bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum mechanics on ${\mathbb Q}/{\mathbb Z}$Q/Z
Authors: Vourdas A.
Published: June 2011

Quantum mechanics with positions in \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\mathbb Q}/{\mathbb Z}$\end{document}Q/Z and momenta in \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\widehat{\mathbb Z}}$\end{document}Ẑ is considered. Displacement operators and coherent states, parity operators, Wigner and Weyl functions, and time evolution are discussed. The restriction of the formalism to certain finite subspaces is equivalent to Good's factorization of quantum mechanics on \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\mathbb Z}(q)$\end{document}Z(q).
The effect of Brownian motion of fluorescent probes on measuring nanoscale distances by Förster resonance energy transfer
Authors: Badali Daniel , Gradinaru Claudiu C.
Published: June 2011

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a powerful optical technique to determine intra-molecular distances. However, the dye rotational motion and the linker flexibility complicate the relationship between the measured energy transfer efficiency and the distance between the anchoring points of the dyes. In this study, we present a simple model that describes the linker and dye dynamics as diffusion on a sphere. Single-pair energy transfer was treated in the weak excitation limit, photon statistics and scaffold flexibility were ignored, and different time-averaging regimes were considered. Despite the approximations, our model provides new insights for experimental designs and results interpretation in single-molecule FRET. Monte Carlo simulations produced distributions of the inter-dye distance, the dipole orientation factor, κ2, and the transfer efficiency, E, which were in perfect agreement with independently derived theoretical functions. Contrary to common perceptions, our data show that longer linkers will actually restrict the motion of dye dipoles and hence worsen the isotropic 2/3 approximation of κ2. It is also found that the thermal motions of the dye-linker system cause fast and large efficiency fluctuations, as shown by the simulated FRET time-trajectories binned on a microsecond time scale. A fundamental resolution limit of single-molecule FRET measurements emerges around 1–10 μs, which should be considered for the interpretation of data recorded on such fast time scales.
High-resolution heterodyne spectroscopy using a tunable quantum cascade laser around 3.5 THz
Authors: Ren Y. , Hovenier J. N. , Higgins R. , Gao J. R. , Klapwijk T. M. , Shi S. C. , Klein B. , Kao T.-Y. , Hu Q. , Reno J. L.
Published: June 2011

A frequency tunable terahertz heterodyne spectrometer, based on a third-order distributed feedback quantum cascade laser as a local oscillator, has been demonstrated by measuring molecular spectral lines of methanol (CH3OH) gas at 3.5 THz. By varying the bias voltage of the laser, we achieved a tuning range of ∼1 GHz of the lasing frequency, within which the molecular spectral lines were recorded. The measured spectra show excellent agreement with modeled ones. By fitting we derived the lasing frequency for each bias voltage accurately. The ultimate performance of the receiver including the resolution of noise temperature and frequency is also addressed.
PKC-dependent coupling of calcium permeation through transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3) to calcineurin signaling in HL-1 myocytes
Authors: Poteser Michael , Schleifer Hannes , Lichtenegger Michaela , Schernthaner Michaela , Stockner Thomas , Kappe C. Oliver , Glasnov Toma N. , Romanin Christoph , Groschner Klaus
Published: June 2011

Cardiac transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels are crucial upstream components of Ca
2+
/calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling, thereby controlling cardiac transcriptional programs. The linkage between TRPC-mediated Ca
2+
signals and NFAT activity is still incompletely understood. TRPC conductances may govern calcineurin activity and NFAT translocation by supplying Ca
2+
either directly through the TRPC pore into a regulatory microdomain or indirectly via promotion of voltage-dependent Ca
2+
entry. Here, we show that a point mutation in the TRPC3 selectivity filter (E630Q), which disrupts Ca
2+
permeability but preserves monovalent permeation, abrogates agonist-induced NFAT signaling in HEK293 cells as well as in murine HL-1 atrial myocytes. The E630Q mutation fully retains the ability to convert phospholipase C-linked stimuli into L-type (Ca
V
1.2) channel-mediated Ca
2+
entry in HL-1 cells, thereby generating a dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca
2+
signal that is isolated from the NFAT pathway. Prevention of PKC-dependent modulation of TRPC3 by either inhibition of cellular kinase activity or mutation of a critical phosphorylation site in TRPC3 (T573A), which disrupts targeting of calcineurin into the channel complex, converts cardiac TRPC3-mediated Ca
2+
signaling into a transcriptionally silent mode. Thus, we demonstrate a dichotomy of TRPC-mediated Ca
2+
signaling in the heart constituting two distinct pathways that are differentially linked to gene transcription. Coupling of TRPC3 activity to NFAT translocation requires microdomain Ca
2+
signaling by PKC-modified TRPC3 complexes. Our results identify TRPC3 as a pivotal signaling gateway in Ca
2+
-dependent control of cardiac gene expression.
A probabilistic method for the detection and genotyping of small indels from population-scale sequence data
Authors: Bansal Vikas , Libiger Ondrej
Published: June 2011

Motivation: High-throughput sequencing technologies have made population-scale studies of human genetic variation possible. Accurate and comprehensive detection of DNA sequence variants is crucial for the success of these studies. Small insertions and deletions represent the second most frequent class of variation in the human genome after single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Although several alignment tools for the gapped alignment of sequence reads to a reference genome are available, computational methods for discriminating indels from sequencing errors and genotyping indels directly from sequence reads are needed.

Results: We describe a probabilistic method for the accurate detection and genotyping of short indels from population-scale sequence data. In this approach, aligned sequence reads from a population of individuals are used to automatically account for context-specific sequencing errors associated with indels. We applied this approach to population sequence datasets from the 1000 Genomes exon pilot project generated using the Roche 454 and Illumina sequencing platforms, and were able to detect a significantly greater number of indels than reported previously. Comparison to indels identified in the 1000 Genomes pilot project demonstrated the sensitivity of our method. The consistency in the number of indels and the fraction of indels whose length is a multiple of three across different human populations and two different sequencing platforms indicated that our method has a low false discovery rate. Finally, the method represents a general approach for the detection and genotyping of small-scale DNA sequence variants for population-scale sequencing projects.

Availability: A program implementing this method is available at http://polymorphism.scripps.edu/~vbansal/software/piCALL/

Contact:  vbansal@scripps.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Accuracy of VMS data from Norwegian demersal stern trawlers for estimating trawled areas in the Barents Sea
Authors: Skaar K. L. , Jørgensen T. , Ulvestad B. K. H. , Engås A.
Published: June 2011

Skaar, K. L., Jørgensen, T., Ulvestad, B. K. H., and Engås, A. 2011. Accuracy of VMS data from Norwegian demersal stern trawlers for estimating trawled areas in the Barents Sea. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 1615–1620. The accuracy of vessel monitoring system (VMS) data, used to determine fishing activity in the trawl fishery for gadoids in the Barents Sea, was studied by observer notes and Global Positioning System (GPS) data from two Norwegian vessels in October 2007. A speed rule of 2–5 knots correctly classified 75–80% of the fishing activity and 85–90% of the non-fishing activity. Linear interpolation between hourly VMS recordings underestimated trawl trajectories by 15%. The median haulwise difference between the VMS and the GPS trajectories was ∼500 m. The interpolated VMS data are appropriate for mapping the large-scale distribution of fishing effort and the area impacted, but to link fishing activities with small-scale mapping of benthos, more-frequent VMS-update times and more-refined interpolation techniques are required.
Etomidate: an ‘immunologically safe’ anaesthetic agent
Authors: WATKINS J.
Published: June 2011

A review of the important aspects of immunity and its disturbance by drugs is given, together with a resume of the various immunological pathways involved in adverse anaesthetic reactions. Etomidate is unique amongst anaesthetic drugs in that it does not release plasma histamine. Between 1978 and 1982, five cases of possible reactions involving the use of etomidate were investigated. All involved only immediate widespread cutaneous flushing or urticaria, which was followed in two cases by extensive perioperative vomiting. The direct involvement of etomidate was uncertain. In 1982 two further cases were investigated which also involved hypotension. In both, suxamethonium and/or alcuronium had been used. The first case was repeated uneventfully when etomidate was used with pancuronium. The second case is as yet unresolved but the reaction was again probably caused by the muscle relaxants. The absence of severe reactions, and particularly cardiovascular effects, to etomidate leads the author to recommend its use in high risk patients, such as those with allergy or atopy and in those who have previously exhibited severe anaphylactoid responses.
Use of etomidate in an intensive care unit
Authors: EDBROOKE D. L. , NEWBY D. M. , MATHER S. J.
Published: June 2011

A resumé of two studies and retrospective survey of 52 patients in an intensive care unit receiving infusions of etomidate has demonstrated that the technique can be used effectively and safely to provide sedation in patients requiring artificial ventilation and those breathing spontaneously. In both studies all measured respiratory and cardiovascular indices remained within normal limits. There was a low incidence of muscle movements in all groups and there was no nausea, vomiting, or allergic reactions. Additionally, the technique was readily accepted by the patients.
Experience with etomidate as part of a total intravenous anaesthetic technique
Authors: LEES N.
Published: June 2011

Etomidate and fentanyl have been used in three different ways as part of a total intravenous anaesthetic technique. The results suggest that etomidate and fentanyl should be infused separately. The quality of induction of anaesthesia following a rapid infusion of etomidate was comparable with that following a bolus injection of thiopentone. None of the techniques had a significantly deleterious effect on the cardiovascular system and, where measured, on respiratory, renal or hepatic function.
The impact of maternal post‐partum depression on the language development of children at 12 months
Authors: Quevedo L. A. , Silva R. A. , Godoy R. , Jansen K. , Matos M. B. , Tavares Pinheiro K. A. , Pinheiro R. T.
Published: June 2011

Background  Language is one of the most important acquisitions made during childhood. Before verbal language, a child develops a range of skills and behaviours that allow the child to acquire all communication skills. Factors such as environmental factors, socio‐economic status and interaction with parents can affect the acquisition of vocabulary in children. Post‐partum depression can negatively affect the first interactions with the child and, consequently, the emotional, social and cognitive development of the child.

Objective  To analyse the effect of the duration of the mother's depression on the language development of children at 12 months old.

Methods  This was a longitudinal study. The participants of this study were mothers who had received prenatal care from the Brazilian National System of Public Health in Pelotas city, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The mothers were interviewed at two different time points: from 30 to 90 days after delivery and at 12 months after delivery; the children were also evaluated at this later time point. To diagnose maternal depression, we used the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, and to assess child development, we used the language scale of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development III.

Results  We followed 296 dyads. Maternal depression at both time points (post partum and at 12 months) was significantly associated with the language development of infants at 12 months of age. This impact was accentuated when related to the duration of the disorder. Older women and women with more than two children were more likely to have children with poorer language development, while women who were the primary caregiver had children with higher scores on the language test.

Conclusion  The findings indicate that maternal age, parity, primary caregiver status and duration of post‐partum depression are associated with the language development of the child.
The experiences of Latino siblings of children with developmental disabilities
Authors: Kao B. , Romero‐Bosch L. , Plante W. , Lobato D.
Published: June 2011

Objective  This qualitative study explored the experiences of Latino siblings of children with developmental disabilities.

Methods  Parents and typically developing siblings from 15 Latino families with a child with a developmental disability participated in separate interviews.

Results  Using consensual qualitative research methodology, domains reflecting siblings' relationships, emotional experiences and communication about the disability were identified. The child's need for caregiving was a prominent topic in the sibling and parent narratives. Parents reported concerns about siblings' experience of differential treatment, whereas siblings reported concerns about restricted social activities because of their brother/sister.

Conclusions  Including multiple informants revealed commonalities and differences in parents' and siblings' perspectives on the impact of a child's disability. The importance of considering sibling adaptation in sociocultural context is discussed.
Premature ejaculation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Tarhan F. , Tarhan H. , Karaoğullarından U. , Can E. , Divrik T. , Zorlu F.
Published: June 2011

We aimed to evaluate the premature ejaculation (PE) among ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. Fifty male patients with AS who were diagnosed according to the modified New York criteria and fifty normal healthy controls (NHC) were included in this study. The details of patient age, disease duration, morning stiffness, laboratory activity, disease severity and medication use were obtained by reviewing the medical record. The Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI) was used to measure the functional status of the patients with AS. By taking a careful medical and sexual history, patients were classified as lifelong, natural variable, acquired PE or premature ejaculatory dysfunction. In addition to medical and sexual history, self‐estimated intravaginal ejaculatory latency times (IELT) of patients were used in the classification of patients. To our knowledge, this is the first study of frequency of PE in men with AS. The prevalence rates of PE in patient and healthy controls were 32 and 30%, respectively (p = 0.331). The prevalence of PE was not significantly different between AS patients and NHC groups as regards the four PE syndromes. Average estimated IELT was 10 009 ± 51.9 sec in the PE group and 145.26 ± 43.01 sec in the non‐PE group (p = 0.000). Patients with lifelong PE had a significantly lower mean estimated IELT than the other group (p = 0.000). Patients with premature‐like ejaculatory dysfunction had the highest estimated IELT (p = 0.000). There was a significant association between self‐estimated IELT and distribution of the patients according to the four PE syndromes (p = 0.01). Both AS patients and NHC groups have the same results. The present study demonstrates that PE in men with AS is as prevalent as it is in the general population. Although this study is restricted in terms of the number of patients, it is the first study ever conducted. For more meaningful results, multi centred studies with more patients are required.
Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of State Self‐Esteem Scale: an analysis of data from a cross‐sectional survey of patients in the first four months after stroke
Authors: Chau Janita PC , Thompson David R , Chang Anne M , Woo Jean
Published: June 2011

Aim.  To establish the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the State Self‐Esteem Scale in stroke patients.

Background.  Self‐esteem is seen to enhance peoples’ ability to cope with disease: low self‐esteem may inhibit participation in rehabilitation and thus result in poor health and social outcomes. Although the Chinese version of the State Self‐Esteem Scale has been used as an outcome measure for stroke rehabilitation, no study has examined its factor structure in this patient group.

Design.  A cross‐sectional design.

Methods.  A convenience sample of 265 Chinese stroke patients (mean age 71·4, SD 10·3 years), with a minimum score of 18 out of a possible 30 for the Mini Mental State Exam recruited from two regional rehabilitation hospitals in Hong Kong. An exploratory factor analysis and an internal consistency analysis of the State Self‐Esteem Scale were conducted. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated between the State Self‐Esteem Scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale to determine convergent validity.

Results.  The final factor solution comprised a three‐factor model with correlated constructs and accounted for 49·5% of the total variance. Significant negative correlations were found between the Geriatric Depression Scale and the State Self‐Esteem Scale subscale scores (r−0·31 to −0·55, p < 0·01), indicating that the State Self‐Esteem Scale had acceptable convergent validity. The new three‐factor structure had higher Cronbach’s alphas when compared with the original three‐factor structure.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The State Self‐Esteem Scale appears to be a useful measure for assessing state self‐esteem in stroke patients. To establish the concurrent, discriminative and construct validities, the factor structure of the SSES could be further developed and tested.
A substrate translocation trajectory in a cytoplasm‐facing topological model of the monocarboxylate/H+ symporter Jen1p
Authors: Soares‐Silva Isabel , Sá‐Pessoa Joana , Myrianthopoulos Vassilios , Mikros Emmanuel , Casal Margarida , Diallinas George
Published: June 2011

Previous mutational analysis of Jen1p, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae monocarboxylate/H+ symporter of the Major Facilitator Superfamily, has suggested that the consensus sequence 379NXX[S/T]HX[S/T]QD387 in transmembrane segment VII (TMS‐VII) is part of the substrate translocation pathway. Here, we rationally design, analyse and show that several novel mutations in TMS‐V and TMS‐XI directly modify Jen1p function. Among the residues studied, F270 (TMS‐V) and Q498 (TMS‐XI) are critical specificity determinants for the distinction of mono‐ from dicarboxylates, and N501 (TMS‐XI) is a critical residue for function. Using a model created on the basis of Jen1p similarity with the GlpT permease, we show that all polar residues critical for function within TMS‐VII and TMS‐XI (N379, H383, D387, Q498, N501) are perfectly aligned in an imaginary axis that lies parallel to the protein pore. This model and subsequent mutational analysis further reveal that an additional polar residue facing the pore, R188 (TMS‐II), is irreplaceable for function. Our model also justifies the role of F270 and Q498 in substrate specificity. Finally, docking calculations reveal a ‘trajectory‐like’ substrate displacement within the Jen1p pore, where R188 plays a major dynamic role mediating the orderly relocation of the substrate by subsequent H‐bond interactions involving itself and residues H383, N501 and Q498.
Aural carcinoma with chondroid metaplasia at metastatic sites in a dog
Authors: Romanucci Mariarita , Malatesta Daniela , Marinelli Alessia , Di Lorenzo Pierluigi , Della Salda Leonardo
Published: June 2011

A case of aural carcinoma with chondroid metaplasia at metastatic foci in an 8‐year‐old male pug is described. Multiple metastases in both lungs and the right submandibular, parotid, retropharyngeal, cervical and prescapular lymph nodes were detected. Histologically, the skin of the right ear canal appeared to be diffusely infiltrated by cords and nests of neoplastic epithelial cells, showing multifocal contiguity with the overlying hyperplastic squamous epithelium. Most of the carcinomatous cells were arranged in a glandular‐like pattern, with formation of lumens containing epithelial cells attached to the peripheral cell layer by elongated intercellular bridges. Scattered foci of keratinization with central accumulations of compact, laminated keratin were also observed, and histochemical stains failed to detect mucinous secretory material. Even though histological and histochemical findings were compatible with a diagnosis of acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma, CAM5.2 immunostaining was detectable in the majority, although not all, neoplastic cells, confirming a diagnosis of poorly differentiated ceruminous gland carcinoma. Pulmonary metastatic nodules revealed multifocal areas of cartilaginous metaplasia with apparent transition of carcinomatous cells to chondroid cells, showing nuclear atypia and focal cytokeratin immunostaining. Carcinomatous cells surrounding chondroid areas also revealed focal vimentin and S100 immunoreactivity. Histological evidence of transition between the two components, as well as the presence of intermediate cells displaying both epithelial and mesenchymal immunohistochemical features, strongly indicated a final diagnosis of carcinosarcoma, in which chondrosarcomatous elements were derived from carcinoma cells.
Production performance, stress tolerance and intestinal integrity of sunshine bass fed increasing levels of soybean meal
Authors: Laporte J. , Trushenski J.
Published: June 2011

Soybean meal (SBM) is perhaps the most common fish meal (FM) alternative used in aquafeeds; however, SBM cannot fully replace FM in sunshine bass Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis feeds without impacting growth. Reduced production performance may be the result of subtle changes in morphology and/or physiological status. Accordingly, our objective was to assess growth, gastrointestinal integrity and stress tolerance of sunshine bass fed increasing amounts of SBM. Fish (approximately 14.5 g) were fed diets (14% lipid and 40% protein) containing increasing amounts of SBM at the expense of FM (30% FM, 20% FM, 15% FM, 10% FM, 5% FM and 0% FM) for 8 weeks. As expected, complete replacement of FM reduced growth. Although some signs of enteritis were noted, no significant differences in gut integrity were observed. Following 15‐min low‐water stress challenge, plasma glucose levels were elevated, particularly among fish fed increasing amounts of SBM. Cortisol response was similar, but statistical differences were not resolved for this parameter. Completely replacing FM in feeds for sunshine bass elicits overt reductions in growth. More subtle physiological changes may also result from FM replacement, including alterations in stress tolerance, and these may be important to consider in terms of the suitability of aquafeed formulations and optimal nutrition of sunshine bass.
Effect of a rumen‐protected conjugated linoleic acid mixture on hepatic lipid metabolism in heifers
Authors: Shibani M. , Schlegel G. , Most E. , Schwarz F. J. , Ringseis R. , Eder K.
Published: June 2011

This study was performed to assess the effects of rumen‐protected conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on hepatic lipid metabolism in heifers. In particular, it was of interest whether feeding CLA causes development of fatty liver as observed recently in mice. Thirty‐six growing heifers with an initial body weight of 185 kg were allotted to three treatment groups and fed daily 250 g of different rumen‐protected fats for 16 weeks: The control group received 250 g of a CLA‐free control fat, the CLA100 group received 100 g of a CLA fat containing 2.4% of cis‐9, trans‐11 CLA and 2.1% of trans‐10, cis‐12 CLA and 150 g control fat and the CLA250 group received 250 g of the CLA fat. CLA supplementation had no effect on animal performance parameters, liver weight and hepatic triglyceride concentration. Moreover, mRNA expression of hepatic genes involved in lipogenesis, β‐oxidation and fatty acid transport was not influenced by dietary CLA. The fatty acid composition of hepatic total lipids, with particular consideration of ratios of fatty acids indicative of Δ9‐, Δ6‐ and Δ5‐desaturation, was also less influenced by dietary CLA. In conclusion, the study shows that dietary rumen‐protected CLA has less effect on hepatic lipid metabolism in young heifers and does not induce the development of a fatty liver such as in mice.
Impact of maternal age on the incidence of obstetrical complications in Japan
Authors: Matsuda Yoshio , Kawamichi Yayoi , Hayashi Kunihiko , Shiozaki Arihiro , Satoh Shoji , Saito Shigeru
Published: June 2011

Aim:  To clarify the effect of maternal age on obstetrical complications through a cohort and case‐cohort study.

Methods:  We studied 242 715 births at 125 centers of a perinatal network in Japan from 2001 through 2005 as a base cohort. Women with single pregnancies who delivered after 22 weeks of gestation were included in the study. Six classes of maternal age were selected: <20; 20–24; 25–29; 30–34; 35–39; and ≥40 years. The cohort study was used to investigate whether age is related to obstetrical complications. By random selection 3749 births were determined as a subcohort. Risk ratio (RR) was determined using multivariate analysis in the case‐cohort study.

Results:  The incidence proportion (per 100 births) of pregnancy‐induced hypertension, cervical insufficiency, placenta previa, and placental abruption increased with age, whereas the incidence proportion of preterm labor and chorioamnionitis were higher at younger maternal age. The RR of women in the age groups 35–39 years and ≥40 years (with the reference of 1.0 for women in the age group of 20–34 years) were determined: pregnancy‐induced hypertension, 1.66, 2.55; placenta previa, 1.76, 2.19; and placental abruption, 1.18, 1.5. The RR of preterm labor for women in the age group of <20 years was 1.78.

Conclusion:  The effect of maternal age differs for each obstetrical complication, and thus, it is important to understand these differences for management of individual pregnant patients.
Valproic acid alleviates generalized hyperalgesia in mice with induced adenomyosis
Authors: Liu Xishi , Guo Sun‐Wei
Published: June 2011

Emerging evidence suggests that adenomyosis, like endometriosis, may also be an epigenetic disease. In this study, we evaluated the effect of valproic acid (VPA) in ICR mice with adenomyosis, induced by neonatal dosing with tamoxifen. For all mice, we evaluated the bodyweight and the response to thermal stimuli by hotplate and tail‐flick tests 4, 8, and 12 weeks after dosing, respectively, and then treated mice with low‐ and high‐dose of VPA, progesterone (P4), P4 + VPA, or vehicle only. Three weeks after treatment, both bodyweight and thermal response tests were evaluated again before sacrifice, and the depth of myometrial infiltration was evaluated. We found that: (i) the induction of adenomyosis resulted in progressive generalized hyperalgesia as measured by hotplate and tail‐flick tests, along with decreased bodyweight; (ii) treatment with VPA, P4, or a combination was efficacious in improving generalized hyperalgesia; and (iii) drug treatment appeared to reduce the myometrial infiltration, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Thus, VPA seems to be a promising therapeutics for treating adenomyosis, as reported recently in some case series in humans.
Bridging Conversations: Discussing the Intra‐professional Relationship between Medical Family Therapy and Family Therapy
Authors: Marlowe Daniel
Published: June 2011

This article examines the conceptual and practice relationship between medical family therapy (MedFT) and its parent field, family therapy, with MedFT viewed as the extension of relational sense‐making and understanding into a specific venue; that of medicine. The extension of this relational meaning system into medicine is typified by the ability of the therapist to negotiate and connect three main areas of conceptual difference that often account for conflictual relationships between mental and biomedical healthcare providers: (i) patient and provider conceptualizations of issues and goals, (ii) linear and circular understanding of issues and goals and (iii) consultative and expert positions on issues and goals. Two case examples are offered to describe how these three areas of tension are reconciled in practice.
Immanent and Interventionist Inland Asian Aquaculture Development and its Outcomes
Authors: Belton Ben , Little David C.
Published: June 2011

Aquaculture is equated with the reduction of poverty by intergovernmental agencies such as the FAO, which advocate the promotion of small‐scale aquaculture through project‐based interventions. There is a lack of convincing empirical evidence to support the efficacy of this type of intervention, however. Meanwhile, commercial cultured freshwater fish production has increased hugely throughout Asia, despite limited direct donor or government support. Its impact with respect to poverty also remains ambiguous, however. This article critically evaluates the developmental impacts of both immanent and interventionist forms of aquaculture and advances finely nuanced interpretations of both.
Access to Water in the Slums of Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Dagdeviren Hulya , Robertson Simon A.
Published: June 2011

This article reviews the changing perspectives for improving access to water in the slums of developing countries, especially in sub‐Saharan Africa. While much of the literature continues to maintain an aversion to state‐led urban development policies, there is now increasing emphasis on the importance of informal, small‐scale providers and communitarian initiatives, following the many failures of privatisation. The article argues that market‐oriented solutions are inappropriate for sub‐Saharan African countries where over two‐thirds of the urban population live in squatter settlements with multidimensional challenges.
The Wrong and the Right: A Comparative Analysis of ‘Anti-Immigration’ and ‘Far Right’ Parties
Authors: van Spanje Joost
Published: June 2011

Across Western Europe, parties have emerged that are both right wing and in favour of restrictions on immigration. These parties are commonly referred to in terms of either ideology (e.g. ‘far right’) or policy (‘anti-immigration’). This article compares far right parties, selected on the basis of their ideologies, and anti-immigration parties, selected based on their immigration policies. I argue and empirically demonstrate that, contrary to what the extant literature suggests, these sets of parties are not identical. I point out similarities and differences, showing why it is useful to distinguish between these two types of party. The article concludes by discussing the relevance of these differences to the relevant literature.
When Democracies Fail
Authors: Chou Mark
Published: June 2011

Despite democracy's universal appeal, democracies have frequently suffered from debilitating crises, often of their own making. Sometimes, they have even self-destructed. Why is this the case and how might we respond to democracies that fail? In this article, I review five recent works which provide new answers as well as new provocations to these questions. In particular, I argue that there are three interrelated categories of reasons and responses prevalent in the literature on democratic failure. The first category intimates that democracies fail for reasons that have to do with unresolved institutional, socio-economic or political problems and that, as such, the best response is to seek to remove these impediments to democratic consolidation. The second category of literature, however, argues that there are certain conditions and characteristics intrinsic to democracy that make it prone to fail and self-destruct. Democracies that seek to guard against this possibility are those that are paradoxically the least democratic. This leads to the third category: studies that acknowledge democracy's inherent weaknesses and seek to overcome them through a call for anti-democratic alternatives. Foregrounding these categories is, I argue, crucial not only for improving our understanding of how and why democracies decline and then perish. It also provides us with a better glimpse into the very nature of democracy itself.
Pharmacist prescribing in primary care: the views of patients across Great Britain who had experienced the service
Authors: Stewart Derek C , MacLure Katie , Bond Christine M , Cunningham Scott , Diack Lesley , George Johnson , McCaig Dorothy J
Published: June 2011

Objective

To evaluate the views of patients across primary care settings in Great Britain who had experienced pharmacist prescribing.

Methods

All Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) prescribers (n = 1622) were invited to participate. Those consenting were asked to invite up to five consecutive patients who had experienced their prescribing to participate. Patients were mailed one questionnaire and a reminder. The questionnaire included five sections: demographics; you and your pharmacist prescriber; you and your general practitioner; your views and experiences based on your most recent pharmacist prescriber consultation; and additional views.

Key findings

Of the 482 (29.7%) pharmacists who responded, 92 (19.1%) were eligible to participate, of whom 49 (53.3%) consented. Of those excluded, 193 (49.5%) were prescribing in secondary care and 171 (43.8%) were not prescribing. Between September 2009 and March 2010, 143 patients were recruited.

Patient response rate was 73.4% (n = 105/143). Consultation settings were largely general practice (85.7%) or community pharmacy (11.4%). Attitudes were overwhelmingly positive with the vast majority agreeing/strongly agreeing that they were totally satisfied with their consultation and confident that their pharmacist prescribed as safely as their general practitioner (GP). Pharmacists were considered approachable and thorough, and most would recommend consulting a pharmacist prescriber. A slightly smaller majority would prefer to consult their GP if they thought their condition was getting worse and a small minority felt that there had been insufficient privacy and time for all their queries to be answered.

Conclusions

Patients were satisfied with, and confident in the skills of, pharmacist prescribers. However, the sample was small, may be biased and the findings lack generalisability.
Temporal Development of the Infant Gut Microbiota in Immunoglobulin E-Sensitized and Nonsensitized Children Determined by the GA-Map Infant Array
Authors: Vebø Heidi C. , Sekelja Monika , Nestestog Ragnhild , Storrø Ola , Johnsen Roar , Øien Torbjørn , Rudi Knut
Published: June 2011

At birth, the human infant gut is sterile, but it becomes fully colonized within a few days. This initial colonization process has a major impact on immune development. Our knowledge about the correlations between aberrant colonization patterns and immunological diseases, however, is limited. The aim of the present work was to develop the GA-map (Genetic Analysis microbiota array platform) infant array and to use this array to compare the temporal development of the gut microbiota in IgE-sensitized and nonsensitized children during the first 2 years of life. The GA-map infant array is composed of highly specific 16S rRNA gene-targeted single nucleotide primer extension (SNuPE) probes, which were designed based on extensive infant 16S rRNA gene sequence libraries. For the clinical screening, we analyzed 216 fecal samples collected from a cohort of 47 infants (16 sensitized and 31 nonsensitized) from 1 day to 2 years of age. The results showed that at a high taxonomic level,
Actinobacteria
was significantly overrepresented at 4 months while
Firmicutes
was significantly overrepresented at 1 year for the sensitized children. At a lower taxonomic level, for the sensitized group, we found that
Bifidobacterium longum
was significantly overrepresented at the age of 1 year and
Enterococcus
at the age of 4 months. For most phyla, however, there were consistent differences in composition between age groups, irrespective of the sensitization state. The main age patterns were a rapid decrease in staphylococci from 10 days to 4 months and a peak of bifidobacteria and bacteroides at 4 months. In conclusion, our analyses showed consistent microbiota colonization and IgE sensitization patterns that can be important for understanding both normal and diseased immunological development in infants.
Effects of Progesterone and Estradiol Sex Hormones on the Release of Microparticles by RAW 264.7 Macrophages Stimulated by Poly(I:C)
Authors: Pisetsky David S. , Spencer Diane M.
Published: June 2011

Microparticles (MPs) are small membrane-bound vesicles that display proinflammatory and prothrombotic properties. These particles can be released by macrophages stimulated by ligands of the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in a process that depends on nitric oxide (NO) production. Since sex hormones can modulate macrophage responses, we investigated the effects of progesterone and estradiol on macrophage particle releasein vitro, comparing the responses with those induced by the glucocorticoid dexamethasone. As a model system for particle release, RAW 264.7 cells were stimulatedin vitrowith poly(I:C), a ligand of TLR3. Microparticles were measured by flow cytometry, while NO was measured by the Griess reaction. As the results of these studies showed, progesterone but not estradiol can block particle release by RAW264.7 cells treated with poly(I:C); dexamethasone was also active. Furthermore, while progesterone and dexamethasone inhibited NO production under the same culture conditions, neither agent blocked the production of particles stimulated by the NO donors dipropylenetriamine NONOate {(z)-1-[N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-(3-ammoniopropyl)amino] diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate} and (z)-1-[(2-aminoethyl)-N-(2-ammonioethyl)amino] diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate. Studies using RU486 to assess the role of hormone receptors indicated that while this agent blocked the inhibition of particle and NO production by dexamethasone, it did not affect the inhibition by progesterone. Together, these results indicate that progesterone but not estradiol can inhibit particle release by stimulated macrophages and suggest a mechanism that may contribute to the immunomodulatory effects of this sex hormone.
Evaluation of High-Resolution Typing Methods for Chlamydia trachomatis in Samples from Heterosexual Couples
Authors: Bom Reinier J. M. , Christerson Linus , Schim van der Loeff Maarten F. , Coutinho Roel A. , Herrmann Björn , Bruisten Sylvia M.
Published: June 2011

We aimed to compare conventional
ompA
typing of
Chlamydia trachomatis
with multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA). Previously used MLST and MLVA systems were compared to modified versions that used shorter target regions and nested PCR. Heterosexual couples were selected from among persons with urogenital
C. trachomatis
infections visiting the sexually transmitted infection outpatient clinic in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. We identified 30 couples with a total of 65
C. trachomatis
-positive samples on which MLST and MLVA for eight target regions were performed. All regions were successfully sequenced in 52 samples, resulting in a complete profile for 18 couples and 12 individuals. Nine
ompA
genovars from D to K, with two variants of genovar G, were found. The numbers of sequence type and MLVA type profiles were 20 for MLST and 21 for MLVA, and a combination of MLST and MLVA yielded 28 profiles, with discriminatory indexes (
D
) ranging from 0.95 to 0.99. Partners in 17 couples shared identical profiles, while partners in 1 couple had completely different profiles. Three persons had infections at multiple anatomical locations, and within each of these three individuals, all profiles were identical. The discriminatory capacity of all MLST and MLVA methods is much higher than that of
ompA
genotyping (
D
= 0.78). No genotype variation was found within the samples of the same person or from heterosexual couples with a putative single transmission. This shows that the chlamydial genome in clinical specimens has an appropriate polymorphism to enable epidemiological cluster analysis using MLST and MLVA.
Development of a Highly Sensitive Genus-Specific Quantitative Reverse Transcriptase Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection and Quantitation of Plasmodium by Amplifying RNA and DNA of the 18S rRNA Genes
Authors: Kamau Edwin , Tolbert LaDonna S. , Kortepeter Luke , Pratt Michael , Nyakoe Nancy , Muringo Linda , Ogutu Bernard , Waitumbi John N. , Ockenhouse Christian F.
Published: June 2011

A highly sensitive genus-specific quantitative reverse transcriptase real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay for detection of
Plasmodium
has been developed. The assay amplifies total nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) of the 18S rRNA genes with a limit of detection of 0.002 parasite/μl using cultured synchronized ring stage 3D7 parasites. Parasite densities as low as 0.000362 parasite/μl were detected when analyzing clinical samples. Analysis of clinical samples showed that detection of 18S rRNA genes from total nucleic acids increased the analytical sensitivity of the assay by more than 1 log unit compared to DNA only. When clinical samples with no parasites present by microscopy were analyzed by qRT-PCR, 90% (117 of 130) were positive for the presence of
Plasmodium
nucleic acids. Quantification of clinical samples by qRT-PCR using total nucleic acid versus DNA was compared to microscopy. There was a significantly greater correlation of parasite density to microscopy when DNA alone was used than with total nucleic acid. We conclude that analysis of total nucleic acids by qRT-PCR is a suitable assay for detection of low parasite levels in patients with early-stage malaria and/or submicroscopic infections and could greatly benefit malaria diagnosis, intervention trials, and malaria control and elimination efforts.
Early Detection of Colonization by VIM-1-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and NDM-1-Producing Escherichia coli in Two Children Returning to France
Authors: Birgy André , Doit Catherine , Mariani-Kurkdjian Patricia , Genel Nathalie , Faye Albert , Arlet Guillaume , Bingen Edouard
Published: June 2011

Rapid identification of metallo-β-lactamase-producing Gram-negative species is crucial for the timely implementation of infection control measures. We describe two pediatric cases in which colonization by VIM-1- and New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
was rapidly detected by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Phenotypic methods can be useful for routine detection of carbapenemase production.
Comparison of Serial Hepatitis C Virus Detection in Samples Submitted through Serology for Reflex Confirmation versus Samples Directly Submitted for Quantitation
Authors: Gale Howard B. , Dufour D. Robert , Qazi Nazia N. , Kan Virginia L.
Published: June 2011

Using real-time technology, we reliably identified chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and quantified virus from reflex samples originally submitted for serologic testing. There was no need to process specimens obtained directly for quantitation separately. Whether the initial source is a reflex sample or one obtained directly, a repeat HCV RNA test is needed before starting treatment.
Molecular Detection and Identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex and Four Clinically Important Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Species in Smear-Negative Clinical Samples by the GenoType Mycobacteria Direct Test
Authors: Bicmen Can , Gunduz Ayriz T. , Coskun Meral , Senol Gunes , Cirak A. Kadri , Ozsoz Ayse
Published: June 2011

Although the sensitivity and specificity of nucleic acid amplification assays are high with smear-positive samples, the sensitivity with smear-negative and extrapulmonary samples for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in suspicious tuberculosis cases still remains to be investigated. This study evaluates the performance of the GenoType Mycobacteria Direct (GTMD) test for rapid molecular detection and identification of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex and four clinically important nontuberculous mycobacteria (
M. avium
,
M. intracellulare
,
M. kansasii
, and
M. malmoense
) in smear-negative samples. A total of 1,570 samples (1,103 bronchial aspiration, 127 sputum, and 340 extrapulmonary samples) were analyzed. When we evaluated the performance criteria in combination with a positive culture result and/or the clinical outcome of the patients, the overall sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were found to be 62.4, 99.5, 95.9, and 93.9%, respectively, whereas they were 63.2, 99.4, 95.7, and 92.8%, respectively, for pulmonary samples and 52.9, 100, 100, and 97.6%, respectively, for extrapulmonary samples. Among the culture-positive samples which had
Mycobacterium
species detectable by the GTMD test, three samples were identified to be
M. intracellulare
and one sample was identified to be
M. avium.
However, five
M. intracellulare
samples and an
M. kansasii
sample could not be identified by the molecular test and were found to be negative. The GTMD test has been a reliable, practical, and easy tool for rapid diagnosis of smear-negative pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis so that effective precautions may be taken and appropriate treatment may be initiated. However, the low sensitivity level should be considered in the differentiation of suspected tuberculosis and some other clinical condition until the culture result is found to be negative and a true picture of the clinical outcome is obtained.
Nonvirion Protein of Novirhabdovirus Suppresses Apoptosis at the Early Stage of Virus Infection
Authors: Ammayappan Arun , Vakharia Vikram N.
Published: June 2011

Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) and infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) are members of the genus
Novirhabdovirus
within the
Rhabdoviridae
family, which can cause severe hemorrhagic disease in fresh- and saltwater fish worldwide. These viruses carry an additional nonvirion (NV) gene, which codes for the nonstructural NV protein that has been implicated to play a role in viral pathogenesis. To determine the precise biological function of this NV gene and its gene product, we generated NV-deficient and NV knockout recombinant VHSVs, using reverse genetics. Comparisons of the replication kinetics and markers for virus-induced apoptosis indicated that the NV-deficient and NV knockout mutant viruses induce apoptosis earlier in cell culture than the wild-type recombinant VHSV. These results suggest that the NV protein has an antiapoptotic function at the early stage of virus infection. Furthermore, we created a chimeric VHSV, in which the NV gene of VHSV was replaced by the IHNV NV gene, which was capable of suppressing apoptosis in cell culture. These results show that the NV protein of other members of
Novirhabdovirus
can restore the NV protein function. In this study, we also investigated the kinetics of VHSV replication during a single round of viral replication and examined the mechanism of VHSV-induced apoptosis. Our results show that VHSV infection induced caspases 3, 8 and 9 in cell culture.