Inconsistencies in the red blood cell membrane proteome analysis: generation of a database for research and diagnostic applications.

Based on recent results, the determination of the easily accessible red blood cell (RBC) membrane proteins may provide new diagnostic possibilities for assessing mutations, polymorphisms or regulatory alterations in diseases. However, the analysis of the current mass spectrometry-based proteomics datasets and other major databases indicates inconsistencies-the results show large scattering and only a limited overlap for the identified RBC membrane proteins. Here, we applied membrane-specific proteomics studies in human RBC, compared these results with the data in the literature, and generated a comprehensive and expandable database using all available data sources. The integrated web database now refers to proteomic, genetic and medical databases as well, and contains an unexpected large number of validated membrane proteins previously thought to be specific for other tissues and/or related to major human diseases. Since the determination of protein expression in RBC provides a method to indicate pathological alterations, our database should facilitate the development of RBC membrane biomarker platforms and provide a unique resource to aid related further research and diagnostics

Solving the TTC 2011 Reengineering Case with VIATRA2

The current paper presents a solution of the Program Understanding: A Reengineering Case for the Transformation Tool Contest using the VIATRA2 model transformation tool.Comment: In Proceedings TTC 2011, arXiv:1111.440

Low Gravity Guidance System for Airborne Microgravity Research

Microgravity research techniques have been established to achieve a greater understanding of the role of gravity in the fundamentals of a variety of physical phenomena and material processing. One technique in use at the NASA Lewis Research Center involves flying Keplarian trajectories with a modified Lear Jet and DC-9 aircraft to achieve a highly accurate Microgravity environment by neutralizing accelerations in all three axis of the aircraft. The Low Gravity Guidance System (LGGS) assists the pilot and copilot in flying the trajectories by displaying the aircraft acceleration data in a graphical display format. The Low Gravity Guidance System is a microprocessor based system that acquires and displays the aircraft acceleration information. This information is presented using an electroluminescent display mounted over the pilot's instrument panel. The pilot can select the Microgravity range that is required for a given research event. This paper describes the characteristics, design, calibration and testing of the Low Gravity Guidance System Phase 3, significant lessons from earlier systems and the developmental work on future systems

Hypothyroidism and type d personality:Results from E-MPATHY, a cross-sectional international online patient survey

ContextBetween 10% and 15% of people with hypothyroidism experience persistent symptoms, despite achieving biochemical euthyroidism.The underlying causes are unclear. Type D personality (a vulnerability factor for general psychological distress) is associated with poor healthstatus and symptom burden but has not been studied in people with hypothyroidism.ObjectiveTo investigate type D personality in hypothyroidism and explore associations with other characteristics and patient-reported outcomes.DesignMultinational, cross-sectional survey.SettingOnline.ParticipantsIndividuals with self-reported, treated hypothyroidism.InterventionQuestionnaire.Main Outcome MeasuresType D personality and associations with baseline characteristics, control of the symptoms of hypothyroidism bymedication, satisfaction with care and treatment of hypothyroidism, impact of hypothyroidism on everyday living.ResultsA total of 3915 responses were received, 3523 of which were valid. The prevalence of type D personality was 54.2%. Statisticallysignificant associations were found between type D personality and several respondent characteristics (age, marital status, ethnicity,household income, comorbidities, type of treatment for hypothyroidism, most recent TSH level), anxiety, depression, somatization, poorcontrol of the symptoms of hypothyroidism by medication, dissatisfaction with care and treatment of hypothyroidism, and a negative impactof hypothyroidism on everyday living).DiscussionOur study found a high prevalence of type D personality among people with hypothyroidism who responded to the survey. Type Dpersonality may be an important determinant of dissatisfaction with treatment and care among people with hypothyroidism. Our findings requireindependent confirmation. Close collaboration between the disciplines of thyroidology and psychology is likely to be key in progressing ourunderstanding in this area

Nonlinear integral equations for finite volume excited state energies of the O(3) and O(4) nonlinear sigma-models

We propose nonlinear integral equations for the finite volume one-particle energies in the O(3) and O(4) nonlinear sigma-models. The equations are written in terms of a finite number of components and are therefore easier to solve numerically than the infinite component excited state TBA equations proposed earlier. Results of numerical calculations based on the nonlinear integral equations and the excited state TBA equations agree within numerical precision.Comment: numerical results adde

Use of thyroid hormones in hypothyroid and euthyroid patients: A survey of members of the Endocrine Society of Australia

\ua9 2024 The Authors. Clinical Endocrinology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.Objective: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine condition usually managed with levothyroxine (LT4). However, controversy remains around the use of liothyronine (LT3). We aimed to investigate the practices of Australian endocrinologists when managing patients with hypothyroidism, their use of LT3 + LT4 combination therapy and use of thyroid hormones in euthyroid patients. Design and Participants: Members of the Endocrine Society of Australia (ESA) were invited to participate in an online questionnaire. Measurements: We analysed questionnaires that had complete demographic data. Results: Eighty-seven questionnaires fulfilled the criteria. LT4 was used as first line treatment for hypothyroidism by all respondents. Only 45% reported that their patients were dispensed the brand of LT4 that they recommend. LT3 (alone or in combination) was prescribed by 44% in their clinical practice. Although 49% of respondents would consider LT3 + LT4 in patients with normal TSH who had ongoing symptoms of hypothyroidism, the inability of LT4 to restore normal physiology was ranked the least likely explanation for persistent symptoms and only 32% would consider it for themselves if they were diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The majority (55%), in accordance with evidence, would not prescribe thyroid hormone to euthyroid individuals but 39% would consider use in euthyroid female infertility with high levels of thyroid antibodies and 11% in euthyroid patients with a simple goitre growing over time. LT4 use in pregnancy was variable among members. Conclusions: Australian endocrinologists mostly follow international guidelines when prescribing thyroid hormone therapy and many prescribe combination LT3 and LT4 therapy, particularly for patients who remain symptomatic on LT4 monotherapy. Prescribing practices are largely similar to other countries who have completed similar questionnaires

Issues of Processing and Multiple Testing of SELDI-TOF MS Proteomic Data

A new data filtering method for SELDI-TOF MS proteomic spectra data is described. We examined technical repeats (2 per subject) of intensity versus m/z (mass/charge) of bone marrow cell lysate for two groups of childhood leukemia patients: acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). As others have noted, the type of data processing as well as experimental variability can have a disproportionate impact on the list of interesting proteins (see Baggerly et al. (2004)). We propose a list of processing and multiple testing techniques to correct for 1) background drift; 2) filtering using smooth regression and cross-validated bandwidth selection; 3) peak finding; and 4) methods to correct for multiple testing (van der Laan et al. (2005)). The result is a list of proteins (indexed by m/z) where average expression is significantly different among disease (or treatment, etc.) groups. The procedures are intended to provide a sensible and statistically driven algorithm, which we argue provides a list of proteins that have a significant difference in expression. Given no sources of unmeasured bias (such as confounding of experimental conditions with disease status), proteins found to be statistically significant using this technique have a low probability of being false positives