bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Intestinal Specificity toward Dietary Sterols Studied by Balance Methods
Authors: Subbiah Ravi , Kottke Bruce A. , Carlo Ivette A. , Naylor Mary C.
Published: November 2008

Human intestinal specificity toward sterols was studied by a balance method in 10 hyperlipoproteinemic patients fed plant sterol mixture with chromium sesquioxide as fecal flow marker. The mean fecal recovery of campesterol (C28) was 20 % less than that of β-sitosterol (C29). This difference persisted when corrected for fecal flow (by marker recovery), indicating differences in their intestinal uptake (C28 > C29). The ratio of fecal cholesterol to its 5β-reduction products was lower than that of β-sitosterol in all patients; in vitro, 5β-reduction of both sterols was similar. The recovery of sterols from patients was unrelated to their 5β-reduction in the intestine. In sterol balance studies it is essential to measure cholesterol and plant sterols in the diet and to differentiate cholesterol and its transformation products from plant sterols and their products (Subbiah, 1972). Previous studies
Adipose Tissue Metabolism in Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency
Authors: Hazinski T.A. , Barr M. , Hertelendy F.
Published: November 2008

In an effort to better define some of the metabolic changes that accompany essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD), we studied glucose metabolism in adipose tissue of EFAD and normal mice under basal conditions and in the presence of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), epinephrine, and ACTH1-18. Isolated fat cells were incubated in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate medium containing glucose 1–14C or 6–14C, and the incorporation of radioactive carbon into CO2 total fat, fatty acids, and glyceride-glycerol was determined. It was found that EFAD increased glucose uptake over controls which could be attributed to increased oxidation to CO2 and fatty acid synthesis. The contribution of the pentose cycle to glucose oxidation was 50–80 % higher in EFAD adipocytes as compared to controls. ACTH1-18g (0.1 µg/ml) suppressed this by 18 and 30 % in the control and EFAD groups, respectively, while epinephrine decreased pentose cycle activity by 83 and 55 % in the two groups, respectively. PGE1 alone had no significant effect, but in combination with epinephrine it abolished the inhibitory action of the catecholamine in both groups. It is suggested that, although EFA serve as prostaglandin precursors, the effects of EFAD on the metabolism of fat cells cannot be reversed by PGE1in vitro. However, these fat cells retain their responsiveness to the action of both lipolytic (ACTH and epinephrine) and antilipolytic (PGE1) agents.
Levels of Urea in the Blood and Urine of Rats Fed Raw and Heated Soybean Meal
Authors: Nitsan Zafrira , Liener Irvin E.
Published: November 2008

Proteins from many sources show negative correlation between their biological values and the levels of urea in the blood or urine of rats or pigs. On the basis of the difference in protein quality between raw and heated soybeans, it would be predicted that there should be a higher level of urea in the blood and urine of rats fed raw soybean meal. In the present study, however, little or no difference in the levels of urea in the blood and urine of animals fed raw or autoclaved soybean meal could be demonstrated. It is postulated that the increased catabolism of the poor quality protein of raw soybeans may be masked by a concomitant depression of liver arginase activity and/or a decrease in the total quantity of amino acids available for catabolism because of lower digestibility of the raw soybean protein.
An Investigation in Rats, into the Metabolic Consequences of Early Ingestion of Dietary Carbohydrates
Authors: Macdonald I. , Rebello T. , Keyser Anne
Published: November 2008

Weanling rats were given diets containing a high proportion of either glucose, sucrose or fructose until they reached 200 g weight, when they were either transferred to a control (chow) diet for 4 weeks or killed. The results were compared with rats receiving a control diet throughout. The triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol levels in liver and in serum had returned to values similar to the control animals 4 weeks after being given the control diet. The fatty acid profile of liver TG and adipose lipid tended to take longer to return to normal.
Diurnal Variation in the Feeding Pattern of Guinea Pigs
Authors: Horton Brian J. , West Clive E. , Turley Stephen D.
Published: November 2008

Male and female guinea pigs maintained under controlled lighting and fed ad libitum exhibit a diurnal fluctuation in feed intake. This is characterised by periods of increased eating activity at the beginning and end of the light period and in the middle of the dark period. However, the feed consumption for the light and dark periods is similar. If the normal lighting cycle is retarded by 6 h, the guinea pigs adjust their diurnal rhythm of eating to the new cycle within 8 days. Similar findings in female rabbits have previously been reported from this laboratory.
Role of Vitamin B6 on Leucine-Induced Metabolic Changes
Authors: Rao Bapu , Raghuram T.C. , Krishnaswamy Kamala
Published: November 2008

Administration of leucine at 3 % level in the diet has been shown to increase tryptophan oxygenase activity and to decrease kynureninase activity in the liver and to increase quinolinic acid excretion in the urine of rats fed low amounts of vitamin B6 (0.5 µg/g diet). Vitamin B6 at 3 µg/g of diet was able to reverse the effects of leucine on enzyme activities, but not on quinolinic acid excretion. Isoleucine at 0.2 % level could counteract the leucine effect on kynureninase but not on tryptophan oxygenase. Administration of leucine also decreased the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the brain. Simultaneous administration of isoleucine could counteract the effects of leucine on brain 5-HT and 5-HIAA partially at low amounts of vitamin B6 but completely at higher levels of vitamin B6 in the diet.
Patterns of Urinary Iodine Excretion in a Newly Identified Goitrous Area of Central Sicily
Authors: Cetorelli Luigi , Galante Alberto , Pennetti Vincenzo
Published: November 2008

The results of a clinical survey, relative to goiter prevalence and carried out on 2,805 male and female subjects aged from 6 to 15 years, in five small towns in the province of Caltanissetta (Sicily), are reported. Along with clinical examination, urinary iodine determinations were performed. The identification and classification of goiter have been carried out according to criteria suggested by WHO. Considering both sexes together, 33.6 % of the children presented type 1 goiter, and 4.6 % presented type 2. Goiter prevalence in the five areas studied appeared to be related to the difference in the iodine content of the various drinking waters. The patterns of urinary iodine excretion, expressed as I/C ratio and derived from determinations performed on 924 of the total number of subjects examined, are reported. An analysis of these data shows that the school population as a whole, in these endemic goitrous areas, presented I/C values significantly different between goiter subjects and non-goiter subjects.
Nutritional Regulation of Lipid Metabolism in Rats
Authors: Sugano Michihiro , Imaizumi Katsumi , Kamo Fumiko
Published: November 2008

Effect of dietary levels of essential fatty acid (EFA), 20 % corn oil, 5 % corn oil, 20 % lard and no fat, on the overnight fasting-induced changes in the concentration and composition of liver lipids of rats was investigated. The increase due to fasting in triglyceride (TG) was not observed when the liver previously contained relatively large amounts of the glyceride. In contrast, phospholipid levels were similarly and significantly increased. Overnight fasting induced increases in percentage of linoleic acid in TG and arachidonic acid in phosphatidylcholine, the extents of those being nearly paralleled with decreasing dietary levels of EFA. These changes are interpreted as a reflection of the compensatory action of the body.
Some Effects of Different Dietary Carbohydrates on Pregnancy and Lactation in Rats
Authors: Bourne A.R. , Richardson D.P. , Bruckdorfer K.R. , Yudkin John
Published: November 2008

Female rats were fed from weaning on diets with sucrose, starch, glucose or fructose as the carbohydrate source. Animals were killed at various stages throughout pregnancy and early lactation. Maternal plasma triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, free fatty acids, glucose, insulin and corticosteroids were measured. Lipogenic activity was assayed in the livers, adipose tissue and mammary tissue, and the results compared with those from non-pregnant rats. Insulin, corticosteroids and hepatic lipogenesis were also assayed in the embryos and in newborn pups. Dietary sucrose and fructose produced a significantly higher concentration of plasma TG in the non-pregnant, pregnant and lactating rats than did starch and glucose. All the diets led to an increase in TG concentration at the 20th day of pregnancy, which returned to the original concentration 2 days post-partum. The hypertriglyceridaemia of late pregnancy was accentuated by the feeding of sucrose and fructose. Maternal concentrations of plasma glucose were significantly reduced towards the end of pregnancy in all dietary groups. The replacement of starch by sucrose, or of glucose by fructose, enhanced hepatic lipogenesis. Fructose but not sucrose depressed fat synthesis in the adipose tissue. Hepatic fatty acid synthetase activity was increased in late pregnancy on all diets except that with starch. Late pregnancy intensified hepatic lipogenesis in rats fed sucrose or fructose. The results are discussed in relation to the metabolic changes during pregnancy and to sucrose feeding.
Nutritive Value of Rapeseed Meals and Rapeseed Protein Isolates
Authors: El Nockrashy A.S. , Kiewitt M. , Mangold H.K. , Mukherjee K.D.
Published: November 2008

Defatted meals of two new varieties of rapeseed, Brassica napus, Erglu and Lesira, and protein isolates prepared therefrom, were fed to chicks that had been depleted of their embryonic protein reserve. First, the animals were fed at a 12 % protein level, half of it from rapeseed meal, or a rapeseed protein isolate and, subsequently, at a 20 % level, all of it from rapeseed products. Feed consumption, weight gain and protein efficiency ratio revealed better performance of the protein isolates as compared to the corresponding meals. This is attributed to the favorable amino acid patterns of these isolates and the absence of glucosinolates. Erglu meal, too, is eminently suitable as a supplement to chicken feed, whereas Lesira meal, although its amino acid pattern is adequate and similar to that of Erglu meal, showed detrimental effects, probably due to its high glucosinolate content.
Veränderungen des Hämoglobingehaltes, der Erythrozytenzahl und des Hämatokrits bei Nickelmangel
Authors: Schnegg A. , Kirchgessner M.
Published: November 2008

In a total of four different studies, two of them involving two generations, the essentiality of nickel could be shown by reduced growth in response to a diet with 15 ppb nickel. In 30-day-old self-reared rats, anemia was induced in the Ni-deficient animals despite a high iron supply of 50 mg iron per kg diet. In the F1 generation of the Ni-deficient animals, the erythrocyte count had fallen by 36%, the hematocrit by 37 %, and the Hb content by 44 %. In the F2 generation in which the animals were given 100 ppm iron, surpassing their requirement three times, the blood parameters of the deficient animals were reduced by 8–10 %. At the age of 50 days of the F1 generation the erythrocyte count had fallen 23 % compared to the values of the control group, the hematocrit 14 %, and the Hb content (16%) from 12.7 to 10.7 g/100 ml blood. An influence on the protein content of the serum and on the catalase activity of the erythrocytes was not observed and only at times was there an influence on the urea content of serum.
Lipid Changes in Tissues of Young Boars Fed Rapeseed Oil or Corn Oil
Authors: Kramer J.K.G. , Friend D.W. , Hulan H.W.
Published: November 2008

Fully refined rapeseed oil, Brassica campestris var. Arlo plus Echo, and corn oil were fed at 20 % by weight of a basal diet to young Yorkshire boars. A serial slaughter technique was employed whereby 3 boars from each dietary treatment were killed at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8 weeks of the experiment. The fatty acid profiles of heart, liver, adrenals and testes lipids were investigated. The typical fatty acids of rapeseed oil, erucic and eicosenoic acids, were incorporated at different levels into the tissue lipids examined. After feeding the rapeseed oil diet for 1 week, the relative concentration of these fatty acids increased in the adrenals, while remaining similar in the heart, liver and testes. The relative concentration of eicosenoic acid was greater than that of erucic acid in all organs examined, except for the heart which contained equal amounts of these acids. Tissue levels of these acids in boars were compared to those found in rats fed the same rapeseed oil in previous studies.
The Influence of Vitamin E Deficiency and Combined Deficiency in Vitamin E and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on the Biosynthesis and Degradation of Rat Central Nervous System Myelin
Authors: Dinesen Bo , Clausen Jørgen
Published: November 2008

The ability to incorporate intracranially injected 14C-labelled leucine into central nervous system (CNS) myelin was studied in developing rats fed a control diet, a diet deficient in vitamin E and a diet deficient both in vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The turnover of radioactivity incorporated into myelin and the distribution of radioactivity between the individual proteins of rat CNS myelin at various stages of the deficiency state was studied. Impaired myelin formation was found in cases of both types of deficiency. The level of incorporated radioactivity was raised by both types of deficiency throughout the experimental period. The mean half life of myelin radioactivity was found higher in combined deficient animals as compared to control and vitamin-E-deficient rats. The distribution of radioactivity between myelinproteins, separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, appeared identical in the three experimental groups.
The Energetics of ‘Catch up’ Growth
Authors: Miller D.S. , Wise A.
Published: November 2008

Animals, prevented from growing and then refed a good diet ad libitum, growth faster than normal and this is called ‘catch up’ growth. This experiment was designed to show whether this is achieved by eating more food or by a greater efficiency of energy utilisation. Groups of rats (either 3 or 5 weeks old) were maintained at constant weight for a month, either by reducing the quantity of a good diet or by reducing the proportion of dietary protein. Food intake and carcass gain were measured for a period of 6 days ‘catch up’ growth and compared with the control growth of rats with the same starting weight. It is concluded that ‘catch up’ growth is associated with increased energy intake and increased efficiency when expressed as food conversion and gross energetic efficiency. There are, however, specific age differences in the metabolism of ‘catch up’ growth which may be due to variation in either the maintenance requirement or the efficiency of protein and fat synthesis. This experiment emphasizes the differences between the various available expressions of energy utilisation.
Effect of Protracted Intermittent Fasting on the Activities of Enzymes Involved in Energy Metabolism, and on the Concentrations of Glycogen, Protein and DNA in Skeletal Muscle of Obese Women
Authors: Vondra K. , Rath R. , Bass A. , Kužela L. , Slabochová Z.
Published: November 2008

In the quadriceps femoris muscle of obese women the glycogen concentration was significantly lower than in the control group, while protein and DNA values showed no significant differences. After 37 days of intermittent fasting, which consisted of repeated 5-day fasts alternating with 3-day intervals on 500 kcal/day with 60 g protein, in a group of 21 obese women a significant decline of the hexokinase activity in skeletal muscle was found. Other enzymes: triosophosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, malate dehydrogenase and hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase showed no significant changes. There was a significant fall in concentration of DNA and glycogen, but the protein concentration did not change.
Effect of Protein Energy Deprivation on the Brain Enzymes of Glutamic Acid in Preweanling Rats
Authors: Katiyar G.P. , Agarwal K.N. , Shanker Raj , Nagchaudhuri J.
Published: November 2008

The activities of rat brain enzymes, i.e. glutamine synthetase, glutamine transferase, glutaminase I, glutaminase II, glutamic acid decarboxylase and transaminases were found to increase with age during the preweanling period. In rats subjected to food deprivations for different periods, the activities of glutaminase I, glutaminase II and glutamic acid decarboxylase, were increased while those of glutamine transferase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase were significantly reduced. These changes during undernutrition produce increased levels of γ-aminobutyric acid in brain. Whether neurological manifestations in human protein energy malnutrition in form of apathy and mental dullness could be due to these biochemical changes is difficult to assess.
Extended perioperative thromboprophylaxis in patients with cancer
Authors: Terrenato Irene , Barba Maddalena , Sperati Francesca , Muti Paola , Schünemann Holger J. , Akl Elie A.
Published: November 2008

We systematically reviewed the literature to compare the relative efficacy and safety of extended versus limited duration heparin for perioperative thromboprophylaxis in patients with cancer. We followed the Cochrane Collaboration systematic review methodology and searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI the Web of Science, and CENTRAL. The outcomes of interest included mortality, symptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and bleeding. We evaluated the quality of evidence by outcome using the GRADE approach. Of 3,986 identified citations, we included three randomized clinical trials using low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH).The quality of evidence for mortality, DVT, and major bleeding was low. There was no significant difference between extended (4 weeks) and limited duration thromboprophylaxis in terms of death at three months (relative risk [RR]=0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12–1.94), or major bleeding at four weeks (RR=2.94; 95% CI 0.12–71.85).An extended regimen was associated with a significantly lower risk of asymptomatic DVT (RR=0.21; 95% CI 0.05–0.94). No data was available for symptomatic DVT. In conclusion, there is limited and low-quality evidence that extended duration LMWH for perioperative thromboprophylaxis reduces DVT in patients with cancer undergoing major abdominal or pelvic surgery. More and better quality evidence is needed to justify extended regimens.
Altered bioavailability of platelet-derived factor VIII during thrombocytosis reverses phenotypic efficacy in haemophilic mice
Authors: Damon Andrea L. , Scudder Lesley E. , Gnatenko Dmitri V. , Sitaraman Varsha , Hearing Patrick , Jesty Jolyon , Bahou Wadie F.
Published: November 2008

Ectopic delivery of factor VIII (FVIII) to megakaryocytes (Mk) represents a viable approach for localized tenase generation by concentrating the FVIIIa/FIXa enzymecofactor complex onto activated platelet membranes. We utilized a core rat platelet factor 4 (PF4) promoter for Mk/platelet-restricted expression of human B-domain-deleted (hBDD) FVIII within the background of a haemophilia A mouse (rPF4/hBDD/FVIII-/-). Platelets from rPF4/hBDD/FVIII-/- mice contained ∼122 mU FVIII:C/1x109 platelets/ml with no detectable plasmatic FVIII:C,and with no effect on α-granule-derived platelet factorV/Va function.Paired tenase assays (± thrombin) confirmed that platelet (pt) FVIII (unlike platelet FV) required thrombin cleavage for complete activation. rPF4/hBDD/FVIII-/- mice exposed to a thrombocytotic stimulus (thrombopoietin, TPO) demonstrated a statistically-significant 66% reduction in molar ptFVIII activity with a non-significant reduction in total ptFVIII biomass. Decreased molar ptFVIII concentration correlated with loss of phenotypic correction as evaluated using a haemostatic tail-snip assay. Comparative studies using a transgenic mouse expressing human amyloid-β-precursor protein (hAβPP) from the rPF4 promoter confirmed diminished hAβPP expression without affecting endogenous α-granule PF4, establishing generalizability of these observations.While Mk/plateletreleased ptFVIII (unlike pFV) is proteolytically inactive, we also conclude that thrombocytotic stimuli negatively affect ptFVIII bioavailability and phenotypic efficacy, results which correlate best with molar ptFVIII concentration, and not systemically available ptFVIII.
Regulation of programmed cell death by plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1)
Authors: Rømer Maria , Lademann Ulrik A.
Published: November 2008

Elevated levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) are associated with poor prognosis in cancer. An explanation to the elevated levels of PAI-1 could be a protective response to the increased proteolytic activity, caused by elevated levels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) observed in tumours; however, several lines of evidence suggest that PAI-1 may contribute directly to the pathology of the disease. PAI-1 has been reported to have an effect on most of the basic cellular processes including cell adhesion, cell migration, cell invasion, and cell proliferation and increasing numbers of reports suggest that PAI-1 also can regulate programmed cell death (PCD) in cancer cells and normal cells.A number of reports suggest that PAI-1 can inhibit PCD through its pro-adhesive/anti-proteolytic property whereas other reports suggest that PAI-1 induces PCD through its anti-adhesive property.Furthermore,it has been suggested that PAI-1 can either induce or inhibit PCD though activation of cell signalling pathways.This review will focus on the regulation of programmed cell death by PAI-1 in both normal cells and cancer cells.
Antiphospholipid antibodies predict imminent vascular events independently from other risk factors in a prospective cohort
Authors: Kassis Jeannine , Solymoss Susan , Joseph Lawrence , Belisle Patrick , Levine Jerrold , Neville Carolyn , Rauch Joyce , Fortin Paul
Published: November 2008

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are associated with vascular events, but the magnitude of this risk, alone, or in combination with other atherogenic and thrombophilic risk factors, remains unclear. A prospective cohort of 415 persons was studied for arterial and venous events (AE and VE) over a median time of 7.4 years. aPL and coagulation abnormalities were measured upon beginning of the study and annually for the first four years. Within the cohort, a nested case-control study was conducted to investigate the role of endothelial and inflammatory markers in predicting new vascular events. Forty-five individuals had new vascular events: 18 occurred during the first year of follow-up. The proportion of event-free survivors at eight years was 90% (95%CI = 87%, 94%) for aPL-negative and 72% (60%, 85%) for aPL-positive individuals, respectively. Predictors for new AE were previous AE (HR=5.7 [2.7, 12.0]), diabetes (5.6 [2.4, 13.2]), aPL positivity (2.6 ([1.2, 5.9]), and age (1.04 [1.01, 1.07]). New VE were predicted by previous VE (6.1 [1.9, 19.9]), anti-β2-glyco-protein I (aβ2GPI) positivity (5.8 [1.4, 24.1]), activated protein C resistance (APCR) (4.1 [1.1, 15.1]), and gender (3.7 [1.1, 12.9]). In the nested case-control study, similar predictors were observed for AE, while abnormal APCR (OR=5.5 [1.1, 26.6]) and elevated von Willebrand factor (vWF) (OR=5.0 [1.2, 19.8]) best predicted VE. We demonstrate that aPL independently predict new vascular events and discriminate between individuals with and without events in the first two years of follow-up, indicating that aPL are associated with a short-term risk of developing new and recurrent vascular events.
Compensatory anti-inflammatory response syndrome
Authors: Cavaillon Jean-Marc , Adib-Conquy Minou
Published: November 2008

The concept of ‘Compensatory anti-inflammatory response syndrome’ (CARS) was proposed in 1997 by Roger Bone (1941–1997) to qualify the consequences of the counter-regulatory mechanisms initiated to limit the overzealous inflammatory process in patients with infectious (sepsis) or non-infectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). One major consequence of CARS is the modification of the immune status that could favour the enhanced susceptibility of intensive care patients to nosocomial infections. Indeed, most animal ‘two-hit’ models illustrate an enhanced sensitivity to infection after a first insult. However, this observation is highly dependent on the experimental procedure. Numerous functions of circulating leukocytes are altered in sepsis and SIRS patients, as well as in animal models of sepsis or SIRS. However, this is rather a reprogramming of circulating leukocytes, since there is not a global defect of the immune cells functions. Furthermore, within tissues, leukocytes are rather primed or activated than immunosuppressed. Thus, CARS may be considered as an adapted compartmentalized response with the aim to silence some acute proinflammatory genes, and to maintain the possible expression of certain genes involved in the anti-infectious process.
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1: The double-edged sword in apoptosis
Authors: Balsara Rashna D. , Ploplis Victoria A.
Published: November 2008

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) is a multi-functional protein. It is a fast-acting inhibitor of plasminogen activators; urokinase-plasminogen activator and tissue type plasminogen activator, and also plays an important role in regulating cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, and signal transduction pathways.These biological events are important processes during angiogenesis and restenosis. PAI-1 has been shown to regulate proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells.The ability of PAI-1 to regulate cellular proliferation and migration has been attributed to its ability to control plasmin production, modify signaling pathways, and its inherent multifactorial ability to bind to vitronectin and lipoprotein receptor-related protein.However,the mechanism by which PAI-1 regulates the apoptotic pathway is not well understood. Evidence from the literature suggests that PAI-1 or its deficiency alters key signalling pathways, such as the PI3-k/Akt and the Jak/STAT pathways, and is involved in maintaining endothelial cell integrity thereby regulating cell death. Other investigators have demonstrated that PAI-1 directly binds to caspases as a mechanism of PAI-1-mediated cellular apoptosis. Moreover, results from studies assessing the role of PAI-1 in apoptosis have suggested that PAI-1 can exert pathogenic or protective effects, which may be related to the disease model or type of injury employed.
Rac-1 promotes pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation by upregulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1: Role of NFκB-dependent hypoxia-inducible factor-1α transcription
Authors: Diebold Isabel , Djordjevic Talija , Hess John , Görlach Agnes
Published: November 2008

Pulmonary vascular remodeling is commonly associated with pulmonary hypertension and is characterized by media thickening and disordered cellular proliferation, often accompanied by fibrin deposition and thrombosis in situ. However, the signaling pathways linking these different processes are not well understood. Since the GTPase Rac-1 has been suggested to act as a signaling relay in various cell types we investigated whether Rac-1 could be the link between thrombin signaling,plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), which inhibits fibrinolysis and promotes fibrin deposition, and proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC). Exposure to thrombin enhanced the levels of Rac-1 protein and increased PAI-1 mRNA and protein expression in dependence of the thrombin receptor PAR-1. Expression of dominant-negative Rac-1 (RacT17N) prevented thrombin-induced PAI-1 expression whereas constitutively active RacG12V enhanced PAI-1 levels. In the presence of RacT17N thrombin-induced PAI-1 promoter activity was abrogated whereas RacG12V increased PAI-1 promoter activity, and this response was essentially dependent on the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). Subsequently, RacG12V not only increased HIF transcriptional activity but also HIF-1α protein and mRNA levels, whereas RacT17N prevented these responses elicited by thrombin.In line,RacG12V enhanced HIF-1α promoter activity, and this response was dependent on nuclear factor-kappaB (NFκB) binding to the HIF-1α promoter. Finally, upregulation of PAI-1 by Rac-1 and HIF-1 was essential for thrombin-stimulated proliferation of PASMC.These findings indicate that Rac-1 is an important mediator of thrombin signaling and may contribute to pulmonary vascular remodeling via HIF-1-dependent upregulation of PAI-1 leading to enhanced proliferation of PASMC.
Risk of venous thromboembolism with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Matta Fadi , Singala Ravinder , Yaekoub Abdo , Najjar Reiad , Stein Paul
Published: November 2008

Rheumatoid arthritis is not generally considered to be a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE), although abnormalities of coagulation factors have been found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Sparse data in a few patients suggest that patients with rheumatoid arthritis may have higher rates of VTE. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the incidences of pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) are increased in hospitalized patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The number of patients discharged from non-Federal short-stay hospitals throughout the United States from 1979 through 2005 with a discharge code for rheumatoid arthritis was obtained from the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS). Among hospitalized patients with rheumatoid arthritis who did not have joint surgery, 41,000 of 4,818,000 (0.85%) had PE compared with 3,366,000 of 891,055,000 (0.38%) among patients who did not have rheumatoid arthritis and who did not have operations or joint surgery (relative risk =2.25). Deep venous thrombosis was diagnosed in 79,000 of 4,818,000 (1.64%) patients with rheumatoid arthritis and no joint operation, versus 7,681,000 of 891,055,000 (0.86%) who did not have rheumatoid arthritis or a joint operation (relative risk=1.90). The relative risk of venous thromboembolism (PE and/or DVT) in these patients was 1.99. The data suggest that rheumatoid arthritis is a risk factor for VTE in hospitalized medical patients. A heightened awareness of the risks for VTE and a lower threshold for evaluation of patients for possible DVT or PE would be appropriate in caring for hospitalized patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Procedure before the ICJ: What is the Exact Date of the Closure of the Written Phase of Proceedings?
Authors: Quintana Juan
Published: November 2008

Determining the precise date on which the written phase in litigation before the International Court of Justice is closed and the case is “ready for hearing” is important for a number of reasons, including the application of the rules concerning the submission of “further” or “new” documents, and the filing of requests for permission to intervene under Article 62 of the Statute. While the instruments governing the Court's functioning are silent on the matter, conventional wisdom appears to support the notion that such a date is defined with sufficient clarity, as the written proceedings are to be closed “automatically” on the date of the deposit of the last pleading. The aim of this Note is to show that actual practice reveals that in most cases it will be difficult, if not outright impossible, to determine beforehand what this last pleading is going to be. As a result, the written phase will only be closed at a later stage, when the parties and the Court are certain that there will be no further pleadings, a circumstance that appears to conflict with the notion of “automatic closure”.
EC Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreements: A New Standard EU Foreign Policy Tool?
Authors: Kruse Imke , Trauner Florian
Published: November 2008

This article offers an analysis of the objective, substance and political implications of EC visa facilitation and readmission agreements. These agreements have gained increasing importance in EU foreign policy making because the EU has started to view visa facilitation regimes not only as a necessary incentive for the signing of a readmission agreement, but also as a means for mitigating the negative side-effects of the Eastern Enlargement. In offering more relaxed travel conditions in exchange for endorsement of an EC readmission agreement and reforms in domestic justice and home affairs, the EU found a new way to pressure for reforms in neighbouring countries while meeting a major source of discontent in these countries. The analysis considers the broader implications of these agreements and argues that even if the facilitated travel opportunities are beneficial for the citizens of the target countries, the positive achievements are undermined by the Schengen enlargement which requires that the new member states tighten up their borders to their neighbours.
It's a Family Affair
Authors: Bloemraad Irene , Trost Christine
Published: November 2008

Up to a million children and teenagers participated in the 2006 immigrant rights marches. Why do young people engage in protest politics, and how are they mobilized into such activities? A longstanding literature on political socialization suggests that young people learn from their parents, acquiring political attitudes and interests from older generations. This article argues that for immigrant families processes of political learning and mobilization also occur in the reverse: Younger family members can use English language skills and differential access to political information to inform and mobilize parents. The authors make the case for a model of bidirectional political socialization and show how intergenerational communication and interaction can increase a whole family's political engagement by pooling different information sources and networks: from schools and new technologies among teens, and from workplaces, churches, and ethnic media among parents. We build our argument on 79 in-depth interviews with Mexican-origin teens and parents living in Richmond and Oakland, California, who are U.S.-born citizens, naturalized citizens, legal permanent residents, or undocumented migrants.
Voting With Their Feet
Authors: Cordero-Guzmán Hector , Martin Nina , Quiroz-Becerra Victoria , Theodore Nik
Published: November 2008

In 2006 immigrants and their supporters participated in a series of marches in cities throughout the United States. The enormous size and scale of the demonstrations were surprising to some observers, who saw the marches as a spontaneous outburst of frustration. This article argues the unprecedented turnout at the demonstrations should be seen not as a spontaneous outburst but in large part the result of long-standing cooperative efforts and networks of immigrant-serving nonprofit organizations. Immigrant-serving organizations were at the forefront of organizing public education campaigns, advocacy activities, and community mobilization efforts leading up to the demonstrations. Using Chicago and New York City as case studies, the article analyzes data from a survey of 498 nonprofit organizations conducted in 2005, just prior to the demonstrations. The authors show how a history of collaborations, organizational network ties, and the existing relations between organizations in key coalitions became the foundation for the mobilizations.
The Invisible Work of Managing Visibility for Social Change
Authors: Roberts Darryl D. , Morgan Roberts Laura , O'Neill Regina M. , Blake-Beard Stacy D.
Published: November 2008

In this article, we introduce the concept of tempered visibility as a lens through which to view Martin Luther King Jr.'s civil rights leadership. First, we review the academic literature on visibility and its implications for leadership. Second, we outline key moral and sociopolitical factors that enabled King to become visible. Third, we provide examples of how King intentionally increased and decreased his exposure while leading key events in the Civil Rights Movement. From King's example, the process by which leaders gain visibility and the positive and negative outcomes of visibility for leaders and their change efforts is learned. This analysis extends the understanding of the strategic management of visibility as a tool that is motivated by personal goals, social pressures, and moral concerns and that is critical for managing impressions and leading social change.
A Motivational Perspective on Engagement and Disaffection
Authors: Skinner Ellen A. , Kindermann Thomas A. , Furrer Carrie J.
Published: November 2008

This article presents a motivational conceptualization of engagement and disaffection: First, it emphasizes children's constructive, focused, enthusiastic participation in the activities of classroom learning; second, it distinguishes engagement from disaffection, as well as behavioral features from emotional features. Psychometric properties of scores from teacher and student reports of behavioral engagement, emotional engagement, behavioral disaffection, and emotional disaffection were examined using data from 1,018 third through sixth graders. Structural analyses of the four indicators confirm that a multidimensional structure fits the data better than do bipolar or unidimensional models. Validity of scores is supported by findings that teacher reports are correlated with student reports, with in vivo observations in the classroom, and with markers of self-system and social contextual processes. As such, these measures capture important features of engagement and disaffection in the classroom, and any comprehensive assessment should include markers of each. Additional dimensions are identified, pointing the way to future research.
Do Word-Problem Features Differentially Affect Problem Difficulty as a Function of Students' Mathematics Difficulty With and Without Reading Difficulty?
Authors: Powell Sarah R. , Fuchs Lynn S. , Fuchs Douglas , Cirino Paul T. , Fletcher Jack M.
Published: November 2008

This study examined whether and, if so, how word-problem features differentially affect problem difficulty as a function of mathematics difficulty (MD) status: no MD ( n = 109), MD only ( n = 109), or MD in combination with reading difficulties (MDRD; n = 109). The problem features were problem type (total, difference, or change) and position of missing information in the number sentence representing the word problem (first, second, or third position). Students were assessed on 14 word problems near the beginning of third grade. Consistent with the hypothesis that mathematical cognition differs as a function of MD subtype, problem type affected problem difficulty differentially for MDRD versus MD-only students; however, the position of missing information in word problems did not. Implications for MD subtyping and for instruction are discussed.
Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus With a Disease‐Specific Enteral Formula: Stage II of a Randomized, Controlled Multicenter Trial
Authors: Pohl Marcus , Mayr Peter , Mertl‐Roetzer Marion , Lauster Frank , Haslbeck Manfred , Hipper Beate , Steube Diethard , Tietjen Monika , Eriksen Jan , Rahlfs Volker W.
Published: November 2008

Background: Stage I of a preplanned 2‐stage study has provided good evidence for improved glycemic control with a disease‐specific enteral formula low in carbohydrates and high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), fish oil, chromium, and antioxidants in insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes. The study was continued with stage II to give confirmatory proof of these beneficial effects. Methods: 105 patients with HbA1C ≥ 7.0% and/or fasting blood glucose (FG) > 6.7 mmol/L (>120 mg/dL) requiring enteral tube feeding due to neurological dysphagia received 113 kJ (27 kcal)/kg body weight of either test formula (Diben) or an isoenergetic, isonitrogenous standard formula (control) for up to 84 days. Total insulin (TI) requirements, FG, and afternoon blood glucose (AG) were assessed daily. HbA1C and safety criteria were evaluated on days 1, 28, 56, and 84. Results: 55 patients completed the study; on day 84, median changes from baseline (data as available, test vs control) were the following: TI,– 8.0 vs +2.0 IU; FG, –2.17 vs –0.67 mmol/L (–39.0 vs– 12.1 mg/dL); HbA1C, –1.30% vs –1.20%; AG,– 2.36 vs –0.49 mmol/L (–42.5 vs –8.9 mg/dL). The number of relevant hypoglycemic episodes (FG < 3.33 mmol/L < 60 mg/dL) was 1 vs 5. Feeding tolerance was comparable in both groups. Conclusions: Long‐term tube feeding with a disease‐specific enteral formula was safe and well tolerated in type 2 diabetic patients with neurological disorders. When compared with a standard diet, TI requirement decreased significantly with less hypoglycemia whereas FG and AG were significantly lowered, resulting in improved glycemic control.
Effect of 2 Liquid Nutritional Supplements for Diabetes Patients on Postprandial Glucose, Insulin Secretion, and Insulin Sensitivity in Healthy Individuals
Authors: González‐Ortiz Manuel , Ramos‐Zavala Maria G. , González‐López Roberto C. , Robles‐Cervantes José A. , Martínez‐Abundis Esperanza
Published: November 2008

Aim: To compare the effect of 2 liquid nutritional supplements (Enterex Diabetic and Glucerna SR) designed for the patient with diabetes mellitus on postprandial glucose, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity in healthy individuals. Patients and Methods: A randomized, double‐blind, crossover clinical trial was carried out in 14 healthy, young (average age 21.7 ± 2.8 years) volunteers. Each individual received a single administration of 232 kcal in 232 mL of Enterex Diabetic or in 237 mL of Glucerna SR. Three days later, the intervention was crossed using the opposite supplement. At the beginning of each administration and later at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes, glucose and insulin concentrations were measured. Triglyceride concentrations were measured at the beginning and at 120 minutes. Area under the curve of glucose and insulin was calculated. First‐phase and total insulin secretion, as well as insulin sensitivity, were assessed. Results: Glucose concentration at 120 minutes was significantly lower after the administration of Enterex Diabetic in comparison with Glucerna SR (4.3 ± 0.6 vs 4.7 ± 0.4 mmol/L; P = .012). Enterex Diabetic compared with Glucerna SR showed a greater change of the glucose concentration from 0 to 120 minutes (–0.7 ± 0.6 vs –0.0± 0.4 mmol/L; P = .002). Administration of Enterex Diabetic decreased insulin concentrations at 120 minutes (60 ± 18 vs 48 ± 19 pmol/L; P = .013). Administration of Glucerna SR increased triglyceride concentration at 120 minutes (1.0 ± 0.3 vs 1.1 ± 0.4 mmol/L; P = .026). Conclusion: A single administration of Enterex Diabetic in healthy individuals decreased glucose and insulin concentrations at 120 minutes without any modification in triglyceride levels.
Threat and anxiety affect visual contrast perception
Authors: Laretzaki G. , Plainis S. , Argyropoulos S. , Pallikaris IG , Bitsios P.
Published: November 2008

Threat cues activate the visual cortex and are detected faster than neutral cues as evidenced by functional brain imaging during viewing of visual threat and neutral stimuli. The functional visual processes underlying these phenomena have not been determined. Pattern visual evoked potentials were elicited in a baseline and a verbal threat condition with two stimulus contrasts in subjects with high and low trait anxiety. Threat reduced the latency of the early P100 wave in the low but not the high anxious group. The reduction was greater with increasing stimulus contrasts. The dependence of the P100 latency on trait anxiety is reminiscent of the Yerkes-Dodson inverted U-shape curve, which relates anxiety to behavioural responses. These results show that threat affects perceptual processes and suggest that data based on the effects of threat in visual search studies should be reappraised to include acceleration of contrast perception.
Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting
Authors: Cook-Chennault Kimberly Ann , Thambi Nithya , Bitetto Mary Anne , Hameyie E.B.
Published: November 2008

Providing efficient and clean power is a challenge for devices that range from the micro to macro in scale. Although there has been significant progress in the development of micro-, meso-, and macro-scale power supplies and technologies, realization of many devices is limited by the inability of power supplies to scale with the diminishing sizes of CMOS-based technology. Here, the authors provide an overview of piezoelectric energy harvesting technology along with a discussion of proof of concept devices, relevant governing equations, and figures of merit. They present two case studies: (a) energy capture from the operation of a novel shear and elastic modulus indentation device subjected to applied voltage and (b) energy capture from vibrating commercial bimorph piezoelectric structures mounted on household appliances. Lastly, areas of development needed for realization of commercial energy harvesting devices are suggested.
Consuming the Dead
Authors: Bonsu Samuel K. , DeBerry-Spence Benét
Published: November 2008

In this article, we examine processes of identity and community building in Asante death rituals where participants metaphorically consume the dead. “Consuming the Dead” refers to how the living makes meaning of death and its associated rituals toward self identification. Our data were derived primarily from participant observations of death rituals and in-depth interviews with informants in Asante, Ghana. We identify “consuming-for-community” and “consuming-for-security” as key death-ritual consumption practices that contribute to cultural reproduction. We conclude by considering some implications of these consuming practices in the production of self, community, and culture.
Friends Don't Make Friends Good Citizens, But Advisors Do
Authors: Zagenczyk Thomas J. , Gibney Ray , Murrell Audrey J. , Boss Scott R.
Published: November 2008

The authors explore whether employees' willingness to perform organization citizenship behavior (OCB), or go “above and beyond” what is required by their jobs, is affected by social influence. The authors draw on social information processing and social learning theories to argue that OCB is contagious, or affected by the OCB of employees with whom a focal employee maintains social network ties. A study of admissions department employees reveals that strong advice ties between employees are positively and significantly related to similarity in OCB, whereas strong friendship ties and weak ties are not. Implications for research and practice, including suggestions for influencing ethical behavior in organizations, are discussed.