bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pt(2,2'-bpy)(O2CCF3)2 as a terminator for [Ag(O2CCF3)]n aggregates — Syntheses and structures of heterobimetallic PtIIAgI complexes
Authors: Sun Yi , Ross Bryan , Wang Rui-Yao , Wang Suning
Published: December 2008

The reactions between Pt(2,2′-bpy)(O2CCF3)2 and Ag(O2CCF3) have been found to consistently produce heterobimetallic complexes where the [Pt(2,2′-bpy)]2+ unit acts as a terminator for various [Ag(O2CCF3)]n aggregates. The stoichiometry and the structure of the heterobimetallic complex obtained is dependent on the ratio of Pt(2,2′-bpy)(O2CCF3)2 and Ag(O2CCF3) used in the synthesis. When a 1:1 ratio of Pt/Ag was used, a heteronuclear complex Pt2Ag2(2,2′-bpy)2(O2CCF3)6 (1a) was obtained where the four metal ions have a linear Pt-Ag-Ag-Pt arrangement. Molecules of 1a stack in the crystal lattice via intermolecular Pt···Pt interactions to form a linear 1D extended structure. A structural isomer of 1a, Pt2Ag2(2,2′-bpy)2(O2CCF3)6 (1b), where the four metal ions have an L-shaped arrangement was also identified and characterized, which forms a zig-zag 1D extended structure via intermolecular Pt···Pt interactions. When the 1:2 and the 1:3 ratios of Pt/Ag were used, heteronuclear complexes Pt2Ag4(2,2′-bpy)2(O2CCF3)8 (2) and Pt2Ag6(2,2′-bpy)2(O2CCF3)10 (3) were isolated, respectively, where the Ag(I) ions form cyclic structures with the Pt(2,2′-bpy)(O2CCF3)2 units at the terminal positions. Further increase of the amount of Ag(O2CCF3) used in the synthesis did not lead to the isolation of larger aggregates. The structures of compounds 1a, 1b, 2, and 3 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. 19F NMR spectroscopic analysis established that these heterobimetallic complexes undergo dynamic exchanges in solution.Key words: heterobimetallic complexes, structure, silver, platinum, metal-metal interaction.
Synthesis and first X-ray structures of cobalt(II) and cobalt(III) complexes bearing 2,4-dioxo-alkanoic acid dialkylamide ligands
Authors: Wang Jian , Morra Nicholas A , Zhao Hongda , Gorman Jeffrey ST , Lynch Vincent , McDonald Robert , Reichwein John F , Pagenkopf Brian L
Published: December 2008

The aerobic oxidation of 5-hydroxy pentenes to trans-tetrahydrofurans (THFs), the Mukaiyama oxidation, has in recent years emerged as a powerful tool in synthetic chemistry. In this report we describe the first crystal structures of 2,4-dioxo-alkanoic acid dialkylamide complexes for both Co(II) and Co(III) salts. The Co(II) structures show an unprecedented arrangement of atoms, with a central Co(II)(H2O)6 flanked by two Co(II) atoms each coordinated with three anionic chelating ligands. The dimeric Co(III) structures show two anionic chelating ligands and bridging hydroxyl groups.Key words: aerobic oxidation, trans-tetrahydrofuran (THF), cobalt, X-ray crystallography, oxidation, coordination.
Biochemical and physiological function of stearoyl-CoA desaturase
Authors: Paton Chad M. , Ntambi James M.
Published: December 2008

A key and highly regulated enzyme that is required for the biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids is stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), which catalyzes the D9- cis desaturation of a range of fatty acyl-CoA substrates. The preferred substrates are palmitoyl- and stearoyl-CoA, which are converted into palmitoleoyl- and oleoyl-CoA respectively. Oleate is the most abundant monounsaturated fatty acid in dietary fat and is therefore readily available. Studies of mice that have a naturally occurring mutation in the SCD-1 gene isoform as well as a mouse model with a targeted disruption of the SCD gene (SCD-1−/−) have revealed the role of de novo synthesized oleate and thus the physiological importance of SCD-1 expression. SCD-1 deficiency results in reduced body adiposity, increased insulin sensitivity, and resistance to diet-induced obesity. The expression of several genes of lipid oxidation are upregulated, whereas lipid synthesis genes are downregulated. SCD-1 was also found to be a component of the novel metabolic response to the hormone leptin. Therefore, SCD-1 appears to be an important metabolic control point, and inhibition of its expression could be of benefit for the treatment of obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic diseases. In this article, we summarize the recent and timely advances concerning the important role of SCD in the biochemistry and physiology of lipid metabolism.
Changes in Hospital Mortality Rates in 425 Patients With Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Cardiac Rupture Over a 30-Year Period
Authors: Figueras Jaume , Alcalde Oscar , Barrabés José A. , Serra Vicens , Alguersuari Joan , Cortadellas Josefa , Lidón Rosa-Maria
Published: December 2008

Background—

Possible changes in the incidence and outcome of cardiac rupture in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction over a long period of time have not been investigated.

Methods and Results—

The incidence of cardiac rupture in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients and its mortality rate were investigated during a 30-year period divided into 5 intervals (1977 to 1982, 1983 to 1988, 1989 to 1994, 1995 to 2000, and 2001 to 2006). Of a total of 6678 consecutive patients, 425 experienced a free wall rupture (280 with cardiac tamponade: 227 with electromechanical dissociation and 53 with hypotension) or a septal rupture (145). After the exclusion of referrals from other centers (n=44), the incidence of definite cardiac rupture (septal rupture, anatomic evidence of free wall rupture, or electromechanical dissociation) declined progressively (6.2% in 1977 to 1982 to 3.2% in 2001 to 2006;
P
<0.001) in parallel with a progressive use of reperfusion therapy (0% to 75.1%;
P
<0.001). In addition, among patients with cardiac rupture, there was a progressive fall in the rate of death (94% to 75%;
P
<0.001) despite a trend toward increasing age (66±8 to 75±8 years;
P
<0.054) in conjunction with better control of systolic blood pressure at 24 hours (130±24 versus 110±18 mm Hg;
P
<0.001); an increased use of reperfusion therapy (0% to 59%;
P
<0.001), β-blockers (0% to 45%;
P
<0.001), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (0% to 38%;
P
<0.001), and aspirin (0% to 96%;
P
<0.001); and a lower use of heparin (99% to 67%;
P
<0.001).

Conclusion—

The decline in the incidence in cardiac rupture and its rate of death over the last 30 years appears to be associated with the increasing use of reperfusion strategies and adjunct medical therapy.
Irrigated Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation Guided by Electroanatomic Mapping for Recurrent Ventricular Tachycardia After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Stevenson William G. , Wilber David J. , Natale Andrea , Jackman Warren M. , Marchlinski Francis E. , Talbert Timothy , Gonzalez Mario D. , Worley Seth J. , Daoud Emile G. , Hwang Chun , Schuger Claudio , Bump Thomas E. , Jazayeri Mohammad , Tomassoni Gery F. , Kopelman Harry A. , Soejima Kyoko , Nakagawa Hiroshi
Published: December 2008

Background—

Recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity late after myocardial infarction. With frequent use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, these VTs are often poorly defined and not tolerated for mapping, factors previously viewed as relative contraindications to ablation. This observational multicenter study assessed the outcome of VT ablation with a saline-irrigated catheter combined with an electroanatomic mapping system.

Methods and Results—

Two hundred thirty-one patients (median LV ejection fraction, 0.25; heart failure in 62%) with recurrent episodes of monomorphic VT (median, 11 in the preceding 6 months) caused by prior myocardial infarction were enrolled. All inducible monomorphic VTs with a rate approximating or slower than any spontaneous VTs were targeted for ablation guided by electroanatomic mapping during sinus rhythm and/or VT. Patients were not excluded for multiple VTs (median, 3 per patient) or unmappable VT (present in 69% of patients). Ablation abolished all inducible VTs in 49% of patients. The primary end point of freedom from recurrent incessant VT or intermittent VT after 6 months of follow-up was achieved for 123 patients (53%). In 142 patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators before and after ablation for intermittent VT who survived 6 months, VT episodes were reduced from a median of 11.5 to 0 (
P
<0.0001). The 1-year mortality rate was 18%, with 72.5% of deaths attributed to ventricular arrhythmias or heart failure. The procedure mortality rate was 3%, with no strokes.

Conclusions—

Catheter ablation is a reasonable option to reduce episodes of recurrent VT in patients with prior myocardial infarction, even when multiple and/or unmappable VTs are present. This population remains at high risk for death, warranting surveillance and further study.
Diagnostic-Therapeutic Cascade Revisited
Authors: Lucas F.L. , Siewers A.E. , Malenka D.J. , Wennberg D.E.
Published: December 2008

Background—

There is wide geographic variation in the use of coronary revascularization in the United States. Rates are closely related to rates of coronary angiography. We assessed the relationship between coronary angiography and coronary artery revascularization by procedure type (coronary artery bypass graft surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention).

Methods and Results—

Using Part B claims for a 20% sample of the Medicare population, we calculated population-based rates of testing and treatment by region, using events identified in Part B claims as the numerator and the total number of Medicare beneficiaries residing in the area as the denominator and adjusting for regional differences in demographic characteristics with the indirect method. Cardiac catheterization rates varied substantially across regions, from 16 to 77 per 1000 Medicare beneficiaries. The relationship between coronary angiography rates and total coronary revascularization rates was strong (
R
2
=0.84). However, there was only a modest association between coronary angiography rates and coronary artery bypass graft surgery rates (
R
2
=0.41) with the suggestion of a threshold effect. The association between coronary angiography rates and percutaneous coronary intervention rates was strong (
R
2
=0.78) and linear.

Conclusions—

The diagnostic-therapeutic cascade for coronary artery disease differs by therapeutic intervention. For coronary artery bypass graft surgery, the relationship is modest, and there appears to be a testing threshold beyond which additional tests do not result in additional surgeries. For percutaneous coronary intervention, the relationship is very tight, and no threshold appears to exist. Given the results of recent studies of medical versus invasive management of stable coronary disease, patients living in high-diagnostic-intensity regions may be getting more treatment than they want or need.
Functional Characterization and Transcriptome Analysis of Embryonic Stem Cell–Derived Contractile Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Potta Shiva Prasad , Liang Huamin , Pfannkuche Kurt , Winkler Johannes , Chen Shuhua , Doss Michael Xavier , Obernier Kirsten , Kamisetti Naidu , Schulz Herbert , Hübner Norbert , Hescheler Jürgen , Sachinidis Agapios
Published: December 2008

Complete transcriptome profiling of contractile smooth muscle cells (SMCs) differentiated from embryonic stem cells is crucial for the characterization of smooth muscle gene expression signatures and will contribute to defining biological and physiological processes in these cells. We have generated a transgenic embryonic stem cell line expressing both the puromycin acetyl transferase and enhanced green fluorescent protein cassettes under the control of the Acta2 promoter. Applying a specific monolayer culture protocol using retinoic acid, a puromycin-resistant and enhanced green fluorescent protein–positive Acta2+SMC population of 95% purity was isolated. Acta2+SMCs were characterized by semiquantitative and quantitative RT-PCR profiling of SMC markers and by microarray expression profiling, as well as by immunostaining for SMC-specific cytoskeletal proteins. Patch-clamp electrophysiological characterization of these cells identified SMC-specific channels such as the ATP-sensitive potassium channel and the Ca2+-activated potassium channel. Culturing of Acta2+SMCs in serum-containing medium resulted in a significant number of hypertrophic and binucleated cells failing to complete cell division. Functional characterization of the cells has been proved by stimulation of the cells with vasoactive agents, such as angiotensin II and endothelin. We concluded that our embryonic stem cell–derived SMC population possesses the contractile and hypertrophic phenotype of SMCs incapable of proliferation. This is the first study describing the complete transcriptome of ES-derived SMCs allowing identification of specific biological and physiological processes in the contractile phenotype SMCs and will contribute to the understanding of these processes in early SMCs derived from embryonic stem cells.
MR and CT Monitoring of Recanalization, Reperfusion, and Penumbra Salvage
Authors: Soares Bruno P. , Chien Jeffrey D. , Wintermark Max
Published: December 2008

Revascularization therapies for acute stroke patients aim to rescue the ischemic penumbra by restoring the patency of the occluded artery (“recanalization”) and the downstream capillary blood flow (“reperfusion”). This article reviews the definition of recanalization and reperfusion used in stroke clinical trials and their limitations and proposes a study design to determine the relative importance of recanalization, reperfusion, and collateral flow in evaluating the efficacy of revascularization therapies for acute ischemic stroke.
Current Status of Neuroprotection for Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Ginsberg Myron D.
Published: December 2008

Abundant preclinical studies have identified multiple mechanisms of ischemic brain injury and have provided proof of principle that strategies designed to counter these mechanisms can protect the ischemic brain. This review article emphasizes the translation of these strategies from the laboratory to clinical trials. It is a disappointing fact that many agents have been brought to clinical trial despite only modest or inconsistent preclinical evidence of neuroprotective efficacy. Preclinical investigations require rigorous attention to a variety of variables that may influence outcome. The widely touted STAIR criteria represent constructive guidelines for preclinical testing but, as experience has shown, do not increase the likelihood of translational success. Of the ≈160 clinical trials of neuroprotection for ischemic stroke conducted as of late 2007, only ≈40 represent larger-phase completed trials, and fully one half of the latter utilized a window to treatment of >6 hours, despite strong preclinical evidence that this delay exceeds the likely therapeutic window of efficacy in acute stroke. Other shortcomings of these trials include the use of agents lacking robust, consistent preclinical efficacy; inability to achieve adequate dosing in humans; and suboptimal clinical and statistical design features. Taken together, these factors identify areas of needed improvement for future trials.
Ultrasound Enhancement of Fibrinolysis
Authors: Alexandrov Andrei V.
Published: December 2008

Systemic administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) remains the fastest way to initiate treatment for acute ischemic stroke. The presence of a proximal arterial occlusion should not be viewed as an insurmountable predictor of tPA failure. Because tPA works by induction of partial recanalization of large thrombi, early augmentation of fibrinolysis to improve recanalization is desirable. This augmentation is feasible and can be safely achieved at the bedside with diagnostic Doppler ultrasound. In the CLOTBUST trial, 83% of patients achieved any recanalization (46% complete, 27% partial) with tPA+transcranial Doppler vs 50% (17% complete, 33% partial) with tPA alone within 2 hours of treatment (
P
<0.001). Sustained, complete recanalization at 2 hours was 38% vs 13%, respectively (
P
=0.03). A recent meta-analysis of 6 randomized and 3 nonrandomized clinical studies of sonothrombolysis showed that any diagnostic ultrasound monitoring can at least double the chance of early complete arterial recanalization at no increase in the risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. Because application in humans of frequencies below the diagnostic range resulted in increased symptomatic bleeding rates, mechanisms by which megahertz and kilohertz frequencies interact with the clot–residual flow interface and endothelium are currently under renewed investigations. Catheter-based ultrasound delivery to arterial thrombi and intraventricular clots is the subject of ongoing clinical trials. Addition of gaseous perflutren-lipid microspheres to tPA and transcranial Doppler can further facilitate early flow improvement, with a 50% rate of early, complete recanalization in a recent feasibility study. Transcranial ultrasound delivery in an operator-independent and dose-controlled manner is being tested in a clinical trial.
Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Broderick Joseph P.
Published: December 2008

Background and Purpose—

To review advances in endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke.

Methods—

Data from primate studies, randomized studies of intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator, and nonrandomized and randomized studies of endovascular therapy were reviewed.

Results—

Clinical trial data demonstrate the superiority of endovascular treatment with thrombolytic medication or mechanical methods to reopen arteries compared with control patients from the PROACT II Trial treated with heparin alone. However, these same clinical trials, as well as preclinical primate models, indicate that recanalization, whether by endovascular approaches or standard-dose recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator, is unlikely to improve clinical outcome after a certain time point. Although the threshold beyond which reperfusion has no or little benefit has yet to be conclusively defined, accumulated data to this point indicate an overall threshold of ≈6 to 7 hours. In addition, although the risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage is similar in trials of intravenous lytics and endovascular approaches, endovascular approaches have distinctive risk profiles that can impact outcome.

Conclusions—

The treatment of acute ischemic stroke is evolving with new tools to reopen arteries and salvage the ischemic brain. Ongoing randomized trials of these new approaches are prerequisite next steps to demonstrate whether reperfusion translates into clinical effectiveness. Physiologic time to reperfusion will remain critical no matter which tools prove most effective and safest.
Pericyte Signaling in the Neurovascular Unit
Authors: Fisher Mark
Published: December 2008

Brain pericytes are intimately associated with capillary endothelial cells, separated only by basement membrane. Pericyte research has been hampered by absence of pericyte-specific immunochemical markers. The vast array of pericyte functions include contractility, immunologic, migratory, and angiogenic. Pericytes have stem cell potential, contribute to the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, and have a regulatory role for hemostasis in the brain. Improvement in pericyte identification is likely to lead to marked increase in appreciation of the role of pericytes in the neurovascular unit.
Deferoxamine Mesylate
Authors: Selim Magdy
Published: December 2008

Iron resulting from hemoglobin degradation is linked to delayed neuronal injury after intracerebral hemorrhage. Extensive preclinical investigations indicate that the iron chelator, deferoxamine mesylate, is effective in limiting hemoglobin- and iron-mediated neurotoxicity. However, clinical studies evaluating the use of deferoxamine in intracerebral hemorrhage are shortcoming. This article reviews the potential role of deferoxamine as a promising neuroprotective agent to target the secondary effects of intracerebral hemorrhage to limit brain injury and improve outcome, and ongoing efforts to translate the preclinical findings into clinical investigations.
Inflammation and White Matter Damage in Vascular Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Rosenberg Gary A.
Published: December 2008

Vascular cognitive impairment is a term used to describe a heterogeneous group of diseases, including large vessel disease with strategic single and multiple strokes and small vessel disease with progressive damage to the deep white matter. Identification of patients with the progressive form of vascular cognitive impairment, referred to by some investigators as Binswanger disease, is important for treatment trials. Pathologically, Binswanger disease is associated with small vessel disease, extensive regions of demyelination, inflammatory cells around damaged blood vessels, and lacunar infarcts. Clinically, patients with Binswanger disease have impairments of gait and balance, focal neurological findings, and executive dysfunction on neuropsychological tests. White matter changes on MRI are thought to be due to hypoxic episodes related to hypoperfusion of the vulnerable deep white matter secondary to hypertension, diabetes, and other vessel diseases. Disruption of the blood–brain barrier suggests an inflammatory response. Matrix metalloproteinases are present in the brain of patients with vascular cognitive impairment and can be measured in the cerebrospinal fluid of some patients. Preliminary studies with quantification of the blood–brain barrier, using the multiple time graphical method (Patlak plots), supports disruption of the blood–brain barrier. Because no single clinical feature or diagnostic test is sufficient to identify patients with the small vessel form of vascular cognitive impairment, we propose that a multimodal approach will be needed to select patients for treatment trials.
Hematoma Resolution as a Therapeutic Target
Authors: Zhao Xiurong , Grotta James , Gonzales Nicole , Aronowski Jaroslaw
Published: December 2008

No effective therapy is available for treating intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). One of several key components of brain damage after ICH is the neurotoxicity of blood products. Within hours to days after ICH, extravasated erythrocytes in the hematoma undergo lysis, releasing cytotoxic hemoglobin, heme, and iron, thereby initiating secondary processes, which negatively influence the viability of cells surrounding the hematoma. To offset this process, phagocytic cells, including the brain’s microglia and hematogenous macrophages, phagocytose and then process extravasated erythrocytes before lysis and subsequent toxicity occurs. Therefore, we hypothesize that a treatment that stimulates phagocytosis will lead to faster removal of blood from the ICH-affected brain, thus limiting/preventing hemolysis from occurring. CD36 is a well-recognized integral microglia/macrophage cell membrane protein known to mediate phagocytosis of damaged, apoptotic, or senescent cells, including erythrocytes. CD36 and catalase expression are regulated by peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma agonists (eg, rosiglitazone). We demonstrate that peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma agonist-induced upregulation of CD36 in macrophages enhances the ability of microglia to phagocytose red blood cells (in vitro assay), helps to improve hematoma resolution, and reduces ICH-induced deficit in a mouse model of ICH. The beneficial role of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma-induced catalase expression in the context of phagocytosis is also discussed. Proxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma agonists could represent a potential treatment strategy for treatment of ICH.
Brain Arteriovenous Malformation Biology Relevant to Hemorrhage and Implication for Therapeutic Development
Authors: Kim Helen , Pawlikowska Ludmila , Chen Yongmei , Su Hua , Yang Guo-Yuan , Young William L.
Published: December 2008

Brain arteriovenous malformations cause intracranial hemorrhage. Molecular characterization of lesional tissue implicates angiogenic (vascular endothelial growth factor, ANG-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9) and inflammatory (cytokines and chemokines) pathways, but the pathogenesis remain obscure and medical therapy is lacking. Macrophage and neutrophil invasion has also been observed in the absence of prior intracranial hemorrhage. Common polymorphisms in interleukin-1β and activin receptor-like kinase-1 are associated with arteriovenous malformation susceptibility, and polymorphisms in interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and APOE are associated with arteriovenous malformation rupture. These observations suggest that even without a complete understanding of the determinants of arteriovenous malformation development, the recent discoveries of downstream derangements in vascular function and integrity may offer potential targets for therapy development. Furthermore, biomarkers can be established for assessing intracranial hemorrhage risk. Finally, these data will aid in development of model systems for mechanistic testing by development of surrogate phenotypes (microvascular dysplasia) and/or models recapitulating the clinical syndrome of recurrent spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage.
Predictive Genomics of Cardioembolic Stroke
Authors: Ramoni Rachel Badovinac , Himes Blanca E. , Sale Michele M. , Furie Karen L. , Ramoni Marco F.
Published: December 2008

Cardioembolic stroke is a complex disease resulting from the interaction of numerous factors. Using data from Genes Affecting Stroke Risk and Outcome Study (GASROS), we show that a multivariate predictive model built using Bayesian networks is able to achieve a predictive accuracy of 86% on the fitted values as computed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve relative to that of the individual single nucleotide polymorphism with the highest prognostic performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve=60%).
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Cahill Julian , Zhang John H.
Published: December 2008

Background and Purpose—

Despite recent advances in the treatment of patients after subarachnoid hemorrhage, morbidity and mortality rates have failed to improve significantly. Although this was often blamed on vasospasm, is it time to consider alternative etiologies?

Summary of Review—

Early brain injury (EBI) is a recently described term that describes the immediate injury to the brain after subarachnoid hemorrhage. A number of pathways have been recognized as having a role in the etiology of EBI. This review provides a brief synopsis of EBI and its implications for the future.

Conclusions—

EBI may be responsible for the detrimental effects seen in patients after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Additional studies are needed to determine the pathophysiology of EBI and to explore potential therapeutic options.
Threats to the Mind
Authors: Iadecola Costantino , Park Laibaik , Capone Carmen
Published: December 2008

Aging, Alzheimer disease, and hypertension, major determinants of cognitive dysfunction, are associated with profound alterations in the structure and function of cerebral blood vessels. These vascular alterations may impair the delivery of energy substrates and nutrients to the active brain, and impede the clearance of potentially toxic metabolic byproducts. Reactive oxygen species derived form the enzyme NADPH oxidase are key pathogenic effectors of the cerebrovascular dysregulation. The resulting alterations in the homeostasis of the cerebral microenvironment may lead to cellular dysfunction and death and to cognitive impairment. The prominent role that cerebrovascular oxidative stress plays in conditions associated with cognitive impairment suggests new therapeutic opportunities to counteract and, possibly, reverse the devastating effects of cerebrovascular dysfunction on the brain.
Cognition in CADASIL
Authors: Dichgans Martin
Published: December 2008

CADASIL is an early onset small vessel disease and genetic variant of pure subcortical ischemic vascular dementia (SIVD). The condition has been invaluable in defining the profile and neuroimaging correlates of cognitive deficits in pure SIVD. The recent completion of a randomized trial in cognitively impaired CADASIL patients has illustrated the feasibility of targeted therapeutic trials in narrowly defined subtypes of vascular cognitive impairment. This article highlights some of the advances on cognition in CADASIL.
Novel Multi-Modal Strategies to Promote Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Recovery
Authors: Ratan Rajiv R. , Noble Mark
Published: December 2008

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States, and yet no definitive interventions can drive the nervous system beyond its measurable but often limited spontaneous recovery. Treatment to limit injury progression and enhance repair after stroke or other types of central nervous system injury is complicated by the heterogeneous nature of cell death and wound healing mechanisms and the multiple barriers to functional recovery. The heterogeneity of injury and repair mechanisms requires interventions that are broad and multi-modal, but also intrinsically safe. We describe a process to identify such interventions by screening multiple individual targets in the historically separate realms of neuroprotection, repair, and regeneration against a library of FDA-approved compounds with known safety. We have identified nearly 10 compounds that are able to activate simultaneously protective and reparative genes. These compounds have a theoretical therapeutic window that spans from evolving injury (minutes to hours) to stable injury (days to months to years). It is our hypothesis that these compounds will be most efficacious when paired with training. The notion is that drugs will alter the propensity of the nervous system toward recovery, whereas specific training will engage the needed instructive cues to achieve this goal. Indeed, robotic training can provide a level of motor learning that seems to enhance the salutary effects of training. In a system that depends heavily on cells that do not easily replenish themselves, cellular therapies could also ultimately be an important part of the cocktail. We conclude that combinations of interventions will be needed to surmount the multiple barriers to recovery in stroke and other types of brain and spinal cord injury recovery.
The Politics of Poetry
Authors: Chaudhuri Rosinka
Published: December 2008

When Nabinchandra Sen published his epic poem, Palashir Yuddha, in Calcutta in 1875, a stormerupted in civil society that divided the literary community and disrupted the functioning of the Text Book Committee for a number of years afterwards. The objections of some men in the TextBook Committee of Bengal was fundamentally connected to their bias against the representation of the Muslim king Sirajuddaula as the last independent king of Bengal, fighting to save the independence of his nation from the British aggressor. Why should a Hindu poet, they argued in private correspondence, depict a Muslim king in heroic light? Do the Hindus not have enough heroesof their own that they need to portray a Muslim as the last defender of the motherland? NabinchandraSen, in response, desperate to re-insert his text into the syllabus, sat down and amended line afterline in his poem to suit the inclinations of his right-wing critics. Railing in private against thecommittee, he nevertheless changed his text substantially, deleting the word ‘Bharat’ and ‘motherland’ from Siraj's speeches in the poem, changing the portrayal of Siraj's defence of the realminto a representation of parochial landlordism instead. This article will attempt to detail theresponses to Nabinchandra Sen's book and show how they reflect different positions on the Hindu-Muslim question, demonstrating how opposite ends of the spectrum responded in both a narrowand hostile manner as well as a liberal and secular way to a seminal text of its time.
The Impact of Enterprise Zones on Resident Employment
Authors: Elvery Joel A.
Published: December 2008

This article examines whether the enterprise zone programs of California and Florida affected the employment probabilities of zone residents. To do this, the author develops a methodology for estimating the effects of programs in which selection for treatment occurs at the neighborhood level, whereas the determination of the outcome of interest occurs at the individual level. This methodology is a combination of individual-level employment probability models and neighborhood-level propensity score matching. Studying programs that provided especially strong incentives to hire disadvantaged workers, the author finds no evidence that these enterprise zones affected the employment of zone residents.
Adventures of the comeback kid
Authors: Morgan Piers
Published: December 2008

How “the youngest national paper editor ever to get fired” found TV stardom and irritated his critics by becoming internationally famous

The former Daily Mirror editor discusses his failures – he’s had a few – and successes, casts a critical eye over the newspapers of today and charts his remarkable renaissance as an international celebrity and television star.
Let's hear it for the cliché
Authors: Cresswell Julia
Published: December 2008

Print journalism is littered with clichés, but is it necessary always to avoid them like the plague? No, says the defender of clichédom

The author of The Cat’s Pyjamas: The Penguin Book of Clichés argues that clichés can be good for you: while clichés may be poor style they are efficient forms of communication. That is why they become clichés. As Terry Pratchett puts it in Guards! Guards!, “Clichés are the spanners and the screwdrivers in the toolbox of language.” Take a really crude example of journalese, such as a headline, “Tiny tot in tug of love”. We may deplore the style, but there is no denying that readers know exactly what they are getting, and are instantly in a position to know if they want to go on reading. And she continues: clichés are both contextual and subjective. If you put the expression “run for your life” in a television drama, it is likely to be a cliché. If you are on a beach and see a tsunami sweeping towards you it is exactly what you need to yell. It would get the legs moving without any need for thought or analysis.
Will hacking help rescue the press?
Authors: Hill John
Published: December 2008

The web is increasingly at the mercy of fraudsters and identity thieves, which could be good news for beleaguered newspapers

The days of amateur computer hacking are virtually over, argues the writer. Criminal gangs have recognised that large amounts of money can be made, and while they may not have the necessary expertise, they are prepared to hire or coerce those who do. As the only way to ensure that your computer is beyond attack is to shut it down, there has to some point at which the general public consider that the financial risk of doing business through the internet is simply not worth the convenience of reduced transaction costs. If there is a general move away from internet advertising because of the risks to the vendors and their customers, the advertising industry may turn once again to the traditional, safe vehicle of the press. Where newspapers are concerned, giant web scams may be their salvation.
Australia–India
Authors: Bonnor Jenelle
Published: December 2008

The Australia-India relationship has reached its strongest point for many years, but it is poised at the edge of a difficult issue that may undermine all the hard work. Economic relations are very robust, with Australia's energy supplier role being increasingly important to India. Mutual strategic interests in Asia, the Indian Ocean and counter-terrorism dictate greater focus on the underdeveloped security relationship. But it is the tricky matter of uranium sales that is the big issue in bilateral relations. It has the potential to create a major rupture if a mature accommodation is not reached. Australia and India could develop a stronger and broader partnership that will benefit both but the uranium issue will be a significant challenge to overcome on the way.
Students in Possession of the Issues of Tomorrow
Authors: Almlöv Maria , Moberg Emilie
Published: December 2008

This article describes an educational experiment, a studentled course called ‘Learning in Sustainable Development’ offered at the teacher training programme at Stockholm University, Sweden. Its purpose was to foster empowerment and action competence among teacher-students in the field of education for sustainable development (ESD). The course content included methods for using case studies to teach issues of ethics and values in ESD. The course was designed to involve students in a democratic process so that the course content changed with the needs and concerns of each class. The students especially appreciated the practical and methodological teaching ideas and the way the course closely related to the needs and concerns of the everyday lives of teacher-students. By including two students in planning and developing the course, a bottom-up perspective was obtained and students felt ownership of the content.
Change in work day step counts, wellbeing and job performance in Catalan university employees: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Puig-Ribera Anna , McKenna Jim , Gilson Nicholas , Brown Wendy J.
Published: December 2008

Using a randomised controlled trial design, this feasibility study assessed the impact of two walking interventions on quality of life (QoL) and job performance of Catalan university employees.

A convenience sample of 70 employees completed baseline and intervention measures of step counts (Yamax SW 200 pedometer), wellbeing (SF-12 questionnaire) and work performance (Work Limitations Questionnaire) over 9 weeks. Before intervention, baseline step counts (five working days) were used to randomly allocate participants to a control ( n = 26), “walking routes” ( n = 19) and “walking while working” ( n = 25) groups. Intervention effects were evaluated by calculating differences between pre-intervention and intervention data. One-way ANOVA was used to examine differences between groups.

No significant group differences were found for changes in work-day step counts, QoL or work performance. When data from the two intervention groups were pooled ( n = 44) there was a significant increase in step counts (+659 steps/day; n = 12; p < 0.01) among participants classified as `Sedentary—Low active' (0—7499 steps/day) at baseline. In contrast there was a significant decrease (—637 steps/day; p < 0.05) in those initially categorised as `Active' (> 10,000 steps/day; n = 21) and no change in those categorised as `Moderately Active' (7500—9999, n = 11). The `Sedentary—Low activity' group showed consistently greater improvements in QoL and work performance scores than the Moderate and Active groups.

Initially low active participants showed the greatest increase in step counts and improved QoL and work productivity profiles. These data indicate the potential for improving QoL and job productivity through workplace walking in inactive Catalan employees.
Capacity building for the future of health promotion
Authors: Barry Margaret
Published: December 2008

This commentary outlines the work plan of the Global Vice President for Capacity Building, Education and Training over the period 2007—10. Two key areas are prioritised for action: workforce development in countries with identified capacity needs; and the development of international collaboration on core competencies for health promotion practice, education and training. Building a competent health promotion workforce is key to delivering on the vision, core values, principles and commitments of international directives and agreements on the promotion of health. There is a need for a trained and competent workforce who have the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities in translating policy objectives and current research knowledge into effective action. This work plan calls for investment in the human and technical resources needed for the sustainable development and implementation of effective practice and policy for the future. The development of mechanisms for the delivery of accessible culturally appropriate training and professional education is targeted for action.
The work plan for the newly created IUHPE Vice President for Strategy and Governance
Authors: Sparks Michael
Published: December 2008

The position of Vice President for Strategy and Governance was created at the first full meeting of the International Union for Health Promotion and Education Board of Trustees in June 2007 in Vancouver, Canada. Specific duties were developed for the position and the newly elected Vice President developed a work plan for the period of 2007—10. This paper describes the responsibilities of the newly created Vice Presidency and the work plan developed to meet those responsibilities.

The key action areas for the focus of the work of the Vice President for Strategy and Governance include: finalising the rewritten Strategic Directions for 2008—10; developing Strategic Directions for 2010—16; developing and implementing processes to improve the strategic coordination and reporting of work plans across the organisation; and broad responsibility for eliciting and working with the organisation to respond to governance issues. (Promot Educ, 2008; 15 (4): pp. 59-60)
Benign Spindle Cell Tumor Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) in a Male Breast
Authors: Dragoumis Dimitrios , Atmatzidis Stefanos , Chatzimavroudis Grigoris , Lakis Sotiris , Panagiotopoulou Konstantina , Atmatzidis Konstantinos
Published: December 2008

Breast spindle cell tumors (BSCTs), although uncommon, constitute a heterogeneous group of benign and malignant lesions, often necessitating different therapeutic approaches. This study describes the case of a 62-year-old man who displayed a gradually growing retroareolar tumor of the left breast. The mass was well circumscribed, unilateral, and grossly nodular. The patient eventually underwent wide local excision of the mass. The lesion was made up of spindle cells arranged in fascicular clusters, separated by bands of collagen. No mitotic figures were observed. Immunohistochemically, the mass expressed strong and diffuse cytoplasmic staining for vimentin, CD34, CD10, and bcl-2, whereas it was negative for cytokeratins, smooth muscle actin, desmin, S-100 protein, p53, Ki-67, estrogen and progesterone receptors. Diverse histological results and immunohistochemical features established the diagnosis of benign BSCT, not otherwise specified. The patient remains disease-free 12 months after lumpectomy. This case report adds to the spectrum of the benign BSCTs and delineates the nature of different types of these lesions, in order to carefully select optimal therapeutic regimes.
An Exploratory Analysis of Factors Affecting Homicide Investigations
Authors: Keel Timothy G. , Jarvis John P. , Muirhead Yvonne E.
Published: December 2008

This study seeks to examine the practices of law enforcement agencies in attempting to solve cases of homicide. Five key dimensions, as determined from the extant literature, are examined using data from a recent law enforcement agency study of homicide investigative practices and policies. These include management practices, investigative procedures, analytical methods, demographics of the population served, and the extent of political influences that might affect agency effectiveness in clearing homicides. As expected, the results show some factors that enable effective agency investigations and other factors that hinder such processes. Some results can be interpreted to support contentions of victim devaluation by the police. However, an alternative interpretation, and perhaps more viable notion, is offered suggesting that police devaluation by the community may also contribute to explanations for the variance found in homicide clearance rates.
Exploring the dynamics of compliance with community penalties
Authors: Robinson Gwen , McNeill Fergus
Published: December 2008

In this paper, we examine how compliance with community penalties has been theorized hitherto and seek to develop a new dynamic model of compliance with community penalties. This new model is developed by exploring some of the interfaces between existing criminological and socio-legal work on compliance. The first part of the paper examines the possible definitions and dimensions of compliance with community supervision. Secondly, we examine existing work on explanations of compliance with community penalties, supplementing this by drawing on recent socio-legal scholarship on private individuals' compliance with tax regimes. In the third part of the paper, we propose a dynamic model of compliance, based on the integration of these two related analyses. Finally, we consider some of the implications of our model for policy and practice concerning community penalties, suggesting the need to move beyond approaches which, we argue, suffer from compliance myopia; that is, a short-sighted and narrowly focused view of the issues.
`Where am I from?' `Where do I belong?'
Authors: Grimshaw Trevor , Sears Coreen
Published: December 2008

While the benefits of a mobile expatriate lifestyle are widely reported, it must also be recognized that many students who have attended international schools experience a confused sense of identity due to the fragmented nature of their personal histories. This article seeks to refine our understanding of how these globally mobile young people negotiate and maintain a sense of identity. It reviews a range of relevant literature, identifies a series of research questions, and concludes with some suggestions as to how to approach empirical research on identity in international schools and other multicultural educational settings.
The European dimension in education
Authors: Savvides Nicola
Published: December 2008

This article outlines some themes that have emerged from research investigating the European dimension in education at three European Schools. It focuses on pupils' perceptions of the conditions in place at these schools that make a significant contribution to the European dimension. Findings are presented on the school environment and community, the curriculum, teachers' approaches, and extra-curricular activities. Pupils attached the highest importance to opportunities to integrate and interact with pupils of diverse European national, cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Ethyl Pyruvate Protects Colonic Anastomosis From Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Unal B. , Karabeyoglu M. , Huner T. , Canbay E. , Eroglu A. , Yildirim O. , Dolapci M. , Bilgihan A. , Cengiz O.
Published: December 2008

Ethyl pyruvate is a simple derivative in Ca+2- and K+-containing balanced salt solution of pyruvate to avoid the problems associated with the instability of pyruvate in solution. It has been shown to ameliorate the effects of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in many organs. It has also been shown that I/R injury delays the healing of colonic anastomosis. In this study, the effect of ethyl pyruvate on the healing of colon anastomosis and anastomotic strength after I/R injury was investigated. Anastomosis of the colon was performed in 32 adult male Wistar albino rats divided into 4 groups of 8 individuals: (1) sham-operated control group (group 1); (2) 30 minutes of intestinal I/R by superior mesenteric artery occlusion (group 2); (3) I/R+ ethyl pyruvate (group 3), ethyl pyruvate was administered as a 50-mg/kg/d single dose; and (4) I/R+ ethyl pyruvate (group 4), ethyl pyruvate administration was repeatedly (every 6 hours) at the same dose (50 mg/kg). On the fifth postoperative day, animals were killed. Perianastomotic tissue hydroxyproline contents and anastomotic bursting pressures were measured in all groups. When the anastomotic bursting pressures and tissue hydroxyproline contents were compared, it was found that they were decreased in group 2 when compared with groups 1, 3, and 4 ( P < .05). Both anastomotic bursting pressure ( P = .005) and hydroxyproline content ( P < .001) levels were found to be significantly increased with ethyl pyruvate administration when compared with group 2. When ethyl pyruvate administration doses were compared, a significant difference was not observed ( P > .05). Ethyl pyruvate significantly prevents the delaying effect of I/R injury on anastomotic strength and healing independent from doses of administration.