bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional roles of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in the dorsal striatum
Authors: Do Jeehaeh , Kim Jae-Ick , Bakes Joseph , Lee Kyungmin , Kaang Bong-Kiun
Published: December 2012

The dorsal striatum, with its functional microcircuits galore, serves as the primary gateway of the basal ganglia and is known to play a key role in implicit learning. Initially, excitatory inputs from the cortex and thalamus arrive on the direct and indirect pathways, where the precise flow of information is then regulated by local GABAergic interneurons. The balance of excitatory and inhibitory transmission in the dorsal striatum is modulated by neuromodulators such as dopamine and acetylcholine. Under pathophysiological states in the dorsal striatum, an alteration in excitatory and inhibitory transmission may underlie dysfunctional motor control. Here, we review the cellular connections and modulation of striatal microcircuits and propose that modulating the excitatory and inhibitory balance in synaptic transmission of the dorsal striatum is important for regulating locomotion.
Radiation damage to biological macromolecules: some answers and more questions
Authors: Garman Elspeth F. , Weik Martin
Published: December 2012

Research into radiation damage in macromolecular crystallography has matured over the last few years, resulting in a better understanding of both the processes and timescales involved. In turn this is now allowing practical recommendations for the optimization of crystal dose lifetime to be suggested. Some long-standing questions have been answered by recent investigations, and from these answers new challenges arise and areas of investigation can be proposed. Six papers published in this volume give an indication of some of the current directions of this field and also that of single-particle cryo-microscopy, and the brief summary below places them into the overall framework of ongoing research into macromolecular crystallography radiation damage.
Meeting sustainability challenges of mega‐event flagships
Authors: Deng Ying , Poon S.W.
Published: December 2012

Purpose

A mega‐event flagship (MEF) refers to a popular instrument developed for staging a mega‐event and catalyzing area‐based urban regeneration. Despite its lasting appeal and controversial nature, insufficient research on its critical early stage has been done to provide useful analysis. When the clients lack appropriate capabilities to confront sustainability challenges, MEFs may end up functioning poorly in the post‐event era and even hindering the progress of intended renewals. The purpose of this study is to enhance MEF clients’ capabilities in meeting sustainability challenges at the early stage and ultimately producing responsible MEFs of enduring worth.

Design/methodology/approach

The multiple‐case study method was adopted due to its widely recognized reliance on multiple sources to facilitate in‐depth analyses. Data were collected through archival records, documentation, direct observation and participant observation.

Findings

By proposing a comprehensive development framework based on the findings of multiple‐case studies, this paper corrects a misunderstanding of such a development being an end in itself, and contributes new insights into the definitional early stage of MEFs.

Social implications

The fact that MEFs are a global phenomenon as well as a local undertaking leads to a need to develop a database of useful lessons and critical decisions from previous MEFs, to establish a best practice targets system in future research.

Originality/value

As an initial attempt, this paper lays the groundwork for research on MEFs by investigating how mega‐event hosts have prepared in meeting its sustainability challenges.
A historical perspective of counterproductive work behavior targeting the organization
Authors: Klotz Anthony C. , Buckley M. Ronald
Published: December 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to chronicle the study of deviant behavior aimed at the organization, or CWB‐O, from the dawn of the Industrial Revolution to the present day.

Design/methodology/approach

Counterproductive work behaviors that have been documented and studied since the Industrial Revolution were systematically reviewed and discussed.

Findings

Over the past few centuries, employees have engaged in behaviors that harm their organizations; as organizations have become more complex, however, employees have found many more ways to engage in CWB‐O. Further, recent advances in technology have made employee CWB‐O much more ambiguous.

Research limitations/implications

The study of CWB‐Os will remain a rich area for researchers as the boundaries between work and personal life continue to blur, as employees develop new forms of CWB‐O, and as employers increase their use of technology to detect employee deviance.

Practical implications

As the penetration of technology into job roles grows and the use of personal mobile devices becomes institutionalized, managers now must decide how much company time they will tolerate their employees spending on personal issues while at work. Put another way, managers must cope with the reality that a certain amount of what was once considered deviant behavior in the workplace may now be a minimum expectation of employees.

Originality/value

This paper builds a historical foundation of the present conceptualization of CWB‐O, thereby providing scholars with a greater understanding of what past events drove the emergence of the types of CWB‐O that are prevalent today and why some counterproductive behaviors may have become less prevalent.
Modeling in vitro cholesterol reduction in relation to growth of probiotic Lactobacillus casei
Authors: Kumar Alok , Kumar Mukesh , Ghosh Moushumi , Ganguli Abhijit
Published: December 2012

Lactobacillus casei LA‐1 isolated from a nondairy fermented source was evaluated for its in vitro ability to reduce cholesterol. The bacterium tested positive for bile salt deconjugation in relation to cholesterol removal. Tested growth‐associated physiological variables such as pH, temperature and inoculum size were all found to have significant effects on in vitro cholesterol reduction and biomass production (both P < 0.005). Furthermore, a central composite design was used to evaluate the effects of significant variables and their interactions. A linear regression model was developed for in vitro cholesterol reduction as a function of growth‐associated variables. Maximum cholesterol reduction achieved was 45% whereas maximum biomass yield of 2.34 optical density was observed at the central point. Our study possibly indicates that the growth of L. casei LA‐1 depends on its cholesterol removing ability.
Imaging of intrarenal haemodynamics and oxygen metabolism
Authors: Liss Per , Cox Eleanor F , Eckerbom Per , Francis Sue T
Published: December 2012

The interruption of blood flow results in impaired oxygenation and metabolism. This can lead to electrophysiological changes, functional impairment and symptoms in quick succession. Quantitative measures of organ perfusion, perfusion reserve and tissue oxygenation are crucial to assess normal tissue metabolism and function.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a number of quantitative methods to assess physiology in the kidney. Blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) MRI provides a method for the assessment of oxygenation. Blood flow to the kidney can be assessed using phase contrast MRI. Dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI and arterial spin labelling (ASL) provide methods to assess tissue perfusion, ASL using the magnetization of endogenous water protons and thus providing a non‐invasive method to assess perfusion. The application of diffusion‐weighted MRI allows molecular motion in the kidney to be measured. Novel techniques can also be used to assess oxygenation in the renal arteries and veins and, combined with flow measures, provide an estimation of oxygen metabolism.

Magnetic resonance imaging provides a synergy of non‐invasive techniques to study renal function and the demand for these techniques is likely to be driven by the incentive to avoid the use of contrast media, to avoid radiation and to avoid complications with intervention procedures.
Contradictions around differentiation for pupils with dyslexia learning English as a Foreign Language at secondary school
Authors: Rontou Maria
Published: December 2012

This article deals with differentiation of teaching methods and extra time in class for pupils with dyslexia by English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers in two Greek state secondary schools. Activity theory is applied to analyse the contradictions that emerge around the issue of differentiation for pupils with dyslexia from data compiled from interviews with teachers, pupils and parents and field notes from lesson observations across two schools. The analysis shows that contradictions are created when participants try to achieve their goals for differentiation by lack of teachers’ knowledge, inadequate diagnosis, unclear school and Ministry policy, short duration of lessons and the number of pupils in class. The findings suggest the necessity of teacher training in dyslexia and the improvement of school and Ministry policy.
Assisting secondary support teachers to work in the recommended service delivery model: introducing the concept of a subculture of learning support
Authors: Todd Nicole Ann
Published: December 2012

The original concept of a subculture of learning support in secondary schools developed from a study of ‘Support Teachers, Learning Difficulties’ in New South Wales, Australia. The study examined the influence of school culture on the service delivery model used by these support teachers in three case studies, one of which is reported in this article. Both research and policy recommend consultation and co‐teaching with a minimum of withdrawal of students with learning difficulties for intensive instruction. To employ the recommended service delivery model it was found that support teachers need to be immersed in a subculture of learning support within the school, which involves interacting with others who share similar values and beliefs about the education of students with learning difficulties. If such a subculture does not exist the support teacher must play a major role in its development. The use of the recommended service delivery model will enhance the education provided for students with learning difficulties.
Peripherally inserted central catheters in infants and children – indications, techniques, complications and clinical recommendations
Authors: WESTERGAARD B. , CLASSEN V. , WALTHER‐LARSEN S.
Published: December 2012

Venous access required both for blood sampling and for the delivery of medicines and nutrition is an integral element in the care of sick infants and children. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) have been shown to be a valuable alternative to traditional central venous devices in adults and neonates. However, the evidence may not extrapolate directly to older paediatric patients. In this study, we therefore review the indications, methods of insertion and complications of PICC lines for children beyond the neonatal age to provide clinical recommendations based on a search of the current literature. Although the literature is heterogeneous with few randomised studies, PICCs emerge as a safe and valuable option for intermediate‐ to long‐term central venous access in children both in and out of hospital. Insertion can often be performed in light or no sedation, with little risk of perioperative complications. Assisted visualisation, preferably with ultrasound, yields high rates of insertion success. With good catheter care, rates of mechanical, infectious and thrombotic complications are low and compare favourably with those of traditional central venous catheters. Even in the case of occlusion or infection, fibrinolytics and antibiotic locks often allow the catheter to be retained.
Relationship Between Toll‐like Receptor‐4 and mPGES‐1 Gene Expression in Local Lesions of Endometriosis Patients
Authors: Hayashi Chuyu , Chishima Fumihisa , Sugitani Masahiko , Ichikawa Go , Nakazawa‐Watanabe Teine , Sugita Kenji , Suzuki Manami , Nemoto Norimichi , Yamamoto Tatsuo
Published: December 2012

Problem

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are innate immune receptors that mediate the pattern recognition of, and response toward, pathogens and host‐derived danger signals. We reported that cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES) mRNA were expressed in cases of endometriosis. The relationship between COX‐2, mPGES‐1, and TLR4 in endometriotic lesions has yet to be determined.

Method of study

Endometriosis samples were obtained from 37 patients with endometrial cysts. Endometrial tissues were obtained from patients undergoing surgical procedures for benign gynecological conditions. COX‐2, mPGES‐1, and TLR4 mRNA expressions were examined by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR) and mPGES‐1, and TLR4 protein localization was examined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

TLR4 proteins were mostly located to the glandular epithelium. The immunoreactivities of TLR4 and mPGES‐1 from endometriosis lesions were significantly higher than those in eutopic endometrium in the proliferative phase. The expression levels of mPGES‐1 mRNA in peritoneal endometriosis were higher than those in eutopic endometrium in the proliferative phase. The expression of TLR4 mRNA correlates with that of mPGES‐1 mRNA and not with that of COX‐2 in endometriotic lesions.

Conclusion

Relationship between TLR4 and mPGES‐1 mRNA in endometriotic lesions indicate that innate immunity may play an important role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
The importance of social and ideal social dimensions in self‐congruity research
Authors: Kim Ji‐Hern , Hyun Yong J.
Published: December 2012

Chronic or situational self‐construal moderates the effects of four self‐congruity (SC) dimensions (i.e., actual, ideal, social, and ideal social) on brand evaluations. Past research has mainly focused on the actual and ideal SC effects; these effects have been found to be stronger than the social and ideal social SC effects. However, the findings of past research are based on samples from individualistic cultures. Individualists have a dominant independent self‐construal. We conduct two experiments to show that the social and ideal social SC effects are stronger than the actual and ideal SC effects for individuals with a dominant interdependent self‐construal. In Study 1, using samples from collectivistic cultures, four SC effects are compared. In Study 2, we examine how primed self‐construal, whether independent or interdependent, impacts the four SC effects. This research documents the importance of the social and ideal social dimensions in SC research.
A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial testing the effects of acupuncture on allergic rhinitis
Authors: Choi S. M. , Park J.‐E. , Li S.‐S. , Jung H. , Zi M. , Kim T.‐H. , Jung S. , Kim A. , Shin M. , Sul J.‐U. , Hong Z. , Jiping Z. , Lee S. , Liyun H. , Kang K. , Baoyan L.
Published: December 2012

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment for allergic rhinitis.

Methods

This study was a multicenter, randomized, parallel‐controlled study. Participants were randomized to either the active acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or waitlist groups. The active and sham acupuncture groups received acupuncture treatment three times per week for 4 weeks. In the sham group, minimal acupuncture at nonacupuncture points was used. The waitlist group did not receive any acupuncture treatment.

Results

Of the 238 participants, 97, 94, and 47 individuals were assigned to the active acupuncture, sham acupuncture, and waitlist group, respectively. After the treatment, the difference in the total nasal symptom score (TNSS) was significantly reduced in the active acupuncture group compared with the sham acupuncture (difference: −1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.96, −0.09, P = 0.03) and waitlist (difference: −2.49, 95% CI: −3.68, −1.29, P < 0.0001). The active acupuncture group exhibited a significant change in the total non‐nasal symptom score (TNNSS) compared with the waitlist (difference: −0.78, 95% CI: −1.22, −0.34, P = 0.0002), but not the sham acupuncture group (difference; 0.15, 95% CI: −0.21, 0.5, P = 0.56). Both active and sham acupuncture treatments resulted in significant improvements in TNSS and TNNSS compared to baseline.

Conclusion

Active acupuncture showed a significantly greater effect on symptoms of allergic rhinitis than either sham acupuncture or no active treatment. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis decreased significantly after treatment in the both acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups. Acupuncture appears to be an effective and safe treatment for allergic rhinitis.
A double‐blinded randomised controlled study of the value of sequential intravenous and oral magnesium therapy in patients with chronic low back pain with a neuropathic component
Authors: Yousef A. A. , Al‐deeb A. E.
Published: December 2012

Persistent mechanical irritation of the nerve root sets up a series of events mediating sensitisation of the dorsal roots and dorsal horns in the spinal cord. Current evidence supports the role of magnesium in blocking central sensitisation through its effect on N‐methyl–d‐aspartate receptors. We studied the role of sequential intravenous and oral magnesium infusion in patients with chronic low back pain with a neuropathic component. We recruited a cohort of 80 patients with chronic low back pain with a Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Signs and Symptoms pain scale score ≥ 12, who were receiving a physical therapy programme. All patients were treated with anticonvulsants, antidepressants and simple analgesics; in addition 40 patients received placebo for 6 weeks (control group), while the other 40 patients received an intravenous magnesium infusion for 2 weeks followed by oral magnesium capsules for another 4 weeks (magnesium group). Patients were asked to rate their pain using a numerical rating scale. Lumbar spine range of motion was also determined using a long‐arm goniometer. In the magnesium group, the patients’ numerical rating scales revealed a significant reduction in pain intensity. The mean (SD) pre‐treatment value was 7.5 (2.2) compared with 4.7 (1.8) at 6 months (p = 0.034). The reduction in pain intensity was accompanied by significant improvement in lumbar spine range of motion during the follow‐up period. The mean (SD) values of flexion, extension and lateral flexion movements before treatment and at 6‐month follow up were 22.2 (8.4) vs 34.7 (11.5) (p = 0.018), 11.8 (3.4) vs 16.9 (3.5) (p = 0.039), 11.4 (3.6) vs 17.2 (4.4) (p = 0.035), respectively. Our findings show that a 2‐week intravenous magnesium infusion followed by 4 weeks of oral magnesium supplementation can reduce pain intensity and improve lumbar spine mobility during a 6‐month period in patients with refractory chronic low back pain with a neuropathic component.
Temperature‐size relations from the cellular‐genomic perspective
Authors: Hessen Dag O. , Daufresne Martin , Leinaas Hans P.
Published: December 2012

A family of empirically based ecological ‘rules’, collectively known as temperature‐size rules, predicts larger body size in colder environments. This prediction is based on studies demonstrating that a wide range of ectotherms show increased body size, cell size or genome size in low‐temperature habitats, or that individuals raised at low temperature become larger than conspecifics raised at higher temperature. There is thus a potential for reduction in size with global warming, affecting all levels from cell volume to body size, community composition and food webs. Increased body size may be obtained either by increasing the size or number of cells. Processes leading to changed cell size are of great interest from an ecological, physiological and evolutionary perspective. Cell size scales with fundamental properties such as genome size, growth rate, protein synthesis rates and metabolic activity, although the causal directions of these correlations are not clear. Changes in genome size will thus, in many cases, not only affect cell or body size, but also life‐cycle strategies. Symmetrically, evolutionary drivers of life‐history strategies may impact growth rate and thus cell size, genome size and metabolic rates. Although this goes to the core of many ecological processes, it is hard to move from correlations to causations. To the extent that temperature‐driven changes in genome size result in significant differences among populations in body size, allometry or life‐cycle events such as mating season, it could serve as a fast route to speciation. We offer here a novel perspective on the temperature‐size rules from a ‘bottom‐up’ perspective: how temperature may induce changes in genome size, and thus implicitly in cell size and body size of metazoans. Alternatively: how temperature‐driven enlargement of cells also dictates genome‐size expansion to maintain the genome‐size to cell‐volume ratio. We then discuss the different evolutionary drivers in aquatic versus terrestrial systems, and whether it is possible to arrive at a unifying theory that also may serve as a predictive tool related to temperature changes. This, we believe, will offer an updated review of a basic concept in ecology, and novel perspectives on the basic biological responses to temperature changes from a genomic perspective.
Putative Impact of RNA Editing on Drug Discovery
Authors: Decher Niels , Netter Michael F. , Streit Anne K.
Published: December 2012

Virtually all organisms use RNA editing as a powerful post‐transcriptional mechanism to recode genomic information and to increase functional protein diversity. The enzymatic editing of pre‐mRNA by ADARs and CDARs is known to change the functional properties of neuronal receptors and ion channels regulating cellular excitability. However, RNA editing is also an important mechanism for genes expressed outside the brain. The fact that RNA editing breaks the ‘one gene encodes one protein’ hypothesis is daunting for scientists and a probable drawback for drug development, as scientists might search for drugs targeting the ‘wrong’ protein. This possible difficulty for drug discovery and development became more evident from recent publications, describing that RNA editing events have profound impact on the pharmacology of some common drug targets. These recent studies highlight that RNA editing can cause massive discrepancies between the in vitro and in vivo pharmacology. Here, we review the putative impact of RNA editing on drug discovery, as RNA editing has to be considered before using high‐throughput screens, rational drug design or choosing the right model organism for target validation.
Oral health‐related quality of life among Brazilian preschool children
Authors: Scarpelli Ana Carolina , Paiva Saul Martins , Viegas Cláudia Marina , Carvalho Anita Cruz , Ferreira Fernanda Morais , Pordeus Isabela Almeida
Published: December 2012

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of oral health conditions on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in population‐based sample of Brazilian preschool children. A further aim was to identify the influence of socio‐demographic profile and perceptions regarding general health and oral health status on OHRQoL.

Methods

An epidemiological survey was carried out at public and private preschools in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The sample consisted of 1632 5‐year‐old male and female preschoolers randomly selected using a multi‐stage sampling technique and their parents/caregivers. Oral examinations of the children were performed by a single, previously calibrated examiner for the assessment of dental caries experience, malocclusion, traumatic dental injury and developmental defects of enamel. Caregivers were asked to complete the Brazilian Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B‐ECOHIS) and a form on socio‐demographic data. Descriptive, bivariate and adjusted Poisson regression model analyses were carried out.

Results

In the child section of the B‐ECOHIS, OHRQoL was negatively impacted by decayed, missing and filled teeth [prevalence ratios (PR) = 2.18; 95% CI, 1.88–2.52], position of the child among siblings in the family (PR = 1.20; 95% CI, 1.04–1.39), type of preschool (PR = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.10–1.69), age of parents/caregivers (PR = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.04–1.34), monthly household income (PR = 1.48; 95% CI, 1.18–1.85) and perception of the child's general health status (PR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.06–1.51). In the family section, the adjusted results demonstrated a negative impact on OHRQoL associated with dental caries experience (PR = 3.40; 95% CI, 2.83–4.08), age of parents/caregivers (PR = 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01–1.33) and monthly household income (PR = 1.41; 95% CI, 1.16–1.72).

Conclusions

Dental caries experience was the only normative criteria with a negative impact on OHRQoL. Families with low income and younger parents reported a greater impact on quality of life. According to parents' perceptions, a poor general health status rating was related to poorer quality of life among the children.
Identification of seven novel SMPD1 mutations causing Niemann–Pick disease types A and B
Authors: Irun P , Mallén M , Dominguez C , Rodriguez‐Sureda V , Alvarez‐Sala LA , Arslan N , Bermejo N , Guerrero C , Perez de Soto I , Villalón L , Giraldo P , Pocovi M
Published: December 2012

Niemann–Pick disease (NPD) types A and B are autosomal, recessively inherited, lysosomal storage disorders caused by deficient activity of acid sphingomyelinase (E.C. 3.1.4.12) because of mutations in the sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase‐1 (SMPD1) gene. Here, we present the molecular analysis and clinical characteristics of 15 NPD type A and B patients. Sequencing the SMDP1 gene revealed eight previously described mutations and seven novel mutations including four missense [c.682T>C (p.Cys228Arg), c.1159T>C (p.Cys387Arg), c.1474G>A (p.Gly492Ser), and c.1795C>T (p.Leu599Phe)], one frameshift [c.169delG (p.Ala57Leufs*20)] and two splicing (c.316+1G>T and c.1341delG). The most frequent mutations were p.Arg610del (21%) and p.Gly247Ser (12%). Two patients homozygous for p.Arg610del and initially classified as phenotype B showed different clinical manifestations. Patients homozygous for p.Leu599Phe had phenotype B, and those homozygous for c.1341delG or c.316+1G>T presented phenotype A. The present results provide new insight into genotype/phenotype correlations in NPD and emphasize the difficulty of classifying patients into types A and B, supporting the idea of a continuum between these two classic phenotypes.
Probabilistic cue combination: less is more
Authors: Yurovsky Daniel , Boyer Ty W. , Smith Linda B. , Yu Chen
Published: December 2012

Learning about the structure of the world requires learning probabilistic relationships: rules in which cues do not predict outcomes with certainty. However, in some cases, the ability to track probabilistic relationships is a handicap, leading adults to perform non‐normatively in prediction tasks. For example, in thedilution effect, predictions made from the combination of two cues of different strengths are less accurate than those made from the stronger cue alone. Here we show thatdilutionis an adult problem; 11‐month‐old infants combine strong and weak predictors normatively. These results extend and add support for theless is morehypothesis: limited cognitive resources can lead children to represent probabilistic information differently from adults, and this difference in representation can have important downstream consequences for prediction.
Patterning and cell fate in the inner ear: a case for Notch in the chicken embryo
Authors: Neves Joana , Abelló Gina , Petrovic Jelena , Giraldez Fernando
Published: December 2012

The development of the inner ear provides a beautiful example of one basic problem in development, that is, to understand how different cell types are generated at specific times and domains throughout embryonic life. The functional unit of the inner ear consists of hair cells, supporting cells and neurons, all deriving from progenitor cells located in the neurosensory competent domain of the otic placode. Throughout development, the otic placode resolves into the complex inner ear labyrinth, which holds the auditory and vestibular sensory organs that are innervated in a highly specific manner. How does the early competent domain of the otic placode give rise to the diverse specialized cell types of the different sensory organs of the inner ear? We review here our current understanding on the role of Notch signaling in coupling patterning and cell fate determination during inner ear development, with a particular emphasis on contributions from the chicken embryo as a model organism. We discuss further the question of how these two processes rely on two modes of operation of the Notch signaling pathway named lateral induction and lateral inhibition.
The environment and the origins of islet autoimmunity and Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Eringsmark Regnéll S. , Lernmark Å.
Published: December 2012

Type 1 diabetes involves the specific destruction of the pancreatic islet β‐cells, eventually resulting in a complete dependency of exogenous insulin. The clinical onset of diabetes is preceded by the appearance of autoantibodies against β‐cell antigens. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region is the single most important genetic determinant of Type 1 diabetes susceptibility, yet variability in the HLA region has been estimated to explain only approximately 60% of the genetic influence of the disease. Over 50 identified non‐HLA genetic polymorphisms support the notion that genetics alone cannot explain Type 1 diabetes. Several lines of evidence indicate that environmental triggers may be integral in inducing the onset of islet autoimmunity in genetically susceptible individuals. The association between environmental factors and the clinical onset is complicated by observation that the rate of progression to clinical onset may be affected by environmental determinants. Hence, the environment may be aetiological as well as pathogenic. Putative inductive mechanisms include viral, microbial, diet‐related, anthropometric and psychosocial factors. Ongoing observational cohort studies such as The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study aim to ascertain environmental determinants that may trigger islet autoimmunity and either speed up or slow down the progression to clinical onset in subjects with persistent islet autoimmunity.
Do Episodic Migraineurs Selectively Attend to Headache‐Related Visual Stimuli?
Authors: McDermott Michael J. , Peck Kelly R. , Walters A. Brooke , Smitherman Todd A.
Published: December 2012

Objective.—

To assess pain‐related attentional biases among individuals with episodic migraine.

Background.—

Prior studies have examined whether chronic pain patients selectively attend to pain‐related stimuli in the environment, but these studies have produced largely mixed findings and focused primarily on patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Limited research has implicated attentional biases among chronic headache patients, but no studies have been conducted among episodic migraineurs, who comprise the overwhelming majority of the migraine population.

Methods.—

This was a case‐control, experimental study. Three hundred and eight participants (mean age = 19.2 years [standard deviation = 3.3]; 69.5% female; 36.4% minority), consisting of 84 episodic migraineurs, diagnosed in accordance with International Classification of Headache Disorders (2nd edition) criteria using a structured diagnostic interview, and 224 non‐migraine controls completed a computerized dot probe task to assess attentional bias toward headache‐related pictorial stimuli. The task consisted of 192 trials and utilized 2 emotional‐neutral stimulus pairing conditions (headache‐neutral and happy‐neutral).

Results.—

No within‐group differences for reaction time latencies to headache vs happy conditions were found among those with episodic migraine or among the non‐migraine controls. Migraine status was unrelated to attentional bias indices for both headache (F [1,306] = 0.56, P = .45) and happy facial stimuli (F [1,306] = 0.37, P = .54), indicating a lack of between‐group differences. Lack of within‐ and between‐group differences was confirmed with repeated measures analysis of variance.

Conclusions.—

In light of the large sample size and prior pilot testing of presented images, results suggest that episodic migraineurs do not differentially attend to headache‐related facial stimuli. Given modest evidence of attentional biases among chronic headache samples, these findings suggest potential differences in attentional processing between chronic and episodic headache subforms.
HyFlex nickel–titanium rotary instruments after clinical use: metallurgical properties
Authors: Shen Y. , Coil J. M. , Zhou H. , Zheng Y. , Haapasalo M.
Published: December 2012

Aim

To analyse the type and location of defects in HyFlex CM instruments after clinical use in a graduate endodontic programme and to examine the impact of clinical use on their metallurgical properties.

Methodology

A total of 468 HyFlex CM instruments discarded from a graduate endodontic programme were collected after use in three teeth. The incidence and type of instrument defects were analysed. The lateral surfaces of the defect instruments were examined by scanning electron microscopy. New and clinically used instruments were examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and x‐ray diffraction (XRD). Vickers hardness was measured with a 200‐g load near the flutes for new and clinically used axially sectioned instruments. Data were analysed using one‐way anova or Tukey's multiple comparison test.

Results

Of the 468 HyFlex instruments collected, no fractures were observed and 16 (3.4%) revealed deformation. Of all the unwound instruments, size 20, .04 taper unwound the most often (n = 5) followed by size 25, .08 taper (n = 4). The trend of DSC plots of new instruments and clinically used (with and without defects) instruments groups were very similar. The DSC analyses showed that HyFlex instruments had an austenite transformation completion or austenite‐finish (Af) temperature exceeding 37 °C. The Af temperatures of HyFlex instruments (with or without defects) after multiple clinical use were much lower than in new instruments (P < 0.05). The enthalpy values for the transformation from martensitic to austenitic on deformed instruments were smaller than in the new instruments at the tip region (P < 0.05). XRD results showed that NiTi instruments had austenite and martensite structure on both new and used HyFlex instruments at room temperature. No significant difference in microhardness was detected amongst new and used instruments (with and without defects).

Conclusions

The risk of HyFlex instruments fracture in the canal is very low when instruments are discarded after three cases of clinical use. New HyFlex instruments were a mixture of martensite and austenite structure at body temperature. Multiple clinical use caused significant changes in the microstructural properties of HyFlex instruments. Smaller instruments should be considered as single‐use.
Biocompatibility of BioAggregate and mineral trioxide aggregate on the liver and kidney
Authors: Khalil W. A. , Eid N. F.
Published: December 2012

Aim

To investigate and compare the systemic toxic effect of DiaRoot BioAggregate and grey ProRoot Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) on the liver and kidney after 7 and 30 days.

Methodology

Forty‐two white albino rats were divided into two main groups. Group (1), considered the control group (n = 18), was further divided into two subgroups. The negative control subgroup (n = 6) received no treatment. The empty tube subgroup (n = 12) received empty sterile Teflon tubes. In Group (2), considered the experimental group (n = 24), the rats were divided equally into two subgroups. One subgroup received MTA, whilst the other received BioAggregate. The materials in the Teflon tubes were implanted subcutaneously in the dorsal side of the rats. Blood samples were taken to investigate the change of kidney and liver functions on day 7 and day 30. The liver and kidney organs were subjected to histopathological examination and calculation of the number of inflammatory cells. Data analysis was performed using one‐way anova with post hoc multiple comparisons with the Tukey's test. Student's t‐test was used to compare the changes in liver and kidney functions amongst the groups.

Results

On day 7, a significantly more severe inflammatory reaction was observed in both experimental subgroups compared with the control (P < 0.05); the severity decreased after 30 days. The kidney functions were not affected after 7 days but had subsequently increased after 30 days (P < 0.001). Liver functions increased after 7 days and had decreased in the BioAggregate subgroup after 30 days, whilst in the MTA subgroup, a continuous increase in the level of liver function was observed.

Conclusions

Mineral trioxide aggregate had adverse effects on the liver and kidney that were significantly more severe than BioAggregate but with no permanent damage.
Revisiting Paradigm(s) in Management Research: A Rhetorical Analysis of the Paradigm Wars
Authors: Shepherd Craig , Challenger Rose
Published: December 2012

Kuhn's concept of paradigm and Burrell and Morgan's paradigms continue to exert considerable influence on contemporary thinking in business and management research. Indeed, recent contributions to the ‘paradigm wars’ have provoked scholars to remark upon the longevity of this debate. Consequently, this paper argues that it is timely to revisit the concepts of paradigm(s) and the controversy surrounding them. It begins by discussing how Kuhn's and Burrell and Morgan's paradigm(s) are underpinned by structural linguistics and how scholars have argued this is problematized by deconstruction. Next, the methodology describes the literature search, offers a brief introduction to rhetoric, and introduces the form of rhetorical analysis employed in this study. Moving on, a rhetorical analysis of key articles from the paradigm wars is presented. This develops understanding of this dispute by illustrating how it is inherently dialogic; arguments for paradigm incommensurability, paradigm integration, paradigm pluralism and paradigm dissolution are constructed to counter each other. The paper identifies three main rhetorical strategies employed by scholars in these arguments: constructing identities for individuals and groups by attributing assumptions, values and interests to them; transferring agency to concepts; and managing accountability for their claims. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of the analysis for understanding of the paradigm wars, the concept of paradigm incommensurability, and the practice of reflecting on one's own metatheoretical assumptions. Finally, potential applications of rhetorical analysis to contemporary debates in management research are identified.
Morpho‐anatomical and molecular characterization of the mycorrhizas of European Polygala species
Authors: Rath M. , Weber H. C. , Imhof S.
Published: December 2012

The mycorrhizas of 12 species of Polygala (Polygalaceae), including herbs, subshrubs and one shrub, collected from Germany, Mallorca (Spain) and Malta, were investigated by morpho‐anatomical and molecular methods. Aseptate hyphae, arbuscules and vesicles indicate an arbuscular mycorrhiza in all species examined. Hyphal spread in Polygala is predominantly, but not exclusively, intracellular and comprises three characteristic stages of colonization: (i) intracellular, linear hyphal growth in a cascading manner after penetration towards the penultimate parenchyma layer (layer 2), (ii) initially linear hyphal growth in the cells of layer 2 from where hyphal branches repeatedly penetrate the anatomically distinct innermost parenchyma layer (layer 1), forming arbuscule‐like structures therein which are subject to degeneration, (iii) more branches from the linear hyphae in layer 2 develop, but coil and make contact to the layer outside layer 2 (layer 3) in which arbuscule‐like structures similar to those in layer 1 form and degenerate. This general colonization pattern differs in details between the species, and critical comparisons, in particular between the woody P. myrtifolia, the herbaceous Polygala spp. and the mycoheterotrophic Epirixanthes spp. (Polygalaceae) suggest an evolutionary shift of mycorrhizal features within the family towards an optimization of plant benefit through the fungus. Based on the molecular marker 18S rDNA mycorrhizal fungi detected in roots of Polygala spp. are largely restricted to five clades of Glomeraceae 1 (Glomus Group A). This result rejects the hypothesis of a strict symbiotic specificity in Polygalaceae but may stimulate a discussion on functionally compatible groups of fungi.
Peduncular hallucinosis secondary to central pontine myelinolysis
Authors: Walterfang Mark , Goh Anita , Mocellin Ramon , Evans Andrew , Velakoulis Dennis
Published: December 2012

Peduncular hallucinations are generally associated with lesions in the midbrain. They have rarely been associated with central pontine myelinolysis, a condition associated with rapid alterations in serum sodium and chronic alcoholism. Described herein is the case of a 46‐year‐old man who developed typical peduncular hallucinations, whose imaging demonstrated central pontine myelinolysis. After alcohol cessation and neuroimaging resolution, the patient's hallucinatory phenomena abated.
Experience in dermomyofascial pouch coverage of immediate implants following skin sparing reduction mastectomy
Authors: Chang Ling‐Yun , Hargreaves Warren , Segara Davendra , Moisidis Elias
Published: December 2012

Background

Mastectomy for breast cancer treatment and prophylaxis has improved survival for patients. The advantage of implant reconstruction post mastectomy is that it avoids an additional donor site with its associated morbidity, which post‐mastectomy autologous reconstruction necessitates. However, the deficiency of muscle coverage at the lower pole of the implant meant it relied on only skin envelope coverage, and thus has the established complication of implant exposure or infection should the skin break down. In 2006, Nava devised a technique for a single‐stage reconstruction using definitive breast implants with two‐layer coverage of the lower pole with a vascularized dermal layer, as well as the traditional skin envelope, in women with preoperative large ptotic breasts. We present our experience with single‐stage implant breast reconstruction using this technique.

Method

A retrospective review of the medical and operative records as well as patients' photographs was undertaken for consecutive patients from November 2009 to April 2011. These patients were selected for the procedure based on set criteria. We describe our surgical technique for this procedure.

Result

In the 18‐month period, 6 patients underwent 11 skin sparing reduction mastectomy (SSRM) implant reconstructions. Follow‐up ranged from 5 to 19 months. The mean length of hospital stay was 7.2 days (range was 2–15 days). One breast out of 11 reconstructions developed an infected seroma 8 months post‐operatively, requiring aspiration and intravenous antibiotics. One breast out of 11 developed T junction skin necrosis and associated cellulitis but the breast implant was protected by a visibly vascularized dermal flap and, thus, was not exposed. One breast developed a minor vertical wound dehiscence.

Conclusion

In our initial experience, SSRM is a safe and effective method of immediate implant‐based breast reconstruction.
Near‐infrared fluorescence imaging to facilitate super‐selective arterial clamping during zero‐ischaemia robotic partial nephrectomy
Authors: Borofsky Michael S. , Gill Inderbir S. , Hemal Ashok K. , Marien Tracy P. , Jayaratna Isuru , Krane Louis S. , Stifelman Michael D.
Published: December 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

There is concern that warm ischaemia time during partial nephrectomy may have an adverse impact on postoperative renal function. As a result, there is increased interest in developing a safe and effective method for performing non‐ischaemic partial nephrectomy. Several novel approaches have recently been described.

We present our initial experience performing zero‐ischaemia partial nephrectomy using near‐infrared fluorescence imaging to facilitate super‐selective arterial clamping. We report the operative and early postoperative outcomes from such cases as compared with a matched cohort of patients undergoing traditional partial nephrectomy with clamping of the main renal artery. We show that this technique is both safe and effective and may lead to improved renal preservation at short‐term follow‐up.

Objective

To describe a novel technique of eliminating renal ischaemia during robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) using near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging.

Patients and Methods

Over an 8‐month period (March 2011 to November 2011), 34 patients were considered for zero‐ischaemia RPN using the da Vinci NIRF system.

Targeted tertiary/higher‐order tumour‐specific branches were controlled with robotic bulldog(s) or neurosurgical aneurysm micro‐bulldog(s). Indocyanine green dye was given, and NIRF imaging used to confirm super‐selective ischaemia, defined as darkened tumour/peri‐tumour area with green fluorescence of remaining kidney.

Matched pair analysis was performed by matching each patient undergoing zero‐ischaemia RPN (n = 27) to a previous conventional RPN (n = 27) performed by the same surgeon.

Results

Of 34 patients, 27 (79.4%) underwent successful zero‐ischaemia RPN; seven (20.6%) required conversion to main renal artery clamping (ischaemia time <30 min) for the following reasons: persistent tumour fluorescence after clamping indicating inadequate tumoral devascularization (n = 5), and parenchymal bleeding during RPN (n = 2).

Matched‐pair analysis showed comparable outcomes between cohorts, except for longer operating time (256 vs 212 min, P = 0.02) and superior kidney function (reduction of estimated glomerular filtration rate (−1.8% vs −14.9%, P = 0.03) in the zero‐ischaemia cohort. All surgical margins were negative.

Conclusions

In this pilot study, we show that zero‐ischaemia RPN with NIRF is a safe alternative to conventional RPN with main renal artery clamping.

Eliminating global ischaemia may improve functional outcomes at short‐term follow‐up.