Quantitative determination of glutamate mediated cortical neuronal injury in cell culture by lactate dehydrogenase efflux assay

Measurement of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity released to the extracellular bathing media has been found to be a simple yet quantitative method for assessing glutamate mediated central neuronal cell injury in cortical cell culture. Extracellular LDH is both chemically and biologically stable; the magnitude of LDH efflux in the cultures correlates in a linear fashion with the number of neurons damaged by glutamate exposure.     

Beliefs About Asthma Medications: Patients Perceive Both Benefits and Drawbacks

Patients have diverse beliefs about asthma medications that may be influenced by asthma characteristics. The objective of this qualitative analysis was to identify patients' beliefs about asthma medications and to assess these beliefs according patient and asthma characteristics, including asthma severity and patient-reported medication adherence. From interviews with 52 patients (mean age 43 years, 87% women, 71% taking maintenance medications), 17 categories of beliefs about medications were discerned which were grouped into perceived benefits (e.g., permit activities, thwart symptoms) and perceived drawbacks (e.g., establish a medication routine, ensure supply). Beliefs were not mutually exclusive, with 56% of patients citing both benefits and drawbacks. Beliefs did not differ based on asthma severity or type of current therapy, however, patients who cited drawbacks were more likely to have worse self-reported Morisky Medication Adherence Questionnaire scores (possible range 0–4, higher is worse adherence) compared to those who did not cite drawbacks (1.9 ± 1.3 vs 0.9 ± 0.9; p =. 02). Providers should be aware of patients' beliefs about medications in order to reinforce perceived benefits and address perceived drawbacks.     

Understanding Social Media: Opportunities for Cardiovascular Medicine

Cardiology professionals have used social media platforms such as Twitter to gain exposure to new research, network with experts, share opinions, and engage in scientific debates. The power of social media to communicate openly, with wide-reaching access worldwide, and at a rate faster than ever before makes it a formidable force and voice. However, evolving individual and institutional use has resulted in uncertainty for all parties on how to optimally advance this newer digital frontier. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to: 1) introduce the basics of social media usage (with the focus on Twitter); 2) provide perspective on best social media practices in academic and clinical cardiovascular medicine; and 3) present a vision for social media and the future of cardiovascular medicine.