bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of student‐generated questions as the source of online drill‐and‐practice activities on learning
Authors: Yu Fu‐Yun , Chen Yi‐Jun
Published: April 2013

This study investigated the effects of online drill‐and‐practice activities using student‐generated questions on academic performance and motivation as compared with online drill‐and‐practice using teacher‐generated questions and no drill‐and‐practice in a student question‐generation (SQG) learning context. A quasi‐experimental research method was adopted for the purposes of this study. Six fifth‐grade classes (n = 145) participated in a weekly online activity for 5 weeks. Analysis of covariance results showed significant differences among the different treatment groups with regard to both academic performance and motivation. Post hoc comparisons using simultaneous confidence intervals, however, did not demonstrate the use of onlineSQGcombined with answering peer‐generated questions to be more conducive to learning with regard to any of the observed variables as compared with the use of onlineSQGcombined with answering teacher‐generated questions. Furthermore, answering student‐generated questions in addition to onlineSQGdid not lead to added gains in learning as compared with the onlineSQG‐alone group. Some reasons for the unexpected findings are proposed, and the significance of this study, as well as suggestions for instructional implementations and future research, are provided.
Virtual team e‐leadership: The effects of leadership style and conflict management mode on the online learning performance of students in a business‐planning course
Authors: Chang Wen‐Long , Lee Chun‐Yi
Published: April 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of leadership style, whether transactional or transformational, and conflict management mode on the online learning performance of students in a business‐planning course. Conflict management was performed using the following five approaches: (1) avoidance, (2) accommodation, (3) competition, (4) collaboration and (5) compromise. The sample used in this study included information from 318 undergraduate students enrolled in a course on business planning. The data were collected using a structured online questionnaire. The participants were asked to answer nine questions adapted from the Multifacet Leadership Questionnaire and 19 questions adapted from the Multifacet Conflict Management Questionnaire. Our results show that both leadership style and conflict management mode have a strong influence on learning performance. They also elucidate the interaction between leadership style and conflict management mode. Finally, transformational leadership is shown to be more effective than transactional leadership when dealing with conflict. This work expands our knowledge of conflict management associated with virtual teams participating in an online course, in which close relationships must be maintained over a relatively long period of time. On a more practical level, experience promotes the acceptance of conflict management as a part of the leaders’ responsibility, thereby improving the learning performance of all participants.
Fletcher, J D & Tobias, Sigmund ed (2011) Computer games and instructionIAP (Charlotte, NC & Eurospan, London) isbn 978‐1‐61735‐408‐3 552 pp $45.99 (boards $85.99) http://www.infoagepub.com/products/Computer‐Games‐and‐Instruction
Authors: Samur Yavuz
Published: April 2013

This excellent book provides strong, solid, and significant information and background for the educational practitioners who intend to use computer games in their instruction and educational researchers who want to develop a research agenda with computer games. If you are planning to use computer games for learning, instruction, or educational research, I advise you to use your own copy of this book as a valuable resource.

Yavuz Samur
O'Donoghue, Tom et al (2011) The education of children in geographically remote regions through distance educationIAP (Charlotte, NC & Eurospan, London) isbn 978‐1‐61735‐453‐3 217 pp $45.99 (boards $85.99) http://www.infoagepub.com/products/Education‐of‐Children‐in‐Geographically‐Remote‐Regions
Authors: Martin Marie
Published: April 2013

This excellent book reports on a research project on the provision of quality distance education to school‐aged children in remote areas of Western Australia. Set in the context of distance education globally it should be of considerable value to scholars, practitioners and providers at all levels in this field. If the subject of this book is likely to be relevant to you, I recommend you buy a copy for your own use.

Marie Martin
The role of the circadian system in fractal neurophysiological control
Authors: Pittman‐Polletta Benjamin R. , Scheer Frank A. J. L. , Butler Matthew P. , Shea Steven A. , Hu Kun
Published: April 2013

Many neurophysiological variables such as heart rate, motor activity, and neural activity are known to exhibit intrinsic fractal fluctuations – similar temporal fluctuation patterns at different time scales. These fractal patterns contain information about health, as many pathological conditions are accompanied by their alteration or absence. In physical systems, such fluctuations are characteristic of critical states on the border between randomness and order, frequently arising from nonlinear feedback interactions between mechanisms operating on multiple scales. Thus, the existence of fractal fluctuations in physiology challenges traditional conceptions of health and disease, suggesting that high levels of integrity and adaptability are marked by complex variability, not constancy, and are properties of a neurophysiological network, not individual components. Despite the subject's theoretical and clinical interest, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying fractal regulation remain largely unknown. The recent discovery that the circadian pacemaker (suprachiasmatic nucleus) plays a crucial role in generating fractal patterns in motor activity and heart rate sheds an entirely new light on both fractal control networks and the function of this master circadian clock, and builds a bridge between the fields of circadian biology and fractal physiology. In this review, we sketch the emerging picture of the developing interdisciplinary field of fractal neurophysiology by examining the circadian system's role in fractal regulation.
Trends and patterns of under‐5 vaccination in Nigeria, 1990–2008: what manner of progress?
Authors: Ushie B. A. , Fayehun O. A. , Ugal D. B.
Published: April 2013

Background

Despite efforts towards reducing childhood morbidity and mortality, Nigeria ranks among countries with the highest rates of vaccine‐preventable diseases including tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, measles, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus. These efforts include regular rounds of immunization days and routine exercises. The government of Nigeria periodically undertakes National Demographic and Health (NDH) surveys, which tap information on various health indices including vaccination coverage. Limited studies have used the NDHS data to examine the trends in vaccination coverage for the assessment of successes or failures of the immunization efforts.

Methods

This study used four NDH Surveys datasets between 1990 and 2008, which generated child health information including the proportion that had had any or all basic childhood vaccines. A combined total of 44 071 (weighted) children were involved in the study. The trend and pattern of vaccination over 18 years were examined while selected factors were regressed to obtain predictors of child vaccinations in Nigeria.

Results

The most recent survey (2008) reported more complete vaccination apart from 1990, which was said to be inaccurate. In all surveys, children from mothers with higher education, who were delivered in hospitals, lived in urban areas, and whose mothers work outside the home had significantly higher proportions of completed basic vaccination. A lower level of childhood vaccination is observed in the northern parts, while higher rates are observed in the southern parts. More complete vaccination coverage was reported in the 1990 survey, followed by 2008, 1999 and 2003. In addition, children from mothers with higher levels of education, who were delivered in hospitals, who lived in urban areas, and whose mothers work outside the home had significantly higher proportions of completed basic vaccination.

Conclusion

Much more work needs to be done if more children are to be covered and thus reduce vaccine‐preventable diseases.
Racial Identity From Adolescence to Young Adulthood: Does Prior Neighborhood Experience Matter?
Authors: Rivas‐Drake Deborah , Witherspoon Dawn
Published: April 2013

This study examined the influence of earlier neighborhood experiences on trajectories of racial centrality and regard among Black youth. Data were drawn from a sample of Black 11‐ to 14‐year‐old youth (N = 718) in the Maryland Adolescent Development in Context Study, a data set that permits the examination of structural and subjective neighborhood influences. Results suggest that centrality increases, whereas public regard remains relatively stable, across the transition to adulthood. Seventh graders who resided in neighborhoods in which adults were less willing to intervene or respond to problematic situations reported lower public regard in 11th grade. In addition, the trajectory of private regard varied according to the types of neighborhoods youth experienced in early adolescence.
Obtaining regulatory T cells from uraemic patients awaiting kidney transplantation for use in clinical trials
Authors: Berglund D , Karlsson M , Biglarnia A-R , Lorant T , Tufveson G , Korsgren O , Carlsson B
Published: April 2013

Adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells (Tregs) has been proposed for use as a cellular therapy to induce transplantation tolerance. Preclinical data are encouraging, and clinical trials with Treg therapy are anticipated. In this study, we investigate different strategies for the isolation and expansion of CD4+CD25highCD127low Tregs from uraemic patients. We use allogeneic dendritic cells (DCs) as feeder cells for the expansion and compare Treg preparations isolated by either fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) or magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) that have been expanded subsequently with either mature or tolerogenic DCs. Expanded Treg preparations have been characterized by their purity, cytokine production and in-vitro suppressive ability. The results show that Treg preparations can be isolated from uraemic patients by both FACS and MACS. Also, the type of feeder cells used in the expansion affects both the purity and the functional properties of the Treg preparations. In particular, FACS-sorted Treg preparations expanded with mature DCs secrete more interleukin (IL)-10 and granzyme B than FACS-sorted Treg preparations expanded with tolerogenic DCs. This is a direct comparison between different isolation techniques and expansion protocols with Tregs from uraemic patients that may guide future efforts to produce clinical-grade Tregs for use in kidney transplantation.
Acid and Alkaline Etching of Sandblasted Zirconia Implants: A Histomorphometric Study in Miniature Pigs
Authors: Saulacic Nikola , Erdösi Robert , Bosshardt Dieter D. , Gruber Reinhard , Buser Daniel
Published: April 2013

Background

Zirconia (ZrO2) has received interest as a dental material; however, little information is available on the impact of surface modifications on the osseointegration of zirconia implants.

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of acid or alkaline etching of sandblastedZrO2implants on bone apposition in vivo.

Methods

CylindricalZrO2implants with two circumferential grooves were placed in the maxilla of 12 miniature pigs. Biopsies were harvested after 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks of healing. Undecalcified toluidine blue‐stained ground sections were produced. The bone‐to‐implant contact, the bone area, and the presence of multinucleated giant cells were determined by histomorphometry. An uncorrected explorative statistical analysis was performed.

Results

Acid etching but not alkaline etching of sandblastedZrO2implants caused more bone‐to‐implant contact than sandblastedZrO2implants. The bone area was unaffected by the surface modifications. Acid and alkaline etching both increased the formation of multinucleated giant cells at the implant surface.

Conclusions

This study provides a scientific basis to further investigate the impact of acid etching of sandblastedZrO2implants on osseointegration and the role of multinucleated giant cells in this process.
Ketamine Pharmacology: An Update (Pharmacodynamics and Molecular Aspects, Recent Findings)
Authors: Mion Georges , Villevieille Thierry
Published: April 2013

For more than 50 years, ketamine has proven to be a safe anesthetic drug with potent analgesic properties. The active enantiomer is S(+)‐ketamine. Ketamine is mostly metabolized in norketamine, an active metabolite. During “dissociative anesthesia”, sensory inputs may reach cortical receiving areas, but fail to be perceived in some association areas. Ketamine also enhances the descending inhibiting serotoninergic pathway and exerts antidepressive effects. Analgesic effects persist for plasma concentrations ten times lower than hypnotic concentrations. Activation of the (N‐Methyl‐D‐Aspartate [NMDA]) receptor plays a fundamental role in long‐term potentiation but also in hyperalgesia and opioid‐induced hyperalgesia. The antagonism of NMDA receptor is responsible for ketamine's more specific properties. Ketamine decreases the “wind up” phenomenon, and the antagonism is more important if the NMDA channel has been previously opened by the glutamate binding (“use dependence”). Experimentally, ketamine may promote neuronal apoptotic lesions but, in usual clinical practice, it does not induce neurotoxicity. The consequences of high doses, repeatedly administered, are not known. Cognitive disturbances are frequent in chronic users of ketamine, as well as frontal white matter abnormalities. Animal studies suggest that neurodegeneration is a potential long‐term risk of anesthetics in neonatal and young pediatric patients.
Ketamine and Peripheral Inflammation
Authors: De Kock Marc , Loix Sebastien , Lavand'homme Patricia
Published: April 2013

The old anesthetic ketamine has demonstrated interactions with the inflammatory response. This review intends to qualify the nature and the mechanism underlying this interaction. For this purpose, preclinical data will be presented starting with the initial works, and then, the probable mechanisms will be discussed. A summary of the most relevant clinical data will be presented. In conclusion, ketamine appears as a unique “homeostatic regulator” of the acute inflammatory reaction and the stress‐induced immune disturbances. This is of some interest at a moment when the short‐ and long‐term deleterious consequences of inadequate inflammatory reactions are increasingly reported. Large‐scale studies showing improved patient's outcome are, however, required before to definitively assert the clinical reality of this positive effect.
Traceability of stocked eels – the Swedish approach
Authors: Wickström Håkan , Sjöberg Niklas B.
Published: April 2013

Stocking of eels is one of the management measures in the eel regulation (EC No 1100/2007) to recover the stock. The Swedish Eel Management Plan doubles the numbers stocked to 2.5 million eels per year. Whether stocked eels contribute to the spawning stock or not has been questioned: stocked eels might not migrate as successful as wild recruited eels. The EIFAAC/ICES Working Group on Eel (2011) recommended ‘that all stocked eel should be marked and thereby separable from wild eel in subsequent sampling’. Since 2009, eels stocked in Sweden have been bathed in a strontium (Sr) solution, which gives a detectable mark in their otoliths. So far, 5.5 million eels have been marked in Sweden; Finland imports eels for stocking via Sweden, and these 0.6 million eels were marked by two Sr rings. We present results on marking success and recapture rates and also from marking with alizarin complexone and PIT tags in combination with Sr. If all eels stocked in the Baltic are marked, their contribution to the spawning run can be estimated. Using different combinations of marks in different regions, the relative contribution from separate stocking programmes can be evaluated. To increase the set of suitable marks, barium was tested as an additional tracer.
Changes in distance decay relationships after river regulation: similarity among fish assemblages in a large Amazonian river
Authors: Araújo Ercilia S. , Marques Elineide E. , Freitas Iriene S. , Neuberger Andréa L. , Fernandes Rodrigo , Pelicice Fernando M.
Published: April 2013

The construction of large dams has changed natural hydrology of many rivers in South America. Considering that little is known about the reorganisation of nonmigratory fish assemblages following an impoundment, we investigated changes caused by the construction of Lajeado Dam on the spatial distribution of nonmigratory fish along the Tocantins River, a large Amazonian river. In particular, we investigated changes in distance decay of community similarity (initial similarity and halving distance) in periods that preceded and followed the construction of the dam. For this study, we analysed data collected over a four‐year period, including seven sites distributed along the Tocantins River (~270 km). Initial similarity showed high values and little variation over the years. Halving distance, on the other hand, changed considerably after impoundment, showing progressive smaller values. In the first 2 years after impoundment, halving distance decreased by more than half of the initial value, indicating changes in distance decay relationships. An ordination analysis nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) indicated substantial changes in assemblage structure between pre‐ and postimpoundment periods, especially in sites close to the dam. In addition, after river regulation, we recorded shifts in species abundance across sites, while numerical dominance increased and local richness decreased in sites near the dam. Our results indicate that the dam changed diversity gradients along the river corridor, increasing the distance decay of assemblage similarity. All these findings evidence that nonmigratory fish assemblages are particularly vulnerable to river regulation.
Role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in tobacco smoke extract–induced matrix metalloproteinase‐1 expression
Authors: Ono Yuko , Torii Kan , Fritsche Ellen , Shintani Yoichi , Nishida Emi , Nakamura Motoki , Shirakata Yuji , Haarmann‐Stemmann Thomas , Abel Josef , Krutmann Jean , Morita Akimichi
Published: April 2013

Findings from large epidemiologic studies indicate that there is a link between smoking and extrinsic skin ageing. We previously reported that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) mediate connective tissue damage in skin exposed to tobacco smoke extracts. Tobacco smoke contains more than 3800 constituents, including numerous water‐insoluble polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that trigger aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signalling pathways. To analyse the molecular mechanisms involved in tobacco smoke–induced skin ageing, we exposed primary human fibroblasts and keratinocytes to tobacco smoke extracts. Hexane‐ and water‐soluble tobacco smoke extracts significantly induced MMP‐1 mRNA in both human cultured fibroblasts and keratinocytes in a dose‐dependent manner. To clarify the involvement of the AhR pathway, we used a stable AhR‐knockdown HaCaT cell line. AhR knockdown abolished the increased transcription of the AhR‐dependent genes CYP1A1/CYP1B1 and MMP‐1 induced by either of the tobacco smoke extracts. Furthermore, the tobacco smoke extracts induced 7‐ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase activity, which was almost completely abolished by AhR knockdown. Likewise, treating fibroblasts with AhR pathway inhibitors, that is, the flavonoids 3‐methoxy‐4‐nitroflavone and α‐naphthoflavone, blocked the expression of CYP1B1 and MMP‐1. These findings suggest that the tobacco smoke extracts induce MMP‐1 expression in human fibroblasts and keratinocytes via activation of the AhR pathway. Thus, the AhR pathway may be pathogenetically involved in extrinsic skin ageing.
ADP‐ribosylation, a mechanism regulating nitrogenase activity
Authors: Nordlund Stefan , Högbom Martin
Published: April 2013

Nitrogen fixation is the vital biochemical process in which atmospheric molecular nitrogen is made available to the biosphere. The process is highly energetically costly and thus tightly regulated. The activity of the key enzyme, nitrogenase, is controlled by reversible mono‐ADP‐ribosylation of one of its components, the Fe protein. This protein provides the other component, the MoFe protein, with the electrons required for the reduction of molecular nitrogen. The Fe‐protein is ADP‐ribosylated and de‐ADP‐ribosylated by dinitrogenase reductase ADP‐ribosyl transferase and dinitrogenase reductase activating glycohydrolase, respectively. Here we review the current biochemical and structural knowledge of this central regulatory reaction.
The Role of Methods Textbooks in Providing Early Training for Teaching with Technology in the Language Classroom
Authors: Arnold Nike
Published: April 2013

The ability to make effective use of technology is becoming increasingly important for prospective language teachers. As a result, many teacher preparation programs include some form of training in computer assisted language learning (CALL). This study focuses on one component of such training, the textbooks used in methods courses, and employs content analysis to investigate how popular methods textbooks discuss CALL. Criteria based on standards for teacher training and the professional CALL literature revealed that overall, the textbooks can serve as a valuable springboard for early training. Based on the coverage of CALL in their methods textbook(s) and the needs of their particular student teachers, methods instructors should expand the discussion of CALL to provide a solid basis for continued professional development. Several key criteria for such well‐rounded training are included in this article.
Outcome of acquired haemophilia in France: the prospective SACHA (Surveillance des Auto antiCorps au cours de l'Hémophilie Acquise) registry
Authors: Borg J. Y. , Guillet B. , Le Cam‐Duchez V. , Goudemand J. , Lévesque H. ,   The SACHA Study Group
Published: April 2013

Although extremely rare, acquired haemophilia A (AHA) can cause severe bleeding, which may be fatal. The underlying causes of autoantibody development are not fully understood. Treatment goals are bleeding control and autoantibody eradication. At the time of our study, there was no consensus on a standard treatment strategy for AHA. Previous data were mainly retrospective or from single‐centre cohorts. We conducted a prospective, controlled, registry‐based study of patients with AHA in France. The prospective French registry (Surveillance des Auto antiCorps au cours de l'Hémophilie Acquise [SACHA]) collected data on prevalence, clinical course, disease associations and outcomes for haemostatic treatment and autoantibody eradication in 82 patients with a 1‐year follow‐up. Similar to earlier studies, the prevalence of AHA was higher in the elderly, with two thirds of patients aged >70 years. Around half of AHA cases were associated with underlying disease, most commonly autoimmune disease and cancer in younger and older patients respectively. Haemostatic treatment was initially administered to 46% of patients. Complete resolution or improvement of initial bleeding occurred in 22/27 (81%) rFVIIa‐treated patients and in all six cases receiving pd‐aPCC. The majority of patients (94%) received immunosuppressive therapy, with complete remission at 3 months in 61% (36/59) and in 98% (50/51) at 1 year. Overall mortality was 33%: secondary to bleeding in only three patients but to sepsis in 10. Bypassing agents were effective at controlling bleeding in patients with AHA. Immunosuppressive therapy should be used early but with caution, particularly in elderly patients.
Hemicrania Continua: Functional Imaging and Clinical Features With Diagnostic Implications
Authors: Sahler Kristen
Published: April 2013

This review focuses on summarizing 2 pivotal articles in the clinical and pathophysiologic understanding of hemicrania continua (HC). The first article, a functional imaging project, identifies both the dorsal rostral pons (a region associated with the generation of migraines) and the posterior hypothalamus (a region associated with the generation of cluster and short‐lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing [SUNCT]) as active during HC. The second article is a summary of the clinical features seen in a prospective cohort of HC patients that carry significant diagnostic implications. In particular, they identify a wider range of autonomic signs than what is currently included in the International Headache Society criteria (including an absence of autonomic signs in a small percentage of patients), a high frequency of migrainous features, and the presence of aggravation and/or restlessness during attacks. Wide variations in exacerbation length, frequency, pain description, and pain location (including side‐switching pain) are also noted. Thus, a case is made for widening and modifying the clinical diagnostic criteria used to identify patients with HC.
Characterization of the Fabrication Process of Rolled LTCC Structures
Authors: Parrish Kelci , Yates Mallory , Reis Derek , Plumlee Donald , Taff Jesse
Published: April 2013

This work focuses on the fabrication and assembly of cylindrical plasma containment tubes using DuPont's 951 low temperature co‐fired ceramics (LTCC) for use in miniature electrostatic thrusters. The tube is used to contain argon plasma, which is generated by a spiral inductively coupled plasma antenna, which is also fabricated in LTCC. The tube also interfaces with two electrically biased grids on the opposite end, which accelerate the plasma out of the tube. These interfaces are highly dependent on the dimensions and tolerances of the containment tube. The development of the fabrication process will be presented for the incorporation of the tubes and grids onto the base as a single structure. This includes constructing the antenna base, shaping the “rolled” LTCC containment tube using a jig and isostatic press, and integrating the tube and antenna base during the firing. Following the fabrication, measurements will be taken to determine tube circularity and hermeticity of the seal at the interface between the tube and the antenna base. The results will be presented and characterized to evaluate the effectiveness of the structure as well as the documentation of the development of a rolled LTCC tube structure integrated with a planar LTCC antenna base.
Dispersion and Rheology of Aqueous Zirconium Diboride Nanosuspensions
Authors: He Rujie , Hu Ping , Zhang Xinghong , Han Wenbo , Wang Qin
Published: April 2013

The dispersion and rheology of aqueous ZrB2 nanosuspensions were investigated by zeta potential measurements, particle size measurements, sedimentation tests, and rheology measurements, with poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) as dispersant. Results showed that the dispersion and rheology of nanosized ZrB2 suspensions in aqueous media were dependent on pH value, PAA concentration, solid loading, and ball milling time. Concentrated (up to 30 vol% solid loading) and well‐stabilized aqueous ZrB2 nanosuspension with low viscosity (0.485 Pa s at 60/s) was prepared at pH 10, with 1.0 wt% PAA.
New insights into photorespiration obtained from metabolomics
Authors: Florian A. , Araújo W. L. , Fernie A. R.
Published: April 2013

Photorespiration, one of the cornerstone pathways of primary metabolism, allows plant growth in a high oxygen‐containing environment. While the oxygenase reaction of Rubisco directly influences photosynthesis per se, several other processes are also affected by photorespiration, including nitrogen assimilation, respiration, amino acid metabolism, 1‐C metabolism and redox metabolism, cumulating to impose a severe impact across multiple signalling pathways. Accordingly, although the plant photorespiratory cycle is complex and highly compartmentalised, little is currently known about the participating transport proteins, and relatively few of them have been properly identified. Despite its centrality, uniqueness, and mystery, the biochemistry of photorespiration has historically been quite poorly understood, in part because at least some of its enzymes and intermediates tend to be labile and of low abundance. Fortunately, the integration of molecular and genetic approaches with biochemical ones, such as metabolite profiling, is now driving rapid advances in knowledge of the key metabolic roles and connections of the enzymes and genes of the photorespiratory pathway. While these experiments have revealed a surprising complexity in the response and established connections between photorespiration and other metabolic pathways, the mechanisms behind the observed responses have still to be fully elucidated. Here we review recent progress into photorespiration and its interaction with other metabolic processes, paying particular attention to data emanating from metabolic profiling studies.
Pharmacodynamics of Multi‐Dose Low Molecular Weight Heparin in Healthy Horses
Authors: Whelchel Dorothy D. , Tennent‐Brown Brett S. , Giguère Steeve , Epstein Kira L.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To compare the pharmacodynamics of once daily and twice daily administration of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) administration in horses.

Study Design

Randomized cross over study.

Animals

Adult mixed breed healthy mares (n = 6).

Methods

LMWH (dalteparin) was administered (50 U/kg subcutaneously) either every 12 or 24 hours for 3 consecutive days. Anti‐factor Xa activity was measured before and at select time points after LMWH administration. Packed cell volume (PCV), platelet count, partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and anti‐thrombin (AT) activity were monitored throughout the study.

Results

No changes in PCV, platelet count, or AT activity were detected with either frequency of daily LMWH administration. Values for PTT increased throughout the study but never exceeded the normal reference interval. Anti‐factor Xa activity was maintained within or above the suggested thromboprophylactic range (0.1–0.2 U/mL) when LMWH was administered twice daily, but fell below this range ∼16 hours after administration when given once daily. For both once and twice daily LMWH administration, the area under the curve was significantly greater after the last dose of LMWH when compared to the first dose.

Conclusions

Administration of LMWH once or twice daily for 3 consecutive days appears to be safe in healthy adult horses. Anti‐factor Xa activity was maintained within or above the suggested thromboprophylactic range for 24 hours with twice daily LMWH administration but not with once daily administration.
Evaluation of Laparoscopic‐Assisted Ovariohysterectomy for Treatment of Canine Pyometra
Authors: Adamovich‐Rippe Krista N. , Mayhew Philipp D. , Runge Jeffrey J. , Culp William T. N. , Steffey Michele A. , Mayhew Kelli N. , Hunt Geraldine B.
Published: April 2013

Objective

To describe a technique for treating pyometra in dogs using a 3‐portal laparoscopic‐assisted ovariohysterectomy (LAOVH) and evaluate outcome.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Dogs (n = 12).

Methods

Dogs with open or closed‐cervix pyometra with moderately sized (1–4 cm) uterine horn diameters based on preoperative ultrasonography and no evidence of perforation were included in the study. A 3‐portal technique for LAOVH was used. A wound retraction device was inserted into the caudal portal after enlargement of the incision to 3–4 cm to simplify removal of the uterus with minimal tension.

Results

Twelve dogs (median weight, 23.3 kg; range, 2.1–46.0 kg) met the inclusion criteria. Median uterine diameter was 3.0 cm (range, 1.2–4.0 cm). Median surgical time for LAOVH was 107 minutes (range, 82–120 minutes). Complications included mild hemorrhage from the uterine vessels in 1 dog during uterine removal through the wound retraction device and intra‐abdominal uterine rupture in 1 dog which necessitated conversion to an open approach. All dogs recovered from surgery and were discharged.

Conclusions

LAOVH can be used for treatment of select cases of canine pyometra. Careful case selection is mandatory to improve success and minimize conversion to an open approach. Gentle handling of the reproductive organs is imperative to avoid iatrogenic uterine rupture.
A critical analysis of the ubiquity of linear local–regional richness relationships
Authors: Gonçalves‐Souza Thiago , Romero Gustavo Q. , Cottenie Karl
Published: April 2013

Synthesis

Despite theoretical criticisms, the ubiquity of linear relationships between local and regional species richness has long been used to justify it as a valid framework to conclude that local communities are not saturated with species. However, we reanalyzed published studies with a new unbiased method and found no prevalence of linear relationships and more than 40% of misclassifications, including textbook examples. We thus conclude that the prevailing argument in favor of associating a valid ecological interpretation to local–regional species richness plots, its ubiquity, is not sustained, and that ecologists could use for instance metacommunity theory to make inference on the strength of local and regional processes.

Identifying the relative importance of regional and local processes to local species diversity is a central issue to many questions in basic and applied ecology. One widely‐used method is to plot local species richness against its regional richness to infer whether regional or local processes determine local diversity. However, this method increases the tendency to find regional prevalence as suggested by a recent simulation. We reanalyzed studies in the literature with an unbiased method and found no prevalence of either regional or local processes. In addition, almost 40% of the studies and 50% of the ecology textbook examples using the traditional method were misclassified. Our findings reinforce the need of alternative, novel tools identified by for instance metacommunity theory to go beyond the studies of local–regional relationships in the ecological literature that focus on the interdependence of regional and local processes.
Hydrolysis Control of AlN Powders for the Aqueous Processing of Spherical AlN Granules
Authors: Wang Qi , Olhero Susana M. , Ferreira José M. F. , Cui Wei , Chen Kexin , Xie Zhipeng
Published: April 2013

Spherical granules of aluminum nitride (AlN) with an average particle size of about 50 μm were produced from aqueous suspensions using an AlN powder surface treated against hydrolysis with aluminum dihydrogenphosphate [Al(H2PO4)3]. Two different amounts of Al(H2PO4)3 were tested and the effects of surface treatment and aging time were evaluated by various techniques (XRD, TG‐DTA, zeta potential and pH measurements). The treated powder exhibited antihydrolytic property and good dispersing behavior, enabling the preparation of low‐viscosity and high‐concentration aqueous AlN slurries for freeze granulation. The spherical AlN granules were sintered in a boron nitride (BN) powder bed followed by ultrasonic washing of the AlN granulates/BN mixture to remove BN. The sintered spherical AlN granules present excellent crystallinity and high sphericity as observed from SEM micrographs.
Ethanol‐Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of BiFeO3 Nanopowders
Authors: Chen Zhiwu , Wu Yongpeng , Hu Jianqiang
Published: April 2013

Well‐crystallized pure BiFeO3 nanopowders were successfully synthesized at the temperature as low as 120°C by an ethanol‐assisted hydrothermal process. In this synthesis, the composition of the solvent played important roles in the formation of pure BiFeO3. The BiFeO3 nanopowders synthesized with 4:3 ethanol/water ratio mainly consists of cubic structures with size from 50 to 150 nm. Zero‐field‐cooled (ZFC) and field‐cooled (FC) magnetization measurements indicated that pure BiFeO3 nanopowders showed a spin‐glass transition below the freezing temperature. Moreover, the BiFeO3 nanopowders exhibited ferromagnetic order at room temperature.
Near‐infrared quantum cutting of Eu2+/Yb3+ codoped chalcohalide glasses
Authors: Yan Qiqi , Ren Jing , Tong Yu , Chen Guorong
Published: April 2013

Near‐infrared (NIR) quantum cutting involving the emission of two NIR photons for each visible photon absorbed is realized from Eu2+/Yb3+ codoped chalcohalide glasses. Excitation, emission and decay spectra are measured to prove the occurrence of cooperative energy transfer (ET) from Eu2+ to Yb3+. The maximum ET efficiency obtained is as high as 85%. The ET from Eu2+ to Yb3+ is followed by dipole‐dipole interaction. The possible mechanism of ET is discussed.
Development of a low phenolic acid diet for the management of orofacial granulomatosis
Authors: Campbell H. E. , Escudier M. P. , Milligan P. , Challacombe S. J. , Sanderson J. D. , Lomer M. C. E.
Published: April 2013

Background

Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is a rare disease of unknown cause. A cinnamon‐ and benzoate‐free diet is successful in up to 72% of patients. Phenolic acids are among the chemical constituents restricted in this diet, which avoids some but not all of these structurally similar compounds. The present study aimed to: (i) develop a novel diet low in phenolic acids; (ii) implement this in a small clinical trial; and (iii) assess its nutritional adequacy.

Methods

A literature review identified 10 papers quantifying phenolic acids from which 91 10‐mg phenolic acid exchanges were devised. A phenolic acid exclusion diet with precautionary micronutrient supplementation was designed and implemented in 10 patients. Phenolic acids were excluded for 6 weeks and were reintroduced at a rate of one exchange every second day for 6 weeks. Wilcoxon matched pairs tests analysed disease outcomes measured by an oral disease severity scoring tool at weeks 0, 6 and 12. Nutritional adequacy was assessed, excluding micronutrient supplementation, at weeks 0 and 6, and compared intakes with dietary reference values.

Results

The diet was nutritionally inadequate for a range of micronutrients. Seven of 10 patients responded. Mean [standard deviation (SD)] severity scores improved from week 0–6 [20.8 (9.39) and 10.1 (5.72);P = 0.009] and were maintained in five patients who completed the reintroduction [6.6 (3.13) and 7.2 (5.54);P = 0.713].

Conclusions

A low phenolic acid diet with micronutrient supplementation holds promise of a novel dietary treatment forOFG. Further work is required in larger studies to determine long‐term outcomes.
Developmental vulnerability of synapses and circuits associated with neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Penzes Peter , Buonanno Andres , Passafaro Maria , Sala Carlo , Sweet Robert A.
Published: April 2013

Psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), schizophrenia (SZ), and Alzheimer's disease, pose an immense burden to society. Symptoms of these disorders become manifest at different stages of life: early childhood, adolescence, and late adulthood, respectively. Progress has been made in recent years toward understanding the genetic substrates, cellular mechanisms, brain circuits, and endophenotypes of these disorders. Multiple lines of evidence implicate excitatory and inhibitory synaptic circuits in the cortex and hippocampus as key cellular substrates of pathogenesis in these disorders. Excitatory/inhibitory balance – modulated largely by dopamine – critically regulates cortical network function, neural network activity (i.e. gamma oscillations) and behaviors associated with psychiatric disorders. Understanding the molecular underpinnings of synaptic pathology and neuronal network activity may thus provide essential insight into the pathogenesis of these disorders and can reveal novel drug targets to treat them. Here, we discuss recent genetic, neuropathological, and molecular studies that implicate alterations in excitatory and inhibitory synaptic circuits in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders across the lifespan.
Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its individual components in brazilian college students
Authors: F de Freitas Jr Roberto Wagner , M de Araújo Márcio Flávio , P Marinho Niciane Bandeira , A de Vasconcelos Hérica Cristina , S Lima Adman Câmara , R Pereira Dayse Christina , Almeida Paulo César , Zanetti Maria Lúcia , C Damasceno Marta Maria
Published: April 2013

Aims and objectives

To identify the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its individual components in a population of college students at a public higher education institution in Fortaleza, Brazil.

Background

Scientific evidence has demonstrated the ascent of the metabolic syndrome in the young population.

Design

Cross‐sectional study of 702 Brazilian college students between January–July 2011.

Methods

Socio‐demographic indicators, life habits and the components of the metabolic syndrome were assessed. anova statistical tests were used to associate gender with the metabolic syndrome components, and the chi‐square test to associate the number of metabolic syndrome components with gender and body mass index.

Results

High fasting venous glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL‐C levels were found in 12·3, 23·0, 9·7 and 5·9% of the sample, respectively. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome amounted to 1·7%. Nevertheless, 30·4% of students manifested at least one and 12·4% at least two individual components. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was higher in men (58·3%) and in people who were overweight (33·3%) and obese (41·7%). It is important to implement public health policies to reduce college students' vulnerability to the metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions

Most college students who displayed ≥3 metabolic syndrome components were men and already indicated being overweight and/or obesity.

Relevance to clinical practice

It is important that nurses assess the frequency of metabolic syndrome in college students as a predictor of cardiovascular health.
Self‐relaxation training can improve sleep quality and cognitive functions in the older: a one‐year randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sun Jingxian , Kang Jiaxun , Wang Ping , Zeng Hui
Published: April 2013

Aims and objective

To evaluate the effects of self‐relaxation training on sleep quality and cognitive functions in the older.

Background

Ageing causes declines in sleep quality and cognitive functions in older adults, and decreased sleep quality also accelerates declines in cognitive functions. Therefore, it is necessary to find cost‐effective interventions to enhance sleep quality in the older, thereby improving their cognitive functions or delaying cognitive decline.

Design

Randomised controlled study.

Methods

The study was conducted between July 2010 and June 2011 at Wangyuehu Community in Changsha, China. Eighty older adults with reduced sleep quality were selected and randomly assigned to experimental (n = 40) or control (n = 40) group. Subjects in the experimental group received self‐relaxation training including progressive muscle relaxation and meditation based on sleep hygiene education, while the control group received sleep hygiene education only. Sleep quality and cognitive functions of the two groups were measured prior to training and at the end of the 3rd, 6th and 12th months using four reliable and valid questionnaires.

Results

Repeated measures anova revealed that the self‐relaxation training had significant main effect as well as interaction effect with time on sleep quality and cognitive functions. Except for scores of Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Mini‐Mental State Examination and number memory, time had significant main effect on scores of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, picture memory, associative memory and understanding memory.

Conclusion

Self‐relaxation training can improve sleep quality and cognitive functions in the older.

Relevance to clinical practice

Self‐relaxation training is a non‐invasive, simple and inexpensive therapeutic method of improving sleep quality and cognitive functions in community‐dwelling older people.
Musical intervention for patients with dementia: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Vasionytė Ieva , Madison Guy
Published: April 2013

Aims and objectives

To provide a meta‐analysis of the effects of music interventions on patients with dementia, separating, for the first time, between different types of interventions and different outcome measures, namely affective, behavioural, cognitive and physiological.

Background

Music therapy is an attractive form of intervention for the growing number of demented patients, for whom pharmacological interventions are not always effective and may lead to undesired side effects. While music is more frequently applied in clinical settings for each year, no meta‐analysis has considered effects of music interventions on affective, behavioural, cognitive and physiological outcomes separately.

Design

A standard meta‐analysis approach was applied.

Methods

We include all original studies found for the key words music and dementia. Mean effect sizes and confidence intervals are computed from study effect sizes according to standard methods, and these are considered for various common types of music interventions separately.

Results

Nineteen studies with a total of 478 dementia patients exhibit effect sizes ranging from 0·04–4·56 (M = 1·04). Many of these indicate large positive effects on behavioural, cognitive and physiological outcome measures, and medium effects on affective measures.

Conclusions

Music interventions seem to be effective and have the potential of increasing the quality of life for patients with dementia. Many studies in this area suffer from poor methodological quality, which limits the reach of meta‐analysis and the strength and generalisability of these conclusions.

Relevance to clinical practice

Being inexpensive and largely without adverse side effects, current knowledge seems to indicate that music interventions can be recommended for patients in all stages of dementia.
Continuous Perfectibility: Pueblo Propriety and the Consequences of Literacy
Authors: Debenport Erin
Published: April 2013

Indigenous language literacy in Pueblo contexts is both highly controversial and a new site for the enactment of processes of perfectibility, refinement, and control. This essay examines the creation, content, and circulation of an indigenous language pedagogical text at San Antonio Pueblo and the ways that writing is used in prototypically Pueblo ways. This allows for the expansion of understandings of secrecy, literacies, and the importance of examining language in material form. I argue that by considering practices of perfectibility, a critique of the formation of publics arises centering on literacy as a technology of refinement and control rather than anonymous circulation. Indigenous‐language literacy practices at San Antonio Pueblo reflect different understandings of citizenship and political participation that rely on known but indirectly addressed individuals, rather than unknown publics, for their realization.