bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental Origins of Adult Disease
Authors: Langley-Evans Simon C. , McMullen Sarah
Published: February 2010

Variation in the quality or quantity of nutrients consumed during pregnancy can exert permanent and powerful effects upon the developing fetus. This programming of fetal development is emerging as a new risk factor for non-communicable diseases of adulthood, including coronary heart disease and the metabolic syndrome. Epidemiological studies show that indicators of nutritional deficit in pregnancy are associated with greater risk of diabetes and cardiovascular mortality. The study of programming in relation to disease processes has been advanced by the development of animal models, which have utilized both under- and overfeeding of specific nutrients in pregnancy. Studies of this nature support the nutritional programming hypothesis and provide tools with which to examine the mechanisms through which programming may occur. Studies of animals subject to undernutrition in utero generally exhibit changes in the structure of key organs, such as the kidney and pancreas. These effects are consistent with the concept that programming influences remodel the development of organs. The causal pathways which extend from tissue remodelling to disease processes are relatively well characterised. In contrast, the processes which drive disordered organ development are poorly understood. It is noteworthy that minor perturbation of maternal nutritional status can programme fetal development. It is suggested therefore that programming is a product of altered expression of key genes. This drives the tissue remodelling response and future disease risk.
Prevalence and Correlates of Major Chronic Illnesses among Older Kuwaiti Nationals in Two Governorates
Authors: Shah Nasra M. , Behbehani Jaafar , Shah Makhdoom A.
Published: February 2010

Objective: To provide community-based information on the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease and to highlight their significant correlates. Materials and Methods: Data were collected in a cross-sectional household survey of 2,487 Kuwaiti nationals aged 50 and over in 2005/2006. A proportionately representative sample of 1,451 respondents from a relatively more urban area (Capital) and 1,036 respondents from a relatively less urban area (Ahmadi) were interviewed. A proxy respondent was used in 5.4% of cases. Among the 2,605 potentially eligible persons approached, 2,487 (95.5%) participated. Results: Doctor-diagnosed prevalences of hypertension, diabetes and heart disease in the two governorates were reported to be 53.4, 50.6 and 17.5%, respectively. If the prevalence in the two governorates is reflective of the nation, a remarkable increase seems to have occurred since 1996. The prevalence of each of the three diseases increased linearly by age among both sexes. Comorbidity of the three diseases increased from 3.6 to 9.4 and to 20.9% among those aged 50–59, 60–69 and ≧70 years, respectively. Logistic regression showed the prevalence of chronic illnesses to be significantly higher among persons who were older, retired, non-Bedouin, less educated, had higher income, were less socially active, were obese and had poorer exercise behavior. The prevalence of diabetes and heart disease was significantly lower among women than men. Conclusion: Judging from data on two governorates, the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease is likely to have increased to alarmingly high levels among older Kuwaitis, highlighting the need for focused intervention programs in order to reduce morbidity and increase healthy life years.
Comparative Analysis and Interobserver Variation of Unenhanced Computed Tomography and Intravenous Urography in the Diagnosis of Acute Flank Pain
Authors: Ben Nakhi Abdelmohsen , Gupta Renu , Al-Hunayan Adel , Muttikkal Thomas , Chavan Venu , Mohammed Ahmed , Ali Yusuf
Published: February 2010

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare unenhanced computed tomography (UECT) to intravenous urography (IVU) for detecting urinary tract calculi, signs of obstruction and non-renal causes in the assessment of acute flank pain, and in their interobserver agreement. Patients and Methods: In this prospective study, carried out at a university hospital over a period of 1 year, 36 patients (27 males and 9 females) participated. Mean age was 44 ± 15 years (range: 14–73 years). The patients presented with acute flank pain and underwent UECT and IVU. The images were blindly evaluated by 2 experienced radiologists and the two techniques compared using the two-tailed McNemar’s test for matched pairs; p values <0.05 were considered significant. Results: UECT detected stones in 11 (30.6%) patients, while IVU found them in only 8 (22.2%). The increased detection by UECT was due to its ability to detect smaller stones (<6 mm). UECT was also found to be better than IVU in determining calculus position, in detecting primary or secondary signs of obstruction and in identifying non-urinary causes of flank pain. The overall average of agreement, as indicated by kappa values, was 0.88 for UECT and 0.61 for IVU. Conclusion: UECT showed better detectability and interobserver agreement tan IVU, suggesting that UECT could replace IVU as the first imaging modality in the evaluation of acute renal colic.
Mapping of Th1-Cell Epitope Regions of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Protein MPT64 (Rv1980c) Using Synthetic Peptides and T-Cell Lines from M. tuberculosis-Infected Healthy Humans
Authors: Mustafa Abu Salim , Shaban Fatema
Published: February 2010

Objective: To identify T helper 1 (Th1)-cell stimulating and HLA-promiscuous peptides of MPT64 (Rv1980c), a major secreted antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from 35 healthy subjects and typed for HLA-DR molecules using genomic methods. To identify subjects infected with M. tuberculosis, PBMCs were tested in antigen-induced proliferation assays with whole cells and culture filtrate antigens of M. tuberculosis, M. tuberculosis-specific antigens ESAT-6 and CFP10, and MPT64. Culture filtrate-induced T-cell lines were established in vitro from 12 M. tuberculosis-infected and HLA-heterogeneous healthy subjects, and tested with 20 overlapping synthetic peptides covering the sequence of MPT64 in Th1-cell assays, i.e. antigen-induced proliferation and/or IFN-γ secretion. In addition, T-cell lines from three HLA-heterogeneous subjects were tested for cytotoxic activity against peptide-pulsed antigen-presenting cells. Results: PBMCs from 12 of 35 subjects responded to M. tuberculosis-specific antigens ESAT-6 and CFP10 as well as to MPT64, which suggested that they were infected with M. tuberculosis. Ten of twelve T-cell lines established from these donors responded to MPT64, and nine T-cell lines responded to 1 or more of the peptides of MPT64 in anti- gen-induced proliferation assays. Furthermore, 18 of the 20 peptides of MPT64 were recognized by the T-cell lines in 1 or more assay systems, and at least 5 peptides were recognized by T-cell lines from HLA-DR-heterogeneous subjects. Conclusion: Th1-cell-reactive epitopes are scattered throughout the sequence of MPT64, and at least 5 of its peptides are presented to Th1-cells in a HLA-promiscuous manner.
The Effect of Training Type on Oxidative DNA Damage and Antioxidant Capacity during Three-Dimensional Space Exercise
Authors: Kim Keun Su , Paik Il Young , Woo Jin Hee , Kang Byung Yong
Published: February 2010

Objective: Orbotron training is a popular training method for fighter pilots because it replicates a high-acceleration environment with excessive G-force. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 9 weeks of orbotron training on oxidative DNA damage and antioxidant capacity in humans during 3-dimensional space exercise. Subjects and Methods: The subjects comprised 15 senior cadets from the Korea Air Force Academy who had no record of medical disorders and who participated in a regular exercise program (3 times per week). They were randomly divided into three groups consisting of 5 subjects each: a weight training group (21.97 ± 1.12 years), a running training group (21.53 ± 0.18 years) and an orbotron training group (21.48 ± 0.29 years). Three-dimensional exercise tests were performed before and after training, and blood samples were taken to measure the concentration of plasma lactate, malondialdehyde (MDA), erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and leukocyte DNA damage. Results: Plasma lactate concentrations decreased in all three groups when measured after training and after 30 min of recovery compared to before training (p < 0.05). The concentration of plasma MDA also decreased after training in all blood samples compared to the values obtained before training although there was no significant difference in the weight training and orbotron training groups. In contrast, the activity of erythrocyte SOD increased for all three groups compared to before training (p < 0.05). In the comet assay results, the greatest lymphocyte DNA damage was demonstrated at the end of exercise compared to the other three samples under all conditions, and these aspects were commonly observed in all three parameters of lymphocyte DNA damage (tail DNA, tail length and tail moment) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the three types of exercise training reduced plasma lactate concentration, improved antioxidant enzyme activity, and further protected the body against oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation and DNA damage). Although we have identified an effect of exercise training on the levels of antioxidants and oxidants, our cohort was small, so further studies are needed to evaluate the different types of exercise training.
Cryptogenic Gelastic Epilepsy Originating from the Right Temporal Lobe
Authors: Chai Yaohui , Adamolekun Bola
Published: February 2010

Objective: To present a case of intractable cryptogenic gelastic epilepsy with ictal video-EEG to localize the seizure focus. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 39-year-old female presented with a 2-year history of intractable gelastic epilepsy characterized by recurrent episodes of stereotyped pathological laughter, transient unresponsiveness, automatisms and brief postictal confusion. The patient failed to respond to multiple antiepileptic drugs. Several interictal EEGs did not show any abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head with seizure protocol and diffusion tensor imaging were normal. Ictal video-EEG monitoring showed rhythmic, sharp activity emanating from the right temporal lobe. Conclusion: This case suggests that the right temporal lobe may be actively involved in the epileptogenic network generating gelastic epilepsy. Video-EEG monitoring should be considered for patients with gelastic epilepsies to better clarify the nature of events, localize the seizure focus and correlate EEG changes with the clinical manifestations.
Impact of Different Definitions of Airflow Limitation on the Prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the General Population
Authors: Gläser Sven , Schäper Christoph , Obst Anne , Ittermann Till , Völzke Henry , Felix Stephan B. , Vogelmeier Claus , Dörr Marcus , Ewert Ralf , Koch Beate
Published: February 2010

Background: Recent surveys report a surprisingly high prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worldwide. However, there is evidence that the application of a fixed ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) may result in a relevant misclassification of airflow limitation. Objectives: The definition of airflow limitation does have a significant impact on its prevalence. Methods: Individual values of lung volumes were assessed in comparison to a reference population by applying either a fixed ratio below 0.7 or the fifth percentile of FEV1 in relation to FVC. Based on a large-scale population-based survey, reference equations for lung volumes were derived by quantile regression analysis based on 1,809 subjects aged 25–85 years. Both functional definitions were applied to calculate the prevalence of airflow limitation. Results: The prevalence of airflow limitation was significantly higher when applying the fifth percentile compared to the fixed ratio of 0.7 for all age groups and both sexes (all 6.7 vs. 1.9%; women 6.7 vs. 1.3%; men 6.6 vs. 2.6%). Almost 26% of the subjects with airflow limitation complained of dyspnea, whereas COPD had not been previously diagnosed by a physician in 87%. Conclusion: The definition of airflow limitation has a major impact on the observed prevalence rates.
Zur Prognose der Schizophrenien
Authors: Gross Gisela , Huber G.
Published: February 2010

After 21.4 years, 19.6% of complete remissions, 38.6% of uncharacteristic remission types, and 41.8% of characteristic deficiency types were found among 449 schizophrenics. 53.1% appear socially healed. Since the psychopharmaca were introduced, the permanent prognosis has improved. The principle of the fundamental reversibility of the typical schizophrenic and the mostly irreversible ‘pure defect’, being important for the prognosis, are emphasized. Above-average intelligence, depressive symptoms, psychoreactive causes are to be considered favourable for the prognosis. Minor abilities, psychopathic premorbid personality, schizophrenic ego-disturbances, leptosomatic and dysplastic figure, as well as atrophic and dysplastic findings regarding the ventricle of the brain, which are proved by a pneumoencephalogram, are to be considered unfavourable for the prognosis.
Panoptische Prinzipien der Irrenfürsorge und des Strafvollzugs in Nordamerika (1815–1850)
Authors: Jetter D.
Published: February 2010

The barely known project for a ‘pauper lunatic asylum’ on Blackwell’s Island in New York by Alexander J. Davis (1835) is the object of a detailed examination. There is no question that the panopticon-principles of the English Philanthropist Jeremy Bentham had been adopted. Finally stellar and circular panoptical buildings of prison architecture in North America are compared with the Quaker-principle of beneficial solitude.
Psycho-Analytic Group Interview and Short-Term Group Psychotherapy with Post-Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Ohlmeier D. , Karstens R. , Köhle K.
Published: February 2010

Within the framework of a research project on psychodynamic personality factors and psychotherapeutic possibilities in the after-treatment of post-myocardial infarction patients also group-analytic methods are used. The therapeutic relevance of group-analysis is described, and a clinical survey of the development of a short-term group process is given. A new diagnostic approach, i.e. the ‘psycho-analytic group interview’ as an instrument of psychodynamic research, is introduced. The protocoll of each tape-recorded group session was evaluated according to a ‘systematisized description’ using a number of formal categories (‘configurations’). Strong oral-symbiotic needs, characterized specifically by needs to incorporate human objects in order to gain ‘enormous strength and fitness’ could be observed. A deep fear of loss of identity and a strong tendency to depersonalize the ‘addiction-like’ introjected (transference-)object were apparent. Defence mechanisms of rationalisation, denial, and identification with the aggressor seem to be specific. The ego-structure, especially the group-functions of the ego in patients with myocardial infarction are characterized by these personality traits. Further investigations are necessary.
Verlaufsuntersuchungen zur zerebralen Glutaminausscheidung bei Schizophrenen unter Neuroleptikabehandlung
Authors: Kluge H. , Hartmann W. , Wieczorek V. , Greger J.
Published: February 2010

Studies of cerebral arteriovenous glutamine differences were carried out on 18 acute schizophrenics during special periods fixed by clinical parameters and dependent on medication. No differences were found in the acute phase without medication, but an increasing cerebral glutamine release was estimated under treatment with phenothiazine and/or butyrophenone derivatives during the first period of convalescence. This release disappeared again nearly parallel to the retrogression of clinical symptoms, although the medication was carried on. Control persons treated in the same way did not show the cerebral glutamine release. The temporary release in schizophrenia attributed to an increased cerebral synthesis must be connected to an elevated ammonia formation. For an interpretation a valuation of possible turnover rates from the quantitative findings in this paper was coupled with connecting results from the literature. In this way a hypothesis was developed about disturbances in the ATP turnover and in the aminohydrolysis of AMP as ammonia source for the increased glutamine formation in schizophrenia.
Verhaltenstherapeutische Versuche (durch systematische Desensibilisierung
Authors: Floru Lucian
Published: February 2010

The theory of behaviour therapy in phobias and the technique of desensitisation according to Wolpe and Lazarus (1969) are discussed. The author presents 10 cases of his own including two genuine phobias, three cases of psychogenic tremor, two hysterical conversion reactions, one hypochrondriacal neurosis, one anxiety neurosis with cardiac phobia, and one patient with compulsive ideas, all of which had been treated by the method of systematic desensitisation. After eliciting the data of the abnormal behaviour a hierarchy was set up, a therapeutic plan formulated and following a modified Jacobsonian program of progressive relaxation the gradual desensitisation was carried out. An average of 16 sessions of 30–40 minutes per patient was applied. The total duration of treatment was 6–10 weeks, that of the follow-up 6–12 months. Two transient, three good and five very good results were achieved. In a few cases additional techniques were employed such as stimulus flooding and model learning. In all patients positive reinforcement by praise etc. was used. The moderate and unsatisfactory results were analysed. The possibility of the application of desensitisation to condition other than pure phobias were discussed.
Depressive-Type Psychic Reactions Caused by Success
Authors: Perris C. , Espvall M.
Published: February 2010

Success is seldom regarded as a cause of psychic disturbances of an anxiety-depressive type, and current psychiatric text-books scarcely mention the possibility, although it has long been taken into account in the psychoanalytical literature. The authors illustrate these reactions with four ‘base reports’ and discuss their possible psychodynamic background. Knowledge of the existence of such syndromes and knowledge of their psychodynamic background is a necessary requisite for adequate treatment measures.
An·Institution-Based Register in a Psychiatric University Clinic
Authors: Tansella Michele
Published: February 2010

After a brief description of the functions and limitations of psychiatric registers the automated data collection system in use at the Psychiatric University Clinic of Verona is presented. The results of the periodic monitoring of the first 3 years of activity of this institution are shortly reported.
Suicidal Behaviour. An Attempt to Modify the Environment
Authors: Lukianowicz N.
Published: February 2010

The age, psychiatric condition, personality, intelligence, number of admissions and of suicidal attempts, civil state, social class, religion and the residential mobility of 45 male patients admitted after a suicidal attempt to Holywell Hospital (in Northern Ireland) in 1971 have been presented. The findings were compared with those in a group of 91 female patients admitted to the same hospital, for the same reason, in the same year. The results of the comparison showed a higher incidence of suicidal attempts in women, and a higher residential mobility. Otherwise there was no significant difference between these two groups in any of the fields investigated. Further, our study suggests that about two-thirds of the patients in both groups used their suicidal behaviour to manipulate their environment to their own advantage, and that most of them achieved their goals by this means. Thus the present investigation seems to confirm our hypothesis about the manipulative nature of the suicidal behaviour in a large proportion of cases.
Sulpiride in School Phobia
Authors: Abe K.
Published: February 2010

Sulpiride was administered to 21 children with school phobia. All had shown some depressive symptoms in addition and had been treated by nonpharmacological measures. 13 of them returned to school within a few days and depressive symptoms disappeared eventually (the recovered group). In 3, behaviour at home returned to their premorbid status, but school refusal persisted (the improved group). In the remaining 5, no improvement was observed. In comparison to the present writer’s previous experience with imipramine and benzodiazepines, the response to sulpiride in school-phobic children is more rapid and remarkable.
Tätlichkeiten psychiatrischer Klinikpatienten in der Erinnerung des Pflegepersonals
Authors: Ernst K.
Published: February 2010

Method. Questionnaire method with reconstruction of the serious incidents by interview and documents. Results. 253 members of staff remembered 626 aggressive acts which happened to them in the course of a year. Slight acts were caused more often by women than by men, and were directed more frequently against the junior than the senior staff – contrasting in both points with the serious acts. One in every four qualified nurses over the age of 50 shows today a verifiable physical defect resulting from an aggressive act by a patient at one time or another. The clinical-psychological and therapeutic background and consequences of aggressive incidences are briefly presented.
Methylphenidatsucht – Wirkungsumkehr im Entzug
Authors: Danke F.
Published: February 2010

A case history of a prolonged ritalin addiction (18 years) is given, describing the symptoms and the diagnostic categorisation. Because of the remarkable, somewhat atypical withdrawal symptoms, it is suggested to conceive these withdrawal symptoms as an expression of a ‘reversal of effect on withdrawal in the sense of a continuing, independent manifestation of counter regulatory, protective and specific mechanisms.
Bewegungsstereotypien und autonome Rhythmen
Authors: Haack Hans-Peter
Published: February 2010

The present study is concerned with the pathogenesis of jactatio capitis, of the stereotyped movements of oligophrenics, of dements, and of long-stay hospitalised defect schizophrenics, as well as with stereotyped movements in domestic animals. This leads to a discussion of the significance of rhythmically alternating innervation for pathological and normal movements. The relevance of rhythmic events for movements in inanimate systems is emphasized and the analogies which exist between movement in the organic and in the inorganic sphere are pointed out.
Zur Mutter-Kind-Beziehung bei Epilepsien
Authors: Ruhs A. , Lechner H.
Published: February 2010

30 mothers of epileptic children and a control group of 30 mothers of healthy children were tested with the ‘Semantic Differential’ regarding their attitudes towards the concepts ‘Mentally III’, ‘Epileptic’, ‘Diabetic’ and ‘My child’ in relationship to the concept ‘A person I like’ as a clearly positively charged affective variable. The social distance to the disease carriers was, in opposition to equal-ranking tendencies of the various concepts of disease in both groups, smaller for the experimental group than for the control group. Regarding the attitude of the mothers to their own children, mothers of the experimental group demonstrated the following defense mechanisms: rationalization, denial and reaction formation. Specific attitudes in the areas of child rearing and anomalies in family relation were also revealed with help of the PARI scales. The approval of an active and positive child-rearing method was found to be in opposition to hostile tendencies with regard to their children.
Blood Flow and Oxidative Metabolism of the Brain in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Hoyer S. , Oesterreich K.
Published: February 2010

55 patients with schizophrenia were divided into three groups according to the clinical symptoms: (1) productive schizophrenias, i.e. patients with hallucinations, catatonic excitation and stupor; (2) paranoia and schizophrenia simplex, and (3) non-productive schizophrenias, i.e. patients with schizophrenic defects and hebephrenia. Total cerebral blood flow (CBF) and the rates of cerebral oxygen, carbon dioxide, glucose and lactate metabolism were investigated. Patients with productive schizophrenias displayed a significant increase in CBF (to an average of 101.4 ml/l00 g min), CMR oxygen (to an average of 6.26 ml/100 g min) and CMR glucose (to an average of 12.11 mg/100 g min), i.e. CBF and CMR oxygen nearly doubled and CMR glucose more than doubled in comparison with normal findings. In patients with paranoia and schizophrenia simplex CBF and oxidative metabolism did not vary much and were within the normal range. Non-productive schizophrenias showed a significant decrease in CBF (to an average of 36.7 ml/100 g min), CMR oxygen (to an average of 2.20 ml/100 g min) and CMR glucose (to an average of 3.86 mg/100 g min) in comparison with both other groups of schizophrenias and the group of healthy young men. The results demonstrated variations in CBF and oxidative metabolism of the brain in patients with distinct types of schizophrenia. It was possible to find a correlation between the mental state of the psychosis on the one hand and CBF and metabolism on the other. The high CBF and metabolic rates of the brain in productive schizophrenias might be due to disturbances in the cerebral metabolism of biogenic amines.
Direct Transthoracic Access to the Left Ventricle for Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Hsieh Calvin H.C. , Thomas Stuart P. , Ross David L.
Published: February 2010

Background—

Percutaneous approaches for radiofrequency ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in the left ventricle are typically transarterial retro-aortic, antegrade transmitral via an interatrial septal puncture, or epicardial. However, all 3 approaches may be contraindicated in certain cases. We describe 2 cases of VT ablation in which aortic and mitral valve replacements did not permit utilization of any of these techniques.

Methods and Results—

Direct access to the left ventricular cavity was achieved with a percutaneous puncture through the intercostal space overlying the apex in the first case and through a left minithoracotomy in the second. A sheath was then inserted via the Seldinger technique, allowing catheter access for mapping and ablation of the VT. After successful ablation, the sheaths were withdrawn and hemostasis was achieved. A large left hemothorax occurred from the left ventricular apical puncture in the first case. Direct closure with a purse-string suture in the second case achieved hemostasis.

Conclusions—

Direct percutaneous left ventricular puncture is a viable option for mapping and ablation of left ventricular VT. A minithoracotomy allows better hemostatic control. This technique has a role when other percutaneous approaches are contraindicated.
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Regulates Myoendothelial Junction Formation
Authors: Heberlein Katherine R. , Straub Adam C. , Best Angela K. , Greyson Mark A. , Looft-Wilson Robin C. , Sharma Poonam R. , Meher Akshaya , Leitinger Norbert , Isakson Brant E.
Published: February 2010

Rationale
:

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is a biomarker for several vascular disease states; however, its target of action within the vessel wall is undefined.

Objective
:

Determine the ability of PAI-1 to regulate myoendothelial junction (MEJ) formation.

Methods and Results
:

MEJs are found throughout the vasculature linking endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells. Using a vascular cell coculture we isolated MEJ fractions and performed two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis. Mass spectrometry identified PAI-1 as being enriched within MEJ fractions, which we confirmed in vivo. In the vascular cell coculture, recombinant PAI-1 added to the EC monolayer significantly increased MEJs. Conversely, addition of a PAI-1 monoclonal antibody to the EC monolayer reduced the number of MEJs. This was also observed in vivo where mice fed a high fat diet had increased PAI-1 and MEJs and the number of MEJs in coronary arterioles of PAI-1
−/−
mice was significantly reduced when compared to C57Bl/6 mice. The presence of MEJs in PAI-1
−/−
coronary arterioles was restored when their hearts were transplanted into and exposed to the circulation of C57Bl/6 mice. Application of biotin-conjugated PAI-1 to the EC monolayer in vitro confirmed the ability of luminal PAI-1 to translocate to the MEJ. Functionally, phenylephrine-induced heterocellular calcium communication in the vascular cell coculture was temporally enhanced when recombinant PAI-1 was present, and prolonged when PAI-1 was absent.

Conclusion
:

Our data implicate circulating PAI-1 as a key regulator of MEJ formation and a potential target for pharmacological intervention in diseases with vascular abnormalities (eg, diabetes mellitus).
Low-Level Wind Field Climatology over the La Plata River Region Obtained with a Mesoscale Atmospheric Boundary Layer Model Forced with Local Weather Observations
Authors: Berri Guillermo J. , Sraibman Laura , Tanco Raul A. , Bertossa German
Published: February 2010

A primitive equation, dry, hydrostatic, and incompressible mesoscale boundary layer model is used to simulate the high-horizontal-resolution low-level wind field “climatology” over the La Plata River region in South America. The horizontal model domain has 79 × 58 points (350 km × 316 km), with a horizontal resolution of 0.05°. The model climatological field is the ensemble result of a series of daily forecasts obtained by forcing the model with limited local observations. Each ensemble member produces a daily forecast that participates in the definition of the wind climatology with a probability calculated with the local observations. The upper boundary condition is taken from the only local radiosonde observation, and the lower boundary condition consists of a surface heating function calculated with the temperature observations of the surface weather stations in the region. The study, conducted during the period of 1959–84, reveals an overall good agreement between the observed and the modeled surface wind climatological fields at five weather stations in the region. The model represents very well the differences in the wind speed magnitudes and predominant wind direction sectors throughout a region that displays a strong sea–land-breeze daily cycle. The average root-mean-square value of the model relative error is 31% for wind direction and 23% for wind speed. Model errors vary throughout the day with the minimum in the morning and afternoon and the maximum at night. The seasonal climatology shows the minimum wind direction error in winter and the maximum error in summer, whereas the wind speed errors reveal no seasonality. The annual wind direction error is very similar to the winter minimum error. The conclusion of the study is that the proposed ensemble mean method is useful for synthesizing high-resolution climatological low-level wind fields over regions with a strong diurnal cycle of surface thermal contrasts and a limited number of available weather stations.
Large Multidecadal Salinity Trends near the Pacific–Antarctic Continental Margin
Authors: Jacobs Stanley S. , Giulivi Claudia F.
Published: February 2010

Ocean temperature and salinity measurements on and near the Antarctic continental shelf in the southwest Pacific sector are evaluated for evidence of temporal change. Shelf water in the southwest Ross Sea has declined in salinity by 0.03 decade−1 from 1958 to 2008, while its temperatures have increased in proportion to the influence of salinity on the sea surface freezing point. Modified deep-water intrusions that reach the central Ross Ice Shelf have freshened at a similar rate and cooled by ∼0.5°C since the late 1970s. Salinity has decreased by 0.08 decade−1 in the westward coastal and slope front currents, consistent with increased melting of continental ice upstream in the Amundsen Sea. Overturning of those near-surface waters during winter sea ice formation and mixing across the slope front is sufficient to account for the 5-decade shelf water salinity change. A strong correlation between the freshening and change in the southern annular mode index suggests a link with the large-scale atmospheric circulation. Salinity has decreased by ∼0.01 decade−1 in bottom and lower deep waters north of the continental slope between 140E° and 180°. Accompanying abyssal temperature changes are minor and variability is high, but density has declined along with salinity. Continued increases in water column stratification will modify the mode and formation rate as well as the properties of bottom and deep waters produced in this region.
Profiling Literature in Healthcare Simulation
Authors: Mustafee Navonil , Katsaliaki Korina , Taylor Simon J.E.
Published: February 2010

The publications that relate to the application of simulation to healthcare have steadily increased over the years. These publications are scattered amongst various journals that belong to several subject categories, including operational research, health economics and pharmacokinetics. The simulation techniques that are applied to the study of healthcare problems are also various. The aim of this study, therefore, is to review healthcare simulation literature that have been published between 1970 and 2007 in high-quality journals belonging to various subject categories and that report on the application of four simulation techniques, namely, Monte Carlo simulation, discrete-event simulation, system dynamics and agent-based simulation. Arguably, journal impact factor is fundamental in assessing the quality of publications. Thus, the 201 publications selected for review have been queried from the ISI Web of Science® bibliographic database of high-impact research journals. Through a review of healthcare simulation literature the following three objectives have been realized: (a) papers have been categorized under the different simulation techniques, and the healthcare problems that each technique is employed to investigate are identified; (b) variables such as authors, article citations, etc., within our dataset of healthcare papers have been profiled; (c) turning point (strategically important) papers and authors have been identified through co-citation analysis of references cited by the papers in our dataset. The above objectives have been realized by devising and then employing a methodology for profiling literature. It is expected that this review paper will help the readers gain a broader understanding of research in healthcare simulation.
Lack of a Pharmacokinetic Interaction Between Oral Treprostinil and Bosentan in Healthy Adult Volunteers
Authors: Gotzkowsky S. Karl , Dingemanse Jasper , Lai Allen , Mottola David , Laliberte Kevin
Published: February 2010

Treprostinil diethanolamine is an oral prostacyclin analog currently being evaluated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Treprostinil is metabolized primarily by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C8 with minor contribution from CYP2C9. It is expected that oral treprostinil will be administered with bosentan, approved for the treatment of PAH and known to induce CYP2C9 and 3A4. This study evaluated whether a drug interaction exists between oral treprostinil, bosentan, and its active metabolite Ro 48–5033 during co‐administration. Twenty‐four participants were randomized in a 3‐way crossover study to oral treprostinil 1 mg twice daily, bosentan 125 mg twice daily, and oral treprostinil 1 mg twice daily and bosentan 125 mg twice daily. Treprostinil geometric mean ratios (GMRs) (90% confidence interval [CIs]) for steady‐state AUC0–12 and Cmax (combination/treprostinil) were 0.92 (0.83, 1.03) and 0.96 (0.83, 1.11), respectively, whereas bosentan GMRs (combination/bosentan) were 1.02 (0.95, 1.10) and 1.04 (0.94, 1.15), respectively, and Ro 48–5033 GMRs were 0.99 (0.93, 1.06) and 1.03 (0.94, 1.13). In conclusion, because the GMR and 90% CI are within the equivalence interval of 0.8 to 1.25, co‐administration of oral treprostinil and bosentan did not result in a pharmacokinetic interaction for either agent.
Lack of Racial Differences in the Pharmacokinetics of Subcutaneous Golimumab in Healthy Japanese and Caucasian Male Subjects
Authors: Ling Jie , Lyn Sally , Xu Zhenhua , Achira Meguru , Bouman‐Thio Esther , Shishido Akira , Ford Joyce , Shankar Gopi , Wagner Carrie , Kim Kenneth T. , Davis Hugh M. , Zhou Honghui
Published: February 2010

This phase 1 study evaluated the single‐dose pharmacokinetics and safety of subcutaneous golimumab, a human anti—tumor necrosis factor‐α monoclonal antibody, in healthy Japanese and Caucasian subjects. Eligible subjects were males, aged 20 to 45 years, weighing 50 to 90 kg with a body mass index of 19 to 30 kg/m2. Japanese and Caucasian subjects were matched by body weight and dose group. Blood samples were collected through day 50 following a single subcutaneous injection of golimumab 50 or 100 mg. The pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using a noncompartmental method. All 51 subjects (24 Japanese, 27 Caucasian) were included in the safety analysis; 47 completed the study and were included in the pharmacokinetic analysis. The pharmacokinetics of golimumab were comparable in both race groups. Peak concentrations were observed ∼4 to 6 days after administration. No significant differences in exposure or mean half‐life (range, 11–13 days) were observed between Japanese and Caucasian subjects at the same dose level. Regardless of race, serum golimumab exposure increased with increasing dose. Mean apparent clearance ranged from 12 to 19 mL/kg/d. Mean apparent volume of distribution (224–262 mL/kg) remained constant with an increase in dose. No antibodies to golimumab were detected. Single subcutaneous injections of golimumab 50 mg or 100 mg were generally well tolerated in these healthy male Japanese and Caucasian subjects.
Globalization, Displacement and the Livelihood Issues of Tribal and Agriculture Dependent Poor People
Authors: Meher Rajkishor
Published: February 2010

This essay contends that the economic liberalization, privatization and globalization (LPG) model of development in India is virtually depriving the tribal peopl and other agriculture dependent poor people of their traditional means of sustainable livelihood by promoting the unregulated growth of mineral-based industries in the tribal regions of India. In the name of modernization and the country’s economic development, the elites in India are taking over the life sustaining resources of the poor and pushing them into a further marginalized state of living as a result of displacing them from their land and homes. Such development serves the interests of these elites while it impoverishes the tribal people and poor peasants in these regions who are dependent on the life sustaining resources of the ecosystems in which they live. The mining and other industries that are taking over the resources of the ecosystems of these tribal people and poor peasants fail to provide them with an improved and sustainable means of making a living. The very nature of the present development paradigm does not provide for the absorption of these poor people into the organized non-farm sector economy by either developing their skills or providing them with technical education.
Case report: Hip septic arthritis and abcess after diagnostic coronary angiography
Authors: Ayhan Hüseyin , Bayram Nihal Akar , Keles Telat , Durmaz Tahir , Bozkurt Engin
Published: February 2010

Coronary angiography is an invasive procedure which can have some complications. Septic arthritis and abscess after coronary angiography are extremely rare. In this case, a 49-year-old-man presented to our hospital with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. After coronary angiography, he had right leg weakness, femoral palsy, inguinal pain, but there was no bleeding or hematoma. The cause was right hip septic arthritis and abscess.
Economic Evaluation of the DiAMOND Randomized Trial: Cost and Outcomes of 2 Decision Aids for Mode of Delivery among Women with a Previous Cesarean Section
Authors: Hollinghurst Sandra , Emmett Clare , Peters Tim J. , Watson Helen , Fahey Tom , Murphy Deirdre J. , Montgomery Alan
Published: February 2010

Background. Maternal preferences should be considered in decisions about mode of delivery following a previous cesarean, but risks and benefits are unclear. Decision aids can help decision making, although few studies have assessed costs in conjunction with effectiveness. Objective. Economic evaluation of 2 decision aids for women with 1 previous cesarean. Design. Cost-consequences analysis. Materials and Methods. Data sources were self-reported resource use and outcome and published national unit costs. The target population was women with 1 previous cesarean. The time horizon was 37 weeks’ gestation and 6 weeks postnatal. The perspective was health care delivery system. The interventions were usual care, usual care plus an information program, and usual care plus a decision analysis program. The outcome measures were costs to the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom (UK), score on the Decisional Conflict Scale, and mode of delivery. Results of Main Analysis. Cost of delivery represented 84% of the total cost; mode of delivery was the most important determinant of cost differences across the groups. Mean (SD) total cost per mother and baby: 2033 (677) for usual care, 2069 (738) for information program, and 2019 (741) for decision analysis program. Decision aids reduced decisional conflict. Women using the decision analysis program had fewest cesarean deliveries. Results of Sensitivity Analysis. Applying a cost premium to emergency cesareans over electives had little effect on group comparisons. Conclusions were unaffected. Limitations. Disparity in timing of outcomes and costs, data completeness, and quality. Conclusions. Decision aids can reduce decisional conflict in women with a previous cesarean section when deciding on mode of delivery. The information program could be implemented at no extra cost to the NHS. The decision analysis program might reduce the rate of cesarean sections without any increase in costs
An Analysis of the Capacity of Charter Schools to Address the Needs of Students With Disabilities in Wisconsin
Authors: Drame Elizabeth R.
Published: February 2010

Over the past 10 years increasing numbers of charter schools have been considered a viable option for many students seeking to obtain a quality education. Public charter schools and their administrators and teachers are obligated to follow the principles enshrined in federal mandates, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This study examines the capacity of charter school operators to create environments and service delivery models that effectively address the needs of students eligible for special education services via a survey of Wisconsin charter school operators and a content analysis of the applications of independent charter schools. The results indicate that charter operators, particularly those presiding over schools considered their own local education agency, experienced significant challenges with addressing special education in the planning and implementation of their charter schools. Policy implications for the role of charter authorizers are explored.
Periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges in neuropsychiatric lupus: association with cerebritis in magnetic resonance imaging and resolution after intravenous immunoglobulin
Authors: Lim K-S. , Cheong K-L. , Tan C-T.
Published: February 2010

A 13-year-old girl with a known diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus presented with seizures and psychosis. An electroencephalogram (EEG) revealed continuous, non-evolving periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) in the left temporal region, which did not resolve with benzodiazepine. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan demonstrated a focal hyperintensity in the left medial temporal and left occipital lobes, left thalamus and bilateral cerebellar white matter, with evidence of vasculitis in the magnetic resonance angiography. Intravenous immunoglobulin was given because of failed steroid therapy, which resulted in a full resolution of clinical, EEG and MRI abnormalities. Lupus cerebritis should be considered as a possible aetiology in PLEDs, and immunoglobulin can be effective in neuropsychiatric lupus.
Impact of Information, Education and Communication on Adolescent Reproductive Health
Authors: Panda Anuradha , Sehgal Arvind
Published: February 2010

Adolescence in girls is an unexplored research area. The reproductive and sexual stage of adolescent girls, complemented with lack of forceful advocacy strategies, puts them on the verge of a myriad of psychological and social pressures and increases their vulnerability of falling prey to risky behaviours.

The focus of this experimental research is the impact of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) amongst adolescent girls in the age group of 13–19 years in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh (HP). An inferential analysis of the impact of achieved and ascriptive variables on the knowledge and awareness of reproductive health, gender stereotypes and sources of health information of adolescent respondents has been analysed.

The research reveals that adolescents lack complete knowledge and awareness on vital life processes and several aspects of reproductive health. Adolescent girls strongly desire un-inhibited information which would extricate their fears and apprehensions. The lopsided existence of information dissemination would not enable them to be empowered to shoulder the responsibility of ‘womanhood’.
Increasing People’s Knowledge about HIV/AIDS
Authors: Ojebuyi Babatunde Raphael
Published: February 2010

Among the factors probably causing stigma and discrimination against people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) are the public’s inadequate knowledge and strong misconceptions about the pandemic. Having realised this fact, stakeholders intensify efforts at educating the public about HIV/AIDS. Reading is one of the communication strategies they employ to enrich people’s knowledge about the disease. This article, therefore, focused on reading, primarily to investigate its effectiveness as a receptive communication skill, through which the public can be better educated about HIV/AIDS and thus, dispel their misconceptions about the disease and its patients. An experimental method was employed, using 220 respondents. Two separate instruments—attitude scale/questionnaire and an HIV/AIDS-related story—were used. The results showed that absolute majority of respondents (78.2 percent) from the experimental group, which actually read the select HIV/AIDS-related story demonstrate better knowledge about HIV/AIDS than do the respondents from the control group. Thus, the study has established reading as an effective communication strategy for educating people and dispelling their misconceptions about HIV/AIDS and its patients. The findings also showed that there is a statistically significant difference in the attitude of male and female subjects to HIV/AIDS and PLWHA after reading the story.