bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME 2 IN THE KIDNEY
Authors: Koitka A , Cooper ME , Thomas MC , Tikellis C
Published: February 2008

Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an important homeostatic component of the renin angiotensin system (RAS). ACE2 both degrades the vasoconstrictor, angiotensin II and generates the potent vasodilator peptide, angiotensin 1–7. These actions counterbalance those of ACE.

ACE2 is highly expressed in the healthy kidney, particularly in the proximal tubules, where it colocalizes with ACE and angiotensin receptors.

Kidney disease and subtotal nephrectomy is associated with a reduction in renal ACE2 expression, possibly facilitating the damaging effects of angiotensin II in the failing kidney. Acquired or genetic ACE2 deficiency also appears to exacerbate renal damage and albuminuria in experimental models, supporting this hypothesis.

ACE2 also has an important role in blood pressure control. Many models of hypertension are associated with reduced ACE2 expression. AlthoughACE2KO animals are normotensive, in states associated with activation of the RAS, ACE2 overexpression improves blood pressure control and reduces angiotensin responsiveness.
CARDIOPROTECTION AND KALLIKREIN–KININ SYSTEM IN ACUTE MYOCARDIAL ISCHAEMIA IN MICE
Authors: Messadi‐Laribi E , Griol‐Charhbili V , Gaies E , Vincent MP , Heudes D , Meneton P , Alhenc‐Gelas F , Richer C
Published: February 2008

Acute myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion trigger cardioprotective mechanisms that tend to limit myocardial injury. These cardioprotective mechanisms remain for a large part unknown, but can be potentiated by performing ischaemic preconditioning or by administering drugs such as angiotensin‐I‐converting enzyme (kininase II) inhibitors (ACEI).

This brief review summarizes the findings concerning the role of tissue kallikrein (TK), a major kinin‐forming enzyme, kinins and kinin receptors in the cardioprotection afforded by ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) or by pharmacological postconditioning by drugs originally targeted at the renin–angiotensin system, ACEI and type 1 angiotensin‐II receptor blockers (ARB) in acute myocardial ischaemia. Myocardial ischaemia was induced by left coronary occlusion and was followed after 30 min by a 3 h reperfusion period (IR), performed in vivo in mice. The role of the kallikrein–kinin system (KKS) was studied by using genetically engineered mice deficient in TK gene and their wild‐type littermates, or by blocking B1 or B2 bradykinin receptors in wild‐type mice using selective pharmacological antagonists.

Ischaemic preconditioning (three cycles: 3 min occlusion/5 min reperfusion) enhances the ability of the heart of wild‐type mice to tolerate IR. Tissue kallikrein plays a major role in the cardioprotective effect afforded by IPC, which is largely reduced in TK‐deficient mice. The B2 receptor is the main kinin receptor involved in the cardioprotective effect of IPC.

Tissue kallikrein is also required for the cardioprotective effects of pharmacological postconditioning with ACEI (ramiprilat) or ARB (losartan), which are abolished for both classes of drugs in TK‐deficient mice. The B2 receptor mediates the cardioprotective effects of these drugs. Activation of angiotensin‐II type 2 (AT2) receptor is involved in the cardioprotective effects of losartan, suggesting a functional coupling between AT2 receptor and TK during angiotensin‐II type 1 (AT1) receptor blockade.

The demonstration of a cardioprotective effect of the KKS in acute myocardial ischaemia involving TK and the B2 receptor and playing a major role in IPC or pharmacological postconditioning by ACEI or ARB, suggests a potential therapeutic approach based on pharmacological activation of the B2 receptor.
SINGLE‐UNIT SYMPATHETIC DISCHARGE PATTERN IN PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH ELEVATED CARDIOVASCULAR RISK
Authors: Lambert Elisabeth , Dawood Tye , Schlaich Markus , Straznicky Nora , Esler Murray , Lambert Gavin
Published: February 2008

Although measuring the rate of firing of multi‐unit muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) has provided important information in many aspects of cardiovascular medicine, measuring single‐unit vasoconstrictor activity provides a better understanding of the possible mechanisms underlying disturbed sympathetic nervous system activity.

Detailed firing patterns of sympathetic vasoconstrictor neurons have been recorded in conditions associated with sympathoexcitation such as heart failure, obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, hypertension and obesity; conditions in which cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are demonstrably elevated.

Moreover, in conditions such as anxiety disorders and depression, in which elevated cardiovascular risk has recently been established, single‐unit analysis has highlighted a disturbed sympathetic firing pattern, which could not be identified on multi‐unit MSNA recording. This disturbed sympathetic nerve firing pattern, characterized by increased incidence of multiple firing within a sympathetic burst, has deleterious consequences on the cardiovascular system.

Single‐unit methodology may represent a major step forward in the understanding of the link between disturbed sympathetic nerve firing and associated cardiovascular risk.
UNDERSTANDING THE MORNING RISE IN BLOOD PRESSURE
Authors: Head Geoffrey A , Lukoshkova Elena V
Published: February 2008

The morning period has been recognized as the highest risk period of the day for cardiovascular events, particularly stroke and is also associated with a rapid surge in blood pressure.

Evidence now exists to show that the morning surge in blood pressure is an independent risk factor in some elderly hypertensive subjects.

However, methods to assess the contribution of the morning blood pressure surge from ambulatory recordings or home recordings, using clock times or times of waking, do not take into consideration the individual patterns of blood pressure change which can range from a rapid rise prior to or following waking to a slow increase over several hours.

In the present review we describe a novel method for determining the individual changes using a double logistic equation fitted to the individual pattern of blood pressure change.

Methods are presented to determine the rate of rise function over the morning period as well as predicting the change over a fixed time window which may be useful in refining the contribution of the blood pressure surge to cardiovascular risk.

Hypertensive people have an exaggerated rise in morning blood pressure as well as a greater rate of rise.

Antihypertensive drugs and dosing regimes are being developed which may be useful adjuncts to standard therapy for preventing morning hypertension and hopefully also reducing cardiovascular damage or events.
Papillary tumor of the pineal region
Authors: Boco Tibor , Aalaei Sophie , Musacchio Michael , Byrne Richard , Cochran Elizabeth
Published: February 2008

Primary pineal gland malignancies are uncommon and seldom have papillary architecture. We report a case of a 22‐year‐old male patient who presented with progressive headache, horizontal nystagmus and worsening diplopia. MRI of the brain showed a lesion in the pineal region. The patient was taken for resection of the lesion which was classified as papillary tumor of pineal region (PTPR). Histologically, the neoplasm was cellular, characterized by eosinophilic cells with indistinct borders, large pleomorphic nuclei, numerous apoptotic figures without necrosis or microvascular proliferation. Prominent perivascular pseudorosettes were seen. Diffuse immunoreactivity for cytokeratin 8–18 was noted. Synaptophysin antibody showed membranous and cytoplasmic positivity. Weak staining for GFAP, vimentin, S‐100 protein, and neuron specific enolase (NSE) were observed only focally. This is a case report of this rare pineal region neoplasm which only recently has been described as a histopathologic entity. Although the clinicopathological characteristics of this tumor are not entirely understood, a brief review of the literature as well as our contribution suggest an indolent neoplasm with a tendency for local recurrence. Histologically, PTPR demonstrates a unique assortment of epithelial, ependymal, and neuroendocrine features. The differential diagnosis of papillary neoplasms of the pineal region is reviewed.
Medullomyoblastoma with calcification: A case report
Authors: Chaturvedi Sujata , Gupta Sanjeev , Singhal Shweta , Kumari Rima
Published: February 2008

Medulloblastoma containing a striated muscle component is a rare embryonal cerebellar neoplasm, designated as medullomyoblastoma. We report here a case of medullomyoblastoma in a 9‐year‐old boy who developed signs of increased intracranial pressure and truncal ataxia. MRI disclosed a well‐defined, egg‐sized mass with heterogenous intermediate signal intensity in the cerebellar vermis, which compressed the 4th ventricle. The resected tumor consisted of hyperchromatic, undifferentiated neuroectodermal cells and desmin‐positive myogenic cells with striation, compatible with medullomyoblastoma. MIB labeling index was 8% in undifferentiated cells but no labeling was seen in the myogenic cells. In addition, there were areas of calcification and psammoma bodies, which was a rare finding in this tumor.
Variations in leaf stomatal density and distribution of 53 vine species in Japan
Authors: TAY AI‐CHEN , FURUKAWA AKIO
Published: February 2008

To determine variations in stomatal density and distribution in individual leaves of vine species with different growth/life forms and different habitat types, we quantified and compared leaf‐area‐based stomatal density, epidermal cell density and stomatal index (percentage of stoma on the epidermis to the total cell number, including epidermal and stomatal cells on the epidermis) of 53 species comprising 19 woody species (lianas) and 34 herbaceous vines growing in Japan. We counted the numbers of stomata on both the adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces using a light microscope. Stomatal density and distribution on the leaf surfaces varied greatly among species. Most of the creeping herbaceous species had stomata on both the adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces (amphistomatous); however, lianas had no stomata on the adaxial leaf surface. Species from coastal (probably drier) habitats had greater adaxial to abaxial ratios of stomatal density and stomatal indices compared with species from inland habitats. A positive correlation between stomatal density and epidermal cell density was found on the abaxial/adaxial leaf surfaces of the examined species. This suggests that there is a developmental similarity among vine species in which stomata are developed with differentiation of epidermal cells on the leaf surface. Thus, leaf stomatal density and distribution appear to vary among species with different growth/life forms from different habitats under a developmental constraint of leaf surface in vine plants in Japan.
Chemotherapy in hormone‐refractory prostate cancer
Authors: De Wit Ronald
Published: February 2008

The results of the TAX 327 and SWOG 99‐16 trials for the first time showed an improvement in overall survival (OS) with docetaxel‐based chemotherapy in patients with metastatic hormone‐refractory prostate cancer. As such, 3‐weekly (q3w) docetaxel plus low‐dose prednisone is widely considered to be the treatment of choice for these patients. An updated survival analysis from TAX 327 confirms that benefits observed with docetaxel are sustained at 3 years. Furthermore, q3w docetaxel plus prednisone was effective in all patient subgroups investigated, regardless of age, presence or absence of pain, and performance status. Multivariate analysis has shown that prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) concentrations and kinetics (pre‐treatment PSA doubling time; PSADT) are independent prognostic factors for survival in the TAX 327 cohort, along with pain, number of metastatic sites and measurable disease. Patients with baseline PSA concentrations of <114 ng/mL and PSADT ≥55 days have a median overall survival of 25 months while those with PSA concentrations of ≥114 ng/mL and a PSADT of <55 days have a median overall survival of only 14 months. A PSA decline of ≥30% within 3 months’ therapy with docetaxel is also a surrogate of OS. Measurements such as these, and the use of predictive nomograms, can assist the physician in identifying patients at high risk of disease progression who may benefit from earlier treatment with chemotherapy.
Role of α1‐blockers in chronic prostatitis syndromes
Authors: Nickel J. Curtis
Published: February 2008

Category III chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is the most commonly diagnosed prostatitis syndrome. CP/CPPS is characterized by lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) of which pain (particularly perineal pain and pain on ejaculation) and dysfunctional voiding cause the greatest morbidity and poor quality of life. There is no standard treatment for CP/CPPS. Patients report only transient relief of symptoms from currently available therapies and are frequently required to change treatments. The origin of LUTS and possibly the pelvic pain (e.g. on ejaculation) is thought to be prolonged smooth muscle contraction in the bladder and prostate, caused by α1‐adrenoceptor activation. α1‐Blockers are not indicated in the treatment of CP/CPPS but clinical experience suggests that they might be of benefit, possibly by promoting smooth muscle relaxation. Encouraging results of three phase II, randomized, placebo‐controlled trials evaluating (using a validated instrument) the efficacy of alfuzosin, tamsulosin and terazosin in α1‐blocker‐naïve patients with CP/CPPS, support this hypothesis. The National Institute of Health and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases are currently conducting a large phase III trial in 272 newly diagnosed and α1‐blocker‐naïve CP/CPPS patients randomized to received alfuzosin 10 mg once daily or placebo for 12 weeks.
BPH progression: concept and key learning from MTOPS, ALTESS, COMBAT, and ALF‐ONE
Authors: Roehrborn Claus G.
Published: February 2008

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) represents a significant burden in ageing men due to frequently associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which may impair quality of life. BPH is also a progressive disease, mainly characterized by a deterioration of LUTS over time, and in some patients by the occurrence of serious outcomes such as acute urinary retention (AUR) and need for BPH‐related surgery. The goals of therapy for BPH are not only to improve bothersome LUTS but also to identify those patients at risk of unfavourable outcomes, to optimize their management.

In selected patients, combination of an α1‐blocker and a 5α‐reductase inhibitor is the most effective form of BPH medical therapy to reduce the risk of clinical progression and relieve LUTS. Monotherapy also significantly reduces the risk of BPH clinical progression, mainly through a reduction of LUTS deterioration for α1‐blockers while 5α‐reductase inhibitors also reduce the risk of AUR and need for BPH‐related surgery.

Enlarged prostate and high serum prostate‐specific antigen levels have been consistently found to be good clinical predictors of AUR and BPH‐related surgery in longitudinal population‐based studies and placebo arms of controlled studies. High post‐void residual urine (PVR) is also associated with an increased risk of LUTS deterioration and should thus be reconsidered in practice as a predictor of BPH progression. Conversely, baseline LUTS severity and low peak flow rate, initially identified as predictors of unfavourable outcomes in community setting, behave paradoxically in controlled trials, probably as a consequence of strict inclusion criteria and subsequent regression to the mean and glass ceiling effects. Lastly, there is increasing evidence that dynamic variables, such as LUTS and PVR worsening, and lack of symptomatic improvement with α1‐blockers are important predictors of future LUTS/BPH‐related events, allowing better identification and management of patients at risk of BPH progression.
Overview of obesity in Mainland China
Authors: Chen C. M.
Published: February 2008

This overview describes the study of obesity issues over the last 8 years in Mainland China. A disease risk‐based body mass index classification for Chinese adults was developed and verified by the results of the 2002 China Nationwide Nutrition and Health Survey. Age and gender‐specific BMI cut‐offs for Chinese children and adolescents aged 7–18 years were also developed. As the first step in the obesity control effort, the public health implications of the prevalence of overweight and obesity were set out and publicized by the government of China. The overweight prevalence in 2002 was 22.8% and for obesity 7.1%, these having increased by 40.7% and 97.2%, respectively, since 1992. In children, dramatic increases in overweight/obesity have occurred with a two‐ to threefold increase in Beijing and Shanghai between 1985 and 1995; the prevalence of overweight plus obesity in 7‐ to 12‐year‐old boys approached 29% in 2000 and in girls 15–17%. The rapid development of overweight/obesity in China will undoubtedly push up the prevalence of chronic disease. The relative risk for adult hypertension and diabetes in the overweight and obese populations was 2–5 in 2002. In adolescents, the relative risk of hypertension in the overweight was 3.3 and in the obese 3.9, with a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors in the obese Chinese children of whom 90.5% had evidence of abdominal obesity. Even the overweight group had 15.8% with abdominal obesity. Based on the population attributable risks of overweight and obesity in 2002 and data on the direct medical costs of hypertension, diabetes, stroke and coronary heart disease, 25% of these comorbidity costs could be attributed to overweight and obesity. As the improvement in linear growth of young children is usually slower than their improvements in weight during the economic development of China, the long‐term adult implications of having a problem of ‘Stunted obesity’ rather than simple obesity in young children are raised. Analysis of the associations between adult obesity with the individuals' fetal and early nutrition highlights the need for further investigation.
Obesity pandemic, correlated factors and guidelines to define, screen and manage obesity in Taiwan
Authors: Pan W.‐H. , Lee M.‐S. , Chuang S.‐Y. , Lin Y.‐C. , Fu M.‐L.
Published: February 2008

The prevalence of obesity and associated chronic diseases has increased rapidly in Taiwan. Data from three consecutive Nutrition and Health surveys in Taiwan show that obesity prevalence has tripled for elementary school boys and doubled for girls since 1993–1996. About one‐third of boys (15.5% and 14.7% for overweight and obesity, respectively) and one‐quarter of girls were either overweight (14.4%) or obese (9.1%) in 2001–2002. For adults, obesity prevalence rates defined by body mass index ≥27 kg m−2increased from 10.5% in men and 13.2% in women in the 1993–1996 survey, to around 17% in 2005. Prevalence of overweight was around 20% in 1993–1996 for both men or women, and increased to 30% in 2005 for men. No change was found in women. The underprivileged regions usually had higher prevalence of obesity and associated diseases. Scientific bases for Taiwan obesity definition are set out together with the screening and management plans. High‐calorie intake was associated with obesity in young children (grades 1–2), but not in older children and adults. Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle‐related variables were associated with obesity in men and older boys. In addition, good dietary quality was associated with a lower risk of obesity independent of energy intake in elderly Taiwanese. More research is needed to find effective determinants and public health measures for obesity, and concerted efforts are required to combat this rising health problem.
Economic burden of obesity‐related chronic diseases in Mainland China
Authors: Zhao W. , Zhai Y. , Hu J. , Wang J. , Yang Z. , Kong L. , Chen C.
Published: February 2008

The objectives of the present study are: (i) to estimate annual direct medical costs of chronic diseases attributable to overweight and obesity among adults in China and (ii) to predict the medical costs if the epidemic continues developing. Using 2002 National Nutrition and Health Survey (n = 39 834), the prevalence of overweight [24 ≥ body mass index (BMI) < 28] and obesity (BMI ≥ 28), and population attributable risks (PARs) for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and stroke were calculated. The 2003 third National Health Services Survey (n = 143 521) was used to derive direct medical costs including costs for outpatient visits, physician services, inpatient stays, rehabilitation services, nursing fees and medications. The medical costs attributable to overweight and obesity were estimated by multiplying the disease costs by PAR for each disease. The total medical cost attributable to overweight and obesity was estimated at 21.11 billion Yuan (RMB) (∼$2.74 billion) accounting for 25.5% of the total medical costs for the four chronic diseases, or 3.7% of national total medical costs in 2003. The medical cost associated with overweight and obesity could increase to 37 billion Yuan (RMB) (∼$4.8 billion), a 75% increase, if the epidemic developed speedily and the ratio of overweight to obesity approached 1.1:1. The high economic burden of overweight and obesity suggests an urgent need to develop effective interventions for controlling the obesity epidemic and consequently the prevention of chronic diseases.
The prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity and the epidemic changes in 1985–2000 for Chinese school‐age children and adolescents
Authors: Ji C.‐Y. ,   Cooperative Study on Childhood Obesity: Working Group on Obesity in China (WGOC)
Published: February 2008

This paper describes the nationwide prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity in Chinese urban population. Data sets of boys and girls aged 7–18 yrs were collected from the series of Chinese national surveillance on students' constitution and health between 1985 and 2000 were divided into five socioeconomic groups, while WGOC BMI‐reference was used as definitions of overweight and obesity. In 2000, the prevalence of childhood obesity/overweight in the coastal big cities, followed by that of the coastal middle/small cities, had reached the average level of the developed countries. The prevalence of obesity was low in most of the inland cities at an early stage of epidemic overweight. The epidemic manifested a gradient distribution in groups, which was closely related to socioeconomic status of the populations. A dramatic and steady increasing trend was witnessed among all sex‐age subgroups in these urban groups, and the increments in obesity/overweight are exceptionally high in recent 5 years, and the prospect of epidemic obesity in China is in no way optimistic. Preventive program should be focused on the improvement of the balance between caloric intake and energy expenditure, and interventions aimed at changing children's life styles.
Dietary habits, physical activity and obesity in Hong Kong residents
Authors: Chow C. C.
Published: February 2008

Recent data from the Hong Kong Population Health Survey 2003/04 commissioned by the Department of Health estimate that 17.8% of the population aged 15 and above are overweight (BMI 23.0–24.9 kg/m2) and 21.1% are obese (BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2). Similar to many industrialized societies, it is generally believed that chronic positive energy balance as a consequence of excess energy intake (energy dense processed food typically high in fat, protein and refined carbohydrates with a low fiber content) together with a sedentary life is the main culprit. Against this background, a territory‐wide ‘EatSmart@school.hk’ campaign (http://www.eatsmart.gov.hk) organized by the Department of Health, with support from academic institutes and voluntary organizations, has been commissioned since November 2005. So far several important guidelines have been published including the ‘Nutritional Guidelines on Lunch Box / Snacks for Primary School Students’. We certainly welcome a long term vision and a direction from policy makers relating to a population and public health approach to obesity. The prevention of obesity requires a review of dietary and physical activity habits and then measures to change our habits in a practical and reliable way.
Occupational and Job Mobility in the US*
Authors: Moscarini Giuseppe , Thomsson Kaj
Published: February 2008

We propose a new methodology to measure worker mobility across occupations and jobs in the US, building on the limited longitudinal dimension of monthly CPS data. For the period 1979–2006, we find that about 3.5% of male workers employed in two consecutive months report different three‐digit occupations. This rate is procyclical, mildly rising in the 1980s and falling after 1995. We also revise upward current estimates of aggregate job‐to‐job mobility since 1994, from 2.7% to 3.2% of employment per month. Despite extreme similarity of average levels and time‐series behavior, occupational and job mobility are only weakly correlated.
Public Employment and the Business Cycle*
Authors: Quadrini Vincenzo , Trigari Antonella
Published: February 2008

We add a public employment sector to the basic search and matching model in order to study the business cycle impact of public wage and employment policies. The government is assumed to follow exogenous rules for public wages and employment calibrated to match some cyclical features of US policies. These features include a positive public wage premium and mildly procyclical public wages and employment. We find that the presence of the public sector increases the volatility of employment and output.
Labor Market Dynamics and the Business Cycle: Structural Evidence for the United States*
Authors: Ravn Morten O. , Simonelli Saverio
Published: February 2008

We use a 12‐dimensional VAR to examine the aggregate effects of two structural technology shocks and two policy shocks. For each shock, we examine the dynamic effects on the labor market, the importance of the shock for labor market volatility, and the comovement between labor market variables and other key aggregate variables in response to the shock. We document that labor market indicators display “hump‐shaped” responses to the identified shocks. Technology shocks and monetary policy shocks are important for labor market volatility but the ranking of their importance is sensitive to the VAR specification. The conditional correlations at business cycle frequencies are similar in response to the four shocks, apart from the correlations between hours worked, labor productivity and real wages. To account for the unconditional correlations between these variables, a mixture of shocks is required.
Split phrases in colloquial Russian
Authors: Pereltsvaig Asya
Published: February 2008

Abstract.  This paper examines split phrases in Colloquial Russian, including split noun phrases and split prepositional phrases. The aims of the paper are two‐fold: (a) to identify the bounds of the word order freedom in Colloquial Russian, and (b) to develop a theory of splitting. It is argued that the splitting is derived not by moving one part of the split phrase away from another part, but by movement and copying of the whole split phrase and partial interpretation of the copies thus produced at the PF interface (that is, partial pronunciation of copies). The analysis developed in this paper crucially relies on the notion that Topic/Focus are interpretable features which need not trigger movement.
“The Humaner Instinct of Women”: Hannah Bailey and the Woman's Christian Temperance Union's Critique of Militarism and Manliness in the Late Nineteenth Century
Authors: McCarthy Tara M.
Published: February 2008

From its founding in 1887, the National Peace and Arbitration Department of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), led by Hannah Johnston Bailey (1839–1923), provided an important source of women's peace activism. Bailey used the strength and organization of the WCTU to promote the peace movement, reaching beyond male‐dominated peace societies to appeal directly to women. Her work, particularly in the area of peace education, laid the foundation for other peace activists in the early twentieth century. Beginning in the late nineteenth century, when many Americans began to express concern over the decline of masculinity, the women of the WCTU challenged the association of patriotism with manliness and militarism. Instead, they advocated a new definition, seeking to replace the martial ideal with one emphasizing public service.
Economic Development and the Contours of U.S. Foreign Policy: The Nixon Administration's Approach to Latin America, 1969–1974
Authors: Brands Hal
Published: February 2008

Economic development has long been a central pillar of American foreign policy, but often coexists uneasily with the more self‐interested tenets of U.S. diplomacy. Richard Nixon's development strategy for Latin America is an excellent example of this problem. Upon taking office, Nixon and his advisers elaborated a plan to accelerate Latin American economic development and thereby head off the threat of social unrest and revolution in the Western Hemisphere. The plan came to naught, however, as it was compromised by the administration's economic unilateralism, insistence on maximizing American power and diplomatic leverage, and unwillingness to tailor U.S. policies to Latin American realities. In the end, the administration was unable to implement a successful development policy or reconcile development with other U.S. objectives. By the mid‐1970s, the White House had therefore turned away from development as a means of protecting U.S. interests in Latin America, and fully embraced more repressive expedients.
Mitochondrial DNA Variation in Karkar Islanders
Authors: Ricaut F. X. , Thomas T. , Arganini C. , Staughton J. , Leavesley M. , Bellatti M. , Foley R. , Mirazon Lahr M.
Published: February 2008

We analyzed 375 base pairs (bp) of the first hypervariable region (HVS‐I) of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region and intergenic COII/tRNALys 9‐bp deletion from 47 Karkar Islanders (north coast of Papua New Guinea) belonging to the Waskia Papuan language group. To address questions concerning the origin and evolution of this population we compared the Karkar mtDNA haplotypes and haplogroups to those of neighbouring East Asians and Oceanic populations. The results of the phylogeographic analysis show grouping in three different clusters of the Karkar Islander mtDNA lineages: one group of lineages derives from the first Pleistocene settlers of New Guinea‐Island Melanesia, a second set derives from more recent arrivals of Austronesian speaking populations, and the third contains lineages specific to the Karkar Islanders, but still rooted to Austronesian and New Guinea‐Island Melanesia populations. Our results suggest (i) the absence of a strong association between language and mtDNA variation and, (ii) reveal that the mtDNA haplogroups F1a1, M7b1 and E1a, which probably originated in Island Southeast Asia and may be considered signatures of Austronesian population movements, are preserved in the Karkar Islanders but absent in other New Guinea‐Island Melanesian populations. These findings indicate that the Karkar Papuan speakers retained a certain degree of their own genetic uniqueness and a high genetic diversity. We present a hypothesis based on archaeological, linguistic and environmental datasets to argue for a succession of (partial) depopulation and repopulation and expansion events, under conditions of structured interaction, which may explain the variability expressed in the Karkar mtDNA.
HPA‐axis activity as a predictor of future disruptive behaviors in young adolescents
Authors: Sondeijker Frouke E.P.L. , Ferdinand Robert F. , Oldehinkel Albertine J. , Tiemeier Henning , Ormel Johan , Verhulst Frank C.
Published: February 2008

Low HPA‐axis activity has been proposed as a risk factor for disruptive behaviors. However longitudinal data on this topic are practically lacking. In the present study we investigated if low HPA‐axis activity predicted future disruptive behaviors. We included 1,399 boys and girls from the Dutch general population, initially aged 10–12 years. At the first assessment, basal cortisol levels were assessed. At the first assessment and at follow‐up 2 years later disruptive behaviors were assessed with parent and self‐report questionnaires. The results suggest that the association between low cortisol levels at 8.00 p.m. and future disruptive behaviors according to the parents was only present for boys. More importantly however, the results suggest that low HPA‐axis activity is not a good predictor for disruptive behaviors, but could be valuable to identify those with a poor prognosis, once disruptive behaviors are present in preadolescence.
Oxidative stress and protein oxidation in the brain of water drinking and alcohol drinking rats administered the HIV envelope protein, gp120
Authors: Singh Ashok K. , Gupta Shveta , Jiang Yin
Published: February 2008

J. Neurochem. (2008) 104, 1478–1493.

Possible roles of oxidative stress and protein oxidation on alcohol‐induced augmentation of cerebral neuropathy in gp120 administered alcohol preferring rats drinking either pure water (W rats) or a free‐choice ethanol and water (E rats) for 90 days. This study showed that peripherally administered gp120 accumulated into the brain, liver, and RBCs samples from water drinking – gp120 administered rats (Wg rats) and ethanol drinking – gp120 administered rats (Eg rats), although gp120 levels in samples from Eg rats were significantly greater than the levels in samples from Wg rats. The brain samples from ethanol drinking‐saline administered (EC) and Wg rats exhibited comparable levels of free radicals that were significantly lower than the levels in Eg rats. Peroxiredoxin‐I (PrxI) activity in the brain samples exhibited the following pattern: Wg ≫ ≫ WC ≫ EC > Eg. Total protein‐carbonyl and carbonylated hippocampal cholinergic neurostimulating peptide precursor protein levels, but not N‐acetylaspartate or N‐acetyl aspartylglutamate or total protein‐thiol levels, paralleled the free radical levels in the brain of all four groups. This suggests PrxI inhibition may be more sensitive indicator of oxidative stress than measuring free radicals or metabolites. As PrxI oxidation in WC, Wg, and EC rats was reversible, while PrxI oxidation in Eg rats was not, we suggest that alcohol drinking and gp120 together hyperoxidized and inactivated PrxI that suppressed free radical neutralization in the brain of Eg rats. In conclusion, chronic alcohol drinking, by carbonylating and hyperoxidizing free radical neutralization proteins, augmented the gp120‐induced oxidative stress that may be associated with an increase in severity of the brain neuropathy.
Assessment of coronary blood flow and the reactivity of the microcirculation non‐invasively with transthoracic echocardiography
Authors: Kiviniemi Tuomas
Published: February 2008

Background:  The development in ultrasound technology has allowed the use of non‐invasive transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for the study of coronary artery physiology and pathophysiology. TTE can be used to detect atherosclerotic changes in epicardial coronary arteries and to study the effects of specific interventions on coronary microcirculation.

Aim:  The purpose of this review was to summarize the development of TTE, and outweigh the strenghts and weaknesses of the method for the evaluation of coronary artery blood flow. Moreover, findings from clinical trials studying microcirculatory reactivity using TTE are presented.

Conclusions:  TTE is a feasible and reproducible method for the evaluation of coronary artery blood flow. It can also be used in assessing the vasodilation of the epicardial coronary artery simultaneously with flow velocity measurement during the cold pressor test and coronary flow velocity reserve assessment. It is specifically suitable for repeated measurements in interventional trials.
Changes in activities of daily living during treatment of late‐life depression*
Authors: SAITO Haruna , ICHIKAWA Kaori , NOMIYAMA Tetsuo , TATSUMI Nobuo , WASHIZUKA Shinsuke , HANIHARA Tokiji , AMANO Naoji
Published: February 2008

Background:  Patients with late‐life depression often exhibit cognitive deficits or disability. The relationship between late‐life depression and disability is an area of significance for geriatric psychiatry. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between changes in the severity of depression and activities of daily living (ADL) during treatment of late‐life depression.

Methods:  We examined the severity of depression, cognitive function and ADL among 70 subjects aged 65 years or older with a history or a current episode of major depression. Examination with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (Ham‐D), the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Barthel Index (BI) and the Hyogo Activities of Daily Living Scale (HADLS) were performed twice at an interval of approximately 1 month. All patients were receiving drug therapy for their depression.

Results:  Participants presented with varied depressive severity on the Ham‐D and a slight cognitive deficit on the MMSE; approximately 60% had at least one problem on the HADLS. Between baseline and the follow‐up examination, significant improvements were noted in Ham‐D, MMSE and HADLS scores, but not the BI score. The correlations between the Ham‐D and ADL scores were significant at baseline and at the follow up examinations. In a multiple regression analysis, the difference in follow‐up and baseline scores on the Ham‐D contributed significantly to that of HADLS.

Conclusions:  The present study demonstrates that many patients with late‐life depression have some problems with ADL and that a substantial improvement in ADL occurs in association with temporal improvement of depressive severity among subjects with late‐life depression.
Diagnosis of Vascular Skin Lesions in Children: An Audit and Review
Authors: MacFie Caroline C. , Jeffery Steve L.A.
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Vascular skin lesions in children are common, but their management is complicated by the ongoing use of inappropriate and often misleading terms. Inaccurate explanations of the diagnosis and progression of these lesions may cause unnecessary distress. This study describes an audit of vascular lesions in children from one center in which the classification system described by Mulliken and Glowacki was used to establish diagnosis. Seventy patients with vascular lesions attending vascular lesion clinics, miscellaneous plastic surgery clinics and laser lists in the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, were studied. A proforma was completed using information from the patients and their medical records. The initial diagnosis given to parents was inaccurate in 69% of patients. Furthermore, 53% of parents were given an incorrect account of what to expect with regard to progression of the lesion and the prospect of future treatment. Altogether, in 71% of instances some inappropriate terminology was applied during the course of the child’s management. Plastic surgeons were the most accurate diagnosticians. This study highlights the fact that a selection of misleading and erroneous terms is still regularly used in medical practice. The recommended classifications are rarely adhered to and in consequence efficient communications between professionals and families is often lacking.
Lipschütz Acute Vulval Ulcers Associated with Primary Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: MARTÍN JOSÉ M. , GODOY ROSA , CALDUCH LUIS , VILLALON GUILLERMO , JORDÁ ESPERANZA
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  A previously healthy 16‐year‐old girl presented with painful acute genital ulcers that appeared in the context of a primary cytomegalovirus infection. Complementary examinations ruled out both venereal disease and other usual causes of genital ulcerations, and the lesions resolved in < 2 weeks with no sequelae or later recurrences. Cyto‐megalovirus disease should be considered in the screening of acute vulval ulcers.
White Sponge Nevus: Presentation of a New Family
Authors: JORNET PÍA LÓPEZ
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  We present an occurrence of white sponge disease affecting four members of the same family: a father and three children. The lesions consisted of white asymptomatic patches in the oral mucosa.
Spatial Performance Is More Sensitive to Ethanol Than Nonspatial Performance Regardless of Cue Proximity
Authors: White Aaron M. , Elek Tracy M. , Beltz Tamie L. , Best Phillip J.
Published: February 2008

In rodents, ethanol produces a greater impact on the ability to perform spatial reference memory tasks than nonspatial reference memory tasks. Such evidence may reflect a selective disruption in the use of previously acquired spatial information. However, a rtonmnemonic explanation has yet to be ruled out Tasks used to study ethanol's effects on spatial memory commonly require subjects to utilize distal, or ex‐tramaze, cues to respond correctly. In contrast, many previously used nonspatial tasks could be solved using cues located on the maze itself. Because ethanol has been shown to disrupt sensory processing, it is possible that previously observed differences in the effects of ethanol on spatial and nonspatial performance were actually due to differences in the proximity of relevant cues in the spatial and nonspatial tasks and notto a selective disruption in spatial memory. The present study compares the effects of ethanol on the performance of spatial and nonspatial reference memory tasks that require subjects to discriminate among extramaze cues for correct responding. Subjects were trained while sober to navigate to a goal arm on a 12‐arm maze. In the spatial task, the goal arm was defined by its location with respect to a number of extramaze cues. In the nonspatial task, the goal arm was defined by the presence of a single extramaze cue located directly beyond the end of the arm. Subjects were tested under 1 of 4 doses of ethanol (0.0, 0.7, 1.4, and 2.1 g/kg). Performance on the nonspatial task was more resistant to the effects of ethanol than performance on the spatial task. The results suggest that differences in the effects of ethanol on spatial and nonspatial performance are not due to differences in the proximity of relevant cues in previously used spatial and nonspatial tasks. Key Words: Ethanol, Spatial, Nonspatial, Memory, Maze.
A Synthesis of Morphology Interventions and Effects on Reading Outcomes for Students in Grades K–12
Authors: Reed Deborah K.
Published: February 2008

This article synthesized the morphology intervention studies conducted in English with students in kindergarten through 12th grade between 1986 and 2006. Seven studies were identified as focusing primarily on morphology instruction, including roots and affixes, and measuring one or more reading‐related outcomes (e.g., word identification, spelling, vocabulary, reading comprehension). Of those studies meeting the criteria, three studies were focused on word identification, three were focused on vocabulary acquisition, and one was focused on spelling. Although there was a wide range in effect sizes computed for the various outcome measures (−.93 to 9.13), findings indicated that stronger effects were associated with root word instruction (as opposed to affixes alone) and with morphology instruction that targeted students' reading developmental level in an age of acquisition pattern. In addition, results suggested that morphology could successfully be combined with training in other skills without adding instructional time.
Effects of Surgical and Endoscopic Electrocautery on Modern‐Day Permanent Pacemaker and Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Systems
Authors: CHENG ALAN , NAZARIAN SAMAN , SPRAGG DAVID D. , BILCHICK KENNETH , TANDRI HARIKRISHNA , MARK LYNETTE , HALPERIN HENRY , CALKINS HUGH , BERGER RONALD D. , HENRIKSON CHARLES A.
Published: February 2008

Background: Current guidelines recommend that all implanted pacemakers (PPM) and defibrillators (ICD) be interrogated before and after every invasive procedure. The ability of newer devices to withstand system malfunction or failure during surgery/endoscopy remains unknown.

Objective: To determine the frequency of PPM or ICD malfunction from periprocedural electrocautery.

Methods: Ninety‐two consecutive individuals referred for evaluation of a PPM or ICD system prior to noncardiac surgery/endoscopy were enrolled. Devices were preoperatively programmed to a “monitor only” zone to allow for detection of electromagnetic interferences (EMIs). Pacing parameters were maintained without disabling rate responsiveness. The devices were fully interrogated again after surgery. Correlations of inappropriate EMI sensing were made with reference to the distance from the site of electrocautery application to the device system.

Results: All devices withstood periprocedural EMI exposure without malfunction or changes in programming. Minor changes in lead parameters were noted. Three device systems demonstrated brief atrial mode switching episodes, one of which was likely secondary to inappropriate sensing of atrial noise
. Two pacemaker devices demonstrated inappropriate sensing of ventricular noise, both of which occurred when the application of electrocautery was within close proximity to the pacemaker generator (<8 cm). No ventricular sensed events were noted in any ICD system.

Conclusions: EMIs during noncardiac surgical/endoscopic procedures pose little threat to current device systems. Rare occasions of inappropriate sensing by devices can be seen in situations where the application of unipolar electrocautery is in close proximity of the system. Routine postsurgical interrogation of PPM or ICDs may not be necessary.
Esophageal Leiomyoma Detected by Transesophageal Contrast Echocardiography
Authors: Meng Hong , Lee Pui Wai , Mathieu Bernier , Chandrasekaran Krishnaswamy
Published: February 2008

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) provides valuable information in the evaluation of intra‐ and extracardiac masses. There is no report demonstrating its usefulness in identifying esophageal mass lesions. This is because generally it is contraindicated in patients with esophageal diseases. However, endoscopic ultrasound is used in the evaluation of gastrointestinal pathology. We report a case of an esophageal tumor detected by TEE and the value of contrast echocardiography in further definition of the tumor.
Photocatalytic Activity of (Copper, Nitrogen)‐Codoped Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Song Kaixi , Zhou Jiahong , Bao Jianchun , Feng Yuying
Published: February 2008

(Copper, Nitrogen)‐codoped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have been prepared via a sol–gel route, followed by heat treatment at an elevated temperature. Such (Cu, N)‐codoped TiO2 nanoparticles showed a strong absorption in the visible region and a red shift in the band gap transition and exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic activity as compared with the pure, N‐doped and Cu‐doped TiO2 for xylenol orange decomposition.