bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence‐based medicine training in a resource‐poor country, the importance of leveraging personal and institutional relationships
Authors: Tomatis Cristina , Taramona Claudia , Rizo‐Patrón Emiliana , Hernández Fiorela , Rodríguez Patricia , Piscoya Alejandro , Gonzales Elsa , Gotuzzo Eduardo , Heudebert Gustavo , Centor Robert M. , Estrada Carlos A.
Published: January 2011

Rationale, aims and objectives  Efforts to implement evidence‐based medicine (EBM) training in developing countries are limited. We describe the results of an international effort to improve research capacity in a developing country; we conducted a course aimed at improving basic EBM attitudes and identified challenges.

Method  Between 2005 and 2009, we conducted an annual 3‐day course in Perú consisting of interactive lectures and case‐based workshops. We assessed self‐reported competence and importance in EBM using a Likert scale (1 = low, 5 = high).

Results  Totally 220 clinicians participated. For phase I (2005–2007), self‐reported EBM competence increased from a median of 2 to 3 (P < 0.001) and the perceived importance of EBM did not change (median = 5). For phase II (2008–2009), before the course, 8–72% graded their competence very low (score of 1–2). After the course, 67–92% of subjects graded their increase in knowledge very high (score of 4–5). The challenges included limited availability of studies relevant to the local reality written in Spanish, participants' limited time and lack of long‐term follow‐up on practice change. Informal discussion and written evaluation from participants were universally in agreement that more training in EBM is needed.

Conclusions  In an EBM course in a resource‐poor country, the baseline self‐reported competence and experience on EBM were low, and the course had measurable improvements of self‐reported competence, perceived utility and readiness to incorporate EBM into their practices. Similar to developed countries, translational research and building the research capacity in developing countries is critical for translating best available evidence into practice.
Implementation of a simple age‐based strategy in the prevention of cardiovascular disease: the Polypill approach
Authors: Wald David S. , Wald Nicholas J.
Published: January 2011

Background  A combination of medications that simultaneously reduce several cardiovascular risk factors in people above a specified age, without selection based on risk factor measurement, has been proposed as a simple strategy for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and shown to be effective in randomized trials (the Polypill approach).

Aims  To assess acceptance of the Polypill approach and adherence to preventive treatment among individuals taking part in a cardiovascular disease prevention service.

Methods  Daily treatment with simvastatin (40 mg), amlodipine (2.5 mg), bendroflumethiazide (1.25 mg), lisinopril (5 mg) [or candesartan (4 mg) if cough was reported] and folic acid (0.8 mg) was offered, as separate components, to people ≥ 55 years with no history of cardiovascular, renal or liver disease. An audit of adverse effects, adherence and requests for blood pressure and cholesterol measurement was determined by telephone consultation.

Results  Between 2006 and 2010, 269 participants started treatment with the Polypill components. Follow‐up ranged from 3 to 48 months (mean 20). A total of 222 participants (83%) adhered to treatment, including 30 (11%) who switched from the angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (lisinopril) to the angiotensin receptor blocker (candesartan) because of cough. Ten participants (4%) continued to take treatment but stopped taking one or more drugs because of other symptoms, and 37 (14%) stopped all treatment, eight because of adverse effects and 29 for non‐medical reasons. No one requested a blood pressure or cholesterol measurement.

Conclusion  This is the first demonstration of the application of the Polypill approach in practice. The method was accepted and the Polypill components were well tolerated, with good adherence and no demand for information about risk factors.
Evaluation of the agreement between guidelines and initial antihypertensive drug treatment using a national health care reimbursement database
Authors: Meneton Pierre , Ricordeau Philippe , Weill Alain , Tuppin Philippe , Samson Solène , Allemand Hubert , Durieux Pierre , Ménard Joël
Published: January 2011

Rationale, aims and objectives  To test the agreement between guidelines for the management of hypertension and medical practices while avoiding frequent limitations such as the use of non‐representative samples of practitioners and self‐reporting of their practices over a short period of time.

Methods  The characteristics of initial antihypertensive drug treatment in a large representative sample of the French population aged 50–80 (n = 17 855) were collected from a national health care reimbursement database and compared with national guidelines over a 5‐year period.

Results  Major discrepancies are observed including the use of non‐recommended drug classes such as loop and potassium sparing diuretics alone or in association and the absence of distinction between patients according to their age. More minor discrepancies are the preferential use of mono‐therapies over drug combinations and of some bi‐therapies among those recommended. Some degree of concordance with the guidelines is also observed including the specific characteristics of the treatment of diabetics compared with other categories of patients and the preferential use of long‐acting dihydropyridine calcium antagonists and of low‐dose thiazide diuretics when these drug classes are chosen. Several of these discrepancies or concordances, which mainly reflect general practitioner (GP) activity, show time trends over the entire follow‐up period with no significant effect of the guideline released during this period.

Conclusions  At the French national level, the agreement between initial antihypertensive drug treatment and guidelines varies considerably depending on the characteristics of the treatment that are considered. The GPs who delivered the treatment do not seem to have been influenced by the guidelines released over the last decade.
Evidence‐based medical practice in developing countries: the case study of Iran
Authors: Mozafarpour Sarah , Sadeghizadeh Atefeh , Kabiri Payam , Taheri Hajar , Attaei Manizheh , Khalighinezhad Nima
Published: January 2011

Rationale, aims and objectives  Attitude towards and knowledge of various groups of health care providers regarding evidence‐based medicine (EBM) have been assessed worldwide. Also, barriers to practising EBM have been found to be different in different countries. However, there is little evidence on the place of EBM among some developing countries, like Iran. The aim of this study was to explore the current status of EBM among different medical specialists in Iran.

Methods  This cross‐sectional study was conducted from August 2007 until March 2009 on a sample of 181 doctors in different medical specialties practising in Isfahan, Iran, not including faculty members. Attitude towards EBM and the barriers in practice and awareness of technical terms were investigated through a self‐administered questionnaire.

Results  Less than half (41%) of the doctors reported they use EBM in their practice. They believed EBM improves the quality of health care services (70%); however, their understanding of the technical terms used in EBM was poor. The barrier to practising EBM identified by most respondents (74.3%) was the lack of EBM training courses in their academic curriculum.

Conclusion  Despite the general welcoming attitude of all groups of specialists, they had insufficient knowledge and inadequate use of EBM in their practice. Designing and conducting EBM training courses and its integration into the general practitioners' training curriculum should be considered.
Identifying threshold densities for wild deer in the UK above which negative impacts may occur
Authors: PUTMAN Rory , LANGBEIN Jochen , GREEN Peter , WATSON Peter
Published: January 2011

At high densities, deer populations may have adverse effects upon and within their environment. In this review we explore published and unpublished information to derive density thresholds for deer species in relation to impacts upon agriculture, forestry, conservation habitats, road traffic, and human and livestock health in the UK. Impact levels are affected by many factors other than absolute density. We therefore seek to establish the range of densities within which negative impacts might start to occur and which should trigger objective monitoring of actual impacts.

In commercial forestry, a threshold of 4 deer per 100ha has been suggested. Unfenced native woodlands seem to regenerate naturally if there are fewer than 4–5 large deer or fewer than 25 roe deer Capreolus capreolus per 100ha; open habitats may suffer only light or moderate impacts from red deer Cervus elaphus at landscape densities of 7–8 per 100ha.

Woodland bird species may have declined where deer densities are high but absolute thresholds seem impossible to establish. One study suggests maximum diversity at about 8 white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus per 100ha.

Deer–vehicle collisions are affected by various factors in addition to deer density, but British and American studies suggest that accident frequencies decline at densities below 7–8 per 100ha.

Fallow deer Dama dama populations may maintain bovine TB (bTB) infection at much lower densities (25/100ha) than red or roe deer (91/100ha and 200/100ha, respectively) assuming 100% prevalence. Even at 30% prevalence a density of 75 fallow deer per 100ha could maintain bTB within the population.

We conclude that deer density alone is unlikely to be a good predictor of impact, and suggest that long‐term management should be based on assessment both of actual impacts and apparent density of deer.
Past and present distribution of the North African–Asian lion subgroup: a review
Authors: SCHNITZLER Annik E.
Published: January 2011

The North African–Asian lion subgroup, which is composed of two subspecies, the Barbary lion, Panthera leo leo, and the Asian lion, P. l. persica, was nearly exterminated during the last centuries. The remaining free‐ranging population of Asian lions consists of c. 350 animals in India. The Barbary lion subsists as captive animals in zoos or circuses, all of which originate from the Moroccan Royal Collection. There have been multiple genetic hybridizations with sub‐Saharan lions.

Several incomplete distribution maps of the past occupation of lions were proposed in the literature. I examine the distribution of these lions with the help of a larger database, extracted from zoological, archaeological and historical reports. Some records are however not completely reliable. Data were collected over a long period of time (from the Epipaleolithic to the modern times) in Eurasia, North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Dispersal took place in latitudes as far south as 15°N (Yemen) to 18°N (Mali; Chad) and as far north as 45–48°N (Bulgaria); and to longitudes as far west as 5.57°W (Morocco) and as far east as 84°E (India). Expansion was probably constrained by natural ecological factors northwards (higher seasonality, harsher winters) and southwards (extension of aridity after 3000 BP). At latitudes between 40 and 43°N, lions seem to have become a permanent part of the fauna during 6–8 millennia.

Lions were brought to extinction by humans through hunting, captures for exhibition in zoos and by the associated natural fragmentation of wild populations. The dates at which extinction took place varied greatly according to the geographical sites: 3000 BC for temperate Europe; 1000 BC in the south of Greece; 12–13th century in the Near East, Arabian Peninsula, Trans‐Caucasia or north of Afghanistan; and 19–20th century for North Africa, the Middle East and India.
Assessment of gastrointestinal motor functions by MRI: a comprehensive review
Authors: Marciani L.
Published: January 2011

Background  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a useful technique for evaluating gastrointestinal (GI) motor functions because it provides multi‐planar imaging capability, high imaging speed, good spatial resolution and excellent soft tissue contrast. Moreover, multiple parameters of GI function can be assessed non‐invasively during a single study.

Purpose  This critical review of the literature discusses the strengths and limitations of MRI for evaluating GI motor functions.
Adaptive behaviour of honeybees (Apis mellifera) toward beetle invaders exhibiting various levels of colony integration
Authors: ATKINSON EDWARD B. , ELLIS JAMES D.
Published: January 2011

Social bees generally host fewer nest invaders than do ants and termites. This is potentially explained by the adaptive defensive strategies of host bees when faced with nest invaders exhibiting various levels of colony integration (based on adaptations to the nest habitat and frequency of nest inhabitation). In the present study, experiments are performed to determine the behaviour at the nest entrance of European honeybee guards Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) toward beetle invaders of various levels of behavioural integration into colonies. The species used to test this include Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), which is regarded as a highly integrated, unwelcome guest (synechthran) or true guest (symphile); Lobiopa insularis Laporte (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) and Epuraea luteola Erichson (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) that are accidentals; and Carpophilus humeralis Fabricius (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), Carpophilus hemipterus L. (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) and Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), all of which are species that are not integrated into honeybee colonies. The responses of guard bees to a control bead also are noted. In general, bees ignore T. castaneum and E. luteola to a greater extent than other beetle species. Bees make contact with the black glass bead (a non‐aggressive behaviour) more than they do all beetle species. Bees treat A. tumida more defensively than they treat any other beetle species and the level of bee defensiveness varies by colony. These data suggest an adaptive heightened defensive response by bees toward the most integrated colony intruder but a significantly reduced level of response toward invaders representing all other levels of colony integration.
Effects of an aqueous alfalfa extract on production performance, egg quality and lipid metabolism of laying hens
Authors: Deng W. , Dong X. F. , Tong J. M. , Xie T. H. , Zhang Q.
Published: January 2011

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of an aqueous alfalfa extract (AAE) on production performance, egg quality and lipid metabolism of laying hens between 28 and 36 weeks of age. Four groups of commercial hens (Hy‐Line Brown) were fed with diets containing 0, 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.15% AAE. Dietary AAE had no effect on egg production parameters (p > 0.05). Shell strength was increased (linear and quadratic effects; p < 0.05) with gradient addition of AAE. Furthermore, shell strength was notably higher (p < 0.05) in 0.1% and 0.15% AAE groups than the control group. With an exception of serum low and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum total triglycerides and liver cholesterol concentration (day 42), lipid indices in yolk, serum and liver were lowered (linear and quadratic effects; p < 0.05) at day 42 and day 56 as AAE in diets increased, as well as the enzyme activities of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) and β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylglutaryl‐CoA (HMG‐CoA) reductase. In relation to the control group, cholesterol and triglycerides in yolk, liver and serum and serum very low density lipoprotein cholesterol were lower in 0.15% AAE‐treated birds at day 42 and day 56. It also significantly decreased activities of ACC, HMG‐CoA reductase and fatty acid synthetase (FAS) at day 56. The 0.1% AAE decreased triglycerides in yolk, liver and serum, as well as the activities of ACC and FAS at day 56. These data suggest that dietary AAE could be applied to improve egg shell quality and modify the lipid status of laying hens and eggs.
Neurocysticercosis: An unusual cause of seizure in the New Zealand setting
Authors: Pybus Megan , Heron Peter
Published: January 2011

Neurocysticercosis is an unusual cause of seizure in the New Zealand setting. We report on the presentation of a 12‐year‐old Indian boy, who was found to have neurocysticercosis after presenting with a generalized seizure. Treatmeant of neurocysticercosis is controversial, and the evidence from the literature regarding treatment with anthelmintic (or cysticydal) medication is reviewed. Other treatment measures including anticonvulsant therapy and corticosteroids is also discussed.
Iodine‐induced neonatal hypothyroidism secondary to maternal seaweed consumption: A common practice in some Asian cultures to promote breast milk supply
Authors: Emder Phillip John , Jack Michelle Marion
Published: January 2011

Mild iodine deficiency is a recognised problem in Australia and New Zealand. However, iodine excess can cause hypothyroidism in some infants. We highlight two cases which illustrate the risks of excess dietary iodine intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding. They also describe a cultural practice of consuming seaweed soup to promote breast milk supply. Although most attention recently has been on the inadequacy of iodine in Australian diets, the reverse situation should not be overlooked. Neither feast nor famine is desirable.
Basilar artery occlusion in a 14‐year old female successfully treated with acute intravascular intervention: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Taneja Sanjeev R , Hanna Ibrahim , Holdgate Anna , Wenderoth Jason , Cordato Dennis J
Published: January 2011

Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a rare cause of paediatric stroke that may result in severe neurological disability including a ‘locked‐in’ state. Acute interventional therapy for paediatric BAO is limited to a small number of published case reports. Of 13 previously published cases that have undergone acute intravascular therapy, six made a full neurological recovery, six had residual deficits ranging from mild dysarthria and ataxia to vegetative state and one patient died. The time from symptom onset to intervention was ≥12 h in 77% (10/13). We reported a 14‐year‐old female patient presenting with altered sensorium that progressed to a ‘locked‐in’ state due to idiopathic BAO who made a full clinical recovery after successful mechanical thrombectomy at 24 h following symptom onset. Acute neuro‐interventional therapy for paediatric BAO can result in complete neurological recovery despite the presence of severe neurological deficits and a prolonged period of time from symptom onset to clinical diagnosis.
Coexistence of TDP‐43 and tau pathology in neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation type 1 (NBIA‐1, formerly Hallervorden‐Spatz syndrome)
Authors: Haraguchi Takashi , Terada Seishi , Ishizu Hideki , Yokota Osamu , Yoshida Hidenori , Takeda Naoya , Kishimoto Yuki , Katayama Naoko , Takata Hiroshi , Akagi Motohiro , Kuroda Shigetoshi , Ihara Yuetsu , Uchitomi Yosuke
Published: January 2011

We report here an autopsy case of sporadic adult‐onset Hallervorden‐Spatz syndrome, also known as neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation type 1 (NBIA1), without hereditary burden. A 49‐year‐old woman died after a 27‐year disease course. At the age of 22, she suffered from akinesia, resting tremor, and rigidity. At the age of 28, she was admitted to our hospital because of worsening parkinsonism and dementia. Within several years, she developed akinetic mutism. At the age of 49, she died of bleeding from a tracheostomy. Autopsy revealed a severely atrophic brain weighing 460 g. Histologically, there were iron deposits in the globus pallidus and substantia nigra pars reticulata, and numerous axonal spheroids in the subthalamic nuclei. Neurofibrillary tangles were abundant in the hippocampus, cerebral neocortex, basal ganglia, and brain stem. Neuritic plaques and amyloid deposits were absent. Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, which are immunolabeled by anti‐α‐synuclein, were absent. We also observed the presence of TDP‐43‐positive neuronal perinuclear cytoplasmic inclusions, with variable frequency in the dentate gyrus granular cells, frontal and temporal cortices, and basal ganglia. TDP‐43‐positive glial cytoplasmic inclusions were also found with variable frequency in the frontal and temporal lobes and basal ganglia. The present case was diagnosed with adult‐onset NBIA‐1 with typical histological findings in the basal ganglia and brainstem. However, in this case, tau and TDP‐43 pathology was exceedingly more abundant than α‐synuclein pathology. This case contributes to the increasing evidence for the heterogeneity of NBIA‐1.
An immunohistochemical finding in glioneuronal lesions associated with epilepsy: The appearance of nestin‐positive, CD34‐positive and tau‐accumulating cells
Authors: Nagaishi Masaya , Arai Motohiro , Osawa Tadashi , Yokoo Hideaki , Hirato Junko , Yoshimoto Yuhei , Nakazato Yoichi
Published: January 2011

Several kinds of unusual cells have been pathologically identified in epileptic patients. CD34‐positive, nestin‐positive and tau‐positive cells are some of them. However, no reports have investigated the significance of these cells. We examined 14 cases of seizure‐associated glioneuronal lesions to investigate the incidences and distributions of these cells and the association between their incidence and clinical parameters. CD34‐positive and nestin‐positive cells were seen in 43% and 50% of cases, respectively. In the regions with structural anomalies, there were increased numbers of CD34‐positive cells and nestin‐positive cells, but they were identified as different cells. Both examinations showed many abnormal processes in oligodendroglial‐like cells with round nuclei. In contrast, few reactive astrocytes that demonstrated immunoreactivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein were found in this area. Tau accumulation was present in 37% of cases. There was no correspondence with the regions showing increasing numbers of nestin or CD34‐positive cells. There were no significant associations between epileptic clinical parameters and the incidences of the abovementioned immunopositive cells. CD34‐positive cells and nestin‐positive cells are found as frequently as balloon cells and are associated with abnormal reconstitution of the cortex. These findings support the assertion that increases in the numbers of these cells might contribute to promoting epilepsy. In addition, these immunopositive cells are valuable findings for the pathological identification of epileptogenic lesions.
Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors may show morphological and immunohistochemical features seen in choroid plexus tumors
Authors: Schittenhelm Jens , Nagel Christoph , Meyermann Richard , Beschorner Rudi
Published: January 2011

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) are aggressive embryonal tumors having a poor prognosis and are associated with mutations in the tumor suppressor gene hSNF5/SMARCB1/INI1. Differential diagnosis includes choroid plexus carcinoma which has occasionally been attributed as showing an inactivation of INI1/SMARCB1 nuclear staining in immunohistochemistry. However, these findings have been challenged by others. We therefore examined eight AT/RTs from six patients by immunohistochemistry for membranous expression of the inward rectifier potassium channel Kir7.1, which was in the central nervous system so far considered specific for choroid plexus tumors and normal choroid plexus epithelium. Two AT/RT cases exhibited membranous staining of Kir7.1, indicating a plexus epithelial differentiation of these tumors. The implications of these results on tumor diagnosis are discussed.
Hypertrophy of hippocampal end folium neurons in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Ryufuku Masae , Toyoshima Yasuko , Kitaura Hiroki , Zheng Yingjun , Fu Yong‐Juan , Miyahara Hiroaki , Murakami Hiroatsu , Masuda Hiroshi , Kameyama Shigeki , Takahashi Hitoshi , Kakita Akiyoshi
Published: January 2011

Hypertrophic and dysmorphic neurons have been identified in the hippocampal end folium of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE). No data are available regarding the correlation between these cellular alterations and the severity of hippocampal sclerosis (HS), and the significance of this phenomenon has been unclear. We evaluated both the perikaryon and nuclear areas of residual neurons in the hippocampal end folium of 47 patients with mTLE, seven with lesional neocortical temporal lobe epilepsy (LTLE), and 10 controls without seizure episodes. According to the severity of neuron loss in the end folium, we defined mTLE cases showing slight (<10%) or no, moderate (10–50%) and severe (>50%) loss as groups A, B and C, respectively. We also performed immunohistochemistry with antibodies against heat shock protein 70 and the phosphorylated epitope of neurofilament. In both mTLE and LTLE cases, the perikaryon and nuclear areas of the end folium neurons were significantly greater than those in the controls (P < 0.0001), and those in mTLE were significantly greater than those in LTLE. There were no differences in areas between groups A and B, but the areas in group C were significantly greater than those of both groups A and B. Neurons with large, bizarre morphology were labeled with both antibodies. Neuronal hypertrophy is evident in patients with epilepsy, and appears to advance gradually as the hippocampal sclerosis becomes more severe. This alteration may be a consequence of cellular stress incurred by neurons.
Diclofenac pharmacokinetic meta‐analysis and dose recommendations for surgical pain in children aged 1–12 years
Authors: Standing Joseph F. , Tibboel Dick , Korpela Reijo , Olkkola Klaus T.
Published: January 2011

Background:  Diclofenac is an effective, opiate‐sparing analgesic for acute pain in children, which is commonly used in pediatric surgical units. Recently, a Cochrane review concluded the major knowledge gap in diclofenac use is dosing information. A pharmacokinetic meta‐analysis has been undertaken with the aim of recommending a dose for children aged 1–12 years.

Methods:  Studies containing diclofenac pharmacokinetic data were identified during a Cochrane systematic review, and authors were asked to provide raw data. A pooled population analysis was undertaken in NONMEM to define the pharmacokinetics of intravenous, oral, and rectal diclofenac in children. Simulations were performed to recommend a dose yielding an equivalent area under diclofenac concentration–time curve (AUC) to a 50‐mg dispersible tablet in adults.

Results:  Data from 111 children aged 1–14 years consisting of 375 samples following intravenous, oral suspension, and suppositories were used. Adult dispersible tablet and suspension data were added to provide a reference AUC and support the absorption modeling, respectively. A three‐compartment model described disposition, a dual‐absorption compartment model was used for suspension and dispersible tablet data, and single‐absorption compartment model for suppositories. The estimate of clearance was 16.5 l·h−1·70 kg−1 and bioavailabilities were 0.36, 0.63, and 0.35 for suspension, suppository, and dispersible tablets, respectively.

Conclusions:  Single doses of 0.3 mg·kg−1 for intravenous, 0.5 mg·kg−1 for suppositories, and 1 mg·kg−1 for oral diclofenac in children aged 1–12 years are recommended as they yield a similar AUC to 50 mg in adults.
HAPPINESS ECONOMICS FROM 35 000 FEET
Authors: MacKerron George
Published: January 2011

Abstract The economics of happiness, or subjective well being, is an expanding field, with a growing number of applied papers reporting empirical associations between happiness and other variables. This paper takes a broad view of the topic, aiming to provide an outline of the literature in relation to happiness economics' origins, definitions, theory, methods, applications, critiques, relations with other areas of economic research, political and policy connections, and promising directions for future inquiry.
Effect of Explicit and Implicit Instruction on Free Written Response Task Performance
Authors: Andringa Sible , de Glopper Kees , Hacquebord Hilde
Published: January 2011

A classroom study was designed to test the hypothesis that explicit knowledge is used by second‐language (L2) learners in a free written response task if that knowledge is present. Eighty‐one 12–18‐year‐old learners of Dutch as an L2 took part in a computer‐assisted language learning experiment receiving either explicit or implicit instruction about two grammar structures. The ability to use these structures was measured at three points in time by means of an untimed grammaticality judgment task and a free written response task. Explicit and implicit instruction promoted the use of the target structures in free response tasks equally effectively. However, for one structure, both facilitative and inhibitory effects of explicit instruction were observed if first language similarity was taken into consideration.
Estimating population size and habitat suitability for mountain nyala in areas with different protection status
Authors: Atickem A. , Loe L. E. , Langangen Ø. , Rueness E. K. , Bekele A. , Stenseth N. C.
Published: January 2011

Many species of large herbivores are declining in numbers as a consequence of direct exploitation or habitat loss. In the Ethiopian highlands, rapid human population growth has resulted in an expansion of human settlements and farmland, threatening many endemic species such as the mountain nyala Tragelaphus buxtoni. Despite being listed as an endangered species, the mountain nyala is still the most important trophy hunting species in Ethiopia. We counted faecal pellets of mountain nyala within plots distributed along transects to estimate population size and identify key environmental variables associated with the presence of faecal pellet groups. The total mountain nyala population was estimated at 3756 (95% confidence intervals: 2506–7135) individuals, mainly occupying woodlands while avoiding human developments (agriculture and settlements). The total suitable area was estimated at 8333 km2. Only 31.6% of the total population lived within a national park, while 53.5% of the population inhabited two controlled hunting areas in the eastern mountains. Abundance was 3.7 times higher in areas patrolled by wardens, regardless of being in a national park or hunting area, suggesting that formal protection must be followed by surveillance to avoid poaching and habitat destruction. We found no negative correlation between pellet abundance and trophy hunting. Yet, it is too early to conclude that trophy hunting is sustainable as it has only recently been initiated in the studied populations.
Gender differences in knowledge and attitude regarding breastfeeding
Authors: Chang Yunhee , Valliant Melinda , Bomba Anne K.
Published: January 2011

The literature presented evidence that the opinions and attitudes of the father or male partner towards breastfeeding have a strong positive correlation with breastfeeding initiation and duration. Men are also found less knowledgeable about breastfeeding and are more positive towards formula feeding than women. Using a survey of college‐aged men and women, this study provides in‐depth understanding of gender differences in knowledge and attitude regarding breastfeeding. The Infant Feeding Knowledge Test and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale were included in the questionnaire in addition to questions about the respondents' intention to breastfeed, exposure to breastfeeding during infancy and socio‐demographic characteristics of the family of origin. The final sample consists of 181 women and 88 men enrolled in a university in the Southern US. Linear regressions with gender interaction terms were estimated in order to isolate the gender‐specific correlations between their family background and their knowledge and attitude regarding breastfeeding. A series of Chi‐square tests examined whether the regression coefficients were significantly different between men and women. Results support existing evidence of gender gap in breastfeeding knowledge and attitude. More importantly, the study reveals that the influence of one's family background on their knowledge and attitude regarding breastfeeding is significantly different between men and women. It suggests a possibility of greater disagreement regarding feeding choices within a higher socioeconomic status (SES) couple. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Predicting potential distribution of the jaguar (Panthera onca) in Mexico: identification of priority areas for conservation
Authors: Rodríguez‐Soto Clarita , Monroy‐Vilchis Octavio , Maiorano Luigi , Boitani Luigi , Faller Juan Carlos , Briones Miguel Á. , Núñez Rodrigo , Rosas‐Rosas Octavio , Ceballos Gerardo , Falcucci Alessandra
Published: January 2011

Aim  The jaguar, Panthera onca, is a species of global conservation concern. In Mexico, the northernmost part of its distribution range, its conservation status, is particularly critical, while its potential and actual distribution is poorly known. We propose an ensemble model (EM) of the potential distribution for the jaguar in Mexico and identify the priority areas for conservation.

Location  Mexico.

Methods  We generated our EM based on three presence‐only methods (Ecological Niche Factor Analysis, Mahalanobis distance, Maxent) and considering environmental, biological and anthropogenic factors. We used this model to evaluate the efficacy of the existing Mexican protected areas (PAs), to evaluate the adequacy of the jaguar conservation units (JCUs) and to propose new areas that should be considered for conservation and management of the species in Mexico.

Results  Our results outline that 16% of Mexico (c. 312,000 km2) can be considered as suitable for the presence of the jaguar. Furthermore, 13% of the suitable areas are included in existing PAs and 14% are included in JCUs (Sanderson et al., 2002).

Main conclusions  Clearly much more should be carried out to establish a proactive conservation strategy. Based on our results, we propose here new jaguar conservation and management areas that are important for a nationwide conservation blueprint.
Single Site Left Ventricular Pacing induced Dyssynchrony and Cardiomyopathy
Authors: SHOME JOY , SILBERBAUER JOHN , RINALDI ALDO , KAMALVAND KAYVAN
Published: January 2011

Single site left ventricular (LV) pacing in the absence of intrinsic ventricular activity can be as detrimental to LV function as right ventricular apical pacing. This report describes a patient with complete heart block who developed significant dyssynchrony and cardiomyopathy secondary to single site lateral LV pacing. The process was reversed by placement of a second anterior LV lead. (PACE 2013; 36:e35–e37)
Multiple Interatrial Electrical Connection after Heart Transplantation
Authors: PEÑAFIEL‐VERDÚ PABLO , SALAR‐ALCARAZ MARIELA , FERNÁNDEZ‐FERNÁNDEZ ASUNCIÓN , MARTÍNEZ‐SÁNCHEZ JUAN , SÁNCHEZ‐MUÑOZ JUAN JOSÉ , GARCÍA‐ALBEROLA ARCADI , VALDÉS‐CHÁVARRI MARIANO
Published: January 2011

A 62‐year‐old woman who underwent heart transplantation 6 years later presented a regular atrial tachycardia. Electrophysiologic evaluation showed an atrial arrhythmia in the recipient atrium with 2:1 conduction to the donor atrium, with a confusing electroanatomical map. With the suspect of alternant conduction through two different breakthroughs, the map was split in two concordant maps, corresponding to two connections that were successfully ablated. Later on, a third connection was detected and therefore ablated. (PACE 2011; 1–3)
Coronary Sinus Aneurysm and Left Ventricular‐Coronary Sinus Fistula. Implantation of CRT Device
Authors: OJO JUAN LEAL DEL , PAVÓN RICARDO , GARCÍA DOLORES , QUINTANA JAVIER , CAPARRÓS JORGE , VILLAGOMEZ DAVID , VAZQUEZ MARIA , BARQUERO JOSÉ MIGUEL , PASTOR LUIS
Published: January 2011

We describe a 72‐year‐old man referred for implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy device who had previously undergone repeated operations to replace the mitral valve. Retrograde venography of the coronary sinus (CS) to implant the left ventricular (LV) pacing lead revealed aneurysmal dilatation of the CS with LV‐CS fistula that hindered—but did not prevent—complete implantation of the system. (PACE 2013; 36:e38–e40)
Modality Switching Costs Emerge in Concept Creation as Well as Retrieval
Authors: Connell Louise , Lynott Dermot
Published: January 2011

Theories of embodied cognition hold that the conceptual system uses perceptual simulations for the purposes of representation. A strong prediction is that perceptual phenomena should emerge in conceptual processing, and, in support, previous research has shown that switching modalities from one trial to the next incurs a processing cost during conceptual tasks. However, to date, such research has been limited by its reliance on the retrieval of familiar concepts. We therefore examinedconcept creationby asking participants to interpret modality‐specific compound phrases (i.e., conceptual combinations). Results show that modality switching costs emerge during the creation of new conceptual entities: People are slower to simulate a novel concept (e.g., auditoryjingling onion) when their attention has already been engaged by a different modality in simulating a familiar concept (e.g., visualshiny penny). Furthermore, these costs cannot be accounted for by linguistic factors alone. Rather, our findings support the embodied view that concept creation, as well as retrieval, requires situated perceptual simulation.
Japanese Sound‐Symbolism Facilitates Word Learning in English‐Speaking Children
Authors: Kantartzis Katerina , Imai Mutsumi , Kita Sotaro
Published: January 2011

Sound‐symbolism is the nonarbitrary link between the sound and meaning of a word. Japanese‐speaking children performed better in a verb generalization task when they were taught novel sound‐symbolic verbs, created based on existing Japanese sound‐symbolic words, than novel nonsound‐symbolic verbs (Imai, Kita, Nagumo, & Okada, 2008). A question remained as to whether the Japanese children had picked up regularities in the Japanese sound‐symbolic lexicon or were sensitive to universal sound‐symbolism. The present study aimed to provide support for the latter. In a verb generalization task, English‐speaking 3‐year‐olds were taught novel sound‐symbolic verbs, created based on Japanese sound‐symbolism, or novel nonsound‐symbolic verbs. English‐speaking children performed better with the sound‐symbolic verbs, just like Japanese‐speaking children. We concluded that children are sensitive to universal sound‐symbolism and can utilize it in word learning and generalization, regardless of their native language.
Nonblinding, Penetrating Orbital Injury with Pontine and Cerebellar Involvement Secondary to Antenna Trauma
Authors: Teymoorian Savak , San Filippo Ashley , Wallace Billi
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Traumatic pontine and cerebellar damage originating from ocular injury has been documented in the past; however, no report has been made about an orbital trauma causing injury to the pons and cerebellum with associated neurological symptoms while leaving the globe, visual pathway, and ocular controls intact.

METHODS

Chart review of a single case of a traumatic antenna injury.

RESULTS

A traumatic antenna injury that penetrated the orbit and injured the pons and cerebellum without involving the visual pathway and its controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Pontine and cerebellar injury can occur from trauma that originated in the orbit and traveled posteriorly through the cranium without causing any overt damage to ocular structures but still causing other associated neurological problems. J Neuroimaging 2012;22:201‐203.
Acute Stroke, Catheter Related Venous Thrombosis, and Paradoxical Cerebral Embolism: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Petrea Rodica Elena , Koyfman Feliks , Pikula Aleksandra , Romero Jose Rafael , Viereck Jason , Babikian Viken L. , Kase Carlos S. , Nguyen Thanh N.
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been associated with cryptogenic stroke, particularly in young adults. However, the source of particles leading to cerebral embolism remains frequently unknown despite comprehensive evaluation.

OBJECTIVE

To report and comment on therapeutic options for 2 patients with acute ischemic strokes, PFO, and venous access related thrombosis, sources of paradoxical embolism, from Boston Medical Center stroke database.

CASE DESCRIPTIONS

Case 1. A 71‐year‐old man presented with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed acute cerebellar infarction. Echocardiography showed a PFO and thrombotic material at the tip of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line in the superior vena cava (SVC) prolapsing into the right atrium (RA). Case 2. A 64‐year‐old woman with end‐stage renal disease and PFO presented with brain MRI confirmed acute parietal lobe infarction. Three days prior to her stroke, she had thrombectomy and venoplasty of an arterio‐venous (AV) dialysis graft followed by a post‐thrombectomy fistulogram that showed persistent thrombotic material at the venous site.

CONCLUSIONS

PFO associated with large venous access site thrombosis was the most likely mechanism of stroke in both cases. Local thrombosis at sites of large venous access may be an overlooked source of paradoxical embolism in patients with PFO as well as a preventable cause of stroke in critically ill patients.
Sex Determination from Hand and Foot Dimensions in a North Indian Population
Authors: Krishan Kewal , Kanchan Tanuj , Sharma Abhilasha
Published: January 2011

Abstract: Hands and feet are often recovered from the site of natural as well as man‐made disasters because of bomb blasts, train accidents, plane crashes, or mass homicides. This study is intended to establish standards for determination of sex from the dimensions of hands and feet in a North Indian population. The data for this study comprise 123 men and 123 women aged between 17 and 20 years from the “Rajput” population of Himachal Pradesh in North India. Four anthropometric measurements viz. hand length, hand breadth, foot length, and foot breadth have been taken on both sides of each subject following international anthropometric standards. The hand index (hand breadth/hand length × 100) and the foot index (foot breadth/foot length × 100) were calculated. Sectioning points and regression models are derived for the hand and foot dimensions and the derived indices. The hand and foot dimensions show a higher accuracy in sex determination by sectioning point analysis when compared to hand and foot index. Of the hand and the foot dimensions, hand breadth and foot breadth showed better accuracy in sex determination. Hand index and foot index remain poor sex discriminators in the study.
Predicted levels of future ocean acidification and temperature rise could alter community structure and biodiversity in marine benthic communities
Authors: Hale R. , Calosi P. , McNeill L. , Mieszkowska N. , Widdicombe S.
Published: January 2011

A mesocosm experiment was conducted to quantify the effects of reduced pH and elevated temperature on an intact marine invertebrate community. Standardised faunal communities, collected from the extreme low intertidal zone using artificial substrate units, were exposed to one of eight nominal treatments (four pH levels: 8.0, 7.7, 7.3 and 6.7, crossed with two temperature levels: 12 and 16°C). After 60 days exposure communities showed significant changes in structure and lower diversity in response to reduced pH. The response to temperature was more complex. At higher pH levels (8.0 and 7.7) elevated temperature treatments contained higher species abundances and diversity than the lower temperature treatments. In contrast, at lower pH levels (7.3 and 6.7), elevated temperature treatments had lower species abundances and diversity than lower temperature treatments. The species losses responsible for these changes in community structure and diversity were not randomly distributed across the different phyla examined. Molluscs showed the greatest reduction in abundance and diversity in response to low pH and elevated temperature, whilst annelid abundance and diversity was mostly unaffected by low pH and was higher at the elevated temperature. The arthropod response was between these two extremes with moderately reduced abundance and diversity at low pH and elevated temperature. Nematode abundance increased in response to low pH and elevated temperature, probably due to the reduction of ecological constraints, such as predation and competition, caused by a decrease in macrofaunal abundance. This community‐based mesocosm study supports previous suggestions, based on observations of direct physiological impacts, that ocean acidification induced changes in marine biodiversity will be driven by differential vulnerability within and between different taxonomical groups. This study also illustrates the importance of considering indirect effects that occur within multispecies assemblages when attempting to predict the consequences of ocean acidification and global warming on marine communities.
Modulation of Cytokine and Chemokine Secretions in Rhesus Monkey Trophoblast Co‐Culture With Decidual but not Peripheral Blood Monocyte–Derived Macrophages
Authors: Rozner Ann E. , Dambaeva Svetlana V. , Drenzek Jessica G. , Durning Maureen , Golos Thaddeus G.
Published: January 2011

Citation  Rozner AE, Dambaeva SV, Drenzek JG, Durning M, Golos TG. Modulation of cytokine and chemokine secretions in rhesus monkey trophoblast co‐culture with decidual but not peripheral blood monocyte–derived macrophages. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66: 115–127

Problem  Decidual macrophages are thought to promote pregnancy success, in part through interactions with invading trophoblast cells in hemochorial placentation. However, the factors that constitute this regulatory cross talk are not well understood.

Method of study  Rhesus monkey decidual and peripheral blood–derived macrophages were co‐cultured with primary Rhesus trophoblasts. Macrophage functions including cell‐surface marker expression, antigen uptake and processing, in vitro migration, and cytokine and chemokine secretions were evaluated.

Results  While most macrophage functions were unchanged by trophoblast co‐culture, changes in the secretion of selected cytokines and the migration of trophoblasts were noted when decidual (but generally, not peripheral blood monocyte–derived) macrophages were cultured with trophoblasts. In addition, basal secretion differed significantly between peripheral blood–derived and decidual macrophages for a broad spectrum of cytokines. When trophoblasts were pre‐treated with an anti‐Mamu‐AG antibody, 25D3, there was no change in cytokine or chemokine secretion.

Conclusion  Macrophage cytokine expression can be modulated by trophoblast co‐culture, but it remains unclear how Mamu‐AG is involved.