bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health effects of Aspergillus in food and air
Authors: Klich Maren A
Published: October 2009

This review summarizes the health aspects of the medically important fungal genus Aspergillus. The morphology and systematics of the genus are explained as well as its biogeography. Major mycotoxins, the aspergilli that produce them, affected crops, and symptoms of the toxicoses are summarized, as are the major mycoses caused by aspergilli. The current status of the relationship between Aspergillus in the indoor environment and health issues are discussed.
Detection of macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxin in acaprine(goat) tracheal instillation model
Authors: Layton Robert C , Purdy Charles W , Jumper Cynthia A , Straus David C
Published: October 2009

This study demonstrates the detection and dynamics of macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxin (MTM) tissue loading using a commercially available assay in a goat model. The detection of MTMs has been difficult and complex due to the uncertainty of what tissues to examine and when to sample. Twelve goats (two groups of each) were instilled with Stachybotrys chartarum conidial suspension via the trachea. The first group was challenged repeatedly with fungal conidia containing 1 mg/kg of MTM per instillation whereas the second group was exposed once, to spores with a calculated concentration of 5 µg/kg of mycotoxin. These toxin estimates were generated by the QuantiToxTMKit assay; a conidium of S. chartarum possessed 8.5 pg of MTM. After repeated exposure of 3 days, MTM was detected in one of six animals. This animal and two others from the same group had mycotoxin detected in their serum 24 hours after challenge at a comparable level (1.69 ng/mL) to the six animals challenged with a single dose (2.02 ng/mL) at the same time post-instillation. Results showed that MTMs are detectable in experimental animals soon after challenge and contribute to the understanding of the role of these mycotoxins in the disease process following mold exposure.
Neurobehavioral and pulmonary impairment in 105 adults with indoor exposure to molds compared to 100 exposed to chemicals
Authors: Kilburn Kaye H
Published: October 2009

Patients exposed at home to molds and mycotoxins and those exposed to chemicals (CE) have many similar symptoms of eye, nose, and throat irritation and poor memory, concentration, and other neurobehavioral dysfunctions. To compare the neurobehavioral and pulmonary impairments associated with indoor exposures to mold and to chemicals. 105 consecutive adults exposed to molds (ME) indoors at home and 100 patients exposed to other chemicals were compared to 202 community referents without mold or chemical exposure. To assess brain functions, we measured 26 neurobehavioral functions. Medical and exposure histories, mood states score, and symptoms frequencies were obtained. Vital capacity and flows were measured by spirometry. Groups were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA) after adjusting for age, educational attainment, and sex, by calculating predicted values (observed/predicted × 100 = % predicted). And p < .05 indicated statistical significance for total abnormalities, and test scores that were outside the confidence limits of the mean of the percentage predicted. People exposed to mold had a total of 6.1 abnormalities and those exposed to chemicals had 7.1 compared to 1.2 abnormalities in referents. Compared to referents, the exposed groups had balance decreased, longer reaction times, and blink reflex latentcies lengthened. Also, color discrimination errors were increased and visual field performances and grip strengths were reduced. The cognitive and memory performance measures were abnormal in both exposed groups. Culture Fair scores, digit symbol substitution, immediate and delayed verbal recall, picture completion, and information were reduced. Times for peg-placement and trail making A and B were increased. One difference was that chemically exposed patients had excess fingertip number writing errors, but the mold-exposed did not. Mood State scores and symptom frequencies were greater in both exposed groups than in referents. Vital capacities were reduced in both groups. Neurobehavioral and pulmonary impairments associated with exposures to indoor molds and mycotoxins were not different from those with various chemical exposures.
Open and Closed Lip Schizencephaly in Seckel Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Thapa Rajoo , Mallick Debkrishna , Biswas Biswajit , Ghosh Apurba
Published: October 2009

Seckel syndrome (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database Number 210600) is the classic prototype of primordial bird-headed dwarfism. In addition to the characteristic craniofacial dysmorphism and skeletal defects, abnormalities of the cardiovascular, hematopoietic, endocrine, and central nervous systems are described. The full phenotypic spectrum of this clinically and genetically heterogeneous syndrome is yet to be delineated. Presented herein is a boy 2 years and 5 months old, with Seckel syndrome, born to second-degree consanguineous Muslim parents. In addition to the classic phenotype of the disorder, this patient had both, an open and a closed lip schizencephaly detected on cranial computed tomography (CT) scan. To our knowledge, the association of schizencephaly and Seckel syndrome is not described previously in the English language literature. In addition, presented briefly is a review of the anatomical cerebral cortical malformations associated with this syndrome.
Increasing Viscosity and Inertia Using a Robotically Controlled Pen Improves Handwriting in Children
Authors: Ben-Pazi Hilla , Ishihara Abraham , Kukke Sahana , Sanger Terence D.
Published: October 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of mechanical properties of the pen on quality of handwriting in children. A total of 22 school-aged children, aged 8 to 14 years, wrote in cursive using a pen attached to a robot. The robot was programmed to increase the effective weight (inertia) and viscosity of the pen. Speed, frequency, variability, and quality of the 2 handwriting samples were compared. Increased inertia and viscosity improved handwriting quality in 85% of children (P ≤ .05). Handwriting quality did not correlate with changes in speed, suggesting that improvement was not due to reduced speed. Measures of movement variability remained unchanged, suggesting improvement was not due to mechanical smoothing of pen movement by the robot. Because improvement was not explained by reduced speed or mechanical smoothing, we conclude that children alter handwriting movements in response to pen mechanics. Altered movement could be caused by changes in sensory feedback.
Gender on a New Frontier
Authors: Schmalzbauer Leah
Published: October 2009

In this article, the author draws from ethnographic field work with Mexican migrants in southwestern Montana, an emerging rural settlement of the Mountain West, to analyze the ways in which context of reception affects gender relations. The author constructs the analysis by looking at gender in terms of three primary elements of migrant incorporation: (1) employment, (2) geography, and (3) culture. The author finds that in Montana traditional gender relations are typically fortified or reintroduced through the migration process, often to the detriment of women. Yet women remain optimistic about their lives because they believe that in Montana they can be better mothers, providing safety and opportunities for their children that they could not provide elsewhere. The data challenge theorizing from urban settlements and highlight the significance of context of reception for constructions of gender and women’s experiences of power.
Becoming Responsible in Christian Ethics
Authors: Lovin Robin W.
Published: October 2009

The works of H. Richard and Reinhold Niebuhr provide an appropriate starting point for renewed attention to the idea of responsibility in Christian ethics. While responsible choice and ‘the responsible society’ were important themes in ecumenical Protestant ethics in Britain and the US from the 1930s to the late 1950s, the idea has been neglected in recent decades. German theology, however, has considered Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s wartime writings on the ‘venture of responsibility’ and a biblical theology of judgment and responsibility in light of a growing literature in philosophy and social thought that structures the moral life around a technological society’s responsibility for the human future. These different ways of thinking about responsibility invite further theological and ethical reflection on their history, their disagreements, and their possibilities for the future.
An Examination of the Psychometric Properties of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist With Children Enrolled in Medicaid
Authors: Boothroyd Roger Alan , Armstrong Mary
Published: October 2009

The federal Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) program requires mental health screening of Medicaid-eligible children as part of primary care medical assessments. However, decisions related to selection of a screening tool remain with the states. States need access to brief, cost effective, easily administered screening tools to comply with these regulations.

This paper examines the psychometric properties of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) reported on 6,590 children ages 6-22 enrolled in Florida’s Medicaid program across seven areas of the state, whose caregivers participated in a mail survey at least once between 1998 and 2007. Results suggest the PSC has both good internal consistency and stability over time across children with varying health and mental health conditions. The PSC demonstrated excellent discriminant validity regarding its ability to differentiate among children with varying levels of disabilities. Evidence of the PSCs construct validity was found based on its significant associations with other measures in predicted directions. At the recommended cut-off score of 28, the PSC exhibited good sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Collectively, these findings support the use of the PSC as an appropriate measure for screening the psychosocial needs of children enrolled in Medicaid.
Validation of the Adult ADHD Investigator Symptom Rating Scale (AISRS)
Authors: Spencer Thomas J. , Adler Lenard A. , Meihua Qiao  , Saylor Keith E. , Brown Thomas E. , Holdnack James A. , Schuh Kory J. , Trzepacz Paula T. , Kelsey Douglas K.
Published: October 2009

Objective: Validation of the Adult ADHD Investigator Symptom Rating Scale (AISRS) that measures aspects of ADHD in adults. Method: Psychometric properties of the AISRS total and AISRS subscales are analyzed and compared to the Conners’ Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-Investigator Rated: Screening Version (CAARS-Inv:SV) and the Clinical Global Impression-ADHD-Severity Scale using data from a placebo-controlled 6-month clinical trial of once-daily atomoxetine. Results: The AISRS has high internal consistency, good convergent, and discriminant validities; modest divergent validity; and small ceiling and floor effects (≤1%). It correlates highly with the CAARS-Inv:SV. Factor analysis confirms 2 AISRS subscales, hyperactivity-impulsive scale and inattention. The AISRS total and AISRS subscales perform stably. All scales demonstrate responsiveness to change with medication. Conclusion: The AISRS and its subscales are robust, valid efficacy measures of ADHD symptoms in adult patients. Its anchored items and semistructured interview are advancements over existing scales. (J. of Att. Dis. 2010; 14(1) 57-68)
Supporting Students With Disabilities in the General Education Classroom: The Behavioral Health Assistant Program
Authors: Adolphson S. Lillian , Hawken Leanne S. , Stein Carroll Mishele
Published: October 2009

This article describes an effective model for employing paraprofessionals to provide behavioral support for students in a general education setting. Behavioral health assistants (BHAs) worked under the supervision of school psychologists and counselors and provided behavioral interventions for students with behavioral goals on their individualized education programs or served a preventive function for students with elevated risk factors who had been referred to multidisciplinary teams due to problem behavior. Descriptive information about the BHA program is provided regarding (a) average numbers of students served; (b) most frequent types of interventions and supports; (c) types of problem behaviors addressed; (d) changes to students’ grades during the period they received services; and (e) the acceptability of the program among school teachers, administrators, BHAs, and other school personnel.
The European Union’s Drive towards Public Policy Evaluation
Authors: Viñas Verónica
Published: October 2009

Spain’s entry into the European Union (EU), in 1986, represented a great challenge in several areas, including the evaluation of public policy. In 1988 Structural Fund regulations were amended to include mandatory evaluation of European structural policies by both the Commission and the member states, and the 1999 reform strengthened evaluation requirements. This contribution discusses the major changes introduced in the Spanish evaluation landscape due to Spain’s entry into the EU. It provides a description and analysis of a case that has elicited great interest among countries that have entered the EU in the 21st century and are trying to learn from the experience of Spain and other countries.
Modelling Trade Sector and Trade Shocks in a Small Open Economy
Authors: Jayawickrama J.M. Ananda
Published: October 2009

The article examines the impact of external trade shocks on the economy of Sri Lanka, a small and open developing economy with high external trade intensity. Given a variety of specifications, we favour estimating both export demand and supply functions and an import demand function. Export demand depends on own price, world export prices and world income whereas export supply depends on own price, input prices and production capacity. Import demand is dependent on income and the relative price. Combining the trade sector with the rest of the economy, the article performs simulation experiments on external trade shocks. Results reveal that an increase in import prices has a significant impact on nominal variables and improves the current account of the balance of payments. An increase in world income has a highly persistent positive impact on the current account. Further, as these trade shocks affect the nominal sector of the economy greatly, measures should be taken to cushion any associated destabilizing impact on the economy. The results also imply that export sector businesses should have the flexibility to vary the production capacity in the face of such shocks.
Indian Stakes in the Global Coconut Scenario by the Turn of the Century
Authors: Lathika M. , Kumar C.E. Ajith
Published: October 2009

The study sought to identify the prospective coconut producing countries that put up formidable trade competition to India, and to examine the growth performance of coconut in major producing countries, especially the ones identified to be real challengers to Indian interests. The cluster analysis of trend data for 18 years till 2002 on five parameters and with reference to eight dimensions of coconut performance delineated the key players in the international coconut market. Philippines, Indonesia and India formed the cluster of major stakeholders. India fared better than both the other countries in the major cluster, in respect of area, production and yield; and therefore, it should enjoy a comparative advantage. However, the acreage growth in India was stagnant during the post-liberalization phase and it does not appear to take advantage of other options available to it by moving up the value chain and thereby resisting the market pressure on domestic prices in an open economy environment. This resulted in a price crash of coconut products at the dawn of the new century.
Vitamin D and Injury Prevention
Authors: Johnson Mary Ann , Kimlin Michael G. , Porter Kathryn N.
Published: October 2009

Vitamin D, along with calcium, may help decrease the risk of falls and fractures in older adults. Sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet radiation are not recommended because they increase the risk of skin cancers and sun-induced eye disorders. Rather, vitamin D and calcium needs should be met through foods and dietary supplements. As a preventive measure to reduce the risk of falls and fractures, it is recommended that older adults meet the 2005 Dietary Guidelines and consume 1000 IU of vitamin D, preferably as vitamin D3.
Embryology and anatomy of the vesicoureteric junction with special reference to the etiology of vesicoureteral reflux
Authors: Radmayr Christian , Schwentner Christian , Lunacek Andreas , Karatzas Anastasios , Oswald Josef
Published: October 2009

Concerning the ureterovesical junction - the region most important for the anti-reflux mechanism - there is still a lot of misunderstanding and misinterpretation with regard to normal fetal development. Data are scarce on possible causes of primary vesicoureteral reflux and on involved mechanisms of the so-called maturation process of refluxing ureteral endings. The ratio of the intravesical ureteral length to the ureteral diameter is obviously lower than assumed so far, as clearly revealed by some studies. Therefore it can be doubted that the length and course of the intravesical ureter is of sole importance in the prevention of reflux. Additionally refluxing intravesical ureteral endings present with dysplasia, atrophy, and architectural derangement of smooth muscle fibers. Besides, a pathologically increased matrix remodeling combined with deprivation of the intramural nerve supply has been confirmed. Consequently, symmetrical narrowing of the very distal ureteral smooth muscle coat creating the active valve mechanism to defend reflux is not achievable. It is apparent that primary congenital vesicoureteral reflux seems to be the result of an abnormality within the ureterovesical junction with an insufficient muscular wrap. Nature is believed to establish much more sophisticated mechanisms than the so-called passive anti-reflux mechanism. Remodeling processes within the ureterovesical junction of refluxing ureteral endings support that maturation itself is nothing else than wound or defect healing and not a restitution of a morphological normal ureterovesical junction. Lacking the nerve supply a restoration of any muscular structure can not be achieved.
Chronic myeloid leukemia: a prospective comparison of interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization and chromosome banding analysis for the definition of complete cytogenetic response: a study of the GIMEMA CML WP
Authors: Testoni Nicoletta , Marzocchi Giulia , Luatti Simona , Amabile Marilina , Baldazzi Carmen , Stacchini Monica , Nanni Mauro , Rege-Cambrin Giovanna , Giugliano Emilia , Giussani Ursula , Abruzzese Elisabetta , Kerim Simonetta , Grimoldi Maria Grazia , Gozzetti Alessandro , Crescenzi Barbara , Carcassi Carlo , Bernasconi Paolo , Cuneo Antonio , Albano Francesco , Fugazza Giuseppina , Zaccaria Alfonso , Martinelli Giovanni , Pane Fabrizio , Rosti Gianantonio , Baccarani Michele
Published: October 2009

In chronic myeloid leukemia, different methods are available to monitor the response to therapy: chromosome banding analysis (CBA), interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (I-FISH), and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-Q-PCR). The GIMEMA CML WP (Gruppo Italiano Malattie Ematologiche Adulto Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Working Party) has performed a prospective study to compare CBA and I-FISH for the definition of complete cytogenetic response (CCgR). Samples (n = 664) were evaluated simultaneously by CBA and I-FISH. Of 537 cases in CCgR, the number of positive nuclei by I-FISH was less than 1% in 444 cases (82.7%). Of 451 cases with less than 1% positive nuclei by I-FISH, 444 (98.4%) were classified as CCgR by CBA. The major molecular response rate was significantly greater in cases with I-FISH less than 1% than in those with I-FISH 1% to 5% (66.8% vs 51.6%, P < .001) and in cases with CCgR and I-FISH less than 1% than in cases with CCgR and I-FISH 1% to 5% (66.1% vs 49.4%, P = .004). I-FISH is more sensitive than CBA and can be used to monitor CCgR. With appropriate probes, the cutoff value of I-FISH may be established at 1%. These trials are registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00514488 and NCT00510926.
Same mutation, different allele
Authors: Aichberger Karl J. , Fleischman Angela G. , Deininger Michael W.
Published: October 2009

In this issue of Blood, Lambert and colleagues propose a new disease paradigm for one of the CMPNs, ET. They show that in ET, the JAK2 V617F mutation occurs as multiple independent events.1 Using a common single nucleotide polymorphism located in the JAK2 gene, they demonstrate that the mutation commonly occurs on both alleles in ET. The authors argue that, because of these new findings, the presence of the JAK2 V617F in ET should not be equated with malignant disease.
The hidden (and lazy) TCR
Authors: Bonini Chiara , Russo Vincenzo
Published: October 2009

In this issue of Blood, Burns and colleagues analyzed samples from 18 patients with melanoma, treated with T lymphocytes gene-modified to express a tumor-specific TCR. Results show persistence of transduced cells, but early shutdown of TCR gene expression. Transgene down-regulation was not caused by epigenetic silencing and could be reversed by T-cell activation.
T cells helping GVHD: take-away lessons
Authors: Fowler Daniel
Published: October 2009

Using double cytokine knockout donor CD4 cells, in this issue of Blood, Yi and colleagues help clarify the complex role of IFN-γ and the tissue specificity of Th1, Th17, and Th2 subsets in murine GVHD.1
Screens, iron, and leukemia
Authors: Stone Richard M. , DeAngelo Daniel J.
Published: October 2009

In this issue of Blood, Eberhard and colleagues screen a large library of off-patent agents for down-regulation of the survivin promoter in HeLa cells. Their most specific “hit” was ciclopirox, formerly developed as an antifungal, which was found to have preclinical antileukemic activity possibly via depletion of intracellular iron.
High coagulant factors & venous thrombosis
Authors: Doggen Carine J. M.
Published: October 2009

In this issue of Blood, results from the Longitudinal Investigation of Thromboembolism (LITE)1 show that, of the coagulant factors IX through XIII, only elevated levels of procoagulant factor XI were associated with a first venous thrombosis. LITE is the first prospective cohort study reporting on all these factors. Factor IX initially appeared to be associated with thrombosis but, after adjustment for primarily body mass index, the association disappeared.
The effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on pulmonary surfactant function and ultrastructure
Authors: Schleh Carsten , Mühlfeld Christian , Pulskamp Karin , Schmiedl Andreas , Nassimi Matthias , Lauenstein Hans D , Braun Armin , Krug Norbert , Erpenbeck Veit J , Hohlfeld Jens M
Published: October 2009

Background

Pulmonary surfactant reduces surface tension and is present at the air-liquid interface in the alveoli where inhaled nanoparticles preferentially deposit. We investigated the effect of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanosized particles (NSP) and microsized particles (MSP) on biophysical surfactant function after direct particle contact and after surface area cycling in vitro. In addition, TiO2 effects on surfactant ultrastructure were visualized.

Methods

A natural porcine surfactant preparation was incubated with increasing concentrations (50-500 μg/ml) of TiO2 NSP or MSP, respectively. Biophysical surfactant function was measured in a pulsating bubble surfactometer before and after surface area cycling. Furthermore, surfactant ultrastructure was evaluated with a transmission electron microscope.

Results

TiO2 NSP, but not MSP, induced a surfactant dysfunction. For TiO2 NSP, adsorption surface tension (γads) increased in a dose-dependent manner from 28.2 ± 2.3 mN/m to 33.2 ± 2.3 mN/m (p < 0.01), and surface tension at minimum bubble size (γmin) slightly increased from 4.8 ± 0.5 mN/m up to 8.4 ± 1.3 mN/m (p < 0.01) at high TiO2 NSP concentrations. Presence of NSP during surface area cycling caused large and significant increases in both γads (63.6 ± 0.4 mN/m) and γmin (21.1 ± 0.4 mN/m). Interestingly, TiO2 NSP induced aberrations in the surfactant ultrastructure. Lamellar body like structures were deformed and decreased in size. In addition, unilamellar vesicles were formed. Particle aggregates were found between single lamellae.

Conclusion

TiO2 nanosized particles can alter the structure and function of pulmonary surfactant. Particle size and surface area respectively play a critical role for the biophysical surfactant response in the lung.
BioGateway: a semantic systems biology tool for the life sciences
Authors: Antezana Erick , Blondé Ward , Egaña Mikel , Rutherford Alistair , Stevens Robert , De Baets Bernard , Mironov Vladimir , Kuiper Martin
Published: October 2009

Background

Life scientists need help in coping with the plethora of fast growing and scattered knowledge resources. Ideally, this knowledge should be integrated in a form that allows them to pose complex questions that address the properties of biological systems, independently from the origin of the knowledge. Semantic Web technologies prove to be well suited for knowledge integration, knowledge production (hypothesis formulation), knowledge querying and knowledge maintenance.

Results

We implemented a semantically integrated resource named BioGateway, comprising the entire set of the OBO foundry candidate ontologies, the GO annotation files, the SWISS-PROT protein set, the NCBI taxonomy and several in-house ontologies. BioGateway provides a single entry point to query these resources through SPARQL. It constitutes a key component for a Semantic Systems Biology approach to generate new hypotheses concerning systems properties. In the course of developing BioGateway, we faced challenges that are common to other projects that involve large datasets in diverse representations. We present a detailed analysis of the obstacles that had to be overcome in creating BioGateway. We demonstrate the potential of a comprehensive application of Semantic Web technologies to global biomedical data.

Conclusion

The time is ripe for launching a community effort aimed at a wider acceptance and application of Semantic Web technologies in the life sciences. We call for the creation of a forum that strives to implement a truly semantic life science foundation for Semantic Systems Biology.

Access to the system and supplementary information (such as a listing of the data sources in RDF, and sample queries) can be found at http://www.semantic-systems-biology.org/biogateway.
Combined phylogeny and neighborhood analysis of the evolution of the ABC transporters conferring multiple drug resistance in hemiascomycete yeasts
Authors: Seret Marie-Line , Diffels Julie F , Goffeau André , Baret Philippe V
Published: October 2009

Background

Pleiotropic Drug Resistant transporters (PDR) are members of the ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) subfamily which export antifungals and other xenobiotics in fungi and plants. This subfamily of transmembrane transporters has nine known members in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

We have analyzed the complex evolution of the pleiotropic drug resistance proteins (Pdrp) subfamily where gene duplications and deletions occur independently in individual genomes.

This study was carried out on 62 Pdrp from nine hemiascomycetous species, seven of which span 6 of the 14 clades of the Saccharomyces complex while the two others species, Debaryomyces hansenii and Yarrowia lipolytica, are further apart from an evolutive point of view.

Results

Combined phylogenetic and neighborhood analyses enabled us to identify five Pdrp clusters in the Saccharomyces complex. Three of them comprise orthologs of the Pdrp sensu stricto, Pdr5p, Pdr10p, Pdr12p, Pdr15p, Snq2p and YNR070wp. The evolutive pathway of the orthologs of Snq2 and YNR070w is particularly complex due to a tandem gene array in Eremothecium gossypii, Kluyveromyces lactis and Saccharomyces (Lachancea) kluyveri. This pathway and different cases of duplications and deletions were clarified by using a neighborhood analysis based on synteny.

For the two distant species, Yarrowia lipolytica and Debaryomyces hansenii, no neighborhood evidence is available for these clusters and many homologs of Pdr5 and Pdr15 are phylogenetically assigned to species-based clusters.

Two other clusters comprise the orthologs of the sensu lato Pdrp, Aus1p/Pdr11p and YOL075cp respectively. The evolutionary pathway of these clusters is simpler. Nevertheless, orthologs of these genes are missing in some species.

Conclusion

Numerous duplications were traced among the Hemiascomycetous Pdrp studied. The role of the Whole Genome Duplication (WGD) is sorted out and our analyses confirm the common ancestrality of Pdr5p and Pdr15p. A tandem gene array is observed in Eremothecium gossypii. One of the copies is the ortholog of Snq2 while the other one is lost in the post-WGD species.

The neighborhood analysis provides an efficient method to trace the history of genes and disentangle the orthology and paralogy relationships.
An evaluation of the appropriateness of advice and healthcare contacts made following calls to NHS Direct Wales
Authors: Snooks Helen , Peconi Julie , Munro James , Cheung Wai-Yee , Rance Jaynie , Williams Anne
Published: October 2009

Background

An evaluation of NHS Direct Wales (NHSDW), a national telephone-based healthcare advice and information service, was undertaken. A key objective was to describe the actions of callers and assess the appropriateness of advice and healthcare contacts made following calls, results of which are reported here.

Methods

Postal questionnaires were sent to consecutive callers to NHSDW in May 2002 and February 2004 to determine 1) callers' actions following calls and 2) their views about the appropriateness of: advice given; and when to seek further care. An independent clinical panel agreed and applied a set of rules about healthcare sites where examinations, investigations, treatments and referrals could be obtained. The rules were then applied to the subsequent contacts to healthcare services reported by respondents and actions were classified in terms of whether they had been necessary and sufficient for the care received.

Results

Response rates were similar in each survey: 1033/1897 (54.5%); 606/1204 (50.3%), with 75% reporting contacting NHSDW. In both surveys, nearly half of all callers reported making no further healthcare contact after their call to NHSDW. The most frequent subsequent contacts made were with GPs.

More than four fifths of callers rated the advice given - concerning any further care needed and when to seek it - as appropriate (further care needed: survey 1: 673/729, 82.3%; survey 2: 389/421, 92.4%; when to seek further care - survey 1: 462/555, 83.2%; survey 2: n = 295/346, 85.3%). A similar proportion of cases was also rated through the rule set and backed up by the clinical panel as having taken necessary and sufficient actions following their calls to NHSDW (survey 1: 624/729, 80.6%; survey 2: 362/421, 84.4%), with more unnecessary than insufficient actions identified at each survey (survey 1: unnecessary 132/729, 17.1% versus insufficient 11/729, 1.4%; survey 2: unnecessary 47/421, 11.0% versus insufficient 14/421, 3.3%).

Conclusion

Based on NHSDW caller surveys responses and applying a transparent rule set to caller actions a large majority of subsequent actions were assessed as appropriate, with insufficient contacts particularly infrequent. The challenge for NHSDW is to reduce the number of unnecessary contacts made following calls to the service, whilst maintaining safety.
Positive anti-citrullinated protein antibody status and small joint arthritis are consistent predictors of chronic disease in patients with very early arthritis: results from the NOR-VEAC cohort
Authors: Mjaavatten Maria D , Uhlig Till , Haugen Anne J , Nygaard Halvor , Sidenvall Göran , Helgetveit Knut , Kvien Tore K
Published: October 2009

Introduction

The current 1987 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have proven less useful in early arthritis. The objective of this study was to identify and compare predictors of three relevant outcomes of chronic arthritis in a cohort of very early arthritis patients.

Methods

The Norwegian Very Early Arthritis Cohort (NOR-VEAC) includes adult patients with at least one swollen joint of ≤16 weeks' duration. Patients are followed for 2 years with comprehensive clinical and laboratory examinations. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine independent predictors of three outcomes: persistent synovitis, prescription of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and established clinical RA diagnosis within one year.

Results

Of 384 patients eligible for one year follow-up (56.3% females, mean (SD) age 45.8 (14.7) years, median (IQR) duration of arthritis 31 (10-62) days), 14.4% were anti-CCP2 positive, and 11.2% were IgM RF positive. 98 patients (25.5%) had persistent synovitis, 106 (27.6%) had received DMARD treatment during follow-up, while 68 (17.7%) were diagnosed with RA. Consistent independent predictors across all three outcomes were positive anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) status (odds ratio (OR) 3.2, 5.6 and 19.3), respectively, and small joint arthritis (proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP), metacarpo-phalangeal joint (MCP), and/or metatarso-phalangeal joint (MTP) joint swelling) (OR 1.9, 3.5, and 3.5, respectively).

Conclusions

Positive ACPA status and small joint arthritis were consistent predictors of three relevant outcomes of chronic arthritis in very early arthritis patients. This consistency supports DMARD prescription as a valid surrogate endpoint for chronic arthritis. Importantly, this surrogate is used in ongoing efforts to develop new diagnostic criteria for early RA.
Editorial: NKT cells: to suppress or not to suppress, that is the question
Authors: Subleski Jeff J , Ortaldo John R
Published: October 2009

Potential differences between human and murine NKT cells in shaping an immune response.
Editorial: Basophil survival and immunomodulatory function are uniquely regulated by a novel MyD88-dependent pathway
Authors: Knol Edward F , Gibbs Bernhard F
Published: October 2009

Basophils are important gatekeepers in the development of TH2-skewed immune responses.
Talin 1 and 2 are required for myoblast fusion, sarcomere assembly and the maintenance of myotendinous junctions
Authors: Conti Francesco J. , Monkley Sue J. , Wood Malcolm R. , Critchley David R. , Müller Ulrich
Published: October 2009

Talin 1 and 2 connect integrins to the actin cytoskeleton and regulate the affinity of integrins for ligands. In skeletal muscle, talin 1 regulates the stability of myotendinous junctions (MTJs), but the function of talin 2 in skeletal muscle is not known. Here we show that MTJ integrity is affected in talin 2-deficient mice. Concomitant ablation of talin 1 and 2 leads to defects in myoblast fusion and sarcomere assembly, resembling defects in muscle lacking β1 integrins. Talin 1/2-deficient myoblasts express functionally active β1 integrins, suggesting that defects in muscle development are not primarily caused by defects in ligand binding, but rather by disruptions of the interaction of integrins with the cytoskeleton. Consistent with this finding, assembly of integrin adhesion complexes is perturbed in the remaining muscle fibers of talin 1/2-deficient mice. We conclude that talin 1 and 2 are crucial for skeletal muscle development, where they regulate myoblast fusion,sarcomere assembly and the maintenance of MTJs.
BMP7 promotes proliferation of nephron progenitor cells via a JNK-dependent mechanism
Authors: Blank Ulrika , Brown Aaron , Adams Derek C. , Karolak Michele J. , Oxburgh Leif
Published: October 2009

The iterative formation of nephrons during embryonic development relies on continual replenishment of progenitor cells throughout nephrogenesis. Defining molecular mechanisms that maintain and regulate this progenitor pool is essential to understanding nephrogenesis in developmental and regenerative contexts. Maintenance of nephron progenitors is absolutely dependent on BMP7 signaling, and Bmp7-null mice exhibit rapid loss of progenitors. However, the signal transduction machinery operating downstream of BMP7 as well as the precise target cell remain undefined. Using a novel primary progenitor isolation system, we have investigated signal transduction and biological outcomes elicited by BMP7. We find that BMP7 directly and rapidly activates JNK signaling in nephron progenitors resulting in phosphorylation of Jun and ATF2 transcription factors. This signaling results in the accumulation of cyclin D3 and subsequent proliferation of PAX2+ progenitors,inversely correlating with the loss of nephron progenitors seen in the Bmp7-null kidney. Activation of Jun and ATF2 is severely diminished in Bmp7-null kidneys, providing an important in vivo correlate. BMP7 thus promotes proliferation directly in nephron progenitors by activating the JNK signaling circuitry.
The duration ofFgf8isthmic organizer expression is key to patterning different tectal-isthmo-cerebellum structures
Authors: Sato Tatsuya , Joyner Alexandra L.
Published: October 2009

The isthmic organizer and its key effector molecule, fibroblast growth factor 8 (Fgf8), have been cornerstones in studies of how organizing centers differentially pattern tissues. Studies have implicated different levels of Fgf8 signaling from the mid/hindbrain boundary (isthmus) as being responsible for induction of different structures within the tectal-isthmo-cerebellum region. However, the role of Fgf8 signaling for different durations in patterning tissues has not been studied. To address this, we conditionally ablated Fgf8 in the isthmus and uncovered that prolonged expression of Fgf8 is required for the structures found progressively closer to the isthmus to form. We found that cell death cannot be the main factor accounting for the loss of brain structures near the isthmus, and instead demonstrate that tissue transformation underlies the observed phenotypes. We suggest that the remaining Fgf8 and Fgf17 signaling in our temporal Fgf8 conditional mutants is sufficient to ensure survival of most midbrain/hindbrain cells near the isthmus. One crucial role for sustained Fgf8 function is in repressing Otx2 in the hindbrain, thereby allowing the isthmus and cerebellum to form. A second requirement for sustained Fgf8 signaling is to induce formation of a posterior tectum. Finally, Fgf8 is also required to maintain the borders of expression of a number of key genes involved in tectal-isthmo-cerebellum development. Thus, the duration as well as the strength of Fgf8 signaling is key to patterning of the mid/hindbrain region. By extrapolation, the length of Fgf8 expression could be crucial to Fgf8 function in other embryonic organizers.
Notch activates Wnt-4 signalling to control medio-lateral patterning of the pronephros
Authors: Naylor Richard W. , Jones Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2009

Previous studies have highlighted a role for the Notch signalling pathway during pronephrogenesis in the amphibian Xenopus laevis, and in nephron development in the mammalian metanephros, yet a mechanism for this function remains elusive. Here, we further the understanding of how Notch signalling patterns the early X. laevis pronephros anlagen, a function that might be conserved in mammalian nephron segmentation. Our results indicate that early phase pronephric Notch signalling patterns the medio-lateral axis of the dorso-anterior pronephros anlagen, permitting the glomus and tubules to develop in isolation. We show that this novel function acts through the Notch effector gene hrt1 by upregulating expression of wnt4. Wnt-4 then patterns the proximal pronephric anlagen to establish the specific compartments that span the medio-lateral axis. We also identified pronephric expression of lunatic fringe and radical fringe that is temporally and spatially appropriate for a role in regulating Notch signalling in the dorso-anterior region of the pronephros anlagen. On the basis of these results, along with data from previous publications, we propose a mechanism by which the Notch signalling pathway regulates a Wnt-4 function that patterns the proximal pronephric anlagen.
Genital herpes: an Internet-based risk survey
Authors: Mindel A , McHugh L , Christie E , Chung C , Berger T
Published: October 2009

Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. We established a web-based survey to determine risk for genital herpes and encourage people to attend for herpes simplex virus testing. A survey was established on the Australian Herpes Management Forum (AHMF) website, consisting of 16 demographic and sexual health-related questions. Each question carried a numerical risk-weighting based on epidemiological data; the higher the overall score, the greater the risk of herpes. To determine how representative our sample was in relation to age and sex, we compared our survey with Australian Census data. Between October 2006 and August 2007 there were 5572 responses, 4358 (92%) were Australian. Compared with the Australian population, the survey population had a higher proportion of individuals aged less than 34 years, and a lower population over 55. Six hundred and eighty-six (13.8%) were classified as low risk, 2558 (51.6%) as medium risk and 1710 (34.5%) as high risk of having acquired genital herpes. In total, 39% reported four or fewer, and 38% reported 10 or more, sex partners in their lifetime. A large number of individuals participated in this survey, confirming that the Internet is a useful tool for health promotion for genital herpes.
Syntactic probabilities affect pronunciation variation in spontaneous speech
Authors: Tily Harry , Gahl Susanne , Arnon Inbal , Snider Neal , Kothari Anubha , Bresnan Joan
Published: October 2009

Speakers frequently have a choice among multiple ways of expressing one and the same thought. When choosing between syntactic constructions for expressing a given meaning, speakers are sensitive to probabilistic tendencies for syntactic, semantic or contextual properties of an utterance to favor one construction or another. Taken together, such tendencies may align to make one construction overwhelmingly more probable, marginally more probable, or no more probable than another. Here, we present evidence that acoustic features of spontaneous speech reflect these probabilities: when speakers choose a less probable construction, they are more likely to be disfluent, and their fluent words are likely to have a relatively longer duration. Conversely, words in more probable constructions are shorter and spoken more fluently. Our findings suggest that the differing probabilities of a syntactic construction in context are not epiphenomenal, but reflect a part of a speakers' knowledge of their language.
Correlation versus prediction in children's word learning: Cross-linguistic evidence and simulations
Authors: Colunga Eliana , Smith Linda B. , Gasser Michael
Published: October 2009

The ontological distinction between discrete individuated objects and continuous substances, and the way this distinction is expressed in different languages has been a fertile area for examining the relation between language and thought. In this paper we combine simulations and a cross-linguistic word learning task as a way to gain insight into the nature of the learning mechanisms involved in word learning. First, we look at the effect of the different correlational structures on novel generalizations with two kinds of learning tasks implemented in neural networks—prediction and correlation. Second, we look at English- and Spanish-speaking 2-3-year-olds' novel noun generalizations, and find that count/mass syntax has a stronger effect on Spanish- than on English-speaking children's novel noun generalizations, consistent with the predicting networks. The results suggest that it is not just the correlational structure of different linguistic cues that will determine how they are learned, but the specific learning mechanism and task in which they are involved.
Toward a theory of semantic representation
Authors: Vigliocco Gabriella , Meteyard Lotte , Andrews Mark , Kousta Stavroula
Published: October 2009

We present an account of semantic representation that focuses on distinct types of information from which word meanings can be learned. In particular, we argue that there are at least two major types of information from which we learn word meanings. The first is what we call experiential information. This is data derived both from our sensory-motor interactions with the outside world, as well as from our experience of own inner states, particularly our emotions. The second type of information is language-based. In particular, it is derived from the general linguistic context in which words appear. The paper spells out this proposal, summarizes research supporting this view and presents new predictions emerging from this framework.
Neonatal Informatics—Dream of a Paperless NICU
Authors: Drummond Willa H.
Published: October 2009

Attempts to “computerize neonatal intensive care units (NICUs)” emerged simultaneously with the development of neonatology, beginning in the 1960s. The academic underpinnings to inform prior computerization attempts awaited the birth of the newly emerging fields contained in “health-care informatics.” Decades of attempts to computerize the NICU environment have produced local, partial successes, including successful installation of computerized monitors that report trends, buying or developing systems that produce letters from coded fact sheets, and development of many focused computer utilities to perform care task-related calculations.

Enormous political pressures are urging health care to “get computerized.” Most hospitals are in the process of installing (or reinstalling) “hospital information systems (HISs).” Such efforts have exposed significant problems and limitations of current HIS systems for critical care situations. Extending office-designed computer systems safely and effectively into intensive care units and other real-time hospital venues has presented substantial difficulties. In late 2008, most NICUs still integrate multisource clinical data at the bedside by charting each hour with pen in small boxes on folding paper flowsheets, a slow, error-prone, and imprecise method for tracking unstable situations. To improve minute-by-minute management of unstable patients, all intensivists need automatic, real-time integration of machine, laboratory, and bedside observational data, presented in medically comprehensive, user-definable formats. Clinicians need reflex response speed (14 msec) in every clinical computer utility used in their “workflow.” Similar sets of unique human computer/interactions of teams working in safety critical situations such as nuclear power plants, battleships, and airplane cockpits have been studied extensively by scientists known as “human factors engineers.”

Human factors situations rarely have been studied in hospitals, and not at all for NICUs. Overall, this neonatal informatics series defines the current state of the “paperless” effort. Part 1 provides a historic and situational overview of current problems in optimizing hospital computer systems for critical clinicians, including communication, NICU computerization history, and an introduction to systems analysis, which is a key exercise for planning future NICU computer systems.