bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autocrine production of TGF-β1 promotes myofibroblastic differentiation of neonatal lung mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Popova Antonia P. , Bozyk Paul D. , Goldsmith Adam M. , Linn Marisa J. , Lei Jing , Bentley J. Kelley , Hershenson Marc B.
Published: February 2010

We have isolated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from tracheal aspirates of premature infants with respiratory distress. We examined the capacity of MSCs to differentiate into myofibroblasts, cells that participate in lung development, injury, and repair. Gene expression was measured by array, qPCR, immunoblot, and immunocytochemistry. Unstimulated MSCs expressed mRNAs encoding contractile (e.g., ACTA2, TAGLN), extracellular matrix ( COL1A1 and ELN), and actin-binding ( DBN1, PXN) proteins, consistent with a myofibroblast phenotype, although there was little translation into immunoreactive protein. Incubation in serum-free medium increased contractile protein ( ACTA2, MYH11) gene expression. MSC-conditioned medium showed substantial levels of TGF-β1, and treatment of serum-deprived cells with a type I activin receptor-like kinase inhibitor, SB-431542, attenuated the expression of genes encoding contractile and extracellular matrix proteins. Treatment of MSCs with TGF-β1 further induced the expression of mRNAs encoding contractile ( ACTA2, MYH11, TAGLN, DES) and extracellular matrix proteins ( FN1, ELN, COL1A1, COL1A2), and increased the protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin, myosin heavy chain, and SM22. In contrast, human bone marrow-derived MSCs failed to undergo TGF-β1-induced myofibroblastic differentiation. Finally, primary cells from tracheal aspirates behaved in an identical manner as later passage cells. We conclude that human neonatal lung MSCs demonstrate an mRNA expression pattern characteristic of myofibroblast progenitor cells. Autocrine production of TGF-β1 further drives myofibroblastic differentiation, suggesting that, in the absence of other signals, fibrosis represents the “default program” for neonatal lung MSC gene expression. These data are consistent with the notion that MSCs play a key role in neonatal lung injury and repair.
Conditional deletion ofAbca3in alveolar type II cells alters surfactant homeostasis in newborn and adult mice
Authors: Besnard Valérie , Matsuzaki Yohei , Clark Jean , Xu Yan , Wert Susan E. , Ikegami Machiko , Stahlman Mildred T. , Weaver Timothy E. , Hunt Alan N. , Postle Anthony D. , Whitsett Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2010

ATP-binding cassette A3 (ABCA3) is a lipid transport protein required for synthesis and storage of pulmonary surfactant in type II cells in the alveoli. Abca3 was conditionally deleted in respiratory epithelial cells ( Abca3Δ/Δ) in vivo. The majority of mice in which Abca3 was deleted in alveolar type II cells died shortly after birth from respiratory distress related to surfactant deficiency. Approximately 30% of the Abca3Δ/Δmice survived after birth. Surviving Abca3Δ/Δmice developed emphysema in the absence of significant pulmonary inflammation. Staining of lung tissue and mRNA isolated from alveolar type II cells demonstrated that ∼50% of alveolar type II cells lacked ABCA3. Phospholipid content and composition were altered in lung tissue, lamellar bodies, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from adult Abca3Δ/Δmice. In adult Abca3Δ/Δmice, cells lacking ABCA3 had decreased expression of mRNAs associated with lipid synthesis and transport. FOXA2 and CCAAT enhancer-binding protein-α, transcription factors known to regulate genes regulating lung lipid metabolism, were markedly decreased in cells lacking ABCA3. Deletion of Abca3 disrupted surfactant lipid synthesis in a cell-autonomous manner. Compensatory surfactant synthesis was initiated in ABCA3-sufficient type II cells, indicating that surfactant homeostasis is a highly regulated process that includes sensing and coregulation among alveolar type II cells.
Viewing the Problem from Different Angles: A New Diversity Measure Based on Angular Distances
Authors: Berg Henrik
Published: March 2010

It is commonly believed that diversity is crucial for an evolutionary system to succeed, especially when the problem to be solved contains local optima from which the population cannot easily escape. There exist numerous methods to measure population diversity, but none of these have been shown to be consistently useful. In this paper, a new diversity measure is introduced, and it is shown that high diversity according to this new measure generally leads to a more successful overall evolution in most of the cases considered.
PAI-1 Regulates the Invasive Phenotype in Human Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Freytag Jennifer , Wilkins-Port Cynthia E. , Higgins Craig E. , Carlson J. Andrew , Noel Agnes , Foidart Jean-Michel , Higgins Stephen P. , Samarakoon Rohan , Higgins Paul J.
Published: March 2010

The emergence of highly aggressive subtypes of human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) often reflects increased autocrine/paracrine TGF-βsynthesis and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification. Cooperative TGF-β/EGFR signaling promotes cell migration and induces expression of both proteases and protease inhibitors that regulate stromal remodeling resulting in the acquisition of an invasive phenotype. In one physiologically relevant model of human cutaneous SCC progression, TGF-β1+EGF stimulation increases the production of several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), among the most prominent of which is MMP-10—an MMP known to be elevated in SCC in situ. Activation of stromal plasminogen appears to be critical in triggering downstream MMP activity. Paradoxically, PAI-1, the major physiological inhibitor of plasmin generation, is also upregulated under these conditions and is an early event in progression of incipient epidermal SCC. One testable hypothesis proposes that TGF-β1+EGF-dependent MMP-10 elevation directs focalized matrix remodeling events that promote epithelial cell plasticity and tissue invasion. Increased PAI-1 expression serves to temporally and spatially modulate plasmin-initiated pericellular proteolysis, further facilitating epithelial invasive potential. Defining the complex signaling and transcriptional mechanisms that maintain this delicate balance is critical to developing targeted therapeutics for the treatment of human cutaneous malignancies.
“Q-Feed”—An Effective Solution for the Free-Riding Problem in Unstructured P2P Networks
Authors: Thampi Sabu M. , Sekaran K Chandra
Published: March 2010

This paper presents a solution for reducing the ill effects of free-riders in decentralised unstructured P2P networks. An autonomous replication scheme is proposed to improve the availability and enhance system performance. Q-learning is widely employed in different situations to improve the accuracy in decision making by each peer. Based on the performance of neighbours of a peer, every neighbour is awarded different levels of ranks. At the same time a low-performing node is allowed to improve its rank in different ways. Simulation results show that Q-learning-based free riding control mechanism effectively limits the services received by free-riders and also encourages the low-performing neighbours to improve their position. The popular files are autonomously replicated to nodes possessing required parameters. Due to this improvement of quantity of popular files, free riders are given opportunity to lift their position for active participation in the network for sharing files. Q-feed effectively manages queries from free riders and reduces network traffic significantly.
Early Assessment of Nerve Degeneration Using the Antidromic Facial Nerve Response
Authors: Nakatani Hiroaki , Iwai Mitsuru , Hamada Masashi , Yamakawa Kazuhiro , Kakigi Akinobu , Takeda Taizo
Published: March 2010

Conclusion: The antidromic facial nerve response (AFNR) is recommended as a monitoring method to detect cases resulting in facial nerve degeneration within 1 week after onset in patients with Bell’s palsy and Hunt syndrome. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to establish criteria for the AFNR to predict the prognosis of Bell’s palsy and Hunt syndrome in the early stages, not exceeding 1 week after onset. Materials and Methods: 54 patients, including 40 with Bell’s palsy and 14 with Hunt syndrome, were examined in this study. All patients were tested for the AFNR within 1 week after onset of paralysis and AFNR waveforms were analyzed. Four AFNR parameters, the total (peak-to-peak) amplitude (T-amp), the amplitudes of the positive wave (P-amp) and the negative wave (N-amp), and the N-amp/T-amp (N/T) ratio, were compared with the outcomes of facial paralysis. Results:In most patients with poor outcomes, T-amp was <4 µV and N-amp was <2 µV. The mean value of the N/T ratio in patients with a poor outcome fell to <0.4 after the 3rd day from onset, while that in patients with a good outcome was stable between 0.4 and 0.6 during the first week.
Diagnostic Value of Plasma Antidiuretic Hormone, Electrocochleography, and Glycerol Test in Patients with Endolymphatic Hydrops
Authors: Taguchi Daizo , Kakigi Akinobu , Takeda Taizo , Sawada Shoichi , Nakatani Hiroaki
Published: March 2010

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the plasma antidiuretic hormone (p-ADH) level, electrocochleogram (ECoG), and the glycerol test in patients with endolymphatic hydrops (ELH). Patients and Methods: The subjects were 60 patients, including 51 with Ménière’s disease (except for cochlear Ménière’s disease), 7 with delayed ELH, and 2 with syphilitic ELH. The time period for measurements of the p-ADH level, ECoG and the glycerol test was within 4 weeks. Results: 13 patients showed positive results for all tests. 58 patients showed positive results for at least one of three tests. Only 2 patients showed negative results for all tests. Conclusion: The p-ADH level, ECoG and the glycerol test show different selectivity of ELH detection. It is useful to perform all three tests to diagnose ELH.
Gastroprotective Effect of Saccharomyces boulardii in a Rat Model of Ibuprofen-Induced Gastric Ulcer
Authors: Girard Philippe , Coppé Marie-Claude , Pansart Yannick , Gillardin Jean-Marie
Published: March 2010

Background/Aims: Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast which has been shown to protect the gastrointestinal microflora from disequilibrium and from associated gastrointestinal disorders. However, no study has explored the potential effect of this probiotic in ulcer models. Methods: The present study was designed to address this goal using the ibuprofen-induced ulcer rat model. Results: Oral administration of ibuprofen (100 mg/kg) for 6 consecutive days induced ulceration of the gastric mucosa. Oral co-administration of S. boulardii (Biocodex, France) at 1.2, 4 or 12 × 1010 CFU/kg dose-dependently and significantly reduced the numbers of gastric ulcers and the ulceration surface of the gastric mucosa. At the same time, serum nitrate and nitrite levels were measured before and on the 6th day. Contrary to what we expected, the serum nitrate and nitrite levels did not increase after ibuprofen administration, but this parameter significantly augmented in the groups where ibuprofen was co-administered with the two highest doses of S. boulardii. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that S. boulardii offers some potential in the treatment or prevention of ulcers induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but its mechanism of action needs to be further explored.
Contact Urticaria with Systemic Symptoms due to Hexylene Glycol in a Topical Corticosteroid: Case Report and Review of Hypersensitivity to Glycols
Authors: Spoerl D. , Scherer K. , Bircher A.J.
Published: March 2010

We report a case of severe contact urticaria with systemic involvement resembling an anaphylactic reaction, following the application of a topical corticosteroid. This was caused by hexylene glycol, an excipient in the formulation. Glycols are widely used in cosmetics, foods and topical and systemic drugs. In particular, glycols are present in many topical drugs used by dermatologists. To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature of a potentially life-threatening immediate-type reaction in the context of a contact urticaria syndrome due to hexylene glycol. The classification of contact urticaria syndrome and the allergenic potential of glycols are reviewed. Dermatologists should be aware of the contact urticaria syndrome and of the increasing use of glycols in topical drug formulation in order to identify possible adverse reactions.
Current Management of Atherosclerotic Renovascular Disease – What Have We Learned from ASTRAL?
Authors: Chrysochou Constantina , Kalra Philip A.
Published: March 2010

With an increasingly ageing and atherosclerotic-prone population, clinical encounters with patients with atheromatous renovascular disease (ARVD) are commonplace. ARVD is frequently associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension, but evidence suggests that causality only occurs in the minority and it is likely that many atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (RAS) lesions are incidental. Its association with extensive cardiovascular co-morbidity predisposes to a high patient mortality. The availability of renal angioplasty and stenting, which are generally safe techniques for dilating RAS lesions, has led to widespread use of these endovascular therapies in ARVD, but the outcomes after treatment have been inconsistent, with no clear evidence of benefit in many patients. There has been a great need for a large and appropriately powered randomised control trial to help guide clinical practice. In this review, we present an interpretation of the results of the recently reported Angioplasty and Stenting for Renal Artery Lesions (ASTRAL) trial as well as a brief review of the latest literature, so as to provide the latest guidance regarding the management of this common condition.
Protective Effect of Intravitreal Bevacizumab and Sub-Tenon Triamcinolone Acetonide against Occlusion of Choriocapillaris Induced by Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Mukai Ryo , Kishi Shoji , Sato Taku , Watanabe Goro , Matsumoto Hidetaka
Published: March 2010

Purpose: To evaluate the protective effect of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) and sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide (TA) against choriocapillaris occlusion induced by photodynamic therapy (PDT). Methods: This prospective, nonrandomized, consecutive study included 80 eyes of 80 patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy who underwent an initial PDT. The posttherapeutic follow-up periods were more than 3 months (mean, 9.3 months). Patients were divided into three groups consecutively: the PDT group included 21 eyes of 21 patients treated with only PDT, the TA group included 32 eyes of 32 patients treated with PDT and a sub-Tenon injection of 20 mg TA, and the IVB group included 27 eyes of 27 patients treated with PDT and an intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg bevacizumab. Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) was performed before and 3 months after PDT. The degree of choriocapillaris occlusion was assessed in the marginal zone of the PDT area based on the background hypofluorescence seen on ICGA quantified by densitometry (Imagenet). Results: ICGA at 1 and 5 min showed hypofluorescence in the marginal zone in all eyes 3 months after PDT. The hypofluorescence became indistinguishable from the background fluorescence 15 min after treatment in some eyes; however, the relative hypofluorescence persisted in some cases. The rates of fluorescence intensity in the marginal zone compared to those in the untreated area, i.e. the percentage of baseline fluorescence, were 0.60, 0.65 and 0.73 at 1, 5 and 15 min after dye injection in the PDT group, respectively, 0.64, 0.68 and 0.82 in the TA group, and 0.64, 0.73 and 0.90 in the IVB group. The intensity of the fluorescence was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the TA group at 15 min and in the IVB group at 1, 5 and 15 min compared with the PDT group. Conclusions: IVB and TA reduced choriocapillaris occlusion after PDT. IVB appeared to have a stronger protective effect than TA in this therapeutic regimen.
Effects of Iron Deprivation on Multidrug Resistance of Leukemic K562 Cells
Authors: Fang Dingzhu , Bao Yixiao , Li Xiaobin , Liu Fang , Cai Kang , Gao Ju , Liao Qingkui
Published: March 2010

Background and Aim: Multidrug resistance (MDR) compromises the efficacy of chemotherapy. Many approaches have been used to reduce MDR; however, the results are poor. It has been reported that iron deprivation downregulates MDR genes. To investigate the relationship of iron with MDR and early growth response gene-1 (EGR1), we investigated the effect of iron deprivation on expression and/or function of multidrug resistance-1 (MDR1), early growth response gene-1 (EGR1), ferritin heavy chain gene (H-Fn) and MDR1-encoded P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the K562 leukemic cell line. Methods: The cells were stimulated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and incubated with either FeCl3 or the iron-chelating drug DFO. The mRNA levels of MDR1, EGR1 and H-Fn were detected by RT-PCR. The protein expression and function of P-gp were measured by immunohistochemical staining and flow cytometry, respectively. Results: DFO significantly reduced the intracellular iron level, and led to ∼70% reduction of MDR1 mRNA, ∼50% of reduction of H-Fn mRNA and ∼30% reduction of P-gp protein in TPA-differentiated K562 cells. The P-gp pump function, measured by daunorubicin exclusion, was also reduced by DFO treatment. Conclusions: These results suggest a close relationship between iron deprivation and reduced MDR1/P-gp expression and function. DFO may be used together with chemotherapeutic drugs to achieve better clinical efficacy.
Penicillamine as a Potent Protector against Injurious Effects of Cigarette Smoke in Aerodigestive Tract Cancer
Authors: Nagler Rafael , Cohen Shiri , Savulescu Dana , Leschiner Svetlana , Otradnov Irina , Gavish Moshe
Published: March 2010

Background: Cigarette smoke (CS) is the major risk factor for aerodigestive tract cancers such as lung and oral cancers. Methods: In in vitro models of lung and oral cancers, we found D-penicillamine (PenA) to be a most potent protector against CS, both in the absence and presence of saliva (a highly pro-oxidative condition). Results: The survival rate of lung cancer cells and oral cancer cells was reduced by CS in the absence of saliva by 39–45% (p < 0.01) and by 55–60% (p < 0.01) in the presence of saliva. The addition of 5 mM PenA to cell medium prior to CS exposure limited cell loss to 22–25% only (p < 0.01). Similarly, the iron chelator desferal protected the cells only in the presence of saliva. PenA also protected against a CS-induced increase in carbonyls (oxidized proteins) and decrease in p53 levels (in the presence of saliva) and mitochondrial membrane potential (a hallmark of CS-induced apoptotic cell death). Malfunctioning p53 often characterizes carcinogenesis of CS-induced cancers. Conclusions: Redox-active iron and copper in pleural fluid and saliva, upon encounter with CS, may be responsible for this carcinogenesis, mediated via alteration of p53 function. Chelation of redox-active metals may be an efficient tool for prevention of CS-induced lung and oral cancers. The superiority of PenA results from its copper-chelating action as well as its antialdehyde and anti-inflammatory capabilities.
Intraperitoneal Paclitaxel as Consolidation Treatment in Ovarian Cancer Patients: A Case Control Study
Authors: Benedetti Panici Pierluigi , Palaia Innocenza , Graziano Marialida , Bellati Filippo , Manci Natalina , Angioli Roberto
Published: March 2010

Objective: It was the aim of this study to assess the role, feasibility and safety of consolidation intraperitoneal (IP) paclitaxel in patients affected by advanced ovarian cancer. Methods: Patients affected by advanced ovarian cancer with complete pathological response after standard treatment were enrolled in this study. The consolidation chemotherapy schedule consisted of 12–16 cycles of IP paclitaxel, 60 mg/mq weekly (group A). Chemotherapy was delivered with a direct puncture under ultrasonographic guidance at each cycle. Survival data of this group of patients were compared with those from a control group with analogous characteristics submitted to observation only (group B). Results: Seventy patients were included in the study, 28 in group A and 42 in group B. Treatment-related toxicity was mild. In 3/28 patients (11%), technical difficulties in accessing the peritoneum were observed. Median time to recurrence was 25 months (range 4–64) in group A and 17.5 months (range 2–60) in group B. Estimated 3-year disease-free survival was 56and 33% (p < 0.05) in group A and B, respectively; no significant difference in 3-year overall survival was observed (87 vs. 83%; p value not significant). Conclusion: Weekly IP consolidation chemotherapy with paclitaxel 60 mg/mq is well tolerated and, in this experience, a prolongation of progression-free survival was observed.
Hydrocortisone Aceponate Activity and Benefit/Risk Ratio in Relation to Reference Topical Glucocorticoids
Authors: Wohlrab J. , Beck G.M. , Neubert R.H.H. , Sischka U. , Kreft B.
Published: March 2010

The evaluation of the benefit/risk ratio (BRR) for topical glucocorticoids (TGC) allows the comparison of active ingredients and thereby includes aspects of dosage (blanching response, BR) as well as adverse effects (skin atrophy). In the present study, the BRR of hydrocortisone aceponate, prednicarbate and betamethasone valerate was investigated according to an adapted procedure for investigating the BR. The main difference is the longer application period of the investigational substance without occlusion. Thus, the pharmacokinetic characteristics of all of the systems are considered more intensely and the penetration conditions are designed in a realistic way, namely oriented towards the preparation in order to improve the significance and relevance of the BRR for practical use. The results demonstrate that the investigated substances also show differences in the extent of the BR, but on the other hand they show that the improved penetration characteristics of the double-esterified compounds are clearly less effective. In comparison to the BRR, this results to a large extent in a balanced picture without relevant advantages for single preparations. Nevertheless, the already mentioned positive characteristics of the investigated TGC and the positive practical clinical experiences have been approved. Further investigations have to show whether the method presented here for investigating the BR offers advantages in the comparative assessment of TGC.
Cross-Amplified Polymorphic Microsatellites for Campbell’s Monkey
Authors: Petit Eric J. , Ouattara Karim , Zuberbühler Klaus , Vallet Dominique , Lemasson Alban
Published: March 2010

Population genetic analyses are of considerable importance for conservation strategies to protect endangered primates. We tested microsatellites of human origin with an aim to understand the genetic diversity of a West African forest guenon, Campbell’s monkey, Cercopithecus campbelli. Twelve markers amplified successfully, were polymorphic and were inherited in a Mendelian fashion in a group of 4 individuals kept in captivity. These 12 markers were further amplified from 35 faecal samples collected in Taï National Park. These samples proved to originate from 18 free-ranging monkeys and showed that the 12 markers we developed for this species are polymorphic and suitable for future population genetic and parentage analyses.
Inorganic Phosphate Stimulates DMP1 Expression in Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts Embedded in Three-Dimensional Collagen Gels
Authors: Berendsen Agnes D. , Smit Theo H. , Schoenmaker Ton , Walboomers X. Frank , Harris Stephen E. , Everts Vincent , Bronckers Antonius L.J.J.
Published: March 2010

Stable integration of collagenous tissue-engineered constructs to surrounding solid devices can be accomplished by coating the solid surfaces with exogenous alkaline phosphatase (ALP). We showed previously that coating of culture well surfaces with the enzyme in combination with the presence of its substrate β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) induces mineral deposition at the interface of matrix and surface, thereby preventing matrix detachment. In this study the effect of such mineral-inducing conditions on differentiation of human periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts into osteoblasts/cementoblasts was analyzed in three-dimensional collagen gels. Mineral-inducing conditions decreased collagen type I gene expression and induced dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1; a marker of late osteoblasts/cementoblasts) gene expression by fibroblasts. DMP1 protein was detected in some fibroblasts only in mineralizing gels. Exogenous ALP released high levels of inorganic phosphate from β-GP. Addition of inorganic phosphate alone induced DMP1 gene expression, which could be prevented by blocking phosphate entry into fibroblasts by foscarnet. We concluded that mineralizing conditions induced by exogenous ALP affect the phenotype of PDL fibroblasts. The fibroblasts are stimulated to express the late osteoblast/osteocyte marker protein DMP1, which is mediated by uptake of inorganic phosphate into the cells. The enzyme-mediated mineral deposition may thus facilitate enhanced integration of collagenous tissue-engineered constructs to devices or implants in vitro.
Effects of Exercise Intervention on Knee Morphology in Middle-Aged Women: A Longitudinal Analysis Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Cotofana S. , Ring-Dimitriou S. , Hudelmaier M. , Himmer M. , Wirth W. , Sänger A.M. , Eckstein F.
Published: March 2010

Introduction:Epidemiological studies show a positive relationship between physical activity and cartilage volume, suggesting that exercise may protect against osteoarthritis. Cross-sectional experimental studies, however, have failed to show significant differences in knee cartilage morphology between athletes and nonathletic controls. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that knee cartilage morphology, specifically regional cartilage thickness and global subchondral bone area, is modified in sedentary, untrained adult women who increased their physical fitness during a 3-month supervised exercise intervention. Materials and Methods: Thirty-eight untrained women, aged 45–55 years, were randomly assigned to: endurance training (n = 18), strength training (n = 15) and autogenic training (control group, n = 5). Patellar and femorotibial knee cartilage morphology was determined before and after the 3-month supervised training intervention, using magnetic resonance imaging and state-of-the-art image analysis. Results: Whereas the endurance training group showed a significant increase in cardiorespiratory fitness and the strength training group a significant increase in the maximal voluntary isometric contraction force of the leg, this study did not show significant differences in knee cartilage thickness and volume, subchondral bone area or regional cartilage thickness between baseline and follow-up acquisitions within any intervention group. Discussion:This randomized longitudinal study provides no evidence that a 3-month exercise intervention in untrained middle-aged women can significantly alter knee joint morphology. Longitudinal evidence supporting that a training program, successful in increasing physical fitness, can also induce functional adaptation of articular tissues and may protect against knee osteoarthritis, remains to be presented.
Racial Disparities in Awareness and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Meschia James F. , Merrill Peter , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Howard Virginia J. , Barrett Kevin M. , Zakai Neil A. , Kleindorfer Dawn , Safford Monika , Howard George
Published: February 2010

Background and Purpose—

Warfarin reduces stroke risk by approximately 60% in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Differences in awareness and treatment of AF may contribute to racial and geographic disparities in stroke mortality. The objective was to examine predictors of awareness of the diagnosis of AF and treatment with warfarin.

Methods—

RE
asons for
G
eographic
a
nd
R
acial
D
ifferences in
S
troke (REGARDS) is a national, population-based, longitudinal study of 30 239 blacks and whites ≥45 years old with oversampling from blacks and the southeastern stroke belt states. Participants were enrolled January 2003 to October 2007. Data were collected using telephone interview, in-home evaluation, and self-administered questionnaires. The main variable of awareness of AF was defined by a positive answer to “Has a doctor or other health professional ever told you that you had atrial fibrillation?” and whether there was evidence of treatment on the basis of an in-home medications inventory.

Results—

From baseline electrocardiograms, 432 individuals (88 black and 344 white) had AF. Of these, 88% (360 of 409) had at least 1 additional CHADS
2
stroke risk factor and 60% (258 of 432) were aware of their AF. The odds of blacks being aware of their AF were one third that of whites (OR=0.32; 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.52). Among those aware, the odds of blacks being treated with warfarin were only one fourth as great as whites (OR=0.28; 0.13 to 0.60).

Conclusion—

Blacks were less likely than whites to be aware of having AF or to be treated with warfarin. Potential reasons for the racial disparity in warfarin treatment warrant further investigation.
The Relationship Between Smoking and Replicated Sequence Variants on Chromosomes 8 and 9 With Familial Intracranial Aneurysm
Authors: Deka Ranjan , Koller Daniel L. , Lai Dongbing , Indugula Subba Rao , Sun Guangyun , Woo Daniel , Sauerbeck Laura , Moomaw Charles J. , Hornung Richard , Connolly E. Sander , Anderson Craig , Rouleau Guy , Meissner Irene , Bailey-Wilson Joan E. , Huston John , Brown Robert D. , Kleindorfer Dawn O. , Flaherty Matthew L. , Langefeld Carl D. , Foroud Tatiana , Broderick Joseph P. ,   the FIA Study Investigators
Published: February 2010

Background and Purpose—

The purpose of this study was to replicate the previous association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with risk of intracranial aneurysm (IA) and to examine the relationship of smoking with these variants and the risk of IA.

Methods—

White probands with an IA from families with multiple affected members were identified by 26 clinical centers located throughout North America, New Zealand, and Australia. White control subjects free of stroke and IA were selected by random digit dialing from the Greater Cincinnati population. SNPs previously associated with IA on chromosomes 2, 8, and 9 were genotyped using a TaqMan assay or were included in the Affymetrix 6.0 array that was part of a genomewide association study of 406 IA cases and 392 control subjects. Logistic regression modeling tested whether the association of replicated SNPs with IA was modulated by smoking.

Results—

The strongest evidence of association with IA was found with the 8q SNP rs10958409 (genotypic
P
=9.2×10
−5
; allelic
P
=1.3×10
−5
; OR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.40 to 2.47). We also replicated the association with both SNPs on chromosome 9p, rs1333040 and rs10757278, but were not able to replicate the previously reported association of the 2 SNPs on chromosome 2q. Statistical testing showed a multiplicative relationship between the risk alleles and smoking with regard to the risk of IA.

Conclusion—

Our data provide complementary evidence that the variants on chromosomes 8q and 9p are associated with IA and that the risk of IA in patients with these variants is greatly increased with cigarette smoking.
When Mrs B Met Jesus during Radiotherapy: A Single Case Study of a Christic Vision: Psychological Prerequisites and Functions and Considerations on Narrative Methodology
Authors: Lundmark Mikael
Published: February 2010

This study analyses a Christic vision perceived by a woman during a radiotherapy session for her cervical cancer. A detailed description of the vision is presented based on a photographic documentation of the radiotherapy room, a painting of the vision made by the visionary herself and narratives retold two weeks after the vision, and again, one year later. Perceptual, social, and psychodynamic psychological theories are used to analyze the psychological prerequisites of the vision. It is shown that the vision is, in psychological terms, an illusion rather than a hallucination. Different possible origin mechanisms to the vision are discussed as well as why the vision is attributed to Jesus. The psychological function of the vision is analyzed with regard to the visionary's religious behaviour and the role of this experience in coping with the cancer disease. It is argued that the visionary's religious commitment is being strengthened and that the vision functions as a catalyst for previously-formed religious coping mechanisms. It also initiates at least one new kind of religious coping mechanism in the visionary's coping system. A critical discussion of research methods concerning narratives of religious experiences is presented in the light of the results of the analyses undertaken in this paper where some problems with in-depth interviews conducted at one point in time are is highlighted. This kind of data collection appears more fragile when attempting to explain a phenomenon in terms of cause and events (in this case: the psychological prerequisites of the vision) than when trying to understand a phenomenon (in this case: the psychological function of the vision).
I Just Believe in Me: Narcissism and Religious Coping
Authors: Zondag Hessel J. , Van Uden Marinus H. F.
Published: February 2010

This article reports on a study of the relationship between narcissism, as an important personality trait in individualistic societies, and religious styles of coping. We distinguish between two dimensions of narcissism: overt and covert narcissism, and four different styles of religious coping: self-directing, collaborative, deferring and receptive. The study was carried out by inviting 116 students to complete questionnaires about narcissism and religious coping. It revealed a positive correlation between covert narcissism and the collaborative, deferring and receptive styles of religious coping, and a negative correlation between covert narcissism and the self-directing style. Overt narcissism only had a positive correlation with the receptive style. The article discusses in detail the significance of the relationships between narcissism and styles of religious coping.
Making Law for the Spirits: Angakkuit, Revelation and Rulemaking in the Canadian Arctic
Authors: Stone Thomas
Published: February 2010

Processes of revelation and rulemaking are examined in the context of the indigenous religion of the Inuit of arctic Canada. Instances of misfortune, conventionally understood to be the manner in which spirit intentions concerning human conduct are revealed, instigate social mechanisms through which normative rules are created and maintained. The performances of Inuit religious specialists, the Angakkuit, play a key role in this process. The Inuit case invites comparative assessments of means of rule construction and the discernment of intentions in the context of both other religious traditions and secular normative systems.
Beyond the Horizons of Legends:Traditional Imagery and Direct Experience in Medieval Accounts of Asia
Authors: Valtrová Jana
Published: February 2010

The article deals with several medieval travel accounts about Asia, which were produced during the 13th and 14th centuries, in the time of the so called Mongol mission. These reports were written by Franciscan and also some Dominican missionaries, namely William of Rubruck, John Plano of Carpini, Odoric of Pordenone, John of Marignola, Jordanus Catalanus and a few others. The aim of the article is to analyze the encounter of European travelers’ “traditional” ideas about Asia with the actual reality. Did the friars mostly rely on their anticipations, or were they open to new information, even if this could destroy views often advocated by eminent authorities of European medieval thought? The article analyses three “traditional” topoi, each of them in the context of the above-mentioned reports: earthly paradise, the kingdom of Prester John and human monsters. All of them belonged to the medieval lore regarding the East, as testified by many literary as well as pictorial documents. Each of the authors adopted a slightly different strategy for how to solve the potential conflicts between “tradition” and experience. Finally, I suggest conceptualizing the problem of “tradition” and experience in medieval travel accounts with reference to a typology of “otherness” created by Karlheinz Ohle. According to Ohle, a “cognitive Other” (1) is an unknown, never encountered Other which can only be imagined, whereas a “normative Other” (2), is an Other which is directly encountered and gradually explored. In my opinion, the friars’ medieval travel accounts actually reflect a shift from imagination towards gradual encounter and exploration — in these reports the imagined (cognitive) fabulous East gradually turned into an explored (normative) reality.
Participation and Giving Ultimate Meaning: Exploring the Entanglement of Psychology of Religion and Phenomenology of Religion in the Netherlands
Authors: Westerink Herman
Published: February 2010

Psychology of religion in the Netherlands is rediscovering its historic entanglement with phenomenology of religion in the context of a current transition emancipating itself from the theological objective of re-establishing the relation between theology and faith practice (from the 1960s onwards), and developing into a discipline focusing on “lived religion” and interculturality in closer cooperation with religious studies. In this article the entanglement of psychology of religion and phenomenology of religion is explored starting with the writings of Gerardus van der Leeuw, his interest in a psychological method in phenomenology and his reception of Lévy-Bruhl’s concept of mystic participation. It is argued that psychology of religion in the Netherlands after the Second World War emerged out of the critique by Fokke Sierksma of the phenomenological method in the context of emancipating the science of religion (godsdienstwetenschap) from theology, and the reaction this provoked in the work of Han Fortmann, who defended Lévy-Bruhl and Van der Leeuw in order to “save” religiosity in a modern secularized world. This theological objective further colored developments in psychology of religion, notably the current discussion on “giving ultimate meaning” (zingeving). In the light of an expected closer cooperation between psychology of religion and religious studies, a critical reflection on the often unreflected theological positions and objectives in discussions on “giving ultimate meaning” is pleaded for.
The Human Rights of Minority Women: Romani Women's Rights from a Perspective on International Human Rights Law and Politics
Authors: Ravnbøl Camilla Ida
Published: February 2010

This article explores the complexities surrounding the human rights of minority women. With analytical focus on Romani women in Europe it seeks to contribute with new insight into the grey areas of rights issues, where groups within special rights categories share different human rights concerns, by being both women and members of a minority group. Through an investigation of how contemporary human rights law and politics serve to address the concerns of Romani women, it sheds light on the challenges that the Romani women's issue presents to the international human rights framework. These challenges go beyond the Romani issue only and into larger issues of women and minorities. It raises questions as to whether the historical separation between categories of gender and race/ethnicity within the international community in practice has become a gap that isolates Romani women from the human rights attention that they claim. It is argued that in order to strengthen the validity of human rights in the lives of Romani women, as a framework that ensures their full and equal protection, special attention needs to be given to interrelated grounds and forms of discrimination. “Intersectionality” is re-introduced as a concept to frame such new approaches to the human rights of Romani women. The article is a summary version of the thesis “The Human Rights of Minority Women: Challenging International Discourses with the Case of Romani Women”, for which the author was awarded the Martin Alexanderson Research Scholarship, administered by the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law in Lund, Sweden. This summary version brings forward the main arguments of the thesis which was an awarded EMA thesis 2006–2007 of the European University Institute in Venice. For this reason it does not present any new findings or data after 2007 but merely summarises the main chapters of the thesis. The thesis investigated the complexities surrounding Romani women's human rights at UN and European level. Thus, national systems and the regional systems in the Americas and Africa are excluded. The empirical data comes primarily from the European region.
Defining 'Indigenous' in Bangladesh: International Law in Domestic Context
Authors: Ahmed Kawser
Published: February 2010

Bangladesh is one of the 11 states which abstained in voting on the United Nations (UN) Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The reason as stated by the representative of Bangladesh at UN is that the term 'indigenous peoples' has not been clearly defined or identified in the aforementioned Declaration. In fact, the government of Bangladesh has been persistently denying many of the marginal communities' claim to recognition as indigenous peoples. The article argues that the state of non-dominance is one of the determining criteria of the definitions of indigenous peoples in international law. Drawing on the discourses of subaltern historiography and internal colonialism, this article further argues that the said marginal communities of Bangladesh indeed meet all the criteria including non-dominance inasmuch as they are entitled to recognition and legal protection as indigenous peoples. Case studies on historical profiles of three marginal communities of Bangladesh are provided as factual evidence in support of the above proposition.
Is There a Place for Minorities' and Indigenous Peoples' Rights within ASEAN?: Asian Values, ASEAN Values and the Protection of Southeast Asian Minorities and Indigenous Peoples
Authors: de Vries Byung Sook , Meijknecht Anna
Published: February 2010

Southeast Asia is one of the most culturally diverse regions in the world. Nevertheless, unlike minorities and indigenous peoples in Western states, minorities and indigenous peoples in Asia have never received much attention from politicians or legal scholars. The level of minority protection varies from state to state, but can, in general, be called insufficient. At the regional level, for instance, within the context of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), there are no mechanisms devoted specifically to the protection of minorities and indigenous peoples. In December 2008, the ASEAN Charter entered into force. In July 2009 the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission on Human Rights were adopted. Both the Charter and the ToR refer to human rights and to cultural diversity, but omit to refer explicitly to minorities or indigenous peoples. In this article, the extent to which this reticence with regard to the protection of minorities and indigenous peoples is dictated by the concept of Asian values and ASEAN values is explored. Further, it is analysed how, instead, ASEAN seeks to accommodate the enormous cultural diversity of this region of the world within its system. Finally, the tenability of ASEAN's policy towards minorities and indigenous peoples in the light of, on the one hand, the requirements of international legal instruments concerning the protection of minorities and indigenous peoples and, on the other hand, the policies of the national states that are members of ASEAN is determined.
The Newly Found Tomb-Stone of Sheikh Haydar the Safavid in Dagestan
Authors: Aytberov Temur
Published: February 2010

The paper presents the Arabic epitaphs on the newly-found grave-stones of Sheikh Haydar the Safavid, the father of Shah Isma'il I, and Xwāĵa Jamšīd, supposedly, Sheikh Haydar's brother. Both inscriptions were recently discovered in Dagestan—in Tabasaran and in Kubachi, respectively.
The Dear One of Nasaf: 'Azīz Nasafī's “Epistle on Love”
Authors: Virani Shafique
Published: February 2010

'Azīz Nasafī, the prominent 13th century Muslim mystic of Iran and Central Asia, was one of the first exponents of Islamic esoteric thought to draw the attention of western scholarship. Here, an introduction and translation of his impressive Persian “Epistle on Love” are presented. This epistle forms an important part of the author's Book of the Perfect Man (Kitāb Insān al-Kāmil).
Iranian Notes III
Authors: Asatrian Garnik
Published: February 2010

This paper brings to light additional lexical material with regard to several items, primarily cultural terms, discussed already in the relevant literature. The material was recorded during recent field-work in various parts of the Iranian-speaking oikumene, including present-day Iran, western parts of Afghanistan, and Central Anatolia. The list of terms examined in this essay are: “bare-foot and naked”, “step-child”, “yawning”, “snow, sleet, and dew”, “threshing-floor”, “mortar and pestle”, “fork for winnowing grain”, “plough-handle”, “clothing, underwear, and shirt”, and “Rhubarb (Rheam L.) and Purslane (Portulaca L.)”.
The Dialects of Lar (The State of Research)
Authors: Moridi Behzad
Published: February 2010

The paper presents a general overview of the Lari dialects, which belong to the South-Western group of New Iranian. The author gives a comprehensive analysis of the relevant literature published since O. Mann's pioneering work on the dialects of Lar, published in 1909.
Iran and Its Two Neighbours Armenia and Azerbaijan: Resuming Relationships under America's Suspicious Eyes
Authors: Zarifian Julien
Published: February 2010

Immediately after the collapse of the USSR in 1991, Iran sought to once again resume relationships with its two northern ex-Soviet neighbours, Armenia and Azerbaijan. In the context of the Karabakh conflict that pitted the two South Caucasian countries against one another, Iran, despite its Shi'a Muslim identity, decided to maintain a neutral stance. This was mostly due to the pro-Turkish and clearly anti-Iranian stance of the second Azeri president, A. Elchibey, and to the traditional close ties between Iran and Armenia. Since that time, Iranian-Armenian political, economic, and cultural relations have maintained themselves at a high level, while Iranian-Azerbaijani relations have improved, especially at the instigation of the Aliyev family in power in Baku. The difficulty for Yerevan and Baku is that they are both partners of the U.S., which, especially under G. W. Bush's presidency, has not been pleased by the good and fruitful relationships Azerbaijan and especially Armenia maintain with Tehran. The strained Iranian-American relationship puts Yerevan and Baku in an uneasy posture, and the U.S., particularly under G. W. Bush, applied relative pressure on both countries to make them ponder over their cooperation with Iran. The delicate task of Armenia and Azerbaijan is, therefore, to optimise their relationship with both the U.S. and Iran, two major actors, without hurting their respective feelings and, as much as possible, their respective interests.