bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional differences in temperature sensation and thermal comfort in humans
Authors: Nakamura Mayumi , Yoda Tamae , Crawshaw Larry I. , Yasuhara Saki , Saito Yasuyo , Kasuga Momoko , Nagashima Kei , Kanosue Kazuyuki
Published: October 2008

Sensations evoked by thermal stimulation (temperature-related sensations) can be divided into two categories, “temperature sensation” and “thermal comfort.” Although several studies have investigated regional differences in temperature sensation, less is known about the sensitivity differences in thermal comfort for the various body regions. In the present study, we examined regional differences in temperature-related sensations with special attention to thermal comfort. Healthy male subjects sitting in an environment of mild heat or cold were locally cooled or warmed with water-perfused stimulators. Areas stimulated were the face, chest, abdomen, and thigh. Temperature sensation and thermal comfort of the stimulated areas were reported by the subjects, as was whole body thermal comfort. During mild heat exposure, facial cooling was most comfortable and facial warming was most uncomfortable. On the other hand, during mild cold exposure, neither warming nor cooling of the face had a major effect. The chest and abdomen had characteristics opposite to those of the face. Local warming of the chest and abdomen did produce a strong comfort sensation during whole body cold exposure. The thermal comfort seen in this study suggests that if given the chance, humans would preferentially cool the head in the heat, and they would maintain the warmth of the trunk areas in the cold. The qualitative differences seen in thermal comfort for the various areas cannot be explained solely by the density or properties of the peripheral thermal receptors and thus must reflect processing mechanisms in the central nervous system.
Four weeks of speed endurance training reduces energy expenditure during exercise and maintains muscle oxidative capacity despite a reduction in training volume
Authors: Iaia F. Marcello , Hellsten Ylva , Nielsen Jens Jung , Fernström Maria , Sahlin Kent , Bangsbo Jens
Published: October 2008

We studied the effect of an alteration from regular endurance to speed endurance training on muscle oxidative capacity, capillarization, as well as energy expenditure during submaximal exercise and its relationship to mitochondrial uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) in humans. Seventeen endurance-trained runners were assigned to either a speed endurance training (SET; n = 9) or a control (Con; n = 8) group. For a 4-wk intervention (IT) period, SET replaced the ordinary training (∼45 km/wk) with frequent high-intensity sessions each consisting of 8–12 30-s sprint runs separated by 3 min of rest (5.7 ± 0.1 km/wk) with additional 9.9 ± 0.3 km/wk at low running speed, whereas Con continued the endurance training. After the IT period, oxygen uptake was 6.6, 7.6, 5.7, and 6.4% lower ( P < 0.05) at running speeds of 11, 13, 14.5, and 16 km/h, respectively, in SET, whereas remained the same in Con. No changes in blood lactate during submaximal running were observed. After the IT period, the protein expression of skeletal muscle UCP3 tended to be higher in SET (34 ± 6 vs. 47 ± 7 arbitrary units; P = 0.06). Activity of muscle citrate synthase and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, as well as maximal oxygen uptake and 10-km performance time, remained unaltered in both groups. In SET, the capillary-to-fiber ratio was the same before and after the IT period. The present study showed that speed endurance training reduces energy expenditure during submaximal exercise, which is not mediated by lowered mitochondrial UCP3 expression. Furthermore, speed endurance training can maintain muscle oxidative capacity, capillarization, and endurance performance in already trained individuals despite significant reduction in the amount of training.
Differential distribution of muscle and skin sympathetic nerve activity in patients with end-stage renal disease
Authors: Park Jeanie , Campese Vito M. , Nobakht Niloofar , Middlekauff Holly R.
Published: October 2008

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is characterized by resting sympathetic overactivity. Baseline muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), which is governed by baroreflexes and chemoreflexes, is elevated in ESRD. Whether resting skin sympathetic nerve activity (SSNA), which is independent from baroreflex and chemoreflex control, is also elevated has never been reported in renal failure. The purpose of this study was to determine whether sympathetic overactivity of ESRD is generalized to include the skin distribution. We measured sympathetic nerve activity to both muscle and skin using microneurography in eight ESRD patients and eight controls. MSNA was significantly ( P = 0.025) greater in ESRD (37.3 ± 3.6 bursts/min) when compared with controls (23.1 ± 4.4 bursts/min). However, SSNA was not elevated in ESRD (ESRD vs. controls, 17.6 ± 2.2 vs. 16.1 ± 1.7 bustst/min, P = 0.61). Similar results were obtained when MSNA was quantified as bursts per 100 heartbeats. We report the novel finding that although sympathetic activity directed to muscle is significantly elevated, activity directed to skin is not elevated in ESRD. The differential distribution of sympathetic outflow to the muscle vs. skin in ESRD is similar to the pattern seen in other disease states characterized by sympathetic overactivity such as heart failure and obesity.
Lung volumes and respiratory mechanics in elastase-induced emphysema in mice
Authors: Hantos Z. , Adamicza Á. , Jánosi T. Z. , Szabari M. V. , Tolnai J. , Suki B.
Published: October 2008

Absolute lung volumes such as functional residual capacity, residual volume (RV), and total lung capacity (TLC) are used to characterize emphysema in patients, whereas in animal models of emphysema, the mechanical parameters are invariably obtained as a function of transrespiratory pressure (Prs). The aim of the present study was to establish a link between the mechanical parameters including tissue elastance (H) and airway resistance (Raw), and thoracic gas volume (TGV) in addition to Prs in a mouse model of emphysema. Using low-frequency forced oscillations during slow deep inflation, we tracked H and Raw as functions of TGV and Prs in normal mice and mice treated with porcine pancreatic elastase. The presence of emphysema was confirmed by morphometric analysis of histological slices. The treatment resulted in an increase in TGV by 51 and 44% and a decrease in H by 57 and 27%, respectively, at 0 and 20 cmH2O of Prs. The Raw did not differ between the groups at any value of Prs, but it was significantly higher in the treated mice at comparable TGV values. In further groups of mice, tracheal sounds were recorded during inflations from RV to TLC. All lung volumes but RV were significantly elevated in the treated mice, whereas the numbers and size distributions of inspiratory crackles were not different, suggesting that the airways were not affected by the elastase treatment. These findings emphasize the importance of absolute lung volumes and indicate that tissue destruction was not associated with airway dysfunction in this mouse model of emphysema.
Effect of administration of oral contraceptives in vivo on collagen synthesis in tendon and muscle connective tissue in young women
Authors: Hansen M. , Miller B. F. , Holm L. , Doessing S. , Petersen S. G. , Skovgaard D. , Frystyk J. , Flyvbjerg A. , Koskinen S. , Pingel J. , Kjaer M. , Langberg H.
Published: October 2008

Women are at greater risk than men for certain kinds of diseases and injuries, which may at least partly be caused by sex hormonal differences. We aimed to test the influence of estradiol in vivo on collagen synthesis in tendon, bone, and muscle. Two groups of young, healthy women similar in age, body composition, and exercise-training status were included. The two groups were either habitual users of oral contraceptives exposed to a high concentration of synthetic estradiol and progestogens (OC, n = 11), or non-OC-users tested in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle characterized by low concentrations of estradiol and progesterone (control, n = 12). Subjects performed 1 h of one-legged kicking exercise. The next day collagen fractional synthesis rates (FSR) in tendon and muscle connective tissue were measured after a flooding dose of [13C]proline followed by biopsies from the patellar tendon and vastus lateralis in both legs. Simultaneously, microdialysis catheters were inserted in vastus lateralis and in front of the patellar tendon for measurement of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and its binding proteins. Serum NH2-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PINP) and urine COOH-terminal telopeptides of type-I collagen (CTX-I) were measured as markers for bone synthesis and breakdown, respectively. Tendon FSR and PINP were lower in OC compared with control. An increase in muscle collagen FSR postexercise was only observed in control ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, the results indicate a lower bioavailability of IGF-I in OC. In conclusion, synthetic female sex hormones administered as OC had an inhibiting effect on collagen synthesis in tendon, bone, and muscle connective tissue, which may be related to a lower bioavailability of IGF-I.
Oxidative stress is fundamental to hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Authors: Thom Stephen R.
Published: October 2008

The goal of this review is to outline advances addressing the role that reactive species of oxygen and nitrogen play in therapeutic mechanisms of hyperbaric oxygen. The review will be organized around major categories of problems or processes where controlled clinical trials have demonstrated clinical efficacy for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Reactive species are now recognized to play a major role in cell signal transduction cascades, and the discussion will focus on how hyperbaric oxygen acts through these pathways to mediate wound healing and ameliorate postischemic and inflammatory injuries.
Spermicidal Activity of the Safe Natural Antimicrobial Peptide Subtilosin
Authors: Sutyak Katia E. , Anderson Robert A. , Dover Sara E. , Feathergill Kenneth A. , Aroutcheva Alla A. , Faro Sebastian , Chikindas Michael L.
Published: October 2008

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition affecting millions of women each year, is primarily caused by the gram-variable organismGardnerella vaginalis. A number of organisms associated with BV cases have been reported to develop multidrug resistance, leading to the need for alternative therapies. Previously, we reported the antimicrobial peptide subtilosin has proven antimicrobial activity againstG. vaginalis, but not against the tested healthy vaginal microbiota of lactobacilli. After conducting tissue sensitivity assays using an ectocervical tissue model, we determined that human cells remained viable after prolonged exposures to partially-purified subtilosin, indicating the compound is safe for human use. Subtilosin was shown to eliminate the motility and forward progression of human spermatozoa in a dose-dependent manner, and can therefore be considered a general spermicidal agent. These results suggest subtilosin would be a valuable component in topical personal care products aimed at contraception and BV prophylaxis and treatment.
Ampicillin Resistance and Outcome Differences in Acute Antepartum Pyelonephritis
Authors: Greer Laura G. , Roberts Scott W. , Sheffield Jeanne S. , Rogers Vanessa L. , Hill James B. , Mcintire Donald D. , Wendel George D.
Published: October 2008

Objective. To measure the incidence of ampicillin-resistant uropathogens in acute antepartum pyelonephritis and to determine if patients with resistant organisms had different clinical outcomes.Study design. This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of pregnant women admitted with pyelonephritis, diagnosed by standard clinical and laboratory criteria. All patients received ampicillin and gentamicin.Results. We identified 440 cases of acute pyelonephritis. Seventy-two percent (316 cases) had urine cultures with identification of organism and antibiotic sensitivities. Fifty-one percent of uropathogens were ampicillin resistant. The patients with ampicillin-resistant organisms were more likely to be older and multiparous. There were no significant differences in hospital course (length of stay, days of antibiotics, ECU admission, or readmission). Patients with ampicillin-resistant organisms did not have higher complication rates (anemia, renal dysfunction, respiratory insufficiency, or preterm birth).Conclusion. A majority of uropathogens were ampicillin resistant, but no differences in outcomes were observed in these patients.
Photoinduced Change of UV‐Absorption and Redox Potential of Alkyne‐Bridged Diferrocenyl Azobenzene Derivative
Authors: Han Limin , Bai Jianchen , Suo Quanling , Luo Meihua , Zhang Lifeng
Published: October 2008

An alkynyl‐coupled diferrocenylpropane and azobenzene derivative has been synthesized. Photoinduced change of UV‐absorbance and shifts of redox potential of synthesized compound were elucidated by time‐dependent density function theory (TD‐DFT) calculations, indicating that isomerization of trans to cis configuration occurs by UV irradiation.
Proinflammatory Cytokine Profiles of Patients with Elderly-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comparison with Younger-Onset Disease
Authors: Chen Der-Yuan , Hsieh Tsu-Yi , Chen Yi-Ming , Hsieh Chia-Wie , Lan Joung-Liang , Lin Fang-Ju
Published: October 2008

Background: Little is known about the differences in the immunopathogenesis between elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (EORA) and younger-onset RA (YORA) and the factors responsible for their clinical characteristics. Objective: It was the aim of this study to investigate proinflammatory cytokines of EORA patients and compare them with those of YORA patients. Methods: Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ were determined by cytometric bead array in 86 patients with active EORA, in 76 patients with active YORA and in 30 healthy controls. Disease activity of RA was assessed using the 28-joint disease activity score. Erosion scores were recorded using a modified version of the Sharp method. Levels of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies were determined by ELISA, and levels of rheumatoid factor-IgM and C-reactive protein were measured by nephelometry. Results: A higher proportion of men and a higher frequency of acute onset with constitutional symptoms and comorbidities were observed in EORA compared with YORA patients. Increased levels of serum IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-8 were positively correlated with the 28-joint disease activity score, and elevated levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were positively correlated with erosion scores for both groups of RA patients. Significantly higher IL-6 levels and lower TNF-α levels were found in EORA compared with YORA patients. Higher levels of serum IL-6 were found in EORA patients with polymyalgia rheumatica-like symptoms than in those without and were also noted in male patients with EORA compared with female patients. Multivariate analysis showed that high levels of TNF-α were associated with the occurrence of constitutional symptoms, and high levels of IL-1β were associated with the presence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in EORA patients. Conclusion: EORA patients appear to have differences in clinical characteristics and the patterns of proinflammatory cytokines when compared with YORA patients.
Stim1 and Orai1 Mediate CRAC Currents and Store-Operated Calcium Entry Important for Endothelial Cell Proliferation
Authors: Abdullaev Iskandar F. , Bisaillon Jonathan M. , Potier Marie , Gonzalez Jose C. , Motiani Rajender K. , Trebak Mohamed
Published: October 2008

Recent breakthroughs in the store-operated calcium (Ca
2+
) entry (SOCE) pathway have identified Stim1 as the endoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
sensor and Orai1 as the pore forming subunit of the highly Ca
2+
-selective CRAC channel expressed in hematopoietic cells. Previous studies, however, have suggested that endothelial cell (EC) SOCE is mediated by the nonselective canonical transient receptor potential channel (TRPC) family, TRPC1 or TRPC4. Here, we show that passive store depletion by thapsigargin or receptor activation by either thrombin or the vascular endothelial growth factor activates the same pathway in primary ECs with classical SOCE pharmacological features. ECs possess the archetypical Ca
2+
release-activated Ca
2+
current (I
CRAC
), albeit of a very small amplitude. Using a maneuver that amplifies currents in divalent-free bath solutions, we show that EC CRAC has similar characteristics to that recorded from rat basophilic leukemia cells, namely a similar time course of activation, sensitivity to 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, and low concentrations of lanthanides, and large Na
+
currents displaying the typical depotentiation. RNA silencing of either Stim1 or Orai1 essentially abolished SOCE and I
CRAC
in ECs, which were rescued by ectopic expression of either Stim1 or Orai1, respectively. Surprisingly, knockdown of either TRPC1 or TRPC4 proteins had no effect on SOCE and I
CRAC
. Ectopic expression of Stim1 in ECs increased their I
CRAC
to a size comparable to that in rat basophilic leukemia cells. Knockdown of Stim1, Stim2, or Orai1 inhibited EC proliferation and caused cell cycle arrest at S and G2/M phase, although Orai1 knockdown was more efficient than that of Stim proteins. These results are first to our knowledge to establish the requirement of Stim1/Orai1 in the endothelial SOCE pathway.
Rimonabant, a Selective Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Antagonist, Inhibits Atherosclerosis in LDL Receptor–Deficient Mice
Authors: Dol-Gleizes Frédérique , Paumelle Réjane , Visentin Virgile , Marés Anne-Marie , Desitter Perrine , Hennuyer Nathalie , Gilde Andries , Staels Bart , Schaeffer Paul , Bono Françoise
Published: October 2008

Objective—

The objective of this study was to determine whether the potent selective cannabinoid receptor-1 antagonist rimonabant has antiatherosclerotic properties.

Methods and Results—

Rimonabant (50 mg/kg/d in the diet) significantly reduced food intake (from 3.35±.04 to 2.80±0.03 g/d), weight gain (from 14.6±0.7 g to −0.6±0.3 g), serum total cholesterol (from 8.39±0.54 to 5.32±0.18 g/L), and atherosclerotic lesion development in the aorta (from 1.7±0.22 to 0.21±0.037 mm
2
) and aortic sinus (from 101 000±7800 to 27 000±2900 μm
2
) of LDLR
−/−
mice fed a Western-type diet for 3 months. Rimonabant also reduced plasma levels of the proinflammatory cytokines MCP-1 and IL12 by 85% (
P
<0.05) and 76% (
P
<0.05), respectively. Pair-fed animals had reduced weight gain (6.2±0.6 g gain), but developed atherosclerotic lesions which were as large as those of untreated animals, showing that the antiatherosclerotic effect of rimonabant is not related to reduced food intake. Interestingly, rimonabant at a lower dose (30 mg/kg/d in the diet) reduced atherosclerosis development in the aortic sinus (from 121 000±20 000 to 62 000±11 000 μm
2
, 49% reduction,
P
<0.05), without affecting serum total cholesterol (7.8±0.7 g/L versus 8.1±1.3 g/L in the control group). Rimonabant decreased lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and IL1β-induced proinflammatory gene expression in mouse peritoneal macrophages in vitro as well as thioglycollate-induced recruitment of macrophages in vivo (10 mg/kg, po bolus).

Conclusions—

These results show that rimonabant has antiatherosclerotic effects in LDLR
−/−
mice. These effects are partly unrelated to serum cholesterol modulation and could be related to an antiinflammatory effect.
Involvement of Protein Kinase D in Phosphorylation and Increase of DNA Binding of Activator Protein 2α to Downregulate ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter A1
Authors: Iwamoto Noriyuki , Abe-Dohmae Sumiko , Lu Rui , Yokoyama Shinji
Published: October 2008

Background—

Activator protein (AP) 2α negatively regulates expression of ABCA1 gene through Ser-phosphorylation of AP2α (
Circ Res
. 2007;101:156–165). Potential specific Ser-phosphorylation sites for this reaction were investigated in human AP2α.

Methods and Results—

The phosphorylation was shown mediated by PKD, and Ser258 and Ser326 were found in its specific phosphorylation sequence segment in AP2α. PKD phosphorylated Ser258 more than Ser326 and induced its binding to the ABCA1 promoter. These reactions and AP2α-induced suppression of the ABCA1 promoter activity were reversed by mutation of Ser258 more than Ser326 mutation. Knockdown of PKD by siRNA reduced the AP2α Ser-phosphorylation, and increased ABCA1 expression and HDL biogenesis. Gö6983 inhibited PKD more selectively than PKC in THP-1 and HEK 293 cells and in mice, and increased ABCA1 expression, HDL biogenesis, and plasma HDL level.

Conclusion—

PKD phosphorylates AP2α to negatively regulate expression of ABCA1 gene to increase HDL biogenesis. The major functional phosphorylation of AP2α was identified at Ser258 by PKD, in the AP2α basic domain highly conserved among species and all 5 subtypes of AP2. PKD/AP2 system can be a potent pharmacological target for prevention of atherosclerosis.
Angiotensin(1-7) Blunts Hypertensive Cardiac Remodeling by a Direct Effect on the Heart
Authors: Mercure Chantal , Yogi Alvaro , Callera Glaucia E. , Aranha Anna B. , Bader Michael , Ferreira Anderson J. , Santos Robson A. S. , Walther Thomas , Touyz Rhian M. , Reudelhuber Timothy L.
Published: October 2008

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) converts the vasopressor angiotensin II (Ang II) into angiotensin (1-7) [Ang(1-7)], a peptide reported to have vasodilatory and cardioprotective properties. Inactivation of the ACE2 gene in mice has been reported by one group to result in an accumulation of Ang II in the heart and an age-related defect in cardiac contractility. A second study confirmed the role of ACE2 as an Ang II clearance enzyme but failed to reproduce the contractility defects previously reported in ACE2-deficient mice. The reasons for these differences are unclear but could include differences in the accumulation of Ang II or the deficiencies in Ang(1-7) in the mouse models used. As a result, the roles of ACE2, Ang II, and Ang(1-7) in the heart remain controversial. Using a novel strategy, we targeted the chronic overproduction of either Ang II or Ang(1-7) in the heart of transgenic mice and tested their effect on age-related contractility and on cardiac remodeling in response to a hypertensive challenge. We demonstrate that a chronic accumulation of Ang II in the heart does not result in cardiac contractility defects, even in older (8-month-old) mice. Likewise, transgenic animals with an 8-fold increase in Ang(1-7) peptide in the heart exhibited no differences in resting blood pressure or cardiac contractility as compared to age-matched controls, but they had significantly less ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis than their nontransgenic littermates in response to a hypertensive challenge. Analysis of downstream signaling cascades demonstrates that cardiac Ang(1-7) selectively modulates some of the downstream signaling effectors of cardiac remodeling. These results suggest that Ang(1-7) can reduce hypertension-induced cardiac remodeling through a direct effect on the heart and raise the possibility that pathologies associated with ACE2 inactivation are mediated in part by a decrease in production of Ang(1-7).
Characterization of Acute Brain Injuries and Neurobehavioral Profiles in a Rabbit Model of Germinal Matrix Hemorrhage
Authors: Georgiadis Paraskevi , Xu Hongmin , Chua Caroline , Hu Furong , Collins Lee , Huynh Chau , LaGamma Edmund F. , Ballabh Praveen
Published: October 2008

Background and Purpose—Germinal matrix hemorrhage-intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH-IVH) is the most common neurological problem of premature infants and has enormous financial and social impact. Despite this, there is no standardized animal model of IVH depicting acute brain injuries.

Methods—We delivered rabbit-pups prematurely at 29-day gestation by C-section, administered intraperitoneal glycerol to the pups at 3-hour postnatal age to induce IVH, and evaluated the brain for evidence of injuries.

Results—About 80% of glycerol-treated pups developed gross IVH. We found greater neutrophil and microglia infiltration around the ventricles (periventricular zone) in pups with IVH than in controls. We noted more apoptosis and neuronal degeneration in the periventricular zone than in the neocortex in pups with IVH, but not in controls. There was evidence of axonal damage revealed by β-amyloid precursor protein and neurofilament immunolabeling. Neurobehavioral testing showed that pups with IVH were more wobbly with lesser capability to walk on inclination than pups without IVH. There was no evidence of acute systemic toxicity in the glycerol-treated pups. An evaluation of autopsy materials from premature infants revealed similar evidence of apoptosis and cellular infiltration in the periventricular zone in cases with IVH, but not in cases without IVH—suggesting clinical relevance of the model.

Conclusion—The study provides an instructive animal model of IVH with evidence of acute brain injuries that can be used to evaluate strategies in prevention of IVH and acute posthemorrhagic complications.
Allopurinol Use Yields Potentially Beneficial Effects on Inflammatory Indices in Those With Recent Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Muir Scott W. , Harrow Craig , Dawson Jesse , Lees Kennedy R. , Weir Christopher J. , Sattar Naveed , Walters Matthew R.
Published: October 2008

Background and Purpose—

Elevated serum uric acid level is associated with poor outcome and increased risk of recurrent events after stroke. The xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol lowers uric acid but also attenuates expression of inflammatory adhesion molecules in murine models, reduces oxidative stress in the vasculature, and improves endothelial function. We sought to investigate whether allopurinol alters expression of inflammatory markers after acute ischemic stroke.

Methods—

We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the safety, tolerability, and effect of 6 weeks’ treatment with high- (300 mg once a day) or low- (100 mg once a day) dose allopurinol on levels of uric acid and circulating inflammatory markers after ischemic stroke.

Results—

We enrolled 50 patients with acute ischemic stroke (17, 17, and 16 in the high, low, and placebo groups, respectively). Mean (±SD) age was 70 (±13) years. Groups had similar characteristics at baseline. There were no serious adverse events. Uric acid levels were significantly reduced at both 7 days and 6 weeks in the high-dose group (by 0.14 mmol/L at 6 weeks,
P
=0.002). Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 concentration (ng/mL) rose by 51.2 in the placebo group, rose slightly (by 10.6) in the low-dose allopurinol group, but fell in the high-dose group (by 2.6; difference between groups
P
=0.012, Kruskal-Wallis test).

Conclusion—

Allopurinol treatment is well tolerated and attenuates the rise in intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels seen after stroke. Uric acid levels were lowered with high doses. These findings support further evaluation of allopurinol as a preventive measure after stroke.
The Presence of a Right-to-Left Shunt Is Associated With Dramatic Improvement After Thrombolytic Therapy in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kimura Kazumi , Iguchi Yasuyuki , Shibazaki Kensaku , Terasawa Yuka , Aoki Junya , Matsumoto Noriko
Published: October 2008

Background and Purpose—

The efficacy of pharmacological thrombolysis using tissue plasminogen activator depends on the relative fibrin content of the thrombus. We investigated whether patients with stroke with a right-to-left shunt (RLS), whose embolic source was associated with fibrin-rich thrombus formed in the venous system, were more likely to improve dramatically after thrombolytic therapy than those without RLS.

Methods—

Patients with acute stroke treated with tissue plasminogen activator were assessed prospectively to determine the clinical factors associated with “dramatic improvement” after tissue plasminogen activator administration. “Dramatic improvement” was defined as a ≥10-point reduction in the total National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score or a total National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 0 or 1 at 7 days. The presence of an RLS was determined using contrast transcranial Doppler within 6 hours of stroke onset.

Results—

Forty-four patients (26 males; mean age; 73.0±10.7 years; baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score,13.4±6.6) were enrolled. Twenty-one patients had dramatic improvement (D group). Contrast transcranial Doppler demonstrated an RLS in 17 (35.4%) patients. On multivariate logistic regression analysis using hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, RLS, DWI-ASPECTS (>8), baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (<10), and glucose (<120 mg/dL) as variables with a
P
<0.1 on univariate analysis, RLS (OR, 5.9; CI,1.3 to 27.3;
P
=0.022) was the only independent factor associated with dramatic improvement.

Conclusion—

The presence of an RLS on contrast transcranial Doppler was an independent factor associated with dramatic improvement after tissue plasminogen activator administration.
Safety and Behavioral Effects of High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Stroke
Authors: Yozbatiran Nuray , Alonso-Alonso Miguel , See Jill , Demirtas-Tatlidede Asli , Luu Daniel , Motiwala Rehan R. , Pascual-Leone Alvaro , Cramer Steven C.
Published: October 2008

Background and Purpose—

Electromagnetic brain stimulation might have value to reduce motor deficits after stroke. Safety and behavioral effects of higher frequencies of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) require detailed assessment.

Methods—

Using an active treatment-only, unblinded, 2-center study design, patients with chronic stroke received 20 minutes of 20 Hz rTMS to the ipsilesional primary motor cortex hand area. Patients were assessed before, during the hour after, and 1 week after rTMS.

Results—

The 12 patients were 4.7±4.9 years poststroke (mean±SD) with moderate–severe arm motor deficits. In terms of safety, rTMS was well tolerated and did not cause new symptoms; systolic blood pressure increased from pre- to immediately post-rTMS by 7 mm Hg (
P
=0.043); and none of the behavioral measures showed a decrement. In terms of behavioral effects, modest improvements were seen, for example, in grip strength, range of motion, and pegboard performance, up to 1 week after rTMS. The strongest predictor of these motor gains was lower patient age.

Conclusions—

A single session of high-frequency rTMS to the motor cortex was safe. These results require verification with addition of a placebo group and thus blinded assessments across a wide spectrum of poststroke deficits and with larger doses of 20 Hz rTMS.
Ginkgo Biloba
Extract Neuroprotective Action Is Dependent on Heme Oxygenase 1 in Ischemic Reperfusion Brain Injury
Authors: Saleem Sofiyan , Zhuang Hean , Biswal Shyam , Christen Yves , Doré Sylvain
Published: October 2008

Background and Purpose—

Ginkgo biloba
extracts are now prescribed in several countries for their reported health benefits, particularly for medicinal properties in the brain. The standardized
Ginkgo
extract, EGb761, has been reported to protect neurons against oxidative stress, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.

Methods—

To characterize the oral consumption of EGb761 in transient ischemia, we performed the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) filament model in wild-type and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) knockouts. Mice were pretreated for 7 days before the transient occlusion or posttreated acutely during reperfusion; then neurobehavioral scores and infarct volumes were assessed. Furthermore, primary cortical neuronal cultures were used to investigate the contribution of the antioxidant enzyme HO-1 in the EGb761-associated cytoprotection.

Results—

Mice that were pretreated with EGb761 had 50.9±5.6% less neurological dysfunction and 48.2±5.3% smaller infarct volumes than vehicle-treated mice; this effect was abolished in HO-1 knockouts. In addition to the prophylactic properties of EGb761, acute posttreatment 5 minutes and 4.5 hours after reperfusion also led to significant reduction in infarct size (
P
<0.01). After our previous demonstration that EGb761 significantly induced HO-1 levels in a dose- and time-dependent manner in neuronal cultures, here we revealed that this de novo HO-1 induction was required for neuroprotection against free radical damage and excitotoxicity as it was significantly attenuated by the enzyme inhibitor.

Conclusion—

These results demonstrate that EGb761 could be used as a preventive or therapeutic agent in cerebral ischemia and suggest that HO-1 contributes, at least in part, to EGb761 neuroprotection.
FORUM: Perspectives on From Roosevelt to Truman
Authors: van Dijk Ruud , Offner Arnold A.
Published: October 2008

The publication of Wilson D. Miscamble's latest book, From Roosevelt to Truman: Potsdam, Hiroshima, and the Cold War (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2007), has sparked divergent reactions. Many leading historians have offered high praise for the book, describing it as “the definitive work on the complicated transition from [Franklin] Roosevelt to [Harry] Truman.” Other scholars, however, have faulted Miscamble for being too harsh on Roosevelt and too sympathetic toward Truman. This forum, with commentaries by two prominent scholars, offers contrasting perspectives on the book.
Targeting China: U.S. Nuclear Planning and “Massive Retaliation” in East Asia, 1953–1955
Authors: Jones Matthew
Published: October 2008

This article assesses how the U.S. National Security Council, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Strategic Air Command (SAC)—devised highly classified plans for nuclear war against the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the period after the July 1953 Korean armistice. The Eisenhower administration was seeking to rely more heavily on nuclear weapons in East Asia. Important differences of opinion emerged during intra- and interagency debates on the matter. The Air Force's preference for nuclear operations aimed at the total destruction of the PRC's military-industrial potential clashed with the State Department's desire to retain allied support by avoiding mass civilian casualties through selective targeting. The expansive nuclear planning that was eventually undertaken was an Asian counterpart to the “overkill” usually associated with SAC's plans for general war with the Soviet Union during this era.
The United States and Eastern Europe in 1945: A Reassessment
Authors: Trachtenberg Marc
Published: October 2008

This article reassesses U.S. Cold War policy in 1945, with particular emphasis on Eastern Europe. The article considers how the U.S. government proposed to deal with the Soviet Union in the postwar period more generally. The article looks closely at U.S. policy toward Poland and toward Romania and Bulgaria and sets these policies into context in order to determine whether U.S. leaders had “written off” the East European countries by the end of the year, consigning them to a Soviet sphere of influence. The article traces the strategic concept underlying U.S policy and analyzes key aspects of Secretary of State James Byrnes's policy at the July 1945 Potsdam conference and in the October–December 1945 negotiations with the USSR about the occupation of Japan.
A New Two-Dimensional Physical Basis for the Complementary Relation between Terrestrial and Pan Evaporation
Authors: Pettijohn J. Cory , Salvucci Guido D.
Published: October 2008

Archived global measurements of water loss from evaporation pans constitute an important indirect measure of evaporative flux. Historical data from evaporation pans shows a decreasing trend over the last half century, but the relationship between pan evaporation and moisture-limited terrestrial evaporation is complex, leading to ambiguities in the interpretation of these data. Under energy-limited conditions, pan evaporation Epan and moisture-limited terrestrial evaporation E increase or decrease together, whereas in moisture-limited conditions these fluxes form a complementary relation (CR) in which increases in one rate accompany decreases in the other rate. This has led to debate about the meaning of the observed trends in the context of changing climate. Here a two-dimensional numerical model of a wet pan in a drying landscape is used to demonstrate that, over a wide range of realistic atmospheric and surface conditions, the influence that changes in E have on Epan 1) are complementary and linear, 2) do not depend upon surface wind speed, and 3) are strikingly asymmetrical, in that a unit decrease in E causes approximately a fivefold increase in Epan, as found in a recent analysis by Kahler and Brutsaert of daily evaporation from U.S. grasslands. Previous attempts to explain the CR have been based on one-dimensional diffusion and energy balance arguments, leading to analytic solutions based on Penman-type bulk difference equations. However, without acknowledging the spatially complex humidity and temperature fields around the pan and, specifically, how these fields change as the contrast between the wet pan and the drying land surface increases, such integrated bulk difference equations are a priori incomplete (they ignore important divergence terms), and thus these explanations must be considered physically incomplete. Results of this study improve the theoretical foundation of the CR, thus increasing the reliability with which it can be applied to estimate water balance and to understand the pan evaporation record of climate change.
Comparisons of Reflectivities from the TRMM Precipitation Radar and Ground-Based Radars
Authors: Wang Jianxin , Wolff David B.
Published: October 2008

Given the decade-long and highly successful Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), it is now possible to provide quantitative comparisons between ground-based radars (GRs) and the spaceborne TRMM precipitation radar (PR) with greater certainty over longer time scales in various tropical climatological regions. This study develops an automated methodology to match and compare simultaneous TRMM PR and GR reflectivities at four primary TRMM Ground Validation (GV) sites: Houston, Texas (HSTN); Melbourne, Florida (MELB); Kwajalein, Republic of the Marshall Islands (KWAJ); and Darwin, Australia (DARW). Data from each instrument are resampled into a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. The horizontal displacement during the PR data resampling is corrected. Comparisons suggest that the PR suffers significant attenuation at lower levels, especially in convective rain. The attenuation correction performs quite well for convective rain but appears to slightly overcorrect in stratiform rain. The PR and GR observations at HSTN, MELB, and KWAJ agree to about ±1 dB on average with a few exceptions, whereas the GR at DARW requires +1 to −5 dB calibration corrections. One of the important findings of this study is that the GR calibration offset is dependent on the reflectivity magnitude. Hence, it is proposed that the calibration should be carried out by using a regression correction rather than by simply adding an offset value to all GR reflectivities.

This methodology is developed to assist TRMM GV efforts to improve the accuracy of tropical rain estimates, but can also be applied to the proposed Global Precipitation Measurement and other related activities over the globe.
The Dignity of Working Women
Authors: Otis Eileen M.
Published: October 2008

This article examines a five-star hotel in China's southwest Yunnan province where local management adopted the organizational template and service protocols of a U.S.-based transnational hotel firm and, at the same time, informally organized escort and sexual services for guests. The original organizational template evolved into a highly punitive labor regime that management considered necessary to discipline what they considered to be the “unruly” local employees. To my surprise, despite workers' antipathy toward management, they acted with the utmost respect toward customers. Why did managerial despotism not translate into surly service? The data reveal that professional female hotel workers take refuge in professional protocols that signal their moral distinction from sex workers who are informally attached to the hotel. These protocols of “virtuous professionalism” also require compliance to customers. The study shows how forging moral distinctions can figure centrally in the functioning of labor regimes. These moral distinctions also enable processes of firm localization.
Confronting sex trafficking
Authors: Cree Viviene E.
Published: October 2008

English

Sex trafficking, the trafficking of women and children for the purposes of sexual exploitation, is recognized today as a worldwide problem, affecting hundreds of thousands each year. It is not, however, a new phenomenon. This paper will discuss the lessons raised by the National Vigilance Association's response to this problem.

French

Le marché du sexe, le trafic des femmes et des enfants aux fins d'exploitation sexuelle, est aujourd'hui reconnu comme un problème mondial, affectant des centaines de milliers d'individus chaque année. Ce n'est cependant pas un phénomène nouveau. Ce papier discute des questions soulevées par la réponse de l'Association Nationale de Vigilance à ce problème.

Spanish

El tráfico sexual, el tráfico de mujeres y niños con el propósito de explotarlos sexualmente, es reconocido hoy como un problema mundial que afecta a miles cada año. Sin embargo, este no es un fenómeno nuevo. Este ensayo discutirá las lecciones extraídas de la respuesta de la Asociación Nacional de Vigilancia a este problema.
Meeting the expectations of the Global Standards
Authors: Barretta-Herman Angeline
Published: October 2008

English

Although the Global Standards are described as aspirational, it was assumed that many members of IASSW met the standards as stipulated. With 36 percent of the membership reporting, the 147 respondents from 28 countries in this membership survey confirmed meeting at least one expectation out of seven of the nine standard statements.

French

Bien que les Standards Mondiaux soient décrits comme 'ambitieux', on pensait généralement que beaucoup de membres de l'AIETS appliquaient les standards stipulés. Représentant 36 pour cent du rapport d'adhésion, les 147 répondants de 28 pays dans cette étude d'adhesion confirment être en conformité avec au moins une exigence dans sept sur neuf des déclarations de standards.

Spanish

A pesar de que los Estándares Globales son descritos como aspiracionales, se asumió que muchos de los miembros de la IASSW cumplieron los estándares según fueron estipulados. Con reportes del 36 percent de los miembros, los 147 respondientes de 28 países de esta Encuesta de Miembros confirmaron que cumplieron al menos una expectativa dentro de siete de las nueve declaraciones de estándares.
The Originality of Newman's Teaching on Conscience1
Authors: Terlinden Luc
Published: October 2008

Unlike many modern and secularized conceptions, Newman emphasizes the specific religious dimension of conscience. For him, conscience is not only a moral sense, but also a sense of duty, that is, the echo of the voice of God being manifested in the heart. This last dimension is of first importance in a period characterized by a growing subjectivism. Indeed, as Newman teaches, this sense of duty can remain despite the errors of the moral sense. He makes, however, a clear distinction between conscience and reason, unlike other catholic traditions. This must be interpreted in the context of a modern and procedural conception of reason, which had led, sometimes, to the rejection of an ethical system based on an independent order of values. Far from rejecting the role of reason, Newman places it within the context of a holistic understanding of the human person, which revolves around the ethical-religious experience of conscience.
Didn't Jesus Know He Was God? Mark 10:17—22
Authors: McDermott John M.
Published: October 2008

Criticizing Benedict XVI's Jesus of Nazareth, G. Vermes argued from Mark 10:18 that Jesus did not consider himself divine. After reviewing current exegetical opinion, this article analyzes the text in the context of Mark's whole Gospel to demonstrate Jesus' consciousness of his divinity, his use of analogy (negative theology), and the congruence of his claim for absolute adherence with his preaching of the Kingdom of God. The pericope's implications for discipleship and evangelical poverty are further explicated in Mark 10:23—31. God's love demands an absolute response since he first emptied himself for mankind's redemption.
Beauty, Beethoven's Fifth, and the Experience of Faith
Authors: Roccasalvo Joan L.
Published: October 2008

The deepest concerns of man and woman are related to love and beauty. In God's revelation of Love Incarnate, we see a vision of perfect beauty. The Catholic faith-response to revelation remains deficient if it excludes the contemplation of beauty. This article discusses initially the need for beauty and what beauty is. Next, the experience of beauty is explained through Beethoven's Fifth symphony. The steps of this experience are analogous to those of the act of faith. Central to both experiences is the movement of the beholder away from self toward the object of contemplation. This movement is accompanied by the subject's grasp of beauty. Beauty gives deep satisfaction; one loves it, is united to it, and is transformed by it.
Cross-Cultural Differences in Reactions to Daily Events as Indicators of Cross-Cultural Differences in Self-Construction and Affect
Authors: Nezlek John B. , Sorrentino Richard M. , Yasunaga Satoru , Otsubo Yasunao , Allen Monica , Kouhara Sadafusa , Shuper Paul A.
Published: October 2008

Every day for two weeks, participants at four sites (2 in the US, 1 in Canada, and 1 in Japan) described their self-esteem and affect and they described the events that occurred each day. Multilevel random coefficient modeling analyses found that the self_esteem of Japanese participants changed more in reaction to daily social events (both positive and negative) than it did for North American participants. For positive social events, the Japanese were more reactive in terms of positive affect than North Americans. For negative social events, the Japanese were more reactive in terms of depressed mood (ND) and deactive positive affect (PD) than North Americans. In contrast, the Japanese were less reactive to negative achievement events than North Americans in terms of PA and anxious mood. The Japanese were more reactive than North Americans to positive achievement events in terms of PA and ND. The results highlight the greater sensitivity of the Japanese to social concerns compared to North Americans, and the greater affective sensitivity of North Americans to failure in achievement domains.
The Significance of Therapist Genuineness From the Client's Perspective
Authors: Schnellbacher Jutta , Leijssen Mia
Published: October 2008

Therapist authenticity is viewed as an important therapeutic process. The client's experiencing of the process and significance of therapist genuineness is, however, under-researched. In a case study ( N = 6), the authors analyzed the clients' experiencing of the overall significance of therapist genuineness in their therapy. Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered and analyzed using the technique of pattern matching. The authors found that clients also experienced processes other than genuineness as crucial therapeutic processes. Nevertheless, the results show that therapist genuineness can be a crucial therapeutic process. The findings imply that whether and how genuineness is crucial for change also depends on the individual client.