bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity and reliability of the Iranian version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ 4.0 (PedsQL™) Generic Core Scales in children
Authors: Amiri Parisa , Eslamian Ghazaleh , Mirmiran Parvin , Shiva Niloofar , Jafarabadi Mohammad Asghari , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: January 2012

Background

This study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the Iranian version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ 4.0 (PedsQL™ 4.0) Generic Core Scales in children.

Methods

A standard forward and backward translation procedure was used to translate the US English version of the PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales for children into the Iranian language (Persian). The Iranian version of the PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales was completed by 503 healthy and 22 chronically ill children aged 8-12 years and their parents. The reliability was evaluated using internal consistency. Known-groups discriminant comparisons were made, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted.

Results

The internal consistency, as measured by Cronbach's alpha coefficients, exceeded the minimum reliability standard of 0.70. All monotrait-multimethod correlations were higher than multitrait-multimethod correlations. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) between the children self-report and parent proxy-reports showed moderate to high agreement. Exploratory factor analysis extracted six factors from the PedsQL™ 4.0 for both self and proxy reports, accounting for 47.9% and 54.8% of total variance, respectively. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis for 6-factor models for both self-report and proxy-report indicated acceptable fit for the proposed models. Regarding health status, as hypothesized from previous studies, healthy children reported significantly higher health-related quality of life than those with chronic illnesses.

Conclusions

The findings support the initial reliability and validity of the Iranian version of the PedsQL™ 4.0 as a generic instrument to measure health-related quality of life of children in Iran.
SiC formation for a solar cell passivation layer using an RF magnetron co-sputtering system
Authors: Joung Yeun-Ho , Kang Hyun Il , Kim Jung Hyun , Lee Hae-Seok , Lee Jaehyung , Choi Won Seok
Published: January 2012

In this paper, we describe a method of amorphous silicon carbide film formation for a solar cell passivation layer. The film was deposited on p-type silicon (100) and glass substrates by an RF magnetron co-sputtering system using a Si target and a C target at a room-temperature condition. Several different SiC [Si1-xCx] film compositions were achieved by controlling the Si target power with a fixed C target power at 150 W. Then, structural, optical, and electrical properties of the Si1-xCx films were studied. The structural properties were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry. The optical properties were achieved by UV-visible spectroscopy and ellipsometry. The performance of Si1-xCx passivation was explored by carrier lifetime measurement.
Durability test with fuel starvation using a Pt/CNF catalyst in PEMFC
Authors: Jung Juhae , Park Byungil , Kim Junbom
Published: January 2012

In this study, a catalyst was synthesized on carbon nanofibers [CNFs] with a herringbone-type morphology. The Pt/CNF catalyst exhibited low hydrophilicity, low surface area, high dispersion, and high graphitic behavior on physical analysis. Electrodes (5 cm2) were prepared by a spray method, and the durability of the Pt/CNF was evaluated by fuel starvation. The performance was compared with a commercial catalyst before and after accelerated tests. The fuel starvation caused carbon corrosion with a reverse voltage drop. The polarization curve, EIS, and cyclic voltammetry were analyzed in order to characterize the electrochemical properties of the Pt/CNF. The performance of a membrane electrode assembly fabricated from the Pt/CNF was maintained, and the electrochemical surface area and cell resistance showed the same trend. Therefore, CNFs are expected to be a good support in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.
First identification of primary nanoparticles in the aggregation of HMF
Authors: Zhang Mu , Yang Hong , Liu Yinong , Sun Xudong , Zhang Dongke , Xue Dongfeng
Published: January 2012

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural [HMF] is an important intermediate compound for fine chemicals. It is often obtained via hydrothermal treatment of biomass-derived carbohydrates, such as fructose, glucose and sucrose. This study investigates the formation of carbonaceous spheres from HMF created by dehydration of fructose under hydrothermal conditions. The carbonaceous spheres, ranging between 0.4 and 10 μm in diameter, have granulated morphologies both on the surface and in the interior. The residual solution is found to contain a massive number of primary nanoparticles. The chemical structure of the carbonaceous spheres was characterised by means of FTIR and NMR spectroscopies. Based on these observations, a mechanism involving the formation and aggregation of the nanoparticles is proposed. This mechanism differs considerably from the conventional understanding in the open literature.
Effects of NiO nanoparticles on the magnetic properties and diffuse phase transition of BZT/NiO composites
Authors: Jarupoom Parkpoom , Eitssayeam Sukum , Pengpat Kamonpan , Tunkasiri Tawee , Cann David P , Rujijanagul Gobwute
Published: January 2012

A new composite system, Ba(Zr0.07Ti0.93)O3 (BZT93) ceramic/NiO nanoparticles, was fabricated to investigate the effect of NiO nanoparticles on the properties of these composites. M-H hysteresis loops showed an improvement in the magnetic behavior for higher NiO content samples plus modified ferroelectric properties. However, the 1 vol.% samples showed the optimum ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties. Examination of the dielectric spectra showed that the NiO additive promoted a diffuse phase transition, and the two phase transition temperatures, as observed for BZT93, merged into a single phase transition temperature for the composite samples.
Some results on difference polynomials sharing values
Authors: Liu Yong , Qi XiaoGuang , Yi Hongxun
Published: January 2012

This article is devoted to studying uniqueness of difference polynomials sharing values. The results improve those given by Liu and Yang and Heittokangas et al.
Ethnomedicinal study of plants used in villages around Kimboza forest reserve in Morogoro, Tanzania
Authors: Amri Ezekiel , Kisangau Daniel P
Published: January 2012

Background

An ethnomedicinal study was conducted to document medicinal plants used in the treatment of ailments in villages surrounding Kimboza forest reserve, a low land catchment forest with high number of endemic plant species.

Methods

Ethnobotanical interviews on medicinal plants used to treat common illnesses were conducted with the traditional medical practitioners using open-ended semi -structured questionnaires. Diseases treated, methods of preparation, use and habitat of medicinal plants were recorded.

Results

A total of 82 medicinal plant species belonging to 29 families were recorded during the study. The most commonly used plant families recorded were Fabaceae (29%), Euphorbiaceae (20%), Asteraceae and Moraceae (17% each) and Rubiaceae (15%) in that order. The most frequently utilized medicinal plant parts were leaves (41.3%), followed by roots (29.0%), bark (21.7%), seeds (5.31%), and fruits (2.6%). The study revealed that stomach ache was the condition treated with the highest percentage of medicinal plant species (15%), followed by hernia (13%), diarrhea (12), fever and wound (11% each), and coughs (10%). Majority of medicinal plant species (65.9%) were collected from the wild compared to only 26.7% from cultivated land.

Conclusions

A rich diversity of medicinal plant species are used for treating different diseases in villages around Kimboza forest reserve, with the wild habitat being the most important reservoir for the majority of the plants. Awareness programmes on sustainable utilization and active involvement of community in conservation programmes are needed.
Cement-augmented dorsal instrumentation of the spine as a safe adjunct to the multimodal management of metastatic pheochromocytoma: a case report
Authors: Rittirsch Daniel , Battegay Edouard , Zimmerli Lukas U , Baulig Werner , Spahn Donat R , Ossendorf Christian , Wanner Guido A , Simmen Hans-Peter , Werner Clément M L
Published: January 2012

Malignant pheochromocytoma is a neuroendocrine tumor that originates from chromaffin tissue. Although osseous metastases are common, metastatic dissemination to the spine rarely occurs.

Five years after primary diagnosis of extra-adrenal, abdominal pheochromocytoma and laparoscopic extirpation, a 53-year old patient presented with recurrence of pheochromocytoma involving the spine, the pelvis, both proximal femora and the right humerus. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography revealed osteolytic lesions of numerous vertebrae (T1, T5, T10, and T12). In the case of T10, total destruction of the vertebral body with involvement of the rear edge resulted in the risk of vertebral collapse and subsequent spinal stenosis. Thus, dorsal instrumentation (T8-T12) and cement augmentation of T12 was performed after perioperative alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade with phenoxybenzamine and bisoprolol.

After thorough preoperative evaluation to assess the risk for surgery and anesthesia, and appropriate perioperative management including pharmacological antihypertensive treatment, dorsal instrumentation of T8-T12 and cement augmentation of T12 prior to placing the corresponding pedicle screws did not result in hypertensive crisis or hemodynamic instability due to the release of catecholamines from metastatic lesions.

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report describing cement-augmentation in combination with dorsal instrumentation to prevent osteolytic vertebral collapse in a patient with metastatic pheochromocytoma. With appropriate preoperative measures, cement-augmented dorsal instrumentation represents a safe approach to stabilize vertebral bodies with metastatic malignant pheochromocytoma. Nevertheless, direct manipulation of metastatic lesions should be avoided as far as possible in order to minimize the risk of hemodynamic complications.
Hepatitis E virus in Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) captured around a pig farm
Authors: Kanai Yuta , Miyasaka Satoshi , Uyama Sachiko , Kawami Sachiyo , Kato-Mori Yuko , Tsujikawa Muneo , Yunoki Mikihiro , Nishiyama Shoko , Ikuta Kazuyoshi , Hagiwara Katsuro
Published: January 2012

Background

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) transmitted via the oral route through the consumption of contaminated water or uncooked or undercooked contaminated meat has been implicated in major outbreaks. Rats may play a critical role in HEV outbreaks, considering their negative effects on environmental hygiene and food sanitation. Although the serological evidence of HEV infection in wild rodents has been reported worldwide, the infectivity and propagation of HEV in wild rats remain unknown. To investigate if rats are a possible carrier of HEV, we studied wild Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) that were caught near a pig farm, where HEV was prevalent among the pigs.

Methods

We examined 56 Norway rats for HEV. RNA from internal organs was examined for RT-PCR and positive samples were sequenced. Positive tissue samples were incubated with A549 cell line to isolate HEV. Anti-HEV antibodies were detected by ELISA.

Results

Sixteen rats were seropositive, and the HEV RNA was detected in 10 of the 56 rats. Sequencing of the partial ORF1 gene from 7 samples resulted in partially sequenced HEV, belonging to genotype 3, which was genetically identical to the HEV prevalent in the swine from the source farm. The infectious HEVs were isolated from the Norway rats by using the human A549 cell line.

Conclusions

There was a relatively high prevalence (17.9%) of the HEV genome in wild Norway rats. The virus was mainly detected in the liver and spleen. The results indicate that these animals might be possible carrier of swine HEV in endemic regions. The HEV contamination risk due to rats needs to be examined in human habitats.
Stray dogs as indicators of Toxoplasma gondii distributed in the environment: the first report across an urban-rural gradient in China
Authors: Yan Chao , Fu Lin-Lin , Yue Cai-Ling , Tang Ren-Xian , Liu Yi-Sheng , Lv Liang , Shi Na , Zeng Ping , Zhang Peng , Wang Dong-Hui , Zhou Dong-Hui , Zhu Xing-Quan , Zheng Kui-Yang
Published: January 2012

Background

Toxoplasmosis is an important parasitic zoonosis caused by the protozoanToxoplasma gondiithat is distributed world-wide and infects a variety of hosts. However, the prevalence ofT. gondiiin the environment (such as soil, water and food) is largely unknown. Due to the technical difficulty in oocyst counting directly, an alternative assay using the serologic status ofT. gondiiin free-living animals, such as stray or free-living dogs, as an indicator, can be used to evaluate environmental contamination indirectly, as they are exposed to the same risk of infection as humans and other animals.

Results

In the present study, 231 stray or free-living dogs across an urban-rural gradient were examined to assess the frequency ofT. gondiiin the environment. Specific antibodies toT. gondiiwere found in 93 dogs (40.3%) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and no statistically significant differences were observed in seroprevalences ofT. gondiibetween urban dogs (38.7%) and rural dogs (41%) (p> 0.05).

Conclusions

A high seroprevalence ofT. gondiiin stray or free-living dogs in the present study indicates that there would be a wide distribution and a constant infection pressure ofT. gondiiacross an urban-rural gradient, and the oocysts ofT. gondiiin the environment would be an important source of infection for humans and other animals both in urban and rural areas in China.
Maximizing output and recognizing autocatalysis in chemical reaction networks is NP-complete
Authors: Andersen Jakob L , Flamm Christoph , Merkle Daniel , Stadler Peter F
Published: January 2012

Background

A classical problem in metabolic design is to maximize the production of a desired compound in a given chemical reaction network by appropriately directing the mass flow through the network. Computationally, this problem is addressed as a linear optimization problem over the flux cone. The prior construction of the flux cone is computationally expensive and no polynomial-time algorithms are known.

Results

Here we show that the output maximization problem in chemical reaction networks is NP-complete. This statement remains true even if all reactions are monomolecular or bi-molecular and if only a single molecular species is used as influx. As a corollary we show, furthermore, that the detection of autocatalytic species, i.e., types that can only be produced from the influx material when they are present in the initial reaction mixture, is an NP-complete computational problem.

Conclusions

Hardness results on combinatorial problems and optimization problems are important to guide the development of computational tools for the analysis of metabolic networks in particular and chemical reaction networks in general. Our results indicate that efficient heuristics and approximate algorithms need to be employed for the analysis of large chemical networks since even conceptually simple flow problems are provably intractable.
An endogenous factor enhances ferulic acid decarboxylation catalyzed by phenolic acid decarboxylase from Candida guilliermondii
Authors: Huang Hui-Kai , Chen Li-Fan , Tokashiki Masamichi , Ozawa Tadahiro , Taira Toki , Ito Susumu
Published: January 2012

The gene for a eukaryotic phenolic acid decarboxylase ofCandida guilliermondiiwas cloned, sequenced, and expressed inEscherichia colifor the first time. The structural gene contained an open reading frame of 504 bp, corresponding to 168 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 19,828 Da. The deduced amino sequence exhibited low similarity to those of functional phenolic acid decarboxylases previously reported from bacteria with 25-39% identity and to those of PAD1 and FDC1 proteins fromSaccharomyces cerevisiaewith less than 14% identity. TheC. guilliermondiiphenolic acid decarboxylase converted the main substrates ferulic acid andp-coumaric acid to the respective corresponding products. Surprisingly, the ultrafiltrate (Mr 10,000-cut-off) of the cell-free extract ofC. guilliermondiiremarkably activated the ferulic acid decarboxylation by the purified enzyme, whereas it was almost without effect on thep-coumaric acid decarboxylation. Gel-filtration chromatography of the ultrafiltrate suggested that an endogenous amino thiol-like compound with a molecular weight greater than Mr 1,400 was responsible for the activation.
Sumoylation is tumor-suppressive and confers proliferative quiescence to hematopoietic progenitors inDrosophila melanogasterlarvae
Authors: Kalamarz Marta E. , Paddibhatla Indira , Nadar Christina , Govind Shubha
Published: January 2012

How cell-intrinsic regulation of the cell cycle and the extrinsic influence of the niche converge to provide proliferative quiescence, safeguard tissue integrity, and provide avenues to stop stem cells from giving rise to tumors is a major challenge in gene therapy and tissue engineering. We explore this question in sumoylation-deficient mutants of Drosophila. In wild type third instar larval lymph glands, a group of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells acquires quiescence; a multicellular niche supports their undifferentiated state. However, how proliferative quiescence is instilled in this population is not understood. We show that Ubc9 protein is nuclear in this population. Loss of the SUMO-activating E1 enzyme, Aos1/Uba2, the conjugating E2 enzyme, Ubc9, or the E3 SUMO ligase, PIAS, results in a failure of progenitors to quiesce; progenitors become hyperplastic, misdifferentiate, and develop into microtumors that eventually detach from the dorsal vessel. Significantly, dysplasia and lethality of Ubc9 mutants are rescued when Ubc9wt is provided specifically in the progenitor populations, but not when it is provided in the niche or in the differentiated cortex. While normal progenitors express high levels of the Drosophila cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 homolog, Dacapo, the corresponding overgrown mutant population exhibits a marked reduction in Dacapo. Forced expression of either Dacapo or human p21 in progenitors shrinks this population. The selective expression of either protein in mutant progenitor cells, but not in other hematopoietic populations, limits overgrowth, blocks tumorogenesis, and restores organ integrity. We discuss an essential and complex role for sumoylation in preserving the hematopoietic progenitor states for stress response and in the context of normal development of the fly.
Regulation of DNA replication during development
Authors: Nordman Jared , Orr-Weaver Terry L.
Published: January 2012

As development unfolds, DNA replication is not only coordinated with cell proliferation, but is regulated uniquely in specific cell types and organs. This differential regulation of DNA synthesis requires crosstalk between DNA replication and differentiation. This dynamic aspect of DNA replication is highlighted by the finding that the distribution of replication origins varies between differentiated cell types and changes with differentiation. Moreover, differential DNA replication in some cell types can lead to increases or decreases in gene copy number along chromosomes. This review highlights the recent advances and technologies that have provided us with new insights into the developmental regulation of DNA replication.
Midbrain-hindbrain boundary patterning and morphogenesis are regulated by diverse grainy head-like 2-dependent pathways
Authors: Dworkin Sebastian , Darido Charbel , Georgy Smitha R. , Wilanowski Tomasz , Srivastava Seema , Ellett Felix , Pase Luke , Han Yanchao , Meng Anming , Heath Joan K. , Lieschke Graham J. , Jane Stephen M.
Published: January 2012

The isthmic organiser located at the midbrain-hindbrain boundary (MHB) is the crucial developmental signalling centre responsible for patterning mesencephalic and metencephalic regions of the vertebrate brain. Formation and maintenance of the MHB is characterised by a hierarchical program of gene expression initiated by fibroblast growth factor 8 (Fgf8), coupled with cellular morphogenesis, culminating in the formation of the tectal-isthmo-cerebellar structures. Here, we show in zebrafish that one orthologue of the transcription factor grainy head-like 2 (Grhl2), zebrafish grhl2b plays a central role in both MHB maintenance and folding by regulating two distinct, non-linear pathways. Loss of grhl2b expression induces neural apoptosis and extinction of MHB markers, which are rescued by re-expression of engrailed 2a (eng2a), an evolutionarily conserved target of the Grhl family. Co-injection of sub-phenotypic doses of grhl2b and eng2a morpholinos reproduces the apoptosis and MHB marker loss, but fails to substantially disrupt formation of the isthmic constriction. By contrast, a novel direct grhl2b target, spec1, identified by phylogenetic analysis and confirmed by ChIP, functionally cooperates with grhl2b to induce MHB morphogenesis, but plays no role in apoptosis or maintenance of MHB markers. Collectively, these data show that MHB maintenance and morphogenesis are dissociable events regulated by grhl2b through diverse transcriptional targets.
CycA is involved in the control of endoreplication dynamics in theDrosophilabristle lineage
Authors: Sallé Jérémy , Campbell Shelagh D. , Gho Michel , Audibert Agnès
Published: January 2012

Endocycles, which are characterised by repeated rounds of DNA replication without intervening mitosis, are involved in developmental processes associated with an increase in metabolic cell activity and are part of terminal differentiation. Endocycles are currently viewed as a restriction of the canonical cell cycle. As such, mitotic cyclins have been omitted from the endocycle mechanism and their role in this process has not been specifically analysed. In order to study such a role, we focused on CycA, which has been described to function exclusively during mitosis in Drosophila. Using developing mechanosensory organs as model system and PCNA::GFP to follow endocycle dynamics, we show that (1) CycA proteins accumulate during the last period of endoreplication, (2) both CycA loss and gain of function induce changes in endoreplication dynamics and reduce the number of endocycles, and (3) heterochromatin localisation of ORC2, a member of the Pre-RC complex, depends on CycA. These results show for the first time that CycA is involved in endocycle dynamics in Drosophila. As such, CycA controls the final ploidy that cells reached during terminal differentiation. Furthermore, our data suggest that the control of endocycles by CycA involves the subnuclear relocalisation of pre-RC complex members. Our work therefore sheds new light on the mechanism underlying endocycles, implicating a process that involves remodelling of the entire cell cycle network rather than simply a restriction of the canonical cell cycle.
Do Expert Reviews Affect the Demand for Wine?
Authors: Friberg Richard , Grönqvist Erik
Published: January 2012

We examine the demand for wines in Sweden using five years of weekly data on sales, advertising, and expert reviews. The effect of a favorable review peaks in the week after publication with an increase in demand of 6 percent, and the effect remains significant for more than 20 weeks. We find small demand-enhancing effects of neutral reviews and no evidence of important negative effects from unfavorable reviews. Restrictions on the state-owned monopoly retailer and the exogenous timing of a subset of the reviews support a causal interpretation of the effects of reviews on demand. (JEL D12, L66, L81, M31, M37)
An Empirical Investigation of the Option Value of College Enrollment
Authors: Stange Kevin M
Published: January 2012

This paper quantifies the option value arising from sequential schooling decisions made in the presence of uncertainty and learning about academic ability. College attendance has option value since enrolled students have the option, but not obligation, to continue in school after learning their aptitude and tastes. I estimate that option value accounts for 14 percent of the total value of the opportunity to attend college for the average high school graduate and is greatest for moderate-aptitude students. Students' ability to make decisions sequentially in response to new information increases welfare and also makes educational outcomes less polarized by background. (JEL D83, I23)
Malaria in pregnancy
Authors: Soma-Pillay P , Macdonald A P
Published: January 2012

Malaria is a complex parasitic disease affecting about 32 million pregnancies each year in sub-Saharan Africa. Pregnant women are especially susceptible to malarial infection and have the risk of developing severe disease and birth complications. The target of Millennium Development Goal 6 is to end malaria deaths by 2015. Maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality due to malaria may be reduced by implementing preventive measures, early diagnosis of suspected cases, effective antimalarial therapy and treatment of complications.
Selenium and vascular health
Authors: Sneddon Alan A.
Published: January 2012

Selenium (Se) is an important dietary micronutrient required for sustaining optimal health. Se is incorporated into proteins, many of which are antioxidants that protect the body against oxidative damage. As oxidative damage may contribute to the development of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease (CVD), Se has been proposed to provide a protective role against this disease. Studies in vitro and in animals continue to provide increasing insight into the role of Se in promoting vascular health and ameliorating CVD. Se within vascular cells limits the adhesion together of such cells, an important early step in the development of vascular disease. Organic forms of Se may also afford vascular cells greater protection against oxidative challenge compared to inorganic forms. Nevertheless, current studies in humans investigating the relationship between Se and CVD have so far proved equivocal; larger randomized trials with different Se exposures in populations spanning the broad physiological Se status are needed to determine the criteria whereby Se may influence CVD outcome within different populations. Further studies are also needed to explore the effects of different Se species and the role of different selenoprotein genotypes in modifying Se status and their resultant impact on cardiovascular function.
Screening for CGG Repeat Expansion in the FMR1 Gene by Melting Curve Analysis of Combined 5′ and 3′ Direct Triplet-Primed PCRs
Authors: Teo Clara R L , Law Hai-Yang , Lee Caroline G , Chong Samuel S
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND

CGG repeat expansions in the FMR1 (fragile X mental retardation 1) gene are associated with fragile X syndrome, fragile X–associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, and fragile X–associated primary ovarian insufficiency. We evaluated the use of melting curve analysis (MCA) of triplet-primed PCR (TP-PCR) assays as a rapid screening tool for the positive identification of expanded FMR1 alleles in men and women.

METHODS

Both 5′- and 3′-weighted direct TP-PCRs (dTP-PCRs) were evaluated on 29 cell line–derived DNA samples and 44 blinded clinical samples. The presence of expansions was identified by the melting curve profiles generated automatically through MCA on the LightCycler 480 Real-Time PCR System. All samples were also analyzed by capillary electrophoresis to confirm the identities of the PCR fragments that gave rise to the observed melt peak profiles.

RESULTS

The presence of expanded alleles in samples from both males and females produced melt peak profiles that were distinct from those of individuals with the normal allelic form. In the blinded test, positive and negative calls for the presence of an expanded allele corroborated with previously determined genotype classifications for all samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The approach of dTP-PCR plus MCA offers a single-step strategy with high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for rapid screening detection of FMR1 CGG repeat expansions, regardless of sex. The combined use of 5′- and 3′-weighted dTP-PCR assays minimizes the incidence of false-negative results arising from repeat-flanking deletions.
Class, nationalism and news: The BBC's reporting of Hugo Chavez and the Bolivarian revolution
Authors: SALTER LEE , WELTMAN DAVE
Published: January 2012

This article analyses BBC News Online's reporting of the Bolivarian revolution in Venezuela, using a sample from a broader selection of 304 articles published on BBC News Online between 1998 and 2008. Against the BBC's stated commitment to professional values, we find that the BBC's
organizational culture is underpinned by a liberal nationalist worldview, which limits its interpretive capacities. The analysis notes that the liberal nationalism underpinning BBC News Online's reporting limits the interpretive capacities of journalists. The ideologically dominant national
history of Venezuela (the exceptionalism thesis) forms an interpretive framework, which synchs with the BBC's general conceptualization of the forms and function of a nation state and thus prevents adequate understanding of the present. Consequently, the coverage of contemporary Venezuelan
politics masks the underlying class conflict, instead identifying Chavez, who has emerged seemingly from nowhere, as the key agent of political crisis. The BBC's reliance on a narrative of the disruption of national unity allows it to take sides in the conflict whilst apparently remaining
neutral.
The Meaning of Genetic Research Results: Reflections from Individuals with and without a Known Genetic Disorder
Authors: Cadigan R. Jean , Michie Marsha , Henderson Gail , Davis Arlene M. , Beskow Laura M.
Published: January 2012

In the debate about whether to return individual genetic results to research participants, consideration of the nature of results has taken precedence over contextual factors associated with different study designs and populations. We conducted in-depth interviews with 24 individuals who participated in a genotype-driven study of cystic fibrosis: 9 of the individuals had cystic fibrosis, 15 had participated as healthy volunteers, and all had gene variants of interest to the researchers. These interviews revealed that the two groups had different ideas about the meaning-fulness of genetic results. Our findings point to the importance of understanding research context, such as participants' relationship with the researcher and whether they have the disease condition under study, when considering whether to return individual results.
A Multicenter Study of the Awareness and Attitudes of Egyptian Faculty towards Research Ethics: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kandeel Nahed , El-Nemer Amina , Ali Nahed M. , Kassem Heba , El-Setouhy Maged , Elgharieb Mervat Elshabrawy , Darwish Magda , Awadalla Nabil Joseph , Moni Malini , Silverman Henry J.
Published: January 2012

The awareness and attitudes of faculty towards research ethics committees (RECs) and research ethics practices are largely unknown. Accordingly, we conducted a cross-sectional survey study involving various faculties (Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Dentistry) from four universities in Egypt. A large majority (> 85%) held positive attitudes towards RECs, but almost a third thought that RECs would delay research. More than half had not received prior training in research or medical ethics, but more than 90% thought that this subject matter should be taught to postgraduates. A large majority recognized the need for informed consent and confidentiality protections in research, but some held attitudes regarding certain research ethics practices that were questionable. We conclude that a curriculum in research ethics should be developed for university faculty and that further qualitative studies should explore the basis of several of the attitudes regarding practices in research ethics.
Gender, Church Involvement, and African-American Political Participation
Authors: Robnett Belinda , Bany James A.
Published: January 2012

While numerous studies discuss the political implications of class divisions among African-Americans, few analyze gender differences in political participation. This study assesses the extent to which church activity similarly facilitates men's and women's political participation. Employing data from a national cross-sectional survey of 1,205 adult African-American respondents from the 1993 National Black Politics Study, the authors conclude that black church involvement more highly facilitates the political participation of black men than black women. Increasing levels of individual black church involvement and political activity on the part of black churches increases the gender gap in political participation and creates a gender participation gap for some political activities. These findings suggest that while institutional engagement increases political participation, the gendered nature of the institutional context also influences political engagement outcomes.
Psicologia: Ciência e Profissão: 30 anos registrando o avanço da Psicologia Brasileira
Authors: Sampaio Maria Imaculada Cardoso , Serradas André , Santos Acácia Aparecida Angeli dos
Published: January 2012

Psicologia: Ciência e Profissão (PCP), publicada pelo Conselho Federal de Psicologia ao longo de 30 anos, registra o avanço da Psicologia, como ciência e profissão. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar alguns aspectos que merecem destaque, a partir de 2005, quando PCP se consolida como uma revista científica, ganha a versão digital e se insere no movimento do acesso aberto. É feita também uma breve análise dos indicadores de citações da revista. As análises foram efetuadas a partir da leitura dos editoriais dos fascículos publicados do ano 2005 até o momento. Com base nos módulos de bibliometria do PePSIC e SciELO, além dos dados das referências da revista, foram levantados indicadores de citações recebidas e fornecidas por PCP. Os dados permitem afirmar que PCP vem aumentando o número de citações recebidas. A rede de revistas que mais citam PCP está publicada no PePSIC, demonstrando que publicações eletrônicas ganham maior visibilidade na comunidade científica. Ao completar 30 anos, a proposta da revista é o comprometimento com a Psicologia voltada para aliviar o sofrimento humano, mas também dedicada ao avanço da ciência psicológica. O conhecimento documentado em revistas científicas e o impacto que tais publicações representam para o saber universal é algo que deve ser abordado, discutido e entendido, assim, estudos dessa natureza devem ser incentivados.
Effect of Gingivitis on Azithromycin Concentrations in Gingival Crevicular Fluid
Authors: Jain Nidhi , Lai Pin‐Chuang , Walters John D.
Published: January 2012

Background: Macrolide antibiotics yield high concentrations in inflamed tissue, suggesting that their levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) could be increased at gingivitis sites. However, the increased volume of GCF associated with gingivitis could potentially dilute macrolides. To determine whether these assumptions are correct, the bioavailability of systemically administered azithromycin was compared in GCF from healthy and gingivitis sites.

Methods: Experimental gingivitis was induced in one maxillary posterior sextant in nine healthy individuals. Contralateral healthy sextants served as controls. Participants ingested 500 mg azithromycin, followed by a 250‐mg dose 24 hours later. Four hours after the second dose, plaque was removed from experimental sites. GCF was collected from eight surfaces in both the experimental and control sextants and pooled separately. GCF samples were subsequently collected on days 2, 3, 8, and 15, and azithromycin content was determined by agar diffusion bioassay.

Results: On days 2 and 3, the pooled GCF volume at experimental sites was significantly higher than at control sites (P <0.01), and the total azithromycin mass in 30‐second GCF samples pooled from experimental sites was significantly higher than at control sites (P <0.02). However, there were no significant differences in azithromycin concentration between the experimental and control pools at any point. Concentrations exceeded 7.3 μg/mL on day 2 and 2.5 μg/mL on day 15.

Conclusion: Azithromycin concentrations are similar in GCF from gingivitis sites and healthy sites, suggesting that the processes that regulate GCF azithromycin concentration can compensate for local inflammatory changes.
The Living Kidney Donor Evaluation
Authors: Kher Ajay , Mandelbrot Didier A.
Published: January 2012

Living kidney donor evaluations and follow-up have previously been addressed mostly by transplant physicians and surgeons. However, this area is significantly informed by basic principles of renal physiology and is of increasing clinical interest to general nephrologists. The general nephrology community is increasingly involved in evaluating the suitability of potential donors and in following them after donation when questions are raised about low GFR, hypertension, and other renal concerns. This article focuses on some of the most central and common issues that arise in evaluating potential donors and attempts to provide guidance on the basis of our review of the living donor literature, extrapolations from the general nephrology literature, and our own clinical experience.
Editorial Board Decision
Authors: Editorial Board
Published: January 2012

At the regular session of the Editorial Board of the international scientific journal, Archives of Biological Sciences (ABS), held on 8 November 2010, the following were unanimously agreed upon decisions on following articles:

 Art 1. detected autoplagiarism,  Link to the article 10.2298/ABS0502093K
 Art 2. detected autoplagiarism,  Link to the article 10.2298/ABS1002397K
 Art 3. detected autoplagiarism,  Link to the article 10.2298/ABS1001159M
 Art 4. detected autoplagiarism,  Link to the article 10.2298/ABS1001167S
 Art 5. withdrawn; published twice because of tehnical error,  Link to the article 10.2298/ABS1002347R
 Art 6. withdrawn; due to a printing error,  Link to the article 10.2298/ABS1002231K
Gummy smile and facial profile correction using miniscrew anchorage
Authors: Kaku Masato , Kojima Shunichi , Sumi Hiromi , Koseki Hiroyuki , Abedini Sara , Motokawa Masahide , Fujita Tadashi , Ohtani Junji , Kawata Toshitsugu , Tanne Kazuo
Published: January 2012

This case report describes the treatment of a case involving a skeletal Class II facial profile with a gummy smile. While treating a facial profile and a gummy smile, the outcome may not always be successful with orthodontic therapy alone. For this reason, surgical therapy is often chosen to gain an esthetic facial profile and a good smile. However, sometimes the patients reject surgical treatment and an alternative method must be considered. Skeletal anchorage systems such as miniscrews are now frequently used for correcting severe malocclusion that should be treated by surgical therapy. In this case report, we treated a skeletal Class II malocclusion with a convex profile and a gummy smile using miniscrews, which were placed in the upper posterior and anterior areas. The active treatment period was 3.5 years, and the patient's teeth continued to be stable after a retention period of 36 months.
The Future Science
Authors: Dhakal Dipesh
Published: January 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njb.v2i1.5633Nepal Journal of Biotechnology Dec.2011, Vol.2(1)
Endoscopic endonasal approach to cholesterol granulomas of the petrous apex: a series of 17 patients
Authors: Paluzzi Alessandro , Gardner Paul , Fernandez-Miranda Juan C. , Pinheiro-Neto Carlos D. , Scopel Tiago Fernando , Koutourousiou Maria , Snyderman Carl H.
Published: January 2012

Object

The aim of this study was to report the results in a consecutive series of patients who had undergone an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for drainage of a petrous apex cholesterol granuloma (CG).

Methods

Seventeen cases with a confirmed diagnosis of petrous apex CG were identified from a database of more than 1600 patients who had undergone an EEA to skull base lesions at the authors' institution in the period from 1998 to 2011. Clinical outcomes were reviewed and compared with those in previous studies of open approaches.

Results

Nine patients underwent a transclival approach and 8 patients underwent a combined transclival and infrapetrous approach. A Silastic stent was used in 11 patients (65%), a miniflap in 4 (24%), and a simple marsupialization of the cyst in 3 (18%). All symptomatic patients had partial or complete improvement of their symptoms postoperatively and at the follow-up (mean follow-up 20 months, range 3–67 months). Complications developed in 3 patients (18%) including epistaxis, chronic serous otitis media, eye dryness, and a transient sixth cranial nerve palsy. Two patients (12%) had a symptomatic recurrence of the cyst requiring repeat endoscopic endonasal drainage. There were no instances of internal carotid artery injuries, CSF leaks, or new hearing loss. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 2 days (range 0.7–4.6 days). These results were comparable with those in previous studies of open approaches to petrous apex CGs.

There was a strong correlation between the size of the cyst and the type of approach chosen (Rpb [point biserial correlation coefficient] = +0.67, p = 0.003359) and a very strong correlation between the degree of medial extension (defined by the V-angle) and the choice of approach (Rpb = +0.81, p < 0.0001). Based on these observations, the authors developed an algorithm for guiding the choice of the most appropriate route of drainage.

Conclusions

The EEA is a safe and effective alternative to traditional open approaches to petrous apex CGs.
Reduction of catheter-associated urinary tract infections among patients in a neurological intensive care unit: a single institution's success
Authors: Titsworth W. Lee , Hester Jeannette , Correia Tom , Reed Richard , Williams Miranda , Guin Peggy , Layon A. Joseph , Archibald Lennox K. , Mocco J
Published: January 2012

Object

To date, there has been a shortage of evidence-based quality improvement initiatives that have shown positive outcomes in the neurosurgical patient population. A single-institution prospective intervention trial with continuous feedback was conducted to investigate the implementation of a urinary tract infection (UTI) prevention bundle to decrease the catheter-associated UTI rate.

Methods

All patients admitted to the adult neurological intensive care unit (neuro ICU) during a 30-month period were included. The study consisted of two 1-month preintervention observation periods (approximately 1200 catheter days) followed by a 30-month intervention phase (20,394 catheter days). A comprehensive evidence-based UTI bundle encompassing avoidance of catheter insertion, maintenance of sterility, product standardization, and early catheter removal was enacted.

Results

The urinary catheter utilization rate dropped from 100% to 73.3% during the intervention phase (p < 0.0001) without any increase in the rate of sacral decubitus ulcers or other skin breakdown. The rate of catheter-associated UTI was also significantly reduced from 13.3 to 4.0 infections per 1000 catheter days (p < 0.001). There was a linear relationship between the decreased quarterly catheter utilization rate and the decreased catheter-associated UTI rate (r2 = 0.79, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

This single-center prospective study demonstrated that a comprehensive UTI prevention bundle along with a continuous quality improvement program can significantly reduce the duration of urinary catheterization and rate of catheter-associated UTI in a neuro ICU.
A New Method to Determine Antigen-Specific CD8+ T Cell Activity in Vivo by Hydrodynamic Injection
Authors: Rai Urvashi , Huang Jing , Mishra Satish , Li Xiangming , Shiratsuchi Takayuki , Tsuji Moriya
Published: January 2012

Hydrodynamic tail vein (HTV) delivery is a simple and rapid tail vein injection method of a high volume of naked plasmid DNA resulting in high levels of foreign gene expression in organs, especially the liver. Compared to other organs, HTV delivery results in more than a 1000-fold higher transgene expression in liver. After being bitten by malaria-infected mosquitoes, malaria parasites transiently infect the host liver and form the liver stages. The liver stages are known to be the key target for CD8+ T cells that mediate protective anti-malaria immunity in an animal model. Therefore, in this study, we utilized the HTV delivery technique as a tool to determine the in vivo cytotoxic effect of malaria antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. Two weeks after mice were immunized with recombinant adenoviruses expressing malarial antigens, the immunized mice as well as naïve mice were challenged by HTV delivery of naked plasmid DNA co-encoding respective antigen together with luciferase using dual promoters. Three days after the HTV challenge, non-invasive whole-body bioluminescent imaging was performed. The images demonstrate in vivo activity of CD8+ T cells against malaria antigen-expressing cells in liver.
Theory of Photoinduced Phase Transitions in Molecular Conductors: Interplay Between Correlated Electrons, Lattice Phonons and Molecular Vibrations
Authors: Yonemitsu Kenji
Published: January 2012

Dynamics of photoinduced phase transitions in molecular conductors are reviewed from the perspective of interplay between correlated electrons and phonons. (1) The charge-transfer complex TTF-CA shows a transition from a neutral paraelectric phase to an ionic ferroelectric phase. Lattice phonons promote this photoinduced transition by preparing short-range lattice dimerization as a precursor. Molecular vibrations stabilize the neutral phase so that the ionic phase, when realized, possesses a large ionicity and the Mott character; (2) The organic salts θ-(BEDT-TTF)2RbZn(SCN)4 and α-(BEDT-TTF)2I3 show transitions from a charge-ordered insulator to a metal. Lattice phonons make this photoinduced transition hard for the former salt only. Molecular vibrations interfere with intermolecular transfers of correlated electrons at an early stage; (3) The organic salt κ-(d-BEDT-TTF)2Cu[N(CN)2]Br shows a transition from a Mott insulator to a metal. Lattice phonons modulating intradimer transfer integrals enable photoexcitation-energy-dependent transition pathways through weakening of effective interaction and through introduction of carriers.
A Land Use Planning Ontology: LBCS
Authors: Montenegro Nuno , Gomes Jorge C. , Urbano Paulo , Duarte José P.
Published: January 2012

Urban planning has a considerable impact on the economic performance of cities and on the quality of life of their populations. Efficiency at this level has been hampered by the lack of integrated tools to adequately describe urban space in order to formulate appropriate design solutions. This paper describes an ontology called LBCS-OWL2 specifically developed to overcome this flaw, based on the Land Based Classification Standards (LBCS), a comprehensive and detailed land use standard to describe the different dimensions of urban space. The goal is to provide semantic and computer-readable land use descriptions of geo-referenced spatial data. This will help to make programming strategies available to those involved in the urban development process. There are several advantages to transferring a land use standard to an OWL2 land use ontology: it is modular, it can be shared and reused, it can be extended and data consistency maintained, and it is ready for integration, thereby supporting the interoperability of different urban planning applications. This standard is used as a basic structure for the “City Information Modelling” (CIM) model developed within a larger research project called City Induction, which aims to develop a tool for urban planning and design.