bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beyond the Rhetoric: Noninterference in China’s African Policy
Authors: Hess Steve , Aidoo Richard 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
The following paper examines the historical origins and development of China’s advocacy of the principle of noninterference in its African foreign policy and suggests that in spite of its consistent rhetorical support for noninterference over the last fifty years, the relevance of the principle in shaping Beijing’s foreign policy decisions has varied as its pragmatic interests have shifted. China’s post-Maoist leadership, in the drive to win the African resources and markets needed to bolster its growing, export-driven economy, has utilized the practice of noninterference to win a foothold on the continent. As its level of investment in Africa and dependency on African energy resources and markets have expanded, however, Beijing has found limiting its actions vis-à-vis a policy of noninterference less tenable, and as recurrences of regional instability and anti-Chinese populism have threatened its interests, citizens, and assets on the continent, will likely take a more forceful role in its relations with partner states.
Establishment and characterization of a Chinese Game chicken embryo fibroblast bank
Authors: Li Xiangchen , Bai Chunyu , Su Xiaohua , Jin Dapeng , Zhao Qianjun , He Xiaohong , Guan Weijun , Ma Yuehui 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
For preserving the genetic resources of the Chinese Game chicken and exploring a new method to preserve endangered animals, a Chinese Game chicken embryo fibroblast cell bank was established by the attachment culture method and the cryopreservation biotechniques. This bank includes 43 embryo samples and has stocks of 178 cryovials, with each containing 4.0×106 cells respectively. Quality assays and biological characteristics of the bank established showed that the cells cultured in vitro were all typical fibroblast and the cell population doubling time (PDT) was about 2 days. The cell viability before freezing was 97.37% ± 2.25% and 91.43% ± 3.22% after thawing. Tests for microbial contamination by bacteria, fungus, viruses and mycoplasmas were all negative. The frequency of cells having the diploid number of chromosomes (78) was 94.65% ± 3.29%. Isoenzyme analysis confirmed that there was no cross-contamitation in the culture. The fluorescence could be observed well-distributed in cytoplasm and nucleus except for some cryptomere vesicles at 24 h after transfection, and the expression efficiency of pEGFP-C1, pEGFP-N3, pEYFP-N1, pECFP-N1, pECFP-mito and pDsRed1-N1 were all between 9.5%∼34.6% at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after transfection. This research provided both technical and theoretical support for preserving the genetic resources of other animals and poultry at the cell level.
Retreating State? Political Economy of Welfare Regime Change in Turkey
Authors: Eder Mine 
Published: August 2010

AbstractInformed by the debates on the transformation of welfare states in advanced industrial economies, this article evaluates the changing role of the state in welfare provision in Turkey. Turkey's welfare state has long been limited and inegalitarian. Strong family ties coupled with indirect and informal channels of welfare (ranging from agricultural subsidies to informal housing—both costly but politically expedient) have compensated for the welfare vacuum. At first glance, Turkey's welfare reform that emerged from the 2000-2001 fiscal crisis appears like a classic case of moving towards a minimalist, 'neoliberal' welfare regime—with increasingly privatized health care and private social insurance. The state retreats via the subcontracting of welfare provision to private actors, growing involvement of charity organizations, and increasing public-private cooperation in education, health, and anti-poverty schemes. Yet, there is also evidence of the expansion of state power. The newly empowered 'General Directorate of Social Assistance and Solidarity (SYDGM)' manages an ever-increasing budget for social assistance, the number of mean-tested health insurance (Green Card) holders explodes, health care expenditures rise substantially, and municipalities become important liaisons for channeling private money and donations for antipoverty purposes. The cumulative effect is an 'institutional welfare-mix' that has actually mutated so as to compensate for the absence of the earlier, politically attractive but fiscally unsustainable welfare conduits. The result has so far been the creation of immense room for political patronage, the expansion of state power, and no significant improvement of welfare governance.
What’s in a Name? Word descriptors of cancer-related fatigue
Authors: Hauser Katherine , Rybicki Lisa , Walsh Declan 
Published: August 2010

Many different words are used to describe fatigue. It is unclear whether these word descriptors represent the same cancer symptom or dimension. The objective of this study was to identify clinical associations of three fatigue word descriptors (FWDs): ‘easy fatigue’, ‘weakness’, and ‘lack of energy’ (LOE). One thousand consecutive palliative medicine patients completed a 38-item symptom checklist. The prevalence of the three FWDs alone and in combination was calculated. Spearman correlations assessed associations between FWDs. Logistic regression analysis identified univariable and multivariable predictors for each FWD. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan—Meier method, individually and for 0—1 versus 2—3 FWDs, and compared using log-rank tests. The prevalence of easy fatigue was 69%, weakness 66%, and LOE 61%. Correlations between the FWDs were high (0.65—0.79). In multivariable models, clinical associations (particularly neuro-psychiatric symptoms and performance status) of the FWDs were variable. Weakness was associated with performance status, but not anxiety or depression. LOE was associated with anxiety and depression, but not performance status. Fatigue was associated with depression, but not anxiety or performance status. All FWDs were associated with dry mouth, early satiety, sleep problems, and weight loss. The worst survival was associated with two or three reported FWDs compared with none or one (P < 0.001). Weakness and LOE had distinct clinical associations that differed from fatigue. Evaluation of fatigue should use multiple descriptors (particularly weakness), as they are not synonymous. Further research is necessary to identify biological associations for discrete FWDs.
Healthcare associated infection in care homes for older people in Scotland: results from a pilot survey
Authors: Mullings Abigail , Murdoch Fiona , MacKenzie Audrey , Cairns Shona , Reilly Jacqui 
Published: August 2010

The prevalence of infection in Scottish care homes is currently unknown. The aim of this survey was to estimate the prevalence of infection within a small sample of care homes for older people and to develop and test a methodology for point prevalence surveys which would allow local care home staff to monitor infection in care homes for older people that employ trained nurses. The pilot survey was undertaken by Health Protection Scotland (HPS) in collaboration with the Care Commission and two volunteer service providers. Data collection within 18 volunteer care homes was undertaken between 6 April 2009 and 1 May 2009. A total of 922 residents from 18 care homes were included. On the day of survey, 87 infections were identified in 86 residents. The prevalence of infection was 9.3%. The most common infections types were urinary tract infections and respiratory tract infections. The results from this small survey of volunteer care homes have provided valuable insight into the previously unmeasured prevalence of infection in Scottish care homes for older people. It is hoped that the rollout of a larger scale survey that includes a representative sample of all Scottish care homes can be implemented.
Use of alcohol hand rub (AHR) at ward entrances and use of soap and AHR by patients and visitors: a study in 27 wards in nine acute NHS trusts
Authors: Savage Joanne , Fuller Christopher , Besser Sarah , Stone Sheldon 
Published: August 2010

Ward procurement of hand hygiene consumables is a proxy measure of hand hygiene compliance. The proportion of this due to use of alcohol hand rub (AHR) at ward entrances, and bedside use of consumables by patients and visitors, is unknown. Thirty-six hours of direct observation of bedside hand hygiene behaviours by healthcare workers (HCWs), patients and visitors on 27 wards in nine hospitals was undertaken. AHR containers from ten ward entrances were collected for four days. Mean daily volume used was compared with mean daily volume procured. Only 4% of bedside soap and AHR use was by visitors. Patients used neither. An average 21% (range 7—38%) of all AHR procured by wards was used at ward entrances. Non-HCW use of soap or AHR at the bedside is low. Ward entrance use of AHR is modest but varies. Hand hygiene intervention studies using consumables as an outcome should assess and adjust for such usage.
Polyphosphate exerts differential effects on blood clotting, depending on polymer size
Authors: Smith Stephanie A. , Choi Sharon H. , Davis-Harrison Rebecca , Huyck Jillian , Boettcher John , Rienstra Chad M. , Morrissey James H. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractPolyphosphate, a linear polymer of inorganic phosphate, is secreted by activated platelets and accumulates in many infectious microorganisms. We recently showed that polyphosphate modulates the blood coagulation cascade at 3 steps: it triggers the contact pathway, it accelerates factor V activation, and it enhances fibrin polymerization. We now report that polyphosphate exerts differential effects on blood clotting, depending on polymer length. Very long polymers (≥ 500mers, such as those present in microorganisms) were required for optimal activation of the contact pathway, while shorter polymers (∼ 100mers, similar to the polymer lengths released by platelets) were sufficient to accelerate factor V activation and abrogate the anticoagulant function of the tissue factor pathway inhibitor. Optimal enhancement of fibrin clot turbidity by polyphosphate required ≥ 250mers. Pyrophosphate, which is also secreted by activated platelets, potently blocked polyphosphate-mediated enhancement of fibrin clot structure, suggesting that pyrophosphate is a novel regulator of fibrin function. In conclusion, polyphosphate of the size secreted by platelets is very efficient at accelerating blood clotting reactions but is less efficient at initiating them or at modulating clot structure. Microbial polyphosphate, which is highly procoagulant, may function in host responses to pathogens.
Gray platelet syndrome: natural history of a large patient cohort and locus assignment to chromosome 3p
Authors: Gunay-Aygun Meral , Zivony-Elboum Yifat , Gumruk Fatma , Geiger Dan , Cetin Mualla , Khayat Morad , Kleta Robert , Kfir Nehama , Anikster Yair , Chezar Judith , Arcos-Burgos Mauricio , Shalata Adel , Stanescu Horia , Manaster Joseph , Arat Mutlu , Edwards Hailey , Freiberg Andrew S. , Hart P. Suzanne , Riney Lauren C. , Patzel Katherine , Tanpaiboon Pranoot , Markello Tom , Huizing Marjan , Maric Irina , Horne McDonald , Kehrel Beate E. , Jurk Kerstin , Hansen Nancy F. , Cherukuri Praveen F. , Jones Marypat , Cruz Pedro , Mullikin Jim C. , Nurden Alan , White James G. , Gahl William A. , Falik-Zaccai Tzippora 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Gray platelet syndrome (GPS) is an inherited bleeding disorder characterized by macrothrombocytopenia and absence of platelet α-granules resulting in typical gray platelets on peripheral smears. GPS is associated with a bleeding tendency, myelofibrosis, and splenomegaly. Reports on GPS are limited to case presentations. The causative gene and underlying pathophysiology are largely unknown. We present the results of molecular genetic analysis of 116 individuals including 25 GPS patients from 14 independent families as well as novel clinical data on the natural history of the disease. The mode of inheritance was autosomal recessive (AR) in 11 and indeterminate in 3 families. Using genome-wide linkage analysis, we mapped the AR-GPS gene to a 9.4-Mb interval on 3p21.1-3p22.1, containing 197 protein-coding genes. Sequencing of 1423 (69%) of the 2075 exons in the interval did not identify the GPS gene. Long-term follow-up data demonstrated the progressive nature of the thrombocytopenia and myelofibrosis of GPS resulting in fatal hemorrhages in some patients. We identified high serum vitamin B12 as a consistent, novel finding in GPS. Chromosome 3p21.1-3p22.1 has not been previously linked to a platelet disorder; identification of the GPS gene will likely lead to the discovery of novel components of platelet organelle biogenesis. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00069680 and NCT00369421.
Effect of experimental treatment on GAPDH mRNA expression as a housekeeping gene in human diploid fibroblasts
Authors: Zainuddin Azalina , Chua Kien Hui , Rahim Norhazira Abdul , Makpol Suzana 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
Several genes have been used as housekeeping genes and choosing an appropriate reference gene is important for accurate quantitative RNA expression in real time RT-PCR technique. The expression levels of reference genes should remain constant between the cells of different tissues and under different experimental conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different experimental treatments on the expression of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNA so that the reliability of GAPDH as reference gene for quantitative real time RT-PCR in human diploid fibroblasts (HDFs) can be validated. HDFs in 4 different treatment groups viz; young (passage 4), senescent (passage 30), H2O2-induced oxidative stress and γ-tocotrienol (GTT)-treated groups were harvested for total RNA extraction. Total RNA concentration and purity were determined prior to GAPDH mRNA quantification. Standard curve of GAPDH expression in serial diluted total RNA, melting curve analysis and agarose gel electrophoresis were used to determine the reliability of GAPDH as reference gene.

Results
HDFs with different experimental treatments exhibited diverse cell morphology with different expression of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA β-gal) activity. However the expression level of GAPDH was consistent in all treatment groups.

Conclusion
The study demonstrated that GAPDH is reliable as reference gene for quantitative gene expression analysis in HDFs. Therefore it can be used as housekeeping gene for quantitative real time RT-PCR technique in human diploid fibroblasts particularly in studying cellular senescence.
Acute-on-chronic liver failure due to thiamazole in a patient with hyperthyroidism and trilogy of Fallot: case report
Authors: Shen Chuan , Zhao Cai-Yan , Liu Fang , Wang Ya-Dong , Yu Jun 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
Thiamazole is a widely used antithyroid agent that has been approved for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Although thiamazole-induced hepatotoxicity is a main side effect, it may progress to liver failure in a very few cases.

Case Presentation
We described a 24-year-old patient with hyperthyroidism and trilogy of Fallot, who developed liver failure due to thiamazole. Liver biopsy showed intrahepatic cholestasis, mild inflammatory infiltrates, as well as significant fibrosis, indicating both acute and chronic liver injuries. Although a series of potent therapies were given, the patient deceased due to severe liver decompensation.

Conclusions
This case suggests that thiamazole-induced hepatotoxicity in the setting of advanced fibrosis increases the risk of poor outcome. Regular liver function monitoring during thiamazole therapy is therefore important.
ReCGiP, a database of reproduction candidate genes in pigs based on bibliomics
Authors: Yang Lun , Zhang Xiangzhe , Chen Jian , Wang Qishan , Wang Lishan , Jiang Yue , Pan Yuchun 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
Reproduction in pigs is one of the most economically important traits. To improve the reproductive performances, numerous studies have focused on the identification of candidate genes. However, it is hard for one to read all literatures thoroughly to get information. So we have developed a database providing candidate genes for reproductive researches in pig by mining and processing existing biological literatures in human and pigs, named as ReCGiP.

Description
Based on text-mining and comparative genomics, ReCGiP presents diverse information of reproduction-relevant genes in human and pig. The genes were sorted by the degree of relevance with the reproduction topics and were visualized in a gene's co-occurrence network where two genes were connected if they were co-cited in a PubMed abstract. The 'hub' genes which had more 'neighbors' were thought to be have more important functions and could be identified by the user in their web browser. In addition, ReCGiP provided integrated GO annotation, OMIM and biological pathway information collected from the Internet. Both pig and human gene information can be found in the database, which is now available.

Conclusions
ReCGiP is a unique database providing information on reproduction related genes for pig. It can be used in the area of the molecular genetics, the genetic linkage map, and the breeding of the pig and other livestock. Moreover, it can be used as a reference for human reproduction research.
Myeloid cells are tunable by a polyanionic polysaccharide derivative and co-determine host rescue from lethal virus infection
Authors: Li Sandra , Starckx Sofie , Martens Erik , Dillen Chris , Lamerant-Fayel Nathalie , Berghmans Nele , Gouwy Mieke , van Pel Melissa , Heremans Hubertine , Kieda Claudine , Fibbe Willem E , Billiau Alfons , Van Damme Jo , Opdenakker Ghislain 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Chlorite-oxidized oxyamylose protects in a model of acute lethal virus infection with chemo-attracted phagocytes as antiviral leukocytes.
Insight into molecular and cellular mechanisms of innate immunity is critical to understand viral pathogenesis and immunopathology and might be exploited for therapy. Whereas the molecular mechanisms of the IFN defense are well established, cellular mechanisms of antiviral immunity are only emerging, and their pharmacological triggering remains unknown. COAM is a polysaccharide derivative with antiviral activity but without comprehension about its mechanism of action. The COAM mixture was fractionated, and prophylactic treatment of mice with COAM polymers of high MW resulted in a conversion from 100% lethal mengovirus infection to an overall survival rate of 93% without obvious clinical sequelae. Differential and quantitative analysis of peritoneal leukocytes demonstrated that COAM induced a profound influx of neutrophils. Selective cell depletion experiments pointed toward neutrophils and macrophages as key effector cells in the rescue of mice from lethal mengovirus. COAM was able to induce mRNA and protein expression of the mouse neutrophil chemokine GCP-2. Binding of GCP-2 to COAM was demonstrated in solution and confirmed by SPR technology. Although COAM was not chemotactic for neutrophils, COAM-anchored muGCP-2 retained chemotactic activity for human and mouse neutrophils. In conclusion, this study established that COAM rescued mice from acute and lethal mengovirus infection by recruiting antiviral leukocytes to the site of infection, as proposed through the induction, binding, and concentration of endogenous chemokines. These findings reinforce the role of neutrophils and macrophages as critical cells that can be manipulated toward antiviral defense.
Maalox Brand Name Extension Causes Confusion Near Sight/Sound Dead Hit! Omacor–Amicar Look-alike Tylenol Packets
Authors: Cohen Michael R. 
Published: August 2010

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them in your inservice training programs. Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the USP Medication Errors Reporting Program (MERP), which is presented in cooperation with the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. If you have encountered medication errors and would like to report them, you may call USP toll-free, 24 hours a day, at 800-233-7767 (800-23-ERROR). Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers' names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below. Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported through the ISMP ( www.ismp.org ) or USP ( www.usp.org ) Web sites or communicated directly to ISMP by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE or via E-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters' wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Phenobarbital Provides Effective Sedation for a Select Cohort of Adult ICU Patients Intolerant of Standard Treatment: A Brief Report
Authors: Fraser Gilles L. , Riker Richard R. 
Published: August 2010

Purpose Critically ill patients are occasionally resistant to, or become intolerant of, standard sedating agents. We describe our experience using phenobarbital (PB) as an alternative sedative in a select cohort of patients. Methods Medical records of adult patients treated with PB for sedation were retrospectively reviewed. Patients receiving barbiturates for seizures, brain injury, or drug withdrawal protocols were excluded. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation or median (range). Results Seven patients were treated with PB after failing standard medications due to refractory agitation (five patients) or propylene glycol toxicity (two patients). Patients were 35 ± 10-years-old, six were female (86%), APACHE II was 16 ± 5, ICU stay was 16 (8 to 88) days, and all seven patients survived. Four patients were initially sedated with lorazepam (mean daily dose = 163 mg), two with propofol (mean dose = 51 mcg/kg/min), and one with both. All seven received fentanyl for analgesia. Patients were switched to PB on ICU day-6 (3 to 50) with 240 (60 to 490) mg given the first day in divided doses. Subsequent doses were titrated to desired response, typically Sedation Agitation Scale (SAS) 3. PB was continued for 6 (3 to 21) days. Quality of sedation appeared similar when assessed with average SAS of 3.5 pre vs 3.7 post, as well as, by the absence of both oversedation (SAS less 3) and medical device removal. Hemodynamic derangements were not noted, and four patients were extubated while receiving PB. Conclusions PB provides adequate sedation and may be an alternative for patients intolerant or unresponsive to standard agents.