bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreased left ventricular distensibility in response to postural change in older patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction
Authors: John Jerry M. , Haykowsky Mark , Brubaker Peter , Stewart Kathy , Kitzman Dalane W.
Published: June 2010

Most elderly persons with heart failure have a preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (HFPEF). The pathophysiology of this disorder is not well understood, and there are conflicting data regarding the role of decreased LV distensibility. To assess LV distensibility over a range of preload conditions while minimizing the large, confounding changes in contractility, afterload, and heart rate characteristic of exercise, we measured LV end-diastolic volume (EDV), stroke volume (SV), and cardiac output (CO) using two-dimensional echocardiography in 48 elderly (mean age, 69 yr) HFPEF patients and 25 healthy age-matched controls during quiet supine rest, 45° head-up tilt (HUT), and 45° head-down tilt (HDT). As a result, when compared with controls, HFPEF patients had reduced percent changes in EDV (−7 ± 2 vs. −17 ± 2%; P = 0.003), SV (−7 ± 3 vs. −27 ± 2%; P = 0.003), and CO (−6 ± 4 vs. −34 ± 4%; P = 0.001) during the transition from supine to HUT. HFPEF also had reduced percent changes in EDV (8 ± 2 vs. 15 ± 2%; P = 0.02), SV (11 ± 3 vs. 21 ± 3%; P = 0.002), and CO (1 ± 4 vs. 12 ± 4%; P = 0.04) during the transition from HUT to HDT. In conclusion, HFNEF patients have reduced LV distensibility in response to postural change, resulting in blunted EDV, SV, and CO. This provides further support for the hypothesis that a blunted Frank-Starling mechanism may contribute to the pathophysiology of HFPEF.
Characterization of the relationship between systolic shear strain and early diastolic shear strain rates: insights into torsional recoil
Authors: Thompson Richard B. , Paterson Ian , Chow Kelvin , Cheng-Baron June , Scott Jessica M. , Esch Ben T. , Ennis Daniel B. , Haykowsky Mark J.
Published: June 2010

Early diastolic left ventricular (LV) untwisting has been evaluated as a manifestation of LV recoil, reflecting the release of elastic energy stored during systole. The primary goal of this study was to characterize the relationship between systolic strain (e.g., circumferential strain and the shear strains that comprise twist) with the resulting early diastolic shear strain rates, including the rate of untwisting. A further goal was to characterize these relationships regionally from apical to basal locations. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging tissue tagging was used to measure circumferential strain, global and regional (apex, mid, basal) twist (θ), and circumferential-longitudinal (ϵCL) and circumferential-radial (ϵCR) shear strains along with the corresponding untwisting rates (dθ/d t) and diastolic shear strain rates (dϵ/d t) in 32 healthy males (33 ± 7 yr). LV untwisting rates and shear strain rates measured during early diastole varied significantly with the measurement location from apex to base ( P < 0.001) but demonstrated significant linear correlation with their corresponding preceding systolic strains ( P < 0.001). Untwisting rates and diastolic shear strain rates were not significantly correlated with circumferential systolic strain or end-systolic volume ( P > 0.05). Normalization of the untwisting rates to the peak twist (dθ/d tNorm= −13.6 ± 2.1 s−1) or shear strain rates to peak systolic shear strain (dϵCL/d tNorm= −15.0 ± 5.4 s−1, and dϵCR/d tNorm= −14.2 ± 7.7 s−1) yielded a uniform measure of early diastolic function that was similar for all shear strain and twist components and for all locations from apex to base. These findings support a linear model of torsional recoil in the healthy heart, where diastolic shear strain rates (e.g., untwisting rates) are linearly related to the corresponding preceding systolic shear stain component. Furthermore, these findings suggest that torsional recoil is uncoupled from end-systolic volumes or the associated strains, such as circumferential strain.
Luminal endothelial lectins with affinity forN-acetylglucosamine determine flow-induced cardiac and vascular paracrine-dependent responses
Authors: Ramiro-Diaz Juan , Barajas-Espinosa Alma , Chi-Ahumada Erika , Perez-Aguilar Sandra , Torres-Tirado David , Castillo-Hernandez Jesus , Knabb Maureen , de la Rosa Ana Barba , Rubio Rafael
Published: June 2010

Coronary blood flow applied to the endothelial lumen modulates parenchymal functions via paracrine effectors, but the mechanism of flow sensation is unknown. We and others have demonstrated that coronary endothelial luminal membrane (CELM) oligosaccharides and lectins are involved in flow detection, and we proposed that cardiac effects of coronary flow result from a reversible flow-modulated lectin-oligosaccharide interaction. Recently, glycosylated and amiloride-sensitive Na+/Ca++channels (ENaCs) have been proposed to be involved in the flow-induced endothelial responses. Because N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNac) is one of the main components of glycocalyx oligosaccharides (i.e., hyaluronan [−4GlcUA β1–3GlcNAc β1−]n), the aim of this article is to isolate and define CELM GlcNac-binding lectins and determine their role in cardiac and vascular flow-induced effects. For this purpose, we synthesized a 460-kDa GlcNac polymer (GlcNac-Pol) with high affinity toward GlcNac-recognizing lectins. In the heart, intracoronary administration of GlcNac-Pol upon binding to CELM diminishes the flow-dependent positive inotropic and dromotropic effects. Furthermore, GlcNac-Pol was used as an affinity probe to isolate CELM GlcNac-Pol-recognizing lectins and at least 35 individual lectinic peptides were identified, one of them the β-ENaC channel. Some of these lectins could participate in flow sensing and in GlcNac-Pol-induced effects. We also adopted a flow-responsive and well-accepted model of endothelial-parenchymal paracrine interaction: isolated blood vessels perfused at controlled flow rates. We established that flow-induced vasodilatation (FIV) is blocked by endothelial luminal membrane (ELM) bound GlcNac-Pol, nitro-l-arginine methyl ester and indomethacin, amiloride, and hyaluronidase. The effect of hyaluronidase was reversed by infusion of soluble hyaluronan. These results indicate that GlcNac-Pol inhibits FIV by competing and displacing intrinsic hyaluronan bound to a lectinic structure such as the amiloride-sensitive ENaC. Nitric oxide and prostaglandins are the putative paracrine mediators of FIV.
In Vitro Assessment of Single-Retainer Tooth-Colored Adhesively Fixed Partial Dentures for Posterior Teeth
Authors: Bortolotto Tissiana , Monaco Carlo , Onisor Ioana , Krejci Ivo
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this paper was to investigate, by means of marginal adaptation and fracture strength, three different types of single retainer posterior fixed partial dentures (FPDs) for the replacement of a missing premolar. Two-unit cantilever FPDs were fabricated from composite resin, feldspathic porcelain, and fiber-reinforced composite resin. After luting procedures and margin polishing, all specimens were subjected to a Scanning Electron Microscopic marginal evaluation both prior to and after thermomechanical loading with a custom made chewing simulator comprising both thermal and mechanical loads. The results indicated that the highest score of marginal adaptation, that is, the closest score to 100% of continuous margins, at thetooth-composite resininterface was attained by the feldspathic porcelain group (88.1% median), followed by the fiber-reinforced composite resin group (78.9% median). The worse results were observed in the composite resin group (58.05% median). Fracture strength was higher in feldspathic porcelain (196N median) when compared to resin composite (114.9 N median). All the fixed prostheses made of fiber-reinforced composite resin detached from the abutment teeth before fracturing, suggesting that the adhesive surface's retainer should be increased.
A Mechanism of Virus-Induced Demyelination
Authors: Das Sarma Jayasri
Published: June 2010

Myelin forms an insulating sheath surrounding axons in the central and peripheral nervous systems and is essential for rapid propagation of neuronal action potentials. Demyelination is an acquired disorder in which normally formed myelin degenerates, exposing axons to the extracellular environment. The result is dysfunction of normal neuron-to-neuron communication and in many cases, varying degrees of axonal degeneration. Numerous central nervous system demyelinating disorders exist, including multiple sclerosis. Although demyelination is the major manifestation of most of the demyelinating diseases, recent studies have clearly documented concomitant axonal loss to varying degrees resulting in long-term disability. Axonal injury may occur secondary to myelin damage (outside-in model) or myelin damage may occur secondary to axonal injury (inside-out model). Viral induced demyelination models, has provided unique imminent into the cellular mechanisms of myelin destruction. They illustrate mechanisms of viral persistence, including latent infections, virus reactivation and viral-induced tissue damage. These studies have also provided excellent paradigms to study the interactions between the immune system and the central nervous system (CNS). In this review we will discuss potential cellular and molecular mechanism of central nervous system axonal loss and demyelination in a viral induced mouse model of multiple sclerosis.
Expression of Chemoresistance-Related Genes and Heat Shock Protein 72 in Hyperthermic Isolated Limb Perfusion of Malignant Melanoma: An Experimental Study
Authors: Knorr C. , Pelz J. O. , Göhl J. , Hohenberger W. , Meyer T.
Published: June 2010

Hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion (HILP) is considered an established treatment for multiple locoregional intransit metastases in malignant melanoma of the extremities. Various mechanisms such as the expression of chemoresistance genes and heat shock proteins by the tumor may be responsible for varying response rates and locoregional recurrences of the treatment. The aim of the experimental animal study was to investigate the direct impact of HILP on such mechanisms of resistance. Tissue temperature, administration of the cytostatic drug, and duration of perfusion were varied. Expression of the chemoresistance genes mdr1, mrp1, mrp2, and lrp and of heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) in the tumor tissue was analysed using RT-PCR and western blot analysis. The untreated SK-MEL-3 tumor expressed mdr1, mrp1, and lrp, but not mrp2. Neither variation of temperature, administration of the cytostatic drug, nor duration of perfusion changed the expression of this “resistance pattern”. In contrast to the cytostatic drug, hyperthermia causes a persistent induction of HSP72. Both observations could offer a potential explanation for failure of HILP in malignant melanoma.
ROCK as a Therapeutic Target of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Arita Ryoichi , Hata Yasuaki , Ishibashi Tatsuro
Published: June 2010

The increasing global prevalence of diabetes is a critical problem for public health. In particular, diabetic retinopathy, a prevalent ocular complication of diabetes mellitus, causes severe vision loss in working population. A better understanding of the pathogenesis and the development of new pharmacologic treatments are needed. This paper describes the relevance between Rho/ROCK pathway and the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy from its early to late stages. Moreover, the therapeutic potential of ROCK inhibitor in the total management of diabetic retinopathy is discussed.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Elderly Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Meriggi F. , Zaniboni A.
Published: June 2010

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in both men and women and approximately 219,440 new cases of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were estimated to occur in the USA in 2009, which caused 159,390 NSCLC-related deaths. More than 50% of cases of advanced NSCLC are diagnosed in patients older than age 65, and recent Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEERs) data suggest that the median age at diagnosis is 70 years. Until recently, the disease has been undertreated in this patient population, with a perception among many clinicians that elderly patients do not tolerate chemotherapy or radiotherapy. So, single agent chemotherapy is the recommended approach by the ASCO and International Expert Panels in unselected patients. The introduction of novel targeted therapies, such as Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) which improved survival versus placebo in patients who had previously failed on chemotherapy, gives clinicians new, effective, and better tolerated options to consider when treating NSCLC in elderly patients. This paper describes the advances of EGFR TKIs for elderly patients with advanced NSCLC.
A Note on Geodesically Bounded "Equation missing" -Trees
Authors: Kirk WA
Published: June 2010

It is proved that a complete geodesically bounded "Equation missing"-tree is the closed convex hull of the set of its extreme points. It is also noted that if "Equation missing" is a closed convex geodesically bounded subset of a complete "Equation missing"-tree "Equation missing" and if a nonexpansive mapping "Equation missing" satisfies "Equation missing" then "Equation missing" has a fixed point. The latter result fails if "Equation missing" is only continuous.
A Numerical Method for a Singularly Perturbed Three‐Point Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Çakır Musa , Amiraliyev Gabil M.
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this paper is to present a uniform finite difference method for numerical solution of nonlinear singularly perturbed convection‐diffusion problem with nonlocal and third type boundary conditions. The numerical method is constructed on piecewise uniform Shishkin type mesh. The method is shown to be convergent, uniformly in the diffusion parameter ε, of first order in the discrete maximum norm. Some numerical experiments illustrate in practice the result of convergence proved theoretically.
X-Linked Lymphoproliferative Disease Presenting as Pancytopenia in a 10-Month-Old Boy
Authors: Chadha S. Nicole , Amrol David
Published: June 2010

X-linked lymphoproliferative disease, also known as Duncan's syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder that causes exaggerated immune responses to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and often leads to death. Patient presentation varies but can include signs and symptoms typical of EBV, pancytopenia, and fulminant hepatitis.
Investigating In Situ Properties of Recycled Asphalt Pavement with Foamed Asphalt as Base Stabilizer
Authors: Plati Christina , Loizos Andreas , Papavasiliou Vasilis , Kaltsounis Antonis
Published: June 2010

The objective of the present study was to conduct a comprehensive field experiment for the in situ assessment of in-depth recycled asphalt pavement using foamed asphalt as a stabilization treatment for base works. For this purpose Nondestructive Testing (NDT) data collected using the Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) along a foamed asphalt recycled pavement section was thoroughly analysed. Critical issues including the stabilized material curing and the contribution of the asphalt layers to the structural properties of the in-depth recycled pavement are discussed. In addition, recommendations concerning the improvement of the structural condition of the in-depth recycled pavement are developed based on this practical approach of investigation using NDT.
In VivoCytogenetic Studies on Aspartame
Authors: AlSuhaibani Entissar S.
Published: June 2010

Aspartame (a-Laspartyl-L-phenylalanine 1-methylester) is a dipeptide low-calorie artificial sweetener that is widely used as a nonnutritive sweetener in foods and drinks. The safety of aspartame and its metabolic breakdown products (phenylalanine, aspartic acid and methanol) was investigatedin vivousing chromosomal aberration (CA) test and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) test in the bone marrow cells of mice. Swiss Albino male mice were exposed to aspartame (3.5, 35, 350 mg/kg body weight). Bone marrow cells isolated from femora were analyzed for chromosome aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges. Treatment with aspartame induced dose dependently chromosome aberrations at all concentrations while it did not induce sister chromatid exchanges. On the other hand, aspartame did not decrease the mitotic index (MI). However, statistical analysis of the results show that aspartame is not significantly genotoxic at low concentration.
Glucose Regulation of Thrombospondin and Its Role in the Modulation of Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation
Authors: Maile Laura A. , Allen Lee B. , Hanzaker Christopher F. , Gollahon Katherine A. , Dunbar Paul , Clemmons David R.
Published: June 2010

Smooth muscle cells (SMC) maintained in high glucose are more responsive to IGF-I than those in normal glucose. There is significantly more thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) in extracellular matrix surrounding SMC grown in 25 mM glucose. In this study we investigated 1) the mechanism by which glucose regulates TSP-1 levels and 2) the mechanism by which TS-1 enhances IGF-I signaling. The addition of TSP-1 to primary SMC was sufficient to enhance IGF-I responsiveness in normal glucose. Reducing TSP-1 protein levels inhibited IGF-I signaling in SMC maintained in high glucose. We determined that TSP-1 protected IAP/CD47 from cleavage and thereby facilitated its association with SHP substrate-1 (SHPS-1). We have shown previously that the hyperglycemia induced protection of IAP from cleavage is an important component of the ability of hyperglycemia to enhance IGF-I signaling. Furthermore we determined that TSP-1 also enhanced phosphorylation of theβ3 subunit of theαVβ3 integrin, another molecular event that we have shown are critical for SMC response to IGF-I in high glucose. Our studies also revealed that the difference in the amount of TSP-1 in the two different glucose conditions was due, at least in part, to a difference in the cellular uptake and degradation of TSP-1.
Mutual Coupling Effects on Pattern Diversity Antennas for MIMO Femtocells
Authors: Gao Yue , Wang Shihua , Falade Oluyemi , Chen Xiadong , Parini Clive , Cuthbert Laurie
Published: June 2010

Diversity antennas play an important role in wireless communications. However, mutual coupling between multiple ports of a diversity antenna has significant effects on wireless radio links and channel capacity. In this paper, dual-port pattern diversity antennas for femtocell applications are proposed to cover GSM1800, UMTS, and WLAN frequency bands. The channel capacities of the proposed antennas and two ideal dipoles with different mutual coupling levels are investigated in an indoor environment. The relation between mutual coupling and channel capacity is observed through investigations of these antennas.
Managing DSRC and WAVE Standards Operations in a V2V Scenario
Authors: Morgan Yasser L.
Published: June 2010

The Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) standards suite is based on multiple cooperating standards mainly developed by the IEEE. In particular, we focus this paper on the core design aspects of DSRC which is called Wireless Access in Vehicular Environment (WAVE). WAVE is highlighted in IEEE 1609.1/.2/.3/.4. The DSRC and WAVE standards have been the center of major attention in both research and industrial communities. In 2008, WAVE standard was the third best seller standards in the history of the IEEE. This attention reflects the potential of WAVE to facilitate much of the vehicular safety applications. In this paper we present a fairly detailed tutorial of the WAVE standards. We extend the paper by describing some of the lessons learned from particular design approaches. We direct the reader to the landmark research papers in relevant topics. We alert the reader about major open research issues that might lead to future contribution to the WAVE design.
Applying Hotspot Detection Methods in Forestry: A Case Study of Chestnut Oak Regeneration
Authors: Fei Songlin
Published: June 2010

Hotspot detection has been widely adopted in health sciences for disease surveillance, but rarely in natural resource disciplines. In this paper, two spatial scan statistics (SaTScan and ClusterSeer) and a nonspatial classification and regression trees method were evaluated as techniques for identifying chestnut oak (Quercus Montana) regeneration hotspots among 50 mixed-oak stands in the central Appalachian region of the eastern United States. Hotspots defined by the three methods had a moderate level of conformity and revealed similar chestnut oak regeneration site affinity. Chestnut oak regeneration hotspots were positively associated with the abundance of chestnut oak trees in the overstory and a moderate cover of heather species (VacciniumandGaylussaciaspp.) but were negatively associated with the abundance of hayscented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) and mountain laurel (Kalmia latiforia). In general, hotspot detection is a viable tool for assisting natural resource managers with identifying areas possessing significantly high or low tree regeneration.
Numerical Simulation of Water/Al2O3 Nanofluid Turbulent Convection
Authors: Bianco Vincenzo , Manca Oronzio , Nardini Sergio
Published: June 2010

Turbulent forced convection flow of a water-Al2O3 nanofluid in a circular tube subjected to a constant and uniform temperature at the wall is numerically analyzed. The two-phase mixture model is employed to simulate the nanofluid convection, taking into account appropriate thermophysical properties. Particles are assumed spherical with a diameter equal to 38 nm. It is found that convective heat transfer coefficient for nanofluids is greater than that of the base liquid. Heat transfer enhancement is increasing with the particle volume concentration and Reynolds number. Comparisons with correlations present in the literature are accomplished and a very good agreement is found with Pak and Cho (1998). As for the friction factor, it shows a good agreement with the classical correlation used for normal fluid, such as Blasius formula.
A Viral Vaccine Encoding Prostate-Specific Antigen Induces Antigen Spreading to a Common Set of Self-Proteins in Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Nesslinger Nancy J. , Ng Alvin , Tsang Kwong-Yok , Ferrara Theresa , Schlom Jeffrey , Gulley James L. , Nelson Brad H.
Published: June 2010

Purpose: We previously reported a randomized phase II clinical trial combining a poxvirus-based vaccine encoding prostate-specific antigen (PSA) with radiotherapy in patients with localized prostate cancer. Here, we investigate whether vaccination against PSA induced immune responses to additional tumor-associated antigens and how this influenced clinical outcome.

Experimental Design: Pretreatment and posttreatment serum samples from patients treated with vaccine + external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) versus EBRT alone were evaluated by Western blot and serologic screening of a prostate cancer cDNA expression library (SEREX) to assess the development of treatment-associated autoantibody responses.

Results: Western blotting revealed treatment-associated autoantibody responses in 15 of 33 (45.5%) patients treated with vaccine + EBRT versus 1 of 8 (12.5%) treated with EBRT alone. SEREX screening identified 18 antigens, which were assembled on an antigen array with 16 previously identified antigens. Antigen array screening revealed that 7 of 33 patients (21.2%) treated with vaccine + EBRT showed a vaccine-associated autoantibody response to four ubiquitously expressed self-antigens: DIRC2, NDUFS1, MRFAP1, and MATN2. These responses were not seen in patients treated with EBRT alone, or other control groups. Patients with autoantibody responses to this panel of antigens had a trend toward decreased biochemical-free survival.

Conclusions: Vaccine + EBRT induced antigen spreading in a large proportion of patients. A subset of patients developed autoantibodies to a panel of four self-antigens and showed a trend toward inferior outcomes. Thus, cancer vaccines directed against tumor-specific antigens can trigger autoantibody responses to self-proteins, which may influence the efficacy of vaccination. Clin Cancer Res; 16(15); 4046–56. ©2010 AACR.
Dose-Dependent Association between UGT1A1*28 Genotype and Irinotecan-Induced Neutropenia: Low Doses Also Increase Risk
Authors: Hu Zhe-Yi , Yu Qi , Pei Qi , Guo Cheng
Published: June 2010

Purpose: A previous meta-analysis showed that the association between the UGT1A1*28 genotype and irinotecan-induced neutropenia was influenced by irinotecan dose and that the risk of neutropenia was similar at low doses for patients with all genotypes. However, the sample sizes for the low- and high-dose groups were small. Because additional studies have now been reported, an updated and refined meta-analysis is needed.

Experimental Design: Meta-analyses were done to assess the relationship between UGT1A1*28 and neutropenia. The association between UGT1A1*28 and the relative extent of glucuronidation (REG) of SN-38 was also examined. The studies included were stratified into different dose groups.

Results: A total of 1,998 patients were included for the analysis of neutropenia and 581 patients were included for REG. The risk of neutropenia at low doses was significantly higher among patients with a UGT1A1*28/*28 genotype than among those carrying the UGT1A1*1 allele(s) [relative risk (RR), 2.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.34-4.39; P = 0.003]. In addition, the RR of neutropenia at low doses was comparable with that at medium doses (2.43 versus 2.00). The RR of neutropenia at high doses was significantly higher than that at low and medium doses (7.22 versus 2.04). We found the weighted mean difference of REG (UGT1A1*1/*1 or UGT1A1*1/*28 versus UGT1A1*28/*28) increased with increasing dose of irinotecan.

Conclusions: In conclusion, the UGT1A1*28/*28 genotype was associated with an increased risk of neutropenia not only at medium or high doses of irinotecan but also at low doses. The dose-dependent manner of SN-38 glucuronidation explained why the association between UGT1A1*28 and neutropenia was dose dependent. Clin Cancer Res; 16(15); 3832–42. ©2010 AACR.
A Comparative Study of Perfusion Measurement in Brain Tumours at 3 Tesla MR: Arterial Spin Labeling versus Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Authors: Lehmann P. , Monet P. , de Marco G. , Saliou G. , Perrin M. , Stoquart-Elsankari S. , Bruniau A. , Vallée J.N.
Published: June 2010

Purpose: To prove the feasibility of arterial spin labeling (ASL) to explore brain tumors by comparing dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced MRI to ASL at 3T MR. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven patients were included presenting 9 gliomas, 10 metastases and 8 meningiomas. All were explored by a pseudo-continuous ASL and dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced T2* perfusion sequence. Two neuroradiologists analyzed the cerebral blood flow (CBF) maps to assess feasibility, examination quality and quantitative comparison. The Spearman nonparametric correlation test and the Bland-Altman graphic test were used to analyze our quantitative results. Results: 92% of ASL CBF maps were informative. ASL detected all lesions as well as dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced MRI. Both sequences provide relative quantitative CBF values closely correlated. Conclusion: On a 3T MR unit, ASL is a good alternative to dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced MRI when contrast medium is contraindicated or intravenous injection is not possible. Its results on relative CBF parameters are similar to contrast-injected perfusion.
Clinical Characteristics and Brain Activation Patterns of Mirror Movements in Patients with Corona Radiata Infarct
Authors: Lee Mi Young , Choi Jin Ho , Park Rae Joon , Kwon Yong Hyun , Chang Jong Sung , Lee Jun , Ahn Sang Ho , Jang Sung Ho
Published: June 2010

Objective: Mirror movements (MMs) are a phenomenon of involuntary movements that accompany physically intended movements of the opposite side of the body. In the current study, we investigated the clinical characteristics and cortical activation patterns of MMs in patients with corona radiata (CR) infarct, using functional MRI. Subjects and Methods: We recruited 31 consecutive hemiparetic stroke patients with CR infarct. Functional MRI was performed to verify brain activation patterns during grasp-release movements of the affected hand, and MM of the unaffected hand was observed simultaneously. Results: The prevalence of MMs was 54.8% (17 out of 31 patients), and the intensity of MMs ranged from mild to moderate. The severity of MM in the unaffected hand is closely related to the poor motor function of the affected upper extremity and to activations of the unaffected motor cortex and both supplementary motor areas (SMAs) during the movement of the affected hand. In addition, the activations of unaffected motor cortex and both SMAs were closely related to poor motor function of the affected upper extremity. Conclusions: The results suggest that MMs, poor motor function, and the activations of ipsilateral motor cortex and both SMAs are closely interconnected in patients with CR infarct.
Gain-of-Function Mutations in
TRPM4
Cause Autosomal Dominant Isolated Cardiac Conduction Disease
Authors: Liu Hui , El Zein Loubna , Kruse Martin , Guinamard Romain , Beckmann Alf , Bozio André , Kurtbay Güven , Mégarbané André , Ohmert Iris , Blaysat Gérard , Villain Elisabeth , Pongs Olaf , Bouvagnet Patrice
Published: June 2010

Background—

Isolated cardiac conduction block is a relatively common condition in young and elderly populations. Genetic predisposing factors have long been suspected because of numerous familial case reports. Deciphering genetic predisposing factors of conduction blocks may give a hint at stratifying conduction block carriers in a more efficient way.

Methods and Results—

One Lebanese family and 2 French families with autosomal dominant isolated cardiac conduction blocks were used for linkage analysis. A maximum combined multipoint lod score of 10.5 was obtained on a genomic interval including more than 300 genes. After screening 12 genes of this interval for mutation, we found a heterozygous missense mutation of the
TRPM4
gene in each family (p.Arg164Trp, p.Ala432Thr, and p.Gly844Asp). This gene encodes the TRPM4 channel, a calcium-activated nonselective cation channel of the transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) ion channel family. All 3 mutations result in an increased current density. This gain of function is due to an elevated TRPM4 channel density at the cell surface secondary to impaired endocytosis and deregulation of Small Ubiquitin MOdifier conjugation (SUMOylation). Furthermore, we showed by immunohistochemistry that TRPM4 channel signal level is higher in atrial cardiomyocytes than in common ventricular cells, but is highest in Purkinje fibers. Small bundles of highly TRPM4-positive cells were found in the subendocardium and in rare intramural bundles.

Conclusions—

the
TRPM4
gene is a causative gene in isolated cardiac conduction disease with mutations resulting in a gain of function and TRPM4 channel being highly expressed in cardiac Purkinje fibers.
The Challenges of Pluralism: Locating Religion in a World of Diversity
Authors: Ammerman Nancy T.
Published: June 2010

The author argues that religious pluralism is the normal state of affairs. Religion itself is multi-dimensional, and the several dimensions of religious and spiritual experience can be combined in myriad ways across individual lives. Preliminary findings from new research are presented, detailing modes of spiritual discourse that include mystery, majesty, meaning, moral compassion, and social connection. These dimensions find expression across multiple social institutions. In addition, religion is multi-traditional and organized by plural producers of the goods and services and events that embody and transform religious tradition. Finally, it is argued that religious pluralism must be studied in terms of the structures of power and privilege that allow some religious ideas to be given free voice, but limit the practice of other religious rituals or the gathering of dissident religious communities.
Religious Pluralism and Diversity: Response to Yang and Thériault
Authors: Beckford James A.
Published: June 2010

Since the articles by Fenggang Yang and Barbara Thériault are so rich, the author’s response is merely intended to add some considerations about the need to distinguish between religious pluralism and religious diversity, about the importance of studying the regulation of religion, and about the methodological consequences of religious diversity for sociological research.
Gypsy Pentecostalism, Ethnopolitical Uses and Construction of Belonging in the South of Spain
Authors: Cantón Delgado Manuela
Published: June 2010

The Gypsy Evangelical movement started in the west of France where, in the mid twentieth century, the first conversions took place. Back home, the converted started preaching among their people, spreading the religious movement all the way to western Andalusia. Half a century later, we can hardly call this a “new” movement, but we can certainly say that Gypsy Pentecostalism has become one of the most original organizational experiences developed by Spanish gypsies. The process of constructing this new sense of ethnic and religious belonging has been marked by the double suspicion that hangs over Evangelical Gypsies: first, as part of a stigmatized ethnic minority and, second, as members of a religious “sect”. However, this has also helped to strengthen the process of ethnogenesis and cultural reinvention that is redrawing the image of gypsies from the angle of Evangelism. It has also brought about the strategic and intentional mobilization of ethnicity—the search for recognition and political activity aimed at obtaining public resources to finance extensive social development.
L’individu comme croyant
Authors: Tschannen Olivier
Published: June 2010

L’individualisme moderne est indissociable de la croyance, conçue comme l’investissement visant à surmonter les “transcendances moyennes” (Luckmann) séparant l’individu de la subjectivité d’autrui et de sa propre subjectivité. Repérable historiquement au travers du processus de civilisation, cette forme de croyance auto-réalisatrice (plus l’individu croira en sa propre individualité, plus il sera un individu autonome), qui trouve son plein épanouissement notamment dans les spiritualités apparentées au Nouvel Age, mais aussi dans l’écriture autobiographique, tend à relativiser la relation classique entre incroyance et niveau d’éducation.
Identity in Dialogue
Authors: Märtsin Mariann
Published: June 2010

In this paper I propose that identity is momentary, fluid, and multiple while simultaneously providing us with a sense of sameness and continuity. Building on Valsiner’s ideas about human sense-making I suggest that we can reasonably deal with the multiplicity/unity paradox if we conceive of this process as resulting in the construction of a fuzzy field of hyper-generalized personal sense, which ordinarily functions as an implicit and unspeakable background of our everyday functioning, while being constantly re-created through momentary instances of foregrounded and explicit identity-dialogues. I illustrate the ideas put forward in the paper by analysing a case of a young woman experiencing a change in her being. Finally, in an attempt to illustrate and further develop the case I introduce a metaphor of carpet-weaving as an apposite image for thinking about identity as a process of a multiple and fragmented, yet also a united and constant being.
Identifying the Educational Needs of Parents at the Completion of Their Child’s Cancer Therapy
Authors: Hobbie Wendy L. , Ogle Susan K. , Reilly Maureen , Ginsberg Jill P. , Rourke Mary , Ratcliffe Sarah , Deatrick Janet A.
Published: June 2010

For parents of children with cancer, the experience of completing treatment can be a time of celebration and hope as well as anxiety and fear. Previous research has identified the time immediately following completion of therapy as one of the most difficult and anxiety producing periods in parents’ trajectory of cancer treatment. A gap in knowledge exists to guide nursing practice regarding parents’ educational needs. The purpose of this study was to (a) determine the educational needs of parents as their children completed cancer treatment and (b) assess the feasibility of measuring parental educational needs, anxiety, and family management styles as treatment ends. The results support previous findings that parents are anxious at the end of therapy. Fear of relapse was their primary concern. Although parents desire education at the end of therapy, attention to parental readiness to learn and the individual needs of the patient and family must be considered. In the feasibility portion of this study, parents were able to complete the questionnaires with no negative feedback provided.
Positive Management Education: Creating Creative Minds, Passionate Hearts, and Kindred Spirits
Authors: Karakas Fahri
Published: June 2010

The goal of this article is to explore positive management education, a practice-based teaching and learning model centered on positive organizational scholarship. Six signs of transformation in organizations are presented: complexity, community, creativity, spirituality, flexibility, and positivity. A model for positive management education is introduced, based on six related dimensions: fostering integrative and holistic thinking, building a sense of community through high-quality relationships, developing creative brainstorming and skill building through innovative projects, integrating spirituality into the classroom, fostering flexibility and empowerment, and designing positive enabling, nurturing learning platforms. This positive management education model is illustrated through selected best practices from a pilot study of an experiential organizational behavior course.
Modeling lesion counts in multiple sclerosis when patients have been selected for baseline activity
Authors: Morgan CJ , Aban IB , Katholi CR , Cutter GR
Published: June 2010

The number of new gadolinium-enhancing lesions discovered via magnetic resonance imaging is a well-established outcome for multiple sclerosis studies, especially Phase II Studies. Due to the high cost of magnetic resonance imaging scans, many investigators select participants for the presence of lesions. While this selection procedure is thought to improve the power of inferences, the effect of screening for baseline activity on parameter estimation and interval coverage has not yet been examined. The objective of this study was to investigate the performance of the negative binomial distribution for modeling lesion count data in multiple sclerosis when patients have been selected for activity on a baseline scan. We performed computer simulations to investigate the influence of the screening process on inferences made using a negative binomial model about treatment effects in two independent samples. We also demonstrate how the statistical properties of screening can be incorporated into trial design. We demonstrate that when the negative binomial distribution is used to model lesion counts, while screening for baseline activity improves point estimation, this practice also has the potential to decrease interval coverage and inflate the Type I error rate. For data that is to be modeled using a negative binomial distribution, screening for baseline activity can create a trade-off between cost effectiveness and a higher than desired false positive rate that must be carefully considered in planning Phase II trials.
Role of maternal vitamin B12 on the metabolic health of the offspring: a contributor to the diabetes epidemic?
Authors: Saravanan Ponnusamy , Yajnik Chitranjan S
Published: June 2010

There is increasing evidence, in humans and other mammals, that periconceptional nutritional status influences health in adulthood. This is called ‘foetal programming’ and is likely to be mediated through DNA methylation. Micronutrients, especially B vitamins such as folic acid and vitamin B12 play crucial roles in providing methyl groups for such reactions. This is called epigenetic regulation and may provide some clues to the epidemic of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Evidence from mandatory folic acid fortification studies suggests that in the presence of adequate folic acid, neural tube defects due to B12 deficiency have tripled. Such ‘imbalance of high folic acid and low vitamin B12’ in the elderly causes cognitive impairment. A longitudinal study of young women in India showed that children born to those with ‘high folic acid and low B12’ had higher adiposity and insulin resistance. In addition to increased levels of folic acid, B12 deficiency is increasing in countries with mandatory folic acid fortification. Studies on the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy and in women of childbearing age, plus the effects of B12 supplementation are therefore urgently needed. This article reviews the role of vitamin B12 during pregnancy on the offspring’s metabolic risk.
Cognitive decline: the relevance of diabetes, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension
Authors: Etgen Thorleif , Sander Dirk , Bickel Horst , Sander Kerstin , Förstl Hans
Published: June 2010

Cognitive decline including mild cognitive impairment describes a heterogeneous condition with cognitive changes between normal ageing and dementia. Cognitive impairment can be promoted or caused by treatable somatic factors. In this review, three important cardiovascular risk factors, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolaemia and hypertension, and their association with cognitive decline, are assessed. Though there are many hints of a causal association between diabetes mellitus and the development of cognitive decline, definitive proof of a protective effect of antidiabetic treatment by controlled or randomised placebo-controlled studies is needed. In midlife, elevated cholesterol levels comprise a risk factor for cognitive decline. In elderly subjects, cholesterol levels decline and are not clearly associated with cognitive impairment. The evidence for treatment of hypercholesterolaemia by statins solely for prevention of cognitive decline remains unclear. There is an age-dependent relationship between blood pressure and cognitive impairment. Midlife hypertension is associated with an increased risk of developing cognitive decline and antihypertensive treatment may therefore be beneficial, whereas hypertension later in life does not carry the same risk of cognitive dysfunction. Diagnosis of these somatic factors is essential in cognitive impairment, as diligent treatment may improve cognitive performance and postpone the manifestation of dementia.
Surgical interventions to correct metabolic disorders
Authors: Lahsen Rodolfo , Berry Marcos
Published: June 2010

Obesity and related metabolic disorders are increasing especially in developing countries. It is widely accepted that in extremely obese patients bariatric surgery reduces body weight and improves type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. Weight loss partially explains this effect as do weight loss-independent mechanisms linked to gut hormones, peptide YY, ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1, and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide/gastric inhibitory polypeptide. Several groups performing established and novel surgical techniques have shown encouraging metabolic results. Herein we consider whether it is theoretically plausible to use surgery as an alternative or complementary approach to medical treatment of diabetes in overweight and mildly obese patients.
Treating Operant Vomiting With Visual Screening
Authors: Baker Lynn M. , Rapp John T. , Carroll Regina A.
Published: June 2010

The authors present a case study of an 8-year-old boy with autism who engaged in operant vomiting. Functional assessment indicated that vomiting persisted in the absence of social reinforcement. After interventions involving noncontingent access to preferred items, differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO), and DRO plus time out failed to produce clinically significant decreases in vomiting, we implemented a contingent mouthwash procedure and a contingent visual screen (VS) procedure. The results show that the contingent mouthwash produced only temporary decreases in vomiting whereas the VS procedure gradually decreased the boy’s vomiting to zero levels over the course of 23 weeks. In addition, a 4-month follow-up assessment showed that ongoing implementation of the VS procedure produced zero levels of vomiting. The gradual reduction in the boy’s vomiting following the introduction of the VS procedure suggests that the intervention extinguished one or more of the sensory consequences that were formerly produced by vomiting.
Implementation and Outcome of Combining Interoceptive Exposure With Trauma-Related Exposure Therapy in a Patient With Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Wald Jaye , Taylor Steven
Published: June 2010

Theoretical considerations and several case studies suggest that trauma-related exposure therapy (TRE), which is one of the leading treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may be augmented by adding interoceptive exposure (IE) therapy. The patient is a retired veteran with chronic PTSD as the primary (most severe) disorder and comorbid major depressive disorder. Treatment consisted of four sessions of IE followed by eight sessions of TRE. Structured interviews and self-report measures of psychopathology are administered pretreatment, midtreatment (after completing IE and before commencing TRE), posttreatment, and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. IE is associated with decreases in PTSD symptoms and anxiety sensitivity. At posttreatment, there are further reductions in PTSD symptoms and several associated symptoms. There are also further gradual improvements over the follow-up assessments. Implications of these findings are discussed, with an emphasis on identifying potential benefits and limitations of using IE+TRE for combat-related PTSD.
Image Intensifier-Guided Injection of Corticosteroid and Local Anesthetic Agent for the Treatment of Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Atkins Kate L. , Kuen Foo Chin  , Noorani Ali M. , Nairn David S.
Published: June 2010

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of plantar heel pain. The condition is potentially self-limiting and can respond to conservative treatment, but patients may opt for surgery if the treatments fail. Surgical intervention is associated with potential complications. This study set out to explore the efficacy of the specific nonsurgical intervention offered to treatment-resistant cases in a local clinical setting. The technique involves image intensifier—guided injection of corticosteroid and local anesthetic agents under general anesthesia. Nineteen patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis of over 12 months’ duration received injections. A simple follow-up questionnaire was given to patients after the procedure that focused on their subjective opinion of any change in their pain. They were also asked if the injection had solved their problems with heel pain. The improvements that the patients reported were found to be statistically significant (P = .012).