bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct Cellular Loci for the ABCA1-Dependent and ABCA1-Independent Lipid Efflux Mediated by Endogenous Apolipoprotein E Expression
Authors: Huang Zhi H. , Fitzgerald Michael L. , Mazzone Theodore
Published: October 2005

Objective—

Macrophage expression of both apolipoprotein E (apoE) and ABCA1 have been shown to modulate lipid efflux from these cells and to play an important atheroprotective role in vivo. We evaluated the relationship between apoE and ABCA1 for regulating cellular sterol efflux.

Methods and Results—

ApoE-mediated, but ABCA1-independent, lipid efflux was demonstrated in 3 model systems. First, adenoviral-mediated expression of apoE in dermal fibroblasts isolated from ABCA1
−/−
mice significantly increased both sterol and phospholipid efflux. Second, expression of human apoE in a macrophage cell line increased sterol efflux, and this increment in efflux was not reduced by suppressing ABCA1 expression. Third, reduction of apoE expression using an apoE small interfering RNA significantly reduced sterol efflux from ABCA1
−/−
mouse peritoneal macrophages. ApoE-mediated, but ABCA1-independent, lipid efflux could be differentiated from lipid efflux that was dependent on the extracellular accumulation of secreted apoE, because exogenous cell-derived apoE stimulated efflux only from cells expressing ABCA1. Sterol efflux was usually highest in cells expressing both ABCA1 and apoE, likely representing a summation of the ABCA1-dependent and -independent pathways for apoE-mediated sterol efflux.

Conclusions—

ABCA1 expression is required for apoE-mediated efflux when endogenously synthesized apoE accumulates extracellularly. Our results, however, establish the existence of an ABCA1-independent pathway for lipid efflux that requires the intracellular synthesis and/or transport of apoE.
Proinflammatory Effects of Bacterial Recombinant Human C-Reactive Protein Are Caused by Contamination With Bacterial Products, Not by C-Reactive Protein Itself
Authors: Pepys Mark B. , Hawkins Philip N. , Kahan Melvyn C. , Tennent Glenys A. , Gallimore J. Ruth , Graham David , Sabin Caroline A. , Zychlinsky Arturo , de Diego Juana
Published: October 2005

Intravenous administration to human volunteers of a commercial preparation of recombinant human C-reactive protein (CRP) produced in
Escherichia coli
was recently reported in this journal to induce an acute phase response of serum amyloid A protein (SAA) and of CRP itself, and to activate the coagulation system. The authors concluded that CRP is probably a mediator of atherothrombotic disease. Here we confirm that this recombinant CRP preparation was proinflammatory both for mouse macrophages in vitro and for mice in vivo, but show that pure natural human CRP had no such activity. Furthermore mice transgenic for human CRP, and expressing it throughout their lives, maintained normal concentrations of their most sensitive endogenous acute phase reactants, SAA and serum amyloid P component (SAP). The patterns of in vitro cytokine induction and of in vivo acute phase stimulation by the recombinant CRP preparation were consistent with contamination by bacterial products, and there was 46.6 EU of apparent endotoxin activity per mg of CRP in the bacterial product, compared with 0.9 EU per mg of our isolated natural human CRP preparation. The absence of any proinflammatory activity in natural CRP for macrophages or healthy mice strongly suggests that the in vivo effects of the recombinant preparation observed in humans were attributable to proinflammatory bacterial products and not human CRP.
Impaired CXCR4 Signaling Contributes to the Reduced Neovascularization Capacity of Endothelial Progenitor Cells From Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Walter Dirk H. , Haendeler Judith , Reinhold Johannes , Rochwalsky Ulrich , Seeger Florian , Honold Jörg , Hoffmann Jörg , Urbich Carmen , Lehmann Ralf , Arenzana-Seisdesdos Fernando , Aicher Alexandra , Heeschen Christopher , Fichtlscherer Stephan , Zeiher Andreas M. , Dimmeler Stefanie
Published: October 2005

Transplantation of bone marrow cells as well as circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) enhances neovascularization after ischemia. The chemokine receptor CXCR4 is essential for migration and homing of hematopoietic stem cells. Therefore, we investigated the role of CXCR4 and its downstream signaling cascade for the angiogenic capacity of cultured human EPC. Ex vivo, differentiated EPC derived from peripheral blood abundantly expressed CXCR4. Incubation of EPC from healthy volunteers with neutralizing antibodies against CXCR4 profoundly inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor– and stromal-derived factor-1–induced migration as well as EPC-induced angiogenesis in an ex vivo assay. Preincubation of transplanted EPC with CXCR4 antibody reduced EPC incorporation and impaired blood-flow recovery in ischemic hindlimbs of nude mice (57±4% of normal perfusion versus untreated EPC: 80±11%,
P
<0.001). Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNC) or EPC of heterozygous CXCR4
+/−
mice displayed reduced CXCR4 expression and disclosed impaired in vivo capacity to enhance recovery of ischemic blood flow in nude mice (blood flow 27±11% versus 66±25% using wild-type cells,
P
<0.01). Importantly, impaired blood flow in ischemic CXCR4
+/−
mice was rescued by injection of wild-type BM-MNC. Next, we investigated the role of CXCR4 for functional capacities of EPC from patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Surface expression of CXCR4 was similar in EPC from patients with CAD compared with healthy controls. However, basal Janus kinase (JAK)-2 phosphorylation was significantly reduced and less responsive to stromal-derived factor-1 in EPC from patients with CAD compared with healthy volunteers, indicating that CXCR4-mediated JAK-2 signaling is dysregulated in EPC from patients with CAD. The CXCR4 receptor signaling profoundly modulates the angiogenic activity and homing capacity of cultured human EPC. Disturbance of CXCR4 signaling, as demonstrated by reduced JAK-2 phosphorylation, may contribute to functional impairment of EPC from patients with CAD. Stimulating CXCR4 signaling might improve functional properties of EPC and may rescue impaired neovascularization capacity of EPC derived from patients with CAD.
Activation of the Endothelial Store-Operated
I
SOC
Ca
2+
Channel Requires Interaction of Protein 4.1 With TRPC4
Authors: Cioffi Donna L. , Wu Songwei , Alexeyev Mikhail , Goodman Steven R. , Zhu Michael X. , Stevens Troy
Published: October 2005

Store-operated calcium (SOC) entry represents the principal Ca
2+
entry pathway into nonexcitable cells. Despite intensive investigation, mechanisms underlying activation of SOC entry have remained elusive. The endothelial
I
SOC
channel is a Ca
2+
-selective SOC entry channel to which the transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins TRPC1 and TRPC4 contribute subunits. Activation of
I
SOC
is specifically regulated by the spectrin–actin membrane skeleton; however, the nature of coupling between the
I
SOC
channel and membrane skeleton is unknown. Here we demonstrate that protein 4.1 is an essential component of the
I
SOC
channel gating mechanism. Protein 4.1 interacts with TRPC4 and the membrane skeleton. Deletion of the protein 4.1 binding domain on TRPC4 or peptide competition to the protein 4.1 binding domain prevents
I
SOC
activation. These findings reveal that interaction of protein 4.1 with TRPC4 is required for activation of the endothelial
I
SOC
channel.
Nuclear RNA Foci in the Heart in Myotonic Dystrophy
Authors: Mankodi Ami , Lin Xiaoyan , Blaxall Burns C. , Swanson Maurice S. , Thornton Charles A.
Published: October 2005

The disease mechanism underlying myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) pathogenesis in skeletal muscle may involve sequestration of RNA binding proteins in nuclear foci of expanded poly(CUG) RNA. Here we report evidence for a parallel mechanism in the heart. Accumulation of expanded poly(CUG) RNA in nuclear foci is associated with sequestration of muscleblind proteins and abnormal regulation of alternative splicing in DM1 cardiac muscle. A toxic effect of RNA with an expanded repeat may contribute to cardiac disease in DM1.
Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation in Acute Lacunar and Middle Cerebral Artery Territory Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Immink Rogier V. , van Montfrans Gert A. , Stam Jan , Karemaker John M. , Diamant Michaela , van Lieshout Johannes J.
Published: October 2005

Background and Purpose—

We addressed whether dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) is affected in middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory (MCAS) and lacunar ischemic stroke (LS).

Methods—

Blood pressure (MAP) and MCA velocity (V) were measured in 10 patients with large MCAS (National Institutes of Health Stroke score, 17±2; mean±SEM), in 10 with LS (score, 9±1), and in 10 reference subjects. dCA was evaluated in time (delay of the MCA V
mean
counter-regulation during changes in MAP) and frequency domains (cross-spectral MCA V
mean
-to-MAP phase lead).

Results—

In reference subjects, latencies for MAP increments (5.3±0.5 seconds) and decrements (5.6±0.5 seconds) were comparable, and low frequency MCA V
mean
-to-MAP phase lead was 56±5 and 59±5° (left and right hemisphere). In MCAS, these latencies were 4.6±0.7 and 5.6±0.5 seconds in the nonischemic hemisphere and not detectable in the ischemic hemisphere. In the unaffected hemisphere, phase lead was 61±6° versus 26±6° on the ischemic side (
P
<0.05). In LS, no latency and smaller phase lead bilaterally (32±6 and 33±5°) conformed to globally impaired dCA.

Conclusions—

In large MCAS infarcts, dynamic cerebral autoregulation was impaired in the affected hemisphere. In LS, dynamic cerebral autoregulation was impaired bilaterally, a finding consistent with the hypothesis of bilateral small vessel disease in patients with lacunar infarcts.
Evolution of Cognitive Impairment After Stroke and Risk Factors for Delayed Progression
Authors: del Ser Teodoro , Barba Raquel , Morin Maria M. , Domingo Julio , Cemillan Carlos , Pondal Margarita , Vivancos Jose
Published: October 2005

Background and Purpose—

Cognitive decline occurs in ≈30% of stroke patients. Acute risk factors have been identified, but long-term risk has not been examined in large samples. The purpose of this research was to determine factors associated with the progression of cognitive impairment after stroke.

Methods—

Consecutive stroke patients (193) without previous dementia were assessed 3 months after stroke with an extensive neuropsychological battery and diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition criteria and the Clinical Dementia Rating as normal (139), cognitive decline without dementia (18), or dementia (18 mild, 10 moderate, and 8 severe). After a 24-month follow-up, they were classified as stable, progressing, or improving, according to change in Clinical Dementia Rating score. The determinants of progression of cognitive decline were ascertained by logistic regression analysis of all clinical, neuroimaging, and complementary data.

Results—

Cognitive status at 24 months was stable in most cases (151; 78.2%), decline progressed in 27 (14%; 6 demented and 21 nondemented), and improved in 15 (7.8%; 7 demented and 8 nondemented). Seven nondemented patients became demented at 24 months, and 5 demented became nondemented. The age (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.1), mental decline before stroke (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.27), number of prescribed drugs (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.72), diastolic blood pressure on admission (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93 to 0.99), and episodes of hypotension during admission (OR, 7.61; 95% CI, 1.11 to 52.1) were significantly associated with cognitive deterioration.

Conclusions—

Cognition is rather stable for 2 years after stroke. Both progression and improvement of cognitive impairment are frequent in demented patients. Age, previous cognitive decline, polypharmacy, and hypotension during admission are risk factors for progression.
Association of Serum-Soluble Heat Shock Protein 60 With Carotid Atherosclerosis
Authors: Xiao Qingzhong , Mandal Kaushik , Schett Georg , Mayr Manuel , Wick Georg , Oberhollenzer Friedrich , Willeit Johann , Kiechl Stefan , Xu Qingbo
Published: October 2005

Background and Purpose—

Previous work has shown that soluble heat shock protein 60 (HSP60; sHSP60), present in circulating blood, is associated with carotid atherosclerosis. In the current evaluation, we tested the hypothesis that sHSP60 levels are associated with the progression of carotid arteriosclerosis, prospectively.

Methods—

The association of sHSP60 with early atherogenesis (5-year development and progression of nonstenotic carotid plaques) was investigated as part of the population-based prospective Bruneck Study. The current study focused on the follow-up period between 1995 and 2000 and, thus, included 684 subjects.

Results—

sHSP60 levels measured in 1995 and 2000 were highly correlated (
r
=0.40;
P
<0.001), indicating consistency over a 5-year period. Circulating HSP60 levels were significantly correlated with antilipopolysaccharide and anti-HSP60 antibodies. It was also elevated in subjects with chronic infection (top quintile group of HSP60, among subjects with and without chronic infection: 23.8% versus 17.0%;
P
=0.003 after adjustment for age and sex). HSP60 levels were significantly associated with early atherogenesis, both in the entire population (multivariate odds ratio, for a comparison between quintile group V versus I+II: 2.0 [1.2 to 3.5] and the subgroup free of atherosclerosis at the 1995 baseline: 3.8 [1.6 to 8.9]). The risk of early atherogenesis was additionally amplified when high-sHSP60 and chronic infection were present together.

Conclusions—

Our study provides the first prospective data confirming an association between high levels of sHSP60 and early carotid atherosclerosis. This possibly indicates an involvement of sHSP60 in activating proinflammatory processes associated with early vessel pathology.
The Third Stroke Registry in Tartu, Estonia
Authors: Vibo Riina , Kõrv Janika , Roose Mai
Published: October 2005

Background and Purpose—

The purpose of the present study was to estimate the time trends of stroke during the last 10 years in an Estonian population by comparison of the results from the 2 previous stroke registries from Tartu.

Methods—

The Third Stroke Registry in Tartu was conducted from January 12, 2001, to November 30, 2003. The previous registry was composed from January 1, 1991, to December 31, 1993. The design of both studies is similar, using the same study criteria and classification schemes.

Results—

A total of 1280 patients with first-ever stroke were registered during the 5-year study period. The overall incidence rate of 230 per 100 000 declined between the studies to 188 per 100 000 age-standardized to the European standard population. The age-adjusted incidence rate for women decreased from 204 to 164 per 100 000 between the 2 periods. In most of the age groups, the overall case-fatality rates declined during the second period; the trend in the age group 75 to 84 years was statistically significant.

Conclusions—

The incidence of first-ever stroke in Tartu has declined significantly during the past decade and reached the level of the first registry. The 28-day case-fatality rate has declined from 30% to 26%. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, incidence of stroke, and ischemic heart disease has been high in Eastern European countries. Our data show that the situation has improved.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of Contralesional Primary Motor Cortex Improves Hand Function After Stroke
Authors: Takeuchi Naoyuki , Chuma Takayo , Matsuo Yuichiro , Watanabe Ichiro , Ikoma Katsunori
Published: October 2005

Background and Purpose—

A recent report has demonstrated that the contralesional primary motor cortex (M1) inhibited the ipsilesional M1 via an abnormal transcallosal inhibition (TCI) in stroke patients. We studied whether a decreased excitability of the contralesional M1 induced by 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) caused an improved motor performance of the affected hand in stroke patients by releasing the TCI.

Methods—

We conducted a double-blind study of real versus sham rTMS in stroke patients. After patients had well- performed motor training to minimize the possibility of motor training during the motor measurement, they were randomly assigned to receive a subthreshold rTMS at the contralesional M1 (1 Hz, 25 minutes) or sham stimulation.

Results—

When compared with sham stimulation, rTMS reduced the amplitude of motor-evoked potentials in contralesional M1 and the TCI duration, and rTMS immediately induced an improvement in pinch acceleration of the affected hand, although a plateau in motor performance had been reached by the previous motor training. This improvement in motor function after rTMS was significantly correlated with a reduced TCI duration.

Conclusions—

We have demonstrated that a disruption of the TCI by the contralesional M1 virtual lesion caused a paradoxical functional facilitation of the affected hand in stroke patients; this suggests a new neurorehabilitative strategy for stroke patients.
Presence of Early Ischemic Changes on Computed Tomography Depends on Severity and the Duration of Hypoperfusion
Authors: Hirano Teruyuki , Yonehara Toshiro , Inatomi Yuichiro , Hashimoto Yoichiro , Uchino Makoto
Published: October 2005

Background and Purpose—

To evaluate the clinical significance of early ischemic change (EIC) on computed tomography (CT), pertinent factors that contribute to the appearance of EIC.

Methods—

Both CT and technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime were performed on a total of 53 patients (34 men, 19 women, mean 69.7 years old) with acute embolic stroke within 6 hours of onset. Patients were excluded if they showed definite clinical recovery or were administered thrombolytic agents. EIC was evaluated using Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS). Residual cerebral blood flow (CBF) was determined on SPECT. Variables that were considered pertinent were patients’ age, gender, neurological severity, symptom duration, and residual CBF. Using significant pertinent factors for EIC, separate analyses of brain swelling without hypoattenuation and parenchymal hypoattenuation were performed.

Results—

Patients with EIC (n=37) showed severe neurological deficits, a longer duration and severe hypoperfusion. A positive correlation was observed between ASPECTS and residual CBF (
P
=0.002; Kruskal-Wallis test). A logistic-regression analysis revealed that both symptom duration (
r
=0.024,
P
=0.006) and severity of hypoperfusion (
r
= −12.167,
P
=0.006) are independent factors related to EIC. Symptom duration and residual CBF were significantly different among patients with parenchymal hypoattenuation (n=32), brain swelling without hypoattenuation (n=5), and no EIC (
P
=0.018 and
P
=0.001, respectively; one-way ANOVA).

Conclusions—

The presence of EIC is determined by the duration and the degree of hypoperfusion. This finding supports the hypothesis that tissue damage may be evaluated by a combination of onset time and the presence of EIC.
The Role of Protein Kinase C in Cerebral Ischemic and Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Bright Rachel , Mochly-Rosen Daria
Published: October 2005

Background and Purpose—

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death in the United States, yet limited therapeutic options exist. The need for novel neuroprotective agents has spurred efforts to understand the intracellular signaling pathways that mediate cellular response to stroke. Protein kinase C (PKC) plays a central role in mediating ischemic and reperfusion damage in multiple tissues, including the brain. However, because of conflicting reports, it remains unclear whether PKC is involved in cell survival signaling, or mediates detrimental processes.

Summary of Review—

This review will examine the role of PKC activity in stroke. In particular, we will focus on more recent insights into the PKC isozyme-specific responses in neuronal preconditioning and in ischemia and reperfusion-induced stress.

Conclusion—

Examination of PKC isozyme activities during stroke demonstrates the clinical promise of PKC isozyme-specific modulators for the treatment of cerebral ischemia.
Characteristics of Blood Pressure Profiles as Predictors of Long-Term Outcome After Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Yong Mei , Diener Hans-Christoph , Kaste Markku , Mau Jochen
Published: October 2005

Background and Purpose—

Most patients have elevated blood pressure (BP) in the early phase after an acute ischemic stroke. Mechanism and effects of this BP elevation are not well understood. The benefits of intervention by lowering the initial BP or waiting for spontaneous return to normal values remain debated. We studied the hypothesis that increased BP level and profile variability will adversely affect long-term outcome after stroke with and without thrombolytic treatment.

Methods—

We studied the 615 patients with acute ischemic hemispheric stroke in the first European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study (ECASS). BP was measured at 2-hour intervals during the first 20 hours after randomization, and then every 4 hours, up to 72 hours after admission. Studied features of individual 0- to 72-hour BP profiles were: baseline BP, maximum and minimum BP, mean level, and successive variation in the BP profile. The end point was good functional recovery (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score of 0 to 1) at 90 days. Logistic regression was used to adjust for known prognostic factors, demographic, initial stroke severity, disease and medication histories, and computed tomography signs.

Results—

Higher systolic BP or diastolic BP at baseline were associated with favorable outcome assessed on modified mRS at 90 days (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.22; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.49; and OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.49 per 10 mm Hg), lower within-patient 0- to 72-hour average systolic BP (SBP), or DBP implied favorable outcome (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.61 to 0.90; and OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.90 per 10 mm Hg). Reduced variability of 0- to 72-hour DBP profile was an independent predictor of favorable outcome (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.85 per 5 mm Hg).

Conclusions—

Higher baseline SBP or DBP was associated with favorable outcome after stroke. Other characteristics of first 72-hour BP profiles: lower mean level of SBP or DBP and reduced successive variability of DBP profile were independent predictors of favorable outcome at 90 days.
Mitral Annular Calcification, Aortic Valve Sclerosis, and Incident Stroke in Adults Free of Clinical Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Kizer Jorge R. , Wiebers David O. , Whisnant Jack P. , Galloway James M. , Welty Thomas K. , Lee Elisa T. , Best Lyle G. , Resnick Helaine E. , Roman Mary J. , Devereux Richard B.
Published: October 2005

Background and Purpose—

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) and aortic valve (AV) sclerosis have each been linked to cardiovascular disease. Whether MAC and AV sclerosis are risk factors for stroke independent of other echocardiographic or laboratory predictors has not been established. We evaluated the relationship between MAC, AV sclerosis, and first stroke events in a population-based cohort.

Methods—

Our study cohort consisted of 2723 American Indians participating in the Strong Heart Study who were free of prevalent cardiovascular disease. Participants underwent standardized clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory evaluation, and incident stroke was ascertained using validated methods.

Results—

During a median follow-up of 7 years, 86 strokes occurred. Age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates of stroke were significantly increased for MAC (rate ratio [RR], 3.12; 95% CI, 1.77 to 5.25) but not for AV sclerosis (RR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.45 to 2.49). MAC was also associated with a reduced time to first stroke events after adjustment for clinical variables and the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein and fibrinogen (hazard ratio [HR], 2.42; 95% CI, 1.39 to 4.21) or the echocardiographic covariates left ventricular hypertrophy and left atrial enlargement (HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.04 to 3.41). Individuals with and without AV sclerosis showed no significant difference in stroke-free survival in unadjusted analyses (
P
=0.698). Crossing of the survival curves precluded multivariable analysis using Cox models.

Conclusions—

In this cohort of American Indians without clinical cardiovascular disease, the presence of MAC, but not AV sclerosis, proved to be a strong risk factor for incident stroke after extensive adjustment for other predictors. Individuals exhibiting MAC may benefit from aggressive risk factor modification, but this will require further investigation.
Ethnic Schools
Authors: Nelson-Brown Jason
Published: October 2005

This article covers three primary topics within the broad heading of ethnically focused supplemental education. The first is a general overviewof the topic of supplemental ethnic schools. The second is a specific case history of one such program, the Mount Zion Ethnic School. The third is a discussion, informed by that case history, of howandwhy such programsmay be beneficial elements of a holistic system of education that combines formal schooling with informal and nonformal educational efforts, especially those grounded in and generated by diverse and marginalized communities. The value of such programs is only partially reflected in measurable academic products of their programs, as it also includes the symbolic power of fostering a sense of agency, empowerment, and possibility within a community and in how that community is viewed by others.
Organizational Culture and Academic Achievement in Secondary Schools
Authors: van der Westhuizen Philip C. , Mosoge M. J. , Swanepoel L. H. , Coetsee L. D.
Published: October 2005

A number of factors have been identified that affect academic achievement of learners. Among these factors, organizational culture seems to be a key factor. This is a complex factor characterized by many variables. To classify the variables included in organizational culture, a theoretical model was constructed. Two sets of variables were identified from the model: the tangible and intangible variables. The findings in this research indicate that a healthy and positive organizational culture exists in high-achieving schools whereas the same cannot be said for lowachieving schools. A positive organizational culture seems to exercise an exceptionally positive influence on members of a school and is instrumental in directing their behavior in achieving the stated goals of the school. It is recommended that management strategies should be developed and put in place to improve the organizational culture of low-achieving schools with the aim of improving their academic achievement.
Athletic Investment and Academic Resilience in a National Sample of African American Females and Males in the Middle Grades
Authors: Hawkins Randolph , Mulkey Lynn M.
Published: October 2005

This research examines the impact of gender on the association between sport participation and students' educational opportunities and outcomes by comparing African American male and female eighth graders, including student background and school demographic and organization characteristics. Unlike previous studies it also investigates the link between interscholastic and intramural athletic participation and “academic resilience” for African American eight-grade females and males using educational plans, peer status, and academic investments as indicators of academic attachment. Data for these analyses are drawn from the base year of the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS, 99) conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics. These data offer evidence that athletic participation can and often does have a positive impact on student motivation and engagement, and that these positive benefits accrue to both male and female athletes.
The Relatonship Between Urban Students Attending Religious Revival Services and Academic and Social Outcomes
Authors: Jeynes William H.
Published: October 2005

This study examines the effects of attending religious revival services on the educational and behavioral outcomes of urban students. Specifically, the influence of attending the most recognized revival of the past decade is analyzed. Urban student attendees from throughout the United States attend, are surveyed, and then are randomly selected to be included in the analysis. Two other groups of randomly selected urban students serve as control groups; one control group consisting of students intending to attend the revival services and the other group not. The results indicate that those students attending the revival services showa greater rate of improvement in school behavior, such as reduced alcohol and drug consumption, and report larger increases in the quality of family life and the quality of life as a whole than their counterparts in the general control group do but that they show no tendency to outpace their counterparts in improved grades.
Urban Youth in Correctional Facilities
Authors: Ochoa Theresa A. , Eckes Suzanne E.
Published: October 2005

Research indicates that a disproportionate number of minority students are assigned to special education programs in urban school districts. Oftentimes, these programs are inadequate and they deny minority students with special needs a free appropriate public education. These concerns are not only applicable to urban public schools; research also suggests similar problems for youth in correctional facilities. In this article, the authors explore the following issues: segregation and disability in youth correctional facilities and the legal issues involved; the barriers of providing a free appropriate public education in youth correctional facilities; and excerpts from interviews with an incarcerated female with disabilities and one of her teachers regarding her education in an urban juvenile correctional facility.
Doing Gender, Doing Class
Authors: Trautner Mary Nell
Published: October 2005

Organizations are not only gendered; they are also classed—that is, they articulate ideas and presentations of gender that are mediated by class position. This article pursues the idea of organizations as gendered and classed by means of a comparative ethnographic analysis of the performance of sexuality in four exotic dance clubs in the Southwestern United States. Strip clubs construct sexuality to be consistent with client class norms and assumptions and with how the clubs and dancers think working-class or middle-class sexuality should be expressed. Class differences are represented as sexual differences in very concrete ways: the appearance of dancers and other staff, dancing and performance styles, and interactions that take place between dancers and customers.
Hegemonic Masculinity
Authors: Connell R. W. , Messerschmidt James W.
Published: October 2005

The concept of hegemonic masculinity has influenced gender studies across many academic fields but has also attracted serious criticism. The authors trace the origin of the concept in a convergence of ideas in the early 1980s and map the ways it was applied when research on men and masculinities expanded. Evaluating the principal criticisms, the authors defend the underlying concept of masculinity, which in most research use is neither reified nor essentialist. However, the criticism of trait models of gender and rigid typologies is sound. The treatment of the subject in research on hegemonic masculinity can be improved with the aid of recent psychological models, although limits to discursive flexibility must be recognized. The concept of hegemonic masculinity does not equate to a model of social reproduction; we need to recognize social struggles in which subordinated masculinities influence dominant forms. Finally, the authors review what has been confirmed from early formulations (the idea of multiple masculinities, the concept of hegemony, and the emphasis on change) and what needs to be discarded (onedimensional treatment of hierarchy and trait conceptions of gender). The authors suggest reformulation of the concept in four areas: a more complex model of gender hierarchy, emphasizing the agency of women; explicit recognition of the geography of masculinities, emphasizing the interplay among local, regional, and global levels; a more specific treatment of embodiment in contexts of privilege and power; and a stronger emphasis on the dynamics of hegemonic masculinity, recognizing internal contradictions and the possibilities of movement toward gender democracy.
Becoming Entrepreneurs
Authors: Harvey Adia M.
Published: October 2005

This study applies the concept of intersectionality to Black women's entrepreneurial activity. Specifically, the author addresses the ways in which race, gender, and class intersect to inform working-class Black women's decisions and experiences as hair salon owners. By placing Black women at the center of analysis, the author explores business ownership from the perspective of a group that has frequently been overlooked in sociology of entrepreneurship research. The findings indicate that race, gender, and class inequalities shape working-class Black women's entrepreneurship in two areas: the process of becoming entrepreneurs and relationships with stylists.
Not Yet Queer Enough
Authors: Valocchi Stephen
Published: October 2005

This article gauges the progress that sociologists of gender and sexuality have made in employing the insights of queer theory by examining four recent monographs that have utilized aspects of queer theory in their empirical work: Rupp and Taylor (2003), Seidman (2002), Bettie (2003), and Schippers (2000). The article uses the insights of queer theory to push the monographs in an even “queerer” theoretical direction. This direction involves taking more seriously the nonnormative alignments of sex, gender, sexuality, resisting the tendency to essentialize identity or conflate it with the broad range of gender and sexual expression and treating the construction of intersectional subjectivities as both performed and performative in nature. The analysis of these texts also insists that a queer sociological theory situate its emphasis on discursive power more firmly in economic, political, and other institutional processes. Ethnographic methods are proposed as the most useful way of combining queer theory with sociological analysis.
Obese ICU Patients
Authors: Winkelman Chris , Maloney Beverly
Published: October 2005

This project described prospectively obese, critically ill patients and the resources critical care nurses used to care for these challenging patients. It also examined the relationship between resources used by nurses and patient outcomes, including complications and length of stay. Forty-three participants were enrolled. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) 40 kg/m2 used the majority of equipment and personnel resources and experienced a prolonged length of stay. The most common equipment used was a specialty bed or mattress; the most common complications were related to the pulmonary system. Initial use of multiple resources may indicate a patient at risk for adverse outcomes. Nurses can use findings to anticipate care needs and develop interventions, such as optimal positioning, to avoid adverse outcomes.
Counteracting Fragmentation in the Care of People With Moderate and Severe Dementia
Authors: Eggers Thomas , Norberg Astrid , Ekman Sirkka-Liisa
Published: October 2005

Symptoms such as amnesia, agnosia, apraxia, and aphasia may lead to a fragmented experience and actions among people with moderate and severe dementia. The aim of this study was to explore the interactions where fragmentation occurred and how caregivers counteract fragmentation. The observation notes from participant observations were analyzed using interpretive content analysis. Fragmentation was noted if the patients showed that they did not recognize what was going on, the people involved, the things used in the action, or did not recognize themselves in the situation. Care providers could counteract fragmentation by a caring based on attentive interest in the interaction, valuing the person behind the dementia disease, using an individual perspective considering the impact of the dementia disease, and striving for mutual interpretation of the shared situation. Caring based on these assumptions could help the patients to keep their world together.
Benefits of a School-Based Health Center in a Preschool
Authors: Gance-Cleveland Bonnie , Yousey Yvonne
Published: October 2005

Although school-based health centers (SBHCs) deliver health care to vulnerable children, their effectiveness has not been well documented. This study compared the benefits of an SBHC with a School Health Survey and selected HEDIS measures in preschool children with and without access to an SBHC. Preschoolers with access to an SBHC (N = 130) and preschoolers without access (N = 131) were compared on (a) HEDIS measures including well-child care, immunizations, dental care, and smoke exposure; (b) measures of access and use of physical and mental health services; (c) satisfaction with health care; (d) barriers and facilitators to care; and (e) health insurance. Significant differences were found in parents' perceptions of children's physical and emotional health, self-esteem, incidence of behavioral problems, difficulty in obtaining care, number of hospitalizations, and satisfaction with care received. Findings suggest that holistic services provided by an SBHC positively impact the health of vulnerable preschool children.
The epidemiology of aplastic anemia in Thailand
Authors: Issaragrisil Surapol , Kaufman David W. , Anderson Theresa , Chansung Kanchana , Leaverton Paul E. , Shapiro Samuel , Young Neal S.
Published: October 2005

Aplastic anemia has been linked to environmental exposures, from chemicals and medical drugs to infectious agents. The disease occurs more frequently in Asia than in the West, with incidence rates 2- to 3-fold higher. We report updated results of an epidemiologic study conducted in Thailand from 1989 to 2002, in which 541 patients and 2261 controls were enrolled. Exposures were determined by in-person interview. We observed significantly elevated relative risk estimates for benzene (3.5) and other solvents (2.0) and for sulfonamides (5.6), thiazides (3.8), and mebendazole (3.0). Chloramphenicol use was infrequent, and no significant association was observed. Agricultural pesticides were implicated in Khonkaen (northeastern Thailand). There were significant associations with organophosphates (2.1), DDT (6.7), and carbamates (7.4). We found significant risks for farmers exposed to ducks and geese (3.7) and a borderline association with animal fertilizer (2.1). There was a significant association in Khonkaen with drinking other than bottled or distilled water (2.8). Nonmedical needle exposure was associated in Bangkok and Khonkaen combined (3.8). Most striking was the large etiologic fraction in a rural region accounted for by animal exposures and drinking of water from sources such as wells, rural taps, and rainwater, consistent with an infectious etiology for many cases of aplastic anemia in Thailand.
Radiofrequency ablation of lymphoma
Authors: Sudheendra Deepak , Barth Mara M. , Hegde Upendra , Wilson Wyndham H. , Wood Bradford J.
Published: October 2005

Percutaneous minimally invasive radiofrequency (RF) ablation has not been described for lymphoma. This image-guided modality is presented in 3 different settings for the treatment of refractory lymphoma. The first patient received RF ablation for the curative treatment of a solitary residual hepatic mass following rituximab-based chemotherapy for a posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) and is disease-free 4 years later. The second patient received RF ablation for successful palliation of progressive follicular lymphoma adjacent to the bladder wall following chemotherapy and maximum radiation. The third patient received RF ablation for prevention of airway obstruction from progressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the right neck following chemotherapy and maximum radiation. RF ablation may be clinically beneficial and should be considered for the treatment of local lymphoma that is refractory or not amenable to standard approaches.
Redirecting differentiation of hematopoietic progenitors by a transcription factor, GATA-2
Authors: Kitajima Kenji , Tanaka Makoto , Zheng Jie , Yen Hilo , Sato Ayuko , Sugiyama Daijiro , Umehara Hiroki , Sakai Eiko , Nakano Toru
Published: October 2005

GATA-2 is a zinc finger transcription factor essential for differentiation of immature hematopoietic cells. We analyzed the function of GATA-2 by a combined method of tetracycline-dependent conditional gene expression and in vitro hematopoietic differentiation from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells using OP9 stroma cells (OP9 system). In the presence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), the OP9 system induced macrophage differentiation. GATA-2 expression in this system inhibited macrophage differentiation and redirected the fate of hematopoietic differentiation to other hematopoietic lineages. GATA-2 expression commencing at day 5 or day 6 induced megakaryocytic or erythroid differentiation, respectively. Expression levels of PU.1, a hematopoietic transcription factor that interferes with GATA-2, appeared to play a critical role in differentiation to megakaryocytic or erythroid lineages. Transcription of PU.1 was affected by histone acetylation induced by binding of GATA-2 to the PU.1 promoter region. This study demonstrates that the function of GATA-2 is modified in a context-dependent manner by expression of PU.1, which in turn is regulated by GATA-2.
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase activity is essential for the proliferation and survival of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma cells
Authors: Wan Weihua , Albom Mark S. , Lu Lihui , Quail Matthew R. , Becknell Nadine C. , Weinberg Linda R. , Reddy Dandu R. , Holskin Beverly P. , Angeles Thelma S. , Underiner Ted L. , Meyer Sheryl L. , Hudkins Robert L. , Dorsey Bruce D. , Ator Mark A. , Ruggeri Bruce A. , Cheng Mangeng
Published: October 2005

The roles of aberrant expression of constitutively active ALK chimeric proteins in the pathogenesis of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) have been well defined; nevertheless, the notion that ALK is a molecular target for the therapeutic modulation of ALK+ ALCL has not been validated thus far. Select fused pyrrolocarbazole (FP)–derived small molecules with ALK inhibitory activity were used as pharmacologic tools to evaluate whether functional ALK is essential for the proliferation and survival of ALK+ ALCL cells in culture. These compounds inhibited interleukin 3 (IL-3)–independent proliferation of BaF3/NPM-ALK cells in an ALK inhibition-dependent manner and significantly blocked colony formation in agar of mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells harboring NPM-ALK. Inhibition of NPM-ALK phosphorylation in the ALK+ ALCL-derived cell lines resulted in significant inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptotic-cell death, while having marginal effects on the proliferation and survival of K562, an ALK- leukemia cell line. ALK inhibition resulted in cell-cycle G1 arrest and inactivation of ERK1/2, STAT3, and AKT signaling pathways. Potent and selective ALK inhibitors may have therapeutic application for ALK+ ALCL and possibly other solid and hematologic tumors in which ALK activation is implicated in their pathogenesis.
Compliance of a cobalt chromium coronary stent alloy – the COVIS trial
Authors: Hagemeister Jens , Baer Frank M , Schwinger Robert HG , Höpp Hans W
Published: October 2005

Background

Cobalt chromium coronary stents are increasingly being used in percutaneous coronary interventions. There are, however, no reliable data about the characteristics of unfolding and visibility of this stent alloy in vivo. The aim of this study is to compare cobalt chromium coronary stents with conventional stainless steel stents using intracoronary ultrasound.

Methods

Twenty de novo native coronary stenoses ≤ 20 mm in length (target vessel reference diameter ≥ 2.5 and ≤ 4.0 mm) received under sequential intracoronary ultrasound either a cobalt chromium stent (Multi-Link Vision®; n = 10) or a stainless steel stent (Multi-Link Zeta®; n = 10).

Results

For optimal unfolding, the cobalt chromium stent requires a higher balloon deployment pressure (13.90 ± 2.03 atm) than the stainless steel stent (11.50 ± 2.12 atm). Furthermore, the achieved target vessel diameter of the cobalt chromium stent (Visibility-Index QCA/IVUS Multi-Link Vision®1.13 / Multi-Link Zeta® 1.04) is more easily overrated by Quantitative Coronary Analysis.

Conclusion

These data indicate that stent material-specific recommendations for optimal implantation pressure and different stent material with an equal design should both be considered in interpreting QCA-analysis.
Using hexamers to predict cis-regulatory motifs in Drosophila
Authors: Chan Bob Y , Kibler Dennis
Published: October 2005

Background

Cis-regulatory modules (CRMs) are short stretches of DNA that help regulate gene expression in higher eukaryotes. They have been found up to 1 megabase away from the genes they regulate and can be located upstream, downstream, and even within their target genes. Due to the difficulty of finding CRMs using biological and computational techniques, even well-studied regulatory systems may contain CRMs that have not yet been discovered.

Results

We present a simple, efficient method (HexDiff) based only on hexamer frequencies of known CRMs and non-CRM sequence to predict novel CRMs in regulatory systems. On a data set of 16 gap and pair-rule genes containing 52 known CRMs, predictions made by HexDiff had a higher correlation with the known CRMs than several existing CRM prediction algorithms: Ahab, Cluster Buster, MSCAN, MCAST, and LWF. After combining the results of the different algorithms, 10 putative CRMs were identified and are strong candidates for future study. The hexamers used by HexDiff to distinguish between CRMs and non-CRM sequence were also analyzed and were shown to be enriched in regulatory elements.

Conclusion

HexDiff provides an efficient and effective means for finding new CRMs based on known CRMs, rather than known binding sites.
Specificity and overlap in gene segment-defined antibody repertoires
Authors: Arnaout Ramy A
Published: October 2005

Background

To date several studies have sought to catalog the full suite of antibodies that humans naturally produce against single antigens or other specificities (repertoire). Here we analyze the properties of all sequenced repertoires in order to better understand the specificity of antibody responses. Specifically, we ask whether the large-scale sequencing of antibody repertoires might provide a diagnostic tool for detecting antigen exposure. We do this by examining the overlap in V
H
-, D-, and J
H
- segment usage among sequenced repertoires.

Results

We find that repertoire overlap in V
H
-, D-, and J
H
-segment use is least for V
H
segments and greatest for J
H
segments, consistent with there being more V
H
than J
H
segments in the human genome. We find that for any two antigens chosen at random, chances are 90 percent that their repertoires' V
H
segments will overlap by less than half, and 98 percent that their VDJ
H
combinations will overlap by ≤10 percent. We ran computer simulations to test whether enrichment for specific VDJ
H
combinations could be detected in "antigen-exposed" populations, and found that enrichment is detectable with moderate-to-high sensitivity and high specificity, even when some VDJ
H
combinations are not represented at all in some test sets.

Conclusion

Thus, as large-scale sequencing becomes cost-effective for clinical testing, we suggest that sequencing an individual's expressed antibody repertoire has the potential to become a useful diagnostic modality.