bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic fluoxetine treatment in middle-aged rats induces changes in the expression of plasticity-related molecules and in neurogenesis
Authors: Guirado Ramon , Sanchez-Matarredona David , Varea Emilo , Crespo Carlos , Blasco-Ibáñez José Miguel , Nacher Juan
Published: January 2012

Background

Antidepressants promote neuronal structural plasticity in young-adult rodents, but little is known of their effects on older animals. The polysialylated form of the neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM) may mediate these structural changes through its anti-adhesive properties. PSA-NCAM is expressed in immature neurons and in a subpopulation of mature interneurons and its expression is modulated by antidepressants in the telencephalon of young-adult rodents.

Results

We have analyzed the effects of 14 days of fluoxetine treatment on the density of puncta expressing PSA-NCAM and different presynaptic markers in the medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala of middle-aged (8 months old) rats. The density of puncta expressing PSA-NCAM increased in the dorsal cingulate cortex, as well as in different hippocampal and amygdaloid regions. In these later regions there were also increases in the density of puncta expressing glutamic acid decarboxylase 65/67 (GAD6), synaptophysin (SYN), PSA-NCAM/SYN and PSA-NCAM/GAD6, but a decrease of those expressing vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGluT1). Since there is controversy on the effects of antidepressants on neurogenesis during aging, we analyzed the number of proliferating cells expressing Ki67 and that of immature neurons expressing doublecortin or PSA-NCAM. No significant changes were found in the subgranular zone, but the number of proliferating cells decreased in the subventricular zone.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the effects of fluoxetine in middle-aged rats are different to those previously described in young-adult animals, being more restricted in the mPFC and even following an opposite direction in the amygdala or the subventricular zone.
Impact of the ABCDE triage in primary care emergency department on the number of patient visits to different parts of the health care system in Espoo City
Authors: Kantonen Jarmo , Menezes Ricardo , Heinänen Tuula , Mattila Juho , Mattila Kari J , Kauppila Timo
Published: January 2012

Background

Many Finnish emergency departments (ED) serve both primary and secondary health care patients and are therefore referred to as combined emergency departments. Primary care doctors are responsible for the initial assessment and treatment. They, thereby, also regulate referral and access to secondary care. Primary health care EDs are easy for the public to access, leading to non-acute patient visits to the emergency department. This has caused increased queues and unnecessary difficulties in providing immediate treatment for urgent patients. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether the flow of patients was changed by implementing the ABCDE-triage system in the EDs of Espoo City, Finland.

Methods

The numbers of monthly visits to doctors were recorded before and after intervention in Espoo primary care EDs. To study if the implementation of the triage system redirects patients to other health services, the numbers of monthly visits to doctors were also scored in the private health care, the public sector health services of Espoo primary care during office hours and local secondary health care ED (Jorvi hospital). A face-to-face triage system was applied in the primary care EDs as an attempt to provide immediate treatment for the most acute patients. It is based on the letters A (patient sent directly to secondary care), B (to be examined within 10 min), C (to be examined within 1 h), D (to be examined within 2 h) and E (no need for immediate treatment) for assessing the urgency of patients' treatment needs. The first step was an initial patient assessment by a health care professional (triage nurse). The introduction of this triage system was combined with information to the public on the "correct" use of emergency services.

Results

After implementation of the ABCDE-triage system the number of patient visits to a primary care doctor decreased by up to 24% (962 visits/month) as compared to the three previous years in the EDs. The Number of visits to public sector GPs during office hours did not alter. Implementation of ABCDE-triage combined with public guidance was associated with decreased total number of doctor visits in public health care. During same period, the number of patient visits in the private health care increased. Simultaneously, the number of doctor visits in secondary health care ED did not alter.

Conclusions

The present ABCDE-triage system combined with public guidance may reduce patient visits to primary health care EDs but not to the secondary health care EDs. Limiting the access of less urgent patients to ED may redirect the demands of patients to private sector rather than office hours GP services.
Polymorphisms of the pfmdr1 but not the pfnhe-1 gene is associated with in vitro quinine sensitivity in Thai isolates of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Poyomtip Teera , Suwandittakul Nantana , Sitthichot Narumon , Khositnithikul Rommanee , Tan-ariya Peerapan , Mungthin Mathirut
Published: January 2012

Background

The emergence ofPlasmodium falciparumresistance to most currently used anti-malarial drugs is a major problem in malaria control along the Thai-Myanmar and Thai-Cambodia borders. Quinine (QN) with tetracycline/doxycycline has been used as the second-line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria. In addition, QN monotherapy has been the first-line treatment for falciparum malaria in pregnant women. However, reduced in vitro and in vivo responses to QN have been reported. To date, a few genetic markers for QN resistance have been proposed includingPlasmodium falciparumchloroquine resistance transporter (pfcrt),P. falciparummultidrug resistance 1 (pfmdr1), andP. falciparum Na+/H+exchanger(pfnhe-1). This study was to investigate the role of thepfmdr1andpfnhe-1gene onin vitroQN sensitivity in Thai isolates ofP. falciparum.

Methods

Eighty-five Thai isolates ofP. falciparumfrom the Thai-Myanmar and Thai-Cambodia borders from 2003-2008 were determined forin vitroQN sensitivity using radioisotopic assay. Polymorphisms of thepfmdr1andpfnhe-1gene were determined by PCR-RFLP and sequence analysis. Associations between thein vitroQN sensitivity and the polymorphisms of thepfmdr1andpfnhe-1gene were evaluated.

Results

The mean QN IC50was 202.8 nM (range 25.7-654.4 nM). Only four isolates were QN resistant when the IC50of >500 nM was used as the cut-off point. Significant associations were found between thepfmdr1mutations at codons N86Y and N1042D andin vitroQN sensitivity. However, no associations with the number of DNNND, DDNNNDNHNDD, and NHNDNHNNDDD repeats in the microsatellite ms4760 of thepfnhe-1gene were identified.

Conclusion

Data from the present study put doubt regarding thepfnhe-1gene as to whether it could be used as the suitable marker for QN resistance in Thailand. In contrast, it confirms the influence of thepfmdr1gene onin vitroQN sensitivity.
Modeling causes of death: an integrated approach using CODEm
Authors: Foreman Kyle J , Lozano Rafael , Lopez Alan D , Murray Christopher JL
Published: January 2012

Background

Data on causes of death by age and sex are a critical input into health decision-making. Priority setting in public health should be informed not only by the current magnitude of health problems but by trends in them. However, cause of death data are often not available or are subject to substantial problems of comparability. We propose five general principles for cause of death model development, validation, and reporting.

Methods

We detail a specific implementation of these principles that is embodied in an analytical tool - the Cause of Death Ensemble model (CODEm) - which explores a large variety of possible models to estimate trends in causes of death. Possible models are identified using a covariate selection algorithm that yields many plausible combinations of covariates, which are then run through four model classes. The model classes include mixed effects linear models and spatial-temporal Gaussian Process Regression models for cause fractions and death rates. All models for each cause of death are then assessed using out-of-sample predictive validity and combined into an ensemble with optimal out-of-sample predictive performance.

Results

Ensemble models for cause of death estimation outperform any single component model in tests of root mean square error, frequency of predicting correct temporal trends, and achieving 95% coverage of the prediction interval. We present detailed results for CODEm applied to maternal mortality and summary results for several other causes of death, including cardiovascular disease and several cancers.

Conclusions

CODEm produces better estimates of cause of death trends than previous methods and is less susceptible to bias in model specification. We demonstrate the utility of CODEm for the estimation of several major causes of death.
Structural and optical properties of ZnO nanorods by electrochemical growth using multi-walled carbon nanotube-composed seed layers
Authors: Ko Yeong Hwan , Kim Myung Sub , Yu Jae Su
Published: January 2012

We reported the enhancement of the structural and optical properties of electrochemically synthesized zinc oxide [ZnO] nanorod arrays [NRAs] using the multi-walled carbon nanotube [MWCNT]-composed seed layers, which were formed by spin-coating the aqueous seed solution containing MWCNTs on the indium tin oxide-coated glass substrate. The MWCNT-composed seed layer served as the efficient nucleation surface as well as the film with better electrical conductivity, thus leading to a more uniform high-density ZnO NRAs with an improved crystal quality during the electrochemical deposition process. For ZnO NRAs grown on the seed layer containing MWCNTs (2 wt.%), the photoluminescence peak intensity of the near-band-edge emission at a wavelength of approximately 375 nm was enhanced by 2.8 times compared with that of the ZnO nanorods grown without the seed layer due to the high crystallinity of ZnO NRAs and the surface plasmon-meditated emission enhancement by MWCNTs. The effect of the MWCNT-composed seed layer on the surface wettability was also investigated.

PACS: 81.07.-b; 81.16.-c; 81.07.Pr; 61.48.De.
Effects of process parameters on sheet resistance uniformity of fluorine-doped tin oxide thin films
Authors: Hudaya Chairul , Park Ji Hun , Lee Joong Kee
Published: January 2012

An alternative indium-free material for transparent conducting oxides of fluorine-doped tin oxide [FTO] thin films deposited on polyethylene terephthalate [PET] was prepared by electron cyclotron resonance - metal organic chemical vapor deposition [ECR-MOCVD]. One of the essential issues regarding metal oxide film deposition is the sheet resistance uniformity of the film. Variations in process parameters, in this case, working and bubbler pressures of ECR-MOCVD, can lead to a change in resistance uniformity. Both the optical transmittance and electrical resistance uniformity of FTO film-coated PET were investigated. The result shows that sheet resistance uniformity and the transmittance of the film are affected significantly by the changes in bubbler pressure but are less influenced by the working pressure of the ECR-MOCVD system.
Investigation of a new lead-free Bi0.5(Na0.40K0.10)TiO3-(Ba0.7Sr0.3)TiO3 piezoelectric ceramic
Authors: Jaita Pharatree , Watcharapasorn Anucha , Jiansirisomboon Sukanda
Published: January 2012

Lead-free piezoelectric compositions of the (1-x)Bi0.5(Na0.40K0.10)TiO3-x(Ba0.7Sr0.3)TiO3 system (when x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20) were fabricated using a solid-state mixed oxide method and sintered between 1,050°C and 1,175°C for 2 h. The effect of (Ba0.7Sr0.3)TiO3 [BST] content on phase, microstructure, and electrical properties was investigated. The optimum sintering temperature was 1,125°C at which all compositions had densities of at least 98% of their theoretical values. X-ray diffraction patterns that showed tetragonality were increased with the increasing BST. Scanning electron micrographs showed a slight reduction of grain size when BST was added. The addition of BST was also found to improve the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the BNKT ceramic. A large room-temperature dielectric constant, ε

r
(1,609), and piezoelectric coefficient, d
33 (214 pC/N), were obtained at an optimal composition of x = 0.10.
A novel method for crystalline silicon solar cells with low contact resistance and antireflection coating by an oxidized Mg layer
Authors: Lee Jonghwan , Lee Youn-Jung , Ju Minkyu , Ryu Kyungyul , Kim Bonggi , Yi Junsin
Published: January 2012

One of the key issues in the solar industry is lowering dopant concentration of emitter for high-efficiency crystalline solar cells. However, it is well known that a low surface concentration of dopants results in poor contact formation between the front Ag electrode and the n-layer of Si. In this paper, an evaporated Mg layer is used to reduce series resistance of c-Si solar cells. A layer of Mg metal is deposited on a lightly doped n-type Si emitter by evaporation. Ag electrode is screen printed to collect the generated electrons. Small work function difference between Mg and n-type silicon reduces the contact resistance. During a co-firing process, Mg is oxidized, and the oxidized layer serves as an antireflection layer. The measurement of an Ag/Mg/n-Si solar cell shows that V
oc, J
sc, FF, and efficiency are 602 mV, 36.9 mA/cm2, 80.1%, and 17.75%, respectively. It can be applied to the manufacturing of low-cost, simple, and high-efficiency solar cells.
Effects of pentacene-doped PEDOT:PSS as a hole-conducting layer on the performance characteristics of polymer photovoltaic cells
Authors: Kim Hyunsoo , Lee Jungrae , Ok Sunseong , Choe Youngson
Published: January 2012

We have investigated the effect of pentacene-doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene:poly(4-styrenesulfonate) [PEDOT:PSS] films as a hole-conducting layer on the performance of polymer photovoltaic cells. By increasing the amount of pentacene and the annealing temperature of pentacene-doped PEDOT:PSS layer, the changes of performance characteristics were evaluated. Pentacene-doped PEDOT:PSS thin films were prepared by dissolving pentacene in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone solvent and mixing with PEDOT:PSS. As the amount of pentacene in the PEDOT:PSS solution was increased, UV-visible transmittance also increased dramatically. By increasing the amount of pentacene in PEDOT:PSS films, dramatic decreases in both the work function and surface resistance were observed. However, the work function and surface resistance began to sharply increase above the doping amount of pentacene at 7.7 and 9.9 mg, respectively. As the annealing temperature was increased, the surface roughness of pentacene-doped PEDOT:PSS films also increased, leading to the formation of PEDOT:PSS aggregates. The films of pentacene-doped PEDOT:PSS were characterized by AFM, SEM, UV-visible transmittance, surface analyzer, surface resistance, and photovoltaic response analysis.
Solution reaction design: electroaccepting and electrodonating powers of ions in solution
Authors: Li Keyan , Li Min , Xue Dongfeng
Published: January 2012

By considering a first-order variation in electroaccepting and electrodonating powers,ω±, induced by a change from gas to aqueous solution phase, the solvent effect onω±for charged ions is examined. The expression of electroaccepting and electrodonating powers in the solution phase,ω±s, is obtained through establishing the quantitative relationship between the change of theω±due to the solvation and the hydration free energy. It is shown that cations are poorer electron acceptors and anions are poorer electron donors in solution compared to those in gas phase. We have proven that the scaled aqueous electroaccepting power,ω+s, of cations can act as a good descriptor of the reduction reaction, which is expected to be applied in the design of solution reactions.
Synthesis and characterization of integrated layered nanocomposites for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Gim Jihyeon , Song Jinju , Park Hyosun , Kang Jungwon , Kim Kangkun , Mathew Vinod , Kim Jaekook
Published: January 2012

The series of Li[Ni
x
M
x
Li1/3-x
Mn2/3-x
]O2 cathodes, where M is cobalt or chromium with a wide compositional range x from 0 to 0.33, were prepared by hydroxide coprecipitation method with subsequent quenching. The sample structures were investigated using X-ray diffraction results which were indexed completely on the basis of a trigonal structure of space group

R3m

̄

with monoclinic C2/m phase as expected. The morphologies and electrochemical properties of the samples obtained were compared as the value of x and substituted transition metal. The particle sizes of cobalt-substituted Li[Ni
x
Co
x
Li1/3-x
Mn2/3-x
]O2 samples are much smaller than those of the Li[Ni
x
Cr
x
Li1/3-x
Mn2/3-x
]O2 system. The electrode containing Li[Ni
x
Co
x
Li1/3-x
Mn2/3-x
]O2 with x = 0.10 delivered a discharge capacity of above 200 mAh/g after 10 cycles due to the activation of Li2MnO3.

PACS: 82.47.Aa; 82.47.-a; 82.45.Fk.
Physical and electrochemical properties of synthesized carbon nanotubes [CNTs] on a metal substrate by thermal chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Gwon Yong Hwan , Ha Jong Keun , Cho Kwon Koo , Kim Hye Sung
Published: January 2012

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were synthesized on a Ni/Au/Ti substrate using a thermal chemical vapor deposition process. A Ni layer was used as a catalyst, and an Au layer was applied as a barrier in order to prevent diffusion between Ni and Ti within the substrate during the growth of carbon nanotubes. The results showed that vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes could be uniformly grown on the Ti substrate (i.e., metal substrate), thus indicating that the Au buffer layer effectively prevented interdiffusion of the catalyst and metal substrate. Synthesized carbon nanotubes on the Ti substrate have the diameter of about 80 to 120 nm and the length of about 5 to 10 μm. The Ti substrate, with carbon nanotubes, was prepared as an electrode for a lithium rechargeable battery, and its electrochemical properties were investigated. In a Li/CNT cell with carbon nanotubes on a 60-nm Au buffer layer, the first discharge capacity and discharge capacity after the 50th cycle were 210 and 80 μAh/cm2, respectively.
Zenithal alignment of liquid crystal on homeotropic polyimide film irradiated by ion beam
Authors: Choi Yoonseuk , Yoon Tae-Hoon , Kwon Jin Hyuk , Yi Jonghoon , Gwag Jin Seog
Published: January 2012

We investigate the pretilt characteristics of a nematic liquid crystal [LC] in terms of ion beam exposure conditions on the homeotropic polyimide alignment layer. The pretilt angle of LCs in the case of high-energy ion beam treatment was decreased considerably almost the same to that of the homogenous alignment layer though we used homeotropic polyimide film at first. Increasing irradiating energy, we could control the pretilt from 90° to 1° with several steps. We believe that this is because the side chain with hydrophobicity in the used polyimide is broken by ion beam exposure. To confirm it, contact angle measurement was carried out. With this result, we can easily control the LC pretilt in the pixel with appropriate exposure conditions which is critical to achieve excellent electrooptic characteristics and good image quality.
Measurement of beta-amyloid peptides in specific cells using a photo thin-film transistor
Authors: Kim Chang-Beom , Chae Cheol-Joo , Shin Hye-Rim , Song Ki-Bong
Published: January 2012

The existence of beta-amyloid [Aβ] peptides in the brain has been regarded as the most archetypal biomarker of Alzheimer's disease [AD]. Recently, an early clinical diagnosis has been considered a great importance in identifying people who are at high risk of AD. However, no microscale electronic sensing devices for the detection of Aβ peptides have been developed yet. In this study, we propose an effective method to evaluate a small quantity of Aβ peptides labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate [FITC] using a photosensitive field-effect transistor [p-FET] with an on-chip single-layer optical filter. To accurately evaluate the quantity of Aβ peptides within the cells cultured on the p-FET device, we measured the photocurrents which resulted from the FITC-conjugated Aβ peptides expressed from the cells and measured the number of photons of the fluorochrome in the cells using a photomultiplier tube. Thus, we evaluated the correlation between the generated photocurrents and the number of emitted photons. We also evaluated the correlation between the number of emitted photons and the amount of FITC by measuring the FITC volume using AFM. Finally, we estimated the quantity of Aβ peptides of the cells placed on the p-FET sensing area on the basis of the binding ratio between FITC molecules and Aβ peptides.
Video analysis-based vehicle detection and tracking using an MCMC sampling framework
Authors: Arróspide Jon , Salgado Luis , Nieto Marcos
Published: January 2012

This article presents a probabilistic method for vehicle detection and tracking through the analysis of monocular images obtained from a vehicle-mounted camera. The method is designed to address the main shortcomings of traditional particle filtering approaches, namely Bayesian methods based on importance sampling, for use in traffic environments. These methods do not scale well when the dimensionality of the feature space grows, which creates significant limitations when tracking multiple objects. Alternatively, the proposed method is based on a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach, which allows efficient sampling of the feature space. The method involves important contributions in both the motion and the observation models of the tracker. Indeed, as opposed to particle filter-based tracking methods in the literature, which typically resort to observation models based on appearance or template matching, in this study a likelihood model that combines appearance analysis with information from motion parallax is introduced. Regarding the motion model, a new interaction treatment is defined based on Markov random fields (MRF) that allows for the handling of possible inter-dependencies in vehicle trajectories. As for vehicle detection, the method relies on a supervised classification stage using support vector machines (SVM). The contribution in this field is twofold. First, a new descriptor based on the analysis of gradient orientations in concentric rectangles is defined. This descriptor involves a much smaller feature space compared to traditional descriptors, which are too costly for real-time applications. Second, a new vehicle image database is generated to train the SVM and made public. The proposed vehicle detection and tracking method is proven to outperform existing methods and to successfully handle challenging situations in the test sequences.
suPAR as a prognostic biomarker in sepsis
Authors: Donadello Katia , Scolletta Sabino , Covajes Cecilia , Vincent Jean-Louis
Published: January 2012

Sepsis is the clinical syndrome derived from the host response to an infection and severe sepsis is the leading cause of death in critically ill patients. Several biomarkers have been tested for use in diagnosis and prognostication in patients with sepsis. Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) levels are increased in various infectious diseases, in the blood and also in other tissues. However, the diagnostic value of suPAR in sepsis has not been well defined, especially compared to other more established biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT). On the other hand, suPAR levels have been shown to predict outcome in various kinds of bacteremia and recent data suggest they may have predictive value, similar to that of severity scores, in critically ill patients. This narrative review provides a descriptive overview of the clinical value of this biomarker in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic guidance of sepsis.
Further evidence for a male-selective genetic association of synapse-associated protein 97 (SAP97) gene with schizophrenia
Authors: Uezato Akihito , Kimura-Sato Junko , Yamamoto Naoki , Iijima Yoshimi , Kunugi Hiroshi , Nishikawa Toru
Published: January 2012

Background

The synapse-associated protein 97 gene (SAP97) encodes a regulatory scaffold protein for the localization of L-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA), kainate and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) type glutamate receptors. We have recently demonstrated nominally significant associations between SAP97 gene and schizophrenia among Japanese males. The present study aimed to replicate these findings using an independent and larger sample.

Methods

We investigated seven SAP97 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that displayed a significant association with schizophrenia in our preceding study in an independent Japanese population consisting of a total of 393 unrelated patients with schizophrenia (232 males and 161 females) and 393 unrelated control subjects (211 males and 182 females).

Results

The SNP rs9843659 showed a significant genotypic association with male patients in a recessive model (p = 0.037). The analysis of the combined data from the current and prior studies also demonstrated a significant association of this SNP (p = 0.0039). The meta-analysis for the allele frequency covering the two studies yielded an odds ratio of 1.38.

Conclusions

The present study replicated the previously reported male-selective genetic association between the SAP97 polymorphism and schizophrenia. These findings further support the possible involvement of the SAP97 gene variation in the susceptibility to schizophrenia in males and in the genetic basis for sex differences in the disorder.
Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis associated with risperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia
Authors: Lin Chih-Hsun , Hsu Chih-Wei , Tsao Tang-Yi , Chou Jason
Published: January 2012

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare inflammatory breast disease. The etiology and treatment options of IGM remain controversial. Previous case reports have suggested that hyperprolactinemia may be associated with IGM. In the present report, we describe the first case of IGM associated with risperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here:http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/8120093785928228
A single copy integration vector that integrates at an engineered site on the Staphylococcus aureus chromosome
Authors: Lei Mei G , Cue David , Alba Jimena , Junecko Jennifer , Graham Justin W , Lee Chia Y
Published: January 2012

Background

Single-copy integration vectors based upon the site-specific recombination systems of bacteriophage are invaluable tools in the study of bacterial pathogenesis. The utility of such vectors is often limited, however, by the fact that integration often results in the inactivation of bacterial genes or has undesirable effects on gene transcription. The aim of this study is to develop an integration vector that does not have a detectable effect on gene transcription upon integration.

Findings

We have developed a single-copy integration system that enables the cloning vector to integrate at a specific engineered site, within an untranscribed intergenic region, in the chromosome of Staphylococcus aureus. This system is based on the lysogenic phage L54a site-specific recombination system in which the L54a phage (attP) and chromosome (attB) attachment sites, which share an 18-bp identical core sequence, were modified with identical mutations. The integration vector, pLL102, was constructed to contain the modified L54a attP site (attP 2) that was altered at 5 nucleotide positions within the core sequence. In the recipient strain, the similarly modified attB site (attB 2) was inserted in an intergenic region devoid of detectable transcription read-through. Integration of the vector, which is unable to replicate in S. aureus extrachromosomally, was achieved by providing the L54a integrase gene in a plasmid in the recipient. We showed that pLL102 integrated specifically at the engineered site rather than at the native L54a attB site and that integration did not have a significant effect on transcription of genes immediately upstream or downstream of the integration site.

Conclusions

In this work, we describe an E. coli-S. aureus shuttle vector that can be used to introduce any cloned gene into the S. aureus chromosome at a select site without affecting gene expression. The vector should be useful for genetic manipulation of S. aureus and for marking strains for in vivo studies.
Anterior chest wall inflammation by whole-body magnetic resonance imaging in patients with spondyloarthritis: lack of association between clinical and imaging findings in a cross-sectional study
Authors: Weber Ulrich , Lambert Robert GW , Rufibach Kaspar , Maksymowych Walter P , Hodler Juerg , Zejden Anna , Duewell Stefan , Kissling Rudolf O , Filipow Paul L , Jurik Anne G
Published: January 2012

Introduction

Inflammatory involvement of the anterior chest wall (ACW) affects the quality of life of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA), although involvement of the ACW is often neglected on clinical and imaging evaluation. Whole-body (WB) MRI is an imaging method used to assess the ACW in addition to the sacroiliac joints and spine without inconvenience for patients. Our goals in this study were to describe the distribution of ACW inflammation by WB MRI in both early and established SpA and associations between clinical and imaging findings indicative of inflammation.

Methods

The ACWs of 122 consecutive SpA patients (95 with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and 27 with nonradiographic SpA (nrSpA)) and 75 healthy controls were scanned by sagittal and coronal WB MRI. The MRI scans were scored independently in random order by seven readers blinded to patient identifiers. Active and structural inflammatory lesions of the ACW were recorded on a web-based data entry form. ACW pain by patient self-report, ACW tenderness on physical examination according to the Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score (MASES) and lesions detected by MRI were analyzed descriptively. κ statistics served to assess the agreement between clinical and imaging findings.

Results

ACW pain or tenderness was present in 26% of patients, with little difference between AS and nrSpA patients. Bone marrow edema (BME), erosion and fat infiltration were recorded in 44.3%, 34.4% and 27.0% of SpA patients and in 9.3%, 12.0% and 5.3% of controls, respectively. Lesions found by MRI occurred more frequently in AS patients (BME, erosion and fat infiltration in 49.5%, 36.8% and 33.7%, respectively) than in nrSpA patients (25.9%, 25.9% and 3.7%, respectively). The joint most frequently affected by lesions found on MRI scans was the manubriosternal joint. The κ values between clinical assessments and MRI inflammation ranged from -0.10 to only 0.33 for both AS and nrSpA patients.

Conclusions

Among SpA patients, 26% had clinical involvement of the ACW. WB MRI signs of ACW inflammation were found in a substantial proportion of patients with AS (49.5%) and nrSpA (25.9%). There was no association between clinical assessments of ACW, including the MASES, and MRI features.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with risk for contralateral breast cancer in the Women's Environment, Cancer, and Radiation Epidemiology (WECARE) Study
Authors: Teraoka Sharon N , Bernstein Jonine L , Reiner Anne S , Haile Robert W , Bernstein Leslie , Lynch Charles F , Malone Kathleen E , Stovall Marilyn , Capanu Marinela , Liang Xiaolin , Smith Susan A , Mychaleckyj Josyf , Hou Xuanlin , Mellemkjaer Lene , Boice John D , Siniard Ashley , Duggan David , Thomas Duncan C ,   The WECARE Study Collaborative Group, and Patrick Concannon
Published: January 2012

Introduction

Genome-wide association studies, focusing primarily on unilateral breast cancer, have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a number of genomic regions that have alleles associated with a significantly increased risk of breast cancer. In the current study we evaluate the contributions of these previously identified regions to the risk of developing contralateral breast cancer. The most strongly disease-associated SNPs from prior studies were tested for association with contralateral breast cancer. A subset of these SNPs, selected upon their main effects on contralateral breast cancer risk was further evaluated for interaction with treatment modalities and estrogen receptor (ER) status.

Methods

We genotyped 21 SNPs in 708 women with contralateral breast cancer and 1394 women with unilateral breast cancer who serve as the cases and controls in the Women's Environment, Cancer and Radiation Epidemiology (WECARE) Study. Records of treatment and ER status were available for most of WECARE Study participants. Associations of SNP genotypes and risk for contralateral breast cancer were calculated with multivariable adjusted conditional logistic regression methods.

Results

Multiple SNPs in the FGFR2 locus were significantly associated with contralateral breast cancer, including rs1219648 (per allele rate ratio (RR) = 1.25, 95%CI = 1.08-1.45). Statistically significant associations with contralateral breast cancer were also observed at rs7313833, near the PTHLH gene (per allele RR = 1.26, 95%CI = 1.08-1.47), rs13387042 (2q35) (per allele RR = 1.19, 95%CI = 1.02-1.37), rs13281615 (8q24) (per allele RR = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.04-1.40), and rs11235127 near TMEM135 (per allele RR = 1.26, 95%CI = 1.04-1.53). The A allele of rs13387042 (2q35) was significantly associated with contralateral breast cancer in ER negative first tumors while the A allele of rs11235127 (near TMEM135) was significantly associated with contralateral breast cancer in ER positive first tumors. Although some SNP genotypes appeared to modify contralateral breast cancer risk with respect to tamoxifen treatment or particular radiation doses, trend tests for such effects were not significant.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that some common risk variants associated with primary breast cancer also increase risk for contralateral breast cancer, and that these risks vary with the ER status of the first tumor.
Breast cancer incidence and case fatality among 4.7 million women in relation to social and ethnic background: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Beiki Omid , Hall Per , Ekbom Anders , Moradi Tahereh
Published: January 2012

Introduction

Incidence of breast cancer is increasing around the world and it is still the leading cause of cancer mortality in low- and middle-income countries. We utilized Swedish nationwide registers to study breast cancer incidence and case fatality to disentangle the effect of socioeconomic position (SEP) and immigration from the trends in native Swedes.

Methods

A nation-wide cohort of women in Sweden was followed between 1961 and 2007 and incidence rate ratio (IRR) and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Poisson and Cox proportional regression models, respectively.

Results

Incidence continued to increase; however, it remained lower among immigrants (IRR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.86 to 0.90) but not among immigrants' daughters (IRR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.94 to 1.01) compared to native Swedes. Case fatality decreased over the last decades and was similar in native Swedes and immigrants. However, case fatality was significantly 14% higher if cancer was diagnosed after age 50 and 20% higher if cancer was diagnosed in the most recent years among immigrants compared with native Swedes. Women with the highest SEP had significantly 20% to 30% higher incidence but had 30% to 40% lower case fatality compared with women with the lowest SEP irrespective of country of birth. Age at immigration and duration of residence significantly modified the incidence and case fatality.

Conclusions

Disparities found in case fatality among immigrants by age, duration of residence, age at immigration and country of birth emphasize the importance of targeting interventions on women that are not likely to attend screenings or are not likely to adhere to the therapy suggested by physicians. The lower risk of breast cancer among immigrant women calls for more knowledge about how the lifestyle factors in these women differ from those with high risk, so that preventative measures may be implemented.
Effect of spontaneous breathing on ventilator-induced lung injury in mechanically ventilated healthy rabbits: a randomized, controlled, experimental study
Authors: Xia Jingen , Sun Bing , He Hangyong , Zhang Heng , Wang Chunting , Zhan Qingyuan
Published: January 2012

Introduction

Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI), one of the most serious complications of mechanical ventilation (MV), can impact patients' clinical prognoses. Compared to control ventilation, preserving spontaneous breathing can improve many physiological features in ventilated patients, such as gas distribution, cardiac performance, and ventilation-perfusion matching. However, the effect of spontaneous breathing on VILI is unknown. The goal of this study was to compare the effects of spontaneous breathing and control ventilation on lung injury in mechanically-ventilated healthy rabbits.

Methods

Sixteen healthy New Zealand white rabbits were randomly placed into a spontaneous breathing group (SB Group) and a control ventilation group (CV Group). Both groups were ventilated for eight hours using biphasic positive airway pressure (BIPAP) with similar ventilator parameters: inspiration pressure (PI) resulting in a tidal volume (VT) of 10 to 15 ml/kg, inspiratory-to-expiratory ratio of 1:1, positive end-expiration pressure (PEEP) of 2 cmH2O, and FiO2 of 0.5. Inflammatory markers in blood serum, lung homogenates and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), total protein levels in BALF, mRNA expressions of selected cytokines in lung tissue, and lung injury histopathology scores were determined.

Results

Animals remained hemodynamically stable throughout the entire experiment. After eight hours of MV, compared to the CV Group, the SB Group had lower PaCO2 values and ratios of dead space to tidal volume, and higher lung compliance. The levels of cytokines in blood serum and BALF in both groups were similar, but spontaneous breathing led to significantly lower cytokine mRNA expressions in lung tissues and lower lung injury histological scores.

Conclusions

Preserving spontaneous breathing can not only improve ventilatory function, but can also attenuate selected markers of VILI in the mechanically-ventilated healthy lung.
FIBTEM provides early prediction of massive transfusion in trauma
Authors: Schöchl Herbert , Cotton Bryan , Inaba Kenji , Nienaber Ulrike , Fischer Henrik , Voelckel Wolfgang , Solomon Cristina
Published: January 2012

Introduction

Prediction of massive transfusion (MT) among trauma patients is difficult in the early phase of trauma management. Whole-blood thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) tests provide immediate information about the coagulation status of acute bleeding trauma patients. We investigated their value for early prediction of MT.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients admitted to the AUVA Trauma Centre, Salzburg, Austria, with an injury severity score ≥16, from whom blood samples were taken immediately upon admission to the emergency room (ER). ROTEM® analyses (extrinsically-activated test with tissue factor (EXTEM), intrinsically-activated test using ellagic acid (INTEM) and fibrin-based extrinsically activated test with tissue factor and the platelet inhibitor cytochalasin D (FIBTEM) tests) were performed. We divided patients into two groups: massive transfusion (MT, those who received ≥10 units red blood cell concentrate within 24 hours of admission) and non-MT (those who received 0 to 9 units).

Results

Of 323 patients included in this study (78.9% male; median age 44 years), 78 were included in the MT group and 245 in the non-MT group. The median injury severity score upon admission to the ER was significantly higher in the MT group than in the non-MT group (42 vs 27, P < 0.0001). EXTEM and INTEM clotting time and clot formation time were significantly prolonged and maximum clot firmness (MCF) was significantly lower in the MT group versus the non-MT group (P < 0.0001 for all comparisons). Of patients admitted with FIBTEM MCF 0 to 3 mm, 85% received MT. The best predictive values for MT were provided by hemoglobin and Quick value (area under receiver operating curve: 0.87 for both parameters). Similarly high predictive values were observed for FIBTEM MCF (0.84) and FIBTEM A10 (clot amplitude at 10 minutes; 0.83).

Conclusions

FIBTEM A10 and FIBTEM MCF provided similar predictive values for massive transfusion in trauma patients to the most predictive laboratory parameters. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Drosophila aPKC is required for mitotic spindle orientation during symmetric division of epithelial cells
Authors: Guilgur Leonardo G. , Prudêncio Pedro , Ferreira Tânia , Pimenta-Marques Ana Rita , Martinho Rui Gonçalo
Published: January 2012

Epithelial cells mostly orient the spindle along the plane of the epithelium (planar orientation) for mitosis to produce two identical daughter cells. The correct orientation of the spindle relies on the interaction between cortical polarity components and astral microtubules. Recent studies in mammalian tissue culture cells suggest that the apically localised atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) is important for the planar orientation of the mitotic spindle in dividing epithelial cells. Yet, in chicken neuroepithelial cells, aPKC is not required in vivo for spindle orientation, and it has been proposed that the polarization cues vary between different epithelial cell types and/or developmental processes. In order to investigate whether Drosophila aPKC is required for spindle orientation during symmetric division of epithelial cells, we took advantage of a previously isolated temperature-sensitive allele of aPKC. We showed that Drosophila aPKC is required in vivo for spindle planar orientation and apical exclusion of Pins (Raps). This suggests that the cortical cues necessary for spindle orientation are not only conserved between Drosophila and mammalian cells, but are also similar to those required for spindle apicobasal orientation during asymmetric cell division.
Forgotten intrauterine devices presenting with pre- and postmenopausal bleeding: a case series
Authors: Sujatha Vellanki Venkata
Published: January 2012

We present two cases of retained intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs). The first presented with perimenopausal bleeding and dysmenorrhoea and the symptoms were resolved following the removal of an IUCD. The second presented with postmenopausal bleeding and had a Lippes loop in the uterine cavity. The symptoms resolved after the removal of the device.
Changing fortunes: Iraqi refugees in Turkey
Authors: DANIŞ DIDEM
Published: January 2012

This article deals with changing conditions for Iraqis in Turkey. It examines the evolution of Iraqi migration, issues of reception and onward movement from Turkey. Research conducted among Iraqis in Istanbul is used to illustrate the recent changes in the patterns of movement, especially
among Iraqis for whom Turkey is a transit country and who utilize communal networks as a key resource in a difficult environment.
Iraqi refugees in a Damascus suburb: Carriers of sectarian conflict?
Authors: PAASCHE ERLEND
Published: January 2012

The Iraqi exodus has invoked security concerns among many international observers. Sectarian violence in Iraq prompted fears that the new arrivals in Syria, the main destination country for Iraqi refugees, would bring sectarian conflict. No such development has taken place, prompting
questions about whether Iraqi refugees embrace sectarian ideologies. Here I suggest that sectarianism has been actively resisted by Iraqi refugees in Damascus, offering explanations for why so many analysts have stressed the risk of 'spillover' of sectarian conflict. One central factor, I
argue, is that a sectarian master narrative has been imposed on Iraq.
Revealing the elusive obvious: Making sense of creative practice through refl ection and writing out
Authors: IGWEONU KENE , FAGENCE BRIAN , PETCH MELANIE , DAVIES GARETH J.
Published: January 2012

This article draws on the idea of the elusive obvious as a useful way of examining how creative arts practitioners can make sense of their practice through expressive writing. Defining the elusive obvious as that ethereal aspect of creative arts practice that is often palpable to the
practitioner but equally hard to pin down within the creative process, the article argues that expressive writing enables the creative practitioner to engage with their practice in insightful ways that integrate theoretical insights and help to reveal the elusive obvious, which in turn gives
life to what is being explored. It examines ways in which expressive writing could be used to facilitate practitioners' experience of their creative practice and facilitate a better appreciation of the interconnectedness of practice (doing) and theory (critical reflection and analysis) in
the creative arts. The article draws on discussions on practice as research to highlight the distinction between 'writing out' and 'writing up'; where 'writing out' calls attention to the idea of 'searching' within the creative process, while 'writing up' is firmly located in the recording
and documentation phase of that practice. It argues that it is within this process of 'writing out' - of searching - that the elusive obvious can be revealed. The article also illustrates how reflective practice/writing can be understood through drama. It examines how reflective practice/writing
can often lead to 'eureka' moments when, by personalizing their practice within the creative working environment, practitioners suddenly discover the elusive obvious. Through the ideas explored in this article, we invite a consideration of how expressive writing can act as a vehicle through
which meaning could be found. This article argues, therefore, that expressive writing is not an end in itself, but is exploratory and transient in nature, and a rich terrain for the elusive obvious to be revealed.
Constructing 'the Jungle': Distance framing in the Daily Mail
Authors: IBRAHIM YASMIN
Published: January 2012

The official narrative of the demolition and clearing in September 2009 of the camp, known informally as 'the Jungle', occupied by illegal immigrants in Calais sought to frame the issues from a perspective of police efficiency. The authorities both in the United Kingdom and France defended
their actions as justified in tackling a persistent problem that could only be resolved through brutal force. The Jungle as a barbaric settlement amidst a civilized society juxtaposed the Other as uncouth and not belonging to the space of civility and thereby warranting immediate removal.
The need to expel the Other and demolish the Jungle became a moral discourse of maintaining a civilized society amidst the illegal invasion of economic migrants. The discourse of the Jungle and the narration of the story through discourses of criminality sought to dehumanize the occupants
of the shanty town, depicting their very existence as a transgression of legal boundaries. This article argues that this moral discourse becomes a tool to desensitize us to the human suffering associated with immigration. In the process the issue of immigration becomes a liminal space between
rationality and atavism in developed societies.
BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: Corbett Steven , Light Ann , Scolari Carlos A.
Published: January 2012

REALITY TELEVISION: MERGING THE GLOBAL AND THE LOCAL, AMIR HETSRONI (ED.) (2010) New York: Nova Science Publishers Inc, 295 pp., ISBN: 9781616683153 (hbk), £120.99

EXHALE, KEITH PIPER, KOOJ CHUHAN, AIDAN JOLLY ET AL. (2007) Virtual Migrants, www.virtualmigrants.com, £15.99
(DVD, audio-CD, CD-ROM)

THE INFORMATION: A HISTORY, A THEORY, A FLOOD, JAMES GLEICK (2011) London: Fourth State, 526 pp., ISBN: 9780007423118 (hbk), £14.99