bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kuwait Acute Coronary Syndromes Registry: Baseline Characteristics, Management Practices and In-Hospital Outcomes of Patients Hospitalized with Acute Coronary Syndromes in Kuwait
Authors: Zubaid Mohammad , Rashed Wafa A. , Saad Hisham , Attiya Ali , Al-Banat Bassam Abu , Ridha Mustafa , Al-Kandari Muhammad H. , Baidas Ghassan , Al-Hamdan Rashed , Zubair Shaheed , Thalib Lukman
Published: October 2007

Objectives: To identify the characteristics of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), their hospital management and in-hospital outcomes, through a prospective registry system in Kuwait. Subjects and Methods: A registry involving all 7 general hospitals in Kuwait was set up. Consecutive patients diagnosed as having ACS over a period of 6 months were enrolled. Results: Of 2,129 patients enrolled, 718 (34%) had ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 576 (27%) non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and 835 (39%) unstable angina (UA). Thrombolytic therapy was used in 556 (77%) patients with STEMI. The median time from diagnostic electrocardiogram to administration of thrombolytic therapy was 38 min. Almost all patients with ACS (2,050, 96%) received aspirin during hospitalization. Only a minority received clopidogrel, 18 (3%) STEMI, 36 (6%) NSTEMI and 96 (12%) UA patients. The use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists was minimal (38 patients, 2%). β-Blockers were used in 1,473 (69%) patients, while 982 (46%) received angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Coronary angiography during hospitalization was performed in 119 (17%), 120 (21%) and 126 (15%) patients with STEMI, NSTEMI and UA, respectively. In-hospital mortality occurred in 31 (4%) myocardial infarction patients and 4 (0.5%) UA patients (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: This registry has enabled us to determine the incidence and characteristics of ACS patients in Kuwait. It has also enabled us to identify some barriers that we need to overcome for the full implementation of published guidelines for the management of patients with ACS.
Barriers to Seeking Preventive Dental Care by Kuwaiti Adults
Authors: Al-Shammari Khalaf F. , Al-Ansari Jassem M. , Al-Khabbaz Areej K. , Honkala Sisko
Published: October 2007

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of preventive dental visits and to identify self-reported barriers for this practice among Kuwaiti adults. Materials and Methods: A self-administered, anonymous, structured questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of Kuwaiti nationals 18 years of age or older recruited from all six health districts of Kuwait. A total of 2,400 questionnaires were distributed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with not having a preventive dental visit for more than 1 year. Results: Of the 2,400 questionnaires, 1,925 (80.2%) were completed. Of these, 620 (32.2%) had a dental visit within the previous 6 months, 504 (26.2%) between 6 and 12 months and 801 (41.6%) more than 12 months ago. The most common reasons for the last dental visits were pain or a dental emergency, need for restorative treatment, and an examination/prophylaxis. The strongest factors for not having preventive visits were not using a mouthrinse daily, flossing less than once a day, dental fear, belief that there is no need for visits unless pain was present, brushing the teeth less than twice a day, and believing that appointments are too far ahead. Also older respondents (>30 years), female gender, and those having only high school education or less were less likely to visit a dentist for preventive reasons. Conclusion: More than half of the studied population reported not having had a preventive visit for more than 1 year. Unfavorable self-care habits, dental fear and belief that visiting a dentist is necessary only for pain relief were the strongest factors for the nonattendance behavior.
Essential Trace Elements and Antioxidant Status in Relation to Severity of HIV in Nigerian Patients
Authors: Olaniyi J.A. , Arinola O.G.
Published: October 2007

Objectives: This study was designed to determine the plasma levels of some antioxidants and trace elements in three severity groups of HIV patients compared with non-HIV-infected controls. Methods: The plasma levels of antioxidants (total antioxidant, albumin, bilirubin and uric acid) and trace elements (Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr, Cd and Se) were estimated spectrophotometrically in controls and patients with CD4 counts of <200; 200–499 and ≧500 cells/µl. Results: Uric acid and Zn were significantly higher, while vitamin E and all the trace elements (except Zn) were significantly lower in HIV-infected patients compared to healthy controls. The highest level of uric acid was observed in those with CD4 counts of <200 cells/µl. All the trace elements (except Zn) were higher in HIV subjects with a CD4 count of 200–499 cells/µl compared to >500 cells/µl. Only uric acid and Zn showed significant correlation with CD4 count. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, we recommend routine assessment and appropriate supplementation of antioxidants/trace elements in HIV subjects. This supplementation is hoped to strengthen the immune system and reduce the adverse consequences of HIV- related oxidative stress.
Comparative Bioavailability of Norfloxacin Tablets Based on Blood and Urine Data
Authors: Nada Aly H. , Sharaf Mohamed A. , El Gholmy Zeinab A. , Khalafallah Nawal M.
Published: October 2007

Objective: To assess the bioavailability of norfloxacin from urinary excretion relative to plasma concentration. Materials and Methods: Twelve healthy volunteers (22–33 years) participated in the study. Each received a previously developed (M), a local (L) and a multinational (Noroxin®) tablet (Ref), 400 mg each, according to a random balanced three-way crossover design on 3 different days. Blood samples were collected over a 12-hour period and urine over a 24-hour period. Norfloxacin concentrations were analyzed by a validated HPLC method. Results: An initial estimate of bioequivalence of the three products was obtained using analysis of variance on transformed data and based on confidence interval calculation. Elimination pharmacokinetic parameters (half-life and renal clearance) calculated from plasma concentration and urinary excretion data (mean values, n = 36) were comparable to reported values for norfloxacin. Interproduct differences in elimination parameters (mean values, n = 12) were statistically insignificant (F values, ANOVA). Strong association was found between the mean of plasma concentration and urinary excretion rates for many volunteers (F values, regression analysis). Relative bioavailability values calculated for the local and previously developed products relative to Noroxin were higher than 85% based on area under the curve and urinary excretion. Bioequivalence could not be established among the three tested products based on calculated 90% confidence intervals. Conclusion: Urinary excretion of norfloxacin may be a useful noninvasive tool for bioavailability assessment of norfloxacin oral formulations.
Antinociceptive, Anti-Inflammatory and Antipyretic Properties of the Aqueous Extract of Bauhinia purpurea Leaves in Experimental Animals
Authors: Zakaria Zainul Amiruddin , Wen Loo Yi , Abdul Rahman Nurul Izzah , Abdul Ayub Abdul Halim , Sulaiman Mohd. Roslan , Gopalan Hanan Kumar
Published: October 2007

Objective: The present study was carried out to determine the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of the aqueous extract of Bauhinia purpurea leaves using animal models. Materials and Methods: The air-dried, powdered leaves (≈20 g) were soaked in distilled water (1:20; w/v) at room temperature for 72 h and the supernatant obtained was freeze-dried. The crude dried extract (≈2.4 g) was prepared in doses of 6.0, 30.0 and 60.0 mg/kg, and subjected to the respective antinociceptive (abdominal constriction, hot plate and formalin tests), anti-inflammatory (carrageenan-induced paw edema test) and antipyretic (brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia test) assays. Results:The results obtained indicate that the extract possessed significant (p < 0.05) antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities, which were not dependent on the doses of extract used. The highest concentration of extract was less effective as an anti-inflammatory and an antipyretic agent. Conclusion: This study showed that the aqueous extract of B. purpurea leaves possesses potential pharmacological activities that require further investigation and, thus, confirms the folklore use of the plant in the treatment of ailments associated with pain and inflammation.
Adenotonsillar Granuloma: Histopathological Correlation
Authors: Al-Sebeih Khalid , Katchy Kenneth
Published: October 2007

Objectives: This study was undertaken to investigate the presence and nature of granulomatous changes in the adenotonsillar tissues and their relation to systemic disorders. Materials and Methods: The study was a retrospective clinicopathological review; 21,410 specimens of tonsil and adenoid tissue were subjected to histological examination during the period from 1995 to 2003. Twenty-three cases of tonsillar and adenoid granuloma (12 males and 11 females) were identified. Haemotoxylin and eosin stains were reviewed and clinical features noted. Results: Of 23 cases, 11 were adenotonsillectomies, 10 tonsillectomies, 1 adenoidectomy and 1 excision biopsy of the right tonsil. Histologically, the slides reviewed showed 4 types of granulomatous inflammation that can affect the adenotonsillar tissues. The most common type was non-caseating epithelioid granulomas. Clinically, 22 cases presented with symptoms of chronic tonsillitis, nasal obstruction and obstructive sleep apnoea. None had any systemic granulomatous disorders. Only 1 case had tuberculosis. Conclusion: In all the cases but one there was no obvious systemic aetiology for the granulomatous changes in the adenotonsillar tissues. Hence, the cost effectiveness of clinicopathological examination of the resected adenoid and tonsil is still questionable.
Investigation of Proliferative Activity in the Developing Human Tooth Using Ki-67 Immunostaining
Authors: Guven Gunseli , Gunhan Omer , Akbulut Erman , Cehreli Zafer C.
Published: October 2007

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the proliferation of the developing human tooth germ and its surrounding tissues using Ki-67 immunostaining. Materials and Methods: Sections of mandibular dental arch tissues collected from 4 cadaveric human fetuses of 13, 16, 21 and 30 weeks of gestation were used. The immunoreactivity of Ki-67 in the tissue sections was assessed visually under a light microscope. Immunohistochemical controls were performed by replacing the primary antibody with phosphate-buffered saline or normal rabbit lgG. Results: The control sections did not display Ki-67 immunoactivity. Specimens of 13 weeks of gestation revealed intense Ki-67 immunostaining throughout the entire developing mandibular primary molars. At 16 weeks of gestation, immunostaining was observed in the inner enamel epithelium and dental papilla, in conjunction with the dental lamina showing decreased immunostaining. At 21 weeks, Ki-67 immunostaining was observed only in the inner enamel epithelium and dental papilla. The immunoreactivity of active ameloblasts and odontoblasts decreased, along with the proliferation capacity of the dental lamina. At 30 weeks, both enamel and dentin formation was observed along the cusped aspect of the tooth germ. Ameloblasts and odontoblasts were no longer immunoreactive in this region, while both types of cells were immunoreactive at the cervical regions of the crown. Dental lamina cells showed disintegration and were totally Ki-67-negative at 30 weeks of gestation. Conclusion: The Ki-67 immunoreactivity of the dental lamina decreased during intrauterine tooth development. Positive immunostaining was observed at specific sites in the enamel organ and dental papilla during the cap and bell stages.
Cutaneous Metastases from Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Ureter
Authors: Ko Hui-Ling , Tsang Yuk-Wah , Chi Kwan-Hwa
Published: October 2007

Objective: To present an extremely rare case of squamous cell carcinoma of the ureter with cutaneous metastases. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A case is presented involving a 67-year-old woman presenting with a clinical history of squamous cell carcinoma of the ureter and who had undergone a nephro-ureterectomy with a bladder cuff excision in May 2004. The pathologic report showed squamous differentiation, as well as keratin pearl formation. A large regional cutaneous lesion on the chest wall was found in January 2006, and a biopsy showed metastatic malignant urothelial tumors consisting of squamous cell carcinomas. Conclusion: This report describes a case of cutaneous metastasis from a squamous cell carcinoma of the ureter that is extremely rare with a generally dismal prognosis.
The ‘Trough Effect’: an Ultrasound Study
Authors: Vazquez-Alvarez Yolanda , Hewlett Nigel
Published: October 2007

Bilabial stops often show a lowering of the tongue in symmetrical VCVsequences. The causes of this phenomenon, sometimes called the ‘trough effect’,are unknown. However, it could have important implications for the study of timevaryingaspects of speech events. Ultrasound is a non-invasive technique that hasallowed us to image the shape of the tongue in real time and measure the actualtongue displacement that occurs in the C of a VCV sequence. Five repetitions ofsymmetrical V1CV2 sequences with the bilabial stops /b, p/ were obtained from 10British English speakers. Results showed not only differences in the direction anddegree of the tongue displacement but also differences in the tongue contour configurationbetween subjects. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of ultrasoundas a technique in phonetic research, making possible the analysis of tonguesurface movement for large amounts of data from multiple subjects.
The Influence of Ambient Speech on Adult Speech Productions through Unintentional Imitation
Authors: Delvaux Véronique , Soquet Alain
Published: October 2007

This paper deals with the influence of ambient speech on individual speechproductions. A methodological framework is defined to gather the experimentaldata necessary to feed computer models simulating self-organisation in phonologicalsystems. Two experiments were carried out. Experiment 1 was run onFrench native speakers from two regiolects of Belgium: two from Liège and twofrom Brussels. When exposed to the way of speaking of the other regiolect vialoudspeakers, the speakers of one regiolect produced vowels that were significantlydifferent from their typical realisations, and significantly closer to the wayof speaking specific of the other regiolect. Experiment 2 achieved a replication ofthe results for 8 Mons speakers hearing a Liège speaker. A significant part of theimitative effect remained up to 10 min after the end of the exposure to the otherregiolect productions. As a whole, the results suggest that: (i) imitation occursautomatically and unintentionally, (ii) the modified realisations leave a memorytrace, in which case the mechanism may be better defined as ‘mimesis’ than as‘imitation’. The potential effects of multiple imitative speech interactions on soundchange are discussed in this paper, as well as the implications for a general theoryof phonetic implementation and phonetic representation.
The Signalling of German Rising-Falling Intonation Categories – The Interplay of Synchronization, Shape, and Height
Authors: Niebuhr Oliver
Published: October 2007

Based on the phonology of the Kiel Intonation Model (KIM), a tripartite oppositionof German intonation is investigated: early, medial, and late peaks. Theseintonation categories, which can be projected onto H + L*, H*, and L* + H in theAM framework, are described in the KIM as rising-falling F0 peak patterns differentiatedby their synchronization with the accented-vowel onset. Perception experimentswere carried out, showing that the function-based identification of the peakcategories is not only influenced by peak synchronization, but also by peak shapeand height. While the complete spectrum of findings is not covered by the currentphonological modelling, the findings corroborate the existence of all three categoriesin German intonation and support the idea that the timing of the peakmovements with regard to the accented vowel is important for their perceptualdifferentiation.
Association Study of Human MTH1 Ile45Thr Polymorphism with Sporadic Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Jiang Gaofeng , Xu Lei , Wang Lin , Song Shizhen , Zhu Changcai
Published: October 2007

Human MTH1, an oxidized purine nucleoside triphosphatase, hydrolyzes 8-oxo-dGTP thereby preventing its misincorporation into DNA. The present study was designed to investigate a possible link between the MTH1 Ile45Thr polymorphism and the development of sporadic Parkinson disease (PD). This case-control study consisted of 106 PD patients and 135 unrelated controls. MTH1 polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The results showed that Ile45/Thr45 heterozygote and Thr45 allele tended to be more frequent in sporadic PD, although statistically not significant (0.085 vs. 0.044, corrected p = 0.591 and 0.052 vs. 0.022, p = 0.080, respectively). Stratification analysis by gender showed that Ile45/Thr45 heterozygote tended to be more frequent in male PD patients than in male controls (0.113 vs. 0.038, corrected p = 0.480). The male PD patients exhibited a borderline statistically significant higher frequency of the Thr45 allele than the controls (0.073 vs. 0.019, corrected p = 0.050). These results suggested to us that the Thr45 allele of MTH1 might be associated with sporadic PD in the Chinese male population.
Activation of the Prefrontal Cortex during the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (Keio Version) as Measured by Two-Channel Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Hashimoto Keiji , Uruma Go , Abo Masahiro
Published: October 2007

To investigate brain activation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (Keio Version) (KWCST), we examined changes in total hemoglobin volume (THV) in 8 patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 20 healthy control subjects using two-channel near-infrared spectroscopy. As a result, average THV in the right PFC during KWCST in TBI patients (–0.131 ± 0.127) was significantly lower than in control subjects (0.016 ± 0.135) (2 × 3 ANOVA; p < 0.05). These results demonstrated that the TBI patients had lower circulation of hemoglobin in the right PFC during the KWCST than the control subjects.
Positron Emission Tomography Facilitates Diagnosis of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: McMurtray Aaron M. , Licht Eliot , Yeo Tuty , Krisztal Erica , Saul Ronald E. , Mendez Mario F.
Published: October 2007

Background: Clinical positron emission tomography (PET) may help in the evaluation of presenile patients with memory complaints for the presence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: Clinical PET scans from 27 patients with clinically probable AD and early ages of onset (<65 years) were compared to PET scans from 27 age-matched controls presenting with memory complaints, but without dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Results: Compared to controls, the AD patients had significant frontal, temporal and parietal hypometabolism bilaterally, and AD diagnosis correlated with left temporal and right temporoparietal hypometabolism. The sensitivity of temporoparietal hypometabolism for AD was 92.6%, the specificity 85.2%. Conclusion: Clinical PET imaging helps distinguish early-onset AD from patients with memory complaints not meeting criteria for dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations Associated with Symptomatic Congestive Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Rosenkranz Michael , Regelsberger Jan , Zeumer Hermann , Grzyska Ulrich
Published: October 2007

We report on management strategies and clinical outcomes in 4 cases of acute symptomatic congestive intracranial hypertension associated with cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Congestion resulted from high-volume shunts exhausting the drainage capacity of the cerebral venous system in 3 patients, and from sudden venous outflow obstruction in 1 patient. Two AVMs were suggested to be surgically accessible, whereas two AVMs were deemed to be inoperable. Surgically accessible AVMs were treated with embolization followed by complete surgical resection. Inoperable AVMs were treated with partial embolization. Both AVM embolization followed by surgical resection and partial AVM embolization effectively reduced intracranial pressure and achieved sustained patient recovery. Hence, an endovascular approach may be considered to manage AVM-related congestive intracranial hypertension either in combination with surgical AVM removal, or as a palliative approach in inoperable AVMs.
Association of MDR1 (C3435T) Polymorphism and Resistance to Carbamazepine in Epileptic Patients from Turkey
Authors: Ozgon Gulay Oner , Bebek Nerses , Gul Gunay , Cine Naci
Published: October 2007

Background and Aims: We investigated the prevalence of this multidrug resistance 1 gene (MDR1) polymorphism in drug-responsive versus drug-resistant epilepsy patients treated with carbamazepine (CBZ), which is a substrate of this protein. Methods: We genotyped the C3435T variant of MDR1 in 97 patients treated with CBZ monotherapy who had been on stable doses for more than 1 month. Our control group included 174 healthy individuals. Plasma CBZ concentrations were also measured using fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Results: We could not demonstrate any statistically significant relationship with the genotypes among drug-resistant patients (n = 44). The frequency of the homozygous mutant (TT) genotype was 15% in drug-responsive patients, 11.3% in drug-resistant patients and 25.8% in the control group. We also did not observe any significant correlation between the presence of a specific allele and CBZ plasma level/dose index. Conclusion: Our study did not support any significant association between the MDR1 (C3435T) polymorphism and resistance to CBZ in epilepsy patients from Turkey.
Bladder Training versus Combination of Propiverine with Bladder Training for Female Urinary Frequency
Authors: Kim Soo Woong , Song Sang Hoon , Ku Ja Hyeon
Published: October 2007

Objective: Among lower urinary tract symptoms, urinary frequency is one of the prevalent symptoms in the female population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of bladder training with or without pharmacotherapy in women with only a frequency symptom. Methods: Patients were randomized to either bladder training alone (n = 23) or propiverine combined with bladder training (n = 25). All patients were treated during 3 months. Results: At baseline, daytime frequency was higher in the combination therapy group than in the bladder training group (p = 0.031). No difference in other characteristics was observed in the two groups. After treatment, there was no significant difference of functional bladder capacity and average voided volume between the two groups but daytime frequency was higher in the combination therapy group than in the bladder training group (p = 0.013). However, the changes of daytime frequency, functional bladder capacity and average voided volume were not significantly different in the groups. Of total patients, 15 (65.2%) in the bladder training group and 21 (84.0%) in the combination therapy group were rated as responders (defined as improved or much improved) (p = 0.133). Conclusions:Both bladder training with or without pharmacotherapy may improve the subjective and objec- tive frequency symptom in women with only a frequency symptom. However, we could not find that there was more symptomatic improvement when anticholinergics combined with bladder training were compared with bladder training alone.
Progressive Derangement of the T Cell Compartment in a Case of Evans Syndrome
Authors: Giovannetti Antonello , Pierdominici Marina , Esposito Antonella , Cagliuso Maria , Stifano Giuseppina , Giammarioli Anna Maria , Maselli Angela , Malorni Walter , Salsano Felice , Aiuti Fernando
Published: October 2007

Background: Evans syndrome (ES) is a rare disorder characterized by combined autoimmune thrombocytopenia and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Several studies have documented a number of B cell defects, whereas only limited information is currently available about the T cell subset. Methods: A wide panel of immunological analyses aiming specifically at a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the T cell compartment was performed in an unusual case of ES. The peripheral distribution of the T cell subsets, the diversity of the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires, the cytokine profile and the T cell apoptosis have been longitudinally evaluated. Results: On first investigation, flow-cytometric immunophenotyping showed a remarkable alteration of T cell homeostasis with deeply reduced CD4+ naive T cells and recent thymic emigrants. This was seen in association with increased levels of T cell activation and apoptosis. Consistently with these data the cytokine profile was characterized by high interferon-γ and low interleukin-2 levels. Staining for CD4 and CD25 molecules showed decreased percentages of circulating regulatory T cells according to the autoimmune nature of ES. Finally, restricted TCR repertoires were demonstrated by a skewed TCR β chain variable (TCRBV) gene usage as well as oligoclonal third complementarity- determining region (CDR3) profiles. A deterioration of the above-mentioned parameters and a worsening of the clinical condition were observed during the follow-up requiring more intensive treatments. Conclusion: The demonstration of multiple T cell defects, in addition to providing pathogenetic information, is likely to alter both acute treatment and outcome of ES.
5-HT1B Receptor Subtype and Aging in Rat Resistance Vessels
Authors: Froldi Guglielmina , Montopoli Monica , Zanetti Miriam , Dorigo Paola , Caparrotta Laura
Published: October 2007

The effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-carboxamidotryptamine, and sumatriptan on rat caudal arteries were examined, with the goal of finding experimental conditions useful in enhancing the ‘silent’ 5-HT1B receptor subtype. It was shown that both reserpine treatment and K+ depolarizationincreased the vasoconstriction by 5-HT receptor agonists. The role of the 5-HT2A receptor in vasoconstriction was examined using ritanserin (50 nmol/l), a selective 5-HT2A antagonist, whereas that of the ‘silent’ 5-HT1B receptor was examined using SB-224289 (0.2 µmol/l), a selective 5-HT1B receptor antagonist. The influence of age on the ‘silent’ 5-HT1B receptor subtype was also investigated; for this, the effect of sumatriptan, a selective 5-HT1B/1D agonist, was tested on arterial tissues of both young and old rats which had been either K+ depolarized or reserpine treated or both. It was found that aging strongly shifted the concentration-vasoconstriction curve generated by sumatriptan to the left, also increasing the maximum contractile response, mainly in reserpine-treated tissues. RT-PCR was used to study the expression of 5-HT1B and 5-HT2A receptors in both young and old tissues. The results support the idea that reserpine-treated and K+-depolarized caudal arteries from old rats can be a pharmacological model which is useful in highlighting the ‘silent’ 5-HT1B receptor subtype.
Effects of Phytoestrogen in Brain and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Shi Chun , Xu Jie , Yew David Tai Wai
Published: October 2007

Phytoestrogen represents a class of heterocyclic polyphenol compounds with mild estrogenic activities. The mechanisms underlying effects of phytoestrogen on neurodegeneration remain unclear. We reported that genistein could increase serum superoxide dismutase activity, prevented calcium overload and neuron damage derived from oxidative stress and normalized the synaptic connections in rats. Therefore, phytoestrogen displayed not only the estrogenic activities but also had its own antioxidant properties which might have the potential to decrease the incidence or postpone the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Deep Caries Lesions after Incomplete Dentine Caries Removal: 40-Month Follow-Up Study
Authors: Maltz M. , Oliveira E.F. , Fontanella V. , Carminatti G.
Published: October 2007

Radiographic changes after indirect pulp capping (32 teeth in 27 patients) were studied for up to 36–45 months. Radiolucent zone (RZ) depth and tertiary dentine formation were assessed qualitatively and changes in radiographic density (by image subtraction) in RZ and control areas (CA) were estimated. During follow-up there were 1 pulp necrosis, 1 pulp exposure, 3 fractures and 3 withdrawals. Twelve cases showed decreased RZ depth and 4 displayed tertiary dentine. No changes with time in density of CA or RZ, or in the difference between them, were observed. It is concluded that indirect pulp capping arrests lesion progression, suggesting that complete dentine caries removal is not essential for caries control.
Grip Strength and the Risk of Incident Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Buchman Aron S. , Wilson Robert S. , Boyle Patricia A. , Bienias Julia L. , Bennett David A.
Published: October 2007

Decline in strength is common in older persons but little data are available about its association with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We studied the association of level of and rate of change in strength in 877 older persons without dementia at baseline and risk of AD. In a proportional hazards model adjusted for age, sex and education, each 1-lb decrease in grip strength at baseline was associated with about a 1.5% increase in the risk of AD (HR, 0.986; 95% CI, 0.973–0.998). These results persisted even after excluding persons who developed AD in the first 5 years of follow-up. In a subsequent model examining the association of the annual rate of change in grip strength with incident AD, each 1-lb annual decline in grip strength was associated with about a 9% increase in the risk of AD (HR, 0.915; 95% CI, 0.884–0.948). Results were similar after controlling for level and rate of change in body mass index, parkinsonian signs, physical and cognitive activity, depressive symptoms, vascular diseases and risk factors, social networks and early-life socioeconomic status. Declining strength in old age is associated with an increased risk of AD.
Stroke and Vascular Mortality Trends in France: 1979–2001
Authors: Lavallée Philippa C. , Labreuche Julien , Spieler Jean-François , Jougla Éric , Amarenco Pierre
Published: October 2007

Background: The therapeutic armamentarium for vascular risk factors in industrialized countries improved over the past decades. We therefore studied vascular mortality trends in France between 1979 and 2001, and explored how these trends are related to stroke or nonstroke vascular mortality changes. Materials and Methods: We included all deaths from vascular disease in the French population from 1979 to 2001. Trends for total, stroke and nonstroke vascular mortality were estimated using log-linear Poisson regression models. Gender-specific mortality rates were standardized directly by 5-year groups to the 1990 French population. Results: During the 1979–2001 period, the mean annual percentage change in vascular death rates varied across age groups (<35, 35–54, 55–64, 65–74, ≥75) between –2.4 to –3.3% in men and –2.5 to –4.1% in women. Respectively, 25.7 and 30.9% of total vascular death was attributed to cerebrovascular disease in men and women. Stroke mortality and nonstroke vascular mortality rates declined respectively by 60.9 and 34.6% in men, and 60.4 and 38.9% in women. Conclusion: We observed a dramatic 60% reduction of stroke death in France in the last 20 years. Stroke death decreased at about twice the rate as other causes of vascular death. Improved management of vascular risk factors could partly explain these results.
Glucocorticoid Receptor mRNA Expression in the Hippocampal Formation of Male Rats before and after Pubertal Development in Response to Acute or Repeated Stress
Authors: Romeo Russell D. , Ali Ferhina S. , Karatsoreos Ilia N. , Bellani Rudy , Chhua Nara , Vernov Mary , McEwen Bruce S.
Published: October 2007

Numerous studies have established that adolescence is marked by substantial changes in stress reactivity and hippocampal function. Glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in the hippocampus are imperative in corticosterone-dependent gene transcription when glucocorticoid levels are relatively high, such as during periods of stress. As reported previously, in reaction to acute stress, prepubertal animals show a significantly more protracted corticosterone response compared to adults. Chronic stress, however, results in a higher peak response, but a faster return to baseline in prepubertal compared to adult animals. Thus, depending on the developmental stage and experience of the animal, the hippocampus is exposed to different concentrations and durations of corticosterone. The present set of experiments assessed the effects of acute or repeated stress on GR mRNA expression in the dorsal and ventral hippocampal formation either before or after pubertal maturation in male rats. We found that acute stress results in a significant decrease in GR mRNA in the CA1 pyramidal cell layer and dentate gyrus in the dorsal and ventral hippocampal formation of both prepubertal and adult males. In response to repeated stress, we found no differences in GR expression in either the dorsal or ventral hippocampus. Thus, despite the dramatic differences in corticosterone concentration following stress at these two developmental stages, the stress-induced changes in GR expression in the hippocampus before and after pubertal maturation were more similar than different. These data point to a dissociation between differential stress-induced corticosterone responses and regulation of hippocampal GR levels in prepubertal and adult animals.
Thyroid Disease and the Heart
Authors: Klein Irwin , Danzi Sara
Published: October 2007

The cardiovascular signs and symptoms of thyroid disease are some of the most profound and clinically relevant findings that accompany both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. On the basis of the understanding of the cellular mechanisms of thyroid hormone action on the heart and cardiovascular system, it is possible to explain the changes in cardiac output, cardiac contractility, blood pressure, vascular resistance, and rhythm disturbances that result from thyroid dysfunction. The importance of the recognition of the effects of thyroid disease on the heart also derives from the observation that restoration of normal thyroid function most often reverses the abnormal cardiovascular hemodynamics. In the present review, we discuss the appropriate thyroid function tests to establish a suspected diagnosis as well as the treatment modalities necessary to restore patients to a euthyroid state. We also review the alterations in thyroid hormone metabolism that accompany chronic congestive heart failure and the approach to the management of patients with amiodarone-induced alterations in thyroid function tests.
The Human Right to a Clean Environment–Phantom or Reality? The European Court of Human Rights and English Courts Perspective on Balancing Rights in Environmental Cases
Authors: Fitzmaurice Malgosia , Marshall Jill
Published: October 2007

Whilst many claim there is a human right to a clean environment, the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights is examined to show how that court has balanced rights and interests in deciding relevant cases on this issue. Recent jurisprudential and academic debates on balancing are examined in this context before an analysis of some English decisions in this area to show that the existence of a human right to a clean environment may indeed be a phantom.
Reforming the European Court of Human Rights: An Ongoing Challenge
Authors: Paraskeva Costas
Published: October 2007

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) plays a unique and central role in upholding human rights in Europe, but in recent years has experienced a huge increase in its workload. The exponential growth in the number of individual applications has and continue to pose a serious threat for the effectiveness of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) system and it can be argued that it is the biggest challenge the ECtHR has been faced with in its history. Despite the substantial increase in its productivity and its output in general, the caseload continues to rise considerably, putting the effectiveness and credibility of the ECHR system in serious danger. Even with the reform of Protocol No. 11 that the ECtHR went through in 1998, its caseload had continued to rise sharply. The need for a second major reform was stressed only a few years after the drastic reform of 1998. There have been various efforts to make the ECtHR more effective and accessible, which have led to the 2004 "reform package" of measures that address the issue of ECtHR's excessive case-load, including Protocol No. 14 to the ECHR. This article provides analysis and critical evaluation of the ongoing efforts to reform the ECtHR in order to guarantee its long-term effectiveness.
Reviving the 'Spirit of San Francisco': The Lost Proposals on Human Rights, Justice and International Law to the UN Charter
Authors: Månsson Katarina
Published: October 2007

While it has been claimed that no subject matter has been referred to as frequently in the United Nations (UN) Charter as human rights, a close analysis of its traveaux préparatoires reveals that it contains but a fragment of what was actually proposed during the drafting of the Charter in 1945. This article presents and analyses these 'lost proposals', particularly those seeking strong references to human rights, international law and justice in the Charter's preamble and chapters on the purposes and principles of the UN. Presented by smaller states, they include suggestions that respect for and protection of human rights constitutes a principle of the UN and that the maintenance of peace and security is conditioned on adherence to international law. It concludes that UN peacemakers of today struggle with the same conundrum as the drafters of the UN Charter 60 ago: "What comes first, justice or peace?"
Elements of Nordic Practice 2006: Norwegian Measures Taken Against Stateless Vessel Conducting Unauthorized Fishing on the High Seas
Authors: Fife Rolf Einar
Published: October 2007

In the summer of 2006 Norway carried out enforcement measures on the high seas against a fishing vessel that was assimilated to a ship without nationality. Afterwards, cooperation was moreover established with a new flag State and a port State. The course of events provides a rare illustration of the practical relevance of rules on stateless vessels, including in the context of the UN Fish Stocks Agreement of 1995.
The European Court of Human Rights as an Example of Convergence
Authors: Arold Nina-Louisa
Published: October 2007

The article summarizes the main findings of a study on the legal culture of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). 1 Special attention is given to the question of how individual legal, vocational, historical and other experiences of the judges have an impact on their voting behaviour. Starting from the debate on convergence and divergence of law, it is legitimate to expect that these formative differences in individual experiences of the judges should matter. Surprisingly, the results gained through interviews, field study and empirical analysis of judgments show that their diversities in background are no hinder to convergence inside the Court. Especially, it is not the mentalités of the judges that create problems to the coming together of differences. Instead, it is in fact the mentalités of judges that promote convergence through pushing specific ideals and fostering homogeneity.
Reconnecting People and Healing the Land: Inuit Pentecostal and Evangelical Movements in the Canadian Eastern Arctic
Authors: Oosten Jarich , Laugrand Frédéric
Published: October 2007

In this paper we focus on Pentecostal and Evangelical movements in Nunavik and Nunavut. Although these movements are quite modern, they combine old and new features in a variety of ways. First we present a brief overview of the most important movements and their history. Then we examine in more detail recent developments, notably the case of the healing the land rituals developed by the Canada Awakening Ministries with the collaboration of a group from Fiji. Finally we discuss some of the basic patterns characterizing these new Christian movements and explore to what extent structural patterns can be discerned in these movements. They claim to introduce discontinuity with the past as well as new forms of solidarity integrating modern ideologies in a Christian perspective, but we will see that the relation to land as well as connections to shamanism remain central issues in modern Inuit discourses and practices of Pentecostalism.
Bones of Contention: Buddhist Relics, Nationalism and the Politics of Archaeology
Authors: Brekke Torkel
Published: October 2007

Relics of Sāriputta and Moggallāna, two of the Buddha's closest disciples, were discovered by Fred. C. Maisey and Alexander Cunningham in a stūpa at Sānchī in 1851 and were re-enshrined at the same place in November 1952. The exact whereabouts of the relics between these two dates has been uncertain, partly because both Buddhists and scholars have assumed, incorrectly, that the relics that were brought back to India had been in the possession of Mr Cunningham. The purpose of this article is to give a detailed account ot the relics of Sāriputta and Moggallāna found at Sānchī. The account is based on correspondence and notes about the relics found in archives of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, and on relevant sources published by the Maha Bodhi Society. I argue that the quarrel over the relics was an important part of the revival of Buddhism from the end of the nineteenth century. I also discuss how the relics of the two saints were used by the government of India as nationalist symbols.
The Phrygian Background of Kybele
Authors: Bøgh Birgitte
Published: October 2007

The cult of Kybele is well known from Greek and Roman sources and well-described in most modern literature on antique religions. The cult, however, is primarily known in its Roman version, which differs greatly from the cult in the ancient Phrygian homeland of Kybele. This article presents the latest research on this subject: iconography and roles, attendants relating to the goddess, cult places, rituals and worship, and transference of the cult from Phrygia to Greece. The Phrygian goddess, characterised by features of wild nature, was represented primarily by predatory birds, and she was worshipped in mountainous settings. Instead of portraying her as a typical Mother goddess associated with nature, fertility and procreation, new research has argued that her status as a Mother derives from her connection to the king, thus being the mother of the state and the throne. It is also maintained in the article that Attis is a late, Greek invention, and that the cult in Phrygia did not take the form of a mystery religion. In conclusion, it is suggested that the Black sea area played a role in the development and the dissemination of the cult.
The Decision of the Special Court for Sierra Leone to Conduct the Charles Taylor Trial in The Hague
Authors: Bigi Giulia
Published: October 2007

On 29 March 2006 former Liberian President Charles Taylor was surrendered to the Special Court for Sierra Leone, where he was charged of war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious violations of international humanitarian law committed during the Sierra Leonean conflict since 1996. The same day, invoking concerns about stability and security in the West African sub-region if the trial were to be held in Freetown, the President of the Special Court submitted a request to the Government of the Netherlands and to the International Criminal Court to facilitate that the trial be conducted in e Hague. Accordingly, on 20 June 2006, Mr. Taylor was transferred to the premises of the International Criminal Court where the trial commenced almost one year later.The change of venue of the Taylor trial from Freetown to Europe has several implications, which the present contribution aims to discuss, given that the Special Court is the first international(ized) criminal tribunal faced with such a relocation. This paper firstly reviews the necessary procedural steps taken for the transfer; then, it focuses on the compatibility of this change in location with the spirit and purposes of the Statute of the Special Court; finally, it considers the matter in relation to the fundamental aspects of transparency and of the due process guarantees of the accused.
The Sui Generis Trial Proceedings of the International Criminal Court
Authors: McLaughlin Colin
Published: October 2007

It may be difficult to place trial proceedings of international criminal tribunals on the spectrum of classical trial paradigms even though common law and Romano-Germanic law differences are most obvious in that phase of a trial. It is important to understand the history, and compare the procedural underpinnings, of the different aspects of the International Criminal Court (ICC) trial proceedings. This article will highlight the sui generis nature of the ICC trial proceedings. In doing so, it will show how the two main legal systems of the world have been combined to create pertinent articles in the Rome Statute. This review makes clear that the drafters of the Rome Statute devised a procedure that will best assist the ICC in accomplishing its tasks as an international judicial body. The judges of the trial chamber, whether from a Romano-Germanic or common law background, will conduct proceedings and administer justice based on the combinations of the world's most influential legal systems.
Reconsidering Dualism: The Caribbean Court of Justice and the Growing Influence of Unincorporated Treaties in Domestic Law
Authors: Aaron David
Published: October 2007

In dualist states, international and domestic legal commitments have traditionally existed on entirely separate planes. Despite the evolution of international legal norms since the end of the Second World War, courts in dualist states have continually opposed using international law to interpret domestic legislation. The author suggests that the traditional dualist view, in which international treaty commitments have no domestic effect until incorporated through the dualist state's domestic legislative process, is weakening.This paper begins with an overview of the monist-dualist distinction in international law and explains dualism's approach to the relationship between domestic and international law. The next section of the paper explores traditional dualist jurisprudence on the role of unincorporated treaties in domestic law and explains why judges have clung to a rigid application of dualism. The weakening of this inflexible approach is then examined, culminating in an analysis of the pivotal recent judgment of the Caribbean Court of Justice in Boyce. This paper concludes that dualism is waning, particularly in cases where domestic law falls short of international human rights standards, as courts demonstrate an increased willingness to use unincorporated treaties as interpretive aids when construing and applying domestic law.