bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular Allergen Stimulation Test with Acetylsalicylic Acid-Lysine Is Not a Useful Test to Discriminate between Asthmatic Patients with and without Acetylsalicylic Acid Sensitivity
Authors: Bavbek Sevim , Dursun A. Berna , Birben Esra , Kalaycı Ömer , Mısırlıgil Zeynep
Published: November 2008

Background: The aspirin provocation test, considered to be the gold standard in the diagnosis of aspirin sensitivity, may be associated with severe adverse reactions; thus, alternative procedures with a higher safety profile are highly desirable. Although the cellular antigen stimulation test (CAST) has been proposed to be such an alternative, there is limited information about its clinical usefulness. Objective: It was the aim of our study to evaluate the clinical usefulness of CAST in the diagnosis of aspirin sensitivity. Material and Methods: Patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma and/or nasal polyps (n = 40), patients with aspirin-tolerant asthma and/or nasal polyps (n = 13) and healthy volunteers (n = 26) were included. A 2-day, single-blind placebo-controlled oral aspirin provocation test was performed. In vitro release of cysteinyl leukotrienes (Cys-LTs) by peripheral blood leukocytes was measured after stimulation with both stimulation buffer and lysine aspirin (2.5 mg/ml) by CAST. Results: Baseline Cys-LT levels were similar among the 3 groups. After lysine aspirin stimulation, the net increase in Cys-LTs was significantly higher in patients with aspirin sensitivity (median 91 pg/ml, interquartile range 22–206) compared with aspirin-tolerant patients (20 pg/ml, range 0–46) and healthy controls (23 pg/ml, range 0–71; p = 0.004). The assay had a sensitivity of 25%, a specificity of 92.3%, and positive and negative predictive values of 28.7 and 90.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Although the leukocytes of patients with aspirin sensitivity produce higher amounts of Cys-LTs as measured by CAST, the low sensitivity and predictive values limit the clinical usefulness of this test in the diagnosis of aspirin sensitivity.
Clinical, Anamnestic and Serological Features of Peach Allergy in Portugal
Authors: Rodrigues-Alves Rodrigo , Lopez Anabela , Pereira-Santos Maria Conceição , Lopes-Silva Susana , Spínola-Santos Amélia , Costa Célia , Branco-Ferreira Manuel , Lidholm Jonas , Pereira-Barbosa Manuel
Published: November 2008

Background: Peach is a common food allergen source throughout Europe. The aim of this study was to characterize peach allergy in a Portuguese patient population. Methods: Thirty peach-allergic patients confirmed by double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges and 29 controls were included. All subjects completed a standardized questionnaire regarding symptoms and epidemiologic characteristics, skin prick tests with inhalant allergens and foods as well as specific IgE antibodies to peach, recombinant peach allergens rPru p 1, rPru p 3, rPru p 4 and cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants. Results: Thirty-seven percent of patients reported only oral allergy syndrome, while 37% reported generalized urticaria and/or angioedema, 17% localized contact urticaria and 10% anaphylaxis with peach. Sensitization to other Rosaceae fruits and tree nuts was present in 90 and 77% of the patients, respectively. Respiratory allergy history was associated with less severe symptoms (oral allergy syndrome or contact urticaria; p < 0.01) and positive skin prick test to peach peel or plum with more severe symptoms (urticaria and/or angioedema or anaphylaxis; p < 0.05). Ninety-seven percent were sensitized to Pru p 3, 13% to Pru p 4, 3% to Pru p 1 and 10% to cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants. Pru p 3 specific IgE was associated with Artemisia vulgaris sensitization and tree nut allergy (p < 0.05) but not with clinical severity. Conclusions: Half the patients reported systemic reactions to peach. Peach allergy appeared predominantly mediated by Pru p 3 but some patients were sensitized to Pru p 4. Applying a 0.10 kUA/l cutoff level, the diagnostic value of combining the 3 recombinant allergens was noteworthy, with 100% sensitivity and 90% specificity.
Interest of ImmunoCAP System to Recombinant ω-5 Gliadin for the Diagnosis of Exercise-Induced Wheat Allergy
Authors: Jacquenet S. , Morisset M. , Battais F. , Denery-Papini S. , Croizier A. , Baudouin E. , Bihain B. , Moneret-Vautrin D.A.
Published: November 2008

Background: ω-5 gliadin is a major allergen in exercise-induced wheat allergy (EIWA), but it is also implicated in immediate-type reactions to wheat. An ImmunoCAP assay to measure ω-5 gliadin-specific IgE has become available. This study aimed to evaluate this new biological test in wheat allergy diagnosis and to also determine if it was able to discriminate EIWA from other types of wheat allergy. Methods: Sixty-one patients with wheat allergy were divided into 3 groups as a function of their symptoms (EIWA, immediate-type reactions and atopic dermatitis). These patients underwent skin prick tests with purified ω gliadins and ImmunoCAP to wheat flour, gluten and recombinant ω-5 gliadin. Results: The experimental data showed that 78% of EIWA patients had a positive skin prick test to natural ω-5 gliadin and the same proportion had detectable specific IgE to recombinant ω-5 gliadin, indicating that ω-5 gliadin is the main allergen, but not the only one, in our population. Additionally, we showed that this detection was not EIWA specific since ω-5 gliadin-specific IgE was detected in 30% of other patients who had a wheat allergy. These results lead to a positive predictive value of 37.5% and to a negative predictive value of 91%. Conclusions: Although not specific to EIWA, the new ImmunoCAP ω-5 gliadin is an important biological test because of its negative predictive value. In case of food-dependent exercise-induced allergy, the absence of ω-5 gliadin-specific IgE will almost completely exclude the implication of wheat.
Health-Related Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests: A Public Health Assessment and Analysis of Practices Related to Internet-Based Tests for Risk of Thrombosis
Authors: Goddard K.A.B. , Robitaille J. , Dowling N.F. , Parrado A.R. , Fishman J. , Bradley L.A. , Moore C.A. , Khoury M.J.
Published: November 2008

Background: Recent years have seen increased concern about direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing (i.e., the sale and use of genetic tests without involving a health care provider). Numerous professional organizations have developed policies in this area. However, little systematic evidence exists to inform public policy about these tests. Methods: We conducted a systematic search to identify genetic tests that are sold DTC without involving a health care provider. We evaluated the practices of companies offering DTC genetic tests for risk of thrombosis using criteria from multiple sources and a minimal set of key practices. Results: We identified 84 instances of currently available health-related DTC genetic tests sold on 27 Web sites; the most common were for pharmacogenomics (12), risk of thrombosis (10), and nutrigenomics (10). For the DTC genetic tests for risk of thrombosis, we found low adherence to recommendations. Online information was frequently incomplete and had low agreement with professional recommendations. Conclusion: Our findings document the rapid growth in the availability of health-related DTC genetic tests and highlight the need to improve the delivery of DTC genetic tests. A major implication of this study is the need for the scientific and medical community to develop consistent recommendations to increase their impact.
The Alternatively Spliced Anti-Angiogenic Family of VEGF Isoforms VEGFxxxb in Human Kidney Development
Authors: Bevan Heather S. , van den Akker Nynke M.S. , Qiu Yan , Polman Japke A.E. , Foster Rebecca R. , Yem Justin , Nishikawa Ali , Satchell Simon C. , Harper Steven J. , Gittenberger-de Groot Adriana C. , Bates David O.
Published: November 2008

Background/Aim: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), required for renal development, is generated by alternative splicing of 8 exons to produce two families, pro-angiogenic VEGFxxx, formed by proximal splicing in exon 8 (exon 8a), and anti-angiogenic VEGFxxxb, generated by distal splicing in exon 8 (exon 8b). VEGF165b, the first described exon 8b-containing isoform, antagonises VEGF165 and is anti-angiogenic in vivo. Methods: Using VEGFxxxb-specific antibodies, we investigated its expression quantitatively and qualitatively in developing kidney, and measured the effect of VEGF165b on renal endothelial and epithelial cells. Results: VEGFxxxb formed 45% of total VEGF protein in adult renal cortex, and VEGF165b does not increase glomerular endothelial cell permeability, it inhibits migration, and is cytoprotective for podocytes. During renal development, VEGFxxxb was expressed in the condensed vesicles of the metanephros, epithelial cells of the comma-shaped bodies, invading endothelial cells and epithelial cells of the S-shaped body, and in the immature podocytes. Expression reduced as the glomerulus matured. Conclusion: These results show that the anti-angiogenic VEGFxxxb isoforms are highly expressed in adult and developing renal cortex, and suggest that the VEGFxxxb family plays a role in glomerular maturation and podocyte protection by regulating the pro-angiogenic pro-permeability properties of VEGFxxx isoforms.
Basilar Artery Dolichoectasia Is Associated with Paramedian Pontine Infarction
Authors: Kwon Hyung-Min , Kim Ji-hoon , Lim Jae-Sung , Park Jong-Ho , Lee Sang-Hyung , Lee Yong-Seok
Published: November 2008

Background: Basilar artery (BA) dolichoectasia (dilatative arteriopathy) (BAD) causes arterial elongation and enlargement with subsequent hemodynamic changes leading to thrombosis, microembolization and brainstem compression. Little is known about the association between BAD and the pattern of pontine infarct in patients without BA stenosis. Methods: We studied patients with isolated pontine infarcts recruited from a stroke registry. The patients with pontine infarction were divided into 2 groups based on the location of the lesion on magnetic resonance imaging as follows: paramedian pontine infarct (PPI) and lacunar pontine infarct (LPI). We compared the vascular findings and risk factors in the patients with the 2 types of infarcts. Using modified imaging criteria, we compared the following dolichoectatic components of the BA: (1) ectasia, (2) lateral displacement and (3) height. Results: There were 96 patients (45 women, 51 men). Thirty-five patients had PPI and 61 had LPI. Ectasia of the BA was more frequent in the PPI group than in the LPI group (31.4 vs. 11.5%; p = 0.016). Ectasia of the BA was associated with an elevated odds ratio in the patients with PPI (odds ratio 5.80, 95% CI 1.66–20.21) by multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Ectasia of the BA other than elongation or angulation appears to contribute to the occurrence of PPI. These findings may be helpful in predicting certain types of stroke.
The Influence of Hyperlipidemia on Platelet Activity Markers in Patients after Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Pawelczyk Malgorzata , Baj Zbigniew , Chmielewski Henryk , Kaczorowska Beata , Klimek Andrzej
Published: November 2008

Background: To investigate the relationship between hyperlipidemia and platelet activation markers – platelet and soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), and platelet-derived microparticles (PDMPs) – in patients after ischemic stroke. Methods: 41 patients after ischemic stroke (>3 months) confirmed by CT were divided into 2 groups: with hyperlipidemia (HL, n = 21) and normolipidemia (NL, n = 20). Twenty healthy subjects served as controls. CD62P-positive platelets and PDMPs in whole blood were analyzed by the use of a flow cytometer and anti-CD61 and anti-CD62P monoclonal antibodies. Platelets were activated by thrombin (0.08 units). The level of sP-selectin in serum was measured by ELISA. Results: We observed a significantly higher CD62P expression and percentage of CD62P-positive resting and thrombin-activated platelets in the HL as compared to the NL group. The sP-selectin concentration was also significantly higher in HL than NL subjects (p < 0.05). Moreover, we observed a significantly higher percentage of PDMPs in patients after stroke (NL: p < 0.05; HL: p = 0.005) in comparison with the control group. Conclusions: Patients after stroke present symptoms of platelet hyperreactivity. HL in the patients may be a risk factor for vascular events due to the increase in platelet activation.
European Stroke Facilities Survey: The German and Austrian Perspective
Authors: Ringelstein E. Bernd , Meckes-Ferber Stefanie , Hacke Werner , Kaste Markku , Brainin Michael , Leys Didier
Published: November 2008

Background: The aim of this nested analysis was to identify the major components of stroke centers and other facilities actually available for acute stroke patients in hospitals of Germany and Austria. Methods: This analysis is part of a much larger European Stroke Facility Survey of 886 hospitals treating stroke patients all over Europe initiated by the European Stroke Initiative. Three levels of stroke care were predefined: comprehensive stroke centers (CSC), primary stroke centers (PSC) and a minimum level required for any hospital ward (AHW) admitting stroke patients. Hospitals providing even less than that were indicated in the ‘none’ category. Results: The present survey was conducted in 178 (166 and 12) German and Austrian hospitals which returned the questionnaire (41% response rate). They treated a total of 54,257 acute stroke patients per year (25% of all strokes in Germany and Austria), with a mean of 376 patients per year per hospital. 2,168 patients were given recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (4.7%), a proportion much higher than the pan-European average, but strongly dependent on the level of the facility considered (range 7.5–1.3%). Criteria for CSC were met in 13 hospitals (7.3%), for PSC in 15 (8.4%) and for AHW in 85 (47.7%). The minimum level required for AHW was not met in 65 hospitals (36.5%). 15.7% of German and Austrian hospitals provide stroke center facilities at the CSC or PSC level, as compared with 8.5% in Europe. A 24-hour availability of a stroke-trained physician was met by 100% of CSC, 73% of PSC, 85% of AHW and by 62% at the ‘none’ level of care. At the levels of CSC and PSC, a 100% availability was achieved for multidisciplinary stroke team, stroke-trained nurses, in-house emergency department, physiotherapy and speech therapy within 2 days, 24-hour brain CT and CT or MR angiography, as well as for transesophageal echocardiography and automated 24-hour monitoring of vital parameters. Nearly all these hospitals had training programs, stroke pathways, thrombolysis protocols and prevention procedures in place for the acute care of stroke patients. Conclusions: This survey shows that the minimum level of care is met in Germany and Austria in 63% of hospitals treating stroke patients, whereas the European average is 48.6%. However, the lack of stroke center coverage should encourage health policy decision makers to further improve the infrastructure for acute stroke care in order to make stroke centers available to every stroke victim.
Cognitive Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis: Methods and Prevalence from the GEDMA Study
Authors: Olazarán J. , Cruz I. , Benito-León J. , Morales J.M. , Duque P. , Rivera-Navarro J.
Published: November 2008

Background/Aims: Cognitive dysfunction is a major handicap in multiple sclerosis (MS). Its prevalence varies due to disease heterogeneity and methodological issues. A neuropsychological battery of intermediate size was designed for and explored in the screening of cognitive dysfunction in MS patients. Methods: The battery was administered to a hospital-based sample of 191 MS patients and 50 matched controls. Eleven test scores measuring verbal fluency, verbal learning, attention, calculation and visuoperceptual ability were selected on the basis of sensitivity and lack of redundancy. Two alternative approaches were compared for diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction based, firstly, on the number of failed tasks, and secondly, on a single standardized global score. Results: The approach based on the number of failed tasks discriminated better than did the global approach between patients and controls. Using a cutoff of two altered scores, a cognitive dysfunction prevalence of 34% was obtained. The score yielded after summing errors in all tests was the most frequently altered and proved particularly useful for detecting minimally impaired patients. Conclusion: The purpose-designed battery was adequate for the screening of cognitive dysfunction in MS patients. The better accuracy of the single-task approach might reflect MS heterogeneity.
Transient Disabling Dyskinesias: A Predictor of Good Outcome in Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Gago M.F. , Rosas M.J. , Linhares P. , Ayres-Basto M. , Sousa G. , Vaz R.
Published: November 2008

We report 5 of 75 (6.6%) patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) submitted to subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) who developed transient disabling dyskinesias immediately after surgery. Dyskinesias persisted despite levodopa withdrawal, cessation or reduction of stimulation, and resolved spontaneously in a maximum period of 12 weeks without the need to change stimulation active contact. Compared to the rest of our PD patients submitted to STN-DBS, the dyskinesia group needed a lower levodopa-equivalent daily dosage (LEDD) over the time of follow-up. A microlesion in the STN, probably concealed in cerebral MRI by the electrode-related artifact, could have been involved in the etiopathology of our patients’ symptoms. The presence of transient disabling dyskinesia in PD patients immediately after STN-DBS might be a predictor of good outcome as measured by a decrease in the LEDD needed.
Acute Stroke Admission and Diagnostic Procedures According to the Hour and Day of Onset: The SIRIO Collaborative Data
Authors: Sacco Simona , Toni Danilo , Bignamini Angelo A. , Gensini Gian Franco , Toso Vito , Cimminiello Claudio , Micieli Giuseppe , Zaninelli Augusto , Carolei Antonio
Published: November 2008

Background: Variations in stroke onset are related to stroke type and severity. We evaluated the impact of hourly and daily stroke onset variations on the pattern of patient hospital referral and on the time interval from stroke onset to hospital admission and brain neuroimaging investigations. Methods: This multicenter observational study recorded all incident acute strokes within a 4-month period. Results: One hundred and three participating centers collected data on 3,018 stroke cases. Stroke onset was more frequent on Mondays and between 08.00 and 10.59 h. Median time to admission after symptom onset was higher on Fridays (173.5 min) and between 20.00 and 22.59 h (207 min). Rescue by ambulance was associated with a greater stroke severity. Median time from hospital admission to brain neuroimaging investigations was higher on Saturdays (178.5 min) and between 23.00 and 10.59 h when the most severe strokes were hospitalized. Conclusions: The pattern of patient hospital referral and the time interval from stroke onset to hospital admission and brain neuroimaging investigations varied widely according to the hour and weekday of onset as well as to the reduced availability of hospital resources. An adequate distribution of the available resources should be planned in order to meet the demand.
Long-Term Prognostic Value of Creatine Kinase-Myocardial Band Mass after Cardiac Surgery in Low-Risk Patients with Stable Angina
Authors: Vikenes Kjell , Andersen Knut S. , Melberg Tor , Farstad Mikael , Nordrehaug Jan Erik
Published: November 2008

Objectives: The long-term prognostic value (>5 years) of elevated cardiac biomarkers after elective cardiac surgery is not clear. Most previous studies have included high-risk, unstable patients. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) mass after elective cardiac surgery in low-risk patients with stable angina. Methods: A total of 230 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery were included in the final analysis. Blood samples were drawn just before and 1–3 and 4–8 h after the procedure, and every morning thereafter for 3 days. Using a cutoff value of 5 times the reference, 100 patients (43.6%) had peak CK-MB mass values ≥25 μg/l, and 130 patients had values <25 μg/l (defined as controls). No patient developed new Q waves on ECG. The median follow-up time was 95 months. Results: All-cause mortality and readmission for acute coronary syndromes were more frequent in the high-CK-MB group (30.0 vs. 17.9%, p = 0.022), as was target vessel revascularization (20.6 vs. 5.4%). Comparing the quartiles of peak CK-MB values in a Kaplan-Meier survival plot, event-free survival for the upper quartile (n = 60) was 68.3%, and for the lower quartile (n = 55), it was 83.6% (p = 0.046). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, high CK-MB and ejection fraction were the only variables independently related to reduced event-free survival. Conclusions: CK-MB values ≥5 times the reference after elective cardiac surgery are associated with reduced long-term event-free survival.
Increased Augmentation Index of the Radial Pressure Waveform in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Doi Masayuki , Miyoshi Toru , Hirohata Satoshi , Iwabu Akihiro , Tominaga Youkou , Kaji Youko , Kamikawa Shigeshi , Sakane Kosuke , Kitawaki Tomoki , Kusano Kengo F. , Kusachi Shozo
Published: November 2008

Objective: The augmentation index, a marker of wave reflection, has been reported to reflect vascular properties and to determine left ventricular (LV) characteristics. We investigated the relationship between the augmentation index and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: A total of 244 outpatients (122 patients with paroxysmal AF and 122 age-, and gender-matched controls without paroxysmal AF) were examined during sinus rhythm. The augmentation index was calculated from the radial arterial waveform using applanation tonometry methods. Results: After adjusting for age, gender, heart rate, and medications, the augmentation index was significantly higher in patients with paroxysmal AF than in subjects without paroxysmal AF (means ± SE: 88.9 ± 1.0 and 81.8 ± 1.0%, respectively; p < 0.001). In all subjects, an increase in the augmentation index was significantly correlated with LV hypertrophy and left atrial enlargement. Multiple logistic analysis revealed that an increase in the augmentation index was significantly related with paroxysmal AF, and the adjusted odds ratio of paroxysmal AF was approximately 1.8 for each 10% augmentation index increase (p < 0.01). Conclusion: An increase in the augmentation index was independently associated with paroxysmal AF. This result suggests that enhanced wave reflection may be related to the development of AF.
Pharmacokinetics of Protein C and Antithrombin in the Fetal Lamb: A Model to Predict Human Neonatal Replacement Dosing
Authors: Manco-Johnson Marilyn J. , Hacker Michele R. , Jacobson Linda J. , Hay, Jr. William W.
Published: November 2008

Background: The preterm infant is at risk for consumptive coagulopathy and thrombosis due to late maturation of coagulation regulatory proteins. Replacement proteins are available, but neonatal pharmacokinetic data are lacking. Objective: The objective was to determine the pharmacokinetic properties of antithrombin (AT) and protein C (PC) in order to provide data for estimating doses in human infants. Methods: A catheterized ovine model was used to determine pharmacokinetic properties of AT and PC, including plasma recovery, volume of distribution (Vd), clearance (Cl) and half-life (t½), in the fetal lamb relative to the ewe. Results: AT studies showed statistically significant differences between ewes and fetuses in recovery (p < 0.0001), Vd (p = 0.0002) and Cl (p < 0.0001). The AT t½ was significantly shortened among fetuses (5.55 h, 95% CI: 4.01–7.08) compared to ewes (18.7 h, 95% CI: 11.6–25.8). PC recovery (p < 0.0001), Vd (p < 0.0001) and Cl (p = 0.004) differed significantly between ewes and singleton fetuses as did the t½: 3.86 h (95% CI: 3.35–4.36) and 11.9 h (95% CI: 10.9–12.9) in the singletons and ewes, respectively. All PC parameters were significantly different for twins compared to ewes. Conclusions: AT and PC show decreased recovery and t½ in the fetal lamb. These data can be used to estimate dosing for human neonates in comparison with human adult dosing recommendations.
Screening for Placental Insufficiency by Transvaginal Uterine Artery Doppler at 22–24 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Palma-Dias Ricardo S. , Fonseca Maria Mercedes C. , Brietzke Elisa , Fritsch Alessandra , Schlatter Denise , Maurmann Caroline B. , Stein Nina R. , Magalhães José Antônio A.
Published: November 2008

Objective: To determine the value of routine transvaginal color Doppler assessment of the uterine arteries at 22–24 weeks of gestation in the prediction of placental insufficiency. Methods: Women with singleton pregnancies scheduled for routine ultrasound scans at 22–24 weeks were offered Doppler assessment of the uterine arteries by transvaginal ultrasound. The pulsatility index (PI) was obtained for each artery and the mean value was calculated. A mean PI >95th percentile was considered increased. Screening characteristics for predicting placental insufficiency, defined as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction or intrauterine death, were calculated. Results: Doppler examination of the uterine arteries was carried out in 1,057 singleton pregnancies. The mean uterine artery PI was 1.03 and the 95th percentile was 1.55. In 54 cases (5.1%) the mean PI was >1.55 (screen-positive). In the study population there were 48 cases of preeclampsia (5.1%), 72 fetal growth restrictions (7.5%) and 7 intrauterine deaths (0.7%). The screen-positive group showed an incidence of 47.1% of combined adverse results. The relative risks after a positive screening test were 7.3 (CI 4.2–12.6) for pre-eclampsia, 3.9 (CI 2.3 – 6.6) for fetal growth restriction and 4.5 (CI 3.2–6.4) for overall placental insufficiency. Conclusions: Uterine artery Doppler at 22–24 weeks identifies women at higher risk for the development of subsequent complications of placental insufficiency. This test could be used in combination with other markers to stratify the level of care offered in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Regional Expression of NAD(P)H Oxidase and Superoxide Dismutase in the Brain of Rats with Neurogenic Hypertension
Authors: Bai Yongli , Jabbari Bahman , Ye Shaohua , Campese Vito M. , Vaziri Nosratola D.
Published: November 2008

Background: Single injection of small quantities of phenol into the kidney cortex causes hypertension which is mediated by renal afferent sympathetic pathway activation. This phenomenon can be prevented by superoxide dismutase (SOD) infusion in the lateral ventricle, suggesting the role of superoxide (O2–·¿ ) in noradrenergic control of arterial pressure. Since NAD(P)H oxidase is a major source of O2–·¿ , we tested the hypothesis that hypertension in this model may be associated with upregulation of NAD(P)H oxidase in relevant regions of brain. Methods: NAD(P)H oxidase subunits, mitochondrial (MnSOD) and cytoplasmic (CuZnSOD) SOD were measured in rats 4 weeks after injection of phenol or saline in the left kidney cortex. Results: Phenol-injected rats exhibited hypertension, upregulation of gp91phox, p22phox, p47phox and p67phox in the medulla, gp91phox and p22phox in pons and gp91phox in hypothalamus. This was associated with upregulation of MnSOD with little change in CuZnSOD. Conclusions: Chronic hypertension in phenol-injected rats is associated with upregulation of NAD(P)H oxidase and hence increased O2–·¿ production capacity in the key regions of the brain involved in regulation of blood pressure. Since reactive oxygen species can intensify central noradrenergic activity, the observed maladaptive changes may contribute to the genesis and maintenance of the associated hypertension.
Canine Model of Esophageal Injury and Atrial-Esophageal Fistula After Applications of Forward-Firing High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound and Side-Firing Unfocused Ultrasound in the Left Atrium and Inside the Pulmonary Vein
Authors: Yokoyama Katsuaki , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Seres Kenneth A. , Jung Eugene , Merino Jaime , Zou Yong , Ikeda Atsushi , Pitha Jan V. , Lazzara Ralph , Jackman Warren M.
Published: December 2008

Background—

Left atrial–esophageal fistula is a serious and poorly understood complication of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. The purpose of this study was to (1) develop a canine model of esophageal injury and left atrial-esophageal fistula after applications of forward-firing high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and side-firing unfocused ultrasound (SFU); (2) examine the relationship to esophageal temperature (Eso-temp); and (3) study the evolution of injury/healing.

Methods and Results—

Twenty dogs were studied. After transeptal puncture, HIFU catheter (ProRhythm Inc; 13 dogs) was positioned close to the esophagus, either outside (n=6) or inside (n=7) the inferior pulmonary vein (PV). In 7 other dogs, an SFU catheter was placed deep inside the PV, close to the esophagus. A balloon (20- to 25-mm diameter) with 7 thermocouples (2-mm separation) was positioned in the esophagus (Eso-balloon). Variable air filling of the Eso-balloon controlled the distance from the esophagus to the sonication source, pressing the esophagus against left atrium/PV. One to 9 (median, 5) HIFU (35 W) and 5 to 7 (median, 5) SFU (40 W) sonications were delivered for 40 seconds. Maximum luminal Eso-temp was closely related to HIFU Eso-balloon distance. For HIFU outside PV, Eso-temp ≥50�C occurred only for HIFU Eso-balloon distance ≤2 mm. For HIFU/SFU inside the PV, Eso-temp was ≥50�C, with HIFU Eso-balloon distance up to 6.8 mm. Endoscopy identified esophageal ulcer immediately after ablation in 11 of 13 HIFU dogs and 7 of 7 SFU dogs, all with Eso-temp ≥50�C. Endoscopy at 2 weeks showed ulcer healing in 5 of 11 chronic dogs and ulcer size progression with relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and esophagitis in 6 dogs. Two dogs developed left atrial-esophageal fistula and died at 2 weeks.

Conclusions—

This model produces esophageal ulcer when Eso-temp is ≥50�C. Eso-temp is higher with HIFU/SFU applications closer to the esophagus and with HIFU/SFU applications inside the PV. Ulcer progression and left atrial-esophageal fistula were associated with reflux esophagitis.
Studying Torah as a Reality Check: A Close Reading of a Midrash
Authors: Hashkes Hannah
Published: November 2008

This paper describes the practice of rabbinic Torah-Study in Pragmatist epistemological terms. Pragmatists describe the quest for knowledge as a process in which we interpret our experiences and thereby construct an idea of our reality. This description creates or generates a tension between the constructive aspect of the knowledge quest and the idea of an independent reality. The paper argues that Pragmatism shares this tension, as well as the hermeneutical and pragmatic method for overcoming it, with the rabbinic concept of "Torah Study." This association is illustrated through a close reading of a Midrash on the first verse of the Biblical "Woman of Valor" song.
The Early Albertus Magnus and his Arabic Sources on the Theory of the Soul
Authors: Hasse Dag Nikolaus
Published: November 2008

Albertus Magnus favours the Aristotelian definition of the soul as the first actuality or perfection of a natural body having life potentially. But he interprets Aristotle's vocabulary in a way that it becomes compatible with the separability of the soul from the body. The term “perfectio” is understood as referring to the soul's activity only, not to its essence. The term “forma” is avoided as inadequate for defining the soul's essence. The soul is understood as a substance which exists independently of its actions and its body. The article shows that Albertus' terminological decisions continue a tradition reaching from the Greek commentators, and John Philoponos in particular, to Avicenna. Albertus' position on another important issue is also influenced by Arabic sources. His defense of the unity of the soul's vegetative, animal and rational parts rests on arguments from Avicenna and Averroes. It is shown that Averroes' position on the problem is not clearcut: he advocates the unity thesis, but also teaches the plurality of the generic and individual forms in man. This double stance is visible in the Latin reception of Averroes' works, and also in Albertus, who presents Averroes both as supporter and opponent of the plurality thesis.
Some Varieties of Semantic Externalism in Duns Scotus's Cognitive Psychology
Authors: Cross Richard
Published: November 2008

According to Scotus, an intelligible species with universal content, inherent in the mind, is a partial cause of an occurrent cognition whose immediate object is the self-same species. I attempt to explain how Scotus defends the possibility of this causal activity. Scotus claims, generally, that forms are causes, and that inherence makes no difference to the capacity of a form to cause an effect. He illustrates this by examining a case in which an accident is an instrument of a substance in the production of a certain sort of effect. All that is required is that the accident is relevantly joined to the substance, whether or not it inheres in the substance. Since intelligible species are bearers of semantic content, it follows that non-inherent objects of thought can also be the bearers of such content. Such objects are included in the mind without inherence, and the boundary between the mind and external reality is to this extent broken down.
Diversité des fonctions et unité de l'âme dans la psychologie péripatéticienne (XIVe-XVIe siècle)
Authors: Biard Joël
Published: November 2008

The question of the unity of the soul is posed in the Midle Ages, at the crossing point of the Aristotelician theory, which distinguishes several potencies, even several parts in the soul, and the Augustinian doctrine, which underlines the unity of the mind using corporeal powers. John Buridan, when commenting the Treatise on the Soul of Aristotle, emphasizes the unity, probably in reaction against John of Jandun's position. From the middle of 14th century till the end of 17th, this problem goes on being debated through the two questions of the substantial unity of the soul and of the the relation between the soul and its potencies. This article studies some stages of this development, some of them immediately after Buridan, in Nicole Oresme's and Peter of Ailly's positions, another more distant, in Antoine Rubio's work. It suggests that we find still the same problematics, reelaborated and transformed, in Descartes.
Cartesian Scientia and the Human Soul
Authors: Alanen Lilli
Published: November 2008

Descartes's conception of matter changed the account of physical nature in terms of extension and related quantitative terms. Plants and animals were turned into species of machines, whose natural functions can be explained mechanistically. This article reflects on the consequences of this transformation for the psychology of human soul. In so far the soul is rational it lacks extension, yet it is also united with the body and affected by it, and so it is able to act on extended matter. The article examines Descartes's concept of scientia and his different uses of nature, and argues that there is much more continuity between Aristotelian and Cartesian psychology than is usually recognized when it comes to an explanation of the functions of the embodied human soul. If this makes psychology unfit for inclusion in the new science of nature, its object is still a natural phenomenon and has an important place within scientia as Descartes conceived of it.
Between Change and Continuity: Age and Marriage Trends in Gaza
Authors: Shehada Nahda
Published: November 2008

In Gaza, one finds both an impressive rate of early marriage and the highest rate of fertility in the world. 42 percent of women marry at 18 years or less whereas half the population is under 15. This phenomenon begs the following question: why is early marriage ever more frequent in Gaza but on the decline in the West Bank? This article proposes to develop an historical and sociological analysis of marriage trends in Gaza based on a diachronic examination of local Islamic court archives and interviews with people practicing this type of marriage today, while taking into account changing economic and political circumstances.
On the Wings of Love
Authors: van der Sluijs Marinus
Published: November 2008

A single passage in Hesiod's Theogony describes Aphrodite's abduction of Phaethon. At first glance, this Phaethon appears to have little in common with his namesake, who famously rode the chariot of the sun god for a day. Accordingly, various reputable scholars have treated them as two unrelated characters. This article argues that the underlying theme of apotheosis through catasterism—reinforced through comparison with ancient Near Eastern traditions—forges a link that allows for the ultimate unity of these divergent traditions concerning Phaethon.
The Uruk List of Kings and Sages and Late Mesopotamian Scholarship
Authors: Lenzi Alan
Published: November 2008

The Uruk List of Kings and Sages is best known for its genealogy connecting human scholars to antediluvian sages. Since its publication in 1962, however, questions pertaining to the text's specific purpose within the context of Hellenistic Uruk have been neglected. This study seeks to understand two such questions: why is the most explicit scholarly genealogy written in the Hellenistic period?; and who is the last named person in the text? Seeking answers to these questions sheds new light on the text's purpose: it is an attempt by scholars to gain support for themselves and their novel cultic agenda. La réputation de la liste des Uruk de les rois et les sages est due à sa généalogie, qui crée un lien entre les savants humains et les sages antédiluviens. Par contre, depuis sa publication en 1962 on a négligé les questions qui ont affaire au but spécifique du texte dans le contexte de l'Uruk hellénistique. Cette étude cherche à comprendre deux questions dans ce domaine: pourquoi la généalogie la plus explicitement savante est-elle écrite pendant l'époque hellénistique?; et qui est la dernière personne nommée dans le texte? Chercher des réponses à ces questions illumine d'une nouvelle façon le but du texte; c'est une tentative par des savants de gagner du soutien pour leur programme original de culte ainsi que pour eux-mêmes.
A New Occurrence of the Seven Aurae in a Sumerian Literary Passage Featuring Nergal
Authors: Peterson Jeremiah
Published: November 2008

A brief and fragmentary newly reconstructed Sumerian literary passage contains a portion of a hymn to Nergal or a hymnic passage centered around Nergal. Most notably, it contains a rare reference to seven aurae (ni2 imin), which is attested elsewhere only in conjunction with Huwawa.
Essaying the Mechanical Hypothesis: Descartes, La Forge, and Malebranche on the Formation of Birthmarks
Authors: Wilkin Rebecca
Published: November 2008

This essay examines the determination by Cartesians to explain the maternal imagination's alleged role in the formation of birthmarks and the changing notion of monstrosity. Cartesians saw the formation of birthmarks as a challenge through which to demonstrate the heuristic capacity of mechanism. Descartes claimed to be able to explain the transmission of a perception from the mother's imagination to the fetus' skin without having recourse to the little pictures postulated by his contemporaries. La Forge offered a detailed account stating that the failure to explain the maternal imagination's impressions would cast doubt on mechanism. Whereas both characterized the birthmark as a deformation or monstrosity in miniature, Malebranche attributed a role to the maternal imagination in fashioning family likenesses. However, he also charged the mother's imagination with the transmission of original sin.
Do Homebuyers Want Green Features in Their Communities?
Authors: Noiseux Krystal , Hostetler Mark E.
Published: December 2008

Green communities are a new form of development, but their affect on consumer behavior has not been well-researched. In June 2006, a mail survey of new homeowners was conducted in two pairs of green and conventional master-planned communities in Florida to determine if there were differences in their green design preferences, perceptions of the term green and retention of green marketing initiatives. Homeowners in conventional communities, compared with homeowners in green communities, expressed similar interests in many green design features, and most did not have negative connotations with the term green. Sales points used for marketing in the green communities were somewhat absorbed by their new residents; still, marketing practices can be diversified. The results suggest that green design features are an important consideration for people buying homes in master-planned communities.
Unifying and Elevating Rehabilitation Counseling Through Model-Driven, Diversity-Sensitive Evidence-Based Practice
Authors: Chan Fong , Tarvydas Vilia , Blalock Kacie , Strauser David , Atkins Bobbie J.
Published: December 2008

Rehabilitation counseling must embrace an evidence-based practice paradigm to remain a vital and respected member of the future community of professions in rehabilitation and mental health care and to fully discharge its responsibility to assist consumers in accessing effective rehabilitation interventions and exercising truly informed choice. The goals of this article are to (a) discuss the importance of using model-driven and culturally sensitive evidence-based rehabilitation counseling practices to enhance rehabilitation outcomes for people with disabilities, (b) highlight the needs for an integrative conceptual framework of disability that can be used to conduct systematic rehabilitation counseling research and to examine mediators and moderators affecting vocational rehabilitation outcomes, and (c) recommend changes in rehabilitation counseling practice, education, and research.
One Veteran Counselor's Take on the Future of Rehabilitation Counseling
Authors: McMahon Brian T.
Published: December 2008

One counselor argues that rehabilitation counseling has a bright future that will be better still if it recommits to vocational services, achieves organizational unity (not just coordination), remains true to its core values, and increases collaboration with cross-disability organizations.
Collocated H∞ Control of a Cantilevered Beam using an Analytical Upper-bound Approach
Authors: Demetriou Michael A. , Grigoriadis Karolos M. , Sweeney Robert J.
Published: November 2008

This article examines the collocated H∞ control of vector second-order structural systems using an analytical upper-bound method. The structural system considered in this work is that of a cantilevered aluminum beam with a collocated pair of piezoceramic patches to serve as actuators and sensors. An explicit expression that bounds the H∞ norm of collocated structural systems is applied for analysis and control synthesis, resulting in significant computational advantages compared to standard H ∞ analysis and control methods. The proposed approximation method is used to design a static output feedback controller that guarantees a closed-loop H∞ norm less than any user-defined value. This method is validated using a finite element representation of the beam, and then verified experimentally.
Chemical-genetic profile analysis in yeast suggests that a previously uncharacterized open reading frame, YBR261C, affects protein synthesis
Authors: Alamgir Md , Eroukova Veronika , Jessulat Matthew , Xu Jianhua , Golshani Ashkan
Published: December 2008

Background

Functional genomics has received considerable attention in the post-genomic era, as it aims to identify function(s) for different genes. One way to study gene function is to investigate the alterations in the responses of deletion mutants to different stimuli. Here we investigate the genetic profile of yeast non-essential gene deletion array (yGDA, ~4700 strains) for increased sensitivity to paromomycin, which targets the process of protein synthesis.

Results

As expected, our analysis indicated that the majority of deletion strains (134) with increased sensitivity to paromomycin, are involved in protein biosynthesis. The remaining strains can be divided into smaller functional categories: metabolism (45), cellular component biogenesis and organization (28), DNA maintenance (21), transport (20), others (38) and unknown (39). These may represent minor cellular target sites (side-effects) for paromomycin. They may also represent novel links to protein synthesis. One of these strains carries a deletion for a previously uncharacterized ORF, YBR261C, that we term TAE1 for Translation Associated Element 1. Our focused follow-up experiments indicated that deletion of TAE1 alters the ribosomal profile of the mutant cells. Also, gene deletion strain for TAE1 has defects in both translation efficiency and fidelity. Miniaturized synthetic genetic array analysis further indicates that TAE1 genetically interacts with 16 ribosomal protein genes. Phenotypic suppression analysis using TAE1 overexpression also links TAE1 to protein synthesis.

Conclusion

We show that a previously uncharacterized ORF, YBR261C, affects the process of protein synthesis and reaffirm that large-scale genetic profile analysis can be a useful tool to study novel gene function(s).
The p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase as a central nervous system drug discovery target
Authors: Borders Aaron S , de Almeida Lucia , Van Eldik Linda J , Watterson D Martin
Published: December 2008

Protein kinases are critical modulators of a variety of cellular signal transduction pathways, and abnormal phosphorylation events can be a cause or contributor to disease progression in a variety of disorders. This has led to the emergence of protein kinases as an important new class of drug targets for small molecule therapeutics. A serine/threonine protein kinase, p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), is an established therapeutic target for peripheral inflammatory disorders because of its critical role in regulation of proinflammatory cytokine production. There is increasing evidence that p38α MAPK is also an important regulator of proinflammatory cytokine levels in the central nervous system, raising the possibility that the kinase may be a drug discovery target for central nervous system disorders where cytokine overproduction contributes to disease progression. Development of bioavailable, central nervous system-penetrant p38α MAPK inhibitors provides the required foundation for drug discovery campaigns targeting p38α MAPK in neurodegenerative disorders.
Mirza Kazem-Bek and the Kazan School of Russian Orientology
Authors: van der Oye David Schimmelpenninck
Published: December 2008

“Mirza Kazem-Bek and the Kazan School of Russian Orientology” examines the rise and fall of Kazan University's section of Oriental Letters (razriad vostochnoi slovesnosti), Imperial Russia's most important academic institution for the study of Asia in the early nineteenth century. Focusing on the university's prominent Persianist, Mirza Aleksandr Kasimovich Kazem-Bek, the article argues that in Russia scholars of the East did not always adhere to the Saidian schema of orientalism as inherently hostile to the subject of its study.