Registered Replication Report: Rand, Greene, and Nowak (2012).

In an anonymous 4-person economic game, participants contributed more money to a common project (i.e., cooperated) when required to decide quickly than when forced to delay their decision (Rand, Greene & Nowak, 2012), a pattern consistent with the social heuristics hypothesis proposed by Rand and colleagues. The results of studies using time pressure have been mixed, with some replication attempts observing similar patterns (e.g., Rand et al., 2014) and others observing null effects (e.g., Tinghög et al., 2013; Verkoeijen & Bouwmeester, 2014). This Registered Replication Report (RRR) assessed the size and variability of the effect of time pressure on cooperative decisions by combining 21 separate, preregistered replications of the critical conditions from Study 7 of the original article (Rand et al., 2012). The primary planned analysis used data from all participants who were randomly assigned to conditions and who met the protocol inclusion criteria (an intent-to-treat approach that included the 65.9% of participants in the time-pressure condition and 7.5% in the forced-delay condition who did not adhere to the time constraints), and we observed a difference in contributions of -0.37 percentage points compared with an 8.6 percentage point difference calculated from the original data. Analyzing the data as the original article did, including data only for participants who complied with the time constraints, the RRR observed a 10.37 percentage point difference in contributions compared with a 15.31 percentage point difference in the original study. In combination, the results of the intent-to-treat analysis and the compliant-only analysis are consistent with the presence of selection biases and the absence of a causal effect of time pressure on cooperation.

Effects of live yeast dietary supplementation on nutrient digestibility and fecal microflora in beagle dogs.

The effects of live yeast (strain CNCM I-4407; Actisaf Sc 47; Phileo Lesaffre Animal Care, Marcq-en-Baroeul, France) administration on nutrient digestibility and fecal microflora in dogs were investigated. The study included 24 young beagle dogs. They were allocated in control and live yeast (LY) groups (6 males and 6 females in each). During the Adaptation (d 1 to 28) and Trial (d 29 to 70) periods, the dogs received a standard dry pelleted diet. In the Trial period, the LY dogs were given capsuled Actisaf Sc 47 at 1 g/kg live weight with at 2.9 × 10 cfu/g. The control dogs received empty capsules. Live weight and feed consumption were recorded. Blood samples for complete blood count (CBC) and serum biochemistry (urea, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferase) and fecal samples for pH, microbiology, DM, lactic acid, and ammonia and digestibility evaluation were collected during the Trial period from each dog. The LY dogs had a higher ( < 0.05) weight gain during the Trial period than the control ones. Feed consumption was not adversely affected by LY. The CBC values and urea, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferase were not adversely affected by LY. Live yeast did not significantly influence pH of fresh feces. Fecal lactic acid and ammonia concentrations were not affected. The LY dogs showed lower ( < 0.05) Escherichia coli and fecal enterococci counts in feces than the control ones. Lactic acid bacteria, Clostridium perfringens, and total coliforms did not show any significant differences between the treatments. The LY dogs showed a higher ( < 0.05) apparent digestibility of NDF. Digestibilities of DM, ash, crude fiber, CP, and fat were not influenced.

Anticlostridial agent 8-hydroxyquinoline improves the isolation of faecal bifidobacteria on modified Wilkins-Chalgren agar with mupirocin.

UNLABELLED: The need for suitable selective cultivation media for the isolation of Bifidobacterium spp. continues to be a real concern in the field of intestinal microbiology. Isolation of bifidobacteria from human and animal faecal samples using selective agar plating may be problematic especially in samples with increased clostridial counts than bifidobacterial counts. Due to the absence of anticlostridial agents in existing selective media, clostridia can displace bifidobacteria resulting in incorrect estimation of their counts. Therefore, we supplemented the existing selective medium 'modified Wilkins Chalgren agar with mupirocin' (MWM) with 90 mg l(-1) of 8-hydroxyquinoline (8HQ), which was recently proved to act selectively against clostridia. The newly composed 'modified Wilkins-Chalgren agar with 8HQ' (MWMQ) was tested on pure bifidobacterial and clostridial strains, their mixtures, and using faecal samples of mammalian origin; its selectivity was evaluated by genus-specific identification of isolates. The results demonstrated that the presence of 8HQ in this agar eliminated the growth of nonbifidobacterial strains on MWMQ compared to that on MWM, whereas the recovery of bifidobacterial counts was at satisfactory levels. In conclusion, MWMQ could be recommended for bifidobacterial isolation from human and animal faeces especially when bifidobacteria are not numerically dominant and there are chances of clostridial contamination. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Routine isolation of bifidobacteria from mammalian faeces does not use a reliable selective agar with an anticlostridial agent. Overgrowth of clostridia may result in incorrect estimation of bifidobacterial counts. Thus, in order to improve the selectivity of existing media for bifidobacterial isolation, we chose the modified Wilkins-Chalgren agar with mupirocin and supplemented it with 8-hydroxyquinoline (8HQ), a molecule that shows anticlostridial activity without affecting the growth of bifidobacteria. This newly composed medium showed enhanced selectivity and specificity compared to the original medium and therefore, can be recommended for the isolation of bifidobacteria from mammal faeces.

Growth inhibitory effect of grape phenolics against wine spoilage yeasts and acetic acid bacteria.

This paper investigates the in vitro antimicrobial potential of 15 grape phenolic compounds of various chemical classes (phenolic acids, stilbenes and flavonoids) using the broth microdilution method against yeasts and acetic acid bacteria frequently occurring in deteriorated wine. Pterostilbene (MICs=32-128 µg/mL), resveratrol (MICs=256-512 µg/mL) and luteolin (MICs=256-512 µg/mL) are among six active compounds that possessed the strongest inhibitory effects against all microorganisms tested. In the case of phenolic acids, myricetin, p-coumaric and ferulic acids exhibited selective antimicrobial activity (MICs=256-512 µg/mL), depending upon yeasts and bacteria tested. In comparison with potassium metabisulphite, all microorganisms tested were more susceptible to the phenolics. The results revealed the antibacterial and antiyeast effects against wine spoilage microorganisms of several highly potent phenolics naturally occurring in grapes. These findings also provide arguments for further investigation of stilbenes as prospective compounds reducing the need for the use of sulphites in winemaking.

MicroRNA-181 family predicts response to concomitant chemoradiotherapy with temozolomide in glioblastoma patients.

MicroRNAs are endogenously expressed regulatory noncoding RNAs. Previous studies showed altered expression levels of several microRNAs in glioblastomas. In this study, we examined the expression levels of selected microRNAs in 22 primary glioblastomas and six specimens of adult brain tissue by real-time PCR method. In addition, we examined methylation status of MGMT promoter by methylation-specific real-time PCR, as this has been shown to be a predictive marker in glioblastomas. MGMT methylation status was not correlated with response to concomitant chemoradiotherapy with temozolomide (RT/TMZ). MiR-221 (p=0.016), miR-222 (p=0.038), miR-181b (p=0.036), miR-181c (p=0.043) and miR-128a (p=0.001) were significantly down-regulated in glioblastomas. The most significant change was observed for up-regulation in miR-21 expression in glioblastomas (p<0.001). MiR-181b and miR-181c were significantly down-regulated in patients who responded to RT/TMZ (p=0.016; p=0.047, respectively) in comparison to patients with progredient disease. Our data indicate for the first time that expression levels of miR-181b and miR-181c could serve as a predictive marker of response to RT/TMZ therapy in glioblastoma patients.

Phenotypic and genotypic analysis of Borrelia spp. isolated from Ixodes ricinus ticks by using electrophoretic chips and real-time polymerase chain reaction.

The genotype of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was detected in 371 out of 1244 ticks. Borrelia determination was based on partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and real-time polymerase chain reactions for identification and quantitation of ospA and recA genes. Different Borrelia spp. were identified; B. garinii in 40% ticks followed by B. afzelii (36.3%), B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (12.9%), B. valaisiana (3.5%), B. lusitaniae (0.8%), B. bissettii (0.5%) and B. miyamotoi-like (0.5%). Cultivation of 30 borrelia strains in BSK-H medium, among them B. valaisiana, B. bissettii-like and B. miyamotoi-like strains was unique in Czechia. Calibrated microfluidic-based quantification showed differences in the concentration of the nucleic acids and molar mass of the outer surface proteins of different Borrelia spp. with standard sensitivity and specificity and was helpful for their identification. The outer surface protein OspA was absent in B. miyamotoi-like and the OspB protein in B. valaisiana, B. lusitaniae and in three subtypes of B. garinii.

[Determinants of diphemanil methylsulfate (Prantal) utilization: a survey of practice in the French neonatal and intensive care units]. / Enquête française sur l'utilisation du diphémanil méthylsulfate (Prantal) dans les unités de néonatologie.

UNLABELLED: Diphemanil methylsulfate (Prantal) is a quaternary ammonium with parasympathicolytic properties. It is used in premature and term neonates with bradycardias related to vagal hyper reflectivity (HRV). OBJECTIVES: To assess the use of Prantal in the French neonatal and intensive care units: its indications, its modalities of use, its side effects and the number of patients treated during 1 year (2004) in France. METHODS: A questionnaire was electronically sent to all neonatology units and all neonatal intensive care units in France. RESULTS: Among 202 units, 121 (60%) answered the questionnaire. Prantal was reported to be used in 51 (42.1%) units. Among them, 38 (31.4%) actually treated 169 patients in 2004 with a mean number of patients treated by unit of 4. The diagnostic of HRV was supported by: a history of malaise (84.3%), bradycardia (94.1%), oculocardiac reflex (74.5%), cardiac Holter (76.4%), cardiorespirographic recording (19.6%), esophageal pHmetry (35.2%) and esophageal fibroscopy (21.5%). The mean starting dosing was 4.7 mg/kg/d, the mean maximal dosing was 9 mg/kg/d and the mean daily intakes were initially 2.3 and secondary 2.9. Prantal dosing was adjusted to weight in 54.9%, every month in 85.7%. Treatment was stopped at the mean post-natal age of 6 months, mostly in a progressive manner and without monitoring help. CONCLUSION: Prantal was seldom used in 2004 in France for different reasons: HRV is an uncertain entity, the efficacy of Prantal has not been validated and atropinic side effects can be encountered.

[Continuous education of pharmacists in the Czech Republic. 2nd cycle 2002-2005]. / Kontinuální vzdelávání lékárníku v Ceské Republice. 2. Cyklus 2002-2005.

The paper deals with continuous education of pharmacists in the Czech Republic in 2002-2005 (2nd cycle). It surveys the seminars organized within the framework of continuous education, their number, topics, and lecturers. A total number of 232 professional seminars took place, which included 339 lectures, mainly on pharmacology (76.1%).

Effects of various serotonin agonists, antagonists, and uptake inhibitors on the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine in rats.

Neurochemical studies indicate that methamphetamine increases central serotonin (5-HT) levels more markedly than other psychomotor stimulants such as amphetamine or cocaine. In the present study, we investigated 5-HT involvement in the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine. In Sprague-Dawley rats trained to discriminate 1.0 mg/kg methamphetamine i.p. from saline under a fixed-ratio schedule of food presentation, the effects of selected 5-HT agonists, antagonists, and uptake inhibitors were tested. Fluoxetine (1.8-18.0 mg/kg) and clomipramine (3.0-18.0 mg/kg), selective serotonin uptake inhibitors, did not produce any methamphetamine-like discriminative stimulus effects when administered alone, but fluoxetine (5.6 mg/kg), unlike clomipramine (5.6 mg/kg), significantly shifted the methamphetamine dose-response curve to the left. Both 8-hydroxy-2-dipropylaminotetralin (0.03-0.56 mg/kg), a full agonist, and buspirone (1.0-10.0 mg/kg), a partial agonist at 5-HT(1A) receptors, partially generalized to the training dose of methamphetamine but only at high doses that decreased response rate. This generalization was antagonized by the coadministration of the 5-HT(1A) antagonist WAY-100635 (1.0 mg/kg). WAY-100635 (1.0 mg/kg) also partially reversed the leftward shift of the methamphetamine dose-response curve produced by fluoxetine. (+/-)-1-(2, 5-Dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (0.3 mg/kg), a 5-HT(2A/2C) agonist, shifted the methamphetamine dose-response curve to the left, and this leftward shift was antagonized by the coadministration of ketanserin (3.0 mg/kg), a 5-HT(2A/2C) antagonist. Ketanserin (3.0 mg/kg) also produced a shift to the right in the methamphetamine dose-response curve and completely reversed the leftward shift in the methamphetamine dose-response curve produced by fluoxetine. In contrast, tropisetron (1.0 mg/kg), a 5-HT(3) antagonist, produced a shift to the left of the methamphetamine dose-response curve, and this effect of tropisetron was antagonized by the coadministration of m-chlorophenyl-biguanide (1.8 mg/kg), a 5-HT(3) agonist. The present data suggest that the 5-HT system plays a modulatory role in the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine. These effects appear to be mediated through 5-HT release and blockade of reuptake and subsequent activation of 5-HT(2A/2C) receptors, with limited involvement of other 5-HT receptor subtypes.

New developments in the treatment of deep venous thrombosis.

An initial course of standard heparin (SH) or low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) is regarded as the treatment of choice for patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT). LMWH have better bioavailability after subcutaneous administration, have a longer half-life, and show higher and more predictable anticoagulant activity. As a result they can be given subcutaneously and without laboratory control, using a dose that is determined by bodyweight. Because of these multiple advantages of LMWH they will replace SH in the future and subsequently home treatment with LMWH of selected patients seems feasible. The currently accepted approach is to start with SH or LMWH therapy combined with oral anticoagulant therapy. (OAT) at the time of diagnosis. The course of SH or LMWH should continue for at least 5 days, provided that international normalized ratio (INR) is in the therapeutic range on 2 consecutive days. OAT should be continued for at least 3 months to prolong the prothrombin time to an INR of 2-3. When oral anticoagulants are either contraindicated or inconvenient, SH or LMWH can be used at the middosing interval. The role of anti-platelet treatment is not yet established and should be compared with coumarin therapy in the future.

A genetic profile of Romany (Gypsy) subethnic group from a single region in Slovakia.

The data presented here are on population structure and genetic markers (ABO, RH, MN, HP) in two series of so-called Slovak Romany subethnic groups from a single region (Gemer) in the Southeastern part of Slovakia. The results demonstrate that favourable conditions have existed for population genetic mechanisms operating in isolated populations, namely genetic drift and inbreeding. In addition, an attempt was made to compare the observed data with those available for other Romany populations and for Slovaks.

Differential action of phenytoin and carbamazepine on cortical interhemispheric responses in young but not in adult rats.

Single as well as paired responses to stimulation of the contralateral sensorimotor cortex were recorded in adult and 12-day-old rats under urethane anesthesia. Carbamazepine (50 mg/kg i.p.) prolonged the peak latencies of single responses in both adult and young rats, while phenytoin (60 mg/kg i.p.) prolonged the latencies in adult animals but shortened them in the young ones. Excitability cycles of the amplitude of the initial positive-negative complex remained uninfluenced by either drug in both age groups. Since solvent alone did not induce any effects in either test, our results demonstrate a qualitative change in the action of phenytoin during development.

Acetylcarnitine, carnitine and glucose diminish the effect of muscarinic antagonist quinuclidinyl benzilate on striatal acetylcholine content.

The content of acetylcholine (ACh) in the striatum, brain cortex and hippocampus of rats was lowered 20-180 min after intraperitoneal injection of the muscarinic antagonist quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB). The depletion of ACh content in the striatum was diminished in animals treated with a single dose of acetyl-L-carnitine, L- or D,L-carnitine, or D-glucose. It is likely that QNB stimulates ACh release by blocking presynaptic muscarinic autoreceptors and that acetylcarnitine, carnitine and glucose support the resynthesis of ACh by increasing the availability of acetylcoenzyme A. They do not have the same consistent effect in the brain cortex and hippocampus; this difference may be related to the lower turnover rate of ACh and to the difference in the anatomical arrangement of cholinergic structures in these parts of the brain.

[Results of detection of hepatitis C virus antibodies (anti-HCV) in blood donors and selected patients]. / Výsledky vysetrenia protilátok proti virusu hepatidy C (anti-HCV) u dárcov krvi a vybraných chorých.

The authors examined 509 donors for potential carriership of the virus of hepatitis C (HCV), using kits for the detection of anti-HCV. Concurrently they examined also 110 hameatological patients who had a major transfusion of blood, plasma and its derivatives. They found that in the so-called healthy population anti-HCV is present in 0.39%. In haematological patients, i.e. patients with frequent haemotherapy they detected 29 positive cases, i.e. 26.36%. The largest number of anti-HCV positive patients was in the group of haemocoagulopathies. The investigation confirmed the close association between haemotherapy and the transmission of HCV. The authors draw attention to the need to introduce anti-HCV examinations in the transfusion service as an important preventive provision.

[Validity of routinely used methods of testing glomerular filtration in pediatric practice]. / Validita bezne uzívaných metod vysetrení glomerulární filtrace v pediatrické praxi.

The authors compare different methods used commonly in paediatric practice to assess glomerular filtration (GFR)--creatinine clearance and assessment of GFR by means of Schwartz formula with plasma clearance of polyfructosan S (corresponds to inulin plasma clearance). A group of 108 children aged 4-16 years (x = 10.95) was examined. The patients were divided into three groups by the magnitude of polyfructosan S clearance: greater than 100 ml/min/1.73 m2; 50-100 ml/min/1.73 m2 and less than 50 ml/min/1.73 m2. The authors correlated the clearance of polyfructosan S with creatinine clearance and assessment of GFR according to Schwartz. The method which proved to be most sensitive for detection of reduced GFR in the area of 50-100 ml/min/1.73 m2 was creatinine clearance with urine collection one hour after a previous water load (r = 0.748). In the stage of chronic renal failure with GFR less than 50 ml/min/1.73 m2 the correlation was close with the three-hour creatinine clearance (r = 0.957) and equally close was the correlation with GFR according to Schwartz (r = 0.885). The authors discuss the probability of detection of impaired GFR by commonly used methods and draw attention to the advantages of examination of plasma clearance by polyfructosan S.

Acute phase proteins and prognostic inflammatory and nutritional index (PINI) in moderately burned children aged up to 3 years.

In 27 children (12 boys and 15 girls) aged 3 months to 3 years, the plasma levels of albumin, prealbumin, orosomucoid and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined after burn trauma. The results of these measurements were used to calculate the prognostic inflammatory and nutritional index (PINI). The children were assigned to two groups: a group with burns covering less than 10 per cent of the body surface area (BSA) (minor burns), and those with burns covering 11-20 per cent BSA. The lesions involved were either dermal burns (Class IIB) or full skin thickness burns (Class III). While the group with minor burns showed only a small decrease in albumin and prealbumin levels, the decrease in children with extensive burns was well below values on the first 7 days. On days 2, 5 and 7 after burning, the differences between both groups were statistically significant. Orosomucoid levels were somewhat elevated in the group with extensive burns. This difference, however, was not statistically significant compared with the group with minor burns whose values were slightly below the normal range. The levels of C-reactive protein were statistically significantly increased in children with extensive burns compared with those with burns. The PINI value correlated positively with the burn area given in per cent (for day 5 of follow-up, the regression line equation was y = 9.346 + 1.65 x). These data indicate that there are no pronounced changes in plasma protein levels in the group with minor burns.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Immunologic response to inflammation and trauma in children]. / Immunologická odpoved na zánet a trauma u détí.

Inflammation and injury influence plasma proteins and immunoglobulins. They respond to noxious agents by a rise of c-reactive protein (CRP), orosomucoid, fibrinogen, haptaglobulin, alpha-1 antitrypsin, ceruloplasmin, C 3 and C 4 components of complement. The rate of rise and return to normal values varies. CRP reacts most'promptly. The following substances react by a decline of the levels: albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, alpha-1 lipoprotein and immunoglobulins. Investigation of the patient's immunological state is of prognostic value. CRP, orosomucoid, albumin and prealbumin are considered the most valuable indicators; from their values the so-called PINI index can be calculated and the patients can be divided into five prognostic zones. To threatened patients all-round care must be devoted incl. aimed provision of ATB and immunoprotective substances.