bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abdominal Catastrophe in a 43‐Year‐Old Female with End Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Volpini Kaelin , Kinonen Chris 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA 43‐year‐old female with end‐stage renal disease secondary to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis was admitted to the hospital for shortness of breath after missing hemodialysis. On admission, the patient was noted to have painful skin lesions consistent with calciphylaxis on biopsy. While undergoing aggressive wound care, she developed altered mental status and was found to be septic and started empirically on broad‐spectrum antibiotics. The patient was intubated on day 4 of admission owing to worsening mental status and acidemia. She had persistent positive blood cultures throughout her hospitalization despite appropriate antibiotic therapy. On day 25 of admission, the patient was found to have abdominal distension. A radiograph revealed intra‐abdominal free air, and the patient was taken to the operating room where she was found to have perforated necrotic bowel. The patient expired on day 26 of admission. An autopsy revealed calciphylaxis within the gut wall and within the dura of the central nervous system. While typically a disorder of subcutaneous tissue, calciphylaxis can affect internal organs, which in this case resulted in a catastrophic outcome.
Dominican Party System Continuity amid Regional Transformations: Economic Policy, Clientelism, and Migration Flows
Authors: Morgan Jana , Hartlyn Jonathan , Espinal Rosario 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn the 1980s and 1990s, economic crisis produced ideological convergence in many Latin American party systems. Much scholarship explores how this convergence frequently provoked system change that enabled renewed ideological differentiation, but little research examines instances where convergence persisted without destabilizing the system. Through comparative historical analysis of Dominican continuity amid regional change, this study identifies factors that sustain or challenge party systems. Then, through analysis of Americas Barometer surveys, it assesses the causal mechanisms through which these factors shape support for the traditional Dominican parties. The findings demonstrate that maintaining programmatic and clientelist linkages facilitates continuity. In addition, the article argues that the threats political outsiders pose to existing party systems are constrained when people excluded from the system are divided and demobilized. In the Dominican case, Haitian immigration divides the popular sector while Dominicans abroad sustain ties to the parties, with both migration flows facilitating party system continuity.
Overcoming Clientelism through Local Participatory Institutions in Mexico: What Type of Participation?
Authors: Montambeault Françoise 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
This article addresses the relationship between institutionalized citizen participation at the municipal level and clientelism. It argues, contrary to what the literature has suggested, that the institutionalization of local citizen participation does not necessarily lead to the erosion of clientelism. Drawing on a comparative case study of participatory experiences in two Mexican municipalities, León and Nezahualcóyotl, this study argues that participation does matter, but that not all types of participation have the same effect on state-society relations. Institutional design is important in assessing the significance of popular participation in defining the relationship between the state and its citizens, but informal practices are even more important determinants of citizens' level of autonomy in institutionalized participatory mechanisms. This level of autonomy, in turn, determines the potential for such local institutions to become a means to overcome clientelism as the mechanism traditionally characterizing state-society relationships in Mexico.
The Impact of Domestic Politics and International Changes on the Brazilian Perception of Regional Integration
Authors: Vigevani Tullo , Júnior Haroldo Ramanzini 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
This article aims to analyze the impact of domestic politics and international changes that influence Brazilian positions regarding regional integration processes in South America, particularly the Southern Common Market, Mercosur. The dynamics of the international system and their impact on the evolution of the elite's perception of the role the country should play in the world are important variables for understanding these positions. The state's postures in relation to integration were and are based on a real interest, but this interest is also linked with the objective of ensuring better conditions for participation in other international arenas. Starting with the hypothesis that transformations in the international setting have strongly influenced Brazil's positioning, the elements of continuity and change in the country's behavior toward Mercosur are identified, with domestic politics as the main explanation.
Syntaxin 11 marks a distinct intracellular compartment recruited to the immunological synapse of NK cells to colocalize with cytotoxic granules
Authors: Dabrazhynetskaya Alena , Ma Jinxia , Guerreiro‐Cacais Andre Ortlieb , Arany Zita , Rudd Eva , Henter Jan‐Inge , Karre Klas , Levitskaya Jelena , Levitsky Victor 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe syntaxin 11 (STX11) gene is mutated in a proportion of patients with familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) and exocytosis of cytotoxic granules is impaired in STX11‐deficient NK cells. However, the subcellular localization, regulation of expression and molecular function of STX11 in NK cells and other cytotoxic lymphocytes remain unknown. Here we demonstrate that STX11 expression is strictly controlled by several mechanisms in a cell‐type‐specific manner and that the enzymatic activity of the proteasome is required for STX11 expression in NK cells. In resting NKL cells, STX11 was localized in the cation‐dependent mannose‐6‐phosphate receptor (CD‐M6PR)‐containing compartment, which was clearly distinct from cytotoxic granules or Rab27a‐expressing vesicles. These subcellular structures appeared to fuse at the contact area with NK‐sensitive target cells as demonstrated by partial colocalization of STX11 with perforin and Rab27a. Although STX11‐deficent allo‐specific cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes efficiently lysed target cells and released cytotoxic granules, they exhibited a significantly lower extent of spontaneous association of perforin with Rab27a as compared with STX11‐expressing T cells. Thus, our results suggest that STX11 promotes the fusion of Rab27a‐expressing vesicles with cytotoxic granules and reveal an additional level of complexity in the spatial/temporal segregation of subcellular structures participating in the process of granule‐mediated cytotoxicity.
Chromatic aberration correction: an enhancement to the calibration of low‐cost digital dermoscopes
Authors: Wighton Paul , Lee Tim K. , Lui Harvey , McLean David , Atkins M. Stella 
Published: February 2011

Background/purpose: We present a method for calibrating low‐cost digital dermoscopes that corrects for color and inconsistent lighting and also corrects for chromatic aberration. Chromatic aberration is a form of radial distortion that often occurs in inexpensive digital dermoscopes and creates red and blue halo‐like effects on edges. Being radial in nature, distortions due to chromatic aberration are not constant across the image, but rather vary in both magnitude and direction. As a result, distortions are not only visually distracting but could also mislead automated characterization techniques.Methods: Two low‐cost dermoscopes, based on different consumer‐grade cameras, were tested. Color is corrected by imaging a reference and applying singular value decomposition to determine the transformation required to ensure accurate color reproduction. Lighting is corrected by imaging a uniform surface and creating lighting correction maps. Chromatic aberration is corrected using a second‐order radial distortion model.Results: Our results for color and lighting calibration are consistent with previously published results, while distortions due to chromatic aberration can be reduced by 42–47% in the two systems considered.Conclusion: The disadvantages of inexpensive dermoscopy can be quickly substantially mitigated with a suitable calibration procedure.
Adherence to diet and quality of life in patients with phenylketonuria
Authors: Cotugno G , Nicolò R , Cappelletti S , Goffredo BM , Dionisi Vici C , Di Ciommo V 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAim:  To investigate adherence to dietary treatment and quality of life (QoL) in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU).Methods:  In the setting of a tertiary paediatric hospital, 41 early‐treated patients affected by PKU aged more than 3 years old were enrolled in a cross‐sectional study. Three‐days dietary assessment, QoL questionnaires for patients <18 years old (Child Health Questionnaire) and Short Form for adults were completed.Results:  Of 41 patients, 23 (56.1%) were considered adherent to the dietary prescriptions as their phenylalanine intake was less than prescribed. Phenylalanine intake was significantly in excess of prescribed if mothers had a lower level of education. Adherence was not correlated with age. Metabolic control was obtained in 41.5–51.2% of the patients depending on the target. QoL was reduced in children and adolescents. There was no significant correlation between adherence and QoL, except for the domains of Global Health and Family Activities (ρ = 0.42 and 0.46, respectively). The overall agreement between adherence and metabolic control varied according to different targets of metabolic control (51.2–65.9%).Conclusions:  It is necessary to improve the adherence to diet and the QoL in children and adolescents affected by PKU.
North American Integration? Civil Society and Immigrant Health Policy Convergence
Authors: BARNES NIELAN 
Published: February 2011

Post‐North American Free Trade Agreement and post‐9/11, increasing labor mobility combined with tightening security regimes and rising anti‐immigrant sentiment has negatively impacted the health of mobile transnational populations in North America. Public health and immigration researchers have documented the problems faced by migrants and immigrants, including lack of access to health services and increased risk of exposure to infectious disease, work‐related hazards, and violence. This article examines how civil society organizations that serve transnational populations act as drivers for health policy innovation and convergence. The methodology is a comparative case study that combines qualitative methods to analyze data across a range of knowledge domains. The article generates new knowledge about the role of nonstate actors on hemispheric integration and policy convergence.Después del Tratado de Libre Comercio de América del Norte y 11/9, la movilidad laboral en aumento junto con el refuerzo de las medidas de seguridad y el creciente sentimiento anti‐inmigrante ha impactado negativamente la salud de la población trasnacional móvil en América del Norte. La salud pública y los investigadores de inmigración han documentado los problemas que enfrentan los migrantes y emigrantes, incluyendo la falta de acceso a los servicios de salud, un mayor riesgo de exposición a las enfermedades infecciosas, riesgos en el trabajo y violencia. Este artíclo examina cómo las organizaciones de la sociedad civil que atienden a las poblaciones transnacionales actúan como motor de la innovación y convergencia. La metodología es un estudio de caso comparativo que combina métodos cualitativos para analizar información a través de una serie de ámbitos del conocimiento. El artículo genera nuevo conocimiento acerca del rol de los actores no‐gubernamentales en la integración hemisférica y la convergencia de políticas.
Extracellular Streptomyces vesicles: amphorae for survival and defence
Authors: Schrempf Hildgund , Koebsch Ilona , Walter Stefan , Engelhardt Harald , Meschke Holger 
Published: February 2011

SummaryBlue‐pigmented exudates arise as droplets on sporulated lawns of Streptomyces coelicolor M110 grown on agar plates. Our electron microscopical and biochemical studies suggest that droplets contain densely packed vesicles with large assemblies of different protein types and/or the polyketide antibiotic actinorhodin. Frozen‐hydrated vesicles were unilamellar with a typical bilayer membrane, and ranged from 80 to 400 nm in diameter with a preferred width of 150–300 nm. By means of cryo‐electron tomography, three types were reconstructed three‐dimensionally: vesicles that were filled with particulate material, likely protein assemblies, those that contained membrane‐bound particles, and a vesicle that showed a higher contrast inside, but lacked particles. Our LC/MS analyses of generated tryptic peptides led to the identification of distinct proteins that carry often a predicted N‐terminal signal peptide with a twin‐arginine motif or lack a canonical signal sequence. The proteins are required for a range of processes: the acquisition of inorganic as well as organic phosphate, iron ions, and of distinct carbon sources, energy metabolism and redox balance, defence against oxidants and tellurites, the tailoring of actinorhodin, folding and assembly of proteins, establishment of turgor, and different signalling cascades. Our novel findings have immense implications for understanding new avenues of environmental biology of streptomycetes and for biotechnological applications.
De novo transcriptome characterization and development of genomic tools for Scabiosa columbaria L. using next‐generation sequencing techniques
Authors: ANGELONI F. , WAGEMAKER C. A. M. , JETTEN M. S. M. , OP den CAMP H. J. M. , JANSSEN‐MEGENS E. M. , FRANCOIJS K.‐J. , STUNNENBERG H. G. , OUBORG N. J. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractNext‐generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are increasingly applied in many organisms, including nonmodel organisms that are important for ecological and conservation purposes. Illumina and 454 sequencing are among the most used NGS technologies and have been shown to produce optimal results at reasonable costs when used together. Here, we describe the combined application of these two NGS technologies to characterize the transcriptome of a plant species of ecological and conservation relevance for which no genomic resource is available, Scabiosa columbaria. We obtained 528 557 reads from a 454 GS‐FLX run and a total of 28 993 627 reads from two lanes of an Illumina GAII single run. After read trimming, the de novo assembly of both types of reads produced 109 630 contigs. Both the contigs and the >75 bp remaining singletons were blasted against the Uniprot/Swissprot database, resulting in 29 676 and 10 515 significant hits, respectively. Based on sequence similarity with known gene products, these sequences represent at least 12 516 unique genes, most of which are well covered by contig sequences. In addition, we identified 4320 microsatellite loci, of which 856 had flanking sequences suitable for PCR primer design. We also identified 75 054 putative SNPs. This annotated sequence collection and the relative molecular markers represent a main genomic resource for S. columbaria which should contribute to future research in conservation and population biology studies. Our results demonstrate the utility of NGS technologies as starting point for the development of genomic tools in nonmodel but ecologically important species.
Audit of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia prophylaxis in Bloomsbury health authority
Authors: West Deborah , Steel Sharon , Miller Robert 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
An audit of Pneumocystis carinü pneumonia prophylaxis used in HIV-infected patients within Bloomsbury health authority in 1989 was carried out. A total of 134 patients who were prescribed 167 courses of PCP prophylaxis, with a variety of different regimens, was included in the study. Fifty three patients were prescribed 60 courses of primary prophylaxis, 55 of which were given with concurrent zidovudine. Eighty two patients were prescribed 107 courses of secondary prophylaxis, 96 after one episode of PCP and 11 after two episodes.
Patients given primary prophylaxis, together with zidovudine, had a lower incidence of PCP than patients receiving no treatment. With secondary prophylaxis, a higher rate of relapse was seen with nebulised pentamidine than with co-trimoxazole (16 per cent compared with 4.5 per cent). The incidence of adverse effects with co-trimoxazole was higher in secondary than in primary prophylaxis. Compliance with nebulised pentamidine therapy was poor. Compliance with oral therapy was not monitored.
Total parenteral nutrition via a peripheral vein: A comparison of heparinised and non-heparinised regimens
Authors: Moclair A E , Moselhi M , Benjamin I S , Hecker J F 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Administration of total parenteral nutrition solutions via a peripheral vein is an attractive concept. An ideal regimen would meet the requirements of moderately catabolic patients and would contain about 14g of nitrogen and 2200kcals. The feasibility of administering such a regimen was examined in a study at Hammersmith hospital, London. To prolong vein survival and minimise the risk of phlebitis, all patients had a glyceryl trinitrate patch and twice daily hydrocortisone cream applied to the infusion site. Patients were randomised to receive either heparinised or non-heparinised TPN at a concentration of 1 IU/ml. Sixteen patients were recruited to the study of whom nine received heparin in their TPN. The end point was determined as occurring when the cannula was removed electively or accidentally, or when phlebitis around the cannula site necessitated removal. Infusions ending in phlebitis or tissuing were counted as true failures while cannulae electively withdrawn or pulled out were treated as censored data. The median survival time of infusion sites receiving heparinised TPN was 69 hours while the median survival time of sites receiving TPN only was 31 hours. Life table analysis was carried out on the duration of patency of individual cannulation sites. Comparison of the two groups using the logrank test showed a significant difference (p=0.013). Thus, the addition of heparin at 1 IU/ml to TPN infusate produced a marked extension of the survival of the infusion sites. This technique warrants further investigation with other peripheral regimens.
The development of a computerised quality assurance system for clinical pharmacy
Authors: Cousins David , Hatoum Hind 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
New management arrangements which were initiated in National Health Service hospitals on April 1, 1990, required hospital pharmacists to draw up internal contracts for their services with clinical directorates/clinical speciality managers. There is an urgent requirement to be able to describe the work and benefits, both in terms of patient care and cost effectiveness of clinical pharmacy services.
This pilot study describes a system where clinical pharmacists' patient interventions were recorded, entered into a computer data base and analysed to show any quality of care and cost avoidance benefits.
A comparision of two devices for the continuous infusion of cytotoxic drugs in non-hospitalised patients
Authors: Summerhayes M , Fisher Z , Harper P G 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
The performance, cost and patient acceptability of two continuous infusion pumps, the Parker 2004 and the CADD-1, were compared in patients receiving continuous infusions of cytotoxic drugs. Eight patients used each pump for a minimum of four weeks. Questionnaires on both pumps were completed by each patient. All patients preferred the Parker pump in almost every respect.
Problems encountered with the pumps were recorded over 12 months and an estimate of running costs was made. Fourteen patients used the Parker pump for an average of 20.7 weeks and 11 patients used the CADD-1 pump for an average of 14.1 weeks. Eight patients used both pumps. Using either pump, it was possible to maintain outpatients on infusion therapy with few problems. The Parker pump is more economical to run in continuous operation but is less economical than the CADD-1 pump for giving short infusions.
Community pharmacists, injecting drug misusers and the reduction of HIV transmission
Authors: Harding G , Taylor K M G 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
The role of 268 community pharmacists in reducing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission by providing advice and injecting equipment to drug addicts was investigated. Postal questionnaires were issued to proprietors or managers of all (362) community pharmacies in two family health services authorities within the North West Thames regional health authority to determine their current activities concerning the reduction of HIV transmission between injecting drug misusers (IDMs). More than half of the pharmacists supplied injecting equipment to IDMs, most frequently as 1ml disposable insulin syringes. Eleven per cent of those pharmacies from which equipment was sold provided disposal facilities. More than half of those without disposal facilities failed to provide information regarding safe disposal when supplying injecting equipment. Virtually all the pharmacists surveyed did not supply accompanying health education literature when they sold injecting equipment
Wastage factor of intravenous infusions in a regional intensive care unit
Authors: Ferguson M I , Coppel D L 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
The use and wastage of infusions of propofol and atracurium were studied over an eight-week period in an intensive care unit. Four sources of wastage were apparent, three of which were avoidable. Cessation of therapy, often as a result of decisions made by medical staff on morning ward rounds, was the most important source of wastage (75.7 and 74.6 per cent of wastage of propofol and atracurium, respectively). Advance preparation of syringes was another source, particularly for atracurium, and intermittent short infusions accounted for 8.5 per cent of wastage of propofol. Alterations in unit practice for administration of propofol and atracurium could lead to financial savings (approximately 1.5 per cent of the annual expenditure on drugs by this unit) and greater financial savings would be expected if wastage reduction policies were applied to all infusions.
Prolonging the survival of peripheral infusion sites in neonates with low dose heparin
Authors: Moclair A E , Hecker J F , Willson A , Bates I P 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe effect was studied of adding heparin to 10 per cent dextrose and to total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solutions infused into peripheral veins of premature babies. The median survival times of sites receiving 10 per cent dextrose and TPN solutions without heparin were 37 and 22 hours, respectively. Addition of 0. liu/ml heparin had little effect whereas adding 0.25iu/ml increased survival times to 48 and 32 hours, respectively. Adding 0.5iu/ml heparin increased survival times to 67 and 68 hours, and with liu/ml they rose further still, to 69 and 83 hours, respectively. These data suggest that 0.5iu/ml may be sufficient to prolong the survival of peripheral intravenous sites in premature babies.
CD4 lymphocyte count as predictor of drug expenditure in a cohort of anti-HIV seropositive haemophiliacs
Authors: Swaden Leonie , Sabin Caroline , Phillips Andrew , Farrell John , Janossy George , Lee Christine 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
The CD4 lymphocyte counts of 76 haemophilic patients who acquired HIV infection from unsterilised clotting factor concentrate were measured and the cost of all drugs used to treat each patient calculated. A rapid rise in drug costs was seen as patients' CD4 counts approached 0.2×109/L, the level at which zidovudine treatment and prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii are started. The relationship between decline in CD4 counts and cost of drugs was found to be linear. The authors conclude that it is possible to use CD4 counts to predict future drug costs.