene-expression dataset of 94 non-treated patients; 62 patients with definite MS and 32 patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). The dataset included the expression levels of 10,594 genes and annotated sequences corresponding to 22,215 gene-transcripts that appear in the microarray.

Results

We designed a two stage predictor. The first stage predictor was based on the expression level of 10 genes, and predicted the time to next relapse with a resolution of 500 days (error rate 0.079, p < 0.001). If the predicted relapse was to occur in less than 500 days, a second stage predictor based on an additional different set of 9 genes was used to give a more accurate estimation of the time till the next relapse (in resolution of 50 days). The error rate of the second stage predictor was 2.3 fold lower than the error rate of random predictions (error rate = 0.35, p < 0.001). The predictors were further evaluated and found effective both for untreated MS patients and for MS patients that subsequently received immunomodulatory treatments after the initial testing (the error rate of the first level predictor was < 0.18 with p < 0.001 for all the patient groups).

Conclusion

We conclude that gene expression analysis is a valuable tool that can be used in clinical practice to predict future MS disease activity. Similar approach can be also useful for dealing with other autoimmune diseases that characterized by relapsing-remitting nature.
A sewing needle in liver: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Feng Quan Zhou , Wang Jie , Sun Hong
Published: July 2009

Introduction

Hepatic foreign bodies are quite rare. A sewing needle as a hepatic foreign body in an old woman is very rare and the managements have been varied.

Case presentation

An old woman was incidentally found to have a sewing needle in her liver on abdominal X-ray. The sewing needle was kept stable in her liver after two years of follow-up. Eleven cases of sewing needle in the liver were reviewed.

Conclusion

Sewing needle as a foreign body in the liver is rare. In general, the sewing needle should be removed through laparotomy or laparoscopy, but a stable and uncomplicated sewing needle in the liver need not be removed.
Refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with oral contraceptives and factor V Leiden: a case report
Authors: Stylianou Kostas , Tsirakis George , Mantadakis Elpis , Xylouri Irini , Foudoulakis Andreas , Vardaki Eleftheria , Katsipi Irene , Daphnis Eugene , Samonis George
Published: July 2009

Introduction

Thrombotic microangiopathies constitute a heterogeneous group of diseases characterised by microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopaenia associated with platelet aggregation in the microcirculation responsible for ischaemic manifestations. Classically, thrombotic microangiopathies are described as encompassing two main syndromes: thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura and the haemolytic-uraemic syndrome Many cases of idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura have, to date, been associated with severe ADAMTS13 metalloprotease deficiency while haemolytic uraemic syndrome usually occurs in the context of normal protease activity. Oestrogens and factor V Leiden have rarely been implicated in the pathogenesis of thrombotic microangiopathy.

Case presentation

We describe the case of a 17-year-old female with refractory thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura. The patient was receiving a new generation of oral contraceptives for dysmenorrhoea and had factor V Leiden. After undergoing prolonged and intense plasma exchange therapy for 40 days and high dose oral corticosteroids therapy for 90 days, our patient recovered fully.

Conclusion

Patients with refractory thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura should likely be evaluated for congenital thrombophilic disorders and for ingestion of drugs that have been associated with this rare form of thrombotic microangiopathy. Identification of these and as yet other unknown genetic and/or acquired risk factors may lead to more judicious treatment approaches.
Misdiagnosed esophageal perforation treated with endoscopic stent placement: a case report
Authors: Nigri Giuseppe R , Giaccaglia Valentina , Pezzoli Francesca , Aurello Paolo , D'Angelo Francesco , Di Giulio Emilio , Mercantini Paolo , Ramacciato Giovanni
Published: July 2009

Esophageal perforation has a high rate of mortality. Many strategies have been advocated for its management. Therapeutic options are surgical repair or resection, endoscopic placement of self-expandable metallic stents or, in selected cases, conservative management.

We describe a case of a 75-year-old man admitted to our hospital for forceful vomiting since 24 hours. The patient was treated with endoscopic placement of a covered self expandable metallic stent. Although the late diagnosis delayed the treatment, the patient survived the usually fatal condition. The stent removal was performed 8 weeks after implantation.

Immediate and correct diagnosis are the key elements in improving survival of patients with esophageal perforation. This has to be associated to the selection of the most appropriate treatment. Implantation of covered self-expandable metallic stents in compromised patients with esophageal perforation is a safe and feasible alternative to operative treatment.
Pseudohypoparathyroidism, an often delayed diagnosis: a case series
Authors: Donghi Valentina , Mora Stefano , Zamproni Ilaria , Chiumello Giuseppe , Weber Giovanna
Published: July 2009

Pseudohypoparathyroidism refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by parathyroid hormone (PTH) resistance. Pseudohypoparathyroidism is an uncommon sporadic or inherited genetic disorder subdivided into several distinct entities (type Ia, Ib, Ic, type II). We report cases of four children (aged 8 to 13 years) in the winter season 2007-'08. The present work highlights the variable mode of presentation of pseudohypoparathyroidism and the difficulty of an early diagnosis. We stress the importance of a complete biochemical investigation of the calcium-phosphate metabolism to recognize typical biochemical alterations associated with this condition (hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia with increased phosphate tubular reabsorption and elevated PTH levels) in spite of a phenotypic aspect that often lacks the presence of all the peculiar clinical features of Albright hereditary osteodistrophy.
Nasal mucosal melanoma presenting as central type vertigo: a case report
Authors: Nellas Konstantinos , Konstantinidis Iordanis , Zevgaridis Alexandros , Printza Athanasia , Efstratiou Ioannis
Published: July 2009

Nasal mucosal melanoma presents usually with epistaxis, nasal obstruction and facial pain. However melanoma tends to give distant metastases at an early stage, having rare clinical presentations.

We present a 74-year old female patient with symptoms of central type vertigo caused by brain metastases. Clinical assessment for the detection of the primary site revealed a nasal mucosal melanoma originating from the posterior end of the left inferior turbinate. The patient received a combination of radio and chemotherapy being in relatively good condition 8 months later. This is the first reported case of a nasal mucosal melanoma with vertigo as the first presenting symptom.
Combined anomalous origin of a left inferior thyroid artery and a left vertebral artery: a case report
Authors: Natsis Konstantinos , Didagelos Matthaios , Noussios Georgios , Adamopoulou Aspasia , Nikolaidou Elisavet , Paraskevas Georgios
Published: July 2009

An abnormal origin of a left inferior thyroid artery from the left vertebral artery that in turn originated from the aortic arch was observed on a 72-year-old Caucasian male cadaver during a dissection anatomy practice. We describe in detail the morphology of this extremely rare anatomical variation and refer to its clinical importance.
Massive intestinal ischemia, a rare complication of oral contraceptive-induced mesenteric venous thrombosis: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Efremidou Eleni I , Kouklakis George , Tsirogianni Olga , Courcoutsakis Nikolaos , Manolas Konstantinos J , Liratzopoulos Nikolaos
Published: July 2009

Intestinal necrosis and perforation is a clinical and pathological presentation of the infrequently seen mesenteric venous thrombosis in women using oral contraceptives.

We report a case of a previously healthy 31-year-old female patient, who presented with a 3-day history of abdominal pain.

Although chest and abdomen radiographs showed small bowel obstruction, conservative treatment failed and the patient developed peritonism. Contrast-enhanced Tomography of the abdomen revealed free air associated with dilated and thickened small bowel. A laparotomy was performed and segmental resection of both small and large bowel was required. The pathological examination showed intestinal ischemia and mesenteric venous thrombosis. There were no further predisposing factors and mesenteric venous thrombosis was ascribed to oral contraceptives.
Curing tinnitus with a Cochlear Implant in a patient with unilateral sudden deafness: a case report
Authors: Kleinjung Tobias , Steffens Thomas , Strutz Juergen , Langguth Berthold
Published: July 2009

Cochlear implantation is a routine procedure for patients with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss. Some reports demonstrated a suppression of tinnitus as a side-effect after implantation. We describe the case of a 55-year-old man suffering from severe right-sided tinnitus in consequence of sudden right-sided deafness. Multiple therapeutic efforts including intravenous steroids and tympanoscopy with grafting of the round window remained unsuccessful. One year after onset of symptoms right-sided cochlear implantation was performed, which resulted in a complete abolishment of tinnitus after activating the implant. Severe unilateral tinnitus after sudden deafness might represent a new indication for cochlear implantation.
Incipient primary biliary cirrhosis/autoimmune hepatitis overlap or hepatitic form of primary biliary cirrhosis: a case report
Authors: Minz Ranjana W , Chhabra Seema , Aggarwal Ritu , Das Ashim , Saikia Biman , Chawla Yogesh K
Published: July 2009

A 42 year old asymptomatic female detected as incipient Primary Biliary Cirrhosis/Autoimmune Hepatitis overlap during routine checkup. The biochemical profile showed evolution from a mildly deranged liver function test in 2004 along with increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate to a 4 times elevation of alkaline phosphatase in 2006 with mildly deranged alanine transaminase. Autoimmune markers demonstrable were Anti mitochondrial antibody M2 and sp100. Histopathology showed dual features, dominant findings were of autoimmune heptatitis. Features consistent with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis were minimal with an occasional portal tract showing paucity of bile ducts and occasional bile duct proliferation. Human leucocyte antigen DR/DQ genotype was as follows: DRB1*03, DRB1*07, DQB1*02, DQB1*04.
Dissociation of mobile-bearing patellar component in low contact stress patellofemoral arthroplasty, its mechanism and management: two case reports
Authors: van Jonbergen Hans-Peter W , Werkman Dirk M , Barnaart Alexander FW
Published: July 2009

Introduction

Isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis can be treated with patellofemoral arthroplasty.

Case presentation

We present two cases of isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis treated with Low Contact Stress patellofemoral arthroplasty; in both cases the polyethylene mobile-bearing of the patellar component dissociated from the metal backing. One patient had a revision to a Richards patellofemoral prosthesis, and in the second patient the arthroplasty was converted to a total knee prosthesis because of clinically important femorotibial osteoarthritis.

Conclusion

The possible failure mechanisms are described. We suggest avoiding the use of a metal-backed mobile-bearing patellar component due to the risk of dissociation.
Association of Hematological Parameters with Insulin Resistance and β-Cell Dysfunction in Nondiabetic Subjects
Authors: Hanley Anthony J. G. , Retnakaran Ravi , Qi Ying , Gerstein Hertzel C. , Perkins Bruce , Raboud Janet , Harris Stewart B. , Zinman Bernard
Published: July 2009

Objective: Previous studies reported independent associations of hematological parameters with risk of incident type 2 diabetes, although limited data are available on associations of these parameters with insulin resistance (IR) and (especially) pancreatic β-cell dysfunction in large epidemiological studies. Our objective was to evaluate the associations of hematological parameters, including hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (Hgb), red blood cell count (RBC), and white blood cell count with IR and β-cell dysfunction in a cohort of nondiabetic subjects at high metabolic risk.

Methods: Nondiabetic subjects (n = 712) were recruited in Toronto and London, Ontario, Canada, between 2004 and 2006, based on the presence of one or more risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus including obesity, hypertension, a family history of diabetes, and/or a history of gestational diabetes. Fasting blood samples were collected and oral glucose tolerance tests administered, with additional samples for glucose and insulin drawn at 30 and 120 min. Measures of IR included the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) and Matsuda’s insulin sensitivity index, whereas measures of β-cell dysfunction included the insulinogenic index divided by HOMA-IR as well as the insulin secretion-sensitivity index-2. Associations of hematological parameters with IR and β-cell dysfunction were assessed using multiple linear regression and analysis of covariance with adjustments for age, gender, ethnicity, smoking, cardiovascular disease, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and waist circumference.

Results: HOMA-IR increased across quartiles of HCT, Hgb, RBC, and white blood cell count after adjustment for age, gender, ethnicity, and smoking (all P (trend) <0.0001). Similarly, there was a strong stepwise decrease in the Matsuda’s insulin sensitivity index across increasing quartiles of these hematological measures (all P (trend) <0.0001). The associations remained significant after further adjustment for previous cardiovascular disease, blood pressure, and waist circumference (all P (trend) <0.0001). Similarly, there was a strong pattern of decreasing β-cell function across increasing quartiles of all hematological patterns (all P (trend) <0.0001). The findings for HCT, Hgb, and RBC were attenuated slightly after full multivariate adjustment, although the trend across quartiles remained highly significant.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that standard, clinically relevant hematological variables may be related to the underlying pathophysiological changes associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

In a large sample of non-diabetic subjects with metabolic risk factors, hematological parameters were significantly associated with insulin sensitivity and β-cell dysfunction, the main physiological disorders underlying type 2 diabetes.
Opposing effects of Ndel1 and α1 or α2 on cytoplasmic dynein through competitive binding to Lis1
Authors: Ding Chong , Liang Xujun , Ma Li , Yuan Xiaobing , Zhu Xueliang
Published: July 2009

Lis1 is an essential protein whose insufficiency causes aberrant neuronal positioning during neocortical development. It is believed to regulate both cytoplasmic dynein, a microtubule minus-end-directed motor, through direct interaction, and platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) Ib by complexing with the catalytic subunits α1 and α2. Although α1 and α2 are highly expressed in brain, their deficiencies fail to cause brain abnormality. Here, we show that overexpression of α2 or α1 results in inactivation of dynein characterized by Golgi and endosome dispersion and mitotic delay. Further overexpression of Lis1 or Ndel1, a Lis1- and dynein-binding protein that is also crucial for dynein function, restored Golgi and endosome distribution. Biochemical assays showed that α1 and especially α2, were able to compete against Ndel1 and dynein for Lis1 binding in a dose-dependent manner. Overexpression of α2 in developing rat brain repressed the radial migration of neurons and mitotic progression of neuroprogenitors. By contrast, a Lis1-binding-defective point mutant, α2E39D, was ineffective in the above assays. These results indicate an antagonistic effect of α1, α2 and Ndel1 for Lis1 binding, probably to modulate dynein functions in vivo. They also help to explain why brain development is particularly sensitive to a decrease in Lis1 levels.
Selective Methanation of Carbon Monoxide in Hydrogen-rich Reformate Using Microstructured Reactor
Authors: Men Yong , Kolb Gunther , Zapf Ralf , O’Connell Martin , Hessel Volker
Published: July 2009

Selective methanation of CO in a H2-rich stream performed over different supported-nickel catalysts showed that Ni–CeO2 and Ni–Cr2O3 were the most effective catalysts for complete removal of CO through selective methanation to decrease a concentration of CO from 1.6 vol % to ppm level (<50 ppm) in a microchannel reactor, and among them a nickel catalyst promoted by Cr2O3 proved to be robust for over 180 h without any degradation in performance of selective CO methanation.
New Simple Synthesis of Cu–TiO2 Nanocomposite: Highly Enhanced Photocatalytic Killing of Epithelia Carcinoma (HeLa) Cells
Authors: Abdulla-Al-Mamun Md , Kusumoto Yoshihumi
Published: July 2009

Cu–TiO2 nanocomposites with different Cu/TiO2 molar ratios were synthesized by a new simple chemical reduction method. The morphological structure and the surface species of Cu–TiO2 nanocomposites were determined by using UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, TEM, XPS, XRD, and EDX techniques. The photocatalytic cytotoxicity of Cu–TiO2 nanocomposites was investigated under UV–vis light irradiation. The cytotoxicity depends on the molar ratio of Cu to TiO2, ranging from 0.2 to 5.
Incorporation of TiO2 Nanoparticles, Formed via Sol–Gel Process in Micelle of Block Copolymer, into Poly(methyl methacrylate) to Fabricate High Refractive and Transparent Hybrid Materials
Authors: Yamada Shuhei , Wang Zhifeng , Yoshinaga Kohji
Published: July 2009

Tiatanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, of around 20 nm in diameter, were synthesized within the hydrophilic core of micelles, formed using poly(acrylic acid-block-methyl methacrylate) in toluene solution, via sol–gel process using titanium isopropoxide. Hybrid films of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) containing TiO2 nanoparticles exhibit high transparency in the visible light region even at 30 wt % TiO2. The refractive index of the hybrid films at 633 nm linearly increased with TiO2 to attain 1.579.
Efficient Alkenation of Aldehydes and Ketones to α,β-Unsaturated Esters Using α,α-Bis(dimethylsilyl)-substituted Esters
Authors: Miura Katsukiyo , Ebine Masaru , Ootsuka Kazunori , Ichikawa Junji , Hosomi Akira
Published: July 2009

α,α-Bis(dimethylsilyl)-substituted esters 1 were found to be quite valuable for alkenation of various aldehydes and ketones to α,β-unsaturated esters. The reaction of aldehydes with 1 proceeded spontaneously in DMSO at 30 °C to give α,β-unsaturated esters with good to high E selectivity. Under the same conditions, ketones were insensitive to 1; however, Li2SO4 and CaCl2 effectively accelerated their alkenation.
A new web-based resource for improving use of lab tests: example of drug safety monitoring
Authors: Smellie WSA
Published: July 2009

Failure to use or interpret laboratory tests correctly is a relatively uncommon cause of direct patient harm in National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) listings although can have disastrous results in some patients. Evidence-based laboratory medicine does not follow the same criteria as many clinical interventional situations because of the absence and unfeasibility of randomized controlled trials in many situations. Much good practice is therefore based on level 4 evidence or consensus expert opinion. Much of this opinion is scattered throughout the medical literature and not readily available to medical practitioners. This paper describes the development of a web-based resource to provide rapid access to ‘heuristics’ to guide appropriate use and interpretation of laboratory tests, using the specific example of drug safety monitoring.
Independent midwives: working without professional indemnity insurance
Authors: Hopkins Catherine
Published: July 2009

This paper highlights the issue of independent midwives practising without professional indemnity insurance. The paper explains the history of the provision, decline and now absence of insurance for midwives who practise independently. Despite the government's commitment to professional indemnity insurance cover for all health professionals working independently and not covered by the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts, an exception has been made for independent midwives. The paper questions how the government can maintain its commitment to choices for maternity care yet permit midwives to care for pregnant women and attend at the birth of a baby without requiring insurance. There is no mandatory requirement to insure by the Nurses and Midwives Council (NMC). Without a mandatory requirement to insure the only advice given to midwives by the NMC is that they should inform their patients of the insurance position. The way in which information should be given is not stated and the practice is not consistent. Little information on the implications of lack of insurance is provided to parents considering retaining an independent midwife for the birth of their child. This situation leaves parents and children exposed to a situation where there is a clinical negligence claim no possibility of obtaining damages from an uninsured Defendant of limited personal means.
Foot ischaemia and toe skin necrosis associated with interleukin-2 infusion in an HIV-infected patient
Authors: Belda A , Borrás-Blasco J , Lopez-Montes L , Rosique-Robles D , Casterá E , Abad J
Published: July 2009

A 39-year-old white man developed a severe left toe foot ischaemia and toe skin necrosis following his 12 courses of interleukin (IL)-2 (4.5 MIU twice a day, subcutaneously) for five days every two months. He had no known general risk factors for thrombosis other than HIV infection. An arterial Doppler ultrasound examination of the leg confirmed the permeability of the posterior tibial artery and its digital pulse. A diagnosis of foot ischaemia and toe skin necrosis was made. The suspected causative agent was IL-2 since this was the only drug that the patient was taking before the symptoms appeared. The patient was empirically treated with an aspirin and pentoxifylline in order to improve local microcirculation. We observed a satisfactory response with a quick resolve of skin lesions. The most possible cause of foot ischaemia and toe skin necrosis was considered to be IL-2 because of the temporal relationship between the exposure to the drug and onset of symptoms. Based on the Naranjo probability scale, IL-2 could be considered the probable cause of the foot ischaemia and toe skin necrosis. If clinical evaluation leads to the suspicion of ischaemic process, therapy with IL-2 should be discontinued immediately.
Cat scratch disease: a diagnostic conundrum
Authors: Scott C , Azwa A , Cohen C , McIntyre M , Desmond N
Published: July 2009

We report the case of a patient who presented to a clinic for evaluation of inguinal lymphadenopathy. Histology of the lymph nodes revealed micoabscess formation suggesting infection with Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) or Bartonella henselae – the causative agent in cat scratch disease (CSD). The patient recalled no preceding animal exposure. Clinical and serological findings initially suggested early LGV but convalescent serology supported CSD. This serves as an important reminder that B. henselae infection should be considered a cause of regional lymphadenopathy in individuals suspected of having LGV.
‘Shame on you’ – the psychosocial impact of genital warts
Authors: Jeynes C , Chung M C , Challenor R
Published: July 2009

We aimed to investigate whether patients with genital warts experience greater feelings of shame and lower self-esteem compared with controls. Sixty patients with genital warts were compared with 60 asymptomatic genitourinary (GU) medicine patients and 60 orthopaedic outpatients. The shame scores of those with warts (31.08) were significantly higher ( P < 0.0001) than either control group (GU medicine controls 20.77; orthopaedic controls 19.00). The impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) by each of the individual emotional parameters of shame, low self-esteem, intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviour and self-efficacy impact was examined in the wart sample group. Only internalized shame ( P = 0.001) and intrusive thoughts ( P < 0.0001) were significant in predicting HRQoL scores. There are emotional implications in having genital warts, which can have a profound effect on a patient's quality of life and these need addressing just as much as the physical warts.
Severe HIV-associated hypertriglyceridaemia treated with rosuvastatin plus omega-3 fatty acids
Authors: Falasca K , Ucciferri C , Mancino P , Pizzigallo E , Calza L , Vecchiet J
Published: July 2009

Compared with healthy controls, HIV patients already have abnormal lipoprotein concentrations before the initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), which worsen with the therapy. HAART-associated dyslipidaemia features fundamental proatherogenic changes such as increased plasma triglycerides (TGs), increased total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The current guidelines for managing HIV-associated dyslipidaemia recommend diet and exercise counselling, alteration of HAART regimen or addition of lipid-lowering medications such as statins, fibrates and omega-3 (OM-3) fatty acids. Given that cardiovascular risk significantly increases with elevated lipid levels, selecting a drug to manage dyslipidaemia is particularly important. A case is described of an HIV patient who had severe hypertriglyceridaemia and bad metabolic parameters treated with rosuvastatin and OM-3 fatty acids. So we obtained a more marked reduction of TG levels than has never been described before in the literature, associated with a significant increase in HDL-C levels.
Unappreciated epidemiology: the churn effect in a regional HIV care programme
Authors: Gill M J , Krentz H B
Published: July 2009

High levels of geographic mobility in and out of HIV care centres (i.e. the churn effect) can disrupt the continuity of patient care, misalign prevention services, impact local prevalence data perturbing optimal allocation of resources, and contribute to logical challenges in repeated transfer of health records. We report on the clinical, demographic, and administrative impact of high population turnover within HIV populations.
HIV/AIDS education effects on behaviour among senior high school students in a medium-sized city in China
Authors: Ye X X , Huang H , Li S H , Xu G , Cai Y , Chen T , Shen L-X , Shi R
Published: July 2009

Few studies have examined the long-term effects of peer-led HIV prevention in Chinese adolescents. A two-year follow-up study was conducted among senior high school students in a medium-sized city of Fujian Province, from 1 March 2006 to 30 April 2008. In all, 3068 students from 14 schools were invited in March 2006, and 893 students in five schools were followed up. Data were collected at baseline, right after intervention (one month later) and two years later by a self-administered questionnaire. In the intervention group, the average knowledge score including reproductive health and HIV/AIDS/sexually transmitted diseases rose from 4.30 to 7.06 one month later ( P < 0.01) and to 7.08 two years later ( P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the average knowledge score after one month and two years ( P > 0.05). Sustained increases were found in the attitude scores towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) and intention of condom use after intervention. The study indicates that peer-led HIV prevention education succeeds in improving and sustaining HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and some behaviour intentions. Future research should focus on strategies to sustain long-term behaviour change.
Widespread cleavage of A-to-I hyperediting substrates
Authors: Osenberg Sivan , Dominissini Dan , Rechavi Gideon , Eisenberg Eli
Published: July 2009

A-to-I RNA editing is the conversion of adenosine to inosine in double-stranded cellular and viral RNAs. Recently, abundant hyperediting of human transcripts, affecting thousands of genes, has been reported. Most of these editing sites are confined to intramolecular hairpin double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) structures formed by pairing of neighboring, reversely oriented, primate-specific Alu repeats. The biological implication of this extensive modification is still a mystery. A number of studies have shown that heavily edited transcripts are often retained in the nucleus. A recent study found that the edited region in transcripts of the mouse Slc7a2 gene is post-transcriptionally cleaved upon stress, enabling the release of the mRNA to the cytoplasm, followed by its translation. Here, we aim to test whether this scenario might be relevant for many other hyperedited Alu targets. Bioinformatics analysis of publicly available mRNA and expressed sequence tag data provides evidence showing that neighboring, reversely oriented, Alu elements are often cleaved at both ends of the region harboring the inverted repeats followed by rejoining of the two parts of the transcript on both sides of the inverted repeats, resulting in almost inosine-free mRNA products. Deleted segments vary among transcripts of the same gene and are not flanked by the canonical splicing signal sequences. The tissue distribution of these events seems to correlate with known A-to-I editing patterns, suggesting that it depends on the dsRNA structure being edited. Results are experimentally verified by polymerase chain reaction and cloning data. A database of 566 human and 107 mouse putative cleavage loci is supplied.
Institutional Change as an Interactive Process: The Case of the Modernization of the French Cancer Centers
Authors: Castel Patrick , Friedberg Erhard
Published: July 2009

A good deal of strategic choice has been given back to organizations, which have become actors of their (only partial) compliance with institutional demands that they in turn contribute to shaping. The reported case of the successful modernization of the French cancer centers and their reinstatement as the leaders in their field contributes to a better understanding of the role of leadership in institutional change because it demonstrates a positional approach to institutional leadership. Cancer centers' reformers were both central, because they were placed at the intersection of several potentially interdependent organizational fields or institutional spheres, and marginal to most but not all of them. This particular position of the change-entrepreneurs, with its relational constraints and also its resources, enabled them to initiate a successful drive for the transformation of the field of cancer care and also greatly explains the particular form it took. Our analysis underscores the interactive nature of institutional change, where the motor of change simultaneously structures and is structured by the process it is driving and where the initiators of reform have to create their proper and specific combination of old and new in order to build an innovative dynamic.
A Relational Model of How High-Performance Work Systems Work
Authors: Gittell Jody Hoffer , Seidner Rob , Wimbush Julian
Published: July 2009

In this paper we explore a causal mechanism through which high-performance work systems contribute to performance outcomes. We propose that high-performance work systems can improve organizational performance by strengthening relationships among employees who perform distinct functions, a pathway that is expected to be particularly important in settings characterized by highly interdependent work. In a nine-hospital study of patient care, we identify high-performance work practices that positively predict the strength of relational coordination among doctors, nurses, physical therapists, social workers, and case managers, in turn predicting quality and efficiency outcomes for their patients. Relational coordination mediates the association between these high-performance work practices and outcomes, suggesting a relational pathway through which high-performance work systems work.
Teacher expectations and perceptions of student attributes: Is there a relationship?
Authors: Rubie‐Davies Christine M.
Published: July 2009

Background

Teacher expectations have been a fruitful area of psychological research for 40 years. Researchers have concentrated on expectations at the individual level (i.e. expectations for individual students), rather than at the class level. Studies of class level expectations have begun to identify specific teacher factors that make a difference for students.

Aims

This study aimed to compare how teachers with very high (or very low) expectations for all their students would rate their students' personal attributes. Teacher ratings of attributes in relation to achievement was also of interest.

Sample

Participants were six high expectation (HiEx) teachers and three low expectation (LoEx) teachers and their 220 students.

Methods

Participants were asked to rate their students on characteristics related to attitudes to schoolwork, relationships with others, and home support for school.

Results

Contrasting patterns were found for HiEx and LoEx teachers. For HiEx teachers correlations between expectations and all student factors were significant and positive while for LoEx teachers the correlations that were significant were negative. Correlations between student achievement and all student factors were also positive and significant for HiEx teachers while for LoEx teachers only one positive correlation was found.

Conclusions

This study adds weight to the argument that class level expectations are important for student learning. Teacher moderators appear to relate to differing teacher beliefs and attributes (mediators) and hence may lead to variance in the instructional and socio‐emotional climate of the classroom.
A versus F: The effects of implicit letter priming on cognitive performance
Authors: Ciani Keith D. , Sheldon Kennon M.
Published: July 2009

Background

It has been proposed that motivational responses outside people's conscious awareness can be primed to affect academic performance. The current research focused on the relationship between primed evaluative letters (A and F), explicit and implicit achievement motivation, and cognitive performance.

Aim

Given the evaluative connotation associated with letter grades, we wanted to know if exposure to the letter A before a task could improve performance, and exposure to the letter F could impair performance. If such effects are found, we suspected that they may be rooted in implicit approach versus avoidance motivation, and occur without participants' awareness.

Sample

The current research was conducted at a large research university in the USA. Twenty‐three undergraduates participated in Expt 1, 32 graduate students in Expt 2, and 76 undergraduates in Expt 3.

Method

Expts 1 and 2 were conducted in classroom settings, and Expt 3 in a laboratory. In Expt 1, participants were randomly assigned to either the A or F condition. The letter manipulation came in the form of an ostensible Test Bank ID code on the cover of an analogy test, which participants were prompted to view and write on each page of their test. Expt 2 followed a similar procedure but included the neutral letter J as a third condition to serve as a control. In Expt 3, participants' letter condition was presented in the form of an ostensible Subject ID code prior to an anagram test.

Results

Expts 1–3 demonstrated that exposure to the letter A enhances performance relative to the exposure to the letter F, whereas exposure to the letter F prior to an achievement task can impair performance. This effect was demonstrated using two different types of samples (undergraduate and graduate students), in two different experimental settings (classroom and laboratory), using two different types of achievement tasks (analogy and anagram), and using two different types of letter presentation (Test Bank ID and Subject ID). Results from the funnelled debriefing, self‐report goals, and word‐stem completion support our position that the effect of letter on academic performance takes place outside the conscious awareness of participants.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that students are vulnerable to evaluative letters presentedbeforea task, and support years of research highlighting the significant role that nonconscious processes play in achievement settings.
Enhanced external and culturally sensitive attributions after extended intercultural contact
Authors: Vollhardt Johanna Ray
Published: July 2009

This study examined the effect of close and extended intercultural contact on attributions for behaviour of out‐group members. Specifically, it was hypothesized that extended intercultural contact would enhance the ability to make external and culturally sensitive attributions for ambiguous behaviour of out‐group members, while decreasing the common tendency to overestimate internal factors. A content analysis of open‐ended attributions supported these hypotheses, revealing that majority group members in Germany who had hosted an exchange student from another continent used significantly less internal and more external as well as culturally sensitive attributions to explain the behaviour described in critical intercultural incidents, compared to future hosts. The effect remained significant when controlling for perspective taking and prior intercultural experience. Moreover, the hypothesis was supported for scenarios describing different cultural groups (regardless of the exchange students' country of origin), suggesting a generalized effect. Problems of selection bias are discussed, and the importance of studying a range of positive outcomes of intercultural contact is emphasized.
Photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical hydrogen production by photodegradation of organic substances
Authors: Lianos Panagiotis , Strataki Nikoleta , Antoniadou Maria
Published: July 2009

Commercial nanocrystalline titania (titanium dioxide, TiO2) has been used to make TiO2 films, which were employed to photodegrade several organic substances under photocatalytic (PC) or photoelectrochemical (PEC) operation. Hydrogen was produced during both operations while electricity was additionally produced during the PEC operation. Both processes were studied as typical examples of the current trend in the effort to produce useful forms of energy by photodegradation of organic waste materials.
The Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Phobic Situations (SEQ-SP): Development and Psychometric Evaluation
Authors: Flatt Natalie , King Neville
Published: July 2009

The 13-item Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Specific Phobias (SEQ-SP) was developed as a measure of perceived ability to cope with phobic symptoms when approaching feared stimuli. This study examined the psychometric properties of the SEQ-SP in a sample of 43 Australian children and adolescents aged 7 through to 17 years. Participants met the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for a specific phobia. Exploratory factor analysis yielded two reliable subscales labelled Cognitive/Physiological Efficacy and Behavioural Efficacy. A confirmatory cluster analysis revealed the possibility of three ad hoc clusters comprising of cognitive, physiological and behavioural classifications. Results furthermore provided preliminary evidence for the reliability and validity of the SEQ-SP. Psychometric evaluation revealed excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Additionally, results indicated that higher SEQ-SP scores were significantly correlated with lower scores on the Child Anxiety Sensitivity Index and higher scores on the Behavioural Avoidance Test, displaying evidence of moderate to excellent construct validity. This new self-report measure has a potentially useful role in clinical work and research with children and adolescents presenting with a specific phobia. Subsequent research examining the clinical utility of the SEQ-SP to predict treatment outcome is discussed.
Slowly Adapting Mechanoreceptors in the Borders of the Human Fingernail Encode Fingertip Forces
Authors: Birznieks Ingvars , Macefield Vaughan G. , Westling Göran , Johansson Roland S.
Published: July 2009

There are clusters of slowly adapting (SA) mechanoreceptors in the skin folds bordering the nail. These “SA-IInail” afferents, which constitute nearly one fifth of the tactile afferents innervating the fingertip, possess the general discharge characteristics of slowly adapting type II (SA-II) tactile afferents located elsewhere in the glabrous skin of the human hand. Little is known about the signals in the SA-IInail afferents when the fingertips interact with objects. Here we show that SA-IInail afferents reliably respond to fingertip forces comparable to those arising in everyday manipulations. Using a flat stimulus surface, we applied forces to the finger pad while recording impulse activity in 17 SA-IInail afferents. Ramp-and-hold forces (amplitude 4 N, rate 10 N/s) were applied normal to the skin, and at 10, 20, or 30° from the normal in eight radial directions with reference to the primary site of contact (25 force directions in total). All afferents responded to the force stimuli, and the responsiveness of all but one afferents was broadly tuned to a preferred direction of force. The preferred directions among afferents were distributed all around the angular space, suggesting that the population of SA-IInail afferents could encode force direction. We conclude that signals in the population of SA-IInail afferents terminating in the nail walls contain vectorial information about fingertip forces. The particular tactile features of contacted surfaces would less influence force-related signals in SA-IInail afferents than force-related signals present in afferents terminating in the volar skin areas that directly contact objects.
Somatotopic Organization of Gentle Touch Processing in the Posterior Insular Cortex
Authors: Björnsdotter Malin , Löken Line , Olausson Håkan , Vallbo Åke , Wessberg Johan
Published: July 2009

A network of thin (C and Aδ) afferents relays various signals related to the physiological condition of the body, including sensations of gentle touch, pain, and temperature changes. Such afferents project to the insular cortex, where a somatotopic organization of responses to noxious and cooling stimuli was recently observed. To explore the possibility of a corresponding body-map topography in relation to gentle touch mediated through C tactile (CT) fibers, we applied soft brush stimuli to the right forearm and thigh of a patient (GL) lacking Aβ afferents, and six healthy subjects during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). For improved fMRI analysis, we used a highly sensitive multivariate voxel clustering approach. A somatotopic organization of the left (contralateral) posterior insular cortex was consistently demonstrated in all subjects, including GL, with forearm projecting anterior to thigh stimulation. Also, despite denying any sense of touch in daily life, GL correctly localized 97% of the stimuli to the forearm or thigh in a forced-choice paradigm. The consistency in activation patterns across GL and the healthy subjects suggests that the identified organization reflects the central projection of CT fibers. Moreover, substantial similarities of the presently observed insular activation with that described for noxious and cooling stimuli solidify the hypothesized sensory-affective role of the CT system in the maintenance of physical well-being as part of a thin-afferent homeostatic network.