bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exercise training enhanced myocardial endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) function in diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats
Authors: Grijalva James , Hicks Steven , Zhao Xiangmin , Medikayala Sushma , Kaminski Pawel M , Wolin Michael S , Edwards John G 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
Different mechanisms of diabetic-induced NO dysfunction have been proposed and central to most of them are significant changes in eNOS function as the rate-limiting step in NO bioavailability. eNOS exists in both monomeric and dimeric conformations, with the dimeric form catalyzing the synthesis of nitric oxide, while the monomeric form catalyzes the synthesis of superoxide (O2
-). Diabetic-induced shifts to decrease the dimer:monomer ratio is thought to contribute to the degradation of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Exercise has long been useful in the management of diabetes. Although exercise-induced increases expression of eNOS has been reported, it is unclear if exercise may alter the functional coupling of eNOS.

Methods
To investigate this question, Goto-Kakizaki rats (a model of type II diabetes) were randomly assigned to a 9-week running program (train) or sedentary (sed) groups.

Results
Exercise training significantly (p < .05) increased plantaris muscle cytochrome oxidase, significantly improved glycosylated hemoglobin (sed: 7.33 ± 0.56%; train: 6.1 ± 0.18%), ad improved insulin sensitivity. Exercise increased both total eNOS expression and the dimer:monomer ratio in the left ventricle LV (sed: 11.7 ± 3.2%; train: 41.4 ± 4.7%). Functional analysis of eNOS indicated that exercise induced significant increases in nitric oxide (+28%) production and concomitant decreases in eNOS-dependent superoxide (-12%) production. This effect was observed in the absence of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), but not in the presence of exogenous BH4. Exercise training also significantly decreased NADPH-dependent O2
- activity.

Conclusion
Exercise-induced increased eNOS dimerization resulted in an increased coupling of the enzyme to facilitate production of NO at the expense of ROS generation. This shift that could serve to decrease diabetic-related oxidative stress, which should serve to lessen diabetic-related complications.
Water aerobics in pregnancy: cardiovascular response, labor and neonatal outcomes
Authors: Baciuk Erica P , Pereira Rosa I , Cecatti Jose G , Braga Angelica F , Cavalcante Sergio R 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
To evaluate the association between water aerobics, maternal cardiovascular capacity during pregnancy, labor and neonatal outcomes.

Methods
A randomized, controlled clinical trial was carried out in which 34 pregnant women were allocated to a water aerobics group and 37 to a control group. All women were submitted to submaximal ergometric tests on a treadmill at 19, 25 and 35 weeks of pregnancy and were followed up until delivery. Oxygen consumption (VO2 max), cardiac output (CO), physical fitness, skin temperature, data on labor and delivery, and neonate outcomes were evaluated. Frequency distributions of the baseline variables of both groups were initially performed and then analysis of the outcomes was carried out. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test, and numerical using Student's t or Mann-Whitney tests. Wilk's Lambda or Friedman's analysis of repeat measurements were applied for comparison of physical capacity, cardiovascular outcomes and maternal temperature.

Results
VO2 max and physical fitness were higher in both groups in the second trimester, returning to basal levels in the third trimester. In both groups, CO increased as pregnancy progressed and peak exercise temperature was higher than resting temperature, increasing further after five minutes of recovery and remaining at this level until 15 minutes after exercise completion. There was no difference between the two groups regarding duration (457.9 ± SD 249.6 vs 428.9 ± SD 203.2 minutes) or type of delivery. Labor analgesia was requested by significantly fewer women in the water aerobics group (27% vs 65%; RR = 0.42 95%CI 0.23–0.77). Neonatal results were similar in both groups.

Conclusion
The regular practice of moderate water aerobics by sedentary and low risk pregnant women was not detrimental to the health of the mother or the child. There was no influence on maternal cardiovascular capacity, duration of labor or type of delivery; however, there were fewer requests for analgesia during labor in the water aerobics group.
Characterization of age-related modifications of upper limb motor control strategies in a new dynamic environment
Authors: Cesqui Benedetta , Macrì Giovanna , Dario Paolo , Micera Silvestro 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
In the past, several research groups have shown that when a velocity dependent force field is applied during upper limb movements subjects are able to deal with this external perturbation after some training. This adaptation is achieved by creating a new internal model which is included in the normal unperturbed motor commands to achieve good performance. The efficiency of this motor control mechanism can be compromised by pathological disorders or by muscular-skeletal modifications such as the ones due to the natural aging process. In this respect, the present study aimed at identifying the age-related modifications of upper limb motor control strategies during adaptation and de-adaptation processes in velocity dependent force fields.

Methods
Eight young and eight elderly healthy subjects were included in the experiment. Subjects were instructed to perform pointing movements in the horizontal plane both in a null field and in a velocity dependent force field. The evolution of smoothness and hand path were used to characterize the performance of the subjects. Furthermore, the ability of modulating the interactive torque has been used as a paradigm to explain the observed discoordinated patterns during the adaptation process.

Results
The evolution of the kinematics during the experiments highlights important behavioural differences between the two groups during the adaptation and de-adaptation processes. In young subjects the improvement of movement smoothness was in accordance with the expected learning trend related to the consolidation of the internal model. On the contrary, elders did not show a coherent learning process. The kinetic analysis pointed out the presence of different strategies for the compensation of the external perturbation: older people required an increased involvement of the shoulder with a different modulation of joint torque components during the evolution of the experiments.

Conclusion
The results obtained with the present study seem to confirm the presence of different adaptation mechanisms in young and senior subjects. The strategy adopted by young subjects was to first minimize hand path errors with a secondary process that is consistent with the optimization of the effort. Elderly subjects instead, seemed to shift the importance of the two processes involved in the control loop slowing the mechanism optimizing kinematic performance and enabling more the dynamic adaptation mechanism.
Mechanisms Involved in an Increment of Multimodal Excitability of Medullary and Upper Cervical Dorsal Horn Neurons Following Cutaneous Capsaicin Treatment
Authors: Honda Kuniya , Kitagawa Junichi , Sessle Barry J , Kondo Masahiro , Tsuboi Yoshiyuki , Yonehara Yoshiyuki , Iwata Koichi 
Published: November 2008

Background: In order to evaluate mechanisms that may underlie the sensitization of trigeminal spinal subnucleus caudalis (Vc; the medullary dorsal horn) and upper cervical spinal cord (C1–C2) nociceptive neurons to heat, cold and mechanical stimuli following topical capsaicin treatment of the facial skin, nocifensive behaviors as well as phosphorylation of extracellular regulated-kinase (pERK) in Vc and C1–C2 neurons were studied in rats. Results: Compared to vehicle application, capsaicin application to the lateral facial skin produced 1 hour later a flare in the skin, and also induced significantly greater nocifensive behaviors to heat, cold or mechanical stimulus of the lateral facial skin. The intrathecal (i.t.) injection of the MEK inhibitor PD98059 markedly attenuated the nocifensive behaviors to these stimuli in capsaicin-treated rats. Moreover, the number of pERK-like immunoreactive (pERK-LI) cells in Vc and C1–C2 was significantly larger following the heat, cold and mechanical stimuli in capsaicin-treated rats compared with vehicle-treated rats. The number of pERK-LI cells gradually increased following progressive increases in the heat or mechanical stimulus intensity and following progressive decrease in the cold stimulus. The ERK phosphorylation in Vc and C1–C2 neurons was strongly inhibited after subcutaneous injection of the capsaicin antagonist capsazepine in capsaicin-treated rats. Conclusion: The present findings revealed that capsaicin treatment of the lateral facial skin causes an enhancement of ERK phosphorylation in Vc and C1–C2 neurons as well as induces nocifensive behavior to heat, cold and mechanical simulation of the capsaicin-treated skin. The findings suggest that TRPV1 receptor mechanisms in rat facial skin influence nociceptive responses to noxious cutaneous thermal and mechanical stimuli by inducing neuroplastic changes in Vc and C1–C2 neurons that involve in the MAP kinase cascade.
T-614, a novel immunomodulator, attenuates joint inflammation and articular damage in collagen-induced arthritis
Authors: Du Fang , Lü Liang-jing , Fu Qiong , Dai Min , Teng Jia-lin , Fan Wei , Chen Shun-le , Ye Ping , Shen Nan , Huang Xin-fang , Qian Jie , Bao Chun-de 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Introduction
T-614 is a novel oral antirheumatic agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Whether it has immunomodulatory or disease-modifying properties and its mechanism of action are largely undetermined.

Methods
Rats with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were treated with T-614 (5 and 20 mg/kg) daily. Animals receiving methotrexate (1 mg/kg every 3 days) and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent nimesulide (10 mg/kg per day) were used as controls. A combination therapy group was treated with both T-614(10 mg/kg per day) and methotrexate (1 mg/kg every 3 days). Hind paw swelling was evaluated and radiographic scores calculated. Serum cytokine levels were assessed by Bio-plex analysis. Quantitative PCR was used to evaluate expression of mRNA for interferon-γ, IL-4 and IL-17. Serum IL-17 and anti-type II collagen antibodies (total IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b and IgM) were measured using ELISA.

Results
Oral T-614 inhibited paw swelling and offered significant protection against arthritis-induced cartilage and bone erosion, comparable to the effects of methotrexate. CIA rats treated with T-614 exhibited decreases in both mRNA expression of IL-17 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and lymph node cells, and circulating IL-17 in a dose-dependent manner. T-614 also reduced serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β and IL-6. A synergistic effect was observed for the combination of methotrexate and T-614. In addition, T-614 (20 mg/kg per day) depressed production of anti-type II collagen antibodies and differentially affected levels of IgG2a subclasses in vivo, whereas IgM level was decreased without any change in the IgG1 level. Together, the findings presented here indicate that the novel agent T-614 has disease-modifying effects against experimental arthritis, as opposed to nimesulide.

Conclusions
Our data suggested that T-614 is an effective disease-modifying agent that can prevent bone/cartilage destruction and inflammation in in CIA rats. Combination with methotrexate markedly enhances the therapeutic effect of T-614.
ErbB3 is required for ductal morphogenesis in the mouse mammary gland
Authors: Jackson-Fisher Amy J , Bellinger Gary , Breindel Jerrica L , Tavassoli Fatteneh A , Booth Carmen J , Duong James K , Stern David F 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Introduction
The receptor ErbB3/HER3 is often over-expressed in human breast cancers, frequently in conjunction with over-expression of the proto-oncogene ERBB2/HER2/NEU. Although the prognostic/predictive value of ErbB3 expression in breast cancer is unclear, ErbB3 is known to contribute to therapeutic resistance. Understanding ErbB3 functions in the normal mammary gland will help to explain its role in cancer etiology and as a modulator of signaling responses to the mammary oncogene ERBB2.

Methods
To investigate the roles of ErbB3 in mouse mammary gland development, we transplanted mammary buds from ErbB3-/- embryos into the cleared mammary fat pads of wild-type immunocompromised mice. Effects on ductal outgrowth were analyzed at 4 weeks, 7 weeks and 20 weeks after transplantation for total ductal outgrowth, branch density, and number and area of terminal end buds. Sections of glands containing terminal end buds were analyzed for number and epithelial area of terminal end buds. Terminal end buds were also analyzed for presence of mitotic figures, apoptotic figures, BrdU incorporation, and expression of E-cadherin, P-cadherin, α-smooth muscle actin, and cleaved caspase-3.

Results
The mammary ductal trees developed from ErbB3-/- buds only partly filled the mammary fat pad. In contrast to similar experiments with ErbB2-/- mammary buds, this phenotype was maintained through adulthood, pregnancy, and parturition. In addition, and in contrast to similar work with ErbB4-/- mammary buds, lobuloalveolar development of ErbB3-/- transplanted glands was normal. The ErbB3-/- mammary outgrowth defect was associated with a decrease in the size of the terminal end buds, and with increases in branch density, in the number of terminal end buds, and in the number of luminal spaces. Proliferation rates were not affected by the lack of ErbB3, but there was an increase in apoptosis in ErbB3-/- terminal end buds.

Conclusions
Endogenous ErbB3 regulates morphogenesis of mammary epithelium.
Cigarette Smoking during Pregnancy Is Associated with Alterations in Maternal and Fetal Thyroid Function
Authors: Shields Beverley , Hill Anita , Bilous Mary , Knight Beatrice , Hattersley Andrew T. , Bilous Rudy W. , Vaidya Bijay 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Context: Studies in the general population have shown lower serum TSH levels in smokers as compared with nonsmokers.
Aim: Our aim was to examine whether smoking is associated with changes in thyroid function of pregnant women and their fetus.
Subjects and Methods: We examined the relationship between smoking and thyroid function (serum TSH, free T4, and free T3) in two independent cohorts of pregnant women without a history of thyroid disorder or an overt biochemical thyroid dysfunction: 1) first-trimester cohort (median gestation 9 wk) (n = 1428) and 2) third-trimester cohort (gestation 28 wk) (n = 927). We also analyzed the relationship between maternal smoking and thyroid hormone levels in cord serum of 618 full-term babies born to the women in the third-trimester cohort.
Results: In smokers compared with nonsmokers, median serum TSH was lower (first-trimester cohort: 1.02 vs. 1.17 mIU/liter, P = 0.001; third-trimester cohort: 1.72 vs. 1.90 mIU/liter, P = 0.037), and median serum FT3 was higher (first-trimester cohort: 5.1 vs. 4.9 pmol/liter, P &lt; 0.0001; third-trimester cohort: 4.4 vs. 4.1 pmol/liter, P &lt; 0.0001). In both cohorts, serum FT4 in smokers and nonsmokers were similar. The prevalence of anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies was also similar in smokers and nonsmokers in both cohorts. Cord serum TSH of babies born to smokers was lower than of those born to nonsmokers (6.7 vs. 8.1 mIU/liter, P = 0.009).
Conclusions: Cigarette smoking is associated with changes in maternal thyroid function throughout the pregnancy and in fetal thyroid function as measured in cord blood samples.
Promising, Intimate Relationships, and Conventionalism
Authors: Shiffrin Seana Valentine 
Published: November 2008

The power to promise is morally fundamental and does not, at its foundation, derive from moral principles that govern our use of conventions. Of course, many features of promising have conventional components—including which words, gestures, or conditions of silence create commitments. What is really at issue between conventionalists and nonconventionalists is whether the basic moral relation of promissory commitment derives from the moral principles that govern our use of social conventions.Other nonconventionalist accounts make problematic concessions to the conventionalist's core instincts, including embracing: the view that binding promises must involve the promisee's belief that performance will occur; the view that through the promise, the promisee and promisor create a shared end; and the tendency to take promises between strangers, rather than intimates, as the prototypes to which a satisfactory account must answer.I argue against these positions and then pursue an account that finds its motivation in their rejection. My main claim is: the power to make promises, and other related forms of commitment, is an integral part of the ability to engage in special relationships in a morally good way. The argument proceeds by examining what would be missing, morally, from intimate relationships if we lacked this power.
Translational and rotational aerodynamic drag of composite construction bicycle wheels
Authors: Jermy M , Moore J , Bloomfield M 
Published: November 2008

Drag and side force measurements were made in a wind tunnel on disc wheels, deep-rim wire-spoked wheels, and ‘aero’ spoke wheels, which have three to five aerodynamically shaped compression spokes. The wheels were run at 30–50 kph and yaw angles from zero up to 50° yaw, covering the range of crosswinds usually experienced in outdoor races. Unlike previous studies, translational and rotational aerodynamic power losses are measured and reported separately. The disc wheels have the lowest power losses, but the ‘aero’ spoke wheels require little more power than the discs; the wire-spoke wheels require the most power. The best wire-spoke wheels experience less side force in crosswind than the aero wheels, although the best aero wheel tested approaches the side force performance of one of the wire-spoke wheels. Side force correlates with side projected area. Rotational drag affects the total drag significantly, and the choice of wheel should not be based on translational drag alone.
Do men and women row differently? a spinal kinematic and force perspective
Authors: McGregor A H , Patankar Z S , Bull A M J 
Published: November 2008

Performance differences have been noted between male and female rowers; the aim of this study was to determine if these are due to differences in rowing technique. An electromagnetic motion measurement device in conjunction with a load cell was used to compare the ergometer rowing kinematics of female and male elite national rowers. Male rowers generated significantly greater peak force during the stroke, ( p < 0.0001) and greater power. Although there was no difference in stroke length, females demonstrated a more optimal lumbopelvic rhythm due to a greater anterior pelvic rotation during the stroke ( p < 0.05). This is likely to account for the lack of difference in stroke length. In conclusion, gender differences do exist in kinematic parameters of rowing technique. With a greater mass and height, the male athletes are more powerful than the females; however, females appear to optimize their kinematics in an attempt to enhance performance.
Successful Treatment of Fosinopril-Induced Severe Cholestatic Jaundice with Plasma Exchange
Authors: Chou Jen-Wei , Yu Cheng-Ju , Chuang Po-Heng , Lai Hsueh-Chou , Hsu Chang-Hu , Cheng Ken-Sheng , Peng Cheng-Yuan , Chiang I-Ping 
Published: November 2008

Objective: To describe a case of fosinopril-induced severe cholestatic jaundice successfully treated with plasma exchange. Case Summary: A 78-year-old Taiwanese male presented with yellowish skin and generalized itching one month after starting fosinopril 10 mg once a day. Other drugs taken by the patient were excluded as the probable cause of jaundice. Diagnostic modalities, including abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, revealed no evidence of biliary tract obstruction or intraabdominal tumor. According to the Council for International Organizations of Medical Science (CIOMS) scale, fosinopril was a highly probable cause of the patient's jaundice. Liver biopsy showed cholestasis without bile duct damage. Based on results of the CIOMS scale assessment and pathological characteristics of the liver, the diagnosis was highly probable that fosinopril had induced cholestatic jaundice in our patient. During hospitalization, the patient developed severe jaundice and liver failure, despite conservative treatment and withdrawal of fosinopril. He underwent a 5-day course of plasma exchange therapy, and the serum bilirubin level declined rapidly after treatment. His liver function returned to normal 2 months after treatment. Discussion: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor–induced hepatotoxicity is rare and only a few cases, with most involving captopril, have been reported in the English-language literature. Hepatotoxicity caused by fosinopril is extremely rare. Most ACE inhibitor–induced hepatotoxicity is mild and transient, but it can be fatal. Although orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the standard method for treating drug-induced liver failure, plasma exchange therapy is an alternative therapeutic method or a bridge to OLT for treating liver failure. Conclusions: Plasma exchange therapy may play a valuable role in the treatment of fosinopril-induced cholestatic jaundice and liver failure. This intervention can be considered for temporary liver support until recovery or OLT.
Almost g.o. spaces in dimensions 6 and 7
Authors: Dušek Zdeněk 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSome pseudo-Riemannian modifications of 6-dimensional and 7-dimensional Riemannian g.o. spaces are presented as pseudo-Riemannian homogeneous spaces with noncompact isotropy groups. These examples have the property that all geodesics are homogeneous up to a set of measure zero. Based on these examples, conjectures on geodesic graphs are formulated.
Constant-Rate-of-Strain and Controlled-Gradient Consolidation Testing
Authors: Gorman CT , Hopkins TC , Deen RC , Drnevich VP 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Controlled-gradient (CG), constant-rate-of-strain (CRS), and conventional incremental-loading (STD) consolidation testing are compared and evaluated. Undisturbed samples of three soils common to Kentucky were used in the testing program. Results of 15 CG, 14 CRS, and 32 STD consolidation tests are evaluated. The feasibility of these new test methods for routine testing is briefly discussed and recommendations are made for refinements in testing procedures.
A New Apparatus for Measuring the Principal Strains in Anisotropic Clays
Authors: Yuen CMK , Lo KY , Palmer JHL , Leonards GA 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
An apparatus and an experimental arrangement were developed to provide an accurate measurement of the lateral deformation of soft sensitive clays. The apparatus contained light gage points and displacement transducers floated in a cell fluid in such a way that internal strains could be measured directly on the soil specimen with the least amount of disturbance. The performance data obtained from the testing of a soft sensitive clay indicated that the apparatus developed possessed adequate precision and stability for the study of the deformation behavior of clays.