bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composition of mixed‐species flocks and shifts in foraging location of flocking species on Hainan Island, China
Authors: ZOU FASHENG , CHEN GUIZHU , YANG QIONGFANG , FELLOWES JOHN R.
Published: February 2011

A total of 134 bird species were recorded at Jianfengling, Hainan Island, in China from May 2000 to September 2004, of which 44 participated in one or more of 134 mixed‐species flocks. These flocks averaged 3.8 ± 0.2 species and 20.3 ± 1.2 individuals. Flocking propensity in a given species ranged from 1.5 to 100%. For flocking species, frequency of flocking and number of individuals in flocks was positively correlated with frequency and number in point counts. Among all species pairs with flocking frequency above 5%, cluster and correlation analysis indicated there were two principal groups of flocking birds – canopy species and understorey species: associations were positive within a group, but negative between groups. Canopy birds had a higher flocking propensity than understorey birds. They also made significantly less use of inner branches and trunks and greater use of middle branches, and foraged at a significantly greater height when in mixed‐species flocks than when solitary. For understorey bird species, there were no significant differences in foraging locations between solitary and mixed‐species flocks. Higher flocking frequency occurred in the wet season for canopy birds, but in the dry season for understorey birds. Overall patterns were consistent with the explanation that flocking enables an expansion of foraging niche by reducing the risk of predation.
The influence of climate and topography in patterns of territory establishment in a range‐expanding bird
Authors: BRADBURY RICHARD B. , PEARCE‐HIGGINS JAMES W. , WOTTON SIMON R. , CONWAY GREG J. , GRICE PHIL V.
Published: February 2011

The Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata has recently expanded its range northwards and upwards in the UK, consistent with the hypothesis that this cold‐sensitive species has responded to a warming climate. We interrogated distribution data, collected during four national surveys of this species between 1974 and 2006, to assess whether this large‐scale range expansion has been accompanied by finer‐scale changes in topographic characteristics of breeding locations. Within sites occupied in successive surveys, there was some evidence of limited altitudinal expansion between surveys. Within wider landscapes occupied in successive surveys, the preceding winter climate tended to be harsher at newly colonized sites than at sites that had already been occupied in the previous survey, while territories in newly colonized sites also tended to be on steeper slopes, especially if at higher altitude, and (in 1994 only) to be more south‐facing. Territories in sites that had already been occupied in the previous survey tended to be lower altitude, less steep and more north‐facing than territories in newly colonized landscapes. In 2006 only, the winter climate was significantly milder in newly colonized landscapes than in already occupied sites. The combined effects of a changing climate and topography may have influenced the pattern of in‐filling in the existing range, while colonization of distant areas, especially more latterly, may have been facilitated by a combination of increased dispersal pressure from the existing range and warming of climate which made higher altitude habitat in the new areas more suitable for occupancy. Careful consideration needs to be given to the importance of fine‐scale topographical variation in determining species’ responses to climate change in order to underpin robust adaptation strategies.
ESTIMATING VALUE ADDED OF ILLEGAL PRODUCTION IN THE WESTERN BALKANS
Authors: Blades Derek
Published: February 2011

Several economists continue to assert that the official national accounts of many countries do not cover a large “hidden” or “underground” economy. This article looks at one component of the underground economy, namely illegal activities. According to the UN System of National Accounts, production of goods and services that are illegal should be included in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) if both the producers and consumers are willing partners to the transactions involved. We examine the estimates of illegal production recently made by several countries in the Western Balkans and conclude that, if illegal activities were fully included in their official GDP estimates, they would increase by about 1 percent. Trade in narcotics and prostitution are the two most important kinds of illegal activities in most countries and we look in detail at how estimates for these activities were made by the Western Balkan countries.
Cancer Screening in People Who Have Chronic Disease: The Example of Kidney Disease
Authors: Wong Germaine , Howard Kirsten , Tong Allison , Craig Jonathan C.
Published: February 2011

Cancer screening in people with chronic illness has been the subject of considerable debate recently. Despite the increased incidence of cancer and higher risk of cancer deaths in selected populations, such as those with kidney disease, the benefits‐to‐harms ratio of cancer screening is uncertain and is likely to be different to people without chronic illnesses because of the expected higher competing risk of death from disease other than cancer, and a higher risk of complications associated with the screening, the diagnostic, and the treatment processes. Using kidney disease as an example, the authors reviewed the current evidence for early cancer detection through screening in people with two or more coexistent chronic diseases, discussed the accepted principles underpinning cancer screening, and the applicability of these concepts to individuals with chronic disease. This review suggests that future research that evaluates the screening test accuracy, quality of life of having cancer, and cancer treatment effectiveness, targeting those with chronic illnesses are necessary for the development of an effective, safe, and acceptable cancer screening program among people with two or more chronic diseases.
The Use of Intravascular Ultrasound to Assist Angiography in Diagnosis and Management of Hemodialysis Access
Authors: Maursetter Laura , Yevzlin Alexander S.
Published: February 2011

Vascular access continues to be a management challenge for nephrologists. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a tool that has been used in cardiology to obtain intraluminal imaging that can lead to better assessment of lesion morphology, composition of tissues, and adequacy of intervention such as precision of stent placement. Past reports have explored this tool in hemodialysis vascular access but owing to its expense and inconvenience, it is not routinely used. Here, we present a commonly encountered case where IVUS provided additional information to assist in decision making on management. More studies are needed to define the role of IVUS in hemodialysis vascular access.
Percutaneous Salvage of Thrombosed Immature Arteriovenous Fistulas
Authors: Miller Gregg A. , Hwang Wayne , Preddie Dean , Khariton Aleksandr , Savransky Yevgeny
Published: February 2011

Thrombosed immature fistulas have historically been considered unsalvageable. However, advances in procedure and balloon catheter technologies have expanded the scope of endovascular treatments. This study investigates the efficacy, functionality, and cost associated with the use of percutaneous techniques for the salvage of thrombosed immature fistulas. Over a 2‐year period and from a population of 18,000 patients on hemodialysis, 140 consecutive patients with thrombosed immature fistulas underwent attempts at salvage via thrombectomy procedures. All fistulas had thrombosed following access creation and had never been used for hemodialysis. Multiple approaches were utilized to gain access to the fistula, including trans‐fistula cannulation, distal arterial puncture, and proximal retrograde venous access. Thrombectomy was performed via balloon maceration and aspiration. Accelerated maturation was achieved through sequential angioplasty of diffusely stenotic veins and elimination of competing branch vessels. Primary access, primary assisted, and secondary access patencies were calculated at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. A cost analysis was performed based on procedure statistics and the 2009 Medicare reimbursement schedule and compared with data from the 2009 United States Renal Data Survey. Thrombectomy was successful in 119 (85%) immature clotted fistulas, and hemodialysis adequacy was achieved in 111 (79%) fistulas. The average maturation time from thrombectomy to cannulation for dialysis was 46.4 days, with an average of 2.64 interventions per patient. There were 5 (3.5%) cases of angioplasty‐induced rupture, all of which were treated with stent placement. Clinically significant pseudoaneurysm formation occurred in 4 (2.8%) patients. At 12 months, secondary access patency of salvaged accesses was 90%. Based on 2009 Medicare outpatient billing rates per patient per initial access‐year and the maturation times observed in the New York area, percutaneous salvage of thrombosed immature fistulas costs $4881 to $14,998 less than access abandonment and new access creation. Endovascular techniques can be used for the salvage of thrombosed nonmaturing fistulas. When analyzed within the initial access‐year, this approach yields significant cost savings over access abandonment.
Unexpectedly Severe Metabolic Acidosis Associated with Sodium Thiosulfate Therapy in a Patient with Calcific Uremic Arteriolopathy
Authors: Selk Natalie , Rodby Roger A.
Published: February 2011

Calcific uremic arteriolopathy, formerly known as calciphylaxis is a devastating condition that primarily affects patients with end‐stage renal disease. The lesions can progress to massive ulcerations of the subcutaneous tissue that are associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality, usually related to sepsis. Although the pathophysiology of this condition is poorly understood, it appears to be related to a derangement in calcium–phosphate metabolism. Thus, treatments have focused on the treatment of hyperparathyroidism albeit with poor results. More recently, sodium thiosulfate (STS) has emerged as a promising therapy following multiple case reports of marked disease regression following its use. As STS is a strong acid, metabolic acidosis has been described following its administration, although relatively mild in degree. We report a case of a patient with calciphylaxis who repeatedly developed a severe anion gap metabolic acidosis following each dose of STS requiring a significant reduction in the dose.
The Phosphate Binder Equivalent Dose
Authors: Daugirdas John T. , Finn William F. , Emmett Michael , Chertow Glenn M. ,   the Frequent Hemodialysis Network Trial Group
Published: February 2011

Phosphate binders include calcium acetate or carbonate, sevelamer hydrochloride or carbonate, magnesium and lanthanum carbonate, and aluminum carbonate or hydroxide. Their relative phosphate‐binding capacity has been assessed in human, in vivo studies that have measured phosphate recovery from stool and/or changes in urinary phosphate excretion or that have compared pairs of different binders where dose of binder in each group was titrated to a target level of serum phosphate. The relative phosphate‐binding coefficient (RPBC) based on weight of each binder can be estimated relative to calcium carbonate, the latter being set to 1.0. A systematic review of these studies gave the following estimated RPBC: for elemental lanthanum, 2.0, for sevelamer hydrochloride or carbonate 0.75, for calcium acetate 1.0, for anhydrous magnesium carbonate 1.7, and for “heavy” or hydrated, magnesium carbonate 1.3. Estimated RPBC for aluminum‐containing binders were 1.5 for aluminum hydroxide and 1.9 for aluminum carbonate. The phosphate‐binding equivalent dose was then defined as the dose of each binder in g × its RPBC, which would be the binding ability of an equivalent weight of calcium carbonate. The phosphate‐binding equivalent dose may be useful in comparing changes in phosphate binder prescription over time when multiple binders are being prescribed, when estimating an initial binder prescription, and also in phosphate kinetic modeling.
Classification of Papulo‐Squamous skin diseases using image analysis
Authors: Mashaly H. M. , Masood N. A. , Mohamed Abdalla S. A.
Published: February 2011

Introduction: Papulo‐squamous skin diseases are variable but are very close in their clinical features. They present with the same lesions, erythematous scaly lesions. Clinical evaluation of skin lesions is based on common sense and experience of the dermatologist to differentiate features of each disease.

Aim: To evaluate a computer‐based image analysis system as a helping tool for classification of commonly encountered diseases.

Materials and Methods: The study included 50 selected images from each of psoriasis, lichen planus, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, pityrasis rosea, and pitryasis rubra pilaris with a total of 300 images. The study comprised three main processes peformed on the 300 included images: segmentation, feature extraction followed by classification.

Results: Rough sets recorded the highest percentage of accuracy and sensitivity of segmentation for the six groups of diseases compared with the other three used techniques (topological derivative, K‐means clustering, and watershed). Rule‐based classifier using the concept of rough sets recorded the best percentage of classification (96.7%) for the six groups of diseases compared with the other six techniques of classification used: K‐means clustering, fuzzy c‐means clustering, classification and regression tree, rule‐based classifier with discretization, and K‐nearest neighbor technique.

Conclusion: Rough sets approach proves its superiority for both the segmentation and the classification processes of papulo‐squamous skin diseases compared with the other used segmentation and classification techniques.
Hypophosphatasia in a child with widened anterior fontanelle: lessons learned from late diagnosis and incorrect treatment
Authors: Mohn Angelika , De Leonibus Chiara , de Giorgis Tommaso , Mornet Etienne , Chiarelli Francesco
Published: February 2011

Hypophosphatasia is characterized by deficiency of serum alkaline phosphatase with defective bone and teeth mineralization. We report on an 11‐month‐old boy who developed a complex clinical picture characterized by bulging anterior fontanelle, growth failure, nephrocalcinosis and impaired bone mineralization during high‐dose calcium and vitamin D supplementation. This therapy had been started 5 months earlier for a presumed diagnosis of nutritional rickets established on the grounds of isolated widened anterior fontanelle. However, laboratory investigations revealed reduced alkaline phosphatase levels associated with hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, low PTH and normal 25‐hydroxy vitamin D levels. Genetic testing detected a compound heterozygote for the novel mutation (c.262G>A) and the described mutation (c.920C>T) in the ALPL gene.

Conclusion:  High calcium and vitamin D supplementation should not be started in the presence of isolated signs of nutritional rickets without assessing calcium‐phosphate metabolism. In fact, in rare bone‐mineralizing disorders, this combined therapy might induce severe clinical complications.
Post‐partum weight change patterns in the WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study
Authors: Onyango Adelheid W. , Nommsen‐Rivers Laurie , Siyam Amani , Borghi Elaine , de Onis Mercedes , Garza Cutberto , Lartey Anna , Bærug Anne , Bhandari Nita , Dewey Kathryn G. , Araújo Cora Luiza , Mohamed Ali Jaffer , Van den Broeck Jan ,   for the WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study Group
Published: February 2011

The interplay of factors that affect post‐partum loss or retention of weight gained during pregnancy is not fully understood. The objective of this paper is to describe patterns of weight change in the six sites of the World Health Organization (WHO) Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS) and explore variables that explain variation in weight change within and between sites. Mothers of 1743 breastfed children enrolled in the MGRS had weights measured at days 7, 14, 28 and 42 post‐partum, monthly from 2 to 12 months and bimonthly thereafter until 24 months post‐partum. Height, maternal age, parity and employment status were recorded and breastfeeding was monitored throughout the follow‐up. Weight change patterns varied significantly among sites. Ghanaian and Omani mothers lost little or gained weight post‐partum. In Brazil, India, Norway and USA, mothers on average lost weight during the first year followed by stabilization in the second year. Lactation intensity and duration explained little of the variation in weight change patterns. In most sites, obese mothers tended to lose less weight than normal‐weight mothers. In Brazil and Oman, primiparous mothers lost about 1 kg more than multiparous mothers in the first 6 months. In India and Ghana, multiparous mothers lost about 0.6 kg more than primiparas in the second 6 months. Culturally defined mother‐care practices probably play a role in weight change patterns among lactating women. This hypothesis should stimulate investigation into gestational weight gain and post‐partum losses in different ethnocultural contexts.
Developmental outcomes among 18‐month‐old Malawians after a year of complementary feeding with lipid‐based nutrient supplements or corn‐soy flour
Authors: Phuka John C. , Gladstone Melissa , Maleta Kenneth , Thakwalakwa Chrissie , Cheung Yin Bun , Briend André , Manary Mark J. , Ashorn Per
Published: February 2011

The major aim of this trial was to compare the development of 18‐month‐old infants who received complementary feeding for 1 year either with lipid‐based nutrient supplements or micronutrient fortified corn‐soy porridge. Our secondary aim was to determine the socio‐economic factors associated with developmental outcomes in the same population. A total of 163 six‐month‐old rural Malawian children were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial where the control population received daily supplementation with 71 g corn‐soy flour [Likuni Phala (LP)] (282 kcal) and individuals in the intervention groups received daily either 50 g of lipid‐based nutrient supplement (FS50) (264 kcal) or 25 g of lipid‐based nutrient supplement (FS25) (130 kcal). The main outcome measures were Griffiths' developmental scores at 0–2 years. Independent comparison of study groups was carried out using analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistics where mean raw scores, quotients, or mental ages were compared. Association of developmental outcome with predictor variables were examined using multiple regression. At 18 months of chronological age, the mean ± standard deviation (SD) mental ages in the LP, FS50, and FS25 groups were 17.9 ± 1.3, 17.9 ± 1.3, and 17.9 ± 1.2 (P > 0.99), respectively. Likewise, the mean raw developmental scores and mean developmental quotients did not differ significantly. Length‐for‐age z‐score gain during the intervention period, and maternal education were associated with developmental outcome at 18 months (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04; respectively). In conclusion, rural Malawian infants receiving 12‐month daily supplementation of their diet either with the tested lipid‐based nutrient supplements or fortified corn‐soy flour have comparable development outcomes by 18 months of age.
Child‐care and feeding practices of urban middle class working and non‐working Indonesian mothers: a qualitative study of the socio‐economic and cultural environment
Authors: Roshita Airin , Schubert Elizabeth , Whittaker Maxine
Published: February 2011

The double‐burden problem of malnutrition in many developing countries is occurring against a backdrop of complex changes in the socio‐economic and cultural environment. One such change is the increasing rate of female employment, a change that has attracted researchers to explore the possible relationships between maternal employment and child nutritional status. The present study employs a qualitative approach to explore the socio‐economic and cultural environments that may influence child‐care practices in families of working and non‐working mothers with children of different nutritional status and types of domestic caregiver. It was conducted in Depok, a satellite city of Jakarta, Indonesia, and was designed as a case study involving 26 middle class families. The children were categorized as underweight, normal weight and obese, and caregivers were grouped as family and domestic paid caregivers. Twenty‐six mothers and 18 caregivers were interviewed. Data were analysed by the constant comparative approach. The study identified five emerging themes, consisting of reason for working and not working, support for mother and caregivers, decision maker on child food, maternal self‐confidence and access to resources. It confirmed that mothers and caregivers need support and adequate resources to perform child‐care practices regardless of the child nutritional and maternal working status. Further research is required into how Indonesian mothers across a range of socio‐economic strata can have increased options for quality child‐care arrangements and support with child feeding. Additionally, this paper discussed the importance of enhanced dissemination of health information addressing both child underweight and obesity problems.
Globalization, Transnationalism, and Intersecting Geographies of Power: The Case of the Consejo Consultivo del Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior (CC‐IME): A Study in Progress
Authors: BAYES JANE H. , GONZALEZ LAURA
Published: February 2011

The Consejo Consultivo del Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior (CC‐IME) is a somewhat unusual transnational organization established and funded by the Mexican government in 2003 as a means of maintaining contact with and serving the Mexican diaspora of almost 12 million in the United States and Canada. The 56 Mexican consulates in the United States and Canada conduct elections (or sometimes appoint) around 120 representatives for three‐year terms to serve as an advisory council to represent the needs of the Mexican diaspora before the Mexican government and to strengthen the ties (especially economic and political ties) between the Mexican diaspora in Canada and the United States and the government of Mexico. Previous studies have described the history, purpose, and some of the programs initiated by the Mexican Foreign Ministry (SRE) and the CC‐IME. The story of the CC‐IME, however, is more than can be understood from the perspective of any one state. As a transnational organization at a particular time in history, its operation reflects the perspectives of a host of different entities. Using qualitative research methods and participant observation, this ongoing study employs Mahler and Pessar's geographies of power framework to identify and explore various power hierarchies and special political characteristics of CC‐IME from a variety of perspectives.

El Consejo Consultivo del Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior (CC‐IME) es una organización transnacional un poco inusual establecida y fundada por el gobierno mexicano en 2003 como un medio para mantener contacto con, y ayudar a, la diáspora mexicana en los Estados Unidos y Canadá que aproxima los 12 millones. Los 56 consulados en ambos países realizan elecciones (o algunas veces designan) cerca de 120 representantes de expatriados mexicanos para periodos de 3 años para servir como un consejo asesor para representar intereses ante el gobierno mexicano y para fortalecer los lazos (especialmente económicos y políticos) entre expatriados y dicho gobierno. Estudios previos han descrito la historia, propósito, y algunos de los programas iniciados por la Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE) y el CC‐IME. La historia del CC‐IME, sin embargo, supera lo que puede ser comprendido desde la perspectiva de un estado. Siendo una organización transnacional en un momento particular de la historia, su funcionamiento refleja las perspectivas de una gran diversidad de actores. Utilizando un método cualitativo de investigación y de observación de los participantes, este proyecto (en proceso) utiliza el marco de las geografías del poder de Mahler y Pessar para identificar y explorar varias jerarquías de poder y características políticas especiales del CC‐IME desde una variedad de perspectivas.
Does North America Have the Right Stuff? An Analysis of Compatibility and the Potential Deepening of North American Integration
Authors: GENNA GASPARE M.
Published: February 2011

This article assesses the current and future levels of North American integration. Econometric models that compare integration around the world indicate that integration deepens when countries have similar domestic, political, and economic institutions, and are economically asymmetrical. It is theorized that similar domestic institutions reduce transaction costs and uncertainty of success for firms while economic asymmetry provides incentives for and coordination among member states. In addition, institutional homogeneity also affects the level of integration. Currently, the North American partners lack high levels of these conditions, which explains the low level of integration. The analysis concludes with policy recommendations to improve the necessary conditions for the deepening of economic integration.

Este artículo evalúa los niveles actuales y futuros de integración de Norteamérica. Modelos econométricos que comparan la integración alrededor del mundo indican que la integración se profundiza cuando los países tienen instituciones domesticas políticas y económicas similares, y económicamente asimétricas. Se especula que instituciones domésticas similares reducen los costos de transacción e incertidumbre de éxito para las empresas mientras que la asimetría económica provee incentivos para, y coordinación entre, los estados miembros. Además, la homogeneidad institucional afecta también los niveles de integración. Actualmente, los socios Norteamericanos carecen de altos niveles de tales condiciones, lo que explica el bajo nivel de integración. El análisis concluye con recomendaciones de políticas para aumentar las condiciones necesarias para profundizar la integración.
Law and Ojibwe Indian “Traditional Cultural Property” in the Organized Resistance to the Crandon Mine in Wisconsin
Authors: Nesper Larry
Published: February 2011

Section 106 of the 1966 National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) requires that federal agencies “must take into account” the impact of their regulatory actions on historical properties, among them the “traditional cultural properties” of American Indian tribes. Conceiving of tribes' own social practices in terms of property creates the possibility for making claims about its loss for tribes, but it also problematizes their cultures' inherent dynamism that implicates its putative authenticity. This article offers commentary on the implications of practicing a form of action anthropology for the concept of culture via discovery and explication of such property under the NHPA. The context is a small American Indian community's effort to resist the development of a copper‐zinc mine adjacent to its reservation, on land that holds significant meaning for the community.
Colonial Traditions, Co‐optations, and Mi'kmaq Legal Consciousness
Authors: McMillan L. Jane
Published: February 2011

In 1996 a provincial court was established at Eskasoni Mi'kmaq Community in Nova Scotia, Canada, in response to overwhelming evidence confirming the failures of the Canadian legal system to provide justice for Indigenous peoples, and as a specific recommendation of the Royal Commission on the Donald Marshall, Jr., Prosecution. Marshall, a Mi'kmaq wrongfully convicted of murder, served eleven years of a life sentence before proving his innocence. The importation of provincial legal culture into an Indigenous community creates tensions and contradictions surrounding the legitimacy, authenticity, and efficacy of Indigenous laws. The ontological conflicts that arise from the imposition of a justice system integrally linked with colonization, criminalization, and assimilation cannot be resolved through indigenization of court staff and administrative conveniences. The Mi'kmaq continue to assert their laws and articulate their legal consciousness against the co‐optation of dominant system, with mixed results.
Glyco‐engineering in Archaea: differential N‐glycosylation of the S‐layer glycoprotein in a transformed Haloferax volcanii strain
Authors: Calo Doron , Guan Ziqiang , Eichler Jerry
Published: February 2011

Archaeal glycoproteins present a variety of N‐linked glycans not seen elsewhere. The ability to harness the agents responsible for this unparalleled diversity offers the possibility of generating glycoproteins bearing tailored glycans, optimized for specific functions. With a well‐defined N‐glycosylation pathway and available genetic tools, the haloarchaeon Haloferax volcanii represents a suitable platform for such glyco‐engineering efforts. In Hfx. volcanii, the S‐layer glycoprotein is modified by an N‐linked pentasaccharide. In the following, S‐layer glycoprotein N‐glycosylation was considered in cells in which AglD, the dolichol phosphate mannose synthase involved in addition of the final residue of the pentasaccharide, was replaced by a haloarchaeal homologue of AglJ, the enzyme involved in addition of the first residue of the N‐linked pentasaccharide. In the engineering strain, the S‐layer glycoprotein is modified by a novel N‐linked glycan not found on this reporter from the parent strain. Moreover, deletion of AglD alone and introduction of the AglJ homologue from Halobacterium salinarum, OE2528R, into the deletion strain resulted in increased biosynthesis of the novel 894 Da glycan concomitant with reduced biogenesis of the pentasaccharide normally N‐linked to the S‐layer glycoprotein. These findings justify efforts designed to transform Hfx. volcanii into a glyco‐engineering ‘workshop’.
Characterization of an intergenic polymorphic site (pp‐hC1A_5) in Wolbachia pipientis (wPip)
Authors: PETRIDIS MICHAEL , CHATZIDIMITRIOU DIMITRIOS
Published: February 2011

Wolbachia pipientis (wPip) is an intracellular bacterium causing cytoplasmic incompatibility in arthropods, including mosquitoes of the Culex pipiens complex. Here, we present a method useful for genotyping within the wPip group. Primers were designed using a Tandem Repeat Finder program to amplify an intergenic, polymorphic site (pp‐hC1A_5) of wPip. The polymorphic site is located between genes that code for polynucleotide phosphorylase and a hypothetical protein (C1A_5). Comparison of these wPip genomic regions from C. pipiens mosquitoes sampled in different geographic regions revealed deletions of fragments that proved useful in phylogenetic analysis.
High‐throughput microsatellite isolation through 454 GS‐FLX Titanium pyrosequencing of enriched DNA libraries
Authors: MALAUSA THIBAUT , GILLES ANDRÉ , MEGLÉCZ EMESE , BLANQUART HÉLÈNE , DUTHOY STÉPHANIE , COSTEDOAT CAROLINE , DUBUT VINCENT , PECH NICOLAS , CASTAGNONE‐SERENO PHILIPPE , DÉLYE CHRISTOPHE , FEAU NICOLAS , FREY PASCAL , GAUTHIER PHILIPPE , GUILLEMAUD THOMAS , HAZARD LAURENT , LE CORRE VALÉRIE , LUNG‐ESCARMANT BRIGITTE , MALÉ PIERRE‐JEAN G. , FERREIRA STÉPHANIE , MARTIN JEAN‐FRANÇOIS
Published: February 2011

Microsatellites (or SSRs: simple sequence repeats) are among the most frequently used DNA markers in many areas of research. The use of microsatellite markers is limited by the difficulties involved in their de novo isolation from species for which no genomic resources are available. We describe here a high‐throughput method for isolating microsatellite markers based on coupling multiplex microsatellite enrichment and next‐generation sequencing on 454 GS‐FLX Titanium platforms. The procedure was calibrated on a model species (Apis mellifera) and validated on 13 other species from various taxonomic groups (animals, plants and fungi), including taxa for which severe difficulties were previously encountered using traditional methods. We obtained from 11 497 to 34 483 sequences depending on the species and the number of detected microsatellite loci ranged from 199 to 5791. We thus demonstrated that this procedure can be readily and successfully applied to a large variety of taxonomic groups, at much lower cost than would have been possible with traditional protocols. This method is expected to speed up the acquisition of high‐quality genetic markers for nonmodel organisms.
Late diagnosed Wilson disease with hepatic and neurological manifestations
Authors: Honma Yuichi , Harada Masaru , Sato Miyuki , Katsuki Yuka , Hiura Masaaki , Shibata Michihiko , Narita Ryoichi , Harada Riko , Abe Shintaro , Tabaru Akinari , Tajiri Nobuyoshi , Shimajiri Shohei
Published: February 2011

A 50‐year‐old woman was referred to our hospital due to liver dysfunction and progressive neurological symptoms. She had previously been diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) had effectively normalized her serum aminotransferase levels, however, she presented with loss of balance, dysarthria and difficulty in handwriting. Autoantibodies and hepatitis virus markers were negative. Serum ceruloplasmin and copper levels were noted to be 9 mg/dL and 32 µg/dL, respectively. The 24‐h urinary copper excretion was 331.8 µg/day. Kayser‐Fleischer ring was demonstrated. Histological examination of the liver revealed inflammatory infiltrate and fibrosis, and the hepatic copper concentration was 444.4 µg/g dry weight. We diagnosed her as having Wilson disease and started treatment with trientine. Immuohistochemistry for keratin 8 and p62 demonstrated Mallory‐Denk bodies. Many of the p62‐expressing cells were positive for 4‐Hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (HNE). Few Ki‐67‐positive hepatocytes were present in the liver. Wilson disease is one of the causes of NASH and UDCA may be a supportive therapeutic agent for Wilson disease. Cell proliferation is suppressed under copper‐loaded conditions and this phenomenon may be associated with the clinical course of Wilson disease.
Hepatocellular carcinoma occurring in hepatobiliary fibropolycystic disease
Authors: Kinugasa Hideaki , Nouso Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Yoshiyuki , Yasunaka Tetuya , Onishi Hideki , Nakamura Shin‐ichiro , Shiraha Hidenori , Takayama Hiroki , Toshimori Junichi , Kuwaki Kenji , Hagihara Hiroaki , Miyake Yasuhiro , Ikeda Fusao , Takaki Akinobu , Kobashi Haruhiko , Yamamoto Kazuhide
Published: February 2011

Congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) and bile duct hamartomas (von Meyenburg complexes) are hepatobiliary fibropolycystic diseases. There have been several reports of liver neoplasias arising in hepatobiliary fibropolycystic diseases. However, most of them were cholangiocarcinomas and cases involving hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are rare. A 51‐year‐old woman was found to have multiple hepatic tumors by ultrasonography and enhanced computed tomography (CT) during a regular work‐up for the recurrence of lung cancer and thyroid cancer, which had been surgically removed 4 and 3 years ago, respectively. Nodules were observed at S3, S5, and S6 (2 cm in diameter). All of the nodules were hyperattenuated at the early arterial phase, and the main tumor at S5 showed hypoattenuation at the delayed phase on dynamic CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). HCC was suspected from these findings. She also suffered from multiple small cystic lesions in the liver. The surgically removed liver showed HCC arising in CHF, which is a rare histological finding.
Changes in hepatitis C viral load during first 14 days can predict the undetectable time point of serum viral load by pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy
Authors: Itakura Jun , Asahina Yasuhiro , Tamaki Nobuharu , Hirayama Itsuko , Yasui Yutaka , Tanaka Tomohiro , Sato Mitsuaki , Ueda Ken , Kuzuya Teiji , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Kurosaki Masayuki , Gabriel Gretchen S. , Schneider George J. , Izumi Namiki
Published: February 2011

Aim:  In the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin combination therapy must be continued for an adequate duration to improve the rate of sustained virological response. We attempted to predict the time point at which serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA are undetectable during combination therapy.

Methods:  Patients with HCV genotype 1b were enrolled in a model preparation (n = 35) and a validation group (n = 70). All patients received PEG‐IFN‐α‐2b/ribavirin combination therapy for at least 48 weeks, and serological samples were screened a minimum of 17 times during the therapy. Serum HCV RNA were measured by the Abbott RealTime HCV assay. Using the HCV dynamics model described by Neumann et al., we used multiple linear regression analysis to select factors that affected the undetectable time point.

Results:  Difference in viral load between weeks 1 and 2 was the only predictive factor for the undetectable time point of serum HCV RNA (r2 = 0.67, P < 0.0005), and we derived the following prediction equation: undetectable time point (week) = 13.495 × (viral load at day 14 [log IU/mL] − viral load at day 7 [log IU/mL]) + 25.456. The equation was applicable to the validation group.

Conclusion:  We created a formula for predicting the undetectable time point from viral load measurements early in PEG‐IFN‐α‐2b/ribavirin combination therapy. An early response reflects sensitivity to therapy, and the estimation of an undetectable time point would be useful for determining the optimal duration of treatment for chronic hepatitis C patients.
Triple Bottom Line by Design: Leading as if Life Matters
Authors: McBride Mary
Published: February 2011

Most of us are familiar with the concept of the triple bottom line. But this concept has stopped short of its most meaningful destination—a new economic paradigm, one that works toward a truly benign world economy. In many ways, this is actually a design problem.
Design for People, Profit, and Planet
Authors: Valade‐Amland Steinar
Published: February 2011

Recently, the Danish Designers professional association claimed design for “people, profit, and planet” as the foundation of all its future actions and communications. This was done on the assumption that the designer's role, in every phase of a project and in every respect, must now be to balance these interests—in the service of true innovation.
Slow Design
Authors: Beverland Michael B.
Published: February 2011

In a world in which speed is sometimes celebrated for its own sake, some companies and designers are slowing down to consider issues of sustainability and local flavor—and in doing so, they are “future‐proofing” their products.
Design for BRIC—The New Frontier
Authors: Kiss Ellen , Bezerra Charles , Deos Luciano
Published: February 2011

Brazil, Russia, India, and China—these countries are in the forefront of today's emerging economies, and they are increasingly important on the global stage. What is their effect likely to be on today's multinational companies and on companies based in those economies? And what role is design likely to play?
Managing Corporate Social Responsibility Through Design
Authors: Koo Yoori , Cooper Rachel
Published: February 2011

Corporate social responsibility is not just a task for the public relations department. A holistic and strategic view of CSR will achieve long‐term strategic advantages, along with social and environmental contributions. If designers and design managers want to continue to play a role in corporate strategy development, they must integrate it into their thinking.
Branding for the BoP: Design Collaboration with Rural Villagers in Ghana
Authors: Takamura John H.
Published: February 2011

National economic growth can go only so far toward eradicating poverty if most of the poorest individuals live in rural areas that are untouched by that growth. This is the case in the African nation of Ghana, where a team from Arizona State University travelled to research the prospects for an electric generator based on the coals from cooking fires.
An assessment of insulated carriers for transport of vaccines
Authors: Steward M , Brown P W , Allwood M C
Published: February 2011

The ability of three insulated coolboxes recommended for vaccine transport to maintain vaccines below 10°C was evaluated. Studies using coolboxes and ice packs both precooled to 5°C indicated that the Giostyle Portable and Vaccine Carrier coolboxes were able to maintain loads below 10°C for periods up to two to four hours. Ice packs precooled to -20°C caused freezing of some vaccines in a load and should only be used if sufficient insulation is provided to separate the vaccines from the ice pack surfaces. The smaller Mailbox, with a lid-positioned ice pack precooled to -20°C, maintained loads below 10°C for up to two hours.
The planning, implementation and outcome of a change in intravenous nitrate prescribing strategy
Authors: Riley M R , Cooke J
Published: February 2011

To limit the cost of increasing intravenous nitrate usage at the General Infirmary at Leeds, intravenous glyceryl trinitrate was promoted as the drug of choice. The methods used to introduce this prescribing strategy are described. The resulting savings were £24,000 and £21,000 during the financial years 1988-1989 and 1989-1990 respectively.
Patient medication records—evaluation of a drug interaction routine and potential for time saving
Authors: Stevens R G , Crabbe A M
Published: February 2011

Monitoring the drug interactions generated during one month's dispensing revealed that 1 per cent (49) of the 5,000 items dispensed were interactions requiring contact with the patient's GP. The majority of those (31) involved items on separate prescription forms, and therefore would not have been detectable without the aid of patient medication records.

The interactions were monitored using a database that indicated their clinical significance, an approach commended by the authors.

During the month, the pharmacist referred to the records 582 times for extra information, yet on only 12 of those occasions was it necessary to refer to the GP, indicating that the PMRs, saved time in the dispensary.
A way of achieving more rational drug prescribing?
Authors: Van De Poel G Th , Bruijnzeels M A , van der Does E , Lubsen J
Published: February 2011

The effect on prescribing of co-operation between four pharmacists and 10 general medical practitioners in west Rotterdam, the Netherlands, was studied using the case-control method. Prescribing statistics provided by the Rotterdam Health Insurance Foundation for the years 1979-1982 were used to examine the effect of co-operation on the number of prescriptions per year, the number of units of supply per year and the cost of drugs supplied. The results show that it is possible to standardise drug therapy used by a group of GPs and pharmacists, that prescribing agreements can be maintained over a number of years and that doctors who co-operate with pharmacists prescribe more rationally and more cheaply than those who do not.
Academic practice units and the School of Pharmacy, London
Authors: D'Arcy P F , Curtis S J , Florence A T , Greenleaf J C , Newton J M
Published: February 2011

An independent report into pharmacy in Britain recommended that schools of pharmacy and hospitals should set up joint academic practice units to promote teaching and research. A number of such units have now been established in the south-east of England in association with the school of pharmacy, London university.
The evolution of patient medication records in British community pharmacy
Authors: Stevens Robert
Published: February 2011

The concept of patient medication record systems has been recognised since the 1970s. This article traces the development of PMRs from a pharmacy held, manual card index system to computer read “smart cards” retained by the patient.
Information for patients
Authors: Cochran Brenda McBean
Published: February 2011

More answers, please!
Patient compliance: the pharmacist's role
Authors: Raynor D K
Published: February 2011

Pharmacists can influence patients' compliance with prescribed medicines not only by educating and informing patients but also by helping to simplify their medication regimens. This article discusses the measurement of compliance and looks at ways of improving it.
Assessing the quality of ward pharmacists' interventions
Authors: Eadon Hilary
Published: February 2011

The quality of 1,315 interventions made by pharmacists over a 12-month period at Harefield hospital, a 180-bed cardiothoracic hospital, was measured using a six-point scoring system. The system was validated by comparing a pharmacist's scores with doctors' scores on a sample of the interventions. Using the scoring system, 53 per cent of the interventions could be said to lead to an improvement in patient care, but only 2 per cent prevented major adverse reactions. No potentially life-saving interventions or any which were detrimental to patients' care were recorded. It is concluded that pharmacists do have a role in improving the quality of patient care.
Professional values and pharmacy practice: implications of a predominantly female Register of Pharmaceutical Chemists
Authors: Brown M E , Ellis S , Linley P A , Booth T G
Published: February 2011

It is expected that the Register of Pharmaceutical Chemists of Great Britain will comprise a majority of female practitioners by about the year 2000. It is, therefore, pertinent to compare the opinions of male and female practitioners (pharmacists, doctors, dentists, nurses, optometrists and radiographers) about their practice. This study uses methodology published in an earlier paper to identify those opinions. Male and female practitioners had similar views in three areas: the concepts they considered important for the highest quality of practice, their valuation of patient safety, and the prevalence of conflict between National Health Service policies and professional ideas. There were three concepts which female practitioners considered more important than did males. One was confidentiality. Another was law (and, indeed, more male, than female, pharmacists were both investigated by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Statutory Committee and removed from the Register). The third was “health care art”: a new balance between the artistic and scientific sides of pharmacy is predicted when the majority of pharmacists are female. The one concept which male practitioners considered more important was independence. This may be related to the lower proportion of females than males who have risen to positions of authority.
Bioavailability study of a concentrated suspension of phenytoin in healthy volunteers
Authors: Thomson A H , Irvine K W , Shankland K , Meredith P A , Shulman N
Published: February 2011

The bioequivalence of a new concentrated suspension of phenytoin was compared with the standard reference solution recommended by the United Kingdom Committee on Review of Medicines in a group of 18 healthy male volunteers. Doses of 5ml (94.6mg) of the new formulation and 50ml (92mg) of the reference solution were administered in a randomised crossover design and blood samples were withdrawn over the next 72 hours. Serum concentrations were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography. There were no significant differences in the areas under the plasma concentration-time curves of the two formulations although the time to peak was shorter and peak concentrations were higher with the reference solution. As the total amount of phenytoin absorbed from each preparation was not significantly different, both formulations have the same relative bioavailability.

This new concentrated phenytoin suspension may have clinical advantages over tablets, capsules and the commercially available low strength suspension, in patients who have difficulty in swallowing but require normal adult doses of phenytoin