bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling cognitive affective biases in major depressive disorder using rodents
Authors: Hales Claire A , Stuart Sarah A , Anderson Michael H , Robinson Emma S J
Published: January 2014

Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects more than 10% of the population, although our understanding of the underlying aetiology of the disease and how antidepressant drugs act to remediate symptoms is limited. Major obstacles include the lack of availability of good animal models that replicate aspects of the phenotype and tests to assay depression‐like behaviour in non‐human species. To date, research in rodents has been dominated by two types of assays designed to test for depression‐like behaviour: behavioural despair tests, such as the forced swim test, and measures of anhedonia, such as the sucrose preference test. These tests have shown relatively good predictive validity in terms of antidepressant efficacy, but have limited translational validity. Recent developments in clinical research have revealed that cognitive affective biases (CABs) are a key feature of MDD. Through the development of neuropsychological tests to provide objective measures of CAB in humans, we have the opportunity to use ‘reverse translation’ to develop and evaluate whether similar methods are suitable for research into MDD using animals. The first example of this approach was reported in 2004 where rodents in a putative negative affective state were shown to exhibit pessimistic choices in a judgement bias task. Subsequent work in both judgement bias tests and a novel affective bias task suggest that these types of assay may provide translational methods for studying MDD using animals. This review considers recent work in this area and the pharmacological and translational validity of these new animal models of CABs.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Animal Models in Psychiatry Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue-20
Modeling of Compound Profiling Experiments Using Support Vector Machines
Authors: Balfer Jenny , Heikamp Kathrin , Laufer Stefan , Bajorath Jürgen
Published: January 2014

Profiling of compounds against target families has become an important approach in pharmaceutical research for the identification of hits and analysis of selectivity and promiscuity patterns. We report on modeling of profiling experiments involving 429 potential inhibitors and a panel of 24 different kinases using support vector machine (SVM) techniques and naïve Bayesian classification. The experimental matrix contained many different activity profiles. SVM predictions achieved overall high accuracy due to consistently low false‐positive and consistently high true‐negative rates. However, predictions for promiscuous inhibitors were affected by false‐negative rates. Combined target‐based SVM classifiers reached or exceeded the performance of SVM profile prediction methods and were superior to Bayesian classification. The classifiers displayed different prediction characteristics including diverse combinations of false‐positive and true‐negative rates. Predicted and experimentally observed compound activity profiles were compared in detail, revealing activity patterns modeled with different accuracy.
A Bifurcated Proteoglycan Binding Small Molecule Carrier for siRNA Delivery
Authors: Gooding Matt , Adigbli Derick , Edith Chan A. W. , Melander Roberta J. , MacRobert Alexander J. , Selwood David L.
Published: January 2014

A wider application of siRNA‐ and miRNA‐ based therapeutics is restricted by the currently available delivery systems. We have designed a new type of small molecule carrier (SMoC) system for siRNA modeled to interact with cell surface proteoglycans. This bifurcated SMoC has similar affinity for the model proteoglycan heparin to an equivalent polyarginine peptide and exhibits significant mRNA knockdown of protein levels comparable to lipofectamine and the previously reported linear SMoC.
Socioeconomic factors and mortality in diastolic heart failure
Authors: Schockmel Matthieu , Agrinier Nelly , Jourdain Patrick , Alla François , Eicher Jean‐Christophe , Coulon Patrice , Druelle Justine , Mulak Geneviève , Danchin Nicolas , Thilly Nathalie , Juillière Yves ,   the ODIN cohort participants
Published: January 2014

Background

Mortality in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) has remained stable over recent decades. Few studies have explored prognostic characteristics specifically inHFPEF, and none of them has assessed the potential impact of socioeconomic factors. We aimed to evaluate the impact of socioeconomic factors on all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality inHFPEFpatients.

Materials and methods

We used data from the FrenchODINcohort. All patients with heart failure and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) > 45%, included inODINbetween July 2007 and July 2010, were eligible here. Socioeconomic, demographic, clinical, biological and therapeutic data were collected at inclusion. The endpoints were all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality between inclusion and 30 September 2011. The impact of patient socioeconomic characteristics on mortality was assessed using Cox regression models.

Results

Of 575HFPEFpatients considered, 58·6% were male; their mean age was 71·1 ± 13·5 years, and their meanLVEFwas 58·1 ± 8·5%. After adjustment for confounders, living alone and limitations on activities of daily living were associated with all‐cause mortality [HR = 1·77, 95%CI(1·11–2·81) and 2·61(1·35–5·03), respectively] and cardiovascular mortality [2·26 (1·24–4·10) and 3·16 (1·33–7·54), respectively]. Having a professional occupation was associated with a lower cardiovascular mortality only [0·37(0·15–0·94)].

Conclusions

Poor social conditions impair survival in patients withHFPEF. These findings may shed new light on how best to detectHFPEFpatients with high health‐care needs.
Communication and professionalism skills of a new graduate: the expectations and experiences of dental foundation trainers
Authors: Gilmour A. S. M. , Jones R. J. , Cowpe J. G. , Bullock A. D.
Published: January 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate dental foundation year 1 (DF1) trainers' expectations of the dental graduate specifically in relation to non‐clinical (professionalism and communication) skills and to explore whether these expectations were being met.

Method

In the UK, dental graduates undertake 1 year of foundation training prior to being permitted to undertake NHS practice. An online survey was distributed to DF1 trainers via all 11 English deaneries and the Northern Ireland deanery. Demographic information and a general view of trainers' expectations of a new trainee were collected. Specific questions relating to six generic trainee problems were followed by 11 ability statements where trainers indicated their expectation of a trainee's ability to perform the skill on a 5‐point scale (on own with confidence–unable to undertake). Statements were repeated and trainers were required to respond using the same scale in relation to experience of their current trainee.

Results

Five hundred and ten (53%) trainers completed the questionnaire with no missing data. Expectations were high with almost 50% of trainers expecting a new graduate to manage a full list of patients on their own. Experience of new graduates did not always match these expectations. Of concern was the ability to ‘keep accurate patient records’ and ‘self‐reflection and knowing when to seek help’, where a small proportion of trainers experienced difficulties.

Conclusions

Trainers' expectation and experience in relation to non‐clinical skills of a new graduate were investigated. Although they had high expectations, the majority reported only minor problems overall. There were a few areas where concern was raised.
Cbln1 downregulates the formation and function of inhibitory synapses in mouse cerebellar Purkinje cells
Authors: Ito‐Ishida Aya , Kakegawa Wataru , Kohda Kazuhisa , Miura Eriko , Okabe Shigeo , Yuzaki Michisuke
Published: January 2014

The formation of excitatory and inhibitory synapses must be tightly coordinated to establish functional neuronal circuitry during development. In the cerebellum, the formation of excitatory synapses between parallel fibers and Purkinje cells is strongly induced by Cbln1, which is released from parallel fibers and binds to the postsynaptic δ2 glutamate receptor (GluD2). However, Cbln1's role, if any, in inhibitory synapse formation has been unknown. Here, we show that Cbln1 downregulates the formation and function of inhibitory synapses between Purkinje cells and interneurons. Immunohistochemical analyses with an anti‐vesicular GABA transporter antibody revealed an increased density of interneuron–Purkinje cell synapses in the cbln1‐null cerebellum. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings from Purkinje cells showed that both the amplitude and frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents were increased in cbln1‐null cerebellar slices. A 3‐h incubation with recombinant Cbln1 reversed the increased amplitude of inhibitory currents in Purkinje cells in acutely prepared cbln1‐null slices. Furthermore, an 8‐day incubation with recombinant Cbln1 reversed the increased interneuron–Purkinje cell synapse density in cultured cbln1‐null slices. In contrast, recombinant Cbln1 did not affect cerebellar slices from mice lacking both Cbln1 and GluD2. Finally, we found that tyrosine phosphorylation was upregulated in the cbln1‐null cerebellum, and acute inhibition of Src‐family kinases suppressed the increased inhibitory postsynaptic currents in cbln1‐null Purkinje cells. These findings indicate that Cbln1–GluD2 signaling inhibits the number and function of inhibitory synapses, and shifts the excitatory–inhibitory balance towards excitation in Purkinje cells. Cbln1's effect on inhibitory synaptic transmission is probably mediated by a tyrosine kinase pathway.
Ecological, historical and evolutionary determinants of modularity in weighted seed‐dispersal networks
Authors: Schleuning Matthias , Ingmann Lili , Strauß Rouven , Fritz Susanne A. , Dalsgaard Bo , Matthias Dehling D. , Plein Michaela , Saavedra Francisco , Sandel Brody , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin , Dormann Carsten F.
Published: January 2014

Modularity is a recurrent and important property of bipartite ecological networks. Although well‐resolved ecological networks describe interaction frequencies between species pairs, modularity of bipartite networks has been analysed only on the basis of binary presence–absence data. We employ a new algorithm to detect modularity in weighted bipartite networks in a global analysis of avian seed‐dispersal networks. We define roles of species, such as connector values, for weighted and binary networks and associate them with avian species traits and phylogeny. The weighted, but not binary, analysis identified a positive relationship between climatic seasonality and modularity, whereas past climate stability and phylogenetic signal were only weakly related to modularity. Connector values were associated with foraging behaviour and were phylogenetically conserved. The weighted modularity analysis demonstrates the dominating impact of ecological factors on the structure of seed‐dispersal networks, but also underscores the relevance of evolutionary history in shaping species roles in ecological communities.
Staged invasions across disparate grasslands: effects of seed provenance, consumers and disturbance on productivity and species richness
Authors: Maron John L. , Auge Harald , Pearson Dean E. , Korell Lotte , Hensen Isabell , Suding Katharine N. , Stein Claudia
Published: January 2014

Exotic plant invasions are thought to alter productivity and species richness, yet these patterns are typically correlative. Few studies have experimentally invaded sites and asked how addition of novel species influences ecosystem function and community structure and examined the role of competitors and/or consumers in mediating these patterns. We invaded disturbed and undisturbed subplots in and out of rodent exclosures with seeds of native or exotic species in grasslands in Montana, California and Germany. Seed addition enhanced aboveground biomass and species richness compared with no‐seeds‐added controls, with exotics having disproportionate effects on productivity compared with natives. Disturbance enhanced the effects of seed addition on productivity and species richness, whereas rodents reduced productivity, but only in Germany and California. Our results demonstrate that experimental introduction of novel species can alter ecosystem function and community structure, but that local filters such as competition and herbivory influence the magnitude of these impacts.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in pregnancy is associated with a vascular endothelial growth factor promoter genotype
Authors: Lunetta C. , Sansone V. A. , Penco S. , Mosca L. , Tarlarini C. , Avemaria F. , Maestri E. , Melazzini M. G. , Meola G. , Corbo M.
Published: January 2014

Background and purpose

The occurrence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) during pregnancy is uncommon and the effect of one on the other is not well described.

Methods

The clinical and genetic features of five cases of ALS are reported with an onset during pregnancy or within 1 month from delivery. Charts from 239 women with a diagnosis of ALS attending the neuromuscular clinics at the Neuromuscular Omnicentre (NEMO) and at IRCCS Policlinico San Donato from 2008 to 2011 were reviewed.

Results

Of these, 12.8% of the women in child‐bearing age had a diagnosis of ALS during pregnancy or immediately after delivery. Genetic screening of the major causative genes revealed two mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene; the analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promoter variation showed a segregation of the haplotype CA/AG (−2578C/A; −1190A/G) in patients developing ALS related to pregnancy. No effects on foetal development or neonatal course were observed.

Conclusions

Pregnancy may unmask ALS but whether this is coincidental is unclear. Hormonal and inflammatory modifications might trigger ALS in subjects with increased susceptibility to oxidative stress related to the toxic function of SOD1 or in subjects with a reduction of neuroprotective molecules such as VEGF.
Relapses in multiple sclerosis: effects of high‐dose steroids on cortical excitability
Authors: Ayache S. S. , Créange A. , Farhat W. H. , Zouari H. G. , Mylius V. , Ahdab R. , Abdellaoui M. , Lefaucheur J.‐P.
Published: January 2014

Background and purpose

High‐dose steroid administration is the usual treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse, but it remains to determine whether this treatment may act by changing the excitability of cortical circuitry.

Methods

The functional cortical effects of high‐dose steroids in 21 MS patients before and after 3 days of intravenous administration of methylprednisolone (1 g/day) for the treatment of MS relapse were studied. Investigations included various clinical scales [Kurtzke Functional System Scale (KFSS), Expanded Disability Status Scale and Fatigue Severity Scale, 10‐m walk] and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) tests of cortical excitability [resting motor threshold, recruitment curve of motor evoked potentials, short‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) at various interstimuli intervals (ISIs), cortical silent period and interhemispheric inhibition].

Results

Following steroid administration, clinical improvement was significant for the KFSS pyramidal (motor) and total scores, whilst TMS showed a reduction of SICI (mean and maximum values) and an increase of ICF at 10 ms ISI.

Conclusions

Very rapid functional changes in the excitability of cortical circuits involved in motor control can be induced by steroids, before any process of remyelination or axonal regeneration has time to occur. The net effect of steroids on the balance between intracortical GABAergic inhibition and glutamatergic facilitation was in favour of weaker inhibition or stronger facilitation, which could lead to improving the motor performance in MS patients.
Recurrent and fatal akinetic crisis in genetic‐mitochondrial parkinsonisms
Authors: Bonanni L. , Onofrj M. , Valente E. M. , Manzoli L. , De Angelis M. V. , Capasso M. , Thomas A.
Published: January 2014

Background and purpose

Akinetic crisis (AC) is the most severe and possibly lethal complication of parkinsonism. It occurs with an incidence of 3‰ Parkinson's disease patients per year, but it is not known whether genetically determined parkinsonism is more or less susceptible to this complication.

Methods

In a cohort of 756 parkinsonian patients the incidence and outcome of AC was prospectively assessed. A total of 142 of the parkinsonian patients were tested for genetic mutations because of familial parkinsonism, and 20 patients resulted positive: in four the mutation definitely involved mitochondrial functions (POLG1, PINK1), two presented with LRRK2 mutation, nine presented with GBA mutation and five presented with Park 4 different mutations.

Results

Akinetic crisis occurred in 30 patients for an incidence of 2.8‰ persons/year and was lethal in seven (23%), not dissimilarly from known incidences of this complication. Yet six of 30 patients were carriers of genetic mutations, one GBA, one LRRK2, one POLG1 and three PINK1. In POLG1 and PINK1 carriers, the syndrome was recurrent and was fatal in three. Incidence of AC was 3.0‰ in familiar parkinsonism, 21.2‰ in genetic parkinsonisms.

Conclusions

Our preliminary findings suggest that the incidence of AC is remarkably increased in carriers of these genetic mutations.
Perceived Foreign Accent: Extended Stays Abroad, Level of Instruction, and Motivation
Authors: Martinsen Rob A. , Alvord Scott M. , Tanner Joshua
Published: January 2014

Studies have examined various factors that affect pronunciation including phonetic context, style variation, first language transfer, and experience abroad. A plethora of research has also linked motivation to higher levels of proficiency in the second language. The present study uses native speaker ratings and multiple regression analysis to investigate the relationship between motivation, cultural sensitivity, and level of instruction with perceived foreign accent. Participants include adult learners of Spanish as a foreign language from several levels of formal instruction as well as students with extensive experience abroad. Data include a brief oral interview, a questionnaire, and the Intercultural Development Inventory to measure cultural sensitivity.
Lower limb gigantism, lymphedema, and painful varicosities following a thigh vascular access graft
Authors: Thompson Michael , Mathuram Thiyagarajan Umasankar , Akoh Jacob A.
Published: January 2014

Prosthetic arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) are associated with greater morbidity than autogenous arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), but their use is indicated when AVF formation is not possible. This report adds to the literature a case of lower limb gigantism, painful varicosities, and lymphedema following long‐term use of AVG in the upper thigh. The patient's past medical history included renal transplantation on the same side well before the AVG was inserted and right leg deep vein thrombosis. Suspicion of AVG thrombosis was excluded by Doppler ultrasound, which demonstrated an access flow of 1700 mL/min. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis did not identify the cause of her symptoms. Whereas functional incompetence of the iliac vein valve might be responsible for the varicosities, the extent of hypertrophy in this case raises the suspicion of lymphatic blockage possibly secondary to groin dissection undertaken at the time of graft insertion, in addition to the previous dissection at the time of transplantation. This case highlights the need for minimal groin dissection during AVG insertion, particularly in patients with a history of previous abdominopelvic surgery.
The level of C‐reactive protein in chronic hemodialysis patients: A comparative study between patients with noninfected catheters and arteriovenous fistula in two large Gulf hemodialysis centers
Authors: Sabry Alaa A. , Elshafey Eid M. , Alsaran Khalid , Shalaby Medhat , Alsherbeiny Sherrine , Abdelkader Mohamed
Published: January 2014

Hemodialysis (HD) patients have greater morbidity and mortality when they have a central venous catheter (CVC) rather than an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) access. Inflammation associated with dialysis catheter use and resultant higher C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels could have an independent adverse effect on patient outcomes. In this prospective study, we investigated whether HD catheters induce inflammation independent of infection. We compared the mean levels of the inflammatory marker (CRP) in 67 patients on maintenance HD using noninfected catheters with 86 HD patients using AVFs at Prince Salman Center for Kidney Diseases, Saudi Arabia (KSA), and Jahra Hospital, Kuwait, who met our inclusion criteria. C‐reactive protein levels were measured every 2 months over a period of 6 months using immunoturbidimetric assay. One hundred fifty‐three patients on maintenance HD for more than 6 months were included in the study, with mean age of 52.19 ± 16.06 years; 66% were males and 34% were females. Serial levels of mean CRP were statistically and significantly higher in group with noninfected catheters (1.33, 1.24, and 1.10 mg/dL) compared to those with AVFs (0.65, 0.59, and 0.68 mg/dL) with P value of 0.000. In our study, we found no relation between CRP level and age, sex, hemoglobin, albumin, calcium, phosphorus, and iPTH level in both groups. Hemodialysis patients with a catheter have a heightened state of inflammation independent of infection, and thus our study supports the avoidance of catheters and a timely conversion to AVFs with catheter removal.
The role of clinical pharmacists as perceived by Egyptian physicians
Authors: Sabry Nirmeen A , Farid Samar F
Published: January 2014

Objectives

Clinical pharmacists play an important role in ensuring the safe and rational use of medicines; however, physicians in developing countries may not always recognize the wide scope of services that a pharmacist can provide to improve patient safety and achieve clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions and experience of physicians regarding the role of the pharmacists, the pharmacists' ability to perform clinical services, their acceptance of new pharmacist roles and the extent of collaboration that can occur between the two disciplines.

Methods

In this cross-sectional survey, 583 randomly selected physicians from the Grand Cairo area were invited to complete a survey composed of 25 questions designed to determine their perceptions of the role of clinical pharmacists.

Key findings

The response rate was 53%. Of the 312 physicians who completed the questionnaire, 50.5% reported direct contact with the pharmacists using the pharmacist as a source of information about the name of the medication, side effects, drug interactions or efficacy as the main role. About one-third believed that pharmacists could be a reliable source of clinical information, identify clinically related problems or advise the physicians about medication's cost effectiveness. More than 80% agreed that physicians and clinical pharmacists should have daily cooperation, and face-to-face contact was selected to be the best method of communication.

Conclusion

Although a wide proportion of the physicians were aware of the clinical pharmacy principle, the service itself is not well promoted or applied. Greater effort needs to be directed towards increasing physicians' awareness and knowledge of the importance of clinical pharmacist and promote the benefit of the clinical pharmacy service.
THF1 mutations lead to increased basal and wound‐induced levels of oxylipins that stimulate anthocyanin biosynthesis via COI1 signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Gan Yi , Li Hong , Xie Ye , Wu Wenjuan , Li Maoyin , Wang Xuemin , Huang Jirong
Published: January 2014

Mutants defective in chloroplast development or photosynthesis are liable to accumulate higher levels of anthocyanin in photo‐oxidative stress. However, regulatory mechanisms of anthocyanin biosynthesis in the mutants remain unclear. Here, we investigated the mechanism by which the deletion of thylakoid formation1 (THF1) leads to an increased level of anthocyanin in Arabidopsis thaliana L. Physiological and genetic evidence showed that the increased level of anthocyanin in thf1 is dependent on coronatine‐insensitive1 (COI1) signaling. Our data showed that thf1 had higher levels of basal α‐linolenic acid (α‐LeA), and methyl jasmonate (JA)‐induced α‐LeA and 12‐oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA) than the wild type (WT). Consistently, expression levels of phospholipase genes including pPLAIIα and PLA‐Iγ1 were elevated in thf1. Furthermore, inhibition of lipase activity by bromoenol lactone, a specific inhibitor of plant pPLA, led to producing identical levels of anthocyanins in WT and thf1 plants. Interestingly, OPDA biosynthesis was triggered by light illumination in isolated chloroplasts, indicating that new protein import into chloroplasts is not required for OPDA biosynthesis. Thus, we conclude that the elevated anthocyanin accumulation in thf1 is attributed to an increase in JA levels. This JA‐mediated signaling to coordinate plant metabolism and growth in stress may be conserved in other photosensitive mutants.
Transition patterns across an evergreen–deciduous broad‐leaved forest ecotone: the effect of topographies
Authors: Song Kun , Kohyama Takashi S. , Da Liang Jun
Published: January 2014

Question

Topography has distinct effects on local‐scale vegetation distribution by creating heterogeneous habitats. In ecotones, which are sensitive to environmental variation, this effect on vegetation differentiation may be magnified at a regional scale. Here, we evaluate vegetation transition patterns across an evergreen–deciduous broad‐leaved forest ecotone (EDF ecotone) in eastern China, to investigate whether the transition pattern differs between two topographic positions with different habitats, and identify underlying environmental mechanisms driving variation in species‐ and trait‐based community structure.

Location

Anhui Province, China.

Methods

Across an EDF ecotone, community data were collected in 47 20 × 20‐m plots situated on upper and lower hill slopes. Trait‐based community structure was constructed based on seven functional traits and weighted by species abundance. Environmental variables were grouped into three categories: thermal conditions, water availability and edaphic variables. Trends in species richness and dominance along latitude were evaluated for both evergreen broad‐leaved species (EBT) and deciduous broad‐leaved species (DBT). Variation partitioning analysis was used to distinguish the roles of the three environmental variables in determining transition patterns within the two topographies.

Results

For both EBT and DBT, species richness showed similar transition patterns along the latitudinal gradient on both the upper and the lower slope. However, species dominance changed more abruptly on the upper than on the lower slope. Compared with edaphic variables, both thermal conditions and water availability had a larger impact on transitions across the EDF ecotone, but their relative roles differed between the upper and the lower slopes. Thermal conditions primarily explained the variation in species‐ and trait‐based community structure on the upper slope, while water availability primarily explained variation on the lower slope.

Conclusions

Our results suggest different roles of thermal conditions and water availability in determining transition patterns between the two topographies. Evergreen Castanopsis trees, having less cold tolerance, make transitions on the upper slope more sensitive to thermal conditions. Cyclobalanopsis trees, which prefer wet habitats, make the transition on the lower slope more sensitive to water availability. Based on the present findings, we predict that the EDF ecotone will become narrower and there will be a sharper boundary between the evergreen and deciduous broad‐leaved forests of eastern China under warmer and drier climate conditions.
Patient Agency Revisited: “Healing the Hidden” in South India
Authors: Sieler Roman
Published: January 2014

It is often argued that biomedicine alienates patients from doctors, from ailments and from understanding treatment processes, while indigenous and alternative healing systems are portrayed as respectful of patients and their experience. Specifically, South Indian siddha medicine has been seen as diverging from biomedicine in empowering its patients. This approach not only assumes biomedicine to be a homogeneous practice, but also lumps together diverse therapeutic techniques under the labels of “traditional” or “alternative.” Analysis of a manual subdiscipline of siddha medicine cautions against such analytic imprecision and active/passive binaries in physician–patient encounters. Practitioners of vital spot medicine claim to “heal the hidden.” They rarely communicate diagnostic insights verbally and object to auxiliary devices. However, their physical engagement with patients’ ailing bodies highlights the corporeal nature of manual medicine in particular and processual, situational, and reciprocal characteristics of curing in general.
Tainted Commons, Public Health: The Politico–Moral Significance of Cholera in Vietnam
Authors: Lincoln Martha L.
Published: January 2014

In October 2007, a series of cholera epidemics broke out in Hanoi, interrupting a moment of economic triumphalism in post‐transition Vietnam. In seeking the source of a refractory disease associated with poverty and underdevelopment, officials, media, and citizens not only identified scapegoats and proposed solutions, they also endorsed particular visions of moral conduct, social order, and public health. Controversy over cholera, a potent politico–moral symbol, expressed an imaginary of “tainted commons” (i.e., an emergent space of civil society and small‐scale entrepreneurship from which the state has partially withdrawn, while still exercising some measure of scrutiny and control). The ambiguities of this situation permitted the state to assume moral postures, evade responsibility, and deflect criticism to convenient targets. Prevalent outbreak narratives thus played on anxieties regarding specifically classed and gendered social groups, whose behavior was imagined to contravene ideals of public health and order.
A Stock Flow Consistent Analysis of a Schumpeterian Innovation Economy
Authors: Caiani Alessandro , Godin Antoine , Lucarelli Stefano
Published: January 2014

Schumpeter argued that boom and bust cycles are inherent to the rise of innovation and constitute an unavoidable consequence of the way the capitalist system reacts to the emergence of a wave of innovations. This contribution aims to describe Schumpeterian economic development in a ‘monetary theory of production’ framework, emphasizing the crucial role played by credit creation, conceived as ‘the monetary complement’ of innovation. By adopting a stock flow consistent analytical approach, we analyze both the structural change process triggered in the real economy by the emergence of innovation, and the monetary dynamics arising during the various stages of the development process.
Biochemical effects of salinity on oxygen isotope fractionation during cellulose synthesis
Authors: Ellsworth Patricia V. , Sternberg Leonel S. L.
Published: January 2014

The current isotope tree ring model assumes that 42% of the sucrose oxygen exchanges with stem water during cellulose synthesis and that the oxygen isotope biochemical fractionation is c. 27‰. However, previous studies have indicated that this model can overestimate the cellulose oxygen isotope ratio of plants under salinity or water stress. Saline stress increases soluble carbohydrates and osmolytes, which can alter exchange and biochemical fractionation during cellulose synthesis.

To test the effect of salinity as well as the synthesis of osmolytes on exchange and biochemical fractionation, we grew wild‐type and a transgenic mannitol synthesizer Arabidopsis thaliana hydroponically with fresh and saline water. We then measured the oxygen isotope ratios of leaf water, stem water and stem cellulose to determine the effects on exchange and biochemical fractionation.

Biochemical fractionation did not change, but oxygen isotope exchange was twice as high for plants grown in saline water relative to freshwater‐treated plants (0.64 and 0.3, respectively). Mannitol (osmolyte) synthesis did not affect exchange or biochemical fractionation regardless of salinity.

Increases in salinity increased oxygen isotope exchange during cellulose synthesis, which may explain the overestimation of cellulose δ18O values under saline conditions.
Assessment of Atrioventricular Conduction Following Cryoablation of Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia in Children
Authors: KIPLAPINAR NESLIHAN , ERGUL YAKUP , AKDENIZ CELAL , SAYGI MURAT , OZYILMAZ ISA , GUL ENES E. , TUZCU VOLKAN
Published: January 2014

Background

Early‐onset transient atrioventricular block (AVB) is a rare occurrence following cryoablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), despite lack of any AVB at the end of the procedure. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess AVB shortly after successful cryoablation of AVNRT in children.

Methods

A 6‐mm‐tip cryocatheter was used in 39 procedures. An 8‐mm‐tip catheter was used in 11 procedures. Twelve‐lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) and 24‐hour ambulatory ECGs were performed 24 hours prior to the procedure and immediately following the procedure. All procedures were done using the EnSite system (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA) without fluoroscopy.

Results

Although nine (18%) patients developed variable degrees of transient AVB during the procedure, all of them had normal atrioventricular (AV) conduction at the end of the procedure and did not require any intervention. Four of these patients had variable degrees of transient AVB following the procedure despite having normal AV conduction at the end of the procedure. One developed Mobitz type I AVB, which lasted for 11.5 hours, and the other three experienced 2:1 AVB, which lasted for 2, 8, and 24 hours, respectively. All patients had complete resolution of the AVB, which was also documented with the 24‐hour ambulatory ECGs after the procedure.

Conclusion

Early transient AVB can develop following AVNRT cryoablation even if AV conduction is normal at the end of the procedure. Despite the transient AVB in the initial 24 hours after the procedure in some cases, there is no evidence for ongoing AV nodal dysfunction.
Hunger and thirst numeric rating scales are not valid estimates for gastric content volumes: a prospective investigation in healthy children
Authors: Buehrer Sabin , Hanke Ursula , Klaghofer Richard , Fruehauf Melanie , Weiss Markus , Schmitz Achim
Published: January 2014

Aim

A rating scale for thirst and hunger was evaluated as a noninvasive, simple and commonly available tool to estimate preanesthetic gastric volume, a surrogate parameter for the risk of perioperative pulmonary aspiration, in healthy volunteer school age children.

Method

Numeric scales with scores from 0 to 10 combined with smileys to rate thirst and hunger were analyzed and compared with residual gastric volumes as measured by magnetic resonance imaging and fasting times in three settings: before and for 2 h after drinking clear fluid (group A, 7 ml/kg), before and for 4 vs 6 h after a light breakfast followed by clear fluid (7 ml/kg) after 2 vs 4 h (crossover, group B), and before and for 1 h after drinking clear fluid (crossover, group C, 7 vs 3 ml/kg).

Results

In 30 children aged 6.4–12.8 (median 9.8) years, participating on 1–5 (median two) study days, 496 sets of scores and gastric volumes were determined. Large inter‐ and intra‐individual variations were seen at baseline and in response to fluid and food intake. Significant correlations were found between hunger and thirst ratings in all groups, with children generally being more hungry than thirsty. Correlations between scores and duration of fasting or gastric residual volumes were poor to moderate. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that thirst and hunger rating scales cannot predict gastric content.

Conclusion

Hunger and thirst scores vary considerably inter‐ and intra‐individually and cannot predict gastric volume, nor do they correlate with fasting times in school age children.
Accuracy of manual palpation vs ultrasound for identifying the L3–L4 intervertebral space level in children
Authors: Hayes Jason , Borges Bruno , Armstrong Derek , Srinivasan Ilavajady
Published: January 2014

Background

Insertion of needles into the spinal or epidural space is an important component of modern anesthetic practice. Needles are usually inserted at or below the L3–L4 intervertebral space to minimize the risk of spinal cord injury. Manual palpation is the most common method for identifying intervertebral spaces. However, anesthesiologists are increasingly using ultrasonography to guide the placement of regional, including neuraxial, anesthetic, and analgesic blocks. We undertook an observational study to compare the accuracy of manual palpation and ultrasound for determining the L3–L4 intervertebral space level.

Methods

Thirty children 0–12 years of age undergoing lumbar puncture were enrolled. For each subject, an anesthesiologist, using the landmark palpation method, determined the point on a radio‐opaque ruler that corresponded to the L3–L4 intervertebral space. A different anesthesiologist using the ultrasound method repeated this measurement. Fluoroscopy was then used to confirm the accuracy of each technique. The proportion of inaccurate measurements and the effects of anesthesiologists’ experience, patient age, and size on the accuracy of each technique were compared.

Results

Thirty‐seven percent of measurements by the landmark palpation method were inaccurate by ≥1 levels cephalad to the L3–L4 intervertebral space. However, less experienced anesthesiologists (residents and fellows) made a disproportionate number of inaccurate measurements compared to consultants. Twenty‐three percent of measurements by the ultrasound method were inaccurate by ≥1 cephalad levels. The BMI‐for‐age percentile/weight‐for‐length percentile was higher in patients in whom either technique was inaccurate.

Conclusion

This observational study found no difference in the accuracy of landmark palpation, when performed by a consultant anesthesiologist, and ultrasound for determining the L3–L4 intervertebral space in children.
Clarifying Criminological and Social Psychological Theory: A Second Look at the Relationship between Injustice and General Strain Theory
Authors: Scheuerman Heather L.
Published: January 2014

Research in social psychology and criminology reveals a great deal of overlap when explaining the relationship between injustice and criminal or deviant behavior. The organizational justice literature examines how the major forms of justice (distributive, procedural, and interactional) combine and interact to influence criminal or deviant behaviors in the workplace. While general strain theory (GST) recognizes that injustice is an aspect of strain that fosters criminal coping in multiple contexts, it does not detail the additive and interactive effects that these types of injustice may have on crime. Nevertheless, GST can provide a useful theoretical lens for understanding how injustice facilitates criminal behavior. This article provides an overview of major findings regarding the relationship between injustice and crime according to a GST framework, concluding with a discussion of new directions for future research.
The Great Divide: Black Fraternal Ideals and Reality
Authors: Parks Gregory S. , Hughey Matthew W. , Cohen Rodney T.
Published: January 2014

Black Greek‐letter fraternities (herein after “BGLFs”) are unique and complex organizations with a rich history. Holding the ideals of high academic achievement, developing and sustaining fictive‐kinship ties, maintaining strong racial and gender identity, implementing a racial uplift agenda, and demonstrating a commitment to the perpetuity of their organizations together define BGLF members. Drawing upon the growing corpus of Black fraternity scholarship, this article first investigates the extent to which Black fraternities have remained faithful to these founding ideals. Second, it explores the ways in which Black fraternities articulate fidelity to these founding precepts. Third, it assesses the degree to which Black fraternities are currently consistent with these foundational ideals. And fourth, it examines the future of Black, collegiate‐based fraternalism in specific to contemporary challenges to BGLF's function and even existence, especially in regard to hazing. Broader implications, specifically in the legal realm, are discussed.
The Consequences of Interpersonal Rewards
Authors: Harkness Sarah
Published: January 2014

Many interpersonal processes impact social inequality, with social status and rewards playing a key role in its creation and form. In everyday interaction, people are defined not only by their categorical and/or achieved statuses, such as their gender and educational backgrounds, but also by their awards and possessions. These distinctions work together to create an understanding of who people are, what kinds of behaviors can be expected of them, how valuable their contributions should be, and the like. These expectations undergird individuals' shared and accepted social reality, with many using status and reward distinctions as shorthand for assessments of competence and worth. Questions therefore arise as to how individuals are affected by the configuration of valuable resources in their environment, namely how rewards are normatively distributed between and within social groups. Can rewards create new status groups? Can the perpetuation of inequalities based on status distinctions be impeded through the use of reward‐based interventions? I discuss the extant literature related to these topics and call for future research to more fully explore how rewards are implicated in processes of social inequality.
Of cows and men: Nationalism and Australian cow making
Authors: Fozdar Farida , Spittles Brian
Published: January 2014

This article explores why cows were identified as Australian in a public debate over the treatment of cattle in Indonesian abattoirs. Using a discursive approach applied to data extracted from media coverage, the article traces the debate, beginning with the ways Australian‐ness was constructed before moving on to consider the implications of this construction in relation to nationalism and rights. The article argues that making the cows Australian had two functions. By being treated as autochthonous they were presumed to hold a certain set of rights which justified interference in practices occurring in an independent sovereign nation. Second, the nationalism implicit in the rendering of animals as Australian functioned to contrast Australia's ‘civilisation’ with Indonesian (and Islam's) ‘barbarism’, allowing Australia to re‐assert a sense of itself as humanitarian. This was particularly relevant in a context where that humanity was in question due to Australia's treatment of asylum seekers.
Total protein measurement in canine cerebrospinal fluid: agreement between a turbidimetric assay and 2 dye‐binding methods and determination of reference intervals using an indirect a posteriori method
Authors: Riond B. , Steffen F. , Schmied O. , Hofmann‐Lehmann R. , Lutz H.
Published: January 2014

Background

In veterinary clinical laboratories, qualitative tests for total protein measurement in canine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been replaced by quantitative methods, which can be divided into dye‐binding assays and turbidimetric methods. There is a lack of validation data and reference intervals (RIs) for these assays.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to assess agreement between the turbidimetric benzethonium chloride method and 2 dye‐binding methods (Pyrogallol Red‐Molybdate method [PRM], Coomassie Brilliant Blue [CBB] technique) for measurement of total protein concentration in canineCSF. Furthermore,RIs were determined for all 3 methods using an indirect a posteriori method.

Methods

For assay comparison, a total of 118 canineCSFspecimens were analyzed. ForRIs calculation, clinical records of 401 canine patients with normalCSFanalysis were studied and classified according to their final diagnosis in pathologic and nonpathologic values.

Results

The turbidimetric assay showed excellent agreement with thePRMassay (mean bias 0.003 g/L [−0.26–0.27]). TheCBBmethod generally showed higher total protein values than the turbidimetric assay and thePRMassay (mean bias −0.14 g/L for turbidimetric andPRMassay). From 90 of 401 canine patients, nonparametric reference intervals (2.5%, 97.5% quantile) were calculated (turbidimetric assay andPRMmethod: 0.08–0.35 g/L (90%CI: 0.07–0.08/0.33–0.39);CBBmethod: 0.17–0.55g/L (90%CI: 0.16–0.18/0.52–0.61). Total protein concentration in canineCSFspecimens remained stable for up to 6 months of storage at −80°C.

Conclusions

Due to variations among methods,RIs for total protein concentration in canineCSFhave to be calculated for each method. The a posteriori method ofRIscalculation described here should encourage other veterinary laboratories to establishRIsthat are laboratory‐specific.
PHYSIOLOGIC VARIANTS, BENIGN PROCESSES, AND ARTIFACTS FROM 106 CANINE AND FELINE FDG‐PET/COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCANS
Authors: Randall Elissa , Loeber Samantha , Kraft Susan
Published: January 2014

18F‐Fluoro‐deoxyglucose positron emission computed tomography (FDG‐PET/CT) is an emerging diagnostic imaging modality in veterinary medicine; however, little published information is available on physiologic variants, benign processes, and artifacts. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the number of occurrences of non‐neoplastic disease‐related FDG‐PET/CT lesions in a group of dogs and cats. Archived FDG‐PET/CT scans were retrieved and interpreted based on a consensus opinion of two board‐certified veterinary radiologists. Non‐neoplastic disease‐related lesions were categorized as physiologic variant, benign activity, or equipment/technology related artifact. If the exact cause of hypermetabolic areas could not be determined, lesions were put into an indeterminate category. A total of 106 canine and feline FDG‐PET/CT scans were included in the study. In 104 of the 106 scans, a total of 718 occurrences of physiologic variant, areas of incidental benign activity, and artifacts were identified. Twenty‐two of 23 feline scans and 82 of 83 canine scans had at least one artifact. Previously unreported areas of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake included foci associated with the canine gall bladder, linear uptake along the canine mandible, and focal uptake in the gastrointestinal tract. Benign activity was often seen and related to healing, inflammation, and indwelling implants. Artifacts were most often related to injection or misregistration. Further experience in recognizing the common veterinary FDG physiologic variation, incidental radiopharmaceutical uptake, and artifacts is important to avoid misinterpretation and false‐positive diagnoses.