bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The importance of gender on coronary artery size: In‐vivo assessment by intravascular ultrasound
Authors: Kim Sang‐Gon , Apple Sue , Mintz Gary S. , McMillan Taya , Caños Daniel A. , Maehara Akiko , Weissman Neil J.
Published: June 2007

Background: It remains controversial whether women have smaller coronary arteries than men because of a gender‐specific trait, or whether the observed differences are primarily due to a difference in body size. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), with its ability to provide unique coronary images that allow precise measurement of arterial size in vivo, is ideally suited to address this issue.

Hypothesis: Female gender, independent of body size, is associated with smaller coronary artery size as measured by intracoronary ultrasound.

Methods: Intravascular ultrasound images of normal left main arteries were identified retrospectively from a single center database. Associations between demographic and clinical characteristics (including body size) and left main coronary dimensions were assessed with univariant and multivariate regression analyses.

Results: We identified 257 completely normal left main arteries. Mean left main arterial areas were smaller in women than in men (17.2 vs. 20.6 mm2, p < 0.001), as were mean luminal areas (14.0 vs. 16.7 mm2, p < 0.001). By multiple regression analysis, the independent predictors of left main lumen were body surface area (p < 0.001) and gender (p = 0.003).

Conclusions: Body surface area and gender are both independent predictors of coronary artery size, although body size has a greater influence than gender.
Coenzyme Q10 in patients with end‐stage heart failure awaiting cardiac transplantation: A randomized, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Berman Marius , Erman Arie , Ben‐Gal Tuvia , Dvir Dan , Georghiou Georgios P. , Stamler Alon , Vered Yaffa , Vidne Bernardo A. , Aravot Dan
Published: June 2007

Background: The number of patients awaiting heart transplantation is increasing in proportion to the waiting period for a donor. Studies have shown that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has a beneficial effect on patients with heart failure.

Hypothesis: The purpose of the present double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized study was to assess the effect of CoQ10 on patients with end‐stage heart failure and to determine if CoQ10 can improve the pharmacological bridge to heart transplantation.

Methods: A prospective double‐blind design was used. Thirty‐two patients with end‐stage heart failure awaiting heart transplantation were randomly allocated to receive either 60 mg U/day of Ultrasome™‐‐‐CoQ10 (special preparation to increase intestinal absorption) or placebo for 3 months. All patients continued their regular medication regimen. Assessments included anamnesis with an extended questionnaire based partially on the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, 6‐min walk test, blood tests for atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and echocardiography.

Results: Twenty‐seven patients completed the study. The study group showed significant improvement in the 6‐min walk test and a decrease in dyspnea, New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, nocturia, and fatigue. No significant changes were noted after 3 months of treatment in echocardiography parameters (dimensions and contractility of cardiac chambers) or ANF and TNF blood levels.

Conclusion: The administration of CoQ10 to heart transplant candidates led to a significant improvement in functional status, clinical symptoms, and quality of life. However, there were no objective changes in echo measurements or ANF and TNF blood levels. Coenzyme Q10 may serve as an optional addition to the pharmacologic armamentarium of patients with end‐stage heart failure. The apparent discrepancy between significant clinical improvement and unchanged cardiac status requires further investigation.
Intravascular ultrasound‐guided cutting balloon angioplasty for renal artery stent restenosis
Authors: Otah Kenneth E. , Alhaddad Imad A.
Published: June 2007

Renal artery stenting is the procedure of choice for treating atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis; it improves the acute results of percutaneous balloon angioplasty and has a better long‐term outcome, particularly a reduced risk of restenosis. However, the treatment of renal artery stent restenosis is not well established and it is challenging because of limited therapeutic options. A novel technique of treating renal artery stent restenosis using cutting balloon angioplasty guided by intravascular ultrasound is presented.
Limiting brain and lung damage after coronary artery bypass grafting: An alternative to conventional coronary artery bypass graft
Authors: Runge Thomas M. , Runge Marschall S.
Published: June 2007

The development of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) for the treatment of coronary heart disease has resulted in reduced morbidity and mortality compared with medical therapy. Even with the rapid development of improved percutaneous interventions, CABG remains an important approach for treating patients with advanced coronary heart disease. However, recent studies and commentary reporting an alarmingly high incidence of subtle, cognitive decline following CABG have generated questions about whether these adverse outcomes could be lessened. Even after considerable study, there is no consensus as to the cause of brain and lung injury after CABG and cardiopulmonary bypass, nor an agreed upon, mechanistic approach to study its prevention. The potential causes of these adverse outcomes and a simple approach are described, involving the use of the cannulae, biventricular pulsatile flow pump, and a blood substitute to optimize the perfusion of brain and alveolar cells, minimize systemic microembolization, and limit post‐CABG cognitive decline.
Utilization of low‐profile intra‐aortic balloon catheters inserted by the sheathless technique in acute cardiac patients: Clinical efficacy with a very low complication rate
Authors: Meisel Simcha , Shochat Michael , Sheikha Samir Abu , Osipov Aya , Kogan Alexander , Anabussi Nizar , Suari Bracha , Frimerman Aharon , Shotan A. , Sahar Gideon , Peled Benny
Published: June 2007

Background: Initial intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) catheters were of large caliber and their utilization resulted in a high incidence of complications, including limb ischemia, bleeding and thrombosis, peripheral neurologic sequelae, and infection. Despite eventual decrease in the size of IABP catheters, the complication rate has remained high.

Hypothesis: The study was undertaken to determine whether use of recently available low‐profile IABP catheters would result in a lower incidence of vascular and bleeding complications.

Methods: We prospectively evaluated the incidence of complications when consecutively using the low‐profile (8F) IABP catheter inserted mostly sheathlessly in 161 acute cardiac patients between January 1, 2000 and April, 2003.

Results: Complications encountered included mild transient limb ischemia in two patients (1.2%), minor bleeding episodes in four patients (2.4%), one major puncture site bleeding (0.6%), and a pseudoaneurysm treated percutaneously in two patients (1.2%). Two patients (1.2%) suffered limb ischemia due to embolization or local thrombosis requiring vascular intervention. These complications were milder and their incidence remarkably lower than those reported previously when IABP catheters larger than 8F were used.

Conclusion: Utilization of low‐profile IABP 8F catheters in a sheathless technique entails an exceedingly low complication rate despite an acute presentation, intense anticoagulant and antiaggregant therapy, frequent comorbidity, advanced age, severe coronary disease, and reduced cardiac function in a large proportion of treated patients.
Hemodynamic significance of heart rate in neurally mediated syncope
Authors: Chan Wan Leong , Lu Tse Min , Wang Jiann Jong , Jiau Shyi Shiaw , Kong Chi Woon
Published: June 2007

Background: Vasovagal and vasodepressor syncope are used interchangeably in the literature to describe the common faint syndrome, now collectively named neurally mediated syncope. The significance of heart rate (HR) in these reflex‐induced reactions remains unclear.

Hypothesis: The study was undertaken to investigate the hemodynamic significance of HR in tilt‐induced neurally mediated syncope.

Methods: In all, 113 patients with syncope of unknown etiology were studied by head‐up tilt test with invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Thirty‐five patients (15 women, 20 men, age range 21 to 72 years) developed syncope and were enrolled for analysis. The hemodynamic data were compared between patients who developed bradycardia (vasovagal group, n = 15) and those without bradycardia (vasodepressor group, n = 20).

Results: The baseline hemodynamic data (mean ± standard deviation) and the hemodynamic responses after 10‐min head‐up tilt were similar between patients in the vasovagal and vasodepressor groups. During syncope, patients with vasovagal reaction developed hypotension and paradoxical bradycardia (HR = 52.4 ± 5.9 beats/min), while patients with vasodepressor reaction developed a precipitous drop in arterial blood pressure with inappropriate HR (105 ± 21 beats/min) compensation. Patients with vasovagal syncope manifested a significantly lower cardiac index and a significantly higher systemic vascular resistance index than patients with vasodepressor syncope (1.47 ±0.29 vs. 1.97 ±0.41 l/min/m2, p< 0.001 and 2098 ± 615 vs. 1573 ± 353 dynes·s·cm−5·m2, p<0.003, respectively). A positive correlation existed between HR and cardiac index (r = 0.44, p = 0.008) during syncope in the patients studied.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that the hemodynamic characteristics of vasovagal and vasodepressor reactions are different, and that HR plays a significant role in neurally mediated syncope.
The incremental value of troponin‐I testing in patients with intermediate risk unstable angina
Authors: Appelbaum Evan , Zafar M. Urooj , Glick H. C. , Stec Sebastian , Southern William , Sarkozi Laszlo , Wallenstein Sylvan , Chesebro James H. , Farkouh Michael E.
Published: June 2007

Background: Classification of patients with unstable angina (UA) by Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) guidelines in the emergency department reliably stratifies risk of death or myocardial infarction (MI) for triage to outpatient evaluation (low‐risk), hospitalization (high‐risk), or additional testing (intermediate‐risk). Cardiac troponin‐I elevation may identify patients at higher risk, but the incremental value may vary with AHCPR clinical risk.

Hypothesis: The objective of this study was to determine whether cardiac troponin‐I had any additional value beyond triage based upon history, physical examination, and electrocardiogram, in the evaluation of patients with UA.

Methods: In all, 212 consecutive patients with UA and normal serum creatine kinase (CK)‐MB levels and elevated troponin‐I were risk stratified by AHCPR guidelines to evaluate the incremental value of adding routine troponin‐I measurements to our current model for risk stratification.

Results: Primary events (death/nonfatal MI) occurred in 35% of high‐risk, 15% of intermediate‐risk, and 0% of low‐risk patients (p < 0.001 by chisquare for trend). High troponin‐I (≥ 2.0 ng/dl) occurred in 48% of high‐risk, 21% of intermediate‐risk, and 19% of low‐risk patients. The remaining patients in each risk group had indeterminate troponin‐I levels (≥0.4 < 2 ng/dl). Of those with high troponin‐I, a primary event occurred in 36, 42, and 0% in the respective high‐, intermediate‐, and low‐risk groups (p < 0.001). High troponin‐I levels corresponded with a statistically significant increased rate of primary events only in patients at AHCPR intermediate risk: 42.4 vs. 7.3%, p < 0.001.

Conclusion: The AHCPR guidelines risk stratify patients with UA. High troponin‐I adds significant (p < 0.001) prognostic value in the patients at AHCPR intermediate risk and should be evaluated further in larger trials of such patients.
Aortic sclerosis—a marker of coronary atherosclerosis
Authors: Prasad Yogendra , Bhalodkar Narendra C.
Published: June 2007

Aortic valve sclerosis is defined as calcification and thickening of a trileaflet aortic valve in the absence of obstruction of ventricular outflow. Its frequency increases with age, making it a major geriatric problem. Of adults aged> 65 years, 21–29% exhibit aortic valve sclerosis. Incidence of aortic sclerosis increases with age, male gender, smoking, hypertension, high lipoprotein (Lp) (a), high low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and diabetes mellitus. Aortic valves affected by aortic sclerosis contain a higher amount of oxidized LDL cholesterol and show increased expression of metalloproteinases. Clinically, it can be suspected in the presence of soft ejection systolic murmur at the aortic area, normal split of the second heart sound, and normal volume carotid pulse, but it can be best detected by echocardiography. Aortic sclerosis may be accompanied by mitral annulus calcification up to 50% of cases. It is associated with an increase of approximately 50% in the risk of death from cardiovascular causes and the risk of myocardial infarction. The mechanism by which aortic sclerosis contributes to or is associated with increased cardiovascular risk is not known. Aortic sclerosis is associated with systemic endothelial dysfunction, and a small percentage of cases may progress to aortic stenosis. Lowering of LDL cholesterol by 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase inhibitors have been shown to decrease progression of aortic valve calcification. Aortic sclerosis is not a mere benign finding. Once diagnosis of aortic sclerosis has been made, it should be considered a potential marker of coexisting coronary disease. Aggressive management of modifiable risk factors, especially LDL cholesterol lowering, may slow progression of the disease.
The negative U wave: A pathogenetic enigma but a useful, often overlooked bedside diagnostic and prognostic clue in ischemic heart disease
Authors: Correale Ernesto , Battista Rossano , Ricciardiello Vincenzo , Martone Angelina
Published: June 2007

The pathogenesis of U‐wave inversion and its clinical value are still not clear, although the U wave was described by Einthoven together with the other electrocardiographic (ECG) waves. Not considered a useful diagnostic clue, it is not usually mentioned in ECG reports. In recent years, stimulated by the long QT syndromes and by the discovery of U‐wave changes in some pathologic, mostly cardiac states, this neglected wave has attracted new interest. This review focuses on the negativity of the U wave in ischemic heart disease. The discovery of M cells and their electrophysiology has established the cellular basis for repolarization and has contributed to our knowledge of U‐wave genesis. Hemodynamic changes during diastole in acute ischemia also furnish interesting elements for the interpretation of U‐wave changes, and some experimental and clinical studies, besides designating stretch as a cause of U‐wave changes, have also proved their value for moreaccurate bedside diagnosis andprognosis. They may indicate the extent of myocardial ischemia, the presence of collateral circulation, and the possible territory and vessel involved. When U‐wave changes are the first and only sign of ischemia, they may contribute to a decision regarding the hospital admission of a patient without typical ischemic symptoms. Furthermore, U‐wave changes during exercise tests increase their sensitivity.
Enhanced external counterpulsation does not alter arterial stiffness in patients with angina
Authors: Dockery Frances , Rajkumar Chakravarthi , Bulpitt Christopher J. , Hall Roger J. , Bagger Jens Peder
Published: June 2007

Background:Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a nsoninvasive treatment for angina that acutely augments diastolic pressure and reduces cardiac afterload. However, the mechanism of the sustained clinical benefit seen with this therapy is not known.

Hypothesis:The study aimed to determine whether EECP leads to an improvement in arterial stiffness.

Methods:In all, 22 men and 1 woman with angina (age 63.6 ± 6.7 years, mean ± SD) were studied prior to and after 35 h of EECP therapy over 7 weeks. We measured carotid‐radial (C‐R) pulse wave velocity (PWV), and aortic augmentation index (AI) was derived from radial and carotid artery waveforms using applanation tonometry. Seventeen patients underwent treadmill exercise testing before and after the 7 weeks of EECP.

Results:After EECP therapy, despite a significant improvement in treadmill exercise time and a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, there was no significant change in any arterial stiffness parameters: Mean C‐R PWV was 8.4 ± 0.8 m/s at baseline and 8.0 ±1.2 m/s after 7 weeks of EECP, mean change: −0.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.0, + 0.2, p=0.17. Mean radial‐derived AI was 25.7 ± 10.4% before and 24.6 ± 10.8% after, mean change: + 1.1%, 95% CI: −2.3, + 4.5, p = 0.53. Median AI‐carotid was 31.5% before and 28.7% after; median change: −0.5, interquartile range: −9.5, + 3.5, p = 0.32. Nineteen patients returned for 6‐month recordings; neither blood pressure nor arterial stiffness readings were significantly different from baseline.

Conclusion:Enhanced external counterpulsation therapy does not significantly alter arterial stiffness. Other than an initial reduction in blood pressure, the sustained clinical benefit seen with this therapy is unlikely to be effected through alterations in arterial wall mechanical properties.
When business associations and a federal ministry jointly consult civil society: a CSR policy case study on the development of the CSR Austria Guiding Vision
Authors: Konrad Astrid , Martinuzzi Andre , Steurer Reinhard
Published: June 2007

In 2002, Austrian business organizations and the Austrian Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour decided to raise the awareness of CSR in Austria by formulating a CSR guiding vision for Austrian businesses after consulting a broad variety of stakeholders. This paper describes the development of the ‘CSR Austria Guiding Vision’ from 2003, and it gives a brief overview of other public CSR initiatives launched in Austria since then. Since the authors were involved drafting the CSR Austria Guiding Vision as consultants, the paper describes success factors, lessons learned and recommendations relevant for other large‐scale stakeholder dialogues on CSR from an insider perspective. Overall, we conclude that a clear idea about the structure, the type and the rules of the stakeholder involvement (conceptual issues), in combination with a timely, honest and empathic approach towards stakeholders (procedural issues), are important success factors for any stakeholder dialogue. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
A common human TLR1 polymorphism regulates the innate immune response to lipopeptides
Authors: Hawn Thomas R. , Misch E. Ann , Dunstan Sarah J. , Thwaites Guy E. , Lan Nguyen T. N. , Quy Hoang T. , Chau Tran T. H. , Rodrigues Stephanie , Nachman Alex , Janer Marta , Hien Tran T. , Farrar Jeremy J. , Aderem Alan
Published: June 2007

Toll‐like receptors (TLR) are critical mediators of the immune response to pathogens and human polymorphisms in this gene family regulate inflammatory pathways and are associated with susceptibility to infection. Lipopeptides are present in a wide variety of microbes and stimulate immune responses through TLR1/2 or TLR2/6 heterodimers. It is not currently known whether polymorphisms in TLR1 regulate the innate immune response. We stimulated human whole blood with triacylated lipopeptide, a ligand for TLR1/2 heterodimers, and found substantial inter‐individual variation in the immune response. We sequenced the coding region of TLR1 and found a non‐synonymous polymorphism, I602S (base pair T1805G), that regulated signalling. In comparison to TLR1_602S, the 602I variant mediated substantially greater basal and lipopeptide‐induced NF‐κB signalling in transfected HEK293 cells. These signalling differences among TLR1 variants were also found with stimulation by extracts of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Furthermore, individuals with the 602II genotype produced substantially more IL‐6 than those with the 602SS variant in a lipopeptide‐stimulated whole‐blood cytokine assay. Together, these observations demonstrate that variation in the inflammatory response to bacterial lipopeptides is regulated by a common TLR1 transmembrane domain polymorphism that could potentially impact the innate immune response and clinical susceptibility to a wide spectrum of pathogens.

See accompanying article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200737604
Regiospecific ortho‐Aromatic Hydroxylation via Cyclonickelation Using Hydrogen Peroxide and Other Oxygen Donors: Synthesis of Metalloazosalophens
Authors: Pattanayak Poulami , Lal Pratihar Jahar , Patra Debprasad , Burrows Andrew , Mohan Mary , Chattopadhyay Surajit
Published: June 2007

The new ligands N‐[2‐(arylazo)phenyl]salicylideneamine, H2Lsal [where H represents the dissociable protons upon complexation and aryl groups of H2Lsal are phenyl for H2L1sal, p‐methylphenyl for H2L2sal, and p‐chlorophenyl for H2L3sal], were prepared by the reaction of 2‐(arylazo)aniline, H2L, with salicylaldehyde. H2Lsal ligands afforded stable orthometalated complexes, (Lsal)Ni, upon treatment with Ni(CH3COO)2·4H2O. The dianionic (Lsal)2– ligands bind NiII in tetradentate (C,N,N,O) fashion in distorted square‐planar geometry. Reaction of (Lsal)Ni with meta‐chloroperbenzoic acid, tert‐butyl hydroperoxide, or hydrogen peroxide furnished the metalloazosalophens, (OLsal)Ni, as a result of oxygen insertion into the Ni–C bond. The X‐ray structures of (L1sal)Ni and (OL1sal)Ni were determined as representatives for unequivocal characterization. Treatment of (OL1sal)Ni with dilute HClO4 liberated 2‐(2‐aminophenylazo)phenol, H2L1OH, which is an ortho‐hydroxylated derivative of H2L1. The cyclic voltammograms of (OLsal)Ni complexes display a reversible reductive response near –1.06 V vs. SCE.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Chiral separation of sympathomimetics and β‐blockers by ligand‐exchange CE using Cu(II) complexes of L‐tartaric acid and L‐threonine as chiral selectors
Authors: Hödl Heike , Krainer Axel , Holzmüller Katja , Koidl Julia , Schmid Martin G. , Gübitz Gerald
Published: June 2007

This paper deals with the use of Cu(II) complexes of L‐tartaric acid or L‐threonine as selectors for the chiral separation of drugs containing amino alcohol structure by ligand‐exchange CE. Using Cu(II) ions as a complexing agent, a series of sympathomimetics and β‐blockers were resolved. It was found that the resolution strongly depends on selector concentration and pH. The optimum pH for complexation was 12.
A Reassessment of the holocene stratigraphy of the Wadi Hasa Terrace and Hasa formation, Jordan
Authors: Schuldenrein Joseph
Published: June 2007

Vita‐Finzi's 1960s model for Mediterranean terrace evolution was once the basis for regional valley histories across much of the Levant. A revisit to the Hasa terrace, formerly considered Early to Middle Holocene in age, resulted in a revised chronostratigraphy. Sedimentological and geochemical analyses bolstered by radiocarbon dating indicate that valley floor construction began shortly after the end of the Middle Holocene, at least 2000 years later than initially proposed. An updated model for floodplain evolution proposes three discrete phases of accretion and alluvial plain formation. A weak cambic soil overprints the alluvium and suggests slightly moister climates than at present for much of the Late Holocene. This model is in accord with settlement data. Intensified uplands agropastoralism accelerated the erosion of slope soils that were recycled and deposited as alluvium across the valley floor. The valley floor sequences of the Hasa are analogous to alluvial chronologies for neighboring wadis of the eastern Jordan Rift and can be tied to key Middle and Late Holocene geomorphic events in the Dead Sea and the southwestern Levant. The data strongly indicate that alluvial fill histories after 1800 cal B.C. were anthropogenically driven, whereas Middle Holocene landscape changes were climatically and structurally triggered. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Geomorphology, site distribution, and Paleolithic settlement dynamics of the Ma'aloula region, Damascus Province, Syria
Authors: Dodonov Andrey E. , Kandel Andrew W , Simakova Aleksandra N. , al‐Masri Mohammed , Conard Nicholas J.
Published: June 2007

This survey of the geology, geomorphology, and Paleolithic archaeology of a 300 km2 area in Damascus Province, Syria, focused around the villages of Ma'aloula and Jaba'deen. The study resulted in the definition of seven geomorphological zones that trend northeast–southwest, parallel to the prevailing geological features of the region. The zones span a broad range of elevations, from a dry lake bed in the Jeiroud Basin (ca. 800 m) to the peaks of the Anti‐Lebanon Mountains (ca. 2350 m). The research focused on assessing the geological and paleoenvironmental history of the region as a backdrop for 500,000 years of Paleolithic settlement. Among the 618 archaeological sites documented thus far, all major archaeological periods from the Lower Paleolithic through the Epipaleolithic are represented. Most abundant are occurrences of the Levalloisian Middle Paleolithic, with 255 new sites documented. Nine Neolithic sites were also included in the survey. The distribution of sites varies during the Paleolithic and reflects the availability of resources, especially of flint and water, as well as the spatial patterns of erosion and deposition on the ancient land surfaces. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low frequency BOLD fluctuations during resting wakefulness and light sleep: A simultaneous EEG‐fMRI study
Authors: Horovitz Silvina G. , Fukunaga Masaki , de Zwart Jacco A. , van Gelderen Peter , Fulton Susan C. , Balkin Thomas J. , Duyn Jeff H.
Published: June 2007

Recent blood oxygenation level dependent functional MRI (BOLD fMRI) studies of the human brain have shown that in the absence of external stimuli, activity persists in the form of distinct patterns of temporally correlated signal fluctuations. In this work, we investigated the spontaneous BOLD signal fluctuations during states of reduced consciousness such as drowsiness and sleep. For this purpose, we performed BOLD fMRI on normal subjects during varying levels of consciousness, from resting wakefulness to light (non‐slow wave) sleep. Depth of sleep was determined based on concurrently acquired EEG data. During light sleep, significant increases in the fluctuation level of the BOLD signal were observed in several cortical areas, among which visual cortex was the most significant. Correlations among brain regions involved with the default‐mode network persisted during light sleep. These results suggest that activity in areas such as the default‐mode network and primary sensory cortex, as measured from BOLD fMRI fluctuations, does not require a level of consciousness typical of wakefulness. Hum Brain Mapp, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simulation of spring flows from a karst aquifer with an artificial neural network
Authors: Hu Caihong , Hao Yonghong , Yeh Tian‐Chyi J. , Pang Bo , Wu Zening
Published: June 2007

In China, 9·5% of the landmass is karst terrain and of that 47,000 km2 is located in semiarid regions. In these regions the karst aquifers feed many large karst springs within basins of thousands of square kilometres. Spring discharges reflect the fluctuation of ground water level and variability of ground water storage in the basins. However, karst aquifers are highly heterogeneous and monitoring data are sparse in these regions. Therefore, for sustainable utilization and conservation of karst ground water it is necessary to simulate the spring flows to acquire better understanding of karst hydrological processes. The purpose of this study is to develop a parsimonious model that accurately simulates spring discharges using an artificial neural network (ANN) model. The karst spring aquifer was treated as a non‐linear input/output system to simulate the response of karst spring flow to precipitation and applied the model to the Niangziguan Springs, located in the east of Shanxi Province, China and a representative of karst springs in a semiarid area. Moreover, the ANN model was compared with a previous time‐lag linear model and it was found that the ANN model performed better. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3: Risk of prostate cancer among men in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial
Authors: Weiss Jocelyn M. , Huang Wen‐Yi , Rinaldi Sabina , Fears Thomas R. , Chatterjee Nilanjan , Chia David , Crawford E. David , Kaaks Rudolf , Hayes Richard B.
Published: June 2007

IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3 may influence risk of prostate cancer through their roles in cellular growth, metabolism and apoptosis, however, epidemiologic results have been inconsistent. The role of obesity in prostate cancer risk is not clearly understood, but hyperinsulinemia‐related increases in bioactive IGF‐1 levels, associated with obesity, could be a component of the relationship between the IGF‐axis and prostate cancer. We conducted a nested case–control study in the prospective Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial to examine associations between IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3 and risk of prostate cancer. A total of 727 incident prostate cancer cases and 887 matched controls were selected for this analysis. There was no clear overall association between IGF‐1, IGFBP‐3 and IGF‐1:IGFBP‐3 molar ratio (IGFmr) and prostate cancer risk, however, IGFmr was associated with risk in obese men (BMI > 30, p‐trend = 0.04), with a greater than 2‐fold increased risk in the highest IGFmr quartile (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.10–5.01). Risk was specifically increased for aggressive disease in obese men (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.11–7.08). In summary, our large prospective study showed no overall association between the insulin‐like growth factor axis and prostate cancer risk, however, IGFmr was related to risk for aggressive prostate cancer in obese men. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tamoxifen accelerates proteasomal degradation of O6‐methylguanine DNA methyltransferase in human cancer cells
Authors: Kuo Ching‐Chuan , Liu Jin‐Fen , Shiah Her‐Shyong , Ma Li‐Chen , Chang Jang‐Yang
Published: June 2007

Tamoxifen, a synthetic triphenyl‐ethylene compound, is a member of a class of anticancer drugs known as selective estrogen receptor modulators. It may block tumor growth by mimicking estrogen and binding to the estrogen receptors, preventing cancerous growth. Clinical studies have demonstrated that a combination chemo/hormonal therapy regimen with tamoxifen and O6‐alkylating drugs increased the tumor response rate in cancer patients. The mechanism of action of this combined regimen remains undefined. In this study, we demonstrated that treatment of human colorectal HT‐29 carcinoma cells with tamoxifen decreased the repair activity and expression level of O6‐methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) protein in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. This inhibition was also shown in other malignant human cells, regardless of their estrogen receptor status. Furthermore, MGMT inactivation by tamoxifen was associated with a significantly increased susceptibility of cells to 1,3‐bis(2‐chloroethyl)‐1‐nitrosourea (BCNU). No alteration in MGMT mRNA levels was observed in tamoxifen‐treated cells. The half‐life of MGMT protein was markedly decreased in the presence of tamoxifen. Tamoxifen‐induced MGMT degradation could be blocked by MG‐132, a proteasome inhibitor. An increased level of ubiquitinated MGMT protein was found after tamoxifen treatment. We conclude that tamoxifen decreased the MGMT protein level by accelerating protein degradation through the ubiquitin‐dependent proteasomal pathway. These findings provide a strong rationale for combined chemo/hormonal therapy with tamoxifen and BCNU in the treatment of human cancers. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aldo–keto reductase family 1 B10 gene silencing results in growth inhibition of colorectal cancer cells: Implication for cancer intervention
Authors: Yan Ruilan , Zu Xuyu , Ma Jun , Liu Ziwen , Adeyanju Moses , Cao Deliang
Published: June 2007

Aldo–keto reductase family 1 B10 (AKR1B10), a member of aldo–keto reductase superfamily, is overexpressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma. Our previous study had demonstrated that the ectopic expression of AKR1B10 in 293T cells promotes cell proliferation. To evaluate its potential as a target for cancer intervention, in the current study we knocked down AKR1B10 expression in HCT‐8 cells derived from a colorectal carcinoma, using chemically synthesized small interfering RNA (siRNA). The siRNA 1, targeted to encoding region, downregulated AKR1B10 expression by more than 60%, and siRNA 2, targeted to 3′ untranslational region, reduced AKR1B10 expression by more than 95%. AKR1B10 silencing resulted in approximately a 50% decrease in cell growth rate and nearly 40% suppression of DNA synthesis. More importantly, AKR1B10 downregulation significantly reduced focus formation rate and colony size in semisolid culture, indicating the critical role of AKR1B10 in HCT‐8 cell proliferation. Recombinant AKR1B10 protein showed strong enzymatic activity to acrolein and crotonaldehyde, with Km = 110.1 ± 12.2 μM and Vmax = 3,122.0 ± 64.7 nmol/mg protein/min for acrolein and Km = 86.7 ± 14.3 μM and Vmax = 2,647.5 ± 132.2 nmol/mg protein/min for crotonaldehyde. AKR1B10 downregulation enhanced the susceptibility of HCT‐8 cells to acrolein (25 μM) and crotonaldehyde (50 μM), resulting in rapid oncotic cell death characterized with lactate dehydrogenase efflux and annexin‐V staining. These results suggest that AKR1B10 may regulate cell proliferation and cellular response to additional carbonyl stress, thus being a potential target for cancer intervention. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anti‐VEGF‐A therapy reduces lymphatic vessel density and expression of VEGFR‐3 in an orthotopic breast tumor model
Authors: Whitehurst Brandt , Flister Michael J. , Bagaitkar Juhi , Volk Lisa , Bivens Christopher M. , Pickett Brent , Castro‐Rivera Emely , Brekken Rolf A. , Gerard Robert D. , Ran Sophia
Published: June 2007

Because metastasis contributes significantly to cancer mortality, understanding its mechanisms is crucial to developing effective therapy. Metastasis is facilitated by lymphangiogenesis, the growth of new intratumoral or peritumoral lymphatic vessels from pre‐existing vessels. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) is a well‐known angiogenic factor. Increasing evidence implicates VEGF‐A in lymphangiogenesis, although the mechanism of its pro‐lymphangiogenic effect is poorly understood. We examined the effect of the anti‐VEGF‐A neutralizing antibody 2C3 on tumor lymphangiogenesis and metastasis in an orthotopic breast carcinoma model using MDA‐MB‐231 cells and its luciferase‐tagged derivative, 231‐Luc+ cells. Anti‐VEGF‐A antibody therapy reduced blood and lymphatic vessel densities by 70% and 80%, respectively, compared with the control antibody. Treatment with 2C3 antibody also decreased incidence of lymphatic and pulmonary metastases by 3.2‐ and 4.5‐fold, respectively. Macrophage infiltration was reduced in 2C3‐treated tumors by 32%, but VEGF‐C expression was unchanged. In contrast, neoplastic cells and blood vessels in tumors from 2C3‐treated mice expressed significantly less angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) than tumors from control mice. The reduction in Ang‐2 was associated with inhibition of VEGFR‐3 expression in intratumoral lymphatic endothelial cells. Both VEGF‐A and Ang‐2 upregulated the expression of VEGFR‐3 in cultured lymphatic endothelial cells. VEGF‐A induced proliferation of lymphatic endothelial cells was reduced by 50% by soluble Tie‐2, suggesting that Ang‐2 is an intermediary of the pro‐lymphangiogenic VEGF‐A effect. These results suggest a novel mechanism by which anti‐VEGF‐A therapy may suppress tumor lymphangiogenesis and subsequent metastasis supporting the use of anti‐VEGF‐A therapy to control metastasis clinically. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Foreign sectoral aid fungibility, growth and poverty reduction
Authors: Pettersson Jan
Published: June 2007

If development assistance targeted at specific sectors is not used as intended, aid is said to be fungible. While fungible aid is in general perceived as being less effective than aid used as specified, this has not been formally tested. This paper attempts at filling this gap and hence, tries to assess to what extent fungibility is something donors should be concerned about. Country‐specific estimates of fungibility are obtained for 57 aid‐recipient countries, suggesting that sectoral aid is indeed fungible on average. These estimates are then incorporated into an empirical model of aid and economic growth. I do not find any evidence of non‐fungible sectoral aid working better than fungible aid. Then, I focus on sectoral aid to ‘pro‐poor’ government expenditure sectors to assess the effect on infant mortality. While the results indicate that non‐fungible aid is welfare improving, this is not robust to small changes in the specification. My results suggest that the concept of fungibility may be too narrow and should possibly not be the most central concern when aid is debated or given. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence of hepatitis B, C, and delta virus infections among children in Mongolia: Progress in childhood immunization
Authors: Tsatsralt‐Od Bira , Takahashi Masaharu , Endo Kazunori , Agiimaa Dondog , Buyankhuu Osorjin , Ninomiya Masashi , Lorenzo Felipe R. , Okamoto Hiroaki
Published: June 2007

Mongolia is highly endemic for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infections among apparently healthy adults. However, the age‐specific prevalence of ongoing HBV, HCV, and HDV infections among children in Mongolia remains unknown. Therefore, samples obtained from a total of 655 apparently healthy children of 0.3–15 years of age (307 boys and 348 girls; age, mean ± standard deviation [SD], 8.4 ± 4.2 years) living in Mongolia, between October 2005 and January 2006, were tested for serological and molecular markers of HBV, HCV, and HDV infections. Although 88.7% of the 655 children studied were immunized against hepatitis B, 64 (9.8%) tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and/or HBV DNA and 13 (2.0%) for HDV RNA. Twenty‐seven children (4.1%) had detectable HCV RNA. Collectively, 82 (12.5%) were viremic for one or more of these viruses, including eight children with dual viremia of HBV/HCV and one child with triple HBV/HCV/HDV viremia. When children without anti‐HBc, anti‐HCV and anti‐HDV IgG (n = 510) served as a control, a history of hospitalization was significantly associated with HBV viremia (P < 0.0001), anti‐HBc positivity (P < 0.0001), and HCV viremia (P = 0.0001). HBsAg mutation was found in 18 (31.6%) of the 57 children with viremia, including those at amino acid position 126, 127, 129, 131, 134, 143 or 144. There were no significant differences in the frequency of HBsAg mutation in relation to age, sex, and hepatitis B vaccination status of the children, suggesting that HBsAg mutation plays a limited role in failure of vaccination in Mongolia. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1064–1074, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of phylogenetically distinct Puumala‐like viruses from red‐grey vole Clethrionomys rufocanus in China
Authors: Zhang Yong‐Zhen , Zou Yang , Yan Yan‐Zhen , Hu Guang‐Wei , Yao Lai‐Shun , Du Zhan‐Sheng , Jin Long‐Zhe , Liu Yao‐Yuan , Li Ming‐Hui , Chen Hua‐Xin , Fu Zhen F.
Published: June 2007

In order to investigate whether Puumala virus (PUUV) or PUUV‐like virus is present in China, Clethrionomys rufocanus and C. rutilus were captured in the Jilin province during the spring and autumn of 2002–2003 for detection of PUUV viral RNA by RT‐PCR and confirmation of PUUV‐positive antigens by an immunofluorescence assay. PUUV‐positive RNA was identified in six out of 121 C. rufocanus but not in any of the 41 C. rutilus. Complete S and partial M sequences (nt 1,316–1,598 and 2,687–3,089) were amplified by RT‐PCR directly from some of the antigen positive lung tissues and subjected to nucleic acid sequencing. It was found that the Chinese PUUV‐like viruses were related most closely with the PUUV strains with 77.7–81.7% identity at the nucleotide level and 91.7–97% identity at the amino acid level for S segment, and with 77–78.8% identity at the nucleotide level and 91.5–92.6% identity at the amino acid level for the partial M segment (nt 1,316–1,598). Genetic analysis indicated that the Chinese PUUV‐like viruses shared the highest level of identity with the viruses which circulate in C. rufocanus in the Far East region of Russia with 85.1–87.4% identity at the nucleotide level and 95.9% identity at the amino acid level for the partial M segment (nt 2,687–3,089), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Chinese PUUV‐like viruses are distinct from those identified from Japan, South Korea, Europe or Russia. These results indicate that PUUV‐like virus is present in China in addition to Hantaan, Seoul and Dabieshan viruses. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1082–1088, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Population‐based study of screening test performance indices of three human papillomavirus DNA tests
Authors: Wahlström Cecilia , Iftner Thomas , Dillner Joakim , Dillner Lena
Published: June 2007

In order to evaluate three common human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA tests for key performance indices in population‐based cervical screening, we sampled 12,527 women aged 32–38 years who attended invitational, population‐based screening and followed them for 4 years with comprehensive registry linkages. Three different HPV DNA tests (GP5+/6+ general primer PCR (using either AmpliTaq or AmpliTaq Gold DNA polymerase), Amplicor™ PCR and Hybrid Capture IITM were evaluated using baseline samples from women who on follow‐up developed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CINII+) (n = 197) as well as a representative subsample of the women in the cohort (n = 794). The population‐based HPV prevalence, sensitivity for future cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CINII+), and absolute risk of CINII+ was 7.1%, 87.1%, and 23.2% for AmpliTaq GP5+/6+ PCR, 11.9%, 88.9%, and 11.0% for AmpliTaq Gold GP5+/6+ PCR, 15.7%, 93.4%, and 9.8% for Amplicor, 10.0%, 92.9%, and 15.3% for Amplicor with raised cut‐off, and 7.8%, 79.7%, and 16.9% for Hybrid Capture II. In conclusion, AmpliTaq GP5+/6+ PCR and Amplicor with raised cut‐off value have adequate performance indices for primary screening. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1169–1175, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decrease of the chlorogenic acid content in commercial sunflower meal using a polyphenol oxidase preparation secreted by the white‐rot fungus Trametes versicolor ATCC 42530
Authors: Martinez Emerson , Duvnjak Zdravko
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: Sunflower meal (SFM) is a by‐product from the oil extraction process from sunflower seeds. The meal is used as a protein supplement in the livestock diet. However, relatively high levels of polyphenols, among which chlorogenic (CGA) and caffeic acids are in larger amounts, in the meal compromises its use for animal feed and human consumption. The aim of this work was to investigate an enzymatic process for upgrading the quality of SFM by decreasing its CGA content using an enzyme preparation from the white‐rot fungus Trametes versicolor.

RESULTS: The effects of pH, temperature, enzyme and meal concentrations, and mass transfer on the decrease of the CGA content in SFM were investigated. It was found that: (1) the optimum pH and temperature were 3.4 and 45 °C, respectively. (2) The system was saturated with the enzyme when its concentration was 5 nkat/mL of liquid phase; (3) the agitation speed of the system influenced the extraction of CGA from the meal; and (4) the conversion of CGA in the SFM system increased in the presence of larger volumes of liquid phase.

CONCLUSIONS: The enzyme preparation used in the experiments is able to decrease successfully the CGA content in SFM. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Mental health status of vulnerable tsunami‐affected communities: A survey in Aceh Province, Indonesia
Authors: Souza Renato , Bernatsky Sasha , Reyes Rosalie , Jong Kaz de
Published: June 2007

The authors determined the prevalence of severe emotional distress and depressive symptoms using the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist‐25 (HSCL; Derogatis, Lipman, Rickels, Uhlenhuth, & Covi, 1974) in tsunami‐affected communities that had experienced armed conflict arising from the ongoing independence movement in Aceh Province, Indonesia. We also evaluated determinants of severe emotional distress. The data were collected for the purposes of a mental health assessment. In our sample (N = 262), 83.6% demonstrated severe emotional distress, and 77.1% demonstrated depressive symptoms. In multivariate regression models, severe emotional distress was positively associated with the number of tsunami‐related deaths among household members. Our data suggests a need for effective interventions in this vulnerable population.
Reliability of self‐reported trauma exposure among people with heroin dependence: A longitudinal investigation
Authors: Mills Katherine , Teesson Maree , Darke Shane , Ross Joanne
Published: June 2007

Estimates of trauma exposure rely almost exclusively on retrospective self‐reports; however, the reliability of these reports has received little attention. The present study examined the reliability of self‐reported lifetime trauma exposure among 309 dependent heroin users over 2 years, and the factors associated with inconsistent recall. The correlation between the number of events reported at baseline and follow‐up was .72; however, 87% of the sample reported at least one event inconsistently. Variability in reporting was associated with trauma type, a lifetime posttraumatic stress disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. These findings suggest that dependent heroin users are moderately reliable in their reports of trauma exposure, and their reports of trauma exposure are as reliable as those of nonsubstance use disordered samples.
Synthesis of Hyperbranched Carbohydrate Polymers by Ring‐Opening Multibranching Polymerization of Anhydro Sugar
Authors: Satoh Toshifumi , Kakuchi Toyoji
Published: June 2007

The synthesis of novel hyperbranched carbohydrate polymers, prepared by the ring‐opening multibranching polymerizations of anhydro and dianhydro sugars, is described. The hyperbranched carbohydrate polymers were formed by the cationic polymerization of 1,6‐anhydro‐β‐D‐hexopyranose, 1,4‐anhydrotetritol, 2,3‐anhydrotetritol, and 1,2:5,6‐dianhydro‐D‐mannitol. These polymerizations proceeded without gelation to produce water‐soluble hyperbranched carbohydrate polymers with controlled molecular weights and narrow polydispersities. The values for the degree of branching of the polymers were in the range of 0.28–0.50. The polymerization method, which proceeds through a ring‐opening reaction by a proton‐transfer reaction mechanism, is a facile method leading to a spherical carbohydrate polymer with a high degree of branching.

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Supramolecular Assembly of Defined Polymer Nanoobjects
Authors: Albrecht Krystyna , Gallyamov Marat , Zhu Xiaomin , Moeller Martin
Published: June 2007

The visualization of well defined supramacromolecules that are formed by poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (P4VP) partially neutralized with wedge‐shaped amphiphilic sulfonic acid molecules is reported. Molecules are depicted as deposited on highly ordered pyrolitic graphite (HOPG) by means of atomic force microscopy. Three P4VP polymers with different, uniform molecular weights were employed to prepare the complexes. Individual supramacromolecules have been observed consisting of polyvinylpyridine backbones wrapped by the noncovalently bound sulfonic acid groups. The length of the supramacromolecules is controlled by the length of the core P4VP chains. The complexes display a strictly defined orientation with respect to the 6‐fold symmetry of the HOPG substrate that is caused by the epitaxial adsorption of side alkyl chains that also enables the visualization of these single molecules.

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