bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening for hepatitis B and C in first‐generation Egyptian migrants living in the Netherlands
Authors: Zuure Freke R. , Bouman Jonathan , Martens Marjolein , Vanhommerig Joost W. , Urbanus Anouk T. , Davidovich Udi , van Houdt Robin , Speksnijder Arjen G. C. L. , Weegink Christine J. , van den Hoek Anneke , Prins Maria
Published: February 2013

Background

Egypt has high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and intermediate prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; however, infection prevalence among Egyptian migrants is unknown. Considering the asymptomatic onset and development of disease in chronically‐infected patients, many may remain undiagnosed.

Aims

To evaluate an HCV‐ and HBV‐screening programme designed to identify undetected infections among first‐generation Egyptian migrants in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Methods

In 2009 and 2010, viral hepatitis educational and screening sessions were established at Egyptian meeting places. Data regarding demographics and HCV risk factors were collected. Chronically infected participants were referred and followed up. Phylogenetic analyses were used to ascertain the geographic origin of infections.

Results

Eleven of 465 (2.4%; 95% CI = 1.3–4.2%) migrants had HCV antibodies; 10/11 were HCV RNA positive. All had genotype 4a, and strains were typical of those of Egypt and the Middle East. Older age and exposure to parenteral antischistosomal therapy (PAT) were significantly associated with HCV. Anti‐HBc prevalence was 16.8% (95% CI = 13.7–20.4%); HBsAg prevalence was 1.1% (95% CI = 0.5–2.5%). All had genotype D, typical of those of the Middle East. Most (9/10 HCV; 3/5 HBV) chronic infections were newly diagnosed; four of the HCV‐infected individuals started treatment.

Conclusions

Anti‐HCV and HBsAg prevalence among Egyptian migrants was lower compared with the general Egyptian population, but higher than the general population of Western countries. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that all infections were from the region of origin. HCV‐screening programmes should target first‐generation Egyptian migrants, especially those of older age and those who received PAT.
Delusions, Illusions and Inference under Uncertainty
Authors: Hohwy Jakob
Published: February 2013

Three challenges to a unified understanding of delusions emerge from Radden's On Delusion (2011). Here, I propose that in order to respond to these challenges, and to work towards a unifying framework for delusions, we should see delusions as arising in inference under uncertainty. This proposal is based on the observation that delusions in key respects are surprisingly like perceptual illusions, and it is developed further by focusing particularly on individual differences in uncertainty expectations.
Delusional Attitudes and Default Thinking
Authors: Gerrans Philip
Published: February 2013

Jennifer Radden has drawn attention to two features of delusion, ambivalence and subjectivity, which are problematic for theories of delusion that treat delusions as empirical beliefs. She argues for an ‘attitude’ theory of delusion. I argue that once the cognitive architecture of delusion formation is properly described the debate between doxastic and attitude theorists loses its edge. That architecture suggests that delusions are produced by activity in the ‘default mode network’ unsupervised by networks required for decontextualized processing. The cognitive properties of these networks explain the features of delusion which generate the debate between doxastic and attitude theorists.
On the Distinction between Monothematic and Polythematic Delusions
Authors: Coltheart Max
Published: February 2013

Some delusional patients exhibit only a single delusional belief (or several delusional beliefs concerning a single theme): this is monothematic delusion. It contrasts with polythematic delusion, where the patient exhibits a variety of delusions concerning a variety of different themes. The neuropsychological bases of various monothematic delusions are rather well understood, and there is a well‐worked‐out general neuropsychological theory of monothematic delusion, the two‐factor theory. Whether polythematic delusion might be explained in a similar way is an open question: I sketch some possible ways in which a comparable two‐factor account might be developed for polythematic (‘psychiatric’) delusional conditions such as delusions of reference.
Delusions, Modernist Epistemology and Irrational Belief
Authors: Murphy Dominic
Published: February 2013

Jennifer Radden argues that delusions play an important role in modernist epistemology, which is preoccupied with the justification and evaluation of beliefs. Another theme running through the book is the importance of culture for attribution of delusion. Beliefs that look delusional will not be treated as pathological if they are expressions of religious views or other culturally acceptable forms of life. It is hard to see why cultural acceptability should play a role in the modernist project of justification. I suggest that we think less about a philosophical project of justification and turn our attention instead to commonsense judgements of the circumstances in which we see a belief as evidence of underlying pathology. I discuss cases in which unjustified beliefs are nonetheless treated as phenomena that are consistent with our views of how healthy human beings act, and suggest that alongside folk psychology we should acknowledge a folk epistemology that embraces such instances. I suggest that delusions are beliefs that folk epistemology treats as inexplicable, and that this approach solves some of the puzzles that Radden identifies as growing out of the modernist epistemic project.
Regulated proteolysis of a transcription factor complex is critical to cell cycle progression in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Gora Kasia G. , Cantin Amber , Wohlever Matthew , Joshi Kamal K. , Perchuk Barrett S. , Chien Peter , Laub Michael T.
Published: February 2013

Cell cycle transitions are often triggered by the proteolysis of key regulatory proteins. In Caulobacter crescentus, the G1‐S transition involves the degradation of an essential DNA‐binding response regulator, CtrA, by the ClpXP protease. Here, we show that another critical cell cycle regulator, SciP, is also degraded during the G1‐S transition, but by the Lon protease. SciP is a small protein that binds directly to CtrA and prevents it from activating target genes during G1. We demonstrate that SciP must be degraded during the G1‐S transition so that cells can properly activate CtrA‐dependent genes following DNA replication initiation and the reaccumulation of CtrA. These results indicate that like CtrA, SciP levels are tightly regulated during the Caulobacter cell cycle. In addition, we show that formation of a complex between CtrA and SciP at target promoters protects both proteins from their respective proteases. Degradation of either protein thus helps trigger the destruction of the other, facilitating a cooperative disassembly of the complex. Collectively, our results indicate that ClpXP and Lon each degrade an important cell cycle regulator, helping to trigger the onset of S phase and prepare cells for the subsequent programmes of gene expression critical to polar morphogenesis and cell division.
A herbal antifungal formulation of Thymus serpillum, Origanum vulgare and Rosmarinus officinalis for treating ovine dermatophytosis due to Trichophyton mentagrophytes
Authors: Mugnaini Linda , Nardoni Simona , Pistelli Luisa , Leonardi Michele , Giuliotti Lorella , Benvenuti Maria N. , Pisseri Francesca , Mancianti Francesca
Published: February 2013

A number of herbal products with anti‐inflammatory, antiseptic and antimycotic properties are available for dermatological usage. The successful treatment of 13 sheep affected by ringworm due to Trichophyton mentagrophytes with a mixture consisting of essential oils (EOs) of Thymus serpillum 2%, Origanum vulgare 5% and Rosmarinus officinalis 5% in sweet almond (Prunus dulcis) oil. The effectiveness of EOs and of the major components of the mixture (thymol, carvacrol, 1,8 cineole, α‐pinene, p‐cymene, γ‐terpinene) against the fungal clinical isolate was evaluated by a microdilution test. Thirteen animals were topically administered with the mixture twice daily for 15 days. The other sheep were administered with a conventional treatment (seven animals) or left untreated (two animals). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were 0.1% for T. serpillum, 0.5% for O. vulgare, 2.5% for I. verum and 5% for both R. officinalis and C. limon. Thymol and carvacrol showed MICs of 0.125% and 0.0625%. A clinical and aetiological cure was obtained at the end of each treatment regimen in only the treated animals. Specific antimycotic drugs licenced for food‐producing sheep are not available within the European Community. The mixture tested here appeared to be a versatile tool for limiting fungal growth.
Serum galactomannan assay for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in children with haematological malignancies
Authors: Jha Ajaya K. , Bansal Deepak , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Shivaprakash M. R. , Trehan Amita , Marwaha Ram K.
Published: February 2013

Diagnostic efficacy of Galactomannan (GM) assay for invasive aspergillosis (IA) is variably reported. Data from developing countries are scant. Children with haematological malignancies and fever were enrolled prospectively. Blood sample for GM was drawn on the day of admission; levels were measured with Platellia Aspergillus enzyme immunoassay. Diagnostic criteria were adapted from EORTC‐MSG‐2002. Proven, probable and possible episodes were considered as the disease group. One hundred febrile episodes in 78 patients were evaluated. The mean age was 6.1 years. Majority (75%) episodes were in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. One episode each was diagnosed with proven and probable IA, while 23 were diagnosed with possible IA. Best results were obtained with a cut‐off value of 1.0, with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 60%, 93%, 75 and 87 respectively. The sensitivity dropped to 40%, at cut‐off value of 1.5 and specificity was 38%, at a cut‐off of 0.5. A higher value of GM correlated with pulmonary nodules (P = 0.037) and mortality (P = 0.001). GM assay is adjunctive to clinical/radiological evidence. A negative GM assay may not reassure the physician against the use of amphotericin in patients with febrile neutropenia, as it does not exclude the diagnosis of clinically relevant other fungal infections, particular mucormycosis.
Laryngeal cleft repair: the anesthetic perspective
Authors: Ferrari Lynne R. , Zurakowski David , Solari Jessica , Rahbar Reza
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Laryngeal cleft is a rare congenital malformation that is being reported with increasing frequency. Diagnosis requires suspension microlaryngoscopy under general anesthesia during spontaneous respiration. Repair may be attempted by a minimally invasive endoscopic approach or open surgical repair. The authors report on their experience with total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and spontaneous ventilation without an endotracheal tube during suspension laryngoscopy and CO2 laser application for this specific surgical procedure. Of particular interest were the rate at which this technique failed and rescue techniques were employed and the ability to predict patients in whom this might occur.

Methods

Between July 2004 and September 2012, 110 endoscopic laryngeal cleft repairs were completed under TIVA with spontaneous ventilation without an endotracheal tube. Anesthetic induction was achieved by inhalation of sevoflurane and oxygen by mask or infusion of propofol at 300 mcg kg−1 min−1 and remifentanil at 0.05–1.0 mcg kg−1 min. The vocal cords and surgical site were sprayed with up to 2 mg kg−1 of 4% lidocaine. If the oxygen saturation decreased during the procedure or the patient became apneic, a rescue process utilizing jet ventilation or intermittent intubation was instituted.

Results

Ten (9.1%) of the 110 cases required rescue (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.0–15.8%). The most prevalent comorbidities included reactive airway disease, chronic lung disease, failure to thrive, developmental delay, and an unrelated syndrome. Thirty‐nine patients (36%) had reactive airway disease and twelve (11%) had chronic lung disease. Intraoperative complications included six cases requiring a brief, temporary period of intubation (5.5%) and four cases requiring a brief period of jet ventilation (3.6%).

Conclusion

The technique of TIVA with spontaneous respirations without an endotracheal tube is a safe and effective technique for laryngeal cleft repair. Although the potential for intraoperative adverse events may be high, the actual rate was very low. The need to convert to other techniques is not significant although the children who did require brief periods of jet ventilation or intubation tended to have reactive airway disease or chronic lung disease.
A multimethod investigation of depressive symptoms, perceived understanding, and relationship quality
Authors: GORDON AMIE M. , TUSKEVICIUTE RUGILE , CHEN SERENA
Published: February 2013

This research examines whether people who are experiencing more depressive symptoms perceive their partners as less able to understand their thoughts and feelings. Results showed that depressive symptoms (Studies 1 and 3) and depressive mood (Study 2) were negatively associated with perceived understanding in general (Study 1), in daily life (Study 2), and during a conflict conversation (Study 3). Partners of people who were more depressed actually were less empathically accurate during the conflict conversation in Study 3, although they did not recognize that they were being less understanding. Moreover, perceived understanding helped explain the link between depressive symptoms and relationship quality in all three studies, and these effects held when controlling for self‐reported understanding and perceived partner hostility.
Cu2+ inhibition of gel secretion in the xylem and its potential implications for water uptake of cut Acacia holosericea stems
Authors: Ratnayake Kamani , Joyce Daryl C. , Webb Richard I.
Published: February 2013

Maintaining a high rate of water uptake is crucial for maximum longevity of cut stems. Physiological gel/tylosis formation decreases water transport efficiency in the xylem. The primary mechanism of action for post‐harvest Cu2+ treatments in improving cut flower and foliage longevity has been elusive. The effect of Cu2+ on wound‐induced xylem vessel occlusion was investigated for Acacia holosericea A. Cunn. ex G. Don. Experiments were conducted using a Cu2+ pulse (5 h, 2.2 mM) and a Cu2+ vase solution (0.5 mM) vs a deionized water (DIW) control. Development of xylem blockage in the stem‐end region 10 mm proximal to the wounded stem surface was examined over 21 days by light and transmission electron microscopy. Xylem vessels of stems stood into DIW were occluded with gels secreted into vessel lumens via pits from surrounding axial parenchyma cells. Gel secretion was initiated within 1–2 days post‐wounding and gels were detected in the xylem from day 3. In contrast, Cu2+ treatments disrupted the surrounding parenchyma cells, thereby inhibiting gel secretion and maintaining the vessel lumens devoid of occlusions. The Cu2+ treatments significantly improved water uptake by the cut stems as compared to the control.
The Hurricane Katrina Effect on Mathematics Achievement in Mississippi
Authors: Lamb John , Gross Sarah , Lewis Mark
Published: February 2013

Hurricane Katrina caused severe physical damage to the Gulf Coast states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Homes and businesses were destroyed. Natural habitats were annihilated, and many Americans were displaced for days, weeks, and even years. This study investigated the within‐subject effects and contrasts of poverty, rurality, and location within a Katrina distance impact zone on mathematics achievement in fifth‐grade, eighth‐grade, and Algebra I schools in Mississippi during the 2004–2007 school years. Through an analysis of publicly available school data, all school groups were found to have been impacted by Katrina, but the nonpoor/nonrural Algebra I schools within a 90‐mile radius of Katrina's point of landfall were affected the greatest. Interesting patterns in eighth‐grade mathematics achievement results were additionally found. Rural schools were impacted to a greater extent than their nonrural counterparts. Several findings in this study were startling and counterintuitive, but this initial analysis into the impact of Katrina on mathematics achievement in Mississippi illustrated that catastrophic natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina can cause more than just physical damage.
Development of an Instrument to Assess and Deliberate on the Integration of Mathematics into Student‐Centered Science Learning
Authors: Judson Eugene
Published: February 2013

It has long been noted in research literature that there does not exist a shared definition of integration of science and mathematics. Classifying a particular set of integration practices by one of many labels has limited value. Moving past the definition debate, this study describes the development and testing of the Mathematics Integrated into Science: Classroom Observation Protocol (MISCOP). The MISCOP consists of 20 items separated into five constructs. The instrument was found to be internally consistent and has strong construct‐to‐total correlations. Factor analyses revealed five factors that, while not completely aligned with the five designed categories, did have notable correspondence. The pilot testing and analyses reveal the MISCOP to be a useful instrument for measuring the degree to which mathematics is integrated into student‐centered learning of science.
Tectonics of the Virgin Islands Basin, north eastern Caribbean
Authors: Raussen Sara , Lykke‐Andersen Holger , Kuijpers Antoon
Published: February 2013

The tectonics of the Virgin Islands Basin are controlled by the plate boundary between the Puerto Rico‐Virgin Islands Microplate and the stable part of the Caribbean Plate. Several contradicting theories about the formation and development of this basin have previously been proposed. As part of the Danish Galathea 3 expedition, extensive marine geological investigations of the basin were carried out in March 2007 including sediment coring and acquisition of multi‐beam and two‐dimensional seismic data. This paper represents a summary of the key observations from the multi‐beam and the seismic data set. The interpretation of these observations leads to the proposition of a tectonic model for the Virgin Islands Basin. The model consists of N–S toNW–SEdirected extension combined with E‐W trending sinistral strike‐slip and the new structural evidence from the Virgin Islands Basin is entirely consistent with the most recently publishedGPSdata.
The impact of routine cryptococcal antigen screening on survival among HIV‐infected individuals with advanced immunosuppression in Kenya
Authors: Meyer A.‐C. L. , Kendi C. K. , Penner J. A. , Odhiambo N. , Otieno B. , Omondi E. , Opiyo E. , Bukusi E. A. , Cohen C. R.
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To test the hypothesis that a screening and treatment intervention for early cryptococcal infection would improve survival among HIV‐infected individuals with low CD4 cell counts.

Methods

Newly enrolled patients at Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES) in Kenya with CD4 ≤ 100 cells/μl were tested for serum cryptococcal antigen (sCrAg). Individuals with sCrAg titre ≥ 1:2 were treated with high‐dose fluconazole. Cox proportional hazard models of Kaplan–Meier curves were used to compare survival among individuals with CD4 ≤ 100 cells/μl in the intervention and historical control groups.

Results

The median age was 34 years [IQR: 29,41], 54% were female, and median CD4 was 43 cells/μl [IQR: 18,71]. Follow‐up time was 1224 person‐years. In the intervention group, 66% (514/782) were tested for sCrAg; of whom, 11% (59/514) were sCrAg positive. Mortality was 25% (196/782) in the intervention group and 25% (191/771) in the control group. There was no significant difference between the intervention and control group in overall survival [hazard ratio (HR): 1.1 (95%CI:0.9,1.3)] or three‐month survival [HR: 1.0 (95%CI:0.8,1.3)]. Within the intervention group, sCrAg‐positive individuals had significantly lower survival rates than sCrAg‐negative individuals [HR:1.8 (95%CI: 1.0, 3.0)].

Conclusions

A screening and treatment intervention to identify sCrAg‐positive individuals and treat them with high‐dose fluconazole did not significantly improve overall survival among HIV‐infected individuals with CD4 counts ≤ 100 cells/μl compared to a historical control, perhaps due to intervention uptake rates or poor efficacy of high‐dose oral fluconazole.
Ubiquitin protein ligase 3 mediates the proteasomal degradation of GLABROUS 3 and ENHANCER OF GLABROUS 3, regulators of trichome development and flavonoid biosynthesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Patra Barunava , Pattanaik Sitakanta , Yuan Ling
Published: February 2013

Ubiquitin/26S proteasome (UPS)‐dependent proteolysis of a variety of cellular proteins plays an essential role in many basic cellular processes. UPS impacts transcriptional regulation by controlling the stability, and thus the activity, of numerous transcription factors (TFs). In Arabidopsis, trichome development and flavonoid metabolism are intimately connected, and several TFs have been identified that simultaneously control both processes. Here we show that UPS‐dependent proteolysis of two of these TFs, GLABROUS 3 (GL3) and ENHANCER OF GL3 (EGL3), is mediated by ubiquitin protein ligase 3 (UPL3). Cell‐free degradation and in planta stabilization assays in the presence of MG132, an inhibitor of proteasome activity, demonstrated that the degradation of GL3 and EGL3 proteins is 26S UPS‐dependent. Yeast‐ or protoplast‐based two‐hybrid and bimolecular fluorescent complementation assays showed that GL3 and EGL3 interact via their C‐terminal domains with the N‐terminal portion of UPL3. Moreover, both TFs are stabilized and show increased activities in a upl3 mutant background. Gene expression analyses revealed that UPL3 expression is negatively affected by mutation in the gl3 locus, but is moderately upregulated by the overexpression of GL3, suggesting the presence of a regulatory loop involving GL3 and UPL3. Our findings underscore the importance of post‐translational controls in epidermal cell differentiation and flavonoid metabolism.
Measuring the impact of a restrictive transfusion guideline in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Hoeg R. T. , Leinoe E. B. , Andersen P. , Klausen T. W. , Birgens H. S.
Published: February 2013

Interventions to change physician transfusion behavior are often evaluated by examining the amount of red blood cell (RBC) units transfused or the proportion of patients transfused before and after the intervention. The pre‐transfusion haemoglobin concentration is a sensitive measure of transfusion practice, but has not been used to evaluate behavioral interventions. We examined the effect of a Danish National Board of Health December 2007 transfusion guideline on the behavior of clinicians treating acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). We compared the effect of the guideline on pre‐transfusion haemoglobin concentrations with other measures of transfusion behavior, including use of RBC units and proportion of patients transfused. No change in transfusion behavior could be demonstrated by examining amount of RBC units transfused and proportion of patients transfused. Conversely, the pre‐transfusion haemoglobin concentration fell significantly. Pre‐transfusion haemoglobin determination is a sensitive measure of the effect of an intervention to change physician transfusion behaviour.
HPA‐5 typing discrepancy reveals an Ile503Leu substitution in platelet GPIa (α2 integrin)
Authors: Bertrand G. , Jallu V. , Beranger T. , Bianchi F. , Casale C. , Dufour V. , Chenet C. , Quesne J. , Martageix C. , Kaplan C.
Published: February 2013

Background and Objectives

In fetal/neonatal thrombocytopenia, maternal alloimmunization is diagnosed by the identification of the maternal alloantibody and the offending paternal antigen inherited by the foetus/neonate. Today, for practical reasons, most laboratories perform platelet genotyping instead of phenotyping. Here, we report the case of a human platelet antigen (HPA)‐5 genotype/phenotype discrepancy observed in a mother who delivered a mildly thrombocytopenic newborn.

Materials and methods

Platelet antibody detection and platelet phenotyping were performed using the MAIPA assay; platelet genotypes were determined using BeadChip technology (BioArray), PCR‐SSP, PCR‐RFLP and sequencing.

Results

Serological investigations revealed the presence of maternal anti‐GPIIbIIIa autoantibodies. No alloantibodies were detected. No feto‐maternal platelet incompatibility was observed for HPA‐1 to ‐21. The mother and newborn were genotyped as HPA‐5aa using BeadChips, but as HPA‐5a (weak b) with PCR‐SSP and HPA‐5ab with PCR‐RFLP. Mother's platelets were phenotyped as HPA‐5b(+). GPIa exon 13 sequencing confirmed the HPA‐5ab genotype of the mother and newborn, and revealed an NM_002203.3:c.1594A>C mutation near the HPA‐5 polymorphism (5′ side), leading to an I503L amino acid change.

Conclusion

Feto‐maternal alloimmunization was ruled out: the neonatal thrombocytopenia probably resulted from maternal anti‐GPIIbIIIa autoantibodies. This case highlights that platelet typing should be performed using two different methods to avoid false diagnosis.
Winter annual grassy weeds increase over‐winter mortality in autumn‐sown wheat
Authors: Miller Z J , Menalled F D , Burrows M
Published: February 2013

Over‐winter mortality, that is, winterkill, reduces cereal crop competitive ability and yield. While management and environmental variables are known to affect winterkill, the extent to which weeds contribute to increased winterkill is largely unknown. Winter annual weeds may increase winterkill through resource competition and by increasing incidence of and damage from plant pathogens that cause winterkill. We evaluated the impact of summer annual (Avena fatua) and winter annual (Bromus tectorum) weeds on the over‐winter survival rate of winter wheat over three winters, during which plots were covered with snow. Pink snow mould (Microdochium nivale), a winterkill pathogen known to infect B. tectorum and winter wheat, was common in wheat stands. In weed‐free treatments, mortality rates were initially near zero, but increased by nearly 45% in each subsequent winter, presumably due to an increase in snow mould disease in continuously cropped winter wheat. Whereas A. fatua infestation had no impact on crop survival rates, winter wheat survival in B. tectorum‐infested plots was 50% less than the weed‐free control in the second and third years of this study. Among B. tectorum‐infested plots, winter wheat over‐winter survival declined with increasing weed seed produced in the previous summer. Overall, this study demonstrated that winter annual weed infestations can reduce crop stand densities below replanting thresholds by reducing fall‐sown cereal winter survival. The effects of winter annual weeds on winter wheat may be meditated by increased proliferation of snow mould disease.
Proteomic Mapping of Mitochondria in Living Cells via Spatially Restricted Enzymatic Tagging
Authors: Rhee Hyun-Woo , Zou Peng , Udeshi Namrata D. , Martell Jeffrey D. , Mootha Vamsi K. , Carr Steven A. , Ting Alice Y.
Published: February 2013

Mitochondrial Makeup Mapped

Because mass spectrometry (MS) cannot be performed on living cells, biologists currently recover spatial information indirectly, by purifying organelles or protein complexes prior to MS analysis. These purifications often yield false positives because of sample contamination and false negatives because of material loss.

Rhee
et al.

(p.
1328
, published online 31 January) present an approach that bridges microscopy and proteomics to produce a spatially and temporally resolved proteomic map of mitochondria from living cells. A nonspecific labeling enzyme (peroxidase) was genetically targeted to the mitochondria within live cells, where it tagged endogenous proteins in a spatially restricted manner within a 1-minute window, for subsequent identification and analysis by MS. This rapid and straightforward technology provides the ability to access otherwise inaccessible cellular regions and requires a very small amount of starting material.
Phosphorylation of Dishevelled by Protein Kinase RIPK4 Regulates Wnt Signaling
Authors: Huang XiaoDong , McGann James C. , Liu Bob Y. , Hannoush Rami N. , Lill Jennie R. , Pham Victoria , Newton Kim , Kakunda Michael , Liu Jinfeng , Yu Christine , Hymowitz Sarah G. , Hongo Jo-Anne , Wynshaw-Boris Anthony , Polakis Paul , Harland Richard M. , Dixit Vishva M.
Published: February 2013

Three Tales of Wnt Signaling

The Wnt signaling pathway has important roles in regulating many biological processes during development and is also implicated in the behavior of some cancer cells (see the Perspective by

Berndt and Moon

).

Cruciat
et al.

(p.
1436
, published online 14 February) describe the mechanism of action of a protein found in a screen for proteins that influence Wnt signaling. DDX3, a DEAD-box RNA helicase, is required for proper Wnt signaling in
Xenopus
and
Caenorhabditis elegans
. It appears to act not through its action as an RNA helicase or through adenosine triphosphate binding, but rather by interacting with the protein kinase, casein kinase 1, and promoting its activation.

Huang
et al.

(p.
1441
, published online 31 January) investigated the function of receptor-interacting protein kinase 4 (RIPK4), the product a gene whose mutation causes severe developmental defects in mice and humans. Over-expression of the protein in cultured human cells activated transcription of genes regulated by the Wnt signaling pathway, and loss of RIPK4 function inhibited Wnt signaling in
Xenopus
embryos. At the molecular level, RIPK4 interacted with the Wnt co-receptor LRP6 and the Wnt signaling adaptor protein DVL2 and promoted phosphorylation of DVL2.

Habib
et al.

(p.
1445
) used Wnt-immobilized beads to understand how external cues direct asymmetrical stem cell divisions. Spatially restricted Wnt signals oriented the plane of mitotic division and lead to pluripotency gene expression in the Wnt-proximal daughter cell while the more distal daughter cell acquired hallmarks of differentiation. Thus, asymmetric gene expression patterns can arise as a consequence of orientation by a short-range signal.
Genome Sequence of Klebsiella pneumoniae Ecl8, a Reference Strain for Targeted Genetic Manipulation
Authors: Fookes Maria , Yu Jing , De Majumdar Shyamasree , Thomson Nicholas , Schneiders Thamarai
Published: February 2013

We report the genome sequence of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
subsp.
pneumoniae
Ecl8, a spontaneous streptomycin-resistant mutant of strain ECL4, derived from NCIB 418.
K. pneumoniae
Ecl8 has been shown to be genetically tractable for targeted gene deletion strategies and so provides a platform for in-depth analyses of this species.
Complete Nucleotide Sequence of Canine Distemper Virus HLJ1-06, Isolated from Foxes in China
Authors: Jiang Qian , Hu Xiaoliang , Ge Yanhua , Lin Huan , Jiang Yong , Liu Jiasen , Guo Dongchun , Si Changde , Qu Liandong
Published: February 2013

A new strain of canine distemper virus, HLJ1-06, has been isolated from foxes in China, and its complete genome has been sequenced and analyzed. The phylogenetic analysis suggests that HLJ1-06 belongs to the Asia-1 cluster and has low identity to the vaccine strain.
Genome Sequence of Klebsiella oxytoca M5al, a Promising Strain for Nitrogen Fixation and Chemical Production
Authors: Bao Guanhui , Zhang Yanping , Du Chenyu , Chen Zugen , Li Yin , Cao Zhu'an , Ma Yanhe
Published: February 2013

Klebsiella oxytoca
is an important microorganism for nitrogen fixation and chemical production. Here, we report an annotated draft genome of
K. oxytoca
strain M5al that contains 5,256 protein-coding genes and 95 structural RNAs, which provides a genetic basis for a better understanding of the physiology of this species.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacteriophage EC6, Capable of Lysing Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Tiwari Birendra R. , Kim Jungmin
Published: February 2013

A bacteriophage, EC6, capable of lysing
Escherichia coli
serotype O157:H7 was isolated and found to be a member of the family
Myoviridae
. The genomic sequence of phage EC6 was composed of 86,231 bp with a G+C content of 38.9% and is very similar to the sequences of
Escherichia
phage wV8 and
Salmonella
phage Felix O1.
Complete Genome Sequences of Six Avian-Like H1N1 Swine Influenza Viruses from Northwestern China
Authors: Wang Jing-Yu , Ren Juan-Juan , Qiu Yuan-Hao , Liu Hung-Jen
Published: February 2013

Very little is known about swine influenza in northwestern China. Here, we report the complete genomic sequences of six avian-like H1N1 swine influenza viruses (SIVs) isolated in pigs in northwestern China. Phylogenetic analyses of the sequences of eight genomic segments demonstrated that they are avian-like H1N1 SIVs.
Complete Chromosome Sequence of Carnobacterium maltaromaticum LMA 28
Authors: Cailliez-Grimal Catherine , Chaillou Stéphane , Anba-Mondoloni Jamila , Loux Valentin , Afzal Muhammad Inam , Rahman Abdur , Kergourlay Gilles , Champomier-Vergès Marie-Christine , Zagorec Monique , Dalgaard Paw , Leisner Jorgen J. , Prévost Hervé , Revol-Junelles Anne-Marie , Borges Frédéric
Published: February 2013

Within the lactic acid bacterium genus
Carnobacterium
,
Carnobacterium maltaromaticum
is one of the most frequently isolated species from natural environments and food. It potentially plays a major role in food product biopreservation. We report here on the 3.649-Mb chromosome sequence of
C. maltaromaticum
LMA 28, which was isolated from ripened soft cheese.
Genome Sequence of the Human Abscess Isolate Streptococcus intermedius BA1
Authors: Planet Paul J. , Rampersaud Ryan , Hymes Saul R. , Whittier Susan , Della-Latta Phyllis A. , Narechania Apurva , Daugherty Sean C. , Santana-Cruz Ivette , DeSalle Robert , Ravel Jacques , Ratner Adam J.
Published: February 2013

Streptococcus intermedius
is a human pathogen with a propensity for abscess formation. We report a high-quality draft genome sequence of
S. intermedius
strain BA1, an isolate from a human epidural abscess. This sequence provides insight into the biology of
S. intermedius
and will aid investigations of pathogenicity.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Highly Pathogenic Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Variant Isolated from a Backyard Piglet
Authors: Shi Kaichuang , Mo Shenglan , Huang Huaxin , Lin Changhua , Tao Chun'ai , Li Jun , Li Gang
Published: February 2013

The highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) isolates have showed accelerating evolution under the great immune pressure in China in recent years. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the HP-PRRSV variant GX1001 isolated from a vaccinated backyard piglet.
Additional Evidence for the Sustained Effect of Acupuncture at the Vision-Related Acupuncture Point, Gb37
Authors: Liu Jixin , Nan Jiaofen , Xiong Shiwei , Li Guoying , Qin Wei , Tian Jie
Published: February 2013

Objective

To investigate the dynamics underlying the sustained effect of acupuncture as a possible explanation of earlier findings that acupuncture stimulation at the vision-related acupuncture point, GB37, cannot specifically change the functional MRI (fMRI) signals of the visual cortex compared with stimulation at an adjacent non-meridian point.

Methods

The ‘on–off’ experimental design was separated into four series conditions: 1 min of baseline scanning at the beginning, then two stimulation epochs separated by a 50 s ‘rest’ period, and then a 1 min ‘rest’ epoch. The standard General Linear Model (GLM) approach and multi-conditions analysis were used.

Results

Results from the multi-conditions analysis were different from those from the standard GLM analysis. We found that the neural signal of the limbic–paralimbic–neocortical system after acupuncture stimulus lasted longer than the putative period. Furthermore, the fMRI signal changes in the occipital cortex showed different temporal patterns between GB37 and the non-meridian point.

Conclusions

Owing to the sustained effect of acupuncture, standard GLM analysis may be unsuitable for ‘on–off’ design acupuncture studies and lead to uncertain and contradictory results. The findings from this study suggest that acupuncture at GB37 can induce complex brain activity in the vision cortex. The state-related neural signal may reflect one of the significant characteristics underlying acupuncture.
Delayed cerebritis after bilateral stereotactic implantation of globus pallidus interna electrodes for treatment of dystonia
Authors: Jankowski Pawel P , Lessig Stephanie , Nguyen Andrew D , Barba David
Published: February 2013

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is being used to treat an increasing number of movement and psychiatric disorders. However, the risk of infection remains as a problem that can hinder the usefulness of this technology. We report a case of a patient with dystonia who underwent bilateral globus pallidus interna electrode and impulse generator (IPG) placement, developed an infection of his IPG, and later cerebritis. The patient was initially treated with antibiotics and partial hardware removal. Follow-up cranial imaging showed an area concerning for cerebritis around one of the intracranial electrodes. The patient was then treated with complete hardware removal followed by a course of intravenous antibiotics. Four-month follow-up imaging showed resolution of the infection. This case demonstrates the importance of following cranial imaging in DBS patients with delayed infection, continued vigilance for infection in implanted patients and that partial hardware removal may not be successful in the setting of methicillin-sensitiveStaphylococcus aureusinfections.
Dropped head with positive intravenous edrophonium, progressing to myasthenia gravis
Authors: Sawa Nobuhiro , Kataoka Hiroshi , Eura Nobuyuki , Ueno Satoshi
Published: February 2013

‘Dropped head syndrome’ (DHS) may be associated with a variety of neurological diseases. The absence of neurological clues to the underlying cause of DHS can make management particularly challenging. We review six patients who presented with only DHS,  responded to intravenous edrophonium and turned out to have myasthenia gravis (MG) including similar patients who were previously documented. Six patients presented with neck weakness and three had bulbar symptoms. Acetylcholine receptor (AchR) was positive in four patients. One patient had thymoma. The interval from the onset of DH to the presentation of typical MG features was shorter in patients who tested positive for anti-Ach antibody (1–2 months) than in patients who tested negative for anti-AchR antibody (13 months, 4 years). Our results suggest that patients with DHS responding to intravenous edrophonium might turn out to have MG and such patients might respond to a combination of anticholinesterase agents and steroids.
Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the maxilla complicated by a local pathogen infection
Authors: Ella Bruno , Lanotte Aurelie , Sedarat Cyril , Fricain Jean-Christophe
Published: February 2013

Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are usually observed on the skin, but they can also rarely affect the visceral organs and the maxillofacial area. In the maxillofacial area, these lesions can spread and they are potentially dangerous, as a biopsy or even a simple tooth extraction can lead to a catastrophic haemorrhage that may eventually cause death. There are several indications for the treatment, including age, size and type of vascular malformation. The purpose of this report is to describe an AVM on the maxilla, first diagnosed as an epulis, which has been treated for several years as a chronic local periodontitis. The lesion was finally stabilised after an antibiotic therapy. Improved knowledge of the development of these lesions and collaboration between dentists, radiologists and surgeons are necessary to improve the diagnosis and treatment of vascular malformations.
Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease: an uncommon cause of pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Masters Kyle , Bennett Steven
Published: February 2013

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare and challenging cause of pulmonary hypertension. Clinical presentation is non-specific, including dyspnoea, cough and fatigue. Diagnosis of PVOD is typically based on high clinical suspicion with a definitive diagnosis confirmed by histology. Our case involves a healthy 21-year-old man who developed dyspnoea on exertion at an elevated altitude during deployment to Afghanistan. His work-up included an echocardiogram, a high-resolution CT scan, V/Q scan, pulmonary function tests with diffusion capacity, and a cardiac catheterisation with vasodilator challenge. Initially diagnosed with vasodilator responsive pulmonary arterial hypertension, an oral vasodilator was given with subsequent development of non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, thus confirming a clinical diagnosis of PVOD. He was medically stabilised with diuretic therapy, but developed progressive right-ventricular failure. For definitive treatment, he underwent a successful bilateral lung transplant. Explanted lung histology confirmed the diagnosis of PVOD.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension as the initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Rajasekharan Chandrasekharan , Renjith Sanu Watson , Marzook Ali , Parvathy Rajasekharan
Published: February 2013

A 14-year-old girl was referred for evaluation of headache with episodes of transient blurring of vision, and intermittent fever for 4 weeks. On examination she was conscious and febrile, with multiple annular purpuric skin lesions present over the face and back. Neurological examination revealed a bilaterally extensor plantar response, with bilateral papilloedema. Lumbar puncture yielded clear spinal fluid with a very high opening pressure with a normal biochemistry and cytology. Neuroimaging showed evidence of raised intracranial tension. She was provisionally diagnosed to have idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and started on anticerebral oedema measures. Despite medication, she continued to be symptomatic. On the sixth day of admission, her antinuclear antibody and antidouble-stranded DNA registered positively in high titres. She was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with IIH and was started on corticosteroids, with dramatic recovery of her symptoms and clinical signs. Reports of SLE, the maiden presentation of which is IIH, are rare in the literature.
Stump stone 6 years after cholecystectomy: A possibility
Authors: Sahoo Manash Ranjan , Kumar Anil
Published: February 2013

Calculi in the cystic duct remnant are one of the causes of postcholecystectomy syndrome. A 36-year-old woman presented thrice to the casualty department with right upper quadrant pain at an interval of 2 months every time. Ultrasound and CT scan of the abdomen was normal except for echoes in the gallbladder region may be clips. She was treated conservatively and discharged the first two times. The second time, the MR cholangiopancreatography was normal. She had undergone endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy with stent in situ outside elsewhere before presenting to us for the third time, which was removed after 6-weeks. The third time, she was taken up for laparoscopic stump exploration, which revealed a stone, which was the cause of her pain. To conclude, stump stone can be a possibility of post cholecystectomy syndrome even after 6 years, and surgeons should be aware of it.
Old unreduced traumatic anterior dislocation of the hip
Authors: Alva Avinash , Shetty Mahima , Kumar Vishwajeet
Published: February 2013

We report a case of neglected anterior dislocation of the hip. A young man presented 5 months following a fall from a tree where he sustained the injury. An MRI of the hip confirmed avascular necrosis of the dislocated head of femur. A modified girdlestone operation was performed leaving the patient with a painfree functional hip.
Three-dimensional spectral domain optical coherence tomography imaging of the retina in choroidal tuberculoma
Authors: Saxena Sandeep , Singhal Vivek , Akduman Levent
Published: February 2013

Introduction

To study retinal imaging in choroidal tuberculoma by three-dimensional spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) for the first time.

Methods

QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test, colour Doppler imaging, fluoroscein angiography and SD-OCT were performed in an 18-year-old immunocompetent female patient.

Results

Three-dimensional imaging over the choroidal lesion revealed marked retinal elevation. Subfoveal neurosensory detachment along with serous retinal detachment resulted from effusion of fluid from the underlying choroidal lesion. Granularity of the outer photoreceptor layer and proliferating retinal pigment epithelium cells indicated chronicity of the underlying choroidal lesion abutting the retina. Antitubercular therapy, after 2 weeks, resulted in a resolution of the subfoveal neurosensory detachment, reduction in the serous retinal detachment and a decrease in retinal elevation.

Conclusions

Three-dimensional SD-OCT allows a spatial visualisation and documentation of retinal elevation. It also allows a detailed visualisation of the secondary retinal pigment epithelial and intraretinal changes and is helpful in monitoring the response to medication.
Bilateral cataracts and insulin oedema in a child with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Goturu Aruna , Jain Neemisha , Lewis Ivor
Published: February 2013

We describe a teenage type 1 diabetic girl with painless pedal oedema and bilateral cataracts. She developed oedema after commencement of intensive insulin therapy and achievement of excellent glycaemic control. In addition, she was also found to have bilateral subcapsular cataracts. The oedema subsided spontaneously and she underwent surgical treatment for the cataracts. Insulin oedema is a rare complication of insulin therapy. To our knowledge, co-occurrence of these two complications in a young diabetic patient has not been described before in the English language medical literature.
The use of ozone therapy in Buruli ulcer had an excellent outcome
Authors: Bertolotti Antonella , Izzo Annunziata , Grigolato Pier Giovanni , Iabichella Maria Letizia
Published: February 2013

This is the first case reporting the effective use of 2 weeks of ozone therapy for the treatment of Buruli ulcer (BU), a dramatic disease caused byMycobacterium ulcerans, an epidemic in central Africa. This simple and cheap treatment could become an effective option for managing BU as an alternative to antibiotic or surgical treatments.
Dyspnoea and the ovaries: a rare presentation of Krukenberg tumour
Authors: Rawasia Wasiq Faraz , Chaddha Udit , El-Kersh Karim , Perez Rafael L
Published: February 2013

Krukenberg tumour is a metastatic signet-ring adenocarcinoma of the ovary, usually with a gastrointestinal primary detected metachronously or synchronously. We present here a case of a 48 year-old woman who presented with a prolonged history of dyspnoea on exertion. Workup had revealed a pelvic mass. Thoracocentesis of her pleural effusion, with cytology, and pathology reports from her total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy revealed a carcinoma with signet-ring cells. Immunostains were positive for CDX2, CK7 and CK20, which was highly suggestive of a gastric primary. Colonoscopy was negative, and an oesophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a few small crater ulcers, the biopsy of which was negative for cancer. A right-sided pleurodesis was performed for the unremitting malignant effusion, and a PleurX catheter was placed in her left pleural space. She was discharged home with a very poor prognosis.