bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oropharyngeal dysphagia in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Poorjavad Marziyeh , Derakhshandeh Fatemeh , Etemadifar Masoud , Soleymani Bahram , Minagar Alireza , Maghzi Amir-Hadi
Published: March 2010

Swallowing disorders are commonly observed in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The complications of dysphagia are common causes of morbidity and death in late stages of MS. However, dysphagia in MS usually receives limited attention. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of different kinds of swallowing disorders in MS patients with mild to moderate disability; and to identify possible associations between clinical and demographic features of patients and the presence of dysphagia. The swallowing functions of 101 consecutive MS patients were screened by the Northwestern Dysphagia Patient Check Sheet. This is a screening test which identifies patients with pharyngeal stage disorders, aspiration, oral stage disorders and/or pharyngeal delay. ‘Dysphagia’ was defined as having at least one of the above mentioned four disorders. Among 101 MS patients, 32 (31.7%) were classified as having dysphagia. Pharyngeal stage disorders were the most common observed impairment (28.7%) and aspiration, oral stage disorders, and pharyngeal delay were observed in 6.9%, 5%, and 1% of patients, respectively. Dysphagic patients had a significantly longer disease duration ( p = 0.031) and more neurological impairment in cerebellar functional system ( p = 0.04) when compared with non-dysphagic patients. Moreover, dysphagia was significantly more prevalent in patients with more neurological disability as measured by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores ( p = 0.04). These results emphasize the importance of assessment and management of swallowing function in MS patients, particularly in patients with a high EDSS score; more sever cerebellar dysfunction, and long disease duration.
Lesion enhancement diminishes with time in primary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Khaleeli Z. , Ciccarelli O. , Mizskiel K. , Altmann D. , Miller DH , Thompson AJ
Published: March 2010

Fewer gadolinium-enhancing lesions are seen in established primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) compared with other subtypes. Previously, we found unexpectedly high enhancement levels in early PPMS (42%), suggesting an early inflammatory phase. The objective of this study was to investigate whether this level of enhancement was maintained, and whether it influenced clinical progression, over 5 years. Forty-five patients with PPMS, within 5 years of onset, were scored on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) and its subtests (including the timed walk test [TWT]) 6-monthly for 3 years, and at 5 years. T1-weighted brain and spinal cord images after triple dose gadolinium—DTPA, and T2-weighted brain sequences were also acquired. A mixed effect logistic model evaluated change in the percentage of patients with enhancing lesions. Ordinal logistic and multiple linear regression models identified predictors of progression, adjusted for T2 lesion load. The percentage of patients with enhancing lesions in the brain and spinal cord declined over 5 years ( p = 0.03). Among patients with enhancement, more enhancing lesions at baseline predicted greater decline in mobility on the TWT over 5 years ( p = 0.02). In conclusion, a proportion of patients with PPMS may undergo an early inflammatory phase, which has some impact on subsequent mobility.
Glucocorticoid effects on endothelial barrier function in the murine brain endothelial cell line cEND incubated with sera from patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Blecharz Kinga G , Haghikia Aiden , Stasiolek Mariusz , Kruse Niels , Drenckhahn Detlev , Gold Ralf , Roewer Norbert , Chan Andrew , Förster Carola Y
Published: March 2010

Compromised blood—brain barrier integrity is a major hallmark of active multiple sclerosis (MS). Alterations in brain endothelial tight junction protein and gene expression occur early during neuroinflammation but there is little known about the underlying mechanisms. In this study, we analysed barrier compromising effects of sera from MS patients and barrier restoring effects of glucocorticoids on blood—brain barrier integrity in vitro. cEND murine brain microvascular endothelial cell monolayers were incubated with sera from patients in active phase of disease or in relapse. Data were compared with effects of the glucocorticoid dexamethasone alone or in combination with MS sera on barrier integrity. Tight junction protein levels and gene expression were evaluated concomitant with barrier integrity. We reveal downregulation of claudin-5 and occludin protein and mRNA and an accompanying upregulation in expression of matrix metalloproteinase MMP-9 after incubation with serum from active disease and remission and also a minor reconstitution of barrier functions related to dexamethasone treatment. Moreover, we for the first time describe downregulation of claudin-5 and occludin protein after incubation of cEND cells with sera from patients in remission phase of MS. Our findings reveal direct and differential effects of MS sera on blood-brain barrier integrity.
Siblings’ farewell to a stillborn sister or brother and parents’ support to their older children: a questionnaire study from the parents’ perspective
Authors: Erlandsson Kerstin , Avelin Pernilla , Säflund Karin , Wredling Regina , Rådestad Ingela
Published: March 2010

This study aims to capture parental descriptions of how siblings take leave of and mourn a stillborn brother or sister and how their parents support them. Data were collected by questionnaires from 16 parents of siblings to a stillborn child one year after the stillbirth. Data were analysed numerically for the multiple-choice questions and content analysis was used for parental comments and descriptions. The results describe siblings’ farewell to a stillborn brother or sister and how their parents in the midst of their own grief were involved in supporting siblings’ wellbeing, and observed their mourning reactions. Although the findings need to be interpreted with caution, they may provide insight that enables staff to become more sensitive to the whole family experience in the practice of their profession. Further research into siblings’ grief and parental support after stillbirth is crucial so that further light may be shed on their situation.
Review Article: Globalisation and women’s health in Sub-Saharan Africa: Would paying attention to women’s occupational roles improve nutritional outcomes?
Authors: Loewenson Rene , Nolen Lexi Bambas , Wamala Sarah
Published: March 2010

Aim: This paper explores, through a review of literature, the link between globalisation and nutritional outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the pathways of women’s occupational roles on the food produced, consumed, and secured for households. Methods: Following a framework linking globalisation and health, we drew evidence from peer reviewed, cross-national or large scale studies, official sources, reviews, online scientific databases, and case studies, published between 1990 and 2009. Results: Publications cite improved technology, information, know how, normative commitments to and resources for human development, returns from access to investment in agriculture for low-income women producers, and urban employment opportunities reducing social discrimination and improving opportunities for household food security, particularly if access to these benefits is reinforced by national policy. However, many more publications cite negative consequences, including in falling national and local food self-sufficiency, livelihood and nutritional losses, widening inequalities, and in declining or insecure access to production inputs, markets, incomes, local foods, and healthcare. These effects are documented to increase time and resource burdens for women, with negative consequences for their own and their families’ health and nutrition. Conclusions: The evidence suggests that globalisation-related economic and trade policies have, on balance, been associated with shifts in women’s occupational roles and resources that contribute to documented poor nutritional outcomes in Africa. These trends call for public policies that address such positive and negative effects for women and for improved monitoring of such gender and socio-economic trends, especially at the household and community level, in the tracking of the Millennium Development Goals.
Can the use of digital media favour citizen involvement?
Authors: Proulx Serge
Published: March 2010

We present here the results of recent studies on the emergence in Quebec of associations of a new kind, which we call technology activist groups. These groups consist of individuals who, on the basis of their own expertise in computer programming or in establishing specialist technological structures (WiFi hotspots), are developing social practices involving information technologies (ICTs). We try to give some elements of a response to some specific questions such as: What effects are these technology activists having on the dynamics of community activism in Quebec? In a broader context, at the level of political imagination in today’s societies, how far can these technical activist groups act politically to help redefine the project of the coming ‘information society’? And conversely, can the project of a ‘knowledge-sharing society’ — as formulated by the representatives of civil society organizations at the WSIS (World Summit on the Information Society) in Tunis — help to redefine the aims and actions of actors in community politics?
After the hate media
Authors: Frère Marie-Soleil
Published: March 2010

During the past 15 years Central Africa, and specifically Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have been through devastating wars in which the media became actors. In 1993, some Burundese newspapers were described as ‘hate media’ and one year later Radio télévision mille collines (RTLM) in Rwanda became the first of those described as ‘death media’, preparing minds for genocide and helping in its implementation. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, in1998, certain newspapers took to inciting ethnic hatred and violence towards some Congolese citizens. By 2006, when this research was completed, these three countries were undergoing fragile peace processes and trying to rebuild themsleves. The media certainly have a major role to play in helping to soothe the hatred and move people from different communities back into dialogue. But how should the media sector be reorganized in countries where the media have contributed to killings? What is the best way to find a balance between freedom and control in a context where the microphone and the pen have been weapons of murder? This is one of the main issues that must be addressed by the communications regulatory bodies which have been established to support press freedom and to organize and monitor the media landscape.
A critical approach to French médiacultures theory
Authors: Granjon Fabien , Paris Emmanuel
Published: March 2010

What’s new in Cultural Studies in France these days? Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in a research tendency long neglected in this country, in particular with the publication in French of some fundamental texts and a new critical reading of these in the framework of the new ‘médiacultures theory’ propagated by a group of young researchers. In this article, we present médiacultures theory and consider its strengths and weaknesses. Much to be welcomed is its epistemological subjection of high culture products to the same analysis as mass culture. Nonetheless, the omission of reception contexts and the simplification of Marx’s and Gramsci’s insights into the socio-political dimensions of culture — these being authors who deeply influenced Anglophone Cultural Studies research — have meant that the work currently being done in médiacultures is not as far-reaching as it might be.
Who did the tsunami happen to?
Authors: Arquembourg Jocelyne
Published: March 2010

The 2004 tsunami which devastated parts of southeast and south Asia was a major media event. Drawing on phenomenology of events developed in France by Claude Romano, this article raises fundamental questions about what constitutes a media event — what is the role of media narratives in the constitution of collective events? It argues that a media event is a product of multiple interactions between actors and media publics and combines both the production of facts and public reactions to them.
The role of endothelial cells and their progenitors in intimal hyperplasia
Authors: Patel S.D. , Waltham M. , Wadoodi A. , Burnand K.G. , Smith A.
Published: March 2010

Intimal hyperplasia leading to restenosis is the major process that limits the success of cardiovascular intervention. The emergence of vascular progenitor cells and, in particular, endothelial progenitor cells has led to great interest in their potential therapeutic value in preventing intimal hyperplasia. We review the mechanism of intimal hyperplasia and highlight the important attenuating role played by a functional endothelium. The role of endothelial progenitor cells in maintaining endothelial function is reviewed and we describe how reduced progenitor cell number and function and reduced endothelial function lead to an increased risk of intimal hyperplasia. We review other potential sources of endothelial cells, including monocytes, mesenchymal stem cells and tissue resident stem cells. Endothelial progenitor cells have been used in clinical trials to reduce the risk of restenosis with varied success. Progenitor cells have huge therapeutic potential to prevent intimal hyperplasia but a more detailed understanding of vascular progenitor cell biology is necessary before further clinical trials are commenced.
Hematopoietic progenitor cell regulation by CD4+CD25+ T cells
Authors: Urbieta Maite , Barao Isabel , Jones Monica , Jurecic Roland , Panoskaltsis-Mortari Angela , Blazar Bruce R. , Murphy William J. , Levy Robert B.
Published: March 2010

CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) possess the capacity to modulate both adaptive and innate immune responses. We hypothesized that Tregs could regulate hematopoiesis based on cytokine effector molecules they can produce. The studies here demonstrate that Tregs can affect the differentiation of myeloid progenitor cells. In vitro findings demonstrated the ability of Tregs to inhibit the differentiation of interleukin-3 (IL-3)/stem cell factor (colony-forming unit [CFU]-IL3)–driven progenitor cells. Inhibitory effects were mediated by a pathway requiring cell-cell contact, major histocompatibility complex class II expression on marrow cells, and transforming growth factor-β. Importantly, depletion of Tregs in situ resulted in enhanced CFU-IL3 levels after bone marrow transplantation. Cotransplantation of CD4+FoxP3+gfp Tregs together with bone marrow was found to diminish CFU-IL3 responses after transplantation. To address the consequence of transplanted Tregs on differentiated progeny from these CFU 2 weeks after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, peripheral blood complete blood counts were performed and examined for polymorphonuclear leukocyte content. Recipients of cotransplanted Tregs exhibited diminished neutrophil counts. Together, these findings illustrate that both recipient and donor Tregs can influence hematopoietic progenitor cell activity after transplantation and that these cells can alter responses outside the adaptive and innate immune systems.
Down-regulation of Bmp/Smad signaling by Tmprss6 is required for maintenance of systemic iron homeostasis
Authors: Finberg Karin E. , Whittlesey Rebecca L. , Fleming Mark D. , Andrews Nancy C.
Published: March 2010

Iron-refractory, iron-deficiency anemia (IRIDA) is a familial disorder characterized by iron deficiency anemia unresponsive to oral iron treatment but partially responsive to intravenous iron therapy. Previously, we showed that IRIDA patients harbor loss-of-function mutations in TMPRSS6, a type II transmembrane serine protease primarily expressed by the liver. Both humans and mice with TMPRSS6 mutations show inappropriately elevated levels of the iron-regulatory hormone hepcidin, suggesting that TMPRSS6 acts to negatively regulate hepcidin expression. Here we investigate the relationship between Tmprss6 and the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)–Smad signaling pathway, a key pathway promoting hepcidin transcription in hepatocytes. We show that livers from mice deficient for Tmprss6 have decreased iron stores and decreased Bmp6 mRNA, but markedly increased mRNA for Id1, a target gene of Bmp6 signaling. In contrast, mice deficient for both Tmprss6 and hemojuvelin (Hjv), a BMP coreceptor that augments hepcidin expression in hepatocytes, showed markedly decreased hepatic levels of hepcidin and Id1 mRNA, markedly increased hepatic Bmp6 mRNA levels, and systemic iron overload similar to mice deficient for Hjv alone. These findings suggest that down-regulation of Bmp/Smad signaling by Tmprss6 is required for regulation of hepcidin expression and maintenance of systemic iron homeostasis.
Mutation and ADAMTS13-dependent modulation of disease severity in a mouse model for von Willebrand disease type 2B
Authors: Rayes Julie , Hollestelle Martine J. , Legendre Paulette , Marx Isabelle , de Groot Philip G. , Christophe Olivier D. , Lenting Peter J. , Denis Cécile V.
Published: March 2010

Von Willebrand disease (VWD)–type 2B originates from a gain-of-function mutation in von Willebrand factor (VWF), resulting in enhanced platelet binding. Clinical manifestations include increased bleeding tendency, loss of large multimers, thrombocytopenia, and circulating platelet aggregates. We developed a mouse model to study phenotypic consequences of VWD-type 2B mutations in murine VWF: mVWF/R1306Q and mVWF/V1316M. Both mutations allow normal multimerization but are associated with enhanced ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation, typical for VWD-type 2B. In vivo expression resulted in thrombocytopenia and circulating aggregates, both of which were more pronounced for mVWF/V1316M. Furthermore, both mutants did not support correction of bleeding time or arterial vessel occlusion in a thrombosis model. They further displayed a 2- to 3-fold reduced half-life and induced a 3- to 6-fold increase in number of giant platelets compared with wild-type VWF. Loss of large multimers was observed in 50% of the mice. The role of ADAMTS13 was investigated by expressing both mutants in VWF/ADAMTS13 double-deficient mice. ADAMTS13 deficiency resulted in more and larger circulating platelet aggregates for both mutants, whereas the full multimer range remained present in all mice. Thus, we established a mouse model for VWD-type 2B and found that phenotype depends on mutation and ADAMTS13.
Inhibition of NEDD8-activating enzyme: a novel approach for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Swords Ronan T. , Kelly Kevin R. , Smith Peter G. , Garnsey James J. , Mahalingam Devalingam , Medina Ernest , Oberheu Kelli , Padmanabhan Swaminathan , O'Dwyer Michael , Nawrocki Steffan T. , Giles Francis J. , Carew Jennifer S.
Published: March 2010

NEDD8 activating enzyme (NAE) has been identified as an essential regulator of the NEDD8 conjugation pathway, which controls the degradation of many proteins with important roles in cell-cycle progression, DNA damage, and stress responses. Here we report that MLN4924, a novel inhibitor of NAE, has potent activity in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) models. MLN4924 induced cell death in AML cell lines and primary patient specimens independent of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 expression and stromal-mediated survival signaling and led to the stabilization of key NAE targets, inhibition of nuclear factor-κB activity, DNA damage, and reactive oxygen species generation. Disruption of cellular redox status was shown to be a key event in MLN4924-induced apoptosis. Administration of MLN4924 to mice bearing AML xenografts led to stable disease regression and inhibition of NEDDylated cullins. Our findings indicate that MLN4924 is a highly promising novel agent that has advanced into clinical trials for the treatment of AML.
Genome-wide transcriptome analysis of the transition from primary to secondary stem development in Populus trichocarpa
Authors: Dharmawardhana Palitha , Brunner Amy M , Strauss Steven H
Published: March 2010

Background

With its genome sequence and other experimental attributes,Populus trichocarpahas become the model species for genomic studies of wood development. Wood is derived from secondary growth of tree stems, and begins with the development of a ring of vascular cambium in the young developing stem. The terminal region of the developing shoot provides a steep developmental gradient from primary to secondary growth that facilitates identification of genes that play specialized functions during each of these phases of growth.

Results

Using a genomic microarray representing the majority of the transcriptome, we profiled gene expression in stem segments that spanned primary to secondary growth. We found 3,016 genes that were differentially expressed during stem development (Q-value ≤ 0.05; >2-fold expression variation), and 15% of these genes encode proteins with no significant identities to known genes. We identified all gene family members putatively involved in secondary growth for carbohydrate active enzymes, tubulins, actins, actin depolymerizing factors, fasciclin-like AGPs, and vascular development-associated transcription factors. Almost 70% of expressed transcription factors were upregulated during the transition to secondary growth. The primary shoot elongation region of the stem contained specific carbohydrate active enzyme and expansin family members that are likely to function in primary cell wall synthesis and modification. Genes involved in plant defense and protective functions were also dominant in the primary growth region.

Conclusion

Our results describe the global patterns of gene expression that occur during the transition from primary to secondary stem growth. We were able to identify three major patterns of gene expression and over-represented gene ontology categories during stem development. The new regulatory factors and cell wall biogenesis genes that we identified provide candidate genes for further functional characterization, as well as new tools for molecular breeding and biotechnology aimed at improvement of tree growth rate, crown form, and wood quality.
Molecular characterization of resistance to Rifampicin in an emerging hospital-associated Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clone ST228, Spain
Authors: Mick Virginie , Domínguez M Angeles , Tubau Fe , Liñares Josefina , Pujol Miquel , Martín Rogelio
Published: March 2010

Background

Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has been endemic in Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Barcelona, since 1990. During the 1990-95 period the Iberian clone (ST-247; SCCmec-I) was dominant. Isolates of clonal complex 5 (ST-125; SCCmec-IV) gradually replaced the Iberian clone from 1996 to 2003. A new multiresistant MRSA phenotype showing rifampicin resistance emerged in 2004 and rapidly increased from 25% in 2004 to 45% in 2006. The aims of this study were i) the molecular characterisation of rifampicin resistant MRSA isolates, ii) the study of the rifampicin resistance expression by disk diffusion, microdilution and E-test, and iii) the analysis of the rpoB gene mutations involved in rifampicin resistance.

Results

A sample of representative 108 rifampicin-resistant MRSA isolates belonged to a single PFGE genotype, ST-228, SCCmec type I and spa type t041. Of 108 isolates, 104 (96%) had a low-level rifampicin resistance (MICs, 2 to 4 mg/L) and 4 a high-level rifampicin resistance (MICs, 128 - ≥ 256 mg/L). Disk diffusion and E-test methods failed to identify a low-level rifampicin resistance in 20 and 12 isolates, respectively. A low-level rifampicin resistance was associated with amino acid substitution 481His/Asn in the beta-subunit of RNA polymerase. Isolates with a high-level rifampicin resistance carried additional mutations in the rpoB gene.

Conclusions

The emergence of MRSA clone ST228-SCCmec I, related to the Southern Germany clone, involved a therapeutical challenge for treating serious MRSA infections. Decreased susceptibility to rifampicin in MRSA strains of ST228-SCCmecI was associated with one or two specific mutations in the rpoB gene. One fifth of isolates with low-level rifampicin-resistance were missed by the diffusion methods.
GASdb: a large-scale and comparative exploration database of glycosyl hydrolysis systems
Authors: Zhou Fengfeng , Chen Huiling , Xu Ying
Published: March 2010

Background

The genomes of numerous cellulolytic organisms have been recently sequenced or in the pipeline of being sequenced. Analyses of these genomes as well as the recently sequenced metagenomes in a systematic manner could possibly lead to discoveries of novel biomass-degradation systems in nature.

Description

We have identified 4,679 and 49,099 free acting glycosyl hydrolases with or without carbohydrate binding domains, respectively, by scanning through all the proteins in the UniProt Knowledgebase and the JGI Metagenome database. Cellulosome components were observed only in bacterial genomes, and 166 cellulosome-dependent glycosyl hydrolases were identified. We observed, from our analysis data, unexpected wide distributions of two less well-studied bacterial glycosyl hydrolysis systems in which glycosyl hydrolases may bind to the cell surface directly rather than through linking to surface anchoring proteins, or cellulosome complexes may bind to the cell surface by novel mechanisms other than the other used SLH domains. In addition, we found that animal-gut metagenomes are substantially enriched with novel glycosyl hydrolases.

Conclusions

The identified biomass degradation systems through our large-scale search are organized into an easy-to-use database GASdb at http://csbl.bmb.uga.edu/~ffzhou/GASdb/, which should be useful to both experimental and computational biofuel researchers.
Immunohistochemical expression of mitochondrial membrane complexes (MMCs) I, III, IV and V in malignant and benign periampullary epithelium: a potential target for drug therapy of periampullary cancer?
Authors: Aloysius Mark M , Zaitoun Abed M , Bates Timothy E , Ilyas Mohammad , Constantin-Teodosiu Dumitru , Rowlands Brian J , Lobo Dileep N
Published: March 2010

Background

Mitochondrial membrane complexes (MMCs) are key mediators of cellular oxidative phosphorylation, and inhibiting them could lead to cell death. No published data are available on the relative abundance of MMCs in different periampullary cancers. Therefore, we studied the expression profile of MMCs I, III, IV and V in periampullary cancers, reactive pancreatitis, normal pancreas and chronic pancreatitis.

Methods

This was a retrospective study on tissue microarrays constructed from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue from 126 consecutive patients (cancer = 104, chronic pancreatitis = 22) undergoing pancreatic resections between June 2001 and June 2006. 78 specimens of chronic pancreatitis tissue were obtained adjacent to areas of cancer. Normal pancreatic tissue was obtained from the resection specimens in a total of 30 patients. Metastatic tumours in 61 regional lymph nodes from 61 patients were also studied.

Results

MMCs I, III, IV and V were highly expressed (p < 0.05) in all primary periampullary cancers compared with metastatic lymph nodes and adjacent benign pancreas. MMCs III, IV and V were highly expressed in all cancers regardless of type compared with chronic pancreatitis (p < 0.05). Higher expression of MMCs I and V was associated with better survival and may, in part, relate to lower expression of these MMCs in poorly differentiated tumours compared with well and moderately differentiated tumours.

Conclusions

Differential expression of MMCs III, IV and V in primary periampullary cancers compared with adjacent benign periampullary tissue and chronic pancreatitis is a novel finding, which may render them attractive anticancer targets.
Distribution of the main malaria vectors in Kenya
Authors: Okara Robi M , Sinka Marianne E , Minakawa Noboru , Mbogo Charles M , Hay Simon I , Snow Robert W
Published: March 2010

Background

A detailed knowledge of the distribution of the main Anopheles malaria vectors in Kenya should guide national vector control strategies. However, contemporary spatial distributions of the locally dominant Anopheles vectors including Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles arabiensis, Anopheles merus, Anopheles funestus, Anopheles pharoensis and Anopheles nili are lacking. The methods and approaches used to assemble contemporary available data on the present distribution of the dominant malaria vectors in Kenya are presented here.

Method

Primary empirical data from published and unpublished sources were identified for the period 1990 to 2009. Details recorded for each source included the first author, year of publication, report type, survey location name, month and year of survey, the main Anopheles species reported as present and the sampling and identification methods used. Survey locations were geo-positioned using national digital place name archives and on-line geo-referencing resources. The geo-located species-presence data were displayed and described administratively, using first-level administrative units (province), and biologically, based on the predicted spatial margins of Plasmodium falciparum transmission intensity in Kenya for the year 2009. Each geo-located survey site was assigned an urban or rural classification and attributed an altitude value.

Results

A total of 498 spatially unique descriptions of Anopheles vector species across Kenya sampled between 1990 and 2009 were identified, 53% were obtained from published sources and further communications with authors. More than half (54%) of the sites surveyed were investigated since 2005. A total of 174 sites reported the presence of An. gambiae complex without identification of sibling species. Anopheles arabiensis and An. funestus were the most widely reported at 244 and 265 spatially unique sites respectively with the former showing the most ubiquitous distribution nationally. Anopheles gambiae, An. arabiensis, An. funestus and An. pharoensis were reported at sites located in all the transmission intensity classes with more reports of An. gambiae in the highest transmission intensity areas than the very low transmission areas.

Conclusion

A contemporary, spatially defined database of the main malaria vectors in Kenya provides a baseline for future compilations of data and helps identify areas where information is currently lacking. The data collated here are published alongside this paper where it may help guide future sampling location decisions, help with the planning of vector control suites nationally and encourage broader research inquiry into vector species niche modeling.
Angiomyofibroblastoma of the spermatic cord: a case report
Authors: Tzanakis Nikolaos E , Giannopoulos George A , Efstathiou Stamatis P , Rallis Georgios E , Nikiteas Nikolaos I
Published: March 2010

Introduction

Angiomyofibroblastoma is a benign soft tissue tumor with tendency to arise in the vulva.

Case presentation

We report a 36-year-old Greek Caucasian man presenting with a left inguinal painless mass. This is the second case of angiomyofibroblastoma of the spermatic cord. At operation, a 4.5 cm well-circumscribed solid tumor was found adherent to the spermatic cord. The tumor consisted of spindle-shaped cells proliferating in short fascicles between numerous medium-sized blood vessels with thin and hyalinized walls. Neoplastic cells had eosinophilic cytoplasm with neither mitotic figures nor nuclear atypia. The stroma included abundant mast cells and few mature lypocytes. Immunostaining showed positivity for vimentin, CD34, desmin and smooth muscle actin. Our patient was treated by simple excision and was followed up for five years with clinical examination and ultrasonography, revealing no evidence of local recurrence or metastasis.

Conclusion

This unusual neoplasm should be distinguished from aggressive angiomyxoma and other myxoid malignant tumors with widespread metastatic potential.
Twin gestation with complete hydatidiform mole and a coexisting live fetus: case report and brief review of literature
Authors: Makary Raafat , Mohammadi Amir , Rosa Marilin , Shuja Sania
Published: March 2010

Complete hydatidiform (also referred to as hydatiform) mole with coexisting live fetus is an exceedingly rare event. The fetus usually has a normal karyotype, and approximately 25–40% chance of survival, if pregnancy is allowed to continue until reasonable fetal lung maturity is achieved. However, risk of maternal complications including preeclampsia and subsequent trophoblastic disease are significant. We report a case of a 19-year-old primigravida, at 25 weeks gestation with a complete hydatidiform mole and a coexisting live fetus. She developed severe preeclampsia with uncontrolled hypertension, and pregnancy was terminated by caesarean section, after a short course of dexamethasone to accelerate fetal lung maturity. A morphologically normal live female fetus and placenta were delivered without complications, along with a separate mass of complete mole. The postpartum course was complicated by uterine choriocarcinoma with metastases to lung and left kidney, which responded to chemotherapy. Our case is a rare example of a twin gestation composed of a complete hydatidiform mole with a coexisting live fetus, and illustrates the associated spectrum of maternal complications that mandate close pre- and post-natal surveillance.
Three case reports of maternal primary hyperparathyroidism in each trimester and a review of optimal management in pregnancy
Authors: Hui Elaine , Osakwe Osaeloke , Teoh Tiong Ghee , Tolley Neil , Robinson Stephen
Published: March 2010

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) during pregnancy is associated with significant maternal and fetal risks. Prompt diagnosis and effective management during pregnancy can improve both maternal and fetal outcomes. However, there is no consensus with regard to conservative versus surgical management especially in the first and third trimester. We report three cases of PHPT associated with pregnancy that underwent parathyroidectomy each in a different trimester. Cases 1 and 2 were found to have hypercalcaemia and elevated parathyroid hormone levels in the second and first trimesters, respectively. Case 3 was known to have PHPT prenatally but previously declined parathyroidectomy. All three cases underwent parathyroidectomies during pregnancy without significant postoperative complications and all achieved favourable maternal and neonatal outcomes. Maternal hyperparathyroidism represents a preventable cause of maternal morbidity, with fetal morbidity and mortality. The benefits of parathyroidectomy with normalization of serum calcium in the mothers outweigh the risks of hypercalcaemia and suppression of the fetal parathyroid, especially where maternal vitamin D concentration is low.
Amantadine-Induced Psychosis; Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion Associated with Imatinib; Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Caused by Paclitaxel; Rash Associated with Pregabalin Use; Two Reports of Adverse Drug Reactions with Tumor Necrosis Factor–? Inhibitors; Three Reviews: Antipsychotic-Induced Hyperprolactinemia, Cephalosporin-Induced Neurotoxicity, Adverse Drug Reactions with Therapy for Latent Tuberculosis
Authors: Shuster Joel
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), discuss methods of prevention, and promote reporting of ADRs to the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) MedWatch program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting, preventable ADR to MedWatch, please consider sharing the account with our readers.
Reviews
Authors: Payne John , León-Solís Fernando , Labanyi Jo , Pavia Carme Ferr , López Bernat
Published: March 2010

Catalonia: a cultural history, Michael Eaude (2007) Oxford: Signal Books, 281pp., ISBN 978-1-904955-32-0, Paperback, 12.00

The Basque Country: a cultural history, Paddy Woodworth (2007) Oxford: Signal Books, 290 pp., ISBN 978-1-904955-31-3, Paperback,
12.00

Analysing Identities in Discourse, Rosana Doln and Jlia Todol (eds) (2008) Amsterdam: John Benjamins Publishing Company, 204 pp., ISBN 978 90 272 2719 5N, Hardback, 105,00

Contemporary Spanish Cinema and Genre, Jay Beck and Vicente Rodrguez Ortega (eds)
(2008) Manchester: Manchester University Press, 310pp, ISBN 978-0-7190-7775-3, Hardback, 65.14

The Media in Scotland, Neil Blain and David Hutchinson (eds), (2008) Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 286 pp., ISBN 978 0 7486 2800 1, Paperback, 17.99, ISBN 978 0 7486
2799 8, hardback, 52.50

La recerca en comunicaci en el Pas Valenci (Research into communication in Valencia), Gmez Mompart, Josep Llus (ed): special issue of Treballs de Comunicaci, no. 22 (June 2007; first edition June 2008) Barcelona: Societat Catalana de Comunicaci, 314
pp., ISBN 1131-5687, paperback, 7,50 .
The Soul of the Golem
Authors: Cabrera Daniel H
Published: March 2010

There are many ways of interpreting the so-called new technologies. One of the most interesting is that which stems from defining them as a social imaginary, and therefore, as collective beliefs, fears and hopes. It is common to attribute to technologies all manner of threats that,
founded or not, are real in the measure that the society makes decisions and acts in a way consistent with this conviction.The fears and anxieties of society lead to a consideration of the limits of the human that technologies transgress. Among the figures with which one speaks about these
limits there is Frankenstein, the modern Prometheus, which threatens modern fantasies with its deformity. There is, however, another man-made creature that can serve to orient our reflection, the Golem.In 1609, 400 years ago, Rabbi Loew died. He is credited with the creation of a homunculus
by combining of secret codes. The problem of the Golem was its imperfect soul made manifest in its lack of speech. Its silent presence was a source of great fear in the community that finally asked to get rid of the creature.These figures of monstrosity, Frankenstein and above all Golem,
will help us to make technologies understand from the fear that society projects onto them, and this will lead us to the question concerning the imaginary fears of the technological system.
Radical Interpretation, the primacy of communication, and the bounds of language
Authors: Dresner Eli
Published: March 2010

In the first section of this paper I review the notion of Radical Interpretation, introduced by Donald Davidson in order to account for linguistic meaning and propositional thought. It is then argued that this concept, as embedded in Davidson's whole philosophical system, gives rise
to a view of communication as a key explanatory concept in the social sciences. In the second section of the paper it is shown how this view bears upon the question as to what the bounds of linguistic behaviour are. As opposed to major psychological and sociological perspectives on language,
Davidson's communication-centred position gives rise to an inclusive, context-dependent answer to this question.
Beyond Bergson: the ontology of togetherness
Authors: Fell Elena
Published: March 2010

Bergson's views on communication can be deduced from his theory of selfhood, in which he identifies the human self as heterogeneous duration a complex process that can only be adequately understood from within, when we intuit our own inner life. Another person, accessing us from outside,
inevitably distorts and misunderstands our nature because duration is incommunicable. Does Bergsonism assert the failure of communication in principle? No, if we develop Bergson's theory further and identify the process of communication as heterogeneous duration. As such, it is intuited from
within by its participants who engage with each other in the process of dealing with the same object. They intuit the process of which they are part and thus intuit each other's involvement in it as well. To appreciate the importance of this implicit mutual communicative engagement we only
need to imagine an empty airport with just one passenger or a deserted pleasure beach.Bergson does not have a theory of communication per se but his views on communication can be extracted from his ontology and epistemology. These views may account for some apparent failures of communication
conflicts, loneliness, hostility and Bergson uses them to suggest a way out towards better and more harmonious intersubjective relations.Bergson claims that we misunderstand reality in general and each other in particular. Instead of trying to grasp human nature directly in intuition we
analyse its being and create a distorted view of one another. If we were able to conceive the human self as it is, we would see it as duration and might be able to reach the state of an open society where people's love towards one another is ontologically backed up by their openness towards
each other's being.However, the Bergsonian theory of duration and intuition, promising to resolve the difficulties of communication, reasserts these difficulties metaphysically. The idea of duration entails the impossibility of accessing it from outside, as the genuine view of it
is only possible from within. This paper, instead of trying to salvage a model of communication where people strive to intuit each other's uniqueness, locates intuition in the very act of communication. Bergson himself finds intuition in artistic creation where the artist and spectators communicate
by intuiting a common object without learning any personal details about each other. We find that communication is itself duration and that the communicating participants are heterogeneous elements of that duration. As such they are subservient to the act of communication that displays features
of autonomous existence. Our model of communication, although accepting the impenetrability of one's person for a complete cognitive penetration from outside, allows for the partial fusion of minds engaged in the same act of communication and negotiating the same subject matter.
The public's right to know in liberal-democratic thought vs. The people's obligation to know in Hebrew law
Authors: Rashi Tsuriel
Published: March 2010

This study compares the codes of media ethics adopted by the PCCPress Complaints Commission, the IFJInternational Federation of Journalists and the SPJSociety of Professional Journalists based on the claim that it is the public's right to know, and examines the origins of this concept.
A new approach is presented here which falls between the liberal-democratic approach on the one hand and on the other, the extreme ultra-Orthodox approach that claims that it is the public's duty not to know. This new approach which indicates that it is the public's duty to know has evolved
from the analysis of Jewish texts from Biblical times and from the study of events in Jewish community life throughout the world. This novel approach is likely to effect a change in the contents of broadcasts and in the boundaries of media ethics.
Review
Authors: Karppi Tero
Published: March 2010

Digital Contagions: A Media Archaeology of Computer Viruses, Jussi Parikka, (2007) New York: Peter Lang, ISBN 978-0-8204-8837-0 Paperback, 18.00
The power to heal us with a smile and a song: Senior Well-being, Music-based Participatory Arts and the Value of Qualitative Evidence
Authors: Lally Elaine
Published: March 2010

Sweet Tonic is a singing-based participatory arts initiative based in the southwest of Sydney, Australia. This paper reports on a qualitative evaluation of the thirty-week workshop series. It provides qualitative evidence of the outcomes of the programme, linking these to recent debates about evidence-based policy approaches. It argues that, although Sweet Tonic is undoubtedly a beneficiary of the instrumentalist turn in arts policy, this framing also traps the programme into defining its success or failure in instrumentalist terms. It is suggested that, although such accounts are often dismissed as anecdotal, in fact the most powerful evidence of the impact of a programme like Sweet Tonic is contained in the accounts of personal experience of participants in the programme. It is therefore necessary to understand the complexities of evidence in cultural policy, and to develop new language to talk about evidence that doesn't unnecessarily privilege quantitative or statistical forms at the expense of qualitative evidence.
Reviews
Authors: Murrell Colin , Giesekam Greg
Published: March 2010

Arts Development in Community Health: A Social Tonic, Mike White (2009) 1st Edition Oxford, United Kingdom and New York, United States: Radcliffe Publishing, 252pp., ISBN: 978-1-84619-140-4, Paperback, 24.99

The Applied Theatre Reader, Tim Prentki
and Sheila Preston (eds) (2009) Abingdon: Routledge, (380pp.), ISBN: 978-0-415-42886-6, 70 Hardback, 978-0-415-42887-3, Paperback 21.99
We need to open up the country: development and the Christian key scenario in the social space of Kinshasa's teleserials
Authors: Pype Katrien
Published: March 2010

This article discusses discourses on development in the social space of Kinshasa's post-Mobutu teleserials. The producers (dramatic artists and born-again Christian leaders; some are both) contend that their work will transform society, counter the social and political crisis and improve the nation in various ways. Pentecostalist Christianity meets the genre of the melodrama in the way the teleserials focus on the individual's spiritual development. This article argues that the fictive representation of witchcraft relates to a Pentecostalist diagnosis of the crisis and that the narrative unfolding of the teleserials points towards the cultural key scenario asserted by Pentecostal-charismatic churches.
Music advocacy, the media and the Malawi political public sphere, 19582007
Authors: Lwanda John
Published: March 2010

Journalists and writers in Malawi were crucial in the resistance to Dr Banda's hegemony between 1964 and 1993. The contested terrain was orality. This paper concentrates on the role of musicians and asserts that musicians in Malawi were, and arguably are, much braver and more persistent
political critics and social change advocates than their counterparts in print journalism. While journalists censored themselves, and were censored, oral practitioners' lyrics and texts were usually much more explicit. Musicians exploited aspects of traditional culture to point out the politicaleconomic
suffering of the peasantry. While journalists' critiques and analyses have, since 1995, become more muted, musicians have continued to provide more independent, forceful voices on behalf of the poor in a country where literacy levels remain low and English is the official legislative, political
and economic voice. This paper argues that an assessment of Malawi's public sphere excluding oral critiques misses significant and critical inputs important for social and developmental change.
Book Reviews
Authors: Moyo Dumisani , Way Maria
Published: March 2010

Politics and Persuasion: Media Coverage of Zimbabwe's 2000 Elections, Ragnar Waldahl (2004) Harare: Weaver Press, 148 pages, ISBN 0 779220278, Pbk, $24.95

Mixed Reception: South African Youth and their Experience of Global Media, Larry Strelitz (2005)
Pretoria: UNISA Press, 199 pp., ISBN 1-86888-287-X, Paperback, $34.78