bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hubungan parameter fisika-kimia perairan dengan kelimpahan plankton di Samudera Hindia bagian Barat Daya
Authors: Novia Rani , . Adnan , Ramadhan Ritonga Irwan
Published: September 2016

Abstract. The aims of this research was to examine the water quality parameters and plankton abundance and its relationships in the Southwestern of Indian Ocean. This is a quantitative descriptive research. Planktons were sampled using plankton net, and water samples were taken using Conductivity, Temperature, Depth (CTD) where the water samples colleted in the Nansen Bottle No. 1 (surface water) at seven sampling stations. The results showed that there were 25 species of planktons belonging into seven classes, i.e., Bacillariophyceae, Ciliate, Crustacea, Cyanobacteria, Dinophyceae, Flagellata, and Maxillopoda. The highest value of abundance of plankton was found at station 6 with 7255 ind. L-1, the value of diversity index of plankton was at moderate category,  and there was no predominant species was occurred in the community. Bivariate correlation analysis results of Person's showed that the temperature and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) were positively correlated to the plankton abudance, while pH, conductivity, TDS, salinity were negatively correlated with abundances of plankton.Keywords: Abundance of plankton, linkages, water quality, Indian Ocean of Southwestern Abstrak. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui jenis dan kelimpahan plankton dan kualitas air serta hubungan antara kelimpahan plankton dengan parameter fisika-kimia perairan di Samudera Hindia bagian Barat Daya. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif, pengambilan sampel plankton menggunakan plankton net, dan sampel air menggunakan CTD (Conductivity, Temperature Depth) dimana sampel air yang diambil pada botol nansen No. 1 (sampel air permukaan) pada 7 titik stasiun. Hasil penelitian ditemukan 25 spesies plankton yang termasuk ke dalam 7 kelas, yaitu Bacillariophyceae, Ciliata, Crustacea, Cyanobacteria, Dinophyceae, Flagellata, dan Maxillopoda. Kelimpahan plankton tertinggi terdapat pada  stasiun 6 dengan 7255 ind/L, indeks keragaman plankton pada kondisi sedang, dan tidak terjadi dominasi spesies dalam komunitas. Hasil analisis korelasi Bivariate Person’s menunjukkan suhu dan DO (Dissolved Oxygen) berkorelasi positif terhadap kelimpahan plankton, sedangkan pH, konduktifitas, TDS, salinitas berkorelasi negative dengan kelimpahan plankton. Kata kunci: Kelimpahan Plankton, Keterkaitan, Kualitas air, Samudera Hindia bagian Barat Daya
Factors related to missed opportunities for immunization at urban and suburban primary health centers in Medan
Authors: Ramayani Oke Rina , Daulay Ridwan M. , Sofyani Sri , Lubis Iskandar Z.
Published: September 2016

Background Missed opportunites for immunization is one of theimportant causes of low immunization coverage that should beprevented.Objective To investigate missed opportunities for immunizationand related factors at urban and suburban primary health centersin Medan.Methods A cross sectional study was conducted between January-March 2004. Primary health centers in Medan were divided intourban (20 primary health centers) and suburban (19 primaryhealth centers) groups. The sample size was 109 children whovisited primary health centers for immunization. Study was doneby a questionnaire taken after infants received immunization (exitinterview).Results The proportion of missed opportunities in urban andsuburban area was 22.3% (95% CI 16.9%;27.7%) and 29.9% (95%CI 24.0%;35.2%) (P=0.191), respectively. Factors such as age ofstarting immunization, number of children more than 4, and lowparental attitude about immunization (P=0.001) were related tomissed opportunities for immunization.Conclusions There is no difference between proportion of missedopportunities at primary health centers in urban and suburbanarea. Related factors to missed opportunities for immunizationare age of starting immunization older than 3 months, number ofchildren more than 4, and low parental attitude aboutimmunization.
Effect of enalapril in children with steroid resistant primary nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Atmikasari L. P. Primi , Damanik M. P. , Sadjimin Tonny
Published: September 2016

Background A significant proportion of children with nephrotic syndrome become steroid dependent or steroid resistant who need further medication with cytostatic or other immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclophosphamide or chlorambucil. Unfortunately studies show that the drugs give no good results and cause adverse effects.Objective To establish the effect of enalapril in decreasing proteinuria in children with steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome.Methods We conducted a clinical trial in Nephrology Division, Pediatrics Department, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital from January 2004 to October 2005. Subjects were randomized to either receive prednisone and enalapril (Enalapril Group) or prednisone and cyclophosphamide (CPA Group). The main parameter was proteinuria level, which was examined at the beginning of the study and then every two weeks for eight weeks.Results Remission rate in enalapril group was 96% whereas in CPA group was 82% (P=0.09). Proteinuria level reduction in Enalapril Group from the beginning until the end was 606.92 mg/dl (99%) whereas in CPA Group the reduction was 712.97 mg/dl (91%). Statistically, there was no significant difference in the average decrease of proteinuria level between both groups (P=0.30). Odds ratio for overall adverse events in combined prednisone and enalapril therapy group compared to combined prednisone and cyclophosphamide therapy group was 0.29 (CI 95% 0.17;0.41).Conclusion Combined prednisone and enalapril has similar effect tocombined prednisone and cyclophosphamide in children with steroidresistant nephrotic syndrome. Overall adverse events in combinedprednisone and enalapril group was lower than that in combinedprednisone and cyclophosphamide group.
The risk factors for febrile neutropenia during chemotherapy in children with malignancy
Authors: Sulviani Rini , Idjradinata Ponpon , Raspati Harry
Published: September 2016

Background Febrile neutropenia is the most common side effectof myelosuppressive chemotherapy. It is important to identify itsrisk factors to decrease the morbidity and mortality of febrileneutropenia.Objective To identify whether age, type of malignancy, phase anddose of chemotherapy, nutritional status, and absolute neutrophylcount are risk factors for febrile neutropenia.Methods A hospital-based case control study was conducted atHasan Sadikin Hospital from June 2000 to July 2005. Data wascollected from medical records. The case group consisted ofchildren with malignancy who received chemotherapy andsuffered from febrile neutropenia, while the control groupconsisted of children without febrile neutropenia. Chi square andlogistic regression analysis were performed to analyze data usingSPSS for Windows version 13.0.Results Eighty-seven cases and 94 controls were evaluated.Analysis showed that malignancy type i.e, hematologicmalignancy, chemotherapy phase, and absolute neutrophyl countmight be the risk factors for febrile neutropenia (OR=4.6, 95%CI 1.3;16.7, P=0.019; OR=8.1, 95% CI 2.2;30.5, P=0.002; andOR=1.0, 95% CI 1.003;1.007, P <0.001, respectively), while age,chemotherapy dose, and nutritional status might not be the riskfactors (median 60, range 6-144, P=0.342; OR=1.9, 95% CI0.8;4.8, P=0.129; and P=0.798, respectively).Conclusion Hematologic malignancy, induction phase ofchemotherapy, and absolute neutrophyl count =250/mm 3 are therisk factors for febrile neutropenia in children with malignancywho received chemotherapy.
Trombocytosis in childhood relapsing nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Hafni Ade , Hilmanto Danny , Rachmadi Dedi , Sekarwana Nanan
Published: September 2016

Background Thrombosis is a serious complication of nephroticsyndrome (NS). Long-term steroid treatment may inducethrombocytosis in relapsing NS that may predispose to thrombosis.Most children with idiopathic NS respond to steroids; however, asubstantial number of patients will relapse frequently and requirerepeated high dose steroid therapy, thus increase the risk ofthrombocytosis.Objective To compare the occurrence of thrombocytosis betweenchildren with frequent relapses of NS (FRNS) and those withinfrequent relapses (IFRNS).Methods We reviewed the medical records of children aged 1-14years diagnosed as FRNS and IFRNS at the Department of ChildHealth, Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung from 2000-2005. We excluded children with iron deficiency anemia,hemolytic anemia, acute haemorrhage, malignancy, and those whoreceived cyclophosphamide.Results There were 33 children (26 males, 7 females) with FRNSand 33 children (27 males, 6 females) with IFRNS. The meanplatelet level of children with FRNS (517,909+165,670/ml) washigher than that of children with IFRNS (416,272+145,763/ml)(P=0.005). The occurrence of thrombocytosis in children withFRNS (18) was higher than that of children with IFRNS (7)(P=0.005).Conclusion This study shows that thrombocytosis is morecommon in FRNS than IFRNS, therefore we should take moreprecaution to the occurrence of thrombosis in FRNS.
Validity of protein-creatinine and protein-osmolality ratios in the estimation of massive proteinuria in children with nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Sukmawati M. , Suarta K.
Published: September 2016

Background Children with nephrotic syndrome have massiveproteinuria, a rate of excretion equal to or greater than 40 mg/hour/m 2 body surface. The ability to quantitate massive urinaryprotein excretion is very important for both diagnostic andprognostic purposes. Quantification of proteinuria using 24-hoururine collection (Esbach) is difficult to do especially in children;moreover, many false-positive and false-negative results arereported for any semi-quantitative methods such as dipstick andsulfosalicylic acid measurement.Objective To determine the accuracy of protein-creatinine ratio(PCR) and protein-osmolality ratio (POR) in quantification ofmassive proteinuria in children with nephrotic syndrome.Methods Diagnostic tests were conducted on children withnephrotic syndrome aged 2-12 years with Esbach as a referencestandard. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV),negative predictive value, (NPV), pre and posttest probabilitywere compared between PCR and POR.Results Study patients consisted of 47 children, 38 (81%) withmassive proteinuria. PCR has sensitivity of 92%, specificity of78%, PPV of 95%, NPV of 70% and posttest probability of 95%.POR has sensitivity of 76%, specificity of 78%, PPV of 94%, NPVof 44% and posttest probability of 94%.Conclusion Both PCR and POR are accurate to determine massiveproteinuria in children with nephrotic syndrome.
Effect of oral glucose administration on pain in neonates undergoing peripheral blood collection
Authors: Triani Effa , Lubis Munar , Yoel Chairoel
Published: September 2016

Background Peripheral blood sampling with heel sticks in neonatescould represent minor invasive procedure which generates pain.The oral glucose administration can reduce the pain in neonatesduring this procedure.Objective To compare the pain sense after oral glucoseadministration or placebo during peripheral blood sampling withheel sticks in neonates.Methods A double blind randomized clinical trial study wasconducted from January to March 2004 in three teaching hospitalsin Medan. The population of this study was divided into twogroups (glucose and placebo) and each group consisted of 32neonates. The intervention group got 1 ml of 40% glucose andthe placebo group got 1 ml of sterile water. Blood sample wastaken with sterile hemolet with heel sticks from healthy atermneonates. The pain was measured using NIPS score and measuredin first 30 seconds after heel sticking. The heart and respiratoryrate measurement was done before and during the interventionand we also counted crying time. Data were analyzed with studentt–test.Results The significant mean difference of NIPS score in glucosegroup was 2.22 (SD 0.83) vs 4.72 (SD 0.96) in placebo group(P<0.0001). There was significant mean difference of crying time,i.e. 0.16 (SD 0.37) in glucose group vs 2.05 (SD 0.77) in placebogroup (P<0.0001). There was significant differences of heart ratebefore and during heel sticking in both groups.Conclusion There were some differences of pain sense in neonateswho received 40% glucose compared to those who received sterilewater during peripheral blood sampling.
Effects of live versus heat-killed probiotics on acute diarrhea in young children
Authors: Indriyani Atik , Juffrie Mohammad , Setyati Amalia
Published: September 2016

Background Diarrhea remains one of the major causes ofmorbidity and mortality in children in developing countries.Probiotics have been shown to be beneficial for decreasing thefrequency and duration of diarrhea. However, the reported effectson reducing the duration of diarrhea have been varied.Objective To compare the effectiveness of live and heat􀁂killedprobiotics in 6􀁂60 month􀁂old children with acute diarrhea fordecreasing duration and frequency of diarrhea and improvingweight gain.Methods We conducted a randomized, single􀁂blind, controlledtrial in children aged 6􀁂60 months with acute diarrhea. Childrenwere randomized into two groups, receiving either live or heat􀁂killed probiotics. All children received standard treatment fordiarrhea and probiotics as adjuvant treatment. The primaryoutcomes were duration and frequency of diarrhea, as well asweight gain. T􀁂test was used for data analysis.Results There were 165 children with acute diarrhea enrolledin this study. They were divided into 2 groups, with 83 childrenreceiving live probiotics and 82 children receiving heat􀁂killedprobiotics. There were no significant differences in diarrhealduration in the two groups. The mean durations of diarrhea inthe live and heat􀁂killed probiotic groups were 3.64 (SD 0.85) daysand 3.74 (SD 0.73) days (P>0.05), respectively. Mean diarrhealfrequencies were also not significantly different, with 3.25 (SD1.44) times per day in the live probiotic group and 3.26 (SD 1.20)times per day in the heat􀁂killed probiotic group (P>0.05). Inaddition, mean weight gain was not significantly different, 'With241.57 (SD 75.84) g in the live prohiotic group and 221.95 (SD85.38) g in the heat-killed prohiotic group (P>0.05).Conclusion There were no significant differences between live andheat􀁂killed probiotics for reducing duration and frequency of diarrhea,as well as in weight gain in children aged 6􀁂60 months 'With acutediarrhea. [paediatr lndones. 2012;52:249-54].
Risk factors for cefotaxime resistance in children with pneumonia
Authors: Sucipta Anak Agung Made , Subanada Ida Bagus , Wahab Samik
Published: September 2016

Background Pneumonia is a health problem in developingcountries, often caused by bacterial agents. The 'Widespreaduse of cefotaxime, a third􀁒generation of cephalosporin, may leadto increased incidence of resistance to this antibiotic. Severalstudies have reported on risk factors associated v.ith resistanceto cefotaxime.Objective To identify risk factors for cefotaxime resistance inchildren 'With pneumonia.Methods We performed a case􀁒control study at Sanglah Hospitalbetween January 2006􀁒December 2010. The case group includedchildren with blood culture􀁒positive pneumonia and resistanceto cefotaxime by sensitivity test. The control group was selectedfrom the same population as the case group, but the bacteriaisolated from these subjects were sensitive to cefotaxime. Wetested the folloMng risk factors for resistance to cefotaxime:age :53 years, microorganism species, history of antimicrobialuse, and history of hospitalization within the prior 3 months.Chi square test and logistic regression analysis were performedto determine any associations between the four potential riskfactors and resistance to cefotaxime. A P<0.05 was consideredto be statistically significant.Results Univariate analysis showed that the risk factors forresistance to cefotaxime were history of antimicrobial use in theprior 3 months (OR 2.79; 95%CI 1.40 to 5.55; P􀁓O.OOI) andhistory of hospitalization Mthin the prior 3 months (OR 5.57;95%CI 1.95 to 15.87; P=<O.OOOl). By multivariate analysis,risk factors associated Mth resistance to cefotaxime were historyof antimicrobial use in the prior 3 months (OR 2.4; 95%CI 1.18to 4.86; P=0.015), history of hospitalization within the prior 3months (OR 4.7; 95%CI 1.62 to 13.85; P􀁓0.004), and historyof breast feeding for less than 2 months (OR 2.3; 95%CI 1.0 to5.4; P􀁓0.042).Conclusion History of antimicrobial use and history ofhospitalization within the prior 3 monthsweresignificantrisk factors for resistance to cefotaxime in children Mth pneumonia.[Paediatr Indanes. 2012;52:255-9].
Neonatal iodine status survey by thyroid-stimulating hormone screening in Surabaya
Authors: Untario Connie , Suryawan I Wayan Bikin
Published: September 2016

Background Iodine deficiency disorders (lDD) are a significantpublic health problem globally. Iodine deficiency may causesubclinical hypothyroidism during pregnancy and early infancy.Neonatal thyroid screening of serum thyroid􀁊stimulating hormone(TSH) to detect hypothyroidism may also be used to determinethe prevalence of IDD in a population. Previous studies reportedmild ID D status in different parts of Indonesia.Objective To evaluate the iodine status of neonates born inMitra K eluarga Surabaya Hospital (MKSH) by TSH screeningover a 6􀁊year period.Methods T his is a cross􀁊sectional and hospital􀁊based studyconducted in MKSH from January 2005 to December 2010. Ofthe 5,619 infants born in MKSH during the study period, 3,349(59.6%) healthy infants took part in this study. Blood specimensfor TSH measurement were collected from subjects 2 to 6 daysafter birth, and sent to a reference laboraratory for evaluation.Using the neonatal TSH values, the iodine deficiency level ofthe group was determined according to the WHO/UNICEF/International Council for the Control of IDD criteria.Results A total of 3,349 newborn babies underwent neonatalTSH screening in MKSH. Subjects' mean TSH concentrationwas 5.14 mIU!L. A TSH concentration> SmIU!L was found in1270 (37.9%) subjects, 166 (27.6%) in 2005, 252 (44.0%) in 2006,331 (47.1 %) in 2007, 356 (57.7%) in 2008, 114 (20.7%) in 2009and 51 (16.8%) in 2010. On the basis of the WHO/UNICEF/International Council for the Control of Iodine DeficiencyDisorder criteria, this frequency corresponded to a moderate levelof IDD. Twenty􀁊two neonates had TSH > 20 mIU!L from which2 infants were confirmed positive for hypothyroidism.Conclusion A 6􀁊year study of 3,349 newborns screened for TSHrevealed that 37.9% of subjects had TSH concentration of morethan SmIU!L. This frequency indicates a moderate level of IDDin the study population. [Paediatr Indones. 2012;52:289,93].
FEMINISME DALAM PROSA LAMA “TJERITA NJI PAINA” KARANGAN H. KOOMER
Authors: Andri R.M Laura
Published: September 2016

“Tjerita Nji Paina” was written during the Dutch Colonial period in Indonesia in 1900. In the work of H. Kommer, “Tjerita Nji Paina” is appeared differently compared to the other writting on gender similar issues at the same era. The author’s strong simphaty and compassion to ”nyai” destiny has ameliorated the negative image of concubine life system in the Dutch Kolonial era. This literature work has clearly shown the braveness of a Dutch Indies woman in dealing with unfairness she faced in her inferior position. Her consiousness on the existent that she was under pressure of patriarchy superiority power has pushed her to struggle to be equal to men. The aim of this research is to unshield ideas fighting the patriarchy system in the community. Other, it pictured the women’s efforts to come out from the negative stereotipe that show them as weak and powerless. This research is conducted using feminist literary criticism approach in descriptive qualitative methods.
Cassava: meeting the global protein need
Authors: Karri Vasavi Rama , Nalluri Nirmala
Published: September 2016

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a nutty flavored, starch-tuber perennial woody shrub originated from tropical America belongs to Euphorbiaceae family of plants. After rice and maize, it is considered as the third largest source of carbohydrate food in the tropics and its sweet, chewy underground tuber is one of the popular edible root-vegetables. It is ranked as a 21st century crop, as it acknowledges to the universal economy trends and climatic changes. Currently, use of cassava leaves as a potential source of protein, vitamins and minerals was reviewed. The effect of malnutrition on health and development of people and its control by using cassava leaves as a protein rich source were briefly discussed. Cascade use of cassava leaves, in industrial applications like natural filler for potential reinforcement of polypropylene based composites was also presented. Although, cassava leaves are vital source of essential nutrients, their anti-nutrients and cyanogenic glucosides content limits their consumption, which can be overcome by the development of an efficient, simple and low-cost processing methods for protein extraction from cassava leaves. There are supporting evidences for efficacy of cassava leaf protein in reducing the effect of malnutrition by the intake of protein rich cassava leaves, fortified with various common food items. So consumption of cassava leaves enriched with high protein, vitamin and mineral contents with the development of suitable processing technology to remove anti-nutrients can be an alternative source to meet the global protein demand.
Recht im Kalten Krieg. Das Bundesverfassungsgericht, die deutsche Teilung und die politische Kultur der frühen Bundesrepublik
Authors: Gehrig Sebastian
Published: September 2016

Das Bundesverfassungsgericht wurde bis zum Bau der Berliner Mauer zu einem zentralen Ort der Verhandlung westdeutscher Staatsverständnisse. Zwischen 1951 und 1958 kodifizierten die Richter juristische Definitionen nationaler Identität. Das Bundesverfassungsgericht nahm durch wegweisende Urteile an der Neudefinition von Ideen der Nation, des Staates und der Gesellschaft teil, welche die politische Kultur der frühen Bundesrepublik nachhaltig prägen sollten. Zugleich verliehen die Urteile diesen politischen Neubestimmungen durch deren Aufladung mit der Autorität des Rechts und der Rechtsstaatlichkeit zusätzliches Gewicht. In der Entscheidung hochpolitscher Fragen zur Westbindung und dem Staatsschutz der jungen Republik war das Bundesverfassungsgericht jedoch nicht frei von politischen Einflüssen und dem Antikommunismus des frühen Kalten Kriegs. Das Bundesverfassungsgericht weitete in diesem Kontext seinen Einfluss auf die westdeutsche Rechtslandschaft gegen Widerstände der Bundesregierung, der Gerichtsbarkeit und der Staatsrechtslehre entscheidend aus. Im Kampf der Ideologien wuchs der Idee der Rechtsstaatlichkeit darüber hinaus zunehmende Bedeutung im Propagandakrieg um staatliche Legitimität zwischen den beiden deutschen Staaten zu. Das Bundesverfassungsgericht nahm somit durch Stellungnahmen zur Frage der Staatskontinuität vom Deutschen Reich zur Bundesrepublik und der juristischen Ausformulierung der Konzepte der freiheitlich-demokratischen Grundordnung und streitbaren Demokratie maßgeblich Anteil an der Etablierung der Staatsräson des „Provisoriums“ Bundesrepublik.
Lynx1 Limits Dendritic Spine Turnover in the Adult Visual Cortex
Authors: Sajo Mari , Ellis-Davies Graham , Morishita Hirofumi
Published: September 2016

Dendritic spine turnover becomes limited in the adult cerebral cortex. Identification of specific aspects of spine dynamics that can be unmasked in adulthood and its regulatory molecular mechanisms could provide novel therapeutic targets for inducing plasticity at both the functional and structural levels for robust recovery from brain disorders and injuries in adults. Lynx1, an endogenous inhibitor of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, was previously shown to increase its expression in adulthood and thus to limit functional ocular dominance plasticity in adult primary visual cortex (V1). However, the role of this “brake” on spine dynamics is not known. We examined the contribution of Lynx1 on dendritic spine turnover before and after monocular deprivation (MD) in adult V1 with chronicin vivoimaging using two-photon microscopy and determined the spine turnover rate of apical dendrites of layer 5 (L5) and L2/3 pyramidal neurons in adult V1 of Lynx1 knock-out (KO) mice. We found that the deletion of Lynx1 doubled the baseline spine turnover rate, suggesting that the spine dynamics in the adult cortex is actively limited by the presence of Lynx1. After MD, adult Lynx1-KO mice selectively exhibit higher rate of spine loss with no difference in gain rate in L5 neurons compared with control wild-type counterparts, revealing a key signature of spine dynamics associated with robust functional plasticity in adult V1. Overall, Lynx1 could be a promising therapeutic target to induce not only functional, but also structural plasticity at the level of spine dynamics in the adult brain.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDendritic spine turnover becomes limited in the adult cortex. In mouse visual cortex, a premier model of experience-dependent plasticity, we found that the deletion of Lynx1, a nicotinic “brake” for functional plasticity, doubled the baseline spine turnover in adulthood, suggesting that the spine dynamics in the adult cortex is actively limited by Lynx1. After visual deprivation, spine loss, but not gain rate, remains higher in adult Lynx1 knock-out mice than in control wild-type mice, revealing a key signature of spine dynamics associated with robust functional plasticity. Lynx1 would be a promising target to induce not only functional, but also structural plasticity at the level of spine dynamics in adulthood.
Prefrontal Neurons Represent Motion Signals from Across the Visual Field But for Memory-Guided Comparisons Depend on Neurons Providing These Signals
Authors: Wimmer Klaus , Spinelli Philip , Pasternak Tatiana
Published: September 2016

Visual decisions often involve comparisons of sequential stimuli that can appear at any location in the visual field. The lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) in nonhuman primates, shown to play an important role in such comparisons, receives information about contralateral stimuli directly from sensory neurons in the same hemisphere, and about ipsilateral stimuli indirectly from neurons in the opposite hemisphere. This asymmetry of sensory inputs into the LPFC poses the question of whether and how its neurons incorporate sensory information arriving from the two hemispheres during memory-guided comparisons of visual motion. We found that, although responses of individual LPFC neurons to contralateral stimuli were stronger and emerged 40 ms earlier, they carried remarkably similar signals about motion direction in the two hemifields, with comparable direction selectivity and similar direction preferences. This similarity was also apparent around the time of the comparison between the current and remembered stimulus because both ipsilateral and contralateral responses showed similar signals reflecting the remembered direction. However, despite availability in the LPFC of motion information from across the visual field, these “comparison effects” required for the comparison stimuli to appear at the same retinal location. This strict dependence on spatial overlap of the comparison stimuli suggests participation of neurons with localized receptive fields in the comparison process. These results suggest that while LPFC incorporates many key aspects of the information arriving from sensory neurons residing in opposite hemispheres, it continues relying on the interactions with these neurons at the time of generating signals leading to successful perceptual decisions.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTVisual decisions often involve comparisons of sequential visual motion that can appear at any location in the visual field. We show that during such comparisons, the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) contains accurate representation of visual motion from across the visual field, supplied by motion processing neurons. However, at the time of comparison, LPFC neurons can only use this information to compute the differences between the stimuli, if stimuli appear at the same retinal location, implicating neurons with localized receptive fields in the comparison process. These findings show that sensory comparisons rely on the interactions between LPFC and sensory neurons that not only supply sensory signals but also actively participate in the comparison of these signals at the time of the decision.
Recruitment of a Neuronal Ensemble in the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala Is Required for Alcohol Dependence
Authors: de Guglielmo Giordano , Crawford Elena , Kim Sarah , Vendruscolo Leandro F. , Hope Bruce T. , Brennan Molly , Cole Maury , Koob George F. , George Olivier
Published: September 2016

Abstinence from alcohol is associated with the recruitment of neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) in nondependent rats that binge drink alcohol and in alcohol-dependent rats. However, whether the recruitment of this neuronal ensemble in the CeA is causally related to excessive alcohol drinking or if it represents a consequence of excessive drinking remains unknown. We tested the hypothesis that the recruitment of a neuronal ensemble in the CeA during abstinence is required for excessive alcohol drinking in nondependent rats that binge drink alcohol and in alcohol-dependent rats. We found that inactivation of the CeA neuronal ensemble during abstinence significantly decreased alcohol drinking in both groups. In nondependent rats, the decrease in alcohol intake was transient and returned to normal the day after the injection. In dependent rats, inactivation of the neuronal ensemble with Daun02 produced a long-term decrease in alcohol drinking. Moreover, we observed a significant reduction of somatic withdrawal signs in dependent animals that were injected with Daun02 in the CeA. These results indicate that the recruitment of a neuronal ensemble in the CeA during abstinence from alcohol is causally related to excessive alcohol drinking in alcohol-dependent rats, whereas a similar neuronal ensemble only partially contributed to alcohol-binge-like drinking in nondependent rats. These results identify a critical neurobiological mechanism that may be required for the transition to alcohol dependence, suggesting that focusing on the neuronal ensemble in the CeA may lead to a better understanding of the etiology of alcohol use disorders and improve medication development.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAlcohol dependence recruits neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). Here, we found that inactivation of a specific dependence-induced neuronal ensemble in the CeA reversed excessive alcohol drinking and somatic signs of alcohol dependence in rats. These results identify a critical neurobiological mechanism that is required for alcohol dependence, suggesting that targeting dependence neuronal ensembles may lead to a better understanding of the etiology of alcohol use disorders, with implications for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
Modeling Perceptions of Valence in Diverse Music
Authors: Dean Roger T. , Bailes Freya
Published: September 2016

We investigate the roles of the acoustic parameters intensity and spectral flatness in the modeling of continuously measured perceptions of affect in nine diverse musical extracts. The extract sources range from Australian Aboriginal and Balinese music, to classical music from Mozart to minimalism and Xenakis; and include jazz, ambient, drum n' bass and performance text. We particularly assess whether modeling perceptions of the valence expressed by the music, generally modeled less well than the affective dimension of arousal, can be enhanced by inclusion of perceptions of change in the sound, human agency, musical segmentation, and random effects across participants, as model components. We confirm each of these expectations, and provide indications that perceived change in the music may eventually be subsumed adequately under its components such as acoustic features and agency. We find that participants vary substantially in the predictors useful for modeling their responses (judged by the random effects components of mixed effects cross-sectional time series analyses). But we also find that pieces do too, while yet sharing sufficient features that a single common model of the responses to all nine pieces has competitive precision.
Memory of a Tonal Center After Modulation
Authors: Farbood Morwaread M.
Published: September 2016

This study examines how long the percept of a tonal center is retained in memory following a modulation to a new key, and how harmonic context in the new key area affects recall of the original key. In Experiment 1, musically trained listeners (N = 50) were asked to rate perceived harmonic tension while listening to chord sequences that consisted of three parts: the first section established an initial key, the second section modulated to a new key, and the last section modulated back to the original key. The duration of the new key section ranged from 3 to 21 seconds. The tension slopes following the modulations indicated a gradual decay in the memory of the previous key as the length of the new key section increased. When sequences lacked cadences, traces of the initial key appeared to persist longer. In Experiment 2, musically trained listeners (N = 31) were asked to rate harmonic tension while listening to sequences with longer timescales of up to 45 s in a new key area. Additionally, responses to “closed” modulations, which returned to the original key, and “open” modulations, which departed from both the original and new keys, were compared. The combined results of Experiments 1 and 2 showed that the original key was retained in memory after 15-20 s in a new key. However, there was not enough evidence to conclude it persisted beyond 20 s.
MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Morbidity in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Glintborg Dorte , Andersen Marianne
Published: September 2016

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine condition in premenopausal women. The syndrome is characterized by hyperandrogenism, irregular menses and polycystic ovaries when other etiologies are excluded. Obesity, insulin resistance and low vitamin D levels are present in more than 50% patients with PCOS, these factors along with hyperandrogenism could have adverse effects on long-term health. Hyperinflammation and impaired epithelial function were reported to a larger extent in women with PCOS and could particularly be associated with hyperandrogenism, obesity and insulin resistance. Available data from register-based and data linkage studies support that metabolic-vascular and thyroid diseases, asthma, migraine, depression and cancer are diagnosed more frequently in PCOS, whereas fracture risk is decreased. Drug prescriptions are significantly more common in PCOS than controls within all diagnose categories including antibiotics. The causal relationship between PCOS and autoimmune disease represents an interesting new area of research. PCOS is a lifelong condition and long-term morbidity could be worsened by obesity, sedentary way of life, Western-style diet and smoking, whereas lifestyle intervention including weight loss may partly or fully resolve the symptoms of PCOS and could improve the long-term prognosis. In this review, the possible implications of increased morbidity for the clinical and biochemical evaluation of patients with PCOS at diagnosis and follow-up is further discussed along with possible modifying effects of medical treatment.
MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Kidney involvement in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: an update on clinical and molecular aspects
Authors: Verdelli C , Corbetta S
Published: September 2016

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the third most common endocrine disease. Kidney is a target of both chronic elevated PTH and calcium in PHPT. The classic PHPT complications of symptomatic kidney stones and nephrocalcinosis have become rare and the PHPT current presentation is asymptomatic with uncertain and long-lasting progression. Nonetheless, the routine use of imaging and of biochemical determinations have revealed the frequent occurrence of asymptomatic kidney stones, hypercalciuria and reduced kidney function in asymptomatic PHPT patients. Though the pathogenesis is far from being elucidated, PHPT is associated with reduced renal function, in terms of estimated glomerular filtration rate, and related increased morbidity and mortality. In the last decade, the effort of the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) panel of experts highlighted that even mild reduction of kidney function is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. These considerations provided the basis for the Fourth Workshop recommendations of a more extensive diagnostic workout about kidney features and of wider criteria for parathyroid surgery including asymptomatic kidney disease. Moreover, kidney involvement in PHPT is likely to be affected by variants of genes coding the key molecules regulating the calcium and ions renal handling; these features might have clinical relevance and should be considered both during diagnostic workout and follow-up. Finally, the effects of parathyroid surgery and of medical treatment on kidney involvement of PHPT are reviewed.
Cardiac tumors: echo assessment
Authors: Mankad Rekha , Herrmann Joerg
Published: September 2016

Cardiac tumors are exceedingly rare (0.001-0.03% in most autopsy series). They can be present anywhere within the heart and can be attached to any surface or be embedded in the myocardium or pericardial space. Signs and symptoms are nonspecific and highly variable related to the localization, size and composition of the cardiac mass. Echocardiography, typically performed for another indication, may be the first imaging modality alerting the clinician to the presence of a cardiac mass. Although echocardiography cannot give the histopathology, certain imaging features and adjunctive tools such as contrast imaging may aid in the differential diagnosis as do the adjunctive clinical data and the following principles: (1) thrombus or vegetations are the most likely etiology, (2) cardiac tumors are mostly secondary and (3) primary cardiac tumors are mostly benign. Although the finding of a cardiac mass on echocardiography may generate confusion, a stepwise approach may serve well practically. Herein, we will review such an approach and the role of echocardiography in the assessment of cardiac masses.
SIRT6 protects against palmitate-induced pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis
Authors: Xiong Xiwen , Sun Xupeng , Wang Qingzhi , Qian Xinlai , Zhang Yang , Pan Xiaoyan , Dong X Charlie
Published: September 2016

Chronic exposure of pancreatic β-cells to abnormally elevated levels of free fatty acids can lead to β-cell dysfunction and even apoptosis, contributing to type 2 diabetes pathogenesis. In pancreatic β-cells, sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) has been shown to regulate insulin secretion in response to glucose stimulation. However, the roles played by SIRT6 in β-cells in response to lipotoxicity remain poorly understood. Our data indicated that SIRT6 protein and mRNA levels were reduced in islets from diabetic and aged mice. High concentrations of palmitate (PA) also led to a decrease in SIRT6 expression in MIN6 β-cells and resulted in cell dysfunction and apoptosis. Knockdown of Sirt6 caused an increase in cell apoptosis and impairment in insulin secretion in response to glucose in MIN6 cells even in the absence of PA exposure. Furthermore, overexpression of SIRT6 alleviated the palmitate-induced lipotoxicity with improved cell viability and increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. In summary, our data suggest that SIRT6 can protect against palmitate-induced β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis.
Crosstalk between FSH and relaxin at the end of the proliferative stage of rat Sertoli cells
Authors: Nascimento Aline R , Macheroni Carla , Lucas Thais F G , Porto Catarina S , Lazari Maria F M
Published: September 2016

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the proliferation of immature Sertoli cells through the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 and MEK/ERK1/2 pathways. Mature Sertoli cells stop proliferating and respond to FSH by stimulating cAMP production. To gain insight into possible mechanisms involved in this switch as well as the impact of paracrine factors that stimulate cell proliferation, we analyzed the effects of FSH and relaxin on intracellular signaling pathways involved with proliferation and differentiation in Sertoli cells from 15-day-old rats, which are close to the transition between the two stages. FSH stimulated3H-thymidine incorporation and cyclin D1 expression, changes associated with proliferation. In contrast, FSH inhibited AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, activated cAMP production and induced changes in several cell cycle genes that were compatible with differentiation. Relaxin also stimulated3H-thymidine incorporation but increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and AKT. When both hormones were added simultaneously, relaxin attenuated FSH-mediated inhibition of ERK1/2 and AKT phosphorylation and FSH-mediated activation of cAMP production. FSH but not relaxin increased CREB phosphorylation, and relaxin but not FSH shifted NF-κB expression from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Relaxin did not inhibit the effects of FSH on inhibin α andBcl2expression. We propose that at this time of Sertoli cell development, FSH starts to direct cells to differentiation through activation of cAMP/CREB and inhibition of ERK1/2 and AKT pathways. Relaxin counteracts FSH signaling through the inhibition of cAMP and activation of ERK1/2, AKT and NF-κB, but does not block the differentiation process triggered by FSH.
Epigenetic reprogramming of the zygote in mice and men: on your marks, get set, go!
Authors: Fraser Rupsha , Lin Chih-Jen
Published: September 2016

Gametogenesis (spermatogenesis and oogenesis) is accompanied by the acquisition of gender-specific epigenetic marks, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and regulation by small RNAs, to form highly differentiated, but transcriptionally silent cell-types in preparation for fertilisation. Upon fertilisation, extensive global epigenetic reprogramming takes place to remove the previously acquired epigenetic marks and produce totipotent zygotic states. It is the aim of this review to delineate the cellular and molecular events involved in maternal, paternal and zygotic epigenetic reprogramming from the time of gametogenesis, through fertilisation, to the initiation of zygotic genome activation for preimplantation embryonic development. Recent studies have begun to uncover the indispensable functions of epigenetic players during gametogenesis, fertilisation and preimplantation embryo development, and a more comprehensive understanding of these early events will be informative for increasing pregnancy success rates, adding particular value to assisted fertility programmes.
High Reliability Pediatric Septic Shock Quality Improvement Initiative and Decreasing Mortality
Authors: Lane Roni D. , Funai Tomohiko , Reeder Ron , Larsen Gitte Y.
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Septic shock impacts mortality, morbidity, and health care costs. A quality improvement (QI) initiative was launched to improve early recognition and timely treatment of patients with septic shock in a pediatric emergency department (PED). Our primary aim was to describe the longitudinal effectiveness of the program, iterative changes in clinical practice, and associated outcomes.

METHODS:

We implemented multiple interventions during our QI initiative (February 2007 to December 2014). Analysis of compliance and outcomes focused on a bundle consisting of: (1) timely antibiotics, (2) intravenous fluids (IVF) for rapid reversal of perfusion abnormalities and/or hypotension. Logistic regression was used to obtain adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for death and pediatric ICU (PICU) admission.

RESULTS:

A total of 1380 patients were treated for septic shock; 93% met screening criteria at triage. Implementation of the various processes improved timely interventions. One example included implementation of a sepsis order set, after which the mean proportion of patients receiving timely antibiotics increased to its highest rate. The odds of death were 5 times as high for children who did not receive bundle-compliant care (OR, 5.0 [95% Confidence Interval 1.9, 14.3]) compared with those who did (OR, 0.20 [95% Confidence Interval 0.07, 0.53]). Among PICU admitted patients, the odds of mortality were greater for children who presented with abnormal mental status and a higher pediatric index of mortality 2 score.

CONCLUSIONS:

QI methodology improved septic shock program goal adherence and decreased mortality without increasing PICU admissions or PED length of stay over the 8-year period, supporting continued emphasis on early recognition, timely IVF resuscitation, and antibiotic administration.
Resident Led Teaching Sessions Improve Medical Student NBME Shelf Scores and Clerkship Satisfaction
Authors: Wagner Stephen , Waldman Ian , Maines Jaimie , D'Agata Carie , Kunselman Allen , Haidet Paul , MacNeill Colin
Published: September 2016

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. Purpose: To evaluate the benefits of a resident directed review session on medical student clerkship exam scores and satisfaction. Background: The role of residents as mentors and teachers has been well documented. It has not been examined whether a resident directed review session results in improved NBME exam scores. Methods: Following the introduction of a resident led review session, medical student NBME exam scores of those who did and did not participate in the review were compared. In addition, exam scores for the academic years following the introduction of the review were compared to the year prior to the intervention to look for overall changes. Medical student clerkship evaluations were also investigated for changes in reported satisfaction before and after implementation of the review session. Results: There was no change in overall exam scores (p=0.75) between academic years prior to and after the implementation of the review sessions, however, students who participated in the review session scored higher on their NBME shelf exam compared to those who did not (p=0.03). Overall medical student satisfaction with resident teaching improved after the review sessions began (p<.001). Discussion: Resident directed examination preparatory sessions improve medical student test scores and perceptions of residents as teachers.