bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction of microsatellite‐based linkage maps and identification of size‐related quantitative trait loci for Zhikong scallop (Chlamys farreri)
Authors: Zhan A. , Hu J. , Hu X. , Hui M. , Wang M. , Peng W. , Huang X. , Wang S. , Lu W. , Sun C. , Bao Z. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryWe constructed the microsatellite‐based linkage maps using 318 markers typed in two F1 outbred families of Zhikong scallop (Chlamys farreri). The results showed an extremely high proportion (56.2%) of non‐amplifying null alleles and a high ratio (30%) of segregation distortion. By aligning different individual‐based linkage maps, 19 linkage groups were identified, which are consistent with the haploid chromosome number of Zhikong scallop. The integrated linkage map contains 154 markers covering 1561.8 cM with an average intermarker spacing of 12.3 cM and 77.0% of genome coverage. We found that the heterogeneity in recombination rate was not determined by sexes but by different individuals on 18 linkage regions. The phenotypic marker of general shell colour was placed on LG4, which was flanked by microsatellite markers CFLD064 and CFBD055. Four size‐related traits including shell length (SL), shell width (SW), shell height (SH) and gross weight (GW) were analysed to identify the putative quantitative trait loci (QTL). Under the half‐sib model, using dam as common parent, three, two, two and one QTL affecting SL, SW, SH and GW exceeded the genome‐wide thresholds respectively. While using sir as common parent, a larger number of QTL were detected for these four traits: four, five, three and two for SL, SW, SH and GW respectively. The single QTL explained 3.7–19.2% of the phenotypic variation. The linkage map and the QTL associated with economic traits will provide useful information for marker‐assisted selection of Zhikong scallop.
Mixed ethnicity, identity and adoption: research, policy and practice
Authors: Wood Marsha 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTMixed ethnicity children are over‐represented in the care system and constitute a significant group of those seeking adoption placements. Social workers are presented with a specific set of concerns in seeking to find adoption placements for mixed ethnicity children as they come from two or more cultural backgrounds. Practitioners face uncertain principles concerning how to respond to these issues, especially in light of social and political pressures, and within the realm of existing debates around ‘transracial’ adoption. There is a danger that among these uncertainties the individuality of the child will be lost as his or her identity needs become viewed narrowly. Social workers may seek to simplify and classify the identities of mixed ethnicity children in the adoption process through pressures that they feel to find ‘matched’ placements. This paper explores how theories concerning identity can provide some insight into the difficulties practitioners face and may help to inform social work practice in this area.
Performing child protection: home visiting, movement and the struggle to reach the abused child
Authors: Ferguson Harry 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTSocial work and child protection literature, policy and practice discussions largely ignore the core experience of doing the work. Little attention is given to where it is performed, and in particular, the practice of home visiting and the emotions and challenges of accessing children it gives rise to. Although it is the methodology through which most child protection goes on, the home visit is virtually ignored, as the emphasis in policy and practice texts is increasingly on what happens in the office, at the computer and in inter‐agency collaboration. Examining scenes from home visiting practices and child death inquiry reports – Baby Peter, Victoria Climbié and Jasmine Beckford – the paper identifies the core problem of contemporary child protection as being social workers (and other professionals) not moving in rooms or around houses to meaningfully engage with, touch or examine children. Analysing practice through the sociology of ‘mobilities’ and psychodynamic social work theory, the paper provides new ways of understanding social work experience as forms of embodied movement. It uses the concept of ‘containment’ to suggest ways in which practitioners can be supported to use their bodies to move more and better in performing child protection to the benefit of children, other service users and themselves.
Flebogamma® 5% DIF development: rationale for a new option in intravenous immunoglobulin therapy
Authors: Jorquera J I 
Published: June 2009

Summary
Flebogamma® 5% dual inactivation and filtration (DIF), a new 5% liquid intravenous immunoglobulin with a stability of 2 years when stored at temperatures between 2 and 30°C, has been developed. This new product is the result of the accumulated experience provided by Flebogamma®, with more than 30 million grams administered since 1992 in Europe and the United States, and the implementation of the latest technology to improve Flebogamma® even more by increasing its viral safety margin further. In addition to the specific inactivation stage for Flebogamma® 5% (pasteurization), the new process includes a solvent–detergent treatment and nanofiltration through a Planova filter down to 20 nm. The preparation presents a mean purity of 99·6 ± 0·2% with a correct chromatographic profile. Percentage values of immunoglobulin (Ig)G subclasses are equivalent to the physiological values of normal serum. The content in IgA as well as other possible impurities is very low, and the product presents a mean result of 109 ± 5% in the Fc fragment functionality assay, demonstrating the integrity of the IgG molecule. The functionality is also reflected in neutralization tests carried out against poliomyelitis, diphtheria, measles and vaccinia which, apart from the antibody titres determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, guarantees that antibodies are capable of reacting against these pathogens. Regarding safety, the combination of multiple methods with capacity to inactivate or remove biological agents which include chemical inactivation, heat inactivation, nanofiltration and precipitations, with very different mechanisms of action, provides Flebogamma® 5% DIF very wide margins of safety regarding to potential pathogens.
The European internet-based patient and research database for primary immunodeficiencies: results 2006–2008
Authors: Gathmann B , Grimbacher B , Beauté J , Dudoit Y , Mahlaoui N , Fischer A , Knerr V , Kindle G 
Published: June 2009

Summary
Primary immunodeficiencies (PID) are rare diseases; therefore transnational studies are essential to maximize the scientific outcome and to improve diagnosis and therapy. In order to estimate the prevalence of PID in Europe as well as to establish and evaluate harmonized guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of PID, the European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID) has developed an internet-based database for clinical and research data on patients with PID. This database is a platform for epidemiological analyses as well as the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and the identification of novel disease-associated genes. Within 4 years, 7430 patients from 39 countries have been documented in the ESID database. Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) represents the most common entity, with 1540 patients or 20·7% of all entries, followed by isolated immunoglobulin (Ig)G subclass deficiency (546 patients, 7·4%). Evaluations show that the average life expectancy for PID patients varies from 1 to 49 years (median), depending on the type of PID. The prevalence and incidence of PID remains a key question to be answered. As the registration progress is far from finished we can only calculate minimum values for PID, with e.g. France currently showing a minimum prevalence of 3·72 patients per 100 000 inhabitants. The most frequently documented permanent treatment is immunoglobulin replacement; 2819 patients (42% of all patients alive) currently receive this form of treatment.
Factors determining inadequate hypoglycaemia during insulin tolerance testing (ITT) after pituitary surgery
Authors: Lee Paul , Greenfield Jerry R. , Ho Ken K. Y. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryBackground  Some patients fail to achieve adequate hypoglycaemia following a standard dose of intravenous insulin during the insulin tolerance test (ITT). Persistent acromegaly or Cushing's disease may contribute to inadequate hypoglycaemia.Aim  To identify factors that predict failure to achieve adequate hypoglycaemia during an ITT after pituitary surgery.Methods  We reviewed consecutive ITTs performed over a 10‐year period in 76 patients following pituitary surgery. Analyses were performed to determine if body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG), cortisol, GH status or underlying diagnosis influenced the outcome.Results  Adequate hypoglycaemia (blood glucose < 2·2 mmol/l) was not achieved in 33 patients (Group 1) following a standard dose of neutral insulin (0·1 units/kg); 43 patients (Group 2) achieved adequate hypoglycaemia. Group 1 had significantly higher BMI, FBG, baseline cortisol and peak cortisol concentrations than Group 2. Peak GH response was not different. Multiple regression analysis showed that FBG was the only independent predictor of adequate hypoglycaemia. An insulin dose of 0·2 units/kg achieved adequate hypoglycaemia in 80% of patients with FBG ≥ 5·5 mmol/l. In patients with acromegaly or Cushing's disease, failure to achieve adequate hypoglycaemia was associated with persistent disease.Conclusion  FBG is an important determinant of the dose of insulin required to achieve adequate hypoglycaemia during an ITT in patients after pituitary surgery. A standard insulin dose of 0·1 U/kg is insufficient for adequate hypoglycaemia in patients with FBG > 5·5 mmol/l. Adequate response to a standard dose of insulin suggests a likelihood of cure of acromegaly or Cushing's disease after pituitary surgery.
Quantifying the relative importance of niches and neutrality for coexistence in a model microbial system
Authors: Zhang Quan‐Guo , Buckling Angus , Godfray H. Charles J. 
Published: June 2009

Summary 1. Ecologists have identified two types of processes promoting species coexistence: stabilizing mechanisms (niche differentiation and related processes) that increase negative intraspecific interactions relative to negative interspecific interactions, and equalizing mechanisms (neutrality) that minimize the differences in species’ demographic parameters. It has been theoretically and empirically shown that the two types of mechanisms can operate simultaneously; however, their relative importance remains unstudied although this is a key question in the synthesis of niche and neutral theories. 2. We experimentally quantified the relative importance of niche and neutral mechanisms in promoting phenotypic diversity in a model microbial system involving different phenotypes of the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens. Initially isogenic populations of the bacterium can diversify into a series of major and minor classes of phenotypes that can be treated as analogues of species. We estimated the relative population growth rate when rare of 32 phenotypes from six replicate microcosms. Each phenotype was assessed in a re‐assembled microcosm in which the relative densities of all phenotypes remained the same except for the focal one which was reduced in frequency. A growth rate advantage when rare was considered evidence of non‐neutral processes. 3. Approximately one‐third of the phenotypes had a growth rate advantage when rare while the remaining two‐thirds showed neutral or near‐neutral dynamics. Furthermore, there was overall little evidence that productivity increased with phenotypic diversity. 4. Our results suggest that niche and neutral processes may simultaneously contribute to the maintenance of biodiversity, with the latter playing a more important role in our system, and that the operation of niche mechanisms does not necessarily lead to a positive biodiversity effect on ecosystem properties.
Heat shock proteins and superantigenic properties of bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract of patients with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Nagata Satoru , Yamashiro Yuichiro , Ohtsuka Yoshikazu , Shimizu Toshiaki , Sakurai Yumiko , Misawa Shigeki , Ito Teruyo 
Published: June 2009

SummaryWe previously suggested that gut bacteria may be involved in the onset of Kawasaki disease (KD). In this study, we evaluated the production of heat shock proteins (hsps) and superantigens (sAgs) by microorganisms isolated from the jejunal mucosa of 19 children with KD in the acute phase and from 15 age‐matched control children. We identified 13 strains of Gram‐negative microbes from patients with KD; these microbes produced large amounts of hsp60 and induced pro‐inflammatory cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The Gram‐negative microbes also elicited endogenous hsp60 production, leading to the secretion of anti‐inflammatory intereukin‐10 (IL‐10). We also identified 18 strains of Gram‐positive cocci that had superantigenic properties and which induced the expansion of Vβ2 T cells in vitro. All bacteria identified in this study were antibiotic resistant. These data suggest that sAg and hsps produced by gut bacteria might be involved in KD.
The role of protein tyrosine phosphatases in the regulation of allergic asthma: implication of TC‐PTP and PTP‐1B in the modulation of disease development
Authors: Pouliot Philippe , Bergeron Sébastien , Marette André , Olivier Martin 
Published: June 2009

SummaryProtein tyrosine phosphorylation is an important early event in the signal transduction of numerous cell receptors involved in the immune response. The implication of protein tyrosine kinases in allergic asthma is well recognized, but the role of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) remains poorly understood. However, we recently reported that global inhibition of PTPs during either the allergen‐sensitization phase or the allergen‐challenge phase reduced the development of asthma and that this correlated with an increased T helper 1 (Th1) response in both lung and spleen tissues. Therefore, in this study we investigated individual roles of PTPs involved in regulating the immune response. We observed that genetic deficiency for PTP‐1B resulted in increased recruitment of lung inflammatory cells, while protein tyrosine phosphatase‐phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted (PTP‐PEST)‐deficient mice exhibited a phenotype similar to that of wild‐type mice. Importantly, we found that a heterozygous mutation of T cell PTP (TC‐PTP) dramatically abrogates immunoglobulin E production and reduces the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the lung, conferring an important role for TC‐PTP in the development of allergic asthma. As opposed to other studies on Src homology phosphatase‐1 (SHP‐1) deficiency, specific acute SHP‐1 inhibition during allergen challenge did not affect disease outcome. Collectively, our results underscore the importance of PTPs in the development of allergic asthma.
Clinical diagnosis of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, typical of experts
Authors: Steurer Johann , Held Ulrike , Bachmann Lucas M. , Holzmann David , Ott Peter , Miettinen Olli S. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground  Clinical diagnosis of acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS) is a concern when a patient presents with nasal discharge of recent onset together with facial pain or pressure. Given this presentation, the doctor would benefit from having access to software that specifies, first, what diagnostic indicators experts typically use in that diagnosis and then, upon entry of those facts, what experts’ typical probability of ABS is in such a case.Methods  We specified a set of 23 hypothetical presentations of this type by patients 20–75 years of age, involving a comprehensive set of clinical‐diagnostic indicators. Members of an international expert panel independently set the probability of ABS in each of these cases. A logistic function of the diagnostic indicators was fitted to the medians of the probabilities.Results  The fitting led to an expression of the experts’ median probability of ABS as a joint function of the duration of the patient's facial pain/pressure, and indicators of the location(s) of this; indicators of exacerbation of the pain/pressure on bending forward, nasal obstruction, maxillary and/or frontal tenderness, pus from middle meatus, purulent postnasal drip, and fever; and indicators of recent upper respiratory tract infection, nasal polyposis and status post sinus surgery. This probability function is accessible at http://www.evimed.ch/ABS.Interpretation  That probability function, made readily accessible, provides for expertly probability setting in clinical diagnosis of ABS, relevant for decisions about further diagnostics or treatment without further tests.
The impact of electronic medical records on patient–doctor communication during consultation: a narrative literature review
Authors: Shachak Aviv , Reis Shmuel 
Published: June 2009

AbstractRationale, aims and objective  The effect of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) use on Patient–Doctor Communication (PDC) has rarely been studied. As data accumulate, the purpose of this article is to review the literature on EMR effect on PDC, to identify recurring themes and to offer preliminary guidelines and future directions for medical education and research.Method  A database search was conducted and 14 articles that met inclusion criteria (published in the past 10 years, empirical investigations, direct assessment of the EMR impact on patient–doctor communication) were selected for review. A qualitative, grounded theory‐like approach was employed to analyse the data.Results  EMR use often has a positive impact on information exchange, but exerts a negative influence on patient centredness. Some physician characteristics such as their computer skills and behavioural style assist in overcoming this negative influence.Conclusion  The use of EMR exerts both positive and negative impacts on physician–patient relationships. The negative impacts can be overcome by some simple means as well as better designs of EMR systems and medical education interventions. Physicians’ everyday practices of integrating EMR use into the clinical encounter as well as better design of EMR systems and EMR and communication training may facilitate PDC in computerized settings.
Francisella sp., an emerging pathogen of tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), in Costa Rica
Authors: Soto E , Hawke J P , Fernandez D , A Morales J 
Published: June 2009

Abstract Francisella sp. is an emergent bacterial pathogen that causes acute to chronic disease in warm and cold water cultured and wild fish species. During the past 3 years, the bacterium has been detected in tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, cultured in Costa Rica. Infected fish presented non‐specific clinical signs, such as erratic swimming, anorexia, anaemia, exophthalmia and high mortality. Upon macroscopic and microscopic examination, several internal organs (mainly spleen and kidney) were enlarged and contained white nodules. Histological examination revealed the presence of multifocal granulomatous lesions, with the presence of numerous small, pleomorphic, cocco‐bacilli. The bacteria were isolated from infected tilapia on selective media and grown on several media with and without antibiotics. Specific PCR primers to the Francisella genus were used to confirm the preliminary diagnoses. In comparison with several bacterial 16S rRNA sequences, our isolate was found to share 99% identity with other Fransicella spp. isolated from fish, and more than 97% identity to the human pathogen Francisella tularensis. Koch’s postulates were fulfilled after experimental intraperitoneal and gill exposure challenges.
The involvement of aquaglyceroporins in transport of boron in barley roots
Authors: FITZPATRICK KATE L. , REID ROB J. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTBoron (B) enters cells as the uncharged boric acid, a small neutral molecule with sufficient lipid solubility to cross cell membranes without the aid of transport proteins. The extent to which the observed uptake rates for B in plants can be explained by this simple physical process was examined by applying treatments expected to inhibit the membrane transporters most likely to be involved in B transport. These experiments established that at least 50% of B uptake could be facilitated by transporters. The B transport characteristics of two barley aquaglyceroporins, HvPIP1;3 and HvPIP1;4, were investigated using yeast complementation assays. Expression of both genes in yeast resulted in increased B sensitivity. Transport assays in yeast confirmed that HvPIP1;3 and HvPIP1;4 are both capable of transporting B. The physiological role of these HvPIP1 genes in B transport is uncertain since their expression was not responsive to B nutritional status, and they continued to be expressed under toxicity conditions.
Adaptation of plasma membrane H+‐ATPase of rice roots to low pH as related to ammonium nutrition
Authors: ZHU YIYONG , DI TINGJUN , XU GUOHUA , CHEN XI , ZENG HOUQING , YAN FENG , SHEN QIRONG 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTThe preference of paddy rice for NH4+ rather than NO3‐ is associated with its tolerance to low pH since a rhizosphere acidification occurs during NH4+ absorption. However, the adaptation of rice root to low pH has not been fully elucidated. This study investigated the acclimation of plasma membrane H+‐ATPase of rice root to low pH. Rice seedlings were grown either with NH4+ or NO3‐. For both nitrogen forms, the pH value of nutrient solutions was gradually adjusted to pH 6.5 or 3.0. After 4 d cultivation, hydrolytic H+‐ATPase activity, Vmax, Km, H+‐pumping activity, H+ permeability and pH gradient across the plasma membrane were significantly higher in rice roots grown at pH 3.0 than at 6.5, irrespective of the nitrogen forms supplied. The higher activity of plasma membrane H+‐ATPase of adapted rice roots was attributed to the increase in expression of OSA1, OSA3, OSA7, OSA8 and OSA9 genes, which resulted in an increase of H+‐ATPase protein concentration. In conclusion, a high regulation of various plasma membrane H+‐ATPase genes is responsible for the adaptation of rice roots to low pH. This mechanism may be partly responsible for the preference of rice plants to NH4+ nutrition.
Physiological and isotopic (δ13C and δ18O) responses of three tropical tree species to water and nutrient availability
Authors: CERNUSAK LUCAS A. , WINTER KLAUS , TURNER BENJAMIN L. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTWater‐use efficiency and stable isotope composition were studied in three tropical tree species. Seedlings of Tectona grandis, Swietenia macrophylla and Platymiscium pinnatum were grown at either high or low water supply, and with or without added fertilizer. These three species previously exhibited low, intermediate and high whole‐plant water‐use efficiency (TE) when grown at high water supply in unfertilized soil. Responses of TE to water and nutrient availability varied among species. The TE was calculated as experiment‐long dry matter production divided by cumulative water use. Species‐specific offsets were observed in relationships between TE and whole‐plant 13C discrimination (Δ13Cp). These offsets could be attributed to a breakdown in the relationship between Δ13Cp and the ratio of intercellular to ambient CO2 partial pressures (ci/ca) in P. pinnatum, and to variation among species in the leaf‐to‐air vapour pressure difference (v). Thus, a plot of v·TE against ci/ca showed a general relationship among species. Relationships between δ18O of stem dry matter and stomatal conductance ranged from strongly negative for S. macrophylla to no relationship for T. grandis. Results suggest inter‐specific variation among tropical tree species in relationships between stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ18O) and the gas exchange processes thought to affect them.