bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creative destruction: Efficiency, equity or collapse? (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate)
Authors: Gudeman Stephen
Published: February 2010

Around the globe, unemployment and sub employment have risen, salaries are frozen, homes are being repossessed, economic inequality continues, and many are experiencing heightened emotional distress. We have heard many explanations for this economic and social mess. But the current crisis should make us question the standard narratives, which failed to predict it and now offer ambiguous solutions. I argue that the crisis represents a tectonic shift in material life that calls for rethinking our image of economy. Because the normal discourse of economics does not explain this world of contradictions, ironies, and unpredictability, perhaps anthropology's moment has arrived. I offer a sketch of the contemporary situation based on a vision of economy as a combination of value domains and the impact of growing specialization, beginning in the workplace and reaching to new financial instruments. If the idea of the growing division of tasks in markets has been a central thread in economics since Adam Smith, its counterpart in anthropology has been the assumption of value diversity within and between cultures.
Better than expected survival after primary intracerebral hemorrhage in patients with untreated hypertension despite high admission blood pressures
Authors: Tetri S. , Huhtakangas J. , Juvela S. , Saloheimo P. , Pyhtinen J. , Hillbom M.
Published: February 2010

Background:  Hypertension is the most important modifiable risk factor for primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), but little is known of the effect of preceding hypertension on outcome. Because high mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) at admission is an independent predictor of early death in patients with ICH, we explored its role on survival and poor outcome separately in normotensive subjects and subjects with treated and untreated hypertension.

Methods:  We assessed clinical data and the 3‐month outcome of patients with spontaneous ICH (n = 453) admitted to the stroke unit of Oulu University Hospital between 1993 and 2004. Standard medical treatment was used to lower MABP from levels >127 mmHg to <120 mmHg.

Results:  Overall mortality within 3 months was 28%. Patients with untreated hypertension had significantly lower mortality (6%) than those with treated hypertension (36%, P < 0.001) or those without hypertension (25%, P < 0.01). High admission MABP associated with early death in normotensive subjects (P < 0.05) and those on medication for hypertension (P < 0.01) but not in those with untreated hypertension. Patients with untreated hypertension were younger and had less frequently cardiac disease, diabetes, and/or warfarin or aspirin medications, but they showed the highest blood pressures (BPs) at admission. Amongst patients with high admission MABP, favorable outcome was seen most frequently in those who had untreated hypertension. Hematoma growth did not associate with high MABP amongst them.

Conclusion:  Despite their higher BP values at admission, subjects with untreated hypertension showed better survival and more frequently favorable outcome after BP‐lowering therapy than other patients.
EFNS guidelines on the use of neuroimaging in the management of motor neuron diseases
Authors: Filippi M. , Agosta F. , Abrahams S. , Fazekas F. , Grosskreutz J. , Kalra S. , Kassubek J. , Silani V. , Turner M. R. , Masdeu J. C.
Published: February 2010

Background and purpose:  These European Federation of Neurological Societies guidelines on neuroimaging of motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are designed to provide practical help for the neurologists to make appropriate use of neuroimaging techniques in patients with MNDs, which ranges from diagnostic and monitoring aspects to the in vivo study of the pathobiology of such conditions.

Methods:  Literature searches were performed before expert members of the Task Force wrote proposal. Then, consensus was reached by circulating drafts of the manuscript to the Task Force members and by discussion of the classification of evidence and recommendations.

Results and conclusions:  The use of conventional MRI in patients suspected of having a MND is yet restricted to exclude other causes of signs and symptoms of MN pathology [class IV, level good clinical practice point (GCPP)]. Although the detection of corticospinal tract hyperintensities on conventional MRI and a T2‐hypointense rim in the pre‐central gyrus can support a pre‐existing suspicion of MND, the specific search of these abnormalities for the purpose of making a firm diagnosis of MND is not recommended (class IV, level GCPP). At present, advanced neuroimaging techniques, including diffusion tensor imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging, do not have a role in the diagnosis or routine monitoring of MNDs yet (class IV, level GCPP). However, it is strongly advisable to incorporate measures derived from these techniques into new clinical trials as exploratory outcomes to gain additional insights into disease pathophysiology and into the value of these techniques in the (longitudinal) assessment of MNDs (class IV, level GCPP).
Relationships between obesity and the clinical severity of psoriasis in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Y‐H , Yang L‐C , Hui RC‐Y , Chang Y‐C , Yang Y‐W , Yang C‐H , Chen Y‐H , Chung W‐H , Kuan Y‐Z , Chiu C‐S
Published: February 2010

Background  Obesity has been found to be associated with an increased risk of psoriasis in general population. However, studies addressing the relationship between obesity and clinical severity of psoriasis are still scarce, especially in Asian people.

Objectives  In this study, we investigated the relationship between levels of obesity and the clinical severity of psoriasis in Taiwanese psoriasis patients.

Methods  This was a hospital‐based cross‐sectional study. A total of 399 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were recruited. Their body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared and was categorized into four groups (BMI < 24, normal; 24 ≤ BMI < 27, overweight; 27 ≤ BMI < 30, mild obesity; and BMI ≥ 30, moderate‐to‐severe obesity). Disease severity was assessed by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. Cumulative logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between BMI and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index.

Results  After adjusting for potential confounders (age, gender, cigarette smoking and duration of disease), moderate‐to‐severe obesity was significantly associated with an increased risk of clinically more severe psoriasis when compared with normal BMI [odds ratio, 2.70; 95% confidence interval,1.42–5.11]. There is a significant linear trend for clinically more severe psoriasis across increasing of BMI categories (P for trend = 0.004). The effect of obesity on the severity of psoriasis was greater in men than in women (test for interaction, P = 0.03).

Conclusions  In psoriasis patients, obesity is associated with a more severe disease, especially in men. Bodyweight control may be important for the management of psoriasis.
Customer satisfaction and the strategic role of university libraries
Authors: Hakala Ulla , Nygrén Ulla
Published: February 2010

The paper stresses the importance of listening to customers at university libraries and the need to move from a library‐based view to a customer‐based view. Largely on account of their public nature, academic libraries in Finland – where the study was conducted – have until recently, based their operations and development mainly on conventional procedures and library‐based perspectives. However, in order to better serve their own clientele, as well as their parent organizations, they need to listen to the voices of their customers, the library users. One way of ‘listening’ is through a customer survey, in this case LibQUAL – a survey instrument developed in the US for libraries. It collects data on the quality of the services, thus enabling libraries to identify areas in which service levels should be improved.
Consumer ethoses in Finnish consumer life stories – agrarianism, economism and green consumerism
Authors: Huttunen Kaisa , Autio Minna
Published: February 2010

This article examines Finnish consumer ethoses and the moral rules that include them. We argue that Finnish consumers legitimize their consumer and spending practices, and constitute themselves as moral agents through three culturally dominant and historically constructed consumer ethoses: agrarianism, economism and green consumerism. The material of the study consists of 53 consumer life stories collected between September 2006 and May 2007 using a writing competition. Through our material, we are able to illustrate how consumers negotiate, produce, transform and contest these three ethoses. We interpret life stories as socially constructed stories. Thus, our aim is to analyse the culturally shared and historically transformed meanings, rather than to reveal the motives or intentions of the individual consumer.
Evaluating the urban consumer with regard to sourcing local food: a Heart of England study
Authors: Khan Faiza , Prior Caroline
Published: February 2010

This paper critically explores consumer perceptions and trends regarding purchasing locally produced food. Until recently, much of the research in this area largely focused on regional consumers where rural consumers had reasonable access to locally produced food and were usually in close proximity to the producers within, or close to, their immediate community. Here, the objectives of the primary research focused instead on urban attitudes and perceptions of local food within the Greater Birmingham conurbation in the West Midlands region of the UK. Birmingham is by far the most highly populated urban area of the region, and with ample opportunities to promote local food. Consumers, based mainly in Birmingham and Wolverhampton, were questioned on their locally produced food‐buying habits and attitudes in order to determine any differences in urban perceptions and buying attitudes compared with rural counterparts, and also to identify any new and potential opportunities for local food producers. Originally, 1000 questionnaires were obtained from across Greater Birmingham and Wolverhampton. However, for the purposes of this paper, it was decided to focus on two urban city centres – Birmingham and Wolverhampton, with 148 questionnaires. The results indicate that urban consumers are generally confused about what the term ‘local’ food means. The reasons for purchasing local food, while generally consistent with national patterns, differed in that supporting the local producers was not regarded as important. Barriers to purchase were largely unsurprising for an urban area, as the top choices were ‘too expensive’ followed by ‘not readily available’ and ‘no time to find it’. Understanding, information, availability and access to local food emerge as the biggest challenges to urban consumers in buying local food.
Parental influence upon children's diet: the issue of category
Authors: Preston Chris
Published: February 2010

Food and drink are distributed via corporate institutions in categories, such as ready meals or carbonated drinks. Within these categories, a minority of brands advertise, capitalizing upon the popularity of the categories. The issue of childhood obesity and health has led to a focus upon these advertised brands in terms of their being targeted at children, but nothing has been done about the categories they represent. Furthermore, parents have an influence upon their children's diet, as their expenditure accounts for the majority of their children's consumption. This paper accounts for UK children's perceptions of the effect of advertising and marketing of food and drink upon their parents, and concludes that the children see advertising as having very little influence. Rather, they see that their parents' involvement with certain categories have become, over time, their norm. Children do not see that the regulation of advertising of food and drink to them will have any significant effect upon their diet, as their parents will continue to consume from within the categories supplied by the retail sector, which in their view constitutes the most influential aspect of food and drink marketing. Given the international focus upon the advertising of food brands, this paper draws attention to other, potentially more influential issues.
Automatic dishwashers: efficient machines or less efficient consumer habits?
Authors: Richter Christian Paul
Published: February 2010

Increasing costs for energy and water influence consumer decision making when purchasing white goods, such as dishwashers. Since the implementation of the European Energy Label, considerable improvements in water and energy consumption of dishwashers has been achieved, and for consumers, efficiency has become one of the main buzzwords when buying any major new household appliance. However, ownership of an efficient dishwasher in itself does not guarantee savings in energy and water during the course of the dishwashing process. Conservation of resources also requires changes in consumer behaviour. This paper provides empirical data on consumers' dishwashing habits in everyday life in four European countries, deals with the influence of their behaviour on the efficiency of the dishwashing process and highlights savings potentials in the usage of dishwashers. It reports on the results of a survey involving a total of 1209 online interviews conducted in winter 2006/2007. The survey data have been analysed to reveal the importance of various product attributes for consumers and show that low water and energy consumption values are the most important consideration for the respondents in terms of their purchasing decision. But this is compromised, at least in part, by less efficient dishwasher use, e.g. in pre‐rinsing dishes before placing them into the dishwasher and in the programme choice. In addition, differences in manual dishwashing practices between households with and without a dishwasher, as well as between countries, will be shown. Finally, conclusions are drawn for greater sustainability in the dishwashing process.
Children as co‐researchers voicing their preferences in foods and eating: methodological reflections
Authors: Bergström Kerstin , Jonsson Lena , Shanahan Helena
Published: February 2010

There is an increasing and sustained interest in participatory research with children. We subscribe to these new perspectives by involving children as co‐researchers investigating their preferences when it comes to foods and eating. The overall aim of the research project Sustainable Eating Children's Way: Promoting Healthy Food Habits among Children 10–12 (Barn som medforskare i matlandskap) is to create an understanding of how children's food habits can develop in healthier and more sustainable ways. The specific aim of this paper was to discuss the methods used in the first phase of the project in order to find an answer to the question: ‘Is it possible to gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding of children's preferences in foods and eating?’ The research process in this project can be looked upon as two parallel processes: the overall one initiated by the senior research team and the one incorporating the children as co‐researchers. The children participating were 10‐year‐olds attending two classes in the fourth grade of a Swedish government‐funded school. We found the children knowledgeable and competent as co‐researchers. Involving children in the research processes and giving them freedom to explore is a promising way of letting their voices be heard in health promotion programmes.
Teens' consumer interaction styles: the impact of assertive and aggressive behaviour on attitudes towards marketing practices
Authors: Crutsinger Christy , Knight Dee , Kim HaeJung
Published: February 2010

Over half‐billion global teens between the ages of 13 and 18 years represent a dynamic opportunity for marketers who wish to grow their businesses and build consumer loyalty. Consumer interaction styles are the consistent behaviour patterns that individuals employ in transactions or exchanges in the marketplace. Assertiveness and aggressiveness represent two distinct interaction styles that enable individuals to achieve a desired outcome. Because teen consumers are an important consumer segment and subscribe to the notion that their voices must be heard, understanding their interaction styles is necessary for businesses and marketers. The purpose of this study was to examine teens' consumer interaction styles according to specific demographic and lifestyle characteristics and investigate the impact of assertive and aggressive interaction styles on attitudes towards marketing practices (i.e. product, retailing, advertising, and pricing). Data were collected from a US teen sample (n = 467) at both rural and urban high schools. Independent t‐tests compared the propensity of teens' assertive and aggressive consumer interaction styles according to specific demographic and lifestyle characteristics. Structural Equation Modeling using AMOS 6.0 program was performed to test the hypothesized relationships. Results indicated that an assertive interaction style was pervasive among US teen consumers, while the aggressive interaction style had disparities according to unique demographic and lifestyle characteristics. Assertive and aggressive interaction styles demonstrated negative influences on teen consumers' attitudes towards products and retailing practices. By interpreting the negative impact of teens' assertive and aggressive consumer interaction styles, marketers can develop effective strategies that appeal to this demanding consumer.
Inhibition of histone deacetylases in rats self‐administering cocaine regulates lissencephaly gene‐1 and reelin gene expression, as revealed by microarray technique
Authors: Host Lionel , Anglard Patrick , Romieu Pascal , Thibault Christelle , Dembele Doulaye , Aunis Dominique , Zwiller Jean
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 10.1111/j.1471‐4159.2010.06591.x

Injection of the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TsA) to rats has been shown to decrease their motivation to self‐administer cocaine. In the present study, we investigated alterations in gene expression patterns in the anterior cingulate cortex and nucleus accumbens of rats self‐administering cocaine and treated with TsA. Using oligonucleotide microarrays, we identified 722 probe sets in the cortex and 136 probe sets in the nucleus accumbens that were differentially expressed between vehicle and TsA‐treated rats that self‐administered cocaine. Microarray data were validated by real‐time PCR for seven genes. Using immunohistochemistry, we further investigated the expression of Lis1 and reelin genes, because (i) they were similarly regulated by TsA at the mRNA level; (ii) they belong to the same signal transduction pathway; (iii) mutations within both genes cause lissencephaly. Cocaine self‐injection was sufficient to activate the two genes at both the mRNA and protein levels. TsA treatment was found to up‐regulate both Lis1 and reelin protein expression in the cortex and to down‐regulate it in the nucleus accumbens of rats self‐administering cocaine. The data suggest that the two proteins contribute to establish neurobiological mechanisms underlying brain plasticity whereby TsA lowers the motivation for cocaine.
A novel, high‐efficiency cellular model of fibrillar α‐synuclein inclusions and the examination of mutations that inhibit amyloid formation
Authors: Waxman Elisa A. , Giasson Benoit I.
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 374–388.

Intracytoplasmic alpha‐synuclein (α‐syn) amyloidogenic inclusions are a major pathological feature of Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy body disease and multiple systems atrophy. The mechanisms involved in the formation and inhibition of these aggregates are areas of intense investigation. The present study characterizes a novel cellular model for the study of α‐syn aggregation, incorporating nucleation‐dependent aggregation and a new function for calcium phosphate precipitation. Cultured cells were readily induced to develop large, cytoplasmic α‐syn filamentous aggregates that were hyperphosphorylated, often ubiquitinated and thioflavin positive. These cellular aggregates formed in the majority of transfected cells and recruited approximately half of endogenously expressed α‐syn. Using this system, we examined single‐point mutations that inhibit α‐syn amyloid formation in vitro. Three mutations (V66P, T72P and T75P) significantly hindered α‐syn aggregation in this cell model. The T75P mutant, which could abrogate amyloid formation of wild‐type α‐syn in vitro, did not prevent wild‐type α‐syn cellular aggregates. These studies suggest that the propensity of α‐syn to form cellular aggregates may be more pronounced than in isolated in vitro studies. This novel high‐efficiency cellular model of α‐syn aggregation is a valuable system that may be used to further understand α‐syn aggregation and allow for the generation of future therapeutics.
Transgene‐mediated GDNF expression enhances synaptic connectivity and GABA transmission to improve functional outcome after spinal cord contusion
Authors: Koelsch Angela , Feng YongJia , Fink David J. , Mata Marina
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 10.1111/j.1471‐4159.2010.06593.x

Glial cell line‐derived trophic factor (GDNF) is a peptide with pleiotropic survival and growth‐promoting effects on neurons. We found that intraspinal injection of a non‐replicating herpes simplex virus‐based vector coding for GDNF 2 h after blunt trauma to the thoraco‐lumbar spinal cord produced sustained improvement in motor behavioral outcomes up to 5 weeks following injury. The improvement in behavior correlated with an increase in synaptophysin and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) in the spinal cord at the level of injury. Addition of recombinant GDNF protein to primary spinal cord neurons in‐vitro resulted in enhanced neurite growth and a marked increase in protein levels of GAD65 and GAD67, synapsin I and synaptophysin. GDNF‐mediated increases in GAD and the synaptic markers were blocked by the MEK inhibitor UO126, but not by the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase inhibitor LY294002. These results suggest that GDNF, acting through the MEK‐ERK pathway enhances axonal sprouting, synaptic connectivity, and GABAergic neurotransmission in the spinal cord, that result in improved behavioral outcomes after spinal cord contusion injury.
Microglial C5aR (CD88) expression correlates with amyloid‐β deposition in murine models of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ager Rahasson R. , Fonseca Maria I. , Chu Shu‐Hui , Sanderson Sam D. , Taylor Stephen M. , Woodruff Trent M. , Tenner Andrea J.
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 389–401.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of amyloid‐β protein and neuronal loss, is the leading cause of age‐related dementia in the world today. The disease is also associated with neuroinflammation, robust activation of astrocytes and microglia, and evidence of activation of the complement system, localized with both fibrillar amyloid‐β (fAβ) plaques and tangles. The observations are consistent with a complement‐dependent component of AD progression. We have previously shown that inhibition of the major complement receptor for C5a (CD88) with the antagonist PMX205 results in a significant reduction in pathology in two mouse models of AD. To further characterize the role of complement in AD‐related neuroinflammation, we examined the age‐ and disease‐associated expression of CD88 in brain of transgenic mouse models of AD and the influence of PMX205 on the presence of various complement activation products using flow cytometry, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. CD88 was found to be up‐regulated in microglia, in the immediate vicinity of amyloid plaques. While thioflavine plaque load and glial recruitment is significantly reduced after treatment with PMX205, C1q remains co‐localized with fAβ plaques and C3 is still expressed by the recruited astrocytes. Thus, with PMX205, potentially beneficial activities of these early complement components may remain intact, while detrimental activities resulting from C5a–CD88 interaction are inhibited. This further supports the targeted inhibition of specific complement mediated activities as an approach for AD therapy.
Tyrosine phosphatases Shp1 and Shp2 have unique and opposing roles in oligodendrocyte development
Authors: Kuo Emory , Park Daniel K. , Tzvetanova Iva D. , Leiton Cindy V. , Cho Brian S. , Colognato Holly
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 10.1111/j.1471‐4159.2010.06596.x

Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells first proliferate to generate sufficient cell numbers and then differentiate into myelin‐producing oligodendrocytes. The signal transduction mediators that underlie these events, however, remain poorly understood. The tyrosine phosphatase Shp1 has been linked to oligodendrocyte differentiation as Shp1‐deficient mice show hypomyelination. The Shp1 homolog, Shp2, has recently been shown to regulate astrogliogenesis, but its role in oligodendrocyte development remains unknown. Here, we report that Shp2 protein levels were developmentally regulated in oligodendrocytes, with Shp2 phosphorylation being promoted by oligodendroglial mitogens but suppressed by laminin, an extracellular matrix protein that promotes oligodendroglial differentiation. In contrast, oligodendrocyte progenitors were found to be unresponsive to mitogens following Shp2, but not Shp1, depletion. In agreement with previous studies, Shp1 depletion led to decreased levels of myelin basic protein in differentiating oligodendrocytes, as well as reduced outgrowth of myelin membrane sheets. Shp2 depletion in contrast did not prevent oligodendrocyte differentiation but promoted expanded myelin membrane outgrowth. Taken together these data suggest that Shp1 and Shp2 have distinct functions in oligodendrocyte development: Shp2 regulates oligodendrocyte progenitor proliferation and Shp1 regulates oligodendrocyte differentiation. Adhesion to laminin may additionally provide extrinsic regulation of Shp2 activity and thus promote the transition from progenitor to differentiating oligodendrocyte.
Flexural Behaviour of Concrete Beams Reinforced With GFRP Bars
Authors: Ascione L. , Mancusi G. , Spadea S.
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  The paper presents some of the results from a large experimental program undertaken at the Department of Civil Engineering of Salerno University. The static behaviour under service conditions of concrete beams reinforced with GFRP (Glass Fibre‐Reinforced Polymer) as well as CFRP (Carbon Fibre‐Reinforced Polymer) bars and stirrups is examined. Within the whole experimental program concerning forty beams, two different concrete strengths and two different percentages of reinforcement are taken into consideration. The final aim is to investigate both deflections at midspan and crack widths. Moreover, the ultimate behaviour up to failure is also investigated. A part of this experimental program, concerning ten prototypes reinforced with GFRP bars, is here presented and discussed. Finally, comparisons with analytical predictions given by CNR‐DT 203/2006 are also shown.
Principles of pharmacoeconomics and their impact on strategic imperatives of pharmaceutical research and development
Authors: Bodrogi József , Kaló Zoltán
Published: February 2010

The importance of evidence‐based health policy is widely acknowledged among health care professionals, patients and politicians. Health care resources available for medical procedures, including pharmaceuticals, are limited all over the world. Economic evaluations help to alleviate the burden of scarce resources by improving the allocative efficiency of health care financing. Reimbursement of new medicines is subject to their cost‐effectiveness and affordability in more and more countries.

There are three major approaches to calculate the cost‐effectiveness of new pharmaceuticals. Economic analyses alongside pivotal clinical trials are often inconclusive due to the suboptimal collection of economic data and protocol‐driven costs. The major limitation of observational naturalistic economic evaluations is the selection bias and that they can be conducted only after registration and reimbursement.

Economic modelling is routinely used to predict the cost‐effectiveness of new pharmaceuticals for reimbursement purposes. Accuracy of cost‐effectiveness estimates depends on the quality of input variables; validity of surrogate end points; and appropriateness of modelling assumptions, including model structure, time horizon and sophistication of the model to differentiate clinically and economically meaningful outcomes. These economic evaluation methods are not mutually exclusive; in practice, economic analyses often combine data collection alongside clinical trials or observational studies with modelling.

The need for pharmacoeconomic evidence has fundamentally changed the strategic imperatives of research and development (R&D). Therefore, professionals in pharmaceutical R&D have to be familiar with the principles of pharmacoeconomics, including the selection of health policy‐relevant comparators, analytical techniques, measurement of health gain by quality‐adjusted life‐years and strategic pricing of pharmaceuticals.
KMUP‐1 attenuates isoprenaline‐induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats through NO/cGMP/PKG and ERK1/2/calcineurin A pathways
Authors: Yeh Jwu‐Lai , Hsu Jong‐Hau , Wu Ping‐Ju , Liou Shu‐Fen , Liu Chung‐Pin , Chen Ing‐Jun , Wu Bin‐Nan , Dai Zen‐Kong , Wu Jiunn‐Ren
Published: February 2010

Background and purpose:  To determine whether KMUP‐1, a novel xanthine‐based derivative, attenuates isoprenaline (ISO)‐induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats, and if so, whether the anti‐hypertrophic effect is mediated by the nitric oxide (NO) pathway.

Experimental approach:  In vivo, cardiac hypertrophy was induced by injection of ISO (5 mg·kg−1·day−1, s.c.) for 10 days in Wistar rats. In the treatment group, KMUP‐1 was administered 1 h before ISO. After 10 days, effects of KMUP‐1 on survival, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, the NO/guanosine 3′5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cGMP)/protein kinase G (PKG) and hypertrophy signalling pathways [calcineurin A and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2] were examined. To investigate the role of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the effects of KMUP‐1, a NOS inhibitor, Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine (L‐NNA) was co‐administered with KMUP‐1. In vitro, anti‐hypertrophic effects of KMUP‐1 were studied in ISO‐induced hypertrophic neonatal rat cardiomyocytes.

Key results:  In vivo, KMUP‐1 pretreatment attenuated the cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis and improved the survival of ISO‐treated rats. Plasma NOx (nitrite and nitrate) and cardiac endothelial NOS, cGMP and PKG were all increased by KMUP‐1. The activation of hypertrophic signalling by calcineurin A and ERK1/2 in ISO‐treated rats was also attenuated by KMUP‐1. All these effects of KMUP‐1 were inhibited by simultaneous administration of L‐NNA. Similarly, in vitro, KMUP‐1 attenuated hypertrophic responses and signalling induced by ISO in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes.

Conclusions and implications:  KMUP‐1 attenuates the cardiac hypertrophy in rats induced by administration of ISO. These effects are mediated, at least in part, by NOS activation. This novel agent, which targets the NO/cGMP pathway, has a potential role in the prevention of cardiac hypertrophy.
Rapid Ventricular Pacing for Catheter Interventions in Congenital Aortic Stenosis and Coarctation: Effectiveness, Safety, and Rate Titration for Optimal Results
Authors: MEHTA CHETAN , DESAI TARAK , SHEBANI SUHAIR , STICKLEY JOHN , DE GIOVANNI JOSEPH
Published: February 2010

Introduction: Infants and children with congenital aortic stenosis and coarctation of the aorta can be treated by catheter intervention. There are several pharmacological and mechanical techniques described to overcome the balloon movement; none, however, have proved entirely satisfactory. An alternative method to achieve balloon stability is the use of rapid ventricular pacing. We describe our experience with titrating the pacing rate and the use of this technique.

Methods: A retrospective review of database was performed, to identify patients who underwent transcatheter intervention with rapid ventricular pacing. Invasive systemic pressures were documented with a catheter in the aorta. Rapid ventricular pacing was initiated at the rate of 180 per minute and increased by increments of 20 per minute to a rate required to achieve a drop in systemic pressure by 50% and a drop in pulse pressure by 25%. The balloon was inflated only after the desired pacing rate was reached. Pacing was continued until the balloon was completely deflated.

Results: Thirty patients were identified, 29 of whom had interventions with rapid ventricular pacing. Balloon valvuloplasty of aortic valve was performed on 25 patients while 4 patients had stenting for coarctation by this technique. The rate of ventricular pacing required ranged from 200 to 260 per minute with a median rate of 240. Balloon stability at the time of intervention was achieved in 27 patients.

Conclusion: Rapid ventricular pacing is a safe and effective method to provide transient decrease in cardiac output at the time of transcatheter interventions to achieve balloon stability. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:7–13)
Contrast‐Induced Nephropathy in Patients Undergoing Elective and Urgent Procedures
Authors: MAUTONE ALESSANDRO , BROWN JEREMIAH R.
Published: February 2010

Contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) is an acute and severe complication after contrast media administration. The most important step in preventing CIN is identifying high‐risk patients. In this review, we evaluate and summarize the evidence regarding the CIN prophylaxis, including the withdrawal of the potentially nephrotoxic drugs, hydration by isotonic solution or NaHCO3, pharmaceutical treatment with N‐acetylcysteine (N‐AC), adenosine antagonists, ascorbic acid, renal procedures including hemofiltration or dialysis, and to the optimal use of the contrast. We suggest it is possible to reduce the burden of CIN by carefully incorporating these recommendations. After review of published literature in this field, we conclude that the cornerstone of the CIN prevention should be combination of hydration (normal saline or NaHCO3) and the use of N‐AC. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:78–85)
Sirolimus‐Eluting Stents versus Paclitaxel‐Eluting Stents in Patients with Chronic Renal Insufficiency
Authors: SYED ASMIR I. , BEN‐DOR ITSIK , COLLINS SARA D. , GONZALEZ MANUEL A. , GAGLIA, Jr. MICHAEL A. , TORGUSON REBECCA , SATLER LOWELL F. , SUDDATH WILLIAM O. , PICHARD AUGUSTO D. , LINDSAY JOSEPH , WAKSMAN RON
Published: February 2010

Background: Chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) is associated with an increased incidence of restenosis and stent thrombosis. Drug‐eluting stents (DES), when compared to bare metal stents (BMS), reduce the incidence of restenosis in these patients. This study aimed to examine whether there are differences in clinical outcome after implantation of sirolimus‐eluting stents (SES) versus paclitaxel‐eluting stents (PES) in patients with CRI who are subjected to coronary intervention.

Methods: A cohort of 570 patients with CRI who underwent intervention with DES (346 with SES and 224 with PES) were followed clinically up to 1 year and the clinical events were recorded and compared between groups.

Results: Baseline and procedural characteristics were similar, with a slightly higher number of diseased vessels in the SES group as compared to the PES group (2.3 ± 0.9 vs 2.1 ± 0.9, P = 0.06). The overall rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and stent thrombosis were similar. The PES group had lower revascularization rates when compared to the SES group. After covariate adjustment, however, there was no difference seen in target vessel revascularization between stent types (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.3 [0.8–6.2], P = 0.110). The strongest predictor of death and MACE at 1 year was the number of diseased vessels.

Conclusions: Patients with CRI who undergo PCI with either SES or PES have similar repeat revascularization rates and acceptable stent thrombosis rates, although they continue to have high MACE and death rates. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:33–39)
A comparison of two implant techniques on patient‐based outcome measures: a report of flapless vs. conventional flapped implant placement
Authors: Lindeboom Jerome A. , Van Wijk Arjen J.
Published: February 2010

Background: Flapless implant surgery is considered to offer advantages over the traditional flap access approach. There may be minimized bleeding, decreased surgical times and minimal patient discomfort. Controlled studies comparing patient outcome variables to support these assumptions, however, are lacking.

Aim: The objective of this clinical study was to compare patient outcome variables using flapless and flapped implant surgical techniques.

Patients and methods: From January 2008 to October 2008, 16 consecutive patients with edentulous maxillas were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to either implant placement with a flapless procedure (eight patients, mean age 54.6±2.9 years) or surgery with a conventional flap procedure (eight patients, mean age 58.7±7.2 years). All implants were placed using a Nobel guide® CT‐guided surgical template. Outcome measures were the Dutch version of the Impact of Event Scale‐Revised (IES‐R), dental anxiety using the s‐DAI and oral health‐related quality of life (OHIP‐14).

Results: Ninety‐six implants were successfully placed. All implants were placed as two‐phase implants and the after‐implant placement dentures were adapted. No differences could be shown between conditions on dental anxiety (s‐DAI), emotional impact (IES‐R), anxiety, procedure duration or technical difficulty, although the flapless group did score consistently higher. The flap procedure group reported less impact on quality of life and included more patients who reported feeling no pain at all during placement.

Conclusions: Differences found in the patient outcome variables do suggest that patients in the flapless implant group had to endure more than patients in the flap group.

To cite this article:
 Lindeboom JA, van Wijk AJ. A comparison of two implant techniques on patient‐based outcome measures: a report of flapless vs. conventional flapped implant placement. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 366–370. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01866.x
Alterations in the salivary proteome associated with periodontitis
Authors: Haigh Brendan J. , Stewart Kevin W. , Whelan John R. K. , Barnett Matthew P.G. , Smolenski Grant A. , Wheeler Thomas T.
Published: February 2010

Haigh BJ, Stewart KW, Whelan JRK, Barnett MPG, Smolenski GA, Wheeler TT. Alterations in the salivary proteome associated with periodontitis. J Clin Periodontol 2010. 37: 241–247. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2009.01525.x

Aim: To identify changes in the salivary proteome associated with active periodontitis.

Materials and Methods: Quantitative proteomics (two‐dimensional sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) was used to investigate whole saliva from individuals with severe periodontitis and their proteomic profiles before and after periodontal treatment were compared.

Results: A comparison of 128 proteins across all saliva samples identified 15 protein spots with altered abundance. The predominant alteration observed was an increase in the abundance of the S100 proteins S100A8/A9/A6. Of the remaining proteins with altered abundance, haptoglobin, prolactin inducible protein and parotid secretory protein have previously been associated with host defence.

Conclusion: These results highlight the predominant involvement of S100 proteins in the host response during periodontitis, identify host defence components that have not been linked previously to this disease and suggest new potential biomarkers for monitoring disease activity in periodontitis.
Fcγ receptor polymorphisms and their association with periodontal disease: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Dimou Niki L. , Nikolopoulos Georgios K. , Hamodrakas Stavros J. , Bagos Pantelis G.
Published: February 2010

Dimou NL, Nikolopoulos GK, Hamodrakas SJ, Bagos PG. Fcγ receptor polymorphisms and their association with periodontal disease: a meta‐analysis. J Clin Periodontol 2010. 37: 255–265 doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2009.01530.x.

Aim: A systematic review and a meta‐analysis were conducted in order to investigate the potential association of Fcγ receptor (FcγR) polymorphisms with susceptibility to aggressive and chronic periodontal disease.

Materials and Methods: A database search yielded a total of 17 studies involving 1685 cases and 1570 controls. Three polymorphisms were included in the meta‐analysis: FcγRIIA H131R (rs1801274), FcγRIIIA F158V (rs396991) and FcγRIIIB NA1/NA2. Random‐effect models were used in the analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed to compare the distribution of alleles and genotypes between cases and controls.

Results and Conclusions: The FcγRIIIB NA1/NA2 polymorphism was associated with both aggressive (per‐allele OR 2.005, 95% CI: 1.044, 3.851) and chronic periodontitis (recessive contrast NA2NA2 versus NA1NA1+NA1NA2 OR 1.397, 95% CI: 1.039, 1.878). The analysis showed weak evidence for association between the FcγRIIA H131R polymorphism and aggressive periodontitis in Asians (R versus H allele OR 1.579, 95% CI: 1.025, 2.432). On the contrary, no relationship was identified between FcγRIIIA F158V and periodontal disease. Accumulating evidence from basic research makes the suggested association between FcγRIIIB NA1/NA2 polymorphism and periodontitis biologically plausible. Further research, however, is needed in order to assess possible gene–gene or gene–environment interactions (i.e. with smoking).
The essential role of toll like receptor‐4 in the control of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans infection in mice
Authors: Lima Hayana Ramos , Gelani Valéria , Fernandes Ana Paula , Gasparoto Thaís Helena , Torres Sérgio Aparecido , Santos Carlos Ferreira , Garlet Gustavo Pompermaier , Da Silva João Santana , Campanelli Ana Paula
Published: February 2010

Lima HR, Gelani V, Fernandes AP, Gasparoto TH, Torres SA, Santos CF, Garlet GP, da Silva JS, Campanelli AP. The essential role of toll like receptor‐4 in the control of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans infection in mice. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 248–254. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2009.01531.x.

Objective: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is an oral Gram‐negative bacterium that contributes to periodontitis progression. Isolated antigens from A. actinomycetemcomitans could be activating innate immune cells through Toll‐like receptors (TLRs). In this study, we evaluated the role of TLR4 in the control of A. actinomycetemcomitans infection.

Material and Methods: We examined the mechanisms that modulate the outcome of A. actinomycetemcomitans‐induced periodontal disease in TLR4−/− mice. The production of cytokines was evaluated by ELISA. The bacterial load was determined by counting the number of colony‐forming units per gram of tissue.

Results: The results showed that TLR4‐deficient mice developed less severe periodontitis after A. actinomycetemcomitans infection, characterized by significantly lower bone loss and inflammatory cell migration to periodontal tissues. However, the absence of TLR4 facilitated the A. actinomycetemcomitans dissemination. Myeloperoxidase activity was diminished in the periodontal tissue of TLR4−/− mice. We observed a significant reduction in the production of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin (IL)‐1β in the periodontal tissue of TLR4−/− mice.

Conclusion: The results of this study highlighted the role of TLR4 in controlling A. actinomycetemcomitans infection.
Sexual Function and Quality of Life in Women with Urinary Incontinence Treated by a Complete Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Program (Biofeedback, Functional Electrical Stimulation, Pelvic Floor Muscles Exercises, and Vaginal Cones)
Authors: Rivalta Massimo , Sighinolfi Maria Chiara , Micali Salvatore , De Stefani Stefano , Bianchi Giampaolo
Published: February 2010

Introduction

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a debilitating condition that can cause discomfort, embarrassment, loss of confidence; it can lead to withdrawal from social life, and adversely affects physical and mental health, sexual function and quality of life (QoL) in women.

Aim

The aim is to determine the impact of combined pelvic floor rehabilitation (PFR) on UI, female sexual dysfunction, and QoL.

Main Outcome Measures

Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire (FSFI) and King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ).

Methods

Sixteen patients with UI were selected and underwent a complete PFR program (biofeedback, functional electrical stimulation, pelvic floor muscles exercises, and vaginal cones). Patient filled out the FSFI questionnaire and the KHQ at the baseline and at follow-up.

Results

After PFR none of the patients reported urine leakage during sexual activity. Resolution of incontinence was achieved in 13 (81.25%) women. Only three (18.75%) patients had positive 1-hour pad test after the treatment. There was significant difference between pad test leakage before and after the PFR (P <0.001).

The mean Stamey incontinence score was 1.37 ± 0.5 at the baseline vs. 0.25 ± 0.57 at the follow up (P <0.001). Before PFR, FSFI total score ranged from 25.8 to 2 (mean 14.65 ± 6.88), after treatment the FSFI total score ranged from 36 to 2 (mean 22.65 ± 9.5) (P <0.001). The improvement of the scores in the six FSFI domains, 5 months after the conclusion of PFR, was statistically significant (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain). All the nine domains in the KHQ presented a low average score after treatment and the improvements were statistically significant.

Conclusions

PFR led to a significant difference in the daily use of pads, 1-hour pad test, and Stamey incontinence scores. The treatment caused an improvement in patient’s QoL index and sexual function.
The Anti‐Immigrant Fervor in Georgia: Return of the Nativist or Just Politics as Usual?
Authors: SABIA DEBRA
Published: February 2010

This paper provides a review of various literatures on immigration, immigration policy formation, and immigrant reception with a particular focus on the state of Georgia. Existing scholarship has largely failed to explain why immigration policy outcomes have varied from state to state or how underlying factors might influence immigrant assimilation or exclusion. In the case of Georgia, the legislative response to newcomers has become increasingly inhospitable. What factors may account for this culture of exclusion? What variables have influenced Georgia officials to take up the anti‐immigrant cause? What has been the impact on the Hispanic community, and, finally, how may policy consequences influence future immigrant legislation in Georgia?

Este artículo provee una revisión de varias fuentes sobre inmigración, formación de políticas de inmigración, y la recepción de inmigrantes con un enfoque particular en el estado de Georgia. Las investigaciones académicas existentes en gran parte han omitido explicar por qué los resultados de las políticas de inmigración han variado de estado a estado o cómo los factores subyacentes podrían influir la asimilación o exclusión del inmigrante. En el caso de Georgia, la respuesta legislativa a los recién llegados ha sido cada vez menos hospitalaria. ¿Qué factores pueden considerarse para esta cultura de exclusión? ¿Qué variables han influido en los oficiales de Georgia para hacer suya la causa anti‐inmigrante? ¿Qué variables han impactado a la comunidad Hispana? y finalmente ¿cómo pueden influir las consecuencias de las políticas en la futura legislación sobre inmigrantes en Georgia?