bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of inhaled carbon monoxide on acute lung injury in mice
Authors: Ghosh Subhamay , Wilson Michael R. , Choudhury Sharmila , Yamamoto Hirotoshi , Goddard Michael E. , Falusi Boglarka , Marczin Nandor , Takata Masao
Published: January 2005

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are major causes of morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit, but despite continuing research few effective therapies have been identified. In recent years, inhaled carbon monoxide (CO) has been reported to have cytoprotective effects in several animal models of tissue injury. We therefore evaluated the effects of inhaled CO in three different in vivo mouse models of ALI. Anesthetized C57BL/6 mice were ventilated with oxygen in the presence or absence of CO (500 parts per million) for 1 h before lung injury was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or oleic acid (OA) administration. Ventilation was then continued with the same gases for a further 2–3 h, with hemodynamic and respiratory parameters monitored throughout. Intratracheal LPS administration induced lung injury with alveolar inflammation (increased lavage fluid neutrophils, total protein, and cytokines). In contrast, intravenous LPS induced a predominantly vascular lung injury, with increased plasma TNF and increased neutrophil activation (surface Mac-1 upregulation and L-selectin shedding) and sequestration within the pulmonary vasculature. Intravenous OA produced deteriorations in lung function, reflected by changes in respiratory mechanics and blood gases and lavage fluid neutrophil accumulation. However, addition of CO to the inspired gas did not produce significant changes in the measured physiological or immunological parameters in the mouse models used in this study. Thus the results do not support the hypothesis that use of inhaled CO is beneficial in the treatment of ALI and ARDS.
RealSpot: software validating results from DNA microarray data analysis with spot images
Authors: Chen Zhongming , Liu Lin
Published: February 2005

The spot images from DNA microarray highly affect the discovery of biological knowledge from gene expression data. However, results from quality analysis, normalization, differential expression, and cluster analysis are rarely validated with spot images in current data analysis methods or software packages. We designed RealSpot, a software package, to validate the results by directly associating spot quality and data with spot images in a spreadsheet table. RealSpot splits hybridization images into individual spots stored in a spreadsheet table. It subsequently associates microarray data with spot images and performs data validation through the standard table operation such as sorting, searching, and editing. RealSpot has several built-in functions to facilitate data validation, including spot quality analysis, data organization, one-way ANOVA, gene ontology association, verification, import, and export. We used RealSpot to evaluate 77 slides (30,000 features each) from real hybridization experiments and to validate results from each step of data analysis. It took ∼10 min to validate results of spot quality after initial evaluation and correct ∼0.3% of falsely assigned qualities of 10,000 spots. We validated 1,641 of 2,110 differentially expressed genes identified by SAM analysis in ∼1/2 h by comparing each gene with its respective spot image. Furthermore, we found that 6 of 48 genes in one cluster from k-mean clustering method showed inconsistent trends of spot images. RealSpot is efficient for validating microarray results and thus helpful for improving the reliability of the whole microarray experiment for experimentalists.
Intention-to-Treat Analysis of Pulmonary Artery Banding in Conditions With a Morphological Right Ventricle in the Systemic Circulation With a View to Anatomic Biventricular Repair
Authors: Winlaw David S. , McGuirk Simon P. , Balmer Christian , Langley Stephen M. , Griselli Massimo , Stümper Oliver , De Giovanni Joseph V. , Wright John G. , Thorne Sara , Barron David J. , Brawn William J.
Published: February 2005

Background—

Some patients with a morphological right ventricle (mRV) in the systemic circulation require early intervention because of progressive systemic ventricular dysfunction or atrioventricular valve regurgitation. They may be eligible for anatomic repair (correction of atrioventricular and ventriculoarterial discordance) but require prior training of the morphological left ventricle (mLV).

Methods and Results—

Forty-one patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries or a previous atrial switch procedure embarked on a protocol of pulmonary artery (PA) banding with a view to anatomic repair. All had an mRV in the systemic circulation and a subpulmonary mLV that was not conditioned by either volume or pressure load. Two patients were not banded, and 39 were followed up for a median of 4.3 years (range, 25 days to 12.6 years). Sixteen patients achieved anatomic repair, with 3 in the early stages of the training protocol. After 2 years, 12 patients were not suitable for anatomic repair and persisted with palliative banding; 8 were functionally improved; and 4 died, underwent transplantation, or required debanding. PA banding improved functional class but did not improve tricuspid regurgitation in the long term for patients not achieving anatomic repair. mLV function was a critical determinant of survival with a PA band as well as survival after anatomic repair. Patients >16 years were unlikely to achieve anatomic repair.

Conclusion—

PA banding is a safe and effective method of training the mLV before anatomic repair. It is also an effective palliative procedure for those who do not attain this goal.
Acute and Reversible Cardiomyopathy Provoked by Stress in Women From the United States
Authors: Sharkey Scott W. , Lesser John R. , Zenovich Andrey G. , Maron Martin S. , Lindberg Jana , Longe Terrence F. , Maron Barry J.
Published: February 2005

Background—

A clinical entity characterized by acute but rapidly reversible left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and triggered by psychological stress is emerging, with reports largely confined to Japan.

Methods and Results—

Over a 32-month period, 22 consecutive patients with this novel cardiomyopathy were prospectively identified within a community-based practice in the Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minn, area. All patients were women aged 32 to 89 years old (mean 65±13 years); 21 (96%) were ≥50 years of age. The syndrome is characterized by (1) acute substernal chest pain with ST-segment elevation and/or T-wave inversion; (2) absence of significant coronary arterial narrowing by angiography; (3) systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction 29±9%), with abnormal wall motion of the mid and distal LV, ie, “apical ballooning”; and (4) profound psychological stress (eg, death of relatives, domestic abuse, arguments, catastrophic medical diagnoses, devastating financial or gambling losses) immediately preceding and triggering the cardiac events. A significant proportion of patients (37%) had hemodynamic compromise and required vasopressor agents and intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation. Each patient survived with normalized ejection fraction (63±6%;
P
<0.001) and rapid restoration to previous functional cardiovascular status within 6±3 days. In 95%, MRI identified diffusely distributed segmental wall-motion abnormalities that encompassed LV myocardium in multiple coronary arterial vascular territories.

Conclusions—

A reversible cardiomyopathy triggered by psychologically stressful events occurs in older women and may mimic evolving acute myocardial infarction or coronary syndrome. This condition is characterized by a distinctive form of systolic dysfunction that predominantly affects the distal LV chamber and a favorable outcome with appropriate medical therapy.
Prospective Study on Usual Dietary Phytoestrogen Intake and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Western Women
Authors: van der Schouw Yvonne T. , Kreijkamp-Kaspers Sanne , Peeters Petra H.M. , Keinan-Boker Lital , Rimm Eric B. , Grobbee Diederick E.
Published: February 2005

Background—

Phytoestrogens have been suggested to lower cardiovascular disease risk, but existing research focused on non-Western high intake levels and on risk factors. We investigated whether habitual low phytoestrogen intake is associated with manifest cardiovascular disease risk.

Methods and Results—

Between 1993 and 1997, 16 165 women 49 to 70 years old and free from cardiovascular disease were enrolled in the Dutch Prospect-EPIC cohort (European Prospective study Into Cancer and nutrition) and followed up for a median period of 75 months. At enrollment, women filled in questionnaires on chronic disease risk factors and nutrition. Intake of phytoestrogens was estimated using the food frequency questionnaire covering regular dietary intake of 178 food items in the year before enrollment. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios of cardiovascular disease for quartiles of phytoestrogen intake adjusted for age at intake, body mass index, smoking, physical activity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, use of hormone replacement therapy, menopausal status, and intake of total energy, total fiber, vegetables, fruit, and alcohol. In total, 372 women experienced a coronary event (CHD) (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD-9], 410 to 414, 427.5) and 147 women a cerebrovascular event (CVD) (ICD-9, 430 to 438) during follow-up. Overall, neither isoflavones nor lignans were associated with decreased cardiovascular disease risk. When stratifying for ever versus never smokers, CHD risk decreased with increasing lignan intake for ever smokers.

Conclusions—

Our results do not support the presence of a protective effect of higher intake of phytoestrogens in low doses on cardiovascular disease risk, although a small risk reduction with higher lignan intake cannot be excluded for smokers.
Women Have Lower Tonic Autonomic Support of Arterial Blood Pressure and Less Effective Baroreflex Buffering Than Men
Authors: Christou Demetra D. , Jones Pamela Parker , Jordan Jens , Diedrich André , Robertson David , Seals Douglas R.
Published: February 2005

Background—

Short-term and tonic regulation of arterial blood pressure (BP) differ in premenopausal women and men of similar age. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a critical role in BP regulation.

Methods and Results—

To test the hypothesis that women have lower tonic ANS support of BP (reduction in intra-arterial BP during acute ganglionic blockade [GB] with intravenous trimethaphan) and less effective baroreflex buffering (BRB) of BP (potentiation of the systolic BP [SBP] response to bolus phenylephrine during versus before GB) than men, 51 healthy adults, 22 premenopausal women (aged 28±1 years, mean±SE) and 29 men (aged 27±1 years), were studied. Women had lower baseline SBP and plasma catecholamine concentrations than men (
P
<0.05). Tonic ANS support of BP was ≈50% to 65% lower in the women (
P
<0.001). The reductions in BP during GB were related to baseline plasma catecholamine concentrations (
r
=−0.31 to −0.41,
P
<0.05). Acute BRB of BP was 47% smaller in the women (3.3±0.5 versus 6.3±0.9,
P
=0.006) and was related to the SBP responses to phenylephrine before GB (
R
2
=0.71,
P
<0.0001). Systemic α
1
-adrenergic vascular responsiveness (SBP response to bolus phenylephrine during GB) was not different (women 21.5±2 mm Hg versus men 18.6±2 mm Hg,
P
=0.3).

Conclusions—

Premenopausal women have lower tonic sympathoadrenal activity-related ANS support of BP and less effective BRB of BP than men of similar age. The lower tonic ANS support of BP could contribute to the lower chronic BP levels of premenopausal women, whereas attenuated BRB of BP may help explain less effective BP regulation in women in response to vasoactive drugs and acute stress.
The Diffusion of Regulatory Capitalism in Latin America: Sectoral and National Channels in the Making of a New Order
Authors: Jordana Jacint , Levi-Faur David
Published: February 2005

This article analyzes the sweeping restructuring of the state in Latin America and the consequent institutionalization of a new regulatory order. The analysis is grounded in an original database that covers the creation of regulatory agencies and their reform in nineteen countries and twelve sectors over the period from 1979 to 2002. The authors’ data capture both the national and the sectoral patterns of the rise of the new order, and the authors distinguish between (1) national patterns of diffusion, whereby the number of prior regulatory authorities within a country determines the probability of the establishment of new authorities in that country; and (2) sectoral patterns of diffusion, whereby the number of prior regulatory authority in the same sector in other countries determines the probability of the establishment of new regulatory authority in that sector. The results coincide with a growing body of literature that emphasizes the role of contagious diffusion and shed some new light on sectoral and national channels of diffusion.
Political Insecurity and the Diffusion of Financial Market Regulation
Authors: Way Christopher R.
Published: February 2005

Explanations for the international spread of financial market liberalization have emphasized either “top-down” mechanisms (globalization, pressure from international organizations and the United States) or “bottom-up” mechanisms focusing on domestic coalitions (derived from configurations of economic interests). In contrast to these broadly structural approaches that deemphasize the choices of individuals, this article focuses on the micro-mechanisms of diffusion by emphasizing the incentives facing office-seeking leaders. It argues that politically insecure leaders are potent agents of diffusion because they are particularly likely to “learn” the lessons of financial market reformand emulate the liberalizing practices of others for two reasons. First, the hefty economic boom often associated with financial liberalization provides a tempting way to buttress their near-term grip on power. As they observe other nations in their region experiencing a boom, leaders fearful of losing office will jump on the liberalization bandwagon, accelerating regional reform cascades. Second, insecure governments may be particularly susceptible to pressure from international organizations: They have motivated biases to believe the efficiency claims of liberalizers and strong reasons to seek approval for their policies.
Global Work-Related Suffering as a Priority for Vocational Psychology
Authors: Sloan Tod
Published: February 2005

Building on the recommendations in the article “An Emancipatory Communitarian Approach to Vocational Development Theory, Research, and Practice” by David Blustein, Ellen McWhirter, and Justin Perry, a critical and global perspective on the challenge facing vocational psychologists who adopt an emancipatory communitarian approach is developed. Attention to the most pressing needs of the global unemployed and working poor will be critical. Most psychologists already possess the skill sets that are required, but the roles will change from work that primarily sustains current socioeconomic systems to work that challenges the globalization of corporate consumerism through an insistence on participatory democracy in the work settings and the defense of the human rights of workers.
Criminally Involved Drug-Using Mothers: The Need for System Change
Authors: Bogart John G. , Stevens Sally J. , Hill Rebecca J. , Estrada Barbara D.
Published: February 2005

Most criminally involved drug-using females are mothers and are a disenfranchised population; although, little data are available on the differences between female drug users with children and female drug users without children in their care with regard to income, stability, resources, and other economic and contextual variables. Given the lack of information on criminally involved drug-using women, this study examines differences between drug-using women with children and drug-using women without children in their care with regard to basic demographics, mobility, resources, drug use, and legal problems or involvement. Participants selected for this examination included 154 criminally involved female drug users who had given birth to at least one child and were selected from a larger sample of 214 women who were randomly assigned to participate in a legal session. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to examine the differences and similarities of the two groups. An ethnic-racial disparity was evident when examining the differences of characteristics of women who have children in their care versus those who do not. Overall, data from this study suggest that both groups of women are on the edge in terms of poverty, addiction, and rearrest. These results indicate that proactive measures that address this high-risk group are required.
Persistent Problems Demand Consistent Solutions: Evaluating Policies to Mitigate Occupational Segregation by Gender
Authors: Mastracci Sharon H.
Published: February 2005

This study focuses on two grant programs administered by the Women’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Labor: the Non-Traditional Employment for Women (NEW) program and Women in Apprenticeships in Non-Traditional Occupations (WANTO). These two grant programs were created to increase the numbers of women in nontraditional fields, and this analysis seeks to determine whether they had effects on women’s participation in nontraditional occupations (NTOs): jobs where men dominate, usually blue-collar crafts and skilled trades, though not exclusively crafts and skilled trades. The study finds that WANTO and NEW substantially increased the chances that a woman obtained employment in an NTO.
A Critical Note on Moseley’s “Macro-Monetary” Interpretation of Marx’s Theory
Authors: Ravagnani Fabio
Published: February 2005

This note critically evaluates the “macro-monetary” interpretation of Marx’s theory presented by Moseley (2000) in opposition to the traditional view rooted in the work of Bortkiewicz. The first part argues that the textual evidence from Capital sharply contrasts with the basic premise of Moseley’s interpretation, that is, the claim that the inputs of constant and variable capital enter directly into Marx’s theory as given sums of money. The second part shows that the theoretical construction Moseley attributes to Marx is subject to severe analytical limitations. It is accordingly concluded that Moseley’s contribution does not seriously challenge the traditional view of Marx.
How Ecologically Uneven Developments Put the Spin on the Treadmill of Production
Authors: Bunker Stephen G.
Published: February 2005

The treadmill of production concept can be significantly enriched if it is incorporated into a world-systemic approach to the economic/ecological/political processes that development around dominant nations’ strategies for access to the raw materials that the treadmill requires that they consume at exponentially expanding rates.
The Treadmill of Accumulation
Authors: Foster John Bellamy
Published: February 2005

Allan Schnaiberg’s “treadmill of production” model has formed the single most influential framework of analysis within environmental sociology in the United States. Schnaiberg’s work is often characterized as “neo-Marxist,” but its actual relation to Marxian political economy has been left obscure. The following article examines Marx’s treatment of the treadmill as the crudest historical expression of the capitalist mode of production; the roots of Schnaiberg’s analysis in Baran and Sweezy’s conception of monopoly capital and Gabriel Kolko’s conception of political capitalism; the later divergence of the treadmill theory and Marxian political economy; the disappearance of the explicit critique of capitalism in the joint work of Schnaiberg and Kenneth Alan Gould; and the reconvergence of these traditions in the current phase of environmental sociology characterized by the debate with ecological modernization. The treadmill model demonstrates that the choice between barbarism and civilization is not simply a question of the organization of the human relations within society but also a question of the organization of the human relation to the environment.
The Treadmill of Production Under NAFTA
Authors: Oliver Christopher
Published: February 2005

The author illustrates the role of NAFTA in the undermining of government attempts to regulate environmental conditions and public health. Two case studies under NAFTA Chapter 11 are examined: (a) Ethyl Corporation v. Canada and (b) Methanex Corporation v. United States. It is argued that multilateral trade agreements have resulted in limiting the power of governmental bodies to regulate their own environmental conditions and that this has been a consequence of two historical processes: (a) the expansion of trade liberalization under free market systems—part of what Schnaiberg calls the “treadmill of production”—and (b) a shift in sovereignty from the nation-state and multinational corporations to consortia of the former two and newly created “supranational organisms”—what Hardt and Negri call “Empire.”
Polymorphisms of the XRCC1, XRCC3, & XPDgenes, and colorectal cancer risk: a case-control study in Taiwan
Authors: Yeh Chih-Ching , Sung Fung-Chang , Tang Reiping , Chang-Chieh Chung Rong , Hsieh Ling-Ling
Published: January 2005

Background

Recent studies relating to the association between DNA repair-gene polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk would, to the best of our knowledge, appear to be very limited. This study was designed to examine the polymorphisms associated with three DNA repair genes, namely: XRCC1 Arg399Gln, XRCC3 Thr241Met and XPD Lys751Gln, and investigate their role as susceptibility markers for colorectal cancer.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study including 727 cases of cancer and 736 hospital-based age- and sex-matched healthy controls to examine the role of genetic polymorphisms of three DNA-repair genes (XRCC1, XRCC3 and XPD) in the context of colorectal cancer risk for the Taiwanese population. Genomic DNA isolated from 10 ml whole blood was used to genotype XRCC1 Arg399Gln, XRCC3 Thr241Met and XPD Lys751Gln by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis.

Results

The risk for colorectal cancer did not appear to differ significantly amongst individuals featuring the XRCC1 399Arg/Arg genotype (OR = 1.18; 95% CI, 0.96–1.45), the XRCC3 241Thr/Thr genotype (OR = 1.25; 95% CI, 0.88–1.79) or the XPD 751Gln allele (OR = 1.20; 95% CI, 0.90–1.61), although individuals featuring a greater number of risk genotypes (genotype with OR greater than 1) did experience a higher risk for colorectal cancer when compared to those who didn't feature any risk genotypes (Trend test P = 0.03). Compared with those individuals who didn't express any putative risk genotypes, individuals featuring all of the putative risk genotypes did experience a significantly greater cancer risk (OR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.21–4.90), particularly for individuals suffering tumors located in the rectum (OR = 3.18, 95% CI = 1.29–7.82) and diagnosed prior to the age of 60 years (OR = 4.90, 95% CI = 1.72–14.0).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that DNA-repair pathways may simultaneously modulate the risk of colorectal cancer for the Taiwanese population, and, particularly for rectal cancer and younger patients.
The development of a new corporate specific health risk measurement instrument, and its use in investigating the relationship between health and well-being and employee productivity
Authors: Mills Peter R
Published: January 2005

Background

There is a growing body of evidence linking health and well-being to key business issues. Despite this, corporate uptake of workplace health promotion programmes has been slow outside the USA. One possible reason for this is the lack of a generally available health risk measure that is quick and easy to administer and produces data that is rich enough to inform and direct subsequent employee health promotional interventions.

Methods

We report on the development and validation of the health and well-being (HWB) assessment, a free to use health risk appraisal questionnaire that has been specifically developed for use in the corporate setting. The HWB assessment focuses upon modifiable health issues that directly impact upon business drivers. Development involved interviews with business leaders to ascertain their key areas of focus, scientific and general literature review to find evidence for health status having an impact upon these areas, and end user testing.

Three UK-based organisations (insurance, telecommunications and consumer goods sectors) participated in the research. A total of 2224 employees completed the HWB assessment, the short-form 36 (SF-36) and the World Health Organisation Health and Work Performance questionnaire (WHO-HPQ) as part of the validation process.

Results

The HWB assessment is a twenty item questionnaire covering ten areas of health and well-being. Completion of the HWB assessment generates a global health risk score and ten sub-scores corresponding to the ten areas covered. It is easy to use and quick to complete (average completion time was eight minutes) and showed good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Statistically significant correlations with similar SF-36 variables were observed. A significant negative correlation between HWB score and productivity decrement, as measured by the WHO-HPQ, was observed (r = -0.4). Individuals with HWB scores above the 25th percentile were more likely to achieve workplace productivity standards than those with scores below the 25th percentile (OR 3.62, 95% confidence limits 2.93 – 4.47).

Conclusion

The HWB assessment generates reliable business focused health risk data that can be used to direct and target appropriate interventions within corporate populations. It may also be useful in quantifying the financial impact health status issues have upon organisations.
Relevance of tissue Doppler in the quantification of stress echocardiography for the detection of myocardial ischemia in clinical practice
Authors: Sicari Rosa
Published: January 2005

In the present article we review the main published data on the application of Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) to stress echocardiography for the detection of myocardial ischemia. TDI has been applied to stress echocardiography in order to overcome the limitations of visual analysis for myocardial ischemia. The introduction of a new technology for clinical routine use should pass through the different phases of scientific assessment from feasibility studies to large multicenter studies, from efficacy to effectiveness studies. Nonetheless the pro-technology bias plays a major role in medicine and expensive and sophisticated techniques are accepted before their real usefulness and incremental value to the available ones is assessed. Apparently, TDI is not exempted by this approach : its applications are not substantiated by strong and sound results. Nonetheless, conventional stress echocardiography for myocardial ischemia detection is heavily criticized on the basis of its subjectivity. Stress echocardiography has a long lasting history and the evidence collected over 20 years positioned it as an established tool for the detection and prognostication of coronary artery disease. The quantitative assessment of myocardial ischemia remains a scientific challenge and a clinical goal but time has not come for these newer ultrasonographic techniques which should be restricted to research laboratories.
Identifying genetic networks underlying myometrial transition to labor
Authors: Salomonis Nathan , Cotte Nathalie , Zambon Alexander C , Pollard Katherine S , Vranizan Karen , Doniger Scott W , Dolganov Gregory , Conklin Bruce R
Published: January 2005

Background

Early transition to labor remains a major cause of infant mortality, yet the causes are largely unknown. Although several marker genes have been identified, little is known about the underlying global gene expression patterns and pathways that orchestrate these striking changes.

Results

We performed a detailed time-course study of over 9,000 genes in mouse myometrium at defined physiological states: non-pregnant, mid-gestation, late gestation, and postpartum. This dataset allowed us to identify distinct patterns of gene expression that correspond to phases of myometrial 'quiescence', 'term activation', and 'postpartum involution'. Using recently developed functional mapping tools (HOPACH (hierarchical ordered partitioning and collapsing hybrid) and GenMAPP 2.0), we have identified new potential transcriptional regulatory gene networks mediating the transition from quiescence to term activation.

Conclusions

These results implicate the myometrium as an essential regulator of endocrine hormone (cortisol and progesterone synthesis) and signaling pathways (cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP stimulation) that direct quiescence via the transcripitional upregulation of both novel and previously associated regulators. With term activation, we observe the upregulation of cytoskeletal remodeling mediators (intermediate filaments), cell junctions, transcriptional regulators, and the coordinate downregulation of negative control checkpoints of smooth muscle contractile signaling. This analysis provides new evidence of multiple parallel mechanisms of uterine contractile regulation and presents new putative targets for regulating myometrial transformation and contraction.
Effect of Hypoxia/Ischemia and Hypoxic Preconditioning/Reperfusion on Expression of Some Amyloid‐Degrading Enzymes
Authors: NALIVAEVAA NATALIA N. , FISK LILIA , KOCHKINA EKATERINA G. , PLESNEVA SVETLANA A. , ZHURAVIN IGOR A. , BABUSIKOVA EVA , DOBROTA DUSAN , TURNER ANTHONY J.
Published: January 2005

Abstract:Alzheimer's disease (AD) is linked to certain common brain pathologies (e.g., ischemia, stroke, and trauma) believed to facilitate its development and progression. One of the logical approaches to this problem is to study the effects of ischemia and hypoxia on the metabolism of amyloid precursor protein, which plays one of the key roles in the pathogenesis of AD. This involves an analysis of (1) proteases, which participate in proteolysis of amyloid precursor protein either by the nonamyloidogenic route (α‐secretase) or the amyloidogenic pathway and lead to formation of toxic β‐amyloid peptides (β‐ and γ‐secretases) and (2) several metallopeptidases that might play a role in degradation of β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ). The study of the effects of prenatal hypoxia and acute hypoxia in adult animals allowed us to conclude that oxygen deprivation results not only in an increase of amyloid precursor protein expression in the brain but also in a decrease in the activity of α‐secretase. In some brain structures involved in AD pathology (the cortex and striatum), we also observed a decrease in the expression of two of the Aβ degrading enzymes, neprilysin and endothelin‐converting enzyme, after hypoxia. A decrease in expression of these metalloproteases was also observed in the model of four‐vessel occlusion ischemia in rats with their restoration to the control levels after reperfusion. Preconditioning to mild hypoxia both in the prenatal period and in adults appeared to have a neuroprotective effect restoring, in particular, the levels of amyloid precursor protein, activity of a‐secretase, and expression of neprilysin and endothelin‐converting enzyme to their control values.
Induction of Serine Racemase by Inflammatory Stimuli Is Dependent on AP‐1
Authors: WU SHENGZHOU , BARGER STEVEN W.
Published: January 2005

Abstract: Serine racemase (SRace) is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of L‐serine to pyruvate or D‐serine, an endogenous agonist for NMDA receptors. Our previous studies showed that inflammatory stimuli such as Aβ could elevate steady‐state mRNA levels for SRace, perhaps leading to inappropriate glutamatergic stimulation under conditions of inflammation. We report here that a proinflammatory stimulus (lipopolysaccharide) elevated the activity of the human SRace promoter, as indicated by expression of a luciferase reporter system transfected into a microglial cell line. This effect corresponded to an elevation of SRace protein levels in microglia, as well. By contrast, dexamethasone inhibited the SRace promoter activity and led to an apparent suppression of SRace steady‐state mRNA levels. A potential binding site for NFκB was explored, but this sequence played no significant role in SRace promoter activation. Instead, large deletions and site‐directed mutagenesis indicated that a DNA element between −1382 and −1373 (relative to the start of translation) was responsible for the activation of the promoter by lipopolysaccharide. This region fits the consensus for an activator protein‐1 binding site. Lipopolysaccharide induced an activity capable of binding this DNA element in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Supershifts with antibodies against c‐Fos and JunB identified these as the responsible proteins. An inhibitor of Jun N‐terminal kinase blocked SRace promoter activation, further implicating activator protein‐1. These data indicate that proinflammatory stimuli utilize a signal transduction pathway culminating in activator protein‐1 activation to induce expression of serine racemase.
Melatonin, Metals, and Gene Expression: Implications in Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: LAHIRI DEBOMOY K. , CHEN DEMAO , LAHIRI PREETI , ROGERS JACK T. , GREIG NIGEL H. , BONDY STEPHEN
Published: January 2005

Abstract: Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland, mostly in the dark period of the light/dark cycle, with corresponding fluctuations reflected in the plasma melatonin levels. This hormone plays a critical role in the regulation of various neural and endocrine processes that are synchronized with daily change in photoperiod. Abnormal melatonin levels are associated with metabolic disturbances and other disorders. Melatonin potentially plays an important role in aging, prolongation of life span, and health in the aged individual. It may exert a beneficial action on neurodegenerative conditions in those with debilitating diseases. It interacts with metals and, in some cases, neutralizes their toxic effects. Levels of melatonin decrease with aging in mice. Its dietary supplementation has recently been shown to result in a significant rise in levels of endogenous melatonin in serum as well as all other tissue samples tested. The effects of dietary melatonin have been studied in the brain of mice with regard to nitric oxide synthase, synaptic proteins, and amyloid β peptides (Aβ), which are involved in amyloid deposition and plaque formation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Melatonin supplementation has no significant effect on cerebral cortical levels of nitric oxide synthase or synaptic proteins, such as synaptophysin and SNAP‐25. Notably, however, elevated brain melatonin levels resulted in a significant reduction in levels of toxic cortical Aβ of both 40‐ and 42‐amino‐acid forms. Taken together, these results suggest that dietary melatonin supplementation may slow the neurodegenerative changes associated with brain aging and that the depletion of melatonin in the brain of aging mice may, in part, account for this adverse change.
Dietary Counseling Improves Patient Outcomes: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial in Colorectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy
Authors: Ravasco Paula , Monteiro-Grillo Isabel , Vidal Pedro Marques , Camilo Maria Ermelinda
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To investigate the impact of dietary counseling or nutritional supplements on outcomes in cancer patients: nutritional, morbidity, and quality of life (QoL) during and 3 months after radiotherapy.

Patients and Methods

A total of 111 colorectal cancer outpatients referred for radiotherapy, stratified by staging, were randomly assigned: group 1 (G1; n = 37), dietary counseling (regular foods); group 2 (G2; n = 37), protein supplements; and group 3 (G3; n = 37), ad libitum intake. Nutritional intake (diet history), status (Ottery's Subjective Global Assessment), and QoL (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire version 3.0) were evaluated at baseline, at the end, and 3 months after radiotherapy.

Results

At radiotherapy completion, energy intake increased in G1/G2 (P ≤ .04), G1 more than G2 (P = .001), and decreased in G3 (P < .01). Protein intake increased in G1/G2 (P ≤ .007), G1 less than G2 (not significant), and decreased in G3 (P < .01). At 3 months, G1 maintained nutritional intake and G2/G3 returned to baseline. After radiotherapy and at 3 months, rates of anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were higher in G3 (P < .05). At radiotherapy completion, in G1 all QoL function scores improved proportionally to adequate intake or nutritional status (P < .05); whereas in G2 only three of six function scores improved proportionally to protein intake (P = .04), and in G3 all scores worsened (P < .05). At 3 months, G1 patients maintained/improved function, symptoms, and single-item scores (P < .02); in G2, only few function and symptom scales improved (P < .05); in G3, QoL remained as poor as after radiotherapy. In G1/G2, respectively, improvement/deterioration of QoL correlated with better or poorer intake or nutritional status (P < .003).

Conclusion

During radiotherapy, both interventions positively influenced outcomes; dietary counseling was of similar or higher benefit, whereas even 3 months after RT, it was the only method to sustain a significant impact on patient outcomes.
Androgen Suppression Plus Radiation Versus Radiation Alone for Patients With Stage D1/Pathologic Node-Positive Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate: Updated Results Based on National Prospective Randomized Trial Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 85-31
Authors: Lawton Colleen A. , Winter Kathryn , Grignon David , Pilepich Miljenko V.
Published: January 2005

Purpose

To update the effect of immediate androgen suppression in conjunction with standard external-beam irradiation versus radiation alone on a group of histologically lymph node-positive patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

Materials and Methods

A national prospective randomized trial (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 85-31) of standard external-beam irradiation plus immediate androgen suppression versus external-beam irradiation alone was initiated in 1985 for patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the prostate. One hundred seventy-three patients in this trial had histologically involved lymph nodes. Ninety-eight patients received radiation plus immediate androgen suppression (luteinizing hormone–releasing hormone [LHRH] agonist), whereas 75 patients received radiation alone with hormonal manipulation instituted at the time of relapse.

Results

With a median follow-up of 6.5 years for all patients and 9.5 years for living patients, estimated progression-free survival with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level less than 1.5 ng/mL at 5 and 9 years was 54% and 10%, respectively, for patients who received immediate LHRH agonist versus 33% and 4% for patients who received radiation alone with hormonal manipulation instituted at time of relapse (P < .0001). Multivariate analysis revealed radiation therapy and immediate hormonal manipulation as having a statistically significant impact on all end points analyzed: absolute survival, disease-specific failure, metastatic failure, and biochemical control with PSA less than 4 ng/mL and less than 1.5 ng/mL.

Conclusion

Pending the results of randomized trials, patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate who have pathologically involved pelvic lymph nodes (pathologic node-positive or clinical stage D1) should be considered for external-beam irradiation plus immediate hormonal manipulation rather than radiation alone with hormone manipulation at the time of relapse.
Study of the Biologic Effects of Lapatinib, a Reversible Inhibitor of ErbB1 and ErbB2 Tyrosine Kinases, on Tumor Growth and Survival Pathways in Patients With Advanced Malignancies
Authors: Spector Neil L. , Xia Wenle , Burris Howard , Hurwitz Herbert , Dees E. Claire , Dowlati Afshin , O'Neil Bert , Overmoyer Beth , Marcom Paul K. , Blackwell Kimberly L. , Smith Deborah A. , Koch Kevin M. , Stead Andrew , Mangum Steven , Ellis Matthew J. , Liu Leihua , Man Albert K. , Bremer Troy M. , Harris Jennifer , Bacus Sarah
Published: February 2005

Purpose

This was a pilot study to assess the biologic effects of lapatinib on various tumor growth/survival pathways in patients with advanced ErbB1 and/or ErbB2-overexpressing solid malignancies.

Patients and Methods

Heavily pretreated patients with metastatic cancers overexpressing ErbB2 and/or expressing ErbB1 were randomly assigned to one of five dose cohorts of lapatinib ( GW572016 ) administered orally once daily continuously. The biologic effects of lapatinib on tumor growth and survival pathways were assessed in tumor biopsies obtained before and after 21 days of therapy. Clinical response was determined at 8 weeks.

Results

Sequential tumor biopsies from 33 patients were examined. Partial responses occurred in four patients with breast cancer, and disease stabilization occurred in 11 others with various malignancies. Responders exhibited variable levels of inhibition of p-ErbB1, p-ErbB2, p-Erk1/2, p-Akt, cyclin D1, and transforming growth factor alpha. Even some nonresponders demonstrated varying degrees of biomarker inhibition. Increased tumor cell apoptosis (TUNEL) occurred in patients with evidence of tumor regression but not in nonresponders (progressive disease). Clinical response was associated with a pretreatment TUNEL score > 0 and increased pretreatment expression of ErbB2, p-ErbB2, Erk1/2, p-Erk1/2, insulin-like growth factor receptor-1, p70 S6 kinase, and transforming growth factor alpha compared with nonresponders.

Conclusion

Lapatinib exhibited preliminary evidence of biologic and clinical activity in ErbB1 and/or ErbB2-overexpressing tumors. However, the limited sample size of this study and the variability of the biologic endpoints suggest that further work is needed to prioritize biomarkers for disease-directed studies, and underscores the need for improved trial design strategies in early clinical studies of targeted agents.
Americium(III)/curium(III) separation by countercurrent chromatography using malonamide extractants
Authors: Myasoedov B. F. , Maryutina T. A. , Litvina M. N. , Malikov D. A. , Kulyako Yu. M. , Spivakov B. Ya. , Hill Clement , Adnet J.-M. , Lecomte M. , Madic Charles
Published: February 2005

The separation of Am(III) and Cm(III) by countercurrent chromatography (CCC) was achieved using the liquid phase systems "diamide–hydrogenated tetrapropylene (TPH)–HNO3" following the optimisation of: (i) the compositions of the mobile (HNO3 concentration) and the stationary (nature of the diamide and its concentration in TPH) phases, (ii) column length and (iii) operating parameters of the CCC (flow rate of the mobile phase and rotation speed of the coil column).

The following diamide extractants have been studied: (i) N,N´-dimethyl-N,N´-dibutyltetradecylmalonamide (DMDBTDMA), (ii) N,N´-dimethyl-N,N´-dioctylhexyl-ethoxymalonamide (DMDOHEMA) and (iii) N,N´-dimethyl-N,N´-dibutyldodecylethoxymalonamide (DMDBDDEMA). It is shown that these diamides can be used for the separation of Am(III) and Cm(III) by CCC. Increasing the column length leads to an increase of the stationary phase retention on the column while improving the Am/Cm separation. Increasing the speed of rotation of the centrifuge from 660 to 950 rpm also results in increasing the stationary phase retention but does not influence the resolution of the Am/Cm separation. Decreasing the flow rate of the mobile phase from 1.0 to 0.5 mL/min leads to a better resolution of Am and Cm separation. The best Am/Cm separation was achieved with systems based on DMDBDDEMA and DMDOHEMA in TPH using a two-layer coil column and an isocratic elution mode. The application of CCC makes it possible to separate the elements within 100 min: the Cm fraction contains 99.5% of Cm(III) and 0.6% of Am(III) inventories and the Am fraction contains 99.4% of Am(III) and 0.5% of Cm(III).
Developing Indigenous Rights
Authors: Schwartzman Stephan
Published: January 2005

Indigenous Peoples, Ethnic Groups and the State. David Maybury‐Lewis. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon, 1997.168 pp.

Malaysia and the Original People:. Case Study of the Impact of Development on Indigenous Peoples. Robert Knox Dentan. Kirk Endicott. Alberto G. Gomes. and M. B. Hooker. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon, 1997. 175 pp.

Forest Dwellers, Forest Protectors: Indigenous Models for International Development. Richard Reed. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon, 1997. 135 pp.
The Alchemical Body: Siddha Traditions in Medieval India
Authors: Lorenzen David N.
Published: January 2005

The Alchemical Body: Siddha Traditions in Medieval India. David Gordon White. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1997. 596 pp.
Women in the Presence: Constructing Community and Seeking Spirituality in Mainline Protestantism
Authors: Prell Riv‐Ellen
Published: January 2005

Women in the Presence: Constructing Community and Seeking Spirituality in Mainline Protestantism. Jody Shapiro Davie. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1995.163 pp.
Women in Prehistory: North America and Mesoamerica
Authors: Nelson Sarah Milledge
Published: January 2005

Women in Prehistory: North America and Mesoamerica. Cheryl Claassen and Rosemary A. Joyce. eds. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1997. 300 pp.
African Rhythm: A Northern Ewe Perspective
Authors: Ottenberg Simon
Published: January 2005

African Rhythm:. Northern Ewe Perspective. Kofi Agawu. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995. 217 pp.
Five Feuds: An Analysis of Homicides in Eastern Kentucky in the Late Nineteenth Century
Authors: Otterbein Keith F.
Published: January 2005

Kentucky feuds are an example of market‐based feuding, one of two major types of feuding. Compensation is not paid for a homicide in regions where a local market system is linked to the world system. Feuding kinship groups in Kentucky struggle to eliminate each other, whereas in regions where compensation is paid functional/equilibrium theories are used to explain the balance that seems to occur between kinship groups. The trouble case method is used to analyze five Kentucky feuds. Episodes or homicidal encounters are placed within feud sequences. Encounters include ambushes, gunfights, house attacks, encounter battles, and arranged battles. Although each feud differs greatly from the others, the structure of the Kentucky feud is delineated, [feuding, homicide, Kentucky feuds, Appalachia, war]
The Ethnography of Landscape: GIS and Remote Sensing in the Study of Forest Change in West African Guinea Savanna
Authors: Nyerges A. Endre , Green Glen Martin
Published: January 2005

In this paper we explore the application of Amazonian forest change models to the Guinea savanna environment of western Africa. In particular, we examine recent research documenting the growth of peri‐village forest islands in the area of Kissidougou, Guinea, which purports to challenge the pervasive view of Guinea savanna deforestation brought about by human activity. As a more systematic approach to the analysis of human/environmental interactions, we propose an "ethnography of landscape," in which the findings of detailed, local ethnographic and ecological case studies are combined with remotely sensed information on what the wider region looks like as it changes over time. In pursuing this research, we employ aerial photography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques to examine our study area of Kilimi in northwestern Sierra Leone. We show that a Kissidougou‐type model of peri‐village forest island growth is not applicable to this region, where other environmental change processes are underway. In future work, we propose to employ Landsat satellite image archives to examine, monitor, and compare processes of ecological change throughout the Guinea savanna.[deforestation, ecological anthropology, remote sensing, Sierra Leone, West Africa]