bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left ventricular geometry and cardiovascular mortality based on haemodialysis patient autopsy analyses
Authors: MIMURA IMARI , NISHI HIROSHI , MISE NAOBUMI , MORI MASAYA , SUGIMOTO TOKUICHIRO 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTAim:  In end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is common and a risk for cardiovascular events. LVH is geometrically classified into two major groups, concentric and eccentric, and accumulating evidence suggests eccentric LVH has a more negative effect than concentric LVH on ESRD outcome. However, there have been very few studies on the cardiac findings from ESRD patient autopsy in which the relationship between LVH geometry and mortality was analyzed.Methods:  An observational study was performed with the autopsy findings in 30 haemodialysis patient cases between 2001 and 2006 at Mitsui Memorial Hospital, Tokyo. Between those who died of a cardiovascular cause and those who died of non‐cardiovascular causes, we compared the heart/bodyweight ratio, left ventricular dilatation, and the extent of fibrosis of the left ventricle.Results:  Heart/bodyweight ratio was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in the cardiovascular mortality group (n = 11, 11.7 ± 2.5 g/kg) compared to the non‐cardiac cause of death group (n = 19, 8.05 ± 0.7 g/kg). The dilatation of the left ventricle was significantly more frequent in the cardiovascular than the non‐cardiac cause of death group (P = 0.016). Additionally, the fibrotic area of left ventricular cross‐section was larger in the cardiovascular (1.63 ± 1.6%) than the non‐cardiac group (0.83 ± 1.7%, P = 0.04).Conclusion:  This autopsy study indicates that eccentric LVH in haemodialysis patients is closely associated with cardiovascular mortality. LVH geometry, as well as LVH severity, is worthy of consideration as a clinical predictor for cardiovascular mortality.
Immunoglobulin A1 protease: A new therapeutic candidate for immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Authors: XIE LIN‐SHEN , HUANG JUN , QIN WEI , FAN JUN‐MING 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTImmunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), characterized by predominant or exclusive deposition of IgA1 in glomerular mesangium, is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. At present, the treatment is always limited due to the incomplete understanding of the pathogenesis of IgAN. Mesangial deposited IgA1 is the common final pathway leading to glomerulonephritis and renal injury. IgA1 protease, a proteolytic enzyme with strict substrate specificity for human IgA1, may be an effective therapeutic candidate for IgAN by removing the mesangial deposited IgA1.
Serotonin‐transporter‐linked promoter region polymorphism and serotonin transporter binding in drug‐naïve patients with major depression
Authors: Joensuu Mikko , Lehto Soili Marianne , Tolmunen Tommi , Saarinen Pirjo Irmeli , Valkonen‐Korhonen Minna , Vanninen Ritva , Ahola Pasi , Tiihonen Jari , Kuikka Jyrki , Pesonen Ullamari , Lehtonen Johannes 
Published: July 2010

Aims:  Both the serotonin transporter and its genetic regulation by the serotonin‐transporter‐linked polymorphic region have a role in the pathophysiology of depression. Most of the previous studies have found no influence of serotonin‐transporter‐linked polymorphic region allelic variation on serotonin transporter binding in healthy controls or patients with major depression. Due to the inconsistency of the previous findings, we compared single photon emission computed tomography imaging with the serotonin‐transporter‐linked polymorphic region genotype in patients with major depressive disorder.Methods:  A total of 23 drug‐naïve patients with major depressive disorder were genotyped and brain imaged with [123I]nor‐β‐CIT single photon emission computed tomography. The severity of depression was evaluated with the 17‐item Hamilton depression rating scale.Results:  Depressed patients homozygous for the short allele had lower [123I]nor‐β‐CIT binding in the medial prefrontal cortex, but not in the midbrain, compared with the other genotypes.Conclusion:  The decreased medial prefrontal cortical serotonin transporter binding in the patients homozygous for the short allele may be linked to altered function of the serotonin‐transporter‐linked polymorphic region gene expressed in these patients, especially in the medial prefrontal cortex.
Urodynamic effects of solifenacin in untreated female patients with symptomatic overactive bladder
Authors: Tanaka Yoshinori , Masumori Naoya , Tsukamoto Taiji 
Published: July 2010

Objectives:  To investigate the urodynamic effects of solifenacin in untreated female patients with symptomatic overactive bladder (OAB).Methods:  A total of 52 untreated female patients with OAB symptoms were given 5 mg solifenacin once daily for 12 weeks. Before and after treatment, the frequency volume chart, overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), postvoid residual volume, filling cystometry and adverse events were evaluated.Results:  After solifenacin treatment, OAB symptoms were improved, voided volume was increased and voiding number was decreased. Bladder capacities at the first sensation of bladder filling, first desire to void and strong desire to void were significantly increased. Intravesical pressure at the first sensation of bladder filling was significantly decreased. Detrusor overactivity (DO) disappeared in five patients. For 28 patients with persisting DO after treatment, bladder capacity at DO was significantly increased. Both groups with and without DO at baseline had significant improvements of OAB symptoms.Conclusions:  Solifenacin urodynamically increases bladder capacity in female patients with symptomatic OAB.
Exposure to a novel context following contextual fear conditioning enhances the induction of hippocampal long‐term potentiation
Authors: Motanis Helen , Maroun Mouna 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe prior behavioral experience of an animal can influence the direction and the probability of long‐term plasticity induced at the activated synapses. In the present study, we compared alterations in long‐term potentiation in the rat CA1 of the hippocampus following post‐fear conditioning exposure to the conditioning context vs. a novel context. Furthermore, we examined whether the alterations in long‐term potentiation are dependent on the prior formation of context–shock fear memory association. Whereas retrieval of fear memory 1 h after conditioning in the conditioning context was associated with impairment in the magnitude of long‐term potentiation, exposure to a novel context at the same time point was associated with a robust increase in long‐term potentiation. This effect was time‐dependent, as exposure to a novel context 24 h after conditioning resulted in impaired long‐term potentiation. Furthermore, preventing the formation of a fear context–shock association resulted in different modifications to long‐term potentiation levels, regardless of whether association formation was prevented behaviorally (i.e. using a minimal context–shock association) or pharmacologically (using the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid receptor antagonist MK801). Our findings suggest that exposure to a novel environment following fear conditioning induces a form of metaplasticity that enhances the acquisition of novel information and could prevent acute stress‐associated impairments in long‐term potentiation.
Drug injecting in patients in New Zealand Methadone Maintenance Treatment programs: An anonymous survey
Authors: JUDSON GRAEME , BIRD RUPERT , O'CONNOR PATRICK , BEVIN TIM , LOAN RICHARD , SCHRODER MARTIN , MCGRATH RICHARD , WEATHERALL MARK , MORIARTY HELEN , ROBINSON GEOFF 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Introduction and Aims. To investigate the prevalence and nature of injecting behaviour among patients on Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) programs. Design and Methods. A self‐reported questionnaire was handed to 423 patients enrolled in MMT across six clinics in the lower North Island of New Zealand. Results. A total of 151 patients responded, giving a 35.6% response rate. One hundred and twenty (79.5%) respondents reported they had injected methadone while enrolled in MMT, 84 (55.6%) had injected methadone in the last year and of those 43 (35.8%) had injected methadone in the last week. Reasons given for injecting of methadone included: rapid onset of effect, needle fixation and euphoria. Time on the methadone programme was negatively associated with ever injecting methadone [odds ratio (95% CI) 0.92 (0.85–0.99), P = 0.029] and injecting other substances [odds ratio (95% CI) 0.93(0.87–1.0), P = 0.046]. More frequent pharmacy‐observed consumption was associated with increased injecting of other substances [odds ratio (95% CI) 1.32 (1.09–1.59), P = 0.005] but not methadone. The time a person had been enrolled on the methadone programme was associated with decreased use of other substances [odds ratio (95% CI) 0.93 (0.87–1.0), P = 0.046]. Discussion and Conclusions. Many individuals on MMT continue to inject their methadone. In this sample, the frequency of injection of methadone did not correlate with prescribed dose or takeaway arrangements. The beneficial impact of time on the programme emphasises the importance of retention in treatment. It is suggested that these results also indicate a need for routine education concerning safe injecting.[Judson G, Bird R, O'Connor P, Bevin T, Loan R, Schroder M, McGrath R, Weatherall M, Moriarty H, Robinson G. Drug injecting in patients in New Zealand Methadone Maintenance Treatment programs: An anonymous survey. Drug Alcohol Rev 2009]
DOES THE RIVER SPILL OVER? ESTIMATING THE ECONOMIC RETURNS TO ATTENDING A RACIALLY DIVERSE COLLEGE
Authors: ARCIDIACONO PETER , VIGDOR JACOB L. 
Published: July 2010

This article evaluates the frequently argued but heretofore little tested hypothesis that increasing minority representation in elite colleges generates tangible benefits for majority‐race students. Using data on graduates of 30 selective universities, we find only weak evidence of any relationship between collegiate racial composition and the postgraduation outcomes of white or Asian students. Moreover, the strongest evidence we uncover suggests that increasing minority representation by lowering admission standards is unlikely to produce benefits and may in fact cause harm by reducing the representation of minority students on less selective campuses. While affirmative action may still be desirable for the benefits it conveys to minority students, these results provide little support for “spillover” effects on majority‐race students. (JEL I2, J15, J24)
[T]he attainment of a diverse student body… is a constitutionally permissible goal for an institution of higher education.… The atmosphere of ‘speculation, experiment and creation’—so essential to the quality of higher education—is widely believed to be promoted by a diverse student body.—Lewis Powell, Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (438 U.S. 265, 1978, pp. 311–12, quoting Sweezy v. New Hampshire, 354 U.S. 234, 1957, p. 263)
Bergmann's Rule – what's in a name?
Authors: Meiri Shai 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTDespite the great interest it generates, the definition of Bergmann's Rule is vague and often contested. Debate focuses on whether the rule should be described in terms of pattern or process, what taxa it should apply to and what taxonomic level it should be associated with. Here I review the historical development of studies of Bergmann's Rule. I suggest that Bergmann thought that his rule should be strongest at the intra‐specific level, rather than between closely related species as is usually thought. I argue that the rule is a pattern that can be studied regardless of mechanism in any taxon and at any taxonomic level.
CEO Stock‐Based Pay, Home‐Country Risk, and Foreign Firms' Capital Acquisition in the US Market
Authors: Carpenter Mason A. , Indro Daniel C. , Miller Stewart R. , Richards Malika 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTManuscript Type: EmpiricalResearch Question/Issue: We ask two research questions: (1) How do CEO stock ownership and options influence the amount of equity capital that a foreign firm raises in US capital markets? (2) How does the foreign firm's home‐country risk moderate these relationships?Research Findings/Insights: To test our hypotheses, we use a sample of firms from 40 countries that raised equity capital via ADR offerings between 1994 and 2005. Using a full‐information maximum likelihood approach to estimate a model that accounts for sample selection associated with non‐capital raising ADRs and non‐listed ADRs, as well as hot and cold equity markets, we found that CEO stock and option ownership lead to a higher level of equity capital raised. Interestingly, the level of home‐country risk of the issuing firm weakens the relationship between the CEO stock ownership and the amount of equity capital raised, but strengthens the relationship between CEO stock options and ADR equity capital raised.Theoretical/Academic Implications: We develop a framework that draws on behavioral decision making and agency theory to suggest that executive risk taking varies across countries and different forms of monitoring (stock ownership versus options) and that agents may exhibit risk‐seeking as well as risk‐averse behaviors. We also examined the potential corporate governance costs associated with principal‐principal conflict as it relates to CEO stock‐based compensation and the implications for raising equity capital. Because stock ownership and stock options have different risk profiles, and foreign firms operate in countries with different home‐country risk, we theorize how home‐country risk will moderate the relationship between CEO stock ownership or options with the amount of equity capital raised by a foreign firm in US stock markets through the issuance of American Depository Receipts (ADRs).Practitioner/Policy Implications: Our results show that US investors pay attention to the types of stock‐based executive compensation used by firms that raise capital in the US. In particular, CEOs of firms from higher risk countries need to consider US investors' perceptions of their stock‐based compensation because it may hamper the firm's effectiveness in raising capital in the US.
THE FORMATION OF PEPTIDO‐AMINES FROM CONSTITUENT AMINO ACIDS AND HISTAMINE IN HYPOTHALAMIC TISSUE
Authors: Reichelt K. L. , Edminson P. D. , Kvamme E. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract—The formation of peptido‐amines from acetylaspartic acid and histamine incubated with amino acids Glu, Gly, Ser, Ala and GABA is described. The incubation was performed using a 16000 g× 30 min supernatant extract of hypothalamic tissue which had been cleared of small molecular weight compounds by passage through a G‐25 Sephadex column.
Neurosteroid transport by the organic solute transporter OSTα–OSTβ
Authors: Fang Fang , Christian Whitney V. , Gorman Sadie G. , Cui Mei , Huang Jiaoti , Tieu Kim , Ballatori Nazzareno 
Published: July 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 220–233.AbstractA variety of steroids, including pregnenolone sulfate (PREGS) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) are synthesized by specific brain cells, and are then delivered to their target sites, where they exert potent effects on neuronal excitability. The present results demonstrate that [3H]DHEAS and [3H]PREGS are relatively high affinity substrates for the organic solute transporter, OSTα–OSTβ, and that the two proteins that constitute this transporter are selectively localized to steroidogenic cells in the cerebellum and hippocampus, namely the Purkinje cells and cells in the cornu ammonis region in both mouse and human brain. Analysis of Ostα and Ostβ mRNA levels in mouse Purkinje and hippocampal cells isolated via laser capture microdissection supported these findings. In addition, Ostα‐deficient mice exhibited changes in serum DHEA and DHEAS levels, and in tissue distribution of administered [3H]DHEAS. OSTα and OSTβ proteins were also localized to the zona reticularis of human adrenal gland, the major region for DHEAS production in the periphery. These results demonstrate that OSTα–OSTβ is localized to steroidogenic cells of the brain and adrenal gland, and that it modulates DHEA/DHEAS homeostasis, suggesting that it may contribute to neurosteroid action.
Amphetamine regulates NR2B expression in Go2α knockout mice and thereby sustains behavioral sensitization
Authors: Brunk Irene , Sanchis‐Segura Carles , Blex Christian , Perreau‐Lenz Stéphanie , Bilbao Ainhoa , Spanagel Rainer , Ahnert‐Hilger Gudrun 
Published: July 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 234–246.AbstractThe α‐subunit of Go2 is a regulator of dopamine (DA) homeostasis. Deletion of the protein results in an imbalance of the direct and indirect DA pathway by reducing D1 and increasing D2 receptors. As a result, cocaine‐induced behavioral sensitization is abolished. Here we show that repeated amphetamine injections in Go2α−/− mice induced a similar D1/D2 receptor ratio shift as cocaine but surprisingly the knockouts developed normal behavioral sensitization. DA receptor signaling following either cocaine or amphetamine treatment was also similar in Go2α−/− mice suggesting another mechanism involved in the differential behavioral response. Evidence is increasing that DA–glutamate interactions in the striatum determine psychostimulant action. In this line, repeated amphetamine injections led to a twofold increase in the amount of the NMDA receptor subunit NR2B in Go2α−/− mice resulting in an enhanced inhibition of the indirect DA pathway. This effect is not seen after cocaine treatment. Furthermore, amphetamine but not cocaine treatment maintained the ratio between the glutamate receptor mGluR1/5 interacting proteins Homer and Homer1a in the knockouts thereby sustaining the direct pathway. We conclude that amphetamine provokes behavioral sensitization in Go2α−/− mice by an enhanced inhibition of the indirect pathway without disturbing the direct pathway thereby overcoming the imbalance in the DArgic system.
Alterations of glutamate release in the spinal cord of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Marte Antonella , Cavallero Anna , Morando Sara , Uccelli Antonio , Raiteri Maurizio , Fedele Ernesto 
Published: July 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 343–352.AbstractWe have investigated the spontaneous and the depolarisation‐induced release of [3H]d‐aspartate ([3H]d‐ASP), a non‐metabolisable analogue of glutamate, in spinal cord slices, synaptosomes and gliosomes from mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) at 13, 21 and 55 days post‐immunisation (d.p.i.), representing onset, peak and chronic phases of the pathology. At 13 and 21 d.p.i., the KCl‐evoked, calcium‐dependent overflow of [3H]d‐ASP in spinal cord slices was significantly lower (30–40%), whereas at 55 d.p.i. it was significantly higher (30%), than that elicited in matched controls. When the release was measured from spinal cord synaptosomes and gliosomes in superfusion, a different picture emerged. The spontaneous and the KCl(15 mM)‐induced release of [3H]d‐ASP were significantly increased both in synaptosomes (17% and 45%, respectively) and gliosomes (26% and 25%, respectively) at 21, but not at 13, d.p.i. At 55 d.p.i., the KCl‐induced [3H]d‐ASP release was significantly increased (40%) only in synaptosomes. Finally, uptake of [3H]d‐ASP was markedly (50–60%) increased in spinal cord synaptosomes, but not in gliosomes, obtained from EAE mice at 21 d.p.i., whereas no differences could be detected at 13 d.p.i. Our data indicate that glutamatergic neurotransmission is altered in the spinal cord of EAE mice.
Possibilities for therapeutic interventions in disrupting Chlamydophila pneumoniae involvement in atherosclerosis
Authors: Deniset Justin F. , Pierce Grant N. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractStrong sero‐epidemiologic, pathologic, and experimental evidence suggests that Chlamydophila pneumoniae (Cpn) infection may play a causative role in the development of atherosclerosis. Cpn is an obligate intracellular gram‐negative bacterium that is responsible for 10% of cases of community‐acquired pneumonia. In addition to its presence in the respiratory tract, live Cpn has been found within atherosclerotic plaques. Experimental findings have established Cpn’s ability to infect vascular cells and elicit important atherogenic responses. Furthermore, Cpn infection can promote atherosclerotic development in different animal models. To date however, large‐scale antibiotic clinical trials have not been effective in preventing major cardiovascular events. It is becoming apparent that Cpn undergoes a persistent state of infection, which is refractory to current chlamydial antibiotics. New treatment strategies that are effective toward acute and persistent forms of Cpn infection are needed in order to effectively eradicate the bacterium within the vascular wall. Possible therapeutics targets include Cpn‐specific proteins and machinery directly involved in their survival, replication and maintenance. Alternatively, selectively targeting host cell pathways and machinery required for Cpn’s actions in vascular cells also represent potential treatment strategies for atherosclerosis.
The need for harmonizing methodologies for assessing soil threats in Europe
Authors: Van Beek C. L. , Tóth T. , Hagyó A. , Tóth G. , Recatalá Boix L. , Añó Vidal C. , Malet J. P. , Maquaire O. , Van den Akker J. J. H. , Van der Zee S. E. A. T. M. , Verzandvoort S. , Simota C. , Kuikman P. J. , Oenema O. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractCentral to the EU thematic strategy for soil protection is that areas affected by soil degradation through erosion, soil organic matter (SOM) decline, compaction, salinization and landslides should be identified in a clear and consistent way. However, the current methodologies to achieve this often differ and this can result in different perceptions of risks amongst EU Member States. The aims of this paper are to: (i) assess the current status of assessment methodologies in Europe (EU27) associated with erosion, SOM decline, compaction, salinization and landslides and (ii) discuss the issues associated with harmonization of these methodologies throughout the EU27. The need for harmonization is assessed using the relative share of common elements between different methodologies. The results demonstrate that the need for harmonization in methodology is greatest for erosion and compaction and least for SOM decline and landslides. However, many of the methodologies which were investigated are still incomplete and there are significant differences in terms of: (i) understanding the threats, (ii) methods of data collection, (iii) processing and interpretation and (iv) risk perception. We propose two options for the harmonized assessment of soil threats: (i) a two‐tiered approach based on data availability and spatial scale and (ii) a combination of standardization and harmonization for each assessment methodology. Future assessments should focus on the advantages and disadvantages of these options as the current situation will result in endless discussions on differences and the merits of particular methodologies instead of taking appropriate measures to reduce or eliminate the actual threats.