bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recurrent hypoglycemia alters hypothalamic expression of the regulatory proteins FosB and synaptophysin
Authors: Al-Noori Salwa , Sanders Nicole M. , Taborsky Gerald J. , Wilkinson Charles W. , Zavosh Aryana , West Connie , Sanders Colleen M. , Figlewicz Dianne P.
Published: August 2008

A limiting factor to the clinical management of diabetes is iatrogenic hypoglycemia. With multiple hypoglycemic episodes, the collective neuroendocrine response that restores euglycemia is impaired. In our animal model of recurrent hypoglycemia (RH), neuroendocrine deficits are accompanied by a decrease in medial hypothalamic activation. Here we tested the hypothesis that the medial hypothalamus may exhibit unique changes in the expression of regulatory proteins in response to RH. We report that expression of the immediate early gene FosB is increased in medial hypothalamic nuclei, anterior hypothalamus, and posterior paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (THPVN) of the thalamus following RH. We identified the hypothalamic PVN, a key autonomic output site, among the regions expressing FosB. To identify the subtype(s) of neuronal populations that express FosB, we screened candidate neuropeptides of the PVN for coexpression using dual fluorescence immunohistochemistry. Among the neuropeptides analyzed [including oxytocin, vasopressin, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)], FosB was only identified in CRF-positive neurons. Inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid-positive processes appear to impinge on these FosB-expressing neurons. Finally, we observed a significant decrease in the presynaptic marker synaptophysin within the PVN of RH-treated vs. saline-treated rats, suggesting that rapid alterations of synaptic morphology may occur in association with RH. Collectively, these data suggest that RH stress triggers cellular changes that support synaptic plasticity, in specific neuroanatomical sites, which may contribute to the development of hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure.
Nitro-oleic acid protects the mouse kidney from ischemia and reperfusion injury
Authors: Liu Haiying , Jia Zhunjun , Soodvilai Sunhapas , Guan Guangju , Wang Mong-Heng , Dong Zheng , Symons J. David , Yang Tianxin
Published: August 2008

Nitroalkene derivatives of linoleic acid (nitrolinoleic acid; LNO2) and nitro-oleic acid (OA-NO2) are endogenous lipid products with potent anti-inflammatory properties. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic potential of OA-NO2in a mouse model of renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. B6129SF2/J mice were subjected to bilateral renal ischemia for 30 min, followed by 24 h of reperfusion. Fifty minutes after ischemia, mice received intraperitoneal (ip) injections of OA-NO2(500 μg/kg; I/R OA-NO2), vehicle for OA-NO2(i.e., 0.8 ml/kg ethanol; I/R veh), or oleic acid (500 μg/kg; I/R OA) every 6 h during the 24-h recovery period. A sham-operated group was not subjected to ischemia and received 0.8 ml/kg ethanol ip every 6 h during the 24-h recovery period (sham veh). While plasma urea and creatinine were elevated ( P < 0.05) in I/R veh vs. sham veh mice, the severity was less ( P < 0.05) in I/R OA-NO2animals. Indices of histological damage, polymorphonucleocyte infiltration, together with expression of intracellular adhesion molecule-1, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α, p47phox, and gp91phoxwere greater in I/R veh vs. sham veh mice, but were attenuated ( P < 0.05) in I/R OA-NO2animals. Because indices of renal dysfunction were similar between I/R veh and I/R OA mice ( P > 0.05), but less ( P < 0.05) in I/R OA-NO2animals compared with both groups, protection from bilateral renal ischemia is afforded by the nitrated but not free form of oleic acid. Together, delayed administration of nitrated fatty acid OA-NO2attenuates renal I/R injury in the mouse likely via inhibition of the inflammatory response.
An evolutionarily conserved N-terminal Sgk1 variant with enhanced stability and improved function
Authors: Raikwar Nandita S. , Snyder Peter M. , Thomas Christie P.
Published: August 2008

Sgk1 is an aldosterone-induced kinase that regulates epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)-mediated Na+transport in the collecting duct and connecting tubule of the kidney. The NH2terminus of Sgk1 contains instability motifs that direct the ubiquitination of Sgk1 resulting in a rapidly degraded protein. By bioinformatic analysis, we identified a 5′ variant alternate transcript of human Sgk1 (Sgk1_v2) that is widely expressed, is conserved from rodent to humans, and is predicted to encode an Sgk1 isoform, Sgk1_i2, with a different NH2terminus. When expressed in HEK293 cells, Sgk1_i2 was more abundant than Sgk1 because of an increased protein half-life and this correlated with reduced ubiquitination of Sgk1_i2 and enhanced surface expression of ENaC. Immunocytochemical studies demonstrated that in contrast to Sgk1, Sgk1_i2 is preferentially targeted to the plasma membrane. When coexpressed with ENaC subunits in FRT epithelia, Sgk1_i2 had a significantly greater effect on amiloride-sensitive Na+transport compared with Sgk1. Together, the data demonstrate that a conserved NH2-terminal variant of Sgk1 shows improved stability, enhanced membrane association, and greater stimulation of epithelial Na+transport in a heterologous expression system.
Differential effects of urethane and isoflurane on external urethral sphincter electromyography and cystometry in rats
Authors: Chang Hui-Yi , Havton Leif A.
Published: August 2008

Urethane is a common and often preferred anesthetic agent for urodynamic recordings in rats, but its use is often restricted to terminal procedures because of a prolonged duration of action and potentially toxic effects. When urodynamic recordings are part of survival procedures in rodent experimental models, inhalation anesthetics, such as isoflurane, are frequently used and generally well tolerated. In this study, we compared the effects of urethane and isoflurane on lower urinary tract function. For this purpose, adult female rats were anesthetized by subcutaneous administration of urethane ( n = 6) or by inhalation of isoflurane ( n = 5). Micturition reflexes were assessed by concurrent cystometrogram and external urethral sphincter (EUS) electromyography (EMG) recordings to determine bladder contractile properties, EUS activation patterns, and the coordination between bladder contractions and EUS activation. Compared with urethane, isoflurane reduced frequency of bursts, firing frequency, and amplitude of EUS EMG activity during voiding as well as the EUS EMG amplitude during the bladder filling phase. Isoflurane also prolonged the bladder intercontractile intervals. Other several key functional aspects of the bladder contractile properties as well as the coordination between bladder contractions were not different between the two experimental groups. We conclude that micturition reflexes were differentially affected by isoflurane and urethane. Specifically, isoflurane exhibited a significant suppression of the EUS EMG activity and prolonged the bladder intercontractile intervals compared with urethane. We suggest that these anesthetic properties be taken into consideration during the experimental design and interpretation of urodynamic recordings in rodent models.
Postnatal Development of Disparity Sensitivity in Visual Area 2 (V2) of Macaque Monkeys
Authors: Maruko I. , Zhang B. , Tao X. , Tong J. , Smith E. L. , Chino Y. M.
Published: August 2008

Macaque monkeys do not reliably discriminate binocular depth cues until about 8 wk of age. The neural factors that limit the development of fine depth perception in primates are not known. In adults, binocular depth perception critically depends on detection of relative binocular disparities and the earliest site in the primate visual brain where a substantial proportion of neurons are capable of discriminating relative disparity is visual area 2 (V2). We examined the disparity sensitivity of V2 neurons during the first 8 wk of life in infant monkeys and compared the responses of V2 neurons to those of V1 neurons. We found that the magnitude of response modulation in V2 and V1 neurons as a function of interocular spatial phase disparity was adult-like as early as 2 wk of age. However, the optimal spatial frequency and binocular response rate of these disparity sensitive neurons were more than an octave lower in 2- and 4-wk-old infants than in adults. Consequently, despite the lower variability of neuronal firing in V2 and V1 neurons of infant monkeys, the ability of these neurons to discriminate fine disparity differences was significantly reduced compared with adults. This reduction in disparity sensitivity of V2 and V1 neurons is likely to limit binocular depth perception during the first several weeks of a monkey's life.
Clustering of Self-Motion Selectivity and Visual Response Properties in Macaque Area MSTd
Authors: Chen Aihua , Gu Yong , Takahashi Katsumasa , Angelaki Dora E. , DeAngelis Gregory C.
Published: August 2008

Neurons in the dorsal subdivision of the medial superior temporal area (MSTd) show directionally selective responses to both visual (optic flow) and vestibular stimuli that correspond to translational or rotational movements of the subject. Previous work has shown that MSTd neurons are clustered within the cortex according to their directional preferences for optic flow, suggesting that there may be a topographic mapping of self-motion vectors in MSTd. If MSTd provides a multisensory representation of self-motion information, then MSTd neurons may also be expected to show clustering according to their directional preferences for vestibular signals, but this has not been tested previously. We have examined clustering of vestibular signals by comparing the tuning of isolated single units (SUs) with the undifferentiated multiunit (MU) activity of several neighboring neurons recorded from the same microelectrode. We find that directional preferences for both translational and rotational vestibular stimuli, like those for optic flow, are clustered within area MSTd. MU activity often shows significant tuning for vestibular stimuli, although this MU selectivity is generally weaker for translation than for rotation. When directional tuning is observed in MU activity, the direction preference generally agrees closely with that of a simultaneously recorded SU. We also examined clustering of visual receptive field properties in MSTd by analyzing receptive field maps obtained using a reverse-correlation technique. We find that both the local directional preferences and overall spatial receptive field profiles are well clustered in MSTd. Overall, our findings have implications for how visual and vestibular signals regarding self-motion may be decoded from populations of MSTd neurons.
Damage Detection from SAR Imagery: Application to the 2003 Algeria and 2007 Peru Earthquakes
Authors: Trianni Giovanna , Gamba Paolo
Published: August 2008

This paper is focused on the improvement and further validation of a recently proposed approach for the joint use of radar satellite imagery of an area affected by a major disaster and ancillary data. The study was carried out at different sites on imagery of two different earthquakes occurred one in the Mediterranean coast of Algeria on May 21st, 2003, which severely affected the city of Boumerdes, and one in the Pacific Coast of Peru on August, 15th, 2007. The combination of different radar‐extracted features results in very fuzzy classification of the damage patterns, far less detailed than what available using optical imagery. However, focused results using the above‐mentioned ancillary data provide enough detail and precision to be comparable with them. In particular, quantized damage level at the block level is achieved at enough detail using ALOS/PALSAR data and thus validates the original idea.
The Development of INT131 as a Selective PPARγ Modulator: Approach to a Safer Insulin Sensitizer
Authors: Higgins Linda S. , Mantzoros Christos S.
Published: August 2008

INT131 (formerly T0903131, T131, AMG131) is a potent
non‐thiazolidinedione (TZD) selective peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor
γ modulator (SPPARM) currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for treatment of type‐2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This new chemical entity represents a second generation SPPARM approach developed after the first generation
PPARγ full agonists to address their inherent limitations. INT131 was specifically and carefully designed using preclinical models to exhibit a biological profile of strong efficacy with
de minimis side effects compared to PPARγ full agonists. As a potent PPARγ modulator, INT131 binds to PPARγ with high affinity. In pharmacology models of diabetes and in early clinical studies, it achieved a high level of efficacy in terms of antidiabetic actions such as insulin sensitization and glucose and insulin lowering, but had little activity in terms of other, undesired, effects associated with TZD PPARγ full agonists such as edema and adipogenesis. Ongoing clinical development is directed at translating these findings into establishing a novel and effective treatment for T2DM patients with an improved safety profile in relation to that currently available.
The Cyclic Deformation Behavior of Mg—Y2O3 Nanocomposites
Authors: Goh C.S. , Gupta M. , Wei J. , Lee L.C.
Published: August 2008

Constant stress amplitude cyclic tests were conducted on monolithic Mg and Mg reinforced with 0.5, 1, and 2vol% of nano-size Y2O 3. The cyclic life of the monolithic Mg and its nanocomposites were found to be comparable at the three stress amplitudes tested. Hardening behavior is observed throughout the whole fatigue life of all the specimens tested. Forest dislocations observed in Mg and Mg nanocomposites are responsible for the cyclic hardening. Addition of nanoparticles provides additional strengthening sources that cause the Mg—Y2O3 nanocomposites to harden more intensely that monolithic Mg.
Which Way Out?
Authors: Goemans H.E.
Published: August 2008

Most of the burgeoning theoretical and empirical literature on the role of leaders in comparative politics and international relations is built on the assumption that leaders choose policies to stay in office. However, leaders can lose office in a variety of ways. Leaders can lose office as a result of ill health; they can lose office in a regular manner; or they can be removed in an irregular manner such as by a coup. How a leader loses office, moreover, significantly affects the leader's subsequent fate. A broader perspective on not just the probability, but also the manner of losing office—and its associated consequences—thus suggests an additional mechanism to explain the behavior of leaders. If policy significantly affects not just whether, but also how, leaders lose office, leaders might design policy to minimize the anticipated negative consequences of losing office. Once we unpack the manner in which leaders lose office, for example, we see that the postulated logic of diversionary war only holds for a subgroup of leaders: those who fear an irregular removal from office.
Religions and Cultures: Religious Dynamics in Latin America
Authors: Prandi Reginaldo
Published: August 2008

The author seeks to analyse the relationships between religion and culture in Latin America, especially in Brazil, highlighting the fact that the different religions enjoy diverse relationships with culture in a single location. He also addresses the fact that religions interpret culture in different ways and these interpretations help define their conversion strategies and how best to confront opposing religions. For the sake of discussion, the author considers, hypothetically, a not-so-distant future in which Latin America becomes predominantly evangelical, and asks what will happen to Latin America's supposed Catholic culture if the evangelical religions do indeed take over.
Interculturality, Conflicts and Religion: Theoretical Perspectives
Authors: Parker Gumucio Cristián
Published: August 2008

Interculturality reveals, in its tensions and relationship with religion, many aspects that need to be theorized. On the one hand, the studies on international relations analyse interreligious conflicts in the context of power conflicts and regional or international geopolitical imbalances. On the other hand, studies of interculturalism are centred on phenomena such as migrations, education, health and interethnic contexts. The author develops the hypothesis that current interreligious conflicts are, almost without exception, intercultural conflicts, and they must be approached as such. The analysis of the relationships between religion and culture reveals that religions can only exist and express themselves through local cultures. All definitions of religions have cultural connotations. Two cases of religion, conflicts and interculturality in South America provide a starting-point for a more theoretical reflection. In a global world in which cultural factors are increasingly important, the symbolic-religious component is an enormous factor in the struggle for power and in its intercultural syncretisms and conflicts.
Discontent Within the Ranks?
Authors: Heinecken Lindy
Published: August 2008

Numerous studies have examined how armed forces have adapted their organizational and force structures to become more cost-effective, flexible, and deployable. However, comparatively few studies have looked at how these systemic influences affect attitudes toward military employment. With reference to findings of a survey conducted among middle-ranking officers in the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, and Germany, the attitudes of officers toward their current employment is examined within a comparative context, by referring to the impact of organizational restructuring on their careers and on commitment to military service; issues relating to pay, service, and work conditions; trust in military leadership's ability to defend their interests; and the perceived need for some form of independent representation. The study concludes that the present discontent within the ranks is creating a kind of professional or institutional disunity, which may necessitate a revision of how employee relations are managed within armed forces.
Integration of Meta-analysis and Economic Decision Modeling for Evaluating Diagnostic Tests
Authors: Sutton Alexander J. , Cooper Nicola J. , Goodacre Steve , Stevenson Matthew
Published: August 2008

Meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy data is more difficult than of effectiveness data because of 1) statistical challenges of dealing with multiple measures of accuracy (e.g., sensitivity and specificity) simultaneously and 2) incorporating threshold effects. A number of meta-analysis models are in use, ranging from naïve synthesis of independent sensitivity and specificity to optimization of a hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve. Little work has been done on how such analyses should inform decision models. This article aims to present a unified framework for the synthesis of primary data and economic evaluation of alternative diagnostic testing strategies using Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation methods. The authors extend this previous work by using systematic review to derive model parameters, fully allowing for uncertainty in their estimation, and formally incorporating variability between study results into the decision analysis. Using a simple decision model comparing alternative testing strategies for suspected deep vein thrombosis as an example, the authors consider how to use outputs of different alternative meta-analysis models in decision models. They also explore the limitations of diagnostic test studies, particularly when there is no obvious threshold value. To correct some of the limitations of diagnostic test studies, they propose that tests with implicit and explicit thresholds should be studied using distinctly different frameworks. Specifically, when a threshold exists, quantitative threshold information should be included in meta-analysis models to aid interpretation of SROCs. Setting policy to relate to a specific point may be much more difficult for studies with implicit thresholds.
Wire-driven Parallel Robot: Permitting Collisions Between Wires
Authors: Wischnitzer Yonatan , Shvalb Nir , Shoham Moshe
Published: August 2008

In spatial designs of wire-driven parallel robots, collisions between wires by limiting platform trajectories. The common practice for avoiding collisions between wires is by limiting the moving platform trajectories. However, as opposed to rigid links, wires may tangle and the robot may still be functional. Hence, the purpose of this work is to examine the possibility of permitting wire collisions and thus expanding the workspace of the robot. Under the assumptions of negligible wire mass and diameter and negligible friction between the wires, the inverse kinematics of a robot with two colliding wires is formulated and was solved numerically. In addition, linearization was performed and found to be accurate excluding the initial steps of collision. To resolve this, approximated systems were solved analytically (up to univariate high-order polynomials) using an elimination method that provides accurate results. An experimental setup with two motorized wires was built and the theoretical and experimental results are presented. Velocities and forces mappings for the wire-driven parallel robot under wire collisions were also forrnulated. It should be noted that unlike the collisions-free case, these two mappings are not identical. As a result, two different types of singularities arise, static singularity and kinematic singularity, which are defined and forrnulated. Finally, workspace expansion is demonstrated for a six-degree-of-freedom redundant robot design for which feasible and positive wrench closures were defined. Permitting wire collisions enables a significantly larger workspace compared with the collisions-free case.
All That Holds
Authors: Repede Elizabeth
Published: August 2008

Stories convey meaning and open us to the deep mystery of compassion. Stories are methodological tools in the aesthetic domain of nursing, paratelic ways of knowing that carry us beyond logic to a higher order of understanding. Through stories we are connected to each other and to ourselves. The purpose of this article is to tell the story of Valerie and her journey into healing through metastatic breast cancer. Holistic nursing as a process is contextually illuminated by creating a story within a story. This is an aesthetic work woven together from Valerie's narrative, an interview with her mother after Valerie's death, and from the author's own impressions. Literary quotations are used to highlight different sections of the story with metaphors that speak to the nature of healing. It is hoped that this story will open the reader to his or her own unique understanding of the meaning of healing.
Catchment hydro-geomorphological responses to environmental change in the Southern Uplands of Scotland
Authors: Foster G.C. , Chiverrell R.C. , Harvey A.M. , Dearing J.A. , Dunsford H.
Published: August 2008

Lake sediment and geomorphic evidence from the Loch of the Lowes/St Mary's Loch basin in the central Southern Uplands of Scotland provide a multiproxy reconstruction of changing sediment availability and transmission through the catchment. Interrogation of magnetic, geochemical and grain size parameters for lake and catchment materials suggests it is possible to identify independent proxies that reflect both supply (availability) and discharge (capacity) controls on the sediment signal. Chronological control for the lake sediment record is proposed by linking a 210Pb/137Cs chronology for the last c. 120 yr to an age/depth profile based on proposed temporal correlations between cyclic HIRM/χLF variability and the North Atlantic Oscillation. Geochronological studies on debris cones and alluvial fans yield evidence for episodic hillslope gullying ~2000—0 BC with more extensive region-wide slope instability AD 700—900, 1100—1300 and after AD 1450—1550 and gully stabilization over the last 150 years. The latter two episodes coincide with the lake sediment evidence for increased sediment supply from ~AD 1600 declining after ~AD 1870. The capacity-related lake proxies appear to identify phases of increased flooding ~AD 1625—1650, 1680—1700, 1730—1760, 1800—1815, 1850—1880, 1910—1930, 1960—1970 and possibly the 1990s. Close correspondence between the sediment `flood' archive and historical records of flooding in Scotland suggests that lake-catchment systems of this type have the potential to yield valuable information on past hydrological response.
The influence of bedrock weathering on the response of drainage basins and associated alluvial fans to Holocene climates, San Bernardino Mountains, California, USA
Authors: Eppes Martha Cary , McFadden Leslie
Published: August 2008

The primary factors that control alluvial fan evolution still remain in question particularly for the Holocene. Holocene centennial- and millennial-scale climate fluctuations are relatively subtle and more frequent than those of glacial/interglacial transitions, therefore intrinsic factors such as rock type or basin size are hypothesized to moderate significantly the influence of Holocene climate and climate change on alluvial fan processes. Here, we examine variability in styles and rates of alluvial fan aggradation along a single mountain front that is characterized by basins of varying size and rock type (carbonate versus granite). Basin rock type is more closely correlated to variability in the episodic nature and magnitude of alluvial fan aggradation than is basin area. Bedrock physical and chemical weathering properties control sediment delivery to the piedmont and thus influence alluvial fan aggradation. We suggest that the particle size of grus produced by weathering of granitic rocks fosters sediment mobilization and alluvial fan aggradation during episodes of increased precipitation in the Holocene. Sediment mobilization during wetter climates is also possibly enhanced by drought-related fires and vegetation loss that occurred during preceding drier periods. In contrast, carbonate outcrops weather to both dissolved materials and clastic sediment and relatively rapid cementation of talus precludes its transportation out onto the piedmont under almost all Holocene climatic conditions. If the scale of past Holocene climate change is the closest analogy to current global change, this study documents some mechanisms by which different rock types can exert dramatically different effects on landscape response to those changes.
The 8200 cal. yr BP event reflected in the Arctic fjord, Van Mijenfjorden, Svalbard
Authors: Hald Morten , Korsun Sergei
Published: August 2008

Detailed stratigraphic investigations of a high-resolution sediment core from the Arctic fjord, Van Mijenfjorden, Svalbard, reveal significant reductions in benthic foraminiferal δ18O of 0.4‰ and 0.2—0.3‰ dated to c. 8200 and 8450 cal. yr BP, respectively. These reductions, combined with changes in the benthic foraminiferal fauna and IRD, indicate substantial changes in the hydrography of the fjord, such as freshening of the bottom water, enhanced sea ice distribution and reduced biogenic production. The age and duration (~100 years) of the youngest event is directly in phase with the 8200 cal. yr anomaly in the δ18O record GISP2 and NGRIP of the Greenland Ice Sheet. The changes around 8450 cal. yr BP compare well to the timing of the initial freshwater drainage of the proglacial Lake Agassiz. Therefore the proxy record of Van Mijenfjorden lends support to the theory, explaining the 8200 cal. yr BP event as a cumulative response to a freshwater-forced reduction in the meridional overturning circulation in the North Atlantic. A reduction in the meridional overturning circulation (MOC) may have changed the oceanic inflow to the fjord towards reduced influence of Atlantic Water and increased the dominance of fresher Arctic Water.
The disappearance of Sphagnum imbricatum from Butterburn Flow, UK
Authors: McClymont Erin L. , Mauquoy Dmitri , Yeloff Dan , Broekens Peter , van Geel Bas , Charman Dan J. , Pancost Richard D. , Chambers Frank M. , Evershed Richard P.
Published: August 2008

The disappearance of the previously abundant moss species Sphagnum imbricatum has been investigated at Butterburn Flow, northern England, using organic geochemical, elemental, macrofossil, pollen and testate amoebae analyses. Variations in the assemblage of peat-forming plants were tracked using the macrofossil distributions as well as the relative chain lengths of n-alkanes and concentrations of 5- n-alkylresorcinols and triterpenols. No significant changes to the vegetation assemblage could be detected prior to the loss of S. imbricatum. Variations in water depth were reconstructed using a testate amoebae transfer function and inferred qualitatively using bulk elemental composition and biomarkers for changing redox conditions in the bog subsurface: the degree of isomerization in the C31 hopanes, and the concentrations of bishomohopanol and archaeol. Pollen analysis reconstructed the landscape surrounding the mire and revealed evidence for human disturbance. The results suggest that bog surface wetness increased with the transition from Sphagnum imbricatum to Sphagnum magellanicum, but the increase was not large and S. imbricatum had previously survived similar periods of wetness. However, the loss of S. imbricatum coincides with increasing human disturbance surrounding the bog, which may have altered nutrient inputs to the bog surface from agriculturally derived dust, to the detriment of S. imbricatum but to the benefit of S. magellanicum and Eriophorum vaginatum. It is proposed here that the stresses imposed by the combination of changing nutrient inputs and a rapidly rising water-table drove the disappearance of S. imbricatum from Butterburn Flow at c. cal. AD 1300.
The influence of lean mass in trabecular and cortical bone in juvenile onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Regio PL , Bonfá E , Takayama L , Pereira RMR
Published: August 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for low bone mineral density (BMD) and vertebral fractures, in juvenile systemic lupus (JSLE). Thirty-one consecutive patients with JSLE were compared with 31 gender- and age-matched healthy controls. BMD and body composition from all participants were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Vertebral fractures were defined as a reduction of ≥ 20% of the vertebral height for all patients. Lumbar spine and total femur BMD was significantly decreased in patients compared with controls ( P = 0.021 and P = 0.023, respectively). A high frequency of vertebral fractures (22.58%) was found in patients with JSLE. Analysis of body composition revealed lower lean mass ( P = 0.033) and higher fat mass percentage ( P = 0.003) in patients than in controls. Interestingly, multiple linear regression using BMD as a dependent variable showed a significant association with lean mass in lumbar spine (R2 = 0.262; P = 0.004) and total femur (R2 = 0.419, P = 0.0001), whereas no association was observed with menarche age, SLE Disease Activity Index, Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology, and glucocorticoid. This study indicates that low BMD and vertebral fractures are common in JSLE, and the former is associated with low lean mass, suggesting that muscle rehabilitation may be an additional target for bone therapeutic approach.
Increased expression of the type I interferon-inducible gene, lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus E, in peripheral blood cells is predictive of lupus activity in a large cohort of Chinese lupus patients
Authors: Tang J , Gu Y , Zhang M , Ye S , Chen X , Guo Q , Qian J , Bao C , Chen S , Shen N
Published: August 2008

Several studies by microarray analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) reveal that type I interferon-inducible genes (IFIGs) are implicated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To find a potential clinical biomarker capable of monitoring lupus disease activity clinically, quantitative RT-PCR was used to identify transcript expression levels of 13 type I IFIGs in peripheral blood cells in 144 patients with SLE, 27 non-SLE patients and 60 healthy controls and then analyse connections between gene expression and disease activity. The expression levels of five type I IFIGs (LY6E, OAS3, IFIT4, OAS1 and OAS2) were significantly higher in the SLE group than in the healthy and non-SLE controls. LY6E gene that had highest expression was chosen to analyse the association of expression level with clinical features. Compared to low LY6E expression group, SLE patients with high LY6E expression had higher SLEDAI-2K score, increased 24 h urine protein and lower blood C3 complement. Active SLE patients had more elevated LY6E expression than stable patients. And LY6E expression levels in patients with SLE were strongly correlated with their SLEDAI-2K scores. Our results indicate that increased expression of LY6E gene in peripheral blood cells in patients with SLE is correlated with lupus activity and may be a useful, noninvasive biomarker for assessing SLE disease activity.
Metabolic syndrome in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus from Southern Spain
Authors: Sabio JM , Zamora-Pasadas M , Jiménez-Jáimez J , Albadalejo F , Vargas-Hitos J , Rodríguez del Águila MDM , Hidalgo-Tenorio C , Gonzalez-Gay MA , Alonso JJ
Published: August 2008

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to establish the frequency, phenotype and characteristics of metabolic syndrome (MS), as defined by the Adult Treatment Panel III, in a cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its possible association with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). A total of 160 patients with SLE and 245 age, sex, educational level and ethnically matched controls were included. Association with cardiovascular risk factors, SLE features, treatment of SLE and history of CVD were assessed in patients with SLE and controls with and without MS. MS was non-significantly increased in patients with SLE (20%) compared with controls (13%; P = 0.083). It was more commonly observed in patients with SLE ≤40 years old (15.8%) than in controls of the same age group (4.2%; P < 0.001). The mean number of MS criteria was significantly higher among patients with SLE than in controls. The frequency of CVD was also 28-fold higher among patients with SLE (11.3%) than in controls (0.4%). SLE with MS presented higher levels of inflammatory markers than SLE without MS. In a multivariate analysis, educational level, serum triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and C3 serum levels and hydroxychloroquine use were independently associated with MS.
Hunting happiness or promoting health? Why positive psychology deserves a place in health promotion
Authors: Bull Torill
Published: August 2008

This commentary asks the question of whether positive psychology represents an egoistic pursuit of happiness, which is in conflict with basic values within health promotion. A look at key concepts and research findings within positive psychology reveals common ground with health promotion. Similarities are evident in conceptualization of health, resource focus, value focus and consequences for policy. Some influences of happiness on health and functioning are described. (Promot Educ 2008;15(3): 34-35)
The future of health promotion in schools goes through the strengthening of teacher training at a global level
Authors: Jourdan Didier , Samdal Oddrun , Diagne Fatou , Carvalho Graça S.
Published: August 2008

Schools are considered to be settings for both health education and health promotion. But the core business of schools is actually focused on educational outcomes, not reducing health problems. In most countries, schools give low priority to health promotion, and school staffs, mainly teachers, are not aware of their role in health promotion. Studies show that teachers who have received health promotion training tend to be involved more frequently in health promotion projects and have a more comprehensive approach to health education. Pre-service and in-service staff training is then a main challenge. This is the reason why we have launched an initiative to join international forces to strengthen and advocate for teacher training in health promotion. The main goals are to develop research, affirm and reinforce the work done in teacher training in health promotion, support the institutes/colleges/universities in the provision of pre-service and in-service teacher training and stimulate international partnership work. (Promot Educ 2008;15(3): 36-38)
Three Year Work Plan (2007—10) of the IUHPE Northern Part of the Western Pacific Region
Authors: Nakahara Toshitaka
Published: August 2008

The article presents the work plan of the Vice President for the Northern Part of the Western Pacific Region of the IUHPE. The highlights of the plan include, firstly, the organization of the First Asia-Pacific Conference on Health Promotion and Health Education, which will take place in July 2009. Secondly, the plan proposes the establishment of a liaison office and an Internet journal to facilitate collaboration among individuals, groups and organizations working in health promotion and education in this culturally and linguistically diverse region. (Promot Educ 2008; 15(3): 39-40)
Health Promotion of Faculty and Staff: The School Nurse’s Role
Authors: Ryan Kelly M.
Published: August 2008

Health promotion of school faculty and staff is an important part of a coordinated school health program. The lack of evaluation of health promotion programs and inconsistent results highlighting the efficacy and benefits of programs adds to employers’ perceptions of inconsistent benefits. More studies evaluating effectiveness and development of standards for health promotion programs must be conducted. The steps essential to a successful health promotion program are assessment of the target population’s needs, planning, implementation, and evaluation of the health promotion program. School nurses are one of many groups who must be involved in the development of health promotion programs for school faculty and staff. Collaboration with other school personnel, administration, and community resources is essential to the success of a health promotion program.
An Evaluation of Elementary School Nutrition Practices and Policies in a Southern Illinois County
Authors: Sherry Jennifer S.
Published: August 2008

The purpose of this study is to assess elementary school nutrition programs in a rural county in southern Illinois. The researcher interviewed the food service managers of eight schools and completed the School Health Index (SHI) based on their responses. Eighty-seven percent of the schools did not have venues such as vending machines outside the cafeteria. Three food service managers stated that from 75% to 80% of the students in the district ate lunch in the cafeteria. The SHI corresponds to the eight components of a coordinated school health program; nutrition services are just one of the eight components. The SHI is a tool that can be used to identify strengths and weaknesses in the nutrition program. It covers items from healthy, low-fat choices to food preparation and cafeteria practices. School nurses can work with teachers and food service personnel to create nutrition programs and a curriculum related to healthy nutrition practices.
A Cultural Approach to Conducting HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Virus Education Among Native American Adolescents
Authors: Lowe John
Published: August 2008

This pilot study tests the feasibility of using a Talking Circle approach and measures cultural values and beliefs within a HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevention program conducted among a Native American (Cherokee) youth population. A descriptive correlation design was used to examine the relationship between Cherokee self-reliance and HIV/AIDS and HCV knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. The study used three questionnaires that were administered before and after the prevention program to collect data from a convenience sample of 41 students at a public high school within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. Statistical analysis revealed immediate differences between pretests and posttests related to knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions concerning HIV/AIDS and HCV and the cultural dynamic of Cherokee self-reliance.
Dasatinib dosing strategies in Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia
Authors: Wong Siu-Fun
Published: August 2008

Introduction. Imatinib resistance has emerged as a significant clinical issue in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphocytic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). Imatinib intolerance is also a concern. Dasatinib is approved for the treatment of patients with imatinib-resistant or -intolerant CML or Ph+ ALL and has helped address these concerns. Here, we review the clinical profile of dasatinib and discuss dosing strategies to manage these adverse events.

Methods. References were obtained through literature searches on PubMed as well as from the Proceedings of Annual Meetings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology, and European Hematology Association.

Results. Initial studies of dasatinib showed that 70 mg twice-daily resulted in impressive hematologic and cytogenetic responses in patients with all phases of CML and Ph+ ALL. Aside from hematologic events, the most common drug-related toxicities (mostly grade 1—2) in dasatinib clinical trials were fluid retention (including pleural effusion), diarrhea, skin rash, headache, hemorrhage, fatigue, nausea and dyspnea. A Phase III dose optimization study showed that the safety profile of dasatinib is improved and efficacy maintained when administered on a 100 mg once-daily dosing schedule compared with the 70 mg twice-daily schedule in patients with chronic phase (CP) CML.

Conclusion. The safety profile of dasatinib is manageable. A 100 mg once-daily dose is now approved for use in patients with CP CML. A dose of 70 mg twice daily remains the recommended dosage for use in patients with advanced phase CML or Ph+ ALL. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2009) 15: 17—27.
In vitro evaluation of the effects of gefitinib on the cytotoxic activity of selected anticancer agents in a panel of human endometrial cancer cell lines
Authors: Gaikwad Anjali , Wolf Judith K , Brown Jubilee , Ramondetta Lois M , Smith Judith A
Published: August 2008

Purpose. This study was conducted to determine the in vitro optimal combination of selected anticancer agents with gefitinib and evaluate its effect on the expression of correlative biological targets in the cell-signaling pathway. In addition, the effect of gefitinib on the expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transport proteins was evaluated.

Methods. Growth inhibition assays were conducted in six human endometrial cancer cell lines to evaluate the activity of selected anticancer agents with gefitinib compared to each alone. Enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) assessed the presence of pEGFR in treated and untreated cells. Evaluation of the suppression of correlative biological targets in the cell-signaling pathway was completed by immunoblotting. RT-PCR was used to characterize the expression of MRP and ABC transport proteins.

Results. This in vitro study gefitinib did not observe cytotoxic activity as a single agent. However, the activity of gefitinib as EGFR inhibitor was confirmed. The combination of gefitinib with paclitaxel and docetaxel exhibited improved in vitro cytotoxic activity compared to each antineoplastic agent alone. Suppression of pAKT and p27 in the human endometrial cancer cells treated with selected combinations of chemotherapeutic drugs and gefitinib was observed.

Conclusion. These data suggest that EGFRinhibitors, such as gefitinib, have the potential to modulate common mechanisms of drug resistance and may have a role in optimizing antineoplastic regimens for the treatment of recurrent endometrial cancer. This may represent a promising option for this class of agents in the treatment of endometrial cancer. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2009) 15: 35—44.
Cutaneous reaction associated with weekly docetaxel administration
Authors: Chew Lita , Chuen Vivianne Shih Lee
Published: August 2008

Background. Docetaxel-based chemotherapy will remain clinically relevant and many of our patients will continue to receive the drug. In a recent phase 2 study of docetaxel 35 mg/m2 (weekly) in patients with metastatic breast cancer, the incidence of grade 3 cutaneous toxicity is 19%. The skin toxicity observed consists of limb/palmar-plantar erythematous reactions, or fixed-plaque erythrodysesthesia. Case series or reports have reported varied manifestations of skin reactions and include erythema multiforme, nail changes (onycholysis, pigmentation, paronychia), scleroderma, supravenous discoloration, radiation recall dermatitis, and flagellate erythema.

Method. We would like to report four patients with cutaneous reactions resulting from weekly administration of docetaxel.

Results. All cases are heavily pre-treated patients, receiving docetaxel as second or third line therapy. The cutaneous reactions occur at cycle 5. The time between chemotherapy to development of skin lesions is from 1 to 7 days. Lesions usually resolve with desquamation leaving behind areas with hyper-pigmentation or hypo-pigmentation over a period of 2 to 3 weeks. The management strategies include hand elevation, warm or cold compresses, topical and/or systemic antibiotics, topical and/or systemic corticosteroids, and cessation of drug.

Conclusions. There is a need for a systematic approach to manage these cutaneous reactions. Oncology trained pharmacists play vital roles in assessing, managing, documenting and patient education. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2009) 15: 29—34.
Strategic Initiatives to Ensure Sustainability of a University Health Center
Authors: Ryan Monica , Cowell Julia Muennich
Published: August 2008

A university health center was faced with the challenge of ensuring long-term sustainability. A project was undertaken to assess and implement administrative and financial strategic initiatives that would support and ensure sustainability. As a result of these initiatives, primary care services reflective of the mission of the University would continue to be provided to students, faculty, staff, and community members in a fiscally responsible manner. Client outcomes were also identified through the measurement of quality indicators and patient satisfaction. Financial stability was a major impact of the project. After several years of experiencing significant financial loss, a cost assessment was conducted; as a result, the operations of the Health Center now demonstrate fiscal responsibility.
Rethinking a Right Hemisphere Deficit in ADHD
Authors: Hale T. Sigi , Loo Sandra K. , Zaidel Eran , Hanada Grant , Macion James , Smalley Susan L.
Published: August 2008

Introduction: Early observations from lesion studies suggested right hemisphere (RH) dysfunction in ADHD. However, a strictly right-lateralized deficit has not been well supported. An alternatively view suggests increased R > L asymmetry of brain function and abnormal interhemispheric interaction. If true, RH pathology in ADHD should reflect interhemispherically networked and overactivated functioning. The authors evaluated these assertions. Method: Four elements of lateralized brain function were measured: LH specialized, RH specialized, LH with interhemispheric processing (LH/IH), and RH with interhemispheric processing (RH/IH). Next, the authors tested their association with cognitive ability, psychiatric comorbidity, and sibling correlations in 79 children with ADHD. Results: RH/IH processing was uniquely associated with other outcome measures. There were no associations for independent RH or LH function alone. Conclusion: Interhemispherically networked RH processing is critical in ADHD. In addition, lack of association between LH specialized processing and cognitive ability (especially for verbal cognitive tasks) supports increased RH mediation of task processing.