bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-Dose Naltrexone for Pruritus in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Frech Tracy , Novak Kirsten , Revelo Monica P. , Murtaugh Maureen , Markewitz Boaz , Hatton Nathan , Scholand Mary Beth , Frech Edward , Markewitz David , Sawitzke Allen D.
Published: September 2011

Pruritus is a common symptom in systemic sclerosis (SSc), an autoimmune disease which causes fibrosis and vasculopathy in skin, lung, and gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Unfortunately, pruritus has limited treatment options in this disease. Pilot trials of low-dose naltrexone hydrochloride (LDN) for pruritus, pain, and quality of life (QOL) in other GIT diseases have been successful. In this case series we report three patients that had significant improvement in pruritus and total GIT symptoms as measured by the 10-point faces scale and the University of California Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract 2.0 (UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0) questionnaire. This small case series suggests LDN may be an effective, highly tolerable, and inexpensive treatment for pruritus and GIT symptoms in SSc.
Electron Spin Resonance Measurement with Microinductor on Chip
Authors: Kitagawa Akio
Published: September 2011

The detection of radicals on a chip is demonstrated. The proposed method is based on electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy and the measurement of high-frequency impedance of the microinductor fabricated on the chip. The measurement was by using a frequency sweep of approximately 100 MHz. The ESR spectra of di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)iminoazanium (DPPH) dropped on the microinductor which is fabricated with CMOS 350-nm technology were observed at room temperature. The volume of the DPPH ethanol solution was 2 μL, and the number of spins on the micro-inductor was estimated at about 1014. The sensitivity is not higher than that of the standard ESR spectrometers. However, the result indicates the feasibility of a near field radical sensor in which the microinductor as a probe head and ESR signal processing circuit are integrated.
Arterial Thrombosis in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Two-Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Konin C. , Anzouan-Kacou J. B. , Essam N'loo A.
Published: September 2011

Thrombosis during HIV infection was commonly vein thrombosis. Arterial thrombosis is also more and more described. We report two cases detected in the Abidjan Cardiology Institute.Case Reports. Case 1: an HIV infected female presented with sudden loss of consciousness and right hemiplegia. She had been taking HAART regimen for five years. Neck vessels ultrasonography revealed thrombosis on left ICA. Anticoagulant treatment leads to reduction of symptoms and left ICA partial recanalization. Case 2: male HIV infected taking HAART therapy was admitted for an acute pain of left lower limb; examination showed a decrease of heat, sensitivity, and mobility of this limb with popliteal and tibial pulses abolished. Arterial ultrasonography and CT angiography showed occlusion on the lower third of superficial femoral artery and homolateral popliteal artery suggesting a thrombosis of this artery. He underwent a femorotibial bypass surgery and anticoagulant treatment. The outcome was good with reappearance of local heat of the limb and tibial pulses. Probable etiology is early carotid atherosclerosis associated with protein S deficiency in the first case and antiphospholipid syndrome in the second case.Conclusion. Arterial thrombosis might occur in HIV infection. Several etiological factors could be involved in the pathogeny of these arterial thromboses.
Giant Precordial T Wave Inversion in a Patient with Gastroenteritis
Authors: Rott David , Leibowitz David , Weiss A. Teddy
Published: September 2011

Giant precordial T wave inversion (GPTI) on ECG may be the result of several pathologies, including myocardial ischemia, pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, subarachnoid hemorrhage, apical hypertrophy, and postpacing. We describe a case of a 75-year-old woman who developed GPTI after an episode of gastroenteritis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this ECG pattern associated with gastroenteritis.
Effect of Long-Term Prazosin and Yohimbine Administration on c-Fos Expression in Spinal Neurons: Inhibitory Effect of Alpha-1 and Alpha-2 Adrenoceptors on Afferents from the Lower Urinary Tract
Authors: Haga Nobuhiro , Aikawa Ken , Shishido Keiichi , Yanagida Tomohiko , Kushida Nobuhiro , Takahashi Norio , Yazaki Junji , Yamaguchi Osamu
Published: September 2011

Introduction: To investigate the effects of long-term administration of the α1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin and the α2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine on afferent inputs from the lower urinary tract by evaluating c-Fos expression in the spinal cord. Materials and Methods: Prazosin or yohimbine was administered for 4 weeks in rats using an osmotic pump. Effects of these agents on urodynamic parameters were determined by continuous cystometry in conscious rats. After cystometry, c-Fos expression in the dorsal horn of the L6 spinal cord was measured by immunohistochemistry. Results: The administration of prazosin (0.12 mg/kg/day) or yohimbine (0.10 mg/kg/day) significantly increased micturition interval and bladder capacity, but did not affect micturition pressure and residual urine volume. The numbers of c-Fos-positive neurons in the dorsal horn were significantly lower in rats that received prazosin than in controls. Yohimbine reduced the number of c-Fos-positive neurons in part of the dorsal horn. Conclusions: Long-term administration of prazosin and yohimbine at clinically recommended doses can exert inhibitory effects on afferent pathways from the lower urinary tract during the storage phase. These reductions of the afferent input result in the increased bladder capacity and increased micturition interval.
Laparoscopic Excision of a Congenital Seminal Vesicle Cyst Associated with Ipsilateral Renal Agenesis
Authors: Shah Kamlesh , Pal Bipinchandra , Rizvi S.J. , Modi Pranjal
Published: September 2011

Seminal vesicle cyst (SVC) with ipsilateral renal agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly. Surgical treatment is indicated for symptomatic patients. The open surgical approach, traditionally considered the definitive form of treatment, has been associated with a high rate of morbidity. A laparoscopic approach for the management of SVCs has recently been described. We performed a laparoscopic excision of a SVC with special precaution taken to avoid injury to the neurovascular bundle in a symptomatic 27-year-old patient. The patient was discharged home on the second postoperative day and at the 1-year follow-up he had remained symptom-free with normal erectile and ejaculatory function.
Endoscopic Treatment of Vesicoureteral Reflux Using Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid Copolymer in Children: Results of Postoperative Follow-Up with Real-Time 3D Sonography
Authors: Pichler Renate , Buttazzoni Alexander , Bektic Jasmin , Schlenck Barbara , Radmayr Christian , Rehder Peter , Oswald Josef
Published: September 2011

Objectives: We evaluated whether real-time 3D ultrasound (4D-US) together with clinical evaluation is an alternative to voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) after endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children at postoperative follow-up. Material and Methods: We reviewed 178 children who underwent endoscopic therapy with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer in grade II or III VUR between 2002 and 2005. 4D-US was performed in all patients 1 day and 3, 9 and 18 months after endoscopic therapy. Only children with postoperative urinary tract infections (UTIs) and/or nonorthotopic position of the bulking agent were referred for VCUG. Results: In 93% of the ureteral units, the depot could be detected in the orthotopic position after 3, 9 and 18 months. None of these children developed UTIs in the postoperative follow-up. Twelve children demonstrated a shifting of the depot, indicating a possible therapy failure. Eight of these 12 patients (66.7%) presented a positive VCUG, and 50% of them sustained UTIs. Conclusions: 4D-US seems to be a sufficient protocol in the follow-up of children after endoscopic treatment of low-grade VUR. VCUG should be performed in cases of a shifted position of the depot; invasive investigations are unnecessary in asymptomatic children with orthotopic bulk.
A Cheap Minimally Painful and Widely Usable Alternative for Retrieving Ureteral Stents
Authors: Söylemez Haluk , Sancaktutar Ahmet Ali , Bozkurt Yaşar , Atar Murat , Penbegül Necmettin , Yildirim Kadir
Published: September 2011

Objective: To describe a cheap, minimally painful and widely usable method for retrieving ureteral stents by using an ureteroscope. Subjects and Methods: Sixty-seven patients with ureteral stents were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomized into a cystoscopic (35 patients) and a ureteroscopic (32 patients) group. All stents were retrieved by a flexible cystoscope in the first group and by a ureteroscope in the second group under local anesthesia. Patients in each group were assessed for stented time, stent side, cause of stent placement, operative time, peroperative pain, postoperative pain, irritative voiding symptoms and hematuria. Also costs of instruments were calculated. Results: Stents were successfully retrieved in 67 patients. There were no statistical differences in the two groups regarding patient gender and age or stent side, operative time, stented time, mean operative pain score, irritative voiding symptom scores and hematuria. Total selling price was USD 20.399 for flexible instruments and USD 10.516 for rigid ones. Total maintenance price was higher in flexible instruments than in the rigid ones (USD 197.8 and 51.7 per use, respectively). Conclusion: Ureteroscopic stent retrieval is a minimally painful, safe and highly tolerable method under local anesthesia as well as flexible cystoscopic retrieval. Also, it is a cheap and widely usable method.
Getting Personal with Prostate Cancer: Adding New Pieces to an Incomplete Jigsaw Puzzle
Authors: Farooqi Ammad A. , Bhatti Shahzad
Published: September 2011

Prostate cancer is a multifaceted molecular anomaly that is insurmountable to date because of the orchestrated network of negative regulators that drive carcinogenesis. A substantial fraction of information has been added that gives yet an unclear snapshot of therapeutic interventions in prostate cancer. Increasing sophisticated interpretations point towards some important aspects of prostate cancer aggressiveness like microRNAs, prostate cancer stem cells and TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) refractoriness. In this review, we will evaluate the push and pull between oncomirs and tumor suppressors in tipping the scales of cancer. Furthermore, multicomponent rational drug designs with a claim to overcome stumbling blocks will be discussed. Translation of the outcomes achieved in the understanding of carcinogenesis at the patient’s bedside is possibly the principal challenge in cancer research.
Association between Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-4 Gene Polymorphism and Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liwei Liu , Chunyu Liu , Jie Li , Ruifa Han
Published: September 2011

Objectives: To examine the association between fibroblast growth factor receptor-4 (FGFR-4) genetic polymorphisms (Gly-388Arg) and prostate cancer susceptibility. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted to identify all case-control studies of FGFR-4 polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk. Statistical analysis was performed with the software program Stata, version 8.0, and Review Manage, version 4.2. Results: A total of 4 eligible studies, including 2,618 cases and 2,305 controls, relating the FGFR-4 polymorphism to the risk of prostate cancer were identified. The overall results indicated a significant association between FGFR-4 polymorphisms and prostate cancer. In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, a significant association was found between European descent for recessive model (random effects OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.72–0.93) and co-dominant genetic model (random effects OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.68–1.00). Sensitivity analysis also found a significant association in the recessive (random effects OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.49–0.95) or the co-dominant (random effects OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.49–0.96) models. Egger’s test showed that publication bias was not present in any of the comparisons. Conclusions: Gly-388Arg polymorphism of FGFR-4 most likely contributes to susceptibility to prostate cancer, especially in men of European descent.
Genome Size of Two Cebus Species (Primates: Platyrrhini) with a Fertile Hybrid and Their Quantitative Genomic Differences
Authors: Fantini L. , Mudry M.D. , Nieves M.
Published: September 2011

Genome size or C-value is defined as the total amount of DNA contained within a haploid chromosome set and is regarded as a species-specific constant. Speciation among neotropical primates seems to be accompanied by marked quantitative changes in DNA content. A direct correlation between genome size and the presence of heterochromatin has also been proposed. In this work, we analyzed the genome of a female fertile hybrid between Cebus libidinosus and C. nigritus using interspecies comparative genomic hybridization (iCGH), in order to detect quantitative differences between the hybrid and the parental genomes. We also estimated the genome sizes of C. libidinosus and C. nigritus. Both species, considered subspecies of C. apella until 2001, have a highly homologous karyotype but are easily distinguishable at the chromosomal level due to the noncentromeric heterochromatin block on C. libidinosus chromosome 11. Our findings on C-value quantification support the species status for C. libidinosus and C. nigritus, each having a different genome size. The iCGH analysis of the hybrid revealed quantitative differences in comparison to both parental species. The hybrid genome contains a greater amount of DNA in the heterochromatic blocks related to those in the genomes of both parental species. In view of observations in previous and the present work, some hypotheses about genome dynamics of neotropical primates are proposed and discussed.
Further Evidence of the Antiulcer Activity of IAC, a Novel Free Radical Scavenger
Authors: Carnevale Gianluca , Zanoli Paola , Zavatti Manuela , Baraldi Mario
Published: September 2011

It has been proposed that free radicals, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species play a critical role in gastric mucosal damage. It is well known that the exposure of gastric mucosa to damaging factors such as stress and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs produces acute ulcers that are mainly mediated by ROS. The aim of the present study was to investigate the gastroprotective properties of bis(1-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)decandioate (IAC), a novel nonpeptidyl low-molecular-weight radical scavenger, in two different models of gastric ulcer in rats caused by ROS. IAC was orally administered at the doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg before gastric ulceration induced by indomethacin and water immersion and restraint stress. The number and severity of gastric lesions, following macroscopic inspection of the mucosa, were evaluated and expressed as an ulcer score. Oral administration of IAC dosed at 50 and 100 mg/kg was able to significantly prevent gastric ulceration induced by indomethacin and by stress. The gastroprotective effect of IAC on gastric mucosa could be attributed to its intrinsic antioxidant activity, suggesting it as a novel antiulcer agent.
Anemia and Early Mortality in Patients with Decompensation of Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Zairis Michael N. , Patsourakos Nikolaos G. , Georgilas Anastassios Theodossis , Melidonis Andreas , Argyrakis Kyriakos S. , Prekates Athanasios A. , Mytas Demetrios Z. , Karidis Kostas S. , Batika Pelagia C. , Fakiolas Constantine N. , Foussas Stefanos G.
Published: September 2011

Objectives: The possible independent effect of mild-to-moderate anemia (hemoglobin value not <9 g/dl) on the short-term mortality of patients with decompensation of NYHA class III/IV chronic heart failure has not been investigated yet. Methods: A total of 725 consecutive hospitalized patients were studied. All-cause mortalities during hospitalization and by day 31 were the prespecified study end points. Results: A total of 76 (10.5%) and 133 (18.3%) patients died during hospital stay and by day 31 of follow-up, respectively. Patients in the first hemoglobin tertile were at a significantly higher risk of death than those in the second (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001 for unadjusted in-hospital and 31-day mortality, respectively) or third terile (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, for unadjusted in-hospital and 31-day mortality, respectively). However, after adjustment for concomitant baseline comorbidities and biochemical parameters, there was no significant difference in the risk of death among hemoglobin tertiles. Conclusions: Mild-to-moderate anemia seems not to contribute independently to short-term mortality in patients with decompensation of NYHA class III/IV chronic heart failure. An adverse concomitant baseline risk profile may have a key role in the induction of mild-to-moderate anemia and in the increased risk of death in these patients.
Validation of the Omron M3 Intellisense (HEM-7051-E) Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor, for Self-Measurement, according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol Revision 2010 in a Stage 3–5 Chronic Kidney Disease Population
Authors: Akpolat Tekin , Erdem Emre , Aydogdu Türkan
Published: September 2011

Background: Encouragement of home blood pressure (BP) monitoring has a great potential to improve hypertension control rates. The purpose of this study was to test validation of the Omron M3 Intellisense (HEM-7051-E) upper arm BP measuring monitor for self-measurement according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol revision 2010 (ESH-IP2) in stage 3–5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Methods: 66 patients having CKD stage 3–5 were included in the study. Nine consecutive measurements were made according to the ESH-IP2 protocol. Results: The Omron M3 Intellisense device fulfills the validation criteria of the ESH-IP2 for stage 3–5 CKD patients. Conclusion: Although arterial stiffness can affect accurate BP measurement, there are limited data regarding the use of automated oscillometric devices in CKD. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating validation of an oscillometric device in stage 3–5 predialysis CKD patients. This study validates the Omron M3 Intellisense upper arm device for stage 3–5 CKD patients. New validation studies investigating other oscillometric sphygmomanometers for CKD patients and involvement of nephrologists in these studies have great potential to increase patient care in CKD.
Computational Protein Design to Reengineer Stromal Cell–Derived Factor-1α Generates an Effective and Translatable Angiogenic Polypeptide Analog
Authors: Hiesinger William , Perez-Aguilar Jose Manuel , Atluri Pavan , Marotta Nicole A. , Frederick John R. , Fitzpatrick J. Raymond , McCormick Ryan C. , Muenzer Jeffrey R. , Yang Elaine C. , Levit Rebecca D. , Yuan Li-Jun , MacArthur John W. , Saven Jeffery G. , Woo Y. Joseph
Published: September 2011

Background—

Experimentally, exogenous administration of recombinant stromal cell–derived factor-1α (SDF) enhances neovasculogenesis and cardiac function after myocardial infarction. Smaller analogs of SDF may provide translational advantages including enhanced stability and function, ease of synthesis, lower cost, and potential modulated delivery via engineered biomaterials. In this study, computational protein design was used to create a more efficient evolution of the native SDF protein.

Methods and Results—

Protein structure modeling was used to engineer an SDF polypeptide analog (engineered SDF analog [ESA]) that splices the N-terminus (activation and binding) and C-terminus (extracellular stabilization) with a diproline segment designed to limit the conformational flexibility of the peptide backbone and retain the relative orientation of these segments observed in the native structure of SDF. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in ESA gradient, assayed by Boyden chamber, showed significantly increased migration compared with both SDF and control gradients. EPC receptor activation was evaluated by quantification of phosphorylated AKT, and cells treated with ESA yielded significantly greater phosphorylated AKT levels than SDF and control cells. Angiogenic growth factor assays revealed a distinct increase in angiopoietin-1 expression in the ESA- and SDF-treated hearts. In addition, CD-1 mice (n=30) underwent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery and peri-infarct intramyocardial injection of ESA, SDF-1α, or saline. At 2 weeks, echocardiography demonstrated a significant gain in ejection fraction, cardiac output, stroke volume, and fractional area change in mice treated with ESA compared with controls.

Conclusions—

Compared with native SDF, a novel engineered SDF polypeptide analog (ESA) more efficiently induces EPC migration and improves post–myocardial infarction cardiac function and thus offers a more clinically translatable neovasculogenic therapy.
Rigid, Complete Annuloplasty Rings Increase Anterior Mitral Leaflet Strains in the Normal Beating Ovine Heart
Authors: Bothe Wolfgang , Kuhl Ellen , Kvitting John-Peder Escobar , Rausch Manuel K. , Göktepe Serdar , Swanson Julia C. , Farahmandnia Saideh , Ingels Neil B. , Miller D. Craig
Published: September 2011

Background—

Annuloplasty ring or band implantation during surgical mitral valve repair perturbs mitral annular dimensions, dynamics, and shape, which have been associated with changes in anterior mitral leaflet (AML) strain patterns and suboptimal long-term repair durability. We hypothesized that rigid rings with nonphysiological three-dimensional shapes, but not saddle-shaped rigid rings or flexible bands, increase AML strains.

Methods and Results—

Sheep had 23 radiopaque markers inserted: 7 along the anterior mitral annulus and 16 equally spaced on the AML. True-sized Cosgrove-Edwards flexible, partial band (n=12), rigid, complete St Jude Medical rigid saddle-shaped (n=12), Carpentier-Edwards Physio (n=12), Edwards IMR ETlogix (n=11), and Edwards GeoForm (n=12) annuloplasty rings were implanted in a releasable fashion. Under acute open-chest conditions, 4-dimensional marker coordinates were obtained using biplane videofluoroscopy along with hemodynamic parameters with the ring inserted and after release. Marker coordinates were triangulated, and the largest maximum principal AML strains were determined during isovolumetric relaxation. No relevant changes in hemodynamics occurred. Compared with the respective control state, strains increased significantly with rigid saddle-shaped annuloplasty ring, Carpentier-Edwards Physio, Edwards IMR ETlogix, and Edwards GeoForm (0.14±0.05 versus 0.16±0.05,
P
=0.024, 0.15±0.03 versus 0.18±0.04,
P
=0.020, 0.11±0.05 versus 0.14±0.05,
P
=0.042, and 0.13±0.05 versus 0.16±0.05,
P
=0.009), but not with Cosgrove-Edwards band (0.15±0.05 versus 0.15±0.04,
P
=0.973).

Conclusions—

Regardless of three-dimensional shape, rigid, complete annuloplasty rings, but not a flexible, partial band, increased AML strains in the normal beating ovine heart. Clinical studies are needed to determine whether annuloplasty rings affect AML strains in patients, and, if so, whether ring-induced perturbations in leaflet strain states are linked to repair failure.
Relationship of the Time Interval Between Cardiac Catheterization and Elective Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery With Postprocedural Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Mehta Rajendra H. , Honeycutt Emily , Patel Uptal D. , Lopes Renato D. , Williams Judson B. , Shaw Linda K. , O'Brien Sean M. , Califf Robert M. , Hughes G. Chad , Sketch Michael H.
Published: September 2011

Background—

Some prior studies have suggested that the time to cardiac surgery after cardiac catheterization is inversely related to postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI). However, these studies, because of the small number of patients, were unable to adequately account for patient case-mix and included both those undergoing elective surgery and those undergoing urgent surgery.

Methods and Results—

We examined data on 2441 consecutive patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) after cardiac catheterization. The association of post-CABG AKI (defined as increase in post-CABG serum creatinine ≥50% above baseline or the need for new dialysis) and time between cardiac catheterization and CABG was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression modeling. AKI occurred in 17.1% of CABG patients. The risk of AKI was highest in patients in whom CABG was performed ≤1 day after cardiac catheterization (adjusted mean rates [95% CI]: 24.0% [18.0%, 30.9%], 18.4% [14.8%, 22.5%], 17.3% [13.3%, 21.9%], 16.4% [12.6%, 20.8%], and 15.8% [13.7%, 18.0%] for days ≤1, 2, 3, 4, and ≥5, respectively;
P
=0.019 for test of trend). Post-CABG AKI was associated with increased risk of long-term death (hazard ratio 1.268, 95% CI 1.093, 1.471).

Conclusions—

The risk of post-CABG AKI was inversely and modestly related to the time between cardiac catheterization and CABG, with the highest incidence in those operated ≤1 day after cardiac catheterization despite their lower risk profile. Whether delaying elective CABG >24 hours of exposure to contrast agents (when feasible) has the potential for decreasing post-CABG AKI remains to be evaluated in future studies.
Epidermal Growth Factor–Like Domain 7 Is a Novel Inhibitor of Neutrophil Adhesion to Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells Injured by Calcineurin Inhibition
Authors: Badiwala Mitesh V. , Guha Daipayan , Tumiati Laura , Joseph Jemy , Ghashghai Arash , Ross Heather J. , Delgado Diego H. , Rao Vivek
Published: September 2011

Background—

We investigated the effect of epidermal growth factor–like domain 7 (Egfl7) on nuclear factor-κB activation, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression, and neutrophil adhesion to human coronary artery endothelial cells after calcineurin-inhibition–induced injury.

Methods and Results—

Human coronary endothelial cells were incubated with cyclosporine (CyA) 10 μg/mL with or without Egfl7 (100 ng/mL) or the Notch receptor activator Jagged1 (200 ng/mL) for 6 to 48 hours. CyA upregulated nuclear factor-κB (p65) activity (128±2% of control,
P
<0.001) in nuclear extracts, as determined with a DNA-binding activity ELISA. This activity was inhibited by Egfl7 (86±3% of control;
P
<0.001 versus CyA alone). Jagged1 blocked Egfl7-induced nuclear factor-κB inhibition (105±4% of control;
P
<0.05 versus CyA plus Egfl7). CyA upregulated cell-surface intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression (215±13% of control;
P
<0.001), as determined by flow cytometry. This expression was suppressed by Egfl7 (148±5%;
P
<0.001 versus CyA alone). Jagged1 attenuated the intercellular adhesion molecule-1–suppressive effect of Egfl7 when administered with CyA (193±3% versus 148±5%;
P
<0.01). CyA increased neutrophil adhesion to human coronary endothelial cells (control 20±5%, CyA 37±3%;
P
<0.001 versus control) in a nonstatic neutrophil adhesion assay. This increase was attenuated by Egfl7 (22±6%;
P
<0.001 versus CyA alone). Jagged 1 attenuated the effect of Egfl7 on neutrophil adhesion (31±3%;
P
<0.001 versus Egfl7 plus CyA).

Conclusions—

Our study reveals that Egfl7 is a potent inhibitor of neutrophil adhesion to human coronary endothelial cells subsequent to calcineurin-inhibition–induced injury. Mechanistically, Egfl7 blocked nuclear factor-κB pathway activation and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression, which suggests that it may have significant antiinflammatory properties. Because Jagged1 blocked the effect of Egfl7, Notch receptor antagonism may contribute to the mechanism of action of Egfl7.
Does Stringent Restrictive Annuloplasty for Functional Mitral Regurgitation Cause Functional Mitral Stenosis and Pulmonary Hypertension?
Authors: Kainuma Satoshi , Taniguchi Kazuhiro , Daimon Takashi , Sakaguchi Taichi , Funatsu Toshihiro , Kondoh Haruhiko , Miyagawa Shigeru , Takeda Koji , Shudo Yasuhiro , Masai Takafumi , Fujita Shinichi , Nishino Masami , Sawa Yoshiki ,   Osaka Cardiovascular Surgery Research (OSCAR) Group
Published: September 2011

Background—

It remains controversial whether restrictive mitral annuloplasty (RMA) for functional mitral regurgitation (MR) can induce functional mitral stenosis (MS) that may cause postoperative residual pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Methods and Results—

One hundred eight patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and severe MR underwent RMA with stringent downsizing of the mitral annulus. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and mitral valve performance variables were determined by Doppler echocardiography prospectively and 1 month after RMA. Fifty-eight patients underwent postoperative hemodynamic measurements. Postoperative echocardiography showed a mean pressure half-time of 92±14 ms, a transmitral mean gradient of 2.9±1.1 mm Hg, and a mitral valve effective orifice area of 2.4±0.4 cm
2
, consistent with functional MS. Doppler-derived systolic PAP was 32±8 mm Hg, which correlated weakly with the transmitral mean gradient (ρ=0.23,
P
=0.02). Postoperative cardiac catheterization also showed significant improvements in LV volume and systolic function, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, cardiac index, and systolic PAP; the latter was associated with LV end-diastolic pressure [standardized partial regression coefficient (SPRC)=0.51], pulmonary vascular resistance (SPRC=0.47), cardiac index (SPRC=0.37), and transmitral pressure gradient (SPRC=0.20). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, postoperative PH (systolic PAP >40 mm Hg), but not mitral valve performance variables, was strongly associated with adverse cardiac events.

Conclusions—

RMA for functional MR resulted in varying degrees of functional MS. However, our data were more consistent with the residual PH being caused by LV dysfunction and pulmonary vascular disease than by the functional MS. The residual PH, not functional MS, was the major predictor of post-RMA adverse cardiac events.
Interleukin-17 Accelerates Allograft Rejection by Suppressing Regulatory T Cell Expansion
Authors: Itoh Satoshi , Kimura Naoyuki , Axtell Robert C. , Velotta Jeffrey B. , Gong Yongquan , Wang Xi , Kajiwara Naoki , Nambu Aya , Shimura Eri , Adachi Hideo , Iwakura Yoichiro , Saito Hirohisa , Okumura Ko , Sudo Katsuko , Steinman Lawrence , Robbins Robert C. , Nakae Susumu , Fischbein Michael P.
Published: September 2011

Background—

Interleukin-17 (IL-17), which is predominantly produced by T helper 17 cells distinct from T helper 1 or T helper 2 cells, participates in the pathogenesis of infectious, autoimmune, and allergic disorders. However, the precise role in allograft rejection remains uncertain. In the present study, we investigated the role of IL-17 in acute allograft rejection using IL-17-deficient mice.

Methods and Results—

Donor hearts from FVB mice were heterotopically transplanted into either C57BL/6J-IL-17-deficient (IL-17
−
/
−
) or -wild-type mice. Allograft survival was significantly prolonged in IL-17
−
/
−
recipient mice due to reduced local inflammation accompanied by decreased inflammatory cell recruitment and cytokine/chemokine expression. IL-17
−
/
−
recipient mice exhibited decreased IL-6 production and reciprocally enhanced regulatory T cell expansion, suggesting a contribution of regulatory T cells to prolonged allograft survival. Indeed, allografts transplanted into anti-CD25 mAb-treated IL-17
−
/
−
recipient mice (regulatory T cell-depleted) developed acute rejection similar to wild-type recipient mice. Surprisingly, we found that gamma delta T cells rather than CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells were key IL-17 producers in the allografts. In support, equivalent allograft rejection was observed in Rag-2
−/−
recipient mice engrafted with either wild-type or IL-17
−
/
−
CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells. Finally, hearts transplanted into gamma delta T cell-deficient mice resulted in decreased allograft rejection compared with wild-type controls.

Conclusions—

During heart transplantation, (1) IL-17 is crucial for acceleration of acute rejection; (2) IL-17-deficiency enhances regulatory T cell expansion; and (3) gamma delta T cells rather than CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells are a potential source of IL-17. IL-17 neutralization may provide a potential target for novel therapeutic treatment for cardiac allograft rejection.
Can user perception influence the quality of water services? Evidence from León, Nicaragua
Authors: Vásquez William F. , Trudeau Jennifer , Franceschi Dina
Published: September 2011

This article investigates the validity of citizen feedback to evaluate the quality of water services in León, Nicaragua. Using generalized ordered logit models, this study presents a comprehensive evaluation of user satisfaction from water service characteristics. Potential asymmetries in the response of user satisfaction to relative perception of service performance are also investigated. Findings indicate that citizen satisfaction is based on basic service characteristics rather than socio-demographics, and that relativity matters. Users tend to overemphasize their frustration if they perceive that they have lower quality of water services than their peers, and understate their satisfaction if they perceive that they have better services.

Points for practitioners

Based on the evidence presented in this article, citizen surveys can be used as a tool to improve water services, particularly in places where public service users have no voice and alternatives to cope with low quality services do not exist. However, citizen survey results should be carefully interpreted given that users overemphasize their frustration if they perceive that they have lower quality of services than their peers. Policy design based on citizen surveys should take into account this potential asymmetry in citizen satisfaction, particularly in places with heterogeneous service performance.
Beginning and Continuing
Authors: Vich Miles A.
Published: September 2011

This article provides a brief overview of the founding of JHP as well as an assessment of its present challenges.
JHP at Fifty
Authors: Taylor Eugene
Published: September 2011

Our triumphant claim at age 50 is that we have endured. The halcyon days of JHP in its infancy in the early 1960s, despite the vicissitudes that have assailed it, have given way to an established, independent journal with staying power. Interviews with 75 living exponents of humanistic psychology today, however, suggest that, while everyone interviewed somewhere found a niche, that niche will not be inherited by their students, the course of whose own careers have randomly forced them back into the mainstream of managed care, insurance reimbursement, problems of licensure, evidence based methods, the hegemony of cognitive-behavioral interventions, and attempts on all fronts to regulate Humanistic psychology out of the marketplace, despite widespread public interest in more humane forms of treatment. A step toward remedying this situation is proposed in the form of a return to our founders’ emphasis on a person-centered science, instead of an impersonal, object-centered one that now prevails, and attention to the transformation of psychology that could emerge out of the humanistic implications of the current revolution in the neurosciences, changes that will surely be chronicled in future issues of JHP.
World Christianity, Theological Education and Scholarship
Authors: Walls Andrew F.
Published: September 2011

The theological map of the world has been transformed through demographic changes in the Church brought about by the recession from Christian faith in the West and the huge accession to it in other parts of the world. The implications for theological education and Christian scholarship are considered in relation to geopolitical, religio-demographic, academic and theological factors. All point to an urgent need for the development of Christian scholarship in Africa, Asia and Latin America, and for increasing African, Asian and Latin American leadership in theological education.
‘Unlikely Partnerships’: Global Discipleship in the Twenty-first Century
Authors: DeBorst Ruth Padilla
Published: September 2011

‘Stories of unlikeliness’ are woven through this paper that explores a question of significant relevance to the Oxford Center for Mission Studies and its educational and missiological endeavor: How can Christians from powerful and powerless places of the world engage as unlikely but true partners in God’s reconciling mission in spite of all the differences and distances between them? The writer begins with a brief explanation of the belongings out of which she faces the question. She then invites readers to walk with the disciple Nathanael through skepticism to proclamation of Jesus, the unlikely Servant King from insignificant Nazareth, and to consider how that confession bears on matters of power, money, belonging, global fellowship and mission. Finally, she presents some pointers for OCMS to open the door to unlikely contributions and to engage with the International Fellowship for Mission Theologians (INFEMIT).
Harriet Beecher Stowe’s other novel – Dred on the London stage
Authors: Waters Hazel
Published: September 2011

Harriet Beecher Stowe’s two major anti-slavery novels, Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Dred: a tale of the great dismal swamp, were both adapted, with varying degrees of success, for the English stage. The former was a major and fairly long-lasting ‘hit’; the latter, while briefly popular, was by no means as long-lived a success. And, while Uncle Tom is still familiar to, if not widely read by, the novel-reading public, Dred is virtually unknown, except to students and scholars. This article examines some of the ways that these novels were adapted for the nineteenth-century stage, what this reveals about the way that dramatists interpreted their fundamental messages and how, despite Dred’s more politically radical orientation, the dramatisations largely blunted this through a resort to the stereotypes of blackface minstrelsy.
Sensational Love Scandals and their After-lives
Authors: Gadihoke Sabeena
Published: September 2011

This article revisits the sensational Nanavati case that captured public imagination half a century ago, examining its creation as an iconic media event through photographic images in the tabloid Blitz and its immediate after life in a film, Yeh Raaste Hain Pyar Ke (The Roads that Lead to Love, R.K. Nayyar, 1963). Examining the proliferation of detail around this sudden and unexpected event, the article argues that even though the tabloid pushed the borders of photographic representation toward the realm of speculation and even fantasy, there were registers of affect that an evidential form could not express. This is where cinema made an entry, to explore the subjectivity and inner worlds of the protagonists of this human drama and to contain its scandalous excess through narrative resolution. The article explores how both forms of media allowed for the articulation of regimes of public fantasy through melodrama, if in rather different ways.
Re-embodying the “Classical”
Authors: Jhingan Shikha
Published: September 2011

The 1950s is considered to be a golden era for Hindi film music. Interestingly, it was this period in which film music came under severe attack from the state in the guise of the then Minister of Information and Broadcasting, B.V. Keskar. Film music was banished from All India Radio (AIR) for a few years, forcing music lovers to tune in to Radio Ceylon to catch their favorite film songs. This article interrogates the debate around film music in the wake of Keskar’s policies, focusing on the response of the film industry. Through the circulation of interviews, editorials, and articles in film journals, the film industry fought back against the “highbrow” attitude of the state, foregrounding its role in giving music to the common man, as a self-conscious cultural project. These contestations brought under its rubric, the cleavages between the constructed notions of “classical” and the “popular.” Films like Baiju Bawra, Basant Bahar, and Shabab, based on the lives of classical musicians were central in shaping this debate, articulating an aesthetic that privileged the “affective” registers of the film song over the technical virtuosity of the classical/court musician.
Khat chewing in persons with severe mental illness in Ethiopia: A qualitative study exploring perspectives of patients and caregivers
Authors: Teferra Solomon , Hanlon Charlotte , Alem Atalay , Jacobsson Lars , Shibre Teshome
Published: September 2011

People with severe mental illness (SMI) in Ethiopia chew khat despite advice from their physicians to desist. We wanted to better understand their reasons for khat chewing, including any benefits that they might gain. A qualitative study was conducted involving patients with SMI and their caregivers in Butajira. Reasons given by patients as well as caregivers were more or less congruent: social pressure, a means for survival by improving function, combating medication side effects, to experience pleasure and curbing appetite. These findings will be of value to health workers, caregivers and policymakers alike in improving care and understanding for this patient group. Furthermore, our study indicates a role for future research to explore potentially beneficial effects of khat in this population.
Urdu translation of the ICD-10 chapter V (F), Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC): Process and principles of translation
Authors: Naeem Farooq , Kingdon David , Saeed Athar Ahmed , Zaidi Qaiser , Ayub Muhammad
Published: September 2011

Although there is some literature on translation and cultural adaptation of measurement scales, none is available on the translation of diagnostic guidelines, such as the International Classification of Diseases Tenth Edition (ICD-10). Our group translated ICD-10, Research Diagnostics Criteria (RDC) into Urdu, which is the official language of Pakistan but is also spoken in some states in India. Significant diasporas of Urdu speakers also exist in Western Countries. We describe the translation process and the principles that guided our work. The translation process consisted of preparation, forward-translation, external translation, synthesis, focus group discussions with laypersons to clarify terminology, and review by mental health professionals and laypersons. Translation also included a wider consultation process in which the final version was sent to Pakistani mental health professionals in Pakistan and abroad.
Posttraumatic idioms of distress among Darfur refugees: Hozun and Majnun
Authors: Rasmussen Andrew , Katoni Basila , Keller Allen S. , Wilkinson John
Published: September 2011

Although psychosocial programming is seen as essential to the humanitarian response to the Darfur conflict, aid groups lack culturally-appropriate assessment instruments for monitoring and evaluation. The current study used an emic-etic integrated approach to: (i) create a culturally-appropriate measure of distress (Study 1), and (ii) test the measure in structured interviews of 848 Darfuris living in two refugee camps in Chad (Study 2). Traditional healers identified two trauma-related idioms, hozun and majnun, which shared features with but were not identical to posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. Measures of these constructs were reliable and correlated with trauma, loss, and functional impairment. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in empirical symptom clusters conceptually parallel to general Western psychiatric constructs. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for psychosocial programming.
From PTSD to “national trauma”: The case of the Israel Trauma Center for Victims of Terror and War
Authors: Friedman-Peleg Keren , Bilu Yoram
Published: September 2011

Since its establishment in 1998, NATAL, “The Israel Trauma Center for Victims of Terror and War,” has been propagating the notion of national trauma as a comprehensive category of suffering related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Against the shifting perceptions of PTSD in Israel, we explore recent undertakings of NATAL's experts to naturalize trauma among “pre-clinical” populations of Israeli Defense Force (IDF) veterans. The experts’ attempts to de-politicize the suffering of the veterans are constrained by the fact that in their clinical ideology, the apolitical language of the therapeutic is aligned with a somber national pathos that strikes a collective cord of common Jewish fate and identity. This alignment may account for the Israeli public's acceptance of NATAL's agenda, despite its subversive connotations.
A Māori homeless woman
Authors: Groot Shiloh , Hodgetts Darrin , Waimarea Nikora Linda , Leggat-Cook Chez
Published: September 2011

Indigenous peoples are overrepresented in homeless populations in many countries. As part of a larger ethnographic project, this case study draws upon interviews and photoelicitation projects with a homeless Māori woman, Ariā. The actions of this Māori woman exemplify how Indigenous cultural practices can shape a person’s efforts to retain a positive sense of self and place while homeless. Māori cultural concepts relating to caring, leadership, unity, relationships, spirituality, history and place provide a basis for interpreting Ariā’s actions. This article demonstrates the appropriateness of cultural concepts indigenous to a group for conducting ethnographic research into homelessness within that group.
The Building of the House: A History of the Britten–Pears Library, Aldeburgh, 1963–2009
Authors: Clark Nicholas
Published: September 2011

In 1963, the composer Benjamin Britten and the tenor Peter Pears built a library at their home, the Red House in Aldeburgh. A venue for music rehearsal, it also accommodated an ever-increasing number of books, printed scores, literary and music manuscripts, rare volumes of early music, and many items of fine art. Originally built as a private library and music room, it attracted the attention of a number of readers in the mid-1970s before opening officially as a public research centre in 1980. Drawing upon examples from the collection, and on interviews with former staff and colleagues of Britten and Pears, this article focuses on the historical development of the Library. The article also details how, with the acquisition of further material such as retrieved manuscripts, recordings, concert ephemera, and costume and set designs — all of which disclose information about both musicians' careers — the Library began to face the ongoing problem of providing adequate storage for its wide-ranging collection.
Enlarged post-operative posterior condyle tightens extension gap in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Mitsuyasu H. , Matsuda S. , Fukagawa S. , Okazaki K. , Tashiro Y. , Kawahara S. , Nakahara H. , Iwamoto Y.
Published: September 2011

We investigated whether the extension gap in total knee replacement (TKR) would be changed when the femoral component was inserted. The extension gap was measured with and without the femoral component in place in 80 patients with varus osteoarthritis undergoing posterior-stabilised TKR. The effect of a post-operative increase in the size of the femoral posterior condyles was also evaluated. The results showed that placement of the femoral component significantly reduced the medial and lateral extension gaps by means of 1.0 mm and 0.9 mm, respectively (p < 0.0001). The extension gap was reduced when a larger femoral component was selected relative to the thickness of the resected posterior condyle. When the post-operative posterior lateral condyle was larger than that pre-operatively, 17 of 41 knees (41%) showed a decrease in the extension gap of > 2.0 mm. When a specially made femoral trial component with a posterior condyle enlarged by 4 mm was tested, the medial and lateral extension gaps decreased further by means of 2.1 mm and 2.8 mm, respectively.

If the thickness of the posterior condyle is expected to be larger than that pre-operatively, it should be recognised that the extension gap is likely to be altered. This should be taken into consideration when preparing the extension gap.