bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thyroid Hormone Inhibits Vascular Remodeling Through Suppression of cAMP Response Element Binding Protein Activity
Authors: Fukuyama Kae , Ichiki Toshihiro , Imayama Ikuyo , Ohtsubo Hideki , Ono Hiroki , Hashiguchi Yasuko , Takeshita Akira , Sunagawa Kenji
Published: June 2006

Objective—

Although accumulating evidences suggest that impaired thyroid function is a risk for ischemic heart disease, the molecular mechanism of anti-atherosclerotic effects of thyroid hormone is poorly defined. We examined whether thyroid hormone affects signaling pathway of angiotensin II (Ang II), which is critically involved in a broad aspect of cardiovascular disease process.

Methods and Results—

3,3′,5-triiodo-
l
-thyronine (T3) did not show a significant effect on Ang II-induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), whereas T3 inhibited Ang II-induced activation of cAMP response element (CRE) binding protein (CREB), a nuclear transcription factor involved in the vascular remodeling process. Coimmunoprecipitaion assay revealed the protein-protein interaction between thyroid hormone receptor and CREB. T3 reduced an expression level of interleukin (IL)-6 mRNA, CRE-dependent promoter activity, and protein synthesis induced by Ang II. Administration of T3 (100 μg/100 g for 14 days) to rats attenuated neointimal formation after balloon injury of carotid artery with reduced CREB activation and BrdU incorporation.

Conclusion—

These results suggested that T3 inhibits CREB/CRE signaling pathway and suppresses cytokine expression and VSMCs proliferation, which may account for, at least in part, an anti-atherosclerotic effect of thyroid hormone.
Establishment of a Functionally Active Collagen-Binding Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Fusion Protein In Situ
Authors: Ishikawa Tetsuya , Eguchi Masamichi , Wada Mika , Iwami Yo , Tono Kayoko , Iwaguro Hideki , Masuda Haruchika , Tamaki Tetsuro , Asahara Takayuki
Published: June 2006

Objective—Tissue regeneration requires both growth factor and extracellular matrix such as collagen, serving as a scaffold for cell growth. We established FNCBD-VEGF121, consisting of the fibronectin collagen-binding domain (FNCBD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) 121, and investigated its properties.

Methods and Results—FNCBD-VEGF121 specifically bound to gelatin and type I, II, III, IV, and V collagen. This collagen-bound FNCBD-VEGF121 captured soluble VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2)/Fc chimeric protein. Cell growth-promoting activity of FNCBD-VEGF121 was almost identical to that of VEGF121. The VEGF fusion protein significantly enhanced the expression of VEGFR-2 (71.6±0.8%) on endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) derived from umbilical cord blood. Expectably, the collagen-bound VEGF fusion protein not only promoted the growth of endothelial cells (ECs) but also induced the expression of VEGFR-2 (63.7±0.8%) on non-adherent cells expanded from bone marrow CD34+cells. Moreover, the VEGF fusion protein enhanced sprout formation of ECs in a matrigel model. In vivo experiments revealed that FNCBD-VEGF121 had local effects but not systemic effect on EPC mobilization.

Conclusions—These results suggest that FNCBD-VEGF121 stably maintains an optimally high and local concentration of VEGF with collagen matrix and stimulates both ECs and EPCs in situ, supplying a vascular regeneration niche.
The Changing Roles of Dietary Carbohydrates
Authors: Griel Amy E. , Ruder Elizabeth H. , Kris-Etherton Penny M.
Published: June 2006

The dietary recommendations made for carbohydrate intake by many organizations/agencies have changed over time. Early recommendations were based on the need to ensure dietary sufficiency and focused on meeting micronutrient intake requirements. Because carbohydrate-containing foods are a rich source of micronutrients, starches, grains, fruits, and vegetables became the foundation of dietary guidance, including the base of the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Guide Pyramid. Dietary sufficiency recommendations were followed by recommendations to reduce cholesterol levels and the risk for cardiovascular disease; reduction in total fat (and hence saturated fat) predominated. Beginning in the 1970s, carbohydrates were recommended as the preferred substitute for fat by the American Heart Association and others to achieve the recommended successive reductions in total fat and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Additional research on fats and fatty acids found that monounsaturated fatty acids could serve as an alternative substitution for saturated fats, providing equivalent lowering of LDL-C without concomitant reductions in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increases in triglycerides witnessed when carbohydrates replace saturated fat. This research led to a sharper focus in the guidelines in the 1990s toward restricting saturated fat and liberalizing a range of intake of total fat. Higher-fat diets, still low in saturated fatty acids, became alternative strategies to lower-fat diets. As the population has become increasingly overweight and obese, the emergence of the metabolic syndrome and its associated disruptions in glucose and lipid metabolism has led to reconsiderations of the role of carbohydrate-containing foods in the American diet. Consequently, a review of the evidence for and against high-carbohydrate diets is important to put this controversy into perspective. The current dietary recommendations for carbohydrate intake are supported by the evidence.
Angiogenesis in Atherogenesis
Authors: Herrmann Joerg , Lerman Lilach O. , Mukhopadhyay Debabrata , Napoli Claudio , Lerman Amir
Published: June 2006

Atherogenesis is the pathobiological process, which underlies atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and evolves in the 3 stages of initiation, progression, and complication to clinical significance. Of note, this process is associated with neovascularization, and it was not until recently that the implications of angiogenesis in atherogenesis were delineated. This article gives an updated overview on this topic and briefly reflects on the similarities with neovessel formation in carcinogenesis.
Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Undergo Telomere-Based Senescence in Human Atherosclerosis
Authors: Matthews Charles , Gorenne Isabelle , Scott Stephen , Figg Nicola , Kirkpatrick Peter , Ritchie Andrew , Goddard Martin , Bennett Martin
Published: June 2006

Although human atherosclerosis is associated with aging, direct evidence of cellular senescence and the mechanism of senescence in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in atherosclerotic plaques is lacking. We examined normal vessels and plaques by histochemistry, Southern blotting, and fluorescence in situ hybridization for telomere signals. VSMCs in fibrous caps expressed markers of senescence (senescence-associated β-galactosidase [SAβG] and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors [cdkis] p16 and p21) not seen in normal vessels. In matched samples from the same individual, plaques demonstrated markedly shorter telomeres than normal vessels. Fibrous cap VSMCs exhibited markedly shorter telomeres compared with normal medial VSMCs. Telomere shortening was closely associated with increasing severity of atherosclerosis. In vitro, plaque VSMCs demonstrated morphological features of senescence, increased SAβG expression, reduced proliferation, and premature senescence. VSMC senescence was mediated by changes in cyclins D/E, p16, p21, and pRB, and plaque VSMCs could reenter the cell cycle by hyperphosphorylating pRB. Both plaque and normal VSMCs expressed low levels of telomerase. However, telomerase expression alone rescued plaque VSMC senescence despite short telomeres, normalizing the cdki/pRB changes. In vivo, plaque VSMCs exhibited oxidative DNA damage, suggesting that telomere damage may be induced by oxidant stress. Furthermore, oxidants induced premature senescence in vitro, with accelerated telomere shortening and reduced telomerase activity. We conclude that human atherosclerosis is characterized by senescence of VSMCs, accelerated by oxidative stress-induced DNA damage, inhibition of telomerase and marked telomere shortening. Prevention of cellular senescence may be a novel therapeutic target in atherosclerosis.
2-Methoxyestradiol, an Estradiol Metabolite, Inhibits Neointima Formation and Smooth Muscle Cell Growth via Double Blockade of the Cell Cycle
Authors: Barchiesi Federica , Jackson Edwin K. , Fingerle Juergen , Gillespie Delbert G. , Odermatt Bernhard , Dubey Raghvendra K.
Published: June 2006

2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME), an endogenous metabolite of estradiol with no affinity for estrogen receptors, is a potent anticarcinogenic agent (in phase II clinical trials) and mediates the inhibitory effects of estradiol on smooth muscle cell (SMC) growth. Here we studied the intracellular mechanisms by which 2-ME inhibits SMC growth and whether 2-ME prevents injury-induced neointima formation. 2-ME concentrations that inhibit proliferation of cycling human aortic SMCs by ≥50% blocked cell-cycle progression in G
0
/G
1
and in G
2
/M phase, as determined by flow cytometry. Consistent with the cell-cycle effects, at a molecular level (Western blots), 2-ME inhibited cyclin D
1
and cyclin B
1
expression; cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk)-1 and cdk-2 activity; and retinoblastoma protein (pRb), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, and Akt phosphorylation. 2-ME also upregulated the Cdk inhibitor p27 and interfered with tubulin polymerization. Moreover, 2-ME augmented COX-2 expression, suggesting that it may also inhibit SMC growth via prostaglandin formation. In rats, treatment with 2-ME abrogated injury-induced neointima formation; decreased proliferating SMCs; downregulated expression of proliferating-cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), c-myc, cyclin D
1
, cyclin B
1
, phosphorylated Akt, phosphorylated ERK1/2, p21, and pRb; inhibited cdk-1 and cdk-4 activity; and upregulated expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and p27. Caspase-3 cleavage assay and fluorescence-activated cell-sorting (FACS) analysis showed no evidence of apoptosis in 2-ME-treated SMCs, and TUNEL staining in carotid segments showed no evidence of 2-ME-induced apoptosis in vivo. The antimitotic effects of 2-ME on SMCs are mediated by the inhibition of key cell-cycle regulatory proteins and effects on tubulin polymerization and COX-2 upregulation. These effects of 2-ME most likely contribute to the antivasoocclusive actions of this endogenous compound.
Paclitaxel Enhances Thrombin-Induced Endothelial Tissue Factor Expression via c-Jun Terminal NH
2
Kinase Activation
Authors: Stähli Barbara E. , Camici Giovanni G. , Steffel Jan , Akhmedov Alexander , Shojaati Kushiar , Graber Michelle , Lüscher Thomas F. , Tanner Felix C.
Published: June 2006

Paclitaxel is used on drug-eluting stents because it inhibits proliferation of vascular cells. Stent thrombosis remains a concern with this compound, particularly with higher dosages. This study investigates the effect of paclitaxel on tissue factor (TF) expression in human endothelial cells. Paclitaxel enhanced thrombin-induced endothelial TF protein expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. A concentration of 10
−5
mol/L elicited a 2.1-fold increase in TF protein and a 1.6-fold increase in TF surface activity. The effect was similar after a 1 hour as compared with a 25-hour pretreatment period. Real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that paclitaxel increased thrombin-induced TF mRNA expression. Paclitaxel potently activated c-Jun terminal NH
2
kinase (JNK) as compared with thrombin alone, whereas the thrombin-mediated phosphorylation of p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase remained unaffected. Similar to paclitaxel, docetaxel enhanced both TF expression and JNK activation as compared with thrombin alone. The JNK inhibitor SP600125 reduced thrombin-induced TF expression by 35%. Moreover, SP600125 blunted the effect of paclitaxel and docetaxel on thrombin-induced TF expression. Paclitaxel increases endothelial TF expression via its stabilizing effect on microtubules and selective activation of JNK. This observation provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of thrombus formation after paclitaxel-eluting stent deployment and may have an impact on drug-eluting stent design.
Sarcoplasmic Reticulum and Nuclear Envelope Are One Highly Interconnected Ca
2+
Store Throughout Cardiac Myocyte
Authors: Wu Xu , Bers Donald M.
Published: June 2006

Previous ventricular myocyte studies indicated that ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and are critical in excitation–contraction coupling, whereas the inositol trisphosphate (InsP
3
) receptors are separately localized on the nuclear envelope (NucEn) and involved in nuclear Ca
2+
signaling. Here, we find that both caffeine and InsP
3
receptor agonists deplete free [Ca
2+
] inside both SR and NucEn. Fluorescence recovery after photobleach (FRAP) was measured using the low-affinity Ca
2+
indicator Fluo-5N trapped inside the SR and NucEn (where its fluorescence is high because [Ca
2+
] is &1 mmol/L). After Fluo-5N photobleach in one end of the cell, FRAP occurred, accompanied by fluorescence decline in the unbleached end with similar time constants (τ&2 minutes) until fluorescence regained spatial uniformity. Notably, SR and NucEn fluorescence recovered simultaneously in the bleached end. Ca
2+
diffusion inside the SR-NucEn was also measured. SR Ca
2+
-ATPase was completely blocked but without acute SR Ca
2+
depletion. Then caffeine was applied locally to one end of the myocyte. In the caffeine-exposed end, free SR [Ca
2+
] ([Ca
2+
]
SR
) declined abruptly and recovered partially (τ=20 to 30 seconds). In the noncaffeine end, [Ca
2+
]
SR
gradually declined with a similar τ, until [Ca
2+
]
SR
throughout the cell equalized. We conclude that the SR and NucEn lumen are extensively interconnected throughout the myocyte. Apparent intrastore diffusion coefficients of Fluo-5N and Ca
2+
were estimated (&8 μm
2
sec
−1
and 60 μm
2
sec
−1
). This rapid luminal communication may maintain homogeneously high luminal [Ca
2+
], ensuring a robust and uniform driving force for local Ca
2+
release events from either SR or NucEn.
Akt/GSK3β Survival Signaling Is Involved in Acute Brain Injury After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Rats
Authors: Endo Hidenori , Nito Chikako , Kamada Hiroshi , Yu Fengshan , Chan Pak H.
Published: June 2006

Background and Purpose—

Apoptotic cell death is associated with acute brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The Akt/glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) pathway plays an important role in the cell death/survival pathway after a variety of cell death stimuli. However, its role in acute brain injury after SAH remains unknown.

Methods—

We used an endovascular perforation model of SAH in rats. Phospho-Akt and phospho-GSK3β expression was examined by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated uridine 5′-triphosphate-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) and a cell death assay were used for detection of apoptosis. We administered LY294002 to examine the role of the Akt/GSK3β pathway in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway after SAH.

Results—

Phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3β was accelerated after SAH. In the cerebral cortex, where acute brain injury was the most severe, phosphorylation of these proteins was observed in the early phase after SAH. Cortical neurons with continuous Akt phosphorylation did not colocalize with TUNEL-positive cells at 24 hours. LY294002 reduced Akt and GSK3β phosphorylation and increased brain injury after SAH.

Conclusions—

The present study suggests that the Akt/GSK3β pathway might be involved in neuronal survival in acute brain injury after SAH.
Neurological Outcome of Septic Cardioembolic Stroke After Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Ruttmann Elfriede , Willeit Johann , Ulmer Hanno , Chevtchik Orest , Höfer Daniel , Poewe Werner , Laufer Günther , Müller Ludwig C.
Published: June 2006

Background and Purpose—

The aim of this study was to evaluate mortality and neurological outcomes of cardioembolic cerebral stroke in infective endocarditis (IE) patients requiring cardiac surgery.

Methods—

A consecutive series of 214 patients undergoing cardiac surgery for IE was followed up for 20 years. In 65 patients (mean age, 52 years), IE was complicated by computed tomography– or magnetic resonance imaging–verified stroke (n=61) or transient ischemic attack (n=4). Perioperative (30-day) and long-term mortality was assessed with regression models adjusting for age. Complete neurological recovery of IE survivors was defined by a modified Rankin score of ≤1 and a Barthel index of 20 points.

Results—

Fifty of 61 stroke patients (81.9%) survived surgery. In comparison with nonstroke patients, the age-adjusted perioperative mortality risk was 1.70-fold (95% CI, 0.73 to 3.96,
P
=0.22) higher and long-term mortality risk was 1.23-fold (95% CI, 0.72 to 2.11,
P
=0.45) higher in stroke patients. Patients with complicated stroke (meningitis, hemorrhage, or brain abscess) showed a higher perioperative mortality rate (38.9% vs 8.5%,
P
=0.007) but no higher neurological complication rate than patients with uncomplicated ischemic stroke. Complete neurological recovery was achieved in 35 IE survivors (70%, 95% CI, 55% to 82%). However, in the case of middle cerebral artery stroke, recovery was only 50% and was significantly lower compared with non—middle cerebral artery stroke (
P
=0.012).

Conclusion—

Uncomplicated IE-related stroke showed a favorable prognosis with regard to both long-term survival and neurological recovery. The formidable risk of secondary cerebral hemorrhage due to cardiac surgery seems to be much lower than previously thought.
Bilateral Level of Effort of the Plantar Flexors, Hip Flexors, and Extensors During Gait in Hemiparetic and Healthy Individuals
Authors: Milot Marie-Hélène , Nadeau Sylvie , Gravel Denis , Requião Luis F.
Published: June 2006

Background and Purpose—Muscle weakness is recognized as a key factor in gait performance of poststroke individuals, but its impact on lower-limb muscular effort has been scarcely studied. The aims of this study were to compare the level of effort of the lower limbs of hemiparetic and able-bodied individuals and to assess the effect of side, cadence, and muscle group.

Methods—Seventeen chronic hemiparetic participants (7 females and 10 males) with a mean age of 60.5±13.4 years were assessed when walking. They were compared with a group of 14 able-bodied individuals. The level of effort was estimated from the muscular utilization ratio (MUR), which relates the walking moment of a given muscle group to its maximal potential moment. Peak MUR and MURareawere used as main outcome measures.

Results—Hemiparetic individuals showed greater peak MUR values (45% to 78%) than the able-bodied subjects matched for cadence (24% to 63%). For both groups, the peak MUR values were similar between sides and increased with cadence. At self-selected cadence, the plantar flexors showed greater peak MUR values, whereas at maximal cadence, levels of effort for all muscles were equivalent. The MURareavalues at the hip joint were greater for the hemiparetic group, and both groups had values that increased with cadence. Differences between sides and muscle groups were noted for the hemiparetic and healthy individuals, respectively. Large peak MUR values were associated with high MURareavalues.

Conclusions—For a similar cadence, the levels of effort of hemiparetic individuals were greater than those of the able-bodied. In the presence of muscle weakness, similar bilateral levels of effort could mean that hemiparetic individuals relied on their sense of effort while walking.
Intravenous Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator in a Pregnant Woman With Cardioembolic Stroke
Authors: Wiese Kathleen M. , Talkad Arun , Mathews Maureen , Wang David
Published: June 2006

Background and Purpose—

Historically, the use of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) thrombolysis in pregnancy has been regarded as relatively contraindicated. Underlying this stance has been the concern over the risk of bleeding complications in both mother and child.

Summary of Case—

We report the successful use of intravenous recombinant tPA (rtPA) thrombolysis in a pregnant woman with acute cardioembolic stroke.

Conclusions—

The patient improved clinically, did not develop complications after receiving rtPA, and at 37 weeks’ gestation, delivered a healthy infant, demonstrating that rtPA thrombolysis may be used safely in pregnant women.
Frequency, Management, and Predictors of Abnormal Mood After Stroke
Authors: Hackett Maree L. , Anderson Craig S.
Published: June 2006

Background and Purpose—

Mood disorders are an important consequence of stroke. We aimed to identify significant, clinically useful predictors of abnormal mood after stroke.

Methods—

The Auckland Regional Community Stroke (ARCOS) study was a prospective population-based stroke incidence study conducted in Auckland, New Zealand, over a 12-month period from 2002 to 2003. All patients were followed up 6 months after stroke onset and abnormal mood was assessed using the 28-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) administered as part of a structured telephone interview. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression was used to develop a predictive model for “caseness” (score of ≥5 on the GHQ-28) based on several premorbid patient and clinical variables assessed at baseline and 28 days of follow up.

Results—

Of patients available at 6 months (n=1172), complete data on mood was available from 739 (60%) patients and 27% (95% confidence interval, 24 to 30%) were defined as cases. Key baseline predictors of abnormal mood were disability and history of depression after adjustment for sex, age, and comorbidity, but the model failed to predict a large amount of the variation in caseness (
C
statistic 0.587).

Conclusion—

This study emphasizes the complex nature of mood disturbance after stroke and that multiple factors are likely to contribute to mood disorders. A simple, clinically applicable, predictive model in stroke care appears difficult to develop.
Cerebral Microembolism During Cardiac Catheterization and Risk of Acute Brain Injury
Authors: Hamon Michèle , Gomes Sophie , Oppenheim Catherine , Morello Rémy , Sabatier Rémi , Lognoné Thérèse , Grollier Gilles , Courtheoux Patrick , Hamon Martial
Published: June 2006

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral microembolism detected by transcranial Doppler occurs systematically during cardiac catheterization, but its clinical relevance remains unknown. Studies suggest that asymptomatic embolic cerebral infarction detectable by diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI might exist after percutaneous cardiac interventions, especially after retrograde catheterization of the aortic valve in patients with valvular aortic stenosis, with a frequency as high as 22% of cases. We investigated the incidence of new ischemic lesions on serial cerebral DW MRI after cardiac catheterization.

Methods—

This prospective study involved 46 patients with severe aortic valve stenosis. To assess the occurrence of cerebral infarction, all patients underwent cerebral DW MRI and neurological assessment within 24 hours before and 48 hours after cardiac catheterization and retrograde catheterization of the aortic valve. A subgroup was monitored by transcranial power M-mode Doppler during cardiac catheterization to observe cerebral blood flow and track emboli.

Results—

One patient had a focal diffusion abnormality on DW MRI before cardiac catheterization. After catheterization, we detected only 1 additional acute cerebral diffusion abnormality in a single case (2.2%), although cerebral microemboli were detected in all transcranial Doppler-monitored patients during cardiac catheterization, as expected. All patients remained asymptomatic. Based on these results a mid-point incidence of 5.9% (95% CI, 0.01 to 12.5) for abnormalities on DW MRI in asymptomatic cardiac catheterization patients in our center can be assigned.

Conclusions—

Unsuspected cerebral infarctions can be detected by DW MRI after cardiac catheterization, but this phenomenon remains unfrequent in our series. Further studies are needed to identify factors explaining the discrepancy between these results and those of previous studies.
Embolic Signals in Unselected Stroke Patients
Authors: Poppert Holger , Sadikovic Suwad , Sander Kerstin , Wolf Oliver , Sander Dirk
Published: June 2006

Background and Purpose—

The present study investigated the prevalence of cerebral microemboli detected by transcranial Doppler sonography in unselected stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients under standard clinical conditions. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and the value of the method for clinical use.

Methods—

The records of 937 consecutive patients who were investigated between October 1995 and August 2004 at our institution were reviewed. Stroke or TIA were subtyped using the TOAST classification criteria.

Results—

Two hundred and eighty-four subjects were excluded because there was an interval of >14 days between onset of symptoms and examination, no definite diagnosis of stroke or TIA at discharge, or an artificial heart valve. Embolic signals (ES) were detected in 37 (5.7%) of the remaining 653 patients. In subjects with positive ES detection the mean interval between symptom onset and ES detection was 4.9 (SD 4.0) days compared with 5.4 (SD 3.5) days in the remaining patients (
P
=0.01). ES were more common in patients with large-artery atherosclerosis compared with other subtype groups (
P
<0.001). The proportion of detected signals was influenced by the antihemostatic treatment: ES were found more often in anticoagulated patients than in patients receiving antiplatelet medication (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

The study shows a high clinical significance of ES in patients with recent stroke attributable to arterio-arterial embolism or of cardiac embolic origin and the high specificity of the technique. Given the low sensitivity shown, ES detection cannot generally be recommended for routine diagnostics in stroke patients.
Effect of Enteric Coating on Antiplatelet Activity of Low-Dose Aspirin in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Cox Dermot , Maree Andrew O. , Dooley Michelle , Conroy Ronán , Byrne Michael F. , Fitzgerald Desmond J.
Published: June 2006

Background and Purpose—

Aspirin resistance may be relatively common and associated with adverse outcome. Meta-analysis has clearly shown that 75 mg plain aspirin is the lowest effective dose; however, it is not known whether the recent increased use of enteric-coated aspirin could account for aspirin resistance. This study was designed to determine whether enteric-coated aspirin is as effective as plain aspirin in healthy volunteers.

Methods—

Seventy-one healthy volunteers were enrolled in 3 separate bioequivalence studies. Using a crossover design, each volunteer took 2 different aspirin preparations. Five aspirin preparations were evaluated, 3 different enteric-coated 75-mg aspirins, dispersible aspirin 75 mg and asasantin (25-mg standard release aspirin plus 200-mg modified-release dipyridamole given twice daily). Serum thromboxane (TX) B
2
levels and arachidonic acid–induced platelet aggregation were measured before and after 14 days of treatment.

Results—

All other aspirin preparations tested were inferior to dispersible aspirin (
P
<0.001) in their effect on serum TXB
2
level. Treatment failure (<95% inhibition serum TXB
2
formation) occurred in 14 subjects, none of whom were taking dispersible aspirin. Mean weight for those demonstrating treatment failure was greater than those with complete TXB
2
(>99%) inhibition (
P
<0.001). Using logistic regression analysis an 80-kg subject had a 20% probability of treatment failure. Asasantin was the most potent preparation in terms of inhibition of platelet aggregation.

Conclusions—

Equivalent doses of the enteric-coated aspirin were not as effective as plain aspirin. Lower bioavailability of these preparations and poor absorption from the higher pH environment of the small intestine may result in inadequate platelet inhibition, particularly in heavier subjects.
Area-Averaged Surface Fluxes in a Semiarid Region with Partly Irrigated Land: Lessons Learned from EFEDA
Authors: Jochum M. Anna Osann , de Bruin Hendrik A. R. , Holtslag Albert A. M. , Belmonte Alfonso Calera
Published: June 2006

The European Field Experiment in a Desertification-Threatened Area (EFEDA) provides a comprehensive land surface dataset for a semiarid Mediterranean environment with natural vegetation and cultivated dry and irrigated land. This paper discusses the methods and practical aspects of deriving area-averaged fluxes for a range of areas from the whole EFEDA region to several numerical weather prediction model grid cells (on 10–100-km scales). A time series of grid-scale surface fluxes for the entire observational period of 1 month was obtained from weighted surface averages, using a crop phenology–based land use classification together with a homogenized set of surface observations representative of the four major vegetation classes. The flux-aggregated surface observations were compared with two other approaches to obtain grid-scale fluxes (airborne flux observations and radiosondes in conjunction with a simple mixed-layer model). The area-aggregated fluxes (in particular of latent heat) depend strongly on the location of the area boundaries whenever a significant fraction of irrigated land is present. This result confirms clearly the importance of adequately accounting for tiles of irrigated land in surface schemes and corresponding physiographic databases of large-scale models. A simple way to accommodate for minimum information on the canopy water status is proposed in terms of the distinction of at least two seasonal classes of irrigated crops—one of spring and one of summer growing cycles. The main lesson from this aggregation exercise concerns the role of irrigation. First, this study quantifies the uncertainties in the space–time pattern and its effects on aggregated surface fluxes for the first time on the grounds of observational data. Second, it demonstrates practical ways to accomplish the parameterization of irrigation in flux aggregation schemes, by identifying the key data along with their possible sources and by defining a practical implementation procedure.
Measurements of Boundary Layer Profiles in an Urban Environment
Authors: Frehlich Rod , Meillier Yannick , Jensen Michael L. , Balsley Ben , Sharman Robert
Published: June 2006

Boundary layer profiles of mean temperature, velocity, and small-scale turbulence from in situ sensors, Doppler lidar, sodar, and rawinsondes are intercompared for an urban environment. A new Doppler lidar algorithm is presented to produce high-resolution profiles of small-scale velocity statistics. The lidar-derived profiles are robust and accurate even for challenging conditions such as stable boundary layers with a low-level jet, low turbulence, and low wind speed. Similar results are expected for other locations and convective conditions.
Vertical Velocity and Buoyancy Characteristics of Coherent Echo Plumes in the Convective Boundary Layer, Detected by a Profiling Airborne Radar
Authors: Miao Qun , Geerts Bart , LeMone Margaret
Published: June 2006

Aircraft and airborne millimeter-wave radar observations are used to interpret the dynamics of radar echoes and radar-inferred updrafts within the well-developed, weakly sheared continental convective boundary layer. Vertically pointing radar reflectivity and Doppler velocity data collected above and below the aircraft, flying along fixed tracks in the central Great Plains during the International H2O Project (IHOP_2002), are used to define echo plumes and updraft plumes, respectively. Updraft plumes are generally narrower than echo plumes, but both types of plumes have the dynamical properties of buoyant eddies, especially at low levels. This buoyancy is driven both by temperature excess and water vapor excess over the ambient air. Plumes that are better defined in terms of reflectivity or updraft strength tend to be more buoyant.
TRMM Calibration of SSM/I Algorithm for Overland Rainfall Estimation
Authors: Dinku Tufa , Anagnostou Emmanouil N.
Published: June 2006

This paper extends the work of Dinku and Anagnostou overland rain retrieval algorithm for use with Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) observations. In Dinku and Anagnostou, Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation radar (PR) rainfall estimates were used to calibrate TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) retrieval. Regional differences in PR-based TMI calibration were investigated by testing the algorithm over four geographic regions, consisting of Africa, northern South America (containing the Amazon basin), the continental United States, and south Asia. In this paper the performance of Dinku and Anagnostou's technique applied on SSM/I data over three of these regions (Africa, Amazon, and South Asia) is demonstrated. Two approaches are investigated for using PR rainfall products to calibrate the algorithm parameters. In the first approach, TMI channels are remapped to the spatial resolutions of the corresponding SSM/I channels; then, PR is used to calibrate the rain retrieval on the remapped TMI data. In the second approach, the PR-based TMI algorithm calibration is performed at a coarser (0.25°) resolution. To assess the quality of algorithm estimates with respect to PR, rainfall fields derived from Dinku and Anagnostou, applied to SSM/I observations (using parameters determined from both approaches), are compared with matched (within ±15 min of the satellites' overpass time difference) PR surface rain rates. Calibration data come from the wet seasons (January–March) of 2000 and 2001. To assess the quality of the estimates with respect to PR, data from a 5-month period (December–April) of 2002, 2003, and 2004 are used. In comparison with the latest version of the Goddard profiling (GPROF) algorithm rain estimates, the current algorithm shows significant improvements in terms of both bias and random error reduction. The paper also shows that rain estimation based on TMI observations is associated with lower error statistics in comparison with the corresponding SSM/I retrievals.
Early Commitment of Financial Aid Eligibility
Authors: Heller Donald E.
Published: June 2006

Under the current financial aid system in the United States, most students do not find out the amount of financial aid for which they qualify until after they have applied to college and been admitted. There is evidence that for low-income students, this is too late in the college access and choice process. This article explores the feasibility and challenges of making commitments of financial aid to students earlier in their educational careers (such as during the middle school or early high school years) to encourage them to focus on the academic and social aspects of preparing for college entry.
Is Opportunity Knocking?
Authors: Rosa Mari Luna De La
Published: June 2006

This research study attempts to answer questions regarding how low-income students hear about college and financial aid information and what the impact of this information is on their college opportunity. Findings from a student survey of 11th and 12th graders in seven Southern California low-income high schools illustrate that low-income students make sense of this information within their school culture, perceptions of college affordability, and family backgrounds. Results suggest that college- and financial aid-related information as a means to create college opportunity is not having the impact it should for low-income students.
The Meaning of Money
Authors: McDonough Patricia M. , Calderone Shannon
Published: June 2006

A sociocultural understanding of affordability is essential to understanding the college cost deliberations of low-income African American and Latino students and their families. Habitus shapes and informs college affordability decisions for students and their families. Using interviews with 63 college counselors in urban secondary schools, low-income underrepresented students’ assessments of affordability were framed by a highly individualized assessment of need, an internalized calculation of costs versus benefits, and an acute awareness of the competing demands resulting from financial scarcity. The perceptual differences concerning college affordability are an unintended consequence of differential tastes between middle-income counselors and low-income families.
Understanding the Relationship Between Information About College Prices and Financial Aid and Students’ College-Related Behaviors
Authors: Perna Laura W.
Published: June 2006

This article proposes a conceptual model for understanding the acquisition and use of information about college prices and financial aid. The model situates the process of acquiring and using information within several layers of context. Potential roles of four nested layers of context are discussed: habitus; the school and community context; the higher education context; and the broader social, economic, and policy context. Consideration of the model in light of available research suggests several potential explanations for differences across groups in the acquisition and use of information about college costs and financial aid.
Fictive Kin and Social Capital
Authors: Tierney William G. , Venegas Kristan M.
Published: June 2006

In this article, the authors suggest that peers have the potential to create fictive kin networks, and in this role, peers become a social support that helps enable a culture of success. Discussing peer counselors and their role in helping students understand financial aid, the authors’ purpose is to suggest that peer groups—as social relationships that cut across classroom connections—create a viable solution that helps youth attain access to college. Findings from focus groups, observations, and interviews suggest that students benefit from the socioemotional and informational aspects of participating in peer counseling programs.
Perceptions of Financial Aid Among Students of Color
Authors: Trent William T. , Lee Heather Sophia , Owens-Nicholson Dawn
Published: June 2006

This article primarily examines the role of attribution and self-concept as correlates of debt tolerance defined and operationalized as students’ of color willingness to take on loans to meet educational costs. To examine this set of relationships, three sets of attitude and perception indices are used: a family and friends support index, a self-concept index, and a locus of control index. Findings show that expecting to earn a first professional degree increases the odds of borrowing, whereas believing that good luck and good fortune are very important for success increases the odds of borrowing after controlling for other salient factors.
Internet Inequalities
Authors: Venegas Kristan M.
Published: June 2006

This article focuses on the Web-based resources available to low-income students as they build their perceptions, make their decisions, and engage in financial aid activities. Data are gathered from the results of focus groups and case studies. Findings suggest that low-income students do have access to computers but lack the knowledge and support needed to navigate the financial aid resources available online.
Mind the Representation Gap
Authors: Whitefield Stephen
Published: June 2006

Representation is at the heart of the study and practice of democratic politics. This article uses a multilevel model to explain differences across new post-communist democracies in the representation gap between the public’s policy preferences and perceptions of government policy activity. Three explanations of differences in the gap are considered: (a) principal-agent theory, which highlights the informational and sanctioning capacities of citizens and how these may be affected by institutional arrangements, particularly by presidentialism; (b) economic performance, which highlights the importance of economic expectations and state economic capacity; and (c) culture-ideology, which highlights citizens’ views of representative democracy per se. For new democracies, where the public had limited democratic experience, suffered considerable economic hardship, and often expressed antirepresentational views of democracy, individual-level and institutional factors associated with citizens’ informational and sanctioning capacities appear to have significantly greater explanatory power.
The Emergence and Performance of Indigenous Peoples’ Parties in South America
Authors: Rice Roberta , Van Cott Donna Lee
Published: June 2006

One of the most significant and unexpected developments in Latin America during the past 10 years is the emergence of parties organized around indigenous identity. The authors use subnational data from six South American countries (Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela) to examine the factors responsible for the variation in the emergence and performance of indigenous peoples’ political parties in the region. Using a pooled cross-sectional twin snapshot analysis, the authors find that although indigenous party formation is the result of favorable institutional, demographic, and political conditions, such as permissive electoral rules, optimal indigenous population size, and a regional diffusion effect with respect to indigenous activism, enhanced electoral performance of these parties is determined by structural and political conditions, including higher rates of poverty and less salient class-based identities, in addition to the favorable conditions mentioned above.
Globalization and global justice
Authors: Ferguson Iain , Lavalette Michael
Published: June 2006

English

The transformation of the social work role through the imposition of neo-liberal policies is creating widespread dissatisfaction. This article identifies some bases for resistance to these policies and discusses their potential for informing a new paradigm, based on a rejection of neoliberalism in social work.

French

L'application des politiques néo-libérales transforme le rôle du travail social, ce qui suscite une insatisfaction généralisée. Cet article identifie certains fondements de la à ces politiques et il en évalue le potentiel pour créer un nouveau paradigme fondé sur le rejet du néo-libéralisme en travail social.

Spanish

El papel del trabajo social está cambiando como consecuencia de la imposición de políticas neoliberales. Esto crea una insatisfacción general. Se identifican las bases para resistir estas políticas y se explora la posibilidad de que esas bases informen un nuevo paradigma, basado en el rechazo del neoliberalismo en el trabajo social.
Human rights and community work
Authors: Ife Jim , Fiske Lucy
Published: June 2006

English

Much effort has been made to develop international understandings of human rights without the corresponding attention to responsibilities. The authors argue that a community development framework may be useful in reconceiving human rights in a more holistic way, and that social workers and community development workers are well placed to be grassroots human rights workers.

French

Beaucoup d'efforts ont été déployés pour développer une compréhension internationale des droits humains sans accorder une attention correspondante aux responsabilités. Les auteurs considèrent qu'un cadre axé sur le développement communautaire serait utile pour réexaminer la question des droits humains de façon holistique. Ils démontrent que les travailleurs sociaux et les organisateurs communautaires sont bien placés pour devenir des travailleurs à ras du sol pour les droits humains.

Spanish

Se ha empleado mucho esfuerzo en desarrollar el entendimiento de los derechos humanos sin la atención correspondiente a las obligaciones. Se arguye que un marco de desarrollo comunitario puede ser útil en re-concebir los derechos humanos de una manera comprensiva, y que los trabajadores sociales y los trabajadores comunitarios pueden jugar un papel importante como trabajadores de base de derechos humanos.
Civil society’s role in promoting local development in countries in transition
Authors: Hermoso Jocelyn Clare R. , Luca Carmen Geanina
Published: June 2006

English

This article discusses civil society’s role in the process of local development undertaken by countries transitioning towards democracy, comparing and contrasting the experiences of the Philippines and Romania. The study illuminates the limits and possibilities offered by the democratization process in terms of how civil-society organizations can participate more meaningfully in local development and in establishing structures of democracy.

French

Cet article examine le rôle de la société civile dans le processus de développement local entrepris dans deux pays en transition vers la démocratie, les Philippines et la Roumanie. L'étude met en lumière les limites et les possibilités du processus de démocratisation quant à la participation des organisations civiles dans le développement et l'établissement de structures démocratiques.

Spanish

Se explora el papel de la sociedad civil en el desarrollo local llevado a cabo en países en transición hacia la democracia. Se compara la experiencia de Las Filipinas, Rumania. Se iluminan los límites y posibilidades ofrecidas por el proceso de democratización en ambos países en términos de cómo las organizaciones civiles pueden participar de una forma significativa en el desarrollo local y en el establecimiento de estructuras democráticas.
Civic and social integration
Authors: Nash Mary , Wong John , Trlin Andrew
Published: June 2006

English

New Zealand research into social work experience with immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers supports international claims that a new field of practice is emerging. Migration across frontiers for social, political and economic reasons brings local social workers into contact with clients from all over the world as they struggle to settle into their new communities. Social workers in this field need to be skilled in work at all levels, micro, meso and macro.

French

Les recherches conduites en Nouvelle Zélande portant sur les expériences de travail social auprès des immigrants, des réfugiés et des demandeurs d'asile supportent les affirmations internationales à savoir qu'un nouveau champ de pratique est en émergence. Les migrations par-delà les frontières nationales pour des raisons sociales, politiques et économiques entraînent des contacts entre des travailleurs sociaux locaux et des clients en provenance du monde entier lorsque ceux-ci tentent de s'établir dans leurs nouvelles communautés. Les travailleurs sociaux dans ce champ de pratique doivent Átre outillés pour travailler à tous les niveaux car les cas qu'ils auront à traiter impliquent du travail à niveaux micro, méso et macro.

Spanish

La investigación en Nueva Zelanda sobre la experiencia del trabajo social con inmigrantes, refugiados y solicitantes de asilo apoya la creencia internacional que éste es un nuevo campo de práctica. Los movimientos migratorios por razones sociales, políticas, y económicas ponen a los trabajadores sociales locales en contacto con clientes provenientes de todo el mundo mientras éstos luchan por asentarse en sus nuevas comunidades. Los trabajadores sociales en este campo necesitan destrezas en todos los niveles, puesto que los casos frecuentemente necesitarán intervenciones en niveles micro, meso y macro.