bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
β1,4-N-Acetylgalactosaminyltransferase III Enhances Malignant Phenotypes of Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Huang John , Liang Jin-Tung , Huang Hsiu-Chin , Shen Tang-Long , Chen Hsiao-Yu , Lin Neng-Yu , Che Mei-Ieng , Lin Wei-Chou , Huang Min-Chuan
Published: June 2007

The enzyme β1,4-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase III (β4GalNAc-T3) exhibits in vitro activity of synthesizing N,N′-diacetyllactosediamine, GalNAcβ1,4GlcNAc. Here, we investigate the expression of β4GalNAc-T3 in primary colon tumors and the effects of its overexpression on HCT116 colon cancer cells. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR showed that the expression of β4GalNAc-T3 was up-regulated in 72.5% (n = 40) of primary colon tumors compared with their normal counterparts. β4GalNAc-T3 overexpression resulted in enhanced cell-extracellular matrix adhesion, migration, anchorage-independent cell growth, and invasion of colon cancer cells. Moreover, β4GalNAc-T3 overexpression increased tumor growth and metastasis and decreased survival of tumor-bearing nude mice. β4GalNAc-T3 overexpression showed increased tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase and paxillin Y118 as well as increased extracellular signal–regulated kinase phosphorylation. These results suggest that up-regulation of β4GalNAc-T3 may play a critical role in promoting tumor malignancy and that integrin and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways could be involved in the underlying mechanism. (Mol Cancer Res 2007;5(6):543–52)
Influence of Peak and Trough Levels of Opioid Maintenance Therapy on Driving Aptitude
Authors: Baewert Andjela , Gombas Wolfgang , Schindler Shird-Dieter , Peternell-Moelzer Alexandra , Eder Harald , Jagsch Reinhold , Fischer Gabriele
Published: June 2007

To evaluate driving aptitude and traffic-relevant performance at peak and trough medication levels in opioid-dependent patients receiving maintenance therapy with either buprenorphine (mean: 13.4 mg) or methadone (52.7 mg) and a medication-free control group, the Addiction Clinic at Medical University Vienna conducted a prospective, open-label trial where 40 opioid-dependent patients maintained either on buprenorphine or methadone were assessed regarding their traffic-relevant performance. Using the standardized Act and React Testsystem (ART) 2020 Standard test battery, traffic-relevant performance was analysed 1.5 h (peak level) and 20 h (trough level) after administration of opioid maintenance therapy. Results showed that patients at trough level had a significantly higher percentage of incorrect reactions (p = 0.03) and more simple errors (p = 0.02) than patients at peak level as well as methadone-maintained patients at peak level tended to perform less well than buprenorphine-maintained patients in some of the test items, e.g. methadone-maintained patients at trough level had a higher number of delayed reactions in the RST3 phase 2 test (p = 0.09) and answered fewer questions correctly in the visual structuring ability test (p = 0.04). This investigation indicates that opioid-maintained patients did not differ significantly at peak vs.trough level in the majority of the investigated items and that both substances do not appear to affect traffic-relevant performance dimensions when given as a maintenance therapy in a population where concomitant consumption would be excluded.
Pathways into Receiving a Prescription for Diamorphine (Heroin) for the Treatment of Opiate Dependence in the United Kingdom
Authors: Metrebian N. , Mott J. , Carnwath Z. , Carnwath T. , Stimson G.V. , Sell L.
Published: June 2007

In the UK, few doctors prescribe diamorphine for the treatment of opiate dependence to a small number of patients. A retrospective case note review of patients receiving diamorphine in 2000 was conducted in the UK to determine how and why these patients came to receive a prescription for diamorphine. Patient eligibility criteria were examined together with doctors’ stated reasons for initiating a diamorphine (heroin) prescription. Two hundred and ten sets of patients’ case notes were reviewed at 27 of the 42 (64%) drug clinics in England and Wales where diamorphine was prescribed by the doctor. There appeared to be a general consensus among the few doctors who had prescribed diamorphine that it was a treatment of last resort, for those with long histories of heroin use and injecting, and those who had not responded sufficiently well to previous other treatments. However, there was also a small number of patients initiated on diamorphine without ever having previously received opiate treatments and some because they were experiencing problems injecting methadone. This reflects the UK history of the individual doctor’s clinical autonomy in deciding when diamorphine is appropriate and the previous lack of nationally agreed patient eligibility criteria.
Will and Skill – An Exploratory Study of Substance Abusers’ Attitudes towards Lifestyle Change
Authors: Ekendahl Mats
Published: June 2007

Background/Aims: This exploratory study focuses on attitudes towards lifestyle change among untreated, voluntarily and compulsorily treated Swedish substance abusers (n = 97). Methods: Attitudes were measured with scales on e.g. problem recognition, treatment readiness and the time perspective of future orientation. Subjects were categorised into 4 ‘addict types’ according to their viewpoint on changing substance use habits, i.e. ‘less change-willing’: non-addicts (n = 16) and consonant addicts (n = 32); ‘more change-willing’: dissonant (n = 13) and transient addicts (n = 36). Results: It was shown that ‘less change-willing’ subjects had experienced less dependence disorders and expressed less treatment demand and motivation than ‘more change-willing’ subjects. A general measure of willingness to lifestyle change correlated with future orientation among ‘more change-willing’ subjects. Conclusions: The study suggests that individuals’ time perspectives ought to be considered when trying to illuminate the process of change and understand what attitudes exercise a positive influence on and are associated with successful lifestyle change efforts. The consistency of substance abusers’ motivational structures over time and in different social contexts is discussed.
Comparison of Single and Multiple Agency Clients in Substance Abuse Treatment Services
Authors: Colpaert K. , Vanderplasschen W. , Broekaert E.
Published: June 2007

Background: Frequent and multiple service utilization among substance abusers is a well-known problem. However, little statistical evidence exists about overlapping agency populations. Methods: This phenomenon was studied in a clear-cut region in Belgium, based on intake information concerning all clients who addressed a drug treatment center within a 6-month period (n=1,139). Results: Multiple service utilization was rather common but not omnipresent during this particular registration period. Almost 15% of the clients were registered in more than one substance abuse treatment agency. Compared to single agency attendees, multiple agency clients appeared to be more often poly-substance abusers with a longer previous treatment history and greater problem severity. Conclusion: A continuous care perspective, interagency collaboration and a common tracking and documentation system are recommended to better address the needs of this specific subgroup of substance abusers. More research is needed to clarify whether these multiple service utilization patterns are caused by client-related, agency-related or other factors.
Drug Use in the General Population of Greece over the Last 20 Years: Results from Nationwide Household Surveys
Authors: Kokkevi Anna , Fotiou Anastasios , Richardson Clive
Published: June 2007

The evolution of the drug use epidemic in Greece (prevalence and incidence of use of illicit drugs and illicit use of psychoactive pharmaceuticals) over a 20-year period is presented taking into account the sociocultural context and policies. Data were drawn from face-to-face household surveys carried out in 1984, 1998 and 2004 on national stratified probability samples of approximately 4,000 participants aged 12–65 years. After a large increase in lifetime illicit drug use prevalence from 4.0% in 1984 to 12.2% in 1998, the phenomenon seems to have taken a downward turn, to 8.6% in 2004. The incidence of illicit drug use remained unchanged between 1998 and 2004 in adolescents, declined in the young adult group (18–24 years) and dropped sharply at older ages. Cannabis accounts for almost all the total prevalence of illicit drug use; other illicit drugs have lifetime prevalence below 1%. The large gender differences in illicit drug use have narrowed over the years, especially in the younger age groups, although males remain far more heavily involved in illicit drug use than females. The lifetime prevalence of unprescribed use of pharmaceuticals has decreased markedly over the last 20 years from 13.5 to 9.1% following a stricter policy on prescribing. A narrowing of gender differences was also observed here, although females continue to predominate. Findings from the Greek general population surveys have had an impact on drug policy in the past and continue to represent an important input to policy formulation.
The Influence of Parity and Smoking in the Social Environment on Tobacco Consumption among Daily Smoking Women in Denmark
Authors: Mueller Luise L. , Munk Christian , Thomsen Birthe L. , Frederiksen Kirsten , Kjaer Susanne K.
Published: June 2007

The aim of this paper isto determine factors associated with higher tobacco consumption in a large cohort of daily smoking Danish women 27–39 years of age with a main focus on the smoking habits of people in the women’s social environment and parity. A cohort of 12,023 Danish women was examined in a cross-sectional study design with a mailed questionnaire. Among the 3,672 daily smokers, 2,365 (64.4%) smoked more than 15 cigarettes per day. Smokers in the childhood home, living alone or cohabiting with a smoking partner, friends smoking, and colleagues smoking were associated with higher tobacco consumption, while short duration of smoking was associated with lower tobacco consumption. Anti-smoking programs should focus on the social network of the women. Furthermore, there is a need to target mothers who smoke, especially less educated mothers.
Community Engagement in Genetic Research: Results of the First Public Consultation for the Quebec CARTaGENE Project
Authors: Godard Béatrice , Marshall Jennifer , Laberge Claude
Published: June 2007

Objective: This paper presents the results of the first public consultation for the creation of a large-scale genetic database, the Quebec CARTaGENE project. A consultation has been undertaken in order to gauge whether the general public is receptive to the project. An integral part of the approach of the researchers is to establish a dialogue with the public. Methods: Two independent expert groups have carried out qualitative and quantitative studies measuring knowledge of and interest in genetics, incentives and obstacles to CARTaGENE participation and comprehension and evaluation of the communication tools. Results: CARTaGENE is seen to hold promise for the greater population. However, reported across qualitative and quantitative studies is the concern for confidentiality and respect for the individual, transparency, the donor’s right to feedback and governance. Participation would be conditional on a response to those concerns and a greater dissemination of information. Conclusion: Community engagement in genetic research requires targeted communications, with an appropriate proportioning of information and communication, and a consideration of the ‘values and personal interests’ of individuals according to different societal segments.
The Comprehensiveness of Family Cancer History Assessments in Primary Care
Authors: Murff Harvey J. , Greevy Robert A. , Syngal Sapna
Published: June 2007

Background: Accurate family history information is required for adequate breast and colorectal cancer risk assessments. Few studies have examined the comprehensiveness of the family medical history interview in primary care. Methods: We compared family cancer history information collected through a self-completed survey with that documented within medical charts for 310 patients. Results: Forty-three percent (18/42) of individuals at increased risk for breast or colorectal cancer based on their family history had documentation of this risk within their chart. Age of cancer diagnosis was recorded for 40% (50/124) of affected relatives identified by chart review compared with 81% (203/252) identified through the survey (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Over half of the individuals at increased risk for breast or colorectal cancer based on their family history did not have documentation of this risk within their medical record, and the age of relatives at diagnosis was frequently missing.
The Emergence of Biobanks: Practical Design Considerations for Large Population-Based Studies of Gene-Environment Interactions
Authors: Davis Robert L. , Khoury Muin J.
Published: June 2007

The completion of the human genome project has spurred new thinking about launching large-scale cohort studies; as proposed, these studies will differ from past large-scale cohort studies and will focus primarily on how genetic variation interacts with environmental exposures to affect the risk for common human diseases. There is no single ‘best design’ for large-scale studies of gene-environment interactions. Some studies are best performed in cohort studies where unbiased information can be collected on individuals years before disease onset. Other studies may be most efficiently done with a case-control design using currently available automated data. Population-based biobanks with nested case-control or case-cohort studies offer distinct advantages to some of the resource-intensive large-scale cohort studies under consideration, and may be more acceptable to many of the countries around the world currently considering such projects.
Community Engagement and Informed Consent in the International HapMap Project
Authors: Rotimi Charles , Leppert Mark , Matsuda Ichiro , Zeng Changqing , Zhang Houcan , Adebamowo Clement , Ajayi Ike , Aniagwu Toyin , Dixon Missy , Fukushima Yoshimitsu , Macer Darryl , Marshall Patricia , Nkwodimmah Chibuzor , Peiffer Andy , Royal Charmaine , Suda Eiko , Zhao Hui , Wang Vivian Ota , McEwen Jean
Published: June 2007

The International HapMap Consortium has developed the HapMap, a resource that describes the common patterns of human genetic variation (haplotypes). Processes of community/public consultation and individual informed consent were implemented in each locality where samples were collected to understand and attempt to address both individual and group concerns. Perceptions about the research varied, but we detected no critical opposition to the research. Incorporating community input and responding to concerns raised was challenging. However, the experience suggests that approaching genetic variation research in a spirit of openness can help investigators better appreciate the views of the communities whose samples they seek to study and help communities become more engaged in the science.
Synaptonemal Complex Protein SYCP3 of the Rat: Evolutionarily Conserved Domains and the Assembly of Higher Order Structures
Authors: Baier A. , Alsheimer M. , Volff J.-N. , Benavente R.
Published: June 2007

SYCP3 is a major structural protein component of vertebrate synaptonemal complexes as well as an important determinant of male fertility, at least in mammals. The elucidation of SYCP3 polymerization properties would provide important information towards our understanding as to how synaptonemal complexes are assembled and disassembled during meiotic prophase. To this end we have investigated the possible contribution of different SYCP3 domains to the assembly of higher order structures. We observed that the evolutionarily conserved domains of the molecule (i.e. the α-helix together with the two flanking motifs CM1 and CM2) are not only necessary but also sufficient for SYCP3 polymerization. The relevance of these results for reproduction biology is underscored by recent studies showing that the deletion of the very end of the α-helix and CM2 leads to meiosis disruption and infertility in humans.
Expression of the Male Determining Gene dmrt1bY and Its Autosomal Coorthologue dmrt1a in Medaka
Authors: Hornung U. , Herpin A. , Schartl M.
Published: June 2007

Dmrt1bY (aka dmy) has been identified as the master male sex-determining gene of medaka by positional cloning and genetic evidence. How this gene on the molecular level determines the differentiation of the gonad primordium towards a testis, however, is unknown. To better understand the roles of dmrt1bY and its autosomal counterpart dmrt1a in the process of sex determination, a detailed expression analysis by quantitative real-time RT-PCR was performed showing non-organ-specific expression of dmrt1bY during embryogenesis and low expression in adult testes. Surprisingly a high expression of dmrt1bY was noted in the spleen of males. Dmrt1a is exclusively expressed in adult testes, 50 times higher than dmrt1bY. Dmrt1bY mRNA and protein have short half-lives and the GFP fusion protein products of both dmrt1 genes are localized to the nucleus. These features are consistent with the suggestion that Dmrt1 proteins might function as DNA-binding transcription factors.
Specific and Unspecific Auditory Hallucinations in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Reulbach Udo , Bleich Stefan , Maihöfner Christian , Kornhuber Johannes , Sperling Wolfgang
Published: June 2007

Background/Aims: Different neuroimaging techniques have indicated that auditory association and language cortices are active in patients with schizophrenia and auditory hallucinations. Auditory verbal hallucinations are thought to arise from a disorder of inner speech, but little is known about their origin. Methods: Spontaneous magnetoencephalographic (MEG) measurements were recorded with a 74-channel two-sensor system (BIOMAGNES II) in 16 patients with schizophrenia and 8 healthy subjects in frequency ranges from 2 to 6 and 12.5 to 30 Hz. Eight patients had auditory hallucinations during the MEG recordings. Results: The total group of patients with schizophrenia showed a statistically significant elevation of the number of dipoles and dipole density maxima in slow frequency ranges compared to healthy subjects (p <0.001). Significant dipole activities in the fast frequency range were only found during auditory hallucinations (p <0.001). Dipole localization was concentrated in frontal and temporal regions depending on different qualities of hallucinations. In patients with external imperative voices we found a parallel activation of the dorsolateral frontal and temporal cortex. Conclusion: We conclude that various auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia are induced by different neuronal activities and may be represented by different cortical regions.
Macrophage Infiltration and Cellular Proliferation in the Non-Ischemic Kidney and Heart following Prolonged Unilateral Renal Ischemia
Authors: Tokuyama Hirobumi , Kelly Darren J. , Zhang Yuan , Gow Renae M. , Gilbert Richard E.
Published: June 2007

Background/Aims: Although ischemic renal failure remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality, whether ischemic changes within a kidney might also have adverse effects on other organs has not been examined. Furthermore, given the protective effects of angiotensin II receptor (AT1) antagonism in renal ischemia, we considered whether a similar strategy might also modulate the response to acute renal insult. Methods: Unilateral renal artery ligation was performed in Sprague-Dawley rats, treated with or without the AT1 antagonist losartan (30 mg/kg/day). After 24 h of renal ischemia, changes in the contralateral kidney and heart were examined. Results: Contralateral non-ischemic kidneys displayed increased expression of platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B) in association with increased tubular cell proliferation. Gene expression for the macrophage chemokine osteopontin (OPN) was similarly increased along with substantial macrophage infiltration. In the heart, expression of OPN and macrophage numbers were increased. All of these changes, in both the heart and kidney were attenuated by losartan. Conclusion: Rather than affecting a single organ, the present study demonstrates that after prolonged renal ischemia, the contralateral kidney and heart undergo changes in growth factor and chemokine expression, resulting in pathological proliferation and inflammation that can be modulated by blockade of the AT1 receptor.
Characterization of Two Hepatitis B Virus Populations in a Single Korean Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patient with an HBeAg-Negative Serostatus: A Novel X-Gene-Deleted Strain with Inverted Duplication Sequences of Upstream Enhancer Site II
Authors: Kim Hong , Jee Youngmee , Mun Ho-Suk , Park Ju-Hee , Yoon Jung-Hwan , Kim Yoon-Jun , Lee Hyo-Suk , Hyun Jin-Won , Hwang Eung-Soo , Cha Chang-Yong , Kook Yoon-Hoh , Kim Bum-Joon
Published: June 2007

Objectives: The aim of the study was to elucidate mutation patterns related to hepatocarcinogenesis in a Korean hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patient. Methods: We analyzed full genome sequences of 6 hepatitis B virus (HBV) clones from an HCC patient. Results: This patient harbored 2 HBV populations with genomes of different lengths (3,221 and 2,212 bp). In addition, we found 2 characteristic features not described so far in the full-genome sequence of deleted strains. First, 3 large deletion events (847, 144 and 48 bp) and a premature termination of the 182th codon of the surface antigen could lead to truncated or possibly nonfunctional forms of all HBV proteins. Second, these showed a novel mutation type not reported to date, which is a complex of an inverted duplication of 36-bp sequences containing an upstream enhancer site II (UEII), a remote insertion, and a large deletion event of the X region by homologous recombination. Conclusion: The fact that UEII is a binding site of liver-specific nuclear factor, which is expressed only in highly differentiated liver cells such as cancerous HepG2, strongly suggests a relationship between this novel mutation and hepatocarcinogenesis in this patient.
Explaining the Escalation of Drug Use in Substance Dependence: Models and Appropriate Animal Laboratory Tests
Authors: Zernig Gerald , Ahmed Serge H. , Cardinal Rudolf N. , Morgan Drake , Acquas Elio , Foltin Richard W. , Vezina Paul , Negus S. Stevens , Crespo Jose A. , Stöckl Petra , Grubinger Petra , Madlung Ekkehard , Haring Christian , Kurz Martin , Saria Alois
Published: June 2007

Escalation of drug use, a hallmark of drug dependence, has traditionally been interpreted as reflecting the development of tolerance to the drug’s effects. However, on the basis of animal behavioral data, several groups have recently proposed alternative explanations, i.e. that such an escalation of drug use might not be based on (1) tolerance, but rather be indicative of (2) sensitization to the drug’s reinforcing effect, (3) reward allostasis, (4) an increase in the incentive salience of drug-associated stimuli, (5) an increase in the reinforcing strength of the drug reinforcer relative to alternative reinforcers, or (6) habit formation. From the pharmacological perspective, models 1–3 allow predictions about the change in the shape of drug dose-effect curves that are based on mathematically defined models governing receptor-ligand interaction and signal transduction. These predictions are tested in the present review, which also describes the other currently championed models for drug use escalation and other components of apparent ‘reinforcement’ (in its original meaning, like ‘tolerance’ or ‘sensitization’, a purely descriptive term). It evaluates the animal experimental approaches employed to support or prove the existence of each of the models and reinforcement components, and recapitulates the clinical evidence, which strongly suggests that escalation of drug use is predominantly based on an increase in the frequency of intoxication events rather than an increase in the dose taken at each intoxication event. Two apparent discrepancies in animal experiments are that (a) sensitization to overall reinforcement has been found more often for psychostimulants than for opioids, and that (b) tolerance to the reinforcing and other effects has been observed more often for opioids than for cocaine. These discrepancies are resolved by the finding that cocaine levels seem to be more tightly regulated at submaximum reinforcing levels than opioid levels are. Consequently, animals self-administering opioids are more likely to expose themselves to higher above-threshold doses than animals self-administering psychostimulants, rendering the development of tolerance to opioids more likely than tolerance to psychostimulants. The review concludes by making suggestions on how to improve the current behavioral experimental approaches.
A Functional Polymorphism in the TIM-1 Gene Is Associated with Asthma in a Chinese Han Population
Authors: Liu Qiji , Shang Linshan , Li Jisheng , Wang Pin , Li Huaichen , Wei Chunhua , Gong Yaoqin
Published: June 2007

Background: TIM-1, a member of the T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain (TIM) gene family was implicated as an asthma susceptibility gene in previous studies. TIM-1 is selectively expressed on activated CD4+ T cells and its expression is sustained preferentially on T helper type 2 (Th2) cells, which suggests that TIM-1 is associated with T cell differentiation and the development of Th2-biased immune response. Methods: In order to evaluate the effects of the promoter polymorphism in the TIM-1 gene on asthma susceptibility in a Chinese Han population, 2 promoter polymorphisms, –416G>C and –1454G>A, from 2 alternative promoter regions, were genotyped in 409 unrelated asthma patients and 305 healthy controls by using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Also, we analyzed the functional significance of –416G>C using the luciferase reporter gene assay. Results: We found that –416G>C was associated with asthma susceptibility in our study population (χ2 = 9.88, p = 0.002, odds ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval 1.14–1.75). No statistically significant difference in the distribution of genotype and allele frequency of the –1454G>A site was observed. The –416G>C substitution increased the transcriptional activity of the TIM-1 gene. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the –416G>C variation site in the human TIM-1 promoter region is associated with asthma susceptibility in a Chinese Han population.
An Adjuvant-Free Mouse Model of Tree Nut Allergy Using Hazelnut as a Model Tree Nut
Authors: Birmingham Neil Patrick , Parvataneni Sitaram , Hassan Hanem M. Ahmed , Harkema Jack , Samineni Sridhar , Navuluri Lalitha , Kelly Caleb James , Gangur Venu
Published: June 2007

Background: Tree nut allergy, a major group of food allergy, is often linked to fatal or near-fatal systemic anaphylaxis. Currently, an adjuvant-free mouse model to study tree nut hypersensitivity is unavailable. Here we tested the hypothesis that transdermal exposure to hazelnut, a model tree nut, without the use of an adjuvant is sufficient to sensitize mice for immediate hypersensitivity reaction to oral hazelnut challenge. Methods: BALB/c mice were repeatedly exposed to hazelnut protein via the transdermal route and systemic allergic and anaphylactic responses were studied. Results: Transdermal exposure to hazelnut protein elicited robust systemic IgE response in a dose-dependent manner with immunological memory. Oral challenge of transdermally sensitized mice with hazelnut protein resulted in immediate (30 min after the challenge) clinical signs of systemic anaphylaxis as measured by significant clinical scores and drop in rectal temperature. Clinical hypersensitivity reaction was associated with severe pathological changes in the small intestine. Hazelnut-allergic but not control mice exhibited in vivo activation of GATA-3 and hazelnut-driven recall IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 response by splenocytes, thus elucidating the underlying mechanism of hazelnut allergy development in this model. Conclusions: These data suggest that (1) transdermal exposure to hazelnut protein is sufficient to activate the key immune pathways necessary for sensitizing mice for clinical immediate hypersensitivity reactions and (2) this mouse model may be useful for further basic and applied studies on tree nut allergy, especially because it does not depend on an adjuvant for eliciting immediate hypersensitivity reactions to nut protein.
Renoprotection Provided by Losartan in Combination with Pioglitazone Is Superior to Renoprotection Provided by Losartan Alone in Patients with Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Jin Hui Min , Pan Yu
Published: June 2007

Aim: This study was performed to ascertain whether losartan combined with pioglitazone is superior to losartan alone in delaying the progression of chronic renal failure in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Methods: Sixty patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy (stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease) were enrolled in a randomized, controlled trial. Thirty patients received losartan (100 mg/day) and pioglitazone (30 mg/day), and 30 patients received losartan only (100 mg/day). The patients were assessed at baseline and at 3-month intervals for 24-hour urinary protein excretion, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and fasting blood glucose values. The glomerular filtration rate was measured by means of a 99mTc-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic renogram at baseline and after 12 months. Results: As compared with therapy with losartan alone, the losartan-pioglitazone combination therapy resulted in significantly lower serum creatinine and fasting glucose values at 12 months and in significantly lower degrees of proteinuria at 6 and 12 months. The declines in creatinine clearance and glomerular filtration rate below baseline measurements at stages 3 and 4 of chronic kidney disease were significantly slower for the losartan-pioglitazone group as compared with the losartan-only group. Conclusions: Renoprotection conferred by losartan combined with pioglitazone is superior to that conferred by losartan alone in subjects with type 2 diabetic nephropathy. The combination is generally well tolerated.
IL6 Suppression Provides Renal Protection Independent of Blood Pressure in a Murine Model of Salt-Sensitive Hypertension
Authors: Manhiani M.M. , Quigley J.E. , Socha M.J. , Motamed K. , Imig J.D.
Published: June 2007

Impaired cytochrome P450 epoxygenase enzyme (Cyp2c) regulation contributes to renal damage in angiotensin salt-sensitive hypertension (ANG/HS). We hypothesized that interleukin-6 null mice (IL6–/–) would improve Cyp2c regulation and reduce renal damage in hypertensive mice fed a high salt diet. Systolic blood pressure increased to a greater extent in ANG/HS hypertension as compared to angiotensin (ANG) hypertension but blood pressure did not differ between WT and IL6–/– hypertensive groups. Albuminuria, a marker for renal injury, increased significantly in ANG/HS hypertension in WT mice (5,113 ± 1,050 µg/day) and was attenuated in the ANG/HS IL6–/– group (1,306 ± 385 µg/day). Renal Cyp2c protein expression significantly decreased with ANG/HS hypertension in WT mice as compared to high salt alone. However, the ability to upregulate Cyp2c expression in response to a high salt diet was restored in the ANG/HS IL6 deficient hypertensive mice. Renal expression of soluble epoxide hydrolase, which inactivates protective epoxygenase metabolites, was significantly reduced in ANG/HS IL6–/– hypertensive mice compared to the ANG/HS WT group. These data suggest that IL6, while having no effect on blood pressure, impairs regulation of epoxygenase producing Cyp2c, which could contribute to the development of renal injury in angiotensin salt-sensitive hypertension.
Effects of High-Intensity Combined Training on Women over 65
Authors: Cancela Carral J.M. , Ayán Pérez Carlos
Published: June 2007

Background: Many studies have sought to assess the effects of physical exercise on older people, but there is little scientific evidence concerning its effects on subjects’ quality of life and cognitive function. Besides, there is a need to know how well the elderly can tolerate combined exercise programs of great intensity and frequency, without risking their health. Objectives: To determine whether older people are able to do a high-intensity combined program of physical exercise, and to analyze its effects at a conditional, cognitive and functional level as well as on their quality of life. Methods: Sixty-two community-dwelling women older than 65 took part in a randomized trial, with subjects assigned to a combined program of aquatic exercise plus high-intensity strength training (group 1), or plus calisthenic training (group 2). Group 2 training consisted of several aerobic, mobility and flexibility exercises; group 1 training consisted of 7 exercises targeting the major muscle groups of the body, performed on exercise machines at an intensity of 75% of 1 repetition maximum. Both groups trained 5 days a week during 5 months. Quality of life, cognitive function, and functional level were assessed by means of validated questionnaires. Conditional evaluations included static and dynamic strength, balance, flexibility, and aerobic capacity. Results: No participant withdrew for adverse effects during the program or at the end. Both groups obtained a significant improvement in their quality of life and cognitive function, as well as in their balance and flexibility level, whereas only group 1 improved their static and dynamic strength significantly. Conclusion: Older women can take part in high-frequency, high-intensity training programs with no risk to their health while experiencing improvements to their quality of life, cognitive function, degree of independence and physical fitness.
Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of Wall-Motion Abnormalities in Adults Without Clinically Recognized Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Cicala Silvana , de Simone Giovanni , Roman Mary J. , Best Lyle G. , Lee Elisa T. , Wang Wenyu , Welty Thomas K. , Galloway James M. , Howard Barbara V. , Devereux Richard B.
Published: June 2007

Background—

Left ventricular wall motion (WM) abnormalities have recognized prognostic significance in patients with coronary or other heart diseases; however, whether abnormal WM predicts adverse events in adults without overt cardiovascular disease has not been assessed. Our objective was to determine whether echocardiographic WM abnormalities predict subsequent cardiovascular events in a population-based sample.

Methods and Results—

Participants (n=2864, mean age 60±8 years, 64% women) without clinically evident cardiovascular disease in the second Strong Heart Study examination who had complete echocardiographic WM assessment were studied. Echocardiographic assessment revealed that 5% of participants (n=140) had focal hypokinesia, and 1.5% (n=42) had WM abnormalities. Relationships between WM abnormalities and fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events (including myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary artery disease, and heart failure; n=554) and cardiovascular death (n=182) during 8±2 years follow-up were examined. In Cox regression, after adjustment for age, gender, waist/hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, and diabetes mellitus, segmental WM abnormalities were associated with a 2.5-fold higher risk of cardiovascular events and a 2.6-fold higher risk of cardiovascular death (both
P
<0.0001). In similar multivariable models, global WM abnormalities were associated with a 2.4-fold higher risk of cardiovascular events (
P
=0.001) and a 3.4-fold higher risk of cardiovascular death (
P
=0.003).

Conclusions—

Echocardiographic left ventricular WM abnormalities in adults without overt cardiovascular disease are associated with 2.4- to 3.4-fold higher risks of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, independent of established risk factors.
Dreadful/Delightful Killing: The Contested Nature of Duck Hunting
Authors: McLeod Carmen
Published: June 2007

Hunting ducks with a firearm has become increasingly contested in industrialized and urbanized contemporary societies. In southern New Zealand, an area that maintains strong connections to rural life ways, duck shooting is still a very popular activity. However, even duck shooters living in this region are increasingly finding that they must justify an activity their grandparents practiced without compunction. This paper considers ethical discourses associated with the killing of ducks, particularly the ways in which people who shoot ducks construct the act of killing as an activity that can be ethically justified. As this paper will show, duck hunters assert that they have a more realistic and appropriate view of nature and animal life cycles than the average antihunter who might criticize them. New Zealand duck hunters also embed their hunting activities within a discourse of wetland conservation, arguing that they do far more to preserve and develop wetlands than do non-hunters. This paper concludes that duck hunters' understandings of nature are intrinsic to the ethical discourses that underpin duck hunting activities in New Zealand.
People and Their Pets: A Relational Perspective on Interpersonal Complementarity and Attachment in Companion Animal Owners
Authors: Bauer Amy , Woodward Lucinda
Published: June 2007

The current study evaluated the interpersonal circumplex as a theoretical model of companion animal personality and companion animal attachment. To this end, the study surveyed 266 companion animal guardians (owners)—89 reporting their most recent pet a cat and 177 reporting their most recent pet a dog—to assess the relationships between interpersonal complementarity and companion animal attachment. The study used MANOVA to evaluate differences in interpersonal traits for cats, dogs, and people who self-identified that cats or dogs were their ideal pets. Results indicated that cats—and people who identified cats as their ideal pet—were more hostile in their orientation than were dogs or people who preferred dogs. In hierarchical regression-analysis, the study also confirmed the positive relationship between interpersonal complementarity and companion-animal attachment.
The Welfare-based Defense of Zoos
Authors: Zamir Tzachi
Published: June 2007

A "welfare-based defense" of a practice involving nonhuman animals presents the examined practice as promoting the animal's own interests. Such justifications surface in relation to various interactions between human and nonhuman animals. Sometimes such arguments appear persuasive. Sometimes they form self-serving rationalizations. This paper attempts to clarify and specify the distinction between plausible and dubious applications of such arguments. It then examines (and rejects) a detailed welfare-based defense of zoos.
Who Went to Thomas More's Lectures on St Augustine's De Civitate Dei?
Authors: Baker-Smith Dominic
Published: June 2007

In 1501 omas More, newly qualified as a barrister, delivered a series of lectures on St Augustine's De Civitate Dei to a select audience in the London church of St Lawrence Jewry. To Erasmus, looking back some years later, what was striking was the contrast between the youthful speaker and the established clergy, lawyers, and higher civil servants who came to hear him. In fact the lectures can be seen as the fulfilment of a native tradition of lay piety, that of the "medled" or mixed life which combined spiritual culture with civic responsibility. In More's case it provided a fertile ground for the reception of humanist ideals.
Mechanisms of Northern Tropical Atlantic Variability and Response to CO2 Doubling
Authors: Breugem Wim-Paul , Hazeleger Wilco , Haarsma Reindert J.
Published: June 2007

A model study has been made of the mechanisms of the meridional mode in the northern tropical Atlantic (NTA) and the response to a doubling of atmospheric CO2. The numerical model consists of an atmospheric general circulation model (GCM) coupled to a passive mixed layer model for the ocean. Results from two simulations are shown: a control run with present-day atmospheric CO2 and a run with a doubled CO2 concentration. The results from the control run show that the wind–evaporation–SST (WES) feedback is confined to the deep NTA. Furthermore, the temporal evolution of the meridional mode is phase locked with the seasonal cycle of the climatological intertropical convergence zone (CITCZ). The WES feedback is positive in boreal winter and spring when the CITCZ is located close to the equator but negative in summer and fall when the CITCZ shifts toward the north of the deep NTA. Similarly, the damping of the SST anomalies in the deep NTA by moisture-induced evaporation anomalies is much stronger in summer and fall than in winter and spring, related to a change in anomalous moisture transport. The results from the double-CO2 run show a substantial northward shift of the CITCZ in boreal winter and spring but little change in summer and fall. The change in the CITCZ can be explained by strong warming at the high northern latitudes in combination with a seasonally dependent WES feedback with accompanying changes in moisture transport in the deep NTA. The latter indicates that the change in the CITCZ is subject to phase locking with the seasonal cycle of the CITCZ itself. The meridional mode in the double-CO2 run weakens by 10%–20%. This originates from the weakening of the positive WES feedback in the deep NTA, which in turn is attributed to the northward shift of the CITCZ; because in the double-CO2 run the CITCZ stays south of the deep NTA for a shorter time period, the positive WES feedback in the deep NTA acts less long, and damping by moisture-induced evaporation anomalies starts earlier than in the control run.
Adjustment of the Remote Tropical Climate to El Niño Conditions
Authors: Lintner Benjamin R. , Chiang John C. H.
Published: June 2007

The adjustment of the tropical climate outside the Pacific (the “remote Tropics”) to the abrupt onset of El Niño conditions is examined in a tropical atmosphere model that assumes simplified vertical structure and quasi-equilibrium (QE) convective closure. The El Niño signal is rapidly (∼1 week) communicated to the remote Tropics via an eastward-propagating Kelvin-like wave that induces both anomalous subsidence and tropospheric warming. Widespread reductions in convective precipitation occur in conjunction with the spreading of the temperature and subsidence anomalies. The remote rainfall suppression peaks roughly 5–15 days after the initiation of El Niño conditions, after which the anomalous remote rainfall field recovers to a state characterized by a smaller remote areal mean rainfall deficit and the appearance of localized positive rainfall anomalies. The initial remote precipitation reduction after El Niño onset is tied to both tropospheric warming (i.e., stabilization of the troposphere to deep convection) and the suppression of remote humidity levels; recovery of the initial deficits occurs as feedbacks modulate the subsequent evolution of humidity anomalies in the tropospheric column. Apart from the short-term response, there is a longer-term adjustment of the remote climate related to the thermal inertia of the underlying surface: surface thermal disequilibrium, which is related to the depth of the ocean mixed layer, maintains larger precipitation deficits than would be expected for equilibrated conditions. This result supports a previous prediction by one of the authors for a significant disequilibrium mechanism in the precipitation teleconnection to El Niño resulting from the local vertical coupling of the troposphere to the surface through moist convection.
Estimating Shortwave Radiative Forcing and Response in Climate Models
Authors: Taylor K. E. , Crucifix M. , Braconnot P. , Hewitt C. D. , Doutriaux C. , Broccoli A. J. , Mitchell J. F. B. , Webb M. J.
Published: June 2007

Feedback analysis in climate models commonly involves decomposing any change in the system’s energy balance into radiative forcing terms due to prescribed changes, and response terms due to the radiative effects of changes in model variables such as temperature, water vapor, clouds, sea ice, and snow. The established “partial radiative perturbation” (PRP) method allows an accurate separation of these terms, but requires processing large volumes of model output with an offline version of the model’s radiation code. Here, we propose an “approximate PRP” (APRP) method for the shortwave that provides an accurate estimate of the radiative perturbation, but derived from a quite modest amount of monthly mean model output.

The APRP method is based on a simplified shortwave radiative model of the atmosphere, where surface absorption and atmospheric scattering and absorption are represented by means of three parameters that are diagnosed for overcast and clear-sky portions of each model grid cell. The accuracy of the method is gauged relative to full PRP calculations in two experiments: one in which carbon dioxide concentration is doubled and another in which conditions of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) are simulated. The approximate PRP method yields a shortwave cloud feedback accurate in the global mean to within 7%. Forcings and feedbacks due to surface albedo and noncloud atmospheric constituents are also well approximated with errors of order 5%–10%. Comparison of two different model simulations of the LGM shows that the regional and global differences in their ice sheet albedo forcing fields are clearly captured by the APRP method. Hence this method is an efficient and satisfactory tool for studying and intercomparing shortwave forcing and feedbacks in climate models.
A Hemispheric Mechanism for the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation
Authors: Dima Mihai , Lohmann Gerrit
Published: June 2007

The physical processes associated with the ∼70-yr period climate mode, known as the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO), are examined. Based on analyses of observational data, a deterministic mechanism relying on atmosphere–ocean–sea ice interactions is proposed for the AMO. Variations in the thermohaline circulation are reflected as uniform sea surface temperature anomalies in the North Atlantic. These anomalies are associated with a hemispheric wavenumber-1 sea level pressure (SLP) structure in the atmosphere that is amplified through atmosphere–ocean interactions in the North Pacific. The SLP pattern and its associated wind field affect the sea ice export through Fram Strait, the freshwater balance in the northern North Atlantic, and consequently the strength of the large-scale ocean circulation. It generates sea surface temperature anomalies with opposite signs in the North Atlantic and completes a negative feedback. The authors find that the time scale of the cycle is associated with the thermohaline circulation adjustment to freshwater forcing, the SST response to it, the oceanic adjustment in the North Pacific, and the sea ice response to the wind forcing. Finally, it is argued that the Great Salinity Anomaly in the late 1960s and 1970s is part of AMO.