bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential expression of calcium/calmodulin‐regulated SlSRs in response to abiotic and biotic stresses in tomato fruit
Authors: Yang Tianbao , Peng Hui , Whitaker Bruce D. , Jurick Wayne M.
Published: February 2013

Calcium has been shown to enhance stress tolerance, maintain firmness and reduce decay in fruits. Previously we reported that seven tomato SlSRs encode calcium/calmodulin‐regulated proteins, and that their expressions are developmentally regulated during fruit development and ripening, and are also responsive to ethylene. To study their expressions in response to stresses encountered during postharvest handling, tomato fruit at the mature‐green stage was subjected to chilling and wounding injuries, infected with Botrytis cinerea and treated with salicylic acid or methyl jasmonate. Gene expression studies revealed that the seven SlSRs differentially respond to different stress signals. SlSR2 was the only gene upregulated by all the treatments. SlSR4 acted as a late pathogen‐induced gene; it was upregulated by salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate, but downregulated by cold treatment. SlSR3L was cold‐ and wound‐responsive and was also induced by salicylic acid. SlSR1 and SlSR1L were repressed by cold, wounding and pathogen infection, but were upregulated by salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate. Overall, results of these expression studies indicate that individual SlSRs have distinct roles in responses to the specific stress signals, and SlSRs may act as a coordinator(s) connecting calcium‐mediated signaling with other stress signal transduction pathways during fruit ripening and storage.
Self‐Directed Teacher Learning in Collaborative Contexts
Authors: Slavit David , Roth McDuffie Amy
Published: February 2013

Two related case studies of secondary mathematics teachers examine the roles and conditions helpful in initiating, directing, and/or supporting teachers' own professional development. Using multiple data sources from school‐based and professional settings, we applied analytic induction to identify patterns of similarities and differences in teachers' experiences and developmental trajectories. Findings revealed how the teachers served as brokers in their own development process and how attitude, attention, and awareness played important roles in teacher learning. As the teachers initiated learning processes, they demonstrated awareness of broader educational contexts that support learning by identifying external policies and priorities that aligned with teachers' attitudes. They then used these external priorities as boundary objects to broker for teachers' learning, including other teachers' learning. They attended to learning needs in directing a plan for learning activities, rather than using externally mandated goals for changing practice (e.g., an external focus on improving students' tests scores). These cases suggest that in structuring professional learning, opportunities to self‐identify learning needs should be part of the process, and external supports can become more powerful when teachers play a brokering role in relating these supports to their immediate contexts. Further implications for professional development processes are explored.
The Impact of a Multiyear Systemic Reform Effort on Rural Elementary School Students' Science Achievement
Authors: Shymansky James , Wang Tzu‐Ling , Annetta Leonard , Everett Susan , Yore Larry D.
Published: February 2013

This paper is a report of the impact of an externally funded, multiyear systemic reform project on students' science achievement on a modified version of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) test in 33 small, rural school districts in two Midwest states. The systemic reform effort utilized a cascading leadership strategy of professional development delivered at summer workshops and through distance technologies and local leadership groups that focused on helping teachers work in communities of practice to adapt science inquiry lessons to teach and reinforce strategies and skills in language arts in the lessons. Science achievement scores of Grade 3 and Grade 6 student cohorts on the two forms of the TIMSS administered at the beginning, middle, and end of the professional development effort revealed a V‐shaped pattern of scores, suggesting that teachers struggled with the newly adapted science inquiries at first but then became more effective in their use. The impact of the adaptation strategy on the students' achievement, questions about the time needed for new instructional strategies to be embraced by teachers, and the wisdom of using “low stakes” achievement tests in studies are discussed.
Living Crystals of Light-Activated Colloidal Surfers
Authors: Palacci Jeremie , Sacanna Stefano , Steinberg Asher Preska , Pine David J. , Chaikin Paul M.
Published: February 2013

Light On Clusters

From schools of fish to bacterial colonies, large-scale phenomena—such as swarming or pattern formation—are ubiquitous. In such systems, there is a continuing question as to the relative importance of "intelligence" (biology) of the agents versus purely physical effects. Working with synthetic colloids,

Palacci
et al.

(p.
936
) show that self-organized clustering can be switched on and off to form crystals that dissolve when the light source is turned off. The particles consist of a hematite cube partly encapsulated in a polymeric sphere that is able to catalyze chemical reactions when exposed to light. The self-assembly behavior results from a combination of propelling forces, osmotic effects, and coupling between colloidal and tracer particles.
Genomic Diversity and Evolution of the Head Crest in the Rock Pigeon
Authors: Shapiro Michael D. , Kronenberg Zev , Li Cai , Domyan Eric T. , Pan Hailin , Campbell Michael , Tan Hao , Huff Chad D. , Hu Haofu , Vickrey Anna I. , Nielsen Sandra C. A. , Stringham Sydney A. , Hu Hao , Willerslev Eske , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Yandell Mark , Zhang Guojie , Wang Jun
Published: February 2013

Coo Coo

Charles Darwin was fascinated by the domestic rock pigeon and used this dramatic example of diversity within a species to communicate his ideas about natural selection. Many derived traits in domestic pigeons converge on ecologically and evolutionarily relevant traits in wild species.

Shapiro
et al.

(p.
1063
, published online 31 January; see the cover) sequenced the genome of the domestic rock pigeon (
Columba livia
), along with those of 36 breeds and two feral accessions and its sister species, the hill pigeon (
C. rupestris
). The results reveal the underlying genetics of the head crest and suggest that all crested breeds may have originated from a single mutational event.
Mps1 and Ipl1/Aurora B Act Sequentially to Correctly Orient Chromosomes on the Meiotic Spindle of Budding Yeast
Authors: Meyer Régis E. , Kim Seoyoung , Obeso David , Straight Paul D. , Winey Mark , Dawson Dean S.
Published: February 2013

Mastering Meiosis

Two conserved kinases (Ipl1/Aurora B and Mps1) are known to be critical for correct chromosome orientation on the spindle during meiosis, but their roles and relationships in controlling chromosome segregation are unclear. Working in yeast,

Meyer
et al.

(p.
1071
, published online 31 January) monitored chromosomes as they go through the steps of properly attaching to the spindle microtubules and dissected the roles of the two kinases in chromosome pairing, orientation, and segregation.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolate MRSA-M2
Authors: Harro Janette M. , Daugherty Sean , Bruno Vincent M. , Jabra-Rizk Mary Ann , Rasko David A. , Shirtliff Mark E.
Published: February 2013

We report the draft genome sequence of a methicillin-resistant strain of
Staphylococcus aureus
, designated MRSA-M2. This clinical isolate was obtained from an osteomyelitis patient undergoing treatment at the University of Texas Medical Branch (Galveston, TX). This strain is an ST30,
spa
type T019,
agr
III strain and has been utilized as a model
S. aureus
strain in a number of proteomic, transcriptomic, and animal model studies.
Draft Genome Sequences of Five Strains in the Genus
Thauera
Authors: Liu Binbin , Frostegård Åsa , Shapleigh James P.
Published: February 2013

Thauera
species are members of the betaproteobacteria and are most noted for their ability to metabolize aromatic compounds under anoxic conditions. Here, we announce the draft genome sequences of five
Thauera
strains in an effort to provide further genetic information as a resource for understanding the ecological function of this environmentally important genus.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Virulent Serotypes of Avian Pasteurella multocida
Authors: Abrahante Juan E. , Johnson Timothy J. , Hunter Samuel S. , Maheswaran Samuel K. , Hauglund Melissa J. , Bayles Darrell O. , Tatum Fred M. , Briggs Robert E.
Published: February 2013

Here we report the draft genome sequences of two virulent avian strains of
Pasteurella multocida
. Comparative analyses of these genomes were done with the published genome sequence of avirulent
P. multocida
strain Pm70.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Subarctic Humic Substance-Degrading Pseudomonad
Authors: Park Ha Ju , Shin Seung Chul , Kim Dockyu
Published: February 2013

The
Pseudomonas
sp. PAMC 26793 was isolated because of its high ability to degrade humic acids from a subarctic grassland in Alaska. We sequenced the PAMC 26793 genome to discover the genes for degradation of natural humic substances and to provide further information for the degradation process of soil bacteria in a low-temperature environment.
Draft Genome of the Nitrogen-Fixing Bacterium Pseudomonas stutzeri Strain KOS6 Isolated from Industrial Hydrocarbon Sludge
Authors: Grigoryeva Tatiana V. , Laikov Aleksandr V. , Naumova Rimma P. , Manolov Aleksandr I. , Larin Andrey K. , Karpova Irina Y. , Semashko Tatiana A. , Alexeev Dmitry G. , Kostryukova Elena S. , Müller Rudolf , Govorun Vadim M.
Published: February 2013

Here we present a draft genome of
Pseudomonas stutzeri
strain KOS6. This strain was isolated from industrial hydrocarbon sludge as a diazotrophic microorganism. It represents one of the major parts of the culturable community of the waste and has potential importance for phytoremediation technology.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Avian Paramyxovirus Type 4 from North America Reveals a Shorter Genome and New Genotype
Authors: Parthiban Manoharan , Kaliyaperumal Manimaran , Xiao Sa , Nayak Baibaswata , Paldurai Anandan , Kim Shin-Hee , Ladman Brian S. , Preskenis Lauren A. , Gelb Jack , Collins Peter L. , Samal Siba K.
Published: February 2013

An avian paramyxovirus type 4 (APMV-4) was isolated from a duck in Delaware in 2010. Its genome is 15,048 nucleotides (nt) long, which is shorter by 6 nt than those for all previously reported strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that this strain formed a separate cluster within APMV-4 strains.
Complete Genome Sequence of Sacbrood Virus Strain SBM2, Isolated from the Honeybee
Apis cerana
in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Nga Thi Bich , Le Thanh Hoa
Published: February 2013

Here we report the complete genomic sequence of the SBM2 strain (VSBV-SBM2) of the sacbrood virus (SBV) that was isolated from the Asian honeybee (
Apis cerana
) in Northern Vietnam. The entire sequence excluding the 3′ poly(A) tail is 8,834 nucleotides in length and contains a single large open reading frame (ORF) of 8,580 nucleotides (position 178 to 8757), encoding 2,859 amino acids. VSBV-SBM2 shared 90 to 93% nucleotide identity and 95 to 96% amino acid homology to six complete genomes of SBV currently available in GenBank (two from China, three from Korea, and one from the United Kingdom). A hypervariable domain (amino acid [aa] position 712 to 729) and a conserved motif (position 2124 to 2143) in the precursor polypeptide of all seven SBVs are also described.
Draft Genome Sequences of Four Nosocomial Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Strains (PPUKM-261-2009, PPUKM-332-2009, PPUKM-377-2009, and PPUKM-775-2009) Representative of Dominant MRSA Pulsotypes Circulating in a Malaysian University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Neoh Hui-Min , Mohamed-Hussein Zeti-Azura , Tan Xin-Ee , B Raja Abd Rahman Raja Mohd Fadhil , Hussin Salasawati , Mohamad Zin Noraziah , Jamal Rahman
Published: February 2013

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of four nosocomial methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
strains (PPUKM-261-2009, PPUKM-332-2009, PPUKM-377-2009, and PPUKM-775-2009) isolated from a university teaching hospital in Malaysia. Three of the strains belong to sequence type 239 (ST239), which has been associated with sustained hospital epidemics worldwide.
Complete Genome of Lactococcus lactis subsp.
cremoris
UC509.9, Host for a Model Lactococcal P335 Bacteriophage
Authors: Ainsworth Stuart , Zomer Aldert , de Jager Victor , Bottacini Francesca , van Hijum Sacha A. F. T. , Mahony Jennifer , van Sinderen Douwe
Published: February 2013

Here, we report the complete genome of
Lactococcus lactis
subsp.
cremoris
UC509.9, an Irish dairy starter. The circular chromosome of
L. lactis
UC509.9 represents the smallest among those of the sequenced lactococcal strains, while its large complement of eight plasmids appears to be a reflection of its adaptation to the dairy environment.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Type Species of the Genus
Citrobacter
, Citrobacter freundii MTCC 1658
Authors: Kumar Shailesh , Kaur Chandandeep , Kimura Kazuyuki , Takeo Masahiro , Raghava Gajendra Pal Singh , Mayilraj Shanmugam
Published: February 2013

We report the 5.0-Mb genome sequence of the type species of the genus
Citrobacter
,
Citrobacter freundii
strain MTCC 1658, isolated from canal water. This draft genome sequence of
C. freundii
strain MTCC 1658
T
consists of 5,001,265 bp with a G+C content of 51.61%, 4,691 protein-coding genes, 70 tRNAs, and 10 rRNAs.
Full Genome Sequence of a Novel Human Enterovirus C (EV-C118) Isolated from Two Children with Acute Otitis Media and Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Israel
Authors: Daleno Cristina , Piralla Antonio , Scala Alessia , Baldanti Fausto , Greenberg David , Principi Nicola , Esposito Susanna ,   CAP-PRI Study Group
Published: February 2013

The new enterovirus C strain EV-C118 belongs to the human enterovirus C species of the
Picornaviridae
family. We report the complete genome sequence of this strain, which was identified in respiratory specimens of two children hospitalized in Israel because of acute otitis media and community-acquired pneumonia who were enrolled in the Community-Acquired Pneumonia Pediatric Research Initiative (CAP-PRI) study.
Draft Genome Sequence of Brucella abortus BCB027, a Strain Isolated from a Domestic Deer
Authors: Wang Lulu , Qiu Yefeng , Chen Zeliang , Xu Jie , Wang Zhoujia , Ke Yuehua , Li Tiefeng , Wang Dali , Huang Liuyu , Yu Yaqin , Zhen Qing
Published: February 2013

Many
Brucella
species are isolated from nonpreferred hosts, and these bacteria may show genetic differences from isolates from the preferred hosts. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Brucella abortus
BCB027, a novel strain isolated from a domestic deer.
Complete Genome Sequence of Listeria monocytogenes LL195, a Serotype 4b Strain from the 1983–1987 Listeriosis Epidemic in Switzerland
Authors: Weinmaier Thomas , Riesing Martin , Rattei Thomas , Bille Jacques , Arguedas-Villa Carolina , Stephan Roger , Tasara Taurai
Published: February 2013

The complete genome sequence of
Listeria monocytogenes
LL195, a serotype 4b clinical strain isolated during the 1983–1987 listeriosis epidemic in Switzerland, is presented.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus thuringiensis Strain 407 Cry-
Authors: Sheppard Anna E. , Poehlein Anja , Rosenstiel Philip , Liesegang Heiko , Schulenburg Hinrich
Published: February 2013

Bacillus thuringiensis
is an insect pathogen that has been used widely as a biopesticide. Here, we report the genome sequence of strain 407 Cry-, which is used to study the genetic determinants of pathogenicity. The genome consists of a 5.5-Mb chromosome and nine plasmids, including a novel 502-kb megaplasmid.
Internal fixation for coronal shear fracture of the capitellum with polylactide resorbable fixation
Authors: Kraan Gerald A , Krijnen Matthijs R , Eerenberg Jan Peter
Published: February 2013

A 24-year-old woman with pain in the right elbow after a fall demonstrated a coronal shear fracture on radiographic studies. Perioperative a coronal shear fracture was seen and treated successfully with a polylactide Rigid fix resorbable pin. The operative correction resulted in normal function at 6 months follow-up. We state that a capitellum shear fracture can be fixated with a single resorbable pin, leading to successful fusion.
Bilateral vertebral artery stenosis present with vertigo
Authors: Kotan Dilcan , Sayan Saadet , Acar Bilgehan Atilgan , Polat Pinar
Published: February 2013

Of ischaemic stroke patients, about 25% rise from the posterior or vertebrobasilar system. The ischaemia of vertebral arteries may emerge for different vascular pathological reasons, at different localisations and with different clinical findings. Despite its low morbidity and mortality risk, early diagnosis and treatment is of importance. Vertebrobasilar ischaemia symptoms can be observed clinically such as vertigo, tinnitus, double vision, headache, hypokinesis and hearing disorders, etc. In this article, a 42-year-old stroke patient case is presented, who applied to the emergency service with vertigo and then, was diagnosed with bilateral vertebral artery stenosis by means of cranial MR angiography.
Near fatal iron intoxication managed conservatively
Authors: Sankar Jhuma , Shukla Amelin , Khurana, Rohit , Dubey Nandkishore
Published: February 2013

We report here the case of an infant who presented to the emergency department after unintentional ingestion of almost 130 mg/kg of elemental iron. The infant had evidence of serious toxicity in the form of hypotension, metabolic acidosis and excessive irritability. Her serum iron levels were 360 µg/dl, which was well above the normal range for her age. Despite such high serum levels, the infant made an uneventful recovery with medical management alone and did not require exchange transfusion. We chose to report this case to highlight her uneventful recovery with conservative therapy alone.
Doctor, I have a sore throat
Authors: Dholakia Shamik , Hashimi Yasmin
Published: February 2013

Lemierre's syndrome is a rare yet potentially fatal cause of sore throat. Recently published literature suggests an increase in the incidence of this ‘forgotten disease’, highlighting Lemierre's syndrome as a clinically important differential diagnosis of sore throat. We present a case report of an 85-year-old man who developed a sore throat, which illustrates the re-emergence of Lemierre's syndrome. Reducing the morbidity and mortality from this disease requires a high index of clinical suspicion to ensure prompt diagnosis and initiation of appropriate multidisciplinary management.
Status epilepticus in a child with Sanjad Sakati syndrome
Authors: Prasad Rajniti , Kumari Chhaya , Mishra Om Prakash , Singh Utpal Kant
Published: February 2013

We report a 6-year-old boy who presented with status epilepticus, who had facial dysmorphism, growth and mental retardation. On investigation, he had hypocalcaemia, hypoparathyroidism and bilateral calcification of basal ganglia in cranial tomographs; features consistent with Sanjad Sakati syndrome. He was treated with intravenous calcium gluconate initially followed by oral calcium and calcitriol and recovered completely.
Old is still gold
Authors: Keens Keta L , Pursnani Kishore G , Ward Jeremy B , Date Ravindra S
Published: February 2013

Common bile duct injury is infrequent but a serious complication of cholecystectomy. Variable biliary anatomy has an increased risk of iatrogenic injury. Intraoperative cholangiogram can be performed to provide a clearer picture of biliary anatomy. We report a case of a 71-year-old lady who underwent cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstones. Anatomy initially was misinterpreted at laparoscopy when common bile duct was identified as a cystic duct, and a hole in what appeared to be Hartmann's pouch was in fact in common hepatic duct. If continued laparoscopically, further misconception could have led to the complete excision of the biliary system. Instead, procedure was converted to an open and intraoperative cholangiogram performed, which confirmed a diagnosis of Mirizzi syndrome. Following the identification of structures, subtotal cholecystectomy was completed. The patient made an uneventful recovery. This case highlights the limitations of laparoscopy and the importance of an intraoperative cholangiogram. Despite advances in surgical techniques, we continue to advocate a low threshold for its use during cholecystectomy as a useful tool in evaluating and minimising the extent of biliary injury.
The great deception: tranexamic acid and extensive pulmonary emboli
Authors: Salam Amr , King Christopher , Orhan Orhan , Mak Vincent
Published: February 2013

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and life-threatening condition. The British Thoracic Society PE guidelines state that PE is reliably excluded in patients with low-intermediate clinical probability and a negative D-dimer. We are reporting the case of a 47-year-old lady, taking tranexamic acid for menorrhagia, who presented with shortness of breath and was diagnosed with extensive bilateral PE. She had a low clinical risk of PE as determined by her Wells score, and a subsequent negative D-dimer. This patient's D-dimer value of 15 ng/ml (HemosIL DD HS assay) was the lowest associated with any CT pulmonary angiogram (n=1645) recorded at our trust over a 2-year period. This lady was successfully treated with a heparin infusion and warfarin. No further thromboembolic events had occurred by 18-month follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first case report to describe tranexamic acid causing an extremely low false-negative D-dimer masking PE.
An unusual presentation of herpes infection in the head and neck
Authors: Sanei-Moghaddam Ali , Loizou Peter , Fish Brian M
Published: February 2013

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is among a spectrum of viruses known to affect the upper aerodigestive tract. Gingivostomatitis and pharyngitis are the most common clinical manifestations of first-episode HSV infection, whereas recurrent herpes labialis is the most common clinical manifestation of reactivation HSV infection. Herpetic viral infections seldom attack the larynx. Laryngeal disorders provoked by the herpes virus are characterised by a large spectrum of presentations and polymorphisms, and can simulate mucous lesions such as an extensive laryngeal neoplasm (supraglottic tumour). We report a case of a 69-year-old woman, smoker, who presented with a large ulcerated supraglottic mass mimicking laryngeal cancer, requiring emergency tracheostomy for worsening stridor, which turned out to be an HSV laryngitis superimposed onto an underlying Streptococcus A lower respiratory tract infection. The patient was treated for Streptococcus A infection and her symptoms resolved following treatment. Patient's tracheotomy tube was removed on follow-up appointment.
Postcoital bleeding due to cervical endometriosis
Authors: Seval Mehmet Murat , Cavkaytar Sabri , Atak Zeliha , Guresci Servet
Published: February 2013

Endometriosis of the uterine cervix is a rare lesion that is generally asymptomatic in gynaecological practice. We present a case with postcoital bleeding due to a cervical mass mimicking cervical polyp or fibroma which was histologically proven as cervical endometriosis later. Cervical endometriosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cervical masses with postcoital bleeding.
Boston keratoprosthesis for visual rehabilitation in porphyria cutanea tarda
Authors: Sati Alok , Sangwan Virender S , Basu Sayan , Kalaiselvan Parthasarathi
Published: February 2013

A 56-year-old man, presented with bilateral chronic visual loss associated with generalised skin lesions. He had undergone multiple penetrating keratoplasties in his right eye for recurrent corneal infections and perforations. On ocular examination, his left eye was phthisical and his right eye had light perception vision owing to a failed and vascularised corneal graft. Dermatological evaluation revealed multiple hyperpigmented and hypopigmented lesions along with thickening of skin on nose, scalp and dorsum of hands. Skin biopsy showed focal areas of deposition of faint periodic acid Schiff-positive diastase-resistant perivascular material. The high-performance liquid chromatography assessment revealed increased presence of porphyrins in blood and urine, thus confirming a diagnosis of porphyria cutanea tarda. The patient's vision in the right eye improved after undergoing Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis along with general photoprotective measures for the exposed parts of the body.
Non-specific abdominal pain, an inconclusive CT scan and an unusual and puzzling finding at exploratory laparotomy
Authors: Sahnan Kapil , McGowan David , Vaughan-Shaw Peter G , Al-Allak Asmaa
Published: February 2013

A 71-year-old man presented to our hospital with generalised abdominal pain. Initial laboratory investigations were normal and an abdominal CT scan was inconclusive. The following day, persisting pain, generalised tenderness and haemodynamic instability prompted exploratory laparotomy. At laparotomy, two perforations of the proximal jejunum were identified caused by two 3 cm pieces of wood. The pieces of wood were retrieved and the perforations repaired primarily. The postoperative period was complicated by acute confusion but the patient went on to make a full recovery. On direct questioning, the patient was unable to explain the presence of wood within his gastrointestinal tract. One hypothesis was that he may have ingested this material during a period of acute confusion following an elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair 8 years previously.
Re-occurrence of pancreatic insulinoma: an usual cause of hypoglycaemia
Authors: Anwuzia-Iwegbu Charles , Nadarasa Kaniseya , Drake William
Published: February 2013

A 42-year-old woman presented to her general practitioner (GP) with episodes of feeling ‘shaky’ exacerbated by physical exercise and prolonged fast. She was previously diagnosed with an insulinoma in 2006 (serum glucose 1.6 mmol/l, serum insulin 3.1 mIU/l and serum C peptide <165 pmol/l). CT abdomen/transabdominal ultrasound revealed a 1 cm insulinoma in the uncinate process of the pancreas and the patient later underwent pancreatic enucleation in 2006. Postpancreatic enucleation, 72 h fast was negative. The patient remained asymptomatic postoperation and re-presented to a locum GP 6 years later with initial symptoms. She was reviewed during her annual follow-up and, owing to concerns relating to her background, she was admitted to the specialist endocrine department for further investigations. A 72 h fast was positive for hypoglycaemia with serum glucose level 1.8 mmol/l, serum insulin 8.6 mIU/l and serum C peptide 443 pmol/l.
Using a bradykinin blocker in ACE inhibitor-associated angioedema in the emergency department
Authors: Volans Andrew , Ferguson Robert
Published: February 2013

We report two cases of ACE inhibitor-associated angioedema and critical airway compromise, where the use of a selective bradykinin 2 receptor blocker resulted in rapid symptom resolution and prevented intubation to protect the airway.
Leflunomide-induced chronic cough in a rheumatoid arthritis patient with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Verma S K , Mishra Ashwini Kumar , Jaiswal Ashish Kumar
Published: February 2013

A 40-year-old lady presented with clinicoradiological features suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis, which was confirmed on sputum smear examination, and was started on four-drug antitubercular treatment. On subsequent visits, she complained of persistent cough, despite improvement in other symptoms. A careful anamnesis revealed that the patient had been taking leflunomide for rheumatoid arthritis for the last 10 years, and this was suspected to be the cause of the cough. The patient became asymptomatic upon stopping the drug, thereby confirming the hypothesis.
Can we update the Summary Hospital Mortality Index (SHMI) to make a useful measure of the quality of hospital care? An observational study
Authors: Freemantle Nick , Richardson Matthew , Wood John , Ray Daniel , Khosla Sajan , Sun Ping , Pagano Domenico
Published: February 2013

Objective

To advance methods for the estimation of hospital performance based upon mortality ratios.

Design

Observational study estimating trust performance in a year derived according to comparative standards from a 3-year period, accounting for patient-level case-mix and overdispersion (unexplained variability).

Participants

23 363 630 admissions to the English National Health Service (NHS) by NHS Trust.

Main outcome measures

Number of SDs (QUality and Outcomes Research Unit Measure, QUORUM banding) and comparative odds of hospital mortality difference from mean performance by trust compared for 2010/2011, 2008/2009 and 2009/2010, accounting for patient-level case-mix.

Results

The model was highly predictive of mortality (C statistic=0.93), and well calibrated by risk stratum. There was substantial overdispersion. No trusts were more than 3 SDs above the mean, and only one trust was more than 2 SDs above the mean for 2010/2011.

Conclusions

QUORUM is highly predictive of patient mortality in hospital or up to 30 days after admission. However, like the Summary Hospital Mortality Indicator (SHMI), QUORUM is subjected to considerable remaining legitimate but unexplained variation. It is unlikely that measures like QUORUM and SHMI will be useful beyond identifying a very small number of trusts as potential outliers.
The relationship between employment and social participation among Australians with a disabling chronic health condition: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Callander Emily , Schofield Deborah J
Published: February 2013

Objectives

Social interaction may be particularly important for people with chronic health conditions, due to the numerous benefits to an individual's health. This paper aims to determine if labour force participation is a factor that influences individuals with chronic health conditions partaking in social or cultural events.

Design and setting

The study undertakes a cross-sectional analysis of the2009 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers, a nationally representative survey of the Australian population.

Participants

33 376 records of persons aged 25–64years.

Outcome measures

Participation in social and community activities.

Results

It was found that after controlling for age, sex, level of highest education, income unit type and severity of disability, people with a chronic health condition that were in the labour force were more than twice as likely to be participating in social or community events (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.95 to 3.29, p<0.0001), and in cultural events (OR 2.57, 95% CI 2.21 to 3.00, p<0.0001) as their counterparts who were out of the labour force. The results were then repeated, with the addition of income as a confounding variable. People with a chronic health condition that were in the labour force were still a little more than twice as likely to be participating in social or community events (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.69 to 3.00, p<0.0001), and to be participating in cultural events (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.76 to 2.45, p<0.0001) as their counterparts who were out of the labour force.

Conclusions

Participating in the labour force may be an important driver of social participation among those with chronic health conditions, independent of income. People with chronic health conditions who are not in the labour force and do not participate in social or cultural activities may have a compounding disadvantage.
Lifetime risk of developing coronary heart disease in Aboriginal Australians: a cohort study
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Hoy Wendy E
Published: February 2013

Objectives

Lifetime risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) is an important yardstick by which policy makers, clinicians and the general public can assess and promote the awareness and prevention of CHD. The lifetime risk in Aboriginal people is not known. Using a cohort with up to 20 years of follow-up, we estimated the lifetime risk of CHD in Aboriginal people.

Design

A cohort study.

Setting

A remote Aboriginal region.

Participants

1115 Aboriginal people from one remote tribal group who were free from CHD at baseline were followed for up to 20 years.

Main outcome measures

During the follow-up period, new CHD incident cases were identified through hospital and death records. We estimated the lifetime risks of CHD with and without adjusting for the presence of competing risk of death from non-CHD causes.

Results

Participants were followed up for 17 126 person-years, during which 185 developed CHD and 144 died from non-CHD causes. The average age at which the first CHD event occurred was 48 years for men and 49 years for women. The risk of developing CHD increased with age until 60 years and then decreased with age. Lifetime cumulative risk without adjusting for competing risk was 70.7% for men and 63.8% for women. Adjusting for the presence of competing risk of death from non-CHD causes, the lifetime risk of CHD was 52.6% for men and 49.2% for women.

Conclusions

Lifetime risk of CHD is as high as one in two in both Aboriginal men and women. The average age of having first CHD events was under 50 years, much younger than that reported in non-Aboriginal populations. Our data provide useful knowledge for health education, screening and prevention of CHD in Aboriginal people.
Periostin expression correlates with pT-stage, grading and tumour size, and independently predicts cancer-specific survival in surgically treated penile squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Gunia Sven , Jain Anjun , Koch Stefan , Denzinger Stefan , Götz Stefanie , Niessl Nina , May Matthias
Published: February 2013

Aims

Overexpression of periostin, a secreted cell adhesion molecule, has been reported to enhance invasion and angiogenesis in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) derived from different anatomic sites. We studied the so far neglected periostin expression profiles in penile SCCs and evaluated its association with pertinent clinicopathologic variables.

Methods

Paraffin-embedded tissues from 89 patients with surgically treated penile SCCs were subjected to a central histopathologic review performed by one pathologist. Then, tissue microarray technique was employed for periostin immunostaining which was evaluated by two independent raters. Kappa (κ)-statistics were used to assess interobserver variability. Spearman correlations as well as uni- and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis were applied to assess the association between periostin expression and clinicopathologic parameters. Mean postsurgical follow-up was 31.5 months (IQR 6–66).

Results

Periostin expression was recorded in 39/89 penile SCCs (44%). K-statistics disclosed substantial interobserver agreement for epithelial and stromal staining evaluation (K-values 0.76 vs 0.83, p values <0.001). High periostin expression in either stroma or tumour epithelia showed a significant positive correlation with tumour size, histologic grade and pT-stage. In the multivariable Cox models including pT-stage, pN status, grading and the patients’ age at the time of surgery, periostin expression independently predicted cancer-specific survival (CSS).

Conclusions

Immunohistochemically, periostin is not infrequently expressed in penile cancer, and might become a valuable tool to independently predict CSS after surgical treatment. Further studies should clarify the so far unresolved usefulness of periostin to be employed as a possible molecular target in antineoplastic therapy in metastasised penile SCCs.
Initial experience with the coaxial dual-lumen Scepter C balloon catheter for endovascular management of cerebral vasospasm from subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: John Seby , Spiotta Alejandro M , Turner Raymond M , Chaudry M Imran , Turk Aquilla S , Hui Ferdinand
Published: February 2013

Background

Post-hemorrhagic cerebral vasospasm accounts for significant morbidity and mortality in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Intra-arterial therapies including vasodilator administration and/or balloon angioplasty are used when medical management fails. The Scepter C is a newer dual coaxial lumen temporary occlusion balloon catheter used for the treatment of post-hemorrhagic cerebral vasospasm.

Objective

To report our early experience with the use of Scepter C for the treatment of post-hemorrhagic cerebral vasospasm.

Methods

We reviewed cases from two institutions where the Scepter C balloon catheter was used for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm related to SAH.

Results

Seven patients were identified who underwent endovascular treatment with the Scepter C balloon catheter for treatment of SAH-related cerebral vasospasm. All patients had cerebral vasospasm that was refractory to medical management and it was technically feasible to use the catheter for this indication. Compared with larger double-lumen catheters, the Scepter C catheter was more trackable given the presence of a more steerable microwire. There were no complications or large vessel vasospasm recurrence after the procedure requiring repeat intra-arterial therapy.

Conclusions

Endovascular treatment for post-hemorrhagic cerebral vasospasm is used when medical management fails or because of complications of medical therapies. With continuing advancements in the development of endovascular devices and techniques, more options are available for the management of cerebral vasospasm. Our initial experience with the dual coaxial lumen Scepter C occlusion balloon catheter demonstrates its feasibility in the treatment of cerebral vasospasm.
The rarity ofTrichomonas vaginalisin urban Australia
Authors: Bygott Jeanine M , Robson Jenny M
Published: February 2013

Objectives

Infection withTrichomonas vaginalishas declined dramatically in urban Australia but remains endemic in some predominantly indigenous rural regions. The objective was to determineT vaginalispositivity rates in clinical specimens by PCR detection, from a large community-based private pathology laboratory servicing rural and urban Australian populations.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of data from 44 464 specimens referred forT vaginalisPCR testing over 8 years from 2004 to 2011.

Results

44 464 consecutive specimens (37 137 female, 7242 male, 85 sex-unspecified) were analysed:T vaginaliswas detected in 633 specimens. The overall communityT vaginalispositivity rate was 1.4% (95% CI 1.3% to 1.5%). Overall rates were 2.1-fold higher in women than in men (1.5% vs 0.7%). Positivity rates were highest in the 10–14 year age group (p<0.0001). Referrals from urban areas of South-East Queensland accounted for 52% of specimens (23 121): theT vaginalispositivity rate in this urban cohort was 0.7% (95% CI 0.6% to 0.8%). Referrals identified to be from indigenous patients accounted for 48% of positive cases (304/633), and came from predominantly rural and regional areas of northern Queensland. Where follow-up testing was available 21% of patients (14/66) remainedT vaginalisPCR positive when tested again within 3 months and 25% (26/101) within 6 months of the initial diagnosis.

Conclusions

This study confirms thatT vaginalisis rare in the urban non-indigenous Australian setting. Guidelines need to be developed to allow targeted testing. Follow-up testing 3 months after treatment should be considered.
Oxygen uptake kinetics in endurance-trained and untrained postmenopausal women
Authors: Dogra Shilpa , Spencer Matthew D. , Murias Juan M. , Paterson Donald H.
Published: February 2013

The rate of adjustment for pulmonary oxygen uptake (τV̇O2p) is slower in untrained and in older adults. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has shed light on potential mechanisms underlying this in young men and women and in older men; however, there is no such data available in older women. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of slower τV̇O2p in older women who were either endurance-trained or untrained. Endurance-trained (n = 10; age, 62.6 ± 1.0 years) and untrained (n = 9; age, 69.1 ± 2.2 years) older women attended 2 maximal and 2 submaximal (90% of ventilatory threshold) exercise sessions. Oxygen uptake (V̇O2) was measured breath by breath, using a mass spectrometer, and changes in deoxygenated hemoglobin concentration of the vastus lateralis ([HHb]) were measured using NIRS. Heart rate was measured continuously with a 3-lead electrocardiogram. τV̇O2p was faster in trained (35.1 ± 5.5 s) than in untrained (57.0 ± 8.1 s) women. The normalized [HHb] to V̇O2 ratio, an indicator of muscle O2 delivery to O2 utilization, indicated a smaller overshoot in trained (1.09 ± 0.1) than in untrained (1.39 ± 0.1) women. Heart rate data indicated a faster adjustment of heart rate in trained (33.0 ± 13.0) than in untrained (68.7 ± 14.1) women. The pairing of V̇O2p data with NIRS-derived [HHb] data indicates that endurance-trained older women likely have better matching of O2 delivery to O2 utilization than older untrained women during moderate-intensity exercise, leading to a more rapid adjustment of V̇O2p.
An assessment of the potential for pollination facilitation of a rare plant by common plants: Symphyotrichum sericeum (Asteraceae) as a case study
Authors: Bizecki Robson Diana
Published: February 2013

Pollination facilitation can occur when plant species share pollinators. Whether facilitation occurs depends on the flowering period overlap (synchrony), number of shared insect visitors (similarity), quantity and quality of insect visits, and the subsequent impact on seed production. Western Silvery Aster (Symphyotrichum sericeum (Vent.) G.L. Nesom) is a rare, self-incompatible plant visited by a wide range of generalist insect species. There are 22 common plant species that may facilitate insect visitation to the rare plant by supporting shared pollinators. Plant species with low synchrony and high similarity with S. sericeum are potential facilitators. In contrast, plant species with high synchrony and similarity likely act as competitors as the aggregative response to increasing plant density was saturating, suggesting that synchronously flowering species do not increase insect visitations. Hymenoptera responded more strongly than Diptera to increases in flowering stem density. These data suggest that facilitation of insect visitation between plant species via a numerical response that extends the flower season is possible but not likely via an aggregative response. Restoration of S. sericeum may therefore be more successful if potentially facilitating plants are grown with it; further testing of the impact of potential facilitators on seed production in S. sericeum is required.
Chemical ecology of lichens and species composition of cryptogams among three boreal habitats in eastern Manitoba
Authors: Toni S.A. , Piercey-Normore M.D.
Published: February 2013

The Precambrian Shield supports a diversity of cryptogams where environmental conditions predict their distribution. Moisture and light are thought to affect secondary metabolite production in lichens, leading to a hypothesis of chemical communities that may be independent of species assemblages. Hypotheses were that habitats will be characterized by lichen secondary metabolites and that lichen and bryophyte species composition will also distinguish among habitats. Lichens and bryophytes were sampled from six quadrats from each of two sites within each of three habitats (rock faces, rock outcrops, and forest floors). This study showed strong relationships among species assemblages, secondary metabolites, and types of habitat. Species abundance, cover, and species richness also differed among habitats. Individual secondary metabolites could differentiate among three habitats, suggesting that certain metabolites such as usnic and squamatic acids would more likely be found in habitats such as dry exposed rock outcrops than in moist shaded habitats. Individual analyses suggested that some secondary metabolites may serve multiple functions in a habitat, such as triterpenes, while others may have more specific functions, such as salazinic acid, where environmental features may be important for secondary metabolite production. Further investigation of specific metabolites is needed to understand their roles in adaptation.
Bound and scattering state solutions of a hyperbolic-type potential
Authors: Ghoumaid Ali , Benamira Farid , Guechi Larbi
Published: February 2013

A hyperbolic-type potential with a centrifugal term is solved approximately using the path integral approach. The radial Green's function is expressed in closed form, from which the energy spectrum and the suitably normalized wave functions of bound and scattering states are extracted for (1/2) − [Formula: see text] < σ < (1/2) + [Formula: see text]. Besides, the phase shift and the scattering function Sl for each angular momentum l are deduced. The particular cases corresponding to the s-waves (l = 0) and the barrier potential (σ = 1) are also analyzed.
LEBESGUE COVERING LEMMA ON NONMETRIC SPACES
Authors: SOUZA JOSINEY A.
Published: February 2013

In this paper the Lebesgue covering lemma is extended from the setting of metric spaces to the setting of admissible spaces. An admissible space is a topological space endowed with an admissible family of open coverings, and need not be metric. The paper contains applications to uniform continuity and dimension theory.
TRIPLE CROSSING NUMBER OF KNOTS AND LINKS
Authors: ADAMS COLIN
Published: February 2013

A triple crossing is a crossing in a projection of a knot or link that has three strands of the knot passing straight through it. A triple crossing projection is a projection such that all of the crossings are triple crossings. We prove that every knot and link has a triple crossing projection and then investigate c3(K), which is the minimum number of triple crossings in a projection of K. We obtain upper and lower bounds on c3(K) in terms of the traditional crossing number and show that both are realized. We also relate triple crossing number to the span of the bracket polynomial and use this to determine c3(K) for a variety of knots and links. We then use c3(K) to obtain bounds on the volume of a hyperbolic knot or link. We also consider extensions to cn(K).
FIRST-ORDER QUANTUM-GRAVITATIONAL CORRECTION TO FRIEDMANNIAN COSMOLOGY FROM COVARIANT, HOLOMORPHIC SPINFOAM COSMOLOGY
Authors: RÖKEN CHRISTIAN
Published: February 2013

The first-order loop quantum gravity correction of the simplest, classical general relativistic Friedmann Hamiltonian constraint, emerging from a holomorphic spinfoam cosmological model peaked on homogeneous, isotropic geometries, is studied. A quantum Hamiltonian constraint satisfied by the EPRL transition amplitude between the boundary cosmological coherent states includes a contribution of the order of the Planck constant ℏ that also appears in the corresponding semiclassical, symplectic model. The analysis of this term gives a quantum-gravitational correction to the classical Friedmann dynamics of the scale factor yielding an insignificantly small deceleration contribution in the expansion of the universe. The robustness of the physical interpretation is established for arbitrary refinements of the boundary graphs. Also, mathematical equivalences between the semiclassical cosmological model and certain classical fluid and scalar field theories are explored.
COMPLEMENTEDLY DENSE IDEALS: DECOMPOSABLE ALGEBRAS
Authors: CABELLO J. C. , CABRERA M. , ROURA R.
Published: February 2013

An ideal I of a (non-associative) algebra A is dense if the multiplication algebra of A acts faithfully on I, and is complementedly dense if it is a direct summand of a dense ideal. We prove that every complementedly dense ideal of a semiprime algebra is a semiprime algebra, and determine its central closure and its extended centroid. We also prove that a semiprime algebra is an essential subdirect product of prime algebras if and only if, its extended centroid is a direct product of fields. This result is applied to discuss decomposable algebras with respect to some familiar closures for ideals.