bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and Functional Characterization of the Human Glutathione S-Transferase P1 Gene as a Novel Transcriptional Target of the p53 Tumor Suppressor Gene
Authors: Lo Hui-Wen , Stephenson Lisa , Cao Xinyu , Milas Mira , Pollock Raphael , Ali-Osman Francis
Published: May 2008

The glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) is involved in multiple cellular functions, including phase II metabolism, stress response, signaling, and apoptosis. The mechanisms underlying the significantly high GSTP1 expression in many human tumors are, however, currently not well understood. We report here that the GSTP1 gene is a heretofore unrecognized downstream transcriptional target of the tumor suppressor p53. We identified a p53-binding motif comprising two consecutive half-sites located in intron 4 of the GSTP1 gene and is highly homologous to consensus p53-binding motifs in other p53-responsive genes. Using a combination of electrophoretic mobility shift assay and DNase I footprinting analyses, we showed that wild-type p53 protein binds to the GSTP1 p53 motif and luciferase reporter assays showed the motif to be transcriptionally functional in human tumor cells. In a temperature-sensitive p53-mutant cells, levels of both p21/WAF1 and GSTP1 gene transcripts increased time dependently when cells were switched from the inactive mutant state to the wild-type p53 state. Small interfering RNA–mediated reduction of p53 expression resulted in a specific decrease in GSTP1 expression and in tumor cells with mutated p53; adenovirally mediated expression of wild-type p53 increased GSTP1 expression significantly. In a panel of early-passage brain tumor cultures from patients, high levels of GSTP1 transcripts and protein were associated with wild-type p53 and, conversely, low GSTP1 levels with mutant p53. p53 expression knockdown by small interfering RNA increased cisplatin sensitivity. The ability of wild-type p53 to transcriptionally activate the human GSTP1 gene defines a novel mechanism of protecting the genome and, potentially, of tumor drug resistance. (Mol Cancer Res 2008;6(5):843–50)
Characterization of a Novel Primary Mammary Tumor Cell Line Reveals that Cyclin D1 Is Regulated by the Type I Insulin-Like Growth Factor Receptor
Authors: Jones Robert A. , Campbell Craig I. , Petrik James J. , Moorehead Roger A.
Published: May 2008

The importance of type I insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) overexpression in mammary tumorigenesis was recently shown in two separate transgenic models. One of these models, the MTB-IGFIR transgenics, was generated in our lab to overexpress IGF-IR in mammary epithelial cells in a doxycycline (Dox)-inducible manner. To complement this transgenic model, primary cells that retained Dox-inducible expression of IGF-IR were isolated from a transgenic mammary tumor. This cell line, RM11A, expressed high levels of IGF-IR, phosphorylated Akt, and phosphorylated extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 in the presence of Dox. IGF-IR overexpression provided the primary tumor cells with a survival advantage in serum-free media and seemed to induce ligand-independent activation of the IGF-IR because RM11A cells cultured in the presence of Dox were largely nonresponsive to exogenous IGFs. IGF-IR overexpression also augmented the growth of RM11A cells in vivo because injection of these cells into mammary glands of wild-type mice produced palpable tumors in 15.8 ± 3.4 days when the mice were administered Dox, compared with 57.8 ± 6.3 days in the absence of Dox. DNA microarray analysis revealed a number of genes regulated by IGF-IR, one of which was cyclin D1. Suppression of IGF-IR expression in vitro or in vivo was associated with a decrease in cyclin D1 protein, suggesting that at least some of the proliferative actions of IGF-IR are mediated through cyclin D1. Therefore, this article characterizes the first primary murine mammary tumor cell line with inducible IGF-IR expression. These cells provide a powerful in vitro/in vivo model to examine the function of IGF-IR in mammary tumorigenesis. (Mol Cancer Res 2008;6(5):819–28)
Association between Erythropoietin Requirements and Antihypertensive Agents
Authors: Yano Shozo , Suzuki Keiko , Iwamoto Masataka , Urushidani Yoshinori , Yokogi Hiroyuki , Kusakari Masuo , Aoki Akihiko , Sumi Masaaki , Kitamura Kenjiro , Sanematsu Hiromi , Gohbara Masaru , Imamura Sadao , Sugimoto Toshitsugu
Published: May 2008

Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACI) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) have been reported to increase recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) requirements. We performed a cross-sectional study to investigate an association of antihypertensive agents including these two with the rHuEPO dose in chronic hemodialysis patients. Methods: We studied 625 patients undergoing hemodialysis therapy in 11 dialysis units. The association between the rHuEPO dose and antihypertensive agents was statistically analyzed. Results: The mean hemoglobin (Hb) level and rHuEPO dose corrected by body weight were 10.5 g/dl and 95.2 U/kg/week, respectively. When the patients were subdivided into four groups according to the number of prescribed antihypertensive agents (G-0, G-1, G-2, and G-3; patients prescribed with no medication, 1, 2, and >3 drugs, respectively), a significantly low dose of rHuEPO was observed in G-0 compared to the other groups. Unpaired t test showed a higher dose of rHuEPO in the presence of ARB, α-blockers, or calcium channel blockers (CCB). The rHuEPO dose was higher in the elderly, in females, and in patients with diabetes or hypertension. In multiple regression analysis, age, sex, rHuEPO dose, serum albumin level, and duration of dialysis therapy but not antihypertensive drugs were independent factors for the Hb level. In contrast, the rHuEPO dose was significantly associated with a low level of Hb, age, females, and CCB use. However, since CCB use was strongly associated not only with rHuEPO dose but also with systolic blood pressure and the use of α-blockers and ARB, these findings might be caused by erythropoietin (EPO)-induced hypertension. Conclusion: There was an association between the number of antihypertensive agents and rHuEPO dose in chronic hemodialysis patients. However, no significant relation was indicated between ARB/ACI use and EPO requirements.
Linkage Analysis in a Large Family from Pakistan with Depression and a High Incidence of Consanguineous Marriages
Authors: Ayub Muhammad , Irfan Muhammad , Maclean Alan , Naeem Farooq , MacGregor Stuart , Visscher Peter M. , Muir Walter , Blackwood Douglas
Published: May 2008

Objectives: A genome wide scan for linkage was performed in a five generation family with a high incidence of depression and high average coefficient of inbreeding ascertained in a rural area of Pakistan. The effect of inbreeding on linkage analysis in an extended pedigree is discussed. Methods: 372 microsatellite markers were used in a genome wide linkage study. Inbreeding coefficients were measured by two methods using both genealogical and genotype data. Results: Of 111 family members with phenotypic information, 82 were diagnosed with recurrent major depression. Linkage analysis using the program Superlink online generated LOD scores of less than one at all loci. A model free analysis with SimWalk did not result in any significant linkage score. The mean inbreeding coefficient was 0.038 estimated from genealogical data and 0.02 estimated from the genotype data. These results did not differ significantly. The effects of inbreeding included a reduction in the polymorphism information content of markers and an overestimate of marker allele frequencies. Conclusion: The analysis of very large families is computationally demanding. Problems encountered in this analysis, including loss of power due to reduced polymorphism information content and sensitivity of the LOD score method to estimates of allele frequencies, severely limited the chance of detecting linkage.
Cost-Effectiveness of Aspirin Treatment in the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Events in Subgroups Based on Age, Gender, and Varying Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Greving Jacoba P. , Buskens Erik , Koffijberg Hendrik , Algra Ale
Published: May 2008

Background—

Aspirin is effective for the primary prevention of cardiovascular events, but it remains unclear for which subgroups of individuals aspirin is beneficial. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of aspirin separately for men and women of different ages with various levels of cardiovascular disease risk.

Methods and Results—

A Markov model was developed to predict the number of cardiovascular events prevented, quality-adjusted life-years, and costs over a 10-year period. Event rates were taken from Dutch population data, and the relative effectiveness of aspirin was taken from a gender-specific meta-analysis. Sensitivity analyses and Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results. In 55-year-old persons, aspirin prevented myocardial infarctions in men (127 events per 100 000 person-years) and ischemic strokes in women (17 events per 100 000 person-years). Aspirin implies a net investment and a quality-adjusted life-year gain in men 55 years of age; the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was 111 949 euros per quality-adjusted life-year (1 euro=$1.27 as of June 2007). Aspirin was cost-effective for 55- and 65-year-old men with moderate cardiovascular risk and men 75 years of age (10-year cardiovascular disease risk >10%). Conversely, aspirin was beneficial for women 65 years of age with high cardiovascular risk and women 75 years of age with moderate cardiovascular risk (10-year cardiovascular disease risk >15%). Results were sensitive to drug treatment costs, effectiveness of aspirin treatment, and utility of taking aspirin.

Conclusions—

Aspirin treatment for primary prevention is cost-effective for men with a 10-year cardiovascular disease risk of >10% and for women with a risk of >15%. This occurs much later in life for women than men. Therefore, opportunities for the primary prevention of aspirin seem limited in women, and a differentiated preventive strategy seems warranted.
Radial Artery Versus Saphenous Vein Patency Randomized Trial
Authors: Collins Peter , Webb Carolyn M. , Chong Chee F. , Moat Neil E.
Published: May 2008

Background—

Graft patency is a fundamental predictor of long-term survival after coronary artery bypass surgery. Left and right internal thoracic artery (arterial) graft patency has been shown to be superior to that of saphenous vein grafts. More recently, the radial artery has been used as an aortocoronary graft, but little is known about the midterm and long-term patency of this conduit. We performed a single-center prospective randomized trial comparing the angiographic patency of radial artery and saphenous vein aortocoronary bypass grafts at 5 years after surgery.

Methods and Results—

We enrolled 142 patients randomized at a single center to have either the radial artery or saphenous vein grafted to a stenosed branch of the native left circumflex coronary artery. The primary end point was angiographic graft patency 5 years postoperatively. At 5 years, 134 patients were alive and eligible for reangiography (5-year survival, 94.4%). Angiography was performed in 103 patients (77%); 98.3% of radial artery grafts and 86.4% of saphenous vein grafts were patent (
P
=0.04). Graft narrowing occurred in 10% of patent radial artery grafts and 23% of patent saphenous vein grafts (
P
=0.01).

Conclusions—

Radial artery aortocoronary bypass grafts to a stenosed branch of the circumflex coronary artery have an excellent patency rate at 5 years. This was significantly better than the patency rate for saphenous vein grafts and comparable to reported patency rates for internal thoracic artery grafts.
Natural History of Asymptomatic Patients With Normally Functioning or Minimally Dysfunctional Bicuspid Aortic Valve in the Community
Authors: Michelena Hector I. , Desjardins Valerie A. , Avierinos Jean-François , Russo Antonio , Nkomo Vuyisile T. , Sundt Thoralf M. , Pellikka Patricia A. , Tajik A. Jamil , Enriquez-Sarano Maurice
Published: May 2008

Background—

Bicuspid aortic valve is frequent and is reported to cause numerous complications, but the clinical outcome of patients diagnosed with normal or mildly dysfunctional valve is undefined.

Methods and Results—

In 212 asymptomatic community residents from Olmsted County, Minn (age, 32±20 years; 65% male), bicuspid aortic valve was diagnosed between 1980 and 1999 with ejection fraction ≥50% and aortic regurgitation or stenosis, absent or mild. Aortic valve degeneration at diagnosis was scored echocardiographically for calcification, thickening, and mobility reduction (0 to 3 each), with scores ranging from 0 to 9. At diagnosis, ejection fraction was 63±5% and left ventricular diameter was 48±9 mm. Survival 20 years after diagnosis was 90±3%, identical to the general population (
P
=0.72). Twenty years after diagnosis, heart failure, new cardiac symptoms, and cardiovascular medical events occurred in 7±2%, 26±4%, and 33±5%, respectively. Twenty years after diagnosis, aortic valve surgery, ascending aortic surgery, or any cardiovascular surgery was required in 24±4%, 5±2%, and 27±4% at a younger age than the general population (
P
<0.0001). No aortic dissection occurred. Thus, cardiovascular medical or surgical events occurred in 42±5% 20 years after diagnosis. Independent predictors of cardiovascular events were age ≥50 years (risk ratio, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.5 to 5.7;
P
<0.01) and valve degeneration at diagnosis (risk ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 4.5;
P
=0.016; >70% events at 20 years). Baseline ascending aorta ≥40 mm independently predicted surgery for aorta dilatation (risk ratio, 10.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.8 to 77.3;
P
<0.01).

Conclusions—

In the community, asymptomatic patients with bicuspid aortic valve and no or minimal hemodynamic abnormality enjoy excellent long-term survival but incur frequent cardiovascular events, particularly with progressive valve dysfunction. Echocardiographic valve degeneration at diagnosis separates higher-risk patients who require regular assessment from lower-risk patients who require only episodic follow-up.
Molecular Imaging of Endothelial Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 Expression and Inflammatory Cell Recruitment During Vasculogenesis and Ischemia-Mediated Arteriogenesis
Authors: Behm Carolyn Z. , Kaufmann Beat A. , Carr Chad , Lankford Miles , Sanders John M. , Rose C. Edward , Kaul Sanjiv , Lindner Jonathan R.
Published: May 2008

Background—

Inflammatory responses contribute to vascular remodeling during tissue repair or ischemia. We hypothesized that inflammatory cell recruitment and endothelial cell activation during vasculogenesis and ischemia-mediated arteriogenesis could be temporally assessed by noninvasive molecular imaging.

Methods and Results—

Contrast ultrasound perfusion imaging and molecular imaging with microbubbles targeted to activated neutrophils, α
5
-integrins, or vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) were performed in murine models of vasculogenesis (subcutaneous matrigel) or hind-limb ischemia produced by arterial occlusion in wild-type or monocyte chemotactic protein-1–deficient mice. In subcutaneous matrigel plugs, perfusion advanced centripetally between days 3 and 10. On targeted imaging, signal enhancement from α
5
-integrins and VCAM-1 coincided with the earliest appearance of regional blood flow. Targeted imaging correlated temporally with histological evidence of channel formation by α
5
-integrin–positive monocytes, followed by the appearance of spindle-shaped cells lining the channels that expressed VCAM-1. In ischemic hind-limb tissue, skeletal muscle blood flow and arteriolar density increased progressively between days 2 and 21 after arterial ligation. Targeted imaging demonstrated early signal enhancement for neutrophils, monocyte α
5
-integrin, and VCAM-1 at day 2 when blood flow was very low (<20% control). The neutrophil signal declined precipitously between days 2 and 4, whereas VCAM-1 and monocyte signal persisted to day 7. In mice deficient for monocyte chemotactic protein-1, monocyte-targeted signal was severely reduced compared with wild-type mice (1.2±0.6 versus 10.5±8.8 video intensity units on day 4;
P
<0.05), although flow responses were only mildly impaired.

Conclusions—

Different components of the inflammatory response that participate in vascular development and remodeling can be assessed separately with targeted molecular imaging.
Mutations in Sarcomere Protein Genes in Left Ventricular Noncompaction
Authors: Klaassen Sabine , Probst Susanne , Oechslin Erwin , Gerull Brenda , Krings Gregor , Schuler Pia , Greutmann Matthias , Hürlimann David , Yegitbasi Mustafa , Pons Lucia , Gramlich Michael , Drenckhahn Jörg-Detlef , Heuser Arnd , Berger Felix , Jenni Rolf , Thierfelder Ludwig
Published: May 2008

Background—

Left ventricular noncompaction constitutes a primary cardiomyopathy characterized by a severely thickened, 2-layered myocardium, numerous prominent trabeculations, and deep intertrabecular recesses. The genetic basis of this cardiomyopathy is still largely unresolved. We speculated that mutations in sarcomere protein genes known to cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy may be associated with left ventricular noncompaction.

Methods and Results—

Mutational analysis in a cohort of 63 unrelated adult probands with left ventricular noncompaction and no other congenital heart anomalies was performed by denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography analysis and direct DNA sequencing of 6 genes encoding sarcomere proteins. Heterozygous mutations were identified in 11 of 63 samples in genes encoding β-myosin heavy chain (
MYH7
), α-cardiac actin (
ACTC
), and cardiac troponin T (
TNNT2
). Nine distinct mutations, 7 of them in
MYH7
, 1 in
ACTC
, and 1 in
TNNT2
, were found. Clinical evaluations demonstrated familial disease in 6 of 11 probands with sarcomere gene mutations.
MYH7
mutations segregated with the disease in 4 autosomal dominant LVNC kindreds. Six of the
MYH7
mutations were novel, and 1 encodes a splice-site mutation, a relatively unique finding for
MYH7
mutations. Modified residues in β-myosin heavy chain were located mainly within the ATP binding site.

Conclusions—

We conclude that left ventricular noncompaction is within the diverse spectrum of cardiac morphologies triggered by sarcomere protein gene defects. Our findings support the hypothesis that there is a shared molecular etiology of different cardiomyopathic phenotypes.
Converging Evidence in Support of the Serotonin Hypothesis of Dexfenfluramine-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension With Novel Transgenic Mice
Authors: Dempsie Yvonne , Morecroft Ian , Welsh David J. , MacRitchie Neil A. , Herold Nigel , Loughlin Lynn , Nilsen Margaret , Peacock Andrew J. , Harmar Anthony , Bader Michael , MacLean Margaret R.
Published: May 2008

Background—

The incidence of pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to the use of indirect serotinergic agonists such as aminorex and dexfenfluramine led to the “serotonin hypothesis” of pulmonary arterial hypertension; however, the role of serotonin in dexfenfluramine-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension remains controversial. Here, we used novel transgenic mice lacking peripheral serotonin (deficient in tryptophan hydroxylase-1;
Tph1
−/−
mice) or overexpressing the gene for the human serotonin transporter (SERT; SERT
+
mice) to investigate this further.

Methods and Results—

Dexfenfluramine administration (5 mg · kg
−1
· d
−1
PO for 28 days) increased systolic right ventricular pressure and pulmonary vascular remodeling in wild-type mice but not in
Tph1
−/−
mice, which suggests that dexfenfluramine-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension is dependent on serotonin synthesis. Dexfenfluramine was also administered to normoxic SERT
+
mice and SERT
+
mice exposed to chronic hypoxia. Dexfenfluramine and SERT overexpression had additive effects in increasing pulmonary vascular remodeling; however, in hypoxic SERT
+
mice, dexfenfluramine reduced both systolic right ventricular pressure and pulmonary vascular remodeling. Pulmonary arterial fibroblasts from SERT
+
mice, but not wild-type mice, proliferated in response to hypoxia. Dexfenfluramine inhibited hypoxia-induced proliferation of pulmonary arterial fibroblasts derived from SERT
+
mice in a manner dependent on SERT activity. Dexfenfluramine also inhibited the hypoxia-mediated increase in phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in SERT
+
pulmonary arterial fibroblasts.

Conclusions—

The results suggest that peripheral serotonin is critical for the development of dexfenfluramine-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension and that dexfenfluramine and SERT overexpression have additive effects on pulmonary vascular remodeling. We propose that dexfenfluramine can also inhibit hypoxia-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling via SERT activity and inhibition of hypoxia-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase.
Hypertension Induces Somatic Cellular Senescence in Rats and Humans by Induction of Cell Cycle Inhibitor p16

INK4a
Authors: Westhoff Jens H. , Hilgers Karl F. , Steinbach Mario P. , Hartner Andrea , Klanke Bernd , Amann Kerstin , Melk Anette
Published: May 2008

There is increasing evidence for a role of somatic cellular senescence in physiological aging but also in injury and disease. Cell cycle inhibitor p16

INK4a

is the key mediator for stress and aberrant signaling induced senescence. Here we report that elevated blood pressure markedly induced p16

INK4a

expression in rat kidneys and hearts, as well as in human kidneys. In kidneys from deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt–treated rats, p16

INK4a

induction was found in tubular, glomerular, interstitial, and vascular cells and correlated with the typical histopathologic features of hypertensive target organ damage. p16

INK4a

expression also correlated with phospho-p38, a positive upstream regulator of p16

INK4a

expression. In left ventricles, increased p16

INK4a

expression was found in myocardium and cardiac arteries. Antihypertensive medication consistent of hydrochlorothiazide, hydralazine, and reserpine ameliorated the histopathologic changes and attenuated p16

INK4a

expression in kidneys of deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt–treated rats. Nonantihypertensive administration of spironolactone also reduced kidney damage and p16

INK4a

expression. p16

INK4a

induction was further observed in kidneys from hypertensive transgenic rats heterozygous for the mouse Ren-2 gene and was prevented by the angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker losartan. In human kidney biopsies showing hypertensive nephrosclerosis, increased p16

INK4a

expression was found compared with age-matched normotensive control subjects. Thus, hypertension induces cellular senescence via p16

INK4a

, possibly through p38, thereby contributing to hypertensive target organ damage. This detrimental effect can be overcome by different therapeutic drug strategies.
Weight Loss Alone Improves Conduit and Resistance Artery Endothelial Function in Young and Older Overweight/Obese Adults
Authors: Pierce Gary L. , Beske Stacy D. , Lawson Brooke R. , Southall Kara L. , Benay Francoise J. , Donato Anthony J. , Seals Douglas R.
Published: May 2008

Obesity is associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction, as indicated by impaired endothelium-dependent dilation. Presently there is no direct evidence that energy intake–restricted weight loss alone improves conduit or resistance artery endothelium-dependent dilation, the mechanisms involved, or whether improvements differ with patient age. A total of 40 overweight or obese (body mass index: ≥25<40 kg/m
2
) nondiabetic men and women aged 21 to 69 years completed 12 weeks of reduced energy intake (n=26; 15 male) or attention control (n=14; 9 male) and 4 weeks of weight maintenance (randomized trial). Energy intake restriction reduced estimated total energy intake (33%), body weight (10.5%), total and abdominal body fat, plasma leptin, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and improved several metabolic risk factors. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation was increased by 30% (6.0±0.7% versus 7.9±0.7%Δ;
P
=0.01; n=17). Peak forearm blood flow during intrabrachial artery infusion of acetylcholine was increased by 26% (16.8±1.4 versus 21.1±1.9 mL/100 mL per minute;
P
<0.05; n=15); this was inversely related to the reduction in the abdominal visceral:subcutaneous fat ratio (
r
=−0.46;
P
<0.05) and was abolished by inhibition of NO synthesis with
N
G
-monomethyl-
l
-arginine. Improvements in endothelium-dependent dilation were not related to age: mean increases in subjects >50 years of age were similar to or greater than those <50 years of age. Energy intake–restricted weight loss alone is an effective intervention for improving peripheral conduit and resistance artery endothelial function in young and older overweight/obese adults. The improvements in resistance artery function are mediated by an increase in NO bioavailability and are related to reductions in abdominal visceral fat.
Characterisation of two Ukrainian populations of Globodera pallida in terms of their virulence and mtDNA, and the biological assessment of a new resistant cultivar Vales Everest
Authors: Pylypenko Liliya , Blok Vivian , Phillips Mark
Published: May 2008

Following the discovery of Globodera pallida in the Uzhhorod region (Zakarpats'ka oblast') of Ukraine, two populations from this region were further examined. Firstly, their virulence was assessed in relation to two sources of resistance to G. pallida and to other G. pallida populations from Europe and South America. The results showed that the Ukrainian populations were very similar in their virulence to the other European populations. One of the test host genotypes was a new cultivar derived from Solanum tuberosum spp. andigena CPC2802, which proved to be more highly resistant than previously available partially resistant cultivars. The second experiment was a comparison of the mitochondrial Cytochrome B gene from the Ukrainian populations with other European and South American populations. The data indicated that the Ukrainian populations were similar to other European populations.
Description of Oigolaimella attenuata n. sp. (Diplogastridae) associated with termites (Reticulitermes) and remarks on life cycle, giant spermatozoa, gut-inhabiting flagellates and other associates
Authors: von Lieven Alexander Fürst , Sudhaus Walter
Published: May 2008

A new species of the diplogastrid genus Oigolaimella is described in colonies of termites belonging to the genus Reticulitermes from Corsica (France) and USA. Oigolaimella attenuata n. sp. males can be recognised by the conspicuous length of the ventral unkeeled part of the otherwise keeled gubernaculum and, in contrast to the other members of the genus, the fact that the lateral field of both adult stages is marked by a single line. A diagnostic key for the five species of Oigolaimella is presented. Life cycle and development, including spermiogenesis, sperm transfer, sperm competition and fertilisation are described in detail. Some interesting aberrations of the reproductive system are documented. The new species uses the preoral cavities of the termites for internal phoresis and is associated with non-pathogenic gut-inhabiting flagellates of the taxon Kinetoplastida. The heads of 76 of 117 examined termites were infested with dauer juveniles of O. attenuata n. sp. with an average of 6.4 nematodes per termite. Six additional nematode species were isolated from the bodies of the termites, particularly a species of Pristionchus and, for the first time, Halicephalobus sp., Mesorhabditis spiculigera and Rhabditella axei. Rhabpanus ossiculum was isolated from termite-inhabited wood from Corsica, the first such detection in Europe. In the course of our discussion of the literature on termite-associated nematodes, we propose the new combination Pristionchus formosianus (Poinar, Meikle & Mercadier, 2006) n. comb. (=Chroniodiplogaster formosiana).
Zum römischen Recht der Forderungsübertragung
Authors: Harke Jan Dirk
Published: May 2008

The Roman concept of assignment.–The functionality of the Roman concept of assignment is usually underestimated: although there was no real transfer of the creditor's right to the assignee, the authority to sue the debtor automatically granted to the assignee by virtue of the underlying contract provided for a similar result. It was irrevocable and exceeded the death of both the assignee and the assignor unless the latter died without heir. When suing the debtor, the assignee was not required to give a security assuring the debtor of not being sued again by the assignor. The assignee could also prevent performance to the assignor by making use of his collection authority and notifying the debtor of the assignment. This notification gave rise to a pactum which the debtor could oppose against the assignor's claim. Had the debtor not done so, the assignee could overcome the objection that performance was rendered to the assignor by way of an exceptio doli.
The limits of culpa levissima
Authors: Tellegen-Couperus Olga
Published: May 2008

In D. 9,2,44pr., Ulpian states that, under the lex Aquilia, even the slightest fault (levissima culpa) counts. Since the time of the glossators, this phrase has been regarded as a general rule. Only one Romanist, MacCormack, has interpreted the phrase in a narrow sense: in his view, culpa levissima only referred to the case of scientia domini mentioned in section 1 of Ulpian's text. Later, Gimenez-Candela has argued that scientia domini led to direct liability only in case of damnum iniuria datum. The author aims to prove that culpa levissima only referred to scientia domini but that, on the other hand, scientia domini led to direct liability in all delicts.
Constitutional conflicts in seventeenth-century England
Authors: Müßig Ulrike
Published: May 2008

In the constitutional conflicts of the 17th century, both Crown and Parliament justified actions contrary to the other's will by reference to necessity. The Crown held the raising of additional finance to be necessary; the Parliament, its raising of a militia. The competence to determine a time of necessity, and to decide on the public good in it, was the key to sovereignty. In a series of cases reaching a peak in Hampden, the courts handed the Crown an unrestrained Prerogative. With the Militia Ordinance, a disturbed Parliament then claimed the competence for deciding on the public good in an emergency, even against the King's will, because its judgements as opposed to the king's discretion in his Royal prerogative were based on the common law which bound even the King. The concept of Parliament as a court of common law is often under-emphasized, though this is at the heart of the Parliament's claim to sovereignty achieved in 1689, because the Monarch could veto legislative acts, but he could not veto judgements.
Bijnkershoek over de 'quade conduites' van Huibert Rosenboom, president van de Hoge Raad (1691–1722): Een bijdrage op grond van tot dusverre onuitgegeven teksten uit de Observationes tumultuariae (als bijlage toegevoegd)
Authors:   Sirks
Published: May 2008

The volumes of the manuscript of the Observationes tumultuariae of Cornelis van Bijnkershoek (1673–1743) contain loose leaves and endleaves with notes by his hand. Some of these notes, in particular those on the endleaves of volumes IX–XIV, have already been published. Among the unpublished notes, Bijnkershoek's observations on malpractices of President Rosenboom and his fellow judges in the Supreme Court of the provinces of Holland and Zeeland are of special interest: they constitute the basis of the present article. In an appendix the text of these observations is published together with the full text of the endleaves of volumes I–VIII, concerning other everyday matters of the Court.
L'empoisonnement à Nice sous la Restauration: enquête judiciaire et expertise toxicologique
Authors: Ortolani Marc
Published: May 2008

Poisoning at Nice under the Restoration, judicial investigations and toxicological experts' reports. – Poisoning may be a fairly well-known crime in legal history, but the judgements of the Senate in Nice (at the time of the Restoration in the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia) shed some new light on some of its issues. The court worked according to principles of organisation, a legal system and a procedure which had all been inherited from the Ancien Régime and re-established under the Restoration, and which allowed it to conduct core criminal investigations. These investigations aimed at finding out the intention of the criminal and the means used in committing the crime. They relied, in spite of the limitations of scientific knowledge, on toxicological expertise, which became an essential stage in prosecuting cases of poisoning.
Effects of Supervised Treadmill Walking Training on Calf Muscle Capillarization in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Authors: Wang Jianxiong , Bronks Roger , Graham John , Myers Stephen
Published: May 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of supervised treadmill walking training on the calf muscle capillarization in patients with intermittent claudication. The first 12-week period was a nonexercise, within-subject control stage, and the second 12-week period was an exercise training stage. Calf muscle biopsy and functional capacity measurement were performed at baseline, preexercise and postexercise training. In all, 11 subjects completed all procedures. Their average age was (mean ± standard deviation) 73.9 ± 5.5 years and resting ankle-to-brachial systolic blood presure index was 0.57 ± 0.11. After exercise training, the difference between the pretraining and posttraining capillaries in contact with type IIx and IIa muscle fibers for each subject was significantly correlated with an improved pain-free walking time, r = 0.69 and r = 0.62 (both P < .05), respectively. This finding suggests that the change in calf muscle capillarization might contribute to the improved walking capacity following supervised treadmill walking training in patients with intermittent claudication.
Cyclooxygenase-2 in Cancer and Angiogenesis
Authors: ßahin Mehmet , ßahin Emel , Gümüşlü Saadet
Published: May 2008

Tumor angiogenesis is a process where new blood vessels are formed from preexisting ones, resulting in several pathologies. Solid tumors induce angiogenesis to obtain the required nutrients and oxygen. Otherwise, tumors do not grow beyond 2 to 3 mm in diameter. Cyclooxygenase-2, an inducible enzyme important in inflammation, catalyzes the production of prostanoids from arachidonic acid. Cyclooxygenase-2 plays an important role in several cancer types, including colorectal, gastric, prostate, breast, lung, and endometrial cancer. Besides, cyclooxygenase-2 has been implicated in the progression and angiogenesis of cancers. Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors have been used to block angiogenesis and tumor proliferation. In this review, the recent studies related to the role of cyclooxygenase-2 in several cancer types and tumor-induced angiogenesis were compiled.
Traditional Risk Factors Are Predictive on Segmental Localization of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Tacoy Gulten , Balcioglu Akif Serhat , Akinci Sinan , Erdem Güliz , Kocaman Sinan Altan , Timurkaynak Timur , Çengel Atiye
Published: May 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between established risk factors and segmental localization of coronary artery disease. A total of 2760 patients who underwent coronary angiography were enrolled into the study. Coronary angiographic segmental evaluation was performed according to the scheme of American Heart Association. Patients were classified into 2 groups (group 1: normal coronary artery segments, group 2: coronary artery segments with coronary artery disease). Smoking was highly related with left main coronary artery disease (odds ratio = 7.5; P = .005). Diabetes mellitus and male sex increased the risk of atherosclerosis in all coronary vasculature (odds ratio = 2.7-2.2; P < .001- P < .001). Hypertension was correlated with distal coronary artery (odds ratio = 1.4; P < .001) and family history with distal circumflex lesions (odds ratio = 4.5; P = .005) High triglyceride levels were associated with right coronary artery lesions (odds ratio = 1.00; P =.03). The effect of advanced age was small (odds ratio = 1.08; P < .001). Risk factors may be predictive for segmental localization.
Beyond the Shade of the Oak Tree: The Recent Growth of Johannine Studies
Authors: Anderson Paul N.
Published: May 2008

The recent growth within Johannine studies has developed as a result of several factors. First, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls led to an appreciation of the Jewishness of John's origin. Second, new approaches to John's composition have emerged, followed by a larger set of inquiries as to the Johannine tradition's relation to parallel traditions. This has been accompanied by a fourth interest: the history of the Johannine situation. Fifth, new literary studies have posed new horizons for interpretation, and sixth, theories continue to abound on the identity of the Beloved Disciple. A seventh development involves new ways of conceiving John's theological features, leading to an eighth: reconsidering John's historical features and re-envisioning its historical contributions in new perspective.
Reassessing a Rhetorical Approach to Paul's Letters
Authors: Bird Dr Michael F.
Published: May 2008

Rhetorical criticism of Paul's letters has become commonplace, especially in commentaries on Paul's writings. However, using the rhetorical handbooks for studying the Pauline writings has come under severe criticism as to whether or not it is methodologically sound to import and apply rhetorical categories to the Pauline letters and to the New Testament in general. This study assesses the value and limits of applying rhetorical criticism to Paul's letters and argues that the letters should be understood principally through epistolography and only secondarily in terms of a functional rhetoric.
Multiple‐Dose Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety of Taranabant, a Novel Selective Cannabinoid‐1 Receptor Inverse Agonist, in Healthy Male Volunteers
Authors: Addy Carol , Rothenberg Paul , Li Susie , Majumdar Anup , Agrawal Nancy , Li Hankun , Zhong Ling , Yuan Jinyu , Maes Andrea , Dunbar Stephanie , Cote Josee , Rosko Kim , Van Dyck Kristien , De Lepeleire Inge , de Hoon Jan , Van Hecken Anne , Depré Marleen , Knops Annemie , Gottesdiener Keith , Stoch Aubrey , Wagner John
Published: May 2008

Taranabant is a cannabinoid‐1 receptor inverse agonist for the treatment of obesity. This study evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of taranabant (5, 7.5, 10, or 25 mg once daily for 14 days) in 60 healthy male subjects. Taranabant was rapidly absorbed, with a median tmaxof 1.0 to 2.0 hours and a t1/2of approximately 74 to 104 hours. Moderate accumulation was observed in Cmax(1.18‐ to 1.40‐fold) and AUC0–24 h(1.5‐ to 1.8‐fold) over 14 days for the 5‐, 7.5‐, and 10‐mg doses, with an accumulation half‐life ranging from 15 to 21 hours. Steady state was reached after 13 days. After multiple‐dose administration, plasma AUC0–24hand Cmaxof taranabant increased dose proportionally (5–10 mg) and increased somewhat less than dose proportionally for 25 mg. Taranabant was generally well tolerated up to doses of 10 mg and exhibited multiple‐dose pharmacokinetics consistent with once‐daily dosing.
Change in Treatment Has No Relationship With Subsequent Re-Offending in U.K. Domestic Violence Sample
Authors: Bowen Erica , Gilchrist Elizabeth , Beech Anthony R.
Published: May 2008

In this study, data is presented from a sample of 52 male domestic violence offenders who were court mandated to attend a profeminist psycho-educational rehabilitation program in the West Midlands. The extent of both statistically and clinically significant psychological change achieved across a variety of measures (pro-domestic-violence attitudes, anger, locus of control, interpersonal dependency) assessed pre- and post-treatment, and their association with post-treatment re-offending within an 11-month follow-up period is examined. The results indicate that program completers achieved limited significant psychological change. However, the level of psychological change achieved had no association with re-offending.
Neoliberalism, the Special Period and Solidarity in Cuba
Authors: Powell Kathy
Published: May 2008

While the Cuban state's resistance to neoliberalism and to US dominance in particular has been vigorous, it is nonetheless subject to the constraints of neoliberal hegemony, and has entailed a degree of accommodation: the partial introduction of a market economy within a socialist political framework has given rise to some strong contradictions, most notably a sharp increase in inequality. This article considers to what extent the contradictions arising from these reforms have effects within everyday practices of struggle which threaten to problematize dispositions to solidarity — dispositions which are central to continued resistance, and an important social and political resource in confronting and shaping the future.
The Homeland Archipelago
Authors: Ruben Matt , Maskovsky Jeff
Published: May 2008

In the post-9/11 period, the power of the concept of neoliberalism to describe US social and political dynamics has been questioned, particularly in light of discourses emphasizing the disaggregation of state power. Relying primarily on ethnographic data collected in Philadelphia between 2000 and 2005, this article examines the melding of neoliberal governance and Homeland Security ideology in the figure of `home', as a social construct more collective than the individual and more private than the community. Examining the arenas of community-based policing through Town Watch, and urban redevelopment through eminent domain, the article argues that the protection of `home' has become a mechanism through which the sometimes contradictory imperatives of capitalism and state governance may be promoted by municipalities and contested by urban residents, particularly those in minority and working-class communities.
Analytic Review: Mass-Casualty Incidents: How Does an ICU Prepare?
Authors: Mahoney Eric J. , Biffl Walter L. , Cioffi William G.
Published: May 2008

Despite the ever-present risk of mass-casualty incidents (MCIs) in all geographical regions, there is a limited body of literature detailing specifically how an intensive care unit (ICU) prepares for such an event. When responding to an overwhelming volume of severely injured victims, the intensivist must make a paradigm shift away from providing complete care to all patients to one of preferentially administering care to those with the greatest likelihood of survival. To do this effectively, ICU directors must possess a detailed understanding of the entire disaster response, including organization, triage, staffing, and treatment. This article provides a comprehensive review of each of these topics, as well as a framework on specific elements of critical care and treatment based on published literature and expert opinion to assist the clinician in directing care to where it is most appropriate.
Upgrading in Asian Clusters
Authors: Chaminade Cristina , Vang Jan
Published: May 2008

This article is concerned with unpacking the role of the cluster supporting the SMEs’ move from competing on low costs to innovating in the global value chain. By comparing four clusters in different industries in Asia, we highlight significant differences in the learning paths of the clustered SMEs. The aricle contributes to current discussion on up-grading in clusters in developing countries by (a) providing an explanation on how localised interactive learning, and thus clustering, relates to upgrading; (b) discussing the conditions under which upgrading requires interactive learning; and (c) identifying the linkages between particular types of interactive learning and different upgrading strategies.
The CSWE and Social Work Accreditation: Not Guilty on All Charges
Authors: Thyer Bruce A.
Published: May 2008

Many of the criticisms of Stoesz and Karger contained within their article titled “Reinventing Social Work Education” and focused against the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) are misdirected. The CSWE accreditation mandate does not extend to the publishing records (or lack thereof) of social work faculty or deans, to the GRE scores of social work students, nor to the citation patterns of social work journals in general. There certainly are some problems with the current CSWE accreditation process and policies, and several concrete suggestions are given to incrementally strengthen social work education.
Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products in multiple sclerosis: A potential marker of disease severity
Authors: Sternberg Z , Weinstock-Guttman B , Hojnacki D , Zamboni P , Zivadinov R , Chadha K , Lieberman A , Kazim L , Drake A , Rocco P , Grazioli E , Munschauer F
Published: May 2008

Objectives

To compare serum levels of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) between multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and healthy control subjects, and to investigate whether serum sRAGE levels correlate with MS disease severity as indicated by the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

Method

37 patients with clinical diagnosis of MS and 22 healthy control subjects were investigated in a cross-sectional study using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).

Results

Serum levels of sRAGE were found to be significantly lower in MS patients compared to levels in healthy controls ( p = 0.005). A trend toward lower levels of serum sRAGE was observed in female MS patients compared to their male counterparts ( p = 0.05). A relationship between sRAGE and EDSS, and sRAGE and rate of clinical relapse was observed ( p = 0.012).

Conclusion

The significant reduction of sRAGE in MS patients relative to healthy controls supports the potential role for RAGE axis in MS clinical pathology. Lower levels of sRAGE may be associated with enhanced inflammatory responses. Based on these observations, further investigations into the role of sRAGE in MS clinical pathology is warranted.
Death of a metaphor: reviewing the `marketing as relationships' frame
Authors: O'Malley Lisa , Patterson Maurice , Kelly-Holmes Helen
Published: May 2008

The frame marketing as relationships is central to contemporary marketing thought and informs both research and practice in marketing. It is underpinned by the `interpersonal relationship' metaphor, which at the superordinate level relies upon social exchange theory (SET) and at the subordinate level reinforces the ideological values of Judeo—Christian marriages. The current pervasiveness of the marketing as relationships frame suggests that this view of marketing has become commonsensical, taken-for-granted and recognized by marketers as simply part of their discourse. In this paper, we trace the evolution of the marketing as relationships frame and analyse its current position. Using insights drawn from conceptual metaphor theory and critical discourse analysis, we argue that it is necessary to reactivate this metaphor in order to investigate whether it is relevant to current theory and practice in marketing.
Career planning and development needs of rural and remote nurses
Authors: Hall Linda McGillis
Published: May 2008

The overall purpose of this study was to examine the career planning and development needs of registered nurses (RNs) working in native reserves and in Inuit communities in rural and remote areas of Ontario, Canada. A total of 142 surveys were sent out, and 68 questionnaires were returned for an overall response rate of 48%. Nurses are adept at scanning the work environment, conducting self-assessments and reality checks of their workplace. At the same time, they require further direction in developing a career vision and understanding their future career options. The research provides evidence that career planning may contribute to nursing retention.