bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of heart rate on hemodynamic endpoints under concomitant microvascular disease in a porcine model
Authors: Peelukhana S. V. , Banerjee R. K. , Kolli K. K. , Effat M. A. , Helmy T. A. , Leesar M. A. , Schneeberger E. W. , Succop P. , Gottliebson W. , Irif A.
Published: January 2012

Diagnosis of the ischemic power of epicardial stenosis with concomitant microvascular disease (MVD) is challenging during coronary interventions, especially under variable hemodynamic factors like heart rate (HR). The goal of this study is to assess the influence of variable HR and percent area stenosis (%AS) in the presence of MVD on pressure drop coefficient (CDP; ratio of transstenotic pressure drop to the distal dynamic pressure) and lesion flow coefficient (LFC; ratio of %AS to the CDP at the throat region). We hypothesize that CDP and LFC are independent of HR. %AS and MVD were created using angioplasty balloons and 90-μm microspheres, respectively. Simultaneous measurements of pressure drop (DP) and velocity were done in 11 Yorkshire pigs. Fractional flow reserve (FFR), CDP, and LFC were calculated for the groups HR < 120 and HR > 120 beats/min, %AS < 50 and %AS > 50, and additionally for DP < 14 and DP > 14 mmHg, and analyzed using regression and ANOVA analysis. Regression analysis showed independence between HR and the FFR, CDP, and LFC while it showed dependence between %AS and the FFR, CDP, and LFC. In the ANOVA analysis, for the HR < 120 beats/min and HR > 120 beats/min groups, the values of FFR (0.82 ± 0.02 and 0.82 ± 0.02), CDP (83.15 ± 26.19 and 98.62 ± 26.04), and LFC (0.16 ± 0.03 and 0.15 ± 0.03) were not significantly different ( P > 0.05). However, for %AS < 50 and %AS > 50, the FFR (0.89 ± 0.02 and 0.75 ± 0.02), CDP (35.97 ± 25.79.10 and 143.80 ± 25.41), and LFC (0.09 ± 0.03 and 0.22 ± 0.03) were significantly different ( P < 0.05). A similar trend was observed between the DP groups. Under MVD conditions, FFR, CDP, and LFC were not significantly influenced by changes in HR, while they can significantly distinguish %AS and DP groups.
Transforming growth factor-β regulates endothelin-1 signaling in the newborn mouse lung during hypoxia exposure
Authors: Olave Nelida , Nicola Teodora , Zhang Wei , Bulger Arlene , James Masheika , Oparil Suzanne , Chen Yiu-Fai , Ambalavanan Namasivayam
Published: January 2012

We have previously shown that inhibition of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling attenuates hypoxia-induced inhibition of alveolar development and abnormal pulmonary vascular remodeling in the newborn mice and that endothelin-A receptor (ETAR) antagonists prevent and reverse the vascular remodeling. The current study tested the hypothesis that inhibition of TGF-β signaling attenuates endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression and thereby reduces effects of hypoxia on the newborn lung. C57BL/6 mice were exposed from birth to 2 wk of age to either air or hypoxia (12% O2) while being given either BQ610 (ETAR antagonist), BQ788 (ETBR antagonist), 1D11 (TGF-β neutralizing antibody), or vehicle. Lung function and development and TGF-β and ET-1 synthesis were assessed. Hypoxia inhibited alveolar development, decreased lung compliance, and increased lung resistance. These effects were associated with increased TGF-β synthesis and signaling and increased ET-1 synthesis. BQ610 (but not BQ788) improved lung function, without altering alveolar development or increased TGF-β signaling in hypoxia-exposed animals. Inhibition of TGF-β signaling reduced ET-1 in vivo, which was confirmed in vitro in mouse pulmonary endothelial, fibroblast, and epithelial cells. ETAR blockade improves function but not development of the hypoxic newborn lung. Reduction of ET-1 via inhibition of TGF-β signaling indicates that TGF-β is upstream of ET-1 during hypoxia-induced signaling in the newborn lung.
Improved pulmonary vascular reactivity and decreased hypertrophic remodeling during nonhypercapnic acidosis in experimental pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Christou Helen , Reslan Ossama M. , Mam Virak , Tanbe Alain F. , Vitali Sally H. , Touma Marlin , Arons Elena , Mitsialis S. Alex , Kourembanas Stella , Khalil Raouf A.
Published: January 2012

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by pulmonary arteriolar remodeling with excessive pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. This results in decreased responsiveness of pulmonary circulation to vasodilator therapies. We have shown that extracellular acidosis inhibits VSMC proliferation and migration in vitro. Here we tested whether induction of nonhypercapnic acidosis in vivo ameliorates PH and the underlying pulmonary vascular remodeling and dysfunction. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to hypoxia (8.5% O2) for 2 wk, or injected subcutaneously with monocrotaline (MCT, 60 mg/kg) to develop PH. Acidosis was induced with NH4Cl (1.5%) in the drinking water 5 days prior to and during the 2 wk of hypoxic exposure (prevention protocol), or after MCT injection from day 21 to 28 (reversal protocol). Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and Fulton's index were measured, and pulmonary arteriolar remodeling was analyzed. Pulmonary and mesenteric artery contraction to phenylephrine (Phe) and high KCl, and relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were examined ex vivo. Hypoxic and MCT-treated rats demonstrated increased RVSP, Fulton's index, and pulmonary arteriolar thickening. In pulmonary arteries of hypoxic and MCT rats there was reduced contraction to Phe and KCl and reduced vasodilation to ACh and SNP. Acidosis prevented hypoxia-induced PH, reversed MCT-induced PH, and resulted in reduction in all indexes of PH including RVSP, Fulton's index, and pulmonary arteriolar remodeling. Pulmonary artery contraction to Phe and KCl was preserved or improved, and relaxation to ACh and SNP was enhanced in NH4Cl-treated PH animals. Acidosis alone did not affect the hemodynamics or pulmonary vascular function. Phe and KCl contraction and ACh and SNP relaxation were not different in mesenteric arteries of all groups. Thus nonhypercapnic acidosis ameliorates experimental PH, attenuates pulmonary arteriolar thickening, and enhances pulmonary vascular responsiveness to vasoconstrictor and vasodilator stimuli. Together with our finding that acidosis decreases VSMC proliferation, the results are consistent with the possibility that nonhypercapnic acidosis promotes differentiation of pulmonary VSMCs to a more contractile phenotype, which may enhance the effectiveness of vasodilator therapies in PH.
Nonischemic Central Retinal Vein Occlusion in an Adolescent Patient with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Vayalambrone Deepak , Ivanova Tsveta , Misra Aseema
Published: January 2012

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can present with extraintestinal manifestations occasionally involving the eye. Retinal vein occlusions are rarely seen and have never been reported in the pediatric population though vascular thrombosis can be associated with IBD. Here, we present a case of what we believe is the youngest reported patient with nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).
Effect of Habitat Type on Parasitism ofEctatomma ruidumby Eucharitid Wasps
Authors: Vásquez-Ordóñez Aymer Andrés , Armbrecht Inge , Pérez-Lachaud Gabriela
Published: January 2012

Eucharitidae are parasitoids that use immature stages of ants for their development.KapalaCameron is the genus most frequently collected in the Neotropics, but little is known about the biology and behavior of any of the species of this genus. We aimed to evaluate the effect of habitat type on eucharitid parasitism and to contribute to the knowledge of the host-parasite relationship betweenKapalasp. and the poneromorph antEctatomma ruidum(Roger) in Colombia. TwentyE. ruidumcolonies were extracted from two different habitat types (woodland and grassland), and larvae and cocoons (pupae) were examined in search for parasitoids in different stages of development. Globally, 60% of the colonies were parasitized, with 1.3% of larvae and 4% of pupae parasitized. Planidia (first-instar larvae), pupae, and adults of the parasitoid were observed. All of the pupae and adult parasitoids belonged toKapala iridicolorCameron. All the colonies collected in the woodlands were parasitized and contained more parasitized larvae (2%) and parasitized cocoons (8%) than those collected in grasslands (4/12 parasitized colonies, 0.5% parasitized larvae, 0.8% parasitized cocoons). The relationship observed between habitat type and parasitism prevalence is a novel aspect of the study of eucharitid impact on ant host populations.
Reality or Locality? Proposed Test to Decide How Nature Breaks Bell's Inequality
Authors: Hansson Johan
Published: January 2012

Bell's theorem, and its experimental tests, has shown that the two premises for Bell's inequality—locality and objective reality—cannot both hold in nature, as Bell's inequality is broken. A simple test is proposed, which for the first time may decide which alternative nature actually prefers on the fundamental, quantum level. If each microscopic event is truly random (e.g., as assumed in orthodox quantum mechanics) objective reality is not valid whereas if each event is described by an unknown but deterministic mechanism (“hidden variables”) locality is not valid. This may be analyzed and decided by the well-known reconstruction method of Ruelle and Takens; in the former case no structure should be discerned, in the latter a reconstructed structure should be visible. This could in principle be tested by comparing individual “hits” in a double-slit experiment, but in practice a single fluorescent atom, and its (seemingly random) temporal switching between active/inactive states would possibly be better/more practical, easier to set up, observe, and analyze. However, only imagination limits the list of possible experimental setups.
Stationary Dynamic Displacement Solutions for a Rectangular Load Applied within a 3D Viscoelastic Isotropic Full‐Space—Part II: Implementation, Validation and Numerical Results
Authors: Labaki Josue , Romanini Edivaldo , Mesquita Euclides
Published: January 2012

In part I of the present article the formulation for a dynamic stationary semianalytical solution for a spatially constant load applied over a rectangular surface within a viscoelastic isotropic full‐space has been presented. The solution is obtained within the frame of a double Fourier integral transform. These inverse integral transforms must be evaluated numerically. In the present paper, the technique to evaluate numerically the inverse double Fourier integrals is described. The procedure is validated, and a number of original displacement results for the stationary loading case are reported.
Expressions of CXCL12/CXCR4 in Oral Premalignant and Malignant Lesions
Authors: Xia Juan , Chen Na , Hong Yun , Chen Xiaobing , Tao Xiaoan , Cheng Bin , Huang Yulei
Published: January 2012

Objective. The chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand CXCL12 have been suggested to play important roles in the initiation or progression of cancers. The goal of the present study was to investigate alterations of CXCL12/CXCR4 in oral premalignant lesions and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).Methods. In 13 normal oral epithelia, 24 dysplastic oral leukoplakia (OLK), and 40 OSCC specimens, expressions of CXCL12 and CXCR4 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.Results. CXCR4 was expressed in 37.5% of OLK and 60% of OSCC. CXCL12 was detected in 50% of OLK and 62.5% of OSCC. In OLK, CXCR4 positive ratio showed no significant difference from normal epithelia, but the CXCL12 positive ratio was significantly higher. Significant relationship between CXCL12 and CXCR4 was found both in OLK and OSCC.Conclusion. Our results indicated that CXCL12/CXCR4 axis may play roles from early steps of oral malignant transformation and contribute to the progress of oral carcinogenesis.
Virtual Antenna Array Analysis for MIMO Synthetic Aperture Radars
Authors: Wang Wen-Qin
Published: January 2012

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) that employs multiple antennas to transmit orthogonal waveforms and multiple antennas to receive radar echoes is a recently proposed remote sensing concept. It has been shown that MIMO SAR can be used to improve remote sensing system performance. Most of the MIMO SAR research so far focused on signal/data models and corresponding signal processing algorithm. Little work related to MIMO SAR antenna analysis can be found. One of the main advantages of MIMO SAR is that the degrees of freedom can be greatly increased by the concept of virtual antenna array. In this paper, we analyze the virtual antenna array for MIMO SAR high-resolution wide-swath remote sensing applications. The one-dimensional uniform and nonuniform linear antenna arrays are investigated and their application potentials in high-resolution wide-swath remote sensing are introduced. The impacts of nonuniform spatial sampling in the virtual antenna array are analyzed, along with a multichannel filtering-based reconstruction algorithm. Conceptual system and discussions are provided. It is shown that high operation flexibility and reconfigurability can be obtained by utilizing the virtual antenna arrays provided by the MIMO SAR systems, thus enabling a satisfactory remote sensing performance.
Phytoestrogens Enhance the Vascular Actions of the Endocannabinoid Anandamide in Mesenteric Beds of Female Rats
Authors: Peroni Roxana N. , Abramoff Tamara , Neuman Isabel , Podestá Ernesto J. , Adler-Graschinsky Edda
Published: January 2012

In rat isolated mesenteric beds that were contracted with NA as an in vitro model of the vascular adrenergic hyperactivity that usually precedes the onset of primary hypertension, the oral administration (3 daily doses) of either 10 mg/kg genistein or 20 mg/kg daidzein potentiated the anandamide-induced reduction of contractility to NA in female but not in male rats. Oral treatment with phytoestrogens also restored the vascular effects of anandamide as well as the mesenteric content of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) that were reduced after ovariectomy. The enhancement of anandamide effects caused by phytoestrogens was prevented by the concomitant administration of the estrogen receptor antagonist fulvestrant (2.5 mg/kg, s.c., 3 daily doses). It is concluded that, in the vasculature of female rats, phytoestrogens produced an estrogen-receptor-dependent enhancement of the anandamide-vascular actions that involves the modulation of CGRP levels and appears to be relevant whenever an adrenergic hyperactivity occurs.
Effect of a CNS-Sensitive Anticholinesterase Methane Sulfonyl Fluoride on Hippocampal Acetylcholine Release in Freely Moving Rats
Authors: Imanishi Tamotsu , Hossain Muhammad Mubarak , Suzuki Tadahiko , Xu Ping , Sato Itaru , Kobayashi Haruo
Published: January 2012

Anticholinesterases (antiChEs) are used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. The comparative effects of two antiChEs, methanesulfonyl fluoride (MSF) and donepezil, on the extracellular levels of ACh in the hippocampus were investigated byin vivomicrodialysis in freely moving rats. MSF at 1 and 2 mg/kg produced a dose-dependent increase in ACh efflux from 10 min to at least 3 hrs after injection. At 2 mg/kg, the increase was still present at 24 hr. Donepezil at 1 mg/kg showed a similar but smaller effect, and, paradoxically, 2 mg/kg showed no consistent effect. MSF at 1 and 2 mg/kg decreased acetylcholinesterase activity in the hippocampus to 54.8 and 20.1% of control, respectively. These results suggest that MSF is a suitable candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Genomic Research to Identify Novel Pathways in the Development of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Harrison Seamus C. , Kalea Anastasia Z. , Holmes Michael V. , Agu Obi , Humphries Steve E.
Published: January 2012

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common disease with a large heritable component. There is a need to improve our understanding of AAA pathogenesis in order to develop novel treatment paradigms. Genomewide association studies have revolutionized research into the genetic variants that underpin the development of many complex diseases including AAA. This article reviews the progress that has been made to date in this regard, including mechanisms by which loci identified by GWAS may contribute to the development of AAA. It also highlights potential post-GWAS analytical strategies to improve our understanding of the disease further.
Localization and Regulation of the N Terminal Splice Variant of PGC-1αin Adult Skeletal Muscle Fibers
Authors: Shen Tiansheng , Liu Yewei , Schneider Martin F.
Published: January 2012

The transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγcoactivator 1α(PGC-1α) regulates expression of genes for metabolism and muscle fiber type. Recently, a novel splice variant of PGC-1α(NT-PGC-1α, amino acids 1–270) was cloned and found to be expressed in muscle. Here we use Flag-tagged NT-PGC-1αto examine the subcellular localization and regulation of NT-PGC-1αin skeletal muscle fibers. Flag-NT-PGC-1αis located predominantly in the myoplasm. Nuclear NT-PGC-1αcan be increased by activation of protein kinase A. Activation of p38 MAPK by muscle activity or of AMPK had no effect on the subcellular distribution of NT-PGC-1α. Inhibition of CRM1-mediated export only caused relatively slow nuclear accumulation of NT-PGC-1α, indicating that nuclear export of NT-PGC-1αmay be mediated by both CRM1-dependent and -independent pathways. Together these results suggest that the regulation of NT-PGC-1αin muscle fibers may be very different from that of the full-length PGC-1α, which is exclusively nuclear.
PARP-1 Inhibition as a Targeted Strategy to Treat Ewing's Sarcoma
Authors: Brenner J. Chad , Feng Felix Y. , Han Sumin , Patel Sonam , Goyal Siddharth V. , Bou-Maroun Laura M. , Liu Meilan , Lonigro Robert , Prensner John R. , Tomlins Scott A. , Chinnaiyan Arul M.
Published: January 2012

Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) refers to aggressive malignancies which frequently harbor characteristic EWS-FLI1 or EWS-ERG genomic fusions. Here, we report that these fusion products interact with the DNA damage response protein and transcriptional coregulator PARP-1. ESFT cells, primary tumor xenografts, and tumor metastases were all highly sensitive to PARP1 inhibition. Addition of a PARP1 inhibitor to the second-line chemotherapeutic agent temozolamide resulted in complete responses of all treated tumors in an EWS-FLI1–driven mouse xenograft model of ESFT. Mechanistic investigations revealed that DNA damage induced by expression of EWS-FLI1 or EWS-ERG fusion genes was potentiated by PARP1 inhibition in ESFT cell lines. Notably, EWS-FLI1 fusion genes acted in a positive feedback loop to maintain the expression of PARP1, which was required for EWS-FLI–mediated transcription, thereby enforcing oncogene-dependent sensitivity to PARP-1 inhibition. Together, our findings offer a strong preclinical rationale to target the EWS-FLI1:PARP1 intersection as a therapeutic strategy to improve the treatment of ESFTs. Cancer Res; 72(7); 1608–13. ©2012 AACR.
IGFBP Ratio Confers Resistance to IGF Targeting and Correlates with Increased Invasion and Poor Outcome in Breast Tumors
Authors: Becker Marc A. , Hou Xiaonan , Harrington Sean C. , Weroha S. John , Gonzalez Sergio E. , Jacob Kristina A. , Carboni Joan M. , Gottardis Marco M. , Haluska Paul
Published: January 2012

Purpose: To improve the significance of insulin-like growth factor–binding protein 5 (IGFBP-5) as a prognostic and potentially predictive marker in patients with breast cancer.

Experimental Design: Increased IGFBP-5 expression was identified in MCF-7 cells resistant (MCF-7R4) to the IGF-1R/insulin receptor (InsR) inhibitor BMS-536924 and its role examined by targeted knockdown and overexpression in multiple experimental models. Protein expression of IGFBP-5 was measured by immunohistochemistry in a cohort of 76 patients with breast cancer to examine correlative associations with invasive tumor fraction and outcome. The use of a combined IGFBP-5/IGFBP-4 (BPR) expression ratio was applied to predict anti-IGF-1R/InsR response in a panel of breast cancer lines and outcome in multiple breast tumor cohorts.

Results: IGFBP-5 knockdown decreased BMS-536924 resistance in MCF-7R4 cells, whereas IGFBP-5 overexpression in MCF-7 cells conferred resistance. When compared with pathologically normal reduction mammoplasty tissue, IGFBP-5 expression levels were upregulated in both invasive and histologically normal adjacent breast cancer tissue. In both univariate and multivariate modeling, metastasis-free survival, recurrence free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) were significantly associated with high IGFBP-5 expression. Prognostic power of IGFBP-5 was further increased with the addition of IGFBP-4 where tumors were ranked based upon IGFBP-5/IGFBP-4 expression ratio (BPR). Multiple breast cancer cohorts confirm that BPR (high vs. low) was a strong predictor of RFS and OS.

Conclusion: IGFBP-5 expression is a marker of poor outcome in patients with breast cancer. An IGFBP-5/IGFBP-4 expression ratio may serve as a surrogate biomarker of IGF pathway activation and predict sensitivity to anti-IGF-1R targeting. Clin Cancer Res; 18(6); 1808–17. ©2012 AACR.
Increased Levels of COX-2 and Prostaglandin E2 Contribute to Elevated Aromatase Expression in Inflamed Breast Tissue of Obese Women
Authors: Subbaramaiah Kotha , Morris Patrick G. , Zhou Xi Kathy , Morrow Monica , Du Baoheng , Giri Dilip , Kopelovich Levy , Hudis Clifford A. , Dannenberg Andrew J.
Published: January 2012

Obesity is a risk factor for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Estrogen synthesis is catalyzed by aromatase, which is encoded by CYP19. We previously showed that aromatase expression and activity are increased in the breast tissue of overweight and obese women in the presence of characteristic inflammatory foci [crown-like structures of the breast (CLS-B)]. In preclinical studies, proinflammatory prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a determinant of aromatase expression. We provide evidence that cyclooxygenase (COX)-2–derived PGE2 stimulates the cyclic AMP (cAMP)→PKA signal transduction pathway that activates CYP19 transcription, resulting in increased aromatase expression and elevated progesterone receptor levels in breast tissues from overweight and obese women. We further demonstrate that a measure of in-breast inflammation (CLS-B index) is a better correlate of these biologic end points than body mass index. The obesity→inflammation→aromatase axis is likely to contribute to the increased risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and the worse prognosis of obese patients with breast cancer.

Significance: We show that obesity-associated inflammatory foci in the human breast are associated with elevated COX-2 levels and activation of the PGE2→cAMP→PKA signal transduction pathway resulting in increased aromatase expression. These findings help to explain the link among obesity, low-grade chronic inflammation, and breast cancer with important clinical implications. Cancer Discov; 2(4); 356–65. ©2012 AACR.

Read the Commentary on this article by Wang and DuBois, p. 308

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 288
Trends in Use of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Therapy Among Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure
Authors: Al-Khatib Sana M. , Hellkamp Anne S. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Thomas Kevin L. , Al-Khalidi Hussein R. , Heidenreich Paul A. , Hammill Stephen , Yancy Clyde , Peterson Eric D. ,   for the Get With the Guidelines Steering Committee and Hospitals
Published: January 2012

Background—

Prior studies have demonstrated low use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) as primary prevention, particularly among women and blacks. The degree to which the overall use of ICD therapy and disparities in use have changed is unclear.

Methods and Results—

We examined 11 880 unique patients with a history of heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% who were ≥65 years old and enrolled in the Get With the Guidelines–Heart Failure (GWTG-HF) program from January 2005 through December 2009. We determined the rate of ICD use by year for the overall population and for sex and race groups. From 2005 to 2007, overall ICD use increased from 30.2% to 42.4% and then remained unchanged in 2008 to 2009. After adjustment for potential confounders, ICD use increased significantly in the overall study population during 2005 to 2007 (odds ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.48 per year;
P
=0.0008) and in black women (odds ratio, 1.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.28–2.58 per year;
P
=0.0008), white women (odds ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.59 per year;
P
=0.010), black men (odds ratio, 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.19–1.99 per year;
P
=0.0009), and white men (odds ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.48 per year;
P
=0.0072). The increase in ICD use was greatest among blacks.

Conclusions—

In the GWTG-HF quality improvement program, a significant increase in ICD therapy use was observed over time in all sex and race groups. The previously described racial disparities in ICD use were no longer present by the end of the study period; however, sex differences persisted.
Online Religion in Nigeria: The Internet Church and Cyber Miracles
Authors: Chiluwa Innocent
Published: January 2012

This study examines the use of the Internet and computer-mediated communication for Christian worship in Nigeria. The seven largest and fastest growing churches in Nigeria are selected for the study, highlighting the benefits and dangers associated with online worship. The utilization of the Internet to disseminate the Christian message and attract membership across the world, and the dissemination of religious tenets and fellowship online, have resulted in the emergence of the ‘Internet church’ for members who worship online in addition to belonging to a local church. Most interesting is the increasing widespread claim of spiritual experience or ‘miracles’ through digital worship. However, there is fear that online worship endangers the offline house fellowship system, which is viewed as the reproductive organ of the local offline church. Exclusive online worshippers are also said to be susceptible to deception and divided loyalty.
Adolescents’ Perceptions of Parental Influences on Their Smoking Behavior
Authors: Maggi Stefania , Lovato Chris Y. , Hill Erin M. , Johnson Joy L. , Ratner Pamela A. , Shoveller Jean A.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to describe adolescents’ perceptions of parental influences on their smoking behavior. Thirty-five adolescents, 14 to 18 years old, provided narrative accounts of their smoking histories in semistructured interviews. Most of the participants recognized that their parents played an important role in shaping their experiences with cigarettes. They described several different ways in which parents influenced their smoking behavior. The quality of the adolescents’ relationships with their parents emerged as central to how they experienced the environment in which they lived and the ways in which they interpreted messages about smoking. Studies using a systemic approach to examine the role of parents in smoking acquisition are needed to investigate the aspects of parent–adolescent relationships involved in the effective communication of health messages in general and messages about smoking in particular.
Perceived Demands of Social Change and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents From Different Educational Tracks
Authors: Pinquart Martin , Silbereisen Rainer K. , Grümer Sebastian
Published: January 2012

We analyzed whether perceived demands associated with social change and coping with these demands are related to depressive symptoms in German adolescents from the highest versus middle/lowest educational track. Demands reflected an increase in uncertainty (e.g., risk for getting no job). Adolescents on the highest educational track perceived fewer demands in the field of education/work and reported lower levels of depression than adolescents on lower educational tracks. In addition, work-related demands were associated with depressive symptoms only in students on lower educational tracks. Whereas problem-focused coping with these demands was associated with lower depressive symptoms in all students, we found that associations of distancing from demands with depression varied by educational track. We conclude that increased uncertainty associated with social change serves as a stressor that relates to adolescents’ depressive symptoms. However, educational attainment is an important resource for dealing with these stressors.
Population Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling to Assist Dosing Schedule Selection for Dovitinib
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Kay Andrea , Anak Oezlem , Angevin Eric , Escudier Bernard , Zhou Wei , Feng Yilin , Dugan Margaret , Schran Horst
Published: January 2012

Dovitinib is an oral multitargeted kinase inhibitor with potent activity against receptors for vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet‐derived growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor. Initial phase 1 to 2 studies of dovitinib using a continuous daily dosing schedule has shown that dovitinib exhibits a prolonged and overproportional increase in dose and exposure relationship above 400 mg/d. To address this, intermittent dosing schedules were explored using a model‐based approach. A semi‐mechanistic population pharmcokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PD) model was developed from 4 dovitinib phase 1 studies with daily dosing schedules. Autoinduction of cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) responsible for dovitinib metabolism was described using an indirect response model. Simulation of dovitinib plasma concentration profiles following 4 intermittent dosing schedules suggested that intermittent dosing could prevent prolonged drug accumulation. Based on the simulated plasma profiles, PD response, and patient compliance, a 5‐days‐on/2‐days‐off intermittent dosing schedule was selected for a phase 1 to 2 clinical study. The observed dovitinib plasma concentrations in this study confirmed the model predictions. Furthermore, dovitinib was well tolerated, and antitumor activity was observed as well in this new study. The 5‐days‐on/2‐days‐off dosing schedule is currently used in a dovitinib registration trial and other clinical trials.
Pharmacokinetics of Pentoxifylline and Its Main Metabolites in Patients With Different Degrees of Heart Failure Following a Single Dose of a Modified‐Release Formulation
Authors: Nisi Alessandra , Panfili Marco , De Rosa Giovanni , Boffa Giovanni , Groppa Francesca , Gusella Milena , Padrini Roberto
Published: January 2012

Pentoxifylline (PTX) is extensively metabolized in the body, and all its 3 plasma metabolites (M1, M4, M5) are pharmacologically active. The authors evaluated the pharmacokinetics of PTX and its metabolites in 20 patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Eleven had moderate and 9 severe CHF. The time courses of PTX, M1, M4, and M5 plasma levels were determined after oral administration of a sustained‐release 600‐mg tablet of PTX, and for each compound, AUC, maximal plasma concentration (Cmax), and time to Cmax (Tpeak) were calculated. Compared with patients with moderate CHF, those with severe CHF showed a significant delay in Tpeak of PTX (3.9 vs 1.6 hours) and M5 (5.6 vs 3.6 hours), a 59% significant increase in M5 AUC, and a 56% nonsignificant increase in PTX AUC. In the whole population, the AUCs of PTX, M4, and M5 were inversely correlated with markers of liver function, whereas the AUCs of M4 and M5 were inversely correlated with the creatinine clearance. In view of the kinetic features of slow‐release formulations (flip‐flop phenomenon), the delay in Tpeak of PTX in patients with severe CHF compared with moderate CHF should be ascribed to a reduced elimination rate.
Integrating Scientists into the Sports Environment
Authors: Kerr Roslyn
Published: January 2012

This article examines how sports scientists who operate outside the sports training arena are mobilized to work with gymnasts in New Zealand. Although sociology of sport has drawn attention to a variety of facets of sports science, there has been only little attention to the enrolment processes through which sports scientists become part of the sporting network. This study uses a perspective specifically developed by actor network theorists for the study of mobilization and enrolment: the “sociology of translation” (Callon). The results demonstrate how this perspective reveals the power relations within the gymnastics network and how a variety of different actors, including individuals like gymnasts and coaches, and organizations, such as the government, can determine how enrolment processes operate.
Exploring the Truth
Authors: Park Jae-Woo , Lim Seung-Yup , Bretherton Paul
Published: January 2012

This article examines the structural problems that have accompanied South Korea’s increasing emphasis on success in elite international sport. After discussing how this was brought about by the political context of the 1960s and 1970s, we focus on three particular social issues: the educational problems experienced by student-athletes, the problems these cause in later life, and the physical and sexual abuse that is committed by coaches. The study draws on evidence from three selected investigative documentary programs aired by the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) in 2007 and 2008, and this is supplemented by data from other media publications, official government documents, research reports, and a series of interviews. We draw on the concept of path dependency and the notion of Confucianism to provide insight into how these issues accompanied by the nation’s elite sport-focused policy have proved enduring. Overall, and with reference to wider socio-cultural factors, we show how South Korea’s emphasis on sport has brought success for the nation but problems for the athletes who have contributed to it.
The (In)validity of Supercrip Representation of Paralympian Athletes
Authors: Silva Carla Filomena , Howe P. David
Published: January 2012

This article provides a critical overview of the viability of the “supercrip” iconography as an appropriate representation of Paralympic athletes. It focuses on its validity as a vehicle for the empowerment of individuals with impairments both within the context of elite sport and broader society. This type of representation may be seen by the able moral majority as enlightened. However, supercrip narratives may have a negative impact on the physical and social development of disabled individuals by reinforcing what could be termed “achievement syndrome”—the impaired are successful in spite of their disability. The authors will focus on the implications of the use of language and images embodied in supercrip iconography, relying on examples of two European Paralympic awareness campaigns disseminated through mainstream media.
Women’s Football in the Two Koreas
Authors: Hong Eunah
Published: January 2012

The year 2010 is considered South Korean women’s football’s greatest year, with outstanding results in two International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) tournaments. North Korea has also displayed excellence in women’s football during the past 20 years. This study, therefore, investigates and compares the factors involved in the success of Korean women’s football. It finds that the South Korean government’s interest in women’s football has been erratic, but North Korea prioritized women’s football and provided it full support; that members of successful South Korean teams receive small financial rewards, while North Korean players receive decorations and significant material rewards, and that although South Korea established a systematic talent identification and training system in 2002, North Korea initiated this process more than a decade earlier.
The Morality of Fighting in Ice Hockey
Authors: Lewinson Ryan T. , Palma Oscar E.
Published: January 2012

Ice hockey is a popular sport throughout North America and most of Europe; however, all too often, a midgame fistfight between two players will occur. Although this behavior is not allowed at any level of play in the game rules, the fights are typically allowed to proceed to completion—especially at the professional level. Knowing that the behavior is illegal in the sport, can fighting in hockey be a moral act? Does player safety outweigh the pleasures that fans and teammates experience when they witness a fight? Should fighting in hockey be abolished? This article aims to address these ethical questions and more, using virtue, utilitarian and deontological theoretical approaches supplemented with real-life on-ice examples that have occurred.
Prevalence of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Symptoms
Authors: Sone Michihiko , Katayama Naomi , Kato Toshinari , Izawa Kazuhiro , Wada Masaki , Hamajima Nobuyuki , Nakashima Tsutomu
Published: January 2012

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms in health checkup examinees and in patients with otitis media with effusion (OME) of undetermined etiology and the significance of age, body mass index (BMI), and pepsinogen (PG) concentration in middle ear effusions (MEEs).

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Health checkup and private clinics.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 410 subjects who had undergone a health checkup were asked to respond to the reflux symptom index (RSI) to identify the distribution of the RSI score, and the results were compared with 62 patients with OME by BMI and PG concentration in the MEEs.

Results

The RSI‐positive (score >13) rate was 7.1% in the health checkup examinees. The highest rate was observed in men in their 40s, who had the highest average BMI. None of the men in their 80s were RSI positive. The RSI‐positive rate in patients with OME was 21.0%. None of the male patients ≥70 years of age were RSI positive, whereas the average PG concentration was significantly higher in this group.

Conclusion

The prevalence of LPR symptoms evaluated by the RSI was significantly higher in OME patients than in the health checkup examinees; however, a similar pattern in which LPR symptoms were prominent in middle‐aged men with a high BMI and much less in elderly men was observed. Middle‐aged men with a high BMI might be diagnosed as having LPR disease based on the relevant symptoms. LPR findings would be more sensitive than symptoms in elderly men.
Patient Self‐assessment of Nasal Fractures and Self‐referral to an Ear, Nose, and Throat Department
Authors: Baring David E. C. , Bowyer Duncan J. , Adamson Richard
Published: January 2012

Objective

To assess if patients can safely self‐assess their need for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) review following initial emergency department attendance for nasal trauma.

Study Design

This prospective study was divided into 2 parts. The initial part evaluated an information sheet for patients to lead them through a self‐assessment to establish if they require ENT review following nasal injury. The second part of the study investigated outcomes following the introduction of the self‐assessment.

Setting

This work was conducted at a District General Hospital in Scotland.

Subjects and Methods

Forty‐nine consecutive patients underwent self‐assessment plus blinded otolaryngology assessment, after which self‐assessment was introduced as routine. This was evaluated comparing outcomes of 49 new consecutive nasal injuries against the original group using subjective patient scores of nasal cosmesis and nasal airway following injury and any subsequent treatment.

Results

There was no significant difference in outcome between the 2 study periods. After the introduction of self‐assessment, there was a large reduction in the nonattendance rate for nasal injuries and in the attendances of patients with nasal injuries not requiring manipulation.

Conclusion

In our institution, patients can be relied on to safely self‐assess their nasal injuries to decide if they need ENT review when provided with appropriate information. This reduces the outpatient burden on the ENT department with no deterioration in subjective patient outcomes.
Firm size and innovation policy
Authors: Herrera Liliana , Sánchez-González Gloria
Published: January 2012

This study analyses the additionality effects of R&D subsidies on innovation activity: specifically, the allocation of in-house R&D expenditures and economic returns from the innovation process. The magnitude of these effects has been established in the context of a common variable informing the design of innovation policies: firm size. The study reveals that regardless of firm size, public funding stimulates investment within the firm’s technological domain (applied research and technological development), but did not expand the technological knowledge frontier (basic research). The findings also show that R&D subsidies have different additionality effects upon economic returns derived from the innovation process. Although subsidies increased private R&D effort quite significantly in small firms, this only prompted an expansion in the sale of products new for the firm. However, large subsidized firms which only increased investment in technological development improved the sale of products new to the market.
The Impact of Explicit Values Clarification Exercises in a Patient Decision Aid Emerges After the Decision Is Actually Made
Authors: Feldman-Stewart Deb , Tong Christine , Siemens Rob , Alibhai Shabbir , Pickles Tom , Robinson John , Brundage Michael D.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

To determine if particular values clarification exercises included in a patient decision aid had discernible impact on postdecisional regret in patients with early-stage prostate cancer.

Methods

A multicenter randomized controlled trial compared 2 versions of a computerized patient decision aid: only structured information compared to the structured information plus values clarification exercises. Assessments were conducted during the decision aid visit; telephone follow-up interviews were conducted when patients made their decisions with their physician, 3 months after completing treatment, and >1 year later (per a mailing). Outcome measures included the Decisional Conflict Scale, the Preparation for Decision Making Scale, and the Decision Regret Scale.

Results

A total of 156 patients participated, 75 provided information only and 81 provided information plus values clarification exercises. The groups did not differ significantly on any outcome evaluated at the decision aid visit; in both groups, decisional conflict decreased immediately after using the decision aid. Between-group differences emerged after the decision was actually made. The values clarification exercises group reported higher Preparation for Decision Making Scale scores at the decision follow-up and at the >1-year follow-up. Regret did not differ significantly between groups at the 3-month follow-up but was lower for the values clarification exercises group than for the information group at the >1-year follow-up.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the values clarification exercises led to better preparation for decision making and to less regret. The impact, however, only emerged after the decision was made.
A History of Evidence in Medical Decisions
Authors: Mazur Dennis J.
Published: January 2012

Bayesian inference in medical decision making is a concept that has a long history with 3 essential developments: 1) the recognition of the need for data (demonstrable scientific evidence), 2) the development of probability, and 3) the development of inverse probability. Beginning with the demonstrative evidence of the physician’s sign, continuing through the development of probability theory based on considerations of games of chance, and ending with the work of Jakob Bernoulli, Laplace, and others, we will examine how Bayesian inference developed.
When Claimant Characteristics and Prior Performance Predict Bureaucratic Error
Authors: Ryu Sangyub , Wenger Jeffrey B. , Wilkins Vicky M.
Published: January 2012

The public administration literature has paid scant attention to bureaucratic errors as performance measures. This has largely been due to a lack of data. Unlike most programs, the unemployment insurance (UI) program has systematically collected performance data and has independently audited those data to determine error responsibility (employer, employee, and agency error). In the first comprehensive analysis of these data, we examine the probability that a bureaucrat makes an error involving nonpayment of UI benefits and theorize about the reasons for these errors. Our findings indicate that the previous UI office error rate is a good predictor of current error rates, demonstrating that poorly performing offices remain poor performers. In addition, local offices with high error rates account for a disproportionate percentage of the errors, indicating a need to examine agency management. Second, errors are more commonly made on cases involving White UI claimants and claimants with a college education. Finally, we find that claimants who have higher self-valuation, are less likely to experience agency errors. Taken together, these results point to systematic agency errors. Public managers and the unemployed would be better served if training efforts and performance targets were developed with these systematic error effects in mind.
Prevalence of 5-Lipoxygenase Expression in Canine Osteosarcoma and the Effects of a Dual 5-Lipoxygenase/Cyclooxygenase Inhibitor on Osteosarcoma Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Goupil R. C. , Bushey J. J. , Peters-Kennedy J. , Wakshlag J. J.
Published: January 2012

Canine osteosarcoma is an insidious disease with few effective treatment modalities; therefore, use of pharmacologic intervention to improve mortality or morbidity is constantly sought. The use of cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibitors has been an area of interest with limited efficacy based on retrospective examination of tumor expression and in vivo cell proliferation models. Recently, examination of dual cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors in human and canine oncology suggests that 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors may be an effective approach in vitro and during tumor induction in rodent models. Therefore, the authors decided to examine 5-lipoxygenase expression in primary canine osteosarcoma samples and have shown that approximately 65% of osteosarcomas label positive for cytoplasmic 5-lipoxygenase. Further examination of a cell culture and xenograft model shows similar 5-lipoxygenase expression. Surprisingly, a canine 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor (tepoxalin) significantly reduced cell proliferation at physiologic doses in vitro and diminished xenograft tumor growth in nude mice, suggesting that further investigation is needed. Traditionally, 5-lipoxygense leads to production of lipid mediators, such as leukotriene B4 and 5-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid, which, when added back to the media of tepoxalin-treated cells, did not recover cell proliferation. The lack of nuclear staining in primary and xenografted tumors and the lack of response to eicoasanoids suggest that lipid mediator production is not the primary means by which tepoxalin acts to alter proliferation. Regardless of the mechanisms involved in retarding cell proliferation, future investigation is warranted.