bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Appearance Self-Attitudes of African American and European American Women: Media Comparisons and Internalization of Beauty Ideals
Authors: Jefferson Deana L. , Stake Jayne E.
Published: November 2009

African American (AA) women have reported less body image disturbance than European American (EA) women, but questions remain about the nature and extent of this difference. This study examined differences in the body image of 80 AA women and 89 EA women with an improved methodology that controlled for body size, distinguished between satisfaction with and importance of body features, and included nonweight (e.g., hair texture, skin color) as well as weight-related features. Results provide evidence that, in contrast to AA women, EA women (a) were more dissatisfied with both weight and specific appearance features, (b) compared themselves more often to media beauty figures and internalized Western beauty standards more, and (c) showed a significant relation between media comparisons and body dissatisfaction. Internalization of Western beauty ideals was related to body dissatisfaction in both groups of women.
Tracking the Gender Pay Gap: A Case Study
Authors: Travis Cheryl B. , Gross Louis J. , Johnson Bruce A.
Published: November 2009

This article provides a short introduction to standard considerations in the formal study of wages and illustrates the use of multiple regression and resampling simulation approaches in a case study of faculty salaries at one university. Multiple regression is especially beneficial where it provides information on strength of association, specific dollar estimates, and the option to identify outliers by gender. Resampling simulation allows for analysis at the department level and is beneficial where distributions depart substantially from normal, particularly where there are unequal error variances. Results indicate that both regression and simulation methods provided evidence of a sizable pay gap associated with gender, even after controlling for rank, academic field, and years of service. The gap occurs in fields traditionally viewed as female as well as science fields with typically lower female representation. Finally, we discuss implications for remediation based on these models.
In Harm's Way: Factors Related to Psychological Distress Following Sexual Harassment
Authors: Collinsworth Linda L. , Fitzgerald Louise F. , Drasgow Fritz
Published: November 2009

The negative consequences for victims of sexual harassment are well documented. However, one area unexamined is the process that leads to harm. Researchers have proposed three influences (i.e., objective or stimulus factors, individual factors, and contextual factors) on the psychological, health-related, and organizational outcomes of sexual harassment. This article examines the relative contribution of these influences on psychological distress following sexual harassment. Two studies were conducted. First, we examined approximately 1,200 women in a financial industry class-action lawsuit. A series of hierarchical regressions and subsequent dominance analysis revealed that the severity of the experiences and attributions made about them were the most important influences on symptoms of psychological distress. Study 2 examined 85 female plaintiffs in sexual harassment litigation. Dominance analysis again showed that the magnitude of their experiences had the strongest relationship with distress. Implications of these findings are discussed.
3‐Methylcholanthrene and benzo(a)pyrene modulate cardiac cytochrome P450 gene expression and arachidonic acid metabolism in male Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Aboutabl Mona E , Zordoky Beshay NM , El‐Kadi Ayman OS
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose: There is a strong correlation between cytochrome P450 (P450)‐dependent arachidonic acid metabolism and the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy. Several aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands were found to alter P450‐dependent arachidonic acid metabolism. Here, we have investigated the effect of 3‐methylcholanthrene (3‐MC) and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), two AhR ligands, on the development of cardiac hypertrophy.

Experimental approach: Male Sprague Dawley rats were injected (i.p.) daily with either 3‐MC (10 mg·kg−1) or BaP (20 mg·kg−1) for 7 days. Then hearts were removed, and the heart to body weight ratio and the gene expression of the hypertrophic markers and P450 genes were determined. Levels of arachidonic acid metabolites were determined by liquid chromatography‐electron spray ionization‐mass spectrometry.

Key results: Both 3‐MC and BaP increased the heart to body weight ratio as well as the hypertrophic markers, atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide. 3‐MC and BaP treatment increased the gene expression of CYP1A1, CYP1B1, CYP2E1, CYP4F4, CYP4F5 and soluble epoxide hydrolase. Both 3‐MC and BaP treatments increased the dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs) : epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) ratio and the 20‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20‐HETE) : total EETs ratio. Treatment with benzo(e)pyrene, an isomer of BaP that is a poor ligand for the AhR, did not induce cardiac hypertrophy in rats, confirming the role of AhR in the development of cardiac hypertrophy. Treatment with the ω‐hydroxylase inhibitor, HET0016, significantly reversed BaP‐induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Conclusions and implications: 3‐MC and BaP induce cardiac hypertrophy by increasing the ratio of DHETs : EETs and/or the ratio of 20‐HETE : total EETs, through increasing soluble epoxide hydrolase activity.
Cyclic AMP‐mediated chloride secretion is induced by prostaglandin F2αin human isolated colon
Authors: Collins D , Hogan AM , Skelly MM , Baird AW , Winter DC
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose: Prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α) is implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. This study investigates the effects of PGF2αon electrophysiological parameters in isolated human colonic mucosa.

Experimental approach: Ion transport was measured as changes in short‐circuit current across human colonic epithelia mounted in Ussing chambers. Colonic crypts were isolated by calcium chelation and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) was measured by ELISA.

Key Results: PGF2αstimulated chloride secretion in a concentration‐dependent manner with an EC50of 130 nM. The PGF2αinduced increase in chloride secretion was inhibited by AL8810 (10 µM), a specific PGF2αreceptor antagonist. In addition, PGF2α(1 µM) significantly increased levels of cAMP in isolated colonic crypts.

Conclusions and implications: PGF2αstimulated chloride secretion in samples of human colonin vitrothrough a previously unrecognizd cAMP‐mediated mechanism. These findings have implications for inflammatory states.
Host Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of MMP‐9 −1562/TIMP‐1 372 Have Gender Differences in the Risk of Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia After Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Hung Kuei‐Hsiang , Hung Hunt‐Wen , Yang Hsiao‐Bai , Lu Cheng‐Chan , Wu Jiunn‐Jong , Sheu Bor‐Shyang
Published: November 2009

Background:  Helicobacter pylori infection causes chronic gastric inflammation and intestinal metaplasia (IM), related with deregulation of Wnt pathway and over‐expressions of COX‐2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP). We thus test the host genomic predispositions related to the risk of IM after H. pylori infection.

Methods:  We enrolled 296 H. pylori‐infected patients to provide gastric biopsies for histology and genomic DNA for genotypes of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including APC, COX‐2, IL‐1B, IL‐1RN, IL‐10, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, TIMP‐1, and TIMP‐2 determined by sequence specific oligonucleotide probe, sequence specific primers, restriction fragment length polymorphism, or real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  There was no association between the presence of IM and SNPs in APC, COX‐2, IL‐1B, IL‐1RN, IL‐10, MMP‐2, and TIMP‐2. The risk of IM was increased up to 2.29‐folds in males with TIMP‐1 372 C, and 3.03‐fold in females with T carrier (p < .05). The combination genotype of MMP‐9 −1562/TIMP‐1 372 as CC/C and CT/T in males had a 4.5‐fold increased risk of IM, as compared to CC/T (p < .05). Females with such combination genotype as CC/T‐carrier had a 3‐fold risk of IM than males with CC/T (p < .05). In contrast, males’ combination genotype as CC/C had a 3‐fold risk of IM than females with CC/CC (p = .05).

Conclusions:  The host MMP‐9 −1562/TIMP‐1 372 SNPs had gender differences in the risk of IM after H. pylori infection, and could possibly serve as a host factor to identify the risk group harboring gastric precancerous changes after H. pylori infection.
Cost‐Effectiveness of Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in Gastric Cancer Survivors After Endoscopic Resection of Early Gastric Cancer
Authors: Shin Dong Wook , Yun Young Ho , Choi Il Ju , Koh Eurah , Park Sang Min
Published: November 2009

Background:  Clinical effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori eradication in gastric cancer survivors after endoscopic resection of early gastric cancer (EGC) was recently established in a randomized controlled trial. We aimed to establish long‐term cost‐effectiveness in gastric cancer survivors after endoscopic resection of EGC.

Materials and Methods:  A Markov model was constructed to compare the costs and outcomes of the two intervention strategies: (1) eradicate H. pylori after complete resection of EGC by endoscopy (2) do not eradicate. Estimates for variables in the model were obtained by extensive review of published reports. Analyses were made from the Korean public healthcare provider’s perspective.

Results:  Base‐case analysis indicated H. pylori eradication costs less (US$ 29,780 vs. US$ 30,594) than no eradication, and save more lives (mean life expectancy from eradication: 13.60 years vs. 13.55 years). One‐way and three‐way sensitivity analyses showed the robustness of the cost‐effectiveness results.

Conclusion:  In this selective population with very high risk of developing gastric cancer, H. pylori eradication should be considered for reimbursement with priority to prevent subsequent cancer and also reduce health care cost.
Modulation of Activation‐Induced Cytidine Deaminase by Curcumin in Helicobacter pylori‐Infected Gastric Epithelial Cells
Authors: Zaidi Syed Faisal Haider , Yamamoto Takeshi , Refaat Alaa , Ahmed Kanwal , Sakurai Hiroaki , Saiki Ikuo , Kondo Takashi , Usmanghani Khan , Kadowaki Makoto , Sugiyama Toshiro
Published: November 2009

Background:  Anomalous expression of activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AID) in Helicobacter pylori‐infected gastric epithelial cells has been postulated as one of the key mechanisms in the development of gastric cancer. AID is overexpressed in the cells through nuclear factor (NF)‐κB activation by H. pylori and hence, inhibition of NF‐κB pathway can downregulate the expression of AID. Curcumin, a spice‐derived polyphenol, is known for its anti‐inflammatory activity via NF‐κB inhibition. Therefore, it was hypothesized that curcumin might suppress AID overexpression via NF‐κB inhibitory activity in H. pylori‐infected gastric epithelial cells.

Materials and Methods:  MKN‐28 or MKN‐45 cells and H. pylori strain 193C isolated from gastric cancer patient were used for co‐culture experiments. Cells were pretreated with or without nonbactericidal concentrations of curcumin. Apoptosis was determined by DNA fragmentation assay. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was performed to evaluate the anti‐adhesion activity of curcumin. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was employed to evaluate the expression of AID mRNA. Immunoblot assay was performed for the analysis of AID, NF‐κB, inhibitors of NF‐κB (IκB), and IκB kinase (IKK) complex regulation with or without curcumin.

Results:  The adhesion of H. pylori to gastric epithelial cells was not inhibited by curcumin pretreatment at nonbactericidal concentrations (≤10 μmol/L). Pretreatment with nonbactericidal concentration of curcumin downregulated the expression of AID induced by H. pylori. Similarly, NF‐κB activation inhibitor (SN‐50) and proteasome inhibitor (MG‐132) also downregulated the mRNA expression of AID. Moreover, curcumin (≤10 μmol/L) has suppressed H. pylori‐induced NF‐κB activation via inhibition of IKK activation and IκB degradation.

Conclusion:  Nonbactericidal concentrations of curcumin downregulated H. pylori‐induced AID expression in gastric epithelial cells, probably via the inhibition of NF‐κB pathway. Hence, curcumin can be considered as a potential chemopreventive candidate against H. pylori‐related gastric carcinogenesis.
Validation of Diagnostic Tests for Helicobacter pylori with Regard to Grade of Atrophic Gastritis and/or Intestinal Metaplasia
Authors: Shin Cheol Min , Kim Nayoung , Lee Hye Seung , Lee Hee Eun , Lee Sang Hyub , Park Young Soo , Hwang Jin Hyuk , Kim Jin‐Wook , Jeong Sook‐Hyang , Lee Dong Ho , Jung Hyun Chae , Song In Sung
Published: November 2009

Background and Aims:  To evaluate the validity of the biopsy‐based tests (histology, culture, and urease test) and serology in detecting current Helicobacter pylori infection against a background of atrophic gastritis (AG) or intestinal metaplasia (IM).

Methods:  Helicobacter pylori infection was diagnosed in 651 subjects, using the predefined gold standard for H. pylori tests. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of culture, CLOtest, histology (Giemsa stain), and serology were calculated with regard to the histological grade of AG and IM. The level of serum pepsinogen (PG) I and II was also measured as a marker for the presence of AG.

Results:  In the study population (n = 651), sensitivity and specificity, respectively, were as follows: culture, 56.2 and 100%; histology, 93.0 and 94.0%; CLOtest, 80.4 and 96.7%; serology, 96.0 and 67.5%. If the analysis is limited to those without AG or IM (n = 158) or to those younger than 40 years (n = 69), all tests, except for culture, had a sensitivity and specificity >90%. The sensitivity of CLOtest and the specificity of serology markedly decreased with progression of AG and IM, and serology was less specific in the presence of AG, as determined by a PG I/II ratio ≤4.1 (specificity, 83.7% vs 40.7% in PG I/II >4.1 and ≤4.1, respectively).

Conclusions:  Any one of biopsy‐based tests or serology was found to be excellent for identifying current H. pylori infection among individuals without AG or IM and/or younger patients (<40 years). However, a combination of at least two tests is necessary in the clinical setting of AG or IM.
TRANSPLANTATION AND CELLULAR ENGINEERING: Compensated variability in the expression of globin‐related genes in erythroblasts generated ex vivo from different donors
Authors: Varricchio Lilian , Fabucci Maria Elena , Alfani Elena , Godbold James , Migliaccio Anna Rita
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: Ex vivo generated erythroblasts are being evaluated for transfusion. Expression of balanced levels of globin mRNA is essential for normal red blood cell function and survival but it is unknown whether the expression of the globin genes in ex vivo expanded cells is balanced.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Immature erythroblasts (IEs) were expanded in human erythroid massive amplification cultures from blood mononuclear cells of 19 normal donors and four β0‐thalassemia patients (for comparison) and induced to mature for 4 days in the presence of erythropoietin. mRNA was prepared from IEs and mature erythroblasts to evaluate the expression of α‐, β‐, and γ‐globin genes and of adult hemoglobin‐stabilizing protein (AHSP) and BCL11A, two proteins directly controlling globin function and/or production. Results were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient, the Wilcoxon signed rank, and the Mann‐Whitney rank sum tests.

RESULTS: The absolute levels of globin, AHSP, and BCL11A mRNA expressed by erythroblasts generated ex vivo from normal donors were distributed along a 2‐log range. With maturation, the levels of γ‐globin and BCL11A mRNA did not decrease while those of α‐globin, γ + β‐globins, and AHSP mRNA greatly increased. In normal cells, the modest imbalance (two‐ to fourfold) observed between α‐ and γ + β‐globin mRNA was fully compensated by AHSP expression. Thus, the levels of α‐globin mRNA were correlated with those of γ + β‐globin (R2 = 0.93, p < 0.0001) and AHSP (R2 = 0.86, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: Ex vivo expanded erythroblasts from normal donors express modestly imbalanced levels of α‐globin and γ + β‐globin fully compensated by AHSP expression, likely ensuring normal function and survival.
Roles of pathologists in molecular targeted cancer therapy
Authors: Osamura Robert Y.
Published: November 2009

Introduction

What is molecular targeted cancer therapy (MTCT)?

Molecular targeted cancer therapy and target molecules

Detection of target molecules and therapeutic response

Roles of pathologists in molecular targeted cancer therapy

Summary

Molecular targeted cancer therapy (MTCT) is the “personalized” or “individualized” approaches toward cancer which targets the particular molecular or genetic changes, i.e. over‐expression of molecules, and genetic amplification, mutations and translocations. MTCT is generally composed of two mechanisms, (1) humanized monoclonal antibodies (hMAB) and (2) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Somatostatin analogue (SA) is the unique situation for the therapy of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) which possess somatostatin receptor (SSTR). The cancers which are benefited by MTCT have been increased and will be increased to cover wide varieties of cancers. Good examples are (1) trastuzumab, hMAB against HER2 in breast cancers with HER2 over‐expression and amplification, (2) imatinib, TKI, for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) with c‐kit mutation, (3) gefitinib, TKI, for lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR mutation. The drug effects have been reported to be associated with these molecular and genetic changes. It should be particularly emphasized to treat the patients with corresponding targeted molecular changes. These molecular and genetic analysis should be performed! On the right areas of the cancers, ample amount of viable cancer cells, where the major roles of pathologists are lied. This introductory review of MTCT describes more details of each MTCT.
Pseudolymphomatous reaction to varicella zoster virus vaccination: role of viral in situ hybridization
Authors: Porto Dennis A. , Comfere Nneka I. , Myers Laura M. , Abbott Jared J.
Published: November 2009

Herpes zoster (shingles) is the result of a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV). Many adults obtain a VZV vaccine in order to prevent zoster. Non‐specific injection site reactions and generalized herpes eruptions have been reported to occur, especially in immunocompromised patients. However, these are most often anatomically generalized reactions and histopathologically resemble typical herpes infections. We report a 61‐year‐old female on immunosuppressant medications for rheumatoid arthritis who presented with a subcutaneous nodule at the site of a recent herpes zoster vaccination. Histopathological examination revealed a dense nodular and interstitial mononuclear infiltrate throughout the mid and deep dermis with extension into the superficial subcutaneous fat. Immunohistochemical staining revealed an admixture of T‐cells and B‐cells, with a predominance of T‐cells. These findings are consistent with a pseudolymphoma (PL), a reactive inflammatory disorder that can resemble cutaneous lymphoma and has rarely been described in herpes infections and post‐herpetic scars. In situ hybridization studies for VZV were performed and highlighted occasional deep fibroblasts with nuclear positivity for VZV DNA. A review of post‐vaccination reactions and herpes‐related PL is discussed with emphasis on using in situ hybridization in establishing the diagnosis.

Porto DA, Comfere NI, Myers LM, Abbott JJ. Pseudolymphomatous reaction to varicella zoster virus vaccination: role of viral in situ hybridization.
Protocols and Indications for Magnetic Resonance (Stress) First‐Pass Perfusion Imaging of the Myocardium
Authors: Lubbers D. D. , Kuijpers D. , Oudkerk M.
Published: November 2009

First‐pass perfusion imaging with MRI under pharmacologically induced stress for the detection of myocardial ischemia has gained a lot of interest over the past years. With adenosine as the main pharmacological ‘stressor’. Issues regarding the best contrast dose and injection speed have become clear. Several perfusion sequences have been studied over the past. Even some large multi‐centre trail results have been published. Some issues are still extensively research, like interpretation strategies and patient population in regard to protocols. This review highlights the technique of adenosine perfusion MRI and other perfusion techniques. The short history and current important literature are reviewed. Furthermore building blocks for different stress perfusion examinations are discussed.
Comparison of Two Fast MRI Methods for Perfusion Imaging of the Heart
Authors: Sijens P. E. , Lubbers D. D.
Published: November 2009

Time‐adaptive sensitivity encoding (TSENSE) and generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisition (GRAPPA) were applied to a gradient‐echo sequence used for first‐pass myocardial perfusion imaging of 12 patients with coronary artery disease. The two parallel imaging methods were compared in terms of signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) and image artefacts. Image acquisition was started during the administration of a Gd‐contrast bolus (0.1 mmoL/kg) followed by a 20‐mL saline flush (3 mL/s), and the next perfusion was started at least 15 min thereafter using an identical bolus. The order of perfusion sequences was inverted in every other patient. Both acquisitions had an acceleration rate of 2, and were performed during breath‐holding. The SNR, CNR and image quality of the GRAPPA images were significantly better than were those of the TSENSE images. An exception was the lower CNR of GRAPPA when applied after the second bolus. Differences between subjects were larger with GRAPPA perfusion imaging than with TSENSE. The SNR and CNR also varied relatively much between the GRAPPA images, indicating that the diagnostic value of TSENSE may be superior after all.
The Clinical Impact of Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy in the Evaluation of Coronary Artery Disease in 2009
Authors: Pirich C. , Seifen T. , Keinrath P. , Rettenbacher L.
Published: November 2009

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET) techniques is a well‐established diagnostic tool in clinical medicine providing non‐invasively information about cardiac perfusion, function and prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease. Gated SPECT MPI has been used in clinical routine for years allowing the characterization of localization, extent and severity of perfusion abnormalities both in women and men. Recently, clinical studies employing nuclear techniques (e.g. BASKET or COURAGE) have underlined its diagnostic accuracy, prognostic validity and its importance for the clinical decision making. The extent of stress‐induced ischaemia is of clinical relevance to guide decision making in the management of the cardiac patient. Improvements in nuclear imaging equipment, software for image analysis and stress techniques will accelerate the procedure and increase its diagnostic accuracy while reducing radiation exposure.
Cardiac troponin‐I as a screening tool for myocarditis in children hospitalized for viral infection
Authors: Renko M , Leskinen M , Kontiokari T , Tapiainen T , Hedberg P , Uhari M
Published: November 2009

Aim:  The incidence of myocarditis in children is uncertain because patients with minor symptoms can remain undiagnosed. We hypothesized that screening all children who are hospitalized for an acute infection with troponin‐I (TnI) would reveal myocarditis cases and performed a prospective screening study.

Methods:  Between October 2005 and July 2008, a blood sample for TnI measurement was taken every time a sample for C‐reactive protein measurement was drawn. If TnI value was above the screening limit (0.06 μg/L), electrocardiogram (ECG) and cardiac ultrasound were performed. TnI measurements were repeated until at normal level.

Results:  Altogether, 1009 children were screened during the 33 months. TnI was above the screening limit (0.06 μg/L) in six children. None of them had any signs of myocarditis in ECG or cardiac ultrasound. Five of those six children were younger than 30 days. All had a respiratory infection as a cause for hospitalization, three of which was caused by RSV. In four children, all younger than 30 days, TnI levels remained high (>0.37 μg/L) for two months, but decreased after that to normal levels.

Conclusion:  The incidence of myocarditis during viral infections is low and a routine TnI screening for asymptomatic myocarditis is not useful.
Development of a community health promotion center based on the World Health Organization's Ottawa Charter health promotion strategies
Authors: LEE Chung Yul , KIM Hee Soon , AHN Yang Hee , KO Il Sun , CHO Yoon Hee
Published: November 2009

Aim:  To describe the development process of nursing school‐led community health promotion centers (CHPC) to improve the health of the surrounding communities.

Methods:  This study design was a research and development study. (i) Assessment of health needs by interviewing 359 people in the community to select health programs for the community health promotion center. (ii) Five health promotion strategies from the Ottawa Charter were applied to develop the community health promotion center for a city community.

Results:  (i) The people in the community had higher socioeconomic status levels and better health behaviors compared to the general Korean population, and they also listed chronic health problem management as their first priority health service. (ii) Development of the community health promotion center was done based on the five World Health Organization's Ottawa Charter Health Promotion Strategies: build healthy public policy, create supportive environments, strengthen community actions, develop personal skills, and reorient health services.

Conclusions:  The present study showed that the WHO's five Ottawa Charter Health Promotion Strategies were useful for developing health promotion centers in the community.
Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Analogs of Indole‐Based Cannabimimetic Agents
Authors: Mazzoni Orazio , Diurno Maria V. , Di Bosco Antonio M. , Novellino Ettore , Grieco Paolo , Esposito Giovanni , Bertamino Alessia , Calignano Antonio , Russo Roberto
Published: November 2009

Aminoalkylindoles (AAIs), although structurally dissimilar from the classical cannabinoids, are known to be capable of binding to cannabinoid receptors and of evoking cannabinomimetic responses. With the aim of investigating the structure–activity relationships (SAR) for the binding of non‐classical agonists to CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, we designed and synthesized a series of indole derivatives. The compounds were tested for their analgesic action by formalin test and compared to WIN 55212‐2, an AAI acting to the cannabinoid receptors. In receptor binding assay, compound5showed affinity for the CB1 receptor comparable to WIN 55212‐2.
Primary End-Point Times, Functional Outcome and Adverse Event Profile after Acute Ischaemic Stroke
Authors: Ali M. , Sacco R.L. , Lees K.R.
Published: November 2009

Background

Poststroke complications such as pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia can impact outcome by causing deterioration in general health, delaying or preventing rehabilitation. While stroke carries a direct risk of complications, some events may be unrelated to index stroke severity and could confound outcome. We examined whether the presence of complications ‘unrelated’ to index stroke at later time-points could confound outcome, and if this could be minimised through altering study end-points.

Methods

We analysed 531 placebo-treated patients from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive who had experienced an acute ischaemic stroke and at least one poststroke complication during the 90-day follow-up period. We categorised complications into those deemed ‘related’ or ‘unrelated’ to index stroke severity. We examined modified Rankin Scale at 30 and 90 days, stratified by type of complication and assessed the impact of eliminating ‘unrelated’ complications on functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale) at 30 and 90 days using logistic regression (accounting for age and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale).

Results

The majority of complications in the early acute period after index stroke were ‘stroke related’ (30·2%). Patients did not have a better modified Rankin Scale profile at 30 days when compared with 90 days, regardless of the type of complications experienced. The absence of ‘stroke unrelated’ complications was associated with a worse outcome at 30 days [ P = 0·04, adjusted odds ratio for good functional outcome = 0·54, 95% confidence interval (0·3, 0·96)], and had no significant effect on outcome at 90 days.

Conclusions

We identified complications, which we deemed not to have occurred as a direct consequence of index stroke, but found that the absence of these events did not beneficially alter outcome at either short-term (30 days) or long-term (90 days) follow-up periods. Our analyses did not support the shortening of trial follow-up periods with the aim of minimising the risk of stroke-unrelated complications.
Aphasia Burden to Hospitalised Acute Stroke Patients: Need for an Early Rehabilitation Programme
Authors: Bersano A. , Burgio F. , Gattinoni M. , Candelise L.
Published: November 2009

Background/Purpose

The aim of our study is to evaluate the frequency of aphasia and to describe the characteristics of aphasics among a large sample of acute stroke patients in Italy.

Methods

Out of the 11 572 stroke patients hospitalised within 48 h from stroke onset, included in the PROSIT study, we selected 9594 alert cases for the estimation of aphasia frequency. The presence of aphasia was accepted when registered in the clinical records at the first neurological examination. All patients/caregivers underwent to a 2-year telephone follow-up evaluation.

Results

Twenty-eight per cent of alert acute stroke patients had aphasia, which was associated with arm and/or limb weakness in 74% of cases. In our series, aphasia was more frequent in females than males, in patients older than 75 years and was associated with more severe stroke. Aphasics, compared with nonaphasics, died more frequently. Aphasia was also significantly associated with residual poststroke disability.

Conclusions

This is the first study considering the frequency of aphasia in a wide population of hospitalised acute stroke patients. The presence of aphasia is more common in patients with severe stroke and contributes to residual disability. Our findings should be considered for setting early specific rehabilitation programmes.
Emulating Multicentre Clinical Stroke Trials: A New Paradigm for Studying Novel Interventions in Experimental Models of Stroke
Authors: Bath P. M. W. , Macleod M. R. , Green A. R.
Published: November 2009

The recent meta-analysis of NXY-059 in experimental stroke models using individual animal data found the drug to be an effective neuroprotective agent. However, the failure of translation of both this compound and many others from preclinical studies to the clinic indicates that new approaches must be used in drug discovery so that animal models become more reflective of the clinical situation, and studies using animal models of stroke mimic the design of studies performed in humans, as far as possible. In this review, we suggest that a fundamental paradigm shift is needed away from performing preclinical studies in individual laboratories to performing them in an organised group of independent laboratories. Studies should be run by a steering committee and should be supported by a coordinating centre, external data monitoring committee and outcome adjudication committee. This structure will mimic the practice of multicentre clinical trials. By doing so, future studies will minimise potential sources of bias including randomisation, concealment of allocation, blinding of surgery and outcome assessment and ensure publication of all data. It is likely that individual studies will involve increased heterogeneity and therefore will need to be larger. However, regular independent monitoring of data will allow development of interventions to be ceased immediately if neutral or negative data are obtained. The additional costs involved should be seen as reasonable when compared with the resources that would have been expended in running a clinical trial that subsequently proved negative.
Orexin receptor subtype activation and locomotor behaviour in the rat
Authors: Samson W. K. , Bagley S. L. , Ferguson A. V. , White M. M.
Published: November 2009

Aim:  Orexin‐producing neurones, located primarily in the perifornical region of the lateral hypothalamus, project to a wide spectrum of brain sites where they influence numerous behaviours as well as modulating the neuroendocrine and autonomic responses to stress. While some of the actions of orexin appear to be mediated via the type 1 receptor, some are not, including its action on the release of one stress hormone, prolactin. We describe here the ability of orexin to increase locomotor behaviours and identify the importance of both receptor subtypes in these actions.

Methods:  Rats were tested for their behavioural responses to the central activation of both the type 1 (OX1R) and type 2 (OX2R) receptor (ICV orexin A), compared to OX2R activation using a relatively selective OX2R agonist in the absence or presence of an orexin receptor antagonist that possesses highest affinity for OX1R.

Results:  Increases in locomotor activity were observed, effects which were expressed by not only orexin A, which binds to both the OX1R and the OX2R receptors, but also by the relatively selective OX2R agonist [(Ala11, Leu15)‐orexin B]. Furthermore, the OX1R selective antagonist only partially blocked the action of orexin A on most locomotor behaviours and did not block the actions of [(Ala11, Leu15)‐orexin B].

Conclusion:  We conclude that orexin A exerts its effects on locomotor behaviour via both the OX1R and OX2R and that agonism or antagonism of only one of these receptors for therapeutic purposes (i.e. sleep disorders) would not provide selectivity in terms of associated behavioural side effects.
Ancient Greek Accentuation in Generative Phonology and Optimality Theory
Authors: Probert Philomen
Published: November 2009

Ancient Greek had a complex accentuation system in which phonological factors interacted with the morphology and lexicon. This system has become important in the debate over whether a phonological theory should operate with derivations or constraints, or a combination of the two. This study surveys recent analyses of the Ancient Greek accentuation system in Generative Phonology and Optimality Theory, and challenges these analyses with some additional data.
Climate and regional beta‐diversity gradients in spiders: dispersal capacity has nothing to say?
Authors: JIMÉNEZ‐VALVERDE ALBERTO , BASELGA ANDRÉS , MELIC ANTONIO , TXASKO NAYRA
Published: November 2009

Abstract.  1. The importance of dispersal capacity in structuring beta‐diversity gradients has been pointed out in a number of recent studies, making geographical distance (GD) an important predictor of the composition of assemblages apart from environment. In this study, we analyse the relative importance of climate, habitat complexity and GD in four spider families with different dispersal tendencies in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula.

2. Regional beta‐diversity was calculated for the four families and values were bootstrapped to test for significant difference between groups. Mantel tests assessed the explanatory capacity of four potential predictors – climatic similarity, similarity of vegetation complexity, GD and cost distance (CD) considering topography – on faunistic similarity. Simple regressions were used to compare decay rates, and bootstrapping tested for significant differences in coefficients.

3. Regional beta‐diversity values were higher in less vagile families. Climatic distance was strongly correlated with faunistic dissimilarity in the four families, whereas GD had no explanatory power. Except in one family, CD was correlated with faunistic dissimilarity but its independent association was negligible when controlling for climate.

4. Both the pattern of regional beta‐diversity among families and the pattern of variation in species composition explained by climate are consistent with the hypothesis that dispersion capacity influences the composition of the assemblages. However, climate distance was the main factor determining species sorting in space while GD had a weak effect. Differences in the degree of specialisation or nonlinear relationships between species composition and space may obscure the signal of GD at the scale of work.
Failure of bone regeneration after demineralized bone matrix allograft in human maxillary sinus floor elevation
Authors: Lee Sang Shin , Jang Jae Hyun , Kim Kwang Soo , Yoo Young Jae , Kim Yeon Sook , Lee Suk Keun
Published: November 2009

Background and aims: There are a number of different commercially available demineralized bone matrix (DBM) products with significant differences between products with regard to the osteoinductive effect in bone defects. We aimed to evaluate the cellular response for the osteoinductive effect of the DBM graft materials by immunohistochemistry. Methods: Among five cases of sinus mucosa biopsy from the implant placement into the sinus floor elevation using DBM allograft, one case showed an intact sinus mucosa containing DBM inserted 4 months ago, while the others were severely infected and unable to be compared with each other for the osteoinductive effect of DBM. Immunohistochemistry investigations were undertaken. Results: The multinucleated giant cells were strongly positive for RANKL, cathepsin K, and HSP‐90, and consistently positive for lysozyme, TNF‐α, CD31, CD68, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9. The stromal cells were strongly positive for osteonectin and osteocalcin, but weak for BMP‐2, BMP‐4, RUNX2, TGF‐β1, CTGF, and TGase‐2. Conclusions: For sinus floor elevation the autogenic bone graft or osteogenic stem cell replacement is necessary, whereas DBM allograft only being insufficient.
Beyond Functional Architecture in Cognitive Neuropsychology: A Reply to Coltheart (2010)
Authors: Plaut David C. , Patterson Karalyn
Published: November 2009

We (Patterson & Plaut, 2009) argued that cognitive neuropsychology has had a limited impact on cognitive science due to a nearly exclusive reliance on (a) single‐case studies, (b) dissociations in cognitive performance, and (c) shallow, box‐and‐arrow theorizing, and we advocated adopting a case‐series methodology, considering associations as well as dissociations, and employing explicit computational modeling in studying “how the brain does its cognitive business.” In reply, Coltheart (2010) claims that our concern is misplaced because cognitive neuropsychology is concerned only with studying the mind, in terms of its “functional architecture,” without regard to how this is implemented in the brain. In this response, we do not dispute his characterization of cognitive neuropsychology as it has typically been practiced over the last 40 years, but we suggest that our understanding of brain structure and function has advanced to the point where studying the mind without regard to the brain is unwise and perpetuates the field’s isolation.
Denitrification capabilities of two biological phosphorus removal sludges dominated by different ‘Candidatus Accumulibacter’ clades
Authors: Flowers Jason J. , He Shaomei , Yilmaz Safak , Noguera Daniel R. , McMahon Katherine D.
Published: November 2009

The capability of ‘Candidatus Accumulibacter’ to use nitrate as an electron acceptor for phosphorus uptake was investigated using two activated sludge communities. The two communities were enriched in Accumulibacter clade IA and clade IIA, respectively. By performing a series of batch experiments, we found that clade IA was able to couple nitrate reduction with phosphorus uptake, but clade IIA could not. These results agree with a previously proposed hypothesis that different populations of Accumulibacter have different nitrate reduction capabilities, and they will help to understand the ecological roles played by these two clades.
Pseudomonas putida KT2440 causes induced systemic resistance and changes in Arabidopsis root exudation
Authors: Matilla Miguel A. , Ramos Juan L. , Bakker Peter A.H.M. , Doornbos Rogier , Badri Dayakar V. , Vivanco Jorge M. , Ramos‐González María Isabel
Published: November 2009

Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is an efficient colonizer of the rhizosphere of plants of agronomical and basic interest. We have demonstrated that KT2440 can protect the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana against infection by the phytopathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. P. putida extracellular haem‐peroxidase (PP2561) was found to be important for competitive colonization and essential for the induction of plant systemic resistance. Root exudates of plants elicited by KT2440 exhibited distinct patterns of metabolites compared with those of non‐elicited plants. The levels of some of these compounds were dramatically reduced in axenic plants or plants colonized by a mutant defective in PP2561, which has increased sensitiveness to oxidative stress with respect to the wild type. Thus high‐level oxidative stress resistance is a bacterial driving force in the rhizosphere for efficient colonization and to induce systemic resistance. These results provide important new insight into the complex events that occur in order for plants to attain resistance against foliar pathogens.
Functional analysis of new transporters involved in stress tolerance in Pseudomonas putida DOT‐T1E
Authors: García Vanina , Godoy Patricia , Daniels Craig , Hurtado Ana , Ramos Juan‐Luis , Segura Ana
Published: November 2009

Pseudomonas putida DOT‐T1E is a highly solvent‐tolerant strain. Although the main mechanism that confers solvent tolerance to the strain is the TtgGHI efflux pump, a number of other proteins are also involved in the response to toluene. Previous proteomic and transcriptomic analysis carried out in our lab with P. putida DOT‐T1E, and the solvent‐sensitive strain, P. putida KT2440, revealed several transporters that were induced in the presence of toluene. We prepared five mutants of the corresponding genes in P. putida DOT‐T1E and analysed their phenotypes with respect to solvent tolerance, stress endurance and growth with different carbon, nitrogen and sulfur sources. The data clearly demonstrated that two transporters (Ttg2ABC and TtgK) are involved in multidrug resistance and toluene tolerance, whereas another (homologous to PP0219 of P. putida KT2440) is a sulfate/sulfite transporter. No clear function could be assigned to the other two transporters. Of the transporters shown to be involved in toluene tolerance, one (ttg2ABC) belongs to the ATP‐Binding Cassette (ABC) family, and is involved in multidrug resistance in P. putida DOT‐T1E, while the other belongs to the Major Facilitator Superfamily and exhibits homology to a putative transporter of the Bcr/CflA family that has not previously been reported to be involved in toluene tolerance.
Boundary Conditions and Evolution of Ballistic Heat Transport
Authors: Alvarez F. X. , Jou D.
Published: November 2009

We analyze the effects of boundary conditions on the evolution of ballistic heat transport in four theoretical models and propose that a Fourier equation with an effective size-dependent thermal conductivity is a good candidate for the description of ballistic transport when boundary conditions are suitably imposed.
Contributions of Inter- and Intraband Excitations to Electron Heat Capacity and Electron-Phonon Coupling in Noble Metals
Authors: Hopkins Patrick E.
Published: November 2009

This work examines the effects of photonically induced interband excitations from the d-band to states at the Fermi energy on thermophysical properties in noble metals. The change in the electron population in the d-band and the conduction band causes a change in electron heat capacity and electron-phonon coupling factor, which in turn impacts the evolution of the temperature after pulse absorption and electron thermalization. Expressions for heat capacity and electron-phonon coupling factor are derived for electrons undergoing both inter- and intraband transitions. In noble metals, due to the large d-band to Fermi energy separation, the contributions to electron heat capacity and electron-phonon coupling factor of intra- and interband transitions can be separated. At high absorbed laser fluences and pulse energies greater than the interband transition threshold, the interband and intraband contributions to thermophysical properties differ.
Natural Convection Inside a Bidisperse Porous Medium Enclosure
Authors: Narasimhan Arunn , Reddy B. V. K.
Published: November 2009

Bidisperse porous medium (BDPM) consists of a macroporous medium whose solid phase is replaced with a microporous medium. This study investigates using numerical simulations, steady natural convection inside a square BDPM enclosure made from uniformly spaced, disconnected square porous blocks that form the microporous medium. The side walls are subjected to differential heating, while the top and bottom ones are kept adiabatic. The bidispersion effect is generated by varying the number of blocks (N2), macropore volume fraction (ϕE), and internal Darcy number (DaI) for several enclosure Rayleigh numbers (Ra). Their effect on the BDPM heat transfer (Nu) is investigated. When Ra is fixed, the Nu increases with an increase in both DaI and DaE. At low Ra values, Nu is strongly affected by both DaI and ϕE. When N2 is fixed, at high Ra values, the porous blocks in the core region have negligible effect on the Nu. A correlation is proposed to evaluate the heat transfer from the BDPM enclosure, Nu, as a function of Raϕ, DaE, DaI, and N2. It predicts the numerical results of Nu within ±15% and ±9% in two successive ranges of modified Rayleigh number, RaϕDaE.
Sensitivity of the Human Comfort Equation and of Free Convection in a Vertical Enclosure as Examples of the Use of Global Sensitivity to Evaluate Parameter Interactions
Authors: Emery A. F. , Wu M.-H. H. , Mescher A. M.
Published: November 2009

Many models of engineering and scientific systems involve interactions between and among the parameters, stimuli, and physical properties. The determination of the adequacy of models for predictions and for designing experiments generally involves sensitivity studies. Good designs mandate that the experiments be sensitive to the parameters sought with little interaction between them because such interaction generally confuses the estimation and reduces the precision of the estimates. For design purposes, analysts frequently want to evaluate the sensitivities of the predicted responses to specific variables, but if the variables interact it is often difficult to separate the effects. Global sensitivity is a technique by which one can evaluate the magnitude of the interactions between multiple variables. In this paper, the global sensitivity approach is applied to the human comfort equation and to free convection in a rectangular enclosure. It is found that when occupants are uncomfortable, there is little interaction and that one can predict the effects of changing several environmental conditions at once by adding the separate effects. But when occupants are comfortable, there is a large interaction and the effects cannot be treated separately. Free convective heat transfer in an enclosure is a function of the Rayleigh number Ra and the aspect ratio H/W, and the flow field changes from unicellular to multicellular as Ra increases. There is a strong interaction for H/W≤2 but little for H/W≥2.