bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using multimedia to enhance the consent process for bunion correction surgery
Authors: Batuyong Eldridge D. , Jowett Andrew J. L. , Wickramasinghe Nilmini , Beischer Andrew D.
Published: February 2014

Background

Obtaining informed consent from patients considering bunion surgery can be challenging. This study assessed the efficacy of a multimedia technology as an adjunct to the informed consent process.

Methods

A prospective, cohort study was conducted involving 55 patients (7 males, 48 females) who underwent a standardized verbal discussion regarding bunion correction surgery followed by completion of a knowledge questionnaire. A multimedia educational program was then administered and the knowledge questionnaire repeated. Additional supplementary questions were then given regarding satisfaction with the multimedia program.

Results

Patients answered 74% questions correctly before the multimedia module compared with 94% after it (P < 0.0001). Patients rated the ease of understanding and the amount of information provided by the module highly. Eighty‐four percent of patients considered that the multimedia tool performed as well as the treating surgeon.

Conclusion

Multimedia technology is useful in enhancing patient knowledge regarding bunion surgery for the purposes of obtaining informed consent.
Delayed/non‐union of upper limb fractures with bisphosphonates: systematic review and recommendations
Authors: Ng Andrew Jin‐Hean , Yue Brian , Joseph Samuel , Richardson Martin
Published: February 2014

Background

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are widely used for the treatment of osteoporosis. Oversuppression of bone turnover with BPs may paradoxically limit the reserve capacity of bone to heal. The aim of this review was to study the predisposition of some patients to delayed/non‐union of upper limb fractures associated with BPs and give recommendations on how they should be treated.

Methods

A systematic search of two electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies for inclusion. All relevant studies found were included and assessed through methodology criteria predetermined by two independent reviewers.

Results

Six papers comprising of three case reports, one nested case control study, one restrospective review and one randomized clinical trial were used. In comparative studies of pre‐fracture BP use, a 6‐day delay in average healing times was reported among BP users. There was no elevation in risk of non‐union. Post‐fracture BP use was associated with an approximate doubling of the risk of non‐union. Timing of BP therapy initiation following a fracture was not associated with a difference in healing times. An atypical ulna fracture treated conservatively resulted in non‐union, there was no effect of type of surgical treatment on distal radius fracture healing and there was insufficient evidence to comment on humeral fracture treatment.

Conclusions

Differences in union time between BP users and non‐users are not significant enough to change current practice patterns and do not outweigh the benefits of BP therapy. There is no evidence to encourage early surgical management of BP‐related upper limb fractures.
Transversus abdominis plane block after ambulatory total laparoscopic hysterectomy: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Calle Gustavo A. , López Claudia C. , Sánchez Enrique , De Los Ríos José F. , Vásquez Elsa M. , Serna Eduardo , Arango Adriana M. , Castañeda Juan D. , Vásquez Ricardo A. , González Antonio , Escobar Álvaro , Almanza Luis A.
Published: February 2014

Objective

To determine if transversus abdominis plane anesthetic blockage (TAP block) diminishes early postoperative pain scores and facilitates ambulatory management following total laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Design

Randomized triple blind trial.

Setting

Gynecological endoscopy unit at a referral center for laparoscopic surgery.

Population

A total of 197 patients.

Methods

Comparison of a treatment group receiving TAP block with bupivacaine 0.25% and placebo group with comparably placed bilateral injection of sterile saline solution.

Main outcome measures

Pain scores at discharge 24, 48 and 72 h after surgery, opioid requirement after procedure.

Results

Patients who had TAP block had a significant reduction in their pain score at discharge compared with the placebo group (p = 0.017). There were no significant differences in the pain scores between groups at 24 h (95% CI 1.36–0.133, p = 0.237), 48 h (95% CI 0.689–0.465, p = 0.702) and 72 h (95% CI −0.631 to 0.223, p = 0.347). No differences were found between the groups regarding opioid requirements following the procedure (χ2 = 3.62, p = 0.46).

Conclusion

Although TAP block after a total laparoscopic hysterectomy reduced the pain score at discharge compared with placebo, its role in this setting is debatable due to the possible lack of clinical significance of the small difference found.
Women's antenatal preferences for delivery route in a setting with high cesarean section rates and a medically dominated maternity system
Authors: Dweik Diána , Girasek Edmond , Töreki Annamária , Mészáros Gyula , Pál Attila
Published: February 2014

Objective

To assess birth preferences in a sample of Hungarian pregnant women and identify determinants of ambivalence or clear choices for cesarean section throughout pregnancy.

Design

Follow‐up two‐point questionnaire survey.

Setting

University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Hungary.

Sample

A total of 413 women with singleton pregnancies where there was no awareness of medical contradictions to vaginal delivery, attending for routine ultrasound examination in mid‐pregnancy from November 2011 to March 2012.

Methods

Questionnaires completed in mid‐ and late pregnancy (gestational weeks 18–22 and 35–37) including the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire A.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of women preferring cesarean section or being uncertain about what delivery route to choose, in case they had the choice; their demographic characteristics, attitudes toward birth issues and their Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire A scores, compared with women consistent in their preference for vaginal delivery.

Results

Of the 413 respondents, 365 (88.4%) were consistent in their preference for vaginal delivery. In logistic regression models the important contributors to describing preferences for cesarean section or uncertain preferences were previous cesarean section and maternal belief that cesarean section is more beneficial than vaginal delivery.

Conclusions

The majority of pregnant women preferred vaginal delivery to cesarean section. Neither a higher Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire A score nor sociodemographic differences were important determinants of a preference for cesarean section or for an uncertain preference. On the other hand, previous cesarean section and certain preconceived maternal attitudes towards delivery were characteristic for these women.
Subcutaneous fat accumulation in early infancy is more strongly associated with motor development and delay than muscle growth
Authors: Kanazawa H , Kawai M , Niwa F , Hasegawa T , Iwanaga K , Ohata K , Tamaki A , Heike T
Published: February 2014

Aim

Physical growth in neurologically healthy preterm infants affects motor development. This study investigated the separate relationships between muscle and fat in infancy and later motor development and physical growth.

Methods

Muscle thickness and subcutaneous fat thickness of the anterior thigh were measured using ultrasound images obtained from neurologically healthy preterm infants at birth, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months' corrected age. We also obtained the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory and Alberta Infant Motor Scale scores at 18 months' corrected age to assess motor ability and motor delay.

Results

Thirty preterm infants completed the study protocol. There was a significant positive correlation between motor ability and increments in subcutaneous fat thickness during the first 3 and 6 months' corrected age (r = 0.48 and 0.40, p < 0.05, respectively), but not between motor ability and muscle thickness growth in any of the periods. A secondary, logistic regression analysis showed that increments in subcutaneous fat thickness during the first 3 months were a protective factor for motor delay.

Conclusion

Subcutaneous fat accumulation in early infancy is more strongly associated with motor development and delay than muscle growth.
Low‐intensity training increases peak arm VO2 by enhancing both convective and diffusive O2 delivery
Authors: Boushel R. , Ara I. , Gnaiger E. , Helge J. W. , González‐Alonso J. , Munck‐Andersen T. , Sondergaard H. , Damsgaard R. , van Hall G. , Saltin B. , Calbet J. A. L.
Published: February 2014

Aim

It is an ongoing discussion the extent to which oxygen delivery and oxygen extraction contribute to an increased muscle oxygen uptake during dynamic exercise. It has been proposed that local muscle factors including the capillary bed and mitochondrial oxidative capacity play a large role in prolonged low‐intensity training of a small muscle group when the cardiac output capacity is not directly limiting. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relative roles of circulatory and muscle metabolic mechanisms by which prolonged low‐intensity exercise training alters regional muscle VO2.

Methods

In nine healthy volunteers (seven males, two females), haemodynamic and metabolic responses to incremental arm cycling were measured by the Fick method and biopsy of the deltoid and triceps muscles before and after 42 days of skiing for 6 h day−1 at 60% max heart rate.

Results

Peak pulmonary VO2 during arm crank was unchanged after training (2.38 ± 0.19 vs. 2.18 ± 0.2 L min−1 pre‐training) yet arm VO2 (1.04 ± 0.08 vs. 0.83 ± 0.1 L min1, P < 0.05) and power output (137 ± 9 vs. 114 ± 10 Watts) were increased along with a higher arm blood flow (7.9 ± 0.5 vs. 6.8 ± 0.6 L min−1, P < 0.05) and expanded muscle capillary volume (76 ± 7 vs. 62 ± 4 mL, P < 0.05). Muscle O2 diffusion capacity (16.2 ± 1 vs. 12.5 ± 0.9 mL min−1 mHg−1, P < 0.05) and O2 extraction (68 ± 1 vs. 62 ± 1%, P < 0.05) were enhanced at a similar mean capillary transit time (569 ± 43 vs. 564 ± 31 ms) and P50 (35.8 ± 0.7 vs. 35 ± 0.8), whereas mitochondrial O2 flux capacity was unchanged (147 ± 6 mL kg min−1 vs. 146 ± 8 mL kg min−1).

Conclusion

The mechanisms underlying the increase in peak arm VO2 with prolonged low‐intensity training in previously untrained subjects are an increased convective O2 delivery specifically to the muscles of the arm combined with a larger capillary–muscle surface area that enhance diffusional O2 conductance, with no apparent role of mitochondrial respiratory capacity.
The Origin and Archaeometallurgy of a Mixed Sulphide Ore for Copper Production on the Island of Kea, Aegean Sea, Greece
Authors: Pelton A. , Stamatakis M. G. , Kelepertzis E. , Panagou T.
Published: February 2014

At the hill of Agios Symeon, on the island of Kea, Aegean Sea, Greece, ancient metallurgical slags with a high Pb–Zn–Cu content have been found. Thermodynamic simulations have been carried out, using the FactSage™ thermodynamic database computing system, with a view to understanding the ancient metallurgical processes that produced the observed slag compositions and morphologies. The simulations demonstrate that the slag samples resulted from Cu‐making processes. It would thus appear that mixed ores were used, containing Cu2S–FeS–PbS with significant amounts of sphalerite (ZnS) as impurity. The roasted ores were reduced at relatively high oxygen potentials at ∼1125°C to form Cu containing low levels of Pb, Fe and Zn.
Globalising sustainable urbanism: the role of international masterplanners
Authors: Rapoport Elizabeth
Published: February 2014

How do you design a sustainable urban area from scratch? A growing number of urban development projects, marketing themselves as sustainable or ‘eco’ cities, claim to have the answer. This paper focuses on the companies who create the masterplans that guide the development of such sustainable urban projects. While these projects are appearing in a diverse array of locations around the world, they are largely conceived and designed by a small, elite group of international architecture, engineering and planning firms based inNorthAmerica andEurope sometimes referred to as the global intelligence corps (GIC). Drawing on research into these firms, the paper examines the contemporary drivers of internationalisation in sustainable urban planning and design. These include enhanced professional reputations and satisfaction for designers and branding benefits for clients with a desire to be seen as modern and ‘global’. The paper then considers the role of international masterplanners in the global dissemination of ideas in this area, concluding that the GIC and the plans they develop are playing a significant role in the development of an international model of sustainable urbanism. However, the way in which this model is actually expressed in material form is strongly influenced by the demands and priorities of theGIC's international clients. The paper concludes by reflecting on what this research demonstrates about what it means for a planning model to be both relational and territorial.
Determinants of Social Expenditure in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sudasinghe S. R. Sepalika N. , Patmasiriwat Direk
Published: February 2014

The study examines the determinants of social expenditure in Sri Lanka for the period 1970–2010. The data are from a new data set assembled by the authors. The social spending data are collected from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on education, health, and also on welfare spending. The study explains the determinants of social spending considering the demand‐side and the supply‐side driving forces and finds that inequality issues have been a major concern of social policy in Sri Lanka. Similarly, this study implies the influence of political behavior to satisfy voters as explained by the fiscal illusion theory. The globalization is not significant for social expenditure as commonly assumed in developed countries. Even the consequences of the self‐interested behavior of bureaucrats are not evident in the Sri Lankan welfare sector.
Population pharmacokinetics of valganciclovir prophylaxis in paediatric and adult solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Vezina Heather E. , Brundage Richard C. , Balfour Henry H.
Published: February 2014

Aim

Our aims were to quantify ganciclovir pharmacokinetics in paediatric and adult kidney, liver and lung transplant patients taking a range of valganciclovir doses to prevent herpes virus infections, including a 450 mg regimen, and to identify sources of pharmacokinetic variability.

Method

Plasma samples were collected at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks post‐transplant and at 4, 6, 8 and 12 months post‐transplant in subjects prescribed longer courses. Ganciclovir was measured by liquid chromatography/ultraviolet detection. Non‐linear mixed effects modelling was used to analyze the concentration–time data and evaluate demographic and transplant‐related covariates.

Results

A two compartment model with first order absorption best described the data. Given the range of body sizes, clearance and volume of distribution terms were scaled using standard weight‐based allometric exponents. Creatinine clearance was included on apparent oral clearance. Final estimates in a standard 70 kg individual for apparent oral clearance, central volume of distribution, intercompartmental clearance and peripheral volume of distribution were 14.5 l h−1, 87.5 l, 4.80 l h−1 and 42.6 l, respectively. The median terminal half‐life for kidney, liver and lung transplant recipients was 9.4, 9.5 and 8.2 h, respectively. Median exposure (i.e. AUC(0,∞) in subjects taking valganciclovir 900 mg or 450 mg once daily was 57.4 and 34.3 μg ml−1 h, respectively.

Conclusion

Allometric scaling allowed simultaneous analysis of data from children and adults. Ganciclovir pharmacokinetics were similar among kidney, liver and lung transplant recipients. Ganciclovir exposure after valganciclovir 450 mg once daily may be suboptimal in some individuals and requires evaluation along with virologic outcomes data.
Bayesian adaptive designs in single ascending dose trials in healthy volunteers
Authors: Guédé David , Reigner Bruno , Vandenhende Francois , Derks Mike , Beyer Ulrich , Jordan Paul , Worth Eric , Diack Cheikh , Frey Nicolas , Peck Richard
Published: February 2014

Aim

Recent publications indicate a strong interest in applying Bayesian adaptive designs in first time in humans (FTIH) studies outside of oncology. The objective of the present work was to assess the performance of a new approach that includes Bayesian adaptive design in single ascending dose (SAD) trials conducted in healthy volunteers, in comparison with a more traditional approach.

Methods

A trial simulation approach was used and seven different scenarios of dose–response were tested.

Results

The new approach provided less biased estimates of maximum tolerated dose (MTD). In all scenarios, the number of subjects needed to define a MTD was lower with the new approach than with the traditional approach. With respect to duration of the trials, the two approaches were comparable. In all scenarios, the number of subjects exposed to a dose greater than the actual MTD was lower with the new approach than with the traditional approach.

Conclusions

The new approach with Bayesian adaptive design shows a very good performance in the estimation of MTD and in reducing the total number of healthy subjects. It also reduces the number of subjects exposed to doses greater than the actual MTD.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics during the transition from warfarin to rivaroxaban: a randomized study in healthy subjects
Authors: Kubitza Dagmar , Becka Michael , Mück Wolfgang , Krätzschmar Jöern
Published: February 2014

Aims

This study investigated relevant pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic parameters during the transition from warfarin to rivaroxaban in healthy male subjects.

Methods

Ninety‐six healthy men were randomized into the following three groups: warfarin [international normalized ratio (INR) 2.0–3.0] transitioned to rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily (od; group A); warfarin (INR 2.0–3.0) followed by placebo od (group B); and rivaroxaban alone 20 mg od (group C) for 4 days. Anti‐factor Xa activity, inhibition of factor Xa activity, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time, HepTest, prothrombinase‐induced clotting time, factor VIIa activity, factor IIa activity, endogenous thrombin potential and pharmacokinetics were measured.

Results

An additive effect was observed on the PT and PT/INR during the initial transition period. The mean maximal prolongation of PT was 4.39‐fold [coefficient of variation (CV) 18.03%; range 3.39–6.50] of the baseline value in group A, compared with 1.88‐fold (CV 10.35%; range 1.53–2.21) in group B and 1.57‐fold (CV 9.98%; range 1.37–2.09) in group C. Rivaroxaban had minimal influence on the PT/INR at trough levels. Inhibition of factor Xa activity, activated partial thromboplastin time and endogenous thrombin potential were also enhanced, but to a lesser extent. In contrast, the effects of rivaroxaban on anti‐factor Xa activity, HepTest and prothrombinase‐induced clotting time were not affected by pretreatment with warfarin.

Conclusions

Changes in pharmacodynamics during the transition from warfarin to rivaroxaban vary depending on the test used. A supra‐additive effect on PT/INR is expected during the initial period of transition, but pretreatment with warfarin does not influence the effect of rivaroxaban on anti‐factor Xa activity.
Selenium Cytotoxicity in Cancer
Authors: Wallenberg Marita , Misra Sougat , Björnstedt Mikael
Published: February 2014

Selenium is an essential trace element with growth‐modulating properties. Decades of research clearly demonstrate that selenium compounds inhibit the growth of malignant cells in diverse experimental model systems. However, the growth‐modulating and cytotoxic mechanisms are diverse and far from clear. Lately, a remarkable tumour selective cytotoxicity of selenium compounds has been shown, indicating the potential of selenium in the treatment of cancer. Of particular interest are the redox‐active selenium compounds exhibiting cytotoxic potential to tumour cells. These selenium compounds elicit complex patterns of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, leading to cell death pathways that differ among compounds. Modern oncology often focuses on targeted ligand‐based therapeutic strategies that are specific to their molecular targets. These drugs are initially efficient, but the tumour cells often rapidly develop resistance against these drugs. In contrast, certain redox‐active selenium compounds induce complex cascades of pro‐death signalling at pharmacological concentrations with superior tumour specificity. The target molecules are often the ones that are important for the survival of cancer cells and often implicated in drug resistance. Therefore, the chemotherapeutic applications of selenium offer great possibilities of multi‐target attacks on tumour cells. This MiniReview focuses on the tumour‐specific cytotoxic effects of selenium, with special emphasis on cascades of cellular events induced by the major groups of pharmacologically active selenium compounds. Furthermore, the great pharmacological potential of selenium in the treatment of resistant cancers is discussed.
PCB Concentrations and Dioxin‐like Activity in Blood Samples from Danish School Children and Their Mothers living in Urban and Rural Areas
Authors: Mørck Thit A. , Erdmann Simon E. , Long Manhai , Mathiesen Line , Nielsen Flemming , Siersma Volkert D. , Bonefeld‐Jørgensen Eva C. , Knudsen Lisbeth E.
Published: February 2014

Human exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is of major concern due to a diversity of adverse effects from prolonged exposure and bioaccumulation. Manufacturing of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a subgroup of POPs, has been prohibited for many decades; however, human exposure still occurs due to the persistent nature of the chemicals. The concentrations of the dioxin‐like PCB congeners 105, 118 and 156 and the non‐dioxin‐like PCB congeners 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180, p,p′‐DDE, p,p′‐DDT, o,p′‐DDE, o,p′‐DDT, HCB and β‐HCH as well as the dioxin‐like activity using the AhR transactivity assay were analysed in blood samples from Danish schoolchildren and their mothers in the European framework of the DEMOCOPHES/COPHES projects. The participants were selected from an urban and a rural area, respectively. The PCB concentrations and the AhR‐TEQ (TCDD toxic equivalent) were significantly higher in schoolchildren living in the urban area compared with the rural, and for AhR‐TEQ, a strong correlation between the mothers and children was observed. We found a significant negative correlation between BMI and PCB concentrations in the children. Finally, in the mothers, there was a positive association between age and PCB concentration. These results show that both PCBs and dioxin‐like activity can be measured as biomarkers of exposure and effects in blood samples from children and women. The results indicate that people living in urban areas may be exposed to higher concentrations of PCBs, dioxins and dioxin‐like chemicals, which may lead to a greater risk of adverse effects for urban populations.
An Analytical Framework for Assessing Drug and Therapeutics Committee Structure and Work Processes in Tertiary Brazilian Hospitals
Authors: Lima‐Dellamora Elisangela da Costa , Caetano Rosângela , Gustafsson Lars L. , Godman Brian B. , Patterson Ken , Osorio‐de‐Castro Claudia Garcia Serpa
Published: February 2014

University teaching hospitals usually provide tertiary care and are subject to early adoption of new technologies, which may compromise healthcare systems when uncritically adopted. Knowledge on the decision‐making process – drug selection by drug selection committees or DTCs – is crucial to improve the quality of care. There are no models for studying the selection of drugs in Brazilian healthcare services. This study aims to discuss DTC structure and the processes regarding adoption of medicines in tertiary university hospitals in Brazil and to propose an analytical structure for providing direction for the future. State of the art content regarding drug selection processes and DTC procedures was reviewed in three databases. Information on the medicine selection process in a Brazilian gold standard teaching hospital was collected through observations and a review of existing procedures. A structured discussion on medicine selection and DTC procedures in tertiary hospitals ensued. This discussion resulted in findings that were organized in three dimensions, composing an analytical framework for the application in tertiary Brazilian hospitals (i) motivations for the adoption of drugs; (ii) necessary structural and organizational aspects for decision‐making; and (iii) criteria and methods employed by the decision‐making process. We believe that the suggested framework is compatible with tertiary Brazilian hospitals, because a gold standard in the country was able to conduct all its procedures in the light of WHO and international recommendations. We hope to contribute in producing knowledge which may hopefully be adopted in tertiary hospitals across Brazil.
Validation of the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS) in a self‐directed instructional setting aimed at working with technology
Authors: Loorbach Nicole , Peters Oscar , Karreman Joyce , Steehouder Michaël
Published: February 2014

The ARCS Model of Motivational Design has been used myriad times to design motivational instructions that focus on attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction in order to motivate students. The Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS) is a 36‐item situational measure of people's reactions to instructional materials in the light of the ARCS model. Although the IMMS has been used often, both as a pretest and a posttest tool serving as either a motivational needs assessment prior to instruction or a measure of people's reactions to instructional materials afterward, the IMMS so far has not been validated extensively, taking statistical and theoretical aspects of the survey into account. This paper describes such an extensive validation study, for which the IMMS was used in a self‐directed instructional setting aimed at working with technology (a cellular telephone). Results of structural equation modeling show that the IMMS can be reduced to 12 items. This Reduced Instructional Materials Motivation Survey IMMS (RIMMS) is preferred over the original IMMS. The parsimonious RIMMS measures the four constructs attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction of the ARCS model well, and reflects its conditional nature.
Koradia, Zahir (2013) Web radioCEMCA (New Delhi) isbn 978‐81‐88770‐08‐3 60 pp & dvd gratis (as are pdf and ePub versions from http://www.cemca.org.in/resources/books)
Authors: Deeson Eric
Published: February 2014

This invaluable little product is a freely available “manual for streaming audio on the web”. The context of its origin is the growing use in India of internet‐based community radio, and of the use of that for educational and training purposes. Tested in a CoL workshop, the manual provides a wealth of generally accessible advice and guidance for setting up such radio stations / web channels and the dvd contains the manual and the (free and open source) software needed. If the concept of this package is likely to be of interest, get a copy—you'll find it fascinating!

Eric Deeson
Oldknow, Adrian & Knights, Carol ed (2013) Mathematics education with digital technologyBloomsbury (London) isbn 978‐0‐5672‐5028‐5 272 pp £24.99 http://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/mathematics‐education‐with‐digital‐technology‐9781441184726/
Authors: Cannell Pete
Published: February 2014

This book looks at the impact of digital technologies on the teaching and learning of mathematics. The focus is on learning at school and most of the twenty‐nine invited contributions are drawn from England and the US. Mathematics education with digital technology will be of interest to school teachers, teacher‐educators and educational technologists. If it is likely to be relevant to you, I recommend that you borrow a copy for a while.

Pete Cannell
Walker, Aisha & White, Goodith (2013) Technology enhanced language learningOxford University Press (Oxford) isbn 978‐0‐19‐442368‐7 208 pp £22 https://elt.oup.com/catalogue/items/global/teacher_development/oxford_handbooks_for_language_teachers/9780194423687?cc=global&selLanguage=en&mode=hub
Authors: Oddone Cristina
Published: February 2014

Walker and White's book provides very interesting insights into the use of new information technology (IT) in language learning contexts. Not only does it show tools and ways of integrating them into teaching in practice—it also contributes to teachers’ understanding of the theoretical underpinnings and issues involved in using new information technology with language learners. The book is not an end in itself as it aims to give language teachers the means to become familiar with relevant IT and therefore to be able to keep up with the new resource types that seem to appear almost every day. Does the content of this book seem likely to be relevant to you? If so, I recommend you buy your own copy.

Cristina Oddone
Milestones in understanding platelet production: a historical overview
Authors: Kuter David J.
Published: February 2014

The discovery of thrombopoietin (TPO, also termed THPO) in 1994 was a major achievement in understanding the regulation of platelet production. In prior decades, physiological studies had demonstrated that platelets were produced from bone marrow megakaryocytes and that the megakaryocytes responded to thrombocytopenia by increasing their number, size and DNA ploidy. In 1958, it was proposed that a ‘thrombopoietin’ must exist that regulated this interaction between the circulating platelet mass and the bone marrow megakaryocytes. After over three decades of effort, TPO was finally purified by five independent laboratories. TPO stimulated megakaryocyte colony‐forming cell growth and increased the number, size and ploidy of megakaryocytes. When the genes for TPO or TPO receptor were eliminated in mice, megakaryocytes grew and platelets were made, but at 15% of their normal number. A first generation of recombinant human (rh) TPO molecules [rhTPO and pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor (PEG‐rhMGDF)] rapidly entered clinical trials in 1995 and increased platelet counts in humans undergoing non‐myeloablative chemotherapy but not in those undergoing stem cell transplantation. Antibodies developed against PEG‐rhMGDF and development of these recombinant thrombopoietins ended. A second generation of TPO receptor agonists (romiplostim and eltrombopag) was then developed. Neither of these TPO receptor agonists demonstrated any significant untoward effects and both are now licensed in many countries for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia. This review describes the significant experiments that have surrounded the discovery of TPO and its clinical development.
Social Media in Union Communications: An International Study with UNI Global Union Affiliates
Authors: Panagiotopoulos Panagiotis , Barnett Julie
Published: February 2014

This article assesses the use of social media in union communications based on an international survey with 149 unions affiliated with UNI Global Union. High expectations of union modernization, leadership and pressures from members are likely to drive the agenda of social media within unions. However, the actual use of different channels is based on organizational variables such as membership base and participation in communities of practice. Beliefs about the anticipated benefits and risks of social media were not found to be influential in these early assessments. Implications for union communication strategies are discussed.
Exploring the self‐concept of adults with mild learning disabilities
Authors: Pestana Claudio
Published: February 2014

Accessible Summary

This study tried to find out more about what people with mild learning disabilities think of themselves.

Eight adults with mild learning disabilities were interviewed individually.

Participants said that they were friendly, helpful, supportive, nice looking, artistic, knowledgeable, independent, capable and religious.

Some participants also said that they were anxious, impatient, slow, not normal and were not very mobile.

This study shows that more can be done to help people with learning disabilities think more positively about themselves.

This qualitative study aimed to add to the research on the self‐concept of adults with mild learning disabilities and to generate a deeper understanding of their self‐perceptions rather than draw generalised quantitative conclusions. Eight adults diagnosed with mild learning disabilities receiving support from a supported living project were interviewed individually using a semi‐structured interview. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data collected were qualitatively analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings revealed that the participants described themselves with mostly positive and some negative attributes in the different self‐concept domains.
Pharmacogenetic diversification by alternative translation initiation: background channels to the fore: Commentary on Kisselbach et al., Br J Pharmacol 171: 5182–5194
Authors: Abbott G W
Published: February 2014

Linked Article

This article is a Commentary on Kisselbach J, Seyler C, Schweizer PA, Gerstberger R, Becker R, Katus HA and Thomas D (2014). Modulation of K2P2.1 and K2P10.1 K+ channel sensitivity to carvedilol by alternative mRNA translation initiation. Br J Pharmacol 171: 5182–5194. doi: 10.1111/bph.12596
The μ‐opioid receptor: an electrophysiologist's perspective from the sharp end
Authors: Henderson Graeme
Published: February 2014

Morphine, the prototypical opioid analgesic drug, produces its behavioural effects primarily through activation of μ‐opioid receptors expressed in neurones of the central and peripheral nervous systems. This perspective provides a historical view of how, over the past 40 years, the use of electrophysiological recording techniques has helped to reveal the molecular mechanisms by which acute and chronic activation of μ‐opioid receptors by morphine and other opioid drugs modify neuronal function.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2
Analgesic efficacy of opioids in chronic pain: recent meta‐analyses
Authors: Reinecke H , Weber C , Lange K , Simon M , Stein C , Sorgatz H
Published: February 2014

Opioids are regularly administered in acute and cancer pain. In chronic non‐cancer pain (CNCP), however, their use is controversial. Previous meta‐analyses and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) lack methodological homogeneity and comparable data. Here we analysed the maximum analgesic efficacies of opioids and non‐opioids compared with placebo, and of physiotherapy and psychotherapy compared with active or waiting‐list controls. We screened 3647 citations and included RCTs if treatment duration was at least 3 weeks, data were sufficient for meta‐analysis, and criteria for high quality were met. Only 46 studies (10 742 patients) met the criteria. Weighted and standardized mean differences (WMD, SMD) between pain intensities were pooled to conduct separate meta‐analyses for each treatment category. At the end of treatment the WMD for pain reduction (100‐point scale) was 12.0 for ‘strong’ opioids, 10.6 for ‘weak’ opioids, 8.4 for non‐opioids (each vs. placebo), 5.5 for psychotherapy and 4.5 for physiotherapy (each vs. active controls). Dropout rates were high in pharmacological studies. The 95% confidence intervals using the outcomes of control groups did not indicate statistical differences between efficacies of the five interventions. Because not enough eligible head‐to‐head trials were available, our analysis is limited to adjusted indirect comparisons. The heterogeneity of pre‐post pain differences in control groups did not allow the definition of a common comparator. In conclusion, although there were statistically significant differences between maximum treatment efficacies, no intervention per se produced clinically important improvements in average pain intensity. Thus, opioids alone are inappropriate and multimodal treatment programmes may be required for CNCP.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2
Effects of topiramate on ethanol‐cocaine interactions and DNA methyltransferase gene expression in the rat prefrontal cortex
Authors: Echeverry‐Alzate V , Giné E , Bühler K M , Calleja‐Conde J , Olmos P , Gorriti M A , Nadal R , Rodríguez de Fonseca F , López‐Moreno J A
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose

Recent and ongoing clinical studies have indicated that topiramate (Topamax®) could be effective in treating ethanol or cocaine abuse. However, the effects of topiramate on the co‐administration of ethanol and cocaine remain largely unknown.

Experimental Approach

We studied the effects of topiramate, in Wistar rats, on operant ethanol self‐administration with the co‐administration of cocaine (i.p.). The psychomotor effects of topiramate were examined before ethanol self‐administration and cocaine exposure. Blood samples were collected to analyse ethanol and cocaine metabolism (blood ethanol levels and benzoylecgonine). Quantitative real‐time PCR was used to characterize the gene expression in the prefrontal cortex.

Key Results

Topiramate prevented the cocaine‐induced increased response to ethanol in a dose‐dependent manner without causing any motor impairment by itself. This effect was observed when topiramate was administered before ethanol access, but not when topiramate was administered before the cocaine injection. Topiramate did not block cocaine‐induced psychomotor stimulation. Topiramate reduced blood ethanol levels but did not affect cocaine metabolism. Ethanol increased the gene expression of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmt1 and Dnmt3a), the corepressor Dnmt1‐associated protein 1 (Dmap1), and the RNA methyltransferase Trdmt1. These effects were prevented by topiramate or cocaine. Gene expression of histone deacetylase‐2 and glutamate receptor kainate‐1 were only increased by cocaine treatment. Topiramate and cocaine co‐administration caused an up‐regulation of dopamine (Drd1, Th) and opioid (Oprm1) receptor genes. Topiramate showed a tendency to alter episodic‐like memory.

Conclusions and Implications

Topiramate is an effective inhibitor of the cocaine‐induced increase in operant ethanol self‐administration.
Mitigation of carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatic injury by methylene blue, a repurposed drug, is mediated by dual inhibition of GSK3β downstream of PKA
Authors: Wu Hong Min , Lee Chan Gyu , Hwang Se Jin , Kim Sang Geon
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose

Methylene blue (MB) has recently been considered for new therapeutic applications. In this study, we investigated whether MB has antioxidant and mitochondria‐protecting effects and can prevent the development of toxicant‐induced hepatitis. In addition, we explored the underlying basis of its effects.

Experimental Approach

Blood biochemistry and histopathology were assessed in mice injected with CCl4 (0.5 mL·kg−1) following MB administration (3 mg·kg−1·day−1, 3 days). Immunoblottings were performed to measure protein levels. Cell survival, H2O2, and mitochondrial superoxide and membrane permeability transition were determined in HepG2 cells.

Key Results

MB protected cells from oxidative stress induced by arachidonic acid plus iron; it restored GSH content and decreased the production of H2O2. It consistently attenuated mitochondria dysfunction, as indicated by inhibition of superoxide production and mitochondrial permeability transition. MB inhibited glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK3β) and protected the liver against CCl4. Using siRNA, the inhibition of GSK3β was shown to depend on AMPK. MB increased the activation of AMPK in vitro (3–24 h) and in vivo. MB also increased the phosphorylation of liver kinase B1 (LKB1) via cAMP‐dependent PKA. SiRNA knockdown of LKB1 eliminated phosphorylation of AMPK and inhibited MB activation of AMPK. In addition, MB treatment (≤1 h) facilitated PKA‐mediated GSK3β serine phosphorylation independently of AMPK.

Conclusions and Implications

MB has antioxidant and mitochondria‐protecting effects and protects the liver from toxicants, which results from the dual inhibition of GSK3β by AMPK downstream of PKA‐activated LKB1, and PKA itself. Our findings reveal a novel pharmacological effect of MB and its molecular basis.
Cellular signalling of non‐synonymous single‐nucleotide polymorphisms of the human μ‐opioid receptor (OPRM1)
Authors: Knapman Alisa , Connor Mark
Published: February 2014

There is significant variability in individual responses to opioid drugs, which is likely to have a significant genetic component. A number of non‐synonymous single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding regions of the μ‐opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) have been postulated to contribute to this variability. Although many studies have investigated the clinical influences of these μ‐opioid receptor variants, the outcomes are reported in the context of thousands of other genes and environmental factors, and we are no closer to being able to predict individual response to opioids based on genotype. Investigation of how μ‐opioid receptor SNPs affect their expression, coupling to second messengers, desensitization and regulation is necessary to understand how subtle changes in receptor structure can impact individual responses to opioids. To date, the few functional studies that have investigated the consequences of SNPs on the signalling profile of the μ‐opioid receptor in vitro have shown that the common N40D variant has altered functional responses to some opioids, while other, rarer, variants display altered signalling or agonist‐dependent regulation. Here, we review the data available on the effects of μ‐opioid receptor polymorphisms on receptor function, expression and regulation in vitro, and discuss the limitations of the studies to date. Whether or not μ‐opioid receptor SNPs contribute to individual variability in opioid responses remains an open question, in large part because we have relatively little good data about how the amino acid changes affect μ‐opioid receptor function.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2
Improving the translation of analgesic drugs to the clinic: animal models of neuropathic pain
Authors: Percie du Sert N , Rice A S C
Published: February 2014

Neuropathic pain remains an area of considerable unmet clinical need. Research based on preclinical animal models has failed to deliver truly novel treatment options, questioning the predictive value of these models. This review addresses the shortcomings of rodent in vivo models commonly used in the field and highlights approaches which could increase their predictivity, including more clinically relevant assays, outcome measures and animal characteristics. The methodological quality of animal studies also needs to be improved. Low internal validity and incomplete reporting lead to a waste of valuable research resources and animal lives, and ultimately prevent an objective assessment of the true predictivity of in vivo models.
PPARβ activation restores the high glucose‐induced impairment of insulin signalling in endothelial cells
Authors: Quintela A M , Jiménez R , Piqueras L , Gómez‐Guzmán M , Haro J , Zarzuelo M J , Cogolludo A , Sanz M J , Toral M , Romero M , Pérez‐Vizcaíno F , Duarte J
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose

PPARβ enhances insulin sensitivity in adipocytes and skeletal muscle cells, but its effects on insulin signalling in endothelial cells are not known. We analysed the effects of the PPARβ/δ (PPARβ) agonists, GW0742 and L165041, on impaired insulin signalling induced by high glucose in HUVECs and aortic and mesenteric arteries from diabetic rats.

Experimental Approach

Insulin‐stimulated NO production, Akt‐Ser473 and eNOS‐Ser1177 phosphorylation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were studied in HUVECs incubated in low‐ or high‐glucose medium. Insulin‐stimulated relaxations and protein phosphorylation in vessels from streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats were also analysed.

Key Results

HUVECs incubated in high‐glucose medium showed a significant reduction in insulin‐stimulated production of NO. High glucose also reduced insulin‐induced Akt‐Ser473 and eNOS‐Ser1177 phosphorylation, increased IRS‐1‐Ser636 and ERK1/2‐Thr183‐Tyr185 phosphorylation and increased ROS production. The co‐incubation with the PPARβ agonists GW0742 or L165041 prevented all these effects induced by high glucose. In turn, the effects induced by the agonists were suppressed when HUVEC were also incubated with the PPARβ antagonist GSK0660, the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK)4 inhibitor dichloroacetate or after knockdown of both PPARβ and PDK4 with siRNA. The ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059, ROS scavenger catalase, inhibitor of complex II thenoyltrifluoroacetone or uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, carbonyl cyanide m‐chlorophenylhydrazone, also prevented glucose‐induced insulin resistance. In STZ diabetic rats, oral GW0742 also improved insulin signalling and the impaired NO‐mediated vascular relaxation.

Conclusion and Implications

PPARβ activation in vitro and in vivo restores the endothelial function, preserving the insulin‐Akt‐eNOS pathway impaired by high glucose, at least in part, through PDK4 activation.
Physical predictors, behavioural/emotional attributes and neurochemical determinants of dominant behaviour
Authors: Chichinadze Konstantin , Chichinadze Nodar , Gachechiladze Ledi , Lazarashvili Ann , Nikolaishvili Marina
Published: February 2014

Significant differences in physical and behavioural/emotional/cognitive predictors and attributes, as well as of neurochemical inducers of behaviour, between dominant and subordinate animals are discussed. It is still unknown whether these factors are the causes of differences between dominants and subordinates, or vice versa whether the differences between dominants and subordinates are the origin of differences in these factors. The possibility is discussed that no differences exist among juveniles in the concentrations of neurochemical agents (known in the literature as determinants of dominance) between the brains of future dominants and future subordinates. We describe a study design that makes the assessment of the ‘original’ neurochemical profile of the brain possible.