bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Group processes in medical education: learning from social identity theory
Authors: Burford Bryan 
Published: January 2012

Medical Education 2012: 46: 143–152Context The clinical workplace in which doctors learn involves many social groups, including representatives of different professions, clinical specialties and workplace teams. This paper suggests that medical education research does not currently take full account of the effects of group membership, and describes a theoretical approach from social psychology, the social identity approach, which allows those effects to be explored.Methods  The social identity approach has a long history in social psychology and provides an integrated account of group processes, from the adoption of group identity through a process of self‐categorisation, to the biases and conflicts between groups. This paper outlines key elements of this theoretical approach and illustrates their relevance to medical education.Results  The relevance of the social identity approach is illustrated with reference to a number of areas of medical education. The paper shows how research questions in medical education may be usefully reframed in terms of social identity in ways that allow a deeper exploration of the psychological processes involved. Professional identity and professionalism may be viewed in terms of self‐categorisation rather than simply attainment; the salience of different identities may be considered as influences on teamwork and interprofessional learning, and issues in communication and assessment may be considered in terms of intergroup biases.Conclusions  Social identity theory provides a powerful framework with which to consider many areas of medical education. It allows disparate influences on, and consequences of, group membership to be considered as part of an integrated system, and allows assumptions, such as about the nature of professional identity and interprofessional tensions, to be made explicit in the design of research studies. This power to question assumptions and develop deeper and more meaningful research questions may be increasingly relevant as the nature and role of the medical profession change.
A longitudinal integrated placement and medical students’ intentions to practise rurally
Authors: Roberts Chris , Daly Michele , Kumar Koshila , Perkins David , Richards Deborah , Garne David 
Published: January 2012

Medical Education 2012:

46

: 179–191Context  Integrated longitudinal rural placements are designed to promote favourable student attitudes towards and facilitate return to rural practice upon graduation. We explored the impact of an integrated placement on medical students’ attitudes towards rural practice.Methods  Data were available from interviews with 10 medical students, 15 clinical supervisors and teachers, three community health staff, and focus groups made up of medical students. Socio‐cognitive career theory gave insight into the personal, contextual and experiential factors, as well as the career barriers, that influence students’ rural practice intentions. Framework analysis was used to develop a thematic framework illustrating the key findings.Results  The longitudinal placement enabled students to achieve personal goals, and enhanced self‐efficacy beliefs and orientation towards the complex personal and professional demands of rural practice. The informal curriculum, including multifaceted interactions with patients and their families, clinical teachers and other health care staff, was a vital experiential component. Students assimilated these rich experiences into their practice and evolving notions of professional identity as rural practitioners. Some students had little intention of practising rurally, partly as a result of contextual barriers such as geographic isolation, family and relationship needs, restricted postgraduate training opportunities and limited opportunities for specialist practice.Conclusions  The richness of the informal curriculum in a longitudinal rural placement powerfully influenced students’ intentions to practise rurally. It provided an important context for learning and evolving notions of professionalism and rural professional identity. This richness could be reinforced by developing formal curricula using educational activities based around service‐led and interprofessional learning. To overcome the contextual barriers, the rural workforce development model needs to focus on socialising medical students into rural and remote medicine. More generic issues include student selection, further expansion of structured vocational training pathways that vertically integrate with longitudinal rural placements and the maintenance of rurally focused support throughout postgraduate training.
Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC) exerts a direct neuroprotective effect in a human cell culture model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Carroll C. B. , Zeissler M.‐L. , Hanemann C. O. , Zajicek J. P. 
Published: January 2012

C. B. Carroll, M.‐L. Zeissler, C. O. Hanemann and J. P. Zajicek (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 535–547Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC) exerts a direct neuroprotective effect in a human cell culture model of Parkinson's diseaseAims:Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC) is neuroprotective in models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Although CB1 receptors are increased within the basal ganglia of PD patients and animal models, current evidence suggests a role for CB1 receptor‐independent mechanisms. Here, we utilized a human neuronal cell culture PD model to further investigate the protective properties of Δ9‐THC. Methods: Differentiated SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were exposed to PD‐relevant toxins: 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+), lactacystin and paraquat. Changes in CB1 receptor level were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Cannabinoids and modulatory compounds were co‐administered with toxins for 48 h and the effects on cell death, viability, apoptosis and oxidative stress assessed. Results: We found CB1 receptor up‐regulation in response to MPP+, lactacystin and paraquat and a protective effect of Δ9‐THC against all three toxins. This neuroprotective effect was not reproduced by the CB1 receptor agonist WIN55,212‐2 or blocked by the CB1 antagonist AM251. Furthermore, the antioxidants α‐tocopherol and butylhydroxytoluene as well as the antioxidant cannabinoids, nabilone and cannabidiol were unable to elicit the same neuroprotection as Δ9‐THC. However, the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma (PPARγ) antagonist T0070907 dose‐dependently blocked the neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti‐apoptotic effects of Δ9‐THC, while the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone resulted in protection from MPP+‐induced neurotoxicity. Furthermore, Δ9‐THC increased PPARγ expression in MPP+‐treated SH‐SY5Y cells, another indicator of PPARγ activation. Conclusions: We have demonstrated up‐regulation of the CB1 receptor in direct response to neuronal injury in a human PD cell culture model, and a direct neuronal protective effect of Δ9‐THC that may be mediated through PPARγ activation.
Competing carboxylases: circadian and metabolic regulation of Rubisco in C3 and CAM Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.
Authors: DAVIES B. N. , GRIFFITHS H. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThe temporal co‐ordination of ribulose 1·5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPc) activities by Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. in C3 and crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) modes was investigated under conventional light‐dark (LD) and continuous light (LL) conditions. When C3, net CO2 assimilation rate increased during each subjective night under LL with maximum carboxylation unrelated to Rubisco activation state. The CAM circadian rhythm of CO2 uptake was more pronounced, with CO2 assimilation rate maximal towards the end of each subjective night. In vivo and in vitro techniques were integrated to map carboxylase enzyme regulation to the framework provided by CAM LL gas exchange activity. Rubisco was activated in vitro throughout each subjective dark period and consistently deactivated at each subjective dawn, similar to that observed at true dawn in constitutive CAM species. Instantaneous carbon isotope discrimination showed in vivo carboxylase co‐dominance during the CAM subjective night, initially by Rubisco and latterly C4 (PEPc), despite both enzymes seemingly activated in vitro. The circadian rhythm in titratable acidity accumulation was progressively damped over successive subjective nights, but maintenance of PEPc carboxylation capacity ensures that CAM plants do not become progressively more ‘C3‐like’ with time under LL.
Long‐Term Persistence of BCG Pasteur in Lungs of C57BL/6 Mice Following Intranasal Infection
Authors: Leversen N. A. , Sviland L. , Wiker H. G. , Mustafa T. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractDifferent Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) vaccine substrains may vary in their efficacy. Here, we describe differences in disease progression and pathology in the lungs of female C57BL/6 mice infected intranasally with BCG Russia or BCG Pasteur and followed for 17 months. The lungs were investigated for bacillary load, histopathology and expression of cytosolic and secreted proteins by immunohistochemistry. BCG Russia was cleared from the lungs by 8 months. BCG Pasteur reached a low‐level persistence at 8 months and remained at this level until the end of the experiment. BCG Pasteur induced greater pathology than BCG Russia, and there were more macrophage and lymphocyte infiltrates in animals infected with BCG Pasteur (P < 0.05). Bacterial growth correlated with cellular infiltration. All selected mycobacterial proteins were found to be expressed in the lesions by both BCG strains, and there were only minor variations between the strains. Furthermore, we identified isolated cells containing a high mycobacterial protein load in the normal‐looking lung parenchyma. The infected cells in the healthy areas of the lung may represent the ability of mycobacteria to evade immune activation and thereby persist in the host. Clearance of BCG Russia indicates that a more effective and sterilizing immune response is established by this strain. On the other hand, the ability of BCG Pasteur to persist could be important for long‐term protection against challenge with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Attitudes toward genetic diagnosis and prenatal diagnosis of X‐linked Alport syndrome in China
Authors: ZHANG HONGWEN , DING JIE , WANG FANG , YU LIXIA 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTAim:  Alport syndrome (AS) is a progressive renal disease characterized by hematuria and progressive renal failure. X‐linked dominant AS (XLAS) is the predominant inheritance form caused by mutations in COL4A5 gene. Attitudes toward genetic diagnosis and prenatal diagnosis for Chinese AS families were investigated. Attitudes toward genetic diagnosis and prenatal diagnosis in Chinese XLAS families were evaluated in the current study.Methods:  A total of 160 XLAS patients and their 126 healthy family members in China were interviewed. After providing background knowledge counselling and education on AS, their attitudes toward genetic diagnosis and prenatal diagnosis were evaluated by multiple‐choice questionnaire.Results:  Majority of the respondents cared mostly about the prognosis and treatment effects of AS (89.9% vs 81.1%) since they considered that the worst outcome of XALS was renal insufficiency (92.3%). Of all the interviewees, 99.3% were interested in genetic research for the discovery of better treatments and more appropriate diagnostic tools (positive attitudes) (89.5% vs 73.2%). About 80% of the participants would accept prenatal testing and subsequent termination of pregnancy in cases of affected foetuses (boys: 86.8% and girls: 74.6%, respectively).Conclusion:  Most Chinese XLAS families show positive attitudes and desire new discoveries in treatment and diagnosis. About 80% of respondents would approve prenatal testing with a desire for selective termination of pregnancy rather than predicting the health of a future child.
Assessment of arterial stiffness in women with gestational diabetes
Authors: Bulzico D. A. , Zajdenverg L. , Cabizuca C. A. , de Oliveira J. E. P. , Salles G. F. 
Published: January 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 227–231 (2012)AbstractAims  Gestational diabetes mellitus may precede development of Type 2 diabetes and may be related to cardiovascular disease. Pulse wave velocity measurement is the gold‐standard method to evaluate arterial stiffness, a preclinical cardiovascular risk marker. However, the relationship between aortic stiffness and gestational diabetes is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate aortic pulse wave velocity in women with gestational diabetes in comparison with a matched control group of healthy pregnant women.Methods  This case–control study included 24 women with gestational diabetes and 27 matched control subjects. Clinical, demographic and laboratory variables were obtained and aortic pulse wave velocity were measured.Results  Both groups had similar age, gestational age, BMI, ethnicity, smoking status and blood pressure levels. Women with gestational diabetes had aortic pulse wave velocity comparable with control subjects: 7.2 ± 0.9 vs. 7.3 ± 1.2 m/s (P = 0.79). When categorized according to the median value of pulse wave velocity (7.3 m/s), age (P < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.03) and heart rate (P = 0.02) were associated with increased arterial stiffness. In the group with gestational diabetes, there was a non‐significant trend towards higher 1‐h postprandial glycaemia in patients with higher (above the median) pulse wave velocity (6.5 ± 0.8 vs. 7.1 ± 1.3 mmol/l, P = 0.22) and a lower prevalence of patients with good glycaemic control (38.5 vs. 72.7%, P = 0.09).Conclusions  Although gestational diabetes may be a risk factor for development of cardiovascular disease, women with gestational diabetes do not have higher aortic stiffness than healthy pregnant women. Time of exposure to hyperglycaemia may have been insufficient to increase central arterial stiffness in women with gestational diabetes.
THE EXPERIMENTAL ECONOMICS OF RELIGION
Authors: Hoffmann Robert 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis paper surveys the experimental economics approach to the study of religion. The field has a place in the context of the scientific study of religion generally and the social psychology of religion in particular, but employs distinct economic methods which promise new and different insights. In particular, certain features of the experimental approach as used by economists such as incentive compatibility are particularly appropriate for studying the effect of religion on individual behaviour. The paper discusses results obtained so far in terms of two roles of religion in shaping individual behaviour, that is, as a social group identifier and as a set of values.
Overexpression of miR156 in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) results in various morphological alterations and leads to improved biomass production
Authors: Fu Chunxiang , Sunkar Ramanjulu , Zhou Chuanen , Shen Hui , Zhang Ji‐Yi , Matts Jessica , Wolf Jennifer , Mann David G. J. , Stewart C. Neal , Tang Yuhong , Wang Zeng‐Yu 
Published: January 2012

SummarySwitchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has been developed into a dedicated herbaceous bioenergy crop. Biomass yield is a major target trait for genetic improvement of switchgrass. microRNAs have emerged as a prominent class of gene regulatory factors that has the potential to improve complex traits such as biomass yield. A miR156b precursor was overexpressed in switchgrass. The effects of miR156 overexpression on SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN LIKE (SPL) genes were revealed by microarray and quantitative RT‐PCR analyses. Morphological alterations, biomass yield, saccharification efficiency and forage digestibility of the transgenic plants were characterized. miR156 controls apical dominance and floral transition in switchgrass by suppressing its target SPL genes. Relatively low levels of miR156 overexpression were sufficient to increase biomass yield while producing plants with normal flowering time. Moderate levels of miR156 led to improved biomass but the plants were non‐flowering. These two groups of plants produced 58%–101% more biomass yield compared with the control. However, high miR156 levels resulted in severely stunted growth. The degree of morphological alterations of the transgenic switchgrass depends on miR156 level. Compared with floral transition, a lower miR156 level is required to disrupt apical dominance. The improvement in biomass yield was mainly because of the increase in tiller number. Targeted overexpression of miR156 also improved solubilized sugar yield and forage digestibility, and offered an effective approach for transgene containment.
Shaky Palaces? Analyzing Property Values and their Appreciation in Minority First Suburbs
Authors: ANACKER KATRIN B. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractWhile property values and their appreciation in inner‐city neighborhoods with high proportions of minorities have been analyzed, not much systematic research has been undertaken on property values and their appreciation in minority suburbs. This article investigates differences among First Suburban census tracts, including property values, factors that have influenced property values and appreciation rates, by analyzing census tracts within select counties across the United States with Weighted Least Squares (WLS) regressions. Based on the results of this investigation, it is concluded that the assumption that homeownership in the First Suburbs automatically leads to a high appreciation rate needs to be differentiated.RésuméLa valeur et la réévaluation des biens immobiliers ont été analysées dans les quartiers centraux où vivent de fortes proportions de minorités, mais les études systématiques sur ces aspects sont rares dans les banlieues habitées par les minorités. Cet article étudie les secteurs de recensement des premières couronnes suburbaines et leurs différences liées notamment aux valeurs immobilières, aux facteurs qui affectent ces valeurs, et aux taux de réévaluation. Pour ce faire, il utilise une régression des moindres carrés pondérés et analyse les unités géostatistiques de certains comtés américains. D'après les résultats obtenus, il convient de moduler l'hypothèse selon laquelle la propriété du domicile dans les premières couronnes suburbaines entraîne automatiquement un taux de réévaluation élevé.
Prevalence and risk factors for third‐ and fourth‐degree perineal lacerations during vaginal delivery: a multi‐country study
Authors: Hirayama F , Koyanagi A , Mori R , Zhang J , Souza JP , Gülmezoglu AM 
Published: January 2012

Please cite this paper as: Hirayama F, Koyanagi A, Mori R, Zhang J, Souza J, Gülmezoglu A. Prevalence and risk factors for third‐ and fourth‐degree perineal lacerations during vaginal delivery: a multi‐country study. BJOG 2012;119:340–347.Objective  To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of third‐ and fourth‐degree perineal lacerations in 24, mainly developing, countries.Design  Analysis using cross‐sectional data from the WHO Global Survey on Maternal and Perinatal Health.Setting  Seven African, nine Asian and eight Latin American countries.Population  Women at admission to hospital for delivery in 373 facilities between 2004 and 2008.Methods  We estimated the country‐wise prevalence of third‐ and fourth‐degree perineal lacerations, and conducted region‐wise multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify its risk factors.Main outcome measures  Prevalence and risk factors of third‐ and fourth‐degree perineal lacerations.Results  A total of 214 599 women who underwent vaginal delivery were analysed. The prevalence of third‐ and fourth‐degree perineal lacerations ranged widely across countries [from 0.1% (China, Cambodia, India) to 15.0% (Philippines)] and facilities (from null to 76.3%). After the deletion of facilities reporting no third‐ or fourth‐degree perineal lacerations, and also highly outlying facilities, the range in prevalence was 0.1% (Uganda) to 1.4% (Japan). Forceps‐assisted delivery, nulliparity and high birthweight were significant risk factors in all three regions. Vacuum‐assisted delivery was also a significant risk factor in Africa and Asia.Conclusions  Misdiagnosis of third‐ and fourth‐degree perineal lacerations in developing countries may be common. Correct recognition and diagnosis may lead to timely treatment and fewer sequelae. Risk factors of third‐ and fourth‐degree perineal lacerations in developing countries were similar to those previously reported from developed countries.
Significance of close relationships after the tsunami disaster in connection with existential health – a qualitative interpretive study
Authors: Rehnsfeldt Arne , Arman Maria 
Published: January 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 537–544Significance of close relationships after the tsunami disaster in connection with existential health – a qualitative interpretive studyBackground:  In an existential health perspective, the potential for recovery and development through natural life circumstances provides a factor to be taken into account. Earlier research on disaster‐stricken people indicates that people create their own ways of recovering and that natural caring encounters (with family or friends) imply important health factors.Aim:  The aim of the study is to acquire an in‐depth understanding of the significance of natural close relationships for survivors of the tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia in connection with the development of existential health and understanding of life in a long‐term perspective. The sample consists of 19 persons afflicted by the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia, both Swedish tourists and relatives at home. Data were collected from interviews recurring five times during 2006.Findings:  What is evidently seen is how the ontological aspects are expressed in data in relation to the existential and relational aspects. In concrete terms, this is understood when survivors say that their lives are completely changed (an ontological turn in their understanding of life). A change also occurs in the way they relate to others (a concrete existential turn), for example, in their families. When the findings on communion as an utterance of interdependence were read comprehensively, it was seen that human encounters in the aftermath of a disaster are not only about relationships but inherently affect people’s entire understanding of life both ontologically and existentially. Relationships with others and communion become a way of understanding or defining life. To conclude, in line with the aim of the study, the data suggest that relationships and communion with other people helped the survivors of the tsunami to discover a new understanding of life. It is also clear that natural encounters have had great importance for progress in existential health.