bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on the Efficacy of Di’ao Xinxuekang Capsule and Isosorbide Dinitrate in Treating Angina Pectoris
Authors: Jia Yongliang , Chen Cong , Ng Choi-San , Leung Siu-Wai
Published: March 2012

Objective. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on di’ao xinxuekang capsule (XXK) in treating angina pectoris were published only in Chinese and have not been systematically reviewed particularly for comparing XXK with isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN). This study aims to provide a comprehensive PRISMA compliant and internationally accessible systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacies of XXK and ISDN in treating angina pectoris.Methods. The RCTs published between 1989 and 2011 on XXK and ISDN in treating angina pectoris were selected according to specific criteria. Meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the symptomatic (SYMPTOMS) and electrocardiographic (ECG) improvements after treatment. Odds ratios (OR) were used to measure effect sizes. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and metaregression were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results.Results. Seven RCTs with 550 participants were eligible. Overall ORs for comparing XXK with ISDN were 4.11 (95% CI :  2.57, 6.55) in SYMPTOMS and 2.37 (95% CI : 1.46, 3.84) in ECG. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and metaregression found no significant dependence of overall ORs upon specific study characteristics.Conclusion. The meta-analysis of eligible but limited RCTs demonstrates that XXK seems to be more effective than ISDN in treating angina pectoris. Further RCTs of high quality are warranted to be conducted for update of the results of this meta-analysis.
Arbitrage‐Free Conditions and Hedging Strategies for Markets withPenalty Costs on Short Positions
Authors: Costa O. L. V. , Queiroz Filho E. V.
Published: March 2012

We consider a discrete‐time financial model in a general sample space with penalty costs on
short positions. We consider a friction market closely related to the standard one except that withdrawals
from the portfolio value proportional to short positions are made. We provide necessary and sufficient
conditions for the nonexistence of arbitrages in this situation and for a self‐financing strategy to replicate a
contingent claim. For the finite‐sample space case, this result leads to an explicit and constructive procedure
for obtaining perfect hedging strategies.
Promoting Cassava as an Industrial Crop in Ghana: Effects on Soil Fertility and Farming System Sustainability
Authors: Adjei-Nsiah S. , Sakyi-Dawson Owuraku
Published: March 2012

Cassava is an important starchy staple crop in Ghana with per capita consumption of 152.9 kg/year. Besides being a staple food crop, cassava can be used as raw material for the production of industrial starch and ethanol. The potential of cassava as an industrial commercial crop has not been exploited to a large extent because of perceptions that cassava depletes soils. Recent finding from field studies in the forest/savannah transitional agroecological zone of Ghana indicates that when integrated in the cropping system as a form of rotation, cassava contributes significantly to maintenance of soil fertility, and thus large scale production of cassava for industrial use can contribute to poverty reduction in an environmentally responsive way. This paper discusses the role of cassava cultivation in soil fertility management and its implication for farming system sustainability and industrialization.
The Effect of Cold Ischemia Time and/or Formalin Fixation on Estrogen Receptor, Progesterone Receptor, and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 Results in Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Pekmezci Melike , Szpaderska Anna , Osipo Clodia , Erşahin Çağatay
Published: March 2012

Aims. To compare the results of estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER, PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) expression status on biopsy and excision specimens and to evaluate the effect of cold ischemia time and/or formalin fixation on these biomarkers.Methods. Breast carcinomas that were diagnosed between 2007 and 2009 by core needle biopsy, and subsequently excised in our institution, were included in the study. Data regarding the tumor morphology, grade, and ER, PR, and HER2 status were retrospectively collected from the pathology reports.Results. Five out of 149 (3.4%) cases with ER-positive receptor status in the biopsy specimen became ER-negative in the subsequent excision specimen. Nine out of 126 (7.1%) cases with PR-positive receptor status in the biopsy specimen became PR-negative in the excision specimen. Receptor status change was predominantly seen in tumors with low ER and PR receptor expression. HER2 results were consistent between biopsy and excision specimens in all cases tested.Conclusions. Cold ischemia time and/or formalin fixation affect mainly ER and PR testing with low Allred scores and support the implementation of the ASCO/CAP guidelines. HER2 results, however, were not affected in our limited number of patients.
Low‐Complexity Hardware Interleaver/Deinterleaver for IEEE 802.11a/g/n WLAN
Authors: Zhang Zhen-dong , Wu Bin , Zhou Yu-mei , Zhang Xin
Published: March 2012

A high‐speed low‐complexity hardware interleaver/deinterleaver is presented. It supports all 77 802.11n high‐throughput (HT) modulation and coding schemes (MCSs) with short and long guard intervals and the 8 non‐HT MCSs defined in 802.11a/g. The paper proposes a design methodology that distributes the three permutations of an interleaver to both write address and read address. The methodology not only reduces the critical path delay but also facilitates the address generation. In addition, the complex mathematical formulas are replaced with optimized hardware structures in which hardware intensive dividers and multipliers are avoided. Using 0.13 um CMOS technology, the cell area of the proposed interleaver/deinterleaver is 0.07 mm2, and the synthesized maximal working frequency is 400 MHz. Comparison results show that it outperforms the three other similar works with respect to hardware complexity and max frequency while maintaining high flexibility.
Stent Thrombosis: Incidence, Predictors and New Technologies
Authors: Buchanan Gill Louise , Basavarajaiah Sandeep , Chieffo Alaide
Published: March 2012

Some concerns have been raised regarding the risk of late and very late stent thrombosis (ST) following drug-eluting stent implantation. Despite remaining an uncommon complication of percutaneous coronary intervention, when ST occurs, it can be catastrophic to the individual, commonly presenting as acute ST elevation myocardial infarction or sudden cardiac death. The incidence and predictors of ST have been reported in the literature and the role of dual antiplatelet therapies in the avoidance of such a complication remains vital. Ongoing studies are assessing the role of these therapies including platelet reactivity testing, genetic testing and optimum duration of therapy. In addition, newer polymer-free and bioabsorbable stents are under investigation in the quest to potentially minimise the risk of ST.
Protective Effect of the Fruit Hull ofGleditsia sinensison LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury Is Associated with Nrf2 Activation
Authors: Choi Jun-Young , Kwun Min Jung , Kim Kyun Ha , Lyu Ji Hyo , Han Chang Woo , Jeong Han-Sol , Ha Ki-Tae , Jung Hee-Jae , Lee Beom-Joon , Sadikot Ruxana T. , Christman John W. , Jung Sung-Ki , Joo Myungsoo
Published: March 2012

The fruit hull ofGleditsia sinensis(FGS) has been prescribed as a traditional eastern Asian medicinal remedy for the treatment of various respiratory diseases, but the efficacy and underlying mechanisms remain poorly characterized. Here, we explored a potential usage of FGS for the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI), a highly fatal inflammatory lung disease that urgently needs effective therapeutics, and investigated a mechanism for the anti-inflammatory activity of FGS. Pretreatment of C57BL/6 mice with FGS significantly attenuated LPS-induced neutrophilic lung inflammation compared to sham-treated, inflamed mice. Reporter assays, semiquantitative RT-PCR, and Western blot analyses show that while not affecting NF-κB, FGS activated Nrf2 and expressed Nrf2-regulated genes including GCLC, NQO-1, and HO-1 in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, pretreatment of mice with FGS enhanced the expression of GCLC and HO-1 but suppressed that of proinflammatory cytokines in including TNF-α and IL-1β in the inflamed lungs. These results suggest that FGS effectively suppresses neutrophilic lung inflammation, which can be associated with, at least in part, FGS-activating anti-inflammatory factor Nrf2. Our results suggest that FGS can be developed as a therapeutic option for the treatment of ALI.
Lipid Droplet Accumulation and Impaired Fat Efflux in Polarized Hepatic Cells: Consequences of Ethanol Metabolism
Authors: McVicker Benita L. , Rasineni Karuna , Tuma Dean J. , McNiven Mark A. , Casey Carol A.
Published: March 2012

Steatosis, an early manifestation in alcoholic liver disease, is associated with the accumulation of hepatocellular lipid droplets (LDs). However, the role ethanol metabolism has in LD formation and turnover remains undefined. Here, we assessed LD dynamics following ethanol and oleic acid treatment to ethanol-metabolizing WIF-B cells (a hybrid of human fibroblasts (WI 38) and Fao rat hepatoma cells). An OA dose-dependent increase in triglyceride and stained lipids was identified which doubled (P<0.05) in the presence of ethanol. This effect was blunted with the inclusion of an alcohol metabolism inhibitor. The ethanol/ OA combination also induced adipophilin, LD coat protein involved in the attenuation of lipolysis. Additionally, ethanol treatment resulted in a significant reduction in lipid efflux. These data demonstrate that the metabolism of ethanol in hepatic cells is related to LD accumulation, impaired fat efflux, and enhancements in LD-associated proteins. These alterations in LD dynamics may contribute to ethanol-mediated defects in hepatocellular LD regulation and the formation of steatosis.
A Fixed Point Theorem for Contraction Type Maps in Partially Ordered Metric Spaces and Application to Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Gordji M. Eshaghi , Baghani H. , Kim G. H.
Published: March 2012

We present a fixed point theorem for generalized contraction in partially ordered complete metric spaces. As an application, we give an existence and uniqueness for the solution of a periodic boundary value problem.
Differentiation of Multipotent Adult Germline Stem Cells Derived from Mouse Testis into Functional Endothelial Cells
Authors: Cheng I-Fen , Kaiser Diana , Huebscher Daniela , Hasenfuss Gerd , Guan Kaomei , Schäfer Katrin
Published: March 2012

Pluripotent stem cells hold great promise for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. We previously described multipotent adult germline stem cells (maGSCs) from mouse testis with differentiation potential similar to embryonic stem cells. The aim of this work was to differentiate maGSCs into functional endothelial cells and to study their potential for vasculogenesis. MaGSCs were cocultivated with OP9 stromal cells to induce differentiation into cardiovascular progenitors, i.e. fetal liver kinase 1-positive (Flk-1+) cells. Five days later, Flk-1+ cells were separated using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, followed by cultivation on collagen type IV under endothelial differentiation conditions. At different time points, maGSC-derived endothelial-like cells were characterized using RT-PCR, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and functional assays. Cultivation of Flk-1+ cells resulted in the progressive upregulation of endothelial cell markers, including VE-cadherin, von Willebrand factor and endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Moreover, Flk-1+ maGSC-derived endothelial-like cells were able to branch and form networks in vitro and promoted functional blood vessel formation in vivo. Importantly, Flk-1+ cells retained their potential to proliferate and could be continuously expanded, while the ability of contact inhibition was preserved. Thus, maGSCs may provide a useful source of endothelial-like cells to study the basic mechanisms of vasculogenesis or endothelial differentiation.
Expression of a Disintegrin and Metalloprotease in Human Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Lipp Christina , Lohoefer Fabian , Reeps Christian , Rudelius Martina , Baummann Markus , Heemann Uwe , Eckstein Hans-Henning , Pelisek Jaroslav
Published: March 2012

Objectives: The a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) family of metalloproteases possesses a proteolytic function and activates various inflammatory factors. Their expression pattern in an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is as yet unknown. The aim of this study was to make a detailed analysis of the expression of ADAMs 8, 9, 10, 12, 15 and 17, and their tissue inhibitors of metalloprotease (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-3 in patients with AAA. Design: The aortic vessel walls of AAA patients (n = 20) and non-aneurysmal aortic specimens (n = 10) were obtained by conventional surgical repair and autopsy. SYBR green-based real-time PCR, histology and immunohistochemistry were performed on all samples. Main Outcome Measures: Quantitative expression analysis and the localisation of various ADAMs in AAA. Results: ADAMs tested in our study were expressed in both AAA and control aorta without any significant differences between the groups. In contrast, expression of TIMP-1 was significantly reduced in AAA compared to control vessels. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs), neovessels and macrophages were positive for all ADAMs and TIMPs tested. Infiltrates were negative for TIMP-3, and luminal endothelial cells were positive for ADAMs 15 and 17. A significant positive correlation was observed between ADAMs 10, 12, 15, 17, TIMP-3 and SMCs. Conclusion: ADAMs are constitutively expressed in normal aortic vessel walls and AAA, particularly in SMCs.
Twisted Blood Vessels: Symptoms, Etiology and Biomechanical Mechanisms
Authors: Han Hai-Chao
Published: March 2012

Tortuous arteries and veins are commonly observed in humans and animals. While mild tortuosity is asymptomatic, severe tortuosity can lead to ischemic attack in distal organs. Clinical observations have linked tortuous arteries and veins with aging, atherosclerosis, hypertension, genetic defects and diabetes mellitus. However, the mechanisms of their formation and development are poorly understood. This review summarizes the current clinical and biomechanical studies on the initiation, development and treatment of tortuous blood vessels. We submit a new hypothesis that mechanical instability and remodeling could be mechanisms for the initiation and development of these tortuous vessels.
Fournier’s Gangrene: Etiology and Outcome Analysis of 41 Patients
Authors: Altarac Silvio , Katušin Davorin , Crnica Suad , Papeš Dino , Rajković Zoran , Arslani Nuhi
Published: March 2012

Introduction: Fournier’s gangrene (FG) is the necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and genital area with high mortality. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review included 41 patients diagnosed with FG in our hospitals from 1995 to 2010, divided into survivors and nonsurvivors. We analyzed anamnestic, clinical and laboratory data. Results: The mortality rate was 36.6% (15/41 patients). Elevated heart and respiratory rates, high serum creatinine, low serum bicarbonate, pre-existing kidney disease, and higher median extent of affected body surface were associated with higher mortality. Severe sepsis on admission and hypotension below 90 mm Hg were also predictive for higher mortality. The median FG severity index (FGSI) score was higher in nonsurvivors (11 compared to 6, p < 0.0001). No cases of testicular necrosis were noted. Conclusion: Besides standard clinical and laboratory parameters included in the FGSI calculation, higher extent of affected body surface area and presence of hypotension on admission were also positively associated with mortality.
Stroke in South Asia: A Systematic Review of Epidemiologic Literature from 1980 to 2010
Authors: Kulshreshtha Ambar , Anderson Laurie M. , Goyal Abhinav , Keenan Nora L.
Published: March 2012

Background: Globally 15 million people have an acute stroke every year and one third of them die secondary to stroke events. Most research on stroke prevention and treatment is done in developed countries, yet more than 85% of strokes occur in developing countries. In particular, stroke remains an underrecognized cause of death and disability in South Asia. Methods: We conducted a systematic review to identify reliable and comparable epidemiological evidence on stroke in South Asia from 1980 to 2010. Publications were screened for eligibility to identify only population-based stroke studies. Results: Of the 71 studies retrieved, only 6 studies from South Asia gave us acceptable estimates of the burden of stroke. Population-based studies from South Asia have stroke prevalence in the range of 45–471 per 100,000. The age-adjusted incidence rate varied from approximately 145 per 100,000 to 262 per 100,000. Rural parts of South Asia have a lower stroke prevalence compared with urban areas. Conclusions: Our review highlights the paucity of research data in South Asia. This must be addressed in order to accurately determine the burden of stroke in South Asia, so that specific policy recommendations can be formulated to combat the stroke epidemic in this region.
Renal Autotransplantation as Savior in Hybrid Surgery for Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Rana Y.P.S. , Gupta S.K. , Singh D.V. , Bedi V.S. , Pathak K. , Pradhan A.A. , Talwar R.
Published: March 2012

Renal autotransplantation is a safe and effective procedure to reconstruct the urinary tract. The current indications for autotransplantation include renal vascular disease, severe ureteral damage, tumours of the kidney and ureter, complex nephrolithiasis and retroperitoneal fibrosis. We report a rare case where we had to perform renal autotransplantation along with hybrid surgery for aortic aneurysm repair. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of its kind for this specific condition.
Increased Serum Levels of HSP27 as a Marker for Incipient Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Young Smokers
Authors: Ankersmit Hendrik Jan , Nickl Stefanie , Hoeltl Eva , Toepker Michael , Lambers Christopher , Mitterbauer Andreas , Kortuem Benedikt , Zimmermann Matthias , Moser Bernhard , Bekos Christine , Steinlechner Barbara , Hofbauer Helmut , Klepetko Walter , Schenk Peter , Dome Balazs
Published: March 2012

Background: Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is amongst the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, no biomarkers for its early detection are known. We have recently demonstrated that COPD is accompanied by elevated serum heat shock protein (HSP) 27 levels as compared to a control population. Objectives: In an open prospective study, we investigated whether elevated HSP27 levels are associated with the early radiological signs of COPD, i.e. air trapping (AT), emphysema (E) and impaired lung function. Methods: In total, 120 apparently healthy smokers underwent lung function testing and serum sampling. Serum levels of HSP27, phospho-HSP27, CXCR2 chemokines and proteins related to inflammation, tissue remodeling and apoptosis were evaluated by ELISA. Of these 120 subjects, 94 voluntarily underwent a high-resolution computed tomography scan. Results: AT or AT and E were detected in 57.45%. Subjects with AT and E (n = 23) showed significantly higher HSP27 levels than those without any pathology [i.e. nothing abnormal detected (NAD)] (4,618 ± 1,677 vs. 3,282 ± 1,607 pg/ml; p = 0.0081). In a univariate logistic regression model including NAD and AT and E, the area under the curve of HSP27 in the receiver-operating-characteristic curve was 0.724, (0.594–0.854, 95% CI; p = 0.0033). Interestingly, proinflammatory IL-8 was elevated in those subjects with evidence of AT and E compared to those with AT and NAD. Lung function did not correlate with increased HSP27 levels or pathological radiological findings. Conclusions: HSP27 serum levels correlated with the early radiological signs of COPD, whereas lung function did not match with radiological findings or HSP27 serum levels. Serum HSP27 levels may serve as a potential marker to identify the early signs of COPD independent of lung function in young smokers.
Cationic Host Defence Peptides: Multifaceted Role in Immune Modulation and Inflammation
Authors: Choi Ka-Yee , Chow Leola N.Y. , Mookherjee Neeloffer
Published: March 2012

Host defence peptides (HDPs) are innate immune effector molecules found in diverse species. HDPs exhibit a wide range of functions ranging from direct antimicrobial properties to immunomodulatory effects. Research in the last decade has demonstrated that HDPs are critical effectors of both innate and adaptive immunity. Various studies have hypothesized that the antimicrobial property of certain HDPs may be largely due to their immunomodulatory functions. Mechanistic studies revealed that the role of HDPs in immunity is very complex and involves various receptors, signalling pathways and transcription factors. This review will focus on the multiple functions of HDPs in immunity and inflammation, with special reference to cathelicidins, e.g. LL-37, certain defensins and novel synthetic innate defence regulator peptides. We also discuss emerging concepts of specific HDPs in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, including the potential use of cationic peptides as therapeutics for immune-mediated inflammatory disorders.
Rapid Formation of Cerebral Microbleeds after Carotid Artery Stenting
Authors: Kakumoto Kousuke , Matsumoto Shoji , Nakahara Ichiro , Watanabe Yoshihiko , Fukushima Yutaka , Yoshikiyo Urabe , Ishibashi Ryota , Gomi Masanori , Tsuji Keiichi , Sanbongi Yoshinori , Hashimoto Tetsuya , Tanaka Yujiro , Yamada Takeshi , Kira Jun-ichi
Published: March 2012

Background: Recent studies reported that cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), i.e. small areas of signal loss on T2*-weighted gradient-echo (GE) imaging, could develop rapidly after acute ischemic stroke. We hypothesized that CMBs rapidly emerge after carotid artery stenting (CAS). Objective: We investigated the frequency of and predisposing factors for CMBs after CAS. Methods: We retrospectively examined MRI before and after CAS in 88 consecutive patients (average age: 71.7 ± 7.2 years, average rates of carotid stenosis: 72.6 ± 12.8%) who underwent CAS for carotid artery stenosis between March 1, 2009, and September 30, 2010. We defined new CMBs as signal losses that newly appeared on the follow-up GE. We examined the association of new CMBs with demographics, risk factors, and baseline MBs. Results: Among 88 patients, 18 (20.5%) had CMBs initially, and 7 (8.0%) developed new CMBs right after CAS. New CMBs appeared on the same side of CAS in all of the 7 patients. New CMBs appeared significantly more frequently in the CMB-positive group than in the CMB-negative one (22% vs. 4%, p = 0.03) on the pre-CAS MRI. Multivariate analysis also revealed that the presence of CMBs before CAS was an independent predictor of new development of CMBs after CAS (odds ratio: 8.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.39–47.1). Conclusion: CMBs can develop rapidly after CAS, especially in patients with pre-existing CMBs. Since the existence of CMBs prior to CAS suggests a latent vascular damage which is vulnerable to hemodynamic stress following CAS, particular attention should be paid to the prevention of intracerebral hemorrhage due to hyperperfusion after CAS.
Regulation of Cardiovascular Development by Adenosine and Adenosine-Mediated Embryo Protection
Authors: Rivkees Scott A. , Wendler Christopher C.
Published: March 2012

Few signaling molecules have as much potential to influence the developing mammal as the nucleoside adenosine. Adenosine levels increase rapidly with tissue hypoxia and inflammation. Adenosine antagonists include the methylxanthines caffeine and theophylline. The receptors that transduce adenosine action are the A1, A2a, A2b, and A3 adenosine receptors (A1AR, A2aAR, A2bAR, and A3AR). We examined how adenosine acts via A1ARs to influence embryo development. Transgenic mice were studied along with embryo cultures. Embryos lacking A1ARs were markedly growth retarded following intrauterine hypoxia exposure. Studies of mice selectively lacking A1AR in the heart identify the heart as a key site of adenosine's embryo-protective effects. Studies of isolated embryos showed that adenosine plays a key role in modulating embryo cardiac function, especially in the setting of hypoxia. When pregnant mice were treated during embryogenesis with the adenosine antagonist caffeine, adult mice had abnormal heart function. Adenosine acts via A1ARs to play an essential role in protecting the embryo against intrauterine stress, and adenosine antagonists, including caffeine, may be an unwelcome exposure for the embryo.
Regulation of Macrophage Function by Adenosine
Authors: Haskó György , Pacher Pál
Published: March 2012

Following its release into the extracellular space in response to metabolic disturbances, the endogenous nucleoside adenosine exerts a range of immunomodulatory effects and cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system are among its major targets. Adenosine governs mononuclear phagocyte functions via 4 G-protein–coupled cell membrane receptors, which are denoted A
1
, A
2A
, A
2B
, and A
3
receptors. Adenosine promotes osteoclast differentiation via A
1
receptors and alters monocyte to dendritic cell differentiation through A
2B
receptors. Adenosine downregulates classical macrophage activation mainly through A
2A
receptors. In contrast A
2B
receptor activation upregulates alternative macrophage activation. Adenosine promotes angiogenesis, which is mediated by inducing the production of vascular endothelial growth factor by mononuclear phagocytes through A
2A
, A
2B
, and A
3
receptors. By regulating mononuclear phagocyte function adenosine dictates the course of inflammatory and vascular diseases and cancer.
Regulation of Foam Cells by Adenosine
Authors: Reiss Allison B. , Cronstein Bruce N.
Published: March 2012

Macrophages rely on reverse cholesterol transport mechanisms to rid themselves of excess cholesterol. By reducing accumulation of cholesterol in the artery wall, reverse cholesterol transport slows or prevents development of atherosclerosis. In stable macrophages, efflux mechanisms balance influx mechanisms, and accumulating lipids do not overwhelm the cell. Under atherogenic conditions, inflow of cholesterol exceeds outflow, and the cell is ultimately transformed into a foam cell, the prototypical cell in the atherosclerotic plaque. Adenosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside released from metabolically active cells by facilitated diffusion and generated extracellularly from adenine nucleotides. Under stress conditions, such as hypoxia, a depressed cellular energy state leads to an acute increase in the extracellular concentration of adenosine. Extracellular adenosine interacts with 1 or more of a family of G protein–coupled receptors (A
1
, A
2A
, A
2B
, and A
3
) to modulate the function of nearly all cells and tissues. Modulation of adenosine signaling participates in regulation of reverse cholesterol transport. Of particular note for the development of atherosclerosis, activation of A
2A
receptors dramatically inhibits inflammation and protects against tissue injury. Potent antiatherosclerotic effects of A
2A
receptor stimulation include inhibition of macrophage foam cell transformation and upregulation of the reverse cholesterol transport proteins cholesterol 27-hydroxylase and ATP binding cassette transporter A1. Thus, A
2A
receptor agonists may correct or prevent the adverse effects of inflammatory processes on cellular cholesterol homeostasis. This review focuses on the importance of extracellular adenosine acting at specific receptors as a regulatory mechanism to control the formation of foam cells under conditions of lipid loading.
A2 Adenosine Receptors and Vascular Pathologies
Authors: Johnston-Cox Hillary A. , Koupenova Milka , Ravid Katya
Published: March 2012

Cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death and morbidity, is regulated, among various factors, by inflammation. The level of the metabolite adenosine is augmented under stress, including inflammatory, hypoxic, or injurious events. Adenosine has been shown to affect various physiological and pathological processes, largely through 1 or more of its 4 types of receptors: the A1 and A3 adenylyl cyclase inhibitory receptors and the A2A and A2B adenylyl cyclase stimulatory receptors. This article focuses on reviewing common and distinct effects of the 2 A2-type adenosine receptors on vascular disease and the mechanisms involved. Understanding the pathogenesis of vascular disease mediated by these receptors is important to the development of therapeutics and to the prevention and management of disease.
Care and Outcomes of Hispanic Patients Admitted With Heart Failure With Preserved or Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Vivo Rey P. , Krim Selim R. , Krim Nassim R. , Zhao Xin , Hernandez Adrian F. , Peterson Eric D. , Piña Ileana L. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Schwamm Lee H. , Fonarow Gregg C.
Published: March 2012

Background—

Although individuals of Hispanic ethnicity are at high risk for developing heart failure (HF), little is known about differences between Hispanic HF patients stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). We compared characteristics, quality of care, and outcomes between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients hospitalized for HF with preserved EF (PEF) or reduced EF (REF).

Methods and Results—

From 247 hospitals in Get With The Guidelines–Heart Failure between 2005–2010, 6117 Hispanics were compared with 71 859 non-Hispanic whites. Forty-six percent of Hispanics had PEF (EF >40%), whereas 54% had REF (EF <40%); 55% and 45% of non-Hispanic whites had PEF and REF, respectively. Relative to non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics with PEF or REF were more likely to be younger and to have diabetes, hypertension, and overweight/obesity. In multivariate analysis, a lower mortality risk was observed among Hispanics with PEF (odds ratio, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.31–0.81;
P
=0.005) but not in Hispanics with REF (odds ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.62–1.43;
P
=0.784) compared with non-Hispanic whites. In all groups, composite performance improved within the study period (Hispanics PEF: 75.2–95.1%; non-Hispanic whites PEF: 79.0–92.7%; Hispanics REF: 67.7–88.4%; non-Hispanic whites REF: 60.8–85.6%,
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

Hispanic HF patients with PEF had better in-hospital survival than non-Hispanic whites with PEF. Inpatient mortality was similar between groups with REF. Quality of care was similar and improved over time irrespective of ethnicity, highlighting the potential benefit of performance improvement programs in promoting equitable care.
Left Ventricular Systolic and Diastolic Function in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Butt Mehmood , Dwivedi Girish , Shantsila Alena , Khair Omer A. , Lip Gregory Y.H.
Published: March 2012

Background—

Previous studies in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were limited by study cohorts with comorbidities that confound assessment of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function. We comprehensively evaluated LV function using 2-dimensional echocardiography (2DE), tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), and 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) in subjects moderate-severe OSA, who were compared with disease (patients with hypertension, no OSA) and healthy control subjects.

Methods and Results—

A total of 120 subjects (n=40 each of matched OSA, hypertension and healthy cohorts) underwent echocardiographic examination for the assessment of septal and posterior wall thickness, LV mass index, LV volumes and ejection fraction, mitral valve inflow indices (E, A), mitral annular velocity (S, E′), and left atrial volume index (LAVI). OSA subjects were treated with continuous positive airway pressure (mean duration of 26 weeks), after which the echocardiographic parameters were reassessed. Posterior wall thickness and LV mass index were significantly higher in OSA and hypertensive groups compared with healthy. Systolic S velocity was reduced in OSA and hypertensive compared with healthy control subjects (
P
<0.05). Diastolic function (E/A, IVRT, and E/E′) was impaired in both OSA and hypertensive groups. On 3DE, mean LAVI was significantly greater in OSA and hypertensive compared with healthy. In OSA patients, continuous positive airway pressure therapy resulted in reduction of the posterior wall thickness (
P
=0.02) and improvement in LV ejection fraction (
P
<0.05), systolic S velocity (
P
<0.05), and diastolic LV impairment parameters.

Conclusions—

Moderate to severe OSA causes structural and functional changes in LV function and are comparable to that seen in hypertension. These abnormalities significantly improve after CPAP therapy.
Ernst Leumann, Kleine Schriften Herausgegeben von Nalini Balbirsemi; Birte Plutat, Catalogue of the Papers of Ernst Leumann in the Institute for the Culture and History of India and Tibet
Authors: de Jong
Published: March 2012

No Abstract
Lawrence A. Babb and Susan S. Wadley, eds., Media and the Transformation of Religion in South Asia
Authors: Mayrhofer
Published: March 2012

No Abstract
Ronald E. Emmerick and Prods Oktor Skjævø, Studies in the Vocabulary of Khotanese III. Sitzungsberichte der Oesterreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften
Authors: Tremblay
Published: March 2012

No Abstract
Reinhold Grünendahl, Angelika Malinar, Thomas Oberlies, Peter Schreiner, Nārāyanīya-Studien
Authors: Hara
Published: March 2012

No Abstract
Karin Steiner, Anargharāghava: Das Schauspiel vom kostbaren Raghuspross. Einfühung und Übersetzung
Authors: Jamison
Published: March 2012

No Abstract
Minor, Robert N., The Religious the Spiritual and the Secular: Auroville and Secular India
Authors: Phillips
Published: March 2012

No Abstract
Yogīndu. Lumièere de l'Absolu
Authors: Tieken
Published: March 2012

No Abstract
The Rank and Function of God Vāyu in the Philosophy of Madhva
Authors: Mesquita R.
Published: March 2012

No Abstract
Verhagen, Pieter C., A History of Sanskrit Grammatical Literature in Tibet
Authors: Scharfe H.
Published: March 2012

No Abstract
Répertoire des subhāita des Indische Sprüche d'Otto Böhtlingk d'après le manuscrit no 4686 de la Bibliothèque nationale et universitaire de Strasbourg
Authors: Ducoeur Guillaume
Published: March 2012

The Bibliothèque nationale et universitaire de Strasbourg contains in its collection of Sanskrit manuscripts a small anonymous work dating from the 19th century with the title: “Böhtlingk Indische Sprüche. Ordre alphabétique des ouvrages d'où les maximes sont tirées.” The present study determines the precise date of this work and identifies its author as Georges-Louis Leblois (1825–1898), minister of the protestant Temple-Neuf de Strasbourg. It also establishes the original aim of the work. This repertory, being a historically unique tool for the use of Böhtlingk's Indische Sprüche, has been corrected and completed so that it may serve as an instrument for all those who will consult the three volumes of the great German scholar.
Meditating on the king's feet? Some remarks on the expression pādānudhyāta
Authors: Törzsök Judit , Ferrier Cédric
Published: March 2012

The Sanskrit expression -pādānudhyāta, often met with in inscriptions, is commonly translated as ‘meditating on the feet of.’ Adducing copious evidence from inscriptions as well as from classical Sanskrit literature, this article argues that the traditional translation is wrong, at least in the case of inscriptions dated before the tenth century AD. From the available sources it appears that meditation on the feet—whether on a god's or on a king's—came to be common practice only from around the tenth century in India. Moreover, several parallels show that the original understanding of the phrase was ‘favoured / blessed by the respected,’ pāda being an honorific term here. In addition to this argument, the study also attempts to define the nature of the hierarchical relationship that the above expression probably implied and to show that the wrong understanding of the term was probably due to misconceptions about the divine nature of kingship in ancient India.
DIE INSCHRIFT DES KATRAPA TIRAVHARA
Authors: Humbach Helmut
Published: March 2012

Nicht hinreichend bekannt ist der Umstand, dass sich im Museum zu Kābul eine sehr stattliche Kharo hi-Inschrift befindet. Sie ist mit vaa 83 datiert und stellt eine wesentliche Bereicherung derjenigen Inschriften dar, die von Sten Konow im Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum, Val. II (= Kharoshhi Inscriptions) einer älteren Śaka-Ära zugeschrieben werden.
Materialien zur geschichte des aaga-yoga I. Der aaga-yoga im Hinduismus
Authors: Grönbold Günter
Published: March 2012

The existence of a yoga-system with six limbs or parts instead of eight as in Patañjali's Yogasūtra has been known long since. Not known has been the multitude of texts with the six-limbed yoga in Hinduism. They can be arranged in three groups: (1) texts with a number of limbs other than six or eight, (2) texts which only mention the aaga-yoga but do not give details, (3) texts which treat the six-limbed yoga in full. Here we have two subgroups: (a) the Āsana-, (b) the Tarka-group (in this we can distinguish two divisions). The yoga of the last group is quite similar to the aaga-yoga of Buddhist Tantrism (regarding the order of limbs). In this article only questions can be formulated because the main problems cannot be answered at present. It is the first of a series giving materials for a history of the aaga-yoga.
The Dating of the Historical Buddha/Die Datierung des historischen Buddha. Part 3 (Symposien zur Buddhismusforschung, IV, 3). Edited by Heinz Bechert
Authors: de Jong
Published: March 2012

No Abstract
R.E. Asher and T.C. Kumari, Malayalam. Descriptive Grammers Series
Authors: Menon
Published: March 2012

No Abstract
Ludwig Alsdorf, Kleine Schriften. Nachtragsband. Herausgegeben von Albrecht Wezler
Authors: de Jong
Published: March 2012

No Abstract
Gerhard Oberhammer, Materialien zur Geschichte der Rāmānuja-Schule. IV. Der ``Innere Lenker''
Authors: de Jong
Published: March 2012

No Abstract
South African Pelagic Goose Barnacles (Cirripedia, Thoracica): Substratum Preferences and Influence of Plastic Debris on Abundance and Distribution
Authors: Otto Whitehead T. , Biccard Aiden , Griffiths Charles L.
Published: March 2012

Twenty-two South African shores were surveyed for stranded debris colonized by goose barnacles. The most frequently colonized substrata were kelp (Ecklonia maxima) and plastic, comprising 33.1 and 29.0% of total colonized items, respectively. Four goose barnacle species showed significant preferences for specific substrata: Dosima fascicularis for feathers; Lepas anserifera for rubber sandals; L. pectinata for the shells of dead cephalopods Spirula spirula; and L. testudinata for kelp E. maxima. The other species, L. anatifera and L. australis, did not show significant preference for specific substrata. All species frequently attached to plastic debris. Object size and species were significantly related (P < 0.0001), with D. fascicularis and L. pectinata colonizing relatively smaller objects than other species. Colony size differed significantly between species (P < 0.0001), with D. fascicularis and L. pectinata occurring in relatively smaller colonies and L. testudinata being the only species to regularly occur in colonies ≥1000 individuals. We conclude that the nature and abundance of available substrata greatly influences the abundance and distribution of goose barnacles, and the increasing abundance of plastic is drastically increasing their opportunities to colonize and disperse within the southern African region.
One Cheer for Constantinople: A Comment on Pettit and Skinner on Hobbes and Freedom
Authors: Kukathas Chandran
Published: March 2012

Philip Pettit and Quentin Skinner find Hobbes's understanding of freedom as non-interference inadequate because it fails to appreciate what is wrong with a life lived as a slave. Though their critiques have some force, however, Hobbes's view of freedom has virtues of its own. It is highly sensitive to the fact that freedom is a matter of degree. It is also unlikely to mistake freedom for something else, like security or dignity. Moreover, Hobbes is not as unmindful of the dangers of servility as many think.
Attitudes towards Entrepreneurship in Singapore: The Role of the State in Cultural Transition
Authors: Pereira Alexius
Published: March 2012

In 2001, due to Singapore's low level of entrepreneurship, the state introduced an economic policy known as the Technopreneurship 21 programme. Along with many economic incentives and structural changes, the state has also embarked upon an ideological campaign to create a more pro-entrepreneurial society. This study focuses on examining the attitudes of undergraduates towards entrepreneurship as a means of understanding the Singapore state's ability to 'change' mindsets. It finds that although the respondents still feel that Singapore is currently still un-entrepreneurial, they are very positive for the future. Indeed, the undergraduates even felt that the best way for Singapore to become pro-entrepreneurial was for more state intervention. This paper concludes that because of the capacity and capability of the highly interventionist Singapore government, it is a key agent in the process of cultural transition in Singapore.
Dutch Colonial Anthropology in Indonesia
Authors: Kommers Jean , Buskens Léon
Published: March 2012

Attempts to assess the results of colonial anthropology in Indonesia faced some problems, which, until recently, have not been dealt with properly. Therefore, in a newly published comprehensive history of anthropology in the Netherlands, several studies focused on the character, rather than on the substance of colonial anthropology. In the case of Dutch colonial representations of Indonesia, 'colonial anthropology' appears to be an assemblage of various disciplines that constituted a fragmented whole (Indologie; Dutch Indies Studies) from which today's Dutch academic anthropology emerged. However, projection of current conceptions of anthropology into the colonial past resulted in a tendency to neglect some major characteristics of early representations that are imperative for the interpretation of these representations. Besides, a rather limited familiarity amongst present-day anthropologists with the way in which Dutch colonial politics became immersed in international discourses resulted in misappraisal of an essential change in colonial knowledge: the shift from local to analytical representations, deeply affecting the portrayal of Indonesian cultures. In colonial knowledge production, emphasis moved from ethnographic particularism to essentialist conceptions like 'Knowledge of the Native'. This shift also had serious consequences for the academic position of ethnology amongst other colonial disciplines. Until recently, this misappraisal could escape notice because students of Dutch colonial anthropology were insufficiently aware of the effects on interpretation of the great variety of disciplinary discourses, so characteristic for Dutch colonial studies. Therefore, we will here concentrate on these effects and on the growing intertwinement of knowledge and politics which was directly related to the international orientation of colonial policy that became increasingly prominent after the mid-nineteenth century.
Supplement I to J. K. Elliott, A Bibliography of Greek New Testament Manuscripts
Authors:   Birdsall,   Elliott
Published: March 2012

This is the first of an occasional series to update J. K. Elliott, A Bibliography of Greek New Testament Manuscripts Second Edition (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000) (= SNTS Monograph Series 109) by listing addenda. In this first supplement the opportunity has been taken to include corrigenda to the 2nd edition of the Bibliography, many of which were noted by J. Neville Birdsall.
Family Ethics in 4QInstruction and the New Testament
Authors: Wold Benjamin
Published: March 2012

4QInstruction preserves an interpretation of the fifth commandment, to honor one's father and mother, which has similarities with Philo's comments on it. Because Philo's treatment of the command plays a pivotal role in assigning influences on instruction to family members in the New Testament, and the present opinion overwhelmingly views Philo as indebted to Greek schemas and content, evidence from more recently available Qumran literature suggests some of the New Testament Haustafeln may have more of a Jewish intellectual history than is currently acknowledged. This article explores the way biblical traditions—especially the Decalogue and creation traditions—are used for construing teachings to members of the family in the 1 Cor 11, Eph 5-6, Philo and 4QInstruction.
Bibliographia Gnostica: Supplementum II/8.2
Authors: Scholer David
Published: March 2012

This is the second section of the eighth in the series of supplementary bibliographies to David M. Scholer's Nag Hammadi Bibliography 1970-1994 (Nag Hammadi and Manichaean Studies 32; Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1997). The first section was published in issue 50.2 (2008). This supplement contains items published in 2002-2006 (and a few beyond) as well as earlier items which had not been previously listed. This supplement continues the numbering of Supplementum II/7 [Novum Testamentum 46 (2004), 46-77] and, thus, begins with number 10627 and contains 917 items. For new reviews of books previously listed, the author, a brief title and bibliography entry number of the book are given.
Survival of the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus jordanensis Hashim in a fallow field after harvest of alfalfa
Authors: Mani Annamalai
Published: March 2012

Survival of Pratylenchus jordanensis Hashim was studied in a field in fallow after the harvest of a crop of alfalfa and in storage under laboratory conditions. The nematodes survived in dry roots/ root residues under field conditions for 100 days. Vertical migration of the nematodes to deeper soil layers was observed when the top soil layer dried up. High numbers of nematodes survived at both 0-15 and 16-30 cm depths for 100 days. Then the field was ploughed under, which caused the soil to dry and the populations to decline. The nematodes survived for 380 days in a fallow field. They survived for 270 and 272 days under laboratory conditions in wet and shade-dried soil, respectively, and for 124 days in natural field soil at 30 degrees C. Significant negative correlation between nematode populations and storage temperature and positive correlation between nematode populations and soil moisture were observed. P. jordanensis did not survive for long in a drop of water on a glass slide, whereas it survived in filter paper discs for varying periods at different relative humidity levels. Survie de Pratylenchus jordanensis Hashim dans les jacheres suivant la recolte de luzerne - La survie de Pratylenchus jordanensis Hashim dans les jacheres suivant la recolte de luzerne et dans du sol stocke au laboratoire a ete etudiee. Au champ, le nematode survit 100 jours dans les racines dessechees ou les fragments de celles-ci. Il a ete observe une migration verticale des nematodes vers les couches plus profondes du sol lorsque la surface de celui-ci se desseche. Un grand nombre de nematodes survivent 100 jours a des profondeurs de 0-15 et 16-30 cm apres quoi les populations declinent du fait de la dessiccation causee par le labourage du champ. A 30 degrees C, le nematode survit 270 jours dans du sol humide, 272 jours dans du sol seche a l'ombre - l'un et l'autre dans les conditions du laboratoire - et 124 jours dans le sol naturel au champ. Il a ete observe des correlations significatives, negatives, entre populations du nematode et temperature de stockage, et positives, entre populations du nematode et humidite du sol. P. jordanensis ne survit pars longtemps dans une goutte d'eau placee sur une lame porte-objet, tandis qu'il est capable de se maintenir pendant des periodes plus ou moins longues si place sur des disques de papier filtre soumis a des taux d'humidite relative varies.