bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Síndrome de Cogan-Reese
Authors: Silva Denise D.B. , Matos Marcus A.G. de , Pessoa Suryana A.R. , Ávila Ana C. , Dantas Hellmann
Published: December 2013

Modelo do estudo: Relato de caso. Importância do problema: A síndrome de Cogan Reese é uma rara patologia, classificada como uma das variantes da síndrome endotelial iridocorneana, que acomete indivíduos jovens, saudáveis, não correlacionada a história familiar, com evolução rápida de glaucoma de difícil controle. Comentários: É descrito um caso de síndrome de Cogan Reese, epidemiologicamente atípico, assistido na Fundação Altino Ventura, Recife, Pernambuco, durante um período de seis meses. O paciente evolui com boa resposta à terapêutica clínica instituída, embora já apresentasse, ao diagnóstico, as conseqüências tardias de glaucoma secundário. São feitas considerações a respeito dos diversos aspectos da síndrome endotelial iridocorneana

.
Fatores epidemiológicos, relacionados à progressão lenta da síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida (AIDS)
Authors: Vasconcelos Gabriel S. , Machado Alcyone A. , Covas Dimas T. , Watanabe Angélica E. , Kashima Simone , Orellana Maristela D. , Silva Ane R.L.
Published: December 2013

Com o objetivo de identificação de fatores envolvidos na progressão lenta para aids, realizou-se estudo transversal para avaliação de dados epidemiológicos de indivíduos infectados pelo Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana tipo 1 (HIV-1), atendidos no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto-USP. Foram selecionados pacientes, conforme critérios definidos, constituindo duas populações: população 1, composta por lentos progressores (P1), que possuía anticorpos anti-HIV há mais de oito anos e com ocorrência de menos de duas doenças oportunistas no último ano, e a população 2 (P2), pacientes rápidos progressores, com diagnóstico de infecção pelo HIV e doença manifesta a menos de dois anos e com mais de duas doenças oportunistas, diagnosticadas no último ano. Todos os indivíduos foram submetidos a questionário, contendo dados demográficos, profissão, ocorrência de outras doenças sexualmente transmissíveis, forma de contágio, data de diagnóstico e hábitos. O período do estudo foi de março de 1998 a outubro de 1999. Obtivemos na P1: doze homens e quatro mulheres, idade média 30,7 anos, forma de contágio predominantemente sangüínea, tempo de progressão da doença 10,5 anos; P2: 12 homens e 4 mulheres; idade média 34,8 anos, forma de contágio predominantemente sexual, tempo de progressão da doença de 1,5 anos. Tabagismo foi o principal vício em ambas as populações. Quando interrogados sobre a causa do bom estado de saúde, os indivíduos da P1 responderam estar ela relacionada à fé e ao uso adequado das medicações. Os pacientes da P2 não foram interrogados sobre a causa de seu estado de saúde. Quanto à prática sexual, nove pacientes da P1 mantinham relações, sendo cinco sem uso regular do preservativo. Na P2, apenas um paciente utilizava preservativo. Dois pacientes da P1 e um da P2 revelaram ter apresentado DST, Sífilis e Papiloma Vírus Humano. Em vista do reduzido número de pacientes, não foi possível estabelecer associação entre as variáveis estudadas e os padrões de progressão da doença. Os dados sobre hábitos não parecem contribuir para o padrão de desenvolvimento da doença. O estudo oferece um perfil epidemiológico dessas populações de pacientes.
Correntes iônicas induzidas por ATP em células de Leydi
Authors: Pontelli Endrigo P. , Aguiar José F. , Varanda Wamberto A.
Published: December 2013

As células de Leydig produzem e secretam testosterona, num processo controlado pelo Hormônio Luteinizante (LH) e modulado através de diversos fatores. O trifosfato de adenosina (ATP), no meio extracelular, tem se constituído num novo modulador do processo, atuando via ativação de receptores purinérgicos. Neste trabalho, a técnica de “patch-clamp” foi utilizada para detectar e caracterizar as correntes iônicas, induzidas pela ativação desses receptores, em células de Leydig, isoladas a fresco, de testículos de camundongos. A adição de ATP ao banho levou ao surgimento de uma corrente orientada para dentro, em potenciais hiperpolarizantes. A amplitude da corrente é dependente da dose de ATP, para cada nível de potencial aplicado à célula, e apresenta dessensibilização para doses acima de 60 m M. A relação corrente-voltagem é fortemente retificada na direção de potenciais hiperpolarizantes e apresenta um potencial de reversão próximo de zero mV, indicando uma via de baixa seletividade a cátions. Esses  resultados vêm confirmar a presença de receptores purinérgicos em células de Leydig, muito provavelmente pertencentes à família P2X.
Prevenção da AIDS entre estudantes universitátrios
Authors: Gil Antonio Carlos , Temporini Edmea Rita
Published: December 2013

Modelo do estudo: Transversal analítico. Objetivo do estudo: Verificar percepções de estudantes da Grande São Paulo acerca de comportamentos de risco assumidos por seus pares, grau de risco dos colegas de contrair aids, sua competência para usar preservativo e situações em que aceitam a influência de seus pares na prevenção da aids. Metodologia: Foi elaborado um questionário auto-aplicável, após estudo exploratório. A amostra foi constituída por 1039 estudantes universitários, solteiros, de instituições particulares de ensino da Região da Grande São Paulo, obtida por critério de conveniência. Resultados: Em relação a comportamentos de risco assumidos por colegas, 56,2% dos homens e 56,4% das mulheres referem uso eventual de preservativo. Sexo com muitos parceiros foi admitido por 12,2% dos homens e 5,7% das mulheres. Quanto ao proprio risco de contrair aids, foi baixo o grau de percepção e menos acentuado entre as mulheres. Conclusões: Apesar de reconhecerem o uso de preservativo pelos pares a fim de evitar a aids, parece haver alguma incoerência nas percepções próprias acerca dos riscos de contrair aids, e nas dos colegas.
Paralisia cerebral diagnóstico etiológico
Authors: Funayama Carolina A.R. , Penna Marco Antônio , Turcato Marlene Fátima , Caldas Carla Andrea T. , Santos Jucélia S. , Moretto Denise
Published: December 2013

Em estudo retrospectivo foram analisados 35 prontuários, obtidos ao acaso, de crianças com diagnóstico de Paralisia Cerebral (PC), atendidas no Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto, entre 1982 e 1998, com o objetivo de verificar fatores etiológicos. As infecções congênitas (36%) e agressão hipóxico-isquêmica (28%) foram os mais freqüentes fatores determinantes de PC entre 25 casos com etiologia definida. Estes achados podem ser utilizados para estratégias regionais de prevenção de deficiências. Para os casos sem etiologia definida, lembram-se as formas herdadas de paralisia cerebral e o diagnóstico diferencial com doenças degenerativas.
Atendimento psicológico numa unidade de transplante de medula óssea
Authors: Torrano-Masetti Luciana Marchetti , Oliveira Érika Arantes , Santos Manoel Antônio
Published: December 2013

O Transplante de Medula Óssea (TMO) vem se constituindo como uma alternativa terapêutica eficaz, em diversos tipos de neoplasias e doenças hematológicas, quando os tratamentos convencionais não oferecem bom prognóstico. Trata-se de um procedimento complexo tanto do ponto de vista físico como psicológico, de modo que a necessidade de uma intervenção psicológica junto aos pacientes e familiares tem sido amplamente reconhecida na atualidade. Segundo a literatura da área, a importância do acompanhamento psicológico não se restringe somente à devendo abarcar também o pré e o pós-TMO,incluindo, no processo de intervenção, os familiares. Levando-se em consideração tais constatações, foi estruturado o serviço de atendimento psicológico da UTMO do HCFMRP-USP. O objetivo do presente trabalho é descrever a estruturação do serviço, bem como apresentar os principais achados de estudos de avaliação realizados para se determinar a efetividade de algumas modalidades de intervenção psicológica implementadas. Os resultados obtidos corroboram dados disponíveis na literatura, que apontam a necessidade de uma intervenção, junto aos pacientes, anterior à internação, um apoio psicológico durante as diferentes fases da internação e o acompanhamento psicológico ao familiar.
Transplante de medula óssea na leucemia mielóide crônica
Authors: Tabak Daniel G.
Published: December 2013

O transplante de medula óssea (TMO) alogênico representa a única modalidade terapêutica com potencial curativo provado para pacientes portadores de leucemia mielóide crônica (LMC). A morbidade e mortalidade associadas ao procedimento ainda limitam a sua utilização a pacientes jovens e que possuem um doador HLA-compatível. Os resultados, que começam a ser documentados na literatura, com o uso do interferon questionam a primeira afirmativa pois, nos pacientes de baixo risco, nos primeiros anos de observação, os resultados obtidos com o interferon parecem ser superpostos àqueles obtidos com o TMO. O interferon não é livre de complicações, com uma tolerância reduzida principalmente em pacientes idosos, e a remissão molecular, obtida com o transplante, ainda não pode ser reproduzida de forma duradoura. Os resultados preliminares animadores, obtidos com os inibidores de tirosinaquinase, e os resultados muito favoráveis recentemente confirmados por vários grupos em todo o mundo, utilizando TMO com doadores não consangüíneos, tornam a indicação imediata do transplante ainda mais complexa. A possibilidade de resgatar as recidivas pós-transplante com infusões de linfócitos do doador precisa ser valorizada, considerando-se a utilização de regimes não mieloablativos e modificações da profilaxia da doença do enxerto-contra-hospedeiro (DECH). A avaliação da qualidade de vida dos pacientes submetidos às diferentes modalidades terapêuticas será fundamental para a orientação da melhor estratégia a ser adotada para eles.
Transplante de medula óssea em pediatria e transplante de cordão umbilical
Authors: Bouzas Luís Fernando S.
Published: December 2013

O transplante de medula óssea tem sido utilizado em crianças, no tratamento de um crescente número de doenças hematológicas, malignas ou não, e nos tumores sólidos. A fonte de medula óssea, nesses casos, tem sido, na sua maioria, alogênica, incluindo doador relacionado HLA-idêntico; relacionado com um antígeno HLA diferente; não aparentados, HLAidênticos; ou, em raras circunstâncias, relacionado com dois ou três antígenos HLA diferentes . As células do sangue do cordão umbilical e placentário (SCUP) têm sido consideradas para transplante alogênico, aparentado ou não, com resultados promissores. A relativa facilidade de obtenção, a flexibilidade quanto à compatibilidade HLA entre pacientes e doadores e a possibilidade de armazenamento em bancos de células são alguns dos fatores que têm contribuído para o desenvolvimento da técnica. Os pacientes tratados com tumores sólidos recebem, em sua maioria, transplantes autogênicos de medula ou de células de sangue periférico. As complicações dos transplantes continuam a incluir a toxicidade precoce ou tardia dos regimes de condicionamento, doença de enxerto-contra-hospedeiro aguda e crônica, infecções, imunodeficiência prolongada e recidiva da doença de base. Com o aumento do tempo da sobrevida, principalmente na faixa etária pediátrica, existe uma grande preocupação com os efeitos colaterais tardios, que comprometem os resultados, no que diz respeito à qualidade de vida, alterações orgânicas debilitantes e distúrbios neuropsicossociais incapacitantes. As constantes pesquisas, desenvolvidas nessa área, continuarão a contribuir com métodos que diminuam as complicações pós-transplante, aumentando a sobrevida dos submetidos a transplantes, tanto de forma quantitativa, como qualitativa.
Infecções em transplante de medula óssea
Authors: Nucci Marcio , Maiolino Angelo
Published: December 2013

O número de pacientes submetidos a transplante de medula óssea tem aumentado significativamente. As infecções representam um dos principais obstáculos ao sucesso dos transplantes. O paciente, depois do transplante de medula óssea, tem defeitos complexos nos sistemas de defesa, que o tornam vulnerável a uma série de infecções bacterianas, fúngicas, virais e parasitárias. As infecções são mais freqüentes e graves no transplante alogênico, com doadores não aparentados, e menos freqüentes no transplante autólogo de células progenitoras do sangue periférico. Em termos de mortalidade, os maiores desafios, atualmente enfrentados pelos que tratam desses pacientes, são as infecções fúngicas, as superinfecções bacterianas por germes multirresistentes e algumas infecções virais. Neste trabalho, é feita uma revisão da epidemiologia, manifestações clínicas e recomendações atuais de tratamento dos principais problemas infecciosos em pacientes submetidos a transplante de medula óssea.
Erros na medicação
Authors: Carvalho Viviane Tosta , Cassiani Silvia Helena De Bortoli
Published: December 2013

Os erros na medicação são alguns dos indicadores da qualidade de saúde prestada aos pacientes hospitalizados. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as situações que conduziram os profissionais de enfermagem aos erros na administração de medicamentos, com base em relatos de erros ocorridos. O local de estudo foi um hospital no interior do Estado de São Paulo. Foram entrevistados sete enfermeiros, um técnico de enfermagem e 23 auxiliares de enfermagem do setor de clínica médica do referido hospital. O referencial metodológico adotado foi uma adaptação da técnica do Incidente Crítico. Da análise foram identificadas 56 situações, agrupadas em quatro categorias: falha no cumprimento de políticas e procedimentos (25), falha no sistema de distribuição e preparo dos medicamentos pela farmácia (15), falha na comunicação (10) e falha no conhecimento (06). Fornecer um ambiente seguro com disponibilidade de recursos humanos e físicos faz-se necessário para a prevenção de futuros erros de medicação, assim como investimentos no conhecimento sobre administração de medicamentos aos profissionais de enfermagem, visando a uma assistência de enfermagem com qualidade.
Ocorrência de alterações oculopalpebrais em pacientes observados na faculdade de medicina de Botucatu - São Paulo
Authors: Schellini Silvana A. , Yamamoto Eduardo S. , Hoyama Erika , Moraes- Silva Maria R.B. , Padovani Carlos R.
Published: December 2013

Modelo do estudo: observacional retrospectivo. Objetivo: conhecer a freqüência das alterações oculopalpebrais em pacientes atendidos na Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu,São Paulo. Método: o estudo foi realizado através da análise de fichas de atendimento no Serviço de Plástica Ocular da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, durante o período de 12 anos, avaliando-se a idade, sexo, procedência e diagnóstico principal dos pacientes atendidos. Resultados: no período estudado foram avaliados 3323 pacientes, 58,3% dos indivíduos eram procedentes da região de Botucatu; a faixa etária superior a 60 anos (41,6%) e o sexo feminino foram os prevalentes (55,7%) e as patologias com alteração da posição palpebral foram as mais comuns. Comentários: as alterações mais freqüentes foram as relacionadas com a posição das pálpebras e as lesões benignas; o conhecimento da freqüência das alterações oculopalpebrais é importante para a adoção de medidas preventivas e para planejar o treinamento de novos profissionais.
A doença de Chagas e a faculdade de medicina de Ribeirão Preto
Authors: Oliveira Ricardo Brandt
Published: December 2013

Os estudos pioneiros, sobre a doença de Chagas, realizados na Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, são revistos, e destacada a importância dos mesmos.
Loop Diuretic Efficiency
Authors: Testani Jeffrey M. , Brisco Meredith A. , Turner Jeffrey M. , Spatz Erica S. , Bellumkonda Lavanya , Parikh Chirag R. , Tang W.H. Wilson
Published: December 2013

Background—

Rather than the absolute dose of diuretic or urine output, the primary signal of interest when evaluating diuretic responsiveness is the efficiency with which the kidneys can produce urine after a given dose of diuretic. As a result, we hypothesized that a metric of diuretic efficiency (DE) would capture distinct prognostic information beyond that of raw fluid output or diuretic dose.

Methods and Results—

We independently analyzed 2 cohorts: (1) consecutive admissions at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) with a primary discharge diagnosis of heart failure (n=657) and (2) patients in the Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness (ESCAPE) data set (n=390). DE was estimated as the net fluid output produced per 40 mg of furosemide equivalents, then dichotomized into high versus low DE based on the median value. There was only a moderate correlation between DE and both intravenous diuretic dose and net fluid output (r
2
≤0.26 for all comparisons), indicating that DE was describing unique information. With the exception of metrics of renal function and preadmission diuretic therapy, traditional baseline characteristics, including right heart catheterization variables, were not consistently associated with DE. Low DE was associated with worsened survival even after adjusting for in-hospital diuretic dose, fluid output, in addition to baseline characteristics (Penn: hazards ratio [HR], 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04−1.78;
P
=0.02; ESCAPE: HR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.53−5.36;
P
=0.001).

Conclusions—

Although in need of validation in less-selected populations, low DE during decongestive therapy portends poorer long-term outcomes above and beyond traditional prognostic factors in patients hospitalized with decompensated heart failure.
Increased Burden of Cardiovascular Disease in Carriers of
APOL1
Genetic Variants
Authors: Ito Kaoru , Bick Alexander G. , Flannick Jason , Friedman David J. , Genovese Giulio , Parfenov Michael G. , DePalma Steven R. , Gupta Namrata , Gabriel Stacey B. , Taylor Herman A. , Fox Ervin R. , Newton-Cheh Christopher , Kathiresan Sekar , Hirschhorn Joel N. , Altshuler David M. , Pollak Martin R. , Wilson James G. , Seidman J.G. , Seidman Christine
Published: December 2013

Rationale:

Two distinct alleles in the gene encoding apolipoprotein L1 (
APOL1
), a major component of high-density lipoprotein, confer protection against
Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense
infection and also increase risk for chronic kidney disease. Approximately 14% of Americans with African ancestry carry 2
APOL1
risk alleles, accounting for the high chronic kidney disease burden in this population.

Objective:

We tested whether
APOL1
risk alleles significantly increase risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) in African Americans.

Methods and Results:

We sequenced
APOL1
in 1959 randomly selected African American participants in the Jackson Heart Study (JHS) and evaluated associations between
APOL1
genotypes and renal and cardiovascular phenotypes. Previously identified association between
APOL1
genotypes and chronic kidney disease was confirmed (
P
=2.4×10
−6
). Among JHS participants with 2
APOL1
risk alleles, we observed increased risk for CVD (50/763 events among participants without versus 37/280 events among participants with 2 risk alleles; odds ratio, 2.17;
P
=9.4×10
−4
). We replicated this novel association of
APOL1
genotype with CVD in Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) participants (66/292 events among participants without versus 37/101 events among participants with 2 risk alleles; odds ratio, 1.98;
P
=8.37×10
−3
; JHS and WHI combined,
P
=8.5×10
−5
; odds ratio, 2.12). The increased risk for CVD conferred by
APOL1
alleles was robust to correction for both traditional CVD risk factors and chronic kidney disease.

Conclusions:

APOL1
variants contribute to atherosclerotic CVD risk, indicating a genetic component to cardiovascular health disparities in individuals of African ancestry. The considerable population of African Americans with 2
APOL1
risk alleles may benefit from intensive interventions to reduce CVD.
Differential Contribution of Afferent and Central Pathways to the Development of Baroreflex Dysfunction in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Salman Ibrahim M. , Hildreth Cara M. , Ameer Omar Z. , Phillips Jacqueline K.
Published: December 2013

The effects of chronic kidney disease on baroreflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and deficits in afferent and central components of the baroreflex were studied in juvenile and adult male Lewis Polycystic Kidney (LPK) and control Lewis rats under anesthesia (n=35). Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), aortic depressor nerve activity (ADNA), and RSNA were determined after pharmacological manipulation of BP. Responses to ADN stimulation (4.0 V, 2.0 ms, 1–24 Hz) were determined, and the aortic arch was collected for histomorphometry. In juvenile LPK versus age-matched Lewis rats, gain of RSNA (−1.5±0.2 versus −2.8±0.2%/mm Hg;
P
<0.05) and ADNA (2.5±0.3 versus 5.0±0.6%/mm Hg;
P
<0.05), but not HR barocurves, were reduced. BP, HR, and RSNA responses to ADN stimulation were normal or enhanced in juvenile LPK. In adult LPK versus age-matched Lewis, the gain and range of RSNA (gain: −1.2±0.1 versus −2.2±0.2%/mm Hg, range: 62±8 versus 98±7%) and HR (gain: −0.7±0.1 versus −3.5±0.7 bpm/mm Hg, range: 44±8 versus 111±19 bpm) barocurves were reduced (
P
<0.05). The gain and range of the ADNA barocurves were also reduced in adult LPK versus Lewis [1.5±0.4 versus 5.2±1.1 (%/mm Hg) and 133±35 versus 365±61 (%)
P
<0.05] and correlated with aortic arch vascular remodeling. BP, HR, and RSNA responses to ADN stimulation were significantly reduced in adult LPK. Our data demonstrate a deficit in the afferent component of the baroreflex that precedes the development of impaired central regulation of RSNA and HR in chronic kidney disease, and that progressive impairment of both components is associated with marked dysfunction of the baroreflex pathway.
Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Affects Cardiac Remodeling, Function, Heart Failure, and Survival in a Mouse Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wang Dong , Gladysheva Inna P. , Fan Tai-Hwang M. , Sullivan Ryan , Houng Aiilyan K. , Reed Guy L.
Published: December 2013

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a frequent cause of heart failure and death. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a biomarker of dilated cardiomyopathy, but there is controversy whether ANP modulates the development of heart failure. Therefore, we examined whether ANP affects heart failure, cardiac remodeling, function, and survival in a well-characterized, transgenic model of dilated cardiomyopathy. Mice with dilated cardiomyopathy with normal ANP levels survived longer than mice with partial ANP (
P
<0.01) or full ANP deficiency (
P
<0.001). In dilated cardiomyopathy mice, ANP protected against the development of heart failure as indicated by reduced lung water, alveolar congestion, pleural effusions, etc. ANP improved systolic function and reduced cardiomegaly. Pathological cardiac remodeling was diminished in mice with normal ANP as indicated by decreased ventricular interstitial and perivascular fibrosis. Mice with dilated cardiomyopathy and normal ANP levels had better systolic function (
P
<0.001) than mice with dilated cardiomyopathy and ANP deficiency. Dilated cardiomyopathy was associated with diminished cardiac transcripts for NP receptors A and B in mice with normal ANP and ANP deficiency, but transcripts for NP receptor C and C-type natriuretic peptide were selectively altered in mice with dilated cardiomyopathy and ANP deficiency. Taken together, these data indicate that ANP has potent effects in experimental dilated cardiomyopathy that reduce the development of heart failure, prevent pathological remodeling, preserve systolic function, and reduce mortality. Despite the apparent overlap in physiological function between the NPs, these data suggest that the role of ANP in dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure is not compensated physiologically by other NPs.
Possible Role of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 and Activation of Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor by Angiotensin-(1–7) in Improvement of Vascular Remodeling by Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockade
Authors: Ohshima Kousei , Mogi Masaki , Nakaoka Hirotomo , Iwanami Jun , Min Li-Juan , Kanno Harumi , Tsukuda Kana , Chisaka Toshiyuki , Bai Hui-Yu , Wang Xiao-Li , Ogimoto Akiyoshi , Higaki Jitsuo , Horiuchi Masatsugu
Published: December 2013

Cross talk between the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)/angiotensin II (Ang II)/Ang II type 1 (AT
1
) receptor axis and the ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/Mas axis plays a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular remodeling. Furthermore, possible stimulation of the Ang II type 2 (AT
2
) receptor by Ang-(1–7) has been highlighted as a new pathway. Therefore, we examined the possibility of whether the ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/Mas axis and Ang-(1–7)/AT
2
receptor axis are involved in the inhibitory effects of AT
1
receptor blockers on vascular remodeling. Wild-type, Mas-knockout, and AT
2
receptor knockout mice were used in this study. Vascular injury was induced by polyethylene-cuff placement around the mouse femoral artery. Some mice were treated with azilsartan, an AT
1
receptor blocker, or Ang-(1–7). Neointimal formation 2 weeks after cuff placement was more marked in Mas-knockout mice compared with wild-type mice. Treatment with azilsartan or Ang-(1–7) attenuated neointimal area, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, increases in the mRNA levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β, and superoxide anion production in the injured artery; however, these inhibitory effects of azilsartan and Ang-(1–7) were less marked in Mas-knockout mice. Administration of azilsartan or Ang-(1–7) attenuated the decrease in ACE2 mRNA and increased AT
2
receptor mRNA but did not affect AT
1
receptor mRNA or the decrease in Mas mRNA. The inhibitory effect of Ang-(1–7) on neointimal formation was less marked in AT
2
receptor knockout mice compared with wild-type mice. These results suggest that blockade of the AT
1
receptor by azilsartan could enhance the activities of the ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/Mas axis and ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/AT
2
receptor axis, thereby inhibiting neointimal formation.
Angiotensin Type 2 Receptor Stimulation Ameliorates Left Ventricular Fibrosis and Dysfunction via Regulation of Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinase 1/Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Axis and Transforming Growth Factor β1 in the Rat Heart
Authors: Lauer Dilyara , Slavic Svetlana , Sommerfeld Manuela , Thöne-Reineke Christa , Sharkovska Yuliya , Hallberg Anders , Dahlöf Bjorn , Kintscher Ulrich , Unger Thomas , Steckelings Ulrike Muscha , Kaschina Elena
Published: December 2013

Left ventricular (LV) remodeling is the main reason for the development of progressive cardiac dysfunction after myocardial infarction (MI). This study investigated whether stimulation of the angiotensin type 2 receptor is able to ameliorate post-MI cardiac remodeling and what the underlying mechanisms may be. MI was induced in Wistar rats by permanent ligation of the left coronary artery. Treatment with the angiotensin type 2 receptor agonist compound 21 ( 0.03 mg/kg) was started 6 hours post-MI and continued for 6 weeks. Hemodynamic parameters were measured by echocardiography and intracardiac catheter. Effects on proteolysis were studied in heart tissue and primary cardiac fibroblasts. Compound 21 significantly improved systolic and diastolic functions, resulting in improved ejection fraction (71.2±4.7% versus 53.4±7.0%;
P
<0.001), fractional shortening (
P
<0.05), LV internal dimension in systole (
P
<0.05), LV end-diastolic pressure (16.9±1.2 versus 22.1±1.4 mm Hg;
P
<0.05), ratio of early (E) to late (A) ventricular filling velocities, and maximum and minimum rate of LV pressure rise (
P
<0.05). Compound 21 improved arterial stiffness parameters and reduced collagen content in peri-infarct myocardium. Tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 was strongly upregulated, whereas matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and transforming growth factor β1 were diminished in LV of treated animals. In cardiac fibroblasts, compound 21 initially induced tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 expression followed by attenuated matrix metalloproteinase 9 and transforming growth factor β1 secretion. In conclusion, angiotensin type 2 receptor stimulation improves cardiac function and prevents cardiac remodeling in the late stage after MI, suggesting that angiotensin type 2 receptor agonists may be considered a future pharmacological approach for the improvement of post-MI cardiac dysfunction.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Contributes to Aortic Stiffening via Proapoptotic and Fibrotic Signaling Mechanisms
Authors: Spitler Kathryn M. , Webb R. Clinton
Published: December 2013

Vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis and collagen synthesis contribute to aortic stiffening. A cellular signaling mechanism contributing to apoptotic and fibrotic events is endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that induction of ER stress in a normotensive rat would cause profibrotic and apoptotic signaling, thereby contributing to aortic stiffening. Furthermore, we hypothesized that inhibition of ER stress in an angiotensin II (Ang II) model of hypertension would improve aortic stiffening. Induction of ER stress with tunicamycin in normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats (10 μg/kg per day, osmotic pump, 28 days) caused an increase in systolic blood pressure (mm Hg; 160±5) compared with vehicle-treated (127±3) or tunicamycin-treated rats that were cotreated with ER stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid (100 mg/kg per day, 28 days, [124±6]). There was an increase in aortic apoptosis (fold; 3.0±0.3), collagen content (1.4±0.1), and fibrosis (2.0±0.1) in the tunicamycin-treated rats compared with vehicle-treated rats. Inhibition of ER stress in male Sprague-Dawley rats given Ang II (60 ng/min, osmotic pump, 28 days) and treated with either tauroursodeoxycholic acid or phenylbutyric acid (100 mg/kg per day, IP, 28 days) led to a 20 mm Hg decrease in blood pressure with either inhibitor compared with Ang II treatment alone. Aortic apoptosis, increased collagen content, and fibrosis in Ang II–treated rats were attenuated with ER stress inhibition. We conclude that ER stress is a new signaling mechanism that contributes to aortic stiffening via promoting apoptosis and fibrosis.
Fructose Stimulates Na/H Exchange Activity and Sensitizes the Proximal Tubule to Angiotensin II
Authors: Cabral Pablo D. , Hong Nancy J. , Hye Khan Md. Abdul , Ortiz Pablo A. , Beierwaltes William H. , Imig John D. , Garvin Jeffrey L.
Published: December 2013

The proximal nephron reabsorbs 60% to 70% of the fluid and sodium and most of the filtered bicarbonate via Na/H exchanger 3. Enhanced proximal nephron transport is implicated in hypertension. Our findings show that a fructose-enriched diet causes salt sensitivity. We hypothesized that fructose stimulates luminal Na/H exchange activity and sensitizes the proximal tubule to angiotensin II. Na/H exchange was measured in rat proximal tubules as the rate of intracellular pH (pH
i
) recovery in fluorescent units/s. Replacing 5 mmol/L glucose with 5 mmol/L fructose increased the rate of pH
i
recovery (1.8±0.6 fluorescent units/s;
P
<0.02; n=8). Staurosporine, a protein kinase C inhibitor, blocked this effect. We studied whether this effect was because of the addition of fructose or removal of glucose. The basal rate of pH
i
recovery was first tested in the presence of a 0.6-mmol/L glucose and 1, 3, or 5 mmol/L fructose added in a second period. The rate of pH
i
recovery did not change with 1 mmol/L but it increased with 3 and 5 mmol/L of fructose. Adding 5 mmol/L glucose caused no change. Removal of luminal sodium blocked pH
i
recovery. With 5.5 mmol/L glucose, angiotensin II (1 pmol/L) did not affect the rate of pH
i
recovery (change, –1.1±0.5 fluorescent units/s; n=9) but it increased the rate of pH
i
recovery with 0.6 mmol/L glucose/5 mmol/L fructose (change, 4.0±2.2 fluorescent units/s;
P
<0.02; n=6). We conclude that fructose stimulates Na/H exchange activity and sensitizes the proximal tubule to angiotensin II. This mechanism is likely dependent on protein kinase C. These results may partially explain the mechanism by which a fructose diet induces hypertension.
Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the Dopamine D2 Receptor Increase Inflammation and Fibrosis in Human Renal Proximal Tubule Cells
Authors: Jiang Xiaoliang , Konkalmatt Prasad , Yang Yu , Gildea John , Jones John E. , Cuevas Santiago , Felder Robin A. , Jose Pedro A. , Armando Ines
Published: December 2013

The dopamine D2 receptor (D
2
R) negatively regulates inflammation in mouse renal proximal tubule cells (RPTCs), and lack or downregulation of the receptor in mice increases the vulnerability to renal inflammation independent of blood pressure. Some common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs6276, rs6277, and rs1800497) in the human
DRD2
gene are associated with decreased D
2
R expression and function, as well as high blood pressure. We tested the hypothesis that human RPTCs (hRPTCs) expressing these SNPs have increased expression of inflammatory and injury markers. We studied immortalized hRPTCs carrying D
2
R SNPs and compared them with cells carrying no D
2
R SNPs. RPTCs with D
2
R SNPs had decreased D
2
R expression and function. The expressions of the proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor-α and the profibrotic transforming growth factor-β1 and its signaling targets Smad3 and Snail1 were increased in hRPTC with D
2
R SNPs. These cells also showed induction of epithelial mesenchymal transition and production of extracellular matrix proteins, assessed by increased vimentin, fibronectin 1, and collagen I a1. To test the specificity of these D
2
R SNP effects, hRPTC with D
2
R SNPs were transfected with a plasmid encoding wild-type
DRD2
. The expression of D
2
R was increased and that of transforming growth factor-β1, Smad3, Snail1, vimentin, fibronectin 1, and collagen I a1 was decreased in hRPTC with D
2
R SNPs transfected with wild-type
DRD2
compared with hRPTC-D
2
R SNP transfected with empty vector. These data support the hypothesis that D
2
R function has protective effects in hRPTCs and suggest that carriers of these SNPs may be prone to chronic renal disease and high blood pressure.
Childhood Cardiometabolic Outcomes of Maternal Obesity During Pregnancy
Authors: Gaillard Romy , Steegers Eric A.P. , Duijts Liesbeth , Felix Janine F. , Hofman Albert , Franco Oscar H. , Jaddoe Vincent W.V.
Published: December 2013

Maternal prepregnancy obesity is associated with impaired cardiometabolic health in offspring. Whether these associations reflect direct intrauterine causal mechanisms remains unclear. In a population-based prospective cohort study among 4871 mothers, fathers, and their children, we examined the associations of both maternal and paternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) with childhood body fat distribution and cardiometabolic outcomes and explored whether any association was explained by pregnancy, birth, and childhood factors. We measured childhood BMI, total body and abdominal fat distribution, blood pressure, and blood levels of lipids, insulin, and C-peptide at the age of 6 years. We observed that higher maternal and paternal prepregnancy BMI were associated with higher childhood BMI, total body and abdominal fat mass measures, systolic blood pressure, and insulin levels and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (
P
<0.05). Stronger associations were present for maternal than paternal BMI, with statistical support for heterogeneity between these associations. The associations for childhood fat mass and cardiometabolic outcomes attenuated after adjustment for childhood current BMI. Compared with children from normal-weight mothers, those from obese mothers had increased risks of childhood overweight (odds ratio, 3.84 [95% confidence interval, 3.01–4.90]) and clustering of cardiometabolic risk factors (odds ratio, 3.00 [95% confidence interval, 2.09–4.34]). Smaller effect estimates for these outcomes were observed for paternal obesity. In conclusion, higher maternal and paternal prepregnancy BMI were associated with an adverse cardiometabolic profile in offspring, with stronger associations present for maternal prepregnancy BMI. These findings suggest that maternal prepregnancy BMI may influence the cardiometabolic health of offspring through direct intrauterine mechanisms.
The Let Down Effect
Authors: Browning Nicholas , Sweetser Kaye D.
Published: December 2013

Using experimental design, this study compares first-time voters’ gratifications and uses of a traditional News1 format with the increasingly popular fake news format. The data here found that while indeed young people may have initially assessed a greater level of gratification associated with the fake news genre, the group was significantly “let down” after exposure to such a program. Though first-time voters understand that traditional surveillance-type information-seeking activities are better associated with traditional News, they were ambivalent about approaching and avoiding both traditional News and fake news genres.
Youth Political Consumerism and the 2012 Presidential Election
Authors: Wicks Jan LeBlanc , Morimoto Shauna A. , Maxwell Angie , Schulte Stephanie Ricker , Wicks Robert H.
Published: December 2013

The authors examine whether predictors of adult political consumerism (i.e., boycotting and buycotting) and factors associated with youth civic and political participation also predict youth political consumerism. Data from a national mail survey of adolescents ages 12 to 17 years and their parents ( n = 876) conducted in October 2012 are used to examine predictors of youth political consumerism. Factors analyzed include youth political and civic participation, parental modeling of boycotting and buycotting, and parental encouragement of following news and politics. Other factors examined include youth civic education, extracurricular participation, and youth social or civic attitudes. In addition, the authors assess differences between youth who boycott and those who buycott. The findings show that parental modeling is the most important predictor of youth political consumerism, and young political consumers also engage in civic and political activities. Moreover, youth boycotters and buycotters appear to exhibit differences in political ideology and motivations for political consumerism.
Land Without Opportunity
Authors: Sinkler Adrian
Published: December 2013

I address the question “when do peasants on collectively owned land demand private titles?” by analyzing a land titling program in Mexico. I argue Mexico’s “punishment regime” in the 20th century influences the capacity of peasants to invest in a private title in the 21st century. Where commercial farmers were more powerful, the state issued fewer land grants to peasants and invested in public goods to capture electoral support from commercial farmers. Fewer peasants received land in these areas, but those who did had access to public goods that reduced socioeconomic marginalization and increased their capacity to invest in a private title. Using a technique called causal mediation analysis, I show that a higher percentage of arable land granted to the peasant sector during the 20th century directly reduces the likelihood of land privatization in the 21st century, and indirectly reduces privatization through farm productivity and human development levels.
Labor Shortages, Rural Inequality, and Democratization
Authors: Ardanaz Martin , Mares Isabela
Published: December 2013

A large body of scholarship has asserted that inequalities in the distribution of fixed assets act as a barrier to democratic transitions. This article proposes a theoretical and empirical amendment of this finding, by arguing that employment conditions in the countryside, rather than inequalities in the distribution of fixed assets affected electoral outcomes in societies characterized by high levels of rural inequality. Using empirical evidence from the Prussian districts of Imperial Germany during the period between 1871 and 1912, we show that relative labor market shortages of agricultural workers affected electoral outcomes under conditions of an imperfect protection of electoral secrecy. Shortages of agricultural workers reduced the electoral strength of conservative politicians and increased the willingness of rural voters to “take electoral risks” and vote for the opposition Social Democratic Party. Labor shortages also affect preferences of individual legislators over the reform of electoral institutions. We find that politicians in districts experiencing high levels of labor shortage, and thus, higher costs of electoral intimidation are more willing to support changes in electoral rules that increase the protection of electoral secrecy. In theoretical terms, our findings contribute to the literature linking rural inequality and democratization, by demonstrating the importance of labor scarcity as a source of political cleavages over electoral reforms.
Optical properties of optically transparent glass-ribbon composites
Authors: Velez M , Schuman TP , Day DE
Published: December 2013

Optically transparent glass-ribbon composite panels were made by reinforcing a clear epoxy resin with soda-lime silicate glass ribbons, as opposed to using cylindrical fibers, of matching refractive index. Cross-ply (0/90°) optically transparent glass-ribbon composite panels were made by stacking either 64 or 128 glass-ribbon layers and with two-ribbon dimensions. The haze and light transmission were measured between 10℃ and 52℃. Additionally, 610 mm × 910 mm × 18.7 mm flat windshields were made by laminating 1.9-mm thick (0°/90°)40 optically transparent glass-ribbon composite panels to clear polycarbonate panels in an autoclave. The haze and light transmission for the optically transparent glass-ribbon composite panels and for a prototype windshield were measured as a function of temperature while optical distortion was measured at room temperature (22℃) only for the windshield. The haze changed with temperature, with a minimum at the temperature where the refractive index of the glass ribbons and the polymer were equal. The lowest haze value was found for the widest ribbon, while the light transmission was almost constant in the temperature range of study.
Fire response of polymers and polymer composites. Part A: multistage degradation kinetics
Authors: Sikoutris Dimitrios E , Kostopoulos Vassilis
Published: December 2013

The rapid increase in the use of polymer composite materials recently has led to the investigation of their behavior under thermal loads. During thermal loading, for example a fire incident, the polymer materials start to degrade. The degradation rate is heating-rate dependent. In this work, medium heating rates were applied to a neat resin and two (2) resin batches doped with fire-retardant nanomaterials. The thermal decomposition behavior of these systems was investigated using multistage kinetics modeling, the kinetic triplets for each system were extracted using the van Krevelen methodology and finally the thermogravimetry tests were reconstructed. This is the first part of the work dealing with the fire response of polymer composites. It is a material characterization process and the outcome is used in Part B, where a progressive degradation material model is developed and implemented in a Finite Element code.
Dental Pulp Dendritic Cells Migrate to Regional Lymph Nodes
Authors: Bhingare A.C. , Ohno T. , Tomura M. , Zhang C. , Aramaki O. , Otsuki M. , Tagami J. , Azuma M.
Published: December 2013

Dendritic cell (DC) migration to regional lymph nodes (RLNs) is an essential step in adaptive immunity, and cell-surface antigens on migrating DCs greatly affect the quality and quantity of subsequent immune responses. Although MHC class II+ DC-like cells exist in the dental pulp, the lineage and function of these cells remain unknown. Here, we identified migratory DCs from the dental pulp after cusp trimming and acid etching in KikGR mice, in which the photoconvertible fluorescent protein changed from green to red upon violet light exposure. Two major cell fractions from the dental pulp had migrated to the RLNs at 16 hrs after cusp treatment, which showed the following lineage markers in the main and second fractions: CD11chighCD11b++Ly6Clow Ly6Glow F4/80+ and CD11cmedCD11b+++Ly6C++Ly6G+++F4/80-, respectively. These lineage markers indicate that the former cells were DCs that had migrated through afferent lymphoid vessels, and the latter were granulocytes recruited via blood circulation. Migratory dental pulp DCs were mature, expressing the highest levels of CD273 (B7-DC) and CD86 co-stimulators and MHC class II. Our results suggest that cariogenic-bacteria-exposed dental pulp DCs migrate to RLNs and there trigger adaptive immune responses.
Strategic selection
Authors: Powell Emilia Justyna , Wiegand Krista E
Published: December 2013

States involved in territorial disputes have several options with regard to resolving their disputes. What types of states are more likely to resort to legal methods of peaceful resolution in attempting to resolve their territorial disputes? We posit that two separate mechanisms affect states’ decisions to choose legal methods of peaceful resolution: the legal mechanism – domestic rule-of-law, and the political mechanism – win/loss record. Rule-of-law based arguments cannot fully explain states’ behavior towards arbitration and adjudication. It is the interplay of both of these mechanisms that explains the strategic choices made by states with regards to arbitration and adjudication. We explain why some high rule-of-law states return to binding methods, while others turn to different forums, and why low rule-of-law states consider binding methods. Empirical analyses of all attempts at peaceful resolution of territorial disputes from 1985 to 2006 show that high rule-of-law states are more likely to return to international binding venues only if they have a positive experience with these methods. On the other hand, we find that low rule-of-law states are not concerned with their record of successes/failures when resorting to international binding venues. Overall, the effect of regime type/rule-of-law is conditioned by past successes and failures in international resolution venues.
Destination Personality, Affective Image, and Behavioral Intentions in Domestic Urban Tourism
Authors: Papadimitriou Dimitra , Apostolopoulou Artemisia , Kaplanidou Kyriaki (Kiki)
Published: December 2013

The collective influence of destination personality and affective image on overall image formation of a domestic urban destination and subsequently its influence on tourists’ behavioral intentions were examined in this study. The sample consisted of 361 urban tourists and included both past visitors and nonvisitors of the urban destination under study. Data analysis confirmed the influential role of destination personality and affective image in the formation of overall destination image in both samples. In turn, overall image was a mediator of the relationships of destination personality and affective image with tourists’ behavioral intentions (i.e., intention to revisit the urban destination and intention to recommend the destination to others). Analysis of the data supported a two-factor solution of the destination personality construct, with the personality traits of sincerity and excitement emerging in the domestic urban context to influence past visitors’ and nonvisitors’ overall destination image perceptions.
Beneficence in Public Administration Research, or Who Needs the NSF Anyway?
Authors: Jordan Sara R.
Published: December 2013

The charge to link academic research to good ends is one that has, lately, been linked to federal funding for all types of political science research, to include public adminsitration research. Public administration researchers are proded frequently to develop “points for practitioners” or “recommendations for practice” from their academic research projects. The purpose of these points is to provide practitioners with tools to improve government services and, it is hoped, to provide more good in their communities. Should public administration researchers concern themselves with the good that their research could produce? In this disputatio, I take up this question to suggest that the good we provide as public administration researchers is a limited, community level, good.