bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of neural representation capacity by modular architecture in networks of cortical neurons
Authors: Levy Ofri , Ziv Noam E. , Marom Shimon
Published: April 2012

Biological networks are ubiquitously modular, a feature that is believed to be essential for the enhancement of their functional capacities. Here, we have used a simple modular in vitro design to examine the possibility that modularity enhances network functionality in the context of input representation. We cultured networks of cortical neurons obtained from newborn rats in vitro on substrate‐integrated multi‐electrode arrays, forcing the network to develop two well‐defined modules of neural populations that are coupled by a narrow canal. We measured the neural activity, and examined the capacity of each module to individually classify (i.e. represent) spatially distinct electrical stimuli and propagate input‐specific activity features to their downstream coupled counterpart. We show that, although each of the coupled modules maintains its autonomous functionality, a significant enhancement of representational capacity is achieved when the system is observed as a whole. We interpret our results in terms of a relative decorrelation effect imposed by weak coupling between modules.
Predicting plant responses to mycorrhizae: integrating evolutionary history and plant traits
Authors: Reinhart Kurt O. , Wilson Gail W. T. , Rinella Matthew J.
Published: April 2012

We assessed whether (1) arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of roots (RC) and/or plant responses to arbuscular mycorrhizae (MR) vary with plant phylogeny and (2) MR and RC can be more accurately predicted with a phylogenetic predictor relative to a null model and models with plant trait and taxonomic predictors. In a previous study, MR and RC of 95 grassland species were measured. We constructed a phylogeny for these species and found it explained variation in MR and RC. Next, we used multiple regressions to identify the models that most accurately predicted plant MR. Models including either phylogenetic or phenotypic and taxonomic information similarly improved our ability to predict MR relative to a null model. Our study illustrates the complex evolutionary associations among species and constraints of using phylogenetic information, relative to plant traits, to predict how a plant species will interact with AMF.
Effects of HbA1c and weight reduction on blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with exenatide*
Authors: Paul S. , Best J. , Klein K. , Han J. , Maggs D.
Published: April 2012

Aim: Treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes with glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonist exenatide has showed improvements in glycaemic control coupled with weight loss and lowered blood pressure (BP). We examined the synergy between improved glycaemia and weight loss on BP reduction in patients treated with either exenatide twice daily (BID) or once weekly (QW).

Methods: Combining data from three controlled trials, 686 (53% male) patients [baseline mean ± SD: age 55 ± 10 years, weight 95 ± 20 kg, systolic blood pressure (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 130/79 ± 15/9 mmHg, HbA1c 8.3 ± 1.1%] treated with exenatide QW (n = 541) or BID (n = 145) were observed over 26 weeks. Using weighted means (WMs) of the longitudinal measures of HbA1c and weight, patients were subdivided into four groups at each visit by glycaemic and weight responses; patients who failed to reduce both HbA1c and weight below WMs became the reference group (R). The other three groups corresponded to patients with HbA1c reduction (A), weight reduction (W) and both HbA1c and weight reduction (AW).

Results: Compared with R, patients in AW, A and W groups had a significantly higher likelihood of improving SBP <130 mmHg by 88, 30 and 61%, respectively. Compared with R, patients in AW, A and W had 63, 13 and 45% higher likelihood of improving DBP <80 mmHg.

Conclusion: Although the mechanism of BP‐lowering effect of exenatide is not established, it appears that the short‐term dynamics of BP is related to concomitant effects on glycaemia and body weight. These data offer a preliminary insight into the possible cardiometabolic effects of GLP‐1 receptor agonism.
The experience of surviving life‐threatening injury: a qualitative synthesis
Authors: Ogilvie R. , McCloughen A. , Curtis K. , Foster K.
Published: April 2012

OGILVIE R., MCCLOUGHEN A., CURTIS K. & FOSTER K. (2012) The experience of surviving life‐threatening injury: a qualitative synthesis. International Nursing Review59, 312–320

Background:  To summarize and synthesize research that explored the experience of surviving life‐threatening injury in adolescents, young persons and adults.

Methods:  Informed by systematic literature review strategies, a description of the experience of individuals who survived life‐threatening injury was sought by reviewing 13 studies with qualitative data on the phenomena. Data were managed using NVivo software and synthesized using thematic analysis to elicit meaning.

Results:  The review synthesized a substantial number (n = 273) of participant experiences of traumatic surviving life‐threatening injury and revealed that during the initial 3 years following life‐threatening injury, the individual goes through a shifting, iterative process in order to reconstruct various aspects of their injury and themselves, including mental, emotional, spiritual, physical and relational facets. Three major themes were illuminated: a time of chaos, negotiating injury and reconciling injury. In order to navigate through the experience of injury, family members were key sources of affirmation and support in anchoring the person to their life, in reconstructing themselves in the aftermath of injury and in coming to terms with the impacts of injury.

Conclusion:  This qualitative synthesis describes the iterative process individuals go through following life‐threatening injury and the overwhelming need to reconstruct aspects of self as a way to create meaning. It demonstrates the need to gain further understanding of the influence of the family in recovery from injury and indicates that education is required to provide practical strategies to assist clinicians to develop appropriate and relevant patient goals and expectations.
The Dynamics of Influence in Corporate Co‐Evolution
Authors: Child John , Rodrigues Suzana B. , Tse Kenneth K‐T.
Published: April 2012

abstract

This paper aims to offer new theoretical and empirical insights into co‐evolutionary development. Theoretically, it advances a political perspective which focuses on the role of power and how this can be translated into influence as an evolutionary driver through the relational framework between an organization and external parties. Empirically, the paper elaborates this perspective by reference to how China's largest container terminal evolved within a changing environment, and how its evolution in turn impacted on the evolution of its sector. In this case, the key relational framework was that between the organization and government institutions. Application of a political perspective to the case study suggests a theoretical model that can inform future research and practice.
Individual Differences in Preferences for Matched‐Ethnic Mentors Among High‐Achieving Ethnically Diverse Adolescents in STEM
Authors: Syed Moin , Goza Barbara K. , Chemers Martin M. , Zurbriggen Eileen L.
Published: April 2012

This short‐term longitudinal study examined (a) adolescents’ contact with mentors who share their background in relation to the importance they place on having such mentors, and (b) the associations of these perceptions with self‐efficacy, identity, and commitment to a science career. Participants were 265 ethnically diverse adolescents (M age = 15.82) attending a 4‐week science education program. Cluster analyses indicated that at Time 1, underrepresented ethnic minorities were more often in the cluster defined by feelings of importance of having a matched‐background mentor but not having much contact. Perceptions of contact increased over time for these students and were associated with increased feelings of identity as a science student. The results suggest the need for attending to individual differences in students’ preferences for matched‐background mentors.
Guest‐worker Migration, Human Capital and Fertility
Authors: Azarnert Leonid V.
Published: April 2012

This work focuses on a temporary guest‐worker‐type migration of individuals from the middle class of the wealth distribution. The article demonstrates that the possibility of a low‐skilled guest‐worker employment in a higher wage foreign country lowers the relative attractiveness of the skilled employment in the home country. Thus, it prevents a fraction of individuals from acquiring human capital. Therefore, even if all individuals who acquired education remain in the home country, the actual number of educated workers in the source economy decreases, and the aggregate level of human capital in this economy would thus be negatively affected.
Stakeholder Consultation as Social Mobilization: Framing Scottish Mental Health Policy
Authors: Sturdy Steve , Smith‐Merry Jennifer , Freeman Richard
Published: April 2012

Public and stakeholder consultation is increasingly important in the policy process, both in the UK and elsewhere. Social scientists have considered consultation primarily in terms of how it relates to decision‐making – either as a means of involving a wider constituency of actors in the decision‐making process, or as a means of legitimizing the decisions taken by policymakers. This article shows that consultation can also serve a rather different role in relation to policy: as, in effect, the first stage in policy implementation. Based on direct observation of a stakeholder consultation on Scottish mental health policy that took place during late 2007 and early 2008, it draws on elements of social movement theory to show how that consultation served as a means of enrolling, orienting and mobilizing stakeholders to implement a largely pre‐existing set of policy aims.
Disraeli, Derby and the Suez Canal, 1875: Some Myths Reassessed*
Authors: HICKS GEOFFREY
Published: April 2012

This article reconsiders Britain's Suez Canal share purchase of November 1875. By means of close consideration of high politics and utilizing a range of overlooked sources, it proposes that a number of myths have arisen. It suggests that the role of the prime minister, Benjamin Disraeli, has been exaggerated in the existing historiography, as has the resistance of his foreign secretary, the fifteenth earl of Derby. This obscures cabinet‐level debates in which there was a more sophisticated assessment of – and debate about – foreign policy objectives than has hitherto been presented. Accounts of the purchase have also tended to see it as the first sign of a new policy, that of an extended British commitment in Egypt. It is suggested here that such a commitment was, rather, the unintended consequence of a pragmatic policy. Instead, the intention was quite the opposite: to control and minimize British entanglements in the east.
Politicians and History: The National Curriculum, National Identity and the Revival of the National Narrative
Authors: SHELDON NICOLA
Published: April 2012

Sometime in the twenty years after 1960, the national story disappeared from English state schools. The creation of the first National Curriculum between 1989 and 1994, itself a novelty in English educational history, was seen by many on the right as the opportunity to restore the traditional national story. What actually resulted was a typical British compromise. The reasons for this outcome are explored here in the light of research evidence from the History in Education Project and in the face of renewed public discussion in recent months about the history curriculum in schools, and the impending national curriculum review.
Factors affecting mortality of shearwaters stranded by light pollution
Authors: Rodríguez A. , Rodríguez B. , Curbelo Á. J. , Pérez A. , Marrero S. , Negro J. J.
Published: April 2012

Every year and across the world, thousands of fledglings of different petrel species crash into human structures because they are disorientated by artificial lights during their first flights. As this phenomenon is rather predictable, rescue campaigns are organized to help birds to reach the ocean, but unfortunately, a low proportion gets hurt or dies. Despite the huge number of affected individuals, and the fact that the problem was detected a long time ago, little is known on this source of mortality. We have studied the factors (i.e. body condition, plumage development, fledging date and sex) influencing the mortality of Cory's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea fledglings stranded inland due to light pollution in Tenerife (Canary Islands) during two consecutive breeding seasons (2009 and 2010). Late fledglings showed lower values of a body condition index than early ones. No sex biases were detected, neither considering stranded birds overall, nor for recovery dates or in the body condition of rescued fledglings. Our results indicate that late birds stranded by lights showing abundant down are more susceptible to fatal collisions and that the lights do not selectively kill birds with lower body condition indices. An enhancement of veterinary care should be done during the last part of the fledging period when more fatal collisions occur, especially focused on fledglings with abundant down. More research to determine why some individuals end up disoriented around artificial lights and others do not is urgently needed to minimize or prevent fallouts.
Complex evolutionary history and diverse domain organization of SET proteins suggest divergent regulatory interactions
Authors: Zhang Liangsheng , Ma Hong
Published: April 2012

Plants and animals possess very different developmental processes, yet share conserved epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, such as histone modifications. One of the most important forms of histone modification is methylation on lysine residues of the tails, carried out by members of the SET protein family, which are widespread in eukaryotes.

We analyzed molecular evolution by comparative genomics and phylogenetics of the SET genes from plant and animal genomes, grouping SET genes into several subfamilies and uncovering numerous gene duplications, particularly in the Suv, Ash, Trx and E(z) subfamilies.

Domain organizations differ between different subfamilies and between plant and animal SET proteins in some subfamilies, and support the grouping of SET genes into seven main subfamilies, suggesting that SET proteins have acquired distinctive regulatory interactions during evolution. We detected evidence for independent evolution of domain organization in different lineages, including recruitment of new domains following some duplications.

More recent duplications in both vertebrates and land plants are probably the result of whole‐genome or segmental duplications. The evolution of the SET gene family shows that gene duplications caused by segmental duplications and other mechanisms have probably contributed to the complexity of epigenetic regulation, providing insights into the evolution of the regulation of chromatin structure.
Natural variation in GA1 associates with floral morphology in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Brock Marcus T. , Kover Paula X. , Weinig Cynthia
Published: April 2012

The genetic architecture of floral traits is evolutionarily important due to the fitness consequences of quantitative variation in floral morphology. Yet, little is known about the genes underlying these traits in natural populations. Using Arabidopsis thaliana, we examine molecular variation at GIBBERELLIC ACID REQUIRING 1 (GA1) and test for associations with floral morphology.

We examined full‐length sequence in 32 accessions and describe two haplotypes (comprising four nonsynonymous polymorphisms) in GA1 that segregate at intermediate frequencies. In 133 A. thaliana accessions, we test for genotype–phenotype associations and corroborate these findings in segregating progenies.

The two common GA1 haplotypes were associated with the length of petals, stamens, and to a lesser extent style‐stigma length. Associations were confirmed in a segregating progeny developed from 19 accessions. We find analogous results in recombinant inbred lines of the Bayreuth × Shahdara cross, which differ only at one of 4 SNPs, suggesting that this SNP may contribute to the observed association.

Assuming GA1 causally affects floral organ size, it is interesting that adjacent petal and stamen whorls are most strongly affected. This pattern suggests that GA1 could contribute to the greater strength of petal–stamen correlations relative to other floral‐length correlations observed in some Brassicaceous species.
Caloric restriction may reverse age‐related autonomic decline in humans
Authors: Stein Phyllis K. , Soare Andreea , Meyer Timothy E. , Cangemi Roberto , Holloszy John O. , Fontana Luigi
Published: April 2012

Caloric restriction (CR) retards aging in laboratory rodents. No information is available on the effects of long‐term CR on physiologic markers of aging and longevity in humans. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a marker for cardiac autonomic functioning. The progressive decline in HRV with aging and the association of higher HRV with better health outcomes are well established. Heart rate variability assessment is a reliable tool by which the effects of CR on autonomic function can be assessed. Time‐ and frequency‐domain analyses compared 24‐h HRV in 22 CR individuals aged 35–82 years and 20 age‐matched controls eating Western diets (WD). The CR group was significantly leaner than the WD group. Heart rate was significantly lower, and virtually, all HRV values were significantly higher in the CR group than in the WD group (P < 0.002). Heart rate variability in the CR individuals was comparable with published norms for healthy individuals 20 years younger. In addition, when differences in heart rate (HR) and HRV between CR and WD were compared with previously published changes in HRV induced in healthy adults given atenolol, percent differences in each measure were generally similar in direction and magnitude and suggested declines in sympathetic and increases in parasympathetic modulation of HR and increased circadian variability associated with CR. These findings provide evidence that CR has direct systemic effects that counter the expected age‐associated changes in autonomic function so that HRV indexes in CR individuals are similar to those of individuals 20 years younger eating WDs.
Changes in neuronal DNA content variation in the human brain during aging
Authors: Fischer Hans‐Georg , Morawski Markus , Brückner Martina K. , Mittag Anja , Tarnok Attila , Arendt Thomas
Published: April 2012

The human brain has been proposed to represent a genetic mosaic, containing a small but constant number of neurons with an amount of DNA exceeding the diploid level that appear to be generated through various chromosome segregation defects initially. While a portion of these cells apparently die during development, neurons with abnormal chromosomal copy number have been identified in the mature brain. This genomic alteration might to lead to chromosomal instability affecting neuronal viability and could thus contribute to age‐related mental disorders. Changes in the frequency of neurons with such structural genomic variation in the adult and aging brain, however, are unknown. Here, we quantified the frequency of neurons with a more than diploid DNA content in the cerebral cortex of normal human brain and analyzed its changes between the fourth and ninth decades of life. We applied a protocol of slide‐based cytometry optimized for DNA quantification of single identified neurons, which allowed to analyze the DNA content of about 500 000 neurons for each brain. On average, 11.5% of cortical neurons showed DNA content above the diploid level. The frequency of neurons with this genomic alteration was highest at younger age and declined with age. Our results indicate that the genomic variation associated with DNA content exceeding the diploid level might compromise viability of these neurons in the aging brain and might thus contribute to susceptibilities for age‐related CNS disorders. Alternatively, a potential selection bias of “healthy aging brains” needs to be considered, assuming that DNA content variation above a certain threshold associates with Alzheimer′s disease.
Platelets increase survival of adenocarcinoma cells challenged with anticancer drugs: mechanisms and implications for chemoresistance
Authors: Radziwon‐Balicka A , Medina C , O'Driscoll L , Treumann A , Bazou D , Inkielewicz‐Stepniak I , Radomski A , Jow H , Radomski MW
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cancer cells grow without the restraints of feedback control mechanisms, leading to increased cancer cell survival. The treatment of cancer is often complicated by the lack of response to chemotherapy leading to chemoresistance and persistent survival of tumour cells. In this work we studied the role of platelets in chemotherapy‐induced cancer cell death and survival.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Human adenocarcinoma cells, colonic (Caco‐2) and ovarian (59 M) cells, were incubated with 5‐fluorouracil (1–300 µg·mL−1) or paclitaxel (1–200 µg·mL−1) in the presence or absence of platelets (1.5 × 108 mL−1) for 1, 24 or 72 h. Following incubation, cancer cells were harvested and cell survival/death was assayed using flow cytometry, Western blotting, real‐time PCR, TaqMan® Gene Expression Assays and proteomics.

KEY RESULTS Human platelets increased the survival of colonic and ovarian adenocarcinoma cells treated with two standard anticancer drugs, 5‐fluorouracil and paclitaxel. In the presence of platelets, cancer cells up‐regulated anti‐apoptotic and down‐regulated pro‐apoptotic genes, increased the number of cells in the synthesis of DNA and decreased the number in the quiescent phase, increased expression of cyclins, DNA repair proteins and MAPKs. The analysis of platelet‐Caco‐2 secretome demonstrated the release of the chemokine RANTES, thrombospondin‐1, TGF‐β and clusterin. Finally, human recombinant RANTES and thrombospondin‐1 improved survival of Caco‐2 cells challenged with paclitaxel.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These data demonstrate that platelets increase adenocarcinoma cells survival, proliferation and chemoresistance to standard anticancer drugs. Modulating cancer cell–platelet interactions may offer a new strategy to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy.
Islam in China: From Silk Road to Separatism
Authors: Jones‐Leaning Melanie , Pratt Douglas
Published: April 2012

Islam came to China via the Silk Road, the great trading route beginning in the ancient Chinese capital of Xian. Islam flourished during the brutal but religiously tolerant Mongol Yuan dynasty. Harsh repressive measures were employed against the rebellious Muslims of the Qing dynasty. Islam has survived the tumultuous 20th century and has experienced a revival in the new millennium. Following a brief historical overview, including some of China's relevant history of insurrection, rebellion and reforms, the nature of the Muslim community in China, along with pressing contemporary issues, will be outlined and discussed.
Sulthiame add‐on therapy in children with focal epilepsies associated with encephalopathy related to electrical status epilepticus during slow sleep (ESES)
Authors: Fejerman Natalio , Caraballo Roberto , Cersósimo Ricardo , Ferraro Stella Maris , Galicchio Santiago , Amartino Hernán
Published: April 2012

Purpose: In children with symptomatic or idiopathic focal epilepsies, their disease may evolve into an epileptic encephalopathy related to continuous spike and wave during slow sleep (CSWS) or electrical status epilepticus during slow sleep (ESES). ESES syndrome implies serious risks of neuropsychologic impairment, and its treatment has frequently been disappointing. The aim of this study is to present our experience using sulthiame as add‐on treatment in 53 patients with ESES syndrome that was refractory to other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).

Methods: Neurologic examinations, cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and repeated prolonged sleep electroencephalography (EEG) studies were performed in all cases. Data about school achievements and or neuropsychological evaluations were obtained repeatedly during the follow‐up of 1.5–16 years. Sulthiame was added in doses ranging between 5 and 30 mg/kg/day.

Key Findings: Since add‐on of sulthiame, 10 of 28 patients in the symptomatic group became seizure free: 4 patients with normal EEG studies and 6 with residual spikes. Nine of 28 patients showed a significant reduction in number of seizures and presented spikes but no ESES on EEG. The other nine cases showed neither clinical nor EEG improvement. A striking result was that 3 of 11 children with unilateral polymicrogyria and ESES syndrome became seizure free, and in another six a significant improvement in frequency of seizures and in EEG abnormalities seemed to be related to the add‐on of sulthiame. Twenty‐one of the 25 patients in the idiopathic group became seizure free and without ESES in <3 months after add on of sulthiame. In two of the patients the changes were seen in a few days.

Significance: We understand that sulthiame may be effective as add‐on treatment in children with ESES syndrome.
Neurofilament heavy chain and heat shock protein 70 as markers of seizure‐related brain injury
Authors: Rejdak Konrad , Kuhle Jens , Rüegg Stephan , Lindberg Raija L. P. , Petzold Axel , Sulejczak Dorota , Papuc Ewa , Rejdak Robert , Stelmasiak Zbigniew , Grieb Paweł
Published: April 2012

Purpose:  Status epilepticus (SE) has deleterious effects on brain tissue, but whether brief recurrent seizures may also damage neurons represents a matter of controversy. Therefore, it remains a central area of epilepsy research to identify individuals at risk where disease progression can be potentially prevented. Biomarkers may serve as tools for such identification. Thus the present study aimed at analyzing the levels of heat shock protein 70 (HSP‐70, also designated as HSPA1A) and neurofilament heavy chain protein (NfHSMI35) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with seizures of different severity.

Methods:  Forty‐one patients were included, of whom 20 patients had a single generalized tonic–clonic seizure (GTCS) episode (SS), 11 had repetitive GTCS (RS), and 10 experienced convulsive SE. The control group consisted of 18 subjects. HSP‐70 levels were measured using a conventional enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), whereas the NfHSMI35 protein levels were detected by an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunoassay.

Key Findings:  Patients with SE (p < 0.001) and RS (p < 0.05) had significantly higher NfHSMI35 levels than controls, and SE was associated with increased concentrations when compared with SS (p < 0.001). NfHSMI35 levels in SS did not differ from controls. Patients with SE had significantly raised HSP‐70 levels compared to RS (p < 0.05), SS (p < 0.05), and controls (p < 0.001). SS and RS did not differ from each or from controls. Levels of NfHSMI35 and HSP‐70 showed a significant correlation (r = 0.34; p = 0.007) in the group of all study subjects, which was not apparent when controls and patients with seizures were considered separately. The correlation between NfHSMI35 and HSP‐70 tended to be inverse in patients with SE, but it did not reach statistical significance (r = −0.3; p > 0.05).

Significance:  Studying biochemical markers as additional quantitative tools for the measurement of neuronal damage (especially subclinical), complementary to available techniques of imaging, and clinical assessment might prove useful for identifying patients at risk of accumulating neuronal injury resulting from uncontrolled seizures. NfHSMI35 and HSP‐70 are of potential value as sensitive and specific biomarkers of seizure‐related pathologic events. Future longitudinal studies are needed to monitor such patients by correlating biochemical, neuroimaging, and clinical methods of assessment.
Statistical parametric mapping reveals regional alterations in cannabinoid CB1 receptor distribution and G‐protein activation in the 3D reconstructed epileptic rat brain
Authors: Sayers Katherine W. , Nguyen Peter T. , Blair Robert E. , Sim‐Selley Laura J. , DeLorenzo Robert J.
Published: April 2012

Purpose:  The endocannabinoid system is known to modulate seizure activity in several in vivo and in vitro models, and CB1‐receptor activation is anticonvulsant in the rat pilocarpine model of acquired epilepsy (AE). In these epileptic rats, a unique redistribution of the CB1 receptor occurs within the hippocampus; however, an anatomically inclusive analysis of the effect of status epilepticus (SE)–induced AE on CB1 receptors has not been thoroughly evaluated. Therefore, statistical parametric mapping (SPM), a whole‐brain unbiased approach, was used to study the long‐term effect of pilocarpine‐induced SE on CB1‐receptor binding and G‐protein activation in rats with AE.

Methods:  Serial coronal sections from control and epileptic rats were cut at equal intervals throughout the neuraxis and processed for [3H]WIN55,212‐2 (WIN) autoradiography, WIN‐stimulated [35S]GTPγS autoradiography, and CB1‐receptor immunohistochemistry (IHC). The autoradiographic techniques were evaluated with both region of interest (ROI) and SPM analyses.

Key Findings:  In rats with AE, regionally specific increases in CB1‐receptor binding and activity were detected in cortex, discrete thalamic nuclei, and other regions including caudate‐putamen and septum, and confirmed by IHC. However, CB1 receptors were unaltered in several brain regions, including substantia nigra and cerebellum, and did not exhibit regional decreases in rats with AE.

Significance:  This study provides the first comprehensive evaluation of the regional distribution of changes in CB1‐receptor expression, binding, and G‐protein activation in the rat pilocarpine model of AE. These regions may ultimately serve as targets for cannabinomimetic compounds or manipulation of the endocannabinoid system in epileptic brain.
Tattoos, Piercings, and Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Guéguen Nicolas
Published: April 2012

Objective

Previous studies have found a link between body tattoos or piercings and risky behavior. However, these studies only examined survey data but not real behavior.

Methods

Young men (mean = 20.6 years) and women (mean = 20.2 years) leaving a bar were asked whether they wore tattoos and piercings or not and were requested to breathe into a breathalyzer in order to evaluate their alcohol consumption.

Results

It was found that participants with piercings and/or tattoos as well as combined piercings and tattoos revealed higher levels of alcohol consumption.

Conclusions

Piercings and tattoos could serve as signs of alcohol consumption for educators, parents, and physicians.
Ethanol, Glutamate, and the Ventral Tegmental Area—A Commentary on: Ding, Engleman, Rodd, and McBride, “Ethanol Increases Glutamate Neurotransmission in the Posterior Ventral Tegmental Area of Female Wistar Rats”
Authors: Olive M. Foster
Published: April 2012

The recent study by Ding and colleagues (2012) utilized in vivo microdialysis to demonstrate that acute and repeated alcohol administration produces dose‐dependent effects on extracellular levels of the glutamate in the posterior ventral tegmental area. These findings have important implications for interactions between glutamatergic and dopaminergic mediation of alcohol reinforcement in the ventral midbrain.
Preaching to the Choir? Religious Leaders and American Opinion on Immigration Reform
Authors: Nteta Tatishe M. , Wallsten Kevin J.
Published: April 2012

Objective

Do the public declarations of religious leaders concerning immigration influence American public opinion on immigration reform?

Methods

In answering this question, we use the 2004 National Politics Study and employ ordered logistic regression techniques to test hypotheses derived from elite opinion theory.

Results

We find that exposure to elite messages from religious leaders on immigration leads respondents to more strongly support increasing immigration to the United States, allowing immigrants to serve in the military, and allowing immigrants who serve in the military to gain citizenship.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results provide evidence that members of America's largest religious denominations are communicating support for liberal immigration reforms to their parishioners and, more importantly, that these signals subsequently influence the preferences of the parishioners exposed to these messages.
Transseptal Puncture Through Amplatzer Septal Occluder Device for Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Use of Balloon Dilatation Technique
Authors: CHEN KE , SANG CAIHUA , DONG JIANZENG , MA CHANGSHENG
Published: April 2012

Transseptal Puncture Through Amplatzer Device. Transseptal puncture is required for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. We report on a 59‐year‐old woman presenting with atrial fibrillation after transcatheter closure of a large‐sized secundum atrial septal defect with an Amplatzer septal occluder. Direct transseptal access through the device was achieved with the aid of an angioplasty balloon and atrial fibrillation was successfully ablated. Such an approach of transseptal puncture can facilitate obtaining left atrial access in complicated intervention procedures.

(J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23 pp. 1139‐1141, October 2012)
Basic Facte About Adoptions
Authors: Dempsey John J.
Published: April 2012

The author, an Assistant Professor in the Division of Maternal and Child Health, The Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, has drawn heavily from the work of Francis Murphy and from experience lecturing in the nurse‐midwifery training program at Johns Hopkins. The assistance of Mrs. Helen Lee in preparing this paper is gratefully acknowledged.
Does Mirror Imaging a Radiograph Affect Reliability of Age Assessment Using the Greulich and Pyle Atlas?*
Authors: Hackman Lucina , Black Sue
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  Age estimation is routinely undertaken by comparing radiographs of the individual in question to published reference samples of individuals of known age. This study examines the reliability of age estimation utilizing the Greulich and Pyle atlas in relation to both left‐ and right‐hand/wrist radiographs and explores whether reversing right‐hand/wrist radiographs, so that they are in the same anatomical orientation as those images used in the atlas affects reliability. A total of 403 left‐hand/wrist radiographs and 415 right‐hand/wrist radiographs were age assessed using the Greulich and Pyle atlas. Analysis showed that there is no significant loss in reliability when radiographs of the right hand (women R2 = 0.887 and men R2 = 0.907) are utilized instead of the left (women R2 = 0.939 and men R2 = 0.940) or when they are assessed as mirror images to those printed in the reference atlas (reversed female left hand R2 = 0.929 and reversed male left hand R2 = 0.931).
Geophysical Monitoring of Simulated Clandestine Graves Using Electrical and Ground‐Penetrating Radar Methods: 0–3 Years After Burial*,†
Authors: Pringle Jamie K. , Jervis John R. , Hansen James D. , Jones Glenda M. , Cassidy Nigel J. , Cassella John P.
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  This study provides forensic search teams with systematic geophysical monitoring data over simulated clandestine graves for comparison to active cases. Simulated “wrapped” and “naked” burials were created. Multigeophysical surveys were collected over a 3‐year monitoring period. Bulk ground resistivity, electrical resistivity imaging, multifrequency ground‐penetrating radar (GPR), and grave and background “soil‐water” conductivity data were collected. Resistivity surveys revealed the naked burial had consistently low‐resistivity anomalies, whereas the wrapped burial had small, varying high‐resistivity anomalies. GPR 110‐ to 900‐MHz frequency surveys showed the wrapped burial could be detected throughout, with the “naked” burial mostly resolved. Two hundred and twenty‐five megahertz frequency GPR data were optimal. “Soil‐water” analyses showed rapidly increasing (year 1), slowly increasing (year 2), and decreasing (year 3) conductivity values. Results suggest resistivity and GPR surveys should be collected if target “wrapping” is unknown, with winter to spring surveys optimal. Resistivity surveys should be collected in clay‐rich soils.
Public Anthropology in the Field: Balancing Dual Identities as Researcher and Staff Member
Authors: Irvine Mahri
Published: April 2012

I explore some of the challenges I have faced as a public anthropologist who fulfills multiple roles as researcher, staff member, and volunteer at a prison reentry organization. I discuss the strategies I used to establish my research agenda with the reentry program, the ethical challenges I face working as an anthropologist and as a staff member, and the benefits of working with an organization. This article may prove useful for students who are in the planning stages of research projects, or for anthropologists considering the rewards and challenges of working with a nonprofit organization.
Optimizing clozapine through clinical decision making
Authors: Falzer P. R. , Garman D. M.
Published: April 2012

Falzer PR, Garman DM. Optimizing clozapine through clinical decision making.

Objective:  Recognizing and incorporating the patient’s own perspective into treatment recommendations are essential to optimizing clozapine use. The study describes how the patient’s perspective influences clinicians’ decision strategies and affects their clozapine recommendations.

Method:  Psychiatric trainees examined six case vignettes of varying complexity that included clinical and patient perspective information. They made treatment recommendations guided by a well‐known switching guideline and rated the factors that influenced their recommendations.

Results:  The decision to follow the guideline’s switch recommendation was influenced principally by the importance of the patient’s positive symptom profile. The decision to recommend clozapine in lieu of another treatment was influenced principally by the importance of patient’s perspective and patient‐specific clinical information. These factors had a significant combined influence on the clozapine recommendation rate: When clinical factors were moderately important, the rate was 8%. When clinical factors were extremely important, the rate was 22% when the patient’s perspective was moderately important, but 80% when the patient’s perspective was very or extremely important.

Conclusion:  A clozapine optimization strategy requires skill in advanced decision making, and specifically in prioritizing the patient’s perspective without diminishing the importance of clinical information. This skill can be developed through practice‐based learning.
Advanced reconstructive technologies for periodontal tissue repair
Authors: Ramseier Christoph A. , Rasperini Giulio , Batia Salvatore , Giannobile William V.
Published: April 2012

Reconstructive therapies to promote the regeneration of lost periodontal support have been investigated through both preclinical and clinical studies. Advanced regenerative technologies using new barrier‐membrane techniques, cell‐growth‐stimulating proteins or gene‐delivery applications have entered the clinical arena. Wound‐healing approaches using growth factors to target the restoration of tooth‐supporting bone, periodontal ligament and cementum are shown to significantly advance the field of periodontal‐regenerative medicine. Topical delivery of growth factors, such as platelet‐derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor or bone morphogenetic proteins, to periodontal wounds has demonstrated promising results. Future directions in the delivery of growth factors or other signaling models involve the development of innovative scaffolding matrices, cell therapy and gene transfer, and these issues are discussed in this paper.
Randomized controlled trials: what are they and who needs them?
Authors: Pihlstrom Bruce L. , Curran Alice E. , Voelker Helen T. , Kingman Albert
Published: April 2012

Dentistry is rapidly entering a new era of evidence‐based practice, and society is demanding prevention and treatment that has been proven to be effective in terms of meaningful health outcomes. Practitioners, individual patients and the public need randomized controlled trials because they provide the highest level of scientific evidence to change clinical practice and inform public health policy. Well‐designed randomized controlled trials are conceptually simple but deceptively complex to design, implement and translate into clinical practice. Randomized controlled trials are fundamentally different from observational clinical research because they randomly assign volunteers to receive test or control interventions, they are prospective and the success of the test intervention is based on a meaningful clinical outcome that is specified before the trial begins. To be successful, randomized controlled trials must be carefully designed and powered to answer a specific question that will be generalizable to the population under study. Randomized controlled trials can be designed to evaluate efficacy, effectiveness, superiority, equivalence or noninferiority. Prominent issues and challenges in designing and conducting randomized controlled trials include carefully defining enrollment criteria, establishing an organizational infrastructure, use of a data‐coordinating center, developing a manual of procedures, obtaining informed consent, recruiting and ensuring the safety of volunteer subjects, ensuring data quality, analysis and publication of trial outcomes, and translating results into clinical practice.
Comparative Drug Dose and Drug Combinations in Patients that Present to Hospital Due to Self‐Poisoning
Authors: Armstrong Thomas M. , Davies Matthew S. , Kitching Gary , Waring W. Stephen
Published: April 2012

Self‐poisoning is a common reason for acute presentation to hospital. Commonly involved drugs have been reported, but few data exist concerning the different combinations of agents or comparative doses ingested. The present study sought to better characterise the typical patterns of drug overdose that may present via the emergency department. Consecutive adults ≥16 years of age that presented to York Hospital owing to self‐poisoning were studied for 2010–2011 inclusive. The primary outcome measure was reported dose, expressed as a multiple of the defined daily dose (DDD) to allow comparison between different agents. There were 1024 patients, including 622 women (60.7%), and median age was 32 years (range, 16 to 92 years). Overdose in men was associated with a higher overall quantity of drugs: arithmetic mean of 20 DDD multiples (95% CI, 15–26) versus 13 (11–15), p = 0.001. Overdose involved a single agent only in 538 patients (52.5%). The mean paracetamol dose was 4.0 (95% CI, 3.7–4.3) DDD multiples; the doses of antidepressants (19.4, 17.0–21.7, p < 0.0001) and benzodiazepines (18.0, 12.8–23.2, p < 0.0001) were comparatively higher. The types of agents involved in self‐poisoning and common combinations of agents are characterised. Psychotropic medications were ingested in comparatively larger quantities than analgesic agents and had worse clinical outcome. Further work is required to understand the factors that determine the quantity of drug ingested in patients at risk of drug overdose so as to minimise the risk of significant toxicity.
Enablers and barriers to dietary practices contributing to bone health among early adolescent Somali girls living in Minnesota
Authors: Benbenek Mary Mescher , Garwick Ann W.
Published: April 2012

Purpose.  To explore the dietary factors that contribute to bone health among first generation Somali girls and to determine the social and cultural contexts that shape these health behaviors.

Design and Methods.  Findings presented are from a larger, descriptive qualitative study that used a series of focus groups with four cohorts of 11‐ to 14‐year‐old Somali girls (n= 39) living in two Minnesota communities.

Results.  Cultural tradition, developmental stage, acculturation, and environment were major factors contributing to the intake of calcium and vitamin D‐rich foods.

Practice Implications.  Findings provide the foundation for the development of culturally relevant promotion of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D.
OCCURRENCE OF VIBRIO SPP. IN LOBSTER AND CRAB FROM THE PERSIAN GULF
Authors: RAISSY MEHDI , MOUMENI MANOUCHEHR , ANSARI MAHSA , RAHIMI EBRAHIM
Published: April 2012

A total of 132 samples, including 100 lobsters and the 32 crab samples, were studied. A biochemical protocol was applied for the identification of the Vibrio isolates. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to confirm the isolated strains and to detect the tdh and trh genes of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Vibrio spp. were detected in 25% of the samples analyzed in this study. Among the Vibrio isolates, Vibrio vulnificus was the species most frequently detected (13.6%), followed by Vibrio alginolyticus (9.09%), Vibrio mimicus (4.5%), Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio harveyi (3.03%). Vibrio cholerae was not found in the samples. PCR showed that none of the V. parahaemolyticus strains isolated contained the gene for thermostable direct hemolysin (tdh) and TDH‐related hemolysin (trh). The isolates demonstrated strong resistance to commonly used antibiotics. The results indicate that lobster and crab from the Persian Gulf regularly contain pathogens relevant to public health.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Lobster and crab are important fishery products of Persian Gulf coastal provinces of Iran. A large portion of the products were exported to other countries, especially European Union countries. Vibrio spp. such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio cholera are the major seafood‐borne gastroenteritis‐causing bacteria and are frequently associated with the consumption of improperly cooked seafood. The epidemiology of vibriosis in Iran is essentially unknown, and, to the authors' knowledge, the prevalence rate of Vibrio spp. in lobster and crab in Iran has never been reported. This study suggests that lobster and crab from the Persian Gulf can represent health risks for human.
PERCEIVED RISK OF FOODBORNE DISEASE BY SCHOOL FOOD HANDLERS AND PRINCIPALS: THE INFLUENCE OF FREQUENT TRAINING
Authors: DA CUNHA DIOGO THIMOTEO , STEDEFELDT ELKE , DE ROSSO VERIDIANA VERA
Published: April 2012

The aim of this paper was to evaluate risk perception of foodborne disease by school food handlers and principals. A structured questionnaire, designed to evaluate the risk perception of foodborne disease, was applied in public school food and nutrition units in nine cities in Brazil. It was found that school food handlers and school principals had “average perceived risk” and there was no risk perception difference between them. Statistically significant differences were verified between the “recent or frequently trained” group and “never or trained more than a year ago” group of food handlers for three risk situations and overall risk score (P ≤ 0.05). It was concluded that training of the school food handlers can influence their understanding of food risk more than their education level. Risk assessment should be used to improve the training strategies. The legally mandated training is essential to guarantee food safety knowledge for school food handlers.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The paper presents the risk perception of foodborne disease in school's food handlers and principals of Brazilian National School Feeding Program. This program attends all public basic education schools, totalizing 45,6 million of students in Brazil. The school meal is an important component of student development. Considering this, assessment of food safety and the risk perception of foodborne disease and optimistic bias by school food handlers is necessary to guarantee adequate and safe meals. A paper assessing the risk perception of school food handlers using a random stratified sample had not been reported previously in the scientific literature. The understanding of risk perception can lead to better planning of training strategies and interventions.