bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardioprotection by Carvedilol: Antiapoptosis is Independent of β-Adrenoceptor Blockage in the Rat Heart
Authors: Schwarz Ernst R. , Kersting Philipp H. , Reffelmann Thorsten , Meven Dennis A. , Al-Dashti Raja , Skobel Erik C. , Klosterhalfen Bernd , Hanrath Peter 
Published: June 2007

Background: Carvedilol, a β-blocking agent with α-blocking properties is now widely used for the treatment of congestive heart failure. In addition to its β-adrenergic receptor blockage, antiapoptotic effects have been demonstrated in experimental animals. Objective: The cardioprotective effects of carvedilol and its hydroxylated analogue BM-91.0228 were tested with regard to their infarct-limiting and antiapoptotic properties in an experimental infarct model in the rat heart. Methods: Anesthetized rats were subjected to either 30 (groups I to 3) or 60 minutes (groups. 4 to 6) of coronary artery occlusion followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion. Groups 1 and 4 served as the control; groups 2 and 5 received intravenous Carvedilol (1 mg/kg) and groups 3 and 6 received intravenous administration of BM-91.0228 (1 mg/kg), respectively, 5 minutes prior to coronary occlusion. Infarct sizes were measured by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. In situ visualization of apoptosis was measured by nick end labeling. Results: Carvedilol reduced infarct size after 30 minutes of coronary occlusion compared to controls (8.7% ± 2.7% versus 27.3% ± 3.4%, P < .001), while BM-91.0228 showed no significant infarct size reduction (23.7% ± 5.9%, NS). Neither Carvedilol (36.9% ± 3.9%) nor BM-91.0228 (42.4% ± 3.6%) reduced infarct size after 60 minutes of coronary occlusion compared to controls (47.7% ± 3.9%, NS). Carvedilol reduced apoptosis after 30 minutes (4.9% ± 1.3% versus 16.7% ± 3.2%, P < .01) and after 60 minutes (11.7% ± 1.8% versus 25.5% ± 0.5%, P < .001) of coronary occlusion compared to controls. BM-91.0228 reduced apoptosis after 30 minutes (7.3% ± 1.4% versus 16.7% ± 3.2%, P < .01) and after 60 minutes (13.4% ± 1.8% versus 25.5% ± 0.5%, P < .001) of coronary occlusion compared to controls. Conclusion: Carvedilol is cardioprotective by preventing ischemia-perfusion-induced necrosis and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. The antiapoptotic effects of Carvedilol are independent of its β-adrenoceptor blocking effects, but its effects might be caused by antioxidant properties and by modulation of the signalling pathway.
Effects of Flaxseed Oil on Serum Lipids and Atherosclerosis in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits
Authors: Lee Paul , Prasad Kailash 
Published: June 2007

Objective: Flaxseed oil has very high content of ox-linolenic acid (C18:3n-3, omega-3 [n-3] fatty acid). Based on the usefulness of n-3 fatty acid in fish oil against cardiovascular diseases, flaxseed oil is marketed as a health food. The n-3 fatty acid in flaxseed oil is different than that of fish oil. Indirect evidence suggests that the omega-3 fatty acid in flaxseed oil is not effective in lowering serum lipids and hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis. The effects of flaxseed oil on serum lipids and hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis are not known. An investigation, therefore, was made of flaxseed oil on high-cholesterol diet-induced atherosclerosis, serum lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, risk ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), serum and aortic malondialdehyde, an index of levels of reactive oxygen species, aortic chemiluminescence (a measure of antioxidant reserve), and reactive oxygen species-producing activity of white blood cell chemiluminescence in rabbits. Methods: The rabbits were assigned to four groups: Group I, regular diet (control); Group II, 5% flaxseed oil in regular diet; Group III, 0.5% cholesterol diet; Group IV, diet containing 0.5% cholesterol and 5% flaxseed oil. Blood samples were collected before and after 4 and 8 weeks of experimental diets for measurement of serum lipids, serum malondialdehyde, and white blood cell chemiluminescence. At the end of 8 weeks of the experimental diet, aortas were removed for measurement of atherosclerotic plaques, aortic malondialdehyde, and antioxidant reserve. Results: Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and risk ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, were elevated to a similar extent in Groups III and IV compared to Groups I and II. The extent of atherosclerosis in Groups III and IV was similar (56.74% ± 11.14% vs 58.01% ± 10.95%). Groups III and IV both had similar increases in serum and aortic malondialdehyde and antioxidant reserve. Reactive oxygen species-producing activity of white blood cells increased in Group III, and flaxseed oil prevented the cholesterol-induced increase in white blood cell chemiluminescence in Group IV. Conclusion: These results suggest that flaxseed oil does not produce an alteration in serum lipids or in the extent of hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis; however, it decreases white blood cell chemiluminescence. The ineffectiveness of flaxseed oil was associated with its ineffectiveness in altering the levels of oxidative stress.
Correlation of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphism with Effect of Antihypertensive Therapy by Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor
Authors: Li Xiaotao , Du Yanmei , Du Yanfang , Huang Xizheng 
Published: June 2007

Background: The correlation of the angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism with essential hypertension shown in previous studies is controversial, and the responses of hypertensive patients with different angiotensin-converting enzyme genotypes to treatment with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor merits investigation. Methods: Eighty-nine patients with essential hypertension and 102 normotensive subjects were included in this study. All subjects were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction for the insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene. Blood pressure was measured before and after taking Benazepril 10 mg, once daily, for 2 months. Results: The genotype and allele frequencies were similar (X2 = 0.64, P = .73; x2 = 0.36, P = .55, respectively). The reduction of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the DD genotype was significantly greater than in the II genotype (10.13 ± 4.91 vs 5.37 ± 2.79, P < .01; 7.47 + 3.50 vs 4.71 ± 2.40, P < .05, respectively). Conclusions: No significant association of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism with essential hypertension was found. Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism might be related to the antihypertensive response to an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor in hypertensive patients.
Separate and Combined Effects of Local and Continuous Intravenous Administration of β-Cyclodextrin Tetradecasulfate on Intimal Hyperplasia after Angioplasty in Porcine Coronary Arteries
Authors: Meneveau Nicolas F. , Klugherz Bruce D. , Chaquor Brahim , Golden Michael A. , Jouille Madeleine M. , Macarek Edward , Weisz Paul B. , Wilensky Robert L. 
Published: June 2007

Background: Beta-Cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate binds fibroblast growth factors and possesses anticoagulant properties. This study was designed to assess the separate and combined effects of local intramural delivery and intravenous administration of β-cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate on neointimal formation and arterial damage following angioplasty. Methods and Results: Fifty-two pigs randomized into four groups underwent coronary artery angioplasty: 1) control, 2) continuous intravenous infusion of 100 mg/kg/d of β-cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate, 3) intramural delivery of 1250 mg β-cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate, 4) intramural delivery of 1250 mg β-cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate followed by continuous intravenous infusion of 100 mg/kg/d. Fourteen days after injury, morphometric analysis revealed that arteries randomized to the intravenous β-cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate groups had a decreased normalized neointima area: control, 3.03 ± 0.75 mm2; intravenous, 1.67 ± 0.73 mm2 (40% decrease; P < 10-7); intravenous plus local, 1.95 ± 0.76 mm2 (30% decrease; P < 10-5). There was no difference in neointimal response following local β-cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate delivery only (2.82 ± 1.14 mm2). Coronary arterial damage, defined as aneurysm, dissection, adventitial rupture, and retromedial hematoma was similar in all groups (12% in control and local groups, 10% in the intravenous group, 14% in the intravenous plus local; NS). Bleeding complications were more frequent in the intravenous and intravenous plus local groups compared to the local and control groups (23%vs 7.6% and 0%, respectively; P < 0.05). Conclusions: Continuous intravenous administration of β-cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate substantially reduced intimal hyperplasia, while intramural delivery had no effect, indicating that a single bolus of β-cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate did not reduce intimal hyperplasia. There was no additive effect of local intramural delivery of β-cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate. However, local delivery of β-cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate induced less bleeding complications and did not lead to additional arterial injury, indicating that local delivery of an anticoagulant does not cause additional arterial injury.
Suppression of Oxidative Stress as a Mechanism of Reduction of Hypercholesterolemic Atherosclerosis by Aspirin
Authors: Prasad Kailash , Lee Paul 
Published: June 2007

Background: Hypercholesterolemia increases the formation of arachidonic acid and thereby synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. During synthesis of these eicosanoids, oxyradicals are produced. Oxyradicals have been implicated in the development of hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis. Aspirin, an inhibitor of synthesis of prostaglandins, would prevent the generation of oxyradicals and hence would prevent the development of atherosclerosis. The purpose of the investigation was to determine if aspirin attenuates the development of hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis, and if this attenuation is associated with a decrease in the oxidative stress. Methods and Results: Three groups of rabbits were used for this study: Group I, control; Group II, 0.5% cholesterol; Group III, 0.5% cholesterol plus 0.068% aspirin. Blood samples were collected before and after 1 and 2 months of experimental diets for measurement of serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum malondialdehyde, and white blood cell chemiluminescence, a measure of oxyradicals produced by white blood cells. Aortas were removed at the end of the protocol for the measurement of atherosclerotic plaques, malondialdehyde and aortic chemiluminescence, a measure of antioxidant reserve. Serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and ratio of total cholesterol to highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol increased to a similar extent in Groups II and III compared to Group I. Serum triglycerides increased in both Groups II and III; however, the increase was greater in Group III than in Group II. Levels of serum and aortic malondialdehyde, and white blood cell-chemiluminescence were higher in Group II compared to Group I. Aspirin decreased the levels of these parameters. Antioxidant reserve increased in both Groups II and III, the increase being greater in the latter than the former. White blood cell-chemiluminescence increased in Group II compared to Group I, but remained unaltered in Group III compared to Group I. Aspirin treatment reduced the development of atherosclerosis by approximately 47%. Conclusion: These results suggest that aspirin, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, reduced the development of hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis, and this effect was associated with a decrease in the oxidative stress.
Postconditioning Markedly Attenuates Ventricular Arrhythmias After Ischemia-Reperfusion
Authors: Kloner Robert A. , Dow Joan , Bhandari Anil 
Published: June 2007

Background: Brief periods of reocclusion (postconditioning) during early reperfusion reduce myocardial infarct size. Whether postconditioning has an effect on lethal ventricular arrhythmias independent of infarction in an in-vivo regional ischemia model is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if postconditioning limited reperfusion arrhythmias in a necrosis-free model. Methods: Anesthetized rats were subjected to 5 minutes of proximal coronary artery occlusion; they were randomized to a control group (n = 15) that underwent reperfusion alone or a postconditioning group (n = 15) that received four cycles of 20 seconds reperfusion, 20 seconds reocclusion before final reperfusion. Results: During the final reperfusion phase, ventricular arrhythmias occurred in 14 of 15 control rats and 8 of 15 postconditioning rats ( P = .017). Ventricular tachycardia occurred in 10 of 15 control rats vs 4 of 15 postconditioning rats ( P = .028). Control rats demonstrated 1.3 runs of ventricular tachycardia per minute vs 0.4 runs in postconditioning rats ( P = .026). The average duration of ventricular tachycardia runs was 8.8 ± 3.2 seconds in the control group vs 5.0 ± 3.9 seconds in postconditioning rats ( P = NS). Conclusion: This in-vivo study showed that postconditioning markedly attenuates ventricular arrhythmia after regional ischemia in a noninfarct model.
Child and familial pathways to academic achievement and behavioral adjustment: A prospective six-year study of children with and without ADHD
Authors: Latimer W. W. , August G. J. , Newcomb M. D. , Realmuto G. M. , Hektner J. M. , Mathy R. M. 
Published: June 2007

This longitudinal study examined familial and child predictors of academic achievement and behavioral adjustment. Participants included 115 children with ADHD and 59 normative comparisons. Data analyses spanned three assessment waves from elementary-through secondary-school grades. We evaluated the degree to which child and familial factors present during middle school mediated relationships between childhood ADHD, subsequent academic achievement, and behavioral adjustment during high school. We found that emotional and behavioral well-being of ADHD children during middle school mediated relations between childhood ADHD and adverse academic and behavioral outcomes during high school. In addition, familial factors in middle school years predicted the behavioral adjustment of children in both the ADHD and non-ADHD groups. Academic achievement during high school was strongly associated with previous achievement levels. Our results provide support for tailoring preventive interventions to the unique needs of children with ADHD and their parents at various stages of adolescent development.
Executive function and ADHD: A comparison of children’s performance during neuropsychological testing and real-world activities
Authors: Lawrence Vivienne , Houghton Stephen , Douglas Graham , Durkin Kevin , Whiting Ken , Tannock Rosemary 
Published: June 2007

Objective: Current understanding of executive function deficits in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is derived almost exclusively from neuropsychological testing conducted in laboratory settings. This study compared children’s performance on both neuropsychological and real-life measures of executive function and processing speed. Method: The Stroop and Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (WCST) were selected as neuropsychological measures, whereas route tasks in a videogame and at the zoo were used to index real-life measures. Participants comprised a community sample of 22 unmedicated boys with ADHD individually matched on age and IQ with 22 normally developing control boys. Results: There were no group differences in executive function on the Stroop or zoo tasks, but the ADHD group exhibited deficits in set-shifting as assessed by the WCST (perseverative errors and responses) and videogame play (fewer challenges completed). Also, the ADHD group showed slowed processing speed on the Stroop (slower color naming) and zoo activity (longer time to complete task), as well as a slower rate of acquisition of the sorting rule on the WCST (more trials to complete first category). Efficient and flexible videogame play (number of challenges completed) was related positively to efficacy on the Stroop (number of items named correctly in the interference and two control conditions) and inversely related to set-shifting problems on the WCST (perseverative responses and errors). Also, problems in goal-directed behavior at the zoo (number of deviations from designated route) were related to problems in set-shifting on the WCST (perseverative responding). Conclusions: Children with ADHD exhibit impairments in executive function and processing speed in real-world activities as well as in neuropsychological testing. Cognitive deficits detected by standardized neuropsychological testing are related to performance difficulties in real-world activities.
National trends in concomitant psychotropic medication with stimulants in pediatric visits: Practice versus knowledge
Authors: Bhatara Vinod , Feil Michael , Hoagwood Kimberly , Vitiello Benedetto , Zima Bonnie 
Published: June 2007

Objectives: (1) To examine U.S. national trends in the use of concomitant pharmacotherapy with the stimulant class of psychotropic drugs in youth; and (2) to present these trends in the context of (a) extant safety and efficacy data, and (b) overall trends in concomitant pharmacotherapy with psychotropic drugs for youth. Methods: Prescribing data for youths under age 18 years from National Ambulatory Medical Surveys from 1993 to 1998 were analyzed. The visits were categorized into monotherapy (only one psychotropic prescribed) and concomitant pharmacotherapy (>1 psychotropic prescribed). The proportions of these groups were computed as a percentage of all visits during which a psychotropic medication was prescribed. Differences in proportions between surveys were analyzed to determine trends. Results: Between 1993-94 and 1997-98, the proportions of visits for concomitant pharmacotherapy in association with the stimulant class increased nearly five-fold. This increase paralleled an overall increase in the proportion of visits involving prescription of more than one psychotropic medication among youth. Conclusions: The growth in concomitant pharmacotherapy with the stimulants class has out-paced the increase in safety/efficacy data to inform the use of this practice, resulting in a mismatch between trends in prescribing and growth in knowledge. A simultaneous trend of note is the overall increase in the use of concomitant pharmacotherapy with all psychotropic drugs in youth. Controlled trials are particularly needed to support commonly used combinations of stimulants with antidepressants in youth. In the absence of definitive data, clinical guidelines based on expert consensus and limited data are available and are useful.
The North American cruise market and Australian tourism
Authors: Miller Allan R. , Grazer William F. 
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this paper is to propose new itineraries in Australia for cruise companies that market to North American passengers. The current status of the North American cruise market is explored to include discussions of the cruise lines, cruise ships, relevant passenger characteristics and specific market segments. The industry is strong and recovering from the events of 11th September, 2001. However, cruise lines have deployed their ships from Middle Eastern destinations into the Caribbean and Alaskan markets, which have become saturated. New itineraries and destinations have to be developed. Three recommendations are made for new Australian cruise itineraries. These recommendations are proffered with a discussion of the status of cruising in Australia.
East versus West: A comparison of online destination marketing in China and the USA
Authors: Feng Ruomei , Morrison Alastair M. , Ismail Joseph A. 
Published: June 2007

The internet is playing an increasingly important role in destination marketing. To explore the current situation of online marketing in major destinations, this study compared destination marketing organisation (DMO) websites in the USA and China. By applying a modified balanced scorecard approach, website marketing strategies, web page designs, marketing information and technical qualities were evaluated. The main purpose was to determine similarities and differences among the official DMO websites in the USA and China. Four tiers of DMO websites were evaluated: state tourism offices and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) in the USA, and provincial and city tourism administrations in China. US DMO websites were found to be superior to those in China in terms of marketing strategies and information, and US CVB sites received the highest evaluations. Based on the evaluation results, recommendations were made on how DMOs can improve their websites to develop them into more effective destination marketing tools.
Male caregivers of spouses with Alzheimer's disease: Risk factors and health status
Authors: Shanks-McElroy Heather A. , Strobino Jane 
Published: June 2007

Caregiving for persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been shown to pose a challenge to the health of the spousal caregiver. Because most of the caregiving literature focuses on the female caregiver, there is some question about the generalizability of such literature to the male caregiver. This report focuses on male caregivers of spouses with AD and represents a subsample from a larger descriptive study that examined the relationship between risk factors and the health status of spousal caregivers. Twenty-nine male caregivers affiliated with Alzheimer's organizations in Pennsylvania and Ontario, Canada, returned mail surveys. On average, physical health symptoms increased by one-third when comparing pre- and post-caregiving data. Caregivers also were experiencing moderate to severe depression and burden. Male caregivers generally rated their physical health as fair to excellent and exhibited fewer than expected physical health symptoms. Caregiver health was related to perceptions of stress surrounding the provision of activities of daily living (ADL) assistance, the frequency of behavioral problems, perceptions of stress associated with the AD spouse's dysfunctional behaviors, and satisfaction with leisure opportunities. The identification of the role that caregiver perceptions of stressfulness associated with caregiving and the need for leisure satisfaction offer important implications for community-based education and respite services to maintain health status for spousal caregivers.