bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity among Toxoplasma gondii strains from different hosts and geographical regions revealed by sequence analysis of GRA5 gene
Authors: Chen Jia , Li Zhong-Yuan , Zhou Dong-Hui , Liu Guo-Hua , Zhu Xing-Quan 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background

Toxoplasma gondii is a highly prevalent protozoan parasite infecting a wide range of animals and humans. The epidemiological and biological diversity of T. gondii has resulted in a high genetic variation and unusual population structure in this parasite. This study examined sequence diversity in dense granule 5 (GRA5) gene among T. gondii isolates from different hosts and geographical regions.

Methods
The entire genome region of the GRA5 gene was amplified and sequenced from 14 T. gondii isolates, and phylogenetic relationship among these T. gondii isolates was reconstructed using Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum parsimony (MP) based on the GRA5 sequences.

Results
The complete sequence of the GRA5 gene was 1614 bp in length for strains TgCatBr5 and MAS, but 1617 bp for the other 12 strains. Sequence analysis identified 41 (0–1.7%) variable nucleotide positions among all isolates, with 18 variations of these being in the coding region. Variable positions in the coding region resulted in 11 amino acid substitutions, and a deletion of 3 bp in the strains TgCatBr5 and MAS leading to the deletion of one amino acid. Sequence variations resulted in the existence of polymorphic restriction sites for endonucleases Aat II and Mlu I, allowing the differentiation of the three major clonal lineage types I, II and III by PCR-RFLP. Phylogenetic analyses using BI and MP supported the clear differentiation of the examined T. gondii strains into their respective genotypes.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated the existence of sequence variability in the GRA5 gene sequence among T. gondii isolates from different hosts and geographical regions, which allowed the differentiation of the examined T. gondii strains into their respective genotypes, suggesting that this highly polymorphic GRA5 locus may provide a new genetic marker for population genetic studies of T. gondii isolates.
A patient with Graves’ disease showing only psychiatric symptoms and negativity for both TSH receptor autoantibody and thyroid stimulating antibody
Authors: Hamasaki Hidetaka , Yoshimi Taro , Yanai Hidekatsu 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Both thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid stimulating antibody (TSAb) negative Graves’s disease (GD) is extremely rare. Here we present such a patient.

Case presentation
The patient was a 76-year-old woman who was diagnosed as having schizophrenia forty years ago. She did not show characteristic symptoms for hyperthyroidism, such as swelling of thyroid, exophthalmos, tachycardia and tremor, however, she showed only psychomotor agitation. Serum free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine levels were elevated and TSH level was suppressed, suggesting the existence of hyperthyroidism. However, both the first generation TSH receptor autoantibody (TRAb1) and the thyroid stimulating autoantibody (TSAb) were negative. Slightly increased blood flow and swelling was detected by thyroid echography. Thyroid scintigraphy demonstrated diffuse and remarkably elevated uptake of 123I uptake. Finally, we diagnosed her as having GD. She was treated by using methimazole, and hyperthyroidism and her psychiatric symptoms were promptly ameliorated.

Discussion
We experienced a patient with GD who did not show characteristic symptoms except for psychiatric symptoms, and also showed negativity for both TRAb1 and TSAb. Thyroid autoantibody-negative GD is extremely rare. Thyroid scintigraphy was useful to diagnose such a patient.
The trauma patient in hemorrhagic shock: how is the C-priority addressed between emergency and ICU admission?
Authors: Peiniger Sigune , Paffrath Thomas , Mutschler Manuel , Brockamp Thomas , Borgmann Matthew , Spinella Philip C , Bouillon Bertil , Maegele Marc ,   TraumaRegister DGU
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Trauma is the leading cause of death in young people with an injury related mortality rate of 47.6/100,000 in European high income countries. Early deaths often result from rapidly evolving and deteriorating secondary complications e.g. shock, hypoxia or uncontrolled hemorrhage. The present study assessed how well ABC priorities (A: Airway, B: Breathing/Ventilation and C: Circulation with hemorrhage control) with focus on the C-priority including coagulation management are addressed during early trauma care and to what extent these priorities have been controlled for prior to ICU admission among patients arriving to the ER in states of moderate or severe hemorrhagic shock.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of data documented in the TraumaRegister of the ‘Deutsche Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie’ (TR-DGU®) was conducted. Relevant clinical and laboratory parameters reflecting status and basic physiology of severely injured patients (ISS ≥ 25) in either moderate or severe shock according to base excess levels (BE -2 to -6 or BE < -6) as surrogate for shock and hemorrhage combined with coagulopathy (Quick’s value <70%) were analyzed upon ER arrival and ICU admission.

Results
A total of 517 datasets was eligible for analysis. Upon ICU admission shock was reversed to BE > -2 in 36.4% and in 26.4% according to the subgroups. Two of three patients with initially moderate shock and three out of four patients with severe shock upon ER arrival were still in shock upon ICU admission. All patients suffered from coagulation dysfunction upon ER arrival (Quick’s value ≤ 70%). Upon ICU admission 3 out of 4 patients in both groups still had a disturbed coagulation function. The number of patients with significant thrombocytopenia had increased 5-6 fold between ER and ICU admission.

Conclusion
The C-priority including coagulation management was not adequately addressed during primary survey and initial resuscitation between ER and ICU admission, in this cohort of severely injured patients.
The effect of cassia fistula emulsion on pediatric functional constipation in comparison with mineral oil: a randomized, clinical trial
Authors: Mozaffarpur Seyyed Ali , Naseri Mohsen , Esmaeilidooki Mohammad Reza , Kamalinejad Mohammad , Bijani Ali 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
The prevalence of Pediatric Functional Constipation (FC) has been reported between 0.7% to 29.6%. This study was conducted to compare the laxative effect of cassia fistula emulsion (CFE) with mineral oil (MO) on FC. Cassia fistula is named in Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM) as “Folus”.

Materials and methods
A randomized clinical trial was carried on 81 children (age range: 4–13 years) with FC, according to Rome III criteria in Amirkola Children’s Hospital, Babol, Iran. They received CFE or MO randomly for three weeks. CFE was produced according to the order of TIM references. Children were counted as improved when they exited from Rome III criteria of FC. Frequency of defecation, fecal incontinence, retentive posturing, severity of pain, consistency of stool and anal leakage of oily material were compared between the two groups and with baselines. An intent-to-treat analysis was used. Safety of drugs was assessed with the evaluation of clinical adverse effects.

Results
41 children were assigned randomly to receive CFE and 40 children received MO. After three weeks of medication, 84% of children in CFE group and 50% in MO group (p = 0.002) exited from the criteria of FC, so called improved. All measurable criteria improved in both groups. The frequency of defecation in CFE group improved from 1.7 per week (before the study) to 10.6 per week (at the third week) while this parameter differed in MO group from 2 to 6.1 (p < 0.001). The severity of pain during defecation and consistency of stool improved significantly better in CFE group than MO group (p < 0.05), but there were not any significant differences between the two groups in fecal incontinence and retentive posturing. Anal leakage of oily material occurred as an important complication in MO group while the children in CFE group did not complaint it. Drug’s compliances were not significantly different in the two groups. CFE and MO did not cause clinically significant side effects.

Conclusions
CFE was most effective than MO in the 3-week treatment of children with FC.
Preparation and evaluation of inhalable itraconazole chitosan based polymeric micelles
Authors: Moazeni Esmaeil , Gilani Kambiz , Najafabadi Abdolhossein Rouholamini , reza Rouini Mohamad , Mohajel Nasir , Amini Mohsen , Barghi Mohammad Ali 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
This study evaluated the potential of chitosan based polymeric micelles as a nanocarrier system for pulmonary delivery of itraconazole (ITRA).

Methods
Hydrophobically modified chitosan were synthesized by conjugation of stearic acid to the hydrophilic depolymerized chitosan. FTIR and 1HNMR were used to prove the chemical structure and physical properties of the depolymerized and the stearic acid grafted chitosan. ITRA was entrapped into the micelles and physicochemical properties of the micelles were investigated. Fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic laser light scattering and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the physicochemical properties of the prepared micelles. The in vitro pulmonary profile of polymeric micelles was studied by an air-jet nebulizer connected to a twin stage impinger.

Results
The polymeric micelles prepared in this study could entrap up to 43.2±2.27 μg of ITRA per milliliter. All micelles showed mean diameter between 120–200 nm. The critical micelle concentration of the stearic acid grafted chitosan was found to be 1.58×10-2 mg/ml. The nebulization efficiency was up to 89% and the fine particle fraction (FPF) varied from 38% to 47%. The micelles had enough stability to remain encapsulation of the drug during nebulization process.

Conclusions
In vitro data showed that stearic acid grafted chitosan based polymeric micelles has a potential to be used as nanocarriers for delivery of itraconazole through inhalation.
Broken colinearity of the amphioxus Hox cluster
Authors: Pascual-Anaya Juan , Adachi Noritaka , Álvarez Susana , Kuratani Shigeru , D’Aniello Salvatore , Garcia-Fernàndez Jordi 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
In most eumetazoans studied so far, Hox genes determine the identity of structures along the main body axis. They are usually linked in genomic clusters and, in the case of the vertebrate embryo, are expressed with spatial and temporal colinearity. Outside vertebrates, temporal colinearity has been reported in the cephalochordate amphioxus (the least derived living relative of the chordate ancestor) but only for anterior and central genes, namely Hox1 to Hox4 and Hox6. However, most of the Hox gene expression patterns in amphioxus have not been reported. To gain global insights into the evolution of Hox clusters in chordates, we investigated a more extended expression profile of amphioxus Hox genes.

Results
Here we report an extended expression profile of the European amphioxus Branchiostoma lanceolatum Hox genes and describe that all Hox genes, except Hox13, are expressed during development. Interestingly, we report the breaking of both spatial and temporal colinearity for at least Hox6 and Hox14, which thus have escaped from the classical Hox code concept. We show a previously unidentified Hox6 expression pattern and a faint expression for posterior Hox genes in structures such as the posterior mesoderm, notochord, and hindgut. Unexpectedly, we found that amphioxus Hox14 had the most divergent expression pattern. This gene is expressed in the anterior cerebral vesicle and pharyngeal endoderm. Amphioxus Hox14 expression represents the first report of Hox gene expression in the most anterior part of the central nervous system. Nevertheless, despite these divergent expression patterns, amphioxus Hox6 and Hox14 seem to be still regulated by retinoic acid.

Conclusions
Escape from colinearity by Hox genes is not unusual in either vertebrates or amphioxus and we suggest that those genes escaping from it are probably associated with the patterning of lineage-specific morphological traits, requiring the loss of those developmental constraints that kept them colinear.
Assessment of health-related quality of life in patients receiving stem cell therapy for end-stage liver disease: an Egyptian study
Authors: Salama Hosny , Zekri Abdel-Rahamn N , Ahmed Rasha , Medhat Iman , Abdallah El Sayed , Darwish Tarneem , Ahmed Ola S , Bahnassy Abeer 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Introduction
This prospective cohort study aimed to assess the influence of stem cell therapy (SCT) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) by using the SF-36 v2 and to elucidate the influence of objective clinical variables on subjective HRQOL.

Methods
The study included 100 chronic liver disease patients (50 received SCT, and 50 received supportive medical treatment (SMT)). Both groups completed a modified SF-36 v2 form before therapy and at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month intervals. Fifty healthy Egyptian volunteers were enrolled in the study and completed the SF-36 v2 form once.

Results
Both SCT and SMT groups showed significantly lower pretherapy SF 36 v2 scores compared with healthy volunteers. In SCT-treated patients, limited complications were encountered (SF-36 v2 scores showed significant improvement in all domains throughout the follow-up period) compared with the deterioration shown by SMT patients after therapy. A significant association was detected between SF-36 v2 scores and laboratory data in SCT patients during the first month after therapy. The grade of ascites improved during the follow-up in SCT compared with SMT patients. The mean survival time was 277.56 days (95% CI, 246.217 to 308.903) for SMT and 359.300 days (95% CI, 353.022 to 365.578) for SCT patients (log rank, 0.00). Stem cell-treated patients showed no malignancies.

Conclusions
SCT positively affects health-related quality of life in cirrhosis patients. The survival rate was significantly improved after SCT.
Differences in the prescribing of medication for physical disorders in individuals withv.without mental illness: meta-analysis
Authors: Mitchell Alex J. , Lord Oliver , Malone Darren 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundThere is some concern that patients with mental illness may be in receipt of inferior medical care, including prescribed medication for medical conditions.AimsWe aimed to quantify possible differences in the prescription of medication for medical conditions in those with v. without mental illness.MethodSystematic review and random effects meta-analysis with a minimum of three independent studies to warrant pooling by drug class.ResultsWe found 61 comparative analyses (from 23 publications) relating to the prescription of 12 classes of medication for cardiovascular health, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis and HIV in a total sample of 1931 509 people, in those with severe mental illness the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for an equitable prescription was 0.74 (95% CI 0.63-0.86), with lower than expected prescriptions for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ACE/ ARBs), beta-blockers and statins. People with affective disorder had an odds ratio of 0.75 (95% CI 0.55-1.02) but this was not significant. Individuals with a history of other (miscellaneous) mental illness had an odds ratio of 0.95 (95% CI 0.92-0.98) of comparable medication with lower receipt of ACE/ARBs but not highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) medication. Results were significant in both adjusted and unadjusted analyses.ConclusionsIndividuals with severe mental illness (including schizophrenia) appear to be prescribed significantly lower quantities of several common medications for medical disorders, largely for cardiovascular indications, although further work is required to clarify to what extent this is because of prescriber intent.
Psychiatry beyond the current paradigm
Authors: Bracken Pat , Thomas Philip , Timimi Sami , Asen Eia , Behr Graham , Beuster Carl , Bhunnoo Seth , Browne Ivor , Chhina Navjyoat , Double Duncan , Downer Simon , Evans Chris , Fernando Suman , Garland Malcolm R. , Hopkins William , Huws Rhodri , Johnson Bob , Martindale Brian , Middleton Hugh , Moldavsky Daniel , Moncrieff Joanna , Mullins Simon , Nelki Julia , Pizzo Matteo , Rodger James , Smyth Marcellino , Summerfield Derek , Wallace Jeremy , Yeomans David 
Published: December 2012

SummaryA series of editorials in this Journal have argued that psychiatry is in the midst of a crisis. The various solutions proposed would all involve a strengthening of psychiatry's identity as essentially ‘applied neuroscience’. Although not discounting the importance of the brain sciences and psychopharmacology, we argue that psychiatry needs to move beyond the dominance of the current, technological paradigm. This would be more in keeping with the evidence about how positive outcomes are achieved and could also serve to foster more meaningful collaboration with the growing service user movement.
Audit of monitoring of the parameters of metabolic syndrome in patients on clozapine
Authors: Tully John , Sim Christina , Hemani Razi , Munir Malik , Khalil Nasir , Fahy Sabina 
Published: December 2012

Aims and MethodHigh rates of metabolic syndrome exist among patients on clozapine. Monitoring its parameters facilitates interventions which may alleviate negative health consequences. We completed an audit of the monitoring of the parameters of metabolic syndrome in patients on clozapine. The results were compared with the Maudsley Guidelines for monitoring in patients on any antipsychotic medication.ResultsInitial audit showed high overall rates of concordance with guidelines for the frequency of measurement of blood pressure (91.8%), but much lower rates for measuring fasting blood glucose (43.2%) and lipid profile (52.7%), and no record of analysis of waist circumference. This prompted development of a formal protocol for measuring parameters. Repeat audit after 1 year showed marked improvement in rates of measurement.Clinical implicationsImplementation of relatively straightforward measures, such as the introduction of a one-page form on which to record parameters, can lead to a much improved rate of monitoring for metabolic syndrome. This should in turn prompt therapeutic interventions, which are discussed.
Solvothermal synthesis, crystal structure and properties of a novel zinc porphyrin
Authors: Chen Wen-Tong 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
A novel zinc porphyrin, Zn[(tcpp)(thf)2] (1) (tcpp = meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin; thf = tetrahydrofuran), has been prepared via a solvothermal reaction and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The zinc ion coordinates to four nitrogen and two oxygen atoms. The substance crystallizes orthorhombically in the space group Cmca with a = 30.8367(6), b = 8.7099(5), c = 15.3526(2) Å, V = 4123.5(3) Å3, C56H44N4O10Zn, Z = 4, Mr
= 998.34, Dc
= 1.608 g/cm3, S = 0.991, μ(MoKα
) = 0.673 mm–1, F(000) = 2072, R = 0.0555 and wR = 0.1338. Photoluminescent investigation shows that complex 1 exhibits an emission in the blue region. The spectral data of FT–IR were also reported.
A Study on the Influence of Na2SO4 on the Solubility of CO2 in Aqueous Solutions of (N,N-dimethylmethanamide)
Authors: Jödecke Michael , Pérez-Salado Kamps Alvaro , Maurer Gerd 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The influence of sodium sulphate on the solubility of carbon dioxide in aqueous solutions of N,N-dimethylmethanamide {= N,N-dimethylformamide, (CH3)2N-C(H)O, DMF} was investigated experimentally at three temperatures (314 K, 354 K, and 395 K). The solvent was an aqueous solution of DMF (mole fraction of DMF in the salt-free solution ≈ 0.05) and sodium sulphate (molality ≈ 0.6 mol·(kgH2O)−1). The maximum pressure of the new experimental gas solubility data reaches nearly 10 MPa. A thermodynamic model that combines two models for the solubility of CO2 (in aqueous solutions of Na2SO4 on one side and in aqueous solutions of DMF on the other side) is used to predict the influence of Na2SO4 on the solubility of CO2 in aqueous solutions of DMF. The new experimental data are compared with such predictions and with calculations from an extension of that model where a single ternary parameter for interactions between the three solutes (i.e., CO2, Na2SO4, and DMF) is adjusted to improve the representation of the experimental data.
Anodic Electrocatalytic Coatings for Electrolytic Chlorine Production: A Review
Authors: Chen Ruiyong , Trieu Vinh , Schley Bernd , Natter Harald , Kintrup Jürgen , Bulan Andreas , Weber Rainer , Hempelmann Rolf 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIndustrial chlor-alkali electrolysis represents one of the most energy- and resource-intensive technological applications of electrocatalysis. Improving process efficiency becomes a critical issue for the sustainable development and for alleviating the energy and environmental crisis. Rational design in the morphology of RuO2-based anodic electrocatalytic coatings and the control in the coating microstructure can contribute to massive energy saving compared to the current commercial Ru0.3Ti0.7O2coating. This review covers recent developments in the anodic coatings. Performance enhancement for RuO2-based anodic coatings is achieved by using alternative preparation routes of sol-gel and electrodeposition. The target control in the coating surface morphologies and the increase in the utilization of active Ru species are demonstrated.
Photocatalytic decolourisation of RhB and photocorrosion of BiFeO3
Authors: Hengky Chang , Dunn Steve 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTBiFeO3 nanopowders with a size distribution around 20nm and optical absorption onset at 2eV have been synthesized using self-combustion. These particles were used to photodecolourise RhB under AM1.5 irradiation. XPS showed changes to the oxidation state of the Fe cations. Under AM 1.5 illumination at pH 2 RhB showed >95% decolourisation after 10minutes.
Studying the Adsorption of Polymers and Biomolecules on Surfaces Using Enhanced Sampling Methods
Authors: Allen Michael P. , Swetnam Adam D 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTWe discuss how to use Wang-Landau simulations in an efficient manner to investigate the statistical mechanics of individual lattice polymers and peptides adsorbed at a planar surface. For nearest neighbor interactions, we show that a single Wang-Landau simulation, recording the density of states as a function of numbers of internal contacts and of surface beads, is sufficient to give a full description of the phase behavior of both adsorbed and desorbed states of single molecules. It is not necessary to introduce a second confining wall. Moreover, moves are never rejected due to overlap with the surface.The proposed “wall-free” method has already been applied to homo-polymers and hetero-polymers (lattice peptides using the HP model) on a uniform surface, and on regularly patterned surfaces. We give here a specific example to indicate how the relative adsorption strengths of a given peptide on different surfaces may be calculated.