bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of using social software in higher and further education teaching and learning
Authors: Schroeder A. , Minocha S. , Schneider C. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractSocial software is increasingly being used in higher and further education to support teaching and learning processes. These applications provide students with social and cognitive stimulation and also add to the interaction between students and educators. However, in addition to the benefits the introduction of social software into a course environment can also have adverse implications on students, educators and the education institution as a whole, a phenomenon which has received much less attention in the literature. In this study we explore the various implications of introducing social software into a course environment in order to identify the associated benefits, but also the potential drawbacks. We draw on data from 20 social software initiatives in UK‐based higher and further education institutions to identify the diverse experiences and concerns of students and educators. The findings are presented in form of a SWOT analysis, which allows us to better understand the otherwise ambiguous implications of social software in terms of its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. From the analysis we have derived concrete recommendations for the use of social software as a teaching and learning tool.
Role of staphylococcal wall teichoic acid in targeting the major autolysin Atl
Authors: Schlag Martin , Biswas Raja , Krismer Bernhard , Kohler Thomas , Zoll Sebastian , Yu Wenqi , Schwarz Heinz , Peschel Andreas , Götz Friedrich 
Published: January 2010

SummaryStaphylococcal cell separation depends largely on the bifunctional autolysin Atl that is processed to amidase‐R1,2 and R3‐glucosaminidase. These murein hydrolases are targeted via repeat domains (R) to the septal region of the cell surface, thereby allowing localized peptidoglycan hydrolysis and separation of the dividing cells. Here we show that targeting of the amidase repeats is based on an exclusion strategy mediated by wall teichoic acid (WTA). In Staphylococcus aureus wild‐type, externally applied repeats (R1,2) or endogenously expressed amidase were localized exclusively at the cross‐wall region, while in ΔtagO mutant that lacks WTA binding was evenly distributed on the cell surface, which explains the increased fragility and autolysis susceptibility of the mutant. WTA prevented binding of Atl to the old cell wall but not to the cross‐wall region suggesting a lower WTA content. In binding studies with ConcanavalinA‐fluorescein (ConA‐FITC) conjugate that binds preferentially to teichoic acids, ConA‐FITC was bound throughout the cell surface with the exception of the cross wall. ConA binding suggest that either content or polymerization of WTA gradually increases with distance from the cross‐wall. By preventing binding of Atl, WTA directs Atl to the cross‐wall to perform the last step of cell division, namely separation of the daughter cells.
Behaviour problems of patients with Moebius sequence and parental stress
Authors: Briegel Wolfgang , Hofmann Christina , Schwab K Otfried 
Published: January 2010

Aim:  Moebius sequence is a rare condition usually defined as congenital facial paralysis with congenital impairment of ocular abduction. At present, there is little information on behavioural problems, parental stress and possible relationships between these factors. To fill this gap, this study investigated these aspects relevant for counselling.Methods:  Parents of 4–17 year old subjects known to the German Möbius syndrome foundation were anonymously asked to fill out several questionnaires, for example, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)4–18.Results:  The primary care givers of 41/58 subjects (70.7%) sent back filled‐out questionnaires. Ten subjects did not meet the inclusion criteria; 15 males and 16 females (4; 7–17; 0 years, median age: 10; 7 years) were included. Ten out of 31 subjects were rated as clinical on at least one CBCL scale; three had a total problem score in the clinical range. Social problems were the most important problems with rates of 12–17‐year old subjects being about five times as high as those of younger subjects.Compared with the general population, but not with other parents of mentally and/or physically handicapped children, the primary care givers experienced higher levels of stress, which were correlated to anxious/depressed behaviour, aggressive behaviour, externalising problems and total problem score of the children. The older a child the higher the primary care giver's life satisfaction was.Conclusions:  Social problems seem to be frequent among 4–17‐year old subjects with Moebius sequence, and primary care givers show increased strain. Therefore, families with an affected child need early and adequate support.
Proposed epidemiological case definition for serious skin infection in children
Authors: O'Sullivan Cathryn E , Baker Michael G 
Published: January 2010

Aim:  Researching the rising incidence of serious skin infections in children is limited by the lack of a consistent and valid case definition. We aimed to develop and evaluate a good quality case definition, for use in future research and surveillance of these infections.Methods:  We tested the validity of the existing case definition, and then of 11 proposed alternative definitions, by assessing their screening performance when applied to a population of paediatric skin infection cases identified by a chart review of 4 years of admissions to a New Zealand hospital.Results:  Previous studies have largely used definitions based on the International Classification of Diseases skin infection subchapter. This definition is highly specific (100%) but poorly sensitive (61%); it fails to capture skin infections of atypical anatomical sites, those secondary to primary skin disease and trauma, and those recorded as additional diagnoses. Including these groups produced a new case definition with 98.9% sensitivity and 98.8% specificity.Conclusion:  Previous analyses of serious skin infection in children have underestimated the true burden of disease. Using this proposed broader case definition should allow future researchers to produce more valid and comparable estimates of the true burden of these important and increasing infections.
New acoustic method for detecting upper airway obstruction in patients with sleep apnoea
Authors: STOCKX Elaine M. , CAMILLERI Peter , SKUZA Elizabeth M. , CHURCHWARD Thomas , HOWES Julie M. , HO Michael , MCDONALD Timothy , FREEZER Nicholas , HAMILTON Garun , WILKINSON Malcolm H. , BERGER Philip J. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  OSA is a common disorder resulting in health and economic burdens. Currently identifying OSA in patients involves expensive techniques that require overnight studies in a laboratory setting with qualified staff. This paper tests a new acoustic device (AirwayClear (AC)) for assessing upper airway patency in human subjects with OSA. We hypothesize that obstructive apnoeas would be detected equally well with AC and polysomnography (PSG).Methods:  Twenty‐three patients with severe OSA underwent an overnight CPAP titration study. We introduced pseudorandom noise (600–1200 Hz) using AC to the patient's nasal mask during 1 h of subtherapeutic CPAP. AC determined a measure of airway patency based on the level of pseudorandom noise reaching a sternal notch sensor. The ability of AC to detect obstructive respiratory events was compared with standard PSG.Results:  Three hundred and twenty‐two obstructive events (obstructive and mixed apnoeas) were identified by PSG. AC scored 80% as complete obstructions and 16% as partial obstructions. Conversely, AC detected 281 complete obstructions. PSG recognized 84% as apnoeas and scored 11% as hypopnoeas. Of the 204 hypopnoeas identified with PSG, AC indicated the airway was partially or completely obstructed in 69% of patients. A Bland–Altman analysis for the apnoeas from the two measures showed a mean difference of 2.3 events/h and 95% confidence intervals of ±15.5 events/h.Conclusions:  We conclude that AC is able to track airway patency and to identify airway closure in patients with OSA.
Genetic susceptibility in tuberculosis
Authors: YIM Jae‐Joon , SELVARAJ Paramasivam 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTThe importance of host genetic factors in determining susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB) has been studied extensively using various methods, such as case‐control, candidate gene and genome‐wide linkage studies. Several important candidate genes like human leucocyte antigen/alleles and non‐human leucocyte antigen genes, such as cytokines and their receptors, chemokines and their receptors, pattern recognition receptors (including toll‐like receptors, mannose binding lectin and the dendritic cell‐specific intercellular adhesion molecule‐3 grabbing nonintegrin), solute carrier family 11A member 1 (formerly known as natural resistance‐associated macrophage protein 1) and purinergic P2X7 receptor gene polymorphisms, have been associated with differential susceptibility to TB in various ethnic populations. This heterogeneity has been explained by host–pathogen and gene–environment interactions and evolutionary selection pressures. Although the achievements of genetics studies might not yet have advanced the prevention and treatment of TB, researchers have begun to widen their scope of investigation to encompass these practical considerations.
Advances in the diagnosis of tuberculosis
Authors: LANGE Christoph , MORI Toru 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTTuberculosis ranges among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A diagnostic approach to a patient with possible tuberculosis includes a detailed medical history and clinical examination as well as radiological, microbiological, immunological, molecular‐biological and histological investigations, where available. Recently, important advances have been achieved in these fields that have led to substantial improvements in the accuracy and the timing of the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Novel methods allow for a better identification of latently infected individuals who are at risk of developing active tuberculosis, they also offer the possibility for a rapid diagnosis of active tuberculosis in patients with negative sputum smears for acid‐fast bacilli and enable prompt identification of drug‐resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis directly from respiratory specimen with a high accuracy. In addition, promising methods that will further optimize the diagnosis of tuberculosis are under development. In the future, therapeutic interventions based on the results of novel diagnostic procedures can be made earlier leading to improvements in patient care.
High concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor reduce stretch‐induced apoptosis of alveolar type II cells
Authors: KUHN Hartmut , KRÜGER Saskia , HAMMERSCHMIDT Stefan , WIRTZ Hubert 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is strongly expressed in the alveolar epithelium. VEGF has been shown to exhibit protective as well as injurious effects in ARDS/acute lung injury. We therefore investigated the influence of VEGF in a model of stretch‐induced apoptosis.Methods:  Isolated rat alveolar type II (ATII) cells were subjected to high‐amplitude cyclic mechanical stretch (40 per minute, 30% change in surface area) for 24 h. VEGF gene expression was investigated by real‐time reverse transcription‐PCR. Concentrations of VEGF in culture supernatants of stretched cells were determined by ELISA. Apoptosis of cells following stretching was assessed by flow cytometry.Results:  Vascular endothelial growth factor gene expression increased during the first 4 h of stretching and then declined to a similar level to that of static control cells. VEGF concentrations in cell supernatants increased in response to mechanical stretch, as compared with those in supernatants of static control cells. Incubation of ATII cells with higher concentrations of VEGF (50 ng/mL) during stretching inhibited apoptosis, presumably by restoring stretch‐impaired phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase signalling. However, blocking free VEGF in the supernatant with an anti‐VEGF antibody did not influence stretch‐induced apoptosis.Conclusions:  These findings suggest that high‐amplitude mechanical stretch induced secretion of VEGF, which in high concentrations, may prevent stretch‐induced apoptosis. In this model, however, the protective influence of VEGF was not essential for survival of ATII cells subjected to high‐amplitude mechanical stretch.
1p36 deletion syndrome associated with Prader–Willi‐like phenotype
Authors: Tsuyusaki Yu , Yoshihashi Hiroshi , Furuya Noritaka , Adachi Masanori , Osaka Hitoshi , Yamamoto Kayono , Kurosawa Kenji 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground:  1p36 deletion syndrome is one of the most common subtelomeric deletion syndromes, characterized by moderate to severe mental retardation, characteristic facial appearance, hypotonia, obesity, and seizures. The clinical features often overlap with those of Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). To elucidate the phenotype–genotype correlation in 1p36 deletion syndrome, two cases involving a PWS‐like phenotype were analyzed on molecular cytogenetics.Methods:  Two patients presenting with the PWS‐like phenotype but having negative results for PWS underwent fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The size of the chromosome 1p36 deletions was characterized using probes of BAC clones based on the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) Genome Browser.Results:  PWS was excluded on FISH and methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction. Subsequent FISH using the probe D1Z2 showed deletion of the 1p36.3 region, confirming the diagnosis of 1p36 deletion syndrome. Further analysis characterized the 1p36 deletions as being located between 4.17 and 4.36 Mb in patient 1 and between 4.89 and 6.09 Mb in patient 2.Conclusion:  Patients with 1p36 deletion syndrome exhibit a PWS‐like phenotype and are therefore probably underdiagnosed. The possible involvement of the terminal 4 Mb region of chromosome 1p36 in the PWS‐like phenotype is hypothesized.
Relationship between resistin and aPAI‐1 levels with insulin resistance in Saudi children
Authors: Al‐Daghri Nasser M. , Al‐Attas Omar S. , Alokail Majed S. , Alkharfy Khalid M. , Draz Hossam M. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground:  Association of resistin with insulin resistance (IR) in humans is still controversial and few studies have investigated the association of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) with IR in children. The purpose of the present study was therefore to evaluate serum levels of resistin and active PAI‐1 (aPAI‐1) in Saudi children and their association with the various obesity‐related complications.Methods:  In this cross‐sectional study, 73 boys and 77 girls with varying body mass index (BMI) were recruited. They were assessed for anthropometric measures and fasting serum levels of glucose, insulin, lipid profile, resistin, angiotensin II (ANG II) and aPAI‐1.Results:  Resistin was positively correlated with hips (r = 0.33, P < 0.01), waist (r = 0.23, P < 0.05) and BMI (r = 0.33, P < 0.01). The association of resistin with the markers of obesity was also significant in girls but lost significance in boys. aPAI‐1 was positively correlated with total cholesterol (r = 0.24; P < 0.01), triglycerides (r = 0.2, P < 0.05), HOMA‐IR (r = 0.26, P < 0.01) and insulin (r = 0.26, P < 0.01). The significant association of aPAI‐1 with IR was also true in girls but lost significance in boys.Conclusion:  Resistin is not correlated with IR and further studies are needed to explore the role of resistin especially in childhood obesity. In contrast, increased levels of PAI‐1 may contribute to the risk of cardiovascular diseases related to obesity and insulin resistance in children. The observed gender‐related differences in the association between resistin, aPAI‐1 with obesity markers and IR could be attributed to sexual dimorphism in body fat distribution.
Nicotine facilitates long‐term potentiation induction in oriens‐lacunosum moleculare cells via Ca2+ entry through non‐α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Jia Yousheng , Yamazaki Yoshihiko , Nakauchi Sakura , Ito Ken‐Ichi , Sumikawa Katumi 
Published: January 2010

AbstractHippocampal inhibitory interneurons have a central role in the control of network activity, and excitatory synapses that they receive express Hebbian and anti‐Hebbian long‐term potentiation (LTP). Because many interneurons in the hippocampus express nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), we explored whether exposure to nicotine promotes LTP induction in these interneurons. We focussed on a subset of interneurons in the stratum oriens/alveus that were continuously activated in the presence of nicotine due to the expression of non‐desensitizing non‐α7 nAChRs. We found that, in addition to α2 subunit mRNAs, these interneurons were consistently positive for somatostatin and neuropeptide Y mRNAs, and showed morphological characteristics of oriens‐lacunosum moleculare cells. Activation of non‐α7 nAChRs increased intracellular Ca2+ levels at least in part via Ca2+ entry through their channels. Presynaptic tetanic stimulation induced N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor‐independent LTP in voltage‐clamped interneurons at −70 mV when in the presence, but not absence, of nicotine. Intracellular application of a Ca2+ chelator blocked LTP induction, suggesting the requirement of Ca2+ signal for LTP induction. The induction of LTP was still observed in the presence of ryanodine, which inhibits Ca2+ ‐induced Ca2+ release from ryanodine‐sensitive intracellular stores, and the L‐type Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine. These results suggest that Ca2+ entry through non‐α7 nAChR channels is critical for LTP induction. Thus, nicotine affects hippocampal network activity by promoting LTP induction in oriens‐lacunosum moleculare cells via continuous activation of non‐α7 nAChRs.
Wittgenstein and Ebersole
Authors: Mosedale Frederick E. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractFrank B. Ebersole died recently. Here I remind philosophers of the thinking of this reclusive philosopher who brought out the value of Wittgenstein's dictum that philosophers should “bring words back from their metaphysical to their everyday use.” I illustrate Ebersole's singular thinking by focusing on his philosophical investigation of Wittgenstein's family resemblance metaphor.
Introducing maternal morbidity audit in the Netherlands
Authors: van Dillen J , Mesman JAJM , Zwart JJ , Bloemenkamp KWM , van Roosmalen J 
Published: January 2010

Please cite this paper as: van Dillen J, Mesman J, Zwart J, Bloemenkamp K, van Roosmalen J. Introducing maternal morbidity audit in the Netherlands. BJOG 2010;117:416–421.Objective  To describe the panel audit process and to identify substandard care in selected women from a nationwide prospective cohort study into severe acute maternal morbidity (SAMM) in the Netherlands.Design  Prospective audit of selected women with SAMM.Setting  Eight audit meetings held throughout the Netherlands.Population  All pregnant women in the Netherlands.Methods  Before each meeting, SAMM details of selected women were sent to all panel members for individual assessment by completing an audit form. During a subsequent plenary meeting, findings were discussed and substandard care factors as judged by the majority of assessors were scored.Main outcome measures  Incidence of substandard care and recommendations for improving the quality of care.Results  Substandard care was identified in 53 of 67 women (79%). Specific recommendations were formulated concerning the procedure of audit and concerning local as well as national management guidelines.Conclusion  Our findings reflect SAMM in the Netherlands and substandard care is present in four out of five women. Ongoing audit of women with SAMM is promoted both at local and national level.
Role of Dopamine D1 Receptors and Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinase in the Motivational Properties of Acetaldehyde as Assessed by Place Preference Conditioning
Authors: Spina Liliana , Longoni Rosanna , Vinci Stefania , Ibba Federico , Peana Alessandra T. , Muggironi Giulia , Spiga Saturnino , Acquas Elio 
Published: January 2010

Background:  The role of dopamine D1 receptors and Extracellular signal Regulated Kinase (ERK) in the motivational properties of drugs can be studied by place‐conditioning. Recent advances have shown that the motivational properties of ethanol, determined by place‐conditioning, are mediated by its metabolic conversion into acetaldehyde. To date, the role of D1 receptors and ERK activation in acetaldehyde‐elicited place preference has not been determined. The aim of this study was to assess the role of D1 receptors blockade and MEK inhibition in the acquisition of acetaldehyde‐elicited conditioned place preference.Methods:  Male Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to repeated pairings with 1 compartment of the conditioning apparatus immediately following acetaldehyde (20 mg/kg i.g.) or ethanol (1 g/kg i.g.) administration. The D1 receptor antagonist, SCH 39166 (50 μg/kg s.c.), was administered 10 minutes before acetaldehyde or ethanol administration. In order to study the role of activated ERK in the acetaldehyde‐elicited place preference, rats were administered the MEK inhibitor, PD98059 (1, 30, and 90 μg i.c.v.), 10 or 30 minutes before acetaldehyde. To verify the specificity of these effects, we also studied whether PD98059 pretreatment could affect morphine (1 mg/kg s.c.)‐elicited place preference.Results:  Both acetaldehyde and ethanol elicited significant place preferences and these were prevented by pretreatment with SCH 39166. In addition, pretreatment with PD98059, dose (30 and 90 but not 1 μg i.c.v.) and time (10 but not 30 minutes before) dependently, prevented the acquisition of acetaldehyde‐ and significantly reduced the acquisition of morphine‐elicited conditioned place preference.Conclusions:  These results confirm that acetaldehyde and ethanol elicit conditioned place preference and demonstrate that D1 receptors are critically involved in these effects. Furthermore, the finding that PD98059 prevents the acquisition of acetaldehyde‐elicited conditioned place preference highlights the importance of the D1 receptor–ERK pathway in its motivational effects.