bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ascribed and Achieved Antecedents of Occupational Attainment: A Panel Study
Authors: CHAND IAN P. , CRIDER DONALD M. , WILLITS FERN K.
Published: December 2011

Using a longitudinal sample of 583 males, this research examined the relationships among selected ascribed and achieved traits and their relationships to occupational attainment.
Expanding Treatment for the Elderly: Counseling in a Private Medical Practice
Authors: SHANKS JOYCE LAKEY
Published: December 2011

The exploding elderly population demands expanded services in new settings. A primary care practice invites unique opportunities for counseling geriatric patients with psychosocial concerns.
Assessment in Career Guidance: Toward Truly Developmental Counseling
Authors: SUPER DONALD E.
Published: December 2011

The model of assessment in educational and vocational counseling is the “matching model.” It inhibits developmental counseling. A stage‐theory model is proposed instead and is case illustrated.
Helping Students Think
Authors: SCHMIDT JANET A. , DAVISON MARK L.
Published: December 2011

This article outlines a conceptual framework describing predictable differences in the intellectual development of college students and suggests applications leading to sound counseling and educational intervention.
Writing for Publication: How the Pieces of the Puzzle Fit
Authors: Dorn Fred J.
Published: December 2011

Strahan, Robert. More on JCP publication: Single versus multiple authorship.

Atkinson, Donald; Furlong, Michael; and Wampold, Bruce. Statistical significance, reviewer evaluations, and the scientific process: Is there a (statistically) significant relationship?
Cross‐Cultural Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Historical Perspective, Implications for Research and Training
Authors: COPELAND ELAINE J.
Published: December 2011

This article examines the development of cross‐cultural and psychotherapy in the United States, and theoretical models and their implications for research and training are reviewed.
Psychosocial Characteristics Mediating the Stress Response: An Exploratory Study
Authors: WITMER J. MELVIN , RICH CHUCK , BARCIKOWSKI ROBERT S. , MAGUE JANE C.
Published: December 2011

This article identifies the psychosocial characteristics that cognitively mediate the transaction between life stressors and the stress response.
Privileged Communications and the Counselor
Authors: KNAPP SAMUEL , VANDECREEK LEON
Published: December 2011

Privileged communication laws may exempt counselors from testifying in judicial hearings. Many counselors are not covered, however, and many exceptions to the laws exist.
Employee Assistance Programs in the 1980s: Expanding Career Options for Counselors
Authors: FORREST DONALD V.
Published: December 2011

Employee Assitance Programs (EAPS), as social service programs in business and industry, are increasing, transforming, and offering new and expanded work opportunities for counselors.
Counseling Blacks: A Group Approach
Authors: SHIPP PAMELA L.
Published: December 2011

This article argues that group work is the most effective clinical tool for work with Black clients because of their Africentric dispositions.
Adolescent Suicide
Authors: RAY LYNDA Y. , JOHNSON NORBERT
Published: December 2011

The causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of adolescent suicide are explored.
Counselor Assertiveness and Therapeutic Effectiveness in Treating Depression
Authors: RAMIREZ JOHN , WINER JANE L.
Published: December 2011

Counselor trainees who received assertiveness training were judged by supervisors to be more effective with depressed clients. Differences on other measures were not statistically significant.
The Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator as an Alternative in Career Counseling
Authors: PINKNEY JAMES W.
Published: December 2011

A process is described for using the Myers‐Briggs Type indicator with career clients who are test aware and test expected or referred by colleagues.
Competition: A Cultural Imperative?
Authors: Elleson Vera J.
Published: December 2011

Competition represents a prevalent behavioral mode within American society that has serious implications for members of the helping professions. Suggestions for action are proposed.
Counseling in the Later Years: A Growing Need
Authors: GLASS J. CONRAD , GRANT KATHERINE A.
Published: December 2011

This article examines some of the major transitions of aging and indicates possible ways counseling services can help older persons cope with the changes.
Coping Skills Training: A Systematic Approach to Stress Management Counseling
Authors: STENSRUD ROBERT , STENSRUD KAY
Published: December 2011

This article reviews coping theory and attribution theory to present a systematic approach to stress management counseling. It shows how to teach stress coping skills.
Implications of the Victimization Syndrome for Clinical Intervention with Crime Victims
Authors: KENNEDY DANIEL BRUCE
Published: December 2011

Because most victims pass through somewhat predictable emotional stages, a crisis model of intervention applicable in a generic sense to victims of crime is proposed.
Promoting Student Adjustment to College: A Counseling Technique Utilizing Humor
Authors: PREROST FRANK J.
Published: December 2011

A procedure utilizing humor during guided imagery has been devised to assist the adjustment of people to life demands. The humorous imagery situation technique activates an adaptive sense of humor useful in promoting healthy, psychological adjustment.
Women's Eating Problems: An Analysis of a Coping Mechanism
Authors: HOOKER DAWN , CONVISSER ELLEN
Published: December 2011

Women's eating problems are complex and related to a variety of emotional and social issues. How women use food as a coping mechanism is discussed.
Children: Yes or No, A Decision‐Making Program for Women
Authors: DANILUK JUDITH C. , HERMAN AL
Published: December 2011

This article describes how a workshop for career women who were experiencing difficulty in deciding whether or not to have a child was designed, conducted, and evaluated.
Is Counseling's Bottom Line at the Top?
Authors: GLENNEN ROBERT E.
Published: December 2011

Decreases in higher education student enrollments and budget declines present problems for counseling. Some changing roles and responsibilities of counselors are discussed.
The Effects of Interpersonal Confrontation on Females
Authors: WATSON JOHN J. , REMER RORY
Published: December 2011

A three‐component confrontation model was empirically tested with females. The results were consistently positive on all nine measures used with confronters of either gender.
Parent Conferences as Therapeutic Moments
Authors: SIMON DENNIS J.
Published: December 2011

This article presents a model for school‐based parent conferences that is therapeutic and change focused in nature.
Multiple Authorship in the Personnel and Guidance Journal: A 12‐Year Study
Authors: GLADDING SAMUEL T.
Published: December 2011

The increase of multiple authorship in the Personnel and Guidance Journal over a 12‐year period is explored. Reasons for the growth are examined.
Concurrent Evaluation of Career Indecision and Indecisiveness
Authors: VAN MATRE GENE , COOPER STEWART
Published: December 2011

Career indecision is reconceptualized as a complex, multidimensional problem composed of an undecided state and an indecisive trait.
Rational‐Emotive Therapy (RET) and Pastoral Counseling; A Reply to Richard Wessler
Authors: ELLIS ALBERT
Published: December 2011

This is a reply to Wessler's (1983) contention that pure RET is atheistic and, therefore, is unsuited to serve as a bridge between pastoral counseling and psychotherapy
Learning from Clients: Counseling the Frail and Dying Elderly
Authors: KEMP JAMES T.
Published: December 2011

Each counseling experience with a frail or dying client is a learning opportunity. In these circumstances if is the counselor who is the student.
Employee Counseling Services: Ethical Dilemmas
Authors: LEE SANDRA S. , ROSEN ELIZABETH A.
Published: December 2011

Issues surrounding the definition, identification, and handling of emotional problems in the work environment are presented. Strategies for dealing with these dilemmas are provided.
Social Need, Public Response: The Volunteer Professional Model for Human Services Agencies and Counselors
Authors: LENIHAN GENIE O. , JACKSON LOUISE
Published: December 2011

This article describes a model process of assessment and integration that allows community agencies and professional counselors to engage in more effective volunteer activity.
Traditionally Defined Client, Meet Feminist Therapist: Feminist Therapy as Attitude Change
Authors: DWORKIN SARI
Published: December 2011

This article explores feminist therapy within the framework of the social‐psychological influence process, outcomes of feminist therapy, and some cautions about the influence process.
Counselor Signals
Authors: GLADDING SAMUEL T. , HAGEMAN MARY BOWE
Published: December 2011

A humorous comparison of athletic and counselor signals is made, and the authors note unique aspects of counseling that make it more than a sport.
Cross‐Cultural Counseling Concerns
Authors: AHIA CHIKEZIE EMMANUEL
Published: December 2011

The problems and concerns of cross‐cultural counseling and psychotherapy are evaluated. Specific questions are raised along with suggestions for cross‐cultural counseling researchers and practitioners.
Legislation and Litigation Involving the Employment of Disabled Women: An Overview
Authors: JOHNSON S. S. , JANES M. W.
Published: December 2011

A literature review of the current legislation, interpretive litigation, and court cases relevant to the employment of disabled women is presented in this article in order that human service personnel may advocate for disabled women.
Assertion Training with Korean College Students: Effects on Self‐Expression and Anxiety
Authors: HONG KYUNG‐JA , COOKER PHILIP G.
Published: December 2011

This study examined the effects of assertiveness training on the self‐expression skills of Korean college students. Results indicated a gain in such skills for males. Implications and recommendations are discussed.
Career Counseling Black Women in a Predominantly White Coeducational University
Authors: OBLETON NETTIE BALL
Published: December 2011

A career counseling workshop for Black women featuring the Model—Mentor Process may be an alternative career intervention in a predominantly White coeducational university.
Moral Development and Self‐Regulation: Research and Intervention Planning
Authors: SEBES JANET M. , FORD DONALD H.
Published: December 2011

After reviewing the moral development and general developmental literature, the authors propose several practical guidelines for moral development training programs in the schools.
Understanding and Counseling Narcissistic Clients
Authors: STEVENS MICHAEL J. , PFOST KAREN S. , SKELLY ROBERT E.
Published: December 2011

This article is intended to provide counselors with an overview of narcissism and its treatment. In the first section, dysfunctional narcissism is described, drawing on the diagnostic indicators presented in the DSM‐III and the contemporary object relations theories of Heinz Kohut and Otto Kernberg. The second section focuses on counseling narcissistic clients.
Systemic Therapy: A New Brief Intervention Model
Authors: SEARIGHT H. RUSSELL , OPENLANDER PATRICK
Published: December 2011

A brief psychotherapy model based on systems theory is presented. The model emphasizes the interactional context of clients' problems and represents an efficient intervention paradigm.
Special Needs of the Learning Disabled College Student: Implications for Interventions Through Peer Support Groups
Authors: ORZEK ANN M.
Published: December 2011

The use of peer support groups is proposed as an effective intervention for dealing with personal and academic needs of college students who have learning disabilities.
Holistic Health Through Holistic Counseling: Toward a Unified Theory
Authors: STENSRUD ROBERT , STENSRUD KAY
Published: December 2011

This article reviews the trend in health care toward increasing levels of specialization and draws a distinction between specialization and reductionism. A theory of holistic counseling is derived from social learning and transpersonal psychology.
Measured Effects of Primary Prevention Strategies
Authors: BAKER STANLEY B. , SWISHER JOHN D. , NADENICHEK PEGGY E. , POPOWICZ CYNTHIA LAUSBERG
Published: December 2011

A meta‐analysis of 40 primary prevention studies provided an encouraging assessment of past efforts and clear challenges for the future.
School Counselors as Consultants in Primary Prevention Programs
Authors: DINKMEYER DON , DINKMEYER DON
Published: December 2011

School counselors must integrate a primary prevention approach into their consultation experiences. Consultation strategies consistent with an effective primary prevention and developmental model are presented.
A School‐Based Multilevel Preventive Intervention: Issues in Program Development and Evaluation
Authors: LORION RAYMOND P. , WORK WILLIAM C. , HIGHTOWER ALAN DIRK
Published: December 2011

This article describes conceptual, methodological, and practical issues of prevention research generally and specifically relevant to a school‐based primary and secondary prevention effort to reduce the prevalence of learning and emotional disorders in primary grade children.
Primary Prevention: A Road Paved with a Plethora of Promises and Procrastinations
Authors: SPRINTHALL NORMAN A.
Published: December 2011

Long associated with the primary preventive tactic of deliberate psychological education, Norm Sprinthall discusses some of the reasons why primary prevention is so important even in secondary schools.
Problem‐Solving Training as Prevention with College Students
Authors: HEPPNER P. PAUL , NEAL GARY W. , LARSON LISA M.
Published: December 2011

Problem‐solving processes play an important role within remedial and human effectiveness models of development. This article discusses the use of preventive problem‐solving training with college students.
Development of Friendship Networks as a Prevention Strategy in a University Megadorm
Authors: FONDACARO MARK R. , HELLER KENNETH , REILLY MARY JANE
Published: December 2011

An environmentally oriented intervention was developed to reduce adjustment problems and feelings of loneliness and isolation among graduate student residents of a high‐rise dormitory.
The Assessment of College Student Need: First Step in a Prevention Response
Authors: NEWTON FRED B. , ANGLE SUSAN SCOTT , SCHUETTE CLIFFORD G. , ENDER STEVEN C.
Published: December 2011

This article introduces the assessment process, reviews selected assessment studies, and presents a unique procedure for identifying college student needs, leading to a prevention response.
Splenic neurohormonal modulation of mesenteric vascular tone
Authors: Hamza Shereen M. , Kaufman Susan
Published: December 2011

In portal hypertension, development of a hyperdynamic circulation is preceded by transient mesenteric vasoconstriction. Portal hypertension increases splenic venous outflow pressure. We hypothesized that this causes direct reflex activation of mesenteric vasoconstrictor nerves and splenorenal reflex‐mediated activation of the renin–angiotensin system. In anaesthetized male rats, we measured mesenteric efferent nerve activity and mesenteric vascular conductance (MVC) after selectively elevating splenic venous pressure. Partial splenic vein occlusion raised splenic venous pressure (from 4.8 ± 0.4 to 24.1 ± 0.3 mmHg; n= 18) and induced a significant increase in mesenteric efferent nerve activity (from 23.2 ± 3.3 to 31.6 ± 3.5 spikes s−1; n= 11); this response was abolished by prior splenic denervation (from 32.4 ± 2.4 to 31.2 ± 1.6 spikes s−1; n= 7). Mesenteric vascular conductance, the ratio of superior mesenteric artery blood flow to mean arterial pressure, fell upon splenic vein occlusion (ΔMVC =−0.0120 ± 0.0014 ml min−1mmHg−1; P < 0.05, n= 10). This was attenuated by splenic denervation (ΔMVC =−0.0044 ± 0.0018 ml min−1mmHg−1; P < 0.05, n= 8), but unaffected by mesenteric denervation (ΔMVC =−0.0145 ± 0.0020 ml min−1mmHg−1; n= 6) or bilateral renal denervation (ΔMVC =−0.0106 ± 0.0021 ml min−1mmHg−1; n= 5). Localized blockade of mesenteric vascular angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors significantly attenuated the response (ΔMVC =−0.0058 ± 0.0017 ml min−1mmHg−1; P < 0.05, n= 5), whereas blockade of both AT1 and α1‐adrenergic receptors caused a significant increase in mesenteric conductance (ΔMVC =+0.0033 ± 0.0010 ml min−1mmHg−1; P < 0.05, n= 6). Our evidence suggests that increased splenic venous outflow pressure reflexly activates adrenergic/angiotensinergic mesenteric nerves, vasodilator mesenteric nerves and the renin–angiotensin system. We propose that obstruction to splenic venous outflow, such as would normally accompany portal hypertension, induces reflex mesenteric vasoconstriction independently of the increase in portal venous pressure.
Enhanced insulin secretion and glucose tolerance in rats exhibiting low plasma free fatty acid levels and hypertriglyceridaemia due to congenital albumin deficiency
Authors: Figueira Tiago R. , Ribeiro Rosane A. , Ignacio‐Souza Letícia M. , Vercesi Anibal E. , Carneiro Everardo M. , Oliveira Helena C. F.
Published: December 2011

Congenitally analbuminaemic individuals and rats (NARs) exhibit several metabolic abnormalities, including hypertriglyceridaemia and plasma free fatty acid deficiency. Our aim was to study glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion in NARs. Plasma concentrations of lipids, glucose and insulin and secretion of insulin from the pancreatic islets were measured in female NARs and control animals (Sprague–Dawley rats; SDRs). Glucose homeostasis tests were also performed. Plasma glucose levels were similar between NARs and SDRs, irrespective of feeding status. However, fed insulinaemia was ∼37% higher (P≤ 0.05) in NARs than in SDRs. The NARs displayed a markedly increased glucose tolerance, i.e. the integrated glycaemic response was one‐third that of the control animals. Enhanced glucose tolerance was associated with threefold higher insulinaemia at peak glycaemia after a glucose load than in the control animals. Similar peripheral insulin sensitivity was observed between groups. Isolated pancreatic islets from NARs secreted significantly more insulin than islets from SDRs in response to a wide range of glucose concentrations (2.8–33.3 mm). Despite having similar liver glycogen contents in the fully fed state, NARs had ∼40% (P≤ 0.05) lower glycogen contents than SDRs after 6 h fasting. The injection of a gluconeogenic substrate, pyruvate, elicited a faster rise in glycaemia in NARs compared with SDRs. Overall, NARs displayed enhanced glucose tolerance, insulin secretion and gluconeogenic flux. The higher glucose tolerance in NARs compared with SDRs is attributed to enhanced islet responsiveness to secretagogues, while peripheral insulin sensitivity seems not to be involved in this alteration. We propose that the enhanced glucose metabolism is a chronic compensatory adaptation to decreased free fatty acid availability in NARs.
Co‐ordination of cough and swallow in vivo and in silico
Authors: Pitts Teresa , Morris Kendall , Lindsey Bruce , Davenport Paul , Poliacek Ivan , Bolser Donald
Published: December 2011

Coughing and swallowing are airway‐protective behaviours. The pharyngeal phase of swallowing prevents aspiration of oral material (saliva, food and liquid) by epiglottal movement, laryngeal adduction and clearing of the mouth and pharynx. Coughing is an aspiration‐response behaviour that removes material from the airway. Co‐ordination of these behaviours is vital to protect the airway from further aspiration‐promoting events, such as a swallowing during the inspiratory phase of coughing. The operational characteristics, primary strategies and peripheral inputs that co‐ordinate coughing and swallowing are unknown. This lack of knowledge impedes understanding and treatment of deficits in airway protection, such as the co‐occurrence of dystussia and dysphagia common in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, as well as stroke.
An integrated in vitro and in situ study of kinetics of myosin II from frog skeletal muscle
Authors: Elangovan R. , Capitanio M. , Melli L. , Pavone F. S. , Lombardi V. , Piazzesi G.
Published: December 2011

Key points 

Force and shortening in muscle are due to the ATP‐powered motor protein myosin II, polymerized in two bipolar arrays of motors that pull the two overlapping actin filaments toward the centre of the sarcomere.

The parameters of the myosin motor in situ have been best characterized for the skeletal muscle of the frog, from which single intact cells can be isolated allowing fast sarcomere level mechanics to be applied.

Up to now no reliable methods have been developed for the study of frog myosin with single molecule techniques.

In this work a new protocol for extraction and conservation of frog muscle myosin allows us to estimate the sliding velocity of actin on myosin (VF) and its modulation by pH, myosin density, temperature and substrate concentration.

By integrating in vitro and in situ parameters of frog muscle myosin we can relate kinetic and mechanical steps of the acto‐myosin ATPase.
An update on cholinergic regulation of cholecystokinin‐expressing basket cells
Authors: Cea‐del Rio Christian A. , McBain Chris J. , Pelkey Kenneth A.
Published: December 2011

Abstract  Information processing and transfer within cortical circuits requires precise spatiotemporal coordination of excitatory principal cell activity by a relatively small population of inhibitory interneurons that exhibit remarkable anatomical, molecular and electrophysiological diversity. One subtype of interneuron, the cholecystokinin‐expressing basket cell (CCKBC), is particularly well suited to integrate and impart emotional features of an animal's physiological state to principal cell entrainment through the inhibitory network as CCKBCs are highly susceptible to neuromodulation by local and subcortically generated signals commonly associated with ‘mood’ such as cannabinoids, serotonin and acetylcholine. Here we briefly review recent studies that have elucidated the cellular mechanisms underlying cholinergic regulation of CCKBCs.
Thermal Modeling Technique for Multiple Transistors Within Silicon Chip
Authors: Suwa Tohru , Hadim Hamid
Published: December 2011

Although thermal performance is always a critical issue in electronic packaging design at every packaging level, there is a significant lack of reliable and efficient thermal modeling and analysis techniques at the silicon chip level. Sharp temperature increases within small areas, which are called “hot spots”, often occur in silicon chips. For more efficient designs, the temperature and location of hot spots need to be predicted with acceptable accuracy. With millions of transistor gates acting as heat sources, accurate thermal modeling and analysis of silicon chips at micrometer level has not been possible using conventional techniques. In the present study, an efficient and accurate multi-level thermal modeling and analysis technique has been developed. The technique combines finite element analysis sub-modeling and a superposition method for more efficient modeling and simulation. Detailed temperature distribution caused by a single heat source is obtained using the finite element sub-modeling technique, while the temperature rise distribution caused by multiple heat sources is obtained by superimposing the finite element analysis result. Using the proposed thermal modeling methodology, one case of finite element analysis with a single heat source is sufficient for modeling a silicon chip with millions of transistors acting as heat sources. When the whole package is modeled using the finite element method, the effect of the package and its boundary conditions are also included in the superposition results, which makes it possible to model a large number of transistors on a silicon chip. The capabilities of the proposed methodology are demonstrated through a case study involving thermal modeling and analysis of a microprocessor chip with 4 × 106 transistors.
Chlamydia trachomatisre-infections in a population-based cohort of women
Authors: Liu Bette , Guy Rebecca , Donovan Basil , Kaldor John M
Published: December 2011

Objectives

Re-infection with chlamydia may increase subsequent reproductive morbidity in women. The authors sought to identify characteristics associated with re-infection.

Methods

A cohort of all women aged 10–49 years with a notification of genital chlamydia in the Australian state of New South Wales during 1999–2008 was defined. Probabilistic linkage was used to identify women with repeat notifications in the same period. The risk of repeat notification was examined according to age and other characteristics using proportional hazards regression.

Results

Among 40 936 women in the cohort, 3236 had at least one repeat chlamydia notification over an average of 3.5 years of follow-up. The incidence of repeat notification was greatest in the first year after index notification (4.5 per 100 person-years) and decreased thereafter. The RR of repeat notification increased by 8% (95% CI 7% to 9%) for each year decrease in age. Compared with women aged 20–21 years at index chlamydia notification, women aged <16 years were twice as likely to have a repeat notification (adjusted HR 2.12, 95% CI 1.75 to 2.56), while women aged 26–27 years were half as likely (adjusted HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.66). Year of index notification, parity and concurrent or past gonorrhoeal infection were also significantly associated with the risk of repeat notification, but socioeconomic status and area of residence were not.

Conclusions

Younger age is a strong predictor of chlamydia re-infection in women. The results support targeting interventions to prevent re-infections to very young women.
Building the bypass—implications of improved access to sexual healthcare: evidence from surveys of patients attending contrasting genitourinary medicine clinics across England in 2004/2005 and 2009
Authors: Mercer Catherine H , Aicken Catherine R H , Estcourt Claudia S , Keane Frances , Brook Gary , Rait Greta , White Peter J , Cassell Jackie A
Published: December 2011

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine changes in patient routes into genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics since policy changes in England sought to improve access to sexual healthcare.

Methods

Cross-sectional patient surveys at contrasting GUM clinics in England in 2004/2005 (seven clinics, 4600 patients) and 2009 (four clinics, 1504 patients). Patients completed a short pen-and-paper questionnaire that was then linked to an extract of their clinical data.

Results

Symptoms remained the most common reason patients cited for attending GUM (46% in both surveys), yet the proportion of patients having sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis/es declined between 2004/2005 and 2009: 38%–29% of men and 28%–17% of women. Patients in 2009 waited less time before seeking care: median 7 days (2004/2005) versus 3 days (2009), in line with shorter GUM waiting times (median 7 vs 0 days, respectively). Fewer GUM patients in 2009 first sought care elsewhere (23% vs 39% in 2004/2005), largely from general practice, extending their time to attending GUM by a median of 2 days in 2009 (vs 5 days in 2004/2005). Patients with symptoms in 2009 were less likely than patients in 2004/2005 to report sex since recognising a need to seek care, but this was still reported by 25% of men and 38% of women (vs 44% and 58%, respectively, in 2004/2005).

Conclusions

Patient routes to GUM shortened between 2004/2005 and 2009. While GUM patients in 2009 were less likely overall to have STIs diagnosed, perhaps reflecting lower risk behaviour, there remains a substantial proportion of high-risk individuals requiring comprehensive care. Behavioural surveillance across all STI services is therefore essential to monitor and maximise their public health impact.
Longitudinal displacement and intramural shear strain of the porcine carotid artery undergo profound changes in response to catecholamines
Authors: Ahlgren Åsa Rydén , Cinthio Magnus , Steen Stig , Nilsson Tobias , Sjöberg Trygve , Persson Hans W. , Lindström Kjell
Published: December 2011

The effects of catecholamines on longitudinal displacements and intramural shear strain of the arterial wall are unexplored. Therefore, the common carotid artery of five anaesthetized pigs was investigated using an in-house developed noninvasive ultrasonic technique. The study protocol included intravenous infusion of low-dose epinephrine (β-adrenoceptor activation), as well as intravenous boluses of norepinephrine (α-adrenoceptor activation). Further, the effects of β-blockade (metoprolol) were studied. There were significant positive correlations between pulse pressure and longitudinal displacement of the intima-media complex ( r = 0.72; P < 0.001), as well as between pulse pressure and intramural shear strain ( r = 0.48; P < 0.001). Following administration of norepinephrine, the longitudinal displacement of the intima-media complex and intramural shear strain profoundly increased (median 190%, range 102–296%, and median 141%, range 101–182%, respectively, compared with baseline), also when given during β-blockade (median 228%, range 133–266%, and median 158%, range 152–235%, respectively). During infusion of low-dose epinephrine, the longitudinal displacement of the intima-media complex and intramural shear strain decreased (median 88%, range 69–122%, and median 69%, range 47–117%, respectively, compared with baseline). In conclusion, the present study shows, for the first time, that the longitudinal displacement and intramural shear strain of the porcine carotid artery undergo profound changes in response to catecholamines. Increase in longitudinal displacements seems to be strongly related to α-adrenoceptor activation. Thus metoprolol is insufficient to counteract a profound increase in longitudinal displacement and intramural shear strain following a surge of norepinephrine.
Mineralocorticoids participate in the reduced vascular reactivity of pregnant rats
Authors: Provencher M. , Houde V. , Brochu M. , St-Louis J.
Published: December 2011

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) system is markedly activated in pregnancy. We evaluated if mineralocorticoid receptors (MR), a major component of the RAA system, are involved in the reduced vascular reactivity associated with pregnancy. Canrenoate (MR antagonist; 20 mg·kg−1·day−1) was administered to nonpregnant (NP) rats for 7 days and to pregnant rats from day 15 to 22 of gestation. These were killed on day 17, 19, or 22 of gestation and, for NP rats, after 7 days treatment. Constrictor responses to phenylephrine (PhE) and KCl were measured in endothelium-denuded thoracic aortic rings under the influence of modulators of potassium (activators) and calcium (blocker) channels. Responses to the constrictors were blunted from days 17 to 22 of gestation. Although canrenoate increased responses to PhE and KCl, it did not reverse their blunted responses in gestation. NS-1619 and cromakalim (respectively, high-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels and ATP-sensitive potassium channel activators) diminished responses to both PhE and KCl. Inhibition by NS-1619 on responses to both agonists was decreased under canrenoate treatment in NP, but the reduced influence of NS-1619 during gestation was reversed by the mineralocorticoid antagonist. Cromakalim reduced the response to PhE significantly in the pregnant groups; this effect was enhanced by canrenoate. Finally, nifedipine (calcium channel blocker) markedly reduced KCl responses but to a lesser extent at the end of pregnancy, an inhibiting effect that was increased with canrenoate treatment. These data demonstrate that treating rats with a MR antagonist increased vascular reactivity but that it differentially affected potassium and calcium channel activity in aortas of NP and pregnant animals. This suggests that aldosterone is one of the components involved in vascular adaptations to pregnancy.
Calsequestrin 2 and arrhythmias
Authors: Faggioni Michela , Knollmann Björn C.
Published: December 2011

Calsequestrin is the most abundant Ca-binding protein of the specialized endoplasmic reticulum found in muscle, the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Calsequestrin binds Ca with high capacity and low affinity and importantly contributes to the mobilization of Ca during each contraction both in skeletal and cardiac muscle. Surprisingly, mutations in the gene encoding the cardiac isoform of calsequestrin (Casq2) have been associated with an inherited form of ventricular arrhythmia triggered by emotional or physical stress termed catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). Despite normal cardiac contractility and normal resting ECG, CPVT patients present with a high risk of sudden death at a young age. Here, we review recent new insights regarding the role of calsequestrin in genetic and acquired arrhythmia disorders. Mouse models of CPVT have shed light on the pathophysiological mechanism underlying CPVT. Casq2 is not only a Ca-storing protein as initially hypothesized, but it has a far more complex function in Ca handling and regulating SR Ca release channels. The functional importance of Casq2 interactions with other SR proteins and the importance of alterations in Casq2 trafficking are also being investigated. Reports of altered Casq2 trafficking in animal models of acquired heart diseases such as heart failure suggest that Casq2 may contribute to arrhythmia risk beyond genetic forms of Casq2 dysfunction.
Relative contribution of cyclooxygenases, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, and pH to the cerebral blood flow response to vibrissal stimulation
Authors: Liu Xiaoguang , Li Chunyuan , Falck John R. , Harder David R. , Koehler Raymond C.
Published: December 2011

The increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF) during neuronal activation can be only partially attenuated by individual inhibitors of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), cyclooxgenase-2, group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, or adenosine receptors. Some studies that used a high concentration (500 μM) of the cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitor SC-560 have implicated cyclooxygenase-1 in gliovascular coupling in certain model systems in the mouse. Here, we found that increasing the concentration of SC-560 from 25 μM to 500 μM over whisker barrel cortex in anesthetized rats attenuated the CBF response to whisker stimulation. However, exogenous prostaglandin E2 restored the response in the presence of 500 μM SC-560 but not in the presence of a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, thereby suggesting a limited permissive role for cyclooxygenase-1. Furthermore, inhibition of the CBF response to whisker stimulation by an EET antagonist persisted in the presence of SC-560 or a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, thereby indicating that the EET-dependent component of vasodilation did not require cyclooxygenase-1 or -2 activity. With combined inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 and -2, mGluR, nNOS, EETs, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, and adenosine 2B receptors, the CBF response was reduced by 60%. We postulated that the inability to completely block the CBF response was due to tissue acidosis resulting from impaired clearance of metabolically produced CO2. We tested this idea by increasing the concentration of superfused bicarbonate from 25 to 60 mM and found a markedly reduced CBF response to hypercapnia. However, increasing bicarbonate had no effect on the initial or steady-state CBF response to whisker stimulation with or without combined inhibition. We conclude that the residual response after inhibition of several known vasodilatory mechanisms is not due to acidosis arising from impaired CO2 clearance when the CBF response is reduced. An unidentified mechanism apparently is responsible for the rapid, residual cortical vasodilation during vibrissal stimulation.
An in silico canine cardiac midmyocardial action potential duration model as a tool for early drug safety assessment
Authors: Davies M. R. , Mistry H. B. , Hussein L. , Pollard C. E. , Valentin J.-P. , Swinton J. , Abi-Gerges N.
Published: December 2011

Cell lines expressing ion channels (IC) and the advent of plate-based electrophysiology device have enabled a molecular understanding of the action potential (AP) as a means of early QT assessment. We sought to develop an in silico AP (isAP) model that provides an assessment of the effect of a compound on the myocyte AP duration (APD) using concentration-effect curve data from a panel of five ICs (hNav1.5, hCav1.2, hKv4.3/hKChIP2.2, hKv7.1/hminK, hKv11.1). A test set of 53 compounds was selected to cover a range of selective and mixed IC modulators that were tested for their effects on optically measured APD. A threshold of >10% change in APD at 90% repolarization (APD90) was used to signify an effect at the top test concentration. To capture the variations observed in left ventricular midmyocardial myocyte APD data from 19 different dogs, the isAP model was calibrated to produce an ensemble of 19 model variants that could capture the shape and form of the APs and also quantitatively replicate dofetilide- and diltiazem-induced APD90 changes. Provided with IC panel data only, the isAP model was then used, blinded, to predict APD90 changes greater than 10%. At a simulated concentration of 30 μM and based on a criterion that six of the variants had to agree, isAP prediction was scored as showing greater than 80% predictivity of compound activity. Thus, early in drug discovery, the isAP model allows integrating separate IC data and is amenable to the throughput required for use as a virtual screen.
Genetically manipulated mouse models of lung disease: potential and pitfalls
Authors: Baron Rebecca M. , Choi Alexander J. S. , Owen Caroline A. , Choi Augustine M. K.
Published: December 2011

Gene targeting in mice (transgenic and knockout) has provided investigators with an unparalleled armamentarium in recent decades to dissect the cellular and molecular basis of critical pathophysiological states. Fruitful information has been derived from studies using these genetically engineered mice with significant impact on our understanding, not only of specific biological processes spanning cell proliferation to cell death, but also of critical molecular events involved in the pathogenesis of human disease. This review will focus on the use of gene-targeted mice to study various models of lung disease including airways diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and parenchymal lung diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, pneumonia, and acute lung injury. We will attempt to review the current technological approaches of generating gene-targeted mice and the enormous dataset derived from these studies, providing a template for lung investigators.
Hospitalization Costs for Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated With Intravenous Thrombolysis in the United States Are Substantially Higher Than Medicare Payments
Authors: Brinjikji Waleed , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Cloft Harry J.
Published: December 2011

Background and Purpose—

It is important to know the costs for hospitalization for ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis so that comparisons can be made with payments to hospitals.

Methods—

Using the National Inpatient Sample, we evaluated hospitalization costs for patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke in the United States from 2001 to 2008. Cost data were correlated with demographics and clinical outcome.

Results—

Intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke was received by 63 472 patients; 24 094 patients were younger than age 65 years and 40 780 patients were 65 years or older. Median hospital costs in 2008 dollars were $14 102 (interquartile range, $9987–$20 819) for patients with good outcome, $18 856 (interquartile range, $13 145–$30 423) for patients with severe disability, and $19 129 (interquartile range, $11 966–$30 781) for patients with in-hospital mortality. Average 2008 Medicare payments were $10 098 for intravenous thrombolysis without complication and $13 835 for intravenous thrombolysis with major complication.

Conclusions—

Hospitalization costs for patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis are substantially higher than Medicare payments.
Stroke Occurrence and Patterns Are Not Influenced by the Degree of Stenosis in Cervical Artery Dissection
Authors: Naggara Olivier , Morel Audrey , Touzé Emmanuel , Raymond Jean , Mas Jean-Louis , Meder Jean-Francois , Oppenheim Catherine
Published: December 2011

Background and Purpose—

In stroke attributable to spontaneous dissection of the cervical artery, it is unclear whether the occurrence and pattern of stroke depend on the degree of stenosis.

Methods—

In 147 consecutive dissection of the cervical artery patients with (n=88) and without stroke (n=59), we compared the number, volume, and patterns of cerebral diffusion-weighted imaging stroke lesions among patients with <70% stenosis (Group 1), ≥70% stenosis (Group 2), and occlusion (Group 3).

Results—

The presence (26 of 45 in Group 1, 32 of 59 in Group 2, 30 of 43 in Group 3;
P
=0.27) and the number of diffusion-weighted imaging lesions (mean±SD [interquartile range], 3.5±3.9 [1–4] in Group 1; 4.2±4.1 [1–5] in Group 2; 3.3±4.0 [1–3] in Group 3;
P
=0.85) were independent of lumen patency, whereas volume of diffusion-weighted imaging lesions was larger in occlusive dissection of the cervical artery (82±90 mm [17–91] versus 34±54 [2–48];
P
=0.03). There were no differences in the breakdown of diffusion-weighted imaging lesion patterns according to degree of stenosis.

Conclusions—

The occurrence and diffusion-weighted imaging lesion patterns in dissection of the cervical artery patients may not be influenced by the degree of stenosis of the dissected artery. Occlusive dissection of the cervical artery was associated with larger infarcts.
Thinning of the Arterial Media Layer as a Possible Preclinical Stage in HIV Vasculopathy
Authors: Gutierrez Jose , Glenn Melanie , Isaacson Richard S. , Marr Angelica Dawn , Mash Deborah , Petito Carol
Published: December 2011

Background and Purpose—

The purpose of this study was to determine if postmortem intracranial arteries from donors with HIV without stroke have thinner media layers compared with patients without HIV and without stroke.

Methods—

Cross-sectional cuts from intracranial arteries were stained with van Gieson and hematoxylin and eosin. Arteries were examined for thickness of each arterial layer. Univariable and multivariable models were used for statistical analyses with probability values <0.05 considered significant.

Results—

A total of 18 brains were analyzed, 5 with HIV and 13 without. Fifty-five arteries were collected, 15 from HIV brains and 40 from unaffected controls. In univariable analysis, in arteries from HIV-infected brains, the media to wall thickness ratio was smaller than in donors without HIV (0.496 versus 0.563,
P
=0.017). In multivariable analysis, HIV infection was the only independent predictor of smaller media ratios compared with the same-aged control subjects (
P
=0.049) but not with aged control subjects (
P
=0.081).

Conclusions—

In patients with HIV without clinical stroke, the media arterial layer is thinner than in patients without HIV. This suggests that a thinner media layer might be a preclinical stage in the development of HIV-related vasculopathy.
Utilization of Umbilical Cord Blood for the Evaluation of Group B Streptococcal Sepsis Screening
Authors: Beeram Madhava R. , Loughran Cheryl , Cipriani Cheryl , Govande Vinayak
Published: December 2011

Objective. To evaluate reliability of umbilical cord blood (UCB) for complete blood count (CBC) and blood cultures compared with the infant’s blood from peripheral site for group B streptococcal (GBS) sepsis screening. Methods. A total of 200 neonates, at risk for GBS infection, were studied prospectively. After birth, UCB sample was obtained for CBC and blood cultures from umbilical vein. Peripheral arterial/venous blood was obtained from the neonate. Results. In 200 neonates, CBC counts were similar for clinical significance except for leukopenia (6% in UCB vs 1.2% in peripheral blood, P = .02). One UCB sample grew GBS and another grew microaerophilic streptococcus, a contaminant. A neonatal sample grew Escherichia coli, a pathogen and another neonatal sample grew Staphylococcus auricularis, a contaminant. Conclusion. CBC results were similar from UCB and the infant for the purpose of GBS screening. Contamination of UCB sample for culture is uncommon. Hence, UCB may be used for GBS sepsis screen.
Motivational style and actual and perceived academic performance of secondary school students in Hong Kong
Authors: Sit Cindy H. P. , Braman O. Randall , Kerr John H. , Lindner Koenraad J.
Published: December 2011

This study examined the relationship between motivational style and academic achievement among 2,220 secondary school males and females in Hong Kong. Respondents were classified into high, average, or low academic performance (AAP) groups based on a single average for academic subjects obtained from their schools. Respondents were also classified into top, middle, or bottom groups based on their perceived academic performance (PAP). Results indicated that only 42% of the students perceived their academic performance correctly. Compared to their lower AAP counterparts, high scoring AAP males were significantly more serious, conformist, and arousal-avoidant. The high scoring AAP female group was found to be more self-oriented than the other female groups. The top PAP male group was also found to be more serious, conformist, arousal-avoidant, and optimistic than the other PAP male groups. The top PAP female group was more self-oriented and optimistic than the other two PAP groups. The present findings suggest that the traditional Chinese cultural values of collectivism, diligence, and education are major influences on shaping the motivational style of Hong Kong Chinese high school students. The implications of the results for school psychologists and teachers are also discussed.
Does Change in Perception Following Counseling Result in Improved Quitting Outcome Among Malaysian Smokers?
Authors: Yasin Siti Munira , Masilamani Retneswari , Ming Moy Foong , Koh David
Published: December 2011

Objective: The authors examined the effects that change in perception about the advantages and disadvantages of smoking and quitting had on quitting outcome among smokers enrolled in a program for smoking cessation. Methods: A total of 185 smokers from 2 public universities who were interested in quitting received smoking cessation counseling on understanding the risks and benefits of quitting (or smoking) in addition to a course of free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). A decisional balance questionnaire (DBQ) was administered at baseline and at 2 months postcounseling to determine and assess changes in smoking perception. Results: After counseling, 72.3% of smokers had reduced their perceptions about the advantages of smoking, and 66.4% had increased perceptions of disadvantages of smoking. At the eighth week, 51 participants (27%) had quit. Smokers who had reduced perceptions of the advantages of smoking had significantly higher quit rates compared with those with no improvement in perception (82.6% vs 17.4%; odds ratio = 2.47; 95% confidence interval = 1.00-6.10). Conclusion: After counseling, smokers did change their perception of the advantages and disadvantages of smoking during the quitting process. These changes are associated with a higher likelihood of smoking cessation.