bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using ESI discovery teams to manage electronic data discovery
Authors: Ruhnka John C. , Bagby John W.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

The importance of electronically stored information (ESI) in litigation has increased greatly over the past decade. Responding to the "discovery" requests made by all litigating parties has become a significant management function and cost center for organizations engaged in litigation. Today, over 92% of all business records and data are created and stored electronically; most are never reduced to hard copy. After civil litigation is filed, a pre-trial "discovery" phase occurs during which courts require litigants to identify and produce potentially relevant information to their adversaries. Settlements often occur before a trial is held, making ESI produced during the discovery phase and evaluated by the parties often determinative of litigation outcomes. Managing discovery of electronic information requires close coordination among managers with widely diverse technical IT expertise, litigation experience and operational authority. Multi-disciplinary "ESI Discovery Teams" are a key mechanism that can be used to achieve the necessary coordination and continuing oversight over enterprise discovery activities, particularly in larger organizations.

A 2007 litigation survey of 253 U.S. corporations reveals that 83% had new lawsuits filed against them in 2006 implicating e-discovery management.1 The most common subject of these law-suits was labor/employment, contract enforcement and personal injuries. Litigation was also significant at smaller companies surveyed, 17% had at least one lawsuit claiming $20 million or more, and at mid-sized companies, 98% reported one or more lawsuits of $20 million or larger. Costs of litigation are high, 71% of the companies reported litigation costs exceeding $1 million per year and 40% had litigation costs over $5 million per year, excluding settlements or judgment amounts. Over half the U.S. firms surveyed use outside e-discovery IT vendors to collect, identify, verify, recover and produce ESI and 30% reported using outside legal counsel with special expertise in e-discovery. These e-discovery vendors had revenues of $1.95 billion in 2006, a 50% increase over 2005, and $130 million was spent for forensic software, data recovery and production.
Expression patterns of connective tissue growth factor and of TGF-β isoforms during glomerular injury recapitulate glomerulogenesis
Authors: Ito Yasuhiko , Goldschmeding Roel , Kasuga Hirotake , Claessen Nike , Nakayama Masahiro , Yuzawa Yukio , Sawai Akiho , Matsuo Seiichi , Weening Jan J. , Aten Jan
Published: June 2010

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, -β2, and -β3are involved in control of wound repair and development of fibrosis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression is stimulated by all TGF-β isoforms and is abundant in glomerulosclerosis and other fibrotic disorders. CTGF is hypothesized to mediate profibrotic effects of TGF-β1or to facilitate interaction of TGF-β1with its receptor, but its interactions with TGF-β isoforms in nonpathological conditions are unexplored so far. Tissue repair and remodeling may recapitulate gene transcription at play in organogenesis. To further delineate the relationship between CTGF and TGF-β, we compared expression patterns of CTGF and TGF-β isoforms in rat and human glomerulogenesis and in various human glomerulopathies. CTGF mRNA was present in the immediate precursors of glomerular visceral and parietal epithelial cells in the comma- and S-shaped stages, but not in earlier stages of nephron development. During the capillary loop and maturing glomerular stages and simultaneous with the presence of TGF-β1, -β2, and -β3protein, CTGF mRNA expression was maximal and present only in differentiating glomerular epithelial cells. CTGF protein was also present on precursors of mesangium and glomerular endothelium, suggesting possible paracrine interaction. Concomitant with the presence of TGF-β2and -β3protein, and in the absence of TGF-β1, CTGF mRNA and protein expression was restricted to podocytes in normal adult glomeruli. However, TGF-β1and CTGF were again coexpressed, often with TGF-β2and -β3, in particular in podocytes in proliferative glomerulonephritis and also in mesangial cells in diabetic nephropathy and IgA nephropathy (IgA NP). Coordinated expression of TGF-β isoforms and of CTGF may be involved in normal glomerulogenesis and possibly in maintenance of glomerular structure and function at adult age. Prolonged overexpression of TGF-β1and CTGF is associated with development of severe glomerulonephritis and glomerulosclerosis.
Shear stress-induced volume decrease in C11-MDCK cells by BK-α/β4
Authors: Holtzclaw J. David , Liu Liping , Grimm P. Richard , Sansom Steven C.
Published: June 2010

Large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels (BK) are expressed in principal cells (PC) and intercalated cells (IC) in mammalian nephrons as BK-α/β1 and BK-α/β4, respectively. IC, which protrude into the lumens of tubules, express substantially more BK than PC despite lacking sufficient Na-K-ATPase to support K secretion. We previously showed in mice that IC exhibit size reduction when experiencing high distal flows induced by a high-K diet. We therefore tested the hypothesis that BK-α/β4 are regulators of IC volume via a shear stress (τ)-induced, calcium-dependent mechanism, resulting in a reduction in intracellular K content. We determined by Western blot and immunocytochemical analysis that C11-Madin-Darby canine kidney cells contained a predominance of BK-α/β4. To determine the role of BK-α/β4 in τ-induced volume reduction, we exposed C11 cells to τ and measured K efflux by flame photometry and cell volume by calcein staining, which changes inversely to cell volume. With 10 dynes/cm2, calcein intensity significantly increased 39% and monovalent cationic content decreased significantly by 37% compared with static conditions. Furthermore, the shear-induced K loss from C11 was abolished by the reduction of extracellular calcium, addition of 5 mM TEA, or BK-β4 small interfering (si) RNA, but not by addition of nontarget siRNA. These results show that BK-α/β4 plays a role in shear-induced K loss from IC, suggesting that BK-α/β4 regulate IC volume during high-flow conditions. Furthermore, these results support the use of C11 cells as in vitro models for studying BK-related functions in IC of the kidney.
Mechanical parameters determining pharyngeal collapsibility in patients with sleep apnea
Authors: Oliven Arie , Kaufman Eran , Kaynan Rotem , Oliven Ron , Steinfeld Uri , Tov Nave , Odeh Majed , Gaitini Luis , Schwartz Alan R. , Kimmel Eitan
Published: June 2010

The relative impact of mechanical factors on pharyngeal patency in patients with obstructive sleep apnea is poorly understood. The present study was designed to evaluate parameters of the “tube law” on pharyngeal pressure-flow relationships and collapsibility in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. We developed a mathematical model that considered the collapsible segment of the pharynx to represent an orifice of varying diameter. The model enabled us to assess the effects of pharyngeal compliance ( C), neutral cross-sectional area ( A o), external peripharyngeal pressure (Pex), and the resistance proximal to the site of collapse on flow mechanics and pharyngeal collapsibility [critical pressure (Pcrit)]. All parameters were measured in 15 patients with obstructive sleep apnea under propofol anesthesia, both at rest and during mandibular advancement and electrical stimulation of the genioglossus. The data was used both to confirm the validity of the model and to compare expected and actual relationships between the tube-law parameters and the pharyngeal pressure-flow relationship and collapsibility. We found a close correlation between predicted and measured Pcrit ( R = 0.98), including changes observed during pharyngeal manipulations. C and A o were closely and directly interrelated ( R = 0.93) and did not correlate with Pcrit. A significant correlation was found between Pex and Pcrit ( R = 0.77; P < 0.01). We conclude that the pharynx of patients with obstructive sleep apnea can be modeled as an orifice with varying diameter. Pharyngeal compliance and A o are closely interrelated. Pharyngeal collapsibility depends primarily on the surrounding pressure.
Cancellous bone adaptation to tibial compression is not sex dependent in growing mice
Authors: Lynch Maureen E. , Main Russell P. , Xu Qian , Walsh Daniel J. , Schaffler Mitchell B. , Wright Timothy M. , van der Meulen Marjolein C. H.
Published: June 2010

Mechanical loading can be used to increase bone mass and thus attenuate pathological bone loss. Because the skeleton's adaptive response to loading is most robust before adulthood, elucidating sex-specific responses during growth may help maximize peak bone mass. This study investigated the effect of sex on the response to controlled, in vivo mechanical loading in growing mice. Ten-week-old male and female C57Bl/6 mice underwent noninvasive compression of the left tibia. Peak loads of −11.5 N were applied, corresponding to +1,200 με at the tibial midshaft in both sexes. Cancellous bone mass, architecture, and dynamic formation in the proximal metaphysis were compared between loaded and control limbs via micro-computed tomography and histomorphometry. The strain environment of the proximal metaphysis during loading was characterized using finite element analysis. Both sexes responded to tibial compression through increased bone mass and altered architecture. Cancellous bone mass and tissue density were enhanced in loaded limbs relative to control limbs in both sexes through trabecular thickening and reduced separation. Changes in mass were due to increased cellular activity in loaded limbs compared with control limbs. Adaptation to loading increased the proportion of load transferred by the cancellous bone in the proximal metaphysis. For all cancellous measures, the response to tibial compression did not differ between male and female mice. When similar strains are engendered in males and females, the adaptive response in cancellous bone to mechanical loading does not depend on sex.
Molecular Diagnosis and Translymphatic Chemotherapy Targeting Sentinel Lymph Nodes of Patients with Early Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Takeuchi Hiroya , Ueda Masakazu , Oyama Takashi , Shimizu Yoshimasa , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: June 2010

The sentinel lymph node (SLN) is defined as the lymph node(s) that first receives lymphatic drainage from the site of the primary tumor. Recent progress in molecular techniques has demonstrated the presence of micrometastatic tumor cells in SLNs. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR assay, which enables rapid analysis, is currently being undertaken for intraoperative molecular diagnosis of SLNs. We developed an intraoperative real-time RT-PCR assay to detect micrometastasis in SLNs for early gastric cancer. All SLNs and randomly selected non-SLNs in 96 cT1 or cT2 gastric cancer patients were biopsied intraoperatively and examined by routine hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry with anticytokeratin antibody (AE1/AE3), and multimarker real-time RT-PCR assay including cytokeratin (CK) 19, CK20, and carcinoembryonic antigen. All patients with histopathologically verified metastasis in their SLNs demonstrated positive results by RT-PCR assay. Forty percent of patients with histopathologically negative SLNs showed positive SLNs by RT-PCR assay. RT-PCR assay revealed that 4 patients (4%) with negative SLNs had positive non-SLNs; however, these positive non-SLNs were identified within each SLN basin. We recently developed a new drug delivery system targeting SLNs with a phospholipid polymer, using 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine conjugated with paclitaxel. Our preliminary data suggest that this novel drug delivery system may be feasible for translymphatic chemotherapy targeting SLNs of patients with cN0 early gastrointestinal cancer, who have the potential for occult metastasis in SLNs. Endoscopic resection of the primary tumor followed by translymphatic chemotherapy targeting SLNs may become a promising minimally invasive multidisciplinary therapy.
Role of Transient Receptor Potential A1 in Gastric Nociception
Authors: Kondo Takashi , Oshima Tadayuki , Obata Koichi , Sakurai Jun , Knowles Charles H. , Matsumoto Takayuki , Noguchi Koichi , Miwa Hiroto
Published: June 2010

Afferent fibers innervating the gastrointestinal tract have major roles in consciously evoked sensations including pain. However, little is known about the molecules involved in mechanonociception from the upper gastrointestinal tract. We recently reported that activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade in primary afferent neurons, was induced by noxious gastric distention in the rat, and that the activation of ERK1/2 in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons can be implicated in acute visceral pain. Transient receptor potential (TRP) A1, a member of the TRP family of cation channels, was expressed in both DRG and nodose ganglion (NG) neurons innervating the stomach and in nerve fibers in the gastric wall. TRPA1 was coexpressed with ERK1/2 in gastric primary afferent neurons, and attenuation of TRPA1 activation using antisense peptides and a specific blocker led to suppression of both ERK1/2 activation and visceromotor responses. TRPA1 also significantly colocalized with substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the thoracolumbar DRG, NG and stomach. These data indicate that SP and CGRP may also be released by TRPA1 activation in primary afferent neurons to elicit neurogenic inflammation and promote visceral hyperalgesia.
Intranuclear Translocation Signaling of HB-EGF Carboxy-Terminal Fragment and Mucosal Defense through Cell Proliferation and Migration in Digestive Tracts
Authors: Tanida Satoshi , Kataoka Hiromi , Mizoshita Tsutomu , Shimura Takaya , Kamiya Takeshi , Joh Takashi
Published: June 2010

Mucosal integrity in the digestive tracts is maintained by defense mechanisms which comprise mucin production, microcirculatory blood flow, intercellular junctions, cell growth and mucosal repair. These physiological features are known to be regulated by prostaglandins, nitric oxides, growth factors, and cytokines. Mucosal injury and inflammation occur when cytotoxic attacks overwhelm cellular capacity for defense or repair. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) promotes tumor cell proliferation in colon cancer cells after binding to its receptors, which are members of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. Stimulation of GPCR can induce shedding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) ligands via activation of A disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM), with subsequent transactivation of the EGF receptor (EGFR). In parallel with EGF signaling through EGFR activation, heparin-binding (HB)-EGF carboxy-terminal fragment (CTF) signaling is also involved in cell proliferation through nuclear export of promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger. IL-8 induces cell proliferation and migration by an ADAM-dependent intranuclear translocation pathway of HB-EGF-CTF. Here, we focus on the mechanisms of IL-8-induced HB-EGF-CTF signaling, which is involved in cytoprotection and cellular repair.
Increased Expression of DNA Methyltransferase-1 in Non-Neoplastic Epithelium Helps Predict Colorectal Neoplasia Risk in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Fujii Shigehiko , Katake Yoshiki , Tanaka Hiroyuki
Published: June 2010

Aims: To clarify the possible significance of increased expression of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)-1 in the tumorigenesis of colorectal neoplasia in ulcerative colitis (UC) and to clarify whether analysis of DNMT1 expression in non-neoplastic epithelium can contribute to the prediction of increased risk for UC-associated neoplasia. Methods: Sixty-two patients with long-standing and extensive UC were included in this study: 31 with colorectal neoplasia (dysplasia in 11 and invasive cancer in 20) and 31 without. Immunohistochemical analysis and quantitative RT-PCR were performed to determine the expression of DNMT1 in rectal epithelium of UC patients without neoplasia, and in non-neoplastic rectal epithelium and colorectal neoplasia of UC patients with neoplasia. Results: The immunoreactive DNMT1 expression gradually increased from rectal epithelium of UC patients without neoplasia (0.13 ± 0.07) to non-neoplastic rectal epithelium of UC patients with neoplasia (0.32 ± 0.12, p < 0.001), and to colorectal neoplasia (0.54 ± 0.20, p < 0.001). Among 31 neoplasias, there was no difference in the immunoreactive DNMT1 expressions between dysplasia and invasive cancer (0.47 ± 0.52 vs. 0.58 ± 0.63). The expression level of DNMT1 mRNA tended to increase gradually from rectal epithelium of UC patients without neoplasia (0.53 ± 0.34) to non-neoplastic rectal epithelium of UC patients with neoplasia (0.88 ± 0.57, p = 0.06), and to colorectal neoplasia (1.38 ± 0.64, p = 0.07). Conclusion: Increased expression of DNMT1 in non-neoplastic epithelium may precede or be a relatively early event in UC-associated tumorigenesis, and may help predict the risk of colorectal neoplasia in UC.
Long-Term Outcome after Double-Balloon Endoscopy in Patients with Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Fujita Minoru , Manabe Noriaki , Honda Keisuke , Tarumi Ken-ichi , Murao Takahisa , Katada Shinji , Kimura Yoshiki , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Kamada Tomoari , Shiotani Akiko , Hata Jiro , Haruma Ken
Published: June 2010

Background and Aims: There are limited data concerning the clinical outcome of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) after double-balloon endoscopy (DBE). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of patients with OGIB after DBE. Patients and Methods: Eighty-seven consecutive patients with OGIB (47 men and 40 women; mean age 65.3 years) underwent DBE between July 2006 and December 2009. The criteria for assessment included documented iron deficiency anemia/occult or obscure small intestinal bleeding, and overt small intestinal bleeding. They were followed for a mean period of 41.4 months after DBE, and were divided into two groups according to their outcome, that is a good clinical course group (GC group) and a poor clinical course group (PC group). The clinical characteristics associated with rebleeding after DBE were analyzed by comparison of these two groups. Results: The source of bleeding was identified in 40 patients (46.0%) and endoscopic treatment was required in 21 of them (52.5%). The most frequent source of bleeding was ulcers/erosions (18.4%). During the follow-up period, 39 patients (44.8%) experienced bleeding and/or persistent iron deficiency anemia after DBE, while 48 patients did not. There were no significant differences of clinical characteristics between the two groups. However, there were more patients with diverticular bleeding in the GC group than the PC group, and there were significantly more patients with treatable small intestinal tumors/polyps in the GC group. There were also more patients with normal DBE findings in the GC group. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the rebleeding rate after DBE varies depending on the source of bleeding.
Necrobiosis Lipoidica Therapy with Biologicals: An Ulcerated Case Responding to Etanercept and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Suárez-Amor Óscar , Pérez-Bustillo Alicia , Ruiz-González Inmaculada , Rodríguez-Prieto Manuel Ángel
Published: June 2010

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is an idiopathic chronic granulomatous skin condition. There is currently no standardized effective treatment of NL. Ulceration occurs in up to 35% of cases. Treatment of ulcerative lesions is challenging and often unsuccessful. On the basis of the implication of the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) on the formation of granulomas, since 2003 anti-TNF-α agents have been employed in cases of NL refractory to other therapeutic agents. We report a 50-year-old white woman with treatment-resistant chronic ulcerative NL of both shins successfully treated with subcutaneous etanercept. A review of the published literature suggests that biological agents (etanercept and infliximab) should be considered as a therapeutic alternative mainly in ulcerative NL unresponsive to prior conventional regimens. The dose and duration of treatment with these agents is not defined, therefore it is required to report management of these patients in order to develop an optimal therapeutic strategy.
Lipoxin A4 Inhibits Transition of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Cells in Proximal Tubules
Authors: Wu Sheng-Hua , Zhang Yong-Mei , Tao Hui-Xian , Dong Ling
Published: June 2010

Background: Previous studies showed that connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)-induced proliferation of lung fibroblasts and production of chemokines in mesangial cells could be inhibited by lipoxin A4 (LXA4). It is speculated that LXA4 could modulate the CTGF-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Methods: The expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), E-cadherin, integrin-linked kinase (ILK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K), Akt and Smad signaling were assessed by Western blot and/or real-time RT-PCR, and activation of Ras or ILK by activity assay, expressions of α-SMA and zonula occludens-1 by immunofluorescence assay in proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2). Results: Pretreatment of HK-2 cells with LXA4 inhibited the morphological fibroblast-like changes and α-SMA expression induced by CTGF but not by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). The expressions of E-cadherin and zonula occludens-1 reduced by CTGF but not by TGF-β1 were increased by LXA4. LXA4 inhibited the expression and activity of ILK and activation of Ras, ERK1/2, PI3-K and Akt in HK-2 cells stimulated by CTGF. LXA4 did not affect TGF-β1-induced expression of ILK, Smad-2/3 phosphorylation and Smad-2’s binding to Smad-4 and subsequent nuclear translocation. Conclusion: LXA4 inhibits the tubular epithelial to mesenchymal transition, initiated by CTGF but not by TGF-β1, via downregulation of ILK, Ras/MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3-K/Akt-dependent signal pathway stimulated by CTGF.
The Development of Pointing: From Personal Directedness to Interpersonal Direction
Authors: Carpendale Jeremy I.M. , Carpendale Ailidh B.
Published: June 2010

Although there is consensus about the importance of early communicative gestures such as pointing, there is an ongoing debate regarding how infants develop the ability to understand and produce pointing gestures. We review competing theories regarding this development and use observations from a diary study of infants’ social development, focusing primarily on one infant from 6 to 14 months to illustrate a currently neglected view of the development of pointing. According to this view, infants first use their extended index finger as a manifestation of their own attention that emerges from their tactile exploration of close-by objects. Their gesture gradually becomes social in its use as infants become aware of the meaning of their action for adults.
Generating Synergy between Conceptual Change and Knowledge Building
Authors: Lee Chwee Beng
Published: June 2010

This paper is an initial effort to review the reciprocity between the theoretical traditions of conceptual change and knowledge building by discussing the underlying epistemological assumptions, objectives, conceptions of concepts and ideas, and mechanisms that bring forth the respective goals of these two traditions. The basis for generating clarity between both traditions provides the argument for a powerful framework for advancing learning. Three key points are discussed in support of such a framework. First, the paper carefully examines how knowledge building explicates the recent theory of conceptual change by acknowledging the need to consider both sociocultural and cognitive aspects in the knowledge acquisition process. Next, the contribution of knowledge building in this perspective is its emphasis on knowledge building discourse. Finally, the discussion incorporates the epistemic framework espoused by Murphy to complement the knowledge building approach.
Blood Pressure Measurement in Different Outpatient Clinics
Authors: Silva Ricardo Pereira , Lima José Wellington , Medeiros Raul Pinheiro , Ribeiro Filho Haroldo Heitor , Filgueira Pedro Henrique , Silva, Jr. Geraldo Bezerra , Lima Ramon Rawache Barbosa , Rodrigues Sobrinho Carlos Roberto Martins
Published: June 2010

The objective of this study is to investigate how blood pressure is measured in different outpatient clinics. This is a retrospective study performed with 1,000 patients, randomly selected among patients followed in different outpatient clinics in Fortaleza, Brazil. Among the 1,000 patients, 962 had available records. The older the patient, the greater the possibility of having had blood pressure measured. In subsequent visits, blood pressure was measured more often than in the first visits. Blood pressure was measured more often among patients with chronic disease. The specialty with the highest proportion of blood pressure measurement was cardiology (85%). At the surgery, dermatology and traumatology clinics, blood pressure was measured in less than 5% of visits, and at the ophthalmology, sexually transmitted diseases, psychiatry, proctology and otolaryngology clinics, blood pressure was not measured in any visit. Cardiology, endocrinology, nephrology, geriatrics and internal medicine were the specialties where blood pressure was more frequently measured. It is important to measure blood pressure in any medical specialty in order to give early diagnosis of hypertension and provide adequate blood pressure control.
Predictors of Mortality in Patients Returning to Dialysis after Allograft Loss
Authors: Park Jung Tak , Yoo Tae-Hyun , Chang Tae Ik , Lee Joo Hyun , Lee Dong Hyung , Kim Beom Seok , Kang Shin-Wook , Lee Ho Yung , Kim Myoung Soo , Kim Soon Il , Kim Yu Seun , Choi Kyu Hun
Published: June 2010

Background: Although patients requiring dialysis after graft loss are increasing, data regarding the outcomes of patients on dialysis after graft loss are limited. We investigated the characteristics and risk factors for mortality in patients reinitiating dialysis after graft loss. Methods: A retrospective analysis was done for 292 patients who reinitiated dialysis after graft loss between 1985 and 2006. Results: The mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at dialysis reinitiation was 9.1 ± 4.6 ml/min/1.73 m2. Cardiovascular disease was the most common cause of death during the 67.4 ± 50.6 months of follow-up. History of diabetes (HR 4.11, p = 0.02), new-onset diabetes after transplantation (HR 1.96, p = 0.03), Charlson comorbidity index score (HR 1.66, p = 0.03), and low serum albumin levels (HR 0.42, p = 0.03) were independent risk factors for mortality. However, GFR at dialysis reinitiation was not. Conclusions: Comorbid conditions, new-onset diabetes after transplantation, and hypoalbuminemia predicted mortality in patients who returned to dialysis after graft failure.
Time-Course Analysis on the Differentiation of Bone Marrow-Derived Progenitor Cells Into Smooth Muscle Cells During Neointima Formation
Authors: Daniel Jan-Marcus , Bielenberg Wiebke , Stieger Philipp , Weinert Soenke , Tillmanns Harald , Sedding Daniel G.
Published: June 2010

Objective—

Bone marrow-derived progenitor cells have been implicated to contribute to neointima formation, but the time course and extent of their accumulation and differentiation into vascular cells and, most importantly, the long-term contribution of bone marrow-derived progenitor cells to the vascular lesion remain undefined.

Methods and Results—

Wire-induced injury of the femoral artery was performed on chimeric C57BL/6 mice transplanted with bone marrow from transgenic mice expressing enhanced green fluorescence protein, and vessels were harvested at 3 days, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 16 weeks after dilatation (n=8 animals per time point). Using high-resolution microscopy, we unexpectedly found that the expression of smooth muscle cell or endothelial cell markers in enhanced green fluorescence protein positive cells was a very rare event. Indeed, most of the enhanced green fluorescence protein positive cells that accumulated during the acute inflammatory response were identified as monocytes/macrophages, and their number declined at later time points. In contrast, a substantial fraction of highly proliferative stem cell antigen-1 and CD34
+
but enhanced green fluorescence protein negative and thus locally derived cells were detected in the adventitia.

Conclusion—

These data provide evidence that the differentiation of bone marrow-derived progenitor cells into smooth muscle cell or endothelial cell lineages seems to be an exceedingly rare event. Moreover, the contribution of bone marrow-derived cells to the cellular compartment of the neointima is limited to a transient period of the inflammatory response.
Genetic Architecture Underlying Variation in Extent and Remodeling of the Collateral Circulation
Authors: Wang Shiliang , Zhang Hua , Dai Xuming , Sealock Robert , Faber James E.
Published: June 2010

Rationale:

Collaterals are arteriole-to-arteriole anastomoses that connect adjacent arterial trees. They lessen ischemic tissue injury by serving as endogenous bypass vessels when the trunk of 1 tree becomes narrowed by vascular disease. The number and diameter (“extent”) of native (preexisting) collaterals, plus their amount of lumen enlargement (growth/remodeling) in occlusive disease, show remarkably wide variation among inbred mouse strains (eg, C57BL/6 and BALB/c), resulting in large differences in tissue injury in models of occlusive disease. Evidence suggests similar large differences exist among healthy humans.

Objective:

To identify candidate loci responsible for genetic-dependent collateral variation.

Methods and Results:

Cerebral collateral number and diameter were determined in 221 C57BL/6×BALB/c F2 progeny, followed by linkage analysis to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for collateral number and diameter. Four QTL were obtained for collateral number, including epistasis between 2 loci. A QTL that was identical to the strongest QTL for collateral number on chromosome 7 (logarithm of the odds [LOD]=29, effect size=37%) was also mapped for collateral diameter (LOD=17, effect size=30%). Chromosome substitution strain analysis confirmed this locus. We also obtained a unique QTL on chromosome 11 for collateral remodeling after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Association mapping within the chromosome 7 QTL interval using collateral traits measured for 15 inbred strains delineated 172-kbp (
P
=0.00002) and 290-kbp (
P
=0.0004) regions on chromosome 7 containing 2 and 7 candidate genes, respectively.

Conclusions:

We conclude that collateral extent and remodeling are unique, highly heritable complex traits, with 1 QTL predominantly affecting native collateral number and diameter.
Characterization of Carotid Plaque Hemorrhage
Authors: U-King-Im Jean Marie , Fox Allan J. , Aviv Richard I. , Howard Peter , Yeung Robert , Moody Alan R. , Symons Sean P.
Published: June 2010

Background and Purpose—

The main objective of this study was to evaluate CT angiographic (CTA) features that are able to predict the presence of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) as defined by MR-IPH.

Methods—

One hundred sixty-seven consecutive patients (mean age 69 years, SD 12.8; 58 females) underwent both MR-IPH and CTA within 3 weeks. MR-IPH, the gold standard, was performed at 1.5 T using a neurovascular phased-array coil as a coronal T1-weighted 3-dimensional fat-suppressed acquisition. CTA was performed using a 4-slice or a 64-slice CT machine and evaluated, blinded to MR-IPH findings, for carotid stenosis, plaque density, and plaque ulceration. Plaque density was defined as the mean attenuation of plaque at the site of maximum stenosis and 2 sections above and below. Plaque ulceration was defined as outpouching of contrast into the plaque at least 2 mm deep on any single plane.

Results—

Prevalence of IPH increased at higher degrees of carotid stenosis. Mean CT plaque density was higher for plaques with MRI-defined IPH (47 Hounsfield units) compared with without IPH (43 Hounsfield units;
P
=0.02). However, significant overlap between distributions of plaque densities limited the value of mean plaque density for prediction of IPH. CTA plaque ulceration had high sensitivity (80.0% to 91.4%), specificity (93.0% to 92.3%), positive predictive value (72.0% to 71.8%), and negative predictive value (95.0% to 97.9%) for prediction of IPH. Interobserver agreement for presence/absence of CTA plaque ulceration was excellent (κ=0.80).

Conclusions—

CTA plaque ulceration, but not mean CTA plaque density, was useful for prediction of IPH as defined by the MR-IPH technique.
Gait in Elderly With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: de Laat Karlijn F. , van Norden Anouk G.W. , Gons Rob A.R. , van Oudheusden Lucas J.B. , van Uden Inge W.M. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Zwiers Marcel P. , de Leeuw Frank-Erik
Published: June 2010

Background and Purpose—

Gait disorders are common in the elderly and are related to loss of functional independence and death. White matter lesions (WMLs) may be related, but only a minority of individuals with WMLs has gait disorders. Probably other factors are involved, including location and the independent effect of frequently coinciding lacunar infarcts, the other aspect of cerebral small vessel disease. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of both the severity and location of both WMLs and lacunar infarcts on gait.

Methods—

Four hundred thirty-one independently living, nondemented elderly aged between 50 and 85 years with cerebral small vessel disease were included in this analysis and underwent MRI scanning. The number and location of lacunar infarcts were rated and WML volume was assessed by manual segmentation with automated delineating of different regions. Gait was assessed quantitatively with an electronic walkway as well as the semiquantitatively Tinetti and Timed-Up-and-Go test.

Results—

WMLs and lacunar infarcts were both independently associated with most gait parameters with stride length as the most sensitive parameter related to WMLs. WMLs in the sublobar (basal ganglia/internal capsule) and limbic areas and lacunar infarcts in the frontal lobe and thalamus were related to a lower velocity.

Conclusions—

Cerebral small vessel disease is related to gait disturbances. Because small vessel disease may, in part, be preventable, it should be regarded as a potentially important target for postponing gait impairment.
Outcomes of Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Octogenarians Versus Nonagenarians
Authors: Mateen Farrah J. , Buchan Alastair M. , Hill Michael D.
Published: June 2010

Background and Purpose—

Little is reported on the outcomes of nonagenarians who are treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator for acute ischemic stroke. It is uncertain whether nonagenarians have higher mortality and worse functional outcomes than octogenarians.

Methods—

All patients who were ≥80 years of age were extracted from the Canadian Activase for Stroke Effectiveness Study national registry, a 60-center Canadian acute ischemic stroke treatment network. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who were 80 to 89 years of age (octogenarians) and those who were 90 to 99 years of age (nonagenarians), and compared by baseline clinical, demographic, treatment, and outcome-related measures.

Results—

Twenty-eight nonagenarians and 242 octogenarians were treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator for acute ischemic stroke over the 2.5-year observation period. Nonagenarians and octogenarians did not differ on any of the baseline clinical or demographic variables. Both groups were predominantly female (77% nonagenarians and 61% octogenarians), hypertensive (54% and 60%), and predominantly had severe strokes (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score >15; 58% and 52%). The rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (7% nonagenarians versus 4% octogenarians;
P
=0.359), 90-day mortality (52% versus 33%;
P
=0.087), and 30-day favorable functional outcomes ([modified Rankin score ≤1] 30% versus 26%;
P
=0.647) showed no statistically significant difference when comparing the 2 age groups.

Conclusions—

There is no significant difference in 90-day mortality, 30-day functional outcome, or rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage between nonagenarians and octogenarians treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator when comparing populations of similar baseline risk.
The Temporal Nature of Racialized Sport Consumption
Authors: Halone Kelby K. , Billings Andrew C.
Published: June 2010

An interdisciplinary body of sport research contends that mediated portrayals of athletic conduct are contingent upon the race/ethnic identity of a respective athlete. While prior research has considered how such racialized dynamics become organized, this study extends the research by considering the degree to which temporal dynamics contribute to the consumption of racialized sport. Content analysis of 2,367 lines of commentary talk, enacted among sport commentators in the 2000 Men’s and Women’s NCAA Final Four Tournament games, revealed how temporal patterns differentially gave rise to the consumption of racialized sport. The findings extend our understanding of (a) the commodification of athletic identities in mediated talk and (b) the prospect of aversive racism in the domain of mediated sport.
Context Masculinities: Media Consumption, Physical Education, and Youth Identities
Authors: Millington Brad , Wilson Brian
Published: June 2010

This article reports findings from a qualitative case study undertaken at a Vancouver high school designed to examine the role of media and physical education (PE) in shaping how young males ( n = 36) understand and practice gender. The authors were specifically concerned with developing a nuanced understanding of how interpretations of masculinity relate to performances of masculinity and how interpretations and performances vary depending on social context and according to a youth’s social positioning. Findings revealed how participants criticized media portrayals of “hegemonic masculinities” (i.e., muscular, aggressive, and hyper-heterosexual masculinities) while simultaneously celebrating these same gender identities in PE. The authors used these findings as a foundation for arguing that (a) youth are flexible in their interpretations/performances of masculinity according to context; (b) the participants, in critiquing portrayals of hypermasculinity in media and supporting less radical versions of hegemonic masculinity in PE, were creating personal narratives around masculinity as a potential strategy for coping with feelings of disembodiment and disembeddedness; and (c) students’ critiques of gender portrayals, although offering symbolic challenges to the contemporary gender order, are nonetheless limited by structures that normalize hegemonic masculinities.
National and Global Origins of Environmental Association
Authors: Longhofer Wesley , Schofer Evan
Published: June 2010

We examine the origins of voluntary associations devoted to environmental protection, focusing on the divergent trajectories of industrialized versus developing countries. We consider a wide range of domestic economic, political, and institutional dynamics that give rise to environmental associations. Developing and extending neo-institutional world polity arguments, we characterize domestic association in the developing world as the product of global cultural models, legitimation, and resources. Using event history and dynamic panel models, we analyze the formation of domestic environmental associations for a large sample of countries in the contemporary period. Among highly industrialized countries, domestic factors—resources and political institutions that afford favorable opportunities—largely explain the prevalence of environmental associations. In contrast, global forces are a powerful catalyst for environmental organizing in the developing world. The environmental movement, which had domestic origins in the West, became institutionalized in the world polity, generating new associations on a global scale. We also find positive effects of democratic institutions and philanthropic foundations. Environmental degradation and societal affluence are not primary drivers of environmental association. We conclude by reflecting on the implications of globally-sponsored voluntary associations, which appear to be common in the developing world.
Voices of foster parents of Sudanese refugee youths: Affirmations and insights
Authors: Lee Michelle M. , Lee Robert E. , Troupe Faith Y. , Vennum Amber V.
Published: June 2010

Foster parents of Sudanese refugee adolescents were both gratified and frustrated by their desires to nurture, successfully parent, and socially interact and experience cultural differences with the youths. These parents coped with challenges with the help of God, family, peers and self-talk. Commitment to their wards typically was lifelong.
From looked after children to looking after children: Insight from an unusual perspective
Authors: Hammond Simon P. , Cooper Neil
Published: June 2010

This study takes a participatory research approach to build a single case study from three interviews undertaken with one individual who had experienced being in care first-hand, and who has subsequently been employed in the care system. Interview material was thematically analysed. Critical discussions generated suggestions relating to concerns expressed about highly regulated approaches to care and how continuity of care might be improved through enhanced recruitment processes.
Does the Race of Neighborhood Role Models Matter? Collective Socialization Effects on Educational Achievement
Authors: Ainsworth James W.
Published: June 2010

This study examines whether neighborhood level collective socialization processes are racialized. It addresses whether Black and White students are affected differentially by their general neighborhood characteristics; whether the racial composition of positive and negative role models in a neighborhood shape student performance differently; and whether Black and White students receive differential benefit from the presence of same-race role models. Using the National Educational Longitudinal Study (NELS) of 1988 linked to 1990 Census information at the neighborhood level, the current study finds that race generally does not critically influence neighborhood effects on educational achievement. Theoretical implications of these results are discussed, and I recommend that the when considering who can act as a role model for ethnic minority youth, policy makers should consider a broader range of individuals than just same-race individuals. This research suggests that White adults may also be able to positively affect change for students “at risk” for underachievement. Finally, another take-away message of this research is that the talents and abilities of all neighborhood adults need to be fully tapped to address the problem of educational underachievement.
The Influence of Female-Headed Households on Black Achievement
Authors: Madyun Na'im , Moo Sung Lee
Published: June 2010

This study attempts to go beyond the individual-level factors that explain the underachievement of the Black male student and specifically focuses on the enormous growth of female-headed households. To this end, 2,849 middle school students in a large Midwestern school district in the United States were used. It was found that there is a significant association between the proportion of female-headed households and the achievement of Black male students only, in contrast to that of Black female and White students. Specifically, as the proportion of female-headed households in neighborhoods increases, Black male students tend to show poorer outcomes. Implications for the finding are reviewed.
Stories as Knowledge: Bringing the Lived Experience of First-Generation College Students Into the Academy
Authors: Jehangir Rashné
Published: June 2010

This longitudinal study of first-generation, low-income students examines the impact of their participation in a multicultural learning community (MLC) designed to challenge the isolation and marginalization they experience at a large, predominantly White research university. The MLC employed multicultural curriculum and critical pedagogy to bring students’ lived experience and narrative to the center of their learning experience. Qualitative data in the form of reflective writings and retrospective interviews showcase how first-generation students are validated as knowers and can cultivate a sense of belonging at the academy when their cultural wealth is incorporated into the classroom space.
Home Is Where You Draw Strength and Rest: The Meanings of Home for Houseless Young People
Authors: Kidd Sean A. , Evans Josh D.
Published: June 2010

This qualitative study examined the meanings ascribed to the construct “home” by 208 youths defined by mainstream society as “homeless”. Youth narratives on the topic of home ranged across a continuum with home as state at one end (i.e., home is a state of mind, comprised of one’s friends) and home as place at the other (i.e., home as a physical dwelling). Youths employing the former meanings had typically been on the street for longer periods and identified with counterculture-type ideologies. For youths who defined home as place, home was constructed in direct opposition to street experiences. For both of these groups, control emerged as a central theme in their narratives. The implications of these findings for engaging youth and goal setting regarding exiting the streets are described.
“Just Reproduce After What I Taught You”
Authors: Snell Patricia
Published: June 2010

Researchers consistently find that educational and familial settings unintentionally reproduce socioeconomic status (SES) via distinct socialization patterns in their community contexts. Yet there are surprisingly few studies examining this pattern as related to religious settings. This study extends the social reproduction literature by examining intended socialization of religious-based youth programs across SES of the areas in which religious congregations are located. Data analyzed are from the Northern Indiana Congregation Study, a high-response-rate phone survey with all religious congregations located within three contiguous cities, combined with U.S. Census data for the postal code of the congregation location, and in-person interviews with stratified-quota-sampled religious youth leaders. This analysis provides evidence for a spatially stratified pattern to religious youth socialization. Findings reveal how deeply socioeconomic reproduction permeates social life, including even the youth socialization practices of religious congregations, and indicates that low-income youth may be particularly disadvantaged in their available religious socialization.