bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bifidobacterium bifidum improves intestinal integrity in a rat model of necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Khailova Ludmila , Dvorak Katerina , Arganbright Kelly M. , Halpern Melissa D. , Kinouchi Toshi , Yajima Masako , Dvorak Bohuslav
Published: August 2009

Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in premature infants. Oral administration of probiotics has been suggested as a promising strategy for prevention of NEC. However, little is known about the mechanism(s) of probiotic-mediated protection against NEC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Bifidobacterium bifidum treatment on development of NEC, cytokine regulation, and intestinal integrity in a rat model of NEC. Premature rats were divided into three groups: dam fed (DF), hand fed with formula (NEC), or hand fed with formula supplemented with 5 × 106CFU B. bifidum per day ( B. bifidum ). All groups were exposed to asphyxia and cold stress to develop NEC. Intestinal injury, mucin and trefoil factor 3 (Tff3) production, cytokine levels, and composition of tight junction (TJ) and adherens junction (AJ) proteins were evaluated in the terminal ileum. B. bifidum decreased the incidence of NEC from 57 to 17%. Increased levels of IL-6, mucin-3, and Tff3 in the ileum of NEC rats was normalized in B. bifidum treated rats. Reduced mucin-2 production in the NEC rats was not affected by B. bifidum . Administration of B. bifidum normalized the expression and localization of TJ and AJ proteins in the ileum compared with animals with NEC. In conclusion, administration of B. bifidum protects against NEC in the neonatal rat model. This protective effect is associated with reduction of inflammatory reaction in the ileum, regulation of main components of mucus layer, and improvement of intestinal integrity.
Parsing apical oxalate exchange in Caco-2BBe1 monolayers: siRNA knockdown of SLC26A6 reveals the role and properties of PAT-1
Authors: Freel Robert W. , Morozumi Makoto , Hatch Marguerite
Published: August 2009

The purpose of this investigation was to quantitate the contribution of the anion exchanger PAT-1 (putative anion transporter-1), encoded by SLC26A6, to oxalate transport in a model intestinal epithelium and to discern some characteristics of this exchanger expressed in its native environment. Control (Con) Caco-2 BBe1 monolayers, 6–8 days postseeding, were compared with those transfected with a small interfering RNA targeted to SLC26A6 (A6KD). Radiotracer and Ussing chamber techniques were used to determine the transepithelial unidirectional fluxes of Ox2−, Cl−, and SO42− whereas fluorometric/BCECF measurements of intracellular pH were used to assess HCO3− exchange. PAT-1 was functionally targeted to the apical membrane, and SLC26A6 knockdown reduced PAT-1 protein (>60%) and mRNA (>75%) expression in A6KD. No net flux of Ox2−, Cl−, or SO42− was detected in Con or A6KD monolayers, yet the unidirectional fluxes in A6KD were reduced 50, 35, and 15%, respectively. Cl−-dependent HCO3− efflux from A6KD was reduced 50% compared with Con. The difference between Con and A6KD properties represents that mediated solely by PAT-1, and by this approach we found that PAT-1-mediated oxalate influx and efflux are inhibited equally by mucosal DIDS (EC50 ∼5 μM) and that mucosal Cl− inhibits oxalate uptake with an EC50 < 20 mM. Transepithelial Cl− gradients supported large, DIDS-sensitive net absorptive or secretory fluxes of oxalate in a direction opposite that of the imposed Cl− gradient. The overall symmetry of PAT-1-mediated oxalate exchange suggests that vectorial oxalate transport observed in vivo is principally dependent on the magnitude and direction of counterion gradients.
Reflex vasoconstriction in aged human skin increasingly relies on Rho kinase-dependent mechanisms during whole body cooling
Authors: Lang James A. , Jennings John D. , Holowatz Lacy A. , Kenney W. Larry
Published: August 2009

Primary human aging may be associated with augmented Rho kinase (ROCK)-mediated contraction of vascular smooth muscle and ROCK-mediated inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). We hypothesized that the contribution of ROCK to reflex vasoconstriction (VC) is greater in aged skin. Cutaneous VC was elicited by 1) whole body cooling [mean skin temperature (Tsk) = 30.5°C] and 2) local norepinephrine (NE) infusion (1 × 10−6 M). Four microdialysis fibers were placed in the forearm skin of eight young (Y) and eight older (O) subjects for infusion of 1) Ringer solution (control), 2) 3 mM fasudil (ROCK inhibition), 3) 20 mM NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (NOS inhibition), and 4) both ROCK + NOS inhibitors. Red cell flux was measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry over each site. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated as flux/mean arterial pressure and normalized to baseline CVC (%ΔCVCbaseline). VC was reduced at the control site in O during cooling (Y, −34 ± 3; and O, −18 ± 3%ΔCVCbaseline; P < 0.001) and NE infusion (Y, −53 ± 4, and O, −41 ± 9%ΔCVCbaseline; P = 0.006). Fasudil attenuated VC in both age groups during mild cooling; however, this reduction remained only in O but not in Y skin during moderate cooling (Y, −30 ± 5; and O, −7 ± 1%ΔCVCbaseline; P = 0.016) and was not altered by NOS inhibition. Fasudil blunted NE-mediated VC in both age groups (Y, −23 ± 4; and O, −7 ± 3%ΔCVCbaseline; P < 0.01). Cumulatively, these data indicate that reflex VC is more reliant on ROCK in aged skin such that approximately half of the total VC response to whole body cooling is ROCK dependent.
Local NSAID infusion inhibits satellite cell proliferation in human skeletal muscle after eccentric exercise
Authors: Mikkelsen U. R. , Langberg H. , Helmark I. C. , Skovgaard D. , Andersen L. L. , Kjær M. , Mackey A. L.
Published: August 2009

Despite the widespread consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the influence of these drugs on muscle satellite cells is not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a local NSAID infusion on satellite cells after unaccustomed eccentric exercise in vivo in human skeletal muscle. Eight young healthy males performed 200 maximal eccentric contractions with each leg. An NSAID was infused via a microdialysis catheter into the vastus lateralis muscle of one leg (NSAID leg) before, during, and for 4.5 h after exercise, with the other leg working as a control (unblocked leg). Muscle biopsies were collected before and 8 days after exercise. Changes in satellite cells and inflammatory cell numbers were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Satellite cells were identified using antibodies against neural cell adhesion molecule and Pax7. The number of Pax7+cells per myofiber was increased by 96% on day 8 after exercise in the unblocked leg (0.14 ± 0.04, mean ± SE) compared with the prevalue (0.07 ± 0.02, P < 0.05), whereas the number of Pax7+cells was unchanged in the leg muscles exposed to the NSAID (0.07 ± 0.01). The number of inflammatory cells (CD68+or CD16+cells) was not significantly increased in either of the legs 8 days after exercise and was unaffected by the NSAID. The main finding in the present study was that the NSAID infusion for 7.5 h during the exercise day suppressed the exercise-induced increase in the number of satellite cells 8 days after exercise. These results suggest that NSAIDs negatively affect satellite cell activity after unaccustomed eccentric exercise.
Surround inhibition depends on the force exerted and is abnormal in focal hand dystonia
Authors: Beck S. , Schubert M. , Richardson S. Pirio , Hallett M.
Published: August 2009

There is evidence that surround inhibition (SI), a neural mechanism to enhance contrast between signals, may play a role in primary motor cortex during movement initiation, while it is deficient in patients with focal hand dystonia (FHD). To further characterize SI with respect to different force levels, single- and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation was applied at rest and during index finger movement to evoke potentials in the nonsynergistic, abductor policis muscle. In Experiment 1, in 19 healthy volunteers, SI was tested using single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation. Motor-evoked potentials at rest were compared with those during contraction using four different force levels [5, 10, 20, and 40% of maximum force (Fmax)]. In Experiments 2 and 3, SI and short intracortical inhibition (SICI) were tested, respectively, in 16 patients with FHD and 20 age-matched controls for the 10% and 20% Fmax levels. SI was most pronounced for 10% Fmax and abolished for the 40% Fmax level in controls, whereas FHD patients had no SI at all. In contrast, a loss of SICI was observed in FHD patients, which was more pronounced for 10% Fmax than for 20% Fmax. Our results suggest that SI is involved in the generation of fine finger movements with low-force levels. The greater loss of SICI for the 10% Fmax level in patients with FHD than for the 20% Fmax level indicates that this inhibitory mechanism is more abnormal at lower levels of force.
The Role of Genetics in Delirium in the Elderly Patient
Authors: van Munster Barbara C. , de Rooij Sophia E. , Korevaar Johanna C.
Published: August 2009

Delirium is an important neuropsychiatric syndrome in the elderly that is associated with an increase in mortality, impaired physical and cognitive recovery, and increased healthcare costs. Two important gaps in daily practice with delirium are the pathophysiological obscurity and the low recognition rates. Genetics offers the possibility to contribute knowledge to both of these gaps with its unique and diverse techniques. However, genetic studies in delirium have been scarce until recently, due to the nature of the diagnosis, the etiology of the syndrome, and the pitfalls inherent in the design of genetic studies. This review describes the barriers of this field of research and the implications for our current knowledge of delirium.
Differentiation between Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease Using the FMLL Mini-Battery
Authors: Abizanda Pedro , López-Ramos Beatriz , Romero Luis , Sánchez-Jurado Pedro Manuel , León Matilde , Martín-Sebastiá Elena , López-Jiménez Esther
Published: August 2009

Aim: To construct and validate a mini-battery to discriminate between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in patients seen at a hospital memory clinic. Methods: In a cohort of 310 subjects (137 with MCI and 173 with AD), the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) was used to select the neuropsychologic diagnostic test battery subtests with the best overall performance, namely, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE, 0.715), Logical Memory II (LMII, 0.721), Verbal Fluency Test (0.747), and Lawton index (0.742). A mini-battery test was constructed with the following formulation: FMLL = [(Fluency Test/17 + MMSE/30 + LMII/32 + Lawton/8)/4] × 100. Another cohort of 87 subjects with MCI and 100 with AD was used to validate the mini-battery and to calculate the psychometric properties. Results: The concurrent validity with Reisberg’s Global Deterioration Scale was r = 0.792 (p < 0.001). Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency was 0.6358. The AUC to diagnose MCI or AD was 0.879 (95% CI: 0.832–0.927; p < 0.001). Specificity for MCI diagnosis was 0.9 when FMLL scores were above 59% and 1 when scores were above 76%. Conclusion: The FMLL mini-examination is a useful tool to differentiate between MCI and AD in patients seen in a memory clinic.
Atrioventricular Valve Annulus Velocity and Acceleration during Global Hypoxia in Newborn Pigs – Assessment of Myocardial Function
Authors: Odland Hans Henrik , Kro Grete A.B. , Edvardsen Thor , Thaulow Erik , Saugstad Ola Didrik
Published: August 2009

Background: Global hypoxia may affect regions of the neonatal heart during systole and diastole differently. Objective: In the first study, the aim was to assess longitudinal myocardial function in newborn pigs during global hypoxia and recovery. In the second study, invasive hemodynamic data were evaluated and compared with tissue velocities and acceleration. Methods: Myocardial Doppler measurements of velocity and acceleration in the atrioventricular valve annuli during global hypoxia were made. Results: In the first experiment, systolic velocity (S), early diastolic velocity (E’) and peak systolic acceleration (pSac) decreased during hypoxia. S, pSac and E’mva (mitral valve annulus) recovered after reoxygenation, while E’septal and E’tva (tricuspid valve annulus) did not. Isovolumic acceleration (IVA) did not reflect systolic dysfunction. In the second experiment, Smva and pSacmva declined during hypoxia similarly to maximum dP/dT. E’mva and E’tva were correlated with τ and both changed parallel to minimum dP/dT. In the TVA maximum dP/dT and pSactva did not change, while Stva declined. By correcting for heart rate the pattern of alteration in S and pSac became comparable to the changes in E’. Conclusion: Tissue Doppler velocity in systole, diastole and acceleration during rapid ejection reflect hemodynamic changes in the neonatal myocardium during global hypoxia and recovery. S and pSac reflect systolic function, while E’ correlates with τ and mirrors diastolic function.
Large Gluteal Abscesses as a Complication of Transgluteal Drainage of Pelvic Abscesses: Analysis of Three Cases and a Search of the Literature
Authors: van Doesburg I.A.J. , Boerma D. , Bollen T.L. , van Ramshorst B. , Wiezer M.J.
Published: August 2009

Background: The percutaneous transgluteal approach is a well-accepted method for drainage of deep pelvic abscesses. Recently, in 3 patients, transgluteal drainage was complicated by the development of large gluteal abscesses requiring multiple surgical interventions. Methods: This report describes these cases as well as a search of the literature. Results: Three patients with a complicated clinical course after colon resection are described. After CT-guided percutaneous transgluteal drainage of the pelvic abscess, large gluteal abscesses were diagnosed after 2–6 weeks. Subsequent surgical interventions were needed to adequately drain these abscesses. In the literature, transgluteal drainage of pelvic abscesses is well described as a safe and efficient method. However, until now the development of gluteal abscesses has not been mentioned as a complication in the literature. Conclusion: In our own experience, a transrectally (radiologically or surgically performed) drainage route is recommended in patients who develop a deep pelvic abscess after bowel resection and suspicion of an anastomotic leak.
The Value of Protecting the Longitudinal Staple Line with Invaginating Sutures during Esophageal Reconstruction by Gastric Tube Pull-Up
Authors: Silberhumer Gerd R. , Györi Georg , Burghuber Christopher , Neumayer Christoph , Riegler Martin , Jakesz Raimund , Prager Gerhard , Schoppmann Sebastian F. , Zacherl Johannes
Published: August 2009

Background: Radical surgery with lymphadenectomy offers the best chance of curing esophageal cancer, but it carries considerable risks. Generally, the resected esophagus is replaced with a gastric tube. Rupture of the gastric tube staple line is a rare but serious surgical complication. One unresolved issue is whether oversewing of the longitudinal gastric staple line is necessary to avoid staple line rupture or insufficiency. Patients and Methods: Between 2000 and February 2008, 199 patients underwent esophageal resection for cancer or perforation at the Vienna General Hospital, Medical University of Vienna. Data were collected prospectively. Of these patients, 151 (75.9%) underwent reconstruction by pulling up a gastric tube. These comprised the study population. In 83 patients (55.0%) the longitudinal gastric staple line was not oversewn (group A). In 68 patients (45.0%) the staple line was reinforced by invaginating sutures (group B). Results: The mean age of the patients was 62.0 ± 10.6 years (median: 63.1 years). Males comprised 75.5% of the population. Adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in 77 patients (51.0%), 63 patients (41.7%) suffered from a squamous cell carcinoma, 10 patients (6.6%) had esophageal perforation, and in 1 patient (0.7%) a gastrointestinal stromal tumor was diagnosed. In group A, a leak within the staple line was observed in 4 of 83 patients (4.9%). No leak was found in group B (p = 0.09). Major surgical complications included anastomotic leakage (21 patients; 13.9%), gastric tip necrosis (3 patients; 2%), postoperative ileus (3 patients; 2.0%) and chylothorax (7 patients; 4.6%). Two major intraoperative complications (1.3%) were splenic injury and aortic bleeding. Conclusion: A remarkable but not statistically significant difference was found regarding staple line rupture between study groups. However, all leaks were seen in patients without a staple line suture.
Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Renal Involvement
Authors: Gigante Antonietta , Gasperini Maria Ludovica , Cianci Rosario , Barbano Biagio , Giannakakis Konstantinos , Di Donato Domenico , Fuiano Giorgio , Amoroso Antonio
Published: August 2009

Antiphospholipid antibodies are a heterogeneous group of autoantibodies associated with the hypercoagulable state affecting all vascular districts with thrombosis named antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). APS is an autoimmune disease with multifactorial etiology that includes cellular, molecular, genetic and pathogenic mechanisms. The APS clinical features are a combination of arterial and/or venous thrombosis, hematological events, recurrent fetal losses, neurological disorders and intra-abdominal manifestations. The renal involvement is associated with both primary and secondary APS. Clinical features include hypertension, renal artery stenosis, thrombotic microangiopathy and other histological manifestations of the nephropathy (APSN), venous renal thrombosis, APSN in the course of systemic lupus erythematosus and renal failure. APSN is an independent risk factor that should be included in the classification criteria for definite APS with characteristic clinical and histological features.
The Fibronectin RGD Motif Is Required for Multiple Angiogenic Events During Early Embryonic Development
Authors: Takahashi Seiichiro , Moser Markus , Montanez Eloi , Nakano Takanari , Seo Makoto , Backert Steffen , Inoue Ikuo , Awata Takuya , Katayama Sigehiro , Komoda Tsugikazu , Fässler Reinhard
Published: August 2009

In the present study we demonstrated that inactivation of the RGD motif in mice results in a severe circulation defect that differs from the defect seen in mice lacking FN. Our findings indicate that FN is essential for both vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, and the RGD motif plays specific roles in angiogenesis.
How Structure, Ca Signals, and Cellular Communications Underlie Function in Precapillary Arterioles
Authors: Borisova Lyudmyla , Wray Susan , Eisner David A. , Burdyga Theodor
Published: August 2009

Rationale
:

Precapillary arterioles control blood flow to tissues and their correct function is vital. However, their small size has limited study and little is known concerning the calcium signals in their endothelial and muscle cells and how these relate to function.

Objective
:

We aimed to investigate whether these small vessels are specialized in terms of structure and calcium signaling.

Methods and Results
:

Using in situ confocal imaging we have studied the ultrastructure, Ca signaling and coordination of contraction in precapillary arterioles in ureter and vas deferens. We have compared the data to that from a small mesenteric artery. In the precapillary arteriole, 1 myocyte covers a ≈10-μm length, and contraction of this single cell can decrease the diameter of this segment. In the mesenteric artery, more than 20 myocytes are required for this. In the precapillary arteriole, Ca signals arise solely from Ca release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum through inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced Ca release and not via ryanodine receptors. Agonist-induced Ca signals do not require Ca entry into the cell, do not spread or synchronize with neighboring cells, and are unaffected by endothelial stimulation, thereby allowing local control. This contrasts with the mesenteric artery, where Ca entry and ryanodine receptors are important and stimulation of the endothelium inhibits myocyte Ca signals and contraction.

Conclusions
:

These data reveal the structural and signaling specializations underlying how blood flow is locally regulated, provide new insight into control of microcirculation, and provide a framework to explain its vulnerability to disease.
S100A4 and Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Codependently Induce Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration via Phospho–Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase and Chloride Intracellular Channel 4
Authors: Spiekerkoetter Edda , Guignabert Christophe , de Jesus Perez Vinicio , Alastalo Tero-Pekka , Powers Janine M. , Wang Lingli , Lawrie Allan , Ambartsumian Noona , Schmidt Ann-Marie , Berryman Mark , Ashley Richard H. , Rabinovitch Marlene
Published: August 2009

Rationale:

S100A4/Mts1 is implicated in motility of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs), through an interaction with the RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products).

Objective:

We hypothesized that S100A4/Mts1-mediated hPASMC motility might be enhanced by loss of function of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor (BMPR)II, observed in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Methods and Results:

Both S100A4/Mts1 (500 ng/mL) and BMP-2 (10 ng/mL) induce migration of hPASMCs in a novel codependent manner, in that the response to either ligand is lost with anti-RAGE or BMPRII short interference (si)RNA. Phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase is induced by both ligands and is required for motility by inducing matrix metalloproteinase 2 activity, but phospho–extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 is blocked by anti-RAGE and not by BMPRII short interference RNA. In contrast, BMPRII short interference RNA, but not anti-RAGE, reduces expression of intracellular chloride channel (CLIC)4, a scaffolding molecule necessary for motility in response to S100A4/Mts1 or BMP-2. Reduced CLIC4 expression does not interfere with S100A4/Mts1 internalization or its interaction with myosin heavy chain IIA, but does alter alignment of myosin heavy chain IIA and actin filaments creating the appearance of vacuoles. This abnormality is associated with reduced peripheral distribution and/or delayed activation of RhoA and Rac1, small GTPases required for retraction and extension of lamellipodia in motile cells.

Conclusions:

Our studies demonstrate how a single ligand (BMP-2 or S100A4/Mts1) can recruit multiple cell surface receptors to relay signals that coordinate events culminating in a functional response, ie, cell motility. We speculate that this carefully controlled process limits signals from multiple ligands, but could be subverted in disease.
Hopelessness, Depressive Symptoms, and Carotid Atherosclerosis in Women
Authors: Whipple Mary O. , Lewis Tené T. , Sutton-Tyrrell Kim , Matthews Karen A. , Barinas-Mitchell Emma , Powell Lynda H. , Everson-Rose Susan A.
Published: August 2009

Background and Purpose—

Depression and hopelessness are associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality; however, few studies have compared these constructs early in the atherogenic process, particularly in women or minorities.

Methods—

This cross-sectional study examined associations of hopelessness and depressive symptoms with carotid artery intimal-medial thickening (IMT) in 559 women (62% white, 38% black; mean±SD age, 50.2±2.8 years) without evidence of clinical CVD from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) Heart Study. Hopelessness was measured by 2 questionnaire items; depressive symptoms were measured with the 20-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Mean and maximum IMT were assessed by B-mode ultrasonography of the carotid arteries.

Results—

Increasing hopelessness was significantly related to higher mean (
P
=0.0139) and maximum (
P
=0.0297) IMT in regression models adjusted for age, race, site, income, and CVD risk factors. A weaker pattern of associations was noted for depressive symptoms and mean (
P
=0.1056) and maximum (
P
=0.0691) IMT. Modeled simultaneously in a risk factor-adjusted model, hopelessness was related to greater mean IMT (
P
=0.0217) and maximum IMT (
P
=0.0409), but depressive symptoms were unrelated to either outcome (
P
>0.4). No interactions with race or synergistic effects of depressive symptoms and hopelessness were observed.

Conclusions—

Among middle-aged women, higher levels of hopelessness are associated with greater subclinical atherosclerosis independent of age, race, income, CVD risk factors, and depressive symptoms.
Elevated Cardiac Troponin I and Relationship to Persistence of Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Abnormalities After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Hravnak Marilyn , Frangiskakis J. Michael , Crago Elizabeth A. , Chang Yuefang , Tanabe Masaki , Gorcsan John , Horowitz Michael B.
Published: August 2009

Background and Purpose—

Cardiac injury persistence after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is not well described. We hypothesized that post-aSAH cardiac injury, detected by elevated cardiac troponin I (cTnI), is related to aSAH severity and associated with electrocardiographic and structural echocardiographic abnormalities that are persistent.

Methods—

Prospective longitudinal study was conducted of patients with aSAH with Fisher grade ≥2 and/or Hunt/Hess grade ≥3. Serum cTnI was collected on Days 1 to 5; cohort dichotomized into peak cTnI ≥0.3 ng/mL (elevated) or cTnI <0.3 ng/mL. Relationships among cTnI and aSAH severity, 12-lead electrocardiography early (≤4 days) and late (≥7 days), Holter monitoring on Days 1 to 5, and transthoracic echocardiogram (left ventricular ejection fraction and regional wall motion abnormalities) early (Days 0 to 5) and late (Days 5 to 12) were evaluated.

Results—

Of 204 subjects, 31% had cTnI ≥0.3 ng/mL. cTnI ≥0.3 ng/mL was incrementally related to aSAH severity by admission symptoms (Hunt/Hess
P
=0.001) and blood load (Fisher
P
=0.028). More patients with cTnI ≥0.3 ng/mL had prolonged QTc on early (63% versus 30%,
P
<0.0001) and late electrocardiography (24% versus 7%,
P
=0.024). On Holter monitoring, more patients with cTnI ≥0.3 ng/mL had ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (22% versus 9%,
P
=0.018) but not atrial fibrillation/flutter (
P
=0.241). Cardiac troponin I ≥0.3 ng/mL was associated with both early ejection fraction <50% (44% versus 5%,
P
<0.0001) and regional wall motion abnormalities (44% versus 4%,
P
<0.0001). Regional wall motion abnormalities predominated in basal and midventricular segments and persisted to some degree in 73% of patients affected, whereas ejection fraction <50% persisted in 59% of patients affected.

Conclusions—

Cardiac injury is incrementally worse with increasing aSAH severity and associated with persistent QTc prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Regional wall motion abnormalities and depressed ejection fraction persist to some degree in the majority of those affected.
Low Serum Bilirubin Level as an Independent Predictor of Stroke Incidence
Authors: Kimm Heejin , Yun Ji Eun , Jo Jaeseong , Jee Sun Ha
Published: August 2009

Background and Purpose—

Bilirubin is not only a waste end-product but also an antioxidant. Bilirubin is known to be associated with decrease in cardiovascular risk in men, but its relationship to stroke was not clearly understood.

Methods—

Serum bilirubin concentrations were measured in 78 724 health examinees (41 054 men, aged 30–89 years) from 1994 to 2001. The subjects with potential hepatobiliary diseases or Gilbert syndrome were excluded from analysis. Stroke incidence outcome was collected from hospital records of admission attributable to stroke from 1994 to 2007.

Results—

Serum bilirubin measurements were divided into 4 levels: 0 to 10.2, 10.3 to 15.3, 15.4 to 22.1, and 22.2 to 34.2 μmol/L. The number of stroke cases was 1137 in men and 827 in women. In Cox proportional hazard models, participants with a higher level of bilirubin showed lower hazard ratios in men with ischemic stroke after adjustment for multiple confounding factors compared to the lowest level of bilirubin (hazard ratio [HR], 0.72; 95% CI, 0.58–0.90 in level 3; HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.49–0.89 in level 4;
P
for trend=0.016). The risk of all stroke types also decreased as bilirubin levels increased (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68–0.97 in level 3; HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.58–0.94 in level 4;
P
for trend=0.0071). However, these associations were not seen in hemorrhagic stroke or in women.

Conclusions—

These findings suggest that serum bilirubin might have some protective function against stroke risk in men.
"I'm Not an Activist!": Animal Rights vs. Animal Welfare in the Purebred Dog Rescue Movement
Authors: Greenebaum Jessica
Published: August 2009

Purebred dog rescuers are doing their part to reduce the problems of homeless pets and pet overpopulation. The volunteers studied are doing the daily and invisible work of saving dogs. Because of their perception of the animal rights movement, however, they do not consider themselves part of the animal welfare or animal rights movement, nor do they care to be. Dog rescue organizations agree with academics and activist organizations on the cause of the problem of homeless pets and pet overpopulation, but they differ on the theoretical, political, and ideological solutions to the problem. This paper focuses on the disagreements between rescue workers, activists, and academics and asks whether there is a place for rescue workers within the larger animal protection movement.
Women and the World of Dog Rescue: A Case Study of the State of Michigan
Authors: Markovits Andrei , Queen Robin
Published: August 2009

In the wake of the considerable cultural changes and societal shifts that the United States and all advanced industrial democracies have experienced since the late 1960s and early 1970s, one can also observe a dramatic change in how humans in these societies have come to relate to nonhuman animals, dogs in particular. One of the new institutions created by this change in attitude and behavior toward dogs is the canine rescue organization, examples of which have arisen all over the United States beginning in the 1980s. While the growing scholarship on the changed dimension of the human-animal relationship attests to its social, political, and intellectual salience to our contemporary world, the work presented here constitutes the first academic research on the particularly important institution of dog rescue. This paper presents some key findings from a survey of canine rescue workers in the state of Michigan, with a concentration on the dynamics of gender within canine rescue work.
Delimiting Religion
Authors: Martin Craig
Published: August 2009

The problem of the definition of religion sparks perennial discussion; unfortunately much of the debate over the use of the word produces more confusion than understanding—some scholars suggest that religion cannot be defined and others suggest that all definitions are inadequate to religion. Through a consideration of the nature of language and Gary Lease's claim that "there is no religion," this essay attempts to clear away some of the incoherencies and to set out what we can and cannot say about the delimitation of the category "religion."
Enemy Brothers: Gary Lease and the Scholarship of Religion
Authors: Rein Nathan
Published: August 2009

Gary Lease, a controversial figure in the study of religion, was best known throughout his long career for his uncompromising antipathy towards theologically and phenomenologically-oriented approaches to the field. Lease developed his analytic perspective on religion around a set of broad, global assumptions about human nature, the mind, and society. These assumptions lie at the root of those provocative positions which have come to characterize Lease's work. This paper argues that those assumptions, which center primarily on his understanding of human thought as sharply and inescapably limited by biological, cognitive, and historical constraints, form the basis for a distinctive and robust framework for the study of religion. This framework posits, among other things, a fundamentally agonistic relationship between the religion and the study of religion.
Observation of Interference Patterns in Reconstructed Digital Holograms of Atmospheric Ice Crystals
Authors: Raupach Sebastian M. F.
Published: August 2009

The observation of interference patterns in reconstructed digital holograms of natural ice crystals is reported. It is suggested that an investigation of the interference fringes’ origin will yield a new application of holography in atmospheric sciences by revealing information on otherwise hardly accessible properties of the crystals.
‘Down-to-Earth’ Cosmopolitanism
Authors: Pichler Florian
Published: August 2009

People who see themselves as and feel citizens of the world are often regarded as cosmopolitans. Sociology further distinguishes cosmopolitans by a set of particular orientations to the greater world. According to major normative claims of cosmopolitan theory, cosmopolitans hold attitudes and beliefs recognizing diversity. They are also expected to be more open-minded, self-critical and future-oriented. Using data from the European Values Study (EVS), the article discusses the possibilities to operationalize two measurement approaches to cosmopolitanism. The first one, termed the ‘identity approach’, is based on self-views as a world citizen and feelings of belonging. The second, labelled ‘cosmopolitan orientation’, relates to particular attitudes towards difference. Analyses show that EVS data on the ‘identity approach’ are problematic. In a comparative crossnational study covering 31 European countries, it is found that individual-level characteristics (gender, age, social class, citizenship, etc.) and structural conditions (GDP, sociopolitical regime) impact on the objective measurement of ‘cosmopolitan orientation’. The results of a multilevel regression on this measure support the usefulness of approaching cosmopolitanism from a more ‘objective’ point of view.
Is There a Budget Fallacy? The Role of Savings Goals in the Prediction of Personal Spending
Authors: Peetz Johanna , Buehler Roger
Published: August 2009

The authors extend research and theory on self prediction into the realm of personal financial behavior. Four studies examined people’s ability to predict their future personal spending and the findings supported the two main hypotheses. First, participants tended to underestimate their future spending. They predicted spending substantially less money in the coming week than they actually spent or than they remembered spending in the previous week. Second, the prediction bias stemmed from people’s savings goals—defined as the general desire to save money or minimize future spending—at the time of prediction. Participants who reported (Studies 2 and 3) or were induced to experience (Study 4) a stronger savings goal predicted they would spend less money. However, savings goals were not related to actual spending and thus contributed to the bias in prediction.
Assessment of the QT Interval in the Electroencephalography (EEG) of Children With Syncope, Epilepsy, and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Jha Om P. , Khurana Divya S. , Carvalho Karen S. , Melvin Joseph J. , Legido Agustin , O'Riordan Anna C. , Valencia Ignacio
Published: August 2009

The interpretation of QT interval is often neglected during electroencephalography (EEG) reading. We compared the incidence of prolonged QT interval, as seen in the electrocardiography (ECG) recording lead of the EEG, in children presenting with seizure, syncope, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Abnormal QT was defined as >460 ms. The incidence of prolonged QT in the seizure, syncope, and ADHD groups was 1/50 (2%), 7/50 (14%), and 2/50 (4%), respectively (P = .036, chi-square). The mean ± SD of QT were 405 ± 34, 424 ± 39, and 414 ± 36, respectively (P = .035, analysis of variance [ANOVA], syncope group, compared with seizure group). The incidence of prolonged QT as measured in the EEG was unexpectedly high in children presenting with seizure, syncope, or ADHD. These data support the concept that QT evaluation should be emphasized during routine EEG reading, as it may aid in identifying cases of undiagnosed cardiac conduction abnormalities. Prospective studies comparing EEG-ECG tracings with 12-lead ECG are warranted.
Frequency of CD4+CD25high Regulatory T Cells in the Peripheral Blood of Egyptian Children With Autism
Authors: Mostafa Gehan A. , Al Shehab Abeer , Fouad Nermeen R.
Published: August 2009

Autoimmunity may have a role in autism, although the origins of autoimmunity in autism are unknown. CD4 +CD25high regulatory T cells play an important role in the establishment of immunological self-tolerance, thereby preventing autoimmunity. The authors are the first to study the frequency of CD4+CD25 high regulatory T cells in the blood of 30 autistic and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy children. Patients with autism had significantly lower frequency of CD4+CD25high regulatory T cells than healthy children (P < .001). These cells were deficient in 73.3% of children with autism. Autistic patients with allergic manifestations (40%) and those with a family history of autoimmunity (53.3%) had a significantly lower frequency of CD4+CD25high regulatory T cells than those without (P < .01 and P < .001, respectively). In conclusion, CD4+CD25 high regulatory T cells are deficient in many children with autism. Deficiency of these cells may contribute to autoimmunity in a subgroup of children with autism. Consequently, CD4+CD25high regulatory T cells could be new potential therapeutic targets in these patients.
Quality of Life in Children With Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Authors: Burns Joshua , Ryan Monique M. , Ouvrier Robert A.
Published: August 2009

The authors studied the health-related quality of life of children aged 5 to 18 years with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease of varying types and severity and compared it with the general pediatric population. To capture and compare the quality-of-life data across a broad range of ages, the Child Health Questionnaire was completed by parents of 127 children with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Affected children exhibited lower physical, psychological, and social well-being than the general pediatric population, with subsequent worsening of many domains with age. The type of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease influenced some physical and behavioral quality-of-life domains, while gender, body size, and ethnicity did not. Parent characteristics had generally little impact on the reporting of their child’s quality of life, although parents with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease reported higher bodily pain in their children than those without. Overall, quality of life is negatively affected by the presence and severity of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in childhood.
Experiment of Shock Vibration Control Using Active Momentum Exchange Impact Damper
Authors: Son Lovely , Hara Susumu , Yamada Keisuke , Matsuhisa Hiroshi
Published: August 2009

In the authors’ previous study, we proposed a novel shock vibration control method using the active momentum exchange impact damper (AMEID). By using this method, the shock vibration of the vibratory system is greatly reduced by transferring part of its momentum to the damper mass. This feature is effective for suppressing the first large peak value of the acceleration response due to a shock load. However, the validity of AMEID for actual implementations has not yet been investigated. In this paper, the active control of shock vibration using AMEID under real conditions is evaluated by simulation and experiment. A one-degree-of-freedom vibratory system is used as the controlled object. The controller is designed using the linear quadratic regulator optimal control theory. Reductions in the acceleration response and transmitted force to the base are investigated using simulations. Experiments are carried out to verify the simulation results.
Analysis of Nonlinear Phenomena in High Speed Ball Bearings due to Radial Clearance and Unbalanced Rotor Effects
Authors: Upadhyay S.H. , Harsha S.P. , Jain S.C.
Published: August 2009

The dynamic behavior of a high speed unbalanced rotor supported on roller bearings with damping has been studied, focusing particular attention on its nonlinear aspects. The non-linearity in the rotor bearing system has been considered mainly due to Hertzian contact, unbalanced rotor effect and radial internal clearance. This is modeled as an oscillating spring-mass-damper system. Various techniques like Time Response curves, Poincaré maps, Orbits plots, fast Fourier transformation, Hopf bifurcation and Phase Trajectory are used to study the nature of response. The motion of an unbalanced rotor is categorized with respect to the ratio of the Forcing/Natural frequency of the system as Harmonic, Sub-harmonic, Quasi periodic and Chaotic. The results show the appearance of instability and chaos in the dynamic response as the speed of the rotor-bearing system is changed. Period doubling and mechanism of intermittency have been observed that lead to chaos. The outcomes illustrate the appearance of instability and chaos in the dynamic response as the speed of the rotor-bearing system is changed. This work differs from the previous studies in the way that the complex model simulates nonlinear vibrations, considering that both the lubricated nonlinear contact stiffness and damping correspond to the conservative and dissipative energies, respectively. The comprehensive model developed in this investigation is a useful tool to predict the system behavior and for performance evaluation of a rotor bearing system.
Biosignatures of Health
Authors: Zbilut Joseph P.
Published: August 2009

The term health is commonplace in both everyday parlance and professional discourse. Unfortunately, the term has little objective specification, especially in physiologic terms. When critically examined, even time-honored terms such as homeostasis lack specific measurable referents. The last three decades, however, have witnessed an explosion of information from diverse fields regarding the dynamical basis of biology. This brief review explores a few main ideas, which appear to be coming together to provide biosignatures of health.
Perspective Taking: Reducing Prejudice Towards General Outgroups and Specific Individuals
Authors: Shih Margaret , Wang Elsie , Trahan Bucher Amy , Stotzer Rebecca
Published: August 2009

Previous research has found that perspective taking improves attitudes towards outgroups. We find that taking the perspective of an outgroup member not only improves attitudes towards outgroups, but also reduces prejudice and discriminatory behavior against other specific individual members of that outgroup. Experiment 1 demonstrates that perspective-taking improves liking towards another member of the outgroup, while experiment 2 finds that the improved liking does not generalize to all outgroups, only the group to which the target of empathy belongs. Finally, experiment 3 shows that perspective taking also increases helping behavior towards another member of the outgroup. Moreover, we find evidence that perspective taking improves intergroup attitudes through the induction of empathy.
Compensatory Stereotyping in Interracial Encounters
Authors: Biernat Monica , Sesko Amanda K. , Amo Rachel B.
Published: August 2009

The judgment dimensions of competency and warmth capture much of the space into which our perceptions of individuals and groups fall. Though these dimensions are orthogonal to each other, they may also be inversely related, as perceivers may compensate for low ratings on one with high ratings on the other (Judd, James-Hawkins, Yzerbyt, & Kashima, 2005). We predicted that Whites would perceive Black targets as warmer but less competent relative to a White target, and that their behavior would be in accord with these perceptions. In two studies, behavioral indicators of warmth and competence (as well as explicit judgments) were assessed among White participants who anticipated interacting with a Black or White partner. Black targets were judged and received treatment consistent with low competency but high warmth perceptions. In Study 1, these indicators were negatively correlated only when the target was Black, and particularly among those high in prejudice. The data are discussed in terms of the functions of compensatory stereotyping and importance of considering multiple indicators of judgment and behavior in anticipated or actual interracial interactions.
The Space between Us and Them: Perceptions of Status Differences
Authors: Kahn Kimberly , Ho Arnold K. , Sidanius Jim , Pratto Felicia
Published: August 2009

The current study examines perceived status differences among ethnic groups. Consistent with a group dominance perspective, three samples of American university students revealed that perceived ethnic status differences increased to the extent that individuals had low ethnic status, perceived their society to be unfair, and were lower on social dominance orientation. In addition, social dominance orientation moderated the relationship between perceived status differences and perceived societal fairness such that perceived unfairness was associated with perceived status differences only for those low on social dominance orientation. Discussion suggests that variability in perceived status differences stems from group position, and that understanding the origins of individuals’ perceptions of status differences may be a basic and necessary step to improve intergroup relations.
‘I Am the Best’: Effects of Influence Tactics and Power Bases on Powerholders’ Self-Evaluation and Target Evaluation
Authors: Klocke Ulrich
Published: August 2009

Influencing others by using harsh tactics is more likely to violate justice norms than influencing by using soft tactics. Therefore, powerholders are supposed to enhance the self and devalue the targets more to justify harsh influence tactics. These social re-evaluations should also be more likely after influencing with tactics that are incongruent with the powerholders’ power base (e.g. harsh tactics based on expert power or soft tactics based on position power). In two experiments with 61 interacting groups, one person in each group was presented as having expert versus position power and instructed to influence by using harsh versus by soft tactics. As expected, powerholders who influenced by harsh versus soft tactics enhanced self-evaluation (experiment 1) and reduced target evaluation (experiment 2), and powerholders who influenced by incongruent tactics enhanced self-evaluation (both experiments).
The Impact of Goal Structure in Team Knowledge Creation
Authors: Mitchell Rebecca , Boyle Brendan , Nicholas Stephen
Published: August 2009

This study explores the role of goal structure in team knowledge creation, and the extent to which the impact of goal cooperativeness is consequent to the associated emergence of a constructive group norm and collaborative behaviours. To investigate this theory, we assess whether openmindedness norms and decision-comprehensiveness operate as mediating variables between goal cooperativeness and knowledge creation. The results support our hypotheses that the impact of goal structure is consequent to the emergence of expectations and behavioural patterns that facilitate open, rigorous discussion. By specifying and testing critical relationships, this article contributes to our understanding of psycho-social variables underpinning knowledge creation, which has implications for group effectiveness and innovation research.