bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired Stimulatory Effect of ETB Receptor on D3 Receptor in Immortalized Renal Proximal Tubule Cells of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Zhang Ye , Fu Chunjiang , Ren Hongmei , He Duofen , Wang Xukai , Asico Laureano D. , Jose Pedro A. , Zeng Chunyu
Published: January 2011

Background: Activation of renal D3 receptor induces natriuresis and diuresis in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats; in the presence of ETB receptor antagonist, the natriuretic effect of D3 receptor in WKY rats is reduced. We hypothesize that ETB receptor activation may regulate D3 receptor expression in renal proximal tubule (RPT) cells from WKY rats, which is impaired in RPT cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Methods: D3 receptor expression was determined by immunoblotting; the D3/ETB receptor linkage was checked by coimmunoprecipitation; Na+-K+-ATPase activity was determined as the rate of inorganic phosphate released in the presence or absence of ouabain. Results: In RPT cells from WKY rats, the ETB receptor agonist BQ3020 increased D3 receptor protein. In contrast, in RPT cells from SHRs, BQ3020 did not increase D3 receptor. There was coimmunoprecipitation between D3 and ETB receptors in RPT cells from WKY and SHRs. Activation of ETB receptor increased D3/ETB coimmunoprecipitation in RPT cells from WKY rats, but not from SHRs. The basal levels of D3/ETB receptor coimmunoprecipitation were greater in RPT cells from WKY rats than in those from SHRs. Stimulation of D3 receptor inhibited Na+-K+-ATPase activity, which was augmented by the pretreatment with the ETB receptor agonist BQ3020 in WKY RPT cells, but not in SHR RPT cells. Conclusion: ETB receptors regulate and physically interact with D3 receptors differently in WKY rats and SHRs. The impaired natriuretic effect in SHRs may be, in part, related to impaired ETB and D3 receptor interactions.
Blocking the NOTCH Pathway Inhibits Vascular Inflammation in Large-Vessel Vasculitis
Authors: Piggott Kisha , Deng Jiusheng , Warrington Kenneth , Younge Brian , Kubo Jessica T. , Desai Manisha , Goronzy Jörg J. , Weyand Cornelia M.
Published: January 2011

Background—

Giant cell arteritis is a granulomatous vasculitis of the aorta and its branches that causes blindness, stroke, and aortic aneurysm. CD4 T cells are key pathogenic regulators, instructed by vessel wall dendritic cells to differentiate into vasculitic T cells. The unique pathways driving this dendritic cell–T-cell interaction are incompletely understood, but may provide novel therapeutic targets for a disease in which the only established therapy is long-term treatment with high doses of corticosteroids.

Methods and Results—

Immunohistochemical and gene expression analyses of giant cell arteritis-affected temporal arteries revealed abundant expression of the NOTCH receptor and its ligands, Jagged1 and Delta1. Cleavage of the NOTCH intracellular domain in wall-infiltrating T cells indicated ongoing NOTCH pathway activation in large-vessel vasculitis. NOTCH activation did not occur in small-vessel vasculitis affecting branches of the vasa vasorum tree. We devised 2 strategies to block NOTCH pathway activation: γ-secretase inhibitor treatment, preventing nuclear translocation of the NOTCH intracellular domain, and competing for receptor-ligand interactions through excess soluble ligand, Jagged1-Fc. In a humanized mouse model, NOTCH pathway disruption had strong immunosuppressive effects, inhibiting T-cell activation in the early and established phases of vascular inflammation. NOTCH inhibition was particularly effective in downregulating Th17 responses, but also markedly suppressed Th1 responses.

Conclusions—

Blocking NOTCH signaling depleted T cells from the vascular infiltrates, implicating NOTCH- NOTCH ligand interactions in regulating T-cell retention and survival in vessel wall inflammation. Modulating the NOTCH signaling cascade emerges as a promising new strategy for immunosuppressive therapy of large-vessel vasculitis.
Antihypertensive Treatment and Change in Blood Pressure Are Associated With the Progression of White Matter Lesion Volumes
Authors: Godin Ophélia , Tzourio Christophe , Maillard Pauline , Mazoyer Bernard , Dufouil Carole
Published: January 2011

Background—

Blood pressure (BP) is recognized as a major risk factor for white matter lesions (WMLs), but longitudinal data are scarce, and there is insufficient evidence for the benefit of antihypertensive therapy on WML progression. We studied the relationship between BP change and WML volume progression over time in a sample of 1319 elderly individuals who had 2 cerebral magnetic resonance imaging examinations 4 years apart. We also examined the impact of antihypertensive treatment on WML progression.

Methods and Results—

Subjects were participants from the Three-City (3C)–Dijon Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study, a prospective population-based cohort of elderly ≥65 years of age. WML volumes and their progression were estimated with the use of a fully automatic procedure. We performed ANCOVA models first to assess the association between BP change and WML progression and second to estimate the relation between antihypertensive treatment and WML load progression. Baseline and change in BP were significant predictors of higher WML progression over time after controlling for potential confounders. Among subjects with high SBP (≥160 mm Hg) at baseline not treated by antihypertensive medication, antihypertensive treatment started within 2 years was related to a smaller increase in WML volume at a 4-year follow-up (0.24 cm
3
; SE=0.44 cm
3
) than no hypertensive treatment (1.60 cm
3
; SE=0.26 cm
3
;
P
=0.0008) on multivariable modeling.

Conclusions—

Our findings reinforce the hypothesis that hypertension is a strong predictor of WML and that adequate treatment may reduce the course of WML progression. Because WMLs are linked to both dementia and stroke risks, these results could have implications for future preventive trials.
A Murine Model of Isolated Cardiac Steatosis Leads to Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Glenn Denis J. , Wang Feng , Nishimoto Minobu , Cruz Michelle C. , Uchida Yoshikazu , Holleran Walter M. , Zhang Yan , Yeghiazarians Yerem , Gardner David G.
Published: January 2011

Lipid accumulation in the heart is associated with obesity and diabetes mellitus and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of heart failure seen in this patient population. Stored triglycerides are synthesized by the enzyme diacylglycerol acyl transferase (DGAT). We hypothesized that forced expression of DGAT1 in the cardiac myocyte would result in increased lipid accumulation and heart dysfunction. A cardiac myocyte–selective DGAT1 transgenic mouse was created and demonstrated increased lipid accumulation in the absence of hyperglycemia, plasma dyslipidemia or differences in body weight. Over time, expression of DGAT1 in the heart resulted in the development of a significant cardiomyopathy. Echocardiography revealed diastolic dysfunction with increased early mitral inflow velocity to late mitral inflow velocity ratio and decreased deceleration time, suggesting a restrictive pattern in the transgenic mice. Moderate systolic dysfunction was also seen at 52 weeks. Histological analysis showed increased cardiac fibrosis and increased expression of procollagen type 1A, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 2 in the transgenic mice. Mitochondrial biogenesis was reduced in the transgenic hearts, as was expression of cytochrome
c
oxidase 1 and cytochrome
c
. Expression of key transcription factors important in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis were reduced. These findings suggest that triglyceride accumulation, in the absence of systemic metabolic derangement, results in cardiac dysfunction and decreased mitochondrial biogenesis.
Glucocorticoid-Induced Fetal Programming Alters the Functional Complement of Angiotensin Receptor Subtypes Within the Kidney
Authors: Gwathmey TanYa M. , Shaltout Hossam A. , Rose James C. , Diz Debra I. , Chappell Mark C.
Published: January 2011

We examined the impact of fetal programming on the functional responses of renal angiotensin receptors. Fetal sheep were exposed in utero to betamethasone (BMX; 0.17 mg/kg) or control (CON) at 80 to 81 days gestation with full-term delivery. Renal nuclear and plasma membrane fractions were isolated from sheep age 1.0 to 1.5 years for receptor binding and fluorescence detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or nitric oxide (NO). Mean arterial blood pressure and blood pressure variability were significantly higher in the BMX-exposed adult offspring versus CON sheep. The proportion of nuclear AT
1
receptors sensitive to losartan was 2-fold higher (67±6% vs 27±9%;
P
<0.01) in BMX compared with CON. In contrast, the proportion of AT
2
sites was only one third that of controls (BMX, 25±11% vs CON, 78±4%;
P
<0.01), with a similar reduction in sites sensitive to the Ang-(1-7) antagonist D-Ala7-Ang-(1-7) with BMX exposure. Functional studies revealed that Ang II stimulated ROS to a greater extent in BMX than in CON sheep (16±3% vs 6±4%;
P
<0.05); however, NO production to Ang II was attenuated in BMX (26±7% vs 82±14%;
P
<0.05). BMX exposure was also associated with a reduction in the Ang-(1-7) NO response (75±8% vs 131±26%;
P
<0.05). We conclude that altered expression of angiotensin receptor subtypes may be one mechanism whereby functional changes in NO- and ROS-dependent signaling pathways may favor the sustained increase in blood pressure evident in fetal programming.
Neuronal Responses Below Firing Threshold for Subthreshold Cross-Modal Enhancement
Authors: Hoshino Osamu
Published: January 2011

Multisensory integration (such as somatosensation-vision, gustation-olfaction) could occur even between subthreshold stimuli that in isolation do not reach perceptual awareness. For example, when a somatosensory (subthreshold) stimulus is delivered within a close spatiotemporal congruency, a visual (subthreshold) stimulus evokes a visual percept. Cross-modal enhancement of visual perception is maximal when the somatosensory stimulation precedes the visual one by tens of milliseconds. This rapid modulatory response would not be consistent with a top-down mechanism acting through higher-order multimodal cortical areas, but rather a direct interaction between lower-order unimodal areas. To elucidate the neuronal mechanisms of subthreshold cross-modal enhancement, we simulated a neural network model. In the model, lower unimodal (X, Y) and higher multimodal (M) networks are reciprocally connected by bottom-up and top-down axonal projections. The lower networks are laterally connected with each other. A pair of stimuli was presented to the lower networks, whose respective intensities were too weak to induce salient neuronal activity (population response) when presented alone. Neurons of the Y network were slightly depolarized below firing threshold when a cross-modal stimulus was presented alone to the X network. This allowed the Y network to make a rapid (within tens of milliseconds) population response when presented with a subsequent congruent stimulus. The reaction speed of the Y network was accelerated, provided that the top-down projections were strengthened. We suggest that a subthreshold (nonpopulation) response to a cross-modal stimulus, acting through interaction between lower (primary unisensory) areas, may be essential for a rapid suprathreshold (population) response to a congruent stimulus that follows. Top-down influences on cross-modal enhancement may be faster than expected, accelerating reaction speed to input, in which ongoing-spontaneous subthreshold excitation of lower-order unimodal cells by higher-order multimodal cells may play an active role.
Quantifying Neurotransmission Reliability Through Metrics-Based Information Analysis
Authors: Brasselet Romain , Johansson Roland S. , Arleo Angelo
Published: January 2011

We set forth an information-theoretical measure to quantify neurotransmission reliability while taking into full account the metrical properties of the spike train space. This parametric information analysis relies on similarity measures induced by the metrical relations between neural responses as spikes flow in. Thus, in order to assess the entropy, the conditional entropy, and the overall information transfer, this method does not require any a priori decoding algorithm to partition the space into equivalence classes. It therefore allows the optimal parameters of a class of distances to be determined with respect to information transmission. To validate the proposed information-theoretical approach, we study precise temporal decoding of human somatosensory signals recorded using microneurography experiments. For this analysis, we employ a similarity measure based on the Victor-Purpura spike train metrics. We show that with appropriate parameters of this distance, the relative spike times of the mechanoreceptors’ responses convey enough information to perform optimal discrimination—defined as maximum metrical information and zero conditional entropy—of 81 distinct stimuli within 40 ms of the first afferent spike. The proposed information-theoretical measure proves to be a suitable generalization of Shannon mutual information in order to consider the metrics of temporal codes explicitly. It allows neurotransmission reliability to be assessed in the presence of large spike train spaces (e.g., neural population codes) with high temporal precision.
Effects of Multiplicative Power Law Neural Noise in Visual Information Processing
Authors: Medina José M.
Published: January 2011

The human visual system is intrinsically noisy. The benefits of internal noise as part of visual code are controversial. Here the information-theoretic properties of multiplicative (i.e. signal-dependent) neural noise are investigated. A quasi-linear communication channel model is presented. The model shows that multiplicative power law neural noise promotes the minimum information transfer after efficient coding. It is demonstrated that Weber's law and the human contrast sensitivity function arise on the basis of minimum transfer of information and power law neural noise. The implications of minimum information transfer in self-organized neural networks and weakly coupled neurons are discussed.
Expectation Propagation with Factorizing Distributions: A Gaussian Approximation and Performance Results for Simple Models
Authors: Ribeiro Fabiano , Opper Manfred
Published: January 2011

We discuss the expectation propagation (EP) algorithm for approximate Bayesian inference using a factorizing posterior approximation. For neural network models, we use a central limit theorem argument to make EP tractable when the number of parameters is large. For two types of models, we show that EP can achieve optimal generalization performance when data are drawn from a simple distribution.
Kissinger, China, Congress, and the Lost Chance for Cambodia
Authors: Connolly Chris
Published: January 2011

Henry Kissinger has been persistent in his claim that the U.S. Congress's failure to adequately supply South Vietnam was the ultimate cause of its collapse in 1975 – a claim many historians dispute. An incident that has received less attention is the role of Congress in terminating a potential negotiated settlement of the civil war in Cambodia by imposing a halt of U.S. bombing there in the summer of 1973. This article demonstrates that in this case, Kissinger's claims are not without foundation. Although the conclusions are tentative without the full Chinese record, the evidence suggests that terminating U.S. military operations in Cambodia fatally undermined Chinese efforts to negotiate the removal of Lon Nol as Cambodian head of state and the establishment of a coalition government involving the Khmer Rouge but with Sihanouk at its head.
At the Mall With Children: Group Size and Pedestrian Economy of Movement
Authors: Jazwinski Christine H. , Walcheski Christina H.
Published: January 2011

The study of pedestrian locomotion in public environments includes both velocity and trajectory of movement. Within public settings such as shopping malls, pedestrians display economy of movement by minimizing the distance (trajectory) walked to arrive at a destination (Bitgood & Dukes, 2006). Although groups of pedestrians have been found to walk more slowly than individuals (Finnis & Walton, 2008), there has been little systematic investigation of how the size of a group and the presence of accompanying children independently affect pedestrian trajectory and velocity. Five naturalistic observational studies with 1,050 observations were conducted at an enclosed retail shopping mall. Neither the size of groups nor the number of children had a significant effect on trajectory of movement. However, both group size and number of children independently predicted pedestrian velocity. Results have implications for predictions of pedestrian facility throughput.
Limitations in Bonding to Dentin and Experimental Strategies to Prevent Bond Degradation
Authors: Liu Y. , Tjäderhane L. , Breschi L. , Mazzoni A. , Li N. , Mao J. , Pashley D.H. , Tay F.R.
Published: January 2011

The limited durability of resin-dentin bonds severely compromises the lifetime of tooth-colored restorations. Bond degradation occurs via hydrolysis of suboptimally polymerized hydrophilic resin components and degradation of water-rich, resin-sparse collagen matrices by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteine cathepsins. This review examined data generated over the past three years on five experimental strategies developed by different research groups for extending the longevity of resin-dentin bonds. They include: (1) increasing the degree of conversion and esterase resistance of hydrophilic adhesives; (2) the use of broad-spectrum inhibitors of collagenolytic enzymes, including novel inhibitor functional groups grafted to methacrylate resins monomers to produce anti-MMP adhesives; (3) the use of cross-linking agents for silencing the activities of MMP and cathepsins that irreversibly alter the 3-D structures of their catalytic/allosteric domains; (4) ethanol wet-bonding with hydrophobic resins to completely replace water from the extrafibrillar and intrafibrillar collagen compartments and immobilize the collagenolytic enzymes; and (5) biomimetic remineralization of the water-filled collagen matrix using analogs of matrix proteins to progressively replace water with intrafibrillar and extrafibrillar apatites to exclude exogenous collagenolytic enzymes and fossilize endogenous collagenolytic enzymes. A combination of several of these strategies should result in overcoming the critical barriers to progress currently encountered in dentin bonding.
Are Women More Influenced than Men by Top-down Semantic Information When Listening to Disrupted Speech?
Authors: Liederman Jacqueline , Gilbert Kristen , Fisher Janet McGraw , Mathews Geetha , Frye Richard E. , Joshi Pallavi
Published: January 2011

Perception is a product of the interaction between bottom-up sensory processing and top-down higher order cognitive activity. For example, when the initial phoneme of a word is obliterated and replaced with noise, listeners hear it as intact provided there is semantic context. We modified this phonemic restoration paradigm by masking (not obliterating) the initial phoneme of a target word and presenting it within a carrier phrase which was informative (I), uninformative (U), or misinformative (M). Bias in favor of top-down context was measured as the extent to which M trials mislead listeners into reporting a target word other than that which was presented (relative to U trials that have irrelevant top-down semantic context). Forty-one participants (20 men) completed 600 test trials (300 delayed report of the phrase, 300 forced choice). Relative to the U condition, women were more affected by both the I and M cues than men, at certain levels of audibility during the forced choice condition. Moreover, the semantic strength of the I carrier phrases was correlated with the rate of correct reports of the target words in women but not in men. This suggests that women can be more affected by top-down semantic context than men.
Speaker Age and Vowel Perception
Authors: Drager Katie
Published: January 2011

Recent research provides evidence that individuals shift in their perception of variants depending on social characteristics attributed to the speaker. This paper reports on a speech perception experiment designed to test the degree to which the age attributed to a speaker influences the perception of vowels undergoing a chain shift. As a result of the shift, speakers from different generations produce different variants from one another. Results from the experiment indicate that a speaker’s perceived age can influence vowel categorization in the expected direction. However, only older participants are influenced by perceived speaker age. This suggests that social characteristics attributed to a speaker affect speech perception differently depending on the salience of the relationship between the variant and the characteristic. The results also provide evidence of an unexpected interaction between the sex of the participant and the sex of the stimulus. The interaction is interpreted as an effect of the participants’ previous exposure with male and female speakers.The results are analyzed under an exemplar model of speech production and perception where social information is indexed to acoustic information and the weight of the connection varies depending on the perceived salience of sociophonetic trends.
Acoustic Markers of Prominence Influence Infants’ and Adults’ Segmentation of Speech Sequences
Authors: Bion Ricardo A. H. , Benavides-Varela Silvia , Nespor Marina
Published: January 2011

Two experiments investigated the way acoustic markers of prominence influence the grouping of speech sequences by adults and 7-month-old infants. In the first experiment, adults were familiarized with and asked to memorize sequences of adjacent syllables that alternated in either pitch or duration. During the test phase, participants heard pairs of syllables with constant pitch and duration and were asked whether the syllables had appeared adjacently during familiarization. Adults were better at remembering pairs of syllables that during familiarization had short syllables preceding long syllables, or high-pitched syllables preceding low-pitched syllables. In the second experiment, infants were familiarized and tested with similar stimuli as in the first experiment, and their preference for pairs of syllables was accessed using the head-turn preference paradigm. When familiarized with syllables alternating in pitch, infants showed a preference to listen to pairs of syllables that had high pitch in the first syllable. However, no preference was found when the familiarization stream alternated in duration. It is proposed that these perceptual biases help infants and adults find linguistic units in the continuous speech stream. While the bias for grouping based on pitch appears early in development, biases for durational grouping might rely on more extensive linguistic experience.
Explanations of Meaningful Actions
Authors: Mantzavinos C.
Published: January 2011

There is a long tradition in philosophy and the social sciences that emphasizes the meaningfulness of human action. This tradition doubts or even negates the possibility of causal explanations of human action precisely on the basis that human actions have meaning. This article provides an argument in favor of methodological naturalism in the social sciences. It grants the main argument of the Interpretivists, that is, that human actions are meaningful, but it shows how a transformation of a “nexus of meaning” into a “causal nexus” can take place, proposing the “successful transformation argument.”
Multiple Sources of Nonobservation Error in Telephone Surveys: Coverage and Nonresponse
Authors: Peytchev Andy , Carley-Baxter Lisa R. , Black Michele C.
Published: January 2011

Random digit dialed telephone surveys are facing two serious problems undermining probability-based inference and creating a potential for bias in survey estimates: declining response rates and declining coverage of the landline telephone frame. Optimum survey designs need to focus reduction techniques on errors that cannot be addressed through statistical adjustment. This requires (a) separating and estimating the relative magnitude of different error sources and (b) evaluating the degree to which each error source can be statistically adjusted. In this study, the authors found significant differences in means both for nonrespondents and for the eligible population excluded from the landline frame, which are also in opposite directions. Differences were also found for element variances and associations, which can affect survey results but are rarely examined. Adjustments were somewhat effective in decreasing both sources of bias, although addressing at least one through data collection led to less bias in the adjusted estimates.
Attributions for Inconsistencies Between Online and Offline Self-Presentations
Authors: DeAndrea David C. , Walther Joseph B.
Published: January 2011

This study investigated how people make sense of self-portrayals in social media that are inconsistent with impressions formed through other interpersonal interactions. The research focused on how inconsistent online information affects interpersonal impressions and how motivation to manage impressions influences the types of attributions that actors and observers make for the misleading online behavior. Results show that the relationship between observer and the target influences evaluations of online/offline inconsistencies: Subjects rated the inconsistencies of acquaintances as more intentionally misleading, more hypocritical, and less trustworthy relative to the inconsistencies of friends. In addition, the types of attributions people made for online behavior depended on the perspective of the person providing the explanation: People explained their own online behavior more favorably than the online behavior of both friends and acquaintances.
Awareness of Diabetes Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies Among a Sample of Low-Income Latinos With No Known Diagnosis of Diabetes
Authors: Rosal Milagros C. , Borg Amy , Bodenlos Jamie S. , Tellez Trinidad , Ockene Ira S.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This study assessed awareness of type 2 diabetes risk and severity, perceived risk factors, knowledge of diabetes prevention strategies, and challenges of and opportunities for prevention among low-income Latinos in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Methods

Qualitative research design. Latinos with no known diagnosis of diabetes participated in 4 focus groups, conducted in Spanish, which were recorded and transcribed for systematic analysis.

Results

The sample, (N = 41) was largely female (85%) with a wide age range (22-76 years), most (71%) had an educational level of high school or less, and less than half (46%) were employed. Participants had basic knowledge of diabetes, but gaps were apparent. Many perceived family history of diabetes, poor diet, emotional distress, and stress associated with the United States as risk factors for diabetes. There was little or no awareness of risk associated with Latino ethnicity, gestational diabetes, hypertension, lipid abnormalities, or obesity. Few cited physical activity or weight loss as diabetes prevention strategies. More than half the participants perceived themselves at low risk for diabetes.

Conclusions

This Latino sample had limited knowledge of diabetes risk factors and lifestyle changes that can prevent or delay diabetes onset. Insights for intervening for diabetes prevention are offered.
Effect of Intravenous ω‐3 Fatty Acid Infusion and Hemodialysis on Fatty Acid Composition of Free Fatty Acids and Phospholipids in Patients With End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Madsen Trine , Christensen Jeppe Hagstrup , Toft Egon , Aardestrup Inge , Lundbye‐Christensen Søren , Schmidt Erik B.
Published: January 2011

Background: Patients treated with hemodialysis (HD) have been reported to have decreased levels of ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in plasma and cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ω‐3 PUFAs administered intravenously during HD, as well as the effect of HD treatment, on the fatty acid composition of plasma free fatty acids (FFAs), plasma phospholipids, and platelet phospholipids. Methods: Forty‐four HD patients were randomized to groups receiving either a single dose of a lipid emulsion containing 4.1 g of ω‐3 PUFAs or placebo (saline) administered intravenously during HD. Blood was drawn immediately before (baseline) and after (4 hours) HD and before the next HD session (48 hours). Fatty acid composition was measured using gas chromatography. Results: The increase in ω‐3 FFAs was greater in the ω‐3 PUFA group compared with the placebo group, whereas the increase in total FFAs was similar between the 2 groups. In the ω‐3 PUFA group, ω‐3 PUFAs in plasma phospholipids were higher after 48 hours than at baseline, and in platelet phospholipids, ω‐3 PUFAs increased after 4 hours. In the placebo group, no changes were observed in ω‐3 PUFAs in plasma and platelet phospholipids. Conclusions: Intravenous ω‐3 PUFAs administered during HD caused a transient selective increase in ω‐3 FFA concentration. Furthermore, ω‐3 PUFAs were rapidly incorporated into platelets, and the content of ω‐3 PUFAs in plasma phospholipids increased after 48 hours.
Diet‐Dependent Effects of Minimal Enteral Nutrition on Intestinal Function and Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Pigs
Authors: Cilieborg Malene Skovsted , Boye Mette , Thymann Thomas , Jensen Bent Borg , Sangild Per Torp
Published: January 2011

Background: A rapid advance in enteral feeding is associated with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. Therefore, minimal enteral nutrition (MEN) combined with parenteral nutrition (PN) is common clinical practice, but the effects on NEC and intestinal function remain poorly characterized. It was hypothesized that a commonly used MEN feeding volume (16–24 mL/kg/d) prevents NEC and improves intestinal structure, function, and microbiology in preterm pigs. Methods: After preterm birth pigs were stratified into 4 nutrition intervention groups that received the following treatments: (1) PN followed by full enteral formula feeding (OF group, n = 12); (2) PN supplemented with formula MEN and followed by full formula feeding (FF, n = 12); (3) PN plus colostrum MEN followed by formula feeding (CF, n = 12); (4) PN plus colostrum MEN followed by colostrum feeding (CC, n = 10). Results: NEC was absent in the CC group but frequent in the other groups (50%–67%). Compared with other groups, CC pigs showed improved mucosal structures, brush border enzyme activities, and hexose absorption (all P < .05). Relative to formula MEN, colostrum MEN thus improved gut function but did not prevent later formula‐induced gut dysfunction and NEC. However, in CF pigs, intestinal lesions were restricted to the colon, compared with all regions in OF and FF pigs, which indicated proximal protection of colostrum MEN. Bacterial composition was not affected by MEN, diet, or NEC outcomes, but bacterial load and concentrations of short‐chain fatty acids were reduced in the MEN groups. Conclusion: Colostrum MEN improves intestinal structure, function, and NEC resistance in preterm pigs but does not protect against gut dysfunction and NEC associated with later full enteral formula feeding.
Dementia and the Limits to Life: Anthropological Sensibilities, STS Interferences, and Possibilities for Action in Care
Authors: Moser Ingunn
Published: January 2011

It is often assumed that it was the alliance between patient associations and neuroscience, which originally made dementia a matter for intervention. In parallel ways, science and technology studies (STS) often attributes the power to define and act upon matters of life to biomedicine and science. The concern here is that the science centrism of STS contributes to the dominance of science and biomedicine by granting these analytical privileges. As a result, alternative modes of acting, for instance in care, are disarticulated and made absent. This article mobilizes the sensibilities of anthropology to difference and draws upon excerpts of data from fieldwork in dementia care to show this and argue that there are different practices that act upon life and its limits; that these enact different versions of life and dementia; and that they matter because they shape how people are cared for and live and die with dementia.
Chronic migraine: Classification and comparisons
Authors: Katsarava Z , Manack A , Yoon M-S , Obermann M , Becker H , Dommes P , Turkel C , Lipton RB , Diener HC
Published: January 2011

Objective: The objective of our study was to field test different chronic migraine (CM) criteria and compare CM epidemiological profiles, which include demographic, personal, and lifestyle characteristics, with high-frequency episodic migraine (HFEM) and low-frequency episodic migraine (LFEM).

Methods: Questionnaires were mailed to a random sample of 18,000 18–65-year-olds in demographically diverse regions of Germany. The epidemiological data for the three classifications of CM, LFEM and HFEM were assessed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Chi-square, and analysis of variance tests.

Results: Among 9350 respondents, CM_I was the most restrictive ( N = 37, 0.4%), followed by CM_II ( N = 45, 0.5%) and CM_III ( N = 185, 2.0%). CM groups did not differ in distribution by age, gender, body mass index, education or smoking and alcohol consumption. Compared to those with LFEM and HFEM, those with CM (CM_III) had significantly different epidemiological profiles.

Conclusions: CM prevalence varies by case definition. The epidemiological profiles of the three CM groups are similar but differ significantly from those of HFEM and LFEM. Optimal definitions for clinical practice and epidemiological research require additional field testing.
Headaches and sleep problems among adults in the United States: Findings from the National Comorbidity Survey–Replication Study
Authors: Lateef Tarannum , Swanson Sonja , Cui Lihong , Nelson Karin , Nakamura Erin , Merikangas Kathleen
Published: January 2011

Background: Several studies have demonstrated an association between headache and disturbed sleep. None have examined this association across the headache spectrum. Our goal was to determine whether migraine and migraine with aura differ from nonmigraine headache in terms of associated insomnia complaints or severity of sleep problems.

Methods: A probability sample of US adults was used. A structured interview administered by trained interviewers was used. Diagnostic criteria for migraine and migraine with aura were based on the International Headache Society classification. The presence or absence of four forms of sleep disturbance associated with an insomnia diagnosis was ascertained.

Results: There was a significant association between frequent severe headache, including migraine with and without aura, and disordered sleep. Adults with headache reported more frequently difficulty initiating sleep (odds ratio [confidence interval] = 2.0 [1.6–2.5]), difficulty staying asleep (2.5 [2.1–3]), early morning awakening (2.0 [1.7–2.5]) and daytime fatigue (2.6 [2.2–3.2]) and also were more than twice as likely to report three or more of these symptoms(2.5 [2–3.1]) compared to the individuals without headache.

Discussion: Adults with severe headache are at significantly higher risk of also suffering from sleep problems, when compared with the general population, regardless of specific headache type. Optimal treatment of headache must include investigation for sleep disorders and vice versa.
Influence of retirement and work stress on headache prevalence: A longitudinal modelling study from the GAZEL Cohort Study
Authors: Sjösten Noora , Nabi Hermann , Westerlund Hugo , Singh-Manoux Archana , Dartigues Jean-François , Goldberg Marcel , Zins Marie , Oksanen Tuula , Salo Paula , Pentti Jaana , Kivimäki Mika , Vahtera Jussi
Published: January 2011

Aims: The aims of this study were to examine trajectories of headache in relation to retirement and to clarify the role of work stress and stress-prone personality.

Methods: Headache prevalence during the 7 years before and after retirement was measured by annual questionnaires from GAZEL cohort comprising French national gas and electricity company employees ( n = 12,913). Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for headache during pre- peri- and post-retirement were calculated. The role of effect modifiers (work stress, type A or hostile personality) was tested by multiplicative interactions and synergy indices.

Results: An 11–13% reduction in headache prevalence was found during pre- and post-retirement, whereas decline was much steeper (46%) during the retirement transition. In absolute terms, the decline was greater among persons with high work stress or stress-prone personality than among other participants.

Conclusions: Retirement is associated with a decrease in headache prevalence, particularly among persons with a high amount of work stress or proneness to over-react to stress.
Effect of Calcium Phosphate–Hybridized Tendon Graft on Biomechanical Behavior in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in a Goat Model
Authors: Mutsuzaki Hirotaka , Sakane Masataka , Fujie Hiromichi , Hattori Shinya , Kobayashi Hisatoshi , Ochiai Naoyuki
Published: January 2011

Background: The authors developed a novel technique to improve tendon-bone attachment by hybridizing calcium phosphate with a tendon graft using an alternate soaking process. However, the long-term result is unclear regarding the function of the anterior cruciate ligament–reconstructed knee and the interface between the tendon and the bone.

Purpose: To clarify the effects of the calcium phosphate–hybridized tendon graft by analyzing the biomechanical behavior of the reconstructed knee, bone tunnel wall, and interface between the tendon and the bone, compared with the untreated knee at 1 year in goats.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: The authors analyzed knee kinematics and in situ forces in a replacement graft, as well as computed tomography for new bone formation in the bone tunnel and histology of the tendon-bone interface, with and without the calcium phosphate–hybridized tendon graft.

Results: In the calcium phosphate group, the anteroposterior translations in the reconstructed knees were shorter and the corresponding in situ forces greater than those in the control group at full extension and 60° of knee flexion. The in situ force in response to applied internal tibial torques in the calcium phosphate group at full extension was greater than that in the control group. More new bone formation in the bone tunnel and cartilage layer between the tendon-bone interface at the joint aperture site of the calcium phosphate group was observed than in the control group.

Conclusion: The calcium phosphate–hybridized tendon graft promotes knee stability because of the firm tendon-bone healing with cartilage layer and new bone formation.

Clinical Relevance: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the calcium phosphate–hybridized tendon graft may lead to good long-term outcomes.
Review Article: Persistent organic pollutants and landfills - a review of past experiences and future challenges
Authors: Weber Roland , Watson Alan , Forter Martin , Oliaei Fardin
Published: January 2011

The landfilling and dumping of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and other persistent hazardous compounds, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorocyclohaxane (HCH), polybrominated diphenylether (PBDEs) or perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) can have significant adverse environmental consequences. This paper reviews past experiences with such disposal practices and highlights their unsustainability due to the risks of contamination of ecosystems, the food chain, together with ground and drinking water supplies.

The use and associated disposal of POPs have been occurring for over 50 years. Concurrent with the phase-out of some of the most hazardous chemicals, the production of new POPs, such as brominated and fluorinated compounds has increased since the 1990s. These latter compounds are commonly used in a wide range of consumer goods, and as consumer products reach the end of their useful lives, ultimately enter waste recycling and disposal systems, in particular at municipal landfills. Because of their very slow, or lack of degradability, POPs will persist in landfills for many decades and possibly centuries. Over these extended time periods engineered landfill systems and their liners are likely to degrade, thus posing a contemporary and future risk of releasing large contaminant loads to the environment. This review highlights the necessity for alternative disposal methods for POP wastes, including destruction or complete removal from potential environmental release. In addition to such end of pipe solutions a policy change in the use pattern of persistent toxic chemicals is inevitable. In addition, inventories for the location and quantity of POPs in landfills, together with an assessment of their threat to ecosystems, drinking water and food resources are identified as key measures to facilitate appropriate management of risks. Finally the challenges of POP wastes in transition/developing countries, the risk of increased leaching of POPs from landfills due to climate change, and the possible negative impact of natural attenuation processes are considered.
Resuscitation Bundle Compliance in Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock
Authors: Coba Victor , Whitmill Melissa , Mooney Roberta , Horst H. Mathilda , Brandt Mary-Margaret , Digiovine Bruno , Mlynarek Mark , McLellan Beth , Boleski Gail , Yang James , Conway William , Jordan Jack ,   (The Henry Ford Hospital Sepsis Collaborative Group)
Published: January 2011

While clinicians' management of severe sepsis and septic shock has been positively influenced by a number of clinical research studies in the last decade, challenges remain regarding early hemodynamic optimization as envisioned in the Surviving Sepsis Campaign’s (SSC) resuscitation bundle (RB). We examined the impact of a hospital-wide continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiative on patients presenting with severe sepsis and septic shock, and the impact of the sepsis RB on patient outcomes when completed beyond the 6-hour recommendation period. The study was an 18-month, prospective cohort study enrolling patients who met the definition of severe sepsis or septic shock. Compliance with the hemodynamic components of the sepsis RB was defined as achieving goal mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥65 mm Hg, central venous pressure (CVP) ≥8 mm Hg, and central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) ≥70%. Compliance was assessed at 6 hours and 18 hours after diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock. In all, 498 patients with severe sepsis and/or septic shock were evaluated to determine the upper limit of the range of hours that compliance with the RB would still improve outcomes. Using 18 hours as a marker, Compliers at 18 hrs and Non-Compliers at 18 hrs were compared. There were 202 patients who had the RB completed in less than or equal to 18 hours. There were 296 patients who did not complete the RB at 18 hours. The Compliers at 18 hrs had a significant 10.2% lower hospital mortality 37.1% (22% relative reduction) compared to the Non-Compliers at 18 hrs hospital mortality of 47.3% ( P < .03). When the two groups were adjusted for differences in baseline illness severity, the Compliers at 18 hrs had a greater reduction in predicted mortality of 26.8% versus 9.4%, P < 0.01.Conclusions: Initiating the sepsis RB for patients with severe sepsis and/or septic shock decreased mortality. A CQI initiative that monitored the implementation in real-time allowed for improvement in compliance and efficacy of the bundle on outcomes. Multiple studies have shown that compliance to the RB within 6 hours lowers hospital mortality. This study uniquely shows that when bundle completion is extended to 18 hours, the mortality reduction remains significant.
Critical Care Management of Major Disasters
Authors: Corcoran Shawn P. , Niven Alexander S. , Reese Jason M.
Published: January 2011

Recent events and regulatory mandates have underlined the importance of medical planning and preparedness for catastrophic events. The purpose of this review is to provide a brief summary of current commonly identified threats, an overview of mass critical care management, and a discussion of resource allocation to provide the intensive care unit (ICU) director with a practical guide to help prepare and coordinate the activities of the multidisciplinary critical care team in the event of a disaster.
The Effect of Red Blood Cell Transfusion on 90-day Mortality in Patients With Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Engoren Milo
Published: January 2011

Background: Erythrocyte blood transfusions are commonly given to intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Recent studies have suggested that transfusions may increase, have no effect on, or decrease short-term mortality. These disparate results may reflect different patient populations, diseases, and characteristics; different transfusion triggers and thresholds; or differences in controlling for confounding variables. The aim of this study was to determine the association of transfusion and 90-day mortality in patients with acute lung injury. Methods: Retrospective analysis using binary logistic regression and then propensity analysis to control for variables on the day of the transfusion decision. One thousand patients initially enrolled in ARDSNET 05 Fluid and Catheter Treatment Trial. Results: A total of 361 patients (36%) received transfusions during the 8-day course of the study and by univariable analysis were more likely to be dead by 90 days (131 of 361, 36%, vs 153 of 639, 24%, P < .001). After multivariable correction using propensity analysis to control for factors present on the day the transfusion was given, transfusion was not associated with mortality. Instead, factors such as hypotension and laboratory values as measured by propensity scores that predicted transfusion on days 1, 2, and 5 were associated with increased mortality, and not transfusion itself. Conclusion: In patients suffering with acute lung injury, transfusion of erythrocytes in the ICU was not associated with 90-day mortality.