bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population dynamics of species‐rich ecosystems: the mixture of matrix population models approach
Authors: Mortier Frédéric , Rossi Vivien , Guillot Gilles , Gourlet‐Fleury Sylvie , Picard Nicolas
Published: December 2012

Matrix population models are widely used to predict population dynamics, but when applied to species‐rich ecosystems with many rare species, the small population sample sizes hinder a good fit of species‐specific models. This issue can be overcome by assigning species to groups to increase the size of the calibration data sets. However, the species classification is often disconnected from the matrix modelling and from the estimation of matrix parameters, thus bringing species groups that may not be optimal with respect to the predicted community dynamics.

We proposed here a method that jointly classified species into groups and fit the matrix models in an integrated way. The model was a special case of mixture with unknown number of components and was cast in a Bayesian framework. An MCMC algorithm was developed to infer the unknown parameters: the number of groups, the group of each species and the dynamics parameters.

We applied the method to simulated data and showed that the algorithm efficiently recovered the model parameters.

We applied the method to a data set from a tropical rain forest in French Guiana. The mixture matrix model classified tree species into well‐differentiated groups with clear ecological interpretations. It also accurately predicted the forest dynamics over the 16‐year observation period.

Our model and algorithm can straightforwardly be adapted to any type of matrix model, using the life cycle diagram. It can be used as an unsupervised classification technique to group species with similar population dynamics.
Role of gibberellic acid in tomato defence against potato purple top phytoplasma infection
Authors: Ding Y. , Wei W. , Wu W. , Davis R.E. , Jiang Y. , Lee I.‐M. , Hammond R.W. , Shen L. , Sheng J.‐P. , Zhao Y.
Published: December 2012

Infection of tomato by potato purple top (PPT) phytoplasma causes disruption of gibberellin (GA) homeostasis in the plant host. Such pathologically‐induced GA deficiency can be partially reversed by exogenous application of GA. This study was designed to explore the role of GA in tomato defence response against phytoplasmal disease, and to determine whether pretreatment with GA would protect healthy tomato seedlings from subsequent phytoplasmal infection and disease development. Our results revealed that, following exogenous GA application and subsequent PPT phytoplasma graft inoculation, there was an apparently coordinated down‐regulation of the gene encoding a key GA signalling component and growth repressor known as DELLA protein (GAI) and up‐regulation of genes involved in salicylic acid (SA) synthesis (ICS1), signalling (NIM1) and downstream defence responses (PRP‐1). Our results also indicated that differential regulation of the above genes was correlated with an increase in activities of defence‐related enzymes β‐1,3‐glucanase and chitinase. The data presented in this communication provide evidence to suggest that GA may act via DELLA and SA signalling pathways to modulate host defence in response to PPT phytoplasma infection. Although the GA pretreatment‐induced defence was not sufficient to prevent a systemic infection, it reduced phytoplasma titre and significantly attenuated disease symptoms. While the actual molecular mechanism underlying the GA‐induced plant defence remains elusive, findings from the current study open new opportunities for in‐depth studies of the functional role of the GA signalling network during defence response against phytoplasmal infection.
A Novel Scoring System to Guide Risk Assessment of Wernicke's Encephalopathy
Authors: Green Amy , Parker Richard , Williams Tim M.
Published: December 2012

Background

Thiamine deficiency in patients who abuse alcohol can cause Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE). Thiamine supplements are given to prevent this complication. Guidelines exist for giving thiamine supplementation in the inpatient population. However, similar guidelines are not available for clinicians detoxifying patients in the community, and consequently, assessment of risk of WE and prophylaxis can be inconsistent.

Methods

A scoring system to assess risk of WE was developed and evaluated by comparing practice before and after introduction of the system. One hundred and twenty‐six cases requiring alcohol detoxification were examined: 94 before introduction of the scoring system and 32 afterward.

Results

Before introduction of the scoring system, a risk assessment for developing WE was performed in 30% of patients and parenteral thiamine prescribed in 32%. After introduction of the scoring system, risk assessment and administration of parenteral thiamine increased to 100 and 75%, respectively. There was 1 probable case of WE before introduction of the scoring system and none afterward.

Conclusions

We conclude that assessment of WE is often inadequate, leading to inadequate thiamine administration. The new scoring system allows simple, structured risk assessment for WE and thus guides appropriate thiamine administration. This is of most value to clinicians treating the consequences of alcohol dependence in the community.
Motives to Drink or Not to Drink: Longitudinal Relations Among Personality, Motives, and Alcohol Use Across Adolescence and Early Adulthood
Authors: Anderson Kristen G. , Briggs Kristen E. L. , White Helene R.
Published: December 2012

Background

Adolescent selective intervention programs for alcohol have focused on the identification of youth at risk as a function of personality and associated alcohol‐related cognitions. Research into the role of personality, drinking motivations, and alcohol‐related outcomes has generally focused exclusively on motives to drink. We expand on this literature by focusing on both motives to drink and motives not to drink across time from adolescence to early adulthood in a community sample.

Methods

Using 3 waves of data from 3 cohorts from the Rutgers Health and Human Development Project (n = 1,380; 49.4% women), we modeled the influence of baseline alcohol consumption, disinhibition (DIS), and harm avoidance (ages 15, 18, and 21 years) on drinking motives and motives not to drink 3 years later (ages 18, 21, and 24 years) and alcohol use and drinking‐related problems 7 years subsequently (ages 25, 28, and 31 years).

Results

Path analytic models were relatively invariant across cohort. Across cohorts, DIS and baseline alcohol consumption related to later positive reinforcement drinking motives, but less consistency was found for the prediction of negative reinforcement motives to drink. While positive reinforcement motives were associated with greater alcohol consumption and problems 7 years later, negative reinforcement motives were generally associated with problems alone. Positive reinforcement motives for drinking mediated relations between baseline consumption and later consumption. However, results were mixed when considering DIS as a predictor and drinking problems as an outcome. Similarly, personality and baseline consumption related to later motives not to drink and such motives predicted subsequent alcohol‐related problems. However, mediation was not generally supported for pathways through motives to abstain.

Conclusions

The results of this study replicate and extend previous longitudinal findings with youth and add to the growing literature on motivations not to engage in alcohol use.
Microinjections of Acetaldehyde or Salsolinol into the Posterior Ventral Tegmental Area Increase Dopamine Release in the Nucleus Accumbens Shell
Authors: Deehan Gerald A. , Engleman Eric A. , Ding Zheng‐Ming , McBride William J. , Rodd Zachary A.
Published: December 2012

Background

Published findings indicate that acetaldehyde (ACD; the first metabolite of ethanol [EtOH]) and salsolinol (SAL; formed through the nonenzymatic condensation of ACD and dopamine [DA]) can be formed following EtOH consumption. Both ACD and SAL exhibit reinforcing properties within the posterior ventral tegmental area (pVTA) and both exhibit an inverted “U‐shaped” dose–response curve. The current study was undertaken to examine the dose–response effects of microinjections of ACD or SAL into the pVTA on DA efflux in the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh).

Methods

For the first experiment, separate groups of male Wistar rats received pulse microinjections of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) or 12‐, 23‐, or 90‐μM ACD into the pVTA, while extracellular DA levels were concurrently measured in the AcbSh. The second experiment was similarly conducted, except rats were given microinjections of aCSF or 0.03‐, 0.3‐, 1.0‐, or 3.0‐μM SAL, while extracellular levels of DA were measured in the AcbSh.

Results

Both ACD and SAL produced a dose‐dependent inverted “U‐shaped” response on DA release in the AcbSh, with 23‐μM ACD (200% baseline) and 0.3‐μM SAL (300% baseline) producing maximal peak responses with higher concentrations of ACD (90 μM) and SAL (3.0 μM) producing significantly lower DA efflux.

Conclusions

The findings from the current study indicate that local application of intermediate concentrations of ACD and SAL stimulated DA neurons in the pVTA, whereas higher concentrations may be having secondary effects within the pVTA that inhibit DA neuronal activity. The present results parallel the studies on the reinforcing effects of ACD and SAL in the pVTA and support the idea that the reinforcing effects of ACD and SAL within the pVTA are mediated by activating DA neurons.
Investigating the Influence of Prenatal Androgen Exposure and Sibling Effects on Alcohol Use and Alcohol Use Disorder in Females from Opposite‐Sex Twin Pairs
Authors: Ellingson Jarrod M. , Slutske Wendy S. , Richmond‐Rakerd Leah S. , Martin Nicholas G.
Published: December 2012

Background

There are robust sex differences for alcohol phenotypes, with men reporting more drinking and alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms than women. However, the sources of these effects are not completely understood. Sex hormones, a substantial biological sex difference, exert neurobehavioral influences and are candidates for influencing sex differences in alcohol phenotypes. This study investigated the effects of prenatal androgens based on the hypothesis of prenatal hormone transfer, which posits that hormones from one twin influence the development of a cotwin.

Methods

This study compared female twins from opposite‐sex (OSF) and same‐sex (SSF) pairs to investigate associations between prenatal androgens and alcohol phenotypes. Additional analyses distinguished prenatal and postnatal effects by comparing OSFs and SSFs with a close‐in‐age older (CAO) brother.

Results

OSFs endorsed more lifetime AUD symptoms than SSFs (d = 0.14). Females with a CAO brother reported greater intoxication frequency (d = 0.35), hangover frequency (d = 0.24), typical drinking quantity (d = 0.33), and max drinks (i.e., the most drinks ever consumed in a 24‐hour period; d = 0.29). Controlling for postnatal effects, OSFs still endorsed more lifetime AUD symptoms than SSFs with a CAO brother (d = 0.16).

Conclusions

Prenatal exposure to a male cotwin was associated with increases in AUD symptoms, above the effect of postnatal exposure to a male sibling. Prenatal exposure to a male cotwin was not associated with increases in other alcohol‐related phenotypes, but postnatal exposure to older male siblings produced medium effect sizes for indicators of alcohol consumption. Sex differences in AUDs, but not alcohol use, may be partially due to the neurodevelopmental effects of prenatal androgens. However, sibling effects may be larger than any effect of prenatal androgen exposure.
Attitudes towards family–staff relationships in Australian residential aged care settings: Development and psychometric evaluation of the ‘Family and Staff Relationship Attitude Tool’ (FASRAT)
Authors: Bauer Michael , Fetherstonhaugh Deirdre , Lewis Virginia
Published: December 2012

Aim

To develop and psychometrically evaluate the Family and Staff Relationship Attitude Tool (FASRAT) for use in Australian residential aged care facilities to assess the attitudinal beliefs of residential aged care staff towards staff–family relationships.

Methods

Development and testing of the psychometric properties of the 26‐item FASRAT occurred in three phases which included item development based on a systematic review of the research literature, interviews with aged care staff and families, expert panel review and testing with aged care staff.

Results

Content validity and internal consistency of the FASRAT support its use as an instrument to measure staff attitudinal beliefs about staff–family relationships in the residential aged care setting.

Conclusion

The FASRAT will enable residential aged care facilities to measure the attitudinal beliefs of its staff about staff–family relationships and provide a basis for the development and implementation of interventions to address identified gaps which impact on relationship quality.
The effect of inner tube placement on resistance and work of breathing through tracheostomy tubes: a bench test
Authors: Carter A. , Fletcher S. J. , Tuffin R.
Published: December 2012

To reduce the risk of tracheostomy tube blockage, a removable inner tube can be used. However, this will reduce the size of the lumen and will increase airflow resistance and work of breathing. The magnitude of this increase in workload is unknown. We undertook a bench test to measure the effect. A lung model was developed to ‘breathe’ through the tracheostomy tube. We created pressure–volume curves from which we calculated work of breathing with and without an inner tube using 6–10 mm tracheostomy tubes over a range of respiratory rates and tidal volumes. The inner tube increased the resistive work of breathing by an average factor of 2.2. The extra work of breathing imposed easily exceeded the normal total work of breathing. Our results will aid a risk–benefit analysis when deciding whether to use inner tubes. Selecting a larger tracheostomy tube is likely to aid weaning from mechanical ventilation.
Antioxidants reduce TGF‐beta2‐induced gene expressions in human optic nerve head astrocytes
Authors: Yu Alice L. , Welge‐Lussen Ulrich
Published: December 2012

Purpose:  The goal of the present study was to investigate whether the antioxidants vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin B1 can reduce the transforming growth factor‐beta2 (TGF‐β2)‐induced gene expressions in cultured human optic nerve head (ONH) astrocytes.

Methods:  Cultured human ONH astrocytes were pretreated with different concentrations of vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin B1 and then exposed to 1.0 ng/ml TGF‐β2 for 24 hr. Expression of the heat shock proteins Hsp27 and αB‐crystallin, the extracellular matrix (ECM) component fibronectin and the ECM‐modulating protein connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was detected by immunohistochemistry or real‐time PCR analysis.

Results:  TGF‐β2 increased the expression of Hsp27, αB‐crystallin, fibronectin and CTGF in human ONH astrocytes. Pretreatment with different concentrations of vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin B1 reduced the TGF‐β2‐stimulated gene expressions.

Conclusion:  In cultured human ONH astrocytes, the TGF‐β2‐stimulated gene expressions could be reduced by pretreatment with vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin B1. Therefore, the use of antioxidants in glaucomatous optic neuropathy might be a promising approach to prevent TGF‐β2‐induced cellular changes in ONH astrocytes.
Children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and high HbA1c – a neurodevelopmental perspective
Authors: Nylander Charlotte , Toivonen Henri , Nasic Salmir , Söderström Ulf , Tindberg Ylva , Fernell Elisabeth
Published: December 2012

Aim

To examine the association between neurodevelopmental problems and high HbA1c among paediatric patients with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

A population‐based study was performed among patients with type 1 diabetes (5–16 years) in two Swedish counties (n = 233). The Five to Fifteen (FTF) questionnaire targeted neurodevelopmental qualities. Scores above the 90th percentile in the various domains are considered as definitive problems and scores above the 75th percentile as mild. FTF scores were compared with regard to HbA1c ≤73 mmol/mol and >73 mmol/mol (8.0%).

Results

The response rate was 190 (82%). Neurodevelopmental problems were not overrepresented among patients in general. Memory and learning problems were associated with HbA1c >73 mmol/mol (p = 0.01). This correlation was especially seen in adolescents (12–16 years) where mild executive problems (adjOR 3.1), definite memory problems (adjOR 5.0) and definite learning problems (adjOR 5.0) were associated with HbA1c >73 mmol/mol after adjustment for gender, diabetes duration and age of onset.

Conclusion

Our findings that high HbA1c is more common in adolescent diabetes patients with neurodevelopmental problems generate the hypothesis that these problems might precede poor metabolic control. If so, early detection of neurodevelopmental problems would allow individually tailored treatment that may improve metabolic control and prevent complications.
The blockade of angiotensin AT1 and aldosterone receptors protects rats from synthetic androgen‐induced cardiac autonomic dysfunction
Authors: Marques Neto S. R. , Silva A. da H. , Santos M. C. P. dos , Ferraz E. F. , Nascimento J. H. M.
Published: December 2012

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of exercise and antagonists of the angiotensin II and aldosterone receptors on cardiac autonomic regulation and ventricular repolarization in rats chronically treated with nandrolone decanoate (ND), a synthetic androgen.

Methods

Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: sedentary, trained, ND‐treated, trained and ND‐treated, trained and treated with both ND and spironolactone, and trained and treated with both ND and losartan. ND (10 mg kg−1 weekly) and the antagonists (20 mg kg−1 daily) of the angiotensin II AT1 (losartan) and aldosterone (spironolactone) receptors were administered for 8 weeks. Exercise training was performed using a treadmill five times each week for 8 weeks. Following this 8‐week training and treatment period, electrocardiogram recordings were obtained to determine the time and frequency domains of heart rate variability (HRV) and corrected QT interval (QTc).

Results

Nandrolone decanoate treatment increased the QTc interval and reduced the parasympathetic indexes of HRV (RMSSD, pNN5 and high‐frequency power) in sedentary and trained rats. The ratio between low‐ and high‐frequency power (LF/HF) was higher in ND‐treated groups. Both losartan and spironolactone treatments prevented the effects of ND on the QTc interval and the HRV parameters (RMSSD, pNN5, high‐frequency power, and the LF/HF ratio).

Conclusion

Our results show that chronic treatment with a high dose of ND induces cardiac parasympathetic dysfunction and disturbances in ventricular repolarization in both sedentary and exercised rats. Furthermore, inhibiting the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system using losartan, or spironolactone, prevented these deleterious effects.
Does C‐reactive protein independently predict mortality in adult community‐acquired bacteremia patients with known sepsis severity?
Authors: Gradel Kim O. , Jensen Thøger G. , Kolmos Hans J. , Pedersen Court , Vinholt Pernille J. , Lassen Annmarie T.
Published: December 2012

We evaluated whether sepsis severity and C‐reactive protein (CRP) level on admission prognostically corroborated or annulled each other in adult patients with incident community‐acquired bacteremia (Funen, Denmark, 2000–2008). We used logistic regression and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to evaluate 30‐day mortality in four models: (i) age, gender, comorbidity, bacteria, and ward. (ii) Model 1 and sepsis severity. (iii) Model 1 and CRP. (iv) Model 1, sepsis severity, and CRP. Altogether, 416 of 1999 patients died within 30 days. CRP independently predicted 30‐day mortality [Model 4, odds ratio (95% CIs) for 100 mg/L: 1.16 (1.06–1.27)], but it did not contribute to the AUC (Model 2 vs Model 4: p = 0.31). In the 963 non‐severe sepsis patients, CRP independently predicted 30‐day mortality [Model 4: 1.42 (1.20–1.69)] and it increased the AUC (Model 2 vs Model 4: p = 0.06), thus CRP contributed as much as sepsis severity to prognosis.
Precore and basal core promoter mutations in Asian American patients with hepatitis B e antigen‐positive chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Vutien P. , Trinh H. N. , Nguyen K. , Garcia R. T. , Nguyen H. A. , Levitt B. S. , Nguyen L. , Ha N. B. , Ahmed A. , Daugherty T. , Garcia G. , Nguyen M. H.
Published: December 2012

Background

Prior studies have shown that precore mutations abolish and basal core promoter (BCP) mutations down‐regulate hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) production. Thus, the presence of precore and BCP mutations in HBeAg‐positive patients indicates an infection with a mixed viral population of wild‐type and precore and/or BCP mutant hepatitis B virus (HBV). To date, there has been limited study of the prevalence and clinical significance of precore and BCP mutations in patients with HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B.

Aim

To determine the prevalence, predictors and clinical characteristics of mixed wild‐type and precore/BCP HBV infection, through a cross‐sectional study, in a US cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 828 chronic hepatitis B patients with HBV genotype and mutation panel testing seen at three US gastroenterology and liver clinics from June 2005 to September 2009.

Results

A majority of our patients (92.3%) were either Vietnamese or Chinese American. In the HBeAg‐positive cohort, 17% of patients had precore mutations only, 28% had BCP mutations only and 5% had both BCP and precore mutations. On multivariate analyses, HBV genotype C, increasing age, lower HBV DNA level and an ALT quotient >2 were independent predictors for the presence of precore and/or BCP mutations.

Conclusions

The current distinction and management recommendations for HBeAg‐positive vs. HBeAg‐negative patients with chronic hepatitis B should be reassessed. Additional biomarkers and treatment endpoints should be studied for their usefulness in predicting continued viral suppression after treatment discontinuation.
Recent advances in video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer
Authors: Ikeda Norihiko , Saji Hisashi , Hagiwara Masaru , Ohira Tatsuo , Usuda Jitsuo , Kajiwara Naohiro
Published: December 2012

As a result of increased use of CT in both screening and daily practice, the number of early lung cancers has increased enormously. Surgeons pursue both curativity and reduced invasiveness in treating patients with early stage lung cancer; therefore, minimally invasive operations, such as video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy are now being routinely performed. Most previous reports have shown that there is no difference in mortality and local recurrence between open surgery and VATS in stage I patients. However, surgeons' improved technical experience and patients' demands could soon make VATS lobectomy the operative method of choice for early stage lung cancer. Moreover, the indications for VATS are expanding to encompass complex procedures such as segmentectomy or sleeve resection. Training and dissemination of the technique and the monitoring of outcomes are necessary.
Health as Normal Function: a Weak Link in Daniels's Theory of Just Health Distribution
Authors: Krag Erik
Published: December 2012

Drawing on Christopher Boorse's Biostatistical Theory (BST), Norman Daniels contends that a genuine health need is one which is necessary to restore normal functioning – a supposedly objective notion which he believes can be read from the natural world without reference to potentially controversial normative categories. But despite his claims to the contrary, this conception of health harbors arbitrary evaluative judgments which make room for intractable disagreement as to which conditions should count as genuine health needs and therefore which needs should be met. I begin by offering a brief summary of Boorse's BST, the theory to which Daniels appeals for providing the conception of health as normal functioning upon which his overall distributive scheme rests. Next, I consider what I call practical objections to Daniels's use of Boorse's theory. Finally I recount Elseljin Kingma's theoretical objection to Boorse's BST and discuss its impact on Daniels's overall theory. Though I conclude that Boorse's view, so weakened, will no longer be able to sustain the judgments which Daniels's theory uses it to reach, in the end, I offer Daniels an olive branch by briefly sketching an alternative strategy for reaching suitably objective conclusions regarding the health and/or disease status of various conditions.
To Donate a Kidney: Public Perspectives from Pakistan
Authors: Moazam Farhat , Jafarey Aamir M. , Shirazi Bushra
Published: December 2012

Despite the majority opinion of Muslim jurists that organ donation is permitted in Sharia, surveys indicate continuing resistance by lay Muslims, especially to donating organs following death. Pakistan, a country with 165 million Muslims, currently reliant on live donors, is considering steps to establish deceased donor programs which will require public acceptance and support. This article analyzes the results of in‐depth interviews with 105 members of the public focusing on opinions and knowledge about juristic rulings regarding kidney donations, donor‐family dynamics in deceased donation decisions, and attitudes towards buying kidneys. The objective was to determine the influence if any of cultural and religious values, and norms of traditional family structures and kinships, on decisions to donate.

Study participants view donation of kidneys, particularly from the deceased, through a different lens from that used by jurists and physicians, one that also does not conform to familiar paradigms defining ethical organ donation. A socially modulated understanding of Islam passed down the generations, and longstanding family‐centric norms, shape the moral worldview of many rather than academic juristic rulings or non‐contextual concepts of autonomy and rights. The results of this study also highlight that medical science may be universal but its application occurs within particularities of cultural and religious values, social constructs of the self and its relationship with others, and different ways in which humans comprehend illness, suffering, and death. These findings are of relevance both to transplant related professionals and bioethicists involved with this field.
Is the igeneration a ‘we’ generation? Social networking use among 9‐ to 13‐year‐olds and belonging
Authors: Quinn Sally , Oldmeadow Julian A.
Published: December 2012

Research suggests that online communication is associated with increased closeness to friends and friendship quality. Children under 13 years of age are increasingly using social networking sites (SNSs), but research with this younger age group is scarce. This study examined the relationship between SNS use and feelings of belonging among children aged 9–13 years. A self‐report questionnaire was administered to 443 children (48.98% boys), asking about their SNS use and their sense of belonging to their friendship group. SNS users reported a stronger sense of belonging to their friendship group than non‐users, but this was found only among older boys. Furthermore, among boy SNS users, a positive linear relationship was found between the intensity of usage and feelings of belonging. No significant relationships were found for girls. These findings suggest that boys who use these sites are gaining friendship benefits over and above those boys who are non‐users or low‐intensity users. Longitudinal studies should investigate the causal relationships between SNS use and social effects within this age group.
Burge, Elizabeth et al ed (2011) Flexible pedagogy, flexible practiceAthabasca U Press (Edmonton, Canada) isbn 978‐1‐926836‐20‐1 348 pp CDN$34.95 (download free of charge) http://www.aupress.ca/index.php/books/120203
Authors: Martin Marie
Published: December 2012

In this excellently edited and stimulating book, targeted at all interested in post‐secondary education, practitioners in the fields of flexible pedagogy and distance education across the globe share and critically reflect on experiences of flexibility grounded in the gritty reality of practice. If the content of this book is likely to be relevant to you, I recommend that you arrange to borrow a copy for a while.

Marie Martin
Fenwick, Tara et al (2012) Emerging approaches to educational researchRoutledge (New York & London) isbn 978‐0‐415‐57092‐3 215 pp £24.99 http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415570923/
Authors: Oddone Cristina
Published: December 2012

This book focuses on new approaches to educational research by offering novel perspectives to people interested in finding further paths; as such it assumes previous knowledge in the field. It is therefore suitable for experienced researchers who are already familiar with the issues and variables usually involved in research practices. If the book's content is likely to be relevant to you, I advise that you will probably find only parts of it of interest or use.

Cristina Oddone
Kidd, Terry T & Chen, Irene ed (2011) Ubiquitous learningIAP (Charlotte, NC & Eurospan, London) isbn 978‐1‐61735‐436‐6 337 pp £41.95 (boards £77.95) http://www.infoagepub.com/products/ubiquitous‐learning
Authors: Martin Marie
Published: December 2012

This book is a stimulating read. It aims to alert educators, particularly in higher education, to the potential of “ubiquitous learning”, and offers a range of practical suggestions and strategies for teaching in this emerging environment. If the content of this book could be relevant to you, I recommend you arrange to borrow a copy.

Marie Martin
Ovens, Peter et al (2012) Developing inquiry for learningRoutledge (New York & London) isbn 978‐0‐415‐59877‐4 226 pp £24.99 http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415598774/
Authors: Smyth Robyn
Published: December 2012

The authors provide some useful ideas and a bridge from face‐to‐face into blended learning contexts that teachers interested in inquiry pedagogy may find useful. There are various scaffolds and exemplars as well as exploration of appropriate digital tools that can be of use for critical inquiry. If the content of this book is likely to be relevant to you, I advise you may find only parts of it of interest or use.

Robyn Smyth
Thouësny, Sylvie & Bradley, Linda ed (2011) Second language teaching and learning with technology (Research‐publishing.net, Dublin) isbn 978‐1‐908416‐00‐1 217 pp Free of charge http://research‐publishing.net/publication/978‐1‐908416‐00‐1.pdf
Authors: Laborda Jesús García
Published: December 2012

This ten chapter volume intends to approach a number of current issues “from well‐established web‐based learning environments to mobile learning, through current web 2.0 applications such as blogs, which foster intercultural contexts and/or diverse means of computer‐mediated interaction”. In this sense, the valuable book aims to enable readers to gain a deep understanding of the field and to provide research procedures and processes to facilitate the learning of foreign languages through the use of information technology. If you expect the content of this book to be relevant to you, I recommend that you buy a copy for your own use.

Jesús García Laborda
Prognostic Significance of Ror2 and Wnt5a Expression in Medulloblastoma
Authors: Lee Seung Eun , Lim So Dug , Kang So Young , Suh Sang Bum , Suh Yeon‐Lim
Published: December 2012

Medulloblastoma (MB) is a clinically and biologically heterogeneous group of tumors, and currently classified into four molecular subgroups (Wnt, Shh, Group 3 and Group 4). Intracellular signaling of the Wnt pathway has been divided into two classes: the “canonical” and the “non‐canonical” signaling pathway. The canonical signaling pathway is a well‐established, β‐catenin‐dependent signaling pathway in MB. In contrast, very little research about the non‐canonical WNT signaling pathway in MB exists. In order to identify the roles of Wnt‐5a and Ror2, two non‐canonical WNT pathway‐related genes, we studied 76 cases of MB with immunohistochemistry and quantitative real‐time PCR and correlated the results with clinicopathological and other molecular parameters and prognosis. Wnt5a and Ror2 were immunopositive in 20 (29.4%) and 35 (51.5%) of 68 cases, respectively. There were positive associations among protein expressions of Wnt5a, Ror2 and β‐catenin. Ror2 mRNA levels were well correlated with immunoexpression. Ror2 mRNA expression was significantly associated with CTNNB1 mutation. High Ror2 mRNA expression was an independent favorable prognostic factor. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the first attempt to identify Wnt5a and Ror2 as additional mechanisms contributing to dysregulation of the non‐canonical WNT signaling pathway in MB. Ror2 may play a role as an oncosuppressor in MB.
Themed section: endothelin
Authors: Davenport Anthony P , Barton Matthias
Published: December 2012

This themed section of the British Journal of Pharmacology contains reviews on recent developments in endothelin research arising from the Twelfth International Conference on Endothelin (ET‐12). It includes the emerging role for endothelin‐2 in the cardiovascular system, ovarian development, immunology and cancer. The action of endothelin on two key targets is discussed: the paracrine or autocrine regulation of contractility and growth in the heart and the role of endothelin in renal disease. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated cardiovascular disease and circulating levels of endothelin‐1 are lower in premenopausal women than in men and evidence is presented for the contribution of sex differences in responses to the peptide. Transcription is the primary level of regulation of the endothelin gene; and current research on the epigenetic regulation of the endothelin pathway, including the silencing of the EDNRB gene encoding the ETB receptor during tumourigenesis, is reviewed.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Endothelin. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2013.168.issue‐2. To view the previously published paper by Dhaun et al. visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2012.02070.x
The role of apolipoprotein A5 in obesity and the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Zheng Xiao‐Yan , Zhao Shui‐Ping , Yan Hu
Published: December 2012

Apolipoprotein A5 (apoA5) has an important role in lipid metabolism, specifically for triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins. Recently, evidence has emerged for an association between genetic variability at the APOA5 locus and increased risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, its mechanism of action remains to be fully elucidated. Importantly, an intracellular role of apoA5 has been indicated since apoA5 is associated with cytoplasmic lipid droplets and affects intrahepatic triglyceride accumulation, as well as affecting intravascular triglyceride metabolism. Given that adipocytes provide the largest storage depot for energy in the form of triglyceride within the lipid droplets, and play a crucial role in the development of obesity, we highlight recent findings discussing the interaction of apoA5 with adipocytes or adipose tissue, indicating that apoA5 may act as a novel regulator to modulate triglyceride storage in adipocytes. We review the association of APOA5 gene polymorphisms with obesity and metabolic syndrome, and propose potential mechanisms by which apoA5 may increase susceptibility to these conditions. This review provides new insights into the physiological role of apoA5 and identifies a potential therapeutic target for obesity and associated disorders.
I Don't Want to Pick! Introspection on Uncertainty Supports Early Strategic Behavior
Authors: Lyons Kristen E. , Ghetti Simona
Published: December 2012

Although some evidence indicates that even very young children engage in rudimentary forms of strategic behavior, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that uncertainty monitoring underlies such behaviors. Three‐, four‐, and five‐year‐old children (N = 88) completed a perceptual discrimination task. Results indicated that children are more likely to withhold (vs. volunteer) responses on trials for which, when forced to provide an answer, they report subjective uncertainty (vs. subjective certainty). Furthermore, uncertainty monitoring positively predicted the strategic regulation of accuracy via withholding of incorrect responses, even when controlling for individual differences in inhibitory control. Overall, results suggest that children's awareness of their own knowledge states contributes to early strategic behavior.
A new approach to reliability assessment of dental caries examinations
Authors: Altarakemah Yacoub , Al‐Sane Mona , Lim Sungwoo , Kingman Albert , Ismail Amid I.
Published: December 2012

Objectives

The objective of this study is to evaluate reliability of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) and identify sources of disagreement among eight Kuwaiti dentists with no prior knowledge of the system.

Methods

A 90‐min introductory e‐course was introduced followed by an examination of extracted teeth using the ICDAS coding system on the first day. Then three sessions of clinical examinations were performed. This study only used the data from the last session where 705 tooth surfaces of 10 patients were examined to assess bias in caries examination and on which codes the examiners had the highest disagreement. Compared with the gold standard, we evaluated bias of the ICDAS coding using three approaches (Bland–Altman plot, maximum kappa statistic, and Bhapkar's chi‐square test). Linear weighted kappa statistics were computed to assess interexaminer reliability.

Results

Marginal ICDAS distributions for most examiners were significantly different from that of the gold standard (bias present). The primary source of these marginal differences was misclassifying sound surfaces as noncavitated lesions. Interexaminer reliability of the 3‐level ICDAS (codes 0, 1–2, and 3–6) classification ranged between 0.43 and 0.73, indicating evidence of substantial inconsistency between examiners. The primary source of examiner differences was agreeing on diagnosing noncavitated lesions.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of assessing both systematic and random sources of examiner agreement to correctly interpret kappa measures of reliability.
Levels of prostaglandin E2 and Cysteinyl‐leukotrienes in sputum supernatant of patients with asthma: the effect of smoking
Authors: Kontogianni K. , Bakakos P. , Kostikas K. , Hillas G. , Papaporfyriou A. , Papiris S. , Koulouris N. G. , Loukides S.
Published: December 2012

Background

Smoking is associated with worse asthma outcomes and may modify airway inflammation. Such modification may be mediated through an effect on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cysteinyl leukotrienes (Cyst‐LTs).

Objective

We aimed to determine the levels of both PGE2 and Cyst‐LTs in sputum supernatants of patients with asthma and to investigate the effect of smoking habit as well as their associations with inflammatory cells, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and lung function.

Methods

Ninety‐eight patients to asthma (47 smokers) and 40 healthy subjects (20 smokers) were studied. All subjects underwent sputum induction for cell count identification, PGE2 and Cyst‐LTs levels measurement in supernatants, pulmonary function tests and BHR to methacholine.

Results

Patients with asthma had significantly higher levels of both Cyst‐LTs and PGE2 in sputum supernatants compared to healthy subjects [median (interquartile ranges) 432 (287, 575) vs. 91.5 (73.5, 111) pg/mL and 654 (456,789) vs. 117.5 (92,157) pg/mL, respectively, P < 0.001 for both comparisons]. Smoking asthmatics had significantly higher Cyst‐LTs and PGE2 levels compared to non‐smoking asthmatics. Cyst‐LTs levels in sputum supernatant of smoking asthmatics presented a significant positive association with sputum eosinophils, while PGE2 levels were positively associated with sputum neutrophils.

Conclusions

The increased concentrations of PGE2 and Cyst‐LTs in sputum supernatants of smoking asthma are consistent with an up‐regulation of these two mediators in this specific phenotype of asthma. Furthermore, Cyst‐LTs are associated with eosinophilic inflammation, while PGE2 is associated with the presence of neutrophilic inflammation in smoking asthma.
Electroretinographical and histological study of mouse retina after optic nerve section: a comparison between wild‐type and retinal degeneration 1 mice
Authors: Germain Francisco , Istillarte Mirna , Gómez‐Vicente Violeta , Pérez‐Rico Consuelo , de la Villa Pedro
Published: December 2012

Background

Retinal ganglion cell death underlies the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders such as glaucoma or optic nerve trauma. To assess the potential influence of photoreceptor degeneration on retinal ganglion cell survival, and to evaluate functionality, we took advantage of the optic nerve section mouse model.

Methods

Surviving retinal ganglion cells were double‐stained by exposing both superior colliculi to fluorogold, and by applying dextran‐tetramethylrhodamine to the injured optic nerve stump. To assess retinal function in wild‐type animals, electroretinograms were recorded on the injured eyes and compared with the contralateral. Similar labelling experiments were carried out on retinal degeneration 1 mice. Surviving retinal ganglion cells were counted 21 days after axotomy and compared with wild‐type mice. No functional experiments were performed on retinal degeneration 1 animals because they do not develop normal electroretinographical responses.

Results

A significant decrease in retinal ganglion cell density was observed 6 days after axotomy in the wild type. Functional studies revealed that, in scotopic conditions, axotomy induced a significant amplitude decrease in the positive scotopic threshold response component of the electroretinogram. Such decrease paralleled cell loss, suggesting it may be an appropriate technique to evaluate functionality. When comparing retinal ganglion cell densities in wild‐type and retinal degeneration 1 mice, a significant greater survival was observed on the latter.

Conclusions

After optic nerve section, electroretinographical recordings exhibited a progressive decrease in the amplitude of the positive scotopic threshold response wave, reflecting ganglion cell loss. Interestingly, rod degeneration seemed, at least initially, to protect from axotomy‐driven damage.
Rapid disease progression in adult‐onset mitochondrial membrane protein‐associated neurodegeneration
Authors: Dogu O , Krebs CE , Kaleagasi H , Demirtas Z , Oksuz N , Walker RH , Paisán‐Ruiz C
Published: December 2012

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) comprises a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of the central nervous system and high basal ganglia iron deposition. The list of identified causative genes for NBIA syndromes continues to expand and includes one autosomal dominant, one X‐linked, and a number of recessive forms. Mitochondrial membrane protein‐associated neurodegeneration is a recently described NBIA syndrome caused by C19orf12 mutations. In this study, we report two consanguineous families with a homozygous C19orf12 p.Thr11Met mutation. Our patients presented at a later age and had more rapid disease progression, leading to early death in two, than those previously reported. We conclude that C19orf12 mutation is associated with wide phenotypic heterogeneity, and that further research is needed to examine the role of C19orf12 in NBIA and related diseases and to elucidate its protein function as well as other factors that may affect disease progression and expression.
Immediate vs. early loading of SLA implants in the posterior mandible: 5‐year results of randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Kokovic Vladimir , Jung Ronald , Feloutzis Andreas , Todorovic Vladimir S. , Jurisic Milan , Hämmerle Christoph H. F.
Published: December 2012

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare clinical results of immediate and early loading (EL) self‐tapping implants placed in posterior mandibles.

Material and methods

Twelve patients with bilateral edentulous posterior mandibular were randomly assigned to treatment either with immediate (test) or early loaded implants (control). Seventy‐two self‐tapping implants with SLA surface (Ø 4, 1/4, 8 mm; length 8 and 10 mm) were analyzed in this study. Test implants (36) were loaded on the day of surgery and control implants 6 weeks later. The measuring of implant stability quotient (ISQ) was performed on 0, 6th, 12th, and 52nd week after implant insertion. The bone resorption, modified plaque, and bleeding index were notified at 1 and 5 years later.

Results

After 5 years, survival in the both groups was 100%. The mean value of primary implant stability was 76.92 ± 0.79 ISQ. In the first 6 weeks, ISQ values significantly increased in the test group (77.92 ± 1.16 vs. 79.61 ± 0.90) as well as in the control group (7.92 ± 1.05 vs. 77.55 ± 0.99). A significant longitudinal increase in ISQ value was recorded in test and control group. The differences between immediate and early loaded implants were statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). At the 5 years, no statistically significant differences were found between immediate and early loaded implants with respect to mean crestal bone loss measurements (0.4 ± 0.24 vs. 0.8 ± 0.15 mm), mean bleeding index (0.22 ± 0.11 vs. 0.25 ± 0.11), and mean plaque index (0.17 ± 0.15 vs. 0.19 ± 0.20).

Conclusion

Based on these results, the self‐tapping implants inserted in posterior mandible can provide adequate primary stability value as the main factor for immediate and EL protocol.
Proliferation of fibroblasts and endothelial cells is enhanced by treatment with Phyllocaulis boraceiensis mucus
Authors: Toledo‐Piza A.R. , Nakano E. , Rici R.E.G. , Maria D.A.
Published: December 2012

Previously, mucus of some molluscs has been studied as a potential source of new natural compounds capable of inducing cell proliferation and of remodelling tissue. Here, the focus of the study is possible use of mucus released by Phyllocaulis boraceiensis – a compound inducing cell proliferation and enhancing collagen synthesis in dermal fibroblasts and inducing proliferation human endothelial cell cultures. Fibroblasts treated with P. boraceiensis mucus at concentrations below 0.012 μg/μl developed high rates of proliferation, as evaluated using MTT assay; the proliferative effect was dose‐dependent. Production and secretion of extracellular matrix components and collagen type I fibres were enhanced after 24 h of treatment, revealing a hormesis effect, biphasic dose response – low dose for proliferation yet toxic at high dose. No significant change in proliferation was observed in treated endothelial cells and production of lipid polyunsaturated free radicals was low in both cell types. Treatment with P. boraceiensis mucus produced pronounced changes in fibroblast cell number and morphology, and in quantities of well‐ordered collagen deposition. These results support the premise that Phyllocaulis boraceiensis mucus demonstrates proliferative properties in cells involved in the healing process.