bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is There an Overlap between Sudden Neurosensorial Hearing Loss and Cardiovascular Risk Factors?
Authors: Ballesteros F. , Alobid I. , Tassies D. , Reverter J.C. , Scharf R.E. , Guilemany J.M. , Bernal-Sprekelsen M.
Published: November 2008

Introduction: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) has been proposed as a symptom of underlying vascular problems. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the genetic and acquired risk factors. Methods: Ninety-nine patients were tested for the presence of common polymorphisms related to thrombophilia (prothrombin and factor V Leiden) in order to assess genetic risk factors, and several parameters classically associated with vascular disorders (cardiovascular events, brain stroke and antiphospholipid syndrome) were evaluated. Additional assessments of personal and familial history risk factors for vascular disorders were performed in each patient. Results: Thrombophilia studies did not demonstrate statistically relevant differences between the patients and control group. However, lipidemia profile and directed personal and familial histories showed positive trends for SSHL. Conclusion: The lack of clear relationships between SSHL and other vascular risk factors suggests multicausality as a predominant disease profile. Although preliminary results point at a vascular involvement in SSHL, a long-term prospective study is necessary to demonstrate that SSHL represents an early vascular symptom.
Cochlear Implant in Children with Asymptomatic Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Iwasaki Satoshi , Nakanishi Hiroshi , Misawa Kiyoshi , Tanigawa Toru , Mizuta Kunihiro
Published: November 2008

Objective: To evaluate the development of speech perception and auditory skills after cochlear implantation in deaf children with asymptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection diagnosed based on the presence of CMV DNA in the neonatal urine. Study Design: A prospective study of congenital CMV infection was done between 1996 and 2003. Of 18 children diagnosed with congenital CMV infection, 2 deaf children with asymptomatic CMV infections received cochlear implantation. Results: The 2 deaf children who received cochlear implantation had delayed-onset, progressive sensorineural hearing loss on follow-up audiometric examinations administered at 29 and 39 months of age. After cochlear implantation, their Infant-Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale scores increased consistently during 36 months of follow-up; these results were similar to those of 5 congenitally deaf children without CMV infection who had cochlear implantation. Conclusions: Cochlear implantation was effective for improving the development of speech perception and auditory skills in deaf children with asymptomatic congenital CMV infection. There was no significant difference in the development of useful auditory integration between our general pediatric cochlear implant population without CMV infection and those with asymptomatic CMV infection.
A Pilot Study of the Safety and Performance of the Otologics Fully Implantable Hearing Device: Transducing Sounds via the Round Window Membrane to the Inner Ear
Authors: Lefebvre P.P. , Martin C. , Dubreuil C. , Decat M. , Yazbeck A. , Kasic J. , Tringali S.
Published: November 2008

Objectives: The safety and performance of the Otologics fully implantable hearing device were assessed in adult patients with mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Methods: The subcutaneous microphone of this fully implantable device picks up ambient sounds, converts them into an electrical signal, amplifies the signal according to the user’s needs, and sends it to an electromechanical transducer. The transducer tip is customized with a prosthesis in order to be in contact with the round window membrane and is protected by fascia; this translates the electrical signal into a mechanical motion that directly stimulates the round window membrane and enables the user to perceive sound. The implanted battery is recharged daily via an external charger and the user can turn the implant on and off as well as adjust the volume with a hand-held remote control. In this pilot study, 6 patients with mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss were implanted with the Otologics fully implantable hearing device. Pre- and postoperative air conduction, bone conduction, as well as aided and unaided thresholds and speech scores were measured. Results: No significant differences between preoperative and postoperative pure-tone averages were noted. Average improvement ranged from 19.16 to 35.8 dB of functional gain across audiometric frequencies with a mean of 26.17 ± 5.15 dB. Long-term average functional gain at 12 months was 20.83 ± 6.22 dB. Word recognition scores demonstrated significant differences between unaided and implant-aided conditions. Conclusions: Preliminary results of this trial of the Otologics fully implantable hearing device provide evidence that this fully implantable device is capable of efficiently transferring the sound to the inner ear via the round window membrane in patients with mixed hearing loss.
Residual Flow at the Site of Intracranial Occlusion on Transcranial Doppler Predicts Response to Intravenous Thrombolysis: A Multi-Center Study
Authors: Saqqur Maher , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Molina Carlos A. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Shuaib Ashfaq , Alexandrov Andrei V.
Published: November 2008

Background: We examined if transcranial Doppler (TCD) flow findings at the site of intracranial occlusions predict outcomes of stroke patients receiving intravenous rt-PA treatment. Subjects and Methods: TCD detected residual flow with the Thrombolysis in Brain Ischemia (TIBI) grading system before intravenous rt-PA bolus in patients with acute arterial intracranial occlusion. Timing and completion of early recanalization were measured for occlusive TIBI flow grades using TCD monitoring. Poor responders were defined as modified Rankin scores (mRS) >2 at 3 months. Results: A total of 361 patients with proximal arterial occlusion received intravenous rt-PA at 137.4 ± 36 min (median NIHSS 16). Mean age 69 ± 13, women: 168 (46.5%). Seventeen of 96 (17.7%) patients with TIBI 0, 41/124 (33.1%) with TIBI 1, 29/76 (38.2%) with TIBI 2 and 31/65 (47.7%) with TIBI 3 had achieved complete recanalization (p < 0.001). Higher NIHSS, SBP, glucose and lower TIBI grades were independent negative predictors of complete recanalization in the final logistic model. Patients with TIBI 0 had less probability of complete recanalization than patients with residual flow (TIBI 1–3) (ORadj 0.4, CI 95% 0.22–0.8, p = 0.008). Median time to recanalization in patients with TIBI 0 was longer (155 min, interquartile range 104–190 min) than with TIBI ≥1 (120 min, range 60–170 min, p = 0.01, Mann-Whitney U test). In the stepwise multiple linear regression models adjusting for baseline characteristics, the only 2 factors that independently associated with time to recanalization were: time to rt-PA treatment and the absent flow (TIBI 0) on baseline TCD. Absent flow (TIBI 0) was associated with a longer time of recanalization of 35.2 min (95% CI 0.3–70.1 min, p = 0.048). Poor outcomes at 3 months were found in 61.3% of patients with no residual flow (TIBI 0), 56.9% with minimal (TIBI 1), 51.5% with blunted (TIBI 2), and 33.9% with dampened (TIBI 3) flows (p = 0.012). Patients with TIBI 0 have a higher likelihood of poor outcome (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.5–6.4, p = 0.002). Patients who achieved complete recanalization have ORadj 5.2 for good outcome (95% CI 2.8–9.8, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The pretreatment residual flow at intracranial occlusion predicts the likelihood of complete recanalization, time of recanalization and long-term outcome. No detectable residual flow indicates the least chance to achieve recanalization and recovery with systemic thrombolysis and may support an early decision for combined endovascular rescue.
Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Activity and Risk of Recurrent Stroke
Authors: Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Tai Wanling , Coates Kristen , Paik Myunghee C. , Sacco Ralph L.
Published: November 2008

Background: Mass levels of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), a leukocyte-derived enzyme involved in the metabolism of low-density lipoprotein to pro-inflammatory mediators, are associated with prognosis after stroke. Lp-PLA2 mass correlates only moderately with levels of Lp-PLA2 activity. The relationship of Lp-PLA2 activity to risk of stroke recurrence is unknown. We hypothesized that Lp-PLA2 activity levels would predict risk of recurrence. Methods: In the population-based Northern Manhattan Stroke Study, first ischemic stroke patients ≥40 years were followed for recurrent stroke. Levels of Lp-PLA2 activity were assessed in 467 patients, and categorized by quartile. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for risk of recurrent stroke associated with marker quartiles after adjusting for demographics, vascular risk factors, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Results: Mean age was 68.9 ± 12.7 years; 54.6% were women; 53.3% Hispanic, 27.2% black, and 17.8% white. Median follow-up was 4.0 years, and there were 80 recurrent strokes. Compared to the lowest quartile of Lp-PLA2 activity, those in the highest had an increased risk of recurrent stroke (adjusted HR 2.54, 95% CI 1.01–6.39). Conclusion: Stroke patients withLp-PLA2 activity levels in the highest quartile, compared to those in the lowest quartile, had an increased risk of recurrence after first ischemic stroke. Further studies are warranted to determine whether this biomarker has clinical utility in determining high-risk populations of stroke survivors, and whether anti-inflammatory strategies that reduce levels of activity of Lp-PLA2 reduce the risk of stroke recurrence.
Predictors of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Severity and Its Outcome in Japanese Stroke Patients
Authors: Hosomi Naohisa , Naya Takayuki , Ohkita Hiroyuki , Mukai Mao , Nakamura Takehiro , Ueno Masaki , Dobashi Hiroaki , Murao Koji , Masugata Hisashi , Miki Takanori , Kohno Masakazu , Kobayashi Shotai , Koziol James A.
Published: November 2008

Objective: The aim of this investigation was to determine the factors influencing acute intracerebral hemorrhage severity on admission and clinical outcomes at discharge. Methods: Sixty acute stroke hospitals throughout Japan participated in the Japan Standard Stroke Registry Study (JSSRS), documenting the in-hospital course of 16,630 consecutive patients with acute stroke from January 2001 to March 2004. We identified 2,840 adult patients from the JSSRS who had intracerebral hemorrhage. Results: Intracerebral hemorrhage severity on admission was strongly related to age, previous stroke history, and hemorrhage size in a monotone fashion [χ2(9) = 374.5, p < 0.0001]. Drinking history was also predictive of intracerebral hemorrhage severity on admission, but the association was not monotone. Interestingly, intracerebral hemorrhage severity on admission was increased in nondrinking and heavy drinking compared to mild drinking (p < 0.05). Unsuccessful outcome (modified Rankin scale score = 3–6) was related to age, previous stroke history, hemorrhage size, and intracerebral hemorrhage severity on admission [χ2(9) = 830.4, p < 0.0001]. Mortality was related to hemorrhage size, intraventricular hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage severity on admission, and surgical operation [χ2(7) = 540.4, p < 0.0001]. Conclusion: We could find four varied factors associated with intracerebral hemorrhage severity and its outcomes. Interestingly, intracerebral hemorrhage severity tended to be greater in nondrinking and heavy drinking than mild drinking. Additionally, surgical operation decreased intracerebral hemorrhage mortality.
Stiff-Person Syndrome First Manifesting in Pregnancy
Authors: Cerimagic Denis , Bilic Ervina
Published: November 2008

Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder characterised by progressive stiffness and painful muscle spasms. We present a case of the autoimmune form of glutamate decarboxylase-positive SPS that initially manifested in pregnancy. The diagnosis was made based on clinical, laboratory and electromyoneurographic criteria. The patient was administered low doses of diazepam and baclofen. Considering the clinical picture of SPS patients, caesarean section is the method of choice for pregnancy termination.
Meta-Analysis of Cranial CT Scans in Children
Authors: Stein Sherman C. , Hurst Robert W. , Sonnad Seema S.
Published: November 2008

Objective: We aimed to estimate the risks of radiation exposure from a single head CT scan to children of different ages. Materials and Methods: We constructed a multistate time-dependent Markov model to simulate the course of children exposed to a head CT. The relevant literature was reviewed for probabilities, which were used to calculate tumor types, latencies after exposure and outcomes in the model. Where multiple approximations of the same probability had been reported, meta-analytic techniques were employed to compute pooled estimates. The model was then used to calculate the effect of the radiation exposure on life expectancy and quality of life for children following head CT at different ages. Results: The tumors likely to be induced by low-level cranial irradiation include thyroid carcinoma (47%), meningioma (34%) and glioma (19%). According to the model, a single head CT is likely to cause one of these tumors in 0.22% of 1-year-olds, 30% of whom will consequently die. The exposure will shorten the life expectancy of all exposed 1-year-olds by an average of 0.04 years and their expected quality of life by 0.02 quality-adjusted life years. The risks of radiation exposure diminish for older children. Conclusions: The model predicts that the effective radiation dose from a single head CT is capable of inducing a thyroid or brain tumor in an infant or child. These tumors can severely impact both quality of life and life expectancy. Care should be taken before ordering CT scans in children, particularly in infants and toddlers.
Happle-Tinschert Syndrome
Authors: Itin Peter H.
Published: November 2008

Recently, Happle and Tinschert [Acta Derm Venereol 2008;88:382–387] described the case of a multisystem birth defect with segmentally arranged basaloid follicular hamartomas associated with extracutaneous defects in the form of short leg, polydactyly and hypoplastic teeth. The authors presented a comprehensive overview of 8 similar cases reported under various designations, and provided evidence that this syndrome includes various additional defects of the bones, teeth and brain. Here, a further typical case is reported, and it is emphasized that this phenotype should no longer be categorized as ‘basal cell nevus syndrome’, and thus be confused with the nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome of Gorlin [Cancer 1965;18:89–104]. A 7-year-old boy had multiple whitish and some scattered brownish basaloid follicular hamartomas involving the right side of his body in a systematized pattern following the lines of Blaschko. These lesions had been present since birth. They were hairless and conspicuously hypopigmented. In addition, enamel defects and mild webbing of the first and second right toes were noted. At the age of 5 years, the boy developed a medulloblastoma that originated from the ipsilateral paramedian vermis region. The tumor was surgically removed, and subsequently radiotherapy and chemotherapy were applied. Analysis of blood DNA did not reveal any Patched mutation. The molecular basis of the disorder remains to be elucidated. From this case and from 9 similar cases reported in the literature, the spectrum of a distinct phenotype is delineated, and the eponymic designation Happle-Tinschert syndrome is proposed.
The Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Cholesterolemia in Healthy Subjects with Seasonal Deficit of Vitamin C
Authors: Ginter E. , Kajaba I. , Nizner O.
Published: November 2008

The effect of vitamin C on cholesterolemia in a selected group of persons above 40 years of age with a seasonal deficit of ascorbic acid and with an initial level of serum cholesterolin the upper permittedlimit, or hypercholesterolemia, was studied. A nutritional situation in the examined area can be characterized by a high consumption of animal fats and sucrose, all-the-year-round deficit of vitamin A, B2 and iron and an evident seasonal deficit of vitamin C. Administration of 300 mg of ascorbic acid daily for 47 days significantly decreased the cholesterolemia. The effect of ascorbic acid was most pronounced in persons with hypercholesterolemia. In the control group not receiving ascorbic acid, the cholesterol levels showed no significant changes throughout the examined period. In the discussion it is assumed that mechanism of hypocholesterolemic effect of ascorbic acid is based on increasing catabolism of cholesterol by vitamin C.
A Method for Nutritional Support of Patients with Severe Renal Failure
Authors: Crim Marilyn Hooper , Calloway Doris Howes
Published: November 2008

Formulation of a complete nutritional program for severely diseased pediatric renal patients is described. The diet program is constructed to provide optimal nutrition without unnecessary excesses of nutrients which might result in byproduct accumulation in the blood. Particular attention is focused on vitamin and trace mineral needs of these patients. The dietary program consists of a palatable high calorie, low protein beverage that contains the macrominerals at levels approximately equivalent to the fecal and dermal losses under conditions of low sweat production, complete vitamin and trace mineral supplementation, and natural food supplements to complete the patients’ nutrient requirements. The macrominerals, protein, and water content of the diet may be modified easily to meet the needs of individual patients. The program may be particularly valuable for use in metabolic research units where strict control of dietary intakes is necessary.
Activités enzymatiques du foie et du tissu adipeux pendant le jeûne total ou le jeûne protéique et la réalimentation équilibrée ultérieure
Authors: Jomain Mireille , Loriette Claude , Macaire Isabelle
Published: November 2008

Activities of enzymes involved in glucose phosphorylation, glucokinase (EC 2.7.1.2.), hexokinase (EC 2.7.1.1.), glucose 6-phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.9.), and in NADPH production, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49), 6-phospho-gluconate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.44), NADP Malate-dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.40), were studied in rat liver and adipose tissue during fasting-refeeding and protein depletion-repletion. Fasting induced an increased activity of glucose-6-phosphatase and a sharp decrease in all other activities in both liver and adipose tissue hexokinase, dehydrogenases of the pentose shunt and NADP-Malate dehydrogenase. These activities have long been associated with adaptative hyperlipogenesis. In our experiments adaptation was more evident in liver than adipose tissue. On the other hand, protein-depletion alone did not change glucose availability or glucose 6-phosphatase activity. Protein repletion did not induce any hyperactivity of glucokinase, adipose tissue hexokinase, nor dehydrogenases, evidencing a lack of hyper-lipogenesis.
Liver Cholesterol Esters Composition in Guinea Pigs with Chronic Vitamin C Deficiency
Authors: Ginter E. , Ondreička R.
Published: November 2008

In the liver of male guinea pigs with chronic latent vitamin C deficiency an accumulation of cholesterol and changes in fatty acid composition of cholesterol esters were observed. The character of these changes depends on the fatty acid composition of food. Similar changes can be evoked in normal guinea pigs by giving them the same diets with an addition of 0.3% cholesterol. During cholesterol accumulation in the liver induced by hypovitaminosis C or the administration of exogenous cholesterol, liver cholesterol is esterified according to the composition of the fatty acid pool reflecting fatty acid composition of the diet.
Effects of Sulfur-Amino Acids and Choline on Vitamin B12-Deficient Rats
Authors: Edelstein S. , Guggenheim K.
Published: November 2008

Rats were fed a diet based on unheated soybean flour without vitamin B12 added. This diet leads to a depletion of vitamin B12 as evinced from a decrease in liver concentration of the vitamin and an increased urinary excretion of methylmalonic acid following a load of propionate. Urinary excretion of formiminoglutamic acid after a histidine load was likewise increased. Supplementation of this diet with either methionine or cysteine improved weight gain, increased liver level of vitamin B12 and decreased excretion of methylmalonic and formiminoglutamic acids. Choline raised liver vitamin B12 and decreased excretion of methylmalonic acid. Addition of both choline and methionine to the diet increased liver vitamin B12 more than choline or methionine alone and decreased excretion of formiminoglutamic acid more than choline alone.
Studies on Intermittent Supplementation
Authors: Ferro-Luzzi Anna , Migliaccio P.A. , Sorrentino Donatella , Mariani A.
Published: November 2008

A discontinuous casein supplementationat 24-hour intervals of an only-gluten diet was reported previously to result in an incomplete growth recovery, as well as a delayed liver-cell maturation when the protein level in the diet was 10%. When such a discontinuous supplementation was carried out at 14% protein level, the growth recovery was sufficient to ensure a practically normal terminal body weight; but a delay in liver-cell multiplication was found. Moreover, at both protein levels, the recovery rate on the day of supplementation appeared to depend on the level of nitrogen intake rather than on the balance existing between non-supplemented and supplemented diets. The effects of 24- and 48-hour intervals between successive casein supplements of a 30-percent only-gluten protein diet on growing rats have now been investigated. The results indicate that, at this artificially high protein level, the utilization of the dietary protein, as indicated by several criteria (PER, NGI, NPU), does not appear to be impaired by discontinuity in the supplementation, even when the intervals are as long as 48 h. The growth recovery is complete, and the carcass and liver composition values fall within the normal range. In the liver, at the cellular level, the results indicate a lack of interference with both the cell maturation and multiplication. In addition, the liver cell ability to ‘store’ nitrogen in high-protein diets appears unimpaired by discontinuity in supplementation under the conditions investigated in the present study.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Digestibility and Utilization of Proteins
Authors: Pronczuk A. , Pawlowska D. , Bartnik J.
Published: November 2008

Casein autoclaved with glucose during different times and baked cake were investigated for digestibility and utilization of protein. In feeding experiment (rats), digestibility of protein and its net utilization were determined. Urine was also fractionated on Sephadex G-25 gel for determination of α-amino nitrogen compounds according to their molecular weight. In vitro digestion tests (pepsin-pancreatin) were also carried out. The results of the study give evidence that the Maillard reaction products, although not completely digested, are absorbed to the body and then excreted with the urine.
Passage de la trypsine à travers la paroi intestinale de rat in vitro
Authors: Faudemay F. , Laporte J.C. , Trémolières J.
Published: November 2008

Rat intestines were either freed of their content and filled with a trypsin solution, or used as such, and then were incubated in oxygenated glucose Robinson medium at 37° C. Trypsin was found in the external medium in amounts increasing with time. This finding can only be explained by the fact that a part of the trypsin present inside the intestine crosses the intestinal wall. In both cases, migration was the same and relatively more important in fasting than in fed rats: after 2 h of incubation, 1/10 of the initial trypsin was found in the external medium in the first case, and 1/20 in the second case.
Long-Term Effects of Starvation-Refeeding in the Rat
Authors: Szepesi B. , Vegors R. , Michaelis IV O.E. , DeMouy J.M.
Published: November 2008

The effects of one vs. two episodes of starvation-refeeding were studied in young male rats as a function of elapsed time between the two episodes of starvation-refeeding. Starved-refed rats ate more and gained weight faster than ad libitum-fed rats. The difference in weight gains could be attributed to the greater amount of body fat in the starved-refed rats. The responses of four NADP-linked liver dehydrogenases:isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICD)/Ls-isocitrate:NADP oxidoreductase (decarboxylating) (EC 1.1.1.42), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)/D-glucose-6-phosphate:NADP oxidoreductase (EC 1.1.1.49); 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD)/6-phospho-D-gluconate:NADP oxidoreductase (decarboxylating) (EC 1.1.1.44); and malic enzyme (ME)/L-malate:NADP oxidoreductase (decarboxylating) (EC 1.1.1.40) were studied. Starvation-refeeding caused an overshoot of G6PD, 6PGD, and ME, but not of ICD. A second episode of starvation caused an even greater enzyme overshoot; this difference persisted for 3 weeks with G6PD and for 2 weeks with 6PGD and ME. No significant differences in blood cholesterol were detected.
Overexpression of Apolipoprotein F Reduces HDL Cholesterol Levels In Vivo
Authors: Lagor William R. , Brown Robert J. , Toh Sue-Anne , Millar John S. , Fuki Ilia V. , de la Llera-Moya Margarita , Yuen Tiffany , Rothblat George , Billheimer Jeffrey T. , Rader Daniel J.
Published: November 2008

Objective—

Apolipoprotein F (ApoF) is a protein component of several lipoprotein classes including HDL. It is also known as lipid transfer inhibitor protein (LTIP) based on its ability to inhibit lipid transfer between lipoproteins ex vivo. We sought to investigate the role of ApoF in HDL metabolism.

Methods and Results—

Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) based on serotype 8, were used to overexpress either murine or human ApoF in mice. Overexpression of murine ApoF significantly reduced total cholesterol levels by 28% (
P
<0.001), HDL by 27% (
P
<0.001), and phospholipid levels by 19% (
P
<0.001). Overexpression of human ApoF had similar effects. Human ApoF was nearly exclusively HDL-associated in mice. In agreement with this finding, greater than 90% of the ApoF in human plasma was found on HDL
3
, with only a small amount on LDL. Overexpression of mouse ApoF accelerated the plasma clearance of [
3
H]-cholesteryl ether labeled HDL. Plasma from mice overexpressing ApoF showed improved macrophage cholesterol efflux on a per HDL-C basis.

Conclusions—

ApoF overexpression reduces HDL cholesterol levels in mice by increasing clearance of HDL-CE. ApoF may be an important determinant of HDL metabolism and reverse cholesterol transport.
Soluble N-Cadherin Overexpression Reduces Features of Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability
Authors: Lyon Cressida A. , Johnson Jason L. , Williams Helen , Sala-Newby Graciela B. , George Sarah J.
Published: November 2008

Objectives—

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis contributes to atherosclerotic plaque instability and myocardial infarction. Consequently, reducing VSMC apoptosis may be beneficial for reducing plaque instability and acute coronary events. We previously demonstrated that N-cadherin, a cell-cell adhesion molecule, reduces VSMC apoptosis in vitro. In this study, we examined whether a soluble form of N-cadherin (SNC) affected VSMC apoptosis and plaque stability.

Methods and Results—

SNC significantly inhibited VSMC apoptosis in vitro by ≈50% via activation of fibroblast growth factor receptor, phosphoinositide-3 kinase, and Akt signaling. SNC also significantly reduced macrophage and foam cell-macrophage apoptosis in vitro by >50%, without affecting monocyte invasion or macrophage proliferation. Elevation of plasma levels of SNC in male apolipoprotein E-deficient mice with existing atherosclerosis via adenoviral delivery significantly reduced VSMC and macrophage apoptosis in brachiocephalic artery plaques by ≈60%. Additionally, SNC promoted plaques of a more stable phenotype by elevating VSMC:macrophage ratio and presence of VSMC-rich fibrous cap, as well as attenuating macrophage number and incidence of buried fibrous caps (a surrogate plaque rupture marker).

Conclusions—

In summary, this study demonstrates that SNC suppressed plaque instability by attenuation of apoptosis, suggesting that SNC may have a therapeutic potential for retarding plaque instability.
HDL Remodeling During the Acute Phase Response
Authors: Jahangiri Anisa , de Beer Maria C. , Noffsinger Victoria , Tannock Lisa R. , Ramaiah Chandrashekar , Webb Nancy R. , van der Westhuyzen Deneys R. , de Beer Frederick C.
Published: November 2008

Objective—

The purpose of this study was to examine the interactive action of serum amyloid A (SAA), group IIA secretory phospholipase A
2
(sPLA
2
-IIA), and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) on HDL remodeling and cholesterol efflux during the acute phase (AP) response elicited in humans after cardiac surgery.

Methods and Results—

Plasma was collected from patients before (pre-AP), 24 hours after (AP-1 d), and 5 days after cardiac surgery (AP-5 d). SAA levels were increased 16-fold in AP-1 d samples. The activity of sPLA
2
-IIA was increased from 77.7±38.3 U/mL (pre-AP) to 281.4±57.1 U/mL (AP-1 d;
P
<0.001). CETP mass and activity reduction was commensurate to the reduction of HDL cholesterol levels. The combined action of SAA, sPLA
2
-IIA, and CETP in vitro markedly remodeled HDL with the generation of lipid-poor apoA-I from both pre-AP and AP-1 d HDL. The net result of this remodeling was a relative preservation of ABCA1- and ABCG1-dependent cholesterol efflux during the acute phase response.

Conclusions—

Our results show that the many and complex changes in plasma proteins during the acute phase response markedly remodel HDL with functional implications, particularly the relative retention of cholesterol efflux capacity.
Ecto-5′ Nucleotidase (CD73)-Mediated Adenosine Generation and Signaling in Murine Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy
Authors: Hasegawa Tomomi , Bouïs Diane , Liao Hui , Visovatti Scott H. , Pinsky David J.
Published: November 2008

Ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73) catalyzes the terminal phosphohydrolysis of 5′-adenosine monophosphate and is widely expressed on endothelial cells where it regulates barrier function. Because it is also expressed on lymphocytes, we hypothesized that it modulates vascular immune regulation under homeostatic conditions and dysregulation under stress conditions such as cardiac allotransplantation. In a heterotopic cardiac allotransplantation model, CD73 deficiency in either donors or recipients resulted in decreased graft survival and the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy, suggesting a contribution of CD73 on both graft-resident and circulating cells in vasculopathy pathogenesis. Vascular perturbations incited by lack of CD73 included loss of graft barrier function and diminished graft expression of the A
2B
adenosine receptor (A
2B
AR), with a concordant exacerbation of the acute inflammatory and immune responses. The importance of CD73 in modulating endothelial–lymphocyte interaction was further demonstrated in allomismatched in vitro coculture experiments. Either genetic deletion or pharmacological blockade of CD73 increased transendothelial lymphocyte migration and inflammatory responses, suggesting that CD73 plays a critical role to suppress transendothelial leukocyte trafficking through its enzymatic activity. In addition, antagonism of A
2B
AR caused a significant increase in vascular leakage, and agonism of A
2B
AR resulted in marked prolongation of graft survival and suppression of cardiac allograft vasculopathy development. These data suggest a new paradigm in which phosphohydrolysis of adenosine monophosphate by CD73 on graft-resident or circulating cells diminishes transendothelial leukocyte trafficking and mitigates inflammatory and immune sequelae of cardiac transplantation via the A
2B
AR.
MEKK3 Initiates Transforming Growth Factor β
2
–Dependent Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition During Endocardial Cushion Morphogenesis
Authors: Stevens Mark V. , Broka Derrick M. , Parker Patti , Rogowitz Elisa , Vaillancourt Richard R. , Camenisch Todd D.
Published: November 2008

Congenital heart defects occur at a rate of 5% and are the most prevalent birth defects. A better understanding of the complex signaling networks regulating heart development is necessary to improve repair strategies for congenital heart defects. The mitogen-activated protein 3 kinase (MEKK3) is important to early embryogenesis, but developmental processes affected by MEKK3 during heart morphogenesis have not been fully examined. We identify MEKK3 as a critical signaling molecule during endocardial cushion development. We report the detection of MEKK3 transcripts to embryonic hearts before, during, and after cardiac cushion cells have executed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). MEKK3 is observed to endocardial cells of the cardiac cushions with a diminishing gradient of expression into the cushions. These observations suggest that MEKK3 may function during production of cushion mesenchyme as required for valvular development and septation of the heart. We used a kinase inactive form of MEKK3 (MEKK3
KI
) in an in vitro assay that recapitulates in vivo EMT and show that MEKK3
KI
attenuates mesenchyme formation. Conversely, constitutively active MEKK3 (ca-MEKK3) triggers mesenchyme production in ventricular endocardium, a tissue that does not normally undergo EMT. MEKK3-driven mesenchyme production is further substantiated by increased expression of EMT-relevant genes, including TGFβ
2
, Has2, and periostin. Furthermore, we show that MEKK3 stimulates EMT via a TGFβ
2
-dependent mechanism. Thus, the activity of MEKK3 is sufficient for developmental EMT in the heart. This knowledge provides a basis to understand how MEKK3 integrates signaling cascades activating endocardial cushion EMT.
Dysregulated RANK Ligand/RANK Axis in Hyperhomocysteinemic Subjects
Authors: Nenseter Marit S. , Ueland Thor , Retterstøl Kjetil , Strøm Ellen , Mørkrid Lars , Landaas Sverre , Ose Leiv , Aukrust Pål , Holven Kirsten B.
Published: November 2008

Background and Purpose—

Homocysteine has been linked to increased risk of ischemic stroke and other cardiovascular events. Matrix degradation and inflammation play an important role in these disorders, and we have demonstrated increased levels of matrix-degrading enzymes and inflammatory cytokines in hyperhomocysteinemic individuals. Recent studies suggest that RANK ligand (RANKL) through interaction with its receptor RANK can modulate matrix degradation and inflammation. The present study aimed to examine the role of the RANKL/RANK axis in hyperhomocystinemia.

Methods—

RANKL/RANK was measured on protein or mRNA level before and after B-vitamin supplementation in hyperhomocysteinemic individuals. We also examined the in vitro effects of soluble RANKL in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from hyperhomocysteinemic individuals.

Results—

Our main findings were: (1) compared to peripheral blood mononuclear cells from controls, cells from hyperhomocysteinemic individuals had significantly higher gene expression of RANKL and RANK; (2) folic acid treatment for 6 weeks in an open, uncontrolled study significantly reduced gene expression of RANKL/RANK in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from these individuals; (3) compared to placebo, treatment with folic acid, vitamin B
12
, and vitamin B
6
for 3 months in a randomized, double-blind trial significantly lowered serum levels of soluble RANKL in hyperhomocysteinemic individuals; and (4) in vitro, soluble RANKL markedly increased the release of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and inflammatory cytokines from peripheral blood mononuclear cells in hyperhomocysteinemic subjects.

Conclusions—

Our findings suggest a dysregulated RANKL/RANK axis in hyperhomocysteinemic subjects. Based on their role in atherogenesis, this enhanced expression of RANKL and RANK could contribute to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in hyperhomocystinemia. Moreover, treatment with B-vitamins may have beneficial implications for plaque stability in these individuals.
Manhood, Race, Failure, and Reconciliation: Charles Francis Adams Jr. and the American Civil War
Authors: DeGruccio Michael
Published: November 2008

This narrative about Charles Francis Adams Jr. sheds light on the intersections among manhood, race, failure, and self-making in the Civil War era. Adams's obsession with the plight of blacks was entangled with his own confusion about white men's control over their destinies-that is, about who properly qualified for membership in a “republic of ‘self-made men.’”
The Courage to Speak and Hear the Truth: Sympathy and Genuine Human Contact in Harriet Beecher Stowe's The Minister's Wooing
Authors: Noble Marianne
Published: November 2008

This article argues that in The Minister's Wooing, Stowe analyzes the conditions under which sympathy enables the experience of genuine human contact. Like contemporary relational psychoanalytic theorists, Stowe posits that true sympathy, marked by conflict and blunt speech, precedes empathic identification. Because Puritanism authorizes both, it has important, though qualified, psychological benefits.
Convectively Coupled Equatorial Waves in High-Resolution Hadley Centre Climate Models
Authors: Yang Gui-Ying , Slingo Julia , Hoskins Brian
Published: November 2008

A methodology for diagnosing convectively coupled equatorial waves is applied to output from two high-resolution versions of atmospheric models, the Hadley Centre Atmospheric Model, version 3 (HadAM3), and the new Hadley Centre Global Atmospheric Model, version 1 (HadGAM1), which have fundamental differences in dynamical formulation. Variability, horizontal and vertical structures, and propagation characteristics of tropical convection and equatorial waves, along with their coupled behavior in the models, are examined and evaluated against a previous comprehensive study of observed convectively coupled equatorial waves using the 15-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-15) and satellite observed data. The extent to which the models are able to represent the coupled waves found in real atmospheric observations is investigated. It is shown that, in general, the models perform well for equatorial waves coupled with off-equatorial convection. However, they perform poorly for waves coupled with equatorial convection. Convection in both models contains much-reduced variance in equatorial regions, but reasonable off-equatorial variance.

The models fail to simulate coupling of the waves with equatorial convection and the tendency for equatorial convection to appear in the region of wave-enhanced near-surface westerlies. In addition, the simulated Kelvin wave and its associated convection generally tend to have lower frequency and slower phase speed than that observed. The models are also not able to capture the observed vertical tilt structure and signatures of energy conversion in the Kelvin wave, particularly in HadAM3. On the other hand, models perform better in simulating westward-moving waves coupled with off-equatorial convection, in terms of horizontal and vertical structures, zonal propagation, and energy conversion signals. In most cases both models fail to simulate well a key picture emerging from the observations, that some wave modes in the lower troposphere can act as a forcing agent for equatorial convection, and that the upper-tropospheric waves generally appear to be forced by the convection both on and off the equator.
Two Faces of Organizational Irony: Endemic and Pragmatic
Authors: Hoyle Eric , Wallace Mike
Published: November 2008

This paper puts forward a perspective on organizational irony framed in terms of two reciprocal faces, as a contribution to the developing interest in irony as a tool for organizational analysis. Endemic irony explores theoretical approaches implying that irony is a characteristic of all organizations, extended by contingent manifestations in contemporary organizations. Pragmatic irony conceptualizes how organization members engage in ironic strategies and deploy verbal irony as modes of coping — with both endemic discrepancies between intention and outcome, and contingent contradictions generated through major change efforts. This perspective is offered as a heuristic for exploring organizations whose members are inherently confronted by irony. First, those philosophical, literary and organization theory approaches to irony are reviewed which relate most closely to organizational irony. Second, the endemic nature of organizational irony is elaborated. Third, distinctive manifestations of irony in contemporary organizations that extend endemic irony are discussed. Fourth, instances of pragmatic irony in contemporary organizations, conceived as the reciprocal of endemic irony, are explored. Finally, the value of an ironic perspective as a means of understanding organizations is asserted and suggestions offered for future theory-building and research.
Paired Opposites
Authors: Yarrow Thomas
Published: November 2008

■ Over the past two decades, anthropological studies have highlighted the ways in which overtly progressive ideas of `development' have been used, paradoxically, to consolidate inequality and perpetuate poverty on a global scale. Such critiques have fed into a wider `postmodern challenge' which has importantly questioned previously held assumptions about development. However, this prevailing critical approach has led to a number of problems. In particular the deconstruction of development discourse has unwittingly re-inscribed many of the binary oppositions it seeks to overcome, without appreciating the complex ways in which development workers employ these. Moreover, a critical impulse to uncover what development practice `hides' focuses attention away from the ideas and practices that development practitioners actively privilege. In this article I argue that it is necessary to go beyond a critical, deconstructive approach in order to appreciate the socially and discursively complex ways in which development workers employ such oppositions. Through an ethnographic account focusing on how oppositions between `local' and `global' and `policy' and `practice' are used to frame a variety of development interventions in Ghana, I outline the mobile ways in which such oppositions are deployed and highlight the diverse ideas and agendas that they are used to articulate.
The Midianite-Kenite Hypothesis Revisited and the Origins of Judah
Authors: Blenkinsopp Joseph
Published: November 2008

The Kenite, or Midianite-Kenite, hypothesis about the origins of the cult of Yahweh first came into prominence in the late nineteenth century. It rests on four bases: an interpretation of the biblical texts dealing with the Midianite connections of Moses, allusions in ancient poetic compositions to the original residence of Yahweh, Egyptian topographical texts from the fourteenth to the twelfth century, and Cain as the eponymous ancestor of the Kenites. This article discusses the implications of the hypothesis for the ethnic origins of Judah.
Jonah's Transformation and Transformation of Jonah from the Bakhtinian Perspective of Authoring and Re-authoring
Authors: Sung Uk Lim
Published: November 2008

This article explores the transformation of both the character of Jonah and the text of Jonah, especially in ch. 2, from the Bakhtinian perspective of (re-)authoring. Bakhtin's concept of authoring shows that the disobedient Jonah is transformed into an obedient prophet in ch. 2 in his understanding of God and himself. Simultaneously, Bakhtin's notion of re-authoring reveals that the book of Jonah has been transformed in the history of Bible translation as seen in the Masoretic Text, Septuagint, and Vulgate.
Governance, Globalization, and Political Economy
Authors: Sumner Jennifer
Published: November 2008

The concept of governance has become increasingly popular over the past 15 years signifying its growing acceptance in a number of key sectors of society. Is governance a neutral term that is merely a synonym for government, or does it signify a shift to neoliberalism? Working from a political-economy perspective, this article will explore the concept of governance, link it to the broader concept of globalization, and examine how it can affect the field of adult education using Canadian examples. Depending on the values-orientation chosen, governance, globalization, and adult education can contribute to a society that questions the pretensions of organized power while building the public good.
Alternate Assessments of Modified Achievement Standards
Authors: Elliott Stephen N. , Kettler Ryan J. , Roach Andrew T.
Published: November 2008

Amendments to the No Child Left Behind Act allow for a portion of students with disabilities within each state to be tested via an alternate assessment based on modified achievement standards, and as a result, the performance of 2% or slightly more of these students can be reported as proficient for purposes of adequate yearly progress. This policy calls for tests composed of easier items in the same content areas as a state's general achievement test and for guidelines for identifying eligible students with disabilities who have persistent academic difficulties. Promising methods for reducing the difficulty of test items without underrepresenting the target construct include simplifying language, removing incorrect answer choices, bolding key words, and making graphics clearer. The policy also allows for distinct performance criteria (proficiency standards) and associated cut scores for interpreting the results of these tests to be established. Consequences for each of these changes are hypothesized within the context of better measurement of student achievement, inclusive assessment practices, and state accountability systems.
Evaluation Concerns and the Köhler Effect
Authors: Lount Robert B. , Park Ernest S. , Kerr Norbert L. , Messé Lawrence A. , Seok Dong-Heon
Published: November 2008

This study examined whether increasing evaluation concerns would increase the magnitude of the Köhler effect (i.e., one type of motivation gain that has been documented to occur in small groups). Evaluation concerns were manipulated by having participants work in the physical presence or virtual presence of their coworker. As anticipated, motivation gains were significantly greater for participants who worked in the physical presence of their coworker. These results suggest that evaluation concerns can potentially increase the magnitude of the Köhler effect. Furthermore, the findings have implications for practitioners and researchers interested in the differential impact that face-to-face and virtual mediums have on motivation in groups or teams.
Let’s Talk about “Us”
Authors: Thomas Robyn , Tienari Janne , Davies Annette , Meriläinen Susan
Published: November 2008

In this article, we reflect on our experiences of collaborative working in a cross-cultural research team. We reflexively interrogate the construction of the univocal “we” that is expressed in our dissemination of the research findings. We show how cross-cultural collaborative research brings into sharp relief underlying complex culturally and theoretically determined patterns of thinking within the research team that may otherwise remain unquestioned. We conclude by considering the power dynamics within collaborative research, arguing for greater critical reflection by research members at all stages of the research engagement.