bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A PARAMETRIZED VARIABLE DARK ENERGY MODEL: STRUCTURE FORMATION AND OBSERVATIONAL CONSTRAINTS
Authors: BIDGOLI S. ARBABI , MOVAHED M. SADEGH , RAHVAR S.
Published: October 2006

In this paper we investigate a simple parametrization scheme of the quintessence model given by Wetterich [Phys. Lett. B594, 17 (2004)]. The crucial parameter of this model is the bending parameter b, which is related to the amount of dark energy in the early universe. Using the linear perturbation and the spherical infall approximations, we investigate the evolution of matter density perturbations in the variable dark energy model, and obtain an analytical expression for the growth index f. We show that increasing b leads to less growth of the density contrast δ, and also decreases the growth index. Giving a fitting formula for the growth index at the present time, we verify that the approximation relation [Formula: see text] also holds in this model. To compare predictions of the model with observations, we use the Supernovae type Ia (SNIa) Gold Sample and the parameters of the large scale structure determined by the 2-degree Field Galaxy Redshift Survey (2dFGRS). The best fit values for the model parameters by marginalizing on the remained ones, are [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] at 1σ confidence level. As a final test we calculate the age of universe for different choices of the free parameters in this model and compare it with the age of old stars and some high redshift objects. Then we show that the predictions of this variable dark energy model are consistent with the age observation of old star and can solve the "age crisis" problem.
AN EFFICIENT CALIBRATION METHOD FOR THE MULTI-FACTOR LIBOR MARKET MODEL AND ITS APPLICATION TO THE JAPANESE MARKET
Authors: TANIMURA HIDETOSHI , YAMADA YUJI
Published: October 2006

In this paper an efficient calibration method for the multi-factor LIBOR Market Model (LMM) is proposed and is applied for the Japanese interest rate market. At first the joint calibration method in the cap and swaption market is demonstrated using a new parameterization for the correlation matrix in the LMM. Then we implement the proposed methodology for calibrating the Japanese cap and swaption markets, where the computational procedure is shown to be tractable and provides a practical estimation for the implied correlation matrix in the LMM. The empirical analysis also illustrates that Black's swaption volatilities through our calibration fit the market data almost exactly and that the estimated implied correlation matrix is smooth and stable.
TESTING FOR NONLINEARITY & MODELING VOLATILITY IN EMERGING CAPITAL MARKETS: THE CASE OF TUNISIA
Authors: SAADI SAMIR , GANDHI DEVINDER , DUTTA SHANTANU
Published: October 2006

Capital market efficiency of emerging markets has been investigated widely in recent years. But to-date the empirical results remain inconclusive because most empirical studies use empirical tests, which are designed to detect linear structure in financial time series. However, recent developments in econometrics of financial markets show evidence of nonlinear relationships in asset returns in developed markets. Given the features of emerging capital markets, nonlinearity is most likely to be even more present in these developing markets compared to developed ones. In the present paper we reject the weak-form efficient market hypothesis of the Tunisian Stock Market (TSE). Using the BDS test, we find evidence of nonlinearity in variance, and develop a FIEGARCH (1, 1) model accordingly.
Adherens junction-associated protein distribution differs in smooth muscle tissue and acutely isolated cells
Authors: Eddinger Thomas J. , Schiebout Jessen D. , Swartz Darl R.
Published: October 2006

This study was designed to examine how smooth muscle (SM) cell (SMC) isolation affects the distribution of some adherens junction (AJ) complex-associated proteins. Immunofluorescence procedures for identifying protein distribution were used on gastrointestinal and tracheal SM tissues and freshly isolated SMCs from dogs and rabbits. As confirmed by force measurements, relaxation, Ca2+depletion, and cholinergic activation of SM tissues do not cause significant redistribution of the AJ-associated proteins vinculin, talin, or fibronectin away from the plasma membrane. Unlike SMCs in tissue, freshly isolated SMCs show a variable peripheral/cytoplasmic vinculin and talin distribution that is not altered by activation. Enzymatic treatment of SM tissues (as done for the first step of SMC isolation) results in loss of fibronectin immunoreactivity in SMCs still in the tissue but fails to cause redistribution of vinculin, talin, or caveolin away from the periphery. The loss of fibronectin immunofluorescence with enzymatic digestion correlates significantly with loss of tissue force production. These results confirm that the AJ-associated proteins vinculin and talin do not redistribute throughout SMCs in tissues when relaxed, when generating force, or after enzymatic digestion. In addition, in freshly isolated SMCs, the distribution of these proteins is significantly altered in ∼50% of the SMCs. The cause of this redistribution is currently unknown, as is the impact on intracellular signaling and mechanics of these cells. Use of these two systems (SMCs in tissues vs. freshly isolated SMCs) provides an ideal situation for studying the role of the AJ in SMC signaling and mechanics.
Does estrogen contribute to the hepatic regeneration following portal branch ligation in rats?
Authors: Kawai Toru , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Kawai Satoru , Yokoyama Shinya , Oda Koji , Nagasaka Tetsuro , Nagino Masato , Chaudry Irshad H. , Nimura Yuji
Published: October 2006

The aim of this study was to determine whether estrogen plays any role in the hepatic regeneration of nonligated lobe following portal branch ligation (PBL). Male rats were subjected to PBL on the left and middle lobes. Two and 7 days after PBL, the rats were killed and blood and liver samples were analyzed. Sham animals underwent only laparotomy. The serum estradiol levels were significantly elevated on day 2 following PBL and returned to normal levels on day 7. The expression of estrogen receptors (ER) in the liver evaluated by Western blotting did not show any change in the nonligated lobe compared with shams. Immunohistochemical study for ER showed a predominant ER expression in the hepatocyte nucleus in periportal area ( zone 1), although there was no apparent difference in the amount and expression pattern between sham and PBL. However, chronic inhibition of ER by an ER antagonist (ICI 182,780) showed a significantly lower regeneration rate of the nonligated lobe compared with vehicle treatment. Liver regeneration-associated genes also were less activated in the ICI group. Moreover, portal venous flow, determined by fluorescent microsphere injection, was significantly lower in the ICI group compared with vehicle group. These changes correlated with the attenuated expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase mRNA in both superior mesenteric arteries and veins. In conclusion, these results indicate that the estrogen's contribution on hepatic regeneration following PBL is at least partly mediated through maintaining mesenteric blood flow by mesenteric endothelial nitric oxide synthase upregulation rather than directly activating liver regeneration in the liver.
How does cholecystokinin stimulate exocrine pancreatic secretion? From birds, rodents, to humans
Authors: Wang Bi Jue , Cui Zong Jie
Published: October 2006

The field of cholecystokinin (CCK) stimulation of exocrine pancreatic secretion has experienced major changes in the recent past. This review attempts to summarize the present status of the field. CCK production in the intestinal I cells, the molecular forms of CCK produced and subsequently circulated in the blood, the presence or absence of CCK receptors on the isolated pancreatic acinar cells and the associated signaling for acinar cell secretion, and the actual circuits and sites of action for CCK regulation of exocrine pancreatic secretion in vivo are reviewed in different animal species with an emphasis on birds, rodents, and humans. Clear differences in the relative importance of neural and direct modes of CCK action on pancreatic acinar cells were identified. Rodents seem to be endowed with both modes of action, whereas in humans the neural mode may predominate. In birds, such as duck, the direct mode needs further assistance from pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide/VIP receptors. However, much further work needs to be directed to the neural mode to map out all sites of CCK action and details of the full circuits, and we foresee a major revival for this field of research in the near future.
Differential activation among five human inspiratory motoneuron pools during tidal breathing
Authors: Saboisky Julian P. , Gorman Robert B. , De Troyer André , Gandevia Simon C. , Butler Jane E.
Published: October 2006

Neural drive to inspiratory pump muscles is increased under many pathological conditions. This study determined for the first time how neural drive is distributed to five different human inspiratory pump muscles during tidal breathing. The discharge of single motor units ( n = 280) from five healthy subjects in the diaphragm, scalene, second parasternal intercostal, third dorsal external intercostal, and fifth dorsal external intercostal was recorded with needle electrodes. All units increased their discharge during inspiration, but 41 (15%) discharged tonically throughout expiration. Motor unit populations from each muscle differed in the timing of their activation and in the discharge rates of their motor units. Relative to the onset of inspiratory flow, the earliest recruited muscles were the diaphragm and third dorsal external intercostal (mean onset for the population after 26 and 29% of inspiratory time). The fifth dorsal external intercostal muscle was recruited later (43% of inspiratory time; P < 0.05). Compared with the other inspiratory muscles, units in the diaphragm and third dorsal external intercostal had the highest onset (7.7 and 7.1 Hz, respectively) and peak firing frequencies (12.6 and 11.9 Hz, respectively; both P < 0.05). There was a unimodal distribution of recruitment times of motor units in all muscles. Neural drive to human inspiratory pump muscles differs in timing, strength, and distribution, presumably to achieve efficient ventilation.
Association between Developmental Defects of Enamel and Different Concentrations of Fluoride in the Public Water Supply
Authors: Wong H.M. , McGrath C. , Lo E.C.M. , King N.M.
Published: October 2006

Objectives: To compare the prevalence and severity of developmental defects of enamel (DDE) among subjects whose maxillary incisors developed during periods with different concentrations of fluoride in the public water supply. Methods: Standardized intra-oral photographs of random samples of 12-year-old children were collected in 1983, 1991 and 2001 (n = 1,990) in Hong Kong and assessed for DDE by a trained masked examiner. The fluoride concentrations in the public water supply at the times when the enamel on their maxillary incisors developed were 1.0, 0.7 and 0.5 ppm, respectively. Results:The mouth prevalence of DDE for these children (based on the maxillary incisors) were 92.1, 55.8 and 35.2% in the years 1983, 1991 and 2001, respectively (p < 0.001). Most of these children were affected by diffuse opacities (89.3% in 1983, 48.5% in 1991 and 32.4% in 2001, p < 0.001). Marked differences in the mean number of teeth affected by DDE (p < 0.001) and in the maximum extent of DDE (p ≦ 0.002) between 1983, 1991 and 2001 were also observed. Conclusions: A decrease in the prevalence and severity of DDE among the maxillary incisor teeth of the children corresponded to the reductions in the concentration of fluoride in the water during the time of enamel development.
Red Autofluorescence of Dental Plaque Bacteria
Authors: van der Veen M.H. , Thomas R.Z. , Huysmans M.C.D.N.J.M. , de Soet J.J.
Published: October 2006

Red autofluorescence of plaque and its relation to fluorescence of a single species in the biofilm was studied. Fluorescence images of non-disclosed and disclosed plaque of 28 first-year students were captured. The plaque samples were assessed by culture methods and studied for red autofluorescence. Species capable of producing red autofluorescence were cultivated from subjects with and without red plaque autofluorescence. Red autofluorescence was observed from Actinomyces odontolyticus, Prevotella intermedia and from Porphyromonas gingivalis and Peptostreptococcus micros grown together. The microbial findings indicated that the intrinsic characteristics of the mature biofilm itself are more responsible for the red autofluorescence than the characteristics of the single species.
Proximal 19q Trisomy: A New Syndrome of Morbid Obesity and Mental Retardation
Authors: Zung Amnon , Rienstein Shlomit , Rosensaft Jenny , Aviram-Goldring Ayala , Zadik Zvi
Published: October 2006

Aims: To report on the clinical and metabolic characteristic and the unique chromosomal defect of a mentally retarded and morbidly obese patient. Methods: A 13-year follow-up, including insulin sensitivity, lipid profile and polysomnography studies and various therapeutic interventions are described. The presence of a supernumerary marker in karyotype preparation was further studied by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was used to identify the source of the chromosomal marker. Results: Insulin resistance was found by the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) and the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI). M-FISH identified euchromatin derived from chromosome 19, and CGH confirmed the FISH results and demonstrated that the supernumerary marker derived from 19q12 to 19q13.2. Conclusion: The clinical and metabolic characteristics in association with partial chromosomal trisomy differ our patient from the currently known syndromes of obesity and mental retardation. The metabolic impairments in this case can derive from unbalanced expression of several genes in the 19q12–19q13.2 region, genes that are related to adipose tissue homeostasis and insulin resistance. The clinical and genetic similarities to a previously reported case may suggest that partial 19q trisomy is a new syndrome of obesity and mental retardation.
Parathyroid Gland Dysfunction in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Al-Jenaidi Fayza , Mäkitie Outi , Grunebaum Eyal , Sochett Etienne
Published: October 2006

Background: 22q11 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is characterized by conotruncal cardiac defects and hypoplasia of parathyroid glands and thymus, which result in variable hypoparathyroidism (HPT) and immune deficiency. Methods: To study the course of HPT and the spectrum of other associated manifestations we evaluated all patients with 22q11DS, confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization, and HPT who were under follow-up at the Calcium-bone clinic, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. Patients were clinically assessed and their hospital records were reviewed. Results: Eighteen patients were included. At follow-up assessment at median age of 7.3 years HPT was judged complete in 11 (61%) and partial in 7 patients (39%). Patients with complete HPT presented with hypocalcemia later (median age at diagnosis 2.4 vs. 0.0 years) and more often with a hypocalcemic seizure than patients with partial HPT (73 vs. 29%). The spectrum of other associated manifestations did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: HPT in patients with 22q11DS is often partial. Many of the patients present with a hypocalcemic seizure which is predictive of complete HPT. Patients with complete and partial HPT do not differ in respect to their other associated features. Patients with features of 22q11DS should be actively screened for hypocalcemia to prevent development of symptomatic hypocalcemia.
Assessment of Insulin Resistance in the Idiopathic Hirsutism
Authors: Sarac Fulden , Saygili Fusun , Özgen Gökhan , Tuzun Mehmet , Yılmaz Candeger , Kabalak Taylan
Published: October 2006

Background: Idiopathic hirsutism (IH) is the second most common cause of hirsutism, after polycystic ovary syndrome and occurs in about 15% of hirsute women. There are not many studies showing whether patients with IH also have insulin resistance. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the insulin sensivity in IH with non-obese and changing hormone levels during the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Methods: Twenty (20) non-obese women with IH (Group I) ranging in age from 20 to 30 (mean 25 ± 5) years were studied. Hirsutism in women with normal testosterone (T) levels and regular menstrual cycles is as defined IH. Twenty (20) healthy women (mean age 23 ± 2 years) (Group II) were included in this study as the control group. Insulin sensitivity was assessed with modified euglycemic insulin clamp technique. Samples of prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, cortisol, estradiol, progesterone, 17-OH progesterone (17-OHP), total T, and free T (FT) were obtained at baseline and at 2nd hour during clamp. Results: Steady-state (120 min) glucose disposal rates were higher in Group II than Group I (7.51 ± 0.83 vs. 5.76 ± 1.89 mg/kg/min). Mean FT, ACTH, cortisol, LH, prolactin and 17-OHP levels were found to have decreased statistically significantly (p < 0.05) in Group I. Mean FT, ACTH, and prolactin levels were found to have decreased statistically significantly (p < 0.05) in Group II during the clamp. Mean baseline levels of FT, LH and prolactin were greater in women with hirsutism than in the control subjects (p < 0.05). Insulin mediated glucose disposal was lower in the normal weight women with IH than in those without hirsutism. Conclusions: Mean FT, 17-OHP and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels decreased during euglcemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp in IH.
Silent Coronaropathy: Usefulness of Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Nighoghossian Norbert , Cakmak Serkan , Derex Laurent , Barthelet Martine , Thibault Hélène , Finet Gérard , Ovize Michel , Derumeaux Geneviève , Nemoz Chantal , Chapuis François , Rioufol Gilles
Published: October 2006

Background: Several testing options are available to detect asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD). Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) has been reported to increase the sensitivity and specificity of stress testing to detect CAD. Most studies concerned patients with known or suspected CAD who have a high pretest probability of disease. We aimed to perform a preliminary evaluation of DSE in atherothrombotic stroke. Methods: Patients with transient ischemic attack or nondisabling ischemic stroke attributable to an atherothrombotic source were prospectively recruited. Patients with a history of angina pectoris or electrocardiographic signs of previous myocardial infarction were excluded. DSE was considered positive when regional reduction or deterioration of myocardial thickening developed in 1 segment. Coronary angiography was performed in patients with positive DSE. Results: Sixty-four patients were recruited. Analysis of DSE was possible in 60 patients. Overall the test provided clinically useful information in 60/64 patients studied (>90%). DSE was positive in 9 patients (15%). Coronary angiography was performed in 8 patients, high-grade focal lesions were found in 3 patients, and 5 patients showed diffuse atheroma. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the main factor predictive of a positive DSE was the presence of an aortic arch atheroma (p = 0.003). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that two factors had an independent predictive value of positive DSE: aortic arch atheroma (p = 0.007) and dyslipidemia (p = 0.09). Conclusion: DSE may improve prevention of further vascular events in patients with an atherothrombotic source of ischemic stroke. This screening may be of particular benefit to patients with an aortic arch atheroma.
Immediate Placebo Effect in Parkinson’s Disease – Is the Subjective Relief Accompanied by Objective Improvement?
Authors: Fregni Felipe , Boggio Paulo S. , Bermpohl Felix , Maia Fernanda , Rigonatti Sergio P. , Barbosa Egberto R. , Pascual-Leone Alvaro
Published: October 2006

Background: A recent well-conducted meta-analysis showed that placebo effect is associated with a possible small benefit for subjective outcomes, but has no significant effects on objective outcomes. Objective: Herein, we aimed to investigate the immediate effects of two different types of placebo [placebo pill and sham transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)] in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients and compared them to the standard treatment (levodopa) in a proper randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial. Methods: PD patients received three different interventions on different days: levodopa, placebo pill, and sham TMS. The motor function was assessed using simple and choice reaction time, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), finger tapping, Purdue Pegboard test, time to button up, walking time and supination-pronation. The subjective motor function was measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: The results showed that there was a significant motor function in the motor function only after the treatment with levodopa, but not after treatment with placebo pills or sham TMS. However, patients reported a similar subjective improvement in motor function indexed by VAS following these three treatments. Conclusion: These results suggest that placebo interventions in PD may have an immediate subjective sensation of improvement but result in no significant objective motor changes compared with levodopa treatment. Although physiological changes are possible after a placebo intervention, our findings suggest that the acute placebo effect in PD may be the result of the subjective change in the motor rating only.
M-CSF Accelerates Neointimal Formation in the Early Phase After Vascular Injury in Mice
Authors: Shiba Yuji , Takahashi Masafumi , Yoshioka Toru , Yajima Noriyuki , Morimoto Hajime , Izawa Atsushi , Ise Hirohiko , Hatake Kiyohiko , Motoyoshi Kazuo , Ikeda Uichi
Published: October 2006

Objective—

Since the macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) has been shown to stimulate differentiation and proliferation of monocyte/macrophage lineage and to be involved in the process of neointimal formation after vascular injury, we tested the effects of M-CSF on the recruitment of bone marrow-derived progenitor cells in neointimal formation after vascular injury in mice.

Methods and Results—

Wire-mediated vascular injury was produced in the femoral artery of C57BL/6 mice. Recombinant human M-CSF [500 μg/(kg·day)] or saline (control) was administered for 10 consecutive days, starting 4 days before the injury. Treatment with M-CSF accelerated neointimal formation in the early phase after injury, and this neointimal lesion mainly consisted of bone marrow-derived cells. M-CSF treatment had no effect on the mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs: CD34
+
/Flk-1
+
) and reendothelialization after injury. The stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) was markedly expressed in the neointima and media after injury, whereas CXCR4
+
cells were observed in the neointima. Further, a novel CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3100, significantly attenuated the M-CSF-induced neointimal formation.

Conclusions—

These findings suggest that M-CSF accelerated neointimal formation after vascular injury via the SDF-1–CXCR4 system, and the inhibition of this system has therapeutic potential for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
The N-Terminal Juxtamembranous Domain of KCNQ1 Is Critical for Channel Surface Expression
Authors: Dahimène Shehrazade , Alcoléa Sébastien , Naud Patrice , Jourdon Philippe , Escande Denis , Brasseur Robert , Thomas Annick , Baró Isabelle , Mérot Jean
Published: October 2006

N-terminal mutations in the KCNQ1 channel are frequently linked to fatal arrhythmias in newborn children and adolescents but the cellular mechanisms involved in this dramatic issue remain, however, to be discovered. Here, we analyzed the trafficking of a series of N-terminal truncation mutants and identified a critical trafficking motif of KCNQ1. This determinant is located in the juxtamembranous region preceding the first transmembrane domain of the protein. Three mutations (Y111C, L114P and P117L) implicated in inherited Romano-Ward LQT1 syndrome, are embedded within this domain. Reexpression studies in both COS-7 cells and cardiomyocytes showed that the mutant proteins fail to exit the endoplasmic reticulum. KCNQ1 subunits harboring Y111C or L114P exert a dominant negative effect on the wild-type KCNQ1 subunit by preventing plasma membrane trafficking of heteromultimeric channels. The P117L mutation had a less pronounced effect on the trafficking of heteromultimeric channels but altered the kinetics of the current. Furthermore, we showed that the trafficking determinant in KCNQ1 is structurally and functionally conserved in other KCNQ channels and constitutes a critical trafficking determinant of the KCNQ channel family. Computed structural predictions correlated the potential structural changes introduced by the mutations with impaired protein trafficking. In conclusion, our studies unveiled a new role of the N-terminus of KCNQ channels in their trafficking and its implication in severe forms of LQT1 syndrome.
Relative Contributions of Connexins 40 and 43 to Atrial Impulse Propagation in Synthetic Strands of Neonatal and Fetal Murine Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Beauchamp Philippe , Yamada Kathryn A. , Baertschi Alex J. , Green Karen , Kanter Evelyn M. , Saffitz Jeffrey E. , Kléber André G.
Published: October 2006

Atrial tissue expresses both connexin 40 (Cx40) and 43 (Cx43) proteins. To assess the relative roles of Cx40 and Cx43 in atrial electrical propagation, we synthesized cultured strands of atrial myocytes derived from mice with genetic deficiency in Cx40 or Cx43 expression and measured propagation velocity (PV) by high-resolution optical mapping of voltage-sensitive dye fluorescence. The amount of Cx40 and/or Cx43 in gap junctions was measured by immunohistochemistry and total or sarcolemmal Cx43 or Cx40 protein by immunoblotting. Progressive genetic reduction in Cx43 expression decreased PV from 34±6 cm/sec in Cx43
+/+
to 30±8 cm/sec in Cx43
+/−
and 19±11 cm/sec in Cx43
−/−
cultures. Concomitantly, the cell area occupied by Cx40 immunosignal in gap junctions decreased from 2.0±1.6% in Cx43
+/+
to 1.7±0.5% in Cx43
+/−
and 1.0±0.2% in Cx43
−/−
strands. In contrast, progressive genetic reduction in Cx40 expression increased PV from 30±2 cm/sec in Cx40
+/+
to 40±7 cm/sec in Cx40
+/−
and 45±10 cm/sec in Cx40
−/−
cultures. Concomitantly, the cell area occupied by Cx43 immunosignal in gap junctions increased from 1.2±0.9% in Cx40
+/+
to 2.8±1.4% in Cx40
+/−
and 3.1±0.6% in Cx40
−/−
cultures. In accordance with the immunostaining results, immunoblots of the Triton X-100–insoluble fraction revealed an increase of Cx43 in gap junctions in extracts from Cx40-ablated atria, whereas total cellular Cx43 remained unchanged. Our results suggest that the relative abundance of Cx43 and Cx40 is an important determinant of atrial impulse propagation in neonatal hearts, whereby dominance of Cx40 decreases and dominance of Cx43 increases local propagation velocity.
Familial Cervical Artery Dissections
Authors: Martin Juan Jose , Hausser Ingrid , Lyrer Philippe , Busse Otto , Schwarz Ralf , Schneider Rolf , Brandt Tobias , Kloss Manja , Schwaninger Markus , Engelter Stefan , Grond-Ginsbach Caspar
Published: October 2006

Background and Purpose—

Genetic risk factors are thought to play a role in the etiology of spontaneous cervical artery dissections (CAD). However, familial CAD is extremely rare. In this study we analyzed patients with familial CAD and asked the question whether familial CAD has particular features.

Methods—

Seven families with 15 CAD patients were recruited. All patients were carefully investigated by a neurologist, a neuroradiologist, and a dermatologist for clinical characteristics. From 11 patients a skin biopsy was performed to study the morphology of the connective tissue and to analyze the coding sequences of COL3A1, COL5A1, COL5A2, and part of COL1A1.

Results—

The mean age of the patients (n=15, 9 women) at their first dissection was 36.2 years (median age 32 years, range 18 to 59). Two patients had bilateral CAD. One patient had a right and a left internal carotid artery dissection in successive weeks, another patient had 5 dissections over a period of 8 years. A high intrafamilial correlation was found between the affected vessels (ie, the carotid and the vertebral arteries) and between ages at the first dissection. In 1 patient we found clear and reproducible ultrastructural abnormalities in the skin biopsy, but the second patient from the family was not studied, because he died as a result of CAD before this study. The dermal connective tissue aberrations in the examined patient were similar to mild findings in patients with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS type IV), but might be iatrogenic and related to long-term corticosteroid inhalation therapy. All other analyzed patients showed normal connective tissue morphology. In patients from 6 families we analyzed the whole coding sequence of COL3A1, COL5A1, and COL5A2, and from part of COL1A1. A missense mutation in the COL3A1 gene (leading to a G157S substitution in type III procollagen) was detected in both patients from 1e family. Two patients from another family carried a rare nonsynonymous coding polymorphism in COL5A1 (D192N); 1 of them carried also a rare variant in COL5A2 (T12337).

Conclusions—

Familial CAD patients are young and probably are at high risk for recurrent or multiple CAD. Ultrastructural alterations of the dermal connective tissue might not be an important risk factor for familial CAD. However, the finding of a COL3A1 mutation revealed the presence of an inherited connective tissue disorder in 1 family.
Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Surface Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation to the Shoulder After Acute Stroke
Authors: Church Catherine , Price Christopher , Pandyan Anand D. , Huntley Stuart , Curless Richard , Rodgers Helen
Published: October 2006

Background and Purpose—Surface neuromuscular electrical stimulation (sNMES) after stroke aims to improve upper limb function and reduce shoulder pain, but current evidence of effectiveness is inconclusive. We have undertaken a randomized controlled trial to evaluate sNMES to the shoulder after acute stroke.

Methods—One hundred seventy-six patients, within 10 days of stroke onset, were randomized to receive sNMES or placebo in addition to stroke unit care. The primary outcome measure was upper limb function measured by the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) 3 months after stroke. Secondary outcome measures included other measures of upper limb function, upper limb impairment, pain, disability, and global health status. Outcome assessments were blinded.

Results—There was no difference in arm function between groups in terms of the primary outcome measure. The median ARAT at 3 months was 50 in the intervention group and 55.5 in the control group (P=0.068). Significant differences were seen at 3 months in favor of the control group for other measures of arm function and impairment: grasp and gross movement subsections of the ARAT, Frenchay Arm Test, and the arm subsection of the Motricity Index. Secondary analysis suggested that these differences were most marked in subjects with severe initial upper limb weakness.

Conclusions—A 4-week program of sNMES to the shoulder after acute stroke does not improve functional outcome and may worsen arm function in severely impaired stroke patients. “Routine” use of sNMES to the proximal affected upper limb after acute stroke cannot be recommended.
17β-Estradiol Inhibits Subarachnoid Hemorrhage–Induced Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Expression by Interfering With the Nuclear Factor κB Transactivation
Authors: Shih Huei-Chuan , Lin Chih-Lung , Lee Tzu-Ying , Lee Wen-Sen , Hsu Chin
Published: October 2006

Background and Purpose—

Previously, we showed that 17β-estradiol (E
2
) treatment prevented the subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)-induced cerebral vasospasm in male rats. The aim of this study was designed to further delineate the molecular mechanisms underlying E
2
-induced inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) upregulation and relief of vasospasm caused by SAH.

Methods—

The 2-hemorrhage SAH model was induced by 2 autologous injections of blood into the cisterna magna of adult male rats. The rats were then subcutaneously implanted of a Silastic tube containing corn oil with or without 17β-estradiol benzoate and received daily intraperitoneal injections of various doses of ICI 182,780, a nonselective estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist, for 7 days after the first hemorrhage. Basilar arteries were then removed for protein extraction, RNA isolation, and gel mobility assay. The protein levels of iNOS, p65, and ER were examined by Western blot analysis, and that iNOS mRNA expression was evaluated by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results—

E
2
prevented the SAH-induced vasospasm and increases of the levels of iNOS protein and mRNA in basilar artery through an ER-dependent mechanism. Treatment of the SAH rat with E
2
did not affect the nuclear translocation of p65 subunit of nuclear factor κB, but caused an increase of the association of p65/ER, and reversed the SAH-induced increase of the p65 binding on iNOS promoter.

Conclusions—

E
2
inhibits the SAH-induced increase of iNOS by increasing the association of p65/ER, which in turn inhibits the binding of p65 to iNOS DNA. Our data suggest the potential applications of E
2
in the treatment of SAH patient.
Urban CEO Superintendents’ Alternative Strategies in Reducing School Dropouts
Authors: Hoyle John R. , Collier Virginia
Published: October 2006

The focus is on strategies used by 10 urban districts to reduce school dropouts. Thirty-eight strategies for dropout prevention were identified. Although the majority identified dropout prevention strategies, only two districts referred to “recovery programs.” If district spokespersons mentioned their CEOs using a systems approach in reducing dropouts, the program plans were more specific and recovery programs more active. A surprise was the silence about instructional initiatives for early grade intervention and dropout prevention. The most common prevention strategy was punitive measures involving the criminal justice system, that is, police departments, district attorneys. Thus, it is not surprising that the dropout rate in several of these cities remains unabated during the past 5 years.
Marriage, Social Integration, and Loneliness in the Second Half of Life
Authors: Stevens Nan , Westerhof Gerben J.
Published: October 2006

Although marriage is usually considered to be socially integrative, some studies indicate that it can be privatizing, enclosing couples in isolated dyads. This study compared the availability of support, companionship, and negative relational experiences in various types of relationships for married men and women aged 40 to 85 years in the Netherlands and Germany. The Dutch demonstrated a more varied pattern of relationships beyond the nuclear family than the Germans but also reported worrying about a greater variety of people. In both countries, men relied more strongly on their partners, whereas women had more varied networks and experienced more worries. A continuum of social involvement can be drawn with German men, for whom marriage is privatizing, at one end and Dutch women, for whom marriage is highly socially integrating, at the other. Loneliness was related to the provisions of social relations, but no national and gender differences in predictors of loneliness were found.
Productive Activity in Later Life
Authors: Fast Janet E. , Dosman Donna , Moran Lori
Published: October 2006

The authors examined time spent on paid and unpaid work across the life course and historically to reflect on connections between activity patterns and macroeconomic events. The authors conducted quasi-cohort analysis on time-use data over 30 years to examine trends in paid and unpaid work. Women aged 40 years and older spent more time on paid work and less time on unpaid work between 1971 and 1998. Men’s paid work time decreased between 1971 and 1981 and between 1992 and 1998 but increased between 1981 and 1992, paralleling economic cycles. Paid work declined in later life, both in cross-sections and within birth cohorts, for men and women, and it declined more rapidly with each successive survey year. Unpaid work peaked around the usual retirement age for men and women in all birth cohorts. Retired seniors remained engaged in productive activities into later life, making a partial substitution of one form of productive engagement for another.
Physical Activity Counseling for Older Women
Authors: Costanzo Cindy , Walker Susan Noble , Yates Bernice C. , McCabe Barbara , Berg Kris
Published: October 2006

Physical inactivity is a major factor in increasing women’s risk for chronic disease, disability, and premature mortality. This study compared the effectiveness of five behavioral counseling (BC) sessions with a comparison group receiving one BC session based on the five A’s (ask, advise, assist, arrange, and agree) to increase moderate-intensity physical activity, muscle strengthening, and stretching activity. The health promotion model provided the framework for the intervention. A pretest/posttest comparison group design was used, with random assignment of 46 women recruited from an urban midwestern community. A significant group interaction was found only for cardiorespiratory fitness ( p < .001). Significant time effects were found ( p < .001) for both groups in increasing handgrip, leg strength, and flexibility. BC is a promising intervention to achieve physical activity behavior change with older women.
Client-Centered Home Care
Authors: Schoot Tineke , Proot Ireen , Legius Marja , ter Meulen Ruud , de Witte Luc
Published: October 2006

This study explores and describes the perceptions of nurses with respect to everyday client-centered care. A grounded theory study was conducted with 10 Dutch nurses and auxiliary nurses giving home care to chronically ill clients. Participatory observations and semistructured interviews were held. Nurses perceived roles and responsibilities competing with the role as a responsive professional to the client demand: a critical professional, developer of client competencies, individual, and employee. Strategies in balancing between competing responsibilities were distinguished: pleasing, dialoguing, directing, and detaching. Directing (related to impaired client competencies) and detaching (related to organizational barriers) were also used as second choice strategies. Effectively balancing between competing responsibilities was seen in dialoguing and directing as second choice. Conditions identified related to these strategies are awareness of, and responsibility taking for competing responsibilities. Recommendations for practice concern a care relationship and a dialogue with the client, critical ethical reflection, professional autonomy, self-assertiveness and organizational support.
Hours During and After Coronary Intervention and Angiography
Authors: Lundén Maud H. , Bengtson Ann , Lundgren Solveig M.
Published: October 2006

The purpose of this study was to describe patients’ experience during and after coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention. Data were collected by interviews with 14 patients. A qualitative content analysis approach was used. Four main categories were identified that describe patients’ experience of the hours during and following intervention: emotional thoughts, bodily sensations, nursing intervention of importance, and personal strategies. All patients made a comment on staff conduct and pointed out that even minor nursing actions may be of great importance. Patients were most positive toward the transradial approach. Even though the approach via arteria radialis will increase, many patients will still have their procedure done via arteria femoralis. In spite of all research and technical developments, the patients’ experience from intervention via arteria femoralis is pretty much the same as it was 1997.
ADAMTS13 and von Willebrand factor and the risk of myocardial infarction in men
Authors: Chion Chan K. N. K. , Doggen Carine J. M. , Crawley James T. B. , Lane David A. , Rosendaal Frits R.
Published: October 2006

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) mediates the tethering/adhesion of platelets at sites of vascular injury. This function depends on its multimeric size, which is controlled by ADAMTS13. We measured plasma ADAMTS13 and VWF antigen levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in a large population-based case-control study (Study of Myocardial Infarctions Leiden [SMILE]), consisting of 560 men with a first myocardial infarction (MI) and 646 control subjects. Although ABO blood groups influenced VWF levels, they had no influence on ADAMTS13. Furthermore, there was no relationship between plasma ADAMTS13 and VWF levels. Similar to VWF, the estimated risk of MI was increased for every quartile of ADAMTS13 when compared to the lowest quartile (odds ratio, 1.5-1.6). If confirmed, the association of ADAMTS13 with MI may suggest an unexpected mechanistic action of ADAMTS13.
Microarray expression analysis of meiosis and microsporogenesis in hexaploid bread wheat
Authors: Crismani Wayne , Baumann Ute , Sutton Tim , Shirley Neil , Webster Tracie , Spangenberg German , Langridge Peter , Able Jason A
Published: October 2006

Background

Our understanding of the mechanisms that govern the cellular process of meiosis is limited in higher plants with polyploid genomes. Bread wheat is an allohexaploid that behaves as a diploid during meiosis. Chromosome pairing is restricted to homologous chromosomes despite the presence of homoeologues in the nucleus. The importance of wheat as a crop and the extensive use of wild wheat relatives in breeding programs has prompted many years of cytogenetic and genetic research to develop an understanding of the control of chromosome pairing and recombination. The rapid advance of biochemical and molecular information on meiosis in model organisms such as yeast provides new opportunities to investigate the molecular basis of chromosome pairing control in wheat. However, building the link between the model and wheat requires points of data contact.

Results

We report here a large-scale transcriptomics study using the Affymetrix wheat GeneChip®aimed at providing this link between wheat and model systems and at identifying early meiotic genes. Analysis of the microarray data identified 1,350 transcripts temporally-regulated during the early stages of meiosis. Expression profiles with annotated transcript functions including chromatin condensation, synaptonemal complex formation, recombination and fertility were identified. From the 1,350 transcripts, 30 displayed at least an eight-fold expression change between and including pre-meiosis and telophase II, with more than 50% of these having no similarities to known sequences in NCBI and TIGR databases.

Conclusion

This resource is now available to support research into the molecular basis of pairing and recombination control in the complex polyploid, wheat.
A systematic review of the psychometric properties of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire
Authors: Leite Jose C de Carvalho , Jerosch-Herold Christina , Song Fujian
Published: October 2006

Background

The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) is a disease-specific measure of self-reported symptom severity and functional status. It is frequently used in the reporting of outcomes from trials into interventions for carpal tunnel syndrome. We conducted a systematic review of published studies on the psychometric properties of the BCTQ to determine the level of evidence on the instrument's validity, reliability and responsiveness to date.

Methods

A search of the databases Medline, CINAHL, AMED and PsychInfo was conducted to retrieve studies which investigated one or more of the psychometric properties of the BCTQ. Data abstraction was undertaken by the first two authors.

Results

Ten studies were retrieved which met the inclusion criteria. One study evaluated face and content validity (43 patients) eight studies assessed construct validity (932 patients), four studies tested reliability (126 patients) and nine studies assessed responsiveness (986 patients). Interpretability was evaluated in one study and acceptability in eight studies (978 patients).

Conclusion

The BCTQ is a standardised, patient-based outcome measure of symptom severity and functional status in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The evidence base of the psychometric properties indicates that the BCTQ is a valid, reliable, responsive and acceptable instrument and should be included as a primary outcome measures in future CTS trials.
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma of thyroid as a masquerader of anaplastic carcinoma of thyroid, diagnosed by FNA : A case report
Authors: Daneshbod Yahya , Omidvari Shapour , Daneshbod Khosrow , Negahban Shahrzad , Dehghani Mehdi
Published: October 2006

Background:

Both thyroid lymphoma and anaplastic carcinoma of thyroid present with rapidly growing mass in eldery patients. Anaplastic carcinoma has high mortality rate and combination of surgery, radiation therapy and multidrug chemotherapy are the best chance for cure. Prognosis of thyroid lymphoma is excellent and chemotherapy for widespred lymphoms and radiotherapy with or without adjuvant chemotherapy for tumors localized to the gland, are the treatment of choice.

Case report:

This article reports a 70 year old man presenting with diffuse neck swelling and hoarseness of few weeks duration. Fine needle aspiration was done and reported as anaplastic carcinoma of thyroid which thyroidectomy was planned. The slides were sent for second opinion. After review, with initial diagnosis of anaplastic carcinoma versus lymphoma, immunocytochemical study was performed. Smears were positive for B cell markers and negative for cytokeratin, so with the impression of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, the patient received two courses of chemotherapy by which the tumor disappeared during two weaks.

Conclusion:

Despite previous reports, stating easy diagnosis of high-grade thyroid lymphoma on the grounds of cytomorphological features we like to emphasize, overlapping cytologic features of the curable high grade thyroid lymphoma form noncurable anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and usefulness of immunocytochemistry to differentiate these two disease.