bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An investigation on the effect of photoperiod and temperature on vertebral band deposition in little skate Leucoraja erinacea
Authors: Sagarese S. R. , Frisk M. G.
Published: September 2010

An investigation was undertaken to determine whether photoperiod or temperature have an effect on the timing of vertebral opaque–transluscent band‐pair deposition in captive young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) little skate Leucoraja erinacea. The experimental design consisted of a randomized complete block split plot design with two factors: temperature and light. Temperature was nested within light and therefore four variables were tested: 1) constant light, 2) constant temperature, 3) seasonal light and 4) seasonal temperature. For 18 months, L. erinacea experienced accelerated seasonal conditions of temperature and light to mimic 3 years of growth. This study provides primary and supporting evidence that seasonal photoperiod and temperature, respectively, have no effect on timing of vertebral band‐pair deposition in captive L. erinacea. Vertebral analysis of surviving L. erinacea (n = 6, time = 18 months) showed that all produced 1–1·5 band pairs, while centrum edge analysis (n = 56) showed timing of winter and summer band deposition were similar regardless of treatment. The winter band (translucent) appeared in February 2007 and January 2008 while the summer band (opaque) showed up in July for both 2007 and 2008 and mimicked patterns observed in the wild. While temperature and photoperiod appear to have no effect on timing of band‐pair deposition in YOY L. erinacea, other mechanisms which may influence band deposition should be investigated including the effect of food ration and the presence of a circa‐annual rhythm and hormone secretion.
Do Insider Trading Laws Work?
Authors: Bris Arturo
Published: September 2010

This paper presents the first comprehensive global study of insider trading laws and their first enforcement. In a sample of 4,541 acquisitions from 52 countries, I find that insider trading enforcement increases both the incidence, and the profitability of insider trading. The expected total insider trading gains increase. Consequently, laws that proscribe insider trading fail to eliminate insider profits. However, harsher laws work better at reducing the incidence of illegal insider trading.
European Momentum Strategies, Information Diffusion, and Investor Conservatism
Authors: Doukas John A. , McKnight Phillip J.
Published: September 2010

In this paper we conduct an out‐of‐sample test of two behavioural theories that have been proposed to explain momentum in stock returns. We test the gradual‐information‐diffusion model of Hong and Stein (1999) and the investor conservatism bias model of Barberis et al. (1998) in a sample of 13 European stock markets during the period 1988 to 2001. These two models predict that momentum comes from the (i) gradual dissemination of firm‐specific information and (ii) investors’ failure to update their beliefs sufficiently when they observe new public information. The findings of this study are consistent with the predictions of the behavioural models of Hong and Stein's (1999) and Barberis et al. (1998). The evidence shows that momentum is the result of the gradual diffusion of private information and investors’ psychological conservatism reflected on the systematic errors they make in forming earnings expectations by not updating them adequately relative to their prior beliefs and by undervaluing the statistical weight of new information.
The Performance of UK International Unit Trusts
Authors: Fletcher Jonathan , Marshall Andrew
Published: September 2010

We evaluate the performance of UK unit trusts with international equity objectives between January 1985 and December 2000 relative to domestic benchmark strategies. We use performance measures based on Jensen (1968), Ferson and Schadt (1996), and the Chen and Knez (1996) law of one price (LOP). We find more favourable trust performance using the Jensen and Ferson and Schadt measures relative to the LOP measure. There is evidence of inferior performance by some international trusts using the unconditional LOP measure. The charges and investment sector of the trust also has an impact on the performance of the trusts using the LOP measure.
Withdrawal symptoms in abstinent methamphetamine‐dependent subjects
Authors: Zorick Todd , Nestor Liam , Miotto Karen , Sugar Catherine , Hellemann Gerhard , Scanlon Graham , Rawson Richard , London Edythe D.
Published: September 2010

Aims  Withdrawal symptoms have been linked to a propensity for relapse to drug abuse. Inasmuch as this association applies to methamphetamine (MA) abuse, an understanding of the course of MA withdrawal symptoms may help to direct treatment for MA dependence. Previous studies of symptoms manifested during abstinence from MA have been limited in size and scope. We asked (i) whether debilitating psychological and/or physical symptoms appear during the first several weeks of MA abstinence, (ii) how craving for MA evolves and (iii) whether psychiatric symptoms (e.g. depression, psychosis) persist beyond a month of abstinence.

Design  A study of MA‐dependent participants, who initiated and maintained abstinence from the drug for up to 5 weeks, compared to a matched healthy comparison group.

Setting  In‐patient research hospital ward (MA‐dependent subjects) and out‐patient (comparison subjects).

Participants  Fifty‐six MA‐dependent and eighty‐nine comparison subjects.

Measurements  Rater‐assessed MA withdrawal questionnaire and self‐report assessment of craving (MA‐dependent subjects) and self‐report assessment of psychiatric symptoms (both groups).

Findings  At study entry, MA‐dependent subjects exhibited a wide range in severity of depressive symptoms, with the average score at a mild–moderate level of severity. Symptoms of psychosis were also prevalent. While depressive and psychotic symptoms largely resolved within a week of abstinence, craving did not decrease significantly from the time of initiating abstinence until the second week, and then continued at a reduced level to the fifth week.

Conclusions  Depressive and psychotic symptoms accompany acute withdrawal from methamphetamine but resolve within 1 week. Craving is also present and lasts at least 5 weeks.
Change talk sequence during brief motivational intervention, towards or away from drinking
Authors: Bertholet Nicolas , Faouzi Mohamed , Gmel Gerhard , Gaume Jacques , Daeppen Jean‐Bernard
Published: September 2010

Aim  To investigate whether different sequences of ‘change talk’ utterances within a brief motivational intervention (BMI) are associated with drinking outcomes.

Design  Speech content analysis of recorded BMI.

Setting  BMI delivered in an emergency department for at‐risk drinking.

Participants  Ninety‐seven subjects who received a BMI.

Measurements  Ninety‐seven BMI were coded in duplicate by two psychologists with the Motivational Interviewing Skill Code (MISC), a Hidden Markov Model was used to identify three different patient states reflecting attitudes regarding changing their drinking behaviour within a BMI: towards change, away from change and non‐determined. Adjusted regression models were used to predict drinking at 12 months' follow‐up using patient attitudes regarding changing drinking at the beginning, during the intervention and at the end.

Findings  The dynamic process at place within a BMI was marked mainly by stability: at each point during the intervention, staying in the same attitude was far more likely than transitioning from one attitude to another. When subjects did change from one attitude to another, they were more likely to move from an ‘away from change’ to a ‘towards change’ state. At 12 months, subjects with an attitude towards change at the end of the BMI drank significantly less (13.1 drinks per week) than subjects with an attitude away from change, independent of their attitude at the beginning of the intervention.

Conclusions  Transition in ‘change talk’ between ‘away from change’ and ‘towards change’ appears to be rare in brief motivational intervention for excessive alcohol consumption. Moreover, change talk ‘towards change’ at the end of the intervention is associated with improved outcomes at follow‐up, independently of the type of change talk at the beginning of the intervention, suggesting that it is important to end a BMI session with a positive attitude towards change by the client.
A multi‐level analysis of non‐significant counseling effects in a randomized smoking cessation trial
Authors: McCarthy Danielle E. , Piasecki Thomas M. , Jorenby Douglas E. , Lawrence Daniel L. , Shiffman Saul , Baker Timothy B.
Published: September 2010

Aims  To determine, in the context of a trial in which counseling did not improve smoking cessation outcomes, whether this was due to a failure of the conceptual theory identifying treatment targets or the action theory specifying interventions.

Design  Data from a randomized clinical trial of smoking cessation counseling and bupropion SR were submitted to multi‐level modeling to test whether counseling influenced real‐time reports of cognitions, emotions and behaviors, and whether these targets predicted abstinence.

Setting  Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention, Madison, WI.

Participants  A total of 403 adult, daily smokers without contraindications to bupropion SR use. Participants were assigned randomly to receive individual counseling or no counseling and a 9‐week course of bupropion SR or placebo pill. Cessation counseling was delivered in eight 10‐minute sessions focused on bolstering social support, motivation, problem‐solving and coping skills.

Measurements  Pre‐ and post‐quit ecological momentary assessments of smoking behavior, smoking triggers, active prevention and coping strategies, motivation to quit, difficulty quitting and reactions to initial lapses.

Findings  Counseling prompted avoidance of access to cigarettes, improved quitting self‐efficacy, reduced perceived difficulty of quitting over time and protected against guilt and demoralization following lapses. Results also supported the importance of limiting cigarette access, receiving social support, strong motivation and confidence and easing withdrawal distress during cessation efforts. Quitting self‐efficacy and perceived difficulty quitting may partially mediate counseling effects on abstinence.

Conclusions  Smoking cessation counseling may work by supporting confidence about quitting and reducing perceived difficulty quitting. Counseling did not affect other targets that protect against relapse.
The Global Diversion of Pharmaceutical Drugs Non‐medical use and diversion of psychotropic prescription drugs in North America: a review of sourcing routes and control measures
Authors: Fischer Benedikt , Bibby Meagan , Bouchard Martin
Published: September 2010

Aims  North America features some of the world's highest consumption levels for controlled psychoactive prescription drugs (PPDs; e.g. prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants), with non‐medical use and related harms (e.g. morbidity, mortality) rising in key populations in recent years. While the determinants, characteristics and impacts of these ‘use’ problems are increasingly well documented, little is known about the ‘supply’ side of non‐medical PPD use, much of which is facilitated by ‘diversion’ as a key sourcing route. This paper provides a select review of the phenomenon of PPD diversion in North America, also considering interventions and policy implications.

Methods  A conceptual and empirical review of select‐peer‐ and non‐peer‐reviewed research literature from 1991 to 2010 focusing upon PPD diversion in North America was conducted.

Results  The phenomenon of PPD diversion is heterogeneous. Especially among general populations, a large proportion of PPDs for non‐medical use are obtained from friends or family members. Other PPD diversion routes involve ‘double doctoring’ or ‘prescription shopping’; street drug markets; drug thefts, prescription forgeries or fraud; as well as PPD purchases from the internet.

Conclusions  The distinct nature and heterogeneity make PPD diversion a complex and difficult target for interventions. Prescription monitoring programs (PMPs) appear to reduce overall PPD use, yet their impact on reducing diversion or non‐medical use is not clear. Law enforcement is unlikely to reach PPD diversion effectively. Effective reduction will probably require reductions in overall PPD consumption volumes, although such will need to be accomplished without compromising standards of good medical (e.g. pain) care.
Why target early adolescents and parents in alcohol prevention? The mediating effects of self‐control, rules and attitudes about alcohol use
Authors: Koning Ina M. , van den Eijnden Regina J. J. M. , Engels Rutger C. M. E. , Verdurmen Jacqueline E. E. , Vollebergh Wilma A. M.
Published: September 2010

Aims  To examine the effects of a parent and student intervention offered separately and simultaneously (PAS) on onset of weekly drinking via its putative mediators.

Design  A randomized trial with four conditions; (1) parent intervention, (2) student intervention, (3) combined parent–student intervention and (4) control group.

Setting  High schools selected randomly, located in different areas.

Participants  A total of 2937 early adolescents (mean age = 12.6, standard deviation = 0.49) and their parents.

Measurements  Mediation effects were analysed using pretest data and two follow‐up measurements (10 and 22 months after baseline). A path model was estimated (Mplus) to examine the effect of the interventions on adolescent‐reported mediators (self‐control, perceived parental rules and attitudes about alcohol) and parent‐reported mediators (parental rules and attitudes about alcohol). Outcome was onset of weekly drinking.

Findings  The parent intervention modified rules and attitudes about alcohol as reported by parents. An indirect effect of the parent intervention via parental rules was found. The combined intervention affected both adolescent‐reported and parent‐reported rules and attitudes about alcohol and adolescents' perceived self‐control, yet only perceived rules and self‐efficacy, as reported by adolescents, and parental attitudes mediated the association between the combined intervention and onset of weekly drinking. No significant effects were found of the separate student intervention on the mediating factors.

Conclusions  The PAS programme proved to be effective as predicted by the theoretical assumptions underlying the interventions. Interventions with parents and adolescents to prevent adolescent alcohol consumption may usefully target parental rules about alcohol and adolescents' self‐confidence.
The calpain inhibitor calpeptin prevents bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice
Authors: Tabata C , Tabata R , Nakano T
Published: September 2010

Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by progressive worsening of pulmonary function leading to a high incidence of death. Currently, however, there has been little progress in therapeutic strategies for pulmonary fibrosis. There have been several reports on cytokines being associated with lung fibrosis, including interleukin (IL)-6 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. We reported recently that two substances (ATRA and thalidomide) have preventive effects on pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting IL-6-dependent proliferation and TGF-β1-dependent transdifferentiation of lung fibroblasts. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder, and its pathogenesis is also characterized by an association with several cytokines. It has been reported that calpain, a calcium-dependent intracellular cysteine protease, plays an important role in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, we examined the preventive effect of Calpeptin, a calpain inhibitor, on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. We performed histological examinations and quantitative measurements of IL-6, TGF-β1, collagen type Iα1 and angiopoietin-1 in bleomycin-treated mouse lung tissues with or without the administration of Calpeptin. Calpeptin histologically ameliorated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Calpeptin decreased the expression of IL-6, TGF-β1, angiopoietin-1 and collagen type Iα1 mRNA in mouse lung tissues. In vitro studies disclosed that Calpeptin reduced (i) production of IL-6, TGF-β1, angiopoietin-1 and collagen synthesis from lung fibroblasts; and (ii) both IL-6-dependent proliferation and angiopoietin-1-dependent migration of the cells, which could be the mechanism underlying the preventive effect of Calpeptin on pulmonary fibrosis. These data suggest the clinical use of Calpeptin for the prevention of pulmonary fibrosis.
A shift towards a T cell cytokine deficiency along with an anti-inflammatory/regulatory microenvironment may enable the synthesis of anti-FVIII inhibitors in haemophilia A patients
Authors: Chaves D G , Velloso-Rodrigues C , Oliveira C A , Teixeira-Carvalho A , Santoro M M , Martins-Filho O A
Published: September 2010

Despite the clinical relevance of anti-factor VIII (FVIII) antibodies (anti-FVIII inhibitors) impairing haemostatic activity of haemophilia A (HA) patients, the immunological mechanisms underlying their production are unknown. Aiming to understand more clearly the immune response in patients with [HAα-FVIII(+)] and without [HAα-FVIII(−)] anti-FVIII inhibitors, we have characterized the cytokine pattern of peripheral blood leucocytes, using an in vitro stimulation of whole blood samples with plasma-derived (pFVIII) or recombinant FVIII (rFVIII). The results highlighted decreased levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α+ neutrophils with higher interleukin (IL)-5/TNF-α ratio in HAα-FVIII(+). All HA samples displayed decreased levels of IL-10+ monocytes when compared to the blood donor (BD) samples. HAα-FVIII(+) showed lower levels of TNF-α+ monocytes and increased IL-10/TNF-α ratio. Analysis of adaptive immunity revealed increased levels of interferon (IFN)-γ+, TNF-α+ and IL-4+ T-cells, from both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, in HAα-FVIII(−) when compared to BD. Moreover, increased frequency of IL-10+ B cells and higher levels of α-FVIII IgG1 were observed in HAα-FVIII(−). Basal levels of cytokine+ B-cells, similar to BD, and higher levels of α-FVIII IgG4 are major features in HAα-FVIII(+). The global cytokine profile demonstrated a major anti-inflammatory/regulatory pattern in HAα-FVIII(+), confirmed by the in vitro stimuli with pFVIII or rFVIII. The polarized anti-inflammatory/regulatory immune response in HAα-FVIII(+) and the mixed pattern with a bias towards an inflammatory cytokine profile, modulated by IL-4 in HAα-FVIII(−), may be the key element to drive the development of distinct subclasses of anti-FVIII antibodies. These finding have implications for the design of safe and effective therapeutic protocols to control inhibitors synthesis in HA patients.
Investigation of nuclear factor-κB inhibitors and interleukin-10 as regulators of inflammatory signalling in human adipocytes
Authors: Turner J J O , Foxwell K M , Kanji R , Brenner C , Wood S , Foxwell B M J , Feldmann M
Published: September 2010

The poor prognosis of obesity is now known to involve a proinflammatory state associated with elevated circulating levels of cytokines and with macrophage infiltration of adipose tissue. In particular, Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4-driven adipose inflammation has been implicated recently in obesity and the development of diabetes. Adipocytes are now recognized as an important source of cytokine and chemokine production, including interleukin (IL)-6 and monocyte chemotractant protein (MCP)-1, and this appears to be a key step in the development of the obesity-associated inflammatory state. Interventions targeted at adipocyte inflammation may therefore form novel therapies to treat or prevent medical complications of obesity. We set out to explore whether anti-inflammatory interventions which are effective in conventional immune cells would operate on primary human cultures of in-vitro differentiated adipocytes. IL-10 was ineffective against TLR-4-induced cytokine secretion due to lack of IL-10 receptor on human adipocytes, in contrast to the widely used murine 3T3-L1 adipocyte model, which is known to respond to IL-10. Adenoviral delivery of an IL-10 receptor construct to the cells restored IL-10 responsiveness as assessed by signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) phosphorylation. However, the small molecule nuclear factor (NF)-κB inhibitors 2-[(aminocarbonyl)amino]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-thiophenecarboxamide (TPCA)-1 and carbobenzoxyl-Ile-Glu(O-t-butyl)-Ala-leucinal (PSI) as well as adenovirally delivered dominant negative inhibitor of IkappaB kinase 2 (IKK2) and wild-type IκBα were effective inhibitors of TLR-4-driven IL-6 and MCP-1 induction. These data identify a central role for canonical NF-κB signalling in adipocyte cytokine induction and indicate that small molecule inhibitors of NF-κB may form the basis of future treatments for obesity-related conditions where adipocyte inflammatory signalling is implicated.
Reversal of the EHDP Inhibition of Calcium Absorption by 1,25‐Dihydroxycholecalciferol
Authors: Bonjour J.‐P. , DeLuca H. F. , Fleisch H. , Trechsel U. , Matejowec L. A. , Omdahl J. L.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Disodium ethane‐ 1 ‐hydroxy ‐ 1,1 ‐diphosphonate (EHDP), given a t a dose of 10 mg of P kg‐1 day‐1 S.C. for 7 days to rats on a high calcium‐high vitamin D diet, inhibits bone mineralisation, induces hypercalcaemia and decreases the intestinal calcium absorption. The intestinal response could be explained by an interference with vitamin D metabolism. To test this hypothesis, cholecalciferol (D,), 25‐hydroxy‐cholecnlciferol (25‐OHD3) and 1,25‐dihydrorycholecalciferol [1,25‐(OH)2D3] were administered to EHDP‐treated rats. A single injection of 325 pmoles of 1,25‐(OH)2D3 completely reversed the EHDP‐induced decrease in intestinal calcium absorption. No effect was observed when the same dose or a tenfold greater dose (3250 pmoles) of D2 or 25‐OHD3 were administered or when these two compounds were given a t the dose of 6350 pmoles/day during the 7 days of EHDP treatment. These findings strongly suggest that the low calcium absorption rate observed in the EHDP‐treated rats is due to a reduced conversion of 25‐OHD3 to 1,25‐(OH)2D3. The role of the EHDP‐induced hypercalcaemia to account for this response remains to be established.
The Role of Fatty Acid and of Hormones in the Determination of Myocardial Carbohydrate Metabolism in Healthy Fasting Men
Authors: Wahlqvist M. L. , Kaijser L. , Lassers B. W. , Löw H. , Carlson L. A.
Published: September 2010

Abstract.In earlier studies myocardial extraction (MEx) of lipid and carbohydrate substrates was measured in 25 healthy, fasting men under different conditions (rest, exercise, sodium nicotinate infusion). It was found that, at rest, MEx of glucose, lactate, pyruvate and FFA were positively correlated to their respective arterial concentrations. During exercisesuch correlations were found for lactate, pyruvate and FFA. Furthermore MEx, at rest and at exercise, of glucose, lactate and pyruvate were negatively correlated to arterial FFA levels or to MEx of FFA. In the present investigation the role of various hormones in regulating MEx of carbohydrate substrates was analysed by determination of arterial concentrations of hormones in the earlier studies. MEx of glucose was not significantly correlated to arterial concentrations of either insulin, growth hormone or glucocorticoid. MEx of the other two carbohydrate substrates showed weak correlations to growth hormone levels. Furthermore, since the interrelationships which existin vivobetween MEx of a substrate and (1) arterial concentration of the substrate, (2) hormones and (3) extraction of other substrates are complex, simple correlation analysis between these variables may be inadequate. For this reason the relationship of MEx of carbohydrate substrates to the above mentioned factors was examined by multiple regression analysis in order to discover to which factors the extraction was significantly and independently related. This analysis showed that MEx of glucose at rest was negatively related to MEx of FFA and to concentration of glucocorticoid, but positively to insulin levels and not related to arterial glucose concentration. The multiple regression equations suggested that MEx of FFA might affect MEx of carbohydrate substrates in part through inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase. Multiple regression analysis has thus permitted the demonstration of the relevance of certain control mechanisms postulated from studies with the isolated perfused heart to the situationin vivowhere complex interrelationships often invalidate simple correlations. For example, the dependence of MEx of glucose on FFA extraction, insulin and glucocorticoid is quite consistent with the effects of these factors, one by one, observed tnvitro.The multiple regression equation also gave quantitative estimates. Thus for a 10 per cent increase in either FFA extraction, insulin or glucocorticoid concentrations the equation indicated that such a change in one of the independent variables would alter MEx of glucose by –17%, +24% or –13% respectively.
Pressor and vascular effects of cardiac glycosides
Authors: Kirch W.
Published: September 2010

Background:

For the past two decades, it has generally been accepted ('Blaustein hypothesis') that cardiac glycosides such as ouabain and digoxin increase the sodium and calcium content of smooth muscle cells, so inducing arterial vasoconstriction and a rise in blood pressure. Recent data from an experimental study we carried out led us to question this assumption.

Design:

A retrospective literature survey covering 20 years and including animal and human studies was performed. Representative results are presented.

Results:

Contradictory effects of cardiac glycosides on blood pressure and vasculature have been described. Increased, decreased or unaltered blood‐pressure values have been observed following administration of the glycosides ouabain, digoxin and digitoxin. Moreover, vasoconstricting as well as vasodilating effects of cardiac glycosides have been demonstrated. Several recent studies show that cardiac glycosides such as digoxin and digitoxin can lead to a reduction of at least diastolic blood pressure.

Conclusion:

A slight vasodilation of resistance vessels followed by a fall in diastolic blood pressure could be a contributing factor for the beneficial effects of cardiac glycosides in patients with congestive heart failure. This vasodilation may be caused by central (neurohumoral) effects of digitalis glycosides.
Aquaporins in the hepatobiliary tract. Which, where and what they do in health and disease
Authors: Portincasa P. , Palasciano G. , Svelto M. , Calamita G.
Published: September 2010

The biological importance of the aquaporin family of water channels was recently acknowledged by the 2003 Nobel Prize for Chemistry awarded to the discovering scientist Peter Agre. Among the pleiotropic roles exerted by aquaporins in nature in both health and disease, the review addresses the latest acquisitions about the expression and regulation, as well as physiology and pathophysiology of aquaporins in the hepatobiliary tract.

Of note, at least seven out of the thirteen mammalian aquaporins are expressed in the liver, bile ducts and gallbladder. Aquaporins are essential for bile water secretion and reabsorption, as well as for plasma glycerol uptake by the hepatocyte and its conversion to glucose during starvation. Novel data are emerging regarding the physio‐pathological involvement of aquaporins in multiple diseases such as cholestases, liver cirrhosis, obesity and insulin resistance, fatty liver, gallstone formation and even microparasite invasion of intrahepatic bile ducts. This body of knowledge represents the mainstay of present and future research in a rapidly expanding field.
Swelling activated chloride currents in the electrical activity of pulmonary vein cardiomyocytes
Authors: Lee S. H. , Chen Y. C. , Chen S. Y. , Lin C. I. , Chen Y. J. , Chen S. A.
Published: September 2010

Background  Pulmonary veins (PVs) contain cardiomyocytes with a high arrhythmogenicity for inducing atrial fibrillation. The swelling‐activated outwardly rectifying Cl− currents (ICl,swell) are important in the electrical activity of cardiomyocytes. This study was to investigate whether ICl,swell play a role in the PV electrophysiological characteristics.

Materials and methods  A whole‐cell patch clamp was used to investigate the action potentials and ICl,swell in isolated rabbit single PV and atrial cardiomyocytes during immersion in isotonic (290–300 mosm L−1) and hypotonic (220–230 mosm L−1) solutions. The cell length and cell width were measured using confocal microscopy.

Results  Hypotonic solution induced larger ICl,swell in the PV cardiomyocytes with pacemaker activity than those in the PV cardiomyocytes without pacemaker activity or atrial cardiomyocytes. Hypotonic solution shortened the action potential duration and increased the cell width to a greater extent in the PV cardiomyocytes than in the atrial cardiomyocytes. Moreover, hypotonic solution decreased the PV firing with a decrease in the transient inward currents and delayed after depolarizations.

Conclusions  These findings suggest that the ICl,swell plays an important role in the electrical activity of the PV cardiomyocytes.
Platelets interact with tissue factor immobilized on surfaces: effects of shear rate
Authors: Tonda R. , Lopez‐Vilchez I. , Navalon F. , Pino M. , Hernandez M. R. , Escolar G. , Galan A. M.
Published: September 2010

Background  While procoagulant activities of Tissue Factor (TF) have been widely investigated, its possible pro‐adhesive properties towards platelets have not been studied in detail.

Material and methods  We explored the interaction of platelets with human Tissue Factor (hTF) firmly adsorbed on a synthetic surface of polyvinilidene difluoride (PVDF) using different shear rates. For studies at 250 and 600 s−1, TF firmly adsorbed was exposed to flowing anticoagulated blood in flat perfusion devices. Deposition of platelets and fibrin were evaluated by morphometric, immunocytochemical and ultrastructural methods. Prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2) levels were also measured. Experiments at 5000 s−1, were performed on the Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA‐100™) with experimental cartridges with collagen (COL) or collagen‐hTF (COL + TF). Haemostatic effect of recombinant activated FVIIa (rFVIIa) was assessed in the same experimental settings.

Results  Platelet deposition on hTF reached 19·8 ± 1·3% and 26·1 ± 3·4% of the total surface, at 250 and 600 s−1, respectively. Fibrin formation was significantly higher at 250 s−1 than at 600 s−1 (P < 0·05). The addition of rFVIIa did not influence platelet deposition but raised fibrin formation and thrombin generation at both shear rates (P < 0·05). At 5000 s−1, closure times (CT) in the PFA‐100 were significantly shortened in the presence of hTF (154·09 ± 14·69 s vs. 191·45 ± 16·09 s COL alone; P < 0·05). Addition of rFVIIa did not cause a further reduction of CT.

Conclusions  Our studies demonstrate that hTF is an adhesive substrate for platelets and suggest that the von Willebrand factor could mediate these interactions. At low and intermediate shear rates, rFVIIa enhanced the procoagulant action of hTF, but this effect was not observed at very high shear rates.
MMP‐9 haplotypes and carotid artery atherosclerosis: An association study introducing a novel multicolour multiplex RealTime PCR protocol
Authors: Rauch I. , Iglseder B. , Paulweber B. , Ladurner G. , Strasser P.
Published: September 2010

Background  Among other matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), gelatinase B (MMP‐9) is discussed to be associated with the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the MMP‐9 gene, C‐1562T in the promoter region and a G/A transition in exon 6 (R + 279Q), have been addressed in previous association studies which, however, produced conflicting results.

Material and methods  A novel multiplex RealTime PCR protocol for the fast and simultaneous detection of both polymorphisms is presented, which was used for genotyping 1737 participants of a prospective study investigating genetic factors influencing the progression of atherosclerosis.

Results  Haplotype analysis revealed –1562C/+279Q as the major haplotype in this population. Allelic distribution of the C‐1562T polymorphism was consistent with data published for similar cohorts; however, we found that R + 279Q allelic distribution appears to vary significantly among Caucasian populations. Considering clinical data available from 1487 participants, we found significant associations between the presence of atherosclerotic plaque and the CA‐haplotype in men (P = 0·028, phi = 0·08), and between the AG variant of exon 6 and common carotid artery intima‐media thickness (CIMT) in women (P = 0·004, Eta2 = 0·019).

Conclusions  In summary, our results demonstrate associations of MMP‐9 genotypes with different stages of carotid atherosclerosis.
The expression of TNF‐α converting enzyme at the site of ruptured plaques in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Satoh M. , Ishikawa Y. , Itoh T. , Minami Y. , Takahashi Y. , Nakamura M.
Published: September 2010

Background  Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) converting enzyme (TACE) plays an essential role in the TNF‐α shedding process, which could affect the outcome of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, it remains unclear whether it originates from the ruptured plaque or represents a systemic process. This study analysed TACE‐mediated TNF‐α shedding at the site of ruptured plaques in AMI patients and compared them with a systemic mechanism.

Materials and methods  The study included 60 patients with AMI who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and 21 patients with stable angina pectoris (SA). Local samples from the site of plaque were taken from AMI using aspiration catheter treatment. Systemic samples were also taken from the aorta in all patients with AMI and SA.

Results  Systemic levels of TACE and TNF‐α were higher in AMI patients than in SA patients. In AMI patients, these levels were higher in local samples than in systemic samples. A positive correlation was seen between local TACE and TNF‐α levels in AMI patients. Thrombus material removed from the ruptured plaque showed immunostainings of TACE and TNF‐α in infiltrating macrophages. By six months follow‐up study, local TACE levels remained the only significant independent predictors of adverse cardiac events in AMI patients.

Conclusions  This study demonstrates that local expression of TACE is related to TNF‐α shedding at the site of ruptured plaques in AMI patients. In addition, local TACE expression at the site of ruptured plaques may play an important role in poor outcomes in patients with AMI.
Intravenous clusterin administration reduces myocardial infarct size in rats
Authors: Van Dijk Annemieke , Vermond Rob A. , Krijnen Paul A. J. , Juffermans Lynda J. M. , Hahn Nynke E. , Makker Sudesh P. , Aarden Lucien A. , Hack Erik , Spreeuwenberg Marieke , Rossum Bert C. van , Meischl Cristof , Paulus Walter J. , Van Milligen Florine J. , Niessen Hans W. M.
Published: September 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (10): 893–902

Background  Clusterin (Apolipoprotein J), a plasma protein with cytoprotective and complement‐inhibiting activities, localizes in the infarcted heart during myocardial infarction (MI). Recently, we have shown a protective effect of exogenous clusterin in vitro on ischaemically challenged cardiomyocytes independent of complement. We therefore hypothesized that intravenous clusterin administration would reduce myocardial infarction damage.

Methods  Wistar rats undergoing experimental MI, induced by 40 min ligation of a coronary vessel, were treated with either clusterin (n = 15) or vehicle (n = 13) intravenously, for 3 days post‐MI. After 4 weeks, hearts were analysed. The putative role of megalin, a clusterin receptor, was also studied.

Results  Administration of human clusterin significantly reduced both infarct size (with 75 ± 5%) and death of animals (23% vehicle group vs. 0% clusterin group). Importantly, histochemical analysis showed no signs of impaired wound healing in the clusterin group. In addition, significantly increased numbers of macrophages were found in the clusterin group. We also found that the clusterin receptor megalin was present on cardiomyocytes in vitro which, however, was not influenced by ischaemia. Human clusterin co‐localized with this receptor in vitro, but not in the human heart. In addition, using a megalin inhibitor, we found that clusterin did not exert its protective effect on cardiomyocytes through megalin.

Conclusions  Our results thus show that clusterin has a protective effect on cardiomyocytes after acute myocardial infarction in vivo, independent of its receptor megalin. This indicates that clusterin, or a clusterin derivate, is a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of MI.
Association of vitamin D receptor genotypes with early onset rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Garcia‐Lozano J. R. , Gonzalez‐Escribano M. F. , Valenzuela A. , Garcia A. , Núñez‐Roldán A.
Published: September 2010

The presence of certain vitamin D receptor (VDR) genotypes has been associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) in elderly populations as well as with accelerated bone loss in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the present study, VDR genotypes from 120 Spanish patients with RA were investigated. Three VDR gene polymorphisms (BsmI, ApaI and TaqI) were investigated using polymerase chain reaction followed by enzymatic digestion. The distributions of VDR allelic frequencies were similar in patients and controls and therefore no influence of VDR polymorphisms on rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility could be demonstrated. However, in an analysis of the clinical features of the different VDR‐related genetic subgroups, the BB/tt genotype, defined by the BsmI and TaqI restriction site polymorphisms, was identified to be weakly associated with an early onset RA in female patients. This VDR genotype has been associated with a low BMD level in various studies. When patients were stratified according to the presence of the shared HLA epitope SE, it was found that SE + female patients bearing the BB/tt genotype showed the earliest disease onset. The mechanisms by which the VDR polymorphism is associated with RA is unknown, but they could be related to the immunoregulatory properties of vitamin D.
The response of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and the ecosystem carbon balance to experimental drought in a temperate shrubland
Authors: Sowerby A. , Emmett B. A. , Williams D. , Beier C. , Evans C. D.
Published: September 2010

Climate change has been proposed as a driver of carbon (C) loss from the large pool of C held in soils. Aqueous (dissolved organic carbon, DOC) and gaseous (soil respiration or net ecosystem CO2 exchange) forms of C loss from soils have been considered. Under some climate change scenarios, gaseous emissions of C have been predicted to result in terrestrial ecosystems becoming a net source of C by 2050. Indeed, both forms of C loss have been linked to climate‐related changes, such as warming and/or changes in precipitation. In our field‐based drought manipulation experiment on an upland moorland in northeast Wales, we have carried out an annual drought treatment for 8 years, reducing levels of annual rainfall by 23% on average (1999–2007) through the use of automated roofs, which prevent rain falling on experimental plots between June and September annually. Following 5 years of repeated summer drought, there was a 26% increase in concentrations of DOC in soil water in the mineral soil in the drought plots and this further increased to 52% after 8 years. A similar pattern was not observed in the organic soil horizons. Despite higher DOC concentrations in the mineral soil horizon, decreased drainage of water from the drought‐treated soils resulted in an overall decrease of 9% in total DOC export. Calculating the carbon (C) balance for the below‐ground component of the ecosystem reveals that DOC represents 3% of gross C export. Previous studies at the site have demonstrated large increases in soil respiration resulting from the repeated drought treatment. By including data presented here with other C fluxes and pool measurements from the site, we demonstrate that soil carbon is accumulating by 126 g C m−2 year−1 in the control plots, but decreasing by 18 g C m2 year−1 in the drought plots. The repeated drought treatment has thus resulted in the ecosystem switching from a net sink for C into a net source.
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by wood ash application to a Picea abies (L.) Karst. forest on a drained organic soil
Authors: Klemedtsson L. , Ernfors M. , Björk R. G. , Weslien P. , Rütting T. , Crill P. , Sikström U.
Published: September 2010

Wood ash additions of 3.3 and 6.6 t ha−1 reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a spruce forest (Picea abies) on a minerotrophic drained organic soil. Emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) were measured using static dark chambers for two years following the ash treatment. The CO2 emission from the soil was significantly reduced by 17–23% by both doses during 2006–2008. The mechanism behind the reduction could not be related to a direct inhibition of soil C mineralization by the ash. The emission of N2O was also significantly reduced by 44 and 46% during the first year, mainly due to reductions in the winter emissions. Similar reductions of 34 and 50% were found in the second year for the low and the high wood ash, respectively. Increased pH of the soil due to the ash additions may have caused the effect. The control and amended soils consumed ambient CH4. The low wood ash dose increased the annual net CH4 uptake rate by 9%, due to an increased winter uptake. No changes in tree growth could be detected over the short 2‐year measurement period. The net effect of wood ash application was a reduction in the total GHG emissions during the first two years after the treatment.
Methodological, conceptual and sampling practices in surveying recreational fisheries in the Nordic countries – experiences of a valuation survey
Authors: Roth E. , Toivonen A. L. , Navrud S. , Bengtsson B. , Gudbergsson G. , Tuunainen P. , Appelblad H. , Weissglas G.
Published: September 2010

The planning and initial phases of a joint Nordic project for the valuation of recreational fisheries is described. The economic value of recreational fisheries was taken to include non‐market value as well as the traditional market value. The design of the survey was similar for each country so as to facilitate future comparison. However, initially there were difficulties in defining categories of recreational fishermen in the different countries. Other background information also had to be adapted to national circumstances. National population registers were used as the sampling frames. The effect of this on the responses from a valuation survey is discussed. Accessibility to population register data varies by country and so do possibilities for random sampling. Legal constraints were faced when implementing a centralised mailing system.
Management of selected Polish commercial and recreational lake fisheries activities
Authors: Bninska M. , Wolos A.
Published: September 2010

The objective of management of Polish lakes is to fulfil the needs of commercial and recreational fishermen that developed after the political changes of the last decade. The effectiveness of the policies and practices adopted has never been studied. Six lake enterprises were selected, two in each of the lake districts: Mazuria, Pomerania and Great Poland. The two Mazurian enterprises manage a total of 13 325 ha of lakes, the Pomeranian ones 6130 ha and those of Great Poland 4156 ha. All data on commercial fisheries were collected and studies of anglers’ activities were carried out through 550 questionnaires. The six enterprises were analysed as a whole and separately, with attention being paid to commercial landings and stockings in 1995–1999, and anglers’ catches in 1998. Two enterprises and lakes were chosen for closer analysis. It was estimated that an average lake angler caught 59.2 kg of fish in 1998, and the overall landings by anglers was 35.0 kg ha–1 yr–1. Fish yield from lakes was 50.0 kg ha–1 yr–1 without considering poachers’ catches.
Social, economic and cultural perspectives of European inland fisheries: review of the EIFAC symposium on fisheries and society
Authors: Sipponen M. , Gréboval D.
Published: September 2010

The contributions presented at the EIFAC Symposium on Fisheries and Society in 2000 are reviewed. There have been considerable advances in many sectors of inland fisheries over the past decade. Nowadays the value of inland fisheries to society is generally better understood and increasingly recognized. However, it was recognized that the allocation of fishery resources and their management could still be made more effective through more extensive application of the recent approaches and techniques discussed during the Symposium and reviewed in the paper.
Straying of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, from delayed and coastal releases in the Baltic Sea, with special focus on the Swedish west coast
Authors: PEDERSEN S. , RASMUSSEN G. , NIELSEN E. E. , KARLSSON L. , NYBERG P.
Published: September 2010

Abstract  Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., reared from two Baltic strains were released around the islands Bornholm and Møn in the Baltic Sea between 1995 and 1999. A total 600 000 reared salmon were released from net pens using the delayed release technique, keeping the salmon in net pens for approximately 3 months after smolting, and 208 000 were released directly from the hatchery. Of these, 15 958 were tagged with Carlin tags. Additionally, 65 300 coded wire tagged salmon were released as delayed release salmon close to Bornholm in 2000. Recaptures from the five years of Carlin tagged releases varied between 2.8% and 21.2% (average 13.1%). Most recaptures were from within the Baltic Sea (average 98%), but some were recaptured outside the Baltic Sea, either in the sea (1%) or in fresh water (1%). Recaptures outside the Baltic Sea and in fresh water were higher for releases at Møn in the western part of the Baltic, than releases at Bornholm. Straying rates from the releases into six rivers on the Swedish west coast were estimated using information from capture in traps and sport and broodstock fisheries. The proportion of straying salmon in rivers on the Swedish west coast was about 3.8% of the salmon run, but with large variations between rivers. Releases were discontinued because of possible deleterious effect on the local wild salmon populations.
Characterising reef fish populations and habitats within and outside the US Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument: a lesson in marine protected area design
Authors: MONACO M. E. , FRIEDLANDER A. M. , CALDOW C. , CHRISTENSEN J. D. , ROGERS C. , BEETS J. , MILLER J. , BOULON R.
Published: September 2010

Abstract  Marine protected areas are an important tool for management of marine ecosystems. Despite their utility, ecological design criteria are often not considered or feasible to implement when establishing protected areas. In 2001, the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument (VICRNM) in St John, US Virgin Islands was established by Executive Order. The VICRNM prohibits almost all extractive uses. Surveys of habitat and fishes inside and outside of the VICRNM were conducted in 2002–2004. Areas outside the VICRNM had significantly more hard corals, greater habitat complexity, and greater richness, abundance and biomass of reef fishes than areas within the VICRNM. The administrative process used to delineate the boundaries of the VICRNM did not include a robust ecological characterisation of the area. Because of reduced habitat complexity within the VICRNM, the enhancement of the marine ecosystem may not be fully realised or increases in economically important reef fishes may take longer to detect.