bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interruption of RNA processing machinery by a small compound, 1-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-1H-indole-3-carboxaldehyde (oncrasin-1)
Authors: Guo Wei , Wu Shuhong , Wang Li , Wang Rui-yu , Wei Xiaoli , Liu Jinsong , Fang Bingliang
Published: February 2009

Protein kinase Cι (PKCι) is activated by oncogenic Ras proteins and is required for K-Ras–induced transformation and colonic carcinogenesis in vivo. However, the role of PKCι in signal transduction and oncogenesis is not clear. We recently identified a small molecule, designated 1-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-1H-indole-3-carboxaldehyde (oncrasin-1), that can selectively kill K-Ras mutant cancer cells and induce abnormal nuclear aggregation of PKCι in sensitive cells but not in resistant cells. To determine the causes and biological consequences of PKCι aggregates in the nucleus, we analyzed the effect of oncrasin-1 on proteins involved in DNA repair and RNA processing. Our results showed that oncrasin-1 treatment led to coaggregation of PKCι and splicing factors into megaspliceosomes but had no obvious effects on the DNA repair molecule Rad51. Moreover, oncrasin-1 treatment suppressed the phosphorylation of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II and the expression of intronless reporter genes in sensitive cells but not in resistant cells, suggesting that suppression of RNA transcription is a major effect of oncrasin-1 treatment. Studies with cultured cells or with recombinant proteins showed that oncrasin-1 can disrupt the interaction of PKCι and cyclin-dependent protein kinase 9/cyclin T1 complex, which is known to phosphorylate the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II and is required for RNA transcription. Together, our results suggest that oncrasin-1 suppresses the function of RNA processing machinery and that PKCι might be involved in the biological function of RNA processing complexes. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(2):441–8]
Anastellin, the Angiostatic Fibronectin Peptide, Is a Selective Inhibitor of Lysophospholipid Signaling
Authors: Ambesi Anthony , McKeown-Longo Paula J.
Published: February 2009

Angiogenesis is regulated by integrin-dependent cell adhesion and the activation of specific cell surface receptors on vascular endothelial cells by angiogenic factors. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P) are bioactive lysophospholipids that activate G protein–coupled receptors that stimulate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Ras, and Rho effector pathways involved in vascular cell survival, proliferation, adhesion, and migration. Previous studies have shown that anastellin, a fragment of the first type III module of fibronectin, functions as an antiangiogenic peptide suppressing tumor growth and metastasis. We have previously shown that anastellin blocks serum-dependent proliferation of microvessel endothelial cells (MVEC) by affecting extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)–dependent G1-S transition. However, the mechanism by which anastellin regulates endothelial cell function remains unclear. In the present study, we mapped several lysophospholipid-mediated signaling pathways in MVEC and examined the effects of anastellin on LPA- and S1P-induced MVEC proliferation, migration, and cytoskeletal organization. Both LPA and S1P activated PI3K, Ras/ERK, and Rho/Rho kinase pathways, leading to migration, G1-S cell cycle progression, and stress fiber formation, respectively. Stimulation of proliferation by LPA/S1P occurred through a Gi-dependent Ras/ERK pathway, which was independent of growth factor receptors and PI3K and Rho/Rho kinase signaling. Although LPA and S1P activated both PI3K/Akt and Ras/ERK signaling through Gi, anastellin inhibited only the Ras/ERK pathway. Stress fiber formation in response to LPA was dependent on Rho/Rho kinase but independent of Gi and unaffected by anastellin. These results suggest that lysophospholipid mediators of Gi activation leading to PI3K/Akt and Ras/ERK signaling bifurcate downstream of Gi and that anastellin selectively inhibits the Ras/ERK arm of the pathway. (Mol Cancer Res 2009;7(2):255–65)
KRAS2 Mutations in Human Pancreatic Acinar-Ductal Metaplastic Lesions Are Limited to Those with PanIN: Implications for the Human Pancreatic Cancer Cell of Origin
Authors: Shi Chanjuan , Hong Seung-Mo , Lim Phillip , Kamiyama Hirohiko , Khan Mehtab , Anders Robert A. , Goggins Michael , Hruban Ralph H. , Eshleman James R.
Published: February 2009

Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) is a precursor to invasive ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Observations made in genetically engineered mouse models suggest that the acinar/centroacinar compartment can give rise to ductal neoplasia. To integrate findings in mice and men, we examined human acinar cells, acinar-ductal metaplasia (ADM) lesions, and PanINs for KRAS2 gene mutations. Surgically resected pancreata were screened for foci of ADM with or without an associated PanIN lesion. Stromal cells, acinar cells, ADMs, and PanINs were separately isolated using laser capture microdissection. KRAS2 status was analyzed using genomic DNA isolated from the microdissected tissue. Twelve of these 31 foci of ADM occurred in isolation, whereas 19 were in the same lobules as a PanIN lesion. All 31 microdissected foci of acinar cells were KRAS2 gene wild-type, as were all 12 isolated ADM lesions lacking an associated PanIN. KRAS2 gene mutations were present in 14 of 19 (74%) PanIN lesions and in 12 of the 19 (63%) foci of ADM associated with these PanINs. All ADM lesions with a KRAS2 gene mutation harbored the identical KRAS2 gene mutation found in their associated PanIN lesions. Ductal neoplasms of the human pancreas, as defined by KRAS2 gene mutations, do not appear to arise from acinar cells. Isolated AMD lesions are genetically distinct from those associated with PanINs, and the latter may represent retrograde extension of the neoplastic PanIN cells or less likely are precursors to PanIN. (Mol Cancer Res 2009;7(2):230–6)
Yin Yang 1 Regulates the Expression of Snail through a Distal Enhancer
Authors: Palmer Matthew B. , Majumder Parimal , Cooper John C. , Yoon Hyesuk , Wade Paul A. , Boss Jeremy M.
Published: February 2009

Expression of the Snail gene is required for the epithelial-mesenchymal transitions that accompany mammalian gastrulation, neural crest migration, and organ formation. Pathologic expression of Snail contributes to the migratory capacity of invasive tumors, including melanomas. To investigate the mechanism of Snail up-regulation in human melanoma cells, a conserved enhancer located 3′ of the Snail gene was analyzed. An overlapping Ets and yin yang 1 (YY1) consensus sequence, in addition to a SOX consensus sequence, was required for full enhancer activity. Proteins specifically binding these sequences were detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The Ets/YY1 binding activity was purified by DNA-affinity chromatography and identified as YY1. Although ubiquitously expressed, YY1 was bound at the Snail 3′ enhancer in vivo in Snail-expressing cells but not in cells that did not express Snail. Knockdown of YY1 in A375 cells led to decreased Snail expression. These results identify a role for YY1 in regulating transcription of Snail in melanoma cells through binding to the Snail 3′ enhancer. (Mol Cancer Res 2009;7(2):221–9)
Rembrandt: Helping Personalized Medicine Become a Reality through Integrative Translational Research
Authors: Madhavan Subha , Zenklusen Jean-Claude , Kotliarov Yuri , Sahni Himanso , Fine Howard A. , Buetow Kenneth
Published: February 2009

Finding better therapies for the treatment of brain tumors is hampered by the lack of consistently obtained molecular data in a large sample set and the ability to integrate biomedical data from disparate sources enabling translation of therapies from bench to bedside. Hence, a critical factor in the advancement of biomedical research and clinical translation is the ease with which data can be integrated, redistributed, and analyzed both within and across functional domains. Novel biomedical informatics infrastructure and tools are essential for developing individualized patient treatment based on the specific genomic signatures in each patient's tumor. Here, we present Repository of Molecular Brain Neoplasia Data (Rembrandt), a cancer clinical genomics database and a Web-based data mining and analysis platform aimed at facilitating discovery by connecting the dots between clinical information and genomic characterization data. To date, Rembrandt contains data generated through the Glioma Molecular Diagnostic Initiative from 874 glioma specimens comprising ∼566 gene expression arrays, 834 copy number arrays, and 13,472 clinical phenotype data points. Data can be queried and visualized for a selected gene across all data platforms or for multiple genes in a selected platform. Additionally, gene sets can be limited to clinically important annotations including secreted, kinase, membrane, and known gene-anomaly pairs to facilitate the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We believe that Rembrandt represents a prototype of how high-throughput genomic and clinical data can be integrated in a way that will allow expeditious and efficient translation of laboratory discoveries to the clinic. (Mol Cancer Res 2009;7(2):157–67)
Inhibition of Protein Kinase C–β by Ruboxistaurin Preserves Cardiac Function and Reduces Extracellular Matrix Production in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Connelly Kim A. , Kelly Darren J. , Zhang Yuan , Prior David L. , Advani Andrew , Cox Alison J. , Thai Kerri , Krum Henry , Gilbert Richard E.
Published: February 2009

Background—

Heart failure is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients that frequently manifests in the absence of impaired left ventricular systolic function. In contrast to the strong evidence base for the treatment of systolic heart failure, the treatment of heart failure with preserved left ventricular function is uncertain, and therapeutic targets beyond blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and β-adrenergic systems are being sought. One such target is the β-isoform of protein kinase C (PKC), implicated in both the complications of diabetes and in cardiac dysfunction in the nondiabetic setting.

Methods and Results—

Using a hemodynamically validated rodent model of diabetic diastolic heart failure, the (mRen-2)27 transgenic rat, we sought to determine whether selective inhibition of PKC-β would preserve cardiac function and reduce structural injury. Diabetic rats were randomized to receive either vehicle or the PKC-β inhibitor, ruboxistaurin (20 mg/kg per d) and followed for 6 weeks. Compared with untreated animals, ruboxistaurin-treated diabetic rats demonstrated preserved systolic and diastolic function, as measured by the slope of preload recruitable stroke work relationship (
P
<0.05) and the slope of the end-diastolic pressure volume relationship (
P
<0.01). Collagen I deposition and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy were both reduced in diabetic animals treated with ruboxistaurin (
P
<0.01), as was phosphorylated-Smad2, an index of transforming growth factor-β activity (
P
<0.01 for all, versus untreated diabetic rats).

Conclusions—

PKC-� inhibition attenuated diastolic dysfunction, myocyte hypertrophy, and collagen deposition and preserved cardiac contractility. PKC-β inhibition may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the prevention of diabetes-associated cardiac dysfunction.
Prevalence of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in a General Population
Authors: Kuznetsova Tatiana , Herbots Lieven , López Begoña , Jin Yu , Richart Tom , Thijs Lutgarde , González Arantxa , Herregods Marie-Christine , Fagard Robert H. , Díez Javier , Staessen Jan A.
Published: February 2009

Background—

Because the process of myocardial remodelling starts before the onset of symptoms, recent heart failure (HF) guidelines place special emphasis on the detection of subclinical left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction and the timely identification of risk factors for HF. Our goal was to describe the prevalence and determinants (risk factors) of LV diastolic dysfunction in a general population and to compare the amino terminal probrain natriuretic peptide level across groups with and without diastolic dysfunction.

Methods and Results—

In a randomly recruited population sample (n=539; 50.5% women; mean age, 52.5 years), we measured early and late diastolic peak velocities of mitral inflow (E and A), pulmonary vein flow by pulsed-wave Doppler, and the mitral annular velocities (Ea and Aa) at 4 sites by tissue Doppler imaging. A healthy subsample of 239 subjects (mean age, 43.7 years) provided age-specific cutoff limits for normal E/A and E/Ea ratios and the differences in duration between the mitral A and the reverse pulmonary vein flows during atrial systole (ΔAd−ARd). The number of subjects in diastolic dysfunction groups 1 (impaired relaxation), 2 (elevated LV end-diastolic filling pressure), and 3 (elevated E/Ea and abnormally low E/A) were 53 (9.8%), 76 (14.1%), and 18 (3.4%), respectively. We used Δ(Ad<ARd+10) to confirm possible elevation of LV filling pressures in group 2. Compared with subjects with normal diastolic function (n=392, 72.7%), group 1 (209 versus 251 pmol/L;
P
=0.015) and group 2 (209 versus 275 pmol/L;
P
=0.0003) but not group 3 (209 versus 224 pmol/L;
P
=0.65) had a significantly higher adjusted NT-probrain natriuretic peptide. Higher age, body mass index, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, serum insulin, and creatinine were significantly associated with a higher risk of LV diastolic dysfunction.

Conclusions—

The overall prevalence of LV diastolic dysfunction in a random sample of a general population, as estimated from echocardiographic measurements, was as high as 27.3%.
Magnesium Sulfate for the Treatment of Eclampsia
Authors: Euser Anna G. , Cipolla Marilyn J.
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—Magnesium sulfate is used extensively for prevention of eclamptic seizures. Empirical and clinical evidence supports the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate; however, questions remain as to its safety and mechanism. This review summarizes current evidence supporting the possible mechanisms of action and several controversies for magnesium sulfate treatment.

Summary of Review—Several mechanisms are presented, including the effects of magnesium sulfate on peripheral and cerebral vasodilation, blood-brain barrier protection, and as an anticonvulsant.

Conclusions—Though the specific mechanisms of action remain unclear, the effect of magnesium sulfate in the prevention of eclampsia is likely multi-factorial. Magnesium sulfate may act as a vasodilator, with actions in the peripheral vasculature or the cerebrovasculature, to decrease peripheral vascular resistance or relieve vasoconstriction. Additionally, magnesium sulfate may also protect the blood-brain barrier and limit cerebral edema formation, or it may act through a central anticonvulsant action.
Parity and Carotid Atherosclerosis in Men and Women
Authors: Skilton Michael R. , Sérusclat André , Begg Lisa M. , Moulin Philippe , Bonnet Fabrice
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

Parity appears to be associated with carotid atherosclerosis in women aged 45 years and older. Studying this association among younger women and men may provide insight into whether this association relates predominantly to childbearing or child-rearing.

Methods—

The association between parity and carotid atherosclerosis (intima-media thickness and presence of plaques) was assessed in a cohort consisting of 750 women and 1164 men, all with at least one traditional cardiovascular risk factor, aged 18 to 80 years of age. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were also assessed, and the Framingham Risk Score calculated.

Results—

In age-adjusted analyses, the number of children was associated with adiposity, fasting glucose, 2-hour glucose, Framingham risk score, and carotid atherosclerosis in women, but not in men. Multivariate linear regression models indicate that the prevalence of plaques was increased by 15% (95% CI, 2 to 29) per child among women, and 0% (95% CI, −10 to 11) among men, after adjustment for age, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors (including waist circumference). The association between parity and carotid intima-media thickness was similar in younger and older women (
P
Heterogeneity
=0.20).

Conclusions—

A higher number of children is associated with increased carotid atherosclerosis in both younger and older women, but not among men. These findings indicate that childbearing, but not child-rearing, may be a risk factor for atherosclerosis, and suggest the potential importance of considering the number of children when assessing the level of cardiovascular risk in women.
General and Abdominal Adiposity and Risk of Stroke in Chinese Women
Authors: Zhang Xianglan , Shu Xiao-Ou , Gao Yu-Tang , Yang Gong , Li Honglan , Zheng Wei
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

Although both general and abdominal adiposity are well-established risk factors for coronary heart disease, their associations with stroke are less well characterized, particularly in generally lean Asian populations.

Methods—

We evaluated associations of body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist circumference (WC), and waist-height ratio (WHtR) with stroke risk in the Shanghai Women’s Health Study, a population-based prospective cohort study of 74 942 Chinese women aged 40 to 70 years with anthropometric measurement taken at recruitment in 1996 to 2000. For this analysis, we included 67 083 women with no prior history of stroke, coronary heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, cardiac surgery, or cancer at recruitment. Incident stroke was ascertained by biennial home visits and linkage with vital statistics registries.

Results—

Cut points for the highest quintiles of BMI, WHR, WC, and WHtR among this cohort were 26.6 (kg/m
2
), 0.85 (cm/cm), 84.1 (cm), and 0.54 (cm/cm), respectively. During a mean follow-up of 7.3 years, 2403 incident stroke cases were identified. All selected anthropometric measurements were positively and significantly associated with risk of total, ischemic, and hemorrhagic stroke in a dose-response manner (all probability values for trend <0.01). The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for total stroke comparing the highest versus lowest quintiles of these measurements were 1.71 (1.49 to 1.97), 1.59 (1.37 to 1.85), 1.77 (1.53 to 2.05), and 1.91 (1.61 to 2.27) for BMI, WHR, WC, and WHtR, respectively.

Conclusion—

Increasing levels of general or abdominal adiposity consistently predict increased risk of stroke in predominantly nonobese Chinese women.
Sex Differences in Incidence, Mortality, and Survival in Individuals With Stroke in Scotland, 1986 to 2005
Authors: Lewsey James D. , Gillies Michelle , Jhund Pardeep S. , Chalmers Jim W.T. , Redpath Adam , Briggs Andrew , Walters Matthew , Langhorne Peter , Capewell Simon , McMurray John J.V. , MacIntyre Kate
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of sex across different age groups and over time for stroke incidence, 30-day case-fatality, and mortality.

Methods—

All first hospitalizations for stroke in Scotland (1986 to 2005) were identified using linked morbidity and mortality data. Age-specific rate ratios (RRs) for comparing women with men for both incidence and mortality were modeled with adjustment for study year and socioeconomic deprivation. Logistic regression was used to model 30-day case-fatality.

Results—

Women had a lower incidence of first hospitalization than men and size of effect varied with age (55 to 64 years, RR=0.65, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.66; ≥85 years, RR=0.94, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.96). Women aged 55 to 84 years had lower mortality than men and again size of effect varied with age (65 to 74 years, RR=0.79, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.81); 75 to 84 years, RR=0.94, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.95). Conversely, women aged ≥85 years had 15% higher stroke mortality than men (RR=1.15, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.18). Adjusted risk of death within 30 days was significantly higher in women than men, and this difference increased over the 20-year period in all age groups (adjusted OR in 55 to 64 year olds 1.23, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.33 in 1986 and 1.51, 95% CI 1.39 to 1.63 in 2005).

Conclusions—

We observed lower rates of incidence and mortality in younger women than men. However, higher numbers of older women in the population mean that the absolute burden of stroke is greater in women. Short-term case-fatality is greater in women of all ages and, worryingly, these differences have increased from 1986 to 2005.
Gender Differences in Stroke Incidence and Poststroke Disability in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Petrea Rodica E. , Beiser Alexa S. , Seshadri Sudha , Kelly-Hayes Margaret , Kase Carlos S. , Wolf Philip A.
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

Stroke is emerging as a major public health problem for women, as it is for men. Controversy persists regarding gender differences in stroke incidence, severity, and poststroke disability.

Methods—

Participants in the Framingham Original (n=5119; 2829 women) and Offspring (n=4957, 2565 women) cohorts who were 45 years and stroke-free were followed to first incident stroke. Gender-specific outcome measures were adjusted for the Framingham Stroke Risk Profile components.

Results—

We observed 1136 incident strokes (638 in women) over 56 years of follow-up. Women were significantly (
P
<0.001) older (75.1 versus 71.1 years for men) at their first-ever stroke, had a higher stroke incidence above 85 years of age, lower at all other ages, and a higher lifetime risk of stroke at all ages. There was no significant difference in stroke subtype, stroke severity, and case fatality rates between genders. Women were significantly (
P
<0.01) more disabled before stroke and in the acute phase of stroke in dressing (59% versus 37%), grooming (57% versus 34%), and transfer from bed to chair (59% versus 35%). At 3 to 6 months poststroke women were more disabled, more likely to be single, and 3.5 times more likely to be institutionalized (
P
<0.01).

Conclusions—

These results from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) support the existence of gender-differences in stroke incidence, lifetime risk (LTR) of stroke, age at first stroke, poststroke disability, and institutionalization rates. Prestroke disability and sociodemographic factors may contribute to the high rate of institutionalization and poorer outcome observed in women.
Do Presenting Symptoms Explain Sex Differences in Emergency Department Delays Among Patients With Acute Stroke?
Authors: Gargano Julia Warner , Wehner Susan , Reeves Mathew J.
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

Previous studies report that women with stroke may experience longer delays in diagnostic workup than men after arriving at the emergency department. We hypothesized that presenting symptom differences could explain these delays.

Methods—

Data were collected on 1922 acute stroke cases who presented to 15 hospitals participating in a statewide stroke registry. We evaluated 2 in-hospital time intervals: emergency department arrival to physician examination (“door-to-doctor”) and emergency department arrival to brain imaging (“door-to-image”). We used parametric survival models to estimate time ratios, which represent the ratio of average times comparing women to men, after adjusting for symptom presentation and other confounders.

Results—

Women were significantly less likely than men to present with any stroke warning sign or suspected stroke (87.5% versus 91.4%) or to report trouble with walking, balance, or dizziness (9.5% versus 13.7%). Difficulty speaking and loss of consciousness were associated with shorter door-to-doctor times. Weakness, facial droop, difficulty speaking, and loss of consciousness were associated with shorter door-to-image times, whereas difficulty with walking/balance was associated with longer door-to-image times. In adjusted analyses, women had 11% longer door-to-doctor intervals (time ratio, 1.11; 95%, CI 1.02 to 1.22) and 15% longer door-to-image intervals (time ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.25) after accounting for presenting symptoms, age, and other confounders. Furthermore, these sex differences remained evident after restricting to patients who arrived within 6 or within 2 hours of symptom onset.

Conclusions—

Women with acute stroke experienced greater emergency department delays than men, which were not attributable to differences in presenting symptoms, time of arrival, age, or other confounders.
Gender Differences in Presenting and Prodromal Stroke Symptoms
Authors: Stuart-Shor Eileen M. , Wellenius Gregory A. , DelloIacono Donna M. , Mittleman Murray A.
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

Prompt recognition of stroke symptoms is critical to timely treatment and women have increased delay to treatment. Women may be more likely to present with atypical symptoms, but this hypothesis has not been extensively evaluated.

Methods—

We examined gender differences in the prevalence of presenting and prodromal stroke symptoms among 1107 consecutive patients hospitalized with neurologist-confirmed acute ischemic stroke. Patient demographics, clinical variables, and stroke symptoms were abstracted from medical records by trained abstractors using standardized forms. Estimates were age-standardized to the age distribution of men and women combined. Presenting symptoms occurred within 24 hours of incident stroke admission; prodromal symptoms occurred ≥24 hours of admission.

Results—

Women were significantly older (
P
<0.001), more likely to have cardioembolic stroke (
P
<0.01), and less likely to receive aspirin (
P
=0.014) or statins (
P
<0.001). Thirty-five percent of the sample (n=389) reported prodromal symptoms. Women were more likely to have ≥1 somatic prodromal and presenting symptoms (
P
=0.03;
P
=0.008), but did not differ from men on specific somatic symptoms. Women did not differ from men in classic presenting stroke symptoms (
P
=0.89).

Conclusion—

Women did not differ significantly in the prevalence of traditional stroke symptoms but were more likely to have somatic presenting and prodromal symptoms. We found no differences in specific prodromal symptoms, making it difficult to craft a public health message about gender differences in early warning signs of stroke. These results suggest that the focus of stroke prevention education for women should continue to emphasize traditional stroke risk factors.
Sex-Related Differences in Quality of Care and Short-Term Mortality Among Patients With Acute Stroke in Denmark
Authors: Palnum Kaare D. , Andersen Grethe , Ingeman Annette , Krog Birgitte R. , Bartels Paul , Johnsen Søren P.
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

Sex may predict level of care and successive outcome among patients with stroke. We examined fulfillment of quality of care criteria according to sex and possible impact of any sex-related differences on short-term mortality in a population-based nationwide follow-up study in Denmark.

Methods—

We identified 29 549 patients admitted with stroke between January 2003 and October 2005 in the Danish National Indicator Project. Data on 30- and 90-day mortality were obtained from The Civil Registration System. We compared proportions of patients receiving adequate care between sexes, as measured by admission to a specialized stroke unit, administration of antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy, examination with CT/MRI scan, and assessment by a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, and of nutritional risk. Further, we computed 30- and 90-day mortality rate ratios (MRR), adjusted for patient characteristics, fulfillment of quality of care criteria, and department.

Results—

The proportion of patients who received adequate care was either slightly lower or similar among women when compared to men. The relative risks (RR) of receiving specific components of care ranged from 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI]:0.74 to 0.96) to 1.01 (95% CI:0.96 to 1.06) when comparing sexes. The adjusted mortality rate ratios were lower among women and adjustment for fulfillment of quality of care criteria had only marginal impact.

Conclusions—

There appear not to be any substantial sex-related differences in acute hospital care among patients with stroke in Denmark. The lower female short-term mortality is therefore most likely explained by other factors.
Escape tactic plasticity of two sympatric Norops (Beta Anolis) species in Northeast Costa Rica
Authors: Lattanzio Matthew
Published: February 2009

Optimal Escape Theory (OET) has been used extensively to predict escape responses of lizards facing predation, yet few studies have examined the responses of two species that share the same habitat, even though such lizards may exhibit distinct patterns of spatial habitat use and behaviour. Furthermore, while OET may predict when escape behaviour should occur, it does not account for any variation in tactics used. Here, the escape behaviour of sympatric Norops humilis and N. limifrons lizards were studied. Lizard microhabitats were categorized and approach speeds were randomised such that each lizard was approached at one of two speeds, slow or fast. Approach speed of a simulated predator had no significant effect on approach distances for either species. Ambient and surface temperatures varied throughout the study period, yet had no significant effect on the escape responses of either species. Species differences in escape tactics correlated with microhabitat: Norops humilis were found more often on small shrubs and typically escaped by jumping to adjacent shrub branches or leaves. Norops limifrons, on the other hand, were typically found on tree trunks and thicker stems, and used squirrelling (horizontal movement around a trunk, branch, or stem) as a primary escape tactic. Additionally, all lizards encountered at ground-level ran. These results thus illustrate the variety of escape tactics used by sympatric N. humilis and N. limifrons within their structurally diverse habitat.
Phospholipase A2 activity of crocodile serum
Authors: Nevalainen Timo J. , Kanchanapangka Sumolya , Youngprapakorn Panya , Webb Grahame J. W. , Manolis S. Charlie , Scott Kieran F.
Published: February 2009

The catalytic activity of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) was measured in serum
samples from 32 crocodiles in Thailand and Australia by a method using
14C-oleic acid-labelled autoclaved Escherichia coli membranes as a
substrate. The highest PLA2 activity was measured in the serum of Crocodylus
siamensis (n = 9, mean ± SD), 13.3 ± 3.1 U/l followed by hybrid C. siamensis
× C. porosus (n = 6), 10.4 ± 8.7 U/l and Crocodylus porosus (n = 17), 4.3 ±
3.0 U/l. The difference between C. siamensis and C. porosus was highly
significant (P < 0.001). The gender of the animals and the geographical
location of the crocodile farms were not significant variables affecting
serum PLA2 levels. It was concluded that PLA2 is present in crocodilian
serum and may have an antimicrobial role.
Effects of predation risk factors on escape behavior by Balearic lizards (Podarcis lilfordi) in relation to optimal escape theory
Authors: Cooper, Jr. William E. , Hawlena Dror , Pérez-Mellado Valentín
Published: February 2009

Escape theory predicts that flight initiation distance (FID = predator-prey
distance when escape begins) increases as predation risk increases. We
tested effects of variation of approach speed and directness, predator
persistence, concealment, and weather conditions on FID in the Balearic
lizard (Podarcis lilfordi) by ourselves simulating predators. We examined
effects of directness of approach on probability of fleeing and of repeated
approach on entering refuge and distance fled. As predicted, FID was greater
for faster approach speed, more direct approach, during second than first
approaches, and when lizards were exposed than partially concealed. Other
effects of directness of approach and repeated approach also were as
predicted by greater assessed risk by the lizards. The proportion of
individuals that fled was greater for direct than indirect approaches. The
proportion of lizards that entered refuges and distance fled were greater
during the second of two successive approaches. Effects of weather on FID
were complex. FID was shortest in the warmest conditions with no noticeable
wind, when lizards were active. Lizards were inactive and basked in the
other conditions. FID was longest at 20°C without wind, and intermediate FID
occurred at 18°C in windy conditions. We present hypotheses for weather
effects. Tests are needed to unravel effects of temperature and wind speed.
All predictions of escape theory for simple risk factors, i.e., all except
than weather conditions, were confirmed. Escape theory successfully predicts
FID for these risks in P. lilfordi, other lacertids, and more broadly, in
ecologically and taxonomically diverse lizards.
In the Eyes of the Christian Writer al-Hārit ibn Sinān Poetics and Eloquence as a Platform of Inter-Cultural Contacts and Contrasts
Authors: Sadan Joseph
Published: February 2009

While ostensibly aspects of poetics are best discussed within a purely literary perspective, in fact they can hardly be disconnected from their socio-cultural and religious frameworks. Al-Hārit ibn Sinān was a Christian scholar and writer who lived under Muslim rule towards the end of the ninth and apparently also the beginning of the tenth century, precisely at the time when the first fruits of the idea of the Qur‘ān's stylistic inimitability (i’ğāz) began to ripe. Although this concept played a role also in interfaith polemics throughout the Middle Ages, our author shows his temperance and restraint by praising the style of the Bible (he would appear not to have read the books of the Old Testament in the original Hebrew but demonstrated understanding and a feeling for the text through another Semitic language: Syriac), both because as a Christian living under Muslim rule he was loathe to arouse an overt controversy with the society in which he lived, and also because glorifying the style of Holy Scripture, which he had apparently inherited from the Syriac-Byzantine culture, was an important tendency in and of itself in both Jewish and Christian literature (in England, for example, upsurges of this tendency have occurred even in modern times). Nevertheless, we cannot ignore the fact that our author did compare the poetics of four cultures: that of the Hebrews, that of the Greek (or rather Greek-Byzantine, rūm), that of the Syriac elements and that of the Arabs. He even tries to prove, using somewhat specious arguments, that the Hebrew portions of the Bible contain rhymes. His positions thus deserve to be considered retrospectively also in an interfaith and intercultural context.
An Assessment of the Importance of Chaotic Stirring and Turbulent Mixing on the West Florida Shelf
Authors: Beron-Vera F. J. , Olascoaga M. J.
Published: February 2009

Application of dynamical systems tools has recently revealed in surface ocean currents produced by a Hybrid-Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) simulation the presence of a persistent large-scale Lagrangian coherent structure (LCS) on the southern portion of the west Florida shelf (WFS). Consistent with satellite-tracked drifter trajectories, this LCS constitutes a cross-shelf barrier for the lateral transport of passive tracers. Because of the constraints that the above LCS, as well as smaller-scale LCSs lying shoreside, can impose on pollutant dispersal and its potentially very important biological consequences, a study was carried out on the nature of the surface ocean Lagrangian motion on the WFS. The analysis is based on the same simulated surface ocean velocity field that has been able to sustain the aforementioned persistent cross-shelf transport barrier. Examination of several diagnostics suggests that chaotic stirring dominates over turbulent mixing on time scales of up to two months or so. More specifically, it is found on those time scales that tracer evolution at a given length scale is governed to a nonnegligible extent by coarser-scale velocity field features, fluid particle dispersion is spatially inhomogeneous, and the Lagrangian evolution is more irregular than the driving Eulerian flow.
A Polar Low Pair over the Norwegian Sea
Authors: Brümmer Burghard , Müller Gerd , Noer Gunnar
Published: February 2009

During the Lofotes cyclone experiment (LOFZY 2005), two polar lows developed one behind the other inside a cold-air outbreak from the north in the lee of Spitsbergen on 7 March 2005. Buoys, ship, and aircraft measurements as well as satellite imagery are applied to analyze the polar low bulk properties, the horizontal and vertical structure, and the mass, moisture, and heat budget. The lifetime of the system until landfall at northern Norway was 12 h. The generation occurred under the left exit region of an upper-level jet with 70 m s−1. Both polar lows had a radius of 100–130 km and extended to a height of about 2.5 km. The propagation speeds were within 14–17 m s−1 and correspond to the vertically averaged wind velocity of the lowest 2.5 km. In the polar low centers the pressure was about 2–3 hPa lower and the air was 1–2 K warmer and drier than in the surroundings. Aircraft measurements in the second of the two polar lows show an embedded frontlike precipitation band north of the center. Here, the highest low-level winds with 25 m s−1 and the largest fluxes of sensible and latent heat with 290 and 520 W m−2, respectively, were measured (areal averages amounted to 115 and 190 W m−2). Aircraft data show mass convergence in the subcloud layer (0–900 m) and divergence in the cloud layer (900–2500 m). Moisture supply by evaporation from the sea surface was about twice as large as that by convergence in the subcloud layer. The condensation rate in the cloud layer nearly equaled the rate of evaporation at the sea surface. Almost all condensed cloud water was converted to precipitation water. Only half of the precipitation at the cloud base reached the sea surface.
Vulnerability and Vigilance: Threat Awareness and Perceived Adversary Intent Moderate the Impact of Mortality Salience on Intergroup Violence
Authors: Hirschberger Gilad , Pyszczynski Thomas , Ein-Dor Tsachi
Published: February 2009

Three studies examined whether perceived adversary intent and personal vulnerability moderate the effects of mortality salience (MS) on violent solutions to conflict. In Study 1, following MS, Israeli participants read a description of de-escalating or escalating Iranian rhetoric. In Study 2, following MS, Israeli participants read about tensions with Iran and reflected on the personal ramifications of the conflict or on the content of the passage. In Study 3, Israeli participants with direct war exposure were compared to participants with no war exposure, and following MS, read a description of escalating or de-escalating Hezbollah rhetoric. Results revealed that MS increased support of violence under escalating conditions and low perceived vulnerability. However, for persons with direct war exposure, MS induced support of violence contingent on adversary rhetoric. Thus, direct experience with war leads to a more nuanced contingent response to existential threat not present among those without direct war experience.
Effect of Sesame Oil on Acidified Ethanol‐Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury in Rats
Authors: Hsu Dur‐Zong , Chu Pei‐Yi , Liu Ming‐Yie
Published: February 2009

Background: Exposure of gastric mucosa to concentrated ethanol induces acute gastritis. Gastric mucosal lipid peroxidation plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of ethanol‐induced gastric mucosal lesions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sesame oil on acidified ethanol‐induced gastric mucosal damage in rats. Methods: We performed gastric bilateral vagotomy in rats. A small incision on forestomach was made and stomach content was expelled. Normal artificial gastric acid (54 mM NaCl plus 100 mM HCl) or acidified ethanol (30% ethanol plus 150 mM HCl) was instilled into the stomach. Gastric lipid peroxidation, glutathione, and nitric oxide levels were measured 3 hours after acidified ethanol administration. Results: Acidified ethanol caused mucosal ulceration, luminal hemorrhage, lipid peroxidation, and a lower level of mucosal glutathione and nitric oxide production. Pretreatment of sesame oil, but not mineral oil, significantly decreased acidified ethanol‐induced mucosal ulcer formation and luminal hemorrhage. Sesame oil reduced mucosal lipid peroxidation, as well as glutathione and nitric oxide production in acidified ethanol‐treated stomachs. Furthermore, both sesame oil and mineral oil did not affect serum ethanol concentration in acidified ethanol‐treated rats. Conclusion: Sesame oil attenuates acidified ethanol‐induced gastric mucosal injury by reducing oxidative stress in rats.
Nursing Roles in End-of-Life Decision Making in Critical Care Settings
Authors: Bach Vicky , Ploeg Jenny , Black Margaret
Published: February 2009

This study used a grounded theory approach to formulate a conceptual framework of the nursing role in end-of-life decision making in a critical care setting. Fourteen nurses from an intensive care unit and cardio-respiratory care unit were interviewed. The core concept, Supporting the Journey, became evident in four major themes: Being There, A Voice to Speak Up, Enable Coming to Terms, and Helping to Let Go. Nurses described being present with patients and families to validate feelings and give emotional support. Nursing work, while bridging the journey between life and death, imparted strength and resilience and helped overcome barriers to ensure that patients received holistic care. The conceptual framework challenges nurses to be present with patients and families at the end of life, clarify and interpret information, and help families come to terms with end-of-life decisions and release their loved ones.
A Qualitative Examination of the Factors That Influence Women's Quality of Life as They Live With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Norris Colleen M. , King Kathryn
Published: February 2009

The purpose of this study is understanding women's experiences regarding health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in the context of living with coronary artery disease (CAD). Sampling was purposive and continued until data saturation. The women participated in semistructured interviews that were tape-recorded and completed in less than 1 hour. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results indicate that CAD influenced the participants' HRQOL. This occurred through categories the investigators labeled “dealing with one more thing,” “surrendering roles and pleasures,” “managing the health system,” “understanding CAD,” and “resolving to be strong.” The thoughtful responses of the women in this study suggest that understanding the HRQOL of women who have CAD lies in the context of considering their quality and quantity of social support. Thus, it behooves health care providers to assess patients' levels of social support and intervene as appropriate.
Transformational Leadership Behaviours and Empathy with Action
Authors: Miller Mary
Published: February 2009

My research identified the correlation between 'empathy with action' with other known leadership dimensions that have been previously identified in leadership research (Miller, 2005). This article discusses these correlations with the aim of identifying and understanding more of the spectrum of behaviours that enable transformation to be an aspect of the relationship between the leader and others. It is hoped that the reader who is interested in the transformational process for oneself and for one's organization will be able to understand the process more completely in order to utilize for oneself the behaviours being discussed.
What Does It Take to Become a High-Performing Special Education Planning District?
Authors: Edmonds Ben C. , Spradlin Terry
Published: February 2009

As the NCLB deadline for having all students proficient in reading and math approaches, schools are becoming increasingly anxious to promote success on high stakes tests for their students with disabilities. Embedded in a larger study of the potential effect of governance structures on the achievement of students with disabilities, this study examines how Indiana’s high-performing special education planning districts are able to promote achievement on the part of students with disabilities. Four themes are found in high-performing districts: ownership of student performance, teacher self-efficacy, child centeredness, and belongingness of special education staff.
What Does It Take to Be an Adult in Austria?
Authors: Sirsch Ulrike , Dreher Eva , Mayr Eva , Willinger Ulrike
Published: February 2009

The present study examined the defining features of emerging adulthood, subjects' conceptions of the transition to adulthood, and the perceived adult status in Austria. The sample consisted of 775 subjects (226 adolescents, 317 emerging adults, 232 adults). Results showed that most Austrian emerging adults feel themselves to be between adolescence and adulthood. Emerging adults predominantly described this period as an age of possibilities and identity exploration, as a self-focused age, as an age of feeling in between, and of instability. Regarding important criteria for feeling adult, it was found that age groups (adolescents, emerging adults, adults) differ in individualism, family capacities, norm compliance, role transitions, and other. Thus, as was shown for other Western cultures, emerging adulthood seemed to constitute a distinct stage of life in Austria also.
Controlling the Escalating Use of Advanced Imaging
Authors: Mitchell Jean M. , LaGalia R. Robert
Published: February 2009

Since the late 1990s, the use of advanced diagnostic imaging modalities has increased by double-digit rates, outpacing the rate of increase of medical spending overall. In an attempt to assure the appropriate use of advanced imaging procedures, private insurers are increasingly contracting with radiology benefit management programs (RBMs) to reduce overall use and expenditures for radiology services. This article describes the services offered by RBMs and then presents trends in utilization of advanced imaging procedures from three health plans that adopted RBM prior authorization protocols. The implementation of prior authorization protocols by each plan was associated with declines in use of advanced imaging procedures, especially during the first year of the program. Although more rigorous empirical analysis is required in order to draw definitive conclusions, these trends suggest that RBM prior authorization initiatives may be a viable approach for addressing concerns about appropriate use of advanced imaging.