bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defective sensorimotor integration in preparation for reaction time tasks in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cabib Christopher , Llufriu Sara , Casanova-Molla Jordi , Saiz Albert , Valls-Solé Josep
Published: December 2014

Slowness of voluntary movements in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) may be due to various factors, including attentional and cognitive deficits, delays in motor conduction time, and impairment of specific central nervous system circuits. In 13 healthy volunteers and 20 mildly disabled, relapsing-remitting MS patients, we examined simple reaction time (SRT) tasks requiring sensorimotor integration in circuits involving the corpus callosum and the brain stem. A somatosensory stimulus was used as the imperative signal (IS), and subjects were requested to react with either the ipsilateral or the contralateral hand (uncrossed vs. crossed SRT). In 33% of trials, a startling auditory stimulus was presented together with the IS, and the percentage reaction time change with respect to baseline SRT trials was measured (StartReact effect). The difference between crossed and uncrossed SRT, which requires interhemispheric conduction, was significantly larger in patients than in healthy subjects ( P = 0.021). The StartReact effect, which involves activation of brain stem motor pathways, was reduced significantly in patients with respect to healthy subjects (uncrossed trials: P = 0.015; crossed trials: P = 0.005). In patients, a barely significant correlation was found between SRT delay and conduction abnormalities in motor and sensory pathways ( P = 0.02 and P = 0.04, respectively). The abnormalities found specifically in trials reflecting interhemispheric transfer of information, as well as the evidence for reduced subcortical motor preparation, indicate that a delay in reaction time execution in MS patients cannot be explained solely by conduction slowing in motor and sensory pathways but suggest, instead, defective sensorimotor integration mechanisms in at least the two circuits examined.
PACAP modulation of calcium ion activity in developing granule cells of the neonatal mouse olfactory bulb
Authors: Irwin Mavis , Greig Ann , Tvrdik Petr , Lucero Mary T.
Published: December 2014

Ca2+ activity in the CNS is critical for the establishment of developing neuronal circuitry prior to and during early sensory input. In developing olfactory bulb (OB), the neuromodulators that enhance network activity are largely unknown. Here we provide evidence that pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP)-specific PAC1 receptors (PAC1Rs) expressed in postnatal day (P)2–P5 mouse OB are functional and enhance network activity as measured by increases in calcium in genetically identified granule cells (GCs). We used confocal Ca2+ imaging of OB slices from Dlx2-tdTomato mice to visualize GABAergic GCs. To address whether the PACAP-induced Ca2+ oscillations were direct or indirect effects of PAC1R activation, we used antagonists for the GABA receptors (GABARs) and/or glutamate receptors (GluRs) in the presence and absence of PACAP. Combined block of GABARs and GluRs yielded a 66% decrease in the numbers of PACAP-responsive cells, suggesting that 34% of OB neurons are directly activated by PACAP. Similarly, immunocytochemistry using anti-PAC1 antibody showed that 34% of OB neurons express PAC1R. Blocking either GluRs or GABARs alone indirectly showed that PACAP stimulates release of both glutamate and GABA, which activate GCs. The appearance of PACAP-induced Ca2+ activity in immature GCs suggests a role for PACAP in GC maturation. To conclude, we find that PACAP has both direct and indirect effects on neonatal OB GABAergic cells and may enhance network activity by promoting glutamate and GABA release. Furthermore, the numbers of PACAP-responsive GCs significantly increased between P2 and P5, suggesting that PACAP-induced Ca2+ activity contributes to neonatal OB development.
Glutamate receptors in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus contribute to insulin-induced sympathoexcitation
Authors: Stocker Sean D. , Gordon Kathryn W.
Published: December 2014

The sympathoexcitatory response to insulin is mediated by neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVH). Previous studies have reported that stimulation of ARC neurons increases sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and arterial blood pressure (ABP) through glutamate receptor activation in the PVH. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine whether glutamatergic neurotransmission in the PVH contributes to insulin-induced sympathoexcitation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (275–400 g) were infused with isotonic saline or insulin (3.75 mU·kg−1·min−1) plus 50% dextrose to maintain euglycemia. Intravenous infusion of insulin significantly increased lumbar SNA without a significant change in mean ABP, renal SNA, heart rate, or blood glucose. Bilateral PVH injection of the excitatory amino acid antagonist kynurenic acid (KYN) lowered lumbar SNA and ABP of animals infused with insulin. Similarly, a cocktail of the NMDA antagonist dl-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5) and non-NMDA antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) reduced lumbar SNA and mean ABP during infusion of insulin. In a final experiment, bilateral PVH injection of AP5 only, but not CNQX, lowered lumbar SNA and mean ABP of animals infused with insulin. The peak changes in lumbar SNA and mean ABP of insulin-treated animals were not different between KYN, AP5 plus CNQX, or AP5 alone. These drug treatments did not alter any variable in animals infused with saline. Altogether, these findings suggest that glutamatergic NMDA neurotransmission in the PVH contributes to insulin-induced sympathoexcitation.
The Outcome of Agitation in Poisoned Patients in an Iranian Tertiary Care University Hospital
Authors: Sabzghabaee Ali Mohammad , Yaraghi Ahmad , Khalilidehkordi Elham , Mirhosseini Seyyed Mohammad Mahdy , Beheshtian Elham , Eizadi-Mood Nastaran
Published: December 2014

Introduction. This study was conducted to evaluate and document the frequency and causes of agitation, the symptoms accompanying this condition in intoxications, relationship between agitation score on admission and different variables, and the outcome of therapy in a tertiary care referral poisoning center in Iran.Methods. In this prospective observational study which was done in 2012, 3010 patients were screened for agitation at the time of admission using the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale. Demographic data including age, gender, and the drug ingested were also recorded. The patients’ outcome was categorized as recovery without complications, recovery with complications (hyperthermia, renal failure, and other causes), and death.Results. Agitation was observed in 56 patients (males,n=41), mostly aged 19–40 years (n=38) and more frequently in illegal substance (stimulants, opioids and also alcohol) abusers. Agitation score was not significantly related to the age, gender, and previous history of psychiatric disorders. Forty nine patients had recovery without any complication. The need for mechanical ventilation was the most frequent complication. None of the patients died.Conclusion. Drug abuse seems to be a must-to-consider etiology for patients presenting with acute agitation and its morbidity and mortality could be low in agitated poisoning cases if prompt supportive care is performed.
Nasopupillary Asymmetry
Authors: Arenas Eduardo , Muñoz Diana , Matheus Evelyn , Morales Diana
Published: December 2014

Purpose. To establish the prevalence of nasopupillary asymmetry (difference in nasopupillary distances) in the population and its relation with the interpupillary distance.Methods. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted by reviewing of 1262 medical records. The values of nasopupillary asymmetry and the interpupillary distance were obtained. A statistical analysis was made and the correlation between these variables was established.Results. Seventy-nine percent of the population presented some degree of nasopupillary asymmetry. The interpupillary distance had a very low correlation with the nasopupillary asymmetry(r=0.074, P=0.0).Conclusion. It is advisable to use the nasopupillary distance of each eye as a standard measurement.
Epigenetic Alterations in a Gastric Leiomyoma
Authors: Branham M. T. , Pellicer M. , Campoy E. , Palma M. , Correa A. , Roqué M.
Published: December 2014

Leiomyomas constitute 2.5% of all resected neoplasms of the stomach. They are usually asymptomatic, but may present mucosal ulceration. Aberrant DNA methylation is a well-defined epigenetic change in human neoplasms; however, gene-acquired methylation may not necessarily be related with a malignant phenotype. In this report we analyzed in a gastric leiomyoma, the methylation status of 84 CpGI in tumor suppressor and DNA repair genes. We analyzed the tumor center (TC) and tumor periphery (TP) separately. We found aberrant methylation in 2/84 CpGI in the TC portion, that is,MLH1andMSH3, and 5/84 CpGI in the TP, that is,MLH1,MSH3,APC,MSH6, andMGMT. The gene with the highest methylation percentage in the TC and TP wasMLH1. Given thatMLH1methylation has been associated with microsatellite instability, we analyzed the status of the microsatellite Bat-26. We found that neither the TC nor the TP presented instability. The methylation ofMLH1,MGMT, andAPChas been described in GISTs, but to the best of our knowledge this is the first time that the methylation of these genes has been associated with gastric leiomyoma. Further research should be conducted to identify reliable molecular markers that could differentiate between GISTs and gastric leiomyomas.
Effect of Mix Parameters on the Strength Performance of Waste Plastics Incorporated Concrete Mixes
Authors: Malkapur Santhosh M. , Anand Ashish , Pandey Amit Prakash , Ojha Alok , Mani Nimesh , Mattur Narasimhan Chandrashekara
Published: December 2014

Disposal of solid wastes has been a major problem all over the world. Out of all the different types of solid wastes, the major challenge of disposal is posed by the ever increasing volumes of plastic wastes. While several methods are in practice, producing newer useful materials by recycling of such plastic wastes is, by far, the best method of their disposal. One such possible method is to use the waste plastics as an ingredient in the production of the concrete mixes in the construction industry. The present study aims to investigate the relative contributions of the various mix parameters to the mechanical properties of concrete mixes produced with waste plastics as partial replacement (10–30% by volume) to coarse aggregates. Initially, strength test results of a set of trial mixes, selected based on Taguchi’s design of experiments (DOE) method are obtained. A detailed analysis of the experimental results is carried out to study the effect of using waste plastics as a partial replacement to coarse aggregates on the strength parameters of these concrete mixes. It is found that all these trial mixes have performed satisfactorily in terms of workability in the fresh state and strength properties in their hardened state.
Spray Drying ofRhodomyrtus tomentosa(Ait.) Hassk. Flavonoids Extract: Optimization and Physicochemical, Morphological, and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Wu Pingping , Deng Qian , Ma Guangzhi , Li Nianghui , Yin Yanyan , Zhu Baojun , Chen Meiling , Huang Ruqiang
Published: December 2014

The optimal condition of spray drying purified flavonoids extract fromR. tomentosaberries was studied by response surface methodology. The optimized condition for microencapsulation was of maltodextrin to gum Arabic ratio 1 : 1.3, total solid content 27.4%, glycerol monostearate content 0.25%, and core to coating material ratio 3 : 7, resulting in EE 91.75%. Prepared at the optimized condition, the flavonoids extract microcapsules (FEMs) were irregularly spherical particles with low moisture content (3.27%), high solubility (92.35%), and high bulk density (0.346 g/cm3). DPPH radical scavenging activity of FEMs was not decreased after spray drying (P>0.05) and higher than those in citric acid and rutin at the same concentration. Moreover, FEMs effectively retarded the oxidation of fresh lard during the 10-day storage period compared with vitamin C, nonencapsulated flavonoids extract, and rutin. Therefore, FEMs produced at the optimized condition could be used as powder ingredients with antioxidant capacities.
Genetic Polymorphisms Involved in Folate Metabolism and Maternal Risk for Down Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Balduino Victorino Daniella , de Godoy Moacir Fernandes , Goloni-Bertollo Eny Maria , Pavarino Érika Cristina
Published: December 2014

Inconclusive results of the association between genetic polymorphisms involved in folate metabolism and maternal risk for Down syndrome (DS) have been reported. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted. We searched electronic databases through May, 2014, for eligible studies. Pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the strength of the association, which was estimated by fixed or random effects models. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated usingQ-test andI2statistic. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Publication bias was estimated using Begg’s and Egger’s tests. A total of 17 case-controls studies were included. There was evidence for an association between theMTRRc.66A>G (rs1801394) polymorphism and maternal risk for DS. In the subgroup analysis, increased maternal risk for DS was found in Caucasians. Additionally, the polymorphic heterozygoteMTHFD11958GA genotype was associated significantly with maternal risk for DS, when we limit the analysis by studies conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Finally, consideringMTRc.2756A>G (rs1805087),TC2c.776C>G (rs1801198), andCBSc.844ins68, no significant associations have been found, neither in the overall analyses nor in the stratified analyses by ethnicity. In conclusion, our meta-analysis suggested that theMTRRc.66A>G (rs1801394) polymorphism andMTHFD1c.1958G>A (rs2236225) were associated with increased maternal risk for DS.
A Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Chlorogenic Acid and Sesquiterpene Lactone Content in Industrial Chicory Root Foodstuffs
Authors: Willeman Honorine , Hance Philippe , Fertin Anne , Voedts Najia , Duhal Nathalie , Goossens Jean-François , Hilbert Jean-Louis
Published: December 2014

A method for the simultaneous determination of free chlorogenic acids (CGA) and sesquiterpene lactones (STL) in chicory root and its dried (flour) and roasted (grain) forms is described. The method uses one extraction and one analysis for all chicory root products. Various solvents with low to high polarity, such as methanol, chloroform, orn-hexane, were tested alone, in combination in different proportions or with acidified or neutral aqueous solvent. The water/chloroform/methanol (30/30/40, v/v/v) mixture generated the best extraction yield, 21% higher than alcohol mixtures. The profiling of CGA and STL content was performed through a conventional HPLC-DAD method using a PFP core shell column in a fast single run. Good retention time and area repeatability (RDD mean % 0.46 and 5.6, resp.) and linearity (R2≥0.96) were obtained. The STL and chlorogenic acids levels determined were 254.7 and 100.2 μg/g of dry matter in the root, 792.5 and 1,547 μg/g in flour, and 160.4 and 822.5 μg/g in the roasted grains, respectively. With an average recovery of 106% and precision of 90%, this method is rapid, reproducible, and straightforward way to quantify the chlorogenic acids and STL in chicory raw material and end products.
Water Extractable Phytochemicals from Peppers (Capsicumspp.) Inhibit Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase Activities and Prooxidants Induced Lipid Peroxidation in Rat BrainIn Vitro
Authors: Ogunruku Omodesola O. , Oboh Ganiyu , Ademosun Ayokunle O.
Published: December 2014

Background. This study sought to investigate antioxidant capacity of aqueous extracts of two pepper varieties (Capsicum annuumvar.accuminatum(SM) andCapsicum chinense(RO)) and their inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities.Methods. The antioxidant capacity of the peppers was evaluated by the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging ability and ferric reducing antioxidant property. The inhibition of prooxidant induced lipid peroxidation and cholinesterase activities in rat brain homogenates was also evaluated.Results. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the total phenol contents of the unripe and ripeCapsicumspp. extracts. Ripe and unripe SM samples had significantly higher (P<0.05) ABTS*scavenging ability than RO samples, while the ripe fruits had significantly higher (P<0.05) ferric reducing properties in the varieties. Furthermore, the extracts inhibited Fe2+and quinolinic acid induced lipid peroxidation in rats brain homogenates in a dose-dependent manner. Ripe and unripe samples from SM had significantly higher AChE inhibitory abilities than RO samples, while there was no significant difference in the BuChE inhibitory abilities of the pepper samples.Conclusion. The antioxidant and anticholinesterase properties ofCapsicumspp. may be a possible dietary means by which oxidative stress and symptomatic cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative conditions could be alleviated.
Investigation of Pharmacological Activity of Caralluma penicillata: Anti-Inflammatory Properties and Gastritis Protection against Indomethacin in Adult Guinea Pigs
Authors: Albaser Nabil , Ghanem Najeeb , Shehab Mohanad , Al-Adhal Adnan , Amood AL-Kamarany Mohammed
Published: December 2014

Caralluma is a plant that possessing a great therapeutic potential in folk medicine in Yemen, namely, Caralluma penicillata (C. penicillata) as antiulcer. The study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties and gastritis protection activity of C. penicillata against indomethacin in adult guinea pigs. The study was divided into four parts: firstly, the optimum dose of extract as anti-inflammatory effect was determined. Secondly, the acute anti-inflammatory effect of extract were estimated. Thirdly, the repeated doses of extract against chronic inflammation was estimated. The anti-inflammatory activity of extract was compared with indomethacin as a prototype of drug against inflammation. Fourthly, the gastritis protection properties of extract with/without indomethacin were performed. The results showed that a 400 mg/kg of 10% ethanol extract produced the maximum of anti-inflammatory effect. Also, the single dose of extract was equipotent for indomethacin (10 mg/kg), but shorter in duration with regard to acute anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, the repeated doses of extract against chronic inflammation were less potent than indomethacin with regard to ulcerogenic effect. On the other hand, extract-indomethacin combination reduced the gastritis effect of indomethacin based on ulcer index and histological study.
The Pore Collapse “Hot-Spots” Model Coupled with Brittle Damage for Solid Explosives
Authors: Cheng L. R. , Chen R. , Shi H. J. , Lu F. Y.
Published: December 2014

This paper is devoted to the building of a numerical pore collapse model with “hot-spots” formation for the impacted damage explosives. According to damage mechanical evolution of brittle material, the one-dimensional elastic-viscoplastic collapse model was improved to incorporate the impact damage during the dynamic collapse of pores. The damage of explosives was studied using the statistical crack mechanics (SCRAM). The effects of the heat conduction and the chemical reaction were taken into account in the formation of “hot-spots.” To verify the improved model, numerical simulations were carried out for different pressure states and used to model a multiple-impact experiment. The results show that repeated weak impacts can lead to the collapse of pores and the “hot-spots” may occur due to the accumulation of internal defects accompanied by the softening of explosives.
Development of a Model System to Evaluate Local Recurrence in Osteosarcoma and Assessment of the Effects of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2
Authors: Geller David S. , Singh Michael Y. , Zhang Wendong , Gill Jonathan , Roth Michael E. , Kim Mimi Y. , Xie Xianhong , Singh Christopher K. , Dorfman Howard D. , Villanueva-Siles Esperanza , Park Amy , Piperdi Sajida , Gorlick Richard
Published: December 2014

Purpose: It is increasingly relevant to better define what constitutes an adequate surgical margin in an effort to improve reconstructive longevity and functional outcomes following osteosarcoma surgery. In addition, nonunion remains a challenging problem in some patients following allograft reconstruction. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) could enhance osseous union, but has been historically avoided due to concerns that it may promote tumor recurrence.

Experimental Design: An orthotopic xenograft murine model was utilized to describe the natural temporal course of osteosarcoma growth. Tumors were treated either with surgery alone, surgery and single-agent chemotherapy, or surgery and dual-agent chemotherapy to assess the relationship between surgical margin and local recurrence. The effect of BMP-2 on local recurrence was similarly assessed.

Results: Osteosarcoma tumor growth was categorized into reproducible phases. Margins greater than 997 μm resulted in local control following surgery alone. Margins greater than 36 μm resulted in local control following surgery and single-agent chemotherapy. Margins greater than 12 μm resulted in local control following surgery and dual-agent chemotherapy. The application of exogenous BMP-2 does not confer an increased risk of local recurrence.

Conclusions: This model reliably reproduces the clinical, radiographic, and surgical conditions encountered in human osteosarcoma. It successfully incorporates relevant chemotherapy, further paralleling the human experience. Surgical margins required to achieve local control in osteosarcoma can be reduced using single-agent chemotherapy and further decreased using dual-agent chemotherapy. The application of BMP-2 does not increase local recurrence in this model. Clin Cancer Res; 21(13); 3003–12. ©2014 AACR.

See related commentary by Weiss, p. 2889
Biallelic Mutations in BRCA1 Cause a New Fanconi Anemia Subtype
Authors: Sawyer Sarah L. , Tian Lei , Kähkönen Marketta , Schwartzentruber Jeremy , Kircher Martin ,   University of Washington Centre for Mendelian Genomics,   FORGE Canada Consortium, Majewski Jacek , Dyment David A. , Innes A. Micheil , Boycott Kym M. , Moreau Lisa A. , Moilanen Jukka S. , Greenberg Roger A.
Published: December 2014

Deficiency in BRCA-dependent DNA interstrand crosslink (ICL) repair is intimately connected to breast cancer susceptibility and to the rare developmental syndrome Fanconi anemia. Bona fide Fanconi anemia proteins, BRCA2 (FANCD1), PALB2 (FANCN), and BRIP1 (FANCJ), interact with BRCA1 during ICL repair. However, the lack of detailed phenotypic and cellular characterization of a patient with biallelic BRCA1 mutations has precluded assignment of BRCA1 as a definitive Fanconi anemia susceptibility gene. Here, we report the presence of biallelic BRCA1 mutations in a woman with multiple congenital anomalies consistent with a Fanconi anemia–like disorder and breast cancer at age 23. Patient cells exhibited deficiency in BRCA1 and RAD51 localization to DNA-damage sites, combined with radial chromosome formation and hypersensitivity to ICL-inducing agents. Restoration of these functions was achieved by ectopic introduction of a BRCA1 transgene. These observations provide evidence in support of BRCA1 as a new Fanconi anemia gene (FANCS).

Significance: We establish that biallelic BRCA1 mutations cause a distinct FA-S, which has implications for risk counselling in families where both parents harbor BRCA1 mutations. The genetic basis of hereditary cancer susceptibility syndromes provides diagnostic information, insights into treatment strategies, and more accurate recurrence risk counseling to families. Cancer Discov; 5(2); 135–42. ©2014 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 97
Untangling the Fiber Yarn: Butyrate Feeds Warburg to Suppress Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Sebastián Carlos , Mostoslavsky Raul
Published: December 2014

Summary: Dietary composition has an important role in shaping the gut microbiota. In turn, changes in the diet directly impinge on bacterial metabolites present in the intestinal lumen. Whether such metabolites play a role in intestinal cancer has been a topic of hot debate. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Donohoe and colleagues show that dietary fiber protects against colorectal carcinoma in a microbiota-dependent manner. Furthermore, fiber-derived butyrate acts as a histone deacetylase inhibitor, inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells experiencing the Warburg effect. Cancer Discov; 4(12); 1368–70. ©2014 AACR.

See related article by Donohoe and colleagues, p. 1387
Changes in Gene Expression in PBMCs Profiles of PPARα Target Genes in Obese and Non-Obese Individuals During Fasting
Authors: Felicidade Ingrid , Marcarini Juliana Cristina , Carreira Clísia Mara , Amarante Marla Karine , Afman Lydia A. , Mantovani Mário Sérgio , Ribeiro Lúcia Regina
Published: December 2014

Background: The prevalence of obesity has risen dramatically and the World Health Organization estimates that 700 million people will be obese worldwide by 2015. Approximately, 50% of the Brazilian population above 20 years of age is overweight, and 16% is obese. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the expression of PPARα target genes in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and free fatty acids (FFA) in obese and non-obese individuals after 24 h of fasting. We first presented evidence that Brazilian people exhibit expression changes in PPARα target genes in PBMCs under fasting conditions. Methods: Q-PCR was utilized to assess the mRNA expression levels of target genes. Results: In both groups, the FFA concentrations increased significantly after 24 h of fasting. The basal FFA mean concentration was two-fold higher in the obese group compared with the non-obese group. After fasting, all genes evaluated in this study showed increased expression levels compared with basal expression in both groups. Conclusion: However, our results reveal no differences in gene expression between the obese and non-obese, more studies are necessary to precisely delineate the associated mechanisms, particularly those that include groups with different degrees of obesity and patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 because the expression of the main genes that are involved in β-oxidation and glucose level maintenance are affected by these factors. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Perioperative bridging anticoagulation during dabigatran or warfarin interruption among patients who had an elective surgery or procedure
Authors: Healey Jeff S. , Brueckmann Martina , Eikelboom John W. , Ezekowitz Michael D. , Fraessdorf Mandy , Noack Herbert , Oldgren Jonas , Reilly Paul , Spyropoulos Alex C. , Wallentin Lars , Connolly Stuart J. , Douketis James D.
Published: December 2014

In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who require interruption of dabigatran or warfarin for an elective surgery/procedure, the risks and benefits of perioperative bridging anticoagulation is uncertain. We accessed the database from RE-LY, a randomised trial comparing dabigatran with warfarin for stroke prevention in AF, to assess the potential benefits and risks of bridging. In patients who had a first interruption of dabigatran or warfarin for an elective surgery/procedure, we compared the risk for major bleeding (MB), stroke or systemic embolism (SSE) and any thromboembolism (TE) in patients who were bridged or not bridged during the period of seven days before until 30 days after surgery/procedure. We used multivariable Cox regression to adjust for potential confounders. Bridging was used more during warfarin interruption than dabigatran interruption (27.5 % vs 15.4 %; p < 0.001). With dabigatran interruption, bridged patients had more MB (6.5 % vs 1.8 %, p < 0.001) than those not bridged but bridged and not bridged groups did not differ for any TE (1.2 % vs 0.6 %, p=0.16) and SSE (0.5 % vs 0.3 %, p=0.46). With warfarin interruption, bridged patients had more MB (6.8 % vs 1.6 %, p < 0.001) and any TE (1.8 % vs 0.3 %, p=0.007) than those not bridged but bridged and not bridged groups did not differ for SSE (0.5 % vs 0.2 %, p=0.321). In conclusion, in patients who interrupted dabigatran or warfarin for a surgery/ procedure in the RE-LY trial, use of bridging anticoagulation appeared to increase the risk for major bleeding irrespective of dabigatran or warfarin interruption.
Zur Auslassung des 1. Titels der Institutionen-Paraphrase des Theophilos
Authors: Schminck Andreas
Published: December 2014

’ Paraphrasis of the Institutes. – In none of the many manuscripts of Theophilos’ Paraphrasis the first title is transmitted. This is commonly – and also in the recent Groningen edition – explained by an early ‘mechanical’ loss. The author suggests another solution to the problem: the first title was omitted intentionally when Theophilos’ Paraphrasis of the Institutes replaced Photios’ Eisa­goge because it contained too strong similarities to the latter’s first title and inappro­priate allusions to legal teaching. This intentional omission is dated to the years 886–888 and attributed to the emperor Leon VI himself.
The Transformers
Authors: Krabbendam Hans
Published: December 2014

This article compares two leading American evangelists Frank Buchman and Billy Graham as to the innovations they made in the transatlantic religious regimes before and after World War II. Differences in personality, in message and audience, in religious allies, in political expectations, and the changing conditions of European Protestantism explain their successive popularity. Buchman operated in the holiness tradition, Graham in the revivalist framework. Both offered persuasive examples of personal change that enabled European Protestants to find alternatives to the established relationship between public and private religion.
CULTURE, WORLDVIEW AND RELIGION
Authors: van der Walt Bennie J
Published: December 2014

Why is a Reformational philosophy needed in Africa? It is necessary, because something is missing in African Christianity. Most Western missionaries taught Africans a “broken” or dualistic worldview. This caused a divorce between traditional culture and their new Christian religion. The Christian faith was perceived as something remote, only concerned with a distant past (the Bible) and a far-away future (heaven). It could not become a reality in their everyday lives. It could not develop into an all-encompassing worldview and lifestyle. Because Reformational philosophy advocates the Biblical, holistic approach of a comprehensive worldview, it is welcomed on our continent. It contains a healing and liberating message to our bleeding and lost continent. What Africans, however, neither want nor can afford, is an ivory tower philosophy, playing intellectual games; a philosophy which does not do or change anything. They want a philosophy which is a “marriage” between abstract ideas and the facts on the ground. They need a Christian philosophy with compassion that may even contribute to the alleviation of their poverty!
A RESPONSE ON TECHNOLOGY
Authors: de Powell Elsa R
Published: December 2014

Adrian Vlot has worked out an excellent historical perspective, followed by a philosophical assessment, and finally a theological point of view. I do not wish to analyze every aspect of his paper because I basically agree with his evaluation except on some points that will become clearer from my observations. These will be mainly experiential, and even anecdotic, because I think they can contribute to show how people see things from an underdeveloped world.
COMMENT
Authors: Jongeneel Roel A
Published: December 2014

In 1998 the book The wealth and poverty of nations was published, written by David Landes, a retired professor in economic history from Harvard. Within a few months more than 50.000 hardcover copies were sold of this best-selling book. In that book, with its 544 pages, Landes tries to answer the question why in some countries and regions the economies are performing well and why others remain backward. Differences in economic performance are subsequently explained by differences in culture and religion. With the West- Europeans and their descendants in the US, Canada and Australia yielding the best performance, his answer is that the capitalist values and Calvinist religion are the main explanatory factors.1 In fact these are the old stories of Adam Smith and Max Weber, but now told by a good writer. Recalling the theme of our session, say ‘Economics within the context of Cultures and Christianity’, I expected a paper which would re-examine (and criticize) the Landes story from a christian philosophical perspective.
CRITICAL STUDY:DE ORATIE VAN JOHAN J. GRAAFLAND
Authors: Verkerk Maarten J.
Published: December 2014

In 2001 hield Johan J. Graafland zijn oratie Maatschappelijk ondernemen: analyse, verantwoording en fundering. Hiermee aanvaardde hij het ambt van bijzonder hoogleraar Economie, Onderneming en Ethiek aan de Universiteit van Tilburg. Graag wil ik Johan Graafland van harte feliciteren met zijn benoeming. Ik ervaar het toch steeds weer als een bijzondere zegen als christenen zo’n positie mogen bezetten. Ik wens hem veel vruchten toe op zijn arbeid. Op de nieuwjaarsconferentie 2002 van de Vereniging voor Reformatorische Wijsbegeerte heeft Graafland een lezing gegeven waarin hij enkele momenten uit zijn oratie toelichtte. Op die conferentie mocht ik als co-referent optreden. De week voorafgaande aan de conferentie was ik voor een zakenreis in Taiwan. Ik kwam vrijdagsavonds weer in Nederland terug. Door een ongelukkige samenloop van omstandigheden kreeg ik ook toen pas de tekst van de oratie van Graafland in handen. De tijd was voor mij te kort — en de onvermijdelijke jet-lag werkt dan ook niet mee — om de oratie goed te bestuderen en op vruchtbare wijze te kunnen reageren. Ik had geen andere mogelijkheid dan een ‘eigen’ verhaal te houden (een verkorte versie van een artikel dat ik zojuist voor Beweging had geschreven). Graag wil ik nu van de gelegenheid gebruik maken om inhoudelijk op de oratie van Graafland in te gaan.
METAFOOR BIJ ARISTOTELES
Authors: Bos Cornelis A.
Published: December 2014

Er is de laatste decennia nogal wat te doen over de metafoor en haar functie. En vaak wordt daarbij verwezen naar een belangrijke tekst van de Griekse filosoof Aristoteles. Ik wil in het hierna volgende nagaan wat Aristoteles over de metafoor zegt. Ik begin met de hierboven bedoelde passage in haar verband zo letterlijk mogelijk te vertalen. Dan bezie ik verder wat Aristoteles met de metafoor die hij als voorbeeld gebruikt, doet en vervolgens bezien we wat Aristoteles verder over de ‘overdracht’ zegt, en wat enkele geleerden zeggen over Aristoteles-en-de-metafoor. Tenslotte stel ik de vraag of, afgezien van Aristoteles, er reden is om te denken dat de metafoor een ‘cognitief extra’ heeft boven een mededeling in normale bewoordingen, en speciaal de wat soms genoemd wordt ‘levende’ metafoor. Ik zelf kan daar niet van overtuigd raken.
SUBSIDIARITEIT, SOEVEREINITEIT IN EIGEN KRING EN DE BOUWFRAUDE
Authors: en Johan Graafland Mathilde Blok
Published: December 2014

Is Nederland een fraudeland geworden? Na alle berichten over boekhoudschandalen en het bekend worden van illegale prijsafspraken is het terecht dat die vraag wordt gesteld. Het oplichten van aandeelhouders of van klanten gaat in tegen verschillende ethische noties. Het verstrekken van onjuiste informatie is niet alleen vanuit een utilistisch standpunt verwerpelijk vanwege de economische schade die ontstaat doordat een optimale marktwerking belemmerd wordt. Ook vanuit een deontologisch perspectief staan de ethische seinen op rood: het bedriegen van aandeelhouders of klanten getuigt van weinig respect en is onrechtvaardig omdat dit zelfverrijking mogelijk maakt ten koste gaat van de stakeholders. Ook vanuit het perspectief van de deugdenethiek zijn deze praktijken verwerpelijk: het achterhouden van informatie getuigt van een gebrek aan integriteit en heeft een negatieve voorbeeldfunctie naar anderen. Toch kan men zich afvragen of boekhoudschandalen niet van andere orde zijn dan de bouwfraude. Wie zich verdiept in de bouwfraude ontdekt dat de misstanden niet enkel te wijten zijn aan het gedrag van bouwondernemingen. Ook de overheid heeft in het verleden aanleiding gegeven tot de praktijk van vooroverleg en is in zekere zin medeverantwoordelijk. Om de verdeling van verantwoordelijkheden tussen overheid en bedrijven nader te analyseren, maken wij in dit artikel gebruik van twee kernbegrippen uit de reformatorische en katholieke sociale leer die nauw aan elkaar verwant zijn: het beginsel van soevereiniteit in eigen kring en het subsidiariteitsbeginsel. De beginselen kunnen worden beschouwd als richtlijnen voor de manier waarop een samenleving dient te functioneren. In de Nederlandse literatuur worden beide beginselen vaak in één adem genoemd. Echter, hoewel er duidelijke overeenkomsten zijn, kennen beide beginselen een heel verschillende levensbeschouwelijke achtergrond, die doorwerkt in de implicaties van beide beginselen. Het doel van dit artikel is beide beginselen toe te passen op de bouwfraude om de verantwoordelijkheden van bouwondernemingen en de overheid nader te bepalen.

Is Nederland een fraudeland geworden? Na alle berichten over boekhoudschandalen en het bekend worden van illegale prijsafspraken is het terecht dat die vraag wordt gesteld. Het oplichten van aandeelhouders of van klanten gaat in tegen verschillende ethische noties. Het verstrekken van onjuiste informatie is niet alleen vanuit een utilistisch standpunt verwerpelijk vanwege de economische schade die ontstaat doordat een optimale marktwerking belemmerd wordt. Ook vanuit een deontologisch perspectief staan de ethische seinen op rood: het bedriegen van aandeelhouders of klanten getuigt van weinig respect en is onrechtvaardig omdat dit zelfverrijking mogelijk maakt ten koste gaat van de stakeholders. Ook vanuit het perspectief van de deugdenethiek zijn deze praktijken verwerpelijk: het achterhouden van informatie getuigt van een gebrek aan integriteit en heeft een negatieve voorbeeldfunctie naar anderen.
ANALYTICAL AND REFORMATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
Authors: Geertsema Henk G.
Published: December 2014

In a recent issue of this journal René van Woudenberg meditated “on the question what ‘aspects’ and ‘functions’, within the bounds of CP (= Calvinistic Philosophy HGG), are supposed to be.”2 This meditation demands a reaction. The purpose of this paper is to “shed ”¦ at least some light on the question which ”¦ of the two is the more intelligible and useful notion”. Its aim is “not to discuss any theory about modal aspects ”¦ but to establish what the phenomena are that such theories are about.”(1) I believe that the paper does not succeed in its goal. My response is divided in two parts. First I will discuss some of the arguments that Van Woudenberg uses in his analysis of the possible ways to understand both ‘aspects’ and ‘functions’. In this part I will try to show that the arguments used do not achieve what the paper aims at. In a second part I will discuss some deeper issues that are at stake. Here I will argue that it is not possible to understand the idea of ‘aspects’ or ‘functions’ apart from the philosophical paradigm of which it is a part. In fact, I will try to show that Van Woudenberg’s analysis depends upon a theoretical conception that is basically different from that of reformational philosophy as conceived by Dooyeweerd and Vollenhoven. Ultimately, what might be at stake is the question how Christians should pursue philosophy. Is it possible to translate the basic concepts of reformational philosophy into those of mainstream analytical philosophy without the former loosing their critical intent?
ON THE CHARACTER OF SOCIAL COMMUNITIES, THE STATE AND THE PUBLIC DOMAIN
Authors: Stafleu M.D.
Published: December 2014

The view that organized social communities or associations differ from unorganized communities by having a kind of government or management exerting authority over the community appears almost obvious. Nevertheless it contradicts Dooyeweerd’s view, distinguishing organized communities from natural communities because of their being founded in the technical relation frame (or modal aspect) respectively the biotic one. This paper discusses the dual character (or structure of individuality) of associations, requiring the introduction of a new relation frame. Determined by authority and discipline, the political relation frame succeeds the frames of social intercourse and economic relations, and precedes the frames of justice and loving care. It qualifies the generic character of any association, founded in that of social intercourse. Besides, each association has a specific character, distinguishing various types of associations. These insights shed new light upon the dual character of a state as the guardian of the public domain. Constituting various networks of human relations, the public domain does not have the character of a community.
NORMATIVE PRACTICES AS AN INTERMEDIATE BETWEEN THEORETICAL ETHICS AND MORALITY
Authors: Jochemsen Henk
Published: December 2014

One of the career options Ede Christian University for higher professional education (CHE) offers is nursing. As a Christian professional school, the ECU provides learning environments for nursing students to become professionals who are to exhibit a Christian life style, values and professional ethics. Nursing graduates of our school in general may have a Christian disposition regarding major issues in health care like displaying respect for patients, having a correct attitude, practising informed consent, displaying confidentiality, and avoiding euthanasia etc. A worrying development for educators, though, is that often within a year after their graduation these young nursing professionals may adopt the secularized behaviour predominant in their workplace, even when that behaviour in some respects contrasts with the values they internalized during their nursing education. (Fortunately, it can also be noted that later in their career, the graduates of our school may return to the values and norms they once learned at school. What on first sight did not seem ‘practical’ to adhere to in the workplace, some do come to recognize as essential for their own morally competent performance of their practice). Apparently, the shaping force of the social context of a professional practice can be stronger than the personal beliefs young professionals adopt before their graduation.
ETHICS AND THE COMPLEXITY OF TECHNOLOGY: A DESIGN APPROACH
Authors: de Vries Marc J.
Published: December 2014

In this article I will show how the conceptual framework for analyzing reality as developed in reformational philosophy can help us to get a fuller understanding of the ethics of technology than in popular reductionist views. Thereby I will use Caroline Whitbeck’s suggestion that ethical problems should be dealt with as if they were design problems. Reformational philosophy helps us to understand the nature of complexity in design and also how order in this complex chaos can be created by observing the various functions of technical artifacts. In line with the current empirical turn in the philosophy of technology, I will illustrate this by describing a case study: nanotechnology.
Stochastically Generated North American Megadroughts
Authors: Stevenson Samantha , Timmermann Axel , Chikamoto Yoshimitsu , Langford Sally , DiNezio Pedro
Published: December 2014

The importance of interannual-to-decadal sea surface temperature (SST) influences on drought in the United States is examined using a suite of simulations conducted with the T31×3 resolution version of the NCAR Community Earth System Model (CESM1.0.3). The model captures tropical Pacific teleconnections to North American precipitation reasonably well, although orographic features are somewhat enhanced at higher resolution. The contribution of SST anomalies is isolated by comparing two idealized, 1000-yr CESM1.0.3 experiments: a fully coupled control and an atmosphere-only (CAM4) run forced with the SST climatology from the control. Droughts are identified using the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), which is computed over four U.S. regions from the CESM1.0.3 experiments and compared with the North American Drought Atlas (NADA). The CESM1.0.3 reproduces the persistence of NADA droughts quite well, although the model underestimates drought severity. Within the CESM1.0.3 framework, SST forcing does not significantly affect drought intensity or frequency of occurrence, even for very persistent “megadroughts” of 15 yr or more in length. In both the CESM1.0.3 and NADA, with the exception of the Southeast United States, droughts in all regions have intensities, persistence lengths, and occurrence frequencies statistically consistent with a red noise null hypothesis. This implies that SST forcing is not the dominant factor in generating drought and therefore that many decadal megadroughts are caused by a combination of internal atmospheric variability and coupling with the land surface, with SST anomalies playing only a secondary role.
Significant Influences of Global Mean Temperature and ENSO on Extreme Rainfall in Southeast Asia
Authors: Villafuerte Marcelino Q. , Matsumoto Jun
Published: December 2014

This study investigates the changes in annual and seasonal maximum daily rainfall (RX1day) in Southeast Asia, obtained from gauge-based gridded precipitation data, to address the increasing concerns about climate change in the region. First, the nonparametric Mann–Kendall test was employed to detect significant trends in RX1day. Then, maximum likelihood modeling, which allows the incorporation of covariates in the location parameter of the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution, was conducted to determine whether the rising global mean temperature, as well as El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), is influencing extreme rainfall over the region. The findings revealed that annual and seasonal RX1day is significantly increasing in Indochina and east-central Philippines while decreasing in most parts of the Maritime Continent during the past 57 yr (1951–2007). The trends in RX1day were further linked to the rising global mean temperature. It was shown that the location parameter of the GEV—and hence the RX1day on average—has significantly covaried with the annually averaged near-surface global mean temperature anomaly. Such covariation is pronouncedly observed over the regions where significant trends in RX1day were detected. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that, as ENSO develops in July–September, negative covariations between the location parameter of the GEV and the ENSO index, implying a higher (lower) likelihood of extreme rainfall during La Niña (El Niño), were observed over the Maritime Continent. Such conditions progress northward to the regions of Indochina and the Philippines as ENSO approaches its maturity in October–December and then retreat southward as the ENSO weakens in the ensuing seasons.